That's What Boy's Are Made Of

Chapters

Snips
Snails
And Puppydog Tails
That's What Boys are Made Of

Snips

Snips eagerly shifted on his hooves, his eyes transfixed on the stage above. His heart pounded in his chest, and sweat trickled down his brow. He was squished between ponies bigger than him, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Under normal circumstances, Snips would be annoyed by the crowd.

But how could he care when watching the greatest unicorn of all time? Trixie. Just the thought of her name sends shivers down his spine.

She performed across the stage, her cape flowing with the wind. The way she spoke lulled--yet excited Snips. He would stay like this forever if he had the opportunity.

“For this last act, I need a volunteer!” Trixie called to the crowd.

An excited breath caught in his throat. This was his chance. Trixie could finally see how much she meant to him. Before Snips realized, he was leaping, letting out an excited ‘Pick me!’ He nudged the ponies around him, nearly trampling them to the ground.

Trixie’s eyes shined brightly, and she jutted her hoof to the crowd.

“Buck-toothed colt in the middle!” Trixie announced, “Come on up!” Snips buzzed with excitement, his legs moving before his brain. The boy squeezed through the crowd, shoving past ponies bigger than him.

He lunged onto the stage in one quick movement, his legs trembling with excitement. He shuffled into place excitedly, grinning ear to ear.

For a second, Snips caught a look on Trixie's face. It was a look you’d give a flattened cockroach smeared on a wall. Was Trixie…disgusted with him? No, no, that wasn’t right. Trixie loved Snips as much as he loved her; he was sure of it!

Snips let his gaze wander to the stage. Two wooden boxes--each marked with Trixie’s cutie mark--loomed over Snips. They stood several feet apart. Trixie pranced to one, swinging the door open.

“Notice how this box is empty!” She announced. Snips peered inside. Sure enough, the box was void of any object.

Trixie’s hoof glided across Snips’ back as she ushered him to the box. He saw stars, a pleasant jolt running down his spine. Something inside of him swirled excitedly, flowing through his veins. The feeling was all too familiar, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.

His eyes fluttered shut, and a satisfied sigh left his lips. It felt like a connection deep within his soul. He could feel their hearts in sync as if they were one being. It was amazing.

“If you will, please step inside,” Trixie instructed, gesturing to the box. Snips held back a grimace.

It pained him to step away from Trixie. Her touch felt like a missing piece of him. But he obliged, not wanting to ruin the show with his stubbornness.

Snips stepped inside the box with a soft grumble. The door slammed shut behind him, engulfing him in darkness. The colt's ear twitched as he heard Trixie begin to speak.

“Watch in awe as I transport him from one box to another!” She announced, her voice muffled. Snips buzzed with pride. He couldn’t believe that he had been chosen to do this! It was like Trixie truly understood him.

Hardy knocks came above; presumably, Trixie knocking on the box. For a brief moment, Snips felt fuzzy. And just like that, it was gone.

Snips heard the telltale creaking of the other box opening, followed by the crowd's gasps. The colt furrowed his brows. He was missing all of the interesting stuff!

Hoofsteps traveled across the stage, making their way to him. The door was yanked open, assaulting Snips’ eyes with sunlight.

“Ta-da!” Trixie called. Snips peeked his head out, looking across the stage. Trixie had transported him to the other box! She truly was all-powerful! The crowd erupted into cheers, and Trixie took her well-deserved bows.

“Now, if you will, please step off the stage,” Trixie instructed. Snips hopped off the stage, standing inches from it.

He stared above, barely able to see anything more than Trixie's hooves. Wow, Trixie looked amazing from every angle.

“Behold, the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She cheered, prancing on her hind legs. Fireworks shot into the sky, each being the shape of Trixie’s face.

The crowd ‘bravoed’ as the curtains began to close.

Snips couldn’t believe it. Out of everyone, she chose him! He closed his eyes, reliving the moment. It was like he was dreaming!

“Woooow, you go to be on stage with Trixie.” Someone spoke, breaking Snips from his thoughts. He turned around to see his gangly companion, Snails. “That’s awesome.” Snails marveled.

Snips had been so enamored that he had forgotten Snips had come with him. He looked back to the stage above, staring at the lightly fluttering curtain. If he squinted, he could just make out a part of Trixie’s hindleg. The show ended much too quickly for Snails’ liking. Why couldn’t it go on longer?

“Do you think she’ll do an encore?” Snips asked, not daring to tear his eyes away from the stage. He wouldn’t dare miss so much as a glimpse of Trixie.

Snails looked around the rapidly thinning crowd.

“I don’t think so.”

Snips furrowed his brows. Did Trixie not care about her adoring fans? He’d want her to perform endlessly if it were up to him. That would be heaven.

If Trixie wasn’t going to come out, then Snips would have to come to her. He hoisted himself on the stage, shimmying under the low-hung curtain.

