Gilda and Fluttershy stood at the entrance of Sugarcube Corner as Pinkie Pie bounced up and down in excitement.
"Ooh, a pony I haven't seen before! You know what that means? Time for another Welcome to Ponyville Pinkie Pie party! We'll have balloons, and cake and-" the pink pony stopped in her tracks as she remembered who the pony was. "Oh wait, silly me! You're the Great and Powerful Trixie! How could I forget? Anyways, whatcha doing Ponyville, Trixie?" She invited the two to sit at a table and offered freshly baked cupcakes.
I better not tell her who I really am, Gilda thought. "Yeah, I'm Trixie. What's up?" she said slowly. Pinkie only stared at her with that usual stupid grin on her face. I guess my lie worked.
Fluttershy interrupted. "Um, actually Pinkie, that's not Trixie, that's-"
"No, I'm Trixie. W-what the hay are you talking about?" Gilda laughed nervously.
"But you just said you were Gilda-"
"SHUT UP!!"
Fluttershy squeaked out of fear and hid under the table. Gilda gulped and looked around nervously. What have I done? The bakery suddenly went quiet. It was as if time had slowed down. Nopony dared to move.
Gilda stared straight at Pinkie. For once, her smile faded and her eyes filled with confusion. She looked under the table.
"Um, Fluttershy? Are you alright?" The pegasus nodded and reluctantly came out from under the table. Gilda noticed she was shaking.
"Sorry," said Gilda quietly. "It's just... a lot of things are going on, okay? Like this new body I'm stuck in."
Pinkie stared at Gilda with the same confused look in her eyes. "So wait... You're Gilda? The griffon?" Gilda nodded.
Something flashed through Pinkie's eyes that neither Gilda or Fluttershy had ever seen before. It was a look of anger and despisement. A brief scowl came upon her face. It only was there for a second, but it was noticeable by the two ponies. But the scowl quickly faded and the dumb grin returned.
"Oh! Hey Gilda!" she said. "I didn't know you came to Ponyville! You catching up with Rainbow Dash?"
"W-what?" Gilda didn't know what to say. How could she switch emotions just like that? "Yeah, I'm alright." Her mind flashed back to her memories with Rainbow Dash for a second, but she shook them away quickly.
There was a moment of awkward silence before Gilda spoke again. "But don't you remember last time?" She didn't want to say she was sorry for last time, since that pony is as annoying as a hundred parasprites.
Pinkie shrugged. "Meh, forgive and forget, I guess."
Huh?
"Um, Pinkie? I think-"
"HOLD ON A SECOND!" Fluttershy jumped as Pinkie banged on the table. She looked like she had just discovered the secrets of the universe. "If you're Gilda in Trixie's body, then Trixie must be in your body, right?" Gilda nodded and Pinkie chuckled. "That's funny, because I just saw your body being carried off by a couple of other griffons! I was going to offer them some cake, but they left before I could talk to them."
"Wait, WHAT?" Gilda facehoofed. She got up from the table and started pacing around. "Of course, my job! I haven't come back to the Griffon Kingdom to get my next load of mail, so the lame-o boss thinks I'm slacking off. Which I do occasionally since I'd rather do other cool things than work but... Anyways, we need to get her back! A dweeb like Trixie won't survive in the Griffon Kingdom!" she groaned. Why does it have to be Monday...
*****
Trixie was shaking nervously the whole flight as the other two griffons dragged her along.
Where are they taking me? What are they going to do to me? Where the hay is Gilda?
Trixie tried to focus her thoughts on something else instead of worrying. She listened to the other griffons' conversation, figuring out their names were Gary and George. When she got bored of that, she looked at the road ahead. Below her were empty fields, but she noticed mountains in the distance. Maybe that's where they're taking me. She didn't think, the only part of her body that moved were her flapping wings. She focused on nothing but the mountains ahead.
It wasn't long before Trixie noticed the mountains were getting closer, and she could point out details in them. On the tallest mountain, Trixie started to make out a few buildings on top of it. She realized there was a city on the mountain. She stared at it until the three griffons arrived.
They landed in front of a large, gray building. The words MAIL CENTER OF EQUESTRIA were printed clearly on the front.
"Huh?"said Trixie, turning to Gary and George.
"What do you mean, huh? Get back to work!" yelled Gary. "You're way behind!"
"And don't think the boss doesn't know about this," said George, smiling. "He was the one who sent us, after all. This is being placed on your permanent record. Do it again and you're fired." With that, the two griffons left.
