//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Her Redemption // by LordLogan //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle The heat of the sun came down upon my face bringing relief from the cold night. The light however demanded that I get up as it shown into my eyes. I opened my eyelids carefully so that my pupils would not be stricken by the intensity of the sun. When the morning grogginess faded the first thing I noticed was that Trixie was turned to me with an arm across my chest, as done by the previous morning. She actually looked cute when she was sleeping peacefully instead of boasting and mucking up trouble. Something pulled me to wrap my arm around her and pull her tighter. I laid my muzzle into her mane as I turned to face her. She reacted in her sleep by pulling me closer, burying her muzzle into my chest. I couldn't believe I was doing this. I don't think I'm a fillyfooler yet I was so close to a mare. Even if I was I would never expect to be this close to Trixie and yet, I was. I didn't care though because it felt good. I once more awoke, soon realizing that I had fallen asleep after cuddling with Trixie. I can't believe I just thought that. I can't believe I did that. As I felt around, with my eyes still closed, I didn't feel any comfort or warmth or softness that I had before. I shot my eyes opened and Trixie was gone. “Oh no, now I have to chase after her again.” I whispered to myself out loud. Not only have I no idea where she went but now she is probably creeped out that I suddenly came and laid down with her so close. She was probably so shocked that she darted off and I didn't even feel a thing. I guess we are even on surprising each other though. I got up off my back but still sat on my flank, stretching my arms in the air. I could hear my bones creak. Sleeping on the outdoor ground is never fun; at least not alone. My mouth was dry and I looked to my right, remembering the lake nearby. To my surprise however, I found Trixie with her cape on. She looked to be trying to clean off her hat with the water. I slowly crept towards her as I didn't want her to run off. I soon realized that if she wanted to take off she would have already done so. I sat down next to her, causing her to jump at my sudden arrival. I started to drink from the water as she began to speak. “So Twilight Sparkle, what has caused you to come out here in this dangerous forest?” I lifted my head after feeling the cool refreshment rehydrate my mouth. “Well Trixie, I came looking for you. I needed answers from you but more importantly apologize for getting enraged at you.” She tilted her head the other way with a look of discomfort, remembering yesterday. “Let Trixie guess that you didn't remember a thing from the night before because you were having a hangover?” “Yea I must have gotten way too out of hoof that night but all I can remember is a party, the Princesses and my friends.” A tear started rolling down Trixie's face. “Trixie was a fool and she knew it. Trixie tries to be nothing but great but it's like the universe... no... destiny defies her and only wants her to plummet to nothingness.” “Trixie what are you...” “Just leave Trixie alone Twilight Sparkle! Just leave her alone!” Trixie stormed across the shallow part of the lake and ran between the trees. I made no hesitation to pursue her once more. Following her every move into every path of the forest. Her speed was great but I made sure that mine would always match. I kept her close into my sights until she faded into a bush and then I heard her screaming. She was probably snagged onto a branch within but I couldn't slow down. I went into the same bush but my direction changed as I started plummeting into a deep hole. I heard her screams coming from below me as I fell through a hollow tube of stone walls, almost like a well. Her screaming had faded as the hole began to curve, causing me to smash into a few of its' walls until I was thrown out into something soft that was on a cold stone floor. “Ouch! You dare strike Trixie?!” “Trixie? Is that you?” The room was bitch dark, making it impossible to see two inches in front of you. That is, unless your able to use magic. I lit the area around me with my lavender glow and Trixie had done the same with her cyan one. “Twilight Sparkle, where are we!? Trixie demands you tell!” “I don't know, there was a hole in the bush. It must be some secret entrance or something.” Suddenly it sounded like something in the dark moved. It felt like something was watching us. Trixie put on a frantic face and whispered, “Or perhaps it was a trap.” Princess Celestia I still tired from waking early and raising the sun. One would think that I would be used to doing this by now seeing as that I've done it every day for many years. Luckily, however, Luna volunteered to show Chrysalis around the castle today. Unfortunately this means that I have my other duties to accomplish. I sat at the same desk that Chrysalis and I spoke at yesterday; shuffling through many papers with just one of them being a letter from the ruler of the griffons, Lord Henris Featherwing. He mentioned his vast population expansion requires more land. He essentially demanded that I give up a portion of Equestria to the griffons, making it a zone