“Trixie IS the highest level unicorn!” Trixie threw her head back and laughed evilly. She had just beaten Twilight Sparkle in a magic duel, but unknown to everypony else, she used the Alicorn Amulet to cheat. Once done laughing, Trixie turned to the defeated Twilight. “And now it’s time for you to leave Ponyville…FOREVER!!!!”
Twilight’s friends immediately stood in front. “That’s enough, Trixie!” Applejack snapped.
“You’ve proven your point!” Rarity spoke up. “But you can’t possibly expect Twilight to leave Ponyville!”
“You fools!” Trixie then used her red magic to lift Twilight in the air. “She’s already gone!”
“Whoa!!” Twilight was then flung out of the town of Ponyville, landing hard on the ground. Suddenly, a large glass dome was poofed and landed on top of all Ponyville. Twilight rushed to it as her friends did from the other side. Spike placed his claw on the glass as Twilight did the same.
“It’s okay, guys.” Twilight spoke. “I’ll figure something out. Just take care of each other. And keep an eye on Trixie. There’s something strange about her.”
Twilight then rushed off from the dome, leaving her friends behind.
“Twilight?” Spike said in worry. As Twilight was gone from his sight, Spike thunked his head against the glass, as tears began streaming from his eyes. Twilight’s friends looked sad for Spike, as Rarity walked up to the young dragon.
“Oh, Spike.” Rarity rubbed Spike’s shoulder. “It’s going to be alright.”
POOF!
Trixie suddenly poofed in front of the ponies and dragon. “Who said you can go around feeling sorry for yourselves?!”
“Now look here, missy!” Applejack got in Trixie’s face. “Who said you can push the rest of us around?”
“Well, moi!” Trixie’s horn ignited red and Spike was now lifted from the ground. “And as for you, I believe it’s time for another round!” The unicorn laughed cruelly as Spike was formed into a ball like before and thrown in Twilight’s library, slamming the door.
“Spike!” Twilight’s friends were about to rush towards him, only to be blocked by Trixie.
The dragon got up and groaned, hurt by the impact on the floor, but quickly rushed to the window.
“You can throw your little pity party with the brat after your share of labor!” Trixie snapped.
“Labor?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “What labor?”
Now all the citizens of Ponyville were lifted in the air by Trixie’s magic. The unicorn chuckled devilishly. “Let’s get started.”
As Spike watched in horror, he noticed Trixie turn back to him. “Never forget, Spike.” She spoke. “Trixie was left off the hook by your PRECIOUS Twilight!”
“Huh?” Spike looked worried. “That’s not how it happened!”
“Oh yes it is! Don’t you remember?” Trixie then poofed inside the library, looking more frightening. “Don’t you think The Great And Apologetic Trixie is the most magnificent humble pony you’ve ever seen?!” She then pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. “IS SHE?!”
“NOOOOOOO!!!!!” Spike suddenly woke up in a cold sweat. He looked around, and saw he was inside the bedroom of the castle he and Twilight now lived in. Things certainly have changed since then, but having that dream brought back horrible memories. Even though that last part didn’t happen, Spike didn’t forget that Twilight did in fact forgive Trixie after defeating her and tricking her into taking the Amulet off. Spike scrunched his legs up. “Why, Twilight?” He whispered to himself. “Why would you do that?” He glanced over to the clock, but did a double take.
“11:55! The Crystal Empire! The train! I must’ve dozed off packing my stuff! It’ll be leaving any minute!” He got off his bed and grabbed his suitcase.
“Alright! Got everything I need!” He leaped off the bed. “Crystal Empire, here I come!” Spike suddenly stopped in his tracks. He saw his special dragon-like toothbrush on the floor.
“Ah. Can’t forget this!” Spike reached down to grab it until it was surrounded by an aurora glow and zoomed out of Spike’s reach.
“What the-?” Spike jumped to grab it, but it zoomed onto Spike’s bed. The dragon got down like a cat and positioned himself. He narrowed his eyes at his toothbrush before finally pouncing at it. The toothbrush then flew out of the way as Spike landed on his pillows. The toothbrush suddenly got in his mouth and started brushing his teeth.
