//-------------------------------------------------------// The Deeper Side of Magic -by Garnet Shield- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// The Human and the Showmare //-------------------------------------------------------// The Human and the Showmare Being a human it was quite a shock ending up in a world where intelligent colorful ponies were the majority and dominant species. The way you arrived in this world was quite an unexpected shock to say the least. You were just lying out in the woods on a personal camping trip to get away from your job and the society of idiots that lived in your neighborhood. Your relationship status was rather bleak being that most of the girls you ever cared for betrayed you when someone “better came along” or just wanted a one night stand that you refused to give them. You had done a little fishing and overall were enjoying the peace and quiet of the wilderness. After a decent meal of the fresh fish you had caught and cleaned earlier, along with some wild greens you picked when you were hiking, you had begun to grow sleepy and decided to set up the tent and go to bed early, so as to get an early start on the day in the morning. When you awoke you were in a pitch-black area of a forest you didn't recognize. Your campsite was completely gone, all your food and supplies had all disappeared as well. All you had left were the clothes on your back. The most unusual thing you noticed was a vanilla colored pony with a bright pink mane staring at you. Her teal colored eyes were as big as the headlights of a car, and her mouth was gaping wide open in either shock or fear. You couldn’t tell which. “H-Hello.” You say trying to hold in the urge to freak out. “...” “Where am I?” You try to ask the pony standing before you. “...M-M........MOOOOONNNNSSSTEEERRRRR.” The pony screams out at the top of her lungs before turning and running off at full speed. “Where’s she going? Bingo?”,you say chuckling at the thought of your favorite videogame. You scramble to your feet and take off in the direction the yellow mare went running. The exit of the forest comes into view as well as a small cottage on the edge of the dark forest. You exit the forest and look back at how dark the forest is. “Damn, luckily I had a trail to follow or I could’ve gotten lost for a while.” You say to yourself. You scope out the cottage and it looks fairly small on the outside. You also notice lots of animals from bunnies to robins and even a rather large bear sleeping next to a small spring of crystal clear water. “I sure hope he doesn’t wake up any time soon or I might end up becoming his dinner.” You walk cautiously up to the cottage door and politely knock three times. You lean forward and put your ear up to the door. You can hear a quiet rustling noise coming from inside the small cottage. “Um miss are you in there? I’m not a monster, I’m a human.” Like a pony would know what that is dumbass. You think to yourself. “Look I’m not a monster and I need some help.” You hope maybe you can convince her to at least talk to you. You see the curtains move in the right window and suddenly get the feeling she’s watching you. The currents move again and you can hear the same rustling noise again coming from inside the cottage. “W...What do you want?” you hear a quiet voice squeak from inside. “I just want to know where I am and how I got here.” You tell her honestly. You hear the sounds of a chain lock sliding and a deadbolt slowly unlocking. The door slowly creaks open and you see one eye and the top of her pink mane poking through the cracked door. “Will you help me?” You ask her. The vanilla colored pony slowly scans you up and down before stopping at your eyes. You can tell she’s trying to make sure you don’t have any harmful intentions. “ok.” She whispers quietly and nods pulling the door open for you to step inside. You scan the cottage and notice a couch in the corner along with a kitchen spreading across the back wall. You notice the cabin’s wooden floors with a rug lying in the center of the room. The stairs catch your eyes, which you quickly discern as probably leading up to her bedroom. Looks like a fairly nice place, very comfortable you decide. “May I sit?” you ask her with a smile. The yellow pony simply nods at your request. You sit down onto the couch slowly never breaking eye contact and continuing your friendly smile. “What is your name?” “I..it’s....F...Fluttershy.” she squeaks . You and Fluttershy quickly become fast friends and she decides to let you stay in her home and sleep on the couch. She becomes very interested in your human anatomy as she spends most of the time poking at your ribs, arms, and legs. Fluttershy introduces you to her friends a few days after you and her met. They all seem very appealing and quite fun to be around. Definitely more than you can say about your friends back on Earth. The white pony Rarity said her name was took quite a liking to the idea of making clothes for a human. Twilight Sparkle, whom you quite liked, sat you down one day and gave you a lesson on the history of Equestria and told you of the possible reason on how you arrived in this land of magic and ponies. “You probably arrived due to a large magical energy in the Everfree Forest which caused a gateway between worlds to form. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” You had to admit she was very knowledgeable about pretty much every subject. She explained that you weren’t the only human to ever arrive in Equestria, but the number was rather small. Only a few hundred known humans live in Equestria, but they all are in the big cities like Manehatten or Las Pegasus. Rainbow Dash you had to admit was the one you could have the most fun with. The mare would never back down from a challenge whether it was a race, wrestling, or drinking she’d take you on any day. After about three weeks of living in Equestria, Rarity gave you a job at the boutique. Turns out you have quite the attention for detail that she admired. While you were no good at sewing, she loved having your opinion on one of her completed dresses. Pinkie Pie you didn’t want to even try to understand because nopony, not even Twilight Sparkle, had ever succeeded. Though she was always ready to give you some new treats and candies to try when you came around Sugarcube Corner. Applejack you enjoyed talking to because of her honesty. She is never afraid to tell exactly how it is or what’s going on. Plus you enjoyed having dinner with her family. You found out Big Mac was a little more talkative then he let on when another guy was around. You enjoyed Fluttershy’s company the most. She was always so sweet and kind. You loved to help her around her house by doing simple chores like feeding her animals. You wouldn’t go near the bear until Fluttershy showed you that he’d rather hug his friends then kill anything. He almost crushed you the first time he hugged you. Three months had passed now since you arrived in Equestria and you had finally earned enough bits to buy your own house in Ponyville. Needless to say Fluttershy was rather sad to see you move out. “Hey I’ll still come around to see my best friend.” You say giving her a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for putting up with me for three months.” You say waving goodbye to her. Moving took an additional two weeks to get all your clothes Rarity mad you hung up. All the food AJ had generously donated as a welcome to Ponyville present had to be put up. Pinkie gave you tons of candy that you didn’t know what to do with. Fluttershy gave you a small bluebird, which you humbly named Tsunami for his bright blue colors. She also gave you several pounds of bird feed and a pretty wooden birdhouse to hang outside. Twilight gave you plenty of books to read about the history and mythology of Equestria. One of your favorites was a book about conspiracy theories that had a specific part that talked about how Princess Celestia was secretly an evil tyrant. Needless to say it wasn’t true, but it was still a fun section to read. Rainbow’s gift was by far your favorite. You and her had been talking about different kinds of alcoholic drinks and you mentioned Crown Royal was one of your favorites. Turns out Rainbow pulled some strings with Berry Punch and got you a bottle of Crown. You happily placed the bottle on the countertop intent to save it for a special occasion. “Finally after three months and a couple weeks of craziness about this new world, the talking ponies, and moving in I can finally get some peace and quiet to myself. I’m still lonely and don’t have a girlfriend or marefriend now, I guess, but I must admit my life is considerably better now. “ You say to yourself as you lie down to spend the night alone in your new bed ~-~ “WATCH IN AWE as the Great and Powerful TRRRIXIE performs the most amazing magic ever SEEN!” Trixie says giggling to herself as she walks to her caravan after her recent magic show. Her stride is true and confident as she starts into a slow trot down the streets of Baltimare. The crowd’s smiling faces beaming with delight and awe drifts through her mind. “I love show business. It’s always so exciting and wonderful to see the crowd’s smiling faces when I blow their minds.” Trixie says with another giggle. “I couldn’t imagine any other life than traveling Equestria and pleasing the crowds of ponies with a little magic. Some say I’m arrogant, but it’s not so I’m just confident, and I know how to please the crowd.” She says out loud to herself. Trixie bumps into the door of her caravan unaware of how close she was due to her being lost in thoughts of the crowd’s smiles and the cheers. She shivers at the thought of the crowd chanting her name. “I can’t wait for my next show. I’m so excited.” Trixie unlocks the door to her caravan and steps inside. With a spark of pink magic her caravan folds up and begins to roll down the dusty road. She levitates her hat and hangs it on the rack by the door. She uses her magic to slowly undo her cape letting it slide off her back before levitating it to hang on the coat rack next to her hat. “I’ll count my bits from this show later first things first.” She says walking over to a map of Equestria she keeps hung up on the wall. “Ok next town I must amaze and dazzle looks like...hmmmm. Ah here it is Ponyville! Looks like a fairly small town. Oh, this will be fun. I might do more than one show since the town doesn’t look that large. Looks like it should only take a few days to get there, too. Hang on Ponyville here comes Trixie.” She says with a big smile. ~-~ A loud doorbell rang through the house as you try to stay in bed and ignore it by putting a pillow over your head. The doorbell rings again with a loud “RIIIING” “Ugh.” you grumble reluctantly throwing the covers off of you and stumbling to your feet. “Just a MINUTE!” you yell downstairs hoping that whomever was at the door could hear you. The oak stairs creak slightly as you move down step by step. After hitting downstairs you make a beeline for the coffee machine. You pour the grounds in and fill the machine with hot water. You start some hash browns in the solar powered microwave and throw together a couple grilled cheeses onto a pan. You set the stovetop to high to cook them quickly and place the pan with the grilled cheese sandwiches onto the hot eye. “RIIIING” The doorbell goes off again. “Hang on a sec.” You say a bit irritated now. The coffee pot goes off signaling it’s done. You grab the pot and pour the hot liquid into a mug and load it up with cream and sugar. “Ok coming!” You holler from the kitchen. You walk as fast as you can manage wanting to avoid the hazard of hot coffee spilling on your clothes. You twist the knob and yank the door open a little more forcefully then you should’ve. Fluttershy was at door waiting with a happy grin on her face. “Oh, I’m so super sorry to bother you, but I just couldn’t keep from it. I was just wondering if um you’d like to come and walk with me to the market? Since I was going into town to pick up a few things.” “Eh sure Flutters I don’t mind walking with you. I’d like to eat first.” “Ok, that’s fine. I’m just ever so glad you said you’d come along.” “Hey no problem. Anything for my best friend.” You say rubbing her head and ruffling her mane a bit. You go back to the kitchen while Fluttershy takes a seat at the table. You come back swiftly carrying two-grilled cheese sandwiches and three hash browns on a plate. “So why do you want me to come with you to the market?” you say putting the now empty coffee cup into the sink, and turning towards your breakfast. “Well I have trouble some times with the colts and mares in the shops trying charge me a lot of bits for food, because I’m too shy to stand up to them. I was just thinking that since you’re a human and you’re much taller than they are, they might not be as mean to me.” “That’s as good a reason as any.” You say to her with a smile as you finish off the last hash brown, and put the plate into the sink with the coffee cup. “I’ll just wash those later.” You think to yourself. “Let me change clothes and I’ll be ready to go.” You tell her as you run up the stairs and into your room. You throw on a new pair of blue jeans and a fairly decent pullover shirt. You loop your belt up and grab the sunglasses sitting on the nightstand. “Ok, ready.” You say walking down the stairs and opening the door for Fluttershy. ~-~ “Ah Ponyville. I’m finally here.” Trixie says to herself The caravan stops a fair distance from Ponyville Square. With a blast of her pink magic the caravan unfolds into it’s housing form. Trixie opens the door and steps outside to look at the small town. “This is a nice little town. My show will absolutely make everypony’s day tomorrow. First I must ready the stage and fireworks before morning.” She says smiling at the thought of all the excited faces in the morning. Trixie begins humming to herself as her magic flares to life making the stage for her performance begin to take shape. The stage finishes its formation with a bright flash of light. “Ok, what’s next? Ah, fireworks.” Trixie begins making boxes of fireworks appear. The fireworks levitate to their hiding places in the stage so the crowd won’t see them. “Now all that’s left is to AMAZE!!!” Trixie says jumping in the air out of sheer excitement. ~-~ The trip through the market was like a typical day with Fluttershy. You and