Spellbound Apples

Chapters

Chapter 2: Illusions
Chapter 3: Small Problems
Chapter 4: Second Foalhood
Chapter 5: The Crow
Chapter 6: Reunion
Chapter 7: Memories
Chapter 8: Little Talks
Chapter 9: Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 10: The Storm
Chapter 12: Reconciliation
Chapter 13: Family Reunion
Chapter 14: Confrontation
Chapter 15: On the Road Again
Chapter 1: The Magician
Chapter 11: Resolution

Chapter 2: Illusions

Chapter 2

Illusions

Hex woke up in the early hours of the morning with a yawn. He looked out the window and out onto the street’s of Ponyville. The stallion got to his hooves and let out a sigh as his horn flared and the stove ignited. He simmered a pot of oatmeal and levitated a book over to his side. As he served himself some breakfast he started to read the old book. Hex stared washing the dishes when he heard a knock on his door. He opened it to see a cream colored mare with a grey mane and glasses on her nose.

“Can I help you Miss?” He asked as he yawned.

“Yes, I’m the mayor for Ponyville.” She said as she adjusted her glasses.

“Nice to meet you. What can I do for you?”

“You can move your wagon away from city hall for starters.” She said in a flat tone.

“What’s wrong with it?” He asked.

“Well, no offense sir, but it doesn’t look good in front of the building and you need to purchase a permit to stay within the town limits.” She said with a sigh. “I’d be more than happy to give you the paperwork.”

“How much is this permit?”

“Two hundred bits. With it you can set up anywhere in Ponyville.” She said with a smile. The blue stallion gulped.

“Could you hold on a second while I go get my bits?” The mare nodded as he went back inside his carriage. The stallion trotted over to his coin pouch and saw that it was empty. Hex let out a sigh and faced the mare again. “I’m sorry ma’am, but I’m broke.”

“I see. I’m sorry sir then you’ll have to leave.” She said in a reluctant tone.

“I understand.”

“For the record I hate this part of my job.” She said with a sigh.

“It’s okay. I’m a traveler so I’m used to it.” He said as he walked back inside. He looked at the floating crystal and saw that it was still blinking red. Damn, it’s not charged yet. He thought to himself. Looks like I’ll have to do things the old fashioned way. He thought as his horn glowed and a harness popped out of the end. The stallion walked out of his home and hitched himself up.

Hex walked down the street with the cart in tow and started to make his way out of town past Sweet Apple Acres when he was stopped by a trio of fillies. One was a white Unicorn filly with a purple and white mane. Another was an orange Pegasus filly with a deep purple mane. The last was the yellow filly from yesterday. “Hey it’s you!” The Earth pony said with a smile.

“Applebloom right?” He asked.

“Eeyup. What brings you out here Mr. Hex?”

“You can just call me Hex and I’m leaving town.”

“But ya just got here and-” The yellow filly was cut off as a familiar orange mare trotted down the road towards the group of ponies.

“There you three are.” The mare then noticed the blue stallion. “Howdy Hex. What brings ya here?”

“I was just leaving.”

“Already? Why?”

“Can’t afford the permit to set up my carriage.” He said with a shrug. “Oh well, what can you do? Nice meeting you all. Hope to see you again.” Hex said with a smile. The orange mare put a hoof to her chin and thought for a moment.

“Hang on a second.” The mare said as she raised a hoof. “If you need money then-”

“No. I won’t accept any charity from your family.” Hex said in a stern tone.

“Ah was gonna suggest that you come and work on the farm for a bit and then we can pay ya.” She said with a smile. The stallion scratched his chin as he rolled the idea around in his head.

“You sure? I don’t know anything about farming.” He said with a shrug.

“Ah figured as much. Don’t worry Ah’ll teach ya.” She said with a smile.

“Lead the way boss.” He said as he turned the cart around and followed the farmer. The blue stallion hadn’t seen much of the plantation during his last visit and was awe struck at the vast amount of apple trees in the orchard. “Wow. That is a lot of apples.”

“Eeyup. Our pride and joy.” She said with a smile. “You can park yer cart next to the barn. The meet me around back afterwards.”

“Sounds good to me.” Hex pulled his cart over to the barn and set the locks in place. The blue stallion quickly trotted inside and withdrew his hat. Hmm, I should probably look the part. He thought to himself. His horn flared and his top hat morphed into a dark brown Stetson. The stallion walked out of his carriage and headed towards the barn.

Applejack was leaning against the red barn waiting for the blue stallion to come out of his cart. She looked over to see him approaching with a dark brown Stetson sitting on his light blue mane.

“There you are. Where’d you get that hat?” She asked.

“Oh this? It’s the hat I was using on stage yesterday. I can change it to several different hat styles.”

“So why’d you chose that one?”

“What? It’s a Stetson. Stetsons are cool.” He said with a grin. The orange mare giggled and rolled her eyes.

“C’mon show off. We’ve got apples to buck.”

“Huh?” Hex said as he followed the mare.

“Just follow me.” She said in a flat tone. As the stallion followed the farmer he couldn’t help but gaze as the bright sunlight hit her coat making her shine like an orange comet. His eyes started to drift from her bright mane across her back and down towards her fla-

SMACK. The stallion quickly slapped himself in the face brining him back to reality.

Keep it together! Besides, if her colt friend sees me then I’m dead!

“You okay?” She asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Is your coltfriend helping us out?” He asked. The mare looked at him in confusion.

“Colt friend? Ah don’t have one.” She said in a low tone.

“Then who was that red stallion I saw yesterday?” The mare looked at him and fell on the ground in a fit of laughter.

“That’s my brother Big Mac and he’s plowing the South field.” She said as she got to her hooves.

“Face meet hoof.” He said as he face hoofed. The mare giggled at the action and shook her head.

“C’mon over here she said with a smile. We’re gonna be apple bucking.”

“What?”

“Just watch and learn.” The orange mare stopped in front of the large trees and brought her back hooves up. As her two hooves connected with the trunk of the tree several apples fell from above. Hex’s jaw dropped in amazement.

“Wow.”

“Eeyup. Now it’s your turn.” She said as she pointed at the adjacent tree. The stallion walked up to the large tree and gulped. “Just like I showed you.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if I used magic?” He asked.

“Sure, if ya don’t want to do it the right way.” She said as she narrowed her eyes.

“Okay never mind then.” He said as he took his position. Hex let out a sigh and gave the tree a hard kick. The stallion felt the shockwave travel up the trunk. The only apple that fell from the tree landed on the stallion’s horn. “Ow.” He said as Applejack keeled over in a fit of laughter.

“Oh Celestia. You just keep shooting yourself in the hoof don’t ya?” She said as she got up.

“Ha ha. I’m new to this.” He said as he pulled the fruit off his horn. “Let me try again.” The mare shrugged at the words. The stallions horn flared and he used his back right leg to kick the tree. The mare’s jaw dropped as his hoof broke through the bark.

“What in the name of Celestia did you just do?” she asked.

“I focused my magic into my back leg increasing it’s strength and power. Looks like I used too much.” He said as he looked behind him.

“Well just get it out of there so we can work.” The mare said as he tried to move his hoof he found that it wouldn’t budge.

“Um....I’m stuck.” He said in a hushed tone.

“Pardon?”

“I’m stuck. I can’t move my hoof.” He said as he dug his hooves into the ground and tried to pull himself out.

“Oh for land sakes.” The farmer said as she trotted over to him and started to pull on his leg. The two tried to mage the extremity budge. As his hoof came loose Applejack forgot to let go and she toppled over, on top of the stallion. Hex opened his eye lids to see a pair of deep emerald green eyes staring back at him. Hex felt their noses touch and felt the mare’s warm breath on his lips. Their faces both turned bright red and seemed to be frozen in place until Hex broke the silence.

“Um AJ. Could you get off me?”

“S-sure thing.” She said as she backed away from the stallion. The mare quickly pulled her hat over her face to hide her bright red cheeks. “J-just try to be more careful okay.”

“Got it boss.” The stallion said with a gulp. The stallion then looked up to see two Pegasi charging towards them. Hex recognized one as Rainbow Dash. The other had a snow white coat, his mane and tail were black with red tips and his cutie mark was a red wing with the tips wrapped in black flames.

“Howdy Rainbow, Storm.” AJ said with a nod.

“Sup?” The stallion said as he looked at the Unicorn. “Who’s this?” He asked.

“This is the guy I was telling you about.” Rainbow said as she glared at the stallion.

“So he made you cough up a card?” He asked.

“Yup.” The mare said with a smile.

“What’s your name again?” Storm asked.

“Hex Swirl, what can I do for ya?” He asked.

“I’d like it if you didn’t make things come out of my mare friend’s body.” He said in a flat tone.

“Right, I suppose that’s your job after all.” Hex said with a smug grin on his face.

“Exact- HEY!” Storm yelled as he blushed.

“Calm down I’m just kidding.” Hex said with a laugh. Applejack and Dash both let out a giggle. “Anyway’s it was just part of the act and she did volunteer to help me out. Besides it was only a card, nothing dangerous.”

“Like?” Storm asked getting annoyed. Hex grinned and opened his mouth. He stuck his hoof inside and started to feel around. As he withdrew his hoof he pulled out a long metal sword.

“Like this.” He said with a smile.

“How did you do that?” Dash asked.

“Magic.” He said as his horn flared and the weapon vanished. “Anyway’s I won’t use Dash for anything like that okay?”

“Fine by me.” Storm said as he rolled his eyes.

“Did you two need something?” Applejack asked.

“Oh right! We wanted to see if you wanted to hang out.” Dash said with a smile.

“Can’t ah’m working.” she said as she walked over to another tree and started to kick the trunk.

“Mind if we help?” Storm asked.

“Sure, faster we get done sooner we can chat.” The farmer said with a smile. “Storm why don’t you go with Hex, he’s a rookie at this and could use a hoof.”

“Ugh, fine.” He said as he trotted away with the blue stallion. As soon as they were out of earshot Rainbow grinned at AJ with a sly smile across her face.

“Why are you looking at me like that Dash?”

“I saw you two five minutes ago.” She said as she waggled here eyebrows. The orange mare felt her face heat up.

“That was an accident. He got his hoof stuck in the tree and when we pulled it out I accidentally landed in top of him.” She said as her cheeks turned bright red.

“Sure Applejack. I totally believe you.” Dash said in a sarcastic tone.

“Dash I’m serious!”

“Fine fine, I’ll leave it alone.....for now.” She said as she walked over to a tree and kicked it.

In the West orchard the two stallions were hard at work and kept quiet. Storm decided to break the silence. “So you’re a performer then?”

“Yup. Been one my whole life.” Hex said as he made a few apple fall from the tree.

“So did you really remove your head?” Storm asked.

“No, it was just an illusion.” He said with a shrug. “So, you and Dash eh?”

“Yup.”

“She seems nice. A little hard headed and quick tempered.”

“Trust me, you have no idea.” Storm said with a grin.

“So you know all of their friends?”

“Yeah, why?”

“What can you tell me about Applejack?” Hex asked as he blushed.

“Not much, she’d hard working. Loyal and strong.” He said as he scratched his chin. “Oh she can’t tell a lie to save her life. Why?” He asked as he glared at the blue stallion.

“N-no reason. Just want to know a bit more about the pony I’m working for.” He said with a blush.

“Dude, don’t try to lie. Dash and I saw you before we landed.” He said with a grin on his face.

“That was a fluke! My hoof got stuck and she helped me pull it out.” He stammered.

“I know. I saw it happen.” He said with a smirk. The two stopped chatting and continued to work in silence. As noon crept around the four ponies trotted back towards the farm house. The two were then joined by the two mares.

“Hey you two, how’d you make out?” Applejack asked.

“Good, we got the West orchard done.” Storm said.

“Thank ya kindly.” The farmer said with a smile. “How’s about we head into town for some grub.”

“Sounds good to me.” Hex said with a grin. The four ponies made their way off the plantation and back into the street’s of Ponyville.

“So Hex, how long have you been a magician?” Dash asked.

“Since I was around ten.” He said with a shrug.

“You’ve been traveling like that all this time?” Applejack asked.

“Yup, it’s always how I’ve done things.”

“Don’t ya ever get lonely?” Applejack asked.

“Sometimes. But I’ve got the carriage, so I’m not entirely alone.” The ponies looked at him in confusion as they entered the establishment. The ponies mad their way over to where Twilight and Rarity were sitting.

“Hey guys.” Dash said as she sat down next to her colt friend.

“Hello darling.” Rarity said with a smile. Her gaze then shifted to the orange mare and blue stallion. “What brings you here Hex?”

“Well, I was working with Applejack in the orchard when Dash and Storm came along to give us a hoof.” The white mare felt a small smile creep across her face.

“So you’re working with Applejack?” Twilight asked.

“Until I can pay for a permit that allows me to perform in the town, yes.” He said as he sat back.

“What’ll happen after that?”

“I wait until my gem is fully charged and then I keep moving.” He said as Pinkie came out with a few menus.

“How long will that take?” Storm asked.

“I’d say, two to three weeks.” He said with a shrug. Rarity noticed that Applejack’s expression turned a little sad.

“That long?”

“Well, it needs to charge once a year. So I look at it as a type of vacation.” He said as he looked at the menu. “I’l have a dandelion sandwich with a side of hay fries.” He said as he handed Pinkie the menu.

“Okey dokey Loki.” She said with a smile.

“So Hex, what kind of magic can you use?” Twilight asked.

“My specialty is illusion. Like that severed head thing I did yesterday. I’m also skilled with pyrotechnics and a few others.”

“Illusions?”

“Yes, I’m able to trick your mind into seeing something that’s not really there even though it seems real.” He said as his food arrived.

“Yeah right, like that’d work on somepony as awesome as me.” Dash said with pride in her voice. The stallion’s horn flared and dimmed. The mares looked down to see that his sandwich had grown legs and started to crawl around the table at a fast rate. “What the hay is with that sandwich?” Dash yelled.

“Dash what in the hay are you talking about?” Applejack asked.

“The sandwich that just climbed on top of Pinkie’s head.” She yelled.

“Dash, did you get heatstroke while working?” Storm asked as he put a hoof to her forehead.

“No I-” She then looked at the blue stallion who had a smirk on his face. Hex’s horn flared and the sandwich vanished from sight. “You!”

“Won’t work on you huh?” He said as he levitated his food to his mouth. “That was a low level illusion trick.” He said with a smile. “You see illusion is just obscuring the body’s five senses; sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Among those sight and hearing are the easiest to manipulate and when you’re dealing with a pony that is quick tempered and jumps to conclusions, fooling them is a trivial task. No offense.”

“Why you-” Dash started to say but was held back by her colt friend.

“Now let’s say I was trying to fool a mare like Twilight, who’s intellect is far greater than my own.” Twilight blushed at the compliment. “I would need to be able to trip up at least four out of her five senses in order to get her lost in the illusion. However, that takes a lot of concentration and power. Both of which I can’t use on a moments notice.” He said as he sipped his drink.

“Wow, you certainly know a lot about magic.” Rarity chimed.

“Thank you. I can’t take all the credit however, I have several books passed down from generations of my family.” Twilight’s eyes gleamed.

“Just how many books are we talking here?”

“Last time I did an inventory check it was around.....2,000 books.” Twilight clapped her hooves together in excitement.

“Oh I have to see this!” She yelled.

“Feel free to swing by my carriage. I’d be more than happy to give you all a tour.” The ponies looked at him in confusion.

“But, I saw that thing parked beside AJ’s barn. It can’t fit all of us.” Dash said.

“Trust me sugar cube. It will.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Sounds like fun!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Sweet, how about we all head over there?” Storm said.

“Okay, let’s get going then.” Hex said as he got to his hooves. The group of ponies followed close behind the blue stallion. Twilight trotted up next to him and the two continued to talk about magic. Rarity trotted up next to the farmer and nudged her shoulder.

“What’s up Rarity?” The farmer asked.

“Don’t play dumb Applejack. I saw your face when he talked about moving on.” She said as she waggled her eyebrows. “Did something happen in the orchard today?” The farmer blushed at the words.

“Ah ain’t got the slightest idea what you’re talking about.” The mare said as she puckered her lips and adverted her eyes.

“Oh come now dear, you can’t lie to save yourself so stop trying.” The Unicorn said as she glared at the mare.

“Ah don’t know what yer talking about.”

Rarity kept staring.

“Nope, that won’t work on me.”

The mare kept glaring at her friend.

“Rarity stop it!” She yelled.

The Unicorn kept up the stare.

“Alright fine you win! Just make it stop!” The farmer yelled as she laid on the ground with her hooves over her head.

“Works every time.” Rarity said with a smirk. “So what happened today?”

“While I was showing him how to apple buck he got his leg caught in the trunk.” She said as she got up.

“And?”

“When I pulled him out. Ah landed on top of him in a.....weird position.”

“Define weird.” Rarity said as she raised an eyebrow.

“We were face to face and our...noses were touching.” The white mare squealed in delight as the farmer’s face turned bright red.

“Oh how cute!” She cooed.

“It was an accident! That’s all!” She stammered.

“Your blush says otherwise.” Rarity said as the farmer pulled her hat down over her face.

“We’re here!” Hex said as the group stopped in front of the bright blue wagon.

“What a marvelous color!” Rarity said.

“Just wait till you see the inside.” Hex said as he opened the door. “C’mon in!” He said as he and Applejack walked inside.

“How are we supposed to fit in there?” Dash asked.

“Only one way to find out!” Pinkie chimed as she entered the cart. The ponies shrugged and trailed after her. The pink mare let out an audible gasp at the interior. The lavender mare’s jaw dropped at the size. The pink mare ran outside and ran outside the cart and circled it twice.

“It’s....It’s...” Pinkie tried to form the words.

“Go ahead say it. Everypony does.” He said with a smirk.

“It’a smaller on the outside!” The blue stallion gave the pink mare a confused look.

“Okay. That’s a new one.” Hex said in surprise. Twilight walked up to the stallion in bewilderment.

“How did....Is this....dimension magic?” Twilight asked.

“Correct! Spacial dimension spell.” He said with a smile. “Come along.” The ponies hesitantly followed the stallion to a large dark wooden door. The stallion’s horn glowed and the doors opened to reveal hundreds of coulombs filled with books. Twilight’s jaw dropped and started to salivate. “Twilight you’re drooling.”

“Sorry. It’s just......There are no words!” She said as she started to look around.

“Yup I’ve got books that no one else has. Untouched by time.” He said as he looked around the book shelves. Twilight had a massive smile spread across her face. The ponies started to walk around the massive collection. The lavender mare was nose deep in an old book while Dash and Storm were looking up old Wonderbolt moves. The farmer was walking down a coulomb when she saw something catch her eye.

At the end a gold encrusted case shined like a star in the hallway. The mare approached it and saw a portrait of an old stallion with a long grey beard. Applejack looked down at a golden case and reached towards it. Her hoof was then grabbed by a familiar blue stallion. The mare’s face turned crimson at the contact with the stallion.

“Sorry AJ, but this is something that needs to be kept hidden.” He said as he made the case vanish. Twilight hurried up to the stallion with a large stack of books.

“This place is amazing! So much magic, so much to learn!”

“Feel free to borrow them. Just be sure that they find their way back here.” He said with a smile. The lavender mare nodded and trotted away from the stallion but soon stopped. “Need some help getting out?”

“Yeah.” She said as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Come along everyone. It’s getting late.” He said as the ponies regrouped behind the stallion.

“This place is awesome!” Dash yelled.

“Thank you.” Hex said as he led them out. As the ponies left the orange mare stopped for a moment.

“Hey, if you want a proper bed.” The mare said with a bright blush on her face. “I’d be more than happy to let ya have the guest room.”

“No thanks AJ. This cart is comfy enough.” He said with a smile.

“Ah get it. See ya tomorrow.” She said as the stallion closed the door. As the mare walked back towards her home she was stopped by the white mare.

“Well?”

“Well, what?” Applejack asked.

“Did you tell him?”

“Tell him what?” The white mare face hoofed.

“Oh come on dear! It’s obvious that you like him.” The farmer let out a sigh as she tried to think of something.

“Ah haven’t the slightest-” She was cut off as the mare glared at her. “Truth be told Rarity. Ah don’t know. He’s funny, smart and ain’t that bad to look at.” The white mare smiled at the response. “But ah don’t know enough about him to know if I can think of him like that.” She said with a sigh.

“Thank you for being honest with me and I respect your decision. It’s very lady like of you.” She said as she put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Just...don’t wait to long. A stallion like that in this town will not stay single for long.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“Ah know. Ah just need to get my thought’s together is all.” As the mare turned to leave Applejack tapped her on the shoulder. "Promise me you won't tell anypony?" The mare made the zipper closing motion over her mouth. "Thanks...it's just...ya know with Dash and everypony else." She said as she rubbed her right arm.

“I understand and don’t hesitate to come to me for advise on the subject.” She said as she trotted back into town. The orange mare let out a sigh and trotted back inside her home. The mare trotted upstairs and laid down on her bed as she stared up at the ceiling.

What am ah gonna do?

Go and get yourself a stallion!

Ah just met him! Ah know nothing about him!

Only one way to fix that.

Ah’ll think about it.

Back outside in the stallion’s carriage. Hex walked towards one of the book cases connected to the far wall and pulled a book with a red spine. The whole bookcase moved to the left to reveal an odd symbol on the ground. Hex set the small box on the seal as his horn glowed. The circle followed suit and the box vanished in a flash of light.

“Back where you belong.” He said as he moved the bookcase back over the seal. The stallion made his way out of the room and towards his bed. As he laid down to rest he couldn’t push the smell of apples out of his mind.

Author's Note

That's right! Storm Chaser is back! I've decided to start a series of stories coinciding with one another. The first one being 'The Dreams We Share.' Read that to get more backround info of Storm Chaser.

Chapter 3: Small Problems

Chapter 3

Small Problems

The next day started out as any other day on the farm, slowly. Macintosh was plowing the South field while Hex helped Applejack with apple bucking. The orange mare kept quite as she and the blue stallion worked. She caught herself several times staring at the blue stallion as he worked. The mare quickly shook her head and snapped back to reality.

C’mon keep it together. He’s only a stallion.

A stallion that’s smart, nice, cute and funny. She argued with herself.

Ah know nothing about him.

Only one way to solve that. Talk to him!

Ah can’t!

Just pretend yer talking to Dash or one of the gals.

I’ll try.

“Hey Hex.” She hollered.

“Yeah?” As the blue stallion turned around Applejack’s new found strength had all but gone. She could feel her cheeks flare up as she stared into his light purple eyes. Her vision then fell upon a small bead of sweat from his forehead and traced down his neck muscle which seemed to be pressing against his coat making his vein bulge out.

Oh what Ah’d give to feel-

“My face?” Hex asked as the mare cringed back.

“Huh?”

“Is there something on my face? You were staring at it.” He said with a confused look on his face.

“Oh um....yeah...ya got a speck of dirt on your....cheek.” She said with a nervous grin on her face. The stallion wiped his cheek as AJ pulled her hat over her face to hide her ever growing blush. The mare gulped and returned to her work.

Well, that went smoothly. She thought in a sarcastic tone.

Why can’t ah talk to him?

Cause he’s cute and you like him!

Ah still don’t know anything about him!

“Hey AJ, can I ask you something?” The mare’s internal argument was put on hold as she saw the blue stallion approaching her.

“S-sure.” The mare said as she tried to maintain her composure.

“You, Mac and Granny Smith run the farm right?” He asked with a smile.

“Yeah.”

“And from your photo’s in your home you have a lot of family members right?” The mare nodded. “So where are your folks at?” The mare’s expression shifted from happy to sad in an instant. “Are they running another farm?” The stallion then noticed the mare’s saddened state.

“They’re.....not around anymore.” Applejack said with a heavy sigh. Hex immediately connected the dots and face hoofed.

“I’m so sorry Applejack.” He said in a sad tone.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know. Besides, it ain’t a fresh wound and-” The mare was cut off as the blue stallion wrapped her in a hug. Applejack’s heart was working overtime as the blue stallion drew her in close. She could feel the stallion’s breath on her coat.

He smells like the ground just after a rainstorm.

Wait? Why the hay do ah care what he smells like?

Just shut up and enjoy the hug. The mare set her mind at ease and smiled as she returned the gesture. As the stallion broke the hug the mare pulled her hat over her face to hide her bush.

“Sorry if I startled you.” He said in a worried tone.

“NO! Ah mean..... It was nice...of ya to do ah mean.” She said with a gulp. “S-so what about your parents?”

“My mom is dead and I’m not talking to my father right now.” He said in a flat tone.

“Oh....sorry to hear that.” She said as she held her head in shame.

“It’s fine it happened a long time ago.” He said with a shrug. The two stopped working and made their way back to the farm house. As the two walked through the orchard they were joined by Dash and Storm. “Sup guys?”

“Not much. We were just doing a flyby and we wanted to see if you two were free for lunch.” Dash said with a smile.

“That’s where we’re going.” Applejack said as they continued towards the farmhouse. Dash trotted up to the orange mare who was walking behind the blue stallion who started to chat with Storm.

“So AJ, what’s going on between you and Hex?” She said with a smug grin on her face.

“Nothing.” She said with a gulp.

“C’mon Applejack. You stink at lying.” She said with a sigh. The farmer tried to match the cyan mare’s gaze, but soon found it futile.

“Fine, ah like him. He’s kind, funny, not to mention cute.” She said with a bright blush.

“True, if I didn’t have Storm. Then I’d probably go after him too.” She said with a grin. Applejack then frowned at the mare. “Oh calm down AJ. Storm is WAY more awesome than Hex is.” The farmer narrowed her eyes further. “At least from where I’m standing anyway.” The four ponies entered the farmhouse and sat down at the table as the elderly green mare started serving.

“Well, howdy there you two.” She said as she nodded at the Pegasi.

“Hey Granny Smith. Hope you don’t mind us having lunch here.” Rainbow said with a smile.

“Nonsense! Any friend of Applejack is welcome here.” She said as the red stallion nodded and took his seat.

“By the way AJ. Braeburn needs some help in Appaloosa. Ah need you to go and give him a hoof with Granny and Applebloom.” The orange mare let out a groan.

“Why?” She asked as she rubbed the sides of her head with her hooves.

“He’s family.” He said with a sigh.

“Ah know. But that stallion drives me insane. He never shut’s up!”

“Ah’d go, but somepony has to stay here and-”

“Hey, why don’t you go in AJ’s place and she stay’s here?” Dash suggested giving her colt friend a nudge on the shoulder.

“Yeah, we can handle any work you have to do.” Storm said with a smile. The red stallion instantly felt panic take him as the thought of spending a week with the chattiest pony since Pinkie Pie creeped into his mind.

“But....Three beams need to be replaced in the barn and ah doubt that even the three of you are strong enough to do that.” He said with a gulp.

“Hex can help with that.” Storm said with a smile.

“I’m skilled in levitation spells.” Hex said with a shrug.

“Ah don’t know.” The red stallion said as he tried to think up another excuse.

“Well, as I remember. Braeburn mentioned a barn raising and Applejack with all her strength would have a bit of trouble with it.” Granny Smith interjected.

“No wait just a-” AJ was cut off as Dash covered the farmer’s mouth with her hoof.

“Umm.....”

“Oh quit bellyaching Mac. Yer going.” Granny said in a stern tone. The red stallion hung his head in defeat. The orange mare mouthed ‘thanks’ to her friends who gave her a simple nod. The ponies got to their hooves and cleaned their plates as the stallion slowly drudged upstairs and started packing. Hex and the two Pegasi walked outside leaving Applejack alone with the mare.

“Thanks Granny. Braeburn is family and all but-”

“That ain’t why ah did it honey bunch.” The orange mare looked at her in confusion. “You got a bigger challenge to tackle then some barn raising.”

“Huh?”

“Telling that stallion how you feel.” She said with a smug grin. The orange farmer instantly blushed bright red. “Oh calm down dear, he seems like a kind feller.”

“Ah know Granny but ah can’t even say two words to him.” She said with a sigh.

“Oh come on now. You’ll find a way, yer mah granddaughter ain’t ya?” The orange mare nodded and smiled. “That a girl.” Applejack made her way back outside to see Hex talking with Twilight. The orange mare trotted up to the two unicorns with a smile on her face.

“Howdy Twilight.” The farmer said with a nod.

“Hey Applejack.”

“What brings ya here?” She asked with a smile.

“I just wanted to talk to Hex for a bit about magic.” She said with a grin.

“Actually Twilight, I need to get back to work. How about tomorrow around noon?” He said with a smile.

“Sure, I have to leave for Canterlot around three so that should give us plenty of time. See ya then.” The lavender mare said with a smile. Hex gave her a friendly nod as she walked away. Hex then turned back to the orange mare who had a blank expression on her face. “Heh heh hope ya don’t mind if I take tomorrow afternoon off boss.”

“It’s fine. You just have to pick up the extra slack for the rest of today and the day after tomorrow.” She said with an evil grin on her face.

“Oh Luna help me.” He said with a gulp. The farmer giggled at the stallion’s worried face.

“Let’s just get going sugar cutie.” The mare froze as the words left her lips.

“What did you-”

“Sugar cube! Ah said sugar cube.” She exclaimed trying to keep herself calm. “C’mon we got a whole lot of work to do!” She said as she galloped down the rows of apple tree’s leaving the blue stallion in the dust. Hex thought for a moment about the mare’s behavior, but quickly dismissed the thought as he chased after her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the work day came to a close Hex and Applejack were cleaning up the barn. The orange mare opted for the loft while Hex took the broom and started to sweep the hay into piles. Applejack kept quiet and kept sweeping. “Are ya all done down there?” She asked.

“Just about.” Hex said with a smile.

“Like wise I-” She was cut off as the mare tripped over her hooves and started to fall off the loft. The mare saw that she was rocketing towards the ground. She closed her eyes and braced for impact. She hit something firm yet soft. She cracked open her eyes and saw that the blue stallion had caught her in his hooves. Applejack’s face was bright red. She could feel Hex’s heart pounding.

“You okay?” He asked as he breathed heavily.

“Y-yeah ah’m fine.” She said as the stallion put her down. “Thanks to you anyway.” The mare then gave the magician a quick peck on the cheek. Hex felt his mind lurch and his right eye started to twitch. The orange mare quickly realized what she just did and pulled her hat over her head in shame. “So um....ah gotta go...and...clean my room.”

“Y-yeah and I’ve got some research to do. See you tomorrow.” Hex said as his horn flared and he vanished in a puff of smoke. The stallion arrived inside his carriage and hurried over to the sink and splashed a hoof full of cold water in his face.

What was that? Why did she just kiss me?

Are you complaining?

No. He thought in a defeated tone.

It was probably a thank you for saving her.

No, a thank you is a nod and a hoof bump. THAT was more than a thank you.

Ah! I don’t have time for this! He thought as he trotted over to a desk that had several different beakers and test tubes on it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The orange mare was sitting in her room staring up at the ceiling. The farm house that was usually bustling with conversation was dead silent. Applejack would miss her family but it did give her a quiet moment to think.

Why in the name of Celestia did ah just do that?

You like him, duh.

Ah probably scared him off with that little stunt. Ah’m doomed! The mare’s thoughts were set aside as she laid down on her bed to rest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Calling the next day awkward would be an understatement. The orange mare kept away from the stallion and made her answers short and to the point. The stallion was off on his own kicking the apple tree’s making the red fruit fall into baskets. Hex felt the sun beating down against his dark blue coat. The stallion’s mind was plagued by the actions from yesterday.

“Hey AJ, I need to check something in my trailer real quick okay?”

“S-sure. Go ahead.” She said in a stuttering tone. The stallion nodded and walked back to his carriage. The stallion walked inside and looked in the mirror to see the same shadowy figure that plagued his dreams.

It’ll never work.

Shut up.

They’ll run like all the rest once it’s revealed to them.

I said-

A nightmare like you has no right to live.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" He yelled in frustration. The stallion splashed water in his face and calmed down as he heard a knock on the door. The unicorn wiped his face off and trotted over to the doorway to see Twilight with a smile on her face.

“Hey Hex, ready to go?” She asked.

“Sure, let me just tell AJ.” He said with a smile. The mare nodded and stepped aside as the stallion got out of his carriage. The two Unicorns walked down the rows to see the orange mare kicking tree trunks. “Hey Applejack, I’m going into town with Twilight okay?”

