> A Concert for Ponyville
>  by GrassAndClouds2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Trixie Lends a Hoof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'll put my firework launchers there, there, and there!" Trixie swept out a hoof and gestured to one side of the raised square in the center of the town. "Smoke bombs at the corners, and other assorted sparklers, torches, and flares all along the side. When the time comes, everything will fire off at once, and I'll use my magic to make the pyrotechnics look even bigger and louder than they are! Then I'll sweep back the curtain and the guest of honor will enter the stage with the biggest opening salvo Ponyville has ever seen!"

Trixie had reared back onto her hind legs and was waving her forehooves as she spoke. Belatedly, she realized that she wasn't getting a response. "Um... is something wrong?"

Lyra giggled. She, along with Carrot Top, was listening to Trixie explain her plans. "No, it's fine. It's just... I didn't know you cared so much about the Farmer Union's third-quarter shareholder meeting."

"What? A town lives on its farms, after all! Without them, why, we'd have no carrots! No apples! No corn to ferment and distill into sweet, sweet, bourbon! No... whatever kind of flowers you have in your hair!"

Lyra tilted her mane, now tightly coiled into buns that were fixed in place with flowers, so that Trixie could sniff a few of the petals. "These are sugar, actually. Bonnie's taking me out fancy tonight, so I decided to dress up--"

"Of course! Sugarcane, a most precious plant! And..." Trixie looked between Lyra and Carrot Top of them for a moment longer, a slow frown creeping over her features. "...you still don't like it, I guess."

Carrot Top smiled and gave Trixie a light hug. "Just a few months ago, the whole town was destroyed with that alcohol curse. My fields were wrecked, and so were most of the others. That all the farms are back up and running again is something to celebrate. I can't speak for the whole Union, but I'm sure everyone will be happy to have you help add some festive spirit to our meeting."

"It's a good idea. Really." Lyra nodded. "I think the townsponies will like it, Trixie."

Trixie let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Good. I'm glad you like the idea. And I pledge to you, Carrot Top, as a representative of the Union, that the Great and Powerful Trixie will put on the greatest and most spectacular show ever witnessed by a third-quarter shareholder meeting!" She leapt up onto the Ponyville fountain, balancing carefully on the rim. "Jaws will drop! Eyes will stare, transfixed! For hundreds of years, ponies will speak of this event! It will be immortalized, and -- waaagh!"

Carrot Top and Lyra winced as Trixie fell into the fountain with a splash.

"...and the Great and Powerful Trixie requires a hot towel," said the thoroughly soggy unicorn as she climbed out of the fountain.

"I think we can manage that," said Carrot Top. "For a good friend like you."

***

My little pony, My little pony
Ahh ahh ahh ahhh...
My little pony
Friendship never meant that much to me
My little pony
But you're all here and now I can see
Stormy weather; Lots to share
A musical bond; With love and care
Teaching laughter; It's an easy feat,
And magic makes it all complete!
You have my little ponies
How'd I ever make so many true friends?


***

"I didn't know you were interested in the Union," said Carrot Top as she trotted along. After a brief pit stop at Trixie's home to towel off, the three of them were continuing towards their actual destination, a small cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest. "Is it okay if I ask why?"

Trixie shrugged. "No real reason... just wanting to get more involved, you know."

"Twilight's showing you up?" teased Lyra. "I heard she was asking Mayor Mare what sort of events and community service things there are to do around town. She really wants to show that she's trying to help out."

"No, it's not that. I just... I don't know. Can't I try to be friendly?"

"You are friendly," said Carrot Top. "I mean, you're such a good friend that you're an Element. You're friends with us, and Cheerilee and Raindrops and Ditzy--"

"You girls don't count. I mean, I'm grateful for your friendship -- really, I am -- but it's not the same." Trixie hesitated. "You girls are Elements too. If we're friends..."

"You're worried that we're such good friends that we're picking up the slack?" guessed Lyra.

Trixie shrugged, but there was a hint of a nod in it.

"Trixie... you know that isn't true. We'd tell you if you were imposing on us. And believe me, even if we didn't, Raindrops would." Lyra grinned and playfully nudged Trixie. "You're a wonderful friend. We're not just tolerating you because we all got the Element of Forbearance while you weren't looking. We really like have you around."

"I... thanks." Trixie blushed. "But I still want to make more friends, move beyond just you girls and Pokey and the foals who like my shows, you know? So I'm trying to reach out. Help the community. Be a good neighbor and friend to everypony in Ponyville."

"We appreciate it," said Carrot Top. "And, as somepony who knows how good of a friend you are, I know you'll be able to do it."

"Right!" said Lyra. 

Trixie nodded. "That's why I'm going to be doing more for this town! Help a few ponies out, do a few things, and there I go! Best friend in Ponyville."

The other two stared.

"Well, tied for best six, anyway."

The trio had almost reached their destination, a small cottage owned by Fluttering "Fluttershy" Posey. Carrot Top held up a hoof to stop the other two as they approached. "Trixie, you've been here a couple of times, right?"

"Yeah. She's finally opening up to me."

"But Lyra, you haven't?" The green mare shook her head. "Okay. Fluttershy's a nice pony, she's just... well, a little shy. But she's really looking forward to this. Just don't raise your voice or get mad at her, and we should be fine. Okay?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a muffin in my eye."

Trixie blinked. "Is that how it goes?"

"Special Ditzy edition. Pinkie agreed that it was an acceptable substitute."

Carrot Top knocked and listened by the door, then waved the other two over. A few moments later, the door opened, and a yellow pegasus whose face was almost completely hidden by her pink mane peaked out. "Carrot Top? Trixie? It's good to see you again. Um, hello... Lyra." The last word was almost whispered.

Lyra beamed, and for a moment Trixie thought she was going to spring at Fluttershy with a giant hug. But instead Lyra slowly walked up to Fluttershy, bowed, and extended her hoof. "It's a great pleasure to meet you," she said, in a calm, sedate, yet pleasant tone.

Fluttershy smiled. "The pleasure is all mine." And her voice was a little louder and more confident.

The tea party, Trixie thought, went well. Fluttershy had brewed a pot with some wild tea leaves that her family had sent her in a care package, and it was some of the best tea Trixie had consumed in a while. Carrot Top kept things calm and steady, signaling Trixie and Lyra if they got too rambunctious, and Lyra seemed to be trying extra hard to control her usual boundless enthusiasm. By the end of the party, Fluttershy had even laughed a few times, and when Lyra gently poked her in the wing, the butter-colored mare smiled instead of squeaking and hiding under her bed.

And then Rainbow Dash showed up.

"Hey, Fluttershy! Got some great news for ya!" Rainbow Dash rapped on the door. "Let me in!"

Fluttershy immediately seemed to shrink into herself, but she did manage to flutter over to the door and open it. "Um, hello Rainbow Dash. What news--"

"Oh, it's amazing!" Rainbow Dash zipped inside and landed in the living room. "Hey girls! Don't mean to interrupt, but I just had to tell Fluttershy this right away!"

"What's going on?" asked Trixie.

"I got you a gig!"

The other four stared at Rainbow Dash.

"What?" whispered Fluttershy.

"You know how you were scheduled to have your birds sing on the Longest Night ceremony but then Corona crashed it? Well, never fear, your helpful neighborhood Rainbow Dash got it reschedued! There's this Baronetess Soft Hoof of the Night Court coming to town in a few days to do a charity fundraiser for a veterinary clinic. She wants music, especially singing animals! So, when I saw the flyer at City Hall, I just knew you'd want me to put down your name." Rainbow Dash grinned. "No need to thank me... but I won't mind if you do anyway."

"...thanks..." whispered Fluttershy, seeming to shrink down until she was somehow mostly hidden under her mane hair.

"Well, no time for napping. I want to run a few more laps, get my wingpower up. Never know when a Wonderbolt might be watching. Later!" And Rainbow Dash was gone.

For a moment, none of the Elements said anything, and Fluttershy seemed to be trying to shrink into the floor. After a few moments, though, Carrot Top got up and helped her to the sofa. "You okay?"

"Sure... fine... don't worry about me." She tried a smile, but it was clearly weak.

"If you don't want to do it, don't worry. I'll go to City Hall and cross your name off the list myself."

Fluttershy gulped. "But... but it's for animals who need homes and doctors. And they want singing animals, and I'm the only pony in town who has any. If I don't go, the clinic might not have enough money and all the animals will suffer--"

"No they won't." Lyra was immediately at Fluttershy's other side. "Because we won't let that happen. We'll hold our own fundraiser if we need to!"

"I can check with the Union," Carrot Top said. "Most of us have pets, and a lot of the pets help us on the farms. I'm sure I can get donations."

"And I'll check with Bonnie and Pinkie, and also the musicians! And..."

Trixie felt something sinking in the pit of her stomach as Carrot Top and Lyra leapt into action, clearly knowing just what to say and do to cheer Fluttershy up. She shut her eyes for a moment and tried to make herself think of something. She was a good friend, Lyra and Carrot Top had said so, and a good friend would be able to help Fluttershy. They'd have something worth saying, some talent or resource or another friend, or...

A thought struck Trixie. "Wait. Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

"Would you want to do the concert? I mean -- setting aside stage fright or anything like that. Would you want to have your birds sing to raise money for a veterinary clinic?"

Fluttershy was silent for a few moments. "A little. I mean, I'd love to be able to help those animals, I really would, but... oh, I'd screw it up. If I don't conduct my birds well enough then nopony will donate to the clinic. And I've never performed in public with them before."

"Just have me listen to it first," said Lyra. "I can tell you how good it is."

"But you seem really nice." Fluttershy gave another weak smile. "I know it sounds awful, but I'd probably still worry that you told me you liked my music because you're my friend now. I'm sorry..."

Trixie smiled. "What if... what if I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, who has connections all throughout Equestria, could get a really talented musician to come in here and see how good you are, and maybe even help train you if she thinks of something that could help? Plus she's famous for being really honest when she critiques music; she never says something is good just because a friend played it, or bad just because somepony she dislikes played it. When she tells you you're ready to perform, you're ready."

Fluttershy blinked. "You know a pony like that?"

"Yep. Octavia Philharmonica, Court Musician. We go way back. She works for Luna now, so I could check with Luna... see if she could spare Octavia for a couple of days."

Fluttershy brightened, and Trixie felt a warm rush of joy spread through her. "You could have Octavia check my performance to see if it's good enough to play for the clinic? And help me improve it until it is?" She leaped forwards and hugged Trixie. "And then I could help all those cute little animals? Thank you, Trixie!"

Trixie grinned and hugged Fluttershy back. "Happy to help."

***

"I'm excited!" chirped Lyra as they walked back to town. "It's going to be so awesome to have Octavia back here. Ooh, I can play my new piece for her, and maybe she'll play something for us! And she can tell us all about Canterlot, she's been writing about this really fun page that she's made friends wtih!"

Carrot Top looked more subdued. "Please tell me this isn't another Night Court mess," she said.

"Doubt it. Soft Hoof is newly ennobled -- as in, sometime last month. Baronet Slimeball left the Court while we were in Tambelon, and Luna put Soft Hoof in charge of his province." Trixie thought for a moment. "Plus, helping animals is her big thing. She was the one who pushed for that huge animal hospital in Manehattan, and the health stations for animals in some smaller railway terminals. In case a pet gets sick on a train or something. This isn't some weird scheme; I think she just wants to raise money for a clinic, and figures that Ponyville would be willing to help."

"She seems like a nice pony," said Lyra. "Maybe we can meet her!"

"I hope so. But in the meantime, I've got a letter to write." Trixie nodded at her approaching house. "Later girls!"

***


Later that night, Trixie went to bed with a big grin on her face. A short note in Princess Luna’s script was sitting on her nightstand.

Dear Trixie. I would be happy to loan you Octavia for a few days. I am very pleased that you are continuing to make friends and connections in Ponyville, and that you are working to assist Miss Fluttershy, even though she is not in your close circle of friends. Your growth continues to impress me, and I wish you and Miss Fluttershy the best of luck with this concert. Sincerely, Princess Luna. P.S. Please say hello to the Baronetess for me.

“This is gonna be great,” murmured Trixie, as she drifted off to sleep. “Everything’s going to be perfect.”

> Octavia's Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day was bright and sunny, and Trixie felt merry as the Canterlot Express approached Ponyville's train station. "That should be her train!"

"So, what's this Octavia pony like, anyway?" Pokey asked. Trixie had asked him to wait with her, though she hadn't told him why. "We never really talked."

"Well, she's a very classy and refined mare. Honest too, and loyal to her friends. But she's very serious, so, you know, you need to be dignified. Mature. Just like me." 

"Or at least as mature as you can be." Pokey grinned. 

Trixie rolled her eyes. "Ahem. Especially when it comes to music. She takes it very seriously, so no making fun of her style or joking about practicing or anything."

Pokey saluted. "I promise I won't so much as point in that topic's general direction."

"Har har." Trixie straightened herself as the train approached. "Just remember what the goal is here."

"To make you look good. Got it."

"Wha -- hey, no!" Trixie frowned as Pokey dissolved into laughter. "No, the point is to make Octavia feel welcome. We kind of chased her out of town last time -- not that she didn't deserve it -- so now we need to show her that we've let bygones be bygones and that we're all friends. I want everything to go perfectly with Octavia, and Fluttershy too, so the concert is a great success." She grinned. "It's the kind of success only one of the best friends in Equestria could help pull off!"

"So... you're saying I shouldn't tell her about the little shrine to Thrash Metail I built in the back of your residency?"

Trixie thwacked him with the back of her hoof, and then the train pulled into the station.

The pony who got off the train looked much more at peace than when she had done so several months before. Octavia Philharmonica, a gray-coated and black-maned mare with a sleek body and a perfectly smooth mane and tail, was smiling softly as she stepped down onto the platform. Her cello case was securely strapped to her back, and trailing behind her was a wheeled suitcase which presumably contained her clothes and her other travel gear. She stopped once she had gotten her luggage off the train, cocked an ear in the direction of the main street of the town, listened for a moment, and then nodded. "Ponyville," she murmured.

"Octavia! Hey, Octavia, over here!" Trixie thrust her way through the small crowd of disembarking ponies. "This way!"

"Dame Trixie." Octavia bowed her head in a crisp, formal manner. Trixie wasn't surprised to note that the gesture was entirely professional; they weren't friends, and while Octavia had repented of her evil ways and was no longer trying to entrap Trixie into working for a slimy noble, they hadn't exactly become close. In fact, their last meeting, at the Grand Galloping Gala, had involved Trixie stealing Octavia's punch. But Octavia just said, "I am here to assist with Baronetess Soft Hoof's benefit concert."