Snips dragged his belly across the wooden floor, finally getting a glimpse of his beloved Trixie. Though it had only been a few minutes, it felt like she was seeing her for the first time all over again.

She stood in front of a mirror, dabbing sweat from her brow. Snips sighed. She looked marvelous. He had come up here with the intent to speak to her, but just watching was enough.

A strained grunt came from behind, catching Snips’ attention. He turned to Snails, who was struggling to get onto the stage.

After what looked like a lifetime of struggling, Snails flopped over, hitting the ground with a hardy ‘thud.’ Trixie’s attention snapped away from the mirror and onto the pair.

“Oh, it’s you two,” Trixie said with a hint of grimace. Snips’ heart sped up in his chest. She remembered them! But more importantly, she remembered him.

“Hi, Trixie!” Snips squealed a greeting, trying his hardest to stay cool. Granted, this wasn’t the first time he had spoken to Trixie, but after that show, it felt like he had met her all over again. She only hummed a response, beginning to comb through her hair.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow's show.” Snips continued. Trixie glanced at Snips before quickly looking back to her reflection.

“Yes, yes. But tomorrow will be Trixies last show here.” She informed all too casually. Snips’ stomach dropped, and his blood ran cold.

“You’re retiring?” Snips gasped.

“What, no! Trixie is much too young for that.” She scoffed, flicking her hair from her eyes. “I’m just leaving. Trixie can’t stay in one town forever.”

Snips felt like his hooves were stuck to the ground. She couldn’t leave! What about what they had?

“Now go. Trixie must get her beauty rest.” Trixie said proudly. How could she be so happy about this? She might be hiding her true feelings about it all.

As much as Snips wanted to fight her on the decision, it wasn’t her fault. She was forced to do this. No one truly wanted to leave this wondrous town.

After what felt like forever, Snips dejectedly shuffled off the stage.

The moment Snips’ hooves hit the ground, he began to pace in circles. If she left, then she’d find better adoring fans! Snips felt breathless at the thought. What about the times they had together? Trixie was just willing to let that go for her career?

How would he live without her? She was amazing! How could she live without him? The thought of Trixie wandering the world without him was terrifying.

“Maybe it’s good to let her go.” Snails broke the silence. Snips whipped around, a vein forming at his brow.

“What!?” He shrieked.

“Well, uuuuh…” Snails' eyes began to drift apart before snapping back into place. “It would be nice to let her perform for other ponies, wouldn’t it?”

Snips chuffed, following it with frustrated scoffs.

“How could you say that? Trixie belongs here!”

Snails cocked his head, his tongue poking from his lips.

“Why?”

Snips pursed his lips, trying to find his words. What was he meant to say? That he just felt that Trixie was made for him? It would be too hard to explain. Snails wouldn’t understand. He didn’t understand anything.

“She just does.”

Snips stomped through his house, rage buzzing inside of him. With each step, his heart grew heavier.

How could Trixie do this to him? He had given her so much! He went to all of her shows, collected all of her merch, and this was the thanks he got?!

Snips slammed into his room, the door bouncing off the wall with a ‘bang.’

Trixie was made to be with him! Their connection wasn’t like any other earthly relationship; he knew that for a fact. And Snips knew she felt it, too! It was undeniable!

Snips shouted angrily, slamming his body to the floor. He buried his face between his hooves, wishing the world would swallow him whole.

Who was he without Trixie? Who was Trixie without him?

The colt flopped to his back, letting his legs dangle. What could he do? He doubted he could convince her to stay; every adult chose their job over a kid. His gaze wandered across his room before settling to the gap between his bed and the floor.

Under his bed was an item tucked away. Snips squinted. What was that? He flopped to his stomach, scooting toward the bed.

Snips stuck his tongue out, reaching under his bed. His hooves grasped around the object, and he pulled it out with a hard yank.

It was a black, shimmering book. The title seemed to be senseless scribbles that Snips couldn’t understand.

“I forgot about this.” Snips muttered, admiring the shimmering book. He had borrowed it from the library a few months back. He couldn’t return it now, with Twilight being the new librarian. He’d get an earful about how this book wasn’t meant for someone his age.

Snips rolled his eyes at the thought of it. He might not understand the words well, but he knew this was dark magic. He was young, not an idiot.

His eyes wandered to a piece of paper sticking out betwixt the pages.

Snips brought it closer to his eyes, squinting. It was a photo of him and an earth pony. Her coat was a rich orange, while her mane was dusty teal. They looked happy. Snips’ breath caught in his lungs.

Citrus Spark. That’s where he had felt that warm-tingly connection. How could he have forgotten? It was only a few months ago.

She was--well is--his first friend.

Snips flipped the book open, landing on a dog-eared page. His eyes scanned the title.

Rebirth.

He had already known the spell by heart, using it once before. It was hard but worth it. Citrus Spark was much happier after it all; he knew that for a fact. She had a new body, a new name, , and got to stay in Ponyville with him! Now she didn’t have to spend her life in dirty old Canterlot, of all places.

