Maud and Trixie in the City of Sombra

Chapters

Prologue - This Too Shall Pass
Funk Goes On
A long day

Prologue - This Too Shall Pass

“How in Celestia’s name can someone empty almost an entire bank account in just a few short weeks?” The thought ran through Trixie’s head as she made her way to the lecture hall, her arms stuffed to the brim with papers and notes that she hadn’t even glanced at yet. It was still early in the morning, but for Trixie that meant that she only had a few hours to straighten out her mind while running on an empty stomach. Of all the days she was asked to be a substitute, it just had to be today.

One of the many things she was carrying with her was a letter. Trixie had only been able to take a quick glance at it when she had been awoken by a rather early morning mailmare, but the contents of it were still strong enough to work as a bad kickstart to the day.

She walked into the large lecture hall and placed all her materials down onto the large table near the front. She stuffed the letter into one of the desk drawers and shut it. She didn’t need such a glaring distraction staring her right in the face. “Alright, let’s see what was scheduled for today’s class,” she said as she finally looked at the papers she was given. “King Sombra…” Her voice trailed off as her eyes met with those of the now truly defeated tyrant. His photo was on top, glaring out at whoever looked at him. She had never truly interacted with him, thankfully, but she was temporarily a servant of his. Trixie could only compare such an experience to that of the Alicorn Amulet minus the personal wants and desires being twisted.

She looked over the notes and slides about the king before swiftly tossing them aside. “King Sombra is far too recent a memory for anyone to enjoy. It’s up to The Wise and Educated Trixie to go with a less harmful subject. What to pick, what to pick...” she wondered aloud as she looked through other drawers in the desk, pulling out various folders from them. Wonderbolts had been done to death, buffalo tribes were probably inaccurate to Tartarus and back, perhaps…the unicorn tribe? Of course, the unicorn tribe! They were the first real established kingdom in the land and so many of their decisions would come to bite the rest of Equestria as a result.

“Trixie has done it again!” she declared, a grin on her face. She would be able to do something fun with this, and it would be able to help keep her mind off things for the time being. This was going to go great!

She could feel sweat pouring down her forehead as she slowly pulled herself up. Her horn stung, but she needed to keep going. “There is a lack of light, what is it that you do?” she asked herself as she took deep breaths. “A child is scared, crying even. A woman is having an emotional breakdown from the lack of light in such a claustrophobic space. No one knows how close they are to each other. What. Do. You. Do?” she asked again before taking a deep breath.

“I do this.”

With that, her horn ignited into a beautiful blue glow that covered the walls. Shadows covered the surfaces of clocks and pictures but she was bathed in light. Her body was given a blue hue as the light blazed strong. After a few seconds, it died out, and she collapsed to the ground once more. She was panting as the darkness swallowed her back up. She was smiling to herself as she said, “I give them a light. That’s what I do.”

“...And by introducing the kingdom to the concept of gold and other objects having high values, Princess Platinum started what many would call the downfall of the Griffon Kingdom for many, many years before the efforts of the elements of both Loyalty and Laughter helped return it to its former glory.” Trixie sighed to herself as she looked up from the notes she was reading. She had made an error in her judgement.

She couldn’t stop thinking about the letter that was still in the desk drawer. “…Excuse me for one moment, the rest of your notes should be in the book,” she said, before quickly yanking the letter out and leaving the class. She knew most of the students would goof off and focus on other things… but she didn’t care. She wished she could be in their place.

Upon reaching the door of her office, she walked in and hung the ‘Do Not Disturb Please!’ sign out front. Her horn’s glow increased while she cleared off her desk. She took a long, deep breath as she watched a magic screen slowly appear above the wooden desk. She made her way to the other side. Making magic calls always felt like an annoying but also somewhat necessary hassle.

After a few moments of static, the screen showed a rather large and healthy-looking garden, with plants of all shapes and sizes showing off their beauty. An older woman had her back to Trixie, humming to herself as she bent over, happily watering some plants. “Wonder if he’ll ever know…” she hummed, giggling.

Trixie waited a few moments before speaking up. “Mom, I need to talk to you,” she said, watching her jump and turn around. “Sorry, sorry. I know you hate me using this, but it’s urgent.”

Trixie’s mother, Spectacle Showcase, awkwardly chuckled as she rubbed the back of her neck. “O-oh, sweetie! I don’t hate you using that new communication spell, it’s just… you always call when I’m least expecting, is all!” she said, giggling. “So, why is my little magician call--” Her upbeat voice immediately dropped as she saw the letter her daughter was holding. “…Oh.”

“Mom, did you think I wouldn’t find out? I asked to be aware of your bank account because I was worried this would happen!” Trixie said, trying her best to show that she wasn’t trying to yell.

Spectacle looked down, wiping some of her butterscotch hair away from her face. “I thought that I could deal with it before you found out. You’re a grown woman, dear. You shouldn’t have to worry about your own mother and her money troubles.”

Trixie let out a frustrated groan. “I told you, I told you the moment I knew that Dad had access to the account to change the password, or to transfer it to another account. Look what he’s done now! He’s drained it all and you have numbers in the red! How are you going to get back so much before they lock you out, or before you have to pay the bills?!” She waited for a response, crossing her arms as if she was an impatient mom of her own.

Her mother simply motioned to the plants all around her. “I’m willing to sell some of these more rare beauties off. The crystal petunias should keep me steady for the rest of the month. And before you ask, I did change things so that your father cannot withdraw any more cash. I’m going to be fine on my own. Don’t you try and offer me any of your money either. You deserve every single cent that you’ve collected.”

“Mother, I work with Princess Twilight! I have a lot of money that could easily help things! I don’t care about the idea of ‘I earned it myself’ when your own housing situation is up in the air!” the angry and frustrated Trixie snapped back, before noticing the door to her office had creaked open a tad. “Alright, listen. Let me at least come by and help you figure out which ones to sell, okay Mom?”

Spectacle gave a slight nod. “Alright, alright. But have some faith in your mother, she’s older but she isn’t stupid. I’ll see you later, sweetie.” She waved as the screen started to turn off.

Trixie waved back with a “See you in a bit, Mom,” to end it. She looked at the door. “Come in.”

Starlight Glimmer nervously entered, her hair slightly unkempt and eyes looking baggy. “Hey, sorry if I made you cut things short, but we need to talk.” She sat across from Trixie, trying to keep her eyes open. “There’s been a whole lot more paperwork and shuffling going on than we thought, and a few staff members are being temporarily…”

Trixie looked aside, already knowing what was coming next. “I see. Well, I was planning on taking a short break from things for personal reasons anyways. I suppose this is just in my favor.” She looked Starlight up and down. Her hair was unkempt and her eyes had large bags under them. “You’ve been bottling up your rage again. Is there any reason why?”

Starlight took a long, deep breath. “We are down two teachers because Rainbow Dash and Applejack are refusing to be in the same building during one of their stupid couple’s spats, Maud is off doing… Maud things, so I can’t get to her, and I just spent one of the few calm mornings I had to myself talking and arguing with Twilight!”

“Arguing about what, exactly?”

“She’s just still adjusting to her new role. And now of all times is when she learns that venting is a thing.” Starlight sighed, hair falling in her face. “Maybe I’ll just… call classes off for the week while things are being worked out. Me and Sunburst can get everything worked out, the students can get extra time to adjust to everything going on….”

Trixie walked over to her, giving her a hug. “You’ll get it figured out. You always have a way of doing so,” she said, seeing a faint smile cross Glimmer’s face. “Trixie supposes there isn’t any kind of estimate on how long this layoff is.” The head shake from Starlight wasn’t uplifting, but it wasn’t unexpected either. “Well, hopefully it shan’t be too long. Trixie can only imagine how much worse things will be without her.”

Starlight got up from her chair, following Trixie out of the room. “Buy me a coffee and I’ll help you pack.”

Maud had lost all sense of how much time had passed. She had no idea how long she had been in the same position, with her face pressing down into a pillow that had lost any sense of softness at this point. There was virtually no sound, and the only thing that her body could feel was a soft rub on the back every once in a while, usually accompanied by the sounds of someone approaching or walking by.

She wished it could stay like that forever, but she knew that her own brain wouldn’t let that happen. Slowly, she pulled away from the pillow and saw the wet spots around where her face had been. She felt slightly disoriented as she looked around. Carousel Boutique hadn’t changed much since the last time she had been in.

While she wasn’t normally a fan of how Rarity’s fainting couch felt, it had been exactly what she needed at the moment. She could see a cup of tea sitting on the small delicate table right across from her. She slowly picked it up, taking a sip of the now cold drink.

“I can make some more,” Rarity said, levitating some finished dresses onto a rack. “It’d taste much better than what you’re drinking,” she continued, already heading for the kitchen.

“How long have I been lying here?” Maud asked, watching the unicorn fill up a kettle and put it on a stove.

Rarity waited for the kettle to boil before taking it off and filling two tea cups. “It’s only just gotten to lunch time, so not that long. And even if you had been there all day, I wouldn’t complain,” she said, bringing them over to the table and dropping in the teabags. “I have some cucumber sandwiches ready as well. I think it would be good if you ate something.”

Maud simply nodded, watching the water slowly turn a lavender pink color. She probably would have watched it for a few more hours if the sound of plates being set down didn’t catch her attention.

Rarity watched her as she looked up and shook her head, still clearly out of it. “So… do you want to talk about what happened?” The fashionista asked, doing her best to be cautious. “If you don’t want to, I won’t ask again,” she quickly added.

The rock farmer looked back down at her tea for a few seconds before looking back at Rarity. “He said I was boring, and that I was selfish. That I never did anything he wanted to do because I was just full of propaganda and the wrong ideas. He just… kept going and going, before I finally had to shove him out,” she shakily explained, taking a sip of her new tea. “I finally… I finally said I never wanted any of it in the first place, and for him to get out of my life. And now… I… I don’t know. It’s like… a part of my life is over now.”

Rarity slowly nodded. “None of this was your fault, Maud. I’m happy that you stood up for yourself,” she said. The two ate silently for a few minutes. Rarity seemed to keep trying to attempt to say something, only to return to her food. It took her a few tries before she finally spoke, “I’m ready to take part in anything that you could need me for.”

Maud seemed to think this over for a few seconds. “There are things I want to say, but I don’t want them to come out wrong.”

Rarity simply shook her head. “Say whatever you want, let it out. I’m not going to stop you.”

The rock farmer took a long deep breath, before closing her eyes and screaming into the space around her. She screamed and screamed until she was fully out of breath. “...May I use your bath?” she nervously asked, watching the element of Generosity nod as she got up and walked upstairs.

A while later and Maud was lying in the tub, feeling the warm water on her skin. The bathroom felt smaller than the one or two other times she had been in it. All the open spaces were now filled with cabinets and drawers that were too thick for their own good.

She looked over the side to see her clothes in a small crumpled pile. Peeking out from one of her pockets was a photo from when she first visited her sister in this town. She remembered that day, and the anxiety she felt when she was bolting through the course to stop the rock that was hurtling towards Pinkie. If she had tripped or even stumbled….

Maud shook her head, before lying back in the tub and watching the ceiling for a while. She fought to keep her eyelids open only for the sound of the door opening to get her attention. “Oh, have I been in here too long? I’ll get out if you need something.”

She was met by silence, with only the very faint sound of a distorted static being audible. “Rarity..?” she asked, looking out from the tub. She almost jumped at what she saw. It was herself, looming over her with a vacant expression.

The other Maud stared at the woman in the tub with her normal stare. “I’ve wasted my life, moving away from home and trying to live closer to my sister,” she said, her voice in its usual deadpan tone. “I do not matter to anyone, and I know this. I prefer the rocks because I can hide away from others and not have to say a thing,” she continued, walking towards the tub. “I should have tried to make it up to Mud Briar, I should have done whatever he asked. But instead, I push him away and break up because I just want to fade away.” She slowly got on top of the tub. “I’m just worthless. I’ve never helped Equestria. Just a worthless rock pony who’s going to die when the rocks she loves so much eventually cave in right over her thick skull.”

“S-Sto--” Before Maud could get a word out, the other her leaped on her, causing them to both sink to the bottom of the tub, only… there was no bottom. There was no hard thunk on the back. She looked around. They were falling, bodies hurdling in the sky. There was no way to keep balance, there was no balance in the first place. She couldn’t control her body. She was going to crash, she was going to hit the ground, she was going to die.

“Maud!” Rarity broke the silence, pulling Maud from the tub as Maud continued to thrash about in the air. She was seemingly spitting out and screaming random words, her body convulsing as if she was having a seizure. “Maud, it’s okay! It’s okay!” Rarity continued to shout, hoping to Celestia that it was working. She watched as Maud seemed to calm down, though by this point she wasn’t sure if it was because Maud was bringing herself down or if she had just run out of energy. Rarity slowly lowered her to the ground, pulling the rock miner into a long, tender hug.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry...”

The element of Generosity slowly wiped Maud’s eyes as she began to cry again, her body shaking as water soaked onto the floor. “Maud… is there anything that would make this all better?”

Maud looked over Rarity as she carefully thought about her answer. “I… I… I think I want to go somewhere… far away from this town for a while.”

Rarity simply nodded, folding up the clothes on the floor, putting them into a hamper. “Alright, but for now, I’m not going to leave your side. I’m going to help you through every single step of this.”

“You don’t have to do all this for me…”

“Darling, there have been moments in my life where I wanted care, support… but I didn’t have it. Moments where I needed someone by my side to tell me that I wasn’t alone, that I was loved… that my name was Rarity…” There were a few passing moments of silence again. “And after years and years of being the element of Generosity, I see the moments where I could have said something myself. Moments where I could have gotten closer to someone… but stayed silent out of fear.” She softly smiled at Maud. “I’m not going to let it happen again.”

