Earth Metalsby DBP12012ChaptersTwo Mares ReturnSay Hello to MistyPinkie's Interference Two Mares ReturnThe sun burst from the hills, spreading quick warmth over Ponyville. The town bustled with usual busyness, ponies galloping and trotting to get to their destinations. Pinkie Pie bounced right in the center of all the hustle and bustle, planning a party three months in advance. The townsponies smiled at her antics, yet didn't pay too much mind to them. Pinkie hummed to herself, springing from shop to shop. She let her mind wander into bliss as she purchased her supplies. A figure stepped into the sunlight, blocking some of the warmth and rays of light. The body belonged to a mare, a unicorn in particular. She wore a dark hooded cape, covering mostly all of her body. Her hooves poked out of the bottom the cloak, reavealing blue fur. A familiar laugh rang out, silencing the otherwise loud street. The figure threw her head back, the cloak's hood dropping to show the mysterious mare's face. Lighter blue bangs fell just beside her right eye. She laughed again, making all the townsponies gasp in disgust. All except Pinkie. "Trixie! You returned, like, finally! We missed you, didn't we?" Pinkie called out, smiling warmly at Trixie. The town growled in response, returning to their shops. Trixie giggled, advancing toward Pinkie. "Pinkie Pie, The Great Trixie is surprised you greet her with such...friendliness since our last encounter. Tell her, Pinkie, why do you act so casually towards Trixie?" She replied, a smirk upon her lips. Pinkie giggled for a while, relishing in the moment before answering. "Trixie, you're so silly. We forgave you, remember? Whatever happened when you used that silly alicorn necklace is water under the bridge." Pinkie bounced over and squeezed Trixie's neck, getting a gasp to escape from Trixie. "W-what? You mean you were serious about forgiving Trixie?" She asked, shocked. Pinkie giggled again, shaking her head. "Of course, silly billy! Why?" Pinkie released Trixie from her deathly hug, smiling at her. "B-because, w-well, um... T-Trixie can explain! Trixie promises... It's not what it seems!" Trixie yelled, taking a few steps back. Her eyes raced around the town square, only to get stared down right back. She started to stammer, pressing her lips together. Pinkie watched Trixie, her big smile slowly fading into a confused frown. Pinkie tried to open her mouth to speak, to question Trixie, but there was no time. A second figure emerged from the shadows, this time dressed in a Shadowbolts uniform. The second shadow was this time a Pegasus, but also a mare. Even though her face was covered, the second mare was easily identified by her bright coral-green coat and orange highlighted mane. A devilish grin tugged at her lips, joined by a small chuckle. "So, Trix, you're sure this is Ponyville?" She asked, passing Trixie and staring down Pinkie. Pinkie walked backwards, eyeing the mare. She looked so familiar...but from where? "Trixie is positive," Trixie replied quickly, trotting to catch up with the masked mare. The mare ignored Trixie, her eyes locked onto Pinkie. "Awesome. Now- Pinkie Pie was it? -I'm sure you remember me, don't you?" The mare laughed louder, yet kept the same slow pace she'd been using. "Or do I need to introduce myself?" "That's quite alright, Lightning Dust," Pinkie replied, furrowing her eyebrows. She studied Lightning thoroughly, suddenly gasping. "Ahhh- that's where!" Pinkie giggled, yet somehow maintained her suspicious gaze. "The Wonderbolts- yes, yes. It's all coming back to me!" "But that's... stupid. You recognized me. I thought you'd already figured it out... Oh, whatever. You were never the brightest bulb anyway." Lightning rolled her eyes, passing Pinkie. "You're not the one I'm here for." "H-Hey! You barely know me... How dare you... I'll have you know my bulb is just fine, thank you very much!" Pinkie snorted, stamping her hoof into the dirt. She tossed her head briskly, closing her eyes. "Hmph!" Lightning ignored Pinkie, continuing her search. "So, are we ready or what, Trix?" Lightning said in annoyance. She turned her head back, staring at Trixie impatiently. "We don't have all day, so hurry up already!" Trixie scrambled out of her trance, cantering to catch up to Lightning. Trixie nodded, a look of guilt lingering in her eyes. She nodded, gulping. "Sweet." Lightning grinned again, looking back at Pinkie once more. "I'm sure you'll be happy to know you've just doomed Rainbow Dash, Pinkie." Pinkie gasped, growling. "H-Hey!" Pinkie yelled, chasing after the two mares. Lightning laughed, taking flight while Trixie teleported away. "Ooh, they're so dead..." Lightning glanced down from the sky, searching for Trixie. "Ugh, that slowpoke," she complained. Lightning landed, looking around the empty town square. "Trix? Oh, come on... I thought we agreed to meet in the town square! Where did she teleport?" Lightning clicked her tongue in disgust. She trotted around for a few minutes, waiting for Trixie. "She should've been here before me..." Lightning moaned. Trixie appeared suddenly, a cloud of pink smoke behind her. "The Great and Powerful Trrrrrrrrixie!" She announced. Lightning approached her slowly, fighting back growls. "Where were you?" Lightning demanded. Trixie laughed, brought her hoof to her mane, and brushed it aside. "Where. Were. You." Lightning repeated, more livid this time. "Oh, just visiting an old friend, nothing of your concern." Trixie smirked, flipping her mane into Lightning's face. Lightning rolled her eyes again, pushing Trixie out of her face. "W-Whatever. Let's just go," said Lightning, scanning the sky. "So, Rainbow lives... where, exactly?" "How should Trixie know? Trixie's grudge is with Twilight Sparkle, not Rainbow Dash," Trixie replied, exasperated. Lightning dove down from the sky, taking her hoof and swiping it across Trixie's face. "What!?" she screamed, huffing and puffing. "That's the only reason we teamed up in the first place! Ugh, you're so incompetent..." Lightning whipped her tail into Trixie's face, trotting away. "Say what you want," Trixie called, rubbing her cheek. "But you can't do this without Trixie. Admit it: Trixie is no more clueless than you." Trixie's words forced Lightning to come to a screeching halt. She moaned, turning her head back. "Well?" Lightning asked, tapping her hoof. "We don't have all day, oh 'Great and Powerful'." Trixie smiled at her name, for somehow it always sounded better when Lightning said it like that. "Fine. Trixie will stay... Let's go." Trixie galloped to catch up with Lightning, punching her lightly on her forehoof. "Trixie knew you didn't want go without her," she whispered. Lightning started sweating, a red hue overtaking her coral green cheeks. "I-it's not like that, Trixie! Y-you know that!" Lightning shouted, scooting away from Trixie. "Wh-what are you even talking abo-" "Oh, hush." Trixie laughed, covering Lightning's mouth. "Trixie knows, but you're just so cute when you're embarrassed. Trixie can't help it." "W-Whatever." The two mares trotted side by side for the rest of the day, with Trixie constantly whispering something that got Lightning to blush. They never did find Rainbow Dash's house or Twilight's Library. They were too busy with each other. Lightning eventually gave up, and the two mares watched the sunset on the edge of town. "Trixie likes you, Lightning. Can she keep you?" Trixie whispered, nuzzling next to Lightning as they lay in the grass. Lightning blushed, awkwardly standing and letting Trixie's head fall into the dirt. "Y-You're being silly, Trixie," Lightning stammered. She looked off into the distance, collecting her thoughts. "Trix?" She began. "Do you remember why we came here? Do you still think that's why we should be here?" "Trixie remembers..." Trixie replied wistfully. "Oh, I don't know. I was seriously just teasing you a bit, honestly. Unless... You're not serious... Are you? Lightning paused for a minute, then smiled. "You stopped talking in third person," she said. Trixie shoved her, rolling her eyes. "Trixie gets tired of third person every now and then, you know," Trixie replied in a sarcastic tone. "Variety is the spice of life, and all that." Lightning sighed once more, staring off into the distance. She motion for Trixie to stand up. "Let's get going; our hotel room is pretty far away." Lightning started to walk away, but Trixie refused to move. She mumbled something, getting Lightning's attention. "What?" Lightning asked. "Mmmph...pony..." Trixie muttered, her eyes and mouth agape. Lightning followed her gaze, feeling equally as astonished when she found out where Trixie was looking. "It's...a pony..." Trixie whispered. "I know..." Lightning whispered back. "Should we...help her at all?" "I guess...?" Trixie walked up to the pony. She looked to be about the same age as Trixie and Lightning Dust, if not a bit younger. She was still alive- thank goodness -simply passed out. She had a whitish coat, complemented by her sea green mane with one solid black stripe. Her bangs wrapped around her horn in a perfect curl. The rest of her mane tumbled down to about her chest level, ending in the same curl. Her tail was of a similar