//------------------------------// // Silent Night // Story: Has Anyone Ever Loved Me? // by DerpyMuffins15 //------------------------------// Luna stared horrified at how fast the ex-showmare in front of her gorged. Trixie ate frantically as she tried to stuff as much food in her stomach as she could. Months of meager meals allowed the azure mare to eat what would have been a feast for ten Alicorns combined. It wasn't as much as chewing the food and tasting it, but just stuffing it in her mouth and swallowing. Already the table at which the Alicorn and showmare sat at was littered with stacks of dirty and finished dishes. Luna could barely make out the shape of the mare beside her as the dishes grew into a small mountain. If she didn't stop Trixie from eating right now, they would have to restock pretty soon. Luna was about to tell the showmare to at least slow down, but a hoof covered in gravy was stuffed into her mouth before she could. "Don't you dare tell Trixie to stop eating. Trixie hasn't had a proper meal in months. Trixie doesn't care what you say, just keep bringing the food. Also, where is Trixies drink?" asked Trixie as she removed the hoof. Luna turned to face the jaw-dropped kitchen staff and gave them a slight nod. Her personal maiden should be treated with hospitality and anything she desired, but Luna now had second thoughts about if the mare would even be able to move after the meal. The staff stood still, ignoring the Princess's command to bring more food as Trixie drank a bowl of gravy and mashed potatoes. The azure mare shamelessly wiped the brown stains away with a hoof and started on the next course. Trixie chugged an entire barrel of cider and wine while tossing a bundle of alfalfa into her mouth. "Where is Trixies drink? Trixie ordered a drink ten minutes ago! Get Trixie her drink!" shouted the showmare towards the sacred staff. Her eating was interrupted as Luna remembered why she hired Trixie in the first place. "Miss Lulamoon, We hath not hired thee so that thou can stuff thineself. Our intentions for thee art to help us during midnight court and paperwork. So far, thy has only showed that thou can eat a meal for kings. Might We ask when thou decide to work?" asked Luna. "Apologizes your highness." answered Trixie as she rolled her eyes. "But Trixie cannot work on an empty stomach now can she? If you want the best performance from the Great and Powerful Trixie, she needs to be at full strength." "We do not need thy at full strength but within working conditions. We believe thou had enough to eat for tonight. Paperwork cannot be done if thou continueth to indulged." retorted Luna. The showmare stopped in mid bite to face her employer just to find an annoyed face. Trixie knew better than to anger her boss again. She could just finish eating later, right now a bath was in order. "Trixie believes her hunger has been subdued for now, but Trixie cannot work without a proper bathing first." answered Trixie as she put down her food. It wasn't what the Lunar Alicorn wanted to hear, but it was a start. Luna couldn't help but feel sorry for the mare, near the brink of death when she found Trixie and now boastful as ever. 'Wait till Nightmare meets you.' mused Luna. "If thou seekest to bath, thou may use our private quarts within our chambers. Once thou art done, come to our courts. We have a busy night ahead of us." said Luna. "Private bathing room? Trixie can get used to this." purred the showmare. Her horn lit a grayish magenta before it was extinguished and migraines bounced around in her head. The cracked horn wouldn't let the showmare do anything involving magic without a pounding in her head. If not for self control alone, Trixie would have screamed at the top of her lungs with how much her head ached right now. The showmare felt as if someone took an iron prod, heated it to white hot, and drove it into her head. She fell over in her seat and writhed in pain on the floor below. Hooves flew to her head to abide the soaring pain, but to no avail. Luna could only stand and watch as her new assistant screamed in agony on the floor. "We knew we should have checked thou into the hospital ward first." mumbled Luna as she lit her own horn. In a blue flash, both mares disappeared from the kitchens and into the clinic. While the Lunar Alicorn landed on her hooves quietly, her assistant still writhed in pain. "Doctors, my maiden requires your services." called Luna towards the surprised healers. It took only a few seconds for the doctors to rush to the showmares side. It was a nurse with a red cross on her flank that carried the showmare to the nearby resting table. The doctors closely examined Trixie to find her in a worse condition than Luna had thought. "I count three ribs cracked and a fourth dislodged..." murmured the head doctor. She had spectroscopes on as she looked for further