The Princess and the Beasts

Act II

“Mmmyes, Twilight, right there,” Trixie moaned at the alicorn who was lightly nibbling her ear. Twilight grinned mischievously and moved on with her ministrations, planting delicate kisses on Trixie’s neck.

Twilight flared her wings and pushed Trixie back onto the bed. “Oh Trixie, I’m so glad we chased Luna away. Now I can have you all for myself.” Twilight locked lips with Trixie, greatly enjoying the mare’s reactions.

The slow, enticing movement of their tongues sent Trixie to new planes of bliss; Twilight’s soft feathery embrace added and rendered Trixie unable to respond. Twilight’s fur pressed against her, moving in a slow dance; the exhausted breaths of the lovers between kisses; the vibrant air of Twilight’s bedroom; the alicorn’s readiness had taken Trixie by surprise.

Trixie traced a hoof along Twilight’s wings, teasingly caressing the taller alicorn’s feathers and eliciting sighs of pleasure.

Twilight ran a hoof through Trixie’s mane and looked deeply into her eyes. Purple met purple, and a whirl of emotions swept the last remainder of Trixie’s consciousness away.

“Oh, Twilight,” Trixie purred.

Twilight playfully moved to Trixie’s ear. “Thud.”

Trixie quizzically looked at the alicorn. “Pardon?”

“Thud. Thud.” This time Twilight’s voice was louder, slightly fazing Trixie and dragging her mind back to where it belonged.

“Huh?” Trixie shot out of her bed and looked around, only seeing the lonely walls of her trailer and the solitary window, which she had apparently forgotten to close properly.

She grumbled, and in a quick motion, she closed it and slipped back under her sheets.

“Right when I was getting to the good part,” Trixie mumbled sleepily and delved back into the realm of dreams once again.

_____________________________________

The sound of Twilight’s door slammed shut echoed through Luna’s mind as she slowly sipped her tea. Last night could have truly gone better. She should have spent the night at the library, talking about astronomy or her eternal love for a certain purple alicorn, but here she was: her back aching from sleeping on a couch and watching Fluttershy making breakfast.

Luna sighed deeply, drawing the pegasus’ attention.

“Oh my, Luna you should have slept in bed instead of taking my old uncomfortable couch,” Fluttershy noted in her calm voice. “After what you went through yesterday. Flying all the way here from Canterlot and then wandering around Ponyville at that time of the evening.”

“’Tis fine, Fluttershy, I’m glad that you were tending to a few bats and noticed me. Trust me when I say that your couch is better than sleeping on a bench in the park.” Luna gulped the rest of her tea, and looking up from her cup and out of the window she began observing the bustling activity of the outside world.

“Uhm, if you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing out there anyway,” Fluttershy asked between two bites of hay fries.

“Hmmm, to cut a long tale short, I was about to ask your friend Twilight Sparkle out on a date when I met that boastful excuse of a unicorn Trixie, who apparently has the same feelings for Twilight. Our fight woke Twilight and when she opened the door, we may or may not have just have both asked her out. Twilight didn’t take it all too well; it suddenly smelled like bacon. Soon enough, she slammed the door in our faces, and that’s when you found me.” Luna ended her narration.

Awkward silence filled the room. A group of mice hurried to their food tray and started munching on some cheese. A cat sitting on a higher position kept eyeing them hungrily. In all of this sat Fluttershy, muttering things into her hooves, a slight blush adorning her cheeks.

Luna took the can into her magic grip and poured Fluttershy another cup of tea. She solemnly watched as the pegasus drank it slowly, waiting in anticipation for something, anything to happen.

“I’m no expert in these things,” Fluttershy began,” but I think you might have overdone it a tiny bit with both of you asking at the same time.”

“I know, I know.” Luna waved her hoof dismissively. “The feeling to possibly lose Twilight to that Trixie had me overreact. Oh woe, with piercing daggers I attacked my beloved and by my own hoof have I shattered every hope at a future…”

“I really don’t want to interrupt you, but I think you still have a chance,” Fluttershy meekly interjected before Luna could continue her soliloquy. “I think you should go see Rarity. She’s the best when it comes to dating advice and I’m sure she can help you convince Twilight.”