Snips sighed wistfully at the memory. As embarrassing as it was to admit, he had based the transformation on the simple nursery rhyme.

‘Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails, that’s what boys are made of.’ He recited mentally.

In the beginning, he was Snips. Just Snips. But with a little willpower, he was able to make more. Snips and Snails. He wasn’t alone anymore!

Snips looked back over to the spell. Who were he and Snails without a Puppydog Tails?

His heart began to race as an idea brewed in his mind. Snips had done this spell once before, hadn’t he? Then why not do it again!?

Deep down, Snips knew Trixie didn’t really want to leave. She was only leaving to make money! All adults did it. But with this, she didn’t have to go! Trixie could be a kid again and do what she truly wanted; to spend time with him!

Citrus Spark had been happy with this change, and Trixie would be too. Snips buzzed with pride. He could give Trixie the life he knew she wanted. The life she truly deserved.

Snails

Snails yawned, blinking the sleep from his eyes. His walk was slow as he strolled behind Snips, who marched in front of him. Snips’ saddle bag rattled with each determined step he took.
The unicorn looked to the hundreds of stars above. While they were a beautiful sight, Snails couldn’t help but be a bit confused. He could’ve sworn that he was meant to be sleeping now.

He shook his head. He must be mistaken; his scattered brain always mixed things up. If Snips wanted him awake, then he had to be awake; that’s what good friends did!

Snails inhaled, taking in the fresh night air. He didn’t know why they were out, but it was nice to take a walk. Maybe Snips just wanted to spend time with him. Snails smiled at the thought.

The duo approached Sugarcube Corner. Snails tilted his head. Why were they here? It was too late to get any sweet treats, wasn’t it?

Snips approached an ajar window, shuffling onto his hindlegs. He pressed his face against the glass, peering into the dark building. His breath fogged the glass as he peered through.

The colt muttered to himself, though Snails couldn’t understand what. Snips shoved his hooves through the cracked window, pulling it open.

He lunged himself onto the windowsill, his body halfway in the bakery. His legs dangled a few inches off the ground, kicking helplessly in the air.

“Come on, give me a boost.” Snips whined. Snails finally snapped from his daze.

“But, uuuuh…” He drifted off, trying to find his words. “This is breaking in. That’s wrong. Won’t the Cakes be upset?”

Snips rolled his eyes. “We’re just borrowing their stuff. There's nothing wrong with borrowing, remember?” Snips reminded. “Besides, the Cakes aren’t home. They’re in Vanhoofer for some dumb baking thing.”

Snails slowly nodded his head. If they were just borrowing, what was the issue? Snails let his classmates borrow from him all the time!

“Alright.” Snails ducked his head under Snips’ flank, nudging his friend upwards. Snips tumbled into the building. He popped back up, ushering Snails towards him.

“Come on! We don’t have all night.” He whined before venturing further into the dark building.

Snails lifted his lanky leg, stepping through the open window with ease. The building was dark, smelling faintly of sweet treats. Snails blinked, trying to adjust to the darkness.

Through the dark building was a light coming from the kitchen. Clattering came from within, presumably Snips. Snails trekked to the light. By the time he reached the kitchen, Snips was already quick to work.
He rummaged through the cabinets, pulling out an entourage of items, muttering as he went. Snips looked to Snails, gladly pointing to the ingredients around him.

“Alright, start baking.”

Snails slowly blinked.

“What?”

Snips rolled his eyes as if it were obvious.

“Well, I don’t know how to bake.”

“I, uh….don’t know how to bake either.”

“You used to bake all the time.” Snips reminded. His scrunched. “Well, I’m not sure if you remember that…” He shook his head, rattling the thoughts from his brain. “You’ll be fine!”

Snails stared at the ingredients. What was he meant to do with these? He looked back at Snips, who stared at him hopefully. If it would make Snips happy, it wouldn’t kill him to at least try.

Snails opened his mouth, reaching for a measuring cup.

“A-hem.” Snips cleared his throat. He pointed to his horn, giving Snails a knowing look. Magic! Snails always forgot that he had that. He levitated the ingredients with moderate ease, placing them on the counter.

The lanky unicorn stared at the various ingredients. What exactly was he meant to do with these?

“I almost forgot the secret ingredient.” Snips announced, reaching into his bag. He held a white bottle above his head. It rattled with every movement.

“Mmm, candy.” Snails moaned, licking his lips. Snips rolled his eyes.

“No, they’re sleeping pills,” Snips informed. “My mom has plenty lying around. She won’t notice this one bottle being gone.”

Snails cocked his head.

“Do pills go in muffins?”

“They will today!” Snips grinned, tossing the bottle to the counter.

While it didn’t seem right, Snails couldn’t bring himself to question Snips. Who was he to pester a dear friend with meaningless questions?

Snails looked at the ingredients. For a brief moment, Snails felt a tug deep within. Something inside of him pulled, wanting to be free. His body began to move on its own accord, picking up the flour.