damage on the showmare. Several more nurses arrived to a now crowded room. "The bones in her left-hind phalanges are completely shattered. Let's see, misaligned mandible, fractured skull, and a torn artery. Princess, where did you find this mare? She looks like she was in the fight of her life." asked the doctor. "We found her living, or more correctly, fending for herself in the lower parts of the city. It seems her wounds are a lot worse then we have suspected. What can you do for her?" asked the worried Alicorn. "Sorry for asking this, but can you leave for a moment? We need a room to operate if this mare is to be saved." answered the doctor. She gestured the nurses to clear the room of a worried princess before she could protest. The only thing Luna could hear was the constant screams from Trixie as the nurses shoved her out the clinic and into the waiting area. 'How could I not see she needed medical attention?' mused Luna as she now paced back and forth in the small waiting area. Minutes felt like hours as the screaming continued on during the night. Fatigue would have consumed the Lunar Alicorn had worry not already done it. Luna's pacing was interrupted as something lurked out of the shadows. "If you continue to pace like that, I'm sure you will find yourself in a trench in no time, Luna." said Nightmare as she took a seat next to the entrance. "Do you not see my worry, Nightmare? What if my new maiden is mortally wounded?" asked Luna angrily. Her pacing only stopped as she faced the cerulean Alicorn. "Should this one perish, then get a new one. It's as simple as that. A maiden is a bit a dozen." answered Nightmare coldly. The cerulean Alicorn didn't really care if Trixie lived or died, just that there was another to replace her should she die. "Don't you care for anyone besides yourself? For once can you let go of that ego of yours?!" asked Luna loudly. Anger boiled inside her at her counterpart's carelessness for a life. "Why should I care if she lives or dies? We barely know her Luna. She is a street rat with no home or identity, who will miss her if she died? Her family? If she had one she wouldn't be living on the streets. Ponies like her do not matter in this world. Why do you think there is only three living Alicorns out there? We are far more important than some lonesome street rat that happened to be picked as your maiden." answered Nightmare casually. Anger, just pure anger, swelled inside Luna as Nightmare spoke her mind. No matter what Luna said, Nightmare wasn't going to let her ego or pride go anywhere. "Fine, Nightmare. If that is the way you see it, then you will learn the hard way. You WILL learn respect and humility, and Trixie will be your teacher." answered Luna as she bustled through and into the operating room. The sudden sound tore the doctors away from the still screaming Trixie as Luna slowly approached the suffering mare. "Princess please, wait outside! We need room to operate and save her!" protested nurse Tendercare. The flimsy earthpony tried to reason and push the Lunar Alicorn away, but only had minor success. The only thing that continued was the constant screeching of Trixie's voice as Luna made her way towards her. "Thou taketh too long wicken, We shall heal our maiden ourself." answered Luna as she pushed the desperate nurse and doctors away. The Moon Goddess's horn lit up with a black aura instead of her natural cobalt blue, her eyes glowed a blinding white as well. Healing was a special ability that Luna had learned during the Draconequus era. Dark times and terrible injuries inspired her to learn any and all kind of healing magic that she could, just so she could help ponies in need, but with a millennium of being out of practice in any form of healing spell, Luna was rusty. Her magic did indeed do its intended purpose as wounds healed themselves all over her mud covered body. The sound of bones cracking and realigning themselves shocked most of the nurses in the room. At first Trixie's hind legs bent an awkward thirty degrees to the right and then another ninety backwards, excreting a deathly screech from Trixie. It seemed that Luna was more out of practice than she had thought, as tears now jerked down Trixie's face. Luna had only made the situation worse for the showmare as her bones continued to crack, mend, and crack again, just in another awkward angle. More screams and tears escaped as Luna tried to repent the mistake she made. "Princess! Please stop! You're only making this worse for her!" shouted one of the doctors as she tried to shove her way through. "We can and will finish healing our maiden, wicken. Do not interrupt us again." mumbled Luna as she shoved the earthpony away. The continued use of magic drained Luna drastically and if she couldn't save Trixie soon, the showmare's death would be indubitable. The lights dimmed themselves