Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Cloudline Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter 20: Town Guided By Mares

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A few slow months had passed since Twilight sent that letter. It was now summer time and nearing the Canterlot performance in another two weeks, and only one week before they were supposed to travel to Canterlot to meet up with Lyra. Trace's heart raced as he patiently waited behind the curtain, listening for his name to be called. The town wide vote had been taken just as Mayor Mare had advised, even with the letter being sent to Celestia. Now he was just waiting to be introduced and brought on stage to read the results. Beside him onstage was his lovely pegasi; Fluttershy. She was there for emotional support of course, but it barely helped.

Mayor Mare tapped the microphone with her hoof, making everypony cringe at its loud sound. She cleared her voice, looking to a paper on the podium in front of her, “A few months ago, a certain law was brought to my attention. As such, this particular law has been brought up before. As mayor of Ponyville, and considering the progressive times that we live in today, I deeply regret that such a law exists, and hope desperately that you ponies vote for its repeal. The law that has been voted upon states,”

'Herd Property Act (342 ANM)

Upon the formation of a new herd, herein defined as at minimum 1 Stallion and 2 Mares, and in conjunction with the Stallion Protection Act of 267 ANM, the property of the Stallion(s) are hereby the responsibility of his Lead Mare. This includes all property above the value of bits determined by the City the herd was formed in. Upon dissolution of the herd, not precluded by domestic violence, all property is returned to the Stallion(s).'

“As this law is determinate upon the city the herd was formed in, the city itself is responsible for its enforcement, and shall not receive assistance from the Crown, beyond modification of the Law upon a successful 75% vote of the citizens of the City.” Mayor Mare gently flipped to another paper as she continued, “Most cities repealed this Act since Civil Rights Act of 970 ANM, yet each time it was brought about here, which is about once a decade, it has never garnered enough votes to remove this law from our books. Now without further ado, Trace Lawrence, to read the results.”

Pushing aside his aforementioned jitters, the hesitant human stepped from behind the curtain. Instantly the crowd went wild stomping their hooves. A few even going as far as giving him whistles and cat calls, which in turn, turned his cheeks a bright crimson. Even with most being happy with Trace on stage, there were a few that could barely be heard, “You stupid human! Stay out of Ponyville's affairs!”

Mayor Mare shot the particular mare a nasty glare, turning to Trace, “Whenever you are ready, Trace.”

Fiddling with the envelope, Trace pulled a small postcard from its confines. Frowning as he read the statistics, “Sixty seven percent for the repeal, thirty three against...”

The crowd fell silent, glancing up at the human. Most with frowns on their faces, most of them stallion's around town. Then a familiar voice could be heard; Liquid Daze, “Serves ya right! Stallion's belong in the bedroom or the fields!”

With that remark, came several more confirmations, agreeing with the sexist remark. Trace just blinked in confusion, anger filling his chest. The rest of Ponyville seemed to look to the mares in shock, too astonished to say anything otherwise.

“Just get off the stage already! Or do you need some coaxing?!” Liquid Daze once again yelled.

Glancing to his right, Trace eyed Mayor Mare, but just beyond her, stood Page Streamer. The attorney mare just stood there with a satisfied grin, glaring at the human. A tinge of read blurred Trace's vision as he brought the microphone closer, “If I may be so bold, I would like to spare a few words.”

“Shut up and get off stage!” Liquid Daze yelled, tossing a small pebble in her magic. Almost hitting Trace square in the head.

Darting on stage, Fluttershy rushed to her stallion's side. She skidded to a halt when Trace held up his hand. He gently smiled to her, before turning back to the mic, “This world, I have come to realize, isn't any different than my own. Men in my world have suppressed women for so long, and it isn't even just them! We hate one another for just being of another color, from another culture, or just having a different opinion in general about life and death. What are you proving, Ponyville? I'm definitely not speaking to all of you since two-thirds voted for the law to be repealed. However, the remaining that voted against it, do you honestly view stallions as worthless peons, only good for sex and labor?”

