//------------------------------//
// Not so Secret Friendship 
// Story: The Mysteries of Love 
// by MysteriousStranger 
//------------------------------//

Rarity's P.O.V.

Why, why, why?! I should at least have taken Trixie to another corridor before celebrating, but I couldn't hold my excitement. What am I going to do? How is Trixie going to react? I looked at her. She was pale, frozen. She didn't move her eyes from Sunset Shimmer. I turned my head from Trixie to Sunset, before I spoke to the later.

"Wh-Why are you here? Biology is the last class today. We were allowed to leave after finishing."

"I borrowed your pen, remember?" Sunset said as she showed me the pen I borrowed her. I forgot... How could I forget! Now, Trixie will blame me, and just when our friendship was starting to forge. My body was shaking, but I still took my pen back.

"H-How much did you see...?"

"Enough to wonder if I'm crazy. You and Trixie were cheering. Trixie was cheering with you. But she dislikes us, doesn't she? It makes no sense."

"Well, uhh... I... umm... I can explain..."

"What were we doing is none of your business!" Trixie spoke all of the sudden, surprising both me and Sunset. "You could have returned the pen tomorrow!"

"Wait, what? How was I supposed to...? Huh?!" Sunset was even more confused now, and I was... scared. Trixie was being mean in front of me. Have she lost it? Were we... done?

"Don't you dare say anything, or you'll regret it! Got it?"

"Are you threatening me?" Sunset's words were showing signs of anger.

"What? Too stupid to understand? Of course I'm threatening you!"

"That's enough!" I couldn't take it anymore. I had to interrupt the argument before Sunset Shimmer spoke again, possibly making things worse. I darted my eyes towards Trixie. I felt my blood boiling. I was furious! "You, get in that empty classroom, missy!" I pointed towards a nearby door with my finger while I put my other hand on my waist. Trixie looked between Sunset and me, panting, before obeying me. She stormed off towards the room I pointed at. After she closed the door with a slam, I looked at Sunset. I bet she has never been so confused in her life. "Wait here. Don't say a word about this." She nodded, and I felt safe to finally get into the empty classroom to have a word with my friend... if I can still call her that.

"Trixie, what on Earth was that?!" She had her back against me. She wasn't moving a muscle. "I cannot allow you to yell nor insult my friends like that! I can barely tolerate your malicious actions towards other students, but not my friends! I'm drawing a line! I have been nothing but patient with you for the past three weeks. Changing is a slow process, I know, but that was going too far! What? You forgot I was there?! Did you seriously think I wasn't going to say anything?"

"No..." Her voice was broken. Was she crying? Or was she about to? For the first time since I started to scold her, I saw her move. She hugged herself, however, I still couldn't see her face since she was giving me her back. I took deep breaths to calm down before speaking again.

"Trixie, turn around... Let me see you..." Trixie sniffed and slowly turned around without removing her arms from her own waist. She hesitated before looking at me. Her eyes were wet, but I saw no sign of tears on her cheeks. I felt bad for yelling at her, but she went too far. "Please, try to control yourself. I can handle my friends... I could have solved this peacefully. Sunset will listen to me."

"Yeah, right..." She frowned by the mention of Sunset's name.

"What's your problem with her?"

"I don't like her..." Trixie eyed at me. I could notice she was angry, but I knew it wasn't directed to me. It was directed to my friend. "I don't trust her. You know as well as I do what she did."

"But, Trixie, that's in the past. Besides, isn't that what you are?"

"Don't compare me with her!" She raised a hand towards me to point at me with her index finger. "I might be a bully, but there's certain things even I know wouldn't do. I can't forgive her. Plus, she wears a jacket with spikes. That raises the alarm!"

Come on, Trixie. Isn't that prejudice? "What did she do to make you dislike her so much?"

"Please, just... forget about it." She crossed her arms again and avoided my gaze. I sighed. No way she would tell me what made her dislike Sunset Shimmer so much. I had to give up on the subject. For now at least. An awkward silence followed. One which Trixie broke after a while. "I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have lost myself in front of you. It won't happen again." I gazed at her. I could see her lips quivering, so, I waited until she gained enough courage to say what she had in mind. "Are we... are we still friends...?"

