An Unexpected Appearance
“Gaze, as The Great and Powerful Trixie will astonish you with-” Trixie was suddenly cut off by a rock hitting her forehead.
“Boo!” “Go away!” “You suck!” were just the minor insults that ponies yelled at her while some started to pelt the unicorn mare with any object they can find on the ground. Trixie successfully dodged some of the object thrown at her but some still hit or grazed her. It appeared to her that the more she moved around the more she would get hit, so she ducked down on her makeshift stage and hoped they would stop soon.
But the worst hadn’t come yet when several ponies had set the stage on fire. With that Trixie spent no more time lingering around and she dashed off the stage and hid in some bushes to remain incognito. She watched as her stage that she performed on when she was just a filly, was being burned to the ground. Tears now forming in her eyes, blurring her vision of the spreading fire.
She remained hidden until everypony was satisfied and walked home. She peeked out from the bushes only to duck down again as ponies past her. She held in her breath and closed her eyes and prayed that the ponies couldn't spot her and try to attack her.
“I wonder where that stupid mare went?” one pony asked.
“Who knows. But for all I care, she could rot in a ditch along with her stupid magic tricks.” the voice came from the other pony. Trixie didn’t dare to open her eyes but could tell that the pair where stallions with deep voice, which only scared her even more. The stallion pair walked past her laughing maniacally.
Trixie opened her eyes once she heard the distant hoof steps of the stallions. She was so terrified that she was shaking the whole bush. She got a hold of herself and let out a heavy breath for she didn’t even breathe when she hid. Trixie slowly raised herself from the bush and looked around to check it was ok to move.
Right as she stepped out the bush she heard hoofsteps coming from behind her. She was shaking tremendously again and stood still. She was so scared she couldn’t move, well until she heard voices. She put her mind into full gear and ran towards the woods passing the burnt rubble that was once a stage.
She didn’t stop running until she could see the light of her house in the distance. Trixie came to a skidded stop in front of a small rundown wooden house. She reached her safe haven and plopped on the ground gasping loud for air. She lay on the ground thinking to herself. How could my bad reputation have spread as far as Baltimare? She got up from the ground and was exhausted from sprinting. She slowly walked inside her little home passing the tiny kitchen and stopping in front of a mirror.
Trixie’s eyes went wide when she took a good look at the damage done at her body. Her bonney body and face was covered with cuts and bruises, her beautiful bicolor mane had leaves and twigs intertwined in it and to top it of it all, a big gash in her forehead. She didn’t feel any pain, only blood dripping down her face and a major headache coming onto her. She remembered the hit when the first rock was thrown at her. She dared not to think about anymore when her headache finally came hard.
Trixie still stood staring at the mirror, her eyes filling up with tears once more. She grunted loudly as she threw herself at her small bed. She was now crying loudly with her teeth clenched. She suddenly punched her pillow repeatedly pouring out her anger at the defenseless pillow. She had punched her pillow so hard too many times that the contents of the pillow were spilling out onto the bed. She was still angry and the pillow didn’t help anymore so she lay back down on the bed crying once more.
It has been a couple of months since her duel with Twilight and ever since then, she’s been struggling to make money and sometimes to find food. At best she would get a couple of bits from ponies who hadn’t heard about her pathetic reputation and others would yell, glare, or shun her. It had been hard for her to make a living lately. She’s been bouncing around cities to make money but she would get little to nothing. She was tired of moving around so Baltimare would be her last and final stop.
She thought that for sure those ponies hadn’t heard of her here so she practiced her magic to perfection and put her best smile through her raising depression. But that only came out for the worst. Why. Why me! Why must my cursed reputation follow me everywhere I go!? She thought to herself.
“I’ll show you. I’ll show you all, especially you Twilight Sparkle. You just couldn’t let me have glory for a day could you? You think that you’re the princesses prized pupil and saved Equestria twice makes everypony love you? Well we’ll see about that. I’ll show you... someday.” Trixie said through her gritted teeth as she punched the destroyed pillow once more.
“Well what are you going to do about it?” came a voice from outside her little house. She shrieked into her sheets as she thought that somepony had found her and were going to harm her. But what puzzled Trixie was that the voice came from a proper mare.
With her curiosity growing, she climbed out of her bed and slowly walked to the door until she stopped. Two possibilities were going through her head right now and that was that a pony had found her and rallied up a mob and go to town on her or it was just a simple mare that overheard her talking.
Either way she would have to face the mysterious mare for she knew that Trixie was awake and heard her. She cautiously opened the door hoping not to get jumped by ten ponies, but nopony was there. She stuck her head out the doorway to see that there was no angry mob. No, there was just a mare sitting in front of her house looking up at the stars. Trixie cautiously made her way to the mysterious mare until she was a couple of feet away before she decided to speak.
“Who are you and how did you find me?” she said with a serious voice but looking around for any movement. The mysterious mare said nothing but just turned to face Trixie and could only smile as Trixie gasped and quickly bowed her head.
“Pr-princess Luna, what are you doing here? If you don’t mind me asking.” Trixie said as she corrected herself.
“Is it so hard to believe that we just fly away from home to admire the stars and moon we raise in the sky?” the alicorn replied as she returned to gaze up at her night.
“Ok, but why are you here? I mean nopony comes to these parts of the woods and nopony comes to check on me not like they know where I live or anything.” Trixie replied as she raised her head to look at the princess.
“My night,” Luna started as she took in the crisp night air “My night lets me see everything that happens in Equestria. Such a marvelous thing. We get to see what goes on whether it’s good or bad. And my stars showed me your predicament.” the Princess of the night said as she slowly made her way toward Trixie.
“Oh? Whatever do you mean princess?” Trixie replied with a nervous chuckle. Luna had made her way to Trixie and just stood there towering over the exhausted unicorn.
“My stars tell me that you are troubled, confused, lonely, and angry. They also have showed me how others treat you with hate and anger. Am I right?” Luna said circling Trixie making her even more nervous.
“Well,” Trixie started as Luna finally stopped circling her and faced her once more with a raised eyebrow. "Well, how would you know what it's like to be hated as you walk down the street, to be treated like you’re nothing, like your some trash! What would you know about being alone? What would you know about going home and be glad that you survived the trip through endless mobs! What do you know about going three days or more without eating! You know nothing about me!" The disgruntled mare said, looking down at her hooves with her cheeks wet with tears and her teeth clenched.
Luna, closing the distance between her and Trixie, put a hoof on her chin and raised her head."I may not know what is like to be hated or to come home starving, but I do understand two things. Your loneliness and your anger towards others." Luna said with sympathetic eyes.
"How could you know about being- oh, right..." Trixie said as she remembered that was the reason why Luna became Nightmare Moon.
"I've been watching you for quite some time Trixie," the alicorn said as she sat on her haunches next to Trixie.
"For how long?"
"Ever since you first came to Ponyville and then so on.”
“Then why are you here now? Is the life of Trixie is so amazing to watch that you came to get my autograph?” Trixie said as she backed away from the princess and scowled.
“I do not take pride in enjoying watching others suffer. Besides I came here to ask you a question.” The princess said as she walked towards Trixie again.
“O-ok, what is it?” Trixie said changing her tone.
“Trixie, you’ve showed me that whatever life throws at you, you’re willing to get back up on your hooves and do something better. When Twilight Sparkle outdone you the first time you came to Ponyville, you ran away but searched for a way to become stronger. Even though it wasn’t the wisest of decisions, you put an unbelievable effort into it.
“Your personality doesn’t have room for kindness but when you weren’t under the amulets control anymore, you did the right thing and apologized even if your whole being told you otherwise. Some ponies turn the other cheek while others assaulted and harassed you, but yet you do nothing but ignore them and continually try to make it in this world.”
“What are you getting at?” Trixie said with a cocked eyebrow.
“Trixie, how would you like to be my personal student in Canterlot? You would stay at the castle rather that degrading house, you would be training your magic with me, eat meals with me and my sister and never starve again, be entitled to the most private and exclusive places, and you won’t be alone anymore.”
The unicorn stood there, mouth agape and flabbergasted. The princess just offered her to be her student. On other occasions, the only thing going through Trixie’s mind would be how this would be a perfect opportunity to dig up dirt and get revenge on Twilight but no.
The only thing she was thinking of was the last thing Luna said. You won’t be alone anymore. The thought stayed in her mind while she was imaging waking up for a reason and not dreading on what’s going to happen next. Trixie lowered her head while a faint smile appeared on her face.
“So what do you say?” Luna asked as she smiled as well.
Minutes passed as the unicorn raised her head and said “Yes.”
“Very well.” Luna said as she walked away from Trixie and to a small tree. She raised her head towards the sky before yelling something that Trixie didn’t understand. As she was trying to comprehend what Luna said, she didn’t even notice Luna’s carriage drop to the ground accompanied by her personal night guards.
“Coming?” the princess said as she was already in the carriage waiting for her student. Trixie snapped back into reality and quickly made her way onto the carriage and then they were airborne with a single hoof raised from the alicorn.
“Now first order of business,” Luna started, as she looked Trixie right in the eyes. “Even though you are my student, I am still a princess and demand respect. Understand?”
“Yes princess.” Trixie said repeatedly shaking her head.
"And you may address me as Luna. I do not like being called ‘princess’ constantly.” Luna smiled as she put a hoof around her new student’s neck as she was sulking at the fact at how the public would react. “There’s no need to worry. As long as you’re under my wing, the Great and Powerful Trixie will be popular and respected or even more than my sisters’ student.” she said as she gave Trixie a warm smile.
“Lulamoon,” she said under her breath. “My name is Trixie Lulamoon.” she said with a determined look in her eyes that pleased Luna.
“Ok then. Trixie Lulamoon, welcome to your first day as my student.” the alicorn said with a warm smile. With that, the duo enjoyed a quiet yet peaceful return to the castle in the luminescent night. Trixie looked back down to see her wooden house become smaller in the distance. As soon as it was out of sight she could feel her eyes drop and suddenly she was sleeping peacefully with a content smile on her face.