“What else are they good for?” Liquid Daze yelled loudly, but Trace could tell she was talking from anger, which was probably aided from his encounter with her in the library.

He just merely dismissed her, but as he spoke, he looked her specifically in the eye, “I don't believe you ponies really think that. I mean... just look at me! I came to an entire world where I was the outsider. I found love that went beyond specie, and even reversed cultural views on gender roles.”

Liquid Daze grabbed a few more rocks in her magic, but as Trace spoke, she paused, “Just look at it this way. Would you really be better off with stallions being mindless drones for work and sex? Would you really be happy knowing that stallions, fellow living creatures, were shackled to you?”

Glancing down to the ground, Liquid Daze's expression remained in anger, but standing there, Trace could tell she was fighting to stay angry. The pebbles in her aura losing their altitude. Trace, however failed to notice the disturbed glare he was receiving from Page Streamer. Page Streamer took a deep breath, turning her attention toward the crowd.

“If the roles were reversed, could you honestly be happy never getting to make any decisions about your life?” Trace looked pleadingly over the crowd, most of them hanging their heads in shame. The tall human couldn't help but feel a wave of satisfaction wash over him. Seeing that he was actually getting through, at least to some of them.

All fell silent, and Trace paused without much else to say. He was nudged away from the podium as Mayor Mare took the stand, “Let’s hear it for Trace Lawrence, Everypony!”

And with that, the crowd went into an uproar, far louder than when he had come. Fluttershy and he disappeared behind the curtain, and he couldn't help but sigh in relief, “Glad that is over.”

“I'm so proud of you, Trace! That must have been so difficult!” Fluttershy beamed, nosing her face into Trace's hand, but pulled back at its clamminess.

Trace nervously chuckled as he blushed, “Sorry, I sweat when I'm nervous.”

“Which you should be!” A hateful voice called out, joining them back stage.

“Page Streamer?” Trace questioned, looking to her curiously.

“I have nothing against stallions. They are relatively nice, but there is one thing you need to know.” Page Streamer circled the two, her face calm with just a hint of anger.

“What is that?” the brown maned human frowned, watching as the mare made her way around.

Sitting down so Trace and Fluttershy could watch her, she glared up to him, “I can honestly see males are far more superior in your world. I can see that just by looking at you. It isn't that mares are smarter because they are female. It is simply because they contain the intelligence gene.”

“I-Intelligence g-gene?” Fluttershy questioned in disbelief.

Looking down to his creamy mare, Trace lowered his voice, “Do you know what she is talking about?”

Glancing up to her stallion, Fluttershy hesitantly spoke, “Universities used to teach that Mares have a gene that makes them the choice makers, intelligent, and the drive to be the best. While stallion's are just the muscle and the tools for reproduction. I've only ever heard about it from books, and from Twilight.”

“See; she is correct. She contains the intelligence gene, and so do you, Trace.” Page Streamer gave a small wicked grin, chuckling to herself, “Human males were the ones that had shown us that to begin with!”

“E-excuse me?!” Trace raised his brow, his confusion overwhelming any anger he would have felt.

“Long ago three humans came to Equestria. They had the same drive as mares had. It was a shock to everypony, and a scholar named Clover the Clever took notice of that. They acted as mares had, and she soon studied them, figuring out that among different species, a single gender would have the determination, while the other did not.” Page Streamer smiled, looking up to gauge Trace's reaction.

Glancing down to the ground, Trace recalled something Twilight had mentioned back at Hearth Warming. The book about the humans that had been thrown into Equestria over a thousand years ago. His attention was drawn away, when his mate's voice could be heard.

“That isn't true!” Fluttershy snapped, a large frown on her face.

Page Streamer just grinned, humoring the creamy mare, “How so?”

“Shinning Armor! He's the lead of the royal guard! He didn't get that far just from a mare!” Fluttershy snapped, her wings flaring out.

“And he just so happens to be married to the princess, with a long history with her as his sisters babysitter. I bet Cadence had somepony’s ear, somewhere.”

“No!” It was Trace's turn to snap, “My mom was as driven as she could be. She was a leader in gender equality!”