“S-sure, have a good time.” She said with a nervous grin and a wave. The two gave her a nod and ventured off into the town leaving the farmer alone in the apple grove with nothing but her thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two ponies made their way through town and into the library. Hex saw the small purple dragon with a number of books in his claws. He gave him a friendly nod as he saw Twilight levitate a number of books over to her desk. The lavender mare smiled as she and the blue stallion took a seat.

“So what did you want to talk about?” Hex asked.

“I wanted to ask you how you’re able to perform illusions so easily. I’ve tried a few of those but they always fall apart at the end.” She said in a flat tone.

“Well, it’s my special talent.” He said as he pointed to his Cutie Mark which depicted an odd triangle. “Even when I was a colt I learned how to trick ponies with my magic.” He said with a grin.

“I see. So what do your parents do?” The stallion gritted his teeth at the question.

“My mother, unfortunately is no longer with us and my father and I aren’t speaking to one another.” The lavender mare cringed back at the answer.

“Oh....I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine. It happened a long time ago.”

“What did your mom do?” She asked.

“She was performer like me.” He said with a smile.

“Really?”

“Yeah, ever heard of Smokey Mirrors?” Twilight’s jaw dropped as she recalled the name.

“THE Smokey Mirrors? As in the most famous illusionist ever to come out of Canterlot?” She said with a surprised and excited look on her face.

“That’s mom.” He said with a smile. “I owe all my talent to her.” He said with a smile.

“Oh my gosh! She was only the greatest illusionist ever! She managed to hypnotize a manticore to tap dance! I was a huge fan when I was a filly.” She said with a smile.

“Yup, she was always a nice mare.” He said with a laugh. The lavender mare suddenly lowered her head in realization. “What’s wrong?”

“I remember when she died. I was pretty upset. I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through.”

“It’s fine Twilight. Like I said, it was a long time ago.” He said with a sigh. “Now I trust that you want to perform an illusion better?” The mare nodded. “It’s all about building up enough magic to make it last. To do that you need to call on a massive amount of magic at will.”

“Can you show me something?” She asked. The stallion’s horn flared and his body started to shift. The stallion’s back started to shift, his coat became white as the snow and his body started to shift and grow. A pair of wings sprouted from his back and his mane became long and seemed to blow in the breeze with a variety of colors. Twilight’s jaw dropped as a full copy of her mentor stood before her.

“No way.” She said in shock. The illusion then vanished revealing the dark blue stallion.

“Yup, you need to learn how to stretch your spells for a long period of time before you can cast illusions like that.”

“How do you do that?”

“Simple, levitate an object for as long as you can and then take it to the next level.” He said with a grin. The mare’s horn flared and she levitated a book in front of her. “Good now keep it going for as long as you can.” He said with a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back across town at Sweet Apple Acres Applejack was finishing up her daily chores when she saw a familiar white unicorn mare trotting towards her. “Howdy Rarity, what brings ya here?”

“Oh I was just in the neighborhood and I thought that I’d pop in and say hello.” She said in an innocent sounding voice.

“Well, that’s nice of ya. Now why are you really here?” The farmer asked in a flat tone.

“I saw the rest of your family getting on the train.”

“They’re going to help Braeburn with a barn raising down in Appaloosa.” The white mare’s face had an instant smile on it.

“So it’s just you and Hex then?” She cooed. The farmer felt her face flare up at the stallion’s name.

“Y-yeah, so?” The white mare glared at her friend for a moment and threw on a sly grin.

“What happened?”

“N-nothing!” Applejack said as she tried to lie.

“What have I told you about lying?” The orange mare pulled her hat over her head in shame. “I’m trying to help you dear. I can only do that if you let me.”

“Fine ah give in.” Applejack said with a sigh. “Yesterday while were sweeping up the barn ah fell off the loft and Hex caught me.”

“What else?” Rarity asked with a smile.

“After ah got to my hooves I...” The mare tried to find the words.

“You what?”

“I kissed him okay!” The white mare’s jaw dropped. “Ah don’t know why ah did it! It just happened!” The mare said as she slumped to the ground and lowered her head. “Nothing is making any sense anymore!” She said as she covered her head with her hooves. The white mare put a hoof on her back.

“There, there. There’s nothing to be ashamed of dear. You only acted on your heart’s desires. Who can blame you for that?” The mare then took a moment to look around. “By the way where is Hex anyway? I didn’t see him when I came up the road.”

“He’s with Twi down at the library doing some magic stuff.” She said in a flat tone.

“I see.” She said as she started to walk away.

“Wait Rarity, what do ah do?” The farmer asked in a pleading tone.

“Tell him how you feel before it’s too late.”

“Ah’m scared.” The farmer said in a nervous tone. “Ah’ve never felt this way before and ah don’t know what to do.”

“Just do what you do best dear.”

“What’s that?”

“Tell the truth.” Rarity said with a wink.

“Thanks Rarity. You may be fussy sometimes but, you sure are a good friend.” She said as the fashionista walked away from the farm. Applejack made her way back towards the house to see that Hex’s carriage door was open. The mare weighed her options and went inside. She made her way through the large interior and eyed the stallion’s bed. The mare walked over to it and laid on it just for a second.

“Wow, no wonder he likes this thing so much.” She said with a yawn. The mare felt the day’s activities take it’s toll and she felt her eye lids become heavy. As the mare slipped into sleep she didn’t notice the bright blue crystal levitating beside her. The gem started to glow red and the door to the carriage closed shut.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the library Hex stood at the top of the stairs with an impatient look on his face.

“C’mon Twilight, I told you that I’d be fine.”

“But what if I can’t-”

“You have my full confidence.” He said with a smile. The lavender mare took a deep breath and let out a sigh.

“Okay. I’m ready.” The mare’s horn glowed and she levitated the stallion off the stairs and over the center of the room. Beads of sweat were starting to form on the mare’s forehead as she concentrated.

“C’mon Twilight. You can do it!” Hex said encouraging her. The mare’s horn glowed brighter to keep him suspended. The door suddenly opened to reveal the white Unicorn mare.

“Hello, everypony~” She said in a sing song voice. The sudden outburst mad the lavender mare lose her concentration and Hex fell on top of Twilight. Twilight opened her eyes to see that the stallion was right above looking down at her. The lavender mare felt a blush creep across her face.

“Sorry about that Twilight.” Hex said as he got to his hooves and helped the blushing mare up.

“It’s fine.” She said with a gulp.

“Am I interrupting something?” Rarity asked.

“Just some magic practice.” Twilight answered. The mare then looked at the clock and her eyes shrank. “Oh my gosh! I’m gonna be late for my train and I don’t have a thing packed yet!” She panicked.

“Um Twilight.” The dragon said as he lifted up her saddle bags fully packed.

“Thanks Spike. Let’s get going.” She then turned towards the blue stallion. “Sorry Hex but I gotta go.”

“Don’t sweat it.” Hex said with a grin. “I’ll show you more when you come back okay?”

“Sounds good. C’mon Spike.” She said as she trotted out the door.

“We’ll walk you to the train station.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Okay.” Twilight said with a smile. Hex left the library along with the two mares and headed towards the train station. Hex and Spike hung back while the mares whispered to one another.

“So Twilight, what was Hex teaching you?”

“Oh, he was giving me some pointers on illusions.” She said with a smile.

“What about when I walked in?” She asked as she cocked an eyebrow. The lavender mare’s cheeks turned crimson.

“I lost my concentration and he fell on top of me.” She said as she tried to hide the blush.

“Twilight, be honest with me. Do you like Hex?” Rarity said praying that she’d say no.

“No....yes....I don’t know!” The mare said as her cheeks grew redder. “He’s nice, funny and very skilled in magic.” Twilight said with a sigh. “Promise you won’t tell anyone?” The white mare gulped as the thought of a heart broken Applejack ran through her mind.

“O-of course dear.” Rarity said as she made the Pinkie Promise movements.

“Thanks. I just need to figure some things out. I’ll know for sure once I come back in a few days.” She said as she and the dragon got on the train car. The other two Unicorns waved goodbye as the train pulled out of the station. Once the train was out of eye sight the fashionista and illusionist mad their way back into town.

“So Hex, how do you like working with Applejack?” The mare’s name made the blue stallion blush.

“It’s okay for the most part.”

“Your face says otherwise.” Rarity commented with a giggle. “What’s your over all opinion of Applejack?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Just humor me.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“Well, I consider her a super hard worker, nice, a little head strong and not to mention ho-” He shut his mouth before the words left his lips.

“What was that last one?”

“N-nothing.”

“Out with it!” She yelled.

“Promise not to tell her?” Rarity made the lip sealing movement across her lips. “I..I like her okay.” He said with a gulp. The white mare giggled in delight.

“Oh that’s just wonderful!” She squealed.

“Yeah, but I’m nervous. My last relationship ended in disaster and I don’t want to go through that again.”

“How long ago did this happen?” Rarity asked.

“What day is today?”

“Today is Tuesday.”

“Oh, then it happened fourteen months ago.”

“WHAT? Over a year?” Rarity exclaimed.

“Yup. I needed a break away from the dating life and focus on my magic.” He said in a flat tone.

“I see. Well, if you don’t mind me asking what went wrong?” Rarity asked. The dark blue stallion let out a sigh.

“Aside from her constant boasting, I caught her in bed with another stallion.” The white mare put a hoof to her lip in shock.

“Oh I’m so sorry dear.” She said in a low tone.

“Not your fault. I just.....She hurt me and I don’t want to get hurt like that again.” Rarity gulped as the mare entered her boutique. The walk back to orchard went fairly quickly after Rarity had left. As the stallion trotted up to his carriage he noticed that the lights were on inside. Hex raised an eyebrow as he entered his mobile home. He flicked the lights on and entered his room. His eyes shrank as he saw a familiar brown Stetson laying on his bed.

As he drew closer he saw the hat starting to move. His jaw dropped as he saw a small orange filly, no bigger than Applebloom with a golden mane and tail sleeping soundly on his bed.

“Uh oh.”

Author's Note

Sorry, couldn't find a pic of Filly AJ sleeping.

Chapter 4: Second Foalhood

Chapter 4

Second Foal hood

The sudden feeling of the hat being moved stirred the filly. Applejack let out a yawn and realized where she was and who she was looking at. Her face instantly turned crimson at the sight of the stallion.

“Oh howdy there Hex. Ah was just-” She stopped as she heard her own voice. “What in tarnation is wrong with my voice?” She yelled.

“It’s not just your voice AJ.” Hex said with a gulp.

“What?” The stallion summoned a mirror and hesitantly showed the orange filly. Applejack’s eye twitched and screamed in shock.

“What in the name of Celestia did you do to me?” She yelled.

“Nothing! I swear! I just walked in and found you like this.” He said as the filly hopped off the bed and glared at the stallion. “How did you even get in here?”

“The door was open and I came inside.”

“But, I could have sworn that I locked......Oh no.” He said as he face hoofed. “Is this your idea of a prank?” He said as he looked towards the ceiling.

“Who are you talking to?” Applejack asked. The shining blue crystal popped up in front of the two ponies.

“You think this is funny?” He asked as he glared at the gem. The bright blue gem turned pink. “Okay it’s a little funny.” The orange filly frowned at the stallion. “Regardless, change her back!”

“What the hay is going on?” The filly asked in a confused tone.

“My carriage decided to have a little fun with you while you were taking a nap.”

“A little fun? Oh real funny.” She said in a rough, sarcastic tone.

“It’s only temporary. It should wear off by tomorrow afternoon.” He said as the gem vanished. The filly tried to put her hat on her head, but found it to be too big and slid over her eyes.

Daww!

“So what do we do?” Applejack asked.

“We wait until the spell wears off.” Hex said as he levitated a pots and pans onto the stove. “Hungry?”

“NO!” She yelled. He body betrayed her as a loud growl came from her stomach. The filly let out a sigh and followed the stallion into the kitchen. The filly tried to lift herself up. The filly blushed in embarrassment. Hex chuckled as his horn glowed and levitated the filly onto the chair with a pile of books underneath her so she sat at the table level. The blue stallion couldn’t keep a straight face as the filly pouted. “Wipe that grin off yer face before ah do it for you.” She said trying to sound threatening.

“Oh, but you look so adorable.” He said in a baby sounding voice.

“Ah mean it!” She yelled.

“Okay, okay. Sorry. Soups on.” He said as he set a bowl of soup in front of her. The filly picked up the spoon and ate in silence.

“So where did you get this thing anyway?” The filly asked as Hex washed the dishes.

“I found it.” He said in a flat tone.

“Really?”

“Well, more of found, borrowed and never returned it.” He said with a sigh. “The filly’s eyes shrank.

“You stole it!”

“I had to. Something bad was going to happen to it if I didn’t.” He countered.

“Like what?”

“It would have been sold or collecting dust in museum.” He said with a groan. “I couldn’t let that happen it was too.....unique.” He said with a sigh.

“You still broke the law!”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” He said under his breath. “Still, have you ever had one of those moments that you did something and you don’t know why?” The filly’s cheeks blushed as she remembered the kiss from yesterday.

“Y-yeah.”

“Kinda like that. Something was just screaming at me to take her.”

“Her?”

“Yes, the carriage is a her.” He said with a grin. “She’s always been there for me and I her.”

“Not sure if that’s either sweet or sad.” AJ said in a low tone.

“Hey when you’re on the road most of the time you don’t have a lot of time to make friends.”

“Don’t you get lonely?” She asked.

“Sometimes.” He said in a flat tone. “But enough about that, time for bed.”

“Say what now?” She said with a confused look on her face.

“You may have the mind of a mare but you certainly have a body of a filly and you need your rest.” He teased. The filly was about to run but found that she was wrapped in a light blue aura. The filly struggled as she was levitated up and placed on the stallion’s back. The filly was annoyed at her small and helplessness body. As they passed a mirror The filly saw her small body.

The orange filly felt tears form in her eyes. Applejack started to sniffle as the tears started to flow. Hex felt some wetness form on the back of his neck. He looked back and saw the farmer crying.

“Hey, I’m sorry for the teasing. I won’t do it anymore, I promise.”

“It ain’t that.” She said with a sigh.

“Come on, what’s wrong?” He asked in a concerned tone.

“The last time ah was this small. My Ma and Pa were still around.” She said as she wiped the tears away. The stallion stopped walking and let out a sigh.

“Want to talk about it?” He asked.

“Not much to talk about.” She said with a sniffle.

“Applejack. You can tell me. I may not look it but, I’m an understanding guy. Plus, I think I know what you’re going through.”

“Oh yeah? Were your parent’s killed by a pack of Timber Wolves?” She spat out as the tears flowed.

“No, but my mother died in my hooves.” He said in a flat tone. The orange filly looked at him in astonishment. “Let me show you something.” He said as he changed direction and walked into the library. The two stopped in front of a golden edged portrait with a dark blue unicorn stallion with deep red eyes and a long grey beard.

“He looks just like the guy Twilight dressed up for Nightmare Night. Star something.” She said as she tried to think.

“Star Swirl the Bearded.” He finished.

“Yeah, he was some famous Unicorn.”

“Not just famous, the greatest Unicorn that ever lived.” He said with a sigh. “He’s also my ancestor.” The filly looked at him in shock.

“Twi never mentioned that he had kids.”

“On official record he didn’t. You see, Star Swirl knew that if his enemies found out that he had a family then they’d stop at nothing to get to him through them. So he raised them in secret. Then they had kids, then they did, and so on and so on until you get to me.” He said with a grin.

“Why don’t you tell ponies this?”

“How do you think Twilight would react if she finds out that I’m the descendant of her idol?” The orange filly thought for a moment.

“Good point.” She said in a flat tone. The stallion started to make his way back towards the main room when he heard the filly yawn.

“I’m sorry about this.” Hex said as he hung his head.

“About what?”

“Turning you into a filly.” He said in a flat tone.

“Oh, it’s not so bad. On the bright side. I get a second foal hood.” She said with a small smile.

“What I’d give to have just one.” He said in a joking manner. The filly then tugged on his mane. “Ow!”

“Why did you just say that?” She yelled.

“I was ten when my mom died and my dad wasn’t much of one.” He said in a cold tone. The filly gasped. “I left and I’ve on my own ever since.” He said in a low tone. The orange filly tightened her grip on his mane.

“Sorry to hear that sugar cube.” She said in a low voice.

“It’s alright.” He said as he put the filly on a bed. “Hopefully by tomorrow you’ll be back to your adult self.” He said with a smile. As the stallion trotted away the filly gave him a hopeful smile. The blue stallion returned the gesture and switched the light off. “Goodnight.”

“Night.” She said with a smile. Hex closed the door and made his way back to his own room. The stallion laid down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He felt his energy slipping and he let sleep take him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight was sitting in her room in Canterlot castle trying to focus on her studies, but the thought of the blue stallion kept creeping back into her mind. The mare let out a groan and stared up at the ceiling.

Do I really like Hex like that?

Why not? He’s smart, funny, not to mention cute.

True and he did say he liked smart mares. She thought to herself.

Maybe Cadence has some advise. The lavender mare walked out of her room and down the hallway towards her brother’s room. She knocked on it three times and waited. The door opened to reveal the light pink Alicorn.

“Hey Twilight. What’s up?”

“Is my brother here?” She asked.

“No, I think he’s doing his rounds. I can call him if you-”

“I need to talk to you about something and I’d prefer if Shining didn’t know about it.” She said with a smile. The Alicorn looked at her sister in law in confusion as she levitated a hot pot of tea and poured them each a cup.

“So what’s this about Twilight.”

“It’a about...” The mare started as she blushed. “A stallion.” The pink mare giggled in delight.

“Oh my gosh! My little Twiley finally has a crush on somepony!” She squealed. “Now I see why you didn’t want your brother in here.” She said with a laugh.

“Yeah, I haven’t known him for very long. He’s really nice and very talented in magic.”

“He must be impressive if he’s impressed you with magic.” Cadence said as she sipped her tea.

“Yeah, his mom was Smokey Mirrors.” The pink Alicorn spat her tea out in surprise.

“As in the famous illusionist?” Twilight nodded in excitement. “I didn’t know she had a son!”

“Neither did I. I’m assuming that she didn’t want him to be swarmed by the paparazzi.” She said with a shrug. “By the way, do you remember how she died?”

“Can’t say I do. It was almost ten years ago. I can check later.” Cadence said as she scratched her chin. “Enough of that now, tell me why you like him!”

“Well, when he was training me how to make my magic last longer by doing levitation spells.” The pink mare nodded. “When I used him to practice with I lost my concentration.” She said as the lavender mare started to blush. “When that happened, he landed on top of me.”

“Oh that is so cute!” Cadence said with a smile.

“Yeah, I think I like him but I’m not sure how he feels.”

“Trust me Twilight. When it comes to love, it’s all a big gamble.” She said with a smile. “It’s also a battle. Alls fair when love is war.” She said with a smile.

“So....what do I do?” Twilight asked as she sipped her cup.

“Sit back sis, and I’ll teach you my ways.” The Alicorn said with a warm smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the blue stallion opened his eyes he was met with a wall of orange fur. The stallion sat up and saw the small orange filly curled up in a ball. The stallion gulped and quickly got to his hooves. He smiled as he saw the sleeping filly.

Daww. So cute! He thought as he left the room and started to cook breakfast. His ear twitched and he noticed that the orange filly yawning in the doorway.

“Morning.”

“Howdy, what are ya cooking?” She asked.

“Just some eggs. Want some?” The filly nodded her head and smiled. The stallion resumed cooking the food. As he served them on a plate he heard a knock on his door. The stallion looked outside to see Rainbow Dash and Storm Chaser with smiles on their faces.

“Sup dude?” Dash asked.

“J-just having breakfast.” He said as he motioned for the filly to hide.

“Have you seen Applejack?” Storm asked.

“Nope.” He lied.

“Mind if we come in?” The stallion asked.

“Um-” He was cut off as the cyan mare forced her way inside. The stallion gulped as he saw the small filly hide in the other room. The white stallion then noticed the second plate on the table.

“Hey Hex, who else is here?”

“N-no one.”

“Then why do you have two plates set?” Storm said as he looked at the stallion.

“I-I always do that incase of an unexpected guest comes.” He said with a gulp. “Did you two need something?”

“We were wondering where Applejack is.” Dash answered.

“Why would she be here?” He asked in a nervous tone.

“Oh maybe because you have the hots for her.” Hex immediately blushed and prayed the filly didn’t hear that. Applejack felt her heart skip a beat at the words.

He likes me?

“Um....I...” He said as he tried to hide his blush.

“Dude relax. AJ is a cool mare.” Storm said with a smile. The ponies then heard a crash come from the other room. “What was that?”

“Nothing! Just-” Before the words left his lips the cyan mare zoomed into the back room and let out a cry of pure laughter. “Oh crap.” Storm cocked an eyebrow as he heard a familiar southern accent.

“Put me down this instant Dash! Ah mean it!” Rainbow came out holding an orange filly by her tail. Storm’s jaw dropped as he saw the small filly.

“Oh man this is too rich!” Dash said as she barreled over clutching her sides. Storm looked at Hex who had a guilty grin on his face.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing. My carriage pulled a prank on her.”

“And it turned her into a filly?” Storm asked.

“Yeah.” Dash perked up.

“Wait, how can your carriage use age spells?” Dash asked.

“Right, one thing I forgot to mention. This carriage has a mind of her own and is able to use high level magic.” He said with a small smile.

“How?” Storm asked.

“It’s magic. It’s.....hard to explain even I don’t know how it works.” He said as the blue crystal floated in front of him. “The spell will wear off soon and she’ll be back to normal.”

“This is still so hilarious! Can’t wait to tell Twilight when she-”

“No. You’re not going to tell anypony about this. Are we clear?” He said in a rough tone.

“Or what?” Dash asked. The blue crystal then shot out a beam at the two Pegasi. Once the smoke cleared Hex and Applejack were fighting to hold back their laughter.

“Good girl.” Hex said to the crystal.

“What happened?” A masculine voice said. The orange filly couldn’t contain it any longer and keeled over laughing as she saw a cyan stallion with a rainbow mane and a white Pegasus mare with a fire like mane. “Ah! What did you do to me?” The stallion yelled.

“Gender swap spell.” Hex clarified. “Simple, but effective.” The snow white mare looked at himself in the mirror. “May I introduce, Rainbow Blitz and Storm Dancer.” He said with a laugh.

“Fix this now!” Storm yelled.

“That depends on your cooperation and if you agree keep this little incident between us.” Hex said as he summoned a camera and took a few snapshots.

“What was that for?” Dash asked in a deep voice.

“Insurance. Should you ever talk about this I’ll have something to keep both your mouths shut.”

“THIS IS BLACKMAIL!” Storm yelled in a high pitched voice.

“Yes, yes it is. Do we have a deal?” He asked as he made the camera vanish.

“Yes, fine just get us back to-” The white mare was cut off at the cyan stallion raised a hoof.

“Not just yet. I just got an idea.” Dash said as she waggled her eyebrows at the white mare.

“What are you.....NO! No way in hell Dash.” Storm said with a blush.

“What? You look cute as a mare.” Rainbow said as the white mare blushed. “Please?”

“NO!” He yelled.

“Now you know how I feel Stormy.” The cyan stallion said in an annoyed tone. Hex face hoofed. “What about the time I let you-” The white mare covered the stallion’s mouth with her hoof.

“Whoa! We swore that we’d never talk about that again!” The white Pegasus said with a bright blush.

“Yeah and you owe me BIG TIME! Now it’s time to pay up.” The light blue stallion said in a stern tone. Storm gulped and looked at Hex who had a look of pure confusion on his face.

“How long does this spell last?”

“An hour, two at the most.” Hex said. Storm looked at the cyan stallion who had an eyebrow cocked.

“F-fine. Just please don’t tell anyone.”

“Of course not dear.” Dash said with an evil grin on his face. “C’mon pretty boy, let’s see how well you work those moves on a pole.” Dash said with a smile.

“Luna give me strength.” He said as the cyan stallion scooped him up and flew towards their home. Hex and Applejack stood there motionless and exchanged looks of confusion.

“What did Dash mean by-”

“I don’t even want to know.” Hex said as a shiver ran through his body.

“Ah wasn’t talking about whatever they had planned.” The blue stallion looked at the filly in surprise. He saw a shade of red cross over her cheeks. “What did she mean by you liking me?” Now it was Hex’s turn to blush.

“Um....I prefer not to have this conversation while you’re a filly. It’s kind of creepy and-” He was cut off as the filly’s body started to shake and shift. The farmer’s body started to revert back to her original form. Once Applejack was her normal size the blue stallion blushed heavily.

“You were saying?” The farmer asked as she looked at the stallion. Hex couldn’t avoid it any longer and let out a sigh.

“I....I like you AJ. I really do. You’re smart, funny, not to mention beautiful.” The farmer blushed heavily at the stallion’s words. “It’s just that.....The last mare I got close too hurt me in a big way and I’m having trouble accepting those feelings again.” He said in a guilty tone. “I’m not saying that you’d do that to me it’s just-” He was cut off as the mare wrapped her hooves around him and pressed her lips against his. The stallion closed his eyes and took in her intoxicating scent of apples and cinnamon. The mare broke the embrace and smiled at the stallion.

“Ah understand completely sugar cube. This is the first time ah’ve cared about a stallion like this and ah want to take it slow.” She said with a smile.

“I-I’d like that.” Hex said with a smile. The farmer kissed him again and smiled.

“C’mon lover boy. We gotta get to work.” She said with a smile. Hex levitated his and her hat over to them and the two trotted out the door into the town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight Sparkle got off the train accompanied by her dragon assistant. The two made their way off the platform and back into the town of Ponyville. As the lavender mare made her way into town her thoughts were filled with possible ways to confess her feelings for the blue stallion. She walked inside Sugar Cube Corner to see Rarity and Pinkie crowding around Applejack and the magician. Twilight felt her face flare up as she looked at the smiling Hex. Pinkie than ran up toe Twilight with a massive smile on her face.

“Twilight did you hear the news?” Pinkie asked as she hopped in place.

“What news?”

“Hex and Applejack are going out!” The pink mare said in excitement. The lavender mare felt crushed at the words. Her face was that of sorrow and regret. “You okay Twilight?” Pinkie asked.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.” She said as she held back the tears. As the mare trotted away Rarity walked over and let out a sigh.

“How are you feeling dear?” She asked.

“I’m...fine.” She said as she hung her head low.

“Twilight.” Rarity said in a flat tone.

“What am I supposed to say Rarity?” Twilight said in a condescending tone.

“I’m sorry Twilight.”

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault, I was just too slow.” She said in a guilty tone. The white mare gave he friend a reassuring pat on the back before leaving to rejoin the group.

“Ah Twilight. How was Canterlot?” Hex said with a smile.

“It was.....good.” She said with a forced smile. The group of ponies then turned their attention to two unicorn colts. One was tall and mustard yellow while the other one was stockier and was swamp green.

“Help!” They both yelled.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked. “Don’t tell me you two dragged another Ursa into town.” She said in a flat tone.

“No, we were just exploring by the bog when-” The tall colt was cut off as the town heard a deafening roar come from the outskirts of town. The group of ponies all hurried out of the bakery to see a massive four headed lizard approaching the town.

“HYDRA!” Pinkie yelled.

Chapter 5: The Crow

Chapter 5

The Crow

The entire town was in a state of pure panic. Twilight and the others rushed towards the edge of town to see Fluttershy already there.

“Oh thank Celestia! Fluttershy can you stop this thing?” Twilight yelled.

“I-I don’t know.” She said in a timid tone.

“Fluttershy, the entire town is going to be destroyed if you don’t do something!” Twilight said in a worried voice. The yellow mare gulped and flew up to the giant four headed beast.

“Um...excuse me Mr. Hydra.” The four heads looked at the yellow mare in confusion. “I was just wondering if you could please go home and not destroy our small town. That would be very much appreciated.” She said with a gulp. The large beast then smacked the yellow mare with it’s tail and let out a large roar. Fluttershy felt herself being thrown through the air, but came to an abrupt stop as she was caught by a familiar white Pegasus stallion. As he landed with the mare in his hooves, the cyan mare landed beside him. The ponies looked at the white stallion who was in a french maid outfit.

“What in the name of Celestia is going on?” Storm yelled.

“I think I can ask you the very same thing.” Rarity said as she pointed to the stallion.

“I’m still wearing the outfit aren’t I?” He asked in a flat tone.

“Yup.”

“And the spell wore off.” He dead panned.

“Yeah.” Dash said with a small smile. The stallion tore off the dress and looked at the unconscious mare before him.

“Twilight, you get Fluttershy to the hospital. We’ll buy you some time.” Storm said as he and Dash took flight and started to fly around the Hydra’s heads. Twilight nodded and teleported herself and the mare away from the oncoming fight. The two pegasi took flight and started to fly around the four serpent heads. The heads started to bite at the two ponies. One of the heads roared and spewed out a collection of swamp water at the two Pegasi.

The torrent of water sent the two pegasi flying towards a building. Hex created a giant magical pillow to cushion their fall. The ponies hurried over to the two wounded pegasi and helped them to their hooves.

“Dude that’s gross.” Dash said as she coughed up some water. Hex bit his lip thinking what to do.

“Can either of you still fly?” Hex asked.

“I think I can.” Storm said as he cracked his neck.

“Good, I need to get all four heads to look at me.” The ponies looked at him in confusion. “Can you do that?” He asked.

“That’s suicide!” Dash yelled.

“If we don’t do something fast then that thing is going to eat the entire town! You got any better ideas?” He yelled as he looked at the ponies. “Good, I’ll be right back.” He said as his horn flared and he vanished in a flash of light. The ponies gulped in worry at the plan. The stallion then returned to them wearing his hat, cape and a familiar pendant. The mare’s eyes shrank as they looked at the jewelry.

“Is that what I think it is?” Dash said in a stuttering tone.

“Storm now!” Hex yelled. The white stallion picked the blue unicorn up and flew him towards the Hydra. The blue stallion teleported on top of one of the Hydra’s heads as his horn glowed. The blue stallion punched one of the heads and jumped off the head. He pulled a dark purple aura from the beasts’s head as he teleported on top of a cloud.

The white stallion nodded at the magician and flew around the Hydra’s heads a few times before an unforeseen force threw a large tree at the beast. Hex let out a high pitched whistle signaling the white stallion to get away. Storm complied and rejoined the other ponies in the town. Hex took a deep breath and felt a red warm substance form around his right eye. As he opened his eyes he felt a rush of pain flow to them. His horn flared and the Hydra froze in place.

Hydra’s POV.

The massive beast saw a small blue speck on a cloud and roared in anger. As it took another step forward the beast froze as it felt the stallion’s gaze on them. The hydra looked at the stallion and saw that his eyes shifted to a blood red color. The Hydra felt that something was wrong, it started to shiver in fear. A massive crow with dark blue feathers came from behind the stallion. The crow spread it’s wings and let out a loud caw. The bird was easily three times bigger than the hydra and shared the pony’s blood red eyes.

The crow flew towards the Hydra with it’s beak open hoping to catch an afternoon snack. The Hydra screamed in pure fear and it retreated away from the town. One of the heads looked back to see the crow gaining on them. The other three joined and screamed in pure fear. The crow stopped as the hydra’s footing slipped. The heads looked ahead to see that it was falling into a ravine. The beast gave one final cry before it was swallowed up by the earth.

Hex’s POV.

The blue stallion watched and saw that his spell had worked. The hydra was completely paralyzed in fear at the bird. The large beast took off running, far away from the stallion and the small town. Hex watched as his creation chased the hydra off a cliff edge. He let out a sigh as he canceled the spell. The stallion’s eyes returned to normal and his eyes had pools of blood in them. The blood stained tears ran down the side of his face as his vision started to blur and felt his hooves starting to give to his weight.

The stallion swayed and fell off the side of the white cloud. He could feel the wind rushing past him as he plummeted towards the ground. He felt his body come to a stop in mid fall and could make out the outline of the white Pegasus stallion. Storm lowered the exhausted blue stallion to the ground. The two were then surrounded by the other ponies with worried looks on their faces.

