Great

Chapters

Paintings
A Change of Scenery
The Audition
Running Away
Misconceptions
Magic and Pinecones
A New Family
Quest for Opals

Paintings

Great

Hoofbeats and cheers drowned out all other sounds. A white unicorn, the center of everypony's attention, blushed bashfully. Behind her hung a magnificent painting of the princesses sealing the tyrant Discord into his stony prison, a crowd of ponies cheering their leaders on at the picture's base. A much larger and louder audience copied the scene. Embarrassed, the mare hid behind her curly lavender mane, her face a vibrant cerise. This had been her first art show, and she most certainly had not expected it to go so well.

Suddenly, microphones were thrust into her face as dozens of ponies clamored to find out everything they could about this brilliant new artist. "Miss Meadowlark, please, what was your inspiration for this piece?" shouted one crimson mare.

"Well," began Meadowlark shyly, "I love stories, especially old legends such as this one. This was my favorite growing up, because it spoke of the sisters working together. I always did like the stories about Luna, and this one puts her in a better light than most others nowadays."

"Does this mean you'll be making more paintings based off of old pony legends, such as Princess Luna being banished to the moon?"

"Perhaps, but I just tend to paint whatever happens to inspire me," replied Meadowlark.

"Miss Meadowlark, we have just received word that Princess Celestia herself will be here to view the painting. What are your thoughts on that?"

"Um, well, I hope she likes it and doesn't think I made her look too fat," Meadowlark laughed, causing everypony around her to laugh as well.

"Miss Meadowlark?"

She looked to find the pony who had addressed her in the raucous crowd. Gazing back with a smile was a cerulean unicorn with a blue-grey mane. His eyes were the color of storm clouds, though they looked back at her warmly. "Yes?" she responded.

"Would you be so kind as to accompany me tonight for dinner at Salt?"

Meadowlark blinked in surprise, as did several other ponies around her. Salt was without a doubt the fanciest restaurant in the entire city of Maredrid, not to mention the most expensive. Only the elite ponies ate there. Obviously this stallion, whoever he was, was somepony of great importance.

With a start, Meadowlark realized that every pony in attendance had gone silent, waiting to hear her response. Standing up straight, she replied, "I think that sounds like a pleasant idea indeed."

Meadowlark giggled hysterically, causing some of the ponies nearby to give her an irritated look. She didn't care though. The unicorn had never dreamed of being in such a high society setting, much less with a charming, attractive stallion like the one seated across from her. She was a simple mare, and she found all of the lavish, unnescessary things in the restaurant extremely amusing. "I'm sorry," she told him, still laughing. "I'm sorry. Give me a sec." She took several deep breaths that made the stallion smile.

"Meadowlark, I must say I have been thoroughly enjoying myself this evening," he told her.

"Likewise," she replied, beaming. "Thank you so much for all of this, Sea Breeze."

Sea Breeze waved a hoof. "Anytime." He leaned across the table. "You know, I'd really like to see you again."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Yes. You are quite entertaining."

She blushed. "I try."

"So? Is that a yes?"

Meadowlark looked at him. He was extremely handsome. And charming. And funny. And handsome. How could she possibly say no to this wonderful stallion? "I'd like that very much," she replied with a nod.

"Meadow! Hey, Meadow!"

Meadowlark looked up as a white pony with a purple, blue, and pink mane came bounding up to her, her blue eyes wide with delight. The earth pony grinned broadly. "Meadow! Congrats on the engagement!"

"Thank you, Kite Runner," Meadowlark replied with a smile. "I'm glad you could make it to the party."

"What? Miss my best friend's engagement party? Meadow, I wouldn't miss this for the world! Especially with all of this delicious food." Kite Runner licked her lips with a dreamy smile. "Seriously, did Mr. Fiance teach you how to cook or something? 'Cause last time I checked, you couldn't cook worth crap. Remember when you tried to bake that chocolate cake for my eighteenth birthday?"

"Oh, stop it, will you," laughed Meadowlark, giving her friend a playful shove. "If you must know, Mr. Fiance hired a chef for the occasion."

Kite Runner's eyes went wide. "Ooh, so what everypony's been saying is true then, huh? He really is loaded?"

"Kite!"

"What? Oh come on, Meadow, lighten up. It's a party, for Celestia's sake. And it was just a question."

Meadowlark sighed. "Kite, it shouldn't matter whether or not Sea Breeze has money. I'd still love him regardless of his social status."

"Well, that's good, I guess. Also, it true that he's moving in with you?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"I asked him to. He lives out in Vanhoover, and I didn't want to leave Maredrid. I love this city too much."

Kite runner nodded. "I understand. Oh hey, I wanted you to meet my daughter. Where is she?" Kite Runner looked around her before fixating her eyes on some distant point. "Serendipity! Serendipity, can you come over here for a minute please?"

A small pink with a lavender mane filly came trotting over, a goofy grin on her face. "Meadow, this is my daughter, Serendipity. Serendipity, honey, this is Meadowlark."

"Hi there!" chirped Serendipity. She looked up at her mother. "Mommy, can I go back and play with the other fillies now?"

"Yes, go ahead."

The two ponies watched as the filly sprinted off into the throng of ponies around them. "She looks just like her father," mused Kite Runner.

"But she acts just like her mother," observed Meadowlark with a playful grin.

Kite Runner laughed. "Ain't that the truth."

Meadowlark looked up as Sea Breeze came over to her, a charming grin on his face. "Hello there, Meadow."

"Sea Breeze! I want you to meet my best friend, Kite Runner," said Meadowlark. Kite Runner stood a bit taller, puffing her chest out a little bit. "Kite and I have known each other since we were fillies."

Kite Runner stuck her hoof out. "It's really nice to meet you, Sea Breeze."

Sea Breeze gave Kite Runner a once over, bland look upon his face. "Charmed."

Kite Runner's face fell a bit, but she held her smile up. "So, Meadow tells me you're a writer. I'm not really that into books myself, but I'm sure you write some great stuff."

"Mhm, yes. Excuse me." Sea Breeze walked away, leaving two wide-eyed mares in his wake.

Meadowlark put on a supportive smile. "Don't worry Kite Runner, he's not usually like that. I'm sure he just has a lot on his mind right now. You know, getting engaged and all."

Kite Runner nodded, clearly crestfallen. "Uh-huh. Yeah, sure. Hey, um, I'm gonna go, okay?"

Meadowlark's expression fell. "Oh, okay. Thanks for coming, Kite. It was nice to finally meet your daughter."

"Yeah, I'll see you later, Meadow." She began to trot away.

"Kite!" Kite Runner turned around. "You know you're gonna be my bridesmaid, right?"

Kite Runner smiled. "I do now."

Eventually, as is the case with all couples, the two were faced with one of life's big questions - whether or not to have a foal. The decision wasn't too hard, though. Sea Breeze was all for it, and Meadowlark had always wanted a foal of their own. They tried, and soon the mare found herself expecting.

On a bright spring day, the foal came.

Meadowlark gazed dreamily out the window at the gorgeous scene taking place just beyond the glass. She sighed. She had done it.

She redirected her gaze to the tiny foal in her forelegs. The tiny bundle slept peacefully, oblivious to anything and everything. Her coat was a soft white, like a crisp December snow, her mane a deep, royal blue. "You're beautiful," whispered Meadowlark in adoration, lightly placing a kiss upon the foal's horn.

Meadowlark looked up as Sea Breeze stepped inside the room, a grin spread across his cerulean face. "Feeling better?" he asked her in a deep tenor.

She smiled. "I am, now that you're here."

Sea Breeze walked over to her and gazed down at the minute bundle, his grey eyes softening. "She certainly is something, isn't she? She's going to be a beautiful mare one day, that's for sure."

"She already is," said Meadowlark. "What are we going to call her?"

He pondered upon this for a moment or two. Finally, his eyes lit up. "Vanity. For her beauty."

Meadowlark smiled, her lavender eyes glowing. "That sounds like a wonderful name. My little Vanity..."

About two years later, the two were back in the same room for the same reason, though that was as far as similarities went. The wind howled as rain bombarded the windows without mercy. Meadowlark looked at the crying filly in her forelegs, trying to calm the young one. "Shh, it's alright," she cooed. "Don't be afraid. It's just the rain. It won't hurt us. Mama's here." The sniveling foal nestled herself into her mother's pale white chest, quivering with fear.

For the first year of her life, Vanity had done nothing but impress her parents day in and day out, already showing signs of being a talented unicorn. The happy couple had decided to try their luck again, hoping to have similar results. What they ended up with was the wailing mass Meadowlark held.

"Meadowlark, can't you make her stop?" begged Sea Breeze.

Meadowlark cast him a helpless glance. "What does it look like I'm trying to do, Sea Breeze?" she replied shortly. "And it's not her fault. She's just frightened, that's all." She looked back down at the foal. The filly had a light blue coat with a white and pale blue mane. She by no means had the raw beauty her sister had, but there was something there, something unique about her, though Meadowlark had no idea just what that something was. "Trixie. . ."

"What?" questioned Sea Breeze.

"Trixie," Meadowlark replied, this time a bit louder. "That's what I want to call her. It's. . . different. Like her."

Sea Breeze nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah. . . Trixie. That sounds. . . good. Listen, I'm gonna go run to the pharmacy and grab some aspirin or something. I'm getting a headache. I'll be back in a few." And with that, he walked out.

With a sigh, Meadowlark looked down at the weeping foal, her lavender eyes soft. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay," coddled Meadowlark. "It's okay, little Trixie. Mama's here. Mama's always going to be here."

"Daddy! Daddy! Look at what I can do!"

A bright orange sippy cup levitated towards a five-year-old Vanity, her white horn glowing. Beaming, the filly brought it towards her lips and took a healthy gulp.

"Good job, Vanity!" exclaimed Sea Breeze, who wore a broad smile. "I am so proud of you!" he swept Vanity up in his forelegs and swung her around, much to the young one's delight.

Trixie watched from afar. She turned to look at a building block in front of her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she concentrated with all of her might. Sadly, when she opened her violet eyes, the cube was still in the same exact place. Defeated, Trixie looked back over towards her father, who was still laughing and swinging her sister around.

Trixie sighed. "Why can' I use magic?" she huffed. During a unicorn foal's first years, spontaneous bursts of magic were common occurences that later became more and more frequent as each foal grew and learned how to wield their magic effectively. However, at the young age of three, Trixie had shown not one sign of any magical abilities, be them purposeful or not.

"Are you alright?"

Trixie looked up to see her mother's kind face gazing down at her. She frowned. "Why can' I use magic like Vanny, Mama?"

The mare shook her head. "I don't know, honey. I'm sure you'll be able to use it soon."

"I don' wanna use it soon, I wanna use it now," pouted Trixie.

"I know it's hard. But all good things come to those who can wait."

Trixie looked over at her father, her eyes full of longing. "Daddy doesn' like me."

"How can you say that? Of course your father likes you!"

"He always plays with Vanny. He never plays with me," explained Trixie with a frown. "When I try to make magic, he gets really mad at me. He calls me names like 'stupid'."

Meadowlark studied Trixie's face. That didn't sound at all like the Sea Breeze she'd married. Grimacing, she lowered herself down to Trixie's level and hugged the filly. "You are not stupid, Trixie. You are an intelligent, loving, wonderful young filly. I don't know why your father would say things like that to you, but don't you believe them for an instant. Don't let anypony ever put you down, understand?"

Trixie nodded her blue head, a few tears escaping her eyes. "Yes, Mama."

"Good. I love you so much, Trixie, and don't you ever forget that."

"Sea Breeze? Sea Breeze, what are you doing up so early? Why do you have those bags?"

The blue stallion spun around at his name, his visage grim. In the bedroom doorway stood his wife, a questioning look upon her face. "Sea Breeze?"

"Meadow, go back to bed," he told her in a gentle voice.

Meadowlark's lavender eyes narrowed. "No, I will not. Tell me what you are doing now."

Sea Breeze sighed, closing his eyes. "I'm leaving."

Meadowlark's eyes widened with shock. "Wh. . . What?" she questioned in disbelief.

"I'm leaving, Meadow. I'm sorry," he repeated softly, opening his grey eyes to look at her.

Meadowlark swallowed. "Come on, honey. Let's get back to bed, okay? I'm sure you'll feel much better in the morning-"

"Dammit, Meadow, I'm serious!"

She recoiled in fright, her eyes beginning to water over. "B-b-but why?"

He let out an exasperated sigh. "I just can't do this anymore."

"Can't do what? Honey, if there's something wrong, let me help you with it, please."

"I can't live with that failure anymore, dammit."

It took Meadowlark a moment to realize what he meant. ". . . Trixie? You're leaving me. . . us. . . because she isn't as talented as her sister?" she asked in disgusted shock. "She's your daughter, for Celestia's sake! What should it matter how skilled of a unicorn she is or not?!"

"It's why I married you."

Meadowlark went silent. ". . . What?"