cut. "Um... She's not waking up..." Lightning trailed, poking a bit at her body. Trixie groaned, pushing her friend's hoof away from the unconscious mare. "Give her some time, Lightning Dust," Trixie replied, raising the mare with her magic. "Let's just bring her back to the hotel with us, I guess. She'll just wake up tomorrow morning and get back to her lives, and we can get back to ours, okay?" "Fine, but I'm not paying for her room." Trixie bumped into Lightning, staring at her. "F-Fine, I'll pay half." Trixie raised an eyebrow. "Well, what about you, Great and Powerful?" Lightning retorted defiantly. Trixie smiled, chuckling a bit. "You're so easy to tease," Trixie half-sang, bumping into Lightning again. Lightning groaned, tired of being duped again. "Triiiiix," she whined. "Stop that... You know I don't get much money..." "Oh, and an entertainer who can't entertain anypony does? Need I remind you, I'm still working on a rock farm." Trixie was so busy ranting that she forgot about the mare she'd been carrying. The mare had crashed into a few bushes without her noticing. It took a tree to interrupt her magic and get her out of a trance. Trixie chuckled nervously, a bead of sweat dropping from her forehead as she picked the mare back up. Much to both Lightning Dust's and Trixie's surprise, the body finally gave a reaction. A slight moan erupted from the half-conscious pony. Trixie gasped quietly, brining the mare closer with her magic. She examined the body another time, discovering a couple bruises and a scratch or two. "Good going," Lightning whispered. "She won't be in one piece when we get to the hotel if you keep ramming her into things." Lightning broke the magic seal and awkwardly scooted the mare onto her back. "I'll just carry her safely... Since, y'know, you can't do that for some reason." "Well, if you weren't distracting me..." Say Hello to Misty"Carrie? Could you please stop?" My voice rang out in a dark room, loud enough to cover up the music blaring in the background. I paused for a moment, listening to my deep, yet feminine, voice bounce off the walls. I stopped using my magic, dropping a glass bottle. It shattered, but I ignored it. The music still played on, bothering me to no end as I trotted through the darkness. She I around for the stairs, for I'd forgotten where the light switch was. "Carrie!" I yelled, squinting my eyes. I could feel my horn straining, almost as if to cry out in pain. I cried out, rubbing my head. I groaned. "Carrie!" I yelled once more. At last, a light pink unicorn with a tied-back cerulean blue mane presented herself at the staircase. "Hmm? What's wrong?" The music had finally silenced itself, so her voice came out crisp and understandable. "Nngh, Carrie...I told you... Not to..." My voice became deeper as I groaned and sputtered over my words. Note Carrier- or 'Carrie' to her close friends and relatives -nosed the light switch and walked down to see me. "Aw, have you been working too hard? Your horn looks ab-so-lutely awful." Carrie pushed her lower lip out before giggling. "Here, let me help you up." Carrie offered a hoof, but I declined. "S-Stop- ach! -treating me like a ch-child," I spat, struggling to get up on my own. My attempts proved to be fruitless, what with me collapsing every time I tried to boost myself up. "I can t-take care of my...mmngh...self." "Alkaline..." Carrie whined, "I don't treat you like a child... I just get worried sometimes, y'know? Now, c'mon, you need help." I groaned, finally cracking and accepting the offer. I stumbled to my hooves, swaying from side to side before collapsing on Carrie's back. "Thanks," I muttered insincerely. "She's still not waking up." Trixie loomed over the mare's body, staring at her face for expressions. "Hmm, maybe if I try...this?" She levitated a glass of water and poured it onto the mare's face. Her eyes twitched, and the mare erupted a moan. "W-Wait! Trixie thinks she's up!" Lightning Dust glanced back at Trixie and the mare. Lightning stood in the doorway for a bit, looking back at the stallion she was speaking to. She waved him off, not before whispering a few words of farewell. She walked over lazily, letting out a small yawn. "Took her long enough," she muttered. "But why did you try and wake her up now?" "And what's wrong with waking her up now?" Trixie asked mindlessly, preoccupied with searching the room. She zipped from one place to the next, tossing things around without a second thought. Lightning winced as a few boxes came crashing down. "What are you...n-never mind. What's wrong is it's way too early," Lightning stated, holding back stamping her hoof. She then arched her back, popping a few joints in her spines. She wiggled the ends of her wings, letting out another small yawn. "Hah! It's never too early for Trixie." Trixie continued her seemingly useless search. "Besides, the sooner she gets up, the better, and now that she's up..." her voice faded as she ducked into a closet. She trotted back out triumphantly, holding something with her magic. She then promptly dropped it, staring at Lightning. "Lightning Dust?" She asked. "Did you...sleep in that...that thing? Oh, never mind. Just... take it off." Lightning glanced down awkwardly, forcing her eyes into focus. She starting blushing, though it wasn't at all noticeable. The mask covered her face entirely. "O-Oh yeah. I forgot about that," she said as she trotted back to the doorway. "I'll be next door. Call out or something when you need me, Trix." Trixie giggled, then picked back up the object she was levitating: a glass beaker, like the ones in most chemistry labs. She brought it over to the sink and filled it with water, then set it on the side table next to the bed. She glanced out the window, using magic to pick some of the flowers nearby. All the while, the mare who had recently awoke from her slumber watched in silence. When Trixie turned back around, she jumped a bit to see a pair of soft green eyes staring at her. She jumped, then took a breath of air. "Trixie didn't know you were fully awake. Don't scare her like that," she scolded, placing the flowers in the beaker. The mare watched Trixie intently, drawn to the 'vase' of flowers. "Why did you do that?" She spoke at last. Her voice was deep, but still light. It had a certain rasp to it, yet it was still soothing. Trixie blinked in response, cocking her head a bit. She hmmed in inquiry. "Why did you put flowers there?" She asked again. Trixie smiled, looking over at them. "The room seemed-" Trixie raised her hoof, dragging it around in the air and occasionally tapping her temples "-too...what's the word...boring." The mare smiled, glancing at Trixie's back. She giggled. "Yes, it does seem like you'd hate boring things." The mare began examining the room she woke up in. It had boxes and clutter laying around, plus a suitcase or two. The floor was dark and oldish looking wood, while the walls had a fresh coat of beige paint on them. The bed's sheets and blankets had no designs on them, only solid darkish colors. Boring, indeed. "Oh?" Trixie prodded for an explanation. The mare raised her hoof and pointed at Trixie's back. "Your cape is anything but boring," she explained. Trixie laughed, shaking her back. "You should see Trixie when she's wearing her hat, too, and preforming." The mare nodded, then blinked in confusion. She hummed for a bit, glancing around. "Where am I, anyway?" She asked, a bit more terror then cheer in her voice. She'd just gotten a reality check, by some means. She got up, her mane tumbling into her eyes as she shook her head around. She fell over as soon as she stood up, then emitted a small gasp. Trixie jolted her head back. "What happened?" Trixie asked, a sense of urgency in her voice. She walked over to the bedside, offering a hoof to the mare. The mare's eyes opened wide, and her pale fur turned even paler. She started stuttering, her eye twitching. Lightning Dust walked in, oblivious to what had happened. "Hey, Trix. I'm back. How's the mare?" Lightning spoke casually before looking at the mare. As soon as she saw the mare, her face switched into a dark state. She walked over, giving a death stare to Trixie. "What...what did you do?" Lightning asked in a low voice. Trixie glanced around, panicked. Her knees began to wobble, yet she left her hoof outstretched. "Trixie...has no...idea..." She mumbled. The mare deeply inhaled, then exhaled slowly. She let out a sigh of relief, then gladly accepted Trixie's offer. She stumbled a bit, but eventually balanced herself. "I'm sorry, I just...remembered my...dream," she explained. Lightning and Trixie leaned forward looking at her eagerly. "Umm, I suppose...you want me to tell you." Trixie and Lightning nodded, taking their seats on the floor. The mare paused awkwardly, nervously laughing. "It's...not that interesting..." She whispered to herself before beginning. "I, um, I was in this dark room. I forget what I was doing, but it must have been some intense magical practice because I had this massive horn-ache. I was very weak. I fell over, yelling at somepony. They came to the top of the stairs. I felt...mad. I knew them, but I don't know how. They tried to help me up, but I refused. I