“Heh... that is because males in your world are growing stupid.” Page Streamer chuckled, looking down with a smug look on her face.

About to decide just to walk away, Trace and Fluttershy paused as Page Streamer continued, “It is the same as in this world. The gene can sometimes swap genders, leading to a temporary gender equality, and then the other gender takes over. This is what we are trying to prevent! Mares have been in control throughout time; so what would happen when males became dominant? The Princesses would be the ones to be inferior. They wouldn't be needed, and then Equestria would fall!”

“You're delusional...” Trace frowned, placing his hand gently on the back of Fluttershy's head, “Let's go, Shy.”

They turned to leave, before a barrier blocked their path. They turned around to see Page Streamer's horn aglow, “I advise you to speak with Twilight, stop the Princesses from repealing the law. While you are at it, have your mare Lyra stop her little gender equality dedication in Canterlot.”

“How... how did you know about that? That was just between the Royal Euphony, the Princesses, Fluttershy, and myself...” Trace began to have fear well up inside him, wondering just how much power this mare contained. Power and delusions were a bad combination in any world.

“I have my ways.” The mare simply stated, closing her eyes for a moment before locking a cold stern gaze with Trace, “I also have ways of making… people… disappear.”

The crowd could be heard going wild once again at something Mayor Mare was talking about, making it impossible to say anything else. Page Streamer just merely grinned as she stepped from backstage and off toward the courthouse. Trace and Fluttershy glanced to one another, both giving the other a scared look.

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Twilight's Library:

Catching their breath after their short run, Trace knocked on the library door. Fluttershy drew in his attention as she softly spoke, fear in her voice, “Do... do you think she'd seriously do anything?”

“I don't think so, but I would still like to warn Twilight and the Princess. Hopefully Twilight hasn't left for Canterlot yet.” Trace stated, looking over to the closed sign. All the lights were out, and all remained silent within the large tree.

The tall human stepped over to a window to glance in, only seeing an empty dark library, “She must've left already...” He sighed in frustration.

“Why... why did she leave?” Fluttershy asked, knowing Trace had met with her a few days ago to help her pack.

“Said she needed to check the Starswirl section in the library in Canterlot. She said she didn't want to say anything until she knew for sure, and just left it at that.” Trace frowned, glancing down to his creamy mare.

Fear getting the better of herself, Fluttershy took a few worried steps from the library, “We need to find the rest. Maybe they could help us?”

“It's okay Shy... Let's just finish out the week and meet up with Lyra in Canterlot.” Trace turned from the window, noticing tears readying in his mare's eyes, “Shy?”

“I don't want anything to happen to you...” Shy hung her head low, tears slipping from her eyes.

Getting down on his knees, Trace pulled his mare into his arms, stroking her mane, “It's okay, nothing will happen. If it makes you feel better, then maybe we can just warn our friends. You know, to keep an eye out for us?”

Unable to reply, Fluttershy gently nodded. Whenever Trace pulled away, she got up to follow. Noticing he was headed to Sugarcube corner, the closest friend to the library.

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Half of the day later, and it felt as if they had been wasting their time warning of a possibly nonexistent threat. Stopping in front of Carousel Boutique, Trace noted it was their last stop for the day. All of their friends were astonished at Page Streamer's threat, but all were supportive and promised to keep an eye on their backs.

Reaching his hand up to the door, Trace frowned as he realized how long it had been since he had spent any time with his best friend in this world; Rarity. He remembered how she had helped with getting his herd and himself to the spa, where they had their first time with Fluttershy. However, that was months and months ago. A pang of guilt rang throughout his chest. It wasn't that they hadn't really hung out, but they hadn't spent any length of real time together, at least not alone. It was usually with their friends at a pet play date, one of Pinkie's parties, or a social gathering. In the past he recollected spending hours just chatting with the mare, even going so far as being talked into going to the spa for one of her 'specials' as she liked to call them. Trace frowned, realizing just how much he missed his dear friend.

“T-Trace? Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, snapping him from his saddened thoughts.

