Shard: Settling In

by Hopeful_Ink_Hoof

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, Trixie, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 6310

Fluttershy, Twilight and Luna start to get settled in Ponyville while the others start to settle in to new responsibilities

After the events following the return of King Sombra, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and filly Luna are now moving to Ponyville. Meanwhile, the others have to get used to new responsibilities. It causes more changes for some than others.
(Second story for the Shard-verse)

Published 2014-06-03 16:30:06 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-09 22:15:03 UTC

A New Cottage

Fluttershy pushed the door to the cottage open as she, Luna, and Twilight Sparkle made their way inside. The three of them looked around, studying the empty living room.

"Well..." Fluttershy said as she looked around, "it needs a good dusting and some furniture, but it looks like it will be a nice play to stay."

She turned toward Twilight.

"And you're welcome to stay as long as you like, of course."

"Thanks," Twilight responded, "but it should only be a few days." Her horn began to glow, allowing her to see. "I finished creating a resume for the position of librarian, and I'm told they actually have living quarters built into the place. So once I get hired, I'll be able to move in there."

She let out a sigh, her eyes going wide and dreamy.

"Could you just imagine?" she asked. "I'll be able to live in an library, surrounded by all those books and access to some of the greatest knowledge of all time whenever I want."

"Uhm..." Fluttershy tilted her head curiously. "Didn't you... kind of have that already back in Canterlot? I mean, I thought that the Academy for Gifted Unicorns had a library that was open all day every day."

"Yes," Twilight answered, "but it's not the same. I'll actually be living in the library, not just staying there for hours on end for study and research."

"Sounds boring."

"Luna," Fluttershy scolded.

"Sorry, but I wouldn't want to live in a library. I'd rather live in a bakery like Pinkie Pie." She hopped up. "Then I could have all sorts of really sweet things to eat. Tia would be so jealous."

The filly stopped as she reached the far wall. Reaching out, she poked at the open door of what looked like a cubby-hole. Next to it was a larger one, nearly four times as wide. Looking, she noticed that the entire thing was filled with different sized and shaped openings.

"What's with this wall?" Luna asked. The other two came to join them, looking at it by the light of Twilight's horn.

"Applejack said that the pony that used to live here took care of all sorts of animals," Fluttershy replied. "I guess that these were spots for smaller animals to live, using them like dens or burrows."

"So animals lived here?" Luna leaned in closer, pressing her eye against one of the opening. "Do you think that any still do?"

"Probably not," Twilight answered. "I mean, it looks like no pony has lived here for a couple years. I doubt the previous pony would have left any animals behind, but if they had, the creatures would have left to look for food."

"Aww," Luna pouted. "I was hoping to get a pet."

"Maybe when you're a little older," Fluttershy answered. "For now, we need to start cleaning up so we can move in."

There was a knock at the door, causing confusion for the three of them.

"I'll... I'll get it," Fluttershy offered. With a hop and flap of her bat wings, she was at the door in seconds.

"Mail," a voice called out as soon as the door was open. "I have a special delivery from Canterlot for one..." the mare looked at the clipboard "Fluttershy."

"That's me."

"Sign here please."

Fluttershy signed the clipboard then took the box. She looked from it to the mailmare and back.

"How did she know we were here?"

"What is it?" Luna asked.

"I don't know," Fluttershy responded. "We'll have to open it and find out."

Using one of her fangs, she bit down into the tape. The large bat wings wrapped around the sides as she used them and her hooves to push, tugging her head back. The batpony cut through the tape with ease, although it left a slightly unpleasant taste in her mouth.

Inside was a letter sealed with the royal insignia, and a box. The main part of it looked to be made of wood and painted a deep shade of red. A set of hinges were attached to the center of the top, splitting the lid in two and making it open from the sides. Each half had a stylized dragon on it made out of a gold colored metal, with green gemstones for eyes. Both dragons had their mouths open, breathing fire made from green gems.

Fluttershy set the box down and took the letter.

"Here," she said as she handed it to Luna. "It will give you a chance to practice your reading skills."

"Okay," Luna said. The filly broke the royal seal and cleared her throat as unfolded the letter.

"To my dear Fluttershy," she read aloud. "I look forward to hearing for you in the im..me...die-ate?... future. As such, I am sending with this letter a special device called The Dragon Fire Messenger. It will allow us to send and receive letters from each other in seconds.

