Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Cloudline Dasher

Edited By: N/A

Chapter Twenty Two: Adverse Truth

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“I can't believe I fell asleep like that... I finally get to see you both and I just...” Lyra's nose fell as her eyes locked on with nothing in particular.

“It's okay Lyra, you were tired.” Trace calmly stated, placing his hand gently on the back of her head.

“Besides, we have an entire week with each other!” Fluttershy grinned widely, running her nose under Lyra's chin, her wings flaring out in the process.

“That reminds me... why weren't you in bed this morning?” The minty unicorn asked, clearly disappointed that she missed waking up next to her stallion.

“Rarity...” Trace fell silent, muttering his friends name.

As Fluttershy heard Rarity's name, she frowned, instantly worried, “Is she okay?”

“I would say better than when I left her.” Trace mindlessly grinned, his eyes going half lidded.

Tilting her head to the side, Lyra furrowed her brow, “What's wrong with Rarity? Did something happen?”

Before Trace could even attempt to think of anything to say, Fluttershy nodded, “Something has been bothering her. She hasn't said anything yet, but it was enough to keep her from designing dresses. I've never seen her this upset before...”

Lyra seemed to be deep in thought for a moment, clearly saddened by their friend, “Hey Trace...”

“Yeah?” Trace quickly answered, turning to look to Lyra.

“What did you two talk about last night?” Lyra furrowed her brow once more. Trace's heart skipped a beat, his paranoia thinking she knew and was accusing him. Before he could say anything, she continued, “Anything that may give us a hint of what's wrong?”

Trace forced himself from letting out a deep breath, and he glanced over to Fluttershy as he spoke, “I don't think she would want me saying anything.”

“So she did tell you what was bothering her?! Please, what was it? Maybe we can help?” Fluttershy blurted out, her wings flaring out with her enthusiasm to help her friend.

“Look, I really don't think it's my place to say anything...” frowned the nervous human, his eyes stealing more glances over to his yellow pegasi.

The tall human nearly jumped out of his skin as a knock came to the door. Lyra just merely looked to her stallion curiously as she called out, “Come in, it's open!”

With the welcome, the door burst open revealing an apparently happy and excited white unicorn. Right next to Rarity levitated a large sketch pad. Trace ended up having to snatch the sketch pad out of the air to prevent it from being shoved in his face. Rarity giggled loudly as she nearly yelled, “I knew I wouldn't stay down for long, a lady never allows her personal parasprites to get in the way of fashion~!”

Even without knowing even the basics of fashion, Trace had to admit the sketch was beautiful. The pony looked a little like Celestia, mainly due to the mane as well as the crown, but the dress was what drew the eye in. It was a large gown like dress with frills that circled from one shoulder, all the way around the back, to the other shoulder. The picture was clearly drawn with different colors of charcoal pencils and shown what colors Rarity had in mind. The dress itself was a creamy yellow, which instantly made Trace glance to Fluttershy. Turning his attention back to the drawing, he blushed at the color of the frills. It was the color of his brown hair. Around the neck line even contained a minty green, which he assumed was Lyra's coat color.

“The next page, there is another.” Rarity gleefully smiled as Trace turned the page.

This next one was clearly Luna's dress design. It was fairly much the same exact dress, but different colors. The dress still managed to contain their colors, but this one the dress itself was a minty green, while the frills was of Fluttershy's pink mane. The collar around the neck was the color of Trace's hair, with a frill around it that matched the tone of his skin. Trace flinched as Lyra pulled the sketch book from his grasp gently.

Glancing from his mares to Rarity, Trace could only look to her in worry. He knew a thing or two about obsession, and he was now worried that she was obsessed with Fluttershy. The dresses were fact enough for him to assume so.

“I know I made these in such a short time, but when you are inspired, you can accomplish so much in so little time.” Rarity smiled brightly as she eyed the three, “So what do you three think?”

“T-there excellent, Rarity...” Trace hesitated, as it was Fluttershy's turn to look over the designs.

Lyra seemed to notice the color scheme too as she looked to Trace, “Yeah... they're wonderful.”