"Great!" Trixie beamed. "Well then, allow me to formally welcome you to the town of Ponyville!" She swept out a hoof towards the town square. "We're thrilled to have you!"

"Thank you." Octavia bowed again.

"How was your trip?" asked Trixie as she led Octavia out of the station, Pokey trotting along after her.

"Uneventful."

"We'll be seeing Fluttershy for dinner. I bet you're looking forward to talking with her."

"Yes."

Trixie frowned to herself, remembering Octavia's warm demeanor with Lyra and contrasting that with Octavia's short responses to her, but she hadn't expected anything different. Besides, the day was still young, and she was sure she could bring Octavia around in time. "Now, normally I'd ask you what you want to do first--"

"Stow my suitcase in my motel room," said Octavia, as if Trixie had actually asked her.

Trixie blinked. "Ah, yes. Pokey, I've reserved her Room 106 in the Ponyville Motel, could you be a wonderful assistant and take her luggage there?"

"What am I, a porter now?" But Pokey took the suitcase of clothes from Octavia and smiled at her. "But don't worry. I'll guard this suitcase with my life!" And he trotted off.

"He's... exuberant," said Octavia. "But friendly. Is he your valet?"

"My assistant," said Trixie. "But anyway! You have some time before meeting Fluttershy over dinner. Would you like me to take you to Lyra's house?"

"Yes, thank you." And Trixie beamed to herself, because she'd managed to coax the smallest of smiles out of Octavia.

"Great. It's market day, so we'll be passing some stalls on the way there. Are you hungry?"

"Not especially, but..." Octavia thought for a moment. "I would like to pass through the market regardless. There are a few ponies for whom I wish to obtain gifts."

"Well, Ponyville's got what you want!" Trixie began leading Octavia through the streets. "Let's go!"

***

It figured, Trixie thought, that the first stall Octavia stopped at was that of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Howdy, partner!" said Applejack, tipping her hat at the gray mare. "Miss Philharmonica, right? Lookin' mighty lovely today. What brings ya to Ponyville?"

"I am assisting with an upcoming concert," said Octavia. 

"You two know each other?" asked Trixie. When did that happen?

"Big Apple Trust thing last month in Canterlot," said Applejack. "We won an award from the Royal Agricultural Ministry for our work in settin' up farms in a couple provinces that got hit with blights on their usual crops. Y'know, makin' sure there's still work fer the farmers an' food fer everypony an' all. Miss Philharmonica here played the openin' an' closin' songs."

"It was a pleasure." Octavia bowed her head slightly. 

"So, what brings ya ta ma stall? Want some apples? Got some of the best in Equestria, right here!"

"Yes, please. Two fresh apples for myself. And..." Octavia looked at the preserves and desserts. "I have some friends back in Canterlot for whom I wish to buy presents. I see you have preserves and jellies. Would those make good gifts?"

"Yep! SAA jams and preserves make wonderful gifts fer any occasion!" Applejack beamed. "Nightmare Night treats, Hearth's Warming Eve stocking stuffers, Hearts And Hooves Day presents... what kinda sweets do ya like?"

"I don't actually each sweets myself. But I--"

And then she broke off, looking down at the table in utter confusion.

Trixie followed her gaze. "Is something wrong, Octavia?"

Octavia lifted up the cloth covering the table and all three ponies saw Pinkie Pie lying under the table and smiling merrily.

"Pinkie? What are you doing?" asked Trixie.

"Oh, I'm just waiting around! Apple Bloom said that today the jams from SAA would be extra yummylicious! But I can't decide which one I want."

"An'... ya'r waitin' under ma booth?" asked Applejack.

"Well, duh! That way, once I decide, I can get a jar of jammin' jammerific jam right away!"

Trixie turned to Octavia. "This is Pinkie Pie. She's an apprentice baker at Sugar Cube Corner, one of the town's bakeries. And Pinkie, this is Octavia Philharmonica, Court Musician--"

"HIII!" Pinkie Pie sprang to her hooves and shook Octavia's foreleg rapidly. "You're new in Ponyville, right? Well, I'm going to throw you an awesome party! And if you like music I'll make sure to have Lyra there, and Bonbon, and Noteworthy, and--"

"That will not be necessary," said Octavia, extricating herself from Pinkie's grip. "But thank you for the thought." She turned back to Applejack, who was watching the scene with bemusement. "As I was saying, I do not eat sweets myself. However, I have some friends who do." She paused. "I realize that it will be difficult for you to recommend something without knowing their tastes..."

"Hmm. What other foods do they like?" asked Applejack. "Any desserts they just can't get enough of?"

"...they both like grilled cheese sandwiches a great deal--"

Pinkie spun Octavia around suddenly. "Hey, what do you mean you don't eat sweets? I mean, everypony eats sweets!" She looked anguished.

"I do not," said Octavia, firmly pushing Pinkie Pie away.

"Well," said Applejack, "If they like grilled cheese, how 'bout some apple-cinnamon butter? Goes great on toast an' any kinda savory or sweet sandwich. Ma little sister always has us brush the bread with it when she's gettin' grilled cheese."

"Really?" Octavia examined the jars that Applejack pointed to. "If it goes well with grilled cheese, I am certain they will like it. Four jars, please--"

"What about cake?" Pinkie asked. "Everypony loves cake! Even Princess Luna likes cake!"

"I do not eat cake," snapped Octavia before turning back to Applejack and putting some bits on the counter. "Here you go."

"Thanks!"

Octavia moved to pick up her purchases, but Pinkie was somehow in front of her. "What about chocolate?" she pleaded. "You eat chocolate, right?"

"No."

"Marshmallow?"

"No!"

Trixie had a vision of a headline in tomorrow's paper: CELLIST STRANGLES BAKER. And underneath, in the sub-heading: REPRESENTATIVE LULAMOON BLAMED FOR SOME REASON. Resolving to forestall this, she quickly separated the two. "Pinkie! I was just thinking, I haven't bought you a donut in a while. Why don't you have one in Sugar Cube Corner on me?"

"This is more important than a donut!" insisted Pinkie. "Why don't you eat desserts? That's so sad!"

Octavia stared at Pinkie as if she were insane. "I don't need diet advice." 

"Are you allergic?" 

Octavia managed to finally take the boxes of goods that Applejack gave her. "No. But I am a musician. I must maintain my body in peak physical health in order to play at my best. And so I exercise regularly, I eschew dangerous activities, and I maintain a healthy diet. So no sweets, or chocolate, or marshmallows. A drizzle of honey in my tea and some fresh fruit is all the sugar I need." She tapped her cello with a hoof. "And, as a result, I have the stamina to perform even the most strenuous of musical works."

"But -- but Lyra's a musician! And she eats candy all the time!"

"She has her habits and I have mine." Octavia turned away from Pinkie. "Besides, she is dating a confectioner. I would imagine that has something to do with it."

"So if she weren't dating Bonnie, she couldn't eat sweets?" Pinkie put her hooves to her mouth. "That's horrible!"

"ANYWAY," said Trixie, stepping between the two, "I think we need to move on. Later, Applejack! Pinkie, go get a donut or something. Octavia! Why don't I take you to Lyra's house?"

And so they continued on through the market, a horrified Pinkie watching them go.

***

Octavia seemed unhappy as they traveled on, but once they reached Lyra's house the cellist immediately smiled. "Lyra!" she called. "Lyra, it's me! Octavia!"

"Tavi!" Lyra jumped through the open first-floor window and enveloped Octavia in a big hug. "It's so great to see you again!"

"You as well." Octavia laughed. "You've been busy since we last met. What's this I hear about you saving the world at Tambelon?"

"Well, I heard you saved all of Canterlot from some nutjob guitarist. We have got to catch up."

Lyra had already set a table for them, and Trixie couldn't help but smile as they went through what seemed like a long-running ritual of Lyra trying to put more honey and sugar in Octavia's tea. The two began to talk quickly, Lyra filling Octavia in on all their adventures since their last meeting -- battling Grogar and Bray at Tambelon, among other assorted heroics -- and Octavia discussing her own adventures, including her battle against Thrash Metail, as well as her friendships with some of the castle pages.

"...so it's true, then, that Thrash's guitar really could brainwash ponies?"

"Yes. It was... very strange to feel. My ears were telling me that the music was terrible, but my mind insisted it was lovely."

Lyra grinned. "Now, I know the answer's probably 'no,' but... Vinyl's been bugging me about this for a while. Any chance she could borrow the 'Guitar of Instant Raves', as she put it? She promises not to go all crazy and evil. She just wants one concert."

"...I don't think so."

Lyra chuckled. "Well, can't blame a mare for trying."

"I'd also like to look at some real siren magic." Trixie's eyes glowed blue as she cast her magic-sight spell. "Real sirens being prone to eating ponies instead of cooperating with them and all."

Octavia smiled slightly at that. "I don't have the Guitar anymore. The Guards confiscated it, and I believe it's now in the storage warehouses of the Department of Dangerous Magical Artifacts. You'll need to apply for them... and I'm sure they'll insist that, when you study it, you don't actually use it in a concert."

"Aw," said Lyra, to general laughter. "But how else has your life been? Besides the occasional round of punching bad ponies in the face?"

“Fantastic.” Octavia grinned. “Working for Luna as her Court Musician is everything I could have hoped for and more.”

“But what's it like, exactly?” asked Lyra. Trixie, who was also interested, leaned a bit closer to hear.

“I play at every major Court function that requires music. Whenever the upper ranks of the Court gather, it is I who performs for them. These are the ponies with the finest of educations, who are truly familiar with the ancient classics and who can fully appreciate the intricacies of my pieces. It is... a remarkable feeling to perform for an audience that can truly understand every nuance and detail of my music. Additionally, Luna has asked me to give some public concerts. The audiences number in the thousands, far more than I had ever dreamed to have at such a young age.” Octavia closed her eyes, as if remembering one such concert. “But even that does not describe the full extent of it.”

“What’s left?” asked Trixie. “I mean, you’ve got the nobles and the masses, right?”

“I have never had such an opportunity to expand my repertoire and my skills! When ambassadors and representatives of different cultures and foreign lands visit Canterlot, it is I who am assigned to play music that they enjoy. Just last month, a prince from the Griffin Kingdoms visited the castle. I had never heard griffin music before; nopony in Equestria seems to like it, and the stores haven’t ordered their music scores in years. But I was to play for the prince, and Princess Luna ensured that I had access to all the resources I need.” She was speaking more quickly now, as if so excited that the words were flowing directly from her mind. “For a week I was able to devote myself fully to learning a new style of music, to seeing all the new vistas and possibilities that it opened up in my own work. I was like a painter seeing a new color for the first time. I learned all I could of it, and in the end, not only did the prince and his entourage love my performance, but I was inspired to create new works combining elements from both pony and griffin music. There was even a local griffin musician who was inspired to join Uncategorized -- that band I told you about that Crescendo and I started, where we all have different styles and genres and we try to blend them. I have never been so creative, or had so much to draw upon, as I do now.”

“That’s fantastic!” Lyra slung one leg around Octavia’s shoulder. “Seriously, Tavi, congratulations. You deserve it.”

“I haven’t forgotten the debt I owe you. It was your help that brought me to these heights.”

Lyra waved this off. “You’d do the same for me.”

“I would go to the ends of the world for you,” said Octavia. 

“So, what do you do for fun?” the lyre player asked.

“I spent most of my time with my music, but sometimes, if I am not playing or exercising, I research. You would be surprised, Lyra, how much music has simply been lost within the library, printed in the pages of innocuous books and forgotten for eons.” Octavia hesitated. "And... I am now the backup guard on one of the Canterlot Castle Hoofball Teams."

Lyra and Trixie burst into giggles at that.

Octavia blushed. "My friends in the castle's page staff, especially Paperweight and Night Vision, convinced me to give it a try. And... it is fun. A little bit sillier than I am used to, but I am enjoying it. And I cannot deny how happy I was when we beat the other three teams to win the first tournament."

"That's awesome." Lyra pumped a hoof. "Let me know if you ever need a sub!"

Octavia chuckled, and the conversation continued.

***
Lyra and Octavia gently dismissed Trixie after a while, eager to play music together, and so Trixie left to go to Fluttershy's. She checked up on the mare, ensured that she was ready to meet Octavia, and spent some time listening to her birds as they ran through their warm-ups. Fluttershy was nervous, but she seemed to get through it alright.

Then came dinnertime. Lyra came over to Fluttershy's cottage with Octavia, and Carrot Top was on hoof to introduce the cellist to Fluttershy. To Trixie's surprise, Fluttershy actually seemed fairly calm. "My Auntie wrote me about you," the butter-colored pegasus said as she ushered everypony into her cottage. "She said that your music is lovely. And that she really enjoyed the piece you played when the Zaldian ambassadors were being welcomed last month."

"Yes." Octavia nodded her head. "I remember. She and the other noble were sitting in the front, and they both seemed to enjoy it very much."

"Other noble?" asked Lyra.

"Baron Max, from Nulpar... that little province Luna created a year ago up north when they found those mountain villages that weren't on any actual map. I don't think he's actually on the Welcoming Committee, but Princess Luna mentioned to me he's trying to get involved in more Committees and Ministries. I suppose that was why he was there."

Fluttershy looked like she was about to giggle, though Trixie had no idea why. The showmare was just happy that Fluttershy seemed willing to trust Trixie, and so didn't ask any questions.

Once they had sat at the table, Carrot Top prompted the cellist: "So, Octavia, you wanted to help Fluttershy with her concert, right?"

"Yes. Princess Luna Herself has asked me to assist you, Miss Posey."

Fluttershy squeaked at that and looked like she wanted to hide, but Lyra was right besides her and helped keep her steady. "That was very nice of her, but I don't really deserve that..."

"Of course you do!" said Trixie. "I've heard your birds. They're lovely."

Octavia nodded. "I promise," she said, "That I will give you everything that I can. All I ask of you is that you also put forth all your effort, and that you follow my instructions exactly."

"Of course... I wouldn't dream of ignoring a musician as amazing as you," whispered Fluttershy.

Octavia nodded. "If your music is as good as I have heard, then as long as we both work hard, we will be able to produce a concert worthy of the Baronetess and of our audience."

Fluttershy nodded. "I'll do my best. I'll work hard."

The two reached out and shook hooves. And Trixie Lulamoon, watching them bond, felt like a million bits.

***

"Did you see them? They love each other!" Trixie was almost skipping home. "This is going to be great!"