Trixie had no choice but to walk inside the building. Immediately, the smell of paper, ink, and sweat filled her nostrils. Griffons were all around her. There were some on their own, but most of them were walking in groups, talking to each other. Not knowing where to go, Trixie joined a large group of griffons. Luckily, no one seemed to notice. As they were walking, Trixie tried to figure out what exactly was going on.
This must be where Gilda works. Because we switched bodies, she must have been missing work. Gary and George must have come to get me. That explains that. Now, this is the Mail Center of Equestria. Does her job involve delivering mail around Equestria? The crowd suddenly came to a halt. I guess I'll find out for sure...
*****
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stared in confusion as Gilda paced and talked to herself. Eventually the unicorn turned to look at them.
"Well don't just sit there like dweebs! We need to find a way to get to the Griffon Kingdom and find Trix... I mean get this magic spell reversed!"
"Magic spell? Oh, that must be why you're in Trixie's body!" Pinkie Pie chuckled and snorted. "Silly me, why didn't I think of that before?" Gilda only rolled her eyes. "Why don't you ask Twilight to help you? She's real good with magic and stuff."
Twilight. I swear I've heard that name before. Didn't Trixie mention her? Wasn't she the pony she was jealous of? Oh great, so she's the reason I'm stuck in a unicorn's body... Wait, no! It's Trixie's fault! She was the one who was jealous! Once I'm back to normal and get my claws on her... Oh yeah, I guess I better talk now. Those two keep staring at me like I'm crazy.
"Yeah, sure, let's get Twilight to help us." She started pacing again. "Now, the Griffon Kingdom is too far to get there on foot... er, hoof. We need to fly." Gilda turned to look at her wingless back. "Fluttershy, you're a pegasus. You think you could pull a cart with me and Twilight to the Griffon Kingdom?"
The yellow pony gulped. "Um, I don't know. I-I'm a very weak flyer. How about asking my friend Rainbow Dash? She's a really great flyer. And a really nice pony."
"Don't talk about Dash!"
Fluttershy jumped again. "Oh, sorry. I forgot..."
Gilda sighed, making a mental note to not scare that pony again. "Well, come on anyways, Fluttershy. We may need you. No, let's go find Twilight... and Rainbow Dash." I guess I haven no choice. We need Dash.
"Ooh! I wanna come!" The pink pony started bouncing with excitement. "It'll be and adventure!"
Gilda groaned. "Fine, you can come. But we need to hurry. The other griffons will send her to other parts of Equestria, and she's inexperienced. She'll definitely get lost, and we might not be able to find her and reverse the spell. So don't get in the way of anything." And don't be annoying either. "Now come on!"
*****
Trixie looked upwards to see what the other griffons were staring at. In front of her was a huge billboard, which was covered with papers. Each of the papers had a list of names, places, and numbers. Everyone else seemed to be looking for their name, so Trixie decided to do the same. Just as she started to scan the names, she felt something ram into her behind.
"Hey! Watch where you're going! No one runs into the Great and Powerful... Oh wait."
"Gilda? Where have you been? You've been gone for hours! I know you like to slack off sometimes, but not this much! You almost got fired!"
"Oh, um, hey..." Trixie assumed this was one of Gilda's friends. She didn't want to make a fool of herself, so pretending to be Gilda was the best option for now.
The blue and black griffon looked confused. "You sound different. Are you losing your voice or something? Oh well. Hey, there's my name! And yours is next to it!" He pointed to two of the names on the list:
GABE : MAIL BAG #603 : 11 LETTERS, 6 PACKAGES : CANTERLOT
GILDA : MAIL BAG #289 : 13 LETTERS, 4 PACKAGES : TROTTINGHAM
"Sweet! Canterlot! That's where all of the rich ponies live! Too bad we never get assigned to the same place. Come on, let's get our mailbags." He started walking to an area lined with shelves. Trixie followed.
"What are you doing over here? This is the Canterlot section. Trottingham is over there." Gabe pointed to a smaller area. Trixie had no choice but to go over there. She said nothing.
So I have to find the mailbag with the number 289 and then... take off? She turned to look at the landing deck and gulped. But I don't even know where Trottingham is!
But Trixie did as she was told. She found bag number 289, went to the landing deck, and started flying away. She had only gone a couple of yards away from the building when she heard familiar voice behind her.
"Trixie? Where are you? Trixie!"
"There she is! Over there!"
Trixie turned around. As she did, she felt her left wing hit something hard. A sharp pain, even worse than the one before, went through her, and the next thing she knew, she was falling.
*****
Gilda, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight were walking together on their way to Rainbow Dash's cloud home.
Getting Twilight to join had been fairly easy. She seemed interested once Gilda had mentioned that a spell had caused them to switch bodies. She said she could reverse it, but she needed both of them to be present.