They both softly nuzzled against each other for a while. “You’re very beautiful, Rarity.”

“Thank you, Maud, and so are you. I wish I could have told you that earlier.”

The Royal Library Archives were rather silent this morning, and not in the usual way that libraries were supposed to be. They were empty, with the sun being the only light source for the room.

While the place was mostly empty, there was still one pony there who seemed to be enjoying the long silence. Moondancer had several books laid out on the table in front of her, somehow reading all of them at once. “Interesting, interesting…”

Her eyes flicked over lines and lines of text, some of them being in different languages next to illustrations that helped fill in some gaps she might have had. She used her magic to pull out a small box-like device and put it on the table. She wasn’t fully sure how a lot of the things that Twilight brought back from her multiple visits to another world worked, but they did let her have a better time of transcribing things. With a click, the box started recording.

“Update on the King Sombra research. After going through both accounts again, I can confirm that the description of Sombra that was destroyed by Twilight and her friends just a while back doesn’t match up with the one that was fought years ago in the Crystal Empire. Now, this could be from the fact that the form of him that was seen in the Crystal Empire was still rather weak and lacking a physical form, but that would only explain vocal differences. The way he acted, the way he presented himself… it seems to be an entirely different person.

“Now, I was not there personally for either of these events, so I can’t personally say how different things were, but I still do have a theory. I was in Canterlot on the day when the Storm King’s army took over and conquered the place. I was able to briefly see him, and… there was very little to him that implied that he was able to effortlessly or easily take over seemingly multiple lands outside of Equestria as well as cause an entire kingdom to go into hiding. And then I did some research. It turns out that the ‘Storm King’ that led the whole thing is much more likely to be someone who somehow was able to get his hands on just a tiny bit of the real Storm King’s power. The real one, from the descriptions I’ve read, is a monster that I worry even Twilight and her friends would have the hardest time defeating.

”Getting back to the main point, I think that the Sombra that came back… was only a small bit of the real thing. The Sombra that temporarily took over the minds of seemingly ninety-nine percent of the population was powerful, but it may have just been a sliver of his power given form. Again, this could be all nonsense and the real Sombra just acted different depending on the shape he took. Still… there’s a lot that feels unanswered when looking through all this. Thankfully, with Twilight finding it necessary for someone to properly write down and keep a report on everything that has happened, I think I might be able to find a more conclusive answer sometime soon.”

A figure slowly approached the studying bookworm from behind, their shadow slowly growing over her as she stopped recording. “You know, you really shouldn’t be spending so much time in places like this. It makes it easier for others to just kidnap you or attack you from behind,” the figure said, chuckling as Moondancer jumped a bit, turning her head. “Sorry, sorry.”

The archivist shook her head, awkwardly chuckling. “Oh Jet-Flame, I’ll be done soon. I’m just trying to finish up this report for Twilight.”

Jet-Flame, a silver unicorn, giggled while walking around the table and taking a look at the size of the place. Her horn was sticking out from the middle of her wavy hot pink hair, almost like a flame coming from a lighter. “This place is huge. Wonder how many of the books here have actually been read by a pony other than the one that wrote it,” she joked, looking back at all the open books on the table.

Moondancer watched her softly rub her palms against the pages. “Well, I probably will. There’s surprisingly very little info on ancient beasts and creatures in modern books,” she said, shifting around in her chair.

“I can help you put all this stuff away. We can get some food and have a bit of breathing room that way instead of rushing to the train station at the last minute,” Jet-Flame said, innocently playing with Moondancer’s hair piece. “One of these days, I’m going to pull this out and see your hair in its original glory.”

“Oh, right… Sorry, I totally forgot that was today… my head’s been in the clouds.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You’d be a cute little wreck regardless if I were here or not. I’m just glad I am.” Jet-Flame smiled, using her magic to pick up the books and slowly levitate them away. She softly stroked Moondancer’s hair, seeing the other unicorn smile back at her with a bit of a distracted gaze in her eyes. “Don’t worry, once we get to Diamond Dust City… you won’t have to worry.”

The sky was already starting to get darker as Trixie and Starlight sat and watched the train slowly pull into the station. What was supposed to be a clam packing away of things had turned into them helping the owner of a coffee shop in dealing with their distant but still loving child.

“Welp… that was long, tiring, and filled with hijinks,” Trixie said, downing more coffee and sighing.

“Hey, at least you don’t have to worry about going into work the next morning.”

Trixie gave a half-shrug, leaning against her suitcase. “You’ll take good care of the wagon, right?”

Starlight rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course I will. I’ll probably sleep in that thing a lot more than I will in the castle, now that you and Twilight aren’t using it.” The train doors opened and the two got up. “Well, I hope you’re able to get things all worked out back at home,” she said, patting her on the back.

Trixie chuckled, hugging the unicorn. “Thanks Glimmer. Hopefully I’ll see you again soon. If anything major comes up, you know that you can always call on Trixie to save the day. With Sparkle’s rump up in her new Canterlot Castle all day, a new unicorn will need to be everyone’s inspiration, giving out good morals and friendship lessons to as many creatures as possi--”

Glimmer was already pushing her onto the train, to make sure that they didn’t have to spend more time at the station than needed. She watched Trixie wave and walk off to go find a good seat, before sighing to herself and reaching into her back pocket. “Damn it, Twilight…” she muttered, seeing the ‘TO BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY’ in big red letters under the magician’s photo. “How long have you been waiting to do this?”

Meanwhile, at the other end of the station, Maud tried her best to comfort Pinkie before she and Rarity left. “Oh, Maud! I’m so so so sorry that I’m not able to help more!” Pinkie cried while shaking. “There must be something more that I can do! I can… I can...”

Maud simply patted her younger sister on the back. “Pinkie, you don’t have to do anything. Love and support from you, that’s all I need to know that I’ll be fine.” She gave her sister a smile, which seemed to help calm her down a bit. Maud looked over at Rarity. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

The unicorn simply nodded, smiling. “I want to help you get settled in, and make sure that you have a firm grasp on everything.”

Maud nodded at this. She felt both ready, but also overwhelmed. “I’ll still visit when I can, Pinkie. For now, I just… need some space from this town. And you can stop in anytime, okay?”

“O-Okie dokie, Maud. You do you.” There was a long period of silence and standing still before the two both got on the train. Pinkie watched as the train began to pull away, with the steam pouring from the top. Her pace began to pick up as she waved to her sister and friend, crying once more as they slowly vanished over the horizon.

“Don’t forget to write!” Pinkie called out, Maud watching as her sister slowly became smaller and smaller on the horizon before vanishing entirely. This was the next step of her life… and she hoped it was one she wouldn’t regret.

A short time later and the sky had grown dark, the illumination of the moon growing dimmer and dimmer as the fall weather took hold. Trixie laid her head against the window of her seat, watching the scenery fly by. A lot of it was familiar to her thanks to all her travels and performances, but there were so many things that her eyes had only glanced over before. In the distance, she could see a small cozy-looking house next to a windmill and a silo. The lights were still on, but they would probably go out once it left her window’s view.

Trixie knew exactly where she was, causing her to sigh to herself. “The rock farm…” Of all the experiences that she went through, taking a job and working there was one of the things she regretted most. While she was thankful that parental figures, and the ones that paid her, seemed to be calm and in control… the remaining sisters were all uniquely insane to match the missing pink part of the family.

Marble Pie was always too anxious and likely terrified of the magic user to have any kind of meaningful or deep conversation, while Limestone was so overly aggressive and precise about everything that had to be done. Trixie was lucky to end up with at least three quarters of what she was supposed to be paid with how much Limestone protested her work. And then there was Maud. Maud… Maud… Maud. Maud Pie was the sliver in Trixie’s side that just would refuse to come out no matter what she did. She was always the one that wanted to spend time with her, despite her lacking any kind of emotional output or signs of personality. She was just a stupid rock farmer who wanted to get a stupid degree on stupid rocks.

She huffed to herself, closing her eyes as she remembered a past encounter that she had with the geologist.

The Great and Powerful Trixie cursed to herself as she dragged the mining hammer behind her. She would use her magic, but the man that was paying her told her, “No magic unless absolutely necessary. Our ways of farming have worked, and we shan’t change those ways because you’re working here.” She had been told that over and over despite her trying to explain to him that magic would make their work go by much faster.

She stopped as she reached the area she was told to do for the day. A lot of larger boulders and rocks were about, with some of them reaching up to her stomach. “Larger rocks means larger pay, larger rocks means larger pay…” she whispered to herself before blowing on her hands. She took a deep breath and used all her energy to lift up the hammer, staggering a bit before bringing it down on a rather wide stone. The sound of a crack made her smile as she dropped the thing and fell back, laughing. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie shows she is a master of many crafts! Even one as backwards as rock farming!”

Looking to see how her strike went, she could see a tiny sliver in the rock. She got back up, picked the hammer up by the head and tried to force the claw end into the little thing. “Come on, fit! Open up and show your sparkling beauty!” Her horn began to glow as the crack slowly opened up more and more, Trixie dropping the hammer all together and digging her hands in and pulling. “Come…on…! Gah!” she yelped in surprise as her magic caused the crack to grow around the whole rock sending the two halves flying off from her prying. She groaned, slowly collecting the two pieces and looking inside them.

The beautiful crystals and gems that lined the insides were all chipped or crumbling to pieces, their worth or want now matching that of broken glass. “No no no! There must be at least one jewel or something left in this stupid thing!” She began to dig her hand around…only for her right index finger to get a small cut, causing her to yelp again. “Damn it, damn it, damn it!” she shouted, stomping and cursing.

Footsteps approached her. “Magic shouldn’t normally be used to open rocks. It can easily lead to a snowball effect,” Maud explained, walking past Trixie and picking up the hammer. She was dressed in her normal work outfit complete with gloves, hat, and a rather extensive tool-belt. “You’re using up all your effort in lifting up the hammer, instead of swinging it. Bringing it up should be quick, and bringing it down should be where all your strength goes.” She slammed it down on a large piece of granite.

KRA-KOOM

A large line appeared in the stone. Maud quickly lifted the hammer up again and brought the claw-end down. It embedded itself in the granite. “You want to push it away from you, pulling it can lead to the end coming out,” she continued, pushing as the halves came apart revealing the sparkling beauties within. “It takes practice, but it becomes natural. Though, you can always go back to rock harvesting if breaking is too hard.” She looked over at Trixie.

Trixie glared at her. “Oh wow, thanks Maud! I really needed a full reminder on how to do my job and to hear the same things your sister already told me when I wanted to move up from rock harvesting!” Trixie got up-close. If she were any angrier, she’d be spouting steam out of her nose. “Anything else you want to say?”

Maud looked over Trixie. “You aren’t wearing recommended clothing. It’s a dirty job and it’s best if you have gloves and a tool-belt,” she said, pointing at the magician’s loose fitting t-shirt. “Safety is important.”

Trixie gawked at the rock farmer for a few seconds before laughing. “Trixie knew that you were oblivious, but she didn’t know you were stupid!” she laughed more, softly shoving Maud. “Clearly you must know about dress code cause you’re covered in all those scars. Does it hurt when you shower?”

Maud just watched the unicorn. “You watch me shower?”

Trixie blushed heavily at this. “W-well, you should leave a note that says you’re in there! And that’s missing the point! Tell me, how many times have you messed up working this stupid job for you to end up with an ear scar, huh?” she asked, knocking Maud’s work hat off, flicking the cut on her ear. “How inept do you--” The rock farmer stumbled back, holding in a groan as she clutched her ear. “…Maud?”

Maud took in sharp breaths, sounding more like she was breathing through her teeth as she tried to get past the pain. “…Nerve there is still sensitive… I think maybe we should call it a day… rock soup for dinner tonight,” she said, slowly regaining herself. The way her ear was twitching made Trixie feel bad… but also irritated.

“Oh good, rock soup again. Let me guess, it’ll be in the same thin broth that barely has any flavor, right? Just like this damn farm, nothing exciting or different, always the same!” And with that, she stormed off, cradling her slightly injured finger like it was a broken bone.

Naturally, it rained when Trixie was a decent ways away from both the house as well as her wagon.

Maud shifted around in her seat, trying to find the best possible position. Her mind was filled with thoughts and thoughts making it hard to focus. It felt like everything around her was going too fast and too slow, with the scenery outside flying by. She was trying her hardest to keep from making too much of a fuss and waking Rarity. She had put so many things on hold to help out with this, so the least Maud could do was to let the girl get some rest. She watched the outside and could see the rock farm in the distance.

It would have been easy for her to go home and just hope that her sisters would have something strong and encouraging to say that would help resolve things and make everything end on a convenient note… but she didn’t want to put all the pressure on them.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out Boulder, watching him rest in her hands. “Boulder, is this the best choice of action for me? Leaving my home behind because of a break-up?”

Boulder was silent and stoic. Boulder was a rock.

“You’re right, it’s only temporary.” The earth pony nodded, slowly getting up. The dining car was open late, and she hadn’t eaten much all day. She made her way past the sleeping Rarity and the other passengers. She saw some were sleeping, while others were silently reading or going over reports laid out on their mini-tables. The sound of the tracks was more audible now.

She continued going before coming to a stop and backing up. “…Trixie?” she asked, looking at the blue unicorn.

Trixie’s eyes widened when she looked up. “Maud?” she asked back, straightening up. “Starlight was looking for you today!” She slowly got up. “You… going somewhere?”

Maud nodded. “The dining car. Everyone is clearly out, so it’ll be less… condensed for me. Care to join?”