couldn't get up, so I reluctantly accepted their offer." Lightning and Trixie exchanged some glances and whispers, ending with Trixie nodding. They shared in an epiphany about what had happened, yet they kept it a secret from the mare. "This...pony...that you were mad at...did she know you? If so, did she call you by name?" Lightning asked hastily, with Trixie nudging her whenever she paused. The mare sighed, hanging her head. "No...all I remember about that dream is what I told you. I'm bad at remembering dreams. In fact... The dream is all I remember about anything," she replied heavily. She walked around the room a little, examining her surroundings more and more. "I'm sorry to repeat myself, but, where am I?" "Oh!" Trixie shook her head, waking from her thoughts. "You're in Ponyville," she responded, smiling. "In a crummy hotel room, no less." Lightning added, only to get a punch and a stare of disapproval from Trixie. "What? It's true." Lightning shoved away Trixie, causing them to get into a punch-battle. The two couldn't hold back giggling, the fight ending with tears of laughter and heavy panting. The mare watched closely, smiling when she saw how the two pretended to hate each other. She kept quiet for a minute, then started laughing softly. She laughed louder and louder, until Lightning and Trixie couldn't ignore it. The mare had collapsed again, holding her sides and gasping for air. Tears had formed in her eyes, and she started sniffling. "What?" Lightning and Trixie asked in unison. The mare stopped, gasping for air. She waited for her breathing to return to normal before even attempting to answer. Then, with a straight face, she responded. "You...you two. You don't hate each other, do you? No...don't answer that. I already know. I find it extremely funny that...you continue to pretend to hate the one you love." She burst out in another fit of laughter, getting to the point where she was rolling all over the floor. Trixie blushed, glancing over at Lightning. Lightning snorted, making a circling motion with her hoof towards the mare. Trixie nodded, holding back her own laughter. They mouthed the same words: She's crazy. When the mare finally stopped laughing, Trixie walked up to her. Trixie offered her hoof, but the mare declined the offer and got up fine on her own. "Now then, Trixie wanted to ask you something. Since you don't remember even your name, what should Trixie call you? She can't go on for much longer referring to you as 'the mare'." "I-I don't know..." She responded, looking down at her cutie mark. "Apparently, I was some kind of...chemist?" Trixie snapped her hoof, bursting out an exclamation. "Misty!" She proclaimed proudly. Lightning Dust rolled her eyes. "Misty...? Where the heck did that come from?" She snorted. Trixie curled her lip, giving another stare to Lightning. "Che-Misty. It fits. Trixie doesn't know about you, but from this day forth, she will refer to this unnamed mare as Misty!" Trixie positioned herself next to 'Misty', laying an arm around her shoulder. "Well, Misty? What do you think?" Her face showed no emotion whatsoever. Trixie sighed. She doesn't like it. "It's...cute? I dunno. It's certainly better than being referred to as 'the mare'." Misty shrugged, then started smirking. She leaned over and whispered into Trixie's ear, "I love the name. Thank you. And by the way...you're incredibly easy to tease." Pinkie's Interference Pinkie's Interference "That's so cool oh my goodness you have no idea just how excited you made me can you believe it because I sure can't!" Pinkie bounced up and down, her voice shaking and eyes racing. "Calm down, it's just for a week or two," Twilight placed a hoof onto Pinkie's head, stopping her from bouncing. How much sugar has she had today? "Not much. Juuuuust three pieces of birthday cake, four scoops of ice cream with tons and tons of super-yummy sprinkles, a glass of chocolate milk, and a cotton candy cloud that Discord gave me! He can be a real sweetie, y'know. Wait, sweet? Ooh! I could really go for something sweet right now!" Pinkie jabbered, her tongue moving at the speed of light. She giggled and started shaking under Twilight's hoof. "How did you--?" "Your face totally gives you away, Twily. I don't even need to be psychic to know what you're thinking, silly billy." Twilight shrugged it off, beginning to walk again. "Anyway, as I was saying before somepony interrupted me, I'll need you to watch over Owlowiscious and Spike," she mentioned gingerly. If she'd spoken too casually, it could possibly over excite a certain pink one, as Twilight knew. Pinkie scowled, bouncing alongside Twilight. "But Twi- wouldn't this- usually be- a job for- Flutters?" Her voice cut in and out as bounced. "Well, on any other occasion, yes. But the Society of Rare Creatures just got a new group of Breezies in and they need Fluttershy to aid them in their travels. Apparently, another portal opened in Trottingham." "But wait, didn't you leave Spike home alone when we went to the Crystal Empire? Why do you need somepony to watch over him?" Pinkie's endless flow of questions never stopped, much to Twilight's dismay. She let out an exasperated sigh, then perked up with a cheesy grin. "Well, Applebloom ended up accidentally telling me about their 'little trip' to the Crystal Empire without my knowledge. I can't leave him alone again with Owlowiscious...he's broken my trust. Bedsides, you learned your lesson with babysitting the Cake twins, so I don't see why you shouldn't be perfectly capable of watching both of them." Pinkie bounced faster and faster, her grin stretching her whole face into an ear-to-ear tooth display. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Pinkie sprung up and wrapped her forehooves around Twilight's neck ever-so-tightly. Twilight's lavender face turned an even deeper purple as Pinkie cut off her esophagus, thus stopping the air flow. "IpromiseI'lltakeextraspecialcareofthemboth!" Pinkie began jabbering so fast Twilight couldn't even understand half of the words coming out of her mouth. Twilight cracked a small smile. "Um, you're...welcome. And thank you, Pinkie. Goodbye," she called as she took flight, soaring past her homely library. "You're sure?" "Yes." "One hundred percent positive?" "Yes." "Really?" "Yes!" "Okay, then prove it." "I'd be happy to." Lightning Dust marched in a straight line, not hesitating to bang in the wooden door presented in front of her. She turned around, giving Trixie a smug look as she heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs. Trixie rolled her eyes, set on Lightning being absolutely wrong. This tree was definitely not where Twilight lived. As the door opened, Trixie's eyes lit up, a smirk creeping its way onto her face while the one on Lightning's face dropped quicker than a 10 ton weight being dropped from an airplane. They didn't see a purple, top notch magic using alicorn, no. They saw a pink partier in a off-white apron with her hair shoved messily into a bun. A few splashes of brown batter had found their way onto the apron, suggesting she had been baking. "I'm so so so sorry it took so lo-" Pinkie stopped herself from apologizing once her eyes fully opened, her face turning sour at the sight of the Pegasus. "Oh. It's you," she said flatly. Trixie burst out in laughter behind Lightning as the Pegasus stood there, dumbfounded. Pinkie tapped her hoof impatiently, nervously glancing back and forth between the library and the two mares. "Well?" Pinkie exploded, racing up and destroying Lightning's personal space. "What do you need? I have...um...things I have to do!" Trixie finally withheld her laughter, shoving Lightning out of Pinkie's grasp. She flipped her hair to the side, wiping a few tears out if the corners of her eyes. She cleared her throat rather loudly, puffing out her chest as she did. "Ah, Pinkamena. Long time no see," she proclaimed sarcastically. "Trixie sees you finally decided to move from that shabby old sweet shop." Pinkie let her anxiety drop for a minute, returning to her bitter attitude. "Hey!" She squeaked. "I'm only doing a favor." She whipped her tail, an audible smack as it hit the library's floor. A slight crash sounded in the background, causing Pinkie to wince. Trixie scowled and tried to peer into the tree. Pinkie moved her head along with Trixie's, a nervous smile creeping up on her face. She giggled slightly, waving her hoof and Trixie's face away from the noise. "N-Nevermind that. What are you even doing here?" "Trixie came here under the pretense that Twilight Sparkle lives here, but apparently that is not- or is no longer -the case." Trixie responded. Pinkie glanced back, scanning the room behind her while Trixie talked. When she finished speaking, Trixie snapped at Pinkie. "Are you even listening to me?" She whined. "Ahh, yes..." Pinkie responded absentmindedly, waving her hoof again. "Go on." Trixie grabbed Pinkie's head, forcing their yes to make contact. Pinkie giggled awkwardly and blushed, struggling to turn around and continue scanning the room. Trixie wouldn't let her, though. Working on the rock farm had given her much mor strength for a more, yet she could still be matched by many. Applejack, to name