her talk, laugh, and she tells you about the special person she’s been seeing. “Oh, finally found somepony, huh? Care to tell me his name?” You ask her. “Oh, he’s a really sweet human like you named John. Turns out he likes me and I really like him back.” She says blushing a little. Nopony seemed to try to take advantage of Fluttershy’s kindness that afternoon. Maybe that’s because you had a gaze that seems to peer into a person or pony’s soul. It could be because you are considerably taller than everpony else, at six-foot-four you were probably an intimidating sight to behold. You see a large display of fireworks go off in the center of town. “Huh, I wonder what’s going on over there?” “I don’t know, but let’s go see.” You and Fluttershy walk in the direction of Ponyville Square. A small stage begins to come into view. Standing atop it a light blue mare with a beautiful mixed white-blue mane and bright rose-colored eyes preforming a magic show right in the center of Ponyville Square. “Hey I’m going to stand with my friends. I can see them from here.” Fluttershy says pulling on your sleeve. You nod at her before going back to watching the mare on stage make flowers appear out of nowhere. You move closer to the stage, and can hear your friends talking about the magician on stage. You can easily make out Spike’s voice bragging about Twilight being better at magic than any other pony, as his voice is loud enough sometimes to pierce steel. You can also hear Rainbow sarcastically shout boo. As you move closer you can hear the magician say her name is Trixie or rather the Great and Powerful Trixie, which you easily assume is just a stage name. “Ok, Trixie now to excite the audience by challenging them to come up for the show.” She thinks to herself. “Oh pffft. Just who does she think she is?” You hear Rarity spout. “Yeah since we all know Twilight is....” You hear Spike yell out before Twilight shushes him. You watch as Trixie stands on her back hooves and throws her fore hooves out as another dazzling wave of fireworks go off. You see Rainbow shoot up to the stage and comes face to face with the showmare. “Ok, Trixie. Time to erase their doubts and see the excitement with the Ursa Major story.” You can’t make out some of what is said but you do hear something about an Ursa Major. You see another wave of fireworks as a bear like creature with a star on its head forms in the sky. You hear Trixie tell a tale about how she vanquished the Ursa of Hoofington. You see Snips and Snails jump up to the stage and brag about Trixie. “Those two are a few bricks short of load.” You say to yourself. “How do you know? You didn’t see it.” Spike yells out accusingly At this point you’re just hoping Spike will stop running his mouth off. You see Trixie utter a challenge to her audience that anything they can do she can do better. “Ok, Trixie, it’s time for the finale. Some more fireworks then challenge one audience member directly to wow the crowd, but which one? Ah that dragon seems to enjoy bragging about that purple unicorn, and he keeps making fun of me.” You see Trixie point a hoof at Twilight and once again saying her challenge. “Hmmm I wonder what Trixie is up too?” You say to nopony in particular. “That’s it Ah can’t stand fer no more of this. Can yer magical powers do this?” You hear AJ yell angrily. Applejack begins twirling a lasso on her tail forming a hoop and jumping through it going back and forth. She finishes by catching an apple on a nearby tree with her lasso and pulls it down, eating the entire apple in one bite. “Top that missy.” “Oh ye of little talent watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie.” Trixie uses her magic to make AJ’s lasso come to life and sway like a dancing cobra mesmerizing the orange mare. The other end of the lasso shoots out and snatches up an apple. In a second Applejack is upside down on her back with an apple in her mouth. “Huh, a little mean but still impressive.” You think Rainbow Dash comes flying up to the stage next with several insults and all of her usual arrogance apparently following her. Rainbow quickly takes off into the sky spinning into a windmill and throwing her into the sky at top speed. She punches through several clouds along the way stopping just long enough to show off her figure in the sun before barreling back down. She flies back through the holes she punched in the clouds, dragging the built up water with her. She quickly flies back into the windmill spinning it again and throwing herself back onto the stage just as the water catches up to her making a bright rainbow appear above her. Trixie retaliates by causing the rainbow hovering above Dash to quickly spiral into a tornado. The tornado encompasses Dash in less than a second spinning her off the stage in humiliation. “I can’t believe I had to do that, but I need to stay confident. I can still win the crowd over.” Trixie thinks to herself. Rarity takes the stage next by using her magic to pull a curtain from the stage and spin it into a stunning dress and completely restyle her look causing the crowd to look at her in amazement. Trixie doesn’t utter a single word this time instead a flash of pink magic erupts from her horn causing Rarity’s perfect hair to turn green. You look on as Rarity runs off the stage crying. "That was really mean of Trixie to do that.” You think to yourself “Why did this have to happen to me? I need to end this show NOW!” Trixie tells herself. Trixie again challenges Twilight, but that falls mute as you see Twilight flee away from the faces of the watching ponies. Night is beginning to fall on Ponyville as you meet up with Fluttershy after the end of the show to talk about everything that happened. “What did you think of Trixie’s show?” you ask her “Well I think the show was good, but she didn’t have to do that to my friends.” “Yeah, that was a little bit uncalled for. Except Rainbow Dash needed to humbled a little.” You say laughing. “I guess so.” She says distantly. “Hey, you ok?” “Yeah I am. I think I will go check on the others. See you tomorrow.” She says waving to you before trotting off towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Huh it’s getting pretty late.” You note before walking in the direction of your house. You stop when you notice a wizard’s hat lying haphazardly in the street. You run to grab it before the wind blows it away or gets stolen. When you pick it up the unique star pattern catches your eye. “This is the same hat Trixie was wearing in the magic show. Why is it just lying here in the middle of the street?” You look around for Trixie thinking she dropped it, but there isn’t anypony normally out after nine. A quick check of your watch confirms that it’s ten after nine. You peer down the street and notice something twinkling in the moonlight. You break in to a sprint as the object begins to blow away in the breeze. You reach out a hand and barely catch it before it escapes. You feel the silky material and examine it has the same starry pattern as the hat along with a gemstone buckle in the front. “This is Trixie’s cape, but where is the showmare these belong too?” You scan the area but see nothing. You comb the street for over an hour before finding her caravan. You walk up to the door and politely knock several times without answer. “Dammit where could she be?” You say with an irritated tone. You decide to check the outskirts of Ponyville next. You check your watch again and notice it’s almost midnight now. “I’ll search a little bit longer then I’ll give up for tonight.” The last place you decided to check was a lake pretty far from Ponyville. You scan the lake and see nothing until you look over at the dock. You can just barely make out a blue mare sitting on the edge of the pier all by herself. song for the next part (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12DeNdF0KPA) “That must be her.” You think running around the edge of the lake towards the pier. You’re breathing heavily when you finally reach the pier. You stop to regain your breath careful to not mess up Trixie’s hat and cape. As you begin to walk down the pier your mind races about what might happen. After she was so mean to your friends how would she treat you? You walk further down the street and you begin to hear what sounds like crying and sobbing. You can’t help, but wonder what’s got her so upset. You stop walking and just watch as the blue showpony cries and whimpers. “Ok, she’s upset. Dammit, now this is really difficult. I can’t just give her things back and leave her by herself in this state.” You decide. You slowly step up behind behind her and drape her cape along her shoulders. Trixie freezes at the unsuspected contact. You could tell she didn’t know whether to scream or not. You knew you had to seize the opportunity to comfort her before she completely freaked out. “Hey, I’ve been looking for you all night. I found you out here crying and was wondering if you were ok.” “Tr...Trixie is completely fine. She doesn’t need-” You cut her off before she can finish that sentence. “Look, cut that out. This isn’t the stage showpony and I’m not stupid. I’ve been looking for you because I found your stuff out in the middle of the street. If you don’t want to tell me why you're out here by yourself crying, then fine, shut down the one person who is trying to care about you right now.” You didn’t mean those words, and it was a risky chance walking away to get her to open up to you. You get up and begin to walk away when Trixie holds a hoof out to stop you “W...wait please.” She chokes out through a few quiet sobs. “I wasn’t planning on leaving.” You say sitting back down on the edge of the pier. “So what’s wrong?” “This s...show was a d...disaster.” She says through her stutters. “Why was it a disaster?” “T...those mares in t...town tried to ruin it.” A few more tears drift down her face and fall into the lake causing a few tiny ripples in the water. “I want to hear everything you have to say.” You give her a reassuring smile to prove to her that you cared about why she was so upset. “I...it’s all a show okay I...I..I never meant for any of that to happen. I do a show just like that in every town and no..p..pony has ever reacted that badly. I’m not a showoff. I’m just a magician. I’m supposed to impress ponies with my magical ab..abilities. I panicked when they returned my ch..challenge. Nopony has ever done that to me. They would have ruined the show. I didn’t know what else to do. This is the first town where anypony has come up and faced me like that. It’s just a magic show. I wasn’t boasting or being arrogant. Just nopony gets that it was all an act. I’m not better than anypony and I don’t want to be. That dragon talking about how that purple unicorn was better than everypony else at magic really hurt my feelings. What was I supposed to do? He badmouthed me in front of everypony. I had to call her out to save my dignity and prove myself. It took everything I had to stay calm and confident. I almost broke down in front of everypony.” Trixie finished her explanation and had stopped bawling now. You could still hear quiet sobs and see tears streaming down her face. “I didn’t know all that. I can see why that upset you so badly, and for the record, I loved your show.” “You were there. I remember you now. One of the only humans in Ponyville kind of stands out.” She says with a halfhearted smile. “I’ll talk to them tomorrow I know the mares that almost ruined you pretty well. Don’t let it bother you too much. You were really good with all your magic.” You take her hat and put it atop her head causing her to turn and look at your face to see you blushing a little. You look back to see her smiling. The moon hits her body with a seemingly perfect amount of light giving her pinkish eyes the illusion of shimmering in the night. You slowly snake an arm around her waist before she notices and pull her closer causing her to jump and giggle softly at the sudden contact. “You’re really sweet. I hope I’ll see you a little more.” She says watching the moon’s reflection sway in the water. “Well if you’re gonna be in Ponyville for a few days I’d love to take you out for dinner.” You say softly. Trixie embraces having your arm around her and leans her head over onto your shoulder “That does sound nice how about tomorrow around seven.” “Then it’s a date.” “Of course.” She says with a slight giggle. “I guess we should get going huh.” She tells you. “I suppose so.” “Just one more thing while I’ve got you here.” “What?” You ask confused. “Thanks.” Trixie leans over and kisses you on the cheek before getting up and trotting off back towards town. The walk back to your house is very exciting in your mind as you lightly jog down the road to Ponyville. Your heart is flipping with thoughts about your date tomorrow with Trixie. You arrive home and go straight to bed knowing exactly what you have to do tomorrow morning. //-------------------------------------------------------// An Evening of Magic //-------------------------------------------------------// An Evening of Magic “Morning already?” You say trying to shield your eyes from the bright radiance of Celestia’s sun as it shines through your bedroom window. “9:00. Uuugghhh, better get dressed and head off to work.” You grumble at your watch. You slowly push the covers off your body, and quickly rise to your feet. The memory of last night returns to your mind as you throw on a white pullover shirt and slip on a clean pair of cargo shorts. You loop your belt up before throwing on your socks and tennis shoes. You yawn and stretch out your limbs before heading to the stairs. “I have a date tonight.” You say to yourself with a smile. Now do I tell my friends about this? They weren’t exactly too happy with the first impression they perceived of Trixie. I think I’ll hold off on it. Besides Rarity would probably kill me several times over and over again if she found out. Especially after what Trixie did to her mane yesterday. You think You decide against coffee this morning knowing that on good days like this you don’t need it. You grab your sketchpad off the kitchen counter in case Rarity needed you to draw one her dress ideas. I don’t really want to make breakfast this morning. You eye the donuts on the kitchen counter. With a few swift steps to the kitchen you grab the box and open it. “One glazed left. Guess I’ll have to head to Sugarcube Corner and