Lyra nodded. "Just make sure to keep an eye on them."

"Why? What could go wrong?"

Carrot Top blinked. "Fluttershy can... I mean, if she gets stressed, sometimes she shuts down. Watch out for that."

"Relax. I've got this." Trixie beamed. "Even if Fluttershy does get a little nervous, Lyra, you told me how much Octavia cares about being honest. And she promised to do everything she can for Fluttershy, so she'll work with her, no matter what. This one's in the bag."

"I hope you're right," said Lyra. "Octavia can be... tough to work with--"

"Maybe for a pony who wants to disagree with her and fight with her, but that's not Fluttershy. She'll agree to whatever Octavia says, and she'll put on a great concert." Trixie looked up at the moon. "Trust me."

The three friends eventually split up and returned to their homes, and Trixie still felt good as she lay down in bed.

Everything's going perfectly. I am a good friend.



> Cake, Clothes, and Catastrophe
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

”That was a magnificent concert!” cried Baronetess Soft Hoof, a tall and stately mare with a beautiful cyan coat and a flowing pink mane. She swept her forelegs out as if to hug Fluttershy from a distance. “Truly spectacular! I’ve never heard such lovely music!”

Fluttershy blushed and bowed as the audience roared their appreciation.“Oh,” said the demure mare, “I had help. My good friend Trixie Lulamoon arranged for a famous musician to come and tutor me.”

“Really? That’s incredibly friendly of her!” Soft Hoof turned to the crowd. “Isn't it?"

The crowd roared even louder.

"Trixie!" Baronetess Soft Hoof yelled. "Come on stage!”

Trixie did so, beaming. “Thank you! Thank you!”

“Trixie, it’s clear that you’re the best friend in Equestria!” said Luna, who was there for some reason. “I'm going to ennoble you! Everypony, meet the new Grand Duchess of Equestria!"

Trixie squealed with glee as she hopped up and down on the stage. "Yay! Hurray for me!"

"Here's your new palace from which you will issue your decrees!" Luna pulled a palace out of her mane and tossed it at Trixie. The second-story balcony struck her in the side, causing her to stumble and fall off the stage--"

And onto the floor next to her bed, where her horn smacked the ground with a resounding crack.

"Agh!" Trixie quickly brought her hooves up to her now-aching horn. "Stupid dreams!"

***

But even falling out of bed couldn't wreck Trixie's good mood, not when things were going so well. And so, after a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs and hash browns, Trixie went out into Ponyville to start her day.

Now that I've got Octavia and Fluttershy squared away, I should see what else I can do to make sure the show's a success. For food, I can talk to the Union, I'm sure they'll put up a booth. And decorations... maybe I should tell Rarity a noble will be there? Weather shouldn't be a--

Her thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie Pie, who sprang out of a bush and seized her shoulders. Trixie couldn't help but boggle at the mare, who was dressed in a white bridesmaid's outfit and had an expression of panic mixed with relief. "Pinkie! What in the wide world of Equestria--"

"I'm so glad I found you!" Pinkie Pie began to drag Trixie along, her usually springy forelegs now iron-stiff as she guided her prisoner away. "We needed another witness!"

"Witness to what?" Trixie blinked. "Pinkie, what--"

"No time! Every second counts!" 

Pinkie dragged Trixie into Bonbon's candy shop, which was so spattered with white ribbon, red hearts, and lace that it looked like a wedding-themed bomb had gone off. Bonbon and Lyra were standing at the candy counter, which seemed to have been converted into a makeshift alter, looking very confused.

"Okay, you got a 'witness.' Mind telling me what's going on and why you redecorated my shop?" asked Bonbon.

Trixie cringed. That was Bonbon's 'I want to strangle you' voice, which Trixie was intimately familiar with. "Um, Pinkie, what--"

"Ooh! Missed a spot!" Pinkie leaned behind one of the shelves and picked up what looked like a long-barreled cannon before firing it at a wall that wasn't quite as white and ribbon-ey as the rest of the store. A blast of confetti and lace flew out and spattered all over it. "Good thing I remembered to bring my wedding shotgun!"

"Wedding shotgun?" repeated Trixie.

"Wedding?!" demanded Bonbon.

"Oh, yeah! You know, for shotgun weddings! Hey, aren't those really big in Lunesiana?" asked Pinkie Pie, swinging the wedding shotgun about.

Trixie ducked as Pinkie passed the barrel of the wedding shotgun right past her head. "No, Pinkie, a shotgun wedding is... something else. But--"

"Excuse me. Wedding?" Lyra frowned. "Pinkie, Bonnie and I aren't getting married yet."

"No!" Pinkie looked anguished. "You two need to get married as soon as possible! Now, I'm a licensed marrier-pony, and Trixie can be the witness! We just need to get your families, and..."

"Okay, Pinkie, slow down." Trixie hurriedly interposed herself between Pinkie, taking care to avoid the shotgun -- she didn't want to be hit with a blast of ribbons, after all. "Why do you want them to get married so soon?"

"Because Octavia said that Lyra can only eat sweets because she's dating Bonbon, and I realized that if she stops dating Bonbon then she won't be allowed to eat sweets anymore! And that would be awful!" Pinkie sprang over Trixie and enveloped Lyra in a gigantic hug. "So they need to get married right away so Lyra won't have to give up the sweet, sweet embrace of chocolate!"

Everypony stared at Pinkie for a few moments.

"Be right back. Knocking some sense into Octavia," said Bonbon, starting for the door.

"Wait!" Lyra hurriedly tugged her back with her telekinesis. "Pinkie, that's not what she meant. Octavia's on a very strict diet, but I'm not, and I won't be, even if I can't be with my Bonnie anymore for some reason. There'll always be room in my stomach for a chocolate bunny or a big strawberry muffin. Okay?"

Pinkie blinked. "But... Octavia said musicians had to eat really healthy."

"That's her belief. Mine is different." Lyra smiled. "I don't believe everything she does. Or do you believe everything that Mr. and Mrs. Cake say about how a baker should live, just because they taught you baking?"

"No, of course not! Sometimes they're really silly. I mean, they never eat any of the chocolate chips straight from the bag when they're baking cookies, but that's half the fun!" 

Trixie carefully took the wedding shotgun away from Pinkie's hooves and laid it behind the counter where she couldn't get at it. "Did you two argue about it?" she asked Lyra.

Lyra was leaning back on the counter, one hoof now draped over Bonbon's neck. "Not really. We talked about it shortly after we met, when I invited her out for some ice cream and she declined. But we've both accepted that we feel differently about it, and that's okay."

"I guess you gave her some reason why chocolate helped you play music better?" asked Bonbon, who still sounded bitter.

"Nope." Lyra shook her head. "I mean... sure, I could say that I think eating things I really enjoy makes me happy, which helps me play happy music. Octavia's more of a 'rational' player; for instance, when she played the Symphony for Moon and Sun, it was because I was able to help her understand intellectually how Luna was feeling when she fought her sister. I'm more of an emotional player; I feel the music more than I think about it. So I could argue that eating really delicious sweets could help me get in the mood to play really happy music. Or, I could say that the sugar and caffeine in candy could help give me bursts of energy so I could play longer. Or that I might perform better if I reward my best performances with candy. But honestly, it doesn't have anything to do with music at all."

Lyra smiled wistfully. "Music's really important to me. It's my special talent, and I love when I can play something beautiful. But there's other things important to me too. Like Bonbon." She leaned over from her seat on the counter so her head was resting on Bonbon's shoulder, and the confectioner's frown faded as she smiled warmly. "I love Bonnie, for example. She means the world to me." She nuzzled her marefriend's shoulder. "And I like other things too. I like that warm, cozy feeling I get when I'm inside, sipping delicious hot chocolate in my warm and furry robe, while it's a cold, rainy day outside. I like the taste of a fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookie on a bright, cold fall day. I like how Hearts & Hooves Day candy always makes me feel happy inside.

"And so, Pinkie, there's no need to worry." Lyra swept an arm up to the roof. "Even if Luna decides to appoint Bonbon Baroness of Chocolate--"

"Hey!" Bonbon was openly smiling by this point. "I would at least be a Marchioness of Candy."

"Even if she appoints Bonbon the Archduchess of All Things Sugary, and she has to go far away to manage Equestria's candy supplies so that each and every pony can have their daily allowance of tasty treats, I'll still have hot chocolate when its raining out, and chocolate-chip cookies when it's chilly out, and red- and purple-colored candies when its Hearts & Hooves Day." Lyra nodded her head in an oddly formal manner, considering the circumstances. "I Pinkie-Promise you, Pinkie."

Pinkie smiled in a relieved manner. "Wow... that's a big load off my mind. Thanks for telling me, Lyra. I was really worried you might never be able to eat even a single piece of candy again."

"Well, now that that's all cleared up, perhaps you could fix my walls?" Bonbon gestured. "I mean, it's a nice wedding theme, but I don't think the foals are going to want to shop here."

"No problem!" Pinkie sprang over the counter, grabbed her wedding shotgun, and quickly loaded it with different shells. A few blasts later and the shop was back to normal.

"How..." began Bonbon. "Actually, I've learned not to question you."

"Most ponies do."

***

"That went rather well, considering" said Trixie.

"Yeah. Pinkie was a little bit... silly, but she meant well. I'm glad that didn't escalate," said Lyra. "Got anything else planned for the morning?"

"I was going to do a little shopping, then work on getting the rest of the concert set up. I need to get Rarity to provide decorations, and maybe talk to the Union about some food stalls."

"What's the budget for this thing, again?"

Trixie grinned. "The Great and Powerful Trixie needs no budget."

"Unless she has some Great and Powerful bank accounts, I'd like to know how that works."

"Oh, ye of little faith." Trixie smiled. "I have my ways."

"Lyra!" The two mares turned to see Octavia walking down the main street. She looked calm and happy, with not a hair out of place even though her cello was on her back. "Good morning!"

"Morning, Tavi!" Lyra trotted over. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you. I had a very relaxing evening. And it was an interesting experience to wake up to the sounds of Ponyville... they're so different from Canterlot mornings, but they work just as well as musical inspiration."

"We should play more later," said Lyra. "If you have time."

Octavia nodded. "Speaking of time, though, I should be stopping by Fluttershy's now--"

She froze, then looked at the bush next to them. "Who's there?"

Pinkie Pie sprang out of it, a silver platter with a fresh-baked banana-nut muffin held in one hoof. "I baked you a muffin!" she said, waving it under Octavia's nose. "Just one bite and you'll realize how good desserts are!" she yelled with a bright smile.

"No, thank you," said Octavia, pushing it away.

Pinkie shrugged. "Okay! I'll be back later with an even tastier one!" 

"Wait, give me that." Trixie yanked the muffin off the platter and bit into it with gusto. "Mmm. Now you can go."

"Okay-dokie-lokie!" And she vanished into the bush and was gone.

Octavia shook her head slowly. "Anyway... she glanced up at the sun. "Fluttershy mentioned last night that her birds sing best in the morning, and they should be warmed up by now. Please excuse me."

As she trotted off, Lyra looked nervous. But only when she was long gone, and they were likely out of range of even her superlative hearing, did the mint-green mare speak. "...you are going to look in on them, right?"

"Of course." Trixie nodded. "I'll just pop on over later and make sure everything's going alright." Let's see, I think I know how to approach Rarity...

"If you need help--"

"Nope! No help needed. I'm a good friend, remember? A real friend doesn't burden another pony to help her do a good deed." Trixie chuckled. "Please, let me handle this."

"If you're sure. Just let me know if you change your mind. Carrot Top too, she's one of Fluttershy's best friends."

"Will do."

Lyra split off from Trixie soon, wanting to get to the park while it was early and begin playing her lyre. Trixie waved as she went, then headed over to Rarity's. She didn't need to check on Octavia and Fluttershy any time soon; she knew them well enough to know that they'd be getting along fine, with Octavia instructing and Fluttershy demurely taking her advice. Her time could be better spent making the rest of the concert go just as well as the music.

***

"Trixie!" Carrot Top poked her head outside Carousel Boutique. "Good morning!"

"Morning, Carrot Top! What brings you here this early?"

Carrot Top grinned. "New apron!"

"Apron?" asked Trixie as she entered.

"Remember that whole farm competition I competed in a few months back? The Union wants to mention that in a press release they're putting out. So I need to look like a cook. Hence, apron." Carrot Top giggled. "I think it's kind of silly, but on the other hoof, I'd kind of like to have a nice apron..."

The two mares entered Rarity's showroom, where the fashionista was busily setting a few different aprons on the dummies. "Now!" she said. "I do believe this one goes best with your coat and mane. It's got two big pockets to hold utensils and -- oh, Dame Trixie! Be right with you, dear. I'm just finishing up with Dame Carrot Top, here."

"It's okay." Trixie winked at Carrot Top, then sat down on one of the nearby cushions. "Just when you have a chance, I need as much plaid fabric as you have."

Rarity froze. "Er. Plaid?"

"Yes. And anything neon-green too. The kind of color Vinyl likes."

Trixie could see Rarity's eyebrow twitching and fought to hold back a smile. "Um... dearie... just what do you need it for?"

"You heard about that concert in a couple of days? The one that a noble is coming to hear?" 

"I did here something about that." Rarity levitated a magazine over to her. "Ah, here it is. Baronetess Soft Hoof, the new noble in charge of the sub-province of Fillydelphia, will be touring the North Everfree province to raise funds for a large veterinary clinic." She smiled. "And Noble Times is one of the most reliable gossip magazines out there."

Carrot Top blinked. "That's a very... specific magazine."

"My dear, in this business, networking is everything. I must know every detail about every noble and high-society pony. Suppose one of them walked by my shop! Knowing what colors go with their coats and manes, what styles they like, everything about them could mean the difference between a meteoric rise thanks to a noble recommendation, and watching that opportunity slip away." She looked wistful for a moment. "For instance, you might hesitate for one single moment, and the next thing you know the most handsome, fashionable, and eligible bachelor of the Night Court is dating the town baker instead of yours truly... but I digress." She shook her head. "My point is, the nobles are important, even the baronets. I must be ready to impress them at a moment's notice."

"I agree," said Trixie. "That's why I'm taking a personal hoof with the concert decorations!"

Rarity hesitated. "Now, just so I'm clear... you don't really intend to use plaid fabrics to decorate the stage, do you?"

"What? No! Of course not!"

Rarity let out a long sigh of relief. "Good. I think--"

"Plaid fabrics with neon-green highlights!" said Trixie. "That'll really look good!"