"To send a letter, place it inside the left side and press down on the flame. When you get a letter, it will appear in the right side, and the flame will light up."

"That's incredible," Twilight said as she moved to look at the box. "I wonder how it works."

"Please be careful," Luna continued, "as this is currently the only fun... funk.. funct-i-on-ing? set at this time. Sincerely, Princess Temporal."

"Very good," Fluttershy praised, stroking Luna's mane. "We'll work on the words you had some trouble with later. For now, we should probably make sure this works and let the princess know it arrived."

Twilight had the left side of the box open and looked inside.

"I wonder if I can study it later. If this works, it could revolutionize mailing. Imagine being able to send messages to anyone in Equestria in mere minutes instead of having to wait days or even weeks. Maybe we could even find a way to send packages." She let out a gasp. "Or maybe even ponies. Imagine if we could somehow be sent from here to Canterlot just by stepping into a box and pushing a button. Teleportation without using massive amounts of unicorn magic would be incredible."

"Well you can watch it when we send the letter saying we got it," Fluttershy said.

Twilight let out a sigh and moved away from the box.

"Maybe another time. I should really get to the town hall and drop off my application for being the librarian. I'll catch up with you to after."

"Alright," Fluttershy called as her friend headed toward the door. She then turned her attention back to Luna.

"Come on, let's get that letter started."

"Okay," Luna said. "Can we go to Sugarcube Corner after?"

"..MMm..." Fluttershy rubbed her chin a moment. "Maybe later."

"Aww..."

"But we can start dusting."

Luna let out a groan.

Rainbow Possible Promotion

"Hey Dash, the captain wants to see you."

Rainbow Dash shifted, looking toward the office. Why would the captain want to see her? Normally she was only ever called into the office it was either to have a briefing on a recent case...or else get chewed out for her tendency to resort to physical force while performing her duties. There were no major open cases assigned to Rainbow Dash -- or really any for that matter -- and she had not been in a fight since the events in The Everfree Forest. What reason could there be for calling her in now?

Rainbow let out a sigh. May as well get it over with and find out. Beside, Captain Heartstrings did not like to be kept waiting. She made her way to the office and knocked on the door.

"You wanted to see me, Captain?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes," Captain Heartstrings replied. "Come inside and shut the door."

Rainbow Dash did as she was told.

"I actually have two things to talk to you about," Hearstrings continued. "First, in light of recent events, I'm recommending you for a promotion."

"What?" Rainbow Dash squeaked out, eyes wide. She let out a cough.

"I mean I'm thrilled and all, but a little confused, Captain. Just the other day, you were threatening to demote me."

"And I will -- if not outright fire you -- if you cause too many problems." Hearststring slammed her hoof against the desk to emphasize her point. "Be that as it may, you have shown incredible bravery and determination in light of recent events. Besides," she smirked, "it's only fair if you're going to be taking on more responsibility anyways."

"Uh..." Rainbow Dash tilted her head. "What?"

"The second reason I wanted to see you was this." Captain Heartstrings held up a scroll and a strange looking medal. "Do you know what these are?"

"Well I can't say I recognize that," Rainbow Dash replied, motioning toward the medal, "but that looks like a letter from Princess Temporal."

"In a way," the captain said. "This is actually a letter giving you an official position in the Royal Guard as a special operative."

She held up a hoof.

"Before you get too excited, let me explain this clearly."

Rainbow Dash closed her mouth and gave a nod.

"To start with," Captain Heartstings stated, "this in no way affects your normal duties. When you are here, you are a member of the town guard, and you answer to me the same as always. Understood?"

"Aye, Captain," Rainbow Dash said with a salute.

"Good. Now, this Royal Guard Special Operative rank means that in the event of something happening either with King Sombra or one of The Elements of Harmony, you actually have authority of the royal guard and only have to answer to the princess herself."

"Woah," Rainbow Dash uttered. Her hind legs gave out from under her causing her to fall onto her rump. "I... I don't know if I can handle this..."

"Are you alright?" Hearstrings asked. "You look a little pale."

"It's just a lot to take in, Captain." Rainbow Dash moved to stand back at attention.

"Permission to leave? I'd let to get started on my patrol now."

"Sure," Captain Heartstrings replied. "Take these and go. Dismissed." She returned the salute with one of her own.

Rainbow Dash took the medal and letter before heading out of the office. She felt like she had just swallowed a storm cloud. Everything was roiling and shifting, ready to burst.