Hex slowly got to his hooves and started to pant. He removed the necklace and put it back in it’s box before making it vanish. A bright purple light then flashed revealing the lavender mare.

“I’m back!” Twilight said as she hurried over to her friends. “Where’s the hydra?” She asked as she looked around.

“Gone.” Hex said as he caught his breath.

“THAT WAS SO AWESOME!” Dash yelled. “How did you make that massive bird?”

“Illusion.” He said with a pant. “How’s Fluttershy?” He asked as she looked at Twilight.

“She’s fine. Knocked out, but fine.” She said as the ponies exhaled. “Wait, massive bird?”

“Hex made a humongous crow and chased the beast off the edge of a cliff.” Rarity said with a smile. “By the way darling, why a crow?”

“Hydra’s are part snake so they’re naturally afraid of things like that.” He said as he stumbled.

“You okay sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“I’ll be fine. Just get me to my carriage.” He said as he stumbled. The orange mare grabbed the blue stallion and set him on her back. Hex blushed in embarrassment at the situation

“C’mon. Ah don’t want you breaking before ah get a chance to play with ya.” She said with a smile.

“You do realize you said that out loud right?” Hex said as he looked at his mare friend. The orange mare blushed violently and gulped as she looked at her other friends who all snickered. The lavender mare’s face blushed and lowered her head.

“Um....never mind.” She said as she galloped off towards the farm with the ponies in hot pursuit. As the mares entered the carriage they gasped as they saw the bright blue crystal appear in front of them.

“So what exactly did you do it?” Twilight asked.

“I will be happy to answer any and all questions after I take a nap. I used a lot of magic for that stunt and I have to rest.” He said with a sigh.

“Got it.” Twilight said with a nod. The orange mare trotted into the blue stallion’s room and laid him on the bed.

“Thanks AJ.”

“Don’t mention it partner. Course, you owe me a date.” She said with a smile.

“Looking forward to it.” He said as he yawned and slipped into sleep. As the orange mare stepped outside the carriage she saw the other ponies waiting for her.

“Wow AJ. You sure know how to pick em.” Dash said with a smile.

“Yeah, ah guess ah do.” She said with a blush. Twilight was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood as she smothered her disappointment. Her gaze then shifted to the blue cart and something clicked inside her mind. “Something on your mind Twilight?”

“N-no. Nothing. I just need to check something.” She said as she galloped away from the group. The ponies shrugged and departed.

“Well now that that’s over with. We can get down to a very important matter that needs discussing.” Rarity said in a serious voice.

“What’s that?” Pinkie asked. The white mare then turned her attention to the white stallion and cyan mare.

“Why in the name of Celestia were you in a dress?” Rarity said in a flustered tone.

“Oh....about that.” Storm said with a gulp.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A small dark blue colt was running through a forest with blood streaming down his face. The stallion came across a crushed cart and a bleeding light blue Unicorn mare laying beside it. Hex rushed over towards her and nudged her shoulder.

“Mom?”

“H-Hex?” She said as she coughed up some blood.

“We have to get out of here!” He said as he tugged at her hoof.

“I’m sorry honey. But you’re going to have to be a big colt now.” She said as she touched his cheek with a weak hoof.

“What?” He said as tears formed in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry dear.” She said as a massive shadow covered the two.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex woke up in a cold sweat and was panting heavily. He walked over to the restroom and splashed cold water in his face.

Calm down it was only a dream. It happened a long time ago.

It’ll only happen again. You know the risks of using that spell.

I had no choice the hydra was going to destroy the whole town if I didn’t do something. The stallion looked out the window and saw that the sun was starting to go down. Hex put on his hat and cape as he walked out of his carriage. The blue stallion trotted down the road to see Applejack with a barrel of apples on her back.

“Hey there you. Ya feel better?” She asked.

“Now that I’ve seen you.” He said with a grin. Applejack started to laugh at the comment.

“That was corny’r than a farmers market.” She said with a laugh.

“Yeah, not one of my best ones.” He said as he scratched the back of his neck. The mare trotted over to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Do you wanna do something?”

“Sure, let me just put these apples in the barn then we’ll leave.” She said with a smile. The stallion waited outside the barn for the mare. He tapped his hoof in the soil looking out at the vast orchard that laid before him. He squinted and saw a shadowy pony glaring at him with bright red eyes.

“Why don’t you just leave me alone?” He said to the figure.

“What was that?” Hex turned to see the orange farmer with a confused look on her face.

“Oh not you AJ.” He said with a weak grin.

“Who were you talking to then?”

“No one.” He said with a gulp. The mare cocked an eyebrow at the stallion. “So where do you want to go?”

“Sugar Cube Corner ah guess.” She said with a shrug.

“Sounds good to me.” He said as the two made their way into the small town. The blue stallion noticed that quite a few ponies were staring at them. The two trotted into the bakery and grabbed a table. The two were then approached by the bouncy pink mare.

“Hey guys! How are you feeling Hex?”

“Better. I was just tired.” He said with a smile.

“Well, tonights order is on the house.”

“Ya don’t have to do that Pinkie.” Applejack said with a smile.

“It’s the least I can do for you saving the town.” She said with a smile.

“Well....okay. Just this once though.” Hex said with a sigh. The couple looked at the menu’s. The two were then joined by the other four mares and the white stallion. “Hey guys.”

“How you feeling?” Storm asked.

“Fine for now.” He said with a smile. Twilight then trotted forward and cleared her throat.

“Mind if I ask you what you did?”

“I managed to invade the Hydra’s mind and make it’s worse fear come to life, which in this case was a massive crow.” He said as he sipped his water.

“But how? That’s magic on a whole other level. There’s no way a class six Unicorn could pull something like that off.” Twilight protested.

“True, unless you have a powerful amulet like I do.” The ponies looked at him in confusion. Hex’s horn glowed and summoned the necklace. The ponies cringed back at the object.

“THE ALICORN AMULET! RUN!” Pinkie yelled.

“I take it you’ve seen something like this before then.” He said as he held it in his hoof.

“Oh yeah. We’ve got experience with that thing.” Dash said with a grumble.

“How did you get that?” Twilight asked.

“This isn’t the Alicorn Amulet.” He said as he looked at the necklace.

“Then what is it?” The lavender mare asked.

“Well, it kind of is but it isn’t.” He said as he scratched his mane.

“What?”

“Do you know the history of the Alicorn Amulet?” He asked. The ponies shook their heads. “Not many ponies do.” He said as he sat back in his seat. “Over nine hundred years ago Starswirl the Bearded toiled away in his studies to create an amulet to amplify a Unicorn’s power.” He said in a flat tone.

“Are you telling me that Starswirl the Bearded created the Alicorn Amulet?” Twilight yelled. Hex nodded. “Starswirl would never create something so horrible!” Twilight said in a defensive tone.

“That wasn’t Starswirl’s doing.” He said as he held up a hoof. “Before he completed it the amulet was taken from him by a dark Unicorn mage. The mage twisted the Alicorn Amulet to pollute the users mind and turn them evil.” He as he looked at the group of shocked ponies. “After retrieving the Amulet Starswirl knew that he needed a trump card. Something to stop the Alicorn Amulet should it fall into the wrong hooves. That’s where this came from.” He said as he held up the pendant.

“So what is that thing?” Dash asked.

“Consider it Starswirl’s legacy and the Alicorn Amulet’s successor.” He said with a smile. “This amulet has the same capabilities of the Alicorn Amulet. You’ve seen the results.” The ponies remembered the massive bird that appeared.

“Hang on a second.” The group then turned towards Twilight. “There’s always a price to pay for using that amount of magic.”

“Correct. While it grant’s you incredible power and the user’s mind is left untouched their body is taxed heavily.” He said as he let out a sigh. “It’s unavoidable and the pain is only increased by prolonged use.”

“Couldn’t somepony just steal it and use it for evil?” Storm asked.

“Good question Storm, and the answer is no.” The ponies looked at him in confusion. “Starswirl knew that others would seek it out and try to use it for unspeakable purposes. With that in mind he put two enchantments on it.” He lavender mare leaned her head in eager to learn the secrets of her idol. “The first being that only he could use it and the second is that the amulet would judge the user’s heart and reason for calling upon it’s power. If the Amulet deems the user worthy then the power is granted.”

“What happen’s if they’re not?” Dash asked.

“The they are destroyed by the amulet’s power.” The ponies all gulped at the words. Twilight then perked up in realization.

“Wait, you said only Starswirl could use it.” The stallion grinned at the mare. “If that’s true then how can....Impossible.” Twilight said as she connected the dots.

“Looks like you figured it out.” He said with a smile. “I’m Starswirl’s heir. Therefore I can use the Amulet.” The group fell silent and stared at the blue stallion. Twilight’s eyes were the size of pin tips as her mind searched through the countless books she’s read on the great Unicorn.

“But, he never had any children.” Twilight said in a panic filled tone.

“True, he never had any ‘official’ children. That doesn’t mean that he never had any.”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean?” Dash said in confusion.

“Let’s just say that he and Clover the Clever were a bit more than student and teacher.” Applejack was staring at the stallion looking for any signs that he might be lying to them. Twilight gulped and looked at her friend.

“He ain’t lying.” Applejack said with a nod. Twilight’s mind was blown as the stallion smiled.

“I’d also appreciate it if you kept this all to yourselves. The last thing I need is more publicity.” He said as he made the necklace vanish. The lavender mare wasn’t sure is she was staring at Hex in astonishment, admiration or if her emotions were getting the better of her. The lavender mare felt her cheeks turn red and quickly hid her face. “I realize that this is a lot to take in.” He said with a sigh.

“Okay that explains the amulet. What about the crow?” Rarity asked.

“That is an illusion technique.” The ponies then saw that Hex’s light purple eyes shifted to a blood red color. “Very advanced. I usually use this when I have to deal with unsavory characters.” He said as they shifted back to their original color. “I trick your subconscious into seeing what you fear the most and I don’t need the amulet to use it.”

“So why did you use it then?” Pinkie asked.

“Tricking one mind is a chore in itself, but four? I had no choice.”

“What are you talking about?” Dash asked.

“Each one of the Hydra’s heads had a mind of their own and I had to trick every single one of their senses in order to beat it. So if you do the math then I had to trick twenty senses at once.” He said in a flat tone. “I was just lucky enough that they all shared the same fear. A massive crow.”

“Can you use it now?” Dash asked.

“Yes, but I don’t see how-”

“Use it on me right now.” The ponies looked at her in confusion.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea Dash.” Hex said with a sigh.

“Why not? I want to face my fears.” The cyan mare said in a cocky tone.

“Look Dash, I have no idea what you would see and even if I used it on you then you’d most likely suffer from some sort of dementia.” The ponies looked at him in shock. “The damage caused by a foreign magical aura can cause permanent neural scarring.”

“Magical aura?” Dash asked.

“Each being a has a different magical energy, or ‘aura’ to them.” Twilight explained. “If the flow of one’s own aura is interrupted by an outside force then it can confuse the body.”

“Correct. My illusions are an example of just that.” He said as the ponies looked at him in shock. “I manage to insert a bit of my own magical energy into other living things and obscure their senses.”

“So? You used that sandwich thing on me the other day and I feel fine.” She protested.

“That’s because I was only tricking your mind to see something I wanted it to see.” He said as he let out a sigh. “Taking something from your mind and ripping it out causes severe damage to the individual’s mind and the resulting damage could leave you like a vegetable. Even if the Hydra didn’t run away the damage from ripping the 'crow' out would be enough to lobotomize one of the heads.”

The ponies gulped at the stallion’s words. “That’s why I don’t like using it and the Hydra didn’t give me a lot of options.” He said with a yawn. “Now if you don’t mind I’m still recovering from the amulet’s after effects. So I’ll say goodnight.”

As the blue stallion got to his hooves Twilight stood up and looked at the stallion.

“Do you mind if I come by tomorrow? Apparently there’s a lot more about Starswirl that I don’t know.” She asked as she blushed.

“Sure, I don’t mind. Provided you keep it under wraps.” Hex said with a smile. Twilight nodded in agreement trying to hide her blush. “See you guys later.” He said as he walked out of the bakery shop. The ponies looked at one another in shock.

“Anyone else really creeped out?” Dash asked. Fluttershy, Storm, Pinkie and Rarity all raised their hooves. “Oh come on guys!” Dash said as she glared at the orange and lavender ponies.

“So what if he’s different? He’s a good stallion. He saved the entire town for Celestia’s sake!” Applejack said in a defensive tone.

“I have to side with Applejack on this one.” Twilight commented. “He’s shown no reason to misuse that power of his and he obviously knows right from wrong. I mean he is Starswirl’s heir.”

“Yeah, but he’s not THE Starswirl.” Storm added. “Granted, Hex has my respect and gratitude for taking down that hydra, but he also could pose a serious threat to us all should he attack one of us.”

“So could Twilight!” Applejack said as the lavender mare stared at her. “No offense Twi, but you are the strongest Unicorn ah know. I know you would never do anything to hurt me or anypony we know, but sometimes I worry what will happen if ya go nuts.”

“It’s okay AJ and I see your point.” She then turned back to her friends. “Hex hasn’t shown any kind of aggressive behavior towards me or any of us.” She said in a flat tone. “He’s a good stallion and he knows how to control his magic.” She said with a sigh. The ponies looked at one another and groaned.

“Okay fine. I guess I got a bit carried away.” Dash said with a groan.

“Same here.” Pinkie added.

“Since Applejack approves of him, I suppose I can as well.” Rarity added. The other ponies nodded in agreement. Applejack smiled and let out a sigh.

“Thank y’all.” She said as she tipped her hat and went after the blue stallion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex laid in his carriage and tried to drift off to sleep. His mind was plagued by visions of the shadowy stallion. Hex shivered as he tossed and turned in his bed. As he tried to fall asleep he felt something soft yet firm lying next to him. He opened one eye to see an orange mare sleeping beside him. He smiled and wrapped his hooves around the farmer who smiled back at him. Applejack nuzzled her colt friend’s chest and fell asleep in his hooves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few miles away from the small town a familiar azure show mare with a white mane and blue hat with stars on it was making her way back to the place that she hates the most. The blue mare stumbled and let out a grunt of pain as she limped down the road. She pressed on in hope of finding some sort of shelter for the night. She crawled into a nearby tree and rested for what she faced tomorrow.

Chapter 6: Reunion

Chapter 6

Reunion

Hex and Twilight were inside his carriage library discussing Starswirl’s exploits on time manipulation. Twilight was having a wrestling match in her mind as the two talked.

He’s perfect!

He’s Applejack’s colt friend! Twilight protested.

You heard Cadence. Love is war and there are always casualties in war.

I will NOT betray one of my best friends for some stallion!

He’s perfect for you! He’s starswirl’s heir for Celestia’s sake.

JUST SHUT UP!

“Twilight?” The mare silenced her internal war and looked up to see the blue stallion looking at her with an eyebrow cocked. “Looked like you were spacing out for a moment there.”

“Sorry, I’m just a bit tired.” She said as she rubbed her eyes. The stallion looked at his pocket watch and blinked.

“No wonder we’ve been at it for three hours straight.” He then heard Twilight’s stomach growl. The lavender mare blushed as she let out a small laugh.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Lunch time is right around the corner anyway. Why don’t we take a break?” He said with a smile.

“That sounds nice.” The mare said as she got to her hooves. The two walked out of the library and into the main living area. The lavender mare sat down as Hex trotted over to the fridge. Desperate to break the silence Twilight tried to think of something to say. “So Hex, you and AJ are doing okay?”

“Yep we’re-” He was cut off as the door opened to reveal the orange farmer.

“Howdy y’all. How’s the studying going?” She asked with a smile.

“Good, we’re just taking a snack break. Want some?”

“Sure ah just got done with the South field.” She said as she sat down next to the lavender mare. “So what were you two talking about?”

“Nothing!” Twilight said with a blush.

“She was just wondering how we were holding up.” Hex said as he levitated a class of water over to them.

“Thanks for the concern Twi, but we’re doing just fine.” The farmer said with a smile.

“I know I’m just concerned this is your first hoof at this.” Twilight whispered to the farmer.

“Ah know. We’re taking things slow.” Applejack said getting annoyed. “Plus, from what you’ve told us you’ve never Had a colt friend either.”

“Now now, let’s not start arguing.” Hex said as he stepped between the mares. “Your concern is understandable Twilight, this isn’t my first relationship.” He said as he sat down with three bowls of salad. “I’ve made some mistakes. I’m not perfect, nobody is. But, I have no intention of hurting Applejack in anyway.” He said as he started to eat his food.

“I’m sorry.” Twilight said as she hung her head in shame. “ I was just concerned if one of your exes showed up and started trouble.”

Not to mention more competition.

SHUT UP! Twilight thought in frustration.

“Relax Twilight. If I see my ex again it’ll be too soon.” He said with a grunt. “That mare put me through hell, was constantly bragging and to top it off, she stole her catchphrase.” The mares looked at one another in confusion.

“Stole her catchphrase?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah and it didn’t even sound right. I mean, how good does The Great and Powerful Firefly sound anyway?” He said with a groan.

“Firefly?” They asked in unison.

“Yeah, she was a fire dancer.” He said as he cocked an eyebrow. The carriage door suddenly opened to reveal a familiar startled cyan mare.

“Twilight! We’ve got a problem!” She said as she flew up to the lavender mare.

“What’s wrong Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Just come on!” She said as she flew out the door. The three ponies chased after her. “Good thing you’re here too Hex we may need that amulet of yours.”

“Why?”

“You are the only one who can use it, duh!”

“I never said that.” He said as the mares looked at one another in shock. “There’s one other who can use it.”

“Who?” Twilight asked as they made it into town.

“My little sister.” The lavender mare was about to question him but soon saw a crowd of ponies close to a food store. As they made their way through the crowd Twilight saw a familiar azure mare in a hat and cape.

“P-please. Trixie does not want any trouble.” She said as a pony threw a rock at her. The mare guarded her face with her front left hoof. The magician soon fell to the ground face first.

“You’ve got some nerve coming back her after what you did!” Dash yelled as the crowd yelled in agreement. The ponies then let loose a barrage of thrown items. The blue mare closed her eyes and waited for the impact. After several seconds passed, she opened her eyes to see a dark blue stallion standing in front of her with his horn flaring. The blue stallion sent eh collection of items to the ground in front of the mob.

“H-Hex?” The blue mare said as he turned towards her. The mob of ponies looked at one another in confusion.

“You know this bitch?” Dash asked as she looked at the stallion. Hex slowly turned around as the ponies saw that his eyes were like daggers.

“Did you just call my sister a bitch?” The ponie's felt the gears in their heads stop as the words left the stallion's lips.

“SISTER?” The mob yelled in unison. The stallion looked back to see that the mare was slowly getting to her hooves. The blue stallion trotted over to her and wrapped her in a hug.

“It’s good to see you again Trix.” He said with a teary smile.

“Trixie is happy to see you as well.”

“Still haven’t kicked that habit eh?” He said with a chuckle. The blue mare gulped as she returned her attention to the mob. “I take it you know these ponies.”

“Damn right she does!” A mint green unicorn mare yelled. “She practically enslaved the town last time she was here!”

“Okay, that’s impossible.” He said as he faced the mob. “Trixie is nowhere near that powerful. Unless...” The stallion turned back to his sister and narrowed his gaze on the mare. “Trixie, you didn’t.” He said in a flat tone. The blue mare hung her head in shame. “You didn’t use the Alicorn Amulet did you?”

“She sure as hell did! She took over the whole town and banished Twilight!” A cream colored Earth pony mare added. Hex’s eyes shrank and looked at Trixie who had tears in her eyes.

“Damn it Trix! You know what that thing will do to you if you use it for too long.”

“I just....”

“What? What could possibly possess you use that?”

“I just wanted to be like you!” She said as the tears flowed. The blue stallion let out a sigh and looked at the mare.

“Trixie. It pains me to say this.” He said as he hung his head in shame. “I’m very disappointed in you.” He said with a sigh. The azure mare cried and held her head low. Hex walked over to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “However, I have to commend you on that illusion spell.” The mare looked at him with worry. “You managed to fool me for five minutes. That is a feat in itself. Glad to see that you’re still the sister I know.” He said as he put his hoof on her head. Trixie felt her legs give out from exhaustion. Hex caught the mare and helped her stand up. “C’mon let’s get you back to my carriage.”

“Ugh, you still go around in that thing?” She said as she let out a heavy sigh. The stallion looked back to hear the sound of somepony cracking their hooves.

“What make you think that you’re going anywhere?” A grey Pegasus stallion said as he stepped forward.

“I have no intention of hurting you. I suggest you do the smart thing and stand aside.” Hex said as his eyes shifted to a blood red color. The six mares gulped at his eyes.

“I don’t care who you are that bitch is going to-” He was cut off as the blue stallion rushed forward and slammed his hoof down on the Pegasus’s head sending his jaw into the ground. The crowd let out a gasp and stared at the stallion.

“Call her that one more time!” Hex yelled in anger. He glared back at the ponies who all gulped in fear. “Anyone else want to say something?” The mob kept their mouths shut. “Good.” He said as he helped the mare walk away from the town. The grey stallion got to his hooves and picked up a rock and hurled it at the blue stallion.

The light blue mare pushed Hex out of the way and took the hit at the base of her horn. The mare yelled in pain as her body started to flicker. The mob’s eyes shrank as they saw the mare go from her usual physique to have little to stomach and her coat was faded and had multiple injuries. The group of ponies could see her rib cage and signs of malnutrition. The mare collapsed on the ground only to be caught by the blue stallion.

Hex glared back at the ponies who were shaking in fear. The blue stallion pulled out a spell book and placed his hoof on a page. As he did a massive cloud of smoke enveloped him and the mare. The smoke cleared to see the large crow from the Hydra incident.

“Illusions again? I’m not falling for that!” Thunderlane yelled as he took towards the sky and charged right at the two unicorns. The large bird blocked him with it’s wing and sent him flying towards the ground. Hex’s horn flared and made a large pillow to cushion the stallion. Hex then teleported in front of the mob.

“That’s impossible! You said that it was only an illusion!” Twilight yelled.

“When I removed it from the Hydra’s mind it became a part of reality. It’s literally a living nightmare.” Hex explained. “Another one of my spells that can come in handy.” The stallion’s horn flared again and ten copies formed around him. “Anyone who want’s to stop me is free to try.” He said in a flat tone. No pony budged an inch. Hex made the large crow vanish and walked back over to the unconscious azure mare and put her on his back. The clones then disappeared as the illusionist walked away from the town and back towards his carriage. The crowd quickly dispersed and went about their day as Applejack and her friends sat frozen at what they just saw.

“Didn’t see that coming.” Pinkie said breaking the everlasting silence that hung over the group.

Author's Note

Dun Dun Dunn! Sorry about the short chapter. I just REALLY wanted to get this out.

Chapter 7: Memories

Chapter 7

Memories

Applejack sat with her friends at Sugar Cube Corner holding her head in her hooves. The ponies were still getting over Hex’s relation to Trixie. Rarity was comforting her friend while Storm was trying to keep Rainbow from tearing the place apart.

“I can’t believe that he’s related to Trixie!” The cyan mare yelled.

“Dash, let’s just calm down.” Storm said in a calm tone.

“I say we go over to his fancy carriage and drag her out!”

“Really now Rainbow? I’m sure he could handle you without breaking a sweat.” Rarity said in a flat tone. The cyan mare crossed her hooves and let out a grumble.

“What should ah do? Ah care about Hex but his sister is Trixie.” She said with a grunt.

“Maybe we should talk to her. Maybe she want’s to apologize?” Fluttershy said with a gulp.

“Trixie? Apologize?” Dash spat out.

“I don’t know Dash. She seemed pretty sorry about the whole Alicorn Amulet thing.” Twilight added.

“Why would Trixie even come back here?” Pinkie asked.

“That is a good question. She must have known how the town would react to her.” Twilight added. “Should we ya know, check on her?”

“Why?” Dash asked.

“She looked pretty unhealthy.” Fluttershy said in a timid tone. Storm let out a sigh and stood up.

“Look girls. Granted I wasn’t here when all that stuff went down, but Hex is a reasonable stallion and I’m sure that you guys wouldn’t out your siblings. Would you?” He said as he looked at Applejack, Rarity and Twilight.

“Ah’d never sell out Applebloom or Mac even if they were like that!” The farmer piped up.

“Nor I.” Rarity added.

“Same here.” Twilight said.

“Okay and we don’t even know Trixie.” Storm said.

“Know her?” Dash said.

“I mean none of us have really ever talked to her. Maybe there’s more to her than just being a show off.” Storm said with a shrug.

“Good idea. We should at least check to make sure she’s okay.” Fluttershy added. Dash got to her hooves and let out a groan.

“Do you guys hear yourselves? This is Trixie that we’re talking about! She dragged an Ursa Major-”

“Minor.” Twilight corrected.

“Yeah that. She dragged that thing into town. When she came back she banished Twilight and enslaved everypony with that weirdo amulet! That mare deserved what she got!” The cyan mare said with a grunt.

“Ya ain’t being fair Dash. Ah’ll admit ah’m still mighty cross with her for all that, but she doesn’t deserve to be treated so poorly.” Applejack said with a sigh.

“We should at least check up on her.” Twilight said as she got to her hooves. The four mares nodded as Dash flew out the door in an angered fashion. Storm face hoofed and looked back at the mares.

“I’ll go and calm her down.” He said as he flew after her. The mares let out a sigh and made their way towards the apple farm. As the mares trotted forward Rarity kept next to Applejack.

“Are you alright dear?” She asked.

“Ah don’t know. Just a lot to take in.” She said with a groan. “Ah like Hex, he makes me feel good and I care about him.” She said with a smile. “Ah just.....ah still feel angry at Trixie for all the things she’s done.”

“I understand dear.” Rarity said with a sigh. The white mare then looked at the lavender Unicorn who had the same look on her face. “Applejack, there’s something I need to tell-” The group was cut off as they ran into an invisible wall. Twilight put her hoof out to feel an light blue magical wall.

“What’s this thing?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s a force field.” Twilight said as she tapped the surface. The ponies looked ahead and saw the door from the carriage open. Hex cocked and eyebrow and trotted over to the Force field’s edge.

“Need something?” He said in a flat tone.

“Can we come inside?” Applejack asked.

“That depends. Are you going to berate my sister?”

“We just wanted to see if she’s okay.” Twilight answered.

“Where’s Dash?”

“Cooling off.” Rarity added. The blue stallion’s horn glowed and a door way opened in the shield. The mares trotted inside the carriage and sat down at the table. Hex poured them each a drink and sat down.

“So how is she?” Twilight asked.

“Malnourished and very weak. I sent for a nurse around ten minutes ago. Nurse Red Heart I think her name was.”

“Oh she’s super nice.” Pinkie chimed.

“I hope so.” He said with a sigh.

“You really care about Trixie don’t you?” Rarity said as she played with her hooves.

“She’s my little sister. After seeing her like that......The older siblings are supposed to protect the younger ones. How would you feel if you saw Sweetie Belle like that?” Hex said as he held his head in his hooves. Applejack put a hoof on his back trying to comfort him.

“I see your point.”

“Yeah! We just came by to....well none of us really know Trixie that well so maybe you could help us fill in the blanks.” AJ said with a smile. “On account of the only thing I remember about her is that third person thing she does and that Ursa Major lie.”

“What?” Hex said as he perked up.

“When she uses ‘Trixie’ instead of ‘me’ or ‘I.’” Twilight clarified.

“Oh, that’s a speech defect. Hex has......I used to have it as bad as she does, but I managed to control it and now it only slips out once in a while.” He said with a shrug. “What about this Ursa Major thing?”

“The first time she came to Ponyville she lied and said that she beat an Ursa Major.” Rarity said.

“That’s not a complete lie.” The mares all looked at the blue stallion in shock. “Trixie and I went head to head with an Ursa Major years ago when we were foals.” He said with a sigh.

“WHAT?” The mares yelled in unison.

“SHHH!” He said as he put his hoof over his lips. The stallion pointed to the guest room door and looked back at the mares.

“Sorry.” The mares said in a hushed tone.

“So you and Trixie beat an Ursa Major?” Twilight asked.

“Well, not entirely. We managed to scare it off.” Hex said in a flat tone.

“How in the name of Celestia did you manage that?” Rarity asked. “Ursa Minors are massive, but an Ursa Major must be gigantic!”

“They’re about ten times as big.” Rarity then started to faint only to be caught by the pink party animal.

“How did you do it?” Pinkie asked. Hex lowered his head and let out a sigh. His horn glowed and a bottle of vodka appeared before him. He poured himself a glass full and gulped it down.

“Trixie and I were traveling with my mom, Smokey Mirrors. I was ten and she was seven at the time. We needed to take a short cut through the woods in order to get to the next town.” Hex said with a sigh. “On our way there we looked for shelter in a massive cave due to the storm that was brewing. Turns out that cave held an Ursa Major in it.” The mares gasped in surprise.

“What did you do?” Pinkie asked.

“We ran.” He x said as the scene started to play out in the mare’s minds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deep in a dark forest a loud roar could be heard for miles The pouring rain hit against the light blue mare’s coat as she ran beside a dark blue colt who was carrying a light blue filly on his back. “C’mon sweetie we’re almost there!” The mare yelled.

“Mommy, I’m scared!” The blue colt said with tears running down his face.

“Me too dear. Me too, just a little further now.” She said as she heard the beast coming up behind them. Her horn flared and several images of the three ponies covered the landscape. The massive bear roared in frustration and started to attack the images at random. The small blue filly was crying into her brother’s mane and holding on for dear life.

A bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree. The charred branch fell from the top and was heading towards the colt. The light blue mare quickly pushed her children out of the way and took the hit. Hex quickly got to his hooves and the two rushed over to their mother.

“MOM!” The filly yelled as she and her brother tried to lift it off her body.

“There’s no time. Run!” She yelled as the booming sound coming from the beast’s paws grew closer. The foals gave one last push and the branch came loose. As the mare stood up she felt a splitting pain in her back leg. She looked down and saw that the bone was sticking out of the skin. The show mare looked at her two children and held them close. “Hex, listen to what I’m about to tell you.” The mare said with tears in her eyes. “Take your sister and run! You hear me? Run!”

“But mom-” The mare quickly slapped him across the face.

“No buts! Now RUN!” She yelled. The blue colt grabbed his sister and ran away from the fallen mare with tears running down his face. “I’m so sorry Hex.” Smokey thought with a sniffle. She felt the ground shake, the mare looked behind her to see the massive bear staring at her. “Okay, you over grown stuffed animal let’s see how you handle the great, great granddaughter of Starswirl the Bearded!” She said as her horn flared.

“Hex, where’s mom?” The filly asked. The colt remained silent as he ran. “WHERE’S MOM?” The colt found a nearby hollow log and stopped next to it.

“Trixie you be a good girl and stay in this log until I come back. Okay?” He said trying to hold back the tears.

“What about-”

“I’m going to go get her. If we’re separated then wait till daybreak and get moving.” The colt then withdrew a small compass and gave it to the filly. “You just follow the red tip when it points to the N okay?” He said with tears in his eyes. The filly nodded as she crawled inside the hollowed out log. “I’ll be back soon. I promise!” He said as he ran back towards the deafening roars.

The dark blue colt ran like the devil was after him. He hoped that his mother had fought the beast off or had given it the slip. The colt came to a clearing where he saw his mother firing a volley of spells at the beast. The mare saw the dark blue colt galloping towards her with his horn a blaze.

“HEX GET OUT OF HERE!”

“Not without you!” He said as he shot a salvo at the beast. The bear took notice of the smaller pony and roared at it. Hex froze in pure fear of the beast as it raised it’s claw. Hex saw out of the corner of his eyes the small blue filly running towards him with the compass in her mouth. Time seemed to slow and all noise was drowned out as the beast swung it’s claw. The blue colt looked to see a light blue body appear in front of him and kick him out of the way.

The foals watched in horror as the beast swatted the light blue mare like a fly. Smokey was thrown against and broke through several tree trunks before coming to a stop. The foal’s eyes shrank as they heard the best yell out a roar of victory.

