Guardian Angel

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 16
Epilogue
Chapter 15

Prologue

Just who did that unicorn think she was!?

Trixie was running from Ponyville. She couldn’t stand the embarrassment she had been forced to endure.

I… I could’ve defeated the Ursa Minor! Only reason she did it was because she had the advantage of research!

Trixie slid to a halt, and looked over her shoulder. The quiet town of Ponyville… the latest stop on her wagon route. It was supposed to be an easy stop. Pull into the town center, set up, and perform for the citizens.

Couldn’t they all see it was an act? I… I didn’t actually mean anything I said!

The business of a showpony… was all just that. A show and she put it all on for free! She relied entirely on donations of bits, and whatever the good folks she was putting the show on for were willing to give her. All she really had was her wagon.

Her wagon.

Trixie’s vision began to blur, and her eyes stung with tears.

That was… the last thing that… it was all I had! My home! My… my show supplies! My source of income! And that… that bear destroyed it like it was nothing!

She grit her teeth, and tried to blink away her tears. But… she just couldn’t. Her wagon was… it was everything. Trixie let out a quiet sob. Then the waterworks came, and didn’t stop until Trixie was balling her eyes out, staring out behind her at the town that had cost her everything.
Well… at least I still have some bits left… illusionary magic isn’t just for tricks after all… with some creativity, it can be used for a large number of applications!

Illusionary magic was entirely reliant on the beliefs of the audience. If Trixie could make the audience herself she could trick herself into believing many things. For example, carrying items. Saddlebags were bulky and got in the way of show magic, so… if she tricked herself into thinking that she wasn’t carrying anything, she could have a makeshift space to store some basic items in. She focused on calling her travelling pack into reality, and with a pop, some saddlebags seemingly were summoned into existence. Amateurs would call it a subspace pocket, or some form of summoning. But in reality, it was all in the head. Mind over matter, after all.
Let’s see what we got here… some basic, dried, travelling oat sticks, bars of granola… a spare hat, which I’ll have to put on now, I suppose… and… aha! One bag of… 100 bits… well, it isn’t much… but it hopefully should be enough for me to put up in an apartment, maybe in Canterlot. Those stuffed-up nobles don’t understand even the basics of creativity! And, on top of that, they all have a good amount of money to spend!

“Yes, this is a good choice of action for Trixie! Trixie will go to Canterlot and perform there until she can buy a new wagon to begin travelling again!”

Trixie exclaimed to nobody in particular.

“Is that so, eh?”

Came a gruff voice suddenly behind Trixie. Trixie let out a whinny of surprise, and spun around immediately. Her heart sank. Another unicorn had snuck up behind her, unbeknownst to Trixie, and was now brandishing what looked to be a knife threateningly in his white, magical aura.
“If yous got enough bit t’get t’Canterlot, yous surely must have somethin’ else too. Hand it over. Or else.”

He’s got a knife! I… I don’t know what to do here!

Trixie didn’t let her internal panic show, though she did take a couple of steps back, and let a cocky smile appear on her face.

“You dare to threaten the Great, and Powerful, Trixie!?”

Think, think, think! There’s only one of him… and he’s not attacked yet… perhaps I can get out of this.

“Trixie has faced down bigger, and more threatening foes than the likes of you.”

The stallion let out a cruel laugh.

“You tink I’s oblivious? Yous nothin’ but a showboating, wussy pony who can’t back her words!”

He must’ve seen my… failure in Ponyville. Doesn’t he know that I have nothing anymore! Why is he doing this?

Trixie let a flippant smile across her face as she tossed her mane, and continued to back up.

Just a little bit more and I should be able to book it back to Ponyville… even they won’t let someone like me be robbed… right?

“Trixie believes that some ponies should use glue instead of lipstick, little filly.”

A look of anger flashed across the stallion’s face.

Seems like I found a weak spot… maybe we can exploit this… then again… if he’s angry, he might do worse to me. Regardless, it doesn’t matter. Just… a little… further…

Trixie suddenly bumped into something, and her heart sank even more. She surreptitiously looked behind her to see what she’d bumped into, and all hope of escaping vanished. A huge stallion, the likes of which she’d never seen before loomed over her. Her ears flattened in fear, and she couldn’t help but shrink away from the earth pony who was grinning nastily over her. There were clear gaps in his teeth, and hygiene… certainly wasn’t something he considered important, judging from the smell.

I… I can’t run… should I just drop what I have? But… I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t have anything!

Trixie then made one choice. She couldn’t run, she couldn’t afford to hand over her belongings… so she had nothing else to do, but fight.

“So, were was we, eh? Oh, I know. You were going to be dropping all that you had for me. And, well, I was going to leave it at dat. But now you’s gone and made me angry. You won’t like so much now tha’ I’m angry.”

Just three steps closer…

Trixie gulped. Was she really doing this?

Two more steps.

Yes. She was doing this. Trixie had her pride. And these ponies were clearly going to harm her.

Just one more step…

She had no choice in the matter.

Now!

She put all of her magic into the brightest flash of light that she could summon, accompanied by the loudest peal of thunder she could pull off. The unicorn reeled back in surprise, losing focus on keeping his knife aloft. She then aimed a buck as hard as she could to the stomach of the earth pony behind her. She may not be an earth pony, but she could still buck! The stallion let out a wheeze, and Trixie used that to her advantage. She then created the illusion of smoke surrounding her. She could see just fine, it wasn’t there after all, but the other two… She bolted as fast as she could, scooping up the knife in the process, just in case. A few subtle changes to the illusion field meant that the smoke cloud would follow the would-be muggers as long as she maintained concentration. She may not have the finesse and raw power of that one lilac unicorn in Ponyville, but multitasking was a part of the showbiz. She could do this. And she kept running. Not looking back until she nearly collapsed from exhaustion nearly an hour later. Several hills and curves between her and her assailants.

Chapter 1

“You and I have unfinished business, Twilight!”

I… I may have overdone the magic here on that white unicorn…

No, they all deserve to suffer for what they did to Trixie!

Trixie winced inwardly. That was true… Twilight was arguably the reason she was nearly mugged all that time ago... And why she had to take on the job at the rock farm. Being a showmare, she was used to the occasional heckler, and even sometimes the outright mean ones in the crowds she performed for. But… never had it been so bad before… She turned her attention back to the unicorn she had since learned the name of. Twilight Sparkle. Personal student of Princess Celestia. And unparalleled in raw, magical power.

“Why are you bullying my friends, Trixie?” Twilight asked.

These ponies are all her friends? But… that would mean… Why am I doing this?

Because they ruined Trixie!

But… my boasting was what led to the Ursa Minor being led to town!

Those two foals were the reason the Ursa Minor was lured! Not Trixie!

Speaking of which…

“I’ll just keep casting spells until you accept my duel, Twilight!”

Snips and Snails ran screaming away, having been conjoined at the horn.

Who… who would do that?

They put Ponyville and Trixie at risk!

That’s… yeah but… that seems a bit… cruel.

“Trixie. Put him down!”

The baby dragon, Spike, was terrified. Trixie could tell. One had to learn how to gauge an audience’s reaction in order to better perform. Trixie was horrified.

I… doesn’t that hurt?!

Why should that matter to Trixie?

Because that’s wrong!

He helped with embarrassing Trixie.

No… no. Trixie only embarrassed herself. Trixie shouldn’t have gone so far in her boasting!

“Alright Trixie. Let’s duel.”

Trixie looked at Twilight. She was angry. Furious. She wanted Trixie gone forever. To never see Trixie again.

The audacity!

Should Trixie blame her? After all, Trixie was hurting her puny little pony friends.

“Draw!”

Trixie started by throwing an apple cart towards Twilight.

No. Aim for the group of ponies. Trixie would force Twilight to turn her back on Trixie!

That’s… a good plan! Trixie would love to make more ponyvillians suffer for the things they did to Trixie!

This isn’t right… Trix--I shouldn’t do this! It’s too late now. Trixie is now mine. N--no! Trixie doesn’t want to! I am myself! You are Trixie. But… Trix--I don’t want to! It has been done. Please don’t make me… Trixie isn’t making anyone but herself do this.

“And now. It is time. For you to leave ponyville FOREVER!”

Trixie cannot believe how easy that was! And now Trixie has gotten her revenge. Now Trixie can do what she wants.

I...Trixie want… to st--TRIXIE HAS NO SUCH DESIRE. TRIXIE IS HAPPY! No… I’m not… SILENCE FOAL! You can’t silence yourself…

“She’s already gone!”

Trixie threw Twilight away from behind her puny friends.

Now that she’s out of the way…

Trixie cast the most powerful shield spell in her arsenal. Twilight would not interfere. This was now Trixie’s town.

Why? Why am I doing this? Trixie is merely giving Twilight Snarkle her just deserve. But… this is her home. What right do I-- does Trixie have to-- punish that puny unicorn and put her in her place!

“You two! Hurry up with my throne!”

Trixie could get used to this. These ponies will do anything that Trixie desires.

“I thought I told you to dance!”

Perhaps some… encouragement is needed.

Trixie cast a spell that made Pinkie Pie believe that she had to dance, and that her very life depended on it.

That’s manipulation though! You… I… am forcing ponies to do what they don’t want to against their will!

And they will learn to love it! They will learn to cope, and do what is necessary to survive! Just like Trixie did!

Not… not like this…

“Pull you fools!”

Trixie couldn’t be bothered to walk. And what better ponies to drag her to the forcefield breach than the two imbeciles who caused this whole mess!

It is perfectly justified.

No…
“You three! What are you doing?”

Some beavers were smacking the forcefield with their tails. One of them chattered some gibberish and gestured towards the forcefield.

Trixie supposes that she shouldn’t infringe upon the beaver’s needs.

Trixie rolled her eyes, and lifted the forcefield just high enough for the beavers to leave, then let the barrier fall behind them.

I deserve something… much nicer to sit in.

Trixie pulled upon her magic, and summoned a massive throne of gold.

They… they can’t possibly pull this! It’ll hurt them!

Trixie doesn’t care!

Yeah… I suppose Trixie doesn’t care about anything…

***

“And it’s way more powerful than your measly Alicorn amulet!”

The nerve of that pony…

Then, I guess you’ll never see the truly awesome power of this amulet beyond the Everfree Forest!”

Trixie must have that amulet. She must!

No… Trixie’ll just use it to hurt more ponies…

Trixie will merely use it to further her own agenda!

Now that I--Trixie, thinks about it… yes. That amulet could be all powerful!

“Okay, okay. You’re on! A second duel.”

That amulet will belong to Trixie… she just needs to trick Twilight Snarkle into taking it off!

Yes… start with something simple, like an age spell. Let’s see what that amulet is truly capable of!

“Let’s start with a simple age spell!”

“Yes. Let’s.”

Look at her. Look how smug and sure of herself she looks. That amulet must be powerful!

Powerful indeed…

Trixie cast the aging spell on Snips and Snails again. And before her, were two crying babies.

“Now, lets see what your little charm can do.”

“No problem.”

This should be good.

I am… intrigued.

And before her stood baby Applejack and Rarity.

What power and such ease…

Yes, look how easy that was. Twilight isn’t even breaking a sweat!

“Oh ho-hum. So you can perform an age spell. Big deal.”

And then like a maelstrom, Twilight Sparkle cast spell after spell. Duplication spell, multiple instrument playing spell… and… a gender swap spell?

That amulet will be mine.

…

“With this amulet, I can-hey!”

Trixie laughed evilly.

“With this amulet… I shall now rule… all of Equestria!”

She didn’t even pay attention to when the Rainbow-colored one stole the Alicorn amulet out of her hooves. Why should she care?

Hook, line and sinker.

What?

You just got played!

I--- no. TRIXIE disagrees!

You’re not Trixie! Begone from my head!

You are Trixie. You are me!

I don’t do what you do.

No matter you don’t control me!

No. I never did. And now you don’t control me! BEGONE!

What is happening? My… my power… it’s… a trick. IT WAS A TRICK!

Hook. Line. And Sinker.

YOU FOAL! YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF--

Quiet. I need to reestablish myself.

“Can’t you… forgive me?”

“Hmmmm....” Went Twilight Sparkle. Trixie’s heart sank.

Who am I kidding… I was tinkering with dark magicks… I don’t deserve forgiveness…

Trixie cast her smoke illusion, turned tail, and ran. She didn’t even bother to listen to what Twilight had to say. She had broken Equine law. As a citizen of Equestria, Twilight was obligated to turn her in. It wasn’t until she was well outside of Ponyville did Trixie realize she had made a wrong turn. She was along a little-known road bordering the Everfree Forest. Trixie gulped.

This… I shouldn’t be here. I should… I should turn myself in. I need to pay for what I did… maybe then I could beg forgiveness…

A low growling interrupted her thoughts. Trixie immediately broke out of her musing, and looked around in a panic. She was low on magic, the Alicorn amulet had drained her of most of her magical energy, and she was in the LAST place she should while suffering from magical fatigue. Her fears were confirmed. Stalking towards her was a beast made of what looked to be wood and timber.

Timberwolves… I remember reading about those… they’re vicious, and many creatures have fallen victim to their sharp teeth… some even… some even died.

I could die here, tonight. Nocreature would know.

…

Maybe that’s for the best…

Despite her internal monologue, Trixie’s instincts took over when the Timberwolf lunged. Trixie lept back, and turned tail, intent on dashing as fast as she could back towards Ponyville. Another growl accompanied the snarling of the first timberwolf, followed by a third. She was surrounded!

Trixie was breathing heavily. She wouldn’t let herself be torn to pieces, logic and reason went out the window, as all her thoughts and emotions focussed on one thing and one thing only.

To survive.

She pulled all the magical power she could feel within herself, not caring about how much it hurt. Nothing else mattered. She had to survive. She pointed her horn towards the first timberwolf, and with a scream of pure desperation, she just pushed all that magical power out the timberwolf yelped and then wailed as it caught fire. Before long, all that remained was ash. She then lashed out without thinking, and bucked behind her. Pain flared up along her rear hooves, but she paid it no attention. She heard splinters, and another pained yelp from the second timberwolf. That was the last thing she did though, as she suddenly felt a weight on her back. Pain. That was all that she felt, she fell to the ground, exhausted.

She felt… strangely cold. Even as pain overtook more and more of her thoughts, she could acutely feel the cold that was spreading from where points of pain originated. Everything seemed to come into focus, and slow down. She could hear her own heartbeat, feel every painful breath she took, she could hear a dripping noise. Drip, drip, drop.
Something liquid dripped down to the ground in front of her. It was red. She could feel a slimy substance wetting the fur on her neck. She suddenly found herself being flipped so her belly and throat were exposed. She stared up into the gaping maw of the timberwolf.

So… this is it… I suppose I deserve nothing less. After what I did… even if it wasn’t entirely me… I still made the choice to pursue dark magic.

The maw opened up to a seemingly impossible width.

I hope it’s clean, and quick. Predators are fast, usually. Right? The timberwolf will rip out my throat, and I’ll die soon after, and sustain its pack.

And then a rainbow blur filled her vision. Time sped up again.

The timberwolf’s yelp was abruptly cut short, and the wolf collapsed into timber. All that remained was a cyan pegasus.

Almost like a rainbow had fallen from the sky to protect me in my darkest hour...

“Are you… my guardian angel?”

Trixie managed to utter, before everything went black.

Chapter 2

Beep, beep, beep.

Ugh… What is that infernal beeping sound?

Trixie opened her eyes, and immediately shut them.

Too bright…

Trixie then noticed something. Or, rather, a lack of something. She couldn’t feel anything at all below her midsection. She began to breathe heavily.

First step, take account of your surroundings… you’re in a bright white room, and can’t feel anything.

She started breathing faster.

Am I in Elysium? Or… is this Tartarus? Am I even dead? No… I’m breathing… that generally indicates life.

Trixie tried to shift in her, admittedly, uncomfortable position. She couldn’t. She started breathing more and more heavily, the beeping sound started getting faster.

“She’s conscious? Quick! Get her under sedation!”

Trixie felt a prick, and gradually her breathing slowed, then she couldn’t feel anything at all.

The next time Trixie opened her eyes, she couldn’t see much of anything. It was too dark.

I can’t see anything… a quick modification of the flare spell to gradually increase light into a ball of floating, contained, self-replicating flares, and we have a light spell! Admittedly… if I could just cast a light spell, it would be incredibly easier.

In the flickering light of her lighting-flare spell, Trixie could now see that she was in what looked to be an ancient bastion of old. Ancient tapestries could be heard fluttering, but her paltry light spell couldn’t illuminate them. She was close to a stained-glass window, and the window seemed to follow the wall in a curve. This led her to believe she was in a dome of sorts. But that was just speculation. The facts were, she was a small island of light in a sea of darkness.

Yes, a small island indeed.

Trixie jumped, the voice seemed to permeate her entire existence. It was omniscient, and the voice echoed for an eternity around her.

I shouldn’t be here…
I disagree. I believe that you are right where it is that you belong.

“Show yourself! Trixie does not fear you! Nor does she respect those who hide in the dark, doing nothing!”

And yet… within you I sense… terror. Weakness.

Trixie modified her spell once more. The simpler the spell, the more one could mould with it. Yes, the effects would have to be similar, and no simple cantrip could replicate the effects of legendary alliteration spells, but… creativity meant one could get very close. Albeit in a more roundabout manner. Trixie moulded the thaumic energy of her self-contained, self-replicating flare spell into a directional light spell. The ball of energy concentrated its total effects, and created a beacon of light that pierced into the darkness. Trixie sighed.

Good. It worked.
Clever. That is something that I cannot deny of you.

“Trixie grows tired of your smoke and mirrors. Show yourself!”

And yet… you always keep that facade up. I wonder… just what is it that you fear? What is it that makes you tick?

Trixie rotated the sphere of directional light, and scanned the room that she was in. Looking up, she could now see that the tapestries she had heard before were indeed there… they were just blank, an absence of all color, and no insignia. Trixie’s prior assumption of being within a dome proved to be true though. Near the top she could see the reflection of light off what she could only guess was a sky-window. Beyond it though… was just darkness. Trixie shuddered, and directed her light away from the roof. Yet, no matter where she looked… no figure was shown.
If only I could light this whole room… but my magic isn’t strong enough… no amount of creativity can replicate true magical power....
Ah. There it is. In spite of all that bravado, you still are pathetic.
“You-you don’t know that! Trixie doesn’t have to listen to the likes of you!”

No… I suppose not. All that you have to do is listen to yourself.
“I-I… TRIXIE! Listens to herself just fine! You don’t know anything. You can’t even bring yourself to be seen in the light! All you do is hide in the darkness like a coward. Trixie doesn’t deal with the likes of cowards. Show yourself!”

As you wish.

And suddenly, Trixie could see. There was no light, Trixie could still sense darkness around her. But she could see all the same.
Right behind you.

Trixie wanted to examine the room. She really did. See where the exit was. But she felt herself turning around to face the mysteriously familiar voice. Desperately she drank in every detail she could, but to her dismay… there were no exits. Just smooth, glass, walls. And then her vision was taken up by the figure who had been taunting her at last.

The… monstrosity in front of her was not one Trixie had ever seen before… It towered above her, its face had one eye of pure blackness, there was no pupil that she could make out. The figure had no skin or fur, and Trixie could see muscle tissue and bones. The mouth was a row of sharp teeth that looked as if they could tear apart a manticore with ease. The row of teeth covered the entire facial area from cheek to cheek. The figure had no ears, and it appeared to be clenching its teeth together. The figure was staring at her, and Trixie couldn’t look away. Something wasn’t letting her. All Trixie could do was whimper in fear.

Her gaze remained locked on the hellscape of a face that was before her. Trixie could feel ice-cold tendrils of fear run across her back. She shivered. Then it opened its mouth. The mouth unhinged itself, and the teeth angled outwards, and all Trixie could see was teeth.

“CEASE!”
Another voice.
You are treading on dangerous terrain, dear princess.

The teeth slowly faded from vision, as did the figure, until all Trixie could see of the previous figure before her was a silhouette of an alicorn.

“Begone spirit. Plague this pony no more!”

I am compelled to obey. Be warned though princess. I cannot be held back for eternity. You know this as much as I do.

“LEAVE THIS PLACE LEST YOU BE EXPELLED FROM IT!”
As you wish… princess.
And then Trixie saw the alicorn silhouette fade from her vision as well. She fell to the floor of this prison, weeping. As sobs wracked her body, she felt warmth unlike she had felt since she had been born surrounding her. She looked up to see the soft smile of the diarch of the night. She was wrapped in the wings of the princess of the night. Her lip trembled.

“Hush now, little pony. That creature will bother you no more.”

The dam broke, and Trixie let out a wail, and buried herself into the lunar princess’s embrace. She wanted that warmth to never leave her. It was… safe.

“I’ll make this right…” A soft voice murmured.

“It would be best that you don’t remember this night… creatures of The Beast are not for the minds of mortal ponies…”

Trixie just shuddered, and nuzzled further into the warmth of her savior.

“Awake now… little pony… you’ve a life to live.”

***

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Ugh… What is that infernal beeping sound?

Trixie upended her eyes, and squinted against the sudden light. She couldn’t help but sneeze.

What… happened? Last I remember… I was set upon by timberwolves… and then there was a rainbow… now I’m here?

She tried to sit up, ignoring the sudden pounding in her skull, and looked around her. She was in a white room, to her side was a nightstand with a glass of water atop it. She was laying upon an odd-looking bed.

This… must be a medical facility. That’s the only conclusion I can come to. Somepony saved my life… and I must’ve fallen unconscious. This is probably the room I was moved to after… whatever medical attention was needed had been administered.

She reached out with her magic, and levitated the glass of water to her dry lips. She was more thirsty than she had been in a long time. The water was refreshing, and Trixie felt rejuvenated.

So… what next? Somepony has to come check on me eventually. But, that could be hours from now.

Trixie rolled to her side, and let her legs fall off the bed. With a muffled clop, she fell to the floor. Her legs buckled a bit, but she quickly caught herself.

Right. I’ve been in bed for a significant amount of time. Legs are probably asleep.
She went through some basic exercises, ignoring the pins and needles. She lifted each leg, and performed a series of circular motions to get her blood flowing again. After that, some direct applications of minor telekinesis and she massaged her legs until she felt they would be properly awake.

Let’s try this again.

Trixie took one step, then another. When she found that she was encountering no hardships, she walked to the door that she assumed led into whatever hospital she had found herself in. Trixie yawned as she reached out with her magic to turn the doorknob. Nothing happened though. Confused, she studied the door. Nothing seemed odd about it, and yet… she tried again with her magic.

Ah. That’s… unfortunate.

Her magical aura initially surrounded the doorknob, as if to open it, but then it spread across the whole door, before fizzling out of existence.

Magically sealed. I suppose that can only mean one thing…

Trixie sighed, magically sealed doors were indicative of a suspect of a crime being apprehended. Sure, given enough constant energy, the magic sealing the door could be overwhelmed and she’d be able to leave, but with her limited mana pool, it would take ages to overload even the most green of trained casters of the spell. It was designed to shed stored magical energy at a certain rate, directly proportional to the severity of the individual being contained, the size of the object the spell is being cast upon, and the relative skill level of the caster. Besides… Trixie didn’t even want to escape. She wanted to atone for her mistakes, and earn the forgiveness of the creatures she had hurt. All that was left to do now… was wait.

***

Trixie laid back on the hospital bed. Her water glass, now half empty, flew in lazy circles around her head. She concentrated, and pulled the water out of the glass, adding it to the circle around her head. She grit her teeth, and the water flowed in a halo around the glass. A pencil she had found in the room randomly was added to the increasing orbit, and she started making shapes with the objects and water. First a figure eight, the water glass in the center, and the pencil flying through each individual loop, then she created a star pattern with the water, which the water glass pierced through, then flipped upright. The water scattered as if it had been smashed through, before forming into several flowing lines of water, all leading into the glass, which then appeared to balance atop the pencil.

Trixie tapped her hoof on her chin, then concentrated again. Individual droplets of water formed what seemed to be sparkles, and she tapped the pencil to the water glass as she would a wand in her shows of old, she then forced the droplets to fly together into a blob that took no shape in particular. The glass flew into the floating blob, creating a hole that the pencil followed. Not a drop touched the pencil, but the hole closed around it, and it floated within a pocket of air.

A cough interrupted Trixie’s concentration, and with a pop, her magical aura disappeared. The water, glass and pencil, which had been held up solely by Trixie’s magic, now found themselves once again affected by gravity. Trixie yelped as she was soaked by the water, then muttered muted curses when the pencil hit her, but cut off her swearing in a hiss of pain as the water glass hit her, then tumbled to the bed.

She turned her attention to the pony who had just walked in on her. A mare with soot-colored fur and dark green eyes was shaking, while holding her hoof to her mouth as if to prevent herself from laughing. Her mane was primarily blue, with a single streak of orange in it. She was wearing a nurse’s scrubs, and in her green magical aura was a clipboard and a pencil.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing. Are you feeling okay?”

Trixie scoffed.

“Trixie is always alright. And if you hadn’t ruined her concentration…”

“Yes, yes. I know. Anyways, your magic seems to be functional, you aren’t muttering about darkness, smoke, mirrors and princesses any more, and apart from a small bump on your head, you should be fine. The magical operation was a success.”

Trixie rolled her eyes.

“Of course Trixie is fine. Was there ever any doubt?”

The smiling nurse’s face fell, and her eyes hardened.

“You were on your deathbed when you were brought to Ponyville General Hospital. From the records, you were suffering from several deep puncture wounds, as well as several deep lacerations across your stomach. It seemed as if you’d been mauled. You’re very lucky that Rainbow Dash came by when she did, or you would have likely been killed.”

Trixie flinched a little at that.

It was that bad? Then… that pony’s name was Rainbow Dash… she was one of Twilight Sparkle’s friends, yes? Why would she… doesn’t matter. I owe her my life.

The nurse’s eyes softened again.

“That didn’t happen though. It looks like you’re going to make a full recovery.”

Trixie just nodded numbly.

“You also have visitors… It’s not my right to pry, but… it looks like you’re either very important, or you have done something terrible. I’ll let them in now.”

And with that, the nurse left, the door clicking behind her.

Time to face the music.

The door opened again, and in stepped a cream-colored pegasus with an officer’s hat on. Her mane was a simple black mane, and Trixie couldn’t see her eyes, as they were covered by shades. She was flanked by a grey unicorn stallion who had brown eyes, and a small chunk missing out of his right ear. His mane was primarily umber, accented by slightly lighter colors.

The mare adjusted her shades before speaking.

“Trixie Lulamoon?”

Trixie nodded.

“Princess Mi Amora Cadenza has requested to speak with you.”

Trixie, unsure of what else to do, just nodded again. The two officers stepped aside, and in marched a lithe, beautiful alicorn. Trixie had travelled much in her life. Before her stood the princess of the Crystal Empire. And in that princess’s blue, magical aura, floated the alicorn amulet. Trixie’s eyes widened, and she backpedaled quickly, falling upon her bed.

“Get that thing away from me!”

She shouted in a near panic.

“I-I never want to see it again! It… spoke to me…”

Cadence looked down at the object floating in her magical aura.

“I suppose that answers that question then. Don’t worry… Trixie, was it? This is not the real amulet.”

Trixie calmed down almost immediately at that.

“Trixie is… glad to hear that. Artifacts such as that have no reason to be sold at common merchant houses. They shouldn’t be sold at all.”

Cadence seemed to be studying Trixie.

“The merchant you bought the aforementioned artifact likely didn’t know its darker past. That being said, yes. I think you’re right. And that’s why the actual amulet is being held in a secure location. Regardless though, that brings me to why I’m here with these two officers. You do understand that you’ve committed crimes against Equestria and her creatures. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

Trixie stared at the ground.

“Trixie has nothing to say in her defense. Trixie deserves whatever punishment deemed worthy of her actions.”

Silence was Trixie’s only answer. Tentatively, she looked up to a smiling Princess.

“I’m glad that we didn’t have to resort to physically detaining you. You seem like a pony who is genuinely sorry for what she’s done… I’ll make sure the other princesses know that.”

Her smile fell after that.

“That being said… Trixie, I am sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to follow these two officers for processing. You will then be sent to the dungeons of Canterlot for whatever sentence is deemed necessary for your actions.”

Trixie lowered her head in submission. Shortly after, she felt a hoof on her chin and found herself looking into the tired eyes of a sympathetic princess.

“You’re doing the right thing here, Trixie. I’ll see what I can do to lessen your sentence.”

And then she was gone. Trixie, flanked by two officers of law, walked through the hospital. Past the two shimmering unicorns in crystalline armor, past the nurse who had first checked up on her, into the streets of a busy street, and into the police carriage waiting for her.

Maybe now I can finally atone for what I did…

Chapter 3

The Canterlot Dungeons weren’t that bad, all things considered… Trixie was guaranteed three meals a day, had shelter, and didn’t have much in the way of responsibilities.

Just having a roof over her head, and guaranteed meals was better than she was used to. The first week she couldn’t eat more than one meal a day. The second week, she was able to eat 2 meals a day. The third week… Rainbow Dash showed up.

Trixie sat in her cell, and contemplated her life. The past year she had barely been able to keep above water. Her shows weren’t bringing in the audiences she had gotten used to, and though she tried to conserve her money, 100 bits can only go so far.

Trixie sighed. No point in staying in the past. She had a chance to make it right.

I can do this.

“So, are you going to keep moping all day, or are you going to bask in the greatness of the one, the only, Rainbow Dash!”

Trixie jumped nearly to the ceiling of her cell.

How did she--

“Please, please contain your applause. I know, I’m amazing. No need to tell me.”

“Trixie… is simply wondering what it is that you’re doing here?”

Rainbow paused for a second, then turned her back on Trixie, and leaned against the bars.

“I was coming to check up on you, no big deal.”

She said with a nonchalant gesture of her hoof.

“Trixie… would like to thank you for saving her life… She wants you to know that it won’t be forgotten.”

Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder at Trixie, seeming to study her face, then with a shrug, turned back around.

“Well, duh. Obviously.”

“Why did you?”

Trixie asked plainly. Rainbow Dash tensed up, before lowering herself to four hooves, and turning to face Trixie fully once more. Her eyes were sharp, taking note of everything within Trixie’s cell.

Trixie suddenly felt very exposed.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Trixie stared at Rainbow Dash, mouthing the words. Then she shook her head in disbelief.

“Because… Trixie was awful to Ponyville! She was nothing more than a bully! And she banished Twilight Sparkle from her own home!”

Trixie’s voice lowered to that of a whisper.

“Trixie was… cruel.”

“Why should that matter?”

Came the pointed retort. Trixie once again found herself not knowing what to say. Rainbow Dash must’ve taken Trixie’s silence as permission to continue.

“Yeah, you were a real jerk. But nopony deserves to be ripped to shreds by timberwolves. Besides… after I flew you to Canterlot, Twilight told me about the amulet--”

“Wait, you flew Trixie all the way to Canterlot?”

Trixie interrupted.

“Uh… yeah! Nopony else would’ve been fast enough. You were… in pretty bad shape.”

Trixie flinched.

“What did Twilight tell you about the amulet?”

Rainbow Dash was leaning against the bars again.

“I didn’t understand half of her egghead speech, but she said something about it controlling you. So, I figured it wouldn’t be fair to judge you based on your actions under the effects of the amulet.”

It’s much more complicated than that… surely Twilight told her that! I had to perform a ritual, and attune to it. It may have altered my personality… but I wanted it to. I was just… so focussed on the power it would give me… So focussed on getting even…

“Hey, are you paying attention? It’s very rude to ignore a pony who’s talking to you!”

Trixie broke out of her internal rambling.

“Trixie apologizes… she was just deep in thought.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever. Anyway, as I was saying, I just wanted to make sure you were recovering alright. This was the earliest I could make it. I gotta fly though, visiting time is almost over.”

And with that, she started towards the entrance.

“Wait!”

Trixie called, Rainbow Dash paused, then turned to face Trixie.

“Yeah? What is it?”

“Could you… talk with Trixie… again some time? It was… nice to talk to another pony. The spiders in here don’t want to talk about anything except web design, and what bug is the most scrumptious.”

Rainbow Dash snickered, while hiding behind her hoof.

“Heh ha! That was a good one, Trixie!”

She studied Trixie again, Trixie shuffled her hooves uncomfortably. Then Dash smirked.

“Sure, I can fit you in my schedule”

Trixie let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to Trixie.”

“Yunno, you’re not all that bad actually, Trixie. See ya!”

And then she was gone. Trixie sighed, and settled back down on her sitting space.

Back to being alone… apart from the guardsponies who bring me my meals. They never have anything interesting to say though. Always in a rush to leave.

Trixie settled down to sleep.

Well, until the next meal.

***

Prison food, albeit bland, wasn’t too bad. It was filling, and warm. The water was fresh, as if from a spring, and Trixie had a mattress. Something she wasn’t used to, at all. Trixie was bored though. Not much to do in the cell, except think. Trixie groaned, thinking was a double-edged sword. On one hoof, it gave Trixie a long time to contemplate what she’d done in life, and make plans for the future.

Once her sentence… however long that was, she figured she’d earn herself some money. The showbiz would always be her soul job, but sometimes reality demanded that one put aside their dreams temporarily, in order to focus on improving skills, and evolving as a pony. That didn’t mean to give up on one’s dreams entirely of course. That would be foalish. Dreams are what define a pony. What they’ll become, what they’ll be remembered for.

On the other hoof though… thinking meant that Trixie couldn’t run from her past anymore. There were no convenient distractions to get in the way of things. So, Trixie would sometimes wake up crying. She never really knew what had happened to her family. She was raised in an orphanage in Canterlot, the only link to her family being her, now destroyed, wagon, and a simple cloak. Now she had neither, and would never again have them.

Trixie felt like a piece of her soul was missing. Who were her parents? What kind of ponies were they?
Would they be proud of who I am today? Locked up in the dungeons of Canterlot because I tampered with dark magicks? All based around some… petty revenge that in the end I didn’t even want?

What did they do for a living?

Why did they abandon me?

Were they dead? If that was the case… who, or what, killed them? Was it from natural causes? Did her mother have complications at birth?

Am I the reason my mother is gone? And did my father leave after he saw that I had killed his wife?
Trixie understood that these thoughts were irrational. There was no way she should be responsible for what her parents did. And yet… that feeling of guilt still existed. She got it in her head… but not in her heart.

Musings like these led to Trixie welcoming something, anything, happening to break the monotony. She hadn’t seen Rainbow Dash in a few days.

I wonder if she’ll ever really come back…

Then the entrance opened, and in stepped Princess Cadence.

“P-Princess! This is… an unexpected pleasure.”

Trixie tried to ignore the sinking sensation she felt in her chest, as she lowered herself into a bow.

“That’s quite alright Miss Lulamoon. No need to be formal, I’m here to talk, actually.”
Cadence’s smile never left her face as she spoke, and Trixie couldn’t help but feel comforted. Raising into a more casual resting position, Trixie noted the clipboard surrounded by Cadence’s blue magical aura, and the curious look in the princess’s eyes.