not allowed by ponies. Reading this letter the first time made me blow a fuse that made me want to go over and smite him myself. Every time I read it now I still cringe at his demand. How could he or anyone expect to a ruler to just throw away the land that a subject owns. I must write a letter at once letting him know that his demands are absurd and that I will not accept them. Of course this may lead into high intentions with the griffons. I don't mean to be speciesist but I must say that the griffons tend to cling towards violent means to get what they want. If I'm not careful in how I word this, Lord Featherwing may try to declare war on Equestria. At least now I'll have the changeling Queen on my side. Twilight Sparkle “This is your fault Twilight Sparkle! Why can't you just leave me alone?!” “Me leave you alone?! Why is it you’re the one that always comes to Ponyville to wreck havok? Oh that's right, because you think it was I who embarrassed you and you must seek some revenge!” “It was your fault Twilight Sparkle, you should have never...” “Never what, make you tell your Ursa lies? Make you get corrupted by an amulet?” “Look you, you...” Before Trixie could finish her invalid argument, something fell in the darkness. It wasn't too loud but loud enough to make us jump close together. “Shit, what was that?!” “Trixie does not know but there is surely something in here with us.” “We...we have to stick together, combine our magic and be brave.” “Trixie agrees, do you have a plan?” “Yea, you think you can burst out energy to light this whole room for a few seconds at a time so I can get sights on where we're at? I'll be ready with my magic in case anything jumps at us.” “Trixie rather it be she the one that fires. How can I trust you to not let me get attacked?” “Wait what? I should be saying that to you, you’re the one that is always after me. Previous experience says that I can't trust you.” “Forget it!” Trixie suddenly starts firing bolts of her magic into the darkness, revealing walls that they clash on to. She strikes random points, leaving me to duck in cover. “What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind!? You'll cause a cave-in or worse!” She stopped firing for a moment to speak, “Or worse? What would be worse than getting caved in?” Suddenly something jumped out of the darkness onto her. It was a massive creature slightly larger than us. It had eight furry legs and sharp fangs, just below its' eight eyes, that seeped a disgusting drool. This creature was indeed a spider that was huge! “AHHH!!!! GET IT OFF ME!” Trixie struggled not to get bitten. She fired her magic whenever its' fangs got close to her. It laid completely on top of her, leaving her unable to escape and barely able to defend. I quickly fired bolts to the beast's side. It stumbled slightly from each blow but still remained strong on top of Trixie. “TWILIGHT HELP!” “I'm trying!” I casted a magic lasso that glowed lavender and levitated it around the spider's neck. Once fastened I tried to pull it from behind, lifting its' head towards the ceiling and its' underbelly revealed to Trixie. I struggled to speak as its' body was heavy and its' strength was great. “Trixie...strike him at... his weak point...” Trixie complied and stabbed the underbelly with her horn. The spider squealed in pain. Then Trixie fired her magic, causing the spider to yell louder as it flew backwards, towards me. “Oh crap!” I released my magic construct and dodged out of the way just in time. The spider squirmed somewhat as it yelled but slowly, the spider's screams faded as the twitching began to end, bringing lifelessness to the creature. “You see what happens when you’re reckless and trying to do everything on your own Trixie?!” “It was Trixie who slayed the beast herself! Did you not notice me piercing it and blowing it to smithereens on the inside?” “Yea but its' body nearly crushed me and the only reason it got the drop on you was because you gave away your position and focus with your reckless firing.” “Trixie thinks you’re jealous that we beat it single-hoofingly.” “It was me who lifted it off you.” “Trixie only let you help so you'd feel better about yourself.” “Oh Trixie you’re so ridiculous! I ought to...” I stopped and lifted my ear. “Ought to what Twilight Sparkle? You think you can defeat the Great and Powerful Trix...?!” “Shut up!” I whispered. “I think I hear more of them.” I tried to listen closely to the walls. Not much sound was made except some water dripping from the ceiling. “Come on Trixie, we need to find a way out.” “Indeed, Trixie does not wish to stay here any longer.” She walked side by side to me with her eyes closed and head held up in pride. I just rolled my eyes as my arguments would never break her wall of self-glorification. The room seemed to be a cul-de-sac like layout made of rock with only the way we came in and a tunnel that leads out. As we walked onward, we constantly held our light to our own wall, looking for any oncoming surprises. Princess Celestia A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts off the Griffon Lord’s letter. “Yes? Come on in.” In came two of my loyal guards with stressed faces that tried to remain calm. “Your highness, we have some…disturbing news.” “Oh? And what is it