I had to admit that her voice alone got me to smile. The tone she used showed me how scared she was of the possibility of losing our friendship. She even looked at me with puppy eyes. So cute!

"I suppose I can't cut you off just for one step back. It wouldn't be nice of me, right?" A grin slowly formed on Trixie's face. She walked towards me, attempting to hug me, but I stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. "Just let me do the talking next time, okay?" I spoke with severity to show her I wasn't joking around.

"I don't want a next time, but I won't say a word in case we get caught in a similar situation." I smiled before hugging her. I never thought I would be able to tame the beast. After we stopped hugging, Trixie crossed her arms and directed her eyes towards the door. "What are we going to do about... her?"

"I'll ask Sunset not to tell anyone so our secret doesn't spread."

"Are you sure she keep her word? Do you trust her that much?".

"Yes, trust her. I can assure you she won't tell anyone else if I ask her not to."

Trixie turned her gaze towards me. She didn't look happy. "Okay, but whatever you do, don't make me talk to her. I can't stand that girl." It was a shame that Trixie still had a bad impression of Sunset. If only she got to know her.

"I won't, and I won't tell her anything personal about you, don't worry."

"I know I can trust you, Rarity. She, is the problem." Trixie emphasised 'she' again, this time, pointing towards the door but avoiding looking at it.

"Alright. Let's go back. Leave it to me."

Trixie nodded and said nothing else. We walked back to where Sunset was waiting. Trixie followed me, staying behind the whole time, even when we reached Sunset Shimmer.

"Oh, you're back. I hope everything's alright?" Sunset glared at Trixie, not with a friendly look. I know she was worried if Trixie insulted me while we were gone, but she hid behind me like a dog who just heard a thunder. She even took my wrist. I suppose it helped her to remain calm. I had to admit, it was cute.

"Yes, we're back. Sunset, I would really appreciate if you didn't tell anyone that Trixie and I are friends."

"Friends?" Sunset chuckled, thinking I was joking. She stopped when she realized I was frowning. "Wait, are you serious?"

"Darling, please, I can't give you any more details. Just, promise me that you won't say anything." I could notice that she was unsure. The expression she had said it all. She glared at Trixie again. I turned my head a bit to see her reaction. She avoided looking at Sunset and tightened her grip on my wrist. This is so not like you, Trixie. I felt a warm feeling in my inside. I wasn't sure why. Maybe because Trixie found safety in me? Curiosity invaded me. I wanted to know why exactly she asked me to be my friend. It was one of the reasons I was being so patient with her. But it was a challenge. I will solve this mystery at its due time. Sunset sighed, which made me return to reality and focus on her again. She gave me a reassuring smile.

"Alright, I'll keep your secret safe. Because I trust you. I don't know what's going on, but I won't worry as long as you promise me that you know what you're doing."

I smiled confidently at my friend. "Of course that I'm sure. Thank you, Sunset. Trixie and I owe you a big one. Just... avoid talking to her."

"Umm, sure... whatever you say, Rarity." she was dumbfounded. I can't really blame her. Even I was still a little confused. "I'll be leaving, then. I'll see you at Sugarcube Corner." She smiled at me and walked away. I watched her until she was gone.

"She's gone." I said the moment Sunset was no longer in sight. Trixie slowly left her cover and stood next to me. She was still holding my wrist.

"I'm surprised she didn't ask too many questions."

"I told you she would help us. You don't have to worry anymore, Trixie."

She huffed and looked at me, recovering her smile. "You really took a huge weight off my shoulders, Rarity. I don't know what to say, but, thank you..."

"You don't need to say anything else, darling, this is what friends do. Help each other when they're in need. Just like you helped me with my biology test."

She nodded and stared at the ceiling. She was surely focused on her thoughts, so I decided not to bother her. She looked at me again after a little while. "You said you were going to Sugarcube Corner, right?"

"Yes, but I still have some time before that."

"Great!"

We remained still for a few seconds, just smiling at each other. She was still holding my wrist and I was hoping she would react, but she didn't. "Trixie..."

"Yes?"

"My wrist, dear."

"Oh!" She quickly removed her hand from my wrist. I could swear she was blushing "I-I'm sorry! I didn't...! I was just...!"