"Your paintings are some of the most exquisite things Equestria has ever seen, something only a truly talented unicorn could accomplish," he raved, smiling at her. The smile was not returned. "I knew our foal would have to be as skilled as their parents at the very least, and boy was I right. Vanity is a unicorn prodigy, Meadow! She's absolutely astounding! That's why I wanted to have another in the first place. Unfortunately, our luck apparently ran out. But that's okay. We don't need Trixie. A unicorn who can't use magic isn't worth anypony's time. After all, we unicorns are the greatest of all the pony races, save alicorns. We can just be a happy family of three--me, you, and Vanity. How does that sound?"

Meadowlark just glared at him, an utmost look of revulsion upon her face. "Get out of my house," she whispered menacingly.

Sea Breeze studied his wife's face for a few seconds before finally sighing in defeat. "I had rather hoped you would see the reason in my logic. Very well. I'm truly sorry things didn't work out." He leaned in to give her pale white face one last kiss, but she jerked back, preventing him from doing so. His eyes narrowed somewhat. "Goodbye, my little Meadowlark. I wish you the best in life." He picked up his bags, turned away, trotted over to the door, and left, gently closing the door behind him. That would be the last time she ever saw him.

He was gone.

For the longest time, Meadowlark just stood there. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she slowly padded over to the fireplace. Above the hearth was a painting of Sea Breeze. With a small burst of magic, the picture was removed from its place on the wall and tossed into the fireplace, a flame erupting from the slightly charred logs upon impact, engulfing the portrait. Meadowlark watched as the flames licked hungrily at the portrait. It had been one of her better works. There had been a time when she had been quite proud of it. Now she looked on with a sense of grim satisfaction as it was burned to ashes.

When the last of the painting had burned away, Meadowlark made her way over to the living room couch, crawling slowly up onto it, and cried herself to sleep.

"Mommy?"

Meadowlark slowly peeled open her tear-stained eyes to see both Vanity and Trixie gazing back at her with equally concerned looks. "Mommy, why are you sleeping on the couch?" asked Vanity, a mixture of worry and genuine curiousity in her voice.

"Where's Daddy, Mama?" questioned Trixie, tears starting to well up in her violet eyes.

Meadowlark's eyes softened. "Come here, girls," she said, gathering her daughters up onto the couch with her and nestling them in her forelegs, Vanity in her right, Trixie in her left.

"What's the matter, Mommy? Why are you sad?" asked Vanity, her sapphire eyes sparkling.

"Girls, I'm afraid Daddy isn't going to be with us anymore."

Life, as it always it always does, went on for the three ponies. Things were never quite the same, though. Meadowlark kept painting, though her pieces took on a noticeably darker tone. Vanity was unaccustomed to not receiving praise for every magical nuance she made, and thus began to grow jealous of her sister who seemed to have her mother's undivided attention. And Trixie, for some strange reason nopony could understand, was miserable, missing her father's presence every waking moment it seemed. But, for the most part, the three adjusted to their new way of life.

A year or so passed with them living like this. Trixie was now four, Vanity six.

One morning, Trixie awoke in her bed, yawning obnoxiously. She sniffed the air, a gleeful look upon her face, trying to guess just what it was her mother had prepared for breakfast this morning. Haycakes? No. . . . Strawberry muffins, perhaps? No, no, not that either. . . . Cereal? Trixie soon realized she could not smell nor hear anything coming from the kitchen. But why? Her mother always got up early to make breakfast for them. Something wasn't right.

"Vanny!" Trixie cried to her older sister who was still asleep.

Vanity groaned, not pleased at being woken up. "What?" she mumbled with frustration, sitting up in bed.

Trixie lept up out of her bed and trotted over to Vanity's. "I don' smell Mama cookin' anythin'!" she said in desparation.

Vanity let out an exasperated sigh. She was about to give Trixie a reprimand when she realized that her sister was right. "That's odd. . . " murmured Vanity. "Mother's always up by now."

"What do you think's goin' on?" Trixie asked with worry.

Vanity pondered this before finally shrugging, a puzzled look upon her face. "I have no idea," she replied, jumping out of bed. "Come on. Let's go find out."

The two sped out of of their bedroom and into the den where Vanity stopped, her expression growing even more confused. "Serendipity?"

Lying on the couch was the sleeping form of the young earth pony Serendipity, the girls' sitter. Meadowlark had asked her come over to watch them while she went to an art show the night before. Upon hearing her name, the pink pony jumped in surprise, fully awake. "Huh? What?" She took notice of the two fillies standing before her. Flustered, she pushed a loose lock of wavy purple hair behind her ear with her hoof. "Girls, I thought I told you, it's time for bed. Go on now."

"Serendipity, it's seven in the morning," said Vanity.

"Where's Mama?!" demanded Trixie, butting past her sister to look the sitter head on.

Serendipity blinked her pale green eyes. "Wait, what? No, that can't be right."

"What?" inquired Vanity.

"I was supposed to leave when your mother got home. If I'm still here, then that means. . . "

"She never came home," finished Vanity with a look of terror.

"So where's Mama?" asked Trixie, her voice small.

"I don't know," replied Serendipity, worried. "But that's what we're going to go find out. Come on, girls. Where was the art show at, Vanity?"

"Um, I think she said it was going to be in the gallery on fourth street. Or maybe it was fourteenth. . . " A look of helplessness washed over her.

Serendipity swallowed. "Don't worry. We'll find it. We'll just ask around. Somepony's bound to know. I bet your mother had a piece on display that everypony was talking about. In fact, they were probably talking so much about it that they just talked and talked all night long, and that's why your mom isn't back yet!"

Vanity didn't seem to buy into the story, but Trixie lit up with delight. "Mama's paintings are the best! Everypony loves her paintings!"

"Well, come on you two. We'd better get a move on. I'm sure your mother is anxious to see your bright and smiling faces rather than those of some art schmucks."

Serendipity opened the door, preparing to step outside, when she came to an abrupt halt, gasping audibly. Quickly she bowed, Vanity copying the gesture. Only Trixie remained standing, confused beyond belief. Were they going or not? She looked at the entryway and saw a large white alicorn with a flowing rainbow mane gazing somberly back at her. The alicorn sparked a memory in Trixie's brain. She had seen this pony before somewhere. . . but where? Finally, it dawned upon her. Standing before her was Princess Celestia herself.

A Change of Scenery

Trixie walked up to the alicorn. "You're Princess Slesta, right?" she asked, unable to pronounce the mare's name.

Celestia smiled a sad smile in amusement. "Yes, my dear."

"Why. . . why're you here? Where's Mama?"

"Yes, please," came Vanity, who was now on her hooves. Serendipity rose as well. "Do you know where our mother is?"

The princess's visage was grim. "I am terribly sorry." Celestia hated doing this, especially when it involved foals as young as the ones standing before her. Being the sole ruler of Equestria was hard enough, but this was without a doubt the hardest and most painful part of her job. "Girls, your mother isn't with us anymore."

There had been a fire in the gallery where Meadowlark had been attending the art show. The cause of the fire was still unknown and investigations were currently underway. Most ponies had escaped with only minor injuries. A few, though, hadn't been quite so lucky. Meadowlark had been one of the ones trapped inside. According to witnesses, she had initially made it out but had gone back in to rescue a young colt who had been there with his mother. Once the colt was out, she went back to help more of the trapped victims. She had given her life to save three others that evening.

Vanity and Trixie both weeped together, collapsing into one another and falling to the floor.

Serendipity did her best to comfort them, grief gnawing at her too, though she knew she couldn't show it for the fillies's sakes. Meadowlark had been friends with her mother, Kite Runner, for years, and was practically a second mother to her. She had even been there the day Serendipity had gotten her cutie mark--three green flowers. Serendipity had been ecstatic; she had always loved flowers. Now her heart grew heavy as it filled with grief.

After a few minutes of sobbing, Vanity sniffled and turned to Princess Celestia who was still standing solemnly in their doorway. "So. . . what's gonna happen to us?" she managed, her voice raspy.

"Both of your mother's parents passed away only a few years ago. The only ponies left for you to stay with are your father's sister, Bright Rose, and her husband, Storm Song," replied Celestia delicately. She was aware of the situation with the girls' father and was unsure how they would react to this news.

"But-but. . . I don' wanna live with other ponies!" cried Trixie, tears pouring from her violet eyes. "I want Mama!"

"I know, dear. We are all sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a talented artist and will be missed."

Trixie looked up at her sister. "Can't you. . . can't you bring her back? With a spell?" Vanity's magic had always been able to fix any problems that troubled Trixie. If a toy broke, Vanity could fix it. If her cup of apple juice spilled, Vanity could fix it. If there was no toilet paper left and Trixie was trapped, Vanity could fix that too.

Vanity blinked in surprise, her gaze softening. "N-no, Trixie," she replied shakily. "I can't. I'm not that good of a unicorn."

Trixie turned to the alicorn in desperation. "But you can bring Mama back, right?" she asked Celestia in a tiny voice.

Princess Celestia looked down at the unicorn filly, her eyes filled with sadness. "I'm afraid not even I can do that."

"But you're the princess!" cried Trixie, another wave of tears welling up.

"Not even princesses can reverse death, my little pony."

"So, what do we do now?" asked Vanity.

"We'll be heading over to your aunt and uncle's home at once, so you need to go pack your things."

Serendipity looked down at the fillies. "Come on, girls. I'll help you get your stuff together. We don't want to keep the princess waiting."

After about thirty minutes of packing, the Celestia's chariot was soaring high above the clouds of Equestria. Vanity looked down at the ground below in awe, her deep blue mane billowing in the wind, marveling at every aspect. "Look over there, Trixie! I think that's a herd of buffalo! Or. . . maybe it's just a patch of trees."

Trixie didn't hear her. The usually talkative pony was being exceptionally quiet for once. Finally, she couldn't take it any longer. "Um, Miss Princess?" she questioned Celestia.

Celestia looked down at her, a semblance of a smile appearing upon her face. "Yes, young one?"

"Where're we going?"

"Your aunt and uncle live out in Tallahayseed," she replied.

"Huh?"

"Tallahayseed," Celestia repeated, amused.

"Oh." Trixie went quiet again. "Where's that?"

"Not too far from here."

"How much farther?"

"About five minutes or so by chariot."

"What're they like?"

"Your aunt and uncle?"

"Yeah. Are they nice? 'Cause I don' wanna live with meanies."

Celestia chuckled. "I cannot say I know them personally, but I have heard good things about them."

"What do they do?" asked Trixie, eager for more information. "Do they paint like Mama?"

Celestia shook her head. "No, they do not." Trixie's expression fell at this. She had always loved her mother's paintings. "But your uncle is quite the talented pianist," she supplied.

Trixie's smile reappeared. A musician! Trixie had always loved music. She even liked to sing a bit herself, though never in front of anypony. She was far to shy and embarassed to let anypony hear her. Still, she was content to singing quietly to herself and nopony else. "And what about my aunt? What does she do?"

"Bright Rose makes dresses."

"Dresses?" Trixie loved dresses too. She liked to look at how pretty they were and imagine herself in them, as a grownup. Maybe her aunt could make lots of dresses for her! The idea of this thrilled her. Wow, a pianist and a dressmaker! Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Trixie looked up at Celestia. "Um, Miss Princess?"

"Yes?"

"How come you got wings and a horn? I thought ponies could only have one or the other, or none like Serendipity."

"I'm an alicorn," replied Celestia.

"What's that?"

"It means I was born with both a horn and wings."

"Can you use them?"

"Yes, I can."

"So then why do you fly around in a chariot if you can just fly yourself?!" questioned Trixie loudly. "Seems kinda silly to me."

Celestia chuckled. "You know, I really don't know why. It's just traditional, I suppose."

"So, how come you're an alicorn? How did you get to be different from every other pony?"

"I was just born this way," she answered.

"So you're, like, extra-special?" asked Trixie.

"I am no more special than you or any other pony," was Celestia's response. "We may all appear to be the same on the outside, but we are all different and special in our own unique way. The hard part is finding out just what makes you special. I got lucky and was born this way, so I've always known what makes me different. But you? You still get to experience the magic and excitement of figuring yourself out, something I never really got to do."

"Really?" Trixie smiled.

"Yes, really."

"Are we landing? Trixie, we're landing!" Vanity cried out in excitement. Trixie ran over to her sister and peered over the side of the chariot, doing her best to balance on her back legs. Indeed, it appeared that the were landing. The two fillies watched as the trees beneath them grew bigger and bigger until they were practically right on top of them.

Finally, the flying chariot landed, and the two fillies hopped out. In front of them was a large and lavish white manor, much bigger than their previous humble home. "Wow," murmured both fillies in awe.

From the grand house emerged two unicorns. The first was a light grey stallion with a black mane and a piano cutie mark. The other was a white mare with a rose red mane and a spool of thread for her cutie mark. They greeted the arrivals with warm smiles and soft eyes. "Welcome to your new home," said the mare, her leaf-green eyes bright and friendly. "I'm Bright Rose, and this is Storm Song."