as a cold wind blew through the room. Out of the shadows stepped Nightmare, who didn't look happy at all. Her presence added to the nervousness that was growing inside Luna. "You really want to save this mare, don't you?" asked Nightmare. The glossy-cerulean Alicorn stepped from her dark corner to meet the screaming mare. "So this shall be my teacher in humility?" "I don't have time for you Nightmare. Saving a life is more important than your ego at the moment." mumbled Luna quietly. Her talk with the other Alicorn tore her attention away, long enough for the healing spell to take another turn for the worse. Every single bone in Trixie's hind legs tore itself apart, cartilage against cartilage, bone on bone, scraped against each other with the gruesome sound of bones being grind together. One nurse fainted as another barfed her lunch into the nearby trash can at the sight of Trixie's crippling bones. "Calm down Luna. Concentrate, you know where each bone goes and its correct placement. This is a trivial task for someone such as you. You healed worse wounds than these before, now concentrate." said Nightmare. Luna only heard several of the words spoken to her, but enough to make out the meaning intended. Beads of sweat dripped down her face as more Lunar magic was poured into the healing spell. For once, the spell obeyed Luna's will. The bones in Trixie's hind legs finally stopped misshaping and bending as it realigned itself. More screams came as more bones pulled themselves into position and mended. The fracture on the showmare's skull was now gone as well as the gashes and bruises on her back. The bloodshot eyes returned to a clear resolution as more cuts were sealed. The only thing remaining was the creak on the mare's horn as Trixie's screams died down. Her tears were finally gone as Luna lowered her horn to Trixie's. A closer inspection showed the the screams were caused by magic fluctuation within the horn. A unicorn's horn was connected to their nervous system as well as their brain. Any magical use during the time a horn was fractured would result in intolerable pain throughout the body and mind. With being connected to the nervous systems if anything happened the pain would be spread and distributed through the body to lessen the pain. Normally Luna would have just let the horn heal naturally, but Trixie's words rung in her ears. "...pl-please make it stop..." begged the showmare. She would never beg for anything in her life, but pain has pushed her beyond the limits of her ego. "...ma-make it go away..." Luna could only comply to her maiden's request. There was only one way to heal a horn before its natural date. Luna would have to share Lunar magic with her assistant, something no one has ever seen within a millennium. Luna's horn made its way towards Trixie as it glowed her original aura. Nightmare was not happy with Luna's chose in healing, not happy at all. "What do you think you are doing Luna?! Alicorn magic cannot be shared with a street rat!" screamed Nightmare. "I command you to stop at once! NOW!" "Can't you see she is in pain? If anything, my personal maiden should be able to wield Lunar magic. I don't want to hear another word from you Nightmare." answered Luna as she poured more Lunar magic into the spell. She was running on reserve energy as the stars lighting the skies dimmed. For a fraction of a second, the night was without stars. The results of magic spent was a tired Luna and an angry Nightmare. "All that Lunar magic, wasted! And for whom?! A lonesome street rat?!" mumbled Nightmare. Anger more than anything boiled inside her. Alicorn magic was a sacred thing unknown and unstudied since the beginning of magic itself. No one besides Alicorns themselves were allowed to use it, but now a common pony had it surging through their body. "I hope you're happy Luna. You just wasted precious magic when getting a new assistant would have saved you more trouble." "If a life can be saved, it should be saved Nightmare. Now, begone. I tire of our petty squabbles." mumbled Luna as she panted for breath. Her legs were now jelly as fatigue took over and the Lunar Alicorn fell, slipping into unconsciousness. The impacted would have landed had a magenta aura not caught her. Trixie was back on her hooves again, eyes stormy and fierce with Lunar magic, as she looked at the doctors around the room with blue flames burning in her eyes. The showmare was pumped with Lunar magic, and it didn't look like she was gonna lose it anytime soon. "If you all don't mind, Trixie thinks her mistress deserves some rest." said the showmare confidently. She felt like she could take on the world and win without a challenge. Alicorn magic, it seemed, was more potent than that of a regular unicorns. Trixie once again lit her horn for a teleportation spell. Both mares vanished in a bright flash leaving the doctors