A Bad Day

Wonderbolt my Heart

Wonderbolt Academy

Spitfire hated paperwork, in fact she hated anything to do with her desk job. The worst part of being a Wonderbolt was being a Captain. While being the Captain of the Wonderbolts was the best part of the job it was also double-edged sword. Spitfire had the best team in the world, great friends, fans and admirers alike, and all the fly time she could handle. The only issue with this job was the insurmountable amount of paperwork.

While she didn't mind it much at first. As time went on she began to dislike it more and more. As the piles got bigger they eventually became one pile she never got rid of.

She sat in her office signing papers with her hoof stamp: letters, transfers, team meeting, team event planning, and so much more. Clack! The sound of a picture frame hitting the ground stopped her in her tracks, literally.

Stamping down on another transfer order she leaned back in her chair removing her aviator glasses. Setting them gently on her desk she sighed closing her eyes. She took a deep breath, held it for several seconds letting her chest expanding in her dress uniform to the point where she could feel the uniform resisting further expansion. It was almost soothing. After a ten second count she released her breath feeling relieved.

She stayed back in her chair for several minutes. She then leaned forward placing her hooves together laying her head on both for support. She glanced about her office from her right was her trophies and awards for excellent service/performance her desk, a cluttered mess with stacks of paper, and to her left was her file cabinet. Above the cabinet were several pictures from her life both professional and personal.

She stood up taking three steps and reached for the fallen picture. Picking it up she took a moment to look it over. A smile snuck up on her when she realized that this was her favorite picture of all. Well, I haven't seen this in a few years. It was a picture of the day she made her first real friend back in flight school.

She wasn't considered very popular back then many considered her to be silly and unusually masculine for a filly. This lead to her being bullied and harassed by her classmates especially other fillies. She became bitter, resentful, and after years of pent-up aggression, she let all of it loose on a one of her classmates. The filly was named Vector. She was a cruel pony, always looking down on others and berating them. She was a sky-blue pegasus with a dark blue mane and her eyes were a deep violet.

Vector had always picked on others who weren't her friends but when it came to Spitfire she was nothing but cruel and vicious. That day she began hitting Spitfire and threatened to continue if she didn't give her lunch money. Refusing to give in Vector continued her assault. Scared and hateful of Vector, Spitfire retaliated with all the force she could muster and she broke Vector's back left leg, she was put on suspension.

At the end of the day Spitfire was flying home scarred of what her parents would say when she told them of her suspension. Now that I've had time to think about it, I was lucky not to get expelled for that. Wonder why I wasn't? Knock! Knock! "Well, back to work. Again." she mumbled. Placing the picture back and reclaiming her seat she adjusted her tie before calling out, "Enter!"

As the door opened and Soarin entered the room. He had the biggest grin on his face like he'd found the secret to unlimited pie within his grasp. Looking to him Spitfire raised an eyebrow. "What can I do for you Soarin?" she ask resuming her work looking back at the papers she'd been signing. He approached her desk and stood at attention. His mane was messy from what she could tell, he must have finished with drills along with the team. Must want to go to the pie bar again. she thought.

"Hey Captain, the team and I are heading to Pett's Pie Bar in an hour after we hit the showers. You wanna come along?" he asked happily.

She stopped looking at him with her most annoyed look she could muster. Called it. Then she glanced at the papers then back to Soarin. "Really?" she ask rhetorically.

"I was just checking. You really should hire a secretary to do this for you, or at the very least help ease the work load for you." he said a hint of sadness in is voice. He then grabbed the top page with a hoof and examined it something about an upcoming event.

Grabbing the paper back from him, Spitfire glared at him which he gave an awkward smile before rubbing his head. "So I take it you don't want to come along?" She continued to stare.

"Well, I guess. I don't really have anything better to do." she said looking back at that clock it was 6:00pm. Wow I really need to get out of here. "Fine. I'll meet you guys there in half an hour." she said returning to her work. Soarin waited for a moment before realizing that she wasn't in a talking mood. He turned and was about to exit the room stopping at the door, he glanced once over his shoulder to see Spitfire hard at work before sighing to himself as he exited the room.

Forty minutes later, Spitfire had finally finished half the paperwork she'd started since the morning. Looking at her pile she beamed with pride knowing it was a good start. Her smile died leaving behind a frown as she looked back to the rest of the papers. of the ten stacks that were piled around her desk eight still remained. I guess I'll finish this later, err tomorrow.

With that she stood up and placed her flight glasses into her chest pocket, grabbed her keys and proceeded to lock everything up. As she reached for the lamp she looked at the picture of her friend and herself. Wondering where she was and what she was doing at the time Spitfire knew her friend was living her dream, somewhere out there.

Later that night Spitfire flew through the Streets of Manehatten as ponies went about their business. She was late to meet with her team at the bar by an hour. As she flew she saw a few familiar faces.

Ten minutes later Spitfire arrived at Pette's Pie Bar. She entered and the smell of many baked goods bombarded her senses. As she scanned the area she found a familiar hoof waving in the air among a group of ponies.

She waved back and approached the group sitting among the circle in an empty seat right next to Soarin and Fleetfoot.

"So, you're late as usual. Glad I planned for you to get here around seven!" Soarin laughed patting Spitfire on the shoulder.

"Wait you said be here a six! What do you mean planned for seven?!" she said smacking a hoof on the table causing it to rock a bit.

A pregnant silence followed for several seconds before everpony in the group broke into a fit of laughter. Soarin was on the floor rolling grabbing his sides laughing beyond control. Fleetfoot however was shaking her head at the antics of the others. Looking at her bewildered leader she move to sit in Soarin's seat next to Spitfire. "What SOARIN means is he expected you to be late so he counted on it and planned to meet at seven for the rest of us." she stated to Spitfire.

"I'M NOT ALWAYS LATE SOARIN!"

"Well, no offense Captain but … you kinda are."

"Oh. Says you who can't be on time for any your dates?"

It was like lightning, one moment Fleetfoot was calm trying to reason with her Captain, and in a moment it changed to pure hate. SLAP! The sound echoed briefly as the everypony halted and watched.

For her part Spitfire was handling it well. She looked to Fleetfoot with a huge smug grin. Fleetfoot hated the look she gave her. The next thing anypony knew Fleetfoot lunged at Spitfire sending both sprawling on the floor.

"YOU JERK!" she yelled, gripping Spitfire in a headlock. Struggling, Spitfire kicked off the ground flipping both her and Fleetfoot. Mid-flip Fleetfoot released Spitfire from the headlock to level with the floor. Taking the initiative Spitfire drilled her elbow into Fleetfoot's stomach leveling her on the ground knocking the wind out of her.'

It was all over in seconds.

Gasping for breath under Spitfire's body, she tried to make words but only slight gasps were audible. "You done yet hon?" she ask Fleetfoot rubbing her belly.

After a minute Fleetfoot nodded in submission. Spitfire helped her up looking slightly embarrassed by the exchange. Fleetfoot made for the exit, the shame of such a display was unbecoming of a Wonderbolt hounded her mind. Not only that, but Spitfire made her look like a total newbie. Just as she reached the door she was grabbed by two hooves.

Looking at who it was revealed Spitfire, a look of concern on her face. "Fleet? Really are you alright, hon? I meant nothing by it, honest."

"No. I'm not. That really hurt my feelings Spitfire. Sniff." she turned from her eyes tearing up. "You know how sensitive I am about that." Fleetfoot said as she reached for the doors.

"Fleet, come on you know I meant nothing of it." she said intercepting Fleetfoot's hooves. "I know you 're sensitive and I'm sorry. Really." she said rubbing Fleet's hooves.

"I know you are," she said drawing back her hooves, "but you always bring that up. I know you mean it jokingly but to hear you say it… really upsets me."

Spitfire was speechless. She knew better than to tease Fleetfoot, but an old sensation of being challenged came back to her. A feeling of survival, domination. A feeling she hadn't felt in a long time since flight school. She'd unintentionally bullied not only her teammate but one of her closest friends. Now all she felt was shame.

Fleetfoot once again reached for the door gripping the handle. "I'll see you later Captain." she whispered pulling it open. She walked out without another word and flew off into the night sky.

Looking up to the sky as the doors closed, Spitfire wanted to fly after her to tell her how sorry she really was. Her will to stay was stronger. Hanging her head low she sat back in her seat. After a minute of nothing, the bar's patrons began to converse once again. Spitfire looked up to her team their facial expression ranged from shocked to outright disgust. Soarin bore a stoic expression like a Solar Guard.

Each of the Wonderbolts decided to head home early leaving only Soarin and Spitfire at the table. The two sat there for half an hour before Soarin decided to break the silence. "So, what now? he asked nudging closer to her.

She fidgeted with a cup of tea she ordered. The black liquid swirled as she stared, her reflection became clear. And I thought I'd changed. here I am again years later and still have much to learn. Her hooves began to shake the cup rattled on the tables surface. I thought I was different from her too. Vector, she never cared about anyone she knew. Shakily she took a sip from the cup.

"Soarin I need some time to think alone. I really messed up today and… and I need to make it up to Fleetfoot. When you see her…" she paused looking around the bar it was almost nine o'clock and it was starting to really liven up. Ponies were dancing to the music, friends drank merrily, and Vinyl Scratch was at the head of her stand making a beat that rocked the entire place to its foundation. "When you see her tell her I want to speak to her. Nothing serious Soarin I mean it." she looked him dead in the eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll let her know." he looked to the clock. "Well, since nopony else is here I'll leave you to your thoughts. See you next week Captain."

He saluted before turning about-faced and marched out of the bar. The sea of ponies parted for him as he disappeared into the crowd leaving Spitfire to herself and her tea.

The bar was now a full on rave with neon lights and the bass cranked to full as glasses, plates, and tables shook. The ponies were flailing about dancing like it was the last night before the end came at dawn.

She decided to head to the bar itself instead of sitting at the large table her team was at. As she approached another pony in a tattered black cloak with the hood up was sipping a cider, and a strong one. The smell was intoxicating to Spitfire. It was hard cider and she decided then and there to have one also.

Taking a stool next to the pony, she tapped her hoof on the bar getting the owners attention. He was a tall heavy brown earth pony with a dark pink and white stripped mane. His eyes were green and his cutie mark was a foaming mug. He turned from cleaning a mug placing it on the table in front of Spitfire. "Hey Spitty what'll it be? Usual?" he had a slightly raised voice so she could hear him over the "rave" going on.

"No Pint Pette, I'll have what he's having." she nodded towards the cloaked pony beside her. Pint Pette took the mug filling it up. "One Appleoosa Hard Cider coming right up!" Placing the mug back, Spitfire grabbed hold a took a big gulp leaving half the mug full of the wonderful hard cider. She then slammed the mug hard on the wooden surface.

"Man I needed that!" she said shaking her body from the intense flavor.

"So." Pette started cleaning spots from the bars surface. "What was that business between you and Fleet huh?" Spitfire sighed shaking her head. "I messed up Pette. I messed up big time."

She took another swig of her cider. Pette looked concerned. He was a great bar keep, in fact it was his bar named after him, he was also a great listener. Spitfire would often frequent his bar to drink and vent her frustration while he'd listen. Tonight would be no different.

Before she started she glanced to her right to the cloaked pony. The stranger had paused with his/her mug engulfed in a pink aura, so this stranger was a unicorn. The mug floated down to the table before the aura dissipated.

She looked back to Pette who was waiting to hear what she had to say. He pushed a full mug of cider towards Spitfire who happily took it. "I'm telling you Pette I don't see what others see in me but if they can tolerate my crap then…" she trailed off taking a sip of her cider, so did the stranger. "I guess it's nothing really just an argument we had. Nothing big."

Pette looked into her eyes. "I know you and Fleetfoot go at it sometimes, but this isn't nothing as you put it," he crossed his arms before continuing, "the two of you are childhood friends. Friends don't hurt each other for no reason, Spitty."

"Well, I don't think I'm being a good friend. What should I do?" she asked Pette looking at him desperately. She needed an answer but she had no idea how to approach this situation. She knew Fleet would most likely be fine by morning after she vented in the night. Still, Spitfire wanted to make things not only right, but end this trail of shame she'd made along the way. I need to change for her. "Sorry ,Pette I just don't know what to do."

Pette shook his head slowly. "I'm not sure I'm the right pony to tell you that Spits." looking over to the stranger briefly, who resumed drinking, he looked back at Spitfire. "You're her friend, you should know what to do, what to say. If you are her friend, she'll accept your apology no matter what." He stood up straight preparing more mugs as several ponies sat at the far end of the bar.

"Now, if you'll excuse me I need to get going, Spitty." he said.

"Sure thing Pette, thanks anyway."

"No problem, kido."

He then proceeded to the far end of the bar to take drink orders leaving Spitfire alone. Alone again. Huh, I really seem to get that alot don't I? Sipping her drink she thought about choices she made in life wondering what it would be like if she came out different. Would she still be a Wonderbolt? In the military? Or would she have ended up as a florist? Ha as if! A florist.

"Hey, you having a bad day too?" asked a feminine voice. Looking around Spitfire saw the hooded figure looking towards her. She took off her hood to reveal a blue unicorn mare with a silver mane and magenta eyes. The unicorn was dirty and her mane was dirty and unkept. She had bags under her eyes and looked thin even for a unicorn.

Spitfire looked at the mare for a moment taking the sight of her in. I know this unicorn, i can't remember where I've seen her before though. "Yeah. Bad day, really bad day. Trouble with friends. How about you?"

"Huh?" the mare asked the mug in her mouth. "Oh yes! I was having a rough day. Well, more like week." she leaned on one hoof looking to Pette making a gesture to her mug. With a nod Pette began to fill up another mug and slid it to the blue mare. Her magic caught it halting it in front of her hooves. "I'm Trixie. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain."

"Thaaanks. Always glad to meet a fan." She felt awkward. On one side she knew the mares name no, Trixie, although now the conversation came to a halt with nopony speaking. Trying to come up with something to say, Spitfire decided to make casual conversation with Trixie. Recalling an incident that happened recently in the paper, something about an ursa running amok in a rural town outside the Everfree she decided to use this to establish a dialogue.

Taking a gulp of her cider she turned to Trixie. "Soooo, you hear about that incident back in Ponyville a few days ago?"

Cough Trixie stopped drinking and began to choke on her drink. "Hey you alright there?" she asked alarmed patting Trixie on the back. "Trixie is cough... fine now cough. Thanks for asking." after a minute Trixie managed to stop coughing and resumed drinking. "Yes, Trixie did hear about the ursa minor attack. Sounds awful."

Spitfire looked back at Trixie then to her drink. "Yeah. I heard it was brought to the town by some wizard claiming that he could slay it... or something." Spitfire said twirling her hoof trying to remember details. "I can't remember much from the paper I read it in, but I don't really trust them either." She took another gulp of her drink as Trixie listened. "I'm sure it's over exaggerated greatly though. I'm sure the pony didn't mean for it to happen." Trixie began to shake looking worried.

"I mean who in their right mind would bring a giant beast to slay it if they knew they couldn't? Seriously, it's suicidal!" she waved her hoof in the air then brought it down on the table.

"I'm sure the pony is very sorry for what happened to the town." Trixie piped in shakily.

Spitfire noticed this, halting her train of thought she looked to Trixie who looked like she was about to cry. "Hey you OK, hon?" she asked scooting closer to her. "You want to talk about something else?" she was now shoulder to shoulder with Trixie who was shaking.

"Yeah I think a change in scenery would be nice to." Trixie left some bits on the table and jumped off her stool and began to leave. Spitfire worried that she might have had too many drinks followed her out. "Yo Pette! Put the drinks on my tab OK!?!"

She followed Trixie through the crowd pushing ponies out of the way until she caught up with her. As they made their way towards the exit Trixie collided with another pony knocking her to the ground. "Hey watch where you're going lady!" yelled a stallion brown.

"No YOU watch where you're going you insufferable buffoon!" Trixie stood up pointing at the stallion. "You ran into Trixie!" The stallion looked at her tapping his chin. "Wait." he said. "I know you. You're that magician that came to Ponyville and brought that ursa minor to town!" he said pointing an accusing hoof to Trixie. All eyes were on Trixie and the stallion. Silence ran through the building and not a sound was made. Even Vinyl Scratch stopped to see what was going to happen.

Trixie stepped up to the stallion. "Well, just who are YOU and what's it to YOU if Trixie went to Ponyville or not?" she poked him in the chest.

He looked furious. He grabbed her arm and pushed it off his chest glaring at her. "I'm Filthy Rich and it's thanks to YOU that my little girl was hurt because of the stunt you pulled!"

"What do you mean? Trixie did nothing wrong!"

"So, you didn't bring the ursa to town?"

"No, it was those two incompetent fools Snips and Snails who brought it to town not Trixie!" by now her horn was glowing and she was breathing heavily ready to strike anyone who came near her.

Spitfire stepped between the two ponies. "OK that's enough! I won't have any brawling here in MY bar! You Hear me Rich!? That goes for you too money or not!" the sound of Pette's voice echoed through the lobby.

Filthy Rich looked past Spitfire to Trixie, pausing for a moment to regain his composure he slowly approached Trixie. Both stared each other down for a moment before he made his way to the door followed by seven other ponies.

Spitfire looked to Trixie who had a stoic face. She's upset I can tell. She stood next to her waiting for her to collect herself. After a few seconds, Trixie looked to Spitfire her lips curled into a smile. "Thanks for standing between us. I was worried he'd attack me." She looked up at Spitfire. "And thank you for not judging me."

"Hey I know what it's like to be judged based on what's happened in the past." she patted Trixie on her shoulder. "Besides I'm a Wonderbolt. Protecting citizens is what I do." She struck a pose with a smug grin on her face. It took Trixie all her strength to not laugh at her, ultimately she failed in doing so. The two shared a laugh as they exited Pette's Pie Bar.

The two walked through the streets of Manehatten for most of the night heading to the edge of town where Trixie's trailer was. Along the way Trixie began telling Spitfire of how she'd grown up in Canterlot and her life at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. "Trixie always had a knack for storytelling, so one day I decided to use magic to amplify my stories. Once I did the teachers were in awe of my stories and my magical abilities." She stopped and struck a pose standing on her ind legs and pointing to the stars. "They told Trixie that she was well suited for the performing arts. So after her graduation Trixie decided to become a traveling showmare, telling stories of grandeur and adventure!"

Trixie continued to walk followed by Spitfire who stood beside her the whole time. Spitfire looked to her with a curious expression getting her attention. "What? Does Trixie have something on her face?" the unicorn asked running her face. Spitfire stifled a giggle watching Trixie. "No I was just wondering, if you don't mind telling," she looked to her cutie mark, "why did you chose to become a traveling showpony?"

The azure mare stopped dead in her tracks staring at the ground, a look of sadness in her eyes. "It was the same day Trixie graduated from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was a day that will stay with her forever."

"It was a few years back after the graduation ceremony Trixie and her parents went to have dinner at one of Trixie's favorite restaurants." Trixie suddenly changed directions heading towards a playground. Spitfire followed her as Trixie made her way to the swings, sitting in the center one she began to sway slowly back and forth. "It was on a playground much like this one. Trixie was going to meet her parents at the restaurant early so she decided to stay at the park to pass the time." Spitfire sat in the swing to her left but remained still just listening to her story.

"Trixie was on the swings when she heard laughing from behind her. Normally she'd have thought nothing of it, until she heard what was going on." she stopped swinging looking behind her, almost as if she was reliving the memory. "Trixie looked to find a young gray filly being bullied for wearing glasses by other fillies and a colt. They took her glasses and they kept them from her making her beg for them and just keeping it out of her reach."

Spitfire frowned at this, She knew what it was like being bullied and singled out. She sat there listening to Trixie waiting for her to continue. Trixie noticed and continued with the story. "Trixie approached the group and that's when things got out of hoof."

Trixie looked at Spitfire a sad smile donned her features. "I saw her hit one of the fillies in retaliation to her taunting. That's when the colt flew down and started to beat her up. The rest followed suit. That's when I jumped into the group. I stood over that grey filly protecting her. Her mother came shortly after. There was a huge misunderstanding that Trixie caused harm to the grey filly and was arrested for assault and child beating." she stopped swinging.

She then jumped teleporting ontop of the bars looking down to Spitfire who simply looked up to her. "Trixie was out the next day thanks to the filly speaking on her behalf. Trixie never got her name though but I'm sure wherever she is she's thankful for what I did." As she stood there a powerful gust of wind blew as she stood there her chest puffed out and mane flowing in the wind. "Trixie decided to become a traveling showmare after that to bring smiles to the faces of others." She paused looking at Spitfire. "To help them realize they're not alone."

Spitfire couldn't help but be entranced by Trixie's confidence and her outspoken personality. Hearing her story about how she started her career made Spitfire think about her own decision to become a Wonderbolt. It was a time she told herself she'd change from being the thug she grew up to be. It was a chance to start fresh and make something of herself. To be able to help others and know that at the end of your day you changed the life of somepony for the better. It wasn't about fame or fortune, but putting a smile on someponies face after a long day. Just like she was. she thought looking to Trixie as her cloak flowed with the wind and the moon shined brightly behind her. She was beautiful.

Maybe today wasn't such a bad day after all.

A Night to Make a Friend

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It was late night at Manehatten Park. Spitfire watched in awe as Trixie retold the tale of how she went to being a traveling showmare. Trixie was now back to swinging next to Spitfire who had begun to swing as well.

Trixie looked at Spitfire. "So, Captain Sp-" Spitfire raised a hoof interrupting her.

"Spitfire will do, Miss Trixie." she said looking at Trixie with a toothy grin.

Trixie facehooved, hard. "Don't call Trixie Miss, it makes her feel old." she said somberly. Spitfire stopped swinging and began laughing. Getting off the swing Trixie stomped the ground blushing. "You- you stop that nonsense right now!" She watched as Spitfire fell to the ground gripping her sides.

"Ha ha-aww my sides hurt!" she made no effort to stop as she rolled to her side. Trixie puffed her cheeks. "Aww man ha ha- I can't breathe!" she managed between breaths.

"Trixie orders you to stop this foalish nonsense now! You are a Wonderbolt have some dignity, Captain." she said in a stern voice.

Spitfire managed to stop after that. Rising to her hooves she stood in front of the unicorn. She then went straight face and saluted her. " Yes ma'am!" she said as she crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out to the side. Trixie place a hoof over her mouth trying hard not to giggle at the antics of the pegasus. Spitfire continued to stare in her mock salute. Finally Trixie gave in and began to laugh.

"Okay, that's good!" she said. She then proceeded to do a similar mock salute. The difference was her eyes went wall-eyed. "Duh Cadet Trixie reporting Captain!" she said saluting Spitfire.

The two stood there unblinking for a few seconds before both began giggling at their silly faces. After the two managed to gain their composure Spitfire placed an arm around Trixie. "Man, I haven't had a good laugh like this in some time." she glanced to Trixie who was blushing at the contact. "Thanks, Trix." she said pulling Trixie closer.

They both looked at each other. Spitfire had a small grin as she winked to Trixie. Trixie's blush intensified from both the subtle wink and the close contact, just then something happened she didn't expect. It was subtle, barely noticeable but it was there.

A slight swing of Spitfire's tail made contact with Trixie's tail. Trixie looked away from her heart was pounding like it wanted to escape her chest. Trixie knew this gesture. It was a subtle sign asking if she was a fillyfooler. Back at school she saw it several times with colts and mares who sought companionship without being open. At the same time if the one receiving it didn't know what it meant it could be passed off as accidental contact. Some who hated such ponies knew what it meant so it did come with some risk. Trixie was bisexual she liked stallions and mares the same, but she never expected a signal like this from a Wonderbolt Captain.

Spitfire was getting worried, Trixie hadn't moved or looked at her since the signal. It was a mistake she shouldn't have assumed Trixie was like this, but it was worth a shot if only to find out her preference. Just as she was about to release the unicorn she received a tail signal from her, not one but two in fact. ‘So she's into both huh?’ She thought to herself.

Trixie pressed her body against Spitfire. A warm sensation passed through her body, combined with the cold night air, caused her to shiver. Spitfire noticed and wrapped her wing around the shivering unicorn. "Cold?" she asked. Trixie responded by nodding. "Where did you say your trailer was?" she asked stroking the mares head.

Trixie pointed westward past the park. "Trixie parked it out in an alley on the west side of town."

"Well, come on then. I'll walk you home." she began walking with Trixie in tow.

The unicorn nudge her. "Such a gentlecolt you are." she said sarcastically, but not without a smile. Spitfire rolled her eyes in response her wing tightened over Trixie.

"Keep that up hon, and I might just take my wing back.'' she remarked playfully twitching her wing.

"That's mean of you to say." she pouted. "You wouldn't leave a defenseless mare such as I to fend off the elements by herself would you?" Spitfire couldn't help but smile at the mare’s antics. She continued to smile holding Trixie under her wing all through Manehatten until they came upon a dark alley.

Trixie halted in front of the alley, her horn glowed as light emanated from it showing the way. Trixie walked cautiously down making sure she wasn't going to get jumped by some mugger. She walked to the end of the path where a wall halted her progress. Spitfire was appalled by the conditions of the alley, trash was everywhere, rats were crawling among feces all over the floor, and a trashy looking wagon of sorts with crude drawings on it.'

Wait a minute. Spitfire stared at the wagon. It was a sorry sight indeed. The roof was a dirt cloth that clearly wasn't part of it originally, the wheels were in worse condition, and it was filthy beyond reason. This can't be her TRAILER could it? She then saw Trixie digging through the wagon looking for something. "Trixie, this isn't your trailer you were talking about is it?" she asked in a concerned tone.

"Yes this IS Trixie's trailer. Why?" She asked, not looking up as she continued to dig through her stuff.

Spitfire approached her grabbing her shoulders gently turning the mare around to face her. "No hon. You're not living in this trash heap." she then looked at the trailer at the drawings. Then she noticed a death threat for Trixie and stared at it.

Noticing, Trixie removed Spitfire's hooves and continued her search. "That was from when Trixie first got here. It's nothing." she then held up a bag in her hooves. "Aha! There it is!" Trixie placed the bag in her cloak. Spitfire walked up to Trixie grabbing hold of her.

"Trixie, no you aren't staying here out in the cold night in a shanty wagon." she said sternly. "You're not staying out here. I insist you stay at my place tonight." Trixie gave her a curious glance. "No friend of mine is going to stay out in the cold."

Trixie continued to stare at Spitfire. "Look Spitfire, it's nice of you to offer Trixie a place to stay, but Trixie must decline." She then pointed at the wagon. "Trixie has her own place to stay, and as you can see it's perfectly fine-" she kicked the wheel causing it to fall and break. "it's mostly intact." She said with an awkward smile.

Just then the whole wagon seemed to fall apart, as though all the planks of wood were forced apart by some unseen force.

Spitfire looked unamused. She flew above Trixie and began to hover above her. Trixie looked up to her the light from her horn gone now, her eyes had adjusted to the darkness. She crossed her arms continuing to look down at Trixie with a look of determination. "Trixie, you're coming to my place. Nopony should live like this. NOPONY." she emphasized pointing to her.

The unicorn lowered her head in shame. How did it come to this? I was once respected and admired by all! Now look at me. She thought as tears built up in her eyes. For her part, Trixie never liked relying on others she thought it was a sign of weakness. Yet she couldn't bring herself to say no the Captain of the Wonderbolts. Such an invitation doesn't come by very often. Maybe I can milk this just a bit. After all I could use the break. She thought to herself. Looking up to the pegasus she decided to accept her invitation with grace and dignity. "Well, Trixie wouldn't dislike a warm soft bed to sleep in for the night." she said in her usual Trixie manner.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. "You know you could have just said yes." She pointed to the wagon. "Grab what you need and I'll help you carry it to my place." She landed next to the wagon Trixie continued rummaging through her belongings.

After a minute Trixie had a brief case she held with her magic and her cloak with her bits. She looked to Spitfire who was hovering just above her. "Well, Trixie has all she owns." she took one last glance at her wagon then back to Spitfire. "Let's be off then." she began to leave the alley.
Spitfire waited looking at the wagon then back to Trixie who was waiting at the end of the alley. She couldn't just let the poor mare wander off on her own after one night. She also couldn't afford to keep her too long with the life style she had either. She lived alone and that was always the plan. Trixie did too but she couldn't find it in her heart to kick her out after one night. It wouldn't be right friends don't do that to friends. Huh, like I have any right to say that after tonight. She thought looking up to the sky from the alley. Fleetfoot. She looked down to Trixie again who was tapping her hoof impatiently staring at the alley. "Well I better not keep her waiting." she muttered as she took flight down the alley. Just then she got an idea and she smiled at a thought.

Meanwhile Trixie stared at the dark alley waiting impatiently for a certain pegasus to make her appearance. As she waited she looked at her surroundings wondering if the silly pegasus was going to sneak up on her. ‘I wouldn't be surprised if she did.’ She thought to herself.
As she glanced back to the alley she was tackled by an unknown pony as she was lifted up in the air. She screamed at the top of her lungs with the most girly scream a pony ever heard. "Unhoof me you fiend!" she howled at her assailant. After a moment she heard laughter. Looking up revealed Spitfire with a smug grin.

"Hey there, Hon, you come this way often?" she asked with a smile holding Trixie who scowled back at the fiery pegasus. Using her magic Trixie brought her suit case and swatted Spitfire I the flank causing a stinging sensation. "OWW! Hey watch it or you'll make me drop you! HEY!" she tried kicking the suitcase away with her hind legs struggling to hold Trixie simultaneously. "OWW! Seriously stop that or I swear I'll drop you!" SMACK! "I mean it!" SMACK! "I'll do it!" she screamed as the assault on her hindquarters intensified. She looked down at Trixie who had a smug look on her face as she crossed her arms.

"OK, I'll behave Captain." she poked Spitfire in the check with a hoof causing the pegasus to nip back in a playful manner. She then looked down at her passenger grinning.

"Hey Trix." Trixie looked up with a quirked eyebrow. "You know how to tuck and roll?" The reaction was instantaneous, Trixie's eyes widened with fear as she tried desperately to grip the pegasus as she found herself on the ground rolling.

Trixie stood up glaring at Spitfire who was trying hard not to laugh as she landed in front of her. Spitfire walked over to Trixie her dress uniform top ruffled a bit from the struggle moments ago. She brought a wing over Trixie who glared at her as if trying to set her on fire with the intensity of her stare. Spitfire gave her a pouty look. "Aww, don't be that way it as all in good fun and you're not hurt." she said in a matter of fact tone. SMACK! As Spitfire finished speaking that inferno suitcase found its way to her flank again. With a loud squeak she lunged in the air rubbing her flank glaring down at Trixie who was trying to assault the pegasus with her suitcase just out of reach.

The pegasus looked down at the unicorn trying to swat her with the case using her magic and coming just short of striking her. Spitfire grinned smugly blowing a raspberry at Trixie who redoubled her efforts to swat her. Spitfire looked at the unicorn who was jumping suitcase covered in a magic aura trying to get the extra inches to the pegasus coming just short by maybe half an inch. Spitfire slowly shook her head and hovered a little higher. She was now easily a foot out of the angry unicorns range.

Trixie halted her assault stomping the ground pouting at Spitfire. "That's not fair! Come down here and fight like a mare!" she howled at her.
Spitfire stuck her tongue out in response. "Know what? No, not until you promise to stop assaulting me with your belongings, magic, and body OK?" she then crossed her arms watching the unicorn.

Trixie was looking up her cheeks puffed out trying to think of a way to get Spitfire. Nothing coming up she decided to do the most logical thing. Setting her suitcase down she powered up her horn pointing it at Spitfire who, upon seeing the aggressive display began to sweat. Before she could react Spitfire found herself meeting the floor with a loud Thud. Spitfire was in a daze as she wobbled back and forth trying to regain her balance. She then noticed her wings were frozen in a folded position.

A shadow loomed over her. She looked up at Trixie. An awkward smile donned her face as she stood up backing away from Trixie. "He-hey now Trix, heh let's not do anything irrational OK?" she asked as the other mare approached her suitcase in tow.

"Now Spitfire. I thought Discipline was a common practice in the Wonderbolts?" she asked seductively. This caused Spitfire to blush and was thankful for the stun spell on her wings. ‘Nothing like a wingboner on the first outing with a friend.’ she thought to herself looking back at Trixie who had a playful look in her eyes.

Spitfire noticed the playful nature of the unicorn and stood her ground with renewed courage. "So Spitfire. Trixie offers you an ultimatum, you say you're sorry and Trixie is the most magical unicorn in Equestria, or-" she brought the suitcase to view, "we can have a little more fun." she winked at her. Spitfire gave a soft sigh looking Trixie in the eyes before lunging on top of her. Trixie struggled to remove the pegasus off of her, but to no avail. She found it was harder to breath under the weight of the pegasus as she tried crawling away. "You… huff… get off… huff… Trixie this instant!" she barked. Spitfire remained in position sitting on the poor unicorn.

"Now Trixie let's not cause a scene here." she giggled to herself as the unicorn continued to struggle for her freedom. After a minute Trixie stopped her struggle, out of breath and tired from chasing the pegasus, she simply rested on the floor. Spitfire looked down at her prisoner with a warm smile. "You calm now hon?" she asked.

"Yeah." Trixie responded pathetically. "So, can you get off Trixie now fatty?" she asked tapping the pegasus in the hips. Tapping a hoof under her chin Spitfire glanced up to the sky.

"Well, I guess I could buuut…" she paused looking down at Trixie. "There will be some conditions."

"Ugh. Fine what are thy terms Captain." she asked sarcastically, wiggling under Spitfire trying to get comfortable. She responded by patting Trixie gently on the head.

"I'll get off you if you promise to stop hitting me." she waited for Trixie to agree with the term before continuing.

"Done. Anything else?" Trixie asked.

Spitfire nodded. "A few other things. One you'll stay at my place until we can get you on your own hooves again. That means job, and steady income got it?" she asked in a commanding tone. Trixie nodded. "Second you'll help keep the place up and tidy and no parties, shin-digs, or raves at my place without approval OK?" Trixie nodded again.

"And if Trixie breaks the rules?" she asked with legit curiosity. "Then you have to run laps around my obstacle course." she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. She then took off hovering in front of Trixie thanks to the spell dissipating. "So we all square?" she asked the unicorn.

Trixie waited pondering her options standing up from the ground. After a minute of silent contemplation she extended a hoof to Spitfire. "Deal. I'll do all that if you promise to help me out." Spitfire smiled spitting in her hoof and reaching for the other hoof. Before contact Trixie pulled her hoof away holding it close with a look of disgust. "Ewwww… Trixie's not touching that hoof."

Spitfire stuck her tongue at her in response. "Spoil sport." she muttered to herself.

"What was that?" asked Trixie.

"Nothing." she responded landing next to her as they both began walking down the street, guided by the moonlight.

***

The two ponies walked for over an hour before they reached the upper ring of the city. Not many ponies were out now. The streets were all but abandoned, with the exception of the occasional pony or carriage. They approached a large ivory colored skyscraper that bore a banner that read, "Ivory Tower Apartments". Trixie was impressed, she heard of the famous "Ivory Tower". It was a symbol of wealth and stature in Manehatten. Anypony who's anypony famous lived here. Trixie often dreamed of the lavish lifestyle in the tower and here she was about to live that dream, sort of.

They entered the lobby and were greeted by several servant ponies and a valet pony. Trixie hid with her cloak's hood hoping to not be recognized. The two made their way to the elevator. Pressing the up button Spitfire stood to the side of the double doors waiting for them to open. After a few moments the doors opened revealing two families of ponies who made their way out and to the lobby.

As they entered the elevator Trixie paused glancing over out in the lobby at the two families. She recognized Filthy Rich right off the bat and that other ponies with him from the bar. She then noticed two fillies with them, including a grey one which looked vaguely familiar. Before she could think of where she saw the filly the doors closed preventing her from getting a good look. ‘I know I've seen her before but where?’ She thought. Spitfire kept looking straight pretending not to notice Trixie's behavior. She pressed a button with the number 70 on it and the elevator began to ascend.

It didn't take long before the double doors opened to a hallway with several doors. Spitfire led the way down the hall while Trixie looked around. She noticed the doors here were spread apart generously. ‘The rooms here must be massive!’ She thought. As they made their way down the hall Spitfire stopped in front of a door with 178b on it. Unlocking the door Spitfire led Trixie inside the apartment.

To say Trixie was impressed would have been an understatement. Her eyes were bombarded with wonder at the marvelous architecture of the room she was in. It was a large white marble apartment with ionic columns with white cloth with golden leafs on them hanging like banners. A few clouds were floating around the columns. At the far end was a large glass window with doors in the center leading to a large overhang with a pool and recreation area, plus one pegasus obstacle course all lit by small lights around the overhang. ‘So this is the course she spoke of.’ Trixie thought to herself impressed by the sights.

Spitfire went into one of the rooms with Trixie’s suitcase leaving her to explore the apartment at her own pace. After a few minutes of wandering Trixie heard a voice she didn't recognize. "Hey Spits you home?" she heard a feminine voice ask from the entry way. She made her way back to find another pegasus there. She had on a grey sweat suit, top and bottom, with a blown back white mane and magenta eyes.
Trixie didn't recognize her yet she seemed so familiar to her, like she should know her from somewhere. The pegasus was startled by the blue mares sudden appearance. Taking a moment to calm herself the new pegasus approached Trixie. "Excuse me miss, but um, is Spitfire home now?" the mare asked.

Trixie nodded. "Yes she's here somewhere." she noticed the pegasus was nervous about something but she wasn't sure what. She past it off as just shock from seeing a stranger in a friend's home.

"Hey Fleetfoot you came!" The sound of Spitfire's voice echoed in the room causing both mares to jump slightly. Embarrassed they both looked to see Spitfire in a robe carrying a spare one over her neck. "What are you doing here? I figured you'd be at home or at the park. You doing alright hon?" she walked over grabbing the mares hooves. Trixie facehooved. ‘That's why I recognize her! Fleetfoot! Of course Trixie feels stupid now for not recognizing her sooner.’ She mentally scolded herself.

Fleetfoot looked back at Trixie then back to Spitfire with a confused look on her face. Before she could ask Spitfire raised a hoof. "Her name's Trixie, and she's going to be staying with me for a while." she said gesturing to the other blue mare. Trixie simply planted herself on the floor waiting. "Trixie I need to talk to Fleetfoot , so you can use my shower to clean yourself if you want." She walked over handing Trixie the robe then pointed to a door to the right. "Down the hall three doors down to the right. Spare towels are there and your clothes are washing now. They'll be ready by morning. Rooms across the hall your stuff is there waiting for you." she said walking Trixie to the door.

"Thank you Spitfire," Trixie said gaining a smile and a nod from the Wonderbolt. "No seriously, thank you. You've done more for Trixie than anypony has done for her in sometime." She then hugged Spitfire who promptly hugged back stroking Trixie's mane. After a moment the two separated Trixie heading down the hall and Spitfire returned to the lobby where Fleetfoot sat on a large circular shaped couch.

Sitting next to Fleetfoot Spitfire was about to greet her fellow Wonderbolt when Fleetfoot spoke first. "Why is SHE here?" she asked Spitfire menacingly. Spitfire cocked an eyebrow at her friend’s behavior. She then took a deep breath calming herself before speaking.

"She's a pony in need of assistance. Like I said she's staying with me while I help her get back on her hooves." she retorted. Pointing at the door where Trixie had gone she continued. "And just who are you to come in my place and demand why I help certain individuals and not others." she hissed.

Fleetfoot looked upset. Pulling out a newspaper placing it on the couch, Spitfire picked it up and read the main article: "Wizard Leads Rampaging Ursa to Unsuspecting Town!" It was a few days old too, in fact this was the article she mentioned to Trixie that she read about. Go figure that's probably what made her nervous at the bar. Way to go Spitfire. she scolded herself. Spitfire placed the paper back on the couch as Fleetfoot started to get slightly hysterical. "She brought an Ursa Minor to a town of ponies and destroyed it! She's a menace! You need to-" once again Spitfire interrupted her by raising a hoof. After a moment of silence Fleetfoot sat down waiting for her to say something, what she got wasn't what she expected.

"I know Fleet. I know who she is and I still intend to help her because she needs it."

Fleetfoot looked like she was going to snap in any moment. Her wings twitched in synch with her left eye as her body began to shiver. She tried to form words but all she did was stutter. Spitfire looked at the young pegasus and scooted over to her. She gently grabbed hold of Fleetfoot rubbing her shoulders getting her attention.

Next, Spitfire simply closed her eyes took a deep breath and exhaled. Opening her eyes she watched as Fleetfoot did the same. This was an exercise she did with Fleetfoot often. When one pony was overreacting or going off the deep end as it were, the other would stop them and begin a breathing exercise to calm themselves. It has proven to be very effective for the two of them, as both have a tendency to react extremely in many cases. After several calming breaths they both sat waiting.

Fleetfoot nodded saying, "Thanks Spits, and sorry." She paused as Spitfire nodded I acknowledgement. She brought the young pegasus to lay on her lap looking up to her. Spitfire always looked at Fleetfoot as the rambunctious little sister she never had, while Fleetfoot saw Spitfire as an annoying helicopter sister. They were always looking out for each other, and this situation with Trixie was no exception . Fleetfoot saw Trixie as a danger to her metaphorical sister.

"No I'm sorry, Fleet. I hurt you tonight and I regret what I said. Forgive me?" she asked looking at Fleetfoot.

Fleetfoot smiled, "I forgive you." She wanted to keep Spitfire safe, but when Spitfire makes up her mind, there is no changing it. Spitfire knew of course, she felt the same for Fleetfoot. That fact was they cared for each other.

Spitfire looked down to Fleetfoot stroking her mane, "You calm now, hon?" She simply nodded, listening to Spitfire. "Good. I think I need to explain a few things to you. Promise you'll listen and wait on the question till after?" she asked. Once again Fleetfoot simply nodded in response.

Meanwhile Trixie was spying on them through the door, watching and listening to the pegasi talk.

A Deal

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To say Fleetfoot was upset was an understatement. She was furious. Here was Spitfire, her childhood and closest friend, hanging out with some talentless hack, braggart, showoff, and fraud of a mare. Yet it baffled her as to why Spitfire would help somepony who was nothing more than a liar. The words Spitfire said were heard, but the meaning was lost to her clouded mind.

Now Fleetfoot was one to think of consequences before implementing action, it was simply her. Yet in this scenario she simply couldn't understand Spitfire's reasoning for helping this mare. This mare who brought destruction to a small unwilling town. Then she has the nerve to run off without helping them! She thought to herself.

Spitfire wore an unamused look, like she was the victim of a well placed yet highly inappropriate joke. "It's as I said, she needs help and I'm helping her Fleet." She then pointed to the doors where Trixie watched in silence. "I promised to help her because she needs it Fleet. I as a decent pony would help anypony I could if they needed it." she then reached over grabbing Fleetfoot by the shoulders slightly shaking her, "Why can't you see that Fleet? Why are you being so cold to her when she's done nothing wrong by you?"

Fleetfoot responded by swatting Spitfire's hooves away scoffing. She then jumped from her seat hovering in Spitfire's face. Spitfire reeled back by the sudden movement the younger pegasi made. "I can't believe you Captain!" she yelled in an aggravated tone flailing her arms around. Great here it comes. Spitfire thought to herself. "She brought an ursa to that poor town Ponyville! She destroyed a pony's HOME! She humiliated several national HEROS!" Fleetfoot shouted to her. Spitfire was beginning to lose her patience with the blue mare. Her brow was twitching in frustration and she began breathing deeply. "Why will you help such a pon-monster!"

That had done it. Spitfire simply couldn't take it anymore. Fleetfoot was not only making a fool of herself but the Wonderbolts as a whole now. Stomping on the ground she flew into the other mares face butting their heads together growling. "Now listen Lieutenant Fleetfoot," she said venomously, "I won't tolerate this behavior in MY house. Now I think you need to calm down and take a breath before you make a donkeys behind of yourself any further."

Fleetfoot wasn't about to stand for this. She thrust her head hard into Spitfire's, who simply held her ground as both hovered over the couch. Fleetfoot looked dead into Spitfire's eyes with fiery determination. I need to make her see what a mistake it is trusting this mare. She thought to herself. "No Captain, you are making a mistake having her here! She's dangerous!" she yelled.

"No she's not!" The yellow mare yelled back causing an echo. "What is your deal Fleetfoot? Seriously? WHAT. IS. YOUR. DEAL?" she emphasized poking the other mares chest after each word. "Why are you being such a hard case?"

"Why are you helping her?!"

"I'M HELPING HER GET ON HER HOOVES! YOU KNOW BEING A DECENT PONY?" Spitfire howled her voice echoing in her home. "SOMETHING YOU'RE NOT BEING NOW!" She jabbed her in the chest.

Fleetfoot jabbed her back, her voice now matched Spitfire's. "I AM BEING A DECENT PONY!" Her eyes began to tear up out of frustration and fear for her friend/surrogate sister. "I'M TRYING TO KEEP YOU SAFE, SO SHE DOESN'T HURT YOU LIKE I WAS YEARS AGO!" the younger mares eye were streaming with tears.

Spitfire leaned away so she could see Fleetfoot. "Listen to me Fleet. It wasn't your fault what happened that day." she then grabbed the sobbing pegasus and landed on the couch. "AND, it wasn't his fault either. You know it was just bad luck and bad timing Fleet. You can't hold it agai-" her hooves were shoved away as Fleetfoot looked at Spitfire.

"I'm not going to lose you like I lost my parents Spitfire." she said coldly. Her voice was sold cold and devoid of motion it sent a shiver down Spitfires spine. Geez she's mad. I wish I could make her understand. She thought.

"Look Hon it's OK. You'll see, nothing is going to happen to me." She then hugged the other pegasus. Fleetfoot buried herself into Spitfire's shoulder and let her tears flow eventually she began bawling her eyes out. After a few minutes Fleetfoot finally stopped crying and was now resting her head on Spitfire. "You OK now hon?" Spitfire asked.

Fleetfoot looked up to her with the most cute yet pathetic look she'd ever seen on the blue pegasus. they both smiled. Fleetfoot then pushed away from the older mare and looked into her eyes holding her hooves. "Promise me, if anything happens the first pony you tell or contact is going to be me OK?" she asked.

Spitfire nodded still smiling. "I promise. But you'll see nothing is going to happen to me." her expression saddened as she thought of her encounter with the pegasus earlier that night. I really need to get this off my chest now. Maybe it'll help her too. "Look Fleet I'm sorry about- you know the THING I said earlier. I should have thought about your feelings and well, I'm sorry." she said sadly.

The blue pegasus gave her a death grip hug. "I know you are." they held each other for a moment before separating, but not before she bore a serious expression. "You should be careful around her though."

Spitfire sighed rubbing Fleetfoots hoof. "Fleet." she said exasperated.

The blue mare shook her head. "You should hear what others have to say about her Spitfire. She nearly killed three foals."

"You don't know what happened there Fleet. You shouldn't judge others before hearing both sides of the story." Spitfire shook her head pressing the ridge over her nose. "I thought I taught you better than that Fleet."

"Well, YOU don't know what happened either." she snapped back.

Spitfire rubbed her temples. She had her there. True Spitfire didn't know what happened in Ponyville, what she does know is nopony got hurt and from what she's seen only Trixie suffered from this. I guess there's only one way to settle this. We need to talk to Trixie. "Look Hon. If we get Trixie's side of the story will it put your mind at ease?" she asked. The other mare held a contemplative look for some time before responding.

Fleetfoot nodded. Spitfire sighed as she slumped down into the couch. "OK, we're all tired from the long day. At least I’M tired from the long day. Let's call it a night and say we pick this up in the morning OK Fleet?" she asked the younger mare. Fleetfoot looked at the door where Trixie still remained hidden, watching, then back at Spitfire.
"Ok Spits. I'll head home for the night, and if she's willing, I'll allow Trixie to speak for herself and reserve judgment based on what she says. Agreed?" she held out a hoof to Spitfire.

Smiling at this she accepted the hoof shake and replied, "Deal."

Fleetfoot left shortly after. Spitfire wanted her to stay, but Fleetfoot decided she needed some space to calm her mind and be ready for the encounter of tomorrow.

Meanwhile Spitfire was on her way to the shower when she ran into Trixie in the hall looking upset. Spitfire walked up to the azure mare a smile on her face trying to hide her nervousness. "Hey Trixie! You done already?" she asked cheerfully.

Trixie scowled at her, Spitfires smile wavered. Trixie then walked up to her with an angry look in her eye. "You should have asked me BEFORE you made such a promise." she hissed to the large mare.

Spitfire held her head low shamefully. "I know. I messed up there I really did." she sighed. "I've been doing that a lot this night it seems. First Fleet, then you. Guess I'll never learn huh?" she ask dejectedly.

Trixie walked next to the mare and wrapped an arm around her scowl turned to a smile. "Yeah you did, but then so did Trixie." She hugged the larger mare. Spitfire returned the hug. "I'll see you in the morning Spitfire." Trixie said nudging her as she walked by heading for her room.

Spitfire watched as Trixie as she entered the bedroom. "Good night hon." she said as she went to the shower.

Sisterhood

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It was early in the morning in the city of Manehatten. Celestia's sun was just beginning to rise over Manehatten. Ponies began their morning routines preparing for the day ahead. in the Ivory Tower Apartments, a certain showpony and Wonderbolt were fast asleep. Her fiery mane was a mess and her yellow fur was standing in small patches. She was dreaming a most wonderful dream.

***

High above the clouds, Spitfire was flying with great speed and agility. She was happy now, nothing could ruin this moment. She flew for hours nothing holding her back, no paper work tryouts or recruits, just her and the skies. "Aww yeah! The sky is mine, and nopony can stop me now!" she yelled in excitement doing a loop.

She looked at the cloud formations as she flew, noticing a large cloud spire below, she dived down flying towards it. Still flying down, she began to press her body against the cloud formation. This caused a pathway to form from top to the bottom of the spire as she flew down.

Once at the bottom Spitfire looked at her handiwork. Beaming with pride, she flew to the top of the spire and rode the path she made like a slide, head first, and rode it to the bottom. As she reached the bottom she allowed her body to fly off, launching her into the air, she spread her wings and once again began to fly. She was happy.

BOOM! Suddenly there was a sound of thunder, it echoed across the skies. It became dark. She could still see all around her, but the sun was being blocked by the clouds. Suddenly, there was a clashing of metal and clanking of armor. She looked up to the source of the sounds, two giant clouds began ricocheting off each other. the clouds began to take shape after three consecutive strikes against each other. One took the form of a pegasus clad in armor with a Trojan style helm, wielding a shield and spear. The other took the form of a unicorn donned in ornate robes and hat, wielding a large staff with a crescent moon at the top. Spitfire recognized the figures, it was Fleetfoot and Trixie.

The two colossal titans clashed, cloud Fleetfoot took her spear and made a mighty slash at Trixie. Cloud Trixie responded by raising her staff and tapped it on the 'ground', sending a barrier up that deflected the spear. the cloud Trixie wore a smug grin the cloud formed Fleetfoot growled at her. Then, Fleetfoot conjured up several teardrop shapes around her each split in half revealing an almost diamond shape to them. She then grabbed her shield with both hooves and split it into two parts, each taking the form of a wheel, as she swung them behind her as thunder and lightning danced behind her. Trixie flinched at this, all of the confidence in her face gone, and replaced by fear.

The wheels began to spin and were engulfed by misty flames. The diamond shapes began flying one after the other at Trixie, who fell to her knees, as Fleetfoot began striking Trixie. Trixie screeched in pain at the endless assault. Fleetfoot now had a sadistic grin, she was clearly taking pleasure in Trixie's pain.

Spitfire just hovered in place, unable to move from fear, as she watched the horrifying spectacle. Watching Fleetfoot causing Trixie so much pain was unbearable. Tears welled up in her eyes. I can't allow this! She thought. This isn't right! As she charged to Fleetfoot, hovering next to her ear, she began yelling at her trying to get her attention. "Fleetfoot, you have to stop!" she cried. Fleetfoot ignored her continuing her assault, she stuck Trixie across the face leaving a deep cut on her left cheek.

Trixie howled in pain as she reached for the face with one hoof, while the other raised her staff blasting Fleetfoot in the chest. The blast let out a torrent of wind knocking Spitfire back away from them. The blast dented her armor and blew her back. Spitfire then flew to Trixies side. "Trixie!" she called out. "You're not like this! You have to stop!" There was no response. Trixie's staff vanished as she reached across her hips retracting misty scimitars. They were as long as Trixie stood, the blades were curved only slightly at the ends which bent back like a fishhook. Trixie stood with the scimitars in a defensive posture, her arms crossed over each other and the scimitars held in reverse, making her look like a beetle with large mandibles.

Spitfire was panicking at this point, she had no idea what to do to stop these two titans from fighting. They won't listen to me. She looked at Fleetfoot, who was now poised and ready to strike, and back to Trixie. I can't take this anymore! she began to to hyperventilate. I can't reason with them, but I can't let them hurt each other either! She then say Trixie lunge at Fleetfoot, just as Fleetfoot raised her shield, who deflected her first strike as her spear and Trixie's last scimitar flew at the other impaling each other. A moment passed, neither figure moved, then suddenly both screamed their voices echoing across the realm. Everything became blurry as their screams ran through Spitfire's ears.

Spitfire was in complete shock at this. Fleetfoot Screams of pain caused her to think of the past. Fleetfoot was special to her, she was like that sister she loved yet never had, and now she was dying in pain. Fleetfoot gripped her stomach lurching out a dark substance, like she was choking on blood. Trixie was in a similar condition, she was grasping the spear her body twitching trying to pull it out. When she did a similar black mass poured from her stomach, causing her to grip the wound trying to stop its flow. She looked at Trixie, still gripping her wound swaying, she was to be her friend. Now she was dying and she'd never get to tell her how much she liked her. She had feelings for Trixie, they were similar to her feelings for Fleetfoot but stronger, now she'll never get the chance to figure out what these feelings meant.

Before Spitfire could even think of what to do, the two towering figures fell into each other and began to plummet towards her. She tried moving, but she was held in place by the black mass protruding from the two cloud mares. She struggled trying to get free from the black mass, but the harder she struggled the more in constricted her movements. As the bodies came closer she struggled, desperate to get free, until they fell upon her leaving only black.

***

Spitfire woke up sweating, her blankets were drenched. She was breathing heavily, as is she'd flown several hundred laps at the Wonderbolt Academy. She sat in bed looking around, trying to gauge her surroundings. It was just a dream. she thought. She glanced at her clock which read 7am.

"Well, guess it's time to get up." she groaned rubbing her eyes. Then she remembered the previous night with Fleetfoot and Trixie. "ARGH. Why me?" she moaned to nopony in particular, as she made her way to the bathroom. Friendships are so hard sometimes. she thought combing her mane.

She did a quick brush to tidy up her fur and mane, making herself look presentable. After that was followed by a quick stretch routine. Then at 7:30, she left to head to her personal gym. When she got there she was surprised, to see a familiar azure unicorn in there. She was hanging from her hind legs on a bar doing sit-ups. With each rise she let out a loud HUFF, before reclining. Behind her was a massive window which allowed the dawn sunlight to come through. This light enhanced Trixie's features, which Spitfire liked.

Her legs were toned, not massive, and yet they retained a certain curvature around her hips. Her mane glistened with sweat as she rose up and down. As Trixie reclined again, Spitfire noticed a oddity in the unicorns fur, a patch across Trixie's back was uneven like a razor was taken across her back and finally started growing back. It was such a minute difference that Spitfire almost didn't notice it.

The azure mare noticed Spitfire was watching her. She halted her workout to observe the fiery mare. "So, you come to admire the amazing features of Trixie, Captain?" she asked in a sultry tone.

Spitifre blushed at the mares tone, and she felt her wings twitch slightly by her voice. Goddess why does she have to be so cute? she thought to herself. "Well of course," she said sarcastically watching the mare, "I simply CAN'T take my eyes off you."

"Oh, you silly pegasus."

"No you're the silly one." she said pointing to her.

Trixie swung her body around the pole, throwing herself in the air and lading near Spitfire. "Yes, well Trixie was also wondering, why are you up so early?"

"I wake up early everyday and workout." Spitfire responded, gesturing to the gym. "I had this put in early in my career as an Officer Wonderbolt." She then walked over to the same bar Trixie was on, and began to do pull-ups. "I want to stay in tip-top form. So, I workout everyday of the week early in the mornings to late afternoon." she said in a cool manner trying to impress Trixie.

Trixie watched her do pull-ups for a minute before speaking. "I see." she started circling the other mare. "You are like Trixie then?"

"How so?" Spitfire asked not stopping her routine. "You mean like early mornings, workout, or both?"

Trixie finished circling Spitfire, and stood behind her watching her hind quarters, as she finished her pull-up sets. Aww, she stopped. Trixie thought in disappointment. "Both." Trixie responded.

Spitfire wiped the sweat from her head and turned to look at Trixie. "Well, we should get ready, Fleetfoot will most likely be here soon." she said walking past Trixie.

Trixie followed her out to the main lobby where they had a brief breakfast of eggs, toast, and hay oats. Trixie ate the food trying not to scarf it down in one sitting. Spitfire found it difficult to not laugh at the mare. Trixie scowled at her wanting to tell her off, but instead she stuffed lots of egg and oats in her mouth. After some thoughtful chewing, Trixie chugged some water forcing her stuffed cheeks to swallow the food.

Spitfire thought this made her looked like a chipmunk, and proceeded to laugh at the unicorn. Trixie simply smiled in response not wanting to ruin this moment. She was happy eating with Spitfire. Not because of her celebrity status, though it did influence her somewhat, but the fact that she treated Trixie like an equal. Trixie found she liked the older mare for that. Aside from Pete the bar owner, no other pony had treated her kindly except for one other before she got to Manehatten.

Trixie and Spitfire finished their meal in silence, after Spitfire stopped her laughing fit at Trixie. Just as they finished there was a knocking at the front door. Spitfire looked to Trixie who was now taking the dishes into the kitchen via magic.

"Trixie's got this, you can go answer the door Spitfire." she said as she began to pile the dishes next to the sink.

Spitfire nodded. "Thanks, Trix." she said. She entered the lobby and made her way to the door. When she opened it Fleetfoot was standing there in a white sweater with a whistle around her neck wearing sunglasses. Spitfire hugged the smaller mare who hugged her back. Spitfire broke the hug, but continued to hold the other pegasus by the shoulders rubbing them slightly.

"Morning Fleetfoot, are you hungry?" she asked pointing to the kitchen. "We just had breakfast, do you want some?" The young pegasus looked tired, and Spitfire decided she'd have a little fun beforehand. (What are hands?)

''No Captain, I'm not hungry I alre-" she was interrupted by Spitfire.

"Don't slouch when you speak, and stand at attention when addressing an Officer, Lieutenant!" she barked at Fleetfoot. The response was instantaneous. Fleetfoot practically jumped snapping at attention saluting eyes wide and clearly awake.

"Yes, Captain!" she barked. A minute passed and Spitfire puffed her cheeks trying hard not to laugh, ultimately she began rolling on the floor laughing. Fleetfoot blushed at this humiliation pointing to her commanding officer.

"Yo-You suck Spitfire!" she yelled accusingly. "You know I'm not a morning pony!"

"I know, Fleet!" Spitfire stood up wiping a tear from her eye. "But you know me, I can't resist a good joke every once on a while. Plus," she said poking her in the chest, "You can be so gullible, especially in the mornings."

Fleetfoot stared at the other pegasus, then she decided to get even with her. She crouched like a cat before lunging at Spitfire, causing both to roll on the carpet in front of the couch. The two wrestled laughing in good spirits. Spitfire rolled over Fleetfoot , holding her in a headlock, giving her a noogie. Fleetfoot escaped the headlock, and the annoying noogie, and leapt onto Spitfire.

"Ha! I got you now Spitfire!" she grinned victoriously from atop the mare.

Spitfire not moving rolled her eyes to this. She the stood up causing the other mare to fall unceremoniously to the floor. There was a loud OMPH, as Fleetfoot landed on her belly. Suddenly there was a tremendous weight placed on her, as Spitfire proceeded to lay on top of her.

"Hey! No fair you weigh more than me!" she exclaimed trying to escape her captor.

"Now Fleet, you know muscle is heavier than fat. So me being muscle, '' Spitfire poked the younger mare in the side, "and you being SMALL, I have the weight and strength advantage." She finished shooting Fleetfoot a cocky grin.

Fleetfoot flailed trying to get the other mare off her. When her attempts failed Spitfire laughed at her, causing her blush to intensify tenfold, she was practically red faced. "No! You're just fat!" she yelled as Spitfire jabbed her in the side. "He-Hey, that hurt fatty!"

"OK, OK. I think that's enough don't you?" Spitfire asked the now panting mare.

"Fine, but just remember I let you win." the younger mare claimed.

Spitfire rolled her eyes standing up. Fleetfoot then stood up, with a helping hoof from Spitfire, and they both sat on the couch. Sitting next to each other Spitfire began to groom the younger mare. Fleetfoot smiled with her eyes closed as Spitfire ran her rough tongue across her face. After a moment she began to fidget.

"You know Spitfire." she trailed off as Spitfire stopped to hear what she had to say. "I don't know if I ever told you, but I really miss this. I miss us." She looked to the older mare with a sad look in her eyes. "With work and our lives the way they are, we never have time for each other anymore. I wish we could spend more time together." she looked down at her hooves rubbing them together. "I've always looked up to you as a big sister Spitfire. I never had siblings, and you were always there for me after my mother left and, I care about you. I want…" she trailed off staring out the window behind them.

"I don't think you need to say anymore, Fleet." Spitfire said. This caused the other mare to look at her with a curious gaze. "Honestly I feel the same. I can't say for sure but I always saw you as a younger sister since Flight School, when we were young."

"You did for that long?"

"Yeah, I did, Fleet, ever since Vector…" she trailed off thinking back on that day. Suddenly, Trixie appeared from the hallway door. Her coat was damp like she'd just taken a shower, a slight fragrance of peach ran across the room. Spitfire and Trixie exchanged a smile and nod, while Fleetfoot scowled angrily at the showmare. "Hey Trixie. Decided to shower before we talked?"

Trixie walked over sitting next to Spitfire. "Yes, Trixie always wants to look her best, even for such a small crowd such as this." she said with pride. "So, you have questions you want to ask Trixie?"

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Spitfire sat between Trixie and Fleetfoot on her couch. She was extremely nervous, but she hid her fear well. Fleetfoot glared at Trixie with extreme distrust, while Trixie simply waited for the interrogation to begin. Trixie wasn't going to sugarcoat it, this meeting was so Fleetfoot could question her and gauge her motives. Trixie really hopes she'll start asking questions soon, this is boring. she thought.

Spitfire was the first to break the silence. "So, Fleet, don't you want to know about Trixie?" she asked the young pegasus. Fleetfoot nodded in response. Spitfire looked at Trixie, and their eyes met. "So Trixie, tell us about yourself."

Trixie waited for a moment before looking to Fleetfoot then back to Spitfire. She sighed, closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to relax. It's going to be one of THOSE days Trixie just knows it. "Very well, where should Trixie begin?" she asked looking to both mares.

Fleetfoot jumped anxiously, almost too anxious, to ask her questions. "How about you start with what happened in Ponyville?" she asked, quickly seating herself after Spitfire gave her a warning look. "Umm, of course go at your own pace, we have all day after all." she waved a hoof at Trixie like a stuck up noble would a servant. Spitfire noticed this and frowned.

"I think what she meant was, can you 'please' tell us what happened in Ponyville?" Spitfire asked giving Fleetfoot a nasty look. "We've heard the rumors and what the press has to say, but we'd like to hear it from you as well."

"Very well, Trixie will tell you about Ponyville." she adjusted herself getting comfortable. "Now, it's a bit of a lengthy tale, so please try to limit questions until after Trixie finishes." she then laid on her stomach crossing her forearms under her. She watched as the other two mares nodded in agreement before continuing. Spitfire held Fleetfoot with one wing not only to comfort her, but to keep hold of her in case she decided to deck Trixie at any point.

"To start, let it be known that Trixie is a traveling showmare specializing in illusionary magic and storytelling. She travels far and wide across Equestria spreading joy and wonder to all she can." Trixie waved her hoof across a figurative horizon. "Trixie told stories of heroes and villains, monsters and hunters, even told tales of real ponies in glorious details!"

Fleetfoot looked annoyed Spitfire was tentatively listening wanting to learn more about the mare.

Trixie explained how she'd traveled to Ponyville to perform a magic show for the locals, and how she was interrupted by four unsavory characters. As Trixie described them, Spitfire recognized the ponies described as Elements of Harmony national heroes. Trixie continued to explain how she, dealt with these ponies who had interrupted her show, humiliating them one after the other.

Spitfire nodded in understanding. So she was challenged, but she did provoke them accidentally. Guess when you're on your own, you tend to go off the deep end easier. She thought about all the times she'd gotten into fights over something as small as an insult. It made her feel guilty to think about all the ponies she bullied and beat up back in Flight School. Fleetfoot on the other hoof had a completely different view, but reminded herself she only had part of the story.

"Trixie told them how she used her unmatched magical abilities to defeat the dreaded Ursa Major from destroying Hoofington." Trixie conjured up an image of herself and the Ursa fighting. "The ponies called Trixie out on her claim. So Trixie did what she always does in these situations. 'Trixie challenges you Ponyville, anything you can do I can do better'. That’s when Trixie faced off against three ponies from there." she changed the image to one of Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity, all in the losing positions when Trixie challenged them.

Trixie stood up, dispelling her illusion, and stretched her back out like a cat would after a long nap. "Trixie had two admirers, Snips and Snails after the show. Long story short, those two idiot colts Snips and Snails, bless their loyal hearts, had the audacity to bring an ACTUAL Ursa to the town!" she shouted stomping the ground. "They had such faith in Trixie, that they brought the Ursa to town for her to slay! It was a story! Of course Trixie can't slay an Ursa, even if it was a baby, nopony can!"

Fleetfoot smiled at Trixie get worked up, her curiosity perked she decided to ask the obvious question. "So then Miss Great and Powerful, what happened to the Ursa?" she asked with a smug grin. She already knew the answer, she read the paper, but she wanted to see if Trixie would lie or change what happened to better her image. I know she will. She thought confidently.

"A pony named Twilight Snarkle, or something showed up. She used magic to create a Symphony Wind which put the Ursa to sleep. She then gave it milk and levitated it back into the Everfree Forest, somewhere. It was truly worth of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns." Trixie said. “Where did she send it? Well, it's not important.” Fleetfoot was actually impressed by the praise Trixie gave to Twilight SPARKLE, maybe she wasn't as bad as she thought. "Of course, Trixie allowed her to handle the Ursa Minor. She could have done it herself, of course."

"Of course." Fleetfoot muttered to herself. And I was wrong, she's exactly how I thought she was. No modesty what so ever. What does Spitfire see in her? Seriously! It boggled Fleetfoot's mind as to what exactly the older pegasus saw in this unicorn. She was arrogant, boastful, she gloried herself at the expense of others, and she's a liar.

"Afterwards Trixie left the town. Later that night she returned to rummage through the wreckage of her wagon the Ursa destroyed, but found no sign of it. Trixie fled through town before she came upon the wreckage. Her belongings, what wasn't destroyed, was placed in a suitcase with a note on it." Trixie summoned the letter with a variant of teleportation magic and read it aloud.

Dear Trixie, assuming you get this, we’re sorry we destroyed your home. We're really sorry for that. Anyway we found what we could and put it in an old suitcase for you! Hope it comes in handy! Me and Snails put our allowances together so you can get started again! We know it’s not much but, hopefully it'll help!
Come back soon!
Snips and Snails

Trixie smiled rolling up the letter and sent it back to where she summoned it from. Spitfire looked at Trixie, leaned over and gave her a hug, which she returned. This infuriated Fleetfoot. The two separated and Trixie continued her story.

"After getting her belongings, Trixie left Ponyville heading to Manehatten. Along the way she ran into some trouble…"

One week ago…

Trixie traveled down the road leading to Manehatten late at night looking at her map of Equestria. These roads were said to be dangerous to travel after dark, but this was OK since Trixie was use to the dark. That, and she knew of a small inn down the road just a few miles from Ponyville according to her map.

It was just before midnight, the moon had reached its peak, and Trixie continued down the trail listening for any sounds in the surrounding woods. It was unusually silent and the air felt heavy. Something was wrong, she could feel it in her chest. It was a tightening in her chest, like a pressure was building up, forcing her to move cautiously as she trekked along. There was no wind, no crickets singing, no sounds from the woods, just silence.

Something's wrong, Trixie just knows it. She thought to herself.

Suddenly from within the forest came a loud feminine scream, which caused Trixie to jump in a cat like fashion. It echoed for several seconds, Trixie listened carefully, then she heard voices calling out for help followed by a loud roar. Trixie was about to ignore the cries for help when a familiar voice was heard. "MOM HELP ME!" it cried. Against her better instincts, Trixie ran deep into the forest to help the ponies.

Trixie reached in her suitcase bringing out her old black cloak, she use to use under a different alias, and wrapped it around her neck pull up the cowl covering her face. I can't run the risk of somepony recognizing me from Ponyville, if anypony has a grudge, but I doubt that's true. Better safe than sorry. She thought running through the forest.

After a few seconds she saw a light ahead, and around it was several ponies and in front of them was a pack of timberwolves. One massive timberwolf lead the pack closing in on the ponies, Trixie noticed one of the was a small grey filly with white hair. The filly was crying in the arms of a grey pegasus mare with a liver mane, she was dressed in a simple grey and silver skirt with a matching vest her mane done up in a bun. Three other earth ponies were there, a mustard yellow earth pony stallion with a black hat and a short grey mane wearing a collared neck tie, a white earth pony mare with a flat black mane, and a dark grey mare with a flat purple mane wearing a sweater with a belt.

The last three were in front of a wagon with the pegasus mare and the child, she was quite obviously shaking. She called out to the group."Oh, Mr. Pie. I'm so sorry we got you into this mess! If it wasn't for us you wouldn't be-"

"Now, you think nothing of it Mrs. Silver! We'll hold em back!" He interrupted the mare. He then turned to the grey mare "Maud! The boulder!" he yelled pointing to a large boulder next to the wagon.

The mare called Maud, looked to the boulder and nodded. She then went to grab it and began trying to lift it. There's no way she can lift that! Trixie thought as she stopped her advance wanting to see the earth pony lift the HUGE boulder. She wanted to see THIS. No, she HAD to see this. Much to her surprise, Maud lifted the gigantic boulder, easily ten times her size, and hurled it and the timberwolves crushing half of them. "Well done, Maud!" Mr. Pie yelled excited.

The other white mare latched onto Maud with a big smile. "That's my BIG sis for you! Strongest Pie this side o' Manehatten!" she yelled out. "I knew she'd get em all!" Maud simply nodded in response. She seemed so devoid of emotion. "Thanks you two." Maud said plainly.