“You just don’t learn Trixie, I’ll ALWAYS be stronger than you. I’ll always be one step ahead of you. I’ll always be on top when you’ll stay at the bottom where you belong.” came from a certain lavender unicorn Trixie began to despise over the months.
“We will see about that.” Trixie retorted as she shot a magic beam towards her enemy, which was, deflect by a barrier spell.
“Humph, you still haven’t educated yourself with any other spells have you? Pathetic, should have known since you’re Luna’s student. Celestia is a much better teacher than yours.” the lavender unicorn said with a devilish smirk.
“DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT LUNA LIKE THAT!” Trixie yelled as she began to charge up her magic for a single attack. The attack was drawing in everything, rocks began to float upward while the ground began to cave in. Lights and sparks emanated from Trixie’s horn as she was still charging up her attack. Her eyes started to sparkle and her purple irises began to brighten. Twilight could only brace herself with a multi-layered barrier.
Just when Trixie was going to fire off her attack, a hoof touched her shoulder. With her magic still charging she looked back at who dared to touch her during her most important duels she looked forward to in a long time. As she looked back she was greeted with a warm smile by no other than her master, Luna.
“Princess? What are you doing here?” she said still charging her attack but more relaxed at the moment.
“Trixie, wake up.” Luna said no louder than a whisper. Just before Trixie could say anything, her head jerked up to find several night guards looking at her and Luna’s hoof on the same spot on her shoulder where it was in her dream.
“How long was I sleeping?” Trixie asked rubbing her had slightly.
“Not that long.” Luna replied, walking at the carriage. “Now come so we can give you a quick tour of the castle and show you where you’ll be sleeping.”
Trixie quickly made her way out the carriage and by her teacher’s side to take the blunt version of the castle tour of her new home.
“And these are the royal archives. Now that you are my student, you have complete access to any information in here.” Luna said as she raised her hoof to the many bookshelves of scrolls and books.
Trixie, who was practically sleepwalking, only manage to take in bits and pieces of what the princess was saying. All she was concerned about was sleeping. She began to slowly shut her eyes and swaying slightly back and forth.
“So how do you find the castle? This is my first time giving a tour but I think I did a pretty good job if I do say myself.” the alicorn said smiling as she complimented herself.
“Trixie?” she said waiting for a response to see her student was asleep standing up.
“Well I guess we could hold off on the tour until tomorrow. Let’s get a good nights sleep.” she said as she walked past Trixie slightly bumping into her to wake her up. Trixie jumped slightly as she woke up with a snort. Puzzled at where her teacher was, she looked around anxiously like a lost filly at the market.
“Aren’t thou coming?” the princess said giving the old Canterlot voice a slip. The unicorn spun around at the voice to see Luna waiting for her at the entrance.
“Um, too where exactly?” Trixie replied as she made her way towards the prices.
“I shall show you where you will be sleeping.”
Trixie who was now by her teachers side, gave her a nod and they walked quietly down a hallway and a few stairs until they reached a golden door with stars and the moon as the handle. Luna pushed open the doors and walked into a huge bedroom with a bigger bathroom off to the side. The room was an oval with the bed laying in the back and the vanity and dresser off to the side.
The ceiling was an oval as well with stars and constellations embedded within it. The bed was king sized and had ten pillows on it with a big midnight blue quite that matched Luna's coat. The vanity and dresser were large as well standing off to the sides of the room. The room was magnificent but Trixie was only concerned with sleep.
"So? How do you like it?"
"It's...its amazing thank you,” the unicorn said with a big smile.
"There's no need for gratitude. I am your teacher and as a teacher I shall take good care of my students. Now, if there's anything else you desire, I shall retire to my bed chambers."
Trixie shook her head as she could only think of how big Luna's bedroom was.
"Very well, I shall see you in the morning." the princesses said as she closed the doors behind her and left Trixie alone to her thoughts.
Trixie stood in the middle of the room staring at big doors. She looked down at the floor with a blank expression on her face. You won't be alone anymore, still rang through her head.
"I'm not alone." she said to herself as a smile formed on her face. She made her way towards the huge bed. She got herself comfortable before she soon drifted off to sleep.
"I'm not alone." She muttered to herself as sleep slowly came her way.
A Memory, A Picture, A Locket, A Promise
Trixie awoke the next day fully refreshed. She sat up in her oversized bed stretching out her aching joints. She slowly got out of bed and continued to stretch out her limbs until she heard the necessary pop. She walked towards the bathroom and looked in the mirror.
She stared at her own reflection while feeling her face with her hoof. She was amazed at that all of her cuts and bruises were gone. The huge gash in her forehead was also gone along with all the blood. Before Trixie could inspect further, she heard a knock at the door.
“Yes?” she said as she quickly combed down her bed head and walked out the bathroom standing in the middle of the room. The door opened suddenly and standing there was a dark blue earth pony mare wearing a maid outfit.
“Good morning, my name is Moonshine and I’ll be your personal maid for your stay here at the castle under Princess Luna’s order. Princess Luna has requested that you take part in eating breakfast with her and her sister. Do you accept?” the mare asked with a warm smile.
Trixie still stood there staring at the mare until she finally spoke. “Uh, yes.” she started for the doorway until she was next to the maid. “But I don’t know where to go exactly.” she said with a nervous chuckle while closing the door behind her.
“Oh that’s not a problem! I’ll accompany you to the dining room. It’s very easy to get lost here in the castle, in fact I still remember when I got lost here on my first day.” the maid said trotting with Trixie with a spring in her step.
“You’re really lucky to have Princess Luna as your teacher!” the maid said happily.
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“Well besides the fact that she’s a princess, Princess Luna has helped a lot of ponies get back on their hooves and make something of themselves.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, like me for example. I was just a typical ordinary barmaid making minimum wage living in Manhattan and hardly getting by with raising a foal into the equation.”
“The father wasn’t doing anything to help?”
“Well, not exactly. You see, I adopted the foal off the streets,” the mare said while taking out a picture of a beautiful little white unicorn filly with shiny golden hair sleeping all bundled up in layers of blankets. “I'm still single and my parents would send me money in the mail every week to help us get by. Even though being a maid at the castle pays good, they still send money.” she continued.
Trixie stared at the picture and back at the mare. She picked up this helpless filly off the streets without any hesitation of considering the consequences? She thought to herself.
“I don’t mean to sound rude but, the filly is a unicorn and you’re an earth pony.”
“Yeah, and?” the mare said whilst tilting her head with a cocked eyebrow.
“Well how could you know anything about raising a unicorn foal?”
“Heh, I don’t.” the mare responded with a chuckle. It was Trixie’s turn to look puzzled.
“I don’t know anything about raising a unicorn foal. In fact, I never even thought of that when I first brought her home but that didn’t matter to me. She was starving and looked sick and I could care less if I could or couldn’t raise her,” she said with a determined look on her face and a strong smile. “All that mattered was that I help her.” she concluded picking up the pace.
Trixie could only smile in admiration at the fact that somepony picked up a dying filly and nourished her back to life without considering the difference in race.
“You’re a good pony and I can see why Luna took an interest in you. And if you need any help with her, I can always find time to help out. Oh and what’s her name but the way? ” Trixie said smiling while turning a corner.
“Thanks so much, I’ll keep that in mind. Her name is Nova. Nova Stardust. I believe she could do wonders for the world when she grows up. And what made the princess take you in especially as her student?” the earth pony said with a wide grin.
“Well it all started back in-” Trixie said before she stopped by the maid in front of huge French doors with the royal seal on it.
“Sorry about the interruption but we’re here. Maybe we could catch up when I'm on break or whenever you’re not busy if you like?” she said turning to Trixie, with a smile waiting for a reply.
“Sure, I’d like that” Trixie said returning the smile. They turned to face the doors once more and the earth pony pushed the doors open for Trixie.
Trixie stood there in the dining hall looking like a foal in a candy store. The dining hall was decorated with stained glass windows and elegant chandeliers. There was nothing else in the room except for the 30-foot rectangular table sitting in the middle of the room with chairs surrounding it. The table had a white tablecloth covering it and the princesses sitting on the right side of the table with Celestia at the head and Luna by her right.
“Wow." Trixie said drawing out the word while taking a closer look at details.
“Heh, that's what I said when I first came here.” the mare said smiling, relating towards her first time on the job at the castle.
“Ah, we see you have made it, and we take it that you two are acquainted.” the princesses of the night said as she turned to look at the duo from her conversation with her sister. “Please, sit. And you are dismissed for the time being Moonshine.” she said motioning a hoof to the seat in front of her for Trixie. The maid politely bowed and exited the dining hall. As Trixie made her way to her seat, a servant came to pull out her chair and she stood there, unrecognized by the simple polite gesture.
“Th- thank you.” she said nervously.
“We take it that you slept well.” Luna said returning to her food.
“Too good I must say, and do you know what happened to my injuries?”
“Yes, we took the liberty of healing your wounds when we arrived at the castle.” Luna said taking a bite of her toast.
“Y-you can do that?” Trixie said as a servant placed a bowl of fruit in front of her.
“Do not underestimate me Trixie. My powers are not limited to raising and lowering the moon.” the alicorn said while giving a small smile. Before anything was about to be said, Celestia coughed loud enough so she could be noticed amongst the duo. They fell silent as they turned to face Celestia.
“Would you like to introduce me to your new friend here Luna?” Celestia said with a cocked eyebrow
“Oh! We seem to have forgotten to tell you." Celestia gave her sister the ‘ya think’ look while Luna put up her hoofs in surrender.“ This is Trixie Lulamoon and she will be staying here at the castle as my student.” Luna said proudly while Trixie hid her head and blushed slightly. But Celestia was not showing as much joy as her sister for she gave Luna a stern, disapproving look.
