//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Assistant // by VGmaster78 //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Just before the crack of dawn on the streets of Ponyvillie, Fluttershy was pacing towards the broken-down mess of a once great carriage. She was about to start digging through the pieces of wood when she saw two colts coming towards her. “Hey Snips, do ya think we’ll find any sort of magical items during the clean up?” The lanky colt asked his friend. “Yeah! Yeah! We’ll find loads of stuff! Maybe we’ll even find a spell book in there!” His short friend replied in a giddy tone of voice. When they spotted Fluttershy, they stopped in their tracks and stared for a few seconds, to which Fluttershy responded in kind. She had hoped nopony would catch sight of her while she retrieved a few items from Trixie’s carriage; she was scared that she would be patronized for helping the mare you that had insulted most of them. Snips was the first to break the silence. “Uh, what are you doing Miss Fluttershy?” “Um, I uh…” Fluttershy was having trouble coming up with an explanation. She could tell the truth but then the two colts might rat her out to citizens who would try to get revenge on the showmare in Fluttershy’s care, or the two friends might pester Trixie some more. While she was just as bad at lying as Applejack was, it seemed to be her only choice. “Oh, I thought that the hat and cape that the Great and Powerful Trixie wore yesterday were really pretty and was wondering if I could have them,” Fluttershy lied . True she found the clothes to be really cute but they definitely wouldn’t fit her. “Well gee,” Snails piped up, “can’t Miss Rarity just sew you up your very own set?” “As part of cleaning up the wreck we’ve been told to put any important items in the basement of the library,” Snips explained to the mare. Oh shoot! Fluttershy silently cursed to herself. “You know, Miss Fluttershy, since you want them so bad I guess we could probably give ‘em to ya!” Snips said excitedly, as he bounced on the spot. “Oh that would be lovely,” Fluttershy spoke with a smile on her face. “But - you have to try them on when we find them!” Both colts shouted with glee. Fluttershy’s eyes widened a bit and she started to blush at the thought. Her thoughts were interrupted by Snails levitating Trixie’s clothes out of the mess. They all seemed to be intact except for a few torn areas. She would see if she could repair those herself and hopefully it wouldn’t come down to getting help from Rarity. Fluttershy looked into the eyes of the two boys as they waited for her to try on the gear. She sighed before grabbing the cape in her teeth and throwing it over her back. After quickly fastening the gem on the front she flipped the hat into the air and let it land on her head. There she stood, displaying the outfit for the two boys. “Wow Miss Fluttershy, you look spectacular!” They both complimented the pegasus. “Thanks so much for giving me two these to me, I have to go but thank you so much,” Fluttershy said hurriedly before running back towards her cottage. “Hey , you two aren’t slacking off are you?” Twilight asked as she poked her head out from round the other side of the wrecked carriage. “Uh, no, we just got here,” Snips protested. “Well anyway, I want you two to get the following items from this mess: the hat and cape that Trixie wore; any books she had; and finally any bits she may have had. They are going to be kept in the basement until we can get in contact with Trixie or anypony related to her,” Twilight explained. “We already gave the hat and cape to Miss Fluttershy,.” Snails accidently said aloud. “Snails!” Snips hit Snails in the leg with his hoof to shut him up before he blabbed any more. “What do you mean you gave them to Fluttershy? What would she want that stuff for?” Twilight asked curiously. “Well, she said she wanted to have it them to wear for some reason,” Snips explained to the unicorn. “Hmmm, well no matter. I’ll talk to her about it later. You two get back to work,” Twilight finished as she looked off in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage. ********************* Sunlight pierced through the window of the upstairs bedroom. Along with the sunlight, a gentle breeze let itself flow through a crack in the windowsill. The light blue mare who had been granted shelter last night opened her eyes and scanned the room. She let out a yawn and stretched in the bed before collapsing and drifting back to sleep. She didn’t want to leave the bedclothes at all, they were so soft and so cozy. Yeah, just a few more moments and then she would leave and be on the road again. Her eyes shot open. No, she couldn’t stay, she had to leave right now! She kicked off the covers, slid out of bed and began her descent down the stairway, where she saw the pegasus from last night sewing something together. She snuck to the bottom of the stairs to see what the fabric was and found to her amazement that it was her cape, being repaired by the same mare who had taken her in. Without a moment to spare she rushed into the room and caught Fluttershy in a hug . Fluttershy squeaked rather