Wow, those words make Trixie feel dead inside. she thought to herself. Trixie then noticed the timberwolf parts were regenerating into one massive beast. The ponies were back at the wagon preparing to leave, seemingly unaware of the imminent danger. Without thinking Trixie charged up her horn, turning it a sickly green color. It was an advanced spell for dealing with dangerous creatures, it stuns them for a few seconds to maybe a minute, at best. Trixie learned this spell back at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, specifically for situations like this. The only drawback was that creatures magical in nature, such as timberwolves, were almost immune to its effects. It does slow down their regeneration, which is what Trixie is planning on. Once her horn was ready, she leapt into the air climbing a tree with a magical whip she conjured. Using the whip in a Spiderman fashion, she leapt from tree to tree, until she was over the wagon.

Once above the wagon, all the ponies looked up to see a dark figure staring straight down at them. Trixie then released her first shot, the sepectating ponies spun around to follow the beam, as the large timberwolf jumped and was caught midair by the blast. The beam shot the beast back several feet dazing it for a few seconds. As it tried to recuperate from the stunning effects, Trixie landed near the group of ponies calling to them. "Flee now ponies!" she then used the whip and lunged into the trees. "I'll hold him off! RUN!" her voice echoed.

The timberwolf now fully recovered, turned to face its prey once again, only to be hit by the same stun spell in the face. As the beast howled in pain Trixie hung from a tree near the wagon, dangling from a branch. "I said run!" the ponies decided then to turn and run abandoning the wagon. Trixie then stared at the massive timberwolf from a tree. Once the beast was unaffected by the spell, Immediately Trixie would stun it again. This went on for several minutes until the wolf decided to flee rather than face being stunned again.

Once she was convinced the wolf was gone, Trixie leapt down from the tree surveying her surroundings. There wasn't a timberwolf in sight. Not wanting to tempt fate, Trixie latched herself to the wagon and continued her trek through the forest. As she went she once again kept her eyes and ears open for any sounds beside her own, unaware that she was being watched.

It took most of the night, but Trixie had made it to the Inn halfway to Manehatten. The Inn was called the Flightless Pegasus, weird name, and it was OLD. The wood was worn down, several planks were either missing or coming undone, and the windows were so filthy it practically could block out the sun.

Trixie was tired from the long walk, and using as much magic as she did the last two days has been taxing on her stamina. Pulling up next to the Inn, she unlatched herself from the wagon and proceeded inside to rent a room. After which she went to bed not even bothering to eat, she was too tired to eat, and as soon as she hit the pillow she was dragged to the realm of dreams.

Early in the morning, Trixie awoke to the sound of howling outside. Trixie recognized it a timberwolf howl, but something was off about it. The howl was too high pitch, and it wasn't as loud, but it was still aggravating. After several minutes the howling intensified as shouting began to mix with it. Finally unable to resist any longer, Trixie got out of bed to see what all the commotion was about.

She arrived near 'her' wagon to find several ponies around it shouting at it. As she approached she called to the crowd. "HEY! What's going on here!"

The ponies looked at her and threw a gagged timberwolf cub on the floor. A mare walked up to Trixie slapping her. ‘How dare she slap Trixie!’ She thought clasping her cheek. The mare then got into Trixie's face jabbing her jest. "Why, in holy Celestia's name did you bring a juvenile timberwolf here!? Why woman, why would you do that!?" the mare screamed. Trixie shoved the mare back tired of being yelled at. "You dare touch The Great and Powerful TRIXIE! Keep your hooves off her! Secondly!" Trixie used her magic to bring the timberwolf cub to her. "Why are you attacking this cub!? You fools are bound to bring the whole pack here like this! TRIXE will take it to the forest and release it, since you're OBVIOUSLY too inept to do so!" The mare shoved Trixie as two stallions began beating the cub. "YOU are the one bound to bring the pack here with this cub!" the mare screamed pushing Trixie onto the floor.

Then another mare, an orange unicorn with a yellow skied mane and short similar tail, approached the cub as she readied her horn to cast a spell. The stallions stepped aside as the unicorn mare aimed at the cub, who stopped its struggling, looking at the mare as if it knew what was coming. Trixie recognized the spell, it was a simple flame ignition spell. It was designed for lighting torches or small fires in the forest for survival, or death to a flammable timberwolf cub. Fire is the only sure way to prevent a timberwolf from regenerating. After all, ashes can't regenerate. The mare condensed the spell to a beam firing it straight at the cub.

Before Trixie could even think, she ran in front of the spell grabbing the cub. Spinning to face the mare she cast a stun spell squarely into the unicorn’s horn. She cast a shield spell deflecting it, accidentally, back at the Inn setting it ablaze. Trixie and the unicorn looked eyes, each ready to cast spells at the first sign of aggression.

The timberwolf cub looked to Trixie with a curious expression, wondering why she helped him while the others like her hurt him. He then proceeded to hide himself under her, as there was no other safe place in his mind, and peeked at the other unicorn shivering.

Trixie patted the cub on the head calming him down, not taking her eyes off the unicorn she saw her cutie mark was a timber wolf head with a flame engulfing it. ‘I don't need to guess what that means.’ she thought to herself. Several ponies watched as the two stared each other down, and others helped try and put out the fire.

Suddenly one of the stallions screamed, as he was taken around the building. Everypony looked to see what happened to him only to hear him screaming followed by a sickening series of crunch and snapping noises. After a minute the screaming died down. "Timberwolves!" a pony screamed running around the building and into the forest.

Timberwolves began running around trying to catch ponies while several ponies tried to fight back. The flame unicorn mare turned her attention to the timberwolf pack. One wolf was feeling brave and charged her head on. In an instant it was set ablaze, and before reaching her, turned to ash flying past her. Not even flinching, the mare ran after two other wolves chasing a stallion.

Trixie decided to make herself scarce, attempting to reach her wagon while the chaos ensued. Once she reached it a group of ponies were hiding. A mare and colt were holding each other, while a stallion stood between them and the timberwolves. The mare was a mint green with a short mint green mane, and her cutie mark was a golden stringed instrument. The colt was dark brown with an orange mane, the stallion was lighter brown with a dark black mane with a journal as a cutie mark. The stallion charged the first wolf kicking it to the ground, another circled around him and lunged at him from the rear.

"DAD, LOOK OUT!" the colt cried trying to reach for him, but the mare held him back.
The stallion had enough time to turn his head, before the timberwolf bit into his hind legs. He yelped in pain, and the timberwolf began to shake him around like a ragdoll.

"DAD!" the colt cried causing the last two timberwolves to face him and the mare. The mint mare fired stun spells at the timberwolves but had no effect. She then placed herself between the colt and the timberwolves, ready to defend him with her life. The two timberwolves launched at the mare who raised a shield protecting herself from the first wolf. The other used the distraction to charge the colt, and the mare had only a second to realize her mistake.

Trixie quickly fired three more stunning spells at the timberwolves, knocking them back, and quickly made her way to them with the cub in tow.

"DAD!" the colt ran to his father hugging him. He then turned to Trixie smiling. "Thanks for saving him Miss!" he said, before hugging her. Trixie felt relieved, until a sudden howl brought her back to the current situation.

"You three must hide." she then levitated the wagon upside down and placed it over the three ponies. “Wait until the wolves leave then escape, take the wagon if you need it." she placed it over them blasting a small hole into it, so they could see outside. She then ran towards the forest firing magical fireworks into the air to get the packs attention. As she reached the tree line, she looked behind her to see if the pack was following. What she saw devastated her.

Ponies were laying across the opening, dark red spot were visible with the light provided by the sun, some of the bodies too small to be adults. Ponies were helping others, and the ponies from under the wagon came out from hiding. What got her was the timberwolves. The ponies were gathering the pack together as the unicorn mare was burning them to piles of ash with no remorse. A smaller unicorn mare identical to the larger, but with charcoal stripes in her mane and tail, was piling the pack, while the other continued burning the rest.
Once the last few timberwolves were left the largest, the matriarch, was lying on the ground began to howl weakly into the air. The young timberwolf cub suddenly began howling as well, as if compelled to by some unseen force. The two wolves howled until their voices became one creating a two part harmony, their voices became one beautiful symphony of harmony. ‘Mother and son.’ Trixie thought.

As the matriarch sang, a breeze began to blow towards Trixie and the cub. Fall colored leafs and grass of orange and browns followed the current towards the cub. A similar phenomenon happened around Trixie as she held the cub in her arms. A gentle innocent wind blew from behind her, as leafs of green and several colored flower petals flew meeting the matriarchs steam both intermingling into a ball of colors complimented to a symphony of love and caring.

Trixie had heard of such a thing before. Long ago her mother and father told her tales of beings so in love with each other, that when close and harmony is reached, they would absorb the magical energies around them making their 'bond' visible to a select few attuned with great magical potential. Trixie had seen this once before, when she decided to become a traveling showmare. Her mother was all for the idea it was a mares tradition in the family to join the thespian arts. Her mother had played a tune on a pan flute before she'd left with the wagon her father had built. The tune was played with her father playing a piano, and Trixie used her magic to compliment her in singing. The three had bonded in a way that so few understood, which made it all the more special.

As the howling continued the matriarch began to releasing a golden pollen that traveled along the streams back to the cub. Once it reached him he began to glow, his branch like structure became engulfed by light, causing Trixie to drop him. His body began to turn green as tiny leafs and blades of grass covered his tiny body, he actually looked like a wolf cub now, except green. The biggest change was his eyes, they went from a dull yellow to sky-blue with tiny little black dots in the center.

As the transformation took place, a number of things happened. First Trixie's nose was bombarded with a fragrance of wonderful smells. Morning dew mix with spring field flowers and lavender came from the now green cub which brought a smile to Trixie. The other was the second fiery unicorn mare with charcoal stripes. She turned following the stream from the matriarch and watched in awe at the spectacle. No others saw or responded, so Trixie assumed no others saw this aside from the younger mare.

Suddenly, the matriarch cried in pain as she was engulfed in flames instantly tuned into ashes severing the connection between her and the cub. Trixie stared in shock as the cub began looking around confused circling around her. It didn't understand why he couldn't hear his mother anymore. He began to howl sadly, as he desperately tried to reach his mother, not understanding he would never reach her.
Trixie looked to the older mare with hate in her eyes, as she reached for the cub and placed him on her back with her magic. The younger mare was in shock as well, she looked like she was crying. The older unicorn grabbed the smaller one and hugged her stroking her mane.
Trixie ran into the forest without looking back. All the while, the cub struggled to escape her magical grasp, but she held firm. He continued to cry out for his mother trying to reach her, every howl brought a heavy weight onto Trixie's heart.

Trixie traveled through the forest for over an hour before exhaustion finally took hold. In the last two days she'd slept only an hour or two and the cub howling constantly wasn't helping her mood. Tired and hungry, she decided to make camp for now. It was only 7-8 AM but she didn't care at this point, she'd never make it to Manehatten if she collapsed from exhaustion.

Making a tent of branches and twigs, she gathered fire wood to be used at night time. The green timberwolf cub kept crying the whole time. She'd tied him to a small tree near her camp so he couldn't run away. In a way, Trixie felt responsible for him. Yes, he had been in the wagon, and maybe if she'd bothered to check this series of unfortunate events might have been averted.

She watched the cub cry out desperately trying to her his mother's call, but he never got a response. He circled the tree several times trying a different angle to see if his call would reach her. Finally Trixie couldn't take it anymore, her heart ached for the wolf cub. No child should grow up without a mother. She untied the pup from the tree with magic and levitated him gently to her. She sat back against the tree from her hut, and placed the cub in her arms cradling him like her mother use to do for her. The pup struggled to break free only calming to the sound of Trixie humming softly and rocking him. She then used her magic to conjure a pan flute and began to play a soft tune.

As she played, the pup's eyes grew heavy. He felt protected, safe, and secure around Trixie. He looked to her and nuzzled her chest and feel into a deep sleep, her fur providing warmth to his tiny body. After a minute of playing her horn began glowing, as tendrils of magic reached for the pup entwining with his fur. Green tendrils grew from him and reached for Trixie wrapping around her body causing a warm feeling to fill her. After she finished playing, the tendrils dissolved to nothing, leaving Trixie cradling the young pup. Kissing him on the forehead she spoke into his ear softly. "I'll call you, Link." she looked up at the forest canopy smiling. "Yeah, Link sounds good. The link that binds us together now, and forever. Rest well my Link. Tomorrow we both start our lives anew." And with that, she feel into a deep slumber she'd so desperately needed.

Watching in the forest, two sets of green eyes watched the scene unfold before them. A fiery glow appeared above one set of eyes with the intent to kill. Suddenly it died down as the second pair of eyes shook vigorously followed by a voice. "No sis, not like this." The other pair of eyes nodded and disappeared in to the brush, the other lingered for a moment before disappearing into the brush as well.

Shattered Bonds

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[Two days ago]

Trixie had spent a few days in the forest with her new companion Link the timberwolf. Over the last few days, the two had bonded and became inseparable. link would always stay close to Trixie and protect her. She in turn loved him, cared for him, and protect him. The two were quite the odd sight indeed.

Over the last few days many ponies passing through the forest heading to either Ponyville of Manehatten, would stop to see the odd duo playing in the woods. Trixie didn't want to take Link into the city for fear he'd be taken from her, she didn't want to lose her only friend in the world. So, she stayed in the forest, on the path of course, and tried to see how Link reacted to other ponies. It looked promising, he loved meeting other ponies, and after two days it became clear that nopony knew what he was, and thought of him as an exotic pet. Maybe it was his green leafy/grass like appearance, but Trixie was glad he didn't look like a timberwolf nor acted like one.

Trixie often played with Link, teaching him tricks and how to be part of her act should she ever get back into it. And the two of them were quite happy during these bonding time. It was during one of these times, that Trixie learned of the colt and his father she'd saved earlier that week.

It was during her playtime with Link when she encountered the ponies heading back to Manehatten, and they re tuned her wagon to her. Well, it wasn't her wagon, but she was glad she could return it to its proper owners since she knew their names. The stallions name was Scribble and his son Sketchy, along with a friend named Lyra, and they were traveling to Ponyville from Manehatten together after concluding business in Manehatten.

Scribble was happy to see her in good condition, though, it took some convincing that link wasn't going to hurt them. In fact, Link and Sketchy got along swimmingly after the awkward meeting. Scribble and Lyra had told Trixie that the wagon was damaged beyond doable repair, but they'd managed to fix it temporarily. Grateful for this, Trixie offered to travel with them back to Manehatten since it was only a day's travel from the Inn. The three had decided travel by train was safer rather than the three day trek back through the forest to Ponyville.

Now, at the border of the forest Trixie, Link, and their three companions took a moment to rest before entering the city.

"Trixie, it was nice of you to save us. " said Lyra. "You know, I heard what happened Ponyville, and that you TRIED to stand up to that Ursa Minor. It was brave of you, despite not being able to vanquish it you still tried, and that means a lot." she then looked to Scribble and Sketchy. "Especially since you saved us from those timberwolves."

Trixie looked to the three of them smiling. "It was what any decent pony would do." She then thought about the grey filly and her mother along with the Pie's, and how she nearly left them to their fate. If I hadn't been there... she didn't want to think of the outcome had she not been there to help. Instead, she vowed never to turn away a cry for help not matter how small, unless she was doing something so important it couldn't wait.

"Don't worry, Miss Trixie." said the colt walking up to her. "You're the best! You saved us after all!" he said prancing around her, a big smile on his face.

"Now son, don't crowd her that's rude." said his father scolding him.

"Yes, father sorry,Miss Trixie," he said sadly.

Trixie placed a hoof under his chin and raised it so they were face to face. "Now young one, it' s OK, Trixie understands, so don't worry about it." she turned and latched herself to the wagon. "And don't call Trixie 'Miss' it makes her feel old."

The colt smiled at her comment. "Well, you are older than me, and mom says it's proper to do so." he laughed.

Trixie puffed her cheeks glaring at the colt, then Scribble and Lyra joined. Trixie found their laughter contagious and soon joined them. After a minute the four ponies and timberwolf, continued to the city. After a brief lunch, paid for by Scribble, they went to the train station. Trixie was happy that she was able to help these three ponies, they were kind to her, friendly even. As Scribble bought the tickets Lyra took the opportunity to speak to Trixie.

"You know Trixie, I could smooth things over in Ponyville for you if you want." she patted Trixie on the back.

Trixie looked at Lyra with a warm smile on her face. It would be nice if Ponyville didn't old anything against her, but pride can make one do stupid things. Just then, forgetting what Lyra said, a thought crossed her mind. Trixie looked at Lyra confused, which caused Lyra to tilt her head. "Wait, if you were in Manehatten all this time, how did you hear about what happened in Ponyville?"

Lyra thought for a moment before a look of realization hit her. "I got a scroll from my friend Sweet Drops, or Bon Bon as I call her. She sent word of what you "DID" with the Ursa, but after hearing it from you, I feel that you deserve better than you got."

"Thanks Lyra, that means a lot to Trixie." she approached Lyra giving her a strong hug.

"Hey Trixie!" called Sketchy. Both unicorns looked to see the young colt running up to them. "Look I got my ticket!" he said excited circling around the two mares. Lyra smiled while Trixie looked at him confused.

"That's great Sketchy..." she said cautiously eyeing the colt. There was an awkward silence, and just as Trixie was about to say something Lyra spoke up.

"It's his first time on a train." she said lifting up the colt with her magic placing him on her back. Trixie nodded finally understanding why Sketchy was so excited. She then walked over to Sketchy.

"So, you've never been on a train before?" she asked him. He responded by shaking his head. "Well, you're in for a treat trains are lots of fun, fast, and the scenery is amazing!" she said all this while conjuring an image of a train, made it fly around the colt turning it into a halo of fiery blue as it dissolved into blue dust. The colt watched in awe at the spectacle conjured by this wondrous mare.

"Wow that was amazing! The colt said hopping off Lyra he looked up at Trixie. "Can you show me more?" he asked. Before she could answer him, the sound of a train whistle blew off in the distance signaling the arrival of the Friendship Express.

"Sorry young one, I'll have to take a raincheck on that." she said to him as the train pulled up to the station. Ponies began to pour in and out as the conductor traded places with a new one. Link was running around on his leash trying to reach the colt. Sketchy walked up an hugged the young timberwolf.

"Friendship Express non-stop to Ponyville!" he called out.

"Aww. That stinks." he said kicking the ground as his father pulled him close with a one arm. The colt looked up to Trixie with a sad look in his eyes. "You will come visit won't you?" he asked. Trixie looked to Scribble who nodded in confirmation, and Lyra nodded too.

"Oh course little one, Trixie will stop by sometime soon to amaze you with her great magical talents!" she yelled creating a vast series of firework explosions from her horn. The colt was happy to see her in such good spirits, it made him happy seeing her perform. "Trixie will come to visit someday, but first she needs to get herself back on the road of life." she said patting the colt on the head.

"Last call! All aboard!" called the conductor.

"Well this is it, thanks again Trixie, for everything." Scribble said patting her over the shoulder. "Please come visit sometime. It would mean the world to him and me." He looked at his son who was saying goodbye to Link along with Lyra. Both had big warm smiles on their faces.

"Don't worry, I'll come visit once I get back on my hooves."

"You know, we could help you if you want." he looked around as if expecting somepony to hear him, he closed in on her ear whispering. "It's almost harvest season, and I have a freind who always comes to me when he needs extra hooves for work. It'll be hard work, but it'll be great pay, I guarantee it." he said winking.

She thought about it for a moment, tapping a hoof on the ground, she looked back to Scribble. "I'll think about it. Thanks though, I'll come to ponyville if I could use the help." she said. Scribble shook his head.

"No, here, let me just give you our mail address." he said writing down the address on a piece of paper. His hoof writing is flawless. Trixie thought. "There you go, and I expect to hear from you often OK?" he asked giving her the paper, she levitated it into her suitcase and placed it back in her wagon.

"Thanks Scribble."

"No problem Trixie." he then turned heading for the train, as Lyra came back running in place.

"I'll smooth things over in Ponyville for you OK?" Trixie nodded at the mint green unicorn. "Alright! See you then, Trix!" she yelled as she ran to the doors of the train.

Trixie watched as the three ponies boarded the train holding Link in her arms, as they settled in, Sketchy ran to a window opening it near her. "Bye, Miss Trixie, I'll see you soon hopefully! Don't forget me!" he said waving to her as the train departed the station. She waved along with Link to the train until it was out of sight.

Once the train was out of sight, Trixie place Link into the wagon latched herself up, and began wandering the streets of Manehatten. It was amazing how ponies attitude changed once she ventured deeper into the city. She had been walking for over an hour and for some reason most ponies tended to stay away from her. At first she thought nothing of it, thinking it to be mere coincidence that ponies were moving as she walked the streets. However, when she stopped for a drink of water at a fountain, she'd left the wagon behind taking Link with her. When she returned she found the wagon damaged with graffiti. Threats and insults all over it, and some writing saying 'remember Ponyville, the Ursa has come to Manehatten!' and next to it was a picture of Trixie from a flier she made sometime ago announcing her shows. It too was 'modified' in a very uncouth manner.

Link whined sensing his friend's dismay, rubbing against her leg. She looked down at him trying to hold back tears as she stared at the death threats. "Don't worry Link. Trix-I'll be fine you'll see." She raised him up cuddling him with her arms like a mother her child. He barked happily wagging his little green leaf tail nuzzling her affectionately. She then looked at a local and approach her.

The mare was a pegasus tall, bulky, kind of chubby, and easily stood two heads taller than Trixie. She was tan with a dark short spiky red mane. "Excuse me Ma'am?" Trixie asked approaching the mare. The tall mare looked down at her then saw her 'dog', and gave her a curious glance. Trixie noticed and shook a hoof at him making him sit right next to her. "He's an exotic breed from Stalliongrad." The mare nodded to this accepting her story.

"So young miss, what can Astellaluna do for you?" the tall mare asked.

"Trixie was wondering if you knew the time?" she asked looking at the mare. Trixie noticed she had three freckles on one side of her face and nowhere else. Then she noticed the mares cutie mark was a silhouette of a pony head with a 3 on it. The mare noticed this but politely answered Trixie's question.

"Astellaluna's sorry but she to hasn't any idea what time it is." she say Trixie jump at her sudden booming voice, she grinned at her response. "Don't worry, Astellaluna forgives you. It's not the first nor the last ponies gawk at her." she said taking a mock pose that'd put Rarity to shame. She brushed her mane to one side and looked at Trixie with a shocked expression. "What? Does Astellaluna have something on her face?" she asked Trixie.

She shook her head. "No, it's nothing like that. Trixie thought she was the only one who spoke in third pony." she said excitedly.

"Well that's OK. Astellaluna takes no offense, miss..."

"Trixie, of The Great and Powerful Trixie which is her stage name." Trixie boasted.

Suddenly the mare looked worried, she looked around to see other ponies were looking at them with angry looks. The mare started to fidget a bit from this.

"Oh, sorry but Astellaluna has to be somewhere and isn't sure if she's running late as is. Please excuse Astellaluna." she then bowed to Trixie and flew off into the sky. Trixie was wondering what that was all about, had she done something to upset her? No, she was sure it wasn't that. Maybe the third pony thing was a sensitive subject for her, yeah that had to be it.

"Well, it looks like Trixie has much to learn about etiquette." she walked back to her wagon and latched herself up and proceeded to find a suitable hotel to stay in.

As darkness began to set over the city, Trixie still hadn't found a place to stay. Many were booked at the time following a fashion pageant being held that night, others were too expensive for her since all her money was from two young colts allowances. Still, if she could haggle the price down she'd be able to get a solid day before leaving. Money was an issue and it had to be dealt with soon.

As she walked she came upon a unusual bar called Pette's Pie Bar. It was packed and by the looks of it, it was in fact a pie themed bar. Trixie's stomach grumbled. She then counted her bits. Not enough for the both of us. she thought looking at Link. He saw her look and sat up from his nap and barked wagging his tail. She contemplated on what to do next. She could save her bits for herself and give Link only what he needs to survive, but she wasn't up to the idea of feeding herself and sleeping in a warm bed if Link couldn't. On the other hoof, she didn't have enough money to accommodate them both. So she was met with a tough choice, it was either her or the dog scenario.

It didn't take her long to reach a decision. Placing the wagon near the bar, she dug into her belongings looking for her makeshift cloak placing it on herself. She then walked over to Link rubbing his head waking him up. "OK link, it's time to put your training to work." she said.

[Meanwhile, in Pette's Pie Bar]

In a corner far from the others, two cloaked ponies were having a drink, or to be more accurate one was drinking while the other was yelling at the former.

"You LOST her!? How do you lose somepony you've been following!?" A mare yelled at her companion slapping the mug out of the others hooves.

"But sis, I had too!" he said. "The cops showed up later looking for her something about a mare pegasus or someth-I don't know! I'm sorry OK?"

Smacking herself in the forehead, the mare looked at her brother as he cowered in fear. "If I hadn't promised mother on her death bed so help me I'd have rung your little neck ages ago! And where is Solarflare?! She should be here by now!" she hissed at him. He reached for his neck running a hoof along it as if to make sure it was still there. The mare then plowed her head into the table.

"Please, sis, I'm sorry I'll find her I promise! " he said desperately rubbing her head. She looked up at him with a fiery hate that made him withdraw his hoof. "As for Solarflare, she should be arriving tonight. Please, sis, I'm sorry don't hate me. Please?" he gave her the saddest puppy dog eyed look he could muster. She tried to look away but the damage was done, that sad look, so desperate and sorry for goofing up again.

She finally gave in placing a hoof on his head rubbing it. "Fine. You are forgiven little, bro." she then scooted over to him carefully leaning in and kissed him on the cheek. "There. All is forgiven. Find her and there will be more waiting for you when you do." she said in a sly tone reaching under the table. She gently rubbed his balls enticing a moan from him. The young stallion immediately stiffened as his sister worked her hooves under the table on his hardening shaft. He was trying hard not to moan, as his sister became more vigorous in her movements forcing him to bit down to prevent himself from making an noise. He leaned forward onto the table reaching down taking hold of her hoof stopping her, and leaving him unsatisfied.

"Please,not here." he spoke softly. Under her cowl the she grinned at him, and he simply rolled his eyes under his. To his relief no pony had noticed his sisters uncouth display. Then again, so many of the ponies here were intoxicated they'd probably never notice.

"OK, little, bro. I'll behave if you promise not to screw up again." she said placing an arm around his hips pulling him closer. She placed her head on top of his rubbing his chest as he did the same to her.

"Define screw up." he asked with a huge cocky grin.

"I swear if the next words you say aren't, 'sis, I love you sooo, much' you'll be sleeping outside tonight." suddenly she heard fireworks close by followed by cheers. "Huh, the pageant must have started early." she said closing her eyes resting on her brothers head. She felt a tapping on her shoulder as the young stallion pointed into a group of ponies at the center of the bar cheering at a azure unicorn mare and a small green companion.

"Better hold that thought, sis, I found who we're looking for." as he pointed to the azure mare. She looked up to see their quarry, a sinister smile donned her lips as she thought up a plan to deal with the azure mare.

"Trixie."

[Later that night]

Trixie was happily counting her bits from her performance at Pette's Pie Bar, while walking along the road with her wagon. One hearty meal and a new sleeping bag later, and both were as happy as can be as they walked the dark empty streets of Manehatten.

Trixie decided that they'd be sleeping together under the night sky. In her mind Link was the best protection in the world and he'd never let anything happen to her, being a unicorn helped too. The fact was nopony would let her keep him with her, and where he went she went. They were passing by a dark alley way when Link was grappled by a chain, with a surprised yelp he was flung into the dark alley.

Trixie immediately unlatched herself from the wagon and followed the disappearing Link into the darkness. It was so dark she couldn't see down it maybe a few feet. Casting several candlelight spells she fired them across the walls lighting the entire alley with bright white light. Once illuminated, two figures were there, one holding Link who was struggling to get free from his chains, and the other turned to face Trixie with a conjured two bladed sword.

The first pony Trixie noticed was the tallest of the two, holding the young timber wolf in chains. The pony was the timberwolf mare, as Trixie called her, she was wearing flame styled armor. The sabatons were flames attached to the bottom of greaves that were ebony black. Her breast plate was heavy styled in a single flame that covered her chest with her cutie mark of a timberwolf head in engulfed in flame. The spine had a dozen or so flame shaped plates connecting orange rib plates which supported her multi-layer pauldrons which were rising flames. She wore a helmet that was also styled in flames curved upward slightly making her look like a horned demon with her mane flung out the back.

The other was smaller wearing identical armor, except the helm was enclosed with a almost glass like dome and the ponies mane was in a pony tail. This pony was standing on his hind legs with a two bladed sword conjured around his right hoof, which ran parallel to his arm, easily extending it three lethal feet.

Trixie stood her ground, trying to think of a way to save Link and escape with minimal harm to him and herself. With the way her two adversaries were armed it wasn't looking to good. The mare holding Link tightened her grip on the cub causing him to squirm more, as she slowly chocked him. "So, you did come to save him after all." she said smugly walking next to the wall. "How sweet." She then smacked the defenseless cub's head against the wall knocking him out.

"Release him at once or face the wrath of The Great and Powerful Trixie!" she yelled at the mare angrily.

The mare stepped forward levitating Link keeping the chains tightly on him, as she raised him above her just over her horn. "YOU DARE ADDRESS ME AS IN SUCH A MANNER YOU PLEBEIAN! I AM BLAZE STARFALL, OF THE STARFALL CLAN, AND YOU ARE BENEATH US YOU FILTH!" her voice echoed through the alley and into the night. Luna would have been jealous of the volume this mare held in her voice.

Trixie stomped the ground firing a stun spell at the mare only to be intercepted the the stallions blade. Trixie didn't flinch. "Trixie won't ask you again, release Link now, or face the consequences!"

The mare made a face of pure disgust. "Ugh, you actually NAMED the filthy little beast?" she hissed at Trixie. "I can't believe you would associate with a unclean, obscene, disaster of nature. I thought you had some sense, but it's clear now that you're no better than this filthy... mongrel. SomeTHING unclean that must be cleansed by our fire. RUBY!" the stallion stepped to the side, dispelling his sword, and stood at attention. "Cleanse the disgusting little beast." she sneered.

"You will do no such thing!" Trixie lunge at the stallion trying to fire a stun spell on him, but his armor reflected it off. Trixie was nearly struck by the rebound spell, and barely had time to duck to the side as it skimmed past her cheek.As she did, the mare lunged forward delivering a swift jab to her stomach knocking her off her hooves.

The young stallion looked at the unconscious cub. "Do I have to, sis?" he asked, his voice muffled slightly by his helmet.

What happened next shocked Trixie, the mare spun around and blasted him in the chest, in one fluid motion, and sent him flying back into the wall knocking the wind out of him dropping Link in the process. He pressed a hoof to his chest as he fell over gasping for breath. The mare walked in a threatening manner. He cowered from her laying his body flat on the ground, he looked up to her with absolute fear.

"You dare ask me such a thing?" she stomped the ground next to his head cracking the cobblestone under her hoof causing him to flinch. 'Have you forgotten what they've done to us? What these unclean monsters, no ABOMINATIONS did to our family?!" with each word she began to show signs of losing her temper further to madness.

The stallion dared to look up at his sister. Trixie recognized him, it was the 'mare' she saw back at the Inn deep in the forest with the older mare. Apparently he was actually a stallion with a curvy figure, and could easily be mistaken for a mare. Unlike his sister he was a blank flank.

"No sister I haven't, but what you're talking about happened over a millennium ago." he said standing up slowly as to no aggravate her more he then slunk over to the cub. "It's over. We won, you've proven your point. Can't we just leave it be?"

As soon as the words left his mouth her dropped to the ground, as if by instinct as the mare shot a trail of flames from her horn down the alley missing him by an inch at best. He looked back to see a charred remains of a royal guard helmet which was a molten piece of slag now. She then lifted him to his hooves dusting him off and levitated his helmet over. "If you can't do it I'll do it for you. And I'll tell Solarflare that YOU screwed up again." the stallion was now shaking, his armor clanking with each shiver his body made echoing in the alley like a metallic humming. "I see that got your attention, now finish the job." the mare shoved his helmet back on his head.

All the while Trixie had recovered and tried to slip past them, but before she could the mare grabbed her with her magic. Gripping Trixie by the throat she levitated her up about a meter dangling her there. "Finish the job Ruby!" she barked at him.

He stood up walked over to Link's unconscious form. The little timberwolf's green fur was dirty from being rolled on the ground, bruised, and his hind left leg was twisted in an awkward unnatural way. He looked down at the cub, it was defenseless unlike his kin who would have fought to the death for survival, but this was wrong in his mind. To kill with no remorse or mercy when one can't defend themselves, no one deserved to die like that. Like mom did. he thought.

He lit up his horn, it glowed with a dark red glow. He then prepared another spell more powerful than the first, as a second layer of magic engulfed his horn, followed by a third. The mare looked at him with great anticipation. "Yes brother, cleanse the unclean filth from our world. Bring forth the healing through fire and ash, let the world know your strength of faith in the flame!" she preached. Trixie tried to break free but the magic holding her was to strong for her. As she prepared a spell the mare tightened her hold around Trixie's throat forcing a squeak noise from her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." she looked back at Ruby. "DO IT."

The stallion never broke his concentration nor did he look away from the timberwolf cub. Just as he was going to fire his barrage of spells he hesitated. Taking a deep breath he solidified his resolve shooting the magic built up in his horn down on Link.

Perspective Link

Link heard a strange humming noise. Voices were speaking around him, but he didn't recognize them. He heard Trixie a few times followed by a squeak noise. Curious he opened his eyes only to have his vision blocked by a wall of flame. In the span of a single second he remembered what happened. Startled he howled calling out to Trixie before everything in his world went bright blinding him, and suddenly black and absolute silence.

Trixie watched as the stallion fired his spells at Link, turning him into a dome of fire. The dome shined brightly as link howled out in fright. Trixie realized he was calling for her, she tried to use her magic, but the mare pounded her head against the wall again making her lose focus so she couldn't. Then there was a bright flash, and when it died down Link was gone and only a vague outline of him remained where he was as his howl died out.

The mare walked over to her brother and gently rubbed his shoulders before embracing him. "Well done Ruby, well done." she cooed in his ear. He scowled at her terrible pun.

"That was distressful Blaze." he was clearly not happy with this result but decided it was the best. At least she didn't realize what I did.

Leaving her brothers side the mare walked up to the hanging Trixie and levitated her closer. As she did, she drew a knife from under her shoulder plates and placed it across Trixie's throat. "Don't cry little pony. You'll be joining him in a moment." she said in the most sadistic manner possible. Trixie's eyes were teared up, not from fear, but sadness and hate. So much hate filled her heart at that moment. To the mares surprise the half chocking mare smiled. "What's so funny? Have you finally realized how futile it is to struggle? Have you resided to our fate to be cleansed by fi-" before she could finish Trixie headbutted, her driving her horn into the mares right eye.

She let out a bloodcurdling scream as she dropped the knife and Trixie, gripping her eye. "YOU BITCH I"LL KILL YOU!" Trixie rolled onto her back using her hind legs, she kicked with all her might at the mares gut knocking her to the floor where she rolled gripping her eye spouting colorful metaphors at Trixie.

Instantly the stallion conjured his sword and charged Trixie. "Get away from her!" he yelled as he charged Trixie. Standing on his hind legs he took large steps side to side as he pressed forward leaving him legs wide open. Seeing this Trixie gripped the knife with her magic and charged at the stallion. He sent his arm across his chest and put all his force into a mighty swing cutting through the stone walls like a knife through warm butter. He never made contact with his quarry. Trixie slid right under him between his legs as he swung his blade. When she slid under him, she used the knife and with three swift thrusts stabbed the poor stallion in his shaft twice and completely split his right testicle. As sh finished she dispelled her candlelight's and darkness fell over the three ponies. Knowing this Trixie cast a night vision spell to help her see.

He cried out in pain trying to drive his blade into Trixie missing her completely. Sliding past his she spun around kicking him onto the floor next to his sister. She looked at Ruby with shock as he fell gripping his crotch with both hooves as a pool of blood covered the area around him. Damn bitch! He'll bleed out if I don't help him! she thought standing between Trixie and Ruby. She tried to stand listening she could hear her brother sobbing behind her, but she couldn't hear Trixie.

Trixie threw the knife at the mares head with lethal intent but was deflected by a magic blast. Seriously! Why does it always happen to Trixie!? she thought looking up at the source of the magic blast. It was a third unicorn mare, similar to the two she was fighting, but stood a full pony taller than Trixie. She easily rivaled Princess Celestia in size.

"Who are you ? You dare challenge Trixie!?" she yelled pointing at the mare.

The mare looked down to the two other unicorns glaring at them. "You two get off your butts now!" she screamed.

The stallion was the first to respond. He limped to his blind sister, taking her by the arm guiding her down the alley. Once there the third mare opened a portal and the two injured siblings walked through. Trixie ran up to the third mare. "No you don't! Get back here and fight you cowards!" she shook an angry hoof at them. The large unicorn mare halted just by the portal, but never went through. Instead she dispelled the portal and turned to face Trixie.

"You have made a powerful enemy this night Trixie Lulamoon." she tapped her hooves on the ground twice, causing her body to erupt in flames. The flames slowly crawled up her body until she was completely covered in it. When the flames subsided she was gone, no scorched stone or anything, she was simply gone. Trixie ran to where she was and began looking around trying to find the elusive mare. "You did well Trixie. My brother and sister are not to be taken lightly, yet you made easy work of them. Impressive." her voice cackled through the streets.

Trixie was now in the streets frantically looking for her on the roofs, in the alleys, behind cover, anywhere she could possibly be. "Come out and face Trixie! You cant hide forever!" she stomped the ground.

"You will do well to remember us little Lulamoon. You've made a powerful enemy of the Kindle Trinity! Everywhere you go, we will follow and burn it to the ground. The friends you make, will burn to ash. The one you come to love will burn down with their passion! Everywhere you go we will follow, and a trail of ash, smoke, and fire will trail behind you until the madness of isolation takes hold... Then... only then will we come to you, and you will die." with each word the mare started to yell louder eventually laughing maniacally as she call out to Trixie. "We will cleanse your filth from this world! You soul will burn in Tarturus for eternity and when you're gone your family will suffer the same fate as you do!"

As her voice echoed through the streets Trixie looked down dejectedly."You wait, Trixie is the most powerful equine in all of Equestria Kindled Trinity! You may have the vantage now but you will rue the day you challenged, The Great and Powerful TRIXIE!"

"SHUT UP I HAVE WORK IN THE MORNING!" a stallion yelled from his window.

"Sorry sir!" Trixie called back slinking into the alley. She took the wagon and placed it at the end of the alley, tired from the fight she took her sleeping bag and placed it over where Link was burned to nothing. It was dark in the alley, but even without the candlelight spells her eyes now adjusted to see in it. The moon shined brightly over Manehatten and all the ponies were fast asleep under the watchful eye of The Moon. All but one. Trixie was restless. She began sobbing shorty after settling in and after a minute she had no tears left and drifted off to sleep.

Good bye Link.

Family Bonding Time

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[While Trixie rested that night]

The ponies known as Ruby and Blaze walked down a tiled hallway. The walls were simple white with no feature on them aside from a few portraits of ponies, griffons, zerbas, and changelings. Each portrait was beautifully ornate and the ones being portrayed were all dressed like royalty. Down the hallway was a set of large doors flanked by two griffon guards who saluted the two and opened the doors for them.

Inside a mare was hard at work with papers at a large curved desk as two servant maid ponies tended to the room. They only stopping briefly to greet the two ponies who entered. The two siblings bowed to their older sister who simply ignored them until she finished working on a paper she'd signed. She placed the paper to the side and placed her hooves together on her desk. "Servants leave us." The servants stopped working, bowed politely and left without a word closing the doors behind them.

She stood up and walked over to her younger sister first inspecting a new eye patch she was wearing. Placing a hoof on her cheek she tilted Blaze's head to the side. "I see you recovered well blaze." she then walked over inspecting their brother Ruby. Seeing his genitalia fully intact she stood behind him. "And you too Ruby, you handled yourself well out there." she returned to her desk sitting on the edge in front of the others.

"Thank you Solarflare, you're too kind." he said lowering his head trying no to look at her. She grinned evilly at him walking over to a fire pit off to the side and placed the poker in the flames.

"You know what Ruby?" she asked rhetorically. "You're right." she stated walking over to her closet pulling out a type of stockade. It had two sections. The largest was a single piece of wood with a single hole in it with the latch down. It connected to a lower piece designed like a traditional stockade, this one however left the pony embarrassingly 'exposed'. She locked the wheels in front o the pit leaving enough room for her to maneuver about. The two younger ponies were clearly afraid of what was coming. Suddenly Solarflare called out to her guards. "Guards your master beckons you!" The two griffons stormed the room standing behind Ruby and Blaze.

Solarflare unlocked the stockade and pointed to her sister Blaze. "Restrain her and bring him." she pointed to Ruby.The two complied placing an anti magical ring on her horn as well as one on Ruby. Blaze struggled to break free but the griffon holding her was slightly stronger than her. She watched as the young stallion was strapped down in the stockade his head and fore legs low to the ground leaving his rear hanging fro the larger hole at the other end. "you know, you were lucky today Ruby. You could have bled to death had I not shown up when I did. That Trixie would have gutted you both for your incompetence." She then brought out a table with her magic along with a rolled up cloth.

Placing the table next to the rear of the stockade, she unrolled the cloth onto it revealing a various amount of tools. She levitated a curved scalpel inspecting it closely. "If I wasn't there, do you think Trixie would have shown you mercy after what you did?" she walked around to face Ruby. She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but absolute terror in the young stallions eyes. He shook his head back and forth averting his gaze. "That's what I thought."

"Solarflare what are you going to do to him?" demanded Blaze still restrained by the griffon guards.

"It's simple. He must learn the cost of failure." she walked behind him inspecting his genitalia placing the scalpel over it.

He struggled against his restraints trying to see what she was doing. "Please, bis sis, I'm sorry I failed to destroy that mare but I'll do better next time! I promise!" he cried desperately.

"Solarflare please it was my fault he failed! I neglected his training punish me instead!"

"NO!" Solarflare stomped the ground accidentally cutting the protective skin layer. "You always protect him, coddle him. He's not a colt anymore! If you treated him like the others he would have been just like them! Perfect! But you treat him like a child, now he's suffering for it! Well, if you won't teach him the price of failure, then I will." She then returned to carving out his renewed testicle. After cutting the skin round his testes she popped the right testicle out just before ripping it out of him. His sobbing and pleas carried on through the halls. It hurt him greatly to go through this, but Blaze found it impossible to remain composed as she watched.

Blood dripped on the floor as the testicle fell bouncing once, twice, and on the third it was crushed to oblivion by a heavy hoof stomping it. She then dragged her hoof across the ground leaving a red trail behind. Once satisfied she went for the poker and gave it a few methodical twists before revealing a hot orange tip. Ruby continued to beg and plead for it all to end, Blaze struggled to break free to protect him but was powerless to do so.

Solarflare took to poker, still hot ,and leaned into Ruby's ear so only he could hear. "I'm doing this for your own good." She stood up and spoke loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "It's time you learned that not everything can be fix Ruby, both you and Blaze must learn this. I do this because I love you both. You'll thank me for this later." And with the precision and skill of a drunken monkey on drugs, she bought the poker down on him soldering his wound closed.

Screams of agony carried through the halls, everyone who heard knew that they were cries for mercy directed to the one pony they all knew would never show it.

Conflict

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[Manehatten Present Time: Spitfire's Apartment]

"And that's what happened to Trixie. Afterwards she began to stay at a local hotel while looking for work." she then looked to Spitfire with a sad face. "I spent a lot of time at Pete's Pie Bar drinking after that." Trixie had spent most of the morning telling her story to he point where it was nearly noon. Fleetfoot for her part sat and listened intently to the mare. Like Spitfire, she was trying to see this situation objectively, but all she heard was everywhere this mare went destruction followed. That worried her. To the young pegasus, this mare was a walking death trap, especially since she had a trio of psychopaths after her. And yet Spitfire would still help her. she thought. What was it about this mare that trouble seemed to followed her everywhere she went?

Spitfire was shocked, not only did she make a friend/companion, but he was taken from her so abruptly and viciously, it made her want to cry. That fight must have been terrifying for her alone. Tears filled her eyes threatening to fall, but she fought back that tears wiping them away. She then hugged Trixie. "Wow, Trixie I'm so sorry for this."

"You don't have to be Spitfire." Trixie hugged her back. "Trixie was glad to have him as her companion, even if it was short. Just how Trixie values the time we've spent over the last day."

"Night, Trix, over the last night." Spitfire said jokingly.

"Semantics friend." she replied to the pegasus.

Spitfire laughed then put on a serious face. "Really though, do you think this Kindle Trinity will come for you again? You ran into them before you said."

"Yes, Trixie met the first two at the Flightless Pegasus Inn." Trixie thought about the name for a moment. Why was it called that anyway, only earth ponies worked there, unless Trixie missed something. she thought.

While Trixie contemplated the oddly named Inn, Fleetfoot grabbed hold of Spitfire leaning into her ear so only she could hear. "Well? What do you think? Should we trust her?" Fleetfoot asked. Spitfire got an irritated look, and it was one Fleetfoot knew well.

"I don't know, Fleet, what do you think?" she asked sarcastically. Fleetfoot rolled her eyes raising her voice only slightly to show her frustration.

"It's not that I don't trust her. It's the fact that everywhere she goes it's mayhem and chaos." She looked at the unicorn. "Honestly, her story seems a little far-fetched don't you think? Taming a timberwolf cub? A trio of flame crazy psychos? Sounds like garbage she made up like the Ursa Major she slew. Honestly, I think we should ditch her."

"Fleetfoot, I'm not going to abandon her after I promised her I'd help her. I expected you of all ponies to understand what that." Spitfire looked back at Trixie getting her attention. "So Trixie what are you going to do now?" she asked scooting closer to her, Fleetfoot did the same, scooting closer to Spitfire due to a slight bit of jealousy.

"Well, Trixie was hoping to find work here in the city at one of the local theaters." she looked over to the corner of the room stretching her neck in the process. Fleetfoot promptly made a gag face behind both them. "Trixie hopes that the news of what happened in Ponyville blows over soon though. Trixie's tired of the stares." she cringed at the thought of an angry mob coming after her.

"Well you wouldn't have to worry if you weren't a big fat liar about your magical abilities." Fleetfoot spat.

"Well, I never! You dare accuse Trixie of lying?!"

"Can you defeat an Ursa Major? As far as I can tell, from your own testimony, you can't do such a thing. Yet, you boast and brag how you defeated one and everyone believed you." Fleetfoot pointed an accusatory hoof at Trixie.

Trixie in response stuck her nose up in the air. "Now Trixie won't take blame for embellishing the truth a little, but anypony with half a brain knows you can't defeat and Ursa. It was a story to entertain." she then pointed at Fleetfoot. "How was Trixie to know those two idiot colts would go looking for one for her to vanquish? Who let's their children do that anyway?!"

Fleetfoot crossed her arms looking smug. "Well if you had any talent in magic, instead of making stuff up, you might not have had to prove it." she then stood up and grabbed hold of Spitfire's shoulder leaning on it slightly.

"Trixie doesn't need to prove anything to you!" she stood up and so did Spitfire. Fleetfoot had to catch her footing to not fall over by Spitfires sudden movement.

"Calm down Trixie." Spitfire warned standing between the two ponies. "Let's not do anything rash." she quickly said.

"No, Trixie will put Fleetfoot in her place! Now stand aside!" she tried pushing past Spitfire.

"Hey! Don't treat her like that!" Fleetfoot pushed the unicorn back making her trip over the round couch. Trixie glared at the blue pegasus as did Spitfire. "Aww, did I hurt the Gweat and Powerwess Twixie?" Fleetfoot mocked the unicorn going into her signature pose. By this point Trixie was fuming.

"I you were half the pony Trixie was-" She was interupted by Fleetfoot pressing her hoof against her mouth."What are you saying you're half the pony I am, maybe less so!" she told Trixie.

"FLEETFOOT!" Spitfire stood up to the smaller pegasus towering over her. "That's enough out of you!" Fleetfoot for a moment, just a brief moment, had reconsidered what she said but dispelled the thought standing her ground.

"You think you're more talented than Trixie?"

"WEll, lets count. One I'm a Wonderbolt, and Officer at that." she said counting tapping her hoof once. "Two, I'm a successful stunt pony and showpony. Three, I'm respected by my peers and by ponies across the land even non-ponies. Four, I've fought actual monsters and beat them cause I have an awesome team." she then pointed past Spitfire at the prone Trixie. "So basically, I'm everything you aren't." Trixie looked away from Fleetfoot. Spitfire stomped the ground cracking the floor beneath her hoof. "I said that's enough you two!" she screamed as loud as she could.

"Face it Trixie. You're nothing. nothing but a talentless hack, and if you were to disappear nopony..." Trixie clenched her eyes gripping her chest, tears welling up in her eyes at Fleetfoot's harsh words. "nopony would miss you if you were to disappear right now, nopony would remember you."

Just as Spitfire raised her hoof to slap Fleetfoot for such a terrible statement, there was a knocking at her door. Both her and Fleetfoot looked to see Soarin walking in in a pink sweater with a red heart on it with a coffee mug in the center of it. "Hey I heard screaming from down the hall. Security is on its way, what's going on, Spitz?" he asked seeing the three mares before him.

Spitfire was about to say something, but Trixie used the distraction to lung past her to give Fleetfoot a swift elbow to her face. Fleetfoot gripped her face screaming in pain. She then blindly grabbed Trixie and flew into the hallway door crashing through it using Trixie. Trixie had the wind knocked out of her as the pegasus started assaulting her face with her hoofs. Gasping for breath, Trixie used her arms to defend her face barely keeping the pegasus at bay. Meanwhile Soarin made his way to the two mares. "Hey you two knock that off!" he pried Fleetfoot off Trixie, just as she reared her legs and kicked. Fleetfoot spun around gripping Soarin and used him as a shield, unfortunately he was struck in his stallionhood by both of Trixie's legs. Trixie then stood up and ran down the hall. Fleetfoot dropped the hurt stallion and made chase. "Sorry Soarin!" she called back to him.

Spitfire made her way to the hall just as Soarin was struck. She saw Fleetfoot chasing down Trixie, but stopped to help the stallion. "Soarin! Hey, you OK?" she asked shaking him. He made a soft moan smiling at her, followed by a wink. He's fine. she thought. "OK, just wait here and recover I'll deal with this. Send the security to find us when they get here." she patted him on the chest stepping over him and followed the sounds of destruction to her training room. Entering she was greeted by a destroyed track, her cloud obstacles gone, weights everywhere, scorch marks in the walls, her glass sunroof in pieces, and two bloodied mares fighting among the wreckage.

Trixie had three weights for a bench press-bar in her magical grasp swinging them violently at Fleetfoot. Lucky for Fleetfoot, the years of training helped hone her senses. She dodged the weights like it was nothing with the speed and flexibility befitting a Wonderbolt. "Is that all you got you talentless hack!" she cried to the unicorn enraging her.

"You think Trixie has no talent? You wouldn't know talent if it smacked you in the face!" she yelled back throwing the weights at the flying pegasus. Spitfire stood dumbstruck, all of this seemed so familiar to her. So familiar it scared her to the point she couldn't move. The two ponies were throwing insults at each other while trying to get an edge on each other such as: "Skank!" "Tramp!" "Whorse!" "Over used glory hole!" That last one made no sense, but these weren't two ponies in the right frame of mind.

Fleetfoot spun in a circle with great speed creating a small controlled tornado, which took the weights and lunged them back at Trixie one after the other. "Neither would you bitch!" The weights flew across the room Trixie managed to dodge the first two spinning away from them. She had just enough time to realize she wouldn't dodge the last one, so she put up a shield only to have it shatter as the force of the weight hit it crashing into the side of her face with a loud crunch and snapping noise. Gripping her neck and face Trixie shrieked in pain. Fleetfoot then grabbed a weighed bar for yoga as Trixie regained her footing taking hold of two planks of wood and polymorphed them into curved wooden swords.

Spitfire's mind clicked, as if some horrible realization hit her. She flew towards the two ponies as fast as she could.

The two lunged at each other their weapons in hoof. Fleetfoot made a decisive strike aimed at Trixie's neck intent on crippling her. Trixie intended to get the mares wings to immobilize her so she'd have the advantage. Neither made contact with their target. Instead of Trixie's neck, Fleetfoot struck Spitfire in the side of the face her bar stopped dead in its tracks. Trixie ended up stabbing Spitfire in her arm stopping both wooden blades as a trail of blood dripped down her arm. She didn't even flinch at either strike she simply ignored both as if nothing happened.

Trixie was the first to react, falling back and dropping the swords to her side she looked terrified at the wound on Spitfire's arm. She followed the trail of blood down her arm and to a small puddle of red below. Fleetfoot followed a similar motion, falling on her haunches dropping the bar scared.

Soarin and the security ponies arrived to see Spitfire run between the two armed ponies and get struck by both. A dull thunk followed by a skewering sound of flesh being penetrated halted his advance. The two younger mares fell to the ground shaking looking at the older pegasus. Spitfire immediately turned to Fleetfoot with an angry expression. "Fleetfoot. You. Me. Flight. NOW." she said walking to the window pushing it open it then closed as if it hit something. Spitfire tried two more times to open the window with more force. Fleetfoot watched as the mare got more frustrated with the window and pointed to the now open roof. "Uh, Spitfire shouldn't we-" By now Spitfire had tried to open the window a dozen times and had enough. She took a chair and threw it out the window and spun around in one motion. "MARK YOUNG LADY!" she yelled at Fleetfoot like a mother scolding her child. Fleetfoot flew out the window at speeds that'd make Rainbow Dash envious.

Trixie tried to slink away, but was stopped by a hoof holding her tail in place. She looked to see Spitfire standing on her tail, looking down angrily at her, Trixie smiled awkwardly and waved a hoof at her. Spitfire's expression hardened. It really hurt her face to do that but she simply did not care. "You better be here when I get back, missy. I want to talk to you too." she released the mares tail and flew out the window followed by a terrified Fleetfoot.

Soarin limped over to Trixie after he told the security ponies that he'd take care of her while they filed a report. Trixie explained to them what happened and they said they'd return tomorrow to get a statement from Spitfire. Soarin lead them to the door as Trixie got comfy on the couch rubbing her cheek. Her face was swelling up badly. "Hey you alright there?" Soarin asked her. She looked up at him as he sat next to her checking her face. "Trixie is just fine." she pushed his hoof away.

Soarin chuckled at her as she stuck her nose up in the air. "Come on now, you took quite the blow to the head there, let's take you to the doctor and get you checked up." Trixie sat for a minute contemplating on what to do next. Her thoughts weren't on herself but Spitfire and Fleetfoot. I really lost my cool huh? she thought. "Trixie can't afford to go to a doctor." she said to him.

He smiled taking her by the hoof dragging her along. "Well it's a good thing you know me then! I'll take you to the team physician, she's the best I think you'll like her. Best of all? She's paid by our sponsors so there'll be no cost to you friend!" just then both their stomachs growled. Both ponies blushed at the sounds.

"Well, if you're offering to take Trixie to see your personal physician, she'll buy you lunch. Deal?" Trixie said walking out the door. Soarin got a big toothy grin grabbing hold of his spare key he flew out the door and locked it. "Great I know just the place we can eat afterwards!" he skipped along with Trixie following close by.

Back at the training room, a gust of wind blew as ta window flew opened on its own. An invisible figure worked its way across the glass covered floor with ease careful to not make any noise. If anypony looked hard enough, a vague blur was visible showing that something was there. It worked towards the hall and searched room after room, until it came across a room with a familiar looking suitcase in it. The figure, still invisible, pulled out a bundle and placed it on the bed next to Trixie's suitcase. As the bundle settled it stirred as if something was inside, before it became still. For a moment a glow encompassed the room and a dual outline of a heart with a flame over it was visible before vanishing. Once the light was gone so was the figure, and once more the window in the training room opened and a exploding sound was heard as a smoke trail became visible. The trail lead deep in the city disappearing among the skyscrapers of the iron jungle known as Manehatten.

What Started it All: Part 1

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It was just before high noon in Manehatten. Everypony was out and about doing their daily tasks getting ready for the upcoming week. The clothing stores were in full swing. Theaters opened up for their weekend performances. Pette's Pie Bar was full of costumers. Ponies shopping, school supplies, suits pressed and firmed, and a repair crew for the Ivory Tower Apartments.

This afternoon Trixie was in a foul mood as she walked alongside the second most famous Wonderbolt in Equestria. As they walked Trixie rubbed her cheek where the weight made full contact with her. Soarin noticed this and gave a soft chuckle. "What's so funny chuckles?" Trixie asked sarcastically.

Soarin looked a Trixie still walking. "Well I've never seen anypony get the drop on Fleetfoot like that before."

Trixie frowned at this. "Aren't you two friends and on the same team for the Wonderbolts or something?" Trixie asked. Now, Trixie knew the Wonderbolts members and what they were as far as entertainment, but that was the extent of her knowledge of them. That's not including the personal time she had with the members either.

Soarin looked back at her turning a corner. "We are friends, and yes we're on the same team." he simply stated continuing down the street. Trixie felt uncomfortable. Ponies stared at her from every direction. Some even insulted her as she past by them saying things like, 'fraud' or 'untalented unicorn'. The jabs hurt her and made her angry. How had it come to this? Ponies already know of Trixie's exploits in Ponyville. Perhaps getting back on my hooves won't be as easy as Trixie thought. she thought.

Not realizing she'd fallen behind she continued at a slower pace falling into a crowd of ponies. She felt the glares, heard every insult, as ponies walked into her shoving her to the side. She felt claustrophobic. In an endless sea of ponies she felt overwhelmed, as if the weight of everyponies feelings towards her weighed on her shoulders dragging her down.

Soarin noticed Trixie was lagging behind as a single pony walked into her, no more like shoved her to the side causing her to fall onto the floor. A few ponies walked past her not helping her up. He noticed them pointing at her and some were laughing at her. This simply would not stand. He promptly marched over helping Trixie up receiving gasps from nearby ponies. He looked at the ponies around them, and then he walked holding Trixie's hoof. "You OK there?" he asked kindly. Trixie didn't look at him keeping her head down. Soarin wasn't done though. He kept hold of Trixie so she didn't fall behind, but also to make sure nopony messed with her.

Neither spoke until coming to a familiar playground, Trixie looked over realizing it was the same playground she and Spitfire were at the night before. Soarin seemed to notice as he came to a stop releasing her. She walked over to the swing noticing two were swaying slightly back and forth. Sitting on one, she slowly started to swing on it. Soarin got on the one next to her, ironically the same as Spitfire. He sat watching Trixie swing for sometime before deciding to speak. "So, kiddo, what's on your mind?"

Trixie stopped her swing and looked at him with a frustrated look. "What do you think?" she snapped. "Everywhere Trixie goes disaster follows or she messes up everything! What do you think is on my mind?!"

"Whoa easy there I meant nothing of it." he hastily said raising his hooves in defense. "I was just hoping you'd tell me what's wrong. Clearly you don't want to so I'll leave it be." He said continuing to swing.

After w minute Trixie continued to as well. Soarin looked at her stopping again. "Hey, look. I heard a good portion of what happened back home. Please go easy on Fleetfoot. She's had it hard."

Trixie scoffed at the idea of a Wonderbolt having anything hard, except the stallions she walked by maybe the press. "Well, forgive Trixie if she doesn't believe that." she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

Soarin snickered at this. "You'd be surprised? Care to hear my story?" he looked at Trixie hoping she'd hear him out since she didn't know him, maybe she'd listen. For a moment Trixie looked as if she was going to tell him off, but stopped herself. She then got comfy as she could on the swing looking at the ground.

"Fine, Trixie will hear what you have to say." she then quickly pointed at Soarin. "But it won't change Trixie's opinion on Fleetfoot." she add hastily.

"OK, first I'd like to start by saying what I tell you is strictly between us. No telling anypony about it OK?" he asked her in a serious tone.

Trixie looked slightly offended. "Trixie would never tell something with the intention of doing harm. She'll keep it as one of her deepest secrets." she said confidently.

Satisfied with her response Soarin continued. "OK, I believe you. Now, the first thing you need to know is that Fleetfoot holds Spitfire at the highest level of... um..." he struggled to find a good word to describe this. "Sorry, I'm not being very articulate today. Basically she sees Spitfire as a icon, and sets her standards off of Spitfire. It's the highest level of respect kind of thing. Does that make sense?" he asked.

Trixie tilted her head slightly getting the general idea. "Trixie understands, she's a childhood hero of sorts?"

Suddenly Soarin pointed at her tapping his nose. Well Trixie got that one right at home. she thought. "But what does this have to do with how she was treating Trixie?"

"I'll explain that in a minute. So you know all pegasi go to flight school right? Learn the basics to flying, clouds, weather, all that stuff?" Trixie nodded knowing well what flight school was for pegasi. "Good that makes things easier. Back in those days Spitfire was actually an athletic prodigy, that and combined with her masculine figure she was often bullied for being tomboyish, some even called her a dyke. Needless to say she didn't like that."

Trixie had no idea that the great Spitfire was once bullied for what now makes her so great.

"So as time went on, she became more distant and often took her anger out on other ponies. Myself included." he gestured towards himself. "She was the butt of everyone's jokes. Eventually she had enough. It got so bad, that she would often get physical with the other flight students. Bullying them into submission. But one pony stood out to her, a pony who was often bullied more than she was. That pony was Fleetfoot." he pulled out a picture of Spitfire Fleetfoot and himself all huddled together smiling happily. "Once they met they were instant friends and practically became attached to the hip. As close as two friends could be." Trixie levitated the photo to her seeing a younger Spitfire and Fleetfoot. Spitfire wore a leather flight jacket with a fur collar and her signature glasses while Fleetfoot was wearing a turtleneck sweater and a silly looking fedora and Soarin was wearing a collared tie.

"We all met one day and the three of us have been friend since." he stated proudly. Trixie nodded. "It must be nice to have friends you can relate to." she said levitating the picture back to him.

"It really is Trixie. You know, I feel it's one of the best things in the world to have a friend."

"So what happened to make Spitfire and Fleetfoot so, you know?" she asked eager for Soarin to get to the point.

" Alright." he said placing the picture back in his pocket. "It actually was something that started before we all met. There was one pony that could have been considered Spitfires rival. She was a cruel pony, even amount her closest friends. Her name was Vector."

Trixie sat in the swing unmoving waiting to hear more about this mysterious pony Vector.

"You see Trixie, Vector was a bully. She saw Spitfire as competition. So she did everything in her power to break her. Spitfire's parents were powerful figures, still are in fact, and that was a big factor in what happened between the two. I'll get to that later. So one day Vector took her frustration out on Fleetfoot after we all met and had become friends." He looked at a group of foals who made their way to a metal wheel with bars in it and began spinning on it. The cried in joy as they spun faster and faster until they all tumbled out laughing and giggling. He chuckled at the sight so did Trixie.

"So what happened?" she asked him.

"Well, Spitfire was so angry about how Vector treated, Fleet, the two fought and Spitfire broke one of her hind legs."

Trixie gasped holding her hooves to her mouth. "That's awful!"

Soarin looked down not wanting to see Trixie's reaction. "That's actually not the worst of it. You see afterwards, about two months later, was far worse. Vector had to leave school to recover and learn to walk again. It was remarkable how quickly she recovered. Two months is unheard of! But she managed to do it! I'll give Vector one thing, she did know how to impress and persevere. She never let anything slow her down. She never got over the fact Spitfire humiliated her, so when she came back she challenged her to another fight."

"Trixie doesn't understand. If breaking her leg wasn't why she left permanently then what was it?"

"Did I say it was permanent?" Soaring asked thinking back he was sure he didn't, but it didn't change the fact Trixie was right. "Well regardless you're right it wasn't her leg. It was something much worse. It wasn't what she did that caused Vector to leave, but I'll get to that in a minute." He stood up stretching his body before continuing, while Trixie listened intently. "By now you know Spitfire has a short temper, you've seen it. Back then she was far worse. When Vector came back and started to bully only her she really lost it one day."

Trixie listened and began to wonder what Spitfire could have done and why did this relate to Fleetfoot?

"When Vector came back to challenge Spitfire it got ugly. Vector challenged her to a one on one fight with no witnesses. I snuck out of class to watch them after overhearing them in passing. I got to the location just as the fight started. I can't recall many details aside from Vector barely put up a fight, her leg was still bad and she couldn't keep up with Spitfire. She called her names, threatened her, blamed her for breaking her leg, and how ponies made fun of her limp, then she hit Spitfire right where it hurt. She said that if she weren't a decent pony she would have done what Spitfire did to her to me and Fleetfoot. That set her off the deep end." he looked up at the sky. It was sunny with not a cloud in the sky, warm and bright with all the ponies frolicking about. "I remember it was raining heavily that day. I remember seeing Spitfire go into a blind rage knocking Vector to the floor. She stood over her for a while, and at the time I didn't know why. After a minute she took a massive rock and lifted it and began to assault Vector with it."

Trixie held her hooves over her mouth hew eyes were wide from shock. Surely Spitfire would never do such a thing. Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts and one of the most respected ponies alive to date that wasn't one of the Princesses.

"Spitfire crushed her wing with it. At the time I was more afraid she was going to... well you know. I thought she was going to..." He paused thinking of how to say what he was thinking.

"You mean you thought she'd kill her don't you? You thought she was going to kill Vector?" she asked simply looking at him with a saddened expression.

"Yeah, that's what I thought so I didn't waste time to help Vector. I held Spitfire back calling for help. Once help arrived I told the staff what happened, and they took Spitfire away. I stayed to help Vector she even thanked me for saving her life. I have to admit I wasn't expecting her to thank me for it, but she seemed genuine in her statement. I even offered to be her friend."

"What did she say?"

"She said she'd think about it. She said that she'd let me know when I came to visit her at the hospital, but I never got the chance. I heard from Spitfire that she'd left town with her parents afterwards and no one has seen them since."

Trixie was in awe she never thought Spitfire had such a cruel streak in her, but what this had to do with Fleetfoot she still didn't know. That being said, she decided the best policy is blunt honesty. "I see, sorry Soarin but what does this have to do with Fleetfoot's behavior towards Trixie?" she asked impatiently.

"The fact is that despite everything that happened Fleetfoot has this delusion that Spitfire is perfect in every way possible and does everything to protect that image and her. She acts the way she does because she feels threatened by you, and fears you'll hurt or lead Spitfire astray. That fear of losing Spitfire is what drives her to be the way she is."

Trixie tilted her head looking at him. "How do you know that?"

"She told me last night. She came over after you three decided to talk in the morning so she stayed at my place."

Trixie looked at the children playing around the park as they frolicked about in a game of tag. One of the earth pony colts fell and hurt him arm. His big sister, a unicorn mare, came over and rocked him in her arms as she used her magic to bring a first aid kit from her bag and bandaged his arm. "It must be nice." She said watching as the colt hugged his sister and went back to playing after kissing her on the cheek. She smiled as she waved to him as he ran after his friends resuming their game of tag.

"What's nice?" he asked circling around her. He looked over to the mare as she sat down watching the children play.

"To have somepony there to watch you. To push you forward and encourage you to do your best no matter what." Trixie said.

"I know what you mean. Honestly I understand what that's like to feel the way you do, and that's what makes Fleetfoot hate you so much." As he finished he noticed Trixie was glaring at him. "No offense I don't hate you. You seem to be a nice mare and I feel you're just a victim of circumstances." he added quickly waving his hooves in front f him.

Trixie rolled her eyes in response looking back at the children.

"So what you're saying is Spitfire is not only Fleetfoot's role model, but also her inspiration?" she asked.

Soarin rubbed his neck trying to think of a way to answer. "It's complicated for even me to understand I won't lie. Those two are very hard to understand. But basically what you need to know is that Fleetfoot cares for Spitfire and loves her like an older sister. She simply doesn't want to lose her ever. It scares her to think of losing Spitfire more than anything. That's why she tries to protect her from characters with shady or questionable backgrounds, such as yourself. No offense." he said looking at Trixie who seemed offended by the statement.

"Gee, thanks Soarin that makes Trixie feel so much better." she said sarcastically. She then smiled after he began to fidget thinking he'd really offended her with what he said. "Trixie is just kidding about that. She knows you meant no offense." she said smacking him in the shoulder. "Trixie doesn't want to make you feel bad."

He smiled back rubbing his shoulder tenderly. "Don't worry. Fleetfoot will open up to you. It just takes time... and a lot of talking, compromising, and a few headbutts maybe." he paused as Trixie's smile faltered.

"That sounds awful." she stated flatly.

After a moment they shared a laugh and once they'd stopped Trixie went back to watching the children play. "Thank you for talking to me. It makes me feel better knowing you care like Spitfire does."

Trixie and Soarin sat and watched the children play for a while. Since then they'd abandoned their game of tag, now they were playing four square. The young colt was hitting the ball back to his friends when the ball bounced past them and hit the back of a female griffons head. She turned to see the ball and the ponies looked at her. They walked over to her with the colt leading them. "Uh miss?" he asked timidly.

The griffon turned to look at him taking hold of his ball with her yellow talons. "What do you dweebs want?" she asked in a snarky tone.

"Uh, can I please have my ball back Miss? I'm really sorry we hit you in the head." he gathered his courage. "You see we were playing and I hit the ball to hard. I'm really sorry I hit you Miss." he lowered his head still looking at her.

She looked at the ball grinning. "OK, kid you can have your ball back."

The children looked happy that they'd get the ball back smiling happily, but turned to tears when she gripped the ball so hard she popped it and threw it back at the colt hitting him in the face. She then proceeded to laugh as the colt cried at the sight of his ball holding it in his hooves as his friends surrounded him.

One filly stood up to her and kicked her in the leg. "You are a big poopy head you big meanie!" as the young filly continued her assault on the laughing griffon.

The griffon lifted the filly and tossed her aside. "Man what an annoying dweeb you are!" she screeched scaring the other children away to their parents. The colt simply shook in fear as the griffon towered over him still clutching the remains of his ball. He looked up at her with pleading eyes.

"Please Miss, why are you being sniff... so m-mean?" he asked pathetically.

She then looked down at him mockingly. "Aww, what's wrong little boy you gonna cry?" she laughed at him.

By now several ponies had gathered and were watching the sister to the colt ran over and stood over him shoving the female griffon away. "Leave my little bro alone you feather brained jerk!"

Trixie got up along with Soarin and approached the griffon who looked ready to fight the mare. "Stand down griffon or face the might of The Great and Powerful Trixie!" she called out getting the attention of everyone around. Soarin was watching taking note to what the griffon was doing in case she attacked.

Seeing she was out number the griffon decided to cut her loses with this situation and leave."Eh whatever this place was lame anyway." The griffon said before flying away.

Once the griffon was gone Trixie and Soarin ran over to the mare and crying colt. The mare was holding her brother stroking his mare while the filly was trying to calm him down. She was patting him on the back looking up at the mare who was humming to him as her cried into her shoulder. Trixie leaned down looking at the mare and colt.

