A New Profession (Final)

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During Twilight's Performance for the Saddle Arabian Delegation, Trixie sat at a nice mahogany desk in the mayor's office at Ponyville Town Hall late that night. She held onto the spare key despite returning most of them to Twilight after being saved from the Alicorn Amulet.The desk she sat by was a simple, four-sided desk with two drawers to the left. On top lay a small pile of papers sitting off to the side, an inkwell and quill, and various nick-knacks along with a photo of the mayor and another mare with a young filly sitting in front of them. After Trixie's second humiliation at the hooves of Twilight Sparkle, she came back here to her "Domain" to consider what she'd done.

Here in this office she ruled Ponyville with an iron hoof. Everypony had respected her, out of fear yes, but it was respect nonetheless. She loved every moment of it. Even though she was under the Alicorn Amulets influence she felt good putting all the hecklers from before in their place.

The town hall was completely abandoned. Everypony was watching Twilight's performance for the Royal Delegation so the majority of the town was there as well. After Trixie made her small addition to the show, she retreated back to the office to decide what to do next. I was so close too. I had it all and now, once again, I have nothing. She thought to herself, spinning in the large seat. As she spun the world became a blur of colors around her, hues and shapes molded together like an abstract painting. She continued to spin in place considering her options.

"Trixie could go back to the rock farm and work for the Pies again. Though, they might not like me coming back after Trixie up and ran off like she did." she said, tapping the chair thoughtfully, using her legs to continue spinning herself.

"Trixie, could go back on the road again."

She then stopped looking out the office window behind the desk. She could see the performance from there as it came to an end. Twilight hugged her mentor, Princess Celestia, and the two began to talk with the Arabian delegates.

"But who will give her a chance after this mess hits the papers?" Trixie asked bitterly.

She frowned looking out at Twilight nuzzle her mentor lovingly. It was almost like a mother and child greeting one another after a well deserved performance. She frowned thinking back on her family and how it all fell apart. She smashed the surface of the desk and turned when she noticed a newspaper in the front desk drawer. "Speaking of papers," she pulled the drawer open using her magic to remove the newspaper from the desk reading, "The Foal Free Press. Hmm."

She scanned over the articles coming across a particular article regarding the Mayor of Ponyville.

"Mayor's mane not naturally grey," she read. "The Mayor of Ponyville's mane not actually grey! The mayor in a mane dyeing scandal! Huh, Trixie never would have guessed." She took the time to read the article before placing the paper back in the drawer. As she closed the drawer a voice broke the silence starling her.

"What are you doing here?" The voice asked making her fall out of the chair. Recomposing herself, Trixie stood using the desk to heave herself up to see who called out to her. It was the Mayor of Ponyville. She scowled at Trixie slowly working her way over to the side of the desk slamming it shut.

"I asked you a question. What are you doing in my office?" her voice full of anger as she pressed a hoof on the chair effectively pinning Trixie with it.

Trixie was frightened, she hadn't expected to encounter anypony here while the Saddle Arabian delegation was here. Her mouth opened several times but no words came out. It was as if something was choking her, forcing her to hold back every word she wished to speak, every feeling she wished to convey.

She cried, shaking in the seat waiting for the earth pony to strike her, only to feel gentle touch on her shoulders. She flinched not expecting the subtle contact. She opened her eyes expecting to see the mares fury filled eyes but instead was met with a calm composed, perhaps merciful face.

"Don't worry," she said helping Trixie up, "I won't hurt you." She left the office in order to retrieve a second chair. She pulled it up to the side of her desk and let Trixie sit in it. "Now tell me, what are you doing in my office?" Her voice was calmer as she placed her hooves together on the desk, giving her guest her undivided attention.

"Trixie was just considering her options now that she's once again homeless, with not a bit to her name. Her reputation is ruined, no home, no family-- Trixie has friends at a rock farm she can go back to, but..." She paused, thinking about the Pie family, Igneous, Cloudy Quartz, Marble, Limestone, and Maud Pie. Such a strange family. So emotionally diverse one could probably write a book on each of them.

Yet despite all their oddities Trixie considered them friends and hoped that if she were to ever return, that they'd accept her apology and take her back. Her thoughts were interrupted by a rapid tapping noise as the Mayor tapped her hoof on the desk getting her attention. "Miss Trixie?"

Shaking her head, Trixie sat up straightening her posture much like a Royal Guard would, sitting at attention. "Huh? Trixie is fine! She was- I was just thinking about my only friends in the world and..." She hung her head low in shame, "How I abandoned them when they needed me most."

The Mayor sat, watching as the unicorn fidgeted in her seat, rubbing her hooves together.

"Trixie was suppose to help them with the Annual Gem Harvest Festival in about two months but Trixie left to seek revenge against Twilight Sparkle and Ponyville, as well as Gabby Gums." She spoke the latter name with absolute malice.

The Mayor winced at the mention of the name gabby Gums thinking back to the three fillies responsible for so much anguish and hardship that took on the Pen name for the Foal Free Press. "Miss Trixie, I feel-"

"Trixie."

"Beg pardon?"

"Trixie Lulamoon. You don't have to call Trixie "Miss" or anything like that just Trixie is fine." she looked out the window dejectedly. "It's more than she deserves."

"Well, in that case I guess introductions are in order. I'm Mary Goldmane, Mayor of Ponyville. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Lulamoon." She smiled cheerfully, extending a hoof to Trixie.

The unicorn stared disbelievingly at the Mayor, cocking an eyebrow at her with a look that seemed to say "Are you serious?" Overcoming her shock at the mare's rather ironic name, she took the hoof with her own, shaking it.

Giving out an exasperated sigh, Mary took her hoof back rubbing the temples. "Yeah, I get that a lot now, especially since Gabby Gums made that article about me and my mane... And you are worth it. Nopony is beneath another pony, not while I'm Mayor of this town." She then posed in her seat. She placed a hoof across her chest and holding her nose high with pride. Trixie giggled at her causing a scarlet blush to spread along her cheeks as her pose deflated.

Mary reached under the desk to, opening a hidden compartment to reveal a built-in fridge. She opened it, pulling out a bottle of apple cider placing it on the desk along with two mugs, condensation developing immediately on the cool material. Opening the cider filled the air with a strong smell of apples and the underlying scent of alcohol. After it had a second to breath, she poured some of the rich, amber liquid into both before handing one to Trixie. "Thirsty?"

"Yes. Thank you Mayor." Trixie said taking the mug.

"Please, call me Mary," she said, taking a sip of her cider. "If you must, you may call me Miss Goldmane." Once the words left her mouth, she took a huge gulp of the cider.

"Very well, Miss Goldmane," Trixie said, taking a few smaller sips from her mug. The strong taste of the apples delighted her while the alcohol seemed to burn her throat as it went down, leaving her feeling warm inside. She noted Mary was filling her mug a second time before she returned to the previous topic. "Anyway, what were you about to say to Trixie a moment ago?"

"Hmm?" Mary stopped holding her mug in her mouth thinking before it dawned on her she never finished talking. Placing the mug down she continued from where she left off. "OK, well ahem. As I was saying, I feel your pain with what Gabby Gums did I really do."

She pulled out an article titled The Great and Powerful Trixie Secrets Revealed! It was a small article but it was very offensive to both Trixie and Mary. Trixie was red with embarrassment and anger as she glared at the offensive article. Mary opened it and began to read: "The Great and Powerful Trixie or Trixie Lulamoon was found recently in the arms of Igneous Rock head of the Pie family Rock Farm while his wife was off with their daughters in town for a gemstone trade show. The two were hidden from sight behind a pile of rocks in the barn house in the evening sweating and panting suggesting that their work relationship is far more than an employer and employee."

She didn't read on because what came after was mostly rubbish anyway. Placing the paper on the desk, she looked over to Trixie trying, gauging her reaction. Unsurprisingly, she was furious, breathing heavily, her face red as a tomato. What she said in response, however, was not what Mary had been expecting.

"Trixie will end Gabby Gums for her lies and slander to the Pie family!" she exclaimed, startling her companion. "It was all lies! GABBY GUMS LIES!" She emphasized her statement by slamming her hoof down on the desk. "Igneous saved Trixie from a rockslide! We did nothing inappropriate! He's the most family-oriented, honest, not to mention LOYAL pony Trixie has ever known! He would never be with any mare but his wife! Trixie swears if she ever catches this GABBY GUMS she will end her!"

She roared, using her hoof to smash the bottle of cider from the desk, nearly crushing it. Mary reared back, ears folding flat against her skull, surprised by the aggressive motions and the passion her guest was displaying. Trixie had never shown concern for any pony but herself during her previous visits to Ponyville, so the sudden change had caught her off guard.

Mary sat, unmoving as her visitor calmed herself down for the next couple two minutes, noting the way she had injured her hoof during her outburst. Once Trixie seemed to have her emotions under control, she nudged her chair over to sit in front of the azure unicorn, looking her in the eye.

Trixie didn't look up. Instead she shied away from the mare only to feel her hoof being grabbed gently. "Listen Miss Lulamoon, I know he wouldn't do that. Igneous and I go way back we do." She said, rubbing Trixie's swollen hoof. Turning in her chair, she reached for the fridge, getting a small lunch cooler and placing it on the hurt hoof.

"When I first heard about it I was enraged too." Mary then took the pack rubbing it against Trixie's wrist. The cold sensation did wonders making the blue mare calm herself.

"My biggest fear was that this, slander, would reach the farthest reaches of Equestria and ruin the Pie Families reputation. So, I ordered the story to be covered up with another article about the Cake's breaking up. This only added to the fire, unfortunately."

The tan mare took the ice pack and placed it back into the small fridge under her desk.

"It was bad, but we managed to keep it within Ponyville or so we thought. If you knew about it then obviously somepony let it slip. This was the biggest cover up I had to do in my entire career. All for my good friend." she patted Trixie's hoof gently with her hoof.

"Thank you." Trixie said taking hold of the pack and Mary's hoof with her other hoof.

Mary blushed at the contact, taking her hoof back. "Think nothing of it Miss Lulamoon," she said taking few swigs from her cider. Once finished she placed the mug down and looked outside the window as ponies began to head home. Their homes lit up as they entered their cozy beds and then the lights dimmed to black as the y fell asleep. A few began their days in the night so their homes remained lit as time went on. Mary looked over to Trixie who was looking sadly at her mug wondering what she was going to do.

"No I mean thank you for what you did for Igneous. It must have been hard to hear such lies. But to see his family torn apar- wait, does that mean his daughter, Pinkie Pie knows?"

Mary looked worried about this. "No, we never told her. Once word got out everypony did their best to cover it up as quietly as possible. To do so we made up an article about the Cake family getting a divorce to cover it up with new articles so it would be forgotten. It worked too, barely."

"How so?" Trixie asked.

Mary waved a hoof at this standing up from her seat. "Nothing, that chapter is in the past. Let it remain there. Please," she pleaded placing her head against the window.

"Don't worry, Trixie won't tell a soul about this."

"Thank you Trixie," she said softly. Trixie sat waiting for her. "So what are you going to do Miss Lulamoon?" When no response came, she took a step toward the window, placing an arm on Trixie's dim reflection. Through the glass she could see Twilight and her friends walking together, assumable to celebrating the successful show. Watching her reflection in the window, she spoke to Trixie, "While on the subject of Gabby Gums, I want you to know the children involved have been rightfully punished and the subject is closed. I want you to take no actions against them."

The blue unicorn frowned. She didn't realize Mary was watching her and felt like a grave injustice was being committed by not going after Gabby Gums. At the same time, what could she do to a bunch of children? Sighing in defeat she agreed to take no action against gabby Gums, whoever she/they were. After a brief silence, Mary turned to face Trixie.

"Are you going back to the Pie family farm?" She asked, taking her seat behind the desk.

"Before Trixie answers that, answer her this. How do you know them?" the unicorn asked suddenly. "You said, 'you knew them.'"

The mare took a moment to compose herself from the sudden interrogation but smiled at the memories she had of them. She often thought of the Pies as part of an extended family, even though she had none herself.

"Igneous and I grew up together at the nearby town, Rockyshore. We went to school there until I moved to Canterlot to begin my studies in Political Science." Mary turned, sitting back in the chair while facing Trixie. She crossed her legs, leaning on her left arm and resting her cheek against her hoof. She licked her dry lips, the remnants of her cider lingered, giving her a relaxing taste of apples and hard liquor.

"I knew him very well. I almost married him." She laughed at the memory, but her expression soon shifted to melancholy. "But then he met Cloudy Quartz and, well, that was that."

Trixie was sad to hear of such a thing. Seeing the mayor sad made her feel uneasy. "Trixie's sorry to hear that." She glanced at the photo on the table but said nothing not wanting to upset her even more. Mary caught her glancing at the photo and picked it up before she could voice her protest.

"Ah, I see you met my ex and her daughter. I know how a secret or a little lie can change the lives of ponies so easily, for better or worse." She ran her hoof across the frame placing it back on the desk. "So, I understand your frustration which brings me to my point. I want to offer you a job here in Ponyville as my assistant/secretary."

Trixie was taken back by this. She wants to offer me a job? Me? Trixie? She thought amazed. She never would have thought anypony would want her around after the week long exile and enslavement of Ponyville. Much less Mary after she left her in that cage for the week. "Why? Why would you want Trixie after everything that's happened? Why do you trust me?" she asked skeptically.

Mary got a set of paperwork out, placing it on the desk next to them. It was a dusty job application for the office. Trixie looked it over, wiping it with her hoof to remove the layer of grime. "I'm glad to see you don't take this at face value Miss Lulamoon. I've been meaning to hire an assistant for sometime now. You can start over here, in Ponyville, and I'll help you. As punishment for your crimes, a week's community service and a formal apology to the citizens of Ponyville should suffice. You may decline the offer and return home, but I urge you not to run away again. Stay." She reached over placing both hooves on Trixie's, rubbing them tenderly.

"Show the ponies here that you have changed. Show them that you aren't a horrible pony. Prove to them you can make something of yourself. It'll be hard but I feel you'll find Ponyville to be quite the forgiving community," she said, releasing Trixie's hooves and grabbing a quill with her hoof, holding out for Trixie.

Trixie thought about her options. Her life on the Pie rock farm was good, they treated her well and fairly unlike the rest of Equestria. She didn't want to remain there forever though. She wanted to travel and perform again, but she couldn't do that with her reputation the way it was now. Staying in Ponyville with the Elements of Harmony might go a long way for her reputation. If she could get on their good side.

Deciding that it was better to take the Mayor up on her offer, Trixie took the quill and filled out the application. Once finished she gave the papers to Mary who looked over them carefully, smiling in satisfaction before she filed them away. "I think you made the right decision today Miss Lulamoon. I'll help you out as well. Stay at my place tonight and in the morning I'll send word to Twilight Sparkle to see if we can make an arrangement for a temporary residence."

The unicorn furrowed her brow at the thought of having to see the unicorn again so soon. She'd hoped they wouldn't meet again for sometime.

The mayor stood up reaching under her collar to reveal a chain set of keys. She then began locking up all of her drawers, file cabinets, and her fridge, which was first to be locked up.

Trixie got up to help but Mary pushed her gently back in to the seat. "It's OK, I got this. I may be an old horse but I still got many years left in me yet!" she said with much vigor swaying her hips as she went about her office. Trixie watched her as she went from her desk to her cabinets standing on her hind legs to reach the top lock with a key in her mouth. It took her a few tries but she eventually locked it. She giggled to herself watching her fumble with the lock and key.

The tan earth pony tried many times to lock the drawer with the key in her mouth but found it difficult to see in the darkness. Even with her glasses she had a hard time seeing.

"Har har, laugh it up while you can young lady," she said in a serious tone. "You start work tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am!" Trixie giggled as she followed the Mayor out of the office to a desk at the front of the hall.

Mary pulled out a set of keys and a dusty notebook, handing them over to Trixie. The azure unicorn inspected the book, wiping the dust off it before began to read it.

"That is policy and procedure for you, Miss Lulamoon. I expect you to know and follow it by the end of the week, got that?" Mary asked her. Trixie simply nodded, confirming she had heard and understood. "Good, now we best be off! We have a long day tomorrow."

The two ponies walked to Mary's home and, after getting Trixie settled in, they promptly went to sleep, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Start of the First Day (Final)

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Mary was fast asleep in her bed warm and snug as a bug. A happy lazy pony indeed, when suddenly her alarm clock began ringing and she was forced from her comfortable bed to silence it. She sat up in bed, glancing around the room, getting her bearings. Once she did she found her nightstand to get her glasses so she could start her day without being completely blind. First was her morning shower, then she did her mane, then brushed her coat, put on her neck tie, tail, then breakfast. Today however she added one more thing to her morning to-do list: awaken the new secretary if still asleep.

She made her way down to the guest bedroom to see Trixie sleeping soundly. The azure mare snored lightly with her bedhead sticking out slightly from under the covers. Mary smiled and walked over to the sleeping unicorn. She place her hooves on Trixie, who had wrapped herself up in the blankets, and gently shook her.

"Miss Lulamoon, time to wake up." She whispered gently into Trixie's ear.

Trixie groaned turning over in the blanket. After a few more tries Mary managed to get Trixie up. Getting out of bed, the sleepy unicorn completely ignored Mary as she zombied her way to the bathroom with a loud moan. Her mane was a big tangled mess and her fur was sticking out in small patches.

Mary giggled at Trixie as she wobbled past without a word until she reached the bathroom and began to mumble to herself as she ran into the door with a loud, thud. She thought how cute it was to see her like this.

"Oh, poor Trixie." Mary sighed shaking her head.

She walked out of the room into the kitchen and prepared breakfast for the two of them along with coffee for herself waiting to see if Trixie would want something else before hand. As she sat down waiting, Trixie came out of the room looking much better still half asleep.

"Good morning, Miss Lulamoon. Did you sleep well?" she asked sipping her coffee. "I made breakfast for us. Would you like some coffee?"

Trixie shook her head. "Good morning and no thanks. Trixie doesn't prefer coffee. Water will be fine thank you."

Just as Mary stood to get the water Trixie intercepted her. "No please, allow Trixie. She can get it you eat and we'll get started for the day."

Mary shook her hooves in front of Trixie. "Oh no, Miss Lulamoon, you're my guest so I as a good hostess should get it for you please sit and eat."

Trixie was about to protest when Mary tapped a hoof impatiently with a scolding look that would make any mother proud. Trixie looked once and immediately her instincts told her to sit, so she planted her butt down on the seat and ate silently.

Satisfied with the results, Mary went to the kitchen to get Trixie a glass of water. In the amount of time it took to get to the kitchen and back with her water, a minute at best, Trixie had finished her breakfast and was sitting in her chair waiting for Mary's return. Mary's jaw hung in amazement at the speed which Trixie ate her food.

"You know, Trixie, you could have eaten slower if you wanted." She handed the glass of water to Trixie. "We don't have to be at the office until 10 o'clock you can relax a bit if you want." She stated, sitting across from her eating her own breakfast.

Trixie looked ashamed much to her surprise. "Trixie is sorry, for her bad manners. She's use to eating fast to keep up with the Pie family so we could get to work before the dawn. The moon crystals love the night and grow better under darkness." she said sadly. "Trixie meant no offense."

"Oh no, I merely meant you can eat at your own pace. This isn't the Pie farm." She took a bit from her pancakes enjoying the warm taste of the syrup and pancake mixing in her mouth. It was heavenly.

"So, you ready for your big day?" she asked excited to get help for the first time ever.

Trixie had a different opinion on the day ahead. "Trixie is nervous actually. Will the ponies of Ponyville accept Trixie after everything she's done?"

Trixie began to play with the table cloth with her magic making it take various shapes and forms. Some were very complex others were simple like spheres and stars. She has such great mental discipline, you'd never guess from the way she acts. Mary thought to herself. She put her fork down looking into her eyes.

"Don't worry I'll be there with you. If you're worried about being attacked in broad daylight you have nothing to fear, Ponyville has some of the most caring understanding ponies you'll ever meet."

"Trixie sure hopes so."

Mary placed a gentle hood on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it, dear, it'll all be fine you'll see." she spoke so softly it reminded Trixie of her mother or at least what she could remember. Which wasn't much, but it warmed her heart to hear that some pony cared for her well being.

Mother, it's been so long. I wonder how she's doing? She thought eating without a word.

As they finished breakfast Trixie did the dishes after arguing with Mary about who should do what. To Trixie since she was staying without rent she should help to earn her keep for the night, much to Mary's reluctance she agreed to allow Trixie to assist her with the house keeping for the next hour. It was easy enough since the house only had five rooms all together. Two bed, one bath, kitchen with a sizable dinning and living room. It being one story helped too.

When they finished the clock tolled nine and they began to get ready for the day. Trixie tied her mane up in a ponytail and wore one of Mary's spare neck ties and a small vest. Once finished they left the house, Trixie laughed at Mary while she fumbled her keys to lock the door with her hooves and mouth. This earned Trixie a good scolding from her new employer.

As they made their way to the town hall very few ponies were out at this hour but what few there were glared at Trixie but otherwise kept their distance. In that time Trixie was told of the finer points of her job as Mayors Assistant.

"-and you'll be in charge of keeping a complete, accurate, and detailed list of all appointments the time and location! Location is very important! I very much can't go to a meeting I can't find now can I, Miss Lulamoon?" she asked loudly so Trixie could hear from behind. Trixie herself was scribbling on a note pad as fast as she could with her magic in case the Mayor said anything that was out of the ordinary. So far she could have guessed almost everything she was told.

"Yes, Madam Mayor. I got all that. Question, how will I be doing my community service?" She asked as a young pink filly with a silver tiara ran past her saying, "I'm late, I'm late!"

Mary stopped so Trixie could catch up with her. "Actually we're taking a detour to head to Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple family will be your community service." she said continuing to walk down the path towards Sweet Apple Acres.

As they passed by a food stand a mare glared at them and made a snide comment at Trixie. As the walked down a dirt road a large sign came to view saying: Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! The two ponies walked among the trees and foliage before coming upon a house with a large red barn next to it. Trixie was in awe at the size of Sweet Apple Acres. It was massive making the Pie rock farm seem so small and humble. Trixie wishes she never complained about how big the rock farm was. Cloudy Quartz was right. Trixie thought to herself.

They walk up to the house and Mary knocked on the door. A elderly green earth pony opened the door with a warm smile on her wrinkly face.

"Well, howdy do Mayor! And What brings you to these here parts?" she said waving a hoof herding Mary and Trixie inside.

"Nice to see you too Granny Smith. How have you been lately?" Mary asked kindly shaking the green mares hoof.

"Oh you know these old bones aint get'in any younger. Speaking of which," Granny Smith eyed Trixie who was feeling rather nervous, "Who's this fine young mare? Got yourself a young marefriend here Mary?" Granny Smith asked slyly eyeing the tan mare while Trixie was blushing.

Mary blushed intensely looking at Trixie before averting her gaze. "N-no Granny Smith! You know I'm too old to play the dating game!" she said quickly.

The old mare frowned at the tan pony, shaking her head.

"Now you listen here young'n," she said swatting Mary's backside, "I'm too old to play with young stallions and what not. You are older yes, but you aint that old. You best get them while you can or you'll end up like me!" Granny Smith laughed as she spoke her last words sitting on her rocking chair. "You aren't getting any younger so you best hurry on while the pluming's still working right!"

"GRANNY!" a voice called from the next room.

An orange earth pony mare with a stetson hat came in from the other room scolding the elderly mare. "Now you go on and leave the Mayor alone now! She has enough to worry about without you addin to it!"

Trixie recognized this pony. She made her do an applesauce facial for her with the apples she made her collect. Oh the irony. The orange pony turned to the Mayor taking her hat off placing it over her chest. "I'm right sorry about this Mayor. Granny forgets her manners sometimes these days." the glanced back at the green mare to emphasis her point.

Granny Smith huffed crossing her arms."Now you listen here Applejack, when I get my great grand kids from either you or yer brother then I'll quite my gripping. Until then..."

"Oh granny." Applejack shook her head replacing her hat. "I'm so sorry, Mayor. It ain't our business what you do with your personal life. Who was granny talk'in about anyway?" Applejack glanced around until her gaze fell upon Trixie. Then like a ton of apples hitting her it was all clear.

"What are you doing here Trixie?" she asked confused by the unicorns presence.

This caught the unicorn by surprise, she had expected the earth pony to be furious with her at first sight. Mary stepped in before the unicorn was able to speak. "You see Applejack, Trixie is here to do some community service for Sweet Apple Acres for damages rendered and she's my new assistant." she pulled Trixie closer to her studying Applejack's reaction.

Applejack had a skeptical look on her face. "Right, you excuse me for not believing that Mayor. Trixie? Really? You can do better than that."

Trixie's face fell at the harsh words from Applejack's mouth while Granny Smith frowned at her. "Now Applejack that was rude! You apologize to the young mare now!"

Applejack turned to face Granny Smith. "Now I will gladly take the extra help after what she done Granny, but I'll be a fillyfooler before I accept her help on ma farm willingly." the orange mare said stomping her hoof on the ground with pure ire in her voice. "Now if you please excuse me Mayor, I have a lot of trees to buck and chores to do. Good day." she said tilting her hat walking past Mary and bumping into Trixie hard in the shoulder.

Mary sighed walking over to Trixie. "Well that could have gone better. You OK?" she looked over her shoulder

Trixie rubbed her shoulder not because it hurt, but because it hurt her emotionally and she couldn't help but rub it to calm herself after the encounter. "Trixie is fine thank you. So now what-"

"You can come and start tomorrow at sunrise." Applejack's voice came from the room over as she trotted to the door opening it. "Now I'm sorry, I was rude. I may accept your help but I don't have to like it. You just stay away from my family and we won't have trouble. Got it?" she said leaving and slamming the door shut.

Trixie looked at the floor dejectedly. Granny Smith waddled over to her patting her on the back. "Don't you worry none young'in. Applejack is just very protective of her family and friends. She'll come around in time. Come by at noon and we'll set you up with work OK?" Granny said waddling back to her rocking seat sitting again.

Trixie gave her an odd look. "But Applejack said morning."

Granny Smith smiled rubbing her eyes. "Don't you worry none. I'l let you decide." Granny smiled at the two younger mares. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm mighty tired can you see yourselves out? I don't mean to be rude none."

"Not at all Granny Smith." Mary said gesturing to the door with her head to Trixie. The two made their way out. "Have a good day Granny Smith."

"Good day GRanny Smith. Thank you again for helping Trixie." The zure unicorn said with a polite bow.

Granny smith nodded falling asleep in her chair while Mary tenderly closed the door as to not disturb her.

"Looks like we're off to a good start Miss Lulamoon." she said cheerfully. "Though Applejack could have been a bit nicer I will admit."

Trixie shook her head in agreement. "While Trixie understands why she responded that way, she did come off a bit strong. At least she didn't attack Trixie or anything rash like that." she said following Mary. "She seemed to be calm until you asked if Trixie could work on the farm."

"Don't worry Applejack will forgive you in time. Just gotta have patience." Mary said walking next to her. "Let's get back to Town Hall. We have a long day ahead of us, and we need to discuss living arrangements for you."

As the two ponies walked down the path heading back to town Applejack watched them head off the property from a hill she stood on. Once out of site she went back to bucking the trees muttering to herself. "You best watch yourself Trixie. I'm watching you." Applejack said coldly.

The First Day in the Office (Final)

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After their misadventure to Sweet Apple Acres, Mary and her new assistant Trixie made their way to Town Hall. As the sun reached it's peak they reached the first buildings of the town and Trixie was reading off the Mayors list of meetings to be complete by the end of the day. "...and at 3 pm you have a meeting with Filthy Rich and at 4 pm you have a meeting with Miss Octavia Von Clef about new living arrangements and the... banning of high output subwoofers in close urban environments." Trixie read off the last one causing Mary to sigh.

The two ponies were walking through town square heading towards the Town Hall. Ponies gawked at Trixie and the Mayor as they passed by.

"Again?" she asked shaking her head. "I really thought we reached a suitable arrangement for that problem." She continued to walk down the road to the center of town. "Trixie?"

Hearing her name Trixie hurried to her side ready to take a note down. "Yes, Mayor?"

"Please, make a note that any arrangement I make with Miss Von Clef and Miss Scratch is final and I won't be making changes in the future."

"Yes Mayor." She scribbled the note down in her log for future reference.

Note to self: Make any arrangements with Von Clef and Scratch final.
No changes in the future. FINAL!

"Done Mayor. We should hurry though, your first meeting is in five minutes," Trixie said, picking up the pace still holding her logbook with her magic making her way past Mary who also picked up her pace to meet her deadline.

"I'll go ahead actually, you can take your time Trixie. I'll see you at the office." Mary began to run off, but halted suddenly turning to face Trixie.

"Oh by the way!" Mary turned calling to Trixie. "Can you get me a black coffee? Oh, and get yourself something too."

She then threw a small bag of bits to Trixie who caught it with her magic. The gold coins clanked in the bag as Trixie used her magic to grab the bag. Mary then turned and hurried to Town Hall leaving Trixie behind.

Looking at the bits Trixie decided to go to a local cafe she remembered passing by when she went to challenge Twilight Sparkle. About ten minutes later she arrived at the small cafe to find it had just opened so nopony was around except the owner and one waitresses.

It was small with a few seats and table outside the front of the establishment, Trixie walked over to the open register and waited for a pony to come along and take her order. A young silver earth pony mare with a spiky white mane came to the register. Her amber eyes locked onto the azure mare and she held a bright smile.

"Good morning Miss and welcome to Le Petite Cafe. What can I get you?" she asked cheerfully.

"Yes, Trixie would like a black coffee large and a small croissant please," she said instinctively.

The young mare looked at her for a moment before a look of realization hit her. "Oh right, Trixie! I remember you from a while ago with your performance! That was great! Sorry about your wagon. Also," she paused looking around making sure nopony was near, "I don't hold a grudge against you for the Alicorn Amulet incident. Twilight said it wasn't your fault so I'm okay, with you. Other ponies like my boss however... I can't say the same for them so watch yourself," she whispered to the azure unicorn.

Trixie nodded, whispering back. "Thank you. Many ponies have been giving Trixie the stink eye today."

The young mare rang up Trixie's order up and at the end the register said, void. "The drink and croissant are on me Trixie."

"No, Trixie can't ask that of you! I can pay!"

She pulled out the bag of bits, shaking it. "How much?"

The mare giggled at Trixie placing a hoof over her lips. "Not to worry Miss Trixie, I'll cover it this time. In exchange I'd like to get to know you better. Names's Platinum Spoon." She extended a hoof. Trixie shook her hoof with a smile. It's nice to be treated so well after such a bad week, she thought.

"Trixie Lulamoon, stage magician, evil dictator for a week, and now personal assistant to the Mayor of Ponyville. It's a pleasure to meet you Platinum Spoon."

"It's nice to-"

"PLATINUM WE GOT CUSTOMERS GET YOU BUTT IN GEAR!" a loud female voice called from the back.

Trixie and Platinum both turned to see a large brown portly earth pony mare with a dark green curly mane walked in glaring at her and Trixie. "I pay you to take orders and work the register not chitchat." She paused looking at Trixie specifically. "And especially not with the likes of her."

Looking behind her, Trixie noticed a line had formed behind her all of them with angry looks.

"Ye-yes Mrs. Cobblepot," Platinum said as the large pony worked the other register. "Sorry, we'll pick this up later OK?"

Trixie nodded in silence looking at the line as it split into two, half the ponies going to Mrs. Cobblepot's register the rest waiting in line behind Trixie. The glares were intense. Clearly the ponies were still mad at her but nopony made a move against her. Many were chatting among themselves occasionally glancing at Trixie.

"Trixie your order is ready," Platinum said, giving Trixie her order. Trixie took the drink and her croissant and gave her a pleasant smile.

"Thank you, Platinum, for everything. Come by the office sometime. Trixie will come back tomorrow for the same order, if she isn't banned." Trixie looked over to Mrs. Cobblepot who paused to give her a stern glare.

The older mare then turned her gaze to Platinum who gave her best puppy dog eyes she could muster. After a brief moment the mare relented, with a heavy sigh.

"Ugh, fine. You may grace my establishment whenever you'd like." Platinum and Trixie both gave her big smiles. "But if you cause any trouble I hold my right as owner to refuse service to anyone," she finished pointing to a small sign that read: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Trixie nodded walking to the door. "See you later, Platinum. Have a good day Mrs. Cobblepot." And with a last wave to her new friend and, acquaintance, Trixie exited the cafe heading off to the Town Hall.

Platinum watched as her friend left sighing to herself. “She seems nice.”

A few minutes later Trixie arrived at the Town Hall. Entering through the large double doors she sat at the front desk the Mayor had given her last night as they left. It as a small circular desk with four drawers and a small rack for papers and a lamp. Behind her was a book case with lots of books to choose from. Trixie sat at her desk arranging her papers to her liking taking the lamp and placing it off to the left rather than the right side of the desk.

As time passed many of the Mayors meeting were canceled or rescheduled. Mr Rich came in at 3 pm ready to speak to her about sales and a new store branch he wished to open soon. That meeting was still going on when and grey earth pony mare with a black mane and a white unicorn with a short spiky lightning blue mane came in. Trixie looked up from a paper she'd been reading to greet the guests.

"Hello ladies and welcome to the Town Hall. Do you have an appointment?" Trixie asked sweetly.

The grey earth pony walked to the desk shaking her head as the unicorn sat on the nearby couch.

"Yes, I'm Octavia Von Cleff and we have an appointment with the Mayor," she said bowing politely.

She glanced over to the white unicorn. She was wearing a blue headset and a pair of sunglasses happily bobbing her head with the beat of her music which could be heard by Trixie easily. "You know Miss, your friend's going to lose her hearing at this rate right?"

Octavia glanced over to her friend who Trixie was pointing at. Vinyl was bobbing her head up and down with the beat of her music, which both mares could hear clear as day.

The Octavia facehooved, giving an exasperated sigh. "Ugh, I know. No matter how many times I tell her she won't listen to me... about anything! Anyways, we have a 4 o'clock appointment."

Trixie looked down at her log book.

"Ah, yes Trixie remembers," She glanced over her roster finding Octavia's name near the bottom. "Okay, Miss Von Clef and Miss Scratch, if you'll just sign right here the Mayor will be with you in just a minute."

Octavia titled her head to the side, signing the logbook, "Why can't we meet with her now?" she asked forcefully.

Trixie simply placed her hooves on the desk. "Sorry, Miss Von Clef but the Mayor is in a meeting with Mr. Rich right now."

"Ugh fine," Octavia pullled the headset off her unicorn companion. "Vinyl will you please turn that wretched music down? You'll lose your hearing.”

The pony named Vinyl Scratch swatted at Octavia in a childish manner. "Hey hey hey! Come on Octy you know me!" she exclaimed. "Don't mess with my tunes! I don't mess with your cello collection or your records. I thought we agreed to that." Vinyl placed the headset back on. Octavia rolled her eyes pulling them off and took the CD player with it. "Hey!" The ivory unicorn protested, trying to get it back with her hooves even though she could use her magic to get it back.

"Vinyl please you're acting like a child. Stop that this instant!" she yelled, as Vinyl began to poke her on the side of her stomach. "I said, stop that!" She swatted Vinyl on the head again.

"Then give me back my player, Tavi!" The smaller unicorn wasn't getting anywhere, she was shorter than Octavia which made it all but impossible to reach her music player. Then without warning she mounted Octavia in such a way it looked like she was riding her.

"Vi-Vi-Vinyl get off me now!" Octavia nearly screamed wiggling the white mare off her. Vinyl landed with a loud 'oof!' on the ground crossing her arms, and presumably glaring at Octavia through her glasses.

Trixie watched as the two began to butt heads. "Ladies please this is no way for two grown mares to act!"

Trixie tried to deescalate things before they went too far. Prying the two apart she levitated both over to a lounge seat placing them at opposite ends and sat in her chair in front of them. "Now, If you two will calm down Trixie would like to help you settle this dispute so you two can speak to the Mayor in a calm fashion."

Both mares looked at each other before turning away sticking their noses up in the air.

Trixie slapped a hoof to her face and took a deep breath. "So, explain to Trixie how this all started."

Vinyl lifted up her shades placing them on her head with her magical aura. Her violet eyes glared at her friend who returned the gesture with a stare of her own. "Well, you see Octavia here is a selfish prude, as she would put it, and doesn't-"

"Oh, I'M selfish? Really?!" she exclaimed to the white unicorn. "I'll have you know I've been very gracious allowing you to stay in MY home!"

"That I help pay for!" Vinyl retorted.

"Yes I know and I'm grateful, but you need to understand Vinyl I have to work during the day," Octavia managed to say in a calm voice, but she was visibly shaking with anger. "And I can't have you running your sub… whatevers blasting the door down at 3 in the morning."

"Subwoofers."

"Whatever." Octavia rolled her eyes. "The point is I can't stand it! Neither can the neighbors. Poor Sweetie Drops and Lyra have to suffer every morning because of you!" Octavia exclaimed, pointing an accusatory hoof at Vinyl.

Octavia then stood up towering over the unicorn who reeled back in fear under Octavia's piercing gaze. "So, that being said I offer you this ultimatum. One week from now, that is seven days from now Vinyl, you either get every sub-- subwoo-- subw... whatever they are out of my house or you're out of the house!"

Octavia finished with a mighty stomp on the floor cracking it. Even Trixie scooted back a foot from the angry mare to scared to say a word. Vinyl on the other hand was in a panicked frenzy.

"No! You can't! Octy, please," Vinyl begged getting on her knees, grabbing the other mares shoulders, "Come ooon Octy! We go so far back! You wouldn't really kick me out. Would you?" She gave her friend a sad puppy dog pout.

Octavia huffed standing firm to her decision. "No Vinyl, it’s either the equipment or you." She pointed to the unicorn causing her to fall on her back. "I've made my decision. Since I am the property owner what I say goes."

The grey mare turned tail and began to head for the door. "Seven days Vinyl. Seven days or you're out."

Vinyl ran after her blocking the door with teary eyes. "Octavia, please I have nowhere to go! You can't!"

"No Vinyl. This is it." She shoved her way past Vinyl. "You have seven days to get it out of my house or I. Will. Kick. You. OUT." She emphasized each word darkly.

"But they're for my gigs! I need them!" Vinyl pleaded. "Please, Octavia!"

Octavia looked back tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Well, then I guess seven days to build a shed that's soundproof or find a new place to store them. Either way they go or you go Vinyl Scratch. This is non negotiable."

With one last huff, Octavia turned her nose up to her friend turned about face and marched out the door slamming it shut leaving two stunned unicorns behind.

Vinyl slumped against the wall briefly, replacing her shades and started to mumble to herself. Trixie watched as Vinyl began to pace back and forth in the room talking to herself.

"Ah man what am I gonna do? I can't get rid of my wubs. On the other hoof I can't get kicked out either. I have nopony to go to!" She began pulling her hair rolling to the floor sobbing. "Ugh, this sucks!"

Trixie felt bad for her. Sure, she was annoying but she seemed nice enough. Her thoughts turned to Octavia and how quickly she disregarded her friends feelings. *Some ponies just don't know what they have until it's gone,* Trixie thought bitterly. She then thought about Octavia and what she said. Seems a bit harsh but then again Trixie knew Vinyls work was loud.

She knew about the famous DJ and was a big fan of her work. Like Trixie, she was into big performances to leave all in awe of their talents. They both loved the spotlight and to bring smiles to the faces of their fans, as a fellow performer, it made Trixie’s blood boil to see Vinyl in such a pathetic state. She listened to Vinyl who was now talking to herself and pacing back and forth in the lobby. She approached the mare grabbing hold oer her making her stop pacing.

Vinyl looked up at Trixie tears in her eyes. "*Sniff*. What?" she asked pathetically. "You gonna kick me out too!?"

Vinyl looked down dejectedly at the floor, watching the tears drop into a pool by her hooves. "Well, it's not like anypony will notice that I'm gone. Probably liked it if I did."

That hit Trixie right at home. Memories of ponies alienating her from the Ursa minor incident plagued her mind. What hurt most was when ponies told her that nopony would miss her if she disappeared among other things. This along with her ruined career and mostly Gabby Gums lies and slander, were what drove her to seek the alicorn amulet and her revenge against Twilight. Seeing another pony suffer the way she did made her blood boil. She reached for Vinyl lifting her to her hooves and then promptly slapped her across the face.

"What in heaven's name was that for!" Vinyl screamed gripping her cheek. "You psycho!"

"Don't give Trixie that garbage!" She was now in Vinyl's face yelling at her. "You think you have it bad? Well, Trixie went down he same path you follow. Believe Trixie when she says not to go down that path. Get rid of your equipment. No worldly possessions should take priority over friends and family." Trixie rubbed Vinyl's reddened cheek.

She gave a longing look at the door where Octavia existed just moments ago. “I once gave everything up for revenge. Trust Trixie when she says nothing’s worth losing friends over.”

Vinyl nodded looking past Trixie as if she could see Octavia through the doors.

"No, you're right. Thanks," Vinyl said through choked sobs.

Trixie gently rubbed the mares back with a hoof. Vinyl gripped her arm looking into Trixie's magenta eyes. "Think nothing of it. Trixie knows what it's like to feel abandoned. If you need help Trixie will be here for a while. You can always ask her for help."

"Thanks." Vinyl trotted to the doors stopping before she took hold of the knob. "You know, you're not as bad as other ponies make you out to be. I respect my fellow performers as does Octavia. If you ever need help..." She opened the door walking out sticking her head in briefly. "I'm there for you too Trixie, as a friend."

The two ponies bid each other farewell and Vinyl ran off after Octavia leaving Trixie behind in the office. Trixie walked back to her desk and sat down with a smile on her face as she picked up a book she found titled: *Daring Do and the Temple of Isis.* She loved reading books, it helped calm her when she was feeling down. And a good Daring Do novel was a great way to release stress for her.

***

Meanwhile Mary and Mr. Rich watched the exchange transpire outside the office. Mary looked at Mr. Rich with a smug expression while Mr. Rich looked like he was in shock.

"I told you Mr. Rich," Mary said coyly. "She's not the same when she was under the influence of the Alicorn Amulet. Just like Miss Sparkle mentioned. She’s changed and nothing she did while under the amulets influence was of her own doing."

Mr. Rich nodded in agreement. "I see what you mean. She's far more sympathetic and gentle than I gave her credit." He glanced over to Mary. "Perhaps she can help me with my problem." he said thoughtfully.

Mary clapped her hooves with glee. "Excellent! I'll speak to her after we conclude our meeting!" she then reached for her desk drawer pulling out a paper and placed it before Mr. Rich. "Here are the terms and conditions for your new store branch here in Ponyville."

After reading over the document thoroughly Mr. Rich and Mary signed it and it was filed away. After saying their goodbyes Mary escorted Mr. Rich out to the main hall. Once Mr. Rich was gone she saw Trixie was reading one of the many books from the shelf behind her. Walking over she read the title. *Ah, Daring Do novels. Good choice.*

Trixie was so immersed in her book she didn't even realize that Mary had walked up to her. Giggling to herself Mary tapped a hoof on the desk startling Trixie. "Gah! Oh Mayor! Trixie apologizes!" She fumbled the book back into her desk closing it rather hard. "Trixie didn't hear you finish with Mr. Rich. It won't happen again ma'am!" she exclaimed.

Mary stifled a laugh pulling up a lounge seat next to Trixie sitting next to her. "I heard what happened out here. Actually we both did, Mr. Rich and I," Mary said harshly. Trixie's ears fell flat and she began to feel a tightening sensation in her chest. She knew she screwed up now she'd face the consequences of her actions. *No more running away.* She thought with pride steeling her resolve. "And I was happy with how you performed." Mary's expression softened.

"What do you mean? Trixie screwed up badly!" The azure mare yelled jumping out of her seat walking over to the couch in the waiting area.

“Trixie always screws things up. Not only did Trixie tear two friends apart but now she feels responsible for Vinyl as well." She sobbed collapsing on the floor. Mary stood up walking over to her placing both hooves on her shoulders gently rubbing them sitting behind Trixie. "Trixie always messes everything up. First her show, her reputation, the honor of a stallion that cared for her, and now this.''

Mary wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. She couldn't think of why she felt the urge to hug the mare. It wasn't simply to comfort Trixie in her time of need. Perhaps it was for herself as well? She is a cute thing after all. *No I gotta keep it under control. I'm too old for her.* Mary mentally scolded herself. I can't take advantage of a vulnerable mare. I'm not like my partner was. As she dispelled the bitter resentment of her last partner she began stroking Trixie's mane. Then Trixie said something that pushed her over the edge. "Trixie wishes she was never born."

"Trixie?"

The unicorn turned looking at the tan earth pony. “*Sniff*... Yes Mayor?" she asked shakily looking absolutely pathetic.

"You're not a screw up." She then slapped her hard across her face.

Trixie reeled back in shock. "What was that for!?" *Slap!* "WHAT?!"

Mary pulled Trixie into a hug, pressing her head against her chest. "Don't ever say that! Your birth is a wonderful thing. Every life is precious. Even the most evil and vile of creatures was once an innocent child. Especially a precious pony such as yourself."

Trixie blushed from the sudden contact even the Pies rarely did such intimate contact. It was strange to her. Trixie rubbed her face into the soft fur embracing the warmth of Mary's fur, she sound of her heart, her smell. Before she knew it she was happy in the warm embrace. She never felt so protected and safe as she did now.

"Thank you, Mary," Trixie spoke so softly that Mary almost didn't hear. She leaned down nuzzling the mare before standing up.

“Come along now Miss Lulamoon." Mary pulled her along. "I think we should call it a early day."

Trixie nodded. "Yes, madam mayor."

The two ponies spent a got ten minutes locking up the place before heading out. Along the way, Trixie noticed many ponies glaring at her. Some were talking about her and the Mayor. Trixie hated it. While other ponies were more sympathetic towards Trixie. These ponies made the walk home bearable.

The evening sun was setting and Trixie founder herself thinking back to her time on the rock farm. Igneous was like a father to her. She missed him and Cloudy Quartz, but they parted on bad terms. It saddened her greatly to think of the hurt looks they'd hold if she were to return. Trixie was glad when they reached home and was able to relax without any pony mocking her or Mary. She immediately went to her bed and plopped down face first into her pillow. Mary joined her sitting next to her on the bed.

"You feeling alright Trixie?" Mary asked, rubbing the young mares back. Trixie moaned in appreciation for the back rub as Mary carefully maneuvered her hooves up and down her spine loosening her up.

"Thank you. Trixie needed that," she moaned. After a minute Mary stopped her massage much to Trixies disappointment. "Aww why'd you stop?" Trixie whined.

Mary giggled. "I have to get dinner ready. I'll have it ready in an hour." She turned closing the door behind her, "I'll call you when it's ready. Rest until then," she said softly.

Trixie shrugged falling asleep on the bed not even bothering to roll over. Before Mary left she observed Trixie eyeing her from top to bottom. What a wonderful mare she is. Most ponies wouldn't go out of their way to help ponies like Vinyl. Maybe she is different from others, she thought as she exited the room closing the door softly as to not disturb Trixie.

Start of the Second Day (Final)

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*Trixie*

Trixie awoke from her slumber at the hooves of the offensive alarm clock from the next room over. She got out of bed, the sun had barely risen, and made her way to the bathroom. While she was use to waking up early she'd forgotten to ask Mary for an alarm clock so she could be at Sweet Apple Acres before dawn.*Applejack is going to have Trixie's hide for this.*

In her mind all farmers followed the same mentality: early morning, no late workers or no meal. Igneous Rock was exactly like that, so Trixie learned quick not to be late. Now she had to eat quickly or she'd be even more late than she already was. Skipping the shower, Trixie tied up her mane in a ponytail again and prepared some toast with butter allowing Mary to use the bathroom while she ate.