“Of course, your majesty, Trixie would be happy to answer any questions you have for her.”

Princess Cadence chuckled airidly.

“Well, for starters, how are you doing? Mentally, I mean. You’ve been mostly by yourself for 3 and a half weeks. Are you feeling okay?”

“Trixie is well, bored occasionally, but for the most part she’s doing well.”

Princess Cadence looked concerned.

“Trixie-may I call you that?”

Trixie nodded.

“Well, Trixie, to put it bluntly, the guards have reported you muttering constantly in your sleep, and there are several reports of you waking up with tears in your eyes. It’s very important that you’re honest with me. I’m not here to grill you though, so if you ever feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask me to leave.”

She chuckled again.

“I won’t be offended. So, I’ll ask again. How are you doing? And I ask that as a pony who is genuinely concerned for your mental well-being”

Trixie was silent for a while, trying to get her thoughts in order. She decided to be succinct, and honest. No point in hiding anything.

“Trixie is… feeling lonely. Trixie fears that her past demons are catching up to her in her isolation. Trixie is also looking to the future though. It’s a very confusing combination of emotions.”

Princess Cadence scribbled some notes down on her clipboard.

“Would you like to talk about any of these demons you have?”

“No, Trixie would rather not.”

“I won’t force you to talk about anything you’re uncomfortable with. How about this loneliness? Our records show that Rainbow Dash came to visit you not too long ago. What was it that you two talked about? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Trixie considered what the princess had asked. She knew she could say that she didn’t want to talk anymore, and that the princess would pack up her clipboard, and walk right back out the door. A part of her wanted that. She was… in a vulnerable position. And she wasn’t used to that. Yet, at the same time, the promise of companionship, even if professional, was alluring.

“Rainbow Dash was simply coming in to check up on Trixie. She said that she wanted to make sure Trixie was recovering, and then we got into a conversation.”

“Do you think you’d be happier if Miss Dash came by more often?”

“Trixie would… like that. Yes. It’s only been a few days, but Trixie already finds herself missing talking with another creature.”

“What about me? Would you prefer I left and didn’t come back anymore?”

“No… Trixie finds your companionship enjoyable.”

Princess Cadence seemed taken aback by that.

“Even though it was me who arrested you?”

“You didn’t arrest Trixie, Trixie turned herself in. She wouldn’t lower herself to being turned in by anycreature other than herself.”

“That’s… an interesting way to put it. Okay. I only have enough time for one more question. What are your plans once you are released?”

I’m willing to bet it’s more than curiosity that drove that question. Especially as everything I’m saying is being transcribed.
“Trixie would simply like to work to earn enough bits until she can buy herself another wagon so she can be a travelling entertainer again.”

Cadence scribbled down some more notes into her clipboard.

“Well, thank you for your time, Trixie. Maybe we can do this again sometime soon?”

“Trixie would like that, yes.”

And then she was gone, and Trixie was left alone again.

Well… until the next meal, I suppose. I hope Rainbow Dash stops by again today…

Chapter 4

“Trixie has to ask, did you really pull a nightmare night prank on the entirety of Ponyville?”

“Heck yeah I did! Though, I suppose I should give credit where credit is due. Princess Luna helped, as did Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Though it was mostly me.”

Rainbow Dash laughed as she responded.

“It was great! Everypony ran off screaming and wouldn’t come out until I got Twilight to address them all!”

“Oh, Trixie must hear all the details!”

Trixie propped her head up with her hooves as she stared eagerly at Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, okay! If you really want to, I suppose I could recall the tale. It’s a pretty awesome one, if I do say so myself!”

Trixie nodded.

“It’s one of the greatest pranks I’ve ever pulled! Only rivalled by one other!”

Trixie felt herself leaning forward, wanting to hear more.

“In fact, it very well might be the greatest prank in EQUESTRIA!”
“Just tell me already!”

Trixie snapped, nearly toppling over in the process.

Rainbow Dash studied her for a moment, then grinned.

“I was getting there! Anxious, are we?”

She teased. Trixie couldn’t help but groan.

This is a nightmare… well, based on how she’s hyping up her story, I sincerely hope it’s a good one.

“Okay. It all started on a boring Nightmare Night. It was the first year Princess Luna hadn’t visited in a while. She had grown quite fond of Ponyville… Anyways, I was gloomily looking for some ponies to scare with a basic raincloud prank, when I saw Scootaloo slip into the Everfree Forest.”

“Who’s Scootaloo?”

Trixie asked, genuinely curious. Rainbow Dash sighed frustratedly. Trixie immediately felt bad. She was interrupting the flow of the story. She shrunk closer to the ground when Rainbow Dash turned to glare at her.

“Scoots is kiiiiiinda my adopted sister. Nopony knows who her parents are, she doesn’t talk about them. But she’s not in the orphanage, and she’s not on the streets, that’s for sure. Somepony is paying for her school, food and bathing… we just don’t know who. Uh… Sweetie Belle is Rarity’s younger sister, and Applebloom is Applejack’s sister. Since I figured you’d ask about them too! Now, quiet. I’m recalling an awesome tale here!”

“Trixie is sorry. She just wanted some context is all!”

Rainbow Dash glared at her, before cracking a grin.

“Heh ha! Gotcha.”

Trixie immediately rose to her hooves, and shot a withering glare in Rainbow Dash’s direction.

“You… impudent little… Reprobate! Trixie… can’t tell if she should be impressed or insulted…”

“Mebbe a little bit of both?”

Rainbow asked with a grin. Trixie scoffed.

“Hardly!”

“So then.” Rainbow’s voice lowered. “Which one is it? I’m dying to know.”

Trixie felt herself go pale.

“N-neither!”

Stupid, you stuttered. She’s going to use that against you at some point.
She covered up her internal embarrassment by raising her chin, and giving Rainbow a disdainful look.

“Trixie doesn't have to explain herself to the likes of you. Besides. You have a story to tell, you wouldn’t want to pull Trixie’s attention away from your… hmmmm… what was it?”

She lifted a hoof to her chin in supposed thought.

“Oh yes! Your… awesomeness.”

Rainbow Dash scowled.

“Don’t think I’ll forget this…”

She threatened, but Trixie could see laughter in her eyes. Trixie exhaled, she really didn’t want to hurt Rainbow’s feelings.

“A-HEM! As I was saying, I saw Scootaloo slip into the Everfree Forest. This wasn’t unnecessarily unusual, but it also didn’t happen often enough for me to ignore it. I assumed she would be with the other two, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Those three are inseparable. Anyways, as I flew over to follow Scoots, to make sure she was safe, I saw that she, of course, was meeting up with the other two. They call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. A pretty awesome name, in all honesty. There was no danger in the immediate area, so I just continued to follow them. Who was I to deny them an awesome adventure?”

Trixie was enraptured, but if it was by the story or Rainbow herself, she wasn’t sure.

Where had that come from? Now that I think about it though… I quite enjoy her company. And while I also enjoy my chats with Cadence, something about Rainbow is… alluring. She’s talking to me.

“Uh… wha-what?”

Rainbow was looking at her sternly.

“Where are you at, la la land? C’mon, you looked like your head was in the clouds! Pay attention, or you’ll miss the story!”

“I’m listening. I’m listening, I swear! Please continue!”

“You’re doing that thing again.” Rainbow suddenly said pointedly.

Trixie blinked, confused.

“What’re you talking about?”

“You weren’t speaking in the third pony form.”

Trixie hadn’t even noticed.

“I wasn’t?”

“You still aren’t.”

Trixie stared silently at Rainbow, mouth working silently.

“Soooooooo… what’s up? Is there something wrong?”

Rainbow asked, a concerned look on her face.

“Trixie-- I don’t think so. I hadn’t even noticed.”

She definitely noticed now. And it just… felt right. It was a lot easier to talk to Rainbow in the first pony form. Trixie put her thoughts to words.

“Now that you’ve drawn attention to it, I actually think it’s easier for me to talk to you like a regular pony. It’s like… well, it’s as if I don’t have to act around you.”

“And… you felt like you had to before?”

Rainbow asked.

“Yes, I didn’t know you as well before. I didn’t know how magnanimous you were.”

“Magma-whatsit now?”

Trixie chuckled lightly.

“Magnanimous. It’s… well, you seem to be very forgiving of me. And, though I’ll deny ever having said this, but… you’re better than me. Most of you are.”

She said, talking about Rainbow’s group of friends. Trixie lazily picked up her drink and Rainbow’s, levitating them in mirrored patterns of each other.

Rainbow, who was looking on, shocked at Trixie, then turned her attention to the mirrored glasses of water.

“You’ve been very generous, all things considered.”

Trixie continued.

“You have no obligation to visit me, yet you do anyways, once a week at a minimum, sometimes more.”

The cups, as one, tipped over, spilling their contents. But Trixie caught the liquid in her magical aura.

“And… Well, I just don’t understand it. Saving my life, I can understand that. But checking up on me? Talking with me? I don’t get it.”

The water flowed, still mirroring each other, Trixie wasn’t really paying attention to it though.

“I’m not saying that I don’t appreciate us talking together, by Elysium, I love talking with you. But I guess what I’m trying to say… is why?”

Rainbow, who had been staring, transfixed, at Trixie’s display, jumped and looked at Trixie. The water flowed back into their respective cups, and the two cups settled neatly upon the ground. Rainbow had Trixie’s undivided attention.

“Why what?”

Rainbow asked, almost nervously.

“Why do you talk with me so much, Rainbow?”

Rainbow was silent for an eternity of a few seconds. Trixie kept her gaze locked on her, waiting for her answer.

“I just… like talking with you, Trix. Is that really all that hard to believe?”

The air felt thick between Trixie and Rainbow, though Trixie wasn’t sure why. But the atmosphere seemed palpable. Like it could be cut by a knife.

“You’re… just fun to talk to. I don’t know, it just feels nice okay?”

Rainbow started speaking faster.

“I’m not very good with these emotions things. IwishIhadananswerbutIjustdon’t!”

The tension snapped, as Trixie burst out laughing. Rainbow looked on, confused, before a smile grew on her face, and then she too started chuckling. Before too long, both the ponies were laughing in revelry, no care in the world. But eventually, all good things must come to an end.

Trixie wiped tears out of her eyes as she calmed down. This felt… good. Right.

I like hearing her laugh. She has a nice laugh.
Rainbow was also calming down.

“Did I happen to fluster the world-famous element of loyalty Rainbow ‘Danger’ Dash in a conversation? This is truly an occasion worthy of the history books! For I, the Great, and Powerful, Trrrrrixie have achieved greatness!”

“Whoah whoah whoah! Hold on a second there, lets not forget that I, Rainbow ‘Danger’ Dash managed to make the great, and powerful, Trixie to speak in the first pony form. That is in itself worthy of history.”

“Nay!” Trixie shot back. “My achievement is greater than yours!”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

“Is that a challenge, Trix?”

Trixie matched Rainbow’s expression.

“Maybe it is. What is it that you intend to do about it, Rainbow?”

“You. Me. When you’re out of here. We’re meeting up. And then we’ll see who has the greater achievement.”

Trixie grinned.

“You’re on!”

Somewhere behind Rainbow, a warning chirp came from one of the technomagical speakers in the detention area. Trixie stared at it, disbelievingly.

Where did all the time go?

“Looks like visiting hours are about over.”

Rainbow said. And Trixie excitedly thought she heard regret apparent in her new friend’s voice.

“I suppose so.”

Trixie said softly.

“I’ll uh… catch you later?”

Rainbow Dash hovered by the exit, seemingly not wanting to leave.

“Yes, I look forward to it!”

Trixie called out.

“Yeah… yeah! Of course!”

Rainbow continued, some of her usual bravado back.

“Heh ha. Of course you look forward to it. Why wouldn’t you? Anypony would be honored and excited to see me!”

Oh you have no idea.

Trixie thought to herself. She had a suspicion as to why she was feeling the way she felt, but chose not to explore it.

Not yet…
But Trixie conveyed none of this. She simply smiled, and rolled her eyes. While she did so, Rainbow disappeared through the door.

Always so dramatic about how she leaves.
Trixie thought, exasperated. She pointedly ignored the giddy feeling she felt when she thought about Rainbow Dash and her alluring drama.

Magenta eyes… very pretty. She also keeps herself very fit.

Trixie’s thoughts started wandering.

Her toned muscles, rainbow mane, cyan coat... she’s beautiful.

Then her thoughts wandered in an entirely different direction, but she slammed a mental wall on those thoughts as soon as they came up.

Behave, Trixie.

Instead she focussed on getting to sleep. There was nothing else to really do. As Trixie closed her eyes, she didn’t notice the door to the detention level quietly shut. A blue magical aura surrounding it. Princess Cadence smiled as she turned away from the entrance to the detention level. She had thought she’d detected a spark of something here. The pair she saw was not who she expected initially, but thinking about it, it made sense. The two were built for each other.

My talk with Trixie can wait. She looks like she needs some sleep. Tomorrow though… I might just have to tease her.
Cadence smiled, and gracefully made her way back to her sleeping quarters.

I think things are going to start to get better for her.

***

Trixie cracked her eyes open, seeing the glass of water obediently placed in its usual spot. She sighed.

Same old same old… I’m not sure how much longer I have, I lost track of time…

The door to her room opened with a magical blue glow. Trixie’s mood lifted slightly.

It’s always good to see Cadence. Wonder what she wants to talk about now?
“Cadence!” Trixie called out cheerfully. “How are you today? A bit earlier than usual, aren’t you?”

A smiling Cadence seemed to glide into the room.

How she moves like she does is beyond me. I bet she makes the stallions crazy.
“Good morning, Trixie. I have some great news!”

Trixie shook the remaining fogginess out of her head, then considering the cup of water in front of her, promptly upended it over her. She swiped her mane, and grinned crookedly at Cadence’s pleasantly confused look.

“What? Sometimes Trixie requires a little extra to wake up, and since there’s no coffee… this has to do.”

Cadence just shook her head, never dropping her smile.

I’m surprised her face isn’t stuck like that, the amount of time I see her smiling.
“Now! What kind of news do you have for Trixie today?”

Trixie wasn’t sure why, but she was suddenly in an unbelievably good mood this morning.

Must’ve had some pleasant dreams, not that I remember them.
“You’re set to be released in just a week now! I did some talking, pulled a few strings, and everypony’s agreed that you have served your time!”

Trixie’s jaw dropped.She was… going to be free? She… hadn’t expected to be let out for at least half a decade… and, despite the days blurring together, she was fairly certain it hadn’t even been half a year yet. Cadence continued.

“Especially with some of the information I just brought up! You’ll be let out with some public service, but other than that, nothing else!”

“What… what information did you bring up about Trixie?”

Trixie asked.

“Those notes I always constantly take? They were the primary source.”

If there were no bars between them, Trixie would’ve thrown herself at Cadence and hugged her for eternity. She might’ve even shed some tears.

“Thank you…”

Trixie said softly.

“This means... you have no idea how much this means to Trixie!”

Cadence tilted her head.

“Whatever for?”

“For just… for being here! Besides Rainbow, you’re the only one who visits Trixie. And now you’re telling Trixie that she’s going to be free with nothing more than a slap on the fetlocks? That’s… It’s...”

Trixie felt her eyes burning. She didn’t bother holding back, tears leaked out of her eyes as she just stared happily at Cadence and her warm smile.

“I’m happy to help a friend, Trixie.”

Cadence murmured, offering her hoof through the bars. Trixie didn’t realize it, but she was pressed against the bars, still openly weeping. Cadence’s hoof lifted Trixie’s head so Trixie was looking at Cadence’s kind eyes.

“There is one other thing though.”

Cadence continued. Her hoof retreated back through the bars, and she smiled slyly at Trixie.

“There’s somepony special to you, isn’t there?”

Trixie tried, and failed to hold back a gasp.

“Wha-- I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Trixie mumbled, tearing her gaze away from Cadence.

“Don’t be coy Trixie, come on! Tell!”

Trixie mumbled something under her breath.

“What was that?”

Trixie mumbled again.

“I can’t hear you!”

Cadence called in a singsong voice.

“Okay fine! I’ve been thinking a lot about Rainbow okay? There. Are you happy?”

Cadence let out a very unladylike squeal, and started prancing on her front hooves. Trixie stared, mouth agape. She’d never seen Cadence act this way before. After a moment, Cadence regained control of her composure.

“Oh, I just knew it! You have to tell me everything!”

“There really isn’t much to tell… Trixie finds Rainbow… alluring and attractive.”

“Oh, lies! Lies and slander!”

Cadence stuck her tongue out at Trixie.

“There’s more to it than that!”

Trixie was still utterly confused.

“Uh… Cadence… you feeling okay?”

Trixie asked. That seemed to cause Cadence to pause.

“Yes, I’m fine, why do you ask?”

“It’s just… that…”

Trixie gestured helplessly at the suddenly giddy princess who had been nothing but cool and collected beforehoof.

“Oh, Trixie, I just adore romance! It’s so exciting!”

Trixie just nodded dumbly.

“You won’t… you won’t tell anycreature, will you?”

Trixie asked, tentatively.

“Don’t worry Trixie, your secret’s safe with me. But I thiiiiiink that somepony should tell somepony!”

Her voice was singing again. Trixie groaned.

“Trixie will never hear the end of it until she tells, will she?”

Cadence just shook her head.

“Fine! Trixie will tell! Just… not yet. Trixie wants to get to know Rainbow better first.”

Cadence nodded in understanding, even though in her head a million little versions of her were flying around, hearts in their eyes.

“They’re going to get married, they’re going to get married!”

She chuckled internally. She couldn’t help herself.

“I understand, Trixie. Anyways! That’s all I wanted to talk about! What about you? Something else on your mind?”

Trixie, grateful for the change in conversation, happily chatted away with her friend long into the day.
This isn’t so bad. Why didn’t I try this earlier?

Chapter 5

Trixie was free. Most of the day had gone by in a blur, but all that she knew was that she was a free mare.

She… didn’t know what to do next. She had no money anymore, no shelter… nothing.

She wandered aimlessly through the streets of Canterlot. Cadence had offered her a place to stay in the Castle, but Trixie… really didn’t feel comfortable facing the astral diarchs of Equestria.

Maybe there’s a place that needs a worker, and would be willing to give me a place to rest in return for whatever they need me to do.

Trixie wasn’t sure if things worked that way, but she sure hoped they did. She was frankly surprised that she had no help from the crown. The entire process of being set free involved paying a fine, which used up the last of Trixie’s savings, being told that she had five hundred hours of community service, and then she was let go.

I suppose I should just be happy I’m not living out the rest of my life behind bars. Five hundred hours though...

An idea suddenly popped into Trixie’s head.

Community service just means that I can’t be compensated financially. I don’t see anything that would say that I can’t work for a place to rest for the night.

Trixie hadn’t been told when she needed to complete her service hours, but she felt like she should start working them off as soon as she possibly could. Without even thinking, Trixie had found herself walking into a small cafe in the middle class district of Canterlot. It felt homely, and comforting.
And busy. The café was ridiculously busy.

“We’ll be seating you whenever we can! I’m sorry, but I just can’t get you a time estimate yet!”

Came the pleasant, yet strained voice of a unicorn waitress. Trixie blinked, then opened her mouth to apologize, before she closed it.

“Do you… need help? Is there anything Trixie can do to help you?”

The waitress stared at her, unsure how to respond, before turning around and heading towards a swinging door at the back of the café, calling behind her shoulder as she went.

“I’ll… uh… see what the cook says. We may have some use for a dishwasher, but I don’t know for certain at the moment. One moment please!”

Trixie watched as the chocolate-brown unicorn set four glasses of water and silverware sets on a table where an earth pony, pegasus and two unicorns sat, chatting animatedly with each other, before continuing towards the door to the kitchen

She shuffled on her hooves, and waited awkwardly.

I hope this works out… I really need a place to sleep.
The door squeaked open, and the unicorn she had seen earlier trotted out, three plates of food and one bowl in her olive green magical aura. She weaved her way through the crowded cafe with practiced ease, and set the plates down, one at a time upon the same table she had set the water glasses on.

“Here you go! One order of hasselback potatoes and some roasted baby carrots for the ladies, and we have a bowl of butternut squash bisque for one gentlestallion, and a turmeric roasted fennel, chickpeas and kale salad for the other gentlestallion! Anything else I can get for you folks?”

A chorus of declines followed, and the waitress smiled pleasantly before thanking them and moving on towards Trixie.

“Sorry about that! But yes! We desperately need some help right now, we’re busier than usual, and our cook can’t keep up on the dishes. If you’d be willing to do dishes for the rest of the night, the cook said he’d be willing to discuss some form of payment after the night.”

Trixie smiled, this was perfect.

“Trixie would be happy to help!”

The waitress smiled tiredly, then gestured for Trixie to head to the back of the restaurant. Trixie nodded, and started making her way through, trying her best to replicate what the waitress had done. But she couldn’t, on her way, some stallion jumped up and shouted something about his food being cold, nearly running into her.

“You! You look like you work here, tell that good-for-nothing cook that my peas weren’t uniformly hot! I demand a refund and a new dish!”

Trixie didn’t know what to do! She really didn’t work here! She mumbled something about double checking with the cook, before looking helplessly at the waitress, who was making her way quickly towards them.

The stallion was looking at her expectedly, but Trixie just moved on.

“The waitress will be with you shortly!”

She called out nervously, before making her way more quickly towards the kitchen, nearly tripping over another chair that had somehow materialized in front of her in the process.

Finally she made it through the door, and was met by a whirlwind of action. There was only one cook, and one small grill that didn’t look to be any bigger than one of the tables in the lobby. An earth pony in a chef’s uniform was mumbling angrily under his breath, before suddenly snapping up and towards the door.

“What in the blazes is it now?!”

He snarled, before noticing Trixie.

“You the new dishwasher?”

Trixie nodded dumbly. He sighed with apparent relief.

“Thank Celestia, our damnable dishwasher called in last second today, and we’ve been slammed non-stop ever since. I’ll give you a quick rundown of how the dishwasher works, but then I have to get ANOTHER BLOODY SCUM-SWALLOWING PIECE OF GARBAGE their meal.”

Trixie just nodded again.

“Right, so the machine does most of the work for you, all you have to do is scrub the worst of the plates off, and then put them in that wee little holder there. After that, it’s as simple as pushing the holder full of dishes into the washer, closing it, adding soap into the reservoir below it.”

He gestured to a small reservoir that smelled sharply of cleaning chemicals, and had a small utensil that looked similar to a microphone, but was attached at the back by a chain. It appeared to be a plug of some sorts.

“Then you run water into it by pulling the lever that’s colored black, once you’ve done that for a few seconds, pull that lever back up, then move to the second lever that’s marked with red, and pull it down. That lever will set off a timer, and the machine should do the rest for you.”

Trixie tried following the words as they came spilling out of the cook quickly and clearly. She thought she knew what she was doing.

“You understand?”

The cook asked. Trixie gulped, before responding.

“Ye-yes. Trixie understands.”

“Good, I have to get back to the grill. We’ll talk later.”

Trixie turned to the machine, and the three sinks that seemed to all be overflowing with dishes. She sighed.

Well, it’s not glamorous work, but it’ll have to do.

She got to work, following the loud cook’s instructions as best as she could. After a little bit of time, she was able to block out the swearing and shouting that constantly seemed to be spewing out of the cook’s mouth, and just focused on doing her job, and doing it well. She ignored the feeling of disgust she had at dealing with other ponies’ leftovers, and ignored her burning embarrassment at having been reduced to doing common jobs that anycreature could do off the streets. She’d been in prison for the past several months. Surely she could do some dishes.

***

Trixie was shaken out of her daze. For the past five hours her whole world was moving back and forth across the dishwashing machine, and the three sinks, scrubbing plates, bowls and silverware, shoving them into the machine, and running the dishes through. She blinked blearily at the one who had interrupted her stupor. The smiling face of the waitress pony greeted her.

“Last batch of dishes here!”

Trixie looked between the waitress, who was levitating a plastic container full of dishes, to the nearly-empty sinks and back to the waitress. Trixie was confused, there were no more dishes?

“We closed twenty minutes ago, the cook and I are just finishing up our closing duties now. Register is cleared, and all I have to do now is sweep, then I’m out of here! Cook wants you up front to discuss payment after you finish up with these dishes. Thank you so much for your help! You really saved our flanks tonight!”

“Trixie is… glad to hear that!” The waitress smiled at her pleasantly.

Trixie felt… unexpectedly happy at the thanks of a complete stranger. She took the plastic container from the waitress’s magical aura, and turned back to finish up her work. One last round of scrubbing, rinsing, and putting the dishes through the machine. She assumed they would be drying overnight for the opening work tomorrow. She dried herself with a quick cantrip, then trotted through the door.

The first thing that hit Trixie was the quietness of the café. The lights were mostly off, and everything was neatly organized. Cups were stacked, coffee mugs were set out to dry, tables were all clear and restocked with napkins, sugar, salt and pepper. And standing at the cash register, the cook was muttering under his breath and studying a long piece of paper. Trixie coughed delicately, not wanting to disturb him. He looked up immediately, and upon seeing Trixie smiled.

“Hey, thanks for your help in there. If you hadn’t shown up, I would have had to do dishes as well as make them.”

He chuckled to himself.

“Ponies don’t seem to realize that when we’re full, we can’t make certain dishes quickly. And certain custom orders are simply impossible to make. Anyways, you did a good job tonight. I can’t send you out without some form of compensation, so… Caramel and I set aside some of the tip money today for you. But I’m sure you need something more than thirty bits, so tell me. What do you need?”

Trixie stared at the small stack of bits in front of her. She hadn’t been expecting compensation at all. And where was the loud, swearing cook she had tuned out for most of the day? She heard another chuckle.

“You look confused. Something you need clarified?”

Trixie looked back up to him from the stack of bits.

“Yes, you are correct. Trixie is confused. The pony standing before her, is a lot different from the pony she was introduced to in the kitchen… what gives?”

“You haven’t worked in a kitchen before, have you?”

The cook plainly asked. Trixie shook her head.

“Yep, thought so. To put it simply, when we’re busy like that, or busy at all, my language and mannerisms are more of a catharsis than anything. It’s tiring work, being back there and slaving over a stove for eight hours a day. But anyways, we’re getting off-topic. You were likely not working out of the goodness of your heart. So, what do you need? I can pay you an additional fifteen bits if you just wanted compensation for you work.”

Trixie shook her head.

“No, Trixie didn’t expect to be paid at all. She’s not employed here after all. But, yes. There is something she needed. You see, she’s out of a house at the moment and… was perhaps wondering if you had a place for her to rest over the night?”

The cook considered Trixie for a moment, before speaking.

“No kidding, huh? You’re serious about this?”

Trixie nodded.

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t mind if you stayed the night here. I’ll even bring some blankets and a pillow down for you. On one condition.”

Trixie sighed, she should’ve seen this coming.

“Trixie supposes she doesn’t have a choice here. What do you need?”

The cook grinned.

“I want you to help out with dishes again tomorrow. And if we’re not too busy, I’d like to get you out front to learn how to bus. You can expect some bits tomorrow as well, and if you needed it, you could stay the night again. Same rules though. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like, provided you clear your sleeping space before we open tomorrow, and that you help with whatever we need you to help with. Deal?”

Trixie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How had she gotten so lucky?

Best to not question things. This is a good thing!

She smirked at the cook, and raised her hoof to meet his already waiting one.

“Deal.”

The cook’s grin got even wider at that.

“See you tomorrow then!”

***

Trixie wiped her brow, and concentrated on the ground in front of her. She was finishing up her fortieth hour of community service, and had just enough time to head to a public shower to freshen up before going to the café, which she now knew was called New Elysium Lane for her next shift there. She’d been learning a lot, and was really starting to get to know her two coworkers. Their dishwasher had quit soon after Trixie had shown up. So, now it was just the three of them, and she was… starting to see them as a sort of family. The cook, who insisted they only call him ‘Cook’ was a maelstrom of rage when behind the kitchen door, but was an absolute joy to be around when the café was closed.

He also had his worker’s interests at heart, above all else. This much was apparent when the waitress, Caramel Dahlia, had stiffly walked through the door to the kitchen, before breaking down sobbing. Trixie had halted in her dishwashing, unsure if she was welcome enough or even equipped enough to help soothe the feelings of the crying mare, who she’d only ever seen as cool, collected and calm.

The cook had materialized next to the waitress, muttering comforting words about letting it out.

The crying lasted for only a few moments, and when Caramel was cognizant enough to explain exactly why it was that she was crying. She went on about how the customers today were generally jerks, and how she was being overwhelmed on the floor.

“How is that any different than any other day?” Cook had asked, pointedly. “There must be more to it than that.”

Caramel had hesitated, then shot a worried look at Trixie. Trixie shrugged, and moved to the other side of the kitchen, so she wouldn’t overhear. Caramel had then whispered something in Cook’s ear. Trixie didn’t know what she said, but suddenly it was as if every single piece of rage that Cook had at the general stupidity of customers had been zeroed in on one very, very unfortunate pony. He had kicked the door open so hard that it had nearly flown off its hinges, and all the general noise of the café went deathly silent as everypony stared at the towering piece of rage that was their cook.

Some ponies promptly got up, threw some bits on the table to cover their meals, and left. One after another, they had all left. Meals half-eaten, drinks still freshly topped off…

Trixie couldn’t help herself, she moved to the door and looked out curiously. Eventually only one stallion remained, obliviously eating away at his meal. Eventually, he must’ve noticed something was the matter, because he looked around, confused, before meeting the fiery gaze of the cook. He had shrunk from the sheer ire that the cook emanated.

“You.”
The cook hissed between his teeth menacingly. The stallion seemed frozen in place.

“Do not. Get to. Speak to my workers the way you did. Do not act like you did towards my workers.”

The stallion stuttered something akin to an apology, and the cook openly snarled at him. He cowered even lower into his seat.

“You will be sorry. If you ever show your scummy face here in my fine establishment again.”

The stallion nodded rapidly, then tried to shoot out of his seat.

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!”

The stallion froze, the sheer weight of the cook’s voice overriding his flight. The cook marched menacingly up to him, and Trixie watched in awe as the cook leaned down, and whispered in the Stallion’s ear.

He seemed to freeze as he listened, face going pale, before nodding meekly. He looked up towards Caramel, who was shivering behind Trixie.

“I-I’m sorry Miss. I’ll never say something like that again.”

“Aaaaaaaand?” The cook hissed. The stallion flinched.

“A-and… you’ll never see me again. And I’m sorry I acted the way I did.”

“Good. Now, pay for your meal, and leave your waitress a nice tip, and get the hell out of my restaurant.”

The thump of an entire sack of bits hit the table, and the stallion nearly tripped over himself in his flight. Cook turned around, face grim.

“Alright Trixie, we’re closing early. Help Caramel out up front, will you? I’ll take care of the dishes. Remind me tomorrow to give all of our patrons a discount for the inconvenience today.”

Trixie stared, mouth agape, before slowly nodding her head. The rest of the day had gone by slowly. Whatever had happened had clearly shaken Caramel, and the two didn’t chat amicably as they had on previous shifts.

Trixie to this day had no idea what the stallion had done, though… she could guess.

Good thing I do my job. And that I’m working for him.

Trixie smiled. Yes, she actually found herself enjoying her time at New Elysium.
Maybe I should actually discuss full-time employment and pay… I’ll have to tell them about my community service though… Maybe part time until I finish up my hours?

Trixie tabled those thoughts. There was still fifteen minutes of work left to do, and then she had an eight hour shift at the café. She sighed.

No rest for the wicked I suppose…

She then forced a smile to her face. At least she was free, and making up for her mistakes.

I have something here. I have a life. Maybe soon I can visit Rainbow… I hope I’m able to. I miss her.

Chapter 6

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into a month. Trixie had put in a lot of effort to diminish her community service hours but… it was just so much! Over the past month, she had put in 150 hours of community service, bringing her total to nearly 200 hours.

Not even halfway done yet…

Trixie only allowed herself a small moment of disappointment, before she brightened herself up with an idea.

You know, I’ve been working hard this past month. Surely I can spare a week or so to visit Ponyville again. I could meet up with Rainbow!

But first she had to finish her day at New Elysium this was her first day being upfront all day. She wasn’t waiting tables yet, but today she was going to be a busfilly! She happily trotted into the café, having decided to get a little something for her coworkers, and, if she was being honest, make it easier for her to request being a properly paid worker… And also make it easier to ask for a week off.

Throughout the day, Trixie grew to appreciate how good of a waitress Caramel was. She moved through the café with a grace that made her seem like she was incorporeal. Trixie meanwhile, struggled to walk from one side of the café to the other without accidentally kicking a chair, tripping over a random limb or two or bumping into patrons. She also handled customers incredibly well, no matter how annoying, mean or rude they were. And her tips showed it, Trixie stared in awe as the small jar that Caramel emptied out every day slowly filled, before nearly overflowing. Once that point was reached, the bits were stacked neatly in groups of ten alongside the jar.

I hope I can learn to be that good some day…

“Trixie!”

Came the pleasant voice of Caramel.

“Would you mind doing a coffee round for me?”

“Sure thing, Caramel!”

Trixie called back.

That was one thing Trixie knew she could do. Coffee rounds were easy, levitate the pot of coffee and refill all the patrons’ cups. Trixie remembered being surprised at the sheer amount of duties a busfilly had.

She had to clear tables, stack dishes, bring dishes back to the kitchen, do refill rounds occasionally if Caramel was busy, wipe down tables, and on rare occasions, take drink orders. At the same time, she had to fall into a rhythm so she wouldn’t get in the way of Caramel, and her own routine. The two had worked awkwardly at first, almost bumping into each other at times, but as they got busy, the two had fallen into a groove. They seamlessly were able to help each other. Trixie still needed prompting, or reminders sometimes, but she was sure that they’d eventually learn how to communicate and work in a closer harmony.

Before Trixie knew it, the grill was shut down, and they were just waiting on the last of the customers to leave. Trixie sat down at a table, surprised at how tired she felt.

Must be more of a mental exhaustion than anything. I really didn’t do much physically.

“Alright Trixie, take a few minutes for yourself, then we have closing work to do.”

Oh. Right. Closing duties…

Trixie stifled a sigh, and looked up to meet Caramel’s olive-green eyes. They were sympathetic.

“I know what it’s like, believe me. I remember my first day… I was such a klutz!”

Trixie stared at her, before cocking her head disbelievingly.

“Rrrrrrreally?”

Trixie asked, disbelievingly. She just couldn’t picture the elegant unicorn in front of her being klutzy.

“Mhm!”

Caramel chirped.

“I also couldn’t stop overthinking things. ‘What if I mess this up? What if I misheard the order? What if I don’t look like I know what I’m doing?’”

Caramel chuckled.