She was excited of course. Rainbow Dash had been hoping to be in command of her own squad someday, and she now had an opportunity to prove she could be a responsible and competent leader. Still, this was a lot more than she felt ready for. What if she could not handle it? What if she made the wrong choice and somepony got hurt?

Rainbow Dash stopped and pushed those thoughts down. Worrying about it blindly is not going to accomplish anything. She would just have to deal with things when they came up.

"Hey Dash," a voice called out, getting her attention.

"Oh, hey Twilight," Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "What's up?"

"Just coming down to drop off my application. What about you?"

"Oh, I was just getting on-duty."

"What's that?" Twilight pointed at the letter and medal.

"What?" Rainbow Dash looked at them. "These? I'll tell you and the others about it later. Good luck. I need to get going."

With that, she headed off and got to work.

Cakes and Pie

"And then Twilight was all 'nooooo. I'll never leave my friends.' Then the stone she was holding was all 'wooosh, I'm glowie.' Which made Sombra go 'Nooo! The light, it burns.' Then we all woke up and were like 'oh, no where's Twilight?' But she was fine and the princess showed up and was all 'you saved us, but he's still out there.' And we were all 'oh no, we need to stop him.'"

There was a ding of a kitchen timer.

"And that's what happened," Pinkie Pie finished as she pulled the cake tin out of the oven.

Mr. Cake -- a tall, gangly stallion with an orange tinted yellow coat and orange mane -- and Mrs. Cake -- a thick figured mare with a pale blue coat and swirly pink mane -- stared at Pinkie, mouths hanging open slightly. The pair gave a slow blink, their minds working to process and absorb what they had just been told after parsing the Pinkie-ness of it all.

"So," Mrs. Cake said slowly, "you and your friends are supposed to somehow find these... Elements of Harmony and stop this... King Sombra stallion?"

"Right," Pinkie answered. She started grabbing ingredients to begin work on the next baked good.

"Does that mean you'll be leaving us?" Mr. Cake asked.

"No," Pinkie replied before pausing, tapping her chin. "I mean... not really?" She gave a shrug. "I guess I'll have to leave Ponyville some times to look for them or stop him or something. On the other hoof, Princess Temporal sent Fluttershy and Luna to live here when we're not, so I don't think I'll have to move to Canterlot or anything."

"That's good," Mrs. Cake responded with a sigh. She gave Pinkie Pie a hug.

"You may not be our daughter, but you have been like family to us."

"Aww." Pinkie Pie hugged Mrs. Cake back, then stopped. She pushed the older mare away, looking at her.

"What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Cake asked.

"You and Mr. Cake have been giving off weird feelings lately," Pinkie explained. "It's like..." she thought a moment and licked her lips. "It's like you're really excited and happy about something, but also really scared and nervous too.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake shifted, looking to each other.

"We may as well tell her," Mr. Cake suggested.

"Tell me what?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Well," Mrs. Cake started slowly, "we were hoping to find out a little more first before announcing it to anypony."

"You remember the other day when Cuppy was feeling a little sick?" Mr. Cake asked.

Pinkie gave a nod. The bowl and ingredients were set aside, forgotten for the moment.

"Well we went to the doctor and..." He turned to his wife.

"We found out that... I'm pregnant," Mrs. Cake finished.

"What?" Pinkie squealed, jumping in excitement. She hugged the two of them. "That's great!" She stopped, looking at the pair. "Isn't it?"

"It is," Mrs. Cake answered. "We were planning on having foals. It's just that... it's a big change and a lot of responsibility."

"And that was even before King Sombra's return and try to enslave all of Equestria," Mr. Cake added.

"This calls for a PAR-"

"NO!" both Cakes said, putting their hooves over Pinkie Pie's mouth.

"Or at least not yet," Mrs. Cake continued as she pulled her hoof away. "We want to wait until we know if its a colt of filly before we tell anypony else."

"Oh, okay," Pinkie said with a grin. "I super-duper-duper promise not to tell another single solitary pony until you say it's okay."

"We appreciate it," Mr. Cake said.

"So much," Mrs. Cake added, "that I'm going to go make you your favorite cupcakes."

"HOORAY!"

Apples in the Orchard

"Ah really think ya should wait, AJ," said a large stallion with an orange mane. "Least 'til th' sun's back to normal."

"What difference does it make?" Applejack asked. "I mean the apples are supposed to be magical anyways."

