//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Her Redemption // by LordLogan //------------------------------// “We can be redeemed only to the extent to which we see ourselves.” -Martin Buber Chapter 1 Twilight Sparkle I wake up, feeling sick in my stomach and my vision was little blurry. From my bed I can barely see Spike in his bed or even the stairs that lead down to my library. My head kinda hurts and my mind feels nervous but I don't know why. Maybe it is because of last night yet, I can't remember anything from last night. Could I have gotten too drunk? I tried my hardest to recall yet nothing comes to mind. I'd usually be getting up by now but I think I'll call it a sick day. My head needs time to clear itself and think what could have happened. Suddenly, I feel something move onto my chest under the bed sheet and I couldn't help but twitch in a startled reaction. I lift the sheet to find a hoof resting upon me and as I followed the arm up to the body, to the right of me, I find a cyan mare with a silver mane that went by the name of Trixie smiling at me saying, “Hey you, I had a lot of fun last night.” I stared back in shock, What in Equestria happened last night?! Princess Celestia Oh Twilight, I thought to myself as I stood next to my sister who is still sleeping in bed. Do you really mean what you said last night? I mean I can understand your feelings but you were also going heavy on the alcohol. Maybe that party last night wasn't such a good idea. We all had fun but everything blew out of proportion when Twilight's pink friend started mixing her own concoction with lemons and limes. I believe she called it a gin bucket and it was quite potent. Causing a tough goddess such as my sister to go crazy and then pass out is pretty incredible. “Poor Luna” I said softly as I patted her head with a wet cloth using my magic, “I'm sorry”. I was irresponsible. I didn't stop it when it went too far. And I think Twilight, my favorite student who I hold as dear to me like a daughter, hates me for it. What kind of Princess am I? After a few moments Luna's eyes opened and look to me, smiling weakly, “Greetings sister, how art thou?” “I am well but how are you little sister? You went pretty steep in your drinking.” “Ah, did I? My head is a bit sore and I cannot remember anything from last night. What happened, did I black out Tia?” “Indeed. We at a celebration party for Twilight's successful spell casting, of force fields. They reached the size that of Cadence and Shining Armor could cast. Her friend threw a party and invited us.” “I hope I didn't make too much of a fool of thyself.” Luna blushed somewhat. “Worry not dear sister for your honor remains intact. However I am not so sure with myself.” Luna tensed, “What is wrong Tia? Surely you did not overdo it being as you remember last night.” Luna sat up, resting her back against the bed's hoof carved wood. She held her head with an eye closed as she was still sore. “Well I just think that I should have not let the drinking go so far. I am the ruler of Equestria after all and...” Luna placed a hoof over my mouth. “Tia it is not only your duty alone. I will always be here to help you and if you are to take blame for allowing the party than I must as well. However, I don't think that the issue here is that the party went too far. I mean, was anypony hurt? Anything destroyed?” I gave a look of relief that that didn't happen or else I'd have my own head on a platter. “Well I suppose not Luna but...” “Tia.” She gave me a look that said she wasn't going to accept anything but the full truth. I figured I suppose I'd tell her for Luna is the only pony I could trust with anything. Well I suppose Twilight too, however now may not be the time to speak with her. “Okay Luna, let me remind you of what happened last night so I can work up to my troubles.” Luna put a smile on her face and nodded her head in acceptance. “That's much better Tia.” I couldn't help but giggle at her little bit of pride from her triumph over the argument. “Well as I said we were invited to the party at around noon two days ago. Twilight sent a letter saying that it would be held that night. I was most pleased to get the invite however it was on short notice causing an issue with pressing matters.” “You mean, that meeting with the Changeling Queen?” “Yes.” “I do remember the things before the party. How did that meeting go? Is she seeking peace or come to surrender herself?” Luna asked. “She wanted to come to terms in a peace treaty, yes. We however haven't signed anything and are still in discussing the matters. I can tell you more on that later though.” “Indeed, please continue about the party and what ails you.” “Yes well I sent a letter back to Twilight requesting that she have the party moved to the