"Um, Gilda? We're here." said Twilight. Occasionally she would open up her book, which looked surprisingly similar to the one Trixie had.
Gilda suddenly snapped back to attention. The whole walk she couldn't stop thinking about Rainbow Dash. She didn't want to talk to her. But before she could object, Fluttershy flew up to the door and knocked.
Rainbow Dash was home. She and Fluttershy had a short conversation that no one on the ground could hear. Then the two pegusi flew down to meet the rest of them. Rainbow Dash landed right in front of Gilda.
"So, you're Gilda, huh?"
Gilda almost automatically converted into her cool mode. "Hey Dash! What's up?"
"Don't try and be all cool, Gilda." she sighed. "I'm only going to help you on one condition. Apologize."
Gilda stared at Dash. She was the same pony she had always been: light blue coat, rainbow mane, and a multicolored lightning bolt engraved on her flank. But her personality had changed. Gilda remembered all the fun times they had as fillies. She might be just as cool as she was back then, except for one thing. She was loyal to her friends, and Gilda respected that. All she wanted was to be her friend again. All she had to do was apologize. She closed her eyes to keep away tears.
"Listen, Dash, I'm-"
"Not just to me," said Rainbow Dash. She turned around and motioned to Pinkie Pie, who happily bounced over. "To me and to Pinkie."
As soon as Rainbow Dash said that, Pinkie Pie got that same look she had at Sugarcube Corner. A look of anger and despise. It sort of scared Gilda.
"I-I'm sorry! About everything! I didn't mean to be a jerk, it's just who I am! But I've changed, I swear! I'll never be a jerk to you again, Pinkie Pie! I'll never be a jerk to anyone again! And.." she suddenly got quiet. "And I'll never abandon you again, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow finally smiled. She looked satisfied. "Good. I forgive you, and I'll be happy to help. What about you, Pinkie?" she turned to look at the pink pony, who ran and gave Gilda a great big hug.
"Oh, don't worry about it! I forgive you!" She whispered something in Gilda's ear that she couldn't quite make out. It sounded like she said, "Thanks."
Rainbow Dash flew up behind her house, and, after a few minutes, returned with a chariot. "I've been waiting for the chance to use this. But it needs two ponies to pull." She looked at Fluttershy. "You up for it?"
Fluttershy looked at the ground nervously. "Oh, um, I don't know. I'm a pretty weak flyer, and-"
"Oh, come on! You're a great flyer, Fluttershy! You were so awesome when we brought the water up to Cloudsdale, remember?" She walked over to the yellow pony and patted her on the back. "So, what do you say?"
Fluttershy suddenly got a look of confidence in her eyes. She looked at Rainbow, then the chariot. "Okay, I'll do it."
"Don't worry, Fluttershy. If you need to take a break, I can take over. I need a little flying practice anyways." said Twilight.
Gilda was amazed at how good of a pony Rainbow Dash had become. She felt something strange inside her. It felt... warm. I wish I never abandoned you...
*****
The chariot ride was long, slow, and boring. Occasionally Pinkie Pie lightened the mood by telling a joke, but for the most part, nopony talked. Luckily, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash did a good job pulling the cart, but they were both worn out by the time they arrived. Twilight spent most of the time reading.
"Land right over there," Gilda said as the two pegusi landed in front of the MCE building. She, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie hopped out of the chariot as Rainbow and Fluttershy detached themselves from it.
"This is so super-duper cool! I've never seen so many griffons before! Maybe I should throw them a party!"
"No time for parties, Pinkie," said Twilight. "We need you to help us find Trixie." Twilight seem to act as the voice of reason for things. Gilda appreciated that.
The five ponies entered the building, not knowing what to expect. Everything was the same as Gilda had last seen it, only the other griffons seemed surprised. Some of them whispered to each other. She wasn't surprised. Ponies rarely show up in the Griffon Kingdom. The other ponies didn't seem to notice. Instead, they started shouting.
"Trixie? Trixie!" yelled Twilight.
"Triiiiiiiiiiiiiixie!!!!" sang Pinkie Pie.
"Um, Trixie?" whispered Fluttershy.
"Where is she?" said Rainbow Dash.
Gilda didn't say anything. Instead, she headed straight toward the bulletin board. She wasn't there. She went toward the mailbag area. Not there either. Her only hope was the landing deck...
"There she is!" yelled Gilda. "Over there!"
The other ponies ran over and tried to flag her down. Trixie noticed and turned around, only when she did, her wing hit a tree branch, and she started falling to her death.