“Oh thank you, my dearest Fluttershy.” Luna pulled the yellow pegasus into a bone crushing embrace. “She lives in that round building close to the library, right?”

Fluttershy nodded, and the last she saw of Luna was the trail her quick flight left in the room.

“You’re quite welcome,” Fluttershy whispered and starred into the depths of her cup of tea.

_____________________________________

Trixie leaned back in her chair and relished the vibrant rays of sunlight shining through the leaves of the massive tree she used to shelter her trailer. Birds were singing all around her, branches and leaves rustled in the cool morning wind and yet she couldn’t rid herself of the memories of her failure.

“Rushing Twilight like that... what was I thinking?” Trixie kicked a pine cone, sending it into the bushes. “I need a plan and I need it quickly before that pesky princess makes her next move and ruins all my dreams.”

Trixie paced around the small clearing, not noticing the cloud drifting through the clear blue sky. “Hmm.” Trixie tapped her chin. “I wonder if …”

A blinding flash of lighting and deafening thunder sent her flying.

Nature turned quiet once again, save for Rainbow Dash rolling around on her cloud in fits of laughter and Trixie standing beneath her cursing a set of deities.

“Oh Celestia, you should have seen your face.” Dash looked at Trixie, still chuckling slightly.

Trixie gave the pegasus a stern look and with a grin she dissolved Dash’s cloud, making her tumble to the ground.

“Ugh,” Dash groaned, “I guess that’s fair. Watcha doing here anyways? Back with another magical object that wants you to rule the world?”

Trixie frowned at the Dash’s remark and, walking to her comfortable chair, she tried her best to regain her composure.

Rainbow Dash followed her curiously and sat down next to her.

“For your information, Trixie does not plan to enslave this town ever again, but she might reconsider if domination over pegasi wouldn’t be worth a shot.” Trixie glared at Dash. “Trixie is here on a far more important mission.”

Dash moved closer.

“She wants to ask your friend Twilight Sparkle out on a date.”

Rainbow Dash’s mouth fell wide open; her eyes showed utter disbelief.

“And what makes you think that you can go out with the one pony you chased from town during your last visit,” Dash asked. “Have you talked to her about this?”

“Well, yes and no. Trixie asked her out, but that stupid blue princess butted in and asked Twilight the same thing.” Trixie fiercely kicked another pine cone.

“Wait, so you’re telling me that you and Princess Luna both want a date with Twilight Sparkle? The most bookish and reclusive alicorn in all of Equestria?” Dash couldn’t hold back, and her laughter echoed through the clearing, chasing away the birds and every other creature in their immediate proximity.

Trixie stared at Dash, waiting for her to finally get a hold of herself.

“Would you stop making a fool of yourself and maybe be helpful for once,” Trixie hissed during a pause.“Alright, alright.” Dash wiped a tear from her eye and looked back at Trixie. “But first, why do you want to date Twilight so badly? There are a bunch of ponies out there that are more likely in your league.”

“I’m sorry, Trixie, but I can’t go out with you. I’d rather we just stay friends.” The ochre earth pony flicked back her green mane and headed for the restaurant’s exit, leaving Trixie at their table. Trixie held back her tears as best she could, but her quivering lip and her forlorn demeanour betrayed her suffering.

“Is that you, Trixie?” A purple unicorn made her way over to Trixie.

Trixie failed to recompose herself and looked up, her eyes a pink pool of bitterness.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle,” she mumbled into her hooves, not caring to move her head up from the table as she spoke.

Warmth.

She was startled by a rush of feelings, yet she didn’t pull out of Twilight’s sudden tender embrace.

“All’s going to be fine,” Twilight cooed, slowly caressing Trixie’s back.

“Thanks.”

“That’s none of your business, Rainbow Dash.” Trixie shot out of her daydream; reminiscing that particular moment at this time… unpleasant.

