Trixie in the Gryphon Empire

by Phaoray

Rating: teen
Tags: Trixie, Adventure, Sad, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 55586

Trixie has failed twice now to prove herself to Equestria and to fulfill the promise made to the one she cares most for. It's time for a new approach. One few ponies are crazy enough to try.

Trixie is seeking something. She's been looking for it for a long time now. Acknowledgement. Not just from a small town or two, but all of Equestria. Is that so much to ask?

Unfortunately for her, both of her trips to Ponyville ruined any chance of that. At least, in a positive light. It's time to try a new approach, one that brings her far afield, and into a hostile city.

It's time to try a new attitude, if she can keep it up. A mindset more in line with what it seems Equestria wants from its heroes. One that might finally let her fulfill a promise she made long ago to a certain mare...

Sadly, the Gryphons of this city have a different outlook on life, and its value, than Equestria. One Trixie is about to run horn first into.

Thanks to Crowscrowcrow for help with editing and story.

Published 2015-01-24 17:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2017-01-01 04:31:32 UTC

Welcome to Gryphus! I hope you're in shape.

Ask for an autograph, draw a picture, do something! What is wrong with these hicks?

Trixie tried not to let it get to her, she really tried, but every farm she went past seemed to have little, bratty kids who gaped at her as she trotted down the road. Be it little gryphons with opened beaks, or minotaurs who didn't have anything better to do but stare at her silently as she went by. Sighing in aggravation, Trixie quickly cantered past the latest farm in her long trek.

It had taken Trixie over two months to get here, but she was finally nearing her goal. Looking out across the sparsely wooded farms, Trixie spotted the mountain. While from here, it looked like little more then a large, brown hunk of rock, it's what was inside of this mountain that mattered. Gryphus, Capital of the far flung Gryphon empire, and built within a hollowed out mountain.

The gryphons were a unique case for Equestria. The kingdom was close to Equestria's far northwest border, but had held itself apart from the pony kingdom for centuries. Trade was non-existant, and even communication was all but unheard of. Equestria kept several guard stations along the border specifically to ward off ponies from entering the kingdom. From all that Trixie had heard, nopony had made the trip to Gryphus in ages, and those that had before then, never returned.

Foal's tales, Trixie thought to herself. More likely some traders have found a nice niche buying from the empire, bribing the border guards to keep others away, and selling the wares for ridiculous sums in Equestria. They are probably also the ones spreading rumors of how dangerous the capital is to keep the profits for themselves. Too bad for them Trixie isn't a pony to be intimidated.

Still, she had to admit the Empire was a bit creepy, at least, for a pony. Most of the farms she had come across didn't deal in vegetables. Trixie had seen herds of deer, turkeys, ostriches, and she had to look away from a farm she was pretty sure was raising dogs and cats.

Carnivores...Trixie shuddered. This was not a trip she had looked forward to, but she was low on options. It was time for a new approach to get her life's desire.

As Trixie continued on, she started to see small dots around the mountain, flying along it, over it, and into it. From what little she had gathered before making this journey, the top of the mountain had fallen in centuries ago, making the inside into a well protected valley. Though it must have taken the gryphons ages to remove the rubble inside the hallowed out mountain, they somehow did it, creating a capital that was almost impossible to attack except from the air, where the gryphons excelled.

Nearing the capital, Trixie now saw two black gates far ahead of her, embedded into the sides of the mountain. They were open, allowing access to the kingdom. Trixie hurried her pace, unaware of when the gates would close. Night was fast approaching, and Trixie seemed to be one of the few travelers outside at the moment. She took note of a small group she managed to outpace for the entrance way. It consisted of two boars, a minotaur, and oddly enough, a donkey. Trixie wasn't too surprised at the first two, both boars and minotaurs tended to be fairly aggressive, and it made some sense they'd get along with gryphons. But the donkey?

Well, at least that means Trixie won't starve here, though her food options will probably be limited. Trixie's appearance shouldn't be too much of a shock to them as well.

Still, the group had on some strange paints. It ran mainly along their faces, backs, and front hooves. Must be a local thing. She thought, turning away from the group. Up ahead of her was the gates, with a lone guard watching over it from the left side. A large statue, probably of one of the older kings, had been erected on the right side.

Almost there. She thought, continuing her trot to the gates.

"Why, what is this I see? That horn, that fur, it is a pony!"

Looking to her left, Trixie saw the speaker stumbling out of an alley between two houses. As the figure left the shadows, Trixie was able to see the black stripes running along their body. The zebra came to a jarring halt a few steps from Trixie, making her scrunch up her muzzle as the smell of alcohol and filth hit her nose. Panting slightly, the zebra made eye contact with Trixie, and gave her a small grin. "What luck for you to meet me, for a price, I can get you through the city."

Trixie gave out a low groan. Why? Why is it only drunks and idiots approach Trixie these days? She felt her eyes forming a glare, and a scathing remark on the tip of her tongue.

No, wait. That was the old Trixie. The old Trixie only managed to make enemies of every pony she met. We promised to change, remember?

Letting out a sigh, Trixie forced her glare down, working a thin smile onto her face. When she felt she could restrain most of the heat in her voice, she said. "Sir ... umm ...Miss..?"

Giving her a strange glance, the Zebra smiled. "Is my voice, and face not clear? I am a female, named Zara, my dear."

"Right, Trixie is sorry about that, she's not run across many Zebras, and all the stripes tend to run everything together for her."

Zara's smile wilted a bit. "The stripes ...run together? Of this, I have heard never."

Chuckling a little and happy her efforts were working, Trixie nodded. " Well, that makes sense. You are a zebra, after all. But Trixie just never had any luck telling Zebras apart. She always thought it was a shame you don't have all the colors of fur ponies do. It would be easier to tell you apart, and probably really help bring color to your lands."

Zara was giving Trixie a strange look. She must be pondering on what Trixie said. It was pretty insightful. Perhaps bringing up dying her coat to be unique among her kind would be a good idea.

"Actually, now that I think of it, you do not need my help, you should save your bit."

Trixie drew in a deep, sweet breath as Zara took a few feet away from her, glad to be away from the smell. "Thank you for the talk, Zara. Umm..if you ever want to chat again, Trixie won't be very fara."

Zara seemed to stiffen up at this, and looked back briefly, though the darkened sky made it impossible for Trixie to see the expression on Zara's face. Without another word, Zara walked between the buildings again, and out of sight.

She must have been surprised. It's doubtful many ponies around here ever try to rhyme along with her. This friend thing may not be as hard as Trixie thought.

Trixie's happy thoughts came to an abrupt end moments later. As she was about to enter Gryphus, a large, black wing quickly moved into her way from her right. The wings height brought Trixie's world into a complete blackness, obscuring the city in front of her with its mammoth proportions. Slowly following the contours of the wing helped her confirm that said wing was indeed attached to what Trixie had assumed to be a statue easily twice the size of any gryphon Trixie had ever seen or heard about. The statue now turned gryphon moved his head to look down at her, his well kept leather armor giving off a creaking sound. Trixie could literally feel her pupils contracting as she stared up at the behemoth. She gave the guard on her left a brief, desperate glance, noticing a look of surprise, and almost shock on his face as well.

H-He's huge! What poor gryphon sired this monster!? I-is there some sort of codeword Trixie was supposed to say? Wait, what if they know Trixie crossed the border illegally! Equestria can't find out about this! What if it's a offense punishable by public humiliation! Trixie can't go through that again!

"Greetings, most honored prey."

No! Its bad enough that..wait...what?

The black gryphon gave her a small bow, before moving his wing back out of her way.

"It has been some time since one of yours came to the capital. My father spoke of the last one with much....admiration."

"Oh...ummm...-" For once, she didn't have to quell her desire to boast. Words were hard enough as it was. "W-well...T-Trixie hopes to n-not disappoint you...?"

He nodded, his giant orbs sliding past her to look towards the city. "I do not expect that you will. The hour grows late, and I am sure you have much to prepare still. Good luck, may the hunt be a glorious one for you."

"R-right...I-Tri-I...hope it to b-be the same for you."

Apparently that was the right thing to say, as he gave her a large grin with his massive eat-a-pony-whole beak. Giving her one more nod, he then turned back towards the road, becoming still as a statue again.

Trixie slowly crept through the gates, hoping that she had left all the weird encounters for the night outside of the city.

Zara shook her head as she watched the unicorn walk through the gates and into Gryphus. She saw the exchange, almost smirking at Trixie's reactions to the large guard. Once Trixie had left, the gleam of an excited predator entered their eyes. The same gleam Zara knew almost every gryphon in the city would have when Trixie walked past them.

"You're life won't end well, Racist fool. you never learned the city's rule."

So far, so good. At least it's pretty to look at at night.

Trixie was mildly surprised by a few things when she first walked into Gryphus. While she could see the lights from many an aerie on the sides of the mountain, buildings easily filled up the ground as well, the ones she was near being around six stories high. It was like walking into a city that, once it had run out of room on the ground, had just decided to build vertically instead. All of the buildings Trixie walked past were made of stone, probably cut from this very mountain, and decorated with fairly drab colors. Looking around the streets, she was probably the least drab thing in the area. Even the gryphons were drab looking, wearing leathers at best, and nothing being the norm.

Well, Trixie always did like to stand out. She thought, giving her magician's hat a pat. Still, the lingering stares she was getting were becoming unnerving. As she walked, several conversations had stopped, and a brief glance here and there let her determine that she was indeed the reason for it.

Despite the drab design, and minimalistic appearance of most of the buildings, the city seemed to at least keep fairly well lighted at night. From various street lamps along the road, Trixie could catch the view of dozens and dozens of flying forms in the sky. Unless one came unusually low, it was like watching fleeting, black shadows moving along the sky. Eerie, but also awing.

Perhaps Trixie should find a way to visit Cloudsdale sometime.

She also began to notice a few fleeting shadows in particular. Ones that seemed to be flying from building to building as she continued to walk, seemingly following her. She tried to look casual, but with shadows above her, and the need to look in front of her, it became rather impossible to keep an eye on everything she wanted to.

She entered a section of the city that luckily had shorter buildings, only two to three stories now. This elevation change forced the specters following her to reveal a little more about themselves. As far as Trixie could tell, her pursuers were a dozen or so gryphons of different drab colorations. Currently, they were camped out on the building she was just about to pass. From what she could tell, they were continuously switching from glaring at one another, to eying her over. Trixie didn't think they knew she was watching them as well, but it was hard for her to tell from how high up they were.

Catching sight of what looked to be an inn, Trixie cautiously made her way over to it, keeping an eye on the flock above her. Once she entered the doors of the fairly loud and packed inn, she let herself breath a sigh of relief.

That was just a bit too creepy. There's no way Trixie's...less than stellar reputation managed to reach all the way out here, right?

She started to weave between the tables and stools occupied by gryphons, reminding herself to apologize if her movement accidentally jostled a chair or table. Trixie slowly made her way to the bar, hoping a room would still be available. She didn't want to think about having to go back out and see that flock waiting for her.

At least they didn't follow her in. It would have ... Did Trixie just go deaf?

Indeed, where she was sure seconds ago loud conversations and clanks of beer mugs hitting eachother had been, was now silence. Shakily, she took her eyes off of the bar, and the gryphon behind it, and peered around. A few gryphons were still drinking, and some were whispering to eachother, but all eyes were glued to her. Gulping, Trixie creeped towards the bar, not sure what was going on. She knew the stares weren't kind, but hadn't interacted with gryphons enough to really understand what their expressions meant.

Luckily there were only a few tables left now and no one stopped her, letting her reach who she hoped to be the innkeeper without incident. The gryphon in front of her was a touch shorter then most of the other gryphons Trixie had see so far, but was no less intimidating. Two large, golden eyes briefly looked over Trixie, while a brown feathered paw came up to scratch at the gryphon's chin. Slowly, the gryphon's yellow beak came down to Trixie's level, and the gryphon spoke in a very rich accent.

"Vell, How ... intereztink for ah pony to fisit my bar. Vat can I do for you, miss...?"

... Just where is this gryphon from? Trixie didn't hear any of the others speaking in such a weird way.

"T-Trixie is looking for a place to stay the night. Do you have any rooms?"

"Hmmm ..." The barkeep looked Trixie over again, as well as making a long, slow gaze out over her now quiet customers. "Vell ... I suppose zere is a room open you kould have. Let us say ... zirty koins a night. I vill even srow in two meals, pretty sure ve have some plants around here, somewhere."

"Th-thirty bits a night!? Are you insane! Ten is more than fair." Trixie could rent out a home for the night with that much, with a full fridge included! let alone a little room at an inn that might have some plants! Trixie glared up a the innkeeper, hoping this was only a bit of common haggling.

"Tch ... Let me make zis clear zen ..." The gryphon brought her beak close to Trixie's ear, making her incredibly nervous at just how much bigger the gryphon was than her. "Zis is hardly a negotiation, little blue. If you shtay here, zen generous Gretta vill guarantee you surfife at least your first night in Gryphus. But, if you valk out on zis kind offer, she vill not be able to help you ven half her kustomers follow you out."

Despite trying her best, Trixie couldn't stop her heart from beating faster, or her breath from quickening at Gretta's words. "A-and why would they follow Trixie out? W-what does she have that is causing everyp- every gryphon to act this way?"

Trixie was pretty sure Gretta eyed her like she was an idiot before she continued to whisper. "You really do not know? Ze minute you shtepped into Gryphus you bekame a marked mare. A meal to any gryphon interested in huntink. None of your kind hafe been here for years, maybe dekades. You are quite the rare treat, my friend."

Trixie did her best not to wet the floor.

"So ... " Generous Gretta continued " Zirty koins each night zen? I'm even villing to take zose pony koins I am sure you hafe, you vill find few others villing to."

All Trixie could do was slowly nod.

"Goot, I am pleased to have a kustomer of such ... fame at my inn. Please follow me to your room, for your safety, I vould shtay klose. " Gretta walked out behind the bar and headed towards a large staircase. Trixie scrambled after her like a foal following her mother.

"She wasn't serious, was she?" Trixie asked out loud as she paced her inn room.

The room was surprisingly nice to Trixie. It was sized for a gryphon after all, making everything in it seem a bit extravagant for a smaller equine. She could barely touch the sides of the comfortable bed if she laid in the middle of it.

No, she had to be joking, or playing on Trixie's fears. A city this size couldn't really be okay with eating Trixie just because she's a pony, right? Right.

Eying the door, Trixie wondered if she should use the lock. She'd never had to lock a door in her life. Most Equestrians hadn't. At least, not out of fear. And Gretta had to be messing with her, frightening her into paying an exorbitant price in exchange for the promise of protection Trixie didn't even need.. Why should she let Gretta's lies frighten her into locking her door?

Nodding to herself, Trixie decided to get some rest. It had been a tiring day, and an exhausting time inside of Gryphus so far. She was grudgingly glad Gretta had at least went down to twenty five bits a night when they were away from the crowd. It was still ridiculous though, and once Trixie was rested, she would demand a better price.

But, in a nice way. Trixie needs to be nicer now, even if Gretta doesn't deserve it. That's generosity, isn't it? Or was it kindness? Bah.

She was too tired to worry which element it was, and drifted off to sleep.

You cannot be serious...

Grumbling, Trixie got out of bed, awoken by the noise of someone trying to roughly open the door.

Did they knock and Trixie didn't wake up for it?

Tiredly, Trixie made her way over to the door, watching the door handle as it continued to be pulled back and forth as whoever was outside tried to open it.

Weird ... Trixie is sure she didn't lock it.

Just as she reached a hoof out to find out what was going on, Trixie heard Gretta's thick voice from outside the door.

"Now vat do I see here? Someone interruptink one of my kustomer's sleep, yes?"

A low, male voice replied, causing Trixie to jump a little at how close it was.

"Now now Gretta. Let's be reasonable here. I'm more then willing to pay you twice what the pony did. I'll even share one of her legs with you."

Those words stopped Trixie cold. Whoever was behind the door had just talked about...ending Trixie so casually. As if he had simply been caught taking a cookie he shouldn't have, and was offering to share it if his sister didn't squeal on him.

"No, I do not sink so. Really now, is zis ze huntink shtory you vish to tell se others? How you mightily killed a pony in its sleep? Do you really sink zere is honor to be had in killing defenseless prey?"

" Well ... no, but come on. The meat is said to be like nothing you've ever had before, and I don't need to tell you what they say about the horn."

Quietly, Trixie backed away from the door, looking for an escape. She'd learned to be good at running in the last few years of her life at least.

"And it vill be all se more sweeter if you akt like a real hunter. It vill look far better if others are vatchink to konfirm how diffikult se hunt was. It is almost a disgrace to your family's honor just for you to be fount like zis. Perhaps some of your friends downstairs vould like to know how you mightily fought a locked door for a midnight snack?"

"Okay, okay, I get it. You're right. Don't tell anyone about this, okay? I'm ... a little drunk. Yeah, that's all. I'll try in the morning."

Trixie heard the steps of the other gryphon recede and breathed a sigh of relief. All was quiet in the hall again, though Trixie couldn't hear little past the sound of her own heartbeat for the moment.

That ... really just happened ... didn't it?

"Trixie?"

She gave out a yelp at Gretta's voice, and quickly brought both hooves to her mouth to prevent any other noises.

"Zere is a lock on se door, as vell as a bar to slide akross it. Zere is also locks on se vindows. Use them."

Trixie heard Gretta walk away from the door after that. A few minutes later, Trixie made her way to the door, and then the windows, locking them tightly. Then she closed the curtains on the windows. A few minutes later, Trixie found herself putting as much furniture as the room had in front of the door. Panting a little from the exertion, not to mention the amount of adrenaline running through her now, Trixie then laid back down on the bed. but she kept the lights on while she stared up at the ceiling.

Sleep was impossible now though, forcing Trixie to spend the rest of the night eying the door and windows.

Working on a New Outlook.

What is wrong with this city!?

Nervously, Trixie opened her door, and headed for the stairway.

Trixie's morning had gotten off to the best start she could of hoped for after last night. Meaning she was still alive. Thankfully, Gretta had only been joking last night about the lack of vegetables in Gryphus. The potatoes and carrots were a lot better than being forced to eat potted plants. Though they were raw and barely constituted enough for a meal, she felt it best not to complain. After eating in her room, Trixie cautiously descended the stairs. Thankfully, it sounded as noisy as ever in the common room.

At least that means they are busy with their own things. M-maybe that gryphon last night was just a fluke?

Trixie's descent from the second floor turned out to be a fairly mixed affair. On one hoof, the room didn't go silent at the sight of her, which was good. On the other hoof, it was clear to Trixie that she now had most of the rooms attention in one way or another. While attention was something she'd normally have loved, last night's incident made every glance her way feel alot more sinister. Some of those glances only seemed curious, some humorous, but others ... she preferred not to think of the intent behind them. Warily, Trixie made her way over to the bar, where she spotted Gretta speaking with a young, eager-looking gryphon.

"Oh, her? Yeah, sche'll be down soon, Groat. Good luck, I believe sche vill be harder zan you sink."

Well, that's not ominous at all.

Just as she was contemplating going back upstairs for the day, Gretta's eyes turned towards her.

"Ah, Hello again, Miss Trixie. Preparink to head out?"

No way out now, she thought. Trixie nodded to Gretta as she approached, keeping her eye on the brown and white gryphon she had just been speaking to. The young gryphon wasn't too much taller than Trixie, so at least he wasn't very intimidating. He also seemed a little unique due to the yellow dye he seemed to have used on his wing tips. He gave her a grin and moved over to give Trixie some space at the bar. "Hello, Gretta. Trixie was just looking to see if you could give her directions. She is looking to speak with your....Prince? Princess?"

"Tch, such shtrange titles. Zose are Ze honorifics of your Alicorn rulers, yes?"

Groat gave a loud grunt, and started preening his claws. From the way he kept glancing at Trixie and exaggeratedly moving his paws, it was clear he was trying to show off to her. For what, she couldn't imagine. She regarded him with a raised eyebrow for a few seconds. He doesn't look drunk, is he interested in Trixie? It's understandable if he is, Trixie does project an aura of power around her after- No! Stop that! Trixie's ears gripped her skull as her mind reprimanded her. The elements aren't that vain, are they!? Nopony is going to think you changed if you keep thinking like this." Silently agreeing with herself, Trixie then turned her attention back to Gretta.

"Right, so could you point Trixie in the direction of your nearest ruler?"

"Ah, you vish to shpeak with Uber King Greyclaw sen? Zat vill not be easy, especially for you. You might be able to shpeak viz someone else at the palace, but he is usually occupied, from vat I know. Just look for zee large castle in zee middle of zee city."

She paused at that. "Wait...the castle isn't on the side of the cliff, or in the air?"

Gretta waved a dismissive claw. "Of course not. Zee Uber King is zee center of zee city, so he lives in zee center. It vould be difficult for other races to get zeir if he lived in a aerie."

"That...makes alot of sense, actually. So the center of the city? Great, Trixie will be on her way then."

Nodding to Gretta and Groat, she turned around and headed through the room. Halfway to the bar exit, the sound of clawed paws on the floor behind her caused Trixie to turn her head. Groat seemed to be following Trixie out. His face made it clear he was nervous, but he was watching her with an intense interest. A creepy interest even. Growling a bit under her breath, Trixie made sure to keep her tail tucked tightly between her legs. There's always one pervert in every city. Hopefully Trixie just met him and can get this over with quickly.

Still, nopony would be impressed if she broke her conviction to be a better pony. she had to be nicer than usual, and not toss him into a building like the last time somepony wouldn't take no for an answer. Sure, her reputation was in shambles, but she didn't need a stallion...or in this case gryphon, for comfort. All of her struggles would be pointless if she was willing to settle for anypony less than her after all.

Ignoring the gryphon behind her, Trixie made her way to the exit. Just as she reached it, Gretta called out.

"Oh, and Trixie? No violence is allowed at zee palace, under penalty of death. So, consider it a safe zone. You vill probably need one."

"And just what do you mean by-OOF!"

Trixie was abruptly pushed from behind, causing her to roll out of the inn and into the street.

Gretta sighed as she saw Groat violently push Trixie through the doors and out of the inn. She had been very firm that no violence or hunting would be done in her bar, but, he was young and ambitious. So she forgave him the slight bending of her rules. This was his first hunt after all. Poor kid didn't even have a chance anyways. Of course, neither did the unicorn.

Vell, at least I gave her a decent last night.

"Just what do you think you're doing, you stupid foal!" She screamed, picking herself up from the street.

"Of all the insulting...what are you doing now?" Trixie asked, having looked back at Groat.

Groat was doing his best to loom over her, despite barely being taller than Trixie. His face was scrunched up, almost like he was having a nasty stomach ache. It would have been nearly laughable if his claws weren't out and he wasn't so close to her.

"Foolish unicorn! I, Groat of the plucked feathers clan, youngest son of Grogar, and favored egg of-OW!"

Trixie bopped him on the beak with her hoof, causing Groat to flinch back and bring a paw up to rub his beak.

"There." Trixie said, using her hoof to seemingly rub the inside of one of her ears. "Much better. What were you doing, shouting at Trixie like that? Were you trying to make her deaf!?"

Groat glared daggers at her, puffing himself up like an angry peacock. "How dare you assault me! You're the prey here! I will be the one who claims your hide you little-HEY!"

The other gryphon, who had grabbed Trixie and took back to the skies in one fell swoop, ignored Groat's ranting as he carried the screaming unicorn off.

Well, this isn't good. Trixie thought while trying to hold down her breakfast. The amount of times she had been violently jarred were taking their toll on her stomach. Struggling only caused the gryphon's grip on her to become painful, causing her to struggle more. After what felt like a minute of screaming and struggling like this, Trixie was more then sure the gryphon's claws were cutting into her. Her breathing became ragged as little black spots started appearing before her eyes.

"Pfft, well, this was disappointingly easy. Quit struggling, enjoy the view, and just accept a prey's destiny."

Trixie went limp for the moment, simply concentrating on not passing out. As the spots went away, her mind went into overdrive. She quickly began thinking through the unpleasant situation she now found herself in.

The gryphon had his paws around her sides, and was working to get more elevation, something Trixie was not that keen on as she looked down to the ground. They weren't too far up yet, but falling would most likely involve her breaking something she'd rather not break. Looking over at the gryphons who passed them by, Trixie was mildly upset as she saw a gryphon or two in guard's livery ignoring her plight. Is this really considered normal here!?

Glancing back to her mud colored captor again, Trixie noted how much his grip had loosened since she had stopped struggling. He can't really believe Trixie gave up this easily, can he? If she twisted a little, Trixie was pretty sure she could angle her horn enough to gore him.

But....that's not right either is it? How would one of the elements handle this?Let's see ...

Trixie quickly began taking stock of what she had on her.

Dice, bag of bits, list of the elements, sparklers, a carrot, smoke bombs, fire crackers ... yeah, this could work. Surprises are kind of like laughter, right?

"Y-you didn't even announce yourself!" Groat screamed. "I was hunting her first! Y-you big jerk!" Groat sniffed, feeling himself well up at the thought of failing his first hunt. Father would have been so-

CRACK-CRACK-CRACKCRACKCRACK!

Startled at the loud noise, he looked up and to where he last saw the other gryphon flying. Now, there was nothing but bright flashes and loud coughing amidst a cloud of smoke. A brief flash of blue caught Groat's attention from the cloud, causing him to dumbly gape at just what he was seeing. The blue pony emerged from the cloud, her cloak doubled over and clutched between her front hooves. Her horn glowed as she held the cloak above her head, the cloak looking to act as some sort of balloon. He watched the pony slowly descend to the street to the gawking stares of everyone around her. Once she set down, she placed the cloak back over her shoulders and looked around, a sense of relief over her face. Seconds later, Groat saw her ears flatten, and her eyes widen. Then, she started running like mad as a small flock of gryphons quickly followed after her down the street.

After a minute, Groat's sense came back to him. "No fair!" he cried, flapping his wings awkwardly. Teenage gryphons were not the most graceful of fliers on the best of days, and Groat was no exception to this rule. "I called her first!"

Hah! Victory!

Trixie gasped for breath as she hid in the mostly empty trash can. Wisely, she decided not to look down, considering how most creatures in the city seemed to be carnivores. Placing a hoof over her nose to drown out the horrid smell, Trixie worked to calm her breathing before peeking out of the can.

Most of the gryphons after her had moved on when she ducked down this alley, apparently not noticing her sudden shift of direction. One still lingered behind though, confused at where she went, but not immediately blindly following the rest of the flock. The red and brown gryphon was searching around fruitlessly, much to the apparent annoyance of someone over head. Glancing up, Trixie noted several larger, older gryphons watching the 'hunt' with amusement.

"Really now Gertrude! Can you look any stupider? You're not a Diamond dog! Stop sniffing at the ground like one! You Can take this hunt seriously, can't you!?"

... Trixie is starting to think he knows where she is ...

"I am taking this seriously Uncle! Stop telling me how to hunt, I can do this without being babied!"

Trixie saw the older gryphon groan and put a paw to his beak as Gertrude gave up on her search and ran off down the street. A couple of the others chuckled and flew off in the same direction Gertrude had gone. Trixie breathed a sigh of relief, which stopped dead as the Uncle looked over at her. For a moment, there eyes met, and the gryphon gave her a weird, lopsided grin, and a shrug, as if to say "Kids, am I right?" before taking off to follow Gertrude.

The gryphon at the bar looked young ... and the one who picked up Trixie didn't seem 'that' much older ...

Trixie didn't have time to think this over, she'd briefly glimpsed the castle when she was in the air, and was pretty sure it should just be a few blocks over from her now. As quiet as she could, she got out of the trash can, and started down the alley.

Cautiously, Trixie made her way down several narrower streets, avoiding any she could that looked to have younger gryphons on it. She still got looks, and a few seemed to quicken their flight, or pace when she went by, but none pursued her.

Okay, so it seems like it's just the younger ones after her then. That's good to know. All Trixie has to do is avoid them, get done with her business at the castle, and get out of this city. She may just live through this after all.

Trixie is not going to live through this.

Groaning with frustration, she proceeded to shuffle her hooves and ignore the stares that kept getting thrown her way.

She'd managed to get to the castle, only to find out that speaking with the Uber King was apparently on everyone's mind in this town, as the line for audiences spanned far past the castle gates by the time she had managed to get there. At least Gretta's words were true, and noone tried to attack her in line. Though it was clear that a few outside of the line had wanted to.

Over the span of an hour, Trixie had seen most of the younger gryphons walk up to the castle, spot her, deflate a little, and slowly trudge off, or fly away. A few started towards her, much to her alarm, before an older gryphon would stop and talk to them. Though Trixie wasn't sure what was being said, it always ended with the two gryphons leaving, sometimes with a forlorn look back at Trixie from the younger one.

Trixie would feel bad if those looks weren''t because they couldn't tear her apart today ...

Only one had been an actual issue, and, of course, it was Groat. He had spotted her, and angrily started walking towards her before getting noticed by one of the guards and stopped. For about five minutes, alot of angry gestures had been sent her way while Groat and the guard argued back and forth. The whole thing ended with Groat being picked up and tossed out of the gates on his rear. He still wound up staying there and staring at Trixie for close to an hour before leaving.

At last, Trixie was able to relax, the threat of imminent danger over with.

"E-excuse me, could I just-"

Less than an hour later, and Trixie was under siege again. Only in a different manner.

"No! She will not hear of this again! Be gone from Trixie's sight, you fraud!"

Trixie's going to lose it if this keeps up. She thought as the donkey walked down the line, giving the same sob story as the others had to a gryphon.

At first, Trixie had remembered generousity, and let a few others ahead of her when they spoke of having horrible troubles that required them to see the King, or more often, the chancellor's, as soon as possible. Her generous mood changed however, when the stories started repeating. After looking around at the line for a bit due to her suspicions, she began to notice a pattern. Many others of various races were circling the line, trying to edge their way in when no one was looking, or preying on others pity to be let into the line as opposed to waiting at the end. A couple actually pushed their way in and glared at anyone who thought to say anything to them about it. Apparently this method was greatly disliked, as most of those were reported and forced out, with only a few getting away with it.

Glaring at the backs of two of the ones she had let in line, a griffon and a donkey, Trixie couldn't help but feel like she had to say something. Well, she felt like she wanted to grab them with her magic and toss them out and into the road. But the whole death if violent thing made that a bad idea, so words would have to do.

"Was it really impossible for you two fakers to get in line earlier like everypony else? Do you have any idea what Trixie went through to get here!?"

The gryphon rolled his eyes as he looked back at Trixie. "Not my fault you're gullible, right? Don't feel bad about it, I get someone with that every day. First time I tricked a unicorn though. Besides, my need to see the chancellor far outweighs yours."

"And what makes you think that!?"

"Mine actually has a chance to happen. I just gotta push this one guy my way for a few more days, and I'm sure they'll agree to my proposal. You, on the other hand, I don't see being allowed through the door. In one piece, anyways."

"Oh leave the poor girl alone, would ya?" The donkey ahead of them said, "Unlike your asinine reason, I actually have a family riding on this. Thank you again for the help, ma'am."

"Pfft, sure ya do. Just keep that act up donkey, and maybe one day someone will believe you."

"Hmph. You're just lucky she hadn't heard your story from one of the others before you approached her, ya greedy gryphon."

Trixie tuned out the arguing duo. Thinking back on the stories used so far, Trixie was quite sure she knew of a few that would work to get her to shave off hours on this wait if she liked in the future. She hadn't been a stage magician all those years without learning a few tricks and how to be dramatic, after all. But ...

Honesty. Just Trixie's luck that would be an element too, wouldn't it? Sighing, Trixie resolved to see her wait through fairly, and not resort to tricks to cheat her way to the king, despite how much easier it would be. The stories she'd heard said good things about the bearer of honesty, and her work ethic. So perhaps if Trixie worked hard and fair, this would turn out good for her too?