"Why don't you get your things and come along inside?" suggested the stallion named Storm Song.

Vanity ran over to the pair and, using magic, brought her bags of belongings with her. Trixie, however, hid behind Celestia, her white-blue mane covering her face. Trixie was fairly shy when it came to meeting new ponies, and her new guardians were no exception. "Come on, Trixie!" called her sister.

Trixie looked up at the alicorn nervously. Celestia smiled softly. "Go on."

Taking a deep breath, Trixie went to get her bags. However, without the aid of magic, moving them proved to be a difficult task. After a few pitiful attempts had pulling and pushing the luggage, she gave up and pawed at the ground in frustration. Why couldn't she be as talented as her sister? Suddenly, the bags levitated up into the air. Trixie blinked her violet eyes in surprise. Was she using magic? A chuckle from above told her that the answer was no. Princess Celestia walked with Trixie and her things over to the others, hardly exerting any magic at all to make the bags float.

Celestia had just left, and Trixie and Vanity were being shown to their rooms by Bright Rose. "But. . . Vanny and I always sleep together," Trixie told her softly, her eyes fearful. She had never been able to sleep alone by herself, for she was afraid of the dark. Having somepony there was enough to help her sleep soundly through the night.

Bright Rose looked down at Trixie. The warmth in her emerald eyes was gone, replaced by something else. "Well, it's about time you grow up. Big ponies sleep in their own rooms," she replied shortly, much to Trixie's dismay. However, she said nothing more, not wanting to get on her aunt's bad side right from the get-go.

The door in front of them swung open, revealing a spacious, beautifully furnished room. Trixie, her eyes aglow, started to enter the room, but she was blocked by a white foreleg. Confused, she looked up to see Bright Rose frowning down at her. "This isn't your room," she told her. "This is Vanity's room."

Vanity gasped, sapphire eyes huge. "Really?" Bright Rose smiled at her and nodded cheerfully. A large grin spread across Vanity's face. "Wow! Thank you so much!" She quickly ran off into her new bedroom, bags floating in behind her, and shut the door.

Trixie looked up eagerly at Bright Rose. "So, where's my room?" If that had been her sister's room, she couldn't wait to see hers.

Bright Rose grimaced. "Follow me." She headed further down the hall at a quick trot, leaving Trixie to struggle with her bags. By the time she managed to catch up to her aunt, the Trixie was exhausted. Bright Rose looked on with impatience. "It's about time," she snapped, causing Trixie's expression to fall. The door before her swung open. "This is where you'll be staying."

Trixie, her energy renewed, sprinted over to the door, tripping over her own hooves in the process, only to be utterly shocked and disappointed at the sight in front of her. The room didn't have the same layout as Vanity's room. In fact, it wasn't even remotely close to her sister's room. It was a tiny, cramped-looking space that was near bare save for a small cot and a nightstand.

"Let me make something abundantly clear to you." Trixie turned to look at Bright Rose. Her leafy eyes were coated in a layer of December frost; any warmth that had been in them before had long since been extinguished. "You are not welcome here. My husband and I both share the same ideals your father had, and we are only taking you in due to the fact that Princess Celestia herself was involved. A unicorn is just as worthless as an earth pony or a pegasus if she cannot use magic." And with that, she trotted away.

Young Trixie was left standing alone in the hallway with her few belongings, a tears stinging her eyes. She had not known what Bright Rose had meant by "share her father's ideals", but one thing had been made all to clear--she was not wanted by these ponies, and it didn't seem like anything could change their minds about that. Trixie hung her head low and sobbed for the second time that day. Things were going to be a lot different now.

The Audition

It was Nightmare Night, Trixie's first ever. Well, her only ever, really.

Vanity was going as a butterfly, and she looked beautiful as ever. Trixie, however, wanted to be a wizard. Wizards were powerful wielders of magic, something Trixie had wanted to be all her life.

Meadowlark had made both of them costumes, and Trixie couldn't be more in love with hers. Her mother had stitched a beautiful violet cape with blue and yellow stars on it, a small aquamarine gem holding it together, not to mention the matching hat. The ensemble was a bit too big, but Trixie loved it all the same. The fact that it was too big simply meant she could wear it for several more years to come, which made her even happier. Trixie even cried when she had to take it off afterwards.

She loved that costume, almost as much as she loved her mother and sister. Almost.

"Good heavens, what is this ghastly thing?"

Bright Rose was staring at Trixie's costume, a look of revulsion on her face.

"That's my costume! My Mama made it for me!" cried Trixie indignantly. "Give it back!"

"Well, obviously your mother was as slow with a needle as she was up here," replied Bright Rose, tapping her skull with her left hoof. With a flick of her head, she flung the costume to the floor. "You may keep this, since I can't imagine anypony wanting something so hideous."

"Wait, what?"

Bright Rose looked down at her with an annoyed frown. "Didn't Storm Song tell you?"

Trixie shook her head.

Bright Rose rolled her eyes. "We're selling your stuff."

"WHAT?!?"

"You have no need for it, so you are going to do the right thing and let somepony else have it instead."

Trixie was sobbing now. All of her stuff? Gone? Her toys? Her books? Everything? Just like that? "No!" she cried. "No, you can't have it! That's my stuff!"

"You have no say in the matter. It's already been decided."

"No!"

Ignoring her, Bright Rose continued to dig through Trixie's bags with her magic. "Yes, everything else seems to be at least somewhat desirable." The bags were surrounded by a glowing white aura and rose in the air.

"NO!!!" screeched Trixie, throwing herself at Bright Rose. "That's my stuff!!!"

That would be the last time Trixie made that mistake.

Trixie was sent flying to the ground as Bright Rose swiped a forehoof across her tear-stained face.

Trixie looked up in shock at her aunt. Had she really just. . . hit her?

Bright Rose glared viciously at the filly. "You do not touch me!" she hissed through clenched teeth, seething with rage. After a prolonged leer, she turned away with Trixie's belongings and marched out, slamming the wooden door behind her.

Trembling, Trixie grabbed her cape off of the floor and squeezed it close to her chest. She let out a sob and wept openly, nopony there to comfort her.

She missed her mother. Why did she have to be gone? It wasn't fair. Meadowlark had never done anything wrong to anypony; she hadn't deserved this fate.

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

Trixie slowly peeled her weary eyes open, faint sunlight sifting through her tiny window.

Four years had passed since she had first arrived at her aunt and uncle's home, and things really hadn't changed much.

Growing up in the large manor had taken quite a bit of getting used to for Trixie. For one who was so prone to talking excessively, learning to hold her tongue had been a challenge. The even bigger challenge was adjusting to the fact that nopony wanted you around.

Storm Song, her uncle, really wasn't too bad towards her. Mostly, the musical pony just ignored her. He was pretty silent to begin with, though. It was as if he expressed his thoughts better through his piano than his mouth. Trixie could hear him playing some tune or another away on the instrument at most times during the day. She would often times sit silently by and simply listen. Storm Song was extremely talented, and Trixie loved his music.

Bright Rose, on the other hoof, hadn't changed her attitude towards the filly one bit. Trixie found herself avoiding her aunt at all costs. Bright Rose seemed to gain pleasure from insulting Trixie at any opportunity, something that she did her best to evade as often as possible.

Vanity was no longer with her. She had been enrolled into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns at the age of eight two years ago. It was a boarding school, so Trixie only got to see her on holidays and during the summer. When her sister came home for the holidays, Trixie would bombard her with question after question, hanging on Vanity's every word.

Life wasn't too bad, though. There was the groundskeeper, Daisyjo, a deep purple earth pony with a bright yellow mane. She was always pretty nice to Trixie. She always had something to do, be it tending to the flowers or repainting the house, and Trixie always loved to help.

There wouldn't be any helping Daisyjo today, though.

Trixie swung herself out of her tiny bed and trotted over to her window. She had turned eight a mere week ago. Today was the day the prestigious school held its entrance exams. A few weeks back, she had sent in an application, forging her guardians' signatures. The letter had come back a few days ago, a big green check giving her the all-clear to try and get into the school.

She wasn't a talented unicorn. Trixie knew that. But maybe, just maybe, if she could get into that school, like her sister had done before her, Bright Rose and Storm Song might be more accepting of her. Maybe they would even start liking her. Maybe.

A look at the clock on her nightstand told Trixie it was time to go. Fortunately for her, Tallahayseed was right next to Canterlot, and it shouldn't take but thirty minutes or so to get there on hoof. Trixie looked out her window again. She could see Canterlot Castle from her bedroom. Maybe things would start to get better now.

With a look of determination upon her face, Trixie set off.

Trixie crept out of the manor. Fortunately nopony had seen her. . .

"Hey there, Trixie!"

Shoot.

Trixie looked up to see Daisyjo trotting over to her, her purple hooves coated in a layer of mud. "Oh, hey, Daisyjo."

"Whatcha doing out here?" asked Daisyjo. "I told you I didn't need any help today."

Trixie looked around nervously. "Can you keep a secret?"

Daisyjo's eyes narrowed. "Trixie, what're you up to? You better not be doing anything you know you shouldn't be doing."

"I'm going to Canterlot."

Daisyjo gasped, her golden eyes wide. "Canterlot? Trixie, what are you thinking? Bright Rose'll have your hide!"

"I know! I know!"

"Then why in Equestria would you even consider doing something so idiotic?"

Trixie looked up at her. "I'm going to audition for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns."

All Daisyjo did was stare. "You're kidding."

"You can't tell Bright Rose!" cried Trixie desperately. "If I make it in, they'll finally start liking me!"

Daisyjo sighed. "Trixie, you do realize that just because you-"

"Daisyjo, please!" Tears were bubbling up in Trixie's eyes now. "Please, please, please don't tell on me!"

Daisyjo looked down at Trixie. Finally, she let out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I won't tell."

Trixie sprung upon her, nuzzling her affectionately. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Daisyjo laughed. "Alright, alright, take it easy now. I'll do my best to cover for you. Just hurry back, okay? I'm putting my job on the line by doing this, you crazy filly."

"I'll be back ASAP, don't worry!" Trixie sped off without looking back.

"Good luck, Trixie!" called Daisyjo with a laugh. Shaking her head, she went back to performing her job, grinning the entire time.

As Daisyjo returned to her duties, unseen, one window's curtain moved back in place.

Trixie was surprised by just how many unicorns were at the castle for their entrance exams when she arrived. Nearly all of them were with their parents. Trixie sighed and walked at the back of the long line.

A couple of minutes of terrified silence later, an incredibly nervous looking lavender filly got into line behind Trixie. She cast a backwards glance at the pony. The unicorn's parents were nowhere in sight, so Trixie decided to talk to her. "Um, hello," she said shyly.

The lavender pony jumped in surprise but quickly recovered. "Oh, hello," she replied. Her voice was kind enough, but she came across as distracted.

"Are you nervous?" Trixie asked her, eager for some conversation. For the past four years of her life, Trixie had pretty much been trapped in the mansion, not once being allowed off the property. Something about not wanting to embarass her aunt and uncle. The only time she ever got to socialize with anypony besides Daisyjo was when Vanity came home, and those special occasions were rare and few.

The lavender unicorn shook her head, then, after a moment, quickly nodded. "Yeah, kind of. You?"

Trixie nodded as well. "Definitely." Despite all her efforts, she still had not managed to bring about any sort of magic. This fact gnawed at her. How could she expect to enroll in a school for gifted unicorns when she couldn't perform magic? Hopefully, her magical abilities would finally make them known in her hour of need, which was about to occur. Hopefully. "So, where are your parents?"

"They're talking to some of the instructors here. They're pretty confident that I'm going to get in, but still. . . . What about you?"

"Huh?"

"Where are your parents?" the unicorn inquired.

Trixie looked down sheepishly. "Oh, um. . . well. . ."

"What is it?"

"They couldn't be here." It wasn't exactly a lie, right?

"Oh, I'm sorry," replied the unicorn, genuine sympathy in her violet eyes. "So, um, where are you from?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Tallahayseed," answered Trixie, relieved that the lavender pony hadn't lingered on the subject. "And you?"

"I live here in Canterlot," piped the other.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Wow, that's so cool," came Trixie, her eyes aglow. "Have you ever met the princess?"

"No, but I've seen her."

"I've met her," Trixie boasted. She couldn't recall a time when she had been able to boast, and she rather liked this change of roles. "I even got to ride in her chariot."

"You did?" The unicorn was all eyes and ears now. "What was she like?"

"She was really nice and pretty, like I thought she'd be. But it's been a long time, so I don't remember much."

"Oh." The unicorn's face fell in disappointment, only to rise again a second later. "My name's Twilight Sparkle. What's yours?"

"Trixie."

"Trixie? That's unique."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Trixie questioned, getting defensive.

"Oh! Nothing at all! I just meant that I've never heard anything like it before," Twilight quickly explained. "It's. . . different."