get some more” You say sighing. You stick the donut into your mouth and open the door with your rather sticky but free hand. With thoughts of the mare you’ll have dinner with tonight filling your head along with the sugary glaze of Pinkie’s hoof baked donuts filling your mouth, you make your way out of your house and down the streets of Ponyville towards Carousel Boutique. You check your watch on the way and you notice it’s only fifteen after nine. “Wonder if Twilight’s okay. She seemed pretty upset when she ran off yesterday.” You mumble. With that thought in mind you figure it wouldn’t take but a few minutes to check up on Twilight. After all her house isn’t too far from yours. You finish off the donut you took from home and decide to head towards Golden Oaks Library. With a noticeable bounce in your step you walk up to Twilight’s door. A particular male voice from inside catches your ear. Instead of disrupting the conversation you think it better to listen in. My parents always told me eavesdropping is wrong. I say it’s only wrong if you get caught. You think as you put your ear against the wooden door. “Twilight, would you put down that book and just listen to me?” “Didn’t you see how they hated Trixie’s bragging Spike? If I go out there and show off my magic I run the risk of losing them as friends.” So THAT’S what this is about. You think to yourself as you flip open your sketchpad, and begin to write what the two are talking about. “It’s not the same thing Twilight. You’d be using your magic to stand up for your friends.” You mentally facepalm as you try to keep listening to Spike trying to convince Twilight to show up Trixie. “No, Spike, it’s exactly the same.” “Come on Twilight. Any one of these tricks even the teeniest will be enough to show up Trixie.” “I don’t want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie.” You can’t help but feel a bad for Trixie that they took her show in such a bad way. You know it was just a performance to play to the crowd for excitement and amazement. It makes you angry to hear Spike one of your only guy friends or dragon friend trying to convince Twilight to make a fool out of Trixie. You quickly push the thoughts out of your head and focus back on the conversation. The sound of a slamming door almost sends you into a panic. You decide to sneak a peek through the window and see Twilight had materialized a door with her magic and slammed it in Spike’s face. You hurry away from the window when you see Spike open the blue door Twilight slammed in front of him. “But you’re the best!” “Ugh. Please, Spike, I said no.” You hear Spike sigh in defeat and think for a minute about fist pumping. No I’m not from Jersey so I don’t think so. You decide. “If that’s the way you want to be then FINE!” You hear a door slam shut for a few seconds before the sound of it opening again hits your ears as well as the patter of clawed feet on a wooden floor. Sounds like Spike just left. Guess I know how Twilight is doing now. She seems quite conflicted. You think. You check your watch and notice it’s nine forty-five. “Dammit I’m gonna be late for work if I don’t get a move on.” You say quietly sneaking away from Twilight’s house. It’s ten o’clock on the dot when you scramble through the doors of Carousel Boutique. You look around the boutique and quickly spot Rarity working away, sewing together what you assumed to be a type of silk. Her glasses are perched on the end of her muzzle and she appears to be completely absorbed in her work as always. You quietly attempt to sneak in to one side of the boutique. Not before the door AKA your only exit magically slams closed behind you. “Well aren’t you fashionably on time today.” Rarity says, the sarcasm ever present in her voice. “The key word in there, though, is ON TIME.” You say putting emphasis on those two words. “Hmph. I suppose so. Emphasis definitely isn’t on fashionably now is it?” She says with a smirk. “Of course your discerning eyes are correct as always.” You say with a bow. “Hahahaha. Oh darling way to play along there. I’m glad you’re in quite a good mood today.” “Well, you know even I have my good days. So how’s your mane? After, you know, yesterday’s ‘incident’.” “Oh don’t even speak of that it was quite a dreeeeaaadfuuullll mess to clean up. Nothing I couldn’t fix of course, but it still took me all night and four showers to clean out all that ugly green.” “I like it best purple.” You say laughing. “Well I do too of course. Anyway, on to business. You are here to work, after all, not to idly gossip with me.” “Who doesn’t love a little gossip or playful banter now and then.” You note. “How’s Sweetie Belle been?” You ask nonchalantly. “Ah well she’s been Sweetie Belle just like always. Whenever she comes over to visit things around here become a three-ring circus. Stuff is broken things are torn it truly is a rather appalling mess sometimes. Especially when she tries to cook. I swear that filly is going to burn down the boutique one day.” Rarity finishes with a sigh. “Anyway I wanted to ask what you thought of my dress yesterday? You know the one I made out of the eh....curtain.” “I thought it was pretty good. You turned a bland curtain into a stunning dress. In short, I thought it was quite amazing to see.” “Oh I’m so glad to hear you say that because I need you to draw it up from memory. Turns out the citizens of Ponyville loved it just as much as I did so get drawing please. I need to make several of these dresses for next week’s Ponyville Dance and I need you to sort out these color swatches.” “I gotcha covered.” You say with a wink You find your favorite chair in the boutique and sit down. You pull out your sketchpad and open revealing Twilight and Spike’s conversation from earlier. “Shit.” You swear under your breath and tear the page out. You fold it up and begin to place it into your pocket when Rarity sees you. “What are you folding there?” “Just uh....botched drawing. It’s O.K., but not perfect, so I figured I’d touch it up later.” You give her a goofy smile hoping to convince the ivory-colored pony nothing was wrong. Rarity eyes you suspiciously. You could tell she wasn’t completely convinced. “Ok, darling, well keep trying at it. I know you’ll get it.” Rarity slowly trots away giving you a disapproving glance before turning away to her sewing machine. The morning is filled with crumpled paper after crumpled paper. You spend most of the time taking glances at your watch. At about three o’clock you finally get Rarity’s new dress design drawn perfectly and sort through every color of fabric imaginable red, green, blue, yellow, purple, indigo, and even some gold here and there. By now you’re eager to leave for home and get dressed for your date. “It’s perfect darling. Thank you so much for your time.” Rarity says with a grin. Her voice quickly snaps you out of your thoughts. “I work here every day. You don’t have to thank me.” “Well, I suppose you can go now. I don’t really have anything else planned for today except to start on those dresses.” “Ok, if you need anything just ask.” You say heading towards the door. “OH! Just one moment darling.” “Yes?” “Where are you taking your date tonight.” “...” “Oh come now you couldn’t really hide something like that from me. You looked uncomfortable all day. You were constantly checking your watch. You came into here this morning in a really good mood. So my intuition tells me you have date tonight with a certain blue showmare whom turned my hair green yesterday.” Rarity’s gaze is soul piercing. It feels like she can see right through you. “H..How did you?” “I was up all night cleaning my hair remember? I looked out my window and spotted somepony quite tall who happened to be walking on two legs and carrying some articles of clothing. I easily noticed it was Trixie’s cape and hat, and I know of only one other human in Ponyville besides that John person Fluttershy is dating. So it was obviously you I saw walking around Ponyville.” Rarity pointed a hoof at you accusingly. You couldn’t find any words to say to her nothing to hide or deny. “I jumped out of the shower, dried off, and followed you. I was about sick of tailing you till you went to the lake on the outskirts of Ponyville. Where I found you and Trixie sitting together on the pier. You had your arm around her. It was quite sweet to watch.” Rarity finished her story with a big smirk on her face. “So I ask you again where are the two of you going tonight?” You were still dumbfounded that she knew everything that had happened last night. “W...We are gonna go out to eat. Pleeeaaase don’t tell the others.” You knew Rarity didn’t keep her mouth closed when she knew some good gossip. “Don’t worry, I won’t. It’s not really my business. Before you ask, I’ll answer it for you. No, I’m not mad, more mildly irritated that you would pick her when there are plenty of other available mares in Ponyville.” “Whoa whoa whoa I didn’t ‘pick’ her. I...she was upset and one thing just kinda led to another, and now I have a date with her tonight.” “Well I don’t necessarily agree with your judgment, but I took the liberty upon myself to make you some nice dress clothes for tonight.” Rarity levitates a black Stetson hat; a dark blue button up shirt, and some black pants over and places them into your arms. “You don’t think this is overdressing a little?” “Of course not. One can never dress too well.” You check your watch again “4:15. I’d better start for home and get dressed.” “Of course darling. I understand. Look you can date whomever you want. Our Friendship and my generosity come first. I won’t judge you by whom you date.” “Thanks Rarity. That means a lot” You smile at her before leaning down and giving her a hug out of appreciation for her kindness. You wave goodbye to the fashionista before heading out of the boutique and onwards in the direction of your house. On the way home you figure being that there was still plenty of time to spare before your date a quick stop at Sugarcube Corner was in order.   As you walk up to the sweetly decorated building you see your good friend Pinkie Pie behind the counter. “HEEEEEEEEEYYYYY!!!!” Pinkie exclaims in her usual cheerful tone as you walk in. “What brings you here at this time of day. It’s 4:30. You’re never here around this time. I was just about to close the doors early for tonight.” Pinkie gives you a big beaming grin. “So watchaaaa here for?” “I was hoping to pick up a box of your double dipped glazed donuts if you don’t mind.” You say shrugging your shoulders. “OOOOOHHHH I love those. I have a fresh box of them here and ready to go if you want them.” “Uh sure how much?” “No charge today.” “Huh? Really?” “YEP YEP YEP I’m in an extra PINKITASTIC mood today!!!” “Why’s that?” “Well I was wandering around Ponyville yesterday after that magic show and I ran into....” “Pinkie.” You hear an unfamiliar voice call from another room. “I’m in here talking to one of my bestest friends.” You see a young man enter in from the adjoining room he had thin black hair and looked about five foot nine in height and was clearly no older than twenty-three. “Hey Pinkie, you ready to go?” “OH just a minute Josh and I’ll be ready.” “Ok.” The man you assume to be Josh nods and exits the back to the living room. “Pinks who was that?” You ask quite intrigued by the fact another human was living in Ponyville now. “That’s Josh.” Pinkie says smiling. “Well obviously, but spill the detes.” “OOOOOOHHHHH you want to know more.” You nod to her mentally facepalming to yourself at the same time. “Well as I was saying earlier after that magic show yesterday I was trotting around Ponyville and I kinda bumped into him. He looked scared out of his mind. Well after an hour of talking to him and calming him down I convinced him to come to Sugarcube Corner where I threw him a WELCOME TO PONYVILLE PARTYYYY! Well after that I let him sleep on the Cakes’ couch, but we stayed up AAAALLLLL night talking. Now we are gonna go out and spend a night on the town so I can give him a tour and all that FUN AMAZING STUFF!!!” Pinkie finished and took a big breath of air apparently she didn’t breathe during her entire explanation which quite stunned you to say the least. “Sounds fun. Well I won’t hold you up any longer. Thanks for the donuts Pinks.” You grab the box of donuts and make your way to the door. “No problem.” Pinkie says with a wave of her hoof. You pull the door open and exit Sugarcube Corner and get back on the dirt road to your house. You arrive at your house around five thirty and place the donuts on the kitchen counter. Ok have to get dressed, comb my hair, shower, and shave. Not in that order. You run upstairs throwing Rarity’s clothes she made for you on the bed. You enter the bathroom and quickly shave being careful and making sure not to cut yourself. You pour aftershave into your hand and quickly rub down your face. You jump in the shower and turn the hot water and whistle to yourself while you wash. You turn the water off and step out. In one swift motion you snatch up a nearby towel and dry off. You pull open the bathroom cabinet and take your comb. You run it through your hair a few times to make sure it’s perfectly straight. By now it’s 6:00 only an hour before you have to go pick up your date. You walk into your bedroom and look at the dress clothes Rarity made. Those are waaaaay too formal for a first date. You think. You open your dresser and pull out a black collared pullover shirt and a tan pair of pants. “Much more casual.” You say throwing on the clothes. “Oh almost forgot.” You run back into the bathroom and brush your teeth quickly and rather sloppily. You gurgle and spit the minty mouthwash into the sink. “Ok I think I’m ready.” You look at yourself in the mirror and still feel like your missing something. You look over at the black Stetson on the bed. “Ah what the hell.” You say sarcastically. You throw the black cowboy hat on and charge down the stairs. “Shit, 6:30. Don’t want to be late.” You turn all the lights off in your house save for the kitchen and run out the door in a hurry. You make it to Trixie’s caravan ten minutes early, but out of breath. You take a few minutes to regain your breath and your composure after having to run here from your house. You politely knock three times. You hear the sound of hooves from inside before a female voice answers back. “Who is it?” The voice asks sweetly You gulp nervously. “It’s me.” The