"Are you two alright? She didn't hurt you did she?" Trixie asked concerned.

"No, he's fine. That horrible griffon should be thrown into a cell for picking on a child!" she yelled tightening her hold over the colt. She then looked at Trixie. "Thank you for helping us miss. I didn't want to fight that beast not with my brother here. I was afraid she was going to hurt him." she said as tears fell from her eyes. She nuzzled the colt. He looked up to her rubbing his nose against hers affectionately.

After they finished their affections the colt looked at Trixie. "Thank you miss for helping my sister." he said leaving the safety of his sister to hug Trixie. Trixie was overwhelmed with joy as she hugged to colt back. After a minute they began to talk and about twenty minutes later it was time for them to depart. The colt went back to his sister and friend and the three walked off heading home presumably.

Trixie watched as they headed off waving to them as they went around a corner. Soarin walked next to her nudging her. "Hey that was great the way you handled that situation there Trixie." he said with a big grin.

She the nudged him back nearly knocking him over.

"Oh, you be quiet!" she ordered, but the truth was she felt really good about herself. Helping others wasn't something she normally did, but it felt nice and the praise from the colt and his sister filled Trixie's heart with satisfaction.

"You know Trixie," Soarin said standing next to her. "You're not as bad as Fleetfoot and others make you out to be. I'm glad Spitfire got to know you and I'm lad to have gotten to know you as well." he said patting her on the back.

This brought Trixie to smile at him. "Thanks. Maybe things aren't so bad after all. Do you think I can really change Fleetfoot's mind about me?" she asked thinking back to her conversation with Soarin. "Trixie feels that no matter what she says that mare will never giver her a chance."

Soarin placed a wing over her shoulder. "If what I saw now was any indicator you'll get through to her. You're not a bad pony like she thinks you are. I've seen enough proof to say so. Just give her time and she'll come around. I promise." he said beginning to walk again.

As they began to walk their stomachs growled. The two ponies blushed. Taking his wing back Soarin took the lead once again heading down a familiar street Trixie knew. "Hey let's go eat." Trixie nodded in agreement, since she hadn't eaten since the morning. "Trixie is hungry let's forget the doctor or whatever and grab a bite. Trixie is starving after saving that mare and colt from a vicious griffon." she said jokingly. Soarin hopped happily taking flight as Trixie followed.

"I know just the place!" he said leading Trixie towards a familiar establishment known as Pette's Pie Bar. Perhaps today is going to be a better day than Trixie thought. she thought as they entered the establishment taking their seats at a booth. Just as they were getting ready to order two ponies stood next to their table startling Trixie and Soarin.

"Do you mind if we join you?" a mare asked sitting next to Soarin.

What Started it All: Part 2

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Spitfire was leading Fleetfoot through the skies at a break neck pace. Fleetfoot dared not venture to far from the older mare out of fear of the repercussions. The two made their way over Manehatten for about ten minutes before Spitfire nosedived heading towards the ground. She landed near a small cafe she liked to go to when she was in the mood. And right now, she was in the mood. She walked up to the entrance opening the door for Fleetfoot, who entered followed by her. A mare unicorn greeted them. "Good afternoon and welcome, oh Spitfire how nice to see you again ma'am." she said with a million bit smile. She was a hefty mare with brown fur and a black and grey striped mane and tail. her eyes were emerald green and she had a shooting star cutie mark.

"Glad to see you too Star Stripe. Table for two on the patio please." Spitfire said pointing to a table outside by the street.

"Of course. Please follow me." she escorted the two mares to the patio. Sitting across from each other the waitress known as Star Stripe offered two menus to each of them. "The first menu is our older menu with our famous dishes and drinks. The second is a new selection of dishes we know offer for our more health conscious customers. Can I get you some beverages?" Fleetfoot nodded looking over the menu. "I'll take a small latte please." Fleetfoot said.

"Thank you ma'am. And for you Spitfire? Your usual?" she asked in a knowing tone. Spitfire nodded saying, "You know me so well Star Stripe. Also I just want a croissant with butter and strawberry jelly on the side please." she said leaning back in her chair slightly.

"Of course ma'am. And are you ready by chance miss?" Star Stripe asked Fleetfoot.

"I'll have the same, except with grape jelly please." she responded handing Star Stripe the menus.

"Thank you I'll get you orders in and have them out in just a minute." Star Stripe gave a polite bow before departing.

Fleetfoot watched the mare leave before turning her attention back to Spitfire. She looked fine, but Fleetfoot knew better. There were subtle signs that the older pegasus was frustrated leaning in her chair was one of those ticks she only did when she was in a bad mood. As the two sat in silence, their orders came and both prepared their croissants. Before long them had finished eating them and started to sip their drinks before Fleetfoot couldn't bare the silence any longer.

"Look Spitfire, I um..." she twisted the cup in her hooves nervously before continuing. "I'm sorry about this morning. And about last night."

Spitfire looked at her with a straight face, no emotion just a plain face. "I'm not the one you should be apologizing to." she said sipping her latte. "Granted, Trixie owes you one as well, but you should have been the bigger pony and let it go." she placed the cup down harder than she expected to creating a loud clank on the table. "I expected you of all ponies to know insulting another isn't the answer, and neither is violence." she added sternly.

She paused to catch her breath before continuing. "You were bullied and insulted all though flight school. I was too. I understand what it's like to be bullied remember?" Fleetfoot nodded in response. "Fleet, do you know why I'm saying this?" Fleetfoot shook her head looking straight into Spitfire's eyes. "I'm telling you this so you don't make the same mistakes I've made." she sighed rubbing her eyes. "There's a reason I sat between the two of you this entire time. I knew Trixie would get to you and vice versa. You two are so much alike it's ironic that you two don't like each other." suddenly Fleetfoot looked very offended.

"I'm nothing like her." she snapped back at Spitfire. "I'm not arrogant like she is. I'm not a liar either, I don't go around causing trouble for others and I don't boast about things I can't do."

Spitfire simply listened to the young mare before responding. "No you're not. But what difference does that make?" Fleetfoot tilted her head slightly with a unsure expression. This frustrated her greatly trying to explain something she couldn't articulate. Spitfire thought for a moment before an idea struck her. "Flaws Fleetfoot."

"Excuse me?"

"Flaws. We all have them. You do. Soarin does. Trixie does. I do too." she said leaning on the table with her elbows.

Fleetfoot scoffed waving a hoof. "Phh, please you flaw? Ha!" she said with a laugh.

Spitfire looked at the mare like she'd just grown a horn and claimed to be the new princess of Equestria. I think I see the problem now. She thought looking at Fleetfoot who took another sip of her latte. "No, Fleet, I am flawed. I always have been." she waited for her to finish sipping her latte before she continued, because she wanted her full attention for this part. "Do you remember Vector?" she asked.

Fleetfoot frowned at the thought of that mare. "Of course I do. She made flight school miserable for everyone." Everyone, now there was a word she didn't use often. It was common knowledge that ponies often say everypony in reference to only talking about ponies. In flight school, it was common for griffons and pegasi to fly together, so they referred to everybody because it wasn't exclusive to ponies. For Fleetfoot, it was a way to show her distaste for Vector. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you remember when I broke her leg for trying to take my lunch money?" she asked knowing the answer already.

"Yes I remember. What's that got to do with this?"

"Fleet, it has everything to do with this" she snapped at her. "I hurt a pony for what? A few bits? Was my lunch really worth her therapy so she could walk again? Not to mention she had a limp, that probably will be with her the rest of her life? Do you know how much I ruined her just from that one action alone?" What she heard wasn't what she expected to hear from Fleetfoot of all ponies.

"Maybe she deserved it. As retribution for all the misery she caused others." Fleetfoot said coldly.

Spitfire was shocked to hear that, not because of what was said but from who said it. It was still wrong to say such a thing, but the fact Fleetfoot said it shook her to the core. "No Fleetfoot, she didn't. I never told you what happened after that did I?" she asked remembering a few details she never told anyone.

"What do you mean Spitfire? What happened after? She left that's what happened. Most of us assumed you scared her off."

"Actually Fleetfoot, there's more to it then just breaking her leg. You're right I am the reason why she left." Spitfire looked sadly at her latte taking a sip from it. "I took her dreams and completely destroyed them. Do you remember my parents?"

Fleetfoot thought back to Spitfire's parents. "Yeah your mom was a noble of the Canterlot Courts, and your father a a Pegasi Guard Commander of Celestia's Personal Guard."

Fleetfoot looked at Spitfire wondering where this story was heading. True nopony knew why Vector left after the second fight, but Fleetfoot thought that one fight had ended it all. In short, this was all new to her.

Spitfire looked at her and spoke in a serious tone. "One day after she returned, Vector challenged me again and I had no reservations on fighting a crippled pony then. We fought one on one, if you could even call it a fight. To prove I was a good sport, we fought in solitude. She tried so hard to beat me it was kind of sad to watch. She insulted me, called me names, my family, but then she insulted you and Soarin. She said that if she wasn't a decent pony she'd have done the same to you and Soarin as I did to her." Spitfire leaned back into her seat again. "I had thought she'd learned not to mess with me so I decided to do the unthinkable to get her to leave me and my friends alone once and for all." Spitfire paused building up suspense that forced Fleetfoot ta ask the obvious question.

"What did you do?" she asked in anticipation.

Spitfire's face darken as she slowly said six simple words. "I took her ability to fly." she leaned in her seat closer to Fleetfoot. "I'm not talking like I plucked her wings or anything silly like that, which I did do also, but I made her to where she could never truly fly again. When she said those things about you and Soarin I wanted her to suffer, so I did." She leaned closer to the younger pegasus causing her to lean away from her. "After exhausting her I beat her. I beat her senseless. And you know what else? I enjoyed. every. moment of. it." she said in a scary calm voice.

Fleetfoot gulped watching Spitfire as she slowly stood up overshadowing her.

"I wanted her to hurt and beg. I got that, then I wanted her to suffer. So I slowly plucked her left wing feather, by feather, by feather. She begged and plead for mercy. I gave her none but I wasn't finished I took a rock and crushed her wing over and over assuring she'd never fly again." Spitfire's voice was cold and she wore an almost sadistic grin emphasizing her point.

By now Fleetfoot was shaking in her seat. As Spitfire settled back into her seat waiting for Fleetfoot to respond, she knew she would all she needed to do was wait. If this doesn't help her to see then nothing will. She thought watching the young pegasus conflicting with herself.

"Why? Why Spitfire? Why are you telling me this?" she said as a tear fell from her eye. Her eyes were glossy and red and she held the most angry expression Spitfire had ever seen on the mare. "only monster do things like that to other ponies not you!" she said pointing her hoof at Spitfire. Spitfire's response was simple. "So the same as Trixie? Do you think she's a monster for the Ursa Minor attack on Ponyville? The timberwolves at the Flightless Pegasus? Fleetfoot I'm not perfect. And if you judge me based on what I've done and compare it to what Trixie has done, I mean what she's really done not caused, then am I that much better or worse than she is?"

Fleetfoot knew the truth to this. She wasn't blind, but it hurt to admit that Spitfire of all ponies could be so cruel as to take a pegasis flight away and enjoy it.

Spitfire sat back down in her seat gesturing to the waitress for a refill. No words were said as she walked over with black coffee filling up Spitfire's cup. Spitfire looked up to Star Stripe. "You know me so well Star Stripe. Thanks." she said to the pony waitress. Star Stripe nodded looking over to Fleetfoot lifting to pot. "Do you require a refill to miss Fleetfoot?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh, no thanks Star Stripe I'm good." she waved her off. Nodding Star Stripe went off to assist other patrons. Fleetfoot watched as the mare walked off following her eyeing her rear as it swayed back and forth. Damn she was cute in her apron. she thought.

Spitfire was grinning at the young pegasus chuckling. Fleetfoot realized she'd been caught eyeing the mare and immediately looked up to the older pegasus but the damage was done and Fleetfoot felt her cheeks heat up from embarrassment. "Did you like what you saw?" she asked with a cheeky grin.

"Oh, be quiet Spitfire!" the younger pegasus crossed her arms sticking her nose up.

Spitfire was chuckling trying hard not to laugh at the poor mare. "OK I'm sorry, but you're so cute when you check out other ponies, Fleet, you're so obvious about it."

"Yeah yeah so what?" Fleetfoot said crossly.

"You should talk to her."

"No!" Fleetfoot hissed. "What if she says no?"

Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Then you'll have an answer and that's the end of it. Trust me you'll thank me for this later." She then placed her wallet on the table waving Star Stripe over. "Yes Spitfire?" she asked the Wonderbolt. Spitfire looked up at her placing a few bits on the table. "We're heading out now Star Stripe and I think Fleet wants to ask you something." she then went to pay leaving the two ponies alone.

It took over three seconds for Fleetfoot's brain to register what had just happened. "Spitfire you suck!" Fleetfoot cried out to her waving angrily at her. Spitfire responded by placing a hoof under her eye lid pulling it sown and sticking her tongue out at Fleetfoot.

Star Stripe looked nervous as she waited for Fleetfoot to finish what she was doing. Once finished the young pegasus looked at the unicorn. "So uh, yeah Star Stripe..." she said awkwardly. "Yes Fleetfoot?"

Fleetfoot was shaking wondering what she'd say. I thought I'd have more time. Arrgh fine I'm just gonna gun it! she thought. "Star Stripe." she said with great conviction.

"Yes?"

"Would you like to go out with me on a date this week?" Fleetfoot asked without stuttering a word.

Star Stripe looked like she was in shock, but for what reason Fleetfoot couldn't figure. "Sure when's a good time for you?" she asked suddenly. Fleetfoot stood like a deer in headlights waiting to hear something different from what she heard. Feeling that Fleetfoot didn't understand Star Stripe waved a hoof to get her attention. "I've actually been waiting for you to ask me out for months. I can see you eyeing my flank when I walk by." This caused her to blush. "And I found it... enticing." Star Stripe said in a sultry tone.

"How does tomorrow after your shift ends sound? Dinner and a movie my treat." Fleetfoot said quickly.

The unicorn walked next to Fleetfoot, making sure nopony was watching, she leaned into next to Fleetfoot's ear. "Sounds wonderful." The sound of her voice, the heat from her breath, and the calm chill that followed caused her wings to twitch uncontrollably. Star Stripe seemed to notice. She grinned at Fleetfoot making her even more nervous. "Better keep that under control or ponies will notice, Fleet. So what time can I expect you?"

"I'll be here at Seven right as your shift ends. I'll make the arrangements, you just get ready to enjoy yourself for a fun night." She said nervous.

"I look forward to it. Here's something to hold onto while you plan." She then kissed Fleetfoot on the cheek. "I'll expect you to return that after we're done. If you'll excuse me i need to get back to work. I'll see you tomorrow then, Fleet." she said swaying her tail as she walked away. Fleetfoot tried to look away but couldn't. After a moment she walked out of the cafe to see Spitfire with the dumbest look on her face.

"You suck." Fleetfoot said bitterly.

"Pssh. As if. You're like a helpless love struck colt asking his first date out and I know this isn't your first rodeo." Spitfire waved her hoof nonchalantly.

Fleetfoot held on to her sour expression.

"I'm serious, Fleet, you are always like this." she wrapped her wing around the young mare speaking softly. "You'll do just fine. Be on time though. Seriously that's the most important thing you need to do. I know you'll do fine on everything else, just be on time. You'll rock her world, Fleet."

Fleetfoot's expression softened slightly. "OK mom, I'll be on time." she said sarcastically. "Look Spitfire about Trixie." Spitfire looked at her listening. "I'll give Trixie a chance. Before you say anything, I still don't like her." Well there's a thought. Spitfire thought annoyed. "But I will give her a chance to prove herself. Prove that she's not what the stories and rumors make her out to be."

As she finished speaking, Spitfire hugged the young mare. "It brings warmth to my heart hearing you say that, Fleet." she stroked her mane. "Don't ever change." she said kissing Fleetfoot on the forehead. Fleetfoot was happy in this moment, as they embraced the bond between them strengthened and neither wanted this sisterly moment to end. Eventurally they had to, and when they did Fleetfoot looked out into the city saying, "You know we never got to have our annual team pie meeting." she said.

Picking up on what she was getting at Spitfire nodded. "I agree, let's go get some pie then. With any luck Soarin dragged Trixie there and you can apologize to her."

"Yeah Soarin would- wait what?!" she whined. "Why do I have to apologized she started it!"

SPitfire rolled her eyes waving her hoof like a mother scolding a child. "Now you listen here, you started it, she provoked you, and both of you will apologize OK?"

Fleetfoot crossed her arms with a humph. "Fine, but she needs to apologize first." she then stood up walking down the street. Spitfire rolled her eyes looking at the sky. I'm being punished for my ambitions aren't I? she thought following Fleetfoot.

After a few minutes of walking they arrived at Pette's Pie Bar and sure enough there was Soarin and Trixie already here. What really caught their attention was two other that were with them. A young grey filly sat next to Trixie with a white mane in a braid wearing blue glasses and a pearl necklace. The other they both recognized was the famous cellist named Octavia who was speaking to Soarin and Trixie while the filly commented occasionally.

Spitfire and Fleetfoot looked at each other. "Well, this should be interesting to hear." Spitfire commented and Fleetfoot simply nodded in agreement.

A Meeting of Frienemies?

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Soarin and Trixie had just sat down at a round table in Pette's Pie Bar when a grey mare and a metallic grey filly with saddlebags approached them. The Grey mare sat next to Soarin as the filly hopped next to Trixie smiling. "Do you mind if we join you?" the mare asked.

Soarin was ecstatic to see this mare. "Octavia! Long time no see!" The two hugged each other. "How have you been?"

The filly looked at him bowing slightly. "Hello Mr. Soarin it's nice to see you again.

"It's good to see you too Silver Spoon. How's life in Ponyville?"

Silver Spoon nodded keeping her posture taking off her saddlebags. "It's been difficult. My friend Diamond Tiara had her cute-ceañera a while ago and three other fillies ruined it for her. Thankfully our town party pony Pinkie pie was there to make it all better for her. I was so happy for her."

Soarin smiled at the little filly. "Well I'm glad it all worked out in the end for your friend Silver."

"So Octavia what are you doing here with Silver Spoon? Family bonding time I assume?"

"You assume correctly. I was spending time with Silver she apparently had a traumatic experience recently involving timberwolves. We had just finished lunch when," Octavia gestured to Silver Spoon sitting next to Trixie, "my niece recognized you and specifically the mare you are with. Oh, forgive my rudeness Miss. I'm Octavia Melody and this is my niece Silver Spoon and I want to say thank you," as she reached over the table shaking Trixie's hoof.

Trixie took the hoof and shook it politely nodding. "Trixie isn't sure what you mean by thank you Miss Melody."

"You saved my little sister and my niece. If that's not worthy of praise then I don't know what is." Octavia sighed. "And please, call me Octavia. Miss Melody sound like I'm an old stiff."

Silver Spoon chuckled. "You are an OLD stiff auntie."

Octavia huffed at the filly puffing her cheeks. "Yes well just remember you'll get old to young lady. When you do I'll still be here to annoy you right back." Silver Spoon stuck her tongue out at her. "Silver Spoon that's no way for a dignified lady to act." She lambasted the filly. Octavia looked to Trixie once again. "The timberwolves. You saved them from the timberwolves in the forest just a week ago along with some of her associates."

Trixie thought back remembering the incident in the forest. "Oh yes of course! So you're the filly that was there huh?" she asked giving her hoof to Silver Spoon. "My name's Trixie Lulamoon."

Silver Spoon accepted her hoof with a smile. "No need for introductions Miss Trixie I remember you even f you don't remember me." She then pulled out a smaller version of Trixie's hat and placed it on her head. It was white and had shooting stars instead of stationary ones and it bent forward to a point. She then pulled out a cape with identical stars as the hat with a fur collar. "I made these after you helped me years ago. Remember when you helped the blank flank from a group of bullies one was a pegasus? That was me you helped and I never got the chance to thank you for that."

Trixie remembered that day well. It was a day that shaped her for the rest of her life. "Trixie remembers you now." She looked at the filly taking her hat off placing it next to her. "You were being bullied and that pegasus was out of line. How have you been since then?"

Silver Spoon took her outfit and placed it in her saddlebag. "It's been great! I made anew friend and we are practically inseparable."

"That's good." Trixie said.

"I heard what happened the last time you came to Ponyville Miss Trixie." Silver Spoon looked at her aunt who nodded. "I was hoping to see you again."

"Well it is good to see you again. Trixie did not think you'd remember her since the blank flank incident was so long ago. Was it you who made my appeal?" Silver Spoon cringed at the mention of blank flank. Trixie noticed and decided to change the subject. "So, you live in Ponyville?"

"Yes Miss Trixie."

"Does your aunt Octavia live there with you?"

"No she does visit often though. I really miss her when she's gone. Although when she does visit it usually means seeing her friend." The filly looked at her aunt with a disgruntled look.

Coughing to get everyponies attention Octavia took the reigns. "She means Vinyl Scratch. That mare I swear." She looked over to a waitress getting her attention. "She's like a stallion in a mares body."

The waitress walked over she was an orange unicorn with a yellow mane and blue eyes. Her cutie mark was a coffee mug pouring coffee into a puddle. "Hello, and welcome back Mr. Soarin. How can I help you all today." This mare was so happy and perky Trixie could have swore she saw the mare radiate light from her smile.

Soarin looked at the others waiting for them to order first. "I'll have a coffee black please," Octavia said.

Trixie then spoke, "I'll have the same please."

"Thank you. And for you young Miss?" she asked looking at Silver Spoon.

"I'll take a orange juice with pulp please."

"Gotcha, and Soarin your usual I assume?" she winked at him still holding her smile.

"You know I do Carefree." he looked at the rest of them before asking, "Trixie are you still hungry and would you two like to join us?"

Octavia looked over to Silver Spoon who was nodding vigorously with the biggest smile she could manage. "Oh, course old friend."

"Soarin!" a vice called out. Everypony looked to see Spitfire and Fleetfoot standing near the entry way waving at him. He waved for them to come over and they sat around the table.

Fleetfoot looked at the mare and filly. "Hello Miss- I mean Octavia. I told you I'd remember." she pointed to her head as Octavia giggled at her.

"Yes I do believe you made such a claim." she stood up and hugged Fleetfoot after she hugged Spitfire. "Captain so good to see you again."

"Good to see you too Octavia." Spitfire looked around the table seeing that everypony was introduced prior she ventured a guess. "So, Octavia how do you know Trixie?"

Octavia looked over the group. "So I assume that you all already know Miss Lulamoon then?" Everypony nodded in confirmation. "Well she saved my niece from a group of timberwolves over a week ago. Which reminds me. Thank you for saving my sister and niece if anything happened to her or my sister I don't know what I'd do." She walked over to Trixie giving her a hoof shake before sitting next to Silver Spoon who was still sitting next to Trixie. Spitfire sat next to Soarin and Trixie while Fleetfoot sat next to Soarin and Octavia.

Trixie nodded to her. "Of course, Trixie was doing only what any decent pony would do." It wasn't a complete lie. She did want to help at the time, but her fear of the ponies reaction to her was a strong force that almost drove her away. In retrospect, she thought it was her most cowardly moment and one she'd never repeat again. She watched how everypony reacted to her comment. Soarin and Spitfire each smiled and nodded in approval. Octavia sat next to Silver Spoon holding her close. Fleetfoot looked at the whole exchange with a stoical expression.

Both ponies locked eyes . Neither looked away from the other. It was like the two were having a serious stare contest for pony of the year. Trixie's eyes narrowed so did Fleetfoot. "Fleetfoot." "Trixie." they said together. Neither blinked at this, but both waited for the other to speak first. Trixie took the initiative. "Fleetfoot can I speak to you in private?" The pegasus stood up walking to the bar sitting on a seat while Trixie flanked her right.

Meanwhile the others looked at the pair concerned. Soarin looked watched the mares head off to the bar out of ear shot but not out of sight. "Are you sure about this Captain?" he asked not taking his eyes off them.

Spitfire looked over to him turning away from the two mares at the bar. "Yes, I'm confident that they can resolve this without any issues. They're grown mares and can handle it like such." she looked over to Octavia and Silver Spoon. "So tell me about your niece."

***

Fleetfoot and Trixie sat at the bar each holding a drink they ordered. Trixie had a luksusowa and Fleetfoot had a simple brandy. The two were hunched over the bar occasionally glancing at each other not touching their drinks. Trixie was wondering what Fleetfoot wanted. She'd asked to talk to her privately but hadn't said a word since they sat to order their drinks. "So Fleetfoot what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Fleetfoot took a sip of her drink. "I wanted to talk you about what happened earlier today." she stared at her drink not looking up taking another sip. "I wanted to say I'm sorry for attacking you like I did." The apology hit Trixie like a ton of bricks, never would she had thought that Fleetfoot would be the first to apologize to her, yet here she was hearing it straight from the horses mouth.

"That's great thanks." Trixie said with genuine interest. "Trixie appreciates that, but she's sorry for over reacting and provoking you. Also-" Trixie was interrupted by Fleetfoot who cut her off mid sentence. "Listen Trixie, I don't really care whether you like me or not. In fact I could care less about what you think of me. But I want the truth. What are your intentions with Spitfire?"

Trixie was taken aback by the forwardness of the pegasus. "What do you mean my intentions? I intend no harm to her or the others if that's what you're getting at."

Fleetfoot gulped down her drink and smashed the glass on the counter shattering it. Small shards took flight from the impact towards Trixie who didn't flinch even the slightest. "I know you're planning something. Ponies like you always are!" she hissed. "You think that because you have the support of others it gives you the right to come and disrupt the lives of others, and you have a bad reputation for bringing misfortune to others." Trixie looked back at her incredulously. "You don't believe me? Look at what's happened in the last week alone. Ponyville, The Flightless Pegasus Inn, here in the city, and you expect it to stop after you got on the radar with the Kindle Trinity especially after what you did to Ruby you think they'll stop looking for you especially Solarflare?"

"Well Trixie doesn't- hang on. First off Trixie never said their names, second how do you know one of them was named Solarflare? Trixie has never heard any of them call themselves by that name." Trixie narrowed her eyes at the pegasus.

Fleetfoot's eyes shot back and forth looking in panic. "Yo-you said his name last night when you told us about them. You don't remember?" she asked hastily.

Trixie crossed her arms deep in thought. It took only a minute to recall the events from the previous night. "That would have been true except they never introduced themselves.

"Trixie never said a member was called Solarflare. The reason is because Trixie didn't know." Trixie got closer to the pegasus her face inches away from hers. Fleetfoot was beginning to panic her eyes shot in every direction as if looking for something. "Who are you really? Are you Fleetfoot? And what's your connection to the Kindle Trinity?"
"I- I um. I..." she stumbled on her words. She was looking for something but what? Suddenly the doors flew open as an armored pony entered. It was Blaze. Her armor was on and she had an eye patch over her lost eye, her one good eye glared at Trixie. She quickly looked over at the two unicorns and blasted Trixie in the back causing her to fall headfirst onto the bar knocking her out.

Spitfire and Soarin jumped at the sight of the mare attacking Trixie while Silver Spoon and hid behind her aunt Octavia. Every other pony was panicking heading for cover or hiding behind something. Two earth pony mares and a skyblue pegasus stallion approached the mare along with Spitfire while Soarin went to assist Trixie and Fleetfoot.

The pegasus stallion stood next to the earth pony mares who charged Blaze. Trixie opened her eyes to see what followed next. As the to mares circled Blaze, she stood up on her hind legs, like her brothers they were oddly shaped much like a griffons, and raiser her arms leveling them to the mares. On her grieves were two red crystal each glowing brightly for no more than a fraction of a second before a red bolt fired from each crystal. The bolt flew towards the earth pony mares drilling straight through their chests both fell to the floor unmoving. While this happened Spitfire and the stallion flanked her flying at her from either side they both lunged at her.

Blaze knelt down and with a mighty leap she flew through the air as a loud roaring explosion sound emanated from her and she flew through the window off into the distance while Spitfire and the Stallion collided.

"Trixie are you OK?" Fleetfoot called out to her. Trixie's mind was cloudy at best her head was ringing, and she was tired for some reason. So tired. The last thing she saw was Spitfire standing over her holding her before she passed out.

Fleetfoot stood over Trixie and Spitfire with a worried look. "Will she be alright Spitfire?" she asked the older mare.

Spitfire looked worried. "I don't know what happened?" she asked lifting Trixie onto her back.

"We were talking Trixie had just apologized to me and we were just talking when th-that mare came in and attacked her!" she said pointing at the broken window. "Anyway she hit her in the head with magic! We should get Trixie to the hospital! I go ahead and tell them you're coming Spits." she said speeding out the doors heading off to the hospital.

Soarin was helping Spitfire with Trixie. They flew off towards the direction Fleetfoot went but slower as to not drop the unconscious Trixie. "Soarin once we get to there I want you to head back and write a letter to the Royal Guard! Got it?" he nodded without a word. As they reached the hospital Trixie was ruched to the emergency room. Spitfire waited in the lobby while Soarin went off to file a report to the Royal Guard.

Spitfire sat in the lobby waiting to hear of Trixie's condition. Hopefully it wasn't anything bad. On the other hand Fleetfoot had left in a hurry after she told the staff Spitfire was going to be arriving and no one has seen her since. Oh, Fleet, where are you now you little imp? Spitfire thought as a nurse approached her from the ER. "Captain Spitfire? I'm Nurse Syrine Gauze. I've got good news for you. Your friend seems to be unharmed aside from a bruised head from blunt force but nothing serious. You can go see her I room 12 if you'd like."

Spitfire followed the nurse to room 12. Spitfire entered alone to see Trixie fast asleep in the bed with bandages wrapped around her head. She brought a chair next to her bed and sat down, watching her chest rise and lower with every breath. The nurse entered with a clipboard and pen writing a few notes. "Captain Spitfire, I need to know exactly what happened to your friend so we can gauge any long term treatment." Spitfire spent the next several minutes retelling the events leading to Trixie's condition. Once she'd told the nurse she left to consult the doctors about the patient. It wasn't long after when they told Spitfire that no treatment was necessary, she just had to prevent Trixie from using magic or receiving anymore head trauma for the next week. Spitfire thanked them and as they left she laid her head down next to Trixie.

Spitfire wrapped a bit of Trixie's hair around her hoof admiring it. It was so soft and shiny. It was mesmerizing. She felt tense yet relaxed at the same time. She didn't want to leave Trixie alone if the pyro maniacs came back, but she knew she wouldn't be allowed to stay all day and night either. Perhaps she could take some time off to watch Trixie from her home. Yeah, that way she could keep an eye on her on her own time and not the hospitals. She didn't trust them with Trixie's safety. Don't worry Trixie I won't leave you to face this alone ever. I'll always have your back from now on. after finishing her thought she decided to take a nap while she waited for Trixie to wake up; hopefully, it wouldn't be too long.

She pressed her head against the unicorns and took a deep breath smelling her mane. It had a unique smell that reminded the Wonderbolt Captain of an early morning mist and lilac. She imagined herself and Trixie running through a field of flowers chasing each other in playful banter. the two circled around one another before Trixie tackled her to the ground nibbling her ear. The two played for what felt like hours, while in reality Spitfire had fallen asleep and was dreaming a most wonderful dream. A dream shared by the mare who slept beside her. I'll never leave yo to face the world alone Trixie.

I now you won't Spitfire.

Meanwhile above Manehatten on the roof top of the largest building a stallion watched like a hawk scanning the skies until a familiar jet of flame came and landed beside him. "So Blaze how was it? Did the devices work properly?" he asked as she patted him on the shoulder.

"It worked perfectly Ruby. The new packs work fine and they blaster crystals are perfect. I just wish that idiot didn't blow her cover so I wouldn't have had to intervene." she hissed as she laid down basking in the sun. Her armor clanked as she flopped on the metallic roof surface. "The Professor will be pleased to hear the devices work."

Ruby laid down next to her rubbing his armored hoof against her chest plate making little circles. "Fleetfoot opened her big mouth about something?" he asked laying his head on her chest.

"Yeah," she sighed. "The dumb bitch let it slip she knew us, specifically Solarflare."

"Did you use the spell on her, sis?"

"Of course I did! What do you think I did sat their and twiddled my hooves?" she snapped at him. He gave her a hurt look. It upset her to see him look like this. Finally he gave in hugging him. "Look you dweeb. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I know you just want to help but I got this OK?" she kissed him on the cheek causing both of them to blush.

"It's OK Blaze. I know this was a big deal. I just worry about you and Solarflare. I don't want to lose either of you and doing stunts like this will attract unwanted attention to us. So please try not to kill if you can avoid it." he pleaded to Blaze. She rolled her eye putting her brother in a headlock ruffling his mane. "OK, Ruby I won't kill if I don't need to anymore." he swatted her hooves away as she stood up placing his helmet on his head confusing him for a moment. "come on. Let's head back to the mansion and report this to Solarflare and the Professor.'' Ruby nodded and without a single word leapt off the building followed by Blaze. The two flew deep into the city disappearing among the towers of glass and iron.

A Night to Remember

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It was late in the evening at Manehatten Hospital. Spitfire was asleep in Trixie's room, after being granted permission to stay in light of how Trixie ended up there, and a security detail remained as a precaution. Spitfire rested in a chair beside her bed not wanting to leave in case she was attacked again. Fleetfoot had come by earlier wanting to see Trixie but she was out cold when she came by, so she said she'd stop by everyday to make sure she was alright.

Trixie was in good condition if a little malnourished but she was in peak health aside from a bruised head. she dreamed of a time when her fame would rival that of the Wonderbolts and how she'd live off the fame. The bits rolling in, her fans dying to meet and greet her, a lovely assistant for her beck and call, and perhaps a nice marefriend to top it off. The first pony that came to mind was a pegasus. Something that she'd never considered in her life. It left a strange sensation in her heart. It felt heavy. Seeing her made her heart race. She was standing on her hind legs on the balcony which overlooked an open landscape in the night as the moon rose over the horizon making it hard to see the mares features. The mare was wearing a beautiful dress that hung to one side and had a single piece that flowed over her left shoulder with the wind. Her hair and tail resembled fire in compared to her yellow fur.

Trixie approached the mare cautiously towards the mare. She seemed so familiar to her yet, she didn't know who this mare was. The mare turned her head Trixie's head began to throb. Her mares face was blurred and she was speaking. The voice was clear to her but the face wasn't, yet it was all so familiar to her, then she heard a name.

Trixie.

Trixiiieee...

The voice kept calling out to her and with each time her name was spoken, her head ached more to the point where she couldn't stand anymore. She knelt to the ground gripping her head shaking violently as the voice called out to her.

Trixiiieee...

The voice became louder each time her name was spoken. And each time, the pain intensified tenfold. The mare was now turned around completely facing Trixie, her face completely blurred her dress flowing in the wind. The mare approached Trixie slowly tiptoeing closer.

Trixiiieee...

TRIXIIIEEE...

TRIXIIEEEEEEAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

***

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Trixie woke up screaming waking everypony in the adjacent rooms and alerting the staff who were in seconds after she began screaming. Spitfire was restraining her to the bed the bandages from her head coming undone while the doctor and nurses attempted to calm Trixie down. After a minute she finally managed to calm down. Panting, sweating, Trixie look at her surroundings seeing Spitfire and three nurses.

"What was that?" Spitfire asked still holding Trixie down.

"Trixie... ha... has no Idea..." she looked around to find she was in a hospital. "What happened to Trixie? The last thing she remembers was Fleetfoot talking to her about... something. Then, poof! Nothing." she made a poof gesture with her hooves going cross eyed making Spitfire laugh.

"Well it's good to see you in good spirits Miss Lulamoon. Since you're awake let's talk." the Doctor said standing next to her and Spitfire, while the nurses left closing the door behind them. He examined the clipboard a few seconds before speaking. "Well, good news! There's nothing wrong with you aside from a minor concussion!" He said excited. "Aside from that you are in perfect health, well minor malnutrition but that can be taken care of easily. No injuries aside from that, so we can check you out tomorrow and you won't need to stay. Great huh?"

Trixie was relieved to hear this but Spitfire was a little concerned. "You sure doctor, um?"

"Gore. Doctor Gore Ma'am." Spitfire gave him an odd look at hearing his name. "Yeah I get that a lot. No, the exams showed nothing wrong like I said aside from a minor concussion she's fine. Just make sure she doesn't take on anymore tables and she'll be fine."

"Well if you say so, doc." Spitfire looked over to Trixie smiling at her happy face as the doctor applied a new set of bandages.

"Well I'll leave you two alone then. Have a good night Miss Lulamoon." he said exiting the room.

Spitfire watched as Trixie got comfortable in her bed snuggling under the blanket. Spitfire began to preen her wing as Trixie got comfy. "So um, Spitfire?"

"What is it Trixie?" she said stopping her preening. She looked to see Trixie with her eyes peeking from under the covers.

"Can you stay with Trixie tonight?" she asked looking embarrassed.

Spitfire couldn't help but admire how cute she looked under her little wall of blanket. Like a child hiding from a monster under the bed. Spitfire thought giggling. "OK, fine I'll stay with ya, kiddo."

Trixie popped her entire head from under the covers glaring at the yellow pegasus. "Trixie is no child!" Spitfire was trying hard not to laugh at this point only causing Trixie to scowl. "Ha ha funny old lady. Laugh all you want, but Trixie is a young and beautiful maiden unlike you." Trixie huffed sticking her nose up. Spitfire gained control of herself hopping onto the bed looking at Trixie with a smug grin. "What?" she asked the pegasus.

Spitfire stared at her or a moment patting her on the back. "You'll get there one day too. Then you'll think about what you said and realize how true it really is." Trixie was about to say something but shut her mouth opting to say nothing.

"You're lucky Trixie is in a forgiving mood tonight." she nudged Spitfire with her elbow playfully keeping her serious demeanor.

"Well, I guess I better count my lucky stars for such mercy." she rolled her eyes looking out the window at the night sky. She shook her head. "Nah, too many stars to count. I'd rather just hang with a sweet mare I saved from a psycho bitch instead." she scooted close to Trixie snuggling next to the covered mare. Trixie blushed at the sudden contact and boldness from the mare.

"Sp-Spitfire, we barely met! Yo-you better not violate Trixie's body." she stammered covering herself as if she were caught naked.

"Oh, Trixie I would never violate a beautiful maiden such as yourself." Spitfire stoop doing a mock bow before getting under the covers with Trixie. "I'm just making sure you're safe from any harm. Oh." she looked at Trixie's head seeing the bruise from earlier under the bandages. "Hope you won't take on anymore tables like the doctor said."

Trixie elbowed the mare hard in the side causing her to fall off the bed. Spitfire landed on the floor flailing, she looked up at Trixie who snickered retreating under the covers giggling like a filly. "Oh you so asked for it!" She leapt onto the bed grabbing hold of the unicorn feeling for her under the blanket. She found the struggling unicorns sides and began to tickle her with her hooves. Trixie fought trying to break free but was unable to escape the strong arms that held her in place assaulting her sides.

"OK! OK! hahaha! You win le-let Trixie go this instant!" she said between gasping for breath and laughing to the point it hurt. Spitfire decided to stop before Trixie fell and hurt herself again. She accidentally released Trixie as she pulled with all her might to escape, not realizing Spitfire was about to release her, she flew across the bed going head first over the edge. Seeing it coming, Spitfire lunged catching Trixie twisting her own body falling on the floor cushioning Trixie from the fall. Trixie was about to thank her for the save when she realized the awkward position both had landed in. Somehow Spitfire had grabbed Trixie from the rear end and landed with her crotch in her face. She jumped off landing on the bed blushing hiding under the covers. "Trixie is sorry! Please don't be mad!" She sounded scared like a child pleading for their parents to not scold them after they did something wrong. Spitfire just laid on the ground panting slightly her heart was racing, her cheeks were burning.

She eventually stood up upon hearing Trixie sobbing under the covers. She was shaking so badly the metal bed frame rattled slightly from it. She climbed onto the bed and sat beside the lump in the center. She reached touching the lump causing it to go tense before relaxing onto her. Spitfire wrapped her wings around the blanket taking the rest of it and covering herself as well. After waiting a minute the sobbing stopped and Trixie popped out of the cover resting her head on Spitfire's chest. "Don't worry Trixie. It wasn't your fault." she cooed. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have been roughhousing after you injured your head." she said stroking her mane.

Trixie turned burying her face into Spitfire's neck rubbing against the yellow fur. So warm, and soft. she thought wiping her tears away with the blanket. "Spitfire?"

"Hmm? What's up?"

"Do you hate me?" Trixie asked worried.

Spitfire tightened her grip on the mare pressing her head against her chest. "No Trixie. No I don't hate you. In fact I like you." she placed a hoof under the unicorn's chin raising heir gaze to meet hers. In that moment when their eyes met there was no exchange of words, gestures, or anything. Trixie's heart was racing as she gazed into Spitfire's eyes. Spitfire was in a similar daze looking into Trixie's eyes.

"Trixie"
"Spitfire."

They both paused waiting for the other to speak first. Eventually Trixie was the first to go. "Spitfire, what do you see in Trixie? Is it just another pretty face to add to a long list of temporary championships or is it something more?" she asked averting her gaze.

Spitfire thought hard about this for a minute before the answer hit her. "I see myself in you."

Trixie scoffed at the remark. "That is sooo typical for an answer. I meant what do you really see?" Spitfire looked upset to what she said. She then poked Trixie in the forehead hard. Trixie swatted the hoof away scowling at her but seeing Spitfire was serious she averted her gaze briefly. "Sorry, Trixie didn't realize that you saw yourself in her. Tell you the truth, Trixie doesn't see it."

"And why's that?"

"Trixie is a failure, a liar, and a nopony in the eyes of others. There's nothing good about her."

Spitfire let out a heavy sigh shaking her head. "Trixie... there's a lot about you that's great! You're smart, brave, no you're heroic! You saved several ponies including a filly whose life you changed directly! Not to mention you're beautiful."

Trixie blushed at the comments pushing on Spitfire embarrassed. "Oh shush you. Please continue to praise Trixie." She placed her head on Spitfire's chest stoking the warm yellow fur.

Spitfire giggled at her antics. "Hey you mind if we lay down? My back hurts a bit."

"Sure. Only if Trixie gets to be on top." she said in a sultry tone.

"Shouldn't you take me to dinner first?" Spitfire remarked.

"Oh please." Trixie said pushing her down. "You think that just because you saved Trixie's life you're entitled to her mind, soul, and body? Humph, the nerve of some ponies." she then laid on top of Spitfire resting on her. "But for you Trixie will offer her body warmth for the night." she then kissed the flustered pegasus in the cheek before resting on her. Spitfire blushed as Trixie began fall asleep. After a minute Trixie was out like a light bulb. All the while Spitfire was stroking the sleeping mares mane soon falling to sleep as well. That night the two ponies slept soundly dreaming most wonderful dreams under the watchful moon in the sky.

Side Chapter

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*Meanwhile deep beneath Canterlot*

In a torch lit room guarded by two griffons and two threshal mares, was a portal made of a dark violet crystal. It was a hexagonal pad with eight crystalline that arched upwards. It lit brightly as two ponies, Blaze followed by Ruby phased into existence. The guards saluted as they past. They entered a hallway with portraits. Ruby walked beside his sister admiring her from the rear. Then something occured to him. What was it Blaze had said the night befrore? Abomination of the natural order or something? He wasn't sure, he was bad at remembering finer details even from the night prior, but he was sure it was something along those lines. He sped up coming side by side with Blaze catching her attention. Not stopping she looked at him before addressing him. "What is it Ruby? You look like you want to ask me something."

He looked up at the portraits of his ancestors, ones who were griffons, changelings, and even the seapony who was their great great grandmother. "Sis, what did you mean before about the timberwolves being abominations?" he asked cutting infront of his sister stopping her in her tracks. "Why do you view them as such?"

Now he had her attention. "What exactly is bothering you Ruby?" she asked the young stallion.

"Aren't we abominations as the timberwolves are?" he asked.

"DON'T YOU EVER SAY SUCH A THING AGAIN!" Blaze screamed slapping him hard enough to send him across the hall and into a set of double doors. "Don't you dare compare me to those... those... MONSTERS! You know what they did to ME!" her voiced echoed down the hall. Ruby stood up shaken by his sisters outburst when the double doors opened revealing Solarflare.

Solarflare looked tired. She was in a robe, her mane was a mess, and she had bags under her eyes. She glared at Ruby who cowered lowering himself to the ground. "And stop being such a pussy! Grow a pair already! Solarflare isn't going to smite you or-"

"SILENCE YOURSELF BLAZE!" Solarflare roared at her younger sibling. "Look, I'm tired and you two aren't making it any easier to sleep tonight now what is going on?!" she yelled at the two ponies. Ruby was to scared to speak and Blaze simply stomped off to her room. Along the way she past a griffoness guard. "You come with me. Take your armor off and get my toys and the lubricant out." The griffoness nodded following close behind closing the doors to Blaze's room behind her.

Solarflare rubbed her temples groaning. "Ugh, I swear you two make me want to kill myself sometimes." she growled looking at Ruby who was sitting doing his best impersonation of a statue. "Well what happened?"

Ruby looked at the ground in shame. "I, um, I think I insulted Blaze on accident." he said in a sad tone pawing the ground.

"You think? Sure sounds like you did." Solarflare stated.

"All I did was ask her why e're not abominations like the timberwolves that's all! She was the one who got mad! I was just curious!" he cried hitting the ground denting the wooden floors. Solarflare looked down at Ruby who was now on the verge of tears. "I didn't mean to call her an abomination it just sounded like that. Really..."

She shook her head walking over to the smaller unicorn wrapping an arm around him. "Ruby you dunderhead." she said bonking him on the head lightly. "You know she hates timberwolves, so why id you say that?" she pulled him into a hug. "It was an accident, big sis. I swear it was an accident." He buried his face into Solarflare's chest.

She patted him on the back trying to comfort him. Great, now I'm coddling him. she thought sarcastically realizing the irony. "Look Ruby, why don't we spend the night together huh? Would you like that?"

The young stallions mood changed quickly. in a moment he was smiling looking up to his sister. "You really mean it? Quality time with you? Wee never do that anymore!" he pulled her into a death grip like hug.

"Now, now, Ruby you know the rules." he looked up at her curiously tilting his head to the side. "Protection first."

"Huh? What do you mean, 'protection'?" he didn't get what Solarflare was talking about until her lips connected with his catching him off guard. "Oh, that's what you meant. OK, well we- I was actually hoping to just spend some time with you. You know without rutting each other for the night? We never spend any time together as is, big sis."

She puffed her cheeks turning her nose up to him. "Fine be that way." she turned her back on him in mock anger and went to her room as he followed. She room was massive bed in the center of a round room with curtain s around it. The room itself was orange with several large banners hanging from it donning Solarflare's cutiemark on them.There was several bookshelves inside all surrounding the bed, one had a large vanity with a stage on it. Solareflare sure loves to see herself. Huh takes vanity mirror to a whole new level. he thought chuckling to himself.

Solarflare walked over to a large cushion, lying down on it she levitated a massive book over to a small table next to her patting the cushion with her hoof. "Come sit with me Ruby." the young stallion obeyed. He walked over sitting next to his sister on the soft cushion. She laid him down on his back before doing so herself. She stroked his cutiemark before reaching for his crotch only to be blocked by him crossing his legs. She glared at him as he stared back at her crossing his arms. "Spoil sport." she said sticking her tongue out at him. As she did so he lunged forwards assaulting her lips his tongue invading her mouth forcing her to retract hers in order to fend him off. They fought for dominance for over a minute before she submitted to him rolling over onto her back leaving him atop of her. "Fine you win for now, but serious time." she said clapping her hooves.

He rolled off her onto the cushion groaning. "Argh, but sis!" he whined.

"Oh you be quiet." she scolded. After a moment her expression softened. She wrapped both arms around his waist pulling him closer kissing him on the forehead. "Look about the other night. I realize it was a bit harsh, but I meant what I said. You need to learn to not make such mistakes Ruby. If I wasn't there there's no telling what would have happened to you two. I mean it Ruby I was worried."

"In know." he said looking up to her with a big smile on his face. "It means a lot to me to have you care about us." He rolled over onto his stomach scooting close to Solarflare so he could lean on her. "So, what lessons do you have in store for me tonight sister?"

She levitated a biology manual opening it to a chapter on genetics. "I'm going to educate you on something called eugenics." she said grinning.

Reestablished Links

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Manehatten Hospital

Spitfire was in a deep sleep. The world ceased to exist as she floated in the dark void. No dreams. No nightmares. No thoughts. Just absolute darkness and peace. Light became visible and she heard a sound, like a soft grunt. It repeated several times in a rhythm of sort. What was that strange noise? Soon the grunts were accompanied by a voice counting.

"Fourty-four, ugh... fourty-five." it said.

The voice sounded familiar to her. Spitfire began to roll as she felt a sharp dropping sensation like she fell off a ledge. "Holy hurricanes!" Startled by the feeling she was jolted awake to find herself in the hospital bed looking around. Trixie was off to the side doing sit-ups watching Spitfire, but not stopping.

"You OK there, Spits?" she asked.

Spitfire looked over to Trixie rubbing her arm embarrassed. "Yeah I'm fine." she stretched her body in a cat like manner flexing her wings slightly. "Glad to see you're OK. The bump on your head sure didn't slow you down did it?" She leapt off the bed gliding next to Trixie as she stood up from her morning routine.

"Yeah, but it still hurts a bit. Trixie had no idea the bar table was that hard." she said rubbing her horn at its base. "Trixie intends not to do that again!"

They both shared a laugh hugging each other. The sun shined through the window warming them both up. As they broke apart there was a knocking at the door. Spitfire opened it to reveal Doctor Gore, Octavia, and Silver Spoon. The metallic filly ran past the adults leaping into Trixie hugging her. "Trixie you're OK! I was worried when they brought you here! Are you OK? How's your head?" she bombarded her in a panic.

Octavia walked over pulling Silver Spoon off giving her an unamused look. "Young lady that is not how we greet ponies especially after they've been through a great ordeal such as yesterday." she scolded the filly. Silver Spoon looked ashamed. "I'm sorry about this Trixie. Silver Spoon often gets worked up when a friend is hurt." she looked over to the filly nudging her gently. "Go on say you're sorry."

Silver Spoon walked over sitting in front of Trixie looking dejected. "I'm sorry for being a bother Miss Trixie." To everyponies surprise, Trixie hugged the little filly petting her head comfortingly.

"It's OK Silver Spoon. I'm glad you were worried about me." Trixie looked over to the group specifically the doctor. "So Doctor Gore was it? When can Trixie be discharged?"

The stallion walked over looking at his board scribbling something down before he handed it over to Trixie. "Just sign here at the bottom and you're free to go."

"That's it?"

"That's it. You didn't sustain any permanent injuries aside from a bruised head. I'd still say lay off magic for the next week and come back for a checkup. Other than that your free to go!" he said cheerfully smiling.

Trixie eyed the doctor oddly. It seemed so strange for a stallion with a name like GORE, to be so cheery all the time. It struck her as odd. She wasn't the only one, everypony who wasn't part of the staff took a step back from the cheerful stallion looking nervously at him. Trixie signed the papers and within a few minutes she was out the main entrance with everypony around her.

Silver Spoon was walking next to Trixie with Octavia Spitfire was on the other side of Trixie, walking so close it looked like she was touching her. "So Trixie," Spitfire said getting the unicorn mares attention. "What you planning on doing tonight? Anything you want to do since you can't use your magic?" Trixie was opening her mouth to speak when Spifire spoke first stopping her before a word got out. "And no you aren't going anywhere until the doctor gives us the OK. Got that?"

Trixie huffed sticking her nose up in a snooty manner. "Yes mother. Trixie promises to also take her vitamins." she said sarcastically as possible.

Silver Spoon laughed at her as Spitfire placed a wing over Trixie's shoulder. "Hey now mother knows best Trixie." she said jokingly giggling, Octavia and Silver Spoon joined too. Trixie scowled at the filly as a dark cloud appeared over her head. "Traitor." she said to the metallic filly.

Silver Spoon stood on her hind legs hugging Trixie around the neck. "Don't worry Miss Trixie you're my second favorite pony in the world!"

Trixie quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, so who is better that the Great and Powerful Trixie in your eyes young Silver?" she asked curious.

"My friend DT of course!" she yelled still standing awkwardly throwing her arms in the air. AHEM. She looked over her shoulder to see Octavia tapping her hoof on the pavement squinting her eyes at the filly. "I-I mean my auntie of course!" She hugged Octavia who rolled her eyes and continued to walk dragging the disgruntled filly with her. "Oh come on auntie I'm sorry!"

Spitfire and Trixie laughed at the scene of Octavia dragging Silver Spoon not even phased from having her hanging onto her neck. As they continued walking Silver Spoon finally let go of Octavia and Spitfire still had Trixie in a wing hold. They continued to walk until them came to the Ivory Tower Apartments. "So, Octy, you and Silver coming up?" Spitfire asked the older earthpony. Octavia glared at her tapping her hoof again. Trixie noticed she tended to do this when aggravated. Must be a nervous twitch.she thought.

"As much as I'd love to Spitfire I have to get Silver Spoon home. Her mother is strict on timing since the incident in the forest. So we can't stay but thank you for the offer. Perhaps another time?" she looked down to her niece who bobbed her head excitedly.

"Sure next time then." she knelt down to Silver Spoon. "You take care now and make sure your aunt doesn't kill her marefriend." Whack! Spitfire winced gripping her head as Octavia swung a hoof across her head leaving a tinging sensation behind. "What was that for?"

"Humph. Come along Silver Spoon. Say goodbye to Trixie and the horse- I mean Miss Spitfire and let's be off." she turned and looked at Trixie. "I look forward to seeing you again Trixie. It was nice to meet you and I'm glad you're alright." She held out a hoof. Trixie inspected the hoof before shaking it. "Thanks Miss Octavia."

"Please, Octavia is fine." she responded sternly tightening her grip on Trixie's hoof.

Trixie pulled her hoof away from the earth ponies vice grip. Rubbing her hoof she glared at Octavia who was grinning. Grinning back Trixie walked over to Silver Spoon and whispered into her ear. Spitfire listened in too and all three began to giggle looking at Octavia. Silver Spoon hugged Trixie rubbing her nose against her chest. "Bye Trixie. Promise you'll visit sometime?"

The unicorn hugged her back. "Of course little one. I will." she released her and the two earth ponies left after a quick wave goodbye leaving the two show ponies behind. Spitfire walked beside Trixie. "Come on let's head up. I want to make sure everything is still there after the crew came by." As the two headed upstairs a letter was taped on Spitfire's door. Spitfire took it off before unlocking the door and letting Trixie go in first. After wards she followed closing the door behind them throwing the note onto the counter intending to read it later.

The apartment was all in order. The damage fixed and Spitfire wasn't happier to see here place in one piece again. Her gym was completely redone with new equipment and her cloud track was redone. The floor was polished to a perfect shine that one could see their reflection in it. As the two ponies walked about they heard a bark come from one of the rooms. A high squeaky bark muffled by the walls, but it was an unmistakable bark sound.

"Spitfire wait. Trixie hears something." the azure unicorn stopped in her tracks glancing around. Spitfire looked around trying to pinpoint it, her ears twitched ever so slightly like a radar trying to detect the faintest signal from any direction. BARK BARK! Spitfire pointed down the hall outside the gym. "I think it's coming from the guest bedroom." she spoke in a low tone to Trixie. Trixie nodded and together they crept silently heading down the hall as the barking became louder the closer the got. The sound lead them to the room Trixie was staying in much to their surprise.

Cautiously Spitfire opened the door heading in first followed by Trixie. When they entered the first thing they noticed was a new edition to the room. A bush with small ping flowers was in the corner of the room shuffling every few seconds. Spitfire regarded it with caution, but Trixie looked excited as she threw caution to the wind and trotted over to the bush.

"Trixie!" Spitfire called in a hushed but urgent tone trying to stop her. "You don't know what that is."

Trixie ignored the pegasus and sat next to the bush. She then crouched like a cat ready to pounce on its prey. She then she poked it with her nose saying, "I found you!" Suddenly the bush opened up into a small green dog with grass like fur and light blue eyes. It too was crouched wagging its tail happily at the sight of Trixie. It licked her nose before she scooped the little guy up embracing him. "LINK it is you!" she spun in place as the young timberwolf licked her barking in a happy tone wagging his tail.

Spitfire all the while watched in bewilderment. Never had she seen such a sight. She fought monsters of all shapes and sizes seen many magical creatures, but this one was new to her. Seeing the look on her face, Trixie held Link up to Spitfire so she could see him. "Spitfire, Trixie would like you to meet Link!" Spitfire tilted her head unsure of what Trixie was getting at. "Link is the timberwolf cub she told you about." she said seeing the disgruntled look on her face. Spitfire made a small O with her mouth as recognition came to her. Link then squirmed forward licking Spitfire in the nose making her rear back. "Blegh! It's in my mouth! Gross!" she spit several times as Trixie laughed at her cradling Link in her arms rocking him.

"Har har." she said sarcastically. "So, this is Link?" she walked over to Trixie looking curiously at the young timberwolf. She noticed how different he looked compared to the timberwolves she'd seen and read about. He was green and full of life, like a little chia pet come to life. The little cub looked up at Spitfire, trying to wiggle closer to her Trixie put him down and he crept closer to Spitfire. The pegasus took a step back not taking her eye off the cub. She knew how dangerous timbewolves were, and she didn't trust this one any more than she could throw Soarin of of Pette's Pie Bar.

"Trixie?" she asked warily.

Trixie could see her discomfort. Walking over next to the pegasus, Trixie sat next to her using her magic to make her do the same. Link continued to creep forward with his look of wonder, and Spitfire was shaking ever so slightly. Trixie wrapped an arm around her. "Don't worry my yellow feathered friend. Link won't hurt you as long as you don't hurt him." She then crouched down to meet his height. "Come here Link! Come here boy!" she tapped the ground as the little cub scampered to her licking her nose. Trixie giggled as she rolled on the ground and he followed her example rolling as well.

Spitfire smiled at the childish display She crouched next to the cub as he laid sprawled on his back looking at her. He barked once hopping back to his feet licking Spitfire on the nose before rubbing his body against hers like a cat. Spitfire couldn't help thinking he was the cutest thing in the world. She allowed him to sniff her and become accustom to her. "He seems so tame Trixie," she said surprised, "you trained him well for a wild animal."

Trixie looked offended scooping Link up in her arms protectively. "Link is no wild animal, and you will refrain from calling him such!" HUMPH. She stuck her nose up. Link did the same. Spitfire rolled her eyes sighing in exasperation. "Gosh Trixie, he's just like you. Is he going to start talking in third pony as well?"

Trixie puffed her cheeks glaring at the pegasus. Her horn glowed as Link was levitated to the bed, Spitfire watched as the cub landed softly on the bed before Trixie tackled her to the ground with a wild scream. The two ponies wrestled on the ground giggling like school fillies while Link barked happily running back and forth on the bed too afraid to jump down.

Spitfire eventually pinned Trixie to the ground. Holding her down by the shoulders. They looked at each other panting heavily, their coats damped from sweating. Spitfire then brought her wing to Trixie's sides causing her to squirm. "Now Trixie," she said grinning, "you can't escape justice! And I'm about to bring it down on you like Commander Hurricane did to the other tribes of old!"

Trixie was panicking inside. She hated being tickled almost as much as she hated ursas, but she wasn't strong enough to get the pegasus off her. Link barked from his spot on the bed sparking an idea in her mind. Lighting up her horn Trixie took hold of him levitating him behind Spitfire. Spitfire noticed her horn glowing and rubbed her nose to Trixie's. "Now Trixie, if you do anything rashly I won't go easy on you afterwards-" before she could finish Link popped up in front of her licking her in the mouth once again forcing her to release her captive spitting off to the side.

"You'll never take Trixie alive!" she yelled playfully.

Trixie stood up and made a break for the door placing Link on her back. "Good boy Link, mamma's so proud of you." She ran down the hall into the living room placing Link on the floor hiding in a nearby room giggling to herself, as Spitfire came rushing in the living room she spotted Link siting on the carpet licking his paw. She walked over to the cub sitting next to him petting him on the head. "So little one. Where's Trixie hiding?" she asked him. He made a sort of purring as he laid on his back exposing his belly giving a cute expression at Spitfire. She rubbed his belly making him kick his little green leg over and over. "Aww, you're just the cutest thing, yes you are. And to think i thought of you as nothing more than a simple animal." she looked around seeing one of the doors ajar. Her eyes widened as panic began to envelop her. "Aw crap."

She bolted for the door opening it to a large study that had newspaper clippings all over the walls, pictures, books, medical journals, and research papers on pegasus anatomy all around a single large crescent shaped desk. The only light was from a candle that Trixie held with her magic. Trixie was reading a document on pegasi wings and how they function when she saw Spitfire stood beside her. Trixie looked at her guiltily as she closed the document with her hoof looking at Spitfire in the eyes.

"Sorry. I know I wasn't allowed in here but..." She was cut off by a hoof gently pressing her lips. Spitfire looked at her not with anger, or disappointment, but understanding. She knew Trixie meant no harm coming in here. She slowly took her hoof across Trixie's cheek placing it on the back of her head leaning inwards kissing Trixie on the forehead.

"It's OK Trixie. Don't worry about it," she gave her a quick kiss on the lips, "There are somethings I need to tell you about myself, and well, since Soarin blabbed his yowling howler, I need to tell you about Vector and me." she said picking up a book opening it, but Trixie's magic closed the book. Spitfire looked over to Trixie with a surprised look. Trixie was shaking her head as she reached for the book with her hoof. "Trixie doesn't care right now," she placed her hoof on Spitfire's, "she only cares about you right now. Come on let's go to your room and maybe, The Great and Powerful Trixie will show you her amazing abilities to preen a pegasus." she said walking past Spitfire who held a dumb expression. Spitfire snapped out of her daze, grinning at Trixie she leapt after her both running to her room slamming the door to the study shut. In her rush Spitfire had dropped the book she was holding and it fell open to the page she'd marked and a photo floated down landing next to the candle.

The photo was Spitfire and Vector in a loving embrace kissing each other at Pette's Pie Bar. Vector was holding onto Spitfire by the hips while Spitfire held Vector by the neck both sitting at a table with nopony in the back ground. At the bottom of the photo was a short written message that read: To the secret Fire in my heart now and forever. See you next week for our secret date.

Love Vector.

Passions and Duty

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At the top of the Ivory Tower Apartments, a green timberwolf slept soundly in a semi-circular couch basking in the sun. He laid on his back kicking occasionally as he dreamed of open fields of grass and flowers. Meanwhile down a hall in the master bedroom two ponies slept soundly after an hour of rough housing and foreplay.

Trixie had her head on Spitfire's chest, sighing contently. Her head rising with the yellow chest she used as a pillow. The room was warm and a strong sensual odor hung in the air. Both ponies were as happy as can be. They had each other and that 's all that mattered. At least that's what Trixie would have said.

While she was happy being with Spitfire, the azure mare wanted to rekindle her career. She wanted to travel and perform like she did not so long ago. At the same time she wanted to stay with Spitfire, but her ruined reputation would drag them both down in the long run. After so long she found somepony willing to be with her. Maybe not as a fan, but as a friend. A lover even.

As she laid there she awoke to the sound of a loud snore. Spitfire twitched involuntarily causing her jump. Trixie swore under her breath as she fell out of the bed. She glared at the sleeping pegasus making rude gestures to her not saying a word. To anyone else it would seem she was acting like a mime.

After a loud snore the pegasus rolled over laying with her face in the pillow. Oh just you wait. she thought climbing on the bed. Trixie stood over her target, grinning at the pegasus. "Just you wait." she said as her horn began to glow. A pillow floated over to her just over Spitfire.

Grinning she lifted the pillow and brought it down on the sleeping mare. Phoomp! Spitfire jumped from the bed flying straight to the ceiling. A dull thud was heard as she made contact with it. Afterwards she fell back onto the bed bouncing twice, shaking her head. Trixie rolled over laughing at her. Spitfire glared down at the unicorn.

"Not funny."

"Sorry love." She responded. "You're OK though?"

The pegasus continued to glare down at Trixie, who smiled nervously. Seeing the concern in her eyes warmed Spitfire's heart. Her facial expression softened up as she reached down, lifting Trixie up onto the bed. The two sat beside each other. Neither spoke to the other. Eventually Spitfire leaned into Trixie knocking her over.

With a loud "eek!" Trixie rolled over on her stomach as Spitfire laid on her back. Trixie puffed her cheeks trying to push the larger mare off her. The blankets slid as the unicorn struggled to stand, only to fall back again. This went on for several minutes. Spitfire giggled at the unicorns vain struggled to move her larger body from on top of her.

"Trixie swears you'll get what's coming fatty!" Trixie yelled as the Spitfire.

The larger mare grinned. "You know," she said kissing Trixie on the forehead. "You keep this up and I won't let you get up." She threatened her lover. The smaller unicorn stopped her struggle. From beneath her a blue head looked up at her. Trixie stared at her partner as her horn lit up. Spitfire found herself gently being unwillingly lifted into the air. Her limbs flailed as she struggled against the unicorns magic.

Suddenly a small orange trail of smoke came into the room. Trixie and Spitfire watched as it rolled into itself to the point of nonexistence before popping into a scroll. Trixie set Spitfire down, who reached for the scroll. Opening it Spitfire read through it before rolling it up and throwing it on the bed. Not saying a word she went to her closet and donned her Wonderbolt uniform. She had a determined look on her face.

Walking to the door she was intercepted by Trixie. She looked worried. The now Wonderbolt could see the concern in her eyes. Knowing what was coming, she decided to tell Trixie what was going on.

"I have to go take care of some Wonderbolt business Trixe." she said hugging her.

"Trixie wants to know what's so important that you have to run off so suddenly." the young mare demanded. "What's happening?"

Spitfire bit her tongue. She didn't want to tell her what she was doing. But she knew if Trixie didn't know she'd find out in the paper eventually. "Fine, Trix, I'll tell you." she sighed. "I'm taking the team to Ponyville to fight a dragon."

Trixie stared at her for a moment unable to say anything. "come again?" she walked up to the pegasus flicking her own ear. "Trixie must have misheard you. Heh, she thought you said dragon?"

Spitfire nodded nervously. "Yes, a dragon. In Ponyville."

Trixie had n unamused look on her face. Spitfire didn't waver the least. "I have to go Trixie. They need us."

"A dragon? Why can't Twilight Sparkle take care of it?"

Spitfire's eye twitched at the mention of this. True she took care of the ursa minor and she was an Element of Harmony who took down Nightmare Moon. So it seemed odd they couldn't take care of something like this on their home turf. Then again, Spitfire didn't know how the Elements of Harmony worked. Rumor was the bearers of them didn't know either. Admittedly, she didn't understand it all. All spitfire knew was there was a dragon and heroes or not a Wonderbolt does what they can to save and help others. No matter the cost.

She looked down at Trixie, pulling her into a tight hug. "I don't know Trixie. I won't lie I'm scared to go fight a dragon." she said walking her marefriend to the bed sitting on it with her. "I understand how you feel after what you've been through. But you don't have to worry." She stroked Trixie's cheek gently with her hoof. The unicorn held the hoof as if it was if it the last life preserver in a storm tossed sea.

"Trixie understands." she said kissing the hoof twice. "You better not keep Trixie waiting!" she exclaimed startling Spitfire.

"You know me!" the pegasus said proudly.

"Trixie sure does." she said in a sarcastic tone.

Spitfire gave her marefriend a stern look. Trixie responded by trying to look as cute as possible. It worked too. She went wide eyed and rubbed against the blue suit Spitfire wore melting her heart.

"Oh Trixie." she cooed kissing her. "I won't be long but I really need to get going. See you tonight love."

"Be careful and don't strain yourself!" the azure mare called to her partner. "And you better survive or Trixie will never speak to you again!"

As the Wonderbolt ran through the hall she rolled her eyes at Trixie's last comment. If I don't survive I'll be dead silly. Talking will be irrelevant.. she thought. It's the thought that counts though. She smiled opening the door to her personal workout area. She leapt flying through her open glass ceiling flying off to meet her team at the Wonderbolt Academy before heading to Ponyville.

Trixie was left sitting on the bed alone in the dark. The scroll was next to her. She thought about looking at it but decided not to. It wasn't her place. Sudden;y her stomach growled, she hadn't eaten yet. Deciding that waiting would do her no good, she got off the bed taking the scroll with her magic, heading for the kitchen.

As she reached the hall door to the main area she found Link sleeping on the couch. The young timberwolf cub was still on his back basking in the sun. His tiny legs moved occasionally as his chest rose up and down. Trixie couldn't help but watch the adorable cub for a few moments. taking her gaze from the cub she continued on her way to the kitchen.

After making a hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, hay bacon and toast, she decided to go do some reading. Taking a book she kept with her since she left her home, she sat on the couch and opened to a bookmarked chapter and began to read. It was a tragic tale of a mare who tried to use dark and blood magic to gain power through a magical charm she created. Power she tried to use to protect her husband and daughter.

At first all was going well for her and her family. But as time went on she slowly lost her mind to the magic she used. Killing her husband thinking it was the only way to keep him safe she turned on her daughter. The young mare pleaded with her mother not to succumb to the dark magics, but her mind was already gone. Seeing no way to reason with her the daughter killed her mother. Not before she ensnared her soul to the charm and kept it close trying to bring her mother back. She died never seeing her mother again and the soul charm, as it was called, was lost forever.

Trixie always cried when she read this story. She wiped the tears away as Link made his way to her. He was awoken by her crying and was trying to comfort his friend. He barked happily at his unicorn owner leaping into her lap. He stood licking her in the face causing her to laugh.

"Link! Stop! Bad boy!" she giggled falling back onto the couch hugging the cub. After a few minutes of playing with Link the two settled down. Laying on the floor, the two waited out the day.Night fell and Trixie retreated to the room with link for the night.

The next morning she was awoken abruptly by Link barking wildly as she heard her name being yelled several times. As she sat up about to get out of bed, Fleetfoot barged through the door. Literally.

"TRIXIE! There you are you have to come quickly! Spitfire's in the hospital!" she leapt over the timberwolf grabbing the confused mare out of bed. Taking hold of her she flew through the hall and out through the training room ceiling.

"Fleetfoot what happened!?" she yelled at the teal pegasus.

Fleetfoot was frantically beating her wings ignoring everything around her. She was heading towards Manehatten General Hospital. "I said Spitfire's in the hospital! She's hurt badly!"

Trixie's heart skipped a beat. She was afraid this might happen but to hear that Spitfire was in the hospital scared her. Not saying another word the two flew straight to the hospital as the world around them became a blur as a teal stream passed by the building at reckless speeds.

Hang on love. Trixie's on her way.

Falling From the Light

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It took over ten minutes for Fleetfoot to carry Trixie to the hospital. A record for her. Trixie was amazed at how quickly she flew across the skies. There was a few near misses with buildings but nothing hindered them. When they arrived every Wonderbolt was there. Everyone. Many looked sad or worried, like Soarin and Fleetfoot. Others like Lightning Strike and High Winds were merely waiting to see when she was going to get up. They were not worried at all.