“Wha-hey! Starlight! Cut it out!” Spike laughed. He then heard a chuckle as a familiar pink unicorn entered the room.
“Well, you can’t blame me for giving an extra cleaning!” Starlight Glimmer rubbed Spike’s scales.
Spike smirked, putting his toothbrush in his suitcase. “Thanks, I guess.” Feeling relaxed, the two laid back on Spike’s bed.
“Can you believe it, Spike?” Starlight asked. “One day, us and Twilight were battling through time, and now we’re under the same roof.”
“Yeah,” Spike nodded. “And after a while…I have another pony in my life just like Twilight.”
“Oh,” Starlight spoke. “You don’t mean that.”
“No, really.” Spike stood up. “Before you came along, all I had was Twilight. Sure, there’s Twilight’s friends…but most of the time, I feel like the dragon that cleans up after everypony.” Starlight stood up now in concern upon hearing that.
“But now that you’re here in the castle with us,” Spike turned to Starlight. “Well…I feel like I got somepony else to talk to.”
Starlight smiled warmly as she wrapped Spike in a hug. “Well, I’m glad to be of service.”
Though feeling relaxed in Starlight’s hug, Spike looked down. “Sometimes I don’t think Twilight gets it.”
“What are you talking about?” Starlight asked, looking at Spike. “I know Twilight loves you very much. Gotta admit, even when I was evil, I just couldn’t find it in me to separate you two.”
“Gee, thanks,” Spike sighed as he climbed off the bed. “I know she loves me, but I feel like she sometimes forgets she’s all I have. Whenever we go through something like an adventure, or a time where I almost lose Twilight, it’s like she doesn’t care how I felt.”
Starlight walked over to Spike. “Well, what happened?”
“It’s kinda a long story.” Spike said.
Starlight pulled Spike’s chin up. “Hey, you said you got somepony else to talk to, right? Well, she’s listening.”
Spike smiled upon those words. “Well, there was this one pony that acted like a big jerk in Ponyville. One day, she returned with-”
Dong! Dong! Dong!
Spike and Starlight suddenly heard the clock chime.
Spike gasped. “The train! The Crystal Empire! I gotta get goin’!” He quickly grabbed his suitcase. “Sorry, Starlight! I’ll tell you another time!”
“Don’t worry, Spike!” Starlight called, waving. “Have a good time this weekend!”
As Spike disappeared from Starlight’s sight, the unicorn began to think. “This one pony? I wonder who that could’ve been…”
One Weekend Later…
“Trixie?!” Twilight’s friends all said in unison. They were all in Twilight’s castle with her when given the news.
Twilight rubbed her hoof, awkwardly. “Yeah, she’s Starlight’s new friend.” She then shook her head. “Look, I know what Trixie’s been like the last two times she was here. But seeing her with Starlight, I really feel like she cares a lot for her and that she really did turn over a new leaf. So, do you think we can give Trixie another chance?”
Twilight’s five friends began to think about it, until Applejack walked up and took her hat off. “Ah ain’t gonna lie saying it’ll be easy, but…What the hay? Ah guess Ah can give it a shot.”
Twilight’s friends said their own agreements, making the Princess smile. “Thanks, girls.”
Dong! Dong! Dong!
“Oh! The train! Spike’s home!” Twilight spoke in realization. She turned to her friends. “Starlight and Trixie will be at our usual picnic spot. I’ll catch Spike up with everything.”
Rainbow suddenly flew in Twilight’s way. “Whoa-whoa-whoa, Twilight. Spike doesn’t know Trixie’s back, yet?”
Twilight rubbed her mane and neck. “Well…not really. But I’m sure he’ll take it fine.”
“Twilight, with all due respect, I’m not so sure.” Rarity added. “I still remember how Spike acted when you were exiled. He tried keeping it together. But once Fluttershy went to go find you, the dams broke and I had the poor thing weep in my fur.”
“Yeah, I had no words for it.” Pinkie shook her head sadly. “And that’s because my mouth was gone!”