that you know of?” “Well you see word is traveling around Canterlot; word about the Changeling Queen staying within the castle as a guest. The citizens of Canterlot seem…agitated.” “I assure you all that there is nothing to fear as I strongly believe that she is coming around in making progress for the benefit of both our people. She has seized her attempts of conquest and desires friendship.” It was the other guard’s turn to speak. “Well you see your majesty; many ponies believe that however, the others they do not and yet do not fear.” “Oh?” “Yes well what he means is that they are not agitated in fear but they are actually enraged. They do not like the idea of a foe receiving royal treatment. They do not believe in what the Queen says. Terrible rumors are being spread throughout the city.” “Terrible rumors?” “Acts of protest and rebellion milady.” “That is most concerning news. I must prepare a speech for my subjects immediately to calm their nerves.” “With all due respect Princess, I must personally say that I agree with them. I mean, is it really fair that the people pay their taxes just to give it to a foreign former invader?” The one guard said while the other looked at him in horror. “How can you say that when this is a clear chance to strengthen our trades and influence outside of Equestria? This is a golden opportunity to make amends and pursue a stronger future.” “No this is only to the Queen’s benefit. We have prospered greatly without the need of the changelings and we should keep it that way after what they’ve done.” “That’s quite irrational as…” I quickly intervened in their argument. “Gentlecolts, that is enough please. If you have no more news please take your leave as I have many things to attend to.” They both stopped and bowed their heads before me. “Excuse us your highness.” “We apologize your majesty, we shall take our leave.” “Thank you good sirs.” They nodded once more and left, leaving me to my work. A few hours later, more knocking sounded from my door and I once more called whomever it was in. In came Chrysalis, alone. “Can I help you Queen Chrysalis?” I tried to sound unaggressive yet kept a tone that would remind her of our…past quarrel. “Oh your sister showed me every inch of this castle and I had to praise you in person; a marvelous job Princess.” “I appreciate your admiration but I feel that is not all you’re here for.” “Still believe I’m up to no good Princess?” “I must remain cautious for my little ponies.” “I understand but…wait is that shouting I hear?” I too started to hear things as I listened and walked over to the window with the Queen. We peered outside, finding many of Canterlot’s civilians outside waving their hoofs towards us and shouting with anger. “SEND THE QUEEN HOME!” “DO NOT ALLOW HER TO STAY!” “INCARCERATION FOR WHAT SHE’S DONE!” I stood in shock at the protestors. “Oh my…” “Love and tolerate huh?” Chrysalis said in a tone. “Don’t try to make this my fault; this is very sudden for them and are acting on instinct.” “Still, I thought your whole pony race was based on accepting and forgiving?” “First of all Chrysalis, that is prejudice against my people to imply that all of them are the same. Secondly, it is tough to believe an old foe has suddenly shown up to make amends out of the blue.” “What do I have to do to prove myself?!” “Being patient and understanding towards my people would be a start!” My nostrils flares as my temper rose. I didn’t get angry from her past deeds; I was getting annoyed that she just wasn’t getting how sudden this all was to them, to me and to all of Equestria. My expression quickly changed when I saw her look down to the floor. “Look Chrysalis, I just need you to take it slow on th…” “I CAN”T! I’M RUNNING OUT OF TIME! MY PEOPLE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME! I CAN WAIT NO LONGER!” Her eyes pierced mine as tears wept down her face. “Celestia…please help me help them…” By nature I was compelled to wrap a hoof over her shoulder and give her a hug. It honestly felt odd but the kind, compassionate ruler is what I want to be towards my people. I couldn’t help but not feel bad for her people. Thinking of their suffrage and hardship must be a nightmare on the queen. I believe she wants to help them and if she has just a little heart, I want to help her. Twilight Sparkle “What do you think this place is?” Trixie asked in a much better tone than she had before. “It kind of looks like a temple of some sort; I never knew there were temples in the Everfree though. Maybe there are books on the history of the Everfree or myths.” “As exciting as that sounds, Sparkle, we need to make sure we get out of here alive and Trixie cannot be carrying your weight.” I could only facehoof at the way she acts. Me sleeping with another mare is surprising to me enough but putting that aside, how could I ever have slept with a mare like her? Wait I forgot to ask Trixie what actually happened last night! “Hey Trixie, I have to know…” “What is it now Sparkle? What great and powerful wisdom to you seek from Trixie?” “It’s…about last night. It’s part of the reason I followed you out here. What happened last night? Did we…do anything?” Trixie tried to avoid eye contact but I could see she had a surprised blush on her face. “Well before our