next night for my urgent matters. She sent a response that claimed she understood but the tone of the letter sounded to me like it was a mix of irritation and disappointment. I wasn't sure if it was true or if it was just me so I had just ignored it in either case and prepared myself for the meeting with Queen Chrysalis. Once the time had come for the party we made our way to Fluttershy's cottage as that is where the party was said to be held. After knocking and being let in by Fluttershy, Twilight had a face full of excitement as she jumped around us in joy as she did when she was only a foal repeating our names. Once Pinkie had noticed our arrival she yelled over to the white coated, blue maned DJ to get the party started. It didn't take long for the music to get loud and the neon lights to shine. A cart was also rolled out from the kitchen with an assortment of apple martinis, strawberry cocktails and even some sort of drink with chocolate as well as some regular cider. Of course it didn't take long for the cart to become empty. Especially being that a certain mare related to me doesn't take her time with enjoying herself.” I eyed her down some and Luna giggled and stuck her tongue at me. “You’re just jealous that I'm more fun with the peasants.” “Yes well I just hope you don't get too carried away, after all you too are a princess and a role model.” “Yea, yea I know Tia.” “Anyhow, the DJ got very drunk herself and thus the music got louder. A little too much for me however I saw Twilight having so much fun dancing with her pony friends that I didn't want to ruin it for her.” “Was this around me blacking out?” “Oh no, we aren't even at that yet. First I chatted with Twilight after she began to get tired from dancing so much. We sat down at a table with you a little far but not quite to your limit as you'd probably put it.” “Was I embarrassing?” “Nothing too dreadful dear Luna. Just a bit of slur on the words.” “Wait, are you telling me that you had nothing?” Luna asked with confusion in her eyes. “Well no, I did have a martini or two but nothing more than that I assure you. I asked Twilight if the party was fitting for her enjoyment, but she must have had as much as you, for you slurred together. She even had the most adorable blush to her face. Just like you little sister.'' “Please Tia, we are not so young anymore.” I giggled at her embarrassment. “Alright, alright so as I was saying Twilight was a bit feistier from the alcohol... I hope. She kept asking the most curious things like for me to touch her cutie mark. After poking it once she giggled and demanded it again. I denied her request for I told her there was no point in it. She started somewhat pouting but then picked herself up and asked me to dance once the music has changed. I agreed since I saw no harm and thus dance we did. She looked to be having a great time and I was having a bit of fun as well. Unfortunately I needed to take a seat as the music begun to forge a headache. My student, again, held a face of irritation.” “Well did you explain to her your ails big sister?” “Indeed however, that is when you jumped in and agreed to dance with her. I was a bit relieved that I could try to rest my mind but a little jealous that I couldn't spend the time with her.” “Oh Tia, you know I could never take away your favorite student forever.” “Ha, ha I don't know Luna. You love to be quite the trickster.” I sarcastically say in a playful tone. Luna glared at me. She was not amused but I giggled anyway. “I went to Fluttershy's kitchen to find any pain killers. Normally of course your magic would be enough to eradicate the pain however you were too busy and too drunk to perform. And I didn't want to try it myself for loss of concentration may do other things to my mind. I happened to find some and took them with water. Once I came back to the party I saw you two having so much fun from switching dance partners. The pain died down a bit, which I was relieved at how fast they were kicking in, so I decided to join in the dancing. As I was heading over though, she brought it out.” “Who brought what out?” “Pinkie Pie brought out her strongest drink, the gin bucket.” “Wait, I think I remember that a little. Yea I remember dancing with Twilight some too.” “Do you remember any conversations with her?” “Not really, none with anypony. But continue with this gin bucket.” Luna said motioning a hoof. “Well Pinkie herself was the first to lead in the drinking as a majority of us were skeptical about it. Anypony could smell that this stuff was strong from outside. I wasn't feeling very comfortable in this, being that it gave me a huge feeling of irresponsibility. Some, including you, followed Pinkie's example and I even shouted your name in a bit of irritation at the action. You