All heads turned to Fleetfoot and Trixie. It was odd being the center of attention when you're not performing. Trixie thought. She was always one for attention, but this was different. These were Spitfire's coworkers, friends, and Trixie was an outsider. Just like she was in Ponyville. Contrary to belief, when she entered that small town she was very nervous. It took a lot to keep her cool during all the heckling. She prevailed then and she would now.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward as all the Wonderbolts stood aside letting her pass. Fleetfoot followed close behind. The teams eyes never left the azure unicorn as she made her way through them. Soarin stood at a door with 13D in it. As Trixie walked up to him, he held the door open for her. She nodded to him and he did so back. After entering the room Soarin closed the door giving her and Spitfire some privacy.

"You sure about this?" Fleetfoot asked Soarin staying behind as well.

He sighed shaking his head. "She'll be fine Fleetfoot. I know the Captain. She's tough as nails." he said walking past her. She followed, as did the team, stopping to glance at the door. "It's not her physical health I'm worried about." she muttered to herself.

Room 13D.

Trixie entered room 13D. Inside she found a typical room for a hospital. Grey and white walls, a large bed, and table. A tv was in the corner playing the news. Trixie ignored it focusing on the flame maned pegasus she'd come to see. She wasn't in bed but standing in front of the window. Spitfire was looking out into the city unmoving. Trixie walked around the bed to her. The soft clopping of her hooves echoed slightly as she approached.

"I'm glad you came Trixie." Spitfire said not turning to look at her. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Trixie came as soon as she heard." She stood by the bed tapping her hoof nervously. "Fleetfoot said you were hurt by a dragon. Trixie feared the worst."

She went up beside the pegasus, pressing her body against hers. Spitfire wrapped a wing around her holding her tightly. Her gaze never left the window. She was staring blankly outside. Trixie observed outside as well. It was a beautiful night. The moon shined across the land casting shadows over the land. It also light some of the darkest areas within the city so ponies could see. They loved the night. It was a night like this that brought them together.

Together. Trixie thought pressing her lips against Spitfire's neck. The larger mare shivered from the sudden contact. A small grin donned the mares face. She looked down at the unicorn. She then lifted Trixie's arms up around her waist as she moved in front of her. Wrapping her own arms around Trixie's neck she pulled her into a passionate kiss. Breaking from the kiss, Trixie used her magic to wrapped the bed blanket around them. The added warmth was enjoyable and comfortable to them.

They spent the next several minutes in silence looking out the window. "Trixie, you awake?" Trixie responded with a kiss on her cheek. "Well, glad to see you're in a good mood." From underneath the cover she wrapped her wings around Trixie.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Trixie asked Spitfire.

The fiery mare giggled. "Straight to the point I see." She stroked Trixie's mane making her purr like a cat. She was in heaven from the hoof running through her mane. "Aww, you're so cute." She stopped petting her and put on a more serious look. Not urgent but a sad serious face. "Trixie? Have you ever thought about having kids before?" she asked putting her chin on her head.

"Yes and the answer is no. Trixie won't ruin her perfect figure for anything!" she said haughty. She then narrowed her eyes guessing where this might be going. "Why do you ask?" she said feigning ignorance.

Spitfire looked upset. "I've always wanted kids. Never had the time... or stallion to do it with." She placed both hooves on Trixies face making her look into her eyes. It wasn't forceful but determined. "I want to know Trixie. If we keep our relationship... do you care if I have kids adopted or otherwise?" She was anxious to hear what Trixie had to say.

Trixie on the other hoof never really gave it much thought. It was true what she said to Spitfire but she never considered adoption either. She then thought about her family. Her mother and father were always there for her even thought she pushed them away all her life. I wish I wasn't such a brat growing up now. Even though she never considered the possibility she wouldn't deny her mate the same luxury.

She looked up to Spitfire, smiling at her. "Trixie wouldn't mind it. As long as you're happy, then Trixie is happy too."

The two nuzzled each other. Spitfire then picked up Trixie and slowly waddled over to the bed. She lifted Trixie laying on her back and rolled over putting Trixie beside her on the bed. Still covered, they separated and laid the blanket over them no longer wrapped by the constricting blanket, Spitfire laid on top of Trixie.

"Trixie." The azure mare looked up to her. " I know we just met and our relationship has gone beyond mere friendship. But... I love you Trixie. In my heart i know I do."

"Trixie feels the same. You made her feel welcomed even when others wouldn't." She kissed her again.

"Thank you Trixie." Spitfire said licking her on the neck. "Fighting that dragon made me realize something today. I'm not immortal. I know my own mortality now." She looked to the window as if deep in thought. "I realize I can't be reckless anymore. I learned just what that can get you. The reason I bring this up is because... I lost something very important today."

She laid on her back throwing the cover to the side exposing herself to Trixie. Slowly she spread her legs showing herself to Trixie. The azure unicorn averted her gaze blushing. Then she looked again to see that Spitfire was in tears covering herself like she was embarrassed. "I figured you'd think that after you saw the scars. It's disgusting I know."

Then it clicked. She wasn't; showing herself to Trixie but something else. Trixie slowly placed a hoof on her mates hooves gently pulling on them. Spitfire resisted but Trixie persisted. "Please Spitfire. It's OK you don't need to feel embarrassed. It wasn't the scars Trixie looked away for." The pegasus looked unsure. "Please love. Show me." Trixie said putting on her sad face. She couldn't say no to that face. Once again she slowly, but reluctantly, opened herself up to Trixie. Trixie blushed again expecting to see something beautiful, that is until she saw the scars.

"Oh, by the gods."

Spitfire had been heavily stitched up. Her belly was missing its fur along with her inner thighs. A massive stitch line ran from her waist down to her marehood. Two more were on either side an two more on her legs. She looked like a mangled mess underneath.

"Trixie, I can't... I can't..." she tried to speak but couldn't bring herself to say anything as she began to cry. She lunged into the azure mares shoulder wailing. Trixie wanted to say something, anything. But every time she felt it would have made things worse. So she waited.

Eventually Spitfire calmed down. When she did, Trixie had made her decision. "Love. If you want children then let's do it."

The pegasus mare gave her a weak smile. "Really? You don't mind if we do?"

She held up a hoof. "There are some ground rules. First off we'll wait for no less than one year. Give Trixie time to reestablish herself." Spitfire nodded. "Second, we'll always consider adoption first. I would never deny you your happiness love. But we must be patient."

Spitfire nodded in agreement.

"Last and only if we can't adopt Trixie will consider bearing foals for you." she said laying down in her mates chest. "Funny but wasn't Trixie here not long ago too? Funny how things work out huh?" she asked Spitfire, kissing her.

Spitfire laughed gasping as she felt a strong pain in her stomach. "Oh, Trixiiieee." she whined. The smaller mare sighed rolling over trying to ignore her mate. "Trixiiieee... Trixiieee..." she continued to whine.

"What Spitfire?" Trixie sighed rolling over to face her. The yellow mare stared not saying a word. She had a goofy look. It made Trixie feel uncomfortable. "What?" she asked sternly.

"Can I have kisses?"

"What?"

"Kisses?"

"Ugh, fine." Trixie leaned over to kiss Spitfire on the lips but was stopped by her hoof.

"No, not there." she pointed down. "Down there." she grinned patting Trixie on the head. The azure mare turned red at the implication. Absentmindedly nodding she ducked under the covers. In moments Spitfire was moaning softly as she rubbed Trixie's head beneath the covers.

Suddenly there was a knocking at the door. Quickly Spitfire pressed Trixie down into her. Unfortunately Trixie had her mouth open and was now devouring Spitfire's foalhole whole. A nurse came in looking concerned. "Miss Spitfire are you alright? I heard you moaning, are you in pain?" she looked to see if Spitfire was OK. She pressed a hoof over her head, it was unusually warm. "Oh dear! You're burning up!" she sniffed the air. It was stiff and stale. "Let's open a window for you.

She walked over opening the nearest window slightly ajar. Trixie took the opportunity to try and shift herself under the covers. She was having trouble breathing through her nose, which caused her to try and breath through her mouth. This only aroused the now stiff pegasus to where she laid against the headboard of the bed to keep her wings down. Oh Trixie stop. she desperately thought.

She looked to see the nurse walking over and tried hard to keep a straight face. "There, how's that ma'am?" the young nurse asked. Spitfire's eyes darted from her covers to the nurse as she walked around taking her temperature. "Hmm. You seem to be running a fever. I'll get the doctor in here to check on you." The nurse turned to leave. Spitfire was panicking now and Trixie couldn't breath enough to panic about anything else. Then Spitfire did the only thing she could think of.

"Wa-wait!" She blurted out to the nurse, who stopped and gave her undivided attention. "I was... I was not hot. I mean I was but it's not from what you think. You see... I was um," sh stuttered trying to figure out how to say this. "I was having my private time. You know. Myself time?" she wiggled her eyebrows to the nurse as her wings shot up.

It took a moment before the poor nurse realized what she meant. She blushed and circled in place. "Oh, dear! I'm so sorry I didn't' know! I'll leave and come back later!Sorrytobotheryou!" she zipped out of the room closing the door behind her.

After waiting a minute, Spitfire released Trixie who promptly shot up from the covers. "GAAHHH AIR!" she gasped. Her face was even more blue than it should have been. She glared at Spitfire who gave a weak smile. "You so owe Trixie kisses later."

After being interrupted the two decided not to try their luck again. Instead the opted for cuddling in bed. As the night passed they talked about their dreams and hopes for their future together. One thing came up over and over again. Adoption. Trixie seemed keen on the idea of adoption for some reason. It made Spitfire wonder why. Regardless, they both decided to seek out potential adoption kids. And as soon as Spitfire was out they would start looking. Together.

As the night waned on, Princess Luna was traversing the Dreamscape. There she found the mare she'd been looking for. Trixie. She thought passing through the veil leading to Trixie's dreams. Inside she found thoughts of family and love for a fiery mane pegasus she was familiar with. The two were close together under a tree on a hill. Beyond was an open field of grass and sunflowers. They seemed happy but something was off.

She'd seen such dreams before. They were dreams made from uncertainty. Usually influenced by a radical change in ones life. One they feared. 'I shall help thee little moon.' She lit her horn as a small colt/filly trotted happily towards her and Spitfire. The two happily took the young pony beside them and a bond between the three was formed. Happiness fell over them as they began to play in the field. Laughing was heard echoing in the Dreamscape. Luna smiled at the sight.

Then something caught her eye. A dark mirror fragment lay where Trixie sat. Frowning at the objects meaning she crept towards it. Reaching for it with her magic a dark field halted her lashing back with a torrent of force that snapped her out of the Dreamscape.

Shooting up from her slumber, the Night Princess panted as her portal mirror she used for the Dreamsacpe cracked.

"A dark omen floats over that poor mare." She got out of bed and walked over to her balcony. Looking over Canterlot she eyed the shadows carefully, as if something lurked in its depths. "I must remain vigilant." she said. Finding nothing she retreated to her room and prepared for the Night Courts.

Meanwhile in the depths of Manehatten a young stallion sat alone at Pette's Pie Bar. He was a unicorn of crimson red and a charcoal black mane. Her had a small portable mirror beside him as he ate. Suddenly it cracked. He stopped eating and grinned. Leaving the mirror he paid his bill and left without a word. Throwing a red cloak over him.

My sisters will be pleased I've made progress. And sooner than expected. he thought descending into the depths of the city.

The Little Bonds

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Over the next two weeks Spitfire spent much of her time in bed recovering. Trixie all the while stayed by her side. The unicorn wouldn't leave her side for anything except out of necessity. In that time, their affections for one another grew as did the bond they shared.

Trixie had gotten a local job at a small time bar performing. Needless to say many ponies didn't enjoy her presence. Word had spread like wildfire about her failure to vanquish the ursa minor. During a performance, the local DJ had a malfunction with her equipment. Trixie, eager to salvage her reputation, assisted the DJ by providing the lighting effects for her gig. It went over so well that she was hired by the DJ to be her permanent assistant for her shows. This earned Trixie some minor fame under the DJ pony. She had earned enough bits to buy a new wagon and was out doing so this day.

As Spitfire recovered she constantly trained to keep herself in shape. Most of the time Trixie would join her. The mare may not have been a pegasus but she was athletic and strong for a unicorn. Stronger than most earth ponies Spitfire had ever seen. She was impressed.

Her favorite thing to do was watch her do sit ups while hanging by her legs on the pull up bars. Little Link always barked and a tried to jump for her when she did this. She always scolded him but it was just so cute! The young timberwolf always tried to jump as she pulled up and often fell over because of it. But that never stopped him from trying again.

During one of these sessions Link was chasing Spitfire as she flew through her obstacle course. He was chasing her tail specifically. She flew slow enough for him to keep up, allowing him to come within reach before picking up her speed just as she reached her. This went on her a few minutes before the cub decided to catch his breath.

Spitfire flew around the course twice before she realized he'd stopped. Panting he fell over on his side, his leafs were turning slightly yellow. Panicked by the sudden change, Spitfire flew down picking him up in her arms.

"Oh, no! LINK! What's wrong little buddy?" She asked as she cradled him like a child nuzzling him.

He returned the gesture with a soft lick on her nose. She glanced around the room. Trixie had left some time ago to get lunch for them leaving the pegasus and timberwolf alone.

"I'll bet you're thirsty." she said flying to the kitchen.

She placed the cub down on the couch, letting him rest in a shady spot. He was warm and his 'fur' was dry. Guess they dehydrate fast. Spitfire thought gently rubbing his belly. He weakly rolled over kicking his leg as she did. She giggled at him. "Nothing can bring you down, huh?" she asked the cub kneeling down to his side. "You're just the cutest thing ever.''

She walked calmly to the kitchen getting a bowl from the cupboard. Filling it with water she placed it beside Link allowing him to drink at his leisure.

As he drank, the cub felt rejuvenated. His 'fur' became greener and vibrant. The flower petals on his neck fell off and new ones came in their place. Spitfire watched with a mixture of curiosity and awe.

"Wow, that's something. Wish every dog could do that." she said kneeling down next to him. He yawned rubbing against her body. She d'awwed at the cub picking him up. "Oh, tired little guy?"she cooed rocking him like a child. She flew to the couch and laid on a pillow with Link on her chest. After a quick adjustment to the pillow, and Link circled around getting comfortable, the two feel asleep under the warm sun. Link licked Spitfire on the cheek a few times before he fell asleep beside Spitfire.

She giggled as he let out a last yawn before closing his eyes. She placed a wing over him, she pulled him closer to herself before she too succumbed to fatigue, drifting off into a deep sleep beside the cub.

What is Family?

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It was a warm day in Manehatten and Trixie was happily skipping along her way back to the Ivory Tower Apartments. She wore a pair of saddle bags and kept them close at all times. She was just getting off work from an early morning performance with DJ legend Vinyl Scratch. On her way home she made a stop at a local orphanage called Tabitha's Home for Lost Foals. They were advertising a fund raiser for the orphanage and its' sister orphanage in Ponyville. Over the last two weeks Trixie had been looking over potential adoption homes and this one stood out the most. On a recent visit she found the children to be quite charming. They were mostly unicorns, one earth pony, a pair of changelings, which surprised Trixie, and a teenage griffoness.

The young ones were eager to please but Trixie made it know she wasn't there to adopt at the time. This upset the children greatly. To make up for it she put on a small show for them which brightened their day considerably. Afterwards Trixie signed up to take part in the fundraiser as a performer and asked if she could talk to her partner about making it a joint effort. After receiving approval from the matron of the establishment Trixie left taking a flier with her to show Vinyl after work the next day. The fund raiser was in three days, and that gave her plenty of time to prepare.

Once she reached the Ivory Towers she ran into Fleetfoot, who was just leaving her place. the two stared at one another neither speaking. Fleetfoot looked like she wanted to speak but nothing was coming to her. Trixie watched as the cyan mares mouth moved but nothing came out. She then held up a hoof stopping Fleetfoot from any more attempts to speak.

"Trixie is sorry." she said stoically. "Whatever Trixie did and has done she's sorry for it. "

"No Trixie, I'm sorry." Fleetfoot responded. Trixie stared in disbelief she was sure she heard wrong. She rubbed inside her ear as if cleaning it to debris.

"Sorry, but Trixie swore you said you're sorry?" she asked incredulously.

"Har har." the teal Wonderbolt sighed. "I know I wasn't being fair to you before. After the concern you showed for Spitfire and staying with her all this time during her recovery," she sighed again shaking her head. "I can't deny it anymore Trixie. You're really a good pony. I was...sigh, I was wrong about you..." she said walking off with her head lowered.

And Spitfire said Trixie had moods swings. she thought, watching the mare head down the hall. Trixie shook it off deciding to deal with this later. For now she had more pressing news for Spitfire. The fundraiser.

She walked down to Spitfire's apartment and opened it with a spare key she was given. Once the door opened Trixie saw Spitfire sleeping with Link on the couch. Gosh, those two are so cute! she gushed in her thoughts.

She then walked over to the two heavy sleepers and gently nudged Spitfire with her nose. "Spitfire?"

"Mmmmn." the yellow mare grunted turning over, Link did the exact same thing scooting closer to her.

Trixie nudged her again. "Spitfire you get three strikes and then Trixie punishes you." she warned.

"Uhg, Five more minutes." the pegasus waved a hoof blowing off Trixie's warning, with a yawn.

"Fine, have it your way." Trixie said sweetly. She used her magic to gently lift the pegasus up, being careful not to disturb Link, and once up she dropped the pegasus on the floor with a dull thud. Link jumped from the sudden noise and barked.

"HEY!" Spitfire jumped up hovering above Trixie who was laughing. She scowled at her mate. "That wasn't cool." she said in mock anger.

"Trixie sure thought it was." the blue mare sat down next to the couch, petting Link. The cub barked wagging his tail. He jumped up licking Trixie all over the face.Once he'd finished he ran to the kitchen. She looked up to Spitfire who had an almost predatory grin on her face. "Trixie doesn't like the way you're looking at her." she said feeling uneasy under her mates stare.

Spitfire's grin widened as she flew over Trixie, scrambling to get away, and landed full force on her. The Pegasus crushed her mate under her full weight causing her to collapse.

"Why must you always sit on Trixie!?" the blue mare cried out.

Spitfire shifted her body a bit flexing her wings. "You should really know better, Trixie." she smiled down kissing her.

"Yes, well Trixie is the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria." she boasted. Spitfire rolled her eyes. She wiggled a bit making Trixie uncomfortable. "Is there a reason you're being such a pest to Trixie?"

The yellow pegasus scoffed. "Why me? Never."

Trixie inhaled deeply. Spitfire quirked an eyebrow wondering what she was doing. "Link! Here boy! Give kisses!" she suddenly called out.

Before her brain could even register what was said, a green ball of fluff came scurrying out of the kitchen, drooling, and jumped up licking Spitfire in the face. The mare jumped flying out of reach of the vicious tongue spiting to the sides and wiping her mouth.

"Arugh! It's always in the mouth! Why!?" she blew a raspberry to the side. She then focused on the timberwolf cub, glaring at him. He sat down next to Trixie, who was rubbing his chin, cooing at him. "Good boy, Link." Trixie looked up to Spitfire with a cocky grin. "Mamma is so proud of you."

"Just you wait. You have to sleep eventually." Spitfire responded picking up a pillow and chucked it at Trixie. It hit the blue mare in the face and flopped to the ground. Trixie gave her an unamused stare as she walked out of the room heading to the bedrooms. Suddenly, Link ran for the couch.Spitfire looked to Link curiously as she scampered under the couch. She landed next to the couch leaning to see under it. There she found the Timberwolf cub licking himself clean like a cat.

"Link? What are you doing under there?" Spitfire asked, not realizing Trixie was behind her. "Silly come out of- SMACK!- Yeaouw!"

The pegasus felt a familiar stinging sensation in her flank. She flew up instinctively, rubbing her buttocks, she looked down seeing Trixie with her suitcase in her magic. Again. Inferno Suitcase. she thought glaring at her mate. Trixie gave her a sweet smile placing the suitcase beside the couch. She then reached out for Spitfire with both arms.

"Hugs?" she asked smiling.

By this time, Link had come out and sat beside Trixie imitating her perfectly. Spitfire glared at the pair. She saw the innocent look in their eyes and sighed. The rational part of her brain cried to punish them, but a softer side gave into their cute antics. Almost.

"Fine." she flew up to the pair lifting Link up. She hugged the cub nuzzling him. He responded by licking her cheek once burying his face into her chest. "Daww, you're so cute." she cooed kissing the cub.

"Ahem!"

She looked down to Trixie who was tapping her hoof like an impatient bunny, still holding her arms up. She glared up to her with an angry scowl on her face. "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't like to be ignored!"

"Oh, Trixie." Spitfire said flying down to her and hugging the unicorn. "I wouldn't ignore you."

"Of course."

Spitfire giggled putting Link down. He ran off to the kitchen. "So Trixie, what did you need?"

"What do you mean?"

"You dropped be off the couch." She said in a serious tone rubbing her back. "What was so important you had to drop me like that?"

Trixie winced at the seriousness she was showing. Sighing she decided to apologize. "Sorry. Trixie was just eager to show you this." She used her magic to float the flier over to Spitfire. "Trixie signed up for a fund raiser for orphans. It's in three days. Would you like to join Trixie? We could scout potential children for adoption?"

Spitfire smiled at the idea. She was just about to say yes, when she remembered something she forgot to tell Trixie. "Oh, sorry I can't."

Trixie walked up to her. "Why not?"

Spitfire rubbed the back of her neck, giving Trixie a nervous grin. "I have to judge the Young Flyers Competition in Cloudsdale." Trixie glared at her. Clearly she was upset, but it was done. "I'm sorry love. I know you were looking forward to scouting. But I forgot until just now."

That was an understatement. Ever since their conversation back at the hospital, Trixie hadn't stopped talking about adoption. She was overjoyed by the fact Spitfire even wanted children. Her attitude changed dramatically since then. She became more intimate with Spitfire and her attitude towards others improved as well. Now, here she was asking her to join in an event she'd been looking forward to and she was turning it away because she'd forgotten to tell her.

"Fine." Trixie huffed taking her suitcase back to the room.

Spitfire followed her to her room. Trixie placed the suitcase beside her bed and laid down on it, her back facing Spitfire. Spitfire laid behind her on the bed. She rubbed Trixie's shoulders in a circular motion causing her to relax a bit. She's tense. Spitfire thought continuing.

"Trixie? Come on what's wrong? I know you're mad, but we both kinda told each other last minute. Me more so than you." she reasoned.

"Humph!" Trixie scooted closer to the beds edge, away from Spitfire.

But Spitfire was persistent. She had to be with Trixie. She was still very stubborn. Thankfully Spitfire was too. She scooted closer to the blue mare pulling her into a hug. Gently, she nibbled on the edge of her ear while wrapping her wings around Trixies waist. Trixie gave a satisfied moan. Turning over she locked lips with her lover melting in her arms.

"You're lucky you're cute." she said kissing Spitfire.

"I know." she responded kissing her back on the forehead. "Tell you what, go to the fund raiser. I have some leave after the Best Young Flyers Competition. Once it's over I get three weeks leave. We can scout the adoption centers then. What do you say?"

Trixie didn't even think of a response. Instead she blurted out 'Yes!' instantly. Spitfire giggled at her putting a hoof under Trixies chin lifting it so she could kiss her. But Trixie held up a hoof stopping her.

"I want to adopt a flier Spitfire." she said. "Pony, griffin, or anything else, but it has to be a flyer."

Now it was Spitfires turn to stop her from kissing her. Trixie gave her a contemplative look. "What's wrong love?"

"A flyer Trixie? Not say a unicorn or something else?"

"NO." Trixie said firmly. "I will not settle for anything else."

"Why not? I figured you'd want a unicorn above all else? Why somepony who can fly? And why adoption?" Spitfire asked.

"Trixie's parents were unique." she responded in a rather cryptic manner.

Trixie levitated her suitcase over. Holding it with her magic, she opened it and pulled out a music box. Spitfire looked upon the curious object wondering what it held. Trixie opened it revealing a picture of Trixie beside two noble pegasi. The stallion in the picture was large brown with a green mane and emerald eyes wearing a black vest. Beside him was a dark pink pegasus with a milky pink ponytail mane. Her eyes were also emerald green wearing a white blouse and a skirt. In front of them sat a teenage Trixie with her hair up in a bun wearing a school uniform.

"Wow." was all Spitfire could say. She was shocked by this revelation. So Trixie was adopted and had pegasi parents? Now it makes sense. she thought to herself looking to the unicorn. "So, pegasi huh?" she asked.

Trixie blushed looking at the photo. She winded up the music box. She set it down as a soft tune played from it.

"They were the best family she ever knew. The only family she knew." Trixie smiled at the photo of her family. "I only wish to make them proud of me." She then looked up to Spitfire pressing her body against hers and wrapped her tail around hers. "They took Trixie in when she had nothing. Gave her an education, and gifted her with love and admiration. We fought often. Mostly because Trixie had her head up her ass. But eventually, I gave in and opened up to them."

"What were they like?"

Trixie pressed hoof over her fathers face. "Father was loving and caring in such a way that could make the best of mothers jealous. He had a big heart." she let out a heavy sigh. "I wish I could see him now. Wonder if he'd recognize me?"

Spitfire nudged her slightly smiling. "I'm sure he would. Parents don't forget their children, hon." she said just as the music box came to a stop.

The blue mare smiled. She turned and kissed her mate on the cheek. Spitfire gave a silly grin. "So, what about your mother?"

"She was the bread winner of the family. Strong, stern, commanding. She commanded respect from others and showed no mercy to others who wronged her or her family and friends. Trixie wanted to be just like her when she grew up. She and Trixie weren't close per say, but we loved each other in our own ways."

Spitfire cocked her head sideways wondering what she meant by that.

"Father was the affectionate one. He use to groom Trixie's coat, give her hugs and kisses too. But Mother was a more, she was more a teacher than a loving figure. It's hard to explain." Trixie was racking her brain to come up with a way to explain her mother to Spitfire. But nothing came up. "It doesn't matter. All I care about was that she loved me and I loved her. Knowing was enough for Trixie."

Trixie jumped off the bed and reset the music box. The music played once again filling Trixie with a sense of nostalgia. "Trixie was raised by pegasi. They gave her an education and she went to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Passed top of her class, and went to fulfill her dream as a traveling showmare, even if it was short lived." She turned to see Spitfire resting on her belly on the bed. She walked over kissing her once more before continuing. "Somewhere out there is a child waiting for Trixie to pass all she learned from them to him or her. A young flyer waiting to receive love from a family they don't have. They gave a unicorn like me so much. I t proves you don't have to be a unicorn to raise a unicorn. That's why Trixie wants a flyer Spitfire. To give that same love Trixie got from her parents so long ago. To touch their heart and make them feel welcome in the world. That sounded stupid didn't it?" she asked.

Spitfire shook her head. "No Trixie, it was beautiful. You'll make a great parent one day."

"Thank you love." She responded.

Spitfire watched as Trixie stared at her music box for some time. After a few minutes she turned facing the yellow mare with a sultry grin. "Now, about the spell. Trixie doesn't want to wait." she said approaching the bed.

Spitfire blushed, her wings twitched with anticipation. Trixie leapt onto the bed standing over her. Spitfire started to feel warm in her nether region. She breathed heavily as the glow from Trixie's horn lit up the area. She waited for the spell to ensnare giving her pleasure beyond comprehension, her but it never came. Suddenly a warm sensation filled her marehood as Trixie thrust her hips into her. She let out a horny moan as Trixie pulled back releasing her from the sensation. Spitfire looked back to see a large black cock dangling from Trixie, with a white trail leading down to the bed.

"Trixie feels you deserve a reward for being such a kind audience." she said laying on top of her mate. She bit Spitfire's ear tugging on it making her moan as her tongue hung out. "Trixie can't wait to rut you senseless." she whispered.

"Yes Trixie...YES! YEEESSS!"

The two mares continued long into the evening. The sounds of pleasure filled the entire room as both moaned and screamed dirty things to each other. Meanwhile on the other side of the wall, a teal pegasus mare and and unicorn mare were in a loving embrace under their covers when a loud scream killed the mood. Fleetfoot groaned as Star Stripe giggled at her.

"Why!?" the teal pegasus cried out. "Why me!? What did I do to deserve this!?"

"Oh, Fleet, you worry too much." Star Stripe said kissing her.

"It's not that. I get they love each other but can they, NOT. BE. SO. BUCKING. LOUD!" she yelled beating the wall.

Star Stripe pulled her lover back with her magic. "Come now, Fleet, behave or you won't get any tonight." she warned.

"But they-" she started but stopped when she noticed a bulge from under the covers leading to Star Stripe. The mare waved a hoof gesturing for Fleetfoot to join her in bed. "I um, I... huh?" she stuttered blushing. She walked over to bed getting under the covers with Star Stripe. She took a peek under the covers to confirm she wasn't seeing things. Sure enough there was a large brown stallionhood right smack in her face. Looking back up Star Stripe gave her a grin pointing down. Fleetfoot nodded ducking under he covers.

Star Stripe leaned back with her hooves resting under her head as she got her first blowjob from the greatest mare in the world. I should really thank Trixie for showing me this sometime. she thought blissfully.

Date

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Two days later in the morning Spitfire awoke feeling fulfilled. In her arms Trixie was snuggled against her. The blue mare slept peacefully in her lovers embrace. Protected from any and all harm from the outside world. Mostly.

Spitfire thought back to when Trixie told her about the Trinity, and how they made an attempt on her life in board day light in a public place. She shrugged it off putting the thought in the back of her mind. She hadn't seen whiff or tail of them for sometime. She thought the worst of them was behind her. She hoped anyway.

She glanced over to the nightstand, specifically the clock, which read 9am. Dang. Time to get up. "Trixie? Trixie?" she whispered into her ear.

"Hmm?"stretched pressing her head under Spitfire's chin. "What?"

"Time to wake up." she said kissing the blue pony.

"Ugh, but Trixie is tired and needs her beauty sleep." Trixie whined.

"Well, if somepony didn't waste all her energy on a advanced illusion spell while trying to dominate me in bed, then maybe somepony wouldn't be so tired now." Spitfire said with a smug grin.

Trixie shifted under her, revealing a single angry eye under a wall of yellow fur. "Shut up." she said angrily, burying her face back into Spitfire's chest. Spitfire leaned closer to Trixie's ear and whispered. "Hey, Trixie... You want some salt to go with that butt hurt? Ooof!"

When she finished talking Trixie jabbed her in the side with a strong hoof. She had a small smile on her face after doing so.

"Fine. Fine. I'll let you sleep. I'm going for my morning workout, you sure you don't want to join me, Trix?"

Trixie shook her head holding Spitfire not wanting to lose the warm furry pillow.

"OK, I'll come back to wake you later." she got out of bed, making Trixie groan from losing her pillow.

Spitfire left the room heading to the kitchen first. Waiting for her, Link was sitting at the edge of the hard wood floor wagging his tail. She came up to him kneeling to his height. "You hungry boy?" He barked. "You're hungry?" He barked again circling in place before sitting again.

"OK, boy let's get you food." she said excitedly. The cub bounced up and down barking happily at the idea of food.

After feeding the Link, Spitfire went to the gym to do a late morning workout. At noon she stopped. She was sweating heavily from her intense workout. She had fallen behind her routine during her recovery, mostly because the doctor ordered her to take it easy, and Trixie pestered her to not over exert herself.

"Trixie bless her heart can be such an overbearing pest at times." she said to herself. She wiped her body of the excess sweat throwing the towel into a dirty hamper against the wall. She left heading for the shower. After a quick shower she went back to Trixie's room and found the unicorn still fast asleep. She wanted to scare the mare awake, but decided against it. Instead she went for a more subtle approach.

She pulled the covers off slowly and nudged Trixie. She groaned annoyed by the sudden cold air around her after losing her warm covers. Slowly her eyes opened, adjusting to the light in the room. She saw Spitfire smiling down at her. "Good morning sleepy head."

"Morning." Trixie replied rubbing her eyes. "Yawn... What time is it?"

"It's after twelve. Come on I want to go eat."

"Then go." Trixie grunted pulling the covers over herself.

Spitfire rolled her eyes and once again climbed onto the bed. She positioned herself over the giant pony shaped lump under the covers and sat on it. Trixie wiggled under the covers as Spitfire brushed some dust off her fur with an uncaring look on her face.

"Spitfire!" Trixie whined wiggling under her. "Get off Trixie this instant! Trixie's up!"

The older pegasus smiled leaping off the distraught unicorn and hovered above her. "Come on, I'm hungry! I want to take you out before I leave for Cloudsdale." she said flying around Trixie as she went to the bathroom. After Twelve minutes Trixie emerged from the bathroom with her hair up in a ponytail and her tail was bound up slightly like her pony tail was.

Spitfire stared at her for a moment before landing beside her. "I like what I see." she said looking over Trixie especially her rear.

The blue mare swatted her in the nose with her tail. "Ah ah ah. No peeking."

"Spoil sport."

The two left the Ivory Towers and went into Manehatten's busy streets. Spitfire wore a disguise consisting of a jacket and a ball cap. She also had a set of sports saddle bags to hide her cutie mark Trixie wore nothing! Walking along Trixie received off hand comments about her involvement in Ponyville concerning the ursa minor incident. Ponies mocked her behind her back and said things like she was an evil temptress. Others were more sympathetic towards her. The vast majority however, simply greeted her like any other pony would. A 'good day' here and a 'how's your day been?' there.

Trixie greeted all accordingly with a wide smile the whole time. Spitfire lead her to a small restraint about ten blocks from the Ivory Towers called Molnjia's Cloud 'n Barbecue. It was designed like a huge cloud building two stories high with massive cloud columns holding the roof up giving it a Greek style. The sign was a large lightning bolt with Russian writing below it.

They entered the establishment and what Trixie saw amazed her. The inside was just as exotic to the eye as the outside was. it was hard wood floors covered in a layer of clouds. This allowed non flying creatures to enjoy the establishment without having to be a flyer. Most of the patrons were pegasi and griffins, but a few unicorns and earth ponies were there and a group of bat ponies sat on the second floor in a large group. The most noticeable thing was the waiters and waitresses. They were all pegasi and all were a mint green or turquoise color and almost all of them had yellow or golden manes.

Trixie was in awe at the sight when a pegasus stallion landed in front of them. "Welcome ladies." he greeted with a smile. "Table for two?"

"Yes please, sir." Spitfire said keeping her glasses on. "Also a solid seat for my marefirend."

The stallion nodded gesturing for them to follow him. He picked up a wooden seat along the way taking the up to the balcony of the second floor beside the group of bat ponies. "Will here do ladies?" he asked with a wave of his hoof.

Spitfire looked to Trixie, nodding in approval.

"This will do nicely sir. Thank you."

"My pleasure." he set the wooden chair down holding it for Trixie. As she sat he slid it in for her. So kind. Trixie thought.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure. Your menus." he handed them two large menus placing a candle in the center lighting it. It gave an ever so slight hint of roses. "Can I get you started with drinks?"

"Water for me please." Spitfire said.

"A glass of Merlot for me please."

"Very well. I'll get your drinks and your waiter will be by to help you shortly ladies." he turned and flew off towards the kitchen.

The two looked at their menus Trixie had decided on a cumulus salad and Spitfire chose the tornado celery soup. While they waited Trixie took the time to observer her surroundings. She was particularly interested in the bat ponies. She'd heard of them in her travels but never met one before. Until Luna's return they kept to themselves in isolation for the most part. It was rare to see one much less a group of them.

"Trixie." Spitfire hissed to her marefrined.

Trixie kept staring at them.

"Trixie!"

"Huh?"

"You're staring."

Trixie turned her head to see her mate glaring at her. She turned red and saw that the group of bat ponies were now staring at them. They were looking at her with curiosity on their faces one with a scowl.

"You got a problem?" the mare bat pony snapped at Trixie. "It's rude to stare."

Trixie was about to snap back wtih a retort but Spitfire cut her off. "I'm sorry about my marefriend. She forgets her manners sometimes." when she said the word manners, she gritted her teeth together as she did so. Trixie waved awkwardly at them.

"Sorry about the wait." interrupted a masculine female voice.

Trixie turned her attention to a turquoise waitress at their table. She set their drinks down and stood beside them. She had a slicked back golden yellow mane with yellow eyes. She wore a white shirt with a black tie and vest. Her cutie mark was a lightning bolt with three stars at the tip of it.

"My names Lighting and I'll be serving you this afternoon. Have you made a decision?" she asked tapping her hoof on the cloud. She seemed to be in a hurry for something. Spitfire didn't seem to notice, but Trixie saw.

"Yes, I'll have the cumulus salad." Trixie said.

"And I'll have the tornado celery soup."

Lightning wrote down the order and took the menus. "Will that be all? We have a special for breakfast this afternoon. The strawberry blitz pancakes are only five bits and it comes with unlimited strawberrys." she smiled thinking of the wonderful flavors that came with the order.

"No thank you Miss Lightning." Spitfire said. "We'll stick to what we ordered."

"Very well. I'll get this in and the order should be ready in five minutes." She then flew off towards a table next to them.

"She seems nice." Spitfire said watching the young mare. "I like her."

"She does seem nice. Trixie likes her too." the blue mare sipped her wine.

Spitfire watched as she delicately lifted the cup with her magic, taking only the most dainty of sips before placing it back on the table. She is so graceful. she thought. ME? I'm a muscle head brute. I really am the luckiest mare in the world. She smiled thinking to herself. She then thought back to the fundraiser that Trixie mentioned. They had spoken about it over the last two days and one thing was eating away at her mind. What did Trixie want?

"So Trixie, about the fundraiser."

"Hmm?"

"What kind of pony or child do you want to adopt?" Spitfire asked in a serious tone.

Placing her wine to the side Trixie folded her hooves on the table leaning on the slightly. "Well, Trixie saw a griffiness she really liked. The changeling was cute too but he's rambunctious. Having an annoying marefriend just like that might be more than enough to send Trixie off the deep end." she mocked her mate winking at her.

"Har har." Spitfire deadpanned. "A griffin and a changeling? I heard you mention them before. Which do you think you'll pick?"

"Why does Trixie have to be the only one to decide?" the blue mare asked. "Trixie wants this to be a group effort. Your say is important too."

She reached for Spitfire's hoof gently placing hers on it. The two shared a smile leaning over and kissing.

"Um, excuse me?" a voice startled them. "Your orders are ready."

They turned to see Lightning there with their orders. "Sorry." they said in unison sitting back down. "One cumulus salad and one tornado celery soup. Can I get you girls anything else?" she asked jumping to hover in place, tapping her hooves together happily.

"No thanks." they said after thinking for a moment.

"OK. well, if you need anything call me and I'll be her five seconds flat!" she boasted flexing her wings and arms with pride. Trixie rolled her eyes at the display while Spitfire gave a hearty laugh. Lightning flew of to assist other customers leaving the two to enjoy their meals. For a solid minute Trixie glared at Spitfire who continued to snicker at her not touching her food.

"What's is so funny chuckles?" Trixie asked in a sarcastic tone.

Spitfire waved her hoof looking to the side. "Just didn't know anypony had an ego that could rival yours love." she giggled.

Trixie glared at her mate chomping at her salad. "Blegh this is kind of bland. Oh! Where's the pepper?" The yellow mar looked at the table. Seeing none she shrugged at her mate before turning to her soup. "Gee, Thanks love." Trixie said in a flat tone.

Spitfire smiled sweetly at her. Trixie then turned to a couple behind her. "Excuse me can Trixie borrow your pepper please?" she asked a mare behind her.

"Sure thing." the mare responded getting her pepper shaker. The mare turned to give the shaker to Trixie then stopped dead as their eyes met. Shock filled Trixie's eyes when she realized it was Fleetfoot she asked. Their looks became angry as they stared each other down. Beside Fleetfoot was Star Stripe facehoofing with a sigh. "And it was going so nicely too."

Then Spitfire tapped Trxie's shoulder. "Hey, can you ask them if we can borrow their salt too?"

While they were eating the bat ponies left, the mare bat pony made an obscene gesture to Trixie as she past.

The Trinities Plan

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Deep in Canterlot's streets a trio of ponies walked along the streets.

They were each had crimson red fur with charcoal black manes and tails wearing robes. The Starfall siblings. The three entered a small cafe at the center of Canterlots business district. At a table a stallion doctor was enjoying his tea reading up on a recently published medical journal. He noticed three ponies standing around his table and silently waved his hoof telling them to join him.

"So, does she remember anything Dr. Gore?" Ruby asked sitting beside the doctor.

"No. She doesn't remember a thing." he said placing his tea down. The cup clanked against the saucer plate. "By the way, is Fleetfoots cover still safe?"

Ruby nodded once.

"Good. I'd hate for all our work to infiltrate the Wonderbolts go to waste. So, what's next?" Gore asked the young stallion, leaning forward resting his arms on the table.

Ruby eyed the doctor tapping his hoof on the table to get his attention. "I don't care about that mares cover." he said sternly. "Do you have the item I asked about?"

The doctor sighed folding the paper he was reading and placed it beside his tea. "No, I wasn't able to. I do know a mare that can though. She's very good at procuring rare valuable artifacts. It will cost you a lot of bits, but she'll find it for you."

Blaze and Solarflare looked at each other wondering where this was going.

Ruby leaned forward. "Who is this pony?"

"She's a friend from me and the Professor's school days." he said pulling out a piece of paper and gave it to Ruby. The crimson stallion opened the paper. It was an address and a number 44612 Polaris Ave. #6561458. "Go there and ask for Katyusha. She'll set you up. I'll send word of your arrival."

Ruby nodded standing up. "Thank you Dr. Gore. Until we meet again." The stallion turned to leave, his sisters close behind. "Oh, and by the way... Say hi to your wife for me." he winked at the doctor walking out. Gore pulled up the paper and continued to read like nothing happened.

Outside Ruby was working on finding Polaris Ave when Solarflare cut him off.

"What are you getting at here, Ruby?" she asked sternly. "What are you planning? Tell me now." she hissed.

"In good time sis. For now we have a meeting to setup." Ruby responded grinning.

The two sisters looked at one another wondering what their brother was planning. He said it was important after they cast the spell on Trixie, that she be monitored at all times. But he never said why. After walking for sometime they found a run down bar in the deepest dives of Canterlot. Ruby approached the door. Opening it he was greeted by several on looking patrons of the bar. They were some of the scruffiest looking mares and stallions he'd ever seen. A few griffins and a Minotaur halted a game of poker to see the new guests.

A pair of mares in short skirts and tops walked over to the young stallion circling him.

"Welcome sir." they cooed in unison. "And what pleasures can we provide for you this fine morning?" One said wrapping her hoof around his chin scratching it. Blaze nearly lunged forward at the mares but Solarflare held her back shaking her head.

"Don't." she warned. "Not yet."

Blaze grunted standing back up.

Ruby pushed the hoof down gently with a kind smile on his face. "I'm looking for Katyusha."

The two mares stopped looking over to a corner not saying a word. They separated allowing him and his sisters to pass. In the corner was a mare with a cloak and cowl over her head. She was sipping on some rather dirty looking water. Once Ruby sat down his sisters flanking him, he leaned forward to speak.

"So, I hear you're great at finding things?" he asked.

The mare nodded placing her water down. "Oh, yes I am." a scratchy voice said removing her cowl. The mare was a dark khaki color with a black mane spiky mane with grey streaks in it. She had magenta eyes and looked at him like she wanted to beat him senseless.

The sisters looked confused while Ruby looked surprised. "Well, well, well, Daring Do. Why am I not surprised?" he sarcastically rolled his eyes. "How have you been?"

"Not that you care, but I'm doing fine no thanks to you." she retorted crossing her arms. "You left me at the museum in Prance by myself. I was imprisoned for week!"

"Hey, you left me in Saddle Arabia with the Sapphire Statue! I had to break out myself! That was payback!"

The two stared one another down, eventually both broke into a fit of laughs. "It's good to see you again Daring." Ruby said reaching over hugging the mare. She returned his hug with a sharp jab to his jaw. Blaze winced and Solarflare stared, amused at the exchange. "I guess I deserved that." he said rubbing his cheek.

"Aww. Did I hurt the poor baby?" she said in a mocking tone. She leaned over kissing him on the lips. "All better?" she cooed rubbing his chin.

Now, both Solarflare and Blaze were steaming inside wanting to pummel Daring for touching Ruby.

Daring sat back in her chair rubbing her chest. "So, what do you need me for? Can't you guys find what you want when you want?"

"Listen here bitch." Blaze stood smacking her hooves on the table. "Don't you get all-"

"Blaze, it's alright. I got this." Ruby cut her off guiding her back to her chair. "Sorry Daring. My sisters are very protective of me."

"Psssh. Think nothing of it." she said with a wave of her hoof. She then put on a serious look. "But really. What do you need me for? If you need me to find something then it must be big. What are you looking for?"

Ruby leaned towards the mare, as did his sisters, neither wanted to miss this. "Have you heard of the, Soul Charm?"

The two crimson mares looked shocked that he'd bring this up with an outsider of their family. They looked at him like he was in fact crazy. Daring's response on the other hoof was about as tactful as Rainbow Dash flying into a library window.

"HA! The Soul Charm? Heh. It doesn't exist." she said matter of factually. "Many archaeologists searched their entire lives for it and never found it. It doesn't exist Ruby. You're wasting your time with that old mares tail." she said laughing. Many other patrons joined her in laughing.

Ruby stared at her with an angry scowl on his face as her used his magic closing her mouth. The look of surprise on her face silenced the room. After a minute he released her and she sat silently for him to continue. He then pulled out a piece of paper and gave it to Daring to look at. She gasped when she saw it dropping it to the floor. The Starfall sisters looked curiously at each other, then turned their attention back to the frantic pegasus. Everyone else looked at the scene with interest.

"The reason they never found it was because it lost its original name long ago, Miss Do." he said with a wicked grin. Blaze was stunned, but Solarflare was smiling in amusement. Guess he's not a complete moron after all. she thought, seeing her brother in a whole new light.

"You're crazy!" Daring cried out. "Why would you want that?!"

Ruby sat back in his chair imitating the startled pegasus. "So, tell me Daring, what do you know about the Alicorn Amulet?"

Seeing Her Off

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After an awkward lunch Trixie and Spitfire walked down the streets of Manehatten heading home so the Wonderbolt could get ready to head off to Cloudsdale. At the apartment Trixie found Link resting on the couch under the sunroof. He loved this spot, it was warm and he could bask in it as long as he wanted. There was one thing that could drive him away.

"LINK! KISSES!" Trixie called to him.

The little green timberwolf awoke, startled by the sudden loud voice, but quickly became excited when he realized who called him. He leapt off the couch and ran up to Trixie licking her face, covering her in saliva of love. Spitfire still thought it was gross, but it had an air of cuteness to it. To her dismay, Trixie held the cub up to her face saying, 'give kisses' and the cub proceeded to do the same to her.

"Dang it Trixie!" the mare spit off to the side.

"Aww. He likes you love. You should feel honored." the unicorn said smugly knowing it annoyed her mate.

Spitfire growled at her flying off with a huff. "I'M going to go pack." she said in mock anger. She hovered over the door that lead to the hallway with the bed rooms, her back to Trixie looking over the corner of her eye.

"Love you Spitz!" Trixie called to the pegasus putting Link down.

"Love you too, hon!" she called back from her room.

For the next several minutes Spitfire gathered her belongings for her two day stay in Cloudsdale. She gathered extra shirts, her uniform, and a spare uniform, her dress blues, and her favorite hair pin in the shape of her cutie mark. While she flew about the room gathering her belongings Link managed to nudge his way through the door. He silently snuck across the room, until he stood right behind Spitfire. The mare was zipping up her bag when a loud bark startled her causing her to jump giving off a loud girl scream.

"Damn it Link! Bad boy!" Spitfire scolded him.

The cub responded by rolling over on his back whining.

"Ugh, fine you're forgiven." she sighed rubbing the cubs belly. "You're lucky you're cute."

He kicked his tiny leg off to the side his tiny green tail waged happily as he got a comfortable belly rub. After giving Link an load of attention she went back to packing for the trip. Link jumped on the bed sitting on the bed beside the bag. He watched as Spitfire flew back and forth throwing her belongings into the bag with no real organization to it. She was in the process of trying to zip it up when Trixie entered.

"Spitfire have you seen Link? What are you doing?" she asked watching her mate struggled with zipping her bag. "You're never going to get all that to fit in the bag!"

"Says you!" Spitfire redoubled her efforts stomping on the bag, pulling up on the straps to force the clothes in. After a harsh battle she managed to get the bag closed. She smiled with pride as Trixie rolled her eyes unzipping it and dumped all the clothes back onto the bed. "What are you doing?!" Spitfire exclaimed, picking up her uniform off the floor dusting it.

Trixie scoffed at the brash pegasus lifting a shirt with her magic folding it. "As a dignified Wonderbolt I expected you to have better discipline than this, Spitfire."

"Psh. Whatever." she picked up her dress blues folding them absent minded.

Trixie noticed the condition of the dress uniform glaring at Spitfire. "How can you let this uniform get all wrinkled?"

"What do you mean? They look fine."

"They're wrinkled!" Trixie groaned taking the uniform form her. "Fine, as the responsible one Trixie will steam press this for you!"

The sly pegasus grinned hovering above the unicorn. "Thanks you, dear." she said snickering.

The blue mare stuck her nose up slamming the door to the hall shut behind her. Spitfire sighed shaking her head. She flew over to the bag which now had a sleeping timberwolf in it, curled up like a kitten. "Aww, aren't you precious?" she cooed nuzzling him.

Link yawned shifting his position ignoring the yellow mare. a few minutes later Trixie returned to see Spitfire trying to fold the clothes before putting them into the bag. She did a decent job but it was painfully clear she never cared to try in the past. She walked up to her mate brushing up against her side.

"Hey there beautiful." Spitfire said kissing Trixie.

Trixie placed the uniform on the bed returning the kiss, holding Spitfire's head with her hooves. She broke away taking a deep breath. "We best hurry or you'll miss the train."

"Guess so." the pegasus sighed taking the uniform from the bed and placed it in a carrying bag. "I'm not sure about leaving you alone for the next few days."

Trixie placed Link on the bed kiss him. She then turned to her mate. "Why do you say that?"

"The nightmares you have." she said taking the bag and placing it over her shoulders. "You tend to get violent when they occur. I worry you'll get hurt while I'm gone."

She smiled to her worried mate. "Don't worry about Trixie. She'll be fine. Link'll be here along with Soarin and Fleetslut."

Spitfire smiled walking out of the room with Trixie in tow. "You mean FleetFOOT?"

"No. Trixie meant what she said."

"Thought you two were buddy buddy now?" Spitfire quirked an eyebrow. She got a swift swat to the head. "Ha, OK OK. I get it you're not."

The two left the apartment and headed into town. Along the way the talked about adoption and Trixie seemed eager to adopt. IN fact she was nearly gushing about it. She had her mind set on either the batpony filly she saw or the changeling. Possibly both. She tried to get Spitfire to tell her which she wanted, but being a typical stallion minded pony, sh said she'd go with whatever choice Trixie made.

"Oh, come on Spitfire!" Trixie whined.

"I said I'd be happy with which ever you choose. What more do you want?"

"A little more input would be nice."

"Fine. Look i just want you to be happy. That will make me happy. I really don't care if you got one or the other or even both." She tapped her chin thinking as they continued along towards the Manehatten express. "Actually why not get both? You said you had trouble deciding on which one to adopt, so why not adopt both at the same time?"

Trixie pondered this for a moment. True with their combined income they could easily adopt and raise two children. Spitfire could on her own actually but that would make Trixie feel like a bum. Spitfire saw the look on contemplation on her mates face and smiled.

"Surprise me." she whispered into Trixie's ear nibbling it, causing the blue mare to blush.

"Stop that!" she shoved the pegasus away.

But Spitfire din't relent. She jumped in for seconds and succeeded in finding the ear once again. Trixie escaped running down the street swearing profanities at her mate all the way to the station. When they arrived they were both out of breath. The two shared a laugh at the silly antics they both displayed.

They walked up to the ticket booth and bought a ticket for Spitfire. Then the two ponies sat waiting for the train to arrive. During the wait Trixie took the opportunity to talk about the adoption with Spitfire.

"So love, do you think it's too soon to adopt? Is that why you keep dodging Trixie's questions?" the unicorn asked.

Spitfire sighed shaking her head. "No Trixie." She said looking to her pressing a hoof on her cheek. "It's not too soon but what you decide is up to you. I want a flyer too, but don't you want to get a child that is a unicorn?"

"Changelings use magic and fly." Trixie stated.

"Oh. Well then why not get the changeling then?" she asked tapping the ground. "Was it a boy or girl?"

"Boy."

'What about the little threshal filly you mentioned? What did you think of her?"

"She seemed nice. A bit rambunctious but nothing Trixie can't handle." she said leaning into Spitfire. "I think you'd like them both."

Spitfire was about to respond when he sound of a whistle blowing in the distance signaled the arrival of the Friendship Express. Trixie looked at the train as it came rolling into the station. As it stopped it released a puff of steam as the doors opened and a sea of ponies exited the cars. Spitfire and Trixie took her luggage and placed it in a massive pile in the back of the train making sure the staff took extra care of Spitfire's uniform.

Once that was taken care of the two gave a short embrace. They kissed as the conductor made the final call.

"All aboard! Final call!" He shouted from the caboose.

The two separated as a massive rush of ponies made their way to the carts, either being late or just finishing saying their goodbyes.

"Guess this is it." the pegasus said.

"Guess so. Can you handle yourself without Trixie for a few days?" Trixie asked.

The mare scoffed. "Please, I can handle anything! A few days without you'll be agonizingly painful, but I think I'll mange!" she laughed.

Trixie gave her a playful swat to the head giggling with the older mare. They hugged one last time, neither truly wanting to let go, but time said otherwise. They broke apart and Spitfire headed into the train leaving Trixie behind. As the doors closed Spitfire appeared in a window near Trixie. She placed a hoof on the window, Trixie mirrored making it look like their hooves touched.

The train whistle blew and slowly the sound of grinding iron and steel echoed throughout the station and the train slowly began to gain momentum. Spitfire mouthed 'I love you' as the train began to move and Trixie called out saying, "I love you too!"

She waited there for a few minutes waiting to see the train vanish into the distance. She took in the sight of the train heading over the bridge to central Equestria off towards Canterlot then to Cloudsale. Once the train was out of sight Trixie turned and headed for home. She felt odd, there was a heavy feeling in her chest and a nagging feeling like something was amiss. Suddenly her stomach growled and she decided to find someplace to eat, unaware she was being watched.

The Decision

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Author's Notes:

Another chapter another day of my life wasted in good fun!

Man I never get tired of writing for the sake of writing. Now I learned something about myself. Never write something with a plan in advance. It'll suck in the long run. I decided to go with my old style and write by the brim of mah pants, or something like that.

metal Gear, whatever. something, something, darkness.

So now we get to the fundraiser event and sorry folks, it's not a lengthy in depth chapter this time. Sorry but I was forced to make changes since I wasn't sure how to do this. Part of the reason I'm going back to my old writing style. no limitations but still can make changes as I see fit when needed.

So now, what will Trixie do in her great depression while Spitfire is away dying- I mean partaking in the Young Fliers Competition? Find out today on another chapter of Wonderbolt my Heart!

Love yall! Read, Rate, Comment, and Tolerate!

Enjoy!

After seeing Spitfire off Trixie roamed the streets of Manehatten after making a quick stop home to pick up Link. She then head for the orphanage that was having the fund raiser she'd signed up for. It didn't take her long to get to Tabitha's Home for Lost Foals and everything was bustling. There were stands all along the road and ponies were at the stands selling goods to help raise money for the orphanage. Some ponies sold food, one sold balloon animals to foals, some provided entertainment, and Trixie was going to be part of the magic act along with Link.

The carried him in a portable carrier on her back as she walked along the busy street. She didn't want to waste excessive amounts of magical energy before the show. True it wasn't going to mount to much if she used her magic to carry him but she felt it necessary. She kept talking to him as she went along making sure he knew he wasn't forgotten. It also made him calmer when in the carrier. With all the commotion he was getting scared, no doubt in reaction to the cleansing back at the Flightless Pegasus Inn.

As she set up for her show many of the foals from the orphanage took notice and ran up to the blue mare. "Miss Trixie you're back!" yelled one earth pony colt.

"Are you performing today Trixie?" asked another foal.

She looked down at the group that had formed around her, smiling. "Yes little ones, Trixie WILL be performing today!" she reared up sending magical fireworks into the air.

The foals cheered as a brown batpony mare, still very young, walked up to the group smiling at them cheering. She was a light brown with a mahogany brown with light brown streaks mane and large yellow eyes. Her mane was tied into a long ponytail that hung to one side and her banks covered her left eye. Her tail was long too dragging on the ground behind her a few inches. Trixie recognized the batpony. She was one of the ponies she'd been prospectively thinking about adopting along with a cute changeling that followed her around. The young batmare circled around the foals gathering them and herding them to the side.

"Alright everypony that's enough." She scolded them. "Let the nice lady pass."

"Aww." they whined in unison.

The batpony glared at them silencing them. They all lowered their tiny heads forming a line, muttering to each other. "I don't want to hear any whining or I'll tell the matron that you weren't behaving." she threatened them.

The group fell into absolute silence this time, not so much as a sound came from them. She smiled gathering them into a group hug. "Now who says we go get some ice cream?" she asked the group shaking a small bag of bits.

"YAY!" they cheered tackling the young mare down.

She screamed joyfully as the foals piled on top of her and hugged her in a dog pile of adorable cuteness. She struggled under their intense weight but eventually found her way out of the adorable pile. She walked up to Trixie, keeping an eye on the foals, and gave her a grin.

"So, Miss Trixie it's good to see you again." she said trying to warm up to the mare.

"It's nice to see you again too Peanut."

The mare groaned at this. "It's Buttercup, Peanut is my little changeling bro."

Trixie knew what changelings were. Shapeshifters that, like batponies, kept to themselves in isolation. Peanut was one and he lived in the orphanage with the rest of the children. He often disguised himself to be a colt version of Buttercup who adopted him as a little brother. Being different he was bullied by other foals and like Buttercup they were ostracized for it. This is what drew them together and bonded them together.

Buttercup looked over to the cage she'd been carrying and noticed Link inside. "Who's this?"

Trixie picked up the carrier looking inside to see a happy Link inside. she placed the carrier on the floor opening it allowing Link free rein over the area. The foals squeed in delight at the sight of the timberwolf. They all thought he was some exotic dog.

"His names's Link. Say hi, but be gentle he doesn't like to be roughed with."

The foals laughed as the little tuff of green ran around with his new friends. Trixie giggled to herself as they chased Link playing with him. Trixie and Buttercup walked with the foals and Link as they made their way to the nearest stand selling ice cream. She walked beside the batpony and spent the time chit chatting with her about life in general and how things had gone since her visit.

"- and that's when he fell off the bed saying there was an octopus eating me! Turns out it was Peanut dress like one." she laughed at the memory. "Oh, Peanut got in so much trouble that day. The matron was furious at him, but she forgave him within a day. Had spent the whole day apologizing that no one was mad at him by then."

The unicorn watched as the children ran across the road with Link realizing that Peanut was nowhere to be seen. "So, where is the little guy?"

"Hmm? Who?"

"Peanut? Where is he?" Trixie asked buttercup.

Buttercup frowned looking at the children. "He got in trouble again," she leaned towards the blue mare whispering in her ear. "One of the children got hit by him after calling him names. I won't say who, but he's grounded from the fundraiser until after it's over. The matron is actually watching him now. That's why the oldest of us are watching the children"

"Honestly I feel there is something wrong with us. No one adopts us or even pays attention to us. A friend of mine got adopted by some fancy unicorn a while ago. Lucky bitch."

"Is that a hint of jealousy Trixie senses?" she asked the batpony.

"Humph! I'm totally not jealous that jerk got adopted before me!" she said picking up her pace.

The unicorn laughed at her expense as they walked up to the ice cream cart. A young mare was at the stand with a Stallion both wearing aprons and little white hats. The filly jumped onto a small box so she could see everyone. "Hi! Welcome to Koolies Ice Cream stand! I'm Merrill and what can I get for you today?" she asked excited wagging her tail side to side.

"Hi I'd like to get single scoops for all the kids!" Buttercup said as the foals cheered. They formed a line telling the stallion what they wanted as Buttercup paid Merrill. When they got to the last two ponies they ran out of bits.

"Sorry miss, but I can't sell to you unless you pay in full. Sorry." Merrill apologized looking down at the last two ponies. "Sorry guys but that's business." she said trying to smile but found it hard to reject them.

Buttercup tried to comfort the last two who didn't get any ice cream, but try as they might they felt cheated from the ordeal. Trixie felt bad for them and decided then to help out. She walked up to the stand and looked to Merrill. "I'll pay for the last two if you don't mind?' she asked pulling out her bit bag.

"Wow! That's so kind of you Miss!" the apron wearing filly gushed.

After paying for the last two foals Trixie replaced her bag and thanks the stall owners. The last little colt who got his ice cream made a mad dash for the orpahange and rushed inside. Trixie followed him while Buttercup was distracted watching the others play with Link.

Inside she followed him up two flights of stairs. She ran into the matron of the establishment and greeted her. "Miss Lulamoon, how nice to see you again! Are you here to perform?" she asked bowing to her.

"Yes, but Trixie was actually busy. Where did little Stone go?" she asked her looking for the colt.

The matron frowned slightly nodding behind her. "He went to go see Peanut. Honestly I don't get why he likes that changeling so much. If you'll excuse me I have work to do." she gave a polite bow heading to her office.

Trixie watched as she retreated to her office and wondered what she meant by her comment about Peanut. Guess she doesn't like changelings. She thought. She followed the hall to a room which was partially open. She peeked inside to see the colt offering his ice cream to the roundest cutest little ball of black she'd every seen.

The changeling Peanut took the ice cream from the colt and thanked him. The two talked for a while. The colt was apologizing to Peanut for making fun of him being different and that he hoped somepony would adopt him one day. "So this is the one that made fun of him." she muttered eyeing the two.

"I'm really sorry Peanut. I was just mad that I wasn't scouted." the colt said.

The changeling nodded offering the remains of his ice cream to him. "It's OK Stone. I forgive you. Just be yourself and someone will come along. The thing is, I won't leave unless sis and I both are scouted. I don't want to lose her."

The two sighed in unison. Stone, walked over to the bed sitting beside Peanut. He patted the changeling on the back supportively. "Don't worry, bud! Someone will come and adopt you! You'll see!" Stone exclaimed trying to lighten the mood. But the small changeling turned away from his friend and buzzed sadly. Stone pulled his friend into a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Trixie felt very awkward and decided to leave them alone.

She walked around thinking about Peanut and the other children. She thought about what he said. To her it sounded like something her mother once told her. Trixie dear, when it comes to family you don't leave anyone behind. Family sticks together no matter what happens. Do you understand?

"I understand mother." she said walking past the Matron's office. In a spur of the moment decision she looked over at the door. Not thinking she knocked waiting for a response.

"Come in."

The voice was a welcome invitation. She opened the door to the office to find it in slight disorder. Pares were piled around a desk with bookshelves on either side and file cabinets filled to the brim with paper. She looked over to the mare who was scribbling things down frantically as if the papers would fly away at a whims notice.

She stopped just long enough to see Trixie staring at her patiently waiting. "Ah! Miss Lulamoon, please come in have a seat." she said gathering a bunch of papers and placed them to the side so Trixie could sit on a chair that was hidden from view due to the massive pile of papers.

"What can I do for you?"

The blue mare sat down looking at the mare with determination. "Ma'am Trixie wanted to talk to you about her options for adoption."

The old mares eyes widened with excitement. "Ho, you're interested in adopting one of our little ones? Wonderful!" she quickly pulled several files out form the cabinet, Trixie was unsure how she did in this mess, but none the less she found the files and presented them to Trixie. "So, who do you have in mind?" The matron asked tapping her hooves together with great anticipation.

Trixie studied the files pulling two out and placed them on the desk. This earned a surprised looked from the matron who took the files opening them up. "Trixie will take these two."

The Bat and the Magician

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After Trixie and the matron finished with all the adoption papers, Trixie left the room heading for the room where the two colts were. She peeked inside to see they were both fast asleep on the bed snuggled close together. She dawwed internally gushing about how cute they looked together. She was sooo getting a camera after this.

She wanted to walk in and wake the little ones up but decided o leave them be for now. She had a show to put on in a few minutes. She left heading into the busy streets following the cheers of the children as they intermingled with others and made friends left and right. It was heart warming to see so many of them making friends. Even if they won't all get adopted, having friends was more important than anything else in these hard times. It reminded Trixie of her life before she was taken in by her mother and father.

She walked down the street past several stands waving to the occasional child who stopped to greet her. Trixie observed how the adults interacted with the kids and teens. She wondered if her parents would have approved of her adopting? Well, she knew her father would have. He always supported her no matter how silly it was. She was a daddy's girl, and a proud one at that, she loved him very much. Her mother was another story. A wild card of sorts. She never told Spitfire, but her mother had a very set view on life. Very traditional. In fact it wasn't until later in her life that her father told her that they almost didn't adopt her.

That was a scary thought for Trixie at the time. She couldn't have thought of her life without them. After that conversation she often wondered what her life would have been like had she not been adopted by them? Would sh still be where she is now? Somewhere else in life? A DJ perhaps? When she later confronted her mother about it she blew her off. Trixie hated it when that happened but what could she do? She knew one thing though she wouldn't do the same to her two new kids.

Not much later she found the group she'd been looking for. Link came running up to her and jumped up on her back as the children circled around her. They were very excited to hear what Link was and where he came from.

"Miss Trixie! Miss Trixie!" A little unicorn filly called from the group. "What is Link? Is he a doggy?"

Trixie patted the filly on the head smiling at her. "No, he's not. Actually he's a kind of timberwolf. Completely tame!" she added quickly.

'Where did you find him?" another filly asked walking beside her to pet the green cub. He rubbed her hoof as she giggled at how cute he was.

A colt stood beside her. "Yeah, aren't timberwolves from the Everfree Forest?"

Trixie craned her neck to see the little cub sitting on her back his tongue hanging out of his mouth and panting. She smiled at the memory of when she met the cub but it also made her heart feel heavy with sadness. She placed Link on the floor using her magic and slid a nearby wooden crate closer to her so she could stand on it.

"That's true young colt." she said pointing to the colt who asked if timberwolves came from the Everfree. "They do in fact come from the Everfree Forest. But how Link met Trixie was a tale of tales. It all began some time ago..."

Trixie proceeded to tell the story of how she had traveled into the Everfree on her way to Manehatten when she saved a group of ponies from a timberwolf pack barely scaring off the final fused beast at the end of it. She then told them of how she found the Flightless Pegasus Inn and how she met Link. She left out the more gruesome details for the foals not wanting to traumatize them with a story of death and misery.

The children listened in awe of her story, even some of the adults were listening in on it. A large crowd had gathered to hear her story. Several mocked her but were silenced by other who were into the story. The fight with the timberwolf pack at the inn was the most graphic part of her story. She didn't tell them of the deaths or the slaughter of the timberwolf pack, instead she told it as if the ponies defended the inn and drove them back to the forest with no loss of life.

Some of the adults admired her for telling the story in such a way that made it good for the kids. Others frowned and made snide remarks about her involvement in the destruction of the inn and the lives lost that day. But no matter what they said or did Trixie continued on with her story to the end.

When she finally finished her story she saw the crowd was taking up the whole street. All of them had listened intently whether to hear and be entertained, or to pick it apart at the end but in either case she drew quite the crowd. Everypony cheered save for a few individuals and then dispersed once the cheering and hoof stomping came to a fault.

Buttercup came up to the mare and bobbed up and down beside her. "Trixie that was an awesome story! Do you do that often?"

She was obviously excited by the story and Trixie couldn't help to crack a smile. "No. Trixie tries not to make a habit of doing such things. It's dangerous and detrimental to her health."

The two shared a laughed together. Once they regained their composure they setup for Trixie's show. Trixie asked Buttercup if she'd help with the setup taking no time at all. Once the hour came up for Trixie to do her show she asked the foals and Buttercup to help with passing out filers to ponies while she advertised her show.

With their combined efforts they managed to draw in a large crowd of ponies and various others such as griffins and even a few minotars. Using Link and Buttercup as her assistant the show went off without a hitch. They easily raised over six-thousand bits from the show alone.

Later after the fundraiser was over Trixie was counting the bits and labeling them in bags. Buttercup helped with all the paper work while the foals were at the orphanage dinning for the evening with the matron. Link was resting in his cage beside the table they worked at. While working Trixie took the opportunity to get to know the batpony more.

Trixie had just finished labeling the tenth bag and levitated it to a pile in a small chest when she decided to speak up. "So, Buttercup?"

"Hmm? Yes miss Trixie?" she asked not looking up from he paper she'd been reading.

"When we spoke earlier did you mean that you wanted to get adopted?" The batpony looked over to her with a inquisitive stare. "What Trixie means is did you get upset that you weren't adopted or something?"

"Well, I want to but not without my little peanut." she put the paper down looking over to Trixie. "We've always been together you know?"

Trixie gave her a sympathetic look. "You love him very much don't you?"

She nodded.

"Well, I'm sure if you keep your chin up and someday, someone will adopt him as well as you," The blue mare got up and sat beside her. She used her magic to bring over another file giving it to her. "Why don't you stop that and read this for me and make sure everything is in order."

Buttercup sighed taking the file she opened it and began reading it without much thought. Trixie tapped the paper giving her a pen. "Be sure to fill it out completely OK?" she said with a smile. "I can't give this to the matron if you don't do it right. Make sure you get it right the first time. Kay sweetie?" she said in her most motherly tone.

Buttercup smiled at her mouthing thank you. It helped calm her nerves. She looked at the file and began reading it to herself as she filled in the blanks on the paper.

"Name: Buttercup. Occupation: N/A. Blah blah blah. Age: 16... Height: 3' 2''? What is this?" she wondered filling the strange file out. Once she finished she gave the file back to Trixie. The unicorn read over it and gave the brown batpony her best million bit smile. "Well done." she said excitedly. "Now, come along we have somethings left to do before we turn these in!" she turned and lifted the bits with her magic while Buttercup gathered all the papers she'd been filling out.

They walked to the orphanage and made their way to the matron's office. Once outside her door Trixie knocked on the door gently. A soft come in, was heard and they entered together. The papers in the matron's office were still stacked high and neither pony could see her from behind the massive pile. The older mares head popped up from the pile causing the top layers of paper to fly about.

Both Trixie and Buttercup laughed at the mares expense earning a good scolding from her to the both of them. Once order had been reestablished she asked the two visitors to sit while she called one of the children to get Peanut from his room. Trixie set Link to the side, still asleep. Geez, that cub could sleep through a hurricane probably. She thought.