Anger, grief, loss. None of these words could comprehend what the colt and filly were feeling. The foal’s yelled out in pure rage at the beast. Their horns and eyes started to glow with magic crackling around them. Hex’s eyes turned dark red and bore holed through the beast with his gaze. The major felt the colt’s eyes on him, he felt the colt’s gaze cut through him like a hot knife through butter. The beast felt something it hadn’t felt since it was a cub. Fear.

The two foals concentrated and put whatever strength they had into a single blast of raw magic. The dark blue salvo was circulating with the pink aura coming from the light blue filly like a pair of spinning comets. The blast struck the massive bear square in the chest causing it to cry out in pure pain. The bear was sent flying back onto it’s back. As the beast looked up he saw the two small ponies getting ready for another assault. The Ursa roared and took off in the opposite direction. The two foals hurried over to the blue mare who was on the ground coughing up her own blood.

“MOM!” The two yelled as they hugged their mother.

“You did very well. I’m.....I’m so proud of both of you.” She said with a smile on her face.

“C’mon mom. We’ve gotta go!” Hex said a he puled on her hoof.

“I’m so sorry dear, but I can’t go any further.”

“What?” The filly said with tears staining her face. The mare levitated her hat and cap over to the small filly.

“You’ll need these Trixie.” She said with tears in her eyes. “They’d better start calling you the great and powerful Trixie.”

“T-Trixie doesn’t want you to go!” She sad as she cried into her mother’s mane. Smokey held the filly tightly and cried.

“I’m so sorry dear.” The blue colt trotted up to her and tried to get her on her hooves. “Hex, you be a good colt and look after your sister. Promise me that.” She said as she looked at the crying blue colt. “There’s something else Hex. Here.” The mare used the last of her magic to summon a silver amulet in the shape of an alicorn with a blue gem in the center. “Take this, it will protect you.”

“A-alright.” He said as the tears flowed. The mare held her foals as she felt her strength drain away.

“Just remember that I love you and-” The mare couched up another mouthful of blood. “I’m......always.....with.......you.” The mare’s strength left her body and her eyes closed as she face fell forward between the foals. Trixie hugged her older brother and cried into his chest. Hex held his sister in his hooves for who knows how long as he cried.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The mares in the room all had tears in their eyes as the stallion took another swig from the bottle. “Trixie and I were found the next morning by some campers. They managed to contact the next town over and treat our wounds. We gave my mother a proper burial afterwards.” He said as a single tear rolled down his face. The farmer hurried over to him and comforted the stallion.

“Hex.....we had no idea.” Twilight said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“It’s okay.” He said in a flat tone. “Look, if you guys want Trixie and I to leave, then we’ll leave as soon as she’s ready for traveling.” Hex said in a low tone. The mares looked at one another in confusion.

“Who said we wanted you to go?” Pinkie said.

“I thought that-” The orange mare lightly tapped his head.

“Did you think ah was gonna let you get away from me that easily?” She said with a smile. “So what if your sister is a show off? No family is perfect.”

“Y-you don’t care?”

“It’ll take some time and a lot of patience, but ah think ah can get over it.” The mare said as she gave him a peck on the cheek. “Granted ah’ve got the easy job.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m not the one who has to face Big Mac.” The color from the blue stallion’s face drained as he thought of the massive red stallion beating him to a pulp.

“G-good point.” He said with a gulp. The orange mare giggled and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. The lavender unicorn bit her lip and hung her head trying to hide her sadness. The stallion’s horn blinked and he quickly got to his hooves. He looked out the window to see a white Earth pony mare with a nurse cap on top of her pink mane that was tied in a bun. Hex and the mares exited the carriage and walked over to the edge of the force field. “Nurse Red Heart I presume?”

“Correct. You must be Hex.” She said as he made an opening in the force field.

“Sorry about the shield.”

“It’s understandable, considering who the patient is.” Red Heart said in a stagnant tone.

“Is that going to be a problem?” Hex asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Trixie may be annoying and did some....questionable things.” She said with a sigh. “But, it’s my calling to heal injured ponies.”

“Thank you and I swear I’ll pay you for-”

“Send me the bill.” Applejack said with a smile.

“AJ you don’t-” He was stopped by the orange mare raising a hoof.

“Pay him no mind.” The white mare shrugged and followed Hex inside to see the light blue mare sleeping on his bed. The nurse set her bag down and gently pulled the covers off the blue mare and let out a gasp.

“Is she okay?” Hex said with worry in his voice.

“I need you all to wait outside while I examine her.” Red Heart said in a flat tone. The mares all nodded and went out of the room. The blue stallion looked back at his sister and then back at the white mare.

“Please....she’s all I have left.”

“I’ll do my best.” She said with a reassuring nod. Hex nodded and closed the door behind him. The ponies waited anxiously for the news about the performer. The door opened and the white nurse trotted out with a blank look on her face.

“How is she?”

“She’s going to be alright.” Hex let out a sigh of relief at the words. “She’s extremely exhausted and looks like she hasn’t eaten in a week. Start her off with something small and then work her up to a full meal. Normally I’d suggest moving her to the hospital, but given who she is I think it’ll be safer here.”

“Thank you.” Hex said with a smile.

“I started her off on an I.V. drip. Change the bag when it’s empty and give me a shout when she wakes up. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on her.” The nurse said as she made her way towards the door.

“Sounds good to me.” Hex said as the mare left. The ponies all let out a sigh and hugged the blue stallion before leaving. “Hey AJ you don’t have to pay I can-” He was cut off as the orange mare put a hoof to his lips.

“With what money?” The stallion was about to say something, but found no argument. “That’s what ah thought. Don’t worry about it sugar cube, you’ll just owe me.” She said in a soft tone and a mischievous grin on her face. Hex gulped as she turned around and bushed her tail underneath his chin. The blue stallion’s face turned bright red and closed the door behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the library, Twilight let out a sigh and made her way upstairs where the purple dragon was fast asleep. The lavender mare crawled into bed and turned on her side away from the purple lizard. Her mind went back to the blue stallion and a small tear rolled down her cheek.

“It’s....It’s just not fair.” She said as she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to take her.

Chapter 8: Little Talks

Chapter 8

Little Talks

Hex and Applejack sat at the table inside Sweet Apple Acres as Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Mac looked at them in anticipation. The rest of the apples had gotten back from Appaloosa late last night and were still fairly tired.

“Well, what’s so important?” Mac said in an aggravated tone.

“Since you were at Braeburn’s mercy for a couple of day’s we’ll keep is simple and straight to the point.” Applejack said with a nod. The red stallion silently thanked Celestia. Applejack gave Hex a nudge and the blue stallion gulped.

“Right, just two things really.” He said as he felt a small wave of fear creep over him as the red stallion focused his gaze. “Applejack and I are going out.” Mac’s jaw hit the floor while Applebloom and Granny Smith cheered in delight.

“Bough’t time you found yourself a stallion!” The elderly mare said.

“Granny ah’m only twenty-two.” Applejack said with a sigh.

“You said that you had two things to tell us. What’s the other thing?” Applebloom asked.

“Did you knock up my sister?” Mac bellowed. Applejack gave him a glare that could make a Dragon cower in fear.

“Hex hasn’t pressured me into doing anything that ah haven’t wanted to do! So just shut yer trap before ah shut it for you!” Applejack yelled. The red stallion felt all the color from his face drain at the words. “The floor is yours hun.” The orange farmer said shifting back to her happy self. Hex felt a bead of sweat from on his fore head at his mare friend’s anger.

“R-right.” He said as he took a deep breath. “I’m assuming that you’re all familiar with a show mare named Trixie?” The other apple’s frowned at the name.

“Eeyup.” Mac said with a grunt.

“Is she back here? Ah’ll show that no good show off how the Apples deal with-” The green mare was cut off as Hex raised a hoof.

“She’s my little sister.” The other farmers looked at him in shock. “And yes she is here, in my cart.”

“You know about this AJ?” Mac asked.

“Yeah, ah found out two days ago.”

“Look, I know my sister has done some....questionable things to say the least.” Hex said with a sigh. “And I’ll talk to her about it as soon as she’s better.”

“Is she sick or something?” Applebloom asked.

“Yeah, she’s real sick. She’s been out cold for two days now. I called Nurse Red Heart and she’s helping her recover.” He then shifted his gaze to the red stallion. “Mac, I know you’re the stallion of the house, so I’m asking...no, I’m begging you to let Trixie and I stay.” He said in a pleading tone. “At least until she’s better and if you still want us to go by then, then we will without a fuss.” He said in a defeated tone.

The red stallion looked between the magician and his younger sister. He rolled the stallion’s words in his head for a few minutes before letting out a heavy sigh.

“Granted ah don’t know your sister that well and from what ah’ve seen, ah don’t really want to.” Hex held his head in defeat. “However, as an older sibling ah know that ah’d fight Celestia herself if it means that my kin are okay.”

“You’re letting us stay?”

“Temporarily.” The red farmer said as he hardened his gaze. “Show me that you and your sis are good ponies and ah may be able to extend your stay.” Mac said with a grin. Hex happily shook the stallion’s hoof.

“Thanks Mac.”

“One condition. If she or you causes trouble for either this town or mah family, then ah’ll kick your flanks out of here faster than you can say, ‘buck.’” Mac said as he gave Hex a death stare.

“Noted.” Hex said with a smile.

“Ya say she’s been asleep for two days now?” The elderly mare asked.

“Yeah, why?” Granny Smith got to her hooves and pulled out a large brown jug and motioned for them to follow her. Hex opened the carriage causing the other farmers to freeze in shock. “Yes, it’s bigger on the inside.” Hex said with a smug grin. The blue stallion led the farmers to where the azure mare was sleeping. Applebloom gulped as she saw the mare in such a weak state.

Granny Smith trotted over to her and poured the contents of the jug onto a table spoon. The farmer picked up Trixie’s head and slowly slid the spoon between her lips and let the liquid pour down he throat. “What’s that stuff gonna-” He was cut off as the show mare’s eyes snapped open and sat up.

“What in the name of Celestia’s royal flank?” She yelled as she tried to get the foul taste out of her mouth.

“Apple family moonshine. That stuffs got enough kick to wake the dead.” Mac clarified. Trixie became aware of the ponies in the room and smiled as she saw her brother who gave her a hug. The mare’s eyes shrank as she saw the familiar orange mare looking at her with a blank expression on her face. Trixie gulped and looked back at the mare with fear present in her eyes.

“Um, can you guys give us some time alone?” Hex asked. The farmers nodded and soon left the two magicians and Applejack alone in the carriage. The blue stallion scratched his mane looking for where to begin explaining the situation to his newly awoken sister. “How are you feeling Trix?” He asked.

“Better. All things considering.” The mare then turned her attention to Applejack who was biting her lip. “What’s she doing here?” Trixie asked in a scared tone.

“Right, I should probably explain a few things.” He said with a sigh. “First off, Applejack’s family was kind enough to allow us to stay while you recover.” He said with a small smile.

“How in the name of Luna did you get them to say yes to that?” Trixie asked in surprise. Hex scratched his chin searching for the right words.

“Well....you see-”

“I’m your brother’s mare friend.” Applejack interjected. The azure mare felt her right eye twitch as she processed the information. “Deal with it.”

“Oh....I see.” She said with a gulp.

“Trixie, you need to relax. Granted from what I’ve heard your interactions with Applejack and her friends were......less than pleasant, but AJ is a reasonable mare and is hopefully going to give you a second chance.” Hex said in a hope filled tone. Trixie blinked twice and looked at the farmer who held the same blank expression.

“Is this true?” Trixie asked.

“Ah ain’t gonna lie to ya Trixie. Yer a right thorn in mah side and you’ve given this town as much trouble as Discord.” Trixie held her head in shame. “But, you’re Hex’s sister, so I guess ya can’t be all bad.” AJ said with a sigh. “I am willing to forgive you if you show that you’re an okay gal.”

“Trixie is most grateful.” The azure mare said in a low tone. Hex breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the bead of sweat that was forming on his forehead.

“I’m glad.” He said with a smile. “I’m gonna go to Twilight and see what it’ll get to make sure that Dash and the town folk don’t form a mob.” He said as he walked towards the door. “In the mean time, you two play nice and if theres a problem.” He said as he summoned his hat that was now in it’s usual top hat form. “I’ll know.” He said before closing the door, leaving the two mares alone. Trixie looked at Applejack who started to whistle a tune.

Hex made his way into town only catching a few glances from the market ponies. He was fortunate enough to run into Pinkie Pie who helped with running interference. The two managed to round up the remaining members of their group including a disgruntled Rainbow Dash and her rational coltfriend. The group sat in the library and prepare themselves. “Okay look guys, I know that Trixie isn’t the most liked pony around here.”

“Damn right!” Dash yelled.

“Easy there Skittles.” Storm said calming his fiance down.

“Thank you Storm.” He said with a nod. “I know my sister and I know that she feels guilty about what she’s done.” He said as he adverted his eyes from the mares. “I talked it over with Big Mac and he’s letting us stay there until she’s fully healed. Provided we don’t cause any trouble.”

“Sounds easy enough.” Pinkie chimed.

“Yeah, but that’s only half the battle. I want the ponies here to be able to at least tolerate Trixie.” He said with a sigh. “That’s where you guys come in. I need you guys to try to calm the ponies here down so that they don’t start a riot whenever they hear my sister’s name.”

“It won’t be easy.” Rarity said as she scratched her chin. “By the way, where’s Applejack?” The white mare asked as she looked at the group of friends.

“She’s talking with Trixie.” He said in a flat tone. “I figured if I can at least win her over then it might help our case.”

“Good idea, AJ can be a bit hard headed sometimes.” Twilight added.

“Believe me. I know.” Hex said with a small chuckle. Dash gripped her seat and finally flew up in one fluid, anger filled motion.

“Are you guys crazy? This is Trixie we’re talking about here! She enslaved the town, banished Twilight and dragged the over grown bear into town!” The cyan mare yelled. “I say she doesn’t get in until she pays for it!”

“Oh please. You’re just sore cause your ego got a little fractured.” The blue stallion fired back. The cyan mare pressed her head up against his and glared at him.

“My ego is just fine!” Rainbow argued.

“This coming from the mare who was in the fetal position at the best young fliers competition two years back.” The other ponies looked at him in confusion. “I was there Dash. I saw you curled up on the ground like a scared little filly.” He said in a challenging tone. “Despite some minor differences, you and Trixie are a lot alike.” The cyan mare then slapped the stallion across the face with the back of her hoof.

“I am NOTHING like Trixie!” She bellowed as her colt friend tried to get her under control.

“Really? Let’s go down the list; Quick tempered: Check. Likes to show off: Check. Massive ego to cover up insecurities: Check. Stop me if this is sounding a bit too familiar.” Hex said in an icy tone. Dash rolled the words around in her head for a few minutes and tried to answer back, but found no argument.

“Anyway.” Twilight said trying to get things back on track. “I think that one thing that could work is if she apologizes to the whole town.”

“Yeah! We could have a ‘Trixie Apology party!’” The pink party animal said with a smile.

“That could work.” Hex said with a shrug. “Still, Trixie is in no condition to do anything like that anytime soon and given the town’s feelings towards her, I doubt anypony would even show up other than to ridicule her more.”

“Sad, but true.” Rarity said with a sigh. The group thought for a moment before Twilight perked up and smiled.

“Okay here’s what we’ll do.” She said as the ponies huddled around her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on Sweet Apple acres Trixie and Applejack sat in silence as they waited for Hex’s return. It had only been a half hour but it felt like a century had passed between the two. The tension in the room was thick enough for one of them to cut with a knife.

“So...how did you meet Hex anyway?” Trixie asked trying to make conversation.

“He crashed into my barn in the middle of the night after escaping timber wolves.” Trixie let out a gasp at the words. “He was out for three days and ah nursed him back to health.” Applejack said in a flat tone.

“I see.” Trixie let out a sigh and looked at the mare with tears in her eyes. “Thank you for looking after Trixie’s older brother.” The azure mare said with a smile. The farmer’s mind stopped working as she heard the words.

Trixie? Saying thanks? Never thought I’d see the day.

“No problem.” The farmer said with a shrug. “So, you and Hex traveled a lot?”

“Yes, Trixie went off on her own when she turned eighteen. Hex practically raised me.” She said with a small smile.

“Ah can imagine. He told us about your mom.” Trixie held her head in shame. “Ah know how losing a parent feels. Ah know it ain’t easy.” AJ said with a sigh. “To be honest ah’m a bit jealous of you.”

“How so?” Trixie said in a mocking laugh.

“How ya carry yourself after all you’ve gone through.” The orange mare said in a serious tone. “Life must have been mighty rough on ya and you can still hold yer head high.” The farmer said with a smile. Trixie hung her head in shame.

“It’s just a facade.” The blue mare said in a blank tone. “Trixie just calls herself great and powerful so she can think that she’s worth something each morning.”

“Hey, don’t talk like that now. Granted yer annoying, but yer not worthless.” Applejack said in a comforting tone.

“Your name is Applejack correct?” The farmer gave her a nod. “Please, refresh Trixie’s memory, what occurred between us specifically.”

“Well, you hog tied me on stage when ya first came to town.” The farmer said in a flat tone. “When ya went nuts with that fancy amulet, ya forced me to make you an apple sauce bath.” The blue mare motioned for the orange farmer to come closer. Applejack cocked an eyebrow and trotted over to Trixie’s bedside. The azure mare wrapped her hooves around the farmer’s neck and brought her into a hug.

“Trixie know’s she can never make up for what she’s done. I am truly sorry for mistreating you Applejack.” The magician said as tears formed in her eyes. Applejack stood frozen as her brain processes what was happening. She saw no deceit or lies in the mare’s action and returned the hug.

“It’s okay Trixie. Ah can tell when somepony is lying and you ain’t.” The orange mare said in a warm tone. “Ah guess ah can forgive you.”

“Awe!” The mare’s eyes shrank and looked behind them to see Hex standing with the rest of the group, including the small purple dragon. “That is so cute!” Pinkie chimed. The two mares broke apart and gulped as Hex walked up to them.

“Glad to see that you two are getting along.” The blue stallion said with a smile.

“Ah figured that she can be tolerable.” Applejack said with a small grin. Trixie smiled and turned her attention to the group of mares. Rarity stepped forward and cleared her throat.

“Trixie.” She said in a flat tone.

“Ms.....I’m sorry who are you again?”

“I am Rarity, you turned my mane swamp green the first time you came here.” She said in a flat tone. Hex stifled a laugh imagining the incident. Rarity casted him a death stare and the blue stallion started to innocently whistle to himself. “Anyway, you’re by far a pony I’d consider a friend.” The azure mare held her head in shame. “However, I have been known to change my mind from time to time.”

“Especially when it comes to dresses.” AJ said with a small smile. The group of ponies then heard an odd noise echoing through the cart. “What in the hay was that?”

“The doorbell. I’ll get it.” Hex said as he walked towards the door. The blue stallion opened it and saw a familiar white Pegasus stallion with a disgruntled cyan mare by his side. The mare had a hardcover book tucked under her wing. “Hey guys.”

“Mind if we come in?” Storm asked. Hex held the door open for them and smiled.

“Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you like that earlier Dash. It’s just that...” The stallion let out a sigh and locked eyes with the cyan mare. “Trixie is the only family I have left and I’ll do anything and everything to protect her.” He said in a flat tone.

“Let’s just get this over with.” She spat out. The white stallion face hoofed and led his mare friend inside the carriage.

“If there’s one thing I can say it’s that you have excellent taste in fashion.” Rarity said with a small grin.

“Really?” Trixie asked.

“Oh yes. That hat and cape you wear accents your coat fabulously.” Rarity said with a smile. Trixie hung her head in shame.

“They...belonged to my mother.” She said as her horn flared and the hat and cape appeared in front of her. Both garments were torn and were covered in mud. “She’d weep if she saw them in such a state.”

“Now, now dear, I can fix them up as good as new for you.” Rarity said as she put a hoof around the azure mare’s shoulder.

“Why would you do something like that for Trixie?”

“I can’t let a mare walk around without something nice to wear now can I?” Rarity said as she looked at the garments. Trixie gulped and casted a nervous glare at her brother.

“It’s okay Trix. Rarity here is a master with a needle and thread.” He said as the white mare blushed. “If she can’t fix it than no pony can.”

“Oh you flatter me dear.” She said with a giggle. Rarity then levitated the clothes onto her back and trotted out of the carriage with a smile on her face. Pinkie was next and had her signature smile on her face.

“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie.”

“Right, the pony who’s mouth I removed right?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry I got it back.” She said with a smile.

“Y-you’re not mad?”

“No silly!” She said with a smile. “You seemed sorry for it and you’re trying to apologize so you’re A okay in my book.” Pinkie said as she wrapped her in a bone crushing hug.

“Pinkie, she needs air!” Twilight yelled.

“Sorry!” The party animal said as she let go of the blue mare. “Plus I really liked those fireworks you used for your act. Where’d you get them?”

“Trixie made them.” The Pink mare gasped.

“NO WAY!”

“Yes, I was taught by a friend of mine.”

“You ran into Flash?” Hex asked.

“Yes, he says hi by the way.” Pinkie was giggling to herself in glee as she exited the room. Trixie then saw an unfamiliar butter yellow Pegasus mare with a long flowing pink mane and tail.

“Um...hello.” She said with a gulp.

“Hi.” Trixie said with a gulp. A long silence fell between the two. “So...You are one of Twilight Sparkle’s friends yes?”

“Yes, my name is Fluttershy.” She said in a timid tone.

“Does Trixie frighten you?”

“A little.” The yellow Pegasus said in a soft tone.

“Oh.....I’m sorry.” Trixie said as she hung her head.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry for making you feel uncomfortable.” Fluttershy said.

“But I’m the one who caused you all so much trouble.”

“It’s not-”

“Please don’t try to sugar coat things.” Trixie said in a flat tone. “I know what I did was wrong and I don’t deserve any kindness from you or your friends.”

“Now wait just one minute.” Fluttershy said. Her tone shifted from her usual timid tone to a strong and almost aggressive one. “Everypony has made mistakes. I know that what you did was bad, but I know that amulet had a lot to do with it.” Trixie gulped in surprise at the mare’s sudden change. “Everypony deserves kindness.” The yellow mare immediately slumped back to her original tone. “I mean, that’s just my opinion.”

“I see.” Trixie said carefully, hoping not to invoke the wrath of the shy. “Well,...Thank you. I suppose.” Trixie said in a semi frightened tone. The next pony to enter Trixie knew all to well. Her lavender coat complimented her dark purple eyes.

“Hey Trixie.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Trixie is-” The azure mare was cut off as Twilight wrapped the performer in a warm embrace. Trixie gulped and hesitantly returned the notion.

“You don’t have to apologize.” The student said with a smile. “I know that it couldn’t have been easy for you to survive out there on your own like that.” Trixie gulped and returned the hug.

“Thank you for being so understanding.” She said with a weak smile. Twilight gave her a friendly nod and exited the room. Trixie then heard sounds of protest and some struggling. The door burst open to show a white Pegasus stallion pushing a very angry Rainbow Dash through the door.

“Let me go!”

“Not until you give her chance.” Hex said with a groan. Rainbow continued to resist. The blue stallion’s horn flared and a folder appeared in his hoof. “Dash, remember I still have those photos.” The two Pegasi stopped dead in their tracks. “Do this, and I’ll destroy them.”

“Pinkie promise?” Dash asked in a stagnant tone. Hex rolled his eyes and went through the motions.

“Do we have a deal?” He said with an eyebrow raised. Dash looked at her fiance and back to the blue stallion.

“Fine. Just don’t expect me to trust her.”

“Fair enough.” Hex said as he and Storm left the room. The two blue mares looked at one another. Trixie’s eyes shrank as she remembered that this was the most hostile of the group of mares. Rainbow took a seat and bore holes through the performer with her gaze. Trixie then noticed the book the Pegasus had under her wing.

“You like Daring Do?” Rainbow looked from the mare, down to her book.

“Yeah. Why?” She asked in a challenging tone.

“Nothing, Trixie is a fan of it as well.” Dash cocked an eyebrow at the performer. “Hex used to read them to Trixie back when we were young.”

“Really?” The flyer asked as she walked over to the bed side. “So....Which one is your favorite?”

“The Griffin Goblet.” Dash’s eyes went wide.

“Same here! That last trap was crazy!” Trixie nodded her head in agreement.

“Trixie actually met the author in her travels and got an autographed copy.” Rainbow’s jaw hit the floor.

“No way!” Back outside the door, the group of ponies looked at one another in shock. Hex tapped the librarian on the shoulder and a sly grin was plastered on his face.

“Congratulations Twi. You have just witnessed a friendship being formed through the power of books.” He said with a chuckle. Twilight gave him a light hearty chuckle and hid her blush from the stallion. The door creaked open and Dash had a blank expression on her face.

“I guess she’s cooler than I thought she was.” She said in a long drawn out tone. Storm gave her a hug and smiled.

“Thank you.” Hex said with a sigh.

“Hey, Hex you got any munchies?” Spike asked.

“Yeah top shelf, next to the flour.” He said as he pointed with his hoof. Spike nodded and grabbed a nearby step ladder. Hex turned back to the Pegasus and held up the folder. “You fulfilled your end of the bargain. Now I will do the sa-”

“AHHHHCHOOOO!” The ponies looked behind them to see a green fireball rocketing towards them. They all ducked and avoided the green flames. Hex felt the fireball strike the folder and the photos immediately vanished. The group of ponies then looked to see Spike sitting in a pile of flower with a bowl over his head. “Sorry about that.” He said with a weak grin.

“No problem. You just did my job for me.” Hex said.

“What are you talking about?”

“You just burned the folder didn’t you?” Hex asked as he looked at the dragon.

“Um...” Rainbow and Storm immediately flew up to him.

“Spike what color was that fire ball?” Dash asked.

“Green.”

“What color does it make when you send Celestia letter?” Storm asked in a panic filled tone.

“Green.” The color from both Pegasi’s face melted away. The two took off like a mad ponies and raced towards Canterlot. Spike and the others shrugged as Hex’s horn glowed and he started to sweep up the pile of flour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celestia and Luna were sitting at a small coffee table in the solar Princess’s room when a green flame spat out a folder. The two Princess’s cocked an eyebrow and opened the folder. The two royal sisters both bust out in laughter at the pictures.

Author's Note

So Sorry for the delay. Other fics and what not.

Chapter 9: Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 9

Calm Before the Storm

It had been three weeks since the six mares visited the sick performer. Storm and Dash found that Celestia and Luna would keep their photo a secret, provided they keep a copy for ‘official records.’ Trixie had gotten enough strength to start walking around the farm. She even ventured out and met Applejack’s family. They were kind, but kept their guard up.

Hex was working in the South field as Trixie sat under a tree and watched. The two Unicorns heard a faint zooming sound and looked up to see Thunderlane rocketing towards them. Hex immediately jumped in front of Trixie with his horn glowing as the dark stallion landed in front of them.

“What do you want?” Hex asked in a spite filled tone.

“Just to talk. That’s it.” Thunderlane said with a sigh. “Look, I did some thinking and...I’m sorry.” He said as he looked at the azure mare. “I know that you were just trying to protect your sister and I get that. Celestia know’s I’d buck up anypony who messed with my little brother.”

“Understandable.” Hex said as he still kept his guard up.

“I also heard from Big Mac that she’s not as annoying as everypony makes her out to be.” Trixie had a weak smile on her face. “I don’t trust her yet, but Mac is usually a good judge of character.” He said as he looked at the performer. “Again, sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. Trixie knows she can be a hoofful sometimes.” Thunderlane gave them each a nod and took off back towards the sky. The two let out a sigh of relief as Applejack and Twilight came trotting up to them.

“Hey y’all.” The farmer said with a smile. “Why was Thunderlane just here?”

“He apologized to Trixie.” Hex explained.

“Sounds like you’re starting to fit in around here.” The scholar said with a warm smile.

“Thanks to you anyway. Trixie will admit that she was rather nervous to come back here.” She said as Hex took his position in front of another tree.

“Yeah, I’ve been wondering about something.” The azure mare looked a the lavender book worm with her head tilted. “Why did you come back if you knew how they would treat you?” Trixie’s eyes shrank and face hoofed hard enough to leave a mark.

“Buck!” She yelled. “Trixie completely forgot.” She said as she looked at her brother. “Hex, Nightshade wants to speak with us.” As the words left the azure mare’s lips Hex lost his concentration and missed the tree. The stallion frowned and cracked his neck.

“Tell that asshole, he can take whatever he wants to say, write it down on a piece of paper and shove it up his-”

“Hex!” AJ said.

“Sorry.” He said with a groan.

“Who’s Nightshade?” Twilight asked.

“If you want a biological term then you could say he’s my father.” He said with a grunt. The mares looked at him in shock. “Did you need something Twilight?”

“I was just wondering if you could train me on illusions again.”

“Gotta check with the boss.” He said as he smirked at the orange mare.

“Go on.” She said as she gave him a light peck on the cheek. Twilight slightly gritted her teeth and threw on a fake smile. Hex summoned his hat which was now in a fez form. “What in the hay is that thing?” She said with a chuckle.

“I wear a fez now. Fezzes are cool.” He said with a grin Applejack looked at Trixie who nodded. The farmer swiped the hat off his head and threw it up. Trixie’s horn flared and a bright magical bolt struck the hat, making it morph back into it’s top hat form. “You killed my Fez!”

“Had to be done sugar cube.” Applejack said as she kissed him.

“Farewell my friend.” He said as he put the hat back on top of his light blue mane. The blue Unicorn then followed the scholar back towards town. Applejack looked at Trixie and smiled. She then realized that she had never spent any real one on one time with the performer.

“So Trixie, Hex told us about how you’re related to Star Swirl.” Trixie gulped at the info. “Why didn’t you use that in your act? That would be sure to draw a crowd.”

“Trixie does not need to ride on the coat tails of her predecessors to be great and powerful.” She said in a strong tone.

“Ya wanna make it on your own steam?” The azure mare nodded. “That ah can respect.” She said with a smile. “Hey, how come Hex doesn’t want to see his dad?”

“It’s....complicated.” Trixie said with a sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two Unicorns entered the library to see Spike stacking a few playing cards in a castle formation. As Hex closed the door the vibrations made the house of cards crumble.

“Awe man, that took me forever!” The dragon pouted.

“Sorry, Spike.” Twilight said with a smile. The dragon let out a sigh and collected the playing cards. Hex snickered and summoned a book.

“Okay, have you been practicing?”

“Yup, I can hold a book for over ten minutes.”

“Good, that’s an improvement. Now let’s try something a bit different.” He said in a flat tone. “Try transforming into something you’re familiar with.” He said as he looked around. He spied a picture of Twilight and her five friends. “Here, try changing into Rarity.” He said as he pointed towards the white Unicorn mare.

“I’ll try.”

“Do or don’t. There is no try.” He said as he narrowed his eyes. Twilight chuckled and focused her magic. Her horn flared and a veil of light purple magic enveloped her. As the veil wrapped around her she focused her magic. The veil vanished and the once lavender coat was replaced by one that was white as snow and her mane was violet along with her now sapphire eyes.

“Did it work?”

“Spot on, except for the voice, but that’s expected.” The blue stallion’s horn flared and he transformed into the white mare. “You look fabulous darling.” Hex said in Rarity’s voice. The door suddenly opened to reveal the real Rarity.

“Sorry to barge in on this Twilight I-” She was cut off as she saw the other two white mares in the room. Her right eyelid twitched as Hex smirked.

“Darling, it’s been ages since we’ve talked.” The sound of the mare’s voice made the baby dragon run out of the kitchen with a smile on his face.

“Hey Rarity I-” His brain stopped working as he saw the three identical mares. The dragon’s eye twitched and fainted.

“Is he going to be okay?” Twilight asked as she looked at her assistant.

“He’ll be fine. I’m sure we just fulfilled his dream.” Hex said in his usual voice.

“Wait, Hex? Twilight?” The stallion smirked and let his disguise shatter.

“In the flesh.” He said with a smile. Twilight then canceled her illusion and staggered forward. Hex caught her and put her on the couch.

“Is she okay?” Rarity asked.

“She’ll be fine.” He said with a nod. “She’s just not used to illusion spells like that yet.”