... Why does that seem like a load of garbage to Trixie? Sure, it had worked out for the Element bearer, but it just seemed a bit too ... idealistic for Trixie to swallow. Maybe it would be better to try a more ... 'realistic' approach instead?

That's just great, Trixie. Let's just ignore honesty. How about we toss out generousity next? And maybe kindness for the heck of it? I mean, its not like your way of thinking hasn't gotten you far in Equestria, right? Those element bearers aren't that important after all. Surely they'd be further ahead if they thought more like you do.

Fine, fine. We wait in this stupid line, go see the king, and hope not to be eating on the way back to the inn. Trixie's really in a bad state if she is arguing with her own-

"Ma'am, please state your business, or remove yourself from my sight. It's not lunchtime just yet."

"Pfft, good one, Greg."

Coming out of her thoughts, Trixie stared at the two gryphon guards in front of her, realizing that she had actually made it to the front of the line while she was talking to herself. The guards were large, even by gryphon standards, and towered over Trixie. Both wore regal looking blue leather armor, providing them with protection, yet looking light enough to not be an issue for flying. Beyond them was a large, well decorated metal door, much like the one at the entrance to the city, only half its size. Still, two gryphons could have easily walked through at the same time if it was opened. Now if she could only get it to open ...

Honesty, stick with the honesty thing.

Giving a smile, Trixie took a step forward while she gave the guards a small nod. "Trixie has come here to speak to your Uber King in regards to Equestria."

Confusedly, the non-greg guard looked past her. "Okay....and where is this Trixie? Is she the gryphon behind you?"

"W-what? No, Trixie is Trixie." She said, pointing a hoof at herself.

Chuckling a little, Non-greg elbowed Greg "Is she for real?" Greg seemed to ignore him for the moment.

Eyeing her a little, Greg replied. "Are you an ambassador of some type? Pretty ballsy of a little unicorn like you to come here alone. Let alone ask to speak to the Uber King himself."

Trixie shook her head, slightly confused. "No, Trixie came here on her own. Nopony sent her."

"Ah, then ... are you a merchant of some type? You must have some strong pull if you came looking like that."

"No, Trixie is not with anypony else. And what do you mean? Is there something wrong with Trixie's attire?"

With a blank look on his face, Greg looked at non-Greg, who looked back with a 'Are you serious?' expression on his face. After a moment, Greg refocused, and turned back to Trixie.

" ... Right. Well, try again tomorrow. Maybe I'll let you in then if I think the Uber King isn't too busy, though its pretty doubtful. But hey, maybe I'll be impressed if you somehow manage to survive that long. Stranger things have happened."

Trixie stared at him, wide eyed and slack jawed. "W-what do you mean!? T-Trixie spent hours waiting in this wretched line!"

"And we apologize for the inconvenience, but everyone must wait their turn."

"B-but, it IS my turn!"

"Nope, sorry. Your request is denied for today, please try again tomorrow."

"B-but-!"

Rolling his eyes, Greg said, "Let me break this down for you. You have no backers, you aren't here under official business from Equestria, you are not part of some large, influential family, you're a unicorn, AND ... you have no idea about why I find the way you look odd. Am I correct in all of this?"

" ....Yes?"

Greg nodded to Non-greg, who gave a devious grin. "I love this part." Before she could react, Non-greg had grabbed Trixie with one large, clawed paw, and picked her up.

"Thank you for visiting the royal palace, please return tomorrow at regular business hours."

With those final words, Non-greg tossed Trixie out of line like a bowling ball. Trixie tumbled for nearly half a block before the guards lost her to an alley, where they heard a resounding crash. Grinning, Non-greg turned to Greg again.

"Wouldn't trade this job for anything."

Past Memories and New Friends

Just what was wrong with those stupid guards!?

Trixie grumbled to herself, creeping her way down another small side street. As much as she hated it, Trixie was all too aware of her new position as prey in this city. Though she'd never been hunted like this, she did have a bit of experience to fall back on. To Trixie, being prey meant the same thing as the aftermath of a botched performance. You quietly snuck away, peeked around corners, and avoided open areas, particularly ones occupied by large crowds with torches, pegasi feathers, and oil.

Though pegasi willing to donate their feathers due to Trixie's shows was flattering, in an odd sense.

She continued to mutter to herself as she quickly ran into an opposing alley. "Honestly, why is Trixie the only one this city is after? Surely there is somepony more deserving of being targeted by every murderous gryphon in this city than her, right? Why is only Trixie suffering like this?"

Her response came in the form of a long, drawn out scream.

Trixie takes it back!

Looking up, Trixie saw a donkey with red markings along its body frantically flailing in the claws of a large gryphon.

The gryphon flew over her head while she stayed as still as possible. The sound of the gryphon landing was apparent to Trixie, and she realized he must be directly on top of the three story brick building she was currently hiding against. The sounds of a light scuffle on top became quickly apparent.

H-he's not really going to do anything, right? M-maybe they are just friends, and he's giving him a scare. He couldn't possibly-

Trixie heard the sound of something being struck hard above her, the slightly wet noise of claws tearing into flesh, a little gurgling, and then, nothing. She quickly clamped a hoof over her muzzle to prevent any screaming and tried to control her now rapidly out of control breathing. Less than a moment later, the sounds of flapping were heard as the gryphon departed. Trixie was dry heaving into a trash can seconds after.

"Heh, lucky you're a lot better at the hunt than that donkey was, huh?"

One loud yelp later, and Trixie was slowly backing away from the voice's owner. He was a gryphon covered in golden brown feathers, with several red ones, probably dyed, along his crest. A small silver necklace adorned his neck, in the shape of a claw grasping a red marble. He was only slightly taller than Trixie, but that didn't mean much to her at the moment as she tried forcing her shaking body to keep inching away.

The gryphon gave a sharp whistle as he peered over Trixie and up at the building with his large green eyes. "I think that donkey was one of the Shattered Claw clan's. Pretty sure the markings were red at least. I guess they are looking to start something up again."

Creep.....creep....creeeeeeeep...

Trixie had almost managed to get a rear hoof around the corner when he looked back at her. "Woah! Your eyes are like saucers! Are you feeling okay? I was kinda expecting somegr-er, pony like you to have better nerves."

With a grin on his beak, the gryphon took a step closer, causing Trixie's breathing to visibly speed up.

"Woah, look at you. Huh." He cocked his head inquisitively at her. "You seem terrified, but you can't be. Or...is that why you chose to be hunted? Are you doing this for the adrenaline rush? Are all ponies interested in that kind of feeling? Nothing really gives quite the same thrill as the hunt. I suppose it could be the same for the prey. But..."

Trixie forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. " I-I don't understand ... A-are you not after Trixie? I-is it because your too u-m...old to hunt ponies?"

"What? No, who told you that? I'm not because it wouldn't be 'proper' for me to yet. Heck, I'm not even a noble, so it'll be some time. Wait, do you not know the full rules of this?"

He took another step closer, causing Trixie to take a few more back.

The gryphon held up a placating paw. "Look, I'm not here to hunt you, okay? My name is Grendel, and I think you may not have been explained everything properly about hunts like this. D-did you actually think I was hunting you?"

Trixie nodded, causing Grendel to let out a low whistle of appreciation.

"Woah, you're even more surprising than I thought, coming into a hunt like this thinking every gryphon would be after you at all times of the day and night. I don't think I'd have the guts for that. You are one impressive plant eater. C'mon, let me buy you a drink and explain what you don't understand yet."

Trixie shuffled her hooves a bit, clearly uncertain. "W-why would you explain anything? What are you getting out of it?"

Grendel rolled his eyes. "Nothing really, but I don't like the thought of someone being hunted without a clear understanding. Most prey, on some level, understand they are being chased out of another creatures need to eat, but that's not the case with you. There's a whole system around hunts like this that an out-of-towner like you can't be expected to fully grasp on their own. At least, if you wandered into town looking like that."

Confusedly, Trixie looked herself over. Was it the hat and cape? "You mean Trixie's attire?"

Shaking his head, Grendel turned so his back was facing her. "Like I said, I admire you, especially for wearing something so visible and still managing to sneak around somehow. If you don't mind, I'd rather you be a bit more relaxed for this talk. Let me just say that currently, you are off limits at night. I know a nice little bar, a lot of nongryphons go to it. And if you are with me, at least, for now, no gryphon should bother you. "

"But earlier, some gryphon was talking to Trixie, and another swooped in and-"

"Woah, hold on. Look, you're being chased by fledglings at the moment, right? Not all of them understand the rules, or grasp why they should care about them. Right now, none of them should be out, so you'll be fine, okay? I'll even help out if one does show up for some reason. It'd be very poor of me to say you'll be safe and turn my back if you were hunted unfairly."

Trixie really doesn't understand him too well. But, he's offering a drink and an explanation. This is the first friendly face Trixie has found here. Friendship. That's the element they say binds the others together. Maybe this is Trixie's chance to explore it a little?

She gave her whole body a shake in an effort to strip away the fear and doubts she had before attempting to give Grendel a piercing look. "Very well. Lead the way. But, if this is a trap, Trixie promises she will make you regret it."

"Heh, there's that backbone I heard so much about. Happy to see the fledglings didn't sever it from the rest of you today."

His word choice is a little too dark for Trixie's liking ... she'd better play up the confidence for now.

"As if some children could really succeed against her! Trixie has more than enough spine to deal with a few little whelps."

Grendel started to walk off with Trixie now in tow a few feet behind him.

"Woah, that's good to hear. Every child in Gryphus is taught the hunt is over when the prey's backbone breaks. It can mean spine or spirit, it doesn't really matter which goes first, so long as you sever one. Good thing both of yours are strong, eh?"

Note to self: Do not raise foals here.

Ten minutes later and with a few more assurances from Grendel, Trixie found herself in a bar. The sign had a boar on it balancing a mug on each of its tusks. Inside was decent, with everything inside being made of stone minus the chairs. A few groups of different races appeared to be loitering at several tables, her and Grendel being the only pony and gryphon to occupy the room for the moment. While the bar didn't exactly go silent, it did get quieter once the others noticed them sitting down at one of the tables.

Trixie thought they were at first disturbed at a gryphon being in the bar, but, as her and Grendel talked, she became well aware that most of their stares were for her. Ignoring them as best as she could, Trixie focused back on her conversation.

"So, by Trixie's attire, you meant-"

"Yep, no dye equals no protection."

"And it's too late to-"

Grendel shook his head, resting it against one of his paws afterwards. "Way too late for that now, you couldn't pay any of the families for that kind of protection at this point, even if you wanted to."

"And if Trixie were to simply color herself in one of the dyes?"

He laughed at her, picking up his mug and taking a drink before answering. "Woah, that would be really funny, it might even work for a day or two. But, you'd get found out, and then whichever family you faked being protected by would have full rights to come for you in force to pay back the insult. Still, if you survive another two weeks, it probably won't matter anyhow, so I'd save that trick for then if you think you can pull it off."

Trixie took a small sip of her ale. It was a little strong for her taste, but since she wasn't paying, she wasn't going to complain.

"Right, two weeks, and that's because...?"

"Then any gryphon who wants can come after you." Grendel held up a talon. "The first week, the king's children, and the upper nobles children are allowed to hunt. " He held up a second talon. "The second week, the upper nobles, regardless of age, can hunt." He then held up a third talon. "And, if you haven't fallen by then, you're open game for any gryphon who wants to try. If you survive for a month, well, you win the hunt."

She shuddered. "Does this kind of thing happen often here?"

He shook his head. "No. My grandparents told me, long ago, that hunts were a lot more commonplace before we began working to get along with some of the neighboring countries. War and mass hunts were the norm. Prey came to the cities, big and small, seeking to test us, and gain fame and various rewards or favors if they survived. That was all before their nations became strong enough to no longer be ignored. Asides from personal hunting, there are only three types of special hunts still in practice. The most common, is the 'Criminal's hunt'. Maybe every year or two someone, gryphon or other, gets dumb and gets himself into trouble with the nobles. Either by stealing, or trying to kill one, or a dozen other things. The sentenced is given ten minutes to flee, then, he is open game to the entire city. For the nobles, it gives them something to brag about if they win the hunt. For other gyphons or other races, there is a reward for winning the hunt. The criminal wins if he can make it to the border. So far, none have made it, from what I understand."

A donkey came by, and refilled their drinks, giving Trixie a moment to digest what she'd just heard.

"The second, is the 'Last Hunt'. Its not as popular now, but it still happens from time to time, especially with the nobility. A gryphon, nearing the end of his life, will choose to enter a neighboring country that the empire dislikes, or is at war with, and hunt that territory until they are killed, or die naturally."

Trixie rolled her eyes, slightly disgusted and irritated. "How that was ever considered popular, Trixie will never know. Did you have to save the hunt Trixie is actually interested in for last? She's not exactly thrilled to find out how many different ways you like to kill others."

Grendel sighed and held out a placating paw to her. "Woah, now look, I know you're excited, and perhaps a little disturbed. But hear me out. You need to understand the fact that hunting is important for us. Its a combination of tradition, instinct, and, well, gryphons needing meat to live. Gryphus isn't near the ocean, unlike Equestria, so fish aren't so abundant that we can just live off of them. And even if we could, we wouldn't. It'd be like asking you to only eat carrots for the rest of your life, or something."

"Hmph, at least carrots can't scream, or be missed by their families."

"The point is, the hunt is important to us, as are the rules around each one. I'm not sure why you are acting so angry at the concept, the main reason the hunt you're in is even still around is thanks to Equestrians like you having such an interest in it."

She raised an eyebrow at this news. "E-excuse Trixie?"

"You know what I mean." He waved a paw in Trixie's direction noncommittally. "Or, well, maybe you don't. There is next to no communication between our two nations after all. All we know is that we shouldn't trust your ruler, and that you still have enough backbone to send some pony to challenge us every few generations."

"You mean Princess Celestia? Why wouldn't you-"

"Look" He said, nodding at the clock. Trixie could see it was near midnight. "I'll happily go over the rest of this with you some other time. I have kind of a penchant for history talks, my grand dad loved telling me about it when I was little. But, for now, wouldn't you rather know about things that might, you know, keep you alive till our next meet up? I'd hate to hear you were caught due to not getting enough sleep."

Trixie's ears wilted a little at the thought of what being caught meant for her. "R-right. So, the hunt?"

"The Hunt of Glory, actually. I'll explain it from the start so you can compare it to what you were already told, all right?"

Considering this is the first Trixie has heard of it, that should be easy enough.

Getting himself comfortable, and ignoring the obvious stares of those around him, most of them still for the unicorn at the table, he began.

"The Hunt of Glory. The rules are fairly simple. Should a nongryphon race enter the capital without seeking the protection of one of the great clans, the prey has then issued a challenge to the king and nobility. Of course, this doesn't apply to fledglings, there is no glory to be found in such a hunt. Once the traveler enters the city, they are granted until the first morning to do what they wish, and then, the hunt begins. From what I understand, you came in quite close to midnight, so the hunt began shortly after you walked through the gates."

"Hmph, well, that explains that gryphon who tried to break into Trixie's room. If Gretta hadn't been there, Trixie might have ... that is ... Trixie would have had to buck him through the wall, which she is sure Gretta would have made her pay for."

Grendel's nodded soberly, his claw necklace bobbing with the action. "There are some who will ignore the rules. Equestrians are incredibly rare, unicorns more so. And the rumor mill makes you out to be well worth the breach in rules to hunt for some."

"Rumor mill? Just what do they have to say about Trixie? She's been in this city for what, a day?"

Another nod. "The event is very special and rare, so a lot is reported, I'm sure if you grabbed a newspaper, you'd most likely see something about your challenge in it already." He looked away for a minute, as thought choosing his next words carefully. "As for what the rumors are, well, the most common one's are about your horn."

"Her horn?" Trixie went cross-eyed for a second trying to look at her horn with little success.

"Rumor is, if a unicorn horn is ground into a meal and eaten, well, the gryphon on the receiving end will be putty in your claws for the night."

She growled at this, almost blushing at the implication, if it wasn't for the fact of how her horn would be acquired for such an act. "Trixie's horn is not something to be grounded up! Especially for that purpose!"

Grendel shrugged. "Hey, if it helps, the other rumor is, if eaten, a gryphon will gain some of your magic. Either way, worry more about preventing either from happening, okay?"

Trixie grumbled, but agreed with his words. Grendel then continued.

"So, as I already said, the first week is for the higher nobility's fledglings to try for you. No fledgling can be over fourteen years old, and most of them will be accompanied by an adult to make sure the fledgling doesn't get too hurt during the hunt. The adult is allowed to follow, but cannot go after the prey, only coming in to care for the fledgling after the prey leaves it alone, short of the prey trying to kill the fledgling."

Trixie thought on how it'd look if any pictures of her beating up a young gryphon like that got back to Equestria.

"Trixie isn't one to hurt foals like that, she thinks she'll just continue to outsmart them."

Grendell gave her a beaky looking smile. "I'd tear into one of them the second I could if I was being hunted, as a warning to the others. Admittedly, there is less respect to be had in the long run with actions like that, but I value my life over my reputation. Prey with honor like yours is rare."

"Yes, well ... Trixie always strives to be an honorable pony ..."

"I would not seek to disagree. Now, since this week is just fledglings, it means that you will be free to travel safely once the sun goes down. They are not allowed to hunt after dark. If one is breaking curfew and comes after you, just look for a guard. If you are being hunted dishonorably they will help you, and escort you back to your inn if you desire. Also, for now until the third week, If a gryphon hunting you were to walk in now, you would be safe."

"Why is that?"

"Because, I am not participating in the hunt. Being hunted while distracted by an outsider is considered bad form. They could wait outside of the bar for you, but, until we part ways, you would be safe. That won't be true in two weeks, as every gryphon will be considered to be participating. At that point, the only 'safe' spots for you would be the king's keep, and the inn you're staying at."

"Right, because Trixie hasn't had some gryphon try to open her door in the middle of the night already..."

"Ah, yes. Well, that shouldn't happen again. Rumor has it that your inn has declared itself a safe haven for you."

Trixie took another drink, feeling a bit warm and fuzzy as it traveled down her throat. "A-and what does that mean for Trixie?"

"Well, like the King's keep, it is illegal to attack you in that inn. Traps can't be set for you there either, and it's illegal to use any kind of bait or poison on you."

" And Trixie's inn wasn't made safe any sooner because...? "

He shrugged. "My guess is the innkeeper hates paperwork and was hoping you'd already have been caught."

Trixie sputtered at this, feeling unusually outraged at the moment. Probably due to the alcohol. "Why that stupid-If Trixie had claws right now, she'd-"

"Woah! Woah! I was kidding! You arrived late last night, right? She wouldn't have been able to, considering everything was closed already for the evening!"

"...Oh... Trixie supposes she should be grateful that-"

"No."

"No?"

"Trust me, your innkeeper is making out like a bandit on you staying there."

"W-what!? So she IS overcharging Trixie! She knew it! Gretta! You selfish-"

"No."

Trixie was getting tired of this. "No?"

"No. She's more than likely renting the room out to you fairly cheap, actually. She's selling any gryphon who comes in there information about you. What you eat, when you sleep, when you leave in the morning, when you come back. Trust me, everything she can find out about you is coins in her pocket. Keeping you alive as long as possible, and her inn undamaged is probably the reason for her declaring her inn a safe haven for you."

"Trixie...."

"Trixie....?"

"Trixie...doesn't know whether to be upset or not now. All she knows is gryphon innkeepers are greedy."

Grendel chuckled and nodded at that. "Oh, its not just innkeepers, all gryphons are like that. I am expecting to make a little bit out of our conversation tonight, actually."

"What!? So all that talk about 'admiring Trixie' was-"

"Oh no, all of that was true. I'd never have the balls to do what you Equestrians do every time one of you comes to this city. I DO respect you, but what's a few coins made between friends, right? I'll even give you a cut. Cubs honor."

"Y-you wish to be Trixie's friend?"

"If Trixie is willing to trust a gryphon in this city a little, then yes."

"....fine, as she said before, if this is a trap, she will make you regret it."

"Duly noted, now, how about a few more rounds before we call it a night?"

Trixie stumbled a bit on her way back to the inn, giving out a high pitched giggle as she walked. She was enjoying the slight haze everything had around it for the moment, and the way things kept coming in and out of focus for her made everything she stared at far more interesting. The taste of alcohol was still strong on her lips as she thought through the day she had.

"S-stupid gryphons, sending foals out after a mare like Trixie? Th-then kicking her out of line, l-like some c-common nopony! S-stupid s-silly gryphons."

S-still..

"T-the schtupid elements werked finally! K-kinda! Trixie met a friend, an is g-gonna meet him tomma-tommor....later."

M-maybe all this hard work is paying off? C-could it all come together in this crazed town, after so many years of trying? Would she be proud of Trixie right now?

Trixie was having a hard time concentrating on her thoughts, gryphon ale being much stronger than she had given it credit for. Not to mention her drinking several on an empty stomach wasn't helping. She didn't even notice the stares of several gryphons on the darkened street, or the one in front of her until she nearly rammed into him.

"Going somewheh' my little blue friend?"

Trixie looked up from the ground with a short gasp, stumbling backward a few steps from the gryphon. She couldn't focus too well, but he was big, and dark. Like some big, dark thing, standing in her way.

Minor details weren't high on Trixie's capabilities at the moment.

"T-the great and powerf-powerffffff....Trixie is not your friend! Shoo!" She waved a hoof at him.

The big shape laughed a little. "Oh, no reason to be like that now, I know a nice little alley where we can become friends, little blue. It's nice, quiet, and no gryphon'll bother us." She was preeeety sure it was a gryphon she was staring at. The supposed gryphon took a look around, glaring in the direction of any other shapes near them. The few other blobs in Trixie's vision left shortly after with a few mumbled sounds.

Trixie shook her head, slowly trying to walk past the gryphon-shaped blur in her vision. "Thanks, but s'mother time. Trixie has to make it back te sleeeep fore all the little gryphons come after er. "

The blur latched onto Trixie's shoulder tightly, causing her to give a sharp hiss of pain. Slowly, the large shape began pushing her off of the road.

Getting annoyed, Trixie pulled back, but couldn't unlatch the gryphons hold on her. "T-Trixie jus told you, s-she-"

"Come now, I promise the 'little gryphons' will get over not seeing you again. I doubt you'd have made it back to your inn in your shape anyways."

Ugh....which element is this kinna situation for? L-Laughter?

Trixie began laughing loudly. The blur stopped for a few seconds and seemed to stare at her, before Trixie felt something grasping onto her muzzle tightly.

"Stop that, we've gotten enough attention tonight already."

S-so a no on laughter. Umm..how about....

"Here we are then, now...."

Before Trixie knew it, the blur grabbed onto her and rammed her hard against the wall.

"Gonna just savor this for the moment, feel free to start laughing again, if you like..."

The blur was towering over her now, its claws on her shoulders and holding her up against the wall. Her back hooves swung uselessly in the air, giving a slight twitch every so often. She heard heavy breathing, felt a breath on her face. Something wet ran its length along her cheek, causing her to gasp in surprise.

"Mmm...I've been thinking of this moment since I first started tracking you...shame you aren't fully here to appreciate the effort..but, prey like you always have its weakness. Something easy to use against you."

W-wait...did he just call Trixie easy?

Slowly, Trixie tried to get the slightly blurred world to come back into focus. It felt like her thoughts were working their way through molasses in her head though. The wet object was on her other side now, tickling her neck and causing her to squirm a little. As her vision cleared, she noticed the gryphon on her was almost shaking with some kind of pent up excitement. His claws dug into her shoulders, upon the precipice of drawing blood.

The scene brought back a vague, cherished memory of hers. Only, there were no claws, but soft hooves, a gentle voice, the moans of a mare she had done so much for, and would do so much more still. The thought brought a light blush to Trixie's cheeks, as well as causing her to remember the last words the blur in front of her had said. Or, at least, what she now thought he had said.

Something easy to rub against you.

W-w-wait ... he isn't talking a-about...

With a grunt, Trixie's horn started to give off a soft glow, causing the gryphon to rear up from her face and look down at her. Trixie didn't notice however. Now that she could see a little better, her attention was drawn to something wobbling lower along his body.

Much lower. Much wobbling.

Trixie's eyes turned to pin pricks. The sight in front of her caused her face to turn bright red. Her first instinct kicked in, quickly followed by the second.

Screaming.

Vere is zat shtupid pony?

Gretta was not looking forward to the thought of losing her most important patron just yet, not with the amount of coverage her inn was expected to get from her presence. She was growing uneasy, especially with the sudden tremor that ran through the ground not five minutes ago. Gryphus was not a city known for its earthquakes.

A loud groan interrupted her thoughts, causing Gretta to glance at the now open door of the inn.

"Hmph, I vas sinkink you had been eatink already. About time you came back."

Gretta looked over the sweaty pony from her vantage point at the bar. Trixie had just stumbled in clearly drunk, or high, on something. Gretta couldn't tell. The pony looked over at the sound of her voice. Trixie's face was flushed, and her tail was tucked between her legs while she swayed back and forth through the crowded inn to the bar.

"T-trixie is just fine. There isn't any g-gryphons in her room looking to make out with her or anything, right?"

"....Vat? Umm...not since last I checked."

Trixie reached the bar and gave Gretta a glare. Then, just as suddenly, her face went slack and teary. Before Gretta knew it, Trixie had put a hoof around her and had pulled Gretta close enough to bury her head in Gretta's chest.

"...Soo....rough night I take it...?"

"Thank you for not having a member."

"A...member....a member of vat?"

"Awwww!" Trixie cooed, nuzzling into Gretta and causing her to stiffen up at the awkward situation. "You don't even k-know w-what one is yet! Y-you've always been so adorable, ever since the time we met s-so long ago..."

Gretta sighed, massaging her head with a paw.

"Zat's just great. You schould probably go to your room and rest sough. You are makink a scene at my bar."

Trixie stiffened at this, and quickly looked over her shoulder. At least a dozen gryphons looked away as quick as they could, pretending to be occupied with other things. Gretta could hear a low growl come from Trixie, and Trixie's tail clamped between her legs even tighter.

"R-right, Tr-Trixie shouldn't stay around those kinda of gryphons. S-she'll see you later, Gretta."

Trixie let go of Gretta, and walked to the stairs, trying to keep an eye around the inn all the while. Slowly, she turned and walked up the steps, much to Gretta's relief. Just as she was about to get back to speaking with a patron however, someone at one of the tables spoke a little too loudly.

"Can't wait to get my chance to tear into that flank."

Gretta gave a small groan of annoyance as Trixie turned back around, having only made it halfway up the stairs. Once again, several gryphons quickly looked away. Trixie's ears went flat against her skull as she gave every patron around the bar an angry, flushed look.

"P-PERVERTS!"

With a loud snort, Trixie turned around, holding her muzzle high in the air, and proceeded to walk back up the stairs. After taking several steps however, she tripped. The sound of skull hitting stairs was heard throughout the inn as she fell. Trixie didn't get up.

Groaning in irritation, Gretta walked out from behind the bar, and then up the steps to where Trixie's still form lay. She gave the lifeless pony a quick poke with a claw.

"Trixie?"

A moan was her answer, as Trixie clumsily turned over on the stairs, slipping a few steps down with her movements and ending up half way under the agitated innkeeper.

"G-gretta...?"

"Yes?"

Looking up at Gretta, Trixie put on a pouting face, while holding a hoof to her head. Her eyes were tearing up, and Gretta was pretty sure she wanted no part in causing that dam to burst. "T-Trixie hit her head."

"Uhm...yes, sche did. Let's get you back to your room, and I'll look it ofer, okay? Just try to shtand up, and-"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Trixie cried out, startling Gretta enough that her hackles raised at how high-pitched the mare below her could be. Trixie's back legs pawed at Gretta's stomach, while she spread her forehooves out wide. "Caaaaaaarryyyy me!"

Oh for zee love of-

Twenty minutes later, a bedraggled Gretta came back down the stairs. Trixie was locked up and unconscious in her room for the night after trying to make several unreasonable demands of her. She had fallen asleep midway through drinking a glass of water Gretta had given her, causing yet more nuisance for the innkeeper as she then had to clean it up.

She mumbled in irritation to herself as she went back to the bar. Less than a moment later, an orange spotted gryphon gently tapped the bar to get Gretta's attention.

"So, how much to find out what that was about?"

Gretta looked to the gryphon's coin purse, then back to the other gryphons at the bar, all of which seemed just as eager to find out. She gave a grin.

Business was good.

Author's Note

Crow: 5/28/2015 8:50 PM

I like what happens here and how it looks like rape

Crow: 5/28/2015 8:55 PM

You can put that quote on the box. I have no shame xD

Allright then. :pinkiecrazy:

Dreams and Dark Performances

What is wrong with Trixie?

That was one of a hundred questions that flickered in and out in Trixie's subconscious. Distorted images, voices, emotions, nothing was clear for her. At least, until a particular memory bubbled up to the surface again.

“Welcome to the School for Gifted Unicorns, Trixie.”

That voice, one that was once so motherly to Trixie. Only snippets remained now, pieces of the memory scraped away by time. The voice was followed by the scraping sounds of a chalkboard.

“-Very skilled for your age, I’m expecting to start your apprenticeship after this test.”

Feelings of joy ran rampant along this memory along with the constant scraping sounds of the chalkboard.

Another snippet. “You may begin.” a half-remembered smile of encouragement. Nerves, tension, anxiety. Then...explosions.

“D-dragon?” Trixie heard herself whimper.

The voice, so soothing, so caring.

“Wait here for me, Trixie.”

A voice that became so much more to her years later. The voice always stopped after this part of the memory. Only emotions followed now, along with the feeling of time passing. Being afraid slowly turned to worry, worry turned to loneliness, and finally, Loneliness was followed by the feeling Trixie hated the most.

Abandonment.

With a yawn and an involuntary stretch, Trixie's eyes opened to a new day. Immediately after which, they closed again, irritated by the light streaming in from the window. A quick lighting of her horn, and the drapes moved in place to deal with the dreaded enemy of those afflicted with hangovers. A few minutes later found the unicorn assessing her current state of health.

Breath? Horrible. Mane? Ruined due to sleep, but still probably better than most ponies manes on a good day. Limbs? One, two, three, four. All still present. Head? Only a slight ache. Gryphon ale is apparently much stronger then I gave it credit for.

She pondered over what had happened after the conversation with Grendel, but, it was far too hazy in her head.

Must have just staggered back to the inn afterwards. Better not do that again though, in a few days it won't be safe at night. It was stupid of Trixie to do that in the first place.

Still, something kept trying to come back to her mind, a hazy image of something wobbling in front of her. Trying to think further on it only increased her headache though. After slowly rolling off of the bed, Trixie went to the bathroom and proceeded to clean the taste of filth out of her mouth. From there a shower was in order, leaving her a bit more time to reflect on last night's distorted dream.

Haven't had that dream in some time. It was still nice to hear her voice again. With any luck, Trixie will succeed here, and finally be able to see her. Just how many years has it been now?

Still, doubts lingered. Would this truly make up for her actions in the past? Would this be enough to turn her from a mare that was almost kicked out of town on sight to a pony who would be known Equestria wide? Was success here enough for her to be with the pony she dreamed of?

Only one way to tell.

Trixie slapped both of her cheeks while standing in front of the mirror, giving an uneasy smile to herself. "Okay, Trixie. we have a king to talk to. So go out there, flee from those children, and do what you need to do! ....Ugh." She trotted out of the bathroom. Her head felt heavy after what she put it through yesterday, and she was wishing she could just go back to bed and not deal with the city today.

Turning to the door, Trixie went to turn the doorknob, only to find a door handle instead. This brought some confusion to her face. Yes, it was a small detail, but she had been quite sure her room had a knob and not a handle. A bit hesitant at this discovery, she slowly grasped the handle and opened the door.