"So, Miss Trixie how was the fundraiser?" she asked.

"It was fantastic! Trixie hasn't had this much success since she started working with DJPON-3!" She smiled with bold confidence.

Buttercup's eyes widened to dish sized when she heard the name of the most famous dj in all of Equestria. "You?! You work with Vinyl Scratch?! That's awesome! What's she like? Is she tall? What's her favorite color?"

"Ahem!"

The batpony stopped gushing feeling great embarrassment from her sudden outburst. The matron glared at her and Trixie snickered as she slumped down trying to blend with her chair. Just then a knock came from the door and Peanut entered. He looked nervously around like he was expecting to be in trouble or something.

He entered closing the door behind him making a soft clicking noise as he did so. "Ah, Peanut," the mare said gesturing to a third seat beside Buttercups. "Please have a seat."

The little changeling nodded silently opening his tiny gossamer wings and with a steady beating/buzzing noise he hovered over to the chair planting himself on it. He was shaking. He looked very nervously at Trixie like she'd bite him at a moments notice. Seeing his fear the blue mare waved at him.

"Hi, I am Trixie. You must be Peanut?" she asked politely reaching towards the changeling.

He cautiously reached out to touch her hoof but quickly pulled away and dodged behind the batpony shivering.

"Hey, it's OK Peanut." she patted him on the head. "She's a nice mare. She won't hurt you. See?" she walked over to hug Trixie and reached for him after, showing him it was safe. "Come here silly."

Peanut inched closer every step seemed to take an eternity. The matron was clearly exhausted by the waiting but held her tongue for the sake of the two children. When the little black changeling made it to the two ponies Trixie reached out one last time. Hoping he'd be more open this time.

"Come on." she gently spoke trying not to scare him. "Please come here little one."

He looked at her hoof once more not moving closer. "Are you a hunter?" he asked.

Everypony in the room looked at him oddly. Trixie looked over to the matron who was shaking her head and Buttercup frowned at him.

"Peanut! That was rude!" she scolded him. He curled up into a little ball at her harsh tone like he was struck physically. Trixie walked over to his shaking form. She reached to pick him up and he tensed up not moving at all. Slowly she picked him up and started rocking him like a baby. She thought back to her early years as a child when her father use to rock her to sleep. He'd hum a tune that she played with her mother and father long ago. She wished she'd brought her mother's pan flute. It would have been better than her awful humming.

Yet, in spite of this Peanut relaxed and slowly unwound himself looking up into the blue mares eyes. She looked down smiling at him and he thought how pretty she was. He smiled at her nuzzling her chest and buzzed his wings making a humming noise. Buttercup was gushing internally at how cute the scene was before the matron interrupted.

"I apologize but we have a bit of a schedule." she said pointing at the clock.

Both mares stared each other down trying to see which would give in first. But Trixie grew tired of her and put Peanut down. He scampered to his seat clumsily climbing it and sat down beside his sister.

"Now then," she looked over to Trixie. "Do you have the papers?"

The unicorn nodded. Her horn lit up and the file from before that Buttercup filled out went over to the matron along with a similar file. They were placed on the desk in front of the old mare and she took a minute to read them thoroughly. She made a few editions and once finished closed them up and placed them into her file cabinet.

She then did something no one in the room expected. She smiled. Peanut and Buttercup's jaws dropped at the sight. Not once had they seen her smile for anything. Never. What came next shook them to their core.

"Congratulations Buttercup, Peanut, you are now under the legal guardianship of Trixie Lulamoon." she said not breaking her smile.

The two children looked over to Trixie in disbelief. The unicorn held a triumphant look as she smiled down at them. They then felt overjoyed. They lunged at the mare hugging her praising her for adopting the both of them. Not in all their time here did they thing anyone would adopt both of them. The fear of losing each other kept them from being adopted and now, now they had a chance to be part of a family. Together.

The three laughed and tears were shed and the matron sighed still smiling as she thought how wonderful their lives ere going to be. Then she frowned looking back into the night sky from a window that remained blocked from view from the papers piled up. She looked like she was looking for something but found nothing but a setting sun.

Suddenly she was shaken as Buttercup came up and hugged her. "Thank you matron!" she held firmly to the old mare. "I know we had our differences in the past but I do love you! I'm sorry for all the mean things I said while I was here!" she cried. She patted the batpony on the head softly stroking her mane.

"That's fine Buttercup. I know I wasn't the most agreeable pony every but I care about all of you. Never forget that." she cooed to the young mare. "Now, you be good and take care of Peanut." She said wiping the tears from her own cheek.

"I will." Buttercup said picking up Peanut placing him on her back.

The batpony and changeling both hugged her one last time and went to Trixie. She gave them Link and told them to wait for her outside. The two ran outside the office to wait for her and tell everypony the news. Once they were gone Trixie walked up to the desk placing the bits on the table. The matron smiled giving Trixie a firm hoof shake.

"Thank you Trixie." she said. "Without your help we could not have raise d enough funds to restore this old place. Thank you. On behalf of all the children I thank you. I wish I could repay you somehow."

Trixie shook her head. "Just keep taking care of these children and promise never to give up on them." she said hugging the matron. "I know you didn't give up on me."

The old mare hugged her back the two held on for several minutes. Neither wanting to part. But eventually they did and it was as tough as it was the first time. Trixie smiled giving her a quick kiss on the cheek which the old mare returned.

"How are your parents these days, little moon?"

"Don't know. I haven't spoken to them for sometime." she responded.

The old matron looked wearily at her. "You need to talk to them. I'm sure they miss you."

Trixie sighed looking away from her old guardian. "I know. I miss them too but after my humiliation-"

"At Ponyville?" Trixie turned looking shocked. "It was all over the papers. Everypony was talking about it for weeks. Still are. But you know what? You made something of yourself and ow look at you! Working with the most renown DJ in Equestria and you're dating Spitfire?"

'HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT?!" Trixie creamed.

'Well, you two aren't very subtle!" she laughed at the young mare. Trixie puffed her cheeks glaring at he matron. "Seriously though. I'm proud of you Trixie. Take care of them."

"I will." she said turning to leave. "Can I still come by to see you from time to time?"

The matron's warm happy face became sad and depressed. "Sure Trixie. I'd like that."

The blue mare looked confused by her expression but thought it as nothing more than her being tired. "Well, I'll make sure to take care of the little ones. Take care of yourself you hear?"

"Good bye Trixie." she said as the mare left her office.

From her window she watched as the three ponies walked off towards their new home. She was proud that she was able to get Buttercup and Peanut a new home together. As they vanished around the corner she felt an intense heat from behind her that sent a chill down her spine. Her breathing became heavy and a drop of sweat slid down the side of her head.

From the reflection in the window she saw a hooded figure behind her. She closed her eyes not looking behind her. "You're late." she said turning to face the figure.

A New Life a New Home

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After her stop a the orphanage, Trixie was leading the two new editions to their new home in the Ivory Tower Apartments. Along the way they ran into her least favorite pony again, Fleetfoot. The teal pegasus was leaving her apartment with Star Stripe when they happened to cross paths yet again.

"Trixie"

"Fleetfoot."

The two glared at each other while Peanut hid behind Trixie, shaking in fear. Trixie glanced down to him and Fleetfoot craned her neck to see the little changeling. To say she was surprised would have been an understatement. She gasped backing away from them when a brown pony hovered behind her.

"HI!" Buttercup yelled, scaring Fleetfoot. The teal mare jumped head first into the ceiling and straight back to the floor making a loud thud. Star Stripe screamed in a panic and rushed over to her marefriend nursing her head. Trixie meanwhile was scolding Buttercup for sneaking up on the downed mare.

The batpony looked down in shame at her scolding.

"-and further more you could have given her a concussion! So, please don't do that anymore. OK, Buttercup?"

The brown mare looked to the ground dejectedly, nodding her head. "Yes, ma'am."

Trixie's expression softened up with a smile as she pulled the young filly into a hug. "It's fine sweetie. Just be more mindful in the future."

"Yes, ma'am." She said turning her head looking for Peanut. The young changeling was missing and nowhere in sight. Link barked from his cage once and that brought everyone attention to him. Behind his cage was the shaking figure of one frightened changeling colt in his batpony form. Trixie and Buttercup both went over to the cage, Trixie looked over while the batpony hovered over it.

"Aw, he's scared." Buttercup landed near him and scooped him up in her arms. "He's sensitive to strong emotional outbursts Trixie. You need to be careful around him." She said to the mare.

The unicorn cocked her head questioningly. "What do you mean, he's sensitive?"

"Just that. He's sensitive to strong emotions. You and Fleetfoot fighting scared him." She cooed to the colt rocking him to calm him.

By now Fleetfoot had recovered and Star Stripe was looking at the scene. Both were curious to see Trixie with two young ponies as far as they knew.

She approached the unicorn eyeing her suspiciously. "So, Trixie? What's with the kids? You babysitting or something?"

"For your information Fleetfoot, Trixie has adopted these two ponies." She walked over placing her hooves on Buttercup's shoulders. "This is Buttercup and the little colt is Peanut. They're batpony siblings."

The pegasus leaned forward inspecting the small brown ponies. She grinned holding out her hoof welcoming them. "Well, if that's the case, I'm Fleetfoot! Wonderbolt and stunt flyer! Nice to meet you." She greeted the two new arrivals.

Peanut laughed at the funny mare nipping at her hoof. The teal pegasus pulled her hoof back playfully back and forth with the changeling in disguise.

"Aww he likes you." Buttercup cooed at him, scratching his belly. "Don't you Peanut?"

"Yeup!!" He squeaked between laughs.

Everyone laughed at the little disguised changeling as he kicked in a fit of laughs. Shortly after Fleetfoot left with Star Stripe at her side heading off in to town for a night out. Trixie in the meantime settled into the apartment with the two new arrivals.

The two children ran around in the apartment cheering at their good fortune to have been adopted.

"Trixie! Trixie!" Buttercup cheered running around her in circles. "Does this mean I get to go to school with other children?"

"Yes, it does." she replied taking off her saddlebags.

She then settled down on the couch as Link ran into the room by all the commotion. The small batpony bounced around squealing at the little timberwolf cub. Trixie watched as the bat pony mare chased the cub playfully while Peanut lay next to her on the couch. The changeling assumed his natural form and snored as he slept.

Trixie sighed nuzzling the changeling. His tiny wings buzzed happily from the love he received from the unicorn. Buttercup meanwhile ran down the hall, after the timberwolf cub, into Spitfire's training room.

She stopped to observe her surroundings. She extended her wings and took flight up to the training course that Spitfire used. There were several cloud rings and various obstacles used to strengthen ones flight capabilities. She then flew over a full weight station, inspecting the weights like they were the most fascinating things in the world.

The door opened behind her and she yelped flying for the darkest corner of the ceiling. Trixie giggled as she watched the filly fly off into the darkness.

"Come out silly." she called to the batpony.

Buttercup blushed floating down beside her. Trixie gave her a pat on the head and lead her out of the training room to the unused bedroom where Peanut was fast asleep.

"Time for bed sweetie." Trixie said leading her to the bed.

"OK, Trixie." Buttercup said crawling beside the tiny changeling, snuggling up to him.

A faint buzzing was heard as he beat his wings together. He must really love affection. Trixie thought kissing them both good night.

"Sleep well you to, tomorrow we're going to get you both enrolled in school." she said to the young ones, kissing each on the forehead.

"Goodnight Trixie."
"Goodnight."

"Goodnight my little ones. May Luna bless you both with pleasant dreams this night." Trixie said closing the door behind her.

Once the two were settled in Trixie read a paper in the living area while Link rested in his new dog bed. She had made coffee and was happily reading about the Young Fliers Competition when she stopped to read the side article.

"Wonderbolts nearly die from tragic accident, what!?!" Trixie's eyes ran across the page reading about the accident.

"Overly enthusiastic unicorn nearly kills Wonderbolts due to the misuse of a fragile gossamer wing spell making her fall through the cloud coliseum. Wonderbolts Spitfire, Breezy, and Blazeheart tried to save her but were knocked unconscious by the flailing unicorn!"

She quickly read the article seeing that Spitfire was once again hospitalized with a serious concussion. They were save by another performer at the event, but Trixie paid no mind to that, wanting to see if Spitfire was alright. Finding nothing about her condition she crumpled the paper and threw it across the room with a loud grunt.

She threw herself back on the couch rubbing her head angrily. Exhausted from the long day, and her sudden outburst, Trixie retreated to her room for the night and went to bed. Looking at the ceiling from under her covers, she promised to make sure Spitfire got a good scolding for not being careful. But first she'd have to wait for her to come home. After all, Trixie had her obligations as a parent now.

Taking comfort in the fact she made two orphans lives better, she closed her eyes dispelling the bad thoughts from her mind with ease, and dreamed of tomorrow.

Introducing the Family

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The next morning was literally abuzz with excitement. Buttercup and Peanut were happily eating breakfast while Trixie sipped her coffee. She sighed at the depressing thought of Spitfire being in the hospital again. Yet, in spite of that she smiled for her two new additions to her family. Today was to be a big day for the little ones. This was the day they enrolled in school.

Well, not yet anyway. Today they were going to be evaluated and placed in grades equivalent to their level. Thankfully the education system was built to accommodate the young ones left out for a good while.

Trixie smiled as she watched Peanut buzz with excitement in his natural form.

"I can't wait to get out and make so many new friends!" he cried jumping on the table.

"Peanut!" Trixie scolded him. "In this house we don't jump on the table."

"Yes ma'am." he said hovering over to his seat.

"Oh Peanut." Buttercup sighed shaking her head. "You're such a dunderhead."

"Am not!" he squeaked.

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"You both are!"

Both the young ones looked at Trixie in shock as she smiled at them. Content with their silence she went back to reading the morning paper with her coffee grasped in her magical aura, holding the paper in hoof. The two grinned mischievously at one another as they got out of their seats. Silently they snuck around the mare flanking her with the intent to jump her and tickle her.

As they nodded, preparing to jump her, they lowered their bodies like cats ready to pounce. When Suddenly there was a blast of smoke as Trixie dropped a smoke bomb on the floor. When the smoke cleared, the two young ones didn't see her anywhere.

The two looked around them wondering where the elusive unicorn went. She teleported to the ceiling and with an anti-gravity spell, she hung above them giggling to herself as to not be heard.

She watched as the two young ones left the dinning area to search for her in the living area. Stalking them like a predator to its prey, Trixie slinked upside down following them in absolute silence. Once in the living area, the young batpony and changeling searched the area. Not able to find her, Peanut suggested they split to find her.

Buttercup watched as Peanut went looking in the rooms for Trixie while she remained to see if she could find her elsewhere. Not noticing the blue mare, she wandered cautiously around the dinning table, searching everywhere else but above her. Then a moment after she emerged from under the table she felt an immense weight land on her, pinning her to the ground.

"GAH! Wh-what's going on?!" she yelped. "Trixie?! Where'd you come from ?!"

The unicorn grinned at her daughter.

"Aww, couldn't find Trixie?" she said condescendingly, making the young mare blush. "You know the one thing that always gets ponies is they never look 'up'."

She nodded upward, making the young batmare look up at the ceiling. The threshal grinned making Trixie tilt her head in confusion.

"Yes, well you haven't learned the most important thing about changelings and threshals..."

"And that is?"

"SURPRISE ATTACK!" Peanut yelled as he descended from above Trixie toppling the mare over. Buttercup took the opportunity to jump on top helping to pin Trixie down. The three laughed as they tickled one another. At first it was the two youngest trying to get the blue unicorn, but then a mishap made Peanut and Trixie band together to tickle Buttercup.

Finally after several minutes, Buttercup relented calling out 'uncle!' so the other two wold stop their tickle assault on her belly. The clock rang signaling it was nearly noon. Trixie flinched not realizing how much time went by, she scooped up Peanut and began walking to the bedrooms.

"Come along Buttercup. We need to get ready for your meeting at the school." she instructed the brown batpony.

"Yes ma'am." she replied like a little solider, following her.

Thirty minutes later as they got ready, Peanut buzzed excitedly as he changed into hit batpony form running around Trixie as she did her mane. Buttercup examined the silvery mane thoroughly. It was a beautiful mane, so shiny and clean. Examining her own, she felt so inferior to Trixie. To her Trixie was the epitome of beauty, she herself wasn't.

"What's wrong sweetie?" Trixie asked putting her brush down.

"I just- I wish I was a pretty as you Trixie." she sighed, sadly folding her ears down.

"Oh, tish tosh! You're a very beautiful young mare!" Trixie scolded her. "One day I'll be so old and you'll be the next hottest thing on the block, and you know what?" The batpony looked up at her expectantly. Trixie grinned throwing her black cloak over herself magically connecting the clasp together.

"When you're out there, and I'm too old to go anywhere, you know what I'll be saying? 'That right there is my daughter Buttercup, the most beautiful mare in all the land.'" she boasted patting her on the head. The young mare smiled rubbing against the hoof like a cat. Peanut, not getting any of the attention, puffed his cheeks and also began to rub against Trixie's leg.

The unicorn mare giggled scooping him up and pulled Buttercup into a hug. "You two are now Trixie's greatest treasures in all the world. And I'll never let go." she cooed.

"HEY! What about me?!" a masculine female voice called from behind her making them all scream.

Trixie quickly calmed herself, her face turning to a full blown scowl as she turned to see her mate rolling on the floor with a cast left leg and wing, a stilt laying by her side. Trixie growled at the mare stomping over, she towered over the pegasus levitating a familiar suitcase overhead with the most angry face she could muster.

Spitfire's laughing slowly died down as she realized the angry blue mare above her, turning into a nervous chuckle.

"Heh, heh, he-hey there beautiful?" she asked, unsure of what to say.

"Hello...love." Trixie said in a playful sneer.

Slowly the suitcase rose up and Spitfire looked around trying to get up but her leg made it impossible in her panic. She managed to get on her belly to scurry away but was met with a stinging sensation on her back side, again. With a undignified yelp, she scurried right out the door, dragging her body across the floor, due to being unable to stand.

In the hallway, she managed to level herself and rubbed her red rear, grumbling to herself. Meanwhile Trixie smiled in satisfaction and put the suitcase away and returned to brushing her mane while she tended to Buttercup's. The small batpony sat still in shock by the exchange made by the two ponies, Peanut laughed clapping his hooves the whole time.

Eventually Spitfire managed to limp back into the room, peeking her head in first. Satisfied the infernal suitcase was away, goddess above she hated that thing, she inched her way in and with an awkward limp she managed to get to Trixie and the two young ones. Peanut was now trying to imitate the mares by brushing his mane with a spare brush he'd found lying around. She waddled over to Trixie's side and nuzzled her affectionately.

"Hey, hon."

"Hey yourself, you featherbrained idiot." Trixie snapped pushing her away.

Hurt by her sudden outburst, Spitfire got in front of her and plopped herself down on a pillow. "Hey now, what's all this about?" she demanded.

Trixie put her brush down and looked at the two young ponies. "Sweeties go get your things. Trixie must speak to Spitfire."

They nodded and left the two mares alone closing the door behind them.From behind the closed door Buutercup began to squeal to herself making Peanut jump in fright.

"Gah! I can't believe it! That was Spitfire! Spitfire, Peanut! The greatest Wonderbolt in Equestria! And We live with her!"

"Spitfire? Who now?" he asked tilting his head.

"Oh, that's right, you don't care about that stuff." she huffed. "Well, regardless she's a very famous pony! And we live with her! Even Fleetfoot is our neighbor!"

"Who?" Peanut asked again.

"Ugh!" the brown threshal grunted to herself throwing her head in her hooves and fell backwards to the floor. Peanut watched her as she rolled on the floor like she was in pain, but really she was just frustrated. The changeling in disguise walked over petting her head gently instantly calming his older sibling.

Meanwhile in the isolated room Trixie hadn't said a word to Spitfire since the young ones left. Spitfire rubbed her neck nervously, not sure of what to say. She looked around the room wondering what Trixie was waiting for. She looked like she was expecting the pegasus to say something, but for the life of her Spitfire couldn't figure it out.

Finally unable to bear the silence anymore she finally got the courage to ask the big question she'd been hoping to dodge the whole time.

"OK, hon, what are you mad about?" she asked cautiously.

"Oh, so sorry but Trixie was just a biiiiiit, ever so slightly, just a hint upset that her mate almost died AGAIN!" she yelled pulling out the newspaper from the previous night, showing the main article about the Young Fliers Competition. "Trixie was afraid you may have died! Or worse! What if you can never fly again?! And who is this Raritits?"

"It's Rarity, hon, and she's a unicorn that participated in the competition." Spitfire stated factually.

"That's beside the point! While we're on the subject, what happened to you!?! The paper said youweren'tinjured!Whathappened!?!"

"Trixie calm down, breath!" the pegasus yelled shaking the now hyperventilating mare.

After several minutes, the mare managed to calm herself, with a few affectionate kisses from Spitfire. She was now laying on the bed in Spitfire's lap having her mane stroked by her. She felt so pathetic it made her want to cry. Thankfully Spitfire was there to make it all better. She could tell Trixie was genuinely upset from her outburst.

"Hey you alright now, beautiful?" she cooed poking her on the nose.

Trixie gave a grunt swatting the yellow hoof away. "Humph, you brute." Her horn lit up pulling Spitfire's bangs, bringing her head down into the blue mares lips.

She struggled at first but realized it was just a kiss, and embraced it afterwards. Her wings threatening to flare out as the kiss persisted. Trixie then got up pushing her back on the bed gently, as to not injure her crippled wing, and began kissing the mares neck. The display of affection made Spitfire moan as she spread her legs open, Trixie guided herself down the yellow belly and eventually found her way to the mares thighs. There she nibbled the inner thigh making Spitfire give off a horny gasp.

Grinning she suddenly stopped. Spitfire's head shot up as she looked at he blue mare putting on her cutest innocent face.

"You did that on purpose!" she accused her mate, pointing at her.

Trixie was about to respond when a tiny grey head popped up from the side of the bed. Both mares gasped at the sight of Peanut's head.

"What are you doing?" he asked, completely unaware of what they were doing.

"How long were you there?!" Trixie yelped covering herself with her arms as though exposed.

Peanut tilted his head to the side not understanding, just as Buttercup hovered into the room. She patted the changeling on the head picking him up like a foal.

"Oh, don't mind them Peanut." she said, grinning. "They were just doing the dirty dance."

Peanut tilted his head again not understanding. He then turned his attention to Trixie, his tiny blue eyes pierced her soul in the most adorable manner. Spitfire dawwe'd at the sight of the tiny disguised changeling (thinking he's a batpony).

"Mamma Trixie, what's the dirty dance?"

"AND You two have overstayed your welcome! Come along now let's go to the kitchen and talk out there. That sound good? Good? OK." she said glaring at her daughter, who had a sly look on her face. "Ill get you for this later."

"Sure thing."

"So, hon, gonna introduce me to the two new additions to our family?" Spitfire asked taking hold of Peanut. She rubbed his belly making him squeal in delight. "Aww, he's so cute!"

The changeling decided to change into his natural form, his body engulfed in a green flame, making Spitfire scream and drop him to the floor. The changeling bounced on the floor with a squeak. Once Spitfire realized what he was she sighed in relief.

"I see you took a shine to Peanut." Trixie giggled lifting the changeling up and cuddling him. "Isn't he the cutest thing?"

"He sure is." the pegasus replied. "And who's this little one? Another changeling perhaps?"

"No ma'am. I'm a threshal 100% Name's Buttercup." she said extending her hoof. Spitfire smiled taking her hoof and shaking hers. "Of course I know who you are ma'am."

"Please, just Spitfire. Ma'am makes me feel old."

"You ARE old, love."

"You hush, Trixie!" Spitfire snapped at her mate, who giggled. "Don't you listen to her, she lies all the time. Anyways it's a pleasure to finally meet you both. Trixie has told me so much about you two."

"She has?" Buttercup asked, looking at Trixie.

"Oh yes, she often bragged about the two of you and several others." Spitfire said looking at the now flushing unicorn. "But she was particularly fond of you two."

Buttercup made no movements. She simply stared at her hoof not saying a word. Eventually Spitfire poked her and the young mare swayed back and forth slightly, still staring at her hoof. "I got a hoof shake from Spitfire." she said staring at her hoof.

The Wonderbolt gave Trixie a smug smile. "Yeah, you did kid. Also you can now say you're adopted by said Wonderbolt."

She smiled hopping excitedly as Peanut waddled over to her nudging her side. "Not now silly! I'm basking in the moment." she said dreamily.

Spitfire laughed while Trixie rolled her eyes. Buttercup blushed realizing what she had said and lowered her head embarrassed.

"Well, regardless we should get going Spitfire. Trixie's enrolling them into school today."

"Oh, great! I'll get my travel crutch and come along!" Spitfire said excited, but Trixie blocked her path.

"Oh no you don't! Not in your condition!"

"Aw, come on, hon, you know me! I can handle it!" Spitfire said pridefully, posing as Trixie does. Peanut and Buttercup snickered at Trixie who was glaring at her mate.

"Brute." she sneered to the pegasus.

"I love you too, hon," she said hopping over and giving Trixie a quick kiss on the cheek. "I promise I'll be fine. Come on let's go."

"Fine, but the minute you start moaning and groaning you're coming home!"

"I will. Promise."

The two hugged. Peanut buzzed at the amount of love soaring in the air, his tiny wings beat making him hover inches off the ground before he dropped back on his hooves. Buttercup walked up to him placing a saddlebag on him, and after placing hers on they waited at the door for their new parents to meet them.

Once all together they left the Ivory Apartments and headed deep into Manehatten to Manehatten Private Academy to enroll Peanut and Buttercup.

Growing Problems

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Over the next week a lot had happened. Trixie and Spitfire enrolled Peanut and Buttercup into Manehatten Private Academy, Spitfire had made a full recovery, and Trixie's performances had began to take a turn for the worst. Vinyl Scratch was forced to severe her professional connections to Trixie, but the two still enjoyed each others company during their off time.

They would often met at a local cafe for a drink in the late afternoons and would talk about their days and families until sunset. At that point Vinyl would retreat to her bar to begin her performances. Trixie was truly envious of her.

Her infamy was boundless and the events of Ponyville were fresh in the hearts of all. A recent paper ad. mentioned how Trixie foolishly brought an ursa to the small town and lead to the destruction of several thousand bits of damage. While normally ponies wouldn't have believed the stories, the high society pressures forced many to turn away from the mare when she walked the streets of Manehatten. She was once again being victimized for something she had little to no hoof in. Yet despite her best efforts, her reputation had fallen once again.

While Vinyl did everything in her power to help her blue friend, being a show mare at a bar limited her ability to help. But try she did and it was all Trixie needed to keep going. That and her mate and two wonderful children she adopted not long ago helped keep up her spirits.

Trixie was on her way home after a long day of searching for a day job, with no success at all. Almost nopony would see her and the few that did almost immediately turned her away. Apparently, being the mate to a Wonderbolt meant nothing to these ponies. In truth though it really upset her to no end that she was once again being blamed for the ursa attack when it wasn't even her fault.

As she casually strolled through the streets she came across a familiar face. Her neighbor Star Stripe was passing by when the two caught sight of each other.

Star waved to Trixie, who gave her a warm smile and trotted up to her.

"Trixie! Hi, how are you?" Star asked hugging her blue friend.

"Trixie is doing just fine, Star. How are you?"

"I've been better." Star Stripe sighed. "Fleet, and I are taking a break."

"You two aren't breaking up are you?" Trixie gasped placing her hooves over her mouth.

"No we aren't breaking up. We're just taking a break from our late night intercourse." Star Stripe said with a wink. "Thanks by the way for the spell. I use it as a threat for Fleetfoot when she misbehaves."

"Like a hopeless stallion. Spitfire's the same way."

The two laughed hearty at the thought of their mates being threatened with no sex for a night. The desperate looks in their eyes as both mares looked down on them only to crush any hopes they had by turning up their noses at them, and making them sleep on the couch. Unloved. Cold. Alone.

"Yeah, so what are you doing home so early, Trixie?" Star asked looking around for Spitfire, expecting to see Trixie's significant other nearby. "I thought you worked today?"

Frowning Trixie scrapped the hard floor with her hoof. "Yeah, about that." Trixie pulled out a newspaper from her saddlebag and showed it to Star Stripe.

Quickly reading through the main article and the pages that, Star Stripe went from curious, to stunned, and then to angered in the span of a minute. It was about the ursa attack and how a certain unnamed unicorn individual gave testimony to her being involved with bringing it to the town and blamed two innocent colts for it.

Star, crumpled the newspaper and threw it down the hall. "Stupid lies and slander."

"Star? You alright there?"

"NO! How can you be calm after this?!"

"What can Trixie do but move on?" she shrugged rubbing her friends shoulders, calming her down.

"Well, I guess not much." the darker mare sighed, she stepped to the side and made a path to the apartment. "Would you like to come in?"

Trixie shook her head. "No Star, sorry but Trixie has to go pick up her little monsters today."

Star Stripe was about to comment when a familiar yellow pegasus fluttered up to them her voice echoing down the hall as she scolded two young threshals. The two little ones looked had very different looks on them. Peanut, held his head low in shame nearly in tears, Buttercup was frowning looking away angrily trying to ignore the older mare.

"-and when Trixie hears about this, I swear you'll be lucky if both of us don't tan your hide after this is over." Spitfire looked up to see Star and Trixie at the door down from hers. "Hey Star! How's it going? Hey Trixie! We need to talk later. As for you two, go to your room and not a peep until we get inside got it?"

"Yes mommy." Peanut said dejectedly walking silently to his room lowering his disguise inside.

It was decided that he would wear a disguise out doors until he was widely accepted in school for the time being. The school staff didn't take him transforming very well, so afterwards the family talked and made him promise to hold his disguise until a later time. His tiny wings buzzed dully as he hoovered to the room with Buttercup fluttering right behind him, lazily flapping her wings. She took on quick glaring glance at Spitfire before returning her attention to her front. She slammed the door shut behind her leaving one angry mare and two confused ones at the front door.

Spitfire sighed loudly rubbing her temples, while Trixie pulled her don to the floor and rubbed the base of her wings. Her tense muscles loosen making her give off a satisfied moan of relief.

"Thanks love, I needed that." she thanked her mate turning quickly to steal a kiss.

"Think nothing of it. You looked like you needed it." Trixie said looking over to Star who winked knowingly. "Besides what was that about anyway? Did they get in trouble or something?"

"It's far worse than that." Spitfire said glaring at the door where the two went. "Sorry Star, but can you excuse us? Parental duties call."

"Don't worry Spitfire. I Know. My sister and I use to get in a lot of trouble growing up." she giggled fondly at the memories. "Take care you two, and remember to hear their side of the story too. Even if they did wrong it helps for them to be heard."

"Thanks Star."

"See you later friend!" Trixie hugged her and the two mares retreated to their home.

Spitfire didn't waste any time heading straight for the young ones room. She was stopped just shy of the door by Trixie, holding her tail with her magic. She gave Spitfire a warning look.

"Love, listen." she started and walked beside Spitfire. "We need to be careful about this, OK?"

"Fine, we'll hear what happened but I'm telling you it's bad." Spitfire warned.

"Well, we'll see together."

And with that they entered the room together to see the two young ones sitting on their beds staring at the floor. not a word or sound was made aside from their breathing, or in Peanuts case nearly hyperventilating. Trixie sat beside him and held him close making hiim calm down.

The little changeling purred rubbing against her as his wings buzzed happily. Trixie smiled but got a frown from her mate and her older daughter. She furrowed her brow disapprovingly at them but held onto little Peanut.

"Now, can you tell me what happened today?" she asked as she looked over to Buttercup and Spitfire.

The Wonderbolt nudge the brown teen threshal, making her glare at her but raised her posture and held her chest with dignity and pride.

"I called my teacher a whore and I beat up two fillies and a colt." Buttercup admitted rather proudly.

"Buttercup." Spitfire nearly growled, but Trixie held a hoof up silencing her.

"Please, continue sweetie." the blue mare replied calmly.

Buttercup inhaled and continued. "Today we were talking about family and how me and m Peanut were adopted by you and Spitfire." she said looking over to Peanut who shot his head up at the sound of his name like a dog before resting his head on Trixie's lap curled up like a cat. "But when I mentioned momma Trixie, a filly in class called you a fraud and a horrible mare. I tried to defend you but then another filly said you were a charlatan and the only reason you got together with Spitfire was for fame and status."

Trixie shook her head as did Spitfire. Each gave her a look of disappointment. Trixie then stood up placing a now sleeping Peanut on the bed and sat beside the brown batpony. She wrapped her arm round her supporting, but held onto her disappointed look. Buttercup broke under the disapproving gazes and looked away shamefully.

"You know we love you right?" Trixie asked.

"Yeah, I know. But they-"

"Are just words Buttercup." Spitfire nodded sagely.

"But the teacher agreed with them! The teacher agreed with them! She even call you a whore!" she yelled pointing to Trixie, her eyes were now in tears. "So I beat her up along with these fillies."

"And the colt?" Spitfire asked wondering how he fit into this.

"Heeee... uh, he got in the way of my first punch at the teacher. It wasn't even meant for him. He just walked by at the wrong time. Unfortunately.'' she added the last part quickly seeing Spitfire frown at her. "Really! It was an accident! But the other three I would do it again without another thought!"

"And that's the problem sweetie," Trixie said holding her daughter close wrapping both arms around her. "You can't go around do these kinds of things. You'll only be enforcing the rumors about me and Spitfire. And with how ponies are these days you can expect them to believe anything they hear or read." she added the last part looking at the wall.

"But, but, then what do I do when they start talking bad about you and Spitfire?" Buttercup asked pleadingly.

"You just have to accept the fact that others will say hurtful things and be down with it. Leave it be." Trixie stated. "I won't allow you to grow up and turn into a thug."

"I don't understand. How can you let something like that go?"

Now Spitfire jumped in to the conversation wrapping a hoof on the batponies brown shoulder. "We love you Buttercup, and we always will. But you can't go beating others up because of it. Two wrongs don't make it right for what they did. It just makes you both wrong."

"Trixie agrees. And you can't go beating up teachers especially since you can get suspended from school, or worse expelled."

Spitfire visibly flinched at the word, expelled, like some dark force passed right through her very soul. Trixie held onto it in the back of her mind for later. For now, she had to be a supporting mother.

"You have to accept you can't change everyponies mind sweetie. There will always be others who won't accept Trixie for who she is or even get to know her to accept her."

"I wish I had your strength, momma Trixie," she said looking at Spitfire. "And I'm sorry for what I said earlier, momma Spitfire."

Spitfire's expression softened but kept a stern glance at her daughter. "Thanks kiddo, but I'm still tanning your hide." she grinned mischievously.

As if waiting the dreaded word, Peanut's head poked up, his tiny black ears like sonars honing in on Spitfire, he jumped from his spot and fluttered over to the closet door. He used his entire body and wrapped his hooves around the doorknob and turned his body with it making the door open. Link came barking out and the changeling hoovered inside and closed it behind him.

Spitfire and Trixie watched in shock by his behavior but Buttercup shrugged like it was nothing.

"What was that all about?" Trixie asked, walking up to the door pressing her ear against it.

"Peanut hates spankings." she explained. 'Whenever we got spanked we always had to watch the ones getting spanked. His sensitivity to emotions made it... difficult for him to handle it, so he started hiding whenever the matron would spank us."

"Ah." both mares nodded knowing about the changelings sensitivity to extreme emotional outbursts. A few days ago Spitfire and Trixie had an argument about finances and how difficult it would be for Trixie to find work. Neither knew the little changeling was near when they fought so he ran and locked himself in the room for two days until hunger drove him out. A little food coaxing helped too. Changelings may feed off emotions, but they still could eat solid foods if needed.

Trixie knocked on the door gently, hearing a slight buzz from within.

"Peanut sweetie? Will you come out?" Trixie cooed at the door.

"Nuuh! Momma Spitfire's gonna spank, sis! I don wanna watch!" he buzzed sadly.

"Well then, if you want momma Spitfire can do that while we cuddle in the closet. Is that, OK?"

"WHAT?! WHY?!" Buttercup exclaimed as Spitfire wrapped both arms around the young mare, struggling against her captor. "WHY AM I BEING PUNISHED?"

"Because you need to learn not to do these things, Butter." the fiery pegasus said.

"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

Peanut opened the door allowing Trixie to enter with him. Link ran inside after them. No sooner than the door closed the sound f a hoof over a bottom was heard throughout the room.

SWAT! "OUCH!"

SWAT! "AHH! ABUSE!" SWAT! "ABUSE! CALL CPS!" SWAT! "GAH I-I CALL FOR A REVOLUTION!" SWAT! "AHHHH!"

While Buttercup got her punishment, Trixie held Peanut in her arms rocking him like a newborn foal. HE cringed at the sound of Buttercups hindquarters being struck, but eventually the swatting and grunting became white noise to him as Trixie hummed softly to him. He buzzed happily in her arms, as he drifted off to sleep in Trixie's arms and dreamed.

Eventually the spanking ceased and Spitfire knocked on the door letting Trixie know she was done. Trixie emerged with Peanut and link in her magical aura, both were asleep and placed them in the bed opposite of Buttercups. The threshal was rubbing her sore bottom under the covers, trying not to cry from the stinging sensation.

After putting the changeling and timberwolf cub into bed, Trixie gave them each a quick kiss wishing them pleasant dreams and walked over to Buttercup. Spitfire stood by the door and watched as the unicorn stood beside her bed and leaned in to her ear.

"Have sweet dreams dear." she cooed in the brown ponies ear. Buttercup looked over her shoulder to her smiling.

"Thanks momma." she said turning over flinching at her bottom touching the bed.

"I promise, momma Spitfire will get her spanking soon." the unicorn promised.

Buttercup blushed at the thought of her two mothers spanking each other. Her mind went so deep as to give the mares horny moans and grunts, begging g for more as the other dominated the rear of the other. She rubbed her head furiously making Trixie jump back slightly.

"AUGH! You suck momma! Now I'll have that dirty image in my head all night!" she whined.

Trixie chuckled at her daughters expense. Leaning in to kiss her forehead she wrapped the blankets around the brown pony and rubbed her bangs out of her face.

"Sleep well. I love you."

"Love you too, momma."

Trixie left the bedside and joined with Spitfire as they closed the door heading off to their room. Spitfire whistled casually as they walked down the short hall, and she eventually wrapped her wing around Trixie who grinned. She pressed her body against the yellow mare making her flinched from the sudden embrace.

They slowly made their way to the bedroom where Spitfire closed the door and locked it. Trixie gave her mate a curious glance wondering what this sudden behavior was all about, but then she noticed Spitfire had her back legs crossed. Then it hit her.

"Spitfire." she said teasingly, getting the mares attention. "Are you in the, mood tonight?"

The athletic pegasus flinched looking away and trotted to her bed and flopped on it. She kept her rear elevated supported by her hind legs and lifted her tail revealing herself to Trixie. She then began bobbing her hindquarters up and down while giving Trixie a seductive look.

"Oh, you know I'm in the mood." she teased back in a sultry manner, wiggling her tail back and forth. "Please dominate my foal hole Trixie." she moaned reaching between her legs with a hoof and rubbed her labia. "Please love. I need this. I had such a hard day at work."

Trixie grinned shaking her head. Lately, the mare was conveniently plagued with so called, 'bad days at work'. Buying into her antics, Trixie prepared her and Spitfire's favorite spell. The magic entwined around her loins and as it condensed down it formed her artificer stallion cock that Spitfire dubbed, The Mustang.

Spitfire watched, in awe of the artificial cock as it dangled behind her teasingly. Trixie knew this too. For she wiggled her hips, making the magical conjuration flail back and forth making Spitfire increase her wiggling of her rear. But then Trixie left the bedside and walked over to the mirror and pulled out her brush with her magic and began brushing her mane.

Her yellow mate glared at her from the bed not moving, and saw from her position the mare grinning at her in the mirrors reflection.

"You suck Trixie." she said glumly.

Trixie replied by putting the brush down and turned to face her lover, holding the offending appendage in hoof stroking it tentatively. This only increased the pegasus mares intense stare/glare at her as she promptly turned herself sideways to the bed and plopped her back legs on the floor with her upper boy on the bed and lifted her tail again, this time with more urgency.

"Quit teasing me and give it to me you jerkoff!" she called to Trixie.

"Oh? You want this?" Trixie gestured to the long member making Spitfire growl, but nodded in response.

"Oh, aren't you precious?" she cooed walking up behind the pegasus. She propped herself over the mare, placing her front hooves on the bed beside Spitfire's waits and with her magic, she took hold of the cock and pressed it against her mates labia. The pegasus mare flinched, her wings flared out anticipating her immediate penetration. But the feeling never came.

She turned to glare at her mate, who smiled cheekily once again pressing slightly harder but never breaking the mares flesh barrier. Trixie leaned forward, making sure not to go into her mate, and nipped at her ear.

"Gahhaaa." Spitfire moaned. Her arms became weak as s wave of pleasuring shock past through her at he sensation of her ear being nibbled on. "Ohhh, Trixie. Please do that again."

The unicorn mare grinned pressing forward and took the ear into her mouth and yanked on it making Spitfire give a horny cry.

Oh how Trixie loves it when you do that. she thought as they continued their love session deep into the night.

Day in the life of...

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The next day Trixie awoke to the sound of buzzing and a slight fuzzy irritation on her nose. She sniffed once and tried swatting the fuzzy feeling away from her nose turning over in her bed to bury her face into Spitfires chest. She found the yellow mare sleeping soundly beside her, happily snoring the early morning away.

She smiled rubbing her nose against the soft fur inhaling Spitfire's natural scent. It was very earthy smell. It was nice.

BZZZZZZZZ.

Trixie scrunched her face wondering what the annoying buzzing was. She took her pillow and covered her head with it, sandwiching it between the pillow and Spitfire but the buzzing continued.

BZZZZZZZZ.

This time Spitfire jumped at the sound startling Trixie. Now fully awake the two mares searched around getting their bearings. They looked around once and found the source of the disturbance. A small black bundle lay between they at the foot of their bed buzzing happily in its sleep.

"Oh, Peanut." Trixie rolled her eyes.

She looked over to her mate who reached over to pick up the little changeling holding him close to her chest. He wiggled in her grasp and scrambled to find a warm place, hiding in her arms and chest. The two mares giggled at him and laid back down together with in between them. The love he felt in that moment was soothing.

They giggled at the sleeping bundle of joy as he continued buzzing in his sleep. Spitfire ran her hoof gently across his black chitin body. The sleek black body was sturdy but soft enough to push inwards like a firm pillow. Trixie shuffled closer putting her arms around Spitfire's neck and pull in to a kiss before resting her head on Peanuts body.

Several hours later Peanut was hungry. True he was able to feed off emotions, but that was for his magic. He still needed to eat solid foods in order to survive. His hunger made his tummy growl and as any drone would do, he left the safety of his home to venture out into the world in search of food.

He silently stood up and shook himself like a cat would after waking up. He then walked to the foot of the bed. He saw the distance was greater than he wanted to jump. So, he beat his tiny wings and hoovered off the bed and flew to the door. He latched his entire body on the knob and shifted his weight making the nob turn with him. With a few well timed beats of his gossamer wings the door slid open and he flew out leaving it open.

He flew down the hall turning left and flew across the hall/living area and made his way to the kitchen. Along the way he saw his sister Buttercup at the table with a pile of books at her side. Curious, he fluttered over to her and peeked over her shoulder. Tough she was a a few years older than him, Peanut recognized she was working on Advanced Algebra.

Her mane was a disheveled mess, her eyes had bags under them and a empty coffee cup rested beside her hood. He didn't understand what she was working on but he didn't have time to find out when his gaze met a pair of angry eyes. He flinched and buzzed backwards as Buttercup glared at him and he slunk back into the kitchen.

He glanced from the corner seeing the brown teen mare was back to work on her paper and books.

"What was that all about?" he asked himself, wondering why she was mad.

He dared not venture too close out of fear she'd chase him away. Though he could outrun her, he still didn't want to try. So he beat his tiny wings and lifted himself up to the cupboard where he found several bowls and plates stacked. He lit up his horn and lifted a whole stack of bowls out and placed them on the counter. He then lowered himself taking one in his holey hooves and placed it to the side and used his magic to put the rest back.

He then poured the cereal into the bowl and followed with the milk. Putting everything else back he searched the kitchen for a spoon and found one at the end of the counter. He planted himself on the corner of the counter and watched for ten seconds as the cereal mixed in with the milk before he drove the spoon into the sugary delights and extracted it and took the first bite.

He buzzed happily at the mixture of flavors in his mouth.

Drawn by his buzzing, Buttercup abandoned her homework and walked into the kitchen to see Peanut eating his cereal while pretending the spoon was a plane. She cracked a smile shaking her head at her little brother before returning to her studies.

A half hour later peanut had finished eating his breakfast and placed the bowl and spoon in the sink. He wasn't allowed to wash them, so he left them there in a bit of water. He then set out to have fun for the day.

The little changeling ran into the living room and hopped on the couch. Bouncing on it a few times before resting his bottom on the center of the plush cushion. He glanced around seeing Link resting beside the couch on the floor. He looked over at the sleeping timberwolf cub and overheard down to him.

Sitting beside the green cub, he brush ed her cubs head rubbing behind his ear making the cub kick his paw out. He then left the cub to his own devices and flew over to Spitfire's training room. There he found her fiery maned mother flying laps around her personal course. The cloud course was impressive to the changeling as was his pegasus mother.

She flew with such speed and grace it made him feel envious. He was able to fly and do magic, but neither was really any good. Compared to a pegasus and unicorn, he was considered sub-par in terms of magical and flight capabilities. But that didn't deter him. He beat his tiny wings and flew up into the course and followed the path Spitfire took as she made her rounds.

As Spitfire rounded a corner a black speck entered her field of vision. Quickly she angled her body and flew around the black speck nearly colliding with it. She flew off course and watched as Peanut flew a lap around the course as quickly as he could. She gave a hearty chuckle as she watched the changeling bump into one of the obstacle rings. He shook his head and continued on like it was nothing. Shaking her head, Spitfire took off again flying up beside him.

He turned his head to see his mother smiling at him with an approving nod. He smiled back and picked up speed trying to overcome her. Spitfire knew she could easily out fly him but kept pace with him in a miniature race around the course. Spitfire kept pace with him only barely passing him before she would slowdown at the corners and let him pass. But then he did something that she hadn't expected.

Peanut realized that when he followed close behind his mother, he could fly faster as long as he kept pace with her. on the last lap he used this to his advantage he followed her slip stream style and as they rounded the corner he flew past her with great speed and took her by surprise. She darted after him as he past the start point and had claimed his victory.

He landed on the top most cloud and hooped up and down with glee.

"I did it! I beat, momma!" he cheered.

Spitfire stared at him dumbstruck. It was such a surprise that he beat her with such ease. True, she wasn't mad that she lost, just surprised by the sudden surge of speed he had. But she beamed with pride at him.

She flew up to the cloud and landed beside him. As she did he flew upwards into her gut, tackle hugging her. He laughed into her chest as she laughed as well.

"I won, momma! Did you see me fly fast?" he asked her excited.

"Yes we did Peanut." a second voice called from below before she could respond.

Both peeped their heads over the side of the cloud and saw Trixie and Buttercup below. Peanut jumped down from his cloudy vantage point and was grabbed by Trixie in her arms.

The blue unicorn squeezed him with a laugh. She then began twirling him around holding him up in the air, as he giggled in delight waving his arms. Spitfire landed beside Buttercup and they watched. The pegasus wrapped her wing around the threshal and pulled her close. The teen mare looked away in mock annoyance, but secretly smiled at the contact nudging her mother.

After the excitement toned down, Trixie took Peanut to play outside with his friends leaving Spitfire and Buttercup alone at the apartment. The teen batpony was at the table struggling against her homework. She bit hard into her pencil, her sharp fangs digging deep into the wood reaching the graphite. She let out an almost feral growl slamming her pencil down on the table shaking it. Spitfire was making a hayburger when she heard the noise and instinctively turned off the stove and peeked around the corner to see what the commotion was about.

Seeing the teen mare face down she let her wings give a mighty flap propelling herself the short distance beside Buttercup.

"Hey."

"Hey." Buttercup grumbled, her face still on the table top.

Spitfire glanced over the young mare to see the papers scattered across the table. Immediately she recognized the problem. She saw the abhorred numbers scrawled over page after page. Pie charts, formulas, theorems, and all manners of shapes and lines, their cruel forms being the very foundation to life and understanding the universe they say. Spitfire knew better, she knew the evil that was math and all the drama sleepless nights that came with it. A devils art form.

Tenderly Spitfire draped her hooves over the little mares shoulders and tenderly rubbed them. Buttercup gave a satisfied moan, as the pegasus worked the tight muscles in her neck.

"Thanks mom." Buttercup said through her moans. "Guess I didn't realize how much studying I've been doing."

Releasing her, Spitfire pulled up chair and sat beside her.

"Need any help, hon?"

"No, I don't think you can help me with this." she replied glumly running her pencil across the page.

Spitfire scoffed folding her arms across her chest. "Bah! It's just a bunch of stupid numbers and letters-"

"Variables." Buttercup corrected.

"Whatever!" she threw her arms up in the air. "Come on, let me help."

Buttercup smiled shaking he head. She scooted over allowing her mother to scoot in for a better look. Spitfire picked up the book, sweating nervously. "Besides, with the two of us what could possibly go wrong?"

Hours later, Trixie and Peanut returned home. Unlocking the door Peanut flung it open and happily hopped around the living area and onto the couch, while Trixie lay her saddlebags by the front entrance.

Giving a quick glance around, she say two ponies at the table huddle together. Curious she approached the two and saw Spitfire and Buttercup over several books and a pile of papers on the table. Taken aback by the pile, Trixie gasped at the condition of the two ponies. Their manes were a disheveled mess, bags under their eyes, and bloodshot eyes to top it with several coffee pots beside them chatting incoherently as they scribbled page after page.

"So if we divide by the square root of seven we should get the answer for A and then we can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for B and then we can find the square root of Pi!" Spitfire yelled triumphantly showing Buttercup her paper. The brown pony scrunched her face staring at it with great intensity.

"No! You did it wrong! That's for a right triangle! We need the value of B so we can identify the width of this parabola!"

"That's not how it works Buttercup! is it?"

"I DON"T KNOW ANYMOREOREOROOE!" the teen mare cried burying herself into Spitfires shoulder as she coddled the crying mare.

Trixie walked over, unnoticed, and lifter the paper in question scanning over it. Spitfire and Buttercup stopped and watched the unicorn quickly scribble something down on the paper Buttercup was working on. A minute later she placed the paper to the side and put the pencil down and walked away humming to herself.

Spitfire and Buttercup stared in awe at the page. It took them hours of heated debate and arguing, yet neither of them could find the answer. They checked the back of the math book they got the problem from and saw that Trixie had the correct answer. They stared in awe at the amazing feat she had pulled off. Truly she was a goddess among mortal ponies.

Peanut and Trixie's Day Out

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*Earlier that day*

Late in the afternoon Trixie and Peanut were walking together in Manehatten Central Park. Spitfire and Buttercup weren't with them they were at home doing Buttercups homework. Trixie wasn't looking forward to going outside after several close encounters with ponies who disliked her based on her reputation.

The two walked along in the stone walkway while ponies continued to stare a them. They were on their way to pick up Trixie's trailer at a local repair shop who was on friendly terms with the unicorn mare. Peanut donned his batpony disguise. His dark grey fur and leathery black wings and mane stood out compared to the bright technicolor ponies around him.

The stares were intense and Peanut huddled close to his mother, afraid. He pressed his tine body against hers trying to hide himself instinctively. Trixie held him close trying her best to comfort him, but knew the intense emotions he was feeling were upsetting him. She glared back at ponies as they walked past hoping none would show any aggression towards her out of fear for Peanut.

Suddenly she found herself coming up to a group of familiar threshals who were walking down the street laughing at one of the others stories.There were six of them, four stallions and two mares. The stallions were smaller than their female counterparts and were a dull grey color with dark black manes. Their wings were leathery black and all of them had yellow eyes except one who had one yellow and one green eye.

Leading them was a tall brown threshal mare who was dark mahogany. Her mane was short and spiked similar to Spitfires but her bangs were upright like a flame off a torch. She was laughing with them up to the point she laid eyes on Trixie. The dark mare frowned at the unicorn, who returned with a angry scowl. As they past by the stallions in the group watched wondering what was going on and the smaller brown bat pony looked ready to jump in at any moment.

Trixie and the mahogany mare stopped inches apart and stared at each other. Eventually Peanut showed himself from behind Trixie's legs and the dark threshal looked upon him. Her expression softened making him warm up inside, but Trixie held him close. The changeling was confused. He could sense several emotions flowing from both mares, love, compassion, anger, and envy. He looked up at the bat pony who reached for him and ruffled his mane making him laugh. He purred rubbing against the hoof and sucked the love off the intimate contact. She smiled at him looking up at Trixie.

The unicorn reached for Peanut and pulled him closer, shielding him from the outside world as much as she could. Seeing this, the darker bat pony gave her an soft approving nod. She stepped forward in a non threatening manner seeing Trixie's continued hostility.

"I promise I won't cause you any grief." she said extending her hoof. "I'm Aurora. You must be the Great and Powerful Trixie?"

"Yes." she answered flatly.

Aurora pulled her hoof back awkwardly scratching her neck. "Look, about our first meeting, I'm sorry for being so lousy to you at the restaurant."

"No, Trixie is sorry for being so rude."

Both mares smiled extending hooves once again shaking them. Peanut and the group of bat ponies were happy by the exchange. Aurora leaned in and eyed Peanut as he sat by Trixie's side.

"He's strong and healthy it seems." Aurora said looking him over.

"Yes, he's very... unique." Trixie offered lifting him up and hugging the little guy.

Aurora chuckled quietly. "Well, make sure you keep him safe and treat him well. Cause if you don't-" she trailed off darkly.
Trixie rolled her eyes kissing Peanut's forehead. "Trixie will treat him like royalty. He and his sister mean everything to me."

"Well, as long as he's fine." the town clock tower rang telling them it was now 2 o'clock. 'Oh shit! We have to run! It was nice seeing you again Trixie! Take care!" and with that the mare took off with the group behind her.

Trixie and Peanut watched as they departed heading deeper into the city. As the group disappeared behind the skyscrapers, Trixie placed the changeling on her back and continued to walk down the streets. An hour later Trixie came upon the trailer shop she'd taken her cart to a few day s prior. She craned her neck to see Peanut fast asleep on her back.

She smiled and slowly approached the building entering it. It was massive like a museum with all sorts of trailers, wagons, and coaches lining the walls. She loved the place. It reminded her of her ties on the road, before Ponyville. There was every type of cart, wagon, and trailer in every size and color imaginable. Some were magically infused to be self propelled, others were enchanted to have larger insides than they actually were.

This place had everything.

She walked along a long path between the trailers and wagons, at the end of the path was a single register on top of a desk with an older unicorn mare manning it. She glanced up at Trixie as she approached.

"Ah, Miss Lulamoon! Welcome back! Your wagon is ready!" the unicorn mare said walking to the back.

Trixie waited by the register for the mares return. A few minutes later Trixie's iconic wagon rolled into the lobby through a set of large double doors off to the right side of the register. The cart stopped beside them and atop the cart was the unicorn mare from the register. She hopped down and waved a hoof at the cart.

"One of my best works thus far! Do you approve, Miss Lulamoon?" she asked stepping aside for Trixie to inspect the cart.

After a lengthy inspection Trixie was satisfied with the cart. She circled around it, listening to what the mare had done with it,.

"I added my signature enchantment to make the cart self propelled. And I made it to where it was fireproof as you asked. that was surprisingly challenging even for me."

Trixie circled the cart once more inspecting it thoroughly. Peanut flew up and landed atop the trailer sitting at the edge watching as Trixie talked to the mare.

"So you put the enchantment on? Will it be effective considering what else you put on?" Trixie asked with uncertainty.

The unicorn mare gave her an uncertain look. "I'm not sure the extent of its effectiveness. The fire protection enchantment is on it but how effective is greatly dependent on the other enchantments. As you know, more enchantments on the same item make them all less effective. This trailer has three." she explained.

Trixie nodded understanding. It was common knowledge that items could only hold so much magic. Large items could hold mare magic and thus are easier to enchant multiple times. But they did have limits. Her trailer for example could optimally hold two enchantments, but having three greatly reduces the power of all three evenly.

It was like mixing juice as her teachers once said. If you have one liter of water in a container, and that's all it could hold, and you mixed half a liter of another flavor of juice you reduce the amount equal to the amount you put in so on an so forth. Trixie knew it wasn't exactly like the juice analogy putting juice in an already full container wasn't going to make it evenly half and half, but it was the idea that counted. By adding two enchantments to the trailer the power of each one was reduced by half. Adding a third one made them only one third as powerful. One magic source powering three enchantments evenly.

The fact she wanted the fire enchantment put on her new trailer made the self propelling and tracking spells less effective, but it was the fire enchantment she feared she needed the most. Over the last few days she'd had nightmares about a single flame that would expand and engulf everything, everyone, she loved. Buttercup, Peanut, Star Stripe, Sorain, and even Fleetfoot. But she feared the greatest loss of all, Spitfire. The nightmares always ended with her dying a most agonizing death by flames, slowly. These nightmares drove her to put the new enchantment on and had her learn all about fire spells. She was sure the cause was the Kindle Trinity.

Putting these dark thoughts aside she looked over to the enchantress nodding in approval.

"Your enchantments know no bound great enchantress." Trixie proclaimed, making the mare blush. "How much do owe you?"

"The total will be, for you dearest lady," she said with a bow, Trixie giggled at the flattery. "You only pay a total of 1000 bits."

Trixie was shocked, she knew it was going to be expensive to invest in such enchantments and a new trailer, but this was dirt cheap for what it would normally cost. Half in fact.

"Trixie ca-can not accept this offer! It's simply unfair to you." she said hoofing over 2000. But the mare smiled kindly giving half back.

"Please let me do this for you miss Lulamoon." she said with a deep blush. "It's the least I can do."

Unsure of what she meant, Trixie smiled back and accepted the bits back and hugged the mare. The enchantress forced herself to hold back a tear from her eye, wanting to be strong and not seem weak in the unicorns eyes. Breaking away Trixie held her shoulders for a moment.

"What is your name enchantress?" she asked the mare kindly.

"It's... my name is Sigil. Sigil Crest."

"Well then , Sigil Crest, Trixie thanks you for all you've done for her. We should meet up once in a while." the azure mare offered.

"Thanks Miss Lulamoon-"

"Trixie. Call me Trixie. It's what all my friends do after all."

"Hmm. Trixie? That's a nice name." she said looking up at Peanut. "Well, I own't keep you. But let's meet again! Farewell Trixie!"

"Take care Sigil!" Trixie waved back to her friend. She then jumped on top of the cart and poured her magic into it feeling the enchantment taking hold the instant she focused on it, beckoning for her to command it. She thought of home, and the trailer began to move slowly forward. m Sigil ran past opening the exit doors and waved to them as they past by. Peanut waved to her from his spot beside Trixie.

As they rolled on down the streets of Manehatten, Peanut once again felt the decisive distaste for Trixie's presence among the ponies as they headed for home. Before he had a chance, Trixie pulled him close, anticipating his reaction. Considering she wasn't liked in most of the town it was amazing to her that she made a friend out of Sigil as fast as she did. It warmed her heart thinking of the new friend she made this day. Speaking of which.

"Momma?" Peanut called to her.

"What is it sweetie?" Trixie replied not taking her eyes off the road. Last thing she needed was an accident with running over a pony.

"Miss Sigil, loves you, momma. Dose that mean you love her too?" he asked innocently.

Trixie shook her head. "No sweetie. She doesn't feel that way about me. We're just friends."

"I don't know, momma." he lowered his head onto her lap. 'The way she feels about you is a lot like, momma Spitfire's love for you."

Trixie thought about it but shrugged it off. Even if Sigil did feel that way, she was with Spitfire and nothing was going to change that. Nothing. The rest of the trip was in silence. Trixie too focused on the road and Peanut huddled against her trying to push away the dark feelings felt towards Trixie. An hour later they arrived at the parking lot for carts and trailers underneath the Ivory Towers.

Peanut skipped happily along while Trixie slowly walked into the lobby and headed to the elevator. Peanut was bobbing his head to a tune playing over the speakers from one of his favorite bands, Megahorn. To Trixie it was awful to listen to screaming death metal, but to the changeling it was a harmonious tune. Once in the elevator they headed up to the top level and to their home. When they exited two pony attendants left with a cart of dirty clothes and went into the elevator.

Trixie and Peanut stepped allowing them to pass, Peanut at the same time held his hoof in-front of the door not allowing it to close on the attendant ponies. One of them a mare of deep green with red eyes looked down at him with a smile.

"Aw, aren't you the sweetest thing?" she cooed to him, making him blush.

"He sure is." Trixie said with pride, making him look down .

"Momma!" he whined.

All three adults laughed before the two attendant ponies entered the elevator and headed down. Trixie and Peanut walked down the hall turning right and found their home. They found a pile of mail in front of the door but the sound of yelling from inside the home got her attention. It made her worry that Spitfire and Buttercup were fighting again.

"Trixie swears those two-" she cut herself off when she opened the door seeing the condition the two mares were in. They were at the table huddle together, looming over a book with papers scattered across the floor and table. Curious she approached the two and saw Spitfire and Buttercup over several books and a pile of papers on the table. Taken aback by the pile, Trixie gasped at the condition of the two ponies. Their manes were a disheveled mess, bags under their eyes, and bloodshot eyes to top it with several coffee pots beside them chatting incoherently as they scribbled page after page.

"No! You did it wrong! That's for a right triangle! We need the value of B so we can identify the width of this parabola!"

"That's not how it works Buttercup! is it?"

"I DON"T KNOW ANYMOREOREOROOE!" the teen mare cried burying herself into Spitfires shoulder as she coddled the crying mare.

instantly the answer hit Trixie. She opened the book they were looking at and opened it to the back. There she found the answer quickly scribbling it down on the paper and placed it in front of them. The two halted from their outburst and inspected what she wrote down. Then they looked up in awe at her after checking to see if the answer matched. It did.

They only watched as Trixie headed to the kitchen picking up the mail from the front door and looked through them. Bill. Teachers note. Then she came upon the Royal Insignia on an elaborate white envelop with a golden ribbon on it. Opening it she rad the letter which read: You are cordially invited to the open wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor of the Canterlot Royal Guard.

Night of love

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One Week later...

Trixie and Spitfire sat alone in their bed late that evening. The invitation letter lay on their nightstand by Trixie. The wedding was tomorrow and it was a promising turn of events. After a quick letter to the soon to be wed couple, a letter was sent saying the Wonderbolts and Trixie were to perform at the closing ceremony.

Both mares were excited, but Trixie was beyond simple excitement. She bobbed up and down in bed thinking this was her final hurdle before things started looking up. Spitfire looked over at her mate and smiled at her new found energy.

"Wow, Trixie, I'm happy to see you so excited but we should rest for tomorrow."

"Trixie knows, she's just so excited!" the unicorn squealed slipping into her stage persona again.

"Glad you're so hyped." Spitfire said rolling over in bed.

Trixie glanced over wondering what she meant by that. "I'm what now?"

Her pegasus mate rolled back over to look at her from beneath the covers. "Hyped. I learned it from Buttercup. It means to be excited for something upcoming or... something."

"Trying to be more, 'hip' with the new generation there, love?" Trixie teased.

"Pulease! I'm so hip Buttercup would rather 'hang' with me than you!" Spitfire boasted standing in a very white gangsta style.

In that moment, Trixie felt her intelligence drop as her brain cells simultaneously committed suicide. Her horn lit up and from behind Spitfire floated a familiar suitcase. With a wide arcing swipe it hit its target with perfected precision, right on Spitfire's butt cheeks, or at least that was the plan.

Expecting this the pegasus turned just in time to catch the suitcase in her hooves. Wearing a toothy grin she held it in place and turned to gloat at her mate.

"See, hon, I learned that-" SPRIT, SPRIT, SPRIT!

Spitfire yelled in pain as she gripped her face from a sudden barrage of water on her face. A stinging sensation filled her eyes as little black specks filled her vision.

"AH! AH!! IT'S PEPPER! WHO PUTS PEPPER IN WATER!"

She then realized she let go of the inferno suitcase, all too late. A swat later she fell off the bed and onto the floor rubbing her now sore bottom tenderly. Trixie lay at the edge now, holding both the suitcase and a spray bottle, trying hard not to laugh.

"I WILL burn that suitcase one day. Just you wait." she glared a the leathery device.

"Now now, love, don't be that way." Trixie cooed to her fiery mate.

"How can I when you abuse me like this?" Spitfire argued. "My rear is still sore from the last time you assaulted me!"

The unicorn smirked as a clever idea hit her. "Then Trixie will just have to, 'erectionfiy', they situation." she said stepping down from the bed and casting a spell on herself.

"Don't you mean rectifiiiiiiiiyahh! Ah! OH! Ahhhhhh...." Spitfire clenched her butt as she felt a sudden intrusion in her rear.

She craned her neck to see Trixie mounted on her. The unicorn leaned forward saying, "Surprise!"

"You need to be careful Trixie! You could have seriously hurt me. You can't just go around shoving "it" in when you get a little horny." she scolded her. "But, I won't oppose this intrusion... this one time. Ride me love. Ride me like stallion!"

"Oh, Spitfire I like it when you talk dirty to me-"

"Momma?"

"GAH!" both mares cried out covering themselves as a Peanut popped his head from the side of the bed.

"What are you two doing?"

"Nothing sweetie!" Trixie said dispelling her 'spell'. "What are you doing here?"

"I can't sleep. Will you tuck me in?" he reached for them with his tiny arms.

Both their hearts melted at the cute sight. Spitfire picked him up and placed him in her arms cradling him. He buzzed happily nuzzling the yellow fur, it felt like a fluffy pillow. Spitfire d'awwed as she fluttered over to his room and laid him in bed across from his sister. She then pulled the blankets over him and kissed him on the forehead and Trixie did the same.

They then saw that Buttercup was laying upside down on her bed and had papers with homework on them all over the place. While Spitfire placed the young mare in her bed, Trixie gathered up all the papers and books placing them neatly on the nightstand beside the bed. Once they had finished tucking both in left leaving them to rest for the night.

Once they were gone, Buttercup opened one eye to from under her covers. Hearing them going back into their room she crept out of bed and slowly hovered to their room. She cracked the door open to see her mothers fast asleep. Satisfied she snuck back to her room where Peanut was awake siting up in bed. Slowly closing the door she crept like a ninja to his bed and from under her wing, she pulled out a large cookie hoofing it over to him.

"This'll be our little secret, OK little bro?" she asked him holding her hoof up.

The changeling hummed happily nibbling his cookie and hoof bumped hers and finished his chocolate cookie. "Mmmmhmm!" he approved finishing his cookie before bed.

Wedding Pleasures

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The next day everypony was bursting full of energy. Spitfire and Trixie woke up feeling better than ever before, and the kids were happy from not having been up all night listening to the sounds of rough sex. At least, not buttercup, Peanut being a changeling was somehow adapted to such things and loved the nights of passion and slept like a baby when they happened. To Buttercup, it was a nightmare.

But this last night her scheme proved fruitful. She was well rested and now she was ready to tackle the day with renewed vigor. She skipped out of bed with Peanut as they got ready for the day. Peanut shined his black chitin hide with an old shoe polisher and Buttercup did up her mane in a ponytail with a side braid. She then put on a green striped scarf she got from the matron of the orphanage long ago. It was her favorite gift from the old mare. She would always cherish it.

Once complete they ran out into the living room and planted themselves on the couch. An old habit from their days back at the orphanage they never quite got out of, but a good habit none the less. It made Spitfire beam with pride when they did so like orderly recruits back at the Academy.

Speaking of which, the two young ones soon heard the sounds of their parents walking down the hall. The soft and heavy clopping of their hooves echoed on the wooden floors. They both put on their best smiles when the two mares came through the door. Both groups smiled at the other knowing today was going to be a good day.

After a brief breakfast they family gathered together to discuss what was going to happen this day.

"OK, everyone! Listen up!" Spitfire said in her Wonderbolt authoritative tone. Peanut and Buttercup stood upright like little soldiers. "Today's a big day not just for Equestria little ones, but for your mother Trixie as well. Now, I expect you two to be on your best behavior while we attend the ceremony at Canterlot Castle."

"Yes ma'am."

"Yes momma."

"Good." she replied looking them over once more. "Now who wants to go see the castle?"

At that the changeling and threshal ran out the door and into the hallway like kids to a candy store. Trixie was already there waiting with Fleetfoot and Soarin ready to go. Spitfire joined them shortly after closing the door behind her and locking it. Soarin was excited and it showed. He was fidgeting all around and was making Star Stripe giggle at him.

"I can't believe we're going to perform at a royal wedding! We'll be far more famous than ever before!" he cheered.

"Now, Soarin, we're going to perform for the couple not for ourselves but for them." Trixie scolded him.

"Yeah you're right. But it'll still be loads of fun! And with you directing our fireworks Trixie, it'll be even better!"

The unicorn blushed looking away. "Oh, stop it you!"

"No seriously! I've seen what you can do and it's great!" he leaned in an whispered. "I'll bet you'll do so well the new Royals will call you back again!" he offered.

"Thanks Soarin." Trixie said hugging him.

Just then he felt a hoof pull him away from her as Spitfire glared at him. "Hey! You getting fresh with MY Trixie there, bub?"

"Aw come on Spitz-"

But he was cut off by Trixie walking between them and down the hall with everyone in tow. Star Stripe walked up between them. "Hey now come on you two. Let's not fight." she chuckled picking up her pace to catch up.

A few minutes later and they were in the parking lot where they found Trixies' trailer covered in massive amounts of graffiti and vulgar messages. Spitfire was furiously yelling at the grounds keeper and security guard while Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Trixie inspected the damage.

"Could have been a lot worse I think." Soarin offered.

"Trixie is glad she invested in those anti stain coating paint." she nodded in agreement.

Fleetfoot cocked her head. "Anti staining paint? That's a thing?"

This time Star Stripe answered. "Oh yes, Fleet, it's very common actually. You see with all the kids making graffiti these days it's hard to keep cleaning it up. Sometimes it stains permanently. So, unicorns and earth ponies decided to make a new kind of magically resistant paint to make it easier to clean up after."

"How does that work?" Sorain asked rubbing his hoof and wiped a hoof full of paint off. "Wow."

"Yes," Star continued. "It turns out it what they actually made holds the paint until it's wiped off. Works better than they originally thought. And it only needs a simple enchantment to convert a tub of paint to do it with little effort!"

Soarin picked up a rag and eyed the cart. "So, all we have to do is wash it basically?"

"Yep!" Star chirped picking up another rag as Fleetfoot grabbed a bucket with water.

About ten minutes later they managed to clear the paint off the trailer and with little effort. Spitfire was done chewing out the manager when they finished. She then joined up with them and had a very angry look on her face.

"Did it not go well?" Trixie asked her nuzzling the angry mare.