"But-"

"No buts, Mac," she interrupted. "I'm going to plant these zap apple seeds and you aren't getting me to change my mind."

Applejack's brother Big Macintosh rolled his eyes and gave a shake of his head, but said nothing else. He knew his sister, and at this point, it would do him no good. She could get mighty stubborn once her mind was set on something. Saying anything now would just get her to argue louder and become more stubborn. Times like this, the best thing to do was just keep quiet and wait. Either it will work out the way Applejack had planned -- in which case having kept quiet will keep her saying "I told you so" to a minimum -- or it will not -- in which case she will not pout and fume as badly for as long. Admittedly, knowing this did not always stop him from pushing her buttons a little just to see the final reaction. After all, the was part of being a family.

"So what's supposed to happen?" a small yellow filly with bright red mane asked.

Applejack finished digging and set the trowel aside.

"Well seeing as these were growing in The Everfree Forest just the other day," Applejack explained, "I'm hoping that they'll create a new bunch of zap apple trees. That way we'll have a crop twice a year instead of just once. Which also means we'll be able to sell zap apple products and make more money." She tossed the seeds into the hole.

"What if it doesn't?" the filly asked.

"Ah, now don't you worry, Apple Bloom." Applejack ruffled the filly's head with one of her hooves.

"Ah ain't worried," Apple Bloom replied, looking up at her sister. "I'm just wonderin' is all."

"Well if nothing happens now, they could still grow some the same time as the others."

"And if it don't work at all," Macintosh spoke up, "we'll probably be getting some bits from the princess."

Apple Bloom turned to look at her brother.

"What do you mean?"

"Well now that AJ is working for the princess," he explain, "she should be getting paid for it."

"Big Macintosh," Applejack snapped, glaring at her big brother. "What I do, I do because it's right, and to protect my home and family. I ain't doin' it for the money."

"I know that," Macintosh said calmly. "It don't change the fact that she's going to pay you for it, and we could always use the bits."

"Yeah," Applejack conceded, "we could. Still, this is something that needs to be done and-"

During the conversation, Applejack had been moving around. Unfortunately, she had not been paying attention to where exactly she was standing. As a result, the mare had ended up standing directly above the spot she had just placed the seeds.

It was at that point in time that whatever mysterious magic that made the zap apples took affect. From the hole the seeds had been placed in, a ten foot tall tree erupted.

Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom stood there, eyes wide and jaws open as they watched the tree launch Applejack flying into the air. From what they could see, it looked like she had been thrown all the way to the other side of the farm.

"Do you think she's okay?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Probably," Big Macintosh responded. "But... uhm..." he started to walk in the direction his sister went flying, "maybe you should go get Granny and the first aid kit. Just in case."

Apple Bloom nodded and turned to run back toward the farm house as fast as she could.

Club Accounts

Rarity sat at one of the tables at The Diamond's Gleam, suffering through the absolute, sheer, worst form of torture that had ever been created in the entire history of Equestria: paperwork.

The mare loved her club. She especially loved how happy it made all the other ponies in Ponyville. Good food, good drinks, good music all shared with good friends had a lot of power to put ponies in a good mood. She also got to work on her stand-up from to time as well. It was nice to know she had spread some happiness and laughter. There was the bonus that she got to give ponies job, and some Diamond Dogs additional ways to get gemstones (as well as give them some concept of civilization).

She loved The Diamond's Gleam, but she abhorred all the paperwork that went with running the place. It was not just about paychecks. She had to keep track of what food and beverages were selling and how fast to keep track of stock. There was also the danger of something not selling and spoiling, causing a waste of bits and food. It was fortunate that Ponyville was primarily a farming community, which kept costs of fresh food lower than in some areas. There was also trying to figure out schedules for employees as well as entertainers, both in house and visiting.

Maybe she should just sell the place, move to Canterlot, and marry some rich old stallion. Then she would have all the money she would ever need and nothing to do but figure out how to spend it.

Alternatively, maybe she should have purchased a wagon instead of a club and become a traveling entertainer. She could have gone from town to town, putting on shows.

"Drink, madam?" a voice said, pulling her from her thoughts. Rarity took off her glasses and turned to smile.

"Thank you, Shaker," she said as she grabbed the glass from the tray. "You really are a wonderful bartender and a true gentle-stallion."

Closing her eyes, Rarity took a sip of the drink. She let herself savor the moment, tasting the sweet and tartness and feeling the coolness as it rolled across her tongue before swallowing. She then looked at the stallion once more.