Nothing out of the ordinary was waiting outside for her, though it was clear to the showmare that something had happened last night. Several new boards were now on the hallways wall, clearly glistening with fresh paint. A couple more claw marks were marring the floor as well.

"Well that doesn't exactly explain what HOLY CELESTIA WHAT HAPPENED TO MY DOOR!?"

Scratches. The door was marred with them, especially deep grooves were around the door handle. Trixie thought back to the scratching on the chalkboard in her dream and shivered at the thought of some gryphon out here trying to quietly break in as she slept.

Okay, no more drinking, and Trixie is definitely putting all the furniture in front of the door for now on. Safe haven my flank!

Trixie made her way to the stairs and trotted down them, a mix of fear and anger overlaying her mind and causing her headache to worsen.

"Gretta!"

"Ah. Good mornink, Miss Trixie."

Trixie headed over to the bar and sat down. Seconds later, a small plate of potatoes and carrots was tossed in front of her, along with an apple. She took a few bites before glaring at Gretta.

"Don't you good mornink Trixie ....err... Trixie! Just what happened to Trixie's door!?"

"Oh, zat? One of your admirers decided they vanted a peek at you vile you vere asleep. I kindly explained to her zat it vas rude to do such. Ven her beak heals, I am sure sche vill be around to apologize, in fife years or so, anyways."

Trixie looked up dubiously from her eating. "five years?"

Gretta nodded. "Breakink the rules of safe hafen carries a razer shteep penalty. Lucky for her, you didn't vake up, else sche vould be lookink at being hunted herself."

Trixie's ears perked at this as she noisily spoke while munching on the apple. "Wait, really? Just for waking Trixie up?"

She shrugged. "Vell, its possible. Ze rule is to gife ze prey a safe place to relax. Vere is the 'glory' of huntink ven ze prey is half asleep on its feet?"

Trixie sighed and pushed the plate away mostly empty, the topic of her adoring murderous fans had gotten too dark for her stomach to finish the rest. "Of course, what's the sense in murdering something that is tired? Trixie thinks you gryphons are a bit sick in the head."

Gretta raised an eyebrow. "You Gryphons? It is only a few bad eggs zat are going against ze shpirit of zis hunt, do not lump us all in vith zem."

Trixie groaned and laid her head on the table. "That's not what she meant!"

"Zen perhaps you could be-"

"Oh for feather's sake! Could we please start already!?"

Trixie knows that nasally voice....

Looking next to her, Trixie found herself muzzle to beak with Groat, who had a very impatient look on his face.

"Start?" Trixie said with a lilt of feigned confusion. "Start what?"

Groaning, Groat glared at her. "The hunt, of course! I had barely gotten through my declaration yesterday when that beast of a gryphon swooped in and flew off with you! Such rudeness will not delay my victory today!"

"Declaration, you mean that whole thing about being a Cooked feather, or something?"

"Plucked feather! How dare you think I would be a part of those harlots in the Cooked feather clan!"

Trixie sighed and looked away, ignoring Groat. She really didn't need this first thing in the morning. "Both names are stupid. Plucked clan? Cooked clan? Those don't exactly inspire any impressive images to Trixie's mind."

"Hmph! False bravado will only get a plant eater like you so far! If you are ready to insult my clan, then you are ready to back it up outside, yes?"

"Trixie's not in the mood."

"N-not in the mood!? Why you-"

"Ease up Groat, bad enough you are in here antagonizink her right after eating. Let me hafe a vord with Miss Trixie and sche'll see you outside schortly, all right?" Gretta gave him a gentle pat on the head and waved her paw towards the door. Feathers bristling, Groat turned back to Trixie, who was still ignoring him, and then back to Gretta before stalking towards the door.

Trixie felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Noooooo....." she whined, petulantly.

"It's last night all ofer again..." Gretta mumbled under her breath. "Look, I know it is a bit early, and you probably hafe a hangofer, but you hafe to head out zere soon. You can't go and insult some gryphon's clan name like zat and simply valk away."

"But Trixie's not in the mood! Can't the city go after some pony else just for today!?"

"Considerink zere is literally no pony else in the city at ze moment? No."

All Gretta got back was some low grumbling. She sighed, looking over at the other patrons at the bar, at least half of them trying to subtly scribble down her and Trixie's conversation for whatever paper or noble they worked for.

"Beliefe it or not, if it vasn't for ze rules of zis hunt, you and Groat vould already be at eachoser's sroats and probably knockink ofer my tables. I vas serious about insultink a clans name, especially in front of some gryphon from zat clan. Just go, deal with him howefer you dealt wis him yesterday, and if you surfife, just shtay in tomorrow. No one vill fault you for takink a breather on the sird day of ze hunt. Ze second, howefer, von't look good."

Perhaps Trixie should consider staying in the rest of the week, if that's the case. Not looking suicidal enough to a bunch of murderous gryphons does not worry her so much.

Grumbling, Trixie finally relented. "Fine... Trixie needs to see a King about a thing today anyways." She lethargically hopped off of the bar stool, and proceeded to stretch her legs a bit. At least she had some idea of what to expect today.

"...A sing..." Gretta repeated. "How...descriptife. vell...good luck."

"Thanks..." Sighing one more time, Trixie walked towards the inn's entrance.

"About time you showed up! What? Did you lose your nerve after realizing what was going to happen to you?"

Trixie mumbled noncommittally to Groat, having started to look around the semi busy streets and skies since coming out of the inn. Despite her desire to just go back to bed, her mind had started working overtime since she decided to head out of the inn.

There are rules to this that Trixie doesn't quite get yet, but some things seem clear. Trixie isn't being ambushed the moment she walks out for one, unless Groat counts.

"Now, as I was saying yesterday. I, Groat of the plucked feathers clan, youngest son of Grogar-"

Trixie watched. She wasn't ready yesterday for any of this, but today was going to be at least a little different if she could help it. Taking a deep breath in, Trixie brought her eyes into a glare. For now, the best thing she could do was think of this as a performance. Her stage was Gryphus, and she, the central character. The star this town needed, but didn't deserve. The gryphons? Her audience. Hecklers were bound to make their appearance soon, and Trixie would have none of that. First, she would see to those nearest.

"Swear to abide by all the rules of this hunt, with full understanding that-"

None of the gryphons on the ground seemed to be threatening her. Some were openly staring as they walked past, while other groups nudged each other and had started watching her the moment she had left the inn. Perhaps it was years of gauging other ponies reactions to her performances, of needing to read ponies moods, or even some strange instinct, but none of the audience on this lower level seemed to be after her. Not yet, anyways. They didn't carry themselves like a hunting predator would. For now, the crowd was satisfied with her.

"On further reflection, if you could go more for the chest and not so much the beak area, as I have a thing this Thursday, I would-"

Then Trixie turned her eyes upward, to her roof top viewers. That was where one of the first hecklers yesterday had come from, after all.

Many adult gryphons were lounging on the roofs, it seemed that the cities roofs were designed just for gryphons to be able to comfortably lay on them. Large stones were laid out to be used as back rests, with smaller ones nearby to place their heads on while they sunbathed. Trixie noticed some of them eyeing her with interest, but not aggression. The adults were too relaxed to do more than admire her performance. They knew their place.

"N-not that I am against those kinds of relationships, b-but I am not hunting you out of any romantic interest, though I wouldn't-"

Then, she spotted them, though she did her best to pretend that she hadn't. A half dozen younger gryphons. Trixie guessed them to be around twelve, maybe sixteen? They seemed to be egging each other on, while a group of adults watched. One of them was a bit separate from the others, and leaning over the side of the building a little as he watched her. An adult with a onyx necklace was nearby, speaking softly to him. She guessed it had to do with his stance, as the young gryphon was readjusting himself repeatedly, slowly working into a crouch. He was making himself as small as possible, while keeping his wings wide, but low to the roof, Trixie guessed his legs were ready to spring. Yes, he'd be the first problem of today's performance. The one she'd need to make an example of.

"That was the first and last time I ever tried something like that, I mean, who knew goats were so flexible? It was-"

Better get back to my first volunteer of the show.

Trixie looked over to Groat, who was still going on about something. With a quick step forward, she bopped him on the beak with a little force.

"W-what the!?" Groat whined as he brought a claw up to his beak, backing up a step or two from Trixie. "What did I just say about the beak!?"

From above her, Trixie vaguely noted the young heckler take to the air and begin to ascend into the sky. He was just at the edge of her peripheral vision, right where she needed him to be.

"Sorry, Trixie was growing a bit bored. Have you finished your little family oath?" She gave him a rather nasty grin, causing his eyes to widen a bit. "If so, Trixie would like to show you why you should stay away from sick games like this one.". She took a sudden hop forward, causing Groat to let out something akin to a squeak and stumble back from her.

"W-What are you doing! Shouldn't you be running by now?"

She rolled her eyes at his stupidity. "Hmph, rather jumpy for the 'hunter', aren't you? What's the matter? Trixie thought you were going to prove to her just how strong the Plucked Chicken clan was."

The heckler reached a peak in the sky, hovering for just a few seconds, before he began his dive towards Trixie.

Seething a little at her, Groat screeched "It's Plucked Feather!" Before taking a step towards her. He suddenly gave a grunt as a sharp pain briefly went through his wing. Looking down, he spotted one of his larger feathers floating slowly over to Trixie, a drop of blood on its end.

Smirking, Trixie held the feather up before her, putting a hoof out to briefly pet it. "Is that better? You'd really think a hunter with half a brain would have thought to pounce by now. Shall Trixie pluck a few more, perhaps?" Briefly, she looked to the side, gauging how much time she had left. She felt a hint of amusement as she spotted the onyx bejeweled gryphon who had been coaching the young heckler. Apparently he had realized her awareness of the situation, and was watching warily, unable to do anything else for the moment.

"Y-you blue freak! I'll show you just what a real hunter can do!"

That's right, my little assistant, come to Trixie. She dropped the feather from her grasp, quickly weaving a spell around Groat. Groat had lowered his front to the ground, and was clearly seconds away from leaping at her. She heard the rushing sound as the young heckler to her side leveled off, also seconds away from contact. A quick, well practiced shake of her cloak dropped two smoke bombs to the ground, quickly starting to mist over the area around her. It was too late for the heckler to veer off.

Groat leaped, only half seen by Trixie due to the smoke, but she felt him hit against the ribbons of magic she had laid out. Trixie's spell grasped him in the air, working with his momentum, and tossing him in front of Trixie as she jumped to the side. She heard the cry of two gryphons colliding, a large crash a short distance away, and then, nothing.

Trixie quickly scooped up the empty smoke bombs, hoping no one had noticed them fall out in the first place, before using her magic to cause the mist to swirl and quickly dissipate. She took a quick note of her crowds stunned expression, the sudden lack of enthusiasm in the other would-be hecklers to come down from their view on the rooftops, and looked towards where she had heard the crash.

Apparently neither her heckler or assistant had had much luck. The heckler was pressed up against the side of a stone building, unconscious and lying on his side. It looked like he had taken the brunt of the impact. Groat was nearby and conscious, though looking like he'd be happier if he wasn't. Groaning and confused, he stumbled to his feet, almost limping around in an entire circle in confusion. A moment later, his eyes managed to focus on Gretta's inn, and he began limping towards it. He was careful not to put too much weight on his front paw as he went, and although it was obvious to Trixie that tears were dripping down his face, he was doing his best not to make more than a few whimpers as he slowly worked his way to the inn.

A dark impulse went through Trixie. For a moment, she pondered grabbing Groat's tail and pulling him back to her, just to see him cower. But...

Gretta seems to know him. Better if Trixie doesn't upset her. Besides, there's some gryphon else who deserves Trixie's attention right now...

Once Groat was inside, Trixie turned her sights back to the unconscious fool on the ground, feeling annoyance start to rise in her at the one dumb enough to have gone after her. None of the other young ones had been stupid enough to move from their positions, and some of the crowd that stopped to watch the spectacle had started to move on now that the show was over. A few gryphons, the one who was advising the unconscious one earlier in particular, looked on. Concern was clear on their faces, but none made a move to go after her, or to help the unconscious heckler. Perhaps they were smarter then she thought.

"Hah!" Trixie poked the side of the unconscious gryphon roughly, eliciting a small groan from her would be attacker. She noted one of the gryphon's back legs was at a very uncomfortable looking angle, along with a small amount of blood that had started to make its way down his face. She sneered.

Hmph, well, it was his own fault. Really, what pony or gryphon would be so...so idiotic to attack a unicorn as great as Trixie?

A brief glow of her horn, and a feather was ripped out. A growl escaped her mouth as her anger deepened.

Wake up, you moron. It's no fun if Trixie can't gloat.

She sighed in annoyance, giving the useless thing in front of her another rough shove. All it did was cause the gryphon's head to lightly tap against the wall and leave a blood smear.

Not so superior now, are you? Did you really think you were better than Trixie? Get up, you useless pile of feathers! Get up, so Trixie can show you your place! Far below her, like everypony else!

Another hit to the unconscious gryphon. Trixie hardly noticed when her breathing began to speed up. Images of towns, of mockery, of rejection, all made their way briefly through her head as she placed a hoof on top of the gryphon's tail and began pressing down.

Just because she was run out of a few towns, a little twerp like you thought she was weak! Trixie is not weak! She is the greatest unicorn to ever live! And don't you forget it!

Instinct caused her to look over her shoulder, catching the eye of the gryphon with the onyx amulet from before. Another gryphon nearby was trying to talk to him, but he didn't seem to be listening. His eyes were on Trixie, on the hoof she had pressing on the young gryphon's tail. Concern for the unconscious gryphon was clear on his face. When was the last time a pony had looked at her with concern like that? When was the last time a pony hadn't looked at her in disdain when her wagon rolled into town?

You wished I had never appeared, I just wished you'd give a damn.

Slowly, Trixie began removing her hoof from the young gryphon's tail, her eyes not leaving the older gryphons the whole time. When she finally looked away, it was as if some spell had broke over her, taking her anger with it.

Trixie promptly sat down, clutching a hoof over her mouth as she tried to control her now panicked breathing.

N-no...what am I doing!? Am I really acting like this again? D-didn't I learn anything from Twilight? From what happened before? What's the point of all of this if I'm just going to start treating others like this again?

As gently as she could, Trixie straightened out the gryphon's back leg, putting it in a more comfortable position. Luckily, it didn't seem anything more than strained to her.

I listened to so many stories of the elements actions, of their exploits. How they managed to pull through every situation by just acting on the virtues they represented.

Her horn started to glow once more, bringing out some bandages from a hidden pocket in her cloak. Since yesterday, she had been expecting that she would get hurt in Gryphus at some point. It had seemed like a good idea to carry some just in case.

Equestria won't accept this in its heroes. SHE won't accept this in me. I've managed to go so long without acting this way, why now?

Trixie carefully began tending to the gryphon's head, noting other cuts and bruises from the impact, and working to bandage them as well.

I need to emulate the elements better, if Tri- if I just follow the virtues, things will work out. Its proved time and time again to work for them after all. This one would be kindness, right?

Shortly after she finished bandaging the gryphon, he began to stir. With a loud groan, and a stretching of all four paws, the gryphon clumsily stood up. He winced and almost fell over again after putting some weight on his front paw, but Trixie caught him before he fell.

"Careful now."

His eyes focused on Trixie, who was helping hold him up. "W-wait. W-what-"

Loud snickering promptly cut off his question, causing the gryphon to look up, and Trixie's gaze to follow. On the rooftop, several of the older gryphon's were laughing and pointing to the young one. A couple clapped the jeweled gryphon on the back, saying things she couldn't hear in a teasing motion. She caught something about a tale involving a mouse and a lion, but couldn't make it out. The jeweled gryphon himself seemed both relieved, and a touch embarrassed. Finally, several of the other gryphons called down to them.

“Hey, Gulliver! How about ya thank the nice pony for bandaging your soft hide!”

"The little pony a bit much for you, Gulliver?"

Trixie felt the paw she had been holding clench, and then grab onto her shoulder. Grunting in pain, Trixie looked up at the injured gryphon. Gulliver's face was an impressive red despite the brown and white feathers. His grip tightened, causing Trixie to cry out in pain as his claws dug into her.

"Gulliver! Stop!"

Her shoulder abruptly released, Trixie quickly stepped back from Gulliver, and looked towards where the voice had come from. The gryphon with the onyx was standing several feet from them, and giving Gulliver a glare.

"But Uncle, she-"

"No!" His uncle held up a paw. "Save it. You dishonor yourself by injuring the one who cared for you. And no, it does not matter if you were hunting her in the first place. You lost, and she didn't kill you when she had the chance, Do not forget that!"

The uncle's eyes nervously looked at Trixie, and then to her right. Looking over, Trixie noticed one of the city guard watching the confrontation. Most of his attention seemed to be going back and forth between Trixie's injured shoulder, and Gulliver. A few short seconds later, the guard started walking towards them.

"But-"

His uncle's second glare was enough to stop Gulliver from continuing. With a upset huff, he lowered his head and nodded.

"Good. Now, come along. It's time to go home." His uncle turned around, and began slowly walking off.

Looking over again, Trixie saw the young gryphon giving her a nasty look. As he walked past her, he quietly whispered "Next time we meet, you’re fucking dead!” before limping after his uncle. Just as they put several paces between themselves and Trixie, the guard reached her.

"Miss Trixie? By the rules, you were illegally injured. If you like, I can have that gryphon arrested and an escort guide you around for the day."

I really need a copy of this rulebook.

She knew it was stupid to say no, but Trixie really didn't want to be around anyone at the moment. Besides, she didn't feel right about being rewarded after what she'd nearly done.

"No, Tri-I, I'll be fine. It's barely a scratch to me."

The guard eyed the obviously oozing claw marks, but nodded.

"Very well. Good luck on the hunt."

Trixie murmured a reply and sighed at the departing two gryphons. The uncle had looked back in worry a few times, and Gulliver in anger.

I...guess I should have expected something like that to happen.

She winced a little, bringing the rest of her bandage's up to her shoulder, and then started to wrap her injury.

After what I did, it's not like showing a little kindness would mean much.

Why does this keep happening?

Apparently today was ambush day. Every few blocks Trixie saw another few fledglings hiding and waiting for her to get close. It was concerning at first, but by the third time, they weren't difficult to spot, or evade. Her mind wasn't as much on them anymore, despite knowing how bad of an idea it was to get distracted. Her actions earlier still had a hold over her.

Is it stress? How do I never notice it happening before it goes too far? How can somepony not notice when they start speaking in third person like this?

It was always happening now, her stage persona kept taking over. However, Instead of wanting to wonder others with her magic and stage performance like before, it had turned towards something...darker. It wasn't always like this for her, though.

Was it the ursa? I didn't start having this issue before then.

She didn't think so. Even after the ursa incident, the sudden angry impulses and constant third person talk hadn't occurred. It must have been what happened sometime later. She had been fine for a month or so after the incident, but then somehow what had happened in Ponyville had spread like wildfire. Somepony had even warped it along the way, making it seem like the entire thing was her fault, earning her a quick end to most of her income or welcome wherever she went. That's when she had started to talk in third person without being aware of it. But it didn't explain the impulses to put others down, to look down at others and make them feel like nothing. That had never been a part of her stage persona, or her before.

"What happened?"

"Dunno, apparently some gryphon just blew through the wall last night, they had to shut the whole place down."

Looking up from her mulling for a second, Trixie noticed a few dozen gryphons standing near a building with several guards working to keep everyone out. A large hole was in the side of the building, where it formed an alley with another building. The scene seemed familiar to Trixie, but she couldn't place it, perhaps she had walked through this alley last night?

"What happened to the gryphon?"

"Apparently he's in a coma, not sure when he's waking up after something like that."

Trixie tuned them out, figuring standing in the small crowd would probably keep her safe as she went back to her thoughts.

Did the amulet leave something behind?

That seemed likely, it had changed her, took over, and made her into somepony she wasn't. She'd only been semi-aware of what was happening by the time she had arrived in Ponyville wearing it.

The amulet incident had only made things worse. Rumors spread once again, instead of not being welcome, she was outright chased out of towns. Her new wagon had been destroyed at some point as well. Even without the amulet's manipulation, was it any wonder that she had started having such angry impulses?

And now here I am. If this works, will it really be enough to be welcome again, let alone worthy of what I am after?

She'd done her best to keep to the elements teachings for weeks now, keeping in mind their virtues whenever she was around others. Yet not an hour ago she went into such a black mood again without realizing it. It was so hard to keep everything in check for her, to think on how she should act and behave instead of just...doing what she would normally do. Was every pony like this, or was she just bad at being a good pony?

With a sigh, she turned from the crowd, starting her way to the palace.

Trixie'll just have to be more careful to not let that happen again.

She quickly noticed a small tail poking out from an alley she was going to pass by, it began to wag excitedly as she got closer to it.

Not that this city is going to make that easy for her....

Author's Note

Bleh, I am a little over a week behind. But I got sick for a week, so yeah. Hope this chapter was interesting. Also, I added a new scene into the first chapter that I think helps with a few issues people had with Trixie coming into the city. Happens right after the zebra talk.

Too Little Too Late.

Why do they accept the risk? What is wrong with the other races in this town?

Trixie at least got to observe one thing she had not noticed yesterday. Almost every time she saw a non-gryphon, they were in a small group. Some traveled with gryphons, others made up little groups of non-gryphons, but no one traveled alone. Well, except for her. After what happened to that donkey the other night, Trixie understood why. Despite having the protection of a clan, apparently you couldn't fully trust in it to keep you safe.

The only ones she noticed moving about the city in anything less than a group of three were the minotaurs, though why was obvious. They were huge, more often than not armored and armed, and sporting several clear scars. Trixie supposed that if you looked like a predator, you were treated as one here.

She shuffled her hooves back and forth, trying to keep circulation in them. As per last time, she was in line for several hours, having the pleasure of watching the sun slowly makes its way across the sky while slowly moving closer to the entrance of the castle.

Trixie gave a nod to the donkey from yesterday as he walked past her. "Any luck cheating your way through line today?"

The donkey surprised her with an angry glare, stopping close enough to talk, but not close enough to look like he was butting in line.

"Ma'am, I was quite serious yesterday. I work hard to keep a roof over my families heads, and I can't make it here early enough to have any chance of getting through the line in time. I would wait like everyone else because my family is in a lot of trouble and are worth it, but I can't. I DID get in to talk with a chancellor today, but only the Uber King can resolve my problem."

"O-oh..um..sorry about that. There's just-"

The donkey waved a hoof at her. "Don't worry too much about it ma'am. With how many liars there are trying to cut in line just to spin their stupid ideas to the crown, it's understandable."

Trixie shook her head, a regretful look on her face. "Still, Trixie is sorry, she shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that."

With one more nod, the donkey walked off again, leaving Trixie to brood.

The Great and powerful Trixie, watch in awe as she injures foals! See her mock donkeys in trouble! All proceeds go to keeping her out of Equestria and causing damage abroad!

She sighed, slowly proceeding forward for the next hour or so. Finally, she was in front of Greg and non-Greg again.

"Well, look'it whose back!"

"Huh, guess your shoulder got nicked today? You'd better step your game up if you're planning on seeing the Uber king anytime soon."

"Well." Trixie replied to Greg. "Trixie made it here today, and waited in line. Again. Can she go in and see the king finally?"

"Pfft. Want me to to toss her out again, Greg?"

"No, no. Remember, we can't do that until she becomes belligerent." Greg looked right at Trixie with a small grin. "I'll let you know when it's all right."

Trixie repressed her growing irritation at them, attempting to keep a neutral, almost bored expression. From the smug look Greg was giving her, she wasn't doing the best at it.

"May Trixie ask what she is lacking? She waited in line like everyone else, there's no reason to not let her in this time."

Greg shook his head. "Look, it's no surprise you are here. Heck, I'm assuming we are going to be seeing you every day for the next month. What with this being one of the only safe places for you to be without hiding. Like I said last time, you don't have backers, and you don't hold any diplomatic power. As far as I'm concerned, your just like all these other twits the Uber King has us hold back every day. If an eighth of you were allowed in, he'd get nothing useful done at all. Same goes for seeing the chancellors. The only way your getting in here, is if we feel you deserve to."

Her eyelids kept trying to turn into a glare, and her efforts to prevent it caused one of them to continuously twitch. "And just what, may she ask, would make her worthy of being seen?"

"Well, a good reason would help for one."

"Talking to your Uber King about Equestria doesn't count as a good reason?"

Greg raised an eyebrow, shifting a little in place. "Umm..no? Your explanation sucked."

Non-Greg nodded. "One of the worst we've seen."

"I mean, you wanted to talk to him about Equestria? That doesn't tell me anything. For all I know, you wanted to talk about the weather, or maybe some garbage about Equestrian fashion."

"Just what makes you think someone would waste hours standing in a line to talk to a King with such stupid reasons!?"

Greg pointed behind her. "Trust me, half the crowd here has something useless like that that they think is important enough that the Uber King himself just has to hear about it this very instant. So," Greg cracked his knuckles. "Just what about Equestria are you trying to waste the King's time about?"

"Diplomacy! Trade! Trixie wants him to remove the embargo and start talking with Equestria again! Is that a 'waste of time'!?"

Greg shrugged, giving Trixie a smug grin. "Well, maybe, maybe not. But you're gonna have to try back tomorrow. You're getting a little too hot-headed for me to want to deal with you anymore."

Hard work, Trixie. Honesty, Trixie. Just stick to being honest with him.

With a loud snort and a menacing growl, Trixie spoke in the nicest voice she could manage. "And Trixie thinks that YOU TWO SHOULD-"

Trixie groaned as she stood up in the alley after the world stopped spinning. Her horn lit up as she removed some trash from her shoulder.

"Too honest?"

The Hunter's Herald has once again found out more about this generations honorable prey! Earlier this morning, the unicorn known as Trixie finally began showing the young hunters of this city a few of her skills. The first attempt of the day involved the unicorn somehow getting both gryphons to injure eachother, with a before this, unseen magic. An eye witness account:

"She just came out of the inn, totally ignoring this young gryphon who was threatening her, like he wasn't even worth her time! Then she started eyeing every gryphon up, like she was daring one of us to make a move. Well, one did."

They did indeed! As another witness continued to explain.

"From out of nowhere, this kid just flies right at her! Then, suddenly her horn lit up, and poof! Smoke everywhere. Next thing I know, those two kids go flying into the side of a building! Then the smoke cleared, and she's just standing there, acting like it was nothing special."

To be fair, Trixie was 'in the zone' with that stunt.

One of the young hunter's managed to escape the scene, though his 'escape' was debatable.

"Her eyes dude, they just locked right on him while he was limping away. I swore she was about to go after him, but then-"

Accounts from here differ slightly, but one thing was clear from the reports. Equestria sent a skilled challenger to our fair city this time.

Trixie looked over to Gerard. "What do they mean by 'sent'?"

"You know, from whoever is in charge of the training. Or maybe whoever catches the Sun's eye. No gryphon really knows which pony makes the decision on who to send."

"....What the buck are you talking about, Gerard?" Trixie pointed her hoof from one newspaper article to the other. "All of these mention a 'camp', or 'special selection process', and now you're talking about training?"

Gerard made a soothing motion with his paws. "Woah, calm down. Look, we don't get much news from Equestria, for obvious reasons. So I don't know what you call your training site, or what you do there."

Trixie sighed, grabbing her barely alcoholic cocktail and taking a small sip. "Okay, how about you explain to Trixie what you know about all of this."

He whistled. "I can't explain all of the background between The Hunt and Equestria in one night. Its been happening for a little over five hundred years, you know."

She rolled her eyes at Gerard. "Summarize. Trixie will stop you if she needs to." Her eyes looked over the crowd gathered at the bar. Like last night, the crowd was almost all non-gryphons, save for Gerard. She even saw the donkey from earlier, sitting at one of the tables, and talking with another donkey. Perhaps his wife? Trixie was not good at telling donkeys apart.

"All right then, well-" Gerard took a quick drink. "I don't have all the facts, only the Uber library keeps the oldest of Gryphus's records, and you need the king's permission to go in there. But, some time ago, like, over seven or eight hundred years, Gryphus and Equestria had a falling out. No one really knows why anymore, but, all trade and communication was severed between the countries."

"Any guesses why?"

"Hmm..." Gerard thought for a moment. "Well, whatever it was, it had to do with your Princess Celestia. I'm sure of that much."

She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Celestia? She'd never do anything to intentionally cause a rift like that. Even the gryphons living inside Equestria are allowed to have their own kingdom."

Gerard chuckled bitterly. "Oh? Griffonstone is still around? Well, good for them."

"...So, you don't even communicate with the Gryphons in Equestria?"

He nodded, speaking in a darker tone. "They made their allegiance clear when the Uber king announced the closing of the borders. They could return to their homeland, or stay and never come back. That part of the Sundering is taught to every gryphon, despite no one knowing when or why it happened anymore. They abandoned their homeland, and worse."

"Worse?"

Gerard spoke with an hint of anger. "Many abandoned their clans. Their cousins, nieces, and grand parents. For that they are not deserving of our sympathy or trust. The clan is your family, and is meant to come before any other ties."

Well, at least Trixie knows why Gretta was so insistent on her facing Groat after teasing him about his clan.

She gave Gerard a minute to calm down, while taking cautious looks across the bar. She knew she was 'supposedly' safe while with Gerard, but she'd seen enough gryphons breaking the rules to be cautious.

"Woah, sorry about that." Gerard said. "Looks like I got a bit off topic there. But, going back to the thing about your princess. I say something bad happened between her and Gryphus, only because of how many stories there are about her. Ones you tell your fledgling to scare them into doing the right thing in the future. Stories also call her the 'Sun Tyrant' more often than not as well."

Trixie shrugged. "Trixie doesn't know anything about that. But the result was that Equestria and Gryphus stopped talking, and then the hunts started?"

He shook his head. "Umm...not quite that quickly. To make it brief, the first Equestrian came to Gryphus, like, five hundreds years ago. So there was a few hundred years of little to no communication between the two nations. Then, every fifty years or so, a Equestrian would wander into the city, challenging Gryphus to The Hunt."

"What do gryphons think of The Hunt?"

He grinned a bit at her, his eyes sparkling. "Now, that is an interesting topic. You see, The Hunt was only used on criminals by that point, the other nations didn't have the guts to brave the challenge anymore. By the third challenge from Equestria, Gryphus began to consider The Hunt a strictly Equestrian challenge, and the rules began to change accordingly."

"How so?"

"First, the clans were no longer required to explain to Equestrians about the need for protection in Gryphus, and their entering of the city was considered enough for the challenge to be issued."

"What!? Why!?" Who decided that Trixie was looking to be killed for just entering a city!?

"Well, the first clans explained that the Equestrians acted 'insulted' when they were offered protection. From what I remember, one of them even bolted for the doors to the city while several clans were coming over to explain the cities rules to them."

...So the first Equestrians got freaked out by several armed gryphons approaching them outside the city and Trixie is paying for it now....

"From there, the rules on safe zones were set up, as well as the different weeks for different gryphons. Many gryphons became altruistic about the hunt, and wanted it to be as fair as possible due to the efforts Equestria was putting into the hunt."

And now the ball drops...

"A-and...just what 'efforts' is Gryphus aware of Equestria doing for these hunts?"

"Well, a lot of it is hearsay, but so far the theories have held up to be true. Equestria has some type of camp, or training facility, where potential challengers are trained. Every fifty or sixty years, one of them is deemed suitable for the challenge, and takes the old farm road from Equestria to Gryphus."

"Actually, in a funny way, the hunt has become a bit romanticized by the public." Gerard put on a girlish tone. "A lone pony, trained to hold their own in a city who wants them dead. Fighting to prove that Equestrians still acknowledge the old ways of hunter and prey. The two nations never speak to eachother, but their actions alone speak volumes."

