//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4: Actions Speak Louder 
// Story: The Magician's Mantle 
// by DEI Caboose 
//------------------------------//

         Trixie's eyes shot open in fright. Shivering beneath the blankets of her bed, her purple irises darted around the dark interior of her home, searching for any and all potential threats. Upon discovering that she was indeed alone, as always, Trixie released an exhale of relief. Allowing her body to relax into the comfort of the warm sheets of her bed once more. 'Great. The dreams are back, and here I thought I was over them.'

Trixie could not fully remember the contents of the nightmare she'd had; with dreams you rarely could. She did recall laughter however, lots of laughter. But not the pleasant kind. It was directed at her, and it was not joyous. It was antagonising. Mocking. They were laughing at her.

Her head banged against the wooden headboard of her bed as she leaned back against it, taking no notice of the minor pain it caused. After the disastrous reveal of Mare-Do-Well in the city the night before, Trixie had sprinted back to the woods as fast as physically possible. Dumping the saddlebags that contained her costume to the floor, and throwing herself onto the bed, effectively passing out the moment her head hit the pillow. Wishfully hoping for a positive dream to distract from her failure.

Wishful indeed.

Trixie could see the light peeking in from behind the curtains, indicating to her that it was probably the early morning. She laid in silence, hoping for her thoughts to take her away, perhaps to yet another dream, one to be desired. This would not come to pass however, she just sat with her eyes blankly focusing on the shadows within the room, watching as their positions changed as the sun gradually rose higher into the sky. Before she even knew it the hours had seemed to past her by in a blink of an eye.

Trixie just could not be bothered to do anything. She was far too comfortable within her bed, and the experience from the night before had been more than little discouraging to say the least. The beginning of Mare-Do-Well had certainly been rough, and honestly she was quite afraid that maybe she had been seen on the way back, or that somepony would make the link between the costume purchase and Trixie's involvement.

A police investigation was the absolute last thing Trixie needed in her life.

But nevertheless, Trixie knew that she had to get up and do... something practical. Her venture as Mare-Do-Well was far from over, and she knew that there was always the possibility that it could be salvaged. She just needed more time, let the events from last night blow other, and then appear again, giving the lasting impression that was needed to let her popularity flourish beyond her own influence.

The question was what she would do now. She was in no mood to put on a show, Mare-Do-Well was off limits until further notice, and she had no other errands to run. Trixie refused to lay back and do nothing all day, that was just not who she was. With an annoyance filled sigh, Trixie sprung up from the bed, twisting in the sheets as her hooves found their way to the shaggy carpet. Her tail swayed behind her as she simultaneously shook her mane, both having become disheveled during her rather restless sleep.

She unenthusiastically proceeded to retrieve her bathing supplies in the glow of her magic, wanting to at least get one thing done today. As she concentrated her magic however, Trixie spotted Apple Leaves' forgotten saddlebag, discarded on the floor from the night before. Her costume was evidently still balled up inside of it, if the lumpy exterior was any indication. 

The sight of the bag gave Trixie an idea, something that could spread some light into her dreary existence, and the bag itself provided the perfect excuse to initiate it. A grin grew on her face as she dropped her bathing essentials, and made her way to a chest at the foot of her bed. Rummaging through the assortment of knick-knacks and sentimental valuables, Trixie eventually found what she was looking for; a frayed and worn saddlebag of her own ownership, that evidently had not been used for quite a while.

She threw the damaged bag next to the Apple owned one, pulling the messily deposited superhero suit from it afterward. Trixie then neatly folded the costume and deposited it into the worn saddlebag, before placing it, and Apple Leaves' saddlebag onto her bed. Ready to be retrieved when she returned from her wash at a later time.

With a clear objective for the day, Trixie picked up her cleaning products and left for the river. Strutting through the cold air, excited about what the rest of the day would hold for her.





The wind flew briskly through Trixie's still damp mane, which was exposed from beneath her purple hat, as she made her way down the gravelly path. She basked in the warming sunlight that was unobscured by any nearby trees, today was far more welcoming to be out it than the preceding frozen days. Trixie's costume filled saddlebags bounced on her back atop of her cape, forcing her to shift their positions every so often to prevent them from sliding off entirely. Apple Leaves' saddlebag was perched on top of her own, ready to be returned to its owner.

That was Trixie's intention, and was also the reason why she was on the path to the Fillydelphian Apple families farmhouse. She wanted company for the day, and a chance to return the Apple family's kindness towards her. Returning the borrowed saddlebag provided her with an excuse to approach the Apples without coming across as needy. Trixie had also decided to bring her costume with her, mainly because she would rather not leave it unattended, but also in case she was presented with an opportunity where it might come in handy; however unlikely it may be. 

With a spring in her step, Trixie continued on her way down the stone filled road. The giant Foal mountain to her left towered over the forest of apple trees, the snow at its peak shining like a beacon due to the blinding sunlight. Trixie considered the scenery to be very beautiful, and almost gasped when the Apples residence finally came into view after she scaled a minor hill in the path.

