The blue unicorn slowly trotted along the path, grumbling to herself.
“Trixie does not like this.”
Trixie was not known for her strength and yet, on her back lay the unconscious form of Berry Punch. The silly pony had gotten drunk after the two had received the message to meet the others by the bench; passing out in the process.
Trixie Lulamoon was no longer a spring filly, though time had been kind to the mature mare. That did not change the fact, however, that she had once been a very integral part of The Patrol; though now she was retired. A master of deception and distraction; Agent Tricks could easily draw anypony’s focus to whatever she so desired, for however long she desired as well. Retired or not, a summons from Twilight would be heeded; on both a personal and professional level.
Berry Punch muttered in her drunken stupor as she lay atop Trixie’s back. The strange mare was a peculiar member of the Patrol, herself; preferring hoof-to-hoof combat. A master in the art of Drunken Hoof, Agent Berry was notorious for getting drunk, before, after, and during a fight. Very few could withstand her furious blows and fewer still, would live to talk about it. Nopony would’ve known it by looking at her at that moment, however.
“You will owe Trixie ten-fold for this one, Berry.”
“mrghgh ...Lyre needs...zzz”
Begrudgingly, a half-smile graced the face of Trixie as she continued carrying her friend down the pathway. Fair enough lazy bones. Starlight will get a kick out of this one, tonight. Now let’s go see the others. It’s been far too long.
Within that instant, Derpy appeared before Trixie who was shocked by a sudden smiling Pegasus appearing out of nowhere.
“Wha-”
“Hey there, Trix! Captain sent me, said you needed help with some- oh my, is that Berry?”
“Yeah, we were drinking and well, she passed out.”
“Wait- She’s drunk?”
Placing a hoof carefully near Berry, Derpy found her hoof instantly batted away; while the mare continued her drunken sleep.
“Not good. We won’t be able to move her until she sobers up.”
“Yeah, Trixie knows. And she’s not exactly a lightweight, Muffins. Trixie's back is killing Trixie.”
“Hmm…”
“Yoo-hoo, Girls!~”
That voice made both Agent Muffins and Tricks shudder. Cream Heart. Whereas Sweetie Belle was terrifying; Agent Mama was downright evil. Known as ‘The Succubus of Ponyville’, Cream Heart was infamous for her charms. Any race, any gender, she could make any creature fall for her.
Whatever the cost, the job must be done. That was Cream Heart’s mantra. She would use her seductive charm, to achieve any goal; no matter what position her job may require. Her job was gathering intel; and there was no debating how well she could get her hooves on it.
Her words were dripping with sweetness.
“Tavi told me you two might want some assistance. So...anything I can…”
Creamy Heart eyed both Derpy and Trixie up and down, winking at both before finishing.
“Do for you two?”
Derpy’s face turned three shades of bright red as a blush involuntarily spread across her face. Shakily, and quivering weakly, she pointed a hoof at Berry Punch; asleep in her drunken stupor on Trixie’s back. Derpy's voice squeaked out.
“We need her to wake up.”
Cream Heart took in the sight and gave a small chuckle.
“Oh is that all? Watch this.”
Approaching the sleeping agent, Agent Mama wove in between the mare’s drunken kicks and leaned down; whispering something into her ear. In an instant, the face of Berry Punch drained of all color and her eyes popped open. She began shouting.
“I’m up! I’m up!”
All sign of drunkenness had vanished completely; whatever Cream Heart had whispered to Berry, had sobered the mare right up. Neither Trixie nor Derpy would have believed it possible if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes. Berry Punch was completely sober.
Grinning, Cream Heart began to walk back towards the group as Berry Punch got off Trixie and onto her hooves; face completely drained of all color, watching Cream Heart’s flank sway as she walked. Calling over her shoulder she just laughed and said.
“Hurry up, now girls, Twilight’s waiting.”
Trixie rolled her eyes as Berry quickly ran after Cream Heart.
“C’mon Muffins, let’s g-”
She paused mid-sentence as Derpy swooned; panting exhaustedly. Trixie quickly rushed to awaken her again. Trixie muttered as she shook the enthralled Derpy; in desperation to snap her out of it.
