Trixie and Maud: Heart of Stone

by TheCrimsonDM

Chapter Two: Woeful Remorse

A few days later Trixie sat down at the kitchen table with a partially written letter lying before her, the only words written read.

“Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle”

It was about time that Trixie wrote the apology letter. But the words she needed simply wouldn’t come to her, maybe she could ask for help from Maud. But she was still ashamed of what she had done, and admitting those atrocities to a pony as special as Maud was simply too much for her to handle. Eventually Maud would realize that Trixie was not a good pony, and then she would be all alone… again, but until that time Trixie would enjoy every moment she could with the wonderful mare.

Maud walked into the kitchen and sat across from Trixie with a bright pink letter in her mouth. She laid the letter down on the table before saying in the monotonous voice that Trixie had become enamored to, “My sister sent me a letter.”

Trixie looked up from the letter she was writing, so that she could look into those beautiful blue eyes. “Which sister?”

Maud replied with a dull flat voice, “My sister Pinkie Pie. She is going to visit us tomorrow. I am looking forward to introducing you two.”

Trixie smiled feeling good about that, she had yet to meet Pinkie pie, or at least she really hoped that she had never met her. She felt much happier than she had in a long time. The depression was still there in the background but it was being beaten into submission by the magic of Maud’s friendship. Trixie smiled cheerfully and said excitedly, “I can’t wait to meet her. I really hope we can be friends.”

The alley was dark, the moon was bloated out by clouds. A cold shiver ran down Trixie’s spine as she looked around. Down back the way she had came were angry shouts. She pushed ahead with all her might but her leg simply didn’t want to work anymore. The voices were growing louder. She tried to hurry, and managed to round a corner but came up short as she stared at a solid brick wall.

“A dead end!” Trixie swore.

“I think I heard the piece of trash over here, let’s go burn it,” a stallion cried from somewhere behind her.

Trixie turned around, maybe if she hurried she could still hide. Of course ten ponies rounded the corner, each one of them looking at Trixie with evil intent. This time Trixie’s entire body was freezing, she took a step back. they closed in all around her.

“Trixie isn’t scared of you!” Trixie defended.

A teal colored mare stepped ahead of the gang, her brown hair was dirty and clung to the sides of her face. She had no eyes yet glared at Triixe with hollow spots in her head. A malicious smile spread over her lips. “By the time we’re done, you’ll be scared of everything.”

The gang charged.

Trixie awoke in her bed covered in a thick layer of sweat. She was breathing fast and hard, that nightmare was worse than usual. She began to Cradle her head between her hooves while her entire body shook, she whispered to herself, “It was only a dream Trixie. It was only a dream, you’re safe here. Maud’s here. She won’t let them get you.”

After a few moments she calmed down enough to stop shaking.  Nightmares have been frequenting her the past few months. She was really hoping that her relationship with Maud was going to make them stop. Unfortunately this was not the case.

Doctor Timequill had explained to her that these dreams had been metaphors for the problems in her life, or on occasion memories best left forgotten. At first she has spent many hours trying to analyze her dreams, but has never been able to figure them out herself. Now it was easier to simply forget about them.

Letting out a deep breath she tried to gather enough energy to move. It was morning and soon she would be able to see Maud, and if she was lucky maybe they would kiss again. The past few days have been a little awkward between them. Maud has been a lot closer to Trixie ever since the kiss, lying next to Maud on the couch was one of her favorite and new activities. They even shared kisses on the cheek every morning and evening, which was always the highlight of her day.

Maud had a hard time expressing emotion, which made it a challenge to figure out if she really liked Trixie. She wondered if sometimes she actually made Maud angry, or if she pushed her away with something she said or did. But Trixie tried to always be the best pony she could be, every little mistake cataloged in her mind with shameful red stamps.

Trixie asked herself, “Why were there so many books about different kinds of rocks, and no books about the one rock I need to learn about?”

After taking her morning medicine Trixie walked out of her room wanting to take a shower. Maud’s room was at the end of the hall; her door was closed like always. Trixie found herself wondering about what Maud’s room really looked like. What kind of stuff did she keep around, probably a collection of rare rocks or something? While opening the bathroom door, Maud’s door opened up causing Trixie to freeze.

She still couldn’t get a good look inside Maud’s room, although she made a mental note about the fact that it was very dark inside it. Maud stepped out of her room wearing her classic stone blue dress. It occurred to Trixie then that she had never once seen her without the dress on. She began to wonder what Maud looked like without her clothing on. The image that Trixie conjured up made Trixie’s cheeks grow warm.