The farmhouse was like any other, plain and wooden, as was the nearby brown barn and accompanying silos. What Trixie found remarkable was the environment in its entirety. The trees were spread far and wide, barren of anything but wood due to the season. The mountain leaned overhead; like an almost ominous presence. In the centre of it all however sat a quaint and humble little green house; a warm feeling seemingly emanating from it, attracting Trixie more than ever before.

Not wanting to waste her time, and with the sun already beginning it's descent due to her delay in getting up that morning, Trixie steadily made her way towards the house, the smoke flowing from its chimney only adding to its welcoming serenity. The wind had dried her coat and mane by the time she had passed the picket fence that surrounded the land. The muddy ground was still frozen solid, making her hooves audible as she approached the golden-brown door to the house.

The wooden porch creaked under Trixie's weight as as stood before the front door of the two-story house, her hoof held awkwardly in the air as she thought about what she intended to say. Social interaction was surprisingly difficult for the otherwise extroverted performer. Deciding to just wing it and improvise, Trixie tapped on the door twice, before standing with her head held high and her hoof prepared to tip her hat to whoever greeted her.

She saw a familiar lime-shaded mane and orange coat approach through the door's window, both slightly blurred though the aging glass. Trixie closed her eyes, ready to surprise the Apple resident with a flamboyant and completely unnecessary introduction. She began as soon as the door began to creak open. 

"Greetings Ms. Apple Leaves!" Trixie threw her head forwards with a bow, her hat flying down to her chest with a tug of her hoof. "The Great and Powerful Trixie has decided to accept your generous offer of companionship, and she would also like to... thank... oh."

As Trixie rose from her bow and perched her hat atop her head again, she was quite baffled to come face-to-face with a mare who was most definitely not the Apple mare she was most familiar with. They certainly looked alike however, sharing a similar shade of mane and coat. This mare's mane was noticeably more curly however, was a slightly lighter shade of orange and possessed vibrant golden eyes rather than Apples Leaves' lilac. The accompanying red-checkered neckerchief only differentiated them further.

She also did not look amused in the slightest. "Whatever your selling we ain't buying," she tiredly groaned, as if she was sick of repeating the phrase. She was ready to slam the door shut until Trixie dropped the act in order to frantically attempt to stop her.

"Wait wait wait! I'm not a salesmare. I'm a friend of... uh, more of an acquaintance of Apple Leaves." The fact that the new mare had yet to shut the door in Trixie's face convinced her to continue with her explanation, levitating the Apple's saddlebag off of her back as she spoke. "She... kinda left her saddlebag with me when she gave me your gifts. That was very generous of you by the way, thank you," the way the mare's hardened look softened slightly indicated to Trixie that she knew what she was talking about.

The mare took the bag from the magical grip, holding it out as she turned to face Trixie. "Ah take it you're that mare living on the outskirts?" Trixie's nod prompted the Apple to continue, an almost unnoticeable smile adoring her face. "Well, thank you kindly for returning the bag. Ah had mah doubts, Leaves can be a bit..." the neckerchief wearing mare hesitated, avoiding Trixie's gaze for a moment. Trixie decided to chime in.

"Forefront?"

"Trusting."

Trixie couldn't help but look away meekly. The mare in front of her was obviously more judgmental than the other Apples she had encountered thus far, and the hardened look in the mare's eyes made Trixie shrink away, afraid of annoying her anymore than she already unintentionally had. Trixie pushed past her doubts however, she had come by for a friendly visit after all and would not be deterred on account of a single pony's wary expression.

"I take it you're all related, if the coat and manes are any indication," Trixie began, hoping to get on the mare's good side.

The mare snorted. "Heh, signature Apple colors. We're all siblings, I'm the eldest. Name's Pie, Apple Pie," she nodded in greeting.

Trixie involuntary jumped at the mention of the name Pie. The name reminded her of the other family that had been so kind to her. Focusing back on the here and now, Trixie returned the informal greeting with a touch of flare. "Hello Ms. Pie, you probably already know that I am Trixie. It's a pleasure." 

Trixie held a foreleg out in greeting, and almost yanked it back when Apple Pie's muddy hoof made contact. She persevered however, not wanting to come across as inconsiderate. Though she annoyingly wondered why Apple Pie couldn't have done the same for her.

The Apple mare roughly shook Trixie's hoof, maintaining a deliberately blank stare, as if she was analysing every aspect of Trixie's character. Trixie wondered if it was the result of overprotection of her sibling, or just a general dislike of Trixie as a whole. After all this time it was difficult to tell the difference anymore. 

Pulling her hoof back, Apple Pie chucked the saddlebag inside the house, before turning back towards Trixie with dropping eyelids. "Ah take it Apple Leaves invited you over? Come on in. I'll go get her." With the door held open with Pie's hoof, Trixie swiftly made her way inside, with Apple Pie swinging the door shut behind her, cutting off the remnants of sunlight that shined upon the porch. She directed Trixie towards the living room, while she instead made her way upstairs to fetch her younger sister.