It felt natural, mixing the flour and sugar into the bowl. It was like a burden had been taken off of his chest. It was nice.

Despite the brief relief, a question bounced in Snails’ brain.

“Why are we making muffins for Trixie?” Snails finally asked.

“So Trixie can be our friend.”

“I thought she was already our friend.”

“A better friend.”

How could Trixie be better than she already was? She was already perfect. Snips must have caught onto Snails’ confusion because he continued to speak.

“You remember how we met, right?” Snips asked.

Snails scrunched his muzzle. How exactly did they meet? Just the thought of it gave him a rippling migraine. Snails squeezed his eyes shut, rubbing his temple.

“You know what, don’t answer that.” Snips interrupted. “These muffins are going to make Trixie happy, just like I made you happy.”

Snails furrowed his brow. Was he unhappy? He couldn’t remember ever being upset in his life.

“I wasn’t happy?”

Snips groaned, throwing his head back.

“Yes, Snails. You were, well…” Snips tried to find his words, “different. You were different. You wanted to leave.”

Different? Was Snails different back then? He couldn’t seem to remember.

“But I fixed you! Now we’re the same, and we’re together.”

How did he meet Snips? Anything before a few months ago was blank.

He squeezed his eyes shut, his head whirling. Why was it so hard to think?

A knot began to form in Snails’ stomach, and his legs started to tremble. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible had happened. It took everything in Snails to not double over.

What was he doing a few months ago? All he could manage to muster was Snips.

Snips was his life, wasn’t he? Most kids had parents or ambitions, but he just had…Snips. Had Snips always been a part of his life?

“Can you tell me how we met?” Snails spoke before thinking. He didn’t mean to say that, but he knew the thought was deep in his mind. Snips furrowed his brows, huffing.

“I don’t think that’s important.”

Something inside of Snails swelled, begging to be released. If he didn’t get it out now, it would crawl out of him, clawing through his throat.

“Snips, please.” Snails begged, his voice wavering.

The room was silent; the only thing being heard was Snails’ stirring. Snails couldn’t bring himself to look at Snips. Something inside of him urged him not to turn around. If he had to look at that thing--Snips--he was sure to lose his dinner.

The silence was finally broken by a deep, guttural sigh from Snips.

“Your dumb parents wanted you to leave, so I made you…better.” Snips explained simply, crossing his arms. A smile flashed on his face. “But look at you now! You’re still here! So I think I did a pretty good job.”

Snips continued to speak, but Snails couldn’t bring himself to listen. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to conceal the trembling in his hooves.

If he pushed past the migraine, he could remember something. His life, his parents, him. His heart pitter-pattered, a slight tremble forming at his legs.

Snails wasn’t supposed to be here. He was meant to be in Canterlot, baking for upper-class ponies.

This body wasn’t his. Snails shuddered at the sensation. His legs felt too long, and his skin was too tight. His horn felt unnatural on his head, feeling like prodding a growth. If Snails could, he would gnaw through this flesh, freeing him from this damnation.
He was supposed to be dead. Being sacrificed wasn’t exactly something you came back from. Snails glanced at Snips, his heart speeding in his chest. He wasn’t sacrificed, was he? No, no, it was something much worse.

Snails’ brain took him back to the beginning of it all. He could feel the blade pressed against his chest, slowly ripping open. At the end of the blade was his dear friend, Snips, who whispered nothing but words of comfort.

How could Snails be friends with such a monster? He needed to leave; he needed to run. Snails’ eyes flickered to Snips, who idly chatted. His voice was nothing but a faint hum in Snails’ ears.

Snails couldn’t just leave; Snips was watching. Snips knew what he was thinking of; he was sure of it. If Snails left, Snips would find him and start the process again. What could he-

“There you go!” Snips cheered, snapping Snails from his daze.

“Hm?” Snails hummed, his voice wavering. Snips pointed to the counter.

“You did it.”

Snails looked to the counter. In front of him was a pristine tray of muffins. They smelled---and more importantly looked---delicious. Any worries Snails had swiftly turned to pride. He had done it!

Hell, he didn’t even remember making the muffins, but here they were.

“What were you thinking about, anyway? You were weirdly quiet.” Snips questioned. Snails furrowed his brows.

“Uuuuh…” Snails’ mouth hung open, scouring his brain for any thought before this moment. What had he been thinking about? His mind drew a blank. Was he upset? No, that didn’t seem right. His scattered brain always mixed things up.

Normally, something like this would distress him. But Snips looked so happy. How could he be upset when he made his friend happy? Snails smiled.

“I don’t remember.”

And Puppydog Tails

Author's Note

Fun Fact, this was meant to be the first chapter, with the original version only being chapters long. I changed my mind and added two more to make everything more fleshed out.

And Puppydog Tails

Trixie stared at her reflection, a suave smile on her face. She was the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria; it was undeniable. Soon, she’d show her beauty to all of Ponyville one last time.