He chuckled at his own antics before continuing.

"There was even a book made about a pony and gryphon falling in love during one of the hunts. Pure drivel, but every time a hunt hits, it sells like seed cakes for a few months."

"Trixie has a bad feeling on this, but, how does it end?"

"Oh." He waved a paw assuringly at her. "Don't worry, the pegasus loses to her lover in the hunt. The gryphon hesitates though, and the pegasus gets angry, and demands that he doesn't dishonor her in such a manner. In the end, he kills her, though the prestige he gained means nothing to him now. It's a classic, really."

"Right, why would Trixie think anything different would happen?" She put down her empty tankard, and stood up. "Okay, Trixie has heard enough for one night. She is just going to relax and stay inside tomorrow."

"Woah, really?" Trixie nodded to him. "Well, that's fine, I guess. Just make sure not to get sick the day after or anything."

...Trixie has to ask why, doesn't she? They need an instruction manual for this stupid thing!

"And why would you say that?"

"Well, obviously, if you get sick the day after you spent inside, you'll have to go out, or risk being disqualified."

"....Forgive Trixie, she..umm...didn't pay much attention to the rules about being disqualified at 'camp', what does that mean?"

"Woah, well, it means the Hunt of Glory is over. If the honored prey is not seen and engages in the hunt for at least several hours each day, barring one day of rest each week, then it becomes a Hunt of Shame."

"...Meaning...?"

"Pfft, you really were all about how to win, and not how you can fail, huh?"

"That...sounds like something Trixie would do."

"Heh, right. Well, the Hunt of Shame means all gryphon's are allowed to hunt the dishonored prey, and the only way for the hunt to end is if the prey makes it back to Equestria, or is caught."

"...Horseapples..."

Another night, another dreamscape of distorted emotions and images. Flickering illusions of past events and feelings, more of pain and regret than anything else; it was always like this for her. It had been years since Trixie had a real dream.

Until now.

"Well...this is...different."

Trixie looked around her. She was standing on a small stage in the middle of an empty town. Cottages were lined along the road as far as Trixie could see. In the distance, there was what looked to be a carousel, along with a cupcake-shaped building she recognized. She was in Ponyville.

"Oh, Trixie..."

Her ears perked at the familiar voice, and she looked up to where it had come from, only to gasp. The darkened sky was filled with images, memories of her past. Most of them were hazy, and flickering in and out of existence as she watched. Every so often, she was able to make out a word or two amid the noise they all made.

What the buck is going on here?

"A-hem..."

Trixie looked away from the sky at the sound of somepony clearing their throat. Her eyes widened at the sight of the pony in front of her.

"P-princess Luna? What-"

"Thank the heavens! I had feared that I had entered Discord's dreams again by mistake." She looked up at the sky. "Your mind and his share a few too many similarities for me to easily help, I fear."

Trixie felt conflicted at hearing this, and it was clear on her face to Luna.

"Fear not, little one." That conflicted look took on a tone of irritation, much to Luna's confusion. "Whatever has your mind so disturbed has been long in building, years perhaps. But I assure you we can find the source of this pain."

"Trixie's pain..." She gave Luna a suspicious glare. "Trixie has slept like this since before your return. Even still, you've had, what? Three years to come to her about this and only now you show up? Why are you really here?"

Luna's brow narrowed slightly. Trixie...where have I heard that name before? I would remember such a rude, yet perceptive, pony.

She tried a comforting smile. "You are right, I am not here just because of your disturbed dreams, though I would like to help with them nonetheless. Allow me to ask, are you aware of where you are right now?"

Trixie rolled her eyes, using her hooves to indicate the area around them in a bored manner. "Yes, yes. Trixie is in the dreamscape. You used your magic to stabilize her dream in order to speak with her. Once you stop doing so, Trixie will more than likely wake up due to your magic's influence alerting her mind that something is wrong."

Luna's eyes widened a little. "Y-yes...that is correct. I was unaware that any pony alive still studied dream magic. Are you, by chance, a practitioner?"

"Hmph, no, do you really believe that Trixie would have such messy dreams if she was? You can blame her mother and the whole 'Lulamoon traditions' she insisted on Trixie learning."

The Lulamoons, right. They never mentioned having a daughter when we last spoke though. This is the unicorn who challenged Twilight with the amulet?

Luna shook her head. There were too many things she wanted to know and deal with concerning this unicorn now. Best to focus on the more important things first, like her survival. I can work on her lack of respect later.

"What I meant was, are you aware of where you are in the real world?"

Trixie nodded her head, sarcastically adding. "Of course, Trixie is in Canterlot, and every pony is dressed as gryphon's due to some kind of festival."

Luna couldn't help but let her smile drop at that. "Why are you so hostile? Have I offended you in some manner? Is this...about Nightmare Moon?"

Trixie simply turned her back to Luna, holding her head high and gazing at the image filled sky above her. "Nightmare Moon? No pony cares about that anymore. Trixie is angry because you are being dishonest with her. You didn't come here to help her. You know Trixie is aware of where she is, yet you ask such pointless questions? Perhaps you should read more on Honesty, if you really were one of the element holders."

"We...actually held three of them at one point. Though Honesty was not one of them." Trixie's glare made her hastily continue. "And there are still those who hate us for what we once were."

Trixie sighed and slightly shook her head as she turned around, as if Luna was a child. "Everypony deserves a second chance. Even a third chance. Just be happy about who you are. Second chances don't come as easy for other ponies as it did for you..."

Luna nodded, used to this sort of treatment as well. Ponies had been envious of her for generations after all. "So, you are jealous of my rank then? You think my being a Princess is what bought me a chance at redemption? That makes some sense, but I assure you, it was not all-"

Luna's words were interrupted as she suddenly found Trixie directly in front of her. Trixie was glaring into her eyes, this being only possible due to the stage somehow moving with her. "You really are an idiot. Stop acting like you know what Trixie thinks. Rank? Princesshood!? Trixie's not talking about any of that!"

Trixie pointed a hoof at Luna, her eyes alight with a blue fire. "Princess Celestia is your sister. Of course you got a second chance. Of course you had a place to recover after your failures. Of course you had somepony to help pick you up!"

Luna was speechless. The literal fire running along Trixie's eyes, the way she moved nearly instantaneously in front of her. Luna briefly looked up and confirmed what she already knew. The Images floating above were gone, leaving a star filled night.

An inexperienced Dream Walker. We had hoped the Lulamoons still had the gift in their blood. For us to be able to develop it over time until their line produced another. But, we never expected one to already exist. Why didn't her parents tell us about her!?

Lamenting, Luna couldn't believe the situation she was in now. A Dream Walker, a pony Luna had been hoping to find and train, was in Gryphus, a city she was bound to die in. Adding to that was the state of Trixie's mind.

Something is very wrong. All those images, her mind is conflicted, but why? What conflict of thought brought her to a city like Gryphus?

"Get out."

Luna blinked, realizing she had been staring at Trixie for a moment straight without saying anything. Trixie and the stage had shifted back a few yards, though Trixie's glare was just as strong.

"Sorry, we were lost in thought for a moment. If you could just-"

"No," Trixie interrupted. "You're just wasting Trixie's time now. Time that she needs to rest so she will be ready for The Hunt. Get out."

T-this insolent little foal!

Growling, Luna's horn began to glow. Her form shifted as mist poured out from the cottages. As the mist entered her, she grew. Within seconds, she was twice her previous size. Shortly after that, she was towering over Trixie, an enraged look on her face. "How DARE you treat your Princess this way! Have you no shame!? We are here to HELP you, and you act like a foal towards us!"

Trixie was looking up, wide eyed at Luna. She even nudged back a few hoof lengths as Luna grew.

"Now, if you will not listen to us when we are being kind, then you will listen to us this way! Gryphus will kill you! We are the only pony to EVER survive that wretched trial they call The Hunt! Now, tell us, foal, why are you in Gryphus, a nation restricted to Equestrians!?"

Trixie had somehow managed to look away from the Alicorn towering over her, but found it hard to move her body beyond that. "I-I...I need to be here. I-it's my last chance. I-I have to prove myself."

Luna's tone softened slightly. "What, my little pony, are you trying to prove?"

S-she has no right.

Trixie's head slowly turned back to look up at Luna. Though it was far less intimidating now, Trixie still managed to weakly glare up at her.

She has no right to call Trixie that!

"Only one pony may call Trixie that, and you aren't her. Trixie is following the teachings of the elements. She's working hard to change herself. To instill the six in her mind and fix her personality."

"Trixie," Luna said, a concerned tone in her voice. "The elements aren't a way of life, they aren't something that is meant to constantly be on your mind. Every pony has some measure of each in themselves, but don't you see? Trying to 'fix' your personality is why your dreams are so distorted, why every part of this dream has the feeling of frustration to it. You can't, no, you shouldn't try to change who you are."

Parts of the dreamscape took on a red tinge. Trixie let out a deep breath. "You may be older, Luna, but you haven't been awake for that long. Equestria is different from whatever it was a thousand years ago. Ponies like Trixie don't belong there. So Trixie's only choice is to change. She has to become a hero, one who abides by the elements. She has to become accepted in Equestria as more than a normal pony, else she will never fulfill the promise she made."

"What promise, my little pony?"

"...Become somepony important, and we can be together."

Suddenly, Luna's world became blackness.

"What-"

"Trixie told you."

Lighting her horn, Luna found herself trapped in a box, one large enough to hold her form. She gasped in surprise as she felt the box lifted off of the ground.

"Only one pony can call Trixie that."

The box began tumbling, causing Luna to bang against the sides as it went faster and faster. She felt the box compressing, forcing her to shrink or be crushed. Luna could barely concentrate enough to do that, let alone think of a way out.

Trixie watched as the box became smaller and smaller, all the while spinning and changing direction as she willed it to. Hearing the dull smacks as Luna was repeatedly thrown against the sides was strangely cathartic to her. Once Trixie figured Luna was back to her original size, she slowed the box down, and removed the bottom of it. Luna fell several feet to the ground, landing with a small thud and not even trying to catch herself.

"And you are not her."

After a few minutes of waiting for the world to stop spinning, Luna staggered back to her hooves. Her hair was a mess now, wildly splayed out at random angles. Her feathers were in disarray, and would take a few hours of preening to fix.

"W-we thought you said that you didn't practice Dream Walking."

"Trixie doesn't. But you are in her dream, right? So therefore, she has all the power."

"I-it doesn't actually work quite like that." Luna took a few deep breathes, trying to get her composure back before continuing.

"Trixie, emulating the elements is pointless, you aren't them. No pony is asking you to be them. Just come back to Equestria, and we promise-"

"No, I don't believe you."

Trixie jumped down from the stage, her face twisted in anger. The stage behind her quickly changed from wood to stone, and then grew upwards, becoming a huge pillar.

"I'll return to Equestria, a hero, or I won't come back at all."

Trixie's horn began to glow, the magenta magic making a line straight towards the top of the pillar, only to be met halfway by a yellow line of magic. The pale outline of a pony began to take shape on top of the pillar, its horn directed down at Trixie, and emitting the yellow beam.

Wait...That's not a pillar...

"There's no point on returning until I prove myself. There's no point of returning at all, if I can't be with her. Not after all of this..."

Tears streamed down Trixie's eyes, eyes that were alight with a blue fire that was flickering several inches out from them. A large ball of swirling magenta and yellow magic formed between Trixie and the indescribable pony. The ball started to float its way up to the tip of the mirage's horn.

It's a...pedestal?

"Now, get out! Leave me to my dreams, as messed up as they may seem to a pony like you!!"

"Trixie, Please! Wait!"

The glowing figure on the pedestal reared back on its hind legs, growing larger as Luna watched in awe. Its wings unfurled, expanding far past the dreamscape village they were in, and into the darkness beyond. The figure was now almost blinding to Luna.

A-an Alicorn?

"GET OUUUUT!!!"

The ball of magic, held aloft by the mirage's horn shot towards Luna. Her vision quickly became nothing but yellow and magenta as the beam of magic blew her out of the dream. Right after Luna exited, the entire dreamscape began to crack and break into shards, eventually leaving Trixie in darkness.

Seconds later, Trixie awoke to the sound of her window shattering.

Battle of Wills

Grumbling, Trixie rolled over. A few swipes of a hoof removed the sleep from her eyes. She nuzzled into her pillow again, giving a content sigh. As her mind began to wake up more, she perked an ear, listening for any sounds.

Silence. Blessed silence.

Her eyes opened to pitch darkness. A darkness her horn easily parted with a simple spell. Slowly, she rolled off of the side of the bed and fell onto the floor with no regard to catching herself. Her morning rituals were a bit strange, but they worked for her. She wandered in and out of conciousness for a few minutes, feeling the cold wood beneath her before finally standing up to begin the day.

The room was mostly bare except for the bed and a dresser. The dust on the floor made it clear that no one had used it in some time. The room was small, too small for an adult gryphon, and small enough for a pony like her to only be slightly comfortable in it. Still, Trixie knew the two reasons Gretta had tossed her in here last night after hearing Trixie screaming bloody murder.

First, there was no windows. Trixie didn't have to worry about waking up to that again. Second, the three large bolts on a very thick wooden door. The hinges were, strangely enough, on the inside of the room as well. While safe, Trixie was pretty confident that whatever use this room once had was not a happy one. It was a little concerning to her.

Of course, Trixie had many concerns, all of which she decided could wait until she had something to eat.

Using her magic, Trixie unlocked the door and stepped out, getting her first real light of the day. The hallway was bare, as always, save for a leather clad white gryphon wearing the colors of the city guard standing near her door. He was new.

Looking over, the gryphon nodded. "Good afternoon, honored prey."

"Afternoon?"

"Yes Ma'am. You will find your old room ready for use again. We made sure none of your possessions were removed or damaged during the repairs and capture of the criminal. Feel free to freshen up if you like."

Blushing a bit, Trixie brought a hoof up to her mane, only now remembering the warped abomination that it became at night. Her hair was most likely a mess, jagged where it should be smooth, and she had noted it constantly trying to cover up one of her eyes already. Wordlessly, she walked past the guard.

Cautiously, Trixie opened the door to her room. The window had been replaced, as well as part of the wall. She had been a bit panicked and disorientated last night and wound up just chucking anything that she could see at the shadow trying to make its way through the window. Everything but the bed had needed replacing.

She took her time getting ready for what was left of the day. Despite sleeping in, or perhaps because of it, Trixie was feeling a bit groggy. She blamed it on Luna.

Trixie groaned while grooming her mane. That was not the way Trixie had hoped to meet her. In the audience of one of Trixie's shows, maybe. Introduced to her by Trixie's paramour, certainly. But getting into an argument and blasting her out of Trixie's dream? No, that was not on the list. Trixie sighed as she thought over what Luna had said.

First, and only pony to make it through The Hunt? Figures, all Trixie needs is the power of an Alicorn and she'll be just fine then...

She shook her head, putting the brush down and heading over to a small pile of scrolls. Better not think like that. Trixie tried for power with the Alicorn amulet and was lucky to not be kicked out of Equestria. She just needs to see the king before this week is up and then get out of the city as fast as possible.

Silently, Trixie read the first part of the scroll.

Starlight Glimmer's Guide to Inner Harmony

Loyalty. Honesty. Generosity. Kindness. Laughter. These elements are found in all living things, and have proven to be what has guided Equestria through the worst of times. Among the races, Equines in particular seem to be attuned the best to these five virtues. While magic is often misconstrued as one of the elements, it is, at best, a helper to the five virtues. Magic, like cutie marks, has actually been evidenced to cause more harm in Equestrian society than good. But, such thoughts are for later, good reader. Let us talk about you for a moment.

Apart from research, the main reason for somepony to desire to read through this is due to a sense of disharmony within themselves. Perhaps you feel shunned from others, or do not feel like you belong. Perhaps you have problems with friendships, both in making and keeping them. Do you fear that you cannot understand others, or think too differently from the herd? Do you stick out like a sore hoof? If any of this is true, dear reader, then there is one simple explanation.

You are not balanced.

This is not completely your fault. Parent's can encourage a foal to try to be unique, to feel and think of themselves as special compared to others. Many such foals become bullies later on in life, exp-

Trixie skimmed down the scroll, searching for what she was hoping to become her mantra.

Quotes from the current bearers of the five virtues:

Loyalty: Be true to your friends, and they will stay true to you in return.

Generousity: Give freely, the more dear something is to you, the more likely that it can help another more.

Laughter: The important thing about a good joke is how many smiles it brings.

Kindness: We all hurt or get hurt by somepony at some point. What matters is how we recover as friends from those incidents.

Honesty: Lyings never done anypony a lick of good. Work hard, be upfront, and there ain't nothing you can't do!

After reading these lines several times, Trixie closed her eyes and repeated them in her own head. After a minute of this, she opened them again, gathered her attire, and headed for the exit. With a gentle click of the door closing behind her, Trixie made her way downstairs, and then to the bar. She was greeted by Gretta, along with a plate of her normal fare.

"Ah, Miss Trixie." Gretta said, waving to her from the bar. "I must apologize for the last few days."

Trixie sat down at the bar, and started nibbling on her food. "For what?"

"Well-" Gretta started, a look of regret on her face. "I have not been as careful as I should have been. I had hoped that the staff who work here would be enough eyes to keep you safe, but I did not realize just how many gryphons would break the rules and come after you. For that, I am sorry, and I assure you that events like last night will not happen again."

Trixie gave Gretta a unconvinced look. "Trixie wants to believe you, and she knows you are doing your best, but..."

Gretta nodded. "There has been issues, I know. But there is now a guard outside on patrol, both day and night, and one in the hallway by your bedroom. I was hoping after the first two attempts it would stop, but I was wrong. This hunt has been...different from the others, from what I have been told."

"Oh?"

"It seems that honor and the glory of the hunt itself is less important than the prize this time."

Trixie thinks it has something more to do with their sick desire to hunt others for fun.

"Wait...what prize?"

Gretta stopped cleaning a shot glass at that question, and looked at Trixie with confusion, and then understanding. "Ah. I suppose that information was lost, or was never important at your training camp. The hunter who kills the honored prey is written about, getting his name in the papers across the empire. They are usually invited to many of the higher nobles parties for a time, and, if there family is not noble, there is a good chance that they can be made minor nobility. They even have the honor of sitting at the King's table and recounting the story." Gretta shrugged her shoulders. "Personally? I think the ones risking hunting you early are trying to get their record cleaned off, which is possible if you were, or even if you are, a criminal. A criminal history brings much shame on a family, noble or otherwise."

"...Great, and just why are they able to get any of that if they...catch Trixie early?"

"Pfft, the one from last night? He would have been dead the moment he tried to claim the prize. His was a stupid plan, left too much evidence. What did he think the guards would believe? That you decided to take a stroll outside, couldn't wait long enough to walk downstairs, let alone open the window, and figured the best idea was to just jump through it? Idiot."

Gretta shook her head in disgust. "No, they need to make it look like you decided to run, or disappear for a few days, and make it into a Hunt of Shame. The rewards for that are not nearly what the Hunt of Honor gives, but it is enough for gryphons like that."

"Figures, even this so called 'honorable hunt' has loopholes." Trixie began to wonder if there was any she could exploit.

"The hunt's rules are from a different time, less gryphons, less crime, etcetera, etcetera. It is still the most fair of the hunts out there though. And perhaps some rules will be changed once this one ends."

Trixie nodded while chewing on a carrot. "So, how's Groat?"

Gretta grinned at that. "Oh, the little hunter is of no worry to you for the moment. You sprained one of his legs, so he won't be after you again. At least, this week. But even if he tries again next week, you will have bigger gryphons to fry. Fledglings like him are pushed to the back once the first week is over."

Trixie gave a little smirk back, despite how her insides felt at the mention of next week. "Well, it's good to hear he wasn't too hurt." She sighed, looking over to the inn door. "Trixie supposes she's left her adoring public waiting long enough on her." Trixie gave a nod to Gretta, and, With a groan, got off of the stool.

"Knock em dead. Or, well, knock them over, they are fledglings after all."

With one last grin, Trixie made her way towards the exit. "Trixie will work to remember that while they are trying to kill her."

Ugh. Are they really trying to kill Trixie, or just waste her time?

She was only a few blocks from the palace by now. Considering the time of day, she doubted she'd have much chance of even getting to the two chucklehead guards at the door, but, well, she didn't really have anywhere safe to go before nightfall anyways.

With burst of speed and a few smoke bombs, Trixie ran into an alley. One of the few she noticed to not have any young gryphons lying in ambush for her.

Seriously, the first day, they chase Trixie like mad, and now it's all poorly done ambushes and glide by attacks. Trixie is...happy at how bad they are at this, but, still...it's beginning to feel a bit insulting.

Sitting down, Trixie started watching the road. She had earned a few minutes rest. Her mind slowly drifted back to last night with Luna.

What is Trixie going to do about her? Hopefully she took the hint, and will leave her alone now, but...somehow Trixie doubts it.

She pondered a bit, listening to the pitter patter of clawed feet as gryphons passed her by, and the small scrabbling of claws on top of buildings.

She's probably furious. Technically, she does outrank Trixie...okay, so it's not technically. Keep working on that ego, Trixie. It's gotten you so far in life. Buck, again with thinking Trixie...err..I'm better than other ponies...

She sighed, noting the sounds of clawed feet on the roads coming from all around her.

Reading that scroll isn't helping enough. Would Starlight have even been willing to help me if I could have tracked her down? Just my luck she disappeared a few years ago...wait...the street is in front of me, so why is Trixie hearing walking from-BUCK!

Trixie bucked behind her as hard as she could, coming in contact with something. Something hard. Luckily, that something was not heavy enough to stop from flying away once Trixie's hooves hit it. With a solid smack, Trixie's would be attacker bounced off one of the walls.

She quickly spun around, readying her horn to blast whoever was after her. Her ears zoned in on something she hadn't been expecting however.

Crying.

A small gryphon was curled up near the side of the alley, holding its beak between its paws. While most of the gryphon's body was a deep red, their paws and head were a very pure white. Trixie took a cautious step closer, noticing the feminine features of the gryphon now.

Something nagged at Trixie about this gryphon, but she shook it away. Whether or not Trixie met her before wasn't the issue, this gryphon had tried to kill her, and had gotten exceedingly close. Giving a small grumble, Trixie approached the gryphon, lightly stepping on her tail to get her attention. With a cry, the gryphon clumsily jumped up, almost falling over again from the surprise.

"Now-" Trixie said, "Turn around."

Shivering like a leaf, the gryphon slowly turned her head towards Trixie, tears still slipping down her beak, which was still being held in one clawed paw. When their eyes met, the gryphon's breathing began to pick up. It was almost ridiculous to Trixie, considering how this gyphon was just as tall as she was, yet almost cowering before her. A sick part of Trixie was actually enjoying the gryphon's terror, but she did her best to ignore it. Getting pleasure out of scaring children was definitely not a good thing.

The gryphon squirmed a little, whimpering as she tried to dislodge her tail from underneath Trixie. She stomped her hoof down harder, causing the gryphon to start tearing up again.

We all hurt or get hurt by somepony at some point. What matters is how we recover as friends from those incidents.

Trixie sighed, taking her hoof off of the gryphon's tail. The gryphon immediately brought the tail up to her paw and started to gently stroke it, keeping two fearful eyes on Trixie.

"Look...Trixie is sorry for scaring you. Just...don't try to kill her again, okay?"

It wasn't her best work, but then again, Trixie really didn't know what to say in a situation like this.

Trixie heard a heavy thump form behind her as another gryphon landed. She quickly turned around, horn blazing.

"Gertrude!"

"U-U-Uncle!"

The young gryphon, who Trixie now knew to be Gertrude, ran past her as fast as she could, and collided with her uncle in a bone crushing hug. Gertrude began crying as her uncle stroked her head. Calmly, the uncle looked over at Trixie.

"Honored prey, I apologize. I hope you can forgive my intrusion. I realize that all you've done is scare her compared to the ones who hunted you yesterday, but I was unable to watch any longer."

Trixie groaned, putting a hoof to her face. "It's fine, is she okay?"

He nodded, lifting the now calmer Gertrude up onto his back where she clung and hid between his shoulders from Trixie. "The kick and your actions after scared her much more than hurt her. She'll be fine. I thank you for your understanding."

"This wouldn't have happened to her if you didn't bring her out to hunt Trixie you know."

"I'm sorry about her performance, I assure you next time-"

"Trixie isn't upset about her not being able to sneak up on Trixie! Why do you, why do all of you think it's a good idea to hunt others in the first place!?"

"Why do we hunt?" the uncle asked, a thoughtful look on his face. "Because we are hunters. Because we are predators. It is who we are."

"That doesn't excuse-"

"No, it doesn't excuse what we do. But it is necessary. To become docile means to die. It means opening our borders to invasion. If all we did was eat what comes off of the farms, we would grow soft. A soft predator surrounded by strong prey is a dead predator."

"And trust me, honored prey," He said, giving Trixie a small bow. "You yourself show us how strong the prey of your nation can be. We honor this trial you are going through as the only nation still willing to challenge us as you are."

"W-well..." Trixie shuffled her hooves a bit uncomfortably. "Trixie guesses that makes some sense...but wouldn't it be better to make allies with the stronger prey then?"

The uncle shrugged. "I am no diplomat. But, tell me, for the sake of argument. If all plants and edible things for you suddenly became sentient, would you allow yourself to starve, or eat them? How easy do you think it would be to ally with a nation of plants, when you and your ponies eat other plants daily? How long would it take you to understand that one plant is smarter then another, and that you should only eat it under the most strict of circumstances?"

"..."

He bowed to her again. "We respect the sacrifice that you and many others have made to keep our nation strong. I am honored that you taught my niece a lesson in a safe environment as opposed to her learning it when it is too late. May the hunt be glorious for you." With those words, he turned around and walked off. Gertrude looked back at Trixie from her uncle's back, and Trixie watched them both until they were no longer in sight.

"This...is this really how it has to be...?"

She didn't want to believe it, she couldn't believe that. Harmony always found a way. The virtues worked in Equestria, it worked on every race in Equestria, it even worked in the Crystal Empire. Surely harmony would work here too, with the right catalyst? But, what was the right catalyst?

Trixie can only hope its her. If not, this won't end well five days from now...

Collapsing onto her bed, Trixie wearily let out a loud sigh.

"Well, that was a waste of a day."

She writhed on the bed a little, trying to get comfortable. A brief flash of pain colored her features as Trixie accidently rubbed her back on the new cuts she received from a few of the better hidden gryphons. Apart from now being more wary of fruit stands, Trixie considered the day a bust.

"Didn't even get to talk to those idiot guards today. Not like they have ever been helpful. Maybe Trixie will get lucky and they'll drown themselves tonight."

Sadly, Gerard had been busy, so Trixie spent her night at the bar drinking and eating alone. She'd gotten used to at least seeing one friendly face in Gryphus. It made the daily near death experiences a little easier to handle.

"On the bright side, at least the guards will make sure Trixie's rest is not disturbed for once."

So much for finally getting a good nights rest. I wonder if gryphons know how to patrol dreams?

Trixie rubbed her head, irritated that a certain Princess couldn't take a hint and stop obsessing over her. The irony was not lost on Trixie.

Still, she hadn't been back to the Pie's rock farm in ages, and decided to take a look around while she waited for whatever Luna was planning. Off in the distance she could make out the farmhouse where she spent many a night sore and completely exhausted. The fields looked the same as always; brown, and covered in rocks ranging from small pebbles, to the size of the farmhouse itself. Trixie had never managed to see how the Pie's hauled in the largest of rocks, but perhaps that was for the best. Some mysteries were best left unsolved in her opinion.

Far above Trixie, various memories and images flashed in and out in the sky like last time. After a few minutes of quietly looking around, she became a bit nervous. Luna had appeared to her much faster last night. What was she waiting for? While cautiously glancing around, Trixie made her way deeper into the stone filled fields.

After a few minutes, Trixie grew a little annoyed. The farmhouse was not getting any nearer for her, and she wasn't even sure if she had made any progress towards it. Was Luna just playing with her?

She's probably still annoyed at the whole 'magic blast to the face' thing from yesterday. She seems the type to hold a grudge.

Trixie sat down, deciding that she was fine where she was for the moment. Her horn glowed as she lifted two rocks into the air with her telekinesis. They were each about the size of her, and made a soothing smashing noise as she crashed them together. Slowly, the rocks began crumbling underneath the intense pressure of her magic, as well as the blows from being repeatedly smacked into one another. After a short time of this, Trixie began to reminisce on the past.

It hadn't been easy, staying at the rock farm. She had stumbled in, having lost her wagon and just about everything else long before making it to the small town near the farm. She'd found out the farm needed helpers, and they didn't bat an eye at her claims of greatness when she came in for an interview.

It was pathetic of her, now that she thought on it. She had acted so prideful, despite the tattered cloak and hat she wore that day. She'd even claimed to be a master of the art of rock smashing. She was pretty sure her ribs had been showing at the time, further proof that she wasn't in the best of shape for lifting a pickaxe, let alone the work they wanted her to do.

The final small rocks drifted to the ground, leaving Trixie a solid core of gems and cracked open geodes held in her telekinesis. She drifted them over to the cart Luna had brought over, and picked up two slightly larger boulders before going back to her thoughts.

This job helped me become a lot more down to earth...for a short time, at least.

She had started out in the worst of ways, her stubbornness causing her to drive herself to unconsciousness in the fields each day. She had been angry at the time. The job was desperately needed, and paid well, but she still couldn't believe her life as a show mare trying to amaze Equestria had brought her to this dead end farm. For the first three months, she had constantly collapsed in those fields, only to wake up in her bed at the farmhouse. Nopony said a word about it, though it was clear that they weren't happy with her actions. While a small part of Trixie thought it might have been due to them being worried about her, her cynical side at the time assured her it was more likely that the Pie's did not think they were getting their monies worth out of her. She had tried harder, continuing to ignore breaks the other Pie's took and suggested she did as well. Regardless of the wisdom at the time, Trixie had preferred collapsing than admitting defeat to a bunch of dumb rocks. She had already lost too many times as it was.

Still, I did improve. Lifting objects like this is a joke to Trixie now.

Absentmindedly, she re-filled the empty cart Luna had brought back before picking up another two boulders.

Her magic might still be weak at a lot of things, but her telekinesis had improved in leaps and bounds thanks to the farm. Six months in, and she had stopped using a pickaxe entirely, it wound up just slowing her down. Her magic was enough to crack them open, albeit slower then she had liked at the time. While she still couldn't compare to how quickly the Pie's could smash their hooves through solid granite, she was at least able to almost keep up with them as time went on. Eventually, she just did what she was doing now, levitating and smashing the rocks against eachother, all the while grinding them down under the pressure of her magic. Finally, she had found a technique that put her on even hooves with the rest of the farms members.

That success, as well as the end of the harvest season (Again, something best left unsolved) had netted Trixie enough bits to try to re-make her image. But to do that, she needed a way to defeat Twilight and show Equestria that she wasn't a joke. Unfortunately, while she was stronger, Trixie's only new skill was being able to lift heavy objects and crush them. While that may have been enough to defeat Twilight, Trixie was not willing to cross that line to win.

"You really should rest, the rocks aren't going anywhere."

"Fine, just one more and Trixie will take a break."

"Very well, though that's the last one I'm hauling for you. Call me a touch arrogant, but I like to think that I'm a bit over qualified for a job like this."

And then Trixie had found the amulet, along with several books of advanced magic she could never use with just her own meager powers. She had studied those books for months, the world getting a bit hazier every day, until-

Trixie screamed and ran a few dozen hooves away from Luna before turning around and staring at her. "What are you doing here!?"

"...Unloading this cart for you?"

"Don't get cute with Trixie!"