“Why did she change into me?” Rarity asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

“It’s would be easier then trying to do me or something that’s not a Unicorn.” He said with a sigh. “Changing into something that you’re not familiar with is harder for first timers like Twilight. She should be fine in five minutes.” He said with a grin. “What did you need?”

“I was wondering if I could borrow Spike for a bit, I have some things I need organized and I’m behind on a few clients.”

“I’m sure Twi won’t mind.” He said as he summoned a bowl of water and dumped it on the dragon.

“Who? What? Where?” He said as he shot up.

“Rarity needs a hoof with some organizing.” The dragon immediately sat up and shook himself dry.

“No problem!” He said with a smile. The dragon and fashionista nodded goodbye to the stallion. Twilight’s eyes fluttered open and saw the bark blue stallion looking down at her with a smile on his face. The lavender mare’s face turned bright red and gulped.

“You okay Twi?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She said with a nervous laugh. “I guess I’m not used to using that spell yet.”

“Yeah, still you kept it up for three minutes. Not bad for your first time.” He said with a warm smile. Twilight blushed again, but quickly hid it. “Let’s just take a short break.”

“Good idea.” She said with a smile. Twilight readied a pot of hot tea and sat down next to the blue stallion on the couch. “Hey Hex.”

“Hm?” He said as he looked at the mare.

“Why did you freak out when Trixie mentioned your father?” Hex grunted and set his tea cup down.

“When my mom died, the hospital located the next of kin, which was my dad. We were supposed to go live with him but,” He gripped his leg in anger. “He just.....gave Trixie and I up! Just like that. No explanation, no goodbye Nothing!” Hex said in a spit filled tone. “He signed the forms without a shred of remorse and dumped us in that orphanage.” He said in anger. Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder and gulped.

“Trixie didn’t seem that upset.”

“Trixie never really had a lot of time to spend with him. He had just opened up a shop in Trottingham which kept him preoccupied.”

“What did he do?”

“Potion maker.” He said in a flat tone. “It’s just,” Hex struggled to find the words. “he shows up after all these years out of the blue and wants to talk to me?” He said in a flat tone.

“Maybe he thought that you’d have a better life.” Twilight said. “Why did you and Trixie run away anyway?”

“The orphanage tried to find families for us, but I wouldn’t go anywhere without her.” He said in a flat tone. “Most ponies wanted either one or the other, not two orphans.” Hex held his head in shame. “We spent about five months there before we went off on our own.” Twilight hesitated as she wrapped him in a comforting hug.

The lavender mare felt her heart rate increase as she felt her coat brush against his. The mare’s cheeks were as red as strawberry’s. Hex broke the hug and let out a sigh. “Sorry for dumping this on you Twi.”

“I-It’s fine.” She said as she hid her blush.

“Thanks, you’re a good friend.” The word 'friend' cut the lavender mare like a hot knife through butter. The lavender mare held back her grim feelings and gulped. “Now on with the lesson.” He said as he got to his hooves. As they were beginning to start the door burst open to reveal a soaking wet cyan Pegasus mare. “Hey Dash.”

“Hey guys, just came by to tell you that theres a massive storm coming in like five minutes. Better find some cover.” She said in a flat tone.

“Need a place to stay?” Twilight asked.

“Nah, I’m just going to tell Rarity and then I’m heading home.”

“Could you tell Spike that he can stay over at Rarity’s for the night? I don’t ant him getting struck by lightning while he’s trying to get home.”

“You got it Twi.” She said with a salute. The cyan mare then rushed out the door as the rain started. Hex looked out the window and saw that thunder and lightning cracked in the sky.

“Well, buck. Now I gotta walk through that.” Hex said with a groan. An idea popped into Twilight’s mind as she blushed.

“Y-you could stay here for the night.” She said in a nervous tone.

“I don’t want to bother you or-”

“It’s no trouble. Since Spike is at Rarity’s it’ll just be us here.” Hex weighed his options and shrugged.

“Okay, if it’s no bother.” He said with a sigh. Twilight blushed brightly at the answer. “Let me just tell AJ. So she doesn’t worry.” He said with a smile.

“How?” Hex removed his hat and the brim started to glow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on Sweet Apple Acres the apple family and the azure performer were sitting down to eat dinner. Applejack was tapping her hoof impatiently as Granny Smith turned the stove off. The orange mare then felt something poke at her mane. She removed her hat. As she did the blue stallion’s head came out of the brim.

“Hello.” The head said with a smirk.

“What in tarnation?” AJ yelled in surprise. The rest of the group looked in surprise at the hat. “How in the hay are you doing that?”

“All hat’s bend to my will.” He said in an over lord voice.

“Where are ya? It’s supper time.” She said with a frown.

“Yeah, the storm is really picking up out there," He said as a clap of thunder could be heard in the backround. "so Twi offered me to stay the night.” Applejack cocked an eyebrow and let out a sigh.

“Alright, just be back here by noon or you’ll get punished.” She said in a playful tone.

“You do realize that you just said that in front of your grandmother, brother, your sister and my sister right?” The orange mare’s face turned red as she looked at the snickering grandmother, the angry stallion, confused filly and the agitated Unicorn mare.

“Um....” Hex couldn’t help but snicker. “Laugh it up pretty boy, you’ll get what’s coming to you come morning.” She said in a menacing tone.

“Okay, now I’m scared.” He said in a frightened tone. AJ rolled her eyes and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Smell’s like Twilight is trying to cook.”

“You’d better stop her before she lights the whole place on fire.”

“Good plan. See ya tomorrow.” He said before the head went back into the brim and vanished. Applejack looked at the other ponies and gulped in embarrassment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Spike got done with organizing several boxes he and Sweetie Belle started building card houses. The baby dragon heard a hard knock on the door. He opened it to see a drenched Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Dash, what’s up?”

“Just letting you know that Twilight want you to stay here for the night since the storm is really picking up.” The cyan mare then saw the white fashionista.

“Oh hello dear, what brings you here at this hour?”

“Just letting you know that Twilight wants Spike to stay her cause of the storm.” The fashionista looked out the window and saw the buckets of water pouring down as lightning flashed in the sky.

“It’s perfectly alright. So is Twilight alone?” Rarity asked.

“Last time I was over there Hex was there. I guess he’s gonna stay the night.” She said with a shrug. Rarity’s right eye twitched and some color drained from her already white face. “You okay Rarity?”

“Y-yes, perfectly fine.” She said with a weak laugh. Dash shrugged and took off back towards her own home. Once she was gone, Rarity hoped that things would not spiral out of control.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the library Hex sat across from the mare who had a pouting look on her face. “Oh come on Twi, for your books sake I had to stop you.”

“I am not helpless in the kitchen.” She stammered.

“Spike told me that you almost burned down the library.”

“It was an accident!”

“Five times?” Twilight scrunched her nose and quietly ate the salad that the blue stallion had prepared. The two spent the meal in silence. After doing the dishes, the two sat down on the couch. Hex ignited his horn and lit a fire in the library’s stone fire place. The lavender mare tried to hide her blush as she sat next to the blue stallion.

“You got any movies?” He asked.

“Y-yeah, hang on.” She said as she got to her hooves and pulled out a television set with a working DVD player. “Sorry if it’s a bit outdated. I don’t use it too much and I don’t have that many movies.”

“That’s fine. What do you feel like watching?” He asked as he plugged the device in.

“One movie that I havens seen in a long time is Coltablanca.” Hex smirked and reached inside his hat and pulled out the movie. “No way!”

“My own copy. An oldie but goodie.” He said with a shrug. The stallion popped the disk into the player and hit the play button.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity sat across from Spike and her sister. She ate her food in silence. Her mind was consumed with worry about having Hex over at the library with Twilight alone. “You okay sis?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yes, why?”

“You’ve been really quiet since Rainbow Dash left.” The filly said as she raised an eyebrow.

“I just have a lot on my mind. That’s all.” She said with a weak grin. Spike raised an eyebrow at this. “Now, how about I read you a story before bed, hmm?”

“Okay!” The filly chimed. Rarity walked her sister upstairs and red her ‘The Colt Who Cried Timber Wolf.’ Afterwards she trotted back down stairs to see Spike sitting on the couch.

“Okay Rarity, what’s going on?” He asked in a flat tone. “I know something’s up and if it concerns Twilight then I think I have a right to know.” Rarity weighed her options. One; she could tell Spike and face the wrath of Pinkie Pie, or keep her promise and possibly see one her friend’s hearts get destroyed. The mare let out a sigh and walked up next to him. She sat down on the couch and made her decision.

“Spike, what I’m about to tell you is very important. I’m breaking a Pinkie Promise by doing it.” The dragon gasped as he remembered what Twilight told him when they last visited Dodge Junction.

“Are you nuts?” He said in a panic filled tone.

“I feel that friendship is more important than some promise and I’ll accept whatever punishment Pinkie has in store for me.” The white mare gathered her courage and motioned for the dragon to come closer. “I believe that Twilight has feelings for Hex.” As she spoke the last words, a bolt of lightning struck her home. Killing the power.

“Seriously?” Spike said in a concerned tone. Rarity levitated some candles over to them. Spike obliged and lit them. “For how long?”

“I believe since the hydra incident. At first I thought that she’d get over it after he and Applejack became a couple. Now I’m not so sure.” She said with a sigh.

“Well, we gotta do something!”

“Like?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know, something.” He said with a sigh.

“Look, it’s too crazy out there to do anything now. I suggest that we sleep on it.” Rarity said as she levitated him a pillow and a blanket. “Hopefully, it won’t be too late.” She said to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the credits rolled, Hex let out a yawn. He looked to his right to see that the lavender mare was sleeping on his shoulder. He silently levitated the mare onto his back and carried her upstairs to her room. Hex set the mare down on the bed and put the covers over her. The blue stallion walked over to a closet and pulled out a pillow and blanket.

The stallion trotted back down to the living room and set himself up on the couch. He let out a yawn and drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Early the next morning Applejack woke up at her usual time and let out a yawn. The mare quickly brushed her man and styled it in the her usual ponytail before placer her signature Stetson atop her head. The orange mare trotted downstairs to see the azure mare sitting at the table sipping some tea.

“Morning Trixie.” She said with a smile.

“Morning.”

“How are ya feeling?” She asked as she grabbed an apple.

“A lot better than I was and don’t worry, I’ll be out of your manes soon enough.” She said with a smile.

“It’s no trouble.” The orange mare said with a smile. “You’re actually not that bad. ah guess I misjudged ya and ah’m sorry about that.”

“Your judgement was wrong. Trixie knows that she can be a hoofful and I’m grateful to you and your family.”

“Forget about it, ah think Hex is the one ya should thank.” Trixie gave a chuckle and nodded.

“May Trixie ask a question?”

“Sure.”

“What does my brother mean to you?” AJ was taken back by the performer’s question. The orange mare put a hoof to her chin and thought about the past few weeks.

“Ah know that we haven’t known each other for that long, but ah think ah can say that ah love him.” Trixie gave a hopeful smile and sighed.

“Thank you.” She said as she wrapped the mare in a hug. “Hex has spent so many years taking care of me, I was worried that he’d never live for himself.” Applejack returned the hug and smiled. “I’m glad he met you.”

“Thanks Trixie, that means a lot.” She said before leaving.

“Oh and Applejack.” Trixie said. “Hurt him and Trixie will turn you inside out.” She said in a tone that could freeze a volcano.

“G-got it.” Applejack said with a weak smile. Trixie smiled at her and gave her a nod. As the orange mare walked past the stairs she was stopped by her sister.

“Hey Applejack where are you going?” The filly asked.

“Ah’m gonna go get Hex from the library.”

“Um, wait there for a sec.” Applebloom said before she zoomed back to her room. The filly then returned with a book in her mouth. “I borrowed this book from Twilight and I need it returned. Think you can do it?”

“Sure thing Bloom.” The orange mare said as she gladly took the book from her sister. As the orange mare trotted down the road she thought about the blue stallion. Do I really love him?

He’s been there for us since he got here.

He’s nice, smart and hot.

Maybe.....No, he is the one. Filled with confidence, the young farmer galloped towards the library. As she neared it she saw a familiar purple dragon with a shocked look on his face. The mare shrugged and opened the door. What she saw next shocked her to the core. Time slowed as her watering green eyes fell upon the dark blue Unicorn stallion lip locked with Twilight Sparkle.

The two Unicorns looked at the doorway to see the distraught farmer glaring at them both with tear filled eyes. Hex pushed Twilight away and looked at the farmer.

“AJ....I don’t know what-” Was all he got out before the mare dropped the book and galloped back to her farm with hooves that could rival Rainbow Dash and a shattered heart. The magician gave chase, leaving the lavender mare sitting on the hardwood floor with nothing but guilt in her mind.

Author's Note

Dun! Dun! Duuunnn!
Sorry for the long break folks. School started up and I've been working on other fics.
Sweet Luna, somebody hit me. I hate doing ths to AJ!

Chapter 10: The Storm

Chapter 10

The Storm

Hex galloped after the orange mare. The stallion’s mind was beyond confused. He didn’t have time to worry about that now all he wanted was to talk to the orange beauty. As he got to the door of the farm house he was stopped as a muscular red hoof slammed into his face. The force was enough to send the stallion back a good five feet.

Hex slowly sat up to see an enraged Big Mac glaring at him with daggers in his eyes. The once calm, gentle giant had now been replaced by a war mongering behemoth. “What the buck did you do to my sister?” He yelled.

“Mac please I-” Was all he could get out before he was met with another red hoof to the face. As the blue stallion slumped on the ground in pain, the red Earth pony spat out the piece of hay he was chewing on and removed his harness.The blue stallion heard what sounded like a tree branch cracking, he looked up to see Mac cracking his hooves. Hex knew that Mac was stronger than him, with the harness removed Hex could see the benefit of being raised on the farm.

“To think that ah actually liked you.” He said as he picked theUnicorn up and threw him into a barrel of apples. The wood splintered and cut into the blue stallion’s coat. Hex was beginning to get delirious, the only thing that was keeping him away was the pain from the his injuries.

“Mac wait, let me-” The red stallion put a hoof on his throat and started to press. Hex gasped for air and tried to pry the farmers hoof off him. The red stallion then lowered his head and whispered to him in a barely audible tone.

“Ya have one hour to get out of here or I’ll snap yer neck.” The bone chilling tone was enough to make an Ursa Major gulp in fear.

“What.....about.....Trixie?” Hex managed to wheeze out.

“She can stay for as long as she wants. Provided that you leave and never come back.” Mac got off the stallion and glared at him. Hex weighed his options and hung his head in defeat. A river of tears formed in his eyes.

“D-deal.” Hex said as he limped away from the stallion. Mac grunted as the magician stepped inside his carriage and saw it quietly roll away. After five minutes, the carriage seemed to vanish in the woods. Mac let out a sigh and put his harness back on. As he trotted out of the barn he saw two familiar flyers touch down in front of him.

“Hey Mac.” Storm said with a smile. The Pegasus then saw the red stallion’s stern expression. “You okay man?”

“I’m fine.” Mac sad in an icy tone.

“You sure? You seem a bit....angry.” Dash said.

“Ah said ah’m fine!” The cyan mare immediately jumped back in fear. Storm took a step forward and narrowed his gaze.

“Whoa, take it easy man. We’re just worried.” Mac let out a sigh.

“Sorry, ah guess ya’ll should know something.” The red stallion then told him what the orange farmer had told him. Storm’s jaw hit the ground as Dash snarled and cracked her hooves.

“Where is he? I’ll tear him limb from limb!” She yelled. Dash’s face was red with anger and Storm could see steam coming from her nostrils.

“Ah already took care of that.” Mac said in a flat tone. “He’s gone and if he’s smart then he’ll stay that way.”

“You sure that he cheated on AJ?” Storm asked.

“Ah’ve never seen her so upset!” Mac yelled. “Besides, we all know that Applejack can’t tell a lie to save her life.” The white stallion gave a reluctant nod.

“Good point. Sorry just had to ask. Still can’t believe it though.” Mac gave a small nod. Rainbow had calmed down a bit and looked at the stallion.

“Mind if we go see Applejack?”

“Maybe later. Ah think that she just wants to be alone right now.” He said in a low tone. “Ah’ll tell her that ya’ll said hi.”

“Thanks Mac, just let her know that we’re all there for her.” The white stallion said with a weak grin. The two Pegasi then took off and rocketed towards town. As the two took off he spotted a familiar purple dragon racing towards him. Spike stopped in front of the red stallion and tried to catch his breath.

“Mac....I have.....something....important....to tell....Applejack.” Mac sighed and looked at the dragon. He didn’t really know Spike all that well. All he did know was that he lived with the mare that had a hoof in breaking his sister’s heart.

“Spike, ah think the last thing mah sister needs is having anything to do with Twilight.” He said in a stern tone.

“You don’t understand!” The dragon yelled.

“Ah said scram!” The red stallion bellowed. Spike gulped and slowly backed away from the red stallion. Mac grunted in frustration and eyed a dead tree in the South field. As he reached it He gave it one kick with his back right hoof. The dead tree lurched and was uprooted by the force.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Storm and Dash had gathered the other three mares at Rarity’s boutique. Pinkie’s hair was dark and straight. Fluttershy had tears in her eyes and was sniffling. The seamstress had an extreme look of guilt strewn across her face.

“Oh it’s all my fault. If I had told somepony then-”

“It’s not your fault Rarity.” Storm said. “You were just trying to be a good friend.” The seamstress held her head in shame. The door opened to reveal the azure mare.

“Oh thank goodness Trixie found-” The mare then saw the cyan mare scowl at her with a burning passion. “What’s going on?”

“We’re talking about your no good two timing brother!” Dash yelled. Trixie frowned and glared at the flyer.

“What?”

“Didn’t you hear? Hex cheated on Applejack with Twilight.” Pinkie said in a low tone. Trixie’s right eyelid twitched and looked at the group of ponies.

“Hex would never do something like that.” She said in a strong tone.

“AJ saw it herself and she has never told anyone a lie.” Storm said. “Look Trixie, you’re obviously upset and-” The stallion was stopped as Trixie smacked him across the face.

“How dare you drag my brother’s name through the mud!” She yelled. “It can’t be true!” The mare yelled as she ran out the door with tears in her eyes. Dash was about to go after her but was stopped as Storm raised hoof.

“It’s okay Dash. She just needs some time.”

“I can’t believe we were friends with him.” Dash said in a defeated tone. The door to the boutique burst open to reveal the small purple dragon.

“Oh thank Luna.” He said as he walked up to the group. “Guys there’s something you need to-”

“Not now Spike.” Storm said with a dismissive hoof.

“You need to hear-”

“Spike!” Dash bellowed. “The adults are talking! Just go back to the library or something.” The dragon let out a groan and left the shop as he slammed the door.

The baby dragon then made his way through the streets of Ponyville with his head held low. Why won’t anypony listen? He thought to himself. As the small dragon walked through the park he saw a sobbing azure mare. Spike quietly walked up to the sobbing mare.

“Trixie?” Spike said.

“What?” She said in a low tone. Spike sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Look, I know that you and I aren’t exactly friends,” He said in a flat tone. “but I know that Hex isn’t to blame.” The azure mare looked at him in shock.

“What?”

“Look, it’s complicated and Applejack needs to hear what I have to say.” The dragon swallowed his pride and let out a sigh. “Help me out and I’ll prove Hex’s innocence.”

“Why would you help Trixie? Aren’t you loyal to Twilight?”

“I know, but I don’t want AJ’s and Twi’s friendship to end because of this.” He said with a sigh. “Truce?”

“Trixie will help you.” She said as she shook the dragon’s claw. “What do you need Trixie to do?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was late afternoon when the two partners in crime crept up beside the farm house. A black suited Trixie checked that the coast was clear and motioned for the similarly dressed dragon to come out. The two checked their corners and nodded to one another. The two stopped by Applejack’s window.

“Okay, now levitate me up to the window.” The dragon said. Trixie pulled back the hood and looked at the dragon.

“Why did you have Trixie wear this hood?” The mare asked as she glared at the dragon.

“Dunno. Seemed like a good idea at the time.” The dragon said with a weak grin. Trixie rolled her eyes and her horn glowed a faint pink color. Spike was then levitated onto the roof and looked in the window to see the orange mare on her bed. He gave Trixie a thumbs up and the mare galloped off.

The purple lizard tried to open the window, but found it locked. Spike bit his lip and let out a sigh. Twilight would kill me if she ever knew I could do this. The dragon said as he put a claw on the glass surface. Spike applied pressure and carved an arm sized hole through the glass. He reached inside and undid the small lock.

As the dragon hopped down on the floor, the orange mare picked her head up. Even in the darkness of the room Spike could see the mare’s soaking, blood shot eyes. Spike had never seen the iron strong mare in such a state.

“Applejack listen-”

“Just go Spike.” She said as she turned her head around. “Ah don’t want to talk anypony right now.”

“Then just listen. Hex-” The orange mare shot up and rushed towards the dragon with daggers in her eyes.

“Don’t you dare mention that scoundrels name to me!” She bellowed as tears flowed.

“Just listen to what I have to-”

“No!” Spike had had enough. He’d been blocked by Mac and blown off by his friends. He raised a claw and lightly smacked the orange farmer across the face, stunning her. Applejack blinked twice and looked at him in shock.

“Now before you buck me into Trottingham, just listen to me for one Celestia damn second!” The orange mare had never heard use such words before. The baby dragon let out a sigh.

“Ah’m listening.” She asked as the mark disappeared.

“Okay, I spent the night at Rarity’s cause of the storm. While I was over there, Rarity told me that Twilight had a crush on Hex.”

“She didn’t tell me?” The enraged orange mare said.

“She broke a Pinkie Promise by telling me!” Spike said with a gulp. Applejack was about to fire back, but remembered the repercussions for breaking the agreement. “Anyway, I was worried so I got up extra early and went over to the library.”

“Come to think of it,” She said as she raised a hoof to her chin. “I did see you standing outside the window with a scared look on your face. “Why?” Spike let out a sigh and sat on the bed next to the mare.

“This is what really happened.” The dragon swallowed his nervousness and started to tell his tale.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight laid in her bed early in the morning tossing and turning. The thoughts of the blue stallion kept creeping back to her. She wanted to be with him. The lavender mare was always jealous of the orange farmer’s looks. Twilight argued with herself for what seemed like hours.

The scholar rose from her bed and trotted down stairs to see the blue stallion snoring away on the couch. The mare gathered her courage and levitated a group picture of her friends. Her horn glowed a magnificent purple aura and she focused. Her coat turned orange and her straight indigo mane turned blonde. Twilight examined herself in the mirror and took a brief moment to admire her work.

I-I just need one kiss....that’s all. She said as she quietly approached the couch. The disguised mare gently nudged the stallion. Hex’s eyes folded open and he smiled.

“Hey hun. What brings you here?”

“Oh, just couldn’t wait to see ya.” Twilight said using her best southern accent.

“You okay AJ? You sound a little....off.”

“Just a small cold. Nothing to fret about.”

“Well, I think I have the perfect medicine.” He said with a smile. Twilight leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Her mind was a war zone.

This is...wrong!

It feels so good. Hex then prodded his tongue into her mouth, making the mare squeak in surprise. The blue stallion felt a wave of confusion wash over him. The taste apples and cinnamon flavor he had come to love, was replaced by a more berry flavor. Twilight was so lost in the kiss that she lost her concentration and the illusion evaporated.

The blue stallion opened his eyes and his pupils shrank to the size of pin tips. Before either of them could react the door swung open. The two froze as they saw the real orange farmer standing in the doorway with tears flowing down her face. The blue magician pushed the scholar aside and gave chase after the farmer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack sat frozen as the dragon hung his head in shame. The anger the farmer felt was soon replaced by guilt. The mare held her head in her hooves and started to cry again. Spike put an arm around the mare and tried to comfort her.

“Sp-Spike. Are you telling the truth?” The mare said in a shaky tone.

“I wish I wasn’t AJ.” He said with a sigh. The farmer looked in the purple dragon’s eyes and saw no hint of deceit.

“Ah’m the worst mare friend in the world!” She wailed.

“That’s not true. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes then I wouldn’t have believed it.” Applejack shot up and got to her hooves.

“Ah gotta find him!” She said with a sniffle. “Ah gotta find him and tell him ah love him!”

“Mac scared him off early this morning.” The dragon said in a defeated tone. Applejack hung her head in silence.

“So it’s too late?”  She said as new tears came to her.

“Not yet!” The two looked towards the doorway and saw the azure mare standing in the doorway. “Trixie happens to know where Hex is.” The orange mare galloped towards her with tears in her eyes.

“Please Trixie. Please help me.” She said as she laid on the ground. “Ah made a horrible mistake and ah’m sorry.” Trixie looked at the farmer and let out a sigh.

“If you were any other mare, Trixie would turn you inside out.” She said in an icy tone. The azure mare let out a sigh and looked at the farmer. “ But Trixie has never seen Hex as happy as he was when he was with you.” The mare’s horn glowed a dark blue crystal appeared in her hoof. “This is a tracking crystal. I’ve enchanted it to find Hex’s magical signature. If anything can find him then this can.”

“But he could be hundreds of miles away by now.” The dragon said.

“This crystal also acts as a one way teleportation spell.” The farmer’s eyes grew wide. “It should teleport you close to his position.”

“Why didn’t you use that thing in the first place?” Spike asked.

“Before now, Trixie was too weak to use it.” The two then remembered the state she had come to town in.

“How does it work?” Applejack asked as she took the gem.

“Trixie will use her magic. Keep in mind that it only works one way. Hopefully you’ll catch a ride back with Hex.” Trixie said with a smile. Applejack grabbed her hat and let out a sigh.

“Spike, thanks for telling me the truth.”

“What are friends for?” He said with a smile. “Now go get him back.” Applejack nodded and gave Trixie a smile. The Unicorn’s horn flared and the orange farmer was wrapped in a veil of magical light. After a flash of magic the farmer was gone from their sight.

The dragon let out a sigh of relief and followed the mare out of the farm house. As the two walked down the dirt road towards the small town. “Trixie,” The azure mare looked at the dragon. “I just want to say thanks for helping me.”

“It’s no trouble.” She said as she waved her hoof. “Still, Trixie is still confused about something.”

“What’s that?”

“After everything Twilight has done for you, why would you go and talk about something that could ruin her name?” The dragon let out a sigh and looked at the ground.

“Because she asked me to.” The azure mare blinked twice in surprise. “I’ve never seen Twilight look so guilty. She’s really sorry fro what happened and-” The dragon was cut off as he felt a blunt object strike the back of his neck. The dragon’s vision faded and slipped into darkness.

Trixie stood with her eyes closed and her right hoof raised over the now unconscious dragon. Trixie then levitated him into a nearby bush. The magician cracked her hooves and neck.

“Not as sorry as she’s going to be.” She said as she opened her eyes. The once amethyst pupils were replaced by ones that were now ruby red. The azure mare summoned her usual hat and cape as she galloped towards the small town.

Chapter 12: Reconciliation

Chapter 12

Reconciliation

Applejack, Hex and Trixie made their way back towards the library. The light blue Unicorn had turned back to her original body earlier that morning. The three stopped as they arrived at the library.

“I mean it Trix. No mouthing off.” Hex said in a rough tone.

“Trixie understands that she was wrong to say those things. You don’t have to keep treating me like a kid.” The mare spat out.

“You’re my little sister. What else am I supposed to do?” He said as he walked into the library. The three saw that the other mares were all waiting for them. The three sat down across from the cyan mare and her colt friend. Dash’s body was back to normal, but kept her hooves crossed and glared at the blue stallion. “When did you turn back?” Hex asked.

“About five in the morning.” She said with a grunt.

“How about we get down to business?” Rarity suggested.

“Right.” Hex said with a gulp. The room became quiet and a thick layer of tension fell over the group. The blue stallion bit his lip looking for where to begin. Twilight got to her hooves and hung her head in shame.

“I’m sorry!” The ponies all saw a few tears fall to the floor. “I never wanted to hurt any of you,” She then looked towards the orange mare. “especially you AJ.” The orange mare had a sympathetic look on her face. Applejack let out a sigh and trotted up to the lavender mare. She wrapped her friend in a tight hug and rested her head on her shoulder and gulped.

“Twi, you cause us all a lot of heart ache. Mostly to Hex and me.” She said as she broke the hug.

“AJ I-” She was cut off as the mare raised a hoof.

“Let me finish. Ah’ll forgive you, but my trust is something yer gonna have to earn back.” Twilight looked at the mare in surprise and a smile grew across her face.

“How can you forgive me just like that?”

“Ah’m the element of honesty and ah can see that you were tearing yourself apart over what happened.” She said with a weak smile. “Plus, we're best friends.” She said with a smile. Twilight hugged her friend tightly and cried in her shoulder. Applejack patted the mare on the back and smiled. “But, try it again and ah’ll kick ya straight back to Canterlot.”

“Noted.” Twilight said with a smile. Rarity summoned a handkerchief and blew her nose as she cried. Dash discretely wiped a few tears away.

“Darn it! Now you’ve got me started!” Storm rolled his eyes and put a wing around his mare friend’s shoulders. Trixie then trotted forward and sighed.

“Trixie feels most guilty about what she said.” The mare said as she removed her hat.

“It’s okay Trixie. You were just trying to protect your brother’s name.” Twilight said with a smile. “I probably would have done the same thing.” Trixie smiled and shook her hoof. “Mind if I ask what that spell was?”

“Care to explain Hex? You’d explain it better than I would.” Trixie said as she looked at her brother. The blue stallion sighed and got to his hooves.

“Trixie used her Devil Eye on you.”

“Devil eye?” Twilight said in confusion.

“It’s a very old and powerful type of illusion magic.” He stated. His eyes then shifted red and an odd design was around the pupil. “She trapped you within two illusions and made you see one of your worst fears.”

“Two illusions?” Dash said. “Is that even possible?”

“If you’re strong enough, yes.” He said in a flat tone. “I can do it too.”

“What about this Devil eye thing?” Storm asked.

“The devil eye as I call it, is a magical technique that resides in the users eyes.” He said as the pupils shifted back to normal. “There are a few who can activate this magic, but there’s a...special requirement.” He said in a low tone.

“Which is?” Dash asked. Trixie then lowered her head.

“You have to see somepony you love die.” The group all put a hoof to their mouth in shock. “Trixie and I unknowingly activated it when we saw our mom die.” The group all gulped. Applejack put a hoof on the stallion’s back.

“So what else can this magic do?” Rarity asked.

“It’s different for each pony who activates it. I once met a mare who’s ability was x-ray vision.” He said with a shrug.

“That is so awesome!” Dash said in a fangirl tone. “So what does yours do?”

“Mine can take things from my imagination and bring them into reality.” He said with a smile.

“No way!”

“You saw the crow right?” The ponies all nodded as they remembered the massive bird. “That’s what I did.”

“This is amazing!” Twilight said.

“Yeah, but you can’t use it too often.” He said in a flat tone.

“Why?” Applejack asked.

“Using it puts an extreme amount of strain on the optic nerve and could make you go blind if you use it for too long at one time.” The ponies all gulped. “Not to mention that it uses up an immense amount of magical energy.” He said with a sigh. “I heard that a stallion kept using it for twenty minutes at a time and drained his magic level to zero.” The ponies all gulped at the stallion’s words. “It’s categorized as forbidden magic for that reason.”

“Forbidden magic?” Twilight said in shock.

“Yes,” Hex said with a nod. “Starswirl the Bearded was the first outsider to learn this magic.”

“Learn it? From who?” Twilight asked.

“No pony knows who first discovered this ability. The farthest I’ve been able to track back is to Starswirl and then the trail goes cold.” He said with a sigh. “I even got special permission to dig through the Royal Canterlot archives and I found nothing. Not even Starswirl’s wing had much on the technique.”

“How did you get inside the archives?” Twilight asked. “It’s the most heavily guarded library in Equestria.”

“I said please.” He said in a flat tone.

“That’s it?”

“I can be very persuasive.” He said as his eyes tinted red.

“You broke in?” The mare yelled.

“No, a guard led me in while he was under my illusion spell.” He said with a smirk. “I took nothing and merely copied the information and put the originals back where I found them.”

“But you have all those other books on him.”

“Yes, I even have his personal journal and he’s mentioned nothing about it. It’s like it just appeared out of nowhere.” He said as he scratched his chin. “Anyway, Trixie had no right to use that on you Twilight and I’m sorry you had to see whatever you saw.”