However, Fluttershy seemed to fail to notice as her face brightened, “They are wonderful! I'm so glad you are feeling better Rarity! I was so worried about you!”

Her friends concern managed to make the white mare blush as she pulled the sketch book back to her, “Yes, well, a lady never stays down for long!”

“so... What suddenly inspired you, Rarity?” Lyra asked, raising her eye brow rather accusingly.

“J-just this and that, darling. Inspiration comes from the most unconventional of places, isn't that right, Trace?” Rarity chuckled, glancing over to the human, which, at the moment shared in her awkwardness, “Anyway, I absolutely 'must' start on these dresses. Ta ta for now, darlings!”

When Rarity finally closed the door behind her, the three were left in silence. It was Fluttershy jumping from the bed that finally snapped the two to attention, “Lyra, your friend Vinyl invited all of us to a lunch reservation today. We slept in far past breakfast, but if we hurry we can make it for the lunch date.”

The yellow mare reached the door, but halted to look back, “Are you coming?”

Trace and Lyra looked to one another for a few moments, until Lyra finally let out a sigh and a grin appeared, “Yeah... let's get going.”

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The library was vaguely lit with her glass orb, but it was enough for Twilight to see the book titles upon the shelves. She assumed it was the place where Luna ultimately read the cursed book that turned her into the dreaded Nightmare Moon. Books lay strewn across the floor, as well as cob webs and dust that coated each one. Along with that lay a few shattered illuminating orbs, just as the one she carried to light her way. Which meant that whomever left the orbs here, arrived after the invention of the orbs. Nopony was allowed in here, which also led Twilight to believe that only two could have came here, Celestia, or Luna.

Seeing that the books were titled, cultivating and magical assistance for crops, and many others. Shown her that it must have been Luna that had dropped the orbs. Celestia did say her sister was looking for ways to aid the Earth ponies in growing crops. Twilight may not believe in curses, but she did have minor experience in Spell Traps. She herself had used a simple and might she add, 'legal' one on her diary. She knew that once she found a book with a curse, the stronger the curse, the louder the sound would be when the Element of Magic canceled it out. Gathering up the books on the floor in the isle, Twilight one by one opened them up. Each one she needed to read at least a page, most spell traps that were cast on books only initiated when a pony actually read its content. That way just in case somepony happened to pick up the book or if it fell open, it wouldn't zap them with the curse.

Almost every single one of them gave a slight hum, along with her crown glowing as it halted that casting of the spell traps. However, none seemed to be powerful enough to cause an 'alicorn' to turn into Nightmare Moon. Gently placing the books in a stack, Twilight then began to look for books on the shelves. Sometimes books could be magically bound to return to a shelf, instead of being left on the floor. However, that usually meant the shelf was also magically bound to the book. It was far more likely that the book was on a podium somewhere, but decided the immediate area would be far better place to start.

After what seemed like a couple hours, Twilight had read the first page of every book in that isle. Satisfied that what she was looking for wasn't there, she blinked for a minute, “I totally forgot I was supposed to be here for Trace, Lyra, and Fluttershy... W-well... It wont take long, I'll look for their book first... and then Luna.”

Raising the orb up high, Twilight began scanning the shelves, using her expert skills to scan each isle for the appropriate book. As she was watching, her attention was soon pulled to a podium, as well as the end of the library. She had to admit that the library was far bigger than even the Crystal Empire's library, but her enthusiasm to read every last one of them would have to wait. Stepping up to the podium, her mind was once again returned to Luna, “I wonder if this is what turned her into Nightmare Moon?”

Desperate to find the answer, Twilight's magic levitated open the book. Without even reading a single word, her Element was glowing brightly. Even going so far as elicit small electrical crackling sounds from the book. Twilight swallowed even though her mouth was dry, “I'm sure this is it...”

Her eyes scanned the contents, noticing something rather interesting, “H-humans?”

Shuffling through the pages, she soon found a particular page that spoke of Hawkmen, Sorcerers, and Elves. Twilight eyed the word 'Elves' as it hadn't mentioned it before in the book Fluttershy had brought to her. Upon reaching the first page that read Elves, she began to read, “Elves come in various types, but Elves are the main term for them. They are overall plant growers, and farmers. Depending on the type of plant they specialized in, determines their size. If they specialized in trees, they are built large and bulky. If they specialized in small plants like vegetable or fruit plants, they can be even smaller than Hawkmen.”