"Easy, Trixie. It's alright." She didn't dare to look at me. Was she really that embarrassed? "Come on, let's walk around town to see if we can do something before I meet my friends." She nodded, still not looking at me. She walked beside me, until she stood still all of the sudden. I turned to see her. "Trixie?" She was looking at the school board. "What is it, darling." I walked towards her.

"This..." She pointed at one post in particular, so I read it.

Join the Phoenix Wings female volleyball team! If you're interested, please, come to see our captain at the Phoenix Wings basketball/Volleyball court after class, every Wednesday. We only have one more spot.

"A female volleyball team? One of the students here must be helping them to get recruits. What about it?"

"I... want to join the team, but they would surely kick me out because of... you know..."

"Your attitude?"

She shot a glare at me. She seemed angry at first, but her expression quickly softened and focused her eyes on the floor. "Yes..."

"What if I go with you? Would that help?"

Trixie quickly looked at me. "You would?"

"Of course! I can watch from the terrace."

"But, don't you have to meet with your friends?"

"Yes, but I told you, I have some time before that. You won't lose the spot this time, Trixie."

"What if they take someone else?"

"At least this time you will show up. What do you say? Will you try?"

She kept staring at me, then her eyes shifted towards the post on the board before looking back at me with determination. "Yes. I won't let this vacant to slip from my hands again. With you there, I think I'll be able to concentrate on being accepted instead of releasing my inner beast."

I giggled and smiled at her. "That's the spirit! Now, let's go before you change your mind."

She nodded. "Just let me get my bag with my sports clothes. Showing up with a dress is probably not the best idea."

"Yes, of course. You're right." We walked to her locker where she got her sports bag. Then, we headed to the closest bathroom. Since almost everyone was gone, Trixie used it as a changing room while I waited outside. She opened the door minutes later wearing a plain white shirt and black yoga shortd. Next, we stopped by my locker to get my purse before heading towards where the trials were being held. The stadium wasn't exactly close from our school, but it wasn't too far either. We took the opportunity to talk more.

"I'm so nervous. I can't believe I'm actually going to try it this time. I can't thank you enough for this, Rarity."

"It's my pleasure, darling. I'm glad to see you're interested in a healthy hobby."

"I have hobbies! I, umm... play videogames and... jog."

"Video Games is not a healthy hobby. You remain sitting looking at a screen for long periods of time. But it won't do any harm as long as you do exercise."

"Which I do. I jog and I might join a sport team. Trust me, I do plenty of exercise."

"I believe you. So, speaking of the volleyball team..."

"What about it?"

I had to think carefully what I was about to say. "Well, how to put it? This could be an opportunity for a new start. It's unlikely what we'll find people we know here."

"What are you trying to say?" She was visibly confused. I hope I'm not asking too much too soon.

"What if... you... try to be... nicer...?" She raised an eyebrow at me. Oh, no, quick, think on something, Rarity! "Look, I know it's not easy for you, but I'll be there with you. Besides, you said that you have been avoiding the tryouts because of your attitude. You know that you won't be allowed in the team if you're too rude. You're going to see them often if you're chosen, so..."

"I know, I know..." Trixie looked away. "I'll try. Rarity, this is why I'm glad you're coming along. I need you in order to get the best of me."

Her statement brought a warm feeling to my cheeks. She was so nice to me. She always had something to say to make me smile. Trixie, why me? Why can you only be like this with me? Whenever she complimented me, I would feel warm on the inside. I would smile, even if I was angry or sad. What was this feeling? It was... familiar. "Yes, umm... thank you." why was I suddenly nervous?

Trixie replied with a smile before she focused her eyes on where she was going. "Well, here we are." Already? Wow, didn't notice how much time it took us to come here. We stood before the door. Trixie took a deep breath, surely to gather courage to enter. I put a hand on her shoulder, which made her gasp and look at me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, darling. Did I scare you?"

"N-No, it's okay." She looked back at the door. I could swear seeing her face turning red, but I didn't dwell too much into it. After staring at the door for a few seconds more, she spoke again. "You go first. Don't worry, I won't run away."

I nodded at her and entered the stadium after I saw her determination.