Carrot Top's eyes widened, and then she hid her smile. Trixie winked at her again and waited for the inevitable.

And it came. "Well," said Rarity. "Actually, I do have some free time in the next couple of days. And you must be very busy, Dame Trixie, as a knight, and the town Representative besides. Why don't you let me do the decorations?"

"I'd love to," said Trixie. "Really. But we don't have enough funds in the budget to hire an outside designer--"

"I'll do it gratis." Rarity said. "I'm doing well enough that I can afford a little charity work, and it's for such a good cause!" She nodded briskly. "I'll design and make the decorations, and the concert-runners may borrow them for free. You won't need to worry about a thing!"

"Really? Thank you so much!" Trixie beamed. "I'll have Pokey get you the dimensions of the stage and the specific theme as soon as I can. And when I write the Princess later and tell her about the concert, I'll make sure to mention your name."

Rarity beamed. "Why, it's no problem at all, Dame Trixie. Anything for a friend."

***

Trixie relaxed in an indoor cafe and sipped her orange juice. It was just after 1, a good time for lunch, and Trixie had a lot that she felt was worth celebrating.

The set designs were a go, at no additional cost to Equestria or Ponyville. The music was fine too. And she'd just checked with Carrot Top and verified that the Union would have food stands. Everything was going great!

Maybe I was too hard on myself. I really am a good friend, Trixie thought as she sipped her soda. Hey, I wonder if the Baronetess will recognize me? I don't think we've ever met, but my picture was in the paper. Maybe I should mention my role to her...

As she looked out the window, she saw Octavia trotting into the market and going to a stall to buy what looked like a bowl of oats. Trixie frowned; she knew that Fluttershy's pantry was well-stocked and wasn't sure why Octavia would take a break. But then she remembered her restrictive diet. It was possible Fluttershy didn't have anything that measured up its standards.

As Trixie watched, Octavia turned to look into a mailbox, and then Pinkie burst out of it with a chocolate donut as big as her head. Octavia pushed it away and walked off, but Pinkie seemed undeterred. She just scarfed the donut and ran away, presumably to try again.

Trixie chuckled and turned back to her meal. If the worst that would happen was Pinkie being Pinkie, then things would still be perfectly fine.

***

"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" yelled Trixie to the Weather Team's headquarters. "Can I talk to you?"

After a few moments, the bleary-eyed pegasus poked her head out a window and over the cloud's edge. "What's up, Rep?"

"There's a concert in a couple days. What's the weather going to be like?"

Rainbow Dash glanced inside to check the calendar. "Uh, sunny. Why?"

Trixie beamed. "Well, it's just, I heard that if you get a thin cloud and raise it really really high, the sun sometimes refracts through it and almost sparkles. It looks even brighter than a regular sunny day!"

"Yeah, but you need a weather pony there constantly holding it in place so it doesn't drift off. And you have to specially treat the cloud so it's thin enough." Rainbow Dash blinked. "It's also not actually in our description. I mean, if you want to buy one of our clouds and ask Raindrops to do it, I can't stop her, but..."

Trixie wanted Raindrops at the concert. Because she'd like the music, of course, and not because she wanted to show off what a good friend she was. "I was hoping you could do it! But, um, we can't really afford a cloud, so..."

"What?" Rainbow Dash blinked. "I can't just take a cloud from storage, Trixie. That'd be theft."

"Can't you go into the Everfree and catch a wild one?"

Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her head. "Yes, Trixie. I could technically go into the Everfree forest, and -- since weather magic doesn't work there -- get a big fern or something and wave it at a cloud and try to blow it into town where I could touch it, and then thin it out and hold it up over the concert. But, no offense--"

"What if I could get you a meeting with a Wonderbolt?"

Rainbow Dash froze. "...how?"

"Knights of the Realm are given automatic passes to a few events in Equestria, including the Best Young Fliers competition. The Wonderbolts always open that. In fact, as a Knight, I -- and one other guest of my choosing -- get to sit in the skybox with them." Trixie beamed. "Or rather, sit in a hot air balloon by the skybox, in my case. But you'd be right next to Spitfire and Soarin. How about it?"

Rainbow Dash, of course, accepted.

***

"Everything's going great," Trixie told Carrot Top and Lyra over dinner. "Seriously, this is going to be the best event of the year! Nothing's going to compare to this!"

Carrot Top smiled. "That's wonderful. I'm looking forward to the music. Speaking of which, how are Fluttershy and Octavia doing?"

"Ah..." Trixie realized that she had neglected to check up on them. She didn't much see the need to, since those two were set already, but she knew her friends would insist. "I was actually going to look in on them after dinner. But I'm sure they're fine."

Both Carrot Top and Lyra looked concerned, but Trixie said, "Hey, trust me! I know what I'm doing." She beamed. "I'm the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

As she trotted to the cottage after dinner, she mentally rehearsed the spell that she’d worked out. The last time Octavia had been in Ponyville, Trixie had tried to sneak past her, but had failed miserably. No matter how good her invisibility and inaudibility spells had been, she hadn’t been able to get past the cellist. This had been humiliating; Trixie could handle her magic failing before a strong mage, but not a cellist with no magical training. So, once Octavia left, Trixie had decided to design a workaround. The result had been the advanced inaudibility spell that she'd used at the Gala. But even that was incomplete. There were ponies and animals who could smell through her illusions, and in tight quarters she'd be liable to bump into somepony and spoil the effect. So, at least for situations in which she only wanted to eavesdrop (as opposed to actually moving through some area), she'd still wanted a better spell.

She’d been stuck for a while until she’d stumbled upon Dinky and her friends one day. They had been playing hide and seek, and Scootaloo was it. As Trixie had watched, Scootaloo had taken a small ear horn out of her saddlebag and held it to her ear while turning in a circle. Soon enough, she’d stopped, and begun sprinting in one direction – where, as it turned out, Sweetie Belle had been hiding behind a thick bush.

She’s using that horn to hear things from further away, Trixie had thought. Clever foal. And then, Wait a minute…

So, as she approached Fluttershy’s cottage and all of its keen-nosed animals, she stopped well out of even Octavia’s earshot and Angel's nose. Her horn glowed as she began to conjure up the equivalent of an ear horn; a spell just outside the window, to collect all the sound in the area of a wide dish, and then a sort of magical ‘pipe’ to pass it back to Trixie’s ear. It took a few minutes -- conjuring wasn't Trixie's strong suit -- but the spell was created. Trixie put it to her ear and smiled, expecting to hear beautiful music.

“…play it again.”

Trixie blinked. Octavia’s voice sounded… strained. Like she was at the end of her rope. 

“Okay,” murmured Fluttershy, almost inaudible despite Trixie’s spell. 

The birds began to sing, but even Trixie could hear that something was wrong. One of the birds was off key.

“Stop!” said Octavia. “The yellow bird is still a semitone off.”

“…sorry… I’ll fix it…”

There was a silence.

“Well?” asked Octavia.

“Uh… er… Miss Natailey? Could you please, uh, go up a semitone, if that’s alright?”

There was an annoyed chirp.

“She says she’s trying her best—“

“It is not optional,” said Octavia. Her voice was strained, as if she had been over this many times. “She is not singing correctly. The audience will hear this. As the musician, you must ensure that she is in tune so that the audience can appreciate the consonance of the melody. You do want that, I trust?”

There was silence again. Finally, there was a very quiet, "Yes..."

“It has been,” said Octavia, now clearly attempting to throttle back her anger, “A long day. You have already spent substantial time resting silently. I am not trying to be… impatient… but we have no more time for you to hide in a corner. You must have your birds sing again.”

“But I’m…” began Fluttershy. “I can’t…” She lapsed into silence. "I'm sorry..."

"I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to follow my instructions." Octavia seemed to be getting angrier. "This is still the first piece, Fluttershy, and we are far behind schedule."

Fluttershy said nothing.

"Well?" Trixie winced, she could hear real anger in Octavia's voice. The cellist continued. "Do you not care? Is this some lark to you?" More silence. "Say something!"

There was still nothing.

After a long moment, Octavia stood. "I am going to the bathroom," she announced. "Use this time to get your birds in order. When I return, we will play it through, and I expect your birds to -- at the bare minimum -- play all the right notes." She stomped off.

As soon as the bathroom door shut, Trixie heard Fluttershy began to cry. "I'm sorry, bird friends... I"m trying, but I'm not good enough. Oh, why did I think this was a good idea? I should have said no at the beginning."

A bird chirped, and Fluttershy sobbed a little more. "I know. I need to... I need to tell her I'm not going to perform. I can't. But she's so mean and scary... maybe I'll just hide under my bed and won't come out."

The bathroom door slammed open, and Trixie realized, with a sick feeling, that Octavia had heard every word.

"Is that so?" the cellist demanded. "Is that how little you care for the time and energy I have expended? That you would literally rather HIDE from me than at least tell me, to my face, that this means nothing to you?!"

"I--"

"You have committed to a musical performance! You have an obligation to your audience, and to your hosts! That you would abandon them all is a disgrace, Fluttershy." Octavia's voice was a low hiss. "Forget your offense to me. What you propose to do to those who wish to hear you... is absolutely shameful. How would you like it if you went to hear a concert and you learned that the featured musician hadn't bothered to attend?"

"It's just... I can't..." Fluttershy's voice was almost inaudible even to Trixie's magic. "You said I did so many things wrong and I can't--"

"Would you rather I lie, and have you present a mediocre performance to Ponyville?" Octavia sounded even more enraged now. "Why do you think I am here? Just to tell you that you are wonderful, no matter how you actually sound? To give you an official endorsement, music unheard? How dare you try to use me and my title that way!"

Trixie couldn't move. Every time she heard a new sentence, it just got worse. It wasn't supposed to be like this!

"When I criticize your performance," Octavia continued,"It is a sign of respect. Both that I have taken the time to thoroughly analyze it and determine how to improve it, and in that I believed you capable of making such improvements. But every time I tried to help you, you refused to respond! Did you think that if you were stubborn enough I would come to accept your errors as 'good enough?'"

No! Trixie wanted to yell. She just isn't good at being criticized! Damn it! She knew that ponies like Lyra would interpret criticism as Octavia wished, and that they would be honored that the Court Musician had taken the time to dissect their performances and found them to be capable enough to make her exacting changes. She also knew that Fluttershy would not. 

"I'm sorry if you don't respect me anymore," whispered Fluttershy.

Octavia did not respond to that for several moments. "If you will not perform, I will notify City Hall, and will arrange for a new musician. I will not allow you to ruin this concert. Hide under your bed if you wish, Fluttershy. You need not worry about me returning here ever again."

Trixie felt herself running down the path before she knew it. The door slammed open in front of her and Octavia left, slamming it shut behind her. Then her ears twitched and she looked up at Trixie.

"Was this a plan of yours, Lulamoon?" she hissed. "Some political scheme to draw a rift between the Poseys and myself?"

Trixie felt her stomach turn. "No!" she almost screamed. "No, really! I thought -- I just wanted to help!"

"She is obviously unwilling to put in the effort this performance requires. She clearly expected that I would simply accept anything she did and endorse it so that everypony who does not understand music would simply assume that it must be good. She is unworthy of this craft." Octavia brushed past Trixie. "And you knew this, Lulamoon."

"No!"

Octavia swiveled around with a hoof raised, and Trixie thought for a moment that Octavia would punch her. But the blow was to her left, and when Trixie looked, she saw Pinkie poking her head out of a bush. In her hoof was a large cake, which Octavia had just flattened with a blow.

"Not. Now," the cellist hissed.

Pinkie seemed to get the hint. "I'll... come back tomorrow." And she was gone.

Octavia turned to Trixie. "Music is the world to me. It is one of the most beautiful things ponykind has ever created. I cannot and will not work with a musician who cares so little about music that she refuses to correct herself when called out on an error, much less goes into a sulk. I will find a replacement for her, and then I will be returning to Canterlot. Good night."

"But -- but --" Trixie's voice caught. Wait. Luna asked her to be here. She can't just leave, anymore than I could run away from my job as Representative. I can use that to at least slow her down! "But Luna asked you to be here! If you come back early, she'll know you gave up--"

"Oh? You think I should stay here too, do nothing, and then lie to her?" Octavia's eyes blazed. "Perhaps that is your way, Lulamoon. Not mine."

Trixie wanted to yell at her, but she heard something else in Octavia's voice. "Octavia--"

Octavia looked away. "I will at least be honest with her, even if I fail her. I can do that much."

"Fail?"

"I would not expect you to understand."

Trixie thought back. Lyra had mentioned this cropping up in one of Octavia's letters. "You told Lyra you wanted to be as... reliable as Luna is."

"She is the Princess, the pony who controls the astral bodies." Octavia looked into the sky -- now a gorgeous starlit sky -- and her face seemed calmer for just a moment. "She raises and sets sun and moon each and every day, and has done so for time immemorial. She cannot take a sick day, or a holiday, or a moment's rest if that moment overlaps with the rising and setting of sun and moon. When I became her Court Musician, I vowed to myself that... if at all possible... I would be as reliable as she is. She gives that much to all of us. She deserves that much."

Her voice caught. "Until now, I have met every obligation and request. I have played at every rising and setting of sun and moon that she has performed in Canterlot, even when ill. I have performed at every concert she has asked of me, and written every composition. I have done everything in my power to promote good music. And now... now I have failed, and I must tell her I was not able to perform my duties." She shut her eyes. "I was misled about Fluttershy's dedication, but there is no excuse for failure. Still, I will tell her, Trixie. I will not lie to the pony who protects us all."

She looked at Trixie again, rage dancing in her eyes, and Trixie felt that Octavia would hate her forever for her part in getting Octavia to fail the princess. "Octavia, please..."

"I will say my farewells to Lyra tomorrow, and then I will leave on the next train. I will likely not return." Octavia turned on her hoof. "That is all, Lulamoon. I sincerely hope never to talk to you again."

Trixie couldn't think of anything to say, and she only watched her go. I should... no... I have to talk to Fluttershy. Get her back in the game, raise her spirits, fix this... I have to, if I want to be a friend... and not some horrible jerk who's only liked by the other Elements, by other ponies who are such good friends they can overlook... no! No, I can fix this!

She reached Fluttershy's door and opened it, only to be confronted by a hysterically sobbing pegasus. "Um, Fluttershy--"

"Go away!" Fluttershy buried her head in a big pillow. "Go away, Trixie! I don't want to see you anymore!"

"But--"

Angel Bunny hopped in front of the door, scowled at Trixie, and slammed it shut.

"But I--" Trixie looked around. "No! No, this wasn't supposed to happen!"