“Don’t worry.” Twilight tried to assure her friends. “I’ve known Spike his whole life. I know he’ll understand. I mean, he and Starlight are incredibly close now!”
“Well, I guess that’s a good point.” Fluttershy shrugged.
“Okay then!” Twilight nodded. “I’ll see you girls at the picnic!”
Twilight then sped off for the train station leaving her friends smiling and waving. Once Twilight was gone, Rarity glanced over to Applejack. “This is going to end badly, isn’t it?”
“Eeyup.” Applejack nodded.
By this point, the train had already arrived in Ponyville and everypony on were now leaving for their own destinations. Spike kept turning his head, but saw no sign of Twilight. He then noticed the conductor with his back turned.
“Excuse me, mister?” Spike asked.
The conductor instantly turned, revealing his wide-eyed and mustached grin, surprising Spike. “EeeeYEEEEEEES?”
Spike sighed, remembering this conductor enjoyed teasing him.“Yeah, hi. Look, I was wondering if you saw Twilight? You know, The Princess Of Friendship?”
The conductor could hardly contain himself. “OoooOOOooh! A dragon after a princess! Now where have I heard that before?” He finished with a sly smile.
Spike looked annoyed. “You’re hilarious.” The dragon then took notice of Twilight looking around. “Oh, there she is!”
As Spike ran up to her, the conductor waved with a chuckle. “Be on the look-out for Prince Charming!”
Twilight noticed Spike running up to her. “Welcome back, Spike!”
“Hi, Twilight!” Spike smiled at the alicorn as they shared a hug.
“So, how was your weekend at the Crystal Empire?” Twilight asked as she and Spike began walking.
“Good!” Spike wiped sweat off his head. “Though Flurry Heart is a LOT to handle. Woof.”
“I can imagine,” Twilight chuckled.
Meanwhile, Twilight’s friends were setting up their picnic along with Starlight.
“I’m so glad you all joined us for this!” Starlight smiled to the ponies.
“Of course,” Rarity nodded. “So…where is Trixie anyway?”
“Not just a Trixie!” A loud voice spoke up.
“Oh, I wonder who that could be.” Rainbow grunted sarcastically.
Applejack elbowed Rainbow and whispered. “Lighten up, will ya?”
“Brace yourselves everypony for The Humble And Apologetic TRIXIE!!!!”
POOF!
In a burst of purple smoke, nopony other than Trixie made her grand entrance. She then sat down next to everypony else.
“Fear not, all of you!” Trixie spoke. “For I am indeed a changed mare!” She then glanced towards Applejack. “I’m here to entertain, almost as if to give a good tickle! Am I right?”
Applejack looked huffed up a bit at Trixie’s joke, remembering how she forced her to do labor and tickled her into doing her command.
Rainbow smirked and nudged Applejack. “Lighten up, will ya?” Applejack then raised an eyebrow at the smug pegasus.
“Yes!” Trixie continued. “Today shall be a momentous memory!” She then turned to Pinkie, chuckling. “I’m sure it will leave you…speechless!”
Pinkie then burst out laughing as she fell over a startled Fluttershy. She turned to the pegasus while laughing and wheezing. “I…I…I don’t get it!” As Pinkie kept laughing, Fluttershy only looked annoyed.
After the train station was out of sight, Spike now asked Twilight. “But how was your weekend?”
Twilight looked to the clouds. “Well, let’s just say it was pretty eventful. Starlight made a new friend all by herself!”
“Really?” Spike asked excitedly as he hopped off her back. “Who was it? I’d love to meet whoever she clicked with!”
Twilight wasn’t sure how to answer that. “Well…we’re having a picnic with her.”
“Sweet! I’m starved!” Spike began to run off. “At our usual spot, right?”
“Yeah, but wait, Spike!” Twilight tried to catch up.
Spike didn’t hear as he saw his friends at their picnic spot. “Hey, guys! Glad to be ba-a-a-a-ack?”
Spike stopped right in his tracks, as he recognized a familiar unicorn. Upon seeing Spike looking at Trixie, Rainbow forced out a nervous laugh. “He-he-he. Hey, Spike!”
