The Fabled Adventures of Trixie Lulamoon

by Lastofakind

Rating: teen
Tags: Crossover, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Trixie, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Octavia, Gilda, Other, Adventure
Length: 27851

A Fable/MLP crossover staring the show pony Trixie as she is made into a hero... though a long and dangerous adventure.

As the time of heroes come to a close in my world I can feel the need for a hero in an alternate world. As for the hero in question well... can she live up to her self given title of The Great and Powerful?

Published 2013-07-04 00:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-02-07 08:48:51 UTC

Our Story Begins

"I've watched as countless heroes lay their destiny's out before themselves. The choices they make bend and twist the very world around them. They all came from all different walks of life. One came from a simple life... my brother was born to loving parents. Dreams of being a hero, a powerful wizard, or dark Warrior filled his head. Another was an orphan who was being raised by their older sister till her life was taken away from her. Finally there was a hero who came from royalty and had to make choices that would affect their kingdom in an uprising against their own brother. So it was quite the surprise to find the next hero I must guide to not hail from my own world. She is not human but of a race that is made of... Ponies? I will keep an eye on this new hero. The web of destiny is being woven and when the time comes I must guide our hero to her true calling. Though what she chooses to do along the path will build to a greater outcome."

"Mama look!" A young light blue unicorn filly with a lighter shade of blue for her mane and tail galloped to her mother.
The unicorn mare of a light blue shade with white mane and tail looked up from her book under the shady tree she rested under with a smile. Her Cutie Mark was of a spell book and wizards cap.

"What is it dear?" She asked as the filly kept hopping around.

"I learned a new magic trick! I learned it all by myself too. Want to see it mama?"
Putting the book aside she sat up.

"Of course!"

The filly then lifted herself on her rear legs as she cleared her throat. "I, The Great and Powerful Trixie shall amaze you with her power. Behold!" With a glow of her horn a small green explosion shot up into the air soon followed by a blue and red one. She watched as her mother covered her mouth. Confused she noticed a shining white light on her flank. "Mama what's happening?" Before her mother could answer the light went away as a magic wand with a blue sparkling wave behind it was left on her flank. "I-is that my..."

"Oh honey you got your Cutie Mark!" Her mother exclaimed, almost in tears as she hugged her daughter.

"I have a Cutie Mark! A Cutie Mark of magic too!" Again Trixie was hopping around as the explosions kept going off around them.

"Please be careful, your spell might set the tree on fire." The mother then warned her filly as the lights slowly died down.

"S-sorry mama I was too excited."

"With good reason too. Let's go home and I'll make you a very special gift to celebrate." With that the mother levitated the book she was reading into a small bag before putting in on her back. Trixie followed her as she kept looking at her Cutie Mark.

"Mama Do you think I can become a great magician, even if I don't go to magic school?"

Her mother stopped as she turned back to her filly. "Of course dear, look how far you've gotten by yourself with just a few books. I think The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon can do just about anything."

"Tomorrow can I buy a new book?" The filly noticed her mother suddenly sadden at this question.

"We'll see... maybe I can trade the one's you already read for some new ones in the next town we come to." Again she started for the small wagon they called home.

Years Later...

A small knock on the door woke Trixie from her sleep as it slowly open. "Excuse me, Miss Trixie?" a mares voice called out as she poked her head in. "We need to..." She paused as she noticed a tear running down her cheek. "Are you okay?"

"What do you mean?" Trixie asked as she started to rub her eye's only to notice the tear herself. "Fine! Trixie is just fine! I had dust in my eye is all."

"Okay... any case we need to see you down stairs." The grayish, blue Earth mare then closed the door behind her as she could be heard making her way down the stairs.
Trixie slowly climbed out of bed. Her head, neck, and jaw ached and popped as she moved to the mirror that hung on the wall. After the ursa minor incident she lost any face she had all around Equestria. From Manehatten to Los Pegasus she was heckled and laughed at. With no income coming in from her one pony act she turned to working for a rock farmer to earn bits. She found what seemed like an easy job to wear her down not just physically but mentally too. Pushing her magic to the point that her horn felt as if it was going to pop. From there she would take the tool in her mouth to finish the day's work.
After moving her jaw in around to get it to loosen up she walked past her old cape and hat that lay on the bed on top of a pile of magic books. Pausing at the door she looked back at them with a knot in her throat.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is going to need a magic hat and cape."

"I love them mama, they're beautiful!"

Again she found a tear running down her cheeks. She went back to the cape and looked over the blue gem that was fitted as a clip.

"Is it really magical?"

"With this gem I can always be with you."

Throwing the cape at the wall as the gem clanked, she couldn't hold back the tears as she curled herself on the bed again. There was another knock at the door.

"Are you okay? I'm coming in!"

"N-no it's fine! I'll be down in a second."

A long and uncomfortable silent's followed as again the sounds off hooves made their way down the stairs. Knowing she was starting to worry the other ponies Trixie exited her room and over to the bathroom across the hall. Using her magic to turn on the water she took a cloth and wiped her face. After collecting herself she went down to find the couple of Earth ponies sitting at the table as breakfast was being served.
The husband, a tan colored colt with white and gray mane that matched his beard with the Cutie Mark of a pickaxe sighed as he sat across from Trixie. "You've been a good worker Trixie. After my daughters left the farm we've been short hooved around here. You may be a little odd at times but you worked your tail off." He started.

"Thank you..." Trixie said with a heavy sigh.

"That's why it pains me to have to let you go."

"W-what?"

"We've been doing so well because every pony needed to rebuild all the damages from the craziness as of late but... things are calming down now." He could see Trixie was starting to become upset as he took a rather large bag of bits from under the table. "Here's your pay and a bit extra we can spare." It surprised him that this didn't seem to cheer her up and she started to cry again.

"I-I understand... I'll pack up and be on my way." Trixie was stopped as the wife put a plate of food down in front of her.

"Stay a few more nights if you need to. You're always welcome here as far as we're concerned." Trixie then stood up from the table.

"Thank you for everything but I think it's time for me to go." Taking the bag of bits from the table, Trixie headed up to her room to pack and start moving back into her wagon. She stopped at the first few steps and looked back to the couple. "I mean it... thank you." The two smiled and offered to help her only to be turned down as Trixie again headed to her room to pack.

"I think that's the first time she didn't use third person." The mare said as she started to put Trixie's meal in a box so she could take it with her.

"She's a good mare that one. I don't care what other ponies say about her."

With a few grunts Trixie finally pulled her wagon up the hill leading to town just as night was setting in. The rain was heavy and making the road muddy. The restless days on the road was starting to take it out of her at this point. "Even if I stayed a few more nights with the Pie's I would have had to do leave at some point... better I left before becoming too attached." She said to herself as she stated looking for a place to park her wagon so the local guards wouldn't complain, parking just behind the wood line.
She missed the days when she parked her wagon in the middle of town. With a few simple spells she would set the stage and attract ponies with her magic fireworks. "Why did I start telling that lie?"
When she first set off on her own the simple performance magic was enough to keep ponies entertained. Her hat covered her horn so it made other ponies think an Earth pony was performing magic. "Maybe if I never let ponies know I was a unicorn I would have done better?"
Once she took off her hat for the final bow she lost the crowd.

"Every pony knows unicorns can use magic."

"What's so great and powerful about her?"

"I can't believe I gave a few bits for that little side show."

"W-wait every pony... I... The Great and Powerful Trixie have once saved Hoovington from a monstrous ursa major."

Finding a black hooded cape in her wagon Trixie set out to town under the cover of night. Doing the best she could to hide her face she ran down the streets.

"I've been practicing my magic since the incident. I must have read every book I could find on magic twice. Yet even now... it doesn't feel like it's enough." She took cover in an ally as she looked down the street to a small shop. "Luckily I read on an amulet that can increase my power tenfold!" Looking around to make sure no pony was watching she took a deep breath before turning back to the shop. "I know none of this would have happen if it wasn't for Twilight Sparkle!"

"Is that really who you blame for the root of your problems?" Trixie scream before turning to the voice of an elder mare. She was a dark brown with graying black mane and her eyes seem to have a milky look to them. She wore a red robe with white patches and designs along the edges; this also covered her cutie mark. "You boasted a lie to make yourself a hero. The Great and Powerful Trixie who saved a town from-"

"Trixie doesn't need to be reminded! Yes she was caught in a lie and now she can't even walk down the street without feeling herself shrink in the gaze of other ponies" Trixie then started out of the ally before turning to the elder mare, pointing her hoof at her. "Who are you to lecture Trixie anyway? It doesn't surprise Trixie you heard how she was embarrassed. That spread like wild fire and forced Trixie to work on a rock farm! Trixie's show was ruined! All thanks too Twilight Sparkle. Who by the way was Trixie suppose to know was the personal student of Princess Celestia anyway?"

"Mm hm~" The Elder mare hummed as she started past Trixie. "I know what you're going for..."

"Do you old mare?"

"The Alicorn Amulet..."

Trixie was taken aback by this. "H-how did yo-"

"It's my gift to see into the future of others... along with other things." The elder mare waited as Trixie stepped back into the ally.

"Then tell Trixie, what is the outcome if she used the amulet to challenge Twilight Sparkle to a duel?"

"I cannot tell you..."

"Then what good was it to waste my time with you?"

"I can however hint you to a second option." She could tell this caught her attention.

"Go on..."

"You have worked so hard on your own to become stronger. You have a natural ability to learn and a strong will that pushes you to your goals. This is only a few things that shine's in a hero." Trixie only raised a brow at this. "It's your choice at this point. Go ahead and take the Alicorn Amulet, take your revenge and waste all that time you spent making a better... Pony out of yourself..."

"Or?" Trixie asked.

"Go back to your wagon and make your way to the Everfree Forest. Take the path that leads you to Ponyville."

"Wait, that path is dangerous and full of animals that would only want to make a meal out of Trixie. What can Trixie possibly find there?"

"I can only point you in the direction you need to go for now and the answers will only come to you as you progress down whatever path you choose."

"So you're saying there is something better for Trixie waiting in the Everfree Forest?" The elder mare didn't say a word as she started past Trixie and down the street. The rain seemed to pick up as a fog rolled in. "Wait! Answer me!" Trixie ran to catch up with the elder mare but found she vanished into the fog.
Looking back at the shop she felt herself torn. She had a for sure way to become more powerful, or a hint of something that was another day of travel. Though this second option was shrouded in mystery, the worst outcome would be she wasted a day of travel on the road. With a huff Trixie started back to her wagon. "This better not be some kind of wild goose chase."

Author's Note

Hey... this is my first story on here so... yeah... ice breaker.

All reviews are welcome as long as their constructive.

The Search

Deciding to rest and wait out the rain Trixie made her bed for the night. She was happy with the layout of her new wagon. It made more room for her to move around and plenty of storage space for all her spell books. Using her magic to lift a brush she cleaned her mane as she read a book on defense magic. A life on the road taught her that even a simple fire, lightning, or ice spell could save your flank. Even if it was just to start a fire to keep yourself warm. With the sound of the rain outside, she was about to fall asleep when a knock on her door echoed though the wagon. "Who dares bother, The Great and Powerful Trixie?"

A gruff yet large voice answered. "Trixie Lulamoon? Hey it's me Iron Will, can I come in?"

"Oh no... not this guy!" Feeling it would be wrong to turn him down she open the door as the dark blue minotaur stood holding an umbrella and a large bag slung over his back. Stepping aside she let him squeeze in as the wagon started to tip and creek from his weight, he had to duck to keep his horns from scraping the ceiling. Once he was in she used her magic to close the door behind him.

"Thank you for letting me in. It's good to know a fellow traveler is willing to lend a han- er hoof." He took the towel that was offered to him as he sat at the small table. "I couldn't afford to stay another night at the local inn so I was about to head for my home town."

"This late at night?" Trixie question as she started to set up a tea kettle. Using her magic she heated up the tea as she levitated two cups over to the table.

"I fell asleep in the lobby and woke up just as it started to rain. I was asked to leave if I wasn't going to get a room."

"What happen to your self-help seminar?"

"Iron Will admits he's been lacking on putting on shows. I've been working on new advice and... kinda let my savings dwindle. Also I put a book out and have yet to get any profit from it." He paused as he took the cup of tea. "By the way, what happen to your show?" He suddenly felt his tea getting hotter as he was drinking it. Quickly putting his cup down, it was starting to boil as Trixie was growling.

"I've been laughed out of every town I stepped hoof in! After that incident in Ponyville Trixie can't open her stage with out being reminded how humiliated she was." Her rage then cooled as she set her head down on the table. "But what was I to expect... there is nothing special about a unicorn who use's magic. It's the only reason I started that lie..."

Iron Will rubbed the back of his neck. Looking down at the small blue unicorn he started to move his other hand down to pat her head.

"I'll admit I was upset to hear you lied to all those ponies but I still think your magic is something special."

"There is nothing special about it. Trixie only knows show magic and a few basic spells in the arcane arts."

This time Iron Will huffed as he puffed out he chest. "Your attitude needs fixing so listen here! What you choice to do with your magic is what makes it special. You want to entertain others and make them turn their heads as you walk down the streets. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be famous and have tons of screaming fans. Though when you lie to do so is when it becomes a problem." Trixie smiled a bit as Iron Will flexed as he started to get worked up. "Now tomorrow you pick yourself up and attack th-"
Trixie kept a blank expression as Iron Wills horns went though her roof. He paused for a second as he started to move his head to get free only to make the hole bigger as the rain poured in. Giving a awkward smile he picked his umbrella from next to the door and put it though the hole and opened it. Trixie just kept the same glare as he blushed a bit. "I-is there some way I can repay you for the damages? I don't have a lot of money..."

"Why are you taking this road, you know its dangerous right? Even more so at night." Iron Will asked as he pulled the wagon behind him. Trixie was on the roof with a hammer as she fixed the hole with some emergency supply's she kept under the wagon.

"All Trixie knows is she might find some thing important here."

Nearing the edge of the Everfree Woods Iron Will stopped as Trixie climbed down. "I'm surprised you pull this yourself for such a little pony." Iron Will commented as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "You have some kind of spell you use?"

"No... Trixie never learned such a spell till she was a year or so on her own. It just came natural from living on the road most of my life." The two looked over to the east as the sun started to rise.

"Now's a good of time as any if we are going to head though the woods."

"What do you mean we?" Trixie asked turning to Iron Will.

"That path is too dangerous for Iron Will to let you go alone. Also if for any reason you get suck when night falls your going to want someone to watch your back."