When she finished her toast she tapped the door to the bath speaking loudly so Mary could hear her. "Madam Mayor? *Tap!* *Tap!* Trixie is heading out to the Apple Farm! Trixie will be by the office later!"

As soon as she finished speaking the doorknob turned revealing Mary with a partial pink mane.

"You best hurry then don't want Applejack mad at you for being too late." She giggled..

Trixie turned giggling to herself making way for the door. "Sure thing, Pinks." Trixie then rolled over laughing at Mary and her mane.

Trixie instantly regretted her choice of words. Like a storm could she found Mary looming over her, glaring down at her. "Now you see here that's Madam Mayor to you, you... RUFFIAN!"

She turned her back on Trixie, her partial pink mane bobbing a bit. Trixie looked concerned, worried she may have overstepped some boundary that wasn’t meant to be crossed.

"Mayor?" She approached cautiously towards the tan mare reaching for her. As she did, Mary turned the other way causing Trixie to jump back from the sudden movement. "Mary?"

"That's Madam Mayor to you," Madam Mayory replied in a sour tone.

Now Trixie was scared; she was really in trouble. "Aw, come on Mary, or um Madam Mayor." She fidgeted nervously not wanting to anger her more. "Trixie's sorry, she didn't know your mane was a sensitive subject. Well, not this bad anyway."

In less than a second the tan pony was an inch away from Trixie closing the gap forcing Trixie to back away to keep distance from her.

Mary scowled at the mare. “Oh, I'm sorry! I thought my kind assistant Trixie was here!"

While Mary continued to vent, Trixie backed into a wall losing any chance she had of escaping the mares wrath. Mary scrunched her nose against Trixie's tears flowing down from her eyes with genuine anger.

"I thought that since you were with Igneous and Cloudy Quartz you were better than that! And since you had to suffer from Gabby Gums I thought you'd be more sensitive on such subjects!" Trixie was more scared now, not for her well being, but scared for Mary's feeling.

*Perhaps Trixie did go too far. She did say Gabby Gums made an article about her mane.* She thought back to Gabby Gums start and after a moment she remembered the article, Mary showed it to her back in the office on the night Twilight bested her again. Not only that but she remembered reading it a while back. She also remembers laughing at the Mayor distinctly. Now, she felt rotten.

"Mary." She looked up pleadingly in her eyes. "Trixie meant nothing of it. It was a horribly placed joke honest."

She took hold of her shoulders. "You look beautiful with your mane pink or grey," she cooed, as she wiped the tears from Mary's cheeks.

The two ponies looked at each other awkwardly. Trixie internally facehooved and Mary was stunned. "Trixie is gonna go now."

"Please do." Mary said monotone. "When you come back bring the same order you got last time, okay?"

"Sure thing Madam Mayor." And with that Trixie was out the door walking down the lonely streets of Ponyville heading to Sweet Apple Acres.

The walk was long, as she had much on her mind. She didn't realize that Mary's mane was such a sensitive topic for her. She felt that whatever set her off must have been from the ponies insulting her behind her back, or worse, to her face. Her thoughts were interrupted by a large tree she'd nearly walked into. 'Sweet Apple Acres'. A familiar scent of apples and moist earth filled her nose, making her relax.

She'd always felt a strong connection to the earth and all life around her. Even at a young age her mother told her it was something that made her special just like her father. Discarding the thought she searched for the farmhouse when she came upon a hill with a large red stallion working on bucking the trees. He seemed so familiar.

"Excuse me, good sir!"
The stallion stopped mid kick looking for the voice that called him. He turned to see Trixie trotting towards him.

"Can I help you miss?" He wiped some sweat off his forehead.

"Yes, I came to do my community service here on the farm with Applejack. Can you tell me where I could find her?" Trixie looked around as if expecting the orange apple pony to appear any second.

The red stallion shook his head. "Not here. She left this morning. Won't be back till the day after tomorrow miss."

That made Trixie upset. So, she threatens Trixie to be here then has the gall to not even be here? she thought angrily.

Sensing her frustration the stallion decided to take pity on her. "So, AJ, told ya'll to be here this morning? Well she's forgot she'd promised or younger sister a campin trip miss. So you can come back day after tomorrow. I'll say you came by for your chores," he said kindly.

Trixie turned to leave. "Fine. I'll be back then. Thank you, Mr?"

"Call me Big Mac. And ya'll are Trixie correct?"

"Correct."

"Well then Miss Trixie see you day after tomorrow," he finished with a mighty kick to the tree causing it to release all its fruit into the baskets below while Trixie made her way to the La Petite Cafe.

"Wait how did you know my name?"

The stallion named Big Mac turned with a grin. "I was here when you took over miss."

The blue mare cringed at this. Seeing her discomfort Big Mac shook his head and waved to her. "I don't hold no grudge, Miss Trixie."

Trixie sighed in relief at this and watched as the stallion walked down to the next tree and with a swift kick brought all the apples down into basket set at its base. She turned to head back to the Le Petite Cafe to pick up her order and head to the office.

*Mary’s Home*

Mary stared at her reflection in the mirror, she wondered to herself what Trixie meant when she said she looked beautiful. Surely the unicorn mare didn't have affections for her. Did she? Why did it bother her so much? Did she like Trixie, or at least find her attractive in some way? Was it her personality? Her morality? That willingness to help others despite what happened?

It was all so confusing to her as it was when she first fell in love. The first time. *Heh and here I thought it was the last.* She touched her reflection in the mirror stroking the reflections cheek. Pulling back she touched her own rubbing in a circular motion inspecting her face for signs of age wrinkles and such. She then looked at her necktie. It was her green one and her most precious possession in the world. *Still after all this time I still wear it in hopes that she'll remember me. Dinky does.* She pressed a hoof against the small green tie as she undid it and began to adjust it.

"How long am I going to cling to the past?" she asked as she finished with her tie she adjusted her collar making sure the tie was hidden beneath. "How long will I continue to hope and pray that she'll remember me?"

Reaching for her glasses, she placed them on her nose continuing to look at her reflection. "Derpy."

She stared for a few minutes thinking. Wondering. "Would she want me to pursue this feeling? No I can't!?,. I barely know her, I literally just met her! I can't feel that way about somepony after only knowing them for 24 hours!" she screamed striking the counter with her hoof.

Panting heavily she stormed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. There she aggressively made a hasty breakfast and left without cleaning after herself. She was so angry she just wanted to scream into a pillow and cry. She couldn't afford to do that. She was the Mayor. As Mayor she had responsibilities and a town that needed her to be there for it. She didn't have time for these feelings. Yet no matter how hard she tried she couldn't dispel them.

She made her way through town barely talking to anypony as she went towards the Town Hall. She passed by a small cottage near Fifth and Friendship Lane stopping in front of it. "I need to go see her sometime soon. It's been awhile since I've seen her." After waiting a minute she glanced up into the sky just in time to see a grey silhouette flying over head. Smiling she continued on her way to the town hall.

A few minutes later she arrived at her office and there waiting outside was Twilight Sparkle and her number one assistant, Spike the dragon. The purple unicorn waved as she approached.

"Madam Mayor I was beginning to worry something happened to you since you were late. Is everything, alright?" Twilight asked concerned.

Shaking her head Mary unlocked the door gesturing for them to follow. "Not at all Miss Sparkle. Come in and good morning to you too Mr. Spike," she said patting the small drake on the head.

"Good morning Mayor,” he said with a salute.

"Glad you're both here. I'm so sorry, I was late. It's been a tough morning," She opened her office as Twilight brought an extra chair for Spike to sit on, "Please come in. We have much to discuss," she said closing the door behind her.

*Le Petite Cafe*

Inside the small cafe on the corner of First and Mane St., Platinum was hard at work taking order after order from a long line of customers. It was a busy day and the line just seemed to never end. Mrs. Cobblepot took over the second register and a third pony, a grey filly with a silver mane and blue glasses and a pearl necklace, was bringing the orders to the customers sitting at the tables.

She carried a tray wobbly on her back with several cups and two plates full of food to various tables, then she'd go to the kitchen to get another and repeat the process over. Unlike the previous two, the filly was not in a good mood.

"Your coffee Ma'am." The filly placed a cup on the table. The customer an older mare looked down at the filly giggling.

"Oh aren't you the sweetest thing? What's your name dear?" she asked sweetly, taking a sip of the coffee.

"Silver Spoon ma'am."

"Well, thank you Silver Spoon."

"Thank you," Silver Spoon bowed politely, "Can I get you anything else ma'am?"

"No that'll be all young miss. Thank you."

Silver Spoon looked at the clock which read 10:02. *Time for my fifteen minute break!* she thought happily. Walking to the back she called out to the large earth pony manager. "I'm going on my fifteen Mrs. Cobblepot!"

"Alright Silver Spoon. When you're done I expect you to make up for the customers you miss got it?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Platinum looked over to Silver Spoon as she went out the back door then to her manager. Mrs. Cobblepot gave a nod allowing Platinum leave. She followed Silver Spoon out back. Outside she found the filly rubbing her hooves. They were red and possibly swollen from all the standing and walking she'd done. She sat next to her and the filly jumped not expecting anypony else.

"You need help there little one?"

Silver Spoon nodded allowing Platinum to rub her tiny hooves. A feeling of minor relief came over her as Platinum rubbed her sore hooves like a master therapist. "Thanks sis."

"No worries little one." She cooed. "You're doing well on your first day, Silver Drop. I'm proud of you."

"I hate this. Why do I have to have this job?" The filly pouted.

The older mare sighed rolling her eyes continuing to rub the tiny hooves. "We've been over this Silver, you are being punished for what you've done. The bullying, thinking because you're the rich and privileged you are higher than others. You're not." She stopped looking her in the eyes with a serious look. "Mom and dad think some true hard work will do you good."

"But this is servant’s work. To be at the beck and call to others is beneath me. That's why we have servants," the filly responded.

Platinum's expression hardened. "So is that what you think of me? A lowly servant at your beck and call?"

Silver Spoon flinched at the bitterness in her sisters words. "No I don't think that. You're my sister! I love you! I would never think such things about you!"

"I don't understand, Spoony. Why are you like this? Why do you bully ponies with blank flanks and why are you so obsessed with rank and stature?"

"Diamond Tiara says it's important to show others that you mean business. If you show weakness ponies will take advantage of you," Silver Spoon responded with a straight face.

Platinum looked devastated by this. Then she became angry. "That little pink menace has done nothing good since you met her Silver," Platinum growled. "I can't believe you hang out with a filly such as her. Why do you have a friend like her?"

"She's my best friend Platinum! Don't drag her into this!" Silver Spoon screamed at her sister standing up.

"Don't you talk to me like that! I'm your big sister and that filly has done nothing but corrupt the sweet innocent child that was once my dear and beloved sister! She's turned you into a bully and a thug!" Platinum was in tears as was Silver Spoon.

'Well it's not like you live my life!" Silver Spoon retorted.

"Don't you dare say you have it hard. You don't know what hard is! YOU have it made!" Platinum stood flailing her arms. "Look at your life, family, home, bed, food, many ponies would kill to get the things you have. Ponies that work a thousand times harder than me! The difference is I choose to work hard and earn my fortunes! There is absolutely nothing wrong with that." She turned pointing out to the distance. "That Diamond Tiara is a menace, a thug, and you're playing the part of a lackey Silver Spoon."

"I'm no ponies lackey!"

"Oh really? When has she ever asked for your opinion then?"

"I...um, I... Well what's that got to do with anything?" She pointed at her older sister. "When has Mrs. Cobblepot asked you for your opinion?"

Platinum gave her sister a disapproving glare, making her buckled under the intense glare. "She's my boss and treats me as an equal in the workplace. I follow the rules she listens to suggestions I've made in the past as well. Has Diamond ever done that?"

"Well, no but-"

The older pony went on not letting up on her assault. "Does she tell you to do things you don't want to do?"

This time Silver Spoon replied, "What does this have to do with anything!?"

"It has everything to do with your punishment and what we're trying to teach you!" Platinum grabbed Silver by the shoulders firmly. "I want you to realize that she's a bad influence on you! She isn't a good friend. You have to stop seeing her."

"NO!" Silver Spoon slapped her sister's arms away. "She's my friend! My only friend! She was the only one who was there for me when nopony else would."

"Because you were a blank flank." Platinum simply stated.

"YES!"

"Like you and her do to the Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

Silver Spoon had nothing to say to that. There was nothing she could say to that. Never once had she thought of it like that. Here she was picking on ponies for being blank flanks with her best friend, just like she was bullied when she was a blank flank. Was Platinum right? Was Diamond Tiara nothing more than a bully like the ones the once hated?

"No..."

"Silver-"

"NO! YOU’RE LYING! DT IS MY FRIEND!" Silver Spoon cried stomping the ground tears flowing dropping to the ground as she stomped.

Platinum reached for her trying to calm her down. "Silver please."

"NO! SHUT UP!" she choked between sobs.

"Silver Spoon please. You're better than this. She isn't a good friend. You need to stop seeing her."

"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" Silver screamed feeling her temper rise to the breaking point.

"Silver-"

"SHUT UP I HATE YOU!"

As the last words escaped her mouth, Silver Spoon shoved both hooves in her mouth gasping. Platinum was stunned by what she'd heard. looking down her mane fell covering her eyes.

"I see. So that's it then." Platinum walked past Silver Spoon not bothering to look at her.

Silver Spoon regretted what she said. Her mouth moved but no words came out. She tugged her sisters tail causing her to stop and glance over. "Platinum I didn't mean it." she sobbed. "I'm sorry. I don't hate you really. I was mad and wasn't thinking."

"No you weren't." She looked away from her younger sister walking back into the cafe. Before closing the door completely she held it open a crack.

"That's how these things start, Silver. I want you to know that. But clearly you aren't ready." With each word her voice rose in volume. "So, when you decide to grow up then you can come back and say you're sorry when you actually learn to take what you say into account."

She then slammed the door shut leaving Silver Spoon alone in the back with her thoughts.

"I'm sorry..." Silver Spoon sat down leaning her head on her hooves depressed. "I really screwed up." She thought about what her sister told her. *Have I really become what I hated all this time?* She never thought of what she did as the same thing that was done to her. But after being told she couldn't deny that it was in fact similar. No, it wasthe same thing. She bullied others for being blank flanks just as she was once.

"Why didn't I notice it before?" she asked on one in particular but someone answered anyway.

"Did you hurt someone you care for today too?" said a voice. Glancing around Silver Spoon found a blue unicorn mare with a silver mane done up in a ponytail and wore a white and black collared necktie. Wow. She's pretty. Silver Spoon thought. " Sorry to startle you but Trixie over heard your argument with Platinum."

"You know my sister?" she asked looking up at the strange mare.

"Yes Trixie knows Platinum. And you are?" She glanced at the filly.

"Silver Spoon. To answer your question, yes. I really messed up. I bet she hates me." The filly said kicking a rock on the ground. It rolled over to Trixie hitting her hoof. She picked it up with her magic looking at it thoughtfully before sitting next to Silver Spoon.

"You know she really cares about you right?" Trixie said still looking at the rock.

"Yeah. Yeah I know. I wish I never said I hated her. It was stupid of me," she answered as she began making circles with her hoof in the dirt.

'Yeah, Trixie did something similar earlier today."

"You too?"

"Yeah. I hurt someponies feelings. Somepony close to me. A friend." Trixie placed the rock down in the circle Silver Spoon made.

"Tell me?" Silver asked softly. Trixie smiled nodding at her. "Well, it all started after I took over the town..."Perhaps change to Madam Mayor, just to make it seem more distant, like the scene suggests.

Now you know he's a southern farmer, he used a double negative.

this pun. Boo. BOOOOO!

perhaps screamed would work better.

Second Day Silver and Diamonds (Final)

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As Trixie told her story about her taking over Ponyville Silver Spoon looked at her with a shocked expression. Here was a mare who took over the town and spoke so casually about it. It scared the metallic grey filly. "So um, Miss Trixie?" she asked wearily. "Do you hate Ponyville?"

"No, Trixie, doesn't hate Ponyville." Trixie twirled the rock with her magic a few times. "Certain individuals yes. You no."

Silver Spoon gave a sigh of relief hearing this. "So, now that Trixie told you about herself. What was that all about a filly named Diamond Tutu, or something?"

"Tiara," Silver Spoon corrected her." She's my best friend in the whole world."

The filly stuck her chest out with pride at the mention of her friend.

Trixie wondered who the filly was this, Diamond Tiara. From what Trixie gathered, she was a bully who picked on others she saw was lower than herself. *Just like Trixie once did not so long ago.*

She turned to face the filly rubbing her back. "What's she like? Your friend?"

Silver Spoon was positively beaming at the chance to boast about her childhood friend.

"She's awesome! She once saved me from a pack of bullies when I was a blank flank and for having to wear glasses."

Silver Spoon pulled her blue rims off inspecting them closely handing them to Trixie. Trixie observed the glasses and the thick frame testing it. The lenses were thick as well. Looking through she realized why they were so. They made it to where the blue mare couldn't see anything except for a big blur. It was very clear to Trixie Silver Spoon’s eye sight was all but shot without them.

"Trixie can't see a thing with these."

Handing the rims back, Silver replaced them on her face once again. "Yeah. Without them I can't see at all. Everything is just one big blur to me. She helped me once when they took my glasses and help me around for the day until I got home. We've been friends ever since."

Trixie nodded still gazing at the rock. "She sounds nice."

Silver Spoon nodded in agreement. "She is," she said looking up at the azure mare. "So, what did you do today?" Trixie looked at her confused. "You said you messed up too. What happened, if you don't mind tell me?"

Silver Spoon giggled lightly. "Well, it's only fair since you told Trixie."

Trixie told Silver Spoon about the joke she made about Mary's mane and calling her pinks. Silver Spoon was surprised by how the Mayor reacted. "I never knew it was such a touchy subject for her," Silver Spoon admitted staring at the ground. "And Diamond Tiara, thought it was a good idea to publish that article too."

Trixie was about to respond when something in her mind clicked. This Diamond Tiara filly published the article? Could she be apart of the elusive Gabby Gums? Dark thoughts passed into her mind on how to get back at the filly for the lies she wrote about Igneous and Trixie. Then again, she was just a filly. She didn't know any better.

From what Trixie was told by Silver Spoon and heard from her fight with her sister Platinum, it was very plausible that she didn't know the weight of what she'd done. But Trixie couldn't shake the feeling off. She was so close to learning the truth, she just needed to ask the right questions.

"So, Silver Spoon. What do you mean she allowed the article to be published?" Trixie asked with concern. "Was your friend Gabby Gums?"

Silver Spoon shook her head. "Good heavens no! Nopony from school would tell us who Gabby Gums was. All I know is that Gabby Gums is or was a she and she goes or went to my school, Ponyville Elementary. Diamond Tiara never told me."

Trixie nodded as the filly continued on with her explanation. Silver Spoon lowered her head as her mane covered her eyes. "She never keeps secrets from me."

Trixie looked down at her saddened. The silver filly pawed her mane smelling the lilac scented soap she'd used this morning. "You know she only wants to keep you safe right?"

"Huh?"

"Your sister," Trixie said pointing back behind her. "She wants what's best for you. Sisters have different ways of showing it but you should listen to her advice."

Silver Spoon thought about it. Platinum always did know what was best. She took care of her when her parents were out of town. She was there for every school play, rehearsals or events she was a part of. "I need to tell her, I'm sorry." Silver Spoon whispered.

Trixie cracked a smile looking at the sky and realized it was later than she meant to stay out. Panicked she stood up abruptly scaring Silver Spoon. "Sorry, but Trixie is late for work and she must be on her way! It was nice meeting you Silver Spoon!"

Trixie ran around the building as Silver Spoon waved weakly to her. Trixie practically barged into the cafe just as the last customer left the register. She saw Platinum who waved to her. "Trixie over here!”

Walking over Trixie hugged the mare over the counter. "It's good to see you again Platinum."

"You too Trixie." Breaking the hug Platinum rang up the order without being told. "One coffee black and a croissant?" she asked slyly wiggling her eyebrows.

Trixie rolled her eyes and replied sarcastically, "You know Trixie so well."

Platinum giggled to herself making the cutest face she could. "I try."

It wasn't more than a minute before the order was ready that Platinum brought it out handing it over to Trixie. "So Trixie," Trixie halted looking back at her, "I know you are still new to town but I was wondering if you get some time off, maybe we could go hang out and see a movie sometime?"

The mare seemed nervous when she asked. Trixie noticed the subtle thing the earth pony did like little nervous ticks. Platinum was wrapping her hooves in her apron and she didn't meet Trixie's gaze. Trixie didn't even remember she was in a hurry and all.

"Sure, Trixie wouldn't mind."

Platinum looked up grinning. "Great! Well let me know when you have off, okay? Come back soon Trixie." she sang waving to her. Trixie waved back and hurried out the door and ran through town towards Town Hall.

*Mary's Office*

Twilight and Spike sat in front of Mary at her desk waiting. "So Mayor, what was it you wanted to talk about?" Twilight asked glancing at Spike. The young drake was looking at the old photo of Mary and Derpy with her daughter Dinky. Twilight nudged him getting his attention. "Spike, don't stare."

Twilight scolded him. "It's rude."

"Sorry," he replied twiddling his fingers.

Mary picked up the photo looking it over. The oak frame was hoof made and the glass was made by a professional glass maker using a sturdy crystal like material. "I actually wanted to talk to you about this Twilight. Have you been able to do anything for her?"

Twilight sighed shaking her head. "Sorry Mayor. I can't do anything for her." Mary's expression dropped. Her eyes watered up as she stared at the picture. "Bu-but she's not getting any worse!" Twilight quickly added. Mary looked over to her and Spike forcing a smile.

"Thank you for trying Twilight." she said placing the photo back on the table. "I was wondering if she might, remember me at all?" she asked in a desperate tone.

Twilight looked uncomfortable. She played with her tail stroking it twice before letting it fall to the ground. "I can't say for sure. Mental exercises can help and objects from a pony's life can help jog their memory. Ultimately all you can do is hope." Twilight placed a hoof on hers. "Mary." Twilight calmly began to stroke the tan mare's hoof with hers. "I'm here for you if you ever need me, OK?" Twilight cupped her hooves over Mary's and they shared a smile.

"Well, I have to get ready for my next meeting. Thank you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled. "No problem Mary."

", Twilight, I need to talk to you about Trixie."

Twilight sighed looking over to Spike who had remained silent, but now chose to voice his mind.

"Madam mayor, she already told you Trixie was under the influence of the alicorn amulet. She was not in charge of her own actions. We've forgiven her and you shouldn't hold it against her." he stated matter of factually.

Both mares looked to him in surprise. Neither had expected him to support Trixie in this manner. For Twilight it was refreshing to see.

He held up his claws. "What? It's true?"

Twilight smiled at him nuzzling him. "Aww Spike, I didn't know you could be so mature!"

"Heh, I know,” he said with a wave of his claw.

The mayor smiled at the two. At at least she didn't have to defend Trixie when she brings this up now.

"Actually I wanted to speak to the two of you about her,” she continued, getting their attention.

The dragon and pony stopped looking at the tan mare expectantly. "I need to make living arrangements for her while she stays in Ponyville."

"What exactly do you mean, mayor?" Twilight asked.

"She is now my secretary and needs a place to stay," she started looking down at Trixie's file she'd pulled out from her desk. "I need her close by and her home was destroyed here and she has no place to live."

Twilight thought hard about this. In retrospect she felt guilty not being able to compensate Trixie for her loss, which would have been an easy letter to write to Celestia about, but alas she was too caught up in other things to get to it. *I never should have let her leave the first time without helping her,* she thought. Twilight looked at the wood grains on the mayor's desk and saw many that converged at several points, but one stuck out and never met the others. She took it as a sign that Trixie was a special case that needed to be treated properly.

After all, she was a student on the magic of friendship and she had an obligation to Trixie to help her. She looked to Spike who gave her a supportive nod. She gave a silly grin knowing he'd be fine with whatever she decided. It was a deep seeded bond that helped them in tight pinches before and it helped in times of hardship. Then she thought of places where Trixie could stay.

"What about at Applejack's farm, mayor?" she asked.

Mary cringed at the thought of Trixie and Applejack living together.

"I was actually at Sweet Apple Acres with Trixie not but a day ago and Applejack, made her distaste of Trixie's presence very well known. I'm not sure your friends are going to be any better. Pinkie might be the best, but I feel Trixie won't get along with her well."

"It takes a special kind of pony to live with Pinkie." Twilight nodded sagely. "She's a good mare but can be much to handle. I respect the Cakes for taking such good care of her as well as the kids. In turn Pinkie takes good care of them too."

"Speaking of which, where is Trixie?" Spike asked looking around from his seat, expecting Trixie to jump out any second like Pinkie.

Mary took off her glasses rubbing the ridge of her nose grumbling at the insult Trixie made about her mane. "She had a previous engagement with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. She's working there as part of her punishment. Community service."

The other two looked at her oddly. "Didn't you say she was not welcome at Sweet Apple Acres by, AJ?"

"Yes, and no." Mary replaced her glasses and tightened her tie. "Applejack said she could work there but, well you know Applejack..."

They all sighed nodding together. AJ was a hard case and they all knew it. Especially with ponies like Trixie.

They went over several ideas of what to do with her, as far as living arrangements go. Nothing was coming up. The other Elements might not take well to her and vice versa. Just when they'd given up, Spike spoke up.

"Madam, mayor?' The two mares looked to him. "Where did she stay yesterday?"

Mary pointed to herself. "She was with me at my place yesterday. Why?"

"Well, why not have her live with you?" He shrugged. "We're busy with arranging the library and nopony else would likely want her. So, why not have her with somepony who has already accepted her and likes her?"

Twilight smiled at him with pride. "That's.. actually a good point Spike! Wow, I didn't know you could be so empathetic!"

Spike tilted his head in a confused manner to what Twilight said. "I'm what?"

"Never mind. But he does bring up a good point though, she should just stay with you mayor." Twilight exclaimed happily clapping her hooves together.

"I don't know, Twilight, I just don't know." Her mind went back to her thoughts earlier in the morning. "Coworkers living together can lead to... unusual things."

"But she has nopony else mayo- Mary. She needs support. Think about it." The unicorn glanced at the clock seeing 11:59. "Oh! Spike we have to go! Sorry Mayor, but we need to go, prior engagement and all, you understand?"

"Of course."

The two ponies stood up while Spike hopped on Twilight's back. Mary opened the door for her guests and let them out first. She glanced over to the desk she had placed inside during the morning. A brand-new mahogany desk with six drawers and a bookcase behind it with a file cabinet beside it. The new furniture smell was still hanging in the air, little bits of styrofoam littered the ground.

Mary lead the two to the door letting them out. After seeing the two out Mary walked past Trixie's desk which was empty. She glanced at the clock which read 12:02. *She's late.* Suddenly the doors burst open revealing an exhausted Trixie with her coffee. Trixie dragged herself across the floor panting as the coffee floated over to Mary who grabbed it with her hoof. She turned to look down at the azure unicorn.

"You're late."

Trixie caught her breath and weakly stood up. "Sorry, madam mayor, but Trixie got caught with something important." The azure mare breathed heavily despite having time to rest. "She promises it won't happen again."

Mary held a stoic expression. "Very well, Miss Lulamoon. Make sure it doesn't happen again." She turned to head to her office not saying a word after. Trixie pawed the floor as Mary slammed the door behind her and a distinct sound of a lock turning echoed the hall. Trixie winced at the sound slinking over to her desk there was a pile of papers with a note on them. *Sign and file these papers before the end of the day.*

Placing the note aside, the depressed and saddened Trixie began the long tedious task of signing and filing papers. As the day progressed three meetings took place. The first was with the secondary weather manager, the second was some nutty old mare talking about parasprites eating her pillow stuffing, the third was Mr. Rich and his daughter. Trixie knocked on the door leading to the mayor's office. After a minute the door unlocked and she entered cautiously.

"Madam mayor. Mr. Rich is here to see you."

"Send him in please," Mary commanded coldly.

Trixie shivered at the response stepping aside she opened the door for Mr. Rich to pass. "The mayor will see you now Mr. Rich."

"Thank you Miss Lulamoon. Now Diamond, go sit in the lobby and wait for me, okay?" he asked, hugging his daughter.

"Yes daddy."

The small pink filly responded returning the hug before she marched to the couch and sat down with a stiff posture. Trixie returned to her desk and sat down continuing to work on the papers grumbling to herself at the same time as her quill scratched against the papers. After thirty minutes she realized the pink filly was staring at her. Placing the quill to the side she glanced over to her.

"Can Trixie help you young Miss?" she asked as kindly as possible trying not to sound too annoyed. Which wasn't saying much considering how she felt.

"Yeah, are you Trixie? As in the so called, Great and Powerful Trixie?" the filly asked nervously. Trixie nodded once. "I see. So um, yeah." She looked down adjusting her tiara in her head. Suddenly Trixie remembered something Silver Spoon said. A pony named Diamond Tiara? Could this be her?

"So, you're Diamond Tiara?" Trixie ventured a guess.

The filly looked shocked at her and Trixie knew she had the right one. Why was she so scared though? There was something she wanted to asked her if she ever found her, but in her haste to get to work on time Trixie had completely forgotten.

"Your friend Silver Spoon speaks highly of you." Trixie stood up stretching.

Diamond Tiara sighed in relief. "Yeah, Spoony, is the best." Diamond Tiara began stroking her mane. "I'm really lucky to have a friend like her. She'll never abandon me. Ever."

When Trixie looked at her Diamond held a saddened expression. Trixie sat in the chair across from the pink filly crossing her legs. "Something the matter little one?"

Diamond Tiara bit her bottom lip hearing that. "Nopony has called me that since my mother died."

Diamond’s eyes began tear up. Trixie realized she hit another sensitive subject and quickly reacted. She moved next to the filly and placed an arm around her pulling her close petting her mane. She flinched from the contact but accepted the hug all the same. Leaning into Trixie, Diamond felt warm and safe with not a worry in the world. Suddenly she realized she was embracing a complete stranger and pulled away. Trixie felt hurt by this but she understood. Then she got an idea to lighten the mood.

Trixie stood on her chair doing a heroic pose. "Hey, how would you like to see Trixie perform?"

"Perform? What do you mean?"

"Well, before Trixie worked for the Mayor as her personal assistant, Trixie was a marvelous performer the likes which nopony had ever seen!" she announced sending arcane fireworks across the room.

They disappeared as quickly as they appeared before tiny fairy ponies formed from the colored sparks left behind. Diamond tiara was stunned by the spectacle. As the tiny fairy ponies started to dance until a voice boomed from the Mayor's Office.

"TRIXIE, NO FIREWORKS IN THE HALL!"

Trixie flinched, as did the firepony conjurations mimicking her motions. "Apologies Madam Mayor." She proceeded to mock her by making a silly face and placing her hooves at her hips wiggling back and forth. The pink filly giggled at the silly mare catching her attention. "Well, Trixie thinks somepony has a stick wedged up where Celestia's sun don't shine. Huh?" Trixie nudged the filly as she tried hard not to laugh.

Trixie continued to perform for Diamond Tiara until the Mayor concluded her business with Mr. Rich. The two ponies came out of her office to see a happy filly laughing at the silly antics of a full grown mare. Admittedly, they also found it amusing as Trixie stood on one arm balancing a plate and a book on her nose while juggling a few more books with her back legs. Trixie looked to see what a noise was behind her losing her balance and fell to the floor with a dull thud as her makeshift props fell beside her. Diamond Tiara clapped her hooves laughing as Trixie got up bowing to her.

Mr. Rich joined in clapping his hooves. "Well, done Miss Lulamoon! Very well done! I see you got my daughter's spirits up."

Diamond Tiara blushed pushing her father. He laughed walking to Trixie. "Miss Lulamoon, I hear you're working at Sweet Apple Acres for the week. If you wouldn't mind I'd like you to oversee my daughters punishment by having her assist you. I already made arrangements with Big Mac and the Mayor, would you be interested?" Trixie was about to say, 'yes' when Mr. Rich spoke again. "I would pay you of course."

Trixie flinched. She needed money but she couldn't take money to help a filly in need. Diamond probably didn't mean to say so much, but it didn't sit well with Trixie. "Trixie would be happy to assist you for free Mr. Rich." She bowed politely.

"But daddy!" Diamond Tiara wined. "Why do I have to work on a filthy farm?"

"You're in trouble young lady. After everything you've done I can't turn a blind eye anymore. You need to learn responsibility. I think a little hard work to earn your bits will help," he said flatly. He turned to Trixie extending a hoof which Trixie shook. "Thank you Miss Lulamoon. I'll see you tomorrow at Sweet Apple Acres then?"

"Yes Mr. Rich I look forward to it." Trixie smiled. She knelt down to Diamond Tiara. "Don't worry, working on a farm is a lot of fun once you get use to it."

Diamond Tiara sighed moodily.. "Fine.”.

"Excellent, then we're in agreement then! Come along Diamond Tiara."

"Yes father. Goodbye Trixie!" The filly followed her father. "Goodbye mayor!"

The two ponies exited the Town Hall leaving Trixie and Mary alone. Not saying a word Mary made for her office but was intercepted by Trixie. "Madam mayor? Can Trixie speak to you please?"

Mary stood staring for a minute. Her stoic expression seemed so clod to Trixie. It sent shivers down her spin. "Step in my office Miss Lulamoon." Mary responded coldly walking past Trixie. She sat at her desk looking very annoyed as Trixie sat down feeling awkward. "So what do you wish to speak about Miss Lulamoon?"

*Why does she keep saying Trixie's name like that?* she thought. "Trixie was hoping to make up for her mistake earlier."

Mary cocked her head slightly picking up a quill with her hoof and began to write on a scroll. "Oh, is that all?" Mary didn't even look up. "Well, if that's all you may go then. Your comment is noted." That had done it. Now Trixie was sure this was deliberate and she wouldn't stand for This.

"Mary," Trixie said sternly, taking the quill away with her magic. Mary glared angrily at the unicorn.

"What is the meaning of this!?"

"Please, hear Trixie!"

Mary sighed leaning back in her chair rubbing her ridge of her nose. "Very well, you may speak."

Trixie gave a sigh of relief sitting back in her chair. "Thank you. Trixie is really, really sorry about the nickname she said to you. Trixie didn't mean it as an insult."

"So you say." *That was mean. Why did I say that? She's trying and I really should give her a chance*. "Sorry. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Please continue."

"Well, Trixie wishes there to be no hard feelings between us so..." she paused trying to think what to say. "Trixie said what she did because she, Trixie is..."

Mary watched as Trixie stumbled over herself trying to come up with something to say. But the harder she tried the worse it got. I can't let her just go on like this. Mary thought sympathetically. She's been through enough. "Miss Lulamoon."

"No! Trixie can do this just give her a second to -"

"Trixie!" That stopped the unicorn dead in her tracks. "Trixie, it's okay. I forgive you." Mary got up and walked over to her. "I know you didn't mean it. I’m just, how did you put it, 'have a stick wedge up where the sun don't shine?’” she said giving Trixie a cheeky grin.

Trixie looked at the floor clearly embarrassed. Mary had a conflict of emotions at this moment. One one hoof she liked Trixie but she didn't want things to get awkward between them. She thought about her past relationships and how she was flaky with the most of them. She was a player in her youth and often got in trouble for being that way. She changed when she'd met Derpy early in her career.

Then there was Derpy's condition. She'd recently, within the last year, gotten amnesia of some sort making her forget her relationship with Mary. Now, she felt similarly towards Trixie as she did with Derpy back then. Maybe she hadn't changed as much as she'd thought. Maybe she was still a player.

She couldn't get over the poor mare and her condition. It tore her up to even be near Trixie. It broke her heart to feel that she was betraying Derpy. But how long should she wait before it became too long? Sure she was older than most, but she wasn't getting any younger either, and Trixie was a nice pony. Kind. Considerate. Understanding if a bit rash at times but she had a big heart, Mary knew this.

"You really forgive Trixie?" the unicorn asked looking hopeful.

Mary tapped her chin with a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, I suppose so. I was being unreasonable about my hair. Just know that’s a touchy subject for me Trixie.”

Trixie nodded hugging Mary.

The tan mare hugged back and quickly added, “Of course Trixie could make dinner tonight and that may earn her a few brownie points."

"Well, Trixie better start thinking about what to do for tonight," Trixie said in a overly dramatic proper tone. "What do you desire my lady?"

Mary cheeks reddened at the phrase. "Surprise me," she answered removing her glasses placing them on the desk, "I'm not terribly picky."

Trixie nodded exiting the room to finish her work. Mary sighed, taking her quill and once again began to write before she realized she couldn't see. Replacing her glasses she continued from where she left off on her document.

Later in the day the two ponies locked up and instead of heading home they both went their separate ways with different destinations in mind.

"So Trixie, I'm heading off to see a friend I'll see you at home right?" Mary asked her.

Trixie nodded glancing back at her through the door. "You mean, Trixie can stay with you?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah, I can't let you live on the streets now can I?"

Trixie looked away dejectedly hiding it as best she could. "Right of course. Trixie is an asset nothing more," she whispered to herself.

"What was that Trixie?" Mary asked not hearing her.

"Oh nothing!" Trixie shook her head. "Trixie just said see you at home!" She made a beeline to the market hoping some of the stalls were still open so she could get ingredients for dinner tonight while Mary was out with her friend.

"Bye Trixie see you back home!"

Mary waved to her heading south of town. She was greeted by many ponies, all friendly except for one cat call made by the town drunk mare Berry Punch, and once again Mary ignored it. After ten minutes of walking she stopped at a familiar cottage with a mailbox that had a muffin on it and a smaller identical one next to it with a muffin and Jr. written on it.

The place itself wasn't big. It was a simple one story cottage made of brick and wood. It had a small garden in the front with grape vines in it and various vegetables. It was common in Ponyville to have a garden. In fact there was a month contest for the most beautiful and productive gardens in all of Ponyville. Sweet Apple Acres being the exception from the contest because that wouldn't be fair.

Mary glanced into the window seeing the famous wall eyed mare carrying dishes on her back. Steeling herself for the conversation ahead, Mary approached the cottage and gave the door a solid three knocks. Moments later the door opened revealing a tiny grey unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail. She looked up at the older mare beaming happily at her.

The filly screamed tackling the mare with a hug. "MARY! Mom! Mom! Mary's here!"

The filly yelled pulling the mare inside and guided her to a large couch and sat her there.

Inside the entryway Mary looked about as the filly ran off to fetch her mother. It was a small entryway it had three paths. To the left of the entryway was the rooms, the center was the kitchen/dining area, and the right was the bathroom and lounge room. Walking over to the lounge room Mary sat herself on the couch waiting patiently. A minute later the unicorn filly came in leaping onto Mary's lap as a familiar grey pegasus entered to room. Mary smiled sadly at her as the pegasus smiled back with an almost absent minded look.

"Hello again Derpy."How the hell do you do that?

This sounds like a porno name.

hey just cause there's lots of yuri in this fic doesn't mean I will put everypoy together. baka.

I call BS.

Just like Granny Smith.

Second Day- Nighttime Errands and Feelings of Passion (Final)

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*Mary at Derpy’s House*

Mary sat across Derpy and her daughter Dinky. The filly was so happy to see her as was Derpy. She made tea for them to enjoy while Dinky had apple juice. She wasn't much of a fan of tea like the older mares. Dinky listened to the older ponies paying close attention to what was said. The two were intent on making up for lost time.

"It' so good to see you two again." Mary took a sip of her tea giving Derpy a longing look. "I also heard you're back on the mailforce Derpy. "

The wall eyed pegasus giggled. "It's great to see you too Mary," she replied. "The accident wasn't as bad as others might have thought. Everyday I remember a little bit more and more. But much of it's still a blur to me." Mary struggled with this. *So she doesn't remember us then?* she thought.

Mary thought back to the little filly sipping her apple juice. Derpy looked at Mary with a saddened expression patting her daughter’s head, "Dinky really misses you. You don't visit us often like you use too."

The filly took this moment to scramble to Mary's lap and rubbed against her chest in a catlike manner.

"You never even say, ‘hi’ anymore." Dinky pouted.

"Sorry, you two." Mary placed her cup on the saucer plate, patting the filly's mane. "I've been really busy as of late. Considering Trixie and her hostile takeover."

"That mare's a big jerk for what she did! She should have been banished."

Both mares looked at her with shocked expressions. Mary was surprised by the outburst from the filly while Derpy looked absolutely horrified at her daughter's harsh words.

"Dinky!" Derpy’s face hardened with a stern glare. "We don't speak that way about anybody!"

Mary tilted her head in confusion at Derpy’s strange words. "Don't you mean anypony, Derpy?"

Derpy shook her head vigorously holding Dinky close to her. "No, I mean anybody! Changeling, griffon, pony, and every non-pony race! Nobody deserves that. To be alone forever exiled for past mistakes." Derpy pulled her daughter into a tight hug. "Heaven knows I've made some mistakes myself," Dinky said nothing but nuzzled her mother burying her face in her chest.

"Sorry, momma."

Dinky looked down dejectedly at the floor feeling ashamed.Her mother nodded approvingly patting her on the head. Mary joined the two in a small group hug. A sweet scent of blueberry hung onto the grey mare and filly. Derpy did love her muffins, as did Dinky. *Like mother like daughter.*

Derpy then looked up at Mary with a happier expression. "I've heard from Mr. Rich and Platinum that you took Trixie in as your assistant. I'm so proud of you Mary."

Seeing the mare in such high spirits always brightened Mary’s day.

"Yeah, I found her in my office the same night after Twilight and her friends bested her before the delegation arrived." She took a long sip of her tea as Derpy looked excited while Dinky looked deep in thought. Somehow she gets so thoughtful for a filly her age. Mary wondered looking at the filly. "When I saw her she was wondering what to do. I couldn't just kick her out of town, I don't have the heart to do such a thing, so I took her under my tutelage."

Derpy nodded approvingly. "I'm happy you forgave her Mary. The poor dear seemed so upset about something but wouldn't talk to anypony about it. That awful amulet corrupted her to where she wasn't herself." Derpy looked down at her daughter who glanced up to her. "I wonder how her mother feels?"

Mary rubbed her arm looking at grey mare, feeling envious of Derpy’s daughter. "I'm sure that she'd be proud of the effort Trixie’s making to change herself for the better."

This made Mary wonder what Trixie's mother was like. Was she kind and caring like Derpy or was she more traditional like Granny Smith? It made her wonder what kind of life and upbringing lead to Trixie being the way she was. It also made her wonder what kind of mother she could have been had she had a child of her own. *Would Trixie like kids? She always seemed so fond of them. Yeah, I think she would love kids.* Mary thought as Dinky waddled over to her standing on her lap.

"Mary?" The filly looked up to her standing on her hind legs leaning on her chest, "Why did you make Trixie your assistant?"

"Dinky," Derpy warned. "Please, don't pester poor Mary. She's had a rough week."

"Yeah because that awful pony made her sit in a cage for a week!" Dinky retorted to her mother.

Derpy's kind expression soured instantly. Mary had seen it once before when Derpy got angry at her for missing a date. It was a cold night on the couch it was. What followed was the Muffin Family tradition of scolding.

Derpy gave a solemn expression as she shook her head. "Oh Dinky. My little muffin. We don't say things like that about others you know that."

"But momma-"

"She was a pony in need." Mary's calm casual voice silenced them both. "Dinky, you see Trixie has few friends. They live too far away for her to get there on her own right now."

Mary picked up the filly cradling her in her arms like an infant. "Trixie had nopony to guide her in her time of need. So, I took it upon myself to help her. The job, home, and a friend all in one. She's come a long way in a few days," She looked up to Derpy who smiled back at her. "I'm happy to have met her and to call her my friend." Mary finished placing Dinky on the ground.

Derpy got a sly look on her face as she walked over sitting next to Mary, Dinky climbed up to sit with her. "Only as a friend? Are you sure Mary?"

"Yes as a friend, why?" Mary asked not sure where she was going with this.

Derpy giggled covering her mouth after a short snort. "Oh, I think you know what I mean Mary." She leaned over into her ear and whispered: "I think you like her. And I mean like, like her."

Mary shoved the mare away causing her to giggle like a school filly. "Now see here I have no such feelings for my friend. I barely know her."

"Dinky, my little muffin."

"Yes momma?"

"Will you please go to your room. I need to talk to the Mayor about something important." She kissed her daughter on the head as Mary ruffled her mane.

The little unicorn giggled nodding. "Okay, momma. Good night Mary!" Dinky ran up, hugging Mary. She then ran upstairs to her room followed closely by the thd of a door closing.

Once alone, the two mares waited refilling their cups and enjoying the company of one another. "So, do you like this Trixie girl?" Derpy asked bluntly making Mary choke on her tea. She looked at the wall eyed mare glaring at her.

"Yes, I do like her. Just not in the way you think," Mary responded setting her cup down.

Mary thought back two years when she first met Derpy and Dinky. The two were moving to Ponyville looking to make a fresh start for themselves from their life in Cloudsdale. Derpy was a normal pegasus at the time. Her walleyed nature was to come at a later time. Once settled in, she and Dinky went to Mary's office to finalize their residency in Ponyville. When the two mares met it was love at first sight.

Thinking about it made her wonder how she felt about Trixie. Sure she was cute and smart, but was it alright for her to like her when she still thought about Derpy? Did she even feel that way towards her? It was too soon to say, but it was driving her mad to think about. Just then she got to the point to where she just had to ask. It could no longer wait.

*I've waited so long and sacrificed so much.* She thought looking at Derpy, eating a muffin. She chewed it with a smile on her face enjoying the taste of the blueberries and the buttery bread combination.

"Derpy." She looked over to her hostess. "Do you think it's okay to love again? Like after somepony you loved is gone and can never come back? Is it alright to love another or is that betraying their memory and the feelings that once existed?"

Blinking a few times, Derpy smiled pulling the tan mare close with a hug. "Of course it is Mary. Why wouldn't it be okay to fall in love again? Only a selfish pony would tell their loved one to never love again. If it were me, I'd tell the pony I loved if you ever find it again, give it a comfortable shoulder to lay on."

Mary stared at her for a while, her brain processing what it had just heard. She then smiled hugging the grey mare. Suddenly their lips connected. A strong feeling of closure feel on both of them. As they separated Mary got to her hooves with Derpy by her side. "Thank you Derpy."

"I may be younger but I have a mother's intuition. Go get her while you have a chance Mary." Derpy walked over to the door opening it for her. "She won't wait forever. Neither should you."

"Oh Derpy. Thank you."

The two hugged. "Promise you'll still come to visit. Poor Dinky would be cross If you didn't stop by from time to time."

"I promise I will." Mary walked out the door stopping before the entrance. "I will never forget you, Derpy. You're the best friend a mare could ask for."

The silly pegasus smiled giving her a fond farewell. Once gone Derpy looked over at her table. In the center was two photos. One was of her and Terminal Velocity and the other was her and Mary with Dinky. She sighed at the two photos as she had a strong sense of nostalgia. *Don't live in the past Mary. Always look to the future.* She picked up the photo with a signature that said: Terminal Velocity, It had a blue pegasus mare with a teal curly mane wearing a leather jacket with a big grin on her face. Taking a moment to look it over, she departed to her room for the night stopping by Dinky's room before hand to say goodnight.

Meanwhile Mary made her way through the market. It was a the height of the twilight hour, the sun was setting and a sea of orange reds and violets painted the sky. Ponies were finishing their daily tasks and some were preparing for the night. Others were awakening to start their days. Everything was perfect. Ponies waved and greeted the Mayor of Ponyville as she made her way through the market looking for a familiar azure unicorn.

A loud explosion was heard like a loud firework going off behind her. Turning to see the source of the disturbance, she noticed several ponies from earlier had gathered near the center of the market circling around something. *Oh Trixie you didn't start something did you?* Mary panicked galloping towards the crowd hoping Trixie was not a part of this. She made her way through the towns folk circling a building and following it as a guide through the sea of ponies. Once she got to the end many of the ponies were leaving with looks of disgust while others were simply embarrassed or seemed uninterested.