"So have you reconsidered my proposal?" she asked.

"No," Shaker replied. "Like I said, I appreciate the offer, but I like my job as it is. Especially after seeing you becoming so stressed over it now." He motioned toward the papers strewn out on the table.

"I guess I can't blame you. Still, it's a shame. You would be a wonderful manager and personal assistant." She let out a massive sigh, throwing her head back and placing an foreleg across her forehead.

"Now wherever shall I find somepony to help me in these dire times?" she asked, trying to sound as dramatic as possible.

"What about that one waitress?" Shaker suggest. "Coco Pommel I believe her name is."

Rarity straightened up from her exaggerated pose, narrowing her eyes and studying the stallion. A smirk played across her mouth as she watched him shift his hooves and turn slightly pink in the cheeks.

"Coco Pommel you say?" she asked. "That's an interesting choice, seeing as she hasn't been here very long." She smirked. "Although I can't say I blame you. She is quite cute." Rarity moved forward, bringing a hoof to Shaker's jaw to give it a pat.

"And don't think I haven't noticed the way you two have been eyeing each other."

"You... you have?" Shaker stammered out, eyes going wide.

"Don't worry," Rarity replied as she grabbed her glasses to put them back on. "I have no policy against inter-office romance. Although I do ask that you try to keep it professional. It becomes my business when it affects my business. Understood?'

"Yes Ma'am."

"Wonderful. Now if you'll excuse me." She let out an actual sigh as she returned her attention to the papers in front of her. "These accounts are not going to balance themselves... no matter how much I wish they would."

"Very well," Shaker acknowledge before walking away.

The New Librarian

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she walked through Ponyville with her friends, enjoying the morning. There were two reasons for this. The first was that it was actually morning again. No longer was the sun stuck directly overhead, half blocked by the moon. Once again, the ponies could have day and night properly.

The second was where they were currently headed: The Golden Oaks Library.

Today was the big day. Once again, Ponyville would have a proper librarian. No longer would the library be opened by somepony from the town hall if they happened to remember. No longer would it be stuck accepting the whims of the indifferent. The Ponyville library would once again be run the way a library was supposed to.

Twilight's excitement grew as everything seemed to be working out perfectly. They would reach the door to the library just as it was time to open. Everything was going exactly as planned.

Twilight opened the door.

"Hello," she said, "and welcome to-"

"Sparkle?"

Twilight Sparkle froze for a moment. Her ears and jaw dropped the familiar voice sank in. The mare's eyes went wide at the sight of the new librarian.

Standing before Twilight was a pale blue unicorn mare with a silvery blue mane and tail. She stood there, staring at Twilight with the same look of shock and surprise.

"Trixie?" Twilight blurted out.

"What are you doing here?!" the pair shouted at each other simultaneously.

"What's going on?" Luna whispered, getting a shrug from Fluttershy.

"You two know each other?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Trixie was my roommate back in Canterlot," Twilight answered.

"And now," Trixie responded, "I am the new librarian here in Ponyville."

"What?" Twilight shrieked, causing the others to cringe. "You mean to tell me that you're the new librarian from Canterlot?"

She suddenly froze as something came to her.

"Wait a minute."

She pointed a hoof at Trixie.

"You were going to move out without telling me?"

The others froze, looking from Trixie to Twilight and back.

"Uh, Twi-" Applejack started

"Are you bucking kidding me?!" Trixie snapped. "First of all," she poked a hoof at Twilight's chest, "you have no bucking right to get mad about me moving here without saying anything seeing as that is exactly what you have done."

Twilight opened her mouth to respond, but stopped.

"Second," Trixie continued, "how could I possibly told you 'hey Twilight, I got a job' when the last time I saw you when when you were taking off to the castle to warn the princess about 'The King of Shadows.'"

"Which I was right about!"

"And third..." Trixie sighed and rolled her eyes. "I did.

"Maybe not about working here specifically, true, but I did tell that I was applying to some jobs, most of which were outside of Canterlot. As usual though, you were too busy with whatever book you had your nose buried in to listen."

"What?" Twilight uttered. "What do you mean by that?"

Trixie sighed and shook her head, rolling her eyes.

"How can a mare that is so smart be so dense?" she mumbled to herself.

She turned to face Twilight

"Tell me, how many times did I ask you to hang out and do something with me?"