I have never been here before. The stadium was nothing out of the ordinary. The tryouts were being held in the main basketball court. It was a prepared for the occasion. A net was set in the middle of the court, where I could see two girls from each side playing, alongside other three girls on one of the sides. One of them, who had brown hair, had a whistle around her neck. They had to be the captain and two of her most trusted players. I found a seat at the top of the terrace, I wasn't close to the other viewers, but not far either. Just as I sat, Trixie opened the door and walked in. She scanned the room until she found me. She smiled and got in the line after she left her sports bag next to one of the benches to wait for her turn.

"No, no, no! That's not how you hit the ball when you're defending! You need to hold your hands together under your knees and duck to give your teammate a chance to throw it back to the rival team!" The captain said. She wasn't playing around. She takes sports as seriously as Rainbow Dash does.

"I-I'm sorry!" The poor girl was about to cry.

"If you cry, you're out!"

The girl left the stadium crying. The captain was too strict. Trixie looked at me, worried. I nodded to her to give her confidence. But I had doubts now. She wanted to join the team so bad, but the captain was awful. What if she was too harsh on Trixie? What if her attitude encouraged her to continue bullying? I was here to support her. I'm not backing down. I'm doing what any good friend would.

"Captain, you were too hard on her. I know that there's a big match next weekend, but you shouldn't yell at the girls. Everyone will leave and we'll have no one to take in."

"She's right, captain. Look, some of the girls who came to the tryouts are leaving."

The players were right. Only Trixie and two other girls remained. I was glad to hear that only the captain was acting rude. Her teammates seemed kind.

"I-I'm sorry girls... you know that I'm stressed. I don't want to be disqualified for not having enough players. If only Dixie didn't move out to another country..." The captain took deep breaths and calmed down. "Next!"

The next girl in line ran towards the court and took the empty space which was just abandoned by that poor girl. Both sides did a good job, or at least I think they did. None of the judges said anything until one of the girls scored. "Alright, that's enough. You two over there, go to sit on the bench and let the last two candidates give it a shot."

The two girls who were playing since I entered walked out the court and sat. They opened bottles of water and drank l
most of its content. Trixie and the last girl walked in. She looked at me as she stepped in. I showed her my thumbs up and muttered You'll be fine to her. Of course she couldn't listen to me, but she still understood what I said. She smiled confidently and nodded.

"Alright, ready?" The captain blew her whistle and Trixie's turn began. She wasn't half bad. In fact, she wasn't bad at all. She blocked perfectly and she knew how to hit the ball. She was also a good team player by letting her teammate hit the ball sometimes. The rally went on and on for a while. It was intense. It was so intense, that I just got lost in the game, completely forgetting it was just a tryout. When Trixie performed a spiker and a perfect kill, I couldn't prevent myself from standing on my seat to cheer.

"Yes, woohoo!" My voice echoed through the whole stadium. All eyes shifted towards me. I blushed, embarrassed, and slowly sat back on my seat. I covered my eyes with my hands, but I looked at Trixie between my fingers. I hope she wouldn't get angry at me for openly showing my support to her. To my surprise, she just shook her head with a big smile. I released all the air I was holding and sat straight. She wasn't angry at me so I could relax.

"Well, that was... something." The captain said as she walked towards Trixie. "I can see you are no newbie. What's your name?"

"Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon."

"Tell me, Trixie. From where did you get your skills?"

"I often play one on one matches when I go to the beach."

"I see." The captain walked back to the other two judges and talked in secret. I could see how nervous Trixie was from where I was. Even I was nervous. I had both of my hands clasped together on my chest level, awaiting the captain's next words. After what seemed to be an eternity, the captain returned to Trixie and cleared her throat. "I think we have found our new teammate. Welcome aboard, Trixie." The captain shook Trixie's hand.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you so much!" My friend excitedly shook the captain's hand with both of her own.

"Alright, everyone. That will be all. Thank you for showing up, and I'm sorry for those who couldn't get the spot!" After hearing the captain's words, everyone started to leave. I walked back to the floor level to wait for my friend. "Trixie, if you come with us, we'll tell you about our schedule and talk to you about the tournament which we have this weekend."

