//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 // Story: Swapping Scales For Suave // by Jest //------------------------------// Twilight knocked firmly on the door to carousel boutique before taking a step back and glancing to her partner. Like her, Trixie wore a bulging set of saddle bags upon her back, though unlike Twilight, the other pony was smiling blissfully. Seemingly unbothered by their relationships recent rough patch, Trixie stared up at the sky, watching the clouds. “What a wonderful day for a trip,” Trixie remarked. “Thanks for including me on your little expedition Twilight.” “I… yes of course,” Twilight muttered. “I thought a getaway would do us all good.” “That and we gotta make sure Rarity and Spike stay organized, right?” Trixie added, bumping her hip against her partner’s. Twilight chuckled. “Yes. I’m fairly certain they’ll be okay but a little extra assistance wouldn't hurt.” “Trixie is just glad we get to see the town Rarity has selected and find more affordable accommodations,” Trixie continued. “I doubt either one of us will be able to afford a room at such a fancy place.” “I might,” Twilight muttered. “So long as my stipend check comes in before then.” Trixie raised an eyebrow. “You’re still getting those?” “I am still Celestia’s number one student, you know,” Twilight proudly replied. “That you are. Also the hottest too,” Trixie exclaimed, wiggling her eyebrows at the other mare. “Well you don't know that…” Twilight muttered. “You haven't even seen the others.” “I don't need to,” Trixie declared. “None can stand against the beautiful and kind Twilight Sparkle.” “Oh my,” Twilight murmured. “You’re laying it on a little thick today, huh?” “Well I was just thinking that while Rarity and Spike are doing their business we could see a few sights,” Trixie reasoned. “It wouldn't be a true vacation, but it could at least be an afternoon away from it all.” “That would be nice,” Twilight admitted. “And so long as the others don't need our help I don't see a reason why we couldn't take a few hours to walk around.” “Exactly,” Trixie stated, wrapping a hoof around Twilight's shoulders and pulling her in close. “This could be exactly what we need.” “Okay, but what about-” Twilight's worries were cut short when the door opened and a rather frazzled pair of creatures stood before her. Rarity had a backpack over her chest, and half of a donut sticking out of the side of her mouth. Spike wasn't much better off, and had one of the worst cases of bed head either mare had ever seen. On top of all that neither Rarity nor Spike seemed as though they had slept the night before and had deep circles under their eyes. “What happened to you two?” Trixie inquired. “Just a… minor tiff, darling. Nothing to worry yourself over,” Rarity replied, taking off her backpack before putting it on correctly. “I’m not a fan of losing our savings,” Spike exclaimed. “Here we go again,” Rarity muttered before eating the rest of her donut.. Spike sighed. “No, it's fine. Your hormones are just… a lot.” “On that we agree,” Rarity declared. “Soo… are we still going?” Trixie asked. “Of course. Twilight, would you mind leading the way? I don't know if I could make it to the train station without running into something,” Spike mumbled. “Err sure,” Twilight muttered. “Good, that gives Trixie time to finally figure out this stupid box,” Trixie declared, the mare using her magic to retrieve a familiar cube shaped puzzle from one of her bags. “You still have that thing?” Rarity asked. “I thought you would have thrown it out.” “But think about it. There could be anything in there,” Trixie retorted. “Maybe even a powerful artifact of some kind.” “Or some cursed thingamajig that stupid old jerk couldn't sell,” Spike pointed out. “I hate to be a stick in the mud but it's probably that last one,” Twilight added. “You all are going to be jealous when the great and intelligent Trixie figures out this puzzle and is rewarded for her efforts,” Trixie declared while turning the box around in her magic. “Well let us know when you get it open. I wanna be ready to deliver an epic I told you so,” Spike exclaimed. “You all are just jealous of Trixie,” stated the show mare. “Trixie will show you all.” “Annnd there,” Rarity declared. “Your hair is perfect.” The dragon placed the rest of her hair care supplies back into her bag and tucked them under the seat. With that done she sat back down, and was about to add something to her statement when she heard Trixie curse under her breath. Glancing across the cabin Rarity watched as the showmare continued to twist and pull at the puzzle box which so confounded her. “You didn't do it all the way up like last