Rainbow Dash raised an eye brow. “Fair enough, but well, I’m not really known for that icky romance stuff. Too busy being awesome and such, but you should totally go see Rarity; she’s the unofficial expert for romance in this town.”“And you think she’ll help Trixie?” Trixie excitedly moved closer to Rainbow Dash.

“Probably, but you should go in the afternoon if you don’t want to lose your head because you woke her.” Dash smirked mischievously. “Her boutique is close to Twilight’s library; can’t miss it.”

“Thanks, Dash.” Trixie leaned back into her chair. “Now be a dear and let Trixie take a nap. She didn’t get nearly enough sleep last night.”

Dash shrugged and shot up into the air, darting off to find a few more targets to fill her prank quota for the day.

_____________________________________

Rarity pulled her pillow into a tight hug and let go a sigh. The good side to having such a considerate marefriend was definitely that she could sleep for a few more hours after Applejack had to leave for work. The fuzzy warmth of her blanket, enforced by the late morning’s sunlight, made her hum joyfully.

Not letting go of her pillow, she turned in bed and looked up at the white ceiling. There was no way that this morning could get any better…

An assertive knock on her boutique’s front door startled Rarity. “Who dares trouble my moment of fluffy serenity,” Rarity grumbled, and rolling out of bed she slowly made her way to the door.

“It better be impo— “ Rarity opened the door “—oh good morning Princess Luna. How can I help you? A dress for an upcoming event, or maybe something casual?” Rarity tried her best polite smile; getting her out of bed was almost unforgivable, even if it was the princess.

Luna smiled at the dressmaker. “Nothing of the sorts, though if everything goes right I may require your assistance in that matter at some point. I am here on recommendation by your friend Fluttershy. She thought you might help me plan a most important event.”

Rarity motioned for Luna to enter, and making her way to the kitchen to get some tea, she pondered Luna’s peculiar introduction.

Luna sat down on the couch and took the opportunity to take in her surroundings. After a night of hard work Rarity hadn’t found the force to clean the main room, so everywhere she looked there were still remains of the fashion mare’s craft. I think I know where I’ll get my dress for the next gala. Luna would have to attend this year for the first time ever, since her sister had so broadly advertised her appearance.

Rarity made her way back to the room, carefully balancing two cups of boiling hot tea in her magic. She floated one over to Luna and took place on one of her cushions.

“So, how exactly may I help you with your plans,” Rarity enquired curiously.

Luna shifted on her couch, took a sip of tea, with caution to not burn her tongue, and began telling Rarity the story of her nocturnal adventures.

A pause followed Luna’s explanations; Rarity stared off into the distance.

The fashionista searched for some way to wrap her head around this interesting outcome to the princess’ quest. “Princess Luna, are you telling me that you want dating advice from me?”

Luna shot her a smile. “I suppose that’s why your friend sent me here. She called you an expert in this sort of things and as you may know, I haven’t had the occasion to catch up on the changes to courting ponies that happened in the last thousand years.”

Rarity nodded, quietly making and rejecting plans. “Alright, Princess, I know what could work, but first tell me what you know about Twilight.”

Luna hummed. “She likes astronomy, books, magic; do you think she’d appreciate a nice poem that tries to grasp her beauty?”

“Alright, that’s good for a start. Yes, I think she would love some poetry, but don’t overdo it. Now for dating plans—“ Rarity squealed in excitement of her marvellous idea “—I think the best way to show your affection would be a romantic picnic; tomorrow evening if that works for you. You could try to do something special with the night sky, read her that poem and maybe make her a gift of some sorts to further show your affection. Oh, I can tell that this will be so cute.” Rarity squished her face between her hooves and looked at Luna, waiting for a reaction.

Luna had been listening intently. A meteor shower could be arranged; maybe some shooting stars. And a nice big moon of course; not too bright though, or it would make the stars look pale in comparison. A sudden idea struck Luna, and her radiant grin began to rival Pinkie’s. She tackled Rarity and pulled her into a bear hug.