Luna blushed, bringing a regal hoof up to her lips. "Are you...coming onto me? I was so sure you were interested in another Alicorn, but if it's me, well-"

"Stop!" Trixie held up a hoof demandingly. "Stop right there! Trixie is already a master at changing subjects when cornered, so she knows what you are trying to do!"

"Hmph." Luna took her hoof down, losing her blush and flirtatious look. "Forgive us for trying to banter with you. Though what if we were to say we were actually interested in you in that manner?"

"Trixie is flattered, but she is already taken."

"Right." Luna started to approach Trixie, her steps causing Trixie to start backing away from her slowly. "I have quite a few questions about that as well. But I would like to see you alive and well to ask them first, if you don't mind."

"T-trixie in fact, does mind. She would rather you not come to Gryphus after her."

"Pfft. For a mare claiming the desire to be virtuous, you think a lot of yourself."

Trixie's eyes widened as she looked to the ground. "Trix-I-I'm not trying to-"

"Stop that." Luna interrupted. "We were teasing you, but perhaps we should speak of this now as it has come up. You, Trixie Lulamoon, are not meant to be a humble pony."

"...What?"

"Look at yourself." Luna pointed to Trixie's cape and hat. They were clean, crisp, and sparkling. "Look at this dream...nevermind. You are not experienced enough to see it, but I do. There is no red agitation, no confusion here. When we were just speaking, you were yourself, and not a befuddled mess trying to follow another's beliefs."

Trixie sighed. "Thanks for rubbing that in my face. Yes, Trixie is still struggling to better herself, and yes Tr-I am still failing at it. I know."

Luna gaped at her. "A-are you even listening to what we are saying!? This path you are walking is not who you are, it is not a path that anypony should follow! You wish to care for others more? Then do it. You wish to be a better pony? Then do it. But do it in a way that is right for who you are. Don't follow a path that tries to lead you away from yourself like this. This path that claims to be virtuous is only bringing you down a road you can't walk."

Trixie looked at Luna, wide eyed for a moment, before her look of surprise turned to a narrow eyed glare. "You...wish for Trixie to fail...don't you?"

"What?"

"Trixie thought over the virtue of kindness today when faced with the decision to hurt a fledgling, or to let her go. Part of me wanted to injure her, to keep her from coming back and trying to kill Trixie."

"Well, in your circumstances, that is understandable, but-"

"Trixie only stopped because of remembering the quote about the virtue of kindness! They are helping her!"

Luna shook her head sadly at Trixie. "Please do not take this the wrong way, but, no, they are not. From what I have seen, and what little I know of you now, you would not have hurt that nestling. You only think those beliefs are helping you, Trixie. You wouldn't have hurt her because you are not a bad pony. Not because of what a book tells you to do."

Helplessly, Trixie let a lone tear fall down her cheek. "W-why won't you understand!?"

"I do, Trixie, more than you know. Please, let me help you. I should have a small group ready to head to Gryphus soon. But, if you could just make it to the border, I can-"

"No! I'm not done here yet! I told you, I can't go back!" Trixie turned around and began trotting away from Luna. Away from the farm. But, no matter how she tried, there was no end in sight, and Luna easily kept up to her.

"It's happening again. You're mind is unsettled, your path unclear. It's why you aren't making any progress."

Trixie's legs felt like they were fighting through molasses with every step. "Shut up! Let Trixie go!"

"I'm not doing this to you. Look, let us talk about something else, perhaps that will calm you down. The Alicorn on that pedestal, I could not see them clearly, but-"

And just like that, the molasses was suddenly gone. Blushing red, Trixie focused on getting away from Luna and that conversation as fast as possible. She ran like a bat out of Tartarus.

Unfortunately, Luna seemed used to chasing such bats, as the sounds of the Lunar Princess gaining on Trixie confirmed.

"Wait, Trixie!"

"Just leave me alone!"

"Please! Could we just...huh." Luna looked around her, noticing she was now in a dark forest. The moon was overhead, but, as she continued to run after Trixie, the light dimmed worse and worse.

This is a very bad time for her Dreamwalking talent to come into play...

"Trixie! Stop!"

A sob from far away caused Luna to feel as if she had been kicked in the chest. The light continued to dim, and she lost sight of Trixie. All Luna could hear was Trixie's hooves as she continued to run, her mind subconsciously continuing to warp the dream. Her latent dream walking was making it impossible for Luna to use her usual tricks to regain control and help her.

We...we did not mean for this to happen...

Luna stopped chasing, unable to find her way anymore. She could do nothing as the dream turned into a nightmare meant to prey on Trixie's fears. Most likely, from what little she had gleamed of Trixie so far in the waking world, Luna would be hearing the sounds of a Ursa roaring within the next few minutes.

I was only trying to help...

Luna shook her head in dismay and regret. Trixie was going to be hard to help through this, if it was even possible. The mare was unbelievably stubborn and unwilling to let Luna, or probably anypony else, in. It reminded Luna of herself, long ago. She decided she would try again tomorrow, and began the almost subconscious by now spell needed to leave the dream. Just as it was almost completed, another sob made its way to Luna's ears.

Sighing, Luna undid the spell and started to slowly feel her way through the forest again. She decided to spend the rest of the night in the nightmare. If lucky, they would stumble upon eachother and Luna could try again. If not, Luna would have to walk through a nightmare of her own making for a night.

It wouldn't be the first time.

They Call me the Shin Master!

Another day, another alley graciously occupied by the greatest unicorn to ever walk Gryphus.

No, this wasn't egotistical of her. It was a simple, humorous fact in a rather dark time of her life. So far, to her knowledge, she was the only unicorn to ever be in Gryphus. Now, with some luck, she would also be the first unicorn to make it out alive.

However, Trixie lamented, her escape is still a few weeks away, at best.

She quietly groaned while considering the choices she had.

Run away now, and hope whatever Luna plans works when/if Trixie makes it to the border, or stay and probably get eaten. Not the best choice either way.

She grit her teeth, cautiously making her way down the side street. The fledglings would probably smarten up soon and begin looking down little roads like this one. She'd need a better plan soon.

"Still-" She quietly muttered. "Anypony else. Twilight, Cadence, buck, maybe even Blueblood. Anypony else and Trixie would have actually considered the offer."

Yes, leaving Gryphus with her tail tucked between her legs would have been yet, another horrendous failure in her rapidly growing list. But, at least she'd likely live through it. And she had succeeded in attracting the attention of somepony of importance. She'd been noticed! But, it was by Luna. She had been so...insulting on both meetings. It was like she looked down on Trixie, or something. No, she wanted to prove Luna wrong in this. To prove she didn't need yet another princesses forgiveness or token friendship.

A shadow flew over her head, causing Trixie to stifle a squeak of surprise and jump to the side. A gryphon flying down a small side road like this one was unusual. Most simply flew over the buildings. Gerard had explained as much to her. A gryphon flying down a side road like this one was searching for something. Or someone. She hid in the door-frame of a stone building for a moment, her suspicions confirmed as she watched the shadow dart back and forth over the street several times.

Tink Tink Tink.

After another pass, the shadow moved away. Trixie stayed in the doorway for another moment though. She was quite proud of herself for little things like this. Keeping hidden was not something she prided herself on, but if she was going to do it, she was going to be good at it. Slowly, she ducked her head back out onto the street, peering around.

Gave them the slip. You need to get up much earlier than that to catch the Great and Powerf-Oh, hello there.

Her cautious gaze revealed to her a shimmering gold coin several hoof lengths away. Seconds later, and the coin was firmly picked up in her aura. A closer glance revealed it to not be a coin, but some kind of brooch, or perhaps a medal?

This must be what that noise was. The fool must have dropped it while searching for Trixie.

The medal was golden in color, and shaped like an open gryphon paw. Actually, upon a closer look, Trixie was pretty sure it was actual gold. The paw itself held a spear and shield at its center, with enough detail on them that Trixie could swear she could almost read the words written along the shield's edges. The shield itself was colored in some sort of white opal, which sparkled into rainbows in the sun. And the spear tip seemed to be ruby, with the shaft a brown quartz. Another glance over it, and Trixie was almost positive the nails on the paw itself were small diamonds!

Just what kind of idiot takes something like this hunting with him!? How could they have this on them and take their eyes off it? It's a bit gaudy, true, but-

The scratching of claws on one of the nearby rooftops brought Trixie back to reality. She blinked owlishly as she took stock of herself. Had she really wound up staring at the medal for several minutes? The line of drool down her muzzle seemed like a good confirmation of such. A quick glance around confirmed she was still alone, but it wouldn't last. Not if something this valuable was lost. As casually as possible, Trixie placed it in one of the pockets of her cloak while she walked towards the palace.

Trixie bets Gerard will get a kick out of this tonight. If nothing else, he might be able to help Trixie sell it quietly. This has to at least be worth a few bits, right?

The second week of The Hunt is fast approaching! Our beaks on the ground have confirmed that the unicorn, Trixie, is, in fact, still alive and kicking. Of course this is no shame to those young greenhorn's out there who have been doing their best in this generation's hunt. While all challengers from Equestria have never made it past the middle of the second week, reports of the Equestrian lead us to believe that she may, in fact beat that previous record. This is the first time the honored prey of a hunt has been a unicorn, and nearly every contestant is unprepared for this curve ball Equestria has sent.

To help those brave nobles entering the fray next week, we have scoured archives long ignored, and contacted scholars as far away as the boar capital of Pretuskria for advice to give to our dear readers. The secrets revealed were quite shocking, and will hopefully peel away the mystery to these creatures.

A unicorn has two primary defenses; their cunning and their horn. Where pegasi seek to confuse you with their speed and maneuverability, a unicorn will mislead you, and make you think they are not there, when they are hiding mere feet away. This doesn't mean they are poor fighters, only that getting to that confrontation takes more patience and planning than many would expect when on the hunt.

Their horn, however, is not simply for their courtship rituals, despite its legendary status at healing infertility and as an aphrodisiac. And it is not simply a means to gore with, though it would be a good idea to watch out for that. No, that horn, when still attached to the unicorn, is a powerhouse of tricks. The most known and seen trick being levitation.

Unicorns all have the ability to use levitation. It has been confirmed multiple times this hunt that Trixie has used this ability to pull out feathers of downed hunters, perhaps as trophies of her victories. Our research has also confirmed that she should be able to do a bit more than this, however. More than likely, she can levitate small things such as pots and frying pans. So, for your clan's sake, wear a strong helmet! The last thing you want is to have your prey cornered, only for them to knock you out with a well hidden piece of culinary equipment from behind! Of course, all other armor is forbidden, due to the Parity of Force agreement in the hunt. Basically, if the prey is not using armor, you can't either. We have, however, confirmed that her hat seems sturdy enough to be considered a form of protection, so helmets have been allowed for this hunt.

Despite heated debate, the unicorn's magic is still considered part of her natural ability, so weapons are still prohibited.

There is also more speculation on the marks that Equestrians place upon their flanks. Past notes have explained that they represent what each of them have a unique skill or special power in. This has confused and concerned some of our sources, as the unicorn's mark seems to depict a starscape, or of more concern, a crescent moon. While we have no confirmation that this unicorn is tied to the long imprisoned Night Princess, many gryphons throughout Gryphus have confirmed getting nightmares about the unicorn in question within the last few days. Is she causing them, with her possible connection to the Dream Mare? Or perhaps their is more to the rumors of her return. We will give more details as they come out.

Trixie groaned, pushing the paper away and laying her head on the table at the bar. "Great. Just great. Trixie spent half her day in line only to be tossed out again, and now you show her an article degrading her great talents, which ALSO links her to Princess Luna."

Shrugging his shoulder, her companion gave her a curious look. "Luna? Oh, right, the Night Princess. Woah...haven't really looked up anything about that particular myth in ages. Soooo...is she real?"

She threw him an irritated look. "Unfortunately, yes. She also doesn't know how to mind her own business."

"Heh, sounds like there's some ruffled feathers between you two."

"Hmph, ruffled feathers? More like Trixie will happily send her through a wall or two next time we meet." She took a drink of her watered down ale and let her eyes glaze over as she mulled over some of her previous actions. "Oh, stars above, returning to Equestria is going to be awkward. Y-you don't just toss a princess around like a rag doll and get away with it you know."

Gerard looked at her confusedly. "I, um, don't really know, actually. But, before you start making plans to head back to Equestria, would you mind me showing you someplace on Sunday night?"

Trixie looked around for the window. The bar was the same as always, though a donkey at the next table over was uncomfortably close to her chair. He wasn't looking at her, so he just probably didn't notice. Finally spotting her objective, Trixie estimated that it wasn't too late out just yet. The sun was just starting to go down. "Well, we could go now, if you wanted."

He simply shook his head and pointed his drink in Trixie's direction. "No, it's meant to be special. That's the night when you enter the second week, after all. We should celebrate it! And I happen to know a good place to hide, or even lose a gryphon if you need to. No offense, but knowing a bit more about the city might save your life. The nobles will be a lot more experienced, and I somehow think a few of those kid's parents will be looking forward to saving face by taking you out early."

"Great, more of the burned feather clan is all I need."

Gerard's ears perked up and he put his paw over his beak for a second. "For egg's sake, Trixie. I understand your feelings for them, but you really shouldn't keep insulting the plucked feathers like that. They got that name for de-feathering any gryphon who got in their way. Their family is small, and maybe a tab eccentric on old beliefs, but they are not enemies you want."

She rolled her eyes. "Noted. So, onto a more important matter." Trixie's horn lit up under her hat, and the medal floated out of her cloak and into Gerard's paw. "Trixie is wondering if you know any pon..., any gry... anyone that would want to buy this?"

Gerard studied it for a few moments, turning the emblem over in his talons. He scratched his head a few times, muttering to himself, until a spark of recognition lit his eyes. Eyes that quickly grew wide as he put the medal on the table, and, as discreetly as possible, slid it back to Trixie.

"Where did you get this?" He almost whispered, keeping his paw over it until Trixie had it in her hooves.

Trixie smirked, hiding the medal again. "Some fool was hunting Trixie earlier and dropped it when he flew off."

He stared at her, waiting for something more. When it was clear that was all she was going to tell, Gerard hissed out. "They haven't given one of those away in over five hundred years, and some gryphon happened to drop one in your lap?"

She continued to smirk. " Five hundred years, hmm? Trixie will take that as a good sign. So, how many bits...err..whatever Gryphus uses are we talking about here?"

"Talons, the money is called talons, Trixie. And you have no idea how lucky you are to have gone this far without knowing that. And having this drop for you...I am beginning to think those rumors about Unicorn shins granting luck are true."

"M-my shins? Why are there rumors about Trixie's gorgeous shins being lucky?"

"Woah, you know, I think I already mentioned the rumors about your horn, right? They have rumors like that for almost every part of you by now. And to be fair, you're very skilled, but that thing dropping? If that isn't proof of a unicorn's shins being lucky, I don't know what is."

She waved a hoof in mock threat at him "You keep your claws off of Trixie's lucky shins! She needs those!"

Gerard snorted. "Heh, yes ma'am. Glad to see you loosen up finally. You've been kinda...intense since we first met up, ya know?"

She rolled her eyes, but mentally conceded the point to him. Thinking about it, this was the first time she'd felt reasonably content since coming to Gryphus. Just her and a good friend hanging out at their usual place at a bar, right? That wasn't something Trixie thought she'd ever have in her life. It was nice.

She nodded and grinned at Gerard. "You're right, but can you really blame Trixie? You and every gryphon in this city were strangers that seemed intent on hunting her a few days ago. Who wouldn't be tense?"

"Well...yeah, but, you knew that before coming here after all. I guess training for it and actually experiencing it are pretty different, huh?"

"R-right...so! Enough of that for now! Would you care to tell Trixie how many talons she could sell this for?" She rubbed her hooves together greedily.

"Woah, umm...you aren't gonna want to sell that, Trix."

"Pfft, Trix? You're lucky she likes you, else you'd have been saying her full and proper title this whole time as it is. And why would she not want to sell this?"

"Cause, this is, like, your ticket in to see the Uber King."

Her eyes widened as her grin slipped into a flat line of surprise. "What?"

Gerard nodded. "That's why I was so surprised earlier. I don't know much about this medal, but you gotta do something really big to earn one of these. This is like an I.O.U. from the royal family, ya know?"

She raised an eyebrow in confusion. "How would Trixie know?"

"...Never mind. But, yeah, you flash that to the guards, and they pretty much have to fall over themselves letting you in. Kinda surprised one of these is still around. More surprised some gryphon was just carrying it around like that."

Trixie's tail lightly wagged in excitement. "W-well, maybe they thought it was just some good luck charm? You said its been ages since any gryphon earned one after all."

He shrugged "Maybe. But, yeah. This'll get you in to see the Uber King, and it nets you a favor from him. Like, a really big one. Maybe enough to help you with that trade thing you were trying for. Though, I wouldn't completely count on it."

"W-why? How much of a favor is it really for him to be willing to talk with another nation?"

"In this case? Alot. Like, I'm pretty sure he talked about wanting to open a dialogue with Equestria years ago, and it got stomped hard from the nobles. Apparently that was a little too much change for them, or something. But hey, it's worth a try, right? Even if he can't do that, maybe he can help you with The Hunt? I mean, if you really want help with it."

Trixie sighed and put her head back on the table. "Hmmm...well, the rewards for The Hunt aren't exactly riveting to Trixie. Its not like the King will be able to erase Trixie's past record, wrong country. And Trixie doesn't think the other parts the victor gets will be all that helpful to her either. I mean, living through it is important, but, Trixie already has her name in the papers just by being in the hunt already. She's not a gryphon, so becoming nobility here is probably unlikely. Not to mention how awkward it would be to get invited to parties by those who were recently trying to kill her."

Gerard looked at her confusedly as she lapsed into silence. "And what about the rest?"

Trixie looked glumly up at him from her place on the table. "What? Recounting her story at the King's table? Woo hoo."

He snickered a bit at that. "I think you were only told about what the victorious hunter gets. The prey's reward is much, much bigger than that. Yes, you do get everything you mentioned still. Even the nobility. Forget about minor nobility though. You'd be, like, a few steps above even regular nobility if you pulled this off! Asides from that though, there are two important things you don't seem to know about."

Her ears perked. "Oh?"

"First, you and your house become honorary gryphons, meaning you are off limits to hunting in any way. Heck, you could join hunts if you cared to. As the predator, I mean. You and your family are given King's crests, meaning that you are under the protection of the king's family. Few gryphons would be willing to cross you with that kind of backing. More importantly, that protection doesn't expire, or come with strings. So long as the king's family is in charge, your line is protected."

"Huh, well, that's kinda neat."

She received a deadpan expression in response. "Woah, you are hard to impress. Look, it's a really, really big deal, okay? Asides from the boars, You'd be, like, the ONLY plant eater who could wander the whole of the kingdom without fear of being treated like prey. Heck, other gryphon families would have reason to fear you! A wrong word from you to the king about them, and beaks could roll, ya know?"

"How would Trixie know?"

Another deadpan expression.

Trixie chuckled. "Okay, okay, she'll stop that. What's the other prize?"

"Oh, you'll actually like that one. It's a favor."

"But Trixie can already-"

"No No, It's not a favor from the King's family, it's a favor from all of Gryphus. Like, you could enact a major change, so long as it wouldn't, ya know, destroy the kingdom, or something like that. Trust me, that favor could get you those trade talks you want. No question."

A thumping caused Trixie to look over her shoulder and blush. She quickly grabbed her tail in one hoof to hold it still, as it had decided to vigorously whip itself against the chair nearly pressed against hers behind her. The chair still occupied by a donkey that clearly had no idea what personal space meant, if Trixie were to guess. The donkey was already facing Trixie, probably because of being hit by her tail, she imagined. His glazed eyes went a little wider when he saw Trixie staring at him from just inches away. He then muttered something like an apology before standing up, causing his chair to bump into hers. After another slurred apology, he quickly staggered his way towards the exit.

Trixie wiggled her chair back a little, now that she had the extra room, and gave Gerard a very wide smile.

"Trixie was beginning to wonder when her shins would finally do their job."

My shins!

Trixie reeled as she was suddenly thrown to the side of the road, and into the dirt of yet another Celestia forsaken alley.

Thirty seconds in the past.

Trixie was trotting down one of the main roads, a smile on her muzzle at her good fortune and of an evening well spent with a good friend. Most of the roads were dark, but she had opted to use one of the main ones tonight. The light was comforting, and she didn't need to worry about foals coming after her at night anyways. With a light step, she moved a little to the right to avoid a pile of rags some gryphon had left in the street, and unconsciously prepared for the turn down the final street to her inn.

Twenty five seconds in the past.

The pile of rags sprang at her. She felt something clamp down hard on her left foreleg, before jerking to the left and smacking her into the wall. She reeled, disoriented by the pain and the sudden attack, giving the creature time to toss her into the alley it had originally been aiming to throw her into.

Twenty.

Trixie scrambled up, nauseated by the pain, and jerkily ran down the alleyway towards another main road. She heard cursing from behind her and the tell tale signs of someone chasing her.

Ten.

She burst out into the street, working to turn left and continue down it at a gallop. However, her left foreleg gave out, causing her cry out in pain and stumble awkwardly. She barely started to turn down the street when her attacker collided into her side. The force threw her across the road, but luckily, not into another wall. Unluckily, it threw her into another alley.

Five.

She stumbled to get back up, but her left foreleg wasn't doing her any favors. Looking over, she saw her pursuer approaching and lit her horn.

Present.

Her forelegs hurt. One from a deep gash, and the other from her landing on it when she was last thrown. Sadly, these were the least of her worries. Her attacker, obviously a gryphon by this point, was approaching. He was draped in long, flowing rags, and had an almost calm, to the point of creepy, look in his eyes. Black and brown feathers adorned his body, along with a few wounds that looked freshly made. The chase has apparently re-opened them, as Trixie could see some of his feathers wet with blood. He looked her over once with a brief smile on his reddish beak before he cracked his shoulders. His eyes then darted to her glowing horn, causing him to rummage around in his raggedy clothes for a second, before doing something Trixie was not expecting.

He pulled out a small, metal helmet, and put it on his head. If her forelegs weren't in so much pain she would have face hooved.

"No more magic tricks." He muttered, in a tired way. "No more angry barkeeps, and no more bloody guards. Sorry, love, but it's you or me now."

Idiots.Trixie thought, grabbing a garbage can in her aura from the side of the alley. Her magic had been insulted twice in one night. Once by the news, and again by this gryphon's absurd notion that a helmet was going to do him any good against her. She just had to channel her magic despite the pain, and she wouldn't have to even lift a hoof to bash this gryphon's skull-

Wait, that might kill him. Buck, which virtue is this? Loyalty? No, that doesn't make sense. Despite her known zeal for confrontations, she never killed any pony. Ummm...kindness? But-

The pain wasn't helping her sort through this conflict, and time was quickly fading. A crunch on the ground seconds later let her know her time was up. She only had one shot. Hit as hard as possible, and possibly kill him, or use less force, and hope it was enough to keep him from killing her. Trixie wavered between the two as the gryphon quickly approached her. With seconds left, she made her choice. The light around her horn dimmed as she concentrated on her swing. She then bashed the garbage can into the gryphon's side, instead of his head. He gave out a sharp hiss of pain when it connected, and lurched to the side a few feet, his undamaged side hitting the wall of the alley. Within seconds, he was looking back at Trixie, eyes not quite so calm anymore. She lifted the trash can again.

"Stupid newspaper." He grabbed his helmet and threw it directly at Trixie's face, forcing her to turn her head from him to dodge it. As she turned away, she felt the ground shake a little.

He just pounced! get him in your sights or your dead!

With a desperate sob, Trixie threw her head back in the gryphon's direction, only to be met with...darkness.

I-I don't think I'm dead, so what...?

She heard a gasp. A few seconds later, she realized it wasn't from herself.

The adrenaline coursing through Trixie gave her a clarity she rarely had for the world. Everything seemed to go slow for her, to come into amazing detail. So slow that it was almost agonizing, her head turned towards the sound.

Clawed feet and blackness. Clawed, dangling feet covered in rags, with a backdrop of darkness was in front of her now. But, what was holding them up? The feet squirmed as Trixie heard a choking sound coming from above her. Then, a deep, booming voice.

"Hmph, in the end, this is all you were capable of. Fitting for a honorless wretch."

Looking up, Trixie saw the rag covered gryphon's head being held up by a single, clawed paw. A paw that was easily three times the size any gryphon paw should be. Her eyes quickly adjusted after this, letting her see the angles and contours of what she thought to just be blackness. It was a black gryphon, the huge one she had met on her first day outside of the gates.

The smaller gryphon desperately held onto the giant paw that held his head. "P-please, I-I-"

Crack.

The rag covered gryphon's forearms fell to his sides, lifeless. Trixie could only stare in dawning realization of what just happened.

"Ironic, really."

Trixie's eyes locked onto the giant gryphons own. She felt a warm liquid run across her back legs.

"W-what...?"

He tossed the dead gryphon aside, letting it hit the wall with a dull thwack. His paw calmly reached into a pouch to his side as he replied.

"That was the fool who broke into your room the other night. He's been trying to hide from us since then. The only way for him to have save himself after trying to kill you was, well, to actually kill you. Kinda funny when you think about it."

He fished out a good sized bottle of slightly luminous, white liquid. It seemed ridiculously tiny in his claws to Trixie. His big, neck snapping, claws. Gently, he placed the bottle next to her.

"I do apologize. Since I heard of the break in, and that the gryphon had escaped the guard, I wanted to ensure you got home safely tonight. But, one moment you were walking down the street, the next, you had disappeared from my sight. Use this on your wounds tonight, and you should be fine for tomorrow's hunt. Zebra potions are quite miraculous, in my opinion."

"You were...following Trixie...?"

"Only to and from the bar, I assure you. It is rather difficult for me to remain hidden in the daytime after all."

She nodded. Trixie's gaze broke from his for only a second, to briefly look over to the dead gryphon. "W-why did you k-kill him?"

He looked over at the corpse in revulsion. "Hmph. That trash? The honorless are better off this way. They can no longer shame themselves, their race, or their family, if they even have one. It is a unfortunate necessity to clean Gryphus of wastes like him sometimes. Permission to kill him on sight was given the moment he was identified this morning."

Trixie managed a strangled croak of a reply as her mind refused to respond. M-monsters. There are so many monsters here.

Immediately, hazy snippets of her past came to mind. Stealing from her parents to buy her wagon. Encouraging a crowd to mock a heckler until they ran off in tears. Tossing aside a family that, if not welcomed, respected her abilities, just for revenge. Imprisoning a middle aged mare in a giant bird cage. Enslaving an entire town.

Am I one of them too?

The gryphon brought his head down, catching her attention. He gave her a large grin. "As expected, honored prey, you have not disappointed. Here you are, alive, despite all the greedy paws of the trash trying to claim your hide as their own. You do the true hunters honor by not succumbing to their thieving tactics."

Okay. Okay. He hasn't killed me yet. J-just, focus. Oh Celestia, why is he so huge!?

Shakily, Trixie took a cloth out of her cape and began to wrap her still bleeding leg. She placed it on clumsily, due to her inability to take her eyes off of the gryphon in front of her, but she figured it would be enough to at least get her to the inn. Next, she had to work on keeping her heart from leaping out of her throat.

"However, if you could forgive my bluntness in this, I did just save your life. It did not seem like you were ready for him. So, I ask a small...'favor' in return."

She shuddered at the way he almost purred the last few words out.

"T-Trixie c-could see her way t-to granting a r-request."

He chuckled and stood up, giving her a few more feet between them, much to her relief.

"It's very simple. All I ask in return is for you to not die until Tuesday."

What little relief she had just gained was blasted away.

"U-U-until..."

"Tuesday. Regretfully, I have duties and obligations I cannot shirk, and will be unable to join The Hunt until that morning."

Trixie's eyes couldn't, but they still tried their hardest to escape from her head.

"You're a noble?" She squeaked.

He nodded, proudly. "Indeed. A minor one, but, well, perhaps that will change after next week. No other family will be able to boast of winning two hunts in a row."

"T-two...?"

"As I said at our last meeting. My father greatly admired the pegasus who came to Gryphus before you. He held up well until my father cut him from the skies. I look forward to matching against the first unicorn to challenge Gryphus. So, please, stay alive until then."

She nodded. Or shivered enough to look like she nodded. She couldn't tell anymore. Trixie held the glowing potion in between her hooves and lowered her gaze. She couldn't find the strength to look him in the face anymore.

"Are you well enough to get back to the inn from here?"

She nodded.

"Very well." He reached a paw out and grabbed the dead gryphon.

"I shall see you again soon, honored pray. May the rest of your night be less eventful."

She nodded.

With a few strong flaps, The giant rose from the ground and took off.

Trixie nodded. She continued to sit there and nod every few minutes until a patrol finally found her.

"M-miss Trixie? What are you doing out here? It's well past midnight."

She mumbled.

"I-I'm sorry?"

"I-it's a lie."

The guards looked at one another confusedly before replying.

"Umm, what is a lie, Miss?"

"M-my shins."

Author's Note

Been a bit, hasn't it? Between a leg injury, and the majority of the people I used to talk pony with disappearing, motivation has kinda taking a hit. Thanks to Crowscrowcrow for editing and proof reading, as always. And for being one of the few old guard still around. :twilightsheepish:

I hope to have the next chapter up much sooner. Only a few chapters left. I continue to find it amusing that this started out as a plan for a small, one-shot prologue to a romance story.

Intelligent conversation: If you want it done right, do it yourself.

Magic supports the virtues, but it never stands on its own. It is power, but with no higher purpose beyond the wielder's base desires. It is bereft of what is right or wrong, unlike the virtues. This empty power is a inherent weakness exclusive only to unicorns, one that the unicorn race deals with on a daily basis.

Trixie mulled this over. Once Starlight's book got into magic, it always left her confused and disheartened. Still, this section personally spoke to her the most. It made her ask questions she wasn't sure of. Was it wrong of Trixie to enjoy entertaining others with her magic, considering the pleasure all the praise gave her? Did this mean the bearers of the virtues didn't have their own will, or did it mean that the way they acted and thought was just naturally always in line with their chosen element? Because she'd heard some interesting stories about Loyalty's temper in her travels...

She sighed, placing the book away as she inched forward in line. She'd only brought it with her to keep her mind off of...worse things. It wasn't that she didn't wish to work on being a pony that Equestria could stomach better, but, it was hard to think she'd ever get back there again now. Not if today didn't pan out for her with the king.

The attack last night had her on edge. Ironically, her tenseness was more her 'rescuer's' fault than the one who had attacked her.

But, in a few days, he'll be taking that gryphon's place. He didn't rescue Trixie, he just made it so he would be able to kill her instead.

His words had haunted her most of the night.

All I ask in return is for you to not die until Tuesday.

Do not die until Tuesday.

You die on Tuesday.

She shuddered and shook her head to banish the voice. With a discreet glance down, Trixie rubbed the medal underneath her cloak for comfort.

Soon I'll speak to the king, and this will all be over. If he won't help with the trade agreements, then maybe he can help Trixie get out of the hunt, or escape Gryphus.

As much as she didn't like the thought of it, there was just no way she could stand up to that giant gryphon and live. She was good, but she wasn't that good.

Oh, so you're good now? Is that because a pack of foals haven't killed you yet? Need I remind you how many new scars you've gained over the last few days? Nopony spends bits to ogle at a scarred performer!

Okay, so maybe Trixie isn't as good as she claims, but she's held up pretty well, right? And Trixie'd rather her audience's eyes are on her magic, not her flank.

...You're an idiot.

Damnit me, work with Trixie here!

The inner debate was called off when Trixie's ears heard sniffling coming from in front of her. A vaguely familiar looking donkey was hiding their muzzle in a handkerchief and trying to cry quietly. From the pained expression on his face, it looked like he was slowly losing the battle.

