Trixie’s waking was slow. Her body ached, and her leg wouldn’t move. Yet as she shifted in the darkness, she felt a curious and familiar thing: silk. It took a while for her to be awake enough to process this information. After some time and a little effort, she was finally able to open her eyes.
Dark silk sheets. A massive bed. A large room themed on the moon and stars.
Something was in the bed with her. She turned her head and gaped: a luscious sapphire coat, a sparkling cobalt mane. A head shifted, and she found herself gazing into heart-stopping cyan eyes.
Tears were streaming down Trixie’s cheeks before she could even register the emotions. Lips trembling, she reached a shaking hoof to touch Luna’s soft face.
“P-please… tell me this isn’t a dream. Tell me you’re really here.”
A wing folded over Trixie, and Luna wrapped her hooves about her with the most beautiful of smiles. “This isn’t a dream, and I’m really here.”
Trixie clutched her precious princess and buried her head in that blue chest. “You’re here. You’re really here! Oh, thank you!”
Luna nuzzled Trixie’s mane. “No, thank you. You are truly the most beautiful, wonderful mare in Equestria. You did it, Trixie. You actually did it.”
“I had to.” Trixie clutched at her precious princess as joy filled her soul. “I just had to.”
“Shhhh.” Luna kissed her lover on the forehead. “You’ve been through so much. Rest. Sleep. I promise I will be right here. No matter what happens, I will never leave you again. I swear it in the name of the Moon.”
Trixie snuggled tight against Luna, filled to bursting with a happiness she’d never known before.
When she next awoke, Trixie found herself surrounded by friends. Tinsel and balloons filled the room as they all cheered her waking. As promised, Luna was still at her side.
Trixie stared at them, and the happiness she felt at the sight was much more familiar than it once was. “You’re all here?” She eyed a balloon hovering just over Luna’s sleepy face. “Why all the party fare?”
Applejack rolled her eyes with a grin. “That would be Pinkie’s doin’, of course.”
“What?” Pinkie bounced in place. “Everypony’s celebrating! I thought we could have a quiet party, at least until you woke up. Then it could become a real pa—!”
Twilight pressed a hoof to Pinkie’s muzzle. “I think Trixie would rather have some peace and quiet. We can have a real party when she’s back on her hooves.”
“We all just wanted to make sure you were okay, dear.” Rarity set a hoof over her heart and breathed a relieved sigh. “It gave us a real fright when we saw you go flying out the window.”
“And when I found you by the pond, you just looked awful,” Fluttershy explained. “You really had us worried.”
“Nah, I knew she’d be fine.” Rainbow threw a smug grin to Trixie from over her bed. “You’re tough as nails! A little fall’s not gonna put you down.”
“It almost did.” Trixie blushed and rubbed the back of her head with a weak smile. “I really thought I was gonna die a few times.”
Twilight’s smile defied her haughty air and lecturing tone. “Well that’s what happens when you go off to fight a sun goddess on your own.”
“What happened?” Trixie’s eyes roamed to each of them. “Where did you go after Fine moved me away from you guys?”
“About what you might expect,” Rarity replied. “We fought the Order.”
“Y-yeah.” Rainbow averted her eyes with a blush. “They were a lot tougher than they looked.”
Applejack chuckled and cast a wry look up at Rainbow. “Some of us did better than others.”
Rainbow crossed her hooves and looked away with a huff. “He just caught me off guard, that’s all. I was not beaten by a foal!” Their laughter only made the red in her cheeks deepen.
“But then they just stopped fighting.” Fluttershy tilted her head with an uncertain frown. “It’s so confusing – they acted like they didn’t want to fight anymore.”
Applejack nodded. “It was real odd. Next thing we know, they’re leading us to the statue in the Gardens. Except that Octavia pony – she went off on her own.”
“Wait...” Trixie shot Pinkie a questioning look. “The statue was in the Royal Gardens? Seriously?”
Pinkie giggled. “See? Told ya.”
“We freed the other Celestia,” Twilight explained, “and she immediately flew off to the throne room. I guess you know the rest.”