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is touched that you care so much about her safety but she can manage on her own." She
noticed the look she was getting from the minotaur. It was saying he wasn't going to take no for an answer. Sighing she went to the reins of the wagon. "Thank you for the words of encouragement last night. But this is some thing Trixie should do on her own." Iron Will grumbled as he waved her goodbye. He watched her till he couldn't see her though the trees and brush.

Even with a shield spell cast around herself and the wagon Trixie still didn't feel safe as she could hear animals running though the deep under growth. The deeper she went the darker the woods seem to get as well. "I've only went though this path once in my younger days with my mother. If I remember right, getting to Ponyville should only take a few more hours. The only thing I remember her worrying about at the time was..." Her thoughts were cut off as howling could be heard in the distance. "Timber wolves..." With a gulp she kept pushing forward. "It would help if I knew what I was looking for."

"Ugh~"

Stopping dead in her track, Trixie ready a defense spell. "W-who's there?" There was no answer as Trixie started to slowly started off again.

"H-hey... I kind of need some help..." A voice called from above her before the wagon shook from some thing fell on the roof. Quickly undoing the reins she levitated the ladder off the side of her wagon. Climbing up her eyes met with a female Griffin. She was bleeding from her side and one of her wings looked broken.

"What happen to you?"

"I was flying back to Cloudsdale when I heard thunder. I blacked out and woke up in this tree." She tried to get up only to fall back down, holding her side as she cried in pain. "But there was something off about the whole thing..."

"You were hit by lighting, plain and simple. Now hold still." Trixie reassured her as she used her levitation spell to lift the Griffin and bring her down to the ground. Grunting in pain she tried to stand again. "Wait here as Trixie gets a first aid kit."

"Wait you're that weird, third person talking pony Trixie?"

"Yes, The Great and Pow-" Trixie was cut off by the Griffin's laughter before she fell holding her side from the pain. "Your the one who pulled that ursa minor deal over in Ponyville?" Trixie kept silent as the Griffin picked herself up again. The Idea of leaving her there crossed Trixie's mind as she started back to her wagon. The laughter came to a halt as a howl came from close by. "Mind hurrying it up? I don't think we have a lot of time before we are swamped by timber wolves." Trixie's horn glowed as she went to use her spell to levitate the griffin only to gasp and fall to the ground. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't rest at all the past few days. Using magic is taking more then I can put out." The next howl came from the other side of the wagon. The two watched as a large wooden paw stepped from around the side as the timber wolfs glowing green eye's met with theirs. Looking around more were coming from the bushes and the trees themselves. Their growls sounded hungry as they started to circle the two. Trixie saw an opening were she could run for it. Galloping for the opening, she started for safety when she heard the griffin screech. Looking back she watched as the Griffin pinned one of the attacking wolves with her claws and smash it with her beak. Again she screeched as one butted its head into her wound as she fell to the ground. The Griffin was able to fend off the next attack but was loosing her strength.
The Griffin picked herself up again as the wolves started to close in on her. With a few heavy breaths she closed her eyes as one lunged at her. A yelp, followed by a few zaps was what came next. Opening her eyes she had a glowing purple shield around her.

Trixie did her best to keep firing spells that shattered the wolves on impact. She felt herself get dizzy as she struggled to keep on her hooves. A timber wolf started to attack from behind the mare but was tackled to the ground as the griffin held it down and crushed its head with her beak. "You came back?" The Griffin question as she held her wound again.
"I wasn't about to just leave you. Though it looks as if we're out numbered and..." Trixie stumbled again trying to stay on her hooves. "I don't know how much longer we can keep fighting." They started to back up as the ones they defeated before started to regenerate.

"Well I'm not about to die to a bunch of lame wooden dogs. The name is Gilda by the way and... if we make it out of this don't think I owe you anything!"

"I could care less as long as we make it out of this." The two ready for the next attack. The seven wolves backed the two up next to the wagon. Trixie ready a spell as Gilda did her best to hold herself up.

"Iron Will SMASH!" Boomed A voice as the minotaur rammed himself into the pack of timber wolves. Smashing four of them before lifting one above his head. Throwing it at the rest he stood ready to charge again. "You better leave now before Iron Will puts a hurting on you so bad, your grand children will feel it."
The timber wolves started to back way as Trixie ready a fire spell and Glida did her best to ignore her pain as she stood on her hind legs. Gathering parts of their fallen pack the wolves ran back into the woods. Gilda fell to the ground, grunting in pain as Trixie and Iron Will ran to her side.

"The only bad part about this whole thing is I'm stuck with two dweebs that speak in third person." She managed to grumble before passing out. Trixie's breathing was heavy as she started to see double.

"I-Iron Will... Wha- When did..."

"Iron Will was worried about you and came to check on you. You were reckless by coming though here on your own."

"Thank...you..." Trixie then passed out on top of Gilda. The last thing she remembered was being picked up and put in her bed.

"Another quiet day in Ponyville. Hey, after we finish work do you want to go see a movie?" A pink female pony asked her Yellow friend as they both pulled the wagon full of trash cross a bridge.

"Sure what one d-"

"Get out of my way!"

Both Ponies screamed as both them and the wagon was sent flying though the air. Trash and broken wood littered the ground as they landed in the water.

Iron Will ignored the wood stuck on his horns as he pulled the wagon behind him. He didn't stop for anything as he charged though town. He knocked over a second wagon full of fruits and vegetables as he spotted his destination in the distance. Coming to a screeching stop the wagon started to lift off the ground behind him as he almost slammed into the hospital. Ponies started to gather around in wonder.

"Good heavens its that monster Iron Will." The white pony with purple mane known a Rarity said as she joined her friends Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle.

"He's a Minotaur." Futtershy corrected. "O-oh my... i-is that blood on him?"

"Hey guys what was all that racket?" Rainbow Dash asked flying down from the cloud she was resting on.

"That self-help guru Iron Will crashed though town. I-I think some thing is horribly wrong." Twilight answered as they watched on.

Iron Will called the doctors as he ran over to the wagon. Smashing the side open he reached in and lifted a griffin over his shoulder. "G-Gilda?" Rainbow Dash gasped as the doctor ponies wheeled out a bed for Iron Will to set her on. He then called for a second bed as he went back and took Trixie in his arms.

"Is that who I think it is?" Rarity asked in shock.

"Trixie!" Twilight exclaimed as she started to run over to her, only to be asked to step aside and wait till the doctors could look at her.

Moment of Rest

A few moans came from Trixie as she woke in her hospital bed. Looking over at the bed next to her Gilda was sleeping with a book resting on her chest. The moon light filled the room enough so Trixie could see the bandage around her wing and waist. She went to sit up as her head started to spin again. The second time she managed to get on her hooves as she went to the window. Looking out at the moon she took a deep breath, thankful she made it out of the woods. Looking over to her wagon she let out a second yet deeper, longer sigh at the sight of her broken home.

"You did very well out there." A voice said from the left side of the window. Trixie jumped as the elder mare stood before her.

"Y-You set me up! I could have been killed!"

"I only hinted to where you should go."

"Well I didn't find anything but a bunch of hungry timber wolves!"

"You sure, I think you found something very valuable."

Gilda yawned as she started to sit up. Trixie looked back at the Griffin as she gave a weak smile. "Thanks for saving my tail out there."

"You should be thanking Iron Will. If it wasn't for him we would have been wolf chow. But you should tell this-" looking back out for the elder mare, she was gone. "W-wait, she was right here!"

"You sure you're feeling alright?"

"The old mare that told me to look out in those woods was here."

"Yeah, I was going to ask you about why you were out there. Everyone knows that neck of the woods is dangerous. Also... please lay off the third person. It's very annoying."

Trixie went back to her bed and sat down. "I was looking for something that could make me more powerful."

"But you found me instead?" Gilda huffed at this. "Anyway I'm thankful you stopped to help me out. Your better than some other lame ponies around here. Still don't think I owe you anything." Trixie bit her lip as they were silent. "So I'm guessing your heading home after this?"

"My wagons broke, I'm going to have to find a place to stay till it's fixed."

"We're in Ponyville, I don't think you're going to have much luck here."

"I know..." Again they went silent as a nurse entered the room.

"Hello, it's good to see you two are finally awake; I am nurse Redheart. Both of you were in rough shape before coming here. Trixie Lulamoon we... are going to have to move your wagon away from the hospital. We were waiting for you to wake up to see what you wanted to do with it. I can have it sent to get fixed if you want. Also I had your belongings taken down to the basement so they would be safe."

"I can pull it out of town myself and hopefully fix it."

"Oh no, the doctor wants you to stay another day to make sure your healthy. You pushed yourself way too hard out there."

"Trixie will do just fine! She is more than capable of wa-" As Trixie went to stand up she found herself starting to fall.

"You need to get back to bed! I'll have your wagon moved to the back of the hospital for now."

"Can I at least get a few things out of my belongings?"

Redheart paused for a bit. "I guess it wouldn't hurt, long as I go with you."

Gilda picked up her book as Trixie was lead to the stairs leading to the basement. After Redheart unlocked the door Trixie looked though the boxes her books and other belonging were in. After finding her cape she took off the gem. Next she took a locked chest out from behind the boxes and a key that was hidden inside a book. Once she unlocked the chest she took a large, very decorative blue book. "Is that all you need?" Redheart asked.

"Yes, as long as I know these two things are safe then Trixie is fine. Thank you for letting me get these."

"I'll take you back to your room them. By the way you had a friend come visit a few times when you were still unconscious."

"What, oh you mean Iron Will?"

"No he left a day after bringing you in to making sure you two were all right. It was Twilight Sparkle."

"W-what? You must be mistaken, why would she come see me?"

"She came by every day to see how you were doing. Yesterday she stayed by your side till visiting hours were over."
Trixie didn't say a word as Redheart escorted her back to her room. A flood of mixed feelings washed over her as memories of the Ursa Minor incident flashed though her mind.

Gilda was getting bored as she stared up a the ceiling. She looked over at Trixie as she read the book she brought back with her. "Hey, want to trade books? I already read mine."

Trixie chuckled as she closed the book. "I doubt you'll find this interesting at all." She levitated the book over to Gilda and watched as she looked it over for a title before starting to read it.

"This book is written in quill."

"It was written by my mother. In fact this how she got her cutie mark. A lot of those first pages she rewrote from when she was a filly."

"Gezz... so this whole chapter of basic spells are ones she learn as a kid hu?"

"Well... of course. It's why I spent my life growing up on the road as well. My mother believed the best school for magic was life itself. We traveled from town to town and my mother..." Trixie paused as she let a smile fill her cheeks. "She had a way with others. They seem become drawn to her. The way they would open up and shared their knowledge with her amazed me. That book was to be my mother's master peace. Every book she wrote up to that point crammed into one."

Gilda flipped to the more advanced spells. The pages were blank except for page and chapter numbers. "Looks like she didn't finish it."

"I don't think she was ever happy with the idea of ending it. She always found new spells to add. I guessed she just kept it as her references guide for her other books. Though why end there even I'm not sure."

"How many books did she put out?"

"Around Twenty..." Trixie then sat back up. "I think the last book she put out was right before we parted ways."

"Parted ways?"

"When I was thirteen she told me she had to leave for something very important. She left me the wagon and all of the money she saved up. Last memory I have of her is..." Gilda raised a brow as the blue mare paused. "I don't want to talk about it anymore..."

Closing the book Gilda set it down on the bed stand next to the blue gem. "Kind of wack story there." Trixie just gave a chuckle. "Hey when we get out of here you can stay at my place. I don't live in a cloud like the rest of Cloudsdale so you should be fine."

Trixie lay back down in her bed. "I thought you didn't owe me anything?"

"I don't! I was going to let you stay seeing as your wagon is busted up." The Griffin yelled before taking a deep breath. "You want to stay or not?"

Before Trixie could answer the two heard the doctors and nurses yelling. A group of four dark blue colts with bat wings in purple and blue armor burst through the door. "Gilda Sharpfeather; by the order of Princess Luna we are to bring you in for questioning." The caption barked.

"Questioning, for what?" Gilda screamed as she started out of her bed.

"There was an attack on a royal guard of Princess Luna sharing the same wounds. You were both attacked around the same area of the woods. We want to know what happen that night."

"All I know was that lighting hit me! I'm not going anywhere with you bozos! "

"Come with us peacefully or we will have no choice to place you under arrests!"

Trixie could see that Gilda was itching for a fight at this point. Yet at the same time she felt how scared she was. "Hold on! Gilda if it helps I'll go with you."

Gilda looked over to her as she started to calm down. "Fine... this is a waste of time though."
Trixie gathered her book and gem as the guards helped Gilda stay on her feet. Nurse Redheart tried to stop the guards.

"Those two are not healthy enough to be taken out of the hospital!"

"We are under orders to bring Gilda in right away. No if, and or buts!" She was then pushed aside as they took booth girls to the carriages waiting outside.

The Questioning

The Royal castle of Canterlot was more than Trixie ever expected it to be. She always dreamed of being able to perform for the princesses. Though under the circumstances both her and Gilda were in took most of the luster out of the whole thing. The two were lead the throne room by armed guards with spears. Trixie had her book and gem in a saddle bag lent to her by one of the guards. "You two stay here! We will summon Princess Luna and the guard who was attacked to begin you're questioning."

"Whatever..." Was all Gilda said as the guards left; Trixie could tell she was trying her best to hide she wasn't fully recovered. When the guards left she turns to her. "I'll admit I owe you one for this. If you haven't stepped in I would have been in deep crap."

"Just keep a level head and we should be out of here."

"Excuse me..." The two looked back as a gray earth pony with black mane and purple colored eye's. Her cutie mark was a purple treble clef. "Are you two here for the addition? Maybe a silly question but I've been trying to gather the other musicians for an early practice."

"This early?" Gilda questioned.

"We are to play for the coming guest of the Princesses. I'm not about to have a repeat of the Grand Galloping Gala."

"The... Grand Getty what?" Gilda then noticed Trixie's eyes light up.

"You played for the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"This will be my second year as lead cello. The Princesses are going to make up for last year and... well as Princess Luna said it. "Double the fun." The gray mare then came closer to the two. "My name is Octavia. May I ask what happen to you?" She then turned to Gilda.

"I really don't know other then it was lightning that hit me. Now I'm being questioned over it. A total waste of time if you ask me."

Octavia raised a brow at this "Sounds like what happen a few days ago. I was in the castle when that guard was brought back. Princess Celestia seems to want to keep the whole thing under wraps. Princess Luna on the other hoof wants to get to the bottom of it. Those wounds didn't look like they came from lightning."

"What do you mean?" Trixie asked.