ignored me in slurs and drank more as I criticized you. That is when Twilight finally spoke her hurtful words in front of everypony, including the DJ. She said throughout the night she was annoyed by my behavior, as she put it, and that I was ruining the party by keeping you from drinking and not taking part in it myself. She said all she wanted was a good time with her teacher and I was only destroying it instead. She mumbled something about you.” “Me? What did I do?” “I don't know. I was hoping you would remember something.” “Let me think for a second.” A few moments go by as I watch her stare into the designs of her bed sheets. She held expressions of critical thinking. I stroked her beautiful night mane to help occupy myself. She eventually came out of her thought bubble with great excitement. “HUZZAH! I remember something!” “Yes, what is it?” “I believe it was during the time you went to the kitchen and I was dancing with Twilight Sparkle. She mentioned these things about you. The things she argued about as well as you delaying the party for your meeting with the Changeling Queen.” “But I had too! Don't you see it is in everypony's safety that I...” She placed hoof on my lips to stop me. “I know dear sister; I would have done the same except...” “Except...?” “Well when Twilight Sparkle was ranting I may have encouraged it.” “What!?” I was shocked by my sister's betrayal, pitting student against teacher, unicorn against alicorn, daughter against mother. Luna, why...” “I promise you I regret it and would never truly want or even do such a thing. I think it was just all the drinks. I wasn't thinking straight.” “Clearly.” “I'm so sorry Tia, I wish I hadn't.” “This is what I was worried about. I didn't partake in irresponsible drinking so that these horrible consequences wouldn't come to pass.” “Your right Tia. However, what happened after she vociferated towards you?” “I saw some tears and she had ran outside. I wanted to follow her but thought it best to let her have time to herself. By the time I collected together my thoughts and looked back to the party, everypony was passed out on the floor, couch and even in what was left of the robust elixir.” “I'm really sorry I caused all this.” Luna's face was of such sad disappointment that my heart sank. I gently wrapped my hooves around her head and held her against me. “No, no Luna. I know you didn't mean anything and I'm not mad at you. I just have to talk with her later and see how she is doing.” I let her go and looked upon her beautiful face as she looked upon me. “Now you must get some rest for tonight's rise of the moon, alright?” “Yes Tia.” She laid herself back under the covers and closed her eyes. “I love you Tia.” I kissed her lovely forehead, “I love you too sister, rest well.” I silently rose from her bedside and made my way out of her room. Twilight Sparkle Shocked from surprise I jumped and fell off on the opposite side of the bed. Did I really just see Trixie in my bed? I mean, seeing anypony in my bed beside me is crazy and even crazier than that, a mare? Worst of all she isn't only any mare but she was Trixie! The boasting magical mare that ran out of town once she was found to be a liar was in my bed. Didn't she vow vengeance or something? What the hell was going on?! My heart began racing as I worked up an explanation. Nothing however was coming to mind since I couldn't remember anything from last night. Wait, did she say “I had a lot of fun last night”? Did we do...something? Am I into mares? My head begun to ache from all the questions rushing to it without a single answer. While I was still panicking, Trixie popped her head over the edge of the bed to see me on the floor staring blankly at her back. “Um, are you okay Twilight Sparkle?” “Tr-Trixie?” “The Great and Powerful Trixie, if you'd please.” Yep, that is Trixie alright. I thought to myself. “Do I have to punish you again like last night?” She smiled and batted her eyes at me. “Wait, what?! Tell me Trixie, what happened last night?” “What? You don't remember anything?” She frowned a bit. “So you must be confused as to why I am here?” I nodded my head in agreement. “I suppose I should start my tale from the beginning.” “Yes, I want to know everything!” “Well I was wondering back into Ponyville, to see if you still lived around there. The only reason I would check on such a thing was because word got around that you moved to Ponyville from Canterlot and I thought maybe you had moved back. I needed a chance to endeavor myself back on stage to perform again but needed to make sure nopony would make a fool of me again. I searched the town while receiving some faces of disgust from my previous visit to Ponyville. You were nowhere to be found and so my hopes started to rise. That is, until I heard