“Not everything.” Trixie turned to Luna. “What happened to Celestia? Did I get the Element of Magic away in time?”
“You most certainly did.” Luna nuzzled Trixie’s cheek with a proud smile, the motion filling Trixie with a warm feeling. “Celestia is recovering, but she’s whole. The dark essence that ruled Equestria this past millennium is gone. You’re a hero, Trixie. My hero, might I add.”
Trixie blushed at the public display of affection. “W-well, I was pretty useless in the fight. They’re the ones who defeated Celestia.”
Rarity shook her head with a grin. “You’re too modest, darling. You really should stick to the confident Trixie, she’s much more becoming.”
“Ah guess.” Applejack nudged Rarity playfully. “So long as she doesn’t revert all the way back ta how she used ta be.”
Rainbow dropped to the floor and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I don’t think any of us were too fond of that Trixie. This one’s much better.”
Twilight shushed them with a raised eyebrow before turning her attention back to Trixie. “The point is, you kept Celestia busy while we went to the statue. You also got rid of the Element, letting us save her instead of killing her – an issue we knew nothing about until after the fact.”
Pinkie was bouncing again. “Not to mention nearly getting yourself killed while dueling a super amazing powerful sun goddess who got so freakishly mad she threw you out a window and nearly made you go kersplat!” She hit the floor on her belly for emphasis.
“Err, yeah.” Twilight giggled at the display. “That too.”
Trixie couldn’t resist a little laugh. “What about the Order of Shadows? What happened to them?”
Her friends all shared uncertain looks. Rainbow rubbed the back of her head and shrugged. “Well…”
It was Fluttershy who finally spoke up. “They’re gone.”
Rarity nodded, head low. “We haven’t seen mane or hoof of any of them since the fight.”
Luna sat up with a long yawn, catching everypony’s attention. “Do not let it bother you. It is in the Order’s nature to… how should I put it? Not exist? They are part of the Archons, after all.”
“But they helped us save Equestria.” Twilight frowned and set a contemplative hoof to her chin. “Though I have no idea why.”
The others nodded, Rarity adding, “Indeed, they should be recognized for what they did.”
Trixie thought on this for a few seconds. She tried to remember everything that she’d learned from Fine Crime in their last encounter – the thought of which left her with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “I don’t think they’re doing it for recognition. Knowing what I now know, and with my recent experience with Fine Crime… I think in their eyes it’s a matter of responsibility.”
“Speakin' of Fine Crime,” Applejack said, “what happened between you two? One minute yer chargin’, then some smoke comes up an’ yer both gone.”
Trixie’s ears perked as she sat up to gape. “Y-you mean you don’t know?” They all offered blank stares. She looked to Luna, who shook her head. A deep pang hit Trixie in the chest; of all the things she’d done, that was perhaps the most painful.
“I… He…”
“Ah, who cares?” Rainbow flew high with a grin, catching their attention. “Nopony liked that guy, anyway. He’s probably celebrating with his Archon buddies, which is exactly what we should be doing!”
“Yeah!” Pinkie leapt up and tossed some balloons with a gleeful cry. “Let’s par—!” Her lips abruptly closed, covered in a purple aura.
Twilight giggled at the party pony’s pout and turned to the bed. “Trixie?”
Trixie smiled, though it was difficult. “I am happy you all came, really. I appreciate it far more than you know. But I’m not ready to celebrate, not yet. I’ve got some things to think about.” She reached out to touch Pinkie’s shoulder. “Sorry, Pinkie. I promise I’ll be on my hooves in no time. Then you can throw me as big a party as you want.”
Pinkie wiped the aura from her lips, flicking it off her hoof and into Twilight’s startled face. “In that case, it’s a deal! You better be ready, ’cause I’m gonna pull out all the stops for this one!”
Twilight shook her head to get rid of the aura that had been stuck to her muzzle, then grinned at Trixie. “We’ll all be there! C’mon, girls. Trixie probably would like a little time to rest.”
Trixie watched them leave, happiness swelling within her. To think those ponies had been her enemies not long ago. Now she couldn’t imagine where she’d be without them. Probably stuck in Tartarus, come to think of it.