Nobody responded.

Lyra and Carrot Top were right. Trixie looked down, tears falling to the ground. I'm a terrible friend...
> Second Verse 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie was in an oversized courtroom, kneeling in front of the judge’s bench.

“Trixie Lulamoon!” roared Luna Equestris. “You have been charged with being a bad friend!”

“I’m not guilty!” cried out Trixie. “I’m a great friend! I try really hard!”

“The evidence will show,” said Blueblood the prosecutor, “That Trixie continually hurts anypony who has the misfortune of meeting her. She leaves all those she touches worse than she found them. In fact, the only ponies who can still stand her are the Bearers of the Elements!”

“That’s not true!" Trixie cried. "I have other friends!”

“Name one,” challenged Luna.

“Uh…” but it was hard for Trixie to remember. All she could think of was the ponies she had driven away in Neigh Orleans, Canterlot, and Ponyville. “I do! I swear!”

“From the Longest Night celebration, when Trixie manipulated an entire town because she was angry at our Princess, to when she turned her friend into a hairless bear with no thought for her own welfare…” Blueblood began to rattle off events.

“Stop it!” yelled Trixie. “I made mistakes, but I’m trying! I really am!”

“…and lastly,” said Blueblood, after an impossibly fast and impossibly long list of Trixie’s crimes against friendship, “When she infuriated Octavia Philharmonica and traumatized Fluttershy, a perfectly innocent pegasus!” He paused dramatically. “Fluttershy!”

The crowd booed. It seemed that Fluttershy, moreso than any other, was the one pony that it was impermissible to hurt. In fact, Rarity even cried out, "Hurting Fluttershy is the Worst! Possible! Thing!"

“But I—“ began Trixie.

“The evidence is clear. Trixie Lulamoon, you are guilty of being the Worst Friend in Equestria!” roared Luna. The crowd, which seemed to include everypony she had ever interacted with, cheered like they were at a sports game. "And you will be given the maximum sentence!"

"I'll pay the fine! I'll try to be better!"

"Fine?" Luna laughed, a deep, mirthless blast of sound that sent Trixie tumbling backwards. "Under Vicereine Pinkie Pie's 'Everypony Must Be Friends' act, being a bad friend is the highest crime in Equestria! Trixie Lulamoon, I sentence you to being locked in a small dark room a million miles away from everypony so your mendacity and cupidity cannot drag them down!”

“But—but--,” Trixie paused. “If I’m a million miles away, where will I get food?”

“Food will be teleported in with magic.” Luna’s horn glowed. “And let Equestria rejoice, as you will no longer be around to harm other ponies with your selfish depravity!”

Trixie screamed, and—

Trixie cried out as she fell out of the bed, cracking her horn again. Ow! Stupid dream with oddly specific logistics!

She looked at her bed, then her clock, then sighed. It was still-predawn, but Trixie was too wound-up to go back to bed. She wasn't sure what else to do, though. She could reread Don Rocinante, or she could stare at the wall, or...

She paused, then nodded to herself.

She could find a real friend to talk to.

***

The front door swung open and Carrot Top gave Trixie a strange look. "Trixie, are you okay? You never visit me this early."

"I didn't wake you, did I?" asked Trixie as she walked into Carrot Top's house. Overhead, the night sky was just starting to fade.

"Nope. Getting up early for the harvest." Carrot Top smiled as she poured Trixie a steaming mug of tea. "There's something magical about the first carrot of the fall harvest. If you'd like, I can send down a bunch to your Residency later. Didn't Pokey say you were trying to eat more vegetables?"

"Mmmm."

Carrot Top set the tea down and then sat next to Trixie. "What's wrong?"

"Everything."

"...is it the concert?"

"Yeah." Trixie sighed and let her head fall with a 'thump' to the table. "Octavia and Fluttershy got in a fight. Now Fluttershy's locking herself in her cottage for all eternity and Octavia is going back to Canterlot in disgrace. I'm a terrible pony."

"No--"

"I am!" Trixie said. "I tried really hard to do something good for Fluttershy, and all I did was make Fluttershy cry and make Octavia feel like a failure. And both of them hate me now." She rose her head up and then dropped it down again. "I really screwed up."

"We all make mistakes, Trixie. It's not just you."

Trixie managed to raise her head enough to glare at Carrot Top. "Oh yeah? When have you ever make a mistake like this? When have you done something bad enough to really hurt your friends?"

"Um. What about last week?"

***

"Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help!"

Trixie stared as a mob of Carrot Tops ran down the main street of Ponyville, grinning like fools and repeating the same word over and over again. Ponies broke and scattered as they trampled everything before them, leaving destruction in their wake.

"I... think we might need to cancel our weekend plans," Trixie told Ditzy as the dozens of Carrot Tops bore down on them.

***

"You had one bad day," muttered Trixie. "But when I look at Raindrops--"

"Who told us all we were terrible ponies, and brought Snails to tears, after the Neighsure Crane thing?"

"...well, then there's Ditzy--"

"Who lied to Dinky about Sharpwhinny? And who knocked you unconscious so she could fight the Manehattan mafia ponies herself?"

"Cheerilee--"

"Went nuts with that whole drill sergeant thing."

"Lyra--"

"Almost broke your hoof when you told her Octavia was a traitor the first time she came to town. You told me about it later." Carrot Top shook her head. "We all make mistakes, Trixie. You. Me. Even Princess Luna. Just because you made a mistake doesn't mean you're a bad pony."

Trixie drank her tea, feeling a little stronger. "You're just saying that... you're a good friend and you don't want to hurt me--"

"No." Carrot Top frowned. "Trixie, you know that I care about Fluttershy, right? And Lyra really cares about Octavia -- you know that too. Do you think we'd have let you handle this if we thought you were a bad friend?" She draped a hoof over Trixie's shoulder.

Trixie felt better at that. "Thanks..."

Carrot Top poured another mug of tea for Trixie, and they drank in silence for a moment.

"I'm sorry," said Trixie at last. "I didn't listen to you and Lyra. I just wanted to get the concert going, to show what a good friend I was, and then move on to something else. I made it all about me, and so I didn't pay attention, and... well, it fell apart."

"You should apologize to Octavia and Fluttershy, not me." Carrot Top hesitated. "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Do you want me and Lyra to try to help you out? I can talk to Fluttershy. I think I can get her to give it another shot. And Lyra knows how to get Octavia to be more... agreeable."

It was tempting, Trixie thought. She could give up on this and go home. Let the competent friends handle things, and not worry about hurting anypony. But...

But I want to be a good friend! I want to be a pony that does good things, that helps others... I don't just want to take up space. I want to live up to the standards Luna expects of me, and that my friends almost always meet. I just don't know if I can...

"Carrot Top?" she asked. "Be honest -- do you think I can fix this? Me?"

Carrot Top smiled. "I know you can," she said. "I have complete trust in you. When the chips are down -- when I bet my farm, when Lyra was a hominoid, when Dinky was abducted, every other time -- you always come through. If you learn from your mistakes and try again, I am absolutely certain you can save the day. And I know every other Element feels the same way."

"Then..." She took a shuddering breath. "I want to fix this, then. I want to help Fluttershy, and I want to make sure Octavia doesn't have to tell Luna she's failed Her." She paused. "I know it's not about me, it's about Fluttershy, but she deserves to have this go well, and it'd be so good for her, and maybe I can help her get through this and pull off the show. And Octavia too, and..." She sighed. "I want to do something good for them."

The next thing she felt was a hug, and she smiled and nuzzled against Carrot Top's head. Carrot Top murmured, "Like I said. We believe in you."

"Thanks. And... thanks for listening to me."

"No problem. You'd do the same for me." Carrot Top broke off the hug and trotted over to pick up her farming equipment. "Any idea on how you're going to start?"

"I think so." Trixie rose. "Yeah. I  know what to do."

***

The easiest option for talking with Fluttershy, would be casting an illusion on herself to look like Carrot Top or Ditzy, then talking Fluttershy into practicing with Octavia again. But pretending to be one pony in order to manipulate another was considered unfriendly in some circles.

Still, Fluttershy wouldn’t let Trixie into her house, so that wasn’t an option either.

Fortunately, Trixie had a third plan.

She lurked around Fluttershy’s house until she heard sounds – Fluttershy was in the kitchen in the back, probably preparing breakfast for her animals. Trixie crept over and quietly knocked on the back door.

There was silence for a moment and then, very quietly, Fluttershy managed, “Who is it?”

“Trixie,” said the showmare. “Can I talk to you?”

There was no response.

“I’ll stay out here, okay? I won’t come in. You’ve got these big thick walls between me and you. And… uh…” Trixie looked up and saw a large-ish window overhead on the second floor. “And if I’m being mean or annoying, you can dump hot water or something on me from the window and chase me away.”

“Oh, I would never!” was Fluttershy’s instantaneous reaction.

“Then Angel can do  it.”

“Angel wouldn’t do that either! He’s a sweet, innocent little bunny, and… and… Angel, where are you going?” There was a pause. “Angel, why are you taking the teakettle?” A few moments later, “Angel, stop!”

Trixie glanced up at the window, worried that Angel might have preemptively decided that Trixie was being annoying. Fortunately, a few moments later, she heard Fluttershy dragging Angel downstairs. “Bad Angel. If you do that again, I’ll be forced to not give you a dessert at lunch.” There was a pause. “I mean, uh, only half a dessert.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. 

The dessert negotiations concluded with Fluttershy promising Angel an extra cookie, and then Fluttershy began to speak to Trixie again. “Um… what do you want to talk about?”

Trixie smiled. “The concert in a few days. I—“

“I can’t do it! I won’t! I can’t face Octavia!”

Trixie said, “What if I convince her to be nicer?”

“You can’t, I tried but she said that she wouldn’t let any mistakes pass her by, and then at the end she said she wouldn’t help me anymore anyway.”

“If I can get her to change her mind, help you, and be as kind as possible, will you try again?”

There was no response.

Trixie reflected on what she knew of the butter-colored pegasus. “I know you love animals, Fluttershy. They're your special passion.”

“Yes,” said Fluttershy.

“That’s a very special ability.  A lot of the ponies who want to help animals don’t have it.” Trixie paused for a moment. “The concert’s to benefit a veterinary clinic.”

“I know,” said Fluttershy. “And I know they probably really need the money, but I just can’t… I’m not able to do it… I’m sorry. I’m not brave enough.”

“Carrot Top told me once that you once chased one of your chickens into the Everfree to make sure that she wasn’t hurt by a monster.”

“Oh! Uh… yes, I suppose…”

“That was really brave,” said Trixie. “I never go into the Everfree unless I’ve got my friends with me, but you went all by yourself. You must really love animals.”

“Well, yes…” She heard a scrunch, and guessed that Fluttershy was hugging an animal – probably Angel. “I just want to take care of as many as I can.”

“If you’re brave enough to face Everfree monsters to help an animal, can’t you be brave enough to face Octavia? I promise, she doesn’t bite nearly as hard.”

Fluttershy giggled. “I thought I could, but then last night Octavia began to be really mean.”

“If I can  stop her from being mean again – I mean, she’ll correct your mistakes, but she won’t be mean – will you try again? For the animals? Please?”

“I… can you do that?”

“Yes,” Trixie said. “And – if I can’t, if she won’t agree, I’ll cancel the concert myself, okay? I promise you, she will only see you again if she promises me that she’ll be kind to you.”

There was a long silence, but then, Trixie heard: “…okay. For the animals.” And Fluttershy sounded happy.

Trixie grinned. “Thanks, Fluttershy. I promise, this’ll go well.”

“And I – Angel? Where’d you go?”

Trixie jumped to her hooves and rolle to the side just before the water splashed down. She looked up at Angel, who was frowning at having missed. “Hah!” said Trixie, sticking out her tongue. “Nice try!”

Angel kicked another bucket out of the window, and this time Trixie couldn’t dodge in time. Something grainy fell all over her.

“Huh?” Trixie sniffed it. It smelled kind of like that stuff that Dinky used to feed Fluttershy’s chickens. “Chicken feed? Why would Angel dump chicken feed on me?”

“BAWK!”

Trixie turned to see a dozen chickens surrounding her.

“Okay,” she said to herself. “They’re just chickens. How bad could they be?”

Then she found out.

***

“Now, Angel,” said Fluttershy. “It’s time for your bath, and... what’s that?”

Outside, it sounded like somepony was yelling, “Stupid birds! Why do you know how to flank?!”

Angel shut the window and then raised his ears and widened his eyes to look as adorable as he could.

“Ooh… I can’t resist that face. Time for a nice warm bath!” chirped the yellow pegasus.


***

Trixie was back in town, having cast an illusion and somehow manage to slip past the evil chickens and their beaks of terror, and checked the sky again. The sun was just about up. Octavia would likely be done with her daily sunrise performance soon, and once she finished she would begin preparing to leave. Trixie had to stop her first.

As she reached the motel, she heard the faint sounds of a cello piece ending. She looked up in time to see Octavia slowly lowering the cello down on the balcony. "Hey, Octavia!" she called. "Can we talk?"

Octavia shook her head. "There is nothing to say--"

And then a mare jumped out of a chimney on a neighboring building. "Octavia!" cried Pinkie, clad in a black ninja outfit. "My old arch-nemesis!"

"...what?"

"You are the enemy of eclairs! The monster of mousse! The antithesis to apple pie!" Pinkie swept a hoof across her heart. "You journey across the land, convincing innocent and friendly ponies to live bland, tasteless lives, without a dollop of whipped cream or a single gumdrop to liven up their days!"

"No I don't!" said a flustered Octavia. "That is absurd!"

"But it ends here! With one bite of a Sugar Cube Corner chocolate-carmel crunchy croissant, you'll never diss desserts again!"

Octavia stared.

"Get ready! Here comes my PASTRY POWER!" Pinkie brought up what looked like another short cannon, then jumped back down the chimney and was gone.

Octavia looked down at Trixie. "...how much sugar does she eat, exactly?"

"I can't measure that high--"

Pinkie leapt out from the window of another neighboring building, blasting with her cannon. Croissants flew out  towards Octavia, who had only a moment to dodge. Her hearing, though, seemed to save her once again, as she was able to throw herself backwards without even having to look at Pinkie. The desserts splattered against the balcony door.

Pinkie shook her cannon. "Aw, I'm out of deliciousness! Well... I'll be back! Back with the best kind of pastries there are! Pastries that are really fast and hard to dodge!" And she ran off.

Octavia could only watch her go. "...is this legal?"

"It's Pinkie. So probably." Trixie sighed. "But anyway. Can I come up, please? I really want to talk to you."