one. Pinkie sighed, giving up. "What?" She dropped her head, which proved hard with Trixie's hooves locked tightly around her head. "Twilight. Sparkle. Where is she?" She stated firmly, jerking Pinkie's head back up. Her eyelids quivered and her lips trembled. "Trixie, what was that for? I thought we were friends..." Pinkie responded, shuddering under Trixie's brutish hold. Trixie bit her lip. They were technically friends...but, no, Pinkie was standing in her way of exacting revenge on Twilight. Trixie reaffirmed her strength, forcing Pinkie down further. Her face had gone soft, though. She looked like any one thing could set her off. Meanwhile, Lightning Dust had finally gotten over the bitter taste of defeat. She shook her head a few times, with a slap or two to force herself back into reality. One pep-talk later and she walked back up to the doorstep. Or she was, at least. Two mares blocked her way. It confused her to see Pinkie's head forcefully grabbed by a tearful, regret-filled Trixie. Lightning stared for a while, not sure to laugh or scream. "Scuze me, but...What. The. HAY. Is going on?" Lightning chose neither in the end. She spoke slowly; with controlled, quiet-ish rage. "Trix, why are you...and why do you look like... Y'know what, just...never mind. I have a feeling I don't wanna know." Trixie shook her head, staring down at the pink one under her hooves. She thought over their conversation, then awkwardly dropped Pinkke's head. Pinkie had been relying on Trixie's hooves for so long, she plummeted to the floor. "Wah!" She exclaimed. Trixie stared down at her, shaking her head. "How pitiful," she remarked. Lightning rolled her eyes, punching Trixie on the fore-hoof. "Ouch..." She mumbled. "You're one to talk, Trix. Like seriously, what was that? I zone out for not more than five minutes and you go all soft on me!" Lightning fumed. She was so mad you could see puffs of smoke rolling out of her ears. "Just-" she brought a hoof to her forehead "-Where is Twilight?" She said, quieter. Trixie shrugged. "Y-You don't know. Fabulous," Lightning grumbled. Pinkie had made a quick recovery. In no time, she was bouncing in place as usual. "Ummm..." Pinkie began quietly. "Hello?" She tried to cut into the two mare's conversation, but nothing really worked. She jumped in between them, she waved her hooves frantically, but nothing seemed to work. "HEY!" she screamed at the top her lungs. Trixie and Lightning jumped, with Lightning letting out a little squeak. Trixie snorted, gaining herself a punch from the squeaky one. "Who's the mare?" Pinkie asked. Lightning and Trixie exchanged some confused looks. Trixie shrugged again. "Who are you talking about?" Lighting asked after a while. Pinkie dropped her eyelids in a flat expression. She sighed, then pointed behind them to the bushes. "I don't see anypony," Lightning said condescendingly. Pinkie grabbed both mares, dragging them over to the bushes. "Her." Lightning and Trixie gasped, looking at Misty cowering in the bushes. "Who is she?" Lightning nudged Trixie a couple times. Trixie nudged her back, motioning towards Misty. Trixie sighed, then walked up to Misty. "Misty..." Trixie sighed. "What...are you doing here? In the bushes, no less..." Misty stopped shaking for a minute, her face turning beet red in the blink of an eye. She rose to a sitting position, her back facing the trio. Trixie's face also turned beet red, but for a different reason than Misty's. "Misty. Answer me," she grumbled. "I got lonely, so I followed you. I didn't want you to see me, so I hid in the bushes. Also because when you started doing that...thing...or whatever to the pink one, it startled me. I get scared like a little filly when ponies start screaming," she mumbled awkwardly. Pinkie pushed over Trixie, the showmare letting out a startled scream when she hit the dust. Lighting just sat back on her haunches, as of she was watching reality TV. Wait, what's a- "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I'm so so so SO happy you're here! I love making new friends! Where are you from? Your name is Misty? I love that! It's such a pretty name. What's your cutie mark mean? Do you make explosions or something? Ooh, I should throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party! You are moving here, right? Or, are you visiting? How do you know Trixie and Dustie? What about-" Pinkie's words flowed out of her mouth like a waterfall. Misty stood up, and laid a hoof on her shoulder, abruptly stopping her speech pattern. "What?" She asked perkily. "I don't know," she said simply. Pinkie giggled, with an occasional snort now and then. Her eyes watered, and she collapsed on her back. She laughed so hard she might be hyperventilating. Nopony did anything, though. They just stood or sat, watching Pinkke with blank expressions on their face. "What's so funny about that?" Misty whispered to Trixie. "D-Dustie...?" Lightning muttered to herself, yet it was loud enough to interrupt the two unicorns for a minute. Trixie shot her a look, but it did nothing. The Pegasus had lost herself in her own little world. "Nothing. It's almost like when you burst into laughter at Trixie and Lightning Dust in their...punch...battle," Trixie whispered after a pause. Is she really comparing me to that maniac? Misty sighed. Come to think of it...what did they mouth? She's...she's... "Oh well," she mused aloud. "I can see where they're coming from, at least." Lighting stood up, cracking her back and yawning. Trixie shot another glare at her. "You're still tired?" She said flatly. Lightning rolled her eyes, wiping her mouth with her hoof. She cocked her eyebrows at Trixie. Trixie clicked her tongue. "Whatever," she muttered. "It's still morning, is it not?" Lighting mocked Trixie's tone. "Lighting thought she told Trixie that she hates mornings already." Lighting smirked. Trixie ignored her, focusing back on Misty. Pinkie still laughed. She showed no signs of stopping, either. "Misty, would you rather stay with Pinkie than Trixie and Lightning Dust?" Trixie inquired, coming off more sincere than she'd intended. Sure, it was no lie that Trixie had grown an attachment to Misty, but even then it was surprising to see her in a softer light. Even more surprising was how hard it seemed to keep her facade up, even when she was in front of others. It took a lot to break down this barrier, and for somepony she just met to do so... It was unheard of. Misty jolted back. Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would she rather stay with a maniac than two sane ponies? The answer seemed obvious to her. "Well, you two, of course." Misty rose to her hooves, cracking her back much like Lightning had not a few minutes ago. Pinkie's jaw dropped. "Well, we're still going to be best friends, right?" Pinkie asked. She leaned forward in anticipation. She's gotta say yes. I've only come across one other pony who said no, and he wasn't even a pony! Plus he said yes in the end. Oh, but does Twilight count? No, she said yes as well. No matter, nopony can resist the amazing charm of- "I-I don't know..." Misty hesitated. As soon as the words left her mouth, Pinkie went into an instant frenzy. "You don't seem to like Trixie and Lightning much, do you?" Pinkie had to stop herself mid-checklist, even though she'd already found what she had missed. She stared at Misty blankly, her eye beginning to twitch. "Eh..?" She mumbled. "You'd really chose those...those...those...m-meanies over me? Just because I don't seem to like them? Hah! Trixie and I are great friends, right, Trix?" Pinkie proclaimed proudly. Trixie hung her head. She whistled out a low breath. Was Pinkie really this oblivious to reality? And had she really forgotten about Lightning Dust? Lightning rubbed the back of her neck, letting out another small yawn. "Well, if you guys have nothing better to do, I'm going back to the hotel for a nap. Don't wake me up when you get back," she called as she took flight. "Now, hold on-!" Trixie yelled as she ran after Lightning. Pinkie walked up to Misty, examining her. Misty flinched, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead. True, she could see some similarities between herself and this pink pony. She couldn't remember much, but that fit of laughter she had earlier definitely wasn't her first. And yet, she had taken a quick disliking to this bouncy mare. "Hmm..." Pinkie rubbed her chin. "Well, one thing's for sure, you're not a donkey in disguise." Misty stared at her. She was far more than oblivious. She was...on her own wave link. Misty awkwardly tried to leave, but Pinkie grabbed her before she made her getaway. "C-Can I just go back to my hotel now?" She squeaked. Pinkie shook her head, a fiery passion in her eyes. She kept dragging Misty, despite the unicorn digging her heels into the ground, grabbing at tree branches with her magic, and straight up bucking her hind legs. Eventually, she gave up. "Where are we going, anyway?" She asked, defeated. Pinkie's face went dark, a determinated spark in her eyes. It frightened Misty to no end. "We're going to become best friends, if it's the last thing I do," Pinkie replied darkly. Never in all her years [that she couldn't remember] did Misty not want to become friends with somepony.