A short time afterwards, a new visitor arrived: Nye. He went straight to Trixie’s side and embraced her. “You are astounding. I can’t thank you enough, Trix.”
Trixie chuckled. “You should thank the others, too. Equestria wouldn’t have been saved at all without them.”
Nye raised his head haughtily as he walked around to Luna’s side of the bed. “Buck Equestria! My princess is back, and that’s all I care about.” He nuzzled Luna, who returned the motion with a grin.
“But Equestria isn’t saved yet.” He stepped back, a frown forming on his lips. “The slum ponies are out of control, rioting and fighting amongst themselves. The Royal Guard’s got their hooves full keeping the situation contained, and other slums across Equestria are taking note. The nobles are terrified that there may be a full-scale, national revolt.”
Trixie’s ears drooped and she sank a little under her sheets. “Is it really that bad?”
Luna turned to touch horns with her. “Do not let this news trouble you, Trixie.”
“How can I not be troubled?” She sat up and pushed the princess away to look into her beautiful eyes. “I’m responsible for this. Ponies are suffering because of what we did to save you.”
Luna took on a regal air and shook her head. “Equestria is rife with corruption and discord. For this world to heal, great social changes will have to be made. These rebellions may be the seeds of a new Equestria, one built towards harmony and prosperity for all. Change must come, but it won’t be painless. Take it from one who measures time in centuries, Trixie: these are the inevitable signs of progress.”
Trixie didn’t feel comforted by those words, but she wanted to believe in them anyway. She scooted closer to Luna and tried to ignore the pain in her heart. “I guess…”
Nye coughed as he backed away with a red face. “W-well, I just wanted to thank you now that you’re awake, so I’ll just leave you two alone again! Thanks again, Trixie, and don’t let things get you down. Remember, you’re a hero!”
The door closed swiftly. Trixie raised her head to stare at it with a raised eyebrow. “What does he think we’re doing?”
Luna giggled and nibbled on Trixie’s ear, making the unicorn’s eyes widen and her cheeks burn. “We’ll get there. Just you wait, oh Savior of Princesses! The moment I don’t have to worry about that broken leg of yours…”
Trixie found herself sinking under the covers, mind numb and cheeks on fire. Luna could only laugh.
When Trixie next awoke, she found herself alone in the darkness. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, wondering where her princess had gone off to. Yet for once she wasn’t worried; her adventure was over. She knew Luna would be back in time. She eyed her leg, which was still set in a cast. She wanted to get up and walk around, but wasn't sure she should try.
She was suddenly aware of a presence. She glanced around, her heart skipping a beat; every time she felt that sensation, it always meant one thing. “F-Fine…?” She detected movement in the corner of her eye. She turned swiftly, hope rising in her.
The pony stepped into the light, regal and steady. At the sight of the familiar mare, Trixie wilted and scooted back. “Octavia…”
The Order pony nodded, her manner the definition of stern. “Hello, Trixie.”
A few mind-numbing seconds passed between them, Trixie fumbling in her mind for something to say. At last she leaned forward and blurted out, “I am so sorry! I didn’t want to, I-I wasn’t trying to—”
The Earth pony raised a silencing hoof, and Trixie clamped her jaw closed. She bowed her head and fought back tears, waiting for Octavia to say something. Anything.
Yet when Octavia spoke, there was no anger. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you.”
Trixie raised her head to gape. “Th-thank me?”
To her shock, the Archon smiled. “Yes, thank you. Without you none of this would have been possible.”
Trixie moved closer to the edge of the bed. “B-but… But I k-killed Fine! You’re his wife, you should be… I mean…”
Octavia shook her head, that pretty smile unchanged. “I knew his plan from the beginning. I accepted it long ago. To save Equestria, you had to end him. Celestia’s binding spell made that the only outcome. He was prepared to die, Trixie.”
Trixie gazed at the new widow, trying to process this reaction. She bowed her head once more, sorrow filling her. “I know he was, but that doesn’t change the fact. I thought you’d be… I don’t know. Furious. Or bitter. Maybe just sad. How can you be happy?”