“Really Muffins? For the love of Celestia- That mare is too good at what she does.”
Trixie sighed. Knowing it would take a couple of minutes before Derpy came to her senses, Trixie sat down and thought about back when she was first hired to protect Twilight by Celestia. When she received her first mission after joining the Patrol.
***
“Why should I?”
Trixie Lulumoon; mercenary for hire, knelt before the ruling Princess of Equestria. She was not impressed by the job being asked of her. It was beneath her. Protect some namby-pamby, rich, privileged Unicorn? Why would Celestia dare to use her for such a menial task?
The princess was undaunted by the reaction.
“Because Miss Lulamoon, her magic rivals yours.”
Trixie’s eyes opened wide, and slowly she raised her head to stare at Celestia.
“You’re not serious.”
“I am.”
Trixie began to sweat as she stared into Celestia’s eyes and saw an unmatched ferocity glinting within. The same look that had greeted her when Trixie had stormed the castle years ago; to assassinate the Princess on a contract.
***
Trixie had been used to such contracts, as long as she got paid she didn’t care what the job was or who the client was; provided the target was worth actually hunting. A rich dignitary always talked a big game but was really relying on words and bodyguards. Trixie had taken down such beings with ease, and that time would be no different. Or so she thought. What greeted her was far more terrifying.
Arriving at the castle, she had found no guards; making her way to the throne room with ease. She had caught them off-guard. Bursting through the doors, Trixie was taken by surprise. A white Alicorn sat on the throne eating a rather large piece of cake. Without glancing up, the Alicorn gestured with her hoof towards a large three-tier cake next to her.
“Oh good. A guest. Here, have some cake. I don’t get visitors often.”
“I’m here to-”
Her words were interrupted by Celestia; who kept munching away on her confectionery.
“Oh I know why you’re here, and I suggest taking my offer for cake and forget any such delusions.”
Trixie glared at her. Another big-mouthed royal. Another easy notch to add to her bedpost. Her horn glowed with dark magic which she fired at the cocky Alicorn. Another disappointment.
Much to her surprise however, Celestia didn’t stop eating her piece of cake; merely unfolding her wings, she deflected the blast which struck the wall. The wall disintegrated instantly upon impact. Turning to look at the dumbfounded Trixie; her eyes glinted with malice. Her words were gentle but it was instantly clear, this would be the last warning.
“You won’t win, little one. You are out of your league. I suggest you grab a piece of cake and we’ll both forget this little incursion of yours.”
“You are underestimating me, Princess. I never quit a contract.”
Celestia crooked an eyebrow as though amused at the response.
“So- You are saying you won’t stop trying-”
Standing up, she flared her wings wide, her horn glowing with the intensity and pressure of the sun itself.
“Even when you have no chance?”
“Until the contract is finished or the client cancels; I won’t quit.”
“Even at the cost of your life?”
Trixie’s answer was absolute, with a hint of pride.
“Yes.”
Celestia burst out laughing.
“Good. Consider our contract canceled; you’ve passed my test.”
“Our...Wait, what?”
***
Celestia had surprised Trixie that day; revealing how she had made the anonymous contract and how it had been in search of ponies with special talents. The princess had seen what lay ahead for Equestria; and so, she sought out 15 shadows. The proposition had been simple: Celestia would personally provide those who joined the 15 with one on one training; with Celestia, herself. The training provided would allow all 15 to do their work without ever being seen. The 15 were to be christened ‘The Patrol’.
And now, the Princess was telling Trixie that even after years of personal training; that adolescent Unicorn without any training, possessed the same combat capability as her. Trixie only respected those stronger than herself; a rather rare occurrence. Words meant nothing to the battle-hardened mare; however, it was the Princess saying this. And it intrigued her.
“Alright, you’ve got my attention. What’s the plan?”
***
“Trixie? It’s past midnight, why are you in my bedroom?”