Trixie cooled down a bit. "Oh, okay." There was a moment of silence. "So. Why are you enrolling here?"

Twilight lit up. "I want to learn everything I possibly can about magic," she replied cheerily. "I've already done a lot of studying on my own, but there's always more to be learned."

Trixie cocked her head. "What do you mean, 'studied on your own'?"

"Oh, you know, spell books and things of that nature." Twilight looked at her oddly. "Why? Do you mean you haven't read any spell books?"

Trixie's sky blue complexion was dappled with pink. She wasn't exactly what you'd call well-read. "No," she mumbled.

Twilight didn't seem to take notice of the other pony's reaction. "Well, you can always borrow some of my books, if you'd like. I've got a ton. So, why are you enrolling here then?"

Trixie raised her violet eyes to meet her new companion's purple pair. There was no way in Equestria she was telling Twilight about her situation at home. But, that being said, she didn't want to lie either. She thought for a moment. "I want to become a great unicorn," she responded at last. "I want ponies to look at me and admire my abilities."

Twilight giggled. Trixie narrowed her eyes, her face turning a shade darker. "What's so funny?"

Twilight looked at her, eyes aglow, a smile upon her face. "Nothing. It's just. . ."

"Just what?"

"I like you, Trixie. I have a feeling you will be a great unicorn someday. Great and omnipotent."

Trixie blinked. "Huh?"

"You know, omnipotent?"

Trixie just stared at her blankly.

"Um, paramount?"

Nothing.

"Superior?"

Silence.

"Powerful?"

Trixie's eyebrows shot up, understanding hitting her. "Ohh, well why didn't you just say that?" She turned the thought over in her head some. "Hmm. . . powerful. . . The Great and Powerful Trixie. I like that!"

Twilight nodded. "It has a nice ring to it."

For the next bit, the two ponies chatted merrily as the line grew steadily shorter and shorter. It was definitely a refreshing change for Trixie. It seemed that at long last, she had finally found somepony to call her friend.

Finally, Trixie was next.

"So, are you ready?" asked Twilight.

With a gulp, Trixie shook her head vigorously.

"I'm sure you'll do fine," reassured Twilight.

The two were standing just outside the room, a huge pair of wooden doors separating them from whatever trial lay ahead. From inside, Trixie could hear a young colt sobbing obnoxiously loud. She gulped again.

Suddenly, the doors swung open. A snooty-looking grey mare with a dark brown mane emerged. "Next," she said dully.

Trixie turned to look at Twilight, her eyes filled to the brim with terror. Twilight put on a supportive face. "Good luck," she said.

Trixie nodded. "You too." Taking a deep breath, she followed the mare inside, the doors closing behind them.

Running Away

"Well, Miss Trixie?"

Trixie stood, quivering from head to hoof, her legs threatening to buckle out from beneath her any moment. Before her was a rather large lavender egg. All she had to do was break it open with magic. Simple. Nothing too hard. A piece of cake. Right?

Trixie tried.

And tried.

And she tried some more. But no matter how hard Trixie focused, nothing happened.

Finally, she was forced to give up, the enormous amount of mental effort taking its toll. She looked up at the stares from the expectant ponies above her. "I. . . I can't do it," she choked out.

The panel of pony judges, using magic, scribbled something quickly onto their clipboards before looking back up at her again, unsympathetic looks scrawled across their faces. The mare who had shown her in looked down at her blandly. "We are sorry, Miss Trixie, but you have not passed. The door out is on your left. Thank you for coming out to audition."

Trixie just stared blankly up at them. She didn't want to believe it. Deep down, she had known that this was what was bound to happen, but she still didn't want to face the grim fact that was staring her in the face.

She had failed.

Her violet eyes began to water over, but she furiously blinked them back. She would not cry in front of these ponies. Broken and defeated, Trixie slowly trudged out.

Trixie started down the hallway that led out of the university, but something made her stop. What about Twilight? Trixie really did want to know what her new companion's outcome would be. That's what friends were supposed to feel, right? Would she pass? Deep down, Trixie prayed that she didn't, which in turn made her feel horrible.

Trixie placed her ear against the door, straining to hear even a fragment of the events unfolding on the other side. For the longest time, there was silence. What in Equestria was going on in there?

Suddenly, a huge wave of energy erupted from inside, sending her flying backwards into the wall with a loud thud. Shaking her head to clear away the stars that dizzied her, she looked up as the roof was destroyed.

Trixie's jaw dropped. Towering above her was the massive head of a purple and green dragon. Was that from the egg from before? Her whole body began to shake violently. A dragon, a real, live, meat-eating dragon was right above her. She wanted to scream her lungs out, but her voice had mysteriously vanished. All she could do was cower on the ground and pray that it wouldn't see her and find her tasty looking.

And then, as quickly as it had appeared, the over-sized dragon's head vanished back into the building.

Trixie sat on the ground, stunned, her heart racing faster than the Wonderbolts. Finally, when she had regained her composure somewhat, she got shakily to her hooves and walked over to the now wrecked wall that separated the two rooms. She peeked through one of the many newly-formed holes and gasped.

Princess Celestia was gazing down at Twilight, a look of satisfaction on her face. Trixie squinted. Twilight's cutie mark had appeared, and she was leaping with joy, prancing around the room, much to the amusement of her parents and Celestia.

Trixie stepped away from the wall. A wave of sadness washed over her.

Twilight was an amazing unicorn, even better than Vanity. There was no way in Equestria they could be friends. When Twilight found out how pathetic Trixie's magical ability was, she'd laugh in her face. Why wouldn't she? Why would such a talented unicorn waste time with somepony like her? In fact, why would anypony? Isn't that what Bright Rose had been telling her all along? That a unicorn who knew no magic was unworthy of anypony's attention?

Her head hanging low, a single tear sliding down her cheek, Trixie shuffled down the hall feeling lonelier than she ever had in her life.

"Trixie!"

Trixie's head snapped up. Slowly, she turned.

Twilight was standing there in the doorway, a broad grin spead acoss her face. "Trixie!" she called again. "Hey, Trixie! I made it! I got in! I got my cutie mark!"

Trixie just looked back at her, her eyes sad, her expression weary.

". . . Trixie?"

Trixie turned away from her former friend, squeezing her eyes shut from the tears that threatened to burst forth. She tore off down the hall, not daring to look back once.

Twilight Sparkle gazed after her, her expression pained. She had liked Trixie. The pony had seemed genuinely nice. She had thought they might actually be friends, which had sounded like such a refreshing change for Twilight, who had none to her name. Now it seemed as though that wouldn't be possible.

"Twilight?"

Twilight turned to see her parents looking down at her, a hint of concern in their eyes. "Twilight, who were you talking to?" questioned her father.

Twilight turned back to the now-empty hallway before her, her eyes sad. "Nopony," she murmured quietly. "Nopony at all."

Trixie slowly opened the front door of the mansion, taking great care not to make too much noise. In the distance, she could hear Storm Song spinning a complex melody out on the grand piano.

Gently, she closed the door behind her and turned around to head upstairs. She found herelf in front of Bright Rose, the mare sitting on the bench in the welcome hall. Her leaf green eyes were cold, her face screwed into an uncaring frown.

Dang it.

"Where were you?" she questioned, wasting no time.

Trixie gulped. She hadn't really thought this through. "Out," she replied simply, her voice cracking at the end.

"Don't you give me that crap," snapped Bright Rose. "Tell me where you were."

"Wait, where's Daisyjo?" It had suddenly hit her that she hadn't seen the earth pony on her way inside, which was odd indeed, seeing as Daisyjo was always working at this time of day.

"Oh, that earth pony who helped you out?" inquired Bright Rose, a smirk on her face. "Yes, I saw her allowing you out. Needless to say, she won't be working here anymore."

Trixie's mouth went ajar, her eyes filling with tears. ". . . No. . . no." Daisyjo had lost her job, and it was all her fault.

"Now tell me where you were," demanded Bright Rose.

Trixie's head hung low. "Canterlot."

A sharp intake of breath indicated just how furious Bright Rose was. "And just what in sweet Celestia's name were you doing there?" she hissed through clenched teeth.

"I. . . I was auditioning for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns," admitted Trixie, bracing herself for the onslaught that was sure to follow.

A screech caused Trixie to collapse to the ground as Bright Rose hurled herself at her, Storm Song still playing his song in another room, simply ignoring the onslaught.

Trixie lie in her creaky bed, the pillow bearing the same tear-stained markings her cheeks wore. Her entire backside was racked with pain from multiple spots that were sure to become bruises.

She couldn't do this anymore. For four years of her short life, she had endured this hatred towards her for something she had no control over. After a while, she had accepted it. But meeting Twilight had given her an inkling of hope. Perhaps there was a better life for her out there.

And Daisyjo. . . . Trixie squeezed her eyes shut. Her one friend here had been fired because of her. Not only that, but this was Daisyjo's home too. Now, she was homeless, and it was all her fault.

She couldn't stay here anymore. If she remained in this place, her life could only, would only get progressively worse and worse. If she wanted a chance to experience something better, she would have to leave. Trixie had dreamed about leaving hundreds of times, but up until now she had never seriously considered it.

Trixie sat up in bed. She had already left the mansion once. What was stopping her from doing it again? Her eyes narrowed in thought. Getting out would be no problem, but where would she go? She had no money. And she highly doubted anypony would simply allow her to stay in their home without questioning her, and Trixie didn't want to lie. No, she couldn't go into any town. So, where then?

Trixie gingerly crawled out of bed, her body sore, and went to her window. She gazed out at the vast expanse of woodland on the property that was bathed in the pearly white moonlight.

The woods. That's where she'd go. As terrifying as they were, they would provide shelter along with food and water. She'd have to put a great deal of distance between her and the mansion, though, which was daunting for a filly of only eight.

Trixie turned to nightstand and pulled the top drawer open. Inside was the costume her mother had made for her all those years ago. It was the only thing Trixie had to remember her by. She put it on and creeped downstairs.

Storm Song was still playing on the piano. The melody had changed though, for now he was playing a melancholy waltz. Although he wasn't much better towards her than his wife, Trixie still found herself loving to listen to his music. In a different setting, she would silently enjoy the song he played from afar, but Trixie knew that she would not be able to enjoy this last performance for her.

Silently opening the door, Trixie slipped outside. Well, this was it.

The pony had only managed a couple of steps forward before she found herself suspended in midair. She looked at the grey aura that surrounded her and turned around. In the doorway stood Storm Song, his face grim.

Crap.

"Trixie."

Her eyes widened. Her uncle had never addressed her directly before.

He took a few steps towards her. Trixie's heart pounded faster and faster. "I do not blame you for doing this."

"Wh. . . what?" questioned Trixie, incredulous. She had to be hearing him wrong.

"You are a bright young unicorn, Trixie," he continued, his grey eyes emotionless. "And you have a beautiful singing voice."

Trixie's eyes widened even more, if that was even possible at this point. She hadn't ever realized anypony could hear her when she sung to herself.

"Perhaps that is your special talent, perhaps not. Regardless, you will not find out here." He lowered her to the ground.

"You. . . you're not going to tell Bright Rose? You're not going to bust me?"

"No, Trixie, I am not," replied Storm Song in a deep baritone. "You do not deserve the treatment my wife has bestowed upon you. Somewhere out there, there is a better life waiting for you, one filled with family and friends who truly care about you. But the journey you must take to find that life will not be an easy one. I wish you the best of luck, Trixie, and I wish I could've gotten to know you better."

Shocked at this revelation, Trixie turned and ran into the forest, Storm Song's words repeating in her head like a broken record.

Misconceptions

". . . The knight stood face to face with the dragon, a look of determination on his face."

Sea Breeze loved to tell stories, and with two foals, he was never lacking an audience. Vanity, a particular fan of her father's adventurous tales, sat wide-eyed before him, clinging to his every word. Trixie, on the other hand (or rather, on the other hoof), had her head buried beneath a pillow, her butt high in the air. "What happened next, Daddy?" inquired Vanity eagerly.

The pillow next to her rocked back and forth. "No, don't tell me," came a miserably frightened Trixie.

Sea Breeze took no notice of Trixie's discomfort and continued. "'My lady Arabella, I have come for you!' cried the knight.

"The golden dragon roared at this, its slitted blood-red eyes burning with hatred. It shifted its body to defend the captured mare who gazed on at the events unfolding before her with wide eyes, causing the brave knight to raise the lance in his mouth and charge at the beast. The two grew closer and closer until finally-"

"Stop!" This time Sea Breeze took notice of his youngest daughter. Trixie had thrown the pillow off her head and was trembling from head to hoof, tears stinging her eyes. "I don't wanna hear this story!" she cried before running off.

Vanity, after watching her sister take off, turned back to her father. "So, what happened next, Daddy?"

Trixie trudged wearily through the untamed wilderness. Trees loomed above her, blocking out most of the moon's brilliant rays. The air was frigid and nipped at her weary legs. She had no idea where she was, nor how far she was from the mansion. All she knew was that she must continue forward. But as the glowing moon rose higher and higher into the sky, this task proved more and more difficult. Her bruised body was tired, every muscle howling for her to rest until finally, she decided to give in.