“Don’t get me wrong.” Octavia lifted a hoof to stare as if it belonged to somepony else. “It hurts. It hurts a lot. You cannot comprehend how much he meant to me. The rest of the Order, too. He was like… like their patriarch.”
She set her hoof down and beamed at Trixie, eyes moist. “But this was his dream, Trixie. He devoted the past decade to this, searching as hard as he could for a way to save the princesses. If only you had known how excited he really was, how much hope he had in you. I wanted you to know that he wouldn’t want you to linger on what happened. I am proud of him for finally achieving his dream, and I am grateful to you for making it a reality.”
She bowed low, and Trixie’s jaw dropped. “From this day onward, should you ever need a favor you need only ask. If it is within my power, I will assist in whatever way I can. This is what I can offer for helping my husband.”
Trixie swallowed the lump in her throat and leaned back. Her ears lowered once more, and she felt the all-too-familiar burn of tears. “You… y-you don’t have to do that.”
Octavia raised her head and grinned, then turned to retrieve something from the darkness behind her. She flung her hoof out to toss Trixie’s hat. It landed softly next to her on the bed. “I think that belongs to you.”
Trixie picked it up, examining its pleasant design and the ever-glowing rim. She set it on her head with a sniff and tried to smile. “Th-thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” Octavia’s face grew serious. “One more thing, Trixie. Not all the ponies in the Order are as pleased with the outcome as I am. Some are… upset. Especially Gulfstream: Fine was like a father to him. I don’t think they’ll do anything, but you should take care not to give them a reason to.”
Trixie blinked, sobering quickly from her sadness. “But can’t you control them? You were Fine’s wife, so doesn’t that make you the head of the Order now?”
Octavia shook her head. “I am retiring from the Order. And the Archons. I promised Fine as much. Even if that weren’t the case, he named Fleur his heir a long time ago. She cared for him as much as I did, so I know she will honor his wishes, but she does not think highly of you. She’s not as forgiving as I am.”
Trixie sighed and bowed her head. “I understand. Thanks for the warning.”
“You’re welcome.”
Octavia turned away, but looked back to offer one last smile. “Do not worry, Trixie. Even if one or two members are upset, you have done the Archons a great service. They are always around, always watching. You’ve earned their respect… and if things go the way I believe they will, then you’ll soon have their protection, too.”
Trixie thought on this, but wasn’t certain she understood.
“What do you mea—” She looked up, but Octavia was gone.
Trixie gazed out the window, the morning sun just peering over the Canterlot cityscape. Smoke still rose from the feeder and vent tunnels throughout the city, suggesting that fires continued to burn in the slums. Were the riots ongoing, too? It had been two days since the final battle. How long could things keep up like this? She tried to take Luna’s words about the seeds of progress to heart, but it was difficult.
The door to Luna’s chambered opened, but Trixie didn’t look to see who it was. She merely sighed and kept up her vigilance at the window, wondering if she might find some way to make things right. Hoofsteps reached her ears as the visitor moved closer, and she raised her ears to indicate her awareness. The pony’s presence seemed large, so she knew it could only be Luna.
“Thinking on sacrifices made?”
Trixie’s eyes went wide: that wasn’t Luna. She turned about to find Princess Celestia sitting a few feet behind her. The princess’ head and ears were low, her eyes reflecting an unmistakable weariness. “There were a great many sacrifices, I know.”
“Princess.” Trixie bowed her head in respect. “I did not expect you to recover so quickly.”
“In body only, I assure you.” Celestia managed a weak smile. “That said, I am very pleased to finally, officially meet you, Trixie Lulamoon.”
Trixie paused, her ears lowering as she tilted her head. “But, you already—” She stopped herself, realizing the foolishness of what she had been close to saying.
Celestia nodded. “I remember everything she did, including your first time appearing in the throne room. However, the first time I met you was when you found me in the Everfree Forest, where I had been left in a state of wretchedness and loss for a millennia. She would visit me every fifty years or so, just to gloat.”