The Great and Powerful Trixie didn’t fully know why she was interested in getting a late meal with the woman who she had just remembered in a negative light… but she knew that if Starlight was here, she would be nagging her to go with. “Trixie has nothing better to do.” She softly shrugged, following Maud.

The dining car was lit by the low but warm glow of lamps sticking out from the walls. They took a seat in one of the booths, their window continuing to show the passing rock country around them. They both picked up their menus, looking at them in silence for a few minutes before a server came up to their table.

“Trixie will take a ginger ale to drink and southern toast grilled cheese.”

“And I’ll have ice water with a bowl of creamy dumpling soup.” With their menus being taken away, the two were forced to make eye contact, though the silence seemed to return. “So, Trixie, why are you on this train?” Maud asked, finally breaking the nothing.

“Well, to not mix words… Trixie is going to see her mother. Currently, she is doing bad financially, so Trixie has to step in and help her get back on her hooves,” the unicorn explained, her fingers drumming along the tabletop. “Trixie is having to do this because her mother never seems to listen to her daughter when it matters.” She sighed. She had been doing it all day and would be glad to get things back to a point where she didn’t have to get used to long exhausted groans. “So, why are you here? Another dorky, dumb rock convention to go to or something?”

“Mud Briar dumped me, so I’m leaving the town for a while.” Maud was still as blunt as ever with her words. “…I don’t feel happy at the moment, and I’m just hoping that it’ll end well for me.”

Trixie needed a few seconds to think of something to say that wouldn’t make Maud more upset than she probably was at the moment, though it probably wouldn’t matter much since she seemed to be stuck in dull non-surprise mode. “Well, Trixie hopes that it turns out well for you. The world of dating is a tiring one, and Trixie can tell you that it’s rare to find someone that truly matches your own personal greatness sometimes. That stick-in-the-mud could barely keep up with you and your… Maud-ness. You can do better.” With that, food was set down in front of them, and they got to eating. After a while, Trixie spoke up again, “…I was just thinking about that time you left rock soup outside the wagon when it was raining.”

“It was creamy rock soup.”

“What do you mean?”

“You complained about how the soup was always thin and broth-y, so I convinced Limestone to change it up.” This fact seemed to intrigue the magician, with her expression showing a need for more context, so Maud decided to humor her memory.

Watching Trixie storm off, Maud stood in silence for a few moments before turning back and heading inside. Her older sister was already working at the stove, stirring up the vegetable broth. “Looks like rain soon. Ending work early.”

Limestone simply nodded as she continued to cook. “Are you stopping because it’s going to rain or are you trying to excuse the unicorn not putting in the work again?”

Maud walked over to one of the cabinets and pulled out a few potatoes, washing them in the sink. “She can work just fine. You just needed to tell her that she should stay in rock harvesting a bit longer before moving onto mining.” She placed the spuds on the cutting board and got to work on dicing them into pieces.

“What are you doing?” the older sister asked, looking up from the pot.

Maud simply continued to cut and dice. “I’m making potato soup. Thicker than the normal broth,” she explained, getting out another pot and some bowls. “Two options tonight could be good.”

“Hmph.” The stirring seemed to grow slightly more aggressive. “I should have been the one to interview her when she tried to get the job here. She’s arrogant and doesn’t give a care about anyone else’s way of doing things. She wants things done quick and easy, and only if she can get the spotlight.”

“You were out, so I was the head of the household. She got the job.” The second pot went on the stove soon after as Maud added in a small clean stone and got to stirring. “I’m not going to be here working on the farm for much longer. Just a few more years and I’ll have my degree. Maybe I’ll start my own rock farm in a new area, spread the Pie name in ways that Pinkie can’t.”

Her sister shot her a look that went unnoticed. “Still, you can’t just take a shot in the dark and trust a woman whose job is to boost her own ego and probably sell snake oil to unsuspecting tourists. She’s a unicorn trying to work a job that she knows nothing about.”

The boom of thunder made them both look out into the already pouring rain. “I doubt she’ll be eating with us tonight,” Maud said, pouring the creamy potato soup into bowls.

Limestone was currently doing the same. “She never really has besides maybe the first night she was here. I’m telling you, once she gets the money she needs, she’ll run off with the paycheck still in her hand and never turn back.”

The younger sister simply rolled her eyes. “Such a pessimistic view on things.”

“It’s the view of a woman who knows how con-women like her see non-magic folks like us.” Limestone watched her sister get another stone from the cupboard. “How are you going to keep that soup warm when it’s pouring buckets outside?”

Maud slightly smiled, dropping a red and round stone into the bowl. “Heat stone,” she explained, pulling a jacket on and leaving a spoon in the thick but smooth broth. “I’ll be back in a bit.” She bolted across the already damp grounds, the heat from the stone being able to reach out and slightly warm her body in the chilling rain.

Trixie was indeed egotistical and selfish, but there was still something about her that made Maud not want to turn her away. Perhaps it was the fact that while she was full of herself, it was obvious that she wasn’t the type to go the full way. She would act like others didn’t interest her, but if it meant that she would have someone nearby to listen to her talk, she wouldn’t flat out tell them to leave.

Maybe all the lessons taught to her here would mean something and she would appreciate the art of rock farming. Or maybe she would take off laughing at everyone once she got what she wanted and would never be seen in these parts again. That would stink… but there would always be someone else that was more honest and looking for a job out here.

She sighed as she put the bowl down on the top step of the wagon’s entrance. She looked at the scars that covered her arms from a lifetime of work and learning experiences that came from being on the farm. She wasn’t fully sure if they were a sign that she was doing fine… or if things needed to change.

Trixie went over everything that she had just been told. “Maud, you really do seem to fret over the most… irrelevant things. Trixie could easily get food on her own, you did not need to rush out in that pouring rain just to leave a bowl of soup. Though, Trixie does appreciate you making that soup. It was a blessing after what felt like weeks or even months of the same thing over and over.”

Maud was back to watching the scenery go by. The landscape of Equestria was still going by at a high speed, but Maud now was able to see a few of the other farming communities that were out here. So many families deciding that this was their life. “Trixie… do you think that I’ve made good decisions in my life?”

That was an unexpected question. “Maud… Trixie has not spent much time with you, so she wouldn’t be able to make a good judge on that. Why do you ask?”

“I suppose it comes from the fact that… looking at where I lived for the past few years, looking at my own rocktorate… it feels like there wasn’t any kind of want for a girl like me. I mean, you and Starlight have helped save Equestria. You were able to help take down Queen Chrysalis. I’m just a dumb rock farmer who wasn’t even able to help protect her own sister.” Maud was twiddling her thumbs at this. She blushed ever so slightly when Trixie placed her own hands on top of them.

“Just because me and Starlight and all the others are heroes… that doesn’t always mean we made the right choice or are these perfect beings. I mean, you’ve read the news, right? Twilight is getting in so much hot water for how she handled Cozy Glow. Trixie can’t say she didn’t see it coming… but still. You don’t need to worry about such inconsequential things about saving the world.” Trixie looked down at the table cloth. “And honestly, Trixie probably still has a lot to get past before she can say that she truly deserves that title of hero.” She pulled out her wallet, a pretty thing that showed a night sky full of stars. “Trixie prefers when the wallet matches the cape.”

This caused a slight smirk to come onto Maud’s face. “So, when you watched me in the shower, how long did you stare?”

Trixie left some bills on the table. “And with that, The Great and Powerful Trixie thinks it is time that she tried to get some sleep. This was… not the worst, Maud. Trixie hopes things go well for you wherever you end up,” she said, turning to leave.

“Will we ever meet again?” There was a long pause as they both seemed to be lost in thought.

Trixie turned her head and winked at Maud. “Trixie supposes if there is a reason for us to meet again, then we shall meet again. Even if it is just for something like coffee. Until then, best of luck, Maud Pie.” She turned around and walked out, heading back to her seat and starting the process of making it into a bed.

Maud paid the bill and thanked the waiter as she watched the outside for a bit more. She watched the few stars that remained in the dark sky, twinkling and shining with all the energy that they had left in them. “I hope to meet you again sometime, Trixie Lulamoon.” She got up and walked back to her area with Rarity.

Jet-Flame smiled as she walked around her new living room. Everything had such a nice polished shine to it. She looked at herself in the reflection of the walls. She really did look like a walking lighter, down to the metallic silver coat.

Moondancer was still out on the balcony, watching the city below her. There was a balance of both high tension and calmness. The lights were on, but dim in the darkness of the emerging fall weather. “Wow… to get a place at Gemshine Palace Condos. This really is the life.”

Jet smiled, walking up next to her and leaning back against the railing. “This is the start of something beautiful, Moondancer. Things in Equestria are changing and we’ll be here to help with it.” She ran a hand through the other unicorn’s hair, making her giggle.

“You know… Princess Platinum was an interesting woman. There’s so much about her that the public doesn’t know. So much that I want to help share along with the stories of Twilight and all that she came to interact with.”

Jet nodded, letting the cool night air brush against her. “Trust me, we’ll be making our own stories here as well. What’s the point of just writing about the lives and tales of others when you can’t even make your own?” She looked up and watched the emptying night sky above her. The stars were flickering out, and soon a new light would be needed to fill the empty space.

Trixie watched block by block go by as she rested her head against the taxi window. She had been able to get a bit of sleep, but the still dark sky told her that getting more would be so very satisfying. She hadn’t been out here in quite some time, yet she could still easily point out various locations that she had spent her youth around.

She gave the driver his pay and got out, looking up at the shop that her mother owned. She walked around the side and went up the stairs that led to the upper part of the building. She pulled the key that hadn’t left her key collection since she had set off to perform and opened up the door, walking in.

Not much had changed, with the kitchen looking about the same as it had for years and years. There was a new fridge, but besides that not much else was different. She slowly put her keys on the red table in the middle of the room before walking down the hall to get to her own room. She passed by her mother’s room, heavy snores coming from it, and walked into her childhood bedroom. The dim lights from the street lamps and the thin fluorescent glow of the greenhouse gave the room an outline. Trixie watched the backyard from her window for a bit before getting into her old bed. “Well… I’m home,” she said, watching the ceiling for a bit before her eyes closed again and she fell back into sleep.

The elevator seemed to hum and buzz as Maud and Rarity rode up it, bags stuck between their arms and in their hands. They were both bathed in the dirty yellow light of the steel box. Making their way down the hall, both were relieved to know that no one was blasting their music from their own place at this time of night.

They walked to their assigned apartment and walked in, seeing a few boxes already placed around. The delivery company still had a few more drop-offs to make, but just knowing that some things had made it already was still a breath of fresh air.

“This won’t take long, Maud,” Rarity said as she placed a small black rolled up mat down in front of them. Within a few minutes, it had unrolled into a small portable mattress. There were no pillows, but as long as they had a blanket, they would be good. “We can spend the whole morning unpacking and just getting used to everything. For now, I think that we can just sleep without any other kind of worry. You deserve it, darling,” she said, patting Maud on the back and lying down with the blanket out.

Maud took a few moments to look around at the vague shapes of everything that she could make out in the darkness and few lights from outside. She then lay down next to Rarity and closed her eyes.

Sleep finally came.

“You really didn’t need to do all this for me. I know how to keep on top of things. And it’s not like it will take long for me to get back to normal,” Spectacle Showcase said, pouring Trixie a cup of coffee. “I still have money to pay for things like food and bills. It’s just that I have to be more careful until I can get more steady.”

“You shouldn’t have to worry about such things to begin with, but since you just keep leaving your trust in Dad… here we are,” Trixie responded, taking a sip. “And it’s not like I’ve got much to do at the moment anyways.”

“Oh? Did something happen at your new job?”

“Temporary layoffs. Twilight was probably ecstatic to do that to me since I’ve always been a thorn in her side.” The unicorn drummed at the side of her mug. “Shame, but hey, it’s only temporary. Besides the money stuff, how have you been?”

Showcase patted her on the back before taking a seat and eating her coffee cake. “It’s been good, quiet. The suburban life really is the best place for me. It’s not the lights of Manehattan nor the cash of Las Pegasus, but it’s that nice cosy little hideaway.” She seemed content with herself as she explained it away. “Though really, it’s weird to hear that my own daughter is hated by the Princess of Friendship herself. You just can’t seem to get along with her, can you?”

The magician shrugged. “It’s not like I haven’t tried. I can only apologize for the evil amulet and trying to enslave a town so many times. But hey, sometimes an apology won’t mean instant forgiveness.” She poked at her slice of breakfast before cutting off a small piece and chewing.

“At least you can say that you saved Equestria, twice. I think that’s a pretty good sign of change, sweetie. And no matter what you do or what clearly evil and corrupting artifacts you use, I’ll still love you as my daughter,” the older unicorn said, hugging her and kissing her on the forehead.

“Thanks Mom,” Trixie held back on a sarcastic response as she looked outside. “You know, I saw Maud Pie on my train here.”

“The girl from the rock farm? How is she doing these days?”

“Well, I have met her a few times since my work there, but she was there ‘cause she wanted to leave the town for a bit. She got dumped and apparently things were getting to be a bit too much for her.” Trixie took another sip from her mug, energy slowly coming to her .

“Such a shame. From what you’ve told me about her, she sounds nice. A bit anti-social, but still clearly well-meaning,” Showcase replied, doing the same. “Maybe she’ll find a new love sooner in wherever she wound up. Now, do you think there’s a specific type of flower that you had in mind on selling?”

The two unicorns got up and made their way outside with their drinks in hand. “I did have a few ideas on what would be the most immediate help in getting things back to a more stable level,” Trixie responded as they walked downstairs and towards the greenhouse. She smiled as she looked around. Rare and mystical flowers grew next to each other as if they were all part of a living and growing painting.

“Such a shame I’ll have to sell some of these beauties… but I suppose times like these call for such actions to be taken.”