door slowly opens and you see the mare of the hour stick her head out. “Oh you’re here right on time.” Trixie smiles at you before opening the door and stepping out to greet you. You scan her body up and down to realize she isn’t wearing her signature cape and hat. “So where are we going?” she asks you while still holding her gentle smile. “Well seeing as how I’m treating you to dinner where do you want go.” “Hmmmm I just got here yesterday, remember, so I don’t know everything that’s in this town.” “Oh yeah right.” You say blushing and feeling a little stupid for forgetting. “Well there is this little restaurant in town I haven’t eaten because it looked rather ‘romantic’ and I haven’t been on a date since I got to Equestria.” You tell her as the two of you walk side by side down the street. “Really a nice young gentlecolt....er gentleman in your case hasn’t been on a date with any mares yet?” “Nope I went through several bad relationships back on my world and trying again for romance just didn’t peak my interest anymore.” “Not until I showed up.” Trixie gives a sly smile and giggles to herself . “Well...kinda. I couldn’t just leave you to be upset and cry your hours away.” “That has nothing to do with this date and you know it.” She says nudging against your waste. The two of you finally come upon a little restaurant that is dimly lit with inviting lights giving it a very romantic and homey atmosphere. The wooden sign out front says Realés Cafe. “This place does look rather nice.” Trixie comments. You open the door for Trixie to go in before you and the two of you enter the restaurant. The interior is just as warm and inviting as the exterior little glowing paper lanterns hang from the ceiling. The tables are lit with a flickering candle and accented by a single rose either red or white depending on the table. It’s obvious this isn’t a cafe for one to eat at alone. You and Trixie are led to a table for two away from the main dining area. The waitress comes by and asks for your drink orders “A Fireball if you please, my dear.” “And for you miss?” “An appletini please.” The waiter trots of to get the drinks leaving you and Trixie alone to talk. “I just noticed how nice you’re dressed.” She says pointing a hoof at you “I quite like the hat it works for you.” She gives you a smile and you can’t help, but feel lost in her bright purple eyes. “Speaking of clothes I notice you’re not wearing your cape and hat.” You say trying to shake off her stunning gaze and continue the conversation. “Oh please. You can’t expect me to wear that stuff all the time. Those things are mostly just for the show’s sake.” She replies. The waitress arrives with your drink orders and levitates them onto the table. She levitates out a note pad and asks for your dinner orders. “I’d like the pan seared salmon fillet with the garlic sauce and fresh salad.” You always thought it was kind of funny that a few restaurants in Ponyville serve fish but not any kind of red meat. You just figured they considered a little different somehow. Though you will never tell Fluttershy that you eat fish sometimes. “And miss, what will you be having this evening.” “I’d like the garden fresh salad tossed with a dab of pepper sauce please.” The waitress tears the page of the notepad with the orders out and puts the pad back in her pocket. She trots away leaving the two of you alone again. “So what is a Fireball?” “Oh, it’s a cinnamon whisky my dad introduced me too back in my world. It’s quite a strong drink but very good straight. Wanna try it?” “Maybe next time. It does smell quite nice though.” “So how do you like show business?” “Oh I’ll tell you there is nothing else like it. Amazing the crowd, dazzling them with magical feats, playing up the part to be super powerful. The looks on their faces are what I love. When they cheer for me it’s such an exhilarating feeling. I just love to see ponies smile. I only do magic shows because I enjoy it. There isn’t much money in a business like this, so anypony who practices magic does it because they enjoy it.” “I understand. Your show yesterday was really good. I hate some of my friends got a little out of hand. I still plan on talking to them, and show them the real you.” You put your hand over her hoof causing her to blush. The waitress returns with your food and levitates it onto the table. “Hope you enjoy your meal.” She says giving a friendly smile before trotting away to another table. “This looks delicious.” You say eyeing the pan-seared fish that’s been lightly glazed over in garlic sauce “I agree this is a very lovely restaurant you picked out.” Trixie lifts her glass in her magical embrace and takes a sip of her appletini before levitating a forkful of salad to her mouth. You chomp into your fish savoring every bite of the salmon. It’s not red meat, but it is a decent substitute especially when it tastes this good. Several minutes of silence pass while the two of you eat before you get another good conversation topic in mind. “So what are your dreams in life?” Trixie asks you suddenly. Damn that was gonna be my question. You think to yourself. “Well I guess the only thing left I really want to do is travel the world or Equestria I suppose, and find a wife, settle down and start a family.” “That’s really sweet. I want to one day preform my show for the princesses. I want to be the greatest magician in Equestria. Finding a special somepony is also on the list after preforming for Canterlot.” You both polish off your plates and drinks just in time for the waitress to arrive with the check. You pay the check of eighty bits and leave a ten bit tip for the waitress. You refused to let Trixie pay a cent. The two of you exit the restaurant and you decide to walk her home. “Such a gentleman paying for the entire meal just to take this showmare out.” Trixie says nudging into you. “Hey you deserve it after what you had to put up with yesterday.” “I think you just asked me out because you find me attractive. Would I be right in that assumption?” “Haha. It’s more half and half.” you say laughing. “Well at least it’s more than my looks you like.” Trixie says joining in on the laughter. Before you know it the two of you are back at Trixie’s caravan. A quick check of your watch tells you it’s 9:00. “This was a really nice evening. We should go out again soon.” Trixie says giving you a sweet and slightly seductive smile “Yeah we should. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Oh, you definitely will.” Trixie’s horn glows with her magic and you feel the collar of your shirt get pulled towards her. Trixie throws her hooves around your neck and draws you into a passionate kiss. You fall back a bit dazed at what just happened. “Bye.” Trixie says with a wave before entering her caravan. You can’t help yourself and begin fist pumping. “Ugh Jersey Shore.” you say facepalming and laughing. You head straight upstairs when you arrive home and retrieve Twilight and Spike’s conversation you had written down from the pocket of your blue jeans. You store it away in a little decorative box Rarity gave to you when you first started working for her. You fall into bed, but sleep is the last thing on your mind as thoughts of Trixie, the beautiful showmare, continued to dance through your mind. //-------------------------------------------------------// Swooning Lulamoon //-------------------------------------------------------// Swooning Lulamoon Celestia’s sun flickers gently through the glass of your window. Streaks of the bright orange glow dance seamlessly across your eyelids causing you to snap awake nearly instantly. You throw the covers off and stretch your arms out with a yawn. The memories of your date last night with the beautiful showmare come flooding back to you causing a warm smile to stretch across your face. “What a great night. I wonder what today holds.” You say sliding over to the edge of the bed. With little effort you stand to your feet and move towards your dresser. You grab the handles and pull the dresser drawer open while humming a rather cheery tune that you remembered from back in your world. You take out a pair of kaki shorts and a grey pullover T-shirt, and easily slip both articles of clothing on. You grab some folded white socks from the dresser and quickly pull one over each foot. You reach under the bed and grab your favorite tennis shoes and pull those on too. With one swift motion of your arm you snatch up the pair of sunglasses on the bedside table and hook them to the front of your shirt. “Ok, all set. Oh, almost forgot.” You say grabbing your belt from the dresser and effortlessly looping it up. “Now I’m all set.” You look at yourself in the mirror. You nod happy with how you look before making your way down the stairs of your bedroom. You check your watch as you are going down the stairs 8:00. Looks like I have two hours to get to Carousel Boutique. You think. You decide to skip breakfast all together this morning and decide to head straight to work. You swiftly open the door and spot a rather startled looking Rarity with one hoof midway in the air like she was about to knock on your door. “Rarity? What are you doing here?” you ask her quite puzzled by her sudden arrival. Rarity lowers her raised hoof down and plants it back on the ground. She puffs herself out and regains her composure before answering. “Well, darling, I made several dresses last night as I said I would, and they have been such a success that I will not be needing your services for anything today. So in other words you can take the day off, dear. Also, I figured I should give you the day off to spend with your ‘marefriend’.” Rarity gives you a sly wink putting emphasis on that last word. You stand in your doorway and cross your arms. “Well, thanks. That means a lot. I’ll spend my day off well.” “Hmmm there is......one condition though.” “Dammit dammit dammit uuuggghhh. I knew you’d pull something like this. I think I already know what the condition is.” Knowing Rarity it wasn’t hard to tell. “I want....” You wave a hand in font of her face to silence her. “You want me to tell you how the date went. Is that it?” “How did you guess that so easily?” “Because you’re Rarity, that’s how. Ponyville’s very own gossip queen. I’ll tell you as long as you keep it to yourself. Don’t go telling any other pony about it, ESPECIALLY Twilight and the others.” “Fine my lips are sealed.....For now.” “I mean it, Rares. Not a single word.” “Ok, ok, darling, don’t get so serious.” “Just making sure. Well the date went really smoothly. We talked, laughed, ate dinner, and just genuinely had a great time.” “Where did you two go?” “That new little romantic restaurant in Ponyville. Realés cafe I believe it was called.” “Oooooo, that’s a lovely place for a romantic dinner.” “Yeah it was pretty good. the food was delicious, the service excellent, and the ambiance was soft and warming.” “Well, did you kiss her?” Rarity’s lips quickly formed a devious grin. “Like I’ll answer ‘THAT’ question.” You tell her sarcastically. “Fine don’t I’ll just go tell all of Ponyville you’re dating a magical showoff.” Rarity slides you a threatening glance. “OK, geeze, yes we did, just a little bit, ok. Happy?” “Somewhat satisfied yes. Did you two bump hooves?” “Huh?” “You know, clop a little bit?” Rarity raises a curious eyebrow at you. “Seriously, what are you suggesting?” “Did you and Trixie roll in the hay last night?” “Please don’t tell me you’re suggesting.....” “SEX! Did you and her have sex last night? Honestly make me have to directly ask you that. I was trying to be discreet and ladylike about asking it.” Rarity says annoyed Your face blushes a deep red being asked that private question “JESUS Rarity NO no nonononono we didn’t. Come on it was the first date you honestly think.” “I didn’t think anything on that. I just asked so I wouldn’t think about it.” “But still that’s not something you just ask someone or somepony I mean that’s private stuff.” “Yes but you dear aren’t just somepony. You’re my friend so I figure as your friend I could ask that if I wanted.” “That’s private business Rares don’t ask me that again for a while, I swear. I would never have relations with a mare after just one date.” Rarity sees an opening for a dirty follow-up question “So what is the number of dates then?” “Wha really? You just asked that. Ok, I’m done with your twisted little game of twenty questions about my love life.” Rarity starts giggling uncontrollably at your expense. “Oh darling I’m done anyway. I just wanted to see how you react to that question.” “You’re really something else, you know that.” You grumble at her in annoyance “Of course, darling, that’s what makes me Rarity. Anyway I must be on my way back to the boutique I have more dresses to make. Enjoy you’re day off.” Rarity says in singsong voice. With a final wave of her hoof she sets off away from your house and down the streets of Ponyville towards Carousel Boutique. “A whole day off. I know just how I’m gonna spend it.” You whisper to yourself. You step outside and head down the road leading to where Trixie’s caravan is parked. You check your watch and it’s only 9:00. You know you have all day to spend with Trixie. You can’t help but feel happy thinking about the wonderful day you’ll spend with her when you surprise her with the news that you’ve got the day off. You can’t help it you have to sing the song that you were humming earlier, but loud and proud this time. play song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM) You walk down the streets of Ponyville with a bounce and skip in your step. You wave to Berry Punch, Lyra, Bon Bon, Roseluck, and even high hoof Vinyl Scratch as you walk down the road. You see Derpy in the Ponyville muffin shop. You walk in to see what’s wrong. Derpy points to a large blueberry muffin depicted on a red sign. The sign shows the number ten and some gold coins which you easily know to be bits. You look and notice Derpy only has five on the counter. You smile and throw the five extra bits she needs onto the counter. Derpy flies in air and does a somersault before wrapping you into a backbreaking hug. You ruffle her mane before turning and heading out the door. You help Daisy carry in a new box of flowers for her shop. “Thanks." she says with a smile. “Don’t mention it just in an awesome mood today.” You say giving her a thumbs up as you walk back out to the street. You dance up to