Twilight rubbed her chin, thinking. She remembered hearing Trixie asking if she wanted to do something a couple times, but Twilight could not remember specifically what, or how often. She had been busy with studying and research anyways.

"How many times did you wake up either in your own bed or with a blanket over you when you fell asleep at your desk?" Trixie asked.

Twilight's face scrunched up as she tried to remember. There had to have been times she had fallen asleep at her desk. She remembered waking up there a couple times. Was there a blanket on her when she did? As for waking up in bed, she probably just assumed she had made her way there while mostly out of it.

"Here's one," Trixie continued. "How many times have you forgotten to eat, only to find a snack or something right there on the desk waiting for you?"

That one really struck something. She remembered looking up from her books and finding a sandwich, or bagel, or some other snack on a plate beside her. Now that she thought about, Twilight had never actually questioned where it came from. She had just been grateful it was there because she had been starving. Maybe she should have.

"Trixie, I'm sorry. I never noticed-"

"No," Trixie snapped. "You never did, did you? You never noticed how I tried to help you. You never noticed how I tried to spend time with you. You never noticed I tried to get into your interest. You never noticed... you never noticed..."

Trixie let out a roar of frustration, her normally pale blue cheeks burning red. Her horn lit up with an aura of pink magic. Using her power, Trixie grabbed a hold of Twilight and pulled her closer.

When the two were face to face, Trixie leaned forward and planted her lips square against Twilight Sparkle.

Realization

Trixie was in a state of bliss. It felt so wonderful: the feel of their soft lips pressing together,a hint of Twilight's scent reaching Trixie's nose, the warmth of their bodies pressed together. It felt magical.

Trixie was kissing Twilight Sparkle.

Trixie was kissing Twilight Sparkle!

...on her first day at a new job...

...in front of a bunch of ponies Trixie did not know...

...against Twilight's will!

Oh dear Temporal! Trixie thought. She broke the kiss, pushing Twilight away as her magic faded. Trixie's eyes went wide as she looked around, seeing the other five mares staring at her and Twilight in shock (Luna was also staring, but more in confusion). Trixie smiled at them, letting out a nervous chuckle. Did the library suddenly get warmer? Her face felt like it was burning. Strangely, so did her eyes as everything started to become blurry.

"S-sorry ab-about that," Trixie managed to say, her ears drooping. "Why... why don't you look around." Tear started to run down her cheeks. "I need to take care of something and will be back to help in a few minutes." She then turned and ran as quickly as she could up the stairs.

The seven ponies continued to stand there, staring at where they had last seen Trixie before she fled. The sound of a door slamming shut. They continued to stand there in silence, trying to process everything.

It was Luna who broke the silence first.

"What just happened?"

"I'm not sure," Fluttershy replied, shifting.

"Trixie's in love with Twilight," Pinkie Pie stated, "and now she's kind of embarrassed over how she expressed."

"An understandable reaction," Rarity said. "Still, somepony should go and speak with her."

Twilight Sparkle nodded and started for the stairs. Before she was able to make it more than a few steps, she was stopped.

"Considering you're the one she's acting like this over," Applejack stated, "probably be better if you weren't the one to go up yet."

Rarity let out a sigh and rolled her eyes.

"I suppose that such a responsibility as helping a poor lovelorn mare should fall to one such as myself," she said. "Such is the burden of things." With that, she started making her way up the stairs.

"...I need to think," Twilight said. "Fluttershy, Luna, I'll see you back at the cottage." She turned and headed for the door, torn between wanting to bolt for it and trying to be calm and casual.

"So...what now?" Applejack asked. "I mean I don't feel right leaving with things the way they are, but I don't feel right 'bout staying 'round either."

Upstairs, Rarity reached a door at the end of the hallway. With a glow of her magic, she took a hold of the knob and tested it. Finding it unlocked, she opened the door and stepped inside.

At first, she thought that she may have chosen the wrong room. She saw an round room full of shelves, most of which had nothing on them. As she looked around, she noticed that the room was actually composed of two portions. The second was a raised sleeping nook with stairs that were to Rarity's immediate left, following along the wall.

She made her way up the steps to the nook, and found Trixie. The pale blue unicorn laid in her bed, facing the window. Clasped in her hooves was a dark purple bear with a white star on its forehead. She continued to stair out the window, tears streaming down her face.

Rarity walked closer, making sure that she was seen. She then sat on the floor beside the bed, looking out the window as well.

"What are you doing here?" Trixie growled.

"Thought you could use somepony to speak with."