“The first week was the roughest for me, but after that, I learned that overthinking things was actually the reason I was messing up. You see, there’s a certain…”

“Flow?”

Trixie interrupted. Caramel looked delighted, and Trixie felt herself glow a bit.

“Yes! That! I’m impressed! Most ponies haven’t the foggiest idea of what it’s like in a café! But yes, that ‘flow’ is what determines how good a day is. You eventually just kind of fall into it. It starts getting easier and easier to identify the flow, and as a result, the days start to go smoother and smoother. So don’t worry! You’ll get the hang of it!”

Caramel’s smile matched her cheerful voice.

“How do you do that?”

Trixie asked.

“Hmm?”

Caramel didn’t seem to be following, so Trixie expounded on her question.

“How are you so cheerful all the time? The amount of customers you deal with… is it not overwhelming?”

Caramel’s smile faded a bit.

“I’m not cheerful all the time. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, not often, but sometimes, you’ve seen that.”

Trixie nodded, remembering the day Caramel had broken down in the kitchen.

“The thing that I focus on is honestly financial in nature.”

Caramel continued. Trixie watched her, curious.

“The better I interact with customers, the better their experience. And the better their experience, the better tip they usually leave. I aim for twenty percent of the sales every day, rarely do I miss that mark, and occasionally I even get more. It’s all a matter of staying present, and not exploding in front of the customers. Doesn’t mean I don’t explode, my fiance at home has the misfortune of being the one I vent to the most… Poor guy, but he’s always willing to listen. That way, I don’t negatively impact the experience of the customers.”

That… makes so much sense! How did I not think of that…

Trixie grinned slyly.

“Fiancé you say? My my, who’s the lucky stallion?”

Caramel tittered.

“His name is Nimble Skies, and he’s simply the most handsome pegasus I’ve ever met! His coat is a perfect grey, accented beautifully by his short, dark blue mane. He has this single streak of orange down the middle of his mane, and his tail nearly matches his mane color scheme perfectly! And I get lost in his light green eyes so easily…”

She sighed dreamily.

“He’s not the lucky one, I am. He’s a royal guard, a captain if I remember correctly. The two of us already have a lovely house to call our own. We haven’t figured out a wedding date yet, as we’re both so busy but… well, I simply can’t wait!”

Trixie snickered, and Caramel suddenly snapped out of her daze.

“And what exactly are you snickering about over there?”

She asked challengingly. Trixie, never one to back down from a challenge, rose to meet Caramel’s height.

“You were nearly swooning, Trixie found it humorous. You have a problem with it?”

Caramel smiled, but Trixie could see gears moving in her head.

“Besides.”

Trixie continued.

“Trixie knows of a different pegasus who she believes to be much much more attractive.”

Caramel’s eyes suddenly glinted dangerously.

“Oh? Well, please. Enlighten me, I would love to hear about this strapping stallion.”

Trixie had realized her slipup too late.

Of course she’d do that… turnabout is fair play after all…

Still, Trixie felt herself reddening in the face, and she nervously shuffled her hooves.

“Uhm… well, you see… Trixie is actually referring to a her…”

Caramel blinked, surprise quickly overtaken by eagerness in her eyes. She gestured for Trixie to continue.

“She’s one of Trixie’s… well, one of her first real friends. We’ve only known each other for around six months now… but Trixie finds herself quite heads over hooves for her.”

“Soooooo… what’s she look like?”

Caramel asked. Trixie gulped, feeling herself warming up in the face even more.

“She’s… her coat is cyan, and she has these piercing magenta eyes that seem to see everything. Her mane is the color of the rainbow, and--”

“Wait, wait, wait.”

Caramel interjected.

“You’re telling me that you’re in love with, and are friends with, Rainbow Dash?”

Trixie paused, then nodded.

“You know her?”

Trixie mumbled. Caramel smiled again.

“Nearly everypony in Equestria knows her! But I thought she lived in Ponyville? How’d you two meet?”

Trixie gulped.

Well… now’s a good a time as any I suppose.

“Yes, please do tell.”

A stallion’s voice. Trixie and Caramel jumped, before recovering and shooting Cook combined withering glares.

“Celestia, where did you come from?”

Caramel shot at the same time Trixie said

“How the buck did you get there?”

The cook chuckled.

“Been here a while. But that’s not important, how the ell’ do ya know Miss Dash?”

Trixie took a deep breath before she opened her mouth to explain.

“Well… I actually met her in the Canterlot Dungeons…”

***

“...so we promised to meet each other in the real world to compare feats of extraordinary measures with each other.”

Caramel looked confused, but intrigued, while understanding reflected in Cook’s eyes.

“So… yeah. That’s how we met. Now you see why Trixie needed a place to sleep… She’s been working around forty hours of community service a week to take time off of her sentence. Trixie… hopes you two will understand… and she apologizes for not telling you two sooner.”

Trixie suddenly found herself enveloped in a hug. She stiffened at the unexpected action, and Caramel pulled away.

“Trixie… you’ve been working nearly sixteen hours a day for the past month. That’s… it’s…”

“Incredible, s’what it is.”

Cook finished for her. Caramel nodded enthusiastically. Trixie didn’t know how to respond.

“You’re… you’re both not mad a Trixie for keeping this information to herself?”

“Mad?”

Cook asked, then laughed. It was a booming laugh.

“Bloody impressed s’what I am.”

Caramel continued for him.

“We both understand entirely why you didn’t tell us earlier. If you had, we’d have likely not accepted your offer for help. But now, having worked with you for the better part of a month…”

“We’re nothing but happy that you were able to do your job and do it well, in spite of your blooming stress!”

Caramel’s voice was one of awe.

“We’re lucky you chose to work with us! Any business would be lucky to have a worker like you!”

It was… too much. The two ponies Trixie had come to respect and even consider friends… and how they didn’t care that Trixie had made mistakes, didn’t judge her… It overwhelmed her. She broke down crying. She felt herself being hugged again. She didn’t resist, but just rose her own hooves to hug back. Then she felt another presence. Cook had joined the hug, and her two friends just stood there with her, and let her sob herself dry.

How did I get so lucky?

***

“Trixie has a… question.”

The three of them were finishing up the closing work, and getting ready to head home.

“Shoot.”

Cook called. Trixie took a deep breath, and let it out.

“Trixie would… like to request a week off in the not-too distant future. She would like to visit Ponyville… She has some amends to make.”

“It certainly helps that a certain rainbow-maned pegasus lives there too, hmmm?”

Caramel called out, near the door. Trixie blushed.

“Y-yes… that’s also another motive of Trixie’s.”

Cook was just grinning at her.

“Kid, you’re alright in m’book. Take this upcoming week if y’want.”

Trixie stared, dumbfounded.

“You… you sure? This is so short-notice… Trixie was expecting to leave in two weeks at the earliest.”

The cook waved her off.

“S’not like we haven’t done it before, right Caramel?”

Trixie turned her attention to the door that Caramel was getting ready to walk through, she turned for a second first.

“Oh absolutely, before you came along, Cook and I ran this place pretty much by ourselves. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. Go ahead and visit your little filly crush.”

She smiled an evil smile before exiting.

Oh for the love of Celestia… I get enough of this from Cadence!

“Thank you so much Cook! There was actually one other thing though.”

The cook grunted in acknowledgment.

“Trixie would like to ask to be hired on full time. She would like to earn more bits.”

Her eyes widened.

“N-not that the bits the two of you got me aren’t appreciated! It’s just…”

“S’not enough to live off of, en’ it?”

Trixie nodded.

“Well, no need for an application. Was plannin’ on asking you m’self in a few more days. Caramel and I believe that we shouldn’t be takin’ advantage of your desperate needs of a place to sleep. You’ll still be welcome to rest here overnight until you can afford yourself a house or apartment.”

Trixie felt her smile grow and nearly envelope her face.

“Thank you so much sir… this means a lot to Trixie.”

The cook rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.

“Yeah well… you’re alright, kid. Would love t’keep ya working for us. Now git! Y’have a friend to visit! Trixie nodded eagerly, already looking forward to seeing Rainbow Dash again. She nearly danced through the door, she felt so light on her feet.

Cook shook his head, smiling. Trixie was an alright kid. He wished her the best, and knew she would accomplish great things in life. He then turned back to his receipt. He still had some work to do after all.

Trixie knew it would be trivial to take a train to Ponyville, but she felt like walking. It was only a day’s travel after all, and she hadn’t been outdoors for any reason besides work in…well, not since she was outside of Ponyville with the alicorn amulet.

That feels like so long ago… so much has happened since then! I wonder what the future holds for me?

Chapter 7

Trixie was glad that she’d decided to walk. Trains were all well and good, but nothing quite beat the great outdoors. It was… refreshing. And it gave her time to think. Only, unlike when she was in her cell, it didn’t feel oppressive. She felt free, like she could almost soar.

Soar.

Trixie sighed happily. The word soar brought her mind to Rainbow Dash.

What is it about her that has me so… so hypnotized?

The sun felt pleasant and warm. There was a slight breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. A perfect day.

She’s certainly not perfect, but then again… neither am I. I guess that’s what makes relationships work. Creatures enjoy the company of others, in spite of their flaws. In fact, sometimes it’s the flaws that make them so endearing. Rainbow Dash’s biggest flaw… without a doubt her ego. But… having talked with her a lot, I can’t help but feel like it’s… almost a show. An act.

Trixie absent-mindidly started plucking at the ground with her magic. Dwarf sunflowers, a few coneflowers, a white clover, and finally a primrose.

She seems like she’s hiding her feelings from others. Surely she must be stressed… She’s the weather captain of Ponyville, and she’s a reserve member of the Wonderbolts. In addition to that, she’s called on an almost daily basis to fight off some monster threat or another. And yet… she still made time to visit me. How does she do it?

Loyalty. That’s what Rainbow Dash signified, she was loyal to those that she found worthy.

Does… does she see me as worthy?

Trixie halted, and closed her eyes.

Can I be worthy for her?

Rainbow Dash seemed to deeply care about those important to her. Trixie had no doubt in her mind that Rainbow would move the entire planet to be there for her friends.

Would I do the same for her?

Trixie thought about how much she had missed Rainbow. It wasn’t always obvious, but it was always there, bubbling under the surface. Now that Trixie didn’t have work to focus on, and had some semblance of free time for the next week, she couldn’t help but think about how much better it would be if she had Rainbow Dash at her flank.

We’d be able to truly show who had the greatest achievements. I would knock Rainbow off of her hooves! And even better… she wouldn’t make it easy for me. I’d have to fight hoof and horn for it.

But the question persisted. Why did Trixie feel the way she did for Rainbow?

It would be too easy to blame it on her looks… She’s certainly… very attractive…

Trixie felt herself grow warm.

But… physical allure isn’t everything.

Trixie opened her eyes, and saw a heart made of flowers floating in her magical aura. She jumped back, startled, and lost her concentration. The flowers she’d picked floated softly to the ground.

Maybe there really isn’t any explanation other than it feels… right.

Trixie shook her head, she couldn’t dwell on this, otherwise she’d never make it to Ponyville.

Maybe I should just not try and logically explain it, and just… spend time with her.

Trixie set her jaw, and gathered up the flowers she’d dropped.

Just one more type of flower… I need to find a red chrysanthemum. Then I could make a perfectly lovely flower arrangement. I… don’t think Rainbow is a flower kind of mare but… well, I still would like to get her some.

Trixie wasn’t sure why she suddenly wanted to get Rainbow Dash flowers… Maybe she just wanted to show Rainbow that Trixie was grateful for her being there for her when Trixie could’ve easily been at her lowest. Maybe she wanted to confess to something without saying it aloud. Maybe she wanted to give Rainbow a truly thoughtful gift… Or maybe she just simply wanted to get Rainbow a cute little flower arrangement.

Regardless of the case, Trixie resolved to purchase or find the last flower to make her arrangement complete.

I’ll do this for you, Rainbow. May it be the first step in a long journey. That is… if you’ll have me.

Trixie started moving again, determined to get to Ponyville by the end of the day.

***

Trixie slowly came to a halt. She’d conjured a vase of hard telekinesis, filled with water, and within she kept her flower arrangement. She sighed, as she focussed on her illusion magic. With a pop, the flower arrangement and telekinetic vase had disappeared from reality. Below her, she could see the citizens of Ponyville moving around, going about their business.

Well… here goes nothing.

Trixie inhaled deeply, held it for a second, then let it out. She could do this. Step by careful step, she made her way fastidiously down the hill. Before long, she was within the town boundaries. Ponies chatted amicably with one another, but gradually started to fall silent when they saw Trixie. Trixie gulped internally.

They don’t exist, you’re not here for them. You’re here for one pony in particular, if she’ll have you.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing here?”

“Yeah! What makes you think you’re welcome?”

Trixie felt herself breathing heavily.

They aren’t here, they don’t matter. They don’t matter, they’re not here!

She kept walking, head low.

“Hey! We’re talking to you!”

Trixie started walking faster. She then realized that she had no idea where she was going. She had no idea where Rainbow Dash even lived.

“Witch!”

“Filthy illusionist!”

Trixie was barely holding herself together. The anger of the Ponyvillians was palpable.

As it should be… after what I put these poor ponies through… I deserve this.

She suddenly found herself in a corner, where two buildings joined together. Or maybe it was one building in the shape of an ‘L’ regardless, she couldn’t keep moving this way. She turned around to leave, and continue her search, but found herself staring into the angry faces of several ponies.

Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go.

“What gives you the right to come waltzing into our town?”

Came one voice.

“Yeah, you here to enslave us again?”

Trixie opened her mouth to respond.

“No, you don’t understa-”

“Save it!”

Hissed a voice, interrupting Trixie.

“We’ll hear none of it!”

Trixie started to shrink in on herself.

“But… but I apologized…”

Trixie whispered.

“And that suddenly makes it better?”

Came the voice of the first pony to address her, an earth pony stallion who stood above Trixie threateningly.

Trixie could do nothing but shake her head.

No… it… it doesn’t.

The stallion spit on the ground near Trixie, and she shrank from it, stomach nearly to the ground now, and head down. The earth pony scoffed.

“Let’s go guys, she’s not even worth our time.”

That hurt. More than it should have.
These ponies aren’t worth your time.
But they’re right! I’m not worth anything! I’m a terrible pony, and deserve no happiness!
That’s wrong, and you know it. You’ve made mistakes, but that doesn’t excuse the actions of these ponies.
Yes but… they still feel this way, all the same. I made them act like this!
You did no such thing. These ponies acted on their own volition. Nothing you did caused any of it.

Trixie’s eyes burned, and she blinked. She felt tears rolling down her face.

But I did. I caused so much misery for them… I made them my personal slaves for crying out loud!
That wasn’t you. The Alicorn Amulet was influencing your actions.
The key word being ‘influence’ it didn’t force me to do anything. It only did what I let it do.
Yes, you weren’t blameless, but at the same time, you are not entirely to blame!
Sounds like justification to me.
Like hell it is! It’s the truth, but you just refuse to see it!
But what if they’re right? What if I… if I snap again?

“I don’t want to hurt anypony…”

Trixie whimpered out loud.

Then don’t.

Trixie slowly rose to her hooves. She felt tired. So… so tired. She didn’t know how long she’d been laying there, but the sun was beginning to set at this point. She inhaled, shuddering. Then exhaled. She could do this. If the ponies of Ponyville wouldn’t forgive her, she’d make it so they saw her as forgivable. No matter how long it took. No matter how hard it would be. If she never succeeded before she died… well, she could rest easy, knowing that she’d done her best. But first… she needed to find Rainbow Dash. And she knew just where to look. During their many late nights of talking, Rainbow had described a certain grove of trees that she loved to nap in. Sometimes she just needed some shut-eye after a long day of clearing clouds. If Trixie couldn’t find her home, she could find her at that grove of trees. She was sure of it. A newfound determination flowed through Trixie. She would prove to these ponies that she was worthy of being forgiven. And she’d do it one pony at a time. Rainbow Dash was the best pony to start with, but she would not be the last.

I might need to take off more than one week here...

Chapter 8

Sweet Apple Acres. The family farm run by the Apple family.
I never really did understand that family’s obsession with all things apple-related…

Trixie allowed herself to chuckle at that. It was entirely dark at this point, but she had managed to locate Rainbow’s designated “napping zone” how the blanket and pillow managed to stay up in the tree for… seemingly all of eternity, Trixie didn’t even try to fathom.

Okay… now that I’m here… what do I do?

Trixie didn’t see any “no trespassing” signs anywhere, so she didn’t think she was technically trespassing, but… She severely doubted that the Apples would see it that way. She felt herself yawn. She was exhausted trespassing or not, she needed to rest. At least it was pleasant enough out, an almost perfect summer night. Trixie shrugged off her saddlebags and tucked her legs underneath her.

Kind of reminds me of those times when I’d camp outside of my wagon…

A soft breeze breathed over Trixie, and she couldn’t help but shiver.

Say what you want about the weather… that wind is still chilly.

Trixie closed her eyes, and laid her head atop her saddlebags, using it as a makeshift pillow. Memories hit her from forever ago. Memories of her being in almost this exact same position alongside a small, barely-travelled road, her cape tucked around her as a blanket. Trixie always preferred travelling the roads least-travelled. They may not have been the fastest routes to her show locations, but the scenery she got to see along the way more than made up for it.

As hard as it was… those were probably some of the best days of my life.

Trixie chuckled lightly to herself.

Well… at least until I met Rainbow Dash.

Trixie’s thoughts wandered some more, other memories, of naturally beautiful settings she’d seen in her travels. Breathtaking sunsets, one in particular that stood out to her was one of the times she’d been travelling Canterlot. The sun had been setting, and she was setting up camp alongside another road, getting ready to turn in for the night. Then the sun fell behind Canterlot Castle, and Trixie could still vividly remember how she had lost all focus on what she’d been levitating at the time, and even when her crate of supplies crashed to the ground, she couldn’t stop staring at the magnificence before her.

The sky was bathed in a myriad of reds, oranges and yellows. Canterlot Castle was silhouetted against the sunset. The colors faded into dark blue, and then into black as the sun lowered, and yet Canterlot Castle still stood out, until the sun had finally passed the horizon, and it too finally faded into darkness.

Trixie couldn’t help but smile at the memory. She felt… at peace. It was a very peaceful night. With these thoughts in mind, she finally surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

***

Trixie opened her eyes, and smiled appreciatively to the blue, cloudless sky above her. She rolled to her side, and started getting up. Today was a new day. She could either attempt to talk to the townsponies again, or she could continue her search for Rainbow Dash, or even, she could just sit in the warm daylight and relax for a bit. She was on vacation after all, even if she had ulterior motives. Nothing was forcing her to reconcile with the ponies of this town.

“Trixie Lulamoon, our most interesting subject as of late.”

Trixie froze, then slowly turned her head, looking behind her.

That voice. Surely… surely she wouldn’t be here!

Princess Luna stood behind her, lounging in the tree Trixie had slept beneath, one hoof supporting her cheek, as she stared down, seemingly amused, at Trixie.

“P-Princess Luna!”

Trixie immediately shrunk into a bow, tapping her horn to the ground.

“To what does Trixie owe the pleasure?”

Trixie asked, breathlessly. Silence reigned for a few seconds, before Princess Luna’s voice was heard again.

“You may rise, my little pony. We appreciate the formality, but I would rather speak with you.”

Trixie raised from her bow, and looked, confused, into Luna’s eyes, which seemed to be sparkling. The lunar diarch had a soft smile upon her features.

“You may have already figured it out, but you are not awake yet. This is the only real way I can speak with you, without the needless press that would surely follow should I seek you out in the real world, so I do apologize for invading your dreams.”

So I’m dreaming, I suppose that would make sense…

Trixie shook her head.

“It’s not a problem at all, princess. Trixie just wonders why you have been wanting to seek her out.”

Luna rolled on her back in the tree, letting her legs dangle, before slipping off from the tree and landing onto a conjured cloud beneath her. With a flash and a pop, she summoned an apple into existence, and took a bite out of it, staring at Trixie with half-closed eyes. When she swallowed, she threw the rest of the apple into a trash bin that came into existence just before the apple would have hit the ground, before it disappeared with the apple in tow.

“It’s not every day that a criminal gets arrested in Equestria. That was the reason for my initial curiosity, it’s even rarer still for said criminal to turn herself in with no complaints, and serve her sentence quietly. So, naturally, my interest was piqued.”

Even within a dreamscape, Trixie could tell the difference between an entirely true answer, and one that wasn’t entirely true.

“Forgive Trixie, but she believes it is a matter of more than simple curiosity. Far as Trixie knows, you don’t do this on a regular basis. So, apart from Trixie’s implied natural magnificence, what else made Trixie interesting to you?”

Princess Luna studied Trixie silently.

“It would seem that you’re more perceptive than I gave you credit for, and for that, I apologize. Yes, you’re right, it’s more than simple curiosity. It actually involves the artifact that landed you in prison to begin with.”

Trixie shrunk in on herself a bit at that.

“Trixie… figured that might've been a part of the reason....”

She muttered.

“No need to be ashamed, Great and Powerful Trixie. You’ve paid for your crime, and it’s--”

“Trixie isn’t sure if she’s still worthy of that title.”

Trixie cut Princess Luna off. The lunar diarch blinked, then gazed at Trixie.

“Were you stripped of your title?”

Trixie shuffled uncomfortably on her hooves.

“N-no… but it just…”

It was Luna’s turn to cut Trixie off.

“Then you still are worthy of that title. Great and Powerful, the unique title granted to Trixie Lulamoon. Until you are informed, you are still bound to that title by royal Equestrian law. Nopony, nocreature can take that from you. Not even yourself.”

Trixie was shocked, but then she felt relieved. She let out a breath she wasn’t aware that she was holding. Luna smiled at her.

“And it seems that you still value that title, in spite of what you tell yourself.”

Trixie glared at Luna, who simply smirked.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is curious now. What about the amulet makes her worth watching?”

Luna’s smirk disappeared, replaced by a worried look.

“That amulet is ancient. Created during a time where wars between the four tribes was common, and the ponies ruled through fear, and power. Unicorn, Earth Pony, Pegasus and Thestral. All shed each other’s blood, never truly unifying. That amulet was created by an ancient order of unicorns, one of the ruling families at the time.”

Trixie couldn’t pull her gaze from the lunar diarch, who’s eyes seemed to turn distant. Trixie didn’t know much about the ancient times before the Wendigos forced the three tribes to unify. But something didn’t ring quite right for Trixie. What did the princess mean by four tribes? Trixie wanted to ask, but Luna was already speaking again.

“The Prisms were a family of powerful unicorns that desired to rule Equestria through conquest. They pulled together their resources, and performed rituals of forbidden magic. Infusing the essence of their desire to conquer into the amulet, in the hope that it would give them strength. By doing this, they created a persona that is focused on conquest through blood and subjugation. When they bestowed the amulet to their champion, one ‘Celeste Prism’ she became one of the greatest warriors of the era. The sight of her sent armies of thousands into a panic. But the amulet corrupted her, and her family had to eventually put her down.”

She was under control of the amulet… like I was.

Luna sighed softly.

“That amulet is sapient. And it’s subtle whispering can overcome even the strongest of willed ponies.”

“Why can’t you destroy it?”

Trixie asked.

“If it’s so dangerous.”

Luna tiredly met Trixie’s piercing gaze.

“We’ve tried. But it’s made out of an ancient material that is nigh-indestructible. We don’t know what makes it so resilient, but any attempts to destroy it have failed. That is why we have it buried deep in a location known only to my sister and I. It had been missing since it was originally created, we have no idea how it ended up in a public shop. Somepony must’ve found it, and unaware of its dark history, sold it as a curiosity.”
I’m not sure if I believe that…

Trixie thought darkly. Luna was talking again.

“I am worried that the amulet imprinted your mind. It desires to destroy and conquer. And not too long ago…”

Luna seemed to catch herself, and coughed delicately.

“Forget I said anything. I’m worried about you, Great and Powerful Trixie. As is my sister. So, I’ve been assigned to keep an eye on you, and intervene if I feel it is necessary. To protect both yourself, and all of Equestria.”

Trixie was curious about what Luna had been about to say, but she now felt… scared.

“So… I’m a possible threat to Equestria?”

Luna’s eyes widened, and she shot forward, pulling Trixie into a hug. Trixie tensed, and couldn’t feel herself relaxing into it. Yet, Luna didn’t let go.

“No… no, my little pony. That is not what I meant at all. Please don’t put the weight of mistakes made long ago onto yourself. You’ll be crushed. This is a precaution, nothing more, nothing less.”

Trixie finally felt herself relax. Only then did Luna release her.

“Thank you princess… for telling me. And thank you for watching over me. I… I can’t stand the thought of hurting ponies…”

Luna smiled softly at Trixie.

“Don’t worry, Trixie. You won’t, you’re a good pony.”

Trixie sniffled, then wiped her eyes. The area around her was starting to distort.

“Well… it seems like Trixie is about to wake up.”

She said thickly, regret palpable.

Luna nodded.

“Don’t worry, little one. I’ll be watching over you. And, should you ever need somepony to talk to, please, do not hesitate to seek me out.”

And with that, Luna angled her head, seemingly in respect.

“We’ll speak again, I’m sure of it.”

She said, voice fading. Trixie smiled, and closed her eyes. And in the last moment before she felt herself waking up, she quietly said one last thing.

“I look forward to it, princess.”

***

Trixie slowly opened her eyes. She closed her mouth, and promptly ignored the drool on her saddlebags. Today was going to be a long day.

“Heh ha. Morning sleepy-head!”

And just like that, Trixie jumped straight up, whirling around to face the pony she was dying to see again.

“Dashie!”

Trixie called out happily.

“Well, good morning to you too, Trix.”

Rainbow Dash was lounging on her tree branch, forehooves supporting her head, and hindlegs crossed. Trixie couldn’t stop the fluttering her heart made when she saw Dashie looking down on her, a cocky smirk on her face, eyes half-lidded… Trixie caught herself.

“Well. It’s about time.”

And just like that the smirk vanished from Dashie’s face.

“What do you mean?”

She asked. Trixie snorted.

“I arrived here ages ago! I thought you were supposed to be observant!”

Trixie sniffed disdainfully, as Rainbow Dash’s jaw worked up and down.

“Bu-wha?! How long have you been here? I didn’t even notice until last night…”

Trixie was grinning like a madmare internally, but she kept her ruse going. Dashie was just too cute when she was flustered. Rainbow’s voice started moving faster.

“I mean I didn’t exactly expect you to be here and I figured you were working so I didn’t look but if you’re here now howlonghaveyoubeenwaiting--”

Trixie couldn’t hold it any longer. Her face scrunched up, and she covered her mouth with her hoof, before giving up and just falling backwards laughing uproariously. Rainbow Dash’s stammering slowly stopped as she finally realized that she was being teased.

“Oh you… gah!”

She turned around with a huff, and ignored Trixie. Trixie, for her part, finally got herself together, and wiping her eyes, called up to Rainobw.

“Oh come on Dashie, don’t be like that. You’re just… too easy to tease!”

All Trixie got in response was a ‘hmmpf’ from Rainbow.

“Rainbow, come on, don’t be like that.”

Rainbow flicked her tail in Trixie’s general direction.

“Well, if that’s how you’re going to be…”

Trixie grinned mischievously as she enveloped Rainbow Dash in her magical aura. That certainly got Dashie’s attention.

“H-hey! No fair!”

Trixie knew she was making progress now. She forcefully levitated Rainbow off of the tree branch and turned her so they were facing each other. Dashie was grinning.

“Cheater! Put me down!”

Trixie looked down at the ground, then back up to Dashie and raised her eyebrow. Rainbow Blushed.

“Uh, I mean, maybe… don’t?”

Trixie’s grin turned sinister. Rainbow Dash blanched.

“T-Trixie?”

Trixie in response manipulated her magic, coalescing it in a nearly magical form. She then started poking Rainbow in the side. Rainbow paled.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, is that a challenge, Ms. Dashie?”

Then, not letting Rainbow answer, Trixie mercilessly started tickling her with her magic. Rainbow was helpless.

“Gya! N-no! HA! No fair! Put me down put me down putmedown!”

Trixie didn’t end assault, she wasn’t done just yet. As she mercilessly tickled her victim, she didn’t even notice as another pony rounded the top of the hill.
“What in tarnation is goin’ on here?”

That was a southern drawl. Trixie ended her tickling torture, and worriedly turned to face who had spoken.

A furious orange earth pony mare was staring her down. Trixie suddenly realized whose property they were on. And then she realized what it looked like she was doing without context to Rainbow Dash.

“Trixie? What’re you doin’ here? And what’re you doing to Rainbow Dash!?”

Came the furious voice of Applejack, element of honesty, and temperamental owner of Sweet Apple Acres. Trixie gulped.

This can’t end well… I hope Rainbow and I can explain things before I find myself dismembered...

Chapter 9

“What’re you doing to Rainbow Dash?”

Came the outraged voice of Applejack. The apple farmer wasn’t quite hostile… yet but she certainly looked to be close. Trixie carefully settled Rainbow Dash to the ground.

“Applejack! Trixie is er… pleased to… see… you?”

The earth pony just glowered in Trixie’s direction.

“Rainbow Dash? What’s that one-trick, highfalutin’ two-bit pony doin’ here?”

Trixie flinched.

I certainly didn’t do anything to earn her respect…
You did make a complete and utter fool of yourself last time you were here.

Trixie reminded herself.

“Hey, that’s not fair Applejack!”

Rainbow Dash had determinedly placed herself between Trixie and the earth pony. Rainbow Dash continued.

“Trixie’s already had to deal with jail time. She doesn’t need your bullying on top of it!”

Trixie hadn’t seen Rainbow Dash this angry in a long time.

Not since I was last here.
Trixie realized suddenly. Applejack’s eyes had widened a bit at that, but she held her ground, and levelled a glare at Rainbow Dash.

“That pony’s vermin! She don’t deserve your protecting!”

She spat. Trixie could feel her eyes stinging, and she wordlessly blinked, ignoring the blurriness that followed. Rainbow Dash didn’t back down.

“I think. That you should. Leave. Now.”

The sheer malice in her voice surprised Trixie almost as much as it did Applejack, who physically backed up. Rainbow Dash had her wings outstretched, and her head low. Her legs were spread, and she looked almost ready to spring at Applejack.

Applejack, for her part, kept backing up, before snorting angrily. She then turned away from Rainbow Dash, and disappeared down the hill she had initially come up. Rainbow Dash was breathing heavily, Trixie noticed.

Applejack’s right. I don’t deserve a pony like Dashie. She could do better than me any time of the day.

Rainbow Dash slowly exhaled, before turning to face Trixie.

“Hey, I’m sorry about- whoah. She really got to you huh?”

Trixie didn’t bother hiding her tears, as she lowered her head in shame, mane falling to cover her eyes.

“Hey, hey… c’mere.”

Rainbow Dash said, softer than Trixie had ever heard her before. Trixie didn’t move, she wanted to. Goddesses, she wanted to! But something kept her hooves planted in the ground, and she couldn’t bring herself to meet Dashie’s eyes.

Trixie felt herself enveloped in warmth, and she couldn’t help but gasp softly. She was acutely aware of Dashie’s forelegs caressing her wither, resting on her shoulders. Of Dashie’s wings draping securely over her back. She could hear Dashie’s breathing, and felt the rise and fall of her breast against Trixie’s own.

“Don’t listen to her, she’s just angry. Applejack is… well, she lashes out at ponies when she’s upset.”

Trixie didn’t move, not wanting to break the spell she was under.

“C’mon. Don’t leave me hanging here.”

Trixie slowly raised one foreleg, then the other, and fully embraced the hug, her breath catching in her throat before escaping with a shuddering sigh. Magenta eyes filled her sight, and Trixie swore she could find herself getting lost in those magenta depths.

“That’s right, it’s okay. You’re okay. We’re okay.”

Rainbow Dash slowly brushed Trixie’s mane out of her eyes, then rested her forehead against Trixie’s. Trixie could scarcely breathe.

“It’s good to see you, Trix, I missed you, even though it’s not been too long.”

Trixie just nodded, not trusting herself to speak, or really do much of anything at the moment.

“You feeling better?”

Sweet Celestia, her breath smells of lilac, I swear!

Trixie somehow managed to reign in her thoughts in order to formulate a cognizant response.

“Yes, much better… Thank you, Dashie.”

And just like that, Rainbow released her from their embrace. Trixie couldn’t help but feel like a piece of her died a little when she did that.

Then Rainbow booped her nose, and all those pieces coalesced into pure laughter, and Trixie fell backwards, struggling to breathe. Tears streamed out of her eyes, but this time tears of joy.

“Hmmm… I think I just found the Trixie reset button!”

Rainbow Dash teased, shooting into the air to avoid the half-hearted swat Trixie aimed at her. The two devolved into joyous laughter, upon the top of that hill.

***

Far in the southernmost regions of Equestria, a queen sat silently upon a throne of twisted and tortured magic-absorbing rock. Queen Chrysalis, the youngest in the locust line of royalty within the Mantis Hive, looked over the reports her scouts had laid upon the conference table of the war room. The hives needed to expand. They were rapidly running out of resources, and the stagnation of the Hegemony was making that an irritatingly difficult prospect.

Representatives of the other hives would gather here in times of war. But they were so foolishly stuck in the past, that they dismissed Chrysalis’s claims of the coming resource shortage. No matter. Chrysalis would show them the error of their ways. The reports that her drones had brought to her attention noted two special occasions coming up in the nation of Equestria. The so-called “Grand Galloping Gala” and the wedding of one of the Equestrian Princesses. The youngest of the three. Princess Mi Amora Cadenza of House Platinum, and Captain Shining Armor of the Equestrian Royal Guard were to be wed soon after the gala. Chrysalis couldn’t help but smile. She got to work, making plans to implant infiltrators within the nobility. From there she could expand further. Getting closer and closer to the Princesses. And when the time was right… well, that day was going to be perfect.

***

“So, you don’t have a home?”

Rainbow Dash asked incredulously. Trixie shook her head.

“Not… technically. The owner of New Elysium Lane, Cook, has been kind enough to not only provide me with a job, but with a home as well. Long as the restaurant was presentable by the time they opened.”

“That’s awesome of him! I’m glad you haven’t been out on the streets ever since you were out of the slammer…”

Trixie grinned.

I’ve certainly been blessed, that’s for sure. And I know that if I desperately needed a place to stay, Cadence would be more than willing to shelter me.”

The two shared a moment of companionable silence underneath the tree they had decided to sit under. Rainbow kept looking at Trixie, opening her mouth, before shutting it again and looking distantly across the apple orchard.

“I was thinking though…”

She said quietly.

“Hmmmm? Did it hurt?”

Trixie teased. Dashie snickered lightly, before sighing.

“No, not like that.”

Trixie rolled onto her back, looking straight up into the blue sky, lazily watching the clouds float over her.

Rainbow inhaled, before composing herself to speak.