"Sure, just give me a minute and I'll be with you."

"Okay. We'll be in the changing room. Join us when you're ready. I think it's safe to say that you will be a valuable addition to our team. I'm looking forward to train with you. Maybe you'll teach one or two things to your new teammates." The captain left with both of her teammates, who didn't say a word to my friend, but did smile to her. Once they were gone, I started to approach to Trixie, but I stopped dead on my tracks when Trixie squealed and charged towards me. She jumped and hugged me. I managed to drop the my purse before she reached me. I could barely hold her!

"I did it, I did it! I can't believe I'm part of the volleyball team!"

"I know, congratulations, Trixie! I knew you could make it!"

"If it weren't for you, I would never have had the courage to show up to the tryouts. Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome, Trixie. I'm glad you did it. I'm surprised you were able to have a polite conversation with a stranger."

"I could control myself since I knew you were seeing me. I will only see them during the practice and the matches. I think it will be easy to be nice to them."

"It's progress, darling! You'll be around more people now. It doesn't matter if you don't become friends with them as long as you behave. You don't want to get kicked out after finally being able to join the team, right?"

"No. I would never forgive myself if that happened. I will remember how you helped me to get this far to not screw this up."

I didn't realize we were still holding each other until now. I released her, which made her slightly sad for some reason. I picked up my purse before speaking again.

"You don't want to keep your captain waiting any longer. Go. You can tell me how it goes later."

"I will. Have fun with your friends, Rarity."

"Thank you." She hugged me one last time before taking her sports bag and walking towards the changing room. I watched her with a smile until she disappeared on the corridor that lead to the changing room. I have caused a good impact in her life. Each day she trusts me more and more. She's opening herself to me. I wanted to gain enough trust so I can try to convince her to visit her parents' room. I know that day isn't any coming anytime soon, but I'll be patient. Taking a deep breath, I headed towards the main doors of the stadium.

"Rarity!"

"Aah!" I gasped and released the doors. They almost hit me, but a hand stopped them before they reached my face. I followed the hand and found Sunset Shimmer staring at me.

"I'm sorry for scaring you. I just wanted to know how are you doing."

"Sunset, darling... don't do that again." I took my hand to my chest and panted to calm down. My heart's pace was returning to normal. "You know how much I hate that. How did you know I was here, anyway?"

"I was worried so I followed you." Sunset said before closing the doors behind me. "Why were you and Trixie here?"

"I told you we're friends, Sunset. I was just spending time with her, like friends normally do."

"I know, but... I just can't buy Trixie. She's well known for thinking too highly of herself and using words to hurt in an emotional and psychological level."

"Oh, don't you start with the medical names, Sunset." I waved a hand into the air as I started to walk towards Sugarcube Corner. Sunset walked beside me. "I asked you to trust me. I know what I am doing. She helped me to study for the biology test and I got to know her better."

"You can't blame me for being worried, Rarity. You saw how she yelled at me earlier. I just don't want you to be hurt. "

Sunset Shimmer changed greatly since the day her plans were fooled. Before a visitor from a different world named Twilight Sparkle arrived, Sunset was a bully. But no one could have guessed how dangerous she really was. She tried to kill us to achieve her goal. Luckily, we managed to defeat her, and she asked for a second chance. Since that fateful day, the evil within her started to die until there were no more bad thoughts in her head.

She had kept her word and became a nice person ever since. I was used to see her being protective towards her friends now, but it took me a while to accept that she had changed. It didn't take me that long to accept Trixie's change, though. Probably because she never tried to kill anyone. At least not intentionally. "Sunset, I appreciate your concern. I promise you, I'll be fine. You don't need to watch my back while I'm with Trixie. She could get angry if she sees you. She's still unpredictable."

Sunset sighed, but kept her eyes at the front. "I understand... I don't want to risk anything. I'll try not to spy on you again"

"That's all I ask. Thank you, darling."

Sunset smiled at me. "Just remember that I'm here if any of you need anything."

"I'll call you if anything happens, Sunset. That's a promise."

We continued our way towards Sugarcube Corner, talking about different topics. I was really glad that she didn't ask any further questions about Trixie. She finally understood it was best not to push it.