“And don’t worry, Mom, Trixie promises you that she’ll help you find even more beautiful flowers to take their places.”

Rarity giggled to herself as she ate. “You know, normally I would never even dream of having a breakfast from a fast food place… but I must admit, pancakes, eggs, and cheese can make for quite the delicious sandwich.”

Maud simply nodded as she continued to eat, a small plastic cup of chocolate milk right next to her. “Once we unpack, you don’t have to stay here. You do have a business to take care of.”

The unicorn simply waved her hand at this. “Perish the thought. I think my customers can easily wait a short while for their new dresses. And I can still make designs and a few outfits while here. You really mustn’t worry that you’re taking up my time, Maud. I’m doing this because you’re my friend and I care for you. We all do.” She took another bite of her sandwich as they looked at more of the boxes that they had collected. “I do wish that they had come a bit later in the morning. Having to wake up just after sunrise and rush downstairs to verify everything… what a chaotic way to start the day.”

Maud simply nodded again as she continued to eat. Looking around at everything, it was weird seeing the actual forms of the vague shapes that she had looked at last night in the darkness. It felt like she had been in a state that had ignored everything around her despite everything being right in front of her.

The sounds of the outside world came in through the shut window, with it being both chaotic and controlled. It was another thing that Maud had seemingly failed to notice the night before. Though it could just be that they both got there at one of the few moments when everything truly was quiet and peaceful.

“I’m proud of you, Maud,” Rarity said, smiling at her. “It takes a lot to say what would help make things better and then actually taking the steps to get those things.”

“You helped me with a lot of those things,” Maud replied, walking over and hugging the unicorn. They both smiled and knew that the other was doing the same thing even if they couldn’t see it. After letting go, they continued to enjoy their not-so-healthy but so-very-tasty breakfast.

“You know, Maud, Twilight says that she hopes to bring a lot of new things and creations into society,” Rarity noted, getting to unpacking boxes and placing their contents out on the floor. “So much of it could mean change for a lot of things. It’s amazing how just a single person in the right circumstance and position can change the course of events…” she continued, getting lost in thought.

Maud opened a box and saw photos of her and her family at the rock farm as well as photos of her and her new friends in Ponyville. “I wonder if I’ll get to meet a person like that sometime.” She looked at the unicorn that showed up in both sets of photos despite them being in different parts of her life. Maud was smiling in all of them.

“Wonder if I’ll get to meet her again someday.”

Author's Note

So originally I wanted this piece to be much longer and have the whole story done in a single go..but then November turned out to be one of the most busy and chaotic months of the year for me and having little personal time to writeas a result. This isn't the worst as I can probably get out ideas better with it being more chapter focused and I was able to at least get out about 20 pages and around 10K words or so, but still it kinda stinks.

I also wrote some of this piece to try and include things that would likely happen after the S9 finale, like heavy criticism towards Twilight and the others for the fates of the Mean Three. Also, I don't like Mudbriar, so I probably won't include him much in this thing so that I don't write him as a straw(stick)man and upset the people that actually do like him.

The flashback segments were heavily inspired by the Damp Rocks video comic by Fou Dubulbe. It's an amazing thing and the start of one of the comics that helped show me how amazing this ship could be in the first place. Also Maud's work suit was written with this piece in mind by Kaemantis/MustLoveFrogs. Hello to everyone coming to this from the link in one of their recent pics. We'll be getting to that part later on, but it'll be worth it. I promise.

I recently redid/reedited this piece with the help of the absolutely fantastic EverfreePony. I cannot thank them enough for all the work they did and suggestions they gave. They are seriously awesome.

Finally, the title of this chapter is named after the song of the same name by Danny Schmidt. I'll likely be naming a lot of chapters after songs that I love and tie into the mood/theme of the piece.

Funk Goes On

Trixie tossed and turned in her bed, the sounds of the outside not letting her sleep. The block party that her mother had brought her to a few hours earlier was still seemingly going on, with the music and fairy lights creeping in through the closed blinds and shut windows. She sighed, getting up and pulling herself out of bed. Perhaps having one of those ‘interstellar brownies’ that her mom had picked up while getting groceries would help her. Or two. Or five all stuffed in her mouth at once. She slowly opened the door and poked her head out. Seemed all clear as she walked to the kitchen.

She could hear the faint sounds of the TV still on from the living room. The sound of slightly fuzzy laughter was coming from it. After stuffing a few of the addicting prepackaged sweets into her mouth, she made her way into the living room. Her mother was asleep on the couch, reruns of a female earth pony with orange brown hair taking part in all kinds of different sketches and scenarios. Burrnett something or other.

The young unicorn slowly got onto the couch, sitting next to her sleeping mother. It usually ended up like this a lot of the time. Her mother always seemed to get the jobs that she didn’t want, leading to long and thankless hours that meant she would usually be out before Trixie.

Trixie slowly levitated the remote into her hand began to change channels once it got to the commercials. It was mostly late night infomercials and all the sitcoms that networks wanted to fail so they could get another tax write off. She did come to stop when she saw the latest class of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. They all seemed to be happily smiling as they showed off their progress in the fall season. Such magical skill, ready for any kind of disaster that could strike Equestria. Trixie watched with awe as she watched a pair of them easily match the other in magic based combat. “Wow….” She said, not noticing that she had said it aloud.

“You know…” Spectacle said, softly rubbing her eyes. “Being a great unicorn doesn’t require you have to go there.”

Trixie jumped a bit before looking at her mother. “But, so many powerful ones come from there! Imagine it mommy! Me, being picked to defend Princess Celestia herself! The whole of Equestria cheering me on as I show off my skills!”

“Since when was protecting your own mother not enough?”

“T-that’s not what I meant mommy!” She looked down a bit as her mother chuckled, patting her on the back. “A-and if I go the school, daddy will come back. He went there, right?”

Spectacle’s smile dropped for a second before she pulled her daughter into a hug. “Do not worry about such things, my little magician. You don’t even have a cutie mark yet. But, I will do what I can to get you in. Just… promise you won’t give up if things don’t go that way? I just want to see you be happy in life, getting into a certain school means nothing to me.”

Trixie nodded, giggling as her mother continued to hug her.

“Alright, now you gotta brush those teeth again and then back to bed. No school is gonna want to host a girl with dirty, smelly teeth.” Spectacle chuckled as Trixie covered her mouth and ran off to the bathroom, not even trying to hide the sounds of wrappers that were coming from her jammies.

Spectacle rolled her eyes with a smile, watching the report on the school a bit more before getting up and turning off the TV.

Trixie whistled to herself as she got her breakfast from the toaster. She did her best to make it quick, but her fingers still felt the sting of a just-popped-out toaster pastry. She’d use her horn, but she was still kind of waking up.

Spectacle walked into the kitchen after her, kissing her on the forehead and pouring herself a cup of coffee. “I miss being up first.” she said, putting slices of bread into the toaster and pulling down the lever.

“Well, I promised that I’d be the one that would care of those Suncrest Bloomers by myself and those things are picky about when they take their water.” Trixie responded, watching the sun shine in the fall sky. “I don’t think I ever found out if Sparkle’s doing that or if Celestia and Luna are still the sun and moon controllers.”

Spectacle leaned against the counter and watched with her daughter. “Twilight has enough to do on her own up in Canterlot. Raising the sun and moon probably is still just up to those two… wherever they are. Maybe they’re in a nice little town with a perfect view of both, on the water,” she sipped her coffee. “I’d love to visit a place like that sometime. Maybe this summer.”

Trixie nodded, taking a bite of her processed pastry. The warm strawberry flavored filling tasted rather good even if it was filled with fake sugar and corn-syrup. “You know, that would be nice. I like this city, but it has been far too long since I have been on the road. A nice seaside town somewhere would be nice. One with calming natural sounds and everything.” The idea of such a perfect get-away seemed to make both women close their eyes and let out hopeful sighs… until the toaster dinged again and two pieces of toast popped up. “For now, Diamond Dust city is fine.”

“Here here.” Their mugs clinked as they drank, waking up more and more before work started.

Maud took slow deep breaths as she heard the sounds of the sounds of the ocean bounce off the walls. Her body felt calm, it felt peace, it felt…relaxed. The sounds of the ocean painted a scene around her, even with her eyes closed. She took a few more slow deep breaths before she finally opened her eyes.

She could see the feint reflection of herself in the tv’s blank screen. She looked like she was blending into the couch with the colors of her sweat shorts matching the pillows underneath. She got up from her couch and picked her things up from the coffee table. There was an odd sense of pride of being able to get everything she needed for the morning all put into one folded pile.

She walked out of her apartment and down the hall, moving past other doors. Some were faintly giving off their own sounds, others were silent. The elevator doors opened with a ding. She stepped into the metal box and pressed the ground floor button, hearing the same creaks and groans that it had been making since the night she had moved in.

She got to the ground floor and walked out into the cool breeze, and made her way down the sidewalk past the row of other apartments that were just as old as the one she lived in. She could hear the sounds of kids giggling and running around nearby, while ponies with jobs or places to be drove by on the street. This was her community, a bit full at times but still relatively calm most days.

After a few blocks, she reached her destination: a small cube of a building. It wasn't old or decrepit, and it didn't stand out. It was just another building that most walked by. Maud headed in, walking past an empty counter and going right into the changing rooms, starting to undress.

She could hear footsteps approaching as she pulled her shirt over head, a figure towering over her. Their gaze was cold and harsh as their gigantic bat wings unfurled, showing off their true size and splendor. The silence was finally broken when Maud's top hit the ground.

"It is good to know that I can still make you freeze up whenever I desire, Maud Pie," the figure said, smiling, as they pulled their wings back and began taking their own top off.

"Your stature and form are uniquely intimidating, Inky Rose." Maud responded, as they continued to undress.

"It is a shame that few others know the joy that the bathhouse brings. Its saunas and warm waters work continue to work wonders on my body." Inky said, turning to get a towel. The scars on her back caused by her wings caused discolorations in her lavender skin, but they luckily also seemed to add to her gothic appearance and nature.

Maud simply grabbed her towel from the things she had brought with and followed the taller woman. "The silence and open space allows me to think more clearly when I'm trying to plan out my day as well as move my body.”

Inky just nodded, as they entered into the sauna with their towels wrapped around them. “You know, I think when the time comes, I shall try getting back into designing outfits,” she said, her wings spreading back out again. They truly were a sight to behold, looking almost unreal at times. “Trying to find a mix of fashionable and comfortable is a task that I’ve had to learn my whole life.”

“Interesting. I would be interested in having an outfit made by you, and I am sure that Rarity would also love to help if you asked her for assistance.”

“Have you been talking to her much recently?”

“Oh, no. I don’t like bothering her out of the blue when she likely has better things to do,” Maud looked down slightly at this. When was the last time she had actually talked to Rarity? She shook her head, getting out of her funk. “How are things going for you at home?”

“Going well. Lily has been eager to see me design again, though in all honesty it is still likely a ways off. The dark recesses of my soul have not produced much in terms of creative designs.”

“I see.” The two drew silent as the heat of the sauna covered them. They were both drenched in sweat after a while.

“You know, if it’s alright… I might be a bit late to work. Lily’s walking Sunny to school and I feel like it’s been so long since I gave her a proper drop-off.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I’d be happy to tag along with, if you want.”

“Oh, Maud, you are far too kind and caring for a woman of sin and horror like me.”

“You’re a friend to me. I like seeing my friends happy.”

Canterlot Castle was a political hot zone. It had to account for keeping track of records and artifacts, hold special teachings for young and upcoming magic users, be lodging for the Princess of Equestria as well any other royalties that needed a place to stay for various reasons, and be able to hold all sorts of various diplomatic and important meetings. Sadly, today was a day where a meeting was being held.

The main conference room of the castle wasn’t as glamorous or beautiful as the throne room. It was rather… bland and glum, in all honesty. The walls had photos of each delegate and kingdom’s ruler in their most stoic of poses. Sadly, the same could not be said for the actual in-person delegates.

“Late. Again.” A scaly hand slammed down on the table, shaking the whole thing. “Why do I waste my time, coming all the way out here if she’s the last one to arrive?!”

Ember. Queen of the Dragon Lands.

Ember kept fidgeting in her seat, seemingly looking for more reasons to be angry at her current situations. “She’s always so high and mighty about us needing to have these things, we can never skip one, and yet-”

“Enough of your whining, your point has been made, dragon woman.” The queen looked across the table, glaring.

Scraper. Delegate to the Diamond Dogs.

“If the Princess has other motives, then she shall be make up for them later.” Scraper said, before taking a pawful of peanuts and shoving them in his mouth, chewing loudly. All the other members at the table watched or tried to ignore the horrid sound of shells being crushed between his jaws.

After a few more long seconds, the doors to the conference room flew open and she walked in. Her being late did have at least one benefit… she always looked gorgeous entering.

She spread her wings, them giving off a magnificent rainbow shine and almost reaching both sides of the room with how grand and full they were. She slowly took her seat as she retracted her wings. She put her hands together and smiled. “So. Shall we begin?”

Twilight Sparkle. Princess of Friendship, Element of Magic, Ruler of Equestria.

“I’ve been waiting to begin for the last fifteen minutes, your highness! And you wonder why dragons still don’t always get along with other species!” Ember shouted, slamming her hand down again. “I’ve been waiting to say that a bunch of dogs have been taking all our resources and violating the agreement that we had!”

“No such thing has happened, she speaks only lies!” Scraper looked ready to lunge at the dragon with the already growing anger on his face. “Why must make Diamond Dogs look bad to those around you, dragon woman?!”

“I wouldn’t be making you look bad, if you didn’t run off with some of our food!”