“Uh huh, Luna may I have a word with you in private?” Celestia said as she got up from her seat and walked out of the dining hall. Luna still sat in her seat looking puzzled. She sighed and slowly got up and started for the door.
“Elegant Cuisine.” Luna called as her voice carried in the big room. As few seconds past a big grey earth pony stallion popped his head out from a corner wearing a chef’s hat.
“Yes madam?” the chef pony said with a Prench accent.
“You are to cook anything to Trixie's demands. Understand?” Luna said as she continued to make her way to the door.
“Yes madam.” the chef repeated.
“We won't be long Trixie. Indulge yourself with all of diverse types of food we have.” Luna said as she reached the door. Trixie was silent but she nodded in response. With that, Luna opened the door and walked outside to see her sister looking down at her scowling.
“What?”
“You know exactly what Luna!” Celestia said scolding her sister.
“No, we don’t. If we did, we wouldn’t have said ‘what’.” Luna said nonchalantly which only made Celestia angrier. Before she could say anything she would regret, she grunted to calm herself.
“Luna, tell me why she is your student? From what I’ve heard from Twilight she’s the one that has an ego the size of Equestria and caused havoc in Ponyville by wearing the alicorn amulet.” Celestia said with an angry tone in her voice.
“Yes we know that. So what is your point?” Luna said with a cocked eyebrow.
“My point? My point! My point is that she is a danger to you! For all we know she’s using you to get back at Twilight or she might get her hooves on one of Star Swirl’s strongest spells,” Luna continued to stand there looking at her exaggerated sister with a blank face.
“For all we know she might even overthrow us! Have you even thought this through?” Celestia said yelling at her.
“Yes, we have. And we have a better understanding of Trixie than you and your student. Were you listening at how completely ridiculous you sounded? One, Trixie’s magic only extends on simple teleportation and illusion spells so she is incapable of overthrowing us. And two, we are alike me and Trixie,”
“How?” Celestia interrupted still angry.
Luna put up a hoof to calm her down. “Trixie has the same background as me. She does her best to impress others with her magic, but others showed no interest in it. So Trixie sought out a different way to earn their love, which in the end only caused them to replace the state of them ignoring her with the feeling of fear and hate.
“Even though her intentions were right and her actions wrong, the main reason behind it all was to be loved instead of being shunned. After the incident with the alicorn amulet, Trixie gave up on revenge against Twilight and went back to trying the please ponies with her magic. But ponies everywhere had heard of her feats and hated her and some even retaliated.
“She spent the past months traveling all across of Equestria to find where her bad reputation had not lingered among others. Only to find one simple thing she craved for from the beginning of her journey, to be loved by somepony. So she has no intentions of harming anypony anymore.” Luna concluded. Celestia still held her scowl and hung her head low
“That’s what you said about your last student, and he almost killed us both and destroyed all of Equestria! He didn’t seem bad and he didn’t do anything bad but he lied and worked behind your back to gain power, but her,” Celestia said with venom in her voice.
“She caused trouble for my student and her friends twice and had access to a dangerous artifact with power that even we cannot contain. And you actually believe how innocent she is? I don’t trust her and neither should you. I don’t want her in the castle, she can go back to what hole she came from and-” before she could finish a swift hoof hit Celestia straight in her face sending her to crash into a nearby wall causing her tiara to fall off and drop onto the floor.
“Don’t thou DARE talk about Trixie like she is some disgusting street rat!” Luna said as the royal Canterlot voice boomed in the hallway. Her beautiful flowing starry mane was rapidly moving and her eyes went completely white and her teeth were bared.
“Luna, I-” Celestia tried to speak with her eyes wide in shock and horror as the sight of her sister like this brought back painful memories.
“No! We are done of hearing thou bash MY student. Thou does not hear thee talk bad of Twilight Sparkle when she cast the Want It, Need It spell do thee? NO!” Luna yelled as her voiced echoed throughout the whole castle. She walked towards her injured sister on the floor and stopped when she reached her. Celestia was now immobile and shaking with her eyes wide as saucers and mouth open.
“To think of all ponies, thou would be the last to judge Trixie AND my judgment. We wouldn’t have taken in Trixie for a reason sister. We were sick and tired seeing a helpless pony with such potential be bashed and harmed and we shall not stand by while my own sister talks bad about my student.” Luna raised her hoof once more and Celestia cowered for she thought that Luna would strike her again. Luna forcefully slammed her hoof on the floor making little cracks spread from underneath it.
“We shall not hear more nonsense about Trixie from you. We are disappointed in you Tia.” Luna said as she calmed down but still furious. “Not only have thou distaste for a pony which thou know nothing of their intentions, but thou blame thee of my judgment for taking in a pony who was starving and practically homeless.” Luna slowly walked away from her frightened sister back towards the door to the dining hall.
“Of all ponies, thou were the last pony we thought to judge someone and shun them.” with that Luna opened the doors to the dining hall leaving Celestia on the floor silently crying to herself.
“I'm sorry” Celestia said silently, tears flowing out rapidly. She lay on the floor in the fetal position with her eyes closed crying silently whispering, “I'm sorry” to her.
Luna walked back into the dining hall to find that a couple of guards were standing weapons ready for anything, the chefs, servant, maids and Trixie were positioned behind the guards talking among themselves about the racket in the hallway.
“Princess, I-is everything alright?” one guard spoke up.
“Yes, and as for my sister, accompany her to her chambers. She needs time to herself.” she said with anger still in her voice.
“Yes ma’am!” the guards said in unison then exiting the dining hall. Luna walked to Trixie who was standing there confused.
“Have you eaten your fill Trixie?” she said pushing on a smile.
“Yes the food was delicious. Um is everything alright?” Trixie asked getting the question out in the open that was on every ponies mind.
“Yes everything is fine. Just something that needed to be tending to. Please everypony, résumé your work,” Luna said from behind Trixie. “Come Trixie, lets go for a walk.” Luna said walking towards the door and Trixie soon followed behind her.
“Oh! Elegant Cuisine?” Luna said spinning around quickly
“Yes madam?” the chef pony said
“What is for supper tonight?” Luna asked smiling.
“Princess you know I can't spoil the surprise.” the chef said winking returning leaving Luna to fuss to herself pouting “I never get to know what's for supper.”
“Uh princess?” Trixie said looking at her teacher with confused expression. Luna jumped back into reality with a slight chuckle
“Sorry, shall we?” she said a hoof on the door. Trixie nodded in response and they walked outside the dining hall and stopped to examine a crater in the wall.
“Whoa. What happened here?” Trixie said looking up to the princess. Luna didn't respond but only scowled at the confrontation with her sister.
“Its nothing. Lets get going.” Luna said walking away from the scene. Trixie stood there still staring at the wall until she saw her teacher move on she quickly trotted up to her side.
“Tell me Trixie, do you have anything back in Baltimare that you want to bring here?” Luna said keeping her eyes in front.
“Yes I do actually.”
“Ok I’ll have a transport prepared for you.” Luna said. She suddenly stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes and whispered “Night crawler.” Trixie stood beside her with a puzzled look on her face.
“Huh?” Trixie said aloud. Right after she spoke, she yelped as a thick cloud of dark smoke appeared before them and within the smoke was a dark blue unicorn stallion with and oily back mane. His eyes were a lemon yellow and wore a navy blue and red jumpsuit. Trixie let out a heavy sigh while looking back at the mysterious stallion.
“Yes princess.” the stallion said with a deep voice and a bow.
“I want you to prepare a transport for Trixie to Baltimare.” Luna responded continuing her walk.
“Understood.” the stallion said and as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared with the same black smoke. Trixie still stood where she was staring at where the stallion once was and realized how much space she put between her and Luna and quickly ran to her side.
“So,” Trixie trailed off. “Nightcrawler? What kind of name is that?” Trixie asked looking up at her teacher.
“That is just a nickname, although I do not know his real name,” she said stopping. “In fact, nopony knows his real name.” she continued resuming her walk.
“Oh, but it seems weird to nickname yourself after an X-Pony.”
“True, but I find it quite fun having someone who teleports like that.” Luna said smiling. As they rounded a corner the same black smoke appeared again but this time Trixie was ready for anything and didn't yelp.
“Your transport is ready miss Trixie.” Nightcrawler said.
“Wow that was quick.” Trixie said with a surprised expression.
“That’s why he is reliable. If you need anything done quickly, just go to him.” Luna said smiling making Nightcrawler blushed at the complement.
“I’ll be awaiting your return Trixie,” Luna said walking away. Nightcrawler stepped in front of Trixie and held out his hoof. The unicorn hesitated for a bit but she held he stallions hoof and she yelped and shut her eyes as she was engulfed in black smoke. She opened her eyes to see she was outside and in front of her was a carriage with two night guards. Nightcrawler walked towards the carriage and motioned a hoof for Trixie to take her seat.
Trixie took her seat and Nightcrawler took his seat next to her. Within a matter of minutes the two night guards strapped onto the carriage and they were off. Trixie looked back at the castle fading away in the distance and when it was out of sight, she returned forward.
She let out a soft yawn and her eyes slowly started to close. She couldn't hold back from falling asleep for she was still tired after her long sleep. She closed her eyes only to feel the wind gently hit her face. She let out a content sigh and fell asleep.
“Hey Trix, how was school?” the voice from a young stallion sitting at a dining table as a little blue filly stormed through the front door of the rather large house with watery eyes. She made no attempt of responding to the stallion, not even a glance. She stomped her way past the him, down a hall and into a room slamming the door behind her.
The young stallion cursed to himself as he sprang up and quickly made his way to the slammed door and stood there silently as he could hear muffled cries from within the room. He hesitantly raised a hoof to knock on the door.
“Trixie,” the young stallion said knocking thrice.
“Go away!” the filly interrupted through her crying. “Leave me alone!”