Squinting through the shadows, Trixie spotted a cave not too far away and decided to rest there for the remainder of the evening. Her legs, pained as they were, urged her on with cries of joy at the aspect of finally relaxing.

The mouth of the cave was tall, much taller than Trixie had initially thought. Were caves supposed to be this big? No matter. Shelter was shelter.

Trixie trotted a bit inside of the cave, her hoofbeats reverberating on the stony walls, and plopped herself down, releasing a sigh as she did so. Finally.

Trixie took a moment to reflect. She had done it. She had actually done it. She had run away. Never again would anypony hurt her the way her aunt had. Never.

Her blue eyelids drooped heavily, violet irises half hidden.

Never. . .

Sniffle. . .sniffle. . .

Trixie's eyes flew open, her whole body tensed. "He-hello?" she called out shakily into the darkness, her newfound serenity obliterated by fear.

The sound stopped.

"Hello?" she called again, this time standing up, much to her leg's discontent. "Is somepony there?"

For the longest time, the cave responded with silence. Then. . . "Please. . . Help me. . ."

Trixie, alarmed, ran deeper into the cave, a growing sense of worry building inside of her. "Where are you?" she asked the darkness.

"Over here!" cried the desperation-filled voice. It sounded like a colt not too much older than her. "Please. . . hurry!"

Trixie's hooves pounded the stone floor as she made her way to the voice, all weariness forgotten. Abruptly, something caught her hoof, causing her to trip and go flying to the ground below. Her bruises wailed in agony as they were thrown against the mercilessly hard ground. She let out a cry of pain.

"Sorry. . ."

Trixie looked behind her. The thing she had tripped over was the colt who had cried out for her help. "It's okay," she lied to reassure him. "I'm alright." Shakily, she got to her hooves.

She trotted over to the place where the voice had come from. With virtually no light from the outside world being able to penetrate this deep into the cave, Trixie could only just make out his form, which was relatively small. "Are you okay?" she asked him with worry.

In the darkness, she could see the colt shake his head. "My tail's stuck," he told her, nodding his head in the direction of a rock the size of Trixie herself.

Trixie blinked. "Under this?" she asked in disbelief. He nodded. "How did that happen?"

"It fell on it," he responded plainly.

Trixie waited for him to elaborate, but when he didn't, she turned to the rock. Gathering what little strength she had left, Trixie hurled herself at the large stone, instantly regretting it. She collapsed to the ground with a cry of pain, her bruises throbbing.

Trixie looked up. The rock hadn't budged an inch. "I'm sorry," she told him, her eyes teary. "I'm not strong enough. I'm so, so sorry."

The colt let out a sob. "I guess this is it then," he murmured miserably to nopony.

"What do you mean?" questioned a puzzled Trixie, getting back up.

"You should get out of here while you still can," he said vaguely, his voice eerily ominous.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Suddenly, what little light filled the cave was snuffed out, sending Trixie's entire world into complete and utter darkness. She gasped in surprise as the ground beneath her shook with enough force to knock her from her wobbly legs once more. "What was that?"

"You need to get out of here, now," said the colt, his voice stern.

"Wha-? No, I'm not leaving without you," Trixie told him firmly as another tremor disrupted the hard ground. Despite having said this, she wanted to run away. She was terrified to the very core. But something kept her from doing so, a sense of personal responsibility. There was no way she could leave this colt alone, even if she couldn't see him.

Seriously, what was she thinking? She didn't know this colt. For all she knew, he could be a convict of some sort. After all, why else would he be all the way out here?

Then again, she was one to talk.

The colt shook his head in the darkness. "Then you better figure out a way to get this rock off my tail or else we're both goners."

Gulping, Trixie faced the rock once more. With all of her might, she pushed, willing the giant mass to move. But, try as she did, nothing came of her efforts. She groaned. "It's no use!" Trixie cried. "I can't move it!"

Silence. The tremors had stopped. Trixie froze in place, her violet eyes wide with fright. Steam hissed from above, sending beads of sweat trickling down her back. Slowly, she turned around, looked up, and let out a scream of pure terror.

Standing before her was a thirty-foot tall dragon. It roared, releasing a burst of fiery flames into the air that illuminated the cave in a shocking orange glow. In her fear, Trixie turned around to run away from the beast, only to find herself face-to-face with a second one. Trixie screamed again, collapsing to the ground.

"You're a pony?!" cried the second dragon in disbelief.

With a start, Trixie realized that he was the "colt" she had been trying to save, except he wasn't really a colt at all. She had nearly rescued a dragon. Instantly, Sea Breeze's old stories about the ferocious monsters of legend were called to her mind. And now, she was trapped in a cave with not one, but two of them. The dragon had been right. She was a goner.

The larger dragon grabbed her in its scaly vice and lifted her into the air, causing the unicorn to shriek even more. In response, its grip grew tighter. Trixie gasped for air as her entire body was crushed. The monster raised her to its face and let out a tremendous roar that shook the entire cave.

Trixie let out a whimper as its jagged white teeth grew ever closer. So this was it then. This was how she was going to die. She ran away from her aunt and uncle just to get eaten by a dragon. She probably deserved it anyways, after what she had done to Daisyjo. Trixie squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the inevitable to come.

"Hey!" Both the beast and Trixie looked down to the source of the voice--the second dragon. "Put her down, you big brute!" He hurled a rather large rock chunk at the scaly monster's head, bouncing off with a loud thud.

The monster itself didn't seem to be hurt by the assault as much as annoyed. Unceremoniously, it tossed Trixie to the floor and redirected its anger at the younger and smaller dragon.

Trixie shook her head, her mind dizzy. As she unsteadily got to her hooves, she prepared to make a run for it. But something stopped her. Her thoughts turned to the young dragon. He had just saved her. He, a dragon, a horrific beast, had actually saved her. And now, he was in danger because of it.

Trixie's eyes narrowed. Everything she had been taught screamed at her to save her own flank, but she ignored it. She would not let this dragon get hurt because of her.

The pony charged, her hooves pounding the ground full-force. Time seemed to slow down. The larger reptile was opening its mouth to spray another wave of fiery inferno, this time upon the trapped youngster. Trixie screwed her face in concentration as she ran, her gaze locked on the rock pinning the small dragon down.

And then, something, for the first time in Trixie's life, clicked. Her horn began to glow, and before her eyes, the boulder slowly rose from the ground. Skidding to a halt, Trixie flicked her head in the monster's direction. Instantly, the rock was sent hurtling up towards the beast, crashing against its skull.

It blinked once. . . twice. . . and collapsed to the ground below. Trixie managed to knock the stunned young dragon out of harm's way before the beast fell to the ground, landing where he had stood only a mere moment ago.

The two were now once more at the mouth of the cavern. For a few minutes, all they could do was lie in a collapsed heap, waiting for their rapid heartbeats to slow.

Finally, Trixie managed to gasp out, "You're. . . a dragon. . ."

He made a gesture as if to raise his eyebrows, that is, if he had eyebrows. "Yeah, thanks, Captain Obvious."

"You're welcome, Lieutenant Sarcasm."

The dragon opened his eyes to look at her. "And you're. . . a pony," he observed aloud.

Trixie opened her eyes as well, sending a glare his way. "Yeah? What's wrong with being a pony, huh?" she snapped defensively.

He blinked in surprise. "Nothing, it's just. . ."

"Just what?"

His gaze wandered to the ground. "I've never met a pony before."

Trixie looked at him for the first time. He was small compared to the other dragon, only a bit smaller than her, in fact. His body was covered in scales that were a dark, near-black shade of grey, his belly coated with ebony scales. From the top of his head all the way down to his tail were small rounded ridges the color of a crow's wing that were barely noticable. He had wings, but they appeared to be far too small at this stage in his life to serve him any good. And then there were his eyes. They were slitted, just like the eyes Sea Breeze had described to her all those years ago. But instead of being a blood red, they were a soft blue, two twin aquamarine teardrops. They were actually rather beautiful, something she never would have expected.

"I've never met a dragon before either," she told him, causing him to look back up at her. Trixie went silent. "You saved my life."

The dragon nodded. "Yeah. . ."

Her eyes softened. "Thank you."

He seemed to be taken aback by this. "I should be thanking you," he replied her meekly. "You saved my life."

"I guess we're even then," said Trixie, the dragon nodding in response. She smiled weakly. "I'm Trixie."

The dragon looked at her, startled. "I'm. . . I'm Coal," he said numbly.

He blinked, seeming to come to his senses, and rose. "Come on, we should get out of here. I don't think that brute will be out for much longer."

Trixie nodded in agreement, slowly getting up as well.

As they emerged from the cave, Trixie spotted an enormous mound of gold, silver, and jewels. "What is this?" she asked in awe. She had never seen so many dazzling riches before.

Coal frowned. "My guess would be that that's part of that brute's hoard," he told her in a quiet tone.

"Part? Where's the rest?"

"I don't know." Coal turned away and continued walking, leaving a confused Trixie to follow.

The two continued to walk away from the cave. Suddenly, Coal stopped. "What is it?" Trixie asked him, concerned.

Coal gazed back at the cave, his eyes filled with sadness. "It's just. . . my family. . ."

"Are they still in there? We can go back for them, there's time."

Coal shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut.

Realization struck Trixie hard, causing a wave of sorrow to wash over her. Hesitantly, she gently placed a hoof on the dragon's shoulder. He sniffled. Trixie wished she could say something to comfort him, to tell him that it would be alright, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. In the end, all she said was, "I lost my family too."

Coal reopened his eyes and turned to look at her. For a few moments, they just stood there like that, their gazes locked.

Finally, wiping his nose with his wrist, Coal turned away. "Come on. Let's go." With the briefest of nods, Trixie followed him deeper into the forest she had only so recently emerged from.

The odd pair trekked through the wild place for a while before finally stopping for the night.

Trixie shivered in the dark, causing Coal to look at her. "You're cold?"

She nodded. "Yeah, a little."

Frowning, Coal looked around him. With deft claws he snapped off a decent sized branch from a nearby tree and tossed it on the ground. "What are you doing?" inquired a curious Trixie. Ignoring her, Coal narrowed his eyes at the branch, took in a deep breath, and exhaled through his mouth. A burst of small flames were sent spiralling towards the branch, causing Trixie to squeak and leap back. A second later and a fire had been made.

Trixie looked at him, her violet eyes glowing in the light of the fire. Coal shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "What?"

Trixie smiled. "Thank you," she said warmly.

Coal just looked at her and, after a moment, nodded. He plopped down on the ground, Trixie copying him.

The two looked awkwardly around for a bit. Despite having been acquainted, an air of wariness and uncertainty surrounded them.

"You know," spoke Trixie in an attempt to break the tension, causing Coal to look up at her, "My father, he used to tell stories about dragons and other creatures."

"And what kind of stories were they?" he questioned, his blue eyes narrowed.

Trixie frowned. "Ones that didn't put your kind in a good light," she admitted. "He would go on about how evil and vicious dragons really were, how if we met one we'd be gobbled up in a heartbeat."

Coal made a face. "Ew, no. I'll take gems anyday. That other dragon, though, I don't know. But something tells me he was one who would find a pony appetizing."

Trixie nodded with a shudder, recalling just how close she had been to finding that out for herself. "It's just that, now that I've actually met you, a dragon, I don't feel like I should be afraid." She paused. "I shouldn't be. . . right?"

Coal's face grew serious. "No, you shouldn't. That monster you saw back there? That's not me, got it?" Trixie nodded. "I'm not a monster. I'm not going to hurt you. Besides, while you may have been told stories that made villains out of us dragons, I was told stories that made you ponies the bad guys."

"Really?" questioned Trixie in disbelief.

He nodded. "There were a bunch, the most infamous probably being the story of Ivan the Terrible."

"Ivan the Terrible? You mean Sir Ivan the Brave?" That had been one of Sea Breeze's favorites.

Coal shrugged. "I guess, seeing as you ponies would probably put him in a better light."

Trixie's eyes narrowed. "Well, maybe you dragons are just making him look bad," she countered.

Coal's face scrunched up. "Did your version of the story happen to mention that your beloved Ivan slaughtered an innocent mother dragon while she was trying to protect her hatchlings?"

Trixie blinked. No, in fact, it hadn't. She shook it off. "Did yours mention how the dragon burned down an entire village for no reason?"

Coal was standing up down, claws clenched into fists. "How do you know she didn't have a reason?"

"How do you know it did?" fought back Trixie who had risen as well.

The two glared at each other, hatred boiling at an alarming rate inside both of them.

Finally, after an interminable showdown, Trixie's face relaxed, her eyes widening. "Look at us," she murmured, stepping back. "We're no better than they were."

Coal blinked, coming to his senses as well. "You're right," he agreed softly. "For all we know, neither story could be true."