loudly and her heart began to race due to the startling surprise. Trixie also began to feel quite awkward hugging this stranger; she quickly let go and backed up from the other mare. She coughed and tried to start up a conversation. “So, Fluttershy was it?” Fluttershy nodded. “How did you obtain Trixie’s hat and cape?” Trixie questioned. “Oh, well, while you were sleeping I went to your carriage and found them. Was that okay? You’re not mad at me for this are you?” Fluttershy started to cower a little; she didn’t want to be yelled at for going through another pony’s personal belongings. “No, Trixie is actually quite grateful that you took the time to get Trixie’s stuff for her,” Trixie said to clear Fluttershy’s conscience. “So you’re repairing them in some spots? Thank you, Fluttershy.” Trixie looked down at her hooves before walking over to the couch to lay down. “Oh, but of course. I would’ve taken them to Rarity but I don’t think she would’ve repaired them after you turned her hair green,” Fluttershy replied as she got back to work. Trixie lay on the couch idly, thinking of what she could do next. She needed to stop taking this mare’s kind acts for granted and get back on the road. Just then her stomach started to rumble. Fluttershy halted her sewing again and looked over to Trixie. “Hungry?” Trixie just nodded and watched as the pegasus headed off into the kitchen. Trixie was about to take a quick nap when she heard the mare call out to her. “Oh Trixie, could you go outside and feed the animals? I haven’t been able to do that yet today as I was getting your attire. It should only take a few minutes and breakfast should be ready when you get back in.” Trixie glared in the direction of the kitchen before getting up and heading for the door. How dare that girl boss the Great and Powerful Trixie around! Still… it was kinda nice having a real place to stay for once. No, stop this Trixie - after your things are repaired you get out of here and head to the next town. Her inner monologue was cut off when she realized a group of animals had surrounded her. She was scared that they were about to attack, but instead they remained calm around the new pony. She saw the bags of feed stacked against the wall of Fluttershy’s cottage and quickly took hold of them with her magic. She read their labels carefully before directing them towards the feeding areas so they could be poured. After she was done she sealed up the bags up again and placed them where they had been stored. Fluttershy looked up from her preparations as a knock sounded from her front door. “Did you lock yourself out, Trixie?” Fluttershy asked just before she opened the door. On the other side, however, was not Trixie. “Trixie?” Twilight questioned. “Fluttershy, why did you call me Trixie?” “I, uh, no reason.” Fluttershy was staring to panic. She didn’t know what she’d do if Twilight caught sight of the showmare - she had no idea what would happen. Would they fight? Would Twilight have Trixie locked up? No, Twilight wouldn’t do that, she’s not that cruel. Twilight squinted her eyes at Fluttershy. She was hiding something, Twilight was sure of it, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to press on the topic right now. If Fluttershy had something to say she would soon open up about it. “Did you enjoy Trixie’s act yesterday?” Twilight asked. “Um, sure, I thought it was kind of nice.” “What about it did you like exactly?” “Uh, well I liked the colors and the charm it carried. Oh, I liked how she told the story about the Ursa Major.… well, until we found out it wasn’t true.” “Interesting …, hey Fluttershy, can I join you for breakfast? There are some things I wanted to discuss some things with you.” “Oh, um, sure. Come on in.” Twilight was led inside and the door was closed once more. Trixie was left outside, watching as her rival get to spend time with her friend. Wait, is she really my friend? Why do I consider her my friend? Pfft whatever, let’s see if I can sneak in through the back window. ********* Fluttershy placed porridge in front of herself and her guest along with some warm tea; just as she took a sip Twilight asked her a question. “So Fluttershy, I heard you took the hat and cape Trixie wore yesterday,” Twilight finished with a sip of her tea while Fluttershy sputtered a little of her own. “Am I correct?” “Who told you that?” “Snips and Snails.” Fluttershy, almost panicking behind her mane, tried to change the subject. “Hey, um, Twilight - can you help me with some of the animals later?” “Fluttershy! The cape is over there on the table.” And indeed there it lay, with all the stitching freshly re-sewn. Fluttershy facehoofed for forgetting to put it out of sight before she let Twilight in. “Well, um, yes. I took it.” “Why, Fluttershy? If you wanted something similar Rarity could’ve just made them for you.” “I want to practice my sewing as well, you see.” Twilight got up from her meal and inspected the clothes. They had been repaired with great skill, not a single stitch was out of place. She brought the cloth into her aura. “Thanks for the meal Fluttershy, but I have to go. I’m sorry, but this cape and hat doesn’t