Trixie approached the centre of the cozy room, the fireplace spreading a warm glow throughout the area. She possessed a slight feeling of unease, the awkward conversation with Apple Pie only adding to her doubts. She pondered whether or not this was such a good idea, that the welcoming feeling was unwarranted. She was after all still a stranger to these ponies.

Trixie decided to distract herself, not enjoying the negative thoughts weighing on her mind. She turned to the mantelpiece above the fireplace, her wandering gaze falling on the several photos hanging above it. A large group photo sat on the left, featuring a plethora of ponies stood in front of a red barn. Next on the right was a smaller family photo, containing the three Fillydelphian Apples Trixie had already met, that being Apple Leaves, Apple Pie, the stallion Bushel, along with two filly twins, and an older but still quite youthful mare. Trixie picked up on what was missing almost immediately. 

'No father.'

Five siblings and a mother, wholesome yet incomplete. As much as Trixie wished she could relate, she could not.

A thumping in the wood prompted Trixie to turn to where she had entered, her gaze breaking from a third photo of a stallion she didn't get a chance to look at. The two Apple sisters walked through the archway, with Apple Leaves giving out a mock laugh upon spotting the magician stood on the carpet. "Well ain't that a sight! Was wondering if you would show up, guess you ain't just some wandering crazy-mare after all!" 

Trixie couldn't help but snort at the sisters. Stern and stoic versus loud and energetic. The two mares were seemingly polar opposites. But then again how would Trixie know? She barely knew the two.

"It wouldn't have been appropriate of me to stay on your land and not drop by to say hello. That, and you left your saddlebag." Trixie gestured to where the discarded bag sat on the floor with her head. "... Which I returned. The food was delicious," she said nonchalantly, but with obvious pleasure in her tone. She did not want to come across as being too uptight.

Apple Leaves strutted across the room and took a seat on a nearby couch, motioning for Trixie to sit on an accompanying armchair nearby. Apple Pie took the opportunity to leave for the kitchen, leaving the two mares alone. "So... how you doing?" Apple Leaves began lamely, looking at Trixie to carry the conversation.

Trixie just awkwardly tapped her forelegs on the chair rests, throwing her head back with a sigh as a reaction to the unfamiliarity of situation. She had no idea how to respond, other than with the blunt truth. "I'm fine. Look I have no idea what I'm doing here. I was bored, you and brother are kinda the only ponies I know... barely. I just thought... I have no idea what I thought," Trixie finished with a snort, waiting for the inevitable, baffled response.

She didn't expect the mild chuckling, but was more surprised that it sounded genuine. She turned back to Apple Leaves, who read Trixie's questioning expression like a book. "You're here because it was offered to ya. Ain't too confusing," Leaves spoke simply, as if the answer should be obvious to Trixie.

The Magician couldn't argue with that, the Apples had been welcoming, and she desired their company in response. If it was considered needy or unwarranted, Trixie didn't care. It just felt good. "I suppose. You already noticed I'm not entirely use to... this," she threw her hooves up in emphasis.

Apple Leaves laughed at the mare's antics. "Sometimes we just need a friend," Leaves replied bluntly, her head swinging slightly side-to-side. Trixie just looked at the mare in enlightenment, but with a noticeable amount of apprehension.

"Oh... since when were we friends?" she asked curiously, but playfully.

Apple Leaves suddenly leapt up from the seat, spring-boarding herself into the middle of the room, much to Trixie's apparent amusement. "I thought we became friends when you saved mah hide in the market. But how bout we make it official. I'll show you around Filly, then we can have a night on the town!"

"No," called a voice from the kitchen.

"Uh... an afternoon recreational drink?"

"Maybe."

"Fine. A drink... and mah sister comes with us."

"Agreed."

Apple Leaves gave a low groan after finishing with her sister's interruptions. Trixie just stared on in uneasiness, which didn't go unnoticed by her host. "Pie can be a bit... commanding. Ain't her fault, she's got a lot on her plate. She basically runs this place after Mom..." Leaves suddenly became very distant, an emotionless mask overcoming her features. Her eyes involuntarily shifting to the third photo of the stallion that rested on the mantelpiece. Trixie suddenly felt very intrusive.

"Um... sorry," Trixie said awkwardly, not entirely knowing how to approach the situation in a way that wouldn't cause it to deteriorate any further. She jumped when Apple Leaves spun around suddenly, nonchalantly walking over to a nearby desk, pretending to fiddle with the mail that lay upon it. Trixie just let her be.

"So uh... Ah take it your like a... magician or something?" Leaves spoke, attempting to sound focused.