Two Mares ReturnThe sun burst from the hills, spreading quick warmth over Ponyville. The town bustled with usual busyness, ponies galloping and trotting to get to their destinations. Pinkie Pie bounced right in the center of all the hustle and bustle, planning a party three months in advance. The townsponies smiled at her antics, yet didn't pay too much mind to them. Pinkie hummed to herself, springing from shop to shop. She let her mind wander into bliss as she purchased her supplies. A figure stepped into the sunlight, blocking some of the warmth and rays of light. The body belonged to a mare, a unicorn in particular. She wore a dark hooded cape, covering mostly all of her body. Her hooves poked out of the bottom the cloak, reavealing blue fur. A familiar laugh rang out, silencing the otherwise loud street. The figure threw her head back, the cloak's hood dropping to show the mysterious mare's face. Lighter blue bangs fell just beside her right eye. She laughed again, making all the townsponies gasp in disgust. All except Pinkie. "Trixie! You returned, like, finally! We missed you, didn't we?" Pinkie called out, smiling warmly at Trixie. The town growled in response, returning to their shops. Trixie giggled, advancing toward Pinkie. "Pinkie Pie, The Great Trixie is surprised you greet her with such...friendliness since our last encounter. Tell her, Pinkie, why do you act so casually towards Trixie?" She replied, a smirk upon her lips. Pinkie giggled for a while, relishing in the moment before answering. "Trixie, you're so silly. We forgave you, remember? Whatever happened when you used that silly alicorn necklace is water under the bridge." Pinkie bounced over and squeezed Trixie's neck, getting a gasp to escape from Trixie. "W-what? You mean you were serious about forgiving Trixie?" She asked, shocked. Pinkie giggled again, shaking her head. "Of course, silly billy! Why?" Pinkie released Trixie from her deathly hug, smiling at her. "B-because, w-well, um... T-Trixie can explain! Trixie promises... It's not what it seems!" Trixie yelled, taking a few steps back. Her eyes raced around the town square, only to get stared down right back. She started to stammer, pressing her lips together. Pinkie watched Trixie, her big smile slowly fading into a confused frown. Pinkie tried to open her mouth to speak, to question Trixie, but there was no time. A second figure emerged from the shadows, this time dressed in a Shadowbolts uniform. The second shadow was this time a Pegasus, but also a mare. Even though her face was covered, the second mare was easily identified by her bright coral-green coat and orange highlighted mane. A devilish grin tugged at her lips, joined by a small chuckle. "So, Trix, you're sure this is Ponyville?" She asked, passing Trixie and staring down Pinkie. Pinkie walked backwards, eyeing the mare. She looked so familiar...but from where? "Trixie is positive," Trixie replied quickly, trotting to catch up with the masked mare. The mare ignored Trixie, her eyes locked onto Pinkie. "Awesome. Now- Pinkie Pie was it? -I'm sure you remember me, don't you?" The mare laughed louder, yet kept the same slow pace she'd been using. "Or do I need to introduce myself?" "That's quite alright, Lightning Dust," Pinkie replied, furrowing her eyebrows. She studied Lightning thoroughly, suddenly gasping. "Ahhh- that's where!" Pinkie giggled, yet somehow maintained her suspicious gaze. "The Wonderbolts- yes, yes. It's all coming back to me!" "But that's... stupid. You recognized me. I thought you'd already figured it out... Oh, whatever. You were never the brightest bulb anyway." Lightning rolled her eyes, passing Pinkie. "You're not the one I'm here for." "H-Hey! You barely know me... How dare you... I'll have you know my bulb is just fine, thank you very much!" Pinkie snorted, stamping her hoof into the dirt. She tossed her head briskly, closing her eyes. "Hmph!" Lightning ignored Pinkie, continuing her search. "So, are we ready or what, Trix?" Lightning said in annoyance. She turned her head back, staring at Trixie impatiently. "We don't have all day, so hurry up already!" Trixie scrambled out of her trance, cantering to catch up to Lightning. Trixie nodded, a look of guilt lingering in her eyes. She nodded, gulping. "Sweet." Lightning grinned again, looking back at Pinkie once more. "I'm sure you'll be happy to know you've just doomed Rainbow Dash, Pinkie." Pinkie gasped, growling. "H-Hey!" Pinkie yelled, chasing after the two mares. Lightning laughed, taking flight while Trixie teleported away. "Ooh, they're so dead..." Lightning glanced down from the sky, searching for Trixie. "Ugh, that slowpoke," she complained. Lightning landed, looking around the empty town square. "Trix? Oh, come on... I thought we agreed to meet in the town square! Where did she teleport?" Lightning clicked her tongue in disgust. She trotted around for a few minutes, waiting for Trixie. "She should've been here before me..." Lightning moaned. Trixie appeared suddenly, a cloud of pink smoke behind her. "The Great and Powerful Trrrrrrrrixie!" She announced. Lightning approached her slowly, fighting back growls. "Where were you?" Lightning demanded. Trixie laughed, brought her hoof to her mane, and brushed it aside. "Where. Were. You." Lightning repeated, more livid this time. "Oh, just visiting an old friend, nothing of your concern." Trixie smirked, flipping her mane into Lightning's face. Lightning rolled her eyes again, pushing Trixie out of her face. "W-Whatever. Let's just go," said Lightning, scanning the sky. "So, Rainbow lives... where, exactly?" "How should Trixie know? Trixie's grudge is with Twilight Sparkle, not Rainbow Dash," Trixie replied, exasperated. Lightning dove down from the sky, taking her hoof and swiping it across Trixie's face. "What!?" she screamed, huffing and puffing. "That's the only reason we teamed up in the first place! Ugh, you're so incompetent..." Lightning whipped her tail into Trixie's face, trotting away. "Say what you want," Trixie called, rubbing her cheek. "But you can't do this without Trixie. Admit it: Trixie is no more clueless than you." Trixie's words forced Lightning to come to a screeching halt. She moaned, turning her head back. "Well?" Lightning asked, tapping her hoof. "We don't have all day, oh 'Great and Powerful'." Trixie smiled at her name, for somehow it always sounded better when Lightning said it like that. "Fine. Trixie will stay... Let's go." Trixie galloped to catch up with Lightning, punching her lightly on her forehoof. "Trixie knew you didn't want go without her," she whispered. Lightning started sweating, a red hue overtaking her coral green cheeks. "I-it's not like that, Trixie! Y-you know that!" Lightning shouted, scooting away from Trixie. "Wh-what are you even talking abo-" "Oh, hush." Trixie laughed, covering Lightning's mouth. "Trixie knows, but you're just so cute when you're embarrassed. Trixie can't help it." "W-Whatever." The two mares trotted side by side for the rest of the day, with Trixie constantly whispering something that got Lightning to blush. They never did find Rainbow Dash's house or Twilight's Library. They were too busy with each other. Lightning eventually gave up, and the two mares watched the sunset on the edge of town. "Trixie likes you, Lightning. Can she keep you?" Trixie whispered, nuzzling next to Lightning as they lay in the grass. Lightning blushed, awkwardly standing and letting Trixie's head fall into the dirt. "Y-You're being silly, Trixie," Lightning stammered. She looked off into the distance, collecting her thoughts. "Trix?" She began. "Do you remember why we came here? Do you still think that's why we should be here?" "Trixie remembers..." Trixie replied wistfully. "Oh, I don't know. I was seriously just teasing you a bit, honestly. Unless... You're not serious... Are you? Lightning paused for a minute, then smiled. "You stopped talking in third person," she said. Trixie shoved her, rolling her eyes. "Trixie gets tired of third person every now and then, you know," Trixie replied in a sarcastic tone. "Variety is the spice of life, and all that." Lightning sighed once more, staring off into the distance. She motion for Trixie to stand up. "Let's get going; our hotel room is pretty far away." Lightning started to walk away, but Trixie refused to move. She mumbled something, getting Lightning's attention. "What?" Lightning asked. "Mmmph...pony..." Trixie muttered, her eyes and mouth agape. Lightning followed her gaze, feeling equally as astonished when she found out where Trixie was looking. "It's...a pony..." Trixie whispered. "I know..." Lightning whispered back. "Should we...help her at all?" "I guess...?" Trixie walked up to the pony. She looked to be about the same age as Trixie and Lightning Dust, if not a bit younger. She was still alive- thank goodness -simply passed out. She had a whitish coat, complemented by her sea green mane with one solid black stripe. Her bangs wrapped around her horn in a perfect curl. The rest of her mane tumbled down to about her chest level, ending in the same curl. Her tail was of a similar cut. "Um... She's not waking up..." Lightning