Upon seeing Trixie, Spike’s face turned into a sour frown, giving the unicorn a cold icy stare, one that would give Fluttershy’s a run for its bits.
At that moment, Twilight flew in next to her dragon. “Spike, you need to let me catch up! I-” She took notice of Spike glaring at Trixie.
“What’s she doing here?” Spike growled.
“Spike,” Twilight put her hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “Trixie is Starlight’s new friend I told you about.”
“Is this some kind of a joke?” Spike turned to Twilight, angrily.
“Spike, you already know Trixie changed.” Twilight spoke starting to sound firm. “And you just said you were starved.”
Spike turned to leave. “Well, now I feel like throwing up.”
“Spike!” Twilight spoke, shocked by Spike’s words.
“Twilight, what’s wrong with Spike?” Starlight asked, concerned for her friend.
“Oh do not worry your scales, dragon.” Trxie spoke loudly and full of triumph, jumping in Spike’s way. “The Humble And Apologetic Trixie is true to her word! Though from what I remember, you made a pretty funny basketball!” She added with a chuckle, playfully elbowing him.
Spike turned back to Trixie, angrily. “And from what I remember, loser leaves Ponyville…Forever!”
Trixie immediately shrunk in her spot upon those words, not sure how to respond. As Spike continued to storm away, Twilight and her friends were all equally speechless.
“Spike, wait!” Starlight tried to go after Spike.
Pinkie glanced at Fluttershy. “Well, that could’ve gone worse.”
“Goodness, how could it get worse than that?” Fluttershy asked.
“Spike, please don’t be too mad at Trixie.” Starlight put her hoof on Spike’s tail, making him walk in place. “She’s the first real friend I made here!”
Spike stopped walking and looked shocked. “Your first real friend?” Spike turned to Starlight, offended. “And what does that make me? The dragon that cleans up after everypony!”
“Thaaaaaaat’ll do it!” Pinkie nervously began slurping down her drink.
Twilight, Starlight and everypony else watched Spike storm off. The lavender alicorn looked down and sighed.
Rarity walked up to Twilight. “Don’t worry. I’ll go talk to him, darling.”
Before Rarity could go, Twilight stopped her. “No, Rarity. I can handle this later.”
Trixie breathed a sigh. “Wow. Was it something Trixie said?”
Applejack and Rainbow only looked at each other upon that statement.
Later that afternoon, Spike was in his room of the castle. He was lying on his bed, feeling terrible.
Knock-knock-knock!
“Spike?” Twilight’s voice spoke.
The dragon rolled over on his belly. “Go away,”
“Spike, please. We need to talk.” Twilight continued.
Angrily, Spike put his pillow over his head. “Leave me alone! I’m not opening the door!”
“Spike…You didn’t even close the door.” Twilight opened it looking annoyed, surprising Spike.
Spike turned back around, stubbornly. “Whatever.”
Twilight walked over to the dragon. “Spike, I am very disappointed in your attitude. Is this really how you’re going to treat Starlight’s new friend?”
Spike flipped around to Twilight. “And just forget everything Trixie did the last time she was here?! She’s been a total psychopath!”
“You know she was corrupted by the Alicorn Amulet, Spike!” Twilight snapped.
“Oh sure! She was corrupted!” Spike spoke angrily. “And she was a total saint without it, right?”
“Hmph,” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Funny, you seem to be okay with Luna and Discord around. Oh yeah! And your friend Starlight used to be bad too!”
“At least they proved they turned good!” Spike huffed and turned back around. “And what did Trixie do, huh? Did she help by fixing up Ponyville or even giving Pinkie Pie’s mouth back? Did she do anything to help? You tell me!”
Twilight spoke up. “Okay, so she didn’t have a good start. But we’ve moved on from this. We’ve forgiven her.”
Spike jumped from his bed. “Stop saying I forgave her! It was only you!”
Twilight was about to speak, but she stopped upon that last part.
“You may have forgiven Trixie after all she did, but guess what? I didn’t! With her separating us, me worried I might never see you again?...You want me to just forgive her? Just like that?”