The tensions were flaring but came to a sudden halt as the room was illuminated in sparking blue lightning. Princess Twilight smiled as she looked to her side. A unicorn was now standing at her right hand side. “The princess will have order. We are all adults, aren’t we?”

Tempest Shadow. Commanding General of Equestrian Guard, Acting Second-in-Command to Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight nodded at this. “You should listen to her. I have no interest in supporting petty squabbles. If you think you can prove that your resources have been stolen, I shall see what I can do to help you.” She didn’t seem to notice the dragon queen’s snort at this. “However, if this turns out to be just an error and not that serious, do realize this doesn’t make you look good.”

“You trying to imply me or my people would make stuff up, Princess?”

“What the Princess is trying to imply,” Tempest stepped in-between the two, “is that we know that dragons and the diamond dogs are not on the best grounds. This may be a simple delivery error. Consider looking more into this before casting stones.”

Scraper laughed at this. “Yes! Diamond dogs would never steal dragon food! Dragon queen has made mistake! Haha!”

“Laughing it up doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Your best hope this doesn’t turn up true for your king’s sake. And learn to eat with your mouth closed, please.” Twilight said, shooting down the delegate’s laughter. “Now, is there any other issues that need to be discussed before we get to finance discussions?”

“Ah, yes. Hi, just here to say that enrollments at the School of Friendship is down. Not any of your faults, just please consider sending more of your children! Haha…”

Starlight Glimmer. Head of the School of Friendship, owner of the Friendship Castle.

Starlight seemed to sweat a bit as all eyes were on her. “Just throwing out suggestions!”

Silence fell over the room as Twilight cleared her throat. “Well, I suppose that we shall get down to the more boring talks then. I’ll make it quick.”

Some time later and everyone was clearing out. They were all handed fliers as they walked down the hallway. “Please consider coming to the opening of the Diamond Dust City Embassy Center.”

Moondancer. Equestrian Archivist, Transcriptionist to Princess Twilight.

“Help show unity to all the citizens that attend. Free food, drinks and lodging provided to all nations that attend for the night.”

Jet-Flame. Official Event Planner, Resource Manager, Financial Adviser.

“Ah, that’s coming up, isn’t it? Well, even if no one here comes, I promise that me and the girls will be there.” Twilight said, smiling as she looked through the flier.

“Never thought Diamond Dust City would grow so much…”Moondancer thought out loud, rubbing the back of her neck.

Jet-Flame patted her on the back, laughing. “Heh, you send anyone with some royal or political importance somewhere small, that place is bound to grow.” She then turned to Twilight. “May I interest you ladies in some drinks back at our place? We’d be more than happy to bring out the good wine. Or booze, if you’re so inclined.”

“...I’ll consider it, but this is a busy work week for me and I’m not sure I could just say no after one cup,” Twilight explained, sighing.

“We’ll make sure to only give you the watered down stuff then, Princess,” Jet-Flame said, before snapping as her horn glowed. A portal opened up in front of them, “do let us know when you have the chance!” She waved before walking through.

Moondancer simply smiled at Twilight. “I know I keep saying this, but thank you again for this job.”

“Moondancer, it’s been over a decade.”

“I know, I know. Heh, still, Thank you Twilight,” With that, she followed Jet-Flame, the portal disappearing behind her while doing so.

Twilight chuckled to herself, happy to see that she hadn’t lost her touch yet. She then heard the sound of expensive vases and tables being thrown as a fight broke out up ahead.

“I’m on it.” Tempest said, heading right towards it. She smiled as Twilight kissed her on the cheek.

Just another day of politics.

Trixie had her eyes on the tv hanging off the back wall as she heard the sounds of kids running past the shop. Every minute one of the kids would come in and drop a few bits on the table for a bag of chips or a soda or soon-to-be-devoured candy bar. She was more than happy to oblige their sweet tooth.

“How many hotels does the upper city really need?” Spectacle asked, watering a wall of flowers. “That spot’s already tourist heaven, isn’t it?”

Trixie watched the news report, giving a tour of the place. “You know how the rich people are. If one hotel doesn’t have the right kind of caviar, they’ll build a new one that will.”

“Like, for sure. Getting to work has literally been such a pain the whole time. Like, oh my Celestia, it literally took me a million years to get to my job because of all the loud construction and junk!” A third voice added, as Trixie looked. “Good morning you two, isn’t it like just totes the best weather?” Lily Lace asked, giggling as she approached the counter.

“Oh, for sure. Totally not looking forwards to winter even more now! …did I get that right? I still don’t understand a lot of your lingo sometimes.” Trixie asked, Lily giggling.

“Like, totally! You’re a natural Trixie!”

Spectacle smiled watching the two interact before seeing that a younger unicorn was watching the screen, looking amazed by how pretty the place was. Her skin was dark black, with yellow blotches all over her body. “Ah, morning Sunny. Let me guess, you want some extra strawberries before you start school?”

The young girl happily nodded. “Uh-huh! Please?”

“If it’s alright with your mother, I promise we won’t be long. She’ll be back down for school in time.”

Lily nodded, smiling. “Like, totally! I’m not gonna stop my Sunny from getting more fruit in her!”

Sunny smiled and ran to the stairs leading up to the home above, Spectacle following after her.

“Do you want one, Trixie?” Lily asked, causing her to freeze up and blush. “I mean, you’re already so great at helping entertain other kids, and like-”

“T-Trixie is not in the mood to talk about such topics! She is happily content with her current living situation at the moment!” Trixie explained waving her hands. “A-and even if she was, it isn’t like Trixie is currently seeing anyone.” Lily chuckled more as the door to the shop chimed again, the two looking.

An eggshell colored unicorn waltzed into the store, a snide smirk on his face. He wore a cheap looking suit. His hair was pulled back, full of globs of hair gel. “Eyyy, ain’t this a good way to start the morning?” he asked, sauntering to over to Lily and smiling. He smelled of thick cologne and hair goop. “Two good looking chicks, I must say the princesses have blessed me.”

Trixie simply rolled her eyes, “And you are..?”

“Name’s Slime Ball, nice to make both of yer acquaintances,” he said, taking Trixie’s hand and shaking it.

The two girls seemed to take a second to register the name… and then tried their best to hold back the giggles from it. “Snrkk… Slime Ball…”

“Ey ey ey! My mother happily gave me that name, and she’s been prouda me ever since!” Slime Ball retorted, glaring at them. “Now, may I interest you two ladies in possibly investin’ in some resort stock? This city could be the next Las Pegasus in terms of the tourist output, and I’d hate to see two beautiful ladies missin’ out!”

Trixie simply rolled her eyes as Lily giggled walking up to him. “Like, I totally get it! My mom invests in all kinds of things! She’s always just going ‘when the future comes we need to get that profit’ and stuff! She’s always telling me to invest in anything that sounds totally promising!”

“Yeah yeah, good to see someone’s seeing things my way. I think,” Slime Ball said, moving in closer to Lily. “How’s about you and me go get a latte or smoothie or whatevers to discuss this potential investment?”

“Oh totally! I’m so down... if my wife gets to come along of course!”

“Y-your what now?” Slime seemed to start nervously sweating as the door to the shop opened, a shadow looming over him.

“I feel like my ears should be burning, does the dark abyss call my name?” Inky asked, smiling as she walked up to Lily.

“Oh. Em. Gee! Hi sweetie! What are you doing here?”

“I thought that I would drop by to see the sources of joy in my miserable existence. It’s been too long since I dropped my daughter off at school as well,” the tall goth explained, smiling. She looked over at Slime Ball, “so, what is it you wished to talk with me and my wife about?”

“O-oh uh… heh, I was wondering if you were interested in possibly investing in property…?” the colt started to tug at his collar, going dark red.

“Mommy!” Sunny called out, running down the stairs and into her Inky’s arms, giggling and nuzzling her mother. She had strawberry residue all over her mouth as she giggled.

“Sunny Spots, you must keep your love for fruit under control before school. A messy face distracts from education,” Inky said, grabbing a tissue from the counter and wiping her face as her daughter continued to giggle.

“Another girl at school got her cutie mark today,” Sunny brought up, her mother still mopping her up. “when do I get mine?”

“Eh? You ain’t got a cutie mark yet?” Slimeball asked, looking up. “That’s a shame, ya look like a real bright girl.”

Inky simply glared at him as he slowly made his way over to drink fridge and browsed the selection. “It doesn’t matter when, my sweet child. It will come, eventually,” she explained, smiling at her daughter.

“We should, like totally hurry you up to school! You really shouldn’t be late on a half day!” Lily said, softly taking her daughter from the bat pony and kissing her on the lips. “We’ll see ya later, sweetie!” she said, Sunny waving at them as they walked out.

Inky smiled before nodding at Trixie and Surprise before heading out as well. “Such a nice family,” Surprise noted, with Trixie watching the tall pony walk out. She could see she was joining another pony, though she couldn’t make them out. They looked somewhat familiar though. Was it-

Slimeball putting a few cans of soda on the counter broke Trixie out of her stupor. “Is that all, sir?”

He chuckled, putting a few bits down before pulling out a small card from his pocket and handing it to her. “Ey uh listen, if you ever wanna talk about some good financial options or just get to… ya know. Here’s my number and my address. Got a nice little room that’s begging for company,” he said, flashing the most ‘shit eating’ grin Trixie had seen in what felt like years.

She naturally responded with her own fake grin as she put the card in her pocket and the bits in the register. “I’ll think about it, have a nice day sir.”

And with the ringing of the shop’s door, Trixie and her mother were alone. “So, when do you think you’ll get yourself a family like that?”

“M-mom!”

Inky and Maud made their way to a row of apartments, Maud looking down at a clipboard. “It says the new family needs help mostly with moving in the new couches and some dressers.”

“This row seems to just love attracting couples and newly weds. Me and Lily used to live around here as well when we first moved from Canterlot,” Inky said, the two seeing a moving van close by. As they got closer, they could see two Earth Ponies. A colt with a combed black mane and a mare with a carrot top. The colt was frustratedly pacing back and forth, while the mare seemed to be talking on her phone anxiously. “Hello, we’re here from the community center to help you move in.”

“What, more of you? Listen, we already paid the moving fee. The guys you sent are just fine as is. I’m not in the mood to pay out even more than I already have,” the colt responded, sounding angry. “We can do most of this stuff by ourselves now, your guys already got the valuables in.”

“We’re the only ones the center sent. And you hired us to help with the couch and dressers,” Maud responded. “We also don’t charge fees for activities like moving unless we are used for over an hour.” She looked up at one of the windows. She could see a few beer bottles in them. “Is that the apartment you’re set to move into?”

The mare nodded, pulling her phone away. “It is, but please we’re fine. We can do the rest ourselves and like my husband said, we already-”

Maud was already heading in. “We’ll take care of this,” Inky said, before following her up.

Making their way up the stairs, the two could hear the sounds of muffled music and loud laughter coming from the apartment. Entering, the two could see three male unicorns sitting around a speaker and drinking as it blared music. Items and clothes were all thrown about as the moving boxes were scattered about. All of them had their tops ripped open. “Eh? Who the hell are you?” one of the unicorns asked, glaring.

Maud simply glared. “We’re actual members from the community center. We’re not big fans of you trying to get money and valuables from random people,” Inky explained.

“Buzz off, dark and moody. We’re helpin’ them. You’re just mad cause we got here before you did,” Another one of the unicorns retorted.

“We’re asking you, politely, to leave and give them their money back,” Inky said, watching as the three got up. One of them seemed to be brandishing a golf club.

“How about YOU two leave before we make this ugly?” the third unicorn asked, smirking as he rolled his sleeves back.

“No,” Maud said, standing firm. “We’re not intimidated by lowly gangbusters like you.”

One of the unicorns rushed in, swinging at her. She quickly side stepped back and slammed her fist into their side. The unicorn stepped back, groaning in pain. “You got lucky!” he shouted, before giving a few swings at her. Maud responded by doing clocking him across the face from the left, then from the right knocking him into a sway. Before he could really refocus himself, she rammed right into him and sent him rolling across the floor.

“Are you ready to leave now?” she asked, looking at the other two.

The unicorn holding the golf club took a few timid steps back, before shaking his head and charging at her while letting out a pathetic attempt at a battle cry. “Die, you freak!”

Maud simply slammed her palm into his chest, causing him to drop the club and fall onto his back. Picking it up, she slowly walked over him, pulled her arms back… and swung.

The poor soul did a little spin as he got some air from the hit. Looking over, the third unicorn seemed to have pulled a knife. He was sweating buckets, but the way he was tossing it from hand to hand, he knew how to handle the thing. But before he could even raise it up to bring down, he was grabbed from the back of the collar by Inky. “L-let me go!” he yelled, struggling in her grasp.

“If you say so,” she responded, before seemingly effortlessly using one hand to toss him over her head and slamming him right down into the ground.

The three punks let out shared groans as the two stood over them. “We’ll help you out,” Maud said as she dug through their pockets, collecting the assorted valuables they had stashed.

A few minutes later and the three could be seen bolting off with their dignity between their legs. “We’ve dealt with the problem,” Maud said to the young couple. “Let us help you clean up and get moved it. Totally free of charge after what you went through.”

As the two happily thanked them and went in, Inky watched as Maud nonchallantly followed them up. She was probably one of the most unique ponies that Inky had ever met. She was so very blunt about things and didn’t really express her emotions though her face or tone of voice most times, but she was still able to easily get them out there. And with the strength she possessed, sometimes she really truly felt so unreal to see in action.

“A girl who’s rocky outsides houses a caring figure. Someone I’m truly happy to work with,” she said to herself, before running up to help Maud out. Another day of work lay before them.

As the afternoon came, Trixie was doing her seemingly daily routine of mopping up the store. There was never usually that much dirt in the first place to justify the mop, but something about it was so… Therapeutic to her. Maybe it was the sounds.