trailed, poking a bit at her body. Trixie groaned, pushing her friend's hoof away from the unconscious mare. "Give her some time, Lightning Dust," Trixie replied, raising the mare with her magic. "Let's just bring her back to the hotel with us, I guess. She'll just wake up tomorrow morning and get back to her lives, and we can get back to ours, okay?" "Fine, but I'm not paying for her room." Trixie bumped into Lightning, staring at her. "F-Fine, I'll pay half." Trixie raised an eyebrow. "Well, what about you, Great and Powerful?" Lightning retorted defiantly. Trixie smiled, chuckling a bit. "You're so easy to tease," Trixie half-sang, bumping into Lightning again. Lightning groaned, tired of being duped again. "Triiiiix," she whined. "Stop that... You know I don't get much money..." "Oh, and an entertainer who can't entertain anypony does? Need I remind you, I'm still working on a rock farm." Trixie was so busy ranting that she forgot about the mare she'd been carrying. The mare had crashed into a few bushes without her noticing. It took a tree to interrupt her magic and get her out of a trance. Trixie chuckled nervously, a bead of sweat dropping from her forehead as she picked the mare back up. Much to both Lightning Dust's and Trixie's surprise, the body finally gave a reaction. A slight moan erupted from the half-conscious pony. Trixie gasped quietly, brining the mare closer with her magic. She examined the body another time, discovering a couple bruises and a scratch or two. "Good going," Lightning whispered. "She won't be in one piece when we get to the hotel if you keep ramming her into things." Lightning broke the magic seal and awkwardly scooted the mare onto her back. "I'll just carry her safely... Since, y'know, you can't do that for some reason." "Well, if you weren't distracting me..."
Say Hello to Misty"Carrie? Could you please stop?" My voice rang out in a dark room, loud enough to cover up the music blaring in the background. I paused for a moment, listening to my deep, yet feminine, voice bounce off the walls. I stopped using my magic, dropping a glass bottle. It shattered, but I ignored it. The music still played on, bothering me to no end as I trotted through the darkness. She I around for the stairs, for I'd forgotten where the light switch was. "Carrie!" I yelled, squinting my eyes. I could feel my horn straining, almost as if to cry out in pain. I cried out, rubbing my head. I groaned. "Carrie!" I yelled once more. At last, a light pink unicorn with a tied-back cerulean blue mane presented herself at the staircase. "Hmm? What's wrong?" The music had finally silenced itself, so her voice came out crisp and understandable. "Nngh, Carrie...I told you... Not to..." My voice became deeper as I groaned and sputtered over my words. Note Carrier- or 'Carrie' to her close friends and relatives -nosed the light switch and walked down to see me. "Aw, have you been working too hard? Your horn looks ab-so-lutely awful." Carrie pushed her lower lip out before giggling. "Here, let me help you up." Carrie offered a hoof, but I declined. "S-Stop- ach! -treating me like a ch-child," I spat, struggling to get up on my own. My attempts proved to be fruitless, what with me collapsing every time I tried to boost myself up. "I can t-take care of my...mmngh...self." "Alkaline..." Carrie whined, "I don't treat you like a child... I just get worried sometimes, y'know? Now, c'mon, you need help." I groaned, finally cracking and accepting the offer. I stumbled to my hooves, swaying from side to side before collapsing on Carrie's back. "Thanks," I muttered insincerely. "She's still not waking up." Trixie loomed over the mare's body, staring at her face for expressions. "Hmm, maybe if I try...this?" She levitated a glass of water and poured it onto the mare's face. Her eyes twitched, and the mare erupted a moan. "W-Wait! Trixie thinks she's up!" Lightning Dust glanced back at Trixie and the mare. Lightning stood in the doorway for a bit, looking back at the stallion she was speaking to. She waved him off, not before whispering a few words of farewell. She walked over lazily, letting out a small yawn. "Took her long enough," she muttered. "But why did you try and wake her up now?" "And what's wrong with waking her up now?" Trixie asked mindlessly, preoccupied with searching the room. She zipped from one place to the next, tossing things around without a second thought. Lightning winced as a few boxes came crashing down. "What are you...n-never mind. What's wrong is it's way too early," Lightning stated, holding back stamping her hoof. She then arched her back, popping a few joints in her spines. She wiggled the ends of her wings, letting out another small yawn. "Hah! It's never too early for Trixie." Trixie continued her seemingly useless search. "Besides, the sooner she gets up, the better, and now that she's up..." her voice faded as she ducked into a closet. She trotted back out triumphantly, holding something with her magic. She then promptly dropped it, staring at Lightning. "Lightning Dust?" She asked. "Did you...sleep in that...that thing? Oh, never mind. Just... take it off." Lightning glanced down awkwardly, forcing her eyes into focus. She starting blushing, though it wasn't at all noticeable. The mask covered her face entirely. "O-Oh yeah. I forgot about that," she said as she trotted back to the doorway. "I'll be next door. Call out or something when you need me, Trix." Trixie giggled, then picked back up the object she was levitating: a glass beaker, like the ones in most chemistry labs. She brought it over to the sink and filled it with water, then set it on the side table next to the bed. She glanced out the window, using magic to pick some of the flowers nearby. All the while, the mare who had recently awoke from her slumber watched in silence. When Trixie turned back around, she jumped a bit to see a pair of soft green eyes staring at her. She jumped, then took a breath of air. "Trixie didn't know you were fully awake. Don't scare her like that," she scolded, placing the flowers in the beaker. The mare watched Trixie intently, drawn to the 'vase' of flowers. "Why did you do that?" She spoke at last. Her voice was deep, but still light. It had a certain rasp to it, yet it was still soothing. Trixie blinked in response, cocking her head a bit. She hmmed in inquiry. "Why did you put flowers there?" She asked again. Trixie smiled, looking over at them. "The room seemed-" Trixie raised her hoof, dragging it around in the air and occasionally tapping her temples "-too...what's the word...boring." The mare smiled, glancing at Trixie's back. She giggled. "Yes, it does seem like you'd hate boring things." The mare began examining the room she woke up in. It had boxes and clutter laying around, plus a suitcase or two. The floor was dark and oldish looking wood, while the walls had a fresh coat of beige paint on them. The bed's sheets and blankets had no designs on them, only solid darkish colors. Boring, indeed. "Oh?" Trixie prodded for an explanation. The mare raised her hoof and pointed at Trixie's back. "Your cape is anything but boring," she explained. Trixie laughed, shaking her back. "You should see Trixie when she's wearing her hat, too, and preforming." The mare nodded, then blinked in confusion. She hummed for a bit, glancing around. "Where am I, anyway?" She asked, a bit more terror then cheer in her voice. She'd just gotten a reality check, by some means. She got up, her mane tumbling into her eyes as she shook her head around. She fell over as soon as she stood up, then emitted a small gasp. Trixie jolted her head back. "What happened?" Trixie asked, a sense of urgency in her voice. She walked over to the bedside, offering a hoof to the mare. The mare's eyes opened wide, and her pale fur turned even paler. She started stuttering, her eye twitching. Lightning Dust walked in, oblivious to what had happened. "Hey, Trix. I'm back. How's the mare?" Lightning spoke casually before looking at the mare. As soon as she saw the mare, her face switched into a dark state. She walked over, giving a death stare to Trixie. "What...what did you do?" Lightning asked in a low voice. Trixie glanced around, panicked. Her knees began to wobble, yet she left her hoof outstretched. "Trixie...has no...idea..." She mumbled. The mare deeply inhaled, then exhaled slowly. She let out a sigh of relief, then gladly accepted Trixie's offer. She stumbled a bit, but eventually balanced herself. "I'm sorry, I just...remembered my...dream," she explained. Lightning and Trixie leaned forward looking at her eagerly. "Umm, I suppose...you want me to tell you." Trixie and Lightning nodded, taking their seats on the floor. The mare paused awkwardly, nervously laughing. "It's...not that interesting..." She whispered to herself before beginning. "I, um, I was in this dark room. I forget what I was doing, but it must have been some intense magical practice because I had this massive horn-ache. I was very weak. I fell over, yelling at somepony. They came to the top of the stairs. I felt...mad. I knew them, but I don't know how. They tried to help me up, but I refused. I couldn't get up, so I reluctantly accepted