“Might as well get it out. I was thinking… if-if you didn’t have a home well…”

She stammered. Trixie looked over to Rainbow, who had also rolled onto her back. Rainbow turned to face her, cheeks glowing faintly red.

“I was thinking that you might… be okay with being my roommate?”

Trixie blinked, before turning slightly pink herself. She turned away from Rainbow, mumbling under her breath. Dashie sighed.

“Yeah… didn’t think it would work out…”

Trixie heard a rustle, and quickly looked back to where Rainbow was now standing on all fours. Dashie stretched, almost like a cat, wings flaring out.

“It was just a thought. I get it though. You’re busy, got a job now.”

Rainbow chuckled lightly.

“That’s awesome, I’m happy for you.”

Trixie could hear the wistfulness in her voice though. She took a deep breath, then exhaled.

“Okay.”

Rainbow froze mid-stretch.

“Did you just…?”

Her face looked like it had brightened considerably. Trixie couldn’t help but find it adorable. She nodded, smiling.

“I’ll talk to my boss. Figure something out. They’ve been kind to me, and even though they’ll certainly miss my help well… they’ve managed by themselves in the past.”

Rainbow was staring at Trixie, mouth agape, and face glowing. Trixie rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment.

She must really want to spend time with me. Oh Dashie, what’d I ever do to deserve a friend like you?

Perhaps… something more could come from this?

Trixie could remember the flower arrangement she’d picked while walking to Ponyville.

Oh no…

With a whoosh, the flower bouquet Trixie had made previously popped into existence, floating between the two mares.

Rainbow stared in amazement at the flowers hovering between them.

“Trix… are… are those for me?”

She nearly whispered. Trixie felt herself go beet red.

“No! I mean… yes! But… not yet?”

She stammered out. Dashie cocked her head to the side, confusion apparent on her face.

“So… are they or aren’t they?”

“They are! Just… I didn’t finish the arrangement… it’s still missing a vital flower. Can we… Can you please just pretend you never saw it? I meant it as a surprise and… and… You’re laughing.”

Trixie’s embarrassed tone turned indignant.

“Well, excuse me! Here I was, making a perfectly nice flower arrangement for the pony I…”

Trixie cut herself off from what she was going to say, before recovering and continuing.

“For you and then you have the audacity to laugh at me?! Harumpf!”

If Rainbow noticed Trixie’s stumble, she didn’t show it, instead electing to continue laughing.

“Alright, heh, Trixie. I can forget it. I must say though, I look forward to the full arrangement.”

Rainbow stepped closer to Trixie, who found herself frozen. Another step, and Trixie could feel her heart running a marathon in her chest. Now just inches apart, Rainbow stopped.

“But… I suppose I can wait. Besides, I have some work I need to get done. Come find me later, and we can… talk more.”

She then stepped past Trixie, but not before caressing Trixie’s face with her tail. Trixie shivered.

“Heh ha. See ya around, Trix.”

And then she took off flying towards the town, her tail leaving a trail of warmth as it left. Trixie felt like she was rooted to the ground.

What… Just happened?

Trixie shook herself, freeing her movement.

It… it doesn’t matter. I have to figure out how to break the news to my boss. Not the end of the world, I have a week to figure that out. Maybe I can offer my help to Twilight… that way I can continue to work off my community service. That is… if she’s not hostile towards me like Applejack.

Trixie trembled a little at that thought.

Surely Twilight is aware of my time in the dungeon… maybe she’s forgiven me?

Trixie didn’t feel very reassured by her thoughts. Regardless, she steeled herself as she collected her things.

No need to rush things, I can take all the time I want today. It’s too beautiful of a day to waste worrying about everything.

Trixie shifted her focus to the bouquet of flowers she still had in her telekinetic grip. A few administrations of illusion magic, and she managed to push the active thoughts of the flowers into her subconscious, and they popped out of existence as a result, back in storage.

She elected to search for a red chrysanthemum before making her way to Twilight’s library. Maybe she’d get lucky.

Perhaps… just perhaps in more ways than one.

Trixie certainly felt herself warm at that thought.

Mmmm… there’s an enticing thought...

Chapter 10

Seriously, how hard can it be to find one specific flower?

Trixie thought to herself, as she wandered back into Ponyville. Luckily the inhabitants seemed content to just ignore her.

Small miracles, I suppose…

With nowhere to really go, Trixie elected to head to the library in the middle of town until Rainbow Dash bothered to tell her where her house was. Trixie couldn’t help but smile at the marvel of Golden Oaks Library. The magic required to make the tree grow naturally, and hollow was staggering. Trixie didn’t know the specifics of the spells cast, but she knew that it was a marvel of Equestrian magical engineering, and took nearly a decade of concentrated effort. The Canterlot Royal Engineering Corps was very proud of the library, and Trixie couldn’t help but agree with them.

The door gave a pleasant jingle as she entered. The interior was cozy, and the amount of books that could fit inside of the library was… a little overwhelming. And impressive.

“Just a moment!”

Trixie froze. She remembered that voice. In all of the most ridiculous… how could she forget? The owner and proprietor of Golden Oaks Library was none other than…

“Trixie? What’re you doing here?”

Trixie gulped as she met the curious gaze of Twilight Sparkle.

By the great hellfires of Tartarus, please just end me now! Spare me the embarrassment of entering Twilight Sparkle’s abode uninvited! Just smite me now, and save me the struggle!

Trixie, as always, didn’t allow any of these doubts to show. She instead put on a brave smile, and stepped determedly towards the young librarian.

“Why, the Great and Powerful Trixie was simply going to peruse the greatest library in the land! Of which, the only superior is the Canterlot Royal Library itself!”

Trixie scoffed.

“Trixie would never lower herself to browsing some minor library elsewhere!”

“I see that you’ve not changed one bit.”

Twilight Sparkle muttered. Trixie could see that she was glowing from the praise her library received though.

Thank Celestia… I really don’t want to step on any more hooves than I already have…

Trixie coughed.

“Yes, well, why should she change? Trixie is clearly the greatest, and most powerful unicorn showmare around! She has absolutely no reason to change that fact of the universe!”

Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Now, if you’ll excuse Trixie, she has some time to kill.”

“By all means! This library is open to the public, and that includes you. But, I was actually hoping I could ask you a few questions? Specifically involving your use of the title ‘Great and Powerful.’ I… did some research based on a hunch after we last… ah… parted ways, and I was hoping to get some clarification over what I’d found?”

Trixie stopped, then turned to face Twilight Sparkle.

“Ask any questions you like, just know that Trixie reserves the right to not answer any that she feels uncomfortable answering.”

Twilight nodded in understanding.

“I won’t take long, just really clarifying some things. You know, as I don’t really know the answer to things. Well, I mean, I think I do. I was very thorough with my research, but I just wanted, yunno, a confirmation. And, well, I wasn’t expecting you to just waltz through my front door, but I did plan on contacting you somehow to get clarification and…”

Trixie couldn’t help it anymore. She busted up laughing. Twilight looked confused.

“What… What's so funny?”

Trixie didn’t answer at first, allowing herself time to laugh herself out, before wiping her eyes.

“You and Dashie do something similar, getting lost in your words. I just found it humorous.”

Twilight blinked.

“Huh, Rainbow wasn’t kidding. Now I know why she wanted my help.”

Trixie raised an eyebrow.

“Help? With, what exactly?”

Twilights mouth clamped shut with an audible click, before she continued.

“Nothing! Nothing at all! Anyways, questions! Yes, I have a few questions!”

Wonder what that’s all about… I might just have to drag it out of Dashie.

“Okay, what questions?”

Twilight visibly relaxed.

“Well, from my research into titles and what little I remember from Magical Kindergarten, titles can only be awarded by the Canterlot nobility, and only through trials of some sort or another. However, I couldn’t find any generic title of ‘Great and Powerful’ so… is it a legitimate title? Or were you just showboating?”

“Trixie would never lower herself to claiming a false title. She earned the title fair and square.”

“Then… why can’t I find any reference to it in my books?”

Trixie stammered a bit, before continuing quietly.

“Because… it is a unique title… Not a title awarded to any great achiever of magical status or skill, but a title that only an individual of the upper echelon of Unicorn Nobility can bestow.”

“That’s incredible!”

Twilight continued, oblivious to Trixie’s sudden lack of energy.

“What did you do to earn the title? Was it a feat of magic? Were you born into a noble family? What about…”

Trixie cut her off.

“It’s a very private, and… painful memory. Trixie would rather not discuss it at this current juncture.”

Twilight immediately went silent.

“I’m… sorry, Trixie. I promise, I won’t bring it up again.”

“Trixie appreciates that.”

“A-anyways!”

Twilight continued with forced cheer.

“Let me know if I can help you with anything at all! I’m glad you weren’t just flaunting a false title. Makes me… understand your actions a bit more.”

Trixie nodded, before moving towards the bookshelves.

The most important aspect of being a unicorn, and not only that, but a pony in general, is to be educated. Isn’t that what you said, Maestru?

Trixie sighed. Surely there would be something that she hadn’t known before here. She had no doubts that Twilight Sparkle had access to the Royal Library, and she suspected that Twilight would want to pull as many books from there to here. To bring the knowledge that some of the nobility inside of Canterlot would rather stay in their hooves, to here for the common pony to access.

Only things she wouldn’t bring over to here would be within the restricted section…

Trixie sighed.

I respect her for that. And… now that I’ve been out and about… interacted with the Canterlot middle class, and even some of the lower class… I can’t help but scoff at how I acted before. Unicorn superiority my flank… and who really cares about the purity of the noble bloodline?

Trixie absentmindedly started doing some light reading. A tome of ancient rituals and exercises to bring stability, peace and contentment to the individual within her magical grasp.

I’m… glad that I met Dashie. Without her, I would’ve likely gone right back to the same snobbish mindset. Thinking I deserved more than the average pony. Lineage be damned, it’s actions and character that matters. Dashie inspired me to not just work off my sentence… but to actually earn the forgiveness of other ponies. Even if they’re not being fair to you, and aren’t making it easy for you…

Trixie sniffed.

That’s what you were trying to teach me, weren’t you Maestru? I learned that once… but once you bestowed that title on me… I lost sight of the truth behind it. I faltered. Maybe that’s why you faded away… you saw that your teachings didn’t really sink into me… I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. If you can hear me now… I promise to live up to the true meaning of the title.

Trixie wiped her eyes, and set her jaw. She had some time to kill, and what better way to spend it than filling her head with knowledge of the past?

***

Trixie cracked her eyes open.

Ugh… I must’ve fallen asleep while I was reading… How embarrassing…
Trixie slowly got up on her hooves, and arched her back in a stretch, stifling a yawn that attempted to escape her.

How… curious.

Trixie immediately dropped into a fighting stance.

No… why? Why you?

“What do you want from me? Why do you keep plaguing my dreams? Answer me!”

In due time, little Justicar. In due time.
Trixie spun around, only to realize that she was by herself. There was no figure to accompany the voice.
Now that that pesky lunar princess is out of the picture, we can have some time to talk one on one.

“What have you done with Luna?!”

Trixie cried out.

She is safe… for now. That is all you need concern yourself with. Whether or not she stays that way… well, that’s up to you, little Justicar.

“Wha… what do you mean? And why do you keep calling me Justicar?!” I need answers!”

Hmmmm… very well. I suppose there’s no harm in revealing to you this information. You are what is known as a deep dreamer. Vivid dreams and even more vivid nightmares are a consistent part of your life, are they not?

“I’ve… I’ve learned to not get lost in them. They don’t control me, they aren’t real. There’s no danger within them.”
Ah, but that is where you are wrong, dear Justicar. Having the gift of lucidity does not guarantee safety. If anything, it means you are in an even more treacherous position. The lines between reality and the realm of dreams are becoming a bit blurred, are they not?

“No… a dream is a dream. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

Is that so? Then tell me, little Justicar, how is it that you are dreaming of real space, where you fell asleep?

“That… that doesn’t mean anything. It’s just an imprint on my subconscious that my brain takes advantage of, in order to make better sense of the dream.”

Hmmmm… perhaps, perhaps… I recommend you keep track of where you move within the dream realm. It could very well save your life.
The voice sounded as if it was coming from the upstairs part of the library. Trixie started up the stairs, a spell coalescing at the tip of her horn.

“You’re avoiding the question. What have you done with Luna, and why do you keep referring to me as ‘Justicar’?”

The lunar diarch is safe. Though currently… out of commission. There are other forces at work here. Pieces moving, games of chess. The castle and the queen. As for your title… well, did you not do your research? I find that highly unlikely for such an educated mare like yourself.

The voice was behind a door in the library. Trixie moved towards it.

“What you’re saying is impossible. Stories of the ancient times. Myths, nothing more.”

Are you so sure of that? Take a closer look. I invite you.

Trixie slowly nudged the door open, and found herself in an impossibly long hallway. Several windows along it, and pillars between each window.

“What is this?”

Trixie asked, unable to hide the awe in her voice.

These are windows to times, past present and future. Go ahead, take a look. I’ll be waiting.

The voice sounded like it was coming from the end of the hallway. Unable to help her curiosity, Trixie approached the first window. Suddenly she was within a crowd of solely unicorns. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes fell upon a stunning unicorn standing tall and proud upon a stage. The unicorn had a coat of pure platinum, and a mane with a single stripe of dark blue. Her eyes were a piercing violet, as was her magical aura.

“Friends, unicorns, Countrymares, lend thy ears! Today we stand upon the precipice of greatness! Before we break for luncheon upon the morrow, we shall be recognized! Recognized we say, as the true masters of the land! For too long we stood by, content to let the plebeians of sky and earth to rule their pieces. No more we say! Tonight we push forward! Tonight we claim our bloodrite! Tonight… the other tribes will know who their rulers are!”

The crowd erupted into cheers around Trixie, clearly having been listening for a while. Movement caught Trixie’s eye though. When she focused on the movement, she saw a pegasus take off, and fly towards the clouds.

And suddenly Trixie was back in the hallway.

“What… what was that?”

She breathed, staring at the now empty window.

A piece of history. Nothing more, nothing less. There is more, should you let your curiosity take flight.

Trixie backed away from the first window, and moved to the next one, almost in a daze.

In this one, she saw decades of bitter fighting erupt across Equestria. Pegasi diving into groups of unicorn mages, daggers mounted upon their forelegs. Many unicorns fell, bleeding. In spite of the pegasi’s speed though, they were taking losses too. Trixie saw one pass to low to the ground, and get caught in a green magical aura. The pegasus struggled in vain, but the aura never let go. It simply closed in on the unfortunate soul. He screamed as his wings bent in unnatural angles, and his scream turned into a gurgle as the aura concentrated on his throat. Eventually, he fell to the ground, silent.

Pegasi with mounted crossbows wreaked havoc on the mage companies. So relentless was their bolts, the unicorns focused on defensive barriers and shields eventually faltered under the neverending hail. Trixie watched helplessly as unicorn after unicorn fell, screams abruptly cut short by the bolts finding their marks.

Battle after battle was waged. Losses mounted on both sides, before the Pegasi eventually retreated, leaving the unicorns victorious. Trixie then watched in horror as the unicorns descended upon the farms and orchards of Earth Ponies. Ceaseless slaughter, rape, and pillaging followed in the destructive wake of the unicorn army.

Trixie forced herself to close her eyes. Not wanting to see any more.
After those bloody battles, peace reigned for ten years. Princess Platinum, the founder of the newly-formed MonÓkeros Empire, brought about prosperity to the ponies of Equestria. Then… it was all snuffed out, before real change and healing could begin.

Trixie shuddered, and moved to the next window. She saw Princess Platinum standing within a great hall, talking to who she could only see as unicorn nobility.

“We need a defensible location to put our seat of government. Suggestions?”

“My lady, there is a great mountain at the center of this great land. Shall we start construction there? A small city has already been founded at its base.”

“Yes, that is perfect. The ponies of Equestria will have a symbol of hope and unity to look to… then we can move on from the blood that has been spilled to make this possible…”

Princess Platinum looked… drained. Bags were forming under her eyes, and her mane was noticeably less lustrous. The stress of running a fledgling Equestrian nation was clearly showing.

“I will… retire to my bed for the night. I trust that you all will put the plans into motion.”

The unicorns all bowed.

“Yes, m’lady.”

Then they left. Princess Platinum sighed.

“All that bloodshed… all the atrocities of war… it needs to never happen again. We need to move on past grudges and focus on rebuilding. What a fool I was all those years ago…”

Princess Platinum glided over the floor, like a dancer. She was… elegant. But, tired. Trixie could tell. Platinum left the hall, and Trixie watched as she floated over to what looked like a balcony. She put her front hooves up, and rested her head against them.

“One day… all of this will have been for something. One day we will rise as a truly powerful, and unified nation. And it will be beautiful.”

As she watched the sunset, Trixie noticed movement once again. She shifted her attention from the peaceful sight, and saw a pegasus gliding silently from the clouds, a crossbow mounted on her right foreleg. Trixie tried in vain to warn the tired Princess… but she couldn’t do anything more than watch helplessly as the pegasus lowered her crossbow in Platinum’s direction. When she landed on the roof of the building, Platinum’s ear twitched, and she whirled around, simultaneously casting a spell around her. The bolt flew, and Trixie could swear she could hear it screaming in the wind as it plunged right to where Platinum had been only moments before.

The pegasus cursed under her breath in a language Trixie didn’t recognize, and immediately shot towards the Princess.

“Guards! Assassin in the great hall! Come quickly!”

Platinum cried, as she ducked underneath the pegasus’s attack. Trixie could see her readying a spell, at the same time that the pegasus landed unnaturally upon the balcony rail, and spun around.

Platinum let loose a bolt of lightning, aimed at the pegasus’s heart. The bolt was moving too quickly for the pegasus to dodge it, but she didn’t seem worried. Trixie then watched in awe, as the pegasus flicked her wing and seemed to slice through the arcane bolt, dissipating it. Platinum was also clearly shaken by this, and the pegasus took advantage of her temporary freeze. She shot towards platinum at breakneck speed, a dagger strapped to her left foreleg. Platinum recovered quickly, but not fast enough. The dagger found its place within Platinum’s chest, and she fell down, blood pooling beneath her. The assassin yanked the dagger out, and stared down at the fallen monarch.

“You… you’ve ruined everything… now… peace won’t reign for… another two centuries… mark my words.”

Platinum gurgled out.

“That does not concern me. May you find mercy within the goddesses.”

The pegasus muttered under her breath. And with that, she slashed her dagger across Platinum’s throat, sealing the monarch’s fate, and whirled around to attempt to flee. But she had taken too long. The royal guards of Princess Platinum came barreling out of the doorframe. The pegasus tried to flee in futility, but found herself caught within the magical grasp of a mage.

Trixie backed away. She had an idea of what happened next. Didn’t matter that the assassin had been caught… the damage had still been done. Ancient Equestria’s best hope at peace had just been swiftly, and brutally smothered.

The Alato-MonÓkeron War raged for centuries after that. The MonÓkeros Empire couldn’t keep their own people in check while fighting against the newly-formed Alatum Republic, and a third power arose from within their own borders. The Earth Pony Kingdom. King Solar saw that war would only lead to more war, so he attempted to broker peace. This was… in vain.

Trixie gulped, there were still two more windows. Should she carry on? This was… a one time opportunity to experience history in person. She steeled herself, and moved to the next window.

She found herself within a crowd again, this time of Earth Ponies. A simple box had been set up, where a handsome stallion now stood. He was very powerfully built, and had a coat of umber, and eyes that glimmered in an amber color. His mane was a dark brown, and he spoke in a low, powerful voice.

“Our brothers and sisters have shed each other’s blood for too long! For years, the Unicorns and Pegasi have butchered each other mercilessly, and none of them seem to remember what Princess Platinum truly desired! Which was a unified Equestria! My friends, I must go! I need to broker a peace treaty between our two sibling nations, lest we destroy ourselves!”

The ponies murmured amongst each other, clearly not certain about this course of action.

“My lord! What if your attempt drags us into war on one side or the other! Surely, it would be best to just let them fight themselves to a standstill?”

The king, for Trixie now noticed a crown of gold atop his head, shook his head sadly.

“Once they fight, and one side wins, they will have an army of experienced soldiers who have known nothing but war for the past two decades. How long, pray tell, before they descend upon us again, as they have in the past? No. We must broker peace, or we may never live to see true harmony. I must go. I refuse to take any more than my personal armorer and my squire. I must appear unarmed, in order for this to work. May the sun be with us. May the sun be with me…”

As the king and his audience faded from view, Trixie now found herself within a much smaller audience. This one of all the tribes. King Solar stood between a unicorn and a pegasus.

“Please listen to me, my brothers and sisters! War will not get us anywhere!”

The unicorn, adjourned almost entirely in armor, spat on the ground.

“These cowardly pegasi murdered our princess. Why should we ever be at peace with them? They will pay a tally in blood tenfold for each unicorn slain by their filthy tactics.”

“Don’t you try and claim the moral high ground here, Celeste! You know as well as I do the injustices inflicted upon both the earth ponies and pegasi by your Princess Platinum’s war! What we have done is justified!”

King Solar looked helpless.

“Senator… please, listen to me!”

He begged.

“War will just result in ruin, can’t you see?”

The pegasus Senator spat on the ground too.

“Yes. I do. In the ruin of the Unicorns.”

The armored unicorn let loose an audible growl at that. Trixie then heard a whistle fly past her head. She blinked, and then gasped. An arrow, fired from somewhere behind her, and buried itself in the side of King Solar, who slumped to the ground. She tried to look behind her, but wasn’t able to.

The unsteady peace that the three negotiators had established, snapped. The unicorn, still growling, summoned several gemstones that formed what seemed to almost be a blade, a flexible, terrible, blade of fourteen diamonds. She launched herself over the fallen king, and slashed at the pegasus senator, who quickly shot backwards, and flew high, disappearing in the clouds. The pegasi that had accompanied him, formed up, and were about to attack.

The unicorn held up her hoof, as her own accompaniment began to form up.

“Heh. Don’t you all worry about your pretty little heads. I got this. She then charged towards the pegasi formation, surprising them all.

Trixie could only watch in awe as their weapons sparked harmlessly off of her seemingly impenetrable armor. One after another, they fell. Wings severed, throats slashed… some were gutted on the spot. Every single diamond within the unicorn’s magical grasp was a lethal blade. Any pegasus who tried to break and flee, found themselves held down by grim-faced unicorn mages.

One by one, the pegasi were cut down. Not a single one remained of the thirty or so that had accompanied their senator.

“Now you…”

The unicorn snarled, flicking scarlet blood off of her diamonds, before making them disappear.

The armorer and squire of King Solar stood between their king and the unicorn bravely, but Trixie knew that it would not matter if she truly wanted to kill them. They knew it too, from how they looked. The poor squire, still a colt, was shaking in his leather tunic. The images of the massacre likely scarring him for life. But still, he stood between his king and the monster that terrified him.

“Tell your people that Celeste Prism is coming for them next. But for now…”

She chuckled.

“For now, we have a pegasi republic to upend. Fall in!”

The unicorns silently fell in behind her, as she stalked away.

“My lord… please don’t die… we need you now more than ever!”

The squire begged. Trixie felt her heart lighten when the king groaned, and staggered to his hooves.

“My lord!”

The squire cried.

“You need support! My lord, please! Listen to me!”

The king silently started moving back towards his kingdom.

“Father… please don’t die father…”

The colt whispered.

Trixie slowly backed away, and found herself in the hallway again. Only one window remained.

The voice was silent this time.

Trixie wordlessly approached the final window, and braced herself for what she would see next.

It was a simple vision. Not very long. All it showed was the squire sobbing over his father’s lifeless body.

“I will avenge you, father… I promise it.”

The armorer of the king opened his mouth.

“Your father would want peace! Don’t sully your memory of him by focussing on vengeance!”

“SILENCE! I AM NOW KING, YOU WILL FOLLOW ME OR YOU WILL BE RELEASED FROM SERVICE!”

The colt screamed. The armorer snapped his mouth shut audibly.

“My lord, I stand by your side, as I have taken up a vow of protection. Whatever you decide, I will follow. You have my word.

“Good.”

The young king said softly.

“I am King Flare of the Earth Pony Kingdom. And I hereby demand that we mobilize, and march on the unicorns. So I command.”

The images faded entirely from Trixie’s sight.

And just as Princess Platinum predicted, centuries of war followed until a new threat forced the three tribes to work together. The Windigoes caused the death of many, regardless of the nation.

“Why… why are you showing me this?”

Trixie asked, voice coming out as if she was choked with thorns.

Simple. That way you understand. Now, if you wish your precious princess to be safe, you’ll utter not a single word of what you’ve seen tonight.

Trixie then opened her eyes. She had somehow migrated from the downstairs to right outside of a door that she assumed led to Twilight’s personal quarters.

What is happening? Who is this voice? And what is its goal? Things I don’t know the answer too… not yet... And what does it mean by... Justicar?

Chapter 11

Trixie unsteadily made her way back down the stairs of the library. Questions swirled around in her mind. Questions about what she’d seen, questions about what the voice had meant… and questions about its warnings involving the princesses.

One way or another… I can’t do anything about it tonight.

Trixie settled down on the floor of the library.The sun was just peaking over the horizon, and Trixie knew she wasn’t going to find sleep anytime soon.

That voice… it… it sounded just like the voice from the Alicorn Amulet… I wonder…

Trixie stood up, levitating the previous tome she had been reading up and into its shelf. She then began to look for any books on ancient artifacts.

I doubt this local library would have a tome about such things… maybe in the Canterlot Archives… Hmmmm…

She kept looking regardless, trying to find any other tomes that might make reference to the amulet. Apart from some history tomes, she couldn’t find much. She sighed.

Well… maybe these history books will give me a clue as to what was happening between the key events I saw… or if those events were even true.

Having grown accustomed to skimming through tomes and books of knowledge, Trixie was able to confirm that the ponies she’d seen were at least real, but she couldn’t find much on the history… perhaps she’d need to find an expert on such histories.

If I pulled a few strings… I could probably get an audience with… the princesses…

The words of the entity from her dream sank in.

Unless they’re in danger…

“Good morning Trixie! Sleep well?”

Trixie jumped, before spinning around to behold a cheerful looking Twilight Sparkle, mug of some dark liquid in her magical grasp. As the unicorn took a sip, letting out a satisfied sigh, Trixie couldn’t help but notice the strong aroma coming off of the mug. Not at all unpleasant, just strong. It reminded her of some of the drinks Caramel Dahlia had served and sipped on, herself.

“Trixie… apologizes for staying past the public closing time. She must’ve been reading for longer than she thought.”

Twilight never dropped her smile.

Elysium, she reminds me of Cadence.

“Don’t worry, I totally understand. I’ve fallen asleep reading a good book a great many times. It’s not a problem, just… try not to make a habit of it, okay?”

Trixie nodded, then looked curiously at the drink that the lavender unicorn had taken another sip out of.

“Is that… coffee?”

Trixie asked. Twilight nodded eagerly.

“Oh yes! It’s a simply incredible drink! I’ve only just recently been introduced to it! It’s not as common in Equestria, as it’s a Saddle Arabian drink, but it’s perfect for mornings! Gives you a burst of energy to clear the morning fog from the mind. I’ve fallen in love with it.”

“Did… you say Saddle Arabia?”

Twilight nodded.

“We don’t have the methods or ingredients to make it here in Equestria. It relies on a specific type of bean, which is processed and crushed into fine grounds. Boiling water is then forced through the beans, therefore infusing the water! I’m sure there’s more to the process, but I haven’t figured it out yet! Everything from the aroma of coffee to the taste matters! You wanna try a cup?”

Trixie shook her head.

“Trixie would… prefer to not indulge in this… dirty bean water. She’ll stick with tea, thank you very much!”

Twilight shrugged.

“Suit yourself, more for me! Oh! And Rainbow Dash was planning on stopping by today, she mentioned you by name specifically, and wants to show off a little project she and I have been working on for a while now. She usually stops by after exercising in the mornings, and usually by riiiiiight about…. Now!”

Almost as if on cue, the door to the library burst open.

“Twilight! I got the-- oh, hey Trix!”

Trixie pointedly ignored the butterflies in her stomach, and simply smiled at Rainbow.

“Hey Dashie, what’ve you got there?”

Rainbow just grinned.

“You’ll have to wait and find out, it’s not quite done yet.”

Trixie narrowed her eyes at Rainbow, who just met her gaze levelly, and stuck her tongue out.

“Tell me.”

“Nope!”

“Tell me?”

“Nice try.”

“Please tell me?”

Rainbow hesitated for a second before answering.

“That’s not working on me! The answer’s still no!”

Trixie pouted.

“Hey, cheer up!”

Twilight called out.

“Here, have some tea. My treat!”

A cup with a rich aroma radiating from it floated, steaming, in front of Trixie. She went cross-eyed at the cup before chuckling to herself, and seizing it in her own magical grasp. Daintily, she lifted the cup to her lips and inhaled through her nostrils. The aroma that graced her senses was almost malty. Stronger than she was expecting. She then took a sip, and brightened at the nutty flavor.

“Trixie has never had tea like this before! What is it?”

Twilight snickered.

“What’s so funny?”

Trixie asked, taking another sip.

“It’s dung tea, Trixie.”

Trixie halted at those words, staring at Twilight. She heard a sound that was suspiciously like snickering behind her, which she ignored.

“Pardon?”

Twilight grinned.

“You heard me, dung tea.”

“As in…”

Trixie asked slowly.

“Excrement?”

To which Twilight nodded. Trixie went cross-eyed again, staring at the tea, shrugged, then took another sip, much to the surprise of both the other mares in the room. She turned to face Rainbow, who was staring at her with her mouth agape.

“What? It’s fine dung tea. I’m not going to waste such a delicious drink. Why, do you want some?”

Rainbow snapped out of her daze, and shot up to the ceiling.

“Nope! I’m not touching that! I don’t like tea, and especially not dung tea!”

Trixie just stared up at her, and tilted her head.

“But you simply must try it! How do you know you won’t like it if you haven’t tried it?”

“Uh… duh? Because it’s made from dung?”

Twilight coughed delicately.

“Actually, it’s just a green tea. The plants are simply fertilized with a special type of excrement. The nutrients from the dung infuse the tea leaves with flavor and nutrients. It’s some of the best tea around, not cheap, either.”

Trixie turned to meet Twilight’s eyes.

“How… expensive?”

She asked tentatively.

“Oh, it’s no matter! I always treat my guests the best I can!”

“How. Expensive?”

Trixie asked, a little more forcefully.

Twilight looked away from Trixie and muttered something under her breath.

“Can you… repeat that?”

Twilight sighed, exasperated.

“35,000 bits per pound. There, are you happy?”

Trixie inhaled deeply, and heard Rainbow suck in her breath too. Twilight scuffed the ground with her hooves.

“It was a gift from Princess Cadence. She didn’t tell me how expensive it was until after I had accepted it…”

Trixie opened her mouth, before Twilight cut her off.

“Don’t even think about offering to pay. It’s my tea, I’ll give it to whomever I like. And Rainbow, get down from there. We have a project to complete, remember?”

Rainbow slowly drifted downward, eyeing Trixie wearily, who simply blinked at her innocently in response.

“Yeah… yeah, we do. Hey, Trix can you… wait outside for a few minutes? I want this to be a surprise.”

Trixie raised an eyebrow at Rainbow, who rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof, not meeting her gaze.

“Oh, very well. Trixie shall wait outside for whatever this surprise is.”

Rainbow Dash grinned in response, and Twilight kept that same sweet smile on her face.

“Enjoy your tea, Trixie. This won’t take but a moment.”

Trixie stepped outside the door of the library, and inhaled the crisp, morning air. The sun was just starting to clear the horizon now.

Maybe I can see a bit of a sunset.

Within the perimeter of the library’s yard was a small grove of trees. Trixie finished off her cup, and settled upon the grass underneath one of the trees. She was quickly starting to love simply relaxing underneath trees. And, with a warm glow within her from both the kindness of Twilight, and just the fact that she’d seen Dashie, she watched as the skies turned from red to orange, and into blue.

This is a truly beautiful land…

She suddenly felt like she wasn’t alone. Her ears twitched, and she heard the muted voice of Rainbow Dash muttering to herself. Trixie couldn’t help but smile, but she revealed nothing, and simply let Dashie think she was being stealthy.

Dear, stealth is simply not your thing. Good try though.

Oh, she would certainly have a surprise waiting for Rainbow’s reveal.

Her ears swiveled, as she heard the displacement of air, and felt the gentle gust of a pegasus lifting off to fly. Using this, she was able to get a rough idea of where Rainbow was.

Any second now… any… second… Now!

She spun around, just as Rainbow was about to slam into her in a tackle hug. The grunt of surprise from Rainbow was quickly replaced by an ‘oomf’ of surprise from the would-be ambusher as Trixie used her own momentum against her, and the two of them went tumbling down a small incline in front of the grove. Trixie was openly laughing now, and before they knew it, they came to a rest with Rainbow on her back, a surprised look on her face, while Trixie gently pressed down on the pegasus’s shoulders. Trixie smirked.

“Pinned ya.”

The look of surprise was replaced with irritation.

“Yeah, yeah… very impressive. Now get off, I got something for you.”

Trixie didn’t let the smirk fall from her face, as she lowered her head, and stared straight into Rainbow’s eyes.

“Oh, I don’t know. I happen to quite like this position.”

She let her eyes become lidded. Rainbow stared at her, pupils dilated, before turning her head and coughing. Muttering some form of expletive under her breath. Trixie laughed softly, then got off of Rainbow.

“Now, what did you have for me again?”

Trixie asked innocently, ignoring the glare Rainbow shot at her.

“It’s right inside.”

Rainbow brightened up.

“I really think you’ll like it!”

“Now you really have me intrigued.”

Trixie called out.

“C’mon! Hurry up slowpoke!”

Rainbow called over her shoulder. Trixie shook her head, a smile never leaving her face. She looked at the crushed grass where the two of them had just been, surprised herself with a giggle, then turned to follow Rainbow into the library. Upon entering, Trixie saw the excited faces of both Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

“Alright, Trix, you gotta close your eyes for this part.”

Trixie scoffed.

“Whatever do you mean? Trixie will keep her eyes open if she feels like--”

And abruptly, some form of a cloth took her vision. Trixie sighed.

“And what, pray tell, would require me to not be able to see?”

Rainbow’s voice responded.

“Just trust me, okay? And try not to move.”

Trixie shook her head, exasperated. She could hear the shuffling hoofsteps, and what sounded like the ruffling of cloth, and quite a few spells being cast.

“Whatever it is you two are doing, Trixie is intrigued, she will admit. She hopes she’s not disappointed.”

“Oh trust me, you won’t be disappointed.”

“Rainbow! Stop your gawping, and help me out here!”

“R-right, Twi. Sorry, just… distracted.”

“Clearly. And close your mouth, you’re drooling.”

“I’m not drooling!”

Rainbow shouted, sounding indignant.