That did the trick. The angry pegasus cooled down almost immediately and kissed her mate back on the nose. It was a very therapeutic moment. She looked over at the clean trailer, surprised by how clean it was.

"How did you-"

"Magic paint love." Trixie replied.

"Oh! Right the enchantments. Right, I keep forgetting about them." she said rubbing her head in frustration.

"So there's no need to make a stink about it." the unicorn said walking up to the trailer letting everypony inside, but Spitfire held her outside for a moment.

"That's not the point, hon." she said firmly. "I won't have my marefrineds stuff being ransacked by a bunch of hooligans trying to get a good laugh or wreck your reputation. I simply won't tolerate it and when I find out who did this-"

"NO."

"But Trixie they-"

"And what kind of example will that set up for Peanut and especially Buttercup after you just punished her a week ago for using force on another pony?" Trixie reasoned. "If you do this then what do you think she'll do next time something happens to her at school? She might get into a fight! I won't have your anger issues lead her astray. What if you hurt somepony and ruin their life because you couldn't control your temper? You need to be calm and think about what it is you're doing love."

That hit her right at home.

She had always thought about her anger issues. True she had gotten better after she crippled Vector, but she still could feel the anger inside her. Boiling. Threatening to burst at any moment if the slightest thing set her off. When Fleetfoot and Trixie fought, she nearly lost it then. Seeing Trixie getting beat over the past by Fleetfoot, it wasn't right. And she would have taken drastic measures had Trixie not been there.

How I've changed. she thought solemnly.

"No you're right Trixie. I do need to keep a level head. I'm glad you're here to set me straight. Thanks." she said hugging her mate.

The unicorn pushed her nose into the fiery mane, smelling her cinnamon scented shampoo. How fitting.

"We're all here Spitfire." Soarin said from the trailer.

"And so are we." Star Stripe said holding Fleetfoot with her wing and the kids squeezed between them.

"Thanks." she tried holding back her tears. "I-I never want to lose any of you so I get... over protective. Sorry."

"We forgive you Captain." Soarin said walking over an d hugging both mares. Fleetfoot and Star Stripe joined in as the younger ponies squeezed between them and hugged their mothers. Spitfire sighed, feeling the love from all her friends and family around her.

"Today is going to be perfect." she said nuzzling Trixie.

An hour later the group was in Trixies' trailer rolling along the road in Manehatten with the showmare at the helm, Peanut was by her side watching as the ponies past by. Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Spitfire discussed their routine in great detail leaving Buttercup and Star Stripe to play a game of chess.

Fleetfoot was nervously. She wasn't fully focused on what was being said and had to be told the routine twice. After the second time Spitfire was getting agitated, but the teal pegasus played it off as she was tired and retreated to the couch to lie down for a while. Spitfire left her and sat by Soarin as they continued to discuss the new routine.

Meanwhile Peanut and Trixie were enjoying the view as they rolled along down the road. The changeling was disguised as a threshal and was humming to himself. The blue mare beside him listened and soon after began to hum herself. Eventually they were on the outskirts of the town near the train station and the little changeling looked like he had something on his mind. He kept staring up at her like he wanted to ask her something but was afraid to do so.

Not taking her eyes off the road, she looked at him from the corner of her eye. That got his attention.

"What's on your mind sweetie?" she asked him turning left at the next cross road.

"I was wondering if you and momma Spitfire were making a puppy last night?"

Trixie nearly brought the trailer to a halt at that. She was shocked to hear him ask such a question at his age. Then again she probably misunderstood him.

"What do you mean Peanut? We weren't doing anything of the sort." A half truth.

The disguised changeling tilted his grey head. "But I hear you all the time asking momma Spitfire to ride you like the horny bitch you are. And a bitch is a female dog, and you were in the right position according to sis. She even told me that'/s what you were doing last night." he said not realizing what he said.

Now Trixie looked confused. "What do you mean sweetie? First of all I'm no bitch-"

"I beg to differ!" came a gruff feminine voice from within.

"Shut up Spitfire! Trixie's having a talk with our son!" she yelled through the window. "Now as Trixie was saying, what about last night-"

Then it dawned on her what he meant. Why that devious little bratty daughter of mine. she thought looking into the window quickly, seeing Buttercup playing chess with Star Stripe, and winning by the looks on their faces. Focusing on the road Trixie pulled the trailer up to the train stations loading area and parked it.

She leaned over holding Peanut close and whispered into his ear. "Thanks for telling me the truth. Don't tell your sister."

She then kissed him on the cheek, and his wings flapped in delight. He leapt off the trailer to join with the others who were gathering at the ticket booth. After purchasing tickets they waited for the train to arrive, talking among themselves. Fleetfoot stayed close to Trixie the whole time not paying much attention to anything else.

She kept eyeing the rooftops when none was looking, as if expecting to see something but nothing was there. About ten minutes later the train to Canterlot arrived at the station. It's whistle blew loudly making the teal pegasus nearly jump out of her skin. After quickly calming herself she gave one last look at the rooftops. Nothing.

Satisfied nothing was amiss, she entered the train with the others, while Trixie helped load her trailer in the back car. Peanut was excitedly hopping around Spitfire running to the car booth where they were staying. He had never been on a train before. He had only read about them and saw pictures. IN fact up until today, he'd never seen one in real life. He was very excited.

He bounced up and down on the seat looking out the window as all the ponies gathered on the train. He pointed to the train conductors who were changing shifts. They two stallions saw him as he waved to them. They smiled waving back at the young changeling and went about their work.

Buttercup sat beside her hyper little brother, with Spitfire while Soarin sat across from them with Fleetfoot and Star Stripe beside him. A few minutes later the trains whistle blew signaling its departure. The heavy machine jerked forward as the sound to the wheels grinding against the tracks slowly propelled it forward. Peanut was excited. He bobbed up and down watching as ponies went by.

The landscape quickly changed as the train rolled along the Manehatten bridge heading west towards Canterlot. Buttercup didn't show it, but she was excited to go to the capitol of Equestria and possibly meet Princess Luna. It was every bat ponies dream to meet the Night Mother as they typically called her, to Buttercup she was just another pony of high stature.

Eventually Trixie rejoined them in the booth and sat down resting on Spitfires' chest. She had a long day ahead and she said she needed her beauty sleep. Fleetfoot of course, being the smart ass she was made a snarky remark of how all the beauty sleep in the world wouldn't do her any good since she had the hottest marefriend in the world. Of course despite the flattery, Star scolded her for being mean to her friend.

The excitement quickly dies down as the train rolled along well into the afternoon. Everypony was no resting saving energy for the big day.

It was going to be perfect.

This part can be skipped

*Canterlot Watch Tower*

The Starfall siblings were in a watch tower in Canterlot overseeing the city. Ruby was sitting on Solarflares' lap rubbing her thighs while Blaze stood watch. She was looking over the city, focusing on the train station nearby with a short telescope watching intently. The one benefit to having gone eye here was it made it easy to use the single scoped device.

They each wore their signature armor with the exception of Solarflare, who was missing her thigh plates as Ruby tenderly rubbed them with his hooves. He eventually hit her sensitive spot and made her moan. She then reached under his armor and started to rub his inner thighs returning the favor.

Blaze grew annoyed by the sensual behavior that took place behind her, and she wasn't part of it. Truth was, she hated that she had to share Ruby with their older sibling. She wanted him all to herself. If all went well with the plan, she wouldn't have to share him for much longer. She grinned at the thought of having her little brother all to herself finally.

No obnoxious older sister to keep them apart.

No more jealousy.

Just the two of them.

I can't wait for this day to end. she thought. Just then her ear twitched as the sound of metal hitting the ground caught her attention. She turned and from the corner of her one good eye, she saw Rubys' newly crafted, and enchanted crotch armored cup on the floor, followed by the sounds wet sloppy passion.

Turning her full view, she saw the two had managed to swap positions and were have loud obnoxious sex behind her. Ruby was below Solarflare holding her larger mare by the hips as he thrashed his hips into her making her let out soft short grunts with each passing. Blaze stared for a second, feeling a burning hatred rise inside of her as the two continued on like she wasn't there.

The moans soon turned into full blown screams of passion and soon followed the sounds of wet flesh slapping against each other. Blaze turned her attention back to the station. But she could feel the pent up rage within her rising. It was taking all her will power not to lung at her older sister and slit her throat here and now.

How can she stay there and have her way with him after all the years she mistreated him?! she thought angrily clenching the telescope in her hooves almost bending it. Suddenly the sounds of sex stopped, but in her angered state of mind she didn't realize her siblings were right behind her grinning. Ruby leaned forward wrapping his arms around her waist, gently pressing his body against hers. She nearly dropped the scope, surprised by the sudden feeling of arms around her waist. looked down to see Rubys' arms holding her.

She couldn't help but feel relieved that he was giving her some form of physical attention.

She then looked down just as he pressed his hips forward ramming his hard cock into her swollen pussy. She dropped the telescope opening her mouth wide with her tongue lolling out, Solarflare caught the scope with her magic and took watch allowing the younger siblings to have their fun.

Blaze felt hot. Her insides burned with a fiery passion. Finally she was getting the love she deserved from her, lovely little brother.

She leaned over the wall raising her butt up flicking her tail to the side allowing Ruby to reposition himself in a more comfortable position. Ruby moved to the side to adjust himself to her position, being smaller than her was difficult enough, but trying to ride his sister at this angle would prove to e challenging. Her labia winked at him as she lifted her butt higher making him groan. Now he had to find a way to elevate himself.

Then he got an idea. He gave his sister a wicked grin. She didn't like that look. It meant he was most likely going to do something very, very stupid. And something stupid he did. The young stallion used his magic to take hold of his hard erection, taking aim at he winking hole he leapted forward onto Blazes' back and at the same time drove his fleshy member into her pussy with all the force he could muster.

She let out a pained gasped falling forward form the deep sudden impact, making her hit the corner of the wall knocking the wind out of her. She now forced herself to stand holding not only herself, but now the full weight of a horny stallion who was now thrashing his cock into her wildly. Though she did't mind. She liked the feeling of her pussy being abused.

She could tell he was enjoying this too. The stallion had his forearms wrapped around her midsection his legs dangled a foot off the ground. He then bit down on her neck holding himself in place. Blaze could feel the teeth biting down on her neck, and the soft flesh of her brothers shaft in her slipping in and out of her. She arced as he tugged back pulling a strand of her mane wit it forcing her to arc backwards.

Her mouth hung open while he continued to thrust his cock into her with all his strength. Slowly he gained a sort of rhythm. Sort but powerful thrusts pushing Blaze against the wall each time. Her warm wet pussy wrapped tightly against his shaft as he pulled it just before his medial ring and forcing it back in. But then he felt it. The climax he'd been waiting for.

He reached forward pulling himself higher and increased his speed to a fast humping motion. Blaze then realized what he was doing. She panicked and tried to get the stallion off of her before he reached his climax, but it was too late. In her sex drunken stupor she didn't react in time to get him off before the familiar feeling of warmth filled her womb. Ruby screamed as he reached his burst point sending a torrent of his seed into his sister. The hot sticky cum filled her up like a dam before bursting out from the sides of her tight pussy drooling to the ground in a white puddle below.

Ruby now exhausted, slowly slid down his sisters' rear falling on the floor with is head against her cum drooling hole. The side of his face now covered in his own semen he turned to the white covered hole and dove his face into it. Blaze let out a horny moan as he sucked her hole like a straw taking up all the cum he could. He worked his tongue into her pink inner walls taking back all that he could making her feel cold and empty.

Needless to say show was not happy giving his seed back.

"He-hey you jerk that's mine!" she shoved him away leaping onto his cock devouring it with her mouth.

Just as they readied for round two, their older sister kicked them gently on the sides stopping them dead in their tracks.

"Get up you two! The train's here!" she said seeing the train enter the station.

The two younger siblings replaced their armor and stood by her side watching as the blue unicorn they'd been waiting for came out from the third to last car.

"There she is." Solarflare said. "Signal the changelings to be on standby!"

"Yes, sis." Ruby saluted firing a green flare to the sky hitting a previously invisible pink barrier making the whole thing ripple. "Signal sent."

"Good. You two recover the Elements of Harmony. I'll watch Queen Chrysalis." She threw the telescope over the wall and turned to face her two younger siblings. "We're so close you two. Soon mother will be back with us. Then we can put this all behind us and we'll be a family again."

They each smiled at one another. Ruby was happy that all this fighting and death would be over soon enough. But for Blaze there was a hidden darkness behind her smile. A sinister plot to be rid of Solarflare once and for all. The older unicorn pulled them into a hug and kissed each on the lips before flying off towards the castle leaving a jet stream behind.

Ruby flew off towards the Chamber of the Elements where the Elements of Harmony were kept, and Blaze followed close behind him. Soon little brother. Soon it'll just be you and me. she thought as they rounded a tower seeing a mass of black figures above the barrier.

This day is going to be perfect.

Wedding Disasters Part 1

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*Day of the Wedding*

Canterlot was a hustle of activity. Ponies were running around gathering for the after wedding ceremony activities, Vinyl Scratch was setting up her personal stand, and food stands were everywhere. It was like a carnival but for a wedding.

Buttercup was holding Peanut on a child leader, earlier into their adoption Trixie and Spitfire discovered the little changeling had a tendency to wander off, especially if there was love involved. More than once he'd been caught spying on unsuspecting couples. Much to Trixie's dismay it became so problematic that many of these couples were threatening to sue her and Spitfire if it didn't cease. So, they tried reasoning with the changeling telling him what he was doing was bad.

That upset him to no end. Turns out he can't help it. He still did it and now as a last resort they put him on a child leader to keep him close. It wasn't all bad though, he'd learned some measure of self restraint, and Buttercup kept him in line. However there were some bumps along the way. For example, a colt got too fresh with Trixie mistaking her for a younger mare and Spitfire nearly beat him senseless in a fit of jealousy. Trixie later apologized to the family for her mates behavior as did the colts' parent for his. No real harm was done.

The family of four were in Trixies' trailer heading for the castle while Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Star Stripe left to meet with the rest of the team. They rolled along until they got to the front gate where two unicorn guards stood flanking the doors. Trixie got off her trailer and approached the two guards who remained still until she got within hoofs reach.

"Halt! What business do you have here at the castle?" one asked.

The blue showmare pulled out her letter and showed it to the guards who inspected it thoroughly.

"Trixie is here on Royal Invitation to perform at the Wedding Ceremony of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor." she explained to them calmly.

After inspecting the invitation they returned it to her and stepped aside. "You may pass Miss Lulamoon. Head straight down the garden path and leave your trailer in the lobby. Princess Luna will be there to greet you."

"Thank you sirs." she bowed politely to them and returned to the cart.

The two unicorns lit up their horns grasping at the large double doors and slid them open. Inside was a massive garden with all manner of fauna and flora. The critters all scattered at the sight of the massive cart rolling by but some stayed out of curiosity wondering what it was. Peanut jumped off but was held suspended in the air by his child harness. He dangled helplessly as a squirrel ran up the cart and perched itself on his head.

He giggled trying to reach for the dark brown critter but it moved out of his reach. When he tried to adjust himself for another try the squirrel jumped off him and ran to its friends in a bush.

"Aw, come back. I won't hurt you." he said in a sad tone.

Trixie shook her head while his sister pulled him up. Hoisting him over the edge she placed the changeling on her lap and held him close so he wouldn't jump off again. Spitfire all the while was watching out to make sure nopony jumped in the way of the cart as they rolled along the narrow pathway.

The garden had a large hedge in the shape of ponies in various stances, statues were everywhere and banners littered the grounds like a battlefield of war. On statue stood out to the two young ones. A statue of a earth pony mare, actual pony sized but as tall as Big Mac, holding a scroll twice the length of herself stood on its hind legs, tall and proud. But that was not what attracted the young ones to it, it was the sounds they heard. It sounded almost like crying. The statue was crying? They stared into the empty eyes and realized that from the right angle the facial features changed to show a face of sorrow and pain.

It shocked hem both so much they gasped loudly.

Trixie noticed them staring at it after hearing them and looked at the statue.

"That young ones is the famous statue of the great Cosmic Star. A mare of great renown... and infamy." she ended darkly.

Buttercup looked over to her mother wondering what there was to the mare that made her so infamous.

"Who was she mother?"

"She was a mare of great renown and a magical prodigy in her day." she said.

"But her statue is an earth pony, how can she possibly do magic?" Buttercup asked looking back at the statue.

"It was in her ability to create magical enchantments through alchemy which she became famous. It is said in old text that she was able to bend the laws of reality and make things that were not possible by traditional alchemy. For example to make something you must give something. basic rule of alchemy. Science has a saying for it as well, 'matter can not be created or destroyed, only changed.' She could bend those rules and create life from nothing supposedly." Trixie slowed down as Spitfire lead the way as they approached a set of doors, allowing her to open them.

"It was said she once created a powerful artifact that could give her great power. SO much power it turned her evil. Unable to stop her she was imprisoned until a time came when she could be freed without destroying the world. And so there she is, in all her glory." Trixie finished with a wave of her hoof to the statue as the doors closed behind them.

"That sounds sad." Peanut said lowering his head.

"It is but it probably didn't happen." she reassured him. "It's just a legend."

From a dark corner Ruby and Blaze watched as they past by unaware they were there. Ruby was held close by his sister watching and listening to their conversation.

"Some legends are based off truth Trixie." she hissed under her breath.

Far down the end of the hall Trixie and her family entered a great lobby which held the night courts. It was a large cylindrical room with the single entryway they came from, no doubt for the visitors of the courts, and a large balcony where a large throne stood with Princess Luna's cutie mark on banners on either side of them.

Buttercup was trying very hard not to have, as she put it a 'fangasm', for being in Lunas personal court. Spitfire looked rather unimpressed. Having been here on numerous occasions made it so, but Trixie was very happy to be here. It was finally a chance to turn her life around, and this performance with the Wonderbolts was her chance to rise to fame again. No longer would she have to work dirt cheap jobs, and perform at night bars for meager bits. Now, she'd be getting somewhere making something of herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the doors they entered opened again and from beyond them entered the Night Princess herself, Luna.

Everypony lined up and bowed to her as she approached the family of ponies. She was flanked by two batpony guards one of which seemed very familiar.

"Welcome everypony. I Princess Luna do hereby welcome you to Canterlot castle. You honor us with your presence." the alicorn said sitting before them. "Captain."

"Princess Luna." Spitfire said lowering into the bow more making her head touch the ground.

"Rise my little pony. Please, make yourselves at home." she said having the guards draw up some cushions for all to sit. "Now tell me, who are these young ponies you've brought with you Captain Spitfire."

"These two bundles of joy, are our children Buttercup and Peanut. We adopted them from Tabitha's Home for Lost Foals. They're our pride and joy."

The two little ponies bowed to show their politeness, but Peanut walked up to the night princess and rubbed her chest affectionately.

"Aw, what a delightful child." Luna cooed lifting him up and hugging him. "He's so adorable! Thou has gotten a fine strong colt indeed, Captain!" she congratulated her placing the colt down.

She then turned her attention to the blue unicorn who remained silent the whole time. "And who is this?"

The Wonderbolt nodded reaching for Trixie and sliding her towards her. "This is my mate Princess, her name is Trixie Lulamoon."

Trixie bowed her head. "You highness."

Luna sized her up looking at her inch by inch. "I've heard about you Miss Lulamoon. You reputation says you are a mare of excellent magical talent. I hope you won't disappoint."

"It will be no trouble your majesty." Trixie said as humble as possible.

The alicorn princess nodded. "Very well then, we shall see thee at the after ceremony then. Until then I shall retire till the evening."

She turned to leave to chamber but was stopped by Buttercup standing directly in her path. "Princess Luna! A moment please!"

"BUTTERCUP!" the older mares scolded her running to her and pulled her aside. "We apologize princess-"

"Nay my faithful subjects. I love to hear my subjects opinions and thoughts. Now, what can I do for thee young miss?"

The little batpony inhaled deeply. "I want to know what I need to do to get into the Night Guard Princess!"

Luna looked shocked as did the other ponies in the room. Nopony ever made such a bold request before the princesses. Ever. Yet her was a young mare asking what it would take to become a Lunar Guard. This intrigued the young alicorn. Before Buttercups' parents could voice their thoughts the Luna stepped forward and lit her horn up placing a mark on her forehead. It was a black crescent moon with a single star behind it.

Trixie watched in awe of this, she had heard tales of such a mark being passed down to those deemed worthy to become a Royal Guard. Such a gift was rare but not completely unheard of. This meant that something about Buttercup stood out to Luna, and Trixie wasn't going to take that away from her daughter.

A few moments later the mark was gone and the two batpony guards jaws hung open. Spitfire was in too much shock to say anything, and Peanut had no idea what was going on anymore. Buttercup was looking cross eyed trying to see the mark on her head but had no success.

"You now bear the Mark of Passage! Come here tomorrow and we'll discuss your future as a Night Guard." Luna stated proudly at the young mare. Trixie quickly grabbed her brown daughter and spun around with her in her arms with tears of joy.

"OH BUTTERCUP! THIS IS WONDERFUL!" Trixie cried with joy.

"ISN'T IT MOM!?" she cried back.

Luna chuckled passing by leaving the family to bask in their daughters 'promotion'.

Spitfire was still in shock from what she heard completely immobilized. She was just beginning to get her motor functions back when the events hat transpired sank into her head. Then she felt herself overcome with joy. Buttercup received the Princesses blessing more or less. It was really a time to celebrate now.

The family gathered around the batpony mare, but Peanut stayed out for the group, staring off into the distance.

It's time my subjects. Attack!

*A few minutes later*

Trixie roamed the streets with Peanut and Buttercup heading towards the main grounds for the closing ceremony where the Wonderbolts would perform. Spitfire already left ahead to meet with her team and practice their routine while Trixie had some last minute fun with the kids. After leaving Lunas' courtroom they ventured through the streets visiting all the different vendors.

All the while Peanut kept staring around him as if he could hear something and it bothered Trixie. She nudged him startling him slightly.

"What is it momma?"

"Baby what are you looking at? You've keep looking around like you see something." she asked in a worried tone.

"That's because I hear them, momma. I hear voices. Can't you hear them?"

Now she was really worried. It was common for children to have wild imaginations, or imaginary friends. She was really hoping it was the latter.

"You mean like an imaginary friend?" she asked, but Buttercup burst the bubble.

"I thought we were over that whole thing! Ugh!" she whined but Trixie shot her a glare silencing her.

"Nu uh." Peanut shook his head. "I hear voices. They say to attack all the ponies and take all their love."

"Peanut there are no voices." Trixie said sternly.

"But there are!"

"No there aren't! I've heard enough of this!" she whispered angrily at him. "If you continue this behavior I'll ground you in the trailer mister."

"But I-I, do really." he sobbed looking down dejectedly.

Now, Trixie felt bad losing her temper like that. She pulled the little changeling close and held him affectionately. HE smiled weakly at her.

"Sorry sweetie. Momma's just nervous but that was no reason to take it out on you." she cooed to him rubbing his false mane. "Listen, there are no voices OK?"

"Yeah! So stop being a little weirdo, bro." Buttercup chimed in.

"Buttercup that was rude! Say your sorry to him!"

"Ugh, fine." she groaned walking up beside him not looking at the changeling. "Sorry."

"OK." he chirped, tackling her to the ground laughing.

"GET OFF ME!"

Buttercup yelled at he top of her lungs as the two siblings rolled around in the street as Trixie shook her head in embarrassment as ponies watched them as they passed by.

"These two I swear-"

She stopped mid sentence when a previously invisible barrier went down all over the city and a massive dark cloud loomed over head. Everypony looked up to see the dark cloud overhead, even to two quarreling siblings stopped to look up and what they saw amazed the.

The dark cloud was really an entire mass of changelings. Descending down from the heavens above. A dark cackling was heard echoing over the city as the dark figures charged in every direction capturing ponies in slimy green goop excreted from their mouths. Without a word, Trixie grabbed Peanut placing him on her back and ran with Buttercup in tow. They ran down the main street turning to a nearby alley where they ran into a little grey unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail. She hid behind a large crate all alone, shaking in fear.

Trixie placed Peanut behind the crate with the filly.

"You two stay here and don't come out. Understand?" she instructed the two, they nodded understandingly.

The unicorn mare nodded giving a comforting hug to both. "Don't worry, it'll be alright." she whispered softly to both. She then released them and from under her cape pulled out a small knife she got from her battle with the Starfalls earlier that year, and levitated it over to Buttercup. The young mare took the knife and readied herself standing in an aggressive posture.

Trixie turned to see a few changelings run down the alley they stood in. "I was going to give it to you on your next birthday, but I guess now is better. Happy early birthday!"

She then fired a stun beam at the first changeling stunning it as it fell limp on the ground. The others ran and flew past him as two others pulled him out of the alleyway and to safety.

Trixie and Buttercup stood their ground as the mass of bodies descended on them darkening the alley like it was the passing of the night, and all fell into darkness.

"TRIXIE!"

Wedding Disasters Part 2

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Deep in the heart of Canterlot a full battle ensued. The changelings had taken the city and were just trying to catch the last few stragglers that had managed to evade them thus far. Trixie and Buttercup stood at the forefront in defiance, fighting off every changeling they could while protecting Peanut and the small filly.

As the horde swarmed over them a voice called from above in frightful passion.

"TRIXIE!"

The unicorn looked up to see Spitfire pile driving through the black mass like a sword through flesh as she carved a path directly to her blue mate. She landed in front of the showmare flaring out her wings like a feathery shield against the changeling swarm. As the changelings recollected themselves the two mares set up a makeshift barrier between themselves and the swarm. Trixie used her magic to life up several boxes into place while Spitfire and Buttercup grabbed Peanut an the Filly.

Spitfire took Peanut and flew over into an open window placing him in an empty room. Buttercup took the filly and followed her fiery mother into the building.

"What's your name?" she gently asked the filly placing her beside Peanut.

"I'm not suppose to talk to strangers." the filly timidly replied backing into a corner of the room.

Spitfire stood perched on the window seal looking down at Trixie who was now back against the wall bellow. She hopped out flaring her wings making herself descend slowly down the wall just above Trixie. Once she was within arms reach, she beat her wings with just enough force to hover over her mate. Reaching down, she took hold of Trixie and with a few mighty beats of her wings, she rocketed up into the room with Trixie in her arms wedding style.

She placed the mare down and immediately ran to the window, seeing the changelings scattering after not finding them.

"I think they're gone." she said to the group.

She stood by the window and kept watch for a few minutes while Trixie tended to the two youngest. Buttercup stood watch as well. She made sure nothing came through the front door while her mother continued watching from the window. The Wonderbolt watched as one by one, each citizen fell. Captured by the invading changelings. All the while Peanut was feeling very distressed.

Not once in his entire life had he felt such an intensity of strong emotions. Trixie could tell he wasn't well. The changeling appeared slightly pale in his threshal form. she held him close, his body felt cold, and he was shaking. He kept looking around as if he could hear something. Trixie wasn't sure of it before, but maybe with all the changelings around, maybe he was hearing something. Was it the other changelings?

"Peanut?"

The startled changeling looked up at his blue mother. "Y-es, momma?" he asked, still shaking.

"Sweetie, it's alright. You're fine. But, why don't you tell me about the voices you heard?" she asked stroking his false mane.

"You believe me now, momma?"

She cringed slightly from his question. He had no malice behind his words, but it stung her knowing she didn't believe him, and she yelled at him too. She regretted it immensely. All that mattered was she believed him now, and that's what's important.

"Yes I do. What did you hear?"

This caught Spitfires attention. "Voices? Trixie what voices? Did Peanut know about this?" she asked almost angry.

"Spitfire please! He didn't know what it was before. Remember he's never seen another changeling before. And if he did, he still didn't know." Trixie reassured her yellow mate.

Spitfire snorted returning her attention to outside. She observed a group of changelings capturing a group of royal guards in their green slime while listening to Trixie and Peanut.

"So tell, momma, what you heard?" Trixie asked her son.

"It's, not quite like a voice actually more like several voices in my head, momma. It's more like... a feeling." he said trying to describe the sensation he felt earlier. Buttercup scooted over to their side.

"Wha'cha mean little bro?" she asked him.

He tapped his chin deep in thought. "It was like I feel now. I feel all sorts of... emotions. Feelings. They're desperate, momma. Starving. We feel hungry. So hungry... and sad. We are so sad.... so much sadness and pain." he paused staring at the filly who looked very scared now. "We need them to live and it's my job to see to it that my subjects are all fed." he finished the last sentence in a menacing tone, his eyes narrowed at the filly as his irises glowed green and he transformed into his natural form.

The filly screamed running past a dumbstruck Buttercup and left running down a hallway while Trixie jumped holding the changeling in her arms.

"Spitfire!" she cried out fighting to hold her struggling son.

The pegasus jumped over holding the small changeling pinned to the floor. A moment later Buttercup ran back slamming the door shut.

"Mom! We have company!"

*Canterlot Gardens*

Ruby and Blaze stood looking over the statue of Cosmic Star. The statue mare was a beautiful sight. One could have said she was carved by a master stone master and none would have thought the wiser. They wore their signature armors and watched as several griffins and unicorn servants drawing a large teleportation sigil around the statue of Cosmic Star.

One servant was tending o the statue when she came across the name plate. It was very dirty. It was an old looking brass plate that had tarnished badly over the years. She took her cleaning cloth and rubbed it vigorously until the name on the plate became cleaner until she could not only read it, but see her reflection in it as well. Once finished, she beamed at her work and with a strong nod, she turned to her masters.

She walked over to Blaze and Ruby keeping a submissive posture, with her head low. "Master Ruby, Mistress Blaze, the mistresses statue plaque is clear."

"Very good Sterling." Blaze said walking over to inspect the plaque.

She leaned over it and read the brass plate. "Here rests for her crimes against the Royal Crown and Equestria, Cosmic Starfall."

"Mistress! The sigil is ready!" one unicorn stallion said from the group.

"Excellent! Thank you all for your loyal dedication. Let's get the statue home!" she ordered.

The servants nodded and began to encircle the statue. The unicorns focused their magic on the arcane sigil and it began to glow a sickly green and began pulsating. Blaze went over to her brother taking hold of his shoulders.

"Ruby. Get her home and wait for me and Solarflare to get back." she instructed him. "And don't leave until I get back, understand?"

"Don't you mean 'we', sis?" he asked tilting his head to the side.

"What?"

"You said wait until 'I' come back. You and, big sis, are both coming back right?" he clarified.

"huh? Oh! Right, right. I'm sorry yes, I meant until 'we' come back. So stay home until 'we' comeback. OK?" she asked once more kissing him on the cheek making him blush.

"I will." he said, giving her a quick peck on the lips before he turned to enter the sigil.

He joined the group in lighting his horn and focused on the sigil, once he did it turned a bright blue color and quickly began to pulsate. In seconds the area was covered in a blinding flash. Seconds later the light was gone, and so was the group of ponies plus one statue. Blaze stood silently for a brief moment before walking into the castle with a wicked grin on her face.

"I'm coming, dear sister."

She walked towards a set of double doors , opening one and slipping inside. She kept her head aloft checking to make sure she was the only one left before slowly closing it behind her.

*Canterlot Room Hideaway*

Trixie watched as Spitfire held their son down with Buttercups help. Peanut had turning from his kind gentle self to a hissing and biting animal in only a few seconds. He struggle against his captors snarling and snapping his fanged jaws at them trying to get one good bite off them.

"What's wrong with him?!" Trixie screamed holding her hooves over her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks.

"I can't hooold hiiiimmm." Spitfire said struggling to keep hold over him.

"I can't either! He's sooo strong! Where'd this strength some from?" Buttercup asked pushing all she could on his tiny body.

Suddenly there was a banging at the door as a group of changeling burst through. One from the front shot a green beam from his horn straight for Buttercup. Spitfire instinctively jumped in the way taking the hit in her side. The smell of burnt flesh and fur lingered as she turned to face the changelings.

She lunged forward pinning the first one down by gripping his horn and twisting it violently. As he feel she roundhouse kicked the three behind him sending them to the ground in a pile. She then bent the horn to the changeling she held while she used her knee to pin him in his back making him arch his back unnaturally.

He was forced back to prevent his horn from breaking off, which it was very close to. He panted barely moving out of fear the mad mare holding him would break his horn off. Spitfire looked back to see Peanut still fighting against his sister, and now Trixie joined in holding him. She cried in his ear hoping o get through to him but it was useless. Spitfire then turned her attention to her captive.

"Listen here you worthless piece of filth. You tell me what's wrong with my son, or else I'll break you horn off and drive it through your eyeballs before I torture you-"

"NO! PLEASE! I'LL TALK!" the changeling panicked flailing his arms.

"Good boy. Now talk." the Wonderbolt ordered watching his friends who were still on the ground unconscious.

"The youngling! He-ee-e's a thrasher maul!"

"A what?!" Spitfire yelled pulling harder on the horn.

"PLEASE STOP! I'M TALKING! PLEASE DON'T BREAK MY HORN! I'LL DIE!"

"Then you better get really chatty real fast then buddy." she said in a wicked cold tone.

Trixie and Buttercup shivered at how cold her tone was. It was as if the very temperature in the room went down several degrees by her very presence. It scared them to see her like this. Spitfire growled revealing some pressure from the changelings horn.

"Thank you." he said cautiously. "As I was saying, your son, the youngling, is a thresher maul. It's a subspecies of changeling. They very powerful and very dangerous. We typically don't associate with them."

"What is a thresher maul?" Spitfire asked the captive changeling.

"It's like a very primal changeling. They seek out powerful emotional sources of love typically, including ones such as compassion and even passionate love. They grow to massive sizes but thankfully can't develop fully without a Queens blessings." he explained.

"Is he dangerous?"

"Oh very. Very dangerous. We were sent to destroy him." It only took a second for the changeling to realize his mistake, but by then it was too late.

Spitfire yanked his horn back making him arch back with it. A sickening snapping noise followed as he cried and begged for mercy, but Spitfire was not listening. She now stood on his back and with both arms tugged as hard as she could trying to pull out his horn. The poor changeling begged and pleaded but received no mercy from the fiery mare.

Just when he thought his doom was there Trixie leapt forward and yanked Spitfire off of him, leaving him open to scurry to the corner. Unfortunately, this left only Buttercup to hold down Peanut, and it wasn't enough. The little changeling managed to free himself from his sisters grasp and hissed loudly at them. He was approaching them when the window exploded into several shards of glass and wood.

Spitfire leapt to protect Trixie and Buttercup from the blast, diving to the side as a large piece of debris hit her in the back of the head knocking her out. Trixie was dazed as was her daughter.

from outside came several Lunar Guards lead by Princess Luna herself clad in dark blue and silver armor. She looked over at Peanut and then to the cowering changeling in the corner. The Night Princess wore a single breast plate with shoulder guards and bracers and donned a rapier on her left and a small shield on her right wing. The shield bore her cutie mark with very intricate lace designs tied into it. Her rapier was dark blue and silver like her armor and was very elegant looking.

The young changeling hissed at her as she drew her sword pointing it a the feral changeling.

"Come foul beast! I shall slay you!" she declared charging the changeling.

Despite his small size, Peanut had shown he was very strong, and now was another moment when he would demonstrate that strength.

He charged the princess and her guards. They braced themselves as he lit his horn and a green flame encompassed his body. From it a larger more bulky changeling body appeared as he charged through them like a bowling ball to pins. His chitin armor grew into layers giving him a bulky armored plate look. His gossamer tail was replaced by a skeletal barbed tail that whipped around wildly as he charged the wall of ponies.

The guards and Night Princess scattered from the impact as Peanut crashed through the wall and fell to the floor below. rising form the debris, he shook himself before running off into the street with a mighty roar.

Luna looked over from the broken wall down to where the changeling fled and listened. The beast was heading for the castle. She thought turning to see the other changelings being tied up and the one cowered to the group of ponies, recognizing them immediately, she say the changeling hiding behind a couch. Luna eye his short gossamer tail from the edge just barely visible.

"Show yourself and I promise you won't be harmed." she spoke out to him.

The tail flinched as the words sank into the changelings heart. He knew he'd never make it to the window much less to the rest of his kind before he was taken out by the Princess and her Guards. So he did the only logical thing. Showing himself he put himself in a low poster almost crawling out of his hiding place, and inched his way to the Princess who simply watched him. Her guards circled the changeling holding spears at him from all angles, but Luna held up a hoof making them step away and lower their weapons.

She stepped long and gracefully to him, but he dared not look for fear he'd be struck down on the spot by her. Luna stood above him eyeing the timid changeling before her.

"Rise." she ordered him, and he obeyed.

He stood up but still did not look p to her.

"You are now a prisoner of Equestria. You'll be taken to a holding cell and interrogated. Be truthful and you'll be able to live out your time there in comfort. Lie and struggle and your days WILL be numbered. Do you understand?" she declared firmly.

He nodded to show he understood.

"Good. Take him to a cell with the others." While the guards took them away Luna turned her attention to the three remaining ponies. She walked over to Buttercup who stood tall and proud as she could. "You fought well young mare."

"Thank you Princess."

She then turned to Spitfire who saluted her. "Captain. How are the civilians?"

"Well ma'am."

"Where's your team?" Luna asked looking around to see if the others were in hiding.

"Taking care of the south gate ma'am."

"Hmm. Join up with them and report back every ten minutes." Luna stepped over to Trixie after Spitfire saluted, but remained behind. The night princess glanced back to the captain. "Something wrong, captain?"

The pegasus mare blushed rubbing her arm nervously. "Uh, ma'am, if it's alright.. can I speak with my mate in private before I go?"

Luna quirked a sly look on her face nodding in approval. She then stood by Buttercup and herded her out of the room when two more lunar guards came in. Trixie got only a glimpse of them but she was sure it was the same threshal mare she met back at the diner she went with Spitfire to.

They quickly waved silently to one another before Spitfire entered her field of view.

"Hey."

"Hey.''

"Sooo, nice weather, huh?"

"Mhm. Spitfire, Trixie-"

"It's fine. Once this is all over we'll do the performance and we'll all go home and have a fun night. How's that sound?" she whispered pulling her mate into a hug.

Trixie dug her face into the warm fur. She always loved Spitfire's fur. It was long and made her plush and soft. Trixie had short fur and it made her feel like a needle brush. She was jealous of her mate. Her feelings on fur aside, she felt scared. Like she did back when she first left Ponyville. Alone, unloved, and not a friend in the world. She was glad she had Spitfire.

The yellow mare seemed to sense her distress and made a gently grooming motion on her nose. Trixie moaned softly tilting her head back and allowing her to groom her neck. The lovely sensation only lasted a dew seconds before Spitfire pulled away making Trixie frown.

"Sorry love, but I have to get back to my team," she hoovered over the hole in the wall. "Please stay safe."

"Trixie will be fine love. You stay safe too." she leaned up kissing the Wonderbolt before she flew off into the war torn city.

Trixie was about o turn to head into the hallway where her daughter was with the Lunar Princess but glancing out into the city, she heard the familiar roar of Peanut in whatever form he was in now, clear as day. She glanced around the alleyway where she was before. All was clear except for the large pile of crates she and Spitfire set up as a barricade. Making sure nopony saw her, she leapt down onto the crates and using the momentum of them falling forward she tuck and rolled on the ground as they collapsed behind her.

Quickly she recovered and ran around the corner deep into the city following the path of destruction.

"Don't worry Peanut, momma's coming!"

*Hallway*

Buttercup was leaning against the wall tapping her arm impatiently waiting for her mothers to finish their business. It was so annoying to her. Sure, she loved them but she felt they showed their affections too much sometimes. It was what caused her to send Peanut to disrupt their 'love making time'.

She glanced over at the doorway, she could hear the battle from outside through the large opening in the wall.

"Gah, what's taking them so long?" she asked nopony in particular.

one of the batpony guard mares looked at her chuckling. "You'll understand when you fall in love, young one."

Luna scoffed at the mare walking past her standing in front of the three bat ponies. "You would know about that wouldn't you? Always got that poor stallion unicorn from my sisters guard rutting you brainless in the showers no doubt?" she asked with a sly smirk at the mare making her shut her mouth in shock.

"H-how did you know ab-bout that?!" she stuttered not sure of what to say to cover it up.

Luna leaned into her ear and whispered, "I hear things. Especially in your dreams."

The other mare was now laughing so hard she nearly fell over, while the first one glared at her menacingly. Buttercup decided to peek into the room and what she saw shocked her.

"CHANGELINGS!" the young mare cried making everyone jump and rush into the room.

They found six or so changelings in the room with small white cloth armbands on them, Trixie and Spitfire were nowhere to be seen. They were huddled together over the edge of the opening made by Lunas grand entrance. As the Princess and her guards rushed in the changelings looked up just in time to see their deaths as the two guards drove their spears into their head not giving them a chance to defend themselves. It was over in seconds. the changelings were so caught off guard they never got a single shot off or even a chance to raise an arm to fend off their attackers.

But one got lucky.

A changeling mare coughed once, signaling she was alive. The spear had been driven into her abdomen leaving a large green hole in her chest, but nothing vital was hit it seemed. One guard pried her spear against the changelings neck ready to finish the job, but Luna raised a hoof stopping her just shy of delivering the death blow.

The changeling mare wheezed looking up at the Princess. She seemed so weak and pathetic.

"Please... help." she wheezed coughing a few more times.

Luna bent down cresting her head and held her upright.

"Tell me your name."

"I'm, Carrell. Carrell 64. I'm a field nurse." she coughed again lobbing some blood onto Luna's' chest. She gently wiped it away with her hoof. "Sorry, I'm not much of a fighter, none of us are. What happened to my sisters?"

Luna looked down at the fallen changelings beside them. She closely inspected them to see their armbands had red crosses on them with the number 64 on each of them signifying they were in fact a medical team. Luna looked shocked. She had killed medical changelings. Ones who had never taken a life in anger or aggression.

The guards looked unsettled as did Buttercup.

"Carrell 64, I'm sorry. We didn't know-"

"It's fine your majesty. GAH!" she clenched her wounded chest as she felt a tight spasm causing her great pain. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. We'll take you to the castle to get you treated, then you'll be placed in a cell. I promise it'll be comfortable." Luna assured the changeling. "As for your sisters... I'm truly sorry."

"It's fine..." Carrell trialed off passing out.

The second guard left with the changeling on her back leaving the Princess and her last guard with Buttercup. Luna made sure to leave explicit instructions that the changeling was to receive medical attention and placed in a room for her imprisonment and was to be guarded at all times. Once convinced her guard knew what was to be done she sent her off and now left her with one last guard.

She hated not having a military force anymore.

After her betrayal as Nightmare Moon, Celestia disbanded the entire Equestrian military and broke it into several small specialized groups. These groups acted as defenders in times of great peril, but were small enough to never rise against the Equestrian Kingdom. One such group was the Wonderbolts, the remnants of the once mighty Equestrian Royal Airforce.

Now this left her wit few options. No soldiers, only guards, and a handful at best. Where the changelings probably had thousands here, the ponies strength only consisted of some three-hundred ponies at best. Hardly a military deterring force. She looked down a the young mare before her, something about her intrigued her once again. She was handling this situation well, but she saw a burning passion deep in her eyes.

Stepping over to the opening, Luna stood looking out to the destroyed buildings around them.

"Come you two. We have work to do." she the leapt from her perch and flew above the next building over followed by her guard. Buttercup stayed behind, not sure of what to do. She didn't show it, but she was scared. Very scared. She had gotten the family she wanted only to have it torn apart by war. She thought about her mothers, and then her little brother.

She saw the monster he turned into, and it wasn't until the changelings appeared that Peanut changed. She felt anger rise in her, she gripped the knife Trixie gave her when Luan's voice suddenly rang in her ears.

"Guardsmare! I ordered you front center!" the Lunar Princess yelled in the Canterlot Voice.

"I-I'm a guard? Really?"

Luna nodded hovering over the opening, she reached down taking hold off the young mares hoof. "I hereby grant you the honorary title of Lunar Guard First Class. Welcome to the guard Private Buttercup!"

The younger mare stared in awe at her princess. She had always dreamed of joining the Lunar Guard, but never thought it would be like this. But the feeling of bliss didn't last long when she heard the roar of her little brother from a distance, and Luna turned in that direction.

"Time for celebration will be later, for now... we charge into battle!"

With one last war cry, drawing her rapier, Luna charged north bound into the city following the loud roaring within followed by her guards. While the Princess and her guard were certain of what they were to do, buttercup wasn't so sure. She would fight to defend her nation, but could she take another life? And if it came down to it, would she have to kill her own brother? Her baby brother who she loved dearly?

She hoped it wouldn't come to that as she flew with Luna deeper into the city.

"My destiny awaits."

*Outer Walls of Canterlot City*

Spitfire just arrived at the outer walls of Canterlot City to see her team being swarmed by the changelings. The entire team was present, all 52 of them. At the front of their designated teams were, Shear Wind, Soarin, and Blaze flying through the maelstrom of black chitin bodies through the sky.

She darted forward giving her wings all they could flying with all her might into the fray. One of the younger and newer members Blazing Star was grappled midflight by two changelings and pummeled to the ground. The shapeshifters used her body to soften the impact for themselves, leaving her in a small crater barely larger than herself.

They left her flying back up into the sky and one by one the Wonderbolts were falling in number. The changelings simply had them out numbered and despite being better fliers, it was only a mater of time before they were completely wiped out.

This angered Spitfire making her redouble her efforts. With strong yet well paced beats of her mighty wings she cut through the sky like a spear of justice. She reached under her hind legs releasing her smoke screen for performances leavening a trail behind her wherever she flew. She flew up beside Soarin tapping his shoulder to get his attention.

"SOARIN! WE'RE DOING NUMBER 17!" she called to him.

He responded with a nod and released his smoke screen. He then wrapped one arm around hers and each folded their inner wings making them rely on the other for flight support. They had done this stunt many times and required one to completely rely on the other to lead them otherwise they'd separate and crash. Thus, trust was essential.

"Come on stud! Let's do this!"

"I'm with you captain!"

Spitfire lead them into a downward spiral with their smoke screens mixing together. Several changelings followed them becoming covered in the odd smokey substance. One of them eve stopped to sniff his body. Spitfire and Soarin clicked their heels together creating a spark that ignited the whole smokescreen, creating a flaming cyclone that ran all the way up the smoke screen.

The one changeling who stopped realized just in time what he had on him. He hissed darting to the side just at the flames rushed past him. The flames went up the column to the origin point where it exploded into a large star like spectacle of flame and sparks. He would have been impressed, had it not incinerated half his friends. he watched in shock as the bodies of his fellow changelings fell hundreds of feet to the ground bellow. The scent of the charred bodies assaulted his nostrils filling him with sorrow and anger.

He let out a loud hiss, as the rest of the changelings joined up in a diamond shaped formation around him. Spitfire and the remaining Wonderbolts gathered together watching as the invaders made their move.

"They looked determined." Soarin said. "I feel kinda bad..."

"Don't feel bad for the dirt changers, Soarin." Blaze said in anger. "They're nothing but murderous monsters"

"I agree."

To everyones surprise it was Blazing Star. She had recovered from her fall and was now back in formation with them. Spitfire, relieved to see her newest member still alive filled her heart with joy. But then she had a thought, how many changelings had died compared to ponies? As far as she could tell there were no pony casualties, at least not to the extent the changelings suffered.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the black diamond of changelings charged them and she gave the order for them to scatter their formation. The Wonderbolts gave a war cry, "FOR EQUESTRIA!" before charging the formation of black and fangs.

*Canterlot Castle*

Trixie had followed the path of destruction to the castle. Peanut for whatever reason seemed to be drawn here. Trixie managed to catch up with him and slowly he made his way through both changeling and ponies alike. But one thing was odd, every time he veered off course he would stop and look back at the castle then continue towards it until something caught his attention, then the process would repeat.

Now he was on the verge of reaching the main castle gate. There were no guards standing guard at heir posts having been captured by the changelings. The only reason Trixie hadn't been captured thus far was due in fact that they feared Peanut and actively avoided him when they could.

Now at the threshold of the fallen gates, Peanut looked dead inside. He swayed slightly as he proceeded into the castle. Trixie cautiously followed him into the castle making sure to keep a safe distance from him. He ran down the hallways heading up towards the tallest tower. Nothing stood in his way. If it did, it wasn't there for very long. The castle itself was abandoned, or looked like it was.

Trixie couldn't help but feel there was something amiss.

Something wasn't right.

As Peanut ran around corner after corner in this maze of a castle, Trixie eventually lost him. But that was the least of her worries. She rounded a corner that lead to a long hall of ornate mosaic windows. Each wall heading towards the end of the hall was lined with these windows depicting great historical events. But it wasn't the mosaics that had her attention, it was the armored mare at the end of the hall.

Trixie barely recognized her from that night not so long ago.

"Solarflare."

"The Great and Powerful Trixie." the red mare said, rearing up and whipping out her left arm making a crimson red energy whip form. "I've been looking forward to this day for a long time now."

"So has Trixie. But this time she's got the advantage." Trixie replied with a smirk standing ready.

Both mares stared each other down, neither made any immediate moves. A minute passed and still they didn't make a move. Just when things looked like nothing was going to transpire, Solarfare darted towards Trixie as her hooves ignited sending her flying forward.

Trixie focused her magic creating a small barrier which blocked the red unicorn as she spun around putting all her force into her whip making it strike the barrier. The crimson weapon bounced off harmlessly as Trixie pushed outward with with spell sending it into the red unicorn, which sent her flying back and into the wall. The force of the impact winded her, but she was quick to recover.

Solarflare rolled out of the way as Trixie struck where she was with a stun spell, missing by inches. She rolled and leapt forward bringing the whip overhead and striking down on Trixie who responded by throwing a smoke bomb on the floor. She growled covering her eyes from the smoke and jumped back out of it. Just in time too, for when she did a small silver blade passed only an inch from her neck grazing the chin of her helmet. Once the smoke cleared, Trixie stood where she had been a moment ago with a longsword drawn ready to strike.

The red unicorn grinned snapping her wrist and using her magic turned the whip into a set of jagged katars, one for each harm.

They both stood watching the other. They inspected each other for any sign of movement. Trixie's shoulder twitched, and Solarflare almost misread it as a move. Catching it last second, but Trixie misread it completely and ran in a circular path toward her quarry. Not moving from her spot, she put up both katars and parried the longsword as it came slicing down towards her head. Trixie quickly struck low at her legs cutting one of her grieves forcing her to discard it and the other so she could face off the mare without losing balance.

The two were in a deadlock neither able to get the upper hand over the other. Just then a roar came from down the hall, and they both turned to see a large changeling charging towards them. Trixie recognized it as Peanut, but Soalrflare had no idea what it was except it was a changeling.

Suddenly the red unicorn mare felt sharp pain in her neck. Rubbing it she turned to see Trixie fleeing no doubt a hit and run move to end her life. But Trixie missed, and Solarflare gave chase with the changeling behind. As she chased Trixie down she fired a beam at the blue mare hitting her in the leg stunning her. Trixie fell to the ground and the red unicorn jumped towards her ready to driver her sword into the mare.

Just then Trixie's horn lit up and the silver longsword materialized out of thin air just in time to pierce through Solarlfares' armor. The blade pierced her chest driving straight though her upper chest just bellow the collar bone. The mare gasped looking at the bloody blade in shock. How had she been so foolish? Beat by this inferior pony?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt a powerful force hit her side sending her through the window and down to the street bellow. She thought about using her boots but remembered she ditched them, not that they would work with one being damaged. Her magic! She tried to teleport herself, but found she couldn't conjure anymore magic. Something was terribly wrong! She tried and tried again but had no luck in any spell she tried. She spun out of control, fear gripping her as she fell. She got one last look at the long hall where she had fallen from. She cursed the vile changeling that had sent her to her doom and as she finished her wicked cant, she hit the ground with a loud thunk, as her armor beat against itself and she lay motionless on the cobblestone path with a pool of blood forming around her.

Then the worst possible thing happened.

Trixie held up her arms with her sword in hoof as the large changeling lunged forward with the intent on impaling her with his long jagged horn. But instead he was met with steel in his face instead. The changeling let out a pained cry, not that of a feral or a roar of some kind, but the cry of a hurt child that she knew and loved. Taking a moment to look up Trixie realized she had driven the longsword into the changelings head, deep in his head.

He thrashed and cried like a hurt foal as green blood flew all over the room as he cried out. Trixie felt a fresh set of tears running down her cheeks as she gently reached out for him, trying to comfort him. But he kept back just out of her reach. She watched with as he cried in agony rolling on the floor clawing at his face with his talons until the sword was out. The longsword rang against the tiled floor stopping at Trixie's hooves.

She gasped clenching her chest with one hoof as if she were afraid her heart would rip itself from her chest. She fought the urge to charge in and try to coddle the massive changeling. Despite becoming this... thing, he was still her son. He baby. She was not about to abandon him when she knew he needed her most. Throwing away her fears of being hurt, she sternly walked up to Peanut. By now his hulking body was laying on its side breathing heavily. He looked so powerful, so dangerous, yet Trixie saw none of that. All she saw was her son in pain, and he needed his mommy.

"Peanut?" she whispered not wanting to startle him

"Peanut? Sweetie? Can you hear me?"

Cautiously she lowered herself to crawl on the floor in as non-threatening as possible. She inched closer to the panting changeling, his head had a green blood all over it. How he had died from blood lose was a miracle to Trixie. She was a maze by his resilience but feared it was only a matter of time before-

"No, I won't lose him like I lost my father." she told herself.

It felt like hours to her, before she reached her son. She finally got a good look at him. His body was darker and more towards a dull black than the shiny sheen she was use to. His body was rock solid and fit versus the soft squishy chubby body he had before. But what really got her were the eyes. It was still his eyes. Her babies eyes.

Soft green and yellow as she remembered. They held onto their innocent look. They looked at her as she approached, for a moment his expression narrowed followed by a low growl, but the hard expression softened when he realized who it was.

"M-mmoma?"

"Yes! Baby it's me!" she exclaimed rushing towards him, hugging his massive head.

His eyes teared up as he rubbed his round muzzle to her. "Momma, my head hurts so bad." he sobbed. "Make it stop."

Trixie once more felt her heart ache. "I can't sweetie. But don't worry, momma's here now and I'm not going anywhere. Can you get up? Can you change back?"

He shook his head weakly. "Nu uh, can't too tired. Head... too much talking, so many voices momma."

Her ear twitched. "What are they saying sweetie?"

"They're desperate momma. They're dying."

"What do you mean? Who's dying? The changelings?"

He gave a single weak nod. "They live off love, momma. There is no love where they come from-" his eyes closed and she felt his body go limp.

"Peanut?... Peanut? PEANUT?! Sweetie wake up! You can't fall asleep you need to stay awake!"

She kept calling out to him, but the changeling didn't respond. For several minutes she cried shaking his massive body trying to get a response from him, she could tell he was breathing, but just barely. No! I can't lose him! I WON'T! Thoughts of losing him were at the forefront of her mind. She couldn't lose him, he meant the world to her. He was her baby.

She felt so useless. So, powerless.

She buried her face into his massive head and wailed into him. The fear of losing him overwhelmed her to tears and now she couldn't bare the thought. But her sorrow was interrupted by a massive pink barrier that came from down the hall. It resonated with love leaving a warm feeling inside of her. She felt her sorrow lift away and filler her heart with joy of just being there for her son in his last moment.

But that sentiment didn't last long.

Once the barrier reached them, Peanut was flung from the floor and down to the end of the hall. His colossal body smashed head first into the wall which was followed by a sickening snap sound as his head turned in a very unnatural way. His body fell to the floor and his head clearly had been dislocated and was now hanging only by flesh and his chitin body. From his mouth a fresh pool of blood oozed out, Trixie approached a fresh set of tears in her eyes.

"P-peanut? Baby?" she reached for him gently running her hoof across his muzzle. His eyes were open, but lifeless. She broke down sobbing into his cold body calling out to him.

Meanwhile at the outer walls of Canterlot, Spitfire was chasing a single changeling who was fleeing fro the city with what was left of his group when a pink magical barrier shot past her hitting all the changelings and propelled them out of Canterlot. The ponies cheered at their victory hoof bumping and chest bumping one another as they paraded over their fallen foes.

Spitfire cheered too, but then a feeling overcame her. She felt cold and sad. Then in the back of her mind there was a voice, like whisper in the wind, calling out to her. Spitfire.

"Trixie?"

Without a word she bolted through the sky flying to where in her heart she knew Trixie would be.

Back in the hall Trixie continued crying into her sons body grasping onto it like a life preserver in a storm torn ocean. Just then the hall doors burst open and several guards came running through pointing their weapons at Trixie and the lifeless changeling.

A light blue pegasus mare with a deep blue mane wearing a lab coat walked in with a clipboard under her left wing. She had dark violet eyes and wore a slim pair of glasses at the ridge of her nose. Her mane was up in a ponytail and her lab coat had her ID badge o her left chest. She walked past the guards and up to the changeling corpse.

"What a fascinating specimen! AND it's still intact!" she said excitedly poking the head. "Mostly."

Just then Trixie felt her anger rise and she spun the mare around and delivered a punch straight to her nose sending her to the ground. She gripped her bloody nose looking up at the mare who struck her.

"The heck you psycho!" she said muffled due to her holding her nose.

"Keep you hooves off my son you blue bitch!" she then tried to strike her again but was meet with her pen going into her left thigh. Trixie gasp gripping the pen just in time to meet the mares knee in her face knocking her to the floor. Trixie was gripping her nose trying to breath. The mare ad broken her nose in such an odd way it was difficult for her to breath.

One guard came up to the pegasus mare taking the clipboard from her. "Professor! Are you alright?"

"Yes Ignus I'm fine." she pulled a cloth out and held it to her nose.

Just then another armored figure flew through the windows above them. Trixie's eyes widened recognizing it as Ruby. Then seconds after Blaze came in the same way her brother did. The guards held up their weapons but the pegasus held up her arm making them stop. Assuring them they were in no harm they lowered their weapons. Ruby then approached the blue mare.

"We go the reports professor," he hoofed over a paper to her. "The changelings are in full retreat."

The one called,'the professor' inspected the paper, adjusting her glassed with her wing tip and holding the paper in hoof she turned walking over to the window where Solarflare had fallen through. She let out a deep sigh ripping the paper into confetti and throwing it to the wind.

Without looking she took off her glasses and placed them in her coat pocket.

"Kill them. Kill them all. Including the blue one." she said.

Before anypony could react the Starfalls ignited their signature blades decapitating the guards in seconds. Trixie tried to flee but ran into Rubys blade. It pierced through her abdomen she felt cold grasping at his armor before falling limp to the floor. Ruby watched as she fell to the floor a wicked grin on his face.

"That was for my nut sack you cunt." he said kicking her in the head.

He turned to see Blaze talking to the professor looking down at the ground from a large opening. He approached and they quickly separated.

"Ruby," the professor said. "Gather the bodies and mutilate them so it looks like the changeling killed them."

He paused looking around at the bodies then to Blaze who was looking very impatiently at him. "NOW BROTHER! We don't have all day" Blaze yelled at him. This got the young stallion to react quickly to her demands. He quickly gathered the bodies and wen to work, keeping a close eye on Trixie's body.

With him preoccupied Blaze turned to face the professor. "So, you think she's alive?"

The blue mare took her glasses cleaning them with her coat before putting them back on. "If she is, make sure she doesn't make it back. You wanted that right?"

"Of course! I only want it to be me and my little bro." she looked away flushed with embarrassment.

The white coated mare rolled her eyes. "You're one sick pony."

"Don't you dare judge me or I'll throw you out this hole in the wall." she warned the mare.

"And if you threaten me again remember, I hold HIS life in my hooves. If I die, he dies. Now finish the job!" she hissed under her breath at Blaze making her growl. The blue mare gave her a small vile. Taking it Blaze gave her one last defiant glare before she jumped out of the hole. The professor watched as she descended below.

Jumping down the unicorn mare fell from the tower to the ground below. She ignited her boots a few seconds from hitting the ground below bringing her to a hover just inches from the ground. She deactivated the boots and landed on the cobblestone path. She saw a blood trial leading to the gardens.

Following it she found it lead to her older sister who was laying against a beautiful water fountain. Her blood stained the ground and she breathed heavily, in an almost wheezing like fashion. The older sibling gasped seeing another pony there but relaxed once she realized it was her sister.

"Blaze."

"Flare."

"Gah... well don't just stand there. Get over here and help me!"

"Mmm mm mm. You know dear sister, you never were very good at asking for help. Nicely, anyway."

"What's that suppose to mean?" she asked watching her sister circle around the fountain still unable to move on her own.

"You always boss others around. Never say thank you and show any gratitude."

"I show you plenty of gratitude!" the older mare screamed. She then coughed and gripped her chest. "Now stop this nonsense and get us out of here. Please!"

"Oh, now you say please?!" Blaze said walking by and kicking her sister in the head. "After everything bad happens you finally say please? Really? Well, not that it'll matter shortly." she grinned pulling out the vial she got from the professor.

"What is that?" Solarflare asked fearfully.

"Oh, just a little something the professor made for me to get rid of you, dear sister." she emphasized the last two words in a low tone making Solarflare shiver with fear. "Then it'll just be me and Ruby. No more you ruining our time together always keeping us apart and you horde him for yourself."

Now Solarlfare was angry. She flared her nostrils trying to reach for the vile but Blaze pulled it back and pushed her sister forward making her fall to the ground. "Don't worry. I'm told it is painless." she lied.

She then opened the vial and reached for her sisters mouth prying it open with her magic she poured the contents down her throat making her gag. Once every last drop was consumed Blaze threw the vial into the fountain and watched as her sister coughed violently. Blood shot from her mouth as her coughing hit increased in volume.

"Gah! Yo-you little... cough! You little whore! When Ruby finds out he'll-"

"HE! Will never know what happened here. Dear sister, I loved you once you know, but after the misery you caused Ruby," she paused watching as the dying mare gripped her collar but pushed her off with scoff. "I promised to protect him. Even from you. Now die and let us live in peace."

Slowly but surely the red mare coughed harder and hared until she started foaming at the mouth. She then started to have a spasm attack like she was having a seizure. Blaze watched smiling getting a sick pleasure in watching her sister gasping for air reaching out to her like she would walk up and save her, or maybe she wanted to ring her neck. In either case Blaze was get off on this and she wanted more.

"Ahh, mark my words... cough! You'll pay with your life for this!"

It took over a minute before the mare finally stopped moving. Flares body seized one last time before it fall limp to the ground. The mare had a look of disbelief in her eyes.

Blaze picked up the body and flew back where the professor was still waiting.

"This day has been perfect."

She flew high over the walls of the garden and landed near where the pegasus mare was waiting. Landing near opening she quickly glanced around to see the Ruby was gone. As if reading her mind the professor pointed to Trixies body. "Ruby went back to your hideaway. He'll be expecting you soon. Is she dead?"

"Yep. I gave her the vile just like you instructed."

"Gave her the vile?"

"More like force fed her it but eh, it's all the same to me." Blaze shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well, as long as it's done." the blue mare said. "Have the bodies buried out in the Desert East of Canterlot." she said looking to the horizon seeing a figure approaching at great speed. She felt her heart skip a beat realizing it was somepony she'd been expecting. "Quick get the bodies out of here!" she yelled pushing Blaze to the bodies. "Hurry! Get to the desert! Oh! And blast me! Hurry!"

"What are you-"

"There isn't time just hurry! AGH!" the mare fell back as a red beam struck her in the chest, burning through her coat and fur leaving a good sized mark on her chest. "Bitch." she managed to gasp out her last word before passing out.

This will all be worth it.

Blaze wasn't sure why she was in a hurry for her to leave but not wanting to test the professors patience the unicorn mare lit her horn and teleported away.

Spitfire was flying fast, faster than she ever could. She saw the hall of Heroes had a massive hole in the side of it and there was a mare in a white coat laying near the edge. She slowed down to dive in. She flexed her wings and came to a skidding halt over the downed mare. She saw she had a burn mark on her chest and there was several dead guards and a changeling.

"Peanut?"

From below her she heard the mare groan. She looked down to see she was reaching for her and knelt down beside her.

"Miss, are you alright? What happened here?"

"Spitfire?"

That voice. I know that voice! But it can't be!

"Vector? Is that really you?" she took her hoof and ran it across the mares bangs revealing the blue pegasus she knew all those years ago.

"Spitfire? You saved me?" she asked weakly reaching for the mares yellow face. "I didn't know you still cared."

"I don't." she said dropping her to the floor. She stood and walked over to the changeling. He was dead. There was no mistaking it. She felt her tears run down her face, she felt weak, her knees shook and gave out refusing to support her. She gripped the sides o her head looking around to see strips of Trixies cape or hat on the floor nearby. Slowly she reached for the soft fabric and touched it making a little circle around the star shaped patterns.

She felt a set of hooves around her shoulders. Glancing back she saw Vector tenderly rubbing them in a comforting manner, a look of despair on her face. "I'm sorry Spits. She was a fine mare."

"Huh?"

"Trixie. She was here chasing the changeling. She was calling it Peanut or- something."

"HIS NAME WAS PEANUT YOU INSENSITIVE-"

"Don't yell at me! I didn't know, OK?! How could I after you left me?!" she choked trying to hold back her own tears.

"Oh, so sorry I wasn't good enough for you then! You know after we made amends I thought you'd change."

"I did change! For you! And you left ME! YOU left ME!" she prodded herself to emphasize her point. Spitfire was taken aback by the mares forwardness. "I cried for weeks after that day you never showed up. I thought you might have forgotten, but it turned out you just up and left! Even after all these years I was hurt wanting you back!"

"Where's Trixie?" Spitfire asked darkly.

"Ha... you don't even care. All you care about is that dead mare-"

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?! I swear if you hurt her I'll kill you myself!" the angry Wonderbolt threatened grabbing her by the collar and threw her over the ledge. She held the mare up just barely by the very collar of her coat which began to rip under the stress.

Panic filled Vector as she desperately gripped at the fabric trying to hold it together. She looked pleadingly to Spitfire but was only met with her cold stare. It was the same look she had the day she ruined her wing, crippling her.

"I did nothing! I swear Spitfire! When I got here she was already dead! Killed by a mare in red armor!" she lied looking down at the ground below. But Spitfire looked unconvinced.

"How do I know you're not just lying? For all I know you killed Trixie and desposed of her body." she said letting the fabric go for just a second, making Vector scream, but catching it last second.

"No I swear! She was talking to her, so-something about a timberwolf or other... and er brother I think?"

"Vector." she growled.

"Well I can't concentrate over this edge! Please pull me back I'll tell you anything! Please Spitfire!" she saw the collar was on its last limb. "Please!"

She thought long about this. Her words sounded just like the Starfalls. She had to make sure. "What else did they say?"

"I-I don-t know! I was blasted when they spotted me! Look at my chest! It's proof!"

She heard enough. She pulled the blue mare back up just as the collar gave away. Vector flex her wing out instinctively to try and fly but kept falling. She clenched her eyes shut thinking it was the end, all her plans were for naught. Then she felt herself in a warm embrace. Spitfire had jumped out the wall to catch her and was now flying with her in her arms.

She looked angry still, but he fact she saved her meant that Spitfire might still forgive her. At the very least it meant she trusted her somewhat. Or not enough. But regardless, she felt safe now and she was in Spitfire's arms and that was all that mattered. It would take time to win her over, but with Trixie out of the way she had no obstacles to win the mares heart back. She smiled up at Spitfire an d rested her head on her chest.

"Today was perfect."

*One month Later*

Late one night Spitfire had returned home and brought Vector along with her. The whole week was spent searching for Trixie, convinced she wasn't dead. But after having the whole city of Canterlot searched and there was no trace of her mate she had given up hope. She knew the Starfalls were after her but never imagined they would kill her at a time like this. Although she really should have. With everything going on there was ample time to kill Trixie.

I should have known better than to leave her alone with the kids. Now, all I have is Buttercup.

She sat on her couch while Vector was writing letters to the Princesses and some of her colleagues and sent them via message candles. Buttercup rested by her side, her head on her mothers shoulder her eyes red and puffy from crying all day.

"I still can't believe mom's gone." the threshal whimpered.

"I can't either sweetie. Her and your brother."

"What happened to him? Mom, what happened to Peanut?"

"He.. I don't know sweetie. He just, changed. I don't know what happened."

"I'm gonna miss him." Buttercup choked trying to hold back her tears but in the end she let them flow and she cried in Spitfire's arms.

Vector watched as the intimate display carried on for well over an hour. Buttercup had cried herself to sleep, both due to exhaustion and the emotional distress. Spitfire sat for a few minutes letting her own body rest before putting her daughter to bed. After a three minute rest, she lifted up the young pony up but found it surprisingly difficult. Suddenly she felt the body lift and she turned to see Vector helping, with a kind smile on her face.

"Thanks, V."

"Don't worry. It's the least I can do."

It took them a few minutes to carry she sleeping pony to bed. Once she was tucked away Vector and Spitfire went back to the living room and settled down on the couch. Vector kept her distance not wanting to invoke the yellow mares wrath again. She had such a sad look on her face. And it bugged Spitfire to no end.

"What?" she asked impatiently.

Vector scowled at her. "Sorry, but I thought you'd be more grateful?"

"Grateful? Grateful for what?! My mate's dead! My son's dead! And you just walk back in my life and expect me to just accept you with open arms?"

"Of course not! But I'm trying to help you... you, bitch!"

Spitfire scoffed mockingly. "Right, I'm the bitch. Well remember, this bitch could have let you fall that day we met again. You're in my house and I'll drop you for real if you don't shape up."

"That's just it Spitfire. I was the villain and you were the damsel in distress. Well, we both know that's not how it was. YOU were the thug. You crippled me, forced my family out of our home using your parents positions to do so, and you destroyed my dreams!" she yelled, and with every word her eyes watered more and more. the feelings of hurt and anger swelled inside her. "You nearly killed me twice! Twice Spitfire. Yet... I still fell in love with you. I still do. And here I am trying to help you through your most recent loss and you threaten me? I don't see why I wasted my time!"

Vector turned to leave right after that. She grabbed her coat putting it on and was reaching for the door knob when Spitfire grabbed her and spun her around and pinned her to the door. She tried to scream but felt a hoof over her mouth as the yellow mares magenta eyes stared directly into hers.

She began to sob hoping that Spitfire wasn't going to hurt her. She was scared. She had made so many plans for this day, the orphanage, the Starfalls, the invasion, it was all for her and here she was scared that the mare she fought so hard to be with might hurt her because of the bad blood between them. That being so, she didn't expect what happened. next.

Spitfire smiled. Not a sinister smile or anything like that, but a warm comforting smile. She gently ran her hoof across Vectors cheek releasing her mouth to speak. She wanted to scream but found herself entranced by the mares gesture.

Ten out of nowhere the felt Spitfire lean in an kiss her. Not just any kiss. A passionate one. She felt Spitfires tongue roll in her mouth and offered no resistance. She allowed this to go on and even joined in the mouth play. Their tongue rammed into one another trying to force the other into submission but neither gave in. Eventually they had to separate to get take a breather, and they fell on the couch, Spitfire on bottom and Vector on top of her.