Maud looked at Trixie with her blank emotionless expression. Trixie looked away shyly fearing Maud’s reaction should she find out what Trixie was imagining. A single gray leg wrapped itself around Trixie’s neck pulling the shy unicorn into an embrace. Maud then kissed Trixie softly on the cheek before saying with an even tone, “Good morning, Lulu."

Trixie knew that the nickname was a good sign that Maud really did like her. After all only friends had nicknames for each other. Trixie returned the favor, kissing Maud on the cheek a little nervously. It didn’t seem to matter how many times she kissed Maud, it still made her nervous to be doing something so sensual with such a wonderful mare.

Trixie really was foreign when it came to relationships. It didn’t help her that she still had no idea what to call this beautiful thing she shared with Maud. Were they really marefriends, or was this some kind of miscommunication? Trixie really hoped that Maud liked her back.

Pulling away from Maud’s gentle embrace she found herself gazing deeply into Maud’s blue eyes. Although they usually looked bored, her eyes were a little more open right now, along with the slightest curl of her lips. Three days ago Trixie never would have noticed these subtle details about Maud. Subtle as they are, they managed to speak volumes about Maud’s feelings. Maud was not only happy right now, but excited as well.  

A cheerful grin spread across Trixie’s face with the realization that she could evoke such emotions from Maud. Despite the nervous nature Trixie had adopted she couldn’t help but to wrap both hooves around Maud and whisk her up into a tight loving embrace, and if Trixie was strong enough she would have picked Maud up off her hooves too. Maud’s checks became the slightest shade of pink, making Trixie’s flush wildly. The two gazed deeply into one another’s eyes; they held each other like this for a few moments before pulling apart.

Maud began to explain in her monotonous voice, “My sister will be arriving in a few hours. I’m really excited.” Maud paused for a moment, seeming to be lost in thought before continuing with a quieter voice, “I hope she likes you.”

Trixie caught the change in volume, and knew that it was Maud being nervous. Maud was never nervous, about anything, not even about giant monster fish ponies. Trixie couldn’t make up her mind about whether that was a sign of Maud’s fragility or her embarrassment, and if it was the later. Was she embarrassed about Trixie?

She decided it was best not to voice her concern, or at least not yet. Instead Trixie gave another smile at Maud before walking into the bathroom to shower. If only she could share this shower with her new favorite rock, than life would truly be perfect.

After her shower Trixie walked out into the living room where Maud was setting up the living room table. The living room was set off the side of the hallway, and the front door was located inside it. The living room consisted of a coffee table with a couch on either side of it facing each other. A small book shelf was set in the corner with each of its shelves having been stacked so full of books that some of the older ones were actually hidden behind, or on top of the other books.

Maud was setting down some snacks on the table, chips with ranch dip. Tiny carrots were sitting on a separate table as well, along with celery sticks. There was also a plate full of cookies.

Trixie also noticed a selection of books on the table. One was a book about various types of rocks called “Unearthed Mysteries” there was nothing mysterious about it. The other two included a soft core romance novel entitled, “The Tale of Two Mares,” and the last one was a book on how to deal with surviving traumatic events called, “Day by day.”

The last book was one that Timequill had given her after her therapy sessions were completed in Manehattan. The book was very helpful to her as she recovered. She had been reading that book the other night, although she has already finished it, rereading it didn’t hurt.

The living room looked like it was designed for socialites, which was the exact opposite of Maud’s personality. Trixie wasn’t ready for a big social life either, at least not at the moment, however she hoped that one day she could become more social again. When that day comes she would love to have ponies over tea, or maybe start up a book club. This room would be perfect for a book club.

Maud looked at the table with what Trixie could only imagine was either skepticism or pride. Maud looked away from the table when Trixie approached her. “Do you think she will like it?”

Trixie realized now that Maud was probably nervous about being a good host for her sister. She took a look at the table, and despite the unnerving attention put into making sure there were an exactly even number of pieces of every food, and that everything, food items to plates were spaced apart evenly, it was still a beautifully set table. She never actually thought that Maud would know how to be a good host. Maud’s introverted nature was yet another reason why Trixie was so close to her.

“It looks wonderful.” Trixie replied with a smile. “Um is there anything I can do to help?”

Maud paused for a second seemingly to think the request over before saying. “Thanks, but I think everything is done. Didn’t you have something to do today though?”