"There was a small wound on his hind leg that-"

All three jumped as two large doors opened from behind. Princess Luna stepped though followed by a rather young looking guard who was out of his armor. He was like the other guards of the night but his mane was short. His leg was bandaged along with his noise. His light green eyes kept to the floor as he limped behind the Princess. His cutie mark was two small crossed blades. Both Trixie and Octavia bowed, Gilda seemed confused at first but quickly followed the others lead.

"Octavia please wait outside. This is a bit of a private matter."

"Yes your highness." She ran for the doors as two of Luna's guards closed it behind her.

"I'm very sorry, if I knew you two were still healing then I wouldn't have you two brought here. I understand the griffin was attacked in the same sky's as Dirk." Luna looked over as Dirk kept his gaze to the ground.

"No offense Princess but I really have no idea what happen other then blacking out after hearing thunder." Gilda quickly spoke; her nerves seem a bit shot.

"You didn't hear a strange mechanical sound before the thunder?" Luna then asked with a little more concern. This time Gilda was silent as she rubbed her head.

"Things are a little blurry about the whole thing."

"E-excuse me your Highness..." Trixie hoped she wasn't overstepping her boundary. "Octavia was telling us how something was off about both wounds. How do those connect?"

"Yes good point! Dirk's wound had a small piece of metal in it. Did you have the same thing as well?"

"I-I don't think so. The doctor just told me not to fly for a few weeks a-and some other crap."

"Dirk please tell us your encounter of that night."

"Yes your Highness." The young stallion took a step forward as he looked right over to Trixie and Gilda. "That night I was taking patrol over the Everfree Forest. There has been a report from a local of Ponyville that animals have started to go missing. I did a fly over patrol around the forest and found a small campfire with what seemed to have an animal cooking over it." He paused as Trixie and Princess Luna both gagged at this. "I looked over the scene and heard a small mechanical sound followed by a bang. I was readying for an attack and took off over the tree's for an over view when a second bang happen. That's when my leg was hit and I fell to the ground. Before I could make out what hit me I was struck by a blunt object. I didn't wake till the next morning by a pack of timber wolves running away with injured pack members."

"I see..." Princess Luna walked over to one of the stained windows. "My sister asked me to forget about this incident and let her deal with it. Yet I haven't seen her take any real means to find out what happen. She even seemed to ignore it as she went to the Crystal Empire yesterday. As Princess of the night I cannot let this go. Especially as it happen during my time of rule!" She sighed before turning back the group. "For taking you from the hospital before you could recover please stay in the royal guest rooms."

"Hey that sounds awesome!" Gilda couldn't hide her smile even if it was going to kill her.

"It an honor! T-thank you..." Trixie added.

"Dirk I personally written your leave papers. Take care of yourself and get well."

"Yes, thank you your highness." With a painful bow he limped back to the main doors as a fellow guard opened it for him from the outside.

As Trixie and Gilda started out behind Dirk; Princess Luna then called for them to stop. "Excuse me but what was your name? I was only told Gilda would only come if you did as well."

Trixie's cheeks went a deep red as she bowed, not only in respect but to hide her blush. "Trixie Lulamoon." She watched as the Princess looked as if she was trying to remember something to giggling. Again Trixie turned another shade of red. Gilda started to chuckle at this as well. "Of course the Princesses know of that humiliating night. Oh please let my life end already!"

"I must say the daughter of the writer Sabrina Lulamoon has turned out to be a bit of a mischief maker."
Speechless the blue mare looked back up at the Princess. "You know my mother?"

"We have all of her books in our library. I'll let the guards know to let you have access there so you can read them."

"Really? Oh thank you!" Princess Luna just smiled as she started for the main door. "I'm off to watch the sunrise. This is the first time in years my sister has risen the sun form the Crystal Empire. It's said to have a very unique glow to it." With that two of her guards open the doors for her as she left. "The Great and Powerful Trixie had slept long enough. Time to hit the books!"

"We were just given a free nights stay in the royal castle and you're going to spend it studying?" Gilda asked as the two were escorted to the Library. The guard opened the door for the two before she went back to her post.

"They're books my mother wrote and in a full collection!" Trixie started down the large toppling shelves. "I can't believe my mother's books were well known enough to be categorized in the royal library."

"So your royal guest as well. It has been kind of lonely in the guest wing seeing as no other musicians have shown just yet." A voice called from behind one of the large shelves. The two rounded the corner to find Octavia going though music books. "Sorry if I surprised you but I've been killing time by looking up works from Johann Sebastian Buck. I never caught your name by the way."

"Trixie Lulamoon."

"I thought you looked familiar. Me and my friend Vinyl didn't see much when the Ursa Minor showed up but I must say you put on a brilliant stage performance. Even if it was a self ego stroke." Trixie wasn't sure how to take such a back hoofed complement. "Sorry maybe that was a bit uncalled for. As a performer myself I know what it's like to get that boastful attitude. That I didn't mind."

"It was the lie wasn't it?" Gilda asked as Trixie slumped.

"Mostly..." Octavia then closed the book she was reading and put it back on the shelf. "Now what's this about a collection of books?"

"I thought you had practice?" Trixie asked as she started back down the aisles.

"Not much I can do without the rest of the orchestra. Besides I'm bored to death. You two are the most exciting thing to happen all week."

"Well egg head here can go ahead and read. I'm going to chill in my guest room, maybe check out if the rumors about the spa and dinning are true." She noticed the looks she was getting from the two mares. "What? I get to stay in a castle! I'm going to live it up while I can."

Trixie chuckled at this. "I don't blame you at all; go enjoy yourself." Gilda rolled her eyes as she headed out of the library. The two mares kept looking till Trixie gasped at the sight of her mother's book. "Every one of her books... right here." Trixie ran her hoof over the spines to the books and a nostalgic feeling came over her.

"If you're looking for a spell book then don't even bother with those." A dark, older orange unicorn with a check list for a cutie mark said from down the aisle. "Those are novelty at best."

"H-how dare you!" Trixie screamed. "Who do you think you are?"

"All you need to know is that my job is to find books used in the Centerlot Magic School. The books you were about to look at are nothing but pure garbage."

"These are her mother's books!" Octavia butted in as she took to Trixie's side.

"You're her daughter?" He then chuckled. "Sorry to hear that..." He ignored how Trixie was gritting her teeth as he went on. "You did know she was a failure to our schools entry exam?"

"That means nothing! There are plenty of unicorns who are great at magic without your school."

"Just like there are plenty of musicians who never been to a school and can play and write beautiful music."

"Octavia was it? I'm surprised they asked you to play again after the Grand Galloping Gala. Why you let that childish pony make such a stupid request is beyond me." He felt himself grow cocky as both mares were visibly upset. He was about to continue when he felt a strong grip on the back of his neck followed by a sharp prick at his throat.

"I was told our rooms were not ready yet but we can grab a bite to eat." Gilda started as she put a stronger grip on the colt as her talon was kept at his throat. "But then I overheard this bloated ass and though I'd shut em up for you guys."

"You have any idea who I am? I'll have you three rotting in the dungeons!"

"What do we have here?" The four looked back as Dirk walked up.

"Guard these three are assaulting a royal diplomat, arrest them at once!"

Gilda put the unicorn down as Dirk slowly went up to him. "Royal diplomat? Last time I checked you were just tasked your job when you couldn't handle being a teacher." The unicorn gave him a scornful look. "Also with the way you provoked the whole thing I'm willing to look the other way."

"I'll report you for this! All of you will regret this!" Dirk stepped aside as the unicorn ran out. As soon as he was out of the library Dirk grunted as he sat down to get off his leg.

"Should we be worried?" Trixie asked.

"That blow hard can't do anything. All he does is walk around here and downsize ponies. He's a few complaints from getting kick out of here himself." After a short rest he got back up. "I came back here to ask why your here?" He asked to Trixie.

"W-well I was the one who helped Gilda out."

" I wasn't about to go with a bunch of you thugs. That was until she said she would come."

Dirk just nodded his head. "Seems you two have a natural sisterhood. I'm going to stay around the castle during my leave so if he gives you anymore trouble, come find me."

"Don't you want to go back to your family and friends?" Octavia asked only to make him sigh.

"My family live too far out and all my friends are fellow soldiers. Besides if you haven't noticed I'm quite younger than the rest of the guards so I have a lot to studying to do if I want to keep up with the rest." With that he limped off.

"You stood up for me back there..." Trixie said with a smile to Octavia. "Both of you did."

"I wasn't about to let that jerk bully you around like that." Octavia answered.

"We can mark it to the start of me getting even..."

"I thought you didn't owe me-"

"Shut up!" Gilda snapped making Trixie giggle. Levitating the bag off her back she took one of the books off the shelf and added it with her mother's Master Book.

"I'll have to copy the spells over later."

"Whatever I'm hungry, let's get going." With that the three exited the library. From a table sat the elder mare with a smile on her cheeks.

"Enjoy tonight Trixie... because this is when things get messy."

"Celestia you look worried, is something the matter?" Shining Armor asked as his wife Cadance also shown concern for Princess Celestia. All three sat in the study of the Crystal Palace.

"There have been some troubling issues before I came here. There was an attack on not only a guard of Luna but a resident of Cloudsdale on her way home in the same night over the Everfree Forest."

"Do you need me to come take care of it? This sounds very serious if it's an animal from there."

"No!" The couple was taken back by her outburst. "I...mean no. It's being taken care of as we speak." Again they sat in silents before a letter appeared from a flash of orange flame.

"A letter from my sister?" Shining Armor questioned with a smile.

"No, this is from the castle." As she read the two could see the anger taking over in her expression. "I sorry but I must leave at once."

"Princess if may I will return to he-"

"I said no! Please do this for me though. Not a word of this to Twilight and her friends."

Later that night as the sun was setting the three parted ways "I never ate so much in my life..." Gilda said to herself as she filed her talons. "I can get use to this kind of thing. Maybe if I fake it a little I can stay a bit longer." She chuckled as her eye's felt heavy.

"She was said to be staying in here!" A voice yelled from the other side of her door.

"Hm?" No warning was given as her door was bucked in. Four guards in golden armor charged in as they held spears to her throat. "H-hey the fu-"

"Silence! You are under arrest by order of Princess Celestia!"

Run!

A quick back track

"This whole ordeal seems complicated. Both princesses fighting over who is going to take control over what caused this." Octavia started as she drank her tea.

"As you pointed out though it's happening under wraps." Trixie added from her bed as she used her magic to flip though her mother's book. "Yet Princess Luna wants to go all out to find out what really happen."

"You think it's an attack on Equestria?"

"If it was than I highly doubt the cloak and dagger act would be needed."

Both mares grew silent as their imagination started to go wild. From outside they could here hooves.

"She was said to be in here!" Yelled a voice from the other side; followed by a crash.

"W-what's going on out there?" Trixie asked. Both mares slowly made their way to the door.

"Silence! You are under arrest by order of Princess Celestia!"

"What for? You got nothing on me!" Gilda's voice boomed.

"I said silence!"

"Get that spear out of my face before I shove it up yo-. Let go of me!" This time both mares stumbled backwards as a guard bucked in their door.

"The other two are in here!"

"Chain them up and take them to the dun-"

"I said Let go of me!" Everyone paused as a guard went flying out of Gilda's room and slammed into a wall. As two more started in a second guard went flying before a spear went shooting into the wall. "I'll take you all on! Come here you, I told you what would happen if you stuck that in my face again!" As the guard in Trixie's room was distracted both mares turned before bucking the guard. As he was sent backwards the two ran out the room and into Gildas as she had a guard pinned down with a spear to his neck. "Start talking before I turn you into a Popsicle."

"I-I was just ordered to arrest you, the two mares, and Dirk down to the dungeons."

"Under what charges?" Trixie questioned as Gilda put the spear closer to his neck.

"I was never told!"

"W-what did I do? I was brought here to play for a royal party!" Octavia screamed before Dirk charged down the hall. He had on his armor as his bandages were dirty and torn.

"We need to leave!"

All three girls looked over to him with the same blank look. "Really?" they all said at the same time.

"Oh... r-right you all seem to have picked up on that." He then looked at the guard pined to the floor along with the knocked out ones.

Gilda knock out the guard before holding her side. "How are we supposed to get out of here?"

"This is a mistake! I was just here to perform..." Octavia said to herself again.

"Their trying to cover up what happen by locking up anyone who knows about what happen in those woods." Trixie informed Octavia. They could hear more guards coming down the halls. Trixie ran into her room.

"What are you doing? We need to go now!" Dirk said running after her as she packed her mother's book and her jewel in the saddle bag. "We're going the last place they would look for us."

"And that would be?"

"Just follow me."

"Why should we trust you?" Gilda asked.

Dirk turn to her with a cocky smile. "You have much of a choice?" He then looked for Octavia who was putting her cello in its case. "Oh come on!"

"I'm not bringing it but when we clear our name or... whatever I'm coming back for it!"

"There they are!" A guard called as more followed.

"Great..." Dirk huffed as Trixie used her magic to pull one the rugs from under the guards.

"Let's go!"

"The dungeon! Your plain was to hide in the dungeon?" Gilda screamed before having a hoof held to her beak.

"We have gate in the back we bring criminals though." Dirk said as he started to open the large iron door. "We can escape though there." He was the first one though as Trixie and the rest followed. "Normally we don't keep criminals here. We move them to the prison island after their trials so no one should be here."

The cold gray stone walls and floor echoed there steps. Trixie looked into one of the empty cells as she though how awful it would have to be locked up inside one of them. Then the thought of the prison island came to mind. She only heard rumors of it. A land where life could barely sustain itself. The wildlife was said to make the Everfree forest seem tame as well. Again this was all from rumor as very few ponies dare to look into it. "Why would they do this? To go through all of this just to cover up what happen?"

"I don't know..." Dirk answered as they came to a second iron door. "As much as I want to trust Princesses Luna to protect us... the whole thing seems to be over her head."

"I should have just stayed in the Griffin Kingdom like I was planning to" Gilda grumbled.

"What are we going to do once we get out?" Octavia asked.

"We find out what happen in those woods and make sure it's taken care of. Once that's over we can go back to our normal lives." Trixie answered.

"What about muscle head?" Gilda asked.

"Who?"

"You know Iron Will."

Trixie stopped dead in her tracks. "Everyone we may have talked to in these two days might be in danger." There was a moment of silent's at this point as they thought over everyone they ever spoken to the past days.

"N-no way Princess Celestia would hurt anypony." Octavia said in a shaky voice.

"No she'll make up some story how we all disappeared or moved away!" Gilda responded with a growl

"We have to fix this!" Trixie exclaimed only to have Gilda huff.

"For what? They were ready to let us rot in a cell! We should just head for the next ship out of here."

"And go where?" Octavia almost screamed.