"Or both could be right."

They looked at each other for the longest time, the flickering fire being the only thing to separate them.

"I don't want to fight you," spoke Trixie at last.

Coal shook his head. "Me neither."

He opened his mouth to say more but was interrupted by an obnoxiously loud yawn from Trixie. A smirk played across his face. "Tired?"

Mid-yawn, Trixie nodded, causing Coal to chuckle. "It's been a long day for me," she replied when she could speak again.

"Yeah, you and I both," agreed Coal, plopping down once more. He settled his back against a nearby tree and closed his eyes.

Trixie gratefully settled down once more as well, remembering just how much her body ached. Her eyelids slowly fluttered shut. "Coal?"

"Hm?"

"I'm glad I met you."

Coal opened his eyes and looked at her. Trixie was curled up, a smile playing across her face. He grinned as well. "Me too."

Magic and Pinecones

Trixie's eyes flew wide open. Night had come and gone. A few rays of golden sunlight managed to pierce through the thick canopy of trees above. It was actually a pretty sight, but she paid it no mind. "Coal?" He stirred a bit but remained asleep. "Coal."

Coal peeled open his weary eyes, blinking heavily. He yawned. "Hnh. . . what?"

"What happened last night?"

Puzzled, Coal sat up. Trixie was staring straight ahead, her eyes fixated on some unknown point. Her voice had been serious, and her body was rigid. "What do you mean? A lot happened last night."

"After the dragon threw me to the ground, what happened? How did we escape?"

Coal looked her over to see if she was kidding. "Um, you used some kind of freaky unicorn magic to get that rock off of me and-"

Trixie didn't let him finish. "I did it!!!" She jumped into the air and began to bounce around, screeching with laughter.

Coal got up and ran over to the hysteric pony. "Whoa, there. Calm down, Trix. You did what?"

Trixie looked down at him, the biggest smile Equestria had ever seen splayed across her entire face. "Magic!" she exclaimed, jumping with such a force that Coal was sent sprawling to the grassy ground below. Trixie didn't seem to take any notice for she was too busy running in circles and giggling hysterically. "I did it! I used magic!"

Coal rubbed his sore bum. "And?"

Trixie's smile deflated somewhat. "Huh?"

"Your point? You are a unicorn after all."

Trixie's face flushed with pink as she looked down at the ground. "Well, um, you see, I've never been able to use magic before."

"Never?"

She shook her head.

"And you're how old?"

"Eight," was her mumbled response. Her smile was completely gone now.

Coal paused. "Well, better late than never."

Trixie looked up at him, stunned. She had been so sure that he would laugh at her. But he hadn't. His face bore a kind smile, his blue eyes friendly.

Slowly, a grin spread upon her face once more before she let out a squeal of delight and hurled herself at him. Trixie looked down at the wide-eyed form of Coal underneath her and giggled. "And it's all thanks to you!" she cried, wrapping her forelegs around him in a tight embrace. "Thank you."

Coal, startled, hugged her back. "My pleasure," he managed to choke out, his lungs being squeezed tight by the pony on top of him.

However, when his arms applied pressure to the Trixie's back, she winced and let out the faintest of whimpers. It did not go unnoticed. Coal pulled back to look at her. "Hey, are you okay?"

Trixie looked away and nodded. "Mhm, I'm fine," she lied. She hated lying.

Coal didn't buy it. "Let me have a look."

Instantly, she leaped off of him and took several steps back. "No, that's okay. You really don't have to."

"I know I don't have to, but I'm going to anyway," he replied, standing up. But when he went to take a step in her direction, Trixie took another step backwards.

Coal frowned and sighed. "Are you really gonna make this difficult?"

She said nothing.

"All I want to do is take a look, okay? Just a look. I'm not going to hurt you, promise."

Hesitantly, Trixie lowered her head to the ground. Coal took this as a signal that it was alright to proceed, and so he did. He walked around to her side. "Can you take off your cape, please?"

Trixie had nearly forgotten she was still wearing her costume. Slowly, she unfastened the jewel holding the cloak in place and gently removed it with her teeth, setting it carefully on the ground.

There was a sharp, angry intake of air from behind her, causing Trixie to flinch. "How did this happen?"

Trixie turned her head to look back and instantly regretted it.

Across her entire backside were large swollen bruises from the day before in addition to a series of newer ones along with several scratches from her cave escapade.

Trixie shrugged half-heartedly in response. "I dunno. Probably from last night with that dragon. He threw me pretty hard."

Coal looked at her hard. "Yes, and I'm sure some of these are from that. But what about the rest?"

Trixie looked away, squeezing her eyes shut to prevent any tears from escaping.

"Trix?"

Her bottom lip quivered.

Coal's eyes lost their frustration. He racked his brain for something to help the sad pony when an idea struck him. "Stay right here, okay? I'll be right back, I promise." Without another word he took off into the thick tangle of trees, leaving Trixie alone.

She sat down, her legs still aching from the previous night.

The woods, now in the light of day, didn't seem as ominous as they had at night. Trixie wondered why she had ever been afraid of this place.

A few moments passed by before Coal made his return. In his left claw were several bright blue berries, and in the other was a pink and black flower that Trixie had never seen before.

He walked up to her. "Here, eat this," he said, offering the flower.

Trixie merely looked down at it, her expression blank.

"It's a Chenow flower," Coal explained. "They only grow out here in the forest, not in pony villages. Eating them helps relieve stress."

Trixie made no motion to eat it.

Coal made a face. "It's not poisonous or anything, really. And I'm sure you're hungry."

That Trixie was. Gingerly, she took the flower into her mouth and chewed it. It was actually quite good.

Coal moved around to her backside, causing the Trixie to look at him, her mouth still full. His eyes softened. "Relax. These are. . . well, I actually don't know what these berries are called. No one ever told me. But they have healing properties." Trixie watched as he crushed the berries and rubbed them against her back. She let out a gasp of pain when his claw made contact with her bruised fur. Coal grimaced. "Sorry," he apologized, continuing with the task at hand only taking care to be more gentle. At first the berries burned, but after the initial shock, it transformed into a cool, soothing sensation.

Coal stepped away. "Feel better?"

Trixie nodded, though she still said nothing.

"Now are you going to tell me how you got these?"

Trixie looked away.

Coal thought for a moment. "Hey, Trix? Are you up to playing a game with me?" No response. "It's called. . . well, it doesn't have a name, but that's not important. What you do is you ask a friend a question, any question under Celestia's sun, and they must give a completely honest answer. Then, if applicable, the one who initially asked answers the same question. Then it repeats, except the roles are reversed. I'd like to play it with you. You can go first if you want."

With a sniffle, Trixie looked back at him. ". . . What's your favorite color?"

A faint grin appeared on Coal's face. "Green. It's the color of the trees, the grass, my home. I like it. And you?"

"Lavender," replied Trixie. "I don't know why. I just like it."

"What do you want your cutie mark to be? Or what do you think it might be?"

Trixie blinked. Definitely not the question she had been anticipating. After a moment of thinking, she shrugged and replied, "I don't really know. I've never really thought about it much. I mean, I don't really have any talents. That I know of, at least."

"Maybe you'll get your cutie mark for being a professional dragon-rescuer," came Coal with a dorky grin.

Trixie rolled her eyes with a smile. "Yeah, yeah. Alright, so it's my turn again, right? Um, what's your favorite kind of food?"

Coal perked up at this. "Opals," he replied instantly.

"Really? Why? What do they taste like?"

"They're really sweet with just a hint of spiciness." Coal stared off dreamily. "They're really good. I could go for some right now. Shoot, I could go for them anytime."

Trixie looked at him awkwardly. "So, you've never had a sudden urge to eat. . . you know. . ."

It took him a second to realize what she was getting at. He sighed. "No, okay? The idea of that disgusts me. I will never eat anything that has a face. I know there are some dragons out there that do that, but not me. Got it?"

Trixie nodded, a wave of embarrassment and relief flooding over her.

He relaxed a bit. "What about you? What's your favorite kind of food?"

Trixie blushed and looked down sheepishly.

"What?"

"You're gonna laugh."

Coal crossed his arms. "Try me."

"Pinecones."

Coal blinked, not even attempting to hide his surprise. "What?"

Trixie giggled, her face flushed. "See? I told you."

"No, you were wrong. You said I would laugh, which in fact, I have not done," declared Coal, a look of triumph on his face. Trixie giggled again. "But seriously, why in Equestria would you even attempt to eat a pinecone?"

She smiled. "Well, let's just say when I was younger, my sister and I made a bet, I lost, and I had to eat a pinecone. And. . . I liked it."

Coal cocked an imaginary eyebrow. "No elaborations?"

"Nope." Trixie beamed. "That wasn't part of the rules. I gave a completely honest response. Nothing more, nothing less."

He shrugged, a faint smile on his face. "Fair enough. Hm. . ."

"What?"

"I'm trying to think of a question."

"Well hurry up. You're so slow!"

Coal grinned. "What about that costume you're wearing? What's up with that?"

Trixie's smile faded, and Coal knew he'd asked a sensitive question. "You don't have to answer it if you don't want-"

She raised a hoof to silence him. "No, no. It's okay." Trixie regarded the cape lying on the grass next to her. "My mother made it for me. It's. . . all I have left of her."

Coal tried to think of some way to comfort her, but, after finding none, redirected his attention to the cape. "It's lovely," he remarked honestly.

Trixie nodded but said nothing.

"Your mother, was she pretty?"

"She was beautiful," replied Trixie as she gazed downwards. "But even more beautiful were the paintings she made. What I wouldn't give to see one of those again."

"Hey, maybe you'll get a cutie mark in painting," supplied Coal in an effort to cheer her up. "Maybe that's your special talent."

She nodded half-heartedly. "Maybe."

Trixie's head suddenly whipped up as she sent a glare in Coal's direction. "Hey, you cheated!"

"What?"

"You asked two questions!"

Coal thought back through the conversation before nodding in agreement. "You're right, I did. My bad."

"That means I get two questions too," stated Trixie, frowning heavily.

Coal smirked. "Fair enough. Shoot."

Trixie pondered for a moment. She looked at him shyly. "Um, Coal?"

"Yeah?"

"Was I. . . am I what you expected a pony to be like? Because, I know you seemed pretty shocked in the cave and all last night. . ."

Coal took a minute to seriously consider the question. "Yes. . . and no," he replied at last.

"How so?"

"Well, you look just like I imagined a pony would based off of my mother's stories. Except I thought they would be, you know, bigger."

Trixie snorted. "I am still a filly, you know."

He shrugged. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But, besides that, I suppose you're pretty different than what I expected. Unless. . . you don't want to rob me, do you?"

She made a face, taken aback. "Rob you? Why would I do that?"

The dragon shrugged again. "I dunno. My mom's stories usually talked about ponies coming and robbing dragons of loot from their hoard. But I don't think I should be too worried about that, seeing as I'm currently broke at the moment."

"You and me both," replied Trixie, smiling.

Coal smiled as well. "And. . . you're a lot more," he thought for a moment, ". . . fragile than I expected."

"Oh?"

He nodded. "You're so tiny, so delicate."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Not necessarily." Trixie smiled. "So what about you? Am I what you imagined a dragon would be like?"

Trixie shook her head. "Not at all."

"Oh really now? Care to elaborate this time?"

She blushed.

Coal pointed a claw at her. "That's another thing."

"What?"

"Blushing. Dragons can manage a little bit of coloration in their cheeks, but you? Whole new level. I didn't think ponies were capable of that. Or maybe it's just you." He perked up. "Maybe blushing is your special talent! But what would your cutie mark look like? Would it be of a pony blushing? Or something that makes you blush?"

"Do you want me to elaborate or not?" snapped Trixie, her entire face a vibrant shade of pink.

Coal snickered. "Sorry. Go ahead."

Trixie took a moment to regain her composure. "No, you're definitely not what I expected a dragon to be like. You're a lot more annoying."

Coal looked at her aghast. "Who-wha? ME? ANNOYING? Oh Trix, looks like somepony's had a little too much salt."

Trixie smirked. ". . . You're a lot nicer than I imagined. And I never thought a dragon would save my life. I mean, you've been nothing but kind to me since I met you, and that's definitely not how my father said a dragon would act. Thank you."

Coal smiled. "My pleasure. So, what will be your second question, miss?"

Trixie looked at him. She almost didn't want to ask. "So. . . um. . . what're you gonna do now?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know, where are you gonna go?"

Coal's aquamarine eyes scanned her face for a moment. "I don't know. You tell me."

"Huh?"

"I can't go back home. And there is no way I'm leaving a delicate thing like you all alone in these woods with all of the nasty monsters that lurk around here. Hate to break it to you, but they're not all as nice as yours truly. There's timber wolves, Ursa Majors, the odd cockatrice, not to mention that pony-eating brute. No, it looks like you're stuck with me."

Trixie looked at him with wide eyes, wearing a look of complete disbelief. "R-really?"