“Huh...” Twilight finished the paragraph, but this wasn't part that she cared about at the moment. She wanted to know how or why Trace was here in the human world, “The previous book mentioned a Sorcerer casting a spell, I wonder if that section will say anything?”

Flipping back to the contents for a moment, a few strands of electricity came awful close to her hooves, making her flinch. Just for reassurance, Twilight used her magic to firmly press her crown on her head, swallowing once more before flipping through the book to the Sorcerer section, “Most humans are known just as humans and don't have any particular power or skill. They must learn to be a sorcerer and are usually imbued with their first dose of magic from their mentor, or possibly a creature that visits them in a particular pond or stream, that may contain a water sprite. This can also be said for Elves and Hawkmen, a human that is imbued with magic will take on the form that is most suited to their skills and lifestyles. A person may spend their time watching the birds, only to find themselves as Hawkmen. I for one am a scholar, in which, I became a sorcerer.”

Blinking a few times, Twilight quickly realized, “This must have been written by the sorcerer that also placed the curse on the book.”

The purple mare could feel the gem in her crown shake in its confines, but that worried her little. The crown would hold up, it was the ultimate power of Equestria after all, or so everypony believed. It was the Element of Magic, the lead element of all the Elements of Harmony.

Flipping through the pages, she began to notice that most of the rest were spells. Most likely the ones that the sorcerer used to escape the ponies for so long, or even to grant them with spells when he had promised to do so. One specifically crossed her eyes as she began to read aloud, “Elementum recolligo huic locus. Commodo mihi vestri vox. Elementum unda ego dico vos. Permissum pluit. Is est meus nos sic vadum is exsisto.”

“Eeep~!” Twilight yelped as a black cloud suddenly sprouted over her head, instantly dousing her with a gigantic burst of water.

Jumping away from the book, she spit and sputtered, but before she could realize, the crown slipped from her head. The book flipped through random pages as a large bolt of lightning shot out, attacking Twilight. The purple unicorn wailed in pain as the energies surged through her. Through instinct as well as training from Celestia, she quickly used all her might to place a protective shield around her. She weakly crawled toward her crown, quickly replacing it on her head. The book quickly snapped shut, leaving her in the darkness. As her only means of light, dropped to the floor; her magically imbued orb.

She just lay there, attempting to regain any amount of her strength that she could, that was until her energy sapped away and she soon blacked out.

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Vinyl was true to her word, up till now she had kept every single reservation. Each and every time somepony would accompany her, and more times than not, Octavia and Lyra would be the ones to come with. This time however, Vinyl made sure to include room for Trace and Fluttershy. Once reaching the main doors outside of Celestia's Castle, stood Vinyl and Octavia. The white unicorn musician smiled widely as she welcomed them, “Hello Trace, Fluttershy. I've heard so much about you!”

Both of Lyra's mates had been told about Vinyl and her alcohol and party addiction. Which at the moment, it was clear she had been faithful to quitting. Her mane was brushed, she looked well rested, and her coat was a sparkling white. She definitely looked like she could take on the world.

“It's nice to finally meet you, Lyra's told us about you as well.” Fluttershy beamed as she offered her hoof to the blue maned mare.

After the introductions were over, Vinyl glanced over to Octavia, “We should probably go, the reservation time is nearing. Wouldn't want to miss out.”

Lyra couldn't help but glance up to her stallion. In the back of her mind, she still wondered about exactly what happened with Rarity, but when he looked back, giving her an honest happy smile, she instantly found herself returning with a grin.

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Once at the restaurant, Trace had to admit that they were probably going to pay a hand and a hoof to eat there. He had already been warned not to say anything, and that it was mainly Vinyl's way to try and win Octavia over. So he ended up remaining silent as Lyra pulled out his seat for him with her magic. Once everyone was seated, a pony made her way over, “I will be your waitress for the evenin' what would everyone like today?”