"Hey! We need to keep moving and keep quite if we're going to get out of here!" Dirk shaped. "We can argue later! Trixie is right, we find out more about what happen in the woods then Princess Luna will be able to protect us better. I just hope this doesn't set a rift between her and her sister."

"You know it's going too." Gilda said to him as he open the locks on the door.

"Then it gives me more reason to finish this."

Outside the group found themselves in a courtyard on the outskirts of Canterlot. The shrubbery was thick and surprisingly unkempt. Dirk led them to a large gate that was locked with a padlock and chain. "Once out of here we can sneak onto a train or some th-"

"Hold it right there!" Four of Celestias guards flew down and landed to surround them. "Dirk just give up now and turn in the others."

"Please if you let us go we ca-" Trixie was cut off by one of the guards.

"Don't make this any harder on yourselves and come with us." They started to close in only to have a small, round object rolled in front of them. A loud explosion followed by a cloud of white smoke that filled the air made the guards cough as sounds of a scuffle could be heard. As the smoke cleared a few of Luna's guards stood over Celestia's.

"Take your friends and get out of here Dirk!" One of them called. "We can only hold them off for so long."
Trixie took Dirk by the hoof as she used her magic to melt the metal chains. Once the chains broke Gilda used her strength to force the gate open form its rusted state.

"Come on we need to get out of here now!"

Trixie lead the group as they ran though a residential area. They could hear fighting on the rooftops as Luna's guards protected them. "If Celestia wanted to keep this secret then she's going to have a hard time explaining this to everyone." Gilda said though deep breaths as she tried to keep up with them.

"I have a feeling me may be doing more damage than helping." Octavia commented.

"It's too late to turn back now! We have to escape and think of how to make our next move." Trixie answered as she lead them down an ally way. The group started to crash into each other when they found it was a dead end. Guards could be heard as they closed in.

"W-what now? We are trapped!" Octavia exclaimed as they tried to look around for anything that could help. Gilda tried to fly but found herself grounded after only getting a few feet off the ground. Dirk did the same with equal results. Trixie started to panic before she noticed the world around her starting to lack color.

"Well this quite the start to your adventure." came a voice from behind her. Turning around she met the milky eyes of the elder mare.

"W-what have you lead me into?" Trixie screamed as she got right into her face. "My home was destroyed for a second time, I've come close to being eaten, and now not only myself but I don't know how many others are in danger because of this. Now look where I'm at! This is your fault!" The elder mare only kept silent as Trixie looked around her. Nothing was moving, and a dead silence filled the air. It seemed as though time it's self has stopped. "What magic is this?"

"I did this to give you time to calm yourself and help guide you young hero."

"You? You're not a unicorn though... h-how are you-"

"I know you have a lot of questions. Even from the start when I guided you to the forest. I can see things in others that they over look themselves. You have a strong will and a thirst for something better, greater than anything any other has. It's what pushed you forward in the time that you've lived alone."

"But why me? I... I'm nothing but a show pony that lived off her own lies. My magic is..." The elder mare took her chin in her hoof as her brought her back to eye level.

"Like I said child... I can see so much in you. You have a spark inside you that wants to grow. I can answer more of your questions when the time comes; but for now I'm going to help by pointing you some very useful tools that you've been carrying this whole time." Before Trixie could speak the elder mare's eye glowed as her mother's gem and book floated out of her bag and next to her hooves. "You know each spell in this book don't you?"

"Yes... but it's not finished."

The elder mare chuckled as she opened the book. She flipped past were Trixie saw blank before as new words started to appear on the pages. Trixie's hoof shook as she started to turn the pages. She could tell her mother's penmanship anywhere. "This tome is made to reflect the owner's magical talents. Showing only spells the owner can handle. Look now hero... the book has recognized your growth and has opened more of its secrets to you." She watched as Trixie carefully read a few spells. Tears started to form before being quickly wiped away. "The gem ties you to the book, clamming you as its owner and shows it your inner strength." Again she chuckled as she walked past Trixie. "You find anything useful yet?"

"Yes, b-but I never cast a spell at this level before."

"Believe in yourself and your new friends. This is the beginning to a new and bold chapter of your lives. Now... you might want to hurry before they catch you."

Trixie quickly closed the book and used her magic to put both items back in her bag as time slowly started again. The elder mare gone as quickly as she came. "Everyone quickly gather next to me!"

"You got a plain?" Octavia asked as everyone formed around her.

"I need all of you to focus and think of the Everfree Forest."

"I've never been there before!" Octavia scowled before Trixie calmed her down as the guards rounded the corner.

"Then clear your mind the best you can. I need you all to trust me... please."

A few of Luna's guards came down from the rooftops as they started to fight the others off. Trixie focused all her will into her spell as her heart started to pound faster and her breaths deepened. A bright pink light made the fighting in the ally stop as the guards looked back to find it empty.

Deep in the Everfree Forest

"Hey hurry up so we can go home!" A griffin called to his friend as he started to pack a sleeping bag into a rucksack. His gray feathers and black fur blended well with the darkness of the forest. A scar ran across his right eye and beads that breaded though a part of his mane that hung over his left eye. He wore a dark green vest that let his wing out from the back along with a set of wraps on his back legs.

"We wouldn't be in a hurry if you didn't go trigger happy!" The friend Yelled back; a second male griffin with a gray fur on his body and wings, yet white that took his neck and head. He wore a brown duster over a black shirt. His right claw was mostly covered by the sleeve of his coat but the metal that it was made from caught some of the moonlight that came from the canopy of the forest as he worked on a small round orb.

"I did what I thought needed to be done. You saw one of them was a soldier of Nightmare Moon."

"That doesn't explain why you shot the griffin! You might as well light up our camp at that point. Damn it we only needed to lay low and you go and mucked it up!" He yelled as he started at the other griffin

"It was your idea to make a jump, not me! We get caught here by anyone and we are looking at facing some hard time. I left them alive by the way... like you asked." The darker one said lowering his tone as he stood up and crossed his arms. Though his friend stood taller and had more of a build to him he didn't show any sign of backing down.

"Murder isn't looked at the same way as it is back home... we get caught with jumping realms and murder we might as well turn our own weapons on ourselves because I'm not about to find out what happens... no matter what side catches us." He then shook his head. "I'm not going to try and run from two sides..."

The darker one closed his eyes as he gave a deep sigh. "Just get the damn thing ready so we can go back."
As the two started back to work they found themselves blinded by a bright light. Covering their eye's they could barely see the four beings that stood in the clearing by their camp.

Author's Note

This is a link leading to a deviantart journal that gives a thank you to those who are letting me use their OC's in my fanfiction.

http://fangofwolf.deviantart.com/journal/

Follow the links there to some awesome MLP art and first hand looks at the OC's brought in at the end.

(Edit-made a few edits....)

Thank you for reading

More Questions... very few answers

Their heads pounded as they picked themselves off the ground. Trixie's breath was heavy from exhaustion as she made sure her book and gem was still with her.

“That sucked!” Gilda screamed as she held her side and head.

“Well we escaped at least.” Octavia added as she looked herself over.

Dirk went over to help Trixie up. As he nudged her she started to blush before stepping away. “Trixie does not need or asked for your help!”

“Great... she's back to the third person again...” Gilda grumbled as she rested against a tree.

Dirk only huffed as he limped over to Gilda for a rest. “We camp for a night... just catch our breath...” He started to take off his armor starting with his chest plate and shoulders.

“We're in the middle of the Everfree Forest with no supplies and you want to sleep here?” Octavia screamed.

“My leg is killing me...”

“I'm with him. I think my stitches on my side have reopened.” Gilda looked down as the bandage was light red in blood where she was holding it.

“This is bloody insane! I was meant to play for royal guest. Now I'm running from guards a-” Octavia started only to be interrupted by Gilda.

“Shut up! You might as well hold up an 'eat me' sign.”

“If anything we should start a fire to help keep the animals and the night’s cold away.” Trixie said to help get their minds off fighting and back to the situation. “With two injured and the fact I'm weak from that last spell a moments to rest is needed.”

Octavia gritted her teeth as she took a few deep breaths to clam herself down. Loosening her pink bow tie she started over to Trixie. “Right... we rest and get to the bottom of this like you said. Just need to relax.”

Trixie raised a brow at this. “You... want to stay here. I can go get the wood myself if you need some sleep.”

“No I'll be fine... besides it's dangerous to go alone out here.”

“Nonsense! I The Great and Powerful Trixie has braved these woods alone more than once.”

“Yeah well those times there wasn't something dangerous enough for the princesses to cover up.” Gilda added in a matter of fact tone. “Going alone is a stupid idea. Don't you watch horror movies?”

“I have to agree with her. Those timber wolves might be nearby as well.” Dirk added.

Trixie sighed as she shifted her bag around on her back. “I don't want to leave two injured alone. Octavia can stay and help set up a watch. I can handle myself if I get attacked.”

Giving a painful grunt Dirk got back on his hooves as he went over to Trixie. “Thanks for the concern but putting yourself at risk like that isn't necessary. It shouldn't take long to gather a few sticks right? Gilda rest up while Octavia stand guard then later tonight we change shift. Simple as that...” He then noticed how Trixie was looking as his bandage. Like Gilda's he had blood leaking though. “It's nothing... Octavia should take a look at Gilda's wound.”

“Fine... we only need enough wood for the night.” Trixie waited as Dirk put his armor back on before following her.

Taking a seat next to Gilda she let out a sigh as she watched the two walk off into the tree line.

“I'm with you on how wack all of this is. I-I'm... umm.... I-I'm...” Gilda looked away as she rubbed the back of her head.

“What is it?”

“It's just that I feel like it's my fault for getting you and Trixie into this. Now we have this Dirk guy too. I-I should have came to the castle alone.”

Octavia only chuckled. “No love it's not your fault at all. One way or another it would have gotten back to us too. Trixie because she still found you in the woods and me for eavesdropping.” She then looked to the tree line to try and find any stars though it. “I was just upset because... I know we have no control over anything that’s happening. We're all in for this little ride...”

This time Gilda chuckled. “Looks that way...” Letting out a small grunt she moved herself to get the weight off her aching side. “You’re not too bad for a band geek.”

“I'll try and take that as a complement.” Laughed Octavia, the two sat in silents, both failing to notices the two strangers creeping up on them.

“This would be easier if you let me use a light spell.”

“You’re weak from that last one so just rest up. Besides I can see in the dark.” He then pointed a hoof to his eyes.

Trixie huffed as she cast a spell that made the tip of her horn glow. “This is a spell even a magic kindergartner can cast.” She scolded as she levitated a stick and placed it with the others on her saddlebag.

Dirk chuckled. “Magic Kindergarten?”

“Yes well... I never went myself but it's where unicorn fillies go to learn the basics of magic.”

“So it’s like flight camp for pegasi?”

“I guess so...” She then looked at his bat like wings. “I'm guessing you went to one yourself.”

“Not a normal one. Mine was kind of an early military exam for my kind.” He looked over to see Trixie raise a brow at this. With a sigh he continued. “Bat pegasi like me have sworn our loyalty to Princess Luna even after her banishment to the moon. Though Luna herself can cast a spell to turn a normal Pegasus into one of us there are few like me that are blood born. When it comes to learning to fly for a blood born bat pegasi we also go through a kind of boot camp to prepare for service to Princess Luna.”

“So from birth you’re to serve her Highness?”

“Well we don't have to, but...” Again he sighed. before taking a stick and adding it to the bundle on Trixies back. “She can be so lonely... it's her biggest fear. I think knowing she will always have our loyalty helps in that. It feels good to be a part of that too.” Trixie smiled a bit as she looked into his green cat like eyes. Her cheeks felt hot as she noticed his cocky grin and raised brow. “What?”

“N-nothing! We have enough for the night. Let’s get a fire started and get some rest.”

“Yeah let’s head back.”

Coming back to the camp they found Gilda and Octavia still by the tree. Both sitting back to back and they watched the two. “Sorry we took so long.” Dirk said as Trixie used her magic to start stacking the wood. Dirk began to undo the armor on his hooves when he noticed the two were still not moving or talking. This caught Trixies attention as well.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just stay calm... we just wanna talk.” From the other side of the tree came a griffin wearing a brown duster. He oddly walked very well on his hind legs as he held up his upper arms. They were shocked as his right arm was mechanical, made from a brass looking metal.

“You're the one that attacked me and the other griffin over there?” Dirk asked as he started to shield Trixie.

“No that would be me.” A darker Griffin holding a strange weapon said from behind them. The weapon was a long metal barrel that fit into a wooden stock. It had mechanical parts to it that neither of them seen before. “Get over by your friends, no sudden moves!” he then pointed the weapon at them. Both ponies back over to Gilda and Octavia.

“How many other guards did you bring with you?” Asked the one in the duster. “Also how did you show up out of thin air?”

“I remember the guard and the griffin.” The darker one said. “They're the ones I shot down some nights back. So you two start talking.”

“I-I'm a musician...” Octavia answered in a shaken voice.

“I am... was a traveling show mare. I found Gilda in the woods after she was attacked.” Trixie said.

The darker one started to chuckle as he lowered his weapon. “A Nightmare Moon guard, two show ponies and a random griffin, you’ve got to be kidding me?”

“How about you explain why your here!” Gilda exclaimed as she tried to get up only to have the weapon aimed at her.

“Are you from the Griffin Kingdom, trying to mount some attack?” Dirk asked as his eye's narrowed.

“NO! No no... Look we didn't wanna come here in the first place. In fact we're working on a way home now. My trigger happy friend here though you were some kind of guard searching for us.”

“I was sent to look for missing animals but I saw their fates...”

“We got hungry...” The darker one explained as both Trixie and Octavia gagged.

“You've yet to explain why your here in Equestria.” Trixie then started. “If you’re not here for some kind of attack and you that you’re not here by choice then why?”

The two griffins looked to each other. “We really can't say. Look its best if you all go home an-”

“We can't because thanks to you the Princesses are trying to lock us up so what happen here doesn’t get out.” Gilda screamed. This time the one in the duster cursed as he started to pace.

“Damn Harpy you should have just listened to me!”

“For all I knew she could have been a Specter that followed us and the guard could have found us. I did what I thought was needed to buy you some time. It's your fault for jumping here in the first place and breaking th-”

“Don't you put the blame on me, don’t you dare...”

Trixie felt Dirk nudge her. Looking over he was motioning his head to the weapon in Harpy's claws. He wasn't paying attention as he fought with his friend. Trixie took a deep breath as her horn glowed.

“I swear Lore I'm going t-” Harpy only caught the glow on his barrel before it forced itself up as it knocked his beak. Dirk lunged at him, knocking him on his back, knocking his weapon to the side. Lore started to his aid only to be bucked by Octavia. Stumbling he was then tackled by Gilda who started punching him.