whispers from the pony folk. They thought I couldn't hear but they discussed about my return; all in shock that I had the guad to show my face. However, they mentioned that they were relieved to still have you around and hoped that you would drive me away again. I realized then that you must have still lived around here but was just away for the time being. I left, my head lowered in shame to wonder back into the Everfree and if I was lucky perform in another town.” I couldn't help but feel some guilt as Trixie reminded me of her leave from town, however it was her choice on the other hand. Still, I wouldn't want any great harm to come to her. She isn't some great evil or threat like Discord. At least not now, and maybe she could be changed. In my thoughts I lost track of what she was going on about. I shook my mind out of my thoughts and got back to her story. “...so then I headed over to the noisy cottage and peered in. I was shocked to see the Princesses with you and your friends. How is that, Twilight Sparkle?” “What, the Princesses? Celestia is my mentor and I think the party was for me. A congratulations on a new spell.” “Oh yay, Twilight Sparkle has more up her sleeve.” She stated in a sarcastic voice which only irritated me. “Hey, if you applied yourself as much as your boasting you'd be powerful than Celestia!” “Please, the Great and Powerful Trixie IS better than Celestia.” I couldn't believe she said that. My face boiled red and my whole body shook with anger. I noticed Trixie's eyes shot open in shock. My blood boiled greater and greater, my temperature rose and my rage was uncontrollable until the point where I finally blew up. “TRIXIE! YOU OVER BOASTFUL FOOL! YOU ARE NOTHING TO THE PRINCESS! YOU DON'T EVEN DESERVE TO BE CAUGHT DEAD IN HER SIGHT! CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE JUST EVERYPONY'S IRRITATION! LIKE STICKY GUM UNDER A HOOF! GET THE HELL OUT!” Trixie was in awe as she listened to my words. Tears formed and fell and she ran downstairs and outside with a slammed door. “Hey, is everything alright Twilight? Trixie just ran out the door. It looked like she was crying.” Spike was coming up the stairs with a worried face. Seeing him began calming my nerves and I began to cool down. I fell back on the bed to stare at the ceiling in deep thought. Spike walked towards my mirror, probably looking at me through it. “Did last night not go as well as you thought? I mean I was surprised to not only see Trixie's return but you said that I had to sleep downstairs for the night. Why was that? Did you two have a party without me or something?” My eyes opened in surprise. “Wait, Spike! What can you tell me about last night?” “You mean, you don't remember?” “No, I woke up next to Trixie scared out my wits.” “Is that why she cried, because you don't remember anything?” “No I, sort of flipped out at her. She started getting all high and mighty again and even said she was better than Celestia. That was enough to rile me up.” “I can imagine knowing you.” “What is that suppose to mean?” I stared at him with daggers. “Whaaa... oh nothing I mean, I just know your strong bond with the Princess and I haven't forgotten the nature of Trixie's character.” “Oh I see. Sorry.” I said starting to sulk. “What is it Twilight, you’re very depressed this morning. And I thought you'd feel happy from the party last night.” “I just feel a bit guilty for some reason. Maybe I was too hard on Trixie?” “Well if you ask me I'd say nothing is too hard for the likes of her.” I had stopped paying attention after that. Spike could be a mean little guy sometimes. But why do I feel bad? Surely Trixie cannot be the reason. “Spike, what happened last night?” “You mean when you returned home with Trixie? Not much besides that and telling me to stay downstairs. I think you may have been mumbling something about meeting with Trixie after you left the party. Your words were so slurred I couldn't understand you or why you were that way. Trixie said that I was too young to understand why you were and I just prayed that you weren't under some spell of hers.” “Oh no, I was dru...err...just not myself heh heh.” I didn't want to discuss that I drank alcohol with my baby dragon “son-like” figure. It wouldn't be good role modeling and I'm relieved to know that Trixie covered for me. Now I really feel guilty for yelling. “Well Spike since you were a good boy last night, take the day off. I need to go out and figure some things out.” “Okay Twilight. I'll just relax in my hammock.” “Where did you get one of them?” I asked not really interested. “From the marketplace of course, with my allowance.” I patted him on the head and smiled. He returned a smile back. “I'll see you later Spike.” “See ya.” And thus I headed out the door to find Trixie.