Suddenly Trixie remembered that she was supposed to go out and pick up some things she had ordered. They should be at ‘Gear Dasher’s shop of Enigmas’ already. Trixie quickly went to the door saying. “I will be back soon, I promise… and I’m really looking forward to meeting your other sister.” After that Trixie walked outside and began heading towards the village.

The village of New Slate is built on a flat plain of hard earth, with several rock farms surrounding the village. There is a train station near the entrance of the village, and only a few shops inside the village. Gear Dasher kept his shop on the outskirts of town near an old mineshaft that he kept boarded off. The shop itself was a small house with the front porch converted into a shop stand with gray curtains hanging on the sides of the awning to create walls.

On her approach Trixie could hear a song being whistled, it sounded very much like a song from her foalhood, a song about wrapping up winter. A brown earth pony stallion with a purple mane was relaxing on a chair with a cowpony hat covering his face. The Stallion was named Gear Dasher; he was the go to pony for anything and everything that was broken. He was however asleep on the job again. Which was just as well, she didn’t feel like putting up any emotional walls just so she could talk to stallions at the moment.

A little colt with a matching fur and mane pallet to the older earth pony came walking out from the back room whistling to himself. The little one was Gear Dasher’s son, as ingenuitive if not more so than his father, this colt’s name was Dusty Soul.

The little one was chewing on a piece of straw as he whistled to himself without a care in the world. Trixie found herself whistling along with the little colt feeling a little nostalgic for her home town. The colt heard Trixie, he walked over to her, and standing behind the counter he continued whistling. The two whistled together in a duet for a few minutes before the colt stopped and grinned at her. One of his front teeth were missing, but he whistled without a problem.

The colt spoke in a high pitched southern drawl saying, “Howdy, Miss Moon.

Trixie spoke back softly not wanting to bother Gear Dasher while he napped. “Hey, Dusty, how’s the business going?”

The kid sat down disappearing from her view. She peered over the counter to see him sitting down with a hoof rubbing his chin, and pouting. He then stood up again saying, “Well I reckon shops been good, you came here didn’t ya?”

Trixie had to admit this kid’s logic wasn’t bad for a foal without his cutie mark. She then explained to him, “I came here to pick up some things I had ordered from your pa.”

Dusty smiled brightly at this, he always became amused whenever she spoke to him using southern words. And although she would never want anypony to hear her speaking like that, she really did enjoy making children smile. As Dusty ran back inside the house presumably to get Trixie’s package, she found herself daydreaming about being a magic teacher. Nothing as grand as what Celestia had done, but a small classroom of five or six fillies and colts would be ideal for her. This was just one of many dreams.

A full minute passed before Dusty came scampering back with a brown package held in his mouth by strings attached to the package. He set it down on the counter before saying. “Here ya go, Miss Moon. Paper says it’s all paid for. Hope ya like yer book.”

She went to grab the package before she realized that he only mentioned the book, but not the other thing. “Um, Dust, was there anything else for me in there?”

“Ayep it’s in the package, don’t worry Ah made sure it was safe.” He explained with a smile.

She couldn’t help but grin with the package in her mouth; she had been waiting for this for almost a week now. Originally it was going to be used for a way to connect with Maud, and now it should serve as a nice little surprise. Trixie really hoped that Maud would enjoy the present.

Trixie walked a few steps before she stopped, and opened the package pulling out the book that was inside it. The book was entitled “The creative process behind writing letters.” Trixie had never been good at writing letters, and the apology letter she was working on was already halfway done but it felt more like a mess of emotions and guilt, than a proper apology.

The apology letter needed to be perfect if she was sending it to a princess, and she was going to poor every ounce of herself into writing it. She had left the letter on the couch in the living room before going to bed late last night. She put the package into her saddle bags and got to walking.

As Trixie approached the little house that she shared with Maud, in truth it was more like a cottage, she could hear a few ponies speaking inside. They sounded happy and cheerful, so the voices definitely didn’t belong to Maud. Trixie could make out several different voices inside, meaning that there was more than just Maud’s sister inside. Maybe all three of Maud’s sisters were inside. Well it didn’t matter too much; she was really excited, and terrified to meet another member of Maud’s family..

Walking inside Trixie saw Maud sitting on the couch all by herself while the other ponies sat across from her talking. Half the food on the table was gone already, and the book about dealing with traumatic events was floating in the air illuminated by a pink aura.

Trixie took a few steps in while keeping her head down and shutting the door closed behind her softly with a rear leg. Trixie walked a few steps forward before hearing Maud greet her, “Lulu, did you get the book you wanted?”