She stood from her seat with a pep in her step. She was ready to give this town the show of their lives! They were expecting it, after all.

Trixie pranced from her wagon, the setting sun warming her skin. She inhaled, taking in the crisp air. Trixie hadn’t put her wagon far from the stage, only being parked about ten feet away. It was much easier to travel from stage to home this way. The moment Trixie’s show ended, she could prepare for her departure. She had planned it a million times over.

Her peace was broken the moment she heard a shrill, whiny voice call to her.

“Oh, Trixiiee!” Snips sang out. He galloped to the mare, a smile smeared on his face. Trixie held a grimace, turning to the colts. Sure enough, Snips and Snails were galloping toward her.

She should’ve known Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumb would come scampering to her. It was like that every day.

“Hello, boys.” Trixie greeted through gritted teeth. While she didn’t exactly like them, it would be wrong to be rude. They were still children. The buck-toothed child stared up at her, happily tapping his hooves against the ground.

“We got you a going away present!” Snips announced, pointing to Snips. Snails stood close behind, a basket of muffins in his mouth. The promising-looking muffins nearly spilled from the basket.

Trixie’s stomach growled, and she began to salivate. Her rumbling stomach reminded her that she had skipped breakfast. For the first time, these two brats did something right. She didn’t need their constant nagging; she needed food.

The mare levitated the basket from Snails’ mouth, bringing them toward her. They looked even better up close.

“These look satisfactory.” Trixie half-complimented with an upturned nose. “Trixie should eat one now.”

“No!” Snips shouted, nearly scaring Trixie out of her skin. The colt gave a sheepish smile. “You should save them for after the show! They’ll taste better.”

Trixie hummed, looking at the food. She supposed he was right. Performing on a full stomach was uncomfortable at best.

“I’ll see you on stage!” Snips sang, prancing away. Snails followed after.

Trixie blinked in surprise. He didn’t even give her a chance to answer! Normally, he’d love to hear every word that came from her mouth. That conversation was…brief. Usually, the short one would talk her ear off. But today was quick; suspiciously quick, at that.

Honestly, Trixie should see that brief interaction as a blessing. She would rather die than talk to Snips for another minute.

In a flash, she teleported the basket to her wagon. They could be her after-show treat.

The amazing magician turned on the heels of her hooves, making her way to the stage. As she stepped up, the old wood creaked under her weight. Trixie was far too happy to have her last performance here. Soon, she’d be in Las Pegasus, performing for the greatest magicians of all time!

Her ear twitched, listening to the arriving audience through the curtain. For a moment, her heart pattered in her chest. What was wrong with her? Her body suddenly felt like it was in ice water.

Trixie never gets stage fright; it was just unheard of for her. But her legs trembled, and her head ached. Every nerve in her body was screaming at her to not do this.

But this was her final show in Ponyville, and she needed to make it good. When had her feelings ever gotten in the way of a good show?

Trixie steadied her breathing. She put on her award-winning smile, magically pulling back the curtains. Her eyes locked onto the crowd.

The crowd was thin, only a few dozen ponies. Trixie swallowed her disappointment, only smiling wider. That meant these few ponies had marvelous taste!

“Come one, come all, to see the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She announced, throwing her hooves in the air. The audience cheered at her presence.

In a quick flash, a bouquet of flowers appeared, floating in front of her face. The crowd gasped. Trixie smirked.

These ponies were far too easy to impress. It was just one simple trick after another.

Light shows

Illusions

Card tricks

Trixie didn’t even have to try. Everyone in this town was so easily impressed. This was child's play!

Soon enough, she had made it to the end of her show. It wasn’t a difficult feat to keep ponies interested; she was amazing, after all.

The unicorn scanned the audience, knowing that they were at the edge of their seats. They were waiting on her final move; she just knew it. As she looked through the crowd, her eyes locked with Snips.

His black eyes drilled into her very soul. He grinned ear to ear, not moving an inch. Trixie held back a shudder. What was wrong with this kid?

It felt like he knew something she didn’t. Like he had a looming secret that only he knew. Trixie huffed, pushing aside her nerves. This was a child. The only thing he had to worry about was his homework.

“Thank you all for seeing the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She cheered, throwing her hooves into the air.

With a quick spark of magic, fireworks launched into the air. The sky was sprinkled with marvelous blues and purples. The audience erupted into cheers, filling Trixie with pride.

She bowed, yanking the curtains shut with her magic. Trixie popped up, wiping the sweat from her brow. As easy as the show was, she had to admit that it took a bit of a toll on her.

Trixie’s adoring fans weren’t calling for an encore, but that was just fine. She’d rather rest. Trixie stepped from the stage, her hooves settling on the ground.

Something was off.

For the first time all week, those two colts weren’t there. Usually, they’d flock to her hooves, begging for her attention.