to contemplate what happened. ~~~ Luna was laid upon her bed and covers blanketed her, as Trixie's spell worked without any complication. "Trixie can definitely get used to this." said Trixie to herself. Shortly after putting her mistress to bed, the showmare found the private bathing quarters within Luna's chambers. Everything that belonged to the Lunar Alicorn seem to be made out of obsidian noticed Trixie, as she began to scrub herself clean. The bathtub the azure mare bathed in was like blissful heaven. It had enough room to fit ten regular unicorns inside, as well as over a dozen different kinds of shampoos and conditioners, each a different smell, texture and origin. At first Trixie's muscles ached with soreness, but after soaking in the hot mineral water, she felt weightless. All the showmare could think about was how warm it was compared to the streets below. Luna wasn't kidding when she told Trixie that all her wishes would come true. ‘So this is what Trixies tax money pays for.’ mused the mare as she continued to scrub herself clean. Her magic consumed a nearby brush which was now running through her messy name. The brush worked delicately as Trixie continued to wonder what her new limits were. Nearing an hour since the Lunar Princess fainted, Trixie dried herself with the potent magic that surged through her body. Normally draining the mare a bit every time she used a spell, the showmare didn't feel any falter in her powers as she examined herself in the large silver mirror. Her normal azure coat dimmed a few shades while her mane glittered with star dust. What interested the showmare the most was the magical aura she now radiated. Her eyesight heightened to beyond normal, she could see not only clearer and with more detail, but Trixie can now see through all the spectrum that existed. Currently her eyes were locked in magic vision as she looked upon the aura that surrounded her. Her personal atmosphere was cocooned in a deep sapphire blue, which she thought would have been Lunar magic. "So this is what it feels like to be a goddess." muttered Trixie to herself. Not only did she literally glow with power, but she radiated confidence and virtue. Thought after thought of what to do with her new powers were interrupted as she heard a moan coming from the other room. Trixie instantly flashed herself to see where the noise came from just to see it was her mistress. "...ma-maiden, where art thou?" moaned Luna under her covers. The Lunar Alicorn could barely speak, but she was strong enough to feel another's presence in the room with her. "Trixie is here, mistress. What do you need?" asked Trixie as she approached her boss. She could make out the shape of the slim Alicorn and soon looked through the blankets covering the mare. Not only could the showmare see magic, but she could now also see through solid objects as well! "Thou can stop staring servant, We know thy senses have been heightened. Now help us out of bed." ordered Luna grumpily towards the unsuspected mare. "H-how do you know?" asked Trixie. "Trixie means, she doesn't know what you are talking about." "Do not give us lies, servant, it will cost you dearly if you do. We art the one that heightened your senses in the first place. Alicorn magic now surges within your body. Tread with care, not many know about this event and We would like to keep it that way. Now help us get out of bed and into the midnight court, our sister is waiting for us." answered Luna back. Trixie just complied now that her ruse was blown into the open. The showmare trotted to her mistress’ side and levitated the covers off to reveal a pale looking Alicorn. Her normal looking coat, a cool sapphire blue was back to its original phthalo blue. The Alicorn also shrank as well, not barely taller than Trixie, with her ethereal mane hanging down naturally around her head. The once powerful Lunar Goddess was back to her old self and looked rather tired than godly. "You... look different mistress." muttered Trixie as she just stared blankly at her master. Luna noticed the stunned stare she got and stole a glance at her mirror. The only thing she could see where cracks and a large hole where her abacus had crash into it. Anger once again boiled inside her as she was reminded of her abacus, but right now she had royal duties to attend to. "Never mind what I look like servant, just help me to my courts." grumbled Luna. Trixie took a long time to tear away from her stare. As she approached the Lunar Goddess minor even more, she noticed that her personal effects no longer fit. The black diadem and aegis fell apart as Trixie helped the tired Alicorn out of bed and into an unsteady stance. Luna's legs wobbled under her, threatening to topple her over any second. Only with the help of her maiden could she even stand correctly. "Walk us to the courts, maiden. We fear we are