'Or something,' Trixie thought with humour, the Mare-Do-Well costume still within her saddlebags reinforcing the thought. She almost forgot to answer the question, though thankfully Apple Leaves still seemed to be too distracted to notice Trixie's own unfocused attitude. She decided to play herself up a bit, thinking it might lighten the mood a tad. "Why of course! Trixie travels the land to awe and amaze! ... Though she's admittedly hit a bump or two recently," Trixie finished dismissively, waving her hoof in a circle in enthuses.

She gathered Apple Leaves attention however, suddenly interested in what Trixie was saying. "That why you're in Filly' then? Heck you shoulda said so! The Apples have a good working relationship with some 'premiere and respectable establishments' as they would say. Perhaps Ah can hook you up? Those fellas are always looking for new acts."

Trixie, despite her urge to fall to her knees and beg for the chance, shook her head frantically to indicate 'no'. She was already indebted to Apple Leaves and her family, she couldn't keep adding to the list, not without paying them back first. "Thank you. But you see... I've already got some plans," she smirked, and couldn't suppress a glance at her saddlebags.

"Oh why didn't you say so! Where you performing? It would be a good outing for the fillies, Ah also got some friends who'd-"

"What?" Trixie stiffened under the expecting gaze of her host, before realising she was waiting for an answer. Trixie fumbled out her words. "Oh! It's a... work in progress. A long way to go yet. Sorry," she awkwardly grinned to sell the excuse, extatic when Apple Leaves seemed to buy it. 'Nice save, dumb-dumb.'

"Shoot. Well, you be sure to tell us when you're ready. Can't hurt right?" Leaves asked hopefully.

Trixie wasn't going to disappoint. "Not at all," she replied. Rising from the seat, Trixie made her way to the window of the living room, once more gazing over the serene frozen farm. Her brow furrowed in confusion when a thought crossed her mind, specifically a thought about the location of the other apple farm residents. She had yet to see or meet most of them. "So... Where's your brother?" She asked out of the blue, expecting a quick answer.

The delay in reply prompted Trixie to turn towards her company, the sly grin adorning Leaves' face made Trixie do a double take. The sudden shifting of Apple Leaves' eyebrows only made Trixie more befuddled. "So... you interested in mah brother are ya?"

The accusation made Trixie gape, a desperate squeak of denial emanating from her. Once she'd collected herself, she was able to give a proper response. "Of course not! I was just wondering where he was, those fillies you mentioned yesterday too. I haven't seen any of them," was Trixie's frustrated reply. She elected not to ask about the whereabouts of the mother, because then Apple Leaves would most likely wonder why she hadn't asked about her father. Better to avoid the possibility entirely rather than run the risk.

Apple Leaves just laughed at Trixie's expression, not serious about her question from before in the slightest. "There at school, where else? Bushel's down the market with Ma; she was always the best salespony of us all," Leaves answered in a longing tone. Trixie picked up on the disappointment in her voice. Trixie was fairly certain that there was some unresolved drama occurring between Apple Leaves and the rest of her family, of what, Trixie could be sure, and she did not intend to inquire on the subject.

Trixie turned to look out at the farm again, the banging of cupboards from the kitchen reminding her of Apples Leaves' prior proposal. "I believe you said something about a drink?" Trixie asked, the prospect of alcohol sounding quite attractive all of a sudden. If only to relieve her of her lingering feelings of embarrassment brought on by yesterday's indiscretion in the alleyway.     

Apple Leaves blinked in a moment of recognition, her too remembering what she had said earlier. "Yeah, almost forgot! Ah know a place or two around the city, be a great way for you to meet the locals," Apple Leaves spoke as she walked into the entrance hallway, the sound of rustling clothes soon following.

"I'm sure," was Trixie's response, shifting her saddlebag and cape to become more centralised on her back, both having become disorganised from her sitting down.

Apple Leaves returned wrapped in a dark and frayed cobalt jacket, obviously intended to combat the oncoming cold. "Let's go get you acquainted then!" She held a hoof out towards the door, with Trixie following the gesture's direction. They were both almost out off the house when an annoyance filled groan halted their progress.

"Leaves..." said the recently returned Apple Pie, who was stood with her shoulders slumped, looking disapprovingly at Apple Leaves, who attempted, but failed to don an innocent expression. Trixie had almost forgot about the other sister, and realised quickly realised that Apple Leaves was trying to leave without her. Trixie turned away from both of them, not wanting to intrude as it was none of her business. "You're forgetting something," Apple Pie said unamused.

Leaves just gave a heavy sigh, knowing she would never be able to give a good enough excuse to defuse the situation. She had been caught, plain and simple. "Alright, sorry. Can we just go?" She turned towards the door and made her way out, followed by Apple Pie, who locked the door behind her. Pie gave Trixie a glance before making her way to the front of the group, Apple Leaves following behind her in a slouch.

'Sunshine and rainbooms she is,' Trixie thought, before making her way next to the Apple sister she was more familiar with. "Lead the way."





