Fallacies of the Elements

Chapters

Mistakes were made
Shattered Bonds
The cards we're dealt
Faded Colors
Fallen Stars
Fiery Finale
Lost Luster
Out of Her Element
Drinking Deeply
Prologue

Mistakes were made

Princess Celestia teleported into the Golden Oaks Library in a brilliant burst of light. Her royal horseshoes sparkled in the soft candlelight from the center table. Flexing her wings, she trotted over to the window between the bookcases. Peering outside, she could see Twilight slowly making her way towards the library.

Creak.

Celestia swiveled her head around, her ear’s pointing up at the sudden sound. A small, green eye with a narrow pupil peeked through a minute crack in Twilight’s bedroom door. A sad smile briefly flashed over Celestia’s white muzzle as she feigned ignorance of Spike’s spying. Please don’t blame yourself for what happened, Spike.

Hoofsteps could be heard coming from the front door, followed by a small knock. Twilight made her inside towards the center of the room. Her head hung so low that it scrapped against the wooden floor.

Celestia put a hoof under Twilight’s chin, causing her to give out a yelp in surprise. It was almost too much for Celestia to stomach. There was no trace of Twilight’s usual self assurance. Her body quivered pathetically, like a stray leaf trying to desperately to hold on onto its branch in an autumn wind.

“Twilight.” The sudden sound of her name being called out pulled her out of her daze. Celestia stood in front of her, her perfect composure never wavering as she looked down at Twilight. “What could you have possibly been thinking? The want-it-need-it spell? I thought I had clearly warned you of using such dangerous enchantments of that level?”

Twilight slowly lowered herself to the floor. The look of disappointment from Celestia’s violet eyes burned deep into her mind. She hadn’t felt such shame since she that time when she was filly caught swiping a piece of royal cake from the bakery. She remembered Celestia catching her eating the stolen slice in her bedroom. The fear of being caught red hoofed and exposed for what she had done in her earliest years as Celestia’s student. Now that long buried emotion reared its ugly head again. Only this time, it was much worse.

“I couldn’t find a lesson,” Twilight said softly.

Celestia tilted her head, unsure of what her student mumbled.. “What was that Twilight?”

“I couldn’t find a lesson. I hadn’t written a letter in nearly a week, so I looked all around Ponyville trying to find somepony in need of help.” Letting out a small cough, she raised her head to meet Celestia’s face. “ I failed.I couldn’t find anypony who I could help and I would’ve failed you princess.”

A small twinge of pain shot through Celestia’s chest as she continued to listen to Twilight’s recount of her day. “How could you say that you failed me Twilight?” For as long as she had lived, Celestia had never felt such a pain as seeing one of her students so troubled. It had been some time since she had seen somepony so lost, but not so long ago that the wound still didn’t hurt. “You’re one of the most gifted students I’ve ever had the fortune of teaching.”

A small but noticeable blush warmed Twilight’s cheeks. “But I was about to be tardy. How would you even look at me the same if I had failed to keep up with my studies on friendship like you told me?” Small whispers began gnawing away at the back of Twilight’s mind as Celestia’s expression grew crestfallen at her words. I knew it, I knew it. Buck magic kindergarten, she’s going to banish me straight out of Equestria for being such a bad student. Small tears began to form, rolling down the sides of her face and then falling to the floor.

Celestia stood silently, her mind awhirl as she registered Twilight’s words. I saw the signs but chose not to act. I thought being around other ponies would be best for you, my dearest student. Yet now, with everything said and done, it was my biggest mistake to ignore you. How could I have been so foalish to think that they would just go away? Mentally preparing herself, Celestia adopted her usual mask of indifference. “You are a wonderful student, Twilight. No amount of reports would lead me to think of you being incapable. Yet the fact remains that-”

Wham!

Golden Oaks Library’s front door nearly flew off its brass hinges as several ponies stormed into the room. Screams of protest mixed with heartfelt pleas were shouted out before Celestia could quell them.. “Please, everypony. One at a time,” Celestia said loudly into the midst of the cries of Twilight’s friends.

One by one, they began to explain when Twilight first came to them for help. A few guilty looks flitted from one to the next on how they ignored Twilight’s plight. Eventually, each story concluded with Celestia’ arrival. Once everypony was finished, Celestia nodded her head in confirmation. “I congratulate you all by coming to realize the faults in your actions,” Celestia said proudly. Twilight looked up to see her teacher’s usual serene smile rising up on her smile.

“However, I’m afraid I can’t overlook this.” The serene smile corroded away into a gaze of disapproval as each of the element bearers looked at Celestia in utter disbelief.

“Now hold on a sec, Princess.” Rainbow Dash flew straight up to Celestia, making the alicorn take a step back. “Yeah we bucked up, and Twilight might’ve bucked up royally,” causing Twilight to grimace. “But she’s your student. Can’t you just cut her some slack?” pleaded the mare with the prismatic mane. Despite being several size smaller than her, Celestia could hear the tenacity in the element of loyalty’s words.

“Uhmm, Rainbow, maybe you shouldn’t get in the princess’s face like that. If it’s okay with you, you know?” said Fluttershy.

Her words were lost as Applejack stepped up to stand by Rainbow Dash’s side. “Princess, it ain’t my place to honestly question your decisions as a ruler and all that stuff.” Applejack removed her trademark Stetson from her head and placed it against her chest. “But surly you could find it in your heart to forgive Twilight? Maybe just this once?”

Celestia remained as still as stone as Twilight’s friend began to speak up again. It’s because of what I fear in my heart, Applejack, is what drives me to take this action. “My little ponies, I love you all so much. It warms my heart to see how far you are willing to go defend one of your friends. Truly this is the magic of friendship.”

Celestia walked over to Twilight, both student and teacher looking into each other’s eyes. “Twilight, know I wouldn’t make such a serious decision without taking into consideration the possible outcome. It is with a heavy heart that you will be returning to Canterlot with me for a time.”

Rainbow nearly lunged forward again until something pulled her back by her tail. Applejack clenched Rainbow’s tail in her mouth while a light, blue magic surrounded her wings. Fluttershy huddled into a small yellow ball with her wings over her head while Pinkie’s mane drooped around her head with the sound of a deflating balloon.

“Princess...” Rainbow began to protest before Celestia shot her a no nonsense look. Rainbow slowly fell to the ground, the fire inside of her extinguished by Celestia’s serious demeanor.

“We will be departing in an hour Twilight. If there is anything that you would like to take with you, please pack them away. I will return with a chariot for you.” Celestia began to make her way out the door until a small tug on her wing caught her attention.

Spike stood by Celestia’s side, his little eyes bloodshot with freshly shed tears. “Princess, can I come to?“ he asked, a small hiccup in his voice.

Celestia leaned down, giving a motherly smile to Spike. “I’m sorry, Spike. This time Twilight will have to do this without her number one assistant to help her.” She could see the obvious guilt in his tiny, scaly eyes.

“But why?”

Why? An old memory surfaced in Celestia’s mind. A small orange filly ran around Celestia as they walked around Canterlot Castle, talking on and on about how she was going to be a princess one day. How everypony would know her name. Celestia couldn’t help but smile at the red maned filly’s antics, and how she would tell everypony that someday she would become the greatest sorceress of all time. I have already failed one of my students by letting her carry on without proper guidance. I won’t let history repeat itself again, Celestia chastised herself. She would make sure of that this time.

Celestia’s inner monologue was cut short by Spike clasping onto her leg. “I-I-“ Celestia could feel his tiny heart beating like a drum in his scaly chest by how tightly he clung to her.

A feeling of betrayal dug into Celestia’s heart as she watched Spike begin to cry. The poor drake probably felt he was responsible for Twilight’s predicament. The pony who had raised him, was being taken away.

“Spike, I promise you that nothing bad is going to happen to Twilight.” A small purple hankie popped into thin air, drifting slowly into Spike’s clawed hands. The purple dragon turned and ran up the stairs to Twilight’s room and slammed the door behind him. A small set of clicks informed everypony that he locked the door from the inside.

Celestia left without another word, leaving the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony inside of a very quiet library. After a long pause, Applejack walked over to Twilight with her hat covering her face. Two strong forelegs wrapped them around the downtrodden unicorn. “Forgive us, sugarcube. We shoulda listen to ya in the first place.” The orange earth pony slow trotted out the door, muttering country swears under her breath.

Rainbow Dash followed second, deciding to shoot out of the library in a streak of red, yellow and blue.

Rarity opened her mouth to speak but no words seemed to come. Pinkie leaned on the white unicorn, the greying pink pony feeling deathly cold against her. “I think I’ll walk Pinkie home, Twilight. You know, dear. It’s just not safe for anypony to walk around by just by themselves these days.” Rarity tried to force a smile on her muzzle but couldn’t find the strength.

As Rarity and Pinkie left with heads hung low, only Fluttershy remained. The timid animal caretaker stood up with the grace of a swan. She walked quietly over to Twilight, her face hidden behind her luxurious pink mane. A half closed blue eye meet Twilight’s purple one. Fluttershy drew in a small breath before she began to speak.

“Twilight,” said Fluttershy. “I don’t think that anypony could feel worse about this right now than you,” consoled the yellow pegasus. “But Celestia wants the best for you and we all care about you no matter what.”

Twilight watched as the demure Pegasus walked out the door, closing it behind so gently that not even the tiniest creak could be heard. All alone in the dark, Twilight could only hear the sad sobs of Spike crying from her room. The only thought running through her mind now was what would Celestia do to her now?

Shattered Bonds

Applejack had just finished up her work at Sweet Apple Acres, and was making her way to Twilight’s library. Earlier that morning, the local mail mare had dropped off a letter from Spike. The only words on it were “I have to tell something to all of you.”

I hope that little fella’s alright. He’s probably feelin’ lower than a piglet stuck in a mud hole. It had only been a day since Celestia had taken Twilight back to Canterlot. Applejack could only imagine how distraught Spike was right now. What would make him write such a cryptic letter? Hardly made any sense at all.

As she walked through the town’s streets, she felt as if something was missing. Her eyes flicked back and forth down the street. Only a few ponies were outside, the streets oddly barren for a Wednesday afternoon. Usually school foals were out, eating at Sugar Cube Corner or playing at the park. Wonder what’s going on?

“Hey, Applejack.”

For a moment, the orange mare nearly doubled over out of shock. Pinkie Pie walked out of Sugar Cube Corner, her mane hanging straight down. That was the quietest greeting Pinkie ever gave me. I'm sure somethin’s up. “Hey, Pinkie. Why so grey?”

Applejack thought she was looking at another pony. The carefree pink party mare didn’t have a single trace of her usual exuberance. Pinkie walked over to Applejack, not even hopping once. “I just don’t feel like my usual Pinkie self today.”

“I’m bummed out myself, Pinkie, but don’t worry. Twilight‘ll come back. She just needs some time to reflect is all,” consoled Applejack. A small smile began to work its way on Pinkie’s muzzle. “Say, did ya get a letter from Spike today?”

Pinkie immediately perked up. “Yep, yep. I got it bright and early this morning. Wonder what Spike got to tell us. Maybe it’s some kind of super-secrety secret?”

“Not sure, but I’m heading over there now. I just hope the little guy is holding up alright.” The two earth ponies resumed their journey to see Spike, unaware that somepony was watching them.

In an alleyway, right across from Sugar Cube corner, a lone pony stood in the shadows. The hooded pony leered at them, her face hidden by a grey cloak. As quietly as she could, she double backed into the alley and began to make her way to the Golden Oaks Library. It was almost time for her to put on the best show ever.

When Applejack and Pinkie made it to the library, they found the door already half open. Pushing it open all the way, Applejack’s nose was tickled by the scent of freshly baked sweets. The library’s center table was covered with sugary delicacies.

“Bout time you got here!” Rainbow Dash flew down from the ceiling. “What took you guys so long?”

“What’s got your feathers in a ruffle, Rainbow?” snorted Applejack.

She snapped her wings out in frustration. “In case you forgot, Applejack, Twilight got royally bucked over and Spike called us all here.” Zipping over to the table, Rainbow Dash started piling up glazed doughnuts on a paper plate. “As soon as I got done with the weather duty, I flew right here.”

“Now, Rainbow, do you always have to act so rude?” said a rather posh voice. Rarity walked out of the kitchen, a tea set held in a magical blue light. “Poor Spike is working himself to the bone making all of this food. He even went so far as to make chamomile tea for me on the spot. You can just tell the poor dear is as worried about Twilight as any of us.”

“Guess everypony is here, ‘cept Fluttershy,” said Applejack, as she began to make a plate.

“Umm, I’m in here,” called Fluttershy from the kitchen. She walked into the main room, a small dot of flour covering her nose. She wore a small pink apron with her cutie mark, a pink-winged butterfly, in the center of it. “When I got Spike’s letter, I rushed right over here.”

Applejack nodded her head. “That’s mighty kind of you helping out, Fluttershy.” Spike could use somepony to look after him. He may be a tough little guy, but he’s still only a baby dragon. Maybe he could stay with Fluttershy for a spell. As Applejack began to take a few bites out of her apple danish, she couldn’t help but notice that Pinkie wasn’t eating at all.

Pinkie was never one to turn her nose up to sweets. Half the time, she looked like a pink blur around a dessert table. “Pinkie, you’re not hungry?” Everypony present turned to look at her. A small éclair was on her plate, but she hadn’t even taken a nibble out of it.

Fluttershy was the quickest to respond, dashing over to her friend. “Pinkie, is something wrong with the éclair?”

Pinkie shook her head.

“Do you feel sick?”

Another shake of the head.

“Are you worried about Twilight?”

Finally, a nod of the head.

Rainbow Dash threw a leg around Pinkie. “No worries, Pinkie. She’ll be back.”

As everypony had a plate and began to happily eat their sweets, the tension in the room began to slowly die down. Rainbow Dash still had a noticeable twitch in her wings while Rarity rocked her hooves back and forth, raking them against the wooden floor. The sound of an oven door closing shut caught everypony’s attention.

Spike the dragon walked out, his frilly kitchen apron covered in flour, icing, and other bits of confectionery. His claws looked worn out, with small scales missing and the end of his nails chipped. His eyes seemed raw with fresh tears. A small tray of various muffins were held in his claws as he made his way into the room. His voice was so low that nopony could hear him say ‘excuse me’ as he walked past them.

Placing the tray on the table, he pulled off his apron and dropped it on the floor without care. “Hey everypony,” croaked out Spike, his voice raw and hoarse. Rarity offered her cup to Spike, decorated with a lemon wedge on the lip, but Spike just pushed it away with a claw.

“Everypony, I have something to tell you.” Taking in a deep breath, Spike closed his eyes, as if something bad was about to happen. “When Twilight came back to the library, I was so worried of what she was about to do. She was talking to herself like a mad mare, going through spell books and throwing them off the shelves. I’ve never seen Twilight act like that.”

Applejack shivered at the thought of Twilight deliberately abusing her books. Spike was right to be afraid. Twilight had to be off her rocker to start throwing her precious books around.

“I was worried, so I did the only thing I could think of,” continued Spike. He clenched his tiny claws together so tightly, a few scales peeled off. “I’m the one who told Celestia.”

Splat

Rainbow Dash’s cupcake fell to the floor, as the plate slipped out of her hooves.

“You what?!?” said the elements of harmony in perfect unison.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry,” cried Spike. He threw his stubby, flour covered arms over his eyes as fresh tears began to flow. “I was just so worried. What if Twilight didn’t stop? What if she kept trying to fix everything that wasn’t wrong?”

Applejack pulled Spike into her chest. “Spike, look at me.” Wiping away his tears, Spike tried to look eye to eye at Applejack. “Spike, you didn’t do nothing wrong. You were just looking out fer your kin’.”

“Back it up there, Applejack!” Rainbow slammed down onto the library floor so hard books fell out of their shelves. “Spike, how could you rat out Twi like that?” Pointing an accusing hoof at the young drake, Rainbow’s rose colored eyes began to turn blood red. “Why would you throw Twilight under the carriage like that, Spike? Friends don’t rat each other out!”

“Rainbow Dash! How could you say something, so, so mean?” said Fluttershy in disbelief. She flew over to Spike, draping a wing over his head, like a mother protecting her foal. “We were all there, watching everypony fighting over that doll. It was terrifying.” The yellow Pegasus stood in front of Rainbow Dash, their eyes locked. “What could anypony, any of us do, facing something like that?”

Rainbow slowly made her way forward, her face contorted into a visage of pure rage. “But he told Celestia! That is so not cool.”

“It ain’t about anypony being cool, Dash,” seethed Applejack. The tone in the farmpony’s voice turned to ice. “Spike was just doing what he thought was best.”

Rainbow Dash was so close that she could smell the earth pony’s scent. “What he thought best? Well, what he thought was best just cost us a friend, not to mention smearing her name with Celestia.” Rainbow Dash took a step back to look at Spike, who was still being shielded from her rant by Fluttershy. “Think, Spike. Celestia expects Twilight to always have a letter written each week. You know she’d flip her lid if she didn’t write one.”

“I don’t think she would.” All eyes turned to Pinkie. The usually perky, pink pony’s voice still sounded downtrodden, but it was enough to break the growing tension in the room. Taking her place by Applejack, three of the Elements stood by Spike, forming a protective barrier around him. “Celestia isn’t a meanie-mcmeany-pants like that. She wouldn’t punish Twilight for something as silly as missing a deadline.”

Rainbow pressed her lips together in frustration. Everypony could hear Rainbow clenching her teeth so tightly they could be worn down to the gums.

A small clank could be heard as Rarity set her teacup down on the table. “How do you know that?” Rarity sided up besides Rainbow Dash, tossing up her mane. “Princess Celestia wouldn’t expect any less from Twilight. Even if Spike hadn’t meant anything by it, he’s certainly put Twilight in a precarious position, Pinkie.”

The fashionista magicked a small compact mirror and eyeliner into thin air. “While Rainbow Dash has been rather, well, blunt, I’m sure you can see her point,” Rarity said as she stroked her lashes. “Everypony in town is already talking about last night. Twilight’s good name has been tarnished.” With one final stroke, Rarity made the compact and eye liner vanish in a burst of blue light.

Spike couldn’t take the growing feeling of shame. He ran out from behind Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie, through the kitchen and out the back door. The Elements watched as the sounds of his cries could still be heard as he ran out of sight.