“Maybe not outwardly, you’re not. Now come on!”

Trixie couldn’t help but chuckle.

Wonder what she was staring at…

“Okay! We’re ready, you can remove the blind now!”

“Finally…”

Trixie muttered, before yanking the blind off with her magic. When she could see again, she stopped and stared. There, levitating in front of her, was her old cape and hat. Behind which was Rainbow and Twilight, beaming with excitement. Trixie felt a wave of nostalgia overcome her, and her eyes turned misty.

“Is… is this a dream?”

She managed to choke out.

“Soooo… you like it?”

Rainbow asked, eyes meeting Trixie’s.

“Like it? Elysium… I didn’t think I’d ever see this again…”

Trixie delicately took the cape and hat from Twilight’s magical aura, she couldn’t stop staring at it.

“How did you…?”

Trixie trailed off, tearing her gaze away from the cape she never thought she’d see again, and finding Dashie again. Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck, looking embarrassed.

“Well… when you and I started talking more… you told me how much your cape meant to you so… I went to Twilight. And… asked if she could help me. She was skeptical at first but…”

“It was a welcome challenge, Rarity and I worked together, doing our best to reimagine your cape and recreate it. At the time we didn’t know where your original cape had gone, and we assumed it to be destroyed. Then Rainbow here did something foolish.”

Twilight turned and glared at Rainbow, who had the decency to shuffle uncomfortably on her hooves. In spite of the multitude of emotions Trixie was feeling at the moment, she was able to let out a light chuckle.

“No, Dashie doing something foolish? Never.”

“It wasn’t that foolish…”

Rainbow muttered.

“Yes it was!”

Twilight exploded.

“You went into the Everfree Forest, alone, and seeked out the Ursa Major cave!”

Rainbow backed away from Twilight a bit.

“Well… her cape might’ve been caught on the Minor’s foot…”

“You didn’t know that! For all you knew, the cape had been burned in her old trailer!”

“Well… maybe but…”

“But nothing!”

Twilight cried.

“Do you realize how worried we were?”

“Not… at the time, no.”

Rainbow muttered. Twilight finally seemed to calm down, and take a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.

“Anyways, long story short, she found a few scraps of your old cape in the cave. Rarity and I wouldn’t have been able to reconstruct it from the few scraps she found, but we did get the pattern down right, and even incorporated some of the old fabric into the new design.”

Trixie looked more closely at the cape, and sure enough, there was a point where the design changed slightly.

“Rarity was upset about it not being a seamless transition, but I managed to talk her into acknowledging the beauty of the flaws within a cape. It tells a story. The hat, surprisingly, survived mostly intact, just a few adjustments and repairs needed. One of the colts around here had been keeping it as a souvenir. Rarity and I took the liberty of making the new cape out of arcane-weave so… if you wanted to, you could incorporate it into your illusions.”

Trixie snapped her gaze to Twilight.

“Arcane-weave? But that’s… only the most esteemed unicorn mages of Equestria are able to afford that!”

Rainbow looked confused.

“What does a cane have to do with anything involving a cape?”

Both Twilight and Trixie sighed simultaneously.

“Arcane-weave is a very rare fabric.”

Trixie started.

“It’s used by mages to power their spells.”

Twilight continued. Trixie picked up after Twilight.

“It’s pretty much a storage box for spells, you cast a spell on the weave, and the fabric can hold them for future use. Beyond that, I don’t know much though. Just that it’s incredibly rare.”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

Twilight continued.

“The thaumic lines within the fabric act as almost a ritual for spellcasting. It doesn’t just store the spell, but passively is able to interact with the magical weave of Equestria. The thaumic lines work almost as a leyline does on a smaller scale.”

Trixie looked on, interested, while Rainbow looked like her eyes were glazing over at this point. Oblivious, Twilight kept talking, adopting an almost ‘head of class’ voice.

“Thus, the fabric of the clothing made with arcane-weave is able to replicate spells that have been cast on, or in the vicinity of the apparel item in question. Unicorns have been able to use this to empower spells they’re casting, or charm their clothing with minor effects such as making them fire-proof, self-cleaning or able to take on the appearance of any other form of clothing.”

“Okay… the pegasus is confused by your egghead speech… what?”

Trixie smiled.

“Essentially the cape can now be used to cast spells, or make stronger versions of spells I already know.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?”

Rainbow mumbled. Twilight blushed.

“Right… sorry, I went into teacher mode there for a second.”

Trixie laughed, before staring at her new cape.

“Well? What’re you waiting for?”

Rainbow asked impatiently. Trixie took a deep breath, to steel herself, then floated the cape over her, clasping it at her breast. It felt like seeing an old friend for the first time in ages. And once she put her hat on… she couldn’t stop the tears from leaking out of her eyes.

“I’m… a bit overwhelmed, to be honest… this is… it’s…”

Trixie sniffed, before looking up.

“How can Trixie ever repay such a kindness?”

“Well… I have a few ideas…”

Rainbow muttered quietly, before receiving a swat from Twilight.

“What?!”

“Behave, Rainbow.”

Trixie just shook her head.

“As for repaying me… don’t worry about it, just seeing how happy it makes you is enough for me. Just be sure to thank Rarity as well, she is more experienced than I am with the business of a clothier. Without her, it wouldn’t have looked nearly as elegant.”

“Thank you…”

Trixie whispered.

“Both of you…”

When she met Rainbow’s gaze, she was acutely aware of her heartbeats. They stayed locked in each other’s eyes, and Trixie willed all of her feelings of gratitude, love and awe into her gaze. After a while, Rainbow blushed lightly, before breaking eye contact.

“So uh… any particular reason you were in the library?”

Rainbow said, awkwardly.

“At first, no, Trixie was simply looking for ways to pass the time. Having done some reading though…”

She turned back to Twilight, who was staring at the two of them, a knowing smile on her face.

“...Trixie had a… disturbing dream last night. She believes that the princesses might be in danger.”

Twilight blinked, before frowning.

“Danger? How so?”

Trixie then told Twilight about her dream, Rainbow eventually moved to her side, and was also listening intently.

“And… that voice I was hearing? It sounded almost identical to the voice that was speaking to me when I had the Alicorn Amulet in my possession.”

Trixie paused, letting that sink in.

“Trixie thinks that this… entity might be more dangerous than we thought before, and if the princesses really are in danger…”

She trailed off, not needing to say anything more.

“You need to get to Canterlot.”

Twilight stated firmly. Trixie nodded.

“And I’m coming with you!”

Rainbow said determidly. Trixie looked at her in surprise.

“What? The princesses have helped all of us out before… and if they’re in danger, and you’re going to investigate, that means you’ll be in danger too. I’m not letting you go alone.”

Trixie surprised Rainbow by stepping closer, and giving her a hug.

“Thank you… that means a lot to me.”

She whispered into Dashie’s ear.

“And… don’t think I won’t repay you for the cape.”

Trixie backed away.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie does not disappoint.”

Trixie smirked at the dumbfounded expression on Rainbow’s face, before turning back to Twilight.

“Trixie needed to head back into Canterlot anyways. She had to discuss some things with her boss, maybe request some more time off, so she could spend more time here. If you don’t mind, Twilight, Trixie would be honored if you allowed her to work off the remainder of her community service under your employ.”

Twilight smiled.

“Of course Trixie, you’re always welcome under my roof. Until you get back though, I need to take a letter. I’ll do some digging on my end here, the Canterlot Archives aren’t the only place with a restricted section, after all.”

Trixie nodded, before sweeping off her hat in a bow.

“You ready to go, Dashie?”

“Uh…”

The pegasus had to shake her head, a light blush still visible on her face.

“Y-yeah, just give me a moment to pack some basic supplies up. I should also say goodbye to Scoots, meet you on the road to Canterlot?”

“Trixie believes that to be wise. And while you’re packing, she was hoping to pay a visit to this ‘Rarity.’ Dashie said she had a small boutique here, correct?”

Twilight nodded before frowning.

“Yeah, but she had some business in Canterlot, something about a wedding to prepare for. She wouldn’t give me the details, but I’d assume she would be in Canterlot.”

Trixie grinned.

“Perfect! Trixie can knock off all of her objectives at once! A truly great and powerful move on her part, one that can be celebrated!”

Trixie didn’t know how, but having her cape and hat back? She felt more at ease, and better able to slip into her show persona.

“Right then, I’ll meet you on the road. Give me twenty minutes, yeah?”

Rainbow then flew out the door to attend to her packing and goodbyes.

Trixie started out after her, but stopped when she felt a magical tug on her shoulder.

“Trixie, wait. I know we haven’t had much time to talk again, but I’m glad you’re okay. Treat Rainbow well, okay? She’s very dear to all of us here.”

Trixie nodded.

“Trixie couldn’t imagine doing anything else… Dashie is… special.”

Twilight smiled slyly.

“Oh, I’m sure she is.”

Trixie reddened a little at that, and Twilight laughed.

“Don’t worry, I approve, for whatever it’s worth. I’m not sure about the others, but they’ll understand.”

“Trixie… wishes she was able to believe that. Applejack seemed to not be very happy with Trixie…”

“She’ll come around, don’t worry. She’s just very stubborn and under a lot of stress right now.”

“Why is she under stress?”

Twilight frowned.

“Something about a large shipment of apple products being prepped. Apparently she’s also going to be heading into Canterlot here soon. Pinkie Pie also has plans. It seems like only Fluttershy and I aren’t heading to Canterlot… wish I knew why…”

“Well… Trixie certainly hopes that Applejack comes around. She would much rather have the support of all of Dashie’s friends… I can’t imagine she’d take conflict amongst us very well…”

“Yeah…”

Twilight called softly.

“Anyways, it was a pleasure to see you again, Trixie. Do take care, and I promise to let you know if I find anything surrounding this problem with the amulet and the princesses.”

And with that, Trixie continued out the door.

That was… nice. I’m glad that Twilight doesn’t seem to automatically hate me for what I did… gives me hope that the others will be able to forgive me.

Trixie suddenly felt a horrible chill pierce her being.

Ms. Lulamoon, I’m disappointed. You didn’t keep our little chat a secret.

Trixie halted. The voice was just like in her dreams, and seemed to be coming from everywhere at once.

Who are you? What’s your angle? Tell me!

But not a single word was heard after that. Not one single word.

Chapter 12

As soon as Rainbow Dash was out the door, she took off flying as fast as she could. She didn’t really need to pack anything, but she needed to clear out a space for Trixie to live in at her home. She had done some work the day before but… She sighed as she flew on approach to her home, Rainbow suddenly was struck by a thought.

“How… the heck is she supposed to even stay up here? Why didn’t I think of that before?!”

Rainbow groaned.

I have a few bits left… but not nearly enough to buy even a small house… Ugh… wait a minute though… Didn’t everyone use some kind of cloudwalking spell?

Rainbow’s mind dashed.

If there’s a spell for cloudwalking, and if Trixie’s cloak is made of this magical arcane weave stuff… she said it could store spells, right? Maybe it could cast a permanent version of the cloudwalking spell? At least until I get a place for her on the surface. I’ll get to that later, for now though, I just need to get a space cleared out for Trix.

And Rainbow got to work. She took a room that she’d previously cleared of clutter the night before as a base, and started arranging it to make it feel more homey. Clouds were gathered up, and shaped into another bed, she created shelves, dressers, formed a window that had a sealable cloud in case of storms, and an easy chair for relaxation purposes. Having made several expansions to her home over the years, Rainbow couldn’t help but pat herself on the back for how… just good things looked.

Heh. Trixie’s gonna love it. And, in spite of that, I still have…

She flew out the door frame to look at her cloud clock in the living area.

“Two minutes?! Huh? Where did… never mind that, I gotta go!”

There was no way she was letting Trixie down by being late, if even only by ten seconds flat. Not on her watch!

She focused, and the innate weather magic within her coalesced in the form of a gust of wind that propelled her forwards. She forced her emotions aside, and instead worked to satisfy her needs, and those of the wind. The wind wouldn’t just bow to her will, she would work with the wind, not against it. The wind wanted to go where she wanted it to. A storm that the pegasi had prepared for the day meant a front would naturally form; that front would just happen to be moving in the same direction as Rainbow. And with that, she was speeding through the sky, a streak of rainbow color behind her.

***

Trixie was shuffling on her hooves, uncomfortable.

Dashie and I are going to be spending a lot of time together… alone…

Absent-mindedly, she started plucking at the grass and stones on the outer borders of the town of Ponyville. They started swirling above her, just dancing in the breeze.

I certainly didn’t think this through… I… I already know how I feel about her… but what if I say something stupid? What if something I say comes out wrong, and she flies away, disgusted?

The objects started swirling around more rapidly, looping and spinning in a dizzying array of random junk. A couple of sticks were added to the tiny whirlwind, as were a few flowers and some more rocks.

What if she doesn't come back after that? What if she leaves me? What if she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore? I… I don’t want her to leave…

The whirlwind was becoming an actual hazard, and Trixie didn’t want to tear up the road right outside of a town she had previously terrorized. She took some deep breaths, forcibly calming herself, as she would in front of a crowd.

Dashie is a very dear friend of mine. And she’s the embodiment of the element of loyalty. There’s no way she’d not want to be my friend anymore.

The whirlwind started slowing down.

She wouldn’t leave me unless she was teasing me, or I betrayed her trust. I know I wouldn’t betray her like that, I can’t even imagine it…

The rocks within the swirl were lowered to the ground, followed by the sticks. All that remained from the previous maelstrom were a few blades of grass, and some flowers, floating lazily in a circular fashion above her.

And who cares if something comes out wrong, or I say something stupid. Like it or not, that’s how relationships work. Being genuine. Pretending to be somepony else would be just as much of a betrayal, as it would be if I were to walk out on her.

Finally, the blades of grass were discarded. And, after examining the flowers she picked, hoping desperately for a red chrysanthemum and not finding one, she sighed, and tossed them aside too.

Maybe there’s one in the royal garden…

Trixie felt a lot more relaxed now. Yes, she was travelling with Dashie, but that wasn’t any different than if she were just spending time with her. Trixie inhaled deeply, then exhaled.

I’m calming down a lot faster, and haven’t burst into tears this time… maybe it’s the cape?
Trixie would be lying if she said she didn’t feel safer in her cape and hat. They weren’t just part of her show, but they were parts of her. Her identity. A magician’s hat and cape were close friends to the magician. They protected the wearer from the piercing gazes of the audience, and allowed them to put on a show, no matter the audience.

The only other time I’ve felt this safe was when Rainbow’s around…

Trixie smiled. Rainbow Dash had come to mean so much to her in her life.

All I’m missing is that damn chrysanthemum…

Almost as if she was summoned, Trixie heard a very distinctive voice.

“Whoah, whoah, whoah, too fast! Too fast!”

Trixie rolled her eyes, exasperated, before turning around. She then yelped, and ducked beneath the out of control pegasus that came barreling over her head. Once Rainbow had cleared over Trixie, she hit the ground with a crash. Trixie immediately spun around and charged to where Rainbow’s skid had come to a stop.

Rainbow groaned as Trixie approached.

“Dashie… are you--”

“Hey there, Trix.”

Rainbow called out smoothly.

“Nailed the landing.”

“Damn it, Dashie! You scared me half to death!”

Rainbow winced at Trixie’s tone.

“M’sorry…”

She mumbled.

Trixie lifted Dashie off the ground before enveloping the rainbow-maned pegasus in a fierce hug. Rainbow sighed happily as she leaned into the hug. Trixie paid it no heed.

“No way was I gonna be late for one of the most important ponies in my life.”

Trixie just tightened the hug, a storm of emotions within her. Eventually she released Rainbow Dash, and wiping her eyes, she looked at Dashie, relishing the way her heart swelled with happiness at having Rainbow Dash at her side.

“You ready to go?”

She asked, all Rainbow gave her in response was a wide grin.

“Okay… let’s go.”

***

“You never did finish that Nightmare Night story, Dashie.”

Trixie had to crane her neck to look at the pegasus, who seemed content to hover above her at all times.

“Huh?”

Came the refused response.

“You know, the one you were telling me while I was still behind bars.”

“Oh yeah! That was a pretty awesome night!”

Trixie waited expectantly for a few seconds.

“Oh! You wanna hear the rest of it, huh?”

Trixie rolled her eyes.

“That would be nice, yeah. Honestly, Dashie. For someone as sharp as yourself, you really miss the obvious sometimes.”

“Hey! That’s not… it’s not…”

Rainbow sighed.

“Damn it.”

Trixie grinned.

“Gotcha!”

“Yeah, yeah. You wanna hear the story or not?”

Trixie quieted down, and Rainbow glided down to walk beside her.

“That’s what I thought. Now.”

Rainbow cleared her throat dramatically.

“Where were we at?”

“Something about Scootaloo slipping into the Everfree Forest?”

“Well, I knew that. But there was supposed to be tension! Humph!”

Trixie couldn't help but smirk at Dashie, who pointedly ignored her. Flicking her tail, Rainbow continued.

“So I had just seen Scoots slip into the Everfree Forest. This wasn’t too unusual, and usually she has her two friends with her, so I wasn’t too worried, but… I have to watch out for the kids, y’know?”

“Awwwwwww…”

Trixie cooed.

“Shut it. ANYWAYS!”

Rainbow Dash continued.

“I stayed well out of sight, and sure enough, she met up with her two friends. I don’t think I really needed to even try and stay hidden at this point, because once those three are together, they don’t notice nearly anything. Luckily, I didn’t have to swoop down and save them from timberwolves or something.”

Trixie scuffed at the ground, embarrassed. But looked up when Rainbow Dash decided to randomly boop her on the nose.

“I’d do it all again, you know that?”

Rainbow said, sotto voce. Trixie blushed lightly, and nodded silently.

“The three of them were heading to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and imagine my surprise when I saw Princess Luna there, and then they started describing their prank and… I had to be in it.”

Trixie found herself entirely absorbed into Rainbow Dash’s vivid storytelling.

***

“Princess Luna? What’re you doing here?”

The lunar princess looked up at Rainbow Dash, and smiled.

“Ah, Rainbow Dash. Element of loyalty, thou art, yes?”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

Scootaloo suddenly spun around, eyes wide and jaw agape.

“R-Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but relish the worshipful look the little orange pegasus gave her. But she knew she needed to set an example. That’s why when Scootaloo asked what she knew the little pegasus would ask next, she hardened her features.

“Wh-what’re you doing here?”

Rainbow Dash internally swallowed. Knowing she’d hate doing this.

“I was following you three around. Making sure you didn’t get hurt. What the he--”

Rainbow Dash caught herself, and coughed.

“Heck, are you doing out here?”

She asked the question to Scootaloo, but directed her gaze to Luna. And, while the young pegasus stammered out an apology, Luna just raised her eyebrow.

“Am I not welcome here?”

“N-no! That’s not…”

Rainbow Dash smacked her head.

“I’m just curious is all, alright?”

Rainbow looked up, and upon seeing Princess Luna’s smirking face, narrowed her eyes and stuck her tongue out.

“So what are you four really doing out here?”

Scootaloo seemed to noticeably brighten from her previous bashful expression. She looked over to her two friends with a grin, and Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel happy for the young pegasus, having found such a good group of friends. She had little doubt that the three would go through hell and back for each other. Reminded herself of her own friend group, honestly. They had their arguments, but in the end, they all had each other’s backs.

“Well girls, should we tell her?”

Scootaloo asked, eagerly.

“Ah don’t see why not. Not that we’d be able to stop you, anyways.”

Applebloom said, rolling her eyes, Sweetie Belle then piped up.

“We’re doing a Nightmare Night prank!”

“Sweetie Belle! I was supposed to reveal that to her!”
Sweetie’s face fell.

“O-oh… sorry.”

Scootaloo sighed.

“No… no, it’s okay.”

Scootaloo patted Sweetie’s shoulder.

“No harm done, okay Sweetie?”

Applebloom had a smirk on her face. Scootaloo either didn’t see it, or ignored it, and spun around to look at Rainbow, who raised her eyebrow.

“But yes, we’re all doing a Nightmare Night prank.”

She inhaled, and Rainbow braced herself for what was most definitely coming next.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS NIGHTMARE NIGHT PRANKSTERS!”

Three young voices chorused together. Rainbow winced internally, not letting it show.

“Alright, I want in.”

Three wide, young eyes, and one knowing smirk reached her.

“What? I am the number one Nightmare Night prankster in Ponyville, I want in.”

Rainbow Dash was met with the excited grin of a young Scootaloo.

“Really? You’re not mad?”

Rainbow Dash chuckles.

“Heh heh. Not at you, no.”

She shot a glare at Princess Luna, who just pressed her hoof to her chest in a ‘moi?’ gesture.

“But we can deal with that later. Let's hear this plan of yours.”

Rainbow Dash smiled as the little pegasus jumped, pumping her hoof into the air, wings fluttering to give her extra lift.

“YES! Alright, it goes like this…”

***

“Awwwwwwww…”

Trixie couldn’t help herself.

“What?”

Rainbow snapped, frustrated at being interrupted.

“You’re such a good big sister.”

“W-well… yeah. Scoots is… she means a lot to me.”

Trixie nodded

“I can tell. Now, get back to telling the story!”

“Well, if somepony wouldn’t keep interrupting me.”

Trixie withered a bit under her annoyed glare.

“S-sorry…”

Rainbow Dash sniffed, but nevertheless continued.

“So it took a bit to prepare, but we were finally ready. We had to tell some of the element bearers, but not all of them to make it convincing. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were all in on it…”

***

Rainbow Dash was walking with her friends, chatting animatedly, just honestly enjoying the night and Pinkie Pie’s antics. Rainbow Dash had a simple costume this year, she was dressed like a member of the Royal Guard. Applejack had elected to not wear a costume this year, same with Fluttershy. Twilight was dressed like a mad scientist, and Rarity was dressed in a complex, elegant gown that looked suspiciously like a wedding dress. Pinkie Pie had the most unusual costume on, by far. From what Rainbow Dash could tell, it was some form of armor, but not an outfit she had ever seen before, and the outfit itself didn’t even seem to want to be consistent. There were two very different, odd symbols. One on either side, and the words ADVENT and XCOM accompanied the symbols. Rainbow Dash just set it aside as Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash subtly led the group to the designated position, and kept them there, talking away. And suddenly, right on time, mist started coating the area. The chatting died away, replaced by curious noises.

Perfect.

Lightning struck around the area, and several frightened ponies pressed together. Her friends looked around nervously. Rainbow Dash chuckled internally.

The fog thickened, until it was nearly impossible to see, and a menacing chuckle permeated the entirety of the area. Rainbow Dash made herself fade into the fog, a smirk unseen by her friends. She made her way to her position, and waited.

The menacing chuckle got louder and louder, until with a snap of lightning and a burst of thunder, Nightmare Moon in all her terrible glory appeared. Rainbow could hear her friends speaking, Twilight was first.

“L-Luna?”

Nightmare moon chuckled darkly.

“That pony no longer exists! She was a weakness, one that I burned out in its entirety! You precious princess Luna is gone!”

“Th-that’s not true! It-it can’t be true!”

“Can it though, my subjects?”

“You aren’t our princess!”

Rainbow Dash admired Applejack’s determined voice. Rarity soon followed.

“We’ve beaten you once! We can do it again!”

Nightmare Moon chuckled darkly, and Rainbow Dash felt magic coursing through her. She took a deep breath, before taking off.

Well… here goes nothing.

“Can you? I dare you to try!”

Twilight spoke up, voice strong, despite her obvious fear and dread.

“We still have the elements! They’ll--”

“Be useless, when I have corrupted one of you already.”

Nightmare Moon interrupted. Rainbow Dash burst through the fog, presenting herself. Her faux Royal Guard armor replaced by the dark armor of the Night Guard. She grinned menacingly, teeth having the illusion of being sharpened.

“R-Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight stammered fearfully.

“Your beloved ‘Rainbow Dash’ no longer exists. All that is left is Nightmare Dash!”

Nightmare Moon declared boldly. Nightmare Dash stayed silent.

“W-we’ll just have to defeat you the old-fashioned way then!”

Nightmare Dash marvelled at how quickly Applejack recovered.

“Is that so? Even with your precious sisters protecting me? They’ll gladly put themselves in harm's way for my glory!”

Applejack’s eyes widened, and just at that moment, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle emerged from the fog, dressed similarly, helmets completely obscuring their facial features, armor similar to that of Nightmare Moon and Dash’s. They marched as one, and planted themselves between the Bearers of Harmony, as Nightmare Moon settled behind them. Nightmare Dash silently hovered above the two of them.

“A-Applebloom?”

Applejack nearly whispered.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Nightmare Dash snapped her head in the direction of the voice, and Scootaloo came careening out of the fog, halting in front of the element bearers.

“Rainbow Dash! This… this isn’t you! I know you’re in there somewhere! Please… please come back!”

Nightmare Dash tilted her head in apparent confusion. Scootaloo took that as a cue to advance.

“Oh, please. This should be good.”

Nightmare Moon laughed.

“Come on, Rainbow Dash! You’re my sister. This isn’t you! You… you wouldn’t leave Ponyville hanging. You wouldn’t leave me hanging.”

Rainbow Dash was impressed by the young pegasus’s skill at acting. She genuinely sounded hurt, and scared. But Nightmare Dash didn’t care. Nightmare Dash slowly approached the young pegasus.

“Yeah… Come back!”

Scootaloo was joined by the voices of the other element bearers, and some of the townsfolk. Nightmare Dash paid them no head, and instead snatched up Scootaloo, and quickly brought her to Nightmare Moon.

“That’s a good Nightmare. Bring the young one here.”

Scootaloo struggled valiantly, but ultimately in vain, as Nightmare Moon touched her horn to the little pegasus’s head, and a set of armor covered her. She slowly floated to the ground, and marched to take up position beside the other corrupted crusaders.

Gasps sounded from everyone. Rarity fell to her knees.

“You… you fiend! You’re going to pay for that! Using our… our loved ones against us! What are your terms?”

Nightmare Moon placed her hoof to her chin, seeming to think about it.

“I demand! That you give us a candy tribute one day out of every year! And dedicate one day a year to the night!”

“NEVER! WE’LL NEVER SWEAR FEALTY TO-- Hold up, what?”

Twilight started. Then cut herself off. Nightmare Moon nodded solemnly.

“Yes, you must do these, and I’ll leave you in peace.”

“B-but that’s… that’s… we’re already doing that!”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes widened in seeming surprise.

“Oh. I see… well in that case, my work here is done. Farewell, until I come again next year!”

Nightmare Moon cackled maniacally, before suddenly her armor disappeared, and standing before a very confused populace was Princess Luna, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Rainbow Dash, who proceeded to start rolling on the ground, laughing until tears were in their eyes.

“HAPPY NIGHTMARE NIGHT EVERYPONY!”

***

Trixie was laughing herself, as Rainbow Dash’s tale came to a close.

“Oh… oh that’s just perfect! I wish I’d have been there to see the look on Twilight’s face!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“Heh heh… yeah, everypony remembered that prank. They still talk about it, actually.”

“You wouldn’t make a half bad performer yourself, Dashie!”

“Whaddaya mean?”

“I was enraptured! Your have a natural talent for storytelling!”

Rainbow reddened a little.

“W-well… I mean… Uh…”

Trixie snickered.

“Awe, is the great ‘Rainbow Danger Dash’ getting all flustered? By moi?”

“No’m not…”

Rainbow said, scuffing at the ground. Trixie couldn’t help it, she surprised the poor pegasus with another hug.

“I like it when you tell me stories.”

Trixie quietly said.

“But, we’re not under any time constraints. Let’s rest for a bit.”

“Y-yeah. Sure.”

The two of them found a shady spot to rest under, and sat down to rest in companionable silence.

“So… Trix… I actually don’t know much about your past. Do you have any stories?”

Trixie froze. Had she really not told Rainbow anything about herself?

Oh… oh dear… where should I even start?

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Sorry about the time gap between chapters, life's been pretty busy as of late. I can't guarantee that the next chapter will come out quickly or not, I'm taking an assessment for a management position in my current job, and might be slated for a promotion soon. I do want to eventually get to posting one chapter every two weeks minimum but I'm not sure when that'll happen yet. Thanks for sticking with me!

Chapter 13 Author's Note

Sorry for the long delay! Things are going crazy on my end! That being said, I did land the promotion I was going for finally. So hopefully I'll actually have a consistent work schedule now. No promises, but... I think I should be able to write a bit more easily.
Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 13

“Well… the first thing you should know about me is that… I am technically a member of the nobility.”

“No way!”

Trixie nodded.

“It’s true, minor nobility, but still nobility. It’s why I have a title.”

Rainbow Dash stared at Trixie.

“You have a title?”

Trixie stared at Rainbow, unamused.

“What?”

Trixie sighed.

“You think I flaunt around ‘Great and Powerful’ when I’m not worthy of doing such?”

Rainbow Dash stared at Trixie. Blinked, and stared some more.

“Uh…”

“You totally did, didn’t you?”

“Hey! It’s not my fault you seemed like a showboat! And even after I understood why, it still could’ve just as easily been a part of your stage persona!”

Trixie shook her head with a groan.

“I suppose I can’t blame you… still, I reserve the right to tease you about it.”

Rainbow Dash mumbled something unintelligible.

“What was that?”

“Nothing! Nothing at all! Nope, not embarrassed about anything at all.”

Rainbow chuckled nervously.

“Anyways! Tell me more!”

Trixie smiled.

“Well, let’s get moving again. If we want to make it to Canterlot by nightfall tonight, we really can’t delay much more.”

Rainbow nodded, then started to follow Trixie.

“Okay… where to start... Well, I guess we can skip over my foalhood. Nothing really interesting happened then. I’ll skip to where I graduated from Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, and--”

“Whoa whoa whoa. You’re telling me that you graduated from the same school as Twi?”

Trixie sighed, but obliged the eager pegasus.

“Yes, though the two of us didn’t interact much, and I severely doubt she even remembers me. We shared so few classes that we may as well have not been going to the same place. Regardless, were I to retrieve my school records, you’ll see that I graduated near the top of my class. At least in the theoretical section, not so much in practical application. I don’t have quite the reserves of Twilight.”

“Wow… I’m friends with two eggheads!”

Trixie scoffed.

“I am most certainly not a, as you so kindly put it, egghead. I am beyond such meagre titles! I am… Great and powerful. Not an egghead.”

Rainbow fell backwards, laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s just… pffft, you go so… so offended! It was hilarious!”

“And why wouldn’t I be offended at being called names?”

“Relax, Trix. I didn’t mean to offend, quite the opposite. Eggheads are smart, and I can learn from them.”

Trixie blinked, and stared at the rainbow-maned pegasus.

“Well, now I feel silly.”

Rainbow smirked.

“Oh hush, let’s carry on moving, yes? Very good, yes.”

Trixie pointedly ignored the snickering that followed.

“I graduated second in my class, only topped by Twilight herself, as I said, she had me beat in raw magical prowess, but I learned how to be creative with my limited mana and selection of spells. That was more than enough to graduate with flying colors.”

Trixie felt nostalgic, and couldn’t stop the smile that soon followed.

“Twilight graduated and got the personal attention of Princess Celestia, earning the title of Good and Faithful Student. I wasn’t selected for such high honors, but my creativity and grasp of magical theory earned me the title of Great and Powerful.”

“Wow… I didn’t realize…”

Trixie smirked at Rainbow.

“Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be. I am, after all, worthy of such a radiant title.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, but undeterred, Trixie continued.

“While I didn’t catch the personal attention of the Princess, I did catch the attention of another great unicorn. My Maestru, who personally took me under his stead, and continued my studies for several years following.”

“Didn’t your parents have an issue with that?”

Rainbow interrupted. Trixie frowned.

“No. My parents… didn’t want me. They left me outside of an orphanage in Canterlot. The orphanage raised me, and when my natural talent for magic showed up, they immediately enrolled me into the school.”

“I… had no idea, Trix. I’m sorry.”

Trixie scoffed, ignoring the pit that suddenly made itself known inside of her.

“Happens all the time in Canterlot, a couple become lost in themselves in the night, and aren’t prepared for the responsibilities that follow. That’s why there is no shortage of orphans in Canterlot.”

“But wait… if you were an orphan… how did you know you were nobility?”

“My parents left a message with me outside of the orphanage. It had the seal of the Canterlot Nobility. It’s the only reason I was able to enroll at Celestia’s school. Made… quite a few of my childhood companions jealous.”

“Wow…”

“My Maestru was the closest thing I had to a father in my life.”

“Where is he now?”

Trixie’s expression darkened.

“He… passed away a few years ago.”

“Oh.”

Trixie took a deep breath, then exhaled.

“He taught me many things though, including ritual magic. It’s how I can cast so many spells in a show, without exhausting my mana pool. You see, I’m limited in my innate spellcasting ability. I’ve learned to be creative with what I got, but some of my shows… required a little more. I solved this issue with ritual casting. Runes, certain movement, material components… you can do almost anything. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if pegasi could actually have some limited form of spellcasting with the energy they use in weather magic.”

“Wait, seriously? That’s… that’s AWESOME!”

Trixie grinned.

“Figured that would get your attention. It probably wouldn’t be much more than simple cantrips, but it is feasible.”

“Tell me more, tell me more!”

Trixie chuckled.

“Maybe later, my past is something I don’t talk about a lot.”

“Awwwwww… c’mon… pleeeeeeeease?”

“Great Elysium Rainow, are you begging?”

“Mebbe. Mebbe not.”

Rainbow had a gleam in her eye.

“Well, I wouldn’t mind you begging a bit more.”

Trixie noticed that Rainbow turned a little red in the face at that.

Perhaps she’s not used to having to pry. This could be very, very entertaining.

The pair fell into companionable silence for a while, before eventually making smalltalk to pass the time until they reached Canterlot.

***

Deep within the confines of Hive Mantis, a changeling was studying a map of Canterlot closely. Several figurines were aligned in specific parts of the city. Within the royal kitchens, among the Celestial Royal Guards, some among the newly-arrived Crystal Guard… and most importantly, within the personal honor guard of Princess Mi Amora Cadenza.

Queen Chrysalis of Hive Mantis chuckled darkly. Her plan was working better than she could’ve ever imagined. She didn’t believe it possible to replace the personal honor guard… but the ponies were too trusting amongst themselves. The herd was right. To disagree with the herd meant exclusion, loneliness. This made infiltration laughably easy. Any suspicious figures would just have to be replaced, and the rest would fall in line with the belief that nothing was amiss.

Perfect.

Chrysalis thought. She would be ready to strike within a few days. The royal wedding between Princess Mi Amora Cadenza of House Platinum, and Knight-Captain Shining Armor of House Sparkle would be the perfect time to overthrow the Solar Diarchy. With their allies within the Crystal Empire following the will of Hive Mantis… Equestria would have no choice but to… follow the herd. There was just one more loose end to tie off in order for her plan to work.