The young stallion sighed and slowly opened the door. He walked into a room covered in dark slate paint with golden glow in the dark stars and the full moon covering the ceiling. There, on the twin sized bed laid a cyan filly crying into her pillow. He made his way onto the bed and sat close to the filly.
“Trixie,” he said in a soothing voice to stop her crying. It worked but she didn’t make eye contact. She kept her head deep within the pillow now sniffing.
“What wrong?” he continued. She didn't respond but continued to sniff.
“Trixie, what happened today at school.” he repeated in a more demanding voice. Trixie slowly raised her head but rested it on the soaked pillow.
“They,” she started hesitantly. “They made fun of momma and papa.”
“Who? And what did they say?” the stallion asked curiously.
“Bullies at my school. They said that momma and papa are lame and can't use real spells. They called momma ugly.” Trixie managed to say through the resuming tears. “They said that papa is weak and that his job is stupid.” she said through her tears.
“I know you said not to retawiate but I could let them say that about momma and papa!” the hysterical filly was standing on the bed with tears in her eyes.
“And what did you do?” the young stallion replied with a cocked eyebrow.
“I...” Trixie said trailing off. “I hit one of them in the face.” she said looking down at her hooves, still crying. That’s when the stallion took a good look at the disgruntled filly. There was a bruise on her ribs and cheek a cut on her leg. The stallion looked with horrified eyes as the filly who meant the world to him and wasn't there to protect her.
“I’m sorry.” she said in a low tone continually crying looking down at her hoofs. Trixie let out a sudden yelp as a pair of hoofs surrounded her. She was pressed against the stallion’s chest in a warm tight hug. She remained in the stallions embrace until she was released.
“I know what I said about fighting but you did something anypony else would've done,” he said putting on a smile. “You stood up for your family and I couldn't be any more proud of you kiddo,” he said roughing up the filly’s mane. The young Trixie returned the gesture with a playful giggle.
“R-really?” Trixie said with a growing smile
“Yep! I’m here for you Trix, for better and for worse. You can trust me with anything and I’ll always be around to help you with anything. I’ll always be by your side till the end.” he concluded and put a hoof on her shoulder.
“Y...you promise?” the filly said with a silly grin.
“I promise.” he said with a smile he then pulled the filly into another hug in which she returned. They stayed that way for what felt like years until he decided to speak.
“I love you Trixie.”
“I love you too big brother.”
“Trixie, wake up”
Trixie violently shook to wake up still in the carriage but now in a clearing of the woods by her used-to-be makeshift home. She looked around at the oh so familiar surroundings and a chill ran down her spine. She slowly stepped out of the carriage and took in the fresh crisp forest air.
She was too preoccupied to fully observe how beautiful the forest was. Butterflies of all color elegantly flew with the wind, critters of all kinds scurried along going about their business, thick green oak trees surrounding the whole clearing making it the perfect spot to do anything one desired.
“Do you require assistance Miss Trixie?” Nightcrawler said as he teleported beside her. She didn't jump or yelp this time, she got used to the sudden appearance already.
“No its just a couple of things, I won't take long. And please call me Trixie.” she said walking a few feet in front of him then smiling back. She averted her gaze back at the dazzling forest and she stood there continually smiling at how beautiful the forest is.
“By the way, do you know what the name of this forest we’re in?” she said looking back at Nightcrawler.
“I believe the name is Viridian. Viridian Forest. It’s known for its scenery and vast animals within it.”
“Huh interesting.” the unicorn said starting to walk.” I’ll be back.”
Trixie made her way across the clearing and stood in front of her house. She started to open the door when something caught her eye. She spotted a blood spot was next to the door. She remembered quickly that terrifying night that caused her to get away with just an injury. She pushed the recurring memory out of her head and walked into her home.
She walked into her home and say that it was exactly how it was left. The kitchen was messy, the floor was messy, and the bed was...messy. Trixie noticed something on the bed and walked towards it. When she got closer she realized that the object was a picture. The picture was and old family picture with young Trixie, her brother and her parents in a park during the winter.
Her mother wore a warm smile and a scarf. She had a turquoise coat and a long fluorescent and light blue mane and tail and her eyes were golden yellow. Her cutie mark was the rising sun with golden flames extending from it. Her father stood beside her with a big goofy grin. He had a dark purple coat and a navy blue mane and tail and wore ear muffs.
His cutie mark was a spell book with sparkles coming out of it. In front was her brother with a ‘cool pony’ smile. He was cyan blue with spiky white mane with the ends died an icy blue. His cutie mark was three frozen raindrops. And there beside him was little Trixie with her little hat and cape with a wide smile.
She stared at the picture until something hit her. She realized that in the picture, everypony was smiling. They were all happy to be together. Trixie stared at the picture until a teardrop fell on the frame, which knocked out of her trance.
She quickly wiped away her tear and put the picture into her saddlebags. She backed away from the bed and knelt down under her bed to pull out a small box. She put the box and opened it to reveal its contents.
There was little memorabilia in it but the one object that caught Trixie’s eye the most was a silver locket. She gripped the locket with her magic and inspected it. There was no wear or damage to it but it looked like it hadn't been opened for years. She put the locket around her neck and put the box with the rest of the contents in her saddlebags.
As she made her way toward the door she picked up a couple of books. She picked up one book off a counter and she heard a whimper from a nearby cabinet. She stood still to see if it would happen again and indeed it did. She walked over to the cabinet and as she opened it a black figure shot past her and in the direction of the bed.
She slowly crept her way to the bed and when she reached it, she took in a deep breath lifted up the hanging covers. Her heart was racing and her mind was going a mile a minute, trying to figure out what it was and if it would attack her. She peeked her head under the bed to find a pair of golden eyes.
“Oh sweet Celestia! Shadow, you scared me!” Trixie said scolding the figure. The sudden outburst made the figure retreat further under the bed. Trixie realized her mistake and knelt down under the bed to whisper to the figure.
“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that. I guess I’m still not used you suddenly appearing out of nowhere.” she realized how this situation related to Nightcrawler and his teleportation. “ I’ve found somewhere better to stay at than here with more food and a place where you can sleep. Would like to come along?” Trixie asked with a smile and she could tell that the figure nodded.
Trixie smiled and stood up cracking some joint along the way. “Ok, lets get going then.” she said as she lifted the figure onto her back with her magic. She made her way out the door until she noticed something in the corner of her eye. It was her hat and cape but in a damaged condition. She folded up the cape and put it in her saddlebag while she wore her hat.
“Heh, good as new.” she said smiling as the figure made its way under the hat snuggling to get comfortable. She walked out the door and made her way back the carriage. There, were the two night guards resting against a tree while Nightcrawler stood in front of the carriage unmoving. When she reached the teleporter, the two guards awoke violently.
“Is that all Trixie?” Nightcrawler asked as the guards were strapping up to the carriage.
“Yes.” she replied as she stepped into the carriage. Nightcrawler nodded in response and took his place next to her. Once he was seated he signaled with his hoof and they were airborne once more. They were already a good distance in the air and Trixie could feel the air getting colder. She took out the cape from her saddlebags and wrapped it tightly around her.
Once she was comfortable enough she took a second look at the locket. The locket was sealed by magic, so Trixie summoned up some of her magic and opened it with ease for it was an easy spell to break.
She slowly opened it and saw a picture of her and her brother both on one side and another picture of him when he was in high school. In both pictures he was smiling. A smile that she missed for so long now.
“I’ll always be by your side till the end.” Was the only thing that went through her mind when she saw the pictures of him? Her mind was silent except for that one sentence he said so long ago. Trixie forgot how he even sounded its been so long. She closed it and sealed it once more. She stared at the closed locket and shut her eyes so she could be alone mentally.
“You promised.” she said to herself as a single teardrop rolled down her cheeks and blew away into the wind.
~~~~~
“I can't wait to get off. I haven't been spending enough time with the wife and kids.” one gloomy guard said walking besides his partner.
“Yeah, I hear ya. My wife been on my back lately for coming home late and leaving early in the morning.” his partner replied. They both walked along the cobblestone path around the castle’s perimeter both sighing, hanging their heads low.
“Maybe you two should take a week off then.” a mysterious voice called out behind them. The guards shot up and spun around to identify the voice, but unfortunately couldn't react fast enough for they were knocked out immediately. The intruder quickly hogtied and bounded the unconscious guards and dragged them into a nearby bush.
“Sweet dreams.” the intruder said with a maniacal smile and laugh whilst changing its appearance to one of the guards.
“Infiltration successful.” he thought to himself as made his way towards the grand fortress. “Humph, too easy. Now to finish the mission.” the intruder said to himself making his way inside the castle.
By the time Trixie had returned to the castle, the sun was already setting. She could see the castle growing closer as they descended onto the landing platform. When they landed Princess Luna was standing by ready to greet her.
“We take it that it went well?” she said approaching Trixie smiling.
“Yes it did.” Trixie replied.
“Good, Blitz could you bring Trixie’s things to her chambers please while I walk her to the dining room to eat supper?” Luna asked facing to one of her night guards who was one of the ponies who pulled the carriage.
“Yes ma’am.” the night guard said saluting and stepping forth. He had a sapphire coat with a powder blue mane.
“Sorry Luna, but some of the things I’ve brought are personal and I'm still quite tired from yesterday. Would it be ok if I skipped out on supper and go to bed?” Trixie said quickly moving away from the approaching night guard. The night guard stood there dumbfounded and a little hurt at her reaction.
“Yes I understand and it’s quite alright,” Luna said with a reassuring smile. “By the way you have a busy schedule tomorrow so i guess it makes sense that you get a good nights rest I'll explain the details tomorrow at breakfast.” Trixie responded with a nod and started walking towards the entrance. When she reached the entrance she turned around showing off a goofy smile.
“Heh, I still don't know how to get back to my room.” she said with a slight chuckle and rubbing the back of her neck.