Twilight’s shocked voice came from the doorway. Trixie had been patiently waiting for her to finish organizing the bookshelves for what she swore was the 20th time. While waiting, Trixie had lain, her hind-legs stretched out; in a rather suggestive pose. Turning to look at Twilight, boredom filled her voice as she responded.
“Finally, you’re here. Trixie grew bored waiting. How many times can a pony possibly organize library books anyway?”
As Trixie swung her hooves off the bed and hopped onto all fours, Twilight; still with an inexplicable red tint on her face, stammered.
“W-why were you in my bed?”
“Trixie needs to discuss something important with you.”
Twilight turned her attention to Spike; who stood by her side.
“Spike, you’re sleeping downstairs tonight.”
The little dragon voiced his objections but to no avail.
“Now, Spike. Trixie and I are going to...uh..have a long...private...talk. ”
After Spike had left, Trixie gave a snort of amusement.
“As tempting as that is, I really do need to discuss something with you. Though, let’s come back to that in say, an hour.”
Reaching into the cloak she wore, Trixie pulled forth a badge and showed it to Twilight.
***
An hour later, Twilight and Trixie sat next to each other on Twilight’s bed.
“So you’re really a member of the Patrol?”
“That’s right.”
“And a group of Changelings has infiltrated Ponyville to kill me?”
“Right again.”
“And tomorrow, in order to smuggle me safely out of Ponyville, you and I are going to have a magic duel?”
“Yeah, apparently I’m the only one who can actually withstand your full strength. I’ll be wearing a simple amulet I carved. Let’s call it the Alicorn Amulet. You can make some sort of magical lore on it; how it grants me magical strength or something. That way I can overpower you, and exile your cute flank until we’ve located the cell.”
“But I can’t fight you!”
Trixie grinned and winked.
“You won’t be fighting me. You’ll be fighting the Great and Powerful Tr-rixie!”
Trixie gave Twilight a gentle hug.
“Relax and use everything you’ve got. It has to be realistic. You won’t hurt me, I promise. Since it needs to be really emotional; make sure you don’t tell those friends of yours. Once exiled, you can go to Zecora’s hut. We’ve secured her consent to use it as a safe house while the hunt is on-going.”
“Trixie?”
“Yes?”
“You sound weird when you aren’t referring to yourself in the third person.”
Laughing, Trixie nodded.
“Yeah, I suppose I do.”
“So now what?”
Snuggling close to Twilight, Trixie whispered into her ear.
“Well...You did say something earlier to Trixie. What say we have that private time, you mentioned?”
Twilight’s only reply was a squeal of excitement as her face flushed a bright red. At that moment, the candles in the room went out.
***
“Agent Tricks. Wake up!”
“Hrmm..Wha...Muffins? What happened?”
Derpy had been standing over Trixie, shaking her vigorously.
“Cream got you. She came over and winked and spoke to you...after waking Berry; you toppled over. Completely enthralled.”
Trixie looked shocked and began to sputter as her face turned bright red with embarrassment.
“But you were- Trixie was- What? Oh, that mare is way too good at what she does!”
Derpy laughed knowingly. It was common knowledge when Cream Heart spoke to cover your ears; which she had done. Agent Mama’s voice had such an alluring effect on any in earshot and would make you relive your past romances. Especially ones the victim treasured the most. In that stupified state, the victim would divulge any information requested. Derpy hadn’t actually been affected at all. It was Trixie that had been caught in the realm of a past rendezvous.
“C’mon dozyhooves. Let’s go. Take my hoof.”
Derpy helped the shaken Unicorn to her hooves and dusted her off, stating to her in a gentle tone.
“There you go. Let’s go, girl. Twilight’s waiting and I know you just can’t wait to see her again.”
Trixie stumbled with surprise at the statement.
“Did Trixie say something about Twilight while Trixie was out?”
Derpy just laughed.
Trixie seemed frantic.
“Muffins? Muffins answer Trixie. What did Trixie say?”
Derpy just grinned and gestured towards the bench, where the others waited.
“Let’s go. Your Princess is waiting for us, oh 'Great and Powerful' one."