She then spotted Applejack in the crowd with Rarity, Rainbow Dash and their respective sisters. Rarity was chewing Applejack out about something while Rainbow was hovering above them with Scootaloo in her arms and Apple Bloom held a scowl on her face looking at Applejack. As Mary approached the group, Applejack stormed off on her own as Mary intercepted her. "Dear, me Applejack is something the matter?" she asked concerned as the others went off together.

Applejack scowled at her friends. "Yeah, mah friends think that I've been to hard on Trixie. But that disgusting fillyfooler is in the middle of town doing her sick acts!"

Mary was taken back by the comment. She never expected Applejack to be so... backwards, being an Element of Harmony and all. Her thoughts were derailed as Applejack's words sunk in. Suddenly she felt tense and an aching feeling in her heart arose. "Wait, did you say Trixie was doing this?"

AJ scowled at the dispersing crowd. "Yeah, that fillyfooler is out there right now with that Platinum Spoon. Never liked her sister Silver Spoon for being a bully to mah sister. Now, I know fillyfooling is a bad thing and makes you into a horrible pony," Applejack growled, with no remorse in her voice only hate and contempt.

Mary didn't spare a moment. She ran past Applejack, and shoved her way through the crowd and when she finally reached the end of the sea of bodies, she found Trixie embracing Platinum with a deep kiss holding her hooves with hers. Mary hid in an alley clenching her chest daring not to look again. Feelings of anger, sadness, and jealousy arose in her heart. She dared to look once again to see Platinum and Trixie walking off into the sunset heading for home as Trixie carried a basket of food from the market.

Tears poured from her eyes as she growled punching the side of the building she was near. *It should be me! I should be there by her side! I waited all this time and for what!?* she thought stomping the ground. Devastated by what she saw she ran straight home not wanting to see anymore. Her heart ached and she could only feel contempt for Platinum. She ran never looking back.

In a minute she reached her small home in the outer rim of Ponyville. Making a beeline for the door she unlocked the door and went inside.

*Why do I feel this way to a pony I only met a day ago?* she thought slamming the door to her house behind her.

Once home Mary locked herself in her room and went straight to bed. She ignored the hunger groans her tummy gave off, choosing to drift off to a sorrowful sleep. She thought about what she saw at the town market, how depressing it was to see Trixie kissing another mare. Depression and tiredness all combined together and forced her into a deep sleep.Show, don't tell. Show her struggle, don't tell us she struggled.

Second Day Part Two Aggression and Feelings (Final)

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*Earlier that evening in the market*

Trixie was walking through the market searching for ingredients for tonight's meal. It had to be perfect. The soup she wanted to make required only the freshest ingredients and then it had to be made with proper care and precision. It was a recipe birthed from alchemy. In her mind she was perfectly suited for the task. As she made her way through to the market, she came across a carrot stand with a yellow earth pony mare with a curly orange mane watching it. The yellow mare was happily finishing a transaction with another pony when Trixie approached the stand.

Trixie stood in front of the stand inspecting the carrots carefully deep in thought not realizing the mare was glaring at her.

"Miss, how much for ten carrots?" Trixie asked, looking up. The mare said nothing. Instead she turned her open sign to closed quickly slapping it down pointing at it. "Oh, Trixie apologizes."

Trixie turned to walk away feeling just awful at the treatment she received. Her temper starting to rise as she heard ponies talking about her from behind. It seemed to her that all eyes were on her for the most part and waiting for her to pass before they’d start talking about her.

"Is that really Trixie? What's she doing here?" One pony asked.

"I don't think she ever left." Another pony spoke.

"I heard she works for the Mayor now as an secretary or something." Another said in response.

"I wish she'd go away." a cream earth pony with a blue and pink striped mane said.

"Hey come on now Sweets, don't say that," A mint green unicorn with golden eyes responded. "I hear she's really nice, specially to foals."

"Oh great," The cream pony said, glaring at Trixie. "So she's a monster and a pedophile as well?"

"That's not what I said at all!" The unicorn responded standing on her hind legs. "She helps them! She doesn't touch them."

Trixie silently wished the strange pony would stop talking. It wasn't everyday she got defended by a complete stranger, but she was complimented also which went a long way for her. Maybe there's hope for her yet.

"Hey Trixie!"

A sudden voice called making her jump in fright. She turned to see Platinum right behind her laughing so hard she rolled over on the floor.

"Oh, ha ha Platinum." Trixie glared at her. "So, what brings you to the Great and Powerful Trixie fair maiden?"

After regaining her composure Platinum stood up blushing. "I saw you walk past the cafe, so I decided to see if you'd like some company."

Trixie nodded waving her hoof. "Sure, Trixie could see some company while she gathers ingredients for dinner tonight." Platinum squealed following her like a lost puppy.

The two friends traveled among the few stands left that would accept their business, and after two hours Trixie finally had what she needed to make a perfect dinner for Mary. Platinum watched with a curious look on her face as she looked over the items bought. Thirty carrots, cabbage, two potatoes, several spices, rice and a small sapphire? She wondered what Trixie had in mind for her dinner that could include a sapphire. She knew dragons ate gems, Spike was famous in Ponyville, but what could Trixie do with it?

Her curiosity peaked and she asked Trixie, "So, what are you going to make?"

Trixie came to a stop looking over at her. "It's a secret recipe Trixie learned from my friends at a rock farm. She can't tell you though, but it is the best carrot soup Trixie has ever had in her life."

Unsatisfied with the answer Platinum pouted at Trixie who simply goggled walking away, It was killing Platinum to not know, but a secret from a friend was important to keep. Losing a friends trust is the fastest way to lose a friend after all.

"Well, if you make it I'm sure it'll be wonderful." Platinum said smiling. Trixie blushed at the comment as the two continued. "But one ingredient is still needed. Trixie must find a particular pony first that is."

Trixie looked out into a crowd of ponies and found who she was looking for, Rarity. Ironically she had been heading towards the Carousel Boutique to find the fancy mare only to meet her here along the way. Trixie saw she wasn't alone either. Their was a white unicorn with a puffy pink mane and tail following her pulling a rather large wagon sweating like a soaked sponge.

*Gross*. They both thought, watching the white unicorn filly struggling to pull her cart.

Then there was a familiar rainbow maned pegasus, Rainbow Dash, with a orange filly on a scooter along with a yellow earth pony with a red mane and a large pink bow on her head. Then she saw her least favorite pony in the world, Applejack.

Trixie glared at the orange earth pony as she approached the group. The orange pegasus filly stopped and pointed to Trixie and all heads turned to face her. Trixie waved at the group smiling as best she could after seeing Applejack, Sweetie Belle waved back as did Apple Bloom. Rarity waved weakly while Rainbow Dash glared at her and Applejack approached her with a sneer.

"What do you want Trixie?"

"Now Applejack, please be nice," Rarity mediated to her friend approaching Trixie and Platinum. "Dear Platinum! How have you been darling?!" She leapt to the metallic pony hugging her. The mare grinned, looking over to Trixie.

"I made a new friend." Platinum said reaching for the unicorn and wrapped an arm around her pulling her close. AJ piped in a moment later.

"Well, gee wiz," Applejack stepped between the two. "So you are friends with her now Platinum? Huh. I never would have thought." She said in a sarcastic tone. Everypony in the group looked at her like it was the oddest thing in the world. "It's a wonder Silver Spoon ended up the way she did if this is the kind of ponies you hangout with Platinum."

"Applejack!" Rarity scolded her friend. "That has nothing to do with Silver Spoon and you know it! Silver Spoon was a trouble pony long before we even knew Trixie existed."

"I meant it in a nice way dear," She responded sweetly to them before returning her attention to Applejack. "What does this have to do with Trixie anyway?"

Applejack stomped the ground hard cracking the cobblestone path. Trixie looked at the stones before glaring at the farmpony. "That filly aint nothin but trouble! Like Trixie here! If you hang with the wrong ponies you end up like them."

"You leave poor Silver Spoon out of this!" Platinum yelled at Applejack butting heads with her. "She was a sweet filly until she met that Diamond Tiara!"

"Yeah and became her friend." Applejack pushed back. "Look how she ended up because of that."

"AJ come on now you're being unreasonable." Rainbow Dash flew between the two separating them. Even she wouldn't go so far as to say she was a horrible filly. "Look, I'm not a big fan of Silver Spoon or Trixie either but you need to chill."

She then flew over to Trixie pressing her nose against hers. "So what are you doing here anyway?"

Trixie stepped away from the annoying pegasus, invading her personal space. "Well if you must know Trixie was buying groceries," Trixie was dusting herself off. "Trixie wasn't causing any trouble." She then turned to face Rarity.

The alabaster unicorn wasn't sure what to make of this situation. She didn't like Trixie, especially after she imprisoned Ponyville. On the other hoof Applejack was being unusually aggressive. Being the element of Generosity she decided to hear what Trixie had to say.

"So Trixie," Rarity walked up beside her. "What have you been up to recently?"

"Trixie works for Mary Goldmane as her great and powerful secretary!" She then walked over to Applejack with a smirk. "Trixie is also doing community service at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well aint that just dandy-"

"With Diamond Tiara." she interrupted the orange mare.

Applejack glared dangerously at the azure mare. She walked around her to stand beside her friends and sisters’. "Now you see here Trixie," She gave a snarl taking hold of her little sister. "You may be working on the farm, but I don't want you anywhere near Apple Bloom. You understand?"

Trixie's eyes narrowed as she took a step forward in defiance. "As clear as crystal."

AJ then looked over to Platinum angrily. She then shoved her way past the earth pony mare. Platinum stared as she rubbed her shoulder. There was no physical pain but an emotional one. She started to walk after the orange mare when she heard something in the wind.

"Fillyfooler."

Platinum stopped dead in her tracks. Everypony stared at Applejack as she stood next to her sister. She turned and faced the silver mare with a cold dead stare. Platinum looked stunned as did several ponies around them. Trixie hadn't noticed, but a large crowd formed around them. All eyes were on the two earth ponies. Platinum's face grew into an angry scowl.

"What did you call me mudslinger?" Platinum’s words rang over all the crowd.

The crowd gasped. The silence that followed was very tense. Several ponies looked angry while others looked concerned. The earth pony from earlier seemed ready to jump Platinum if her mint unicorn friend wasn't holding her back.

Trixie was surprised as well. She was familiar with racial slang but this was a bit much for her. She never expected this kind of reaction from her fiend. She approached the Platinum cautiously.
"Hey, Platinum?" She gently nudged her friend with her nose. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Trixie." Platinum responded. "Applejack was way out of line with that comment though."

"So were you."

Platinum stared at Applejack not blinking. She heard Trixie but she wasn't in the mood to argue with her. She had Applejack to deal with first. Before she was able to speak Apple Bloom stood beside Platinum.

"Sis, can I ask you something?" the filly asked looking at her sister in the eyes. Applejack tilted her head in confusion.

"Sure Apple Bloom. What's on your mind?" she asked as she ,reached for her sister. The yellow filly stepped away from her older sibling with a hurt expression. Her ears folded back and tears ran down her face. "Do you hate fillyfoolers?" she asked innocently.

AJ didn't even think. She immediately nodded in confirmation. "Ah hate them as much as I hate anyone untruthful," She then narrowed her eyes. She paused momentarily then turned her gaze and glowered at her sister. "Why?"

Apple Bloom traced her hoof along the floor making little hearts with it. She looked ashamed. The tears flowed unhindered down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. She felt like she was choking on the words. Words she needed to say now while she had Applejack's attention.

"Because... because I, I like Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom stood beside her friend hugging her. "I've liked her for a long time now."

To say Applejack was mad would have been an understatement. She was furiously shaking, gritting her teeth, and had the angriest face anypony had ever seen. She took a step forward. Apple Bloom scooted back as did Sweetie Belle. Applejack raised a hoof and slapped Apple Bloom across the face. The young pony fell to the floor clutching her face. As Applejack raised her hoof again, Sweetie Belle stood between them.

"Ah can't believe this. My own sister," AJ's voice was full of spite.

She stared down at Sweetie Belle as she kissed Apple Bloom on the cheek trying to comfort her. Applejack was angry. Very angry. She wanted to lash out at something, anything. Her mind turned to Sweetie Belle. Her eyes locked with Sweeties. Growling, she slowly approached the two fillies. Everypony watching began to murmur among themselves. Suddenly Trixie stood blocking the path to the two fillies.

"That's enough." Trixie’s horn began to glow. Rainbow flew between them not wanting things to escalate any further. She pushed Trixie back and took her place in front of the approaching mare.

"AJ you need to chill!" Rainbow yelled at her friend, flaring her wings. Sweetie Belle by this point had retreated to Rarity with Apple Bloom in tow. The two fillies hid behind the alabaster unicorn. Scootaloo sat in place unable to move out of pure shock. She'd never seen her so angry before. It was unnatural. "Look you're mad and not thinking straight!"

Rarity stood beside her friend with a determined look. "Dear I believe Rainbow is right." the fashion pony said cradling her sister and Apple Bloom. "I can't believe you would strike your own sister either," Rarity exclaimed, scowling at Applejack.

Scootaloo finally managed to find her feet and wandered cautiously over to Rainbow Dash. She slinked past the orange earth pony farmer like a cat and dashed to Rainbow. She rubbed against her surrogate sister. "Why are you doing this Miss Applejack? Why are you so mad?"

The earth pony stared unbelieving at her friends and family as they, in her mind, turned against her. "You wouldn't understand," She said to Scootaloo. "You're too young." She then turned to Platinum and the two began a stare down. "The TRUTH is that fillyfoolers ruin families and turn good ponies into bad ponies." Applejack stated factually.

By this time Trixie had enough. She was angry and now it was time to speak up. This travesty couldn't go on any longer. She stepped past her friend and between the others to face Applejack face to face. AJ for her part looked at the unicorn curiously. Trixie had a soft expression, almost empathetic.

"Trixie understands how you feel Applejack," Trixie sighed and nodded sadly. "I too once thought fillyfooling was an awful thing to do." She looked at the group behind her, specifically at Platinum. The spectators looked on in awe of what was being said. Nopony interrupted. "I lost my father to depression when my mother left with another mare." She walked over to her friend wrapping an arm around her looking around to the crowd. What was surprising was her break from third pony speak. "I thought it was her fault and that mares fault for ruining my family. But then, I met the Pie family. They taught me that you shouldn't judge something or someone based on race, gender, or sexual preference. You should accept others for who they are. It took sometime, but Trixie opened up to the idea."

Trixie wiped a stray tear away from her cheek. "They taught her that fillyfooling isn't a bad thing. It doesn't make ponies into bad ponies. It made Trixie a better pony than she use to be. And Trixie owes it to them for showing her the errors of her ways." she turned to hug Platinum, who returned the gesture. But afterwards she kissed Trixie.

All thoughts were lost in that moment. Trixie couldn't think of anything. Nothing, except one thing, Maud.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle were in tears from the speech. Rarity wiped her tears with a silk handkerchief and levitated it to her sister. "Well said dear! Well said!" Rarity clapped her hooves together. Even Rainbow Dash looked impressed. She was hovering above the ground with Scootaloo nodding with a smile.

"Great job Trixie." The pegasus gave her a nod. Trixie looked up to the pegasus. "I couldn't have said it better myself. You’re alright Trixie."

Everypony in the crowed was moved. Many had left by this time, but the ones that remained took what was said to heart. Many shed tears turning to friends and family and began to open up. From the crowd Octavia and Vinyl Scratch came forward, smiles in their faces.

"Well done Miss Trixie," Octavia said, nodding approvingly. "You have one the hearts of many this day."

Vinyl jumped past her and swung a hoof around the azure mare's neck. "Trixie! That was awesome! I knew you were a good pony at heart!" Vinyl hugged her friend. Trixie sighed contently petting the mares lightning blue mane. "You gotta tell me about how you ended up at this rock farm sometime! It sounds nice."

Suddenly, Platinum stood between the two puffing her cheeks. Everypony in the group laughed. Vinyl left with Octavia disappearing into the crowd. Afterwards everypony around them began to head off to whatever they were previously doing. Most, with a newfound respect for the magician pony. Trixie looked around to see Applejack, but there was no sign of her anywhere.

"Sorry about your friend." Trixie apologized to Rarity and Rainbow.

Both ponies smiled. Rainbow stepped forward. "Don't worry Trixie she'll come around. Friends always do." She winked at Rarity. "You gave me the strength to go through with something I've wanted to do for sometime now."

The rainbow maned pegasus turned to the fancy unicorn kneeling down. "Rarity. I know we're friends but..." The cyan pegasus paused, chewing her lip trying to find the right words. "I want us to be more. If that's okay with you?" She finished as a red hue came upon her cheeks. Rarity gasped in her usual manner. What followed was the girliest set of squeals from her and Sweetie Belle anypony had ever heard.

"EEEE! I can't believe it!" Sweetie Belle examined.

The fashion pony was fanning herself with her hoof. She looked positively thrilled. "Oh Rainbow Dash! I was going to ask you today if you didn't get my hints!" she ran up hugging her friend. Rainbow Dash squeaked with embarrassment from the contact in public.

"Geez Rares, you don't need to be so clingy." she rolled her eyes trying to sound cool. But she hugged her back all the same. The CMCs all d'awwed at the sight. Trixie and Platinum looked on at the sight. Trixie with pride and Platinum with envy.

"You know Trixie," Platinum gave a playful grin getting the unicorns attention. "We should get going if you're going to get the food you need before the stands close."

The azure unicorn nodded in agreement. Then the two turned, leaving the new couple and the CMCs alone. Before they got far, somepony called out to them.

"Hey wait!"

Both ponies stopped and turned to see the mare from the carrot stand from before. She was carrying a sack with her placing it on the ground before Trixie, who minded it inquisitively. "I was rude before," The mare bowed politely, lowering her head in shame. Her bright orange curly mane fell over her eyes. "I'm sorry. I had you pinned wrong, Trixie," She then stood up beaming. "If you ever need anything I'll have a fresh batch for you if you need them!"

"Thank you miss." Trixie said levitating the sack to her, looking inside. The sack was full of several carrots, large ones too. "That's more than Trixie needed."

The mare shook her head. "No, I was rude to you earlier. After what happened last time you were here I was unfair to you," She raised a hoof to Trixie. The unicorn took the hoof and shook it. "I'm Carrot Top nice to officially meet you Trixie."

"It's nice to meet you too Carrot Top."

"Well I've got to run and close for real this time. So long Trixie! Platinum I'll be by tomorrow!" She waved to the two mares and was off. After waving goodbye to Carrot Top the two ponies went off into town. Trixie had everything she needed and was ready to make the soup.

The two walked down the streets and by the time they reached Mary's house the sun was down for over twenty minutes. Trixie walked to the door with her friend. Just as she was going to open the door she stopped. She then turned to face Platinum.

The silver mare gazed at the unicorn's eyes. She was in a dreamy state after her kiss with Trixie.

"Platinum," Trixie said awakening her from her stupor. "I'll see you later.

"See you later Trixie."

The two waited awkwardly before Trixie opened the door and sank through the door. Platinum smacked herself in the head with both hooves. "Stupid stupid stupid! I can't believe I kissed her after I just met her!" She scolded herself for her blunder. She was sure Trixie didn't like her now. Stomping the ground, she walked down the street towards home with a heavy heart. "Well, at least it can't get any worse," She gave a weak laugh."Maybe we can still be friends." she said weakly as she walked towards home.

From inside the home, Trixie let out a sigh of relief.*That was taxing my Trixie's mind*. She thought. She then heard a noise. It was a low sob coming from somewhere in the house. She placed the groceries on the ground by the table and circled the kitchen. Listening. Her ears and mind focused in the tiniest sound, trying to pinpoint the sound she heard.

'Trixie.'

Her ears twitched to the sound of her name. She followed it as it repeated over and over. It didn't take long for Trixie to find the source of the sound. Following her ears, Trixie made her way towards Mary's room. The door was cracked open. She gently pushed the door open and saw Mary in her bed. The blankets covered her making a large lump in the center. She walked towards the lump placing a gentle hoof on the covers.

She pulled them down and found Mary sleeping. Her fur was matted from tears and she was breathing heavily. She must have come home upset. *I hope her friend didn't do this or else.* Trixie thought running her hoof down the mares cheek.

"Guess I best get to bed." She said drawing back the covers. The tan earth pony shivered from the sudden rush of cold air around her. She coughed jerking her body as she did. Trixie's lip curled as she watched. *She's so beautiful.* Trixie then looked around as if trying to make sure nopony was around.

She then stealthily snuck into the bed. She moved slowly as to not disturb the sleeping mare. Working her way into the blankets, she pressed her body against Mary's. Laying her head on her shoulder Trixie rubbed her head against Mary's neck, taking a deep breath smelling her mane. *Lilac. Just like her.* Mary smiled.

Mary turned over in the bed facing Trixie, but still in a deep sleep."Trixie."

"Mmm. Trixie." The sleeping mare turned around unconsciously and wrapped her arms around Trixie kissing her on the lips. She tried to resist but Mary was surprisingly strong. A feeling arose in Trixie's heart. A warm fuzzy feeling. She felt whole, complete, like she belonged here. *What was she thinking?!* After breaking the kiss Mary slumped again pressing Trixie against her chest nuzzling her in her sleep.

The unicorn stared in disbelief at what had transpired. She never expected that of all things to happen. Mary kissed her. Trixie. On the lips, in her sleep. She pressed her lower lip with her hoof, feeling the touch trying to imitate the feeling she felt during the kiss. She gave up after a minute of trying and slowly she drifted to sleep.

Her thoughts went back to the mare she loved back on the rock farm. A mare that was always there for her when no others were. A mare she'd come to rely on for strength, and now she did with Mary. Maud.

Start of the Third Day An Apple a Day... (Final)

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The next morning, Mary awoke feeling good. Better than good. She felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The sun shined through the window directly onto her bed, beaming it warmth down on her causing her to remove the covers from herself.

"Good morning, Equestria," She said to no one in particular.

She stretched limbering herself up with a smile. She felt better. *Maybe there is something to that old saying, a good night's rest, does the body good.*

She turned to take the blanket off and gasped at what she found beneath the covers. Trixie was sound asleep beside her.

After she calmed herself over the initial shock, she stepped out of bed moving slowly as to not awaken the sleeping mare. She then covered Trixie with the covers. Oh, how cute she looked. She thought, walking out to her kitchen, leaving the door slightly open.

As she made breakfast a loud ringing was heard. She checked the clock. It was still 6AM. She didn't remember setting the clock for then. She then remembered Trixie was working on Applejack's farm starting today. With everything that happened she'd completely forgotten the punishment she gave the unicorn. She made a simple breakfast consisting of eggs, and haybacon, with her black coffee. The aroma wandered through the house, being so small, and found it's way to Trixie's nose.

The blue mare stirred right as the alarm clock went off. Grumbling she whacked the clock with her hoof silencing it. Waiting a few minutes, Trixie laid in the bed not wanting to get up from beneath the warm covers. Eventually she forced herself out from the warmth of the covers and found herself shivering slightly from the cooler air around her.

Her fur bristled from the coolness, but she shook it off. The smell of food drove her to fight the sleepiness and ventured forth to get ready for her day. Pulling a suitcase she carried with her she took out an assortment of tools and a small vest. Her horn lit up, enclosing the door with a pink aura and slid it closed as she got herself ready for the day.

Meanwhile, Mary sat at the table sipping her coffee as Trixie made a massive amount of noise in her bedroom.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Mary trotted over to the room. The door was now closed, and the sound of grunting and leather rubbing was heard from inside. Snap! "Celestia, damn it!"

Mary held back a laugh as she heard the blue mare struggling with something in the room. She dared not look as it could be an invasion of privacy. Instead she knocked on the door twice.

"Miss Lulamoon? You alright in there, dear?" She asked softly giggling to herself.

She stepped away from the door as it opened revealing the blue mare in a leather vest with various tools in it. "Sorry, mayor. Trixie was getting ready for her day at the farm."

Mary nodded looking over the mare. Her mane was up in a ponytail. She loved ponytails. The unicorn also had tools in her vest. Small stone chisels, a hammer, and at her waist was a belt with more tools, a small map of Ponyville and a... wait a stone chisel?

"Miss Lulamoon, what are you doing?" she asked the oddly dressed mare.

"Trixie is going to work on the farm." she factually stated with a grin. "What's it look like?"

The tan earth pony sighed placing her hoof over her face. "Trixie. Applejack works on an apple farm," She emphasized trying to get her point across.

Trixie's grin soured as she looked over herself. She frowned stomping the floor. "Well, ponyfeathers."

Afterwards the two mares sat at the table to eat. The two ate in silence. The kitchen was small with only a single sink in it, a counter space for one pony, and a small fridge with a pantry next to it. A stove was built into the

Once finished Trixie stood and took the dishes to the sink. She used her magic to dunk the plate in the water as a second layer of magic brought the sponge to rub against it. After wiping it clean she set the plate aside and followed up with the silverware.

Once finished she made her way to the table to finish her drink. Mary had stopped eating and observed the unicorn. She sat in such a way that made her seem so elegant and graceful. The tan pony thought about how she developed a habit of slouching when she sat. *That's not good for my back.*

Mary thought back to what Derpy had said to her. *She won't wait forever. Neither should you.* About how many things she wished she could take back. Things she wished she had done different. This time would be different. *This time.*

She sighed taking a gulp from her coffee. Placing it down she looked over to Trixie who was checking her tools meticulously. Trixie placed her tools on the vest after a long inspection. She stood up and began to leave.

"Well Mary, Trixie is off to the farm!" she waved to her boss. "Trixie will see you afterwards!"

*Should I say anything? Why is this so hard?* Mary wanted to say something but she was so nervous and it was weighing her down. No. She wouldn't wait in silence. Not this time.

"Trixie!" She called out.

Trixie stopped, turning to see what Mary wanted. After a brief pause Mary said, "Have a nice day. Don't let Applejack push you around too much." She gave a playful wink to Trixie. Trixie smiled nodding back at her. She then exited the house heading off to Sweet Apple Acres.

Along the way to the farm Trixie met several ponies she knew. Platinum and Silver Spoon passed by heading to the cafe. She also ran into Rainbow Dash and Carrot Top. Then she met the last pony she wanted to see at the time.

"Twilight Sparkle."

"Trixie!" The lavender unicorn cheered running over to the azure unicorn. "It's so good to see you again! How's everything going? Why are you still in town? And what are you wearing?" Twilight feigned ignorance to the unicorns presence.

Trixie huffed pushing out her chest. "Well, if you must know the Great and Powerful Trixie is about to grace Sweet Apple Acres with her skill and expertise in hard labor," Trixie replied in her usual haughty manner.

Twilight smiled. *Same Trixie.* She stood beside the blue mare. "Well, let's go. Don't want to keep Applejack waiting do we?" Twilight asked, as they walked down the street.

Trixie followed close behind Twilight as they traveled together to Sweet Apple Acres. "You're going to the farm as well then, Sparkle?"

Twilight smiled blushing slightly. She turned so Trixie couldn't see though. "Yeah, I was hoping to get to spend some time with her. As a friend of course." she added quickly. She increased her speed taking a lead over Trixie who didn't even notice. Her thoughts were elsewhere. Would Applejack really hate her and work her to the bone? Or would she be more reasonable after having some time to vent her frustrations.

When the two ponies arrived at Sweet Apple Acres they were greeted by a large red stallion. Trixie recognized him instantly as Big Mac, who she met the last time she was here. The massive stallion gave the two mares a warm welcome.

"Well, howdy Miss Twilight," Big Mac greeted, waving to them. "Ah, Miss Trixie. Good to see you again. Applejack was expecting you." He nodded behind him at the vast amount of apple trees. *This place is massive*. Trixie thought back to her first time here. *Trixie really wishes she never complained about the size of the Pie farm.*

Back on the rock farm, Trixie always complained about tending to the two hundred some odd acres of rock and dirt. Now, it seemed so minuscule in comparison to the massive apple orchard before her. Cloudy Quartz always scolded her on that, but Trixie never learned, now she wished she hadn't been so hard on them.

*The irony.*

"Good to see you too Big Mac. Trixie is eager to get started." Trixie glanced around before sitting beside Big Mac. "Where should Trixie start?"

"AJ, is in the south field waiting for you. Diamond Tiara is already here as well." He pointed in the direction of the south fields. Trixie noticed that the fields were separated by small paths, barely noticeable. "They're working there. You can start there and once you're finished come talk to me again. I'll sign you off so you can tell the mayor you were here.”

"Thank you again for allowing Trixie to work on your farm," Trixie gave a polite bow, heading off to the south field. "Catch you later, Sparkle." She said coldly to the purple unicorn heading off to the field by herself.

Twilight gave a nervous laugh, waving at her. "See you later, Trixie. Don't work too hard!" Not receiving a response she turned her attention to Big Mac. He was lifting up a barrel when he noticed her staring at him.

"Can ah help you, miss Sparkle?"

Twilight blushed slightly covering herself with her mane in a very Fluttershy way. "Actually yes. Can we talk about Applejack for a minute? I have a few questions about her I'd like to know."

Big Mac gave her an inquisitive glance before setting the barrel down and sat next to it. "Sure thing. What do you want to know?"

***

As Trixie made her way to her destination, a loud scream caught her attention. She stopped, her ears honed in on the sound like a radar. Trixie waited as the screaming came closer. Closer. Closer. Then from around the trees a familiar filly with a silver tiara came running around heading straight for her. She was being chased by a collie dog of some sort. It wasn't hostile, but chasing her like a playmate would. The filly ran circles around Trixie trying to lose the dog, who barked happily chasing her.

"GO AWAY YOU SMELL THING!" The filly screamed.

Trixie recognized the young filly. It was Diamond Tiara daughter of Filthy Rich, or Mr. Rich as he liked to be called. Filthy sounded insulting. Trixie smiled at the scene before her. Diamond was running away from a small collie dog that chased her like it was the best thing ever. She stepped in front of the happy little dog getting her attention.

The collie skidded to a halt as the pink filly ran behind the blue mare, hate seething in her eyes. "Filthy beast!"

The dog barked, wagging her tail as Trixie rubbed her chin. The white fur under her chin was soft to the touch and made her paddle her paw on the ground in bliss.

"Aww aren't you cute?" Trixie cooed to the dog, who barked in response, licking her face.

Trixie giggled pushing the dog back on the ground before walking over to Diamond Tiara who kept her distance from it.

She rolled her eyes at the fillies reaction. "Oh, she's not going to hurt you silly. Look." Trixie replied walking next to her.

She then reached out petting the collie who rolled over to have her belly rubbed. "See? She wants attention," She explained to Diamond Tiara. The filly slowly made her way closer. She extended her hoof reaching for the dog, but couldn't bring herself to touch it.

"But it's smelly and slobbery. It's GROSS!" Diamond shrieked, pulling back her hooves to keep the dog away.

*What is wrong with her? Is she afraid she might get a disease from the poor thing?* Trixie wondered to herself. Eventually, with a lot of prying, Diamond Tiara finally brought herself to touch the little dog. Once she did the small dog barked happily rubbing against her. She giggled at the show of affection but tried to keep the dog away.

"Wow, she's not so bad after all," Diamond Tiara said as the collie rubbed against her. "Tee hee. She's so cute!" She exclaimed rubbing the dog's belly.

*Well, that was a quick change of attitude.* The blue mare thought sighing to herself.

"Winona!" called a familiar voice.

Trixie turned to see Applejack emerge from the trees looking around calling out, "Winona!"

"There you are girl!" Applejack cheered, rubbing her pets belly. She turned and glared at Trixie. "You're late, missy," The orange pony sniped.

"Trixie will do her service to you Applejack," She sneered back, "But, Trixie will be here when she gets here. She isn't the fastest pony in the world you know. She's only mortal after all." Trixie replied smugly with a grin.

To her surprise, Applejack grinned back walking up to her. "Well, miss Great and Powerful, didn't you claim 'anything you do I can do better?'" Trixie immediately frowned, regretting her infamous catch phrase. Applejack gave a confident look to the mare. "Oh, nothin to say ta that? Well then, if you have nothing to say let's begin."

She turned around heading deeper into the vast tree orchard with Trixie and Diamond Tiara in tow. They made their way through the orchard the trees were bare with no fruit on them. After some time, two minutes of walking, the trees were now full of apples varying from red delicious to green granny smiths. Diamond Tiara was playing with Winona as they went along to their destination.

Trixie's attention wandered from tree to tree as time passed. She inspected, with great detail, each tree as they past by. She looked at the The number of apples boggled her mind. There were so many! Which begged the question, how do the Apples keep up with all the trees during the peek season?

"Miss Applejack, can Trixie ask you a question about your farm?"

The orange mare gave her a warning glance. "Depends on the question," Applejack huffed feeling slightly offended. "What's your question?"

Trixie didn't even flinch at her tone. Nor did she show any emotional changes to her tone, her mind was elsewhere at the time.

"Trixie was wondering, you live here with only your brother, little sister, and your grandmother correct?" Trixie asked casually. AJ, nodded in response.

"Yeah, we are the only ones here before Ma and Pa..." Applejack’s voice trailed off to silence. "Why do you ask?" She added quickly.

"Trixie was wondering, how do you and your brother farm all these apples by yourselves? It seems a monumental task for just two ponies. How do you do the whole farm in a year?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

Applejack smiled, glad to have a change in the conversation to something she truly loved, her farm. "Well, I'd be happy to tell ya'll," She gestured to the filly to join with them. "Since you'll be workin on the farm it's best you know this now rather than later." she said picking up a stick from near by. Winona barked trying to take it from her, but AJ scolded the dog making her sit as she continued.

"First off we have the farm divided into sections," she started to draw a large square then into four smaller ones. "Each section is based off a season. Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Following?" She asked as she drew the words in each square. Spring went to the lower left, summer the upper left, fall the upper right, and winter into the lower right square. Both Trixie and Diamond Tiara nodded listening. One with great interest the other only because she had too. Three guesses who was which.

"We farm each section based on the season. Now, we're in the fall, so we're doing the south fields. Which is this one up here." she pointed to the fall block with the stick. Trixie was pretty sure she knew what was next, but she waited, if only to help improve Applejack's mood.

Trixie inspected the stick drawn diagram. "So, what are the other fields like when you don't harvest them?".

"Well, we let them stay as they are. They become.. um, what's the word? Dominant?"

"You mean dormant?" Diamond Tiara offered.

“Yes, that's the one!" Applejack cheered with a smile, dropping the stick and continued walking. "We basically have the trees all set for each season. They bloom in the corrispondin season and we harvest them when they do. All the prep was done by ma granny, and the others of the Apple Family."

Trixie listened intently as the mare went on for a good while the details in the preparation her family made for the farm. It was fascinating to her. She never knew how much time was put into a farm. That being said, she now had a new respect for the farmer in general. The family farm seemed so much more now. She thought back to the Pie family farm and how much she use to mock them for their, menial labor. *Now Trixie understands why they were so mad at her for her comments. Trixie needs to apologize to them soon.*

Her thoughts were interrupted when she collided with AJ's rear. "Sorry! Trixie wasn't watching where she was going!"

"Well, maybe you should watch where you're going then," Applejack snapped suddenly. Diamond Tiara looked oddly at the mare then to Trixie who had an equally addled expression. Well, that certainly didn't last long. The unicorn mare thought walking beside the earth pony filly.

"So, what are we doing?" The filly asked.

"We're going to be bucking and you'll be on pickup duty." Applejack poinyed to the baskets. "Whatever don't fall into the baskets you be picking up and putting into the baskets. Got it?" She asked the filly in a serious tone.

The little filly shrank under the massive mare, nodding.

"Great so Trixie if you'll... what in the hay ya doing?" Applejack stopped and started staring at the mare. Diamond Tiara looked to see Trixie with her ear pressed against the tree, knocking on it. She then circled the tree, giving it a few experimental kicks. Then she proceeded to lick it.

"Hmm. Salty." Trixie was pushing it with her arms. The tree waddled slightly almost unnoticeable to the two befuddled onlookers.

"Trixie what are ya doin to mah tree?!" Applejack yelled in bewilderment.

"Shh!" the azure mare responded harshly ignoring Applejack the best she could as she continued to tap the tree with her hoof.

"Uh, miss Applejack what is she doing?" the earth filly asked looking concerned.*]That mares lost her mind.* She thought inching towards Applejack.

"I'm not sure," AJ responded watching Trixie as she stood on her hind legs, standing in the center of the trees.

Trixie took a deep breath. Holding it in for a few seconds before releasing it. She pulled her arms inwards following the air flow through her body down to her chest, before returning the way they came with her breath exhaling. She looked calm, collected, devoid of emotion. She shifted into a stance, as though she were in a karate stance. Just as Applejack was going to ask a question, the mare dashed towards the first tree in front of her punching it with her left hoof. The tree shook violently releasing its fruit into the basket.

She then dashed towards the tree diagonal from the one she was just at, with a swift roundhouse kick it too relinquished its fruit. She repeated this for a while until she was out of site. for two minutes Applejack and Diamond Tiara watched slack jawed as the mare made her way back on another row of trees.

For ten minutes this went on before Trixie finally collapsed from exhaustion. Falling to one knee she used her one arm to hold herself up as Diamond Tiara ran to the house to get her some water. A layer of sweat covered the mare's body. Panting she tried to stand but simply flopped over from fatigue. Applejack was in shock, never had she seen such a physical feat from a unicorn. *Magical* yes, but never physical. Not to this extent.

Unsure if what she saw was real, the earth mare ran down the rows of trees checking a basket every so often along the way. The apples were there. Real and definitely not magical in anyway shape or form. She walked back to where Trixie lay unable to say a word from the shock she'd endured from the spectacle.

Trixie was sitting under a tree, still breathing heavily from her task. Diamond Tiara wasn't in sight. As she approached the prone mare, Trixie grinned at her. Her confidence showed.

“Tr-Trixie. I just, ah don't... how did you? That was-"

"THAT WAS AMAZING TRIXIE!" Diamond's voice screeched as she carried a bucket of water with her. Big Mac and Twilight were with her listening to her talk about said mare. "She zipped through the trees like lightning! Punching and kicking the trees... like a ninja!" Diamond Tiara then went from tree to tree imitating what Trixie had done minutes ago.

Big Mac and Twilight gave her concerned looks. Twilight then approached her. "Are you sure you saw that and not some magic Diamond Tiara? It sounds a little far fetched don't you think?" Twilight asked the filly.

"NO!" Diamond responded indignantly. "I saw it so did Applejack. Right, Applejack?" She asked pushing on the older mares leg.

The orange mare couldn't say anything. She never saw anything like it before. "Ah it's... it's not possible," She managed to say.

"See?" Twilight replied to the filly. "It's not possible for a single pony to do what you said without-"

"But it did happen Twi!" Applejack yelled gripping the lavender unicorn pressing her nose against hers. Twilight blushed from the contact. "But she did it Twilight! She did! Ah say it with mah own two eyes!" She exclaimed releasing her grip and falling on her haunches. She leaned on a nearby tree, not knowing she sat across from Trixie. She didn't care.

Diamond Tiara walked over to Trixie hopping in place. "Trixie! Teach me how to do what you did! That was soooo cool!"

The azure mare coughed sitting up. Perhaps another time little one. Trixie is-cough, exhausted."

Twilight and Big Mac helped her up. Twilight offered a hoof to Applejack who didn't even notice until it tapped her hat.Twilight offered a warm smile. AJ shook her head with a light laugh, taking the hoof and standing up. The group made their way back to the house where they sat down to rest. Big Mac went to the kitchen to get drinks for everypony. After his return each pony had their drink and he sat beside Twilight who sat next to Applejack. Diamond Tiara sat beside Trixie across from the table. Nopony spoke, so Twilight decided to take the initiative.

"So Trixie, where did you learn to do... whatever it was you did?"

Trixie regarded her rival with great care before answering. "First off Sparkle, it's a technique Trixie learned from her closest friend in the Pie family, Maud Pie. Secondly, Trixie promised not to divulge how it is done," Trixie then turned to face Diamond who was sitting next to her. "Sorry filly, but Trixie is going to have to say no to your request." The filly frowned. Trixie patted her back raising her spirits slightly.

"I meant no offense Trixie. I was just wondering where you learned to do it was all. One question, it's a variation of earth pony magic correct?" Twilight asked sipping her apple cider.

"Indeed it is Sparkle."

“Seriously, you can call me Twilight. All my friends do." she responded.

"We aren’t friends Twilight Sparkle," The azure mare growled. Twilight gave a depressed sigh. "But Trixie isn't against the idea."

Twilight cheered up hearing this. It wasn't what she wanted to hear but it was a start. *Friendships can take time to develop.* Twilight thought. She thought back to Mary, and how hard it was to befriend her at first. It wasn't until Derpys accident when she finally opened up to her. Out of desperation yes, but it was what started their friendship. Friends in need indeed.

"So, Big Mac how's the season going so far?" Twilight asked the stallion wanting to change the subject.

'Well, I reckon miss Trixie here did a full day work in a few minutes," He said proudly. Trixie grinned at the compliment. "I wish ah could have seen it for mah self. Sounds too good to be true." Applejack scoffed at his comment. He glared at his sister causing her to hide under her hat, pulling it over her eyes. "Well Trixie I think you've done good so far. Mind stayin a bit longer to help some more? It would be greatly appreciated."

"Trixie wouldn't mind. But she needs to rest. That took a lot out of her," She took a sip of her cider and let out a content sigh. The cool drink was just what she needed.

Big Mac nodded getting up from his seat. "Diamond Tiara will you come with me? I'll get you started with your chores."

"Okay, Big Mac," Diamond gulped down her cider leaving the cup on the table with the others. "Bye, everypony see you out there!" she waved to them leaving the three mares behind. Trixie stood up heading to the door after resting for a minute longer.

"Trixie had best get going. See you out there Applejack." she said walking out the door.

Finally alone with Applejack. Twilight thought nudging her chair closer to her friend. "So, AJ what do you think of Trixie?" she asked sipping her cider. "Sure was impressive to see her do such a feat, huh?"

Applejack said nothing. her hat covered her eyes as she stared at, presumable her drink. "I don't want to talk about that fillyfooler, Twi." the farm pony growled.

Twilight didn't catch what she was saying and responded absentmindedly. "Yeah that fillyfoo- wait what? Fillyfooler? What do you mean, fillyfooler?" she asked as her brain registered what was said.
Applejack angrily drank her cider slamming the mug back on the table, causing some cider to fly on her face. "Ah said that fillyfooler Twi. She ain't nothin but trouble. She comes to mah farm and tries to show me up again! I swear if it were up to me, her and any of her kind would be locked up in the dungeon."

"APPLEJACK!" Twilight cried out. "You don't mean that right? Sure, Trixie did awful things, but that was the Alicorn Amulet not her." she said trying to defend Trixie.

AJ gave careful thought to this. "Ah suppose that's true. But she still sought it out on her own! That's proof enough she knew about it and its power! If she weren't a fillyfooling hoe I wouldn't have minded as much but -"

"Wait wait wait... You hate her because she likes mares?" Twilight was shocked to hear this. She'd never seen her friend act like this before. This, hate, it was all new to her. It was frightening to her. "You hate fillyfoolers?"

"And coltcudlers," Was Applejacks response. She sipped her cider as Twilight wiped the excess of her face. "Thanks, Twi, you understand right? That it's wrong for a mare to love another mare right? Same for stallions?"

Truthfully Twilight didn't care for one's personal preference. It was their business not hers. But in this case it hurt her greatly to hear her fiend speak so unkind of others. But she didn't want AJ to hate her for not accepting her views, but she didn't hate others for it either. So she did the only thing she could think of she lied.

"Um. I uh, yeah. I hate them fillyfoolers same as you AJ!" She said, nervously swinging a hoof in front of her smiling.

Applejack smiled wrapping an arm around the lavender friend. "I'm glad you see things as they are Twilight. I was worried you would be open to the idea of such things. I'm glad one of mah friends aint sick in the head," She said standing up stretching. "Well,I best be off. Thanks for cheering me up, Twi. You're a good friend. I'll see ya'll around."

Applejack tilted her hat and exited leaving Twilight to collect her thoughts. Twilight didn't move. She simply sat holding her drink, tightening her grip around the mug. "Why AJ? Why do you hate me?" She choked as tears fell from her eyes. She buried her hooves into her arms sobbing silently to herself as to not draw attention to herself.

The Third Day More Conflicts With A Sour Apple (Final)

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Sweet Apple Acres was busy with ponies doing chores and farm related duties. Diamond Tiara was working with Big Mac tending to the animals in the barn, she was too small for apple bucking. Applejack and Twilight worked together to help Trixie with clearing out the south field of apples. Apple Bloom assisted Trixie picking up all the apples that missed the basket, much to Applejack's reluctance.

Apple Bloom watched as Trixie zipped around from tree to tree punching or kicking them to release their fruits. As she did so, Apple Bloom was absentmindedly picking up the fallen fruits not paying attention to where she was going. She ended up bumping into a tree dropping all the apples she was gathering on the dirt path. One rolled over to Trixie, tapping her hoof lightly startling her.

"Oh, son of a *buy some apples*!" she cursed kicking the ground. Trixie gasped, tripping over a root landing on her face. She came to a sliding halt just out of arm's reach of the yellow filly. They both looked at the other bewildered. The azure unicorn stood up dusting herself off casually before speaking.

"APPLE BLOOM WHAT A THING TO SAY!" she yelled flailing her hooves. "Where did you learn that kind of language?"

Apple Bloom was many things but she tried her best not to be a liar. She didn't want to be a snitch either but she knew if she didn't say where she heard that phrase from she'd be in deeper trouble with AJ.

Sighing she decided to fess up and face her coming punishment with dignity. "Ah, heard it from mah friend."

She didn't say which one so Trixie made a guess as to who she was referring to. "You mean Sweetie Belle?"

"NO!" she shrilled. "Scootaloo."

The older mare sighed, shaking her head. "Well, I won't tell if you don't." she said with a laugh.

Apple Bloom smiled at her nodding in agreement. The two continued to work in silence as time passed on. After an hour of working nonstop the two sat down to take a break, sitting under a tree bearing fruit still. Trixie wiped some sweat off her forehead and Apple Bloom adjusted her pink bow, but was unable to straighten it.

"Trixie, can ah ask you something?" the filly asked.

Trixie tapped her hooves, taking the bow off with her magic. "Sure thing. What do you want to know?" she asked pulling back Apple bloom's mane. She started to work the bow into her mane tying it as she spoke.

"I wanted to know, why did you stand up for me and Sweetie Belle?"

"When Trixie did what?" she asked back. "Trixie doesn't recall- oh, you mean from the other day!"

The filly nodded allowing Trixie to do her hair, sitting quietly.

"Well, Trixie certainly sees why you'd ask that considering what happened only a few days ago with the amulet. Trixie assumes that's what lead to the question, correct?"

Again the filly nodded.

"Well to be honest, Trixie would have done so even had she not be possessed by that horrid thing." she said flinging her own mane out of her face while still using her magic to hold Apple Bloom's hair as she tied the bow with her hooves. "Your sister wasn't being rational. She shouldn't have hit you like that." She sighed looping the bow around the filly's mane. "Apple Bloom, I'm going to tell you a secret about love."

Her ears perked up, listening intently to the mares words.

"Love can make you... it can change you. I was once like your sister. I hated ponies who believed in same sex relationships. It didn't matter if it was stallions and mares it was all the same to Trixie. She hated them. ALL of them." she growled doing the final loop in the bow and letting Apple Bloom's mane fall back.

"So what made ya'll change?" she asked, tugging her bow a few times. After she looked up to Trixie. She had a worried expression on her face. "If my sister's reaction was anything to go by then how did you change?"