“Spike, wait!” Fluttershy flew after the young drake at breakneck speed, messing everypony’s manes and leaving behind a flurry of papers.

“Well I hope ya’ll are quite proud of yourselves,” spat Applejack. “The poor little colt’s heart been hurtin’ and now you two come in here and makin’ him feel worse? What’s wrong with y’all?”

Rainbow Dash snorted, but didn’t say anything in response. Rarity, on the other hoof, didn’t remain silent. “Applejack, dear. I admit, perhaps we were a bit too rough on him, but-“

“But nothing, Rarity. You need to apologize to him as soon as Fluttershy finds him.”

“For what? Telling him the truth, like somepony here is famous for?” said Rainbow Dash.

A small twang could be heard, like an invisible cord finally snapping after enough pressure was applied. “That’s it! When Spike gets back, you’re going to apologize, so stay put.”

“Whatever, I’m out of here. I only trust ponies, and dragons, that are actually loyal to each other.” On that note, Rainbow tore out of the library and flew up into the sky.

Rarity leered at Applejack before following after her friend, her nose held high in the air. “Applejack, I don’t believe you’ve got any right to criticize Rainbow or I for voicing our concerns. I’ll be back when you’re ready to talk sense.” She walked out, leaving Applejack with a look of disgust on her face, closing the library door behind her.

“Why, those simple minded, fluffing, buckin, plotheads!” Stomping her hoof down in frustration and adding a few cracks to the floor, Applejack continued to swear loudly. Ponies passing by the library hurried along. Mares clasped their foal’s ears with their hooves as Applejack’s voice increased in volume. After a solid three minutes of ranting and raving, she found herself out of breath and sweating from her little episode.

Pinkie Pie, her ears still ringing, tried to speak up, but she couldn’t come up with anything to say. “I, ughh, I gotta go and bake a cake.” As she walked out of the library, she took one last glance behind her to see Applejack slump to the floor. “I’m sure everything will work out fine.”

Applejack fell to her knees, laying sprawled out on the floor. Her Stetson fell beside her, letting her mane flow freely. Twi, I wish you’d come back to us. We could sure use the magic of friendship right now. The earth pony continued to lie there, her heart twisting and turning as waves of guilt churned inside of her. She looked out through the window, watching Celestia’s sun traveling through the sky. How long were we arguing?

Unbeknownst to Applejack, a certain unicorn was watching her through the library’s ground window. Hidden inside of a bush beneath the windowsill, she had silently watched the five ponies and dragon fight. So, Twilight Snarkle really is out of the picture. Perfect! With her in Canterlot, it’s time to show these dirt yokels who truly is the greatest magician ever! Snickering to herself, she crawled low to her belly, disappearing from sight. A small flash of purple light exploded beneath the back window of the library.

The unicorn reappeared beside a rather dilapidated show wagon. “No more hiding,” she said to herself as she walked inside her wagon. “No more dodging rotten tomatoes from simple minded ponies that can’t recognize real talent.” Picking up a tattered purple wizard hat with stars embroidered into it, the unicorn dusted off her prized possession. “They’ll all see. I’m too big of a star for anypony to ignore me anymore.”

Author's Note

Chapter Title brought to you by Soge, you're the best.

The cards we're dealt

Twilight Sparkle lied on her bed, curled up into a ball beneath a set of purple blankets. Her throat was dry and her eyes still shed tears. I hope you understand that this wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, Twilight. She could still hear the scolding words ringing in her ears from when Celestia had pulled her onto the carriage the night before. She had never felt so low in her life. Stupid, stupid, stupid, she repeated to herself.

When they had arrived back in Canterlot, she was immediately hoofed over to the guards. “Twilight Sparkle, as of this moment, you will be confined to your quarters until further notice. If you need to use the facilities, a guard will escort you. Other than that, we will be maintaining a twenty four hour watch on your room,” relayed one of the guards. She always had a hard time trying to distinguish who was who, each of them looking exactly the same with their enchanted armor. “Any attempts at escape would be inadvisable. If you do, the Solar Guard and the Night Guard are under orders to do everything in our power to return you to Celestia.”

One day. One single, solitary day had passed since she had used that stupid spell. What was I thinking? How could I have been so blind! Everything had seemed right at the time. Pulling herself up, she walked over to her private bookshelf. Thick, dusty tomes lined all eight shelves, some even as wide as her own head.

Old memories from when she was a little filly flashed in her head and in each one she was studying under Celestia. Being tested, helping her with the odd word she couldn’t quite get. Celestia was always there, challenging her to push her limits. Twilight let a smile grow on her muzzle as she remembered all the fun she had learning from her.

Creak…

Twilight’s ears shot up at the sound of a door creaking. A single Solar Guard stood in the middle of the doorway, his golden armor shining in the sunlight shining through her windows. “Ms. Sparkle, her majesty has requested an audience with you.” Looking herself over in the mirror, Twilight straightened her mane with a brush by her vanity. After taking care of any stray hairs sticking out, she walked out of the room with guard following close behind.

The pair walked in absolute silence; any of the castle’s staff that saw them coming quickly made themselves scarce. Twilight turned to talk to the guard several times while they made their way to Celestia’s throne room, but his unnerving glare kept her quiet. “The name is Subtle Edge, in case you were wondering.”

“Thank you, Edge. I’m just a little off today.”

“With all that’s happened yesterday, Ms. Sparkle, I’m surprised you’re awake right now.”

The bluntness of the guard’s rather straightforward words caught Twilight by surprise. “I’m sorry?” she replied, curious as to what he meant.

Edge continued to walk at a brisk pace while he continued to face forward. “Ms. Sparkle, can I assume that you haven’t read today’s headlines?”

She shook her head. While an avid reader, Twilight didn’t find the newspaper a piece of literature that she would occupy her time with. Edge’s face offered no insight to his thoughts on the matter as his eyes narrowed at Twilight. “I see. Well then, Ms. Sparkle, I’m afraid you’ve caused quite the, how should I put this, uproar?”

She was taken aback at the guard’s choice of words. “An uproar? What do you mean that I caused an ‘uproar’?” said Twilight, a noticeable level of annoyance in her voice.

“Using a high level spell on three fillies in the middle of a town’. ‘Spreading a mind altering spell that sent an entire Earth pony village into a state of civil unrest,’” quoted the guard. “‘Unleashing levels of mayhem and disharmony that would make even Discord proud’ in particular caught my attention. Those were just a few key sentences that I had gleamed whilst I was looking over Equestria Daily.”

“What?” Out of all the times she had been around the guards of Canterlot, Edge had a, well, edge to him. It almost seemed like he was being intentionally saying these snide comments. I’ll have to talk to Shining about this Edge stallion, whenever I get the chance.

“An up and coming reporter was passing over Ponyville when he caught sight of something, interesting.” The guard abruptly stopped. Twilight lurched forward a step before coming to a complete halt. Taking in her surroundings, she finally noticed that she was standing right outside of the throne room. “After a failed day of finding a ‘real’ story, he was about to throw in the towel, but witnessed a town in the midst of a riot. Smelling a scope, he began snapping up pictures and snooping around. I think what caught Canterlot’s attention was the picture of you and Princess Celestia within the Ponyville Library.”

Twilight felt her mane stand on end. “That was a private conversation,” snapped Twilight.

“Yes, and a journalist never misses a scoop,” replied Edge flatly.

Before Twilight could make a retort, the throne room doors opened. The sound of hoof steps could be heard coming from somewhere far behind. “…ou sure that this is the best decision, Princess?” said a familiar voice. Twilight could feel her heart begin to race faster than Rainbow Dash as she recognized who was with the Princess.

“Yes, Captain, I do.” Princess Celestia walked out of her throne room, her face turned away from Twilight and the guard. Right beside her stood a large stallion wearing the captain of the royal guard armor. The violet metal was buffed and shined to perfection.

“Shining.” The words spilled out of Twilight’s mouth before she could stop herself. Shining Armor’s eyes never made contact with Twilight, but she could she see a brief flash of pain behind them.

Princess Celestia turned to face Twilight and the guard accompanying her. There was no smile, no look of disappointment on that regal face. Celestia exuded a sense of perfect calm.

“Twilight, I’m glad that you’ve arrived. Sooner than I had expected, if I may add,” said Celestia, her magenta eyes shifting over to her guard. “Shining Armor, thank you for your time.”

Twilight watched her brother cast a longing look before grudgingly nodding his head. “Yes, Princess.” Without another word, Shining Armor left, Edge quickly following behind. As the two passed, Twilight heard Shining say, “Quick word, Sargent Edge.”

It had been years since she had last seen her brother. When he wasn’t outside of Canterlot on military drills, Shining Armor was rarely out of uniform. Now they were facing each other but neither was capable of saying a word. Her innards turned to ice as she felt a continually growing gap between her and everypony she ever knew.

A large hoof gripped Twilight’s withers. “Twilight, we will start our discussion in my personal study. Please, follow me,” asked Celestia, pointing down the hall with one of her pristine wings.

Celestia always had a profound impact on ponies whenever she entered the room. Be it due to her graceful movements, her warm personality, or because she was the Princess, Celestia carried an unmistakable aura of regality. Twilight felt that same presence bearing down on her, and walking beside Celestia only intensified this overwhelming feeling.

Twilight considered voicing her opinion, but opted instead to remain silent. She’s probably going to banish me after this.

The servants and guards that Celestia and Twilight came across in the halls gave the two a wide berth. She could feel them staring at the back of her head, and despite Celestia and all of the ponies that she saw and came across, had never felt so alone.

Twilight and Celestia rounded one final corner before reaching a hallway with one door at the end. Along the door’s frame were several archaic characters that seemed to glow in a soft golden light. Any pony passing by wouldn’t give it a second look, but Twilight recognized a warding inscription when she saw one. While usually a minor deterrent for unicorns to keep ponies away from their private rooms, this spell was much more intense than any she had seen before.

Upon their arrival at the door, Celestia’s horn glowed with a deep golden light. The characters came to life, seeming to dance across the frame until fading away. The marble door opened before the pair without even the slightest sound. “After you, Twilight.”

The scent of cinnamon tickled Twilight’s nose as she stepped through the double doors. Twilight could hardly remember when she had been here last. The only time that she had been allowed inside Celestia’s study was when she first started to study under her as a filly.

“Well, it seems you’ve arrived, Miss Sparkle.” An earth pony stallion sat on a yellow floor cushion to the right of a small coffee table. He wore a brown tweed jacket with a golden buckled belt wrapped around his thin waist. A pair of horn rimmed glasses sat at the end of his muzzle, right in front of his greying eyes.

“Doctor. T. Quill, thank you for waiting for us.” Twilight watched with growing curiosity as Celestia walked over to the doctor. Celestia pulled out a large, egg white pillow from beneath the coffee table with her hoof. “Twilight, will you join us please?” said Celestia.

Twilight walked towards the edge of the coffee table, noticing a small purple pillow peeking out beneath of it. Focusing her magic, she began to pull at the pillow with her telekinesis before a burning sensation shot through her horn. Flinching from the sudden pain, she looked up sheepishly at Quill and Celestia, both of whom were staring at her expectantly.

Weird, guess my magic is on the fritz. Maybe I’m much more tired than I thought, guessed Twilight. As the pain ebbed away, Twilight grabbed her pillow with her hoof and promptly sat down. Dr. Quill coughed nervously as he stroked his grey beard. Twilight couldn’t help noting the smell of coffee carried on his breath. Now that she was closer, Twilight could clearly see the earth pony. His mane was thinning but still retained a healthy sheen. His dark grey coat clashed brilliantly with his jacket. A small white notepad peeped out of the barrel pocket, a pen placed through the binding.

“Well now,” started Quill, “I must say, you’re quite the pretty little thing, Twilight.” Twilight felt her face light up like Celestia’s sun while the Princess chuckled devilishly. “Darn shame I’m not about thirty years younger or I’d be trying to sweep you off your hooves.”

“Oh, Quill, you flirt. She’s much too young for some old fart like you,” snorted Celestia. The Princess’s old mirth returned as she laughed with the old stallion. Twilight, meanwhile, fiddled with her hooves as the two laughed heartily at each others childish antics.

“As much as I enjoy spending time with you, Celestia, I must ask why you would need my services.” Quill twirled an empty cup between his hooves. “May I hazard a guess that your student is the one I need to ‘talk’ with?” he said as his eyes shifted towards Twilight.

“You are correct, Quill,” answered Celestia.

He ran a hoof through his mane, a few strands of his mane catching on the button on the sleeve. Shaking off the hair, Quill rested his hooves on his chin. “Well I must say, I am honored to meet you, miss Sparkle,” said Quill. “From what I hear and what I know, you’ve accomplished much in this past year. Yet, something else has caught my attention…” His words trailed off as if he was trying to choose what to say.

“Quill, I think I should first introduce you to Twilight to let her know who you ,” interrupted Celestia.

“Doctor Travis Nigel Quill, commonly known as Doctor Tranquil to colleagues, and esteemed author of several books.” Twilight allowed herself a smile. “He’s a well-known psychiatrist.”

Quill took a deep breath. “Yes, Twilight. I’m flattered that you now know so much about me. I trust you know why Celestia wants me to see you.”

Twilight choked back tears. “Why?” Twilight felt the world around her turn black, the light sucked out of it. “I’m not…” The words died inside of her throat as comprehension struck her.

Celestia wrapped a hoof around Twilight, holding her like a mother would her foal. She felt Celestia stroke her purple mane in gentle strokes in a reassuring manner. “What I’m afraid of,” began Celestia, measuring her words. “Is losing you.”

Quill remained silent, turning his eyes away. When I read that letter of yours, Celestia, I thought I’d finally lost what little sanity I have left. Your student of all ponies? The prodigy, Twilight Sparkle, needed my help?

Releasing her hold on Twilight, Celestia sat back down on her pillow. Twilight returned to her seat but there was a noticeable air of despair around her. “Twilight, I want you to see Dr. Quill on a daily basis, a daily two hour session in this room. No shorter, no longer.” Celestia clasped her hooves together as her mask of equanimity took hold again. “Twilight, my hooves are tied. I will not force you to see the doctor. However I implore you to at least spend one week with him.”

Daily sessions with a doctor? How broken does Celestia think I am? Sure, I may have gone overboard with Ponyville, but it wasn’t that bad, was it? A growing sense of insecurity raked against the back of her mind, a tiny voice saying, Maybe I could use some help… “Princess, do you think I need this?”

A sword striking through her chest wouldn’t have come even close to the pain that Celestia felt at those words. Oh, Twilight. I know what I have to say but I can’t bring myself to say them.

Quill felt his old heart overflow with that sickening emotion of grief. He could see the obvious pain in Celestia as she spoke with her student on what needed to be done.

“I believe I have a simple answer to your question, miss Sparkle,” spoke Quill. Rummaging through his coat pockets, he produced a worn playing card case. Flipping open the lid of the case, he pulled out a set of weathered, stained cards. “Tell me, Twilight, have you ever played the game of poker before?”

“A few times,” answered Twilight as Quill shuffled his cards. At a few of the sleepovers she had, the girls and her had played a few times. Spike would often step in if somepony wasn’t up for it. Out of all of them, Applejack won the most of the games. Her poker face, as her friend called it, couldn’t be cracked by anypony.

Fwit, fwit, fwit.

Time to see what’s got you all knotted up inside, Twilight. Quill passed out the cards until Twilight and he both had five in front of them. “Princess, would mind leaving us to play our game in private? I find it easier to understand a pony if we’re by ourselves.” It hurt him to see such a young mare like Twilight so visibly shaken. It never got any easier all these years as a doctor. Watching parents and the like bringing in children to see him.

Twilight looked on as Celestia promptly stood up and left. A childish want to call out for her flared up inside, but she remained silent. Calling on her magic, Twilight tried lifting her cards up only to feel another jolt of pain. Her eyes watered as her magic failed her again.

“Something the matter, miss Twilight?”

“Nothing, nothing at all,” lied Twilight, knowing full well how unconvincing that sounded. Grabbing the cards with her hooves, she tried to put on her poker face. A two of clubs, four of hearts, a jack of spades, a queen of spades and a king of spades. A pretty good hoof to be dealt.

“So miss Twilight, I am curious. Do you know why Celestia brought you here?” Quill began shuffling his cards around in his hoof.

Is he rearranging his cards because he has a better hoof or is he analyzing my reaction? And what kind of psychiatrist plays cards to figure out a patient? It’s unheard of. As she continued to ponder, Quill placed his cards down on the table and began sifting through his pockets again.

A small golden bit was flopped onto the coffee table. “Sorry, been on the road this past year and I do not carry much on me anymore. Not after that night in Las Pegasus,” Quill murmured to himself. Twilight giggled to herself but immediately stopped. Fishing out a bit from her own pocket, she placed it on the table. “Well now, seems we’ve got a proper game going now. Now, Twilight, you never did answer my question.”

“Well, I made a mistake,” said Twilight as she hid her face behind her cards. Quill nodded his head, his eyes piercing through her card thin barrier. “I don’t know what went wrong.” Discarding the two of clubs and the four of hearts on the table, she took two cards from the deck. A jack of hearts and a two of spades. At least I got a pair now.

Quill let out a good natured laugh. “Well at times,” shuffling his cards, “we need to take a step back and look at things from another perspective.” Quill pulled two cards from his hoof and placed them down on the table face up.

He had a seven of clubs and five of hearts? Nothing I could’ve used, deduced Twilight as Quill pushed the cards off to the side.

Pulling two more cards from the deck, Quill began to move his cards around in his hoof. “You are a smart mare from what Celestia tells me. Surely you could tell me where you went off the rails.”

“I’m not sure ‘where’ I went wrong. I guess it all started when I found out I was going to be tardy for an assignment.” So, let’s see, I have a pair of jacks which isn’t much, but he did take away two of his cards. That means those three could be three of a kind or high valued or a pair and a high card. Out of all the face cards, I now have four of them in my hoof. Statistically, the odds of my hoof winning are-

“Care to play your hoof, miss Twilight? You have been staring at them for a few minutes now,” said Quill.

His tone held no malice, but Twilight felt like he was giving her a command. “Pair of jacks,” announced Twilight as she played her cards. Quill pursed his lips together as he laid down his own. A ten of hearts, ten of spades, two of clubs, ace of spades, and a seven of spades. Pushing his bit over to Twilight, Quill nodded his head. “Congratulations, miss Twilight. You’ve won.”

Twilight felt her sense of accomplishment reignite her inner fire as she pulled her winnings closer to her.

“So, I believe you were about to tell me you were going to be tardy with an assignment. Elaborate please.” Quill placed the cards in front of Twilight. “It’s your turn to deal by the way.”

Picking them up, she began to shuffle them slowly in her hooves. “Every Tuesday I had, well, I thought I had to send a letter to Princess Celestia.” The cards slipped out of her hooves and sprayed out over the table top. Silently cursing herself, she picked up the cards again and began shuffling them.

“I see. So these friendship reports, you’ve written one each week and never been late with a single one before?” Quill sounded thoroughly impressed by Twilight’s impeccable record. Pulling up his glasses closer to his eyes, his eyes looked down at Twilight’s hooves. “Did you ever consider writing a letter to Celestia explaining your situation?”

Twilight snapped the cards together, bending them slightly. “No, I didn’t,” admitted Twilight. “I was just so worried about disappointing her.” The mere words revolting her the longer she talked. Calm down, Twilight. We’re just playing a card game, not in some kind of therapy session. I haven’t told him anything that serious. Have I?

“An admirable goal, even if it is a bit one sided. I think you have shuffled those cards long enough, miss Twilight.” Grasping the cards tightly, she dealt them at a slow pace. “I would not think that Celestia would have placed a heavy penalty on your wither. Would you care to explain what Celestia would do if you had not written up a report?”

An invisible bucket of ice was splashed across Twilight’s face. “Celestia never said anything about a penalty,” muttered Twilight. Picking up her new hoof, her eyes tensed up. A pair of twos, a seven of clubs, a ten of diamonds and a five of spades.

Quill took a quick look at his cards, then placed them face down. “I guess that being Celestia’s student she always had high expectations for you. Never would have thought she was such a strict teacher, I must admit.”

“She’s not!” blurted out Twilight. Her heart thundered in her chest as she nearly leapt out of her seat. “Sorry. Princess Celestia has always tested me since I’ve been a filly, but she’s not cruel.”

“Is that right?” Quill’s voice held a sense of uncertainty, as if he didn’t believe what Twilight was saying was true. “So from what I’ve gathered, Celestia has high expectations, but does not enforce your studies with any rules or regulations. That is... quite perplexing.”

Quill watched Twilight’s right ear twitch furiously. Seem to have struck a nerve with that comment. Knowing he was on the right track, Quill tapped on the table in thought.

“Oh, before we discard, let’s put our wagers down.” Placing down to bits, Twilight pushed what she had won earlier to the center. Quill took two cards again and placed them over to his right before pulling two cards from the deck.

Twilight chose two cards and then replaced them in a quick fluid motion. “I know Princess Celestia wants me to push myself. If she hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t become the Bearer of Magic.” Twilight tried holding her hooves still but couldn’t retain a solid grip on her cards.

Quill pulled on the tip of his beard. “Hmm, while I’m not learned in the old fable as you are, I’m positive, miss Twilight, that you’re keeping something from me. Aren’t the bearers drawn to the elements, or was it vice versa?”

Quill pulled the card farthest to his left and placed it in the middle, all the while watching Twilight. A two, three, four, five, six and seven of spades were laid out.“Straight, in spades, Ms. Sparkle,” said Quill as he laid out his cards. Quill watched as the pent up frustration began to wear down the mask of calm on Twilight’s face. Seeing his opportunity, Quill decided to apply more pressure to her.

Several hairs of Twilight’s mane began to fray, single strands standing out at odd angles. Letting the cards fall from her hooves, she reassembled them into a neat stack and pushed them over to Quill with a guilty look on her face. “The history of the Elements of Harmony isn’t written in stone, even though they were when I found them,” Twilight joked weakly.

“You take great pride in being the wielder of the element, miss Twilight.”

Twilight nodded. “Well, I wouldn’t have been able to save Princess Luna from the Nightmare if it wasn’t for me and the rest of my friends wielding the elements.”

Quill flipped over the cards on the table before shuffling them. Now it was time for him to play out the final test. Quill placed the five cards out again. “Miss Twilight, how about we make this last round a little more, how could I say, enticing?”

Twilight tilted her head to the side, pondering his words. “What did you have in mind, Professor Quill?”

Somewhere from the inner depths of his mangled tweed jacket, Quill produced a brown, hardback book. Compared to everything else that he had, the book was, astonishingly, brand new. “This, my dear, is the newest edition of medical lexicon’s I’ve written. In it are the most recent discoveries I’ve made since I’ve taken a hiatus from my work a year ago. Amazing what one old colt can find when he’s not stuck in an office all day, eh?”

If anypony else was in the room they could’ve painted a picture of Twilight’s expression, given how long her face was stuck in shock. One of the most renowned doctors in Equestria is offering one of his books to me on a wager? These books run nearly over a thousand bits, and only select students in the field are allowed to buy them. Childish abandonment took over Twilight’s rationality as she was, literally, buzzing with excitement.

“However, if I win this next hoof,” began Quill as he pulled the book off the coffee table. “I want you to meet with me daily for a two hour session. Think you can win, miss Twilight?”

Let’s see, if I win I could be walking out of here, no therapy session and a book in hoof. On the other hoof though, I could be subjected to pointless therapy sessions, from a fascinating doctor though, for Celestia knows how long. The air was rife with tension as Twilight reviewed her current situation.

“I’ll do it.” Twilight bit into her lower lip with anticipation as Quill began playing out their final hoof. She could barely contain herself as she snatched up her cards, but her joy faltered at what she saw. A jack of diamonds, two of hearts, queen of spades, ace of hearts, and seven of spades. The only chance I got of winning is to get a pair with faces. Considering what Quill’s cards could be, my chances are nearly zero, groaned Twilight inwardly. Taking out the two and the seven from her hoof, she picked up her new cards from the deck. Jack of spades and three of hearts.

Quill pulled only a single card from his hoof before picking up his card. “Well now, miss Sparkle, are you ready to claim your prize?”

Twilight felt her heart thundering inside her chest as she played her cards. “Pair of Jacks,” she said confidently. For a moment, she thought she had seen a ghost of a smile on Quill’s face.

“Well now, doesn’t that beat all, miss Twilight?” Turning over his hoof, Quill showed a jack of hearts and a jack of club. “Seems that we’ve come to a draw. What are the odds?”

Twilight’s hind leg began to tap against the marble flooring. A draw? How did it come to a draw? He’s not even acting that surprised about it! Did he plan this? Did he have cards up his sleeve? Something small and sturdy bumped against Twilight’s right hoof. Quill had tossed his medical book over to her.

“You got to know when to hold, know when to fold’em but also know when to walk away. It’s from an old earth pony song my mother sang to me as a foal”, said Quill, leaving Twilight quite flustered. “There’s a lot of wisdom in that song, miss Twilight. Know when to go and know to stop. Most importantly, never take a dangerous wager. Just like a game of cards, it’s very important to weigh the odds before you take a serious risk.”

“I took too big of a risk then, and lost,” replied Twilight.

Quill let out a small laugh as he put his cards back in their case. “Twilight, I know you were calculating the odds on every hoof dealt. That last hoof, it wasn’t a win or a loss. It was a third option that nopony ever thinks about, understand?” Stuffing his cards back into his pocket along with the bits, he pulled out his notepad. “Now, I do have one last question to ask you. Tell me, what do you plan on doing when you’ve completed your studies under Celestia?”

“What?” Her mind went blank at the question. What would she do when she was finished studying with Celestia. She had often thought of becoming a professor, maybe one in the research department in Seaddle. A royal squire for Celestia, helping her run the kingdom perhaps? When would my studies stop? The thought shook her. Celestia had never specified when she would graduate or even if she would. All this time she had been under the pretense that Celestia would always continue to teach her. Even now as a full grown mare, she never considered this as a possibility. She knew it would come one day, yet at the same time, it seemed so far away.

“I don’t know.” Her head drooped down, her mane covering her face from Quill’s view.

“Well, maybe it’s time for Twilight, Celestia’s student, to think about what Twilight, the mare Twilight, wants to do then.” Standing up from the table slowly, Quill bent his stiffening legs. A few pops of his knees and a quick stretch later, he walked around the table to Twilight. “Now then, Twilight, on to business.” Extending out his hoof in a friendly manner, Quill locked eyes with Twilight. “I can tell something is troubling you, even with these cataract filled eyes. If you would allow me to help you, maybe we can help you get back up to snuff.”

Twilight stared at Quill’s hoof with mixed curiosity. If I don’t, is it because I’m too proud and don’t think I need to depend on anypony? If I accept, then will ponies treat me differently if they were to find out?

A steady purple hoof was placed against Quill’s cracked hoof. “You have my word, miss Twilight. I will use everything I can to help a mare in need.”

“So, the prodigal Twilight Sparkle has returned to us, yes?” asked a unicorn stallion sipping on a martini. His blue hoof was polished to a blinding sheen in the sun as he sat in his chair. “Interesting, our dear Celestia hasn’t made this news public.”

“I know as well as you do that it has to do with that incident in Ponyville.” In front of the stallion stood a dark grey unicorn with a pure white mane. His honey yellow eyes were half closed under Celestia’s sun. “I don’t need to remind you that this information can’t just be given out freely.”

The purple stallion tsked with his tongue before pulling out a small bag of bits. “So serious all the time. Little wonder you’re in the guard, dear boy.” Throwing the bag at the stallion with his magic, he whistled to a nearby servant with his glass held high.

“This isn’t even half of what you promised me, rich colt,” spat the dark grey unicorn.

A Cheshire smile grew on the purple unicorn’s muzzle. “Our deal was to get me proof that Twilight Sparkle is in the castle. All I got was your word, there’s nothing definitive about that, is there?” A bright orange Pegasus fluttered towards the purple unicorn’s glass. Pouring a suitable amount of liquor into her master’s glass, she left with a bow. “If you expect full pay, you do a full job. Am I right or am I undeniably right? Come on, guess,” he said cheekily.

The grey unicorn snorted. “I’m treading on melting ice in the middle of a lake here in summer. One word out of place and I’ll be facing down the Princess of the Sun.” He lunged forward until he was a mere breath away from his cohort. “But I can assure you that I won’t go down alone, friend.”

With a quick sip of his drink, the grey unicorn flashed his friend a toothy smile. “Oh, one hundred percent. I have my contacts to keep anypony in our way, quiet. I need to build up the right amount of momentum to claim the title of Bearer of Magic. Just keep doing what you’re doing, It’ll be in your best interest. Now then, go on your way, I have ‘real’ friends coming over that I need to entertain.”

The purple unicorn snorted with indignation, but left the garden without another word. A servant opened the gate for him and hurriedly shut it behind him.

“Brother, do you think it’s wise to trust him?” A violet mare came trotting haughtily through the garden, a light blue scarf around her neck. Her eyes were furrowed in a vicious manner as she knocked away any unfortunate servant in her path. “You can’t expect to rely on the lesser caste like that, he lacks any real refinement.”

“No worries dearest sister,” replied the purple unicorn. “We’ll win over Twilight’s title soon enough and establish our hold next to our dear Celestia that our family once had.”

The two clinked their glasses together on the patio. It would be a busy week for the both of them.

Author's Note

Cookie to anyone who gets the song in this one.

Faded Colors

Friend? Friend? Why would I still want you as a friend, Rainbow Crash?

Rainbow Dash sped through the air, leaving behind a special rainbow trail behind her as she rocketed through the open air. Small droplets of water condensed on her flight goggles, stinging her eyes as she flew. Her rose colored eyes were furrowed in silent anger as she performed her aerial display.

You were totally being rude to Fluttershy and Pinkie, Gilda. Why are you acting like such a jerk?

HOW can you say I was the jerk, Dash, after everything that happened ?? I thought it was just going to be the two of us hanging out, until that cotton candy head decided to jump in on us. She was a total dork.

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes as the painful memory of her last meeting with Gilda replayed in her mind. Her oldest ex-friend from the Weather Academy now looked at her with spite. After Spike confessed to double-crossing Twilight by snitching on her, she needed to find the perfect distraction. Throwing herself into her training had been a good start but she couldn’t seem to find her focus as she pushed herself.

A wall eyed mare was sent head over hooves by what could only be described as a rainbow colored lightning bolt shot past her. Letters and muffins fell to the ground as Derpy Hooves went straight eyed for a moment as Rainbow Dash’s raced by, disappearing off into the distance.

So you treated her like dirt because you didn’t like her, Gilda? Isn’t that how we met when we were in school? We both had to deal with those plotheads, Dumber Bell and Hopeless.

Her wings burned with exhaustion as she continued to propel herself forward, the pain dulling the throbbing sensation in her head. Rainbow couldn’t tell who she knocked silly, but at this point she couldn’t care any less.

Whatever, Crash. You wanna choose that yellow hippie and Stinkie Pie over me? Fine. You ponies are all alike after all.

That had happened several months ago, a day after Rainbow stood up to her at Pinkie’s party. The following day, she went out in search of Gilda, hoping to soothe any lingering feelings of anger. What she met with was a scorned griffon’s rage. Her golden eyes burned with a deep pain and unbridled fury as Gilda spat at Dash with tormented words.

It wasn’t like that. I didn’t want to hurt you, Gilda. Why couldn’t you see that? A noticeable shift in the air quickly pulled the rainbow maned mare from her inner turmoil. Her entire world had turned a solid shade of dark, steely grey, and small ice crystals drifted through the air. A sudden spark caught Rainbow’s eyes as the crystals began to collide against each other, and arcs of lightning lanced through the inside of the cloud as the ice churned violently.

“Lightning Cloud!” she screamed. Her predicament became painfully obvious as a stray bolt stabbed her dead center of her back, paralyzing her. Rainbow Dash fell through the bottom of the cloud, her wings flailing behind her as she continued to fall muzzle forward towards the ground.

Rainbow Dash tried in vain to spread out her wings but exhaustion coupled with the electrical shock she just received left her too weak. No, this can’t be how I go out. I still haven’t become a Wonderbolt yet, thought Rainbow. The wind whistled in her ears as she continued to spiral downwards. Rainbow clenched her eyes tight, wondering if Twilight would be allowed to tend her funeral at least.

“Yyyyeeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhhh!”

Two very strong hooves clasped around her midsection as Rainbow was pulled out of her free fall. Peeping through her eyelids, she saw the ground slowly fade away from sight, until she was dropped delicately on top of a small nimbus cloud. Hovering over a small cloud, Rainbow was dropped carefully. Turning to face her savior, she nearly fell off the edge.

“Yeah!” Bulk ‘Snowflake’ Biceps flexed shamelessly in front of Rainbow as he flared his tiny wings behind his back.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Rainbow smiled up at Biceps. “Thanks, big guy. You saved my flank.”

“Yeah!” heartily agreed Biceps. The muscle ripped stallion seemed to only know one level of volume: ear splitting high.

Rainbow blushed, turning her cheeks a deep, russet purple. “Yeah, I shoulda watched where I was going,” she said, avoiding eye contact..

A pregnant pause grew as Rainbow kept her head down, Bulk Biceps looking at her expectantly.

“Well, I, uh, gotta go. Really busy, you know?”

“Yeah!”

“Because I’m totally free now that the weather for today is finished,” said Rainbow. “I’m going to be a Wonderbolt in no time!”

“Yeah!”

“That’s right. I’m glad somepony’s got my back, unlike Spike or Applejack.”

“Yea-whut?” Bulk Biceps stood across from Rainbow Dash, confused as he saw her rising anger.

“Could you believe that Spike tattled on Twilight?” Rainbow sat back on her haunches, crossing her forelegs over her chest. “I mean, that’s not what a friend does. Friends never rat each other out, ever.”

Had Rainbow even take a second to look up at the stallion, she would’ve seen the shift in Biceps’ usual gung ho personality. For the first in a long while he had been rendered speechless, a rare feat, when the stallion’s vocabulary consisted mainly of one particular word.

“I’m just so fluffing peeved,” seethed Rainbow with a stamp of her hoof. “Spike should’ve had Twilight’s back. That’s what makes a real friend loyal, you know?”

Biceps continued to stand idly by as Rainbow’s rant soared to even greater heights. “And don’t even get me started on how uncool it is that Princess Celestia wouldn’t cut Twi a break. One botched spell, big whoop, right?”

“No.”

Rainbow Dash spun around so fast that the cloud shifted a little beneath her. In all of her time working with Bulk Biceps, his trademark ‘Yeah’ was the only word she even heard from him. “No? What do ya mean ‘no’?” as she made Hoofquotes in the air.

“Rainbow, you’re my captain and I respect you for that. You’re also sticking up for Twilight, that’s admirable,” said Biceps. “What I don’t support is that she used magic on my niece.”

“Niece?”

“Speedy Scooter, or Scootaloo as she likes to be called by her friends?” said Biceps with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh! Oh...” Rainbow Dash’s cheek turned a light purple. “Look, B.B., I’ll level with ya cause you’re one of my best workers. Twilight made a mistake, nopony got hurt and-“

“Nopony got hurt?” Biceps leaned in so close to Rainbow that his snout was brushing up against hers. “Rainbow, Twilight used magic on my niece for whatever Celestia knows what and I shouldn’t be upset?”

Bulk Bicep's intimidating form seemed to eclipse her view as he leaned in close, forcing her to the edge of the cloud. “Well, yeah, no one was seriously injured, ya know?” she squeaked out.

Biceps took a step back before slapping a strong hoof against his muzzle. “So, despite all the unrestrained chaos your friend caused, you still think nopony was hurt?” Biceps ran a hoof through his Mohawk before looking up at Rainbow with a somber expression etched into his face. “Little Scoots has been having nightmares since that day. She’s even scared to go anywhere near Auntie Fairy Wind!”

“Why’s that?”

“She’s a unicorn,” stated Biceps flatly. “Poor little filly’s all worked up over some unicorn using magic on her again.” Biceps pawed at the cloud, his eyes peering down over the side of the little cloud. “When I picked her up after she went bucking crazy after that doll, Scoots wouldn’t let go of me. She been a bundle of nerves ever since.”

Rainbow Dash could hardly believe what she was hearing. Scootaloo never told her about having nightmares. Usually the orange Pegasus filly never hid a single thing from her, her biggest idol. Holding back from kicking herself in the flank, Rainbow regained her wits. “B.B., hear me out, ‘kay? Twilight saved Equestria twice. How can anypony hold a grudge against a pony so awesome?”

Biceps expression broke no argument. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash, but I can’t accept that. I grieve for my niece and for Twilight, but that doesn’t excuse her for what she did.” With a deflated sigh, the mighty Pegasus looked upwards towards the sky at Celestia’s sun, unblinking.

Rainbow’s tongue stuck to the top of her mouth as Bicep’s words stung her ears. “I thought I could count on you, Biceps,” spat Rainbow. Flapping her wings, she hovered over the top of the cloud. “I guess no pony but me knows what loyalty is anymore.”

Bulk Biceps shook his head solemnly as he watched his Weather Captain disappear amongst the clouds. There’s a big difference between loyalty and blind devotion, Rainbow Dash. Hopping over the side, Biceps spread his wings out, riding the air current and feeling the wind caress his form. I hope you’ll come to understand that someday.

Rainbow Dash flew at a slow pace far above the clouds. First Spike, now Bulk Biceps. Where does that meat-head get off telling me I’m wrong? I’m his boss! Shouldn’t he at least be a bit loyal to me? Can’t count on anypony anymore.

As the colorful mare flew, one thought continued to burn in her head like a hot coal from a forge. Scootaloo… The orange filly was always there, never wearing a frown when she was near. In fact, she hadn’t even seen Scootaloo around Ponyville today as she flew. She’s a kid, she’ll bounce right back.

“And now, I bring you all a show unlike any other in Equestria!”

Rainbow stopped immediately, nearly sending her into another nosedive fiasco. That voice, that annoying, snobbish voice. Down below, Rainbow could barely make out a rundown wagon with a fold out stage in front, where a blue mare clad in purple clothes could be seen shooting off sparks. “What does she want?”

Twstwstwtwst

The sound of the sewing machine was the only thing that could be heard inside of Carousel Boutique. Rarity sat at her workbench, carefully piecing together an azure dress with black trimmings. Since the little kerfuffle yesterday, Rarity hadn’t been outside of her boutique.

“Can’t believe someponies,” Rarity muttered darkly to herself. Sweat matted her usually stylish mane as she poured herself into her work. “Why can’t anypony grasp the big picture here?” Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice her own hoof edging too close to the machine’s needle.

Shik!

“Ow,” whined Rarity as she began to suckle on her hoof. “Darn it all. Sweetie Belle, can you grab me a bandage?” The only response she was greeted with was the perpetual silence of her home.

“Sweetie?” she called out again, standing up from her chair.

She knew full well that that if Sweetie Belle wasn’t responding, then it meant one of two things: Either she left without telling Rarity, or she had done something to ‘help’ that caused an even bigger mess. Hopefully it doesn’t involve alphabetizing my make up again. I have no idea how she even light my entire mascara on fire, or that is was flammable.

Traversing the halls of her boutique, Rarity stood outside a crayon marked door. She tapped against her sister’s bedroom door three times, and waited for a response. A minute passed before she finally turned the handle and peeked inside.

The floor could be barely seen beneath the piles of scrap paper and small plush toys. Rarity cringed slightly at Sweetie’s version of chaotic organization.Making a mental note to lecture her sibling on how a proper mare must keep herself and her personal space clean, she began to inspect the room. Careful not to touch anything, all Rarity could find was a half-eaten cucumber sandwich and a still full glass of tomato juice. “Now where could Sweetie have gone? It’s–“

A small pink envelope, the same color as Sweetie’s mane, was taped to the back of her door. Opening it up, Rarity began to read the letter inside.

Rarity,

Went over to Scootaloo’s house today. She didn’t want to come outside so I’m going over to see what’s wrong. Be back soon.

-S.B.

Reading over the letter, Rarity felt slightly put off at her sister’s actions. Normally she would tell her if she was going to go out with her friends crusading. Her eyes trailed down to the rest of the letter.

P.S. I did tell you earlier but you were too busy to listen to me. So I put this in my room because I knew you’d go in my room. You always do when you need me.

Scrunching her face in annoyance, Rarity dropped the letter and made her way to the bathroom. “Let’s see here, salve? No. Ointment, nope, it’s not that serious. Where– Ah-ha!” Pulling out a small white tin with a red cross on the front, Rarity placed a Band-Aid over the small puncture wound. “I need to put a medical kit downstairs one of the days,” she said to herself.

She returned to her sewing station, and looked down at her current project with renewed interest. “Oh I can’t wait to see the look on Amber Eye’s face when I show her this. Rarity, I dare say you’ve outdone yourself this time. Now for the finishing touches. Oh, Spi–“ Rarity’s voice died in her throat.

She looked down at her creation with sad eyes. “That’s right…” Her usual assistant, the best helper of all time, as he would say, hadn’t shown his face since yesterday.

She remembered waking up in the morning and going to the library. Surely Spike would come out for her, and that he would recognize his mistake and contact Princess Celestia. However, after calling out for the young drake earlier this morning, she sadly received no response.

“Well then, guess I’m going to have to hunt for gems, all by myself,” said Rarity in a false, worried tone. “All alone in the gem fields, where those barbaric Diamond Dogs kidnapped me until some brave, strong drake came and rescued me.” Rarity threw her hoof over her head as continued to voice her troubles to the rest of Equestria. In the end, Rarity received no response from inside of the tree, not even the slightest creak of the stairs.

Gathering up her magic, Rarity levitated her favorite pincushion over to her side. She hardly remembered the last time that she used it since Spike started ‘offering’ his assistance. Grasping a few pins with her magic, she began to pin a few strands of ribbons to the barrel of the dress.

Rarity rubbed her nose in frustration as she tried to retain her focus as she used her magic to thread the fabric with three different pins working in unison. Whenever she began to form a steady rhythm in her sewing, one of the needles would go against the pattern. “Twilight, I do hope you’re alright, darling.” Rarity could see Twilight bawling her eyes out in front of a very displeased Princess Celestia. A sudden burst of inspiration burst into her head. “Idea! I could send her a dress.” Humming to herself, Rarity strained herself a bit harder to finish her current fashion project.

Skrrrt.

A large hole tore through the right sleeve of the dress. “Oh, pony feathers,” Rarity swore silently. Eyeing the tear in her work, Rarity puffed up her cheeks in frustration. While comical, it was an obvious sign of her pent-up frustration, five seconds away of her blowing her stack.

“Nothing’s going right today. Twilight, you are usually the one to fix everything when it all goes to Tartarus.” Digging through her sewing bag, Rarity pulled out a small piece of cloth that matched the dress. “I hope Amber won’t notice this mistake.”

As the fashionista repaired the tear, her mind wandered back to Twilight. “Once this is all over, maybe Celestia will thank us with an invitation to a private soiree.” She could see it now, her mingling with the upper crust as they ate hors d'oeuvres straight from Saddle Arabia, dessert fruit straight from the Arabian cactus; Frozen desserts from the far north where ’rain-deer’ were supposed to live; Princess Celestia herself sitting on her throne, with Twilight still by Celestia’s side wearing a look of approval.

But what if Twilight doesn’t ever come back? The sudden realization sent Rarity’s dreams of grandeur up in smoke. What if ponies start gossiping about Twilight’s incident? Nasty rumors and lies could easily spread, especially with Twilight’s position so close to the Princess.

Rarity was no stranger to gossip. Many clothiers in Canterlot often looked for her approval, yet some still considered her not Canterlot-worthy, since she was from Ponyville. Would her own image suffer if news got out? “Oh, what would ponies say if they found out? My career as a fashion designer would be ruined. I’ll never be able to afford a personal studio in Canterlot.”

Carousel Boutique, a rising star that fell from glory before it even began to touch the spotlight. No longer a spectacle for everypony walking by just to see the fabulous genius that worked so tirelessly inside. Her hopes of ever designing a dress for a pony like Fleur Dis Lee to wear one day in a fashion show. She’d be reduced to the lowest of the low, dry cleaning common clothes. Rarity rubbed her eyes, trying to wash away the horrible image from her mind.

As anxiety began to grow inside of her, Rarity let out a small sniffle. “Okay, Rarity, settle down,” she whispered, consoling herself. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions. Nopony knows about that doll, everything is fine...”

Thump.

A tiny knock against her door alerted her that the Ponyville Press had arrived. Laying the dress across the table, she went to collect the newspaper. “Oh, Rarity, you silly filly. You let your imagination run wild sometimes.” Opening up the door, Rarity grabbed the newspaper with her magic. “Surely this will all blow over.”

As she snapped open the newsletter with an audible crack, Rarity’s eyes widened in abstract horror.

Princess’ Personal Protegé Produces Pandemonium in Ponyville read the headline in damning bold print. Right below was a picture of Princess Celestia standing in front of Twilight. The purple unicorn looked downtrodden. Judging from the angle and the small glare in the corner, the picture had to have been taken from outside a window.

The article below spewed out line after line of half-thought out bile and slander. Jerking her head up, Rarity watched the ponies outside grab their papers. “This is the worst! Possible! Thing! Ever! How could this possibly get any worse?” she cried, turning ponies’ heads towards the Carousel Boutique.

“And now, I bring you all a show unlike any other in Equestria!” announced a voice from somewhere in the middle of town.

Rarity nearly dropped to her hooves. “Of all the times to show up, now’s when you decided to come back to Ponyville?” She tossed the newspaper in a nearby trash bin. Trotting at a moderate pace, Rarity began to head towards the center of town.

Trixie watched as ponies began to make their way towards her wagon. Yes, it’s time for a day of wonders you simple minded yokels. I wonder who will step up this time to stop Trixie. The star speckled unicorn scanned the crowds, searching desperately for her targets.

She spotted a butter yellow pegasus off in the back, her pink mane covering her face. Right below her, she could see an orange earth pony with a weather worn stetson hat. Seems like only two showed up to be humiliated by Trixie this time. Ah well, once one of them falls, the rest will surely come.

As she continued to gloat to herself, she failed to see the Golden Oak’s Library door open. Spike made his way towards Trixie’s wagon, the tiny dragon’s eyes carrying a hidden rage that anypony in their right mind would fear.

Fallen Stars

Trixie watched the ponies all over Ponyville begin to surround her wagon. Many seemed to be curious as to who she was, especially young fillies and colts. Most of the adults, however, were grounding their teeth as their eyes shot daggers at Trixie.

They’ll change their attitudes when I show up those Elements, thought Trixie as she peered through the stage curtains. Checking herself and her costume in her vanity, her hooves ran over every stitching and thread on her cape. It wouldn’t be a true grand return to stardom if she wasn’t looking her best.

Oh, Trixie. You truly are our special little star.

Trixie clenched her cloak tightly in her hooves, hugging it to her barrel as if it was her foal. “I’m Equestria’s greatest magician, nopony will ever take that away from me again.” Smoothing the wrinkles out, she refitted the cape around her back. The taunting, the lies, the humiliation. All of those things would no longer plague Trixie starting today.

“Ready for your grand return to the stage, Trixie?”

The blue magician whirled around in the blink of an eye, knocking off her star speckled magician hat. She came snout to snout with an orange pegasus stallion. His green vest held a worn notebook with a yellow pencil through the wire spine. “When you sent that letter to my office, I almost threw it in the trash. Then again, with what happened two days ago, this would be an excellent side story to capitalize on.”

Popping off the lens cover, the stallion withdrew a rag from inside of his vest and began wiping off his camera. “What are the odds that I get a scoop on Twilight Sparkle’s biggest blunder and then the one mare that nearly came close to actually beating her? Seriously, I’m asking here, one in a mil’?”

“Trixie thinks that you should do what you do best and stick with it, Quick Shot,” snapped Trixie. “You’re only here for one reason and that’s it.”

“Getting the story of this century?”

“Staying out of Trixie’s way as Trixie takes down Twilight Sparkle’s friends and taking as many pictures of their defeat as you can. Now get out there, Trixie only has a few more minutes to prepare,” she said, pointing a hoof to the cart’s back door. Shrugging his wings, Quick Shot trotted out without another word, leaving Trixie alone in the confines of her cart.

When Sparkle sees her pathetic friends, she’ll have to come back. That’ll be my chance to fight her and then, only then, Trixie will be recognized as the greatest magician ever. Nothing’s going to stand in Trixie's way. As the blue unicorn went over her props to ensure that the magic infused fireworks were set to go off, Trixie felt a cold wave of fear run through her. Startled, she looked around the interior of her cart, expecting to see somepony there. She was greeted only with a silence that only the dead could make. Get ahold of yourself Trixie, now is not the time to let the past ruin your glorious future.

But, unknown to her, somepony was there. The hidden pony’s ethereal form blended into the darkness as her eyes watched Trixie prepare for her show. In the blink of an eye, the invisible pony was gone with one thought in mind: Who was this Trixie and what did she have to prove?

Outside of Trixie’s cart, Applejack was standing right near the front of the wooden stage. The mare’s back leg twitched with suppressed rage as she waited idly by for Trixie to show herself. A small blue feather dropped on top of Applejack’s muzzle. “Well now, look who decided to show up just for Trixie,” spat Applejack.

Rainbow Dash dropped to the ground with thunderous force. “Shut it, Apple Slack. If I wanted your opinion, I woulda asked for it.” Pulling back her flight goggles to the top of her head, Rainbow shook off any remaining water clinging to it. Everypony around the weather mare gave her a wide berth as the obvious tension between the two elements began to rise exponentially

“Hey, girls.” Pinkie Pie walked towards her two friends at a slow trot. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at Pinkie with guilty expressions. It was painful to even see the cotton candy mane without the usual bounce to her step. “Looks like we get to see a show today, heh.”

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it a show, more of a carny travesty on wheels.” Rarity sided up alongside Rainbow Dash, batting her long eyelashes at Applejack. “So, did anypony else read the morning headlines today?”

Pinkie nodded her head in confirmation. Applejack tilted her Stetson over her eyes. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in confusion to Rarity’s words. “I hope this at least brings some sense to you girls that I was right. Can you imagine how this will affect everypony’s judgement of her?”

“Oh, shut it, Rarity,” snapped Applejack, earning a sharp gasp from the Element of Generosity. “All this time you’ve been running your mouth about how ponies are going to talk about Twi’. Don’t you think we know that already?”

Rarity turned her head away from Applejack, pointing her muzzle up in the air. A tiny red tinge blossomed on her face at the rather less than casual remark from Applejack.

“Hello everypony.” Fluttershy’s voice was a welcomed distraction between the arguing Elements. The yellow pegasus flew down to the ground as graceful as a swan. “Does anypony know what’s going on?”

“Oh, that’s right dear, you were on your way to Fillydelphia Zoo last time ‘she’ showed up. I know you left early but trust me, Fluttershy, this is hardly what one would call a magic act.” Rarity opened up a small compact and began checking her mane, “If she tries any of her stunts like last time, I dare say this ordeal won’t last long at all.”

Before anypony could speak up, several flares shot up into the sky. Even in the noon day sun, the fireworks were clearly visible to everypony as the exploded in baroque styles and colors. Red dragons and blue moons formed in the sky above the cart, as the curtains were drawn by a blue aura. A small plume of blue smoke flared up from the center of the stage. As the smoke began to dissipate, a lone figure could be seen in the midst of the explosion.

“Greetings Ponyville! I, Trixie, have returned!” announced the magician as the fireworks burst into the air again. Trixie stood on her back legs, throwing her forehooves in the air as she waited for the oncoming cheers and praise. Instead, she was greeted with a few halfhearted claps and a chirping cricket.

“I see that Ponyville has forgotten how amazing the Great and Powerful Trixie is,” proclaimed Trixie, a bead of sweat trailing down the side of her neck. She threw her prized hat into the air above the clouds. Slowly, the hat began to unravel, the purple thread that held it together thinning and spreading out above the crowd. Ponies watched in awe as the purple thread expanded above their heads, giving off the impression that a giant spider web was covering them.

Fzzzzttttt.

One end of the string flew down into the center of the crowd, causing a few ponies to jump back in fright. It began to wrap around itself like a snake, coalescing in the spot where it first touched down. Soon, the string began to spin faster, blurring until it took on a vague outline. Ponies began to step closer as its form became clear to them.

A purple string replica of Trixie, save for her hat and cloak, stood in the middle. Puppet Trixie moved forward with a wobbly, uncoordinated step, as if the marionettist’s hoof was right above it. Suddenly, Blue light erupted in the center and began racing along the string. Two small balls of azure light popped into the sockets where the eyes would go. “I’ll ask again, Ponyville, are you ready to see the return of the Great and Powerful Trixie?” asked the magic puppet in a perfect imitation of Trixie’s voice.

This time, the cheers of the crowd were deafening. Birds kicked off from their perches as everypony became enthralled by Trixie’s newest magic trick. As the rest of the town was busy watching, the Elements remained in front of her cart. None of them had moved an inch since the show had begun.

“I can’t believe this. Trixie pulls out some magic that Twi’ could’ve done in two seconds and now everypony is head over hooves for ‘er,” said Applejack. The cowpony returned her gaze to the magician, who had closed her eyes during the show. Her horn was sparkling with a blue nimbus around it, focusing on maintaining her spell.

“Yeah, duh. Someponies are just easily amused.” Rainbow felt her wings fluttering by her side, her agitation showing. “This time, Trickless won’t know what hit her after I get through with her.”

Applejack ground her teeth at the pegasus’ snarky remarks but kept her cool. Twilight wouldn’t want us to be fightin’ amongst ourselves like this. “Big words, partner’. Care to show her what you got then?”

“Trixie will gladly take you all on.” The Elements looked up to the stage to see that Trixie was looking down at them, her trademark cocksure smile plastered on her face. The purple string zipped past Applejack and Rainbow Dash and wrapped itself around Trixie’s head. The magician’s hat reformed on top of her head, just as it was before her spell. “So, please, entertain Trixie. “

In an incredible feat of speed, Rainbow Dash lunged at Trixie, toppling over the blue unicorn flat on her back. “Alright, Trickless the Weak and Lamest pony ever, of all time. I’m showing everypony why I’m the best there is.”

Regaining her composure, the showmare shoved her hoof against Rainbow Dash’s barrel. “If it’s anything like last time, Rainbow Trash, then Trixie is in for a short show,” irked Trixie.

“We’re all ready to take you up on your challenge, Trixie,” Applejack chimed in. “You think we’re just gonna to let ya waltz right back here into Ponyville after what ya did last time? You’re gonna be scampering outta here faster than a roadrunner outrunning a coyote.”

Trixie punched her hoof against the wooden floor, the wooden timbers groaning in protest of her harsh action. “Then stop talking and get on with it. Trixie wishes to have her revenge.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Rainbow Dash hovered above the cart. She sailed high into the sky, just above the roofs of the nearby houses. Repositioning her goggles over her eyes, Rainbow performed a low sweep over the crowd, the tips of pony’s manes brushing against her pale underbelly. Performing a perfect upward turn, everypony watched as Rainbow Dash began to perform her stunt.

Alright, Dash, just like you practiced. After reaching the appropriate altitude, the pegasus dove down in a wide arc. Stretching her wings out to their fullest length, she began to spin. As she accelerated, Rainbow’s form turned into a blue blur. A spiraling current of air trailed behind Dash as she continued to plummet towards Trixie’s cart.

A shimmer of magic began to form around the cart as Trixie watched wide eyed Rainbow Dash hurl herself towards her. Just before she was about to crash down into the showmare, Rainbow vaulted upward, still in the middle of a corkscrew. The wind whipped off Trixie’s hat along with Applejack’s Stetson as she rocked into the sky. Focus, Dash, focus.

Poof!

Rainbow bore through a cloud, a fine mist of water surrounding her revolving form.

Poof! Poof! Poof!

Several more clouds were destroyed as Rainbow Dash drilled through each one. A thin film of water encompassed the pegasus, giving her a wavering appearance. Time to wrap this up!

Rainbow shot towards the earth with the ferocity of a lightning bolt. A random mare screamed as everypony watched Rainbow Dash fly at unimaginable speeds towards where the crowd was gathered.

And…BAM! Rainbow snapped open her wings, sending out a rippling halo of water above Trixie’s cart. Time seemed to slow as she began to quickly circle around the water, leaving behind a rainbow after image.

Fwish!

The water spun into a powerful current, sparkling in the sunlight. A rainbow hue could be seen in the middle as small droplets flew off of the ring. Rainbow Dash dropped onto Trixie’s stage, sweat and rainwater matting her body. “And that”—wheeze—” everypony, is Rainbow Dash’s patented ‘Royal Rainbow Ring!’™.”

Everypony stomped the ground in agreement, rocking the very earth as Rainbow Dash drank in their praise.

“Hmph, ring, huh? A simple piece of jewelry for an even simpler mare, I suppose.” Trixie tossed back her cape as she studied the rainbow ring suspended above her. Creative for a simpleton like her. “But a truly royal piece of jewelry is nothing so base as a ring. No, instead…”

A blue aura of magic surrounded the water ring. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes as the water began to slow down, coming to a stop. A sudden gale of icy wind sent a chill over Rainbow’s still sopping wet body. Ice began to form inside of the ring.

Shrrnk!

A jagged piece of ice sprung up at the front of the ring facing the crowd. Soon another, followed by yet another, until six long jagged blocks of ice protruded out of the ring. The ring began to solidify, connecting each block of ice together.

Krcck! Krrccckkk!

Small shards began to splinter and rain down from the massive piece of ice, as it was being shaped by Trixie’s magic. Ice fell, dropping onto anypony too close to the stage.

KRSSSSH!

An ear ringing explosion coupled with a small hailstorm brought everypony to their knees. When they regained their senses, up in the sky was one of most astounding sights they had ever seen. A six pointed crown of clear ice shined in the sky, a wand with several small stars glowing in a deep neon blue inside each of its points.

“Behold! Trixie’s Crystal Cosmic Crown!™”

Rainbow Dash fell over, her mouth agape as everypony applauded louder than when she performed her stunt. Sulking back into the front by Rarity, the proud pegasus kicked at a pebble as ponies continued to applaud Trixie.

“Yes, Trixie thanks you all for recognizing her talent,” she said nonchalantly. The crown dissolved into a fine mist, raining down on Trixie, who didn’t even bat an eye as the water soaked her clothes. “Now then, Trixie is feeling extra powerful today. Are there any others who wish to try and upstage the Great and Powerful Trixie?” A wide variety of fireworks exploded as the showmare issued out her challenge.

Despite their ongoing feud, Applejack felt pity nipping at her heart upon seeing the cocksure Rainbow Dash brought down. Sugarcube, I’m gonna show this uppity manure for brains some real talent. “Alrighty, Trixie, think you can keep up with me then’?”

“Whatever you can do, Trixie has already surpassed,” she said. Casting a quick glance off into the crowd, she could see a flash of light going off. Quick Snap, the pegasus reporter from before was busily snapping up shots greedily. At least you’re being useful to Trixie. Featherbrained reporter...

Applejack walked up onto the stage, as cool as a cucumber as she approached Trixie. “Tell me somethin’, Trixie,” began Applejack as she pulled out a lasso from beneath her Stetson. “Why exactly did ya decide to show yerself back here in Ponyville?” Snapping the rope tightly in her hooves, the farm pony wrapped it around her right foreleg with a quick flourish.

“I decided to grace this town with an encore. There isn’t much else to it, Apple Smack.”

Applejack tapped her hoof, exuding a placid, rigid composure as she watched Trixie. “Well then, I think I’ve got a great routine to show everypony. Why don’t you step ta the side there’, Trixie? I’ve got a show nopony can match.”

Trixie let out a small grunt but conceded to Applejack’s request. Quick Snap waved a hoof at her from above Twilight’s library, his camera at the ready.

Snapping her lasso taught, Applejack tied a loop at the end of the rope.

“Didn’t you try this stunt last time, Apple Flack?” sneered Trixie as Applejack tied the rope to her tail.

Applejack remained silent as she popped her joints. Okay, A.J., let’s show her what we got. Snapping her tail, the lasso sprung to life and began to spin. With a flick of her tail, Applejack snared a barrel of apples from her market stand a few yards away from the stage. The rope went taut as the lasso snared the apple barrel.

The farm pony prayed to Celestia that her tail wouldn't be yanked off. Lurching forward, the barrel was launched into the air. Everypony watched as the wooden container rocket upward, soaring above their heads. With a might pull, Applejack yanked down on the barrel, sending it careening down into the stage.

Dozens of apples spun in the air before surrendering to gravity. Trixie began channeling magic into her before a dirt covered hoof was shoved in front of her face. “Watch.”

Pushing herself up on her front hooves, Applejack rested the barrel on her back hooves. With a light kick the barrel spun in the air, stretching out the lasso. Shifting her hips to the side with a strained grunt, the barrel began to circle in a wide around Applejack. A dull, hollow sound echoed in everypony’s ear as the wooden container was swung above their heads.

A pale green apple was within a hoof’s reach of Rainbow Dash’s head before it was scooped up by the barrel. The blue pegasus went cross eyed as the wind tussled her messy, rainbow mane, as the barrel continued uninhibited through the air.

Fwoosh. Fwoosh! FWOOSH!

As more apples continued to fall, each one was caught with masterful precision by Applejack. Her grass green eyes flickered as she continued to catch her produce. She could feel the increasing weight beginning to pile on but continued to stubbornly push herself. Don’t quit on yerself, AJ. Ya gotta show this two timin’ snake it ain’t right to show off.

“Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!” Ponies began chanting the farm mare’s name as she gathered the remaining fruits.

Trixie bit down on her tongue so hard that she could taste a small trace of blood. This is not how it will go down, Apple Smack. These backwater, uncultured ponies should be calling out for Trixie to dazzle and amaze them to brighten their pathetic lives.

As Applejack caught the final apple, she heaved with all her might and flung the now apple filled barrel at her. Bracing herself, she leapt onto her back hooves and caught the barrel with her forehooves. Skidding back, Applejack winced as she felt splinters digging into her hoofs. When she finally came to a stop, she gently placed the barrel onto the stage without making a sound.
Ponies screamed out in amazement of Applejack’s incredible performance.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Trixie’s sarcastic, condescending claps pierced through the rest of cheering. “Well, well, well. You spun a dirty old barrel like a yo-yo. Trixie can’t believe how such an insignificant change from last time can appease these ponies’ interest,” she said, pointing an accusing hoof towards the still rowdy crowd. “But Trixie thinks that it’s time that an improvement was made to your act. A Trixie-esque improvement.”

A light blue glow enveloped the barrel, lifting it off the ground. Apples started floating out of it, and , one by one, they stacked up on top of each other in a single, gravity-defying pile. It went above the top of the cart’s curtains and capped off at an even level with the chimney of a nearby house. “So, Apple Smack, do you honestly think you’re a special little snowflake? That your fancy rope tricks can dare be compared to one such as Trixie? Allow Trixie to disillusion you then.”

The tower of apples rocked forward, as if it decided to take a step forward. A single, solitary apple fell off the stack. As the red fruit fell, several blue knives formed above the open hole of the barrel. Each one began to dance in the air, sunlight glinting off the magical blades.

When the apple came into contact with the blades, they shredded the fruit until it was liquefied. The golden, pulpy juice splashed into the barrel. The tower shook again but this time several apples fell towards the barrel. Each time an apple fell, it was turned into apple juice. The tower continued to rapidly dwindle away as the barrel filled up with juice. The leftover apples that were below the barrel’s lid leapt right into the whirlwind of knives, adding their contents to the barrel.

“Trixie has heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Each one is different no matter what,” said Trixie as she strutted over to Applejack.

You’re one of a kind Trixie. A special snowflake, echoed out an old memory in Trixie's mind.

Righting herself before tripping on her cape, Trixie pushed away the stray memory and regained her footing. “Trixie both does and does not believe this statement. Trixie thinks that snowflakes are alike, but some are well beyond the rest. To make it so simple that even you can understand, there are those that are much more incredible than the rest, greater than even the great.”

The barrel lifted off from the floor, letting spill a few drops of the amber drink over the lip. Apple juice began flowing upwards, carried by Trixie’s magic. As it rose, the it began churning and then spreading out into golden tendrils. Trixie took a few steps back as she continued to siphon more juice in order to guide her work towards her end result.

Up in the air stood a writhing mass akin to a gelatinous golden sun. Eight wiggling appendages swam through the air, connected to a swelling and shrinking orb, as if it was breathing. “Now, allow Trixie to show you what it means to stand above the rest.”

The orb began to shrink, the structure taking on a much more solid shape as it began to thin out. As it spread out even further the juice crystallized, tapering off to fine needle shape edges at the extremities. Trixie could barely repress her overwhelming excitement as Apple Smack looked dumbfounded at the end result.

A golden snowflake spun in the air at a lazy pace, like a piece of jewelry locked inside of a display case. It shone in the sunlight, casting small golden reflections on ponies. Trixie’s wand and moon cutie mark carved right into the center of the golden ice sculpture.

Applejack sank back onto the stage, watching dumbstruck as ponies stomped their hooves as Trixie moved her snowflake above them. “Yes, truly Trixie is the one that stands out above the crowds. Both figuratively and quite literally as anypony can see. Now then, does anypony else wish to-“

A cone of green fire shot up, shattering Trixie’s work. The enchanted fire’s intensity incinerated the snowflake, not even a single drop of juice falling on anypony beneath it. Ponies parted as something small made its way towards the stage. All that Trixie could see was that some kind of green reptilian fin moving closer. Ponies backpedalled away from whatever it was as it swam through the crowd like a shark.

CRNNCH!

A pair of small, purple claws clenched down on the edge of the wooden platform. Its nails dug through the weathered stage, gouging deep into the wood. A small green fin rose up, followed by a purple draconic head. Its green eyes seared her mind as it clambered its way onto her stage. Wrapped around its back were two wooden poles, held by a green and purple sash.

Trixie remembered seeing this creature before when she last arrived in Ponyville. What in Celestia’s name is this? Didn’t Twilight keep this thing as a pet? Her thoughts came to a grinding halt as a plume of smoke shot out of the tiny reptile’s nostrils and hit her in the face. Trixie could feel the heat radiating off this tiny, scaly thing. She had only felt this before when she had to go to a forge to repair the iron framing of her cart. The blacksmith’s shop was immense, and yet she could feel the same, if not greater, intensity given off by the creature.

“How about instead of somepony, Trixie, you try against somedrake?” said Spike with a quick gnash of his teeth.

Author's Note

An ice cold wizard versus a dragon whose hearts burns with righteous indignation, who shall claim victory?

Fiery Finale

Spike took his place in the center of the stage. He flexed his claws in anticipation, his heart beating with volcanic fury. Twilight… His rage welled up in his heart, the mere thought of Twilight’s current situation weighed down on his scaly shoulders. Removing one of the wooden poles that were held in his sash, he locked eyes with Trixie.

“So, snow cone, why did you come back?” spat Spike. Twirling the pole in his claw, he began passing it between his digits in a slow manner. “Did you think Twi would honestly even bother with you? That Twilight would waste her time on you?”

Trixie glared at the young dragon while retaining a good distance from the smart mouthed dragon. His jibs stung, but she refused to let his words get under her skin. “Trixie thinks that actions speak louder than words, gecko.”

Spike let out a blood curdling hiss that shook everypony to their knees. Trixie’s violet eyes nearly fell out of their sockets as a primal fear took reign over her mind. She lowered herself to the wooden planks of her stage, knocking her knees together with fright.

“I’m not in the mood, Trixie.” Spike spun the pole until it blurred in his hand, creating a dull, whistling sound. Inhaling deeply, he released a thin jet of emerald fire towards its end. With a quick snap of his wrist, he held the now burning pole in his claw. Both ends of the poles burned with magical fire.

Rising up to her full height, Trixie approached her newest challenger. “Trixie wishes for this duel of talents to commence,” she said, her usual charismatic voice noticeably weaker by a few decibels. A small cloud of smoke blew over her face, sending her into a coughing fit.

“Fine.” Pulling the other pole from his sash, Spike lit the second pole as well. Tightly grasped in both of his claws were two ignited wooden poles. Everypony watched in absolute silence as he commanded their attention with blind interest. “Pinkie.”

The pink maned pony’s ears perked up as her blue eyes flicked up towards him.

“I think I need some music for this,” announced Spike.

A fair bit of color returned to the once bubbly mare as her mane began to lift up. Hopping towards Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie returned with a set of bongos hanging around her neck. With a hop, skip and a jump, the party pony was on stage behind the unicorn and the dragon. “Ready when you are, Spike.”

Each of the Elements cracked a smile as the sound of Pinkie’s happy go lucky attitude could be heard. She began to slowly beat the wooden drum set, building up the rhythm as Spike began to move in accordance with the music. Both poles were spinning faster than the pony eye could follow, small wisps of green smoke trailing off into the air as Spike began to prepare for his performance. For Twilight.

Flinging the pole in his left claw into the air, it spun wildly in a broad arc before returning to his outstretched claws. Pinkie Pie’s tempo began to pick up as Spike threw the second pole in the same manner as the first. A faint smell of pure fire hung in the air, clean, biting, but not entirely unpleasant. All eyes were drawn to Spike as he continued on uninterrupted.

“Get ready, Spike!” chirped Pinkie Pie, a faint glow surrounding her as her hooves beat the drums even faster than before.

Spike threw both burning poles into the air in unison, crossing each other at the apex of his throw before falling back to earth. Clasping both as they came within reach, the fires burned fiercely as he held the blazing hot ends in his claws. The fires licked at his body, yet there were no signs of pain or even the tiniest bit of discomfort on his face. “I was born ready.”

Pinkie stopped, then began to beat the bongos at a slow building rhythm while Spike started to sway from side to side. The poles blurred in the air as he juggled them. His movements became more fluid as he continued on without any interruptions. “Everypony ready?” he shouted out as he felt his inner fire roaring higher than before.

He hurled up the pole in his right claw, a blazing wheel of fire whirling straight up above his head. As it reached its apex, Spike threw the second pole straight towards the first. The two collided in the air, violently crashing into each other. A clear, crisp crackle rung out as four poles, two burning and two unlit, fell down towards Spike.

The young dragon watched, slit eyes darting between each piece as they hurtled towards him. Spike threw his arms out, palms up, as he looked upwards expectantly. Slim, scaly arms snatched up each wooden piece, his movements so quick that nopony could keep up with his actions.

Snatching up each one, Spike began to lazily toss and catch the broken shards of the poles at a slow pace. Everypony’s eyes were glued on the spectacle at hoof as he shot up two more plumes of fire. Now all of the pieces were lit ablaze on both ends. Smoke drifted up, small flecks of burnt wood chipping off the shortened poles.

“Everypony ready to see some real magic?” roared Spike.

Trixie felt her body lunging forward before quickly drawing back as the brash, young drake began to rile up the crowds. You think yourself above Trixie, lizard? I will crush you under Trixie’s hooves, slowly…

Swish!

As a single pole stood above the drake’s head, he slashed it clean in half, straight down the middle. Now there were five.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Eight thin poles now were being thrown between the drake’s claws. Each one was burning at both ends, crackling with mystical fire. Hopping in place, Spike performed a quick clawstand, keeping himself supported by the strength of his arms alone with his tail elevated straight up. Spike whipped his scaly appendage in a roundabout manner, as he began to juggle his eight pieces of wood.

Spike knocked each one in the air rhythmically with the flat end of his spaded tail. Everypony watching began to stamp in tandem with his actions.

Laying belly down on the stage, Spike curled his tail in a small loop as he bundled the now smoldering sticks into a tight bundle. The poles fell in between his green fins and locked into place. “Has anypony ever seen a green sun?”

Everypony looked at each other skeptically at the rather bizarre question. “A green sun?” somepony asked. “Preposterous,” said another. The questions and speculations grew more vocal as ponies discussed the young drake’s words.

“Ponyville, it’s time to see the light.” Spike launched up all eight burning poles, sending them spiraling into the sky above him. Throwing himself backwards, he began churning a ball of fire inside of his mouth. He could feel the acidic taste of his stomach’s contents stinging his gums as he gathered up the right amount to finish up his trick. As his cheeks filled to bursting, he peeked out the corner of his eyes to see Pinkie with a radiant smile.

A small dribble of nauseous liquid dripped from the corner of Spike’s mouth. The orange, viscous substance dripped down on to the stage. As soon as it made contact with the wood, it burnt a hole the size of a bit clean through.

Now. A pillar of fire leapt from his maw. It was wild and widespread, a literal cloud of green embers. Forcing his lips into an oval shape, his draconic magic was focused into a single incendiary beam. It burned through the poles high above, and as soon as it came in contact with his magic, exploding into a fine, green powder.

Carefully snapping his mouth shut, Spike watched as the green dust hung in the open air. It looked like emerald stardust was dancing in the sky. Here comes the sun. Clamping his claws around his throat, the young drake winced at the ongoing storm roiling around in his mouth before letting loose an immense green fireball. The sheer size of it was twice his own size.

The fireball zoomed straight up towards the glittering dust. A split second before the two fiery entities met; a sudden hush fell over everypony. Only a faint “Mother of Celestia” could be made out.

Ponies shielded their eyes as the resulting starburst blinded their eyes. As the light began to die down, everypony stood in surprise at what Spike had done. A small, green sun hung in the air. It held a rich, green outer color with an opaque white center. Ponies could feel the heat it gave off, lapping over them in warm waves of enchanted fire. A constant flicker of emerald sparks shot and fizzled into nothing from the drake’s magical creation like a small firework show.

“Top that, Trixie.”

Whether it was the light from the green sun in the sky or her own emotions, Trixie seethed with envy. The stage mare could barely even hear her own thoughts as the rambunctious crowd’s voices called out Spike’s name. Okay, lizard. No pony or iguana gets to upstage Trixie.

“Trixie sees that you think you’re hot stuff,” she snorted. Spike merely replied with a deadpan look as he slapped a claw over his face. “Well, I think it’s time for Trixie to cool that ego of yours.”

Rainbow Dash threw her hooves over her head. “She’s going on about ego?” tossing a sideward glance at her friends.

“Sounds like ya’ll have somethin’ in common there, Dash,” chided Applejack. Ignoring the vehement glare from Rainbow, she turned her attention back to Trixie as she felt a familiar chill begin to grow.

“Oh, that’s not good.” Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned their heads to Rarity who was busy chewing on the end of an eye liner. The white unicorn gently stroked her lashes. “This is not good at all.”

“What’s got you all bent out of shape, Rares?” asked Rainbow Dash, the two other Elements nodding their heads.

“Well first off, this heat is absolutely playing havoc with my mascara.” Applejack rolled her eyes up. “And second, unicorns should never try and mix magic.”

“Um, I don’t understand what you mean, Rarity.” Fluttershy watched as small blue shapes began to form around Trixie whilst the other Elements talked. She could see her physically straining now, as if casting magic was causing her violent, internal pain.

“There are different kinds of magic, and each unicorn has a specific magical frequency that belongs solely to them that cannot be copied,” explained Rarity. The sound of forming ice turned the Element’s collective gaze back to what was unfolding in front of them.

Trixie looked worse for the wear than before. Her hat had fallen off, lying dejected from the sweating magician. Her cheeks were purple and puffy as she strained herself, her horn sputtering and fizzing. Despite the obvious look of pain, Trixie remained steadfast as ghostly, clear sheets of ice condensed around her.

“What’s your point, Rarity?” asked Applejack, never removing her eyes from Trixie. The air seemed to swirl and distort in front of her eyes, as fluctuations between heat waves and icy breezes blew through her mane.

“It’s something every young unicorn learns its unsafe to even attempt it. Never try to force magic to fight against another magically inclined creature. If unicorns try to duel with magic directly, they could both end up gravely injured. Using magic on a pegasus or even earth pony may also have disastrous outcomes, often in the most unexpected ways.”

A freakish gale cut into Rarity’s monologue, buffeting the Elements with a nerve wracking chill. “That’s why channeling magic from one unicorn to another takes years of medical research and training for it to be performed flawlessly. It’s not like pouring a glass of water from one container to another. You have no clue what was inside of it beforehoof.”

Rarity pulled out a manebrush and began to stroke her mane. “What I’m afraid of is that Spike is a dragon, a magical creature. If Trixie tries to upstage, or worse, control that sun, then the end result could be... dramatic.”

Psht. Psht. Psht. Psht.

Four clear walls of ice, twice the height and width of a full grown stallion, surrounded Trixie. The sweat droplets dripping from her mane before freezing and then clinking as they fell to the stage. Ice crystals snowed down around Trixie, her magic creating a miniature snowstorm around the magician. Two more walls were still forming, while small wafts of steam emanated from the existing ice creations. “Trixie thinks it’s time to put out that little candle of yours, gecko,” she wheezed feebly.

Throwing back her head, Trixie stared deep into the green sun. “All lights will fade. Eventually.” The walls burgeoned and thickened, taking on a more rugged appearance in contrast to the finely cut sheets they were before. The six slabs of ice circled around the green sun before ensnaring it. Finally, the bottom and side walls connected as the top wall slammed down hard, completing the ice cube.

Trixie felt the reserves of her magical powers rapidly dwindling, as her ice walls began to vaporize as soon as they enclosed the sun. Chunks of ice chipped off and cracked against the wooden stage. No. It won’t end like last time. “Trixie, Trixie, Trixie can’t…” she stammered, her body crumpling to the floor.

Oh, Trixie, you could never disappoint us.

“NO! I won’t disappoint anypony ever again!” Trixie leapt up, rearing back on her hind legs. Ice shards stabbed into the dissolving walls that surrounded the green sun. The icy prison swelled, shaping into a giant ball of ice and snow as it blotted out Spike’s sun.

Plip.

Trixie felt a warm liquid running down her nose. A small rivulet of blood stained her worn stage. Her nerves screamed out to her in pain, her vision swam, and the nauseating coppery smell of blood invaded her senses as it trickled down. Yet, she continued to press onward with her assault. Galleons of water poured down as the sun continued to melt away her ice. Hairline cracks ran up and down the frozen construct, but more ice would immediately be applied before any chunks could break off.

A whistling sound started to rise in pitch, resulting in a few ponies clasping their ears. “Okay, pretty sure that's not supposed to do that,” said Rainbow Dash. Everypony began to shuffle backwards as the sound rung out like cathedral bells of Notre Mare. A geyser of hot steam burst out from the side of the giant ball of ice. Emerald tendrils of fire splayed out as if it was an infection from a festering wound. The ball’s white shell shook violently, chips of solid ice shattering from it before dissolving into mist.

KRSSSSSHHOOM!

A shockwave knocked everypony over, sending foals, mares, and stallions flipping head over hooves. As the storm dissipated, everypony recovered from the shock and regarded the outcome on the stage. The green sun was still there, but now looked nothing more than a small, fizzing ball of weak fire. Spike looked crestfallen at what his once proud feat now had been reduced to, barely the size of a foal.

Spwht.

A small, iridescent spark broke off and lazily drifted down towards Trixie, who remained blissfully unaware of it. “Ha.” She raised her head, and her eyes were red with exhaustion, her mane covering the rest of her face. “Trixie wishes to hear what everypony thinks now.” She bared her teeth at Spike, smugness and weariness painted on her face.

The spark traveled down on a gust of wind. It flew over her head, across her back, and finally landed on the very tip of her tail.

Fssssst.

“Come now, let Trixie hear it,” she yelled, placing a hoof to her ears. She looked down at everypony, drinking in their expressions as they all looked up at her. Trixie earned this. Trixie deserves this.

“Uhhm, Trixie...” began Spike, raising a claw with a very frightened look of concern.

“Silence. Trixie asks that you keep your pitiful whining down until after Trixie hears her well-deserved respect from the crowds.”

“Trixie, you’re on fire,” said Applejack, pointing a hoof at the show mare’s behind. Despite being painfully obvious to the rest of Ponyville, Trixie couldn’t see the billowing cloud of white smoke rising up behind her.

“Yes, Trixie is certainly burning with the glory of victory.”

“Trixie, you’re like, actually, on fire,” interjected Pinkie Pie, who had now placed herself between Rarity and Rainbow Dash. The bongos were still hanging around her neck. “Not ‘you’re awesome on fire’, but ‘scary, burny, get some water’ kind of fire.”

Trixie picked up her wizarding hat and placed it back on its proper place on her head. “Trixie does not understand what you are saying. Trixie needs to hear other words of appreciation and gratitude from her adoring and doting fans.”

“You’re! On! Bucking! Fire! You fluffing plothead!” annunciated a grape colored mare with a bouncy mane from the back, shaking a bottle of wine at her.

“YEAH!” added Bulk Biceps near the back of the crowd.

“Whu-“ Sniffing at the air, Trixie finally looked back to see that she was indeed, on, fire. “Ah, Trixie is indeed on fire… AHH!” Faster than a bolt of lightning, Trixie crashed through the back of the stage, tearing down the curtains as she made her immediate exit.

Ponies cried out in laughter as they watched the once Great and Powerful Trixie make a complete fool out of herself once again. Tears began to roll down pony’s faces at the humiliation of the once cocky mare’s fall from grace. Her shrill cries for water could be heard as she ran down Market Street. and towards Ponyville’s Fountain. A small cloud of steam wafted up in the distance, followed by a long sigh of relief.

“So, does this mean that Spike won?” asked a wall eyed pegasus flying towards the stage.

“I do believe it does, Miss Hooves,” agreed a rather dapper looking brown stallion with a spikey mane.

Everypony called out for Spike, who returned the cheers with a small wave before walking off stage. His sun gave out a final pitiful pop before vanishing into nothingness. The Elements looked on while everypony else began to disperse. Normally the young drake would’ve basked in the attention, but now it seemed he didn’t care at all.

“Guess he’s not up for a party, huh?” Pinkie’s color dimmed a few shades as Spike entered the library, shutting the oak door close behind him.

Author's Note

And I'm back on track. Soge, my editor, been really busy with real life things so I held back this chapter. Well, Spike won! Who didn't see that coming, right? Next chapter hopefully soon along with an announcement. See ya next time folks.

Lost Luster

Knock, Knock.

Spike felt his eyes travel to the door, but ignored the sudden sound of somepony banging against it. Picking up a book in his claw, he shelved it back in its proper place. The title ‘Pony Performance Potential Party Practices’ was embossed in pink, loopy lettering on the yellow cover.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

A small knot of frustration flared and died as he carried on with his task of shelving the library books. He was sure that the ‘CLOSED’ sign would’ve deterred anypony from entering, but then again, he didn’t need two guesses as to who was at the door.

“Spike, please let us in,” called out the compassionate voice of Fluttershy. “We won’t fight this time, Pinkie Promise.”

The young drake felt his heart stop for a moment. A sense of guilt welled up deep inside of him as he reflected on his actions. With a deep sigh, Spike walked over to the door. Just as soon as it had creaked open further than an inch , a pink blur zipped into the room and glomped him. “Oh, Spike, that was the most fearsome, fiery, flamboyant, fantastic, fiery, oh wait, I said that already, most amazing fireworks show ever!”

While Pinkie Pie ‘congratulated’ Spike, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy trotted inside. Freeing himself from the hug, he regarded everypony with a searing gaze. “So, are we going to have a repeat of last time, with all the screaming and the accusations?” bluntly asked Spike in a droll tone.

Rarity took a tentative step towards him. “Now, Spike, surely you can see reason?”

Spike let out a blood curdling snarl at Rarity, making her mane stand on end. “You’re the last pony in Equestria I want to talk to!” he spat, shoving an accusing claw right at her nose. “Rarity, what was I to you?” Tears formed as Spike’s head drooped down, unable to look at her eye to eye.

“Spike, please, I-“

“NO!” Knocking away Rarity’s hoof, the drake barred his claws at her. “What was I to you? Why didn’t you at least try to stand up for me? Don’t I deserve that much at least, Rarity?”

Everypony inside the library was flabbergasted at his spiteful words. Spike, the dragon who chased after Ponyville’s residential fashionista’s heart, had laid his claws on her. Even Pinkie Pie couldn’t speak, her jaw hanging wide open but no words coming out.

Licking her lips, Rarity straightened her back and gave Spike her best scolding parent stare. “Spike, you’re acting very inappropriately right now. You need to stop this foalishness right this instant.”

The resounding whine of a tea kettle boiling over whistled out of Spike’s mouth as steam shot out of his ears.

Well that usually works when Sweetie acts up, thought Rarity as she cautiously backed away from the, quite literally, steaming drake. Rainbow kicked off from the ground as a small voice in her head told her to back away, as did everypony present. The air waved and distorted, rising in temperature as Spike's rage became palpable.

“Easy there pardner, simmer down,” assuaged Applejack. She could smell the smoke clearly as she approached Spike. Very clearly, in fact. So clearly that that it felt like standing next to a still burning campfire. “We just want to let you know that you’re-“

“A stupid, little gecko!” screeched Trixie, stampeding into the room and shoving her face right into Spike’s. The magical mare whipped her sopping wet mane back with a fierce snap. Trixie’s cape now only covered half of her body, the rich purple now grayed with soot and blackened cloth. A small trail of water followed behind her, soaking into the library’s oak floor.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done to Trixie?” Grasping Spike by his shoulders, Trixie pulled him so close that he could see the veins running through his eyes.

“Besides showing everypony how much of a flippin’ flop you really are?” retorted Spike in a sardonic voice.

For a brief second, Trixie’s horn began to charge with magic, before pitifully blowing out like a deflated balloon. Her eyes were livid as she glared daggers at Spike.

An orange hoof grasped Trixie’s withers, yanking the blue unicorn back and releasing Spike from her tight hold. Landing on her back, she stared into five pairs of eyes, all looking down at her. Each of their faces told her how far over the line she had now just crossed.

“Bah, Trixie doesn’t have time for these things.” Back on all fours, Trixie dusted off the remaining part of her cloak. “Trixie demands that Sparkle’s lackeys bring her here, now that I’ve won.”

“Won? Is that what was, Trixie?” said Applejack, stabbing a hoof at the burnt cape. “It sure don’t look like you won anythin’!”

“Applejack, she did try her best.” Fluttershy squeezed herself into the small space in-between the two, trying to suppress the feelings of anger being thrown around.

“Yes, Trixie did.”

“Even though Spike melted her snowball.”

“AUGH!” whined Trixie as she pulled her wizard hat over her ears. “That didn’t count. Trixie said quite clearly that anypony could challenge her, not anydrake.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I meant that Spike did his best too.”

Lunging down at Trixie, Rainbow Dash flared her wings up in a defensive posture. “Forget her, Fluttershy. You don’t need to stick up for this hack. ”Besides, Twilight isn’t here right now.” A dawning realization spread over everypony as soon as Rainbow Dash said those words. “Hey... Wait a sec. Trixie, how did you know that Twilight wasn’t here?”

“Errmm…”

“Trixie, would you mind explaining how you knew Twilight wasn’t here?” The Elements began to huddle around Trixie, cutting off any chance for her to escape.

“Trixie doesn’t— mprh!?”

Rarity’s hoof lodged itself deep inside Trixie’s mouth. “You listen here, Trixie. I’ve had my mane frizzled, my pristine coat frazzled by your magic tricks, and, worst of all, you laid your hooves on Spike. I think an explanation of why you just ‘happened’ to come back now is well in order.”

“Trixie will not—“

“Don’t. Even. Finish. That. Thought,” seethed Rainbow Dash, enunciating each word.

“Fine. Trixie will tell you then. Now, back away from Trixie, she can’t think with so many ponies invading her personal bubble.” Flicking her drying mane, Trixie’s face was riddled embarrassment. “Trixie was here a few days ago. She had everything ready, in order to stand against Twilight Sparkle.”

“Pfft, yeah right," said Rainbow Dash.

“Silence from the peanut gallery! As Trixie was saying, she knew that day belonged to Trixie, it even said so in Trixie’s horoscope,” said Trixie, pulling out a torn piece of newspaper from inside the brim of her hat. “When Trixie arrived, everypony was running around after some kind of ratty doll. Using her natural sense of deduction, Trixie’s knew something odd was about that doll, because when Trixie saw it, she felt a burning desire to possess that wretched doll. Naturally Trixie knows enchantments better than anypony in Equestria and could perform the necessary counter spell to cancel out the magic.”

The tenor of her voice grew stronger as she painted the scene for her audience. “Keeping a safe distance, Trixie saw this as the best time to show everypony how big a star Trixie is. Just a few seconds more and she could have broken the spell placed on the doll.”

“Wait an apple pickin’ minute there, Trixie. You could’a broken that spell?” said Applejack, cutting into Trixie’s story.

“Yes. Trixie could tell it was strong, but she waited idly by as more ponies fought over that doll. When the time was right, she’d break it and have everypony see Trixie’s victory.”

Whump!

Rainbow Dash threw Trixie into the back wall, knocking down a few books out of place and off their shelves. “Are you bucking kidding me!?! You could have stopped all this from happening before Twilight was taken away!?” Rainbow shook Trixie so fast, it sent her hat zooming off her head, to land neatly on to the wooden unicorn bust on the center table.

“Rainbow Dash!” Four sets of hooves—and one pair of claws—latched themselves around Rainbow’s body. With a strained effort, everypony and drake managed to pull the riled pegasus off of Trixie.

After her pupils stopped spinning and regained their focus, Trixie scooted away from Rainbow Dash before continuing. “Before Rainbow Crash interrupted Trixie by assaulting her, which Trixie will press charges later, Princess Celestia showed up. As her hopes for righting the wrong that Twilight had committed against Trixie went up in smoke, an unforeseen opportunity presented itself. A pegasus lurked outside of Ponyville Library that night, snapping up pictures of the incident. Trixie could barely make out what he was saying, but that’s when Trixie was struck with inspiration.”

“Real quick, Trixie.” Spike tapped a polished nail against the floor while shooting her a disbelieving glance. “A pegasus was snapping up photos from above and you could hear what he was saying even though you were hiding?”

“Trixie can read lips, lizard,” stated Trixie, pressing a hoof against her mouth. “Now then, everypony shut up, please, so that Trixie can finish her story.” Seeing for the moment that they complied with her demand, Trixie continued.

“Trixie didn’t wish to make herself known, so she stealthily made her way back to her wagon with nopony the wiser. After that, all Trixie needed was to confirm Sparkle was out of the picture by keeping an open ear. The rest doesn’t matter and that, everypony, is what happened. The end,” finished Trixie with a pearly smile, with a flourish of her cape.

A silent pause took hold of the room, disrupted only by the soft snores of Owlicious hooting in his sleep. An ant could’ve been heard walking beneath their hooves.

“I’ll snap that horn clean off your empty head!” For the second time today, Rainbow Dash came close to successfully snapping a pony in half. Fortunately, a certain cowpony had the foresight to tie the end of her tail to the center table with a rope. The resulting belly flop jostled several books from their perches, eliciting a sigh from Spike.

While Rainbow fiddled with the knot restraining her, Rarity took her chance to get up close to Trixie. “Well, I dare say that your plan utterly backfired, Trixie. Guess you hadn’t thought far enough to see it through.”

“Trixie doesn’t fail. She finds ways of succeeding in a manner that ponies simply can’t understand.” Retrieving her wizard hat with her weakened magic, it dipped and wobbled as it made its way back to Trixie. Caressing it with a loving hoof, Trixie regarded Rarity with a childish smirk. “Twilight sees her friends’ humiliation in the papers and naturally comes back to Ponyville to duel. Trixie doesn’t need to tell you rest, does she? Trixie would then stand above Sparkle in every conceivable way.”

Spike jumped into the air with the energy of a live current. Dashing up the stairs, he threw open Twilight’s door and hurried inside. Wood grating against wood told everypony Spike was moving furniture. A small cardboard box was thrown through the doorway, spilling small yellow sticky notes at the base of the stairs.

“Ah-ha!”

Spike leapt from the very top of the steps, and landed square on his feet with an ornate red and golden embossed box held above his head. “There’s one thing Twilight has that you never will, Trixie.” He turned the gold clasp holding the case shut.

Click.

Opening up the case, Spike displayed the contents to Trixie. “What do you say to this, Trixie?”

Trixie’s initial reaction of surprise melted into disgust. “And why, in all of Equestria, would Trixie want such gaudy jewelry?”

Spike turned the case around as the other Elements, including Rainbow who had finally managed to unite herself, looked inside.

The Elements of Harmony’s jewels had all turned black, darker than even onyx. The gold comprising the bands of the necklace was tarnished and dulled to an iron grey, or twisted into some disturbing, wicked fashion.

“Our elements!” Each of the ponies grabbed their respective necklaces from inside of the box.

The Element of Laughter hung in Pinkie’s hoof like a deflated balloon, drooping limply in her hoof. The balloon jewel of Pinke’s cutie mark had a small freckle sized drop of blue in its center.

“Yowza.” Rainbow Dash held her hoof out in pain, her eyes watering as if she had been struck. “My Element bucking burned me!”

Applejack was busy tossing her Element between her hooves before dropping it. “Feels like I’m playing hot patata with a chuck of ice,” whined Applejack as she stared at the jet black apple jewel.

“My Element isn’t looking so well either,” said Fluttershy. Curiously enough, the Element of Kindness retained a healthier complexion than the rest. The butterfly was a dull pink all over, but it looked healthier, in comparison, than the rest.

“Speak for yourself, darling.” Rarity held up her Element with a disgusted face. The band was rigid with spikes, bending at odd angles like barbwire. The purple jewel in the center was blackened in its entirety.

“What happened to the Elements?” Spike lifted Twilight’s Element of Magic to eye level. The six pointed star was black just like the rest, the gold setting turned to a bleached, bone white. Each of the bearers exchanged looks of concern seeing that their most prized treasures had been defiled in a sickening manner.

“We need Twilight back,” said Spike as he went to the table and began writing a letter, quill in claw.

Quick Shot trotted through the Canterlot Times main entrance wearing what could only be the biggest smile in the entire town. After Trixie made a complete flop out of herself with her last act, Shot had gotten everything he needed to spin the best story imaginable. I wonder if I could pull off an Equestria Daily Award from this. Not likely, but hey, a colt can dream.

The familiar thrum of the automated machinery was a pleasant tune to Quick Shot’s ear as he was back in what, he considered, was his second home. Ink stung at his nostrils, but the smell didn’t bother him much since he had worked here for so long. At first he honestly doubted himself, but now he was aware of what he was meant to do in life. Blissfully ignorant to the reproachful glances of the ponies inside of the Canterlot Times news office, Shot made his way up to the editor-in-chief, Hot Press.

Reaching the top of the stairs, he saw that Press’ office door had been left ajar. Huh, guess she’s been waiting for me. Walking in without a second thought, Hot Press was indeed sitting behind her wormwood desk, a pencil behind her right ear and a newspaper in each wing. The ivory pegasus dropped everything she was currently holding as Shot shimmied up to her desk.

“Quick Shot, you’re back.” Fine Press tugged on her red tie nervously. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

“Don’t worry, boss, I got an even better scoop than last time. This will make that Twilight Sparkle story look like yesterday’s news. Well, technically it will be but you know what I mean, right? Eh, boss, what’s the matter? You’re all rigid like.”

Hot Press was waving her hooves in front of face, trying to convey to the thick headed reporter than now would be the best time to stop flapping his gums.

“Well, that is good. I have a keen interest in your recent work, Quick Shot,” said a royal voice. Princess Celestia walked out into the open, stepping from behind a set of filing cabinets that she had previously been going through.

“Please, sit.” A chair materialized by Shot’s side, and the now terrified pegasus felt his heart crumble into dust. “I wish to discuss with the two of you about the respect of pony’s personal matters, and the boundaries of what the press should and should not publish.”

Author's Note

So, last author's notes, I said I had an announcement. I need to take a break from Fallacies for a while so don't think its dead. I need to catch up on some of my other works and get real life situations finished up. I'll be back soon hopefully, so don't think I'm dead. Also, personal reviews will still be done weekly so I'll still be around.

Out of Her Element

Klik-klik-klik.

“Would you look at that? Looks like it’s odds again, Sparkle.” Quill scooped up the three die on the table and dropped them back into his wooden cup. “So, what were ya’ sayin happened after you got past that effeminate sea serpent in the Everfree Forest?”

Ignoring the rattling of the dice, Twilight shoved a few bits over to her opponent before she began retelling her tale where she left it off. “After Steven Magnet, his name by the way, let us pass over the river, the girls and I made our way towards the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It seemed like everything was going fine until we reached a chasm.”

“I see. Odds or even, Sparkle?”

“Even. Rainbow flew over to the other side, where Nightmare Moon had disguised herself as evil versions of the Wonderbolts.” The dice were flung out of the cup and clattered along Celestia’s study table. A one, five, and a two were displayed facing up. Flashing Quill a smug smile, Twilight pulled her winnings towards her pile, which was noticeably smaller than his. “The Nightmare assumed that Rainbow would betray us for a spot on the Wonderbolts. Thing is, she’s too loyal to go behind a pony’s back, even for her dreams.”

“An admirable quality I’m sure, Sparkle. Something has caught my attention the way you’ve been tellin’ this particular tale.” Flicking a golden bit towards the table’s center, he gave the cup to Twilight who restarted the game. “Every time Nightmare Moon tried to stop you, your friends were the ones who were able to overcome these challenges.”

A small chip of wood fractured itself from the cup as Twilight’s hoof tightened around it, as if she was trying to crush it like a soda can. “Well, why wouldn’t they? I couldn’t have gotten through the forest all by myself without running into some serious trouble.”

Quill’s eyes drifted up and then immediately downward again. “Forgive my ignorance on the matter. It’s just that neither the Canterlot Times nor the Baltimare Bulletin printed your story with all the details that happened that night. You did tell them how this whole shindig went down, didn’t ya?” The green stallion shrugged his shoulders, rustling the ancient coat on his bony frame, as if he was trying to find something. “Need to find that story some time soon.”

“Huh?”

“I said roll, please, before my bones turn to dust atop this pillow.”

She slammed the cup down in annoyance. “Odds or even?” she said spitefully.

“Odds.” His manure eating grin grew as the dice came up as he predicted. “You’re very defensive when it comes to them, you know? Your friends, that is.” Taking his winnings, Quill grabbed up the dice and cup and put them inside a rear pocket. “I think that’s enough playing for today. Feeling any better after our last session, Sparkle?”

Twilight fumbled with her hooves, her overreaction to Quill's probing about her first day in Ponyville filling her with guilt. “Not really, no. It’s like a hot coal is stuck in my cerebellum.”

Quill nodded. Always with the fancy words, Twilight. “Well, let’s take your mind off that. Finish your story of that fateful night, of how you overcame Nightmare Moon.”

The way Twilight described how Nightmare Moon stole away with her and the petrified elements seemed like a passage written straight out a fairy tale. Most of the crucial tidbits contradicted to nearly everything he had read from the paper after the Eternal Night Incident the year before. Releasing the Elements of Harmony as each of the six ponies took on a power that they embodied, he wouldn’t believe if hadn’t heard it straight from the filly’s mouth. Really, a purifying rainbow beam? Now I’m sure she’s stringing me along here, he thought, but wisely kept his mouth shut.

“I nearly fell over in shock when I saw Princess Luna, about the size of a filly, lying in front of me. Before I knew it, the sun rose up and Celestia came down to thank us for freeing Luna,” finished Twilight.

Pursing his lips together as he absorbed everything, Quill clacked his hooves in a slow rhythm. You’re a wily one, Celly. Even after all these years, you never show your cards until a pony takes your bait. What exactly do you have in store for Twilight Sparkle? “Twilight, last time we talked we discussed your relationship with Celestia.”

Twilight gnashed her teeth together at how he phrased that.

A knock from the far end of the room halted any further discussion, as the Princess of the Sun made her way into the room. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything, Quill.”

“Hardly,” he replied, shooting her a sidelong glance. “Well, this is the end of this session anyways, so I’ll better be making my way back home.” Without another word, Quill hustled towards the door and was gone from sight.

Celestia conjured a royal sized white pillow and promptly sat down next to Twilight. “So then, how have you been feeling since you started talking with Dr. Quill?. Are you adjusting well to his ‘method’?” she asked, as she made air quotes with her hooves, but her childish antic failed to lighten the tense mood, as Twilight bit into her lower lip.

Better change the subject and get this Diamond Dog off my back. “So, Twilight, I’ve been thinking it over and I’ve decided I may have acted in haste with my decision.”

“You’re letting me go back to Ponyville?”

“No,” she replied, dashing Twilight’s hopes instantly. “However, I do believe that keeping you locked in the castle was a tad over the line. I think that reconnecting with your friends from before you went to Ponyville may help take your mind off things.” Celestia tried to reach out to Twilight, but the unicorn pulled away from her. “Who knows, maybe you can mend some broken bridges.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight said, raising her voice close to the level of an angry petitioner in Day Court. Instantly, Twilight clasped her hooves over her mouth, her mane covering her eyes as her cheeks began to warm up.

Peeking through the tiny gap between her forelegs, Celestia’ remained placed, not showing any difference in her mood in the slightest. No shock or anger, not even the tiniest bit of outrage. She sat there, cool as could be.

“Sorry, Princess. I’m very thankful-”

“No, it's quite alright. All I meant was that some ponies would be glad to see your happy face again,” she said, emphasizing the word ‘happy’ with distinct intent in it.

In one swift motion, Twilight walked out of the room, gently shutting the door behind her.

Celestia sat all alone in her pristine, perfect room with only the growing silence as company. I wish it didn’t hurt so much when I’m trying to do the right thing. A familiar sensation trailed up her horn, followed by an ivory scroll materializing right in front of her muzzle. Unfurling the missive, the force of her magic nearly tore it in two. No, not again!

“She give ya a response yet, sugarcube?” Applejack prodded her element, wincing slightly as if she had been burned. The now blackened element laid on the floor, dulled in color but remaining the same from when they had first found it.

Spike tapped a long white quill on a blank piece of parchment, dotting it with several black streaks. Flopping his head down, streaks of black ink trailed across his face as he slid to the floor. The small ink bottle followed en suite, the murky contents splashing freely and soaking into the wooden floor. “Nothing.”

Crnch, crnch, crnch.

All eyes turned to the kitchen where a singed white tail was poking out. Trixie walked back into the center room, a stack of crackers and peanut butter in her magical grasp. “Whurt?” she asked, spraying spittle and crumbs on the floor.

“What’s the big idea, Trickless? This isn’t your house,” said Rainbow Dash, snatching away the crackers and peanut butter jar from her. A weak pull on her wings caused Rainbow to tumble headfirst into an adjacent bookshelf. The resulting avalanche of books buried everything but her prismatic tail, making Fluttershy wince as she began to clear away the debris.

“Trixie merely wanted something to eat. She’s had a very exhausting day.”

A lasso tightened itself around Trixie’s neck, eliciting a pitiful squeak as she got yanked off of her hooves towards Applejack. “Listen here, little missy. I’ve about had all I can stand, and I don’t think I can take anymore of your horse apples. Either saddle up and straighten up or I assure ya, today won’t end pleasant.”

“I don’t know what’s thicker, your head or that ‘hacked-cent’ of yours,” sneered Trixie. The world flipped itself around as Trixie was yanked again and slammed onto her back, the rope coiled around Trixie’s legs.

“What’s the big idea, you yokel? Trixie can’t-mph! A bright, red apple was lodged inside of her jaw, effectively muting the magician’s speech.

“That’s rather rude of you, darling.” Rarity sat on a pillow, carefully examining her wickedly warped element. A hoof file was busy grinding away at one of the thorns that had grown around the jeweled centerpiece. Metallic flakes piled up around her hooves as she continued to ground down the spiky protrusions.

Removing the file from her element, the faintest outline of a stump was all that remained of the imperfection. “Case in point, Applejack, when you give something a little bit of time, you can accomplish things without such brass tacks.”

Sproing.

The thorn returned, slightly longer than before.

“Yeah, and sometimes ya’ need to put your horseshoes to the ground and tackle your problems head on,” said Applejack.

Honesty and Generosity pawed the floor with their hooves, Rarity’s horn thrumming with magic as Applejack’s legs began to tense with pent up energy. Everypony braced themselves for what seemed like an inevitable clash, as the two once close friends came close to exchanging hoofs. Trixie struggled against her restraints to get out of the line of cannon fire, not wanting to get stamped on in the ensuing conflict.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important between all of you,” intervened a voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once. Princess Celestia materialized with a sunburst by the library’s front door. Immediately, everypony dropped to a bowing position out of common practice except, of course, the hogtied Trixie. “Now why would such good friends be squabbling like foals over their favorite toy at the nursery?”

Celestia drank in each detail that the elements told her from over the past few days. The argument over Spike’s decision to inform her of Twilight’s actions, causing the poor drake to cringe at Rainbow’s harsh words. What she found much more informing was how this Trixie character, currently still tied up on the floor and struggling against the rope that bound her, had returned and upstaged both Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“It would seem that you all had quite an unexpected turn of events without Twilight around.” The implication in her words wasn’t missed as each pony grimaced at Celestia’s wordplay. Seeing how the fighting had finally been quelled, Celestia stood towering over Trixie. “Well, it’s nice to meet you face to face, Ms. Lulamoon. Though I’m sure your current predicament wasn’t exactly how either of us imagined it.”

In an instant, Trixie was freed, as the ropes around her body vanished into thin air. “Trixie is grateful, your majesty,” she said with a hint of bashfulness.

“You may want to hold onto those thanks until I’m done here. Now then, my bearers, show me your elements,” Celestia commanded.

Rarity was first, quickly tossing her thorn riddled element onto the table. Applejack flicked hers next to it, followed by Rainbow Dash. Pinkie and Fluttershy both laid out their elements without any fear of touching them. Finally, Spike placed Twilight’s tiara in front of the rest, gripping it tightly before finally releasing his hold on it. Golden sparks surrounded each of the treasures before blinking out, eliciting a worried breath from Celestia.

Rainbow Dash hovered by Celestia’s shoulder, looking down at the worn out elements. “So, Princess, what’s wrong with our elements? They need to be recharged or something?”

Ignoring the cyan pegasus’ dry humor, Celestia murmured to herself, trying to invoke even the slightest sign of life. Every single cantrip, hex, enchantment, and even a few discreet barbs, the kind that would’ve ruffled Fluttershy’s feathers if said aloud, were met with the same dead response.

“I’m afraid I’m as in the dark as the rest of you as to why the Elements have become like this. For now, it would be best to keep them locked away, at least until we can come up with a proper solution to our problem. For now, I believe there’s another situation to address. Isn’t that right, Ms. Lulamoon?”

It took all of her inner mettle for Trixie to keep herself standing as Celestia advanced on her. While her tone initially came off as motherly, Celestia’s tall stature and poise made for an intimidating presence. It felt incredibly similar to a parent chastising their foal, except this pony led the entire nation of Equestria.

“While you may have not committed any ‘true’ crimes during your first visit to Ponyville, I do think you need time to reflect on your actions, Ms. Lulamoon.” There was no indication of anger beneath her words, yet they stung nonetheless. “Given your flamboyancy and tendencies towards the spotlight, I think I’ve come up with the perfect lesson for you to learn.”

A piece of parchment and a large red quill appeared on the center table magically. The quill zipped down the paper, writing words down faster than the eye could keep up with. “As of now, Twilight is occupied with special studies in Canterlot. This leaves Spike Sparkle without a guardian, and I detest the thought of him staying all by himself.”

Everypony’s eyes began to widen as they realized what Celestia was about to say. “I think you many need a change of pace, to pull yourself away from the roar of the crowds. I’m appointing you, Ms. Lulamoon, as the substitute librarian of Ponyville, to be placed under the jurisdiction of Twilight Sparkle’s number one assistant, Spike Sparkle.”

“No. Bucking. Way. Princess!” Rainbow Dash planted herself in front of Celestia; her wings raised high like spears. “First you take away Twilight, and then you want to put the pony that’s got a grudge against her in her house? Have you lost your fluffing’ marbles?”

“Rainbow Dash! That’s the princess you’re talking to!” exclaimed Rarity as she grabbed Rainbow’s shoulders. The white unicorn tried futilely to pull her out of Celestia’s view, but the stubborn Pegasus refused to budge an inch.

Celestia laid down the paper on top of the elements. “What would you do then, Rainbow? Ponies deserve a second chance, don’t they?”

Rainbow Dash half lunged, half stepped forward at Celestia, red veins beginning to trail across her rose colored eyes as her instinctive pegasus pride burned inside of her. “Second chances should only go to ponies that don’t have a cinder-block for a brain. The only thing she’s ever done is show off and mess with ponies. Who knows what she could do next? She could take over Ponyville or something.”

Celestia tapped a wing against her side lazily. “Show off and mess with other ponies you say? That sounds a tad familiar, doesn’t it?”

“What do you mean, Princess?” said Rainbow, her scratchy voice growing a tad softer.

“From all the times I’ve had a luncheon with Mayor Mare or petitions from Ponyville, there are a few reports that stand out to me. It’s the same recurring pattern that stick out the most in each of these, I think the following words were something to the effect of ‘blue blur leaving the scene of the incident’?” Rainbow Dash’s mouth gaped open dumbly, like a goldfish taken out of its bowl.

A black book, with two large golden letters ‘E of H.’ embossed on the front, appeared from thin air. “Let’s see here... the laxative filled pies, that was a messy fiasco at last year’s annual Sisterhooves Social?” she said as she flipped through it. “Then there are several incidents, all occurring on Nightmare Night. Oh! This one is a personal favorite. Marble cakes cooked with actual marbles inside of them. I do remember Ms. Minuette petitioning a formal investigation for that.”

“Now, let’s take a step back, real quick,” stammered Rainbow Dash, who had been began to sweat up a storm.

Despite Rainbow’s attempt to save a shred of her dignity, Celestia reading on a litany of charges, making her usual invincible demeanor melt quicker than butter inside an oven. Lowering her wings from their fully extended position but keeping her assertive stance, Rainbow felt her cheeks warming and silently hoping that it wasn’t showing. “Yeah, well, everything I did was out of good spirit. Nothing was deliberately there to hurt ponies.”

“I understand your convictions, Rainbow Dash.” Recasting her magic again, the quill jotted down another line before vanishing in a tiny burst of fire. “Since you’re so dubious of Ms. Lulamoon, I’ve decided to add that each one of you are to teach her a lesson on friendship during the remainder of her stay.”

“Hold on a second, Trixie wishes to voice her concerns as well!” interjected Trixie, speaking up for the first time since Celestia’s arrival. “Trixie is a performer and she put on a show. Why does Trixie have to face punishment for her job?”

“A valid point, Ms. Trixie,” responded Celestia. “Tell you what, let’s forego all this friendship building nonsense and wrap this up in one painless action. Sounds good?”

It couldn’t be more obvious that Trixie was laughing to herself on the inside. “Of course, Princess. What is it?”

“A public apology to the good residents of Ponyville for publicly humiliating the ponies here and repaying twenty-five thousand bits in property damage from that Ursa Minor incident.” Trixie’s mouth hung so low that it looked as if her jaw had unhinged from its sockets.

“Oh, that also includes every pony or thing that you’ve upstaged over the years. Given the recent circumstances, I’d say that you’ve accrued quite a hoofful going if your reputation is anything to go by.”

Trixie curled a stray lock of her mane before addressing the princess. “Does Trixie have the right to argue her case?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes, you are entitled to a lawyer. You just have to go through a justice system that I personally revise on an annual basis, where you will be free to argue your case.”

The ensuing silence was nearly deafening. “Trixie chooses to take the responsibility as assistant then,” she said with a defeated tone.

“Wonderful.” The parchment deteriorated into a mist of golden dust, swirling upward in a spiral. “Well then, it looks like my work is done. I ask that all of you, please, give Ms. Lulamoon ample time to learn all that there is to know about friendship.”

Without a further word, Celestia was gone, leaving no trace of her presence in the library. A clearly bewildered Trixie had six pair of eyes focused on her like a pack of Timberwolves. “Well, ya heard the princess, Trixie. You’re gonna be learning how to act proper under us,” stated Applejack, taking charge of the situation.

“I think it’ll be a nice change of pace,” interjected Fluttershy, giving a flap of her butter yellow wings. “Now we can teach Trixie what real friendship is all about.”

Trixie whirled around, the remainders of her cape flapping wildly despite its reduced size, to face her wardens, in a sense, with a hair curling hiss. “Friendship is for ponies that are too weak to stand on their own four hooves.”

The bitter words carried a sense of perverse righteousness to them. “Well, this wasn’t going to be easy, doubly so considering whom we’re dealing with,” stated Rarity, readjusting her mane. “Trixie, while you may not think highly of friendship now, it’s something that everypony needs to experience.”

“Humph. Trixie has lived by her own means for a long time. What difference would it make to have friends to support her now?”

Rainbow Dash flew up into the air. “Friendship is irreplaceable, Trixie! Nothing else comes close.” Before the proud stage magician could come up with a witty retort, Rainbow vacated the library in her usual, faster than the eye could catch, manner.

“I think I’ll take over yer first lesson, Trixie,” announced Applejack. “I’ll come pick you up bright n’ early tomorrow mornin’.” The remaining ponies inside the library followed after her, only Pinkie Pie looking back at Trixie with a rather sympathetic look in her deep blue eyes.

After everypony was gone, Spike hustled over to Trixie with a manic grin. “So, as number one assistant and dragon-in-charge, I, Spike, charge you with your first task as my new underling.” Producing a rather worn broom from behind his back, he shoved it into Trixie’s forelegs. “I think the Golden Oaks Library needs a quick once over, especially the shelves where you dislodged the books. If you need me, I’ll be upstairs, doing very boss like things that can’t be interrupted.”

With that, Trixie was left to alone, contemplating her current plight, the sickening sense of how powerless she was in every sense. All she had left was a ruined wagon, a gaggle of ponies, plus one dragon to watch over her by Princess Celestia. That, and the scraps of her dignity. “Well, it can’t get any worse than this.”

Poof.

By some greater karmic force of the universe, Trixie’s cape finally disintegrated in a puff of smoke. The following, mind numbing scream could be heard from up atop Canterlot Mountain.

Author's Note

Credit for this Chapter Title goes to my editor Soge. Stay strong buddy.

Drinking Deeply

The ever familiar scent of Canterlot titillated Twilight’s nose as she, for the first time in days, walked outside of the Canterlot Castle. Rich perfumes and exotic flavors in the air from the various store’s vendors, bringing back memories from years ago. Whilst keeping a respectable, graceful sense of calm, her nerves nipped at her knees, causing her to stumble now and then. Ever since she had started her sessions with Quill, her nights had been rather taxing.

When she arrived at the castle her dream were empty, nothing but a pitch-black void that continued endlessly in every direction. No matter how far her hooves would carry her, no matter how much magic she used to teleport somewhere, all of her efforts seemed to be in vain. She would run until she could only crawl at a foal’s pace, and even then she still forced herself to go forward. The nightmare only ended when she awoke in a cold sweat.

“I need to take my mind off things,” she said to nopony at all. Twilight’s sense of security slowly whittled away as she entered the artisan’s street, as from the various shops lining the sides ponies would cast quick glances at her. Some sneered, while others seemed to hold her in silent contempt and moved out of the way as if she was a rabid chimera. She could make out some of the words ponies whispered behind their hooves. Broken, Addled, or even something as drastic as Should’ve been shacked up in the Whack-o-Basket.

Fully aware that letting those snobs know that their words had gotten to her would only worsen the matter, Twilight pushed their curses from her mind. Deciding to get out of dodge, she caught sight of one of her favorite spots from her days at Canterlot University, and double timed to ‘The Jeweled Juice Bar’. The enchanted sign hung high above the roof, the magically charged crystals emitting a noticeable glow even in the noonday sun. Pushing through the oak double doors, a peculiar face was beaming at her.

“Well, well, well. Look at what the cat dragged in. It’s nice to see you again, Bookworm.” The green pegasus was scrubbing the inside of a tankard with a dirty rag. On the tips on his outstretched wings were two roughly grasped beer steins. “From the black and white rag, I expected you to be tied up somewhere in the funny farm, Looney Tunes.”

“Amazingly enough, you’ve stayed unmarried this entire time, Fizzles.” Drawing up a chair Twilight sat, for the first time she could ever remember, at the bar stand in front of Pop. Giving her a coy grin as he placed both containers on a rung high above with his outstretched wings, Pop began tossing bottles between his wings. “It’s good to see you too, old stallion.”

Pouring himself a tall glass and beginning to nurse his drink, Pop shot Twilight a know-it-all smirk. “Is that how ya’ greet an old friend, ya’ nutcase?”

Twilight crossed her forelegs with a rather annoyed harrumph as she settled herself on a barstool. Fizz Pop’s age belied a strong stallion with a wit just as sharp as his drink’s pungent taste. Sliding a fizzy, fruity drink across the bar’s top, the viridian-colored pegasus finished cleaning out the cups and settled them back on the wooden pegs behind him. “Good to see you out and about without a straightjacket there, Purple Prose,” he joshed merrily.

“Is there ever a day you don’t spout some kind of wisecrack, Pops?” said Twilight with a snort.

Pops yanked a small calendar out from beneath the bar and began to quickly fly through the pages that it ruffled Twilight’s mane. “Nope! Wise crackin’, smart-ass comments are scheduled for the next twelve months. Sorry, sweetheart.”

Ignoring his usual migraine inducing comments, she decided to settle with sipping at her drink as Fizz Pop sidled up across from her. “So, Twilight, I gotta ask. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“I want to know what’s going on as well, Pops. How does everypony seem to know what happened in Ponyville? Ever since I went out of the castle, all I’ve gotten are dark stares from everypony I’ve come across!”

“Gee, I wonder why,” said Pops as he flopped a thoroughly hoofed newspaper onto the countertop. Twilight felt her eyes bulge out of their sockets as she saw herself, head hanging low, where Celestia stood off in front of her with a disappointed look painted on her face. With her mouth agape, Twilight snatched up the newspaper as he pressed it against her face.

“What in bucking Tartarus is this?” Multiple pages covered the night that Celestia had decided to pull Twilight away from Ponyville in deep, absurdly damning, detail. Several pictures were splayed across, in monochrome format, presenting a crude, yet tail tingling accurate recollection of her banishment from her home. “Who does this Quick Shot think he is?” she said stabbing at the reporter’s name on the page.

“Hey, journalists need to make a living too, Wackaloon. Now, it’s not unusual to see your mug in the papers, specially the funnies,” said Fizz Pop.

Giving the stallion a sneer that made his handlebar mustache stand on end, Twilight’s eyes were dead set on the story scrawled out over the newspaper. Most of the details were so grossly overly exaggerated that only the simplest minded pony could believe in. However, what was truly horrifying was how accurate the article was in its entirety. “Great, now everypony thinks I’m loony.”

“Well, I knew that years ago.”

“Pops, has anyone told you it’s amazing that you’ve stayed single for fifty-odd years?” said Twilight, in a painfully matter-of-factly tone. Despite her insult, the weathered pegasus merely gave her a meek smile before saddling her up with another drink. “Honestly, I came in here to feel better, not for you to put me down.”

Pops yanked a crystal bottle with a cork stopper and poured a fair amount of strong liquor into a small shot glass. Downing the golden brown contents, the pegasus’ wings snapped out with an audible thwack. “I’m at level with you right now,” replied Pop, the sudden incursion of alcohol already affecting his speech. “I care for ya like I would my own, but I’m worried about what goes on in dat head of yours, filly.”

“You’re not the only one...” Dr. Quill flashed in Twilight’s mind, causing her to flop her head helplessly onto the wooden oak top of the bar. It had only been two days since she started seeing him, and yet his words struck deep, thanks to his ability to be so invasive and polite at the same time. How is he so effective? No pony can be that good at getting under a stranger’s skin. It’s like he knew–

“Hey, Ground Control to Little Miss Bookworm. This is Major Tomcat, can you hear me?”

Ridding herself of her current train of thought, Twilight looked up to see that she had already finished off her second drink. “Sorry, my mind’s all over the place.”

“No kidding, my corgi isn’t this friggin’ mopey when I give him a bath. You know whatcha need to do?”

Polishing off her drink, Twilight plonked her glass down hard on the wooden surface. “I think I could use some of your sagely advice,” she said, drilling home the word.

“Reconnect.”

“What?” replied Twilight in utter confusion.

“Look, you’ve gone through a heck ov’ a lot of junk in the past few days. Whatcha’ need right now is ta find your center. Take your mind off things in plain Equish is what I’m gettin at’.” Fizz Pop yanked the glass off the counter and placed it gently behind the bar, out of Twilight’s vision.

“You keep working yourself up like this, you’re gonna get a worse widow’s mane than this what I got,” Pop said, combing a hoof through his balding top.

Pausing a moment to consider his words, Twilight nodded her head before reaching into her pockets. A green, stumpy hoof grabbed her foreleg. “I’ll let ya put it on yer tab dis time, Twilight. Fer now, get out there and unwind fer once, wills ya?”

“Thanks Pops, what would I do without you?” Twilight said gently.

“Pay up a thr’ thousand bar tab?”

“What?”

“Hmm? Anyways, get outta here. Can’t have a downer like you’s, driving away business, especially a wackaloon like you,” joshed Pops, flicking his hoof at her in a mocking fashion.

Celestia’s sun hung in the middle of the sky, the intense rays warming Twilight as she left the Jeweled Juice Bar. She was struck by inspiration to find a friendship report to give to Celestia this week. Maybe that would show her teacher she was completely and without-a-doubt ready to return to Ponyville. Reacquainting herself with her old classmates from her younger years in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns would surely earn her freedom.

Passing through the marble archway leading up to the prestigious academy, Twilight forced her brain to recollect her peer’s names. There was Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts that had all been in her class. One particular pony that had always been her equal in her studies, or at the very least as close to anypony she had felt as her equal, had resurfaced in her mind.

Twilight’s eyes scanned over the ponies that were sitting and traversing over the steps of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Students were scurrying to and fro, some giving her a wave whilst others bolted in front of her as they rushed towards the next lesson. An odd wave of nostalgia crashed into her as she recollected her university days, trying to cram for exams and keep up with assignments. A vanilla colored white mare with an orange mane, set off by a purple streak in the middle, flashed into her mind.

“Moon Dancer…” The one filly who cared more about studying and learning than possibly herself while she was enrolled in Celestia’s school. She'd be a perfect way to get back into the routine of things. Now where was her house again? Her hooves instinctively guided her more than her brain as she walked to the ‘lower’ part of Canterlot.

There were none of the extravagant furnishings that decorated the houses or personal coat of arms adorning the doors or placed above their doors. Despite how plain these ponies homes were in comparison to the ones found in the higher district, they all held a peerless craftsman’s quality. Then, it, came into view.

“What the..” A ramshackle of a house was at the very end of the street. The purple door that seemed to be lodged into the doorframe was cracked and broken. In fact, the entire house could’ve easily been placed in the dictionary as the definition of ‘broken’ seeing how the current owner keep it in the poor maintenance that it was in. It was a black stone among a bed of pure white pearls, its very presence sinful for it to even be still standing in the golden city of Canterlot.

“Urrgh. Guess Moon Dancer has been so busy, perhaps she just hasn’t had the time to keep up with the yardwork,” Twilight said to nopony in particular. As she rapped against the door, a chunk of wood dislodged itself and dropped on Twilight’s head, making her give out a small yelp.

“Hold your stirrups,” shouted out a feminine voice curlty. A deep purple eye peeped through the newest hole that formed in the door. With a violent jerk the door was flung open, causing paint chips and a long thin crack to form right down the middle. “Twilight Sparkle? What do you want?”

Despite the less than polite greeting from one of her old time friends, Twilight’s pleasant smile never left her face. “Well, I was just in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and say hello to one of my oldest and bestest fillyhood friends.”

“Really?” spat Moondancer.

“Really, really,” said Twilight.

“Well then, maybe you should go look for said particular good fillyhood friend, seeing as there are none on the current premises, and stop bothering somepony whose studies don’t need a nosy screwball from occupying said pony’s time.” With a snap of her hoof, Moondance slammed the door, dropping a few chips of stone unto Twilight’s head.

A stray tear lept from Twilight’s eye. Anger, regret, fear. So many emotions surged forth as Twilight ran away from Moon Dancer’s home and escaped down a random road. The purple mare didn’t care where her hooves took her, just as long as she continued to run. Over the past few days, she had lost her mentor’s trust, her friends, and now when she finally had gained freedom, she discovered that there wasn’t a soul left in Equestria she could turn to.

Fwit.

Twilight tumbled head over hooves as she tripped over a stray stone in Canterlot’s usually perfect road. Dirt and tiny rocks dug into her as she fell to the uncaring earth. Grief pummeled her as she laid there, weeping silently.

“Twilight…”

A pink hoof stroked Twilight’s hair, magic pulling blades of grass and pebbles from the unicorn’s mane and body. Looking up, Twilight felt elated to see one face that she could remember fondly.

“Cadance!”

Author's Note

To JohnDye, yeah you were spot on with that last comment. :derpytongue2:

Prologue

Twilight Sparkle watched with fear at the sight in front of her. All around her, ponies were biting, kicking and punching each other in a desperate bid to get at her patchwork doll.

How could things have spiraled out of control?

It was just for the sake of finding a new lesson in friendship. How could this have turned into a Discord level chaotic situation?

“Twilight Sparkle!”

No. Oh no… The regal voice of Princess Celestia shouted out from far above her. Twilight looked up towards the sky to see Celestia shining like a miniature sun. A rippling pulse of magic shot out from her regal form, banishing the want-it-need-it spell’s influencing effects from the residents of Ponyville.

Everypony immediately stopped where the were. Questions began to grew louder from within the crowds. All eyes then turned to see Celestia descending from the sky.

A foreboding feeling of dread pressed heavily down on Twilight’s withers as she watched Celestia descend right in front of her. “Meet me in the library,” Celestia curtly said before vanishing in a burst of golden sparks. Those words struck a feeling of dread, that even Nightmare Moon couldn’t have accomplished, into her heart.

Twilight turned to face her friends, their expressions ranging from confusion to concern. “Goodbye girls. If you care to visit, I’ll be in magic kindergarten, back in Canterlot.” Small tears began to form in the corner of her eyes as she began to head to the library, ready to face her teacher’s decision.

Author's Note

So, this'll be my take on "What if the episode went this way?" story.