Trixie quickly shuffled to her wagon, not wanting to wait for the pair to show up. If she could avoid them, she would be blessed.

The unicorn hopped into her wagon, slamming the door shut. The sweet bliss of being home felt nice.

Trixie threw her cape off, letting it fall to the floor. The unicorn flopped onto her bed, her heart bubbling with excitement.

She would leave early before the sun rose. She knew Snips and Snails would come flocking to her the moment it was light outside. There wasn’t anything wrong with the pair, but they just gave Trixie the creeps. Especially Snips.

Something about that colt was off. Maybe it was his strange buck teeth or his peering black eyes. He hadn’t actually done anything, but she still felt weary.

Trixie’s stomach rumbled, breaking her from her thoughts. She had forgotten about the muffins.
The basket of muffins sat on her bed, looking delicious as ever.

The muffins were sweet yet hid a bitter undertone. Every bite was soft, being interrupted by a ‘crunch’ every few bites. Trixie smacked her lips. It wasn’t the worst thing she had eaten. She shouldn’t expect the best food from Snips and Snails; They were children.

Trixie continued to scarf down the muffins as if it were her final meal. When she finished, she licked the crumbs from her lips.

She flopped onto her bed, a satisfied sigh leaving her lungs.

“Las Pegasus, here I come!” Trixie cheered. She could finally leave this redneck town and go straight to the top!

It wasn’t that Ponyville wasn’t good, it just wasn’t comparable to the big city! The moment she got to Las Pegasus she would…would

Her heart suddenly felt slow, and her head felt heavy. Trixie attempted to sit up, but her body worked against her. Every move she tried felt massive like someone dropped a weight on her.

Trixie couldn’t think, her thoughts suddenly becoming foggy. What had happened? Was she sick? The great and powerful Trixie never got sick.

The unicorn scoured her dazed brain, trying to track down any change in her day. She had gotten ready, performed her show, and went home. Everything was the same except for….

The muffins.

What was in those muffins? Trixie’s head began to whirl, and her chest felt tight. Those little turds had done something to her.

Trixie needed to get help. She bolted up, her legs collapsing in on themselves. She stumbled onto the floor with a hardy ‘bang’.

Trixie’s tried to move, but her body had gone numb. The room spun around her, nearly stopping her heart.

The unicorn rasped a few breaths, her eyes unwillingly pulling shut. As she lay on the floor, the door creaked open.

That's What Boys are Made Of

Trixie awoke disoriented, her body feeling like it had been dropped off a cliff. Her head spun, and her stomach was queasy. The world around her felt fast as if she were moving…was she moving? Trixie furrowed her brows, trying to better grasp her surroundings.

Her flank steadily dragged across something hard and rigid. Trixie was moving. Why was she moving? Her ear twitched at the sounds around her.

“I, uh, thought you said the muffins were gonna make her happy.” One dopey voice said. “They just made her sleepy.”

“That was just a part of making her happy.” A familiar voice responded. Snips. Trixie’s eyes shot open, darting around her. Where was she? Trixie craned her neck, searching the area.

Trees towered above her, the moon peeking through leaves. Her gaze wandered down. Around her body was a rope so tight that it was practically burning into her skin. Her hindlegs dangled freely, scrapping across the pebble-filled path.

At the end of the rope was Snails, who held the other end between his teeth. His body lugged, struggling to drag the mare. Trixie’s eyes snapped to Snips. On his back was an overfilled saddlebag. It was filled with Celestia knows what, only adding to Trixie’s fears.

Her body was steadily dragged across the grassy path with a rhythmic ‘thump, thump, thump.’ A whimper escaped Trixie’s throat.

Snips whipped around to Trixie, a smile spreading on his face. The brief moonlight glinted in his eyes. He looked crazed.

“Oh, you’re awake!” Snips said too happily. “You’re up a little early, but that’s okay. That means I can tell you what’s going on!”

Trixie didn’t want to hear anything that little freak was saying. Any explanation was sure to be insane.

This was life or death; she just knew it. So Trixie did the first thing that came to mind. She screamed. Someone had to hear her out here.

“Help! Someone help me!”Trixie howled. Her voice echoed across the forest, only being met with silence.

“That’s not going to-” Snips started.

“Somepony help please!” She interrupted. The land remained silent, almost taunting her.

Trixie screamed until her throat was raw and her lungs were empty. The mare panted, her head feeling light. She slumped over, her vision doubling for a moment.

“Oh good, you’re done. I thought you were going to scream forever.” Snips sighed with relief. Trixie’s head snapped to Snips.

“You. Are. Crazy!”Trixie shrieked, kicking her hindlegs. Snips tittered, shaking his head.

“You know, Citrus Spark said the exact same thing.” He snickered. “But I know how you feel deep down. You can’t hide it from me.”

“What are you talking about?!” Trixie asked.

“Well, I know how much adults put work over everything else,” Snips started, “So I’m giving you what you want. To be happy with me! We can have playdates and to school together and-oooh, you can perform magic for me all the time!”