"There is nothing to say--"

"From one pony who doesn't want to disappoint Princess Luna to another. I just want a few minutes of your time."

Octavia paused and looked at her. "What?"

"She brought me up as her apprentice. She means the world to me. I don't want to fail her either." Trixie locked eyes with Octavia. "So can we talk?"

And Octavia gave a slow nod.

***

“Fluttershy agreed to try again," said Trixie, as she stepped into the room.

Octavia scanned Trixie’s face. “And? What will her reaction be if I note that one of her birds is off-key?”

“Look... you know what she’s like." Trixie waved a hoof in the air. "She’s not good with, uh, hostility.”

“I wasn’t hostile. I corrected her, and she couldn’t handle it. Trixie, if I am to help somepony, they need to be able to acknowledge criticism. Otherwise, I might as well speak at a wall.”

“Maybe there’s a nicer way to correct her.”

“That isn’t my concern.” Octavia frowned. "My teachers were strict with me. I was strict with those I mentored, and the results are clear -- just look at Lyra, the greatest of those I taught, whose music has stunned all of Canterlot. That is how I teach, and it works... when the student is willing."

“She’s not one of your music students, though. She barely deals with other ponies. I know you don’t like changing your teaching style, but I promise you, if you be as nice as possible when correcting her, you’ll get much better results.”

“I won’t get any. She canceled, Trixie. It is obvious she does not really care about the music.”

“She does, but no, the music isn't her main concern,” Trixie agreed. “She cares about the animals.”

“Evidently, not all that much.”

“Hey!” said Trixie, sharply. “Do you know about the Everfree forest?”

“Yes. Uncontrollable and full of monsters. What…”

“She went into it. Alone. To rescue one of her pet animals,” said Trixie. “She can’t fight. She doesn’t have any useful magic. She’s not good at flying. But she went anyway, because one of her stupid chickens needed her and she wasn’t going to let it get eaten by a siren or something. She cares about those animals as much as you care about your music.”

Octavia was silent for a long moment. “You know what I did out of my love for my music,” she said. "You know to what lengths I went, with that Symphony, with my career on the line..."

“Yes. And I know, from Lyra, that there were times during your preparation of the Symphony that you drove away your friends. You did some things you regretted later.”

She locked eyes with Octavia, and the two stared at each other for several seconds. Finally, Octavia said, “That is true enough.”

“I’m not asking you to compromise your principles. I’m not asking you to get Fluttershy to play even if she isn't any good. I’m telling you that she wants to do this. She wants the animals in Manehattan to have somewhere they can go to have a bone set, or a cold medicated, or a warm bowl of soup if it’s really cold outside. She wants to play, but she needs your help.”

Octavia was silent for a long moment. And then she said, “I will speak to her again. I need to confirm this.”

Trixie didn’t complain about Octavia not trusting her. “Thank you.”

“Do not thank me yet. If I determine that Fluttershy believes what you say she does, I will try again. But… Trixie, if she interprets any correction as hostile, I honestly cannot help her. It isn't a question of my willingness, then. All I can do is offer advice, and if it is rejected, even I can do nothing.”

“She won’t. Just… instead of saying, ‘this is wrong and bad, play it this other way,’ say ‘this could be improved if you played it this other way.’ Those are both true statements, right?”

“Yes…”

“Just try it. Say what's good as well as what's bad. Be as kind as you can be, and then you’ll both get what you want. You want a beautiful concert, right? If phrasing your teaching in a certain way achieves that, isn’t that the right thing to do?”

Octavia thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “Yes. Very well, Trixie. If I determine that she sincerely wants to aid her animal friends, and will work as hard as needed for that task, I will be as kind as I can when I teach her.”

“This is going to be a great concert.” Trixie smiled. “You won’t regret this.”

Octavia nodded again. “I hope not.” And she walked over to her cello, closing its case. “There is no time to waste if the concert is to continue as scheduled -- we have lost much time. Is she willing to meet now?"

Trixie smiled to herself. "I think that she is."

***

The walk back to Fluttershy's was uneventful, and they were soon back inside the cottage living room. Trixie took up a quiet position in the corner of the room as the two other mares talked.

“I am sorry,” said Octavia. “For my…temper last night.”

“It’s okay,” whispered Fluttershy.

“Trixie tells me that you wish to perform at the concert.”

Fluttershy steeled herself, then said, "Yes."

“Out of concern for Equestrian animals. She said you cared about them very much.”

“I do,” said Fluttershy. And then, before she knew it, she was talking more. “Fillydelphia has four times as many animals per block as Ponyville, but only twice as much veterinary capacity. Sometimes when animals get hurt in that city, if their owners can’t take them to veternarians in other cities, they have to wait days for treatment. I really want Soft Hoof’s clinic to be a success and to be big enough to help all the animals that need it.”

Octavia inclined her head. 

“And I’m sorry I wasn’t any good last night, I was really trying hard and so were all my birds, but we just…” Fluttershy seemed to shrink into herself. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. 

“I forgive you.” Octavia rose from the couch. “I will help you prepare, Fluttershy. And I will… be as polite as I know how to be. I will not let any mistakes pass by, but I will strive to treat you with compassion and grace. So long as you remain willing, I will work with you night and day to get you ready for the concert.”

Fluttershy smiled slightly.

“But there is something I need you to promise me.”

“What?”

“You must understand. For me, music retains an almost sacred quality. A musician who performs before a crowd is implicitly promising to play the best music they can, to justify the time and expense that the audience contributed. Fluttershy, I need you to promise me that you will work as hard as I do, and that you will ensure that your birds do the same. Otherwise...” Octavia paused. “Imagine if you funded the clinic, and then learned that they were giving the animals substandard, lazy care. I think you would be hurt and offended.”

Fluttershy nodded. “That happened once.”

“It did?”

“My investments… uh… I had some extra money, and I asked my bank manager to invest in three veterinary clinics. Two of them were great, but in one, they were letting the animals eat all the junk food they wanted, they weren’t heating the rooms enough… it hurt.” Fluttershy frowned. “I felt like it was partially my fault.”

She looked at Octavia. “I won’t make you feel like that,” she promised. “I’ll work as hard as I need to so that everything is perfect.”

“And I will do the same.” Octavia smiled. “Alright. Gather your birds, please. We’ll start from the top.”

***

"It's going well?" asked Lyra.

"Yes," said Trixie, taking a long swig of bourbon. "Thank Luna."

Trixie had checked up on the mares at three more points during the day. For two of them, things had been going fine. For one, things had slipped -- Fluttershy was shrinking a little, Octavia growing frustrated -- but Trixie had reminded them of their goals and had gotten them back on track. And, when she passed by one final time, she heard sweet and lively birdsong coming from inside the cottage. They were making progress.

Carrot Top grinned. "We knew you could do it."

"Thanks." Trixie kicked back in her living room chair. "And now I know I can do it too."

"How long will they be practicing?" asked Lyra after a few moments.

"Octavia made it sound like they'll have a long night ahead of them. But she also said she'd try to stop by and give me an update at dinner time. Which..." Trixie looked at her clock. "She should be coming along soon."

"There she is!" said Carrot Top.

Octavia was approaching the front of Trixie's house, looking tired but happy. Unfortunately, just as Trixie saw her, Octavia's ears twitched and she began to fling herself down.

"Oh no," said Trixie. "No, no, no..."

But Pinkie was already jumping out of a mailbox with a shoulder-mounted cannon emblazoned with the words "CUPCAKE CANNON." She shouted something and pulled the trigger, and the biggest cupcake Trixie had ever seen came hurling right where Octavia had been standing. And through that spot. And at Trixie's window.

"No!" cried Trixie as the cupcake smashed through it and spattered all over her floor.

"Nuts!" cried Pinkie. "Well, I'll--"

"Pinkie!" Trixie used her telekinesis to haul Pinkie Pie over, past the crouching Octavia and onto her porch. "Look at this mess!"

"I'm sorry, Trixie... I'm just trying to help Octavia." Pinkie's face grew horrified. "Imagine if she lives her whole life without even one itty bitty candy bar. Wouldn't that be horrifying?"

"...Horrifying or not, you can't just go around blasting projectiles in town." Trixie sighed. "Look... I know you mean well, but it's not working. Please, just accept that Octavia doesn't eat sweets--"

"I can't accept such a horrible thing!" cried Pinkie Pie. "I won't! Anything but that!" She clutched at her heart. "Say it isn't so, Trixie! Say it isn't so!"

"Then at least stop shooting them at her. You wouldn't like it if somepony shot broccoli at you, would you?"

PInkie wrinkled her muzzle. "I guess not..." Her ears flopped. "Alright, Trixie. I won't shoot any more pastry projectiles, no matter how yummylicious they are... and I'll clean this mess up." She smiled weakly. "Sorry again."

"Don't worry about it. And thanks."

As Pinkie walked into the residency to begin cleaning, Lyra and Carrot Top trotted out to look at Octavia. The cellist looked stunned. "Is this normal?"

"No, not really," said Lyra.

"That's a relief--"

"Usually we take a lot more damage than this by this point in the month." Lyra smiled. "I mean, it's been three weeks, and nothing's caught on fire, blown up, or been eaten by monsters."

"Yeah, we're getting off easy," said Trixie.

Octavia looked between the trio. "Life here seems very... interesting."

"Oh," said Trixie. "You have no idea."

***

"Think they'll be okay?" asked Carrot Top. Octavia had returned to Fluttershy's, Pinkie had finished cleaning, and Windowpane had already gotten a new window installed. The three were once again in the Residency's living room.

"I think so," said Trixie. "But I'll keep an eye on them. Don't worry."

"Good." Lyra sipped her daffodil wine. "And... I think it's going to be a great concert, Trixie. Really."

The showmare smiled. "With those two working together, I'm sure it'll be wonderful."
> The Concert
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie knocked three times on Fluttershy's door. "Fluttershy?" she called. "It's Trixie! How's it going? Ready for the show?"

There was no answer for a few moments. Trixie was about to knock again when Octavia's voice sounded from within. "One moment, Trixie. I will get the door."

"Uh, okay." Trixie stepped back as Octavia opened it. "Is Fluttershy okay?"

Octavia nodded. She looked very tired, but content. "Yes. She is resting. Come in, but please, be quiet -- we should not wake her."

Trixie entered the house and went into the living room, where she saw Fluttershy sleeping on the sofa. She was smiling, and as she slept she occasionally blew a tuft of her pink mane up into the air before it settled over her face again. Across the room were several birds in cages and on posts, fast asleep despite the rising sun. Fluttershy's other pets were up and about, most in the middle of their breakfasts, but all were taking care not to wake Fluttershy or the birds. "Long night?" Trixie asked.

"We agreed that, in order to produce the best music possible, it was important to practice for as long as we needed until Fluttershy's birds -- and Fluttershy -- had mastered the music. We did not finish until just before dawn." Octavia was silent for a moment. "To be honest, I was skeptical that she would agree to work so hard. But between my... gentler comments, and whatever you said to her, she was willing." The cellist smiled slightly. "She is a strong pony."

"I know." Trixie smiled to herself. "A lot of ponies might want to count her out early, but when it really matters, especially with her animal friends, she's tough. I'm not surprise she mastered it all." The unicorn nodded as she levitated an empty tea cup to the sink. "But if you're done, why are you still up?"

Octavia cracked a smile. "In order for her to perform at her best, Fluttershy needed sleep. However, her animals also needed tending to. And... she insisted that, as she had worked so hard at my craft, that it would be fair for me to try my hoof at hers." She nodded at the bowls of food. "She showed me a checklist, asked her pet rabbit to supervise me, and so after she went to sleep I took care of the various chores to the best of my ability. I only just finished."

"She insisted?" Trixie blinked. She had never heard Fluttershy insist on anything, excluding that strange Fluttershy from another dimension that had earned the Element of Kindness. "How?"

"Admittedly, very quietly, and with more than a few apologies." Trixie couldn't help but chuckle at that. Octavia continued. "Still, she was right on all counts. And it would be hypocritical to support animal welfare in Fillydelphia while neglecting those closer to home. So I did my best to take care of the chores, and let Fluttershy sleep and recover some of her strength."

"How did you do?"

Octavia blushed. "I must concede that the rabbit found many reasons to correct me." Trixie giggled, familiar with Angel's brusque forms of correction. "It is..." she continued, "A very intricate craft, and Fluttershy's knowledge of every minute detail of how to care for every animal in this residence -- their individual diets, their exercise regimens, even their grooming sessions -- is something I doubt I could master if she gave me a month. But with the checklist she gave me, I was able to feed and check up on all of her pets." She smiled. "And I think her rabbit agrees."

Trixie looked around, and sure enough, she saw Angel standing at the foot of Fluttershy's couch. The bunny rabbit gave her a quick nod, then resumed his vigil, watching over the animals like the world's most adorable guard. "Yeah, Angel would let you know if you didn't."

The cellist checked the wall clock. "Still, we will need to wake her soon if she is to dress and prepare for the show. I can assist her--"

"No need to dress," said Trixie. "In fact, you can head on back to the motel. I'll get her there."

Octavia blinked. "Surely she must wear formal attire--"

"Nope." Trixie shook her head. "You're the musician -- you focus on the music. Me? I'm the showmare. I'm the pony who gets Fluttershy on the stage and shows her off to the crowd." Trixie helped Octavia up. "You can take a nap. I've got this."

"I cannot sleep now," said Octavia. "The concert is in an hour."

"Then at least get a donut or something." Octavia opened her mouth, and Trixie sighed. "Right, right, diet. Well... do whatever helps you stay awake. I promise you, I'll get Fluttershy there, in one piece, and looking just right for the concert." She beamed. "Come on. I think I've earned a little trust."

Octavia was silent for a few moments. "Yes. You have." She rose, then bowed slightly. "Until the concert, Lulamoon."

"See you there!"

Octavia left, and Trixie turned to Fluttershy's sleeping form. Don't worry. It'll all be worth it. I'll make sure of it.

***

Fluttershy cautiously eased a hoof up onto the doorknob, then dropped it back. "I'm scared," she whispered to Trixie.

"Scared?"

"I can't just go outside now. Ponies will see me." Fluttershy gulped. "I mean... not just one or two nice ponies. All of them." Her mane fell over her face. "Even Thunderlane!"

"Thunderlane?" Trixie blinked. "What's wrong with him?"

"What's wrong with him?" gasped Fluttershy. "Well..."

