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// Chapter 6 - A Lunch in The Park 
// Story: The Great and Powerful Failure 
// by Sarizon 
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When both ponies were outside, Rarity flipped the sign from open to close, locked her shop up, and they were off. Trixie was spending most of the time, wondering what Rarity made for lunch, along with what was in the present. Trixie didn't even know where they would be eating.

"Rarity? Where exactly are we going for lunch?"
Rarity, turning her head to Trixie, replied, "Why the local park, of course. There is a hill there that overlooks all of Ponyville. It is quite grand."

Having lunch in a park sounded pretty appealing to Trixie. It was a nice and sunny day, so she could see why Rarity would want to eat outside. On the way, Trixie noticed that ponies were staring at her, but strangely, they didn't seem to be as fearful or angry with her as earlier. In fact, they would just look at her and keep walking like any regular pony. Trixie felt it was rather odd that not so long ago, no one would even get near her, but now they were walking by casually. Trixie assumed that maybe the ponies in this part of Ponyville just forgot about who she was, and if they hadn't, they were pretending. 

When they arrived at the park, Rarity and Trixie took a minute to take in the scenery. While overlooking the Park, Trixie saw families and friends all having a fun filled day in the park. A Stallion threw a Frisbee to his little colt, while a young couple of mares were sitting on a bench, and oddly enough, one was sitting in a bizarre position on her back end. What pony does that? Regardless, Rarity raised her hoof and pointed to the back of the park, where a big hill was located. Trixie only assumed that was the hill Rarity was talking about and began to follow her.

The hill was a tad bigger than Trixie expected, and took some power getting to the top of it. It was worth the extra hoof power though, as Trixie made it to the top, only to be amazed at the view. The whole town of Ponyville was visible, and Trixie could even see the Canterlot castle in the distant mountains. Needless to say, it was a fantastic view for a lunch.

"Rarity! This spot is fantastic!"
"No better place for a lunch, if I do say so myself," said Rarity.
"You're not kidding. How did you find out about this place?"
Rarity laughed and said, "Funny enough. It was that sweet little purple dragon, Spike. He's 'such' a gentleman for his age, hmm hmm. Now, would you be a dear and help me lay this blanket out.?"
"Gladly," Trixie responded.

Rarity brought out a picnic blanket for the basket and gave one end to Trixie to lay down evenly on the soft grass. The picnic blanket was the cliche red and white checkered board style design, nothing too fancy. Both ponies laid down onto the blanket, and Rarity began scrambling in the basket grabbing what Trixie assumed is her portion of the lunch.

To Trixie's dismay, it wasn't some high quality course meal like Trixie pictured Rarity eating. Instead it just a simple sandwich that was wrapped in clear foil. Although simple, the sandwich did indeed look quite appetizing, so Trixie wasn't one to judge. Rarity also handed Trixie an apple, along with a few condiments, in case if Trixie wanted to add any to her sandwich. Trixie looked at how shiny and round the apple was, and could think of one pony that Rarity could've possibly gotten it from. Looking at that apple though, did remind Trixie of how Applejack and Rainbow Dash weren't so happy for her to be here, even after she apologized. Trixie can only hope that Applejack had cooled down some since she last saw her. With that thought done, Trixie began to dig into her sandwich. The sandwich tasted so scrumptious and appetizing, that Trixie took in every bite with pure satisfaction.

"My oh my Rarity, this sandwich is delicious."
"I'm glad you enjoy it, darling. I use only the finest vegetables and wheat when it comes to making my sandwiches," replied Rarity.
"I assume the apple is from Applejack's farm," insinuated Trixie.
Rarity laughed and said,"Wasn't it obvious? Almost all of Ponyville's apples comes from Sweet Apple Acres. Although not my taste, the farm is wonderful. I know you will enjoy yourself when you go to see Applejack."

Trixie was pretty doubtful of that.

"I don't know Rarity... Applejack and Rainbow Dash didn't seem to be too happy to see me. I don't think they will ever forgive me."
"Oh I'm sure they have calmed down by now Trixie," said Rarity, "Usually it's Rainbow Dash that has the big head and Applejack is the one to stop her, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash seemed to be on the same page when it comes to you."