Hearing Maud’s voice perked Trixie up a little, making her look up at Maud. Maud had a small smile across her face which indicated that she was exceedingly happy. Trixie set her saddlebags down at her hooves and smiled at Maud before realizing that it had gotten quiet, really quiet.

Trixie looked over to the other couch and found a group of ponies she was sadly familiar with. From Applejack to Twilight Sparkle, all the of the Elements of Harmony were here, and all of them on her couch. The only one she didn’t know by name was pink as could be with the most untamed curly mane that Trixie had ever witnessed. Twilight had the “Day by Day” book floating in front of her turned to the page Trixie had bookmarked.

All of them stared right at Trixie, and all of them looked very shocked. The one that Trixie didn’t know by name must have been Pinkie Pie. Memories of what happened in Ponyville replayed in her mind. Out of all the things she had regretted from that time. There was one single thing she did that hurt more than anything else now, what she had done to Pinkie Pie.

She had used magic to take away Pinkie Pie’s mouth, taking away the pink ponies ability to talk, to sing, to eat, or even to drink water. Trixie had done something horrible to Pinkie Pie, to Maud’s favorite sister and oldest friend. Even if the spell that Trixie had used had a set time limit, it was still an unforgivable act. When Maud found out about this she was never going to forgive Trixie for it. Trixie was only good at destroying anything and everything she touched, and now she just lost her best and only friend in the whole world.

Time resumed as Rainbow Dash began speaking in a loud voice on the edge of yelling, “Maud’s roommate is Trixie! How can Maud be friends with you after everything you’ve done, especially to Pinkie Pie?”

Rainbow Dash was right, how dare she make friends with Maud, it wasn’t her right. Trixie clenched her eyes shut to try and stop the tears before they came. Next she heard Pinkie Pie shouting at her, “YOU STOLE MY MOUTH YOU THIEF”!

Despite having closed her eyes she could feel the tears running down her cheeks, and she could feel the piercing gaze of Maud’s anger, and disappointment being burned into her very soul. Twilight Sparkle then spoke saying, “Calm down you two, I think there are things you need to kn-“

Pinkie Pie cut her off by saying in a venomous tone, “I don’t need to know anything about this, this, this… monster.”

A few ponies gasped at what Pinkie had said, but that didn’t make any difference to how Trixie felt. Opening her eyes slightly she found herself not able to see very clearly through the tears. Trying desperately to wipe the tears away with a foreleg Trixie let out a soft cry before saying, “I’m S-”.

With a sudden force a pink blur flew from the couch and slammed hard into Trixie knocking the blue unicorn off her hooves. Trixie landed on her back in just the wrong way, causing a spike of pain to shoot up her back. A pair of hooves held her down as a pink muzzle was shoved angrily against hers.

Pinkie Pie was now sitting on top of Trixie, with her teeth bared. She hissed as steam flew out of her nostrils and her eyes narrowed on the poor unicorn. Trixie tried to move but felt another jolt of force knock her down. Pinkie Pie spoke in very serious, very slow words, “What. Are. You. Planning?”

With tears now running down her face Trixie tried to speak, but she could only manage a pitiful whimper.

A pink aura surrounded Pinkie and the mare was torn off of Trixie. Pinkie Pie was now floating next to Twilight Sparkle. Twilight looked at Trixie with sad eyes and said, “I am so sorry.”

Getting off the floor she felt a surge of pain in her back, but Trixie shrugged it off as she walked to her room. She purposefully avoided looking at anypony, she didn’t have to look at them to see the disappointment they held for her. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash both proved that everypony still hated Trixie, and that they always would. Before leaving the living room, Trixie said just loud enough for everypony to hear, “Trixie is sorry everypony, for everything.”

Trixie got inside her room before shutting and locking the door behind her. Trixie went straight to her bed and laid down. The pillow was good for muffling the sound of her broken sobs. Everything she had kept bottled up inside, every ounce of fear and regret, every doubt, every ounce of pain. She let it out right there on her bed.

After a minute or two she stopped trying to hide her crys. Let the other ponies hear her if they want to. Maybe it would make them feel better to know how badly she felt.

After the way Pinkie Pie treated her, it became obvious that she was never going to be able to make up for what she had done. Maybe it would be better for her to give up on being happy, give up on being a good pony, and maybe even give up on life. There didn’t seem to be any point in trying anymore. She closed her eyes trying to ignore the throbbing pain from her back. After a while she drifted off into sleep, but there was nothing but sadness waiting for her there.