“Well for starters, how about some drinks. I'm thinking everyone will need a few minutes.” Vinyl spoke up, which everyone appreciated as they hurriedly opened up their menus.

It didn't take long surprisingly, and everyone gave their individual orders. Fluttershy convinced Trace she was okay with him ordering an actual steak, but it still managed to make everypony at the table cringe. Everypony else just had simple salads, or varying flower dishes. Once the orders were in place, Lyra suddenly moved from her chair, “Excuse me... I'm just going to powder my nose...”

Trace frowned as he eyed his mare, instantly worried for his mate. It wasn't that she was acting weird, but it was the tone in her voice. Apparently Octavia noticed as well, as she quickly called out, “A powder doesn't sound half bad.”

However Octavia's reason may have been because of Vinyl, since as she got up, her eyes locked with the unicorn before dashing for the restroom.

Lyra frowned as she entered the restroom, heading straight to a mirror and looking to herself. It didn't last long, when suddenly the doors swung open, making Lyra flinch. Octavia calmly stepped to the mirror next to Lyra, “Is everything alright?”

“I could ask you the same question...” Lyra chided, frowning as she glanced over to her musical companion.

“Oh hush... I told you I'm not giving Vinyl a chance. I'll admit that I'm impressed that she has lasted this long. I honestly thought she would have given up and ended up getting drunk and... excuse the term, but 'gang banged' at one of her parties...” Octavia winced at the vulgar term, but quickly shook it off, “As for you, I thought you would be more excited. I saw how you three were back in Ponyville. I haven't seen you barely bat an eye at him.”

The frown deepened, as she shot daggers at her, “Then you haven't been paying attention... Clearly...”

It was Octavia's turn to frown, but as she looked to her minty friend, it was just a look of true concern. The soft caring look ultimately made Lyra let out a frustrated sigh as she looked away. Lowering her head and purposely banging it lightly on the counter just in front of the sink, “I'm so stupid... Rarity and Trace have been friends for longer than I have even known him. If they wanted each other, they could have had one another. I even offered Rarity to join our herd one time, and she refused... She came out and stated she didn't have feelings for Trace, so why am I worried?”

“What reason do you have to worry? Did Trace say something?” Octavia asked, trying to meet Lyra's gaze as she sat back up, glancing at her using the mirror.

“It wasn't anything they really said, but more like how they acted. According to them, Rarity has been depressed and couldn't do her job. Then suddenly Trace spends a single night with her, just drinking, and she suddenly comes over with dress designs for the Princesses that look awful similar to Fluttershy, Trace's, and my colors.”

“S-surely it was just a coincidence? I mean... even if it wasn't, friends are a wonderful thing. Couldn't she just really cherish your herds friendship, and wanted to display it through her designs?” Octavia asked with a matter of factually demeanor, but when Lyra didn't answer, she gently placed her hoof on the green mare's shoulder.

Shuffling her eyes over to Octavia, Lyra just shook her head, “I can't say I know her on a personal level, but I know her through Trace. He's always spoken of her and she doesn't seem like the type of pony to base her designs on ponies except by whom the dresses were for. I don't think she would design a dress for the princesses, using us...”

“Maybe you should speak with Trace about your feelings? It just seems approp--” Octavia was soon cut off as the doors to the bathroom opened.

A yellow mare poked her head in, “Oh um... I'm sorry for interrupting, but are you okay Lyra? I mean... you were taking a really long time, and I... um... you can talk to me of something is wrong.”

Octavia gently smiled as she stated, “I'll let the others know you two will be awhile.”

“W-wait, but I--” Lyra held out her hoof, pleading with her friend to stay.

The dark mare just giggled as she motioned her head toward the creamy pegasi, “She is your herd mate, talk to her.” and with that, Octavia was gone, leaving the two alone.

Fluttershy made her way over, sitting down. Lyra flinched, not expecting a pair of lips suddenly pecking hers, “I've missed you so much... Lyra...”

“Heh...” Lyra softly smiled, gently placing her hoof to Fluttershy's soft cheek, “I've missed you too...”

The yellow mare's expression fell as she lowered her gaze, and then back up to meet hers, “I... I can tell something is wrong... Is... is it me... or Trace?”