Both mares looked at each other. The yellow pegasus reached for Vectors back and rubbed the area where the blue mares wing was missing. She regretted doing this to her now. Guess its time.

"Vector?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?" Spitfire asked in a worried tone.

"Of course. You can ask me anything, love." the blue pony said brushing her nose against her chin.

"Look, I know you have feelings for me, but... I'm gonna need some time to accept that Trixie's gone." Vector frowned at her words but softened her expression when she realized the mare was still grieving.

"I understand. I'll wait." she said rolling off the couch and laid on the cold floor.

"Vector." Spitfire reached down pulling her back up on the couch, she was surprisingly strong when she wanted to be. "Please listen. I'm sorry for everything I ever did to you. If I could I'd take it all back."

"Even us being together?"

Hesitation. Se didn't know how to answer that. Would she considering what happened, would she have taken it all back or would she had given Vector a chance and dated her? It was strange to think how seriously Spitfire took this hypothetical question.

"I don't know. I really don't." she admitted looking at the mare rubbing her cheek. "But I promise you this, I will give you a fair chance to win me over. But if I say it's over that's it. OK?"

The blue mare wrapped her arms around the yellow neck and nuzzled Spitfire. "That's fine. Just promise you'll stay true to me?'

"I will. I love you, V. And thanks for watching over Buttercup while I searched for Trixie."

"You have to let her go love. It's been a month. You would have found her by now." she reasoned pulling Spitfire into a kiss.

They shared the kiss and eventually it turned into a fight for dominance once more. They rolled over on the couch many times that night. And it was a night filled with passion, and lots of dirty sex. But deep in Spitfire's mind a nagging feeling remained. She wasn't sure why, but she could feel it in her heart that Trixie wasn't gone. She was out there, somewhere...

Deep in the Desert several days east of Canterlot, a grey earth pony mare was digging in the sand with her team trying to excavate a local ore deposit. She was hot. The sun was making the temperature rise well over ninety degrees and it forced her to wear lighter clothing than she likes. She wore a straw hat to cover herself from the sun and had long violet hair in a flat mane style compared to her steel blue eyes.

She was digging with a shovel in the sand in a crater that was easily a mile deep and just as wide. Hundreds of ponies were in the hole digging and lifting both sand and rock to the surface. She placed the shovel down and took a drink of water before she heard the lunch whistle blow. She and the rest of the team gathered on the surface and were enjoying a well earned rest when she saw a figure on the horizon.

It moved oddly and was a rusty red color. She took a small group with her and went over to the odd object. Eventually they realized it was two ponies wandering in the desert. They collapsed long before they reached them. When they go to them they found that they were both unicorns.

One was azure blue with a torn cloak around her neck. Her silver mane and tail were dirty along with the rest of her. The other was a red unicorn mare wearing armor. Part were missing, probably discarded due to the heat, but her mane and tail were jet black and dirty. The grey mare took off her armor and threw it to the side picking up the red mare and gave her water. She then did the same for the blue one. Once that was done she checked them to see if they were alive.

"A pulse. Very weak. Get them to the hospital back in town. I'll meet you there in three days." she said in a dull toned voice.

"Yes Maud." one stallion said lifting the tow mares on his back.

"And don't strain yourself. I want nopony to die on this trip, understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

The grey mare named Maud followed them back to their encampment. Once there she tended to the two mares wondering who they were and what they were doing out here together. They looked like they had been in battle but there was no battle here, not for centuries. The azure unicorn mare awoke shortly after they arrived and was now laying in a cot with the red mare still asleep beside her. She then realized she was being watched by a grey mare nearby.

"Who are you?" she asked the mare.

"My name is Maud Pie. You're at my camp with my team. We found you and your friend in the desert." she gestured to the red mare. "Now might I ask, who are you?"

"I-" the mare looked around confused. "I don't remember who I am."

Arc Two: The Return Prolouge

View Online

*Darkness.

It was such a typical word for evil and unlit places.

To Vector it was a word to describe deception, not evil.

She stood on her hind legs leaning against her desk which was littered with papers and data files with graphs and detailed notes on changeling anatomy, specifically thresher changelings. She wore her white lab coat with an ID badge on her left chest. Her one wing was stretched out holding a mug of coffee she tenderly sipped as she watched the changeling in the tube.

Among other things there was a lot of medical equipment around, a heart monitor and several vital scanners that linked up to a large tube filled with a blue hued liquid that held a changeling within it. Behind Vector was a single door that was being guarded by a Solar Guard.

It was massive. It's body barley able to be contained in the large tank that held it. It was in bad shape, parts of it's chitin were missing revealing its soft green flesh underneath. its face was scared with a breathing mask on its round muzzle, it horn aimed at the floor long and jagged. Its hooves now talons like a griffins curled into fists as it twitched in the tank from time to time.

Vector watched with a sad look on her face. She pushed off the desk walking up to the tank. The lighting was so dim that it seemed the only light came from the lit up tank itself. She ran her hoof across it looking at the face of the changeling a pang of guilt passed over her.

"Sorry kid." she whispered turning away and heading for the door.

She passed by the guard who saluted as she passed by.

"I'm heading home for the night. If anything happens to subject P-8ANU7 shows any changes send me a letter immediately."

"Yes ma'am." the guard replied.

Vector passed by him and exited the room. She entered a long stone hallway that went to her left and right both leading to stairways at either end leading up. She followed the hall to the left and climbed the spiral stairway to an opening that lead to the main halls of Canterlot castle. She left the castle shortly after and went to the train station. After purchasing her ticket she waited on the train dock for the train to arrive.

The area was littered with ponies heading to and from the station. Vector had to really work her way through the crowd to get to the designated waiting area. Sitting down, she flexed her wing and took off her badge, placing it in her coats pocket waiting for the train. While she waited a black hooded figure approached her. She simply stood as the figure casually sat beside her looking out over the city.

"Nice night we're having isn't it Professor?" the figure asked in a masculine voice.

"You were suppose to be at he lab, Ruby." she replied dryly.

The pony pulled its hood back revealing Ruby's face underneath. "Sorry Professor my sister got a little-"

"Horny?" she offered.

"I was going to say sexually decadent but I guess that works."

"That's not quite how you use that word."

"Isn't it?"

"I don't know." she sighed. "Honestly I just want to get home and see my loved ones."

"You know she doesn't see it that way." he said to the mare.

Ruby put on a stern expression at the mention of this, 'family'. In truth he knew all about the Professors relationship with Spitfire and Buttercup. It may have been a month since Trixie died, but he knew Spitfire was keeping her distance from the one winged pony. He'd kept tabs on the broken family ever since. Looking over he realized Vector was looking down tears brimmed her eyes, but she held them back.

But he could tell what she was feeling.

"Look Professor, I don't think it's the right time to start this. You need to give them time and space or else you'll drive them away." he placed a supporting hoof on her shoulder. "If you try to force it you'll only drive them away. Be patient." with that the crimson pony walked away replacing his hood. "Oh, and I'll keep an eye on P-8ANU7."

He then disappeared among the ponies in the waiting area. Vector took a quick glance behind her and saw he was gone. She quickly wiped away her tears and flipped up her collar on her coat to hide behind it. The train arrived moments later, its whistle blew loudly as it came to a stop. The sounds of the wheels screeching to a halt always annoyed her sensitive ears, but over the years Vector had grown use to the sound to where it didn't faze her anymore.

Unlike her feelings which were in turmoil thanks to the crimson stallion. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right about Spitfire and Buttercup. Over the last month she tried to get them to open up to her, but they kept pushing her away like she intended to replace Trixie. Ironically it was true, but she played it off as they were being paranoid. But it only drove a wedge between them.

For the next several hours well into the evening, Vector thought about what Ruby had told her. She then decided that if she was going to get anywhere with Spitfire she'd have to be very patient. I waited all these years, I can wait a little longer. She thought watching the scenery pass by. By midnight the train arrived in Manehatten and vector made her way to the Ivory Tower Apartments.

She worked her way up to room number 178b. Taking a key from her coat sh e slid it into the lock and turned it. Hearing the clicking of the lock she pulled the key out and placed it safely in her pocket. From inside she could her a lot of yelling. Opening the door she was greeted by a sight that had become common for her, Spitfire and Buttercup were fighting again.

She quietly sneaked in the apartment listening to the two fighting.

"I can do whatever I want! I'm old enough to join!" Buttercup yelled at the older mare.

Spitfire looked down a the young mare defiantly. She wore her dress blues with her pins and ribbons on the table, her top was unbuttoned. "You aren't joining that war mongrel, murdering, blood lusting group Buttercup and that's final!" She stomped the ground firmly to emphasize her point. "I won't have my daughter going on a killing spree against a foe that can't defend itself."

"Why are you defending the dirty changers?! They killed mom! THEY KILLED PEANUT!" the batmare screamed with tears lying from her eyes to the floor below. "Ever since the battle a month ago you've been doing nothing but helping the filthy beasts! Why are you-"

"You brother was a so called 'dirty changer'." Spitfire replied making 'air quotes' with her hooves.

That hit the young mare right at home. She clenched her chest, barely holding back her tears as she looked around trying to come up with a retort, but fell short. Finally giving in she averted her gaze and let her mane fall over her face covering it.

"That's not fair. That was down right dirty fighting."

"Your brother was a changeling Buttercup. He was one of them, he may not have been with them but he was one all the same." she said trying to reason with the distraught mare. Spitfire's expression softened as she approached her now sobbing daughter, wrapping her wings around her. "I know you miss them, I do too, but we can't let that determine how we deal with all changelings from here on out. The raids aren't right and you know that."

"Those damn changelings ruined everything! They tore our family apart!"

"I know, but I can't help but feel sympathy for them." she said rubbing the brown ponies mane. She looked up to see Vector at he entryway. She nodded to the pony who nodded back. Spitfire then rubbed her nose into Buttercup's mane, she in turn rubbed her nose against her mother s chest. "Do you know what your mother said to me about anger?"

"Huh? No. Why?"

Spitfire smiled wiping some tears away from her own eyes, still keeping her warm expression. "Well, she told me that if I let my anger control my actions that one day I would go too far and hurt somepony close to me." She glanced up to see Vector flinch. "And that I'd go to far and possibly take someponies life."

"Heh, you take someponies life? Hmm. I can see that." Buttercup chuckled earning a swift affectionate swat to the head from her mother.

"You delinquent."

"I may be, but i'm your delinquent mom."

Spitfire chuckled kissing Buttercup on the head. Rubbing where she swatted her. She then saw Vector smiling and smiled back at the pegasus.

"Listen, hon, I need to talk to Vector so why don't you go to bed and we'll talk in the morning. OK?"

The brown pony looked up at her mother, it was obvious she didn't want to but she nodded silently and walked to her room closing the doors behind her. Spitfire laid down on the couch not bothering to take off her uniform top. Vector sighed sitting down beside her rubbing her shoulders tenderly.

Spitfire moaned slightly feeling the hooves work out the knots in her neck. She closed her eyes and leaned her head to the side allowing the pegasus to work on her neck. Feeling better than she was earlier, Vector could still hear Ruby's words in her head. She promised herself never to driver Spitfire away again.

"So, rough day Spitfire?" She venture into conversation hoping to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, that child of mine I swear." she shook her head disapprovingly. "She comes up to me and says she wanted to join the Night Raiders under Shining Armor. I told her absolutely not."

"She wanted to join that bunch?" Vector scoffed. "They're nothing more than butchers."

"Yeah, but that's why I won't let her join."

"I think it's good you didn't. I can't stand to think of her becoming a killer."

"..."

".."

"V?"

"Hmm?"

Spitfire rolled over to look at the darker mare.

"Thanks for being such a good role model for Buttercup, and for being there when I'm not around." Spitfire said kissing her hoof.

She smiled at the yellow mare kissing her neck in return. If only you knew.

"Spitfire. I know you're not over Trixie, but I want you to know I'm not trying to replace her. Take all the time you need and I'll be here for you and Buttercup. Just take care of yourself, OK?"

"I will."

"Now, let's get you out of that uniform before it wrinkles." Vector said sliding the blue dress top down Spitfire's shoulders. Spitfire smirked playfully at her making Vector feel uneasy.

"What are you looking all smug about?" she snapped.

"Oh I was just thinking how you can't seem to wait to get me out of this uniform. Makes me wonder if you have ulterior motives?" she finished wiggling her eyebrows.

Vector's cheeks flushed red and she took a pillow hitting Spitfire with it.

"You are just the worst!" she screamed hitting the now laughing mare, blocking her face with her hooves. "Don't mistake me for a teen mare in heat who can't control her urges you sexual deviant!"

Spitfire laughed running around the couch playfully as Vector swung the pillow at her. The two fell in to a fit of laughs as they chased each other around the room long into the morning. When Buttercup awoke the next morning she found Spitfire on the couch with Vector resting on her chest. Angered by her mothers interest in the mare she quietly slipped back into her room and cried to herself in Peanuts bed. Even though he was gone she fought tooth and nail to keep the room as it was. Her she was desperately clinging to the past when her mother was willing to throw it all away.

Clutching her pillow she wondered if Spitfire, didn't love Trixie anymore, and if she didn't then why?

Deep down she was conflicted with moving on and betraying the memories they all shared whoever brief. In the end she blamed Vector for trying to get to Spitfire and tried making her forget mother Trixie and Peanut. As the tears ran down her face she bit onto the pillow growling as she rolled over onto her side.

"I hate you Vector."

A Night Out and Remenicing

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Far off to the west of Canerlot lay a small town called Rockyshores. It was a quaint little town. Very quiet and the folks there, the majority who are rock farmers, go on about their daily lives without a care in the world. That is, until they received two new residents.

The resident geologist Maud Pie while on a survey looking for a ancient temple in the deserts to the east found two unicorn mares who were badly injured. One was crimson red with a jet black mane and eyes of fire wearing full body armor her cutie mark was a depiction of the sun with a fiery ring around it. When they found her she was with another mare of azure blue and a mane as white as snow. Her eyes were a light magenta color, her cutie mark was a wand with a star tip and a magical swirl around it.

On the verge of death they were taken in by the geologist and tended to almost daily for a month until they were well enough to move. It was long a tedious. For both mares were prideful and hated being bedridden. That being said once they got their freedom back they were up and about the town. They couldn't remember who they were, so while waiting for their memories to return they set off to find work in town. They worked closely together not sure if them being together was significant or not, but they decided not to risk losing each other.

They got work at the local rock farm run by a elderly earth pony stallion named Igneous Rock and his wife Cloudy Quartz. Together they not only become well known to the earth pony community but they also had a habit of stirring up trouble.

And today was no exception.

Trixie was hard at work in the south field using a pick to break several larger rocks into smaller more manageable portions. Beside her was Solarflare was hard at work lifting the broken portions into wheelbarrows that were taken by other ponies to a store house. Over the course of the last month they managed to recover bits of their memory, their names in particular which brought them both some relief.

Though they were unsure of what their relationship was that lead them to the desert together Trixie and Solarflare had become inseparable friends in the month they worked together. Along side them was their new friend Maud Pie. A blank mare of sorts as they put it. She was grey with a plain violet mane and an expression best described as a blank slate. It was rare to see her give any form of facial expressions but when she did everyone listened and looked at her.

Together the three mares formed a strong bond of friendship and had become like a small family unit of sorts. They each saw each other as sisters in arms in the rock terrain and often would hit the local taverns at night.

While work Trixie was griping and groaning about the extensive heat. Placing the pick in the ground she took a moment to catch her breath. Panting heavily she leaned on the pick for support, her body covered in a layer of sweat. Unlike most ponies however she had a condition that made it hard for her body to sweat causing her to overheat easily. After the first few days Igneous decided to have somepony watch her constantly as to not overexert herself, today was really hot so he made sure Solarflare was close by at all times.

Seeing her friend Solarflare walked over and help Trixie back to the main work building to hide her in the shade.

"Thanks, Flare, you're the best to Trixie." the blue mare thanked her friend.

"Don't worry about it Trixie." the flame pony said patting her shoulder. "We know it's not your fault."

Trixie pouted at this. Her she was a full grown mare being treated like a child.

"I hate this." she whined.

"Hey I told you nopony blames you!" Flare told her trying to raise her spirits. "Let me tell you something. In the time I've known you you are without a doubt the most, arrogant, obnoxious, ball of hot air out in this field. And considering this heat that's saying a lot."

The larger mare laughed but coughed hard as Trixie elbowed her in the gut. Without her armor it was surprisingly easy to get her down. She had a very soft and sensitive tummy come to find out, and Trixie has abused that weakness ever since. The two shared a laugh when Maud walked over to them.

"What are you two doing?" she asked plainly.

"Trixie was over heating," Solarlfare explained. "I brought her over to rest and keep an eye on her."

Before Maud could say anything a loud bell rang signaling the end of the days work. She sighed giving them a small smile.

"I guess it's, OK then." she said lending a hoof to help them up.

"Time to get home." she said leading the two unicorns down the field heading for a small house at the edge of the farm fields.

The walk wasn't long but the heat made it seem longer than it really was to Trixie, who was complaining the whole way home. Maud cracked a smile as she listened to the blue mare complain. Eventually Solarflare picked her up and placed the blue mare on her back and carried her making Maud frown.

When they reached the house Trixie was dumped unceremoniously to the floor. With a loud thud, she landed on her back glraing up at the red mare who was grinning down at her. Maud chuckled in her mind, but made no physical reaction, instead reached out and helped Trixie up.

"Thanks Maud," she said gratefully to her friend. "At least somepony knows how to treat her friend!"

She yelled down the hall to the red mare. What followed was a loud grunt as a large pillow flew across the hall and hit Trixie square in the face with a soft phomp. Trixie growled running down the hall with he pillow in her mouth while Maud simple watched as she chased a giggling Solarflare across the house with the pillow. Maud watched with her blank expression as her two younger sisters walked up beside her wearing saddlebags filled with papers and books.

All three watched the exchange for a minute laughing at how Trixie always came close but never got Solarflare with the pillow only making her more angry as they went about the house. Eventually Trixie cornered the larger mare and hit her with the pillow relentlessly until a stern voice caught their attention.

"What in samhill's going on here?!"

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks as Igneous Rock strut into the living room where Trixie and Soalrflare stood at attention. He walked up to Trixie with a stern glare. It took a second for her to realize it, but she was still holding the pillow in her mouth. Dropping it with a deep embarrassing blush she used her magic to fluff the pillow placing it back on an open section of the couch. He grumbled turning to face the couch and adjusted the pillow as he spoke not facing the mares.

"You know the rules young ladies. There is to be no rough housing, or any horse play in this house. If you do you go the evening without supper. I thought I was clear?" he asked with a grunt.

The two unicorns lowered their heads in shame while Maud and her sisters watched.

"We're sorry, sir." the unicorns said keeping their heads lowered.

The old stallion sighed adjusting his hat facing them with an irritated expression. He took a moment to evaluate them. He was sure they meant it, but the rules existed for a reason and he couldn't play favorites. Maud's friends or not.

"Very well. In that case you'll go with no supper tonight. Now off with you two I need to clean the house before Quartz gets home."

After being shooed off the unicorns gathered with the earth pony sisters who were happy to see them. Marble and Limestone giggled at the two mares who looked like kids who got scolded by a parent.

"Ha! You two got soooo busted!" Marble giggled making the mares frown.

"Yeah, like tots, sis!" Limestone chuckled gripping her sides.

"Har, har, you two wouldn't be laughing if you were the ones being scolded by your father." the red unicorn grumbled, making Trixie nod in agreement.

The two younger earth ponies waved their hooves dismissively.

"We know better." Limestone said.

"Yeah like tots. We never like get in trouble anymore." Marble cringed slightly as if touched by a dark force. "Mother is much worse."

This time everypony agreed. Maud even gave a slight nod. "Mother was always very strict. But she loves us just like pa, does." the grey mare said.

While it was true that Cloudy Quartz was very strict, unlike her husband, she never let a pony starve over night, especially the workers. Trixie and Solarflare walked out of the house and into their living quarters with the three sisters close behind. The two younger ponies stopped at the main entry way and watched as the three older ponies left.

"Hey sis," Limestone called out. "Where are you going?"

"A restaurant in town. Tell mom and dad we'll be back but not where we went please." she replied in her monotonous voice.

Marble then called out loudly, "But, sis, isn't that tots not the point of the no supper punishment?"

The three mares didn't respond. They walked on in silence heading towards the small town of Rockyshores. The Pie family farm was on the outskirts of the town along with several other rock farms all centered around the small town. The town was smaller than Ponyville but was still a very lively place.

The three mares were greeted by the residents with cheerful smiles and the occasional look by a stallion. Trixie being her old self gave a playful swing of her hips every time a stallion turned head towards them. Solarflare rolled her eyes every time and Maud, though she didn't voice it, she was upset at how Trixie was playing on the stallions.

Beside that they enjoyed their stroll through the town until they reached their destination. It was a small building near the opposite edge of town where they entered. It was a small white building with a single door for an entry way. Above them was a sign that read "StoneSoup Club".

From outside the three mares sniffed deeply inhaling the delectable scents of food within. Hunger drove them inside and they found it was rather packed. Ponies were everywhere leaving only a few table unattended. Waiters and waitress ponies flew around the scene with expert precision and severed their customers flawlessly and without delay. At the main entry was a sign that said 'self seating'.

Quickly finding a table they situated themselves where Trixie was between both Maud and Solarflare. A waiter pony came up offering his services, "Welcome back Maud!" he greeted the grey mare. "Decided to grace our establishment today?"

"Indeed. My friends and I are starving so we'll have the usual." she said to the earth pony stallion.

Quickly jotting down a note he swirled around with a big grin. "Right, three orders of Rock Stone Soup Specials coming right up!"

Trixie giggled at the upbeat stallion as he retreated away into the kitchen leaving them alone. Once done with her chuckle spree Trixie began to listen in on the conversations around her. Her ears like little radar dishes moving on occasion to hone in on the sounds of any conversation that might pertain to her past. The red unicorn mare did the same.

While waiting Maud observed them closely. She could tell they were desperate to find out anything about their past lives. Every time they went out it was always the same. They would listen closely to any words said around them, looking for clues about their past. Not long ago during one of their first visits was when Trixie heard mention of a name that sparked her memory. That name was Spitfire.

Formerly known as Captain of the Wonderbolts she had apparently taken a turn for the worst in recent weeks after the changeling invasion. Most of that conversation was speculation, but many believed her resignation had something to do with and old love interest coming back in her life.

This is what sparked her memory. She didn't know why Spitfire meant so much to her, and quite frankly nopony here did. This was an all earth pony town in complete isolation except for the occasional traveler or merchant trader. Shortly after Trixie mentioned something that sparked in Solarflares mind.

She spoke about a dream she had the next day after learning her own name about a mare named Blaze who was trying to kill her in her dream. This is how they learned their names. Ever since they have always listened to what was said around them hoping to hear something about their past that would bring their memories back.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the waiter came back with their food. He placed three bowls out one for each mare, and set a series of drinks on a tray down in the center of the table.

"Enjoy ladies." he said retreating to the table beside them.

Each took their bowl and ate in silence. The unicorns still listening as they slowly ate taking in the surrounding. Maud felt bad for them and wished there was something she could do to help them. In the end all she could do was hope and support them when she could and she knew from their words and actions that they appreciated her friendship for that.

But deep down she had a nagging feeling in her heart. A tightness she felt whenever she was around the two mares. Some called it a sickness, but to her it was an undeniable part of herself. A part of herself she rarely showed.

Her loving side.

Subject P-8ANU7

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Vector was alone in her lab sitting at her desk reading through a pile of papers. On them were years of research on genetic codes and how it worked. Through extensive study and research she unlocked its secrets, not all but enough to get what she wanted. Beside her was the tank from a week ago now there was a second one with a small black and green pulsating mass in the center of it.

Around the two tubes was more equipment than there was before.

She scribbled a few notes down and placed the paper in her hoof on top of the growing pile. She then reached over her head stretching backwards pulling out a voice recorder and held it with her wing close to her mouth. Pressing the record button she inhaled deeply before saying, "Log date August 21, 2202. Subject P-8ANU7 is growing at a steady rate. The prototype will be done in less than a week and ready for shipment."

She took a moment to go over her notes once more before continuing, "Thanks to the changeling prisoners I have applied them with questions and they with humility and grace have given me greater insight to how changelings and thresher mauls work. That being said my previous analysis on changelings is in need of an update. Changelings can survive off only base emotion but solid foods can sustain them for short periods of time. Threshers however, are... more attuned to consume love and positive emotions." she paused to collect her thoughts.

"Threshers however need constant love to maintain themselves but can survive of solid foods unlike the common changeling brethren. However, large consumption of love without purging it from a thresher leads to abnormal growth and turns the changeling hostile towards all living things, as evidenced by subject P-8ANU7, during the invasion of Canterlot."

"I have perfected a means drain the changelings of their love rendering them helpless, but I refuse to share this with the Royals of Canterlot due to the potential weaponization of such knowledge. And last side note to self thank the changeling medic on her insight to their anatomy."

She ended the recording placing the device on the table.

She stood up and walked over to the large capsule and looked over the large changeling container. She gently ran her hoof over the glass feeling the coolness of it under her hoof. It was so odd to her. Despite knowing why this strange phenomenon occurred it still seemed strange to her. Over the course of the years she made several discoveries with her colleges, one ground breaking discovery was the innate magical sources in all living things. It's what allowed pegasi to manipulate clouds/weather, supplied unicorns with magic, and allowed changelings to shapeshift and live. This raw magical force is also what allowed ponies to feel with their hooves.

It was a hard road but in the end it would all be worth it. Helping ponies and the changelings everyone would get a piece of the pie. The world had suffered enough, it was time to make peace with old enemies and bring a brighter future. This tank filled with liquid was the start of that journey. However the second one was a deterrent in case war was inevitable but she'd worry about that if the time ever come.

She eyed the larger changeling and wondered what he was thinking right now. Suddenly a small red light on the tube turned green and the changeling began to sturr. Slowly it opened its eyes revealing the softest green eyes Vector had ever seen in her life. This wasn't some monster. Not with that look.

He glanced over to her, his breathing mask still on his muzzle, as he reached touching the glass where her hoof was.

"Momma?"

The blue pegasus felt a tightness in her chest at the word. It was so innocent. A child looking for his mother. Perhaps it was a side effect to the tanks regeneration? Was he hallucinating? Was she imagining this? It was so surreal to her and that was a word she almost never used to describe anything. She rubbed her hoof in small circular motions when an idea hit her.

She checked the gauges and saw he was in peek condition, considering he was dead for over a week. She then started to run a simulation test making the tank glow slightly as it began to hum quietly. The changeling scrunched his face clearly feeling slight discomfort. He struggled but the small size of the chamber when was in made it impossible for him to accuse of his hulking size. He slowly began to twitch as his body was drained of his magical energy.

He began to whimper as the pain increased and he felt himself becoming drained. Slowly he began to shrink in size while his body made unnatural cracking sounds. Vector winced at the sounds hearing them clear as day. She watched from her console as the changeling struggled and cried in pain. It was hurting her inside to see him suffering but it would all be worth it. If she was correct in her hunch he could return to normal but it was going to be a painful transition.

"Hang in there kid it's almost over." she said walking back over to the tank tapping it a few times to get his attention.

The changeling placed his hoof against the glass were hers was as he continued to twitch eventually turning into full blown spasms.

"Momma, it hurts! It hurts!"

"Hang on kid just a bit more." Vector replied monotonously.

She listened to him as he continued to cry. The poor child. Had she known this would be the outcome she would have planned for something different. Admittedly him dying wasn't part of her original plan bu this would work out. Hopefully.

After ten agonizing minutes he was finally back to his normal size. A small black and green changeling colt slightly pudgy curled up into a ball not moving. The pegasus mare check the monitors, he was alive. She thanked the heavens for that. She gripped her chest with her left hoof and sat down in her chair taking a good minute to steady her breathing and relax.

After allowing herself to relax she reset the tank draining it completely of all its contents except for the tiny changeling who dangled from the few tubes holding him up. Once the monitors red green she opened the tube and took hold of the little changeling separating him from the IVs and the mask that was wrapped around his body, now too big for him. He looked like he was asleep his back leg kicked occasionally like he was dreaming of something. She smiled holding him in his arms like this. In an odd way she felt like she was his mother. She revived him and carrier her in a mechanical womb of sorts. In a way she felt like he was her own child.

Her train of thought was interrupted when he began to shiver in her arms.

"Aw, I'm sorry kid." she took off her coat and dried him wrapping him in it like a baby bundle. "There we are all better."

She then nuzzled him making him squirm in her arms. He turned to bury himself into the coat hiding hos face within the white cloth.

She placed him under her wing and after closing up her work area she opened the doors to the hall and closed it behind her heading for home. Hours later she arrived late in the evening to the sounds of two mares fighting, again.

She sighed opening the door, careful not to drop the bundle in her wings grasp. She closed the door just in time to catch the major point of the argument.

"I can't believe you snuck out and joined their rally! You're so lucky young lady! Had you been part of any raid you'd be in prison right now- don't you walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" Spitfire's voice roared making Link cower under Vector.

She rubbed the little timberwolfs ear making him relax. Ever since Spitfire and Buttercup started fighting it became common for the cub to cower from them and seek comfort with the crippled pegasus. She was more than happy to offer herself to him as a friend. Heavens know they both needed it now. She walked into the living room to see Buttercup storming off into the hallway, no doubt going to her room and slammed the door shut behind her. Spitfire didn't even flinch or hesitate to follow the young mare into the room. Fearing the worst Vector followed them not bothering to close the doors behind her.

She saw Spitfire round the corner to Buttercup's room and heard yelling followed by a loud slap followed by a loud banging noise. Fear gripped her heart as she ran in the bedroom to see Buttercup on the floor clutching her cheek with a trail of blood on her forehead as well as on the nearby desk. While the batpony looked up at her mother in fear Spitfire looked down at her with rage. Putting the bundle on the bed next to her, Vector rushed over to the downed batpony helping her up. She took a small cloth from nearby and wiped the blood off Buttercup's head glaring at Spitfire.

"What is with you Spitfire? You could have seriously hurt her or worse." Vector strained to keep herself calm.

The brown pony scowled at her pushing the pegasus away. "I can take care of myself." she sniffed trying not to cry and appear to be tough.

That hurt Vector deep down but she did understand why. Despite knowing the batpony had no idea of her involvement in her mothers so called demise, she still felt a pang of fear everytime the young mare accused her of trying to replace Trixie. But tonight would be different.

But Spitfire wasn't done yet.

"I've had it young lady you are grounded."

"WHAT?! WHY?!"

"For one thing, you snuck out after hours," she tapped her hoof as if counting. "Two I told you to stay away from those Night Raiders and you still went to their rally! Had Shining Armor not taken extensive notes on his operatives and sympathizers you could easily be on a prison cell like the rest of his lot! And three you keep disobeying me and I've had it with your defiance!"

"I don't see why you care-"

"I DO CARE! I CARE ABOUT YOU ALOT! Ever since your mother and brother died it's been tough. Not just for you but me as well." she spoke the last part quickly to silence her daughters protest. "I don't want you to grow up into a monster and killer Buttercup."

"I'm not a killer." the threshal snapped back at her mother.

The older mare sighed massaging her head. She then wen tot sit beside her daughter and wrapped her wing around her body. She pulled her in but was first met with resistance, but eventually she gave in leaning into her mothers side.

Neither said anything after that and what followed was one of the most awkward silences Vector was ever part of. But then she looked over at the bundle she brought and it moved slightly making he remember her plan. She walked up to Spitfire and rubbed her nose under her chin making her purr like a kitten, and made Buttercup scowl in disgust.

Vector then walked over to Buttercup and pulled her up leading her and Spitfire over to the bed where the bundle lay. It moved again making both Spitfire and Buttercup rear back in surprise. At first they thought it was Link but seeing him by their side quickly dispelled that. Vector smiled holding the bundle in her arms and slowly unwrapped it.

"I've been working on this for a while now. Took a while for me to put the pieces together but now I'm able to bring a part of your family back> she declared with pride.

Buttercup scoffed at her. "You? Hah, don't make me laugh you can't bring back the dead."

"Well I think this will brighten both your moods tonight." she said holding the bundle in her arms and offered it to Spitfire.

The yellow mare took it and unwrapped it, gasping at what she saw. A familiar black face with the softest green eyes she knew well poked itself out with a loud yawn. He rubbed his eyes as a sleep tear slid down his face. Buttercup looked over to see and held up her hooves over her mouth in surprise.

"PEANUT!"

"Hmm? Momma?" the changeling colt asked looking up to Spitfire. "MOMMA! SIS!"

"PEANUT!" they cried together huddling together.

The pegasus and threshal both hugged him between themselves making him squeak in fear. He struggled to break from their grasp flailing his tiny hooves.

"Can't... GASP!... Breath..." he wheezed out making Vector giggle.

Seeing the family together brought her great joy. Deep down however, she was also afraid. She knew if the truth aver got out about her involvement with Trixie's death and the Starfall clan, she knew Spitfire would be out for blood. Her blood specifically. But she'd deal with that when it came, but for now she was in the moment watching the fruits of her labor at work.

Feeling left out she quietly snuck out the door closing slowly as to glance one last time at the happy family hoping that one day it would be her turn to join in among them.

What is Family Again?

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The next morning at the Ivory Tower Apartments, Spitfire lay in bed curled up like a cat with Buttercup and Peanut wrapped by her with a wing over them like a shield. They were in Buttercup's bed sleeping soundly when a sneeze from Peanut startled Spitfire awake. The fiery mare jumped slightly looking around groggily before seeing the changeling rubbing his nose.

She still couldn't believe it.

Here he was, her son, after so long sleeping like nothing happened.

Feeling revealed she curled backup and rested her head beside the little changeling with a smile. She thought about the first time she did this. It was months ago when they two children first moved in. Trixie and Spitfire were engaged in a loud playful night of passion. Poor Peanut ran into the room crying saying a monster was moaning in the halls and scared him.

She gave a soft chuckle at the memory of that embarrassing night. She looked over at the clock, bending her neck awkwardly so not to disturb the young ones, she realized it was well past noon. She let out a strained sigh. She really didn't want to get up she was enjoying the reunion far too much to separate from the young ones.

But the bills didn't pay themselves.

Slowly she inched her way off the bed leaving the two young ones alone. They felt their source of warmth disappear and slowly cuddled close together to conserve their warmth. Spitfire thought it was so cute how they cuddled together like that. She drew the bed covers over them and tucked them in letting the two sleep in for the day.

She left them to sleep and headed for her bedroom where she found Vector lying at the side of the bed with a pile of papers. Several more were scattered about the room with diagrams and charts that made no sense to the Wonderbolt. The yellow mare stepped over a pile, but paused seeing a diagram of a changeling on it. Curiosity gripped her to inspect the paper more closely. As she did she read it, something about how changelings feed off emotions and how Peanuts kind were different somehow.

She placed the paper down and walked up behind the sleeping mare. Vector didn't have her coat on and for the first time since she was young Spitfire saw the mare bare. She also saw what she had done first hoof.

Beside her one wing was a slight discoloration in her fur where her other wing should have been. Instead there was nothing but a scar with no wing left. She cringed at the thought of a pegasus who couldn't fly. It made her feel awful knowing she was the cause of this injury. Vector was an aspiring athlete and because she lost her wing, and Spitfire's parents, she lost that dream.

She smiled at the sleeping mare before lifting her up and placed her on the bed. She saw the blue mare flex her body before curling back up in the bed. Spitfire looked at the clock and realized she was already very late getting to the Academy, but deep down she didn't care at this time.

She needed to be here now. She stepped lightly on the bed and laid beside the sleeping mare, wrapping her with her yellow wings. Vector moaned embracing the wing hug by flexing her own wing out and gently wrapped it around the pony holding her. Her touch was so gentle that Spitfire thought she feared breaking whatever she thought she was holding.

Just as the thought crossed her mind an old one wormed its way back to the forefront of her mind. It was the night her and Trixie met. Thousands of thoughts and feelings passed through her as she felt her life flash by. Then an old feeling of guilt preyed upon her heart. A feeling of betrayal. She once bedded Trixie in this very bed, and many times at that. Including their first time together. Here she was with a mare she barely knew and yet was in bed with her, cuddling, and a mare that caused her great strife early in her life.

But to be fair, she did also cause Vector much strife as well.

She owed Vector so much. She had nearly lost everything in a single day and to have even a portion of it back left her speechless. Even now she couldn't think of a way to thank her for bringing back her son, who she knew from inspecting the body a while back was clearly dead. But he was here. She had Peanut back. She also had Buttercup. But she didn't have Trixie anymore.

More than anything else she didn't want to lose them.

She didn't want to lose them like she lost her beloved. She gave a weak glance at Vector, still holding her she tightened her grip around the crippled pegasus. She reached down her waist rubbing her captives cutie mark making her flush red with a soft moan. She then witnessed the blue mares wing stiffen and flexing outwards as a partial wingboner formed. It reminded her of the spell she and Trixie often used when they were in the mood for rough sex. The meaty shaft growing from a small limp blob of fleshy to a mighty stiff stick.

She felt er own wings go stiff as the dirty thoughts passed through her mind. Her face felt hot as she looked down at Vector's flank. She reached for it and gently rubbed them feeling the mares soft tush, she pressed it making her hoof sink into the soft buttock. Vector squeaked burying her flushed face into Spitfire's chest panting heavily into her captors chest. This arouse the yellow mare making her arc back forcing her head into the headboard making her grunt loudly.

Again she felt it the same strong emotion she'd felt for the last month. Guilt.

Why was she feeling this?

Trixie was gone. She had been searching for two months now and it wasn't possible she was in the city. Sure she could have been captured by the changelings, but that wasn't possible since there are no other prisoners. When Canterlot was invaded a thorough investigation was made to ensure that no citizens of Equestria were taken captive. What they found was thousands of ponies who never really existed in the first place. Turns out thousands of changelings already lived in Equestria, some for whole generations.

It surprised everpony much to the surprise of the Royalty and nobles.

But if Trixie wasn't being held captive, and her body never found in Canterlot, then where could she have been?

All she knew was Trixie was gone and there has been no trace of her for two whole months. When she tried reaching out to Trixie's parents she never found them. Neither did she find Trixie.

All she'd done was look and hope she would either find her significant other, or hope that one day she would come walking up to the door and open it with her usual bedazzling flair.

But she was beyond hope now. Maybe it was time to stop searching. Stop hoping and finally move on with her life.

Once more she looked down a the tense figure of Vector who was still having her flank rubbed, panting into Spitfire's chest. Her warm breath beating against the soft yellow fur. Spitfire felt herself warming up as a familiar itch hit her on her loins.

"Curse you body." she growled rolling over on her side.

She held Vector close wondering what to do next. She knew she would have to face this day when Trixie wasn't around. She was in heat and now she had no mate to satisfy her itch. Normally she'd just masturbate until Trixie woke up and joined in, but not with Vector. After all it had been years since they met and now were together for only two months. How was she going to get around this?

Guess I'll just have to wing it. Heh, wing it. she laughed internally at her joke.

She thought off where she could hide to get off, and after a minute of silent contemplation she decided to head to the shower. Silently she let loose on her hold of her sleeping captive and slipped into the shower. She closed the door behind her and slid the curtains open and gently stepped in the ceramic tub. Closing the curtains with eh wing she turned on the shower and set it to a cold temperature.

She sighed as the cold water flowed over her body giving her some instant relief. She still felt the itch and it only got stronger as she waited. Standing on her hind legs she used her left arm to support herself against the wall while her right hoof slid down her belly right between her thighs. The hoof slid right against the yellow mares slit rubbing it roughly in small circular motions.

She felt a ping of pain as the tip of her hoof scrapped against her clit. She bit down hard clenching her teeth as she redoubled her efforts to pleasure herself. Finding her efforts leaving little satisfaction. She hated this. Unsatisfied she lifted her leg slightly pressing her hoof inside her as far as she could. A searing pain overcame her as the hoof stretched her fleshy walls beyond its limit. She worked through the pain as she worked her hoof inside herself. Finally after a good minute of working, her hoof was half way inside her pussy as the pain in her crotch reached new heights.

"Damn it."

She swore under her breath as the pain became unbearable and she was forced to eject her hoof to stop the pain. Though the water flowed over her, her vision blurred as tears ran down her face mixing with the shower water sinking down the dark drain hole. She hated how she felt now. Not only was she itching for a good rutting but now she was in pain from her little venture. Unable to stand it any longer she smacked the wall hard leaving her hoof sore.

"Spitfire?"

The unmistakable voice of Vector startled her slightly as she saw the blue mare at the doorway staring at her.

"Are you alright? I heard you scream and a loud noise. I thought you might have fallen." she said worry written all over her face.

"Nah, I'm alright." Spitfire brushed it off as nothing.

Vector looked down at the tub and pointed with a unsure look.

"That doesn't look like nothing."

Curious as to what she meant Spitfire glanced down to see a trail of red pooling itself at her hooves in the water. She then realized it was her bleeding. Vector walked over inspecting the yellow mare.

"You fell didn't you?" she asked sternly like a mother scolding a child. "I swear you need to be careful. What would you do if I wasn't here?"

"I didn't fall." she snapped at Vector.

"Then what is this?"

A feeling of embarassment filled the mare as she glanced down at the bloody water. Her cheeks flushed red as she averted her gaze.

"I was, masturbating."

"You were what?" The blue mare leaned in not hearing what was said.

"I said I was masturbating."

"You what?" Vector nearly screamed.

"I SAID I WAS MASTURBATING, OK?!"

"Uh..."

There was a long awkward silence that followed. Both mares kept doing their best not to look at on e another, finding anything but each other to be more interesting to watch. Finally after what felt like eternity Vector walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She locked it testing it to make sure it was secure. She tenderly stepped into the tub with the yellow mare and stood behind her. With her one wing she closed the door behind her and wrapped her arms around Spitfire's waist.

She felt embarrassed by the mares forward approach. It was usually her that approached Trixie... Trixie.

Again her thoughts fell on the mare she loved so much. She missed her loved one so much it hurt. Maybe it was time?

No. She needed to know for certain that Trixie was gone before she gave up.

"Spitfire?"

"Huh? Oh Sorry I just wasn't expecting you to be so forward like this." she turned around to face the mare. "I like it."

Now it was Vector's turn to look away. She covered her face with her wing as the blood rushed her cheeks mumbling incoherently. Spitfire thought it was so cute. She pulled the mare closer and lifted her leg between hers. The blue pegasus gasped pushing away but was held in place by the Wonderbolts strong arms.

She panicked, her thoughts on what Ruby told her before rang in her head and this looked like a major red flag in her mind. But Spitfire continued to hold her in place pulling her blue head into her soft yellow chest. Eventually the blue pegasus stopped her struggle and rested on the wet fur closing her eyes.

A few moments later she opened her eyes and glanced up at Spitfire's deep orange eyes. "I thought you needed more time before-"

Spitfire cut her off with a stern tone, like she was angry. "Vector."

"Y-yes?" she asked timidly

"You are one of the most selfish, and obnoxious ponies I've ever known. And in spite of all that, sigh... I can't hate you anymore. Not after everything I've done to you." she said like she was relieved.

"What do you mean?"

"When I crippled you." she let the words trail off and let Vector's mind wonder with it.

"It wasn't your fault completely. I never should have threatened your friends."

"I shouldn't have tried to kill you. Twice I might add." she said kissing her on the lips. Vector's eyes went wide but she didn't resist. Instead she tried pushing into the kiss but felt Spitfire pull away as quickly as she started. "I know I don't deserve you Vector. I feel torn. I want to make amends but at the same time I feel like.. like..."

"But you still love Trixie." She knew what needed to be said, finishing it for the yellow pony.

"Yeah. But I-"

She held up her hoof to Spitfire's mouth silencing her with a shake of her head.

"How about this? I'll be your friend with benefits and promise to give no emotional attachment unless you want it. In return-" she paused licking Spitfire's neck all the way from her chest to her chin before continuing. "You let me be part of Peanuts life. He needs a mother figure, what with Trixie and you being gone so much. I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me."

"No you're right. I need to move on but, I just need time." she then began rubbing her leg against the smaller blue mare. "I promise, I'll make up for what I did."

Vector let out a loud moan as she began humping the leg vigorously whimpering as she did.

Spitfire grinned at her with a sly look on her face. "You like that don't you?"

"Yeeessss."

"Do you want more?"

"Mmmm."

"Then clean me and lick me."

"OH, HELL NO!" a loud scream echoed in the bathroom making both mares slip and fall in the tub.

Vector recovered first looking around to find the body that the voice originated from, but Spitfire glared at the door which was now open with Buttercup glaring it Vector.

"You are not fucking her!" the batpony declared.

But Spitfire retaliated full force. "I'll fuck who I want. It's my apartment!"

"You're betraying Trixie with that, this.... SLUT!" the young mare exclaimed pointing at the pegasus who was trying to cover herself feeling ashamed of herself.

"HEY! LANGUAGE! And second Vector is not a slut! You'll start treating her with respect after everything she's done for us." Spitfire added as she bit down on the young mares ear and pulled her out of the bathroom past the bedroom and into the hall slamming the door shut. She snapped her neck around bringing Buttercup's ear with her, forcing the batpony to spin around and follow her ear.

"What is wrong with you?" she hissed glaring down at her daughter who was staring back defiantly.

What came out of Buttercups mouth not only shocked Spitfire, but brought a cold feeling in her heart.

"I wish Vector was dead."

Just then a blur of yellow filled Buttercup's vision as her whole world went black.

Recover Part 1

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Buttercup awoke to a harsh pulsing in her head, like someone was using a hammer on her temple.

She could hear yelling from somewhere close by. Very close.

She couldn't make it out but she knew the voice of one was her mother Spitfire while the other was definitely Vectors. Buttercup sat upright, her head throbbed like someone was hammering the side of her head. She then remembered the fight she had with her mother and the hoof that made her blackout.

That painful memory and her tense head muscles made it hard for her to move. Even the slightest twitch caused her agonizing pain. She had to hand it to her mother when she was pushed she really had a mean right hook, but it was nothing compared to her left jab. She really needed to learn to duck when that happened.

The yelling continued for several minutes as Peanut crept into the room and snuggled up against his sister. He shook fearfully in her arms as she held on tightly to him like she feared he'd fly away. While they waited out the verbal storm Buttercup noticed tears in Peanut's eyes. She nuzzled his nose with hers. She got out of bed and carefully tiptoed to the door pressing her ear against it to hear the fighting more clearly. Like bats she had really good hearing, which had its uses, and disadvantages when her parents got in the mood.

She cringed at the thought of her parents in bed during one of their long sessions. So many sleepless nights.

"You seriously have anger issues Spitfire!"

"Oh, sorry mom!" she heard her mother respond mockingly. The brown mare cracked a smile at the thought of the nasty look Vector was possibly giving her now. "Yeah, sure like when?"

Buttercup giggled at the silence that followed. That quickly turned to a scowl when she heard Vector's response.

"How about the time you crippled me? Plucking my feathers out one by one, mocking me? And that's not even considering the emotional trauma I suffered during AND afterwards."

The fighting ended abruptly with a loud slamming of a door. A minute passed. For the two young ones it seemed to be the longest most agonizing minute of their lives. Soon after the sound oh heavy hoof steps rang in their ears as a pony approached. They watched the door intently wondering who'd be coming through the door. To Buttercups surprise it wasn't her mother but Vector who entered.

Peanut buzzed happily loosening his grip from his sister and fluttered over to the blue mare. She giggled taking hold to the changeling who nested himself under her wing. The batpony frowned at her changeling siblings affections towards the mare. Peanut pulled the wing around himself like a blanket, pressing his face against the mares side making her giggle from a light tickle.

The blue mare sighed sitting down beside the brown batpony mare. Buttercup scooted away from her but stayed on the beds edge. Vector frowned at this evasive behavior and decided to try and reach out to her.

"Buttercup? What's wrong?"

This question enraged the young mare. She turned to the older pony glaring at her with tear brimmed eyes. "What's wrong? What's wrong?! How dare you!"

She pushed off the couch and turned to face the pegasus face to face.

"We lose half our family and you come parading in here, in our lives, and try to replace our mother, MY MOTHER AND TAKE HER PLACE!" she yelled the last part as her anger rose.

Most ponies would have faltered at such aggression from a child, but Vector managed to keep her composure despite feeling distressed. She felt her wing shiver as the changeling within shivered. She slid her wing open nuzzling him before glaring at Buttercup.

"Must you always yell at me?"

"Must you be so nosy?" she snapped back.

"Look, I know you don't like me-"

"That's an understatement."

A brief pause followed while Vector gave her a deadpan stare. "Please Buttercup I'm not trying to replace your mother." she lied. "I love Spitfire and I love Peanut. I DO care about YOU too. Please, give me a chance. If not for me do it for your brother and Spitfire. Please?"

"No." the young mare replied defiantly.

"Fine. You don't have to like me." but she had a different idea of how to compromise with her. "How about this then? We pretend to like each other?"

"What do you mean?" she scoffed.

"What you and I need to do is work out a pact." Vector said circling the mare, she placed Peanut on the bed. The little changeling sat upright watching the events in front of him unfold. "We need to work out something so we don't fight any more."

"And why would I do that? I hate you." Buttercup pushed passed her and sat beside her brother cuddling him.

"Spitfire reacted the way she did because of the way you treat me." Vector replied. "That and I don't want Spitfire to hit you again."

There was no venom behind her words. No ill will, and Buttercup seemed to realize just what she meant. She truly cared about Spitfire and the children, but Buttercup made it difficult to like her. Spitfire's reaction scared her to no end. She was afraid that Spitfire might go overboard with her anger and hurt Buttercup too much one day. Then she'd be taken away and nopony will be happy.

While the young mare sat there contemplating, Vector continued to speak, making sure not to sit beside them while she did for fear of angering her.

"I know you hate me. But if you let me I can be your friend. I don't want us to keep fighting and Spitfire hurting you like she did yesterday."

"Ye-yesterday?"

The blue pegasus nodded. "Indeed. You were out for nearly a day. The doctor said it was a bad hit you took to the head."

The news of this terrified her, but what's worse was she didn't know what to do? "The doctor? Why don't I remember any of this?"

"You got hit by your mother really hard. Do you remember that?"

"I do but, not afterwards." she said dejectedly. Then she realized what Vector meant about her mother. "Yo-you didn't tell him did you?! You didn't call CPS did you?!"

"No."

"But why?"

"Because I don't want to tear your family apart."

"Hmph. Whatever."

With that she jumped off the bed and strode off with a huff. Vector and Peanut were now alone in the room. The changeling hopped down and waddled over to the adult pegasus. She watched as he waddled closer and stood upright and flapped his wings making him fly up and land on her back. He nestled himself on her back. It brought a smile to her face seeing him so open with her.

"If only I could get her to see me that way." she said, looking at the door where Buttercup exited.

Later that night Spitfire returned in a bad mood from work. Dinner was very awkward and nopony spoke the entirety of it. Everyone went to bed early that night with not so much as a goodnight said. Needless to say it was a very uneventful night. So everypony rested wondering what the next day would hold.

Recover Part 2

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*One Week Later*

Spitfire was in the kitchen making breakfast while Peanut and Buttercup slept in. She was swinging her hip back and forth humming a tune to herself, occasionally singing words to it. She stood up against the stove making pancakes and haybacon. The sizzling aroma mixed together creating a wonderful atmosphere in the kitchen.

The aroma lingered and then like a serpent seeking its prey it slithered sinisterly along the halls past a sleeping timberwolf and down towards the halls. It found its way into Peanut and Buttercup's room assaulting their noses while they slept. The smell of the haybacon was enough to entice the little ones from bed with earnest. Peanut was the first to exit the room but in his excitement he slipped on the tiled floor and right into the wall while his sister jumped over him blowing a raspberry at him mockingly.

He frowned, beating his wings, as he lifted off the ground and shot past her with relative ease. She watched him in shock at how fast he flew past her. With the grace of a swan he maneuvered through the hallway and through the door closing it behind him making Buttercup slam head first into it with a loud thud. She fell to the ground, her nose was now very sore and bleeding. She held a hoof over it and glared at the door where she could just see the changeling chuckling in her mind.

"Little punk brother of mine." she grumbled to herself getting up.

Just then the door from behind her opened revealing a very awake and alert Vector. The mare looked round scanning the area to see if she could find the source of the loud noise. Eventually both ponies eyes fell on each other. Vector looked over the young mare and saw her nose was held by her hoof and was an odd color. It didn't take her long to realize what had happened.

"Buttercup? Did you hurt your nose?" she asked cautiously not wanting to anger the batpony mare.

"No." Buttercup snapped back. "It was that punk of a brother of mine, and why do you care?"

The blue mare sat down beside her. She reached for the brown pony who pulled away but wasn't able to get far enough out of reach. Vector inspected her nose closely and saw it was in an awkward position.

"You broke you nose, or at least dislocated it." she summed up. "Luckily for you I can fix this."

"Psh, like yeah right." Buttercup scoffed pushing the mares hoof away. "What are you some kind of doctor or something?"

The mare gave a proud smirk. "As a matter of fact I am. Certified physician, xenobiologist, AND leading researcher in genetic engineering." she replied in a very condescending way to the young mare.

The batpony scowled at her. "Did I mention how much I hate you?"

"Everyday sweetie. Everyday. Now," she sat beside her reaching for the young mares muzzle. "Will you let me fix your nose or should I let Spitfire-"

The thought of her mother performing first aid on her made the young threshals heart skip a beat. "NO! NONONNONO! You do it!"

Vector smirked at her. "OK, but I warn you this'll hurt badly."

The look she gave made Buttercup cringe. "Ho-how bad are we talking here?"

"Like you won't be able to talk right for a while." she said gently placing her hooves on the brown muzzle. "Ready?"

"No." she whimpered.

Vector gave her a smile making her feel less tense. "Don't worry I know what I'm doing." she said giving the nose one last look over. "Get ready cause this will hurt."

***

In the kitchen Spitfire was finishing with making breakfast when she heard a faint buzzing noise. She glanced around to see if a fly was in the house but saw Peanut hovering above her instead. She frowned at him but the adorable smile he gave her, plus his tiny arms reaching for a hug, melted her heart.

She turned the stove off, after all safety always came first in this house (most of the time), and took hold of him in her arms. After tending to him for a moment she flew over to the table and set him down while Link sat beside his chair, waiting to get free scraps of food from him. Spitfire knew she'd have to keep an eye on him while they ate. Just as she turned to begin placing dishes on the table a loud scream echoed through the apartment.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when the high pitched scream rang in her ears and soon realized it was Buttercup who had screamed. It only took a moment for her maternal instincts to kick in and she ruched to the hallway just in time to see the door open with Buttercup and Vector in the doorway.

"What happened? Did Buttercup hurt herself? Vector what happened?" she asked frantically looking over the young mare. Taking moment to see a slight discolor on her fur Spitfire touched a darker part of her fur around her nose and soon realized it was blood. "Buttercup! What happened?"

She then glanced up at Vector then back to her.

"Well?"

Buttercup shied away from her mother but couldn't find any words to say. She knew she and her brother would get in trouble for running in the halls again. She briefly entertained the thought of ratting her brother out but knew he'd say she was running too and get them both in trouble. Just when Spitfire was about to start raising her voice Vector stepped in.

"It was my fault Spitfire."

"Huh?" both ponies gawked at her.

"What do you mean your fault? V, what did you do?" the yellow mare asked warningly.

"When she was trotting down the hall she didn't realize I was coming out of my room and I hit her with the door on accident and broke her nose." she said adjusting her wing.

"You hit her. With the door?" Spitfire asked unconvinced.

Vector never flinched. "Yes. That's what happened."

After taking a good minute to contemplate Spitfire sighed rubbing her left wing over Buttercup's brown mane, ruffling it up much to her annoyance. "Alright squirt, get your butt to the table so we can eat." she said playfully swatting her daughters bottom making her squeak and scurry off.

Vector was going to follow when Spitfire stood in her way. She gave the mare a knowing glance and wrapped a wing around her neck pulling her close. Their muzzles only an inch apart, Vector caught wind of a foul smell in her breath. Alcohol. She had been drinking, and by the intensity of the smell it was either very recently consumed or it was in large amounts. She tried to push away but Spitfire's next words made her pause.

"You know the doors open inward right?"

"What?"

"I know you lied to cover for her sorry butt, but don't make a habit of it." she said releasing her captive. "Also, thanks and I'm sorry about last night."

"It's not me you need to apologize to."

She held her head low in shame. "I know. I'll tell her after breakfast."

She exited the hall leaving the blue pegasus to herself. She thought long and hard about what she would do next. She made great progress so far with all but Buttercup. She wasn't sure if the young mare would ever open up to her, but she was confident that she would lighten up eventually. And when she did she would be there for her.

Breakfast went as usual. Peanut slipped scraps under the table for Link who happily took them. Eventually he was caught and scolded by his mother despite his sisters silent warnings, although deep down she was glad he got busted. Spitfire then went on to talk about how her work was getting harder for her due to picking new recruits from a long list of ponies who wanted to join and an incident involving Sorain with the graduating class while Vector and the others listened.

"-and then Soarin had to go an drop all those pies on the recruits during their graduation! I swear aint it just like a stallion to think with his stomach and not his head!" the yellow mare bellowed.

Buttercup chuckled earning a glare from her. "I think it's so nice that he has such an innocent view of life." she said jokingly.

"Well, I think it was sweet of him to offer pie to all the recruits after all the hard work they put in." Vector chimed in.

"Well, he really needs to stop." Spitfire grumbled. "I'm starting to hate pie, almost as much as I hate cupcakes."

*Ponyville*

Pinkie Pie.

Party extraordinaire and master of stealth was hard at work making her latest friendship cupcakes when a sudden pain jolted through her heart. She gasped loudly when Mrs. Cake walked by nearly making the older mare scream as the pink pony fell to the floor twitching sporadically.

"PINKIE! Deary are you alright? Speak to me! Do I need to get a doctor?" the blue mare cried out holding the pink pony delicately.

"M-Mrs. Ca-cake." she gasped reaching for the mare.

The older earth pony took hold of Pinkies hoof and gripped it tightly. 'What is it Pinkie? Talk to me." she pleaded.

Pinkie kept gasping, like she was out of breath and on the verge of death. She looked up weakly at the mare she saw as a second mother and mentor. Just in that moment she realized how much her and Mr. Cake meant to her. It gave her a new perspective on life itself. But then she saw a cupcake fall from the counter when Mrs. Cake went to help her.

Time seemed to slow down as she watched the sugary confection mercilessly fall, spinning over and over. The frosting was pink with a yellow flower smiley face on it and had a deep magenta wrapper on it. It was for Cheerlies birthday today. Pinkie watched as it smashed to the floor spreading itself all over the floor.

She saw that Mrs. Cake was looking at the cupcake too. And a sudden realization hit her, Pinkie felt a hate for cupcakes. She smiled knowingly at the younger mare and hugged her, which Pinkie was all to happy to return. After a brief moment Mrs. Cake pulled away heaving up the other with her.

"Well, dear, now that we got that out of our system how about we make more cupcakes for Miss Cheerlie?"

"I'd like that very much Mrs. Cake." she agreed happily bouncing over to the kitchen to prepare more cupcakes for the school teachers party. Mrs. Cake shook her head but grinned at the young ponies mirth.

"Oh, Pinkie Pie." she sighed walking in after her protege.

*Ivory Apartments*

Spitfire huffed after her deceleration of hating cupcakes which amazed everyone in the room. Buttercup and Vector were stunned speechless while Peanut looked at her in befuddlement.

"Momma? Why do you hate cupcakes? They're delicious!" he buzzed.

"No, they're disgusting!"

Vector glanced over to Buttercup who both exchanged confused looks. The blue pegasus looked over to the yellow mare. "Why do you hate them so much? I haven't seen you act like this about cupcakes since-"

"DON'T YOU DARE BRING THAT UP!" Spitfire snapped quickly.

"What, oh! OH!"Vector smirked. "So you are mad about what Soarin did! All these years! I knew it!"

"Don't you dare Vector." Spitfire said through grinding teeth.

Both Buttercup and Peanut looked worried like they were missing something completely relevant to what was going on here.

"Mom?" the brown pony dared to speak receiving a hateful glare from Spitfire. "Why do you hate-"

"Buttercup."

"Yes mother?" she asked nervously trying to hide under the table as Peanut followed suit.

Spitfire then took a deep breath to compose herself giving an unusually sweet smile and tone to what she said next." Sweetie, I love you and I'm sorry I hit you last night. But I swear if you finish that sentence from before..."

She left the end open ended to the wandering minds of all present. She then finished eating and took her plate to the kitchen where she began cleaning them. Vector snickered to herself seeing the bewildered look on the kids faces and even Link looked unusually befuddled. She leaned over to Buttercup who was still eyeing her mother as if she'd snap back after her if she moved.

"Don't worry about her. She's just mad because of one night years ago." she whispered.

The batpony looked over at her with a nasty look. "What happened?"

"Yeah, and what does it have to do with Mr. Soarin?" Peanut asked popping between them.

Vector gave a quick glance to make sure Spitfire was preoccupied before she continued. "Well, you see a while ago when Soarin, your mother, and I were friends we got drunk at your mothers work and Soaring made special cupcakes for your mother. Said it was his, "special cupcakes." Spitfire back then was a total alcoholic-"

"She still is." Buttercup interrupted.

"Yes, well, ahem. That being a moot point she ate one not realizing it was really that sick stallions... well." she rubbed her head nervously. "Let's just say he defecated in the bathroom and showed up with chocolate flavored cupcakes afterwards with no trips to the kitchen."

The little gears in both the threshal and changelings heads spun around and around until it finally clicked in their minds to what Vector meant. Both had very similar reactions.

"EEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!"
"TAHT'S SOOO GROSS!"

Vector laughed wildly smacking her hoof on her knee while the children gripped their heads at the nasty image.

"You ruined cupcakes forever for me!" Peanut cried. "And chocolate was my favorite!"

IN a flash Buttercup was out of her seat an din the kitchen just as Spitfire spun around to find out what all the commotion was about. What she found was her daughter digging through the refrigerator and pulled out a lemon ripping it apart and tried to apply it to her eyes.

Spitfire seized the lemon parts from her and threw them into the trash.

"What is going on?!" she exclaimed stomping the ground.

"You ate shit mom!" Buttercup whined, not realizing her mother didn't understand the context of what she said.

"Excuse me?!"

"You, the chocolate, and the cupcakes Saorin!"

Spitfire glared angrily at Vector who from her seat waved nervously at her with a weak smile. "Did Vector tell you the story about the cupcakes Soarin made when we were all drunk?"

"YES! it was disgusting! Why would you do that?"

"That my sweet daughter is why you shouldn't ever get drunk."

"But you drink all the time!"

"But I never get shitfaced anymore." she said slipping past her. "As for you."

She caught a dark blue tail trying to flee but held it down with her hoof. Vector shyly turned to meet Spitfire who had a very sweet smile that could have made your blood sugar levels skyrocket. Worried about what was coming next she swallowed hard wondering what the mare had in store for her.

"Hello lovely."

"Hello." the blue mare replied.

Suddenly a knocking came from the front door getting everyone's attention. Spitfire glanced once more at Vector before going to open the door revealing the stallion of the day. Soarin stood at the door with a pink box in his hoof and a wide grin on his face, despite Spitfire;s deadpan stare.

"What is it now Soarin?" she asked him in an annoyed tone.

"Oh, nothing," he grinned. "Just thought I'd bring something to make up for the pie thing at the Academy."he said offering the box to his CO.

"What is it?" Spitfire asked looking over the box before taking hold of it with her hooves.

"Just some cupcakes for ,V, and the kids." he said waving to the blue pegasus in question.

"CUPCAKES!"
"SOARIN!"

The stallion suddenly felt hooves assaulting him from all sides as Spitfire, Buttercup, and Peanut ganged up on him and playfully beat him up. There was laughs and giggles from all around as the play fighting continued into the living room. This inevitably lead to Vector joining in the fray with Link who was happy to play with the ponies and changeling.

The fun lasted well into the afternoon when everypony went was too exhausted to continue. Soarin left to head home and Spitfire went to lay on the couch with Link by her side. Peanut fell asleep and was put into bed by vector who was being watched by Buttercup. After tucking the changeling in, she turned to the teenage pony.

She stepped forward and sat beside her resting her body against the bed.

"I have something for you Buttercup." she said lifting her wing and giving her a small paper with a golden ticket attached to the upper left corner.

"What is this?" the brown pony asked reading over the paper.

"A little something I got from the Princess you admire so much." she nudged the mare prompting her to read it.

"Mumble, mumble, through heroic actions we cordially invite you to the Night Guard Festival in Canterlot! But how!? How did you get this?!" she screamed happily pulling a golden ticket from the paper.

Vector rubbed her chin with her wing. "Well, a little birdie told me that somepony wanted to join the Lunar Guard. So I pulled some strings and got the ticket for my loyal service to the crown. That, and I know Princess Luna personally." she ended with a smug grin.

This made the brown pony beam with joy. "You know her? Princess Luna?! Oh, Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh! Can you arrange for me to meet her by chance?"

"I guess I could," she teased seeing the young mare about to burst she grinned. "but I already did. We leave tomorrow for Canterlot to see the Princess and go to the Night Guard Event. Oh, and happy birthday, kiddo."

She then sat up and stretched walking to the door but was stopped by a pair of brown hooves holding he r back. It took her a minute before she realized it was Buttercup holding her in a hug. A small smile donned her face.

"Thanks." she said rubbing the mares neck affectionately before quickly pushing away. "but I still don't like you." she finished with a harrumph, sticking her nose up.

Vector giggled ruffling the ponies mane.

"I know kid. I know." she said and walked out the door with Buttercup right behind her.

It was a small step forward, but a step forward none the less.

A Flash from the Past Part 1

View Online

The next day Vector and Spitfire were laying in bed together. Vector had fallen asleep early to wake up early enough to take Buttercup to the Lunar Guard event later that day. Buttercup was so excited by the news she practically bounced off the walls until she went to bed. Vector was happy that she was more pleasant after the fact but she could tell earning the young batponies trust wold be long and tedious. But family was worth the wait.

She paused rolling over under the covers to look over Spitfire who was sound asleep, snoring away. Vector wondered if she really did see them as her family? Was it wrong for her to think of them so? She then wondered if Buttercup would ever like her enough to even call her mother. She liked Trixie enough to call her momma. It was all so confusing to the mare.

She rubbed her head tenderly with her wing and sat up to stretch. Just then Spitfire shot up, her eyes closed as she seemingly mindlessly got out of bed and went to the bathroom like a zombie sleepwalking. It was the oddest thing Vector had ever seen. Old memories came flooding back in her head as she thought back to her school days.

Back when she first started dating Spitfire.

She rolled over to check the clock and saw it was nearly time to get up. Slowly she got out from under the soft warm covers and got herself ready for the day. Within ten minutes she was done and heading for the kitchen where she found Buttercup siting at the table with a bowl of oats and aflafa.

The batpony was bouncing on the chair humming as she ate. It brought a smile to Vector seeing her in such good spirits. She hoped today was going to be a god day. She hoped it would be a chance for the two of them to bond a little. Buttercup stopped chewing her food when the sound of an approaching pony caught her ears. She kept a smile on her face and waved to Vector without saying a word before returning to eating, eager to get going to Canterlot.

The blue pony looked over at the food she was eating and gave a sick look at it.

"What is that garbage you're eating?" she asked the young mare, pointing at the food.

Buttercup swallowed hard and looked at it. "It's honey oats and afalfa."

Vector gave the oats and plant a nasty look. "Why are you eating this prison food?"

"Prison food?"

"Yes, this is hardly a fitting meal for a growing young mare." she said tapping the bowl then sliding it out of reach. "Come on. We're going to get some real food."

The mare walked over to the door opening it. She stood by the entrance waiting for the younger pony to follow her. After a brief hesitation Buttercup nodded and followed her out of the apartment. The two left the Ivory Towers and headed deeper into the city. They didn't stop until they reached a small dinner at the edge of the city near the water.

It was a nice little dinner that sat on the water front. It was a two story building painter white with a large circular platform where guest could have a higher view of the water. Here Vector and Buttercup sat at the edge of the platform with a full view of the sun and the Manehatten Bridge off to the right of their view. Several flower bushes covered the walls with small vases every two meters apart along the length of the wall.

They sat at a small round table across from each other with the view of the ocean and bridge to their right. Seeing the morning sun rise and the smell of the ocean breeze with this beautifully designed place made for a very relaxing sight. The two mares sighed at the sight as they took their orders and waited not saying a word.

Once their drinks arrived Vector spared a look at Buttercup. She admired the young batpony mare, she was determined, bold, and very outspoken. She liked her moxie. In a lot of way s she was like Spitfire. The blue pegasus sipped her water as Buttercup watched the first train of the day leave. Its horn blew just loud enough to be heard as a trail of smoke trailed behind as it crossed the bridge heading out of the city.

Manifest destiny." Vector said to herself.

"Hm? Did you say something?" Buttercup asked sipping on her straw.

"Heh, no I was just thinking about how beautiful the view is here." she replied with a sigh, as she rested her chin and left arm.

The batpony looked out at the rising sun and had to admit, it was beautiful.

"Yeah." she placed her cup down and folded her hooves on the table. "Um. Vector?"

"Yes?"

"How did you and mother Spitfire meet?" the brown pony asked, fidgeting in her seat.

"Sigh... well I guess it was bound to come up eventually. Although I'd prefer that she was here to tell it not just me." she admitted looking over at the batpony. "If I tell you, you have to promise to listen and not get mad, OK?"

She waited for a response which came in the form of a quick but short nod from the teen mare.

"I mean it. You raise your voice once and I'll stop until you mother tells you." she said in a serious tone.

"I promise I'll listen."

"What I'm about to tell you may very well change how you see your mother." she warned the teen mare. "I'm serious, you may not believe it but I swear on my life it's all true."

"What happened?"

Vector sighed sipping her drink once more emptying the glass and set it aside. She gave the other pony a very stern look flexing her wing out.

"Do you know why I only have one wing, Buttercup?" she asked flapping it once.

The batpony looked it over and to her other side seeing no wing. For the first time since they met she had never seen the mares cutie mark or her 'wings'. She only ever saw one but thought the blue pony liked using just the one. Now seeing for the first time ever that there was only one she wondered how she never noticed before. Then again Vector almost always wore her coat even at home. It made her wonder.

"I lost my wing because of you mother Buttercup," she looked down hiding behind her mane. "I lost it because I pushed Spitfire too far once. It's why I always scold her for hitting you and yelling at you." She waved the waitress pony down who took her cup to get a refill. Vector waited for the newly filled glass before continuing. "Spitfire told me what she's told others and what Soarin says. Have you heard either story, from either of them?"

Buttercup shook her head. "No, I haven't."

She'd never once heard about how her mother met Vector. Although all hints from what Spitfire and Soarin say does indicate there was bad blood between them. But she never learned the details.