Trixie’s caravan and notice a couple of fillies heading away from her caravan. One is a murky green with an orange mane and the other looks like a dark gold with a murky green mane. “Snips and Snails? Wonder what they’re up too.” You say to yourself You knock on the door. No answer. You look around and see nopony is around. You knock three times and still hear nothing. A blast of smoke behind you scares the wits away from you causing you to fall to the ground. “Who dares disturb The Great and Powerful TRRRIX....Oh it’s you what a nice surprise. Did I scare you?” The blue pony giggles at the sight of you sitting on the ground breathing heavily. “Y...You didn’t scare me. I was just surprised.” You quickly jump up to your feet to try to regain any dignity that had left with your wits. “Uh huh, and you getting surprised means screaming like a scared colt.” She smirks at the annoyed look on your face. “Hey, everyone reacts differently, you know.” “Haha, some less manly than others.” “I guess.” You say looking down at your feet and kicking at a rock. “Hmhm relax I’m just teasing you.” She giggles again and stands on her back hooves. She raps her forehooves around your neck and kisses you on the cheek. “Now I forgive you.” You say winking. “Uh huh sure.” Trixie says sarcastically and flicks your leg with her tail. “So what brings you here so early? I wasn’t expecting you to show up till later tonight for our date.” “Oh uh Rarity gave me the day off, so we can spend the whole day together if you want.” “Rarity? You mean the pony whose mane I turned green a couple days ago.” “Yeah that’s her.” “If you see her tell her I’m really sorry about that whole mess.” “Eh she’s over it now, but I will tell her.” You run a hand through her mane to comfort her. “So what are we gonna do? Since we have all day together.” She asks whilst levitating her saddlebags out of the caravan and placing them onto her back. “I actually don’t know. I figure we can just walk around Ponyville, talk, and enjoy each other’s company.” You shrug hoping she likes that idea. “Sounds nice. Let’s go.” Trixie nudges your waist and begins trot towards Ponyville Square. You can’t help, but eye her curvaceous flanks tantalizingly sway from side to side as she trots ahead of you. “Hey, you coming?” She calls back to you. You blush a little before quickly snapping out of your thoughts and race to catch up to her side. You and Trixie decide to stop by Sugarcube Corner first. You both were craving a milkshake to start your date. You walk inside to see Pinkie sitting behind the counter as usual. “Hey Pinks a double chocolate milkshake with two straws, whipped cream, and a cherry if you don’t mind.” “OF COURSE! I looooove chocolate don’t you I know I do, and....” Pinkie just now notices the blue showpony standing next to you. Her mouth agape like she was going to continue talking. “What is SHE doing here. After that stunt you pulled on my bestest friends, I’m surprised you’d still show your face in this town.” You never thought Pinkie could be this harsh to anypony. “Hey Trixie, why don’t you find us a table outside? I’ll be right behind you in just a second.” You smile at her trying to ease her mind. You could tell she looked hurt from Pinkie’s rude words. Trixie turns around and exits the sweet’s shop. You could hear a muffled whimper escape her lips when she exits. “Pinks, that wasn’t cool.” “What? you saw the awful things she did yesterday. I’m just...” “JUST nothing. Pinkie we are on a date, and you insulting her like that was NOT cool. Ponyville misjudged her. She isn’t a showoff, and all that so called ‘boasting’ she did was just her playing up the part for her magic show.” “Wait, SERIOUSLY?” “Seriously cereal, Pinks.” “Oh wow I didn’t know. Sorry.” Pinkie’s mane deflates when she sits down. “Hey don’t sweat it Pinks. Just don’t be so harsh next time.” “Okie Dokie Lokie.” Knowing Pinkie she’s never upset for long. You can already tell she’s full of joy again. Evidence by the fact her mane has already regained it’s cotton candy shape. “Here, milkshake is on the house.” “Thanks Pinks. Stay awesome, ok.” “Will DO!” Pinkie throws her right hoof up to her forehead in a pony’s version of a salute. You grab the milkshake of the counter and stick the two straws into it. “Oh before I go. where is Josh?” “He had to go pick up some more baking supplies for me. Strange because I sent him two days ago to get  baking stuff. Hey did you know him and I are dating now?” “Uh, no, I didn’t, Pinkie.” “WELL, YOU DO NOOOOOW!” Pinkie exclaims bouncing around the shop. “Well, ok, bye, Pinks.” “BYYYYYYEEEEE!” Pinkie yells waving a hoof wildly at you. You exit Sugarcube Corner and spy Trixie fidgeting impatiently and sitting at a small table away from everypony else. You pull your sunglass off your shirt and flick them open before putting them on. You make your way to Trixie, milkshake in hand. You place the double chocolate shake on the table. You sit across from her and notice Trixie is looking down at the ground. “Hey, you ok?” “Yeah. I was just thinking about what that pink pony said is all.” “Hey, look at me.” You tell her softly. Trixie looks up at you. Fresh tears are rolling down her face. “Hey hey no need to get upset I cleared it up. I told Pinkie about the kind of pony you really are. She felt bad about treating you the way she did. Now come over here and sit by me.” Trixie gets up and trots around the table and sits to the right of you. “Thanks.” “For what exactly?” “You’ve been the only one here to give me a chance, and actually listen to me.” You wrap your right arm around her waist and pull her close. You figure it’s best to speak more with actions rather than words right now. Trixie leans into your shoulder and you close your other arm around her body pulling her into a tight embrace. “Gone mute, have you?” Trixie asks giggling softly. “Naw, I just figured it would be better to show you how I felt rather than risk messing it up with words.” “Yeah, words are overrated, huh?” Both of you laugh before separating from the heartfelt embrace. “So what did Snips and Snails want earlier? I saw them leaving your caravan.” “Oh, nothing much. They brought me a milkshake and then wanted me to tell them the story about the Ursa Major, but I refused and they left. That’s pretty much it. I saw them talking to that rude purple dragon.” “Ok, I was just wondering.” By now the milkshake has melted in the hot sun leaving neither you nor your mare wanting it now. “Well where now hmmm.” “I figure we can just head to park. You know, sit and talk for a while.” “That sounds wonderful.” You both rise out of your seats and head in the direction of the park. You check your watch and notice it’s 2:00. You and Trixie arrive at Ponyville Park quicker than expected. You find a nice shaded area under an oak tree and sit down against it. You take your sunglasses off and fold them up and attach them back to your shirt. Trixie sits down on your legs and faces away from you. You spot her hint and wrap your arms slowly around her waist causing her to hum with delight. “So I guess I’ll start. Where did you get your stage name. The Great and Powerful Trixie has a nice ring too it.” “Well during the first show I ever performed. I wasn’t near as good then as I am now. I went to do my finale, a teleport spell. I knew I wasn’t strong enough to do a teleportation spell at such a young age, so I used a smoke spell to make it appear like I teleported from one side of the stage to the other. Granted that trick wouldn’t work on mares who know the difference between smoke n’ mirrors and real magic, but at the time I was preforming for foals, fillies, and young colts. Anyway when I did it one of the fillies I was preforming for said gaze upon the great and powerful Trixie the most amazing unicorn in Equestria. So from then on I use The Great and Powerful Trixie as my stage name.” “That’s a sweet story.” You note “Mmmhmmm that title has backfired on me more than once though. Nopony ever stops to listen though before they accuse me of being a fraud and a deceiver.” “It doesn’t matter what anypony else thinks of you. All that matters is that I think you’re generally amazing, beautiful, and sweet.” “Thanks you’re really great too nopony has ever stopped to try to be with me like you have. It means a lot to me.” She says becoming choked up. “No matter what you’re my little Trixie.” You whisper affectionately into her ear before tenderly kissing her neck. “You’re really making it hard to resist kissing you.” “Go for it.”  You say teasingly You trace a finger up her thigh, eliciting a quiet gasp from the blue showpony. “M..maybe later.” Trixie says clearly trying to keep her senses together. “So why did you give up on dating?” “Mmmmmm, well I had several bad experiences with girls who just wanted to use me for sex. To which I would not agree to. The ones whom I thought were ‘the one’ left me in a heartbeat for somebody with bigger biceps, or were more athletic. It was just some really stupid stuff so I gave up on it. I almost hit the last girl that hurt me. I flew off the handle quite bad.” You finish with a long sigh “I’m sorry they weren’t right for you.” “Oh don’t be, because I now have somepony better than any of them ever could have been.” “That’s it. I can’t take it.” Trixie breaks free from your arms and does a 180-degree turn so she is facing you. Without warning she pushes her lips to yours locking you into a fiery kiss. Simultaneously knocking your head against the trunk of the large oak tree. You return her fiery kiss before swiftly wrapping your arms around her back and pull her small body closer to yours. You feel her soft tongue caress your teeth asking for entrance into your mouth. You part your teeth and feel her tongue shoot into your mouth. Kiss never breaking you feel her tongue explore your mouth. Her movements are clumsy and inexperienced, but easily more satisfying than any other you’ve kissed before. You meet her tongue partway and begin a tender dance. You feel her hooves begin to fumble at your belt. Realizing what she’s doing you break away from the kiss. “Whoa whoa whoa hang on.” “But I thought.” “Hey it’s not that I don’t want too. Honestly, I do, just not yet and ESPECIALLY not here in the public park.” “Haha yeah I guess this wouldn’t be the right place huh?” Trixie turns away her face a deep red color. “I just got a little carried away is all.” “It’s fine, no harm done.” You say getting to your feet. You check your watch and realize it’s almost 7:00. “Guess we should head home and get dressed after all we have a dinner reservation at eight. I’ll meet you in thirty minutes ok. Then we can walk to the restaurant together.” You take off towards your house. You quickly arrive and unlock the door. You nearly throw the door open in the rush you are in. You run upstairs pull open the dresser, and grab some casual yet dress worthy clothes. You change clothes and scramble down the stairs. Ok 7:15 we should have plenty of time to make to the restaurant. You make it to where Trixie’s caravan usually is only to see a pile of rubble on the ground where it should be. “Oh God.” You mutter shocked at the destroyed remains of the traveling house. “Please tell me she’s ok.” You plead to whatever higher power watches over Equestria. I loud scream pierces your eardrums causing you to react and run in the direction the cries of peril originated. You arrive just in time to see Twilight Sparkle amazingly levitating a giant bear like creature that appeared to be made out of a small galaxy of stars. The bear was fast asleep with a giant bottle in its mouth, which you easily made out to be the Ponyville water tower. When the bear was safely out of Ponyville you here Twilight mention that it was an Ursa Minor not an Ursa Major. You move close enough to make out what Twilight is saying. “It wasn’t rampaging it was just cranky because SOMEONE woke it up.” She casts an accusatory glance at Snips and Snails. Ok now it’s starting to all come together. You think. “Now we need to figure out what to do about you Trixie.” Twilight points a hoof at the blue pony. “Me? But what did I....” “YOUR boasting and bragging caused all this to happen in the first place. So you are to blame for the Ursa Minor running rampant in Ponyville.” “But, but I....” “This is all showing off gets you Trixie nothing but trouble. We don’t need ponies like you in Ponyville.” Twilight’s tone is getting colder and colder as she goes on. “Plus without a place to stay you can’t be in Ponyville any longer you have to leave.” You hear the ponies voices begin to turn and side with Twilight. You know you have to intervene before the situation gets out of hand. You can’t let the ponies you once called your friends run your marefriend out time. If a line isn’t crossed now then it won’t ever be “THE LINE MUST BE CROSSED HEEEERRREE!!!!” You yell at the top of your lungs. You step in front of Trixie to defend her from the crowd of angered ponies. Everypony in town falls silent. “TRIXIE WILL STAY WITH ME.” You announce causing everypony to gasp in shock. “GO HOME ALL OF YOU EXCEPT FOR THE SIX OF YOU.” You point a finger at Twilight and her friends. The townsponies not knowing what to do comply and fan out leaving just You, Trixie, Twilight, and her friends. “First things first Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity you may go.” The three mares nod at you before spreading out. “Good luck darling.” Rarity says with deadly seriousness before trotting off. With the streets of Ponyville finally clear you know what has to be done. Change their opinions or go down trying. Spike is the first to speak up. “What’s going on. Why the sudden outburst?” “Spike SHUT UP!” You spout back “I’ll start by saying just what is you guys’ problem honestly I’m really curious because you’ve hated Trixie since she arrived. Calling her out saying she’s a liar trying to put her to shame in front of Ponyville.” Applejack interjects you “Ok, first off, we didn’t try to shame her. She came into Ponyville showing off like everything she touched turned to gold. So we challenged her back.” “NO NO FUCKING NO it was all an act. Don’t you get it? Trixie wasn’t seeking attention just because she loves it. She’s a magician for Celestia’s sake. It’s her job to show off her magic prowess. Just like it’s your job to buck apples AJ. You of all ponies should be able to respect a fellow pony that has to work just to eat. You guys didn’t even stop to find out what Trixie is REALLY like off the stage.” “But she tied me up with mah own rope.” “Correct but she tied you up to save her show I mean come on she couldn’t just let you go up on stage and outperform her get real here. Use some common sense.” “Ah guess that makes sense. We didn’t really think things through.” “Exactly! same thing applies for you Rainbow.” “I hate to say it, but that does makes sense.” Ok two down two to go. “Ok, you two head out, and think about what I said.” You wave your hand motioning for them to leave. “Ok Twilight most of that applies to you too. I understand you were the only one strong enough to save Ponyville from the Ursa Minor, but you didn’t have to blame Trixie for it. She didn’t ask Snips and Snails to go wake up the thing. They did that of their own fruition. They should know better than to do something stupid like that. So, if anypony is to blame for the Ursa rampage, it’s them.” “Well I...yeah I guess so.” “Ok, you can go. Please think about what I said.” Twilight turns and trots off “That leaves you Spike. I’m most angry with you. You spent two days trying to convince Twilight to show up Trixie to basically shun her in front of everypony. I’m not even gonna take the time to chew you out because what you did was by far the worst. Now GO get out of my sight.” Without saying a word Spike turns and runs after Twilight. You turn towards Trixie who is staring at you completely shocked and amazed at your defense. “That was....thank you so much.” Tears begin to fill Trixie’s eyes and she starts to sob uncontrollably. You place a hand under her chin and lift her head so you can gaze into her eyes. “Hey, I got you.” You whisper before pulling her in for a slow passionate kiss. “Do I really get to stay with you?” “Of course. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it. Here let me carry you to the house. You’ve had quite a long day.” You place her forehooves around your waist and hoist her up. Trixie wraps her backhooves around your waist and you place one hand on her back and one under her soft rump for support. You place her onto the ground and unlock the door. You hold the door open for your mare. Trixie heads inside followed by you. You flick on all the lights and check your watch. “9:00. We missed our reservation.” “Aww, that doesn’t matter anymore. I think the night turned out much better.” “Why? Your home got crushed.” “True but I gained a new home. I get to live with my special somepony.” Hearing her say that brings a smile to your face. You watch as Trixie gets up on the couch. “Whoa whoa what do you think you’re doing?” “I was going to bed for the night.” “Not on the couch you’re not. You can have my bed.” “Well, I’m not getting in the bed without you.” Trixie gives you a seductive smile and a sly wink. “Ok. I’ll gladly get in bed with you.” You and Trixie head upstairs and turn down the covers. You slide in next to her and rap your arms around her soft body. You pull her against you and rest your head and take in her sweet scent as you drift off to sleep for the night. //-------------------------------------------------------// Problems in Ponyville //-------------------------------------------------------// Problems in Ponyville It’s been a couple weeks now since you lashed out at Ponyville to protect Trixie. Things between the two of you have only gotten better since that incident. You share the same bed, house, and are always together on a daily basis. You’re starting to feel like you’re truly in love or the first time. You wish things could actually be as perfect they sound. Outside the house Trixie is treated horribly. Ponies mock her in the streets, shops, and even the square being called things along the lines of liar, fraud, and fake. You had hoped trying to convince your six friends would turn Ponyville back on Trixie’s side, but for all intents and purposes it seemed to have failed. You’ve caught your marefriend on more than one occasion broke down in tears. You hadn’t spoken to Twilight, AJ, RD, or Spike since that public incident. It’s difficult to just take her out to eat without somepony pointing a hoof, and laughing or insulting her in any way possible. After all the things that have happened you finally see the true face Ponyville hides. The town is a fickle place with townsponies whom will turn on you in a heartbeat if they have anything they disapprove of. You wish you could make Trixie feel better. After all none of it is truly her fault. After not being able to sleep you decided to take a walk through Ponyville Park at night, and sit against your favorite oak tree to try and clear your head. Amazing how a small misunderstanding, and a few bad opinions can turn an entire town against you. You think shaking your head in frustration. You throw your head back against the oak with more force then you planned. Aching pain ran through your head as you felt the spot you had hit against the tree. “That’s gonna be sore tomorrow.” You say with a frustrated sigh. “Why is everything so complicated?” You question to yourself. Everything seemed to have gone to hell around you Ponyville hates both Trixie and you, your friendships are coming apart at the seams, and you can barely do anything to stop it. You’ve wondered if defending her was actually the right thing to do. The conclusion was always that it was indeed the right course of action. It felt like more than defending a pony you had just recently met. It felt like you were defending something more. She was your mare and nopony will degrade her without having to deal with you too. Her show life is doomed to fail now. Word travels fast around Equestria she’d be a laughing stock anywhere she goes. The way you see it you are the last array of happiness she has, and if it’s enough to keep her happy and see her smile. Then you’ll be happy as long as she’s with you. “Hey why are you out here so late?” A sweet voice breaks you out of your thoughts. Trixie is standing just a few feet away curiously smiling at you. She still looks half asleep and her normally perfect mane is disheveled. “Oh hey girl. I couldn’t sleep so I decided to take a walk around the park and sit under our favorite tree to clear my head.” You smile back at her and motion for her to come sit by you. Trixie slowly trots over and lies down against you. “You really should be back in bed with your arms around me. I get cold you know.” She giggles at her teasing joke giving you the urge to rectify that situation immediately. You stealthy slide both arms around her waist and pull her onto your lap. The blue pony coos softly at your warm embrace as you rest your head on her small shoulder. You run a hand through her mane slowly trying to straighten the tangled hairs out. “Any better?” You ask nuzzling her cheek. “Mmmmhmmm this feels nice. I guess I’m glad I came out to look for you tonight.” Trixie says with a sigh of delight. “I’m sorry about how things have been lately. I wish I could do more to make the citizens of Ponyville understand. You know that Ursa Minor wasn’t your fault.” “I know. I just feel like I could have done more to prevent it from happening. I just wish things were normal, but I still have you though.” Trixie turns her head to face you and presses her against yours without a moment’s hesitation. You eagerly return her passion before parting. You look up at Luna’s moon as it shines its radiant white glow down on the town. “You know I’ve always liked the moon and the nighttime. It’s more of a softer time period than during the hectic hours of the day.” “I know it’s more comfortable too. In the right conditions of course.” Trixie says flicking her tail against your legs lightly. You shift and slide out from under your mare and stand to your feet. “I suppose we should be heading back home huh?” You ask extending your hand to help her to her hooves. Trixie huffs at you for ruining the pleasant moment. She lets you take her hoof and lift her up to all four hooves. “Well look what we have here. The psychopath and the fraud showpony both out here in the park together.” You cringe at the sound of that voice, knowing exactly the pony to which it belongs too. “Ok Caramel what do you want?” You ask already knowing where this is probably going to go. You turn to face the intruding caramel colored pony. “Well I was just taking my mare here for a nice romantic walk, and I happened to see you two cast outs ruining our nice park with your presence. So if you two would be so kind as to just get lost everything would be all good.” You chuckle at his idle threats. “Caramel why are you always picking fights with somepony you really shouldn’t screw around with . The only reason you aren’t on your back right now with a broken jaw is because I don’t want to upset the ladies here.” “At least I’m dating somepony honest. Your mare if you can even call her that is a liar and fraud. She tricked all of Ponyville into believing she’s all-powerful when she’s just a bigheaded fake. So why defend her?” You clench your hands into a fist, rage searing over you like a flood of hot water. “Ok you have to the count of my lucky number seven to apologize to Trixie, or else I’ll make you experience a new kind of pain. She’s my mare. My special somepony, and I will defend her till the love runs out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE5WscjdNZs). ONE.” You shout out loud. The mare Caramel is with speaks up for the first time to try to convince him to apologize. “Caramel honey you really should apologize for being so rude.” “I’m not backing down from a pansy like this asshole.” “TWO..” The key to any fight is to stay calm and smart. You think to yourself “Bring it you two-legged S.O.B.” “THREE. Trixie dear stand back would you.” Trixie nods, and backs up knowing once your fired up she can’t shake you out of it. “Come on then hit me.” Caramel taunts. “FOUR.” You take Big Boss’ stance. Remember the basics of CQC. You tell yourself. “SEVEN!” Caramel shouts and begins rushing at you headfirst. With a quick sidestep you dodge and seize the opportunity to strike at the pressure point between his shoulder blades causing his upper body seize up. You grab his right forehoof and pin it too his back. With a twist of your wrist you stretch is upper right leg out as far as it will go before dropping your elbow down on it. The strong leg bone snaps in two with a loud “CRACK” forcing Caramel to the ground wailing and sobbing in pain. “I think that about deals with him.” You call over to Trixie who’s looking at you in shocked amazement. You smirk confidently at the crumpled crying Caramel lying on the ground. “Hey I warned you, but you had to be a smartass. Next time think about who you are insulting first. For good measure you give him a powerful kick the genitals. The already crying Caramel begins wailing in pain. “As Bruce Willis said take away his weapon. Both of them.” You laugh at that quote from Sin City before turning to face the horrified looking mare Caramel was with. You squat down so you are at the same height as her. “What’s your name Miss?” You ask her calmly. “I...i.i.it’s Tulip Fields.” “Well Miss Tulip go on your way and next time make a better choice in colts. You’re very pretty and could do a lot better than this asshole.” Tulip hurriedly nods and quickly runs the other direction. “Ok Trixie ready to head home now.” “Definitely.” The two of you keep a steady pace as you make your way through the park in the direction of your happily shared home. Trixie looks at you puzzled clearly she is thinking about something. “What’s on your mind?” You ask confused. “Oh I’m just wondering where you learned to fight like that? That was amazing how you put him down so easily.” “You can thank a game called Metal Gear Solid 3:Snake Eater for that. First time I saw Big Boss fight hand to hand combat I new I wanted to learn the CQC technique.” “Haha I don’t know what that is.” “I know, but you asked so I answered.” “What is CQC?” “It’s short for Close Quarters Combat. It’s fairly simple to learn, but using it effectively is the hard part.” You and Trixie arrive quickly arrive home, and the only thing you can think about is sleep when you open the door. You head upstairs throw your shirt off and climb into bed. Trixie follows suit. You hope to get at least a couple hours of sleep before morning. Morning quickly arrives as Celestia’s sun hits the horizon warm orange beams shine through your window hitting your eyes, and forcing you awake. You can hear a faint knock on the door downstairs. That doesn’t sound like hooves.You think to yourself. You slowly slide out of bed being careful not to disturb Trixie whom is fast asleep with a faint smile on her face. You grab a simple whit T-shirt and pull it over your bare chest before descending the stairs. The knocking continues much louder now. You cross over to the door and pull it open. “Yes?” You say a little irritated with the early visitor. You look down to see small purple dragon standing at your doorstep. “Spike what are you doing here?” Spike kicks at the wood in the doorway before answering. “H...Hey can we talk?” “I don’t see why not.” You step outside and shut the door behind you. You check your watch before sitting down. 9:00 not bad. You turn and face Spike whom seems a little less intimidated now that you’re sitting. “So what’s up?” “Well I came over here to say I’m sorry. I mean about Trixie and all that. I just didn’t know she was actually not half bad.” “An apology is definitely a good start little man, but I overheard all of yours and Twilight’s conversation a couple weeks ago. You definitely tried your best to convince Twilight to show her up. I can prove it because I have that whole conversation written down.” “What! You heard all that?” “Oh yes.” “Sorry about that too I guess.” “Hey Spike. We're cool man. No problems just respect Trixie from now. She isn’t what everypony believes she is.” “I understand. Oh and I heard about Caramel. That was you who did that wasn’t it.” “Yeah I did. I’m not proud of it, but that asshole had it coming.” “Haha I bet. Remind me never to really get on your bad side.” “Will do Spike.” You smile trying to brush off the fact you basically turned Caramel into half a man or stallion as the ponies say. “Ok then I’m off to Rarity’s. Later man.” “Later Spike.” You chuckle at the thought of you knocking Caramel down a few pegs last night. Damn. word