Queen Chrysalis would move quickly, striking within twenty-four hours. No longer would Princess Mi Amora Cadenza of House Platinum exist. She would be Her Imperial Majesty, Cadence of the Crystal Empire. And Equestria… would be no more.

Everything was going according to plan.

***

Trixie flopped herself on the bed within the room she and Rainbow Dash had rented.

“Uuuuuugh! Customs are sooooo boring! And usually security checks didn’t take this long! I thought Canterlot was an open city… but security seems to have increased over the past month.”

“Tell me about it… I used to be able to fly right in to give my monthly weather reports for Ponyville… but they said that it was restricted airspace! Seriously? Like… do they recognize me? I’ve only helped save the… like, world about five times now!”

Rainbow Dash flopped beside Trixie. And groaned.

“At least this room was cheap.”

Trixie commented, finally taking the room into account. It was a modestly furnished room, with one bed, two nightstands with candle trays, and one window. She paused. Something wasn’t right…

There… there’s only one bed! And… I don’t see any other furniture! Oh no… that innkeeper must’ve thought that Rainbow Dash and I were… were…

Trixie couldn’t finish the thought. Why couldn’t she? That’s… what she wanted… Was it not?

I usually notice things like this… amateur mistake… not looking over the room details. But the price was too good to pass up! And… if it means I have to sleep besides Dashie…

Trixie blushed lightly.

I guess this isn’t all that bad…

“Uhm…”

Rainbow Dash seemed to finally scan the room too.

Oh dear.

“Th-there’s only one bed here…”

Is she blushing?

Trixie looked closer at the rainbow-maned pegasus. And she was indeed blushing. Trixie felt her heart do a tap dance in her chest.

Quit it. Don’t make it weird.

“It… would seem that way…”

Quick! Offer to find another room! Hurry now!

“I-I can–”

Trixie started.

“That’s okay…”

Trixie stumbled over her words, not able to finish what she was trying to say.

“I-I mean… if that’s okay with you?”

Rainbow Dash was definitely blushing now. Trixie swallowed. Hard.

“I’m not opposed…”

She whispered.

“Awesome. That’s… that’s awesome.”

Rainbow Dash looked away, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof.

“A-anyways! You were talking about pegasi maybe being able to cast spells?”

Rainbow Dash sounded eager.

Oh Dashie, always focused on the next new thing.

Trixie thought fondly, the previous awkwardness seeming to have evaporated.

“Well, how does weather magic work, first of all?”

Trixie was genuinely curious. She always harbored a slight fascination with how the weather of Equestria was controlled, and not reliant upon the whims of mother nature.

“Well, it’s kinda like, I dunno, negotiating?”

“Negotiating? How so?”

Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“We can’t really control nature. It’s a lot stronger than us. It’s like… like if you’re swimming in the ocean. You wanna work with the currents, not against them. And if you tried to force the currents to your will… Well, the ocean would crush you. The weather is similar to that. So, we don’t focus on forcing the weather to bend to our will, we try to guide it to suit our needs.”

“So… all the weather that happens in Equestria… that’s not the pegasi alone? They’re just… adapting the natural weather patterns to fit a schedule?”

Rainbow nodded.

“Exactly. For example, if somepony was, oh I dunno… running late on an important date or something…”

Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously.

How curious…

Trixie thought, but didn’t say anything.

“Well, they could utilize a front that was already forming, and like… convince it that it wanted to fly behind the pegasus, making her fly faster with a tailwind.”

“Wow… that’s… really neat actually! You’re talking like the weather is an entity in and of itself!”

“It… kinda is, actually. You know how everypony is saying things about mother nature, the spirit of the ocean, and such?”

Trixie nodded.

“Well, pegasi scholars have actually theorized that everything involving nature is from spirits of existence. All those stories about pixie circles, natural leylines and… stuff… are actually thought to possibly exist.”

“I didn’t take you as a spiritual pony, Dashie.”

“Yeah well… just don’t go spreading it around, okay? I have an image to keep up.”

Trixie giggled. She certainly understood that.

“Anyways, these spirits control how everything works in the world. And they’re primal. They don’t form attachments, and just… exist.”

Trixie frowned.

“But surely… every so often there’s news about some accident or another involving weather… sometimes these accidents are fatal. If these spirits feel like you say they do… they must be in shades of good and evil. Because on the other hoof, freak things that happen to save somecreature or another ends up saving them.”

Rainbow snorted.

“Is fire evil for burning down a house? Or is that simply how it’s meant to exist? It’s not malevolent. The same can be said of the spirits.”

“I guess that makes sense…”

Trixie allowed.

“But enough of this egghead stuff, I can only say so much before I get a migraine. Let’s get back to ritual casting and how pegasi can do it.”

“Oh! Yes, of course. The idea is that using your… I guess connection? Is that a good word for it? To nature and the spirits would allow you to perform a series of movements that attuned your innate weather magic to the arcane weave, letting you cast spells. Probably not huge spells without a focus, like the horn of a unicorn, but spells nonetheless. After all, magic is simply channeling the natural magical energy of the world into spell-like effects. They aren’t actually spells in technicality. But in essence, that’s how spellcasting works.”

“That… makes my brain hurt.”

Trixie giggled again.

“Oh come on, it’s not that complicated.”

Trixie teased.

“Whatever you say, great and powerful egghead.”

“Why you little–”

Trixie tackled Rainbow Dash to the bed in a fit of giggles, cutting off the surprised yell that Rainbow uttered.

I could get used to this.

Trixie thought gleefully as she and Dashie playfully wrestled on the bed, ruffling up sheets and probably making the creatures below them blush at the squeaking of the mattress. Trixie paid them no heed, and instead focused on winning the impromptu wrestling competition. It was several hours before the two finally settled down, exhausted.

***

Cadence could barely contain herself. She and Shiny were getting married! Finally! After years of pining for the stallion’s attention, until she had to outright tell him that she was interested!

Cadence fell against her bed, giggling as she held the invitation she was finishing up against her chest. The wedding was only a few days away. All that was left were the invitations. She composed herself, and finished writing up the last of them, sealing them and sending them to their recipients with a pop of arcane energy.

Twily… Trixie… all of Twilight’s friends… and we’re done!

There was a rapid knock on her door.

Odd… usually around this time of night nobody bothers me.

“Who is it?”

Cadence called out cheerfully.

“Princess! Be ready! There’s been a disturbance in the chambers!”

The voice was that of Paradise Luminence. One of Cadence’s personal guards.

“Understood.”

Cadence’s voice immediately steeled, reflecting her guarded state. She didn’t have anything besides ceremonial armor that would be more of a hassle to put on, and a dagger. But she was far from helpless.

“Halt! State your bus–”

Paradise’s voice was cut off by the sounds of a struggle. As soon as it started though, it was over. Cadence burst through the door, dagger brandished in her magical grasp. The crumpled form of the pegasus guard she had known for years awaited her vision.

“Paradise!”

Crimson liquid was rapidly spurting out of her neck, pooling on the polished floor. Cadence was horrified. Her personal guard… her friend… was dead. The major artery in her neck clearly slashed. Cadence swallowed the painful lump that threatened to overcome her, and immediately started to cast an alarm spell of some sort. But her horn sparked once, then didn’t work. Her dagger clattered to the ground. She opened her mouth to yell out a warning to anycreature within earshot… but she couldn’t hear anything.

A zone of silence… and some kind of anti-magic field? How are both happening at once?

Cadence suddenly felt some form of sixth sense kick in. And she felt a presence behind her. Not hesitating to act on the instinct, Cadence ducked down, and spun to the side. A creature she had never seen before was recoiling from slamming itself on the ground. It had the appearance of… almost a beetle. Holes in the legs, and seemingly tattered wings were its defining features. That and the long tongue, and extended fangs.
An assassin… but why now? Why tonight? Oh Shiny… I hope you’re okay…
Cadence didn’t have time to dwell on her thoughts. The creature had recovered and was rapidly closing the distance. With the elegance only innate with a dancer, Cadence sidestepped, then spun behind the creature as it slammed into the wall this time.

Not too bright, are you?

Cadence was upon the creature in an instant. It would not recover this time. Several well-placed hoofstrikes, and the assassin was completely immobilized.

Need to get help… need to raise the alarm!

The sense that had saved her many times over many attempted assassinations alerted her to another presence. Cadence fell into a roll, narrowly avoiding the strike of a dagger.

A bloodied dagger. Upon recovering, Cadence locked eyes upon the dagger and the creature wielding it. Cadence saw red. This creature. This creature was responsible for the death of Paradise. It would not survive. With swift, cold, brutality. Cadence immobilized first one leg, then another. Causing the dagger to fall from the grasp of the creature. It staggered back, attempting to move legs that refused to listen to their commands. A crouch followed by a leg sweep had the creature on its back, stunned. Cadence then coldly stomped her hoof down. Crushing the creature's windpipe. She left the silently gasping murderer behind her. It deserved no merciful end to its pitiful life. Zones of silence were limited in range… she just had to find that edge.

She felt another presence.

How many of you are there?

Falling into the same rhythm as before, Cadence suddenly found herself surrounded by the creatures.

Damn it…

Cadence fought as long as she could. She really did. But there were simply too many of them. Eventually a heavy blow slammed into the back of her head. As she fell to the ground, fighting off the darkness of unconsciousness, she suddenly could hear again. The silence spell must’ve fallen. A voice unlike what she’d heard before spoke in an echoey tone.

“Excellent work. Now our work can truly begin.”

As the last part of her brain flickered into darkness, she couldn’t muster the strength to cry out.

I’m so sorry Paradise…

Then darkness won the battle, and she sank into unconsciousness.

Chapter 14

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 16

As their kiss lengthened, Rainbow found herself thinking back to the last time she and Twilight had talked about Trixie. It was just after Rainbow had saved her life, and Twilight called her in for ‘preparatory training’ as she called it. Rainbow had rolled her eyes, and gone just to make her feel better.

“Now, Rainbow. Given how much damage Trixie caused with the alicorn amulet… there’s a few things I wanted to touch up on with you. As I’m sure you’re aware, your weather magic is part of the reason you’re able to fly.”
Rainbow had chuckled.

“Pssh, yeah. Duh. The better you are with weather magic, the easier it is for you to fly. C’mon Twi, I’ve known that since like… forever.”
Twilight was shaking her head.

“No no, you don’t understand. Your wings specifically channel your latent magic, thereby reducing pressure and making it possible for your wings to carry you.”
Rainbow was staring at Twilight, eyes partially glazed.

“Your wings are the focus point of your weather magic, making them magical in nature, similarly to a Unicorn’s horn.”
“Ohhhh…”
Rainbow said, feigning like she understood.
Twilight sighed.

“Anyways, magic is a fundamental force of the universe, and thus, magic can impact magic. It’s why a shield spell can deflect, not only physical objects, but magical spells as well.Well… more dissipate than deflect, but same basic thing.”
“Oooookay Twi, and how does this impact me?”

“Because, in the event that another Pony is attacking you with magic, you can defend yourself, not only by avoiding the spells, but dissipating them forcefully.”
That perked Rainbow’s interest.
“And how would I do that?”
Twilight smiled, having finally gotten Rainbow’s attention.

“Well, as I said before, your wings channel your latent weather magic. So, since magic can have an impact on magic, applying force directly to the manifestation of the spell can cause it to divert, separate or even dissipate entirely into the leylines of Equus.”
Rainbow had stared at Twilight.
“So… if I, say, slashed my wing through the spell coming at me…”
Twilight’s smile grew even larger.
“Exactly.”

Rainbow came back to the present when Trixie finally released their lips, the need for oxygen forcing them to part.
“Oh… wow…”
Trixie panted. Rainbow couldn’t help but smirk.

“As much as I love you clinging to me, we should probably clear the center. Give the others a chance to dance.”

Rainbow gently guided a dazed Trixie off the floor amidst the cheering and hoof stomping, and led her to a quieter corner of the ball.
“You uh… okay Moonbeam?”

Trixie answered by lunging at her, and kissing her again.

Rainbow allowed herself to enjoy the kiss, before gently pulling away.

“Heh heh. Somepony’s eager.”

Trixie’s eyes glittered.

“How could I not be?!”

She exclaimed.

“I was just kissed by Rainbow Dash! Beautiful mare, Wonderbolt performer and savior of Equestria!”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, so it’s just for the status eh?”

Trixie blanched.

“No no! That’s not what I meant! I-I only…”

Rainbow calmed her down with a nuzzle.

“Chill Trix, it’s okay. I get it.”

“Do you though? It’s… it’s very surreal.”

“Hey, I’m just as nervous as you.”

A flicker of insecurity darkened Rainbow’s expression.

“I know it was sudden and in the heat of the moment but…”

Trixie silenced her with a hoof.

“Rainbow, I want this. Okay? I want to figure this out with you.”

Rainbow let out a sigh of relief.

“Good… good. Now, what do you say to us taking a breather, then hitting the floor again? I think there’ll be a slow dance soon. It’s… not really my style but…”

“Say no more. I agree.”

Rainbow smiled warmly, before they both stood up and headed back to the bar. Nopony antagonized them now. It would be social suicide to do so after the performance the two had just given.

***

In a secluded and cleared area of Canterlot Castle, near Princess Cadence’s temporary quarters, Chrysalis poured over notes and maps. She had markings indicating which sections of Canterlot she had thoroughly infiltrated, areas marked as not being possible to infiltrate, and zones in the process of being infiltrated. Her plan required timing and accurate data. As soon as she made her move, subtlety would be impossible. She would be in open warfare with Equestria.

Chrysalis preferred fighting wars on her terms. Keeping the enemy occupied and unable to think.

“What’s the status of Equestria’s high military command?”

She asked into the flurry of activity behind her, a Changeling commander responded.

“Princess Cadence’s entire personal guard has been neutralized and replaced, Cadence herself is kept in the crystal mines below Canterlot.”

Another Changeling looked up from his reports.

“Princess Luna’s personal attendant is being watched, but it is unlikely that we will be able to replace her without the princess’s knowledge. Infiltration Team Canthus is requesting further instructions.”

Chrysalis considered that.

“Tell them to pull out, leave only those necessary to keep up appearances, any further action may alert the princess. She is watching for an external threat after all, and by the time she realizes her mistake, it’ll be too late.”

“Yes my queen.”

The Changeling rushed off into the darkness to relay her orders.

“And what of the elements?”

Chrysalis knew that the elements of harmony were the biggest threat to her plans, but she was no fool. She had watched from the background for centuries. She knew Princess Celestia almost as well as the Alicorn knew herself. She had seen the rise and passing of generations of element bearers. She had watched as they had soundly defeated or beaten back attack, after attack. But she now knew that they were only powerful when they were all together.

The cooperation and friendship between the bearers made them impossible to defeat. At least in a head-on battle.

“Well?”

She pressed her commanders.

“Based on the latest intelligence from Elytra, they are all present in Canterlot.”

Chrysalis nodded, waiting for him to continue.

“However, our network detected tension between them.”

Chrysalis looked up from the maps, giving the commander her undivided attention. He swallowed nervously under her penetrating gaze.

“There was a flood of jealousy detected from the one known as ‘Applejack’ aimed towards ‘Rainbow Dash.’”

“And… what is the cause of this… jealousy? Our network always pegged them as close.”

The commander continued.

“The source of the jealousy seems to be a Unicorn illusionist known as Trixie Lulamoon. An orphaned daughter to a minor noble within Canterlot, and a tavern wench. She was recently released from prison with a reduced sentence.”

The commander pulled out a folder with notes and pictures.

“It seems she was recently befriended by Princess Cadence, who pushed for her to be released with community service.”

Chrysalis logged that information into her head, she would have to either replace this ‘Trixie,’ or keep away when disguised as the princess of love.

“Understood, Commander. But what is the reason behind this jealousy?”

The commander neatly folded up the folder, and slipped it back onto the pile of files on prominent figures of the operation.

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been friends for nearly their whole lives. The only friend closer to Rainbow Dash herself is the Pegasus known as ‘Fluttershy.’ Our network has long been assessing a developing attraction between the two. It would seem that this ‘Trixie’ caught the eye of Rainbow Dash instead. Applejack did not take the news well, and hasn’t spoken to Rainbow Dash since.”

“Interesting…”

It seemed like the elements were helping do her job for her. The lingering animosity could be exploited further.

“Indeed my queen. As it stands right now, Rainbow Dash and Trixie are dancing together in the ballroom. Rarity is there too. She seems to be the one that most actively encouraged the two to get together.”

“And what of the other element bearers?”

The changeling neatly pulled more files out of the pile.

“Fluttershy is doing one last practice run with her orchestra of birds for the opening ceremony at the wedding proper. Twilight Sparkle is with Princess Celestia, greeting the guests at the dance. As for Pinkie Pie…”

The commander trailed off.

“What of her?”

Chrysalis’s tone was frosty.

“We… do not know. Pinkie Pie is impossible to get a beed on. She seemingly teleports much like a unicorn. The only things we’ve managed to pull up on her is that she’s hyperactive, sporadic, loves parties, and isn’t often understood by her friends.”

“You said parties attracted her, yes?”

The commander dipped his head.

“She can’t resist them, my queen.”

Chrysalis stood up from her seated position.

“Commander Prothorax, I have my next set of orders.”

Commander Prothorax snapped to attention, and silently awaited her orders.

“Ensure that something keeps Fluttershy away for as long as possible with her birds. Have an up and coming member of the Morphological Class take control of this operation. If they do well, they can look forward to a promotion. Additionally, have two specialists of the class to take the forms of Trixie and Rainbow Dash. Have them make a scene just in view of Applejack’s stall. Make it a good scene. Go as far as the rules of decency within Canterlot allow. Then have them make their way into the ball. I trust the two will know how to properly disappear into the crowd and not draw further attention. Especially from the two host forms.”

Chrysalis exhaled sharply. It was nearly time.

“Thirdly, it is time for Princess Cadence to oversee her final preparations for the wedding coming up at sunset. Applejack has her people working on the food, it’s time for her to give her last look over the banquet. The Wonderbolts will have to get ready. I expect them to call Rainbow Dash over to change into her uniform. I will quietly slip into the ball and call Rarity aside to dress me in my wedding dress. Fluttershy will be in too much of a hassle getting her birds in order and in position for her part, as for Pinkie Pie…”

Chrysalis allowed a smile to grace her features.

“Take a group of changelings to start up a party in another part of the city. Make it a loud, obnoxious party. One that will surely attract Pinkie Pie.”

Commander Prothorax snapped a salute, then paused.

“What of Twilight and Trixie, my queen?”

Chrysalis yawned and stretched.

“Oh, I know just how to handle Twilight Sparkle. She knew Cadence the most of the six. I know how to play it up, make her go insane and snap. Her friends will abandon her, as will her brother, when she goes as far to call the poor, stressed bride to be evil. She has already gotten on the nerves of her friends with her insistence that things aren’t right. They suspect she’s just being selfish around her brother. And Trixie…”

She opened her eyes, and turned her gaze on the commander.

“She will be a valuable bargaining chip. I suspect you know exactly what I mean.”

The commander nodded his head, then lowered himself into a bow.

“It will be done, my queen.”

“Good.”

Chrysalis’s horn lit up, and her natural, chitinous form burned away, until Cadence stood before them all.”

“This day… is going to be perfect.”

***

Applejack quietly fumed to herself. Couldn’t Rainbow see that Trixie was no different than she had been all those years ago in Ponyville? And not to mention the whole situation with the Alicorn Amulet! Applejack would be the first to admit that magic was not her strongest subject, but even she could see that the amulet was evil!

“Lands sake Rainbow…”

She muttered, kicking at her stall. She sighed, and looked up at the sun. Just starting its descent. It was almost time for her to do the last checkup of the food.

“Should probably start cleaning up…”

She started putting away her fares, there wasn’t much interest anyways. She’d barely be breaking even from hauling the cart out here. As she was getting ready to hitch herself to the cart, a flash of movement caught her eye. Curiously, she stopped and looked around. Then she froze. There was Rainbow Dash… she ignored the tap dance her heart did at the sight of her old friend. There was another pony with her…

“Trixie…”

Applejack said underneath her breath, with enough menace that it even surprised her. She watched the pair as they seemed to glance around, before Rainbow pressed Trixie up against the wall of a nearby building. Applejack’s eyes widened, and she felt herself tense.

Rainbow had pressed her lips to the unicorn’s neck. Trixie seemed to exhale sharply, as she arched her back and provided more access to her neck. Rainbow moved up her neck, and found her lips, and they pressed deeply into each other.

Applejack felt her eyes sting, but she couldn’t bear to turn away from the scene before her. As their kiss lengthened, Trixie wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow, and found her wing joints. Rainbow gasped, then growled with delight. Her wings flaring out. Applejack had seen enough. Her vision went blurry, and she dropped her gaze. Silently she pulled her hat down, turned around and marched towards the kitchens, leaving her stall behind.

She had work to do.

***

Pinkie Pie was bouncing along the streets of Canterlot, looking for something to do before the upcoming wedding. Suddenly, her tail stiffened, her eye twitched, and she started vibrating with energy.

“Whoah! Stiff tail, twitchy eye and unexplainable vibrations? That can only mean one thing! Somepony is having a party! And not the usual kind of party, but the party that the grand author wants me at to keep me occupied! Those are the best kinds of parties!”

She disappeared in a poof of confetti and cotton candy.

***

Rarity hummed to herself, enjoying the mood and atmosphere of the ballroom. Octavia and her string quartet were really setting the mood. She could see couples of all shapes and sizes pairing up to dance. But she had her eyes on two in particular.

I’m glad Trixie took my advice. That dance was simply delightful! And Rainbow! I had no idea she knew how to dance so!

Rarity giggled and danced on her front hooves.

“Ms. Belle?”

Rarity’s ears twitched and swiveled.

There’s no way that could be…

She turned around and found herself face to face with Princess Cadence.

“Your majesty!”

Rarity was quick to kneel before her.

“Oh, enough of that. I actually wanted you to dress me in my gown. The ceremony is coming up after all.”

“Of course your majesty! Please, allow me to escort you!”

Rarity quickly got up and began leading the princess out of the ballroom.

“Now where might the groom to be be at?”

“Oh, Shiny isn’t feeling too well.”

Rarity gasped.

“He’s not getting cold hooves, is he?”

“No, no of course not!”

Cadence laughed.

“No, it’s just the shield spell around the city. It’s taking a lot out of him.”

Rarity nodded in understanding.

“Oh, I do hope he’ll be able to keep his hooves under him at the wedding!”

Cadence chuckled.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Rarity happily led her the rest of the way to her boutique. It was such an honor to have the Princess in her presence!

***

“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! Stop, please stop. If-if that’s okay that is. Mew.”

Fluttershy squeaked to a halt.

“Uhm, sir. I-I’m sorry to ask this but… you seem to be interrupting my practice session! Please let us finish!”

There was a troublesome squirrel who seemed very interested in startling the birds. It was honestly understandable. Life must be so dull sometimes as a squirrel. And this would be the perfect opportunity for mischief.

“Please Mr. Squirrel, I really must insist on you leaving.”

Fluttershy squeaked when he sent an angry chitter at her. Then she paused.

“Wait… what did you say?”

The squirrel chittered again.

“I-I can’t understand what you’re saying! Oh dear, I-I’m sorry! I thought I had studied enough but I guess I hadn’t!”

The squirrel seemed to stare at her, then smacked himself in the face with a paw.

“Oh, please don’t do that! You’ll hurt yourself!”

***

Twilight frantically scanned the remaining guests.

Finally! I’m free!

She trotted away from her position of welcoming. Something wasn’t right. Cadence wasn’t acting right… she was almost… mean.

She… didn’t even do our sunshine dance!

Twilight had felt stung at first, but any time she tried to talk to Cadence, she was busy with the preparations for the wedding. Applejack offered her a sample, and Twilight had seen her toss it in the garbage! Applejack had brushed it off as her just being stressed. Small things like that had continued, and Twilight was eternally suspicious. Finally, the last straw.

“I know I saw her mess with my brother’s head. His eyes went all wonky!”

But again, nopony had believed her. And now the wedding was nearly upon them. She had to call Cadence out! Maybe she’d been tainted by something!

Twilight was acutely aware of Trixie finding the Alicorn Amulet in a simple store. If such dark and dangerous relics were so easy to come by, surely Cadence might’ve come into contact with one!

Troubled, Twilight noticed Cadence trotting off with Rarity. She set her mind, and followed. She’d get to the bottom of this.

***

As the slow dance came to an end, Rainbow and Trixie were once again breathing heavily. But Trixie didn’t mind. Nothing else mattered to her, and she felt as if she was floating. She stared deeply into Rainbow’s eyes.

“Ahem! Sorry to interrupt you two but… we need to get ready for your performance, Rainbow Dash.”

That was a voice Trixie didn’t know. She turned to see another Pegasus with a golden coat, orang eyes and a vivid orange mane with brilliant amber stripes.

“Captain!”

Rainbow snapped to attention, the captain saluted her back.

“Rainbow Dash. Are you ready for the performance?”

“Sure thing Spitfire. Heh heh. Sorry, lost track of time.”

Spitfire turned her orange eyes onto Trixie.

“Oh? And who’s this fine young mare?”

There was a glint of amusement in the captain’s eyes.

“This is Trixie.”

Rainbow answered for her.

“She’s… well, she’s my marefriend now.”

Trixie felt a thrill of excitement.

Marefriend!

She couldn’t resist the giggle. Spitfire chuckled.

“Nice to meet you then. Any friend of Dash’s is a friend of mine.”

She offered a hoof in greeting. Tentatively, Trixie touched hers to the captain’s.

“Do you mind if we talk in private for a second, Dash?”

Rainbow looked confused for a moment, but slowly nodded.

“Come on then, it’ll only be a moment.”

Trixie followed behind her curiously. Once they were out of earshot, Spitfire turned her fiery gaze on her. There was an intensity that Trixie didn’t quite understand. And behind that intense flame, there was wisdom. Trixie felt a wave of respect for this clearly distinguished captain.

“Ma’am?”

She asked.

“You’re not military, don’t call me that. Hold still a moment while I get a good look at you.”

Trixie was still, but held the Wonderbolt’s gaze. After a while, it softened.

“Well, at least I know you’ll be able to handle her. Rainbow wouldn’t stay with a pony who didn’t challenge her. Understand?”

Trixie hesitated.

“What do you mean?”

The Wonderbolt sighed.

“Look, kid. I’ve read the report. I know you were released recently.”

Trixie sucked in a breath.

“Don’t worry, I’m not here to take you back. From what I’ve heard, you’ve been an outstanding citizen since. But I warn you. If you harm a single feather on that Pegasus, you won’t just answer to me. You’ll answer to all of us. Rainbow Dash is like a little sister to us all. Understand?”

Trixie stiffened, then nodded. Still keeping eye contact with the fiery Pegasus.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Trixie owes her entire existence to her. She saved my life, and I don’t mean just from the timberwolves… Trixie was… humbled, while in prison. She has come to understand that she’s taken many things for granted. And now she wishes to atone. Dashie… gave her that chance.”

The Wonderbolt hadn’t stopped staring at her.

“Very well, Trixie. I believe you. But just know, we’ll be watching you.”

Trixie inclined her head respectfully.

“Now, we really must go. I’ll see you around, Trixie.”

Trixie watched as the Captain trotted to Rainbow’s side, then the two of them started off together.

“Rainbow really does have many friends… doesn’t she?”

Trixie turned around and started towards the exit. She didn’t really want to be here any longer. Some fresh air would do her some good.

“Wonder what her other friends think of all this… I’ve really only met Rarity and Twilight, and I guess Pinkie briefly. Applejack seemed angry at me… I don’t even remember Fluttershy. Maybe she’s nice.”

She wandered around the streets of Canterlot, killing time really before the wedding at sundown.

“Hey, little filly.”

Trixie halted, disturbed from her musings. Then she suddenly felt hooves around her torso, and she was dragged through a door.

“What’s going-”

Hooves covered her muzzle, and she felt the point of a sharp object against her neck. She froze.

“If you know what’s good for you… you’ll come along nice… and easily.”

Trixie nodded her head mutely.

“And I don’t expect you to be calling out for anyone. Make any other move, and this knife will cut right… here.”

Trixie whimpered as the blade cut a little into her fur, just drawing blood. There was no point in struggling. Her captor already had her in his grasp.

She was trapped.

***

Twilight followed Rarity and Cadence to her boutique.

“Hey! You two!”

Rarity and Cadence paused, then turned around.

“Twilight?”

Rarity asked, a tint of suspicion on her tongue.

“Where’s everyone else?”

Rarity considered her for a moment.

“Well… I’d assume they’re getting ready for the wedding.

Twilight sighed. She needed everyone there before she could make her accusation.

“Will we all have a chance to meet up before the ceremony?”

Rarity narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“I would assume so.”

Her voice was carefully guarded.

“Princess Celestia wanted us all to meet before the ceremony. Why? Did you have something you needed to say?”

Twilight held her gaze.

“Yes, but everyone should be there first.”

Rarity harrumpfed.

“Very well. Now, if you’d please. I have a bride to dress.”

Without another word, she and Cadence turned to enter the boutique. But not before Cadence shot her a look of pure hatred.
She knew it! Surely her friends would understand! Twilight exhaled sharply, then prepared herself. She had a lot of explaining to do.

Epilogue

Princess Luna carefully kept an eye on the sky. No attacks thus far… things were going… astonishingly well. This was troubling. She paced back and forth in her room.

“Something the matter, your highness?”

Luna sighed, and turned to face her loyal attendant.

“Things are too quiet, Harsh Echo.”

“Is that not a good thing, my lady?”

“Normally I’d say yes, but… a threat has been made against Equestria, and this would be the ideal time for them to strike.”

“Shouldn’t the wedding be canceled then, my lady?”

Luna turned back to her sky.

“You have been loyal without question, Harsh Echo. I trust you more than I trust any pony. Understand, that what I say here stays between us.”

The black-furred Thestral bowed before her princess, dark blue, slitted eyes flashing with understanding.

“Of course, my lady.”

Luna stared out over Canterlot. So much had changed since her banishment, yet it still felt the same.

“Were it up to me, yes. We would’ve called the whole wedding off. At least rescheduled. But my sister insisted that as long as we upheld security, it would be fine. This is an important day for Equestria. Two Powerful noble houses are to be united. And their union would strengthen Equestria’s ties to the Crystal Empire. To put such a wedding off would make us appear weak, and unable to stand against a threat.”

Her attendant went quiet.

“That is why it is essential that we keep watch.”

Somewhere in Canterlot, an explosion shook their balcony. Luna narrowed her eyes, searching for the disturbance.

“And it seems that we have already failed.”

The frantic clatter of hooves and armor brought her attention to her door.

“Your highness! Canterlot is under attack!”

A member of her night guard, wearing the colors distinguishing him as Captain was panting at her door.

“What’s the situation, Captain?”

After a brief moment, as the Thestral gathered himself, he answered.

“Infiltrators, your highness. They took the form of our own. We were caught completely off-guard! I was in a squadron, doing our rounds within the castle. Flicker Shade and White Cloud were with me, but then… it wasn’t them. They were black, chitinous creatures! The cut down Bramble Star and Cavern Click, before Steady Rhythm and I were able to slay them. Steady Rhythm is in the hallway behind me, but we must get you to safety!”

Luna exhaled sharply.

“Harsh Echo. Fetch me my weapons and armor. If we have infiltrators, Canterlot has already fallen. Captain, Sweet Siren, is it?”

She too, snapped to attention.

“Yes my liege!”

When Harsh Echo returned, she was burdened by shaped plates of armor, and two swords. Luna cast her spell, and the armor pieces quickly fastened themselves to her.

“I cannot allow such artifacts as these to fall into our enemy’s hooves. Who can we still trust, Captain?”

“Ma’am! We have code words for this exact scenario! The callout is ‘Moon,’ and the response is ‘Whisper.’”

Luna nodded, drawing her two swords, holding them aloft with her magic.

“Then we must take as many as we can, and escape the city. We can marshall our forces and take back Canterlot later. My sister’s royal guards will have to make do on their own.”

The captain saluted, then fell in step beside Luna.

“Harsh Echo, you are armed, yes? Can you use such weapons?”

Harsh held her gaze steadily.

“They are not just for ceremony, my lady.”

Luna nodded.

“Good. For I fear we are about to fall under attack.”

In an instant, Harsh had her weapon out. As they left the room, they heard the sounds of combat.

“That must be Steady Rhythm! We must help him!”

Her Captain charged towards the fighting, while Harsh Echo waited for Luna to move.

“We must take as many as we can with us, if we are to stand a chance at taking Canterlot back!”

Luna reared back, before charging towards the sound of clanging metal and battle cries. She turned the corner, and immediately her eyes befell two fallen Thestrals, and six chitinous bodies. Captain Siren and her comrade-in-arms Steady Rhythm were fighting side by side, a maelstrom of death before them. But even so, Luna saw two of her sister’s guards raising their weapons to attack them from behind. In an instant, she was there. One sword flashing silver in the moonlight, and the other aflame with gold. One infiltrator fell, hewn in two, and the other had just enough time to dodge her initial swing, but he was not fast enough to avoid her follow-up swing. He fell, dead.

“Guards! To me! We must make a fighting retreat!”

A battlecry rose up around her, as the remaining night guard formed ranks. Code words were called, responses were given. Any response different from the proper one led to the speaker being slain. They made their way, first through the Castle, then through the streets. Her rapidly growing army making a protective circle around her.

“Your highness! Above you!”

Luna reacted instinctively. And just as her guard had called, another infiltrator fell dead. Slashed out of the air.

“Look to the skies! They can attack from all angles!”

Her guards reacted as one. Several Thestrals took to the sky, the holes in their formation rapidly filled by others. Infiltrators fell. So too, did some of her brave guards, but they were making progress. Her eye glinted with cold fire. Canterlot may have fallen, but this enemy had no idea who they had just angered.
Justice would be dealt. And Luna… was their reaper.

Chapter 15

Thankfully, it was relatively easy to find Rarity’s boutique. Just a few carefully placed questions, and Trixie was pointed in the right direction. A few more questions, and she found herself outside the door.

Relax, she must at least like you a little bit to remake your cape and hat… right?

Before she could doubt herself any more, she took a deep breath, and knocked. She waited for a few moments, before realizing that she was knocking on the door of a business. Not a home or apartment. Blushing lightly, she pushed the door open with her magic, a little bell making a pleasant tingle.

“Hello darling, and welcome to– my goodness, Trixie! I didn’t expect to see you here!”

Trixie steadied herself, and grinned in spite of her internal worries.

“But of course! It would be a crime against nature if the Great and Powerful Trixie didn’t visit the exquisite fashionista who fixed her cape! Trixie wanted to thank you… very, very sincerely for that. She was feeling… out of place, one might say, without her cape and hat. It’s as much a family member as it is a costume after all!”

“Oh, darling, that was no bother at all! I enjoyed the challenge! Was simply perfect for breaking the monotony of making dresses all day. Please! Look around! I’m a tad busy at the moment unfortunately, I have a wedding to prepare for after all! In fact, I was just about to close up for the day so I could meet everypony. I’m sure Twilight has been informed by now.”