"Most of both stories are true, but I'll tell you what happened from my perspective. Now sweetie listen to me," she reached for the brown ponies cheek rubbing it gently. "I want you to hear me out. OK? Feel free to verify with your mother but I swear what I say is 100% the absolute truth."

Buttercup held the mares hoof with her own and smiled. The touch on her cheek was so simple, yet something inside her heart changed in that moment. She felt her cheeks warm up at the touch. So, gentle. She thought as Vector withdrew her grasp. She wondered if she was actually beginning to see the mare in a new light. That or was it her anticipation to hear about how she met her mother?

In either case she was listening, determined to take in everything she was about to hear without fault or error.

"It started years ago when I was attending Canterlot University."

*Rockyshores*

Maud was tending to her families rock farm while her parents were out for the day. Several other earth ponies were hard at work rotating the rocks from one field to another.

The sun was just rising over the horizon and inside Maud's house in her room on the floor lay two unicorn mares cuddling side by side in each others embrace. Trixie and Solarflare. Over the last several weeks the two had become nearly inseparable having formed a tight sisterly bond. This morning however, Trixie was kicking and thrashing about while the red mare slept soundly beside her.

Trixie accidentally broke away from her embrace and rolled over in her sleeping bag sweating as her nightmare intensified. She dreamt about a large blue cosmic bear, an Ursa Major, chasing her through the forest. Soon the scenery changed as a loud howl echoed through the world shaking it to its foundation. Still running the scene changed to a open field with a building on fire.

Five faceless ponies stood in a circle around a small fire as blood drops poured around them. Trixie came to a skidding halt and looked at them. Two were silvery grey one big one small like a filly each with a spoon like cutie mark. Another was tall like the first but dark grey with a darker grey mane with a clef cutie mark. They were clearly mares. The other two were male one colt and one stallion. The stallion was lighter brown with a dark black mane with a journal as a cutie mark and the colt was a blank flank with a lighter brown coat and a dark orange mane.

As Trixie walked over to them, she realized they were humming holding hooves swaying back and forth in the circle around the fire.

"Hello? Who are you?" she asked the group.

They simply ignored her and continued humming among themselves. She reached for the colt, just as she made contact with him he dissolved into a pool of blood as did the rest of the group as a booming mares voice echos as the world shattered making Trixie fall into black oblivion.

"Ancient sins of long since past, come forth this night and day and rest the third. For doom looms and nightmares reign."

"Who are you?! What do you want?!" Trixie cried as she fell into nothing.

"I am a monument to all sins of the blood. Hear me Lulamoon and don't fear the dark, but fear the light. For those who fear the dark have no comprehension of what the light is capable of." the voiced warned.

Trixie felt her heart race as the black turned to a bright light blinding her. She covered her eyes as she tried to see what was around her. Everything was white with a bright light shining all around her. Soon she heard another voice, humming a child lullaby as she became suspended in place. She was no longer falling but instead felt like she was standing on nothing, but standing none the less.

The voice belonged to a mare, and it was one she felt she knew but wasn't able to determine who's. She felt something then , a presence. It was malevolent, cruel, pure evil. She looked at her hooves as she realized a shadow loomed over her. Turning she saw a rotting corpse of a yellow mare with a cruel smile a black voids where her eyes should have been. Her body formed from the white nothing and she had a disheveled fiery mane. The mares smile twitched as she bared her jagged teeth as red lights appeared in her eyes.

"Welcome home, hon."

Trixie awoke screaming. Beside her Solarflare bolted upright screaming loudly too. She quickly looked over towards the mare beside her wide eyed and irritated. After realizing it was just Trixie, she checked the clock seeing it was early in the morning. A moment later and the blue mare was calm again but panting.

She glared at the blue pony.

"Trixie! What gives?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

The blue unicorn shook her head getting her bearings. She found herself in Maud's room. Desk with a variety of books on geology and rock related topics(Check). Window with a rock frame. (Check). Large king size bed with an angry mare beside her. (Check).

She sighed contently. All was right with the world.

Taking a moment to compose herself she glanced over to the red mare shyly.

"Sorry, Flare, but Trixie was having a nightmare!" she cried theatrically flailing her arms up like a damsel in distress. 'It was horrible!"

Before the crimson unicorn could respond the door flew open and the two younger Pie sisters, still in their night gowns, were at the door wide eyed.

"Trixie! Solarflare! Are you two like alright?" Limestone asked as her sister checked the two in their bed.

Marble ran a hoof over Trixie's head seeing she was sweating slightly.

"She's really hot sis." Marble said looking to her sibling.

"I know Maud would agree with that!" Limestone giggled.

This made her sister frown. "Be serious! She could have been hurt or, like whatever!"

But the two unicorns gave her a warm smile sending her heart a flutter. She blushed at the mares smiles averting her gaze as Solarflare donned a cruel smile on her lips, while Trixie grinned mischievously at her.

Limestone saw this and wondered what the two mares were up to. A moment later Solarflare reached for Marble raising her chin with a hoof. Gently she guided the young mare's gaze to hers making the flustered grey mares blush intensify ten fold. By now Limestone was onto the mares game and left with a loud sigh.

Trixie got out of bed and quickly made her way to the bathroom leaving the two mares alone. The Solarflare looked over Marble, the grey mare was shaking not from fear but excitement. The younger mares tail swished to the side excitedly as she looked desperately into the crimson mares eyes. She thought of how beautiful they were. Flare then placed a hoof gently on her cheek rubbing it with tiny circular motions making her breath heavily.

"Marble?"

"Ye-yes, Solarflare?" she nearly screamed in surprise.

"Do you find me attractive?" Solarflare asked, bending her body as she lay on her side giving a seductive look.

Marble swallowed hard as her eyes ran down the mares flank. She paused as her eyes passed over her sun cutie mark. The red mare waved her hoof gesturing for Marble to look up.

"My eyes are up here, not on my flank, sweetie." she said in a sultry tone.

"So-sorry!" Marble yelped looking up at the mare.

The red mare leaned in closing the distance between them to where their muzzles were but an inch apart. Marble could feel her heart racing, her cheeks and forehead felt hot, and her eyes were beginning to dilate.

She felt so embarrassed at the moment. Then Soalrflare went in for the kill.

"Such a lovely young mare you are, Marble." she leaned in nipping her neck, earning a loud, 'eep!" from the grey mare. "Do you like me?"

"Yes." Marble replied weakly.

"Do you want me?"

"Yesss."

"How badly do you want me?"

Before an answer was given the door swung open revealing Maud and limestone beside her. The lighter grey mare pointed at the two ponies in the room accusingly.

"See Maud, I tots told you! She's seducing Marble again!"

Maud stared blankly at the two mares as Marble pushed away from Solarflare quickly. She hid behind her mane as the older mare behind her whistle innocently. Maud walked up to her and with her signature stare asked her one question.

"We're you hitting on my sister?"

To any pony else beside her and Trixie, Maud would have seemed intimidating, but after being with her and this family for so long the unicorns found themselves understanding Maud in ways no other pony could beside her family. The red mare smiled cheekily nodding to Maud's inquiry.

"Yes, I do like her, yes I was hitting on her, and yes I was also doing it to be mean to Limestone." she said grinning pulling Marble into a loving embrace.

"How Long?" Maud asked.

"About a month."

"Maud gave the slightest hint of a smile. "You better not hurt her," her voice went cold after. "Or else I'll destroy you."

"What? Why are you allowing this, sis? This is wrong!" Limestone whined.

Maud sighed turning to face her aggravated sister. "Ma and Pa, would like tots not be into this! Fillyfoolers are sick! And it's wrong!"

Now it wasn't uncommon for earth pony communities to feel this way towards same sex relationships or the topic in general. Marble liked mares, especially ones like Trixie and Solarflare, claiming they were strong and independent, and she admired them for that. The Pie family made their stance clear when she and Trixie moved in. No fillyfooling or coltcuddlers. Maud on the other hoof never said a word on the topic herself, but Trixie and Soalrflare both speculated she was bi but never asked.

But Maud's reaction to Limestone however suggested otherwise. She turned quickly and stared at her little sister. There was no exchange of words or gestures, only a stare. Limestone felt fine at first but soon afterwards she felt very uncomfortable by her sisters stare. Something seemed odd to her but she couldn't tell what. Before she could speak, Maud spoke out as if waiting to stop her.

"If you tell dad, mom, or try to get between them in anyway," she paused looking dead in her sister's shivering eyes. "I'll tell them about your relationship with your teacher. Understood?"

"How did you know?!" the light grey mare exclaimed.

"I hear things." Maud replied with a nod. "So, what will it be?"

"Fine! I won't do anything just don't tell anypony about me and Mr. Hardwire!"

"Agreed. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to work." She looked at the other two who didn't say a word. "That goes for you two and Trixie as well."

She glanced around seeing the blue mare was missing. "Where is Trixie anyways?"

Meanwhile, Trixie was happily trotting along down Slate Ave. after sneaking out of the house. Ponies waved to greet her happily, especially the stallions, much to the chagrin of the mares nearby. Many were envious of her. She skipped along the way ditching her morning duties heading deep into town. She arrived at a small restaurant where she was planning to dine.

Aside from the bar she and her friends frequented this was her favorite place in the town to dine. Taking her favorite seat by a small river she prepared herself for a feast when she was met with the gaze of a young colt, staring up at her.

The colt was dark brown with an orange mane and had a pair of dark black saddlebags on him. Trixie sat there in awkward silence as the colt continued to stare at her. Finally tired of the staring contest she blinked and gave the colt a hardened expression.

"What?!" she yelled at him. "Why are you staring at Trixie?"

"Miss Trixie?" another voice asked from outside her view.

She shot her head up looking around until her eyes laid on a stallion who was a lighter brown than the colt and had a slicked back black mane. She stared at him before she looked at his cutie mark which was a journal. He smiled as he worked his way over to her from inside the restaurant waving at her.

"It is you! So good to see you again!" he happily greeted her with a hug.

The blue unicorn pushed the pony away appraising him as he took a seat beside the younger colt.

"Who are you and how do you know Trixie?" she asked looking between the two.

They each gave the other a perplexed look. The colt walked up to her standing on his back legs to raise his height like a cat reaching for its master.

"You saved us a long time ago Miss Trixie. Don't you remember?" he asked looking at her pleadingly. "I'm Sketchy, and this is my dad Scribble. Don't you remember us?"

Trixie looked down at his saddened face, but tried her best to keep a smile. "Sorry, but Trixie-I don't. I lost my memory a while ago. I don't remember."

The two earth ponies looked at the broken mare who was now on the verge of tears. She couldn't believe it. A part of her life, her past was here in her face and she had no idea what to do. For the first time in a long time she felt utterly powerless. But to her suprise she felt the colt jump up on her lap an d hugged her. Suddenly her head hurt and a rush of memories from her previous life came back. Thousands of thoughts and flashes of her life pasted before her eyes.

But just as quickly as they came they were gone. But through all of the displaced memories and thoughts one thing remained. Spitfire.

She knew the famous Wonderbolt Captain as did most of Equestria but something in the back of her mind was nagging at her. She knew Spitfire was important to her she just didn't know why. To find the answers she'd need to find her. But for now she wanted to get re acquainted to her two friends. She set the colt on the chair beside her and the stallion sat across from her.

"Please, enlighten Trixie on how we met." she asked pleadingly to the stallion who gave her a warm smile.

"Well, now let me think. Guess it all started at the Flightless Pegasus Inn..."

*Ivory Tower Apartments*

Spitfire awoke with a loud yawn. She rolled on her back in bed and reached over her head with her arms stretching her arms and legs out. Her stiff body cracked loose and she felt looser. She then got up and went to the bathroom to get herself ready for the day. She took a quick glance at th e clock while she brushed her teeth and combed her mane.

She had arranged to meet Soarin and Fleetfoot at Pette's Pie Bar later in the afternoon. Being with Vector she decided it was time to tell her closest friends the truth about her blue pegasus... friend?

She stopped her brushing and held the toothbrush in her mouth. She clamped down with her teeth chewing it thoughtfully. What was Vector to her now? She still had feelings for Trixie, but she was slowly losing hope of ever seeing her again. Part of the reason she setup this meeting in the first place. True she didn't know if her feelings for Vector were genuine or not but more like something she needed, like a drug.

She felt bad thinking of the mare like that.

"Ponies aren't things." she scolded herself continuing to brush.

After she finished she went into the room down the hall seeing Peanut was still fast asleep. His tiny wings buzzed as he exhaled making the cutest little snore/buzz she'd ever heard. She leaned in kissing his head and gently shook him.

"Peeaanut. Time to wake up." she sang into his ear.

The changeling stirred under his blankets covering his face with his pillow. "Ugh, five more minutes mommy." he whined.

"Now sweetie, we're going to be late if you don't hurry." she said tugging the pillow and blankets away from him. He shivered from the sudden cold trying to cover his body with his arms.

Spitfire chuckled at him as he glared up at her. "Don't you want to see aunt Fleetfoot?"

His head shot up and in seconds he was out the door rushing to get ready with renewed energy. Spitfire shook her head at him. A moment later she felt a warm tuff of fur at her legs. Link was slinking between her legs like a cat looking up at her. She picked the timberwolf cub up and nuzzled his muzzle with hers making him pur.

"I bet you're hungry little fella?" she asked him.

He barked once in response.

"Well good thing cause I am too."

She walked out of the room with the cub following her. He was chasing after her orange tail as she playfully swung it back and forth while he jumped for it like a cat. She then walked over to the kitchen where Peanut was sitting in his batpony form bobbing happily in place with a silly smile on his face.

After making a small bowl of food for Link and filling his water dispenser bowl she took Peanut and wrapped a scarf around his neck and put little boots on him. After putting on a scarf herself, Spitfire paused and went back into the room where she kept her pictures of Vector. Inside she had a single door closet.Opening it reveled a single piece of clothing, her old leather flight jacket from her school days. She took it off the hanger and ran her hoof along the leather and around the furred collar. She sat there for what felt like hours, but in reality it was fifteen minutes.

She sat in the darkness wondering about the choices she made in her life. She hugged the jacket close to her chest as another familiar item came to view. Trixie's suitcase. That damned thing tormented her into many sleepless nights, yet now it was a constant reminder of what she lost hence why it was stored away in here. She reached for the dirty suitcase and ran her wing over it to wipe the dust away. She thought about all the times Trixie abused her with it and found she really missed it.

She knew Trixie never meant any real harm, and deep down she liked the abuse. She got off on that kind of thing.

She sat there now wearing her jacket and holding Trixie's suitcase in her arms wondering about the choices she made in her life. What if she never left Vector? Would they still be together? Would she have adopted the kids? What if...

"Momma?"

She jerked her head up see Peanut standing in the doorway. The light behind him shone making him a beacon of hope in the dark depressing room. She wiped her eyes making sure she looked tough for him, she hated the idea of her children seeing her cry.

"What's wrong baby?" she asked waving her hoof beckoning him.

The changeling sat beside his mother. He buzzed his wings sadly as he looked at the suitcase and pulled a picture of Trixie and him out form his scarf. Spitfire recognized it. It was from a week before the invasion of Canterlot when Trixie took him to a county fair. They sat on a bench together, Trixie on the bench with Peanut on her lap. She wore a pink bow on her mane and he was wearing a fedora smiling at the camera.

Spitfire smiled at the photo wishing she was able to go with them but had to go back to the Academy to deal with some rowdy recruits. She rested her head on his pulling him close to her. Peanut heard the steady beat of his mother's heart. It made him relax knowing she was there for him. He placed the photo on the suitcase and the two sat there staring at it holding onto each other.

"Momma?"

"What's wrong, hon?"

"Do you miss momma Trixie?"

"Of course I do. Why would you think otherwise?"

"He buzzed irritated at her. "I know you like Miss Vector, momma."

Spitfire rubbed her arm looking away from him shamefully. "It's complicated."

"Why?"

"I-It's just... sigh. Long ago Vector and i use to hate each other." she said rubbing his shoulders gently. "I use to be really mean back then. I beat ponies up, I stole from them, I made fun of them."

"You were a bully?" Peanut asked bluntly.

The fiery mare cringed at her son's frowardness to this, but deep down she could not deny it. She was a bully. A thug. A menace.

"I was once." she said still rubbing his shoulders. "Did I ever tell you what happened between me and Vector?"

Peanut shook his head. He never once was told or heard anything concerning the past between Spitfire and vector. All he knew was it was a rough life for them and that was all. He looked up at his mothers eyes. "What happened momma?"

Spitfire sighed reaching into her jackets pocket and pulled out a photo of her and Vector. Vector was in a beautiful white silk dress, looking like a princess, while Spitfire wore her jacket and glasses giving her tough attitude look. Peanut took the photo in his hoof and looked at it then to his mother.

"It was rough for her and me, but this is what happened. It all started long ago when I was back in flight school..."

A Flash from the Past Part 2

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Trixie sat in her chair while Scribble and his son Sketchy retold the tale of how Trixie saved them and their friend Lyra from a vicious timberwolf attack. Trixie of course being her old self took the praise as well as one would expect of a mare with an ego the size of the sun, and full of just as much hot air.

"Well! Trixie sure was the amazing pony that day!" she said pridefully.

Sketchy hopped around her with a big grin. "Yes you were Miss Trixie!"

"Sketchy! Will you stop actin like a fool in public?" his father scolded him and pulled him to his seat on the second pass.

"But dad!"

"No buts young one. Now sit."

At his fathers command the colt settled down in his seat beside his father. Trixie gave a hearty chuckle as the colt looked down embarrassed by his behavior. After a minute of silence Trixie had received her food and the two earth ponies ordered as well, thanks to her generous invitation. While they ate Trixie continued to ask questions about her past with them which wasn't much, but were happy to answer all the same.

"So, what happened after the attack? What did Trixie do?" the blue unicorn asked.

Scribble looked down at his son rubbing his mane. "After that, you traveled with Lyra, my son, and I for the next day or so back to Manehatten." he said sipping his tea.

"Did Trixie live there or something?"

Sketchy was the one to answer next. The two made a habit of switching depending on whether the other was chewing food or not. "Nope! You said you wanted to get your,er um... traveling show back up there or something."

"The train..."

Sketchy heard Trixie whisper something but leaned closer so he could hear her. "What was that, Miss Trixie?"

"The train," she droned on. "It was your first time on one... I remember!" she finished with a squeal. "I remembered!"

"That's great Trixie! Isn't it dad?" the colt cheered.

The stallion smiled sipping his tea once more. "It sure is son."

"TRIXIE!"

Everypony stopped and looked around to see an angry stallion they all knew well, Igneous Rock, stomping towards the blue mare with Maud and Solarflare close behind. He came to a halt at the fence where just on the other side Trixie did her best to blend into the slate earth below. Trixie smiled weakly and waved at the angry stallion who was hovering over her like a helicopter parent.

"Hi Igneous." she squeaked.

"Don't you, 'hi me,' young lady. You skipped out on your morning chores again!" he yelled stomping his hoof down. "Why I have a right mind to throw you out for being the laziest worker I've ever had!"

This time Maud stepped forward. "Father, be fair. She saved our lives once."

"I did?" Trixie asked but got no response.

"Scribble, I know yer mah friend and Maud I remember Trixie saved us and Silver. But I'll be darned if ahm gonna let a lazy pony continue to work on mah farm!"

Maud took one last step forward with an almost pleading look. "But father-"

"That is final!"

"It's fine Maud." Trixie said hopping over the fence to hug her grey friend. "Soalrflare we need to leave anyways."

"What why?!" the red mare yelled out. "Just because you're getting kicked out doesn't mean I want to-"

"Trixie learned about something regarding herself and you."

This silenced all the ponies present. Scribble and Sketchy looked at the crimson unicorn thoughtfully. Then Sketchy walked up to the massive mare. She was easily the tallest pony present, equal footing to Celestia herself. Needless to say that made Sketchy very small compared to her but he walked up to her massive figure with a kind face.

"It's true miss. Trixie met two others just like you before!"

Solarflare looked down at the tiny colt with a shocked expression. "You have?"

"Yeup! I also read it in the news paper too!" he rushed to the table where his saddlebags lay.

He then pulled out an older newspaper from a while ago. The front page showed a mare with deep red armor and an eye patch over one of her eyes. She stood tall on her back legs, arms stretched out standing in a ruined restaurant of sorts. The headline read: Madmare Trashes Dinner and Kills three!

Everyone stared at the paper. The mare in the photo was clearly not Solarflare but was all too similar for it to be a coincidence. Taking hold of the paper with her magic, Solarflare read the article. She eventually read a portion where Trixie was injured and taken to the hospital in Manehatten, where the attack occurred.

She folded the paper and looked over at the blue unicorn friend. "To Manehatten?"

Trixie gave a confirmation nod. "To Manehatten."

Both mares walked over to Maud who was doing her best to not look upset. It was one of the few times they ever saw her show any kind of emotions. The grey earth pony looked between the two of them expectantly.

"Maud," Trixie said taking hold of her shoulders. "Will you accompany us?"

Maud smiled nodding silently, but then her father spoke up. "Absolutely not! She has her job to do! Not only that but we're short hooved on the farm as is! I can't spare anymore workers!"

"Father please." Maud wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him. "We owe Trixie. She and her friend lost their entire lives. If there is any chance of them to get their lives back we should help. It's what Pinkie would have done."

That made the stallion frown. He hated having his own family use, ironically family as a tool against him. But he could not deny that Maud was right. Pinkie would have helped regardless of who it was. He looked at the two unicorns who had the teariest sad faces he'd ever seen. There is no way two grown mares should be that cute. he grumble in his head.

"Ugh, fine. You have two days to get everything back in order." he said walking off with a huff. "If you aren't back by then then don't bother coming back at all! Oh, and Muad?"

"Yes father?"

"Make sure they get back in one piece. No detours or timberwolves you hear?"

"Yes father."

Maud smiled as she watched her father disappear down the street. Trixie and Solarflare looked saddened by his tone but Scribble nudged them both. "Don't worry about him. He was never good at expressing sympathy well. He cares about you two. I can tell."

"That was caring?" Solarflare scoffed.

"Yeah! He was being a total jerk! Trixie does not approve!" the blue unicorn nodded in agreement to her red counterpart.

"Well. Come on let's get going!" Trixie cheerfully said. "We need to catch the train to Manehatten!"

"Right!" Solarflare pumped her hoof in the air.

"I'll get our stuff packed." Maud said turning to return home.

Maud left leaving Trixie and Solarflare alone with Sketchy and his father at the dinner. Almost everypony was back to what they were doing but Trixie had a saddened look as she egged the stallion and colt. The two earth ponies hugged her back.

'I'm sorry I don't remember you two." Trixie cried into Scribbles shoulder.

The stallion patted her mane rubbing his nose into it. "It's fine. We remembered you. It was like meeting for the first time all over again."

He pulled away, much to Trixies reluctance, he then lifted her chin with his hoof making her look at him eye to eye. "When we see each to her again you me and Sketchy need to have lunch again! Make sure you remember us this time!" he said with a joking grin.

The unicorn mare scoffed in mock hurt swatting him with her hoof playfully. This made him and her laugh while Sketchy hugged her from behind. Solarflare felt something inside of her as she stared at the paper with the image of the red unicorn on it. Something about it made her anger rise.

"The mare." she looked closely at the mare in the photo.

She spent a good minute looking at it when suddenly she felt sick to her stomach. Not again. She whined internally. She quickly ran inside, surprising everypony by her sudden rush, and hid in the bathroom. She quickly tuned the sink on and lunged over the toilet as she hurled everything in her stomach out inside the porcelain bowl.

After a good minute she finally managed to stop vomiting. She then flushed it and hung over the sink. The sickening feeling never subsided, nor did her anger. A moment later there came a knock at the door. The unmistakable voice of Trixie came from the other side.

"Flare? Are you alright?"

"Yeah just got a nervous, and it made me sick but I'm fine now!" she said washing her face.

Trixie waited outside the door while Solarflare finished her business in the bathroom.

"What happened?" Trixie asked puling her friend to the table and sat her on a chair.

"I don't know. I just saw the image of that mare on the newspaper and then I got angry." she said rubbing her belly. I felt really sick then. Actually, I've been sick every morning for a good while now."

Trixie placed a hoof on her friends. "Are you sure? You're not sick are you?"

"No, just nervous I guess." she smiled to her blue friend. "Come one let's go."

The two mares left the restaurant and headed back home to help with the packing. Scribble and his son said good bye along the way and head off to their home which was on the other side of the small town. Later that day Maud, Trixie, and Solarflare stood at he train station waiting for the next train heading to Manehatten. Due to Rockyshores location the first stop was Canterlot then Manehatten on the way back.

Some thirty minutes later the train arrived and after several minutes of jockeying around the three friends found themselves in the train and sitting in their own compartment. As they settled in the train blew its whistle and slowly began to grind its wheels to propel itself. An hour later the city was out of sight and the three mares rested, but just outside another mare was watching them.

She had a panicked look on her face. Quickly she retreated to three carts back and slipped into a compartment where a young brown batpony was bobing up and down on her seat looking out the window. She noticed the mare come in and saw the scared look on her face.

"Hey Vector? What's up?" she asked the mare.

Vector wiped a line of sweat form her forehead and patted the younger mare beside her. "Just some trouble with a few ponies i knew. Nothing more. Hey? Why not get some rest, OK? It's a long trip and we should conserve our strength. Especially the birthday girl."

She grinned nudging Buttercups cheek making her giggle and nudge the pegasus back playfully.

Come on. Let's get some sleep." Vector said rubbing Buttercups mane.

"Alright. Wake me up later?" the brown batpony asked with a yawn.

"I will. Sleep well."

Vector laid her head on her lap petting the light brown mane. She kept glancing outside the compartment door expecting to see a set of eyes glaring at her but seeing nothing there she tried her best to rest herself. But found it difficult which her anxiety at an all time high.

"I need to contact Blaze."

Evasion

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To say the train ride was nerve racking for Vector would have been a massive understatement.

Vector was shaking horribly in her seat. She separated from Buttercup as to not disturb her. But seeing Trixie and Solarflare put her on edge. She had to act fast and keep Buttercup separated from the mare until she knew what was going on. She'd been lucky so far, but luck was only going to get her so far.

Trixie was seven cars over and all it would take was for either pony to see one another and everything Vector planned for not.

The whole ride she would take an occasional look out the door to see if the blue mare was there or not. Everytime she even saw a hint of blue she'd nearly jump from her seat. She was thankful Buttercup was a heavy sleeper.

Thankfully the train ride went without incident. But the whole time Vector felt as though she'd have a heart attack. Every time she saw any sort of blue, she wold gasp feeling a tightening in her chest. She was sure she'd die from all the stress. Even her feathers were starting to fall out from the amount of stress she had.

Eventually she tried to sleep but as she finally got herself to relax the train arrived at Canterlot Station. She groaned loudly rubbing her face with her hooves startling Buttercup awake. The brown mare yawned rubbing her eyes.

"Are we there yet?" she asked the pony beside her.

"Yes, we are sweetie." the pegasus mare answered eagerly, lifting her up and carrying her off the train. "Come on lots to do! Burning day light and all that!"

As she carried the confused pony out of the train much to the surprise of others, she didn't notice Trixie was watching her from the back of the large crowd. Once off the train Vector allowed herself to relax a bit. She put Buttercup down who began scolding her for making it look like she was kidnapping her.

But she didn't care.

All she cared about was protecting what she had.

That and she knew if Spitfire got wind of this her life may very well hang in the balance. The mare was such a love but was dangerously mentally unstable. One could never tell what could set her off. Something so small as an insult could set her off the deep end and for sure finding out about the conspiracy Vector was involved in would result in her demise.

As the two walked along the streets of Canterlot the blue pegasus began to wonder if it was all worth it. No, she was sure of it. This was the chance to get the family she always wanted. Yes, it involved the mare that broke hers apart but love made one do strange things.

All these feelings made the blue mare feel nauseous. She felt like she was going to be sick any moment and kept her eyes peeled for a waste can and the blue mare she feared seeing. Buttercup flew into her face, angered by how she was just treated without warning.

"What's your deal yo?"

"Sorry dear, it's just... there is an unsavory character I saw that I knew and wanted to avoid." she lied. "I'm sorry, dear."

She pulled the mare down beside her and wrapped her one wing around her. "I know you and I have our differences but I just want you to have a good day and not let me ruin it, OK?" she asked parting the dark brown mane apart revealing a smiling face from Buttercup.

"Thanks, V" she said walking with the mare at her side down the busy street.

It was odd, but some ho she felt safe in Vector's embrace. Something about her was just so calming, yet she felt tense. Being with Spitfire as long as she was the batpony knew how to tell when a pegasus was tense and rigid. Something put Vector on edge. It made Buttercup upset to see her like this. That was when she noticed a feather fell off her. Whoever this pony or being was she promised they would have to go through her first if they wanted to harm Vector.

*Trixie*

Trixie and Solarflare kept their distance, watching as the blue pegasus and Batpony rounded a corner heading down one of the busiest streets in Canterlot. The two unicorns got off the train after seeing the blue pegasus with one wing. Something about her seemed so familiar to them, but neither could determine where they had seen her before.

They noticed early on that there was a theme for the night courts, specifically the Night Guard under Princess Luna.From what they gathered for the casual conversations, it was a way to help recognize the night guard as part of a mass recruitment. Some speculated it was also a way for the recently returned Princess Luna to get to know her fellow ponies better. But what intrigued them was the amount of threshals present.

There was one for every thirty ponies walking around which was amazing considering they lived in isolation in Shady Hollows from the rest of the world for the most part. Trixie stared at one of them for a long time. Realizing she left her friend behind, Solarflare doubled back and nudge the unicorn breaking her from her stupor.

"What? What's going on?"

"You were staring at somepony. It's rude."

"Whatever Spitfire, seriously everytime Trixie-"

"What did you call me" Solarflare asked not sure if Trixie said what she meant.

"Spitfire." the unicorn replied. "The last time Trixie recalls seeing this many batponies was at... Molnjia's Cloud 'n Barbecue."

The sudden realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Solarflare nearly squealed in delight at Trixie remembered something. Anything to get them closer to the truth was one step in the right direction. Just then the red pony remembered the restaurant in question.

"I know of that place. I think." she thought tapping her chin.

"Well, we'll have time to reminisce later we're losing them!" she exclaimed giving chase.

They dodged around ponies and tried to make sure they didn't lose each other.

They tailed them all the way to the edge of the castle where they stopped at the main gate. Two guards flanked the gate wielding spears on was a brown unicorn the other was a white pegasus. They wore night guard armor and stood unmoving as Buttercup and Vector approached. At first they turned their eyes to see the approaching ponies, but immediately bowed as they laid eyes on Vector.

"Welcome back Professor." they greeted her allowing her to pass, the unicorn opening the gate with his magic allowing the mares to enter.

Trixie wasn't sure how she and Flare were going to get inside. All she knew was the answers she sought might be with that blue pegasus. But there was something familiar about the batpony mare too. She was sure she knew her. But for whatever reason she couldn't remember.

But suddenly Solarflare grabbed her and dragged her down a hidden alleyway and lit her horn. A rope from behind her came slithering to life and flew up into the air wrapping itself to a large pillar at the top of the building. With her magic they flew up with great speed and landed on top of the building which was right next to the castle wall.

The two mares stood at the edge overlooking the castle wall. Below were the two guards overlooking the gate, ponies walking along the path below them. As they looked over the block they watched the guards close the gate. The doors slid slowly to a dull thud. Trixie and Solarflare glanced once up at the wall nodding to one another.

The rope came to life again while Trixie levitated another rope from a merchant below, and sent one end each heading for the castle gate. The ropes tethered themselves to a large spire. Once secure they launched themselves forward flying up into the sky and propelling themselves into the nearby courtyard. Seeing nopony around the two unicorns scurried towards a large flower bush where there was a large spot of dirt on the ground.

They hid behind the bush as two guards passed by. They were pegasus guards who flew past but paused where the giant dirt spot was. Trixie and Solarflare kept hidden behind the green leafy wall circling around to avoid the guards as they tried to see if there was anyone around. Convinced nothing was astray they retreated and headed deeper into the castle grounds leaving the two unicorns unseen.

They made a quick dash towards a large door less hallway than entered the castle main structure. There they caught a brief glimpse of the two mares talking to Princess Luna and a large changeling. The changeling was massive easily Celestias size with a long jagged horn and a long beautifully braided gossamer mane complimented by her magenta eyes. She wore plated armor similar to her chitin but was layers with thigh and leg protectors.

They slowly made their way closer to the large group, Trixie used a sound muffle spell to make the clopping of their hooves not echo as they approached. As they approached they slowly began to make out parts of the conversation the ponies were having with the armored changeling.

"-are you sure?" Luna asked looking shocked at the female changeling. "She did not survive? But her letter-"

The changeling growled silencing the blue princess. "She died saying she wanted peace not war. I loved my sister with all my heart, I WILL see this through to the end. But, I won't give up the changeling leadership to you, nor will I be bullied out of what we barely have." the changeling threatened.

Vector didn't flinch and Buttercup growled at her looking like she was ready to strike. But instead of a physical strike she gave a verbal one.

"Better hold your tongue dirty changer! This is Luna! Princess of the Night you're addressing!"

In a flash of black the changeling turned and with one swift motion, as she turned, she threw out her left arm intent to strike the brown pony fer her insolence. But a flash of blue intercepted the black armored arm just shy of its target. Vector held both hooves up with a determined look, leaving Buttercup and all present but the Princess and the changeling shocked. For a moment Trixie nearly rushed in but was held back by her red friend.

The changeling grinned as Luna scolded her. "Princess Amarith! You will not harm my subjects so long as you are a guest in my home! Are we clear?!"

The changeling withdrew her arms giving the Princess a smug grin. "Of course your majesty." she responded coyly with a bow.

Giving themselves a moment to cool down, the Princess approached the batpony who for her part looked very nervous. Beads o sweat fell across her brow, and she shivered slightly. Luna took note and grinned standing before the batpony.

"Buttercup Lulamoon!"

"Ye-yes your majesty!" the pony stood at attention still as a statue.

"Come forth!" Luna turned with a dramatic flare of her wing loosing a few feathers that flutter to the ground flanked by Vector and Princess Amarith. Buttercup slowly followed them as they approached a set of doors down the hall leading to the Night Court Chambers. Inside there was several batponies and unicorns lined up in two neat rows providing a path for Luna to her perch on a massive throne. The Lunar princess planted herself on her perch as Princess Amarith and Vector took a place beside her leaving Buttercup at the entrance with the rows of ponies before her.

From the corner of the entrance Trixie and Solarflare watched in anticipation as the events unfolded. Luna smiled and waved her hoof at Buttercup.

"Buttercup Lulamoon! Come forth!" Luna instructed.

The timid batpony gulped and slowly made her way forward. The guards all stood still not batting an eyelash at her as she walked down towards the Princess's podium. She glanced around at the guards ponies and after she laid eyes on one particular batpony, who winked at her. Luna gave a knowing smile at Vector who nodded once.

Once she reached the base of the podium Luna waved her hoof at the closet guard who brought a small box up to the Princess, who took it in her magic. She opened the box and stepped down with small graceful steps in front of the brown batpony, opening up the small ornate box. It was about six inches across and only four high. It was blue with elegant gold trimming with a golden leaf latch lock. Luna stood towering of Buttercup and pulled out a golden pin handing the box over to the same guard who brought it over. The pony bowed low stepping back in place in the line.

Luna smiled taking the pin and looking it over thoughtfully. "Buttercup Lulamoon, for you act of courage in your countries time of need, I award you the Silver Pin of the Lunar Guard to you." she then took a scarf wrapping it around the mares neck and placed the pin on it. "And, in addition to this honor you have been chosen to join the Lunar Guard during the next recruitment stage when you graduate school. Congratulations."

There was a wave of cheers as everyone present clapped/stomped their hooves congratulating Buttercup, who was trying to hide herself under her wings. But Vector walked up beside her wrapping her wing around her. She pulled the young mare in to a warm nuzzle congradulating her.

"Well done Buttercup."

"You set this up didn't you?" the batpony asked the pegasus.

"Maybe?"

The two mares shared a good laugh as they were herded into the next room over. Trixie and Solarflare watched, waiting until the doors closed before they made their move. However, before they could a hoof tapped their shoulders making them both jump in fright thinking they were caught.

When they turned to see who it was, they were greeted by Maud in her stoic stone plain face. Surprised to see their friend the mares pulled her off to the side hiding from view.

"Maud! How did you get in?" Trixie asked in a surprised voice.

Maud tilted her head slightly gesturing behind her. "Royal Geologist, remember? I'm allowed in."

Allowing them a moment to process this information, Maud sat down and watched as both mares facehooved.

Looking to the Future

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Once long ago Vector was a pony who thought she had the world at her hooves.

Now she realized just how foolish she had been up until now.

Her enemies surrounded her and she had very few options. On the one hand, if she confessed to allying herself with the changelings during their invasion of Canterlot during the royal wedding there was a chance, however slim, that the Princesses might show her some measure of mercy.

Then again she could also just as well be thrown into a cell to rot for the rest of her life with no chance of prole, worse yet while there were few crimes worthy of the death penalty, treason was still one of them.

She was scared.

Terrified.

So much to lose and everything to gain.

Vector thought deeply about what she had done as she and the batponies marched down the halls carrying Buttercup on their shoulders with Luna at their side. The Lunar Princess chatted among them and offered to help Buttercup with her application when the time came for her to join, until she realized the blue pegasus lingered behind.

She approached the mare with concern in her eyes.

"What troubles you my subject?"

'Vector looked up towards her. "I have much on my mind, Princess." she spared a glance at Buttercup.

"She's a strong willed mare," Luna stated factually. "She'll be a fine young mare and a fine guard one day."

Vector smiled at the thought of the brown pony becoming what she always wanted. And somewhere deep down was the hope that once this was all over she'd be standing by her side as more than just another pony. But that wold have to wait. For now she had things t tend to. Loose ends to tie up.

Taking one last moment to see the mare she turned to give Princess Luna her full attention with a low bow. "Please, excuse me your highness. I have some last minute things I need to tend too."

Luna nodded. "I'll keep her entertained while you're away."

Vector bowed low, then turned and walked away down the halls towards her lab deep in the castle. As she went she was unaware of the two ponies following her close behind. She slipped around the corners of stone walls with ease and precision, having walked them most of her life, as she decedent into the depths.

Darker and deeper she went with the two shadows in tow until she reached a spiral stairwell that was dimly lit by two torches. The stairwell was small and very narrow, barely lit by small torches. Taking care Vector stepped quickly down the stone steps for a solid minute. Once at the bottom she reached an empty hallway that led to the other side of a spiral stair case and a door at the center.

Vector quickly trotted down the hall towards the door. She slid it open and quickly slipped inside closing the door but accidentally left it ajar.

Inside her lab she went for her desk and pulled out a large azure orb. Placing it on the desk she used her wings feathers and ran them across the surface making it glow. To her right was the second massive changeling she kept contained that was similar to Peanut in his larger changeling form.

It pulsated several times before a large image of two ponies wrestling in bed came into view like a large moving portrait. The two ponies were red with jet black manes and both were unicorns one was a mare much larger than the other while the stallion was much smaller.

The two stopped dead in their tracks staring back at the blue pegasus. The mare scowled at her while the stallion tried to hide himself as if 'exposed.'

"What do you want now, professor?" the red mare asked, clearly irritated.

But Vector didn't flinch. Instead she stared down the mare with the angriest look she could muster despite her fear.

"I should be asking you that? Do you know who just showed up in Canterlot, Blaze?"

Blaze laid beside her brother nestling up against him inspecting her hoof casually. "No, should I?"

"YES! It has to do with, them." Vector said emphasizing, them.

The two red ponies looked confusedly to one another casually shrugging at the pegasus pony. Vector facehooved hard.

"No you idiot! I'm talking about the two disposed!"

Blaze paused with a dumbstruck look. She quickly levitated her brother Ruby off the bed and set him outside their room and slammed the door shut without a word despite his protests. Once she secured her room the pony turned to the pegasus with concern.

"Are you sure? You saw them?" Blaze asked quickly.

Vector nodded. "I saw them both on the train while I was heading this way from Manehatten. They're alive Blaze."

The ruby red unicorn growled gripping the bed sheets with her magic until they lit u in flames under her grasp. "But how? The poison-"

"Was a sedative with mind suppressing capabilities. I told you to finish them out in the dessert!"

"Gah! This is hopeless!" Vector screamed flaring her wing. "We need to get this under control or we'll risk losing everything we've worked so hard for."

Both mares talked for over an hour about ways they could fix the immediate problem of being exposed to the world for hat they had done. But worse was that they couldn't think of a way to fix this without causing a bigger problem. It seemed killing the two unicorns in question would be the easiest and simplest answer, but Vector suggested that it might raise too many questions and lead others back to them.

Outside the door Trixie and Solarflare were listening closely.

"- so we are at an impasse then.'" Blaze stated.

"Argh, you should have finished them off when you had the chance!"

Blaze scoffed crossing her arms. "This wouldn't have happened if you actually poisoned them!"

"How is this my fault!?"

"YOU said this wold work but you didn't think they'd come back? Really? Killing them should have been our priority!"

Vector crossed her arms and set down in her lounge seat. "Well, miss all high and mighty, why don't you take care of it then?"

"Why should I do it? Why can't you?"

"I'm with Buttercup right now, and I don't want this problem to come back and bite us in the ass!" Vector then reached over to the tube with the massive changeling inside of it. "I'll do what I can from here. Get to Canterlot and deal with your sister!"

Blaze nodded as the image of her faded away.

Vector turned to the massive changeling tube she'd created not long ago. She ran a hoof across a small keypad entering a seventeen digit code. After entering the code the tube began to glow and slowly drain the fluids out of it. Slowly the changeling fell limp on the floor. Before she could finish the door slammed open revealing Trixie and Solarflare.

Before she had time to react she was pinned against the wall by the massive red unicorns magic while Trixie casually walked up to her with a neutral expression. Vector shivered wondering what she was in for.

Trixie smiled kindly to the mare using her magic to signal Solarflare to lower the mare. Once lowered, Vector, slumped to the floor.

Trixie offered her hoof and helped the mare up setting her down on the chair. The two unicorns surrounded her.

"So, what do you know about us?" Trixie asked sweetly.

Looking to the Past

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Vector was trapped.

There was no escape.

She was pinned down by the two mares who for the previous several months revolved around. They were suppose to be dead. True she was relieved they were alive, she was no killer herself, but she had no regrets if someone else did it instead. As far as she was concern the moral dilemma was to hers if that was to be the case.

It wasn't.

Now she was trapped in her office with them being interrogated. She feared how this would end up. She didn't want to but killing them was the only option. She just needed to bide her time. She spared a glance at the tank which was about to release the massive thresher changeling but it would take sometime for it to finish. Her eyes wandered back to Trixie's who had a calm look about them. No anger or hate, just curiosity.

"Tell Trixie, what do you know about us?" the blue unicorn asked again.

Solarflare scoffed clearly feeling impatient. "Let me just beat it out of her, Trix!"

"NO!"

"But-"

"She's crippled, Flare." the unicorn said pointing to her missing wing.

This always made Vector feel very self conscious.

"Then let me pluck the other!"

"Why are you acting like this? You were never this aggressive before?" Trixie asked stepping between her and the pegasus. "What's with you?"

"I-I don't know. I just feel angry seeing her for some reason."

"That's because you use to work for me." Vector managed to blurt out in her stupor.

Both unicorns stopped and stared at her.

"You, Solarflare use to work for me." Vector clarified. "Months ago you and your sister and younger brother assisted me in helping the changelings invade Canterlot, in exchange for helping me be rid of Trixie."

That caught their attention. Instantly the two unicorn s ceased to speak giving the mare her undivided attention.

"A few months ago you helped me get in contact with the former Queen Chrysalis to plan an invasion to take Canterlot and feed the starving changelings." she reached slowly for her desk, as to not antagonize the mares, and pulled out a large file filled with papers. "These are all my notes I've taken for the last several months."

A moment later she realized she spoke without thinking, and decided to roll with it.

She splayed all the papers on the desk letting the mares read them. "It turns out the changelings were in worse shape than we were let on. Most were so malnourished they were dying during the invasion. In fact, while I studied the... corpses, for lack of a better word, I discovered most of the changelings were too weak to fight and many of them starved to death during the fight."

She gave a quick glance at the tube which was now half empty of all its fluids.

"Back then I got in contact with you Solarflare, to help me get a changeling corpse during the invasion. True to her word she delivered. That's where he came from."

Trixie went over to the tank to see the hulking changeling as the fluids completely drained out. A low deep throat growl emitted from him as he began to grow in size. Trixie stepped back cautiously towards the door, but Solarflare remained in front of Vector with the tank behind her.

"What else?" the red mare asked not noticing the retreating pony behind her.

Vector grinned looking at the changeling rise in the tube. It's dark empty gaze zeroed in on the red mare.

Vector looked deep into Solarflare's eyes as the door slid open slowly behind Trixie. Behind her was Blaze in her red armor ready to strike. Trixie turned just in time to see a red energy blade swing past her face cutting her mane cutting it shorter. Trixie rolled to the side next to the tank where the changeling focused on her and began bashing its head against the tank, cracking it.

Solarflare turned to see a deathly familiar face. She was sure she knew this pony, she looked just like her minus the armor, but something inside her broke the moment she opened her mouth.

"Hello dear sister. I was really hoping you were dead, but alas no such luck."

"Blaze stop talking and just take care of it!"

"Shut it you whore! I'm trying to talk to my dearly beloved sister who I missed sooo much." the red mare said sweetly putting on an innocent face that made everyone in the room gag.

Suddenly with a great burst of speed, she charged past Trixie and tried to strike her larger sister in the chest with her blade. In an instant all of Flares memories flashed by in her mind. An old instinct kicked in as a result. She lifted her arms blocking herself and lit her horn. Using her arms as mediums for her magic she formed a magical barrier that deflected the blade, but just barely.

Once she realized what she did, Solarflare jumped forward opening her arms and gripping the smaller mare around the waist with a full body tackle. The force sent both mares flying through the door, taking off the hinges. Trixie got up to help her friend but stopped as a red bolt of energy flew past her face missing by inches.

Vector stood up with a red gem gauntlet similar to Blazes on her left arm aimed at Trixie. Her lab coat was now on and she had a see through visor across her eyes. A small red cord went into her chest and back where a small pod was strapped to her. The visor beeped and her left eye blinked. It was brief, like a wink, so quick and hardly noticeable.

Just then the tank withdrew the glass into the ground leaving the massive changeling contained. All three unicorns set their eyes on the beast as Vector gave an order, "Kill them." She glanced at Blaze. "All of them."

"Oh, you bitch!" Blaze roared fleeing as the changeling gave chase crashing through the wall focusing on the red mares leaving Trixie and vector alone with a massive hole in the wall.

Vector quickly dashed out firing at Trixie making her roll off to the side, which gave her the opening to pass unharmed. Trixie recovered and immediately gave chase after the fleeing mare. The pegasus ran up the left most stairwell, the other had collapsed making it impassable.

*Elsewhere in the Castle*

Princess Amarith sat beside Luna and Celestia while the nobles sat in their chairs in Luna's court. The long ongoing discussions of what to do to help, or be rid of the changelings was an everlasting battle. Also present was the ruling couple of the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor and Cadence.

Amarith sat with her head resting on her left arm. Letting out a long bored sigh, she inspected her clean hoof like it was the most interesting thing in the room. To her it was, the nobles demands on the changeling noble ranged from insensitive to down right outrageous. Giving up her throne and surrendering all involved in the invasion.

Several times her sister, Chrysalis was mentioned, the nobles called her a monster and that she should be beheaded for the monster she was. The most notable outburst came from none other than Prince Blueblood himself. The high Prince regarded the changelings with great prejudice, calling them filthy changers, and spoke the worst about Chrysalis.

"-and that's why we should bring her hear and have her hung. Then we should lock all the rest up in a cell until they rot!" The Prince finished with a mighty stomp, earning nods of agreement from almost all present.

Clelestia held a neutral expression, while Luna, Cadence, and to everyone's surprise Shining Armor scowled at the obnoxious prince. Cadence was the first to replied to him. Standing up on her throne she looked down at her cousin judgmentally.

"Cousin! How can you say such awful things?"

He snorted tilting his head away in disgust. "And how can you bare to sit beside them? The filthy bugs nearly ruined your wedding, destroyed most of Canterlot, and killed hundreds of ponies."

"That is an outright lie." Princess Amarith said still inspecting her hoof. All eyes fell on her. "You say you lost hundreds, I know that's not true. We, lost hundreds and only a few dozen ponies died. Most were just too sick or old and died in hospitals because you ponies were a bunch of cowards to stay and help them. Wanna know how I knew this? I was there, in charge of the field medical division of our forces. We healed and tended to the sick and injured."

She used her magic to pull a small red bow out of her mane and showed it the the nobles. "I received this gift for helping a young filly who hurt her leg running from us. She's fine now, thankfully." she finished with a look of relief replacing the ribbon in her mane. She then glared at Blueblood making him step back. "You don't like us, quite frankly I don't like you, Prince, but I'll be damned if I let you bad mouth my sister Chrysalis after she-"

"You dare!" the Prince bellowed, his voice rising to par with that of the Canterlot Voice. "She was a monster just like you!"

"Now see here you obnoxious pile of defiled excrement!" all eyes turned to see Shining Armor as he jumped down and rammed his head into Blueblood's. "Chrysalis was not a monster! Sure she was evil but not a monster. She was protecting her subjects who were starving and dying! Celestia would have done the same had she been forced too."

But Blueblood retorted, "You think you have the right to say so? What makes you know her so well?"

"Because I was with her for over a month! I knew she cared about her subjects! At first I thought since she was Cadence she meant the ponies, but after I learned she was Queen of the Changelings I realized just how much they meant to her."

Everyone listened to the blue maned stallion, even Amarith was interested to hear what the newly appointed Prince had to say about her sister.

"She loved her subjects, so much she cried at night." a single tear fell down his cheek.

The two princes pushed back and forth like two colts fighting for dominance. It was clear Shining Armor understood the former Queens feelings for her subjects as he fought the spoiled prince. But Blueblood wasn't having any of it

"That monster nearly ruined your wedding! Stole your wife and killed hundreds of ponies!" he said headbutting Shining. "You should be grateful to what I'm saying!"

Shining Armor responded with a headbutt of his own. Candace tensed up seeing her husband in such a state. She never knew that he knew the queen so well. Then again she never asked him. It made sense to her that Chrysalis was scared for her subjects, from what Princess Amarith said they changelings were on the verge f extinction. The invasion was a last ditch effort to feed a dying race.

"You know nothing!" Shining replied to the Prince.

While they did this, the chatter among the nobles intensified tenfold. Voices echoed over one another talking of all possibilities of how to deal with the changelings. Some wanted them to be put on trial for their deeds, others said the Queen should carry the sole blame, a few said both should hold blame.

But even among the voices, Princess Amarith could hear a desperate cry. It was part of the hive mind. A young hurt changeling lingered in the castle, afraid. Angry. Sorrow. So many emotions plagued the poor soul. She wouldn't stand for this. She stood up and without missing a beat or stopping to give anypony a glance she walked out of the crowded hall while the nobles, too caught up in their debate to notice her, continued to argue among themselves.

Luna and Celestia watched as the mare exited the court heading deeper into the castle.

*Outside*

Blaze ran up the stairs with Solarflare at her heels along with the massive changeling.

It's large black body rammed through the walls like they were wet paper. Blaze kept her distance from her sister who was still chasing her but had no weapons or her signature armor. She knew it would only be a matter of time before the red mare remembered what she could do in battle. Then I'll be screwed. I have to end this quick, if only that damn changeling wold leave us alone! she thought glaring viciously at the hulking black mass.

They were in a long hallway that ran down past at least fifty rooms. Each was laced with intricate designs in gold and silver depicting various flowers and other fauna. Each had an elaborate table in a deep brown color with flower arrangements on each. Blaze used her magic to throw several of these at her pursuing sister and the changeling. Solarflare's old instincts kicked in and she dodged them with ease not even realizing what she was doing at first. It seemed so natural to her.

The changeling however didn't take well to having his face assaulted by the various objects and flowery confections. Each made him flinch and finally after the tenth one he roared charging his horn in a bright green glow. He stopped suddenly, using his claws to come to a skidding halt leaving claw marks behind. He stomped clamping his claws to the ground securing himself, as his horn went brighter.

The unicorns stopped after no longer hearing him in pursuit. The changeling fire a blast that tore the hall apart making each mare dodge to a door to evade him. Blaze opened one to find a scared maid standing there, and quickly threw her into the hallway. The poor mare screamed as she was discarded into the path of the blast. She realized at that moment this was the end for her and let out a terrified scream. She clenched her eyes and curled up into a ball awaiting her doom.

But then she felt herself being carried by a magical aura that flung her into another room. She flew into something soft and furry. Opening her eyes she was met with the warm gaze of a beautiful red mare. She blushed realizing the mare just saved her life.

"Thank you."

"Stay here. I'll draw him away." Flare said putting the maid down and exited the room to see the changeling clawing at the wall where Blaze hid. A dark red bolt hit him in the face bouncing of his dirty black chitin.

"Die, you beast!" Blaze yelled at the retreating beast.

The black changeling growled firing another blast into the opening he created. Blaze raised a magical barrier protecting herself from the blast, but the room was demolished. A large opening was now behind her aside from a circular shaped piece of the wall protected by her barrier. The force of the blast plus her barrier put a great strain on her horn as it slowly began to fracture.

"Wh-what power. The professor knows her profession too well." the mare verbally applauded the pegasus.

She watched the changeling as ti readied itself to charge her again. He fired another blast, much smaller, grazing the mares shoulder before she had a chance to react. The pain of the tiny beam bowled through her shoulder sending a wave of shock and pain over her whole body.She fell to the floor gripping a bloody hole in her shoulder where the small concentrated bean penetrated her. But the changeling wasn't done.

With a great burst of speed rivaling that of the fastest pegasi, he charged forward at Blaze who was still collapsed on the floor. She was hit full force and flung over the building and the changeling not realizing how short the distance flew out the side of the building and fell to the ground below.

Blaze was in the air. She could see the world become a blur as she spun around and around like a rag-doll in the air. She was sure she was going to fall to her death. She knew she was well out of reach from the castle, her fall was certain. While in the air, she couldn't help but appreciate the irony of the situation. Here, months earlier her sister fell nearly dying from the fall she suffered. Now it was her turn.

"Karma's a bitch." she laughed grunting from a sharp pain in her side. "Gah, i'm gonna die here and Ruby, poor Ruby."

"BLAZE!"

Admitting that her life was over was the hardest thing the mare had ever done. But this was not to be. Moments after she had been flung out of the room, and the changeling fell, Solarflare flew out of the room and caught her sister with a jet-stream of fire igniting from her hooves making her fly.

She held onto her sister tightly making sure she wouldn't slip from her grasp. Blaze was on complete shock. Never in all her life would she had ever thought her sister would save her, not after all she'd done. Yet in spite of all that transpired between them she was saved by the very mare who she'd condemned. What hurt worse was what the mare said after.

"I'll never let you die alone."

Blaze's eyes teared up.

"I don't know what happened between us before. But we should let it die in the past and move on. Don't you agree?"

Blaze looked away. She couldn't hear this. It's as if the years of cruelty never affected her. Blaze thought. Can this really workout?

She fell deep in thought as they flew over Canterlot heading off to the outskirts of the city.

*Canterlot Castle Towers*

Vector fled with great speed down the halls. Nearly evading Trixie on several occasions, had it not been for the ever so dutiful castle staff ratting her out at every turn. Though in truth she couldn't blame them. Playful chases between the Royal Sisters was so common that seeing two full grown mares running around the castle seemed like a typical day to them.

Vector turned around a corner where she ran into several nobles who were lost in the castle trying to find the night court room. She turned and fired missing Trixie but nicked the wall beside her.

Vector then threw a table down and shot blindly behind her. There was a loud scream as a maid dropped to the floor gripping her stomach whimpering. Trixie jumped over her and continued to pursue the blue pegasus.

"Why are you running?!" Trixie yelled at her. "I just want answers!"

"So you can kill me for taking your life? Never! I worked too hard to lose everything I worked for and I won't give it up!"

She fired again but this time Trixie deflected it with a magical barrier. The pink bubble shined brightly as the bolt deflected off the surface harmlessly and hit the nearby wall. Trixie sighed, she didn't want to hurt the mare but she wasn't going to let her hurt anypony else while she fled. She had to catch her and disarm the device on her so nopony else got hurt.

Vector then ran down turning left and entered a small doorway. Trixie followed. Inside was a massive storage room where tons of crates were stored. It was dark and dimly lit from single torches scattered between groups of crates. Each seemed to contain about six to a dozen crates each before a meter of space separated the next. There was no sign of the pegasus mare.

Unable to find her initially Trixie decided it was high time to try diplomacy.

"Your name is Vector, right?" Trixie called out, her voice echoed slightly.

A moment of silence passed and there was no response. But before she could get another word out Vector's voice called back from the shadows, "How did you know that?"

"I remember you. At least part of you, I think." Trixie replied unsure.

Her memory was foggy but she defiantly knew the mare. She remembered a picture in a dark room with a letter in great detail. But why it was so important to her she couldn't remember. She just knew this was important and she clung to this hope that meeting the mare would ignite more of her memories.

"Please, I just want to talk."

'Why should I trust you?"

"I didn't hurt you. My friend wanted too but I stopped her. The least you can do is hear me out!"

I took a while but eventually Vector emerged from the shadows with her arm raised up trailing Trixie. The unicorn turned to see her and gave no indication of being scared, just curious.

"What do you want to know?"

"I just want to know who I am." Trixie replied. "Do I have a family?"

"Yes." Vector replied.

"Do I have children?"

"Technically."

"A husband?"

"Er, no. You had a mate. Her name was Spitfire."

"Spitfire?" Trixie tapped her chin, she knew the name of the famous Wonderbolt but never dreamed she was the famous mares mate. "Were we close?" She asked.

The crippled pegasus cringed answering through barred teeth. "Yesh."

Then Trixie got to the big question. "Why? Why did you do this to me?"

"Why? WHY?! Because I loved Spitfire! I loved her for so long it hurt!" by now the mare was in tears and she was no longer composed . She flailed her arms as she spoke her heart out,"I loved her and she left me! She left me after she promised to be with me forever! She USED ME! She used me and didn't give a damn about me!"

She then fell on her knees and buried her head in her hooves sobbing. Trixie slowly made her way towards the downed mare. Vector made no attempt to get away, but she was sure as heck not going to let her comfort her. She hated the blue mare, no that was a lie she hated Spitfire. All this time she wanted to make her understand how she'd suffered alone.

When Trixie approached she made sure to keep a close eye on the gem armband, she was sure the pegasus would shot her if provoked and did her best to look as non-threatening as possible. Trixie reach down touching her back making her flinch which in turn made Trixie pull back, but stood her ground.

She would have felt bad for her had she any recollection from her past perhaps. But all she knew now was she wouldn't hurt her. She took her memories and her family but that was no reason to harm her. Not in Trixie' mind anyway. All she wanted was to get to know herself and the family she once knew. She wanted to put this chapter of her life behind her.

She knelt by the sobbing mare patting her back.

"Don't worry about it. We can work this out." she said to the pegasus.

That didn't seem to sit well with Vector. The pegasus mare let out an almost feral scream rolling away from her and fired a shot directly at Trixie hitting her in the chest. This made Trixie keel over gripping herself as she screamed in pain. Vector stood over her, arm aimed at her head, "Don't you dare! DON'T YOU DARE FEEL SORRY FOR ME!!"

Feeling very weak form the hit, Trixie had to use all her strength to look up at Vector. She had tears in her eyes, not from fear but the shear pain she felt. This was it, the moment Vector had waited for all her life. A chance to be rid of Trixie once and for all. Now she could be rid of her and have Spitfire all for herself, however twisted it may be.

But she hesitated.

Somewhere deep down she was conflicted.

She knew Spitfire loved her deeply. And somehow she always knew Trixie was alive. Was it right for her to want something so bad that she'd give up what few morals she had? Truth was she was willing to do almost anything to get what she wanted. Almost anything.

Almost.

Murder was not one thing she could bring herself to do. Back during the invasion that was why she allowed Blaze to deal with her sister. She didn't have the stomach to kill someone on her own, but by using someone else it wasn't on her conscience. But could she bring herself to ruin this mare's life just because she wanted what she had?

Trixie used this moment of hesitation to her advantage. She used all her strength remaining to sweep kick Vectors legs from under her making the mare hit her head on one of the crates knocking her out cold. Slowly Trixie steadied her breath she stood p and using her magic to removed the strange device on Vector's arm and placed it on hers. She fiddled with it until it fired a red bolt while it was aimed at a large crate.

The bolt borrowed through it with ease leaving a smokey red hole in its side. Trixie then aimed it at Vector.

Kill Vector.

Spare Vector.

Quick update on the Tally!

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Hey there everyone!

This is just a quick update for the next chapter to end this arc. So, almost a month ago I left you guys a chance to tell me where YOU want for this story to go. There's only a few days left so if you haven't cast your vote be sure to!

Remember, chose wisely for there will be no magical amulets and monkey paws to redo it over. Although for those of you who play Dungeons and Dragons, you should know better than to mess with Monkey Paw...

So don't forget to vote the deadline is the 17th! Cause Star Wars Battlefront. Metal Gear. . . Whatever.

The Choice of Life and Death

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Trixie stood over Vector with her arm extended outward towards the downed mare.

The magical gem armband was on her aimed at Vector's head, ready to strike her down. It would be so easy to let the magic flow and put a bolt in the pegasus. Heaven knows Trixie deserved a break after everything she went through. Though deep in thought and conflict, Trixie kept her eyes on the mare.Noting every motion she made.

Vector was curled up on the floor, her one wing flared out ready to flap and take flight. Though useless, the survival instinct had overwritten her logic and now her body simply reacted to outside stimuli.

Trixie could see it in the mares eyes. There was fear. So much fear.

"Please, don't do this." Vector pleaded for her life.

Silence followed.

"Please, if you let me go I-I'll disappear. You'll never see me again." she said trying to appeal to Trixie's good side.

Trixie could see her shaking. So this is what being the one with power over another feels like? she asked herself. After a great tense pause, Trixie lowered the weapon dropping it to the side. She couldn't do it.

If there was one thing Trixie knew about herself, memories or none, she was not a murderer.

Vector watched her carefully, making sure not to do any sudden movements. She then felt herself being lifted up by a pink magical aura and stood on her legs. Trixie walked up to her and dusted her off, throwing the gauntlet aside. Vector gave her a confused look, to which Trixie smiled kindly to her.

"Thank you, Trixie."

"Don't thank me," she replied looking off in the distance. "It's is because of my friends that I spared you."

Vector sighed, she would take that and run with it for all it's worth. But then she wondered what the unicorn was going to do with the knowledge she had about her past. I really should have kept my mouth shut. Vector scolded herself. She walked over to Trixie, with a pleading look.

"So, what are you going to do with me now?" she asked.

The blue unicorn pondered for a good minute. She wasn't sure what she would do now. She wanted to go find Spitfire. She knew now she was somehow connected to the mare, but to what extent she wasn't sure. Perhaps Vector could introduce them? She seemed to know her personally.

Looking at the pegasus, Trixie asked, "Can you introduce me to Spitfire?"

"Introduce you?" Vector asked with a tilt of her head. "So, does this mean you won't tell them what I said?"

This time Trixie cocked her head inquisitively. "What do you mean, 'them'?"

"Well you see," the pegasus stuttered. "You also adopted two ponies. A threshal and a changeling."

"So, I am a mother after all?"

"Yes."

Trixie felt overjoyed hearing this. She got a starry look in her eyes spinning around like she was in some sort of fantasy dream come true, giggling. "I can't believe it! After all this time and now I learned I have a family!"

Vector pulled her down on her four hooves, Trixie spun around like a ballerina. "Whoa there!"

"Please, you must take Trixie to meet -er, reintroduce us?"

Vector smiled at her. "Sure, but you still didn't answer my question."

Trixie looked at her. "Hmm?"

"Are you going to tell your family about what I told you?" Vector asked worried about Spitfire's reaction. "Last time I... upset Spitfire, well, I got my wing permanatley clipped."

The unicorn swung her head to the side, gesturing for Vector to follow her. Nodding, Vector followed Trixie down the corridors through the castle. Eventually they found themselves in the main garden of Canterlot Castle, where a statue of a great serpentine beast, Discord, rested on a large pedestal. Around was a large maze and several other statues of ponies and other creatures of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life.

The two mares talked along the way, mostly about where to go from here.

"Trixie will make you a deal. You introduce us and I will allow you to stay." Trixie declared to the pegasus. This made Vector smile, but quickly dropped it when Trixie gave her a hard glare.

"But you will be held responsible for what you have done." a voice called from above them.

Looking up, the two mares took to the ground in a low bow, as Celestia herself descended from above. With a dainty step forward she came to a halt with such elegance and grace it was as if she performed it many times before. She stood before the two mares with her usual warm smile, giving an almost motherly glow.

She stepped forward before the two mares, their heads lay beside her front hooves. Both felt so small in her presence. One in awe, the other out of fear.

"Princess."
"Your Majesty."

"Please rise my little ponies." the alicorn asked of her subjects, making them rise up to their hooves. "Trixie, it is agreeable to see you again."

"Princess? How do you know me?" Trixie asked.

"You impressed my sister once with a performance that has stuck with her to this day." the diarch said. "She was most upset to hear of your disappearance." She smiled hugging Trixie. "I'm glad you're back my little pony. Spitfire has mourned for you everyday since you disappeared, and so have your children."

Trixie looked up at her hopefully. "Children. I still can't believe it. Months I have longed and looked, but now I know i have a family. Can I see them?"

Celestia nodded. "OF course, they're here already. I had sent for them sometime ago. I'm sure they will be glad to see you again." The solar princess turned to see Vector trying to slink away. "As for you Vector."

The pegasus stopped dead in her tracks. Her body became stiff as stone as a pink magical aura surrounded her and lifted her back over in front of Celestia and Trixie.

"You have done great things in your time as the head of the Royal Research and Development Unit, Vector. But I can not allow you to walk away from this without great punishment. I heard everything. I know about the invasion and your involvement, and who you tried to kill Trixie and worked with assassins. Do you deny any of this?" she asked looking harshly down on the blue pegasus.

Vector contemplated her options, but something inside her told her to give up. Something she wasn't good at. Slowly the mare looked up at her princess and was greeted by a disappointed look that cold make the best of mothers envious. Vector cringed under the intense gaze, stern, and direct.

She knew then and there she was in big trouble.

"Vector, long have you served the crown loyally and faithfully. But your actions against Trixie and the harm you have done to her can't be ignored." Celestia circled the mare as she continued. "You have been accused of conspiracy against the crown, theft, and attempted murder. How do you plead?"

Nowhere to run and nopony to turn to. Vector thought. "Time for plan B."

As quick as any flying pegasus, Vector slammed her hoof across her bicep. A loud beep emanated from under her coat as a cylinder of magical energy wrapped around her making her vanish before either Celestia or Trixie could react. Once they realized she was gone, Celestia called for her guards and ordered them to find Vector and that she was to be brought in unharmed.

Afterwards, Celestia took Trixie back into the castle where they spoke for the next several hours concerning Trixie's future.

"-so Trixie, what do you plan on doing next?"

The thoughtful and contemplative Trixie tapped her chin. She knew what she wanted to do, find her family. But she was afraid, and wondered if they remembered her. Her fears were not missed by Celestia, who watched her thoughtfully patiently waiting for Trixie's answer.

"I'm not sure your majesty." Trixie said deflating, her posture becoming slump. "I fear, I'm afraid that my family won't want me back, or that they'll have moved on. Vector claimed that Spitfire was my mate and that she mourned for me even to this day. I, just wish I knew if it was true or not." she admitted in defeat.

A strong white wing wrapped around Trixie, giving her a warmth and comforting sensation she hadn't felt in a long time. A feeling from a time long forgotten. A feeling she welcomed without a second thought. She pressed against the white fur of Celestia's coat, smiling up to her. Is this what it was like for me? She wondered.

While they held in the friendly hug, Celestia then had a thought. Taking hold of a piece of parchment and her quill in her magic, she wrote a quick letter and sent it off using her magic to burn it to a magical wisp. Once she finished she turned to face Trixie, who was staring up at her with an appraising look.

"I know you're afraid Trixie. You have every right to be." the princess said to the blue pony. "But you must understand that Spitfire misses you. Yes, even now she searches hoping to find out that you're indeed alive." she said seeing the gleaming in Trixie's happy eyes. But Celestia's face fell dark for moment.

"I promise you Vector will be brought to justice once we capture her." The alicon promised.

Trixie nodded at this, wondering where the mare could have run off to.

"I can take you to your family Trixie, but, you must know something." she said in a warning tone, making the unicorn feel uneasy. "Your mate and eldest child, are not as they were when you left. Should you remember anything from your past it may be... difficult for you to accept. From what my sister tells me, your family I tearing itself apart due to your absence. Perhaps it would be best if we take you home immediately to begin healing. I know you must be eager to see your mate again, and get to know her all over again." she finished in a dreamy tone.

Just as the words left Celestia's mouth, a bright flash of light appeared in the center to the throne room. The blinding light forced Trixie to avert her gaze, while Celestia simply stared at it. From the light came the form of Luna, her head was held high as her horn pulsated in a bright blue light.

Once she finished casting her spell she lowered her head to see her sister and Trixie in the room with her. Her eyes darted back and forth between the unicorn and her sister several times before she realized it was Trixie. She grinned at her sister who smiled, winking back at her. The younger alicorn walked over to Trixie and rested her wing over her shoulders.

"Tis good to see thee again Trixie. How have you fared?"

"Well, Princess. Thank you." she said bowing.

"There's no need for such formalities Trixie, we're quite alright with the first names." Luna replied casually sitting beside her sister. For along while nopony said a word. Trixie sat in awkward silence while the two alicorns mused at each other on occasion. Celestia leaned over from her throne and whispered into her sister's ear. The younger alicorn glanced over to Trixie who seemed oblivious to what they were saying, and whispered back. The older alicorn snickered as they chatted at Trixie's expense, wondering if they were talking about her.

After some time Trixie heard the sound of approaching hoofsteps. She turned as the two large doors to the royal chamber opened revealing two mares and a changeing colt.

One mare was a pegasus of yellow fur and a fiery mane and tail, the world famous Wondervlolt. Flanking her was a batmare, in her early teens and had a clearly dyed fur and mane making her light grey with a dark black mane. The teen mares leathery wings were folded at her sides while the changeling colt, who stood only half her size scampered over to Trixie yelling, "MOMMA!"

The changeling leapt into her tackle hugging her to the ground. He pressed his face hard into Trixie's chest crying in her arms while she stared wide eyed a the black colt. Suddenly she felt two more bodies collide with her, as the batpony and pegasus ran to her and joined in hugging the downed mare.

They all sat there for a long time. Nopony said a word until Trixie pulled them all close and said, "Hey everyone, I'm home."