Harpy was able to block Dirks hoof from hitting his face as started to overpower him and reverse it so he was now on top. Raising a fist he yelped in pain as Trixie shot a spell into his back. Falling over Dirk moved his hoof to part of his armor as a blade attached to his hoof. He held it to Harpy's neck as Trixie ready another spell.

Gilda grabbed Lore's under shirt as she kept punching him. She screeched as Lore punched her wound. Doing it a second time Lore kicked her off as he stood back up.

“I hear something over here!” A voice called out.

“Don't let them get away this time!”

“Damn... Harpy we need to go!” Lore exclaimed as he pulled out a silver orb from his coat. Twisting the top, it open to show a dark blue crystal held inside.

“You're not going anywhere!” Trixie yelled as she fired her spell.

“Wai-” A blinding white light flashed as Princess Celestia's guards started into the clearing. The earth around the site was burnt yet cold as ice to the touch.

Trixie could hear music and cheering as she started to come around. It sounded like it was coming from outside. She could feel that she was in a bed. The room smelled of spices and fruits. “This is the second time I've been knocked out like this...”

“I think she's coming to!”

“Octavia? Thank goodness she's okay. I hope everyone else is too.”

“Between her, Lore and Gilda they took the most of that blast. I'll check on Gilda and see if she's recovered.” Dirk said as his hooves clopped on the hardwood floor. A door shut as Octavia lay a cool, wet cloth on Trixies head. She slowly opened her eyes to be greeted by a smirk.

“Welcome back to the land of the living.”

“What happen?” Trixie then started to panic as she looked for her bag. “Where is my gem and book?”

“Relax; it's setting right behind me. We are trying to piece together information. Those two griffins brought us to a camp. They said they'll be back with answers after they report in with someone.”

Trixie started to get up with Octavia's help. She could tell she was in a wagon after looking around. It was filled with barrels and different herbs hug from the ceiling by strings to dry. Unmarked Bottles filled with red and clear liquids sat on shelves along one of the walls. For some odd reason Trixie felt at home. “You seem to be taking this quite well.”

“Oh you missed my mental break down. I think you might have gotten a laugh or two from it.” Putting on her bag the two headed outside. Trixie gasped as ponies of all types, griffins, even diamond dogs laughed and sang around fires as the band played. Wagons formed a circle around the camp as they danced and drank. They all wore colorful garments and jewelry. The band played a mix of string instruments, drums, and tambourines.

“A gypsy camp?”

“You know them?”

“No... My mother talked about them all the time. Growing up she told tails of travailing with large camps like this.”

The gypsy's cheered as a pony bough out another barrel. A Griffin opened the top as everyone took their cups and filled them to the brims.

“They seem like a... colorful bunch.”

“Ah! You’re awake at last!” A unicorn said as he stumbled over to them. He was using his magic to carry a large mug. “Here drink in good health. Wine is good for soul and mind.” He levitated the mug over the mares only to have both of them turned their noises to it. “No? Ah more for me!” He brought it to his lips as he gulped it down. Finishing with a sigh he then started to stumble. “Your friends are waiting for you up the hill.” He then pointed a hoof at a wagon parked just above the tree line. “Now if you excuse me I'm going to have myself a good time.” He then started after an earth mare as he put a hoof around her, making her giggle as he started flirting with her.

“Let's hurry and find the others...” Octavia said in a dead pan tone. “I don't think I can hold myself back if I get pawed on like that.”

“Yes... let's get going.”

The two mares’s walked side by side up the hill. None of the gypsy's seemed to take mind to them as they kept partying. Once at the wagon Trixie felt a small bit of relief as the elder mare stepped out. “Greetings heroes... well from the looks of it I have a lot of explaining to do. Octavia I hope you can keep from another panic attack.”

“How... do you know my name? For that matter who are you?”

The elder mare only chuckled as she turn and headed into the wagon. “Your friends Gilda and Dirk are waiting for you inside. Harpy and Lore should be back in the morning. Till then I need to inform you on this world and your roll in it.”

As the elder mare went inside, Octavia started to take deep breaths. “T-Trixie... what's going on?”

“We'll find out...” Trixie said with a sigh.

Author's Note

Images of the two OC's here are the links in number order as they appeared in the fiction. Be sure to read the link to the blog for who belongs to who and what not...

1- http://foxinshadow.deviantart.com/#/art/Gryphon-Gryphon-336976869?hf=1

2- http://foxinshadow.deviantart.com/art/The-Crow-341156201

Also a big thank you to everyone here- http://fangofwolf.deviantart.com/journal/

Welcome to a new land

Meanwhile in Equestria

Princess Celestia's eyes grew wide as she finally entered the throne room. Luna's guards were bound and lined against one of the walls. Spears pointed at them as their eyes kept to the ground.

“Tell us why!” One of her guards boomed.

“We were looking out for one of our own...” A female guard of the night spoke with a growl.

“Orders where to place him under arrest along with the other three.”

“Under what charges?” Cried an older male night guard. “We don't put innocent ponies in our cells!”

“You dare question and disobey orders from Princess Celestia?”

“Enough!” Celestia boomed. “Release them at once! Where is my sister?”

“Excuse me your highness...” An orange unicorn with a checklist Cutie Mark said with a bow as he entered the room behind her. “I asked your guards to hold her in her room. When you responded to my letter with orders to have the three trouble makers and that disobedient guard arrested I took immediate action with use of your men.”

“My orders were to hold them in there rooms till I returned.” Celestia then said in a surprisingly calm tone. “I said nothing about arresting them!”

“Do forgive me your highness. They were too violent to be honest! The griffin herself threaten to rip my throat out before I wrote you. I only took your orders to a higher level to not only keep you and your sister safe but your guest as well.”

“You fool! Do you know what you caused!” The princess scream.

“Why don't you tell us dear sister?” Princess Luna almost growled. “Tell us all what your keeping secret from us!”

Celestia lowered her gaze before heading to the center of the room. “I was hoping for Twilight to finish her study’s before something like this happen. Dear sister... do you remember the banishment of Albion?”

As Trixie entered the wagon she was relieved to find Gilda sitting on a pillow near the back. Dirk had his armor off as he looked over his blades. He looked up with a smile as the two mares entered. “Good to see your in one piece.” He said as the elder mare waited for everyone to settle in.

“Barely...” Trixie returned as she sat next to him. Octavia joined Gilda in the back.

“I'm sorry if it seems that all you keep getting the short end of the stick.” The elder mare started.

“Hey how about you tell us who you are and where the hell we're at?” Gilda boomed.

“My name is Theresa; you are in the nation of Albion. This land has long been banished from the same realm as Equestria by Queen Gaia long before her daughters took rule for her.” She paused as everyone kept silent.

No one even blinked until everyone in unison said “What?”

She chuckled to herself as she started for the door. “Lore can explain for me.” She then open it just as if Lore himself was about to reach for it. “Could you please explain what brought them to this realm for me?”

“Um yeah... I came here to do that actually. Everyone outside please.” Lore escorted the group down the hill opposite of the gypsy camp. Harpy lay in the back of a wagon as he watched the clouds. When the group came down he pulled the same silver orb from his coat. Opening it he took out a yellow crystal. “Years ago these started appearing in clusters.” He then threw it out into the open as a large, blue, electrical surge exploded. Everyone jumped but the two male griffins. “They hold a magical energy able of copying unicorn spells if used right. The crystal that blue unicorn there hit with her magic was rare. We stole it from the Specter's a few days ago. The spell it copy's is unlike anything kept on record. It's able to open a rift between your realm and ours. Yet it's only able to do this for three beings at a time. Her hitting it with a spell however apm up the effects.” Trixie slumped at this.

“So it's my fault we're here...” Both Gild and Octavia looked over to her.

“I-it was an accident... you where trying to stop them from getting away.” Octavia said with heavy smile.

“Yeah don't get yourself too worked up over it.” Gilda added as she nudged Trixie. Earning a grin from the blue mare.

Lore cleared his throat. “Mind if I continue? Like I said... rare...” He then put the orb back in his coat. “The last mining of it was in the Citadel. Test with it are very limited as well. Last one recorded dates back almost a thousand years. Kind of a shame... this freak accident is the most eyeopening to what they can do.”

“So all we need is to get more of that and we can go home?” Octavia asked.

“Hello! R-a-r-e... rare!”

This point Harpy claimed down from the wagon, his weapon on his back. He ignored the glares from Gilda as he pointed to a tree. “Watch that spot right there.” Taking his weapon to his shoulder he pointed it at the tree. Cocking back the mechanical part he pulled the trigger as a loud crack filled the air. The trunk of the tree bust and splintered, leaving a large hole in it. The group kept silent as he held it up over his head. “This is called a rifle. I can tell by the way you guys talk about it you never seen one before. This is what I shot you two with that night. It can hit a moving target at one hundred yards. In the holds of a trained soldier it can hit farther then that. Mine can be fired four times before being reloaded. It is expensive and rarely used outside of the military unless you got the cash.” He then reached into his backpack and took what look like a smaller version of his rifle. “This is a pistol... it can hit a target from half that of the rifle unless your me.” He aimed at the tree and fired it as the same affect happen. “This is a military grade weapon that can fire twice before reloading. Point I'm getting at is these weapons are used by the Specters. Getting another means having to fight a endless army with these. We barely made it out alive with a group of fifteen. We had to use a crystal just to escape. The only survivors... Bringing us to this point.”

“Your military?” Trixie asked.

“We are part of a resistance who have been trying to take down the Citadel's control. As of late its been a stand still.”

“Then your telling us there is no way for us to get home? We are stuck here!” Gild exclaimed.

“We... may have a way to get you home.” Lore quickly added. “It's a long shot and we will need time to work on it.”

“What then?” Trixie asked.

“There are ways to grow the crystals. The effects aren't as strong but a copy of one might work if we try.”

“So till then...” Octavia started to ask.

“Till then we are going to make sure your safe as we find the information we need.” Lore finished.

Harpy grumbled something under his breath.

“What was that?” Gilda snapped.

“I'm...” He grumbled some more. “I'm... kinda... Why the hell did I end up in this kind of crap!”

“He's trying to say sorry for shooting you two and that he is going to try and make it up. Right?” Lore said as Harpy grumbled some more. “Those gypsy’s agree to let us hide in their camp for a few night's.

“What about your resistance? Don't the two of you need to get back to your fight?” Dirk asked.

“You're our responsibility... we don't need you guys getting killed because you don't know how this land works.” Harpy answered as he started for the camp.

Lore sighed as he watched his friend walk away. Theresa was walking down the hill towards the group. Trixie ran over to her. Her teeth greeted as she was face to face with her “How dose this work? Why drag them into this? I-I never wanted anypony to be in danger because of me! That weapon... it... a-and magic with out unicorns...”

“This land is going though some dark times indeed. As Lore and Harpy have yet to explained the Citadel and their Specters have enslaved most of Albion. Though there are those who choose to fight back.”

“But why us? Why them? Couldn't it have been just me?”

“You will understand as you continue your time here why going alone isn't the way to find what your looking for. Soon you will come to make choices that will affect this world greatly. Far more then you will even understand at the time.” Trixie started to cry only to have Theresa wipe her tears away. “But that strong will of yours should pull you through. As much as I want to give you the answers you alone must find them. Only then will you grow into the Hero I can see you as...” Trixie quickly gathered herself as Octavia and Gilda joined them.

“You okay love?”

“Hey we should rest up for now. Kinda funny as all we seem to do is get knocked out.” Gilda ended with a chuckle.

“I'll join you guys in a bit. I need some time alone...”

“I'm sorry to say that maybe a bad idea.” Dirk started as Lore followed behind him. “You saw those weapons. Stay close to the camp.”

“I wasn't about to walk aimlessly around the woods or anything.” Trixie grumbled.

“If anything tomorrow I should teach you three how to handle a sword. Also I can't believe I'm saying this but... that rifle and pistol thing might come in handy as well.” Dirk said as he got Lore's attention.

“Might not be a bad idea. I'll have Harpy get a few training tools.”

“This sounds like where getting ready to stay here for the long run.” Octavia said with a worried look.

“Me and Harpy are going to do everything we can to get you guys home. You have our word on that!” Lore exclaimed. “Just... well let's keep it at your visiting at a bad time. Learning how to fight should help balance the odds better.”

“You don't sugar coat things very well...” Gilda commented.

“I'm not trying to...”

“If we're going to start training tomorrow then I might as well join those guys back at the party.” Gilda then started back up the hill.

“That's going to go well... train with a hangover. I'd give anything for a cup of tea right now though.” Octavia said as she followed. “You coming Trixie?” She then stopped as she looked back at the blue mare.

Theresa only smiled as Trixie followed her new friend. “Train well hero...”

Training Begins

The gypsy's started to calm down as the night went on. They still played music as a few paper lanterns light the camp. Children ready for bed, the adults cleaned and started setting nightly shifts. Octavia brought the tea kettle over to the table as Trixie study her book. “To think that tomorrow we will be studying in sword play.” She said making a cup for the both of them.

“You excited?”

“Maybe a little; at first I was freaking out about everything but those two griffins seem to know what they’re doing. We are safe and that's all I need to know.”

“Just remember we're learning to fight because this is a dangerous place we find ourselves in.” Octavia didn't say anything in response. Taking a drink she closed her eyes as the band played a slower song. “Sorry I...”

“No your right we need to keep our guard up if we want to see home again.” The two sat in silents till Gilda joined them. A bottle of red wine and three mugs were brought over to them by a Diamond Dog.

“That meal was just as good as what we ate back in the castle.” Gilda said as she rubbed her belly. “I'm glad we're going to start working off some of that good eats.” This light the mood as they all shared a chuckle.

“I wanted to ask you before but why were you in the Griffin Kingdom; Visiting family or something? You even said something about staying there.” Trixie asked

“My father still lives there. I kind of had some bad things happen and I really didn't feel welcome in Equestria anymore so I was thinking of moving in with him.”

“What happen? The only thing I remember hearing about you was you got anger at a party.” Octavia added.

“Yeah well I'll admit I was a total jerk when I showed up. I was in Ponyville visiting a friend and this annoying cotton headed pony showed up. I just wanted her to go away! Like I said I was a total jerk and that so called friend decided she wanted nothing to do with me. Choosing a bunch of lame-o's over me. I... worked on my anger and tried to make up for before but she won’t even talk to me now. Then the few times I was in Ponyville after that I got the cold shoulder from everyone there!” At this point she poured herself a mug of wine and took a big gulp from it. “So I just said screw it! If that’s how they wanted it then I was going someplace I could be accepted.”