time, right?” Spike replied. “See for yourself,” Rarity exclaimed, pulling a mirror from her bag. Spike took it in his magic and inspected himself closely, a smile immediately springing to his tired features. Sure enough, Rarity had not given him the usual hair style, but rather something much less labor intensive to manage. Two small strands of hair hung down either side of his face while the rest was tied back into a tight ponytail. “Not bad,” Spike murmured. “You should wear your mane this way some time.” “I admit, it is rather nice,” Rarity remarked, the dragon tapping her chin curiously. “There is a unique charm there, and it would take such little maintenance.” “I think it looks good on you, Spike,” Twilight offered. “Yes yes I bet it's beautiful,” Trixie muttered from the seat across from them. “Are you going to fiddle with that thing the entire way there?” Twilight inquired in a slightly exasperated tone of voice. “Trixie shall work until the work is done,” declared the show pony. “Eh it's fine. This is going to be one long train ride anyway,” Spike remarked with a shrug. “Speaking of which. Did you have a hotel in mind for tonight?” Rarity asked, glancing at Twilight. “I thought that it would be best to call it an early night and pick it up in the morning.” Twilight nodded. “Of course. There is a nice, but still affordable hotel down near the docks which I thought you’d like. I think it's called ‘the view’ or something.” “I think I remember seeing a brochure from them. That's the one that overlooks the beach, correct?” Rarity inquired. Twilight nodded. “It is.” “That sounds kinda nice,” Spike muttered. “Any plans on how to spend what little evening we’ll get?” “Well I was thinking we could get some food, but-” Twilight began, only to be interrupted. “Aha, I’ve got it!” proclaimed the show mare. “And you doubted Trixie’s brilliance.” “So what's in it?” Spike pressed. “Is it something cool?” “I don't know,” Trixie pulled back the lid of the box and peered inside. “How disappointing. It's only a fancy necklace.” “Show us, show us,” Rarity urged. Trixie replied by pulling the peice of jewelry out and displaying it for everyone to see. Resulting in a chorus of oohs and awws while the small group stared intently at the expensive looking necklace. A rather long, well crafted length of gold chain dangled from Trixie’s hoof, the bright emerald stone spinning gently, captured the light. This green orb was encapsulated by a section of gold that resembled a clawed hand reaching down from the top. The back of which sprouted a thin loop that in turn bound it securely to the length of chain. Though slightly garish in appearance the orb more than made up for it in eye-catching brilliance and nearly everyone who looked at it found themselves mesmerized by it. “That is so cool,” Spike gushed. “Don't put it on yet,” Twilight cautioned. “We need to check if it's cursed.” “Why would it be cursed?” Trixie exclaimed. “It's a gift for tricking someone into getting cursed. That seller may be a grifter, but even he wouldn't be so foolish as to try the same trick twice.” “We don't know that for certain,” Twilight replied. “If it isn't cursed…” Rarity began, licking her lips. “Maybe we should talk about who's going to get it.” “What do you mean who's going to get it? You said Trixie could have it,” Trixie proclaimed, hugging the necklace against her chest. “That's before we knew what was inside. This changes things,” Rarity retorted. “You can't do any take backsies, it's mine!” Trixie yelled. “Everyone calm down,” Twilight interrupted. “Just give me the necklace so I can run a few tests.” “No,” Trixie stated. “Youre just going to give it to Rarity once you’re done.” “I mean, it was a gift to us,” Spike added. Trixie, Spike, and Rarity all engaged in a lengthy staring contest, one which Twilight was too annoyed to care about. The peace was broken when Rarity leapt at Trixie, her hands reaching towards the necklace. Spike wasn't far behind, and Trixie had to scramble to escape their prying hooves or hands. “Get off Trixie you thieves!” Trixie shouted. “It's mine!” “You’re the thief here, it's mine!” Rarity bellowed. “Actually I think it's mine,” Spike added. “You guys are being ridiculous,” Twilight deadpanned. Despite the cutting remark Spike, Rarity and Trixie continued to scramble amongst each other. Trixie tried to escape, but her attackers were quick to hold her down while the one tried to grab the necklace. In desperation, Trixie threw the gold chain over her neck in order to better hold on to it. A flash of light stopped all three of them dead in their tracks and they stared down at the strange peice of jewelry. Which after it finished glowing, shrunk