Trixie blinked.

“You’re deranged!” Trixie spat. Snips rolled his eyes, throwing his head back.

“Oh please, no one wants to leave this town. It’s great! If anything, I’m doing you a favor.”

The infliction in his voice sounded so genuine that Trixie was almost convinced that he was truly helping. She knew better, though.

“Don’t worry about that old thing.” Snips continued, gesturing to all of Trixie. “You’ll be getting a new body.”

Trixie’s chest felt heavy at the statement. What did that mean? Whatever it meant, it gave Trixie a pit in her stomach.

“And no need worry about where you’ll live. The adults love taking in lost kids. Half of my class are just ponies who wandered into town. Right Snails?” Snips asked, glancing to his friend.

“Mhm!” Snails hummed.

The mare's stomach began to twist and turn. She had to get out of here. She eyed her surroundings once again. Trixie squeezed her eyes shut, her horn sparking. Her magic fizzled out, a migraine rippling through her temple.

Whatever they had put in those muffins was still in her system. A foggy mind meant foggier magic. Trixie mentally swore, kicking her leg out.

Maybe if Trixie gnawed through the rope, she could make a break for Ponyville. But she didn’t know how to get out of that damned forest. Hell, she had no idea how long they’d been moving!

“Here we are!” Snips pointed eagerly, breaking the mare from her thoughts. Trixie kicked out her hind legs, only to flop onto her stomach.

In front of the group was a clearing. Unlike the rest of the overgrown forest, the grass was dead, scorched to the ground. The air smelt of rot and faded smoke, the scent nearly closing up Trixie’s throat.

Placed in the middle was a circle of old runes sketched in the dirt. Snails dragged the mare to the center of the circle, spitting the rope from his mouth.

Trixie lay flat on her back, staring at the sky. Her body still felt heavy, presumably from the muffins.

“You know the old nursery rhyme, ‘Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails’, don’t you?” Snips asked. He tossed his saddlebag to the ground, the sack hitting the dirt with a hardy ‘thunk.’

“Is that…?” Trixie gasped, barely able to utter the words. Snips looked between the bag and Trixie, an amused smile appearing.

“What? No!” Snips laughed. “Where would I get dog tails? That’s just gross.” He shook his head, opening the sack. He pulled out a switchblade. The blade was rusty as if it had been used a million times before. “It’s just something for the ritual.”

A scream caught in Trixie’s throat. This kid was insane!

“Oh, don’t be scared. It won’t hurt.” Snips reassured. He turned to his gangly companion. “Right, Snails?”

For a second, Trixie saw a flash of emotion on Snails’ face. Fear. Snails quickly blinked, nodding in agreement. Snips smiled in approval.

“Alright, Snails, give me the sage.” Snips ordered, putting his hoof out. Snails cocked his head.

“Uuuh, what sage?”
Snips snapped his head to Snails, his eyes boggling out his head.

“You forgot the sage!?” Snips gasped. “How are we going to have a new friend without it?” Snips scolded. Snails cowered, lowering his head to be below Snips.

“Gee, I’m sorry, Snails. I should’ve done better.” Snails apologized. Snips sighed, rolling his eyes.

“It’s fine.” He huffed. “I saw some on our way here. I’ll go get some.” With that, Snips stomped into the forest.

With Snips gone, Trixie was suddenly aware of how quiet everything was. No crickets chirping or owls cooing. Not even a gust of wind blew. It was like the Earth itself knew what was about to happen.

Trixie tore her eyes away from the sky, looking at Snails. Though it was subtle, he was trembling. His breathing was ragged, and his eyes darted through the vast forest.

Trixie’s breath caught in her throat. He didn’t want to do this. But more importantly, Trixie could get through to him. She just knew she could. Snips may be nuts but Snails had never steered her wrong. In fact, he seemed to be the normal one in the duo.

“You like me, right?” Trixie asked, catching Snails’ attention. “If you like me so much, you’ll let me go.” Her voice trembled. Snails’ eyes were filled with a plethora of emotions, looking in the direction Snips had gone.

“I…I don’t think I should.” Snails muttered, kicking a hoof across the dirt.

“Hey, hey, don’t worry about your friend. You can just say I slipped out when you weren’t looking. He doesn’t have to know.” Trixie tried to negotiate. Snails kept his head low, avoiding Trixie’s eyes.

Trixie scoured her brain, trying to remember something, anything, about Snails. All she could remember was his endless rambling. Trixie’s ears perked up, an idea forming. Snips had mentioned someone.

“Citrus Spark.” She blurted, not fully thinking. Trixie had no idea if that name had any meaning to the colt, but it was worth a try. Snails’ ears perked up, and his body went stiff.

“That’s…not me. I don’t think it is.” Snails muttered.

“Look, If you let me go, I’ll get you help, too. We can both be free from Snips.” Trixie said. In all honestly, she didn’t know what she was saying. But if it appeased Snails, then it worked for her.