“It’s okay.” She said with a smile.

“Trixie?” He said as he looked at the azure mare. Trixie let out a sigh and rolled her eyes. “Trixie!”

“Fine, I’m sorry. Just keep your hooves off my brother.” She said in a flat tone. Hex groaned and face hoofed.

“Okay Trix I’ll bargain. What do you want me to do so you can forgive Twilight?” Trixie let out a sigh and looked at her brother.

“Talk to Nightshade.” Hex’s eyes shrank.

“Out of the bucking question!” He yelled. “No way am I talking to that plot hole.”

“Who’s Nightshade?” Storm asked. Hex let out a sigh and looked at the group.

“He’s my plot hole of a father.” The group gulped. “When my mom died, the orphanage contacted my father to come and pick us up. Instead he gave us up and left us there without a word of goodbye.”

“Jerk!” Dash yelled.

“Needless to say, I don’t want to talk to him.” He said with a groan.

“He’s still your family.” Applejack said as she put a hoof on her colt friend’s shoulder.

“I appreciate the kind words AJ but-”

“You gave me a second chance.” Hex felt his throat go dry at the words. “For me?” Hex bit his lip and rolled the idea around in his head. The stallion let out a sigh and looked at the blue mare.

“He comes to me and this is his only chance.” He said in a serious tone. Trixie smiled and hugged her brother. “I mean it Trix. He get’s one chance and that’s it.”

“I got it.”

“Where is he?”

“Last time I checked he was in Trottingham.” She said as she trotted towards the door. “ Trixie will let him know immediately.” As she reached for the door a thought came to her. “Oh, Trixie almost forgot. Do you have any books on exorcisms Twilight?”

“I don’t think so. Why?” The blue mare then walked over to the orange farmer.

“Trixie is under the impression that spirits have taken refuge in Applejack’s home.”

“What makes you say that?” Applejack asked.

“Trixie heard several shrieks and moans coming from the walls.” The orange farmer’s face grew bright red. “I also heard loud banging noises coming from the wall.” Hex’s face turned bright red. Dash looked at the couples faces and tried to hide her laughter. “I hardly think that this is a laughing matter Rainbow Dash.”

“Um Trixie.” Dash said as she tried to control herself. “Which wall were the noises coming from?” She said with a giggle.

“The far left.”

“And who was on the other side of that wall?” She said as Storm was struggling to keep a straight face.

“I believe it was Apple-” Trixie’s eyes shrank in realization and looked at the two guilty ponies. Dash keeled over in laughter and Storm was right behind her. Rarity’s face contorted in disgust and gasped. AJ pulled her hat down over her head to hide her blush. “Th-the great and embarrassed Trixie, has to go and....get a bucking drink.” She said as she galloped out the door.

The group then converged on the blue unicorn and orange farmer. The couple gulped as Dash threw a smug grin on her face.

“Sound like somepony started apple bucking season early.” She said as she waggled her eyebrows.

“Rainbow Dash! Show some decency!” Rarity said. “One’s personal relationship should not be the subject of ones entertainment.” The white mare said with a groan.

“Oh lighten up Rarity.” Storm said with a chuckle.

“Should we reminisce about the time I saw you in a dress Storm?” Both Pegasi immediately clammed up and bit their tongues. “That’s what I thought.” The group then turned back to the couple only to find the space they once occupied was now empty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big Mac was out working the South field when he saw a flash of blue light fill his vision. The light vanished. Mac saw Hex and Applejack standing there with with looks of relief on their faces.

“Howdy you two.” He said with a smile.

“Hey Mac.” Hex said with a pant.

“What brings you here? Ah thought you were going to talk with Twilight.”

“We did.” Applejack said.

“Are ya’ll okay?” The red farmer asked.

“We came to an understanding.” The orange mare stated.

“Ah’m glad that ya worked things out.” He said with a nod. Something then occurred to the blue stallion.

“Speaking of working things out.” He said as he grinned at the red stallion. “You still owe me.” Mac gulped and looked at the stallion. “It’s nothing too bad Mac, you just have to be my assistant for the show I’m doing this evening.”

“But ah gotta-”

“It’ll be at night. After you’re done with your work.”

“Ah’ll be too tired to-”

“You won’t have to do any heavy lifting.” Hex said with a smile. “Just show up and I’ll take care of everything.”

“But-”

“Oh quit belly aching. You got a debt to pay and yer gonna pay it.” Applejack said as she put a hoof on her brother’s chest. The red stallion looked at his sister who was boring holes through him with her emerald eyes.

“Yer right sis.” He said with a sigh. “Where is it?”

“I gotta go set up,” he said as he looked at his cart. “I’ll probably set up near Town Hall or something like that.” He said with a shrug. The red stallion nodded and continued to work. Applejack trotted up next to her colt friend and grinned.

“Yer gonna buck with him aren’t ya?”

“Big time.” He said with a grin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex waited for in his carriage and double checked himself in the mirror. His hat was in place, his mane was combed and his cape was on. A knock at the door made the stallion smile. He walked over to see a less than enthusiastic Big Mac waiting for him.

“Mac, so good of you to come!”

“Let’s just get this over with.” He said with a groan. Hex rolled his eyes and walked on stage behind the curtain. He poked his head out and saw that a large number of ponies had gathered. Hex walked over to Mac and smiled.

“Relax, you’re the last act.”

“Ya haven’t even told me what ah need to do yet!” Mac protested.

“Mac relax. Just come out on stage when I call you.” He said as he put a hoof on his shoulder. “I’ll take care of everything.” Mac grunted and hung his head in defeat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to start the opening act.” He said before trotting out of his carriage and onto the stage.

As he took his position on stage the crowd simmered down and watched with anticipation. “Good evening folks. For those of you that don’t know my name is Hex the Mysterious.” The ponies clapped for him. “Okay, let’s see what strange and unusual things I have in my hat today!” He said as he put his hat on stage with the opening facing up.

As he looked at the hat a grey blonde maned Pegasus mare with off center golden eyes poked her head out of the opening. Hex raised an eyebrow in confusion as the head looked around.

“Hey! This isn’t the muffin empire!” She said before pulling her head back inside the hat and vanishing. Hex looked in the hat and then back to the audience.

“Okay, now if that wasn’t strange and unusual to you ponies then I don’t know what is.” The ponies all shared a chuckle. The remainder of the act was spent on illusion magic and old card tricks. Soon the show started to wind down and Hex saw that several ponies were nodding off.

“Well folks, it’s been fun, but it’s time for the finale!” He aid with gusto. The tired ponies shrugged and fought to stay awake. “Now for this one I have an assistant. Mac, you’re on!” The ponies looked to the fr right to see the red stallion slowly and reluctantly make his way to the center stage. “Mac here was kind enough to volunteer as my assistant.” The red stallion grunted at the word ‘volunteer.’

Hex’s horn flared and a large box stood on end next to the stallion. “Now Mac all I need you to do is go in that box.” The stallion glared at him. He then felt his sister giving him the death stare. The stallion sighed and hesitantly got in the box. Hex’s horn glowed and closed the box shut.

“Now what should I do? The good old saw in half trick?” He said as he summoned a saw. The ponies all gulped and heard a nervous groan come from the box. “Nah, to easy.” He said as he made the saw vanish. “Thousand needles?” He suggested as the area around him was occupied by easily one thousand needles. Mac again yelped at the words. “No, not good enough.” He said with a sigh. Hex put a hoof to his chin and thought for a moment. “Oh I know!”

Hex’s horn glowed a bright blue and the box was surrounded by a bright aura. He smirked as he levitated the opening. The box seeped out a light blue smoke and the ponies heard some coughing coming from it. What they saw next made the gears in their brain stop. Instead of the hulking red stallion they saw enter the box, a slimmer red Earth pony mare stood before them. “Goodbye Macintosh and hello Macareina!”

“What in tarnation?” She said in a high pitched voice. Rainbow Dash was immediately on the floor in a fit of laughter. Soon, the entire crowd was in a similar state.

“That’s our show folks! Goodnight!” Hex said before vanishing in a puff of smoke. The red mare then ran behind the curtain where Hex and the other group of friends were. Applejack walked up to her former brother and giggled.

“This ain’t amusing!” He yelled.

“Oh hush now big broth..sister.” She said with a laugh. Mac hid his face in shame.

“Um Storm, what’s with your wings?” Pinkie asked. the group turned to see that the white stallion’s wings were standing in the air.

“Storm!” Dash yelled.

“Um....I gotta go feed my...plant.” He said before rocketing off into the sky. Mac walked up to the blue stallion and scowled.

“Fix this now!”

“I would if I could Mac.”

“Say what now?” The red mare yelled.

“These type of spells act on a timer and since you’re bigger than most ponies, I had to use a bit more magic than usual.” Hex said with a smirk. “So it’ll last longer than most.”

“How long?”

“Two days...month tops.”

“What?” Mac yelled.

“I’m kidding.” Hex said with a chuckle. “It should only last a few day to a week.” Mac scowled at him. “Hey, I I tried to break the spell then it might become permanent.” Mac gulped and hung his head in shame.

“Oh this gives me an idea~” Rarity said in a sing song voice. “I shall gather my supplies and be at your farm tomorrow!” The white mare said as she charging off towards her home. Mac shuttered at the thought of being at the mercy of the fashionista.

“Did you plan that as well?” Thered mare asked.

“No Mac, I may be crafty, but I’m not cruel.” Hex said with a smirk. “See ya tomorrow!” He said before vanishing in a flash of blue light. The red mare hung her head as she made her way back to her home with a giggling Applejack by her side.

Chapter 13: Family Reunion

Chapter 13

Family Reunion

It had been a few days since the meeting and the wounds were slowly beginning to heal. Hex walked back and forth in his cart with an angry look on his face. Applejack and the others were watching as he slowly made a rut in the floor.

“Just calm down Hex.” Applejack stated.

“How can I calm down? I agreed meet the bucker who left Trixie and I for dead!” He said with a grunt.

“You don’t even know why he gave you up.” Twilight started. “He probably wanted you to have a better life.”

“Oh yeah, traveling from town to town without anypony giving a flying feather that you’re alive or dead? Sounds real charming.” He said in a sarcastic tone.

“Hex!” Applejack yelled. The blue stallion let out a sigh and calmed his nerves. The White stallion bit his lip and wrapped a wing around the blue Unicorn.

“Trust me man, I know how you feel.”

“How so?” Hex said with a groan. “No offense Storm, but Dash told me about your dad. It’s not the same thing.” The white stallion bit his lip and let out a sigh as he realized he had to tell his friends one last secret.

“I know, my dad is dead. My mother on the other hoof is still alive.” He said with a gulp. Everypony in the cart looked at the white stallion in confusion. Rainbow Dash flew up to him and bore holes through him with her magenta eyes. “Dash, I can explain.”

“In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve never mentioned anything about your mom. Care to explain that?” She said in a harsh tone.

“You never asked?” He said with a small smile. Dash was gritting her teeth in frustration as she bore holes through him. “Okay fine.” He said in a low tone. “When my dad died my mom Summer Gale didn’t take it well, as to be expected.” The ponies all nodded. “She started drinking a lot and came home drunk more times than I’d like to admit.” He said as he hung his head in shame.

“Some friends of hers tried to get her help and be supportive, but it didn’t do much.”

“How long did this go on for?” Twilight asked.

“Till I entered High school.” He said in a flat tone. “Then....things got really bad.” He said with a faint sniffle. “She started doing magic grass laced with discolored Rainbow and it went down hill from there.” Dash’s jaw dropped.

“Discolored rainbow?” Applejack said.

“It’s what gives a rainbow it’s color and shine. If you cook it down to liquid form then it becomes a very powerful psychotropic drug. Highly addictive and damaging through prolonged use.” He said with a sigh. “One day I had had enough and we got in a massive argument. I packed my stuff and stayed with my best friend Thunder till I graduated.”

“So what happened to your mom?” Fluttershy asked.

“After the fight I called the police and they arrested her for possession of illegal substances.” The ponies all let out a gasp. “Luckily she opted for treatment instead of jail time and she got better.”

“Where is she now?”

“Don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her since the fight.” Storm said in a low tone. “I’ve kept tabs on her and last time I checked she was still in the treatment facility in Trottingham.” The ponies all gulped as they tried to swallow the stallion’s story. Dash walked up to him and slapped him across the face before flying out of the cart. “Dash wait!” He yelled as he took after his fiance.

The cyan mare rocketed through the sky leaving an angry rainbow trail in her wake. Storm caught up to her and was yelling for her to slow down. Dash just sped ahead and didn’t dare look back at the stallion. Storm managed to catch up with her and tackle her on a cloud.

“Let me go!” She yelled.

“Dash please calm down and-”

“No!” She yelled as tears formed in her eyes. “You promised me that there would be no more secrets between us!” She yelled. Storm got off the mare and hung his head in shame. The cyan mare gulped and saw how torn up Storm was over the whole ordeal. “Just tell my why you didn’t tell me.” Storm bit his lip and was fighting back tears.

“I was ashamed.” He said as tears formed in his eyes. “I practically arrested my own mother. Do you have any idea what that feels like? Its like...its like whatever was left of my family died that day.” The stallion said as he let the tears flowed. “I know that she hates my guts and she has every right to.”

“Hey, you don’t know that.” The mare said as she hugged him.

“What else could she think about me?” He said in a low tone.

“You’ll never know unless you try.” Dash said as she broke the hug. “I want to meet her.”

“What?”

“Hey, you gave Spit and Soarin a second chance. The least you could do is give your mom one.”

“I don’t know Dash what if-” He was silenced as a cyan hoof touched his lips.

“I’ll be there for you. I’m the element of Loyalty for a reason.” She said as she nuzzled his chest. Storm wrapped a wing around the mare and smiled.

“How did an idiot like me end up with an awesome mare like you?” Dash giggled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“It’s cuz you’re cute when you’re stupid.”

“So twenty-four seven?”

“Yup.” She said with a smile. “Oh and if she gives you any lip, then I’ll take care of her.” She said as she cracked her hooves.

“Now I’m scared for my mom.” He said with a sigh. The two ponied flew back towards town. The two landed in front of Storm’s home and walked inside. The white stallion trotted over to his phone and dialed a number. The beeper rang three times before being picked up by a sweet sounding mare.

“Trottingham rehabilitation clinic. How can I help you?”

“Yeah, I was wondering if you had a patient there by the name of Summer Gale?”

“Yes, she’s here.” Storm let out a sigh of relief. “Might I ask who’s calling?”

“Just a friend, how’s she doing?”

“Fantastic. She’s doing much better than most of the ponies we have here.”

“Th-that’s great to hear.” Storm said with a gulp. “Can she see visitors?”

“Of course, she’s available tomorrow at noon. Shall I make an appointment?” Storm hesitated for a moment and looked at Dash who gave him a nod.

“Y-yeah, that would be great.”

“Okay, all I need is a name.”

“Can I be left anonymous?”

“Sorry, rules are rules. We have to have to know who our patients are seeing.”

“Can you just keep my arrival a surprise? It would really mean the world to me.”

“I just need a name for the paperwork, I don’t have to tell Gale who’s coming.”

“Okay, my name is Storm Chaser.” A silence fell over the phone.

“Storm Chaser?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, how do you know Gale?”

“She’s my mother.”

“I...I see....well, we will see you on Saturday Mr. Chaser. I’m sure Gale will be happy to see you.”

“I hope so.” He said before he hung up. He turned to the cyan mare who smiled at him. “C’mon, let’s get packing.” The two ponies then spent the next several hours sifting through their belongings. As they neared the train station the two saw the rest of their friends waiting for them. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Dash told us and we ain’t letting you do this alone partner.” Applejack said with a smile.

“I suppose that if you could make up with your mom I may be able to get some tips for when I meet my father.” Hex said with a grumble at the last word. Applejack punched him in the ribs and smiled. “Plus, I want to help ya out.” He said with a small smile.

“Guy’s I think I should do this-” He was cut off as the fashionista glared at him. Rarity’s sapphire eyes bore holed through the white stallion. The Pegasus gulped having never seen Rarity so determined.

“We are going. Is that understood?”

“Y-yes.” He said in a frightened tone.

“I can’t hear you!”

“Yes, ma’am!” He said as memories of Spitfire playing drill instructor came rushing back to him.

“Splendid.” The white mare said as she walked past the stunned stallion.

“Sometimes it amazes me how much that mare scares me.” Storm said as the other ponies nodded in agreement. The friends boarded the train and spent the ride talking about other things. Storm kept looking out the window and thinking about what he would say. The afternoon soon faded away and was replaced by Luna’s night.

Dash curled up next to her stallion and sighed happily as the white stallion laid awake in his bunk. Storm gently slid himself out from the mare’s grasp and quietly walked out of the train car into the open air. The stallion sighed deeply and looked up at the moon lit sky. The white Pegasus breathed in the night air and sighed.

Several thoughts raced through his mind and he groaned. The door tot he carriage opened revealing the blue Unicorn stallion.

“Mind if I join ya?”

“No.” The white Pegasus said.

“How are you holding up?” The white stallion just shrugged. Hex nodded and walked up next to him. “Look Storm, I know how you’re feeling.”

“How so?”

“For the longest time I blamed myself for my mom’s death.”

“That’s different. It wasn’t-”

“Neither is what you did.” Hex cut him off. “She chose to use them as a crutch.” Storm frowned at the stallion and cracked his neck.

“You have no idea the amount pain she felt!”

“Look, all I’m saying is to not be to hard on yourself. You did what you thought was right.” The white stallion hung his head and sighed. Hex sighed and walked back inside the train car and rejoined the orange farmer.

Storm took one last look at the night sky before walking back inside. He crawled into bed next to the cyan mare and sighed as she wrapped her hooves around him. Storm soon fell asleep in the mare’s embrace and let out a long sigh.

The group of ponies woke up as the sun poured through their windows. The group yawned and waited for the train to pull to a halt in the station. The group then made their off the platform and into the bustling city. Storm looked at the clock tower and saw that he had one hour. The stallion got his hooves on a map and started to make his way towards the clinic.

The treatment facility seemed to be well cared for and the staff truly seemed to care about the patients. While walking the pink pastry chef’s body kept vibrating and fidgeting.

“You okay Pinkie?” Hex asked.

“Don’t know. I haven’t had my Pinkie sense do that since the hydra incident with Twilight.” The ponies all gulped at the words.

“So what does that mean?” Hex said.

“Something you never expect to happen is going to happen. Whatever's going to happen it's gonna be a doozy!" Storm ignored the mare and made his way up to the front desk. A teal Unicorn mare with a brown mane and a nurse cap trotted up with a smile on her face.

“Hello, my name is Dr. Needle. How can I help you?”

“Hi, I have an appointment to visit Summer Gale today at noon.” The mare levitated a clipboard over in front of her face and she scanned the scribbles with her eyes.

“Ah yes, that makes you Storm Chaser then?”

“Y-yeah.” He said with a gulp.

“Right this way.” The group of ponies followed the mare to a door with the letters C17 on it. Storm held up a hoof and looked at the group.

“Guys, I appreciate that you’re all here, but this is something I gotta do on my own.” The ponies looked at one another and sighed.

“We’ll be right out in the hall if you need us.” Dash said as she gave him a small peck on the cheek. Storm nodded and took a moment to get his thoughts straight. As he reached for the door knob he hesitated.

No! I’ve come this far. I can’t go back now. I gotta do this for dad. The stallion opened the door and trotted inside. The room was fairly simple. A single bed, a coffee table and a T.V. on top of the dresser. His eyes then caught the sight of a white Pegasus mare with a red mane sitting with her back to him.

Storm tapped his hoof twice on the floor and the mare turned around. Her sapphire eyes shrank as she saw the Pegasus.

“S-Storm?” She said with a quivering lip.

“Y-yeah.” The stallion replied back trying to avoid eye contact. The mare slowly trotted up to him and looked him over.

“Y-you’ve grown.” She said as some tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

“Y-yeah.” A long silence then fell between the two and the tension rose. Storm gathered his courage and let out a sigh. “Mom I’m-” He was cut off as the mare wrapped her hooves around him and cried into his chest.

“I’m so sorry!” She wailed. The mare buried her face in the stallion’s white chest and sobbed. “I was a horrible mother to you!”

“D-don’t say that.” He said trying to comfort her.

“Please don’t lie like that. What kind of mother lets her son be exposed to alcohol and drugs that early in their life?” The mare cried. “Your father would be ashamed of me, I’m not fit to call myself-” A white hoof then smacked her across the face. The mare looked at her son wide eyed.

Storm held her tightly in his arms and let his tears flow.

“No parent is perfect.” He said with a sniffle. “You were just trying to find something for that hole that was left in your heart after dad died. I’ve been there and I know how it feels.” He said as he rested his head on her shoulder. “Dad would want you to be happy and staying here isn’t helping.” He said with a sniffle. “I am so sorry for putting you in this place.” The stallion said as he hung his head in shame.

“I’ve regretted it since the day I did it!” Storm yelled. The mare gently put a hoof on the side of her son’s cheek and turned his head so that their eyes met. The whites of her bright blue eyes were bloodshot red.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” She said in a calm tone. “I was out of control and I needed help.” She said with a smile. “You saved my life.” Storm couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

She’s thanking me?

“The ponies here are kind and they helped me get back up on my hooves.” She said with a smile. “It was very difficult at first but I eventually got used to things around here. I only have one glass of wine a month and I couldn’t be happier.” Storm nodded and smiled at the mare. “When I heard about Thunder....I was so worried about you. It was like a wake up call that you needed me and I got my act together.”

“See, you are a good mother.”

“But I wasn’t there!” She argued. “If I hadn’t been so weak then I would have been there.” She sobbed. Storm put his hooves on her shoulders and looked at her with a frown.

“You are not weak!” He bellowed. “Could a weak mare got through two years of rehab and come out like she was?” The mare was speechless. “I thought so. You’re my mom, there’s no way you’re weak.” The mare smiled as more tears formed in her eyes. She hugged her son and shook her head.

“I see you got your father’s thick headedness.” Storm smiled and broke the hug.

“I’ll be right back.” The stallion trotted over to the door and motioned with his hoof. Gale sat herself down on the couch and looked over to see a cyan mare with a flowing rainbow mane. “Mom this is my fiance, Rainbow Dash.” The white Pegasus’ eyes shrank and her jaws dropped. “Rainbow this is my mom, Summer Gale.”

“Nice to finally meet you.” Dash said as she held out her hoof. Gale smiled and gladly shook it.

“Thank you for taking care of my son.”

“No problem. He can be a bit of a dunce sometimes so I have to put him in his place every now and again.” She said with a chuckle.

“Oh I can tell I’m regretting this already.” Storm whined.

“You should hear about the time he and I got zapped with a gender bender spell!” Dash exclaimed.

“Dash!” He yelled.

“Oh really? Tell me more.” The white mare said as she sat back and grinned.

“Mom!”

“What? I’ve missed the past couple years of your life.” She said with a chuckle. “Might as well start catching up now.” The white stallion face hoofed. “Rainbow Dash was it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“You had my curiosity, now you have my attention.” She said with an evil grin.

“Luna save me.” Storm said in defeat. The two mares went back and forth about different stories involving the white stallion, much to his dismay. Soon Storm welcomed in the rest of the group including Hex. Each of them had a friendly smile on their faces and gave their approval.

“Rainbow, you and I are going to get along just fine.” Gale said with a smile.

“Thanks Ms. Gale.” Dash said.

“Oh please dear, call me Sunny or Gale. You’re going to be family after all.” Dash smiled. “So when is the happy occasion?”

“In a month. We are super excited!” Dash squealed.

“I’m happy for the two of you.”

“FYI, you’re not getting invited.” Dash shot him the dirtiest look. “What? You don't need an invite when you’re the best mare.” Gale’s jaw dropped.

“Y-you want me as your best m-mare?”

“Course I do. Who else?” Gale smiled at her son and let out a sigh.

“Storm, there’s something I haven’t told you.” She said with a gulp.

“Lay it on me. I don’t want any secrets in this family anymore.” He said as he put a hoof around Dash.

“I’ve....met somepony.” Storm gulped at the words. “We’ve been seeing each other for over a year now....I wanted to tell you but, I couldn’t get ahold of you and-” She stopped as Storm raised a hoof.

“Mom, you have every right to be happy.” He said with a smile. “Dad...he would want you to be happy.”

“You’re not angry?”

“I’ll admit I’m a little shocked, but given our terrible communication skills it’s to be expected.” The two shared a chuckle. “So who is he? I want to meet him.”

“He should be here soon.” The group all giggled in anticipation.

“Can you tell us anything about him?” Dash asked.

“He’s a Unicorn.” The mare said with a blush. “He’s got two kids a mare and a stallion.”

“Have you met them?” Rarity asked.

“I’ve met his daughter. Very nice mare.” She said with a smile. The group then heard a series of knocks at the door. “That’s him now!” She squeed as she got up and walked over to the door. As the door opened, time stopped.

The group’s eyes grew to the size of pin tips as they saw a familiar azure mare next to a dark blue stallion with a jet black mane, mustache and beard and purple eyes. His Cutie Mark was a test tube and beaker with green liquid in it. “Everypony this is-”

“Nightshade.” Hex said with a growl. The mare blinked twice in surprise.

“Y-yes, how did you-”

“Hex?” The stallion said with a gulp. Trixie gulped as she saw her brother. The ponies all felt a shiver run down their spine. “Is that you?”

“Night, how do you know him?” The mare asked.

“H-he’s my son.” The group felt the tension in the room triple as Hex walked past the two Unicorns without looking back.

“I need a drink.” He said in a flat tone.

“Hex wait-” Trixie yelled as he vanished in a flash of blue light. The dark blue Unicorn stallion slumped to the ground and held his head in shame. As the stallion vanished the pink pastry chef's body th seemed to contort and inflate until going back to it's normal state.

"That was it! That was the doozy!" The mare yelled.

"Pinkie." Dash said. "Not now."

Author's Note

Sorry about the long wait. Hope you liked it.
Before people start questioning Gale. If you read 'The Dreams We Share.' Chapter 5 to be exact. Then you'll take notice that Storm never said that his mother was dead, just that 'he misses her' when he visited his dad's grave.

Chapter 14: Confrontation

Chapter 14

Confrontation

Hex appeared in the rehab center’s lobby and cursed under his breath as he stormed out. Applejack charged after him and blocked his path.

“Applejack, please get out of my way.” He said in a serious tone.

“Can’t do that partner.” She said as she glared at the blue stallion. Hex sighed and teleported past her and continued to walk away. “You promised me that you’d talk to him!” The blue stallion froze at the mare's words. “You said that you’d give him a chance and that you’d do it for me or was that just a lie?” Hex bit his lip and let out a sigh. The stallion sighed and turned back to face the mare.

“Alright. For you, not for him.” He said in a flat tone. The mare gave him a small kiss on the cheek and smiled as she led him back inside. The blue stallion re entered the room and glared at the azure mare and dark blue stallion.

“Hex I-” The younger stallion held up a hoof.

“Not here. This is a family matter.” He said with a grunt. The older stallion hung his head in shame. A long silence fell over the group.

“So,” Twilight said trying to ease the tension “how exactly did you two meet?” The mare asked as she looked at Gale.

“Well, I was in therapy and Night here joined the clinic to help with his alcoholism.” The white mare said. “We started talking and things just clicked.” She then turned towards Hex. “He told me all about him abandoning you and your sister which drove him to drink.”

“That supposed to make me feel better?” Hex spat out.

“It shows that he cares about you and-”

“No offense Gale, but its not any of your business.” He said in a flat tone. The mare gulped. “I don’t have anything against you personally, but this is a family matter.” The stallion said in a flat tone. Nightshade gave a small smile at the words. “Wipe the smile off your face.” He said as he glared at the stallion. “I’m not doing this for you.” He said before turning around. “You know the Gazebo in the middle of the park?”

“Y-yes.” Nightshade said in a nervous tone.

“Meet me there at noon. Only you and Trixie.” He said before vanishing in a flash of light. The blue stallion hung his head in shame as Trixie put a hoof on his shoulder. Gale kept silent and looked at the stallion.

“Gale....I....” The Pegasus mare put hoof on his lips.

“Go.” She said with a smile. “I need to patch things up with my son as well.” She said as she looked at the white stallion.

“Thank you.” He said before he and Trixie galloped out of the room and towards the small town. Applejack gulped as she thought of the confrontation going sour.

“Sorry ya’ll, but ah gotta go.” The rest of the group nodded and watched as the orange mare chased after the three Unicorns.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex sat on the bench in the structure centered in the middle of the park. The stallion looked to his left to see two adult ducks with four ducklings floating in the water. The stallion pulled out his pocket watch and watched the second hand go by. His ind was a war zone. He promised AJ that he’d give the plot hole a chance, but his resentment was making it hard to think.

Hex’s eyes narrowed as he saw the two blue Unicorns enter his vision. Hex ignored his instinct to hit the stallion with a telekinetic blast so hard that it’d make his skin rip off. The stallion just decided to grunt. The mare could feel her brother’s icy glare he was casting at their father who was literally shaking in his hooves.

“Okay,” Hex said as the two took a seat. “before we begin I’m letting you know one thing Nightshade.” The words were sharp enough to cut through a tree with one swipe. “I’m not doing this for you. Trixie said that you wanted to talk and my mare-friend said that I should at least give you a chance.” Night gave a small gulp. “You only get one. I don’t like what I hear then the next time I see you, I shoot first and ask questions later. Clear?”

“Crystal.” The stallion said in a low tone.

“Okay first off, how did you even find Trixie?” Hex looked at the azure mare.

“At one of her shows a year ago.” He said as his ears flopped to the sides of his head. “I was passing by and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I finally got up the nerve to talk to her face to face.” Hex looked at Trixie who nodded. “When I told her who I was she was a little...resistant to talk.”

“How resistant?”

“I sent him flying through a brick wall and out onto the street.” Trixie said with a guilty look on her face. The azure mare perked up and looked over Hex’s shoulder. She could faintly make out the shape of an orange pony motioning to her. “Um, I have to use the mare’s room. Don’t do anything while I’m gone.” She said as she glared at her brother.

“I know. I know.” Hex said with a grunt. Trixie teleported away from the two and over to where Applejack was waiting.

“How’re things going Trixie?” She asked with concern in her voice.

“Too early to tell. Hex is still resentful. Not that Trixie blames him, but Trixie is trying to scrape together of what’s left of her family.” She said as she hung her head. AJ put a hoof on her shoulder and smiled.

“Ah can see that you’re trying. Is there anything that ah can do to help?” Trixie bit her lip and searched her mind.

“Sorry Applejack, but this is between us as a family.” Applejack nodded. Her eyes grew wide as an idea came to her.

“Hey Trixie. Can you cast that teleportation spell on me? Ya know, the one you used to help me find Hex.” Trixie blinked in confusion.

“It is within Trixie’s power. Why?”

“Its hard to explain.” Trixie raised an eyebrow at the mare. “Just trust me on this.”

“Remember that it will only work one way.” Trixie said as her horn glowed and a blue gem appeared in the farmer’s hoof.

“Ah know. Hopefully my idea will work. Just make sure that Hex doesn’t do anything too...drastic until I’m back.” Trixie nodded and made the mare vanish in a flash of light. Trixie sighed and hastily made her way back towards her brother and father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack rubbed her eyes as the blinding light faded. She looked around to see that she was in on the edge of the East field of her farm. The mare made haste towards her home and into the barn where the performer’s carriage was. Applejack walked up to it and started banging on the door like a mad pony.

“Open up!” She yelled. “Ah now you’re in there and ah know you can hear me! Hex needs your help.” The mare hollered. No response came from inside. “Oh don’t you pull this on me ya dang Nightmare Night attraction.” The carriage remained motionless.

“Fine be that way.” The mare said with her hung held low. “What kind of mother refuses to help her children?” As the mare started to walk away she heard a clicking noise and the door opened. Applejack silently thanked Celestia and made her way inside.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex cracked the vertebrae in his neck and looked back at his father who still had the glum look on his face. Trixie had returned to them and was sitting next to the older blue stallion. The silence between the three had lasted for five minutes but felt like years. Finally Nightshade gathered his strength and sighed.