The venture into the city was quiet, save for the occasional small talk between Apple Leaves and Trixie. The eldest Apple stayed at the front, frequently glancing back at her sister every so often. Despite her no-nonsense exterior, Trixie didn't find the new mare to be all that unpleasant. Perhaps a little too stern, but then again she did have a farm to run, and family life could be very stressful.

Not that Trixie would know.

It was later in the day than Trixie had initially realised. Sunset was fast approaching, but then again it was winter; the days were shorter and nights were longer, with the outgoing ponies dwindling each day as the air grew colder. Soon the snow would fall, and any chance of street performances would have to be ruled out entirely. 

Trixie could not help but snort at her tardiness, she had been so sidetracked with her plans as Mare-Do-Well and her Apple family acquaintances that she had yet to put on an actual show. She would not be able to survive the winter if she didn't have a way to pay for it. 'You'll work it out, there's always opportunities in a town like this,' Trixie reassured herself. Her blank gaze going unnoticed by her now rambling companion. 

Trixie was about to focus on actually listening to the rambling, but her glance became transfixed elsewhere, a sudden sense of déjà vu overcoming her. Apple Leaves followed her gaze, snorting at the sight once her eyes found it. "That place. It's the darndest thing. Fire came out of nowhere, was lucky nopony got hurt." Both mares paused to stare at the burnt exterior of what appeared to be a restaurant, a sickly yellowish tint mixing with the formerly pristine glass that now laid on the street, shattered from the heat. The interior was worst, filled with burnt wood and twisted-melted metal.

Continuing on their way again, Trixie pushed her questioning thoughts elsewhere. Fires were common, but it was quite the coincidence that there were two in the same city that had caused such damage so recently together. But then again, it's not like Trixie knew anything to make any judgements. She just focused back on her company's monologuing, who face suddenly became bright with recognition. Trixie turned in interest.

"So... You two read the news, about that masked mare?" 

'Oh...' Trixie bit her lip. The debacle from last night was a news story? She hadn't prepared for this! Not wanting to appear suspicious, she shook her head calmly to indicate 'no'. Apple Leaves took that as a sign to explain, with Trixie all too eager to hear what was being said about her, or rather her alter-ego.

"Well, apparently some costumed stranger was chased off by the cops for something or other last night, didn't say what for though. There was a picture, but it was pretty terrible to be honest," Leaves finished with a shrug. Trixie decided not to ask any questions, as much as she wanted to. If it wasn't considered to be that big of a deal, she would not treat it as such. Plus, a sudden interest in an obscure subject might raise an eyebrow or two amongst her compatriots.

"Just what this town needs," Apple Pie chimed in disgruntlement. 

The voice from their front startled the two mares, as Trixie didn't think that Apple Pie was able to hear them at the distance she was at. "I suppose it is quite peculiar," Trixie added, deciding that feigning ignorance was her best option for avoiding suspicion.

Apple Leaves' laugh was an unexpected response. "Trixie, this is Fillydelphia, peculiar is a slow day," she said, suddenly speeding up as the group approached a nearby building. A better look told Trixie that it was a tavern of some sort if she guessed correctly; it crafted wooden exterior contrasting with the concrete towers that surrounded it. Apple Leaves stood outside as Pie made her way in, apparently in search of a table. Trixie looked at the remaining mare with expectancy. "Here we are, a quiet local for the drowning of all one's sorrows."

"You're not a regular I hope?" Trixie joked, walking through, her face becoming illuminated from the candlelight that shone inside.

"Ain't got no sorrows to drown," was Apple Leaves' cheerful response, following Trixie in and shutting the door behind her.

'Doubt it,' Trixie thought to herself, not being stupid enough to voice it out loud. The duo spotted Apple Pie in a nearby booth, fiddling with a menu, trying to remain inconspicuous as her golden eyes occasionally flickered in Trixie's direction. That was starting to become annoying. Both mares took a took a seat on the brown chairs, the fabric worn with age. The rest of the establishment was mostly deserted, not that it was too surprising. The night was still young, and some ponies would rather remain in the comfort of their homes rather than venture out into a potentially chilly night.

Trixie was quite happy where she was.

A quick trip to the bar later, and the trio of mares were back in the booth, each in possession of their own preference of alcohol. Trixie had selected the cheapest wine she could, both out of necessity, but also a habit from her more rambunctious days. 'Ah, good times.'

The warm interior of the bar was mostly silent, save for a few quiet conversations here and there, the trio in the booth being no exception. "So... Ms. Oh Great and Powerful Trixie, what's your story?" Apple Leaves asked with curiosity, gulping her drink every so often. Apple Pie's ear twitched towards Trixie, apparently wondering what she would say also.

Trixie didn't exactly know where to begin, she could not think of anything that was worth saying, or anything that would want to be heard. "It may surprise you, but there's nothing that interesting to say. I've travelled the length of Equestria twice over, eventually the surprises stop and it all becomes routine," she said bluntly, taking a sip of her wine after she had finished.