“I guess that falls on my part. I seemed to have forgot to re teach the tour.” Luna responded with a chuckle of herself. “Nightcrawler could you bring Trixie to her bed chambers?” Luna concluded.
“As you wish” he said walking next to Trixie.
He held out his hoof for her and she paced her hoof on top of his and closed her eyes. In a heavy black smoke they were gone in a blink of an eye.
“You're all dismissed for the night. Luna said making her way towards the exit looking back to address the night guards.
“YES MA’AM” they all said in unison with a salute. When the princess was out of sight, all the guards all sighed and began to relax. Some of them rubbed their shoulders while other trudged along to the exit.
“I swear if something on the job doesn't kill me, standing still for hours will.” one guard said rubbing his shoulder making it pop.
“I'm with ya there,” another guard said walking with his partner cracking his neck. “Hey you wanna hit up the bar, I hear that the drinks are free ‘til midnight.” he said with a sly smile.
“Buck yeah! Anything would do to relax my sore muscles.” the other guard said massaging his cracked shoulder. “You guys wanna join us?” he said in a hurry.
“Sure, I'll go”
“Eh, why not.”
“I'm going to bed.” the saddened night guard said with his head down.
“Gah, you're no fun Blitz. You coming Selene?” the night guard said standing at the exit calling out to an onyx colored pegasus mare with a combed back cerulean blue mane.
“You know I can't resist a free drink.” she said with a wink. She walked towards the saddened guard, put a hoof on his mane, and ruffled it.
“Aw cheer up little bro, keep trying and you’ll win her over...eventually.” she said sticking out her tongue teasing him.
“Thanks.” he said swatting away her hoof and fixing his mane.
“Shesh, you are no fun.” she said shaking her head. She was about to say something else but she heard her comrade call out behind her. “Coming! See ya later Blitz.” she said as she flew towards the door leaving the guard to himself. He sighed with his head hanging low. He slowly lifted himself off the ground and flew towards the exit.
~~~~~
In a matter of seconds, Trixie was standing in front of her bedroom door. She looked at both ends of the hallway to see that they were empty.
“Aren't the guards supposed to be patrolling or something?” she asked looking at Nightcrawler.
“This is about the time that the guards change shifts. The day guards get ready to leave while the night guards prepare for their shifts.” he replied as a pair of night guards came around a corner. The duo caught eye of Trixie and Nightcrawler and made their way towards them.
“You two! Do you have permission to be out in the halls?” one guard said approaching the duo. When they reached them, one guard immediately recognized Trixie and Nightcrawler.
“Oh! My apologies. I didn't recognize you two from afar.” the bat pony said with a slight bow
“It's alright,” Trixie interjected. “What seems to be the problem?” Nightcrawler followed
“We received an anonymous tip that someone infiltrated the castle earlier this evening. We’re conducting a full sweep of the whole castle to find the intruder.” the bat pony said
“Weren’t the guards patrolling and does the princess know about this?” Nightcrawler asked.
“Yes and yes, but they were knocked out. They reportedly have a concussion cannot remember a thing except that the last thing they saw was the intruder take form of one of the guards. ” The bat pony’s partner said with a sigh.
“A changeling! I wouldn't think they would return after the last time.” Nightcrawler said
“Yes that’s what we thought, but the captains’ barrier spell would've gone off.” the guard said reassuringly.
“You're right,” Nightcrawler said with a sigh. “It would be best if you go get some rest while I help with the search.” he said facing Trixie, which she nodded in response. She walked into her room, which was illuminated by the gentle light of the moon. She placed her saddlebags on the dresser, walked over to her bed, and lifted her hat, placing it with her saddlebags.
“It’s alright Shadow,” she said in a soft voice as she lifted up the figure and tucked it into her bed. “Get some sleep.” seconds later she could hear muffled snores within the sheets.
She walked back over to the dresser and pulled out the small family portrait with her magic. She stared at it remembering the time when the picture was taken. She walked over to her bed and placed the picture on the nightstand. Trixie lifted up the sheets and shifted until she was comfortable. Once she was satisfied, she turned to look at the picture once more until sleep came to her. She slowly started to drift off to sleep when something hit her.
“Wait, if there was an intruder inside the castle, how would the guards know if it wasn't me or Nightcrawler.” she thought to herself silently crawling further into the bed.
“Good morning Trixie.” Luna said with a smile sitting at the table as her student walked into the dining hall with Moon Shine. “You're dismissed Moon Shine.”
“Thank you again.” Trixie said after Moon Shine gave a slight bow.
“Hey don't worry about,” she said heading for the exit. “We should hangout sometime.” she beamed Trixie a smile.
“Definitely.” Trixie replied as a servant came to pull out her chair and with that, Moon Shine exited the dining hall leaving Trixie with Luna and a couple of guards. Trixie let out a short yawn as a servant brought her the main course.
“I take it you slept well?” Luna said, taking a sip of her coffee.
“Too well,” Trixie replied taking a bit of her toast.
“Good to hear, because I have an assignment for you to do.” Luna replied looking Trixie in the eyes.
“What is it?” Trixie said returning the look.
“I want to have a celebration for my student.” at that moment, Trixie lost concentration on the magic that was gripping her coffee and dropped it onto the table causing its contents to spill out. Luna saw the look in her students’ eyes and gave her a warm smile.
“Don't worry; it won't be public for now. I understand that some ponies would be in an outrage but it will be a small gathering I promise.” she said in a soft tone.
“Ok, but what's the assignment?” Trixie curiously asked.
“Well seeing on how it’s going to be a dinner party, I wanted you to wear something formal,” Luna sighed and looked down. “But apparently all the renowned fashion designers are all away at business.” she continued.
“But the only good fashion designer still available is...” Luna paused regretting on what she was going to say.
“Is what?” Trixie said getting her attention.
“In Ponyville.” she concluded. Trixie froze in place with anger in her eyes. She would have to go back to the place that ruined her life.
“This was my last option and I did not think it would have to come to this. We could wait until Photo Finish comes back or Sapphire Shores-” Luna was interrupted b a hoof slamming onto the table.
“No! I'll go.” Trixie said interrupting Luna.
“Are you absolutely positive about this? You could get hurt or-”
“I'm sure!” Trixie interrupted Luna again gritting her teeth. Luna knew fighting this would be pointless. If she said no, she would just leave anyway and start up trouble. Luna let out a heavy sigh and gave in.
“Alright. You’ll find the fashion designer and come right back you hear me?”
“Yes.” Trixie said sitting back in her seat.
“Ok I’m ready.” Trixie called from the hallway.
“Alright. Here, take this.” Luna said walking up next to her student with Nightcrawler next to her. She handed her a tan cloak to cover up her cutie mark and her face.
“Perfect,” Luna said as Trixie put on the cloak and just as its purpose, Luna could see neither Trixie’s cutie mark nor face. “I'll have Nightcrawler teleport you to the train station. If he teleported you to Ponyville, your arrival would only cause only more suspicion.” she continued. Trixie nodded in response. Nightcrawler stuck out his hoof and Trixie grabbed onto it.
“Trixie, please be careful.” Luna said with worried eyes.
“I will.” Trixie replied as she gave her a reassuring smile. “Lets go.” she said signaling Nightcrawler and in a black smokescreen, they were gone within seconds. The duo arrived at the train station with a few curious eyes on them. Nightcrawler accompanied her to buy her ticket and waited until the train arrived.
“I will be here when you come back.” Nightcrawler said facing Trixie as the train came to a screeching halt. She nodded in response and started to board the train until she turned around and asked. “What if my disguise doesn't work how would I get a hold of you?”
“You won't need to.” he replied.
“But what if I get attacked or I run into Twilight Sparkle or one of her friends? I'll need you to bring me back.” Trixie said with a puzzled expression.
“That won't happen.” Nightcrawler replied stoically. “You won't need me.”
“But-” Trixie was about to speak back until the trains’ conductor yelled out from a nearby window.
ALL ABOARD!
Trixie hesitantly looked from the train then back to Nightcrawler. He walked up to the distressed mare and put a hoof on her shoulder.
“You'll be fine, just don't get reckless.” Nightcrawler advised. Trixie backed away and made her way onto the train. She took the nearest window seat and locked eyes with Nightcrawler. She stared into his golden eyes and felt a slight shiver run up her spine.
Ever since she met him, she has been having a strange feeling around him and it was something that Trixie did not like. Something cold... something ominous. Before she could pinpoint the feeling, Nightcrawler turned around and vanished with his signature black smoke. The train blew its whistle and it was off the place that ruined her life.
‘You would think that as many times I've been here, I would know where to go.’ Trixie thought to herself as she frantically tried to find the fashion designer. Trixie walked around aimlessly through the streets trying to find a sign or something to get her to the fashionista. ‘I should've asked for what this place looks like or even her name.’ she thought sighing.
She continued to walk around through the streets until she finally stopped and decided to ask for directions. There was nopony on the streets, so she decided to stop by a nearby house. The house looked identical to the rest of the houses on the block, with the shingled rooftop and two stories. ‘I hope this disguise works.’ she thought as she raised a hoof to knock on the door.
Before her hoof even touched, the door and loud boom emitted from the house causing the surrounding ground to shake. Trixie stood there trembling with the ground unable to move. She could a faint voices coming from within the house.
“It's time to clean these dishes on a microscopic level!” one voice boomed from within the house while the other voice was barely audible.
“Vinyl turn that insufferable racket down!” in a moment of seconds the trembling and loud noise stopped. Trixie’s ears were ringing loudly and she felt disoriented. She shook her head to regain her composure and raised a hoof to knock once more. When she knocked, she could hear hoof steps drawing near.
“Just put the dishes in the sink and I will wash them.” the voice said in a soft proper tone.
“Killjoy.” the second voice responded from within the house.