Glancing to his hand, he noticed it balled into a fist, hovering in front of the door. He couldn't recall if he had even knocked, looking down to his marefriend, “Sorry... I just realized... I haven't really spent time with Rarity in a long time...”

“Just last week, you were there at the pet play date. You and she even shared each other’s lunches.” Fluttershy pointed out, but that just made him frown all the more.

“Yeah.., but since Lyra and I got together, we haven't spent any alone time together. We used to go to parties, get drunk, or even just stay at her boutique for tea and English muffins.” Trace softly grinned and chuckled, “Which they're not really English... She just calls them that.”

Fluttershy's eyes fell to the bottom of the door, knowing full and well where he was coming from. Sometimes spending a long time apart from a close friend could be far worse than talking to a stranger. Running her side against her human’s leg, Fluttershy glanced back up to him, “Are you afraid you've grown apart?”

A sigh could be heard from Trace as he brought his hand back down to his side, “Yeah... is that bad?”

“No, I really don't think so....” Fluttershy admitted, actually unsure, herself, “But I really don't think Rarity would mind. She's just as loyal as any of our other friends. A little time shouldn't effect that.”

Nodding, Trace let out a sigh, “Here goes nothing.”

With a quick motion, Trace knocked three times on the door. However, no sounds could be heard. He was about to knock again, when the door swung open, revealing Sweetie Belle, “Hi Trace, Hi Fluttershy!”

“Is... your sister home?” Trace asked, giving the small filly a fake smile.

“Nope! She actually ran out for more sewing supplies. She was commissioned to create a new ensemble for the Princess’s themselves. Which she is supposed to be heading to Canterlot tomorrow.” Sweetie Belle simply stated, moving out of the way of the door, “I'm sure sis wouldn't mind you waiting inside. Come on in!”

Trace looked down to Fluttershy, mutually asking if they should. His yellow mare softly smiled, giving him a small nod. Without any more hesitation, Trace stepped inside, following the small filly to the kitchen. Sweetie sat down, and her face turned sour. Trace sat down across from her, curious as to her sudden change, “Trace?”

Her voice was so lifeless and sullen, that it almost made him flinch, “Yes, Sweetie?”

She seemed to contemplate her words as she shuffled her gaze across the table, “Rarity has been acting strange lately...”

Fluttershy and Trace looked to one another, before returning their attention to the Cutie Mark Crusader, “What do you mean?”

“Well... let me show you...” Sweetie Belle frowned, jumping from her seat.

They eagerly followed her up to Rarity's private work room, which doubled as her bedroom. Upon opening the bedroom door, both of their jaws dropped in horror. Every ponyquinn that she owned had been covered in what they could only tell as chopped fabric that had been sloppily sewn together.

Sweetie Belle also looked across the ponyquinns, but her face just merely contained concern, “I asked her what was wrong, and she just says she has no inspiration...”

“I... I've never seen anything like this before... Rarity has always created masterpieces! To think she could be this... upset...” Fluttershy stated in utmost worry, looking up to her stallion, their eyes locking momentarily.

Eye contact was soon broken, as Trace glanced around the room. The room was spotless, without any sign of 'organized mess' as Rarity would call it. Though, Trace had once called it her 'organized inspiration.' which could just be considered the same thing. However, his eyes landed on Rarity's bed, at a little small red book that peaked from under the pillow. Stepping over, he pulled the hard bound book out, and Fluttershy tried to stop him, “We shouldn't be snooping, that could be her diary!”

Eying the short book, Trace read the title to himself, 'Fighting Emotions'. A frown made its way on his face as he opened it, “It isn't her diary... It's a book from the library.” Trace stated, noticing the library seal in the front cover.

By this time, Sweetie Belle was by Trace's feet, watching intently and curiously at what the book may contain, “What's it about?”

Flipping it open, Trace glanced to Sweetie, and back to the book, “I don't think this is for fillies, Sweetie...”

A frown forced its way onto Sweetie's muzzle, “But I want to help Rarity! Just read it!”