She leaned her head back to stare at the ceiling, though her eyes seemed to be gazing upon something else entirely. A tear fell down her pearly cheek. “You cannot comprehend the sheer joy I felt when you recognized me for what I really was. It was the first spark of hope I had felt since failing to defeat my corrupted half all those centuries ago.”
Trixie felt a strange sense of elation at those words, and offered a very warm smile. “I am happy to have been of service. I would do it all again if necessary.”
Celestia looked down at her and smiled, cheeks moist but eyes shining. “Miss Lulamoon, there are no words that may convey my gratitude. Equestria owes you its future. My sister and I owe you our very souls. Ask what you will of me, and it will be done.”
Trixie’s heart swelled with pride as Celestia bowed before her, tears beginning to form in her own eyes. “P-princess, please! That’s really not necessary.”
Celestia rose with a chuckle. “You friends said you had grown modest in your quest to save my sister. You need not be now. Come, surely there must be something I can do for you?”
Trixie considered, her eyes roaming the room for inspiration. What could she possibly ask for? Physical things were of no use to her. Fame and popularity were no longer factors in her happiness, and she had no intention of going back to the life she used to live. She turned to gaze out at the city below, her mind churning with possibilities.
Then she spotted the smoke. It reminded her of the slums… and then she thought of the tomb.
She turned to Celestia, heart heavy. “I would like Twilight… I mean, the one from the other time. I’d like a shrine built in her honor. I want everypony to know who she was and what she sacrificed for all of us. I can’t claim to know much, but I think the Equestria she knew was a happier one. Maybe this way the world can move a little faster to that place we all seek.”
Celestia stared with an awed expression, tears returning to her eyes. She abruptly looked away, a trembling hoof on her lips. “Y-yes… That is a good wish. After all she went through – after what my darker side put her through – she most certainly deserves the recognition. It will be done, Trixie, I promise. Yours is a request worthy of the Savior of Equestria.”
Trixie grinned, her chest light even as she sighed and averted her eyes. “Please don’t call me that.”
The princess giggled between her sniffs, a grin forming on her lips. “You are an inspiration, Trixie.” She turned her head to the doorway to call out, “Luna, it is time.”
Trixie’s ears perked up at the name... and the phrase. Time for what? After a couple seconds the doors opened once more and Luna entered in with a proud stride.
“You were waiting? What’s going on?”
“My sister and I have been discussing matters,” Luna explained with a grin. “We have formed a certain… agreement.”
The princesses beamed at Trixie, who stepped back against the window and felt her cheeks grow hot. “W-what kind of agreement?”
Celestia stood tall and beamed. “You have achieved great things for Equestria.”
“And for us, personally,” Luna added with pride.
“Our gratitude goes beyond mere favors,” Celestia pressed. “You have proven yourself in ways that humble us and all who have come to know you.”
Trixie wanted to melt into the floor: this was far too much praise for one pony! “Enough! I get it – you want to give me some reward. I think being with Luna is reward enough, though.”
Luna giggled and tilted her head. “Do you not have plans beyond that?”
Trixie considered this for a moment, tapping her chin. Plans? Her plans had changed so many times since this whole ‘quest’ had begun, and now she realized that she was entirely clueless. Now that her job was done, what else was she supposed to do with her life?
“I… I don’t know. I was so focused on saving you, I never really thought about what might come next.”
Celestia shared a wry smile with her sister. “Well, we have an idea you may just approve of.”
Trixie raised an eyebrow, not sure she liked the way that was said. “What idea might that be?”
Luna tilted her head and averted her eyes with a playful smile. “Oh, nothing all that special.” She leaned forward, head dropped to Trixie’s level and wicked glint in her eye. “You know, I remember when you fought Nightmare Moon in the dream world. Wings look rather… fetching on you.”
Trixie’s eyes went wide as comprehension dawned on her. She reared back to wave her hooves. “Whoa, whoa, hold on! Are you suggesting I become an… an ali… alic—”
“Actually,” Celestia interrupted with a giggle, “we were going to say princess. But yes, alicorn is also accurate.”
“I can’t!”