travels fast around Ponyville. Haha I wonder how long it Caramel to limp and hobble to Ponyville Hospital. You head back inside and make pancakes with scrambled eggs to surprise Trixie. You set the plates of food on the table and decide to wait for your mare to wake up rather than do it yourself. The past few weeks you’ve rapidly learned and adapted to her usual patterns in the mornings. So you know that in a few minutes she will be up and about. Sure enough a little over eight minutes pass by and you can hear rustling coming from your bedroom. Followed by a soft-eyed Trixie stepping down the stairs. Her mane and tail a matted mess “Good morning sunshine decided to get up bright and early I see.” You tease her as she sits down in the chair across from you. “Oh hush you. I didn’t get my beauty sleep last night because we were out spooning in the public park till three in the morning, and you were beating up stallions that insulted me.” She says pointing a hoof at you. “Well yeah kinda. It was just Caramel, and He kinda deserved it after all the hurtful things he said to you.” You reply sheepishly shrugging your shoulders and eating up one of your pancakes. “Here is a great conversation starter!” She exclaims eating her eggs. “A what’s that?” “Did you really mean what you said in the park?” “What did I say? It’s kinda all a blur now.” “That you’d defend me till the love ran out. Do you.....love...me?” You can tell this question is beyond important to her as every word she says with deadly seriousness. “I was actually waiting to tell you that when the time was right. Last night I got so caught up in the moment I let it slip. So yeah I considering everything that’s happened I do love you....a lot.” You knew that was the truth, and you could see her face light up when she heard that you loved her. “And considering all we’ve been through together in this short time period I love you too.” She says finishing her breakfast You shiver a little at her words “So what are we going to do today?” she asks with a curious expression. “Well considering Rarity gave me the week off to be with you. I was thinking we could just go meet John and Fluttershy at a bar, and relax a little.” “I really like that idea let’s go.” You take the pair of plates and put them in the sink to be washed later. You and Trixie head upstairs to get ready for an afternoon at the bar. You throw on some blue jean pants, and purple three-button pullover shirt. You slide on your favorite pair of tennis shoes and comb your hair for good measure. Trixie levitates a brush over and you take it from her magical grip. “I’ll gladly do that.” You wink at her to get your point across. Trixie sighs and climbs up onto the bed and moves herself in between your legs. You slowly begin to brush out her mane and drift your left arm around her waist. “You know I meant it when I said I would always defend you right? Nopony deserves the amount of hate your getting over nothing.” “I know one thing. This feels great I should let you brush my mane more often.” “I’d gladly brush it any time you want me too. I consider myself lucky that you’re just in my life.” You exchange the brush for your comb and begin to work at the curled portions of the blue mare’s mane. “I’m glad to be in your life or our life I guess no.....OOOOWWWWW that hurts.” You tighten your arm around her waist so she can’t squirm out of your grip. “Of course it hurts you’ve got several knots in your hair, and my comb is the best thing to use on the parts of your mane that curl up like this. So settle down and let me work ok.” Trixie groans in annoyance as you begin combing out the second curl at the back end of her mane. “Owwww that hurts.” “Oh stop complaining. I’m about done.” You finish and lean back admiring the two perfect curls in her mane. “Not too bad if I do say so myself, for a little pain it looks great.” You smile and look at Trixie who looks marginally unenthused. “Want me to brush your tail too?” You ask with a laugh. “No I’m not gonna let you take a comb to it too.” You get up off the bed, and check yourself in the mirror while Trixie brushes out her tail. You pick up your comb and place it back in the bathroom. “So we ready to go?” You ask her. “I guess so. Where are we going exactly, and are we going to get John and Fluttershy or do they already know?” “They already know. John and I set this get together up about a week ago, and we are going to Mixers Bar. It’s a new place in town.” “Ok then let’s get moving.” Trixie says with a bright smile. The two you of head downstairs and swiftly exit the house. You check your watch and note that it’s fifteen minutes till noon. You can’t help, but look around angrily as ponies point, snicker, and talk about you and Trixie. You loosely hear hurtful things like fraud, liars, and freaks thrown around the chattering townsponies. Finally tiring of it you turn to a group of mares that were pointing and laughing at you. “IF YOU THINK WE’RE THAT FUNNY THEN TAKE A PICTURE IT WILL LAST LONGER!” You shout angrily. “Hey calm down.” Trixie says soothingly and rubbing a hoof along your back. “I’m just so sick of the everyday bullshit, and the way they treat us.” “Well shouting won’t do anything about it.” “It might.” You grumble annoyed “No it won’t you’ll just get them more riled up about us.” You both continue making your way to the bar. You finally arrive at a rather ornate building with a green roof and bright sign depicting the words Mixers Bar. You hold the door open for Trixie and follow behind her. The bar was a little on the ornate side. The tables are made of a polished spruce wood, and the chairs a shiny oak wood. The bar was standard square shaped, but the back of it was lined with every kind of drink imaginable a few you knew. The majority you didn’t. Overall it was nice for a new bar in town. Though it isn’t overly crowded right now due to the daytime. You spot Fluttershy and John sitting at booth towards the back of the bar. You and John met last Wednesday. He is a really nice guy and you figure the perfect partner for Fluttershy. You came to realize he is a pacifist and for the past week he’s never once shown he has a temper. You two hit it off well and quickly became friends. It was nice to have a human friend in Equestria. Not that there is anything wrong with the ponies you’ve gotten so familiar to seeing. It’s just nice to have a little human contact again. You and Trixie make your way past the empty tables and chairs, and take your seats in the booth with your friends. “Sup guys.” You say with a friendly smile “Oh you know taking care of animals, trying to find work, and living the with the best pony in Equestria.” John says nuzzling Fluttershy’s cheek “Stop it. N...not right now.” Fluttershy stutters. A little embarrassed from the public affection. “So how are you and Trixie doing?” Fluttershy asks relaxing a little and blush fading away. “Oh I don’t know. We are getting by. Our public appeal hasn’t really improved the last two weeks.” You shrug before leaning back and closing your eyes. “He did turn Caramel into half a stallion last night. Didn’t you hun.” Trixie says. “Really? you think it’s best to enter the conversation with that ?” You tease her slightly annoyed. “Oh yeah I heard about that. Nice job dude we heard Caramel fell on the ground crying because you broke one of his legs. They say he’ll be in the hospital for another week,” John smiles at you. “I didn’t want too or plan too. He came up on us in the park. He started being an ass, and insulting Trixie. It’s fine if people insult me, but nobody or pony will treat her so poorly when I’m around.” You say confidently. A waitress trots over and asks your table for drink orders. “Oh we aren’t eating today just getting together to talk.” Fluttershy answers sweetly “Oh ok then well if you need something just wave me over.” The waitress says trotting off to another table. “So what kinda job you looking for man?” You ask him “I’m trying to go for something simple, so I don’t have to work all day.” “I could probably get you a job at Carousel Boutique if you need.” “Nah I saw yesterday that Sugarcube Corner has a position open so I was planning on talking to Pinkie about it soon. Besides fashion has never really been my thing.” You both turn your attention to your mares’ conversation. “Just give everypony some time they’ll come around eventually Trixie. No need to worry too much. I’ve known your coltfriend or boyfriend as John says for a while, and I know he will stand by you to the end.” Fluttershy always knows just what to say to cheer someone or somepony up. You think. The two mares don’t even seem to notice you and John had stopped talking and are now listening. “Did he tell you he loves you yet?” Fluttershy asks changing the subject. “Yeah he did this morning. Though he kinda let it slip last night when he was broke Caramel’s leg.” Trixie says smiling at the thought of you defending her. “I How about you Shy did John tell you yet?” “Oh yes he did. It was ever so sweet. Ever since we met I had been waiting for him to say it.” Fluttershy says excitedly. “How long have you two been dating?” “Oh a little over three weeks now, but I knew when we met that I was in love.” “Well I’ll save you our story because I’m sure you know must of it.” “Yep I told Fluttershy everything.” You say cutting in. “We were listening to the whole conversation.” John points out to them. “Well well well. Look what we have here. A human, a mare, a freak, and a fake.” You hear a couple laughs match the insults. A trio of stallions stood next to your table. None of them you knew by name, but you do loosely remember seeing them around with Caramel. Meaning either he sent them or they are here for revenge on their own accord. “Friends of Caramel I’m guessing.” You say looking up. You smile on the inside knowing you are exactly their size when sitting. “That’s right we are here to fuck you up for humiliating Caramel.” The lead grey one says. “You can try.” You taunt. In terms of bulk you’ve never had huge steroid like muscles, but when it comes to skill you are always confident in hand-to-hand combat or as ponies would say hand-to-hoof, and as insensitive as it is fighting ponies is much easier being they have no fingers grab you with. Fighting was never something you liked anyway. Learning CQC was more for your self-defense then a means to cause harm. You’ve only ever fought when it was necessary, and right now it’s damn well necessary. “We don’t understand why you protect this bitch of a marefriend you have, but we are gonna show you HUMAN that certain actions come with consequences.” “I’d like to see you try. You have to the count of seven to apologize to Trixie before all three of you end up joining Caramel in the hospital. ONE...” You shout out. The entire bar clears the floor leaving just you, John, Fluttershy, Trixie, and the bar’s owner left in the building. “Gentlecolts take this outside please.” The bar owner pleads. “TWO...” You yell taking the classic Big Boss stance. The grey stallion ignores the rest of your countdown, and charges you head first. You sidestep easily avoiding the reckless rush. You stick your foot out tripping the charging grey pony causing him to crash into one the barroom tables. “Next.” You say pointing a finger at the two brown earth ponies. Seeing them shocked at the easy defeat of their ringleader you make the next move. Catching one of brown stallions by the mane you force him onto his back hooves and wrap your arm around his throat. With push of your knee you force your hostage’s right hoof out. You stamp your foot onto the exposed joint causing it to snap like a branch. The brown pony wails in pain, and begins thrashing around. You throw him against the one stallion still standing forcing him off-balance. You take the opportunity to deliver a powerful punch directly to the last stallion’s muzzle. The brown pony stumbles back his muzzle dripping with fresh blood. The brown ponies flee the bar as fast as possible leaving their leader alone. You walk over and grab the grey stallion’s mane. You begin to drag him towards the door. “F...fuck you and Trixie. She caused all these problems in Ponyville. You hear me BITCH YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS.” He screams in both a mix of anger, and pain. Tired of listening to him run his mouth off you shove your knee against his throat cutting off his oxygen. It only takes a couple of minutes for the grey pony to go unconscious. You drop him outside and reenter the bar. Fluttershy is against the back wall shaking in what to you looks like fear, if the look on her face is any evidence. John has no visible emotions apparent. You have to admit he wears a damn good poker face. It’s Trixie’s reaction that really upsets you. She has her face hidden behind her hooves, and you can tell she is fighting the urge to cry. Hey guys I’m going to take Trixie home. You check your watch and see that it’s 3:30 before waving goodbye to John, and Fluttershy. “I’m sorry guys.” You say putting Trixie’s legs around you and picking her up. You throw a bag of bits onto the counter of the partially wrecked bar. “I hope this covers some of the damages.” You tell the owner before leaving. The walk home feels like a ten-mile hike as you reflect on everything that happened. You shake your worries off as you hit the door of your house. Trixie’s face is still buried in your shirt. Good she’s asleep. I think we both need some early rest today. You think. You unlock the door and step inside. You flip a few lights on, and carry Trixie upstairs. You enter the bedroom and softly lay Trixie on the bed. You sit down on the edge of soft bed, and take your shirt and belt off. You toss them to the corner of the room, and rub your face with your hands. “Can things get any worse?” You mutter quietly. You turn the bedroom lights off and climb into bed. You wrap your arms around your sleeping marefriend, and let sleep’s embrace slowly take you. ~-~ Night has fallen over Equestria. A storm rages furiously as the lone sound of hooves rings out in the streets. A shop door opens signaling the sound of customer by the slight tinkling of a bell. A cloaked pony rummages through miscellaneous objects in the store. Tossing a few books here and there, and picking up a small zebra skull. “May I help you traveler?” a weathered grey pony wearing glasses asks the cloaked mare. “Mmmm something drew you to my shop. Something powerful.” He continues. The cloaked pony points too a grey amulet in the shape of shield. A bright red gem decorates the center of it. Two black wings tipped with red extend out the top and the head of a unicorn protrudes between the black wings. The amulet clearly possesses an ominous aura. “Ahhh you have a keen eye the Alicorn Amulet is one of the most mysterious and powerful of all the known magical charms.” He smiles pointing too it with a hoof. The cloaked pony steps forward to try to take it from its shelf. “Ahhh I’m afraid not this is far too dangerous.” A large bag of bits lands on the counter spilling its golden contents. The cloaked pony smiles deviously gazing upon the powerful artifact. “Now I can fix everything, and make it all ok. For....him.” The cloaked pony sighs shedding a single tear. //-------------------------------------------------------// The Darker Side of Magic //-------------------------------------------------------// The Darker Side of Magic Trixie opens her eyes slowly to check the little clock sitting on the bedside table. The clock reads 7:30A.M. Ok it’s time. I will make everything right. She moves to get out of the bed you two share now, and slowly steps toward the dresser. A magenta aura surrounds the two knobs as Trixie uses her magic to slowly pull the shelf towards her. She lifts some of your extra clothes out of the way revealing the amulet she bought the night before. She slowly lifts the amulet out and begins to move towards the door leading out of the bedroom and down the stairs. “Where exactly are you going this early?” She freezes when she hears you address her. “You….You’re up a little earlier than I thought you’d be.” Trixie stammers nervously “Well when someone sneaks out of bed in the middle of the night and wanders off for about three hours, then comes back climbs into a bed and acts like nothing happened, kinda gives someone a lot of time to be awake. So where did you go? If you don’t mind my asking.” “I…a…couldn’t sleep is all so I went for a walk around town.” She lies You put your fist up against your mouth to think. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell she isn’t acting right. I wonder what she’s got clutched in her magic? You question to yourself. “Trixie?” “Ye…yeah?” “Are you ok? You’re acting a little strange. You know what ever is wrong you can tell me right?” “I am completely fine. Never been better.” She replies through a phony grin. “What’s that behind your back?” You ask her calmly. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” You swing your legs off the bed and stand up. In one quick grab you scoop up the shirt you had taken off the night before and put it on. “Trixie I can see your horn glowing, and I can barely see something floating behind your back. So I want to know what that is, and why you are so desperately trying to hide it while avoiding all my questions. Please don’t lie to me. I’ll ask you again what is that behind your back, where are you going, and what are you hiding from me.” Trixie’s eyes narrow downwards in defeat. She turns away still keeping the object hidden from view. She quietly mumbles something that you don’t fully catch. “What did you say?” You ask her. Your voice turning from calm and gentle to serious. “I said please forgive me.” “For what?” “This.” Trixie’s horn erupts with light filling the room with smoke. You put your hand over your mouth to try to inhale as little the blue smoke as possible. You begin to cough as you try to grab Trixie before she can make through the door. Another flash of light from her horn, and the bed sheets gain a life of their own. They stretch out in your path causing you to trip and fall face first onto the hard wood flooring of the upstairs bedroom. The smoke slowly begins to dissipate, and you get back to your feet. You know Trixie made it out of the house. You move towards the stairs and descend them two at a time. “I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.” You say openly to yourself as your feet hit the living room. You rush to the door and throw it open. You sprint out of your house and into the streets of Ponyville to find Trixie before she gets herself into even more trouble. It doesn’t take long to find her in the center of town surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. You wade through the crowd of ponies catching a few hate filled glances as you do so. At the center you find Trixie standing over Twilight and laughing victoriously. “Trixie IS the highest level unicorn.” She says uttering another laugh. Her words shake you to the bone causing you to stop in your tracks and stare in stunned silence. You glance over and see what looks like Snips and Snails except Snips seems to be a foal and Snails has become extremely old Twilight glances over and sees you standing there. “Look at her now. Look at the mare you defended. We gave her a chance and look what happened. She is evil and that’s all she has been since she arrived. This is the side you chose. To think I ever dared to call you my friend.” Twilight says. Her voice lined with fury and spite. Twilight stands up and begins to walk away, in the direction leading out of Ponyville. “What happened here?” You ask the only pony that will look at you. “TRIXIE WHAT HAPPENED?” You yell out at her. “I did the only thing that could be done. I got rid of the problem. Twilight Sparkle and I had a little competition. A Magic Duel, loser has to leave Ponyville and never return.” Trixie finishes with a sinister chuckle. “Then that means.” “That’s right. Twilight lost now she has to leave and never return. Now everything is right. Everything is ok.” “What is right about this? I protected you and this is what you go and do. They were gonna give you a chance here. Why? Why did you do this? Please help me understand.” “I did this for you to make those ponies leave us alone. Now that their ringleader is gone they will stop.” “Trixie this isn’t right you shouldn’t have done this. They gave you a chance. I gave you a chance. I thought you were different. I thought you were more.” “Do you not appreciate what I’ve done for you? With this power we can have anything we want. We can rule Ponyville together. As king and queen.” “No, I don’t want that. I could never do that. Please stop this.” You plead to her. “Then I’m sorry to have to do this to you. I thought you loved me, but it seems you are no different than the ponies standing here.” A giant glass dome appears in the sky and drops down surrounding Ponyville preventing Twilight from coming back. “Just hang on Twi we’ll figure something out.” You hear AJ say “With this power I will rule Ponyville. Even if it’s by myself.” Trixie glances at you. In all of the commotion you just now notice the necklace Trixie is wearing, you also notice her once magenta colored eyes are now an evil looking read. You begin to piece it together. “Trixie is that what you were hiding from me.” “I don’t owe you an explanation for anything now. EVERYPONY RETURN TO YOUR HOUSES OR FACE THE WRATH OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE.” She shouts. The crowds of ponies disband leaving just you and her. “I suppose I’ll need some servants.” She fires a red beam from her horn turning Snips and Snails back to their normal respective ages. “As for you my former loves interest. Even though I have enough power to pretty much do anything I want to you. I still can’t bring myself to hurt you for some reason so I’ll quarantine you. That way you won’t be able to interfere with my plans.” Trixie fires a beam of red magic at you. You see a bright flash of light as it hits you. You watch as your body begins to disappear until nothing is left. You throw yourself forward in fright. A cold sweat slides down the side of your face as the terrible nightmare you just suffered begins to resurface in your mind. The room is dark. You climb out of bed desperately fumbling along the wall for the light switch. Your fingers touch the familiar switch and you flick it up bathing the bedroom in a somber glow. You move to the bathroom and turn on the sink. You splash the cold refreshing water onto your face taking a minute to catch your breath. You feel your heart racing almost as if you had just run a marathon. Looking into the mirror you wonder if was how James Sunderland felt before he stepped into the little town of Silent Hill in search of his late wife. After your rapid breathing dies down you exit the bathroom and sit down on the edge of your bed. That nightmare…it felt…so..so real. You get up and move towards the window to open and let in the gentle breeze of the world outside. You push on the handle but the window doesn’t budge. Looking around puzzled you realize it’s still locked. You reach up to unlatch it. The latch refuses to lift. You press your hands against the thin glass and push to no avail the window remains closed. You realize something is off and search the house. Trixie is nowhere to be found. You walk towards the front door and reach out to grab the knob. The door refuses to open. You check the door and it appears to be completely fine. The realization that the nightmare you just had actually happened washes over your mind causing your knees to feel week. You begin to think back to what Trixie said about quarantining you. “She locked me in my own house then sealed it with some kind of magic.” You say to yourself. You head back upstairs and look out the window you couldn’t get open. It is night outside, and many of the houses in Ponyville are disheveled and look deserted. From your bedroom window the once vibrant colorful town of Ponyville looks like nothing but a grey barren ghost town. He streets are empty, and not a soul is walking the streets. How long…how long were you out. It couldn’t have been more than an hour or two right? You go back downstairs to try to open the door again when a letter you didn’t notice before catches your eye. It’s from Fluttershy. My friend I’m writing you a letter because it was the only way to communicate with you through Trixie’s magic. We went searching through Twilight’s library to find out if she had any books that could help us find out how Trixie became so powerful and mean. We know she is keeping you locked inside your house because she sees you as a threat. She might still feel something for you deep down, and we hope that can help us stop her. We found in a certain book we found out that the thing she is wearing is called the Alicorn Amulet. It is an ancient magical artifact that grants the wearer a lot of power at the cost of them slowly becoming evil. Trixie will continue to become more evil as long as she wears it. The book said only the wearer can take it off so there is a chance we can get her back to normal. I am going to tell Twilight what is going on, and I am so scared. I’m really nervous about this, but I hope Twilight will know what to do. Just hold on a little while then everything should be ok again. You should get some sleep since I know there isn’t much else for you to do being trapped in your house. Sincerely Fluttershy You fold the letter back up and toss it onto the coffee table. You could never sleep knowing what is going on. It didn’t say when she wrote it. You think shaking your head. “How could this have happened? Whose fault is it? Am I to blame for protecting her too much…..No, I can’t just sit here and wait for something to happen I have to do something.” You conclude going back up to the door. You step back and turn sideways. You buckle your legs and throw all your weight into the door. The door still doesn’t move. You try again slamming harder into the wooden door. Still nothing. Again you try. Upon impact you hear a splintering sound as the door begins crack slightly. Your shoulder burns from the pain of constant abuse. You grit your teeth and slam into the door again. The splintering sound grows louder as more cracks appear. Harder and harder you ram into the door. With one final push you break through the magically sealed door as the wooden obstacle breaks and gives way. You fall forward as you land rather hard onto the grass. You clutch your shoulder feeling the full amount of pain you inflicted on yourself as the adrenaline rush begins to fade. You stand up attempting to forget the aching cries of your bruised and bloodied shoulder. You begin to walk towards the center of Ponyville knowing that if that were where it began that would also be where it would end. Sure enough you find Trixie and Twilight locked in another heated magic duel. You see a strange necklace around Twilight’s neck. As you move closer you begin to pick up what they are saying “It’s over Trixie you’ve lost.” Twilight says raising her head in victory. “How? How could I have lost I had all the power I could have ever wanted.” Trixie says dropping to the ground. “Because there is one magic you do not possess Trixie. The magic of friendship.” Twilights says calmly. You hear her continue. “You had everything Trixie. Something most mares would dream of having. A partner to love you and cherish you, treat you perfectly someone who gave their heart and soul to you. Now look at you. Lying on the ground in defeat. You threw all away for a chance at revenge. Now look the one who cared about you the most doesn’t know what to think of you anymore.” “I’m sorry.” “What?” Twilight steps back confused “I’m sorry…..sorry it had to end like this. You know Twilight Sparkle nothing is. True (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKx1Rp1yAA)Not even love.” Trixie stands up and turns towards you. Time seems to slow as her eyes begin to burn a fiery red. Her horn sparks throwing flashes of red here and there Twilight moves in to intervene, but the spell is unleashed before she can stop it. The red beam flies right at you piercing the center of your chest before you can even think to move. Your legs grow weak and you see Trixie unlatch the amulet from around her neck and throw it away. She screams in horror as her mind returns to normal. Tears stream down her face at the sight of what she’s done. You drop to your knees and place a hand over the wound. You draw your hand back and see it is stained red with blood. Your vision begins to dim as you fall forward. Your eyes slowly close as everything goes dark, and the last thing you hear is Trixie calling out your name in a fit tears as your heartbeat slows to crawl and……………stops.