Apple Bloom sighed

The mare smiled patting her on the head.

"I fell in love."

"Ya fell in love?"

"Yes Apple Bloom. Trixie fell in love." she placed her hooves on the fillies shoulders. Putting her mouth an inch from her ear, whispering, "Love makes you change. It's a wonderful thing. I feel you made the right choice choosing love over intolerance." she finished standing up and walked over to a tree. She then bucked it like an earth pony making all the apples fall to the baskets below. A few had fallen from the basket to the earth below. One rolled over to Apple Bloom who picked it up and placed it in her own basket.

"I fell in love with an earth pony who I worked with sometime ago. She changed me for the better."

She looked over at Trixie who was on her way to the next tree. Placing the small basket on her back, she followed her work buddy picking up any stray apples that lay in her path. All the while Apple Bloom wondered about what Trixie said. It seemed odd to her. This mare, Trixie, was so different than how she was when she first came to Ponyville. Apple Bloom remembered her sister going on about two she was humiliated by a unicorn mare, and then the ursa minor came to town.

Trixie was humiliated and run out of town. She hadn't seen this but heard of it. It was the talk of the town for the longest time. Even months later it would pop up in casual conversation here and there.

Then she returned to town with the Alicorn Amulet. Apple Bloom watched as she forced the town into submission and made the citizens do her bidding. She was scared of her might. Afraid she might hurt her and her friends. After she banished Twilight, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hid in the clubhouse one night, and that was the night that brought them together. Ironically she owed it to Trixie for taking Rarity captive which forced Sweetie Belle to seek refuge at the clubhouse that night. Ah guess I really owe her one. the yellow filly thought, picking up another apple.

Once they finished for the day, half the field was picked clean. They carried all the apples back to the farm to be stored for later. Applejack came up to them a short time later, glaring at Trixie. The azure mare glared back at the farm pony placing the last of the apples into a storage room.

"Can Trixie help you?" she sniped.

She ignored Trixie's question and walked over to Apple Bloom, who cowered under her sister.

"Go wash up. Lunch is ready." She said nudging her little sister towards the house. Apple Bloom nodded silently running off towards the house. Then, Applejack got up into Trixie's face, pressing her nose against hers. "Ah thought I told you to stay away from mah sis." she hissed keeping her voice low.

Trixie pushed Applejack back with her hooves, not taking her eyes off her. "Trixie doesn't need your permission to talk to somepony she knows. Before you say anything, Big Mac told her to assist Trixie since you didn't say a thing before," Trixie said, brushing past Applejack.

She wasn't about to let her walk away from this though. With a mighty stomp on her tail, AJ halted Trixie in her tracks. The unicorn turned to face the orange mare with a frown.

"Ah don't appreciate your tone, missy," Aj turned to face Trixie, who kept her back to her.

The azure mare didn't flinch. Instead Trixie closed her eyes taking a deep calming breath. *Remember what Maud taught you Trixie*. Trixie thought to herself.

Applejack eyed the mare now realizing something was off about her. Then it dawned on her what Trixie was wearing. "Ya'll know this here's an apple farm, right? Not a rock farm?"

"Yes, Trixie knows Applejack." she replied

"Well, I would invite you to stay but I reckon you have other duties elsewhere," She said walking past Trixie, closing the storage room door behind her. "Let's go. I'll walk with you."

Trixie frowned. "I'll have you know Trixie can find her way around easily without help. There's no need to strain [/it]yourself," The unicorn walked up to the farm pony.

"That ain't what ah meant," Applejack sighed, shaking her head. "Look Trixie. You don't like me and I sure as hay don't like you. However I'm willing to work with you if only to get through the week without incident. So, can we agree to disagree?"

"You have a funny way of thinking Applejack. *Sigh.* Fine. Trixie will work with you provided you are kind to her and your sister."

Applejack stopped dead in her tracks, stomping the ground. "You... you have no right to tell me how to raise mah family!"

Trixie stopped with a look of shock on her face. She glared at the orange mare. "Oh so sorry, Trixie didn't know!" she said with heavy sarcasm. "Trixie didn't know it was also alright to beat a child in the street for being different! Maybe if you weren't so intolerant and oppressive your family would be better off, don't you think little hayseed?"

Applejack had to use all her willpower to refrain from lunging at the smart mouthed mare and beating her senseless. She took a calming breath, closing her eyes and inhaling, then releasing it in a zen like motion.

"Ah guess I wouldn't know since you're the one who oppressed the entire town for a week!"

"That was the Alicorn Amulet and Twilight forgave Trixie!" she rebutted.

"And while we're on the subject, let's not forget how you treated, Twi, in mah home!" she shoved her with both hooves. "You don't come to mah home and treat mah friends like that!" she shoved her again.

Trixie couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sure, she admits she was wrong to treat Twilight like she did after she forgave her. I should really apologize for that. But to say she could treat her own friends with distaste and intolerance and not her was also wrong. She wasn't about to let this fly.

Trixie turned to face Applejack looking directly into her eyes.

"YOU HYPOCRITE!" Trixie stepped forward shoving Applejack back. "You say Trixie can't treat your friends like trash, yet you clearly do so yourself! What kind of pony are you!? Why do you hate fillyfoolers so much!? WHY!?"

Applejack growled, pawing the dirt like a bull ready to charge. "Because-" She charged Trixie slamming all her weight into her. "- they ruin families!" She mounted Trixie and started beating her in the face. "They took mah ma and pa! And they're the reason Apple Bloom had to grow up without a mother or father!"She cried as tear flowed down her cheeks.

Trixie struggled to get Applejack off her. The assault on her face was intense but she wasn't about to allow this to go without a fight.

"You think you're the only one who lost somepony they loved because of that!?" Trixie headbutted Applejack in the head forcing her to clench her muzzle which was now red with blood. "I lost my father because of my mother running off with another mare to live in Las Pegasus! You have no right to judge me or any others!" Trixie yelled standing up, her face was bloody.

By now Applejack had recovered enough to stand on her own to stare down Trixie. The stood silent for a minute before AJ charged Trixie again. This time Trixie was ready. She charged her horn taking hold of Applejack in her pink aura. She flailed trying to break free, but to no avail. It was almost comical to watch.

"Are you ready to see reason?" Trixie said with a smirk on her face. "You can't break free!"

"That's what you think!" AJ rebutted. She reached for a tree nearby throwing an apple onto Trixie horn. This caused her to lose focus and lose her magical hold on Applejack letting her fall back to the earth below. Scrambling to her hooves she lowered her posture gritting her teeth as Trixie did the same after removing the apple from her horn.

"Ah lost mah family too! So you should understand why ah hate fillyfoolers!" she walked over gripping Trixie by the shoulders shaking her. "Why can't you see what they're like!?"

Trixie scoffed swatting her hooves away. "So we're the same then?"

"We aint nothing alike!"

"We both lost family. The difference between us is I've moved on. You clearly haven't. It's sad really," Trixie said walking past her standing under the Sweet Apple Acres sign. "You will drive your family away if you keep acting like this. Drive Apple Bloom away, along with your friends will too." she stated coldly, walking off the property.

"If you don't change you'll regret it later!" she called back as she walked towards town.

"Why can't she see that just because you're different doesn't make you a bad pony?" Trixie said to herself.

Applejack watched as the unicorn made her way off towards town. Wiping her nose she hacked spitting some excess blood to the side before turning to head home. She pulled her hat down to cover her face as to not get Big Mac to over react at her appearance. She looked one last time at the direction Trixie went, sighing, she continued down the path heading towards home.

"Why can't she see that all fillyfoolers all bad?"

Third Day Lunch Date and a Friendly Investment (Final)

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As Trixie made her way towards town hall she made a detour to La Petite Cafe. Along the way she passed by Carrot Top at her stand. The carrot loving mare waved a greeting to her. Trixie Waved back saying she'd stop by tomorrow when she had some time to spare.

As she turned down Sweets Lane, she came across the small cafe and three familiar ponies sitting at an outside table. Octavia, Vinyl, and Mary were sitting together with their beverages discussing something among themselves.

Feeling it would be rude to barge in on their conversation she went into the cafe where she was greeted by Mrs. Cobblepot.

"Hello again, Trixie." she said in her usual uncaring tone. He slight pointed muzzle towered over her register. "What can I get you?"

She always sounds so angry. "Yes Trixie will have a croissant and a earl grey tea hot. For here, if you don't mind Mrs. Cobblepot."

The earth pony mare sniffed once, her left nostril flared from this. "Yes, Miss Lulamoon. You may have your order here. "She rang her up. "As it stands your boss was here in the main balcony. Your order will be right up." she said handing over the receipt.

"Thank you." Trixie said levitating the receipt over to her. "Um, Mrs. Cobblepot, a quick question?"

The older mare turned her attention to Trixie. Her stare was intense making her shake slightly from the piercing gaze. After a brief moment she nodded for her to continue.

"Where's Platinum? Is she not working today?"

"No she's not." Mrs. Cobblepot replied and continued working her register.

No customers were there so she decided to give Trixie her full attention. "I believe she took the day off. She said she wasn't feeling well."

"Oh." Trixie lowered her head. She figured this had to do with how she reacted to Platinum kissing her he other day. *Perhaps she took it harder than Trixie thought.* She thought it best to give the girl her space. She'd be back eventually, she could talk to her then.

"Thanks for letting me know. If you happen to see her, please let her know that Trixie wishes to speak to her."

Mrs. Cobblepot nodded to her again. "Sure thing. I'll let her know if I see her before you do."

"Thanks." with that Trixie exited outside to see her friends while she waited.

***

Meanwhile outside Mary was talking with Octavia and Vinyl about preparations to build a soundproof building for Vinyl's equipment. Needless to say, Vinyl wasn't feeling very hopeful.

"... and then the cost will be over 6000 bits, plus the cost of labor." she placed a document on top over three others on the table. "Are you following Miss Scratch?"

The ivory unicorn looked like her brain was racked. She was holding her head with both hooves, desperately trying to think of a way to get the money needed for this building. She gripped the sides of her head with her hooves slouching over the table with the majority of her body.

Octavia had just scolded her previously for doing this, and now she sighed, just letting the mare do what she wanted. Overall the building was more important than her bad posture.

"Yeah, yeah I follow," She said sitting up. "Is there no way to lower the cost a bit more? All I have is 2000." Vinyl asked desperately. Octavia offered a comforting hoof to her friend. Vinyl took it with gratitude.

Mary sighed taking off her glasses. "I'm sorry, Miss Scratch, but this cost is as low as I can make it." She exhaled onto the lens cleaning it with her ascot. "And that was after I called in several favors and made a few deals behind the scene. I simply can't make it any lower without others losing money. It's a big investment a soundproof building, even one as small as this." she finished placing her glasses back on.

"Maybe you could get a loan from the bank?" Octavia offered.

"Sorry but that won't work. Vinyl could get a loan but because she's so young she's considered a high risk investment." Mary saw the unicorns posture lower as she hid behind her glasses. She always did that when she was stressed. It was one of her quirks. "I'm sorry for my choice of words, but that's what they'd tell you too. It's nothing personal. Young ponies are more likely to go into debt due to poor money management. It's a factual statistic."

Vinyl sighed smacking her head into the table making it shake with a dull thunk. The cups clanked on their saucer plates for a moment before settling again.

Octavia rubbed her friends back trying to calming her down. She then looked over to Mary, who bore a hurt expression. It was one that said, 'I don't want to do this but I have to, kind of look. "We understand. If she did get one how much could she take out?" the grey mare asked.

"That's the thing, it'd only be around 1000. And that's a generous offer in the best case scenario. It'd still leave a 3000 bit difference to be paid."

Octavia looked to Vinyl with one of her I got an idea looks. "What if I took out a loan? I could cover the cost completely and can pay it off along with what I already have."

"I'm afraid not Miss Von Clef." Mary took another paper out from a folder she kept with her. "I anticipated you'd like to help her but I'm afraid the amount of dept you owe makes it impossible to take another loan until you pay off the majority of it. You owe the bank 25000 so until you pay the majority off you can't take another I'm afraid."

Now, Vinyl was in despair. She began to breath heavily gripping her head like she had the worst hangover ever. Under her glasses her eyes were strained as tears formed around them. Octavia once again tried to calm her down, but nothing seemed to help. "I need some time to think. Can we hold off until tomorrow mayor? I need to write a letter."

"Sure take your time Miss Scratch."

With that Vinyl got up to leave leaving the two older mares behind.

"Shouldn't you go with her Octavia?" asked Mary.

The grey mare shook her head to the politician pony. "No. She needs time to herself. I can tell she's in one of her moods."

"She'll be alright on her own?"

"She'll be fine. I trust her judgement. She may not act like it, but she's really smart and can take care of herself," Octavia said sipping her beverage.

"She may be one of your students but you need to be there for her." The mayor said to the cellist. "She needs guidance now more than ever before. She's new and you have played this game for years."

The grey mare sighed, setting her cup down. She eyed the swirling liquid within. It reminded her of her first performance. She was scared of the whole world being there to watch, and silently judge her. Vinyl was pony that didn't care as long as she made others smile.

"Madam mayor! Octavia!" A familiar voice called to them.

The two earth ponies looked over to see Trixie walking up to them. "Trixie how are you dear?" Octavia stood up hugging her.

"Trixie didn't know we were on a hugging basis Miss Von Clef." she said hugging her back.

Mary then stood up and hugged Trixie. Trixie wasn't sure but she could have sworn, from the corner of her sight, she saw Octavia's ear twitch after they kissed.

Mary broke away looking at Trixie. "How was your day at Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Augh. Applejack was a stick wedged up her flankhole somewhere," Trixie gave an exasperated sigh, sitting down. "Trixie was sure she helped get it out, but then Applejack started beating ponies with said stick. She's the most stubborn pony Trixie has ever met!"

Both Mary and Octavia rolled their eyes at the mare. *Yeah and you're little miss humble yourself.* They both thought. After finishing her thought Octavia decided to ask the obvious. "So, what has Applejack said to you to get you angry?"

"She fates fillyfoolers and-"

Octavia held up a hoof stopping her. "Sorry dear, but Vinyl and I have had this conversation too and I can say I agree with Applejack to a point."

Both Mary and Trixie looked shocked at the statement. Mary had never guessed Octavia to have such feelings about same sex relationships and Trixie didn't think she did either.

"Octavia, I'm surprised," Mary said in a worried tone. "I never pegged you as one to judge on sexual preferences."

Octavia stifled a giggle at the mares reaction. "I can see why you'd think that. No, if another decides to sin I let them do so in peace."

Both Trixie and Mary looked confused at each other. Octavia decided a little clarification was in order. "I'm an earth pony," she pointed to herself. "I was raised in Canterlot but with traditional earth pony values. Thus I don't believe in same sex relationships for myself. I don't push those ideas unto others like Applejack does." She then picked up her cup daintily taking a sip from it twice before continuing. "I know what it's like to be oppressed by another for being different. Growing up in Canterlot I heard plenty of insults from my 'peers' being an earth pony in a unicorn city no less."

Trixie immediately thought back to her first days on the Pie Family farm. She felt like such an outsider, and with her views on same sex relationships, only served to alienate her more to the community nearby. Surprisingly for an earth pony settlement they were really open to the idea of same sex relationships, especially herds. Trixie understood how she felt, how Apple Bloom felt. Possibly how many others felt but were too afraid to speak up.

"Trixie you order is ready." said a voice over a loudspeaker. "Trixie your order is ready at the front counter."

"Please excuse me for a second ladies."Trixie went inside to get her order.

Octavia gave Mary a sly grin taking another sip of her beverage. Mary eyes her wearily. "So Mary, how long do you intend to wait?"

Mary choked on her coffee hacking several times while Octavia laughed at her expense. "I-cough-cough- have no idea what you mean." she glared at her grey friend. Though friend seemed loose in this case.

"Oh I think you do." Octavia's grin grew ten fold. "I know you like her. You don't hug anypony like that anymore. Unless you like them. Like you LIKED Derpy."

The old mare gave out a exasperated sigh nearly throwing her cup to the table. Octavia and everypony in Ponyville seemed to know about her and Derpy wanting them to get back together. Pinkie was the worst.

"Mary." Octavia said in a calm voice. "You can't wait forever. What if she-"

"Yes, yes, yes, I know already!" Mary yelled impatiently. "I got the talk from my parents and Derpy. Even Dinky was giving me her 'look'." Octavia gave her an unamused stare. "Don't you look at me like that."

Octavia shook her head. "Oh, Mary."

Moments later Trixie arrived taking her seat beside Mary. "So anyway, let's get away from that previous depressing topic of bigotry." The azure unicorn said taking a bit of her croissant. She chewed thoughtfully as she took a quick look around. "Where's Vinyl? Wasn't she here earlier?"

Both Octavia and Mary looked at her neither was expecting her to know she was here. In fact none of them even noticed her until she first notified them of her presence.

"She left just moments before you showed up Trixie. Why do you ask?" asked the grey mare.

"Trixie saw you three talking and decided not to interrupt until you finished. Vinyl was here with you," Trixie replied, taking another bite of her croissant.

"We were having a personal discussion." Mary replied not wanting to tell Trixie about the subject. But Trixie was already sure about the subject.

"Was it about her equipment issue with Octavia by chance?" She ventured a guess. Mary turned to Octavia, waiting to see if it was alright for her to tell her. Octavia nodded to her allowing her to continue. "Trixie figured. So Have you three reached an agreement? "

"We have. We decided to make a soundproof building for Vinyl," Octavia started, "But the cost is astronomically out of her price range. We need 6000 total, but we can only get 3000 bits."

Trixie thought for a good minute not saying a word. *Perhaps now was a good time to start showing others I want to make a change. Vinyl is a renown DJ in these parts. Her favor could go a long way to help Trixie reestablish herself.* Granted, she didn't want her first set of friends to be tools for her own personal gain, but it was still a good start for both her and rekindling her ruined reputation. *No don't think of it that way. Think of it as a friendly investment.* Trixie reassured herself. Convinced she had the details worked out she decided to go for it. *For Vinyl.*

"Perhaps, if you don't mind Trixie being so bold, but she could procure the necessary 3000 bits Vinyl requires." she said with confidence. "And Trixie would help with the move or building process if needed."

Now, Mary was not one to judge others but Trixie said once she had nothing of monetarily value left. So how could she possibly pay off 3000 bits for anypony? Octavia shared a skeptical look with her, eyeing Trixie wearily. Trixie noticed their looks and frowned.

"Gee thanks for the bode of confidence friends," Trixie replied sarcastically and swung her arms in the air.

*Did she just emphasize the word friends?* Mary thought raising her brow at the mare.

"It's not that we don't believe you Trixie." Mary replied. "It's just that you yourself said you made nothing left. So how can you pay for the difference?"

The unicorn in question gave the two mares a big tooth grin. It was a smug look of confidence she once gave others she thought beneath her, now it was her way of showing she was absolutely sure of her actions.

"Trixie has a large investment from her previous job. A short letter and she'll have access to it by this time tomorrow." she turned her nose up drinking her coffee.

"You'd do that for Vinyl?" Octavia stared in disbelief. "Even though you just met her and you expect nothing in return?"

Mary frowned at Octavia's assessment of Trixie. There was no way a mare like Trixie could possibly be so selfish, not after all she'd been through. "I mean no offense of course. You have to agree a mare of her, 'caliber', makes it hard to think otherwise," Octavia held her hooves up seeing the mayor's reaction to her statement.

Mary was about to tell her grey friend off when Trixie held up a hoof stopping her. To her surprise, Trixie was rather calm about Octavia's claims. "Trixie will send a letter as soon as she gets home. She'll let you know as soon as she gets word tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" Both mares said in unison. "But how can you get word back via letter by tomorrow?" Asked Mary.

Trixie once again grinned pulling a candle out from a compartment in her utility belt. "Magical sending candles. Linked to the ones at the Pie family farm. Trixie use to use them to communicate with them when it she was in urgent need to send them a message. Expensive,' she placed the candle down on the table lighting it with her magic. "But they'll send a message to the other within minutes of being sent , even when not lit, depending on the distance. Trixie would wager that it'd reach its destination within an hour from here in Ponyville," She then took a piece of parchment and charcoal and began writing. She sealed it with a ribbon and held it over the flame just out of reach. "So, can Trixie ask or do you want to ask Vinyl first? Trixie thinks she'd love the surprise."

Mary waited looking to Octavia, she nodded smiling at the tan mare, then Mary nodded to Trixie who dropped the scroll into the flame. Immediately it was engulfed by the flame the second it touched, as if it had soaked in a most blamable liquid prior to being offered to a fire god. A smoke trail spiraled upward until it was just ten feet above their head. Then in a lash, it darted off south heading to its destination like a bullet.

All three mares smiled to one another, satisfied with what they'd done. A silent pact made, Trixie raised her tea with her hoof, Mary and Octavia did so as well. "To absent friends," Trixie said. "To Vinyl."

"To Vinyl."
"To Vinyl."

They saluted, their cups clinking against one another.

Then each to a drink to their friend. Octavia set her cup down and was beaming by this point. "I can't wait to tell Vinyl about this! She'll be so delighted." she said hugging Trixie. "Thank you for doing this Trixie. Once again you've amazed me with how selfless you can be."

The blue mare hugged her back. She looked over to Mary who joined in the hug as well. "Well, done Trixie." Mary said, kissing her on the cheek making her blush. She then proceeded to hide behind her mane.

"Thanks Mary," Trixie replied, blushing under her mane.

"Ahem." Octavia pressed a hoof to her mouth as if coughing getting their attentions. "I don't mean to be rude but can you two-"

"Sorry, Octavia. I forgot." Mary let go of them and they all separated. "Sorry, to make you feel awkward."

"Think nothing of it. Lord knows Vinyl would have done the same if she could." The grey mare laughed nearly dropping her tea. All three of them laughed for a good minute before they were able to calm down.

Time went on, and after an hour Octavia had to leave to take care of some business elsewhere. After a brief goodbye Octavia left the cafe leaving the other two mares alone. Trixie sat awkwardly watching as Mary went over the documents from earlier. Her thoughts were on Mary and how beautiful she looked. She thought about how kind she was to her, giving her a job, a place to live, it was nice feeling like she was wanted instead of being hated all the time. But one thing still bothered her to no end.

*She was lonely.*

After she left the farm, and Maud, she felt so alone that she'd cried herself to sleep twice. It hurt her so much to leave Maud behind, but her drive for revenge blinded her. She left a letter telling Maud she was calling off their relationship and that she might not return. It was that simple. Not heart filled love or anything. Just a simple note a cold as her black heart was at the time. When she put on the alicorn amulet, she changed. The power was intoxicating. All she wanted was more power. But deep in it all was a stronger desire. Something she wanted all her life but never felt she got.

Then she thought about the two kisses she got in the last two days.

*She wanted to be loved.*

As the power of the amulet grew, she felt her desires becoming stronger. In the end she got nothing from it. After she removed the amulet, it took some time for her to region her sanity completely. Once she realized the error she made, she sought out Twilight Sparkle, ready to beg for forgiveness if it was necessary. Twilight gave it to her. Forgiveness. It was the happiest moment Trixie had felt in some time.

*Until she remembered how she abandoned the mare that loved her.*

Her thoughts lingered on the stone grey earth pony back on a rock farm. Trixie felt heartbroken after her failure in Ponyville and her failure to Maud. She watched as Mary scanned the documents thoroughly before she began signing them. She felt like she was using Mary. She knew the mare liked her, no she loved her and she loved her too. The truth though was that Trixie was still in love Maud, which made it hard for her to show affections to Mary.

Did she like the tan mare? It seemed too soon to say, but part of her was feeling that Mary was something more than just a friend. More than just a work associate. It was difficult for her to explain, but something was different about her compared to Vinyl or Octavia.

She watched as Mary sipped her coffee reading her documents. Steeling her resolve, Trixie scooted over towards her. Eventually her body pressed against Mary's and both looked at each other. Trixie stared into Mary's deep blue eyes, they reminded her of sapphires. She then rested her head on Mary's shoulder, kissing her gently on the neck. Mary shivered from the sudden contact but kissed her back. She then wrapped a tan arm around Trixie holding her. Unbeknownst to her however, Trixie's mind was in turmoil. The unicorn was torn between her rising feelings for Mary, and her already existing feelings for Maud. But she didn't care, she was content now being close to Mary and that was good enough for her. The only issue was the letter she sent. Whoever receives Trixie's letter will most likely be the one to respond. Trixie really hopes it's not Maud. She may... complicate things if she knew where I was.

She closed her eyes, tired from her day and rested eventually falling asleep on Mary's shoulder with a smile on her face.

***

Later elsewhere in Equestria

A speeding wisp flew across the sky darting through a small town in the southern end of Equestria. Ponies watched it as the tiny thing wiped across the sky heading towards a small farm just outside of town. It passed by a sign that read, 'Welcome to the Pie Rock Farm.'

It then flew into a window slowing to a snail's pace compared to before. Inside a small room a grey mare with a violet mane was reading to herself. Her face was a plain as any stone among her collection that littered her room. It was small and simple. A simple bed, desk, chair, bookshelf and drawer. Several shelves ran along the walls with various stones and gems on display. Her desk was covered in books and catalogs on rocks and gems. A picture laid face down beside a mug of warm coffee.

The mare herself, was reading a book on unique geographical locations, when the wisp flew into her candle bursting into flames as a letter appeared before her. It landed on the desk and fell silent. She didn't respond immediately. She calmly took a bookmark and placed it in the pages before closing it and placing it on the desk beside the candle. She picked up the letter, tearing it open with her mouth and read the contents within.

Her ears perked up and a smile donned her stoic features. She placed the letter down and began to pack. She grabbed a set of saddle bags and placed a few things for traveling into them. She put extra clothes in them and a toothbrush as well. Lastly, she reached beneath her bed and pulled out a small safe with a bronze label on it that read: Trixie's Savings.

She opened it revealing several gems inside. She eyed them momentarily before leaning in and took hold of a large diamond with her mouth. She pulled it out placing it in a knapsack. Satisfied she had everything she picked locked the safe up and replaced it under the bed.

She walked back to her desk with the knapsack over her shoulder, and took the photo in her hoof. She turned the photo over revealing a picture of Trixie with her signature grin and pose during her performances. She ran her hoof across the mare's face in the photo. Kissing it once, she set it back down and walked out of her room.

"Father. I'm going to see Pinkie in Ponyville tomorrow." Maud called out in her monotone voice closing the door behind her.

Third Day Blooming Disasters (Final)

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Trixie awoke to the sound of snoring. She was laying on something soft and furry. Warm too. She opened her eyes to find herself back in a familiar bedroom on top of a familiar tan mare. Trixie laid there as Mary's chest rose up and down with each breath, accompanied by a snore each time. The unicorn giggled to herself as she wondered if Mary even knew she snored.

She slowly crawled over Mary and snuggled beside her. Using her magic, she pulled the covers over them. She gave a quick glance at the clock which read 15:34. Almost four hours had passed. Trixie then realized this meant that Mary had carried her all the way from the cafe, which was in the center of Ponyville, more or less. She felt embarrassed at the thought of being carried by her, like a child, all the way back home.

It wasn't even because she was exhausted from her work on the farm, she was just comfortable. Trixie had many faults, but let's be honest who doesn't, but one of them was falling asleep when she got to comfortable. Something as simple as resting under a tree, could leave her asleep for hours. It was one thing she never could get over for some reason. She dismissed the thought as a loud snore brought her attention back to Mary.

The tan mare was still snoring blissfully unaware that Trixie lay beside her awake. She smiled pressing her lips against Mary's neck giving her a gentle kiss. Mary stopped snoring and let out a soft moan. She arched her back stretching, raising her body , as a loud pop emitted form her back before slumping back down. She blinked a few times, rubbing her eyes. She then let out a yawn looking over at Trixie still smiling at her.

"Well, that was a most wonderful way to wake up."

. "Sleep well dear?" she asked licking her on the ear.

"Mmmmn yesssss." Trixie moaned as her ear was assaulted by the wet tongue. Mary grinned and stopped licking Trixie's ear immediate the blue mare glared up at her. "Don't stop!" she said feigning annoyance.

Mary rolled her eyes laughing at the smaller mare. "Keep up that attitude and you won't get any later." she threatened Trixie. Trixie blushed turning her head away and crossing her arms pouting. "Oh, don't be butt hurt." Mary rolled over on top of Trixie who tried to push her off, with a look of annoyance.

"Yes," she pushed harder but Mary went dead weight on her. "Trixie is very anal pained. [i}EEEK!!"

The two ponies were so caught up in their game neither realized they'd reached the end of the bed. Both mares rolled off with Mary landing first, and catching Trixie cushioning her fall. "You OK?" she asked looking over the unicorn like a mother would her child.

"Yes Mary, Trixie is fine." Trixie said standing up and dusting herself off. 'Thanks for the save." she offered a hoof to the earth mare lifting her up. She then noticed a fresh cut on Mary's left arm. "Your arm!" she yelled in alarm, taking it up with her magic inspecting it.

"Trixie, it's a small cut. It's nothing to fuss over." Mary tugged her arm trying to get away from Trixie, but Trixie held her in place.

"No. Trixie will tend to your wound." Her horn lit up as Mary was engulfed by her magical aura and lifted back onto the bed. She was placed gently down as Trixie went to get the first aid kit. After tending to her wound, Trixie put the first aid back. After which they decided to sit down and make lunch.

Trixie was in the kitchen getting ready, she wore an apron that read 'Great and Powerful Cook'. "Mary what do you want for lunch? Trixie was planning on making carrot soup." she asked.

"That sounds wonderful Trixie. Do we have everything?" Mary replied.

Just as the question registered in her brain, Trixie facehooved. She had completely forgotten to get the gems she needed for the soup from Rarity. She gotten distracted by Applejacks outburst and now she needed to go get some before it was too late.

"Mayor. Trixie has to go to the market to get the last ingredient for the soup. It should only take a minute." she called from the kitchen.

"Oh, well I'll go with you then." Mary said entering the kitchen. "Let me get ready."

"It'll only take Trixie a minute, you don't have to go if you don't want too."

"Oh trying to get rid of me already Trixie?" she asked giving her a sly grin.

Trixie panicked. She didn't mean it that way but the words never reached her brain to say them. Seeing the young mare panic attack amused Mary to no end, but she felt bad watching her trip over her words trying to apologize. "It's OK Trixie, I was just kidding."

Trixie puffed her cheeks, glaring at the mare. "My somepony is mad." Mary said walking into her room.

Once in her room, Mary began her routine she would follow in the morning like clockwork. Fix her mane. Check. Quickly brush coat. Check. Glasses. Check. Neck tie. Check. It took her only ten minutes to finish. Exiting her room she found Trixie sitting by the door with her arms crossed still pouting.

"Trixie." she said approaching the young mare. "You're not mad are you?" she asked in a concerned tone.

Trixie stuck her nose up walking to the door. "No, Trixie isn't mad. Humph." Using her magic to open the door Trixie made her way outside holding the door open for Mary. Mary shook her head smiling at the mares attempt to guilt trip her, it was amusingly cute. Outside they made their way towards the Carousel Boutique. Along the way Trixie made a stop to Carrot Top's stand.

"Trixie! Mayor! How are you two this afternoon?" the orange maned mare greeted.

"Fine Carrot Top. How has your day been?" asked Trixie.

"I can't complain. Rainbow Dash left a rain cloud over my house again. That feather brain. Aside from that not much. How about you two?" she asked in a sweet tone.

Both Mary and Trixie looked at each other smiling. "Well Trixie and I are heading to Rarity's boutique to pick up some gems for dinner tonight. Trixie is making carrot soup." Mary answered.

Carrot Top looked at the two like she was losing her mind. "Gems?"

Trixie nodded.

"To eat?"

"Well, not to eat exactly," Trixie said tapping her chin. "Trixie doesn't understand how it works, only that it does work. But only if you have a specific gem. Trixie promised not to tell though." she added seeing the look on both Carrot and Marys faces. Both pouted not being able to hear it but neither pressed the issue further.

"In either case, I hope it turns out well for you two." Carrot Top said placing a new batch of carrots on her stand. "Take these. They're fresh."

"Thank you Carrot." Trixie pulled out a bit purse. "How much?"

"NO Trixie I'm giving them to you." she said pushing her bit purse down. "Consider it an apology for the way I treated you when we first met."

Trixie smiled taking the carrots with her magic and reached over the stand to hug the carrot colored mare. Mary glared at the scene as a hint of jealousy tugged at her heart.

"You already did yesterday rememeber?" The unicorn stated.

The carrot pony blushed slightly looking off to the side, pawing the ground.

"Yes, well it was rude of me and I felt bad. So take them!" She beamed with a smile.

"Thank you Carrot. Trixie appreciates this." she tuned putting her purse back in her vest. "Well, we must be off now. Farewell Carrot! See you soon!"

Carrot Top waved from her stand to the two ponies as they made their way across the market. Once past the various stands and vendors. Pegasi were placing storm clouds all over Ponyville getting ready for a massive storm to help with the harvest seasons. All the while Trixie and Mary talked about their job.

"Alright Trixie, so at 10AM we're having a meeting with Mr. Rich to talk about his daughters community service with you at Sweet Apple Acres." Trixie jotted a note down on her notepad. "Later at noon we'll have lunch and at 1PM I have a meeting with Twilight and the mayor of Manehatten. At 2:30 I will be meeting with Timeturner and at 3:45 I need to meet with Zecora to talk about her herbal remedies."

Trixie stopped taking notes at the sound of that name. Zecora, she was sure she heard it before. "Isn't she that zebra that helped Twilight and her friends trick Trixie into taking off the amulet?"

The tan mare nodded as she continued to walk down the streets of Ponyville, leading the way to Rarity's boutique. "Yes, she was. Why do you ask?"

"Trixie was just curious. If it's all the same, Trixie wishes to join you when you go to see her."

"Why's that?"

"Trixie- I want to thank her for helping save me." Trixie said lowering her head in shame.

She nearly lost herself to that accursed item she bought. Now, she only wished to say thanks to the one who help Twilight save her. Indirectly, but instrument to her salvation all the same. Mary seemed to catch on and agreed to allow Trixie to accompany her. She'd intended to give her the rest of the day off, but how she spends it was her choice. Besides she wanted to apologies, who was she to stop the young mare from doing so?

Just as the thought passed her mind the Carousel Boutique came into sight. Mary and Trixie made their way to the entrance and Mary knocked on the door. Seconds passed and she knocked again. After the third time a voice called out. "Be there in a minute!" in a sing song voice.

A minute later the door opened to reveal Rainbow Dash in a beautiful pink frilly dress. It clashed completely with her fur and mane colors so badly that Trixie found it hard not to laugh at her. Rainbow frowned at her.

"Trixie don't laugh!" Mary scolded her, turning her attention back to Rainbow. "Sorry about her Miss Dash, but we're here to see Rarity is she in?"

"Yeah she went to use the little fillies room." The cyan blue pegasus said, shifting uncomfortably in the dress.

"She wanted me to send her condol-condl- she's sorry she didn't answer the door. She was, "in the zone"." she waved her hoof across an imaginary horizon to emphasis her point. Rainbow then looked up to the sky seeing it was dark out. "Huh? Guess the boss decided to go with the early showers."

"Rainbow Daring Dash!" a voice yelled from within the boutique. "It's rude to keep guests waiting outside!"

Rainbow flinched as if the voice physically struck her. She stepped aside letting the two mares in, with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Rares!" she rubbed her neck blushing slightly. "Sorry, about that you two. I wasn't trying to be rude." she said sheepishly, leading them to the living area. It was littered with fabric and ponyquines.

Trixie kept snickering at the pegasus and her dress. She received a stern glare from both Mary and Rainbow. Mary sighed shaking her head at Trixie. "I'm so sorry, Miss Dash." She turned her gaze to the azure unicorn who was whistling innocently. "Some of us have better self control."

The unicorn puffed her cheeks at the tan mare. "Trixie has plenty of self control!' she walked over to the pink covered pegasus, who was on a stage pouting. "But she's just soooo cute in that frilly dress! Don't you think Mary?" the unicorn sang as Rainbow Dash groaned double facehooving.

Just then a white unicorn walked down stairs. "Now you leave my poor Rainbow alone Trixie!" Rarity said in mock annoyance walking up to her marefriend. "Besides, she's had enough teasing from me. Haven't' you darling?" she grinned nuzzling her. She then turned her attention back to her guests. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting Mayor. What can I do for you and Trixie?"

"We're sorry for bothering you miss Rarity, are you busy now? We can come back later if you'd like." the tan mare offered.

Rarity shook her head waving her hoof for them to sit in some chairs positioned near the stage. "Not at all darlings, we're just doing a side project for fun. Aren't we, Dashie?" she nuzzled up to Rainbow Dash.

"Rarity stop! You're embarrassing me in front of the mayor!" she tried pushing the unicorn away but wasn't putting any real effort into it. "So, what did you need mayor?" asked Rainbow hugging Rarity.

"Actually, Trixie wanted to speak to you Miss Rarity." Mary said stepping aside giving her the floor.

Rarity and Rainbow separated giving her their undivided attention. Mary sat on one of the chairs near the stage, watching. She folded her legs and placed her hooves into her lap nudging Trixie in the rear forcing her forward.

"Trixie was wondering if she could procure some gems for a special dinner she was making tonight." she said planting her bottom on the floor. Rarity gave her a sly grin. She walked up to Trixie and leaned into her ear and whispered, "Making something special for a special soempony?" she whispered nodding to Mary who was talking to Rainbow Dash.

Trixie blushed turning away form the white unicorn. "Trixie has no special somepony." She lied. She turned to see Rainbow getting out of the dress with Mary's assistance. "But, if there were somepony like that here, Trixie would hope she'd like the special dinner she made for her."

"I understand darling. Love can be a powerful, fulfilling thing." she sighed blissfully watching Rainbow struggle to remove the dress despite Mary's help. "So what do you need darling? What ever I have is at your disposal."

"Oh right, do you have-"

"TRIXIE! Ahm calling you out!" the voice of one very angry Applejack echoed through the boutique.

"Son of a bucking mule!" Trixie screamed, startling everypony in the boutique. She looked out the window to see Applejack standing a few feet from the property with an angry scowl on her face. She looked like she meant business. Trixie walked to the door slamming it open.se stomped out heading for her with the others behind her.

"APPLEJACK!" She called to her. Applejack turned to see Trixie approaching with Mary, Rarity, and Rainbow behind her, still in the pink dress. "What do you want now?"

The orange pony had no subtlety in her actions. She simply slammed her head into Trixie's pushing into her with all her might. Surprisingly Trixie held her in place, with some difficulty, but remained planted none the less.

"Ah asked you to do one thing. One thing only. And you go behind ma back and talk you sick nonsense to mah little sister! Enough! Since you aim to wreck mah familiy I'll teach you!" ignoring the others.

"What are you getting at? What did Apple Bloom tell you Trixie said?"

"That you said love of any kind can turn a pony into a good pony! YOU LIAR! Ah've seen first hoof what your kind of love can do an ah don't like it! You and me are settling this right now Trixie!"

Suddenly her vision became blue as Rainbow flew between them and pushed them apart.

"AJ what's gotten into you!?" The cyan pegasus yelled to er friend. "So Trixie doesn't see things the way you do. What's so bad about that?" Rainbow asked trying to reason with her. By now a large crowd had formed by all the yelling and seeing Trixie challenging Applejack was quite the sight. Rarity steped forwards to talk to her friend.

"I have to agree darling, you're acting way out of line Applejack." Rarity said standing beside Rainbow Dash.

Applejack growled stomping the ground. "You two fillyfoolers stay out of this! This is between me and Trixie!"

Everypony gasped at AJ's reaction. Rainbow was positively livid and Rarity gasped dramatically with tears forming in her eyes as she embraced Rainbow.

"No." Trixie said.

Applejack stepped back shocked by what she heard. "What did you say to me?" she sneered at the mare.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie said 'no' to your challenge." Trixie replied. "If you want to settle this we'll do so tomorrow."

The orange mare raised an eyebrow to this. "Why tomorrow? What are you planning on skipping town? Like when Twi beat you not once, but twice?" she said in a smug tone. Trixie growled digging her hoof into the ground.

"No. Trixie will not run away ever again. But she will take your challenge noon tomorrow. A competition of strength. No magic or anything. Just us mare to mare in a series of physical challenges to see who's the best." she stopped to take a calming breath before she continued. "If I win you'll stop harassing Trixie and your sister on the whole fillyfooling thing and keep it to yourself from now on."

By now a group had formed seeing the two mares going at it again from before. Many were new, some had seen the two go at it a few days before. But the prospect of another Iron Pony Competition was intriguing to them. All of Applejack's friends were there, including Twilight, who looked on the sight sadly.

Applejack scoffed waving her hoof at her. "Oh gee, and I have to change mah ways too just like mah granny said. Sure but what if ah win? What will you do if I should be the winner of this challenge? You're asking a lot of me for something such as this.'' She watched Trixie trying to size her up. Anypony would be foolish to take a deal like this at face value. Especially with a known liar. "So, what do ah get if ah win?" she asked again.

"If you win," Trixie sighed pulling stone filer out of her belt. "Trixie will remove her horn and give up magic forever and live as an earth pony."

There was a collective gasp from everypony in the area. Murmurs arose about the absurdity of this challenge, as well as the cost to both sides. Rarity promptly fainted falling as Rainbow caught her. Setting her marefriend down she flew beside Trixie.

"Trixie that's got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard! Why would you even suggest that!?" Rainbow yelled flying over her. "Losing your magic is like a pegasus losing their wings!" she said tapping the unicorns horn.

"Trixie is willing to risk that if only to prove she's serious about her terms to Apple-hick." Trixie responded to Rainbow.

"Absolutely not!" Mary butted into the conversation. "As Mayor of Ponyville I forbid this to go on any further! Applejack! You have crossed a line and I've had it!" she stomped the ground burying her hoof in the dirt. Applejack didn't even flinch. "As mayor of Ponyville I order you to stand down at once and return home this instant! You don't go around my town and make threats to my friend!"

There was a deafening silence as everypony looked between the mayor and the farm pony. Applejack scowled at the tan pony. Then she turned and began to charge her head on. Trixie intercepted her taking hold of her by the neck. Applejack came to a instantaneous halt, with Trixie holding her back, just as lightning struck. The following boom of thunder shook the two mares and everypony nearby and rain started to fall.

Third Day Maelstrom of Emotions Part 1 (Final)

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It was raining hard. Ponies fled to their homes others remained behind to see the fight to be. Mary helped Rainbow carry Rarity to the house and once their they let her rest on her fainting seat.Once she was settled in, they both went outside to see their friends staring each other down. The rain was falling heavily and the two mares were circling in the street. Neither made their move both looked determined. Most of the ponies retreated to their homes or nearby houses a few remained to observe the fight in person. No matter where they went all eyes were on the two mares.

They were still circling one another waiting for the opportune moment to strike the other. Applejack kept her stance low to the ground like a cat, while Trixie simply stood in a confident manner, grinning. Applejack hated the condescending look she gave her. "Ahm gonna wipe that smirk right off your face." Applejack growled halting her movements. Trixie did the same.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Trixie asked, waving a hoof tauntingly. "Are you scared of Trixie?"

The orange mare gave a wild yell charging the unicorn. Trixie charged her horn and leapt to the side as Applejack ran past her. She had intended on ramming the unicorn, but instead stopped turned and with a might buck sent Trixie flying across the ground. The dual kicks winded her, as she tried to stand, but slipped back down in the mud. Applejack took this opportunity to tackle her while she recovered. Instinctively Trixie fired a stun spell hitting the charging mare in the left back leg making it go limp just as she made contact with Trixie full force.

The impact sent the two mares tumbling in the mud. Even with her bum leg, Applejack managed to land on top of Trixie and began a full assault on her face.

"You think you're better than me?!" she yelled punching Trixie's face. The azure mare did her best to cover her face but the punches were still making contact with her face. "You think that because you have some fancy horn makes you better then me?"

"No." Trixie used her hooves to sling mud in her eyes. Applejack screamed in pain as the mud worked into her eye trying to rub it out. "Trixie is just more tolerant than you are. Trixie doesn't judge others for what they are."

Trixie then ran up kicking Applejack in the pit of her stomach. "I don’t judge others based on past actions. The ursa minor, the Alicorn Amulet, I retaliated at every turn and look what that got Trixie!" She reached with her hooves pulling the mare into a headlock. "Trixie lost everything to this town and tried to take her revenge on it with the Alicorn Amulet. Trixie was a fool to hold onto that grudge for as long as she did! You're falling down the same path as Trixie did!" By now Applejack was thrashing about, trying to get free from the unicorn. She was surprisingly strong.

"Ah aint nothing like you! You're a chronic liar, a cheat , and a monster! I am nothing. LIKE! YOU!" she swung her head back into Trixie's causing her to lose her grip. Applejack slipped out of the headlock, still blinded by the mud, and shoved Trixie away as lightning struck nearby.

"Trixie!" Mary cried out trying to interfere but was held back by a random pony in the crowd.

Trixie recovered quickly, her face was a darker hue than it normally is, and her left eye was now swollen and her nose was bloody. Applejack had part of her vision now but lost her hat along the way. Her hair was unbound and messy and her head was bleeding down her nose. They began circling again. The storm raged on as winds began to pick up, blowing both their manes wildly about.

Mary stayed and watched in horror as they circled each other like animals. What was she to do? She was powerless to stop them. Their physical strength was easily ten times anything she could muster, both from her age and her position as mayor. It was a job that required little heavy lifting which was something these two were very good at.

So, she relented to stay on the side lines as she watched Trixie getting trounced by AJ.

Applejack rubbed her face as blood ran down her eyelid. Spitting once off to the side she thought about how to best Trixie. She was fast, strong, and had magic. So she'd have to outsmart her. Then she got an idea. Slowly she started to walk sideways down the street Trixie mimicked her actions. *Just as ah thought she would.* She grinned at her own cleverness. They started slow walking down the street then after a few paces Applejack picked up the pace to a trot, then to a full blown run.

The two ran down the streets dodging between buildings and cart stands. Eventually Applejack dodged down a street and hid around the corner, waiting. As Trixie made her way around the same corner she was met by a blur of orange as the farm pony came around decking her in the muzzle. Trixie screamed in pain clutching her bloody nose rolling on the ground. Her blood mixed with the mud covering her fur and Applejack leapt on top her preparing for another barrage on her face.

But she was ready this time. Trixie fired a magic beam to stun the orange mare, which knocking her off before the first blow was struck. She flew back rolling a few times into a standing position.

"You really thought Trixie didn't anticipate that?" the azure mare called out. She struggled to stand still clutching her nose.

Applejack spit mud to the side her side had a burn mark across her side. A hint of burnt fur hung in the air as the rain was now in full downpour. She rubbed her side grinning at the mare across from her. "Not bad Trixie. Now, let me show you how we do it on the farm," She said drawing her rope.

***

Meanwhile back at Rarity's place, Rainbow and Mary had carried Rarity back to her home. Setting her down on the couch, they borrowed some of her heavy raincoats and made a dash for the door looking for the two combatants. Mary ran down one set of streets while Rainbow checked nearby adjacent streets. Being an expert flier Rainbow was able to fly even through the storm. It was difficult, but she was able to fly without much difficulty, though she wasn't going anywhere near as fast as she could on a clear day.

After some time Rainbow found the two mares in a mud sling fest in the north end of Ponyville. *Man those two are fast.* she thought, flying back to retrieve Mary.

***

As the two mares stared one another down, Trixie realized Applejack had a rope on her. Once again AJ charged the unicorn with bold confidence. "You just never learn do you earth pony?" she said arrogantly charging her. What happened next threw her completely off guard.

The orange pony slide beneath her knocking her over, at the same time she found her nose wrapped in the rope and her face was dragged down into the mud, again. Applejack was up in a second and lunged at her. The rope wrapped around Trixie with expert percussion effectively hogtying her in place.