"I guess it makes sense," said Trixie.
"Regardless, don't let them get to you. If you know that you have changed for the better, then nopony can say otherwise."
"Thanks, Rarity. That means a lot."
Rarity nodded and said,"You are Welcome. Now that I think about it, turning my hair green was pretty funny."
"Hmm hmm, you should've seen the look on your face."
"I bet I looked like a circus show," said Rarity.

Both ponies began to laugh. Even though Trixie had been around Rarity for only a short while, she felt a strong bond beginning to fill between her and Rarity. It was almost like having a sister, something that Trixie never had.

"You know Rarity, you really are a very pretty pony. I could only wish to have a mane as beautiful as yours."
"Well thank you deary, but as wonderful as my mane is, it's your own mane that you should be proud of. Your mane style makes you unique, and there is no need to copy what others do. You should always be yourself, because that is the real you, and nopony can change that."
"Huh...I never thought of it like that before... And yet, being a magician has led me to nothing but trouble. How can I be myself when what makes me makes others miserable."
"Well that's why you are spending time with all of us right? To see if there is something else you are truly good at. You certainly aren't bad at making dresses from what I saw, so maybe that could be it. I certainly wouldn't mind spending more time with you in my shop, Trixie."

Trixie began to blush.

"Thank you Rarity. That means a lot."
"Anytime darling, now about your present."

Trixie remembered the present and looked at it. She really didn't want to ruin the wrapping paper and bow. However, she had an idea.

"Rarity. Do you think we could attach this bow to my dress? I think it would make a great accessory to the dress. Maybe we could even make a design like on the star light wrapping paper onto my dress," said Trixie.

Rarity thought about it.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. It would certainly make your dress unique... Alright, we shall do it. Now please, open your present! I can't wait for you to see it."

Trixie took a deep breath and began to slowly take apart the presents bow and wrapping paper. Which each corner unwrapped, Trixie grew more anxious. What's in the box? She got to the actual box inside and lifted the top off. What she saw inside took her by surprise and left her speechless. What was in the box, was her Wizard hat and cape, but only clean, and retouched to look almost brand new. The purple threads bright, and the stars were just as yellow as she remembered them to be.

"R-Rarity... I-I don't know what to say..."
Rarity smiled and said, "No need. Try it on. I made sure every stitch was exactly how it was before it got damaged. It was especially hard to not tell you after you told me your mother made it for you. I can only hope that my work lives up to hers."

Trixie smiled and put her cape on, and it fit just the same way it always has. 

"How is it? asked Rarity.

Trixie didn't answer, and instead gave Rarity a big hug. Rarity was taken by surprise at first, but returned the hug Trixie gave.

"It's...It's perfect...Thank you Rarity," said Trixie.
"You're welcome. I must say, I am intrigued about your mother. What is she like?"

Trixie eyes looked over the distance for a minute. She wasn't so sure how to tell Rarity about her mother. Instead, Trixie grabbed something from her pocket. It was a locket, and Trixie presented it to Rarity.

"My, what a beautiful locket that is," said Rarity, "Was it your mothers?

Trixie nodded, and began to open the door of the locket.

"You see, my moth-"

Before Trixie could finish her sentence, a familiar voice was heard coming up the hill, and both ponies turned to it.

"Rarity!?! Raaaaarity?!? I saw the sign on your door saying you went to the park for lunch and thought that I would swing by and see if you were alone and maybe neede-"



Spike stopped talking and stood in shock as he laid eyes on Trixie. Spike wasn't told that Trixie had returned to Ponyville, and could only think of the times that Trixie tried to take down Twilight and Rarity, and he's was not about to let that happen again, especially to Rarity.

"Whoa Rarity! Stand back!" Shouted Spike.

The purple dragon slid in front of Rarity, holding both of his arms up to block Rarity form Trixie.
Rarity responded with,"Wh-Wha-"
"No need to say anything Rarity, I'll protect you from her!"

Trixie was shocked from what Spike said.