Trixie swears she's seen this donkey before. But when? Feathers, why is it so hard to tell them apart!?

Does it matter? For once since coming here, mind your own business and wait quietly. You've got enough troubles as it is.

But what if-

A giant gryphon is going to tear your head off without breaking a sweat in a few days! YOU. HAVE. ENOUGH. PROBLEMS!

Trixie inwardly groaned and shuffled a hoof along the ground in agitation. A few minutes passed, with the sniffling getting a little worse, and no one else even batting an eye at it, to Trixie's annoyance. Another few minutes only ended up with them getting several hoof lengths closer to the door. At this rate, she was going to have to listen to the donkey's sniffles and sobs for at least another hour. Throughout this time, the argument in her head was repeated, again and again.

The virtues, this is exactly the time for Kindness. Trixie should-

Getting involved is going to just get you deeper into trouble, you know it! You won't just listen, you'll try to help!

W-well, is that so wrong? What if Trixie does find a way to help?

What, like that gryphon that tried to kill you? The one you tricked into smacking into a wall? Remember how 'happy' he was to wake up and see all the bandages you used on him? How are those claw marks on your shoulder feeling?

...Buck it.

What? Really?

With that last thought, Trixie stopped the one-pony conversation. She was just using it to try and stall herself, anyways. That and the whole 'waiting her turn in line instead of just barging into the front' thing was probably slowly driving her insane. She knew she was going to at least find out what was wrong with the donkey before she even started talking to herself.

What could she say? The virtue's were all bleeding hearts, and Kindness the biggest of the group.

"U-um, excuse Trixie. But, she could not help but notice that you seem a bit upset. Is something wr-, well, that's obvious, isn't it? What is wrong?"

Turning his head around, the donkey regarded Trixie with one eye, while still holding the handkerchief up and dabbing at his face.

"O-oh. Good to see you again, Miss Trixie. T-thank you for letting me in line a few days ago. I-it almost helped." The donkey took a few seconds to compose himself, emotion making it hard for him to continue. "B-but I'm afraid it's all over for me and my f-family. M-my times up."

The donkey couldn't speak again for the next few minutes, despite Trixie's urgings. A few more hooves of progress were made towards the door as she waited for the donkey to calm down and continue.

I told you Trixie knew this donkey from somewhere!

All she got in response from her head was a very slow clap. Her inner voice was kind of a jerk, apparently.

...No wonder Trixie doesn't talk to herself more often.

"S-sorry about that. I-it's just, I've been talking to the magistrates for months, ever since the mistrial. M-my son was accused of pilfering from a noble's pocket. I-I don't know if what he did is true or not, b-but the noble managed to drag my entire family into it. H-he insisted that we put him up to it, and that we were all part of the crime. M-my daughter, she's only five! H-how could she be part of anything like that!? I-I was trading outside of town at the time, I only found out my family was in prison when I got home that night and read the note left behind!"

Well, look whose back! In over your head a little?

T-Trixie is never in over her...her...yeah, okay, no clue how to help on this one.

"I-I managed to hire an investigator and get evidence that should be able to overturn it, b-but, the guards, they've been bribed and stopped letting me through the gates a few days ago. Now it-it's too late for the chancellor to overrule it, my family gets sent to the mines today! I-if I could get to the king, I could save them, but..." The donkey looked over to the two guards at the doors forlornly.

nooooooo...

Give freely, the more dear something is to you, the more likely that it can help another more.

No no...

"W-well...umm..." Trixie's hoof caressed over the medal under her cloak nervously.

No No No No!

The gryphon in front of them was called up and began speaking with the guards. The donkey sighed in resignation and begin trying to dry his face and put on a brave front. "W-well, wish me luck, miss. I-I don't think we'll meet again after this. B-but thank you for hearing me out, at least."

Don't you bucking- NO!

"Good luck." Trixie said, grasping the donkey's hoof with her own. As she pulled away, the donkey looked down to his hoof, and at the strange medal resting in it. "Show them that, it...it may help."

We're dead.

The donkey eyed the token curiously, and nodded. "I...don't know how, but, well, it's not like I have much of a plan besides begging now. Thank you, Miss."

"Next!"

With one last nod, the donkey moved forward. Trixie was too far away to overhear anything, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

We are dead. You literally just killed us.

Oh come on, that had Generosity and Kindness written all over it, how could Trixie not do it?

You could have, I don't know, decided your own life was more important, maybe?

What, and left a family to get sent to some mines for the rest of their lives? That's not something the Great and Powerful Trixie would do.

Neither is getting killed by a gryphon that could bench press a house!

One of the gryphons at the door *Greg and Non-greg must have had the day off, as these two were new to Trixie* gave the donkey a small bow before ushering him inside the palace. Looking back, the donkey gave Trixie a small smile before disappearing.

Look, Trixie did the right thing.

Because that'll keep you alive. Do you really think gryphon's are just going to stop trying to kill you because you are doing the right thing?

Well...it works for the elements, so...maybe?

...Get a plan B. Fast.

"Next!"

Trixie moved forward, but the gryphon at the door halted her with an upheld paw.

"You've been asking to see the Uber king the last few days, right? Sorry, but he is going to be a little...occupied for the next few hours. Come back tomorrow."

She sighed. "Really? Trixie doesn't even get to explain her situation this time?"

He shrugged. "Hey, don't blame me, blame that donkey that just went in."

You really should have seen that coming.

"...Fine..."

Trixie began the walk back to the gates, taking her time and spying the half dozen fledglings hiding in various areas just outside of the entrance to the palace grounds.

This is gonna hurt...

At least it was for a good cause, right?

Remind yourself of that on Tuesday.

I can't believe I'm actually here.

Jericho looked around the plush waiting room. The guards told him to wait here, and he wasn't going to argue. Even if it had already been over a half hour. At least the refreshments were good, and the couches were incredibly comfortable.

Yes. He thought, while leaning back on one of them. Perhaps I'll buy one like this after I make my first thousand talons or so. I can't believe those chancellor's kept refusing my trade contracts. Idiots. Let's see how they look when the Uber king himself is on board with my plan!

Grinning, he sipped at the mint drink the servants had left him while thinking over his good luck. I knew keeping tabs on her would pay off. I'm just lucky she didn't notice it was me at the bar the other night.

A light rapping brought him to attention as the silver gilded double doors into the room opened. In stepped two guards, covered in black chitin. Jericho's eyes widened at the sight of that black, shining armor in recognition. He quickly hopped off the couch and dropped to a bow, knowing who was to come into the room next.

Jericho knew not to raise his head, and quietly watched the Uber king's clawed paws as he slowly walked into the room. The iron rings made to resemble the various shapes of several prey species confirmed who it was to him. The Uber king stopped several feet in front of Jericho. From behind him, two more sets of unadorned paws entered the room, and quietly shut it behind them. Surprisingly enough to Jericho, the room wasn't cramped. But, then again, Jericho's entire house could have fit comfortably into this room.

"Germaine, is this the one?"

"That's him, my King."

Jericho was surprised to hear such a casual tone off of one of the royal guards, not to mention the shortening of the Uber king's full title. They must be very close.

"Good. How many others know of this in the castle?"

"Just the two guards who let him in, and those in this room, my King."

"Keep it that way. make sure the ones at the front tell no gryphon of this. You two, you have your orders."

Two sets of paws approached Jericho as the Uber king stepped back. Confused, Jericho let his eyes wander up, and the sight before him caused him to nearly lose his bowels. Two scarred gryphons, with red masks over their head were staring down at him. R-Royal Inquisitors? H-hold on a minute!

"W-wait! I haven't done anything wrong! There's been a misunderstanding!"

One of them gave a nasty laugh. "I hear that one all the time. Did you really think you could steal something like that and get away with it?"

"What? I didn't steal it, I-"

"Save it. None of those medals have ever been giving to a non-gryphon. Did you really think the kingdom didn't keep track of who has those things?"

"W-wait, it was the unicorn! She-"

"Don't care, it's your problem now. We're your problem now."

One of them reached into a small bag on his side and began searching for something. Frantically, Jericho looked over to the king and his guards for help. They seemed to be completely ignoring him though, and in their own discussion.

"This is still the best way to meet her discreetly. Try again tomorrow, Germaine, and let no one see you."

"Yes, my King."

Crack!

Crack!

Germaine looked over at the sound, only to see the donkey slumped over, unconscious. One of the inquisitors was putting away a sap, while the other picked the donkey up and hefted him over his shoulder. As the king made his way out of the room, Germaine waved them over.

"Make sure that donkey doesn't speak to any gryphon about any of this. Ever. The same goes for you two. Got it?"

They gave him a small bow. "Yes sir."

"Good."

He gave a small sigh as the two inquisitors left, and set a quick pace to catch up to the King.

This plot is already dangerous enough without any problems. I hope the King knows what he's doing.

Though he was panting from the heat, Gristle refused to be deterred. He would search every alley and street corner if he had to to have his chance at taking down the unicorn!

The sound of a stick cracking drew his attention. As he approached the alleyway, he heard it again, and grinned.

No gryphon went down that alley yet, it must be her! She fell for my stick trap!

Rounding the corner, Gristle's grin became a frown of confusion. Nothing was down the alley.

Crack!

Gristle flinched back in surprise. Gathering his courage, he slowly walked into the alley. Like most of the alleys in Gryphus, this one held a few dumpsters, but was fairly clean, save for the several dozen sticks scattered in it. Here and there, a few of the sticks he had placed were broken. Looking them over, it seemed like they had been stepped on, but, from what?

Crack!

Gristle barely stifled a yelp and pressed himself to the side of one of the buildings at the sound. His nostrils flared as his panting grew heavy. Looking ahead of him, he could vaguely make out some shimmers of heat rolling off of one side of the alley up ahead, but aside from that, there was nothing.

Ghosts aren't real. Grandpa said so. Ghosts aren't-

Crack!

With a short cry, Gristle ran out of the alley.

Seriously, did somepony drop an entire campfire worth of sticks in this alley and leave the mess for Trixie to deal with!?

Trixie slowly inched her way along the alley, keeping her side close to one of the buildings, but making sure not to touch it. Her eyes tracked the location of the sticks as she did her best not to step on anymore of them.

What is Trixie going to tell him?

She felt her horn continuing to pour out magic, and cautiously wiped a bit of sweat from her brow. Leaning forward, she peeked out of the alley, and looked in both directions. Three fledglings were pacing around the street in nervous anticipation, obviously looking for her.

Trixie's getting too predictable, she might have to talk to Gerard about meeting at a different bar.

She was, admittedly, an hour or two earlier than usual. The sun was still up, meaning she was fair game for a little longer to the young gryphons of the city. But, she didn't think she could have held this spell long enough to have made her way back to the inn. She didn't really have any other safe areas to go that were closer. Not to mention the new marks along her back were starting to burn.

Hopefully Gerard is inside. Trixie isn't sure how much longer she can hold this spell together.

Slowly, Trixie creeped across the street to the bar, gauging her movement to not walk into, or in front of any gryphon coming her way. She had to stop consistently as eyes roamed over where she should be, but, inch by inch, she managed to work her way to the doors of the bar.

You really need to practice your illusions more. You're lucky no gryphon has caught that shimmer yet.

Trixie mentally grunted in response. A unicorn making themselves entirely invisible was a rare skill, one Trixie was proud to have. But, for a mare who had craved the spotlight for years, not being seen was more often than not, counter productive. the audience didn't want invisible mares, they wanted more flair, more color, and more explosions.

Huh, perhaps Trixie has an idea how to survive the first day of next week after all.

Wonderful. Get back to me when you figure out the second day and I'll care.

Remind Trixie again why she thought talking to herself was a good idea?

Patiently, she waited for a patron to walk out, and then grabbed the opened door with her magic, causing it to seemingly slowly close as opposed to snapping shut again like normal. She was in.

Looking around, Trixie spotted Gerard sitting next to two other gryphons. She grinned and gauged her magic reserves.

Yeah, I still have enough for this. He's joked about the hunt often enough, maybe Trixie should hunt him for a few seconds?

Mentally laughing, Trixie began to cautiously make her way over to him. She had to silently move a chair or two with her magic here and there, but she managed to stay unnoticed right up to the point of getting a table away from Gerard. Creeping closer, Trixie started to make out what Gerard was saying to the other two gryphons.

"Don't worry, has my family ever let you down?" Gerard grinned at the two gryphons opposite of him, before taking a small sip of water.

"Hmph" The one with a golden crest of feathers muttered. "Perhaps not, but we have never entrusted your family with something this important before. To have a full grown gryphon claim that they can bait the prey in, but be unable to handle a little alcohol does not fill me with confidence."

"Woah, I already told you, I spend several hours drinking with her every night as it is. I need to at least match her drink for drink, ya know. And considering the watered down drinks she gets, I'm lucky to be able to walk back home as it is, let alone fly."

"Nervous you'll let something slip if you get too drunk?"

Gerard gave a soft glare at the gold crested gryphon. "I'm more nervous about you two insisting we meet up here to talk about this. She hasn't come early yet, but I'd rather not have to explain you two to her. She'd probably buy whatever I said, since she seems to be quite fond of me, but I'd rather not test that trust."

The third gryphon at the table decided to speak up.

"That's something else we are concerned about, actually."

Gerard chuckled. "Pfft, what? You think I'm going to fall head over paws for her like in that book? Don't you be worrying about that. I know how to keep business and pleasure separate. And yeah, it's been fun with her, but shells, if I didn't enjoy my time with her, it'd be easier for her to tell something was up, right? You know the rumors of how they train in those camps."

The other two exchanged a quick glance, one Gerard managed to catch. "For eggs sake! She already agreed to go there with me tomorrow, okay? She doesn't suspect anything. Really, the whole thing will be technically legal by that point anyways, so I don't know what you two are so worried about. My family has a lot riding on this too, you know."

The golden crested gryphon nodded. "you're right. Sorry, these cloak and dagger tactics just have our family a bit...nervous. Not to mention how agitated the backers are getting, let's just say that your Unicorn friend has stirred up the bee hive. We need that hive calm again. There's been quite a few deaths over the last few days, noble and otherwise. Just hold up your end of this, and we'll hold up ours."

Gerard smiled. "That's all my family can ask for. Now, if that is everything. Let's pick this up tomorrow night, shall we?"

The other two nodded and stood up. They walked right past the table Trixie was now hiding under as they made their way out of the inn.

After they left, Trixie made her way to the doors of the bar, and sat down next to them. Her eyes never left Gerard, but her mind kept going over what he had said.

So, what are we doing about this?

Thinking it over silently for a little longer caused Trixie to break out in a nervous grin.

Nothing.

Nothing?

Remember Loyalty? Be true to your friends, and they will stay true to you in return. This is a test. Trixie will let Gerard think she doesn't know what's going on, and in the end, our friendship will win out, and he won't go through with it.

...Delusion much?

Trixie snorted in irritation. Deep down, she felt it to be far fetched as well. But, she was trying to walk a new path, right? Surely it'd take a leap of faith or two from her to move forward. Maybe this was one of those leaps.

More like a leap right into a gryphon's open talons.

Well what else is Trixie supposed to do!? Believe the one friend she's made here is going to sell her out for money? This is just like some of the tales the Element Bearer's went through, and one of them became the Princess of Friendship out of it! Besides, isn't it about time something went right for Trixie?

I hope you're right about this.

Trixie sighed, and stood up, preparing herself mentally to undo the spell and meet with Gerard like nothing had happened. Like the friend Trixie knew he really was.

Me too...

Author's Note

While I enjoy writing these, I also feel the need to experiment and become a bit better at different writing styles. Especially if I read through another story I really like and feel I can learn from it. While it is not a new tactic, Sucker for a Cute Face reminded me how nicely done internal talking can be, and how comical you can make it. So I decided to give a try. Lemme know what you think. :pinkiehappy:

Also, this story has a dark/sad tag for a reason, and well, fair warning, it goes downhill from here. I'll let you know it's fairly light, but that's all I am going to say on the matter. Thanks for reading!

Far Off Goals and Unending Dreams.

The minute Luna entered Trixie's dreams, she knew that she was in for a long, rough night.

The world she emerged into was the same one as the last time. A dark, gloomy forest stretched across the dreamscape. The only things in the sky was her moon and the stars. At least she had good light up here, but she knew she would have to go down into the forest to find Trixie.

Luna sighed and gave herself a moment to prepare herself mentally. She knew ponies would find it ridiculous if they ever found out, but Luna was not prepared for this. Oh, she'd helped countless others in the past, in a very different era. But problems had been...simpler. A thousand years of cultural development had made even the most mundane issues into an incomprehensible mess for her.

Trixie was the first adult she was trying to help since being freed from Nightmare Moon's grasp as well. A troubled mare that was an untrained dream walker to top it off. Already she could feel the dream darken, simply due to Trixie subconsciously reacting to Luna's presence. To make matter worse, Luna had entered into a nightmare in the making. She had spent hours looking through this forest a few nights ago for Trixie, the odds of finding her tonight were-

"..worthless.."

Luna came out of her musings, listening for what had disturbed her. She flew a few circles, before darting towards where she believed the small murmur of sound was coming from. As she grew closer, the noises grew louder and louder, until Luna could clearly make out what was being said.

"Just survive a few days longer, Trixie. I'll end it all for you then."

"Woah, look, I had fun, but, I really need you to die for me."

"Stop squirming! Somepony grab the feathers!"

"Are you really going to embarrass our family like this? You really are worthless..."

Dark words. Sinister tones. Dozens of other voices rang out across this small section of forest Luna was hovering over. An anguished cry let her know that she had found who she was looking for. Luna carefully dove in between the trees, and to the forest floor. She only had to walk a few hoof lengths forward before finding Trixie. At least, she was pretty sure it was Trixie.

Luna had to marvel at the sight, memories of her own blunders when first learning to dream walk surfacing. Trixie was being barraged by leaves, feathers and sticks while wind kept trying to blow her off of her hooves. Roots and large rocks would appear in front of Trixie, causing her to stumble and give out short groans when she collided with them. Half of her was covered in tar, though none appeared to be falling on her from anywhere. Luna knew she should find a way to help, but this was like the time Celestia had stumbled on her way towards the banquet table at Equestria's first diplomatic procession. She had cracked the table in the middle with her misstep and had ended up entirely covered in cake. Were Luna not gawking at the time, she might have been able to spare Celestia the worst of it, but, well, some things take more precedence when you are the younger sister. Like laughing at your older sister.

Well, maybe it's not quite the same, actually. It was still an awe inspiring mishap.

Luna walked past Trixie, who was struggling for every inch she made through the forest. She couldn't hear much through the tormented voices that surrounded the area, but she saw sweat and tears pouring off of the poor mare. After circling her a few times, several flashes of light from above signaled to Luna that the nightmare was about to get worse.

Luna looked up to see images winking in and out of existence far above them. Thankfully, the trees had thinned out on their own, allowing her to catch brief glances before each one disappeared. Carefully, Luna was able to trace a few of the images to the voices shouting at Trixie as she struggled across the forest.

"Just a few more days, Trixie. That's all I ask."

A blood covered alley. A black, blurred outline of a gryphon towered over a bloodied and broken Trixie, glaring down at her.

"Stop squirming! Somepony grab the feathers!"

Dozens of colored outlines in the shapes of ponies pinned a struggling Trixie to the ground amidst torchlight. Several more slowly approached, carrying a barrel filled with black liquid.

Luna wished she could look on, to better understand the mare she was trying to help. But, the dream was getting too unstable, and any hope for her to help Trixie tonight would require Luna to intervene soon. With regret, she wrenched her eyes from the sky, and onto the besieged show mare. Luna approached Trixie, getting about ten hoof lengths or so away before giving her neck a stretch and cracking her jaw. As Trixie made her way to the five hoof mark, Luna hummed a few notes in order. By the time Trixie was two hooves away, Luna was ready.

Luna placed her hooves an even distance from one another, pressed them hard into the ground, took a deep breath, and bellowed not a hoof length away from Trixie's face.

"CEASE THIS FOOLISHNESS AT ONCE!"

The effect was almost instantaneous. The leaves, tar, and rocks all disappeared as Trixie flew backwards, tumbling along until she hit back first into a tree.

Crude, but always effective.

Trixie was sprawled on her back, facing away from Luna. She groaned and weakly kicked her back hooves in the air futiley for a second.

"W-What...?"

"Greetings to you as well, my little pony."

Trixie snorted at that, and stumbled to her hooves. It was with some amusement and apprehension that Luna noted the distinct little Alicorns hopping around Trixie's head before fading away as she recovered.

"L-Luna...? I,I...Trixie thought she told you-"

"And since when do we take orders from you, hmm? I will also commend you for thinking we are on a first name basis."

Trixie gave her a hard glare, causing Luna to inwardly groan at her own actions.

I know she is a tad arrogant, but why am I so bad with her? I have never acted this way with any pony else I have tried to help. What makes me desire to keep antagonizing her like this?

Well, she might have had a small idea why, but, she wasn't ready to accept the reason just yet. Luna still wasn't sure which Alicorn Trixie had her heart set on, and since Luna cared deeply for all of them, not to mention the problems with Trixie trying to be with ANY of them would cause, Luna recognized that she might be acting a tad overprotective. Like a father dealing with his daughter's newest boyfriend.

Perhaps more like a father dealing with a stalker his daughter doesn't know about yet. She grumbled.

"Well-" Trixie started "excuse Trixie for thinking that you would respect her desire not to see you in her dreams. What was she thinking? Asking the Princess of Interfering Where She Isn't Wanted to stop interfering where she isn't wanted like that."

Luna kept a passive face, only raising an eyebrow at the comment. Slowly, Trixie's face turned a slight shade of crimson.

"That...sounded better in Trixie's head...which we are technically in...so...shut up."

She smirked. "I had no intention of saying a thing, Miss Bad at Name Calling."

Trixie sighed and looked away. "This meeting is going to end badly, isn't it?"

"...Probably, if the last two are any indication."

She shuddered, the forest getting darker by the second as the wind began blowing through her mane."You really shouldn't keep coming back here. Though, maybe it doesn't matter. Trixie isn't really sure if 'here' is going to exist after tomorrow anyways..."

"We don't want you here."

"As if a fool like you deserves to eat."

"Liar! Cheat!"

"Trixie-" Luna quickly grabbed Trixie's muzzle with her hoof and forced her eyes up. "Look at me. You need to calm down. Your fears are easily manifest here. Think of something else. You're a smart mare, if what I've found so far is true, you just need to calm down to find a solution."

"What solution? After tomorrow, I-I-"

"-Will still be in a city filled with gryphons looking to hunt you down and claim your horn for their own. That hasn't changed. It just means you will need to be more careful and come up with a plan."

"A plan!? Gryphus WAS Trixie's plan! And look how well it turned out!" She sighed. "I knew this might not work, but, Trixie didn't think she might actually die."

The wind picked up again as a tear slid down her cheek. "So stupid...even hundreds of miles from Equestria, Trixie is still the odd one out. The "abnormal" mare who needs to be removed so everything can go back to normal again."

"Idiot! Traitor!"

"Such a waste of talent."

A second tear slid down her muzzle, turning to ice mid trip.

"What was I thinking, trying to be with her after all these failures?"

"That you could still attain this, normality that you keep thinking of, make your name, and return to Equestria, a hero?"

The forest ebbed to pitch black. The unicorn held in Luna's grip slowly started to shrink in size. "I-it really sounds stupid, doesn't it? Why did-"

Like in the waking world, surprise is always best to disrupt a destructive line of thought. Now what do I...Oh, well, that should be amusing.

Luna bent down and slowly set her tongue to the base of Trixie's horn, before giving a long lick up to its tip.

Halfway through Luna's 'distraction' found Trixie furiously trying to tug her muzzle from Luna's iron grip. The darkness instantly disappeared into a blinding light for a few seconds, before being replaced with the brightly glowing moon. The surrounding trees briefly changed from pine to cherry blossoms, only going back to normal half a minute after Luna's tongue was safely away from Trixie's horn.

Trixie's face was only slightly less pink than the cherry blossoms had been. "humabuh-huh?"

Luna chuckled deeply, a smirk on her face. "Well put. Glad to see I am not out of practice."

"Y-you, I-I,b-but-"

"What's the matter, dear Trixie?" Luna licked her lips and gave a slow wink. "Alicorn got your muzzle?"

Trixie looked down at the hoof still holding her muzzle, then up to Luna with a glare, her embarrassment slowly being replaced with anger.

"D-Do you have ANY idea what you just-"

"Pfft, I am quite aware of what I just did. You should feel honored, you know. You are the first I have been so...intimate with, since my return."

"I-I, Trixie doesn't want you!"

Luna rolled her eyes. "That is, what? The second time in nearly as many nights that you have rejected me, yes? A normal pony would be counting their blessing that-"

"Well for once Trixie is happy to not be normal! And let go of my muzzle, you pervert!"

Luna shook her head. "Not just yet. You are likely to run off, and I will have a horrid time catching you again. Plus I feel it might be best to explain my actions."

"Perverted moon goddess, Trixie understands!"

"For the love of-no you fool! You were close to falling apart and into a nightmare again, I had to do something drastic! Now, listen to me for once, and answer my question, or I WILL tell your, umm...'interest' what happened tonight."

Trixie struggled harder.

"And I'll lie about it ending with just the horn lick."

She stopped struggling, but kept up her glare.

"Much better. Now, let us start with a question, if you don't mind."

She rolled her eyes. "What?"

"It's about your ideas of what is normal and what is not. Do you feel a normal unicorn would survive in Gryphus? Do you think that a normal pony, who you believe to be able to just 'naturally' follow the six virtues the elements represent, could have survived this long?"

She shook her head. "No. W-well, perhaps the element bearers."

Luna looked at her for a long second. "I am beginning to think that your definition of what is 'normal' may differ from our own. Nonetheless, you are correct. Most would have already lost their lives. What does this say about you?"

"That Trixie still has a long way to go before she can become anything but hated in Equestria?"

She snorted. "Hmph, you know that to be a half truth, at best. Let us try this again. You are already aware of how little 'normal' applies to you, yes? I believe your exact term was abnormal?"

Trixie closed her eyes, hurt written over her face at hearing her thoughts confirmed. Luna, however, shook her head back and forth until Trixie's eyes locked with hers again.

"Trixie, how many stories about normal ponies have you told your audience in the past?"

"I thought you said there would only be one question?"

Luna fluttered her eyelids at her. "Indulge your princess."

Trixie gave small groan, a light crimson on her cheeks again. "P-plenty. Trixie, would, w-well...often put herself into the story, but they were all true. Starswirl, Firefly, Heart throb-"

Again, Luna interrupted. "Yes, there is a definite difference between your idea of normal, and, well, the rest of Equestria's. Let me explain to you what 'normal' consists of, Trixie."

Trixie squirmed a bit, feeling awkward at having Luna holding the bottom of her muzzle and being forced to look into her eyes for so long.

"Normal-" Luna began, completely oblivious to Trixie's concerns. "There are several types of normal. Normal is a pony who grows up, gets married, and, in all likelihood, never leaves that village more than a hoofful of times. While it is a good life, it is not the most exciting of one."

Luna tilted her head and looked at a spot away from Trixie as she thought. "Another kind would be the lives of soldiers and traders. Both still can have pretty dull lives, but they have more travel, more risk, and more chances to get involved in something, well, bigger."

"Then-" She looked into Trixie's eyes again, hiding a grin at how uncomfortable she was looking. "There's you. And me. And the element bearers. None of us are normal."

Trixie let out a small huff of irritation, squirming in Luna's grasp again. "Don't patronize Trixie by putting her on the same level as you and them! While being a princess, or a bearer isn't a normal destiny, it is still closer than Trixie ever has been!"

"Why do you consider yourself abnormal, and yet, us as normal? Starswirl, Firefly, Heart throb, while the last two you mentioned were merely legends, even to me, I knew Starswirl. I can tell you he was anything but normal. And I can tell you that the element bearers are as abnormal as they come. One of them gives bears massages, Trixie. Bears."

She wasn't buying it. "B-because, they all did what they did to help other ponies. Not for themselves. Luna, I-i'm not here for anypony else's sake but my own."

Luna sighed and finally let go of Trixie's muzzle, only to give her a sharp rap on the head with her hoof. "That is only half true."

"N-no, I-"

"While I do not fully understand the situation, are you not here so you can be with somepony? Is that not what this is all about?"

Trixie dug at the ground with a hoof, clearly nervous and blushing. "M-maybe it is."

Luna rolled her eyes and slowly started circling Trixie like a shark, her tone becoming lecturing. Trixie continuously turned her head, trying to keep track of her.

"So, if this is all to be with somepony, then could you not say that what you are doing is for that pony?"

She weakly held up a hoof in denial. "W-what? No, this is about me being with...with her."

Luna shook her head and whipped Trixie's side with her tail, causing her to yelp. "Stop. You are smarter than that. Stop refusing to think and listen to what I am telling you for once. Are you saying that this other pony has to do nothing to be with you?"

She nodded, head spinning too much to even think about not answering. "S-she's fine the way she is. Tr-I-I am the problem..."

Luna nodded, keeping to her circling as she thought. "So, everything up to now, illegally crossing the border, this business in Gryphus, the crazy antics, it's all to be with this pony? You are trying to do this to become a pony worth being with them?"

Trixie nodded, receiving another hit from Luna's tail in return.

"You're still speaking in half truths."

"Trixie didn't say anything!"

"Your nod wasn't fully sincere."

Trixie briefly glared at Luna, but her heart clearly wasn't in it. "Trixie will admit...she loved the attention. Performing in front of crowds, causing those two gryphons to crash into eachother and bowing to those watching. It was thrilling. I-it was wrong, and selfish, but-"

Luna hit her again.

"Starswirl loved research. He loved books, he loved what he could do with his position. He didn't just do everything for somepony else's sake, he did it because it was what he loved and he enjoyed."

Luna stopped in front of Trixie, giving her a hard glare that would brook no argument.

"You can enjoy what you do too, Trixie. Every pony does. They even use their talents to show off to the pony they care for sometimes. You may even enjoy some of the more...crazy moments you have been through, but in the end, you are doing them for two reasons. The first, because they are what you love. The spotlight, the laughter, the looks of wonder on the faces of your crowd. The second, is for the one you love. None of this sounds like the actions of a mare out only for themselves. And no, you are not out for yourself if your goal is to be with that pony. Love is selfish, but even being selfish at times isn't wrong."

Trixie still hesitated, hope clear in her heart as the light from the moon grew to illuminate the forest. "A-are you sure about this..? You're, you're not just saying this to make Trixie feel better?"

Luna shrugged. "I am not Cadence, and it has been some time since my last lover, but emotions are perhaps the only thing that has not changed since my banishment. Love causes ponies to do silly things. Admittedly...your actions are, well, a touch extreme. They may even border on obsession. But it is still love. Your love is normal, Trixie. Even though you are not. At least, by my definition."

Gently, Luna placed a hoof on Trixie's shoulder. She could feel the gentle trembling coming from the mare and sighed. Is this really what has plagued you this whole time? How can you have such a fragile heart, yet easily rush head long into such drastic actions?

"If you trust me on nothing else, trust me on this. I would not trick a mare over her love. Your feelings are normal, and you should not feel guilty over what you have done to express them."

Trixie leaned forward a little, gently resting her head against Luna's shoulder as it started to rain over the forest.

Build them up, just to knock them down again. Is that what I am about to do to Trixie? Please, let this not be the case.

Once the rain ceased, both ponies decided to rest against a nearby tree. Not close enough to touch (Trixie quickly became leery of Luna's proximity once the rain passed), but enough to easily talk to one another. They both took a few minutes to relax and deal with recent events in their own way.

For Luna, it was time to give herself a pat on the back before worrying about the next step. She had gambled hard, and somehow it had paid off. While she had only helped in a small way, it was more than she had expected, considering how bad their last two exchanges had ended. She wouldn't label them as friends, but Luna was pretty sure Trixie's opinion of her had shifted for the better.