their offer." Lightning and Trixie exchanged some glances and whispers, ending with Trixie nodding. They shared in an epiphany about what had happened, yet they kept it a secret from the mare. "This...pony...that you were mad at...did she know you? If so, did she call you by name?" Lightning asked hastily, with Trixie nudging her whenever she paused. The mare sighed, hanging her head. "No...all I remember about that dream is what I told you. I'm bad at remembering dreams. In fact... The dream is all I remember about anything," she replied heavily. She walked around the room a little, examining her surroundings more and more. "I'm sorry to repeat myself, but, where am I?" "Oh!" Trixie shook her head, waking from her thoughts. "You're in Ponyville," she responded, smiling. "In a crummy hotel room, no less." Lightning added, only to get a punch and a stare of disapproval from Trixie. "What? It's true." Lightning shoved away Trixie, causing them to get into a punch-battle. The two couldn't hold back giggling, the fight ending with tears of laughter and heavy panting. The mare watched closely, smiling when she saw how the two pretended to hate each other. She kept quiet for a minute, then started laughing softly. She laughed louder and louder, until Lightning and Trixie couldn't ignore it. The mare had collapsed again, holding her sides and gasping for air. Tears had formed in her eyes, and she started sniffling. "What?" Lightning and Trixie asked in unison. The mare stopped, gasping for air. She waited for her breathing to return to normal before even attempting to answer. Then, with a straight face, she responded. "You...you two. You don't hate each other, do you? No...don't answer that. I already know. I find it extremely funny that...you continue to pretend to hate the one you love." She burst out in another fit of laughter, getting to the point where she was rolling all over the floor. Trixie blushed, glancing over at Lightning. Lightning snorted, making a circling motion with her hoof towards the mare. Trixie nodded, holding back her own laughter. They mouthed the same words: She's crazy. When the mare finally stopped laughing, Trixie walked up to her. Trixie offered her hoof, but the mare declined the offer and got up fine on her own. "Now then, Trixie wanted to ask you something. Since you don't remember even your name, what should Trixie call you? She can't go on for much longer referring to you as 'the mare'." "I-I don't know..." She responded, looking down at her cutie mark. "Apparently, I was some kind of...chemist?" Trixie snapped her hoof, bursting out an exclamation. "Misty!" She proclaimed proudly. Lightning Dust rolled her eyes. "Misty...? Where the heck did that come from?" She snorted. Trixie curled her lip, giving another stare to Lightning. "Che-Misty. It fits. Trixie doesn't know about you, but from this day forth, she will refer to this unnamed mare as Misty!" Trixie positioned herself next to 'Misty', laying an arm around her shoulder. "Well, Misty? What do you think?" Her face showed no emotion whatsoever. Trixie sighed. She doesn't like it. "It's...cute? I dunno. It's certainly better than being referred to as 'the mare'." Misty shrugged, then started smirking. She leaned over and whispered into Trixie's ear, "I love the name. Thank you. And by the way...you're incredibly easy to tease."
Pinkie's Interference Pinkie's Interference "That's so cool oh my goodness you have no idea just how excited you made me can you believe it because I sure can't!" Pinkie bounced up and down, her voice shaking and eyes racing. "Calm down, it's just for a week or two," Twilight placed a hoof onto Pinkie's head, stopping her from bouncing. How much sugar has she had today? "Not much. Juuuuust three pieces of birthday cake, four scoops of ice cream with tons and tons of super-yummy sprinkles, a glass of chocolate milk, and a cotton candy cloud that Discord gave me! He can be a real sweetie, y'know. Wait, sweet? Ooh! I could really go for something sweet right now!" Pinkie jabbered, her tongue moving at the speed of light. She giggled and started shaking under Twilight's hoof. "How did you--?" "Your face totally gives you away, Twily. I don't even need to be psychic to know what you're thinking, silly billy." Twilight shrugged it off, beginning to walk again. "Anyway, as I was saying before somepony interrupted me, I'll need you to watch over Owlowiscious and Spike," she mentioned gingerly. If she'd spoken too casually, it could possibly over excite a certain pink one, as Twilight knew. Pinkie scowled, bouncing alongside Twilight. "But Twi- wouldn't this- usually be- a job for- Flutters?" Her voice cut in and out as bounced. "Well, on any other occasion, yes. But the Society of Rare Creatures just got a new group of Breezies in and they need Fluttershy to aid them in their travels. Apparently, another portal opened in Trottingham." "But wait, didn't you leave Spike home alone when we went to the Crystal Empire? Why do you need somepony to watch over him?" Pinkie's endless flow of questions never stopped, much to Twilight's dismay. She let out an exasperated sigh, then perked up with a cheesy grin. "Well, Applebloom ended up accidentally telling me about their 'little trip' to the Crystal Empire without my knowledge. I can't leave him alone again with Owlowiscious...he's broken my trust. Bedsides, you learned your lesson with babysitting the Cake twins, so I don't see why you shouldn't be perfectly capable of watching both of them." Pinkie bounced faster and faster, her grin stretching her whole face into an ear-to-ear tooth display. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Pinkie sprung up and wrapped her forehooves around Twilight's neck ever-so-tightly. Twilight's lavender face turned an even deeper purple as Pinkie cut off her esophagus, thus stopping the air flow. "IpromiseI'lltakeextraspecialcareofthemboth!" Pinkie began jabbering so fast Twilight couldn't even understand half of the words coming out of her mouth. Twilight cracked a small smile. "Um, you're...welcome. And thank you, Pinkie. Goodbye," she called as she took flight, soaring past her homely library. "You're sure?" "Yes." "One hundred percent positive?" "Yes." "Really?" "Yes!" "Okay, then prove it." "I'd be happy to." Lightning Dust marched in a straight line, not hesitating to bang in the wooden door presented in front of her. She turned around, giving Trixie a smug look as she heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs. Trixie rolled her eyes, set on Lightning being absolutely wrong. This tree was definitely not where Twilight lived. As the door opened, Trixie's eyes lit up, a smirk creeping its way onto her face while the one on Lightning's face dropped quicker than a 10 ton weight being dropped from an airplane. They didn't see a purple, top notch magic using alicorn, no. They saw a pink partier in a off-white apron with her hair shoved messily into a bun. A few splashes of brown batter had found their way onto the apron, suggesting she had been baking. "I'm so so so sorry it took so lo-" Pinkie stopped herself from apologizing once her eyes fully opened, her face turning sour at the sight of the Pegasus. "Oh. It's you," she said flatly. Trixie burst out in laughter behind Lightning as the Pegasus stood there, dumbfounded. Pinkie tapped her hoof impatiently, nervously glancing back and forth between the library and the two mares. "Well?" Pinkie exploded, racing up and destroying Lightning's personal space. "What do you need? I have...um...things I have to do!" Trixie finally withheld her laughter, shoving Lightning out of Pinkie's grasp. She flipped her hair to the side, wiping a few tears out if the corners of her eyes. She cleared her throat rather loudly, puffing out her chest as she did. "Ah, Pinkamena. Long time no see," she proclaimed sarcastically. "Trixie sees you finally decided to move from that shabby old sweet shop." Pinkie let her anxiety drop for a minute, returning to her bitter attitude. "Hey!" She squeaked. "I'm only doing a favor." She whipped her tail, an audible smack as it hit the library's floor. A slight crash sounded in the background, causing Pinkie to wince. Trixie scowled and tried to peer into the tree. Pinkie moved her head along with Trixie's, a nervous smile creeping up on her face. She giggled slightly, waving her hoof and Trixie's face away from the noise. "N-Nevermind that. What are you even doing here?" "Trixie came here under the pretense that Twilight Sparkle lives here, but apparently that is not- or is no longer -the case." Trixie responded. Pinkie glanced back, scanning the room behind her while Trixie talked. When she finished speaking, Trixie snapped at Pinkie. "Are you even listening to me?" She whined. "Ahh, yes..." Pinkie responded absentmindedly, waving her hoof again. "Go on." Trixie grabbed Pinkie's head, forcing their yes to make contact. Pinkie giggled awkwardly and blushed, struggling to turn around and continue scanning the room. Trixie wouldn't let her, though. Working on the rock farm had given her much mor strength for a more, yet she could still be matched by many. Applejack, to name one. Pinkie sighed, giving up. "What?" She