too weak for any magic use as of now." murmured Luna under her breath. She stabilized herself with the showmare beside her and took small and steady steps towards the oak door locking the room. A few stumbles along the way, the two made their way through the eerie corridors of the Lunar wing. It was at night that Luna's personal staff come out. Each pony both mares saw on the way all had something night related to them. Several times more Luna stumbled, but only to be caught in time by her maiden. It was going to be a while before Luna could gather enough strength to do any kind of magic again, but right now walking seemed to be the challenge. Once they reached the the courtrooms Trixie opened the double doors and walked in with her fatigued employer. Every single pair of eyes was glued to both mares as they entered the courtroom. One set of eyes was more intense than the rest, it was the eyes of the Solar Goddess as she eyed her stumbling sister limping into the room. No matter how hard she tried to keep her face stoic, Celestia couldn't help but feel a frown draw across her face. She moved aside from the cushion she sat upon as Luna made weak attempts to climb the steps to the podium. Worry and suspicion was draped over the Solar Alicorn. She felt uncontrolled Lunar magic blasting through the room, not from her sister, but from the new personal maiden Luna had chosen. "Greetings sister. I see you have decided to try an old look." said Celestia as she gave a slight nod. "Thank you for keeping my court busy. You should retire for the night sister, it is well past your due time." answered Luna. With the helping hoof of her maiden did Luna finally reach her podium. With a wave of her hoof, all attention in the court was restored. Celestia couldn’t help but steal glances back at her sister as she made her leave. Only when the Solar Goddess fully disappeared behind the doors did the court return to its regular course. The two ponies that were arguing continued as they debated who was right. Luna only heard half of the conversation before deciding to break their argument. "Enough, both of you. We have heard sufficient evidence from both sides. I declare Mrs. Fleur de Lis not guilty of charges accused against her. Mr. Fancypants, you may take your wife home. This court is now adjourned." announced Luna. For once, Luna didn't want anything more than to just sleep, even if it was during her night. "That will be the last case We deal with this night. We fear our health is not at its fullest tonight. Any and all cased scheduled for now will be held tomorrow." A murmur of whispers escaped the courts as the Lunar Alicorn got up from her cushion. She stumbled miserably before Trixie came to her aid. After much effort the two left and headed back towards Luna's private chambers. They walked in complete silence before the azure mare broke it. "About these new powers Trixie has..." said the showmare as they slowly trotted in the dark corridors. The Lunar Alicorn was leaning heavily against her but to the new Trixie, Luna felt light as a feather. "We trust thou wilt not abuse them, my maiden, with great power comes great responsibility. You are now one with my moon, do not bring shame to me or what I represent. The Lunar magic that runs through your veins, however permanent or temporary, will increase your normal abilities tenfold. Should you keep these powers, We shall need to teach you to wield them properly." answered Luna. "Teach Trixie what exactly?" asked the showmare excited. "First, We shall need to teach thou control over Lunar magic, then everything that is affected by it. Please keep in mind that Chaos and Lunar magic are very similar. Afterwards, We shall teach thou alchemy and necromancy, in other words, the Dark Arts. Should you show enough potential, elemental magic will come easy. " answered Luna quietly. Trixie couldn't help but smirk about the prospect of learning forbidden magic, and from the Alicorn that created them in the first place. "Trixie can't wait till our lessons begin then." said Trixie. ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold after all.’ Author’s note: Op Trixie is op. All I got to say on the subject. About that necromancy, no there will NOT be any dead ponies walking around. Do I make myself clear? The limits on Trixie’s new power level? No over 9000 jokes, seriously, that is getting tiring. Let’s just say Trixie’s new powers reaches the stars, no pun intended. Alright, I’m out. Now over to my editor. Editor’s note: Hmm... Well, I on the other hand I might want to see Trixie go mad with power, but that’s up to DerpyMuffins, not me. I would like to hear what you all think, though. In the comments section below tell us what you would like to see Trixie do, go completely buck wild or be a nice little student like Twilight. Tell us what you think. OK, TwiLunaLover out.