belong to you! Thank you for repairing them though, the stitching is really good,.” Twilight scolded before heading towards the door. Fluttershy rushed to block her path. “Wait, you can’t!” “Fluttershy, I’m going to keep them safe in the library’s basement until we can get in contact with Trixie or one of her relatives. If you want clothes like these I’ll put in a good word with Rarity to make them. Bye Fluttershy,” she said as she walked past Fluttershy and back onto the path to Ponyville. When she was out of sight Trixie came out of the bushes she was hiding in and approached Fluttershy. “Where is she going with my stuff?” “She’s taking it to the library until she can contact you or one of your family members.” She’s going to have a tough time finding one of my relatives.” “Um, why is that Trixie?” “That doesn’t concern you!” Flutteershy flinched away from being yelled at. Quickly Trixie saw the error of shouting at the Pegasus and tried to make amends before she would be asked to leave. “Look Fluttershy… I don’t want to talk about it. Okay?” Fluttershy nodded to the unicorn and led her back inside to eat. After breakfast was finished, with no more interruptions, Fluttershy left for a spa date with Rarity, leaving Trixie alone for the rest of the morning. I’ve already wasted too much time today. Word has probably spread already that I couldn’t have defeated an Ursa Major. By the time I get to the next town they would probably tell me to scram. Though her options were limited she needed to try and get to a new town, but first she needed to reclaim her belongings from that Twilight Sparkle. She would sneak into town at night and take back what belonged to her. I won’t have to wait long, it’s was already noon. I only need to wait for the sun to set and then head into town. She made her way to the door and looked around the room one last time before exiting the cottage. ***** Fluttershy was in town meeting up with Rarity with there for their weekly spa date. She had left Trixie at home for now; she was sure nopony would bother her guest – or at least so she hoped. Inside the spa stood Rarity, waiting patiently for her friend. “Ah, Fluttershy you’ve finally arrived! I was almost suspected that you had forgotten to come by. No matter, I’m just glad you’re here. Masseuse!” Rarity called out. The two sisters who owned the place emerged from the staffroom and assisted the two friends to the massage tables, where they got their customary full treatment. “So Fluttershy, what have you been up to?” Rarity began as the masseuse worked her magic. “Oh I haven’t been doing much, just the usual. Taking care of animals and… that’s about it.” “Speaking of animals, we could have used your knowledge yesterday.” “Oh, what for?” “Why the Ursa Minor attack of course!” “Oh yes,ah I heard about that. I’m sorry.,” Fluttershy apologized. “Oh dear, there is no need to apologize. There was nothing you could do - you live outside of Ponyville so you probably didn’t even realized it was happening. Luckily Twilight knew what to do.” They moved to the hot tub where they continued their chat. It was now or never to ask for a favour from Rarity. “Hey, um Rarity?” Fluttershy began. “Yes, dear?” “Can ask you for a favour? I’ll pay for it.” “Oh no Fluttershy. You’re my friend and I couldn’t possibly ask you to pay! for this. Now go on dear, tell me what you need.” “Well... Do you know that cape and hat that Trixie had on yesterday.?” “Yes...” Rarity said with uncertainty. “I would like you to make copies of it them for me.” “Fluttershy, why would you want I replicas of the those tacky cape and hat things?” “I thought they were cute.” “Well, I guess I can make it them for you. We can head over to my shop right now if you want - I’m starting to get all wrinkly anyway.” They got out of the tub, dried off and headed for the exit and into the streets of Ponyville . ***** On path to her quaint little home with the sun just starting to set, Fluttershy held a package in between her teeth as she trotted along. She smiled as she opened the door and lit a few candles. “Trixe,” Fluttershy called out in sing-song voice, “can you come down here for a few minutes? I have a present for you.” Fluttershy’s smile started to fade as a few minutes went by. She went up the stairs and checked her room only to find it empty. She started to panic as she ran back downstairs. Where had Trixie gone? She wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye, would she? Her thoughts were cut off when a white rabbit appeared before her. “Oh Angel! Do you know where Trixie could have run off to?” He ran over to the bookshelf and started to pretend to check them out. “The library? Why would she - oh no!” Fluttershy exclaimed. She made her way to the door, only to be stopped by a tug of her tail. She looked back at Angel, who got onto the table and took hold of the package between his teeth before jumping onto Fluttershy’s back. With no more delays she flew through the doorway and into the night sky. Meanwhile, Trixie was crouching right outside one of the library’s downstairs windows. She used her magic to unlock it from the inside before pulling it