“Come on Sweetie, let's go downstairs. I'll make you some ice cream.” Fluttershy softly smiled, using her wing to guide the small filly.

“But Fluttershy...” Sweetie whimpered and forced herself to stop.

Taking a step back, Fluttershy shot 'the stare' at the little filly, “You are too young, let's get you some ice cream and let Trace read!”

Flinching from Fluttershy's unyielding gaze, Sweetie weakly nodded, “Y-yes Fluttershy...”

The yellow mare smiled warmly, giving Trace a nod and motioning Sweetie from the room. Taking the hint, Trace flipped to the first page, waiting for Shy and Sweetie to leave before he began to read. He was starting to realize the book was mainly about fighting off loneliness. How to stop yourself from loving somepony, and also to crush your own crushes from existence, “Rarity...”

Snapping the book closed, Trace placed the book back under her pillow. Standing up to head down the stairs. He was about halfway down, when the door swung open to the Boutique, and there stood Rarity. Once reaching the bottom of the stairs, their eyes met, but Rarity's gaze was one of questioning, “Hello, darling. Where is Fluttershy, is she not with you?”

“She is in the kitchen getting Sweetie some ice cream.” Trace explained.

“But she'll ruin her appetite, Swee--” Rarity was about to call out, but Trace stopped her by placing his hand on her shoulder.

“We need to talk...”

Blinking blankly, Rarity looked to him curiously.

“Rarity... are you okay? I mean... the ponyquinns, and then a book to fight off loneliness... are you okay?” Trace asked repeatedly, eying the mare.

Rarity's eyes lightened in shock, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment, 'n-no! H-he saw the book!?' she hesitantly forced herself to swallow, looking up to her friend, “It's really none of your concern, darling. I've just been under a lot of stress lately with the orders from the Princesses, and misinterpreting my stress as being lonely.”

“Why... don't I believe you?” Trace admitted, looking to her in concern, rather than accusing her.

A soft sigh escaped Rarity, hiding her face behind her mane for the moment, “Listen... Sometimes parasprites haunt our minds, telling us one thing and we know for a fact of another. My feelings are twisted, and I really don't feel comfortable speaking with you about it.”

Trace merely eyed her, unsure exactly what he could possibly say to help, “I'm always here you know?”

Glancing his way, Rarity shot him a soft smile, “Of course, darling. I know you are here for me, and I the same for you. It's just I have inner demons that I have yet to understand myself. I just need more time to understand before I speak with you on the matter.”

“F-fair enough...” Trace stuttered, motioning for the kitchen, but paused and looked back to her, “Just promise me you will come to me when you figure it out?”

“Pinkie promise, darling!” Rarity grinned, showing him she was sincere. However, that didn't stop him from worrying about her.

Within moments, they were in the kitchen where Sweetie Belle sat with a bowl of strawberry ice cream. Sweetie locked eyes with Rarity, sure that she was about to be scolded for eating the sugary dessert. However, Rarity remained silent, joining them at the table. Everypony looked to Rarity curiously as she pulled the tub of ice cream toward herself, pulling a spoon from a nearby drawer, and taking a large scoopful. They were a little shocked, mainly because she claimed ice cream was awful fattening, but they remained silent, letting her do as she wished.

Trace kept a close eye on his white unicorn friend, noticing a couple times her eyes would shuffle between Fluttershy and himself. Her cheeks flared a light pink, but Trace kept his questions and comments to himself, deciding it better to just let her be. She would come to him when she was ready, wouldn't she?

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“Hello Twilight, how have you been?” Celestia gently smiled, looking down to her most faithful student.

“I've been... preoccupied as of late... A book has come to my attention, and I have to check the Starswirl archives to see if there is any mention of humans in Equestria.” Twilight stated lightly, pulling her essentials from her saddle bag.

Upon hearing Twilight was coming a week earlier than scheduled, Celestia had prepared Twilight's old room. Spike however, being much older than he had been, was given a small room that connected with Twilight's. Which didn't have a door, but a purple curtain that could be opened or closed to block its passage.