“Trixie is aware of the wedding. She has made a recent acquaintance of Princess Cadence.”

“You know the Princess?!”

Trixie was taken aback by the sudden volume of the fashionista’s voice.

“Um… yes?”

She answered, unsure what else to say.

“Darling, you must simply tell me everything! Her very dress depends on it!”

Rarity was suddenly muzzle to muzzle with Trixie. How the fashionista had gotten so close, so fast, was beyond Trixie.

“Um… where would you… ah…”

Trixie delicately pushed Rarity a bit back.

“Where would you like Trixie to start?”

“Well, what about her likes? What does she enjoy? What’s her personality?”

“Trixie… fails to see how personality has any effect on fashion.”

The gasp Rarity let out at that left Trixie pondering just how large the fashionista’s lungs were.

“Why… darling! The feelings of the pony in question are exceptionally important… neigh, essential to the art of dressmaking! The elegance of fashion is in its ability to compliment the pony’s personality! Having a dress that clashes with the personality of the wearer would be… why it would be…”

Rarity started swaying back and forth as she seemed to be overwhelmed. Trixie stepped forward, ready to catch her in a spell should the need arise… only to be very nearly knocked over by the sudden appearance of a couch, which Trixie could swear she’d never seen before, flying out from somewhere in the back of the shop. The elegant fashionista that Trixie had heard so much about, promptly fell over backwards into the couch.

“Are you…”
Trixie was going to say ‘okay’ but was interrupted.
“Oh pish posh, a lady is always ready. No matter the circumstances, darling.”

Trixie frowned, there was another reason she had decided to come along. One she had carefully kept hidden in the back of her mind, but now came rushing forth to make itself known. Trixie’s neutral mask that she had become accustomed to wearing at all times as a performer, clearly needed some practice, Rarity seemed to see right through it.
“Oh? Speaking of being prepared… this is more than a simple visit to give me thanks, is it not?”

Trixie didn’t like how Rarity’s voice changed. Gone was the friendly, slightly confused tonality. In its place was… the only word Trixie could come up with was ‘sly’ voice. And she did not appreciate how the fashionista’s gaze seemed to sharpen, as if she could see more than she would ever dare to let on. Trixie swallowed nervously.
“That’s… not… incorrect.”

She barely managed to force out. Had Rarity seemed to inch closer? No… couldn’t be…
“Whatever is it that you need… daaaaarling… Do not hesitate to ask. No ill feelings here. Rainbow helped… explain some things to us all.”

Trixie paused. Had Dashie really talked to her friends on her behalf? Trixie let herself enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling that came from that thought.

She really does care a lot about me… I really should know that by now. And I do it’s just… hard to… understand. Maybe I should just appreciate it, and not try to understand it.
Trixie felt some of her confidence return.
All the more reason I should follow through with this.
Trixie did not miss the amused look that Rarity wore after mentioning the prismatic Pegasus.
“Trixie would… like to ask, if it isn’t any bother… if you could help her with a dress.”
Rarity’s expression lit up considerably, but still had that edge to it.
“Is that all… darling…? Or is this dress for a special occasion or even perhaps… a special somepony?”
Trixie unconsciously took a half step back. Rarity crept forward as she did so, her gaze never leaving Trixie’s face. Trixie could feel a bead of sweat slowly trickling down her face.
“Uh-uhm…”
Trixie stammered.
“A certain… Pegasus perhaps?”
Rarity’s voice was sweet and singsong.

Trixie steeled herself.

“Y-yes. As a matter of fact. Trixie intends to ask Rainbow Dash to dance at the wedding ball.”

A high-pitched squealing sound started coming from Rarity. Trixie was almost certain that she was close to exploding.

“I just… hope that she has the time to do so…”

Trixie murmured.

Rarity scoffed.

“Don’t you worry your pretty horn about that, darling. I’ll make sure she has time for one little dance with you.”

Trixie was taken aback.

“You can… do that?”

“But of course! Weddings are a time of love! Passion! Romance! It simply will not do for a young mare to be denied such an opportunity!”

“She has a performance to do though…”

Trixie murmured.

“I’ll talk with Twilight. The two of us will ensure that Rainbow has time for one dance at the very least. It’s her brother’s wedding after all. Celestia herself will be in attendance, can you believe it?!”

Trixie cocked her head. It was common knowledge that Twilight was Celestia’s protégé, wouldn’t that explain the princess’s interest in the family?
Ever since she showed up at the magical school… nothing I did mattered. She would always gleam brighter than me.

Trixie firmly beat back the old jealousy that made itself known in her mind. She was above that now.

“Is it… really that surprising? Princess Celestia has always had a special interest in the Sparkle House.”

“Well… I suppose you’re right…”

Rarity mused.

“Anyways! Stop distracting me! Let me take your measurements… I’m sure we have something in your size. If you would care to follow me… I think I have the perfect ensemble in mind!”

***

“And do be sure to come back! You’re always welcome in my shop, Trixie!”

Trixie smiled warmly.

“You’re sure it’s no bother?”

The fashionista waved her hoof in a dismissive manner.

“I never realized how much you knew about the nobility, and what you told me about Cadence is certainly going to help me out! We simply must take tea some day!”

“Trixie would appreciate that very much. Though… she wasn’t talking about meeting back up with you. Any creature who has half a brain would want to spend more time with the Great and Powerful Trixie! She was merely asking about the dress.”

Rarity shook her head with a half smile.

“I don’t mind, darling. The art of the dress is very much a part of my life. I’ll get it done, and it will be beautiful.”

The unicorn winked at Trixie.

“And it’ll knock Rainbow Dash off her hooves.”

Trixie felt her cheeks warm, then she turned away.

“Well… Trixie appreciates it.”

“It’s my pleasure, darling. Do be careful heading home tonight. Some… undesirables are about.”

Trixie chuckled.

“I grew up here, Rarity. I’ll be fine. Have a good night!”

“Ta ta!”

Trixie heard Rarity cast a spell, then soon found herself bathed in darkness.

Strange… no lights at all… that’s unusual.
Trixie drew on the magic within her, and called it forth to coalesce into a ball of light, which followed along over her shoulder.

I’m not certain that I’ve ever seen Canterlot after dark with no light whatsoever.

A soft breeze whispered over and around Trixie, causing her to shiver. The light spell seemed to only make the darkness even more oppressive, Trixie started to trot a little faster.

Rarity said there were undesirables about… usually I wouldn’t be too worried but… a lone unicorn mare, out after dark, no light sources… swiftness would certainly be prudent.

Despite Rarity’s warnings, Trixie could see no sign of any undesirables lurking in the night. In fact… everything was silent, and still. Unnaturally so. Trixie sped her brisk pace up, going as fast as she dared without endangering herself to falling into the darkness that her light spell only served to ward off, as opposed to lightening the area. Trixie found herself looking back and forth, occasionally behind her. But every time she looked… nothing.

Something isn’t right here…

Was that just a tree creaking in the wind? Or was that somebody’s hooves crunching on the ground behind her? And that whistling sound? Just the wind? Or something else? Trixie swallowed, but kept moving.

Stopping would be worse. The room Dashie and I have isn’t far from here…. Just a few more bloks…
Was that glass breaking?

Just a few more blocks…

Why wasn’t there any sign of living creatures anywhere? Was she in a city of the damned? Was she truly still in Canterlot?

I feel like I’m in a graveyard. I need to get out of here!

Trixie started to breathe more rapidly. The darkness… it was closing in on her! She could feel eyes on her… no matter where she went! Trixie started to gallop.

There! I can see the entrance!
The silence was deafening. The darkness was crushing her, Elysium, she was suffocating! And then…

With a magical flare, Trixie flung the door open, then slammed it shut behind her. Up the stairs, past two doors… left… right… and there was the room! She burst through the door, and slammed it shut behind her, latching every single lock she could reach.

“Uuungh… Trix? What’s wrong?”

Trixie panted for a few moments before inhaling deeply, and letting it out. She turned towards the mare who was blinking blearily at her.

“Something the matter? You look terrified. What’s wrong?”

Rainbow immediately looked more alert, scanning the room and especially the window.

“Do I need to find the guard or…”

“No, no Dashie. It’s… it’s nothing. Just… paranoia I guess. The dark streets got to me a little bit.”

“Oh. Well… uh… you’re safe now. The dark streets can’t reach you here.”

Trixie smiled graciously.

“Thanks Dashie. I really do feel better already with you here.”

Rainbow blinked, then turned to hide her face from Trixie.

“Well… y’know…”

Trixie locked her gaze on the prismatic Pegasus, just as the moon broke through the clouds it was hidden behind. A beam of moonlight hit Rainbow, bathing her in a silvery-white color. It was beautiful. She was beautiful, Trixie realized.

Rainbow Dash, her head tucked slightly under a wing to hide her face, peering through her primaries at Trixie. Her eyes, shimmering with something Trixie couldn’t quite put her hoof on. Trixie inhaled lightly, then slowly undid her day clothes. Not caring in the slightest that Rainbow Dash was watching her intently. She levitated her saddlebags off and to the side, slowly, not taking her eyes off Rainbow. Who was still staring at her through her feathers.

Trixie couldn’t feel the floor beneath her, all that existed was her Pegasus. No darkness, no fear, no anxiety… all she felt… was safety. And something she wouldn’t dare acknowledge. She slowly approached the bed, staring deeply into Rainbow’s eyes. Dashie’s wing had lowered, and Trixie could see Rainbow unobstructed. Her chest, rising and falling, her wings spread out behind her on the bed, the way her mane flowed unobstructed… Trixie dropped her gaze once she reached the edge of the bed.

“You’re beautiful, Dashie…”

Trixie murmured. She could hear Rainbow’s breath catching, then being let out in a soft sigh. What kind of sigh was that? Relieved? Disappointed? Trixie couldn’t tell, but she let out a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding.

“You should… see how you look right about now, Trix. You’re made for the moonlight.”

Trixie felt a delicate sensation glide across her cheek, coming to a halt under her chin. She looked up at Rainbow’s gentle insistence to see shining, beautiful eyes, and a tilted face.

“You’re safe here. You understand?”

Trixie nodded breathlessly.

“I need to hear you say it.”

“I… I’m safe here, because of you Dashie.”

Rainbow met Trixie’s gaze once more.

“You’re… an angel.”

Trixie breathed.

Rainbow leaned down and pressed her forehead against Trixie’s, while her wing cradled her cheek. Trixie felt herself lean into the wing, and close her eyes.

“Now c’mere. It’s late. Can’t have you staying up all night.”

“Okay…”

Trixie whispered, letting herself be led into bed.

“Okay.”

Trixie curled into Rainbow.

“I… I hope you don’t mind…”

Rainbow’s answer was to pull the blanket up to cover both of them, then wrap her wings and forelegs around Trixie.

“I don’t mind.”

Trixie felt Rainbow’s chest rise and fall against her back, and tried to match her breathing. Trixie felt like she should say something before Rainbow fell asleep. But every time she tried, the words caught in her throat. She eventually just resigned herself to matching Dashie’s breathing, and closing her eyes. Protected against any, and all things. She decided to express what she was trying to say through actions, much easier. Especially since Dashie was asleep by now. She curled her tail around Rainbow’s, then fell asleep smiling.

***

The sunlight glinted through the window, landing on Rainbow. She murmured some absent protests, and tried to curl away from its unwelcome warmth. But the light insisted.Instead moving to hit Rainbow’s closed eyelids. She heaved a deep sigh, turned her head, and regrettably opened her eyes.

Trixie was still blocked from the treacherous sun, so she still breathed evenly. Rainbow suddenly became very aware of how intimately they were laying in bed. Her cheeks flushed a little red, and she was suddenly very acutely aware of her heartbeat. The warmth she felt in her chest, Trixie’s soft, peaceful breaths and… their tails.

She carefully lifted the covers, not wanting to disturb Trixie, then smiled at seeing their tails intertwined.

Wow… I could get used to waking up like this…
Rainbow resisted the urge to giggle dreamily.

Sweet Celestia, I’m getting mushy.

She had preparations to make but… surely, she could spare a few more minutes to…

Trixie suddenly shifted so her face caught the sun’s rays. She let out some mumbles of protest, and turned away but the damage was done. She let out a huge yawn, and arched her back into Rainbow’s chest in a stretch. Rainbow’s breath caught in her throat, and her wings rustled slightly.

Tonight. I’ll speak with Spitfire, I’m going to tell her how I feel tonight, during a dance. I don’t care if I end up on latrine duty for the rest of my career. I am confessing my…

Rainbow’s mind froze. Had she been about to… she’d just met Trixie! What if it wasn’t appropriate?

Trixie shifted drowsily, making Rainbow’s heart start racing as she did.

Yeah… it must be true. Ohmigosh… it’s more than just me being sweet on her! I want… I don’t want to ever leave her side. Ever! I’ll do anything to stay with her.

Rainbow shivered as Trixie’s tail curled more tightly around hers.

Eeeee! Nopony has ever made me feel this way before!
Rainbow couldn’t resist the giggle this time. Trixie’s ears twitched.

“Mmnn… Dashie?”

“Morning Moonbeam.”

Rainbow said, a dopey smile on her face.

“Sleep well?”

Trixie rubbed her eyes.

“What did you just call me?”

Rainbow’s brain finally snapped out of its dreamy state.

“Uh… M-Moonbeam?”

Trixie barked a laugh.

“What?!”

Rainbow exclaimed.

“Hee hee. It’s just, I’ve never heard you stammer before Dashie!”

Rainbow’s cheeks turned even more warm.

“Do you… want me to not call you that?”

“No no! It’s okay! I like it! Especially after what you told me last night.”

If Rainbow’s cheeks heated up any more, she would spontaneously combust. Which would… suck.

Trixie’s voice softened.

“You ready for tonight? Your show?”

It didn’t escape Rainbow’s attention that despite being fully awake, Trixie’s tail had not retreated from her own. Her heart sped up again.

“Right! Yes… the show. Yep! Totally ready for that! I was born ready!”

Rainbow laughed nervously.

“My my Dashie. If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume you were nervous!”

“Why would I be nervous? Nothing to be nervous about!”

Oh Celestia! I don’t have a dress? How am I supposed to woo her without a dress?! Rarity. I need to find Rarity. Surely she has something!

Trixie snickered, causing Rainbow to bristle a little.

“I. Do not appreciate the noises you’re making!”

“Oh relax, Dashie. I’m just teasing you.”

Trixie stretched, feeling some satisfying pops in her back and neck.

“I haven’t slept that well in ages…”

She murmured.

“Well… uhm… you’re welcome then. It was uhm… my pleasure.”

Trixie glanced at Rainbow and found her intentionally looking away from her.

How odd…

“Well, I’m sure you have a lot to do today, don’t you?”

Rainbow Dash suddenly became rigid.

“Oh Elysium! What time is it? I gotta… I gotta go! So many things to…”

She shot out of bed, taking the covers with her. Trixie let out a noise of protest at the sudden coolness against her coat, and pouted.

“I gotta go! See you tonight, Trix!”

Rainbow shook the covers off of her, with a ‘heh…’ then flew out the room.

“Well then. I didn’t plan on sleeping in today anyways.”

Trixie said to the now-empty room. She stretched for a while longer, then got out of bed, smacking her lips.

“I think I’ll have some tea…”

She muttered to herself.

***

It was a simple matter of retracing her previous steps to get back to Miss Rarity’s. It was also, thankfully, much less sinister in the daylight. That being said though… something was still a bit off. It wasn’t nearly as active as she would expect right before a big event. Maybe everypony was getting ready for the wedding… Trixie really didn’t have any other explanation. Unease still lingered, but she carefully pushed it to the back of her mind. She was nearly to Rarity’s anyways.

Trixie opened the door gently with her magic.

“Miss- er, Trixie means… Rarity?”

“One second!”

Came the singsong response.

“Trixie was just wanting to see how things were going. She understands if designing a dress on such short notice for her is… a bit unreasonable. Maybe you could direct her to some rental stores…?”

“Nonsense! I’m finishing up now as a matter of fact!”

Trixie was surprised. And a little impressed.

“That’s… excellent! Trixie sincerely appreciates this!”

“It was my pleasure darling! Okay, come on up! Let me know what you think!”

Trixie happily trotted inside, letting the door swing shut behind her. The Boutique was lit up, but for the life of her, Trixie couldn’t see any sources.

“Are you even open, Rarity?”
“Well. I’m not advertising that I am, as I have several orders to fulfill, as well as one more special project after your’s, but yes. If a customer walked in, I would of course help them as soon as possible.”
“Do you ever close? Trixie isn’t sure she’s seen you take a break over the past two days.”
“I manage darling, but thank you for your concern. I am a professional, after all.”

It was incredibly easy for Trixie to miss that. Rarity was a very experienced dressmaker, she had devoted her career to it, and was slightly older than Trixie herself. Trixie found it hard to link the mare she had taken tea and amicably chatted with, with the professional seamstress that was before her now. Then Trixie saw the gown, and her thoughts abruptly froze up.

Rarity had clearly taken inspiration from Trixie’s cloak, as the dress followed a similar pattern. Taking over the bodice was a crescent moon, woven into the fabric, with a few silver spars speckled within. There was a golden chain across the neckline that showed a clear cut between the bodice and silhouette of the dress. There were more speckled silver stars, making a veritable night sky throughout the main body of the dress, with a golden hemline. The dress itself was primarily a royal purple color, with sleeves that were a slightly lighter purple, perhaps orchid? It was simple and elegant, but didn’t hide the themes of the night.

“What do you think darling?”

Trixie almost didn’t comprehend Rarity’s voice, almost.

“It’s… I love it, Rarity. Thank you so much… I can’t even begin to… how much…?”

Rarity pressed a hoof to her mouth to silence Trixie.

“Darling, my element is generosity. Don’t think about it, I insist.”

Trixie could only nod, and stare at the dress.

“Well, go on! Try it on! Let me get a look at you, darling!”

Trixie managed to swallow, and nod before delicately levitating the art piece with her magic. She handled it as she would a historical artifact, and softly moved behind the dressing screen. The dress fit her perfectly, not restricting movement, but not too bulky either. When Trixie stepped out from behind the screen, she found herself naturally falling into the mindset of a lady. It beat back the unusual shyness she felt. She was a lady, not a filly on her first stage performance.

“You look absolutely stunning, darling! Why… I should hire you as a model for my future projects, you carry it so naturally!”

“Well… Trixie does aim to impress, at all times of the day.”

“Hmmm… but your mane could use some work. You clearly take great care of it, but… have you ever styled your mane?”

Trixie frowned. Had she? She usually just wore her hat…

“Trixie… doesn’t believe she has, actually. Her hat made anything more than simple grooming counter-intuitive to her time.”

“Why darling! That’s… that’s awful! Oh now you simply must stop by before you attempt to woo…er, I mean dance with dear Rainbow Dash!”

Trixie felt her cheeks heat up slightly.

“Trixie wouldn’t mind that… but she’d like to surprise Dashie. And… seeing as the two of them are sharing a room…”

She trailed off, noticing Rarity’s expression.

“Trixie does not appreciate the looks you’re giving her.”

She scoffed, Rarity giggled.

“Don’t worry darling, you can keep the dress here.”

“Also, uhm…”

Trixie hesitated.

“Hmmm?”

“Trixie… hasn’t practiced formal dance for quite some time… she believes a refresher course would be beneficial, and… well, you carry yourself the most like royalty out of your group of friends. She was wondering if you’d be willing to help her with that?”

“But of course darling! We can work right now if you’d like!”

“B-but… uhm… don’t you have… projects?”

Rarity’s eyes gleamed.

“Oh don’t worry darling, I’ll manage.”

Trixie shook her head.

“You are a fascinating… and unendingly impressive unicorn, Rarity. How do you manage so much?”

“Oh, you know. Knitting spells aren’t the only kinds of spells I know, darling.”

Rarity said elusively. Trixie raised an eyebrow, and opened her mouth to question her further, but Rarity was already trotting away.

“Give me a few moments to get ready, darling! Then we can start right here!”

Trixie looked over herself in the mirror. The dress wasn’t only beautiful, it also complimented her figure quite well. She wouldn’t just look elegant, she’d be… the envy of most stallions in the ballroom. And she didn’t mind drawing eyes, but she only had the eyes for one particular pegasus. She giggled once more, and did a little dance on her forelegs.

“Having some pleasant thoughts, darling?”

Trixie turned to face Rarity with a witty remark, but found herself once again shocked into silence. While she only had eyes for one pony… she had to admit, the alabaster fashionista was… stunning. The dress she wore started with a dark blue bodice, no neckline and simply a lilac strap held it up. The same colored strap clearly separated the bodice from the silhouette of the dress, which itself started as the same color blue, but slowly blended into a much lighter one. The dress was partially transparent, but it wasn’t as obvious with the darker blue. It was only noticeably transparent near the hemline, before it turned entirely transparent, and a light purple. Several swirls and circles decorated and added depth to the dress.

“Close your mouth darling, it is unbecoming of a lady.”

Trixie chuckled, and did so.

“You look beautiful, Rarity.”

“Why thank you darling! I always aim to impress. Now!”

She clapped her hooves together.

“Shall we begin?”

Trixie nodded.

“We’ll start off basic, going through some simple steps and waltzes, then gradually become more complex from there. That sound okay?”

Trixie bowed.

“Teach me, oh master of the night.”

Rarity rolled her eyes.

“Careful darling. Save those kinds of words for Rainbow.”

Trixie laughed.

“Don’t worry Rarity. I’m not flaking on her.”

“Hmmm…”

Trixie couldn’t tell if that was disappointment or respect.

“Let’s begin, darling.”

***

“And don’t be afraid to… move as the music would suggest, darling. The tango is supposed to be an intimate dance… full of burning desire, and charged emotion!”

Trixie exhaled sharply, and dabbed at her face with a kerchief. Too exhausted to use her magic, she elected to use her hoof.

“But… isn’t some of what we did… inappropriate for a formal dance?”

Rarity made a ‘pppbt’ sound with her lips, which Trixie had been able to almost memorize as Rarity led her through some of the more exotic dance forms. Nothing too intimate of course, but enough to make Trixie’s thoughts float to a few fantasies about Rainbow Dash.

“Darling, you’ll know what kind of dance is required for the music, and so will all of the other guests. Don’t worry about them, be in the moment with dear Rainbow. Don’t move unless you feel it.”

“Right…”

Trixie fanned herself.

“Anyways, darling. It’s late afternoon now, I’m sure you have some things you need to do.”

“Late after…”

Had it been that long already? Rarity chuckled.

“Yes, there is something about dance that makes time fly, is there not?”

Her voice had a coy, mysterious sound to it, one that Trixie had noticed before. But… as tempting as it was to stay and continue her lessons, Trixie worried that she would soon lose track of time entirely should she stay.

“Thank you, Rarity. You’ve been good to Trixie… she won’t forget it.”

Rarity trotted behind the changing screen, and Trixie could hear her slipping back into more comfortable clothes.

“Any friend of Rainbow’s is a friend of mine. It was my pleasure darling.”

“I don’t, er, Trixie doesn’t believe she actually has anything to do today… Maybe we could… carry on?”

“Darling, if you keep practicing tonight, you’ll be too tired to properly dance with Rainbow. I simply will not stand for that. But… some advice. That last dance?”

Trixie turned a little red.

“Be that alive tomorrow, darling. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“I will, Rarity.”

“See to it. I’ll be watching, don’t disappoint me.”

Trixie took her turn behind the curtain, slipping out of the beautiful dress Rarity had fashioned for her, and back into her daily clothes. She couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. It hadn’t been as hard as she thought it would be to slip back into the movements and steps of formal dance, and it hadn’t been long before she and Rarity had moved on to more complicated dances. Dances that, while Trixie had studied and understood intuitively about, had never had a chance to have practical demonstrations. She had left Canterlot on her own at a rather young age, and the road had left little time for her to practice. She did have a dress at one point… but she suspected that it was long gone. It had been among the things she had chosen to leave behind when she hit the road. Maybe some young mare had been lucky, and been gifted the hand me down.

Trixie paused by the door, hesitating.

“I’ll… see you tomorrow then?”

Rarity smiled at her.

“Of course darling.I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

Trixie bowed once more, then swept out the door gracefully. She felt light on her hooves. Reinvigorated. She hadn’t felt like this… like a lady, in a very long time. And within a single session, Rarity had helped her remember how it felt. She held her head high.

You’re a lady of Canterlot. And no creature can tell you otherwise. A lady is humble, however, not boastful. Boasting is for shows. It is unbecoming of a lady to elevate herself above others.

Rarity’s words had left an impression on Trixie. Dancing, she had learned, was not just a hobby. It was an art; of grace, balance, and elegance.

And all it took to remind me of my roots was another lady. Rarity may not be of noble blood, but nocreature could deny the fact that she was a lady. And any noble who dares to mistreat her, is not worthy of the title themselves.

Trixie stood up straighter than she had before. No longer would she make herself smaller. To hide. That wasn’t humility. Not really, it was self-consciousness. A discomfort in one’s own fur. She held her chin up, but not her nose. She wouldn’t look down upon others, but she wouldn’t allow herself to look up to others unless they were physically taller than her, or they had earned the right for her to lower herself for them.

So lost was she in thought, she didn’t realize that she had made her way to the main drag of Canterlot.
Maybe I could get a late lunch at New Elysium

The idea should… be appealing to her. But something about it… was it how Caramel had acted?

Why didn’t she recognize me? That’s… that shouldn’t have happened… and why was I just…accepting that it was the norm?

Something wasn’t right. New Elysium should be one of her safe spots… she had friends there, and she had slept there many days since being released from prison. But… that sense of ease, and relaxation… it just wasn’t with her right now.

“Consarnit, watch where you’re going!”

Trixie jumped, then narrowly avoided plowing into a tan pony with a distinct accent.

Of all the… why now?

Trixie sighed, then kept moving.

“Wait just one applebucking second! What’s your problem, oh ‘Great and Powerful’ one?”

Trixie halted, then turned with narrow eyes at the offending earth pony.

“I would thank you to not use my title in a mocking way. I earned that title through effort and determination, Applejack.”

She scoffed.

“Right, and I’m Princess of Sweet Apple Acres.”

Trixie resisted the urge to match her sneering tone, and to spit back an insult. Instead, she elected to just sigh and continue walking. She didn’t have time for this.

“Now hold on a minute, where do you think you’re going?”

“Somewhere away from here, Lady Apple.”

“Are you mocking me?”

Applejack growled with a low voice.

“I don’t know. Are you?”

Trixie shot back.

“Ya’ll wanna take this somewhere else?”

Applejack threatened. Trixie was very, very tempted to stop and shoot off a challenge of her own. What did Applejack have against her? All of Rainbow’s other friends… while some might not have been the warmest… they at least weren’t trying to pick a fight with her.

“No, I don’t have the time nor the energy. It is… beneath me.”

“Beneath… you sayin’ I’m beneath you?!”

Trixie finally stopped and turned around once more. Applejack’s nostrils were flaring, and she had her head lowered. You know… maybe she did have some time to put this upstart in her place…

“Trix, where you at?”

Trixie felt her anger melt away and immediately released the tension she hadn’t even known to have been cropping up within her.

“Down here, Dashie!”

Applejack looked enraged at being dropped, but Trixie couldn’t care less about her when her guardian angel was looking for her. She waved the prismatic Pegasus over to her. Dashie effortlessly did a pinpoint turn, and four point landing right next to her.

“Heh, there y’ are. C’mere, Moonbeam.”

Trixie felt her heart melt just a little more at her nickname and trotted up to nuzzle her, relishing in the feeling of wings wrapping around her in a hug.

“Ya’ll… ya’ll make me sick…”

Trixie heard the… was Applejack’s voice shaky? From anger perhaps? She disentangled herself from Rainbow, and searched Applejack’s green eyes. There was a flash of something there… but they quickly flinted back over into anger.

“Why… why do you hate me, Applejack? What’ve I ever done to you that merits this treatment?”

Trixie’s voice wasn’t accusatory, just… confused. She was confused. Applejack opened her mouth, as if to say something else scathing, but she clamped her mouth shut and simply pulled her hat over her eyes; before turning around and marching off. She muttered something that Trixie didn’t catch, but it wasn’t long until she turned a corner, and Trixie could follow her no more.

“Jeeze… what’s her problem…”

Rainbow muttered.

“I don’t know Dashie… all your other friends have been… downright nice to me. Rarity in particular…”

“Whatever, don’t mind her. She’ll come around… she always does.”

Trixie decided to not bring up the twinge of doubt that weaved through Rainbow’s tone.

“Hey uhm… Dashie…”

“Yeah?”

“Will you… be occupied throughout the entirety of the wedding?”

Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck.

“Hard to say for sure… most likely not, they need me for the finale mostly. Why do you ask?”

“I was… uhm… just wondering…”

Trixie felt her heart rate accelerating and her cheeks warming up. Was she really going to do this? Was it premature? Would Dashie… would she stop calling her ‘Moonbeam?’ Trixie firmly beat back those worries, and swallowed hard, steeling herself.

“Do you… have anycreature… that you’re… attending the wedding with?”

Rainbow’s eyes widened, and suddenly Trixie was very aware of how she was dressed. Her lack of formal clothing, she had only done the bare necessities with her mane this morning… she was… actually a bit shorter than Rainbow. She suddenly was very aware of that fact, and… when had the world started spinning? Why did she feel simultaneously blisteringly hot, and freezing cold? Why were her words catching in her throat? Why wasn’t she saying anything?

“No, I was…”

Rainbow coughed and suddenly looked flustered herself.

“I wasn’t… I-I mean I didn’t have… anycreature… y-yet that is?”

Trixie noticed that Rainbow was paying very close attention to her. Drinking in every detail that Trixie was finding herself aware of. She also noticed how close they were. She forced the words that had been caught in her throat out.

“W-would you… do Trixie the… the honor of…”

Rainbow crept a bit closer, their snouts were almost touching now. No turning back now.

“Havingadancewithme?!”

The words flooded out of Trixie in a rush. She closed her eyes, and braced herself for the answer. Which answer she was worried about more though…

She didn’t follow that train of thought. Rainbow had gasped softly, she felt it. She peeked with one eye, not yet fully opening them.

Which was why she was not expecting the sudden tight hug that Rainbow assaulted her with.

“Ohmigosh yes! Of course!”

Trixie exhaled sharply.

“Oh. Well… good.”

She opened her eyes fully now, and found magenta eyes staring deeply into her, half-lidded. Rainbow had a smirk on her face. Oh… that look… Trixie was glad she was supporting her fully… as she felt her legs go a bit weak. She pressed her forehead against Rainbow’s, leaned in close… let her own eyes turn half-lidded. Rainbow didn’t stop her approach… she moved slightly closer, and…

“Heya Dashie! Trixie! How are ya?!”

Trixie suddenly leaped almost completely out of her skin with a yelp of shock.

“Aaaah!”

She and Rainbow were suddenly both hugging a pink earth pony with bright blue eyes and a noticeably bouncy mane of pure chaos that Trixie couldn’t even begin to understand how it looked so simultaneously neat and bedraggled.

Trixie fell backwards, flailing her hooves, and felt like her heart would explode.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, looked completely unsurprised. Almost… annoyed?

“Pinkie Pie…”

“Trixie Lulamoon!”

The pink pony, ‘Pinkie Pie’ called out before jumping away from Rainbow and grinning at Trixie.

“Elysium, Pinkie… I-I don’t believe we’ve… formally met. And… someponyneglected to tell me that you’d be making an appearance here! Right now! At this instant!”

Pinkie Pie giggled before bouncing happily a short distance away.

“That’s because… I didn’t expect her to be here.”

Rainbow said dryly, before offering a hoof to Trixie.

“Then how… how did she not scare the rainbow out of your mane?!”

Trixie cried out, accepting the offered hoof to be pulled up.

“That’s just Pinkie Pie. You get used to it.”

Pinkie Pie giggled, then bounced back towards them.

“Silly Dashie. You know I wouldn’t miss your important day for anything!”

Rainbow blinked.

“But… my rainboom isn’t until tomorrow…”

She mumbled. Pinkie Pie’s smile that she hadn’t dropped for an instant, got even bigger.

“Oh, that’s not what I meant! Silly. Anyways! Hiya Trix! It’s nice to meetcha!”

Trixie stared at her as if she might have only been a figment of her imagination.

“C-charmed…”

She forced out, trembling slightly. Something about Pinkie Pie… was just… off. Her movements… seemed almost supernatural.

“Oh, I see what ya did there!”

Pinkie turned to stare straight up.

“Clever… verrrrrrry cleverrrrr…”

She hissed conspiratorially.

“Uh… who’re you talking to, Pinkie?”

Rainbow asked. Pinkie’s temperament immediately returned to normal, as if nothing had been done.

“Oh, just the master of all things in this world! Nobody, really. Such a creative approach… but hardly original.”

“What… what’s she talking about Dashie?”

Rainbow raised her wings in a ‘how should I know?’ kind of way.

Pinkie suddenly slumped, so drastically that Trixie swore her mane deflated.

“It’s going to get reeeeeal nasty here soon… At least you two will get one nice thing before it all flips upside down and frowny…”

Then she reinflated, her frown turning into a smile as naturally as if she had never faltered.

“But it’ll all be okay in the end! And we’ll all turn out better for it! Bye guys!”

She waved, then bounced off, seemingly disappearing into thin air.

“What do you think she was talking about?”

Trixie asked Rainbow.

“Don’t know… and did you see how her mood changed? That’s… not like her…”

“Should we… try to find her to comfort her?”

But Rainbow was already shaking her head.

“It’s no use, you’ll never find her. She appears where she wants and when she wants.”

They stood there awkwardly for a moment, neither one sure what to do, but both knew what they had nearly done. Luckily… or perhaps… unluckily… they were both startled by something else. Out of nowhere, a pinkish, translucent bubble appeared overhead.

“What… what’s that?”

Rainbow called out. Trixie shook off her shock, then narrowed her eyes, studying it.

“That’s… that’s Starswirl's Shielding Stratosphere!”

Trixie gasped.

“Star-what’s-it now?”

Rainbow asked, clearly confused.

“That’s… that’s a triple alliteration shielding spell! The concentration required to make one this large… it… it’s incredible!”

“Uh… huh… and… what’s that mean exactly?”

Trixie blushed lightly before answering.

“It’s… a highly advanced spell. Usually created with a matrix, as opposed to cast by a unicorn. The matrix would allow multiple unicorns to work together at it… maintain it longer. It’s one of the most powerful shielding spells in a unicorn’s arsenal.”

“And… Why is it over Canterlot?”