Suddenly, the door to the shop was almost thrown off its hinges as Lily Lace ran in, frantically looking around. “L-Lily? Is everything-”

“Has Sunny come in here?!” Lily asked, obvious fear in her voice.

Trixie could already feel the dread setting in as she ran over to her. “No… why, did something happen?” she asked, slowly putting her hands around her.

“S-she wasn’t there when everyone was being let out… I-I thought she’d come here to get some more fruit or maybe hang out with her friends or something. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh no, no no no, my little girl is gone. Oh no…” Lily started to hyperventilate as her horn started firing off sparks.

Trixie slowly walked her over to a chair and sat her down. “Let’s breathe, let’s breathe. I’m sure she’s fine. I know it. She’s probably off with friends somewhere. Or maybe she went off to find Inky. You know how kids can be. They always need to explore and see new things, especially when away from school, you know?” she said, doing her best to comfort her. The last thing needed at the moment was Lily having a full blown panic attack and not being able to get important info out. “Mom! We need some ice water!” she called out, Surprise nodding and running upstairs to get a glass.

Lily was starting to rock, and was trembling. “Y-you’re right. You’re right. M-maybe my little ray of sunshine will come running through those doors any second now. R-right?”

Trixie nodded, thinking. She needed to help… but what should she do? Where would she even start? And then, it hit her. The card in her pocket probably held the exact answer on where she could at the very least… begin. “Listen, how about you call Inky and see if she’s out with her. I’m gonna start looking around the neighborhood and see if anyone has seen her, alright? I promise I’ll let you know right away when I find something out.”

Lily nervously nodded, quickly gripping the glass of water as Surprise handed it to her. “T-thank you Trixie…”

“Mom, keep watch here, alright?” Tossing her work apron aside, Trixie ran out the door. Looking at the ‘buisness card’, it listed him as staying at the ‘Sparkling Crystal’. It was a bit of a ways away, but she didn’t care. She just needed to start looking.

Maud could see the look on Inky’s face drop as she listened to someone one the other end of her phone. “What do you mean, she wasn’t there? Did you check the flower shop nearby?” She was starting to pace, her grip on her phone tightening. “No, she isn’t with me. I’m sure of it. I would know if my own daughter was here!” Her wings were slowly starting to unfurl as anger in her voice arose. “I’m allowed to yell right now! Our daughter is missing and you don’t have a single clue on where she could possibly be!” She was slowly becoming unhinged.

Maud walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “… Inky. Go home. Maybe she’s wandered back there. I’ll look for her. I’ll let you know if I find her,” she said, doing the best she could to be comforting.

Inky’s wings slowly closed once more as she calmed down. “Yes… of course. It’s possible she just wanted to go home by herself. Please, call or text the minute you find her, please,” she said, Maud nodding. She took a deep breath, before starting to sprint back home, hoping she would find her daughter there with friends.

Maud, on the other hand, headed off in a different direction. Working for various community centers around town meant that she learned about what groups could be found in what areas. She knew where she could find more people like those wannabe gang bangers.

As she headed down sidewalk after sidewalk, she watched the buildings around her change. Shifting from modest apartments that just about any newly formed couple could afford to a few assorted sports bars and places that just so happened to host some random slot machines.

Walking through a back alley, Maud made her hands into fists. She had to be ready for anything that could possibly come next. Even if it meant hurting people. She could see the wannabes as the played cards with a few other assorted ponies. One of them held an ice pack to their eye. She cleared her throat. “I’m looking for a little girl. She’s lost, and I was wondering if one of you possibly could have seen her, or worse had something to do with it.” She pulled up a photo of Sunny on her phone.

“Go to hell, we don’t need to tell you a thing!” One of the punks shouted at her, the others laughing.

“Do you really wanna be known as the type of people that wouldn’t help in finding a lost child?” Maud asked, walking closer. She could see the ones she beat up earlier in the day were starting to sweat, hiding themselves behind some of the others. They were drawing weapons.

“How about you mind your own business and we won’t totally break the empty face of yours?”

Maud slammed her fist into her palm, cracking her knuckles loudly. They sounded like rocks breaking. “The second one of you tells me if you’ve seen the girl or know where she is, I’ll stop. You brought this on yourselves.”

Trixie looked at herself in the reflection of a shop mirror as she did up her hair. She needed to look nice. She had to look attractive. The good thing about being a performer was that she knew how to make anyone into a lovely assistant with just a snap of her fingers, even herself. That always used to please the crowd, and now she hoped it still would.

She continued her way to the Sparkling Crystal. It was one of the gaudiest luxury suites she had ever seen. All the exterior walls looked like they were just painted with nothing but glitter glue and silver rhinestones. She made her way in the front entrance, not seeing anyone at the front desk and walked to the elevator.

She pushed the button for the third floor, and felt it slowly move up. She was in a hurry, so she didn’t care much for looking around at the aesthetic of the place, but she could tell it was one of those places that was most likely ninety five percent just put for show and not actually real. She glanced up at the elevator’s corner and hoped that the security cameras were one of the things that weren’t.

Stepping out, she made her way down the long pale white hall and going past tons of identical doors. The fact that she couldn’t hear a single sound or peep from any of them was just a tad bit off putting.

Stopped in front of door three six nine and knocked. She put her ear up close and listened carefully. Muffled talking, and the sounds of another door being shut and possibly locked. She pulled away and braced for anything.

“If this is about my rent, I swear I’ll have it… oh, hey there,” Slimeball blushed a bit as he looked Trixie over. It was clear that he never expected anyone would actually take him up on the offer.

“Hey there, hot stud. I’ve had a long day at work, and I was hoping that maybe I could have someone to help me unwind?” Trixie asked, softly pushing her way in. It was a nice looking place. Nice kitchen and living room combo… how someone like him could afford it was a question she didn’t need to know the answer to.

Slimeball blushed more, before quickly rubbing his hand through his hair to make it look ‘better. “W-well, gorgeous, I ain’t about to say no to helpin’ a gal in need,” he said, sauntering over to her. “Hows about I get us some drinks then? Or if ya wanna maybe take a nap first, my bedroom’s over there,” he said, pointing to a door in the living room.

Trixie counted two other doors in the living room. “Which room’s the bathroom? Trixie wants to make sure she’s as good looking as can be. She wants to,” she let out a tiny ‘ugh’ under her breath, “make sure she can match the levels of handsomeness of the man before her.”

Slimeball happily pointed at the door opposite his bedroom. She quickly ran in and shut the door. Looking around, it looked like there was some kind of struggle that had recently taken place in here. “Please let him just be bad at shaving or something…” she hoped as she quickly splashed water on her face. The third door, he didn’t want people in there. She wanted in.

Walking out, she looked over at the door. “This is a really nice place you got here, you’re so lucky.”

Slimeball laughed, handing her a drink. “Yeah yeah, I know right? Most people think I ain’t gonna amount to anything. And for the longest time? I believed it. Used to mostly trade stuff all the way out in Manehattan, but thanks to a friend, I’m out here living a life of luxury!” he boasted, taking a big sip from his glass before coughing slightly. “Ooo, that’s the strong stuff.”

Trixie awkwardly laughed, pointing over to the locked door. “I wanna see what’s in there. Is that were you put all your… special toys?”

Slimeball went red in the cheeks, shaking his head. “That? Oh, no no no. That’s nothing special. Just a guest room. Nothing much in there. My kid cousins like to play in there so it’s mostly filled up with a buncha kiddy crap,” he tried to lead her over to the bedroom, but she steered towards the couch.

“How about a toast first before we get… down and dirty?” Trixie asked, smiling. ‘Here’s hoping he can’t handle his booze… I’m almost there Sunny, I promise.’

Maud stood over one of the punks as they trembled. She had done her best not to be too harsh on all of them, but she was more focused on the safety of child in front of some troublemakers. She showed her phone to them. “Have you seen this little girl?”

The young punk looked her, shaking his head. “No… b-but, a friend of ours said he couldn’t come today! Said he was babysittin’ his cousin! But he ain’t even mention a cousin before! Maybe that’s her?”

“Where can I find him?”

“H-he’s at that Sparkling Crystal place! Room Three Six Nine!” he quickly blurted out, before covering his face in fear. He peeked as he watched her leave. “Y..you don’t think he’s hurting her, is he?”

Maud looked back. “If he is, or if I find out that much worse has happened because you punks didn’t want to be good people, know I won’t hold my punches next time.” And with that, she was off. Shining Crystal was a place she knew and hated by heart. It was somewhat close to her own place, and she had protested its development and opening alongside most of the others in the community. It was never meant for people them, but rather those just looking to flaunt how much money they had.

‘On Way To Sunny. Where are you?’ she texted Inky.

‘With Lily. Thank you.’

Maud quickened her pace as she saw the garish building draw closer. The nightmare was almost over.

Trixie slowly sat on the bed as she watched Slimeball try to center himself. He really, really couldn’t handle his booze. Trixie had even gotten him to drink her own glass as well. “Ahahaha… are ya ready to see a real steed in action?”

Trixie giggled, nodding. “Indeed, I am. Wow Trixie with your skills!” She said, quickly moving aside as he leapt into bed. “Before we start, let me wash up one last time. Trixie needs to look her absolute best!” she said, before quickly running to the bathroom and turning the sink on.

“Hurry up beautiful! If yer looking to smooth up, I got all the stuff you need in here!” Trixie shuddered at that line as she stepped out and made her way to the locked door. It had been a while since she had done any lock picking tricks, so she was a bit rusty. “Hey hey, what do ya think yer doing?” Slimeball asked, hanging onto the bedroom door frame. “That’s not my bedroom!”

“Aw, come one. Let’s get weird! I know you’re hiding all the really freaky stuff in here! Let Trixie kick it up a notch!” she said, blowing him a kiss.

He shook his head, making his way over and wrapped his hands around her shoulders. “No no, it’s only kiddie crap. Nothing hot at all. If yer really looking for fun, why don’t you bend over and I can get my-”

Suddenly, the door to the apartment was kicked open as the two fell back. A gray pony with light purple hair walked into the room and looked around. She looked at Slimeball with a cold piercing glare. “Where’s the girl?” she asked, her voice deadpan but focused.

“E-eh? What the hell are you talking about? Get outta my house!” he shouted, sobering up as rage crossed his face. “… Wait a minute, I know. Yer that chick from Manehattan! You took the party cannon from me! I coulda made bank with that thing!”

Trixie took a good look at the woman, as she got up. She looked familiar. “Check this one. He locked it and doesn’t want me in there,” she said, watching as the woman simply walked over and pulled the door away effortlessly. That sheer strength! “… Maud?”

She looked over at Trixie. “… Trixie. Let’s talk later.” She said, before running into the room. Trixie quickly closed in. Inside, the two could see that Sunny was there. Her horn was glowing, slowly focusing energy into some kind of fragment. “Sunny,” Maud said, quickly running over. She didn’t respond, her eyes giving off little whisps of black smoke as she looked dazed.

“Hey, what the hell do you think yer doing! That’s my cousin, don’t you touch her!” Slimeball yelled, getting more visibly angry as Maud snapped the young girl out of her daze.

“M-mommy? I-I wanna go home!” The young Unicorn started crying as Trixie glared at him.

“What is all this?! I knew that you’d be some kind of jerk but not doing something like this to a little girl!”

“Ey ey ey, listen, this ain’t hurting the kid. Let me just take care of this and I can explain everything. You’ll be thankin’ me,” he said, before Maud pushed him aside to leave. “You ain’t going anywhere! You can’t just barge in and break my stuff.”

Maud kept walking as Sunny followed. “I don’t like listening to people like you. I’ll be on my-” before Maud could continue, a magic ring wrapped around her neck as she was lifted up high into the air. It started to tighten.

“Oh, no no no. You ain’t the one givin’ me directions, you stupid Earth Pony!” He yelled, a crazed smile growing on his face.

Trixie starting pulling on his arm. “What are you doing?! Let her go now! I think she gets the picture!”

“Oh, don’t you worry a thing, hot stuff. I got people that can easily handle this and get us out of trouble easily. Things are changin round here, and I ain’t ever gonna let this brain dead carpet eater tell me what to do again!” he declared, starting to laugh.

Trixie could see Maud kicking and pulling as she tried to get the ring off. The color was draining from her face. Sunny was starting to cry as her horn was glowing. Trixie felt energy build up as her emotions swelled. It was overwhelming, and if she didn’t do something soon Maud would be dead.

“Let go of her right now!” she shouted, her and Sunny’s horns firing off massive bursts of energy. It sent Slimeball flying back into his kitchen cabinets, smashing them to pieces as dishes and glass and a few booze bottles started crashing onto the floor and walls. They both quickly ran over to Maud as she let out a few coughs.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” she said, smiling for the teary eyed Sunny. She slowly got to her feet and lifted her into her arms. “My place is nearby. Let’s get you somewhere safe and sound and let your mommies know you’re alright.”

Trixie nodded, following behind her as they ran out. She was really praying that either no one watched the security footage or that the cameras really were just for show.

“Breathe in, breathe out.” Dark energy pulsed through Jet-Flame’s body as she heard Moondancer’s voice guiding her. She needed it often for situations like this. “You can do this. You will succeed in your goal…” It was so strong, so powerful, burning more than a match on gasoline.

The sound of the phone ringing made her open her eyes as she let off a blast of energy into the crystal lined walls around her. It was absorbed, reflecting around them into a quick but beautiful light show. “Who’s calling?” she said, panting as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

“... It’s SB,” Moondancer said, embarrassed. “Let me deal with this quickly and then we can get back to-”

“No no, take your time. I’m drained for now. It’ll take a while before we can continue,” Jet said, chugging from a nearby water bottle. She listened as Moondancer walked off into another room, talking on the phone.