***

Fluttershy squeaked as she tripped, a few of the carrots coming out of her handbasket. She had fixed a nice picnic lunch for Angel and was taking it out to the backyard, but instead of reaching Angel, she almost fell on him. "Oh! I'm so sorry!"

"Hey, you okay?"

Fluttershy looked up to see Thunderlane holding a big cloud. He had paused and was looking down at her. "Need any help?" he called.

Fluttershy squeaked, dropped the rest of the carrots, and ran inside.

***

"He thinks I'm clumsy," sniffed Fluttershy. "And if he sees me again he'll call me Fluttercrash, or Butterfly, or some other mean name. I just know it!"

"Easy," said Trixie. She doubted Thunderlane even remembered the incident, and knew he wouldn't hold it against Fluttershy, but that wasn't important at that moment. "I--"

"But they'll laugh at me if I go outside. I'm--"

"Nope," insisted Trixie. "They won't see you at all."

Fluttershy blinked at the claim, and Trixie beamed. "Allow me to show you what the Great and Powerful Trixie can do! Abraca-Dinky!"

The pegasus giggled. "Abraca-Dinky?"

"Yeah, she wanted a few magical words for herself. But anyway, look at my front left hoof!"

Fluttershy did, then squeaked. Trixie had turned it invisible while joking with Fluttershy.

"See? Nopony can see it. Now, if you want, I can make you totally invisible as you walk through Ponyville. You'll be invisible to all." Trixie swept a still-visible hoof out, as if to emphasize the 'all.' "And not only that, but I, the Great and Powerful Dame Trixie Lulamoon, Hero of Equestria, will be across the street, making a huge scene! Every eye will gravitate towards me -- not one towards you!"

Fluttershy smiled, but it quickly faded. "That's nice, but... I have to be visible for my bird friends to see me. And the audience will see me on stage if my birds can. And--"

"Trust me," interjected Trixie. "I've thought this through." She smiled gently. "I promise you that you won't need to show yourself to anypony that you don't want to." She clasped Fluttershy's hoof. "Can you trust me?"

Fluttershy shut her eyes, but nodded.

"Great. I'll cast my spell on you, and we can get going!"

***

There were at least two hundred ponies gathered by the stage, which was decorated in a beautiful forested setting. The stands for the birds were indistinguishable from real tree branches, and the birds themselves, Trixie guessed, would pop out brightly against the greens and browns of the background. Rarity had outdone herself. 

The final set of lights blasted around Trixie, and then she hopped onto the stage. The ponies who had been watching the spectacle dispersed, some home but most to seats in the audience. It was already looking pretty full, with almost every seat occupied and a substantial crowd standing or flying nearby, but Trixie would take every pony she could get. The more ponies, the more donations, and the more likely this thing would be a success. "Ready, Fluttershy?"

"I think so," whispered the pony. She was standing somewhere to Trixie's right, completely invisible. "But... there's a building on the stage. Is there where I should stand?"

The 'building' was an enclosure, about as tall as one pony and wide enough for two. It fit the forested theme nicely, as it was constructed of a few logs and had vines and flowers poking out of it. It looked to Trixie like an enclosure one might find in a formal park. I owe Tin Taylor and his crew a few favors for this, but it's worth it. "Yes," said Trixie. "Right inside there, see?"

Fluttershy moved into the stand, at which point Trixie dismissed the invisibility. The pegasus looked around and smiled. "Nopony can see me in here," she said. Indeed, it was only open on one side, and that side looked further back onto the stage. The birds -- who were flying in now and setting up on the stands -- could see her, but no ponies could. "Trixie, this is perfect..."

And then the pegasus was hugging her. Trixie blinked before returning the hug. "I'll put the invisibility spell back on when it's time to go. Now -- show Ponyville why we should all care for our little furry friends, okay?"

Fluttershy beamed as she nodded. "I will! I'll make them love all the animals in Equestria! Even the skunks!"

That would be quite a feat, Trixie acknowledged as she trotted into the audience. But if anypony could pull it off, she was certain that Fluttershy could.

"Hey!" Lyra ran over, Carrot Top right behind her. "How's everything going?"

"It'll be a great show." Trixie beamed. "Soft Hoof won't have anything to complain about."

"Are you sure?" asked Carrot Top. Her voice bespoke uneasiness. "This is a lot of ponies, Trixie... Fluttershy's never performed for more than four."

"I've taken care of everything. Don't worry. I paid attention this time, and it's going to be great! "

Lyra nodded. "Yeah, Carrot Top. Let's have a little faith in Trixie now. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Trixie paused. "Well..."

***

"Trixie?" The unicorn turned to see Pokey trotting up to her. "While you were paying attention to the concert, Corona took over Equestria and blew up Canterlot."

"...what," managed Trixie.

"Also, an Ursa's destroying the east half of town, Philomena's destroying the west half, parasprites ate all our food, and Scootaloo drunk the entire town's supply of coffee. The nobles dropped by, but they just stuck out their tongues, said 'neener neener', and left without helping us." Pokey frowned. "Also, you're engaged to Blueblood for some reason."

Trixie could only stare. "...I'm going home," she announced at last. "I can't deal with this."

"Good idea. There's somepony there called Antithesis who says she wants to see you. Looks kind of angry too."

***

The other two Bearers stared at her.

"What? You asked for the worst thing that could happen," said Trixie.

"...And now I know never to do that again," said Lyra.

Trixie grinned and jokingly shoved Lyra. "I'm just kidding. Come on, this is going to be great. Let's get seats. Who was reserving them, again?"

"You, I think," said Carrot Top.

"Yeah, you said you'd do it two days ago," added Lyra.

Trixie paused. "... well, then, to the fabulous seats that I reserved! For us! And did not forget about!"

***

“I don’t think these count as seats,” grumbled Lyra, but it was good-natured. The steps of Sugar Cube Corner, which were across from the stage anyway, were at least reasonably comfortable.

“Shh,” said Carrot Top.

A few other ponies were back there with them, most notably Octavia, who had shut her eyes but had her ears determinedly perked in the direction of the stage. As Mayor Scrolls introduced the event, Trixie leaned over to her. "You're awake, right?"

Octavia opened one eye and glared at Trixie. The showmare grinned and scooted away. "Just checking."

"Where's Soft Hoof?" asked Carrot Top.

"She's not here already?" asked Lyra.

"I don't know," said Trixie. "She's so new that I don't know what she looks like--"

The birds chirped loudly for a few moments, quieting the chattering audience, and then Fluttershy began to play.

Trixie wasn’t good at understanding music. She couldn’t pick out melodies or themes or anything like that. But the music sounded beautiful to her, and she couldn't help but smile. This is good, she thought. No. This is great.

Even though she didn’t ‘get’ the music, she could still love what she heard... and what she heard was indeed lovely. The birds were singing wonderfully, with little trills in just the right spots that seemed to make everything faster, and with so many different pitches that the music felt amazingly full and deep. It was like she was being swept along in some sort of ocean, and she could just let it wash over her and fill her head with amazing sounds.

Some of the birds began to blast shorter, sharper chirps, and it sounded almost like a dog. Trixie grinned as they imitated barking, yipping, and all the other sounds a loyal and joyous pup gave to its owner. They imitated the meow of a cat, and the oink of a pig -- somehow making it sound inquisitive and excited, instead of messy and smelly -- and many more animals. Meanwhile, the other birds played melodies and harmonies, carrying the animal sounds along, folding them in, as if to show that the every utterance of a happy pet was a small bit of music in and of itself.

Eventually, the birds making the animal sounds returned to the main themes, adding their voices to give the melodies and harmonies just a little more depth and width. The fastest birds sang rapid streams of trills in the highest pitches, giving the music a fast, vivacious feel. Trixie was reminded of Winona, whom she'd seen chasing Applebloom and Scootaloo in an endless circle one hot summer afternoon. Other birds produced slower, steadier, and stately bass notes, filling in the rhythm for the piece. And still others filled out the middle. It was almost symphonic in range, and Trixie marveled at the ability of Fluttershy to get that kind of sound out of two dozen birds.

When she looked at Lyra and Octavia, she saw that seemed to be in a world of their own. They sat completely silently, almost breathing in time with the music. Every now and then, when something happened in the music – when it sounded brighter, somehow, or faster, or somehow more ‘full’ – they would both smile slightly, as if at some joke only they understood. Trixie knew that she didn't have mastery on that level, and nor did most of the audience. But they didn't need to. This music was so good that it could be enjoyed by everyone.

When she looked at Carrot Top, she saw something else. The mare was staring at the enclosure, smiling to herself and nodding her head whenever Fluttershy elicited a particularly strong or complicated response from the birds. She's been helping Fluttershy get to this point for a while, Trixie  thought. This must feel like a huge milestone for her... no wonder Carrot Top's happy.

And then she thought, And I helped. Fluttershy is putting on a great concert, for a cause she really cares about. Carrot Top's efforts with Fluttershy are paying off. Lyra and Octavia, who have crazy high standards for music, are able to enjoy this, not to mention the rest of the audience.

I helped make this possible.

I got it right.
***

The concert lasted for an hour, though it felt like thirty seconds. When it was done, Trixie was one of the first on her hooves to stomp her approval. “Bravo!”

“Brava,” corrected Octavia. Her eyes had opened smoothly at the end of the concert, and she was on her hooves right alongside Trixie. She was applauding too. “Magnificent!” she called. "Sublime!"

"Yeah!" roared Lyra. "Go Fluttershy!"

Carrot Top stamped her hooves and cheered alongside them.

It took several minutes for the applause to subside, after which Trixie hurried up to the stage and helped Fluttershy sneak away under cover of invisibility. "Wonderful," she whispered. "Fluttershy, you're amazing."

Fluttershy's response was a soft, but clearly happy, squeak.

Baronetess Soft Hoof took the stage next. Trixie blinked a few times when she saw her. She was an earth pony with a soft, white coat, a pink mane, a bluejay as her cutie mark – and a long scar across her right eye. It was faded, almost blending in with her coat, but it still took a moment for Trixie to look away. I wonder what happened to her...

“Thank you, Fluttershy, for that gorgeous performance,” said Soft Hoof. The crowd applauded again. “Now, as to business:

“When I was a young foal, living a carefree life in the province of South Everfree, I did some foolish things,” she said. Her voice was soft and clear, reminding Trixie of a kindly old teacher. “I had a few friends with whom I had several adventures... some more foolish than others. One night, I went out with them to explore the Everfree, but I found myself lost in the dark and mysterious forest.” She gestured at it. "No matter how hard I tried to get out, I only got myself more lost. I had no food, no water, night fell, and it grew very cold. And then, when I thought things couldn't get any worse... I ran into a timbrewolf."

She paused for a moment. “I would have died, but my dog Sunshine had been tracking me when I didn't come home that night. She caught up to me just in time, attacked the wolf and scared it away. Instead of being killed, I was only injured. And, thanks to the doctors, they were able to heal me of almost all of the damage – with just one exception.” She gestured at her eye. "Thanks to Sunshine, my most faithful companion and one of my best friends, I survived. I owe my life to her.

“At first, I was just thrilled to be alive. But after that I began to wonder: what would have happened if my dog had been the one that had been injured? We didn’t have a veterinary clinic in town. If my dog had gotten hurt helping me, I could have been healed, but not him. My savior would have languished in pain, with nopony able to aid him. That seemed wrong to me.” She paused. "In fact, I knew that was wrong."

“Since then,” she continued, “I have made it my mission to ensure that animals across Equestria have access to veterinary care. When a dog breaks a leg, or a bird fractures a wing, or a kitten gets sick, there should always be somewhere they can to where a kind, caring pony can make them feel better.” She nodded. ”Since then, I have led drives to open up six large veterinary clinics, all in major metropolitan areas with many more animals than could have been cared for in existing clinics. The foals in those towns can know that, should their pets be injured, somepony can take care of them. The older ponies, with their older pets who have stayed with them through thick and thin, know that their pets will be taken care of if they fall ill. Anypony in those areas with an animal they care about, a dog to cuddle when they are sad, a cat to play with when they want to have fun, a bird who can sing or a rabbit who can bounce or a pig who can play in the mud -- their pets are safe.” There was more applause. 

“Now I am leading a drive to build the biggest clinic yet. It will take up half a block in Fillydelphia, and will have the space to house three hundred animals at once. The challenge is great, but I believe that it is worth it. Our animals are precious. They are loyal, true, bringing joy to young and old alike! They produce fantastic art and music – you have just heard for yourselves the sweetness of bird song – and improve any community they inhabit.” She bowed her head. “Please help me ensure that we can improve their lot as well.”

There was silence for a moment.

And then:

“I pledge ten bits!” cried out one pony from the front.

“I pledge twenty bits!” cried out another.

Diamond Tiara began hopping up and down in front of her father. “Daddy, help the cute animals!”

“I pledge five hundred bits!” said Filthy Rich.

"Then I pledge six hundred!" said Sterling Silver, a pony whom Trixie knew did not like to be outdone.

"I pledge my piggy bank!" yelled Sweetie Belle, hopping onto a very confused-looking Big Macintosh with a little ceramic piggy balanced on her back. "That's twelve bits!"

"Sweetie Belle, nonsense," said Rarity, levitating her down. "I'll put in twelve bits for you. And for myself, shall we say thirty?"

Soft Hoof seemed taken aback by the sudden rush of support. “I – thank you!” she said. “Thank you so much! There are donation forms up at the front of the stage, please—“

The crowd swarmed them.

***

“That was incredible” said Soft Hoof to Trixie. The crowd was still filling out forms, and the Baronetess had moved to one side to answer questions and talk to ponies. “I’ve never had such a strong response. This town might fund more of the clinic by themselves than any other village."

“No problem,” said Trixie.

“As the town’s Representative of the Night Court, I would like to thank you – and the entire town – for your generosity, and for the beautiful concert.” Soft Hoof looked around. “Where is Fluttershy?”

“She’s… around,” said Trixie. “She’s kind of shy.”

“Please convey my gratitude to her,” said Soft Hoof. “I can tell, the concert made the difference. And inform her that, if she wants to do more concerts, I would be happy to bring her to any locations on my tour – all expenses paid, she’s more than worth it.”

“I’ll let her know.”

Soft Hoof smiled at Trixie. “I need to get back to the crowd. Thank you again.” And then she was turning to Sparkler, who was smiling brightly and seemed very eager to donate some money. Trixie grinned to herself and then trotted away.

The showmare found Fluttershy, who was lurking in an alley. But she wasn't alone. A taller, orange-coated pegasus was embracing her. "That was lovely, dear," said the newcomer. "You've... you've made me very proud."