"So Trixie, come back to try and hurt Rarity and Twilight again?"
"N-No, I... I ca-"
"Save it, Trixie. You think you're so better than us. Couldn't stay away forever huh?"

Rarity tried to say, "Spike it's quite alri-"

Spike didn't listen, and kept telling Trixie off.

Why don't you get out of here Trixie. Haven't you cause enough trouble in Ponyville?" said Spike with pride and determination in his eyes.

Trixie felt awful again and lowered her head. Even the cute little dragon that she saw sleeping didn't want her around anymore.

Trixie said, "I-I'm sorry..I...I-"

Spike interrupted again.

"I don't want to hear it. I won't let you hurt Rarity liked you tried to last time you jerk!"
"Spike!" Shouted Rarity.

Trixie said nothing. She slowly took her cape off and laid it back into the present box.

Rarity said, "Trixie, I'm so sor-"
"It's okay Rarity. I'll just be on my to Fluttershy's. Maybe I won't hurt anyone there..."
"Trixie..."
"Thank you for the lunch, Rarity... I really enjoyed it," said a choked up Trixie.

With that, Trixie began to run away. Rarity held her hoof out to try and grab Trixie's attention.

"Trixie wait! What about your dress and gift?!?"

Trixie didn't listen and just kept running away.

Spike felt like a hero and saved his precious Rarity from evil once again. 

"Ha. I sure showed her, huh Rarity....Rarity?"

When Spiked turned to Rarity, Rarity was fuming as she was staring at Spike dead in the eye.

"Uh..What did I do?" asked Spike.

Rarity proceeded to hit Spike on the noggin, causing him to rub his head from the now stinging sensation.

"You have no idea. Do you, Spike?" said a very frustrated Rarity.
"Know about what? When I woke up, no one was in the castle chamber, so I came to find you, and saw that you were with Trixie having lunch... Wait... Why were you having lunch with her anyway?"

Rarity simply facehoofed and shook her head.

"It's a long story, Spike. Just grab the present and follow me back to the shop. I'll tell you there."

Spike just shrugged his shoulders, grabbed the present, and began to follow Rarity back into town. Rarity felt awful for how Trixie was just treated right there. It was like Rarity could feel how Trixie felt anytime she performed, only to be laughed at and mocked. It wasn't a good feeling. Rarity knew what she would do to make up Spike's rudeness. That dress does need a bow after all.

Rainbow Dash was hiding in a nearby tree and witnessed the whole scene. Getting a twig out of her mane, she then proceeded to follow a fast galloping Trixie. 

"Man, Trixie and Rarity seemed to be getting along great there," thought Rainbow Dash, "And then, just like that, Trixie was beaten down by Spike's words. I haven't seen Rarity sad like that in awhile. Better find Trixie before she gets out of my sight."

Rainbow Dash was able to catch back up to Trixie, but kept out of sight. Trixie eventually began to slow down to catch her breath. After cooling down, Trixie took a deep sigh and began to walk the rest of the way to Fluttershy's home. As Trixie was walking, Rainbow Dash noticed that Trixie grabbed what looked like the locket she saw Trixie hold in the castle bathroom earlier. She flew over Trixie to get a closer look. Trixie didn't open it, but RD saw a picture on the front casing of the locket.



It was a picture of Trixie's Cutie Mark. Rainbow Dash looked confused and  wondered why Trixie would have a locket with her Cutie Mark on it? Before she could keep thinking, Rainbow Dash noticed Trixie beginning to look up, and made a mad dash to hide in a nearby tree.
>Trixie thought someone was watching her, but shrugged it off, thinking it was a bird or something, and proceeded to Fluttershy's home. Rainbow Dash slowly followed.

Rainbow Dash started to have some second thoughts about not trusting Trixie. She didn't do anything to Pinkie besides make a mess and she seemed to be making Rarity smile.

Rainbow Dash said to herself, "I'm starting to think that Trixie really isn't as bad as she used to be. But that locket... I can't know for sure until I see what the purpose of that locket is."

Rainbow Dash continued to follow behind Trixie.