Trixie turned to gaze at the city below, alarm and fear mixing within her. “I don’t know a thing about ruling! All I’ve done all this time is fight. I’m not a leader. You want somepony else. W-what about Twilight? The one from the other world was an alicorn, wasn’t she? M-maybe this world’s Twilight was meant to be one, too.”
Celestia shook her head, that pleased grin still set on her lips. “You did more than just fight, Trixie.”
Luna stepped close and set a hoof to Trixie’s shoulder. “The Element Bearers would have never discovered their own gifts if you had not first revealed those gifts. You could not have done that if you did not already have the qualities within you.”
Trixie turned to her, mind frantic. “I was just doing what I had to. You don’t want me as a co-ruler, Luna, really! Don’t you remember? I’m arrogant and… and self-centered. I rush into things, and I don’t think anything through. S-surely there’s somepony more qualified! I didn’t even know what I was doing when I helped the others. I just did what came naturally!”
Celestia nodded, her face the epitome of pride. “Precisely. Compassion, integrity, confidence, tolerance, devotion, leadership. You displayed all the best qualities of ponykind without any guidance at all, because they are part of who you are. That, Trixie, is a sure sign of your worthiness.”
Trixie opened her mouth to object, but her words were stifled by Luna’s hoof. She looked to her lover with big eyes as the princess spoke, “Your flaws do not make you any less qualified. Look at my sister and me; we have been literally battling our own demons for a millennia, and could not come close to winning without the help of a mere showpony. Are we any more worthy to rule?”
Luna’s eyes were moist as she knelt down to nuzzle Trixie’s shoulder. “What you have done humbles us. Having you at our side would do us far more honor that you might feel you were receiving.”
Trixie accepted the motion, enjoying the now-familiar warmth it gave her, but then pushed Luna away to look her in the eyes. “B-but what if I mess up?” She turned to Celestia. “What if I do the wrong thing, or make the wrong decisions?”
Celestia gestured to herself and her sister. “That is why we are here with you. We will rule together, Trixie, and we will all guide one another through the future. Ask us for help, use our insight. I assure you, we will be seeking yours.”
Trixie sat, moving carefully with her cast, and blew out a long, calming breath. She tried to think as clearly and rationally as she could. She wasn’t certain she wanted this kind of responsibility, but if they were both so insistent…
“Do… Do you really think I have what it takes to be a princess?”
Celestia nodded. “There is not a shred of doubt in either of our minds.”
Luna sat and nudged Trixie’s shoulder to catch her attention. “We know it is a big decision, and it is entirely up to you. We will respect your choice either way.”
She leaned down to nuzzle Trixie and whispered directly into her ear. “But, if you want a little motivation, remember that alicorns are a very long-lived pony race. Becoming one yourself would give the two of us much more… time to ourselves.” She punctuated the sentence by blowing into Trixie’s ear, which made her body shiver and her face burn.
Trixie stepped back, shook herself and stared at Luna for several seconds. Her gaze went to Celestia, then back to Luna. Her mind went rampant with the ideas that had suddenly been thrust into her head.
“W-well… When you put it that way…”
The sisters laughed in unison.
The sun peered brightly through the clouds. Trixie glowered at it, having long grown accustomed to the cool shadows of the night. But if she was to do what she wanted, she had to come during the day, so she did her best to ignore the glare. She walked up the steps, adjusted her cape and hat and knocked on the door. She had to wait for some time, and knocked twice more before there was an answer.
Amethyst stood at the door, eyelids lowering at the sight of her former friend. “You again.”
Trixie didn’t hesitate or avert her eyes. She met that gaze firmly, ready for whatever might come. “Can we talk?”
Amethyst raised an eyebrow. “You tried that once already. Go mooch off somepony else.” She started to close the door, but it shined magenta and swung open against her will.
Trixie stepped well within the doorframe and locked Amethyst with a firm look. “Let me speak, Ammy. If you don’t like what I have to say then you’ll never have to face me again, but let me speak.”
Amethyst’s eyebrows rose in surprise and she took a step back. “You grew a backbone.”
“I’ll be growing something else this time next week.” Trixie entered the room and closed the door with her magic.