"How dare you coward! Release Trixie this instant and fight fair!" she cried out struggling against the rope. Applejack grinned walking over to Trixie and grabbed her by the mane.

"Ya see Trixie? Ya can't beat me. I aint a liar or a fillyfooler like you so I can't lose." Applejack said with confidence. She then held up her open arm and began punching Trixie. *Seriously what is it with her and Trixie's face!* The blue mare thought in outrage. "You. Aint. better. than . me. never. was. and. never. will. be. you. darn. horned. arrogant. bitchy. FILLYFOOLER!" she yelled punching Trixie with every word.

Once she finished she threw Trixie to the ground and kicked her once in the side. The blue mare rolled moaning in pain as AJ untied her replacing her rope. She turned to walk away when a weak voice caught her attention.

"Why?"

She stopped turning to yell at Trixie but was surprised to find Twilight between her and Trixie. Her mane was wet blowing in the storm, her voice barely audible from the wind and thunder.

"Twi?" she walked over reaching for her friend, but Twilight backed away. "Why are you out here? You'll catch a cold, sugarcube. Come on let's get out of the rain." she said reaching for her again. Twilight swatted her hoof away with a disgusted look on her face.

"Why Applejack? How can you be so cruel?!" Twilight cried. Tear ran down her face but the rain made it impossible for anypony to notice this. "I can't believe one of my friends can show such cruelty to another! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

She then walked over to Trixie helping her up. "Thanks Twilight."

"It's not a problem Trixie," Twilight turned to glared at Applejack. "I would do that for allmy friends, including you."

Applejack stared slack jawed at the scene. Shaking herself out of her daze she ran in front of the two mares. "What are you doing Twilight?" she pointed to Trixie as her mane blew across her neck. "She's not a good pony! She enslaved the whole town!"

"Applejack enough is enough! I can't stand to see you like this? Why do you hate fillyfoolers so much? WHAT HAPPENED?! TELL ME!" she cried in desperation falling to her knees before Applejack, grabbing her shoulders. "What makes you hate them so much, AJ?" she sobbed rubbing her face into her chest.

The orange mare watched in bewilderment as her closest friend bawled into her chest. Taking hold of her in a gentle hug she lifted the lavender unicorn and began to walk. "We'll talk out of the rain, Twi."

She stopped as Twilight pushed away from her, shaking her head. "No! Tell me now AJ! WHY DO YOU HATE THEM!?"

"Fine, Twi. Since it means so much to you, ah guess I can talk this one time." she sighed staring at Trixie. "As you know I lost my mother to a mare who took her off to the big city to live. She dumped Apple Bloom on us and left like we were nothing!" As she spoke her voice raised as old memories of pain returned to the surface. She glared at Trixie, seeing her as another instrument of said pain. "My ma, wanted to be famous! She hated the farm life she grew up in! She hated us! So she dumped us the first chance she got and never looked back!" She then ran up to Trixie poking her in the chest before Twilight could react. Trixie just stood there listening. "And you. Oh, you." she sneered. "Ah hate your kind soooo much it hurts to see mah friends warming up to ya. You fancy show ponies think just cause you can dazzle any poor sap into you magic it makes you better ten others. You're wrong," She spit on the ground.

Trixie scrunched her nose not saying a word while Applejack went on with her explanation, "My pa, left shortly after. Never saw him again. Years later we here from a family friend he perished on a trip to the Griffon Kingdoms trying to raise money for the farm. Stupid idea that was." she turned once again facing Trixie. "And it was fillyfooling mares like you who fancied show business that took that all away from me! From my family!" she beat her chest with both hooves, chocking on her words as she cried. "That's why ah hate yer kind Trixie. Show ponies, and fillyfoolers. The pinnacle of dishonesty. And that is the truth."

Trixie, to Applejack's surprise, held a sympathetic look. She reached for Applejack pulling her into a soft hug. "You're wrong about us," Trixie said pushing her away but holding the orange pony around the shoulders. "I too lost my mother to a pony who wanted to become a performer as well."

She walked under a building with an awning with Applejack and Twilight behind her. She sat down shaking herself dry. Twilight did the same sitting next to her. Applejack sat in place no drying herself.

"My mother was into the thespian arts as well. One day she met a mare that shared her interests." she sighed lying down, her body was sore, so she rested as she told her story. She looked to Applejack, who was watching her. "When my mother left my father was heartbroken. Then she came back a year later and she divorced him. He begged her to stay but she found the mare of her dreams. She wanted to take me but he fought her in defiance." Trixie pawed the muddy earth below her.

"I wanted her to stay. So, I begged her to stay and demanded the mare she loved to go away. She became angry and hit me. Father intervened and kicked her out. Though I didn't realize it at the time, the mare was sorry for what happened. I was so angry that I lashed out at her for stealing my mother away from us. That was when I began to hate fillyfoolers."

She looked over to Twilight who looked like she was on the verge of an emotional breakdown. Applejack looked away briefly wiping her eyes. "Ah don't understand Trixie," Applejack said getting both unicorns attentions. "If what you're saying is true then why the change of heart? How can you be like that mare?"

"I lost my father because of it. He became depressed and tried to take his life." she saw the way the others looked at her.

Applejack scooted closer seeing the hurt in Trixie's eyes, "What happened exactly Trixie?"

Trixie rolled on her side against the house getting comfortable. "He left one day going to his favorite spot in the mountains. Under a large oak tree where he met my mother, he did the deed. I followed him to cheer him up but by the time I got there he was already hanging by a noose."

Twilight gasped as Applejack looked sympathetically at her. Twilight hugged her and Trixie turned it with a hug of her own.

"That's awful!" Twilight gasped.

Trixie patted her back trying to calm the mare down. Once she calmed down Twilight laid next to Applejack in the wet stone earth.

"So, what happened next Trixie?" the farm pony asked. "How exactly did he get in a coma from that?"

"That," Trixie said in a cold tone. "Was when the inspiration for my story, of how I slayed an ursa major, came to be."

Third Day Maelstrom of Emotions Part 2 (Final)

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Trixie sat back leaning against the house they were under. Twilight was interested in hearing just what the unicorns life was like. Considering her attitude, Twilight didn’t assume it was a good one. Applejack was also interested but mostly in the part about how Trixie was inspired for her ursa story. The three ponies sat in a triangle of sorts each facing the others equally apart.

"So what happened, Trixie?" Applejack asked growing impatient.

Trixie huffed at the mare glaring at her. "Trixie is getting there!" she yelled shuffling a bit. "Now as Trixie was saying this is how she gained the inspiration for her ursa major story. It was many years ago when Trixie was a filly," Trixie trailed off, lighting her horn as an image of a blue unicorn filly was conjured. The filly pranced around happily. "I was an unexpected child but my mother and father loved me very much."

She looked over to Applejack who seemed to be listening keenly.

"Once I was born my mother and father did their best to raise me together. Married and thus was born my family. As I grew older, mother became more... distant from father and I." She thought back to those days, and thought how happy she and her family were then.

"I was happy then. My father was, even mother was," She closed her eyes focusing on an image of her mother in her head. "But as time went on mother's gaze became distant. She wanted to travel and become famous. She didn't want to be tied down. But father was persistent."

"When she said she was leaving it devastated my father. He begged her to stay but the gleam in her eye never faded. She wanted to travel and that never changed." Trixie looked over to Applejack who had a contemplative look on her face.

"So what happened?" The orange mare asked.

"My mother left, or rather she tried to leave. Father begged and made such a fuss she stayed. Until she came along. A traveling actress on her way to Baltamare came to our town where we lived. When she did mother made up her mind then and there to leave. She wanted to take me but father was having none of it. He fought her in the courts for custody. He won in the end. I never knew why, but I did know he loved me more than she did."

Trixie sighed wiping a stray tear from her eye at the sad memory. The other two listening looked to one another one saddened by the story the other with a look of contemplation.

"I remember talking to her one last time before she left. She said, 'Never give up little one. Always love and care for others and you'll go far in life.' I always thought it was rubbish. Now, I can see I was wrong." Trixie turned her attention to Applejack.

The orange mare stared back at her unsure of what to say. "You're a good pony Applejack. You watch out for your family despite what they say to you and what you say to them. Even when they turn against you, you are by their side through the worst of times."

In truth it hurt Applejack to be told this by Trixie of all ponies. Here she was trying to reason with her on family values and how it ties in with her intolerance of same sex relationships. It was hard to hear, but she couldn't deny her honest nature hearing Trixie's words. She didn't want to believe her, but something inside her just stung, a heavy feeling in her chest. *Trixie has suffered as much as ah did. Yet she's moved on. Am I really so far behind?* Applejack thought to herself staring at the ground.

"Trixie wishes she never abandoned her family. She wishes she forgave them for all that happened. My father, my mother, the mare my mother loved. You still have time to change that. Don't waste it. Your family won't be there forever. Nothing lasts forever." Trixie practically spit the words at the orange mare.

"What happened to your father?" Twilight asked scooting closer to Applejack.

"Another time, Trixie is tired and cold. She wants to return home."

As soon as she finished Trixie stood up and began walking off into the storm. Twilight pleaded for her to stay but blew her off. She didn't want to talk to Twilight now. She wanted to get back to Mary. She worked her way through the maelstrom, Twilight and Applejack went back to the farm, leaving Trixie by herself.

She wondered if the others were looking for her, if Mary was looking for her. She thought about how she stood up for her. It made her smile, until a stick flew into her face making her swear. Then she heard a familiar voice off in the distance.

It was very faint, but it was a voice none the less she knew.

"Trixie!"

She turned to see Rainbow Dash flying towards her. Surprising considering the weather. "Rainbow? What are you doing here?"

The cyan pegasus landed near her giving her a raincoat. "Mary and I were worried about you! You ran off into a storm with Applejack!"

Trixie was about to comment when another voice called her. "Trixie! Are you Okay?"

"Mary." She whispered turning to see a familiar tan mare running in the rain towards them. The mare ran up hugging her tightly and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Rainbow rubbed her neck awkwardly as she tried to find something to look at besides the two. Breaking the kiss Mary looked into Trixie's eyes, she gave her a goofy expression.

SLAP!

Trixie shook her head as a hoof ran across her face leaving a stinging sensation behind. She looked bewildered at the older mare who was staring daggers at her.

"Do you have any idea how scared I was!"

"Sorry." Trixie said weakly, rubbing her cheek. She looked over to Rainbow who was staring at the two of them. "Let's get out of the rain."

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Rainbow yelled doing a backflip. "Do you guys want to go back to Rarity's?"

"No Miss Dash, I think we'll head home." Mary took Trixie by the neck pulling her close.

Trixie blushed fro the closeness to the other mare. She pressed her nose against the wet fur and nuzzled Mary in the chest. Rainbow stiffened at the sight thinking about her and Rarity. *Were Trixie and Mary an item?* She wondered. She shrugged it off and flew off heading back to the boutique.

"Okay. Glad to see you made it out alright, Trix! Be safe you two!" The rainbow maned mare shot off heading back to the boutique as the other two mares saw her off and began their march back home too.

The storm raged on and the two ponies held each other close. Each gave the other the strength to go on in the cold rainy night. Like the storm, Mary's mind was a torrent of emotions. She was glad Trixie was safe but didn't deny the fact she could have been seriously hurt fro the confrontation with Applejack.

She should have done something. This wasn't over not by a long shot. Applejack was in a lot of trouble. As mayor, it was her duty to protect her citizens. This night she failed that duty. She was weak. They trudged along against the maelstrom beating against their bodies. Trixie relied on Mary for guidance.

After several long minutes they arrived back home. Mary guided Trixie as she was too sore to walk on her own. She guided her to the bathroom. There the two mares dried off saying nothing to each other the whole time. As soon as they finished Trixie limped over to bed and covered herself up. Mary followed close behind.

Once under the protective covers, Trixie rolled over nuzzling her partner cuddling close to her. Mary's mind once again fell on Derpy and what she told her. *I can't wait. Tomorrow I will confess to her! I have too.*

That was when they had a perfect moment.They both enjoyed the closeness they shared in that moment. All time seemed to come to a halt, the flame became dim and all the rain from outside ceased to echo across the hose as they fell. All they wanted was to look in each other's eyes and forget all their troubles from the past few days.

The two continued to look into their eyes. Neither said a word. All they needed in this moment was each other. Mary placed her hoof gently on Trixie's cheek, running it slowly down her left cheek and down to her lips, where she held it on the tip. Trixie opened her mouth slightly taking hold of Mary's hoof with both of hers kissing it gently. She then leaned into the older mares chest, breathing in her scent.

The blue mare then rubbed her head under Mary's chin, careful not to poke her with her horn.

"Mary?"

Trixie's voice startled her, making her jump slightly. "Wh-what's wrong Trixie?"

"Nothing's wrong." she said rubbing the mares chest. "I was just wondering, I mean- I wanted to thank you for coming to find me tonight. That was sweet of you. Stupid. But sweet." She reached over to her and pulled the tan mare close giving her a quick peck on the lips. Mary blushed looking away from her.

"Thanks Trixie." she said, kindly pushing the mare into her chest.

Neither pony said a word, but they were both torn by emotions they felt for the other, and certain individuals they still had feelings for. For Mary thoughts about Derpy filled her mind, while Trixie thought about Maud.

The Trixie smiled resting her head atop of the tan mare's shoulder. They two soon drifted off to sleep, the long day had tired them both out. For Mary the emotional drama left her drained and Trixie was physically exhausted beyond reason. Regardless the two found comfort in their embrace and not a sound made them stir for the rest of the night.

***

Mean while at Sweet Apple Acres

Twilight and Applejack made their way back to the farm with little trouble. Applejack was deep in thought about what Trixie said. Well, not so much what she said, but what she had implied, and what that translated to in her head. *Family. What does she know about family?* the mare thought stubbornly.

They went inside the house. It was dark. Twilight used her horn bring light to the darkness. AJ was grateful having her friend around, especially at times like this. Every one of the Apples was already asleep by the time they got back. Granny Smiths chair was left unattended and the house was eerily silent without Apple Bloom saying how she was gonna get her cutie mark. In the silence the only sound was the echoing of their hooves clopping along the wooden floors and the howling wind and rain outside.

"Twi, you can go use the bathroom to dry yerself off. I'll go dry off in mah room." she said to the lavender unicorn. "Once yer done we can get you can use mah bed to sleep in. I'll take the couch."

Twilight was at the base of the stairs when Applejack went up. She stood their watching her as she went around the flight and was grateful for the rain. It was easy to hide her tears of disappointment.

"Applejack." Twilight climbed the stairs. Each steps felt like she was carrying a ton of bricks on her shoulders. AJ's hate towards fillyfoolers made her uneasy. How had she missed all the signs until now? Was she really that bad at understanding other ponies?

Twilight was so confused and sad at that moment. So much she didn't notice a large orange blur standing in her way. She came out of her daze when she realized it was Applejack's flank she'd bumped into. "AJ! I'm so sorry- I wasn't paying attention and-"

"Whoa, there sugarcube! It's all right. You had a lot happen today," She cooed rubbing her friends back. "We both are under a lot of stress and could use a good night's rest."

Twilight melted from her back rub. It was nothing big but to Twilight, such contact with her friend was enough to make her feel abashed. *Oh, Aj. Please don't stop.* Twilight begged in her mind. When the orange mare stopped, Twilight pouted causing her to giggle.

"You liked that huh?" The orange mare teased her friend. Twilight gave her an unamused scowl.

"Ah was just teasing, Twi." she said nudging her in the shoulder. "Now, come on let's get dried up and head off to bed."

"OK, AJ."

The two dried off and Applejack lead Twilight to her room. It was a simple room for sure. It had a single bed in the center with a hoof woven quilt on it. There was a dresser and a nightstand on either side of the bed. Various trophies and awards donned her walls of athleticism and farming awards. *I never knew. Then again it doesn't surprise me either considering how she is with Rainbow.* Twilight mused.

Applejack walked over pulling extra blankets from her closet and an extra pillow. "Do ya need anything Twi?"

"No, I got everything AJ." the unicorn said, shaking her head. AJ nodded heading for the door. When she reached for the door knob lightning struck, and a number of things happened. Twilight's mind was rushing with thought of her sleeping in her best friends bed and forcing her to sleep on the couch. At the same time she wanted to use anything as an excuse to stay with her, without her knowing of Twilight's feelings for her. She was desperate. When the lightning struck and the sound of thunder boomed making AJ jump slightly an idea struck her.

She lunged forward screaming as loud as she could, gripping the earth pony with all her might. "AJ. Please don't make me sleep alone. I'm scared." Twilight lied.

A moment of silence followed and Twilight was sure her plan would fail in the end. She never thought about it, but there was a lightning storm during her first sleepover. It was possible Applejack would put two and two together and realize she was lying. To Twilight’s surprise her plan worked. Applejack wrapped her arms around her protectively, pulling her close.

"You afraid of lightning Twi?" she asked raising an inquisitive brow. She nodded looking up to Applejack. "I see. You want me to sleep close by?" She nodded again. "OK Twilight." Applejack sighed, smiling at the unicorn.

She walked over to a closet getting a sleeping bag out she used for camping. She placed the bag near the bed allowing Twilight to sleep on it. As the two got settled in thunder struck again. To keep up on her ruse, Twilight squeaked jumping off the bed and landed near AJ cowering under the blankets with her.

Applejack giggled at the sight of the mare hiding under the covers. Her rear sticking out as she shook under the covers. she slowly got under the covers beside Twilight. Her body pressed against hers making her shudder from the contact. Twilight blushed as she snuggled up beside Applejack but kept some space between them.

"Good night, AJ." Twilight said snuggling in the blanket.

"Good night, Twi."

Applejack fell asleep and left Twilight in contemplation of her situation. *What do I do? I can't keep this charade up for ever. Why did I have to fall in love with you AJ? Why you? Why me? Why must I suffer alone?* A tear rolled down her eye as she reached for Applejack wrapping her arms around her slithering closer to her. However her mind rushed as she thought how close she was and how beautiful the orange mare was. Fearful thoughts of her hating her for liking her in such a way stayed her hooves and she released her from the embrace. That night as the storm raged on, Twilight found no sleep or comfort. All she could think about was Applejack, and thoughts of how no matter how hard she tried Applejack would never love her.

Start of the Fourth Day Love Sickness (Revised)

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The next morning Trixie rolled in bed moaning. Her head was aching and burning and she felt just awful. Her body was sore and she could barely move under the comforters. Mary was awaken from her stirring.

"Uh, Trixie? Are you OK?" she asked the mare.

She lifted the covers finding a badly bruised Trixie with a red face under. She reached for her touching her cheek to find she was very hot. Mary tensed as she felt the mares forehead. She was burning up badly with a fever.

"Trixie. You have fever!"

The mare patted the younger mare gently on the cheeks. Trixie smiled at her. A blue hoof gripped the tan mares hoof and the two stared into each others eyes. She leaned forward, suddenly she groaned loudly gripping her head as a throbbing sensation overtook her.

"Ugh... Trixie feels awful... her head hurts so much." She moaned softly, too weak an sore to move much. "Mary?"

"What is it?"

"Can you please get Trixie some water? And a towel to cool her down cough, cough, please?"

Mary smiled leaning forward to kiss her. "Sure." She gave her a small hug rubbing her mane.

Trixie Smiled not opening her eyes. The tan mare then left to the kitchen. She got a glass of water and a wet towel for Trixie. She placed the towel on her head dampening her forehead. Afterwards she helped Trixie lean up, groaning from the pain she was in, drinking the water. So strong was her pain she couldn't concentrate to do even the simplest of spells.

Laying back down, Trixie wiped her fore head with the towel. She had been sweating bad. Her fur was now damp and she felt like her head was going to split. She turned over and over turning to get comfortable but was unsuccessful. At one time, she glanced at the clock and saw it read 10am.

"You... cough... you better get going Mary." she huffed. "You'll be late."

Mary shook her head, sitting beside Trixie on the bed. "I won't leave you alone again. Not while you're in this condition." She laid beside her. Doing her best not to touch the young mare's bruised body. "I'll cancel my meetings and stay home to take care of you."

"No! Cough... you can't do that!" Trixie exclaimed.

"I can and will. As mayor it is my obligation to see to the welfare to the citizens of Ponyville."

"How can you do that... cough, from here?"

'Well, I can just reschedule everything for tomorrow?" Mary suggested.

Trixie gave her an unamused look. "And if they can't?"

The tan mare laid their looking at her for a while. She had no come back for that one. Trixie was right. She had a job to do and she can't do it from here. She couldn't leave the sick mare alone though. What can she do? She thought for some time. Trixie scooted closer to her nuzzling her.

After thirty minutes Mary sighed rolling over to face the sick mare. "Guess I better get going."

Trixie smiled coughing a bit, she turned away from her as to not get Mary sick too. "You'll be back later, right?"

"Of course. I live here after all." Mary replied getting out of the bed.

She walked out to the bathroom to prepare for the day feeling refreshed.

Brush mane and fur, brush teeth, and steam her ascot. Done. Afterwards she ate a quick breakfast making sure to give Trixie some soup. The poor mare was in miserable condition. She throat was dry constantly and her head was sore. Mary tended to the sick mare as she got ready for her day.

Once she finished settling Trixie in, Mary put on her favorite neck tie and her glasses. After a quick breakfast she tucked Trixie in bed making sure she had a jug of water near to drink.

"You sure you'll be fine until I get back Trixie?" she asked looking at the sick unicorn.

She worried about leaving her alone while in this condition. With Applejack around especially. Trixie nodded once not breaking eye contact from her as Mary made her way from the kitchen to the bedroom.

"Trixie will be fine." She replied in an annoyed tone.

Mary gave her a scolding look making her giggle. She shook her head at the mares silly attitude. After a quick kiss on the forehead, she made her way to the door. Making sure it was locked she started off towards her office in town hall.

Few ponies were out this morning but the weather team sure did a great job for cleaning up the town with their storm last night. The streets were as clean as she'd ever seen, the trees looked great, and the air smelt fresh. As she walked down the cobblestone path, Mary took a deep breath smelling the morning air.

The moisture made it smell like morning dew and it was great. Relaxing even.

Overhead she once again saw the familiar figure of Derpy flying to deliver the mail to ponies homes.

She waved up to her as the grey mare, who waved back with a warm smile. She thought back to Trixie who was resting in her bed. Then she thought about how Derpy once shared the same bed with her as well. Her chest tightened in that moment. She felt a tinge of despair as she felt torn between the two mares she liked.

Deciding on a detour she made her way deeper into the town and went to the one pony she knew would be able to help her in her love jam.

Knock! Knock! She rapped the door to Carousel Boutique twice with her hoof. "Just a minute!" a sing song voice called out.

After a minute the door opened revealing Rarity wearing her working spectacles and a pencil in her mane. "Madam Mayor! Come in come in! What can I do for you darling? How's Trixie? You never came back last night. Are the other's OK?"

"Yes, Miss Rarity everythings fine. Trixie is just at home resting after last night. I just wanted to talk, but if you're busy," She looked at the alabaster unicorns condition, she was clearly in the zone, "I can come back later."

Rarity scoffed pulling the mare into the building. "Not at all darling! Tell me what's on your mind and I'll get some tea ready!"

"Thanks Miss Rarity."

"Just Rarity please mayor." she replied formally.

"No see here we are friends and friends don't talk to each other like that." Mary said in mock annoyance enticing a smile from Rarity.

"Yes, well I do see your point, Mary." She lead her to the living area where a couch was with a long white ornate table with violet trimming on the edges sat in the center. In the center of the elongated table was a picture of Rarity's cutie mark. Mary took a seat while Rarity took to the kitchen and made them both tea.

Once the tea was served, Mary took a few minutes to retell her side of the events that took place after they left while Rarity made them some tea. They sat in the boutiques living room beside the kitchen. The place was clean compared to her work room which was covered by fabric and ponyquines. Rarity had been working on a project when Mary came over. They talked for a while and Mary brought up that how sick Trixie was which cause Rarity to respond in her usual fashion.

"Oh, dear that's awful! How is the poor dear?" she exclaimed worriedly.

Mary tried her best not to laugh, but managed a small smile at the overly dramatic unicorn. "She's fine, Rarity."

"Are you sure she's, OK?" the unicorn asked annoyed. "And why in heavens name did you leave her alone for?"

"She said she was fine." Mary reasoned, but the unicorn wasn't having any of it.

"Now see here, you need to march yourself home right now and be with her!" Rarity barked. "She could get hurt if she's left alone!"

"She's got a fever and is bruised from her fight with Applejack, she'll be fine while I run to the office to attend my meetings." Mary said trying to calm her angry friend. Rarity managed calmed down after taking a deep breath. "I promise I'll head straight home afterwards. She'll be fine."

Rarity sighed shaking her head. "You really shouldn't leave her there by herself."

Mary shook her head lowering it. "I know."

Mary looked down, her mane covered her eyes as she tried to hide a tear from her friend.

Rarity tried to look her in the eye, but after Mary turned away she thought something might have been wrong.

"Mary? What's wrong, darling?" she asked scooting closer to her friend.

"Mary exhaled loudly rubbing the ridge of her nose. "I love Trixie." she said not even raising her head to look the other in the eye.

Rarity gasped nearly dropping her tea. "You do!? That's wonderful Mary!" She squealed in delight. She glanced over her shoulder with a mischievous grin. After a brief moment she returned her attention back to her guest.

"So?"

"So, what?" Mary replied questioningly.

Rarity sighed rolling her eyes. She took a sip of her tea and placed the cup on the saucer and levitated it back to the table making a slight clunk noise. "So, what made you like her? Does this mean you're over poor Derpy?"

Mary cringed at the question. She hated to admit it, but she liked both mares. But she couldn't have both that wouldn't be fair.

'I don't know Rarity," She said swirling her tea in her cup. "I like them both and I don't know how to choose between them. Am I awful for thinking this?"

The white unicorn gave the question considerable thought. She never thought that Mary of all ponies would fall into such a dilemma. Truth be told, she half expected Rainbow to, but not somepony like Mary. She looked at Mary who was inspecting her table, like she was silently judging it.

She looked terrified. Like the answer Rarity would give her would break her if it was told to her in the wrong way.

While Rarity was deep in thought, Mary glanced at the clock seeing it read 11am she decide it was time to get to the office. "I have to go now, Rarity."

"I understand, dear." she said sadly.

"Thanks for the tea."

"Anytime darling." Rarity said seeing the mare off. "If you ever need anything, all you need to do is ask, OK?"

The tan mare looked back from the doorway with a nod. She then turned and proceeded back to her destination. After seeing her off Rarity returned to her couch and pulled a newspaper out from under the pillow and began to read. A voice called to her from the next room over. "Rarity!" it whined. "Can I move yet?"

"No Rainbow,'' she said folding the paper seeing her marefriend standing on a podium. "You know it takes over ten minutes for the glue to dry." she said casually going back to reading her newspaper.

"But, Rares." the cyan mare whined fidgeting. "I can't stand this waiting! I need to fly! Move! Anything!"

"That's nice, dear." Rarity replied not even looking up. She cracked a smile behind the paper casually reading the headlines.

***

Ponyville Train Station

Ponies were going on about their daily lives. Some were working, others went on daily activities like exercising. At the Ponyville Train station the friendship express pulled up. The whistle tooted twice signaling its arrival. Once it pulled up and came to a complete stop the doors opened up and sea of ponies walked out. Among the ponies was a grey mare with a purple mane and a flat stone expression.

She stood on the platform looking around as if searching for something. It didn't take long when she spotted a pink pony very well known in Ponyville. The pink pony smiled shaking vigorously, jumping up she ran over to the grey pony tackling her.

"Maud!" Pinkie Pie cried out hugging her tightly.

"Pinkie." Maud replied calmly.

"I can't believe you came! How's everypony back home? Mom? Dad? Our sisters?" she asked excitedly.

Maud blinked twice before calmly replying, "They're fine Pinkie. Father says 'hi.'"

Pinkie broke away from her sister smiling happily. "So Maud, what brings you here? Oh, are you going to have a party? I want to make you a welcome to Ponyville Party! It'll be great!" she began to rant off how she'll begin preparation for Maud's party. Maud simply watched the excited mare bobble up and down as she went on while retrieving her bags. Once her saddle bags were on she walked back to Pinkie who was still rambling on. "So, Maud what are you doing here in Ponyville anyway? Oh, you got to meet m friends! I just knooow you'll love them!"

Maud blinked. "I'd love to Pinkie. But first I'm here to meet a friend of my own. Actually, I came here to see her and planned on stopping by later to surprise you."

The pink pony wrapped her arm around her sisters neck pulling her close to where their cheeks touched. "Silly! You can't surprise the master of surprises! I know all..." she finished dramatically waving her hoof across the sky.

The grey mare blinked unmoving. "Father told you I was coming didn't he?"

"Yup."

"I see." Maud replied. "Well Pinkie, I'm actually going to see a friend. Care to show me around along the way?"

"SURE THING!" she beamed, hopping down the street with Maud behind her.

Maud listened to her sister as they walked the streets of Ponyville. Taking in the sights and noticing a few interesting rocks along the way, Maud enjoyed her little tour with her sister. Pinkie said Maud was her favorite sister, but Maud held no such list of favoritism to anyone. She thought about Trixie and wondered if things were going well for her.

She'd heard about the Alicorn Amulet. It made her worry to no end about the arrogant mare. News of Trixie had traveled fast during the ursa minor incident. It was twice as fast when she was possessed by the amulet. All the while Pinkie rambled on about her party preparations and introduced Maud to several ponies along the way.

As they made their way down Mane Street, Maud noticed the address of a nearby building. She stopped pinkie saying this was the address. The party pony stopped mid air hop and floated to the ground. She wasn't sure if Maud had the right place.

She watched curiously as Maud walked up to the house past a mail box that read, Mary, on it. Maud walked up to the door and knocked.

Fourth Day The Waitress, the Spoon, and the Politician (Revised)

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Beep! Beep! Beep! Click!

Platinum woke up felling drained. She'd slept well but her mind was not at ease all night. Thoughts of Trixie brought feelings out. Passionate feelings. She felt empty inside. She wanted the blue mare to love her but fear stayed her heart. Ever since she kissed Trixie over a day ago, she hasn't felt the same. I still can't believe I kissed her after I just met her! she scolded herself. What was I thinking? She probably hates me now.

Platinum got out of bed with great difficulty. Her body simply didn't want to move her muscles ached and she felt heavy. "Why am I feeling this way? It feels like I weigh a ton. I feel... unmotivated." she said dragging her hooves, as she made her way to the kitchen. "But I have to work I guess. If Silver Spoon is working then I must too." she reasoned.

Her room was simple and plain. A single bed with a desk beside it, a vanity table, and a dresser beside her closet. One thing about her room was how messy it was. Clothes were scattered all about ranging from dresses to saddles and exotic wear.

Slowly she did her morning ritual of breakfast, cleaning up, dressing up, and walking to the store. By the time she had finished it was already 8am. Realizing she was going to be late for work she hurried to get dressed and fixed her mane. As she brushed her spiky mane she looked at it wondering if Trixie thought it looked nice. She was never one for long girly manes, but she took pride in keeping her mane nice and tidy.

As she brushed her bangs, the comb clanked against something hidden on her forehead and tangling up her mane in a knot as she yanked it loose. A searing pain ran through her head as she realized her mistake. "Bucking damnit! Every time I swear!"

She threw her comb across the room. I smacked harmlessly against he wall with bits of her mane in it. She huffed at it and pulled out a brush and continued to tidy her mane. Ten minutes later she put the brush down and walked out of her house. She turned to leave when she caught sight of a familiar tan pony walking past.

"Madam mayor!" she called out, waving at the pony.

The mayor jumped slightly, startled by a voice calling to her. She was so deep in thought she hadn't been paying attention to anything around her. She looking around for the source of the voice that called out to her. She turned spotting Platinum waving to her from her house. She waved and walked over to the silvery mare.

"Platinum how are you?" she asked hugging her. "You haven't been around town the last day or so, where were you? You weren't sick were you?" she asked concerned.

"I wasn't feeling well so I took the day off." she replied shaking her head. "But, I'm fine now. I was just heading off to work. Mind if I follow you part way?"

The tan mare nodded. "You may. Actually I was going to just cancel all my meetings today and head home." she said as they walked.

Platinum followed close behind the older mare, eyeing her suspiciously. She never cancels her meetings. she thought. She couldn't think of anything that could make her do such a thing. It was so, unusual if not against her nature to do such things, as far as Platinum was concerned.

"So, what is some important that you have to cancel all your meetings today?" she asked in a serious tone, just as they walked up to Town Hall. They entered and went into the main lobby where Platinum noticed the reception desk. She walked over to it as Mary went into her office. She noticed the name plate read Trixie Lulamoon. That's right she works for the mayor. She turned the plate over inspecting it closely.

From inside her office, Mary was making sure everything was still locked and wrote a note on a piece of paper. Once she finished she responded to Platinum's query.

"I'm canceling today because Trixie is really sick and I want to keep an eye on her." Mary called from her office.

"What? Trixie's sick? How come?" The silvery mare questioned.

Mary popped out of her office with a sign in her mouth. She gestured for the silver mare to follow her to the entrance. Platinum put the plaque down and followed her. After locking up the hall Mary placed the sign on the door which read:

Sorry Town Hall is closed.
If you have an appointment please contact Twilight Sparkle
for directions on how contact the mayor.
Thank you.

Once it was placed Mary turned to face Platinum with an angry look. "Trixie was out in the storm last night for a while." Mary said walking past the mare heading into town.

Platinum remembered the storm last night was intense, and Trixie was out in it? Alone? No there had to be more to it than that. She followed the mayor closely as they headed towards the La Petite Cafe. Mary looked angry for some reason. Very angry. It made the silver mare uneasy. She decided not to press the issue into she had some time to clam herself. So instead she changed the subject.

"So, Madam mayor-"

"Please Platinum, I'm not on the clock. You can call me Mary." she cut the younger pony off. "We're all friends here." she said with a wink.

She smiled back at Mary and the two shared a laugh Mary seemed in better spirits then. Some time later they reached the cafe, It wasn't a very busy day, only three ponies were there and a batpony. When they entered Platinum gave Mary a seat under the pavilion and went to get her usual order. "You wait here and I'll be right back."

Inside Mrs. Cobblepot was talking to Silver Spoon who was mopping the floor. Looking up at the new arrival, ISlver Spoon was about to greet her like a customer. Upon realizing it as her older sister, she dropped the mop running up to her.

"SIS!" The little pony cried. She rushed over to her sister tackling her into a hug. "You're back!"

Platinum smiled patted her on the head. "Of course I am silly. Why wouldn't I be?" She realized that Silver Spoon's mane was upbraided and up in a ponytail.

Silver Spoon looked over to Mrs. Cobblepot who nodded. "Platinum, why are you here? I thought you took the day off?"

"I'm feeling much better ma'am. I have the mayor outside waiting for her order."

"Give me the receipt, Silver want's to talk to you." the older mare took the order and nudge the filly towards her sister. She looked up at her sister with pleading eyes and Platinum sighed. Relinquishing the order receipt she took Silver to the back alley and sat as they did a few days ago. Silver Spoon leaned against her sister hiding under her mane and for a few minutes she said nothing.

"Silver? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry."

"What?" Platinum asked pulling her close with her arms. "Sorry, about what sweetie?"

"I'm sorry, I said I hate you!" she sobbed burying her face into Platinum's chest. "I'm sorry, I said those awful things to you! I just got so mad I didn't want to hear the truth! And and and-"

"Shhhh. It's OK Silver. I know." she cooed to her little sister. "I know. I know. I know you didn't mean it."

"Sniff. I talked to Diamond the other day. After work."

"Oh?" This intrigued the silver mare. "What did you talk about little one?" She leaned in nuzzling Silver Spoon.

"After work I went to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to her about the blank- I mean, the Cutie Mark Crusaders." Silver Spoon started resting on her sisters lap. Platinum rested her chin on the fillies head. "Let me just say it didn't end well..."

"What happened?"

"Well, I confronted Diamond about teasing them," Silver spoon started. "I told her what you said, how we have become what we use to hate. She took it about as well as I did when you told me." She snuggled up against her sister. Even though she was as close as she could possibly get. But she couldn't help it. "We fought and yelled hurtful things to each other. I told her she and I were no better then the bullies that use to pick on us... How we became thugs. That's when she started to get mad."

"Then we began to fight. Big Mac came along and separated us taking me off the property. I said I was sorry and he walked me home. He said he understood what I was saying to DT. He heard us talking and said it was good that I saw the error of my ways. I wish I'd listened to you sooner, sis."

"I know you do, Silver." She kissed her little sister on the cheek. Then she got a cheeky grin leaning closer to Silver Spoons ear. "My poor wittle, Silver Drop had a bad day." she baby talked to her sister as she ran her hooves across her belly tickling her.

"Sis! Staaahp!" she whined swatting her sister in the face. There was no real force behind them it was more playful than anything else. "Not in public!" she giggled as the mare ran her her hooves up and down her thighs enticing giggles from the filly. "Oh-OK! Uncle! Uncle!"

The filly panted laying on her sisters lap. Her tongue lulled off to the side of her mouth as she glared up at Platinum. "You-huff- suck."

"Love you too." she said standing. She plopped the filly on her hooves. "Now, tidy up we got work to do."

"Yes ma'am!" Silver Spoon saluted running inside.

Platinum gave a light heart chuckle and followed her in.

When they entered Mary was now inside and waved Platinum over to her table. She stood near the table waiting for the tan mare to say something. When she didn't she cleared her throat getting her attention. "Oh, sorry Platinum please join me."

"Sorry, madam mayor. I'm on the clock." she replied apologetically.

"Actually Miss Platinum," Mrs Cobblepot interrupted. "You're technically off for sick leave you requested. And you know how I hate employees who don't take time off after I went through all the trouble getting the paperwork done." she warned with a sniff.

The silver mare winced at her intense stare. "Y-yes Mrs. Cobblepot." she took off her name tag and apron sitting across from Mary. "So, you wanted something Mary?"

"Yes, you asked me how Trixie was doing?" Platinum nodded. "She's sick actually. I have her resting back at my place."

"How'd she end up sick?" This worried her greatly. My poor Trixie is sick and I didn't even know. Her thoughts went wild as she conjured up an image of herself in a nurse/maid outfit tending to the blue mares... naughty requests for 'treatment'. This made her cheeks heat up as she dispelled the thought bringing her back to reality. "Was she out in that awful storm last night?"

"Worse, she got in a fight with Applejack." Mary replied darkly.

"A fight?" Mary nodded. "With Applejack? In a storm? I heard rumors about them fighting but surely Applejack wouldn't have-"

"No, she not only fought Trixie she beat the poor girl to a bloody pulp!"

Fourth Day The Magician and the Rock (Revised)

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Trixie awoke to the sound of knocking at the door. Her body was still sore and she felt like she was drained. Her head was burning hot and she was sweating under the covers.

"Cough cough... Mary?"

No response came.

That's right. Mary is out right now. Trixie thought glaring at the door. Knock knock knock!

"Ugh..."

Knock knock knock!

"Fine! Trixie is- cough, coming!" she slowly crawled out of the bed and slowly inched her way to the door. Knock knock knock! "Trixie said she's coming!" She tried yelling but it still came out soft and wheezily. Trixie tried several times to unlock the door finding it difficult since her headache made it impossible for her to use magic and she was forced to use her hooves. Gotta give it to Mary, she's good with her hooves. Suddenly a dirty image of her in bed popped Trixie's mind. The blue mare blushed. After a few seconds a loud click sounded at Trixie inched the door open.

"Can I help you?" she asked wheezily.

"Trixie?" spoke an unmistakably familiar voice. "Is that you?" it asked in monotone.

The unicorn tilted her head opening the door to see two earth ponies. One was completely pink bouncing up and down. Trixie recognized her as the pony whose mouth she deleted. Pinkie Pie. But it was the grey mare in the front that caught her attention. "Maud?"

"Trixie."

"...cough...Why don't you and Pinkie come in?" she moved to the side letting them in. "Sorry, but Trixie wasn't expecting you, well at all." She lead them to the kitchen table sitting them down. "Can I get you anything?"

"Trixie, are you sick?" Maud asked. Trixie's fur was a mess and covered i sweat she looked like she was about to collapse. Even Pinkie looked worried about her.

"Trixie is cough, fine Maud. Cough!" she wheezed falling over the counter top. She used one hoof to hold herself up as she coughed violently into the other. One would almost think she was dying with the way she hacked and wheezed.

Maud stood walking over to her placing a hoof on her head. "You're burning up, little moon. Come get into bed."

Before Trixie could get a word out she lifted the mare onto her back and carried her like an oversized child to the bedroom. she tried to get away but her body refused to work past a slight flailing. "Put Trixie down!" she tried to yell. Maud eventually found the room and placed her pony the bed as carefully as possible.

"Maud!"

"Yes, Trixie?"

The blue mare blushed. She'd never admit to it, but she liked being carried by Maud, despite complaining about it. "What are you doing here?"

Maud sat beside her in a chair. "I got your letter." Of course she did. "And I brought the money with me. I even brought my Fire Heart Carrot Soup you like so much." she said pulling out a container full of an orange liquid. I was a soup with small fragments of red in it as well. "A good thing too. You look like you could use it."

She opened the container and a wonderful aroma of carrot soup filled the room. Pinkie slid her head into the room. "Maud? I'll leave you two alone. Do you need anything?"

"Actually can you get me a spoon please, Pinkie?"

"Sure thing, sis. Trixie?" The blue mare looked over to her. "I'm sorry for what Applejack did to you. When you get better, I'd like to throw you a party to officially welcome you to Ponyville. If you're, OK with it?"

Trixie smiled at the pink pony. "Sure thing Pinkie. Maud has told me much about you. Trixie just wishes she'd met you while she wasn't under a lot of stress and an evil artifact."

"That's OK." Pinkie left returning shortly with a spoon. Once they had the spoon she left closing the door behind them. Maud saw her sister leaving down the street bouncing like she always did, happy as can be. Nothing kept her down.When she was gone Maud looked down to Trixie. I can't believe it. After all this time I'm back with her again. Maud thought. Trixie looked so pathetic with how she looked up to the grey mare. Her eyes were red and swollen her bed mane was bad too. It made Maud frown.

"Trixie, who is Applejack? And what did she do to you?" Though she spoke in monotone Trixie could tell she was upset. It was this feeling she got in the time she'd known her. Many ponies, including her parents couldn't tell it very well, but Trixie could do so easily.

Trixie cowered under the covers as if it would give some matter of protection. Eventually Maud's intense stare broke her.

"OK! Trixie will talk just stop giving her the stare!"

Maud's lip curled off the side ever so slightly forming, a smile. She then got on the bed and sat beside Trixie. She pulled the mare from under the covers and gave her a hug. "Why don't you tell me what happened while I feed you some yummy soup?" she asked raising a spoon to her mouth. Trixie pouted but accepted the spoonful of soup nonetheless. While she was eating Trixie told her of how she came across the alicorn amulet and how she tried to take over Ponyville for petty revenge. Then she told her of her stay here in Ponyville working for Mary as her assistant, but left their growing relationship out, and eventually what lead up to the fight with Applejack. I better make this fast. If Mary comes home early... Her thoughts trailed off when she noticed Maud staring at her. "What's wrong Maud?"

"This Applejack sounds like an interesting pony. I'd like to meet her."

"Maud." Trixie said in a warning tone.

"Don't get me wrong, little moon, I just want to gauge her for myself. You know me."

"Yeah, I do." Trixie sarcastically said. "So, you still call me little moon? I thought you'd be mad that I left without saying goodbye."

"Oh, little moon. I could never stay mad at you." Maud said pulling her into a kiss. When their lips connected Trixie felt a rush of feelings she'd hoped were long gone. But her passions for Maud were still there stronger than ever. She tried to resist the grey mare at first, but slowly she found herself enjoying the embrace, kissing her back.

After a few rounds Maud broke away from the blue mares lips leaving a trail of saliva connecting the two. "I've waited so long to hear from you again. I sat beside the candle all this time waiting for you to reach out to us again." She smiled warming Trixie's heart.

"Mother always said it was silly of me to do so, but I never lost faith in you. Neither did father."

She wiped away the drool on Trixie with her hoof and pressed her down on the bed. "I've waited this long, now I have you again. I will never leave your side again, little moon. I can move into Ponyville and we can finally be together." She then started to slowly pulled off her shirt revealing her cutie mark. Trixie began to panic. I can't do this! Not to Mary! Not after all she's done for me! Quickly Trixie pulled Maud's shirt back down, covering her. She looked down to her inquisitively.

"Trixie, what's the matter?"

"I can't do it Maud."

"Little moon, you don't have to hide your feelings from me. I know you still care about me. The truth is... I never stopped caring about you either." She said leaning forward pressing her muzzle against Trixie's. But she pushed her away. Maud looked at her bewildered. It wasn't common for Maud to show emotional expressions, but when she did it meant serious business.

"Trixie? What's wrong?" she said in a hurt tone.

"I CAN'T!" Trixie wailed. Tears formed under her eyes. "I'm sorry, Maud but we can't be together. Not now."

"Bu-but Trixie, you don't mean that?" Maud's voice was slightly higher then normal. "What do you mean, 'you can't?"

"I mean, I can't be with you. I'm seeing somepony else now." Maud remained silent. She pulled down her shirt adjusting it slightly. Her expression turned to stone and her eyes lost their vibrancy. "I'm with Mary. She's the mayor of Ponyville. " she sniffed hiding under the covers again. "She took me in after the alicorn amulet possessed me and I was freed by your sister and her friends. I feel in love with her."

The two didn't say a word for a good minute. Maud had to process everything she just heard and it felt like an eternity. Trixie's love was something she always took for granted. She thought it would always be there. But like her father once said, 'even the mightiest of mountains erode to dust with time. Nothing lasts forever.'

It tore her inside to thing of Trixie as some cheap thrill only meant to last a short time. But it didn't change the fact she still loved her, nothing would change that. In Maud's mind it was Trixie or nopony else. I will win your heart little moon. She thought. She leaned into the cover poking her head in beside Trixie's head.

"Trixie?"

"What?"

"I'm sorry, I made things hard on you after all you've been through." she scooted closer but Trixie moved away. "I understand you don't want to see me-"

"That's not what Trixie said!" she yelled turning over. "Trixie is just, confused. She doesn't know who she truly loves anymore! I can't ask you both to share my feelings! It wouldn't be fair!"

"No it wouldn't. Just understand that I love you and nothing you do will ever change that. Whether it's me, Mary, or even if you dated my sister, I would still care for you. I'll be in town for a while if you want o to talk more. Just know I forgive you, and you'll always be welcome back at the farm. I left the money you asked for on the table. Try not buying any more cursed artifacts with it. OK?"

"Psh. Yes mom. Trixie won't buy cursed artifacts anymore." she said in mock annoyance. Maud leaned in kissing her one last time on the cheek. This time Trixie returned it in full. "Don't be a stranger my, heart diamond."

"I won't. Sleep well, little moon."

Maud withdrew from the covers tucking Trixie in. After she went to the dining hall to find two angry mares there glaring at her. One was a tan earth pony with a grey mane and a white collar and green neck tie. Her cutie mark was a scroll bound by a green ribbon. The other was a younger silver earth pony mare with a spiky white mane and tail wearing an kind of maid outfit. Her cutie mark was a spoon with a pink swirl in the shape of a heart around the end of it. Both looked extremely angry at Maud.

"Can I help you?" Maud asked.

"What are you doing in my house with MY Trixie?" the tan mare yelled.

Suddenly the silver mare turned to the tan one scoffing. "Your Trixie? I asked her out first! She mine!" the silver mare barked glaring back at Maud. "And who are you? Some succubus coming to steal her away from me?"