Trixie stood at the door, her heart pounding hoping that she wouldn't be caught. The door opened and a light grey earth pony mare with a dark gray mane and tail. The mare had amethyst eyes and wore a pink bowtie with a white collar around her neck.
“Well hello there.” the mare said politely.
“Um hi,” Trixie replied as she let out a sigh of relief. “I heard there was a fashion designer living here and I was wondering if you know where it is.” she said not lifting up her head.
“Oh? I'm sorry but my roommate and I are still relatively new in Ponyville and barely know any shops.” the mare said.
Before Trixie could respond, a white unicorn mare walked into the doorway. Trixie cocked an eyebrow at the strange mare not when she noticed the electric blue mane, but the tinted purple alien glasses she wore.
“Shesh, the only time I'm willing to wash the dishes, you say no. Hey who’s this?” the mare said. Trixie stood there shaking and trying to come up with a fake name.
“I-I’m-” she said stammering but was interrupted.
“Oh! I know you, you're Trixie right?” the unicorn blurted out aloud. Trixie looked around quickly to see if anypony heard her.
“Uh, yes. How did you know?” Trixie said shrinking slowly into her body.
“Eh lucky guess.” the white mare said with a crooked grin. Trixie mentally tripped herself at her statement.
“So what are you doing wearing that blanket thingy?” she continued.
“I was just- wait you're not mad at me?” Trixie replied changing topics.
“Pssh! Why would I?” the unicorn mare said tilting her head.
“Well, for all the things I did.” Trixie said remembering her actions.
“Vinyl has no room to be mad at somepony for she almost burned down the whole town on our first day here, trying to bake a pie.” the grey mare interjected still standing in the doorway scolding her roommate causing her to flinch from the tone of her voice.
“I thought it was a good plan at the time.” the unicorn respond drooping her head low causing the grey mare to roll her eyes.
“Since we know your name, it would make sense to acquaint ourselves,” the gray mare said clearing her throat. “I am Octavia Philharmonica.” she said proudly until she motioned a hoof to her droopy friend. “And this, by some strange fate, is my roommate Vinyl Scratch.” As soon as she finished her droopy friend popped up with a wide grin on her face.
“Yep! Also known as the awesome DJ PON3!” the unicorn said. A smile slowly crept onto her face and Trixie could feel a warm feeling in her body. What is this feeling? She thought.
“Anyway as for your question, try asking Bon Bon that owns that shop at the end of the street. She would be a better help than us.” Octavia said. Trixie started her way down the street before she heard a voice call out behind her.
“Hey, we should hang out sometime!” Vinyl yelled from behind her. Trixie stopped in her tracks having the warm feeling return. She smiled and turned to face the duo.
“Sure, I'd like that.” Trixie said with a growing grin. In addition, with that the duo returned to their home leaving Trixie to walk towards the shop at the end of the street. ‘Sweet Treats. Catchy name’ she thought to herself looking at the pink and mint green candy shop.
She walked into the store and saw vast compartments of candy of all different flavors and sizes. Trixie wandered round the store looking at the different assortments of candies, not paying mind to the other wandering customers.
“Good afternoon! Welcome to Sweet Treats! Is there anything I can help you find?” Trixie turned around to a beige coated earth pony with a blue mane and tail and a rose pink streak running down the middle. Her eyes were cerulean blue with three candy bow ties as her cutie mark. Remembering her purpose of walking into the shop, Trixie turned her mind to the task at hand.
“No, actually I was wondering if you know where the fashion designer lives in this town?” Trixie replied.
“Oh you must mean Rarity! If you make a left from here and keep walking until you see Town Hall. Once you get there, make a right at the fountain.” the quirky shopkeeper said.
“Thank you.” Trixie made her way towards the door when something delicious caught her eye. She walked over to one of the compartment doors and read the label. ‘Caramel truffles’ the label read. Trixie’s mouth started to water at the thought of eating them. She pulled open the drawer only to be disappointed at the sight that there was no candy. Trixie could feel her heart drop at the sight and dropped her head and sighed.
“I have some more in the back if you want to buy some.” the shopkeeper said approaching Trixie with a comforting smile to rid her of her gloomy face.
“Thank you.” Trixie replied. The shopkeeper walked through folding doors into the back room leaving Trixie to sit there patiently for her return. She returned shortly after with a small box on her back and placed it onto the ground. She opened it and Trixie’s mouth watered at the sight of all the candy inside.
“Sorry about that, this particular type of candy is very popular, especially with my roommate Lyra. She once ate a whole box of these in a day.” she sighed refilling the compartment.
“That’s ok, I used to eat these all the time when I was filly.” Trixie said with her mouth still watery.
“Ok, so how much do you want?” the shopkeeper asked as she finished filling up the compartment. Trixie remembered that she wasn't supposed to stay long so bringing money would be pointless.
“Sorry, I forgot to bring my money.” Trixie lied.
“That’s ok, tell you what. I'll give you a pound to go with for free. Is that ok?” she said as she began to scoop the candy into a clear plastic bag.
“Oh, no I couldn't-”
“It’s ok. I can see that you really like these, besides my roommate is just going to come and eat them anyway.” the shopkeeper interrupted with a sigh at the end.
“Th-thank you.” Trixie said having the warm feeling from before return but even warmer. ‘There it is again. What’s going on?’ she thought to herself.
“No problem!” the perky shopkeeper said trotting towards the counter, which Trixie followed. She returned to the counter and pulled out a twist tie and tied it around the bag to seal it.
“All set!” she said pushing the bag across the counter. Trixie didn't bring her saddlebags so she just grasped the candies with her magic.
“Thanks again.” Trixie said walking out the candy shop.
“Please come again!” the shopkeeper said with a wave and a warm smile as Trixie walked out.
Trixie remembered the shopkeeper’s instructions and saw Town Hall down the road. She made the left and continued her path until she ran into the fountain eating her candy along the way but instead she ran into something else.
OMPH
“Ow!”
“Hey watch where you're go-” Trixie scolded as she saw a mint colored unicorn mare with light grey cyan mane with white highlights on the ground and bright golden eyes with the same kind of candy Trixie just bought. “Hey are you ok?” Trixie asked getting up and brushing herself off, she held out her hoof to help up the mare.
“Yeah, I'm ok,” she replied getting up, looking down at her candy on the ground. “But I got these from Bon Bon and she won't let me have anymore.” Trixie saw the look in the mares’ eyes and couldn't resist.
“Here.” Trixie said holding out her bag of candy to the mare. The mare looked at Trixie with an open mouth and a smile creeping onto her face.
“You-you mean it?” the mare said giddy with excitement like a foal. Trixie nodded her head in response.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” the mare said pulling Trixie into a big, tight hug. When the green mare was thanking Trixie, she felt the strange feeling from before again. My chest...it’s burning, but it feels good.
“N-no problem.” Trixie said gasping for air when the mare let go.
“Heh, sorry about that. My roommate Bon Bon makes these and they’re my favorite!” the mare continued. “But she said I eat to much of her candy so she gave me an ultimatum to stop eating so much of them or she’ll ban me from her shop.”
“I see. So wait you must be Lyra?” Trixie asked
“Yep the one and only! Wait, how did you know?” The green mare asked with a curious expression.
“Heh lucky guess.”
“Oh well, what's your name?” the friendly mare asked.
“Oh my name is-”
“Oh shoot! I'm so sorry but I've got something really important to do,” the jumpy green mare said walking past Trixie. “Hey thanks again for the candy!” the mare said as she waved goodbye and ran in the direction of the candy shop. Trixie just stood there surprised and a smiled formed on her face and continued her walk.
Trixie could see the boutique within the distance. “Finally.” she said aloud with a sigh. She picked up her pace with a slight trot down the dirt pathway. The shop was closing in, until the ground around her suddenly became darker.
Trixie stopped and looked around for a second before she looked up, it was too late to evade whatever was coming at her and it hit her right in the head and sent her tumbling. Trixie lay on the ground dazed and ears ringing and for some reason a bunch of mail was lying on the ground but she could hear a faint voice calling out to her.
“Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to!” the voice called out. Trixie regained focus and steadily stood up shaking her head to rid the ringing in her ears. Once she regained her composure, she saw a light blue grey pegasus mare with a blonde mane and golden eyes wearing a mail mare uniform. But something seemed off about the strange mare; one of her eyes was looking at Trixie’s hooves whilst the other was looking up at the sky.
“I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to!” the mare repeated. “Are you ok?”
“Yes, I'm fine.” Trixie answered rubbing her head.
“Please don't be mad at me! I didn't mean too, honestly!” the mare said pleading for forgiveness.
“It’s alright. And why would I be mad at you? You said it was an accident.”
“I know, but I always mess everything up and ponies are always mean to me because of It.” the mare said looking down at her hooves. Trixie couldn't believe what the mare had just said. ‘Did she just really discourage herself like that?’ Trixie thought.
Trixie looked around at all the nearby ponies that were casting dirty looks. Trixie could see that the ponies that were looking at Derpy had a look of disgust in their eyes. They looked at Derpy like she was a worthless piece of trash. They looked down on Derpy like she was inferior. Trixie was all too familiar with the looks.
Trixie gritted her teeth and used her magic to pick up the mail lying on the ground and put them in the mares’ saddlebag. She got close to the mare and put a hoof on her shoulder.
“What is your name?” Trixie asked.
“Derpy. M-my name is Derpy.” the mare said raising her head.
“Don't pay any mind about what those other ponies think about you. You're a wonderful mare who is doing a great job,” Trixie said tightening her grip on Derpy's’ shoulder. “And I think it’s obvious but you the mail mare of this town right?”
“Yep! Derpy Mail Service at your service!” the mare said with a lopsided smile.
“Wait, you have your own business?” Trixie said surprised.
“Yep! I mess everything up so ponies think I'm useless, that’s why I started up my own business! I want to prove to everypony that I'm not useless, that I could do something good!” the mare said with a determined smile, which pleased Trixie.