Coal grinned a toothy grin. "Really really."

In a flash he found himself on his back with Trixie on top of him once more, her forelegs wrapped tightly around him. "This again?"

"Get over it."

With a roll of his eyes, he hugged her back, a smile of satisfaction appearing when she did not flinch in pain.

For better or worse, the odd pair were now bound together, their paths forever entwined.

A New Family

". . . So, Coal, how old are you?"

Trixie and Coal had been walking through the woodland for a bit, each doling out a seemingly endless supply of questions to the other.

"I'm nine," he replied. "And you're eight, right?"

"Yep," confirmed Trixie, nodding her head. "Alright, let's see. . . can you fly?"

Coal gave his wings a weak flap. "No, not yet. I'll be able to in a few years or so, though."

Trixie paced alongside the dragon for a few minutes in silence, gazing down at the ground as it disappeared beneath her hooves. ". . . Hey, Coal?"

"Yeah?"

"I. . . I think I'm ready to answer personal questions, if there were any you wanted to ask."

Coal grimaced. "Yeah, I guess there are a few. I think I'm ready to answer some myself."

Trixie took a deep breath. "Alright. Fire away."

"What exactly are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I live out here, but ponies live in towns and stuff, right?"

"I ran away," Trixie explained quietly. "I was living with Bright Rose and Storm Song - my aunt and uncle - out in Tallahayseed. Bright Rose. . . she wasn't exactly too fond of me. She. . . she's the one who gave me the bruises on my back." For some reason, Trixie couldn't bring herself to say that Bright Rose beat her, though she knew it to be true.

"I. . . I'm sorry," said Coal somberly. He wasn't so much upset by this news as angry. "Why would she do that to you?"

"You do realize you just asked a double-question," stated Trixie, not looking at him.

Coal waved his claw in dismissal. "You can have two afterwards."

Trixie grimaced. "Remember how I said that me lifting that rock in the cave was the first time I ever used magic?" He nodded. "Well, that's why."

"I don't understand."

"A unicorn who can't use magic isn't worthy of anypony's time," Trixie murmured.

"You don't honestly believe that, do you?"

She didn't respond.

"Trix?"

"What?"

"You shouldn't listen to that crap. You are important."

Trixie snorted. "Huh. Yeah, now I am, since I can use magic. Well, kind of."

Coal narrowed his eyes at her. "That's not my point. You shouldn't let things like that put you down. You are important, regardless of your magical ability. I mean, I thought you were, as you put it, 'worthy of my time' before I even knew that you couldn't use magic, and I still think that now."

Trixie looked over at him, eyes wide with surprise. "Really?"

"Yes! Really!" he shouted with a slight laugh. "You're my friend, Trixie. I could care less how talented of a unicorn you are."

Trixie smiled and turned back to the path ahead of her. Her eyes suddenly grew wide as she nearly crashed into a tree in her carelessness. Fortunately for her face, she was just able to dodge it, causing Coal to laugh and Trixie to blush. "Shut up," she mumbled, her cheeks rosy.

"You know, that's never gonna get old," snickered Coal.

"What?"

"You blushing."

"Oh shut up, will you?" Trixie swiped a hoof at him. Coal could've easily dodged, but he allowed the playful swing to make contact with his scales.

"Alright. I've asked my two questions."

"And now I get two too," stated Trixie, sending him a look that dared him to challenge her. He didn't.

Trixie pondered for a moment. She had so many questions that she had been afraid to ask before, but which ones should she ask? Finally, she settled on one of the simpler ones. "What was that dragon doing in your cave?"

Coal's grin disappeared. He looked down. "He was looking for a new place of residence. Why he came all the way out to our cave, I don't know. I know we lived pretty far away from any other dragons - how far, I don't know - but no dragon should've found us. He. . ." Coal had stopped walking. Trixie reached out to place a comforting hoof upon his shoulder, but he turned away.

"He came in and ordered my mom and us to get out. My mother said no. So he killed her. He didn't even think twice. He just killed her, right there in front of us. My mom wasn't exactly the strongest dragon in the world; there wasn't anything she could do. And then he killed my siblings - my four sisters and two brothers. We were all screaming and running every which way. No one really thought about where they were going, they were just trying to put any amount of distance between themselves and the brute. Most of them ran the wrong way. They ran deeper into the cave, so that eventually they found themselves at a dead-end. I. . . I remember Amber, my sister. She was the smallest of all of us. He. . . he just grabbed her and snapped her in two. Just like that.

"In all the chaos, I tried to run away, but part of the ceiling fell down on me and pinned me in place. Fortunately, I had been running in the right direction, meaning I didn't end up trapped at the back with everyone else. When he came back through, he didn't seem to notice me and, satisfied with his successful takeover, left.

"That's around the time you showed up. That pile you saw outside of the cave was the reason he left. He had gone back for his hoard. The reason it was abandoned outside was because he probably smelled your scent and went to go investigate. It didn't exactly help that you were wounded at the time either, which, forgive me saying this, more than likely made you seem all the more appetizing."

Trixie just stared at her dragon companion, her eyes teary, her mouth agape.

Coal looked up at her. It was clear he was fighting back tears as well. He swallowed, forcing the liquid back into his eyes. "Hey, don't cry," he told her softly. "There's no need for that. It's okay."

Trixie shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut. "I'm so sorry, Coal," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I'm so, so sorry."

She reached out and embraced her friend, holding him close. Coal wrapped his arms around her as well and hugged her back, his body trembling. The young dragon had never thought he would be in a situation like this. One day, he was living a pleasant life with his mother and six siblings, playful and carefree. The next, they were gone, and all that was left of them were whatever the monster who had slain them had neglected to either eat or clean up in their former home. Now, however, he had someone else to call a family member, and she was all he had. He wouldn't lose her too. No, he'd give his own life before hers was taken from his, for if he lost Trixie, then Coal would truly be alone in the world.

Sniffle. ". . . Coal?"

"Yeah?" he replied.

"If you said that that other dragon could smell me and stuff, how come you couldn't?"

Coal shook his head. "I dunno. . . I mean, I knew you smelled funny, but I guess I kind of dismissed it for the moment, seeing as you were my only shot at escape. And I'd never seen a pony before, so I wouldn't have recognized the scent."

Trixie nodded, eyes still closed. "Okay."

Coal pulled back. "Are you okay?"

She nodded again. "Yeah, I think so."

"Come on, let's keep going."

"Yeah, okay."

Coal glanced over at her. "So. My turn. Why were you living with your aunt and uncle? Didn't you say you had a mom and dad?"

Trixie sighed. She had known this question would come. "My mom died when I was four. There was a fire, and she didn't make it out. And my dad. . . he left when I was three. I don't know why; my mom would never tell me. So, when she died, my sister - Vanity - and I were technically orphans. The only other relatives we could stay with were Bright Rose, because she's my dad's sister, and Storm Song."

"I guess we're not that different after all, huh?" came Coal, a faint smile on his face.

Trixie looked over at him and smiled a bit too. "Yeah, I guess not."

"Okay, your turn."

"Alright, um. . ." Trixie's belly growled. "Can we stop for lunch?" she asked sheepishly, her cheeks faintly pinkish.

Coal laughed. "Sure. I'm hungry too."

Trixie looked around with a frown. "What can I eat?"

"You know, I could count that as two questions." Trixie gave him a look. Coal smirked. "But I won't."

"Seriously, though. I don't know what I can eat out here." Trixie looked around at the greenery surrounding her. "There's just so many different types of plants and stuff." She looked over at him. "What do you think?"

"Um, I don't know." Coal thought for a few moments. "Ponies are herbivores, right?"

Trixie blinked. "Huh?"

Coal rolled his eyes. "You don't eat meat, correct?" She made a face. "That's what I thought."

For a moment, he stood still, sniffing the air. Trixie watched him curiously. "Why are you doing that?"

"I'm trying to figure out what's nearby," he told her. Finally, he seemed satisfied. "I'll be back in a minute, okay?"

Trixie nodded. "Okay."

"Don't go anywhere, alright?"

"I won't, don't worry."

Coal nodded and took off into the trees on all fours.

Trixie smiled to herself. She had definitely gotten lucky when she stumbled across Coal. Without him, she'd probably be in much less favorable conditions, assuming she'd even still be here. For the first time, it truly seemed as though she had someone to call a friend. Yes, she was glad she had him with her.

After another minute of waiting, Trixie grew restless, so she decided to work on her magic. Finding a small rock nearby, she focused with all her might. After a bit of waiting, her horn finally took on a teal glow, as did the rock. Squinting her eyes in concentration, she slowly raised the stone up off of the grassy ground. With a bit of exertion of will, she could move it back and forth. Grinning, Trixie flung her head to the side, sending the rock flying off in the same direction.

The sound of the rock smashing violently against a nearby tree made her look up. Coal was standing rigid, blue eyes wide, claws full of berries. Directly next to him was the injured tree, a small dent permeating its surface right by his head.

Trixie's hooves flew up to her mouth, her butt smacking the ground, eyes round. "Oh my gosh, Coal, I'm so sorry."

Coal swallowed. "Um, it's okay," he replied shakily. "Good job. On using magic and all."

Trixie's face flushed. "Uh, what do you have there?" she asked quickly, indicating the berries.

"Blueberries," he responded simply.

"Um, cool. That sounds great, thanks." She looked around awkwardly. Coal remained in the same frozen position. "Um, are you, ya' know, gonna come over here?"

"Are you going to try to kill me again?"

Trixie's entire face took on a pink hue. "N-no! Of course not!"

Coal nodded and strolled over to her, grinning. "Alright."

"Thank you," she told him when he handed her a decent sized pile of blueberries, digging in immediately.

"Are you gonna want more? Because I can run back real quick if you do."

Trixie shook her head, her mouth full. "No ank oo," she managed.

Coal smirked and proceeded to eat his share, sitting down across from her.

"I didn't know dragons ate berries," said Trixie after she had swallowed.

He nodded. "Well, we don't really eat berries," he explained. "I mean, we can, but they're not our first choice. Dragons can eat just about anything, really."

"But you prefer gems, right?"

"Yeah, definitely."

"Where do you find gems, anyways?" Somehow Trixie couldn't imagine some kind of gem tree growing out here in the woods.

"Caves and mountains, mostly," he replied. "My mom used to fly up to the Applelachians to go and get us some whenever we ran out."

"The Applelachians? Where are they?" Trixie had recalled hearing of them once or twice, but her sense of geography wasn't exactly up to par.

Coal pointed a claw to his right, Trixie's left. "They're not too far from here. Just beyond these trees."

"Have you ever been?"

He shook his head. "Nope. Can't exactly fly. And if I rode on my mom there, I'd be sharing her with six other dragons, which wouldn't have been too nice to her backside."

Trixie nodded in understanding. Suddenly, her face lit up. "Hey, why don't we go there now?"

"What?"

She jumped up. "Yeah, why not?"

"Um, did you not just hear me?" Coal flapped his wings uselessly. "Can't fly, remember?"

Trixie waved a hoof. "We don't need to fly. We can climb. Ponies do that kind of stuff all the time."

"I don't know, Trix," said Coal with a frown. "That doesn't exactly sound all that safe."

"We'll be fine. Besides, wouldn't you much rather be able to eat some gems than some boring old berries?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"Wouldn't you like an opal or two right about now?"

Coal's mouth began to water despite himself. "That doesn't sound too bad, actually."

Trixie grinned. "So come on! What else are we gonna do? Keep walking and walking until we end up right where we began because we circled the entire globe?"

Coal sighed. "Alright, I guess we can. We'll just have to be careful. I have no idea what's up there. There could be more dragons, or worse."

Trixie's smile broadened. "Alright! Let's go! Lead the way, Dragonboy."

Casting a sardonic look Trixie's way, Coal began to trek through the trees, Trixie right behind him. Opals really did sound good right now. He frowned to himself. I just hope those opals don't come at the cost of anything else.

Quest for Opals

"Oh my gosh. . ."

A seven-year-old Vanity admired herself in the large mirror in front of her. She was wearing a lavish royal blue dress with a gold and white trim, a small golden tiara perched atop her head. She felt like a princess; never before had she seen such an exquisite dress, and she could scarcely believe she was wearing it.

"Do you like it?"

Vanity unwillingly tore her eyes away from her own reflection to that of Bright Rose, who was beaming behind her. She laughed. "I-I love it!" she exclaimed in delight. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!"

"What is?"

"This dress!" cried Vanity. "It's gorgeous!"

"Really?" Bright Rose took a few steps closer to her and leaned down next to Vanity. The two gazed at Vanity's reflection. "Because in my opinion, the truly beautiful thing in this room is not the dress, but rather the pony wearing the dress."

Vanity's sapphire eyes scanned her reflection, not wanting to leave. "Really? You really think so?"

"Of course! You are a truly stunning pony, Vanity," said Bright Rose, her green eyes twinkling. "You're such a blessed little filly. Talented and gorgeous. It's a shame your sister lacks both of these."