“You called at the worst… what do you mean you need help with something? Did you do another one of your crappy loans again? … Seriously? Well, how much do they know? OK, OK, OK, calm down. We’ll be-” Moondancer was cut off as Jet-Flame picked up the phone.

“What exactly is it you need?” She asked, listening. “I see. We’ll be over in a bit, try to clean up as much as you can before we get there. And next time, don’t do stuff like this on your own, you greased up idiot,” she said, before disconnecting and dialing another number.

“What are we gonna do about this?” Moondancer asked, watching.

“Simple, we intimidate,” she said, before speaking into the phone. “I’m gonna need a squad for this.”

Maud slowly lowered Sunny onto her bed, the young girl having fell asleep on the way over. “If you need a drink or anything, I’ve got juice and soda in the fridge,” she said, looking over at Trixie as she aimlessly looked around the place.

“Trixie is fine, thanks. Are you sure you’re alright though? That ring looked rather tight on your neck,” Trixie responded, slowly walking over.

Maud nodded. “It’s nothing. What matters is that she’s safe. Have you called either of them yet?”

“Trixie has tried, but their not picking up. No sign if they’re seeing texts either.”

“Are they with someone you can call?”

“In fact they are! Lily should at least be at the flower shop with my mom! Let me call her!” As the phone rang, Trixie looked over to Maud. “This certainly is one hell of a way to see each other again, huh?”

“I honestly thought I would never see you again,” Maud replied.

“Heh…” was all Trixie could get up as the other end picked up. “Mom, is Lily there? I need to tell her I found Sunny.”

“Trixie, where are you?” Spectacle’s voice sounded anxious, and there was a lot of commotion going on in the background. “please tell me you’re safe.”

“Mom, I’m safe, what’s going on over there?” Trixie asked, Maud slowly approaching as she listened in.

“I… just turn on the news if you can, I need to try and keep things from getting ugly. Don’t leave wherever you are for now, please,” Spectacle said before hanging up.

Nervously, Trixie pointed to the tv as Maud turned it on.

Dozens of police officers were outside the flower shop. Everyone was coming out of their homes or looking out their windows to see what was going on or to record it. Some of the officers were wearing heavy gear and pushing civilians aside.

“Let her go damn it! She didn’t do anything! We’re just trying to find our daughter!” Inky shouted, kicking and fidgeting as officers continued to push her back. She watched as Lily was being restrained and dragged off to a squad car.

“I haven’t done anything wrong! Please, this is a misunderstanding! I just wanna see my little girl again, please!” Lily cried, tears streaming down her face. “I-Inky! Call my mom! S-she’ll get the stuff to help get me out fast!” she shouted, before being shoved head first into a car.

“No no no...” Inky started to cry as well, with Spectacle quickly pulling her into a hug and guiding her back into the shop before things got any worse with the police.

Maud and Trixie could only watch in stunned silence as they saw their friend be taken away by the police. It didn’t feel real. Was this over them saving Sunny?

The two slowly looked over to the bedroom, seeing the young unicorn fast asleep, even as the sounds of chaos of the police taking her mother away played.

‘Shooting stars fall…’

As they looked from the young girl to the scene playing out, a thought simultaneously dawned on the both of them.

‘Slowly fade out…’

This part of something bigger than the two of them could ever imagine.

Author's Note

I am so sorry for this taking so long to come out. Like I said earlier though, I have a new writing method and it's making writing so much fun for me. I'm loving working on projects again! I really hope to get more, possibly/probably shorter chapters out in a better amount of time.
As you can tell, a lot of work went into this piece and all the artists that put up with my weird ideas deserve all the attention and love they get.

Art done by (In order of appearance):
https://www.deviantart.com/mustlovefrogs
https://www.deviantart.com/uunicornicc
https://packsnack.tumblr.com/

Lyrics at the end is supposed to go to theme of Yakuza 1's 'Receive You'. Absolute banger of a track. Also, just play Yakuza like in general. You won't regret it.

Please comment and leave thoughts, critiques, suggestions, etc. They really help me out a lot with growth and improvement in writing!

A long day

The sounds of shouting and police driven chaos slowly became overtaken by the sounds of news anchors talking and the live footage slowly faded to them, explaining what was going on to those just tuning in.

Maud got up from the sofa walked over to the television before quickly turning it off. “… Would you like anything to drink, Trixie?” she asked, making her way to the kitchen.

“Yeah… Please. Anything with ice,” Trixie responded, slowly leaning forwards in her seat as her head fell into her hands. What in the name of Tartarus’ infinite layers was going on?! “Oh… oh sweet Celestia…” she said out loud a few times as Maud tapped her on the shoulder. She looked up, before being being handed a glass of water. Maud then sat down next to her.

“Thank you… for saving me back there,” she said, as Trixie glanced over. “The magic he was using was some of the strongest I’ve ever felt… I’m sorry if I scared you then…”

Trixie quickly shook her head. “You have no reason to apologize! You don’t apologize for being in a perilous situation,” she said, before taking a long drink from her glass. “… why the hell would a sleaze bag like him want a little girl like her?”

Maud thought on it for a few seconds. “I guess… we wait for things to calm down, then go find Inky. Get her daughter back to her.” She got up from her seat, walking over to the bedroom door frame to check back on Sunny. As Trixie finished her drink, she watched Maud seemingly pause. “Do unicorn horns usually smoke, Trixie?” she asked, Trixie quickly running over.

Sunny was still asleep, but the top of her horny was now giving off wisps of black smoke, the top of her horn looking as if it had been bunt. Trixie moved in close, looking it over a few times. “I think… she has horn burn. She’s way too young to have fired off such a spell like she did. She doesn’t even have a cutie mark yet!”

“Horn burn?”

“It’s what happens when a unicorn uses too much powerful magic for too long. Like when you leave food on the stove for too long. I got it a few times myself when I was first started trying out tricks,” she explained. “I need a wet washcloth, should help at least a little bit.”

Maud nodded before quickly going to get one. She got the biggest, softest washcloth she could find and ran it under the sink. She could see her hands were trembling as the cloth became damp and moist. It wasn’t anything too bad… right?

She ran back, handing the cloth to Trixie as she slowly and delicately wrapped it around Sunny’s horn. Trixie let out a sigh of relief as she saw the wisps of smoke turn to steam. “That’s…. something, at least. It should help her cool down after all that intensity,” she said, before looking over at Maud. “Trixie apologizes if all of this is messing up your place, Maud.”

Maud shook her head. “You have no reason to apologize. I’m going to try and call Inky,” she said, before walking off.

Trixie nodded, giving her attention back to Sunny. She then realized that Maud had used her own words on her. She never got how the girl’s mind worked. She then turned her attention back to Sunny, as she watched more steam come out.

Inky instantly picked up her phone as she heard it ring. “Maud, please tell me Sunny is with you…”

“She is. She’s safe. I promise,” Maud responded, Inky letting out a long sigh of relief. “I saw the news, what’s going on over there?”

“I-I don’t know. I was just waiting in the flower shop with Lily and then police came in… they said Lily was wanted for something and they just started trying to drag her off. T-they wouldn’t even say what she was wanted for!” Inky rubbed the side of her forehead as she started to hyperventilate. Oh, none of this felt real. Was she dreaming? Dead? “They were so harsh on her, I couldn’t help but try to kick and get her out of there…”

“I’m sorry for what’s happening to you…” Maud replied, before the two went silent for a bit. “… Has Sunny ever had horn burn before?”

“H-horn burn? Maud, what the hell happened when you found my daughter? What’s going on?!” Inky felt her heartbeat increase as she tried to steady herself. It was getting harder to think properly as everything started rushing through her head. “L-let me come see her! I’m on my way, right no-”

She was stopped as Spectacle placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but it isn’t safe for you to go out right now. Police seem to still be in the area and with that little scuffle you were in, they’re more than eager to arrest you,” she explained. “I know… I know this feeling of anxiety is the worst, but please. Just stay low for now,” she said, stern but concerned mom voice in action.

“I… o-ok… I’ll… call Lily’s mom and talk about helping her get out,” Inky weakly nodded along. “Maud, please call me if anything else happens, alright? Please, let me know my daughter is gonna be alright.”

“Of course she is. She gets everything from her mothers, so you know you’ll see her smile again soon.”

“Thank you, Maud.” Inky felt the tears streaming down her face. They stung.

Maud walked back into the bedroom, watching as Trixie slowly undid the washcloth. They both cringed as they could see parts of it were flaking off onto the cloth. “Oh, this isn’t good. This needs to be looked at,” Trixie said, slowly getting up from the bed.

“Do we need something for this?” Maud asked, hands shaking a little.

“You got any phone books?” Trixie asked, watching as Maud quickly pulled one out from under her living room table and placing it on top. She watched as Trixie quickly flipped through the book to the horn section, looking through the numbers of various names and specialists.

She pointed at one of the last names on the list. “Midnight Sun. Horn Healing Specialist. She’s the one we’d want.” She then groaned when she realized where her place was located. “Damn it, it’s on the upper-side of the city. Probably gonna be a fortune to pay for.”

Maud shook her head. “I’ll pay for it all.” She then went to her window, looking out. “No sign of any cops. We should move now.”

“R-right now? Have you even been to the upper-side?” Trixie asked, taking this all in.

“I work a lot of community assistance jobs, I’ve been all over this city. I want to get Sunny back to her mother, and I know you do too, Trixie,” Maud explained, walking over the her sink and getting herself a few drinks of water.

Trixie sighed to herself, thinking on everything. It had been a long, long time since she had gotten herself involved with something like this. The only difference now was that Maud was in Starlight’s place. “You’re right, Maud. This is our best chance to move, right” she said as she made her way over to Sunny and slowly lifted the young unicorn into her arms.

Maud looked at the address, one last time as they headed for the door. Today was going to be longer than expected.

Jet-Flame looked around Slime Ball’s apartment and pinched the bridge of her nose. “What in the name of Tartarus were you thinking exactly?” she asked, looking over to him.

“I mean, I was doin’ what you told me to do! I was tryin’ to help you!” Slime Ball responded, trying to get up, but softly held back down by Moondancer. “How was I supposed to know-”

“We try to avoid kids as much as possible,” Moondancer explained, continuing to tend to his cuts, but also making sure he felt each time the alcohol stung. “…Police reports show one of the moms has been taken away. That should frighten them.”

“...Did blue unicorn do this or the child?”

“It was both! One of them worked in a friggin’ flower shop! I didn’t think they’d do it!” Slime Ball shouted, only to be quieted down from Jet’s glare.

“So, the kid’s magic… is some powerful stuff, then,” Jet reflected. “… And you say their mothers are…”

“A unicorn and a pegasus… but she’s friggin’ huge. Taller than any pony I’ve seen. Her wings were also monstrous! I swear it! I’m not lyin’!”

Moondancer and Jet-Flame looked at each other before Jet let out a long groan. “… shit. We can’t let this go. We need the girl,” Moondancer reflected as she saw Jet’s expression.

Jet slowly nodded, approaching Slime Ball and slapping him as hard as she could. “You really should be praying that your idiocy got us the worst jackpot possible. Now keep your damn mouth quiet about this thing,” she said as turned for the door. “You remember the names of the two that broke in?”

Slime Ball thought on it. “Maud and Trixie.”

Moondancer seemed to perk up at this. “Trixie… I think I might know that name.”

Jet smiled. “Well, that makes planning the next step a bit easier, huh?”

Diamond Dust City was one of the largest Non-Royalty controlled cities in Equestria, which meant that every class of living inhabited it. The ‘Upper-Side’ as it was called was home to higher priced businesses and gourmet resturants alongside dozens of resorts and apartments that no average working pony could afford, despite many of them working in this area.

Trixie held Sunny close as they looked around, thankful that they weren’t drawing that much attention. Maud lead, hands always seeming ready to go in case anyone tried to approach and fight.

“How’s she holding up?” Maud asked, glancing back.

“She’s still out asleep, but no issues breathing or anything, thankfully,” Trixie responded. “… Never thought horn health would become so luxury…” she muttered as they looked at the various buildings in the area. They were all blending into each other, with designs that were more boring than unique.

They finally came to a stop in front of one of the buildings, looking up at one of the high balconies overlooking the street. “All the way up there, right?” Trixie asked, Maud nodding as they made their way in towards the building’s elevators.

“... So, what kind of job do you have, Maud?” Trixie asked as the long ride up began.

“I work for the community center on helping new residents move in, hosting events and fundraisers and the like.”

“Anything else?”

“I help host wrestling shows and events,” said with the bluntness that only Maud could deliver.

Trixie nodding, taking that sentence in. “Somehow that both is and isn’t a surprise.”

“How about you, Trixie?”

Trixie shrugged. “Nothing glamorous. Still working with my mom at the flower shop. Planned for it to only be a little while and deal with the finance issues, but it just kinda grew on Trixie, you know? She hit the zen.”

Maud nodded, awkward silence washing over the two. A ding from the doors as they opened finally got their attention as they stepped out and headed for the room on the far end.

Maud knocked, and after a few long seconds, a white pegasus stepped out. They were wearing a blue and yellow bomber jacket as they looked at the two. “… what do you two want?”

“We’re here seeking horn healing services,” Trixie explained.

The pegasus rolled her neck, loud audible cracks filling the air. “Most call ahead if they want to see Midnight.”

“This was an emergency that came up from nowhere,” Maud explained. “We’re willing to pay anything necessary, and neither of us are looking for a fight.”

The pegasus looked at Sunny. “That the one that needs healing?”

“Yeah. Do you believe that we’re not looking for trouble now?” Trixie asked, watching as they thought on it.