Snails stood painfully still as if his brain had been shut off. He furrowed his brows, his eyes darting between the ground and Trixie.

He took a step forward. Trixie’s heart hammered with hope. Snails took another slow step, inching his way to Trixie.

“Will you help me be normal again?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Trixie’s breath hitched.

“Yes.” She uttered. What was normal for him? Trixie would just have to wait and find out.

“I’m back!” Snips happily called from the bushes. Snails froze, staring wide-eyed at the bushes. His breathing quickened as his eyes began to dart between Trixie and the forest.

Snails gave Trixie a sad, pitiful look before scattering from the circle.

“Wait!” Trixie hissed through her teeth. Snails kept his gaze planted on the ground, refusing to look at the begging mare.

Snips stepped from the bushes, levitating a hooffull of sage. Trixie pursed her lips, holding back any more whispers.

“Did you two talk about anything interesting when I was gone?” Snips asked, playfully batting his eyelashes. Snips only hummed a response, avoiding the shorter colts gaze.

Snips ignored his friends' silence, placing sage across the border of the circle. When he was finished, he picked up his rusty knife, cheerfully approaching Trixie.

In one swift movement, he loosened the ropes, quickly placing the blade on Trixie’s chest. Trixie mentally cursed, her heart hammering. She didn’t even have the chance to move. This kid was fast.

“This will only hurt for a second.” Snips comforted with a smile. He applied pressure, the blade breaking Trixie’s skin. The blade traced through her skin, slicing way inch after inch.

Blood began to drip from her, pitter-pattering to the ground. Trixie moaned in pain, her mind rapidly becoming fuzzy. When would this torment end?

Snips frowned, staring inside of Trixie. His brows were furrowed with annoyance. Trixie felt so violated.

“I forgot about this part.” He huffed. Snips looked to Trixie. “Your heart needs to be out, but your dumb bones are in the way.” Snips explained. He stared into her chest, his snout scrunched. His face lit up, an idea popping into his head.

“Snails, get me the hammer.”

Trixie’s pupils shrunk to pinpoints, and her nearly exposed heart began to thump. If she could, she’d run. At this point, she didn’t care if she got lost. Anything would be better than this Hell.

Snails tossed the hammer from where he stood, still refusing to look at Trixie.

Snips levitated a hammer. Trixie tried to move, but her legs wouldn’t listen to her brain. The young unicorn pulled the hammer back before colliding it into Trixie’s pristine white bones.

Trixie let out a throaty shriek, her eyes rolling back. It felt like all of the air had been yanked from her lungs.

Snips slammed the hammer again and again and again. Chunks of bone flew every which way, scattering to the ground.

Snips’ movements slowed, and he happily stared at Trixie's exposed heart. It beat rapidly, looking as if it were about to explode.

“There we go!” Snips cheered. He happily skipped from Trixie, leaving her writhing on the ground.

Her beating heart pointed to the sky. Trixie’s breathing rasped, and vomit caught in her throat.

“Get ready!” Snips warned, sticking his tongue out. He bore down, squeezing his eyes shut. He whispered an old tongue that Trixie couldn’t understand. His horn began to spark.

The ring lit ablaze with white fire. It rapidly closed in on Trixie, moving at an unnatural speed.

She closed her eyes, letting out her final breath. And then…

Then she felt bliss.

Trixie had feared death, but this was euphoric. It was dark yet comfortable. Trixie was no longer one with her body; she was something else entirely. Maybe death wasn’t all bad.

The mare’s eternal peace was interrupted by a stinging in her chest. The stinging speedily progressed to a hellish burning.

Trixie bawled, waves of pain washing over her. Her bliss was snatched away as quickly as it was given to her.

“I don’t want to go back!” Trixie shrieked, clawing to the peaceful abyss.

Trixie wanted to live, but not like this. Never like this.

Millions of thoughts flashed through her head, trying to think of something, anything, to help. If she could just think properly, she could-

A colt awoke beneath a pile of ash. He coughed, his lungs gasping for a first breath of air. His body shook, rolling the ash off him.

The moonlight shined on him gloriously, illuminating his blue coat and cream main. He opened his eyes, which were as black as coal.

His legs were weak, and he barely had enough support to lift himself off the ground. His gaze wandered to his hooves. They were too large for his skinny legs. If he were to try to stand, he was sure to topple over.

A colt approached him, giving him a buck-tooth smile. It was like staring at an angel.

Behind the buck-tooth unicorn was a gangly colt. He looked…upset, though the new pony couldn’t tell why. His eyes landed back to the shorter unicorn. His heart hammered in his chest, feeling brand new.

The buck-tooth colt stared with a newfound giddy in his eyes.

“Welcome to the world, Puppydog Tails.” Snips greeted. “I know we’re going to be very good friends.”

Author's Note

Sorry that this story was short, I had a time limit. Let me know if you want a sequel, I have some ideas for one.