“But you came back?” Octavia asked with a raised brow

“I've lived in Cloudsdale for close to four years. I have a job and a few good friends still. It's a little hard to leave a place you call home.” The table grew quite as both Trixie and Octavia poured themselves a mug of wine as well. “What about you Trixie?”

“What do you mean?”

“You were looking for something to make you more powerful when you found me in those woods. What's the story behind that?”

Trixie kept her eye's to the table as she took a drink of wine. “Well before that I was on my way to get an amulet that would have done what I wanted. Then Theresa stopped me and told me that I could find something better if I took that trail leading to Ponyville.”

“Why do you want power so bad?”

“I...” She couldn't get herself to answer. She felt the shame run deep though her.

“You don't have to answer.” Octavia said to her.

“No it's only fair...” Trixie then took another drink from her wine. “I wanted to get back at Twilight Sparkle. I blame her for everything that went wrong and if I could just upstage her like she did to me then...” She went silent as she study the two, waiting for them to get upset at her.”

“The way her friends heckled you I wouldn't blame you.” Trixie blinked a few times in shock as Octavia spoke. “But at the same time revenge seems petty. Couldn't you have just started a new show?”

“Anytime I tried I would have been laughed and run out of town. Even when I would stop into town just for supply’s I would get the idea I wasn't welcome. I made my living off my act and it was all taken from me that night.”

“Well you did have quite the bloated ego from what I heard. The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Gilda mocked as she even held herself the way Trixie did.

“I was a show mare! I couldn't walk on stage with a name like The Normal and Average Trixie.” Octavia was in the middle of drinking when Trixie said this, causing her to spit a bit back into the mug from laughing. “Unlike you I don't have a homeland I could just move to, or a town that I called home. I'm a traveler meaning my wagon was home. That gone and the fact I my reputation is gone I can't even be a beggar on the streets.

“See that's the bull I'm sick of!” Gilda almost screamed. “You mess up and no matter how hard you try you can't get a hint of forgiveness.”

“That's not true! Look at Princess Luna or that dragon Spike that follows Twilight around.” Octavia exclaimed. “Spike came close to destroying the town once.”

“Yeah easy to be forgiven when you’re a princess or a friend with someone who kisses their ass!” Octavia was about to correct Gilda but found herself at a loss for words. With a sigh she downed the rest of her wine. Gilda grabbed the bottle too and empty what was left into her mug. “I'm going to get another bottle.”

After an hour three empty bottles sat on the table along with Octavia’s head as she spoke. “I-its crap! You guys got the crappiest of crap ends of the stick! Gilda you... you might have been a bit of a jerk but you... you’re good when you’re not a jerk...” Gilda just sat silently as she blankly looked at her mug. “Trixie you are a show mare! You are entertaining from what I saw of your show. Y- hick you had hecklers and you p-put them in their place like any show pony would.” Trixie wasn't sitting at the table but was lying in the grass next to it as she looked at the stars. “If I had some pony heckle me like that when I played I'd have to stop the show.”

“Why?” Trixie asked.

“My cello would be broken... over their head. Y-y-you even put that Rarity in her place! You know what she said about my tie once? Tacky!” At this point Octavia slide off the table and join Trixie on the ground. “Also like Rainbow Dash had any room to talk about egos!”

“Screw you Rainbow dash!” Gilda screamed out of the blue. “Stupid... stupid...dumb...ass” She then went back to watching her mug.

“Buck'em all!” Trixie screamed too as a few gypsies yelled for them to be quite from their wagons.

“Ah good to see you all are prepping for training tomorrow. I'm sure the hangovers will aid you well when learning how to handle a sword.” Dirk said in a sarcastic tone as he walked over to the table.

“I-I don't feel good...” Gilda said as she started to fall backwards. Dirk blinked a few times before looking up at the sky. The moons glow was enough to light up the woods.

“You three should get some sleep. Umm... guys?” Walking over to Trixie he poked her with his hoof to find she was fast asleep. With a sigh he went for help to get the three sleeping girls to bed.

“A-am I the only one who hears drums?” Trixie asked as she stood next to the wagon of training weapons.

“I'm hearing bells.” Gilda added from the ground next to her along with Octavia.

“If thumping counts then yes... drums.” Octavia mumbled.

“Drink your canteens to help your hangovers. We don't plan on going easy on you three.” Dirk said with a chuckle as he looked over the different weapons the two male griffins brought in the wagon.

“If you three went to the same training camp as me I'd have you sweating out that alcohol with a ten mile run.” Harpy said in anger as he took a few practice dummies out. “We start when Lore gets here with the ammo so maybe we do have time for that.” The three females groaned as Harpy then started to line up a set of racks full of weapons and shields. “I think starting you off with weapons you'd see even townsfolk walk around with is a good start.”

“Why's that?” Trixie asked.

“First off because they don't bring attention to you, also their made for everyone to use.”

At this point Lore flew down with two boxes in his claws and a bag hanging from his neck. “This should cover it for two days of training. Bullets, bolts, arrows, and slugs.”

“Did you bring Augments?” Harpy asked.

“Nope, I think they should get to know a weapon first before augmenting one.”

“What is an augment?” Octavia interrupted.

“Kinda what I showed you yesterday. They add a... effect to your weapon.” Lore answered before picking up a sword. “Think of adding the sting of lightning to this blade.” He then grabbed a pistol. “Or a burst of fire to your shot.”

“Heck yeah, I want one of those!” Gilda exclaimed as she took a sword.

“Worry about learning how to use a normal blade before augmenting one. Besides you can't augment just any weapon. It's kind of weird to get into but for the most part a bullet is a bullet, a blade is a blade. Kills like any other.” Harpy added. “Now take a blade and let’s get to training.” The three girls took a sword from the racks. Both Trixie and Octavia took the handles in their mouths as Gilda took hers in her talons. “I guessed as much. I'll have Dirk take you two to the side. Gilda I'm going to be working with you. You had any kind of weapon training at all?”

“My dad’s military so I learned a thing or two over the summer's I stayed with him.”

As Harpy took Gilda over to the dummy's he set up before Dirk took both mares to the side. “Try taking the blade in your forehoove. I know holding it in your mouth feels more natural but this way you can have more range and control. After a while we can go back to holding it in your mouth. This way I can maybe show you how to dual or even triple wield.”

“What?” both mares asked before he took a small blade in both hooves and a third in his mouth as he stood on his back legs.

“If's a liffle hard af fist buf I finks you can do if.” He then put the three blade back in there sheaths. “But for now let’s stick to basics. Let me see you on your hind legs.” No sooner did he say this both mares were standing strength up. Neither of them showed any difficulty with it. “That's... way better than I thought you'd be at this.”

“Well we are both show mares.” Trixie started with a chuckle. “Standing like this comes natural.”

“Okay try taking hold of your blades.” He was surprised as again both showed little struggle to do so. “Let me guess; comes with the act?”

“I hold a cello and bow for a living.” Octavia said in a chuckle

“Was there ever any doubt?” Trixie said in a cocky tone.

“You're making my job easy here. How's Gilda do-”

Dirk was cut off as he watched Gilda stab a sword right though the neck of a dummy griffin. She tried to pull it out only to find it stuck. “Um...” She then backed away.

“To be fair if I watched someone stab a sword though my buddies throat hard enough to get it stuck I doubt I'm going to wanna fight them anymore.” Lore joked.

The camp was quieting down for the night Trixie kept practicing. She hit the dummy with the same drills she learn that morning as Gilda walked up.

“Soon you will come to make choices that will affect this world greatly. Far more then you will even understand at the time.”

“You know training is done for the day right?”

“But that strong will of yours should pull you through.”

“Tomorrow we're going to learn how to shoot those rifles and pistols. I've fired a bow and arrow and a crossbow with my dad but those things... gezz...”

“As much as I want to give you the answers you alone must find them. Only then will you grow into the hero I can see you as...”

“A hero...”

“Dirk is on fire, I lost all my feathers, and Octavia is pregnant.”

“W-what?”

“Finally! I've been talking to you and you’re lost in whatever you’re doing here.”

“I just want to make sure I got this down.”

“Well for one you’re losing a lot of strength in your blows by not following though. When you’re hitting it try cutting like you’re going to go right though.”

Trixie followed her advice as she noticed more power in her strikes. “Thank you for the advice.”

“Come on! Relax and come back to camp.”

“Unlike you my father wasn't in the military and trained me over the summers. I need to make sure I can hold my own!”

Gilda watched Trixie for a while as it seemed she gave up on technique and was just smacking the dummy out of anger. “The only reason I even trained with my dad was because he wanted me to join and follow in his footsteps.”

“Is that another reason you wanted to go to the Griffin Kingdom; join the military and become a guard?” Trixie asked as Gilda took the sword from her and took place in front of the dummy. “No, I told you I was going to move there because I couldn't shake being looked at as some monster.” She then started attacking the dummy with the same drills. “I guess if I moved in with my dad then I would have...”

“You don't sound happy about doing that.”

“I'm not! I enjoyed the training and time with my dad but I'm not into the idea of commenting to that kind of life. I mean it takes a special kind of griffin to do what he does.” At this point Gilda stop doing drills as she stabbed the dummy and left the sword in it.

“You defiantly have the skill.”

“My dad said if he was going to teach me, he would teach me right. Look you said you want to hold your own. But we are going to be working together so don't stress too much. We have your back.” Trixie was at a loss for words as the griffin then started for the camp. “Let's get back before dark. Dirk and Octavia might get worried.”

Hidden in the woods four figures watched from the tree line as the two went back up the hill.

The sun was barely up when the girls were woken for training. Harpy set up twelve targets out in the field, each a different color and distance. “I know it seems we are rushing this training but the camp moves tomorrow. Getting the basics for now should be enough. Once we get closer to the village we can get into more advance stuff.” He then went to the table with four pistols and rifles set on it. “Today I'm going to see how you handle the basic break pistol and rifles used by most folks.”

“Break?” Trixie asked. “That's not a very reassuring name.”

“Don't let the name fool you. Its name comes from how you load it.” Picking up a pistol he hit a lever on the top that as the name suggested broke open the pistol by a hinge.” This weapon replaced black powder weapons and equaled the use of firearms for ponies by how easy it is to load. They come in single and double barrels.” He then took a bullet off the table and loaded it as he closed the pistol. Aiming down range he then fired at one of the targets, hitting it in the middle of the bulls-eye. “They have a medium range and descent stopping power. Now for you ponies you’re going to need a brace.” He then had Dirk come over as he then took a metal and leather device and strapped it to his right front leg. The brace had three small claws on it. As Dirk held it to the pistol he bent his forehoof in a way to make the three claws grip around the stock of the weapon. He then aimed the pistol at a target and fired to hit close to the edge of the target.”

“Not bad for a nights practice. I hit paper at least.” He commented before making the brace move the pistol higher up his arm and flipping it so he could put his hoof down and not have the barrel go into the earth. “Just a fare warning but the brace takes a little getting use to. That's why we are starting so early today. It took me a couple of hours of Lore teaching me.”

“Why can't I just use my magic to aim it?” Trixie asked.

“You're going to have to break relaying on your magic in combat. You lose ability of your magic that brace is what’s going to save you. Also there are those who will aim just for your horn to make sure you can't use magic.” Trixie gulped at Harpy's words. “I have braces for both you mare and a holster for Gilda.”

“What about the rifles, we need the brace for those too?”

“No, just be able to stand and aim for the most part. The brace can make it easier though. That's why we are starting with pistols so you can get comfortable with it.”

Dirk showed the two mares how to equip the brace so training could start.

Trixie was joined on the top of the hill with Gilda and Octavia as they watched the sunset. Both mares still wore the braces as Gilda had her shoulder holster. “Did you hit anything?” She asked the two. “I think I would be lucky enough to hit the side of a barn... even if I was standing in it.”

“Harpy said he'll have lore bring crossbows till we learn to use the pistols and rifles better.” Octavia said with a sigh.

“I know I'm a better aim with one of those. The recoil on those is ridicules.” Gilda commented.

Down below the men started to move the wagon of weapons back to the camp. Both Lore and Harpy pulled as Dirk help to load the target. “Even Dirk had a hard time. I hope we can grow one of those crystals soon.” Trixie then started back to camp. “I've been putting off studying my magic for this new training. I'll be back in the wagon if anyone needs me.”

She took her time getting back to the wagon to find Theresa was gone. She had to admit she was impressed by her wagon and thankful Theresa was letting them stay in it. Unrolling her sleeping bag she took her book out of the saddle bag to find her gem gone. Panicking she started to look though the wagon. Taking time to clam herself she spotted a blue light outside the window. Grabbing the saddle bag she put the brace in and headed outside as the light went deeper into the woods. Chasing after it she stopped as Theresa called to her.

“It's not safe to go alone hero.”

“My mother's gem is floating away!” Looking over at the wagon of training weapons she levitated a pistol, sword and a small bag of ammo. “There is no need to endanger the others. I'm getting my gem back before it's lost.”

Theresa only shook her head as Trixie went after the light. “The hard way it is then.”

Author's Note

Not a lot to say for now...

I will bump this fic to mature next chapter though for reasons I can't give just yet!

Also if someone can let me know if the links a re working and if not how to get them to work. Like I said i used the FAQ but yet to see anything change.

Oh and yes there is three different spellings of griffin. MLP spells it griffion... I like griffin because that spelling bugs me less... so blah

Losing Innocence

A blue blur was all she could see thought the trees as she galloped after the gem. The dark woods seem to get thicker as she kept her eyes on the prize. This kept going till the light stopped, then seem to go straight into the ground. Trying to come to a sudden halt she found her hoof go straight though the soft earth and down a pit. Her screams echoed as she hit the water with a splash. Confused she used her light spell to look around the cave. The only other light was from the moon coming down from the pits opening as she swam for a spot of dry land she found. Coughing a few times before shaking off the water she looked for the gems light. “One crazy thing after another isn't it?” She told herself before levitating the pistol out of her saddle bag. Loading it with a slug and setting it to her brace she started down the cave. She didn't think she needed it but the little training and knowledge of this new world she had it was better safe than sorry. The cave was oddly huge from what she could make from the light given off her horn. A few skeletons of animals that fell down the same hole lay on the ground. Her guess was the vines grown over the pit after each fallen animal. She cursed herself for not watching where she was going. Though she only hoped to find her way out before meeting the same fate as the animals.

A shiver ran down her body as a breeze hit her. That was her key to getting out, follow the draft and hope it leads to an opening. Levitating the sword next she set it to her hip like Dirk showed her. It may have been a training blade but enough to fend off an attack. Her first objective now was to find her gem. Going down the only tunnel she could find she looked for the blue glow of the gem. She caught a small glimpse of the blue light and went after it. “What is this things problem, I though it took me as its master?” She followed it deeper into the cave.