The pegasus smirked as they shook their head. “We got a special condition for surprise appointments. One of your two need to do something humiliating. Tell me a secret, say something weird as hell. Prove you’re genuine.”

“That’s ridicu-” Trixie began but was cut off.

Maud put her arms up, hands on the back of her head. She then thrust her pelvis. “Ladies, are you looking for a romantic night in? We here at luv4lezzies are ready to attend to your late night needs. Be you cis, trans, enby or something else, our lezzies are here to make you feel all warm and fuzzy!” She said, doing her best to give off a ‘sensual’ impression. “Our rates are cheap enough for you lonely hearts that just want a long night with someone to hear you out. Come on, baby, take a chance and call!” She gave one pelvic thrust, letting out a dead pan ‘oooh!’ with it. Silence filled the halls as the two looked at her.

The pegasus then burst out laughing, pounding on the door frame. “Hoooly shit that was great! You pass, you pass! Come on in!” they said, slowly leading the way in.

Trixie glanced over at Maud as she slowly went back to a neutral pose. “... Were you one of the workers there?” she asked.

“I was one of the callers,” Maud replied, the two heading in.

The apartment was huge, with even the air they were breathing feeling like it was classier. A giant fireplace crackled near the back, an art piece of two goddesses embracing hanging over it.

“What can I do you two fine ladies for, with this surprise pop in?” An elegant voice called out. A zerba stood at the top of a stairway near the fireplace, wearing a silver robe. She smiled as the pegasus wandered over to her side and kissed her on the cheek.

“This little girl, she’s suffering from bad horn burn,” Trixie explained, showing Sunny off as Midnight Sun approached. “You’re the only horn specialist that’s in this city, so I’m really sorry if I’m interrupting anything important.”

Midnight looked at Sunny, before looking at the washcloth wrapped around her horn. “May I?” she asked, before slowly unwrapping the cloth. She took one look at the damaged horn and nodded. “This takes precedent over a shower,” she said, before glancing to the Pegasus.”Hurri, get my things.”

The pegasus nodded, running off. “Oh, this poor dear. How did this happen, exactly?” Midnight asked, slowly leading Maud and Trixie over to a couch near the fireplace as they slowly laid Sunny down on it.

“She overused her magic. She got really angry at someone, and it just fired out,” Trixie explained.

Midnight nodded, tutting. “Young ones, they’re so quick to anger and just loose control, so easily,” she said. “does she have any allergies?”

“Nothing that we’re aware of, no.”

Midnight watched as Hurri returned with a number of creams and lotions. “Good, then hopefully a general mixture should be able to do the trick. She said, pouring some out into her palms and slowly rubbing them together into an orange-ish mixture and delicately rubbed it against the flaking patches of the unicorn’s horn. “Hopefully, it’ll be on the mend when she wakes up… your daughter should be recovering soon enough.”

“She isn’t our daughter,” Maud responded, walking closer to Sunny. “We’re both friends of her mothers.”

“And why aren’t they here, exactly?” Hurri asked, staring at her.

Trixie stepped in, knowing it was best if she handled this conversation. “One of her mothers was unjustly arrested and her other mother is staying out of sight so that she doesn’t get arrested either. I wish I could say why this was happening, but we’re just as clueless as you two.”

Midnight thought on what was being told to her, before nodding. “Oh, that does sound like real trouble… but nothing that out of place. What’s a city like this without a police force that’s willing to distract from a few cover ups, right?” She looked over to Hurri. “Hurricane, I think our guests deserve a drink for their troubles. Would you rather I get them, or do you want that?”

Hurricane just huffed, walking off to the kitchen. “You’re not gonna try to drug us and turn us in, are you?” Trixie asked, nervous.

Midnight simply scoffed, waving it off. “Oh, of course not. I know how a city like this works, and let me tell you, it has an issue with someone such as myself and Hurricane living in this part of the city. They’d just call us accomplices and take all of this.”

“Are you mad at us for being here?” Maud asked.

“Don’t be silly, dear. It’s dealing with helping a child. I’m not going to turn her away.”

“You still didn’t need to make us go through a proving process though,” Trixie muttered, stroking Sunny’s hair.

Midnight looked confused. “Proving Process? I just make people show IDs to prove they’re legitimate, whatever are you talking about?”

Maud began to blush as she could hear the sounds of Hurricane laughing from the kitchen. “So, Hurricane, how do you know her?” Maud asked, doing her best to not let cheeks get pink.

“Hurricane Blitz randomly happened upon me in my old apartment a few years back. I think they were ducking in out of a storm and I just had to invite them up into my place. We got talking, I introduced them to my studies and art and in return they introduced me to their music. They’ve got their own band and everything,” Midnight explained. She motioned around, the two seeing various pictures of Midnight in numerous outfits and poses.

“Haven’t seen many zebras involved in things like horn healing businesses,” Trixie said. “How long you been studying and doing this kind of thing?”

Midnight smiled, looking over to a window overlooking the city. “Always had an interest in things like the sciences and workings of magic for ponies. Zerbas can make potions and creams and all that sorts, but magic is a trickier sort. Spent my time in college learning how it worked in and out. Horn healing and repair is a smaller job market but it pays alright, and of course modeling and art and fashion.”

“Ever worked with Rarity?” Maud blurted out, still somewhat in an embarrassed state. She was already telling herself off mentally for asking.

“Oh, Rarity is always a treat to work with! She’s such a dear with all the dresses she’s helped me with and I cannot recommend her enough!” Midnight giggled. “I have her number, do you want me to arrange a-”

“No.” Maud stated, getting up and looking over at Sunny. “how long will Sunny be out?”

“Hard to say, I don’t really deal with passed out children. I’d say a few more hours. You’re free to stay here until you think it’s good to head out again. Not like I have many people coming out here on a regular basis.” Midnight glanced over as Hurricane came back in, putting a few glasses of water down on a nearby table.

Trixie walked over, taking a long drink in one go. “Is… it alright if I step out to get some air? I really need to clear my head.” she asked, looking over to Maud.

“Do you want me to come with?” Maud asked, slowly getting up.

Trixie shook her head. “It’s better if she has someone she knows with her when she wakes up, and it’s best to not leave her with two strangers.” she turned to Hurricane and Midnight. “No offense meant.”

Hurricane simply smirked. “None taken.”

Maud looked at Trixie, nodding. “Be safe.”

Trixie gave a nod back and headed out, feeling her body shake as she entered the elevator. She hadn’t felt this kind of fear, panic, and anxiety in years. She slowly ran a hand through her hair, taking deep breaths. Sweet Celestia, what was going on?

She stumbled out of the elevator and through the lobby back out onto the streets, the air hitting her face… and a body hitting her. “Gah!” The two fell to the ground, with them both getting up soon after.

“Oh, I’m so so very sorry!” The other pony said, slowly getting up and adjusting their glasses. They had a messy curly brown mane and a light brown coat and wings to match it. She was wearing a light blue hoodie jacket and sweat pants, wiping them off as she helped Trixie up. “Are you alright?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Trixie bumps into other ponies every once in a while. How about you?” Trixie asked, readjusting herself.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. Bumped my head enough times on doorways and ceilings that I’ve built and immunity to it, I suppose,” the pegasus said, looking around. “Do you know where I can find this address?” she asked, pulling out a phone from her pocket and showing an address to her.

Trixie shook her head. “Nope. Trixie is as new to this place as your are. Sorry.”

The pegasus simply smiled. “Right, well thanks. Gotta get to a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

“Hoping to find some rare haunted video games!” The pegasus said, beaming brightly.

“...Ah. Of course.”

Substory - Hyper Realistic Blood…?

“Best of luck with that. What’s your name? Maybe I can help you find some good stuff soon, if I come across it.” Trixie asked, knowing this was something she’d have to remember for later.

“Name’s Page Starter, though you may know me online with the handle of OGTG!” Trixie didn’t. “Please, please please do! I’m always looking for new stuff to write about and the like,” she said, before running off.

‘Best to remember her in case I find that address. Sounds like it’s near a possible shopping district…’ Trixie thought to herself as she walked down the street. She needed another drink.

Lilly slowly raised her head up from the cold metallic table as she sat heard someone walked in. A unicorn she didn’t recognize took a seat across from her. “Uh… who are you?” she asked, rubbing her forehead.

“I’m your lawyer, you asked for me specifically on this,” the unicorn responded, setting down a set of files and going through them. “It’s good that we talk about your history of prior arrests, to get on top of things.”

“P-Prior arrests? I’ve never done anything serious before! What, is shoplifting something that makes me look worse?” Lily asked, tapping her hooves against the floor. “And I know who to call for this kind of stuff, and you are not them,” she said, clearly annoyed.

Her ‘lawyer’ just pulled out a few pics, their horn flickering for a moment. “Noted temper throughout high school, small bit of a violent streak for a while?” they continued, a smile smile creeping across their face as Lily got more notable angry. “Resisting and swinging at a cop, not wise.”

“I never swung at any of those cops! I was scared because they came out of nowhere and started pulling me away!” Lily shouted, jumping up from her seat. “Look at me, I don’t want you! You don’t represent me!” she said, horn slowly glowing.

“Perhaps this is needed to get you some anger management classes for the sake of your daught-” the unicorn was cut off as they were flown into a wall, Lily glaring at them.

“Don’t you dare imply things like that!” Lily shouted, horn glowing as she held onto them. The unicorn could see thin whips of purple smoke coming from Lily’s eyes and horn as they only turned their heads.

“Help! Help! She’s getting violent! She’s trying to kill me!” they called out, officers rushing in and beating Lily down restraining her as she started to scream and try to fight back.

The unicorn watched as she pulled out and dragged off, violently kicking and screaming as they pulled out a phone. They dialed a number. “Don’t have to worry about things on this end.” They listened to the other end for a bit. “Yeah. Worked like a charm.”

Spectacle sighed as she worked behind the counter. It was a long, draining day and she had no idea when to close things up anymore. She could only hope that Trixie and Sunny were somewhere safe.

The door to the store opened as another unicorn, sporting a red mane with a few purple stripes and glasses, walked in, looking around. “Can I help you with something in particular?” Spectacle asked, just hoping to get them in and out.

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard this place has a lot of white crystalline roses, is that true?” the unicorn asked, walking towards the back of the shop.

Spectacle perked up at this, walking with her. “Celebrating an anniversary or the like?” she asked, leading her to the more rare flowers.

The unicorn nodded. “My girlfriend’s been helping get ready for a huge event and I would love to show her that I’m always there and ready to support her, you know?”

Spectacle nodded. “One of the best things you can do for a partner is be there for them. Love is truly a powerful bond, making such great magic,” she said, chuckling. “For my old husband, I grew him a bouquet of sparkling jade dragons,” she explained. “… made things awkward when I walked in and the sparkles revealed he was sharing the bed with another male.”

The unicorn just awkwardly laughed with her. “I doubt my girlfriend is like that, thankfully,” she responded. They looked at the roses together. “Yeah, I’ll take a whole bouquet of them,” she said.

She glanced over to a wall, seeing a photo of Spectacle and Trixie. “The other worker not in?” she asked.

“Oh, my daughter. She’s out. Meeting up with old friends, you know? Hoping it’s a chance for her to meet the one,” Spectacle responded.

“... What’s her name? Sorry if that seems intrusive, but she looks familiar to me,” the unicorn said, following her back to the counter.

“Trixie. The Great and Powerful, if you recognize her for anything,” Spectacle suggested, ringing up the roses as the unicorn paid.

“I knew it! I never could forget a pony like that!” they replied, paying before taking the roses and heading for the door. “Heard there were some noise here earlier. Everything alright?”

Spectacle simply gave a shrug. “It’s slowly getting better… I think.”

The unicorn nodded and walked out, just as an older looking one walked in. “Alright, so where’s my granddaughter?” they asked Spectacle, showing that Inky’s call did take place.

Moondancer punched some numbers into a payphone. “Hey.”

Jet-Flame picked up on the other end, walking around a rather massive conference room. “How’d it go?”

“Well, I can confirm that Trixie is the one I was thinking of. The magician that used to work with Starlight,” Moondancer explained.

“What’s she up to now?”

“Seemingly, just working at a flower shop. I doubt she’s even in contact with Glimmer these days,” Moondancer responded, eyeing the roses she was holding. “Got a call from the holding center. The test went perfectly, and there’s no chance of Lily getting out anytime soon.” She paused, glancing at the roses again. “What should we do about them and the girl?”

Jet thought on it, looking out a window at the city. “Eh, treat them as a risk to be dealt with, but manageable. One unicorn getting a luck shot on a loser isn’t gonna be able to take much else. We just need to send some muscle to wear them out, get the kid, and try to sweep it under the rug,” she explained. “See you back at the palace?”

“Yeah, sounds nice.” Moondancer said, ready to walk home. “By the way, got you a gift. Know you’re gonna love it.”

“Heh, you didn’t need too. Well… see you at home.

“See you too. Love you.” And with that, she was on her way back home, roses in hand. Even if it turned out she wasn’t into this type, Moondancer knew it could still be used for power related reasons. And she thought it would look nice on the coffee table.

Author's Note

Wonder who that dope Trixie crashed into was supposed to be...

Fun fact, I based Hurricane and Midnight off of character I wrote for a piece long ago. They weren't ponies but humans. Can't remeber where the original story is, but they've been in my mind for a while to say the least. Midnight is based off Grace Jones and Hurricane uses They/She pronouns!

Here's to another year of learning and growth and improvement! I don't know when my next fic piece will be, but if I'm stupid enough/brave enough, I'll write a story to be used soon. I love my girlfriend, she's so cool and great and supportive, and man she's so great! Happy Holidays folks!