The three stared each other down as Trixie waddled her way into the living area. "Maud can you keep it down Trixie is trying to..." she looked around to see two sets of angry eyes on her and one set of stoic. "Oh, buck me."

Fourth Day Waitress and the Politician (Revised)

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As she brushed her bangs, the comb clanked against something on her forehead tangling up her mane in a knot as she yanked it loose. A searing pain ran through her head as she realized her mistake. "Bucking damnit! Every time I swear!"

"Madam mayor!" she called out, waving at the pony.

Mary jumped slightly looking around for the source of the voice that called out to her. She turned spotting Platinum waving to her from her house. She waved and walked over to the silvery mare.

"Platinum how are you?" she asked hugging her. "You haven't been around town the last day or so, where were you? You weren't sick were you?" she asked concerned.

"I wasn't feeling well so I took the day off." she replied shaking her head. "But I'm fine now. I was just heading off to work. Mind if I follow you part way?"

The tan mare nodded. "You may. Actually I was going to just cancel all my meetings today and head home." she said as they walked.

"I'm canceling today because Trixie is really sick and I want to keep an eye on her." Mary called from her office.

"What? Trixie's sick? How come?"

Sorry Town Hall is closed.
If you have an appointment please contact Twilight Sparkle
for directions on how contact the mayor.
Thanks you.

Once it was placed Mary turned to face Platinum with an angry look. "Trixie was out in the storm last night for a while." Mary said walking past Platinum heading into town.

Platinum remembered the storm last night was intense, and Trixie was out in it? Alone? No there had to be more to it than that. She followed the mayor closely as they headed into town. "Why was she outside in that storm?"

"It doesn't matter. She's fine at home resting and that's good enough for me." Mary dodged the question not really wanting to add to last nights drama with Applejack. "I was going to head home and keep an eye on her."

"Can I come too?" Platinum asked a little quicker than she expected.

Mary didn't seem to notice, much to the silver mares relief. "Wonderful idea, I think Trixie would love it if you stopped by." Mary replied cheerfully.

Platinum sighed in relief. Guess I get to see my Trixie after all. Maybe she'll forgive my forwardness. She thought as they walked the streets to Mary's house. On the way they ran into Pinkie Pie who was happily bouncing along the street humming to herself. The pink mare noticed the two and stopped to greet them.

"Hiya Mary! Hey Platinum! How's it going?" she yelled in her usual excited Pinkie way.

"Hi Pinkie." Platinum said waving.

"Oh Miss Pinkie Pie." Mary shook her head at the pink pony. "Always so full of energy I see. How are you dear?"

"Doing greatgreatgreat!" she bounced three time at the word great as confetti flew out form behind her every time. "But I think Trixie's doing better since she's getting some from my older sister! Anyway I'm off to start a Welcome Party for my sister! See you two later!" And then the pink pony was off bouncing happily down the street greeting ponies as she went.

"Oh, that Pinkie what a riot. Don't you think Mary?" Platinum giggled.

The tan mare nodded in agreement. "The dear is such a love isn't she?"

"Yeah, and that thing she said about Trixie..."

"..."

"TRIXIE!" the mares screamed in unison as they galloped as fast as they could down the street. They ran past everypony along the way without saying a word. Platinum even ran into a mare along the way but kept going. As they ran their minds raced on what Pinkie said. Mary's house came into view and they decided to sneak up as to not cause a scene.

When they looked into the window of the bedroom, what they say shook them both to the core. Trixie was embracing a grey mare with a violet mane, kissing.

Mary was shaking. Her hooves were gripping the window frame tightly. She was grinding her teeth as fire burned in her eyes. Who in the name of the holy maker is that with my Trixie! Platinum was in similar shape, but before she even thought she made a bee line to the door. She tried to open the door but it was locked. She started yanking the handle pulling with all her might. She felt a tapping on her shoulder. She looked over to see Mary glaring at her, she returned it with a glare of her own stepping away from the door.

Mary stuck her nose up taking out her keys and unlocked the door. She gracefully opened it, much to Platinums annoyance, and went inside followed by the silver mare. Once inside they saw the grey earth pony mare standing in the living room, staring at them with a blank expression.

"Can I help you?" Maud asked.

"What are you doing in my house with MY Trixie?" Mary mare yelled.

Suddenly the Platinum turned to Mary, scoffing. "Your Trixie? I asked her out first! She mine!" the silver mare barked glaring back at Maud. "And who are you? Some succubus coming to steal her away from me?"

Fourth Day Wild Card (Revised)

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This was awkward in the worst way possible. Trixie felt like an animal in the hunters trap with noway out. Everypony was watching her like vultures to the kill. Waiting. Mary and Platinum looked positively livid yet neither made a move, they just stared angrily at Trixie.

Oh, Celestia please let this be some awful nightmare! Let Trixie wake up from this! The azure mare thought begging for a miracle that this was indeed a dream. But it wasn't meant to be. Mary walked up to Trixie, her angry look subsided, making her feel uneasy.

"Trixie sweetie, who is that?" she asked calmly.

Trixie noticed the mares strain in her eyes, making her feel uneasy.

"Uh, Maud Pie?" she responded. "She's the eldest daughter to Igneous Rock. You didn't know her?"

"...No."

"Oh."

"Why is she here?" she snapped still gripping Trixie.

Trixie fidgeted averting her gaze a few times, trying to come up with an answer. Truthfully it was a simple answer. So Trixie being Trixie went with the truth. "She's here to drop off the deposit for Vinyl I asked for."

Mary and Platinum looked unconvinced. The metallic mare walked up beside Mary with an incredulous look.

"Is that the ONLY reason she came, Trixie?" she asked.

Trixie did her best to remain composed but being sick and afraid of the backlash she found it difficult to concentrate. She stuttered and babbled nonsense trying to form words but nothing came out. Platinum meanwhile was circling her eyeing the earth pony invader.

"Cause it looked like you were fooling around with her." she sniped, looking directly at Maud.

"That's not what happened!" Trixie yelled, which wasn't very loud in her condition. "Mary, This is a big misund-under- stan-ah, ahhchoo!"
The blue mare threw herself at the tan mare wrapping her arms around her. She desperately clung to her like she was her last life line in.

All three mares stared at the unicorn. "So you weren't fooling around with her? Trixie. Be honest with me." Mary pleaded pulling her close.

Platinum was taken aback from her sudden clinginess to Mary. It was heart wrenching to see her literally throw herself into the mares arms. Mary looked like she was about to leave but something held her back. She looked over to Maud who was patiently sitting where she stood a second ago.

Trixie desperately looked for a way to salvage the situation.

"Cough, you believe Trixie don't you?" she looked up at her.

"I don't know Trixie." Mary sighed. "I need sometime to myself. I'm going to stay at a friends house for the night, you clearly don't need me here." she said bitterly.

She pushed past Platinum and closed the door not caring that strangers were in her house. She just had to get away from all of this. She couldn't go through another heart break so soon. She headed off to Derpys house leaving a disgruntled Trixie behind. Trixie's eyes teared up as she tried to reach out to her but fell over doing so. Maud ran to assist her. Platinum didn't wait, hard lessons learned she too ran to help the downed mare. Each of them taking and arm to help her up they walked her back to bed laying her down and covering her up. Maud looked down at Trixie.

"I'm sorry, little moon. This was my fault." she said, stroking her mane. "I was insensitive towards your feelings. I promise to set this right."

"It's not your fault Maud." Trixie replied. She waved Platinum over who walked up beside her and sat down next to Maud. "Maud, this is Trixie's friend Platinum. Platinum this is Maud Trixie's marefriend."

"Marefriend?" she looked over to Maud shocked. "I thought you were with Mary?"

She was so sure of it. The way they talked and how Trixie threw herself at her. Though many would brush it off she could tell there was something more to it than that. Trixie did care for Mary, painfully so.

"Trixie is, but... it's a long story. Do you care to hear it?"

The truth was Platinum wanted to leave but she cared for Trixie. So much that she felt she might just have a chance with her after this was over. Mary was obviously mad at Trixie. This worked in her favor. With Derpy still fresh in her mind, Mary could easily be dissuaded from her relationship with Trixie. Maud however was a wildcard. There was no telling what the blue mare felt for this pony. It was clear she had feelings for both of them to her, but Platinum needed to make sure before she made her move on Trixie.

I have a chance here to finally win her over. I can't mess this up. Play nice Platinum, Trixie's reaching out to you! she thought.

"I'm your friend Trixie, I won't abandon you. Tell me what happened?" Platinum asked calmly, giving Trixie a sympathetic look.

Trixie smiled at her. The two earth ponies helped her back into the room so she could rest on the bed. She was still a sick mare and a sick mare needed rest, Maud had said.

Once she was settled back into bed she rested her head on the pillow looking up at the two mares. Platinum brought chairs for her and Maud to sit next to the bed. "This is a bit of a lengthy tale. So, Trixie will start from the beginning. It all started after I ran out of town from the ursa minor incident..."

Fourth Day Call Back and Twilight's Decision (Revised)

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Trixie thought back to when she was humiliated by Twilight Sparkle the first time in Ponyville. She told Platinum, Maud already knew but listened all the same, about the story of how she was humiliated by her and how she was forced into poverty due to her shows failing afterwards and it forced her to seek other forms of employment.

Still laying in bed Trixie coughed leaning up to adjust her pillow. "So that was when Trixie found the Pie Family Rock farm was hiring for the annual rock festival." The sick mare said.

Beside her Maud and Platinum sat in their chairs listening to her.

"So, what did you do?" Platinum asked.

"What else? Trixie applied for the job. It was hard work... Maud was a slave driver." she glared at the grey earth pony who still held on to her blank expression only blinking in response. Trixie sighed shaking her head.

"Gee Maud, you're awfully talkative today." she said sarcastically.

The mare in question blinked twice. "Don't worry, little moon. I know you don't mean it." She replied seeing through Trixie's antics.

"Spoil sport."

"So, how exactly did you two meet?" Platinum piped in impatiently.

"Trixie is getting to that." The blue mare nestled herself under the covers. "So as Trixie said, the Pie family was hiring extra help to harvest rocks for the Annual Rock festival when Trixie was passing by. With no income of her own, Trixie was forced to apply to the rock farm as a rock harvester. Maud's father Igneous was the one to interview me. He was a hard teacher and even worse when he was mad. But he was one of the kindest ponies Trixie had ever known. That was of course, until Trixie met Maud."

They looked at the grey mare.

"After a month of hard work Trixie was on the verge of passing out from a really long day of work out in the heat. Trixie was working in the mines when a large boulder broke from the roof causing a cave in." Platinum sat on the edge of her seat waiting to her more. "Maud rushed in and saved me. I got a nasty clonk to the head and was knocked out cold. Maud saved my life."

"What caused the cave in?" Platinum asked.

Maud waved her hoof to get her attention. "The mine shaft she was working in was sealed off for being over mined and was deemed unsafe. We were behind on the rocks we needed and there was a rich deposit there still. So, Trixie took it upon herself to mine there despite the warnings. She mined right through a major support and that caused the cave in."

Maud turned to face Trixie.

"Father was very displeased with, little moon. It took a lot to convince him to keep her." Maud looked over to Platinum. "She was the best we had and we couldn't afford to let her go. That's what I told him. He agreed thankfully."

It was barely noticeable but both mares thought that Maud's tone changed slightly but neither were sure.

Platinum turned her attention back to Trixie. "So, what happened next?"

"After Igneous chewed Trixie out, he said that if it ween't for Trixie they would have been behind on their order. So he gave Trixie a second chance. After we met our quota we were given vacation until the festival. In that time Trixie began to hang out with Maud. She was, odd at first but then Trixie began to understand her and we hit it off rather well."

Maud blushed but showed no other signs. "Thanks for that by the way. I don't have very many friends. Most ponies shy away from me. I'm glad we met that day Trixie." She leaned forward kissing her on the lips.

Platinum felt her heart skip a beat as they locked lips. It was brief and Trixie broke it. "But eventually an accident happened. While working in the farm house Trixie was nearly crushed by another pile of rocks and Igneous saved me. But that horrible Gabby Gums got a picture of us 'together' and made that article 'Great and Powerful Trixie Secrets Revealed! There was a big fight between Igneous and his wife that night. I felt awful for nearly tearing them apart. Cloudy Quartz, Igneous's wife, told Trixie to leave and never return. So that's what I did. I took all my money my cloak and left. I never looked back. I left Maud, Igneous, and everypony else so I didn't have to face the family that took me in tear itself apart."

"That's - that's horrible." Platinum nearly chocked. "Why? What horrible lies. And you came here to get back at her? Gabby Gums?"

Trixie nodded. "Also to get back a Twilight Sparkle for my earlier failure."

"Then how did you learn of the alicorn amulet?"

"A book Trixie found along the way mentioned it and where she could find it. It took Trixie a week to find the traveling sales pony in the end I found him and bought it with every bit I owned. The rest is history." she finished leaning back. She turned to face Maud.

"Maud, Trixie is sorry she didn't remain loyal to you or even have the nerve to break off our relationship before leaving. I was scared and I planned on coming back... but in the end I fell in love with Mary. I- you hate me don't you?"

Maud shook her head pulling Trixie into a hug. "No, little moon, I don't hate you. I still love you. I will always love you. And I will fight for you if i must."

"You still love me after all this?"

"Yes, but you need to make a decision soon, little moon. If you want to be with me or Mary. Either way you'll always be my friend and I will never turn against you whether you decide to stay with me or not." Maud said petting her on the head. "You don't have to now, but you can't wait too long or Mary might not forgive you."

"Mary." Trixie sighed leaning back.

All three mares sat in silence. Maud took the time to feed Trixie, much to her reluctance, while Platinum glared at her from behind. She felt angry at Trixie and Maud. Here was Maud trying to win her back when Trixie was in a relationship with Mary. And then Trixie was doing this while Mary was off probably crying her eyes out. Then there was herself. A selfish mare hoping that neither mare would end up with Trixie and she'd be the one to win her over with a grand gesture.

The more she thought about it the more she couldn't bring herself to tear them all apart. No. Trixie belonged to Mary. It was hard to accept and she'd regret it later but it was love worth ruining a perfectly good friendship over? Trixie felt nothing for her. So, why should she force it when she loved two others?

I need to set things right. She thought jumping from her seat running towards the door stopping before she got out. Trixie looked over to her trying to get up but Maud held her down. "Platinum what are you doing?"

The silver mare inhaled deeply. "Trixie, answer me truthfully. Do you love Maud?"

"Yes." she answered immediately.

"Do you also love Mary?"

"Yes." Trixie gave the slightest bit of hesitation before she answered.

"That's all I needed to hear." she said dashing out heading of into town.

"Platinum wait! Where are you going?"

[Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres]

Applejack was busy bucking apples while Twilight assisted her using her magic to levitate trees worth of apples to a full sized cart nearby. The two were chatting while Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Diamond Tiara were nearby bucking and picking up. The two fillies had grown fond of each other over the last few days. The two chatted one day and after a rough start became friends. They agreed to take it slow as Diamond still picked on Apple Bloom from time to time, mostly just to annoy her. Ironically the subject that drew them together was Trixie and how she stood up for Apple Bloom when her sexual orientation came to light in the town market. The pink filly then told her story of how Trixie used her super strength to buck over half the south field in under ten minutes.

Apple Bloom amazed by this asked if Big Mac had seen it, not entirely believing what the former bully claimed, but he confirmed the story claiming he'd seen it himself once. The two were working well together and to anyone who didn't know them, they would have thought the two were best friends.

Twilight giggled as Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara stood under a tree not realizing Big Mac was ready to kick it. The apples fell on the two making them give out a shrill of screams as they became buried in a pile of apples. From under the mountain of red their heads popped out to see the red stallion laughing at them.

Twilight giggled seeing them scold the stallion as he casually walked away carrying the basket on his back. Applejack however was not smiling.

"Hey AJ?" Twilight approached her orange friend noticing her frown. "What's wrong?"

The farm pony shook her head. "Oh Twi, I'm rightly sorry, but I just aint feelin like mah self these last few days. What with Trixie and all."

Twilight walked up wrapping her arm around her friend. "What's really bugging you AJ? We're friends and friends don't lie to each other." Not that I'm one to talk. She thought to herself.

Applejack glanced up to Twilight with a hopeful look smiling. She then glanced over to Big Mac pulling the two fillies in an apple cart as they walked by. "Twilight," she started walking to a tree near Big Mac as he passed. "I'm just glad you aint no homosexual freak. It's nice having a straight friend for once." she said giving the tree a swift kick.

Apple Bloom lowered her head in shame, Big Mac glared at her and Diamond of all ponies did something nopony expected. She jumped down from the cart and marched right up to Applejack with determined look on her face. She got right up to the orange mare and glared right into her eyes.

Applejack lowered herself to meet the pink fillies gaze at her level. "What?" she sneered.

"AJ." Twilight said wearily.

"You are the biggest dumb butt I've ever known!" she yelled at the larger pony.

Applejack cracked a smile pushing her over. Diamond gasped as she fell into the dirt her fur now covered in it.

"Aw, did I hurt the poor bully? Aint no fun when somepony bigger than you stands up for themselves aint it?" she mocked the filly walking around her. "You aint no good you bully."

"AJ." Big Mac said gritting his teeth. Twilight shook watching as her friend loomed over the filly. To her credit Diamond stood her ground even though she was afraid. Apple Bloom helped her up.

"You OK, Diamond?" the yellow filly asked.

"Yeah." she replied dusting herself off.

"Oh lookie here, mah sister helping her childhood bully stand up against me. What? Are you going to start bullying others now Apple Bloom?"

"NO!"

"AJ! Enough!" Big Mac yelled unlatching himself from the cart.

But the farm pony didn't stop there. Slowly she inched forward with a menacing stare. Each word she spoke she stomped the ground closing the distance between her and the two fillies.

"Cause you know how them filly foolers are. No homosexual is worth our time and I sure as hay aint dealing with you being one." she got close to the two cowering fillies. "Ah know you aint gonna be nothin but trouble if you befriend this filly," she glared at Diamond Tiara. "And I know you'll turn out bad if you continue this sick thinking of yours. Now stop with this homo nonsense and get yourself straightened out! Cause aint no sister of mine gonna be some sick bully!"

"APPLEJACK THAT'S ENOUGH!" Big Mac shoved her to the ground using himself as a barrier between her and the girls. "Ah have had enough of your attitude! This has gone on too long! You need to shape up or else-"

"Or else what Mac?" Applejack stood up cutting him off. "You'll get back at me or something? Tell granny? what's she going to do?"

The red stallion said nothing but stood his ground defiantly.

"Humph, fine. Twilight come on let's go to the west field." the mare said not noticing Twilight's discomfort.

Twilight glanced at Big Mac who shook his head helping the fillies before she turned and chased after Applejack. The two walked to the west field where they began to harvest the apples. Twilight was now more afraid of Applejack than she'd been the previous night. If she ever found out our friendship will be over! No doubt! Why is it like this? Twilight sighed only using a part of her magic to lift the apples off the trees.

She wasn't paying attention that AJ was placing buckets down and she dropped the apples right on top of her. AJ screamed as she was covered in a pile of apples thinking of the cruel irony that'd befallen her.

"AJ! Are you alright!? Say something!" Twilight screamed at the mountain of apples.

An orange head stuck out in a daze. Shaking it off Applejack looked over to a bewildered Twilight. A few moments passed and AJ began to laugh. Twilight stumbled over her words trying to make sense of the mares reaction unable to she panicked and started babbling.

"AJ, what are you- why? Aren't you mad? I'm sorry I dropped the apples on you I just-"

"Twilight! It's alright." she said climbing out o f the apples.

"But you-"

"Don't worry." She patted the violet mare on the back grinning. "It was an accident. No need to worry." She glanced over the field noticing the sun was beginning to set she turned to Twilight. "Let's call it a day Twi. You look like you could use some rest."

"Right." Twilight looked at the setting sun. The colors were so serine yet she found no comfort in them. Her was the perfect time to tell anypony you loved them. The mood was perfect, the setting was perfect, the mare was perfect. If only she could love me as a mare. Twilight thought bitterly. She thought of Mary and Trixie. Lucky.

"Beautiful aint it?"

"Huh?" Twilight snapped out of her daze. "What is?"

"The sunset silly." she elbowed the unicorn slightly in the side. "I thought only Rainbow lived with her head in the clouds."

"Ha, I guess she's not the only one now, huh?" Twilight joked.

AJ giggled. "Heh, guess not. Twilight I really am glad you're my friend. With all the crazy things happening lately it's nice to have a normal friend for once. Don't change, Twi." she glanced one more time at the field. "Come along I'll walk ya home."

After walking some time Applejack and Twilight arrive at the Golden Oaks Library. Neither spoke the whole time. Twilight was too afraid to speak and AJ remained unaware of her friends tension. The lavender mare thought about how Applejack treated every pony differently these days. Rainbow, Rarity, her sitter, even herself. She treated Twilight differently than she did others. Was it because she lied saying she shared her views on same sex relationships? Did everything about them now revolve around a lie? How had she let everything spiral so out of control and how could she fix it? Twilight was so deep in thought that she didn't realized they'd reached her home.

"Twilight? You alright sugarcube?"

"What?" she snapped her attention to her friend. "What did you say?"

"We're here" The mare nodded towards the giant tree.

"Oh, thanks AJ." she walked up to the tree opening the door. "Do-do you want to come inside for a bit?"

"Nah, I got to get home. Thanks though Twilight. I'll stay hang out next time for sure! Pinkie promise!' The orange mare did the signature motion sticking her hoof in her eye and all. "I'll catch you later!" she called out running off home.

"Bye!" Twilight waved to the retreating mare. "AJ." she sighed retreating back into the library.

She walked somberly to her bedroom. On the door was a note from Spike.

Dear Twilight,
Got called to Canterlot by Princess Luna. Had a chariot pick me up too, nice! Anyways I had to leave in a hurry so I left this note so you wouldn't panic if you didn't find me. Thanks by the way for giving me the week off. I was so bummed to hear about Rarity but I think I'm over it now. Luna came to my dreams the other night and said we should hang out. I never get to see her! It'll be so fun I'm sure.
Anyway the chariot's here. I'll write to you when I get there.
Love,
Spike

Twilight rolled up the note and found a scroll on her bed with the royal seal. Opening it she scanned it noticing it was also from Spike. He had a fun day with Luna pranking Celestia and Blueblood. Apparently he thinks Luna is the coolest pony on the planet. And he got to see her raise the moon noting, 'she was positively majestic raising the moon like the goddess she is.' Twilight smiled thinking it was nice that Spike got over Rarity so quickly.

"I'm glad he found a way to preoccupy himself. I was so worried he'd be sad for a while." she looked out the window from her room. She got up on her bed settling in. "If only I had a way to make my own situation go away. If only I was a stallion then I could confess to AJ. Maybe then she wouldn't hate me."

She sighed resting on the bed. she didn't bother covering herself, she just felt tired and she didn't care at the moment.

"If I was a stallion... stallion... wait... THAT'S IT!" she jumped up from the bed standing beside it. A triumphant look on her face. "If I was a stallion I could confess to AJ and she wouldn't hate me then because, it sin't gay if I'm a stallion! Right?" she pondered tapping her chin. "Is it gay if I became a stallion and fell in love with her? Gah! It doesn't matter Zecora can help me!"

At that Twilight grabbed her saddlebags and wrote a note sealing it with the royal seal she'd gotten from her letter from Spike. She then teleported outside the library heading off to Zecora's. Along the way Twilight passed Mary who was running in the opposite direction. The two didn't stop to greet one another and continued running there separate ways.

Twilight eventually reached the Everfree Forest where Zecora lived. She made her way through the thick brush and eventually found the zebras hut deep in the forest. Taking a relaxing breath, Twilight trotted up an knocked on the door.

The door opened revealing a tired looking Zecora within. "Oh, dear Twilight what are you doing out this night?" she asked with a yawn.

"Hi Zecora. I need your help and it can't wait I'm afraid." she said pulling out the letter she wrote. "I need the alicorn amulet you hid so Trixie can't find it. The Princess has ordered me to retrieve it immediacy and take it to Canterlot." she levitated the scroll over to the zebra who took it in hoof. She read it thoroughly as if it were some conjuration of trickery. Twilight felt anxious.

What if she didn't buy it? What if she told somepony? The Princess? Just as Twilight was about to panic Zecora spoke. "Very well Twilight. Allow me to get a light so we might tread the dark path this night."

Twilight sighed revealed she bought into her deception. She felt bad for having to lie twice to two ponies she trusted so much. But this was for love and that made it fine. Right? It didn't matter. Soon she'd have the answer to all her problems.

They walked the dark path heading deep into the forest. After a good minute of walking Zecora came upon a large tree. Halting she instructed Twilight to remain while she retrieved the amulet.

"Please, hurry Zecora." she pleaded.

The zebra nodded heading deeper in the forest. Twilight paced as she waited wondering if Zecora would figure her out before hoof. What if she couldn't find it? All her plans would be ruined! Eventually Zecora emerged from the brush and held a small box, presumably with the alicorn amulet.

Twilight ran up to her impatiently. "Is that it Zecora?"

She nodded placing the box down. "A word of warning. Beware the voices for they give great promises. Do not believe in their lies for they are poison that will darken your heart and twist your desires." she warned.

Twilight nodded levitating the box into her bags. The two walked back home not saying a word. Zecora was a good pony and a great friend. Which made what Twilight did next all the more difficult. As they walked up to Zecora's hut the zebra turned to the lavender mare.

"A most wonderful stroll but remember my warning or you'll have to pay the toll."

"Thanks Zecora and once again than you so much for all you've done to Ponyville." she said as her horn lit up.

"Think nothing of it my friend for I-" THWACK!

The zebra feel to the ground with a dull thud as a large stick clubbed her over the head knocking her out clod. Twilight took her to bed and mended her wounded head. Afterwards she placed a memory wipe spell erasing the last few hours of Zecora's memory. After tucking her in bed Twilight apologized one last time before turning to the black box.

Opening it she glanced at the alicorn amulet. As Zecora warned the whispers began to speak to her. A swirl of temptation and lust filled her heart as the words echoed in her mind. She pushed them aside and with fierce determination she field the amulet in her hoof. She was hesitant to put it on was it really worth losing herself or risk it? NO, she was Twilight Sparkle and she was the student of Celestia she could do it. All she had to do was one spell and then take it off it was that simple.

Steeling her resolve Twilight placed the amulet on herself. A surge of power filled her as she grasped her chest. It felt good. The power it was so much and it made her feel good! No! These are dark temptations! She thought. I have to focus on the spell and nothing else!

She closed her eyes and focused all she had on just one spell. The power of the amulet coursed though her as she felt a powerful surge pour through her body. Her body began to burn. It was like falling in fire and swimming in it. The pain was so intense that she nearly lost focus but the thought of Applejack renewed her strength to go on.

It felt like hours to her. And as the energy poured into her body it slowly changed. Her nethers began to ache as she screamed in pain as a mass of energy bulged out of her and her body became more boxy in shape. Once the spell was complete she fell to the ground exhausted. Panting she stood up her vision was blurry and she couldn't tell where she was.

After a minute she realized she was still in Zecora's hut and the zebra hadn't even moved a bit. "I'm glad that worked." she said in a voice that wasn't her own. "Wait. It worked?" she ran to a mirror to see herself as a stallion. Her mane now short and and more curly than she'd seen it before, her muzzle was more pronounced. She then blushed feeling down as a pair of testicles replaced now donned her body and a small bulge. "It worked."

She internally cheered as to not awaken the sleeping zebra. Her cheering stopped when she remembered the amulet. Quickly taking it off she placed it in the box and threw it deep in the forest. "Humph. Good riddance." Twilight said closing the door behind him. "I think this will turn out great! Applejack will be so surprised when she sees not twilight but Dusk Shine Sparkle." he boasted walking home feeling exhausted. "I guess everypony will be! That's alright. I know Applejack won't hate or turn me down now." Dusk Shine said with a yawn. "Oh my. Guess I better get home. Sooo tired." he mumbled walking back to town as his eyes glowed red.

Back in the forest the black box flew across the trees hitting one. It bounced on the ground breaking the small latch that held it closed revealing the amulet inside. Slowly the amulet faded away into nothing, leaving only the empty box behind. A small scorpion climbed on top of it flexing its tail as a dark shadow loomed over covering it and the scorpion in darkness.

End of the Fourth Day Reconciliation of a Dishonored Mare Part 1 (Revised)

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Mary wandered the streets of Ponyville heading towards her one other sanctuary in this little town. Derpy Hooves home. She marched on not stopping until she reached her destination. She came upon the familiar little house with the two little mail boxes with muffins on them. She smiled and trotted up to the door. taking a moment to relax herself she raised a hoof and knocked on the door three times.

A moment or two later the door opened revealing Dinky. The little unicorn filly smiled at the sight of Mary. She opened the door letting the older mare in, closing it behind her she lead Mary to the living room. "So Mary, what brings you here today?" Asked a familiar grey mare in a chair by the fireplace. It was just being lit as the sun began to set in the distance. It was still a good hour before it was dark but ponies were setting up for the night and closing shops.

Mary walked over to Derpy placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I wanted to talk to you Derpy."

She though about Trixie and the lies she had revealed to her about Maud. It made her angry to think about. Derpy looked over to see Mary with a angry expression on her face. She placed a hoof on hers smiling warmly to her calming her slightly.

"Please sit, I'll make some tea and get you a relaxing muffin." She said leading Mary to the couch. Dinky ran up sitting beside the tan mare like it was perfectly normal. "Dinky, mind yourself today. Mary and I are having adult talk tonight. Please go to your room when we start, OK?"

The little filly looked to her mom devastated. "But mooom!" she whined. "I hardly ever get to see Mary!"

Mary giggled patting the filly on the head. "Now little Dinky mind your mother." She said in her best authoritative voice. It was hard to sound that way to the cute filly but she nodded.

"Yes, Mary." she sighed.

"That's a good girl. Now why don't you run along and I promise to hang with you next time I see you. OK?" Mary reasoned to Dinky.

"Can we go out for ice cream? I'll buy." she asked.

Mary looked over to Derpy who was walking out of the kitchen with the tea and muffins, she nodded.

"Sure thing." Mary she whispered into her ear.

"Yes! Thanks mom! Mary!" She ran to hug her mom first then Mary and ran off to her room. "Come say bye before you leave, K?"

"Sure thing Dinky." Mary said waving to her as she retreated to her room. "She's such a sweetheart."

"Yes she is." Derpy placed the tray with the tea and muffins on the table. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

Mary rubbed her white collar nervously. She had many things to say so many questions needing answered. She felt betrayed by Trixie for not telling her about her feelings for Maud Pie. That revelation had shaken her to the core. She felt she needed to go far away like she could escape it and where did she go? To another place of pain to cover it up. Derpy.

Why do I let myself get hurt so much? she thought still rubbing her collared neck tie.

Mary looked over to Derpy with a saddened expression. "Derpy, I feel..." she stopped trying to think of how to relay her feelings to the grey wall eyed mare. "It's about Trixie."

Derpy's mouth gave a small, oh as she recalled the mare in question. She then smiled blinking. "She's such a nice mare that Trixie," she said taking her cup of tea and sipping it.

"You are luck to have a friend like her."

"That's the thing! She lied to me! She said she loved me but it turns out she had feelings for somepony she knew elsewhere now she's here and Trixie was embracing her and now I don't know how to feel about her!" Mary panted not taking a breath as she spoke until she'd finished blurting out every word. "And the worst part is, she said she loved me but never said she loved another."

Derpy smiled sitting beside the distraught mare. "You said that twice Mary."

"Said what twice?"

"That she lied to you." Mary shook her head rubbing her temples. "Why didn't you tell her this? Why did you come to me?"

Mary sighed thinking of what to say. The truth would be a nice start, but she was worried how Derpy would respond. So she decided the best thing to do was just gun it.

"I was hoping you'd remember me." she said.

"Remember you?" Derpy asked tilting her head. "Of course I remember you Mary."

"No I mean that-what WE use to be!" Mary pressed her face against Derpys making their noses touch. "I wanted so bad for you to remember the times we shared! The tears we shed together! The LOVE we shared! After you hit your head on that rock after that horrible accident I was worried sick you'd never remember me! It took a long time but you did but you didn't remember us!"

Derpy gave no indication of any emotional change. She simple stared at Mary waiting for something. The silence went on and it drove Mary mad. Waiting, ironically, was not something she was good at. She simply smiled after a minute hugging Mary.

"Oh Mary, you silly filly." She cooed in the mares ear. "If that's what this is all about then why didn't you tell me?"

The tan mare pushed her away looking furiously at her. "I Came here to tell you but I was scared you wouldn't remember me and I'd be all alone!" She placed her hooves together in front of her on the couch leaning forward, placing all her weight on them. "I even asked Twilight to help you remember! Anything and everything she could think of!"

"Mary-"

"I want us to be together Derpy! I miss you so much it hurts!" She hugged the pegasus crying into her shoulder. By now the last of the sun light had inched into darkness as shadows loomed over the land. Ponies retreated to home for the night and shop signs read closed.

Inside Mary's heart there was a turmoil of pain and anger. "I want us to be together so much. Do you remember this?" the tan mare asked ripping off her collar showing it to Derpy.

"You gave this to me on our second date! I loved it so much. I kept it all this time hoping you'd remember the love we shared but you never did. All you saw me as was a friend. Nothing more."

Mary leaned down dropping the ascot to the ground. It gave the ever so slightest bounce before laying lifelessly there, mocking her. "The worst part was, you were still my friend after all this and now I can't distinguish my feelings for you from our friendship." She leaned in kissing Derpy. The two locked lips Derpy closed her eyes as a warm sensation came over her. Then her eyes shot open as a spark ignited in her mind. She wrapped her arms around Mary pulling her into a passionate hug/kiss.

Derpy's vision became clear as day. Her mind became clear, and for the first time in a long time she felt whole again. After a minute she broke away from the tan mare smiling at her. Mary's teary eyes glanced curiously at her.

"I don't remember." she said kissing her once more. "I remember our friendship but nothing else I'm afraid. I'm sorry, Mary."

"But..."

"But nothing. If you do love me then go back to Trixie and tell her you're sorry." Mary was about to respond but Derpy held a hoof over her lips silencing her. "Do you love her?" Mary nodded. "Then tell her. Forgive her like you did before."

Mary frowned at her. "I can't not after she lied to me."

Now it was Derpys turn to frown. She took hold of Mary forcing her to look into her eyes. The tan mare looked stunned as the wall eyed mare took hold of her. No, not wall eyed her eyes were in perfect alignment. "You technically lied to her."

"I never-"

"You never told her about your feelings for me, did you?" Derpy asked smugly.

Mary said nothing. The silence confirming Derpy's theory. "You didn't tell her, yet you're here after she didn't tell you she had feelings for another mare? That's awfully hypocritical of you."

"I didn't- no I did I mean I meant to but-'' Mary tried hard to justify her shortsightedness but found nothing.

Derpy leaned back, getting off the couch, she walked over to the table looking a one of her many photos. She placed one face down. A tear fell but Mary didn't notice in her shocked state as she hid behind her blonde bangs.

"You need to go Mary." she said firmly. "If you wait you may never get another chance. Remember what I said?"

Mary sighed as her eyes teared up. "Yeah, I do. You said she won't wait forever, neither should you."

"And I meant it Mary. The poor girl is probably crying right now."

"I doubt that. She has that Maud mare with her and Platinum." Mary sighed taking her glasses off. "She doesn't need me."

Now, Derpy was not one for violence but that had pushed her over the edge. She walked over and slapped the tan mare across the face scowling at her. Mary looked shocked at her rubbing her cheek tenderly.

"Do you love her or not Mary?" Derpy asked forcefully.

"I... I do." She replied with difficulty.

"Then please go to her. If nothing then do it for her." she held Mary's hooves. "Go be with her. Make up for the lost time now while you can before you lose her forever."

Mary looked at Derpy with desperation in her eyes. "But I can't"

"I don't feel the same way."

Mary stopped mid sentence staring at the other mare with a stunned expression. "What? but why?" Her eyes misted as she tried to fold back a flood of emotions building up in her. She felt like her chest was going to explode. "I don't understand. Why?"

The rgey pegasus grabbed Mary buy the shoulders shaking her with each word she spoke.

"Mary. After my accident I just- lost the spark. I didn't remember anything about our relationship even though you and Dinky did. I just... don't feel that way anymore." she pulled away from her sitting back on the couch. "I'm sorry. I know it's not the answer you hoped to hear but understand this-" she paused making sure Mary was paying attention. "You have Trixie now. You have to be there for her or else you'll lose her. She remembers you and the time you spent together in a short time has sparked something wonderful that you both can share. Don't you understand?"

"Trixie is hurting and you're here talking to me. You need to go." Derpy flew up pushing Mary to the door. She tried to resist but was forced out the door. "You have to go to her before it's too late!"

Mary fell to the ground landing awkwardly on her hoof. Looking up she saw Derpy frowning, her wings flared as she blocked the path to her house. Mary stood up nursing a sore hoof. "But what about you?"

Derpy flexed her wings taking a deep breath. She opened her eyes. "I'll be fine love. Remember what I told you. She won't wait forever. Now's your only chance. If you don't reconcile with her you may never get the chance again." The pegasus walked over to her fried nudging her on. "Hurry! Before it's too late!"

Mary thought back to when she first spoke to Derpy concerning Trixie. "Do you think it's, OK to love again? Like after somepony you loved is gone and can never come back? Is it alright to love another? Or is that betraying their memory and the feelings that once existed?"

"Of course it is Mary. Why wouldn't it be OK to fall in love again? Only a selfish pony would tell their loved one to never love again. If it were me, I'd tell the pony I loved if you ever find it again, give it a comfortable shoulder to lay on."

She looked back to Derpy who was smiling with an eager expression on her face. And for a moment, just moment her eyes went straight. That's when it happened. Mary could see it. The flicker of thoughts long forgotten as Derpy nodded telling her in silence that it was alright. Derpy said she was fine with this. She always had been. Even now she was and how ling am I going to wait? HOPING for something that will never come back? Why am I so selfish? Mary thought back to what she told Trixie and the hurt look she had on her face when she rejected her apology and her love.

She had to make this right. Turning to face her former lover she gave Derpy one last passionate kiss. Her tongue rolled in her mouth as Derpy returned the gesture. After on intense moment of passion Mary pulled away taking her collar and threw it to the ground. With a look of determination she began running for home.

"Please wait Trixie." She said as she ran past Twilight who was happily skipping along. But she paid no mind to the mare. She had to find Trixie before Maud left with her and she'd be alone again. "I'm coming my love! Just wait a bit longer!"

Off in the distance she saw her home and the light was lit. As she rounded the gate the lights flickered for a moment before darkness took the inside. She didn't even try unlocking her door or to see if it was even locked. She ran up turning away from the door rearing her hind legs. Then, with a long forgotten strength of her heritage she kicked the door sending it flying across the living room into the back wall.

Maud came running out with a serious look ready to fight on a moments notice. She stopped once he saw Mary but kept her distance making sure to block the path to the room she came from.

End of the Fourth Day Reconciliation of a Dishonored Mare Part 2 (Revised)

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Author's Notes:

Hello fellow readers, friends, and my loyal followers!

How have you all been? As I'm sure many of you know or guessed, even if you didn't don't feel bad, but I got sidetracked for a while. Now I'm ready to bite the bullet and try and make something of this story.

I honestly feel I've been cheap with those of you who love this story and for your following and loyalty to this story I am truly grateful. I promise to give this story more attention than I have in the past.

On That note here it is! The finisher to the fourth day! What will Mary and Maud do? Who will Trixie choose to stay with? Will Mary finally open up to Trixie fully, or will Maud steal her back? Time to findout!

Enjoy!

On a last note. I have a open suggestion box for any future fics or ideas about my stories if anyone want's to give input please do so. If you want to just say hi by all means do! I love talking to my fellow readers/writers.

Maud and Mary stared each other down. Neither budged. Maud soon realized it was Mary whose house she was in, and visibly relaxed seeing the intruder was somepony Trixie knew. Mary took a cautious step forward eyeing Maud. When the mare made no response Mary took the imitative.

"I'm here to see Trixie." she said trying to step past her.

Maud blocked her path, still wearing her stoic expression.

"No." she said flatly.

"Please?" the mayor said in a strained voice. "I came to apologize."

Maud didn't budge and showed no emotion in her face. Her voice said otherwise. "Not after you hurt Trixie you won't."

The grey earth pony stood her ground lowering her posture to a defensive stance. She was determined not to let Mary pass. A shuffling was heard from the room behind her and a hoarse voice echoed through the hall.

"Maud, let her through please."

Maud stood upright and glanced behind her. Her face remained neutral as she turned back to face Mary.

"You may speak with her." she stepped aside letting her pass. She suddenly grabbed the politicians arm giving her a cold stare. "If you hurt her again I will rain rocks on your house like here's no tomorrow."

She cringed at the mares intense glare. Somethig told her not to get on the mares bad side. Nodding silently as she was release and entered the room. She saw Trixie laying in bed covered in a thick quilt that didn't belong to her. Must have been Maud's. She thought.

The blue mare was sitting up against the headboard looking outside the window. She turned to the sound of hoof steps approaching. She saw Mary and gave her a warm smile. Beside her stood Maud who walked over giving the blue mare a quick hug and kiss. Internally Mary was in a rage but held to her composure for Trixie's sake.

Though Maud made no facial expression, being in a political field for so long, Mary could tell there was great malice behind that blank slate face. I have to do this or I'll never get another chance. I will do this! She swore to herself.

She carefully stepped forward like she was expecting the floor to fall from beneath her. She reached the bed and Trixie kept watching her her smile not faulting in the slightest.

"Mary."

"Trixie." the tan mare replied.

"How are you doing? Better, Trixie hopes?" she said patting the bed to get her to sit beside her.

Mary complied and took a seat beside her and Maud sat on the other side of Trixie.

"I have had a lot to think about. But I'm better now, thanks." She returned the smile with one of her own. "I wanted to say, I'm sorry. I was... harsh and I didn't consider your feelings about, us."

The blue mare shook her head looking over to Maud who gave her a silent nod. "No, Trixie is the one who is sorry. To both of you. Trixie never was good at dealing with emotions. Trixie wasn't fair to the both of you. Trixie-I have been disloyal to you Maud."

The grey mare looked to her and gave her full attention. "I should have told you I was leaving, but Trixie was scared you'd hate her. No, she wanted you to hate her. After I took the alicorn amulet Trixie was determined to go through with her revenge no matter the cost. If others knew of our relationship... it would have dragged you down with her. After what happened with your father, I never forgave myself for coming between your family and tearing it apart."

Trixie leaned into Maud as tears ran down her face. "I'm sorry." she cried. Maud nodded again only stroking the crying mares mane.

Mary watched as the unicorn opened her heart. And for the first time, she was seeing Trixie for what she was deep down. Sad and torn. The pain she felt must have been great. She feared the backlash of her downed reputation would have hurt Maud, so she abandoned her all together.

Trixie released Maud turning to see Mary with a contemplative look on her face.

"Mary, Trixie's sorry for what she did to you as well. I- I wan't fair to you either. Trixie should have ended her last relationship before going to you. For that I am so sorry. Please forgive me." She looked between to two of them. "Can either of you forgive me?"

The two mares looked at one another as if sizing the other up. They both felt bad for Trixie for different reasons. Maud never should have let her go and Mary should have been more open to her from the start about her feelings. In the end neither could blame her for what happened, even though it was mostly her fault. Neither held any animosity towards her though.

"I forgive you, little moon." the grey earth pony said without skipping a beat. "I could never hate you for anything."

"Thank you Maud." Trixie replied.

She then looked over to Mary expectantly. The tan pony stared back at her. Her heart felt heavy and she felt cold. Fear gripped her like a python to its prey. This is what you've been leading up to! Say something! She tried telling herself but her mouth refused to work.

It took her so long that Trixie managed to inch over to her before she realized the blue unicorn was up in her face. The nearly jumped not noticing and blushed from the close proximity to her. Their faces were inches apart and and Mary found herself immersed with many emotions. Her mind went blank as she reached for Trixie stroking her cheek wiping away the tears from her face. Slowly she leaned in kissing her. The gently softness of her lips met Trixie's and both closed their eyes fully embraced.

Maud watched in horror as Trixie accepted the mares embrace. Her eyes glistening as her heart felt wrenched out of her. She tried hard to hold them back, but seeing Trixie embrace with another angered her to no end. No! She wasn't about to lose her! The only pony who accepted her and loved her for who she was and she wouldn't lose her like this.

Maud crawled over the sheets forcing herself between the two of them. Mary scoffed offended by the action as Maud growled at her hugging Trixie.

"Maud!" Trixie yelped, looking up at her. "What are you doing?"

The glared at the tan mare like she was a animal encroaching on her territory, which wasn't far from the truth. To her, Trixie was hers, and nopony else was allowed to take her. "I won't let you go again Trixie." she sounded strained but tried to stay calm. "I'm not letting her take you away."

He body was shaking and her grip on Trixie was strong.

"I shouldn't have let you go alone Trixie." she said calmly. The blue mare continued to listening. "After you left I thought you'd come back on your own. But then this-I can't lose you little moon. Please don't leave me." She begged looking her in the eye. "I don't want to be alone again. if I have to I'll fight for your affections."

"Maud I-"

No! She can't! I can't let this happen! Mary screamed internally at the sight. She had to act before something came up and Trixie decided to stay with Maud instead of her. She won't wait forever. Those hurtful words echoed in her mind as she gathered the strength to speak.

"I'm sorry, Maud but I can't-"

"NO!" Mary screamed pushing Maud off Trixie. She wrapped her arms around the blue mare protectively. "Trixie look, I'm sorry I wasn't more open with you from the start! I was hung up on being with Derpy and I neglected your feelings. I get it I really do! Please, believe me when I say that I care for you and I will do anything for you." she said desperately.

"Mary please, I was going to say-" Trixie tried to speak but was cut off by Maud shoving the tan mare away making her nearly all off the bed.

"NO! She's mine and you have no right to take her away from me!" Maud yelled at her quarry. Trixie looked offended trying to push away from her.

"Maud, Mary! Will you both-"

"As if! She's her own pony and she chose me over you!" Mary retaliated.

"Mary!"

"She left me because of a bad choice." Maud and her butted heads. "I came here to bring her home!"

"Maud!" Trixie tried separating them.

"She IS home! With ME!" Mary pushed back.

"ENOUGH!" Trixie bellowed.

She suddenly started coughing and it wouldn't stop. She fell over onto her side coughing violently. Mary and Maud stopped their grudge match to see her suddenly convulsing. She was foaming at the mouth and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Mary immediately knew what was going on.

"She's having a seizure!" She grasped her trying to hold her down. She gently laid the mare on her side and after an intense two minutes the convulsing stopped. Trixie at some point passed out and was now unconscious. She looked to Maud who held onto her stoic expression. She then gently lifted Trixie with Mary's help and placed her under the covers.

Mary looked concerned but Maud smiled patting Trixie's mane. "What was that all about?" Mary bared her teeth at Maud. "Why are you smiling at a time like this?"

Maud shook her head pointing to a container of soup on the table nearby. "Fire heart carrot soup. Powerful earth pony alchemy is put into it and it's very potent. It can cure any sickness within hours of consumption. One side effect is seizures."

Mary was about to voice her opinion on such a dangerous thing but Maud held up a hoof. "She'll be fine. I promise. She's had it before and she'll be better in a few hours. You'll see." Maud looked over the sleeping form. "I'd never hurt her intentionally."

"Fine." The tan mare grunted. "But if she does get hurt from it I'll have you hung. Are we clear?"

"Crystal. But now we must discuss what to do about her."

"What about her?" Mary snapped still angry at Maud.

"About what to do when she wakes up and our relationships with her. Clearly, she's torn between us." Maud said.