Behind her the clinging of metal and squeal of rusty gears staring to turn filled the air as the creatures followed not too far behind.

“The guys said they'll be back in the morning before the camp moves out. Lore and Harpy's camp must not be too far away if they made the trip here every day.”

“You'd think Dirk would be tired by now?” Gilda said as she open the door for Octavia.

“It was showing during practice today that he's been neglecting his own health as of late. It’s kind of showing in Trixie as well.” When inside the wagon they noticed everything was turned about in a mess. “What happen here?”

“Hey Trixie!” Gilda called as Theresa approached from behind.

“She left though the woods after her mothers gem.”

“What? S-she didn't go alone did she?”

“Unfortunately she did.”

Gilda growled as she started for the weapon wagon. “That idiot!” She took a pistol, sword, and a round shield along with some ammo. Octavia loaded up as well. “Which way did she go?” Theresa pointed in the way Trixie ran off. “I can track her by air; you take the trails and cover what I can't.”

“Got it!”

Every now and then did Trixie spot the dim blue light reflecting off the damp cave wall. Following it she started to curse at it for leading her so far away from camp. “This must be the stupidities thing I've ever done! The camp is going to leave without me and I'm going to die in this cave if this stupid gem wont-” She found herself cut off as a low mechanical sound started to grow in volume. Turning as she started to ready a spell the noise stopped. With a small gulp she kept the spell ready as she started down the cave aging only for the nose to start again and this time even louder. She fired the spell as she turned. Gears and metal exploded in her spell as the light illuminated the cave. Trixie could now see the mechanical beetles crawling along the walls. Their bronze pincer open with sharp saw like blades snapping as sparks flew from them.

Trixie let out a small cry as she fired another spell at them only to have them take flight. Loosing concentration her light spell went out as she ran down the darken passages. The clanging and scraping of their legs along the stones echoed behind her. Trixie came to a large opening of the cave. The moonlight pouring though the open pit in the earth was enough for Trixie to see she was in a dead end. The beetles started to spread along the walls. She counted eight in total as they circled her.

“Pull it together Trixie! You need to fight your way out, no time to panic...” Drawing her sword she took her stance as a few of them took flight. The first to come at her opened its pincers and ready to close on her. Swinging the bland with what little skill she had hit the beetle’s topside, causing it to tumble past her and hit a rock. The next two flew at her at opposite angles. Trixie quickly jumped back as the two collided into each other. Swinging her blade down on them, she was able to cut their heads off. “I-I'm doing this! I mean The Great and Powerful Trixie shall vanquish you foes one by...” Trailing off she noticed more coming from the tunnel. “One...”

They swarmed the cave as Trixie started firing spells at them. It seems for every one she destroyed another took its place. One took hold of her back before being flung off and hit with her sword. She was outnumbered and they were closing in.

“Back off you metal scrap heaps!” Gilda cried as she landed next to Trixie. A beetle lunged at the two only to be bashed by Gilda's shield before her sword finished it off. “When we get back remind me to kick your flank!” A shot rang out as the slug brushed though Gilda's feathers and into the beetle next to her. “Watch your aim!”

“Sorry!” Octavia called from above as she reloaded.

“How did you find me?” Trixie asked before firing a spell at a group of beetles.

“Your great and loud mouth echoed enough for us to follow.” Gilda answered as she bashed one of the attacking beetles with a downward thrust of her shield.

“What made you come out here in the first place?” Octavia took aim and fired down to hit another beetle that was trying to close in on the two.

“My gem was floating away. I was trying to catch it.” Trixie stabbed her blade into the pincer's of a beetle as it clamped down on it and broke the metal. Taken back by this she quickly fired a spell to melt it.

“Floating? You dip into the wine when you got back?” Gilda threw Trixie her shield just in time for her to block an attacking beetle before Octavia shot it.

“I swear it floated into the forest!”

“I'm running out of ammo up here!” Octavia called down.

Gilda tried to stop an attack before her arm was bitten. Screeching in pain she reeled back her head as she brought her beak down on the beetle, smashing it enough for it to let go. “We can't fight these things like this!”

Trixie made a magic shield around them as she tried to think of a way to get them out. An idea light up in her as she called to Gilda. “I need you to throw the shield!”

“Okay the floating gem part hinted at crazy but that idea of yours takes the cake.”

“Listen! When I drop this spell I need you to throw the shield like a Frisbee. I can do the rest if you can keep them off me.” Gilda was about to argue with her but with her own lack of ideas she took the shield and ready for her cue. Once the pink field was down Gilda chucked the shield as hard as she could before Trixie shot it with a beam from her horn. The shield started to give off different colored sparks as its spinning started to increase. It started to circle around the two as the sparks grew more and more intense. “Now get us out of here!”

“Wh-”

“Get us out of this pit!”

Taking Trixie in her in her arms Gilda leap into the air and with a flap of her wings she got the two just above ground level. Landing on the edge a loud explosion of fireworks sent them to the ground as Octavia leap to cover. “What the bloody hell was that?” Octavia asked as they started to get back up.

“A spell... well more of a previously failed one. When I first started off as a show mare fireworks were out of my price range. I tried to mix two different spells together to make average metal objects into a pyrotechnic show. As you seen the results are violent.”

“I never knew unicorns could mix spells.”

“First thing my mother taught me was that magic is never cut and dry. New spells are learned by trial and error. Just... that spell has yet to get all the errors out of it.”

The three caught their breath before looking down the pit again. The beetles melted from the heat of the spell. Gilda chuckled at this. “Looks like a winner to me.” She then squinted into the darkness. “Now about that gem of yours...” A rustle from the bushes behind them made the group jump.

“More of them?”

“Can't we catch a break?” Gilda cursed before she ready her sword as Trixie formed a shield for them. There was a long silent’s as the three ready for an attack. Gilda was the first to step closer to the bush. “Maybe it was nothing?” The last thing she remembered was a puff of black behind her as the blade struck her back, sending her to the ground before a bolt of electricity hit her.

Trixie was caught off guard until the flash from the spell but was too late to react when the hoof struck her. She could tease the blood in her mouth as she tumbled to the ground. Octavia tried her best to fight back by swinging her sword at the attacker only to have it countered, sending her bland down the pit. The cloaked stallion took hold of her and threw her down the pit as well before starting back over to Trixie who was trying to roll herself to aim at the attacker with the pistol. He knocked her armed hoof with little effort before pinning it to the ground. Trixie screamed in pain as she tried to pull her hoof from under his weight only to have him take a blade and run it across her flank and over her Cutie Mark. The pain got a whimper from Trixie as tears streamed down her cheeks. He seem to be studying her as he watched her cry, a sick smile crossed his lips. Trixie could see the blue glow in his saddlebag as he took the blade off his belt. “Sorry... but this is only my orders.”

Trixie could only gasp as he stabbed the blade between her ribs. She could feel it dig close to her heart as a final tear left her eye. He didn't even pull the blade from her as he started to walk away only to hear the struggle of Octavia as she tried to climb from the pit. He took a pistol from his belt and headed to the pit.

“I'm going to die.” She could see Octavia trying to pull herself up before meeting the barrel of his gun. “No, I can't let this happen!” She tried to move. Her hoof was shaking but the brace still held the pistol. “Don't miss...” Octavia paused as he looked down the sights. “Please!”

Octavia closed her eyes as she waited for the end to come. The bang made her jump; a breeze went past her as she heard a sickening splat from below. Octavia gasped as she looked back down to find the stallion lying dead on the cave floor. “Trixie, Gilda!” Using all her strength she pulled herself out. She was about to take a second to catch her breath when she spotted Trixie. “N-no Trixie!”

A smile crossed her lips when she heard Octavia and Gilda's voice. She felt so warm at that moment. She could hear more voices in the distance.

“Stay with us hero... your story is far from over.”

Author's Note

So... I think I kept it at a teen level with next to no gore....

I'll change it if people think I need to but to be safe I'm adding the tag

Bowerstone

The pain in her chest was a dull throb as Trixie woke in Theresa's wagon. The blankets covering her felt hot as sweat formed on her forehead. She started to sit up before a hoof gently pushed her back down. “Don't try and get up! You’re lucky to even be alive right now.” Octavia warn as she brought her a glass of water. “That knife almost hit your heart! The gypsy who healed you spent all night trying to make sure you don't bleed out.” Octavia let the tears stream down her cheeks.

Pushing the covers off she looked at her chest to find the scar. Running her hoof over it she felt a shiver run down her spine. “How's Gilda?”

Octavia motioned over to the back where the sleeping Griffin lay. “She's been watching over you all night.”

Moving the blankets she looked at her flank to find she also had a scar across her right Cutie Mark. Letting out a sigh she fell back to her pillow. “What happen to the stallion I shot last night?”

There was an eerie silent’s from Octavia before she answered. “You killed him. Harpy and Lore are looking over the body right now.”

Trixie felt like throwing up from the news. Even though she already knew, Octavia confirmed the ugly truth. Rolling over and pulling the covers over her head she took to deep breaths to clam her nerves. “Who brought me back to camp?”

“We're not at camp. Theresa and a few others followed your fireworks spell in her wagon.” Again Trixie started to get up as Octavia tried to get her to lie back down.

“I can't just lay here! Before I was stabbed he said it was his orders.” Octavia's hoof slowly left her chest. “My gem was in is bag as well. I need to find out why we're the target.”

“What did I say about having your back?” Gilda said with a bit of a yawn. “If you remember we are in this together and that you should trust us.”

“I-”

“Last night was a stupid move on your part! What if we didn't find you; or that assassin got to when you where alone?”

“Gilda I'm so-”

“You'd be dead! Heck he took all three of us! Even those stupid metal bugs took all our strength to handle. You had us worried sick because of that bone headed stunt!”

Trixie blinked a few times as Gilda turned away from her. A smile filled her cheeks as she sat up. “Your right, I'm an idiot... I'm sorry.”

Gilda huffed at this. “Yeah yeah....” She let her wings spread out a little. A small patch of fur seemed darker where the blade and spell hit her. “You should tell the guys what he said. It's obvious something is going on.”

Feeling weak Trixie got to her hooves and started for the door. Octavia wasn't too far behind along with Gilda as they left the warmth of the wagon and out into the morning sun. Shielding her eye's she saw Lore was busy talking to Harpy as he was down the pit. Dirk's attention was on the blood stained grass where Trixie once was. Lore went to talk to Dirk when he noticed the girls. “Hey the dead walks!” He called down to Harpy who flown out of the pit. Trixie cringed as Dirk started to come towards her. Gilda Stepped between the two.

“I already yelled at her about last night so back off.”

He didn't seem mad as he was expressing his worry. “You should be lying down! Are you still hurting? Let me see your wound.” Pushing past Gilda he waited as Trixie slowly lifted herself so he could see the scar. Harpy whistled as he got a look at it.

“Nice battle scar!”

“You lost a lot of blood! I mean a lot!” Lore added as he looked at the scar on her flank. “I lost a lot of blood when I lost my arm but you almost got stabbed near the heart. Lucky he didn't take the blade out or you might not be standing here.” The two male griffins noticed the angry looks they were getting. “Sorry...”

“Why are you out of bed?” Dirk asked.

“I needed to tell you what that stallion said before...” Trixie trailed off with a deep sigh. “I k-killed him. He said it was his orders. Also I'm more then sure he has my gem.”

Dirk seemed to be taken back by this. “Orders, who would want to have us killed here?”

Harpy only sighed as he started back to the pit. “Come here!” He called as he waited for Trixie to come over. He took her in his arms as he flew down the pit and landed next to the body of the assassin. Trixie could feel her stomach turning at the sight. Running to a rock she was kind of thankful she had an empty stomach as she puked sour tasting bile. Harpy only watched her as he took a small wooden case from his vest. Opening it he took out a cigarette and light it before going over to her. When he was sure she was done he offered her one only to have it turn down. “Sorry... I'm so use to this kind of stuff that I don't even think how it affects others anymore.”

“I-I k-killed him...”

“You saved your friends. He was going to finish both of them and go pick up his pay before sleeping like a baby.” With that he went over to the body as he started to go through it. “Judging by his weapons and clothes he's not a Specter, more of a blade for hire. His gear is top notch though. Revolving pistol, cutlass, black steel knives, and spell caster orb. Someone paid good coin for this guy.” He then started digging in his pack. “Here's your gem back.”

Trixie took it with her magic as she set it in her saddle bag. “So who do you think sent him?”

“I don't know, but I have an idea where to look. We're going to need to head to Bowerstone.” With that he took Trixie in his arms and flew back up to the others.

“Well, who was he?” Gilda asked the second they hit the ground.

“Sell sword by the looks of it. If we're going to get answers we have to hit the road.”

“My only question is; why was he sent to kill Trixie?” Octavia then added.

Harpy only shrugged. “He might have been sent to kill all of you, maybe he was sent to kill me and Lore only to find you guys too so his orders changed to kill all of us. Hell those metal bugs are what's stumping me. I have a few connections who are in his line of work. Maybe they'll have answers.”

“I can't believe he took us all out like that.” Gilda said as she looked over the side of the pit. “I don't think we.... can ever win agents a guy like that.”

“Maybe not now!” Lore shot back. “Look you can't just expect to take the bare basics that you learned in a few days and expect to take on someone like that stallion that’s trained for years in different types of combat.”

“He's right, with time comes skill. It's not like your Unicorn friend learned magic in two days.” Harpy added. “The camp is waiting for us. You girls take a break while us guys take the reins.”

Though the ride inside the wagon was relaxing, Trixie was tired of lying around in bed. Once they met back at the camp she took a seat next to Lore on the roof. Two male gypsy ponies pulled the wagon for them as Harpy and Gilda took to the air. Octavia and Dirk walked along the wagon, both wanting a change from sitting around. The convoy was made of eleven wagons following each other. Every pony, Diamond Dog, and Griffin had a job during this move. From keeping watch to hulling goods that couldn't fit on the wagons. Trixie had to admit that this new land held a unique beauty. Even comparing them to the lands of Equestria the green open fields and woodlands held a different feel to them.

“So buck is a way from saying the f-word?” Lore asked Trixie as he watched Harpy and Gilda in the sky

“Back in Equestria if you said the f-word it's because somepony really upset you.”

“That's another thing that bugs me about how you speak. I don't get the whole 'somepony' thing. I mean as you can see here not everyone is a pony so saying that just seems weird. Back to the buck thing; is it as versatile as the f-word? Like how is it used?”