“Well I hope everything works out good for you Derpy.” Trixie said returning the smile.
“Thanks Trixie! Hey you want to get some muffins later?” Derpy asked with a big grin and flapping her wings. Wondering how Derpy knew her name, Trixie looked at a nearby glass window to see that her hood was off and her face was visible.
“Uh yeah sure.” the unicorn said quickly putting on her hood. And at that, Derpy squealed and hugged Trixie and flapped her wings bringing them a few feet off the ground.
“Yay, I made a new friend!” Derpy yelled piercing Trixie’s eardrums. Trixie could feel the warmth in her chest once more but even stronger, but this time it was coming from her heart. ‘This feeling... it feels... nice.’ she thought smiling. Derpy let down Trixie and start to drift away.
“I’ve got to finish delivering the mail, but I'll see you soon. Thanks!” Derpy called out as she started flying away. Trixie stood there waving at her new ‘friend’. She stood there until she was out of sight. Trixie turned around to see her destination was all but a few feet in front of her.
She walked towards the shop until she was standing in front of it. ‘Carousel Boutique’ the sign read. The two-story boutique was decorated exactly like a carousel. Trixie walked into the boutique and saw the whole interior decorated with white and dark purple. Ponnyquins with all colors of dresses aligned the walls and windows. ‘Wow’ Trixie thought to herself being amazed at the details on each dress.
“I'll be right there darling.” a proper voice called out from what looked like a kitchen. Trixie sat down patiently admiring all the different designs on the dresses that surrounded the boutique. Trixie could hear dishes clattering together and hoofsteps coming towards her, a cold chill went up Trixie’s spine as the hoofsteps drew near.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique! I'm -EEKK” the mare suddenly squealed and flinched as she saw Trixie. Two things went through Trixie’s mind. ‘Darn, did she see me through my disguise? Wait, I’ve seen her before.’ Trixie had remembered her last encounters with this mare before when she came to Ponyville.
‘She’s one of Twilight Sparkle’s friends!’ Trixie remembered. Trixie took a defensive position as the pristine white mare drew near.
“Oh no, no, no, this garment is simply... atrocious.” The proper mare said flicking at a piece of the cloak with a disgusted tone. ‘Is she serious?’ Trixie thought with a deadpan tone.
“I don't understand ponies styles these days,” the white mare said with a long sigh. “Anyway, what may I help you with?” the mare continued.
“I-I need a dress.” Trixie answered hesitantly, still nervous.
“Oh of course! What kind of occasion dear?” the mare asked grabbing a quill and paper from her working table across the room with her magic.
“A dinner party.” Trixie bluntly replied.
“All right, what kind of dinner party?” the mare asked jotting down notes on the paper.
“A... royal dinner party.” Trixie said looking away. The mare stopped writing and stood still for a couple of unnerving seconds until she squeaked and made her way to Trixie.
“YOU GOT INVITED TO A ROYAL DINNER PARTY?” the mare asked with a big menacing smile. “Is it at the Crystal Empire? Oh! in Canterlot perhaps?” all the questions the mare was asking were making Trixie even more nervous and was forced to slowly retreat in the shop until she hit a wall. “Oh you must tell me who invited you darling!” the mare said calming down and trotted to her measuring tape laying on a piece of cushion. “Come tell me all about it while I take your measurements.”
Trixie relaxed her nerves and slowing made her way to the fashionista that is until she stepped on a hanging piece of her cloak.
RRRRIIIIIIIIPPPPPP
The sound echoed throughout the whole boutique leaving the two mares silently looking at each other with surprised expression. Trixie was surprised at the little accident that could really put her in a heap of trouble and the mare for she immediately recognized exactly who the cloaked mare was.
“Oh, its you.” the fashionista said with venom in her voice making Trixie shrink into her body.
“What are you doing back here? Are you here to put another hideous dress on me or dye my hair green?” the mare said scowling. Trixie bit her lip trying to form a response.
“Wait, you got invited to a royal dinner party?” the fashionista continued raising her voice with wide eyes. Trixie hesitantly nodded silently.
“Wha- how?” the mare asked stammering.
“Princess Luna invited me.” Trixie replied without telling the whole truth in fear that it will make it worse. There was an unsettling silence in the room leaving the fashionista speechless. “I just need a dress and I will leave quietly.” Trixie continued, breaking the ice.
“Fine. But I'm only doing this only because the princess asked.” Rarity said, looking away. “Come, stand here.” she motioned her hoof to a nearby pedestal. Trixie obeyed quietly not speaking or moving a muscle as the mare took her measurements and wrote down notes on the paper. Trixie stood still for a couple of silent minutes as the mare walked to spools of fabric lying next to her working table.
“I'm sorry.” Trixie said in a hushed voice.
“Excuse me?” the fashionista said with a surprised expression knowing well what Trixie had said, but she was curious as to why.
“I'm...sorry” Trixie repeated more clearly. The boutique fell silent once more until the white mare decided to speak.
“Well, I see that you matured from our previous encounters,” Rarity said putting down everything and making her way to Trixie and put a hoof on her shoulder. “So I forgive you.” the mare said smiling. Trixie stood there a smile slowly creeping on her face.
“Thank you-” It had just occurred to Trixie that she didn’t know the mares’ name.
“Rarity.” The white unicorn informed her. “My name is Rarity.”
“Thank you, Rarity.” Trixie said with glossy eyes.
“Anytime dear, but I'm still quite upset about what you did to me. A mare of your talents shouldn't stoop so low as to dye a beautiful mare’s mane... green.” Rarity shuddered at that last part and stroked her beautifully styled indigo mane, causing Trixie to laugh.
Minutes past as Rarity brought up different colors of fabric to Trixie to blend the right colors together. When she was finished she put the colors off to the side and Trixie was free to move.
“Alright, we’re all done here.” Rarity said with a smile. “I'll have your dress ready and shipped as soon as possible.” Trixie nodded in response and made her way towards the door.
“And you shall receive payment once I return to Canterlot.” Trixie said.
“Sounds like a deal.”
Just before Trixie left, she turned back to Rarity and gave her a sincere smile. “Thank you again.” she said earnestly. Rarity waved a hoof and smiled back.
With that Trixie exited the boutique and made her way back to the train station as best as she could. It took here a couple of minutes of Trixie walking down each street and passing the same landmarks to admit to herself that she was lost... again.
Trixie walked down a dirt pathway she had not taken yet and decided might as well go check out to see what was at the end. She reached the end of the pathway to come to the center of town again.
‘Great.’ she thought sighing heavily. She was making her way past Town Hall again until she heard her name being called out of nowhere.
“TRIXIE!” a voice called out as Trixie was tackled to the ground by a certain wall eyed pegasus.
“Derpy! Where on earth did you come from?” Trixie asked as she was pulled in for another levitating hug.
“I was with my friends at Sugarcube Corner!” Derpy said putting Trixie down on the ground.
“Friends?” Trixie said looking behind the mare at what looked like a pink bakery and could see several ponies waving at her. “Wait, I know them.” she said remembering the faces of all the ponies she encountered.
“Come, join us!” Derpy said interrupting Trixie’s thoughts.
“O-ok.” Trixie replied hesitantly as she was dragged towards the bakery. The duo reached the bakery and was greeted with warm smiles.
“Hey there!” a certain electric blue maned mare said nonchalantly.
“Oh its you! Thanks again for the candy!” a green unicorn followed.
“I swear I'm going to put you on a diet.” the shopkeeper said facehoofing herself along with a sigh.
“It’s nice to see you again. Did you find what you were looking for?” Octavia asked.
“Yes, yes I did. Thank you.”
“Here you go dearies. Cupcakes for everypony and a muffin for Derpy.” a light cerulean earth pony mare with a pale, light grayish crimson mane said as she made her way towards the table, balancing four vanilla frosted cupcakes and a blueberry muffin with them on a tray.
“MUFFIN!” Derpy said happily, clapping her hooves together as the food came to the table.
“Come join us Trixie, we don't mind.” Octavia said with a warm smile.
“One more cupcake over here!” Vinyl called out. Trixie hesitantly sat down with them while the baker came back with another cupcake.
“What do you need to wear that hood on for, take it off we’re all friends here.” Vinyl said. Trixie took off her hood slowly and when it was off a couple of gasps escaped from Lyra and Bon Bon.
“Oh its you!” Lyra exclaimed causing Trixie to hide her head. “You do some pretty awesome magic tricks.” she continued in a cool tone.
“Wait, really?” Trixie asked surprised.
“Yeah, it was funny how you took Pinkie’s mouth off. In fact she deserved it.” Bon bon said drinking a cup of coffee while everypony else was staring at her. “What?” she asked
“Why do you say that?” Trixie asked taking a bite of her cupcake.
“Well once upon a time, in this wonderful town. There lived a hyper, energetic pink pony. One day she walked into a candy shop owned by a lovely mare. The pink pony asked for candy so the mare gave her some candy. Next thing she knows, she gets a letter from Princess Celestia herself saying that if i were to give her any candy at all, well lets just say it isn't pretty.” Bon Bon said annoyed. The table was silent all except for Derpy enjoying her muffin.
“Oh so that’s why you get mad every time you see Pinkie?” Lyra said which Bon nodded in return.
“I wouldn't blame her, in fact I dislike that mare myself.” Octavia followed drinking her coffee.
“What did she do to you?” Trixie asked.
“She ruined my dream.” Octavia said in a venomous tone as she gripped the cup tighter and clenched her teeth, remembering that night at the Gala. The tension was so high that Trixie was getting rather uncomfortable...
“So how did you all become friends?” Trixie asked changing the topic.
“Hmm, well it all started back when this little filly had something called the ‘cutie pox’...” Bon Bon said changing her mood. The six sat there discussing how they met, funny moments in their lives and talking about anything that happened when they were young while the baker made trips bringing more cupcakes and muffins and refilling their coffee mugs.