“I’m so sorry!” He sniffled. “I’m sorry that I abandoned you all those years ago.” His body started to shake and his eyes were filled with tears. “If I could go back and stop myself then I would.”

“You can’t though.” He frowned.

“Hex-” The azure mare was stopped by her brother’s icy glare.

“We trusted him Trix! Then he goes and leaves us out like a piece of trash?” He yelled. “I know that you were young and you may not remember but-” A light blue hoof the slapped him across the face. He looked at Trixie who had tears running down her face.

“How dare you! You think that Trixie doesn’t remember?” She glared at the stallion with daggers in her eyes. “Trixie remembers full well what we saw and felt! I’ll never forget it so long as Trixie lives!” She cried.

“So why are you standing up for him?” He yelled. “After what he did to us, after all the pain he caused why? Why are you helping him?”

“Because mom would want us to stick together!” The azure mare cried. “She’d want us to be happy as a family together.” She sniffled. “That’s what I’m trying to do!” Hex bit his lip and gritted his teeth. Trixie felt her father put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Its okay Trixie. I know I don’t deserve you two.” He sighed.

“Just...tell me why.” Hex said as he looked at the stallion. “Why? Why did you give us up?” Hex was using all his restraint to hear the stallion out. Night hung his head in shame and let out a sigh.

“I was weak.” He said with a gulp. “Your mother, she was always so strong.” Night said as he hung his head in shame. “When I heard about what happened I felt like I couldn’t do anything. I loved your mother with every fiber of my being.”

“What about us huh?” Hex asked.

“No, I loved you two even more.” He said as tears flowed forth. “I thought that you two would be better off without a spineless stallion like me. I wanted the best for you two and adoption seemed to be the best. I dreamed that you two would get adopted by a rich family and you would be happy. You’d get everything you ever wanted.” Trixie wrapped her father in a tight hug.

“All we ever wanted was a father who would love us.” Trixie sniffled. Night looked at his daughter with tears in his eyes. Hex was fighting his frustration back as happy memories of his family flooded his mind. The three then saw a blinding flash of light and a loud bang. The Unicorns opened their eyes to see Hex’s cart standing in front of the gazebo.

The door opened to reveal a dizzy orange earth pony mare.

“Applejack?” Hex asked as he galloped up to her. “What are you doing here?”

“Ah’m helping!” She said as she glared at the stallion. “He may be a plot hole, but he’s family!” She said as she looked at Nightshade. “Ah ain’t the only one who thinks so either.” The carriage door opened and the bright blue gem shot out and floated before the blue stallion.

The azure mare’s hat and cape flew off her body and levitated over the blue gem that shined like a star. The ponies closed their eyes to shield themselves from the light. As they opened their eyes their jaws dropped. Standing before them was a light blue Unicorn mare with long grey hair and wine red eyes. Hex felt his hooves give out and he slumped to the ground.

“S-Smokey?” Night said in a shaky tone

"Mom?" Hex said in a disbelief.

“What is this?” Trixie asked as she looked at the mare. The mare trotted forwards and wrapped the two in a tight hug. The two siblings felt her tears on their coats and held her tightly.

“It so good to see you both again.” She cried.

“I don’t understand.” Hex said with a sniffle. “How is this even possible?” The mare sat on her haunches and looked at the two.

“During my last few moments I transferred what was left of my magic into the jewel I gave you for your birthday and the gem that was around my cloak that I gave Trixie.” She said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“So you were there the whole time?” Trixie asked as she and Hex frowned.

“I couldn’t reveal myself to you. That was the price of the spell.” The mare looked over their shoulders and saw the stunned blue stallion. Smokey let go of her children and approached him.

“Smokey, I-” He was met with a firm slap to the face. The stallion didn’t protest and accepted the pain. He was getting ready for another one when he felt the mare’s hooves wrap around him.

“It’s good to see you again Night.” She couldn’t help but smile as the tears rolled down both their faces.

“I’m so sorry! I’m ashamed to call myself a father I-” He was cut off as the mare put a hoof to his lips.

“You only did what you thought was best for our children. There is no crime in that.” She said with a sigh. “What you did may have been wrong, but your intentions were in the right place.” The stallion sniffled.

“I was so lost without you.” He gulped. “You were always perfect and I didn’t deserve you. Me, a lowly potion maker with the famouse Smokey Mirrors.” The mare held him closer and ran hoof through his mane. Night looked up at the two other Unicorns and let out a sigh.

“I truly am sorry for what I did. After I abandoned you two, nothing felt right. Food had no taste, I never slept and I crawled inside a whiskey bottle in an attempt to drown my sorrows.” He shivered. “I started going to meetings and I found myself in rehab. That’s where I met-” He stopped and looked at the specter of his wife. “Smokey..I’m..seeing some-” The ghost put a hoof on his lips and smiled.

“Applejack told me and I just want all of you to be happy.” Her form then started to flicker and fade. “It looks like my time is up.”

“What?” Hex said with tears in his eyes.

“I could only remain within the crystals if you remained oblivious to my existence. Now that I showed myself, my magic is running out.” Her form continued to flicker. Trixie was sitting on her haunches and crying into her brother’s chest. Smokey levitated her cape and hat off herself and put them back on the azure mare.

“You’ll need these Trixie.” She said with a teary smile. “The show must go on after all.”

“Trixie doesn’t want you to go!” She cried.

“I know sweetie.” She said as she hugged her daughter. Hex stood frozen unable to process what was going on. “Hex I’m so sorry about all of this. If there were someway to do it all over again I would.”

“It’s not fair.” He shuddered as AJ put a hoof on his shoulder. Hex looked at the orange mare who had tears in her eyes. “I just wish that.....I don’t even know anymore.” The orange mare wrapped him in a hug and ran a hoof through his mane.

“I know.” She sighed. “I’m so sorry that you all had to go through such hardship.” She lowered her head and sniffled. “Can you forgive me?” The three Unicorns looked at one another and sniffled as they wrapped her in a hug.

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for.” Night said with a sigh. “I’m sorry I-”

“Oh just shut up Night.” Smokey said as her form continued to fade. “Just remember that I’m always with you three.” The three Unicorns saw a blinding flash of light and the mare’s body was gone. The three Unicorn’s stared at the empty space where the specter once occupied. Hex wiped the tears away and looked back at Nightshade who still hung his head low.

The dark blue stallion walked in front of his father and glared at him.

“Hex I-” He was cut off as Hex wrapped him in a tight hug. Night gulp and returned the embrace.

“I’m not sure if I can forgive you completely,” Hex said in a low tone. “so you’re gonna have to start making it up to both Trixie and I when we get back.” Trixie smiled and wrapped them both in a hug. AJ smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I swear on your mother’s grave that I will never do anything to harm either of you two ever again.” He said as he smiled. The blue stallion then spied the Stetson wearing mare and trotted over to her.

“Um, I’m not sure if we’ve been properly introduced.” The stallion then extended his hoof. “Nightshade Elixir.” AJ smiled and gave it a hard shake.

“Applejack.” She smiled. Trixie and Hex trotted over to her with smiles on their faces.

“Trixie can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for us Applejack.” The azure mare smiled.

“Oh shucks now, family is family.” She smiled.

“So what happens now?” Night asked.

“We head home.” Hex said as he started walking. “All of us.” Hex made his horn flare and his carriage vanished in a flash of light. As they started to walk towards the exit of the park AJ pulled the older stallion aside for a moment.

“Something wrong?” He asked. The farmer glared at the stallion and narrowed her eyes.

“Listen here pal, if you try to pull something, anything on Hex or Trixie then I’ll show you how the Apple family deals with ponies who break their promises.” The orange mare trotted over to a nearby oak tree and slammed both of her back hooves into it. The blue stallion heard the tree creak and his jaw dropped as he saw it uprooted. “That was just a warm up. Get it?”

“Yes.” He said with a gulp.

“Yes, what?” She asked as she flared her nostrils.

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Good.” AJ said donning her usual smile. The older stallion gulped and caught up with the Unicorns. Hex noticed the nervous stallion and chuckled.

“You sure know how to pick em Hex.” He said as the orange mare trotted along side the blue stallion.

“Yeah, I sure do.” He said as the farmer gave him a peck on the cheek.

Author's Note

So sorry for the lateness!!!

Chapter 15: On the Road Again

Chapter 15

On the Road Again

It had been a month since the visit to the clinic. Night stayed behind with Gale as she went to her board of review and get released. Storm offered for her to stay with him and Rainbow until Night gets his potion business up and running in Ponyville. Hex was still a bit distant towards Nightshade, but did give him some time to talk. The group was soon ready for Dash and Storm’s wedding that was being held at Canterlot Castle.

Dash was wearing a stunning wedding dress and Storm was in suit and tie with Gale as his best mare. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and was at her son’s side with tears in her eyes. After the ceremony Dash was squealing more than when she joined the Wonderbolts. The group then saw the light get illuminated by a rainbow explosion with black flamed tips.

The group of friends departed Canterlot the next morning and Dash was off on her honeymoon. Night opened up his potion shop and met with Zecora on a regular basis who helped him get ingredients and showed him all the best spots for picking.

Early one morning, the mare snuck out of her room and grabbed her packed saddle bags. She tip toed through the house and made it to the front porch. She looked out to the rising sun and let out a sigh.

“Going somewhere?” The words made the azure mare jump in surprise. She spun around to see Hex standing in the door way with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh I was just going out for a stroll.”

“With fully packed saddlebags?” He said in a flat tone. Trixie bit her lip and sighed. “C’mon Trix, what’s really going on?” Trixie hung her head and sighed.

“You and dad have found a life here. Now I need to find mine.” Hex looked at her in shock.

“What? After all that’s happened. You don’t have to go you can-” Trixie put a hoof to his mouth.

“You have AJ and Dad has Gale.” She smiled. “Besides somepony has to carry on the family business.” She chuckled. The mare looked over her brother’s shoulder and saw the orange mare.

“Look I’m not gonna stop you. You’re my sister and I want you to be happy.” He said as he started to walk towards the barn. “So I have to at least make sure you have a roof over your head.” Trixie and AJ followed him into the barn and they saw the cart.

“Hex I can’t-”

“Oh no.” Hex said in a big brother tone. “You need this more than I do.” The show mare felt tears in her eyes and hugged her brother. “The power gem will still work you just need to charge it once a year for two weeks.” Trixie nodded and sniffled.

“If yer ever in town then you’ve got a place here.” AJ said with a smile. Trixie wrapped her in a hug and smiled.

“Just take care of my big brother.” The mare sniffled.

“You can bet your hat ah will.” Trixie smiled and looked at her brother. The mare hitched herself up and trotted out of the barn with the two ponies by her side. As they walked through town they ran into Night, Gale and the other five mares.

“You’re leaving darling?” Rarity said in surprise.

“Yes, Trixie has to keep going and can’t live off of all of your kindness forever.” She said with a smile.

“You sure? We don’t mind having you around.” Pinkie said in a slightly sad tone. Trixie gave a nod and the pink mare wrapped her in a bone crushing hug.

“We’re gonna miss you!” Pinkie said as she cried.

“Trixie.....needs air.” Pinkie immediately let go and backed off. Night walked up to her and smiled.

“You remind me so much of your mother.” He said as he gave her a hug.

“Thanks dad.” Trixie said with a smile. Trixie walked over to Twilight and the lavender mare gave her e hug. “Um May Trixie speak with you in private?”

“Of course Trixie.” Twilight followed the mare into the cart. Trixie motioned for them to sit down at the table and Twilight complied.

“Trixie wishes to apologize for trapping you in that illusion.”

“Oh that’s all right Trixie.” The lavender mare’s ears drooped. “I know I deserved it.”

“But there was another reason why Trixie was so angry.” The lavender mare looked at the performer in surprise. Before she could react, Twilight felt the mare’s hoof wrap around her head and pull her close. Twilight felt Trixie’s soft lips press against her own. Twilight’s eyes shrank and her mind exploded as she reeled back.

“Trixie! What the buck?” Twilight said as she stumbled.

“We apologize for that.” Trixie said with a sigh. “Trixie was so cross with you was because she was jealous.” The mare said with a blush. Twilight bit her lip and adverted her eyes.

“Look Trixie, you’re a very nice and beautiful mare but-”

“You’re straight right?” Twilight gave a nod. “It’s all right. Can’t blame a mare for trying I suppose.” She shrugged. “Can Trixie ask you to keep this to yourself?”

“Does Hex-” Trixie shook her head.

“It’s my job to tell him on my own.” Twilight thought and gave her a nod. “Promise?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Trixie had heard of the Pinkie Promise and knew that if you break it, bad things followed. The lavender mare shook Trixie’s hoof and made her way out of the cart. The cart started moving away from the small town and the group waved goodbye to her.

Hex felt AJ’s nuzzle his neck and he wrapped a hoof around her.

“Think she’ll be okay?” The farmer asked.

“Sure, she’s my sister. I know she’ll be just fine.” Hex said with a smile. “Same goes for us.” He said as he gave the farmer a pack on the cheek and the two watched as the cart until it went out of view. “So what’s next?”

“Well you could work on your apple bucking.” AJ said with a smile.

“What? I got like twenty apples down last time.” The stallion complained

“Too bad, meet me by the swimming hole in ten minutes.” Hex raised an eyebrow at the mare’s words. To his knowledge there were no trees that needed.....His face turned red as his brain made the connection.

“Never mind.” The mare then used the end of her tail and tapped his nose. “AJ are you in-”

“Eeyup.” The mare said with a sly grin. “Don’t be late.” AJ said as she walked back towards her farm. Nightshade came up next to his son and chuckled.

“You know, I remember when your mother and I-” Hex held up a hoof.

“Nope.” The stallion said with a shiver. Hex quickly galloped after the mare back towards the farm. As he cleared the swimming hole he felt a familiar body crash into his body and propel him into the water. The stallion rose his head above the waster and felt a familiar brown Stetson on his head.

“Looks good on ya sugar cube.” The blonde farmer said with a chuckle. Hex saw her wet mane sticking to her well toned body. He levitated the hat off his head and put it on it’s rightful owners.

“Looks better on you.” He said with a quick kiss.

“Think ah need a hoof drying off.” She said as she got out of the swimming hole. Hex Teleported next to the mare and the two laid in the warm summer sun as they held one another. For now, all was right with the world.

The end.

Author's Note

Sorry for the lateness and shortness of chapter.
Thank you all for giving your support.

Chapter 1: The Magician

Spellbound Apples

Chapter 1.

The Magician.

Hex Swirl, a dark blue unicorn stallion with light blue mane sat in his carriage reading a book as the carriage wheels bumped along the dirt road. The stallion stuck his head out the window into the night air and noticed a town in the distance. His horn started to glow and the carriage came to a halt. Hex stepped out and looked around to see the night sky looming over head a dark forest. He smiled and went back inside his mobile home.

He trotted over to the stove and started to cook a few vegetables in a boiling pot of water. “What I’d do for some fresh fruit right about now.” He said as he stirred the spoon with his magic. After the stew was done cooking he sat down at his table and ate in silence as he continued reading his book. “Duplication spell. That’s sure to come in handy.” He said as he closed the book and got to his hooves. The stallion finished his meal and exited the carriage.

I gotta stretch these hooves. Hex thought as he walked out of the cart and into the night time air. He ignited his horn creating a glowing sphere of light and made his way through the forest. He walked up to a tree and tapped on it. Interesting, never seen trees like these before. He said in amazement. Hex continued to move through the brush and noticed that it was starting to rain. Better head back. As he turned around he heard a faint growl coming from some nearby bushes.

“Uh-oh.” As the stallion turned around he saw a pair of yellow eyes staring at him. As the moon light shined through the clouds the light showed the timber wolf’s wooden body. He could smell the rank stench from the beast’s breath. He could see the drool oozing out of the wolf’s mouth. “Nice Timber Wolf. Good Timber Wolf.” He said as he slowly backed away. The beast snarled at him and licked it’s chops. “Well, I’ll just be off then.” He said as he turned and started to run back towards his carriage.

The stallion looked back and saw a full pack of timberwolves chasing after him. His horn flared and several images of the stallion appeared. As the wolves closed their jaws around the images they bit into nothing but air as the images vanished. “Allons-y!” The stallion yelled as he reached his cart. He hopped on the roof and ignited his horn. “C’mon lets go!” The carriage started to pick up speed and race down the road. Hex looked back to see the full pack gaining on him.

The stallion jumped and gripped the roof tightly. His horn flared as the carriage turned it towards the trees. “Oh I knew this was a bad idea.” He said as he turned around and fired a volley of spells. A few managed to knock a few wolves unconscious. “Ha! Ten points.” He said as he ducked a branch that almost knocked him off the roof. “Low bridge!” He said as he ducked again. Hex held on tight as he saw a clearing. He flared his horn which increased it’s speed.

Hex saw the wolves beside the cart and steered the cart into the beast causing it to break to pieces. He made it through the thicket and into a clearing. “Freedom!” He yelled. As he looked back he saw the wolves retreat. “I’m home fr-” He was cut off as his carriage slammed into something hard. As the cart stopped the stallion flew off and hit the opposite wall with a loud thud. Hex slid down the wall and landed in a pile of hay. “Okay.....Ow.” He said as he shook his head.

“What in tarnation was that?” He heard a thick southern accent say. As he got to his hooves he stumbled a few times and leaned against his crashed cart. “What in the hay is going on out here?” He looked to see a pair of frowning bright emerald eyes staring at him and an outline of a Stetson hat sitting atop her head. “Are you okay partner?” The voice asked.

“I’m good.” He said with a smile. He felt something seep from his head. Hex put his right hoof to the spot and felt something wet and warm. “I stand correct. I’m bleeding..a lot.” He said before he collapsed.

“Sweet Celestia. Get his legs Mac and bring him inside.”

“Eeyup.” Those were the last words the stallion heard before he slipped into unconsciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex woke up with the sun shining in his face and a soft pillow under his head. The stallion opened his eyes to see a wooden ceiling over him and the smell of cinnamon and apples filling the air. As he sat up he put a hoof against his head to feel a bandage wrapped around his head. “Where am I?” He asked aloud. “What is that amazing smell?” He asked as he sniffed the air.

The door opened to reveal an orange mare with piercing green eyes and donning a brown Stetson hat that sat on top her golden blonde mane that was being held back by a red hair tie. “Oh good you’re up.” She said with a smile. “How do you feel?”

“Like I got run over by a train.” He said as he shook his head.

“Well, you did crash into our barn.” She said in a flat tone.

“That’s what I hit?” He asked.

“Eeyup. Ah’m Applejack.” She said as she outstretched her hoof.

“Hex Swirl.” He said a he shook her hoof. “Where am I?

“Sweet Apple Acres. Mah house.”

“Thanks for the help.” He said as he got to his hooves.

“You okay to walk?” She asked in a nervous tone.

“Yeah, I’ve taken worse hits.” He said as he cracked his neck. The stallion took off the bandages and looked at himself in the mirror and looked at the cut in his head. “Good patch job.”

“Thank ya kindly. Course it’s had around three days to heal.” The stallion’s eyes shrank at the words.

“What? I’ve been here for three days?” He said in surprise.

“Eeyup. Breakfast is being served downstairs if you want it.” She said with a smile.

“Sounds good. Let me just use the rest room.”

“Down at the end of the hall.” The mare said as she left the room. The blue stallion exited the room and made his way to the bathroom. He splashed a hoof full of cold water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror. He saw a shadowy pony like figure with bright red eyes staring at him. The stallion scoffed at the image and hurried downstairs. He was led by the enticing smells coming from the kitchen.

His gaze fell upon a yellow earth pony filly with a red mane being held by a red bow. At the head of the table sat a very big and muscular red stallion with an orange mane and an elderly green mare with a grey mane over at the stove. The orange mare from before was sitting on the left side of the table across from the filly. Hex joined on her side and gave the other two a nod. “Feeling better mister?” The filly asked.

“Yeah, thanks to you guys anyway.” He said with a smile. “If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

“We could use your help in fixing the hole yer cart made.” The red stallion said in a flat tone.

“No problem. Let’s just get some food in our stomachs first.”

“What were you lugging in that thing anyway? Mac here tried to pull it out and it wouldn’t budge an inch.” The orange mare said.

“It’s an automatic locking spell I put on it. If I leave the cart then it locks up and I’m the only one that can undo the spell.” He said as he pierced his fork into the fresh stack of pancakes.

“Why would you need a spell like that?” The filly asked.

“Well, everything I own is in that cart and I don’t want anypony running off with it.” He said with a smile. The filly had a confused look on her face.

“You live in a thing like that?”

“Applebloom! That ain’t very nice.” The orange mare said as she glared at her younger sister.

“It’s fine Applejack. I get that a lot.” He said as he waved a dismissive hoof.

“What exactly do you do?” Mac asked.

“I’m a traveling performer.” The blue stallion said with a smile. “I go from town to town showing ponies different magic tricks.” The orange mare held a blank look on her face.

“So you’re a show off then?” The orange mare narrowed her eyes in remembrance of the last performer they had in town.

“Only when I’m on stage and I’m not trying to show anypony up.” He said with a shrug. “I just like to entertain ponies and show them what I can do.”

“Ah suppose I can understand that. It’s just that......This here town doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to traveling performers.”

“How so?”

“We had one a few years back who shot their mouth off and ended up dragging an Ursa Minor into town.” The farmer said with a grumble. The blue stallion whistled at it.

“Jeez, how’d you take care of that thing?”

“My friend Twilight put it to sleep with her magic.” She said as she ate her pancakes.

“Wow, she must be talented.”

“She is. She’s the Princess’s student after all.” The stallion almost choked on his food.

“What? She’s Celestia’s pupil?” The orange mare nodded with a smile. Applejack got to her hooves and cracked her neck.

“C’mon y’all we got a whole lot of work to do.” Hex nodded and quickly got to his hooves. The unicorn followed the farmers outside to the red barn. His eyes soon fell upon a bright red barn with a massive hole in the side of the wall. The stallion rubbed the back of his neck with a guilty smile on his face.

“Heh-heh. Sorry about all this.”

“What made you crash into our barn anyways?” Applejack asked as she looked at the stallion.

“Well, I was poking around the forest last night when a pack of timber wolves showed up.” The mare’s eyes shrank. “So I hopped on my cart and ran away like a mad pony. Unfortunately I didn’t see your barn and well...” He said as he looked at the hole.

“Ah understand. Let’s get cracking.” The mare said as she pulled out some nails and a hammer.

“Let me just get the cart out of the way first.” The stallion said as he trotted up to the cart. The orange mare looked inside to see a small carriage with four wheels attached to it. Hex’s horn glowed and the carriage started to move out of the hole it made itself the night before. “There we go.” He said with a smile. Applejack handed him a hammer as the large red stallion returned with a cart full of wooden boards.

“Great now all we have to do is-” The mare was cut off as the stallion’s horn glowed and two copies of himself appeared in front of the farmers.

“You hold the boards.” Hex said as he pointed to the copy on the left. “You hold the nails and I’ll hit.” The two clones nodded and three stallions soon got to work on fixing the barn. The two farmers focused on the bottom portion. Applejacks jaw dropped as she saw one of the cloned walk up the wall like he would if he were on the ground. The three blue stallions stuck to their routine and by noon the barn was repaired and painted.

“Nice work there Hex.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Thanks.” He said as the clones vanished and he started to pant heavily.

“You okay?” She asked.

“Yeah........Just not used to that spell yet.” He said as he continued to pant. “Spells that I’m not used to wear me out.” He said as he regulated his breathing. “Time to asses the damage.” He said as he trotted over to his cart. The cart itself was simple, painted a deep blue with a silver stripe going horizontally across the center. It was ten by fifteen feet and was being held by four wooden wheels.

“Doesn’t look too banged up.” The farmer said as she looked over the cart.

“I need to check the interior.” He said s he got to the steps. “Come on in if you want.”

“How in the hay am I supposed to fit in that thing.” She asked as she cocked an eyebrow. The stallion smirked and opened the door. The orange mare followed him inside. Her eyes grew wide as she saw a massive room that rivaled the interior of city hall. She stepped outside the cart and circled around it twice and ran back inside to see the blue stallion smirking.

“It’s.....It’s bigger on the inside!”

“I love it when they say that.” He said as he lifted up a floorboard and retrieved a glowing blue gem.

“What?......How can?......How in the name of Celestia is this possible?” She stammered.

“Magic.” He said as he pointed to his horn.

“What’s that for?” She asked as she looked at the crystal.

“Power source. This contains a bit of magic that makes the cart move on it’s own.” The crystal started to blink bright red. “Uh-oh.”

“What?”

“This needs to recharge.”

“Recharge?”

“Yeah. It need’s to charge once every few months.” He said as he tapped the crystal. The crystal started to blink rapidly and point in the other direction as Hex held it in his hoof. “Uh-oh.”

“What?”

“We’d batter get out before-” He was cut off as the door slammed shut and the cart started moving. “This is bad.”

“What in tarnation are you doing?” Applejack yelled. The mare tried to pry open the door. “Foalnapper!” She yelled.

“I’m not doing anything!” He bellowed. The cart bounced down the road making the two ponies inside rebound off the walls and ceiling. As the cart pulled to a stop Hex felt added weight land on top of him. He opened his eyes to see that the farmer had landed on top of his chest. Applejack opened her eyes to see the dark blue stallion staring at her with a blush on his face. The mare immediately got to her hooves and pulled her hat down to hide her blush. Hex cleared his throat and noticed that the gem was trying to get out of the cart.

“Gotcha!” He yelled as he grabbed the gem. Only to have it drag him out the door into a small town. The crystal flew free from his grip and launched itself in front of a lavender unicorn mare who was exiting the library with a small dragon by her side.

“What is this thing?” She asked as the crystal stopped in front of her and started to glow. The dark blue stallion and the orange mare then galloped over to them. Hex carefully summoned a glass jar and trapped it inside like a firefly.

“Sorry about that ma’am.” Hex said as the jar vanished.

“It’s no trouble.” She said with a smile. The unicorn then noticed the farmer standing next to him with an angry look on her face. “You know him AJ?”

“This feller just tried to kidnap me!”

“What?” The unicorn said as her eyes narrowed on the stallion.

“No wait! That’s not what happened!” He said as the two mares glared at him. “Look that crystal was the power source for my carriage. It charges by leeching off the residual magic of the closest and most powerful magic source in the area.” He said with a sigh. “Most of the time that’s me but, it must have chosen your friend for some reason.” He said as he looked at the farmer.

“So that thing made the cart move?” The farmer said as she cocked her head to the side.

“Yeah and I forgot to switch it to manual control.” He said as he face hoofed. The lavender mare relaxed her stance and let out a sigh.

“So...Who are you?” The purple dragon asked.

“Right. Where are my manners? Hex Swirl.” He said as he shook the lavender mare’s hoof.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She said with a smile. Hex’s mind clicked at the name.

“Wait. Applejack is this?”

“Eeyup.” She said in a flat tone.

“It’s an honor to meet the Princess’s pupil.” He said with a bow.

“Oh stop.” Twilight said with a smile. “How do you know Applejack?”

“We ‘officially’ met this morning.” The farmer said with a smile. The blue unicorn then made his horn glow and a line appeared on Twilight’s body the line then moved up and down twice before it vanished.

“Wow, no wonder the crystal was drawn to you. You’re a class eight Unicorn. Rare to meet one nowadays.” He said with a shocked look on his face.

“Class eight?” The farmer asked.

“A Unicorn’s magic ability is broken up into different classes. One being the lowest and ten being the highest. Normal Unicorns rarely go above a class four or five.” The lavender mare clarified.

“So if Twi’s a class eight. What are you?” The farmer asked as she looked at the blue stallion.

“Last time I checked, I was a class six.” He said with a grin. The stallion looked at the clock tower and let out a sigh. “Hey where’s the center of town?” He asked as he looked at the mares.

“In front of town hall. Why?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I need to set up somewhere for my show and the center of town seems like the best place.”

“Your show?” Twilight said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m a traveling performer.” Twilight nodded her head and had a skeptic look on her face. “So where’s town hall?” He asked.

“Just keep following this street until you see a big building in front. You can’t miss it.” The unicorn pointed.

“Thanks and feel free to come by. It’ll be quite the show!” He put his hoof to his lips and whistled. The mare’s looked in shock as they saw the dark blue cart pull up beside the stallion. “Allons-y!” He yelled as the cart took off down the street with the stallion holding on the roof. Applejack looked at Twilight who was scratching her chin.

“What are ya think’n Twi? Think he’s like Trixie?” The farmer asked.

“Not sure. He seems normal.....for the most part anyway. We’ll see how he acts during his performance.” She said in a flat tone.

“He didn’t seem like a show off when he was helping Mac and I fix up the barn.” The farmer said as she rubbed her chin. “Although...It was his fault that it was damaged in the first place.”

“Wait, is that the stallion you’ve been talking about? The one that crashed into your barn?” The lavender mare asked.

“Eeyup. He helped us fix and re paint it.” She said with a smile. Twilight raised an eyebrow and let out a sigh.

“Let’s just see how things play out until we start making radical accusations.”

“Ah hear ya.” The farmer said with a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex stopped the cart as he arrived in front of the large building. The stallion looked around and smiled. As he got off the roof of the cart he was suddenly approached by a bright pink earth pony mare with a bouncy curly pink mane and a massive smile on her face. “HI!” She yelled.

“Sup?” He asked with a grin.

“I’ve never seen you before! Are you new in town?”

“Yeah.....sort of. My name’s Hex Swirl by the way.”

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” She said with a smile. “Do you wanna be friends?”

“Sure why not?” Hex smiled. “Hey can you do me a favor?” The mare nodded. “Tell as many ponies as you can that there’ll be a performance her in a half hour.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” The mare said as she zoomed off down the street. Hex went inside his carriage and started to review his act in his mind. The stallion trotted over to a closet and withdrew a black cape with a red interior along with a black top hat with a red band around it. The stallion looked himself over in the mirror and smiled as he levitated a spell book in front of him and started to read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack sat in the library across from Twilight as she finished telling her how Hex fixed the barn. “A clone spell?”

“Ah don’t know much about magic, but that’s what it looked like.” She said with a shrug.

“That’s pretty advanced magic. I wonder where he learned it.” The mares looked over to the door to see Rainbow Dash and Rarity. “Hey girls what’s up?”

“Pinkie just came up saying that there’s a show going on in front of town hall in ten minutes. We’re gonna go check it out.” Dash said with a wicked grin on her face.

“Why are you smiling like that Dash?” Applejack asked.

“On the off chance that we have another Trixie on our hooves, some of the towns folk and I put a little something together for them.” Rarity said as she pointed to a few ponies hauling a cart of tomatoes. The farmer frowned and looked at the two.

“Now look here girls, I met the stallion who’s performing. He doesn’t seem to be anything like Trixie. Twi’s met him too.” The two mares looked at the lavender unicorn who gave them a nod. “All I’m saying is that we don’t count our chickens before they hatch.” The farmer said with a sigh. “If he does turn out to be a show off then I’ll personally throw him and his fancy wagon out of town.” The mares all nodded and made their way towards the center of town where a large group of ponies had gathered.

Twilight and her friends made their way to the front of the group of ponies who all had sceptic looks on their faces. Twilight trotted forward and faced the crowd. “Alright everypony listen up. Let’s give the performer a chance before we pass judgement on him.” The mare said as the crowd let out a groan.

“But if he is anything like the last one then throw these babies to your heart’s content.” Rainbow yelled as she pointed at the cart full of tomatoes. The crowd erupted with cheers as the cart’s side opened up making a stage appear out the side. The ponies watched as a a top hat appeared on stage.

The mare’s watched in amazement as a blue hoof popped out of the hat and started to pull it up. Three more hooves popped out of the hat and the rest of the blue stallion’s body until the hat rested on top of his head. “Morning folks. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hex The Mysterious.” Some ponies took a tomato and lined up their shot. “I want to thank you all for taking this time out of your work day to see me perform.” He said with a smile. “Now sit back and enjoy the show.” He said with a smile. The stallion showed them some basic replication and hat tricks. Most of the ponies looked u impressed and let out a sigh.

“For my next trick I need a volunteer from the audience.”

“Me!” Hex looked to see a cyan Pegasus mare with a Rainbow mane fly up on stage.