rapidly, contracting until it was tight against Trixie’s neck. “Ach, it's choking Trixie!” Trixie shouted. “It is not,” Spike retorted. “It's not even that tight.” “Trixie hates things being on her neck. It makes her feel icky,” Trixie retorted. “Wait, why were we fighting again?” Rarity muttered, scratching the side of her head. “I can't even remember.” “I think we wanted the necklace,” Spike answered. “You were under a minor want it need it spell and now that Trixie’s wearing it she won't be able to tell a lie,” Twilight explained. “Now the necklace has bound itself to you and can't be removed until the wearer utters their deepest truth aloud.” “Wait, how did you learn all that?” Spike asked. Twilight waved a thin white sheet of paper. “There was a note on the bottom of the box. See? It explains everything.” “So it does,” Rarity murmured, her eyes flicking over the note. “Why didn't it affect you?” Spike inquired. “Because I have experience with that particular spell,” Twilight muttered, clearing her throat. “But that doesn't matter now.” “Right, so all I have to do is tell a truth and this thing will stop choking me?” Trixie inquired while tugging at the chain binding her neck. “It has to be your deepest truth. Or at least that's what it says on the paper I found” Twilight responded. “So think about it for a minute. Really contemplate what your deepest, darkest truth is,” Spike offered. “Deepest truth, deepest truth,” Trixie muttered while scratching her chin. The cabin was quiet for nearly a minute, with the only sound being the soft click clack of the train. “Okay I got it,” Trixie proclaimed. “Great, what is it?” Twilight replied. “It's… a bit embarrassing so you must promise not to tell anyone else,” Trixie stressed. “Of course. It wont leave this room, right Spike?” Rarity exclaimed. “Yeah sure, whatever,” Spike flippantly replied. “Alright, then here goes,” Trixie took a deep breath. “Trixie peed the bed until she was eleven years old.” Once more the cabin was quiet, though not nearly for as long as before, due to Spike erupting with laughter after a few seconds. “Bwahahaha. The great and powerful Trixie was a great and powerful bedwetter? Oh that's too funny,” Spike exclaimed. “It is not funny,” Trixie hissed while blushing hard enough to turn her entire face red. “Trixie had a bladder prob- anxiety.” “That's okay, you don't have to lie,” Twilight offered, patting the other pony on the back. “Trixie is not lying. She really did have a- fear of separation that manifested as an uncontrollable bladder,” Trixie exclaimed only to slam her hooves over her mouth. “Oh dear,” Rarity murmured. “I think you should stop talking hun,” Twilight whispered. “For once, Trixie thinks less is more,” Trixie murmured. “So I guess that didn't work,” Spike exclaimed, wiping a tear from one of his eyes. “Got any other dark secrets we should know about? Did you perhaps believe in Santa Claws for a strangely long time?” “Trixie… has nothing to say on that topic,” Trixie exclaimed, turning her nose up in disgust. “You totally did, didn't you?” Spike continued to tease. “Was it thirteen, no it has to be longer. Sixteen?” “No, you are- correct,” Trixie growled and hopped up from her seat. “Stop messing with Trixie, this is a very traumatic moment for her and you are not helping.” “I’m sorry,” Spike immediately replied, raising his hooves. “I’ll dial it back now.” “You better,” Trixie muttered. “Maybe we could order some refreshments from the cart when it comes through again?” Rarity offered. “That sounds great. Trixie would really like- to be held,” Trixie declared, only to immediately begin sobbing tiredly. “I just wanted something to drink- and be held.” “There there. We’ll order something for you,” Twilight placated, wrapping a hoof around her girlfriend's shoulder. “In the meantime would you like to lay your head on my lap?” Trixie nodded mutely. “It's going to be okay,” Twilight whispered as Trixie laid down andplaced her head on Twilight's thighs. “Tonight we’ll brainstorm a way out of this silly curse and things can go back to normal. You’ll see.” Spike leaned in close and whispered in Rarity’s ear. “Something tells me this isn't going to be fixed anytime soon.” “I don't think even Trixie knows what her deepest truth is,” Rarity replied in a low tone. “It would be funnier if it wasn't so sad,” Spike remarked. “Don't tease the poor girl too much,” Rarity cuationed. “I won’t. As far as I’m concerned were even now,” Spike stated. Rarity hummed. “She did have a few rather biting remarks about our own situation.” “That she did,” Spike agreed. “Maybe just a little more teasing,” Rarity offered. Spike chuckled. “I’m way ahead of you.”