While Spike was still talking, he didn’t notice Twilight look down.
“But it’s not that easy, Twilight!” Spike continued. “I didn’t forgive Trixie, and I don’t know if I ever will! But you can’t force me to!”
“You’re right, Spike.” Twilight finally spoke.
Spike’s eyes widened and he turned around. “Wait, what?”
“You’re right.” Twilight walked towards Spike. “The last time Trixie was here, it affected all of us. And it affected us differently. But Spike, I don’t want you to think I don’t care.”
Spike looked down. “I know you care, Twilight. But…but when she-”
“Spike,” Twilight wrapped a wing around Spike. “When I was separated from you, I was determined to do everything I could to get back. I was scared more than anything that you were still trapped back in Ponyville.” Twilight placed a hoof on Spike’s cheek. “If anything happened to you and I wasn’t there, I’d never look at myself in the mirror again.”
As Twilight rubbed Spike’s cheek with her hoof, the dragon grasped it, feeling its warmth.
“And you know something?” Twilight asked.
“What?” Spike looked up at Twilight.
“When Starlight brought Trixie to me…I was hesitant too.” Twilight smiled.
Spike looked surprised. “You were?”
“Mmm-hm.” Twilight nodded. “Deep down, I was worried she might harm my friends again. At first, I didn’t want to take any chances…But the more I saw them together, I felt their bond as friends. Sure, she’s a total pain still. That I'll admit.” Upon that, she rubbed her nose in Spike’s face, making him laugh. “But I realized this isn’t about me, It’s about Starlight.”
Upon hearing those words, Spike came to a realization. “Twilight, I got it! Just because I don’t forgive Trixie doesn’t mean I can’t still be friends with Starlight!” He then gasped. “I gotta find Starlight! But wh-”
“Last I checked, she went to the coffee shop.” Spike looked back up and saw Twilight winking at him.
Spike happily hugged the alicorn. “Thanks, Twilight!” He then ran out of his room to find his friend.
Spike ran through Ponyville as fast as his feet could carry him. He took notice of the coffee shop and a waiter by the front door with his back turned.
“Hey!” Spike called, running up to him. “Excuse me?”
The employee turned to face Spike. “EeeeYEEEEES?”
Spike was both surprised and annoyed, confronting the conductor again. “Wha-what are you doing here? I thought you were the conductor!”
“I AAAaam!” The conductor spoke eagerly and sly. “I have TWO jobs! I lOOOOoove to socialize! Nothing wrong with that, is there?”
Spike looked annoyed as the conductor chuckled. “No. But have you seen Starlight? Pink unicorn, purple and blue mane?”
“Mmmmmaaaaybe I have, mmmmmaaaaybe I haven’t!” The conductor spoke with a toothy grin. “Why don’t you ask the pink unicorn that has both a purple and blue mane to help?”
“Huh?” Spike shook his head, seeing his friend. “Wha-! Starlight!” He immediately ran to catch up.
Starlight was now walking on her own, annoyed. “Ugh.” She grumbled. “That waiter was such a pain in the-Oof!”
Spike accidentally ran into Starlight, causing them both to fall over. Starlight got up and rubbed her head. “Huh? Spike? What are you-?”
“Let me speak first!” Spike spoke with his claw up. “I’m sorry, Starlight! I’m really, REALLY, really sorry! I shouldn’t have blown up at you because of Trixie and I’m sorry I can’t forgive her and-”
Starlight then took Spike’s claw. “It’s okay, Spike.” She smiled. “I get it. You don’t need to force yourself to be Trixie’s friend, but the important thing is you’re still mine.”
Spike and Starlight then shared a hug together. “Thanks Starlight,” The dragon sighed in her embrace.
“Hey, I’m the second pony in the castle you talk to. Aren’t I?” Starlight smirked.
The conductor suddenly got in between them with a drinking glass. “OooOOOOOH!!! I hope you’ll take a picture so it’ll last longer!”
Spike and Starlight both looked annoyed at the conductor. The two then grinned and winked at each other as Starlight used her magic to dunk the glass on the conductor.
THE END