“Thank you. What’s your name?” He asked as he pulled out a deck of cards from his hat.

“Rainbow Dash. Fastest flier in Equestria” She said as she struck a pose.

“Rainbow Dash......Didn’t you win the Best Young Flies Competition a few years ago?” He asked as he shuffled the deck.

“That’s me!” She said with a smile.

“Well, Ms. Dash what I need you to do is memorize the card I’m going to show you and the audience. Don’t tell me what it is.” The cyan mare rolled her eyes and let out a sigh.

“That’s it?” She asked.

“Yup.” He said as he spread the card’s out with his magic and covered his eyes with his hooves. Rainbow selected the joker card and showed the unimpressed crowd. “Do you have it memorized?”

“Yeah.” She said in a flat tone. The stallion put the card back into the deck and put the stack of cards back inside his hat.

“Good. Now cough.”

“What?” She said in surprise.

“Cough. Like you were sick or something.” The mare shrugged and started to face cough. The mare’s eyes shrank as she felt something in her throat. She started to cough wildly until she spat out a small bit of paper. The stallion picked it up and unrolled it to reveal the joker card only the joker was replaced by the cyan mare striking a pose. “Is that your card?” He asked with a smile. The crowd’s jaws dropped

“How in the hay did you do that?” Dash yelled.

“Magic.” He said as he tipped his hat to the mare. “Thank you Ms. Dash.” Hex said as the mare flew off the stage. “This next one is an oldie but a goodie.” He said as his horn flared and a cylinder with tiny pin sized holes in it appeared around his body. Hex’s horn flared again and hundreds of small needles appeared around the prison.

Some ponies in the audience gasped at the number of needles. The stallion smiled and the needles launched themselves toward the stallion. Hex bit his lip as the needles penetrated the wooden cylinder. The crowd fell silent as the stallion shuddered and red liquid started to seep out of the holes.

“Somepony get a doctor!” Twilight yelled.

“He’ll be fine.” A voice said.

“How did you-.” The mare was cut off as she noticed the blue stallion standing next to her with a smile. The stallion pointed to the barrel which opened to reveal a massive amount of tomatoes in place of the stallion. The mare’s let out a sigh of relief as he teleported back on stage. The stallion made glass of water appear in his hoof as he made the cylinder vanish. As the stallion finished drinking the ponies looked in surprise as water started to spit out of his mid section like a shower head.

“Anypony know a Plummer? Looks like sprung a leak.” He said as he looked at his side. The ponies in the crowd started to laugh. “Now for this next one I’ll also need some help with. Any volunteers?” He asked. The crowd remained silent. “Okay then let’s see what I have in my hat.” He said as he removed his hat and stuck his hoof inside. The stallion pulled a live manticore’s head out of the brim. “Uh-oh.” He said as the beast roared.

“Wrong one!” He said as he pushed the animal’s head back inside. “Sorry about that. Let’s try that again.” He said as he put the hat down on the stage. “Okay now let’s see who the lucky pony is.” He said as he lifted the hat. Hex smiled as he raised the hat to see the orange farmer sitting on the stage, staring at the crowd in confusion.

“What in tarnation?” The mare said in confusion as she looked at the group of ponies who had shocked looks on their faces.

“Thank you for the assistance Applejack. Now if you’d be so kind as to hold this for me?” He said as he pulled a very sharp axe out of his hat.

“What do you need that thing for?” She asked as he handed it to her.

“Just play along.” He said as a two boards wrapped around his head and hooves. “Now Applejack. I want you to take that axe and cut my head off.” A dead silence fell over the crowd as the mare looked at him in shock.

“No way no how am I gonna play executioner.” She said as she dropped the axe.

“I’ll be fine. Have some faith.” He said with a grin.

“Promise that no harm will come to ya.” She said in a hesitant tone.

“I give you my word.” He said with a cocky smile.

“Alright then.” She said as she raised the axe. As she raised it the mare had a concerned look on her face. As she held it up the crowd gasped. The mare threw the axe on the stage and lowered her head. “Ah can’t do it.”

“Okay then. Plan B.” Before anyone could react a copy of the blue stallion appeared out of a cloud of smoke and picked up the axe. Time seemed to slow down as the copy swung the axe and the blade sliced through the stallion’s neck. The group of ponies looked in horror as the stallion’s head landed on the stage as the clone and axe vanished. The body of the stallion fell forward motionless.

“Man that trick is a pain in the neck.” The group looked down to see the stallion’s head talking and smiling at them. Several ponies gasped in shock. “Hey brainless. Quite napping and get over here.” The headless body got to it’s hooves and walked over to the head. “To be or not to be. That is the question.” The head said as the body held up the stallion’s head. The Unicorn’s body the put the stallion’s head on backwards. “Hey what the?” He said as he stood on his hind legs and looked down to see his tail and flank. “Why didn’t somepony tell me my flank was so big? Looks like I need to get my head on straight and start working out.” The stallion thought for a moment. “Wow that was a bad pun.” He said as he grabbed his head and spun it around so it was on straight.

Twilight looked in shock as the stallion smiled at the farmer. “Thank’s for your help Applejack.” The stunned farmer made her way off stage and beside her still shocked friends. The stallion started to pant heavily and dropped to one knee. “Sorry folks, but that’s the end of the show. Thank’s for coming out.” He said as his horn flared and his body turned into a cloud of smoke that evaporated into the wind.

The ponies looked at one another in shock and clapped for his performance. The stallion appeared inside his carriage and trotted over to his bed. “I think I may have gone overboard with that last one.” He said as he collapsed on the bed.

Back outside the six mares made their way back towards the library. “Well, that was.....interesting.” Twilight said with a gulp.

“Are you kidding me? That was so cool!” Pinkie yelled. “I’ve never seen a pony take his head off before!”

“No pony can do that.” Twilight said in a flat tone. “It was either forbidden magic or something else.” The mare said as she narrowed her eyes.

“What ever it is it’s kinda creepy. He made a piece of paper come out of my mouth!” Rainbow yelled.

“Ah hear ya. At least he’s no Trixie.” The farmer said with a shrug.

“True.” Twilight said. “I still wanna see how he did those spells.” The unicorn said in an interested tone.

“Well, you can ask him at the party I’m going to throw him tonight.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Good idea.” Twilight said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex was fast asleep on his bed when he heard a knocking sound coming from his door. The stallion let out a yawn and went to the door. He opened it to see the orange mare standing there with a blank look on her face. “Can I help you?”

“Some of the gals are having a shindig down at Sugar Cube Corner, they sent me to come and get ya if ya wanted to come.” She said in a flat tone.

“Sure, just let me get my hat.” He said as his horn flared and his top hat and cape wrapped around him. “Alright, lead the way.” He aid as he closed the door to his trailer.

“Right just one thing.” The mare said as she slapped him across the face.

“Okay ow. What was that for?” He asked as he rubbed the sore spot.

“For trying to convince me to chop yer block off!” She yelled.

“Relax I was never in any danger.”

“Still scared the daylights out of me.” She said with a frown.

“Fine. I’m sorry.” He said as the two continued to walk through town. As they got to the pastry establishment Hex noticed that all the lights were off. As he entered darkness left the room and several ponies popped up from behind the counter and seats.

“SURPRISE!” The ponies yelled. Hex felt his heart almost stop in the shock. As he let out a pant. Suddenly a familiar pink mare galloped up to him with a smile on her face.

“Well did we surprise ya?” She asked with a massive grin on her face.

“To say the least, yes.” He said as he felt his heart go back into it’s normal rhythm. “Mind telling me what the party is for?”

“It’s your ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party!’” The mare said with a smile.

“Well, I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the warmest reception I’ve ever received.” He said with a smile.

“YAY! Let’s party!” She yelled as the music flared. The blue stallion followed Applejack who sat down next to Twilight and Rainbow Dash. The blue stallion sat down across from the lavender mare and her two friends. Hex introduced himself to the other mares and smiled.

“So Hex where are you from anyway?” Rarity asked.

“I’m from all over. I’m a traveling performer. remember?” He said with a grin.

“Those were some....interesting tricks you showed us today.” Twilight said with a gulp.

“Yeah, sorry if I startled you.”

“Are you kidding? That trick with the head was so cool!” Pinkie chimed.

“Thank you.” He said with a nod.

“Can I ask something?” Twilight said.

“Sure.”

“How did you perform those tricks?”

“Sorry Twilight, but the first rule of being a magician is never reveal your secrets.” He said with a grin.

“Why?”

“If every Unicorn knew my spells then how could I earn a living as a performer?” He said as he took a sip from his glass.

“I just want to be sure that you didn’t use dark magic.”

“Never touched the stuff.” He said in a flat tone. “By the way, why did you guys stockpile a full cart of tomatoes?”

“Call it insurance.” Rainbow said in a flat tone.

“Ah right. Applejack said you guys had a little Ursa Minor incident the last time a performer came to town right?” He asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah.” Dash said with a grumble.

“Mind if I ask what caused the Ursa to get into town? I doubt a performer would intentionally lead something like that into town.”

“Well, it wasn’t entirely their fault.” Twilight said.

“Say what now?” Hex said.

“The performer kept telling lies about her accomplishments and bragging.” Dash said in a rough tone.

“And that led the Ursa in?”

“Well, some colt’s had the idea to prove that she’s the best and led it into town.” Rarity said as she rolled her eyes.

“So then it’s their fault.” The mares looked at him in shock. “It’s not the performer’s fault how the crowd reacts to their show.”

“But they wouldn’t have done that had she not told that story!” AJ yelled.

“Can you prove that?” He asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Well, no. But she was still shooting her mouth off.”

“Ah, I’ve run into quite a few of ponies like that. They’re the ponies that give performers like myself a bad name.” He said with a grunt. “Take my ex mare friend for example; she was a complete show off!”

“How bad?” Twilight asked.

“Ugh, we couldn’t go anywhere without her mentioning how ‘great and powerful’ she was.” He said as he made quotation marks with his hooves. The mares looked at one another in surprise.

“What was her name?” Twilight asked.

“Look guys. I really, really don’t want to talk about it.” He said with a yawn. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. I gotta get some sleep.” He said as he got tot his hooves and left the establishment. The mares looked at one another in shock.

“So he dated Trixie?” Pinkie asked.

“Sure looks that way sugar cube.” AJ said with a sigh.

“Tough break AJ.” Dash said with a grin.

“What are you on about?” The mare asked with an eyebrow cocked.

“Don’t be coy dear. I saw how you looked at him while he was on stage.” The white mare said as she waggled here eyebrow. The farmer instantly blushed.

“The trick was just interesting.” She said as she pulled her hat down over her face hiding her blush.

“Sure it was.” Dash said as she rolled her eyes. The mare instantly got to her hooves and stormed off. The other mare’s looked at Dash who held the smug look on her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hex walked into his trailer and immediately laid down on his bed. “Well, that was fun.” He said with a sigh. As he looked turned on his side he faced the window to see the same shadowy figure from before. “Scram.” He said as he narrowed his eyes. The figure evaporated into the shadows. The stallion closed his eyes and let out a sigh as he drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

My third AJ X O.C. Fic hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 11: Resolution

Chapter 11

Resolution

The orange farmer opened her eyes to see a large forest thicket. The mare gulped as the crystal shattered in her hooves. The mare gulped and started to look around. The mare saw a pair of wagon tracks and followed them to a nearby cave. The sky turned dark and rain started to hit the mare’s coat and drench her hat. The orange farmer then saw the tracks leading to a familiar cart. As she approached the cart entrance she was stopped by a shadowy figure.

“Hex? Is that you?” She asked as her mind raced. The figure stood still and cocked it’s head at the orange mare.

“You have caused Hex much heartache Applejack.” The shadow figure said.

“How do you know my name?”

“We’ve met before.” A bolt of lightning flashed in the sky. In that instant the shadow vanished revealing the floating blue crystal from before. The shadow then formed a body and glared at the mare.

“You’re that crystal?” The shadow nodded. “Look ah’m here to-”

“Apologize for falsely accusing him?” The shadowy figure said in a condescending tone.

“How’d you know that?” The shadowy figure then stepped forward. As the sky was lit up again by the lightning, the shadows around the figure seemed to vanish. Applejack then saw a stunning light blue Unicorn mare with a long grey mane and light red eyes.

“Call it mother’s intuition.” The orange mare looked at her in shock.

“Hex told me that you were-”

“Dead? He wasn’t lying.” She said in a flat tone.

“How?”

“A parent’s love for their child transcends the realms of life and death.” Smokey said in a low tone. “I soul trapped myself inside a crystal I had on me at the time. I can’t maintain my form like this for long.” She said as her image flickered.

“Look, ah know that ah bucked up.” She said as tears formed in her eyes. “Ah bucked up big time. All ah want is to at least apologize.” The blue mare cocked an eyebrow. Her eyes focused on the farmer and let out a sigh.

“You have my blessings. So long as you don’t tell him about me.”

“Why?” The farmer said in a confused tone.

“The only way the spell works is that he remains oblivious to my presence within the gem.” She said with a sigh. “It’s a price worth paying.” She said as her image started to fade. “Be good to him Applejack, or Smokey the Mystical will haunt you.” She said as her image vanished and the crystal disappeared. Applejack gulped and gathered her courage.

The orange mare slowly made her way up to the cart and tried to be strong. The mare raised a hoof and lightly pounded on the door. No response came from the other side. The mare tried again. Not a sound.

“Hex?” The mare called out. “Look, ah’m sorry. Ah shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” She said as tears flowed. “Ah know that ah don’t deserve somepony like you. Ah should have let you explain.” The mare set her most prized possession, her brown leather Stetson on the wooden boards of the cart. “Ah hope you find somepony that loves you as much as I do.” The mare said as she hung her head and walked away in shame. The mare’s tears mixed with the rain as her heart broke.

The door to the carriage opened. The battered stallion looked out with his one good eye and saw the brown hat laying in front of him. The stallion picked it up and held it in his hooves as the tears flowed. The crippled stallion charged out the door with the hat clenched in his teeth. Hex stumbled and he fell face first in the mud.

Hex ignored the pain in his ribs as he pressed towards the mare. He could make out her silhouette as the lightning flashed in the sky. The stallion called out to her, but the rain muffled his cries. He fought through the pain and charged after the mare.

Applejack hear a voice in the darkness. She turned around, but saw nothing but darkness. She let more tears roll down her cheeks. As she turned a bolt of lightning rocketed through the sky. Out of her peripheral vision she saw the out line of a struggling stallion. Another bolt cracked through the sky and the farmer saw a mud covered blue Unicorn.

The farmer galloped towards the stallion and felt her heart fill with hope. As she got closer she noticed his mangled state and gasped. As the stallion tripped Applejack caught him and wrapped him in a hug.

“Applejack,” He said as he tightly held her. “I’ve already found her.” The mare cried into his muddy chest. As she did, the farmer felt a familiar piece of apparel rest on top of her head. The rain had stopped pouring down her face as her leather hat sheltered her. Hex could see the tear marks. He slowly brushed the mud off her face and smiled. The mare closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.

The familiar taste of apples over whelmed the stallion’s senses. He could feel the rain beating down on them. The stallion’s horn glowed and he teleported the two aback inside his carriage. Once they were in the light of the carriage, Applejack broke the kiss and gasped at the stallion’s appearance.

A cotton patch was over his left eye and his midsection was covered in bandages. His right foreleg had a large bandage wrapped around it.

“Oh my stars! What happened to ya?” She asked as she looked at the stallion.

“Note to self, never piss of Big Mac.” The farmer’s expression grew cross. “Easy AJ, he was just being a good brother. Granted I think he may have gone a bit overboard, but he did what he thought was right.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong though.” She said as she put a hoof to his cheek.

“I honestly have no idea what happened. I swear to Celestia that I thought it was you.” He said with tears in his eyes. Applejack then told him what Spike had told her. “I see, buck me for training her on illusion spells. Wait, how did you find me anyway?”

“Trixie gave this tracking gem that was locked on to your magical signature. Whatever that means.” Hex’s good pupil shrank and he gasped.

“Does Trixie know that it was Twilight’s fault?”

“Ah’m guessing that she overheard. Why?” Hex started to panic. “What’s wrong?”

“AJ, we need to get to Ponyville now!” He said as he ran down the hallway of his cart. Applejack gave chase and tried to keep up. Even in his hobbled state Hex could still move fairly swiftly.

“Why what’s wrong?” She asked.

“Let’s just say that what Mac did to me won’t be half as bad as to what Trixie will do to Twilight.”

“No offense, but ah’m still angry with her.” Applejack said in a flat tone.

“You have a right to be,” He said as he looked back at the mare. “but if we don’t hurry then there won't be anything left to be angry at!"

“Say what now?” She asked as she rounded a corner.

“Remember my ex mare friend I told you about?” The orange mare nodded. “When Trixie found out that she cheated on me she went nuts. She broke all four of Firefly’s legs and snapped her horn in half.” Applejack cringed at the story.

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, I checked on her a few months ago and she’s fine.” He said with a sigh. “But, a Unicorn’s horn is the most sensitive part on their body.”

“How sensitive?” Applejack asked.

“Ripping my horn off would be the same as ripping my,” He said as he motioned to what was between his legs. "'magic wand' off." The orange mare gulped. The two ponies then ran into a room that the orange farmer had never seen. There was a center console and a large cylinder in the center. The console had several tomes and off marking across the surface.

“What in the hay is that thing?” She asked.

“This carriage can teleport to anywhere in the world.” He said with a smile. “The only draw back it uses an immense amount of magical energy and I won’t be able to use it again for a while. So I’ll be stuck in Ponyville for a bit longer.”

“Ah think ah can live with that.” The mare said as she gave him a peck on the cheek. The cylinder lit up like a light house and started to make an odd noise.

“Hang on!” He yelled as the cart started to shake. The two saw a brilliant flash of light and vanished off the face of the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Ponyville, the group of friends had gathered outside the library and let out a sigh. Rarity knocked on the door and waited for a response. The door slowly opened to reveal a the disheveled Twilight. The lavender mare’s mane was unkept and sticking out in all directions. The whites of her eyes were bloodshot and tear trails were present on her face.

“Hello Twilight.” Rarity said trying to sound strong. “Can we come in?” The lavender mare just gave a small nod and left the door open for the group of friends. The ponies made their way inside and sat down. The lavender mare kept her head held low.

“How are you feeling?” Pinkie asked. Twilight just kept silent.

“Look, Twi. We just want to let you know that we’re here for you.” Fluttershy said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder.

“Yeah, you can talk to us.” Dash said. The mare refused to say anything. “Look, we know that Hex had no right to kiss you and-”

“What?” Twilight suddenly perked up. “Didn’t Spike find you?”

“Yeah but-”

“Twilight Sparkle!” The group heard a familiar shout. Before any of them could react a magical grip wrapped around the mare and pulled her out the library. The door shattered from the mare’s body colliding with the mare’s body. As Twilight picked herself up she saw a familiar azure mare glaring at her with dark red eyes.

“T-Trixie?” She said with a gulp. The show mare then launched a volley of spells at the scholar. Twilight barely managed to dodge them and panted. Her mental state was a wreck and couldn’t call upon most of her magic. The group of friends then surrounded the librarian.

“Trixie we know you’re upset, but it was Hex’s fault!” Dash yelled.

“Don’t be so certain of that Rainbow Dash.” Trixie’s horn flared and projected the conversation the dragon and the farmer shared. By the end the group all looked at the scholar who hung her head in shame. “You ruined the only thing that made my brother happy. It’s pay back time.” The mare’s horn glowed again and moved the group of ponies out of the way.

Twilight could feel the world around her beginning to warp and shift. She could feel her senses starting to become distorted. She watched as the ground opened up and a large fifty foot snake came out from the crack. The mare shut her eyes and calmed herself. Her mind flashed back to a lesson she had with the blue stallion.

“Hey Hex, how do you break free from an illusion?” The mare asked.

“Break one?” The stallion said as he rubbed his chin. “I guess the best way to do it would to stop the flow of your magic.” The lavender mare looked at him in confusion. “The way illusion’s work is that a pony mixes their own magic into your system and distorts your senses.”

“I know that.”

“So the only way to break the illusion is to stop the flow of your magic and the illusion would shatter.” He said with a smile.

Twilight took a deep breath and focused. She could feel the magic coursing through her. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood and stood perfectly still. As the snake lunged at the mare she opened her eyes and the snake shattered like a pane of glass. Trixie coked and eyebrow and grunted.

“Impressive. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Celestia’s pupil.” The azure mare said as she closed her eyes. “However, there is magic that some can only achieve through pain.” As he opened her eyes. The lavender mare saw that her pupil had shifted. “Let me show you the true power behind these eyes.” As she glared at the mare a small pool of blood trickled out the side of her right eye.

Twilight felt the world creep away from her and the sky turned dark blue. The mare then felt several chains wrap around her body and pull her to the ground. She looked ahead to see several undead ponies rise up from the ground.

“Snap out of it Twilight!” She yelled at herself. “It’s just a mind trick. Nothing more.” The mare said as she shook her head. The scholar looked to see the zombie ponies drawing closer. The mare focused her magic and her eyes glowed with magic. She let loose a massive salvo of magical energy that shattered the illusion.

Trixie gasped as the salvo slammed into her body and flung her back into a nearby tree. The ponies all heard an audible cracking noise. As the mare caught her breath she was blinded by a flash of light. The group looked in shock to see the stallion’s carriage appear right before them. The door flung open to reveal the dark unicorn stallion and orange farmer.

“Trixie!” The stallion yelled as he hobbled his way over to his sister. He tried to help her up but found that she wasn’t moving. Not even breathing. “No! Celestia no!” He put his ear to her chest. Nothing. The group rushed over to his side and gasped. Storm put a hoof to her throat and hung his head.

“I-I’m sorry Hex. She’s dead.” The words hit the group hard. The blue stallion collapsed over his sisters body and cursed loudly. Twilight stood frozen in shock as new tears formed in her eyes. She looked down at her shaking hooves and wailed in agony.

“Twilight Sparkle!” The ponies all looked to the right and saw flash of white light. The light cleared to reveal Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Captain Shining Armor. Hex hurried over to the white Alicorn carrying his sister's body.

“P-please Princess, do something!” He yelled as he put Trixie's motionless form in front of the Alicorns. Celestia hung her head in shame as a tear formed in her eye. “Anything! She’s all I have left!”

“I’m sorry my little pony, but there are somethings even I cannot do.” Hex fell to the ground in agony. The moon Princess tried to hold back tears but couldn’t. Celestia then focused on the shivering lavender mare.

“Princess I-” She was cut off as a pair of shackled formed around her hooves and a magical ring was placed on her horn. Her older brother then stepped forward.

“T-Twilight Sparkle.” He said in a shaky tone. “I am placing you under arrest for the murder of Trixie Lulamoon.” He said as he fought back the tears. Twilight looked at the group of ponies who refused to make eye contact.

“Big broth-” The stallion turned away from her.

“Don’t call me that.” He yelled in an icy tone. “You’re not my little sister anymore.” The words cut deep within the mare. She started crying out in agony.

When she opened her eyes again she saw her friend all looking down at her in worry. The mare immediately shot upwards and checked her hooves. No chains. She looked forward to see a familiar cart and Hex holding Trixie in a magical grip and a blindfold over her eyes. The show mare was very much alive and was kicking and screaming to be let go.

“Hey you’re up!” Dash said with a smile.

“What happened?” Twilight said as she shook her head.

“Trixie pulled you out of the tree house and then you fell on the ground screaming.” Storm said. “Then Hex’s cart appeared out of nowhere and stopped Trixie from doing whatever it was to you."

I was in the illusion then? She thought with a gulp. A hoof was offered to her. Twilight took it and slowly stood up. She looked at the hoof and saw that it was light orange. Her eyes shrank as she looked up to see another orange hoof rocketing towards her. The clenched hoof hit the mare’s cheek and flung her back a good two feet.

“Applejack!” Dash yelled.

“Ah’m good.” She said as she let out a sigh. Twilight slowly got to her hooves and looked at the mare who turned around and trotted over to the blue stallion. Rarity walked over to Twilight and helped her up.

“Are you alright dear?”

“No.” Twilight said as she hung her head in shame. Hex then trotted over to the lavender mare and let out a sigh.

“How’s your head?”

“Hurts.”

“That’s to be expected.” He said as he hung his head. “Sorry about all this.”

“She got what she deserved!” Trixie spat out.

“Oh just shut it Trixie!” Dash yelled. The group then started yelling at one another. Hex rubbed his temples and groaned.

“Enough!” The stallion bellowed as the group felt a large amount of magic come from him. The group gulped and shut their mouthes. “The next one of you that talks out of turn is getting sent back to foalhood. Got it?” The group all nodded. “Now I suggest that we all go into the library and talk about this like mature adults. Any objections?” The group only nodded. “Good.”

The stallion led them towards the library and trotted inside with his sister still in his magical grasp. The group all sat down and waited for somepony to break the silence. Twilight looked at the farmer who glared back.

“I’m sorry.” She said as she hung her head in shame. “I never wanted any of this to happen.”

“You should have thought-”

“Trixie!” Hex yelled as he glared at his sister. Trixie closed her mouth and let out a sigh. Applejack then stood up.

“Why’d ya do it Twi?” The farmer aksed in a low tone.

“I don’t know.” She said as she started to cry again. “I just...I never had feeling like that before.” She said as she hung her head. Rarity put a hoof on her shoulder. She then looked at the farmer with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry Applejack. I never wanted to hurt you or Hex.” The farmer closed her eyes and let out a sigh. Dash then stood up and glared at the blue Unicorn.

“That still didn’t give Trixie the right to-”

“Dash! Calm-” Storm interjected.

“No! I won’t calm down!” She bellowed. “She didn’t have the right to-” She was cut off as Hex launched a spell at the mare. Once the light vanished they saw a cyan Pegasus filly staring at them in confusion. “What the?” She yelled in a high pitched voice. Trixie couldn’t hold back the laughter. The azure mare was soon met with the same fate as the cyan Pegasus. The group looked in shock at the azure filly.

“If you two going to act like fillies, then you should at least look the part.” Hex said in a flat tone. The ponies all gulped. “Look, what Trixie did was extremely out of line I get that and I'll see to her punishment later.” He said as he looked at his sister. Rarity then stood up.

“May I make a suggestion?” The fashionista asked. “Today has been a trying day for all of us, that goes without saying.” The mare said in a flat tone. “I suggest that we retire for the evening so that we can all talk about this tomorrow with cool heads.” The ponies rolled the idea around in their heads.

“Sounds good to me.” Storm said.

“Deal.” Hex said with a nod. “I need to smooth things over with Mac anyway.” Hex said with a groan.

“Yeah, what happened to you?” Pinkie asked.

“Word to the wise. Never piss of Mac.” Hex said as he levitated the small filly on to his back.

“Wait!” The cyan filly yelled. “What about this?” She asked as she gestured to her small body.

“It should wear off by tomorrow.” Hex said with a sigh. “See ya later.” Applejack nodded at the ponies and ran after the stallion. Hex was about to hitch himself up when the orange mare glared at him.

“Oh no you don’t! Yer in no shape to be lugging that thing.” The mare protested.

“AJ I can-” He was cut off as the blue filly tugged his mane.

“Don’t be stupid!” The filly said in a high pitched tone. He looked between the two girls and groaned.

“Fine.” He said as he hung his head and got into the carriage. As the cart started moving the filly pouted.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to be a mare again!” She whined.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie need to learn how to calm down.” Hex said in a flat tone.

“But Twilight-”

“Made a mistake and she’s paying for it." He said ina flat tone. "I still can’t believe that you used ‘that’ on her. You know what that spell will do to you.”

“They told me about the Hydra incident buster.” The filly said as she poked at his side.

“That’s completely different! I had no choice, the Hydra was going to destroy the town.”

“Both of you shut up or so help me I will turn this cart around!” The farmer yelled as she neared the farm. Hex got to his hooves and walked out and trotted up next to the mare. “What are you doing?”

“Might as well face your brother with some dignity.” He said as he panted. The two ponies then saw the red stallion waiting by the entrance with a piece of hay in his mouth. He trotted up to the two. Applejack unhitched herself and stood between her brother and the Unicorn.

“AJ I-”

“No, you listen here mister!” She said as she jabbed her hoof in the middle of his chest. “Hex here is innocent. It was a big misunderstanding.”

“Ah know.”

“Another thing is.....Wait, what do ya mean ya know?”

“Ah found Spike knocked out in the East field. When he came to, he told me the whole thing.” He then shifted his gaze to the battered Unicorn. “Hex, ah’m mighty sorry for what ah did.”

“It’s fine Mac. If anypony did that to Trix then I’d do the same thing.” Hex said with a small chuckle. “However, you better get ready for some serious payback.” He said with a smirk. “You won’t know when, or where.” He said in a flat tone. The stallion gulped and looked at his sister who had a wicked grin on her face. “Wait, you said that you found Spike knocked out?”

“Eeyup.” He said as a familiar purple dragon came up to him.

“Hey guys. Is everything okay?” He asked.

“Spike you are without a doubt a life saver.” Hex said as he hoof bumped him. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“Eh, no biggie." He said with a shrug. "Still can’t believe Trixie knocked me out though.” He said as he rubbed his head. Hex smirked as his horn glowed. The azure filly was then appeared before them. Spike rolled over in laughter.

“Stop laughing at Trixie this instant!” The filly yelled.

“Serves you right.”

“Spike, ah think that ya should head on home and check on Twilight.” Mac said as he looked at his sister.

“Good idea. See ya later.” The dragon said as he ran off down the dirt road. The group then continued to make their way back to the farm house. Applebloom burst out in laughter as she saw Trixie.

“Oh mah stars! That’s the silliest thing ah’ve ever seen!”

“Stop laughing or the great and powerful Trixie will make you regret it.” The filly said in a threatening tone.

“Awe, you sound so cute when you try to be intimidating.” Hex said as he ruffled the filly’s mane. Mac looked at the two and sighed.

“Ah probably shouldn’t ask, but what happened?”

“Dash and Trixie kept shooting their mouths off, so this is their punishment.” Hex said with a chuckle.

“Rainbow Dash too? Oh wait till Scootaloo hears about this!” Applebloom yelled. The elderly green mare then trotted over to the blue stallion.

“Glad to have ya back ma boy.” She said with a friendly nod.

“Good to be back Granny Smith.” The group smiled and sat down to eat dinner. After the meal Applebloom lead Trixie up to her room and broke out the spare bed. As Hex opened the door to the spare room he felt something wrap around him and drag him into the room across the hall. Before he could yell he was silenced by a hoof over his mouth.

“Shhh.” A familiar accented voice said. “Keep yer mouth shut or they’ll hear ya.”

“Applejack?” He said as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. “What do you-” He was cut off as the rope around him tightened and found himself the bed. Hex struggled in his restraints. As he looked up he saw the mare let her hair down from the ponytail style he knew. Her golden mane draped over her face.

“Like wha ya see?” She asked in a soft tone.

“Very much. Mind letting me go?” The mare put a hoof to her chin and thought for a moment.

“Hmm......Nah. Some other mare might try to take ya when yer sleeping.” She said as she crawled on top of him. Hex gulped and felt a blush rise to his cheeks. “This way ah can keep you here all night long.” The farmer said as she licked her lips. Applejack then saw a faint magical light coming from the stallion’s horn. “How sensitive is that horn of yours?”

“Very sensitive. It’s-” He was cut off as the mare lightly flicked her tongue against the tip of the horn. Hex felt a wave of pleasure rocket through his body. The farmer then licked the length of the bone and moved her tongue in the grooves. “Oh Applejack.” He could barely say. His horn grew brighter as the mare lightly sucked on the tip. A small amount of magical energy came out from the horn and lightly zapped the mare’s body. “You okay AJ?”

“Wow and ah though zap apples had a shock to em.” She said with a grin.

“Sorry, I’ve never...done this before.” He said with a bright blush on his cheeks. The mare lightly kissed him and smiled.

“Me neither.” The mare said as she laid on top of her stallion. “Ah love ya Hex.”

“I love you too AJ.” He said as he pressed his lips against hers.

“C’mon show off. Let me show ya how we Apples buck.” The mare said before reaching over and turning off the light.