“Well, how should I know? I sure didn’t cast it! This magic is beyond me! Well… at least without some extensive preparation… hmmm… come to think of it… I could utilize my own latent defensive shield, combine it with the existing leylines of the world… boost it with some raw magical energy, and weave that energy into a sustaining effect to keep it going… huh, that’s genius! I can’t believe I’d never thought of it before! But… to make one this large… I-I couldn’t even begin to imagine the raw power behind it…”

“As… adorable as it is to see you geek out over this…”

Rainbow coughed.

“It’s a good spell, right? Like… we’re not suddenly in immense danger now with it being in place?”

“No no, of course not! It’s purely a defensive spell. Most likely just a precaution for a royal wedding…”

“Okay, good! I’ll uh… see you tonight? And tomorrow? For that dance, I mean. Right?”

Trixie was a bit distracted, still studying the shield with fascinated eyes.

“Right then… see ya!”

Rainbow took off in a random direction.

“Yes… hmmm… wait! What did you mean by adorable?!”

But Rainbow was nowhere to be seen.

“Grrrr… next time…

Trixie muttered ominously.

***

The rest of the day passed relatively uneventfully, but Trixie couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling she’d felt earlier.

I know that there was something off about Caramel… but it’s like I… just… don’t want to think about it.
This did not sit well with Trixie. For most of her life, her instincts had kept her safe. When she chose where to settle down and rest in her trailer, how to react when dealing with the more dangerous wildlife of Equestria, when to run, and when to hide in her trailer… and rarely, when to fight and scare off would-be predators. Thaumaturgical cantrips, light spells, and creative usage of show magic usually was more than enough to scare off the odd predator. But it had always been her thoughts. Her decisions and creativity. Her instincts and logic had always worked in harmony. But now… her instincts were screaming that something was wrong with Caramel, but her brain was telling her there was nothing off about her, that it was a weird day. That Caramel sometimes got stressed, and that it was probably just busy before a wedding. She hated it.

She just didn’t know what to do about it, other than keep on guard. Something was happening that she wasn’t seeing, and nocreature seemed to be aware of it either. It was with these thoughts that she entered her and Rainbow’s room that night.

“Hey Trix. Whoah, you look tense. What’s up?”

Trixie looked up from the ground with tired eyes and met Rainbow’s.

“I don’t know, Dashie. It’s… hard to explain. I just… there’s something wrong, but I can’t place my hoof on what exactly.

Rainbow simply stood up and approached her, eyes concerned.

“You uh… wanna talk about it?”

Trixie just nodded.

“Well uh… I have an idea actually. Uhm…”

She turned a little red.

“Go ahead and lie down on the bed.”

Trixie tiredly flopped onto the bed, and took some time to make herself comfortable.

“Like I said… I don’t know what it is, Dashie. Maybe it would be better if I just gave you an example.”

Trixie felt the draft of wings, and felt the bed shift under the Pegasus’s light weight.

“Whatever you think will help, Moonbeam.”

Trixie felt something light brush her shoulders, before the pressure suddenly increased.

“What are you…?”

“Try to relax, Trix. Tell me what’s going on. I’m going to work some of these muscles loose. Can’t have you sleeping with tight muscles before we dance.”

Trixie felt what she now knew were Rainbow’s wings starting to ease the tension out of her shoulders, and carefully working the skin and muscles around there.

The effect was noticeable immediately. Trixie felt some of her anxiety melt away with the tension.

“I wasn’t aware wings could be used for this…”

She murmurs.

“Not many creatures do. It’s uhm… not something Pegasi do for everyone. Grooming is especially important to us though, and that includes the occasional massage. If you’re flying, and you haven’t stretched, or you have a tight wing muscle, you could get really hurt. Same concept applies to shoulders. Muscles get relaxed similarly.”

“It feels really nice…”

Trixie said faintly.

“That’s the point. What were you saying though? Something about an example?”

Trixie sighed, and Rainbow continued to work her shoulders.

“Earlier today I went to the café I worked at. Caramel and Cook were kind to me when I first got out of prison. Gave me a job, and a place to sleep. And a sense of purpose. They’re pretty much family at this point.”

“I know those types of creatures. They’re seemingly becoming more and more a rarity these days.”

“Exactly. So, I decided to drop in and maybe have breakfast, and Caramel… she didn’t… recognize me.”

“At all?”

“No. No comprehension whatsoever. Not only that, but the creatures there… acted stiffly, and it just… didn’t seem natural.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

Rainbow’s administrations move to Trixie’s neck muscles next.

“You starting to feel better here at least?”

“Yessss… I could stay like this all night…”

“Good.”

“That wasn’t the main thing that got me feeling all weird though. I just… started rationalizing the way she was acting, away. Started telling myself she was just busy, or stressed… but my gut was telling me that she shouldn’t be acting that way, and if I think about it, yes. That’s not normal. But it’s like… I’m fighting against myself, every time I think ‘oh yeah, that’s actually not how she acts’ my brain suddenly goes into a spin, saying things like ‘she’s probably just having a bad day.’ Or ‘it’s probably just busy with the wedding coming up.’”

Rainbow silently pressed her hooves, suddenly with socks on them, to Trixie’s scalp, while her wings started running through the Unicorn’s mane. Trixie sighed contently.

“Be careful with the horn… it’s very sensitive… try not to touch it at all actually. At least not tonight…”

“Why’s that?”

Trixie turned bright red.

“It’s uhm… you know… sensitive.”

“Oh.”

Rainbow silently massaged her scalp, while her primaries continued to run through her mane.

“But you said…”

Rainbow started, but Trixie quickly jumped in, not letting her finish that train of thought.

“You know what I mean though? With the… wrongness?”

Rainbow sighed, but continued her administrations as she gathered her thoughts.

“I guess… only thing I know for certain is that sometimes your gut tells you things that your brain doesn’t notice. It’s instinctual. In the air though, those instincts notice things before your brain processes them. That’s how skilled flyers are different from novice ones. True masters of flight trust their instincts absolutely, and act upon them without rationalizing them. Because in the time it takes to notice your instincts, translate those instincts to your brain, process what those instincts are telling you, and then deciding to act on them… you’re already dead.”

“Have… Pegasi died from that before?”

“Yes.”

Rainbow’s voice was tight, firm.

“In flight, there are a million things going on at once, at all times. The brain simply can’t process all of it. Many Pegasi who have made the mistake of believing they could process that much information at once have universally been overwhelmed, frozen up, or acted incorrectly. At high speeds… this is oftentimes fatal. The lucky ones are only crippled. Sometimes for life.”

“Oh.”

Trixie’s voice was small.

“Flying is dangerous. It’s amazing, and-and liberating and freeing. And I wouldn’t give it up for the world but… I’d be a fool to not acknowledge and be aware of the danger. The point I’m trying to make here though is this.”

Rainbow sat back, leaving a much more relaxed Trixie on the bed.

“In this kind of situation… trust your instincts, not your head. Let’s get some sleep though. We can’t do anything about it immediately. Just keep your head on a swivel, but… try to enjoy the dance when it happens. Pinkie said we’d get to have one nice thing, and I think that thing is the dance.”

“You believe what she said?”

“She’s never been wrong before.”

Trixie felt the blanket pulled over her, and then the warm feeling of Rainbow slipping in behind her.

“She said things would get really nasty…”

Rainbow sighed, and wrapped her wings around Trixie, pulling her close. Trixie melted against the Pegasus.

“And it might be related to the wrongness you’re feeling. So we’ll keep an eye out after the dance. We can’t do anything about it until after that, deal?”

“Deal…”

Trixie said, already feeling herself drifting off.

“Goodnight Moonbeam.”

The last thing Trixie felt was the soft feeling of lips on the back of her head, and then darkness overtook her.

***

The morning went by in such a rush that Trixie felt like she was still dreaming. Waking up with Rainbow, followed by the flurry of motion to get ready for the wedding, picking up the outline of the wedding… even picking up her dress, and having her mane styled with Rarity. The most notable thing was Rainbow’s reaction to her dress, and Trixie’s own surprise when Dashie had produced a dress that matched her’s perfectly.

“Where did…”

Realization suddenly dawned on her, and she turned an accusatory glare towards Rarity, who simply gave her an innocent look.

“Rarity… by any chance did you… plan this?”

Rainbow Dash tentatively asked.

“Oh darling. A lady never reveals her secret. You both asked for dresses… well, who knows why they match so well. Enjoy the pre-party, and don’t think too much about it. No reason to spoil the moment, right?”

Trixie heard Rainbow sigh, turned and saw her shake her head.

“Thanks Rarity. That was pretty awesome.”

“I’m happy to help you two, darling.”

“I’ll meet you at the castle, Trix. Just have to take care of a few things first.”

“Wait, but you’re always…”

Rainbow took off before Trixie could finish. She sighed.

“...taking care of a few things.”

Trixie pressed a hoof to her forehead.

“Oh don’t give her too much grief, dear. I love Rainbow very much, but sometimes she… goes a bit overboard. Especially when it comes to responsibilities. Goodness knows that’s why she’s napping so much.”

Rarity tittered.

“It’s as annoying as it is endearing.”

“I feel like… it will get exhausting for myself too.”

Rarity shot Trixie a mischievous look.

“If I’m not mistaken, it sounds like you’re already planning on spending a lot of time with her.”

Trixie felt herself turn a bit pink.

“Yes uhm… I suppose I am.”

“So delightful!”

Rarity winked.

“Well don’t let me keep you waiting. I suspect you should be getting dressed and ready, hmmm?”

And now Trixie was standing in the line to enter the castle. There had clearly been a lot of preparation, though Trixie really shouldn’t be too surprised. Princess Cadence, and Twilight Sparkle’s brother, who also happened to be captain of the royal guard, were being wed tonight. The Sparkle family would become official royalty. Trixie also noticed several more guards than usual. Pegasi patrolled the skies, their lighter armor not as bright and gleaming as the Unicorns and Earth Ponies in their golden-colored plate armor.

Trixie frowned. Apart from the occasional guard in chainmail, and the odd crystal-encrusted armor of the Crystal Empire, most of the guards seemed to be wearing more… ceremonial armor than anything. Wasn’t that… unwise?

Trixie was shaken from her thoughts when she heard a familiar voice.

“Trixie, hi!”

Trixie smiled, and strode forward elegantly to meet her… well, she was a friend now, right?

“Twilight! Congratulations!”

The lavender unicorn’s smile faded into a frown.

“Right… the wedding…”

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy your brother is marrying the love of his life?”

Twilight shook her head, and forced a smile.

“Of course I am! My bbbff is marrying my foalsitter!”

Trixie was taken aback.

“Bbbff?”

“Big brother best friend forever?”

Twilight asked as if it was the most obvious thing in Equestria.

“Ah… okay… so… why the frown?”

Twilight groaned.

“Is it that obvious?”

Trixie nodded.

“Kinda.”

“It’s just…”

Twilight sighed.

“Shiny and I were always close. He was often the only friend I had…”

Trixie felt a stab of sympathy for young Twilight.

“So why in Equestria wasn’t I told about this earlier!”

Twilight exploded, Trixie resisted the urge to jump back.

“I’m sorry, I know I should just be happy here! But… who does that? Seriously? And Cadence has changed too.”

That caught Trixie off-guard.

“Changed?”

“She’s a total jerk! Talks down to her bridesmaids! Tossed Applejack’s fritters in the garbage!”

Trixie had to exercise a, frankly impressive, feat of self-control to not laugh.
Oh the face she must’ve made… I’d give anything to see Applejack put in her place! So self-righteous and indignant…
Trixie forced those thoughts to the back of her mind. This was one of Rainbow Dash’s best friends she was thinking about after all. She turned her attention back to Twilight, who hadn’t stopped talking.

“...and then she did something that made his eyes go all–”

Trixie was fascinated with how Twilight had made her eyes move around like that… not even to bring up the cowbell-like sounds that emerged.

“How did…”

Twilight kept going though.

“And I just don’t get it! That’s not the Cadence I knew! She… she didn’t even do the sunshine dance with me…”

Twilight was breathing heavily, Trixie wasn’t quite sure what to do in this scenario, so she tentatively placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.

“There… there?”

Trixie found it hard to see that the playful and teasing, kindhearted alicorn that had kept her company while she had served her sentence could compare to the mare Twilight was describing.

It might be related to the wrongness you’re feeling…

Rainbow Dash’s words echoed ominously in her mind.

“Thanks Trixie… and sorry for just exploding on you like that. Nopony I’ve talked to believes me though. They keep just saying it must be the stress of the wedding getting to her but I just… that isn’t right. I know Cadence! She wouldn’t act like she was before!”

“Trixie would be… inclined to agree with you, based on how you’ve described her.”

Twilight looked up and met her eyes.

“You mean… you mean you believe me?”

Trixie nodded.

“Cadence was one of Trixie’s first friends in this city. And she’s a princess. Trixie fails to see how a mere wedding would compare to the stress associated with running a kingdom.”

“Yes! That’s exactly what I’m saying!”

Trixie suddenly found herself being hugged tightly by Twilight.

“What in…”

Trixie couldn’t finish her sentence, so tight was the hug.

“Breathing… now!”

And just like that she was released by a sheepish looking Twilight.

“Sorry Trixie… I just didn’t think anyone would believe me. Something’s up… and I intend to figure out exactly what. But… well, let’s not let it get in the way of the party, right? You look incredible by the way. Rarity made you a dress? That was very nice of her. Don’t worry about anything, I’ll figure it out. Just be there to support me if you need to, okay?”

“Of course. Trixie will always stand by her friends.”

Twilight smiled warmly.

“Thanks Trixie, that means a lot. Bye now!”

Twilight waved a hoof, before trotting further into the crowd, likely to mingle.

Now… where in Equestria is Rainbow Dash?

Trixie started idly adjusting invisible details in her dress, really just wasting time. Many ponies passed her, heading into the ballroom, but still no Rainbow Dash.

She sighed.

Well… no sense in staying here. I’m already getting some odd looks. I’m sure Dashie will find me inside… in fact, she might be waiting for me.
Trixie did some last second adjustments. Real ones, this time. Not time wasting ones, took a deep breath, then started in. Head held high.

The murmuring slowly grew in volume as she approached the entryway. Eventually, she wasn’t able to make out individual words at all, no matter how hard she tried. Not that it mattered at all. Surely they weren’t talking about her. She… probably didn’t even make the headlines. And even if she did… she’d served her time! Surely they’d give her a chance! Wasn’t that how justice was supposed to work?

Right… justice. Maybe to a few but… come on Trixie. You’re talking about the nobility here.

Trixie chuckled at that despite herself. She presented her invitation to a Thestral guard who studied it scrupulously, shrugged, then let her in.

“Enjoy the party Miss Lulamoon.”

“Thank you good sir, Trixie appreciates the consideration.”

“Right, right.”

Trixie pretended to not notice the guard roll his eyes. He probably was bored out of his mind, that was all.

The volume of her surroundings didn’t increase at all, she suspected that this would be a rather formal party. Shame, would be worth it to see some of these stuffy nobles take their heads out of their-

“Trix! Hey!”

She was immediately thrown out of her thoughts when she heard Rainbow Dash’s voice. Any doubts she was carefully keeping in the back of her mind evaporated, and she smiled warmly as she turned to find her Pegasus.

“Rainbow Dash!”

She stopped just before her, wiping off her delighted expression on her face.

“Hmmpf! You could’ve at least escorted me in!”

Rainbow Dash had the common sense to look a little bashful, as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“Right… heh heh… yeah. Sorry Trix uhm… I had to–”

“Take care of a few things.”

Trixie sighed in exasperation.

“I know.”

“I’m sorry Trixie…”

Rainbow Dash’s ears drooped and she looked down to the floor.

Trixie immediately felt guilt slam into her as if she was being blasted into a mountain. Here Rainbow Dash was, clearly doing her best to look good for the party. Even though she didn’t like dresses, she wore one anyway. And damn it, she looked good in it. Rarity had clearly gone above and beyond making them match.

There wasn’t much of a bodice, as there was more like a golden, silk sash that was secured with a purple sapphire brooch. It wrapped around her body and behind her wings, and the dress looked like it was in two parts actually… most likely to accommodate for her wings. The main part of the dress was deep purple with small silver stars spread throughout it, and a golden trim that made a unique, waving pattern. It reminded her of wind currents, or waves perhaps.

“No no! I’m sorry, Dashie. You look… you’re breathtaking.”

Rainbow’s cheeks turned a little pink.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Trix… Rarity really went above and beyond, huh?”

Trixie could only nod slowly.

“W-well… uhm… there’s still a bit of a walk so… would you care to join me?”

She held out a hoof.

Trixie stared at it for a moment, perplexed, then her brain caught up. Before she could make a move though, Rainbow quickly wrapped her foreleg around Trixie’s, pulling her to Rainbow’s side.

“Just… walk with me.”

Rainbow’s voice was strained. Trixie exhaled softly, then leaned in and nuzzled into her neck. She felt the Pegasus stiffen, and she froze. She hadn’t even realized she was doing it, but Rainbow wasn’t pulling away so…

“Well… you’re my escort, right? Is this not what they do?”

Trixie felt Rainbow slowly relax.

“Shall we then?”

Rainbow’s voice was less strained. Her confidence seeming to return.

“Yes, we shall.”

Trixie let herself be led into the ballroom, ignoring the glances and odd stare. She could care less about them; the only one worth paying attention to in the entire ballroom was the cyan Pegasus she was currently linked to. The music was soft, and not too complex, intended to be played in the background while the guests socialized.

“How about we head to the bar? Start the night off with a nice drink.”

“You drink, Rainbow?”

“...on occasion. I prefer cider, or mead but… I suppose these fancy drinks aren’t too bad.”

Trixie giggled.

“Such a brute. Little to no regard for the finer things in life.”

“Hey! I’ll have you know, freshly-made cider is like… the awesomest thing ever!”

Trixie wrinkled her nose.

“Maybe…”

She trailed off, unimpressed.

“Oh you just haven’t had the right cider yet then.”

“Hmmm… perhaps you’ll have to show me sometime then.”

Rainbow was silent for a moment before responding.

“Yeah, yeah. I guess I will!”

“In the meantime, however, please allow me to select the wine for the night. Even though I know you’ll not appreciate them fully.”

“Well maybe I will! Maybe I know more about wine than you think I do!”

Trixie raised an eyebrow skeptically.

“Fine, fine. I’ll let you choose the…”

Rainbow seemed to shudder from disgust.

“Wine for the night. Does it have to be wine?”

Trixie rolled her eyes.

“But of course Dashie! It’s a night of culture, and beauty after all!”

“Yeah, yeah… fine. Whatever.”

“Honestly Rainbow, have you not experienced true culture before?”

Rainbow glanced around incredulously.

“This is true culture?”

She lowered her voice to that of a near whisper.

“I hate to break it to you, Trix but… almost everyone here looks like they have a huge stick shoved straight up their–”

“Rainbow!”

Trixie giggled out.

“Control yourself!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes with a grin.

“Yeah, s’not my thing.”

They found themselves nearing the bar.

“Be that as it may, and as, well, true as it may be…”

Trixie trailed off, ignoring the snicker from the Pegasus.

“It simply won’t do for you to be saying that out loud. You’re liable to get thrown out!”

“Awwww, how adorable. You think they’d throw out someone as awesome as myself?”

Trixie was about to respond when a soft voice with an exotic, refined accent interrupted her.

“Would the misses care for a drink?”

Trixie turned her attention to the young colt who was working behind the bar.

“Yes my good sir. The great and powerful Trixie requires two glasses of the Pinot Noir for herself and her escort for the night.”

The bartender raised his eyebrow, but simply nodded.

“Of course, my ladies.”

“Blech. Wines always have complicated names. What’s wrong with something simple?”

Trixie scoffed.

“Why, it’s because the ‘complicated names’ as you say, describe the type of wine.”

“But there’s like… two types of wine, right? Red and white?”

Trixie gasped, and a few of the other patrons stared at them as if she spoke blasphemy.

“Rainbow! That’s… that’s awful! How could you say such a thing?”

“What? What?! I’m right, right?!”

“Absolutely not! That is… is a gross oversimplification!”

“But at their most basic, aren’t they all just that? Red or white?”

“No! There are five basic colors of wine, first off!”

“Uhhh… and those are?”

“Red and white, yes! But also orange, pink and yellow!”

“Seriously? What’s the difference?”

“Well, first off, an orange wine is created by fermenting the grapes with the skins on, and yellow wine is aged in a barrel with a yeast–”

“Okay, okay! I get it! Wines are complicated. Sheesh.”

Trixie harrumphed.

“So what color is…”

“Pinot noir is a red wine, Dashie.”

“I see…”

“One of these days I’ll have to teach you the subtleties of cultured drinking.”

“Where did you even learn all this jun– er… I mean… uh… fascinating information.”

Rainbow was wise to catch herself under Trixie’s withering gaze.

“Well, since you’re so clearly interested, I was raised amongst the nobility of Canterlot. One thing you learned if you didn’t want to become the laughingstock of events was, at the bare minimum, knowing your wines.”

“Sounds too stressful for what it’s worth…”

“Maybe… perhaps. But it’s still something I take great pride in.”

“Oh… sorry Trix.”

Trixie groaned.

“It’s not a problem, Dashie. You just caught me off guard was all. It’s so easy to forget that… not everyone was raised the same way as myself.”

“Heh. That makes you at least twenty percent cooler than everyone else here.”

Trixie giggled.

“Why, thank you Dashie. All is forgiven.”

Rainbow let out a breath of relief.

“Your wine, my ladies.”

Trixie appreciated the professionalism of this bartender. He didn’t even bat an eye at Rainbow’s egregious butchering of culture, and simply served them their drinks. She set a small pile of bits on the bartop for him as a tip. He seemed completely at a loss for what to do.

“It’s for you, for doing your job well.”

He stood a bit straighter.

“I appreciate it, ma’am.”

He gently floated the bits over and into a small lockbox.
Might be the only tip he gets tonight… if there’s one thing the nobility is good at, it’s clinging onto their money without doing much with it.
She sighed internally.

Just like I used to do…
She banished those thoughts. This was a happy night. She instead focused on floating a wine glass to Rainbow, who carefully grasped it with a wing. She then took a glass for herself, and clinked it against Rainbow’s.

“To us. And a lovely night!”

“Right, yeah!”

Rainbow also clinked her glass.

“This is called a toast, right?”

“Yes Rainbow, that’s correct.”

Rainbow puffed her chest out, seemingly pleased with herself for calling something out correctly.

It was… adorable. Trixie swirled the glass a little bit in her magic, before bringing it to her snout and taking a sniff. She then sipped from the glass elegantly. Rainbow watched her, then did the same thing.

“So… what, is there a process to drinking wine too?”

She asked as she swirled the glass.

“Yes Rainbow, it’s all a part of the experience. In order to appreciate the wine fully, you must savor it.”

“Right…”

Rainbow said doubtfully. Trixie’s ears twitched, as she heard some of the murmuring around the bar.

“How embarrassing… I certainly wouldn’t want my partner to be so ignorant.”

“Indeed, such… buffoons are why things are so wrong with the world these days.”

Rainbow tried to hide it, but Trixie could see she heard the murmurings too, and shrunk a little in on herself.

“Why, I have half a mind to ask her to leave.”

“How uncouth.”

“Ruffians. Ruffians, I tell you.”

Trixie had heard enough.

“Come on Rainbow, let’s go listen to the music. Some creatures here have a hard time seeing beyond their own rear ends, stuck as they are up their own posteriors. Quite difficult, no?”

Rainbow brightened up at that and chuckled.

“Heh, yeah. Shame too. There’s plenty to see and smell beyond that.”

They finished their wines, then left, ignoring the outraged looks they were given. Trixie wasn’t certain but she thought she saw the bartender start to refuse service to the patrons who were talking down to Rainbow. She allowed herself to smirk.

Serves them right.

“I really appreciate you taking me out tonight, Rainbow.”

“S’no problem. I’m glad you’re here. Though I may have some ulterior motives too…”

Trixie’s heart rate sped up.

“Oh? And those might be?”

“Ha! Wouldn’t you like to know! Don’t worry, all will be revealed in due time.”

“Keeping me in suspense are we? Well. I suppose I’ll play your game then.”

“Least you could do after all.”

“Enjoying the ball so far, darlings?”

Rainbow’s mouth slowly dropped, and Trixie slowly turned around to see what had her so shocked.

Rarity had clearly taken significantly more time than either of them. Her mane was immaculately styled. Her makeup wasn’t overdoing it, but was there to enhance her already-present beauty. Eyeliner drew attention to her eyes, which gleamed with intelligence and excitement. And that wasn’t even considering her attire. She had gemstone earrings, aquamarine, Trixie thought. The dress itself looked like it was fitted like a robe, at least around her neck, and was a dark purple with a slight ‘V’ in the neck. She had a golden peplum, and the skirt was a shimmering purple. Darker purple lines forming diamonds and causing an optical illusion that made her dress appear to always be changing to different shades of purple. She was clearly wearing some kind of transparent cyan slip underneath it all, allowing some of it to appear at the cuffs and hemline. Her cutie mark was emblazoned on the skirt, and a golden choker with a sapphire in the middle to complete the look.

“Wow.”

Rainbow and Trixie said simultaneously.

Rarity laughed airily.

“Quite a nice look, don’t you think? I honestly believe this is one of my best lines!”

“You’re uh… already catching stares, Rarity.”

“Oh, I’m very much aware darling. And every single one of them will leave tonight, disappointed.”

“You sound… almost giddy at that aspect.”

Trixie managed after she swallowed. Hard.

“But of course, darling. Part of a lady’s allure is the chase. A chase that… many will fail at.”

She chuckled.

“Oh, I know there are plenty of strapping stallions here, but I’m not so easily impressed by charm or status. No, one day I’ll find the one. But today is not that day. It’s still fun to be pursued though, I must say. But! That’s not why I’m here! I highly doubt either of you will be pursuing me hmmmm?”

Trixie and Rainbow glanced at each other, blushed then looked away.

Rarity tittered.

“Might I have a word with Trixie, dear Rainbow Dash? She and I have some things to discuss.”

“Oh, uh… sure! I’ll just… be over here… standing. Yeah.”

Rarity gestured for Trixie to follow. And after glancing one more time at Rainbow, Trixie went after her.

“What do you need, Rarity?”

“How’s the night going, darling?”

Rarity lowered her voice conspiratorially.

“It’s… nice. I understand what you mean about some of the nobles here. Some were trying to haughtily talk down to Rainbow Dash as if she couldn’t hear them.”

Rarity scowled.

“Boorish brutes. I might just have to go and give them a piece of my mind! Do be a dear and point them out to me, would you?”

“Uhm, no. It’s okay, really Rarity. They’re not worth the energy.”

“Well, if you change your mind, find me. I’ll happily get rid of them.”

“I’ll… keep that in mind.”

“But anyways! The next song that plays will be your chance!”

“Chance? I-I don’t…”

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re getting cold hooves already! Trust me. The next song will be perfect for you and Rainbow to dance to.”

“If-if you say so Rarity.”

“I do. It’ll be breathtaking. I’ll make sure of it.”

Trixie gulped.

“You… you think she’ll say yes? I-I don’t think Rainbow is much of a dancer…”

“You might just be surprised, darling. Rainbow is more knowledgeable about things than she lets on.”

“Except wine, clearly.”

Trixie muttered.

Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“Really? Well… that’s strange… She and I have most definitely had discussions involving wines, and spirits. She’s actually quite a fun mare to drink with!”

“She said that she thought that there were only red and white wines…”

“Hmmm… perhaps she wasn’t paying attention then… but… she talked fine with me before about them…”

“I’ll just chalk it up to something that doesn’t make sense for now…”

“Very well, darling. Now! Hurry along! Don’t keep your partner waiting for too long! She looks absolutely lost without you!”

Rarity winked at her, before turning and seemingly gliding away. Slipping effortlessly between nobility and guards alike. Trixie watched her go, seeing her making her way towards the musicians, a grey earth pony among them.

Guess that’s her way of making sure…

Trixie thought as she saw Rarity whisper something into the cellist’s ear, she then turned back towards Rainbow, the music slowing and quieting.

Well… here goes nothing.

The introduction to the next song started, and everypony in the room started to quiet down and move to find their dancing partners. Trixie swallowed a nervous lump, before approaching Rainbow who was idly tapping her hoof in tune with the music.

“Uhm… Rainbow…”

Her voice came out small, so she cleared her throat and tried again.

“Would you uhm… dance. Me, with?”

Rainbow’s eyes met Trixie’s, shining.

“Do you mean it?”

Trixie nodded.

“Oh yesyesyes! Let’s go!”

The music started to increase in volume, starting slow.

Oh no…

Trixie recognized the introduction, and her heartbeat started up again. The way the music was playing, it sounded like…

Rainbow Dash’s ears twitched, and slowly she started to smirk, her eyes turning half-lidded.

Oh dear…
Trixie had already committed though, so it was now or never. She bit back her nervousness and terror, and firmly took Rainbow’s hoof. She had asked Rainbow, so that meant she was leading. She guided them towards the dance floor and, after taking one last deep breath, reared up with Rainbow, balancing on her hindlegs. Surprisingly Rainbow effortlessly mirrored her.

Rarity must’ve planned this… sneaky little… grrrr! I love and hate her in equal amounts right now!
Trixie stood firm though, she and Rarity were going to have words but for now… all that there was to do was wait for the dance to start in earnest.

As more and more guests paired up, and moved towards the center of the room, the music slowly increased in tempo and volume.

Here we go…

The first notes struck, and Trixie led Rainbow through some of the opening steps. Rainbow followed her easily.

One and two, and three— four.
“Seems like a pretty simple dance so far, you going to give me a challenge here, Trix?”

Trixie continued to follow the music and steps.

“The music will guide how we move, dear Rainbow. First rules of dance. Be in the moment. Move as the music directs.”

“Ha!”

“You seem to be following pretty well though.”

The music continued playing, as the two moved across the floor, in their own world.

“Well, we Pegasi all learn formal dance at a very young age.”

This caught Trixie off-guard, and she nearly lost her place in the steps.

“Is that so?”

She quickly said, trying to cover her near-misstep.

“Yeah, it helps to teach balance and movement for flying. You have to be in tune with how your body moves in the air, and the first step to that is learning how to control your body in a dance.”

Trixie and Rainbow did a slow spin with the music.

“Well then, surely one such as you would know how to take lead here then, hmmm?”

“I could dance circles around and with you, Trix.”

Trixie smirked.

“Prove it.”

Rainbow only gave her a cocky smile in response, and they continued their movements. Once the music allowed for it, Rainbow smoothly shifted into the lead, so expertly that Trixie almost didn’t notice. Almost.

Rainbow’s confident smirk never left her face.

Some of the more novice dancers in the crowd had taken their leave at the lead change, and had vacated the floor. Trixie didn’t notice though. All she noticed was the music speeding up, and Rainbow speeding up along with it.

Okay then, Rainbow. Challenge accepted.

“That wasn’t half-bad, Dashie.”

“Surprised, Moonbeam?”

Trixie hummed, before nodding.

“Perhaps.”

“Ha! You’re dancing with an expert, believe you me! I was always one of the greatest dancers in class.”

Trixie simply grinned.

They kept moving, some of the more experienced dancers were also making their way off the floor, but the music kept playing, so Rainbow and Trixie kept moving.

“Well then, Rainbow.”

Rainbow spun Trixie, who followed through elegantly. At the end of the spin, Trixie realized they were much closer together now.

“An expert can keep in step… No matter the distractions.”

“Oh yeah? Well, I can handle anything!”

“Oh? Anything?”

Trixie and Rainbow twirled around each other, increasing and decreasing their pace as the music dictated. Trixie absently realized that they were slowly being given more and more space, but that didn’t matter to her.

“Anything.”

Rainbow said confidently, and Trixie’s eyes turned half-lidded. She let out a short, sinister chuckle. The next spin that Rainbow led her through, she acted without thinking, when she was brought back in she leaned up and gave Rainbow’s ear a slight nibble at the exact moment the music allowed for a lead change.

Her action made Rainbow falter for a very brief moment. That was all she needed, and she moved with the spin, once again seizing control of the dance– fluttering her eyelashes at Rainbow.

“Anything, you say…”

Rainbow quickly recovered and was quiet for a moment. Then Trixie saw her eyes flash.

Better not disappoint, Dashie…
Trixie’s mind whispered.

The crowd had all but dissipated at this point during the dance. Rainbow and Trixie remained steadfastly focused on each other. The music went on, and some ponies started whispering amongst themselves.

The music suddenly shifted, and Trixie threw Rainbow out. As she was thrown out, Rainbow sank down, by the time Trixie had pulled her back, she was kneeling before her partner. Trixie pulled Rainbow up, spinning her at the same time, and pulling the Pegasus back against her.

Rainbow exhaled sharply, submitting to Trixie’s lead. They remained together for a while, simply pressed against each other; then Rainbow slowly slid down Trixie’s body. Trixie’s hooves began to wander down Rainbow’s body, caressing her sides. The music started becoming background noise to them. Serving only to guide them through their movements, and to determine their next steps.

The music sped up, Rainbow twirled around her partner with her wings wrapped around Trixie’s waist. She took the lead wordlessly. They hold position, tight against one another again. The music did not demand more than simple steps. Rainbow took this opportunity to make a trail of kisses up Trixie’s neck, and to her ear, which she gently took between her teeth.

Trixie could almost feel the smugness radiating off of her partner… or was that just body heat?

Maybe even a more… primal heat…

The two of them were alone on the dance floor now, and even the murmuring had subsided. All that existed was the music, and them. The music turned softer, more intimate. Rainbow and Trixie started moving their hips together, causing friction.

Trixie and Rainbow’s eyes were both closed, as they moved as one to the music. Rainbow’s hoof slowly traced down her partner, coming to a rest on her cutie mark. The music continued to slow down, but the building orchestra indicated it was going to speed up soon. Rainbow traced the mark, then moved back up to her waist. Trixie turned her head sharply to the side, and they began to walk together. The music jumped once more, and Rainbow spun Trixie. They stared into each other’s eyes for a small eternity, their snouts touching. Rainbow then spun her back around, and shoved her away. Trixie moved with the music, stopping a short distance away in a kneel. She stood up, and walked down the dance floor, as if connected by an invisible string to her partner. She suddenly halted, and looked over her shoulder at Rainbow.

Rainbow beckoned with a wing, calling Trixie back. Trixie threw her mane to the side, then spun along the invisible string back into Rainbow, who wrapped her wings around her. Trixie wrapped her legs around Rainbow as the music built up, and Rainbow started spinning her–lifting her off the floor. They spun around, over and over with the swelling music. Then, as the music reached its climax, Rainbow dipped Trixie, and kissed her deeply.

They held the kiss, both eyes closed, with Trixie curling her hooves around Rainbow’s neck. Once music went silent then, and only then did they release each other’s lips. Breathing heavily, eyes locked on one another.

After a small eternity of silence, a sole hoof started stomping. Then more joined. Then more, until the entire ballroom was filled with the sound of stomping hooves, cheers and applause.

But Trixie and Rainbow only noticed each other. They were the only two that mattered.