//------------------------------//
// we are a destructive force and i am a part of it 
// Story: the imminent wreckage of a forthcoming tide 
// by SecondPrances 
//------------------------------//

Do you think
we're good for each other?

Trixie leaned against
the side of her caravan
and toward the setting sun
bathing the quaint valley
somewhere between Appleoosa
and San Palomino
In an orange blanket of light

No

Starlight didn't look up
from collecting the 
shattered remains of 
her favourite teacup

We're terrible partners, 
aren't we, Star?

Trixie never looked back
watched the way 
the canyons and plains
were bathed in long shadows

Yes

Starlight lifted her head
finishing with discarding
the filty remains of 
another heated argument

Why?

Trixie didn't dare 
move her gaze
or let it wander
for fear of meeting 
the other's
disapproving eyes

I guess...we just 
want different things
Starlight heaved
heavy, sad sigh.

I'm sorry, Starlight, about--

No, you're not. 
And neither am I.

silence passed over,
sticky like the sweat 
of a humid day

Do you think that a pony 
can be bad, Starlight?

No, 
but I do think two ponies
can be bad for each other
and leave each other
worse off together
than not

It wasn't always this 
way, was it? 
I used to see 
a light in your eyes
something I'd never 
seen in another pony before
I guess I don't see it 
anymore

Trixie frowned 
found apparent interest
In her hoof in the dry, 
arid dirt

Starlight was silent
until such silence broke
with a frail whisper

I used to love 
seeing you learn
new things
you had a love 
for learning
that I shared
but now...
It's not there.

Trixie frowned

When I woke up 
this morning
you weren't there
or the morning before
or the morning before that
did you mean what you said
when you told me 
I was broken
and incapable 
of loving
anypony but myself?

Yes.

Starlight drank from a flask
long and slow, taking 
careful sips
letting the cheap alcohol
burn on her tongue

Just as you meant 
what you said to me
about never 
being good enough
always in Twilight's shadow
never able to 
make my own way
you meant that
and you were right.

we're terrible for each other, aren't we Starlight?

Yes
now let's get back inside