"Clearly. But, what do we do about it?" Mary walked over to the bed nuzzling Trixie. She moved slightly smiling making both mares smile as well. "What so we do? You love her, I love her, and she loves both of us. So, now what?"

Maud took Mary by the arm and gently tugged her. "We let her rest and talk in the morning. We'll let her decide for herself who she'll be with. In the mean time let her rest."

Mary so desperately wanted to stay by Trixie's side, but decided that it was best for her to rest now. She herself was tired. Maud herself was tired from the long trip, and in spite of how she looked, the stress of the day had worn her out. In the end they both decided to let her rest and when Trixie was ready, she'd chose who to be with at her own pace. She'd been through so much and both mares wanted her to be happy.

Leaving her to rest, Mary took Maud to her living room and with her help they managed to repair the door, somewhat. The door was still unhinged but looked like it was secure from the outside. Maud had decided to stay in the living room with her sleeping bag in case somepony broke in.

Mary was hasty in trying to tell her nothing of the sort would happen in her town. Truthfully, she just wanted to be alone with Trixie but didn't want to be rude. She eventually allowed her to stay but she slept on the couch near the room. She didn't want Muad sneaking into the room without her there. In the end, neither mare slept that night, both eyed each other wondering what to do for the next few days to come, and how to win Trixie over for themselves.

Start of the Fifth Day Anthem of Breakfast (Revised)

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Early in the morning Trixie stirred in bed from an intense light shining on her face. She groaned shielding herself from the light with her arm. Slowly she opened her eyes to see it the sun rising from the window. She slowly regained her mobility and the world became more clear to her. Colors seemed more vibrant and she felt better then she had in a long time.

Stretching she got out of bed, her fever now gone, and her throat was restored. She went to the dresser and rummaged through and got herself a candle and a parchment and quickly began to write a letter. Once she finished she read it over twice making sure it was how she wanted. After considerable thought she lit the candle and sealed the now readied scroll with wax and a multi-star seal and sent it through the flame. The scroll turned to a wisp and flew out the window off into the distance.

She returned everything to where she procured them and made her way to the door to find it slightly ajar. She opened it slowly to see Mary and Maud sleeping. Maud was in her sleeping bag on the floor while Mary took the couch neither moved as she crept past them. They looked so peaceful but exhausted. Heavy bags were under their eyes and it looked like they didn't sleep at all.

Trixie hoped that a nice hearty breakfast would do the trick for them. She lit her horn to create a muffle spell on her hooves so she didn't awaken them as she snuck to the kitchen to make breakfast. After she arrived at her destination, she donned an apron and began to look through the cabinets to see what she had.

"Hmm. What to make?" She wondered to herself.

After searching the kitchen for am minute she decided on blueberry pancakes and a hay bacon with applesauce hash browns. With that in mind she began to make breakfast by chopping potatoes singing to herself as she went on. Her horn lit up and a small beat started playing as she sung evolving into a full orchestral piece as she sang her song with a voice echo spell to imitate a group choir.

Allons enfants de la Patrie, Arise, Le jour de gloire est arrivé.

***

Mary shifted on the couch at the sound of hooves clopping on wood. Her nose was sore for some reason. She rubbed the ridge of her nose when she realized she forgot to take off her glasses before sleeping. She silently berated herself for this and slowly tried to fin her footing as she leaned to the side of the couch.

She'd completely forgotten she had slept on the couch and fell off landing on something soft. The soft thing shifted a bit as a muffled voice called out to her.

"Can you please remove your rear from my face?" It asked calmly.

The earth pony craned her neck to see what was beneath her. Her eyes shot open when she realized Maud's face was inches from her rear. Blushing she scrambled off the grey mare and covered herself, trying to keep hold of her dignity.

"Sorry."

"It's fine. It's not like you have anything I haven't seen before." Maud replied with a slight blush of her own.

Her ear twitched at the sound of a familiar voice singing to itself as the smell of cooked food made made its way to her nose. "Sounds like, little moon is up." she said.

Mary sighed shaking her head at the grey mare. Why do I always attract weirdo ponies? She asked herself.

After a moment the voice broke into a full song and Trixie's voice turned into several as music began to play along with her singing.

She glanced over to the kitchen to see Trixie skipping from one side to the other with an apron on singing to herself a song that didn't seem fitting for the morning. Trixie skipped to the stove shaking a pan with pancakes on it. She then flung them into the air to flip them landing perfectly back on the pan.

Both Mary and Maud had never seen her like this before it was, different. They approached the kitchen making sure not to disturber the unicorn while she worked. She didn't seem to notice the two entered the walkway to the kitchen as she worked making a most wonderful breakfast. Mary Was astounded to see the mare skipping along like she was center of the world. Maud herself thought it was cute.

"Amour sacré de la patrie, Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs. Liberté, Liberté cherie, Combats avec tes efenseurs.
Sous nos drapeaux, que la victoire Accoure à tes males accents." Trixie sang with her mini choir voices.

Maud stood in the doorway, Mary at her side leaning on the frame, watching in amusement as the blue unicorn went about completely unaware she was being watched. She went on for bout a minute setting up the table for three and the food itself smelled great. Mary was sure it was going to be the best meal she'd ever had thus far, well second to Trixie in her mind. Maud was having similar thoughts.

Trixie started to march like a solider twirling the plates and silverware like a flag bearer would and placed them perfectly in a triangle setting. The napkins flew up folding themselves into small pyramid shapes and landed fluidly on the center of each plate as a set of silverware landed in order on each side. "Vont enfin recevoir leurs prix ! Tout est soldat pour vous combattre."

She then spun in place as the food flew around her like a hurricane and blasted away from her. Mary did a double take thinking it was going to hit her, Maud didn't so much as flinch. "S'ils tombent, nos jeunes héros, La terre en produit de nouveaux, Contre vous tout prêts à se battre."

Mary looked on in awe at the sigh of Trixie and the table. She'd never seen her perform like this. This was completely unlike her, flashy like it was, but something seemed off. Maud smiled.

"It's good to see you in high spirits, little moon." The grey mare said.

Trixie stopped dead in her tracks like she was caught red handed. She sheepishly smiled and walked over hugging both mares. "Good morning you two! Trixie hopes you're hungry! She made breakfast!"

Eagerly she scooted both of them to the table sitting them down and brought the last of the food over. After the last touches were made she sat beside them, her eyes darting back and forth as she gestured for them to start. But Maud raised her hoof.

"Now, little moon, you know we pray first. It's proper." She said in her monotone voice.

Mary wasn't religious. In fact she never prayed once in her entire life. She didn't like having to be part of it either but she respected Maud's beliefs and allowed it and even partook. After the short prayer they dug in. Maud chewed her food thoughtfully as Trixie nearly inhaled her portion. Mary tenderly ate like a proper lady would. Her movements were dainty compared to Trixie's terrible eating habits.

She looked over to Maud who was eating slowly at a steady pace. It was nice to have a mare in the house who knew how to not eat like a savage animal. If there was once thing about Trixie she didn't like, it was how the mare ate. Yet she found it mildly amusing to see her eat like a savage squirrel. Every so often Trixie would rise from her food and her cheeks would be puffed from being too stuffed with food giving her a squirrel like appearance.

Once breakfast was done the three ponies cleaned up dividing the work. Trixie cleared the table, Maud cleaned, and Mary put everything away. Like a well oiled machine they went about cleaning the dishes and finished in under two minutes. Mary kept n eye on Maud the whole time drying a plate.

She was still convinced that she was going to try and steal Trixie's heart so she had to remain vigilant. Then a thought occurred to her. Trixie had to work on the farm and there was nothing she could do to keep Maud from going with her without seeming resentful. Maybe Applejack would keep them apart while they worked.

No, what am I thinking?! I can't do that to Trixie! She berated herself.

She dispelled the thought from her mind as she put the last plate away. Trixie had disappeared into the room to get ready. Coming out with her, tool belt, the mare walked over to Mary and nuzzled her affectionately. "See you after I finish on the farm!" She then went to Maud and did the same. "Be good Maud. Trixie will stop by Sugarcube Corner later."

She then turned to leave. She pulled on the handle to the door causing it to fall. She side stepped and with a big smile, she waved to them and walked out not missing a beat leaving two stunned mares in the room. Mary was in shock by Trixie's odd behavior, and though Maud didn't look it she too was rattled by the display.

The grey mare leaned over to Mary whispering in her ear, "Has she been like this long?"

"No, this is completely new to me."

"Hmm." Maud rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe we should follow her and keep an eye on her."

Mary was inclined to agree with her; however, she had to get to the office. So she had no choice to leave it up to Maud. She didn't trust her despite the fact they both agreed to let Trixie be the one to choose who she'd be with in the end. Maud seemed to sense this.

"I promise not to influence little, moons decisions." She promised.

Mary scoffed. "How do I know that you'll keep your word?"

"Do you think my father is a liar?" she asked calmly.

That really struck Mary hard. She would never question her old friends motives, he was as honest as they came. She had to admit, he'd never let his daughters be anything less then good honest mares. It bugged her greatly that she found it hard to trust his daughter. Jealousy made it hard for her to keep a level head. in the need she saw little choice but to accept Maud's help.

"Very well. I trust your father, so I'll trust you too." She lied.

"Thank you. I promise to keep my end of the deal." The grey mare said, leaving the house to follow Trixie. She stopped at the doorway and looked back to Mary. "Have a good day."

"You too." And don't let the door hit you ass on the way out. She thought.

After 'closing' the door they two went their separate ways. Mary headed off to town hall and Maud made her way to Sweet Apple Acres. I hope Mary is being honest with me. Father always spoke so highly of her. Yet she seems nothing like he said she'd be. She thought worried. Her face never betraying the hurt feelings she held from the other mares spite.

Fifth Day Rock meet Farmer Part 1 (Revised)

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Trixie skipped along through Ponyville happy as can be. She felt so light and nimble. Clarity and comprehension hit her like a ton of bricks. She felt free and open to new ideas. Things she hadn't noticed before popped into view. Like that mare Roseluck who always watched her. She seemed nice enough. Maybe she'd stop by and say hi.

Diverting from her path Trixie skipped over to the rose maned pony. Roseluck was watering her rose garden when she noticed the blue mare approaching. She smiled placing the watering pot to the side and waved to her as she approached.

"Hi Trixie!" she greeted her.

"Miss Roseluck! Wonderful morning we're having, huh?"

"Yes, we are." The cream pony responded. "Can I help you with anything?"

"No, just stopping by to say hi and to finally meet you!" she extended a hoof shaking Rose's. "Trixie has been meaning to stop by after seeing you a few times. You seem nice."

Roseluck blushed averting her gaze. "Gee, thanks Trixie."

"Not a problem. Well, it was nice meeting you but Trixie has to get to Sweet Apple Acres. See you alter Miss Roseluck!" She turned to leave.

The rose maned mare waved to her and went back to her gardening with a smile on her face. "Carrot was right." She said pouring the pot letting the water flow over a rose bush.

***

Maud watched the exchange from afar and was pleased. It was nice to see Trixie opening up to others and making friends. After Trixie began walking away she followed close but kept some distance from her just in case she doubled back. She followed Trixie as she went around Ponyville greeting ponies as she went along. Some were kind to her like a pony Carrot Top, even Pinkie greeted her.

But others like the Cakes weren't so open to her presence. They only allowed her to stay to say hi to Pinkie and then forced her out o f their store. Maud made a mental note to stop by later. After following the blue mare for about twenty minutes Maud came to the outer edge of Ponyville where a large apple orchard covered the hills as far as the eye could see.

She was impressed, though she didn't show it she was truly impressed by the size of the farm. It was humbling to witness the great Sweet Apple Acres in person. The smell was different from her families farm It had a moist and sweet smell to it compared to the dry dust smells of her home. Rows of trees covered the landscape and she took a moment to inspect them closely. Maud realized there were several different groups of trees that produced various types of apples.

"Impressive."

She thought of the time it must have taken to grow this entire farm. It was probably through many generations that made it to what it was today. It was something she could respect. Not many ponies understood the intricacies that came with farming in general.

She followed the path Trixie took deeper into the dense trees and found a small clearing where a house stood with a large red barn nearby. there were several ponies there. All earth ponies except Trixie. One was apparently yelling at Trixie for something. An orange earth pony mare with a brown stetson was yelling at her and waving her arms wildly as a red stallion and a small pink filly watched from the side lines.

Maud approached and slowly parts of the conversation became clear. "- and further more! If you decide to not show up again don't bother coming back at all!" The orange mare said.

Trixie took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and counted to five before exhaling and opened her eyes to look at the mare. "Applejack, Trixie is sorry for not being here yesterday, but she was sick and didn't get better until today. Please understand you left her in bad shape after the fight and the sickness didn't help either." She lowered herself into a submissive bow. "Please, forgive Trixies tardiness."

The orange mare named Applejack took a step backwards but kept an eye on the mare. She glared daggers at her and eventually she relented. "Fine Trixie. I'll let it go this time but if you don't show up again-"

"Trixie understands."

"Don't interrupt me!" Applejack yelled pushing her.

Trixie lowered her posture, the good feeling she felt earlier was now gone. She frowned allowing her to continue speaking.

"I appreciate everything you've done thus far. You're a hard worker that much is clear. BUT!" She pointed to her sister who was now with Diamond Tiara and Big Mac. "I don't appreciate what you've done to mah family." She growled. "They have all but turned on me thanks to you."

Neither said a word after and Trixie turned to walk away when an orange hoof stopped her. "You do the rest of the south field today and then I want you gone. Got it?"

Maud took this moment to hide behind a tree in case things go too rough.

"And here Trixie thought we were finally bonding. Guess we aren't." She said sarcastically shoving past her. "You know, Trixie was in a good mood earlier today and you just had to suck that out of the day didn't you? If you're anything like this all the time its a wonder your family hates you."

Applejack stared at her in disbelief. How dare she of all ponies saw she understood how her family felt! She felt enraged by the mares words, though she could not deny there WAS some truth behind them. She had been rather harsh to her family as of late and they all butted heads especially concerning Apple Bloom. In fact they all agreed to allow Apple Bloom to experiment but Applejack was the only one against it.

But she couldn't deny that Trixie was indeed different from what she once was. Sure she was still arrogant but nothing about her being out for revenge or proving herself to be better than others was there anymore. But that didn't mean she had to like her attitude.

"Trixie, let me be very clear. You-"

"NO, Applejack you listen to Trixie!" The farm pony stopped mid sentence from the interruption. "Trixie doesn't care what you think anymore. If you hate fillyfoolers then that's fine. You hate Trixie. That's fine too. But you don't turn your back on family which is what you have been doing all this time."

Trixie took a deep breath after yelling her sentence without pause. Regaining her composure she continued in a calmer voice. "You love your family Applejack. Other wise you wouldn't be so determined to stop Apple Bloom. But you have to let your prejudice go, less you succumb to it. Then you'll truly be a lost cause."

She turned her back on the mare head towards her designated field disappearing into the trees. Diamond Tiara looked up to Big Mac. "Why does Applejack hate ponies like us Big Mac, sir?" she asked him concerned.

The big red stallion smiled looking down to her. "She's just hard headed and needs something to push her in the right direction. Hmm."

Mac got a distant look on his face donning a small knowing grin. Diamond Tiara looked to him curiously.

"What's wrong Bic Mac?"

"Nothing little filly." He said looking down at her smiling. "What say we get started feeding the animals?"

Diamond gasped happily running ahead of him towards the barn. Over the last few days she'd grown to like the farm life. She even embraced it to a certain degree. Her punishment now turned into a fun hobby.

Big mac took her under his tutelage in the way s of farming. Surprisingly the filly made friends with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as well in her time here. He truly enjoyed the time he spent with her like she was another little sister. He shook his head as the filly hopped up and down begging for him to follow so she could feed the pigs.

He slowly trotted towards her and she turned to run for the barn.

Maud slowly emerged from the tree she'd been hiding behind and made her way towards where Applejack had gone. It took her e minute but she eventually found the mare deep in the grove bucking some trees. She approached her as she reared up to kick but stopped before hand staring at the new arrival.

The orange mare lowered her legs and smiled at the new pony.

"Hello and welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! I'm Applejack how can ah help you?"

Maud remembered Pinkie writing about this mare. Loyal and honest to a fault as she came to understand.

"Hello, I'm Maud Pie. I'm Pinkie Pie's oldest sister."

Applejack tilted her hat towards her nodding her head once. "Well, nice ta meet ya! Pinkie's been telling us about you since yesterday! Said you were meeting a friend." she said extending her hoof to Maud.

Maud nodded, her blank stare making AJ feel very awkward. "Yes, I came to see my friend, but she was sick with a fever when I got here."

"Well, ah hope that they're alright." Applejack responded pulling back her hoof. "So, is yer friend OK?"

"She's fine now. Working but she's fine now."

"You sure she should be working after being sick?" Applejack asked bucking the tree she'd tried bucking earlier.

Maud smiled slightly as Applejack went to another tree and bucked it. She looked down at the rows of trees with buckets at each ones base. She looked over them and wondered if Trixie did apple bucking like Applejack did.

The orange mare stopped after a few trees noticing Maud was still there. "Rightly sorry. But it's the middle of the harvest season and I was hoping to get this done today. Don't mean to be rude but is there something I can help you with?" She asked politely.

"If you want I can help you." the grey mare replied.

"Huh? Oh, well if you want you can I guess." Applejack said rubbing her neck. "But you're a guest and I don't want you to work if you're visiting. especially if you're mah friends sister."

Maud nodded standing up on her hind legs. Taking a deep breath her face looked calm, collected, devoid of emotion. She shifted into a stance, as though she were in a karate stance. Her front arm extended outwards, almost straight and her other pulled back as if she were readying a punch.

Applejack watched as she shifted her weight to her rear most leg. Something seemed oddly familiar about this to her, but she couldn't place what it was. Suddenly Maud dashed forward punching the tree and it released all the apples from it and into the basket. She then ran down to the next tree and after a few quick jabs, it too released all its fruit.

The orange mare watched stunned by the speed in which Maud ran from tree to tree striking swiftly and truly.

"My... oh my..."She said watching in awe of Maud's strength and speed. "She's fast and... amazing." She took her hat to fan herself. It was strange seeing Maud work on the trees like this it reminded her of the time Trixie did. Then it dawned on her where she saw this before.

Trixie had mentioned she learned this trick from an earth pony friend she knew back on a rock farm. Was Maud that pony? As Maud made her way down Applejack ran after her cutting in front of her along the way, stopping her advance.

Maud lowered herself back to all four hooves with a slight panting. Applejack eyed her suspiciously.

"Pardon me fer asking, but does the name Trixie, mean anything to you?"

The grey mare smiled nodding once. "It does. Trixie is my friend."

Fifth Day A tale of how I got my Cutie Mark (Revised)

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Elsewhere on the farm, Trixie was hard at work bucking the apple trees the traditional way and not with her magic or the technique she'd learned back at the rock farm. She bucked the trees, cursing Applejack's name as she kicked each tree out of spite.

It actually helped her greatly. Though she was strong physically, stronger than most unicorns, she was still a unicorn and not nearly as strong as most earth ponies. There were always exceptions. By venting her frustrations on the trees she managed to kick them harder than normal making it easy to collect the apples.

She wondered what it would take to get the mare to finally let go of her hate and distrust.

She kicked another tree and down came all the apples. One bounced down off the basket but Trixie paid no heed to it. She moved on to the next tree and gave it a swift buck and like everytime before the apples fell. Something about kicking these trees was immensity satisfying for Trixie.

She felt that every kick, every apple that fell, was another notch of spit she could give to Applejack. Once she'd finished the row of trees she'd been working on Trixie marched to the opposite side and began bucking those trees heading back the way she'd come. Along the way she ran into Apple Bloom, Sweeties Belle, and Silver Spoon.

"Hey, miss Trixie!" Silver Spoon called to her waving, the other two waved as well.

"Girls!" The unicorn called back waving. "How are you?"

She trotted over hugging them. They all giggled at the show of affection.

After about an hour Trixie had finished with the help from the fillies. Gathering up as many baskets as they could carry, Trixie placed them into a nearby cart and once full, wheeled it off to the barn. The fillies decided to hitch hike a ride in the back.

The four ponies smiled and laughed as they shared stories about their life and adventures, or misadventures if you were a cutie mark crusader.

"- and that's how I got my cutie mark." Silver Spoon said with pride to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

Both fillies were awestruck with the fillies tale of her cutie mark. She then turned to Trixie who was listening but remained silent.

"Miss, Trixie? How did you get your cutie mark?" She asked the blue mare.

The other two stopped chatting and looked at her intently, waiting to her her grand tale of how she got her cutie mark. What they got was silence. The mare never took her gaze from the road and never said a word.

"Miss, Trixie?" The silver filly tried again. "Did I upset you? I'm sorry, if I did."

"No. Trixie just doesn't like to think of that day." She responded bitterly.

The filly folded her ears back from the bitter sound in her voice.

"Sorry." She said retreating to the other two fillies.

After a few moments Trixie stopped and unhinged herself from the cart. She walked over to a nearby tree and laid down looking rather depressed. The three ponies jumped out of the cart and gathered around the depressed mare to comfort her. She smiled with misty eyes at them.

"Thanks girls." She cooed pulling them to a gentle hug. "So, you want to hear how I got my cutie mark?"

"If ya wouldn't mind." Apple Bloom responded.

"But if it's to hard you don't need to tell us if you don't want to." Sweetie Belle added, Silver Spoon nodded in agreement.

"It started long ago after my mother left me and my father to travel the world and become famous. My father left one day and decided that life wasn't worth living without her. After he tucked me into bed, he left with a line of rope. I knew he had been sneaking out for a while, and thought he was going to see another mare."

The three fillies listened in silent awe of Trixie's tale so far. Not wanting to miss a beat they didn't say a word.

"I followed him out of the small town we lived in deep into the mountains. It was long cold and scary to me at the time, but I ventured forth to catch up with him. Back then i was tiny and had little physical strength. It was difficult but I eventually caught up with him, but when I got there..."

She trailed off looking over to the trees like they held some ancient secret that only she could understand. The girls looked over, but saw nothing. They turned their attention back to Trixie wondering when she was going to continue with her story. After sometime in silence Trixie took a deep breath and continued her story, steeling herself for what she had to say next.

"When I got there-" The fillies nearly jumped at the sound of the mares voice, after the long wait their tiny ears honed in on her like little radar dishes, listening. "He was hanging over a cliff under a large tree."

The girls furrowed their brows wondering what that meant, but Silver understood and gasped placing her tiny hooves over her mouth. "That's terrible! Why would he do that, and leave you?!" she yelled hugging her.

"What do ya'll mean Silver? Isn't he just hanging around under a tree?" She asked.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?" Sweetie added not getting it either.

Silver Spoon facehooved growling, but Trixie gave them a kind smile. She patted the grey filly calming her before answering the other two.

"No girls. My father tried to hang himself."

"WHAT!?"
"WHAT?! WHY?!"

They both cried out together.

"He just... lost his way."

Seeing the two confused fillies she tried to think of a way to explain this to them. "He wasn't lost in a location sense. He was... He simply thought life wasn't worth living anymore. So, he tried to hang himself."

Sweetie Belle remained silent while Apple Bloom tried to comfort her by stroking her mane.

"So, what happened next miss, Trixie?" she asked.

"Well, that was when also I got inspiration for my ursa story. The story of how I slayed an ursa major." She took a moment to settle comfortably under the tree. The grass provided enough cushioning for her and Silver Spoon laid at her side. The other two sat across from them laying on their bellies.

"After following my father up the mountain I found him hanging by a noose. I remember panicking then." She conjured a little image of her as a filly with a large brown unicorn stallion hanging off the tree as she'd said. He swung back and forth struggling against his noose. "I got scared that he was hurt and went to go free him from his bind, but... I didn't know he'd chosen a spot next to a dire bears cave."

The image of herself with saddle bags ran up to assist her father pulling his ropes to free him. Then he suddenly started pointing behind her as a massive bear appeared behind the unaware image filly. It was like any other bear but it had long bony spikes all over its body and its eyes were red.

"I turned to see what my father was pointing at and that's when I saw a dire bear charging towards me. I got scared and froze with fear. I was sure I was going to die then and there. The beast raised it claw to strike me and I looked away, and in that moment I remembered something my mother taught me."

***Years ago***

Filly Trixie closed her eyes and concentrated as the dire bear swung its massive paw down but was stopped by a barrier that little Trixie had created. A pink wall blocked her front and the dire bears paw bounced right off harmlessly. But it would not relent. Swing after swing, the bear thrashed the wall Trixie winced like she was struck instead.

Behind her, her father, tried to fight hims binds but his consciousnesses was fading quickly. He watched as his daughter fight off the dire bear to protect him. How foolish he'd been. He'd hoped that his body would have been eaten by the dire bear that lived here and left no trace of him behind, now his daughter was here and he didn't want her to meet the same fate.

He gasped trying to loosen the rope with his hooves and wheezed out weakly, "Trixi-xie run..."

Not hearing him, she took a defiant step forward and put more power to her shield making the bear hurt its paw on the next strike.

"Hah! Take that you dumb bear!" the filly yelled triumphantly.

But it didn't last long, fir Trixie didn't know the difference between a dire beast or its regular counterparts. All she saw was a bear. The beast roared and swatted the shield once more shattering it with unholy strength sending Trixie flying back into the tree. She gasped for breath fighting back tears trying to get up.

She looked up to the dire bear and with all the strength she could muster, she summoned one more shield around her. The bear became angry that his prey didn't fall easily and began an relentless assault on Trixie's pink shield. That's when she noticed the bear was leaning forward with every strike. She looked over to the ledge which was nearby.

Slowly she inched over holding her shield watching the bear's movements drawing it closer to the edge with her. "Just a bit more..."

When she reached the edge the beast was now mindlessly attacking the shield with nothing but primal rage in its eyes giving no thought on what it was doing. She thought of an illusion trick her mother taught her some time ago, a way to make a copy of herself but to make is work she needed a distraction otherwise this would fail and she'd end up as bear food. Keeping her concentration on the bear and her shield, Trixie reached into her saddle bags and pulled out a small smoke bomb she'd made herself.

She then focused on the second spell. She wrapped her magic around her tiny body and focus on her shape and figure, slowly they began to split apart and at the pivotal moment when the two entities split, she threw the smoke bomb down and ran around the bear under the cover of the smoke from the bomb. The bear was so enraged by the distraction it never say into her deception. There standing in front of her in fear was the little filly shaking wide eyed at it.

The bear leapt towards her, but never found his target. He let out a roar as he fell forward but caught himself just as he went over the ledge. Thinking fast Trixie levitated a large boulder over the bear. Running on desperation and adrenaline she put out more mana into her magic than she'd ever done before. She placed the boulder over the bear and smashed it down over the beasts head, but its grip was true.

She lifted the boulder up and hit him with it again, and again, and again, and again, but his grip never faltered. The filly looked at the edge of the cliff where he lay gripping his face now bloodied and one eye was damaged so badly is was unable to open. She saw the ledge was cracking and about to give away. She then dropped the boulder onto the bear and focused on the cracks.

Slowly the bear recovered from his battering and inched off the cliff heading towards Trixie. She was sweating as she poured all she had into the cliff face. Her body glowed brightly as the bear reared up to deliver the final blow. Just the the cliff broke away falling from beneath him, and the bear roared falling to the bottom of the mountain.

Panting and exhausted, Trixie let herself fall to the ground from pure exhaustion. She glanced over to her sides seeing her cutie mark had appeared. She felt joy and pride in what she accomplished tonight, now she could share it with the most important pony in her life. "I- I did it... daddy.... huff I even got my cutie mark, huff... Daddy?"

She turned slowly to see her fathers limp body still hanging from the tree, he was never able to free himself. Struggling to stand up, Trixie forced herself to march on towards her father. When she reached him, she saw his eyes were still open but had a blank terrified look on them like he'd seen something awful. He swung slightly from the wind and Trixie pulled him back over and let him loose.

The body slowly laid on the stone cliff face. Trixie gently placed her father down as to not hurt the body.

"Daddy?" She walked over to nuzzle him but he gave no response. "Daddy? Come on. You gotta get up. Daddy? We got to go home, wake up... Daddy?"

She hopped off him and tugged on his ear with her mouth, pulling hard. "Dad? Dad?

Trixie had failed to save him. She realized now she had taken too long to fight the dire bear that she failed to do the one thing she'd meant to do. Save her father. Though very young, Trixie was very aware to the concept of death, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she'd see her father die so tragically.

Eventually she tried to convince herself that he was joking with her and played on that.

"Daddy! This isn't funny anymore! Get up!" She cried kicking him gently in his side.

"Come on wake up! Why aren't you getting up!? DADDY!"

She continued to call out to him, begging him to get up and tried every annoying thing she could think of to get him to awaken. She didn't want to believe he was gone. She tried time after time to get him to move but only ended up pushing him closer to the ledge. She cried for over an hour calling to him and never got a response.

The night waned on, and little Trixie found herself beyond exhausted, her tears long gone. Freezing with no warmth she dragged her fathers body into the dire bears cave and huddled him into the corner.

After gathering enough wood to start a small fire she closed his eyes. She felt better seeing him like this. He looked so peaceful. She snuggled up to him placing his arm around her like he was holding her. It made her feel better, but only just slightly. She slowly succumbed to her exhaustion and slowly dozed off to the realm of dreams and nightmares.

***Present***

All three fillies stared slack jawed at Trixie's tale of how she'd gotten her cutie mark. It wasn't even a story of her cutie mark by this point. To her, it was a constant reminder of hard times and horrible mistakes on her part. things she would rather have forgotten. None of the girls said a word as she stood up shaking herself to get the excess dirt off her fur. The blue mare walked back hitching herself back to the cart the harness took a minute for her to get and once she'd completed the task she looked back to the fillies.

They hadn't moved from their spots. They sat where they were watching her like she was the oddest thing in the world. Sweetie Belle was in tears, Silver Spoon looked upset as did Apple Bloom.

"Come along little ones. We still have much to do before the days end." She said walking down the path back to the farm house.

The fillies eventually got up and followed Trixie keeping a certain distance from her along the way. Sweetie Belle looked back and forth to Silver and Apple Bloom.

"You know what?" She asked Silver Spoon.

"Hmm? What is it Sweetie Belle?"

The white unicorn filly sighed, looking at her blank flank then to Silver's cutie mark. "I don't care if I get my mark anymore. As long as I have my family, that'll be enough for me."

The other two nodded in agreement. Trixie all the while thought back to her time on the rock farm. There was once a time when she nearly followed in her fathers hoof steps and nearly took her life. Once again, she owed her life to Maud for talking her out of it.

Which brought her head back to her current dilemma, how to decide between two mares she loved so much and had done so much for her? Was it fair to them? No, it wasn't but she did love them both. Now she had to choose who's heart she was going to break. She only hoped that her letter would reach its destination soon and then maybe she'd get the answers she needed.

Fifth Day Rock Meet Farmer 2 & Rise of the Dusk (Revised)

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Maud continued to smile, while Applejack stared at her.

So she knows Trixie. This is awkward. She thought.

Then she thought back to something Trixie had said earlier in the week. How a pony from the rock farm she worked at changed her for the better. Was this her? Was Maud the one who changed her? She seemed so nice, it couldn't have been her and yet, she seemed so... amazing. Appealing even.

Applejack watched in awe as the mare bucked tree after tree after tree and the apples piled up. Once she finished Maud came back, her coat slightly damp from sweat making her glisten in the sunlight. She was impressed with Maud's strength and skill at apple bucking. For all she was, Applejack wondered how she met Trixie in the first place.

Walking over to the grey pony, Applejack lead her back to the farm where Big Mac and Diamond Tiara were coming out of the barn. Big Mac glared at Applejack as she passed by him, while the filly had her nose up at her. The orange earth pony noticed the filly had an odd limp to her walk that she didn't have earlier, but decided to ignore it.

Maud took note of this interaction. She looked over to the barn which was large compared to her families, being nearly twice as big. Big Mac and Diamond made there way to the other end of the farm. The big red stallion saw the filly off as she ran towards home after a long day of work.

I wonder what she's like? The earth pony thought watching Applejack pull open the cellar doors leading to the depths beneath the barn.

Maud put the apple carts into the barn while AJ, took them down to the apple cellar.

The two worked in silence focusing solely on their designated tasks. Once finished they made their way back to the fields of apple trees to finish the south fields hopefully by the days end. Along the way they ran into Trixie and the girls traveling back to the barn to put their bounty in the cellar.

Maud gave Trixie a warm smile, Trixie returned it with a hug. While holding the hug she glared back to Applejack who was returning the gesture.

"It's good to see you back up again, Trixie." Maud said not noticing the stare contest behind her.

The two separated and Trixie gave a smug grin. "That's because you gave Trixie your, love."

She emphasized the last word looking past her to gauge Applejack's reaction. It wasn't what she expected. The orange mare in question stared at her like she'd grown another head before the three fillies dawwe'd at her. The mare glared at the fillies silencing them.

She then coughed in her hoof to get their attention. Maud looked over to her and Trixie gave her a angry scowl.

"So how'd yall two meet?" She asked suddenly.

Maud retold the tale of how Trixie came upon the rock farm and how they were hiring workers to help with the annual gem harvest festival. She said that Trixie was a hard worker and insisted on working whenever possible to prove herself to the other miners. Trixie was hired help for the mines and was a very dedicated worker.

She told her of how Trixie mined an unsafe shaft and saved her from certain death. The unicorn said nothing while Maud told her story and the girls sat listening, wide eyed. Once finished, Maud looked over to Trixie who was still sitting silently.

"- after she left I waited for her to return. After a two whole weeks she sent a letter to me by a message candle. That's when I came to Ponyville." She walked over to the blue pony wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"She's my closest friend in the whole world." she said rubbing her nose to Trixie's cheek.

Applejack hadn't said a word, except with the occasional question, and thought hard about what she'd just heard. What was it about her that made ponies forgive her so easily?

She was a liar, and a trouble maker at heart. The story just confirmed she had a reckless streak in her that was clearly obvious from the alicorn amulet incident. She for the life of her couldn't understand why.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a grey pegasus flew into a nearby tree making it shake violently as a cloud of letters poofed out of her saddle bags. Everypony jumped as the grey mare collected herself. She gave a silly smile.

"Derpy!" Applejack cried out in surprise. "What are you doing here? And your eyes are better!"

She ran up giving the mailmare a friendly greeting consisting of a hug. The grey pegasus smiled accepting the kind gesture.

"Thanks Applejack. I got better yesterday. It was truly a miracle." she said picking up the mail she'd dropped.

The other ponies joined in picking up the letters that'd fallen as well. once all the letters were collected she replaced them back into her saddlebags and pulled a single letter out giving it to Applejack.

"Sorry about that Applejack." She hoofed the letter over to the orange mare. "Special delivery for you!"

"Thank you kindly, Derpy." she said tilting her hat to the grey mare.

She looked at the letter. It was a tan envelop, standard size, with nice writing on the from that said: To Applejack From: Twilight. She looked at it curiously for a moment before putting it into her hat to read later.

"Thanks again Derpy for bringing this to me." she walked up to the mailpony standing beside her. "We were just finishing up for the harvest and were just going to take a lunch break. Care to join us for a quick cider?"

Derpy smiled, shaking her head. "No thanks AJ. I have tons of mail to deliver. I best get going! Bye everypony!"

She waved taking off in to the air as everypony said goodbye to her. The pegasus did a double take flying back to Applejack. The orange pony looked up slightly to see Derpy hovering just above her with an apologetic look.

"Sorry AJ, I forgot one more thing." She pointed to Applejack's hat. "Twilight, said to read the letter as soon as you got it. Said it was important. Gotta go! Remember important!"

She then flew off to finish her rounds. An awkward silence followed. Everyone stood still not noticing that Applejack was reading her letter she got from Twilight. While she read the letter, the fillies were sent back to the house while Maud and Trixie began taking the baskets into the cellar.

After reading her letter through Applejack took off her hat and placed the letter inside. Placing her hat atop her head she walked back to the group and up to Trixie, who just arose from the cellar.

"Hey, Trixie?"

The unicorn looked at her with a scowl. "What?"

AJ grabbed a basket of apples placing them on her back. She beckoned for the unicorn to assist her. "Can I get a bit of help, please?"

Trixie nodded not wanting to argue she lighting up her horn and took several baskets in her aura and followed the mare down to the cellar. It was dark except for a single light in the center of the room. Against all the walls, except for one, were covered with baskets of apples all the way to the ceiling. Trixie was amazed at the amount of apples there.

Applejack walked over to a single open spot and put her basket there.

"Please, put those over against the empty wall Trixie." she said pointing to the open wall.

She stood over the basket she'd placed down deep in thought. She gathered her thoughts as Trixie finished placing the baskets against the will and started bringing down the next batch. By the third batch Applejack was by the wall waiting for her. She motioned Trixie to place the apples on the ground and sat in place beside them. Trixie went before her and sat with her back to the cellar doors.

She sat waiting for Applejack to start talking. Not wanting to be rude, but mostly not to antagonize her, Trixie waited patiently while the mare fiddled with her hooves. After a minute of waiting her patience had all but worn out.

"Applejack," She said forcefully. "Did you want to talk about something?"

"No. Ah was deep in thought."

"About?"

"Nothing important that I'd share with your kind." She snapped.

Trixie scowled walking back to the cellar stairs. She stopped at the base looking over her shoulder at AJ. "You're the worst pony Trixie has ever had the displeasure of associating with. I was just trying to help, yet you get snappy with me at every turn. What's with you?"

The earth pony looked away in shame. She just couldn't get over the fact that Trixie was a fillyfooler and nothing short of a miracle would change that. She thought about her so called "friends" who were just like the unicorn, specifically Rarity and Rainbow Dash

Rarity was always an attention whore to a certain extent, but AJ never thought much about it until now. Such vanity and the pride she took in her work and herself were just like Trixie. Atop the fact she always sought everyponies approval. Then there was Rainbow, loyal, dependable, prideful. Like the unicorn the blue pegasus was full of herself. Attention seeking and loved to show off her greatness at what made her special.

"Well, if ya didn't try to break mah family apart I'd probably like you better!" She rebutted.

Trixie scoffed mockingly. "As if! You were already set in your ways long before Trixie was even a thought in your hayseed mind!" She pointed her hoof at the mare. "You're the one at fault for tearing your own family apart! Not Trixie!"

That was when it hit Applejack. It was all so clear now. It was the personality type that made ponies odd like that. It was pride and vanity. The two constants that have shown in everything that made ponies go for the same sex. It was a mental thing. Prideful creatures tend to stick with prideful creatures, basking in the glory of the other and showering each other with praise.

Her cousin Braeburn loved Soarin. There was also Berry the town drunk, but she'd sleep with anything under the sun as long as it consented, so that one didn't count in her mind. Platinum was, even her sister was to an extent, prideful of being a Cutie Mark Crusader.

It made perfect sense now. Though in reality, any sane pony would have thought her mad for even considering such thoughts. To her though, this flaw in her logic was what made the most sense to her. She then thought back to Twilight's letter, an invitation to join her at the library for lunch after she finished working on the farm.

Then she thought about how she hadn't seen the lavender unicorn for a while now.

Sure would be nice ta see mah friend again. She thought. And one that aint sick in the head.

She looked past the fuming unicorn and pushed past her, completely ignoring her. She walked out of the cellar and continued to put he baskets of apples in the cellar with Trixie and Maud's help. After about ten minutes they finished and AJ offered for them to stay for lunch, but the two ponies refused.

"You sure you don't want to stay for lunch Maud?" she asked the grey pony. "Any pony who's family to mah friend's welcome here."

"No thanks." she said pulling Trixie close to her. "We have a lunch date with the mayor."

Applejack nodded at them. "Well, in that case I hope to see you soon. You going to yer sisters party later tonight?"

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Pinkie always throws the best parties." she replied in her usual monotone way.

"Well, then I guess I'll see the two of you later tonight." She tilted her hat walking off towards town.

Trixie and Maud stayed behind a while. They lay under a tree to rest after the long workout. Maud laid her head against Trixie's back while she lay on the grass curled up in a ball like a cat. It was very warm out but the warm air brought with it a cool breeze that helped them keep cool under the protection of the trees.

Trixie opened an eye to catch Maud watching her.

"Something wrong my, heart diamond?" She asked playfully.

The older mare grinned swatting Trixie with her tail on the nose. The two shared a good laugh before settling down. Trixie looked in Maud's eyes with a lustful look. She leaned in kissing Maud once on the cheek. She then rested her head on her shoulder closing her eyes and allowing herself to succumb to her exhaustion.

Maud followed suit shortly after resting her head on Trixie's back, she whispered into her ear: "Rest well my, little moon."

With that the two drifted off to sleep under the warm sun under the apple tree, undisturbed, completely at peace.

Later at Ponyville Library

Applejack trotted along the dirt path leading to Twilight's home. Ponyville library.

She didn't visit here often, but when she did, it was usually the most fun she has. After dealing wit Trixie , she felt like she needed a break. With the harvest now officially over she had time to spend with her friend. Twilight was a good friend, always believing in the power of friendship and that it could conquer all.

She reached the library at around noon, thirty minutes early but she figured Twilight wouldn't mind.

When she reached the door she went to knock only to find the door open slightly. She nudge it open with her nose and took a peek inside.

"Hello? Twi? Are you here?" she asked looking inside.

The library was dark, the curtains drawn and no light except for what came from the doorway shined in. She slowly inched her way in, the clopping of her hooves echoed in the dark room. Suddenly the door slammed shut making her jump in fright. Then there was a light.

She turned to see as lavender figure standing at the top to the stairway looking down at her. The figure smiled saying, "Welcome Applejack."

Several candles lit lighting the main lobby area of the library. Like a set of dominoes falling in place, the candles lit in rows of two, following a path that lead to the center of the room with a bed in the center. Rose petals lay all around it, and plush pillows were propped against the wall giving the bed a makeshift backrest.

Applejack squinted as the candle light barely gave any light at all. "Twi? Is that you?"

"Yes Applejack, it's me." The figure said in a masculine voice.

The voice was very much like Twilight's, but it had a more masculine vibe to it.

"What- what happened to you?" she stepped forward as did Twilight.

She gasped at the sight of a stallion that was the same size as Twilight, just a different gender, and her- or rather his mane was done slightly differently than it use to be. It was more like Rainbow Dashes mane, spiky and vary long on the bangs.He was a slim build and his eyes were gorgeous. He stepped down the stairs walking up to Applejack, who wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

"I changed Applejack.' he turned his body around once so the earth pony got a good look at him. Once her finished turning he posed much like a mare model would, holding one arm behind his he and giving a sheepish smile. "Do you like it, AJ?"

The orange mare just stared at the stallion before she started to laugh. It started small but eventually the mare broke out into full blown laughter. The lavender unicorn frowned stomping the ground like a child, puffing his cheeks at the mare, as she gripped her sides rolling on the ground.

"Oh-ahahaha... oh, OK, Twi! Good one!" she said wiping a tear away. "I admit it you got me good! Jokes over, Twi!"

She stood up to see the stallion hadn't budged. She started to look around for the unicorn she'd come to see, checking around the book shelves, the kitchen, everywhere she could think of where the mare could have been hiding. Only she wasn't hiding.

"OK, Twilight ah said jokes over! Come on out now..." she looked around waiting for her friend to show up but never did.

Suddenly the stallion jumped in front of her. She backed away slowly lowering her posture expecting him to assault her. "Look here buddy, I aint want no trouble. Where's Twilight? What did you do to her?"

She asked worried something might have happened to her friend.

"Ah swear if you hurt her I'll-"

"AJ it's me! I AM Twilight!" He cried out.

He moved to come closer but the mare stepped back growling at him. He held up his hooves in a non-threatening way.

"OK, let me prove it AJ. Remember what we did during our first sleep over? It was raining and you and Rarity stayed at my place because neither of you could get home, right?"

She nodded, still not convinced.

"Or how about during the storm a few days ago after you beat Trixie senseless and I stayed with you at the farm? We slept together? I hid from the thunder and you tried to comfort me?"

Applejack looked deep into the eyes of the pony before her. She could tell there was no deception in those desperate eyes. Only truth.

"Twilight? It really is you?" she asked looking over the stallion. "Bu-but how? How are you like this? You said it wasn't possible?!"

The stallion inched closer placing a hoof on AJ's shoulder. He gently began to rub it in a familiar way that Twilight only did. Now she was convinced it was her.

"Does it really matter how I became this way, AJ? All that matters is now I can tell you something that's been on my mind for a long time now." He motioned towards the bed and lead the farm pony to it.

He laid down beside her on the bed, sinking slightly into the soft foam mattress. He looked into her eyes with such confidence that it disturbed her a bit. He took a deep breath before he blurted out, "I love you, AJ. I've loved you... for a very long time."

"...What?"

"I love you. When we first met I always felt a connection to you. I did the moment you saved me from that fall back when we went looking for Nightmare Moon. Do you remember that, AJ?" He asked, as the mare nodded in confirmation. "I liked you ever since. When the storm came that made you and Rarity have to stay at my place, I wanted to be by your side the whole time. But you two were fighting so much, I couldn't bring myself to. I wanted you two to get along."

He shifted his position, sliding closer to the nervous mare. She looked around as if to find a life line to cling to at this awkward situation.

"In the end I was happy that the two of you became better friends. As time went on I grew to like you more and more, then when you said all those things about fillyfoolers-"

Suddenly Applejack stood up backing away from the stallion, who looked up at her startled. It had taken this long for the words to process in her mind and now she looked at him enraged.

"Whoa, Twi. Just hang on a cotton pickin minute!" she was wide eyed looking down at the smaller stallion. "What do you mean? We can't be together! You're a mare!"

"AJ..." He looked up desperately at her. "I-I..I changed. I changed so that you didn't have to hate me! I made myself a stallion just for you, and now we can be together! Don't you see?" He asked standing up his eyes glowed red briefly. "I'm NOT a mare anymore. We can finally be together and it's fine now!" He leapt on the mare pinning her down on the bed.

Applejack struggled to break free, but found it impossible to move. He was surprisingly string for his size. Then again, Twilight was always a lot stronger than most gave her credit for. Just like ah did to Trixie . She thought bitterly.

"Now, Twi. Let's be reasonable." She struggled to break free again but to no avail. "We're both grownups, so let us talk about this before one of us does something the other will regret."

"Oh, AJ." He cooed into her ear nibbling the tip. The orange mare groaned at the intimate contact. Blushing in embarrassment from her response, she push at his chest which only enticed him more. She felt something long and hard rub against her belly. Slowly it worked its way down between her legs, rubbing the most intimate part of her body.

Her body glowed as she felt herself being turned over onto her belly. She began to panic as she felt the object from before pope her body in areas she'd rather have left untouched. The mare turned stallion breathed into her ear, enticing a moan from her. Applejack hung her tongue out trying to stop herself from giving into the bodies temptations.

"Don't worry, AJ, I promise I won't hurt you."

"Twilight, this isn't you!"

"It's fine Applejack. I won't hurt you." Dusk cooed in her ear. "You know that."

As Dusk approached the door slammed open and revealed Mary with a look of shock on her face at what lay before her. She rushed kicking Dusk off Applejack screaming. "Get off her!"

Fifth Day Clash (Revised)

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Later that Afternoon

Mary trotted along the dirt path heading towards her office at Ponyville Town Hall. She had lots to do after she canceled her meetings the previous night. One thing that got her was that all her appointments came to her in person before she even got to the office. They were complaining that Twilight was nowhere to be found so they couldn't rearrange their appointment times.

After settling with new times for everypony, Mary decided to go to the office and meet with some of them today and rescheduled others for the next day. She met with several poines concerning their plants dying around central Mane Street. Apparently for the last two days or so, plants have been mysteriously dying for no apparent reason.