Apple Leaves was noticeably dissatisfied with the answer. "The length of Equestria ain't a story worth hearing? Ah find that hard to believe," she questioned, Apple Pie nodding in agreement at her side.

Trixie was not particularly in the mood to argue, if they didn't like her answer they would just have to deal with it. "What's there is dull, and what followed is best left forgotten," she said, in a tone that identified it was a subject she didn't want to discuss further.

Apple Leaves just gave a shrug before taking another gulp of her beverage, Apple Pie however narrowed her eyes in response to the vagueness of the answer, her expression intentional concealed from Trixie by masking it with her hooves. Trixie's curiosity was peaked at the other two however, she had known a few of the Apple families relatives, but never this closely. "What about you two? I've met a few Apples, though never any from Fillydelphia."

Apple Pie rolled her eyes as her sister fidgeted beside her, her eagerness to answer the question evident. "Born and raised. Ma and Pa ran the farm, soon it'll be Pie here's officially once Ma gives the go ahead." Leave's chuckled as a thought came to mind. "You know though, Mom would probably hand it over quicker if you and that handsome fella who wears the, suits give her some grand-babies."

Apple Pie couldn't prevent her spit take, Leaves giving a knowing grin to Trixie as Pie recovered. "Leaves what did Ah tell you-"

"We both know you like him!" Her sister interrupted.

"It was one time!" Pie half-yelled, attracting the attention of other nearby attendants. 

Trixie couldn't help but laugh at the bout of sibling conflict, she could tell by the look in both their faces that it was all in good fun... even if one was actually getting frustrated at the other. Finishing her wine, Trixie concluded that this was going to be a good night. "Another round!" she called.





"...Ah always wanted the farm, you know Ah always wanted the farm. I'd be good at doing those... accounting stuff, much better than you. You suck at it."

"Ah don't doubt it Leaves."

"You just hate me because I'm the youngest."

"You're not the youngest."

"Ah was! For a long time Ah was."

"I know sugarcube."

The back-and-forth banter between the slightly tipsy eldest Apple, and her absurdly drunk little sister was quite amusing to Trixie. She found it funny to watch as the mare's antics became more erratic as the night went on and more drinks were consumed. At one point she was laughing at everything that was said. Next she was joining every conversation every other pony in the now relatively full bar was having, with varying degrees of success. Now she was just sat back down in the booth, a look that could've been mistake for boredom on her face. Though both her companions knew better.

"You're no fun no more Pie, ya got old, like boring old,"  Leaves slurred. Pie continued to sit by her side with an heartfelt grin, the first genuine one Trixie could confirm to be real. She took no offence to her sister's drunken rant whatsoever. Trixie found it quite touching in a strange sort of way, there was a sincerity to the siblings' interactions, even though they were sometimes antagonistic, all ill thoughts were overshadowed by their love and support for each other.

Trixie and Pie both held a hoof out as the drunken mare rose from her seat, swaying to an almost dangerous degree. "Excuse me. Imma go puke," she nonchalantly said before running off to the nearest restroom. Apple Pie worryingly accompanied her, but returned to Trixie soon after to assure her that everything was fine whilst Leaves remained in the bathroom to cleanse her system.

Both mares shared a laugh at the situation. "I take it she doesn't do this too often?" Trixie asked, though the answer was apparent.

"Why do think I'm here?" Apple Pie responded, gesturing to herself. She was leaning against the booth, reluctant to sit down, every so often giving a glance towards the restroom door.

Trixie, equally worried, continued with the conversation. "I thought it because my illusive and captivating character intrigued you enough to join us?" Trixie playfully asked.

"Perhaps. But it's really because whether mah sister accepts it or not, she's not mature enough to be out alone," Pie responded sternly, as if it was an answer she'd had to give a great many times.

Trixie couldn't help but agree, but voiced a controversial point nevertheless, her tipsiness making her slightly more forefront with her thoughts. "She'll never learn if you don't let her," she spoke, but not in a tone that sounded condescending.

Apple Pie didn't seem to take offence. "She'll learn, but she don't need to do it alone," she answered, with Trixie responding with a nod in understanding and acceptance, much to Pie's approval.

Both mares waited in relative silence, the Apple still glancing at the door in sequence. She turned back to Trixie after a few moments, a sudden distant look in her eyes, catching Trixie's attention. "Mah sister is an extremely poor judge of character, quite dim too," she stated bluntly. Trixie listened intently, not feeling up to interrupting. Pie shook her hoof in dismissal, going over her words in her head. "Don't get me wrong, Ah love her more than anything. But Ah didn't come down here just ta have a friendly drink and exchange stories with you Trixie. There's something you gotta know if we're gonna get along."

Trixie sat bolt upright, the effects of the alcohol in her system seemingly forgotten. Apple Pie's look was intense. A glare focused entirely on Trixie, which she didn't shy away from in the slightest. "You hurt her, mah brother, mah sisters, or my mother. We're gonna have words," Pie sternly said, now awaiting Trixie's reaction.