“Oh?” Celestia looked to the small mare curiously, “Anything I could possibly help you with?”

“Not to be rude, but this may be before your time, Princess. However, I might as well ask, do you know anything about humans coming to Equestria over a thousand years ago?” Twilight placed her saddlebag by her bed, before turning her attention to her mentor.

Looking down to her hooves for a moment, Celestia searched her vast memories for any mention of humans, “I've been around for so long, my mind only attaches to the more important things in my life. I fear I do not know of any humans other than Trace.”

Pulling the book from her belongings, Twilight levitated it in front of the Princess's face, “According to this book, three male humans were tossed into our world by a spell. All three were of species that seemed close to ours. One had wings, one had magic, while the third had knowledge and power over the crops. Which is curious, because Trace doesn't contain any of the three species. He is just... human...”

“My dearest Twilight.” Celestia smiled, gazing down to her, “While I admit that it is curious that the book contains humans, how do you know the book is accurate? Ponies, especially in olden times, were rather gullible. Is it possible the facts are strewn?”

“I agree, but that is why I wanted to check the Starswirl archive, as well as Canterlot's forbidden section.”

“Very well my young pupil, just be wary of what may lie in the forbidden section. While I trust you whole-heartedly, I still find it appropriate to state that there are things that even I dare not read, mainly in fear of long lost powers being awakened.” Celestia stated, but to Twilight, it was almost like she was speaking in riddle.

Twilight's brow raised in confusion, eying her teacher, “long lost powers?”

“Yes, that is where Luna lost herself, and became Nightmare Moon. I dare not even look for what she read that turned her into that hatred filled mare.” Celestia simply stated, turning her gaze toward a nearby window, glancing out to the darkened sky.

“L-Luna? I thought it was her jealousy that turned her evil?” The purple mare questioned, trying to follow Celestia's gaze, but as the princess looked back, their eyes met.

“I've asked Luna about it, but all she remembers was entering the forbidden section, looking for a way to help the Earth Ponies quicken the production of the crops. The next thing she remembers, was attacking me as Nightmare Moon.” Celestia slowly closed her eyes, preventing a soft sigh, “Just be careful Twilight. I grant you access, but only because the elements have a power that protects from most curses. Just make sure to wear your crown while you are down there.”

“The Elements?” Twilight couldn't help but look to her curiously, “but curses don't exist!”

A small giggle escaped Celestia's lips, looking down to her befuddled little student, “The curses in the dictionary, and what most ponies consider as a curse, are false. When I speak of curses, I'm speaking of harmful spells that are cast on objects. When a pony reads a book, opens a chest, or touches an item with a spell trap, the spell is cast upon them without the need of the pony present. I banned the use of spell traps, but nonetheless, it is the best way to protect valued treasures. The ones in the forbidden section are before my time, and ponies didn't care about the consequences. They only cared about protecting their valuables, or knowledge. What I believe happened with Luna was that she came across a spell trap that was cast by possibly dozens of ponies that turned her insecurities into hatred. With her thinking that nopony loved her night, she turned into Nightmare Moon. However, I could be incorrect, but that is all I have been able to come up with.”

Twilight simply became silent, her gaze falling to the floor. This new information running through her mind repeatedly. She barely noticed as Celestia turned for the door. Twilight snapped from her thought induced haze as her mentor turned once more to speak, “You could speak with Luna, but I've told you everything that she has told me. As for tonight, get some rest.”

Nodding, Twilight gave a weak smile, “Good night Princess.”

“Good night.” Celestia bowed her head slightly, turning back for the door.

“Oh Princess?” Twilight called out, halting the Princess in her tracks. Celestia just merely turned her head, gazing back to the purple mare curiously, “Thank you... for telling me...”

“No problem my young prodigy.” And with that, Celestia closed the door behind her. Leaving the purple mare with her thoughts.

Author's Note

sorry for the long wait, but I hope this chapter was adequate.

Thank all of you for reading. Knowing that my work is like, dare I say loved, makes me feel really... invigorated! It's the only thing that has kept me writing on this story.

Anyway, until next time! *Winks*