And for Trixie, it was a silence only in the sense that neither of them were talking. Luna didn't point it out, but there was, at least, three tiny Trixie's at any one time over her head, silently bantering back and forth as she tried to come to terms with everything.

You really shouldn't trust her

Trixie knows she should be careful, but, maybe she should give Luna the benefit of the doubt. At least, for tonight?

One nice act doesn't change anything else she did, you know. Your confused enough without her making things more complicated.

And how does Trixie thinking that Trixie might not be as strange as she first thought make anything more complicated?

Luna's not your enemy, she's not a fan, she's not a bystander, she's not your friend, and she isn't the one you love. So what is she now?

She didn't have an answer.

If your love is normal, then doesn't this mean you are still to blame for it all falling apart? All you wanted to do was make it big and get the mare. That's fair, right? So why did it all blow up?

...Trixie's heart is in the right place, but everything else is imbalanced about her still...

So you are the reason you aren't with the one you love in the end. Well, at least some things are still the same, right?

Shut up...

Looks like all you'll have is your memories of her for some time to come, huh?

Her memories. It was true. The few pictures she had became so much kindling after the Ursa, all she had were faded memories of their time together. Light touches, assuring words, nervous acceptance, Trixie would always treasure the last time they had been together.

One does not forget the moment they lost their virginity so quickly. Especially under such unexpectedly talented hooves.

"T-this isn't just a one-time thing, is it? Y-you really want to be with me?"

"That is entirely up to you. I would be quite...honored if this became a more common occurrence between us."

She was nervous at the time, that was clear. But, a few light kisses, ones that Trixie could almost feel trailing up her ear right now, and Trixie was assured that nothing could go wrong between them. And nothing did. Trixie's first time was amazing, and ruined her for any other stallion or mare. She had found who she wished to be with. If only there wasn't a catch.

"C-can we really be together?"

"T-together?" The tired voice answered. "W-well, anything is possible, Trixie. If you manage to become as great of a pony as I know you can, then yes."

"Great?"

The voice was slurred, and a little mumbled, as sleep was slowly claiming her lover. "You know...powerful...admired...a-all the things a...leader.......needs..."

"...Buck."

Trixie came out of her daydream at Luna's single word. Opening her eyes, Trixie saw the scenery around her shimmering and changing back into the forest she had just been sitting in. A bright blush blazed across her face as she looked over to Luna, who was looking away and muttering angrily.

"That idiot...we warned her she would hurt somepony if she kept that reprehensible behavior up! It's bad enough that-"

"Luna?"

"Huh? O-oh, sorry, Trixie. We weren't expecting to see such a...significant memory tonight."

Trixie fumbled a little as she quickly stood up. "U-umm...y-you saw that?"

"Yes..." Luna started slowly, getting to her hooves and not looking directly at Trixie. "C-could we ask you a question on it? Just one? W-well...two. But it-It's...kind of important."

Trixie warily nodded, wishing she knew how to stop the waves of heat rolling off of her face at the moment.

"Have you...been with anypony else since then...?"

"O-of course not! Trixie may be alot of things, but a cheater is not one of them!"

Luna cursed silently. "All right. Last question, we promise. Have you ever heard the term...pillow talk?"

Trixie looked at her confusedly. "No."

Why is this never easy! Just once, just ONCE throughout this could we catch a break!?

"Okay." Luna wiped sweat from her brow and put on a awkward smile that did nothing to calm Trixie's nerves. "L-look, sometimes, after, well, sex, ponies say thing, things they may not fully remember...or..."

Trixie frowned a little, not liking what Luna was starting to imply. "Or...?"

"Or..."Luna looked Trixie in the eyes, expression changing to one of pity. "they may say things they do not actually mean."

So, still wanna give her the benefit of the doubt?

"Get out."

"Trixie, please, we know it hurts, but-"

"No! I don't think you really do!" Trixie stomped a hoof on the ground, the forest becoming dark around them. Is this how the 'Princess of the Night' helps ponies!? By trying to make them feel as worthless as she did when her sister was the only one every pony cared about!?"

Luna went rigid for a second. "I was wrong back then, Trixie. I am not trying to hurt you, but you have to understand that-"

"Trixie understands more than enough!" She stomped towards Luna and roughly shoved her, causing Luna's rear to hit against the tree behind her. "Especially about you! The Night Mare! Manipulator! Liar! It's no wonder no pony is stupid enough to trust you with anything important still!" She shoved Luna again.

Luna was losing her patience. Fine. If she wants to play it like this, then I will gladly accept. Sticks and stones, Luna. We have learned to be stronger than mere words, haven't we?

"I am NOT a joke, Trixie!" Luna's form began to grow. "Nor am I a liar, nor a princess who plays with others emotions!"

Luna kept on guard as she grew, refusing to let Trixie win like she did the first time. There would be no lucky shots for Trixie.

"Just what is going through your mind!?" Luna bellowed, cutting Trixie off as she tried get away. Luna caused several trees to appear behind Trixie, removing any chance she had to flee.

She glared down at the small Unicorn, towering over her like a giant. She only hoped that her sincerity would make it through the anger in her tone. "I have been kind, I have even been playful, and above all I have tried to be tolerant of your disrespect! When we say you have mistaken empty words for the truth, Trixie, we are not lying! We are sorry, very sorry! but, you must listen to us on this!"

"I-I don't have to." Trixie said, glaring up at Luna. "I don't have to listen to you now, or ever! It's Trixie's heart, and she'll believe what she wants!"

Trixie turned from Luna and blasted a pony-sized hole in one of the trees before running through it and away.

Well spoken. Luna lamented. But why must she use such words to defend something so untrue? I don't understand this pony at all. Why can't my words get through to her? Why does my anger mean nothing to her!?

Luna roared after Trixie, the sound shaking the forest itself. Quickly, Luna lumbered after her, bashing trees down like kindling in her pursuit.

Trixie ran as fast as she could, emotions reeling in all directions. Fear and anger being the primary drivers, with a good dose of denial mixed in for good measure. Fear won out quickly after she took a brief glance behind her.

She was being chased by an Ursa Major.

The trees began growing larger and taller as she fled, the world darker. She stumbled and had to twist and turn as huge trees kept getting in her way. The Ursa was catching up.

Panicking, Trixie quickly began feeling her control slip. Images of Twilight started popping up around her as she fled the roaring beast behind her. She found herself jumping over broken wagons and ignoring the mocking laughter of two insufferable colts that she remembered all too well.

Calmdownit'sadream,calmdownit'sadream,calmdownIT'SADREAM!

Trixie forced herself to just look upwards and keep running. She willed the sky to open and show her the only companions that had never betrayed her.

The stars.

They had been her only constant throughout the years, guiding her across Equestria, and away from Ponyville on both of the nights where she had been at her worst. It might be a little odd, but she never counted the Ursa's in the same manner as the stars, much like how she couldn't blame the Alicorn she loved for Luna's actions.

She didn't trip over broken wagons, she didn't hit trees, and she no longer had images of ponies from the past harassing her. It was just her and the open sky.

It was beautiful, with the only distraction being the Ursa major making its way into her peripheral vision.

Luna cursed, feeling the dream shift again. Her own control of it kept the dream steady, and allowed her to catch up to Trixie quite quickly, but, she felt Trixie starting to recover.

Still, Luna always loved to see when a Dream Walker took their first steps. While a powerful and well educated unicorn like Twilight could color her dream to express even the tiniest detail, Luna could rend it if she wished with ease if she wanted. Such was not the case in the mind of a Dream Walker, inexperienced as Trixie was. For example, Luna was, unfortunately, stuck in this Ursa Major form until Trixie stopped concentrating on Luna being an Ursa Major.

As Luna watched, Trixie's neck arched upwards, looking for something in the sky. Seconds later, the dark clouds parted, revealing a bright, moonless sky. Despite the lack of a moon, hundreds of starts were still present and twinkling down at the landscape.

The trees in front of Trixie parted, fading out before she hit them and fading in after her passing. The trees continued to space out, making the sky easy to see for Luna. Eventually, the trees worked into long, organized rows, much like an orchard.

Unfortunately for Trixie, this made it even easier for Luna to chase her. They both ran on in straight lines, almost coming parallel with one another.

If I can just break her concentration, I'll be able to get out of this form and talk again. Maybe I can still salvage this, somehow. I just-what is that?

Movement to her left caught her attention. A star in the sky had grown far larger over the last few seconds. As it streaked down, she realized its target. Luna desperately dodged to the right as it crashed into the spot she had just been running, leaving a small crater in the ground before swiftly disappearing behind her. More movement in the sky signaled another falling star.

Dream or not, I am going to have words with her about using the stars against me like this. It's just...wrong!

Trixie gasped as another star fell, missing the Ursa Major, but giving her a little more breathing room. She knew the moment the Ursa got close to her again that the chase would be over. A part of her knew it was Luna, but that knowledge did little good considering her current dislike for the Moon Princess.

She needed something more, and thought back to old tales of the stars for help.

Long ago, there was a great stallion. He was born to a sea god and a great huntress. His name was Orion.

After the third star fell, Luna somehow had a small reprieve. Gazing back and forth, she saw no other stars preparing to launch themselves at her. Assured of her safety for the moment, Luna let her eyes roam to her intended target. Trixie was now at least a hundred hooves ahead of her.

Luna gained ground quickly, but something was off. She couldn't quite place it, but Trixie was doing something Luna knew she was not going to like.

At less than twenty hooves away from Trixie, Luna's attention was grabbed by a large, glowing blue shape suddenly appearing directly in front of her.

Orion, save me now!

This is bucking ridi-

Luna's line of thought was abruptly cut off as a Earth Pony entirely made of stars rammed into her, knocking the wind out of Luna and causing her to fly backwards.

Well, Luna thought, seconds before she was about to painfully hit the ground. I suppose there's always tomorrow night.

Polaris, guide me now!

The sky lit up for a brief second over Trixie. One star quickly grew larger and brighter than the others. Trixie centered herself and galloped towards the invitingly glowing star. The trees gave way to an open, grassy plain before her. Slowly, the star in front of Trixie became brighter and brighter, until it's light encompassed everything around her, and led her to the new dawn.

Author's Note

Oh Celestia I don't know how this happened. This chapter was meant to be out days ago, and contain alot more than just a dream sequence. These two scenes? They were meant to be 1/3 of the chapter, 1500 to 2000 words max, and it somehow ballooned into this, the largest chapter of the entire story so far. I like the way it developed, but I was not expecting this in the least when I started writing. :twilightoops:

Last two references to a song I did my best to secretly sneak into this fic are in this chapter. Been planning out their use for months, as if you shoehorn in a lyric, no one is happy with the end result.

As per Crow's suggestion, I am adding a romance tag to this fic, due to this going deeper into that aspect of the story than I first anticipated. Lemme know if anyone disagrees with it's presence as I have been on the fence about it for awhile.

Out Of Her Elements

"Hey, what's black and blue, with red all over?"

Non-Greg shrugged dumbly. "I dunno, what?"

"That."

Smirking, Greg pointed to Trixie as she approached them. Black circles were clear around her eyes, and multiple claw marks could be seen down the side of her neck. Her cape was torn a little along one side, and her horn was stained in half dried blood. she half walked, half stumbled towards them.

"Seriously, your-" Trixie yawned. "Your idea of a joke is too bad to even acknowledge. Could you step aside and let Trixie through for once?"

"Bleh," Non-Greg said noncommittally. "Before that, just what got a hold of you today?"

Trixie grumbled in irritation, stretching her neck out and hissing as she continued to hold a cotton ball soaked in alcohol up to it with her magic.

"Lack of decent sleep, combined with an idiotic fledgling finding out just how stupid it is to fall directly on top of a surprised unicorn."

"Wow." Greg muttered, a tad surprised. "I didn't think you would actually gore a kid like that. I mean, I'm not surprised they finally pushed-"

"Trixie didn't 'gore' any gryphon on purpose!" She protested loudly. "The damn fool LITERALLY fell on my horn! Do you have any idea how much it hurts to have a gryphon fall on your head? A lot! So lay off and let Trixie in!"

Greg sighed and nodded. "Look, I'm willing to let you through today. But, you'd only get to talk to one of the magistrates or council members."

She glared, her tired, sunken eyes creeping Greg out a little. "That doesn't help Trixie at all."

Greg shrugged. "Well, I don't know what to say. The Uber King is indisposed this morning."

Trixie groaned and put a hoof to her face. "Are you serious? Why?"

Greg gave Non-Greg a warning look before waving Trixie closer. "We aren't supposed to say anything on it, but a few of the other guards mentioned seeing you with a donkey in line yesterday, is that right?"

Giving her first tired smile of the day, Trixie nodded. "Oh yes, him. Do you know how he is doing? Trixie didn't remember to get his name."

Greg gave her a look she couldn't quite read. "Did you give him anything?"

She sighed, remembering what that token could have done for her. "Yes, Trixie did, why?"

Greg kept his voice down, but gave Trixie a mild glare. "The Uber king is currently bearing witness to the executions for the week."

"Bleh!" Trixie stuck out her tongue. "You have enough executions for it to be weekly?"

He shook his head. "No, this is just the day that any executions would happen on. It's been, oh, two months now since the last one. But, you see, there is only one slated for today. A donkey."

Trixie blinked uncomprehendingly.

"...Turns out this donkey stole something important. But, there is the chance that he might have been handed it by somegryphon else. or... more likely, somepony else."

She froze, too tired to hide the look of shock on her face. "You can be killed for stealing?"

"Not normally. Mind you, I'm supposed to be tight beaked about this, but, I don't like the thought of someone innocent dying over someone else's mistake. What he had was an important medal of some kind. Important enough that the government keeps track of who has one."

Trixie took a step back, her eyes wide in fear.

"Now-" Greg continued, giving her a neutral stare. "The Inquisitor's aren't letting anyone else near him for questioning. As far as everyone that matters is concerned, he's guilty and that's that. But, I need to ask. Just what did you give that donkey yesterday? This information could save his life."

The unspoken And damn yours was clear to Trixie, who was too stunned to even think for the next few seconds. She hadn't meant for this to happen, she was just trying to help!

Well, you kinda did. Her inner voice mused. You helped yourself. Looks like someone wanted you to get yourself killed when they dropped it.

That didn't help, nor did the throbbing that started right behind her eyes.

If Trixie tells the truth, he lives. But, Trixie dies.

What would the elements do?

She didn't have an answer. At least, none she could use. If they were here, one of them would have probably taken the blame, saving the donkey's life. while that one was imprisoned, the others would have found a way to get them out of the mess. But, Trixie was alone. There were no reinforcements for her.

What virtue is this even? D-does that even matter? He's going to die! H-he's..b-b-but I-he...

"He was crying, and Trixie gave him a cloth to dry his eyes."

I don't want to die...I-I can't.

A brief image of a gryphon that towered over other gryphons flashed in her mind.

Then you have less than two days to figure out how to deal with that.

"...Are you sure that was all you gave him?"

Last chance to turn back. The elements would do it. Honesty certainly would.

She nodded, trying to hide her shaking.

Greg sighed, speaking to her again. Trixie only nodded numbly, barely hearing the words. He wasn't happy. He knew she was lying. But, he let her go.

Trixie turned around and headed towards the exit. Pain, sorrow, and immense guilt followed her until she reached the gates.

Then, the need to survive took over, adrenaline pumped into her veins as she looked to the spots her young hunters would be waiting for her in. Sorrow was replaced with caution, paranoia, and even some aggression, all of which thankfully drowned out her pain.

At least, until she could afford to mourn.

Trixie lamented that even survival taking precedence didn't completely block out her emotions. She started the day tired, and now had a lump in her stomach of pent up emotions which was making her nauseated.

No new cuts graced her body, just a thin sheen of sweat thanks to a few quick runs she had to make. The pattern for dodging the majority of the fledglings was relatively simple by now to her. Even if it was longer, and more problematic, always take a new route. While there were only four main roads that took her back to the inn, there was a myriad of different ways, and places to approach them from.

Feeling relatively safe as she made her way down an alley, Trixie decided to take a short break. She lifted a nearby dumpster with her magic, bringing it over to serve as a makeshift wall thanks to a small square nook one of the nearby buildings had cut into it. Surrounded by four walls for a few moments, Trixie allowed herself to rest, and dropped down onto the ground. Closing her eyes, Trixie let out a brief sigh.

The hunt was getting harder, or, at least, it was taking more of a toll on her as time went on. Numerous cuts and new scars proved it, and her latest one's she had Luna to thank for.

She had woken up to her hooves flailing in the air, burning from exhaustion. Trixie didn't even want to know how long she had been galloping in her sleep, but it had ruined any good sleeping had done for her. If it hadn't been for that, she surely would have seen that gryphon before he cried out and landed on top of her like a sack of potatoes.

Mind wandering further, Trixie gave out an upset grumble. The talk with Greg was slowly worming its way back into her head.

It wasn't Trixie's fault! She thought she was helping!

She thought back to what the donkey told her of his family, and barely held herself together.

No.

Trixie stood up.

I can't do this here. Just what is taking them so long?

There was another reason Trixie had stopped. She was being followed. But, definitely not by a fledgling.

Since she had left the palace, her eyes kept finding a gryphon with a green sash over their chest in her sight. She had ignored him as a simple spectator to this absurd game, but he had kept following her even after she was sure she had escaped the children.

Quickly, Trixie moved the dumpster out of her way, making it bang against the other building jarringly. She peeked her head out to look the way she had come. For a split second, she saw a head at the end of the alley, before it pulled back.

Okay, She growled in her head. Trixie will pretend she didn't see him. If he approaches her, he's getting blasted.

But what if-

No! Trixie massaged her aching head. Trixie will make sure not to hurt them too much, but, she is REALLY not in the mood for any of this right now.

She walked along as she grumbled, listening for any noise from behind her. After making it halfway down the alley, she heard the obvious noise of someone flying behind her. She found it a bit odd though, most gryphons made at least some attempt at stealth when hunting. But, these wingbeats were powerful, loud, and crystal clear to Trixie. She lit her horn up, preparing for a spell that would cause anyone grabbing her to get a very nasty shock.

The wingbeats grew louder, but, the gryphon never deviated. The sounds were consistent, and not of someone preparing to swoop down. Trixie kept the spell ready as the gryphon went over her head, still well above the building, and kept going.

T-that was strange...Were they just messing with Trixie? As if she doesn't have it bad en-

Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar sound.

Tink Tink Tink.

A dozen feet in front of her landed another medal. Slowly, she approached, daring not to touch it. It was the exact same kind as the last one that had fallen.

They can't be serious. Are they mocking me!? Why would they think-

Greg's words quickly came to her mind.

Mind you, I'm supposed to be tight beaked about this, but-

She didn't have to mull over that sentence for more than a second to understand what was happening.

Greg wasn't supposed to tell anyone. They don't know Trixie knows what happened.

Trixie sighed, normally she would be happy with good luck like this, but, the medal reminded her too much of the donkey. Gently, Trixie picked the medal up in her magic, letting her eyes wander over it as she studied it for a long few seconds. Then, her magic shattered the medal like tin foil. She levitated the remains over to the dumpster and dropped it in.

Fool me once.

Looking up at the sun, Trixie gauged that she could sleep for at least a few hours before meeting up with Gerard if she hurried back to Gretta's.

And if her conflicted emotions didn't get in the way.

"Woah, you got really lucky there."

"Maybe? But, she left him to die, Gerard, to die." She took a sip of her second drink for the night.

"Yeah, well, what were you going to do? Die for someone you hardly knew? It sucks, and I'm sorry I didn't think about how close a medal like that would be watched before you left the other day, but, I'm glad you didn't do anything rash."

"B-but, maybe Trixie could have talked to the king? I-if he is there when...it...happens, perhaps she could-"

Gerard held up a paw to interrupt her. "Woah, no. You would have been on the chopping block, there is no way he'd listen to you after you were labelled a criminal. Heck, you'd probably be gagged just for trying to."

Trixie fiddled with her hooves, staring down at her drink. "W-why is this city so harsh? Why is there so much...death? Equestria isn't like this, we don't have a death penalty. We barely have prisons."

"Really? I guess that explains why so few ponies ever leave Equestria, I've not heard of a single country with less than a pawful in its borders." He took a long drink. "And look, this type of stuff? Executions? Gryphons trying to hunt others? Gryphons killing others? It's not nearly as common as you think. Like I said awhile ago, only a few types of hunts are still in use. Heck, the one you are in only happens, what? Once every twenty years, at best? Most deaths are due to some noble family trying to get ahead of another, or to rile an enemy family up, and that's not often either right now."

He gestured at Trixie with his drink. "If you had been any other non-equine walking into the city, I doubt you'd have ever seen any of this. But, well, really, you had to be expecting some of this. I mean, you've had, like, horrible luck with gryphons trying to break the rules. Not to mention what happened to that donkey when I first met you. But, all the hunting? That's what you came here for, right? To shake up Gryphus, make your mark, maybe even go home a hero?"

Trixie slumped her head on the table. "Kinda...but, it doesn't make her feel better about any of this. That fledgling that gored herself on Trixie's horn is going to be in the hospital for awhile, and Trixie tried helping that donkey. She didn't think..."

He gave her a light flick on the shoulder. "Hey, the fledgling thing isn't on you at all. They screwed it up, and you still got a nasty looking mark out of it. If that fledgling had been a little smarter, she'd had slit your throat with her claws instead of just leaving those gashes. Don't feel bad for her."

Gerard took another sip and continued.

"As for the donkey, well, that was a nasty trick. Some family wanted you dead, and wanted it to look like it was your fault, not theirs. I wouldn't be surprised if the Plucked Feathers were behind it, you did embarrass them quite a bit."

Trixie sighed, looking over to the clock. It was an hour past when they normally separated for the night. "Thanks for trying to make Trixie feel better, but it'd probably be best if she just called it a night."

Gerard shook his head. "Nah, I can't let you just go and keep feeling sorry like this. Besides, tonight's the big night. An hour from now, and you'll officially be in the second part of the hunt. One paw through the door, only three more to go now, right?"

She looked over to him, trying to keep her nerves together. "R-right, which is why I really need to go get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be tough, and if she is out past midnight..."

"You don't have to worry about that, you'll be with me, remember? I can't hunt you, I'm not a noble, and you'll be with a gryphon not participating in the hunt. So you won't be bothered. The ones who hunt you next are nobles, and they are stickler's for the rules. Besides, I still have to show you that place I mentioned the other night."

"But-"

"Nope, I'm not taking no for an answer. C'mon, just trust me on this, okay?"

Be true to your friends, and they will stay true to you in return.

Trust. He's Trixie's friend, right? If Trixie is loyal to him, he'll be loyal back, won't he?

Trixie gave Gerard a small smile and stood up as he did. "Okay, let's go then."

He returned the smile, and gestured towards the door.

Well, it's nice. In a rustic sort of way.

With how brown and gray the city was, she hadn't expected there to be any spot of green like this in Gryphus. As they approached, the amount of lights went down considerably, petering out right before they entered the park. Several hundred yards of lush grass was quickly left behind them as they walked a small stone path that eventually led them into a pocket of thick trees. Lamps were sparsed out through the small woods, but none of them were lit, leaving them as the only point of light in the area. Crickets chirped all around them. After another minute of walking the path, Gerard stopped, and signaled Trixie to put the lantern down.

"Pretty, isn't it?" Gerard started. "Hard to maintain too, from what i hear. Getting a grove of trees to grow in what once was a mountain couldn't have been easy for our ancestors."

She nodded. "It's impressive, reminds Trixie of a few places she camped, back when she had her cart. But...how does this place help Trixie? It's too far away from Gretta's, or the palace to be of much use, and she doubts this is a safe area for her."

He smiled. Instead of immediately answering, he picked up the lantern and placed it on a hook that had been affixed into one of the nearby lamp posts.

"Congrats, Trixie, you made it past the first week." He looked over to her with a grin.

She grinned back, trying to hide her nerves. Thoughts of how visible their lantern now was didn't help. "Wow, it's midnight already? No wonder Trixie is feeling a bit tired. How about we call it a night and-"

"Oh, don't be a spoilsport. Just give me a few minutes to get my bearings."

"Bearings?"

He nodded. "While this area wasn't specifically designed for hunting or hiding in, there are some parts of it you could take advantage of. For one, almost no gryphon comes out here at night. You won't be able to stay the entire month at Gretta's, you know. Heck, another few days and the place will have hunters watching it day and night."

"So..." Trixie cocked her head at him. "You think Trixie should start sleeping here? Camp out in the woods?"

He shook his head. "Not exactly. I'm just saying it's a good place to stay at night every once in a while. At least once a week, to throw off every gryphon that is going to be watching every place they expect you to visit at some point in the day. Predictability is the hunter's ally, and the prey's enemy."

She looked Gerard over carefully. He wasn't lying to her, not at the moment, but, she could tell he was nervous about something. And his eyes, they kept roaming while he talked. Trixie began looking around herself as she spoke.

"That's true, she supposes we'll have to find a new bar in a few days as well." She quirked an eyebrow at him. "So, what is in this park that you are trying to remember? She knows you are feather brained, but, did you really forget after telling Trixie you'd show her it just yesterday?"

Gerard began tapping a claw on the ground. "Woah, look, I don't come out here at night that often, okay? What am I trying to find? Well, there's...there's a large grove of bushes you could easily sleep in. Normally, they are even covered in blue flowers, making it almost ideal for you to hide in if you had to."

He's lying.

Trixie doesn't fully know that.

Yes you do. He's anxious, nervous, and stalling for time. I bet his friends were supposed to be here already.

A flash of light met Trixie's eye for a second from something far away. Squinting, Trixie focused on the spot she had seen it. For another brief second, she saw the light again, deep in the woods. Most likely someone walking down another path.

Gerard looked to where Trixie was. After a few seconds, she turned her gaze on Gerard, noticing something that made bile rise in her throat.

Gerard was no longer nervous.

"Woah, w-well, look, I'm gonna go and see if I can find that grove, okay? You stay here, I'd rather not cause you to get anymore banged up than you already are."

"Of course." Trixie smiled fakely. The lantern was surrounded with her magenta aura, before slowly levitating towards Gerard. "Here, maybe this will help you find it."

"H-huh? Oh, no, don't worry." He grabbed the lantern and brought it back to the post. "I have very good eyes, I won't need this to find what I'm looking for. I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"

Stop dragging this out. That little light in the distance is getting closer.

But...maybe he-

Sold you out?

"G-Gerard...before you go, can you answer one thing for Trixie?"

He looked at the light in the distance one last time before looking over to Trixie, noting how depressed she sounded. He sighed. "Sure, what is it, Trix?"

She pointed a hoof towards the little light. "Are those the gryphons you spoke to yesterday?"

"I-I-woah, what?"

"You're not subtle, or a good liar. Well, compared to Trixie, at least. She literally managed to sell ice to a crystal pony once. That...and...she overheard you talking to them yesterday about bringing her out here."

"Woah, look-" Gerard sputtered, shaking his head. "It's not what you think."

Trixie's hopes and face lit up for a moment. "Really?"

Before dropping like a boulder. "Well..." He sighed again, turning away from her. "Actually, it kinda is..."

"..."

"..."

"...Why? T-this doesn't make any sense. She thought we were-"

"-What? Friends?"

She nodded.

He gave Trixie a condescending look. "Really? We've spent an hour or two each day together for, what? Four, five days now? Do you really think that's long enough to make us friends?"

"O-of course it is! Trixie's spent more time around you than she has anyone in years."

Oddly enough, his look turned almost pitying at this point. "Woah. Well, I hate to say this, Trix, but, that's just not how it works. Or, at least, not here in Gryphus."

She thought back briefly to her shows and travels across Equestria. She had only stayed a week at most in any one place, but, she had had friends. There was a orange pegasus who drank with her when she was performing in Manehattan two years ago. Or what about that yellow unicorn at the red bar in Las Pegasus? It may have only been a few hours of drinking and talking each time, but, they were her friends.

Right?

"Look, Trix, this aint your fault, really. But, look at it from my side, or, even Gretta's. What's the point of being caught up with someone who is going to be dead in a weeks time? I'll admit, I kinda hoped that that medal would get you to the king, but, it didn't. In the next day or two, I was going to go to that bar, and you weren't going to show up. I'm sure Gretta feels the same way. Very soon, even if I didn't do this, you won't show back up at her inn, and that'll be that. Who'd really waste their time making friends with a pony who's about to die?"

Each point made quietly drove another nail into her heart. An almost acidic feeling came with the pain. A rush of panic and adrenaline as her emotions warred with her survival instincts. At the moment, Trixie didn't know whether she would break down in tears and just let the others kill her, or break Gerard's neck and run off.

"It's not personal. really. My family is in a tough spot, and this clan is willing to help us out if I get them a private hunt. A legal one. I really don't want this anymore than you do."

Tears made their way down Trixie's face as she stared at Gerard. "J-just what is wrong with you...? Y-you're my friend...I'm not family...but you said betrayal-"

He held up a claw and shook his head. "Woah, woah. Look, I said the clan is before any other ties. What? Did you think I was really going to pick you over helping my family? And betrayal?" he scoffed at that. "You're not a gryphon, or even a citizen of the empire. No-"He shook his head again, and looked away. "-I have nothing to feel shame over."

Trixie bowed her head low in resignation.

"Really-" Gerard said, voice low, almost like he was talking to himself. "-It's like handing over a stray dog you took in. It'll hurt for a little, but, you'll get over it, right?"

Cold. Trixie felt cold. She could feel the tears dropping. her heart was beating rapidly, and she was sure something akin to a whimper was coming from her lips. But, her mind was somewhere else, seemingly detached from her body. Almost subconsciously, Trixie placed herself between Gerard and the sight of whoever it was carrying the lantern that was approaching them.

"So-" Trixie heard herself say. "What happens if Trixie isn't here when they show up?"

Gerard gave her a questioning look. "Nothing good, I'd be lucky to get off with only two broken wings, I imagine. Thinking of bolting? It's a little late for that." Gerard looked away and pointed to the forest, just as two gryphons fully came into view.

Trixie nodded as her horn lit up. "Sorry about this..."

Gerard felt the light on his back, but just ignored it, waving the two gryphons over. "What? Are you going to knock me out with your levitating trick? I wasn't going to help them with what comes next, so you might want to save your strength."

Trixie didn't reply.

"Good to see you, Gerard."

Gerard gave a brief nod to the Golden gryphon and his compatriot. "You too, Gavin."

"So...where is she?"

"Pfft, is she still hiding behind me? Let me just-" He walked a few feet away and turned to where Trixie was.

However, there was no trace of the unicorn.

"Gerard?" Gavin started. "Where is she?"

"B-but, that's impossible." Gerard pointed to the spot. "She was right there less than ten seconds ago! Did she run off? I didn't hear her running though..."

"So, she was here?"

Gerard nodded. "Y-yes!"

"And now...?"

"S-she must have some trick!" He poked at the spot Trixie had been before bringing his beak to the ground to smell it. "L-look, her scent is still here!"

Gavin went over to the spot and took a deep breath. "Yes, from what you gave us before, this is her scent. But, we didn't see her run off, and we've kept our eyes peeled for her ever since you were close enough for us to see."

Gerard put a paw to his chin. "She must have some way to hide then."

Gavin shrugged. "It's likely, but, that doesn't matter right now. She's not here, Gerard. And you said she would be."

"Woah, woah, hold on. This isn't my fault, I didn't-"

Gavin cracked his neck before nodding to his stalwart companion. "It doesn't matter. You promised she would be here in exchange for our help, and she isn't here. You broke your word."

The two gryphons converged on Gerard. He wasn't a soldier, he wasn't a hunter, and he knew he wasn't fast enough to fly away in time. Or strong enough to break free of their talons. Nor was his voice loud enough to reach the guards outside the park.