Rarity gasped for air, flailing helplessly under the much larger alicorn’s form. Her need for oxygen was answered when Luna let go of her, blushing furiously, taken aback by her own unbefitting behaviour.

Luna cleared her throat. “Anyways, thank you very much for your assistance; I know just what to do to win Twilight’s heart now.”

Rarity nodded, still mildly shocked, and watched the princess quickly leave her boutique.

“Now this will make for an interesting week,” Rarity muttered to herself and made her way to the kitchen to get another cup of tea; her trembling hooves be her witnesses, she was in dire need of it.

_____________________________________

“Ugh, I don’t get this.” Twilight slumped down on the table. “None of these books give advice on how to choose between two ponies who are both in love with you. I just don’t get it. Why me? Aren’t there far more attractive ponies out there that should be dealing with problems like these?”

“Here’s another load of books from the romance department, Twi.” Spike stumbled under the weight of his payload. “I would love to help you, but I’m not sure how.”

Spike watched Twilight intently, worry written in his eyes. He hadn’t seen his big sis like this since that time when she had tried to figure out Pinkie Pie’s abilities. “Just try to calm down, Twilight. Everything’s gonna be fine.”

“I fear it won’t, Spike, if I choose the wrong pony I may regret it for my entire life, which will be quite long considering I’m an alicorn now.” Twilight skimmed through the books floating in front of her. “And the fact that I don’t know them all that well doesn’t make things easier either. I never even had the time to have a nice quiet conversation with Luna. The last time I saw her she was imprisoned by a mass of weird tentacles of darkness. Trixie’s even worse; the last time she was here she chased me out of town and tried to enslave everyone. It wasn’t really her fault, but that’s not the best time to get to know each other. And they’re both pretty attractive mares, so I can’t even use that as a factor. Every single calculation or statistic I made ended fifty-fifty; none of the books provide any useable advice.”

“Maybe you should date both of them,” Spike noted mockingly.

Twilight’s glared at Spike. “You know that that won’t work. Unless… Remember the mirror pool? I just have to open it again, jump in et voilà - two Twilights that can go on dates while I stand back, observe and find out who works best for me.”

The image of a horde of Twilights running rampage in town, chasing him around the library and multiplying over and over again crossed Spike’s thoughts. “Mmmaybe you should keep searching the books, Twi, I’m sure there must be some other solution than this.”

Twilight nodded sheepishly. “You’re right; the answer to all my problems must be in my books, because if I questioned that all our lives would become meaningless. Now where was I?” She looked over the titles, and after discarding a few she chose the most promising one.

Spike watched the flood of craziness slowly dissipate and went back to the romance department, hoping that at least Trixie and Luna knew what they were doing.

_____________________________________

A trip through Ponyville is a harmless, relaxing endeavour; unless you’re a showmare with a bad reputation and have to jump from hiding spot to hiding spot.

Trixie popped out of a particularly thorny bush to take cover in a tree, slowly making her way to Carousel Boutique. She could already see the door. Two jumps and she would have finally made it.

It had gotten late since her informative conversation with Rainbow Dash. Napping in the sun was a danger to every sleepy mare with appointments. Moving through town like this hadn’t exactly sped up her progress.

Trixie made a final jump and knocked on the door. Mane nicely kempt, hat in the right position, cloak ready for some action; but she would only meet up with a consultant, so why should she even worry about her appearance?

Inside a melodious voice asked for some patience.

Trixie worriedly looked around; no pony should see her, lest she risked a riot.

The door opened slowly and revealed a white mare running a hoof through her marvellously coiffed purple mane.

Her expectant gaze met Trixie’s.

Eyes widened in horror; both ponies took a step back.

“YOU,” Rarity yelled at the top of her lungs. “How dare you show your face after what you did to me?”

Trixie cowered on the ground; pictures of a mane turned green flashed through her mind; the look in her opponent’s eyes was horrifying.

Rarity towered over the mare. “What do you have to say in your defence?”