open. Once inside she lit up her horn just enough to see what she was doing, but hopefully not enough to cause a disturbance. Trixie made her way through the gloom down to the basement, managing to trot down the stairs without breaking a leg. She found the chest that contain her belongings and broke the lock with a sharp twist of her magical aura. Inside it was everything she owned; her bits, and her books. Everything - except her cape and hat. After some thought Trixie took her bits and left everything else. She had sufficient bits to buy a new carriage and could replace everything else except her performing outfit. She headed back upstairs and out through the library window. Upstairs, a lavender mare was dressed up in the showmare’s attire, dancing around and pretending to put on a show for her audience, which consisted solely of Spike. “Twilight, don’t you think you should stop that?” “I guess you’re right, but I can see why Fluttershy wanted the hat and cape now. This is really fun!” “Whatever you say Twilight,” Spike deadpanned as he buried his head in his pillow once more. Twilight blushed a bit before slipping off the cape, folding it back up and placing it on her nightstand along with Trixie’s hat. She slid into bed, turned out the lights and drifted quickly to sleep. **** Outside, Trixie closed the window and started down the road the next town. In the morning she would begin her new act for all of Equestria to see. She would regain her fame in no time! As she walked along, her mind occupied with plans for the future, she bumped into somepony and crashed back onto her rump. She looked up to see who had been so rude as to collide with her and give them a verbal lashing for getting in the way. Before she could start however her rant she realized who was standing there. “Fluttershy? What are you doing here?” “Hello Trixie. I came to give you a present.” Fluttershy took the package from Angel and presented it to Trixie. She took the box in her aura and undid the string that was binding it. Inside wereas a completely new cape and hat! They looked similar to her old ones, but glittered and sparkled much more. They were truly beautiful. She slipped on the cape and placed the hat proudly on her head, turning to show them off to the blushing pegasus . “They look very pretty.” “Where did you get them?” “Rarity made these ones, though she was reluctant to make them for me because it reminded her how of you turned her hair green. She finally agreed just because it was me. She told me that she actually enjoyed designing them - she wanted make a less tacky version of your original cape.” “Trixie doesn’t know whether she should be grateful or insulted.” “It’s kind of her thing.” “Well, anyway, thank you. Trixie wishes you the best of luck in the future Fluttershy. Goodbye.” “Wait, you’re leaving?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes, it’s time for me to move on to the next town. With some actual bits in hoof and my clothing back I will no longer take up space in your home.” “You don’t take up space. Honestly.” “I’m sorry but I must leave and even if I stayed with you I don’t think I would ever be able to show my face around town.” “Then let me come with you!” Fluttershy exclaimed as tears started to roll down her cheeks. “What?! I can’t let you do that Fluttershy. Think of what you would be giving up.” “I know… but I think you deserve a friend. Somepony to travel with and can rely on when times are tough,” Fluttershy spoke though slow tears. “Like an assistant?” Trixie wondered on the mare’s proposal. “Alright, fine. You’ve made up your mind and I respect that, but you’re going to pull your own weight. Got it?” Trixie explained. “Got it.” “Hey um Fluttershy, you know I really don’t think you should be giving up most of your belongings here. While it might not be my strongest trick I do know teleportation to a degree and, well, I could make it so you can check on your animals every few days.,” Trixie explained. “Oh, Trixie that would be lovely.” Fluttershy cheered as she hugged Trixie. “Can I also leave a note for my friends so they’ll check up on my animals?” “If you must,” Trixie sighed. Fluttershy took the box that had contained Trixie’s new outfit and took one of the papers from inside it. Turning it over, she wrote a short note for her friends. Dear Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash, I am writing to tell you that I’m leaving for a while, as I have a new job helping a friend on her travels. Please don’t worry about me - I can take care of myself. I feel as if I need to do this and to get out and explore Equestria. All I’m asking is that you check on my animal friends for me. Until we meet again, my dear friends. See you soon. Sincerely, Fluttershy. With the note complete, she slipped it under Twilight’s door and looked over to Angel and Trixie, who were respectively tapping their hoof and paw with impatience. Fluttershy smiled shyly before heading down the road with her new companion, just as Celestia’s sun was starting to shine over the hills to herald the dawn of a new day. Thank Starfall my new proof reader for turning this into something readable.