Her old friend let her head flop back on her shoulders and rolled her eyes. “Alright, Trix, what do ya want? Make it quick and don’t ask for any bits, ’cause I won’t give ’em.”
A wry grin came upon Trixie’s lips, a chuckle escaping her throat. “Here.”
Her horn shined and a large bag poofed into existence in the air between them. It floated over to Amethyst, who eyed it as if it might contain a bomb. “What’s this?”
It was Trixie’s turn to roll her eyes. “Just open it, Ammy.”
Amethyst glowered, but used her magic to take the bag and lower it carefully to the floor. She sat and pushed it open, and her eyes grew wide: it was filled to the brim with bits.
“Wha…? Where did you…?”
Trixie smirked. “That’s for all the rent that I never paid.”
Amethyst stared at her old friend, lips moving soundlessly and legs hanging limp at her sides. “Y-you… Trix… What did you do to… to…”
“And this—” Trixie embraced the dumbstruck pony, “—is for everything else.”
Amethyst said nothing for nearly a minute, stunned speechless. At last she regained some sense of control, pushing Trixie back to look at her directly. “I don’t understand.”
“Well I do.” Trixie offered a soft smile. “It took me a while, but I figured it out. All the bad things you said, the way you pushed me, even when you finally booted me from this place for good. You were right to be frustrated, Ammy; I was pretty pathetic.”
She stepped back and sat, basking in her old friend’s confusion. “But I figured it out. You were trying to make me move on in the only way you knew how. You really were a good friend, even when I was the worst. So thank you, Ammy. Thank you for tolerating me for so long. I won’t be needing it anymore.”
Amethyst gazed at her for some time. Trixie could almost see the cogs turning in her head. At last Amethyst leaned back to ask, “What in Equestria happened to you?”
Trixie grinned. “I met a princess and made some new friends. I got a life, just as you suggested. I took charge of my future, and soon I’ll be taking on more responsibility than you can imagine. You’ll hear about it soon, I promise.”
Amethyst considered her words, eyes darting about the room as if she were not sure what to look for. She sat and scratched the back of her head. “Trix… I’m not sure I can really believe this.”
“I know.” Trixie bowed her head in contemplation. “It’s all so different from what we’re used to. But you’ll see soon enough that I’m not chasing after dreams anymore. That’s all I really wanted to say.”
She turned away and made for the door. “Thank you for being there for me, Ammy. More importantly, thank you for not being there when I was at my most desperate. It was one of those things that really needed to happen.”
Amethyst tilted her head, lips fumbling about once more. “I... umm… You’re welcome?”
Trixie shot her one last wry grin. “Oh, and I have one more thing for you. You can thank me when you come to the castle.”
Amethyst sagged and let out a frustrated growl. “At some point you’re gonna start making sense. What the buck are you talki—”
The door opened and Amethyst’s words caught in her throat: there, leaning against the doorframe with a smug expression, was Rainbow Dash. “I hear there’s a big fan living here.”
Trixie walked out the door, grinning from ear to ear as a squeal of delight erupted from the house. The door closed as she left the steps and waved towards the street corner. A dark sapphire chariot rumbled towards her, and when it stopped Luna gave her a knowing wink.
“How did it go?”
“Wonderfully.” Trixie boarded and waved to the pegasus team. They lifted off into the skies above Hoofington. “Thanks for letting me borrow the chariot for this, Luna. It means a lot to me.”
“I know it does.” Luna nuzzled Trixie’s cheek playfully. “You will have to wait until after the transformation, but worry not; you will have a carriage of your own by your inauguration. You did invite her, yes?”
“I dropped a hint,” Trixie replied, taking a moment to lean against her lover. “We’ll see if she takes to it. I wonder if she’ll go back to being the Royal Jeweler?”
Luna shrugged, wrapping a wing about Trixie. “Time will tell, I suppose.”
“Time.” Trixie leaned back in the carriage and relaxed, snuggling close to her most precious princess. “That’s something we’ve got plenty of.”
The carriage disappeared amongst the clouds. To the ponies in the peaceful town below, it might have existed only in a dream.