*****
Trixie felt the wind in her feathers as she fell. It actually felt kind of nice. She closed her eyes, preparing for the worst, just like she did in Ponyville. And just like in Ponyville, the worst never came. She suddenly felt something grab her, and she started slowly floating upward.
She opened her eyes. A pair of light blue hooves were wrapped around her stomach. She looked up.
"Don't worry. I got you," said the pony. Trixie was in too much shock for words. The pony didn't seem to mind. She flew her back up to the deck and landed safely.
"T-thank you..." said Trixie.
"Hey! No problem! I can't let somepony just fall to their death, now can I?" said the pony.
Trixie's legs shook as she walked over towards Gilda, two other ponies, and... Twilight. She stopped dead in her tracks.
"Twilight? But... what are you doing here? What are all of you doing here?"
"Getting you back to normal, duh!" said the pink pony. "I mean, why else would we be here? Unless of course you think we were going to throw a party here, which means you're partly right because I'm totally going to throw a party here! There will be balloons and cake and-"
"PINKIE!!!!!"
Twilight glared at the pony before turning back to Trixie. "Come on Trixie. I can do the reverse spell and get you back to normal. Just stand over there next to Gilda."
"Ha! No way I'm letting Twilight Sparkle help me!"
The alicorn walked over to her. She spoke softly. "Listen, it's perfectly okay for a friend to help a friend."
"Friends? The Great and Powerful Trixie will never be friends with you."
"I don't know. I would like to be friends with you."
"But... But you're so much better than me!"
"I'm not better than anyone else!" yelled Twilight. She sighed. "Look, just let me help you, and then we can hang out sometime. I can show you some of the spells I'm working on."
Trixie stared at Twilight. She realized she meant no harm to Trixie. All she wanted to do was help. At that moment, Trixie felt something inside her. Something warm and happy. She spoke for the first time in a calm, friendly voice.
"I'd like that, Twilight. I'll let you help me." she walked over next to where Gilda was standing.
While Trixie and Twilight were talking. Rainbow Dash leaned in next to Gilda. "You know, we could be friends again if you want. I would love to hang out sometime."
Gilda was shocked. "Really? After the things I did in Ponyville?"
"Well, you apologized. And a good friend will always forgive one another."
"Rainbow Dash, step away from Gilda," said Twilight. "Time to preform my spell!" She had a look of excitement on her face. "I've been waiting so long to do this!"
Twilight's horn glowed brightly. A lavender bubble formed around Trixie and Gilda as they were lifted off the ground. The bubble got less and less transparent until you couldn't see the two inside. Beams of magic swirled around them, until finally Twilight lowered the bubble. As soon as it touched the ground it faded, leaving Trixie and Gilda on the floor, unconscious.
Trixie and Gilda woke up at the exact same time. Both of them immediately examined themselves.
Hooves? Check. Blue coat and silver mane? Check. Cutie mark? Check.
Half eagle, half lion... Sweet! Back to my awesome self again!
"So... what now?" asked Gilda.
"Well I don't know about you, but I think we should get out of here..." whispered Trixie. Everything had happened inside the building, and all of the griffons were staring at them. The five ponies and one griffon awkwardly made their way out of the building.
"Um, guys? I sort of need to get back to Ponyville. It's getting late, and my critters need dinner... but you know, whatever is okay with you." Fluttershy finally spoke up.
"Yeah, I guess we better get going," said Twilight. She turned to Trixie and Gilda. "What about you two?"
"Well, I have to get back to work. Apparently I have mail to deliver to Trottingham." For some reason, Gilda chuckled at that. Pinkie laughed, and soon everyone else was cracking up for no reason at all.
After the laughter died down, Trixie spoke softly. "I guess I can take a train to another town. Maybe I can start a new career."
"Well, have fun with that," said Twilight. "I hope we get to see each other sometime."
"Yeah! I can't wait to hang out with you again, Gilda!" said Rainbow.
With that, the pegusi attached themselves to the chariot as the other ponies hopped in.They all turned around and waved goodbye as they left. With Pinkie Pie talking the whole way.
Trixie and Gilda stood in silence for a few minutes before Trixie spoke. "Um, Gilda? Do you think you could take me to Trottingham? It seems like a nice little town for me."
"Sure! Hop on!" She unfolded her wings.
"But didn't I injure you wing? Can you fly?"
"It's just a little bruise. It'll heal."
Trixie hopped on Gilda's back. Gilda walked back inside the building, picked up the mailbag that was left on the floor, and took off. Neither one of them spoke. But both of them were happy.
At that moment, while Gilda was flying Trixie to Trottingham, the same warm feeling passed through Gilda and Trixie at the same time. Neither of them questioned it, though. Because both of them now knew in their hearts that that feeling was the feeling of friendship.