Lyra's heart skipped a beat upon seeing her mates hurt and scared expression. She softly sighed as she shook her head, “Well kind of... It's just, I worry about Trace and Rarity.”

“T-trace and Rarity?” Fluttershy blinked cutely, making Lyra chuckle.

“Yeah, it's just. You both make it seem like Rarity was giving up on the world, and then Trace spends a night with her and--”

Fluttershy's eyes suddenly widened, as a switch clicked in her head. She threw up her hooves as she panicked, “N-no! Trace would never! Even if he would, Rarity would never... She... she knows we are all together!”

The minty mare let out a few giggles, her nose falling, shame on her face, “I feel so stupid... I should have known that Trace would never cheat. It's just... I've been gone for so long, and then seeing both of you again has stirred so many feelings. I guess in the excitement, I let the fear of losing both of you return, but in a different way.”

“You wont be able to get rid of us that easily.” Fluttershy softly smiled, moving forward to delicately wrap her hooves around Lyra's neck, “We love you, and we would never cheat.”

Gently pushing her mare away, Lyra smiled brightly with renewed enthusiasm, “Let's get back before they worry too much!”

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Twilight groaned, trying to push herself up. She winced in pain against the cold cobblestone. She must have been in the same place. It made her wonder how long she had been in there, minutes, hours? Celestia knew exactly where she was, so it couldn't be long enough to raise concern.

Pushing herself to her hooves, Twilight had just enough energy to comfortably walk. However, without her orb, she had no way to light her way. That was except for a spell she had been testing. A while back she had studied the glass orbs that had been invented for the castle. Technically she wouldn't need the orb. The orb was just a way to store the energy and keep the spell alive without a unicorn present. Closing her eyes, she attempted to cast the spell, but just into a ball instead of the orb. Just as the room brightened with light, it diminished, “I'm too weak... If I had an orb, I could cast it, but maintaining it without one is impossible at the moment...”

Shuffling around on the floor, the purple mare found the podium. She readjusted the Element of Magic on her head, before pulling the book into her hooves, and placing it in her saddle bag. It was heavy for sure, but she wasn't going to allow the mystery of how Luna became Nightmare Moon out of her sight. It also meant finding out how Trace came to Equestria, as well for human and pony history. It would be far too much for the knowledgeable mare to just leave for the unknown.

Stepping from the podium, she used her hoof to touch each of the book shelves as she passed by. By closing her eyes, she could easily remember the entire layout of the library as she had traveled it. That was an advantage of reading so many books, she could retain an exact photograph within her mind.

“Z... Y... X...” Twilight muttered the isles as she made her way for the exit.

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“I had so much fun! It's nice actually watching a show instead of performing at one!” Lyra admitted, smiling brightly over at Vinyl, whom just grinned back.

“Absolutely!” Octavia beamed, “but, it is getting dark, maybe we should head back?”

“Nope, nu huh!” Vinyl grinned sneakily, rushing up ahead before turning to face everyone, “We have one more stop before we get to go back to the castle!”

Everyone, including Trace, glanced to one another before they eyed the white party mare. Octavia chuckled, her smile growing smaller, but not vanishing, “Where? I mean... lunch, the musical concert, and then dinner? What could you possibly have planned next?”

Vinyl just grinned, as she stood on her hind legs, “A party! That's what!”

Every single one of them froze. They knew Vinyl was true to her word. She had spent this entire time staying away from parties, as well as herds and alcohol. Octavia didn't hide her frown as she stated, “Vinyl, you know I don't party. At least not your kind of parties...”

“Hehe...” Vinyl laughed, moving to Octavia's side and throwing her hoof around the dark mares neck, “It isn't 'that' kind of party. It's just a party with a few friends.”

Trace, Lyra, and Fluttershy all glanced to one another, not daring to say anything. They all looked to Vinyl, the awkwardness settling into the situation. Vinyl just chuckled, “Come on... I've been faithful to my word this entire time. Can't you just... trust me?”

Octavia furrowed her brow, glaring daggers at her white DJ. Ultimately she placed her hoof to her face, “F-fine, but I swear if this turns out like--”

Vinyl pushed forward, cutting her off, “I promise! Just wait until we get there, okay?”