Trixie, much to her own surprise, found Apple Pie's threat to be quite admirable. She was not threatening Trixie out of hate, but out of affection for her family, and Trixie couldn't fault her for that. "I assume the words would then be followed by a particularly violent beating?" Was Trixie's response. It wasn't arrogant, but instead a assured quizzical tone.

"Most definitely," Apple Pie said, maintaining her stern expression.

Trixie held her almost empty glass of wine high, much to Pie's initial confusion. "If it were to come to that, I'm sure I deserve it," she said, playful from her tipsiness. 

Apple Pie wasn't finished yet however, having one final question. "Will it come to that?" she asked coldly.

"No," was Trixie firm response.

A crack of of a smile appeared upon Apple Pie's face, her glare diminishing as she backed away from Trixie, all animosity gone. "In that case-" she much more cheerfully began, but wasn't able to continue. Apple Leaves stumbled out of the restroom, and her sister was by her side the moment she was spotted. She was pale and wobbling and Trixie knew it was probably going to be a difficult morning for her. She could relate.

"Ah should be getting her home. Boy is she gonna regret this in the morning," Pie chuckled, her sister leaning on her for comfort. Trixie tipped her hat as Pie began to lead the way out the door, but not before turning back to Trixie, giving a small wave herself. "Pleasure making your acquaintance, Trixie. Tonight was... fun." Once Apple Pie turned again, she directed her stumbling sister through the door, who had begun to giggle at nothing once more.

"Pleasure was all mine," Trixie said to herself. She sat a few minutes in silence before downing the last of her drink. With a cough, she rose from the seat, pulling her saddlebags onto her back in the glow of her magic. Strutting towards the door, Trixie almost gasped when  she was met with the frost filled air. 'Man, how long were we in here?' It was apparently long enough for the moon to be high in the sky, subconsciously reminding Trixie of the night before.

She dismissed the thought, not wanting to have the failure of Mare-Do-Well damper her otherwise good mood. The outing with the Apples had been nice; fun even. Social gatherings were a rarity for Trixie, she didn't have the time on the road for them, and to be frank, didn't usually have anypony else to enjoy them with. She could only sit in a bar by herself so many times before it became more depressing than enjoyed.

But tonight had not been one of those nights! It was one to be savoured. Trixie had a good time, and was optimistic about doing it again, with those she could apparently now call her friends. 'Haven't had any of those in a while.' 

She started on her way down the deserted streets, in the direction of the apple orhard, but on a different route then what the two sisters had taken since she was heading for the edge of the woods and not the house. It must have been quite late, and seeing as she was nearing the outskirts of the city, it was no wonder nopony else was around. Trixie paid it no thought though. Instead she focused on her joy at the day's success, practically skipping down the road in a tipsy daze. Her worry at it's potential failure now seemed to be completely unwarranted, everything had gone as smoothly as can be. She lost herself in the serene silence of the street, convinced that nothing could ruin her night.

"Help me!"

"Shut up!"

A serene silence that was suddenly broken. Trixie froze on the pavement, her ears twitching in the direction of the terrified plea she had just heard. She could hear rustling coming from a nearby alleyway, almost completely concealed by the night-time shadows. She backed up against the brick wall next to the alley, the rustling and scrambling she heard from within increasing in volume. Grunting and crying also became audible, two distinct sounds with two different sources, a mare and a stallion. The stallion was the one pleading for help, whereas the mare sounded rather aggressive.

Trixie peeked around the corner ever so slowly, holding her mane back to prevent it from obstructing her sight or swaying into view. She saw them. There was a earth pony mare, standing over a pegasus stallion laying on the cobblestone ground. She was kicking him, again and again. The stallion would attempt to stand, only to be knocked back to the floor, his once clean suit dirtied by sweat, grime, and his own blood.

Trixie reared back in shock, the mare in the alley continuing her assault unassumingly. Trixie knew she had to do something, and began to creep away as silently as she could, intending to retreat back to the densely populated bar to report the crime and recieve aid.

She could not bring herself to move however when the stallion's yells of agony echoed throughout the street once more, freezing her in a state of fear and anger. Even if she ran it would take her minutes to reach the bar, and then even longer to return. By then the mare could be gone, and a far worse fate could befall the stallion.

Trixie growled at her own uselessness. She couldn't take an earth pony in a fight, she was not strong or skilled enough. She was too far away to get help, and nopony else was apparently coming to the poor stallion's aid. 'What the hell am I suppose to do!?'

Another agony filled scream from the stallion forced Trixie to turn, ready to barge her way into the alley to do anything and everything that she could, even if all she did was scare the mare off.

'Scare...'

Her frantic thoughts returned to the night before, when she had stood costumed in the darkened alleys of Fillydelphia's centre. She remembered the faces of those children, how they feared her, how they had ran at the mere sight of her.

It was in that instant that Trixie knew what she had to do. Pulling the saddlebags from her back as she ripped her hat and cape off.





"I'll give you what you want. Just stop," the stallion begged, snivelling into the ground as he clutched his side in pain.

The mare just growled at him, angered and annoyed by how this event had played out. "You shouldn't have been difficult," she growled, raising her hoof again, causing the stallion to recoil in fear. She slammed it into the ground by his muzzle, causing him to whimper. The mare gave a quick look at either end of the alley to make sure they were still alone, before once again glaring at her victim. "I'm going to ask you again. Give me-"

Clang.

The mare jumped at abrupt metallic noise that had echoed throughout the alley, she turned to search for its source. Her gaze fell downwards as a discarded metal food can rolled into her view. She made a move towards it when a shuffling sound behind her prompted her to spin, frantically searching for anything that could have caused the noise in the seemingly deserted environment. "Who's there?!" she angrily called out into the dark, her voice echoing off of the brick walls. She waited for a response that never came.

The paranoid mare was about to turn back to the stallion to resume her attack, until she noticed he was partially obscured, as were her own hooves, by what appeared to be a strange black mist that had not been present earlier. The stallion was now just as confused as his attacker, who looked towards the brightly lit street to her left, and then to her right, which she discovered was where the mist was emanating from. She backed away as the cloud of smoke grew, the outline on a pony becoming visible inside of it.

The mare continued to back away as the form within the smoke continued to grow. She let out a small shriek as a pair of white eyes suddenly appeared from within, staring at her with such intensity that she had to force herself to stay still to stop her panicked shaking. "Now look-" she began, attempting to sound intimidating. She could not continue as she was interrupted by a violent wind that flowed throughout the alleyway, shaking the windows and the garbage that laid in the street. 

"Screw this!" The mare screamed as she decided she'd had enough. Running out of the alley with her tail between her legs, any ill intentions towards the stallion forgotten as she fled.

The stallion was thankful, though undoubtably just as afraid as his attacker towards the strange pony shrouded in the mist. He would have ran himself if he was able to, but calmed himself as the mist began to dissipate, the image of the pony within becoming clearer every second. Before long the smoke was gone completely. Revealing his unlikely saviour to him.

'Thank Celestia that worked!'

Trixie could not suppress her exhausted exhale as she canceled the illusion magic; winded from maintaining a spell of that scale for the amount of time that she did. Her costume of black and purple had been practically forced onto her, not wanting to delay in her rescue of the stallion more than she already did. The stallion in question was now staring at the masked Trixie in wonder at her shadowy appearance and sudden emergence. She approached him swiftly, the concern on her face hidden by the mask. "Are you okay, Sir?" she asked gently.

"You saved me," he meekly whispered, awe adorning his face. Trixie couldn't help but blush at his expression, thankful her mask only showed a blank stare.

"Yes, you're uh... welcome," she spoke again. She was about to assist the pony in getting to the street, and hopefully flag down some assistance from... somewhere. But she did not anticipate what he would do next.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" he said over and over again, suddenly on his hooves, madly shaking Trixie's hastily wrapped foreleg.  

"It's was no problem, really!" she spoke in between his repeated thank yous, slightly unnerved by his sudden burst of ecstatic behaviour.

He scoffed at her. "No problem? You saved my life! That mare was trying to rob me and you... I'm so grateful," he sincerely finished, continuing to shake Trixie's hoof, but not nearly as erratically.

"It was... my pleasure," was Trixie's humble response. The stallion was half beaten, and yet he had forced himself to his hooves to thank her for performing a simple illusion spell. It made her worry about what would have happened if she had ran back to the bar instead. She probably would not have even gotten back to help yet. 

Everything had worked out great. Better than great. The stallion was safe and the criminal was gone. If Trixie didn't have the suit with her... She did not even want to think about that possibility. She backed away as the stallion ceased his thankful gestures, she needed to leave before the cops showed up. Something told her they would misunderstand the situation if she was still there.

She turned back as the stallion called to her however. "Hey wait! You're that mare from the paper right? From yesterday night?"

Trixie would have groaned, but decided to humour the injured stallion. She nodded at his question, which prompted him to grin.

"Well... What do I call you?"

"I-" Trixie was at a loss. The reason she had worn the costume in the first place was to gather attention, fame, and glory. Yet the way the stallion's face was alight with immeasurable joy and relief made her forget all of that. Like it was all inconsequential. She saved him. Her. It wasn't a lie, and it wasn't a boast. It was real. For a reason Trixie couldn't put her hoof on, that made more proud of herself then she had felt in a long time, and it wasn't false bravado. It was genuine.

She could have ran away from the crime scene and saved herself from any potential danger, and no-pony would have known. Yet she didn't. She went to help even though she did not expect to receive anything in return, and she did it all because the stallion before her had needed her aid.

That was the pony other ponies would rally to see. That was the pony Trixie would aspire to be. A hero; a genuine hero.

"You can call me... Mare-Do-Well."