argument flared I was telling you that I saw you partying within the cottage.” “Yes, I remember.” “Seeing you left me with much tribulation. Trixie really had hoped to have my chance in the spotlight once again but Trixie wasn’t going to be risked of being made a fool. Trixie Headed away from the building, to wonder someplace else where Trixie could perform my show but then the door slammed open. Trixie took cover behind a tree and saw you running out crying. Trixie was greatly confused so Trixie, admittingly, stalked you.” A weirded-out look crept on my face. Her embarrassment grew as she lowered her head, taking notice of my look. “Well I was curious Sparkle. It is not every day Trixie gets to see your downfall.” “Gee, thanks Trixie.” “Anyways as Trixie was saying, you headed towards your house in a stumbling manner. You bumped into a few ponies and began arguing at them but your words were slurred.” “Yea I’m pretty sure I was a little…drunk last night. Not that I’m proud of it though; it is quite embarrassing.” “Little is not the word Trixie would use. You threw up a few times as you walked and you can’t remember any of this. The Great and Powerful Trixie took pity on such a scene and simply had to help you.” “Wait Trixie, you…helped me?” “Indeed for what are rivals for? The Great and Powerful Trixie needed to redeem herself and to do that she needed you to be well soon, so that you could be embarrassed.” “What now?” “Twilight, you embarrassed me and so Trixie needs to embarrass you back to prove that that Trixie is Greater and more Powerful than you.” “Isn’t that kind of…childish?” “Yes well it was a long day for Trixie and so such results were inevitable. However; upon helping you into your house, that all changed.” Trixie’s cheeks were once again as red as a rose. “Umm…changed?” “Well after Trixie got you cleaned up, which was no easy feat, being that you were stubbornly arguing that you could handle yourself, Trixie brought you to your bed after brushing your teeth. One does not know how Trixie would have managed that without magic. You kept resisting, spitting some toothpaste here and there. Luckily you are weaker when drunk.” As Trixie told her tale I felt more and more embarrassed at hearing the way I acted. I was so childish that my rival had to take care of me after her pity. I’ll never drink again. “So I must have changed into a bigger jerk than I was the times we met before and I embarrassed you, huh?” “Oh well, that wasn’t what Trixie meant. You see, when Trixie got you under your covers began to calm down. Your eyes lowered as you looked up to me and you gave a small smile, like you had some idea in your head. Trixie was very confused at this but not as much as what you did next.” “Which was…” “You sat up and…” Trixie began to struggle with what she wanted to say. She kept looking away from me and looking at the rocky scenery of the tunnel, as if it had any interest at all. “Yesss…?” I began to get a little annoyed at her taking forever. “You…you…kissed Trixie and pulled her close on the bed.” My jaw dropped as visioning that. I don’t know what is more embarrassing, me being wasted enough to slur and puke all over Ponyville or me kissing Trixie, who was a mare!” “Did…did anything else happen…?” I was so nervous to hear the answer, but I simply had to know.” “Well…not really. Trixie, caved into the kiss and we soon fell asleep. Trixie liked it, felt cared for and melted but The Great and Powerful Trixie is by no means a fillyfooler! Or at least, Trixie thought…” “Look Trixie I have nothing against fillyfoolers and if anypony should be embarrassed, it’s me for acting like that last night.” I was relieved to at least know that it had not gone any further than a kiss, despite what I did was still ambarassing. “Trixie is not…!” I laid a hoof on her shoulder to which stopped her. “Nopony is judging you and remember, I kissed you.” “But you were drunk; it’s not really your fault.” “That isn’t true. It was my fault for getting drunk in the first place and I take all responsibilities of my actions during the time I was drunk.” I wrapped my hooves around Trixie’s neck and pulled her into a hug. Her body close was warm, unlike her usual cold attitude. I saw her face was a little surprised before I closed my eyes. I soon felt her wrap her arms around me, accepting my embrace. We held each other for a few minutes. As my grip loosened I was taken by surprised for she kissed my cheek. When our eyes met, I could only offer her a smile. The moment was soon ended by noises coming behind us. We stood up and watched back as we listened to tiny screeches in the distance. We trembled as we saw a few black blurs coming our way. Some of the blurs were on the ceiling some on the floor and some on the walls. They grew closer and closer as they got louder and louder. Soon the blurs began to shape, taking a form that seemed familiar. I began to shiver a bit as it suddenly felt colder without Trixie’s embrace. We stood close together and I could tell she was shaking too. The shapes had finally formed and we both let out a scream when we knew what they were. “SPIDERS!” The giant spider from before had friends and they were coming our way. “RUN!” We began to run for our lives as they followed us. The chase was on.