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For the time being, Octavia kept quiet. She admitted to herself that Vinyl had behaved herself for the entire tour, so she deserved at least a tiny bit of credit. No matter how hard she tried, she just knew where Vinyl was taking them. They were headed in the direction of Vinyl's favorite party hall. It was a place that Vinyl, and many of her groupies would rent out to party in. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the party hall, it was just that it was relatively large, and for it to just be a few friends, as Vinyl had claimed, just didn't seem right.

Sure enough the party hall came into view, and Octavia hid her worry as Vinyl spoke, “Here we are, I have everything set up inside. The others should already be here. Let me go on ahead and--”

“Exactly how many are going to be at this... party?” Octavia questioned, almost commandingly.

“Just trust me, okay Tavi?” Vinyl grinned, turning away from the group, “I'll just be a minute, be right back.”

“Vinyl!” Octavia reached her hoof out as if she was attempting to grab her white coated, and blue maned friend, but she was already gone.

Lyra weakly smiled as she ran her side up against Octavia's, “It's okay hun... If it isn't what you expect, we can always leave.”

The dark Earth pony didn't reply, glancing over to Lyra before watching the door where Vinyl had disappeared into. The building itself was massive, almost like a fairly large gymnasium. Octavia had upon many occasions been in there to bring Vinyl's overly drunken form back to whatever hotel they were staying in. Outside it was just concrete walls, with large industrial fans up near the ceiling. There weren't really any windows, and for the most part, the entire building was sound proof. It was the ideal place for a loud and obnoxious party to take place. Even though Fluttershy was remaining quiet, she too had been there before, thanks to one of Pinkie's wild parties, but that was another story.

Suddenly the metallic double doors swung open as Vinyl poked her head out, “Okay, let's go in.”

Octavia fell back, allowing Trace, Lyra, and Fluttershy to go first, but Vinyl quickly chuckled, “Octavia, you go first.”

The dark ponies eyes furrowed, glaring questioningly to her party pal, “W-why?”

“Trust me!” Vinyl beamed innocently, which made Octavia just sigh in defeat.

Once up ahead, Octavia was beginning to feel awkward leading the way. The double doors lead to a hall way, which had bathrooms to either ends of the hall. Right smack dab in the middle of the hall, opposite the exit they had entered through, were doors to the main gymnasium that was basically used just for parties and group gatherings. She glanced to Vinyl, waiting for her to apparently say anything. Vinyl motioned her head toward the door, giggling, “Go ahead.”

For some reason this didn't feel right. Octavia swallowed, glaring at the metallic door once more. The small rectangular windows had construction paper over them so she couldn't see in. Just beyond, it looked as if the lights were dimmed, and many, what Octavia could only figure was party lasers and lights. She managed to shoot Vinyl a glare before pushing her way in.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OCTAVIA!”

The dark pony just remained stationary for the moment. Her mouth slightly agape as she gazed across all her friends. The Royal Euphony were all there, as well as Melodic Whistle, and many other familiar faces. She winced as Vinyl ran her side up against hers, “Happy birthday, Tavi.”

“I... I totally forgot about my birthday...” Octavia admitted, glancing over to Vinyl with shock on her face.

The white unicorn chuckled hesitantly as she rubbed her arm with her hoof, “I hope this doesn't count against my no parties promise.”

Octavia shook her head gently no, giggling lightly, “No, it most certainly does not.”

“Come on birthday girl, we brought cake!” A random pony called out, pointing over to a rather large grayish cake that matched Octavia's coat color.

“Okay, I'm coming.” The dark mare laughed, glancing over to Vinyl before stepping toward the cake.

Author's Note

Not edited yet, but I'll update this chapter when it is. I'm nearing the finish line on this story, and I have so much going on in it. Hopefully I'll be able to tie up as many loose ends as possible before the end. Granted I'm thinking about having side stories for each pairing afterward. Exploring Vinyl, and Octavia. Applejack and Bonbon. etc etc etc...

Anyway, I hope there weren't too many mistakes that it made it unjoyable.