dropped her head, which proved hard with Trixie's hooves locked tightly around her head. "Twilight. Sparkle. Where is she?" She stated firmly, jerking Pinkie's head back up. Her eyelids quivered and her lips trembled. "Trixie, what was that for? I thought we were friends..." Pinkie responded, shuddering under Trixie's brutish hold. Trixie bit her lip. They were technically friends...but, no, Pinkie was standing in her way of exacting revenge on Twilight. Trixie reaffirmed her strength, forcing Pinkie down further. Her face had gone soft, though. She looked like any one thing could set her off. Meanwhile, Lightning Dust had finally gotten over the bitter taste of defeat. She shook her head a few times, with a slap or two to force herself back into reality. One pep-talk later and she walked back up to the doorstep. Or she was, at least. Two mares blocked her way. It confused her to see Pinkie's head forcefully grabbed by a tearful, regret-filled Trixie. Lightning stared for a while, not sure to laugh or scream. "Scuze me, but...What. The. HAY. Is going on?" Lightning chose neither in the end. She spoke slowly; with controlled, quiet-ish rage. "Trix, why are you...and why do you look like... Y'know what, just...never mind. I have a feeling I don't wanna know." Trixie shook her head, staring down at the pink one under her hooves. She thought over their conversation, then awkwardly dropped Pinkke's head. Pinkie had been relying on Trixie's hooves for so long, she plummeted to the floor. "Wah!" She exclaimed. Trixie stared down at her, shaking her head. "How pitiful," she remarked. Lightning rolled her eyes, punching Trixie on the fore-hoof. "Ouch..." She mumbled. "You're one to talk, Trix. Like seriously, what was that? I zone out for not more than five minutes and you go all soft on me!" Lightning fumed. She was so mad you could see puffs of smoke rolling out of her ears. "Just-" she brought a hoof to her forehead "-Where is Twilight?" She said, quieter. Trixie shrugged. "Y-You don't know. Fabulous," Lightning grumbled. Pinkie had made a quick recovery. In no time, she was bouncing in place as usual. "Ummm..." Pinkie began quietly. "Hello?" She tried to cut into the two mare's conversation, but nothing really worked. She jumped in between them, she waved her hooves frantically, but nothing seemed to work. "HEY!" she screamed at the top her lungs. Trixie and Lightning jumped, with Lightning letting out a little squeak. Trixie snorted, gaining herself a punch from the squeaky one. "Who's the mare?" Pinkie asked. Lightning and Trixie exchanged some confused looks. Trixie shrugged again. "Who are you talking about?" Lighting asked after a while. Pinkie dropped her eyelids in a flat expression. She sighed, then pointed behind them to the bushes. "I don't see anypony," Lightning said condescendingly. Pinkie grabbed both mares, dragging them over to the bushes. "Her." Lightning and Trixie gasped, looking at Misty cowering in the bushes. "Who is she?" Lightning nudged Trixie a couple times. Trixie nudged her back, motioning towards Misty. Trixie sighed, then walked up to Misty. "Misty..." Trixie sighed. "What...are you doing here? In the bushes, no less..." Misty stopped shaking for a minute, her face turning beet red in the blink of an eye. She rose to a sitting position, her back facing the trio. Trixie's face also turned beet red, but for a different reason than Misty's. "Misty. Answer me," she grumbled. "I got lonely, so I followed you. I didn't want you to see me, so I hid in the bushes. Also because when you started doing that...thing...or whatever to the pink one, it startled me. I get scared like a little filly when ponies start screaming," she mumbled awkwardly. Pinkie pushed over Trixie, the showmare letting out a startled scream when she hit the dust. Lighting just sat back on her haunches, as of she was watching reality TV. Wait, what's a- "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I'm so so so SO happy you're here! I love making new friends! Where are you from? Your name is Misty? I love that! It's such a pretty name. What's your cutie mark mean? Do you make explosions or something? Ooh, I should throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party! You are moving here, right? Or, are you visiting? How do you know Trixie and Dustie? What about-" Pinkie's words flowed out of her mouth like a waterfall. Misty stood up, and laid a hoof on her shoulder, abruptly stopping her speech pattern. "What?" She asked perkily. "I don't know," she said simply. Pinkie giggled, with an occasional snort now and then. Her eyes watered, and she collapsed on her back. She laughed so hard she might be hyperventilating. Nopony did anything, though. They just stood or sat, watching Pinkke with blank expressions on their face. "What's so funny about that?" Misty whispered to Trixie. "D-Dustie...?" Lightning muttered to herself, yet it was loud enough to interrupt the two unicorns for a minute. Trixie shot her a look, but it did nothing. The Pegasus had lost herself in her own little world. "Nothing. It's almost like when you burst into laughter at Trixie and Lightning Dust in their...punch...battle," Trixie whispered after a pause. Is she really comparing me to that maniac? Misty sighed. Come to think of it...what did they mouth? She's...she's... "Oh well," she mused aloud. "I can see where they're coming from, at least." Lighting stood up, cracking her back and yawning. Trixie shot another glare at her. "You're still tired?" She said flatly. Lightning rolled her eyes, wiping her mouth with her hoof. She cocked her eyebrows at Trixie. Trixie clicked her tongue. "Whatever," she muttered. "It's still morning, is it not?" Lighting mocked Trixie's tone. "Lighting thought she told Trixie that she hates mornings already." Lighting smirked. Trixie ignored her, focusing back on Misty. Pinkie still laughed. She showed no signs of stopping, either. "Misty, would you rather stay with Pinkie than Trixie and Lightning Dust?" Trixie inquired, coming off more sincere than she'd intended. Sure, it was no lie that Trixie had grown an attachment to Misty, but even then it was surprising to see her in a softer light. Even more surprising was how hard it seemed to keep her facade up, even when she was in front of others. It took a lot to break down this barrier, and for somepony she just met to do so... It was unheard of. Misty jolted back. Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would she rather stay with a maniac than two sane ponies? The answer seemed obvious to her. "Well, you two, of course." Misty rose to her hooves, cracking her back much like Lightning had not a few minutes ago. Pinkie's jaw dropped. "Well, we're still going to be best friends, right?" Pinkie asked. She leaned forward in anticipation. She's gotta say yes. I've only come across one other pony who said no, and he wasn't even a pony! Plus he said yes in the end. Oh, but does Twilight count? No, she said yes as well. No matter, nopony can resist the amazing charm of- "I-I don't know..." Misty hesitated. As soon as the words left her mouth, Pinkie went into an instant frenzy. "You don't seem to like Trixie and Lightning much, do you?" Pinkie had to stop herself mid-checklist, even though she'd already found what she had missed. She stared at Misty blankly, her eye beginning to twitch. "Eh..?" She mumbled. "You'd really chose those...those...those...m-meanies over me? Just because I don't seem to like them? Hah! Trixie and I are great friends, right, Trix?" Pinkie proclaimed proudly. Trixie hung her head. She whistled out a low breath. Was Pinkie really this oblivious to reality? And had she really forgotten about Lightning Dust? Lightning rubbed the back of her neck, letting out another small yawn. "Well, if you guys have nothing better to do, I'm going back to the hotel for a nap. Don't wake me up when you get back," she called as she took flight. "Now, hold on-!" Trixie yelled as she ran after Lightning. Pinkie walked up to Misty, examining her. Misty flinched, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead. True, she could see some similarities between herself and this pink pony. She couldn't remember much, but that fit of laughter she had earlier definitely wasn't her first. And yet, she had taken a quick disliking to this bouncy mare. "Hmm..." Pinkie rubbed her chin. "Well, one thing's for sure, you're not a donkey in disguise." Misty stared at her. She was far more than oblivious. She was...on her own wave link. Misty awkwardly tried to leave, but Pinkie grabbed her before she made her getaway. "C-Can I just go back to my hotel now?" She squeaked. Pinkie shook her head, a fiery passion in her eyes. She kept dragging Misty, despite the unicorn digging her heels into the ground, grabbing at tree branches with her magic, and straight up bucking her hind legs. Eventually, she gave up. "Where are we going, anyway?" She asked, defeated. Pinkie's face went dark, a determinated spark in her eyes. It frightened Misty to no end. "We're going to become best friends, if it's the last thing I do," Pinkie replied darkly. Never in all her years [that she couldn't remember] did Misty not want to become friends with somepony.