Trixie blushed a bit before answering. “Well it's almost as like the f-word but we have a different one when it comes to... sexual terms.”

“Really, what word?”

“Do you really want me to say it?” Trixie asked with a deepening blush as she looked away.

“You two seem to be having an interesting conversation up there.” Octavia called up to them with a chuckle. Dirk just rolled his eyes.

“It's not every day I get to talk to someone from a different world!”

“So this camp is going right to Bowerstone?” Dirk asked as he tried to keep Lore from asking another odd question.

“Half way actually. There is a small vineyard here in the Greatwood region they're going to stay the night at before they head into town. This is the season they try and make extra profit off some of the finer wine and herbs and they store most of their aged goods there. We're going to break off from them and probably get to town before night.”

Harpy glided down next to the wagon with Gilda at this point. “Hey, keep an eye out for bandits. We just entered their turf.” With that the two landed next to Octavia and Dirk. “No flying from this point on. Bandits have been known to shoot others right out of the sky just to rob them.” Dirk grumbled before he let out a yawn.

“You should get some sleep. We have a while before we get to the vineyard so climb up and take a snooze.” Lore called down to him.

“I feel like stretching my legs anyway so take my place.” Trixie then offered as she started to climb down the moving wagon. Dirk flew up and took the spot next to Lore before he started to drift off with a light snore. “Have any of you seen Theresa?”

“I think she was a few wagons back.” Gilda answered. “I can't believe you’re walking around right now. After last night I'd think you'd be laid out for a few days.”

“I'm a little surprised as well. Whoever healed me did a very good job. Are they here in the convoy? I'd like to thank them.”

“It was that same Unicorn who hit on us back during the party.” Octavia answered with a laugh.

Trixie let out a small sigh as a smile crept to her lips. “I might have to ask him to add to my mother’s book.”

“When you cast the healing spell it helps to have some understanding of medicine. You can more accurately focus the spell and in this way even a basic healing spell can do the job of a more advance one. In your case I had to heal you as I pulled the blade out. It may have missed your heart going in, but coming out was a different story. Doing things the way I did kept me from tiring out by using advanced spells the whole time.” The gypsy Unicorn explained as Trixie walked side by side with him. As he spoke she took notes with a notebook and quill that was held with her magic. “Sadly I've been getting a lot of my practice due to the war and growing number of bandit attacks.”

“So are you part of the rebellion?”

“We have a neutral agreement with them. We help hide and heal the wounded and in return they protect us as we move along the roads from bandits. Though as of late the Rebellion Army has been weakening.”

“What do you mean?”

“Specters have been finding their camps and countering any move they make. It's not looking good for them.” The two looked forward as the wagons started to make a circle to form their camp. “Here at last! Thank you for the company. I was getting bored till you came over.”

“Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me.” She them blushed as he took her hoof in his and kissed it. With a devilish grin he then started to quickly kiss his way up before his lips met a second hoof. Looking up he found Dirk with a disapproving look.

“Sorry I didn't know.”

“Excuse me?” Trixie asked as he took a step back.

“I'm sorry good sir, I had no idea she was spoken for.”

“What? No you have it wrong-” Before Trixie could finish the Unicorn took off for the wagons. Dirk went to speak to her only to be cut off by a cold stare.

“I thought he was bothering you.”

“If he was then I would have dealt with him myself!” With that she stormed off leaving Dirk a bit confused. Looking around she found Theresa waiting for her by her wagon.

“I'm glad to see you and your friends are still safe.”

“I was a fool to go alone like that. If it wasn't for them showing up...”

“You and your friends collected skills are what's going to help you gain your full potential. They will help you in your times of need and you will learn more than just skills from them over time.” She then watched as Trixie raised a hoof to the wound that covered her heart. “Scars remind us that the past was real. Remember why you had to take a life that night.”

“He almost killed me and my friends... yes...”

“I will meet you in Bowerstone tomorrow morning. Harpy is waiting for you as we speak.”

The walk to Bowerstone seemed to go quiet till Gilda broke it. “Are the bandits around here as well armed as that dude that attacked us?”

“Dude? You mean that stallion? Well with the war going on they have been taking advantage of this by gathering weapons from the fallen. So... the short answer is yes.” Lore answered.

“That's disgusting!” Octavia said with a cringe.

“Hate to break it to you but we do it too. That or steal it if we have too. It's the only way to keep up with the Specters anymore.” Harpy added.

“This land is so... violent!”

“Wasn't always this way, one time the Specters served the land. Hell in those times they didn't even go by the name Specters.”

“What happen to them?”

“They became power hungry is what happened. They realized the hold they had on the land and started taking over. Buying lands and businesses, along with harvesting the newest in technology; wasn't till the assassination of the king and Queen did they make their move.”

“They killed the King and Queen?” Gilda asked in shock.

“They didn't... their son did.” The group went quiet at this point. “He took full power of the Specters and turned them into the lands military. He used them as his rise to power.” Again they trailed in silents. “When we get to Bowerstone try not to bring attention to yourself. The Citadel has a strong hold of the Industrial and Northern district. Luckily they keep far away from where we're going and that's the southern district.”

“So you hide right under their nose.” Trixie said with a bit of a grin.

“Exactly! We've kept that base for over three years now.”

“Speaking of which...” Lore then pointed to the building that stuck out high above the trees. He chuckled as the girls and Dirk where taken back by the sight. “Let's keep moving. We'll spot you guys a room at the inn. Tomorrow we'll look into getting you guys home.”

Trixie could see why the Specters kept out of the Southern district. The streets were dirty and filled with trash. Ponies, Griffin's, and other races wore what to her seemed like rags as clothing and she couldn't get pass the smell that burned her nostrils. The building also seemed to be falling apart as obvious patch work was done on them. “We have to stay here?”

“Last place they'll look for us if they are.” Harpy said in a low tone as he led them though the streets. He took them to a tavern names The Golden Apple.

“Odd name...”

“The owner thinks it givens the place class.” The inside of this tavern she found her days of dodging fruit thrown at her on stage came in handy as a bottle almost hit her. Fighting, gambling, drinking and what she guessed was a pony trying to sleep off a hangover that he gave himself that afternoon was what they were welcomed to in the dimly light bar. Harpy went straight to the Diamond Dog bartender as he took a pouch out from his pack and set it on the bar. A short exchange of words later he then took them up the stairs to a rather large room with five beds, two dressers, a cabinet, and a door leading to the balcony. “The outhouse is in the back ally. If you want a bath then tell the barkeep and he'll bring up the tub and heat the water buckets but that will cost a few gold. Tomorrow we'll look into buying you guys some real weapons. I'll leave you guys some gold too.” He then left another pouch on the dresser. Before he left he turned back with a grin. “Make sure to lock the doors too. Don't want to get robbed.” He then closed the door behind him.

“I feel like I'm going to catch something if I sleep in that bed.” Octavia commented as dirk looked around the room.

“Um... am I supposed to sleep in here with you three?”

“Just push your bed in corner if it bothers you.” Gilda said as she took a bed.

Trixie went to the pouch and took a coin out. It was a simple gold coin like the Bits back in Equestria. “How do you think things are back home?” The room grow uncomfortably quite at her question.

“My dad must be freaking out if he even found out.” Gilda started. “Knowing my dad he's going to go all out on finding me.”

“What about your mother?” Octavia asked.

“My mother passed away when I was young.”

“I'm sorry...”

“You didn't know. What about you?”

“I was supposed to be back in Ponyville a few days ago so my roommate Vinyl has to be worried sick. Knowing her she's going to alert my parents. It's going to be a royal mess!”

“I'm sure the princesses are working on bringing us back too. I doubt they'll just-”

“You mean the same ones who tried to lock us up?” Gilda interrupted Dirk with a laugh.

“There has to be more to it then we know! Princess Luna would never do such an act.”

“So Nightmare Mo-”

“I swear if you finish that comment...”

“You'll what tough guy?” Gilda then climbed off the bed as she started for Dirk.

“KNOCK IT OFF!” Trixie screamed as the two backed off from each other. “It's bad enough we have to worry about others trying to kill us in a war torn land; we don't need to fight each other.”

“Sorry...” Gilda then held her arm out to Dirk as he let her shake his hoof. “We don't know the whole story. I guess I let my anger get the best of my again. What about you Trixie?”

“I have no show so no fans to worry about me. I was homeless with only a wagon to my name... that was destroyed... again! I don't think anypony misses me. They all hated me anyway.”

“That can't be true! What about your mother and father?” Octavia asked.

“My father disappeared before I was born and my mother left me on my own when I was thirteen to take care of matters in a far off land. I don't even know where. She never even writes me to let me know if she's alright or alive for that matter!”

“Did she even tell you where she went?”

“Nope... now if you excuse me I'm going to go see if the drinks are as cheap as this room.” Trixie then left the room as the smoke filled air rushed into the open door behind her. Heading down to the bar she called the bartender over. “What drinks do you have?”

“Ale, rum, wine, and cider...”

“Cider!” The Diamond Dog took a wooden mug from under the bar as he filled it from the tap. Setting it in front of her she told him to open a tab as she took a drink. She noticed a bite to the Cider as she started to chug it down.

“Careful little pony that stuff has a bit of a kick to it.”

“Another!” The bartender only shrugged as he filled her mug again. The second he set it down she took it and chugged it again. Slamming it down she asked for a third.

“She's been down there a while.” Dirk said as he paced from his bed to the wall.

“I'll go check on her if it makes you sit down. You've been pacing for over an hour now.” Gilda said from her bed. Octavia was already fast asleep.

“No, I'll go.” With that he started out the door as he was greeted by music and singing. As he started down the stairs he found everyone surrounding Trixie as she stood on a table, leading them though the chorus.

“Barkeep, get her another!” A stallion called out as a unicorn floated it over to her. They cheered as she chucked it down.

“Thank you! You are all so... so beautiful. Trixie couldn't ask for a better audience.” She said before catching herself from falling.

“Hey baby how about a dance!”

“T-Trixie will gladly grace you with her dancing skills. Play us something catchy.”

Dirk face hoofed as she almost fell trying to climb off the table before being caught by the other bar fly’s and stumbled over to the stallion as everyone cheered. Pushing his way through the crowed he found Trixie only being able to stand as the red colored Stallion held her. “I think you had enough.”

“Trixie will tell you when she had enough.”

“Yeah, piss off buddy!” The stallion added as he let his hoof slide down farther than Dirk liked to Trixie's plot.

“Let's get you back t-”

“Trixie is not leaving! The audience love's her here. Isn't that right boy's?” The cheers were her answer. She then motioned for the stallion to spin her. Once back in his hooves he nuzzled her neck. Dirk huffed as he pushed him away from her.

“I'm cutting in!” He growled as he took Trixie in his hooves. “How much have to drink?”

“Trixie bought a few... then that griffin bought Trixie one, and him!” She then let go with one of her hooves as she pointed around. “That stallion, and that handsome dog over there, and there...”

“We were told not to draw attention to ourselves!”

“You... stick in the mud! A show pony such as Trixie needs to shine!”

“In case you forgotten, there are others trying to kill us!”

“Hey I'm cutting back in!” The red stallion said before grabbing Dirk and throwing him into a table before taking the now confused Trixie back in his hooves. “I don't live very far you know... why don't you come and give a private show?”

Blushing she then started to push him away with her hoof. “Trixie is not that kind of performer." She then let go as she started dancing with a nearby Griffin. The red stallion then grabbed Trixie as he pulled her from his arms.

“Don't be like tha-”

“Let her go!” Dirk yelled as he shoved him away.

“Trixie told you she can take care of herself!” With that she cocked back her hoof and punched the stallion, sending him backwards into a chair that broke. The room went quite before deafening cheers filled the air. “Thank you! Thank you!” Dirk was in awe as he blinked a few times in disbelief before Trixie fell back in his hooves again, forcing him to dance as the music started again. “You are such a nice guy... trying to play my knight in shining armor.” Dirk blushed at this.

“I think we should go back to the room.”

“Mmh... Trixie would like that. Her tummy hurts!”

“You damn bloody...” Dirk's eyes widen as the stallion ready himself to punch Trixie. Quickly moving to the side the stallion missed them and hit a rather large Diamond Dog. The stallion whimpered as the dog got up and towered over him with a growl.

“We need to go now!” Dirk said as he dragged her away just as the stallion was sent flying by the Diamond Dog. The cheers continued as the stallion was dragged out of the bar by a few others. Dirk held Trixie up as he opened the door and got her to the closes open bed.

“My hero...”

“Just go to sleep and try not to get us in anymore trouble.”

Dirk was about to head for his bed when Trixie called to him. “Don't you want a kiss from the fair maiden?” Dirk stopped as he turned to Trixie. Heading back over to her he took the blankets and pulled them over her.

“Good night...” Trixie only mumbled as she started to drift off. Sighing, he went to his bed and lay down.

“You should have taken the kiss.” Gilda said as Dirks cheeks burned red.

“S-shut up!”

Lore cast his line out from the edge of the docks. His nights being sleepless as of late; he needed things to fill his time. He started to reel in his line when Harpy joined him by the docks. “You get them shacked up?”

“Some time ago yeah. I also made sure our connections with the blacksmith were still open.”

“That's good...” They went silent as he laid the fishing pole back on the dock.

“You think we should tell them the truth?”

“Tell them what, that we can't actually make one of those crystals and they might be stuck here forever? I think that's going to go well. Just crush their spirits worse than telling a kid the tooth fairy isn't real.”

“There is one sure way to get them home.”

“We don't need to drag them into our fight, and it's not a for sure way.”

“It's better than keeping up a lie and have then find out years later. Face it Lore we need the help and they need to get home. Tomorrow we arm and train them. We break the news to them when we're sure they are ready.”

Lore only sighed before looking at his pocket watch. “Our contact should be here any minute now.”

“I've been here; I was waiting till both of you got here.” A voice called out from under the dock. A small boat made its way out from under it as a Gray and white spotted Diamond Dog climbed onto the docks. “I did some digging around like you asked. Specters didn't put the price on your friends head. Fact is some think you two are dead so I doubt it was though you that they were targeted.”

“That sell sword was too well armed to be just another bandit and he had no signs of being a Specter.” Harpy informed him.

“I'll keep an ear to the ground but whoever it is wants what your Unicorn friend has.”

“That gem, what's special about it?” Lore asked.

“No clue, I have to go though. Once word gets around that you two are still alive the Specters are going to stop at no end to find you and you know how they go about doing it.”

“Get lost then!” Harpy ordered as the Diamond Dog climbed back into his boat and started to paddle it down the docks. “Great...”

“Think we're still safe here?”

“I don't know... let's gear up tomorrow and plain our next move.”