Trixie gulped. “Trixie is really sorry for what she did back then. She didn’t know better at the time. Can’t you forgive Trixie and take a moment to listen to her plea. She promises that she is a better pony now once and for all.” Trixie got back up and gave Rarity her most pleading look.

“Oh, fine. Nopony shall say that Rarity doesn’t give second chances. Come in then, but make it fast; I’m quite busy as it is.” Rarity stepped back inside, not even looking back to see if Trixie was following her.

Trixie entered. “The short version it is then. Trixie wants to court your friend Twilight Sparkle and she needs to outplay Princess Luna by going on a most wonderful date with Twilight. Is there any course of action you could recommend Trixie?”

This was an interesting situation. Rarity knew about Luna’s plans, but revealing them to Trixie was out of question. However, who was she to stand between her friend and her potential happiness. “Alright, Trixie, listen carefully. Have you seen the hayburger place when you came to town?”

Trixie nodded.

“Twilight really likes their burgers, so if you want a good shot at winning her heart you should take her there tomorrow for lunch. Make sure to bring her a gift of some sorts; I’m sure you can figure out something. Talk to her about spells, tell her about your shows and you should be good.” Rarity grinned. This plan could only go well.

“Trixie likes that plan; it’s so easy that it should work perfectly. Thank you very much, Rarity.” Trixie gave Rarity a hug and left the store to make her way to the library.

_____________________________________

Luna stood in front of the library, waiting for the inevitable. Making a princess wait like this… But when the one you’re waiting for doesn’t even know you’re waiting for them the faux pas could be excused. Nonetheless this was getting annoying.

Luna noticed an azure speck in the distance; her opponent was finally approaching. She noticed the frown forming on Trixie’s face as their gazes met and readied herself for the battle.

“So we meet again, young unicorn,” Luna said ceremoniously. “I knew that you would come back to this place.”

Trixie huffed. “The great and powerful Trixie never turns down a challenge. Even more so, now that it’s about a matter of heart and honour.”

Luna nodded. “Very well. I think it would be improper to re-enact yesterday’s events; shall we take it more slowly today?”

“Trixie always takes it slowly, but she agrees that we can’t stagger Twilight like that again. She proposes to play with open cards for now to ensure a successful encounter. Trixie planned to take Twilight out on a lunch date tomorrow.” Trixie took a step to close the distance between herself and the door.

“That’s a lucky coincidence; I planned to take her out on a date for dinner,” Luna noted, taking her place next to Trixie at the door.

“So be it.” Both ponies knocked at the door, intent on not making eye contact and waiting impatiently for the tree’s inhabitant to open it.

Spike opened the door and motioned for the two surprised ponies to come inside. “We’ve been waiting for you two.”

Inside Twilight sat on her couch, three cups of tea ready and watching expectantly as her guests took place.

“Good evening, Luna and Trixie,” Twilight said in a surprisingly calm voice. Nothing reminisced of the other day’s excitation. “I’ve spent my entire day searching for a way to properly answer your question, and I’ve come to the conclusion that, unless the two of you reach a consensus, there is nothing I can do.”

Trixie and Luna nodded at each other and Luna began. “Trixie and I have actually already come to some sort of an agreement.” Twilight curiously looked at them. “We have agreed that each of us shall take you on a date tomorrow. Trixie has something planned for lunch and I have made arrangements for dinner. At the end of that, you can choose whoever you see fit to be a better marefriend for you and the loser will retreat quietly. We only need you to agree and we’re set.”

Twilight’s smile expanded. “That sounds like a fair agreement to me. Very well, so tomorrow shall be a day of dates and decisions. But for now, let’s break up and get some rest.” Twilight stifled a yawn and solemnly looked in the direction of her bedroom.

Trixie and Luna bid her good night, gave an amicable nod to Spike and made their way out of the library.

“Let the battle begin,” Trixie declared. She was intent to win, no matter the cost.

“May the best suitor win,” Luna looked down at the smaller mare’s fiery glare and walked away for another night on the most uncomfortable couch in all of Ponyville.