"What do you mean?" Vanity inquired. Her eyes narrowed in confusion but stayed focused on her image.

Bright Rose let out a laugh. "Oh, Vanity. There's no need to play the foal. You know what I'm referring to. Your sister has no talents whatsoever."

"I guess so. . . but that's just because she hasn't found out what her special talent is yet." Vanity finally tore her gaze away from her reflection and looked up at Bright Rose. "Right?"

Bright Rose frowned. "Vanity, there are two kinds of ponies in Equestria."

"I thought there were three? Or, four, if you count alicorns."

"No, there are only really two. Do you know what they are?"

Vanity shook her head.

"There are those who are gifted, like you, and those who aren't, like your sister." Bright Rose placed her hoof beneath Vanity's chin and redirected it back to the mirror. Her voice was silky and smooth, sweet and syrupy. "Earth ponies, pegasi, ponies like your sister - they're all the same, really. They live without the gifts that ponies like you and I possess, and that makes them jealous. Do you know what your sister would do just to have a fraction of the power and beauty you have?"

Vanity lightly shook her head. "No."

"The real question is, what wouldn't she do?"

Vanity's blue eyes widened, the oceans within them opening up. "Trixie wouldn't do anything to me. . ."

Bright Rose smirked. "Are you so sure about that? Because you don't sound it."

Vanity's eyes narrowed, her face determined. "Well, she's not getting any of this. But. . . how do I stop her?"

"Ignore her."

"What?"

Bright Rose grinned. "Simply ignore her. No harm can come out of that, now can it? A pony who can't use magic isn't worthy of anypony's time, Vanity."

Vanity gazed at the beautiful filly looking back at her. "A pony who can't use magic isn't worthy of anypony's time. . ."

"Ugh, how much farther?"

Coal looked back at Trixie, who was dragging her hooves through the leafy foliage, her eyelids droopy, her mouth panting. He smirked. "A couple more miles or so."

Trixie's violet eyes flew open. ". . . A couple more miles?" she repeated, her mouth ajar.

"Yep."

Trixie groaned dramatically before collapsing in a heap, legs splayed every which way. "That's it. I give up. Go get your dang opals yourself."

"It was your idea," mused Coal, arms crossed.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean it was a good one."

"Come on." Coal walked around to Trixie's backside and gave her rump a shove.

"No!" she cried out, digging her hooves into the dirt, trying to stay in place.

"Trix, come on," Coal grunted, struggling to get the weary pony to rise.

Finally, he gave up, Trixie's flank smacking the ground with a loud thump. "Ow. . ."

"You wanna stay here? Fine. Just don't come running to me whenever a hungry hydra finds you all alone out here."

Coal began to walk away, head held high. Suddenly, he felt something fasten onto his leg, and upon inspection he found it to be both of Trixie's forelegs. She looked up at him, eyes wide. "D-. . . d-did you say. . . hydra?"

He smirked. "Come on, get up," said Coal, rolling his eyes and helping her up. "And by the way, I was only kidding. We're almost there."

Trixie just stared at him, her face aghast. "Jerk. . ."

Coal laughed. "Come on, Trix."

The two walked along for about five more minutes or so, the sounds of woodland life surrounding them. Eventually, the thick menagerie of trees began to thin out until they were no more.

"Well, there they are," spoke Coal, extending an arm. A huge expanse of rocky mountains were spread before them, their peaks enshrouded completely by the cover of clouds. "The Applelachians."

Trixie gazed up at them in awe, her jaw slack. Never before had she seen a sight so grand, so magnificent in all her life. "They're beautiful," she murmured in amazement.

Coal opened his mouth as though to say something, but quickly closed it and turned to face the mountains. "Yes, they are, aren't they?" he mumbled.

Trixie blinked, regaining her senses. "Well, come on then."

"Huh?" asked Coal, somewhat disoriented.

Trixie gave an impatient huff. "Let's go get those dang opals already."

Coal nodded dumbly, looking down. "Yeah, right."

"Hey, are you okay?" asked Trixie, frowning.

Coal looked up into the eyes of his companion and slapped on a grin. "Yeah, of course!"

Trixie beamed. "Well alright then! Let's go!" With that, she sped off in the direction of the nearest mountain. Coal watched her run for a moment with a frown before setting off after her.

After a moment of dashing, the two reached the base of one of the massive towers of stone. "What now?" asked Trixie, craning her head skyward.

Coal shrugged. "I don't know. I guess we climb."

Trixie cast him an exasperated look. "Climb?"

"Um. . . yeah?"

"Coal?"

"Yeah?"

"Ponies can't climb."

"Oh. Right." Coal thought for a moment before shrugging. "Well then I dunno."

Trixie pondered the situation. She tapped a hoof against her forehead repeatedly. "Think. . . think. . ." Suddenly, her eyes lit up and she began to look around frantically.

"What? What is it?" asked Coal, concerned.

Finally, Trixie found what she was searching for. "That!" she proclaimed, pointing a hoof. Coal turned to look. Before her was a small trail that led up the mountain, a rope off to the side that faced outwards. "A hiking trail!"

"Ah, good eye, Trix," praised Coal with a grin.

"I know," replied Trixie proudly as she trotted over towards the trail, her head haughtily held high. Shaking his head with a smile, Coal followed.

The two journeyed up and up the seemingly never-ending mountain, time flying by. The sun began to sink lower and lower in the sky, but they pressed on regardless. They had a mission, and they were not about to fail. Finally, after an eternity of walking, they reached the summit.

Trixie looked around. "So, where're these opals of yours, Coal?"

Coal sniffed the air. Instantly, his entire body perked up, his aquamarine eyes alight. "In there," he replied, pointing to a large cave before them.

"Huh," came Trixie, staring at the gaping entrance to the cavern. "Wonder how I missed that."

"Come on!" Coal sped off inside, any wariness or doubts he previously might've had eradicated completely.

"Hey! Wait for me!" cried Trixie as she hurried to catch up with him.

Coal scoured the cave, his snout hovering just above the ground. Abruptly, he froze in his tracks and began to dig at the rocky floor with lightning speed. Trixie blinked in surprise. This was not a Coal she had seen before. "Ha!" he cried, his head buried in a hole he had dug. A second later and it emerged, along with an overflowing armful of lovely pinkish-white gemstones.

"Ooh," admired Trixie.

Coal grinned widely. "Yeah, I know. They look tasty, don't they?"

Trixie stared at him for a moment before erupting in laughter.

Coal blinked. "What? What's so funny?" Suddenly he realized what he had just said and smirked. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Ha ha."

"How in Equestria are you going to get all of those back down the mountain?" giggled Trixie.

"Um. . ." Coal looked at the large pile before him. "I don't know. I didn't really think about that."

Trixie laughed with him, trotting over. "Here, you can use my cape," she offered, unfastening the jewel that held it in place. "Just be careful with it, okay?"

Coal smiled. "I will. Thanks." Carefully, he loaded up every last one of the opals - well, almost every last one, for he decided to eat two to celebrate - into the cape and tied it up.

"Here, let me take it," said Trixie.

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"I insist," she declared, stomping a hoof for emphasis. "You've already done plenty for me."

Coal considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Thanks."

Trixie picked the makeshift sack up in her mouth and, after swaying a bit from the weight, began to trot out of the cave, Coal right behind her.

"Well, I'd consider this a success," said Coal, grinning broadly. Trixie, unable to speak, simply nodded in agreement.

As they began to walk back over to the path that led back down the mountain, a light zephyr stirred the air. Although the two were far too heavy to be fazed, Trixie's hat, perched atop her head, was not. In a flash the breeze snatched the cap off her head. Trixie let out a mumbled cry, the cape of jewels still in her mouth, and darted blindly after it.

Coal's eyes widened. "Trixie! Wait!"

Trixie, who's violet eyes were locked on the flying hat, neglected her surroundings. As the hat flew away, Trixie found herself at the edge of the cliff. Her eyes wide, she scrambled backwards, but the heavy sack in her mouth weighed her down, causing her to slip. Desperately, her forelegs scrabbled at the rocky ground, searching for some means of leverage but finding none. A short distance away was the safety rope, but she was unable to reach it.

Suddenly, something latched onto her hooves. Trixie whipped her head up to see the strained face of Coal before her, his claws holding her forelegs in a death-grip, his tail wrapped around the safety rope. ". . . Don't worry. . . I got you," he managed, struggling. All Trixie could do was stare back at him, her eyes filled to the brim with terror.

Coal did his best to pull her up, but for some reason he couldn't. Finally he realized what the problem was. "Trix. . . you have to let go of the cape."

Trixie's head began to shake, her eyes pleading with him.

"Don't worry. . . I know that those opals are the whole reason we're here. . . but that's okay."

Trixie let out a whimper, her back legs dangling in the open air.

Coal looked at her eyes and saw the begging in them, realization hitting him. ". . . It's the cape, isn't it?"

Trixie nodded.

"Trixie. . . I know that that's all you have left of your mother. . . but you need to let go," Coal struggled. He wasn't sure how much longer he could hold on.

Tears began to well up in Trixie's eyes.

"Trixie. . . please. . ."

Trixie blinked back the tears to look at him. His face was desperate, pleading with her.

"If you don't let go. . . you will die. . ." His grip was slipping. Coal tightened his failing grip on her, though he knew it wouldn't do much good. Every muscle in his body was being pushed to the limit. His arm were screaming, but he ignored the pain. He would not let go. "Please, Trix. . ."

Trixie gazed into his eyes for what felt like an eternity before closing hers, tears threatening to burst forth. Slowly, unwillingly, she opened her mouth, releasing her precious cargo. The cape and opals plummeted through the air, rapidly shrinking in size until it was no longer visible. She let out a cry as she felt herself be flung upwards through the air before crashing to the ground, the wind being knocked out of her lungs upon contact.

After lying there for a moment to recover herself, Trixie looked over at the dark lump of mass on the ground, the safety rope swaying above him. "Coal!" she cried out, scrambling over to him. She bent down, her eyes wide with fright. Coal lay in a collapsed heap, his eyes closed. "Coal?"

Weakly, Coal's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, they just stared blankly ahead, but they turned over to look at Trixie.

"Coal, are you okay?" asked Trixie, worried out of her mind.

"I'm. . . fine," Coal managed. ". . . You?"

"I'm fine," replied Trixie, breathing a sigh of relief, tears once more coming to her eyes. "Thanks to you."

Coal limply raised a claw and pointed at her. "Don't you. . . ever. . . do that again. . ."

Trixie laughed. "I won't, don't worry," she assured him. Gently, she took his tail in her mouth and began to pull him away from the edge of the treacherous cliff. He didn't argue.

Only once Coal was a safe distance away from the edge did Trixie let go. "Thanks," he said quietly. When there was no response, he looked up. "Trix?"

Trixie sat, her head hanging low. Faintly, Coal could hear sniffling. His gaze softened. Unable to stand just yet, Coal scootched over and hugged her. Trixie let it out, weeping openly, wrapping her forelegs around him. Coal said nothing the entire time; all he did was return the embrace, stroking her mane soothingly as she sobbed.

Eventually, Trixie finished her crying, but remained in Coal's embrace. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

Coal pulled back. The sun had nearly vanished beneath the horizon. "Come on," he said. "Let's go."

Slowly, the two made their way back down the mountainside, each staying close to the other.

"Wow, Vanity! That dress looks amazing on you!"

Vanity smiled her charming smile as she admired herself in the mirror. Bright Rose had sent her another one of her fabulous creations for an upcoming dance at the academy. "It does, doesn't it?" she mused, turning so she could see herself from multiple angles.

"Oh yes," agreed her new roommate, a younger lavender unicorn. "I'm sure all the colts will want to dance with you."

Vanity smirked. "Yes, I'm sure they will."

"So, where did you say you were from?"

"Huh?" Vanity turned to look at the pony. . . . What was her name again? Midnight, or Sprinkles, or something like that? Vanity shook her head, regaining her composure. "I grew up in Maredrid, but in recent years I've been staying in Tallahayseed."

"Really? Wow, that's weird."

"What is?"

"It's just that, I've just recently met somepony from Tallahayseed. Perhaps you know her."

Vanity perked up at this. "Really now? What was her name?"

"Trixie."

Vanity's mouth went dry. "Wh-what?"

"Trixie," repeated the lavender pony. "Do you know her?"

Vanity turned back to her reflection in the mirror, her eyes distant. "No. No, I don't know anypony by that name."

"Oh, well that's a shame. . . . Huh? Wha- Spike! No no no! I told you, no chewing on the furniture! Spike!"

While the unicorn ran off to save the nightstand from the baby dragon, Vanity gazed at her reflection. She was so beautiful. Nopony else would ever be able to match her beauty, especially not Trixie.

"Vanity! Vanity, look!"

Snapping out of her trance, Vanity looked down to see that her flank was glowing. Her eyes widened. Adorning her white fur was her cutie mark, a golden mirror in the shape of a heart.