The two of them were quiet for a moment, looking out through the branches of the tree to see Ponyville.

"I was stupid," Trixie said. "I never should have done that. I shouldn't have said anything at all."

"Now, darling," Rarity stated, "I will admit that your actions were a bit on the foolish side, but I must disagree with your final statement. In point, it would have been better if you had merely told her directly sooner."

"I know," Trixie admitted. "I was just... scared. I mean what if she wasn't interested in me? The only reason it happened was because I was just so... so..."

Rarity moved closer and placed a hoof gently on the other mare.

"It's alright," Rarity said softly. "I understand. Being turned down by one you are interested in is always a possibility, dear. It also will invariably be disappointing. However, there are two important points that you have overlooked.

"First, while it is true that by not saying anything about your feelings to another you avoid the risk of rejection, you also avoid the possibility of acceptance. After all, how can two ponies know how the other feels if neither are willing to say anything?"

Rarity paused, letting the statement sink in.

"Second, while it is true that rejection is disappointing, at least you know for certain how the other feels. This makes it easier to move on and find another, one who loves you as much as you love them."

Trixie nodded slowly, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, slowly letting it out.

"Thank you," she mumbled, giving a weak smile.

"Any time," Rarity said with a smile. "If you like, come by my club this evening. A night of entertainment will do you some good. I'll even cover the meal." The smile shifted into a smirk. "Although I would like to hear a few amusing stories of our mutual friend."

Trixie let out a chuckle.

"I'll consider it."

"No pressure, darling." Rarity gave Trixie one last pat. "Now I'll leave you be. Take as long as you need."

With that she got up and started for the stairs.

"Wait!" Trixie called out. "I never got your name."

"Oh," Rarity said with a laugh as she blushed slightly. "How silly of me. It's Rarity."

"Well, thank you, Rarity."

"You are welcome, Trixie. And it was nice to meet you as well."

Servant of Shadows

In a room lit by candles, a robed pony stood. Faint chanting emanated from the figure as it moved around, drawing the needed symbol onto the stone floor. The chanting grew louder as the symbols were drawn, the voice reaching its peak as the final circle was drawn to encompass the entirety of the images.

The candles flared up, the flames growing nearly a foot in height, before returning to normal. The shadows swelled and shifted, pulsing with energy. They moved around the room, sliding down the walls and along the floor before pooling into the center of the circle. As the darkness collected and grew, it took the shape of a pony. Glowing green eyes opened, glaring at the robed pony.

"Who dares?" Sombra growled.

"One who knew of your return," the robed pony said in a feminine voice, "and wishes to serve you." She gave a bow.

"Serve me?" The shadow of Sombra let out scoff. "And what, pray tell, do you hope to accomplish through this?"

"Once you rule, I will have a place as your right hoof mare. Perhaps, even as your queen."

Sombra stared at the robed pony for a minute, eyes narrowing. The dark shadow began to shake as it chuckled. The noise grew louder and louder as it turned into full-blown maniacal laughter.

"Do you take me for a fool?" Sombra growled. "You come to me, claiming that you are more than willing to turn against your princess and your own kind to serve me, and expect me to merely accept it?"

Sombra moved, walking around in the circle.

"What could you possibly mean, my king?" the hooded pony asked, shifting her hooves.

"You are planning to betray," Sombra accused. "Either you are trying to gain my trust in order to turn me in to the princess, or -- more likely -- you will attempt to usurp me and take control once I have succeeded."

"Come now. Do you really-"

"Do not insult my intelligence!"

"....very well..." the robed figure stated. "You are correct. Once Equestria is yours, I will do everything in my power to make it mine. I deserve to rule. Not that worthless princess in her ivory tower with a stick up her plot, not those brats she has been grooming to take over, and certainly not some outdated failure like you!"

Silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of deep huffing. She glared back at the shadowy form from beneath her robe.

Sombra burst into laughter, his voice echoing in the small room.

"Yes," he purred out. "That is the type of anger and hatred I like to see." He smirked (as much as one can when one is only a pony shaped shadow with glowing green eyes). "Perhaps you might be of use to me after all."

"I shall serve you well, my lord," the robed mare stated.

"So long as you serve me," Sombra retorted. "Now remember this: I can make you experience your worst fears. Fail me, and I will make even those seem mild in comparison."

With that, the eyes vanished and the shadows exploded, returning to normal.

"One step closer," the robed figure whispered to herself.