But damn did he try.

Trixie turned away from the scene right as Gerard was knocked to the ground. Her mind teetered back and forth for awhile in conflict. She knew she had to leave soon though, she couldn't keep herself invisible for more than a few minutes at a time. When the screaming began, she started walking away.

Loyalty.

Apparently you don't inspire it. You know, there is still time to go help him.

No. She replied, numbly. I didn't save that poor donkey when I had the chance. I'm not about to risk my life for someone who was planning to let me die.

Really? Forgiving someone who did you wrong would be kindness. And risking your life for a friend would be loyalty. What happened to your aspirations?

She didn't stop.

The elements would have turned this around, you know Loyalty would have swooped in, Kindness would have shown them the error of their ways, and the others would have helped out. Like in the stories, everyone would be happy and friends by the end of this.

She didn't reply.

But...I guess, if you really were any good at any of the virtues...

Trixie ended her invisibility and looked around, starting her long and paranoid trek back to the inn.

Gerard wouldn't have betrayed you in the first place.

Author's Note

Still keeping to my time lines it seems, huzzah!

Only major note is that I removed the romance tag after a few e-mails. Romance is a part of this story, but not intended to be the main focus.

Long Hard Road Out of Hell.

With a sigh, Trixie rolled over on her bed, listless. Dawn had come and gone, leaving her no excuse to still be in bed. A combination of anxiety and stress had prevented more than a few minutes of black oblivion to grace her throughout her restless tossing and turning that night.

This was the big day. The first day of the real hunt. If she did well today, she'd live to see another. And then...

That's it, show's over folks! Please pick up your trash on the way out!

She'd managed to banish Gerard's image from her mind hours ago, but not his words.

"Who'd waste their time making friends with a pony who's about to die?"

She contemplated that briefly while she brushed her mane and prepared for the day. Was it really all an act? Had everything she had done with Gerard been fake? Trixie couldn't tell. Even at the end, even with Gerard explaining his true intentions, she still couldn't wrap her head around it completely. Perhaps she was still in shock?

Does it really matter? another part of her argued. You need a plan to get out of this alive. Friends aren't really on the table anymore. Winning this sick game was never on the table to start! Think up a way to survive tomorrow and work from there.

Was survival really enough, though? She had done nothing but survive ever since she left home. All her successes broke apart like a cheap wheel when she rolled into Ponyville for the first time.

Look, how about you think through this after we get to the palace?

That was actually a good idea. She'd have more than enough time to ponder what keeps going wrong in her life there. She had no desire to eat, so that made what she was about to do easier.

First thing about avoiding an angry mob, never be where they expect you to be. Oh, she was sure some were watching her bedroom window, in case she tried slipping out of it. But that was a small number compared to the ones watching the inn's main entrance.

With a grunt, she opened the window in her room slightly and peered out. She couldn't peer up enough to tell, but she was sure they were there, watching from the top of roofs. Even if they weren't, these situations called for all the paranoia a stressed out magician could muster.

Second part with avoiding mobs, the use of surprise. Almost no pony attacks someone when they suddenly spring out of a bale of hay next to them, or jumps down from a window and screams in their face. Surprise had kept her out of dozens of problematic situations, even if it meant leaving some things behind. Or, in this case, costing her a little.

A quick toss, and a half dozen smoke bombs fell out the window. A dozen seconds later, and a light mist started spreading through the alley to the confusion of anyone currently in it. Then, with just a quick casting, Trixie was invisible and ready to take off.

This'll only work once you know.

She agreed, but, right now, she wasn't in the mood to be creative. Carefully, she crawled out the window, and fell to the ground. It was impossible to hide the sound of wood breaking as she fell onto the small pile of boxes she had placed there the day before. She heard a few cries of surprise from somewhere within the smoke and quietly made her way out of the area before any of them thought to try and disperse it with their wings.

Is it really fair for Trixie to be in this line again?

Is it really fair to me for you to be so depressive every hour of the day now?

Trixie snorted. It was a little awkward to her to be back in line like this. More awkward still that she was getting used to arguing with herself. Still, here she was, In the same line that donkey had been in just a short time ago. She wasn't even sure what she would say if she somehow managed to get in to see the King today. If anything, her plans now seemed...stupid.

Trade relations, what did I think the king would do when he heard that? Just agree after one meeting and immediately cancel the hunt they think Trixie willingly became a part of?

With a sigh, Trixie hit herself in the head hard enough to feel it.

Listen to yourself, Trixie. Did you really come this far just to lay down and die? That is literally an option in this town for you! Get your act together and start thinking again! Feelings...feelings can come later.

Trixie nodded to herself. She could do this. It wasn't just about the trade negotiations that she was, more or less, faking. It was about how she presented herself, how she worded what she said. She was an actor, she could do this if given the chance! All she had to do was-

Her line of thought came to an end as she accidentally bumped into someone in front of her. A quick glance down revealed that someone to be a gryphon fledgling a head smaller than herself. Their head down to the crest was primarily covered in white feathers, while the rest sported a golden toned fur.

"Oh, sorry about that. Trixie was lost in the moment."

The gryphon's beak gaped a little as their yellow eyes widened. "Y-you're really h-her, aren't you? The U-u-u-"

"Yes, Trixie is a unicorn," She interrupted, giving the fledgling a small smile. "The greatest one in town at the moment. Is it so strange for Trixie to be here?"

The fledgling looked to the ground and scuffed at it uncomfortably with a paw. "N-no, we just d-didn't really believe y-you'd be in line today..."

Trixie gave him a curious look. "We?"

Looking past him, Trixie spotted several other young gryphons of varying colors and in front of her in line. Some were thinner than Trixie believed to be healthy. Her attention quickly shifted to an elderly gryphon in the middle of them carrying a fledgling on her back. This older, bronze colored gryphon gave her a patient smile.

"Please forgive Gunther, he's just a little shocked at seeing you here. He didn't believe it when we told him you may show up."

"Trixie sees." She eyed the older gryphon evenly, a touch confused. "Why is it odd for her to be here? She has been coming here daily for over a week now."

The elderly gryphon shook her head. "Huh, you Equestrians talk strange. But no, most didn't expect you to come here again. Being predictable is dangerous for someone in your situation."

Trixie nodded and gave a small shrug. "What can she say? She needs to see the king, and until he starts making house calls, this is the best way Trixie knows to talk with him."

Several of the children laughed a little at that, though they went silent quickly after Trixie's gaze swept over them again.

"Is Trixie that intimidating now?" She scratched at her chin slowly. "That won't do at all. An audience should never be afraid of its entertainer."

The elderly gryphon continued on while baring an amused grin. "You'll have to forgive them again, they didn't expect you to actually talk at all. You seemed so absorbed, you didn't even notice how long the children stared at you until you almost tripped over Gunther here."

Trixie rubbed the side of her neck awkwardly. "Ah, Trixie sees. So, what business do all of you have with the king today?"

"We are seeking aid for our eyrie." The elderly matron explained. " I run a small orphanage along one of the cliff faces with the help of several others. Times have been bad lately, so I am here today to ask for assistance."

Trixie pointed at Gunther curiously. "And all of them are here because...?"

The matron slowly grinned at her. "You'd be surprised how much easier it is to convince a bureaucrat to help feed fledglings when several of the poor dears are in sight."

Trixie chuckled at the old gryphon's cunning and nodded. "Makes sense to Trixie. Now-" A good time to put the Element of Laughter to work "-Would any of you care to see a trick?"

Seconds after the words left her mouth, all of the fledglings ears perked up and she was besieged with curious looks. Trixie shifted her hat to the side a little, giving them a cocksure smile.

"Let's start with something simple."

I'm okay with this. I can see the king tomorrow.

You're an idiot.

A standard juggling set turned to card tricks. Card tricks went to hat tricks. At some point, she had stopped moving forward in line. In fact, she couldn't have moved forward if she wanted to. The line had made a circle around her as more and more gryphons came to watch her perform.

I've missed this.

The crowd was at least three deep on every side, requiring her to do a mix of tricks she normally wouldn't of in one show. She wasn't used to having a crowd on all sides, meaning that anything requiring sleight of hoof or the audience to only be able to see her from one angle had to be discarded. Still, the gryphons ate her performance up.

A quick twirl on her hind legs and there were two of her. A quick twirl back, and now there was one again. Another twirl, and there were four. The roars grew louder around her.

She didn't know how long she had been performing, all she knew was the cheers of the crowd. For a brief moment, she forgot about Gryphus, the hunt, Gerard, and everything else. She simply played out the clearest part of her destiny. To entertain.

That brief moment came to an end when an angry cry came from her right, shortly followed by a gryphon being knocked over. As Trixie stopped to look, the magic over the crowd she gathered broke. Slowly, her audience looked around to check how the line was doing. Joyous faces turned angry as they took notice that their little group was, in fact, no longer in line at all. The line had reformed during the performance, splitting their section off entirely from the main body.

Like a small tide, the crowd went back to the line and began arguing. Trixie watched as this quickly escalated into shouting matches and gryphons pushing up against one another before breaking out into fighting.

"Huh..." Trixie's ears pressed to her scalp as the group of orphans she had previously been entertaining tackled someone about to hit the matron.

While this was definitely an improvement over some of her other performances, this was not what she had in mind when trying to invoke laughter in her audience.

"Okay, you're done here."

Trixie looked over her shoulder to where the voice came. Greg stood there, flanked by an array of guards. Several of them quickly moved past her, almost a blur. They were joined by more swooping down from the sky as they worked to get the mob back under control.

"Don't give me that look, Miss. I've been lenient, but this is the last straw. Get out, and please refrain from returning to the castle again."

She blinked. Trixie had to have heard him wrong. "What?"

Greg looked to his left and right and nodded forward. The two guards behind him gave a brief nod and walked past Trixie. As soon as they were alone, Greg's stare turned frigid. "I get that this is a safe place for you during the hunt. I was fine with you wasting time making silly reasons to speak with the king. But, as far as I am concerned, your honor is gone. Your actions led to that donkey's death, even if I cannot prove it. And now, you've started a riot in front of the castle."

Trixie shook her head in denial. "She didn't mean-"

"-It doesn't matter what you meant to happen. It did happen, and now I have a reason to permanently remove you from the premises."

"You can't! Trixie-"

"Should have admitted her guilt, and taken that Donkey's place in the execution line!" Greg snapped. "Do not bother coming back tomorrow, or the day after. As far as I am concerned, you are barred from the castle grounds. Come back, and you'll be lucky if I just have the guards throw you back to the hunters."

Trixie felt something crack inside of her as world turned blurry in front of her.

Laughter,- Trixie's mind croaked out in a voice as disjointed and broken as the rest of her felt. you might as well stick with laughter until the end, right?

So Trixie did. She laughed as tears blurred her vision while Greg escorted her out of the castle's gates. She laughed, scaring those nearby as she cast her invisibility spell again. And she laughed quietly to herself as her mind tore itself apart with guilt and frustration the entire way back to the inn.

Failures. Trixie thought to herself as she frantically went through Starlight Glimmer's scrolls again. Why does everything I do end in nothing but failures!?

Her bloodshot eyes were dry and itchy due to another sleepless night. Crying only took up a small part of it, most of Trixie's time had been spent searching for an answer to her problems. Some hint of what she had missed, some clue to why everything she tried kept turning against her.

She found nothing.

A failure. Echoed out in Trixie's head. I'm nothing but a failure...I failed her, I failed myself. I'm going to die.

Would she be missed? Would She miss her? It had been so long since they last talked. Since that night that started Trixie down this road. Why did it have to end here? She had tried so hard, she had looked for help.

Trixie's face scrunched up, sorrow and anger warring with her as she glared down at the scrolls covering half the floor.

"Why didn't you help me!" She screamed down at them.

Loyalty: Be true to your friends, and they will stay true to you in return.

Gerard, the friend Trixie thought she had made. Her trust, her loyalty, what did it get her?

Generosity: Give freely, the more dear something is to you, the more likely that it can help another more.

The donkey's face came to mind once more, how he talked about his family. Trixie didn't know. How could she have known generosity could kill?

Honesty: Lying's never done anypony a lick of good. Work hard, be upfront, and there ain't nothing you can't do!

Oh, yes, Honesty. Trixie could have tricked Greg into letting her in, there were a hundred lies she could have used. But hard work pays off, hard work and the truth would set her free, right? All Trixie had to show for her honesty now was days upon days of waiting in line because the truth wasn't good enough for her to be let in!

Kindness: We all hurt or get hurt by somepony at some point. What matters is how we recover as friends from those incidents.

Despite her travels and issues before coming to Gryphus, her Azure fur and skin had been smooth and an envy to many mares. A show mare had to look good, after all. But, Kindness meant risk, it meant being careful with how she treated her attackers. It meant keeping her horn from goring the young hunters. Her Kindness had been rewarded with numerous scars, some Trixie doubted would ever be hidden once the fur grew back.

Laughter: The important thing about a good joke is how many smiles it brings.

Laughter. Even now, Trixie still couldn't understand why it failed her. Making others laugh and feel happy to be around her, why was it so hard? Why would it end in a riot?

Sitting down on the floor in her room, Trixie looked across the floor and over the unrolled scrolls in disbelief. If these lessons, if these beliefs were so ingrained in the ponies of Equestria, then why did she, as a pony herself, fail to make them work?

What was wrong with her?

One by one she picked up the scrolls with her magic, and shredded them. There wasn't any point to keeping them now. They weren't meant for somepony like her. Clearly, she was too far gone to help. Trixie would never find her balance, she would never become important.

Tartarus, if she didn't find a way out of this, she wouldn't even live through the day.

Trixie glumly ate her food at the bar. The bar room was full of gryphons like normal, but, upon seeing Trixie's haggard appearance, the broke and defeated look, all conversation ceased. Reverence for the dead, maybe? She wryly thought to herself.

She wasn't hungry, but, a part of her insisted that she finish her plate. This was probably the last time she'd ever eat again.

That thought was almost numbing. Trixie's mind was awash with pain and emotions, but the most prevalent one since she tore up the scrolls was betrayal. Gerard's actions hurt, yes, but she had trusted those scrolls to help make her a better pony. A normal pony. They had been her direction in life for the last year, what was she supposed to do now that they had failed her?

Gretta's information that morning hadn't helped either. Enough gryphons had seen her invisibility trick yesterday; it would be hard to use it to escape the inn a second time. She was out of tricks.

How can this be it? Trixie thought, ignoring the sad look Gretta was giving her. I followed the five virtue's, I came here to prove myself to the one I love, where's my happy ending? It's not fair!

She mulled that feeling over as she finished off her potatoes. Unfairness. She latched onto the anger and bitterness. It wasn't much, but, any feeling was better than the relentless numbness that threatened to overwhelm her. She looked down at her plate.

Empty.

I-I guess this is it then.

Seriously, you can't think of anything?

I don't want to think! I don't know what to do! Why did this have to happen!

Bad luck, lack of research, I have a pretty good list of the why's.

Trixie hates you.

Finally something we agree on...

With a frustrated sigh, Trixie stood up and began a slow trot to the inn's main entrance. Every head in the inn followed her as she walked out the door for what they expected to be the last time.

Silence.

Creepy, creepy silence. Trixie looked over the streets outside of the inn, at the gawkers watching from the street corners and in the road itself. The usual traffic was hardly moving. While the street wasn't completely full, it was clear most of them were here to watch the second day of the hunt begin. Many of them were looking at her and then up to the building opposite of the inn. Her eyes followed theirs and she quickly saw the reason so many had gathered to watch.

Do not die until Tuesday.

He was on top of the building directly opposite of the inn, his black wings outstretched as he gazed down at her. A few other gryphons were perched on the building, but he dwarfed them all by at least several feet. Despite the distance, Trixie was almost positive that if the sun was in the right position, his shadow would have engulfed her.

A quick glance around confirmed what she feared. No one present was going to get involved. If more were after her, there would be a good chance that she could use the confusion to her advantage. But, every gryphon was simply looking at the scene with curiosity and anticipation. Even the ones on the roofs were sitting or laying down. Only the mammoth black gryphon was gazing at her with intent. The same look all the younger gryphons had when chasing her, only hardened with experience. For this moment, she was his to hunt.

"Miss Trixie, I presume?"

That caused her to yelp and back up a few feet. Looking to her left revealed a middle-aged, well-dressed gryphon who met her hesitant expression with a smile. His head feathers were white, with the rest of him taking on a uniform brown, except for the tips of his primary's that he apparently dyed yellow. He wore a rich looking purple vest, with an emblem bearing the picture of a gryphon paw removing the feathers of a chicken.

You can't be serious.

"A fine morning to you, Ma'am. I am Grogar, father of Groat, and proud member of the Plucked Feather clan."

"...Charmed..." Trixie ignored him and looked back up to the black gryphon. She was pretty sure he looked a bit irritated at Grogar, but his eyes quickly moved back to meet hers.

Grogar droned on.

"On this most auspicious day of Gryphus, I, Grogar, declare my intent to hunt you, Trixie."

Briefly, the black gryphon bowed to her.

Stacked against us. Trixie moaned internally. Ever since Ponyville, the world was stacked against us.

"The hunt will be fair, as you have no weapons, I too, will use no weapons."

He hunched down, preparing for flight. Every gryphon on the roof backed away.

Nothing was ever fair! Trixie doesn't deserve this! She knew it would be hard, but was fame such a sin as her means to an end? She had been loved before Ponyville! So close to her goal...

"Of course, there is the allowance of two fifteen minute smoke breaks, to be called by either the hunter or-"

He jumped into the air, gaining height and preparing for his dive. He was smart though, and watched Trixie warily as he gained altitude.

Trixie felt her cheeks burn in anger while she ranted. It was never good enough! Why wasn't Trixie good enough for your stupid teachings, Glimmer!?

"A milk gryphon! can you believe it!? So I told him, I didn't order any milk, and then-"

He dove.

As if time had slowed down, Trixie watched the black titan come closer and closer. Anger and denial tore through her as memories of all the torment and suffering she went through since coming to Gryphus flashed through her mind. Tears ran down her cheeks. She had tried to change, sacrificed, and had blocked out so much of what she wanted to do to be a better pony! Why had it come to this!?

Why....I don't want to die! W-why!? Virtues... What did I do wrong!?

You are not balanced.

There was no time left for her to find balance. Luna's words came back to her from the other night.

"Your love is normal, Trixie. Even though you are not."

So she wasn't normal, did that really mean trying to follow the five virtues had been pointless? What else could she do?

There is a sixth... A part of her that Trixie had worked to suppress reminded her. The part of her who thought the Alicorn Amulet would redeem her. The part of her who still secretly hated Twilight. You used it on those two fledglings you stomped beneath your hooves...

But Starlight's teachings-

You are beyond her help. You already admitted it. You aren't balanced like that. Those virtues won't keep you from dying. And, believe me, you're about to die. You're corrupt. The voice taunted as Trixie's will began to crack. It's too late to be normal.

B-but I-

Give it up. The voice chided. Trixie began to feel magic flowing into her horn. It's over. You tried, but, it's over now. You can't be somepony else than who you are, no matter how much you try.

The black gryphon was less than a hundred yards away now, claws outstretched. Briefly, Trixie noticed a look of almost disappointment in his face at how easy this hunt had been.

All you can be...

All I can be...

Trixie let go. She let go of trying to be a good pony, of trying to change who she was. Her horn flared to life.

"-Is Trixie!"

The black gryphon hissed in alarm and anger. He tried to push his wings to flap, he tried to use his claws to reach out the last few feet towards his intended prey. But he was stuck, hovering in mid-air to the confusion of both himself and his audience.

"What are you doing!?"

"..."

Trixie glared at the gryphon held in her telekinetic grasp as she mentally tore herself apart. So much time, wasted. Months upon months spent studying that...garbage of a philosophy! To Tartarus with the five virtue's!

It was time to use the sixth.

"Honesty..." she rasped out.

"W-what? AH!" The gryphon in her grasp screamed out as he was hurled into the wall of a stone building.

"Loyalty..."

A wet smack was heard as Trixie slammed the gryphon into the wall again. Cracks and a small indent revealed themselves as she hovered the black gryphon back a few feet.

"Generosity..."

Smack!

"How are you-"

"Kindness..."

Smack!

"AH!"

"Generosity!"

SMACK!

"Laughter!"

SMACK!

A breeze blew by, ruffling and billowing her cape. A small smirk came to Trixie's face as she silently looked the broken gryphon in her grasp over. The gryphon was barely conscious, his body now reduced to a mess of blood and feathers. One of his wings was tilted at an awkward angle, definitely broken.

"Hmm..." Trixie mused, almost to herself. "It figures. The one element Starlight called corrupt is the one Trixie knows how to use...Magic!"

CRACK!

The gryphon disappeared from Trixie's sight as she smashed his broken body through the battered stone wall. She ignored the screams coming from those inside the building. She couldn't find it in herself to care.

She had a king to talk to.

"So, Grogar-" She turned to look at the gryphon, only to find a few fallen feathers where he had only been seconds ago.
"Hmph."

"Who's next?" Her gaze swept through the crowd and over the rooftops. The silence only broken by the sound of a crying fledgling or two.

"About time you worms knew your place..." She muttered darkly before turning towards the palace. The crowd quickly parted in her wake. The look in her eyes was different than previous days, the promise of pain and death were clear. Shortly after her departure, a lone voice from the crowd spoke up.

"S-so...are weapons allowed now? W-was that that considered a weapon, or...?"

It was so easy now.

Crack! Smash!

She didn't have to worry about hurting others now, she didn't have to worry about what they thought about her. Gryphus no longer held anyone she cared about.

Another Gryphon dived at her, only to swiftly be pulled to the ground and bashed against it. Like the previous two, he did not stand back up.

The adults were easy to spot, even when they tried ambushing her, their sheer size made it impractical. Trixie would quickly notice them and united their face with whatever wall was closest.

Had it really been this easy the entire time? she though, ignoring the Gryphons on the street quickly moving out of her path. The so-called 'hunter's' became few and far between after witnessing her send several to the hospital.

Old feelings wormed their way up within her, power, pride, and most important of them; revenge. She hadn't felt like this since the Alicorn Amulet.

She grinned as the gates to the castle came into view.

No gryphon can stop The Great and Powerful Trixie!

It looked like they were going to try, though. In front of the gates stood Greg and Non-greg, backed up by a half dozen soldiers. She stopped a dozen hooves away and sneered.

"Greg."

Greg nodded. "Trixie. Why are you here? I warned you-"

She laughed. "Please, Greg. Today is a new day. Now, The Great and Powerful Trixie will make you a deal."

Before they could react, Non-greg was floating in the air. Trixie shook him back and forth like a toy in front of Greg.

"You let Trixie in, and she'll give this back."

The guards raised their spears in alarm. Non-greg tried to say something, but found his beak sealed shut.

"This isn't funny, Trixie." Greg pointed his spear at her. "Let him go."

"Funny?" She cackled. "FUNNY!?" With a quick tilt of her head, Greg's spear broke in half. "Trixie didn't come here to entertain you, Greg. Now, move before she gets angry. She's has a meeting with the king, and is sick of you delaying her."

"No, in fact, I-"

A growing murmur caused both Greg and Trixie to peer around. A large crowd was gathering, curiosity in their eyes as they watched the confrontation. Greg's eyes narrowed, but his expression slackened.

"Trixie, before this goes any further, can we talk?"

She smirked and waved him over with a hoof. "Of course. Though your-" she looked to Non-greg briefly "friend isn't moving from where he is."

Greg nodded and dropped his broken spear before moving closer, leaving only a few feet between them so they could talk quietly.

"What is this about?" he asked. "You can't seriously expect this to end well."

"Of course it will end well." Elation was clear on Trixie's face as she pointed to the crowd. Greg noticed an almost manic look in her eyes. "Do you really want Trixie to prove herself superior in front of so many others?"

Greg shook his head. "What I don't want is to have to put you down with a crowd watching. There are enough bad rumors about this hunt as it is. The guard killing you would only make it worse. Please, put him down and just leave."

"Pfft." Trixie shook her head, irritated at this delay. She shouldn't have bothered talking apparently. Why had she? Perhaps the virtue's had rubbed off on her, just a little? "No, Trixie is going into the castle, and she is seeing the King. Get in her way, and Trixie will go through you."

Greg didn't hesitate, Trixie had given him all the opening he needed. Before she could react, Trixie felt her hooves go out from beneath her as Greg swept them out from under her with his wings. Seconds later, and Trixie found her head pushed to the ground and a dagger at her neck. Her hold over Non-greg slipped, causing the gryphon to let out a squawk and fall to the street.

Trixie growled angrily, but didn't struggle. "Why? Why don't I ever learn my lesson?"

"What are you talking about?" Greg asked, unnerved as Trixie berated herself.

"Trixie gave you a chance to talk when she should have just thrown you through the palace wall. Giving you the benefit of the doubt was stupid."

He shook his head. "You're insane."

Trixie glared at him as best she could before spitting in his direction unsuccessfully. "Trixie was generous, and you took advantage of that." Trixie's eyes looked through Gerard as she quickly thought up a way to get under his skin. " Funny, you claim Trixie's honor is gone, but you're the one who attacked after claiming you just wanted to talk."

Greg glared down at her silently for a moment.

"If you try this again, I will kill you." Greg coldly threatened, easing up on the dagger. "I'm going to let you go this time, chalk it up to stress, or some other shit. But don't come back here again."

Greg stood back, letting Trixie stand up. She glared at him, before putting her nose in the air and walking off.

Well, that didn't turn out well.

Trixie sighed, leaning up against a building just outside of the palace walls. A couple of minutes to cool down was what she really needed right now. If Greg hadn't knocked sense into her, she probably would have gotten herself killed. She already had more than enough gryphons trying to help with that as it was. Her own temper shouldn't be helping them.

Really, she berated herself. Did I really lose my head over being able to toss a few gryphon's around like boulders? The only one's impressed by that in Equestria was Maud and her family.

The amulet had let her do so much more, and had been so much harder to stop.

She took out a small canteen, drinking deeply while keeping an eye on the area around her. No hunter had yet to try again, but it was only a matter of time. It was the fate of a show mare as great and powerful as-

No, Trixie shook her head. I'm not falling into that trap again. Trixie isn't some one-note pony. Pride, anger, sorrow, it would be beneath Trixie to keep falling victim to her emotions like this.

And trying to overpower every obstacle in her way hadn't worked. Still, it felt nice, in a simplistic way. It's probably why she let herself get blinded by her magic, much like when she first put on the Alicorn amulet. If Twilight hadn't tricked her-

The amulet...that's it!

With a grin, Trixie slowly began circling the palace walls, observing the structure, the exits, the entrances.

The amulet was stopped by a simple trick, why couldn't it work for this situation as well?

It took several trips, but she finally found a building close enough to the palace. If she could get on top of it, dropping over the palace walls would be a breeze. Entrances and escapes were the bread and butter of a true magician. Now, she only had to find-AHA!

It was small, the size of a young gryphon at best from what she could see, but it would do.

Slink, slink, slink...

"Hey, do you hear that?"

Slink, slink, slink...

"Eh, you're probably just the pipes or something. Still, keep an eye out."

Trixie resisted the urge to giggle. She felt like a filly, sneaking past her parents. Parent's that would arrest her at best if she got caught, but still. Trixie crawled deeper through the palace ventilation, in search of her salvation.

Even if she didn't find it, even if this still ended in her execution, she was okay with that now. She'd fight as hard as she could, but, by Discord, it felt wonderful being herself again. Taking advantage of others faults, proving her superiority. Oh, how she'd missed this side of her.

Despite that, a part of her felt just a little guilty. What Starlight's teachings said sounded good, but for them to be right, wouldn't Trixie's feelings and urges have to be wrong?

Quietly, she chuckled. If this was wrong, then Trixie never wanted to be right.

Sorry Starlight, but, Trixie is going to get her mare in her own way.

The elements could burn for all she cared. She was Trixie Lulamoon.

And that was enough.

Within the red polished marble of the throne room, King Greyclaw sat. The king had just dismissed a servant bearing more troubling news.

I guess that hope is no longer worth considering now.

He sighed and raised a clawed hand up, gesturing for something to drink. A servant left to fulfill his unspoken request.

King Gerolf Greyclaw had spent many years ruling from this throne. A throne made entirely of ancient wood of a breed long extinct within Gryphus's lands. He felt himself an able ruler, but Gryphus was headed for dark times.

Why must they be so intolerant of change?

One simple truth in Gryphus was that the king did not rule alone. He was under the sway of the noble families; those that wielded both the economy and could sway the public to their sides. While the monarchy had control of the treasury the military, neither would survive long without support of the nobles. Nobles that were currently sending the kingdom into treacherous times.

Competition and exclusion was running rampant. The noble's wishing to keep merchants and other potential allies from rising to nobility, while outdoing eachother. Too many power plays had been occurring that would only weaken the kingdom if one of them cared to look ten years down the line.

King Greyclaw had done the math, his advisor's had also seen some need for change, but none of it mattered if the nobles refused to budge.

The lake's, as large as they were, would not be able to support Gryphus's needs in the future due to overfishing. And more imports of meat would make their plant eating neighbor's even more wary. Greyclaw snorted at the thought of predators needing to be so wary of those once considered prey. But, they were vastly outnumbered, especially if word got out that they were butchering other sentients for food. The days were that was acceptable behavior outside of a few rarely seen hunts had long passed.

The next problem was metal. Not a shortage, but an overabundance. Copper, Silver, Iron, and a multitude of others all were in abundance in their territory, but the markets were leaving. The Boar's were working hard to become independent of their need for Gryphus metals, and other prey cultures were bolstering them, making the gryphon's already strained relations even worse.

If only Gryphus had a neighbor that historically lacked metal and had access to the ocean. A neighbor like Equestria.

And if only any of his attempts to meet a representative from their had met with success...

Slink, slink, slink...

Great, even the piping is starting to wear down now.

King Greyclaw was distracted from his musings as a servant came in with his drink. With a quiet nod of gratitude he took the offered goblet. He only had a few more minutes before his advisor's would arrive and help him try to find another subtle way to help the kingdom now that trade with Equestria was off the table.

Slink, slink, slink...

"Someone see to getting those pipe's looked at." One of the servants bowed before hurrying out of the throne room. Despite the noise, he tried getting back to his train of thought.

If only that stupid donkey hadn't stolen the medal from her.

It would have been easy to meet with her if she had approached the guards with it. Stolen or not, the King himself was the only one to decide on the authenticity of those medals. It would have looked suspicious if he simply granted her audience alone without an excuse such as the medal. He could have claimed his hands tied to the nobles when the Equestrian showed it to him and asked for an opening of trade like his informants claimed she was after.

But that donkey had ruined everything. The second medal would have been suspicious, and probably sealed his removal as King, but it would have come after the trade agreements, saving his country from what will likely be a desperate time for the kingdom int he near future.

But, the second medal simply vanished. If the unicorn had it, she made no attempt to use it. Did one of the guards let slip what happened to the thieving donkey?

Slink, slink, slink...

King Greyclaw watched the ventilation duct above him suddenly cease to shake and rattle. What idiot thought putting that above the throne to be a good idea?

While peering up, he caught sight of something between the black slits that allowed air to flow into the room. His sharp, gryphon eyes peered between the openings, giving him a most unexpected sight.

The darkness was peering back in the form of two narrowed amethyst eyes.

Crack!

The King dropped his goblet to the floor as the ventilation above him was torn open and a blue blur hurtled towards him.

Author's Note

I did it! It's out before the end of the year *In America, at least*! Happy New year! yay! Finally complete after ONLY a year of waiting! :facehoof:

I still can't believe this started as plans for a one-shot to introduce the real story I wanted to do. But as normal, hope you enjoy. And yes, there is intended to be a sequel in the future.

Per normal Thanks to Crowscrowcrow for his work and editing skills. :pinkiehappy: