Bonds

"So what's with your clothes. You're half naked! Is that a forest thing?" Trixie's voice rang out through the halls of the inn as they made their way down to the main floor.

"Yes. Like I said before I've lived my entire life in the Everfree Forest. I've had to fight to survive for years. That being the case I had no need for clothes. But on the off chance someone would find me and bring me to civilization, I had to wear something. That, and I just like these clothes." Twilight gestured to the several layers of leaves and twigs that made up the bikini-like design of her clothing. The thing that most closely resembled clothing was the leaf skirt she wore, along with the makeshift bound twig sandals.

Trixie looked her up and down, examining the clothes and nodding in understanding. What took her a bit longer to realize was that she was still staring at Twilight's body.

"Um...Trixie?"

Those words snapped her mind back to reality and she straightened up so fast it was as if her whole body had gone stiff. She looked at Twiliight. She was blushing.

"S-sorry, Twi...I got a little...carried away."

"I-it's fine! It's fine. totally fine." Twilight said as she tried as hard as she could to keep from looking at her friend.

Trixie, on the other hand, was stealing glances at her body while she faced the other way. She never thought Twilight would be so attractive. She was beautiful. A pretty face, long, flowing hair that ran all the way down her back, Smooth, unblemished skin, and an hourglass figure with curves in all the right places.

Purple was quickly becoming her new favorite color.

When the two finally made their way downstairs to the main floor, they were surprised to see another tenant was there.

Twilight took note of yet another strange hair color with the woman. It was purple. She also thought she saw the faint outline of three diamonds on her shoulder. Could it be the one she saw when she was with Pinkie?

She was about to go say hello when Trixie grabbed her shoulder and whisper-yelled into her ear, "Stop! What are you doing?!"

Twilight had no idea what was wrong. She looked at Trixie. "What? Is something wrong?"

"Don't you know who that is?!"

Twilight looked a bit upset at that. "No, I don't. I told you I lived in the Everfree my entire life."

trixie stopped. How could she forget that?

"So? Who is she? Is she someone important?" came Twilight whispered response.

"Important! She's beyond important! That's Rarity! She's a famous fashion designer from Manehattan! She moved her business here to be away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. There's no way we could even afford to stand in the same space as her!"

"Um, Trixie?"

"Yes, Twi? What is it?"

"We already are. Oh, and...she heard you."

"And a good morning to you too, darling. I take it you're a fan of my work?"

Trixie nearly had a heart attack. "Yes, ma'am! I love your designs. They're wonderful!"

"Well, I'm glad to hear you like them so much, dear. There's no need to stand on formalities, you know. Feel free to address me in as familiar a tone as you wish. Within reason of course." she giggled.

She turned to Twilight. "And who might you be? Another fan?"

"No ma'am. This is my first time meeting you. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"And what a wonderful meeting it is. My name is Rarity, though I'm sure you've heard of me by now given your friend's reaction. And please! What did I say? There's no need to be so formal darling. Just call me Rarity."

"Right. Then...Rarity?"

"That's the way dear. Just like that. Now, about your clothes..." Rarity eyed her clothing.

"M-my clothes?" Twilight suddenly felt self conscious. A weird feeling considering she's been naked out in the open most of her life.

"They're simply splendid! They're so simple, yet so stylish. So wild yet so practical. I love them. I've done a piece on clothes like this before, but never like this."

"Are they really that big a deal? Thy're just a few leaves and twigs I managed to throw together using tree sap and vines."

"A big deal? They're the biggest deal. These are far different from my last line. Its more along the line of something like...swimwear, or even better...lingerie." She gasped. "Wild Romance! It's perfect!"

Then a thought popped into her head. "Wait, did you say you made that using leaves and twigs? Like actual ones?"

"Um...yes?"

"Um...i'm sorry if this is a bit um, personal but, do you live around here?"

"No. I live in the Everfree with an acquaintance of mine."

"You'd be the perfect must for a friend of mine. She's a reporter. She'd just love to hear your story!"

Rarity put a hand on her shoulder, and everything stopped. Twilight felt a sudden pulling force, but it wasn't coming from her. She looked up at Rarity from the place where she had placed her hand and saw that a dark purple aura had enveloped her. She suddenly looked weak.

"Rarity? Rarity! Please let go!" Twilight took Rarity's hand and tore it off of her shoulder in a rush to stop the aura from sapping her strength.

She caught Rarity in her hands and looked down at her. "Are you okay? Speak to me!"

Rarity opened her eyes, and tried to pull herself up onto her feet. She managed to do it, but was a little shaky.

"I'm fine, dear. Just a little tired is all. Looks like that interview is going to have to wait. I think i'll go home for the day."

Rarity walked over to the table she was sitting at, and finished off the rest of her morning latte before righting herself and walking outside towards her boutique.

Meanwhile, outside of an open window behind Sugarcube Corner, sat two men. One was tall, looked far younger than he was, even with his white hair and beard, and wore shades. The other was short and looked to be in his early teens. He had a green Mohawk and wore a pair of purple shorts. They both wore black leather jackets. The older man spoke first.

"You hear that Spike? That was Rarity in there! Do you know how famous she is? How much money do you think she has?"

"I don't know boss. And I don't think we should be doing this anymore. We're better than this."

"Really, Spike? You're spouting your reformation nonsense now? We can't stop doing this. You know what happened to me! And don't even get me started on you. We're doing this. Now get ready."

"Okay, boss."

Twilight and Trixie had followed Rarity home, trying to make sure she got home safe. Twilight had insisted that they do this, and Trixie had no problems considering who could be out there after her. Twilight remembered what Trixie had said when Twilight had brought up the idea of following her.

'Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Discord and his gang could be after her, after all.'

Twilight had no idea who Discord was, but with a name like that, she knew he meant trouble.

They continued to follow her, watching her closely so they could keep her safe. At this point, she had entered Of course, Twilight had no idea what she could do, but something told her that it was the right thing to do.

Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight saw two people entering Rarity's home. She turned towards Trixie and said,

"Hey, um, Trixie? Is that them?"

Trixie had to shake herself free of the shock caused by Twilight's sudden outburst before turning to face her and saying, "Where?" She looked around, and finally, spotted them as well. "There? Yeah, that's them. Discord and Spike. The two top members of the infamous gang the Gods of Chaos."

Twilight was shocked. Gods of Chaos? Could such a group actually exist? No. That didn't matter, She had to do this. She stood up from the spot they had taken behind a clump of bushes and made her way towards the door, Trixie trailing behind her.

meanwhile, in Rarity's boutique, she had just lain herself on her sofa to rest for the day. Little did she know, she was about to receive a shock.

There was a knock on her door that caused her to rouse from her half-sleeping state.

"Yes? Please do come in. The door's open, darling."

Discord walked in, his hands folded and a smile on his face. Spike was at his side.

"Thanks for the invitation. We'll be taking that as a sign to take everything else as well."

Rarity shot up. She couldn't believe what was happening. Was this who she thought it was?

"No. It can't be! you're...!"

"That's right. I'm Discord. And i'll be stealing everything you own, thank you very much."

With that he snapped his fingers and suddenly Rarity was bound tightly in rope, helpless to do anything but watch as she had everything she worked so hard for taken away. Or was she?

"Do you really believe these ropes will hold me? I'm a unicorn you know?" Rarity said before lighting her horn and loosening the ropes that Discord made. Or...at least she was trying to.

"You may be a unicorn, but I'm the god of chaos. My magic is far more powerful than yours."

Then, a sudden idea came to his mind as he bound her mouth as well to prevent her from screaming for help.

Spike, who was already in the middle of taking yet another of her items, placed it in a bag that sat on the ground next to his boss. He was there to hear his next words.

"Hey, Spike. Isn't she supposed to be famous? How much money do you think we'd get if we took her with us too?"

Spike's reply was cut off by the sound of someone yelling. "You won't be getting any money, becasue she's not going anywhere!"

The door was kicked in to reveal Twilight, with Trixie right behind her.

The two thieves attention was now shifted away from Rarity and onto her. Discord looke her up and down.

"What do you say we take her instead. We could have alot of fun with her. Or better yet, why not take them both?"

Twilight felt a surge of fear at their words, and she instinctively took a step back. "Y-you stay away. Don't come any closer. you'll regret it."

"How exactly are you gonna make us regret it? you're clearly scared out of your mind. My magic is more than powerful enough to take you and your little friend down. Let me show you." And with that, a veil of energy enveloped his hand.

There was that word again. Magic. It rung a few more bells this time, but she couldn't quite put her finger on. Not that she had any time to think about it. She had to do something about this situation. But what could she do?

She summoned all her courage and took a step forward, her own horn lighting up as she took an offensive stance.

"Oh i'm so scared." Discord said mockingly.

However, this statement was all too true for Twilight. That is until she heard a voice in her mind.

'Do not fear, my child.'

'What? Is that...you?'

'Yes, it is I. Do not be afraid. You have more than enough power to stop him.'

'I do? But how? I can't take him on alone!'

'You are not alone. I am with you. You also have your friend, as well as the magic you took from that poor mare over there.'

Twilight knew she was referring to Rarity. 'But, what do I do? I've never used magic before. I don't know how.'

'Yes you do. It is a part of who you are. Magic comes naturally to you does it not? Are you not a unicorn? The power is there, inside you, my child. You just have to bring it forth.'

'Is that so?'

'It is. I will even lend you some of my own power. now, close your eyes, and focus.'

'Yes!'

With that, Twilight closed her eyes, and tried to focus on her inner magic.

Then, something amazing happened. An aura of purple surrounded her body, and she floated into the air, an action that caused slight interest to show on Discord's face. That is until she opened her eyes, to reveal bright green irises and slits for pupils.

Twilight was astounded. 'Is this, really me?'

'Yes, my child, this is all you. With my borrowed power of course. Can you feel the magic coursing through you?'

'Yes, I can feel it. It feels so...invigorating.'

The voice chuckled. 'I thought it might. Now, take him down, Twilight!'

'Yes!' Twilight rose higher into the air, and glared down at Discord, the aura that had been surrounding her, collecting in her horn.

"You said you were scared? You don't know the meaning of true fear! God of Chaos? Don't make me laugh. You're just a sorry excuse for a thief. But i'd be glad to give you a taste. In your own words, here, let me show you."

Discord was legitimately scared now. Never in all his years had he seen anything quite like this spectacle. And he was immortal!

Discord tried to run. He picked up Spike, who had long since passed out from the showing the two made, and make his way toward the door.

"Oh no you don't!" With a battle cry and a thrust of her horn, she blasted him into a nearby wall, knocking him out.

Back at Canterlot Castle, a certain princess felt a large amount of power from within the town she was watching over.

She immediately teleported there, right outside the building where the commotion was being caused.

"Whatever is going on here!" The royal voice boomed throughout the area, and all present stood stock still, even Twilight, who knew nothing of the voice, or it's owner. They all slowly turned around, and faced the one who so easily silenced all before her as if it was an everyday occurrence.

Twilight stared in pure shock and awe at a person who oozed elegance, in every way. Even as she made her way across the path towards the scene before her, a frown on her face.

Twilight had to know. She turned to Trixie. "Hey! Who is that person? She's so graceful."

"You little foal! Can't you tell? That's the princess. That's Celestia!"

"That's Celestia?" Was all Twilight said as she watched the monarch stop just before the two of them.

"What is going on? Explain yourselves."

Trixie stood up immediately. "Yes, your majesty! My friend and I were following someone."

"I see. And why were you following this person?"

"There was a strange incident, and we thought she could get hurt. And what with all the robberies going around..."

"Yes, thank you very much. I believe I understand. While this 'incident' of yours sounds rather interesting, I believe we have nore pressing matters to attend to Am I correct in assuming that this is what happened here? Another robbery?"

"Yes, ma'am. But my friend stopped it before it got too out of hand."

"I see. And who is this friend of yours?"

Trixie gestured to Twilight. "Right here, ma'am."

"Ahh, and who is this?"

"Hello, your highness. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Hmm...Twilight Sparkle... and however did you defeat these robbers?"

"To be honest, I don't know."

Celestia thought for a moment. "Ah, well. I suppose that that will just have to be another question, won't it? May I see these criminals?"

Twilight and Trixie moved out of the way to allow the princess view of Discord and Spike, who was now on his knees praying.

"I should've known it was him. Discord. I see you're up to your old tricks again." She notices the kneeling dragon. "And who is this? Were you working with Discord?"

The dragon looked up and said, "Y-yes, ma'am." He knew he was going to the castle dungeons. He just knew it. He couldn't go there. It was terrible there. All the rumors he heard from Discord about...things.

He had to run. He was just about to turn around and go until he heard her say, "Now what is a little dragon like you doing with him?"

Spike couldn't believe it. She was actually giving him a chance. He couldn't waste it.

"I'm...not with him by choice."

What do you mean by that little one? Is he forcing you to come along with him with threats or something?" came Celestia's soft, sweet reply. Her voice was like honey to his ears.

"No, not with threats. It's more like...with shame. You see, i'm an orphan, and Discord has been like a fther to me all theses years."

Trixie spoke her mind for the first time since Celestia's arrival. "Not a very good father figure if you ask me."

Spike looked up at her. "Please don't say that. He's not a bad person. It's just that, after his fall from grace, he took to stealing, and ended up teaching me how to do it too."

Now it was Twilight's turn. "Fall from grace?"

"I believe I can answer that for you miss Sparkle." came Celestia's voice. "Discord was similar to Trixie here. He put on shows just like she did. But when his shows stopped getting any attention thanks to her, he turned to a life of crime. I'm just sad he had to get this little one caught up in it as well."

Spike stood up for the first time since this whole conversation started. "Please don't send him away."

Celestia smiled. "I don't know. Your father has stolen quite a bit, but...if you can make him promise to return the things he stole, i'll see what I can do. But keep in mind, it's very likely that he'll still end up in the dungeons."

"The fact that you'll try is enough."

"Good." said Celestia, turning to Twilight. "Now, seeing as this whole mess is over, i'd like to officially thank you for stopping Discord. How you did it may still be a mystery, but I thank you nonetheless."

"You're welcome, your highness."

"With that, i believe i'll take my leave."

And she did just that, taking Discord up in her magic, she headed for the door before Trixie spoke up again.

"Wait, what will we do about Spike?"

Celestia turned back. "Ah, yes, our little dragon friend." Celestia suddenly smirked, and looked at Twilight. "Perhaps his savior should decide?"

Twilight looked confused. "What? Who, me?"

"Precisely, miss Sparkle. I believe you should decide what to do with him. You did save his life after all."

Twilight was shocked. "Saved his life? Me? But he was never in any danger to begin with!"

"Saving one's life does not always mean keeping them from harm, my dearest Twilight. There are many different ways to save someone. And i'm sure our little friend would agree. Would you not?"

Everyone turned to spike to see him looking up at Twilight. "Please? I promise i'll help with whatever you need. I'm really good at helping people."

"That being said," came Celestia's voice. "taking care of another person can be very demanding. Taking on that kind of responsibility when one is not ready is a recipe for disaster. And so I leave the final decision up to you. What will you decide, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight thought about it for a moment.

"I have no place to live, and I don't have a full understanding of the way life works here. I've lived alone and without help for my entire life." She looked at Spike, who was still looking up at her, but whose expression now taken on the appearance of a little puppy. It broke her heart to say no. But she had no choice.

"I'm sorry, Spike, but...I ca-"

"You can live with me." The words had come so fast out of her mouth, that she had to cover it up to keep any more from spilling out. Everyone turned Towards Trixie, who felt very embarrassed now that everyone had their eyes on her. As if she had said something she shouldn't have.

"Um...she can live with me. I can teach you how things work around here, and I can be there to help you adapt to a new lifestyle. Um...If that's what you want, of course."

For a moment, everyone simply stared at her. But then Twilight wrapped her up in a bear hug so tight, Trixie could've sworn she heard several bones pop at once.

"I'd love to stay with you. Thank you so much. I couldn't ask for a better friend."

"Um...that's great and all but, I kind of...can't breathe?" said Trixie in a strangled voice.

"Oh, uh...sorry. got kind of excited."

"It's fine."

Celestia cleared her throat, prompting everyone into silence once more. "Very well then, Now that that's been decided, I shall take Discord to his cell to await interrogation."

Spike looked worried. Celestia noticed. "Do not worry little one. It is only questioning. Nothing shall be decided so soon."

Suddenly, a voice neither of them had been expecting broke the silence. "Hello, aren't we all forgetting somepony?!" It was Rarity, who had somehow worked around the magic just enough to get the gag out of her mouth.

Celestia turned once more to see Rarity. "Ah, yes. The victim. I can't very well punish him if I do not have a witness now can I? Come along." Celestia untied her with ease and they walked off together.

Spike came up to the two girls left and said, "So, I guess i'm with you two now?"

They both looked down at him and smiled. Twilight spoke up. "Yes, that's right."

All three of them walked off into the darkening night. All the while Twilight never seemed to notice the burning anger she felt towards Celestia all while this was happening. As if it was coming from somewhere else. Form someone else.