“Hahaha Sweetie Drops.” Lyra said taking in gulps of air from laughing so hard.
“Shut up! I hate my real name!” Bon said pouting but couldn't stop from forming a small smile on her face. Trixie joined in on the laughing and took a glance at the clock on the wall that read 7 o’clock.
“Oh shoot!” Trixie said getting up, putting on her hood “I’m sorry but I have to go.”
“Aww you can't stay a little longer?” Derpy asking like she was a filly.
“Sorry but I can't. It was nice chatting with you girls.”
“Yes it was. We must do this again sometime.” Octavia said receiving approving nods from everypony. Derpy gave Trixie another death hug and the others waved giving a warm smiles and saying goodbye as Trixie quickly made her way to the train station. As trixie made her way to the train station, she remembered something. She needed money to buy a train ticket. She ran back to the shop and bursted into the doors.
“I’m sorry about this but, do any of have money for me to purchase a train ticket?” Trixie said huffing and puffing.
“Sure! Where you going?” Bon Bon asked looking for her money pouch.
“Canterlot.” Trixie replied hesitantly. All five friends paused in shock at Trixie’s response.
“Woah, ponies who make it big in Equestria only live there.” Vinyl informed.
“So what do you do that’s so important that you have the honor of living in Canterlot society?” Octavia asked.
“Well... it’s a long story.” Trixie replied.
“We could come and visit you sometime if you want.” Lyra said.
“Yeah, you can give us a tour of Canterlot!” Bon Bon excitedly said pulling out some bits for Trixie.
“Sure, i’d like that.” Trixie said giving her friends a smile and taking the bits. “Well I hope we can see each other soon.” Trixie said in a sad tone making everyone feel a little empty that she has to go.
“Group hug!” Derpy yelled out as she and the rest of her friends joined in on cheering up Trixie with a suffocating hug. Trixie stood there shocked to see ponies whom she just met, were here to comfort her.
Trixie felt the warmth in her heart grow to its peak. She could feel the feelings of love and friendship flowing into her once cold, selfish and lonely heart. An uncontrollable teardrop made its way down Trixie’s cheeks, not to hit the floor but bury itself within Trixie’s fur. As much as Trixie did not want the feeling to end, she remembered the order that Luna had given her before she left. The quintuplet of friends backed away from Trixie, all smiling except Derpy who was on the verge of balling her eyes out.
“Don't worry, i'll see you all again soon.” Trixie said looking at Derpy with a reassuring smile. With that she left Sugarcube Corner leaving the quintuplet of friends standing there waving goodbye as their friend quickly made haste to the train station.
“Derpy how can you eat nothing but muffins?” Vinyl asked her friend who could only cope with Trixie leaving is by eating a muffin.
“I’m on a muffin diet.” Derpy coolly replied taking a big bite of her muffin.
“Huh?” the rest of the group scratched their heads trying to figure out their strange friend.
Trixie was now full on sprinting now towards the train station. ‘Heh, good thing I remembered where to go.’ She thought as she turned a corner. She found the train station and purchased a ticket with the money that her new friends gave her and waited patiently on the platform for the train. A couple minutes passed as Trixie waited for the train until she felt it coming.
She boarded the train and sat at a window seat. She sat looking out the window at the setting sun, already missing her new friends. The train pulled off and she was on here back to the castle. The train stopped at Canterlot after a 30-minute ride, and once Trixie disembarked and stepped onto the platform, she let out a light sigh and made her way to the castle.
“Miss Trixie, the Princess has expected your return. She has requested to see you in the throne room.” one guard pony said as he saluted to Trixie who reached the castle gate with the full moon shining behind here.
‘Good thing I know where to go this time.’ Trixie thought as she made her way into the castle, up a couple of stairs and around a few corners. Once there she stood staring at two huge white doors. She hesitantly raised her hoof to knock for she remembered that she wasn't supposed to stay long.
“You may enter.” the Princess said in a voice that didn't set right with Trixie. Trixie took a deep breath as if she was underwater and opened the large doors. There sitting on the throne to the right sight side of Princess Celestia’s throne was Luna, sitting motionless. Her wavy cobalt blue mane was flowing when no breeze was present in the room. The moon cast a shadow one side of the throne room giving it an eerie feeling.
“Why were you out so late?” Luna asked in a serious tone.
“I-I ran into a few ponies there,” Trixie stammered.
“Meaning?” Luna urged.
“I... made a couple of friends.” Trixie said, scared of the consequences.
“I see,” Luna, said with a slight smile that Trixie couldn't see. “Well you rest up for this week.” Trixie nodded in response and made her way out of the throne room. As she reached the door she turned around to face Luna.
“Is-is it ok if I invite a couple of ponies to the dinner party?” Trixie asked.
“If it is what you want, then yes. Give me the names tomorrow morning.” Luna replied.
Trixie smiled and exited the throne room. She sighed once she was in the hallway and made her way to her room. Trixie was proud of her that she memorized the route to her room and walked into the illuminated room with a pair of dark eyes staring up at her from a distance.
“Sorry I was gone for so long Shadow.” Trixie said as she pulled out pieces of fruit she had in her saddlebags as food. She placed them on the floor at the foot of the bed and not a second too soon, the figure made it way to the food eating it up. Trixie crept into bed and slowly fell asleep with a smile on her face thinking about the new friends she made.
~~~~~
Back in the throne room, Luna waited until there was no noise outside in the halls, making sure that nopony was around.
“Was there any problem?” Luna said aloud in the supposed to be empty room
“None at all, Princess.” a voice replied as a pony stepped out from the shadows only to show the snout and hooves.
“Good, I knew you wouldn't fail me. You are dismissed.” she said as the figure stepped back into the shadows and disappeared leaving Luna to herself alone in the throne room. Luna rose from her throne and walked to a nearby plain glass window and stared off at her night.
“Humph, she made some friends,” she said to herself. “It appears that this friendship will be stronger than my sister’s students”.
~~~~~~~
Earlier that day.
“Twilight, come quick! It’s an emergency!” a certain rainbow haired Pegasus said as she flew into the library homing a baby dragon and lavender unicorn.
“What is it Rainbow Dash?” an annoyed Twilight asked as she grouped up with the rest of her friends.
“Yes, I run a business so I can not afford to leave the boutique as I please.” Rarity followed up.
“Yeah, ah got apples to sell ya know.” Applejack said tapping her hoof on the ground.
“Somepony said that they spotted Trixie looking really suspicious around town. I was following her but I got sidetracked and lost her!” Rainbow Dash said causing everyone to change their mood.
“Oh my.” the timid yellow pegasus said.
“Alright we’ll spread out and search for her and- wait where's Pinkie Pie?” Twilight asked, causing her friends look around for their hyperactive friend. Not a moment too soon, Twilight spotted their pink friend looking through the top of a barrel.
“Pinkie! What are you doing? We need your help!” Twilight said as she made her way to the barrel. She opened it back up to find no Pinkie there.
“Not now Twilight, my tail started to twitch. See twitcha twitch, twitcha twitch!” Pinkie said as she somehow got behind Twilight showing her, her twitching tail. “Followed by an ear flop, body shudder, a itchy nose and another tail twitch!” Pinkie continued motioning out each of her senses.
“Well what the hay does that mean?” a confused Applejack said.
“It means... somepony’s watching us.” Pinkie whispered to her friends.
“Well of course everypony’s watchin’ us when ya makin’ a big scene.” Applejack retorted.
“No, no, no, not that kind of watch. Somepony’s spying on us.” Pinkie replied in a loud whisper. “I’ve been trying to track down the spy since this morning, but every time I get close, poof he’s gone!”
“Well we can't worry about that now, help us find Trixie.” Twilight said changing the topic.
“Okie Doki Loki!”
“Alright if we don't find her by sunset, meet up back at Town Hall.” Twilight ordered and in an instant all six friends ran, flew or bounced in different directions.
‘I hope I find Trixie before the rest of them.’ Rarity wondered, worrying about what would happen if they did.
...
“Nopony found her?” Twilight asked as she regrouped with her friends which they replied by shaking their heads.
“Darn, she got away!” Rainbow Dash said, stomping her hoof on the ground.
Achoo!
“I hope nothing bad happens.” Fluttershy stated.
‘At least she got away before anypony found her.’ Rarity thought relieved.
Achoo!
“Pinkie, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked sincerely.
“Yeah I'm alright. Just somepony talking about me.” Pinkie said rubbing her nose.
“Is that one of your Pinkie senses?” Twilight asked.
“Nope! If you sneeze out of the blue, that means somepony is talking about you. How could you not know that?” Twilight responded by shaking her head with a chuckle.
“You really need to get out more Twilight.” Pinkie said making everypony else laugh leaving Twilight dejected.
“Twilight.... its.... a...” a certain baby dragon yelled through breaths from a distance who was running towards Twilight gripping his stomach. When he reached Twilight he toppled over and burped out a letter. “Ugh” Spike said on the ground.
“What does it say Twi?” Applejack asked. As Twilight grabbed the letter and began to read it aloud.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends are cordially invited to attend a royal dinner party-”
“Party! There’s going to be a party?” Pinkie interjected sticking her face in the letter.
“It’s a dinner party Pinkie. Calm down.” Twilight said pushing Pinkie’s face away.
“Still a party.” Pinkie teased sticking out her tongue.
“You and your friends are cordially invited to attend a royal dinner party in favor of Princess Luna’s new student at the Canterlot castle this Saturday.” Twilight continued.
“Oh that sounds wonderful” Fluttershy said smiling in her quiet voice.
“Awesome, Princess Luna has her own student too!” Rainbow Dash said hoof bumping the air.
“Ah wonder who her student is?” the farm pony asked.
“I don't know, but we’ll see this Saturday.” Twilight replied.
‘Wait, a royal dinner party?’ Rarity thought, putting the pieces together. ‘Oh no’.