Trixie's eyes widened. Duchess Fragrant Posey? The Duchess wasn't wearing any formal clothing or jewelry, she had no attendants, and even her bearing seemed relaxed, but it was unquestionably the Duchess of Cloudsdale, Fluttershy's aunt. I didn't know she'd be here! Well, okay, her niece's debut, so maybe I should have expected it, but... she could have written ahead!

Fluttershy said, in a quiet but happy voice, "I'm glad you liked it, Auntie."

Trixie tried to back up, but bumped into a water barrel and fell on her flank as the two turned.  Fragrant looked puzzled, but Fluttershy just smiled. "Trixie! It was wonderful! Thank you for your help!" She sounded incredibly joyous, her soft voice bursting with glee. “That was fantastic, and now all those animals will be saved and helped and loved… oh, Trixie, it was wonderful!”

“I’m glad—“

And then Fluttershy was nuzzling her. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” said Fluttershy. 

Trixie blushed. 

"You were behind this?" Duchess Posey looked at the crowd, still swarming Soft Hoof's donation forms, and then back at Trixie.

Trixie debated what to say. She settled on the honest, but not too braggy, "Yes."

"Then I thank you as well." Duchess Posey bowed her head, and Trixie's heart almost stopped. "You've... you've done a lot for my niece. I think I speak for both of us when I say how grateful we are."

The showmare didn't know how to respond. And then Fluttershy nuzzled her again, and she blushed some more. 

Yeah, she thought, as she wound up embracing Fluttershy in a hug. Everything went off perfectly. I helped Octavia, and Fluttershy, and all the animals.

I am a good friend.
> Trixie's Triumph
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie trotted back to her friends, a big smile on her face. Glancing behind her, she saw Rainbow Dash flying down from the cloud she'd been keeping stationary, presumably to congratulate Fluttershy. Turning back to her friends, she saw both Carrot Top and Lyra looking at her with obvious happiness. "That," she told them, "Is one very happy family."

Lyra hugged her. "I knew you could do it!"

"Of course! Was there ever any doubt?" Trixie paused. "Don't answer that."

"We knew you'd come through," Carrot Top chuckled as she pointed with a hoof at the crowd, which was still milling around the stage and filling out donation forms. "Looks like the concert was a big success. I don't think Soft Hoof'll have any trouble getting that clinic funded." 

Trixie noted Duchess Posey leaving the alley and approaching Soft Hoof. "I think that's a safe bet. Although... maybe I'll chip in a few bits. Never let it be said that the Great and Powerful Trixie is without heart."

"I'll throw in some too," said Carrot Top.

"Me three! And Octavia will..." Lyra looked around. "Hey, where'd she go? It's not like her to run out right at the end of a concert."

Trixie turned to Sugar Cube Corner, but the cellist was gone. "I know she was here at the end," Trixie said. "I saw her clapping. Maybe she went back to her hotel?"

"No, she told me she wanted to talk afterwards. Something about a music group she's working on with this metal artist named Crescendo and a few other ponies; she wanted to see if I could check it out. She even asked me to recommend somewhere with good tea where we could talk." Lyra frowned. "I guess she might be in the crowd of ponies donating..."

"She shouldn't be too hard to find," said Trixie. "Lyra, you check the crowd up by the stage. Carrot Top, check the local cafes. I'll look in Sugar Cube Corner, make sure Pinkie Pie didn't drag her in there, tie her up, and start force-feeding her cake."

Carrot Top giggled. "You just want an early dessert."

"What can I say? The Great and Powerful Trixie has a Great and Powerful sweet tooth." Trixie grinned. "See you in five!"

***

"Octavia?" asked Mrs. Cake. "Yes, dear, I saw her. Pinkie took her down to the basement. Poor mare looked exhausted. Pinkie said she was going to give her something to perk her up."

Trixie frowned. "In the basement?"

"Well, Pinkie can be a little... confusing sometimes. But she's really a splendid baker." Mrs. Cake smiled. "Want a peanut-butter cookie? She just baked them before the concert."

"One to go, please." Trixie eased the basement door open. Was it her imagination, or did she hear maniacal laughter floating upwards? "Um. It looks kind of dark."

"She's putting together a Nightmare Night exhibit downstairs. She told us that we should dim the lights so it's more, uh, spook-a-riffic." 

"Of course she did," murmured Trixie as she gingerly stepped downstairs. Was the Cakes' basement always this far down?

After a long flight of stairs, Trixie found herself at the bottom. The room was very dark, but the showmare heard what sounded like somepony struggling. Her horn flared, and she had a glimpse of ghost and spider decorations on the walls --

And then Pinkie Pie was standing right in front of her. She had a huge grin on her face. And a large knife in her hoof. "Hi Trixie! I'm glad you're here! I have a special treat just for you!"

It finally happened, Trixie thought, staring in stunned bewilderment as Pinkie Pie brought the knife up. Pinkie snapped, and now she's going to cut me into little bits and probably bake me into a cake or something. I survived Corona, and Grogar, and the salamanders and all the others, and now I'm going to be killed by a crazy party pony.

Pinkie slashed the knife down... into a large cake on a table right next to Trixie. "It's banana-chocolate-marscapone cake! You'll love it!" she chirped as she cut a huge wedge of cake.

Trixie just kept staring, mouth open, until Pinkie shoved the cake into her hooves. "Um... thanks?"

"No problem! I love giving treats to my friends!" Pinkie hugged Trixie, then hopped away from the bewildered mare.

Trixie dimly recalled why she'd gone down into the basement in the first place. "Hey! Have you seen Octavia?"

"Of course, silly! She's right over here!"

Trixie walked to the far end of the basement, where her horn illuminated Octavia. The cellist was lying on what looked like a gigantic marshmallow, sleeping quietly.  The showmare blinked a few times. "Pinkie? What's going on?"

"You told me not to shoot desserts at Octavia anymore. So I decided I'd just put them right in her mouth! But she kept running away whenever I tried before, so I had to get her while she's asleep! After the concert, I saw how tired she was, so I got her to come in here and then I got the cake ready! Once she wakes up, I'll just stuff a ymmylicious slice of cake in her mouth and liberate her from the shackles of healthy eating!" She grinned. "Oh, once she learns how good chocolate tastes, I'm sure she'll thank me! And then we'll be great friends, and we can share dessert recipes, and she can introduce candy to her fancy concerts, and--"

Trixie shook her head. "Pinkie! You can't just force-feed a pony desserts."

"Of course I can, silly! It's easy!"

"No, I mean--" Trixie tried to figure out how to explain it. "I mean, you're not supposed to. It's illegal."

"Nuh-uh! My Nana said that you're allowed to force a pony to eat one dessert for thirty seconds as long as it's really delicious and you don't mean to harm them!"

"Why in the wide world of Equestria would that be legal?" asked Trixie.

"Well, Nana says..."

***

Two thousand years ago.

Celestia patrolled in front of her Royal Guards. There were a dozen all told, her top commanders and most powerful magicians. Each and every one of them could match any four of the lower-ranked Guards in any martial competition imaginable. They were all veterans of countless high-stakes missions for the Equestrian government. But the mission they were about to go on would still be the most challenging task they had ever undertaken.

"Ready?" Celestia murmured. Their target was in the very next room, distracted by her work -- though she wouldn't be for long. "Everypony?"

"Ma'am, yes ma'am!"

"Then go!"

The Guards burst into the room in a well-trained rush. The occupant jerked herself up to her hooves. "What is--"

"Attack!" ordered Celestia. "Tickle formation!"

"Tickle--?"

And then the Guards had swarmed Luna, each with a feather held tightly in their teeth. And they began to tickle her. All over.

Luna was quickly overcome with muffled giggles. She tried to brush them off, but Celestia blocked her telekinesis, and the Guards were tough enough to dodge the few strikes Celestia missed. Soon the blue alicorn was laughing helplessly on the floor. And that was when Celestia levitated the chocolate cake into her mouth.

"Mmmf!" Luna's eyes widened, but the guards stopped tickling and she was able to chew and swallow. There was silence for a moment. And then she said: "...alright, dear sister. I concede that this new invention, this 'chocolate cake' that your baker friend is so proud of, is indeed a delicious treat."

"And...?"

"And we can hire him as our castle baker." 

"Yay!" cheered Celestia.

Luna giggled, using her magic to wipe a bit of cake from her muzzle. "Really, I would have tasted his cake eventually. I am busy--"

"A very dear sister of mine told me once, when I was staying up at all hours working out what to do about the Everfree, that one should never be too busy for dessert. But I'm glad you agree." Celestia smiled and dismissed the Guards. "Would you like another slice?"

"...maybe one more."

Celestia grinned.

"But you know," said Luna, as they went to the castle kitchens, "I could technically have you arrested for that."

"No you couldn't. I had the Courtiers make a little change in the laws..."

***

Trixie could only stare. "Pinkie, that's ridiculous!" she said.

"What, cause Corona's a big old meanie-pants? I thought you said she used to be a nice pony!"

"No, but -- I mean -- okay, Luna would never do that!" Trixie turned up her muzzle. "She is a serious and dignified ruler. She would never do something so silly as squabble with her co-sovereign over dessert! That's like saying she'd... get into pillow fights!"

***

At that very moment, back in the page barracks of Canterlot castle, a young page known as Night Vision -- really Princess Luna in disguise -- was cheering with some friends as another page, a perpetually happy one named Paperweight, struggled to balance five overstuffed pillows on her muzzle.

"Seven!" the watching pages cheered. "Eight! Nine! Te -- oh!" 

For the top pillow was falling down off of the stack. Paperweight squeaked and tried to rebalance to catch it, but she tilted her muzzle too far, and a moment later she was attacked by five falling giant pillows. "Oh no!"

The pages helped her up, and Night Vision grinned. "Five pillows, for twenty seconds per pillow. I think that's a new record!"

"Care to match it?" Paperweight grinned. "Bet you a grilled cheese sandwich you can't!"

"You're on!" Night Vision grinned, then tilted up her muzzle. "Start piling them on!"

Three overstuffed pillows were immediately set on her head, and the pages began to count. "One! Two!"

***

"Well, it doesn't matter!" said Pinkie. She shook her head quickly and picked up a plate with more cake on it. "Desserts are wonderful! I can't imagine how much fun she hasn't had because she's scared of them! Now, I'm going to help her, and--"

"Wait!" Trixie stood between Octavia and the cake Pinkie was rushing at her mouth, with the result that the cake spattered all over Trixie's barrel. "...okay, ignoring that. But Pinkie, is this really what you want? To force somepony to eat your desserts? Aren't desserts best enjoyed when it's voluntary?" She frowned. "I mean, if you're forcing somepony to eat something they don't like, does it really matter if it's something delicious like candy, or yucky like, uh, okra?"

Pinkie paused. "But..."

"Well?"

Pinkie seemed to deflate a little bit. "Sure... but then she'll never eat sweets! She'll never know the sheer joy of a perfect brownie, or lemon bar, or cookie, or even a cup of ice cream!" She put a hoof to her head. "Can you imagine anything more tragic?"

"But this isn't the way. Just like Fluttershy and Soft Hoof didn't force ponies to give money to the veterinary clinic... they just showed them how great animals were, and then the ponies donated of their own free will." Trixie took Pinkie aside. "Do you really want Octavia to eat desserts regularly? Not just when you force-feed her, but of her own free will!"

"Of course!"

"Then what you have to do is make the most spectacular, delicious dessert you've ever made." Trixie spun Pinkie around so their muzzles were almost touching. "Make it so incredibly delicious, so obviously sublime, that Octavia won't be able to resist it. Show her, not by force, but by example, how incredible desserts are. That's what you have to do." 

"But, what if I can't make a dessert delicious enough?" asked Pinkie. "Can we really stake the fate of Octavia's taste buds on that?"

"Yes! I'm sure you can bake something that even she'll want to eat if you try -- you're an incredible baker, Pinkie! And I will help you! Whenever you finish a test run, send me a sample, and I promise I'll be the most exacting critic you can find!" Trixie clasped her hoof. "Together, we can make a dessert that not only Octavia, but ponies everywhere will love!"

Pinkie grinned. "Wow! I had no idea you thought so much about my skills!" She jumped up and down. "Okay then! I'll do it!"

Octavia groaned, and her eyes fluttered open. "...Trixie? What's going on? Where am I?"

"Oh, I dragged you down to the basement of the bakery so I could force-feed you cake," chattered Pinkie. "But Trixie convinced me not to. Instead, I'm going to design a new dessert that even you want to eat! In fact, I'm going to start right now! Later!" And she ran off.

Octavia and Trixie looked at each other in the nearly pitch-black basement.

"...you live in a strange town," said Octavia.

Trixie grinned. "Wouldn't live anywhere else. C'mon, I think Lyra wants to talk to you."

"Yes, she mentioned that." Octavia got to her hooves. "I trust you will be with us as well?"

"You... want me there?"

Octavia hesitated. "...yes. I admit that we did not get off to the best start. I was still angry with you over the Ice Palace... incident... and then of course I associated with Greengrass, and you know the rest. But your actions over the past few days demonstrate that you are a mare worth befriending. And if you can forgive me my earlier betrayals, I can forgive the comparatively minor slights you made against me." She smiled slightly. "I would be honored to count you among my friends."

Trixie grinned. "Right back atcha."

***
"All in all, I think that went well."

Trixie sighed as she reclined on her sofa. Octavia had gone back to Canterlot -- but she'd given Trixie a warm goodbye before leaving, and had even invited her to her 'genre fusion' group's first recital in a month. Fluttershy too had returned to her cottage, but she'd had such a warm smile on her face that Trixie just knew she'd be a little more willing to get out of her house and do things like this in the future. Soft Hoof, Posey, Rainbow Dash, and the other Elements all seemed happy with her. Even Rarity -- who had been complimented by Soft Hoof for her designs, and who had apparently agreed to rent them to the Baronetess for future performances -- had stopped by the Representative's Residency to thank her.

Yep. This day could not possibly get any better. She paused. Well, unless I finally got that invincibility spell worked out for my window. But besides that.

That was when her hat glowed and a letter shot out of it. Trixie caught it with her telekinesis and floated it over. "Huh?"

"My faithful student," the letter began. "I have had several reports today of your recent activities -- from Duchess Posey, Baronetess Soft Hoof, and also my Court Musician. I am so incredibly proud of you. You demonstrated remarkable maturity and a thorough understanding of friendship..."

Trixie grinned. Alright. Maybe it could get a little better.

She settled back on the couch and continued to read the letter. And, as she did so, one thought kept running through her head.

I really am a good friend.