The mayor agreed to investigate the disturbance personally to find out what has been causing the death of the plant life along Mane Street. While many were happy with this, several urged her to hurry with it due to several crops essential to their businesses were at stake. Ones such as Carrot Tops carrots and Daisy's flowers for sandwiches. Even Filthy Rich urged her to find the cause of the disturbance.

Reassuring the ponies it would be taken care of Mary sent them on their ways so she could begin to investigate. After sending the last batch of ponies out she sat at her desk taking off her glasses and rubbed the ridge of her nose. She gave a deep exhausted sigh pulling a bottle of water out from her built in fridge in her desk. Unscrewing the cap, she chugged the water down in one sitting and threw it away in the nearby trash bin.

"Guess I better get started." She grumbled stepping off her comfy chair.

She looked down at the impression she had worn into it over the years. That chair had been here since she won her election years ago. She saw how wide it was and it made her feel very self concussions about her butt. She stood up on her hind legs rubbing her bottom feeling how big it was. She walked over to a mirror and inspected herself using her reflection.

She saw her wide hind, and it made her feel embarrassed. Wonder if Trixie minds that I have a big butt? She wondered inspecting the rest of herself. When she ran her hooves down her sides she realized her hips were in fact very wide giving her a slight hourglass figure when standing.

"Good lord I'm fat." She said running her hooves down her sides.

Once she finished viewing herself, she went over to her desk taking her keys in hoof from the drawer and began locking up her office. Again, she fumbled with the keys, forgetting to put her glasses on. She cursed them every time she missed the keyhole. After a lengthy ten minutes the office was closed up and she put a sign on the door saying: be back after 1pm.

She trotted along the streets heading towards Sweet Apple Acres thinking back to her running election. It was hard fight for her. It was her first election and back then she didn't know how to be a good leader. She focused so much on being well known that she didn't pay attention to those around her and what they needed.

In the end she lost. But from the failure she learned what it truly meant to be a leader and lead ponies. While she was no general or princess, she did learn to listen to the needs of her towns folk. Now, when something of this caliber strikes the town, which increased in frequency since Twilight's arrival, she takes it seriously and tries everything in her power to make it better for everypony.

She past by the empty school yard. It was the middle of the schools summer break. No pony was there as she walked past. The swing dangled back and forth in the wind and a small dog was asleep under the schoolyard bench.

Mary continued to walk down towards Mane Street where she took notice of the vegetation. At the start of Mane and Third Streets. Slowly the green turned brown along Dandy Lane and then three streets down the plants were just dead. The roots were withered and barely standing. A simple touch made them turn to dust, much to Mary's surprise.

"Good gracious!" She exclaimed at the sight. She ran down the street to Carrot Top's carrot stand.

The carrot loving mare was hard at work moving all of her surviving crops away from the affected area. She was placing four small crates of carrots into a wagon. Latching it to herself she saw Mary running up to her.

"Madam Mayor! Good you're here! See what I was talking about! This place is affected by a plague or something!" She exclaimed.

"Carrot Top! I see what you and the others meant." She waved towards the devastation. "I haven't seen anything like this since the parasprite incident."

"What do we do, mayor?" she asked looking at the dying plant life.

"Don't worry Carrot." She said confidently. "Between me and my assistant we'll find the source of this disturbance and put an end to it!"

With a quick farewell the mayor ran off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

It took the old mare a while to get there. After ten minutes of running and two stops to catch her breath, she managed to reach the outer rim of Sweet Apple Acres farm. Off in the distance she saw the welcome sign and with renewed vigor she ran up to the sign.

She searched the immediate area and saw a small tree off in the distance with a blue and grey figures resting beneath it. Anger welled up inside of her as she walked right up to the sleeping mares. She cleared her throat to get the twos attention.

"Ahem." Trixie and Maud awoke looking up to a tan mare glaring down at them. "So, glad you two could join me today? How was the farm?"

Trixie got up stretching. "It was, OK."

She turned to help Maud up who thanked her with a nod of the head. "We were resting for a minute." She said.

Mary gave Maud the stink eye, not entirely convinced of the sincerity behind her words, but decided to let it go.

"Be that as it may, I actually need Trixie's help with something."

That caught the mares attention. The unicorn gave Mary her undivided attention waiting to hear what task she was about to perform for her new boss.

"There has been a disturbance in Ponyvilles vegetation." She said pointing to the town. "Something's killing off the vegetation all around Mane Street. We need to look into it. Have you seen Applejack? She might have an idea what's going on?"

Trixie pointed to the town. "She left a few minutes ago to go see Twilight Sparkle. She should be at the library."

"Great!" Mary cheered clapping her hooves. "Since they're together we can kill two birds with one stone! Twilight should know what's going on here! Come along Trixie!"

Mary was off like a shot with Maud and Trixie at her heels heading back to town. When they reached the outskirts of town Platinum was in the la Petite Cafe taking orders when she noticed the three mares running deeper into town.

The three mares made good time to the library. When they arrived the massive oak tree was covered in a shiny barrier. Mary went up to it and had her hoof bounce off the surface. The contact was brief but it was solid like a piece of glass but it swirled like disturbed water would. A ripple spanned outward from the point where Mary touched the barrier, creating a small resonance sound like a large tuning fork being struck.

Trixie also inspected the barrier and immediately recognized it. It was a soundproof barrier that sent sounds to the ground to make a room soundproof. The barrier had been modified to keep ponies out but it was barely holding up as it was. Trixie glanced over to Maud who was inspecting the ground carefully.

"Trixie?" Mary called to her tapping the barrier. "What is this? Some kind of barrier or shield?"

"No, its a heavily modified soundproof spell." Trixie walked up smacking it with her hoof, cracking it. "And not a very strong one either."

"So we can easily get through? Twilight might have the answers we need to stop this plague that is threatening the crops of Ponyville." She pressed against the barrier where Trixie cracked it. Slowly it cracked more and more, but Mary didn't proceed to shatter it.

"I'll see if I can safely dispell this barrier, but it might take Trixie a minute." The unicorn declared.

She walked to the edge of the barrier and closed her eyes. Her horn lit up as she focus on a scan spell to determine the barriers strength. Mary, not knowing the intricacies of magic, decided to leave the mare alone and went to speak to Maud.

She found the grey mare staring at a nearby rock licking it. It looked like any other rock, except it looked old, aged, decaying, and black. Now she was no rock farmer or geologist, but Mary knew rocks didn't rot.

To her shock Maud took the rock in her mouth and thoughtfully began to chew it. She stuck her tongue out in disgust at the sight. Maud then spit it out to the side. What came out of her mouth was a black mesh of material similar to sand mixed with oil. It looked disgusting.

"Bad rock." she said leaning over sniffing the mush. "It has been tainted."

"Tainted?"

"Tainted."

The tan mare looked to the mesh for a minute. "What exactly do you mean by tainted?"

"It has been tainted by dark magic. Powerful dark magic." she looked over to the pile of mush as it liquefied and dispersed over the ground sinking into it.

The dirt around the spot became Darker as it began to turn the earth into a similar state. The rocks cracked and darkened as black ooze secreted from the cracks and the plants, what was left, began to rot and decay as if decades passed in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, from where Trixie stood as beam of light shot from her horn at the barrier shattering it. The unicorn turned with a look of pride on her face. "Got it!"

"Great work Trixie!" Mary cried out hugging her. Trixie blushed as Maud joined in. "Now then let's go find Twilight and get an answer to all this madness." She said marching to the door and opening it.

Her determination was replaced with a look of horror as she saw Applejack pinned to the floor tied up and was pinned down by Twilight, or at least a stallion that looked like Twilight. The Twilight stallion looked up in shock at the intruders, then he frowned angrily at them for their transgression.

"How dare you force your way into my house and interrupt me and my, AJ, time!" he screamed firing a beam at the mayor.

Trixie intercepted the beam, placing herself between Mary and the beam, raising a shield spell just in time to deflect it up towards the ceiling. The was deflected in such a way that it hit several book shelves in the process scattering burnt papers and leather covers everywhere.

Dusk roared in fury at the sight of his precious books, literally, going up in flames.

"MY BOOKS! MY PRECIOUS BOOKS!" He screamed.

He then proceeded to run around the library and grabbed as many pages as he could salvage. Trixie took this moment to run over to Applejack and helped the distraught mare out. Dusk was too distracted by the burning inferno in his library to notice the mares escaping.

As they made their way to the door, Applejack whispered in to the blue mares ear, "Thanks for saving me Trixie."

"I know you would have done the same for me Applejack." she replied looking back. "We'll talk later."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Pq5kGeuiE

As the sun began to set the mares made it out of the library. Suddenly a roar of anger was heard from the library as Dusk ran out of the doorway. His eyes burned with fiery wrath as he singled out Trixie firing another beam at her. Trixie once again deflected it, but just barely. She turned to face her assailant. Dusk dug his hoof into the ground growling like a wild animal. Applejack stood off to the side with Mary as Maud stood beside Trixie.

"Trixie!" he yelled at the mare. "How dare you take my, AJ, away! You have Mary! Why must you get everything I don't?! Why?!"

He fired a beam again at the blue unicorn, but Maud stomped the ground lifting the earth like a makeshift shield. The beam hit the earth shattering it to dust, but otherwise left the two mares unharmed. Trixie grinned to Maud how smiled back, then returned her focus an Dusk.

"I get everything? Really Twilight? Trixie-"

"I'm not Twilight! I'm now Disk Light!" he bellowed, charging his horn yet again. This time he was prepared. "All I ever wanted was to be with AJ." He said firing another beam at Trixie, who deflected it, but Dusk's lip curled. He expected that. A second beam fired from his horn, but this one circled around the side of Trixie's shield hitting her from the side.

She cried in pain as a burning sensation hit her still recovering ribs from her fight with Applejack. She flew across the ground skipping twice before coming to a halt. The smell of burnt fur and flesh assaulted her nose as did the most intense pain she'd felt up to date.

Mary screamed in horror running over to the downed pony helping her up. Dusk meanwhile faced off with Maud. The grey earth pony picked up a small pebble with her hoof and tossed it up and down in her hoof.

"Ha! You think a small rock like that will stop me? Pfft, please!" He scoffed mockingly.

Maud's lip turned to a smile as she stood up. Dusk stopped laughing, curios to see what was to come next. Maud bent backwards, and with the precision of a top class pitcher, she threw the rock at Dusk hitting him at the base of his horn. He thought nothing of the pebble, so he made no attempt to dodge it.

Oh, how he regretted that. When the pebble hit his horn base, a loud painful ringing echoed in his head causing him to scream gripping his skull like it was going to shatter. Instinctively he fired a beam of energy, it flew off to the side hitting a stand blowing it up. Seven ponies who were watching scattered running away as panic took hold of the citizens.

Trixie now aware of what was going on, pulled Mary off to the side.

"Mary. You have to get everypony out of here." she whispered to her.

"No, I can't leave you to fight her-him alone!" She sobbed tenderly touching the outer part of Trixies wound. "I don't want to lose you."

The unicorn scoffed, putting on her best brave face she'd ever done since she was a filly. She posed heroically with one hoof over her chest, she looked up to Mary greening. "Trixie will reason with her-him. You'll see. Trixie won't die here."

Mary sighed kissing the mare on the cheek. "You better not. Or I won't speak to you ever again."

She then ran off to gather everypony who was nearby and ordered them to hide outside of the fighting area.

To Trixie's surprise, the ponies listened to her very well. Dusk turned to see he unicorn unaware of his position. He grinned menacingly and charged his horn to blast her from behind. As he reared up to fire a voice cut through the air like a knife startling everypony.

"TRIXIE!" It called as a second beam of dark pink flew across the sky hitting Dusk in the head knocking him to the ground.

Everyone turned to see Platinum panting with a smoking hole in her bangs showing the ever so smallest part of a metallic grey horn, much to everyponies surprise. Trixie stared at the mare, gawking at her. She hadn't seen that one coming.

"Platinum, yo-you're a... unicorn?" she weakly asked.

The grey mare nodded holding her head up with pride. She smiled nodding.

"I saw you were in trouble so I came to help!"

"You came just in time! Had you not been here-"

"Yeah I know Trix." She looked around trying to spot Mary. Seeing Maud she noticed the tan mare was missing. "So where's you're marefriend number 1?" She asked casually.

"Har, har. Keep it up Platinum." Trixie warned her. The newly discovered unicorn giggled. By now, Dusk had recovered and charged the mare with his head ramming her in the side. He knocked the wind out of her sending her to the ground. He was surprisingly strong for such a small stallion.

Maud ran over to Dusk jumping at him. He turned to face her realizing she was going to punch him, he raised his shield spell confident he would hold her back. But Maud had a surprise of her own. With fierce determination she rammed her hooves against the pink shield with the force of an ursa. He gasped at the strength of the mare and focused all his energy to repel her, leaving a hole in the back of his shield.

Trixie and Platinum saw this, and together they fired two stun spells at his back. He howled in pain as his body felt numb suddenly and he collapsed on the floor. A flash emitted from his body as a small familiar form appeared on his chest. An item of untold power that Trixie had become all too familiar with.

The Alicorrn Amulet.

Trixie, Platinum, and Applejack realized immediately what the cause of this was. Twilight was under the influence of the amulet like Trixie had been a week ago. Trixie pulled Platinum over to her in a small two pony huddle.

"OK, now that Trixie knows what's going on I have a plan." she explained.

"So, what do you need me to do?" Platinum offered. "A distraction or something? Tell me and I'll do it."

"Good, thanks Platinum." She smiled hugging her in their huddle. The silver mare blushed, she still cared for the arrogant unicorn but she knew now wasn't the time or place. "OK, listen up cause we're only getting one shot at this."

She whispered her plan to the silvery mare. After a minute the two unicorns nodded and separated. Trixie circled around the stallion picking up a rock and using her magic began to mold it into a similar shape to the alicorn amulet. She hide behind a house disappearing from sight with the rock.

Meanwhile, Platinum circled the downed stallion, his motive skills returning, and she stood by Maud and Applejack.

Applejack managed to find her voice among all the chaos and tried to reason with Dusk. She walked up to Maud calling out to him, keeping her distance from the enraged stallion.

"Twi! Twi! I know you can hear me! Why are you doing this?" She cried.

"I told you, my name is Dusk Light! And you know what this is about! It's about us!" he yelled back, barely able to move.

"What do yall mean us?"

"I mean what we could be, AJ." Dusk said his voice was calm and collected. "All I've ever wanted was to be with you, AJ. But you hate everything that I was and now you have the audacity to say you had no idea?"

He took a few steps forward. Maud stepped between them, but Applejack pushed her back. Dusk's eyes misted. "I wanted to be with you for so long now, ever since you saved me all those months ago. Yet I hesitated. It took me this long to gain the courage to tell you how I felt. Then you had to go and say you hated fillyfoolers! You hate ME!" Now the tears were in full flow as he cried his heart out to the farm pony.

"Twi, I don't hate you. You're my friend." Applejack said placing her hoof over her heart.

"You said you hated fillyfoolers. I was one." He glared at her.

The orange mare was about to retort, but the truth was she did hate them. She'd made that point very clear more than once. His glare softened as he walked up reaching for her. "But that's, OK now. I'm a stallion. Now you don't have to hate me and we can finally be together." He pressed his hoof against her cheek.

Applejack couldn't take it anymore. All the stress and frustration of the week and her pent up anger finally reached it's limit. She broke down crying, falling to her knees she covered her face in shame. Platinum felt bad for the poor mare seeing her break down like that was heart wrenching. AJ did her best to cover herself, feeling like she was the worst pony ever. Dusk smiled pulling her chin up to face him.

"It's fine, AJ. It's how you are now you don't have to change, I've already done that for you." He pulled her close to hug her. "Now we can be happy and you can still hate fillyfoolers all you want."

Did Twilight really go this far just to prove she care for me? she thought. No, this madness had gone too far.

"No."

"...What? What do you mean, no?" He said surprised.

"I mean no, Twi. I don't any of this." She looked up pleadingly. "I don't want you to change for me! You were already amazing as you were Twi! Look I was wrong! I realize that now. I don't care if you're a fillyfooler or not, I just want mah friend back!" She threw herself at Dusk. "Please Twilight! I don't care anymore! Just turn back to the friend I loved and cared for!"

"But you said-"

"I WAS WRONG, TWI! I WAS SO WRONG!" She cried out pulling him to a hug. She was trying so hard to get her friend back but it was hard to say these things. She now knew she was wrong with how she viewed others, but to think the lengths Twilight, her closest friend would go to show her affections scared her.

Where did I go wrong, pa? She thought bitterly at herself. She always cared for Twilight and it hurt her to see the unicorn suffering so much. Was she really that blind? How had Applejack missed all the signs? Her thoughts were broken at the sight of Trixie sneaking up behind Dusk.

She had a small object in her magical grasp. AJ focused on the object seeing it as an imitation amulet. She spared a glance to Platinum who was whispering to Maud. The grey mares ear twitched every so often as she nodded to whatever the mare was saying. Once finished the two separated circling the stallion and charged him from his left and right.

He yelled in surprise as he felt the mares tugging at his amulet. Even Applejack joined in, not because she knew what was going on, but she desperately wanted to save twilight.

"Ha, you think that'll work?" He laughed creating a blast around his body sending all three mares to the ground. "Only I can remove the amulet! " He said tapping the artifact on his chest.

"Think again loser!" Trixie cried.

She ran from behind him charging her horn with three layers of magic. The first was holding the amulet she made, the second was an illusion to make the real amulet look like the charm Twilight gave Trixie get her to willingly give the amulet away. The last was a spell to stun him again but not enough to immobilize him. He needed to move for her plan to work.

She planed to make it look like she swapped the amulet with the doorstop Zecora gave to Twilight in hopes it would provoke Twilight to switch the mock amulet with the real one. Twilight was surprisingly perceptive, but the influence of the alicorn amulet might be enough to lower for focus enough for this to work.

As she charged him, Dusk turned to see the unicorn leap over him. His eyes widened as a pink stun spell hit him face first as he felt his chest being tugged at yet again. This time though, he felt a pinch on his chest. Trixie skidded to a halt past the stunned stallion grinning as she held up the mock amulet.

"Time for the real show to begin." She said.

Dusk growled as he recovered from the hit and run. He looked down at his amulet to see it was the charm door stop Zecora gave him to help stop Trixie and free her from the amulet.

"What? But how?!" he cried searching the ground for the amulet. He fell to the ground searching spot after spot for the amulet but couldn't find it. Just as he was about to give up a whistle go this attention. He looked up to see Trixie with the amulet in her hooves. She was tossing it up and down as she leaned against a building. She looked over mockingly at him wiggling her eyebrows at him.

He was positively livid now. Not thinking he rushed Trixie. She turned to flee but was caught by his aura. A dark pink ring gripped her neck as he lifted her from the ground choking her. Trixie dropped the mock amulet and Dusk reached for it. He laughed loudly as he glared at his captive.

"Oh, Trixie you failed to get away I see." he laughed. "Guess I really am the better unicorn after all. I have the amulet again and now you have no way to stop me."

He gripped the charm and ripped it off placing the mock amulet on his chest. He began to laugh as he threw Trixie to the ground making her bounce once as she did. As she bounced she grabbed for the amulet , which was still disguised as the door stop charm and hid it from sight. As Dusk finished mocking Trixie he turned to Applejack returning to his calm state. He had a hunger in his eyes the likes of which Applejack had never seen before. It was the look of a hungry predator.

"Now, AJ. We can finally be together." he cooed, reaching out to her. She stepped back taking an aggressive posture as Maud and Platinum stood by her side to protect her. Dusk scoffed at them. "Please, I have the alicorn amulet. What can you possibly do to stop me?"

He sneered at them as he charged his horn preparing to fight again she he noticed a shadow looming over him.

"I have the power to stop you Twilight." Trixie said holding up the doorstop charm.

He turned to see the unicorn standing on her hind hooves holding the charm in her hoof. She looked battered yet, determined. Like she knew something he didn't but he wasn't sure what it was.

"You think you can stop me with that Trixie?" he said turning away from her. "Once I take care of your friends I'll be rid of you and nothing will stop me from being with the mare I love!"

Trixie grinned as the wind blew from behind her, causing her mane to fly over her face covering her eyes. She smiled releasing her illusions revealing the real alicorn amulet to be in her grasp. Dusk went wide eyed as his amulet turned into the doorstop charm. He spun around as Trixie placed the real amulet on herself. Mary had just arrived to see Trixie placing the alicorn amulet on her chest. In a desperate attempt to stop her, she ran to her hoping to stop her in time. "Trixie no!" But it was too late. As soon as the artifact made contact with her, a blast of red shot from her blasting everything within twenty feet of her away.

Dusk flew to the ground as did Mary. Trixie stood up from the carnage as a ethereal red cloth formed around her chest like an X and flowed out of her like a long scarf flowing in the wind. Mary, Maud, and Platinum looked a the mare in horror as she charged her horn blasting Dusk. He tried to deflect the beam with a protective spell but the shear force broke through hitting him square in the chest.

A crater formed fro the blast as a limp figure of Twilight Sparkle fell into the newly formed crater. She fell with a dull thud as Trixie simply stared at her defeated foe. Applejack ran into the hole to get Twilight. She was unconscious but otherwise she was unharmed. Everyone was relieved by the fact. All the mane six and many other poines, who weren't watching the fight gathered to see all the commotion.

They watched as Twilight fell into the hole in the ground and as she did. Nopony wanted to get near for fear that she would attack them. But the mayor promised them all that the danger was over. Murmurs began to spread across the ponies like a wave and slowly they gathered around the proginal student to see if she was alright. All of them were relieved to find out that she was fine.

But Trixie was another story.

She stood in place like a statue. Her face darkened under the cover of her mane. Whispers of power echoed in her mind. The promise of fame and fortunes beyond her wildest dreams. Promises she'd heard before, yet no matter how hard she tried the whispers didn't dissipate.

Mary looked at her concerned. "Trixie? You alright dear?" She nuzzled her making her sway a bit. "Trixie? Come on love, what's wrong?"

Nothing.

"Little moon? We won you can take the amulet off now." Maud said stepping in the conversation. She too nuzzled the mare, again she made no response. Then, Platinum joined and she too tried to talk to the unicorn.

"Hey, Trix. What's up? Come on take the amulet off. You don't need it anymore."

The mares pleaded with her trying to coax her to take the amulet off. Rainbow Dash and Rarity both tried to convince her to take it off as well. But the unicorn made no acknowledgment. Just then she leapt into the air throwing a smoke bomb to the ground and disappeared using a teleportation spell while hidden from the smoke bomb.

As the smoke cleared she was gone. Everypony was now in a full panic seeing the alicorn amulet was yet again at large with a host. Not wasting a beat Mary rallied the others together.

"Alright mares we need to find Trixie. I know we have our differences." The other two mares grumbled to themselves. "But I thing we can all agree we ALL care for Trixie, so let's work together to find her."

Maud and Platinum gave each other a sideways glance nodding. "We'll help. Where do we start mayor?" Platinum asked.

"We should breakup and look at all of Trixie's regular hangouts in Ponyville. We have to find her before anything happens to her or worse..."

Mary trailed off not wanting to think about what Trixie was capable of with the amulet. Once they discussed where to look they broke apart to search town for the azure mare. Maud searched the farm, Platinum searched around the town hall and her work, Mary searched her home and the lake. Trixie was nowhere to be found.

The three mares were aided by the majority of Ponyville, while Applejack took Twilight back home to let her rest, promising to help in the search once she was settled in. Meanwhile Mary's mind was racing a million miles an hour. She feared that Trixie would make a bad decision like Twilight nearly did. It's true that the amulet was powerful and it took over Trixie once before, but she had something now that she didn't before. Friends.

End of the Fifth Day Love Conquers all the Gathering (Revised)

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As Mary made her way to central square in Ponyville Maud and Platinum both met up with her at the central fountain. They were all panting, having searched every nook and cranny Trixie might have hid in. None of them found her. Ponies searched everywhere but there was no sign of her anywhere.

"Where could she have gone?" Platinum panted, slumping to the ground.

Maud was in similar shape. She'd over done it when looking for Trixie and she too was winded from the lengthy search. her fur was matted with sweat due to the extensive running she did, and the fact he wore a sweatshirt. She pulled it over head style and placed it ton the ground. She then flung her mane back over her head as sweat water flung in the air. Mary and Platinum both looked at her in awe and wonder.

Her eyes were beautiful, and her figure was well built, but slim at the same time. She had slim curves to her body and it made her look like a stone sculpted goddess.

Mary looked away in embarrassment while Platinum continued to stare with her mouth hung open. A slight bit of drool slipped out and she quickly wiped it turning as if she sneezed. Maud noticed both of them doing this and a burning sensation filled her cheeks. Recollecting themselves they now had to face the fact they had run out of places to look.

"So, where have we looked?" She asked trying to change the subject. "We've looked everywhere and there's no sign of her." Maud kept her clam demeanor.

"MAYOR!"

"Applejack?" She turned to see the farm pony running to join up with them at the fountain. "What's happened?"

Mary got shoved to the side as Platinum pressed her nose against Applejack's. "Where's Trixie?! Did you find her?!"

Mary scowled at her rudeness but said nothing against her at the time. She made a mental note to talk to her about this later, but for now Trixie was more important. She took a few steps to stand beside the silver mare.

"Miss Applejack, did you find Trixie? We can't find her anywhere."

She shook her head taking her stetson off. "I aint seen her anywhere mayor. She could be anywhere by now."

Then Maud came up to the group. "Has little moon been anywhere in particular when she was mad sad or just to think?"

"Huh?" They all asked in unison,

"What do you mean by that?" Platinum asked genuinely confused. "Do you mean she does go anywhere when she's feeling down. Like a hangout?"

She nodded. "When Trixie use to get mad or sad, she'd hide herself in the mines. She said the quiet helped her to calm herself." Maud looked at all the ponies present. Applejack, Mary, Platinum, and herself all thought about any place that stood out to where she could have hid herself. Then Applejack had an idea.

"Perhaps we're takin this the wrong way?" She suggested. The others looked to her. She thought about how to say what was on her mind. "Maybe rather than where she'd go to someplace, maybe we should think of where she would go at a time like this? Maybe?"

Mary placed a hoof to her chin, crossing her arms. She thought about what Applejack said. Trixie was a creature of habit, that much was certain. But there was one thing that stood out about her even in her new humble nature, she loved theatrics. She loved drama and buildup. What could that translate to now?

She clapped her hooves together in glee as realization hit her. "Aha! I know where we can possibly find her!"

Without another word she ran off towards Town Hall. The others following close behind. Ponies were still searching for Trixie, but the majority of Ponyville had given up thinking the mare was long gone. But certain individuals kept on searching such as, Carrot Top, Vinyl, Octavia, Silver Spoon, and even the Cutie Mark Crusaders were searching for her.

She ran past them all paying no heed as she made a beeline to the hall. When she arrived she found the doors were still closed, yet in her heart she had a feeling. Platinum and Maud were right on her tail.

"Mary? Where are you going?!" the silvery mare called as she ran beside her.

"I think I might know where Trixie is!"

"Where?" Maud asked running beside Platinum.

Mary looked at Maud then ahead to town Hall. "The place where it all started for us. Town Hall."

Not sure of what she meant, the two ponies followed her into the building. It was unlocked. Mary pushed the door open and found the desk where Trixie stayed was left untouched since the last time it was used, except for clipboard on top of it. It was the appointment board Trixie used to book appointments and had the visitors sign off as they went in. On it were three names. Mary, Maud, and Platinum.

The three mares looked at it curiously wondering if it was a trap setup by Trixie. Knowing how the amulet worked, from Twilight Sparkle, Mary thought it very well could have been. According to Twilight after a lengthy set of research the amulet needed time to take complete hold of the wielder. Trixie was still early on in her possession, perhaps there was still time to save her. Maybe this was her calling for help.

Mary inhaled to calm herself. She felt tense. Trixie was counting on her- no, she was counting on THEM to save her. She had to believe in both their love and friendship. If Twilight and her friends were any indicator, the bonds the three of them shared with Trixie was the key to saving her life now.

She took a moment to relax her shoulders and turned to face her companions. "This is it ladies." She started getting their attention. "We need to stand together if we're to save Trixie."

The other two looked at one another, and nodded in agreement.

"What should we do Mary?" Platinum asked.

Maud stepped forward. "We going in and save, little moon. End of story."

Mary placed a hoof on Maud's shoulder tenderly rubbing it. "We need to reason with her. She might not be so far gone that we can't still save her, but we need to work together. That means we leave are aggression for one another aside and focus on her. Understood/"

Platinum glared at her. "Who are you to go and tell us what to do? Who put you in charge?!" She snipped at her.

"Because aside from Maud here," She gestured to the grey earth pony beside her. "I've known her the longest out of the two of us. If anything SHE should be the one in charge."

The silver mare growled stomping the ground in frustration. She felt so powerless. She wanted to save Trixie, but she thought it would take a miracle to save her. She as just about to scream from her frustration when both Mary and Maud stepped close beside her, pining her between themselves. The two taller mares looked to their shorter companion giving her friendly support. She blushed from the sudden contact and looked at both of them in surprise. Maud gave comforting grin.

"Come on." She said pulling the mare forward with Mary's help. "Let's go save, little moon."

She looked to Mary who, to her surprise, gave her a Warm smile and hugged the both of them. "I know we can do it together. We need to be strong for her, and no matter what happens..."

"We stick together until the end." Maud finished.

They walked to the door leading to Mary's office. Stopping at the threshold,they inspected the door. It was closed and a small scratch in the center of it was not visible to them. It ran from the top to the bottom of the door right down the center. It was more like a burn mark than an actual scratch. Platinum ran her hood across it. It was indeed not a scratch.

A quick sniff confirmed it was indeed a burn mark. A hint of burnt wood and paint lingered in the air. It was subtle but it was there. The three mares looked at one another one last time. All of them nodded entwining their tails together. A mutual friendship was born in that moment, and was about to be tested in firsthand against their love for Trixie.

Mary reached for the handle turning it and slid the door open. They walked in to meet their destiny, their tails still connected together, as they closed the door behind them.

End of the Fifth Day Sins of Long Past and Hopes of the Future (Revised)

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How it all begun, and how it will all begin again.

Trixie sat in the mayors office. She circled the seat at a set pace. She'd kick the ground making the chair she sat in spin twice before stopping with her hoof and repeated the motion again and again. She spun around and around for hours.

Waiting.

What for she didn't know, but something drew her here, and it wasn't the amulet. No I was a desire to be there. For some reason, she felt like she needed to be here. It just felt right.

She looked over the desk at a picture she remembered from her first time here. She picked it up to see it was a picture of a Grey mare with a blonde mane and a small unicorn filly of identical coloring. Beside them was Mary. She was looking at the camera with a million bit smile. She was wearing her signature ascot and her glasses were at the rim of her muzzle.

Trixie grinned at the picture imagining herself in the grey mares place and a filly of azure blue with her mane between them. It was a happy thought, but was interrupted by a sharp pain in her head and a whisper.

Power. It said.

Power is all you need. Why ask for more than that? It asked.

Trixie looked at the picture in her hooves, before clenching her eyes shut due to the massive amount of aching in her temples. She unwillingly used her magic to hold the picture in place as she gripped her head.

"What is the use? All power got me before was misery." She replied to the whisper.

You fear the world and rightfully so. They mocked you. Reticulated you. HURT YOU. It said reasonably. Why shouldn't you have more power to destroy any who stand in your way?

Trixie fell off the chair, landing on her knees. A sharp pain ran through her legs but the pain in her head and chest completely overpowered any discomfort she had from the short fall. She thought back to the past few days and all that transpired. She thought of Maud, Mary and Platinum. Silver Spoon the time she worked with Diamond Tiara on the farm, and the times she spent with her friends.

Another sharp pain hit her head as the amulet began to glow a bright red. The whisper echoed in her mind as the amulet radiated its crimson light.

All lies. It stated. All lies and deception. You can't trust them. They used you as they will always use you.

"No! That's a lie! They're my friends!" She cried to the voice standing up.

She circled around in her spot as if looking for the voice. "I won't listen to you again! You promised me power and fame all the same once before! Trixie won't buy into your lies this time!"

She threw the photo against the wall. It shattered into shards and splinters of wood as the frame scattered about the room. Trixie stood panting as the amulet lost its glow.

The voice grew cold with every word spoken. Each one weighed heavily on her heart as she gripped her chest. The metaphorical ache in her heart hurt just as much as any physical wound could. The door behind her clicked as it swung open revealing Maud, Platinum, and Mary together walking in.

"For Trixie." They all said at once.

They entered the room side by side their tails all entwined with looks of determination on them. Trixie turned to face them, her eyes glowed red as she curled her lips with absolute cruelty behind it. She sat back in the chair spinning around in it once before facing the mares completely again.

"Welcome." She said resting her arms on the desk. She leaned forward to look at them focusing on their tails. "I see you all decided to join up against us." she said waving a hoof a them.

None of the three ponies even blinked. They just continued to stared at her fiercely.

"Aww, you mad?" She said leaning back in the chair. "And I thought we were such good friends too."

We are friends. Trixie thought to herself. Come on Trixie! Don't lose control! I can't lose control again!

Her eyes twitched as the internal conflict continued to rise. Her mind was slowly succumbing to the influence of the amulet, but her pride held it back. Only so much though.

Mary took a step forward, her tail straightening out slightly from the step as the other two waited.

"Trixie this has to stop! You need to take that amulet off now!" She said firmly tapping the ground, like a mother would scolding a child.

Trixie growled, her eyes turned dark red while she smashed her hoof against the table. "How dare you come here and tell us what to do! Who do you think you are?!"

"I'm your friend Trixie." Mary replied calmly.

"As am I, little moon." Maud stepped forward.

Platinum hesitated out of fear from the azure unicorns outburst, but a gentle nudge by Mary and a kind smile helped steeled her resolve and she too stepped forward. "I'm also your friend Trixie. We all care for you and we want you back. Please, take the amulet off before it's too late Trixie."

Trixie felt a ping of happiness in her heart at the kind words. Her sanity kept true by the kindness she'd received from them but amulet would not relent it's hold on her. It just needed to push her a bit more for total control.

The whisper once again made its presence known. It called to Trixie as she spoke to the mares, within her head. A red pulse shot outward connecting Trixie the amulet and the three mares together. Each of their thoughts shared, their deepest desires, dislikes, even their darkest secrets revealed like a book for all to see.

The amulet focused on Maud first. The grey earth pony filched as she felt a sharp pain in her head. Thoughts and memories of Trixie's time on the rock farm flickered past in the blink of an eye until it focused on Trixie working in a shallow mine shaft.

The light from the entrance was still brightly shining in side, so Trixie wasn't deep inside. She was hacking away at the wall with a pick trying to get the stone to break off. Once it did she stepped back to get away from the falling debris. She wiped the sweat off her head.

She was then approached by a mustard golden stallion with long grey sideburns and a black hat. Past Trixie stopped in her tracks and looked over at him standing up straight like a solider. He inspected the rocks and frowned slightly shaking his head as he passed Trixie with a look of disappointment.

All they wanted was to use you. Think about it. They used you to mine like a common mud pony.

"But, Trixie didn't do the job right. She cut corners and-"

He was ungrateful, just like all those in Ponyville were when you tried to stop the ursa minor but failed. The point is you tried yet they hated you and you became a laughing stock which lead to the rock farm you hated. The voice reasoned.

She thought about it and it and while she did admit she cut corners to meet the deadline set on her she didn't receive so much as a thank you from him, at least she thought so. It was hard to remember. Something was clouding her mind. She felt like there was more but couldn't find anything else.

The next thing to come up was the day Platinum kissed her and all the trouble that come from Applejack because of it. Her hate for Trixie intensified that day ten fold and she was never the same after. All the troubles that came with and how she abused and threatened her at every turn because of that kiss.

She only pretended to love you. She used you to get back at Applejack. It hissed in her mind. The next memory was one she hated to think about.

And finally the day Trixie met Mary in the office after her subsequent defeat at the hooves of Twilight Sparkle after the alicorn amulet. She sat in the office of Mary and the memory played out with Trixie explaining she had no idea what to do with her life now that she once again made a huge mistake coming to Ponyville.

It flashed forward to where Trixie was hired by the mayor to be her personal assistant. Trixie read through a document handed to her by Mary and signed it. The two smiled shaking hooves and left the office where they headed off to Mary's home for the night.

Trixie thought about that day. It was a difficult time for her. She thought it was going to be another dead end job she'd ended up with. Truth was she liked it.

The amulet glowed brightly dispelling the thoughts from Trixie's mind and subjugated its influence on her. At the same time, the other mares all shook their heads as a sharp pain hit each of them in the head simultaneously. Trixie shook it off as the voice penetrated her mind once again.

They all used you. They will always use you. You are nothing but a labor horse to them.

Trixie cringed at the thoughts as they assaulted her mind. In the span of a few seconds, these major points in her life all bombarded her psyche bringing her to the bring of madness. She screamed griping her head as she lit her horn, bellowing like a wild animal. Mary and the others stepped back in fear of her, but stood their ground determined to help their friend.

Trixie thought about he memories but found it had to focus. Everything the amulet said made sense, yet no matter what she thought, it seemed like there was still more missing.

Trixie swayed back and forth hissing at the three mares. Her eyes glowed with righteous fury as she stepped over the desk with unnatural flexibility. Her hat e for the ones that used her clouded her judgement as she advanced on the mares.

"You three... you all used me." She growled looking to the ground.

Platinum stepped forward grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. "NO Trixie! We're your friends and we love you! We didn't use you! I don't know what's going on but the amulet is influencing you! YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF! PLEASE!" she cried desperately shaking her trying to reach her.

But it was no use, Trixie had given in and now she was out for blood. The influence of the amulet was to great for her to ignore. "I will not listen to your lies! The amulet has shown me the truth, you don't love me. None of you did. You just used me!" She screamed firing a crimson beam at Platinum sending her flying back against the wall.

She smashed against it with such force it left her impression in the drywall, but otherwise it barely stood. Mary rushed over to help her as Maud stood between them. She pulled out a small pebble and with speed rivaling lightning, she threw it at Trixie's horn. She screamed as it hit the base of her horn. She cursed at her as a ringing sensation ran through her horn like a tuning fork. She spun around twice like a ballerina while Maud helped Mary and Platinum.

Once they recovered they stood together, once again. The rock Maud threw was beside her hoof. She picked it up rubbing it twice saying, "Nice work, Boulder."

She then placed the pebble in her sweater pocket. The two mares at her side gave a curious look to her a she spoke to the tiny pebble wondering what it meant to her. She caught their looks and patted her pocket.

"Boulder is my pet rock. He has been with me since I was a child."

"A pet rock?" Mary asked.

She nodded.

"Well that's, something." Platinum added. Her silvery mane was now a mangled mess. Her fur was dirty from the impact with the wall, but otherwise she was fine.

"STOP IGNORING ME!" Trixie cried out startling them.

Trixie roared rearing up and stomping the ground. Her horn lit up as the world around Ponyville beck encased in a dark shadowy cloud. Mary, Platinum and Maud looked around wondering why it was so dark before they noticed the town was enclosed by the shadowy mass. Trixie inhaled deeply, then she yelled out as her voice echoed all through Ponyville.

"All I ever wanted was to be a great entertainer to honor my father. I wanted to be seen heard and respected. But none of you ever cared about me!" She screamed at the mares before her. "All you did was use me for your own ends!"

"YOU!" She pointed at Maud. "You used me as cheap labor!"

"You used me to get back at Applejack!" She shifted her gaze to Platinum, who looked away hurt by her words, burying herself in Mary's shoulder.

"And finally you..." she gazed at the tan earth pony. "I thought you loved me, but you used me, you lied to me, you hurt me. You promised me we'd be friends, but friends don't do these things to each other!"

Mary shook her head, giving Trixie a look a pure disappointment. "You're wrong Trixie. I do care. Otherwise I wouldn't be here now. None of us would be if we didn't care."

"She's right, little moon. We love you. We all do." Maud said supporting Mary. "We came here to save you. If we didn't care why would we do this?"

"So you can trick me! So you can continue to use me!"

"Trixie, I know I messed up when I kissed you that day, and I'm sorry if I hurt you. But I do care about you and I know you acre about us! Just come back to us. Let us help you."

"YOU LIE!" Trixie screamed stomping the ground as if she were a child throwing a tantrum.

"Little moon, we only want to help-"

"SHUT UP!"

"That's it! I've had it! All I ever wanted was to be loved and respected in my trade, but nopony will give me a thought!" Her horn glowed as the shadowy mass swirled around Ponyville creating a storm the likes of which it had never seen before. Ponies we flung around like rag dolls, flying debris crashed into houses destroying them and all that stood in their way. The shadowy mass grew into a large pillar that could be seen all the way from Canterlot and beyond.

From the Badlands a black creature watched from a large stone spire, not naturally formed, as the vortex of darkness grew and grew taking miles around it as it reached for the sky. Back in Ponyville Trixie roared as the amulets magical output intensified. The energy output upsurged the mares back into the next room destroying half the building in the process.

Now with a crimson red aura around her, Trixie stepped past the rubble to see the three mares struggling to stand against the magical force.

"I have had it with all the hate I've endured. The lies, the deception, no MORE! IF THE WORLD WON'T ADORE ME AND RESPECT ME THEN I WILL TEACH IT TO FEAR ME INSTEAD!" She cried stomping the ground.

The three mares stood up, despite the forces working against them, they managed to stand up to Trixie. Standing side by side, they entwined their tails once again. They were determined to see this through to the end, no matter what it took they would save Trixie, even if it meant losing Ponyville.

They looked at each other, knowing they were all on the same page the nodded knowingly to one another before returning their focus back on Trixie.

And then they charged her.

End of the Fifth Day Clash of Gods and Heroes Part 1 (Revised)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Nru0FF5Yo

The three mares charged Trixie as she leapt into the air. Jets of crimson energy erupted from the bottom of her hooves sending her flying into the air. She laughed mockingly at them as she rolled in the air in a Rainbow Dash like manner.

"Poor choice fools!" she yelled firing a beam to the ground.

A tinge of red remained for a brief moment, the mares looked down as it faded away, then erupted into a large explosion. The blast sent the three of them scattering about. Mary plowed into a window of the house across the street cutting her all over her body. Maud went through a wall as did Platinum.

Mary laid in the shards of glass as streaks of red oozed from her cuts. She shifted her body to turn over on her back. The movement caused her great pain and discomfort that she abandoned trying to move. She bit her lip as she forced herself up. She struggled to stand, her legs shaking violently under the stress of standing.

Clunk! Clunk! The sound of heavy hoof steps was heard from behind her. She turned in shock to see Trixie standing behind her, grinning. She turned to run but in her injured state she wasn't fast enough to move away from her. Trixie swung her left arm striking Mary in the back of the head sending her back to the floor. She sobbed trying to crawl away from the angry unicorn, but was stopped by her tail getting pinned.

The azure unicorn cackled as she stepped over the downed mare. She pressed her leg down on her head. Slowly she added pressure squeezing Mary's head between the floor and her hoof. Mary cried out trying to escape as she flailed about like a fish stranded on land.

"Trixie please stop!"

"Oh, Mary... You thought I would let you get away so easily?" She laughed again pressing down on her head. "I don't think so-"

"Get off of her bitch!"

Platinum came running in the house firing a stun spell at Trixie, who jumped away from her quarry to deflect the spell. She returned fire with a stun spell of her own. Mary scurried away from the fight finding refuge behind the wall of the next room as the two unicorns fought exchanging spell after spell.

Mary found the houses inhabitants hiding in the kitchen. A sudden explosion made her jump nearly screaming in fright, but she managed to keep the yelp in. She saw a unicorn mare, stallion, and foal hiding under the table and gestured fro them to be quiet.

Trixie jumped back into the kitchen landing on the counter. From the corner of her eye she saw a kitchen knife set. Lifting them from their covers she held over thirty knives and like a wall she sent them flying through the doorway. Platinum screamed deflecting them barely with a shield spell, but one luck shot got through and clipped her shoulder. A streak of blood trickled down her right arm turning her silvery fur red.

She griped the wound tightly with her right arm using the wall to stay up.

Mary rushed up to Trixie and reared her hind legs up. With a swift buck she sent the unaware blue mare flying against the wall dazing her.

"You three need to get to safety! NOW!" she yelled to the family.

The three ponies fled without a word but nodded to her as each past. The foal hugged the tan mare. "Thank you for saving us from that howwible monstar." the foal grateful for saving them.

The mother came back picking him up and running out the door into the darkness of Ponyville. They rushed to the nearby house where two of their friends gave them shelter.

Mary frowned at the little foal as the mother took it up and fled. "She's not a monster."

She quickly shook the thought off and went over to Platinum who was still bleeding badly. She gasped at the amount of blood she was losing and pressed her hooves against it to help stop it. It proved a vain attempt as the dark red continued to ooze out of her.

"Thanks Mary." she said placing her hoof on the tan one.

"Come let's find Maud before Trixie gets up!" She hurried her wounded friend out with a hobble.

By now Trixie had recovered and was howling viciously. The amulet glowed again. It began sucked energy from all around her, condensing it down and erupting in a spherical blast that blew away the house completely. She glanced around herself looking for the escapees, finding them running across the street, she gave chase.

Meanwhile at Twilight's Library

Inside Ponyville Library, Twilight stirred from what felt like a long slumber. She struggled to get up as a pair of hooves held her down. She opened her eyes to see Applejack standing over her smiling, giving her a look of relief.

"Whoa there sugarcube, yall need to stay down and rest." she said kindly.

Just then Twilight remembered what had happened before while she was under the influence of the Alicorn Amulet. Guilt and fear gripped her heart as she choked back tears. Her friends all surrounded her.

"I'm sorry girls." she said looking away with guilt. "If I hadn't used the amulet none of this would be happening."

Twilight's friends all glared at Applejack, who was trying very hard not to look at any of them. Rarity tapped her hoof impatiently as Rainbow wrapped a wing around her staring at the farm pony.

"Well?"

"Hmm?" Applejack looked up at Rarity.

"Are you going to tell Twilight anything, darling?" she asked pushing her closer to the bed Twilight rested in.

Applejack looked down to Twilight embarrassed. She didn't know what to say. All she had done, all the pain she caused Twilight and her friends, it was one heck of a realization for her.

Twilight glanced up to her orange friend hopefully. What happened next shocked every pony in the room. AJ leaned in kissing Twilight on the forehead. She then looked into her eyes holding her hooves.

"Twi, I know ah messed up." she said looking into her friends eyes. "All this time ah never knew you felt that way bout me. Ah'm still not comfortable with this."

Twilight looked away dejectedly, but Applejack continued on placing a hoof under the mares chin. Twilight felt a tinge of hope in her heart at the kind look Applejack gave her. It was the look she always gave to her and nopony else.

Just then Applejack pulled her in and gave Twilight a quick kiss on her lips. It lasted only a moment, but to Twilight it felt like an eternity of absolute bliss.

"Ah promise you, Twi, ah will change mah ways. Pinkie promise."

To say the unicorn was happy would have been an understatement. She broke into tears leaping into Applejack's arms. She babbled like a child in the orange fur hearing comforting words from Applejack. The door to the library opened as a small dragon waddled in with a large golden box in his grip.

"He guys!" he said placing the box on a nearby table. "Some weather we're having, huh?" he said jokingly.

"SPIKE!" they all cried out hugging the small dragon. He laughed with them as he gently pushed them all off of him.

After a quick warm welcome he pointed to the golden box. "The Princesses told me to bring these. Said it would be useful for what was going on here. By the way, what IS going on here!?" he asked.

All the ponies fidgeted not sure of what to tell him. Spike had not liked Trixie from the first day he saw her, and he never got over Twilight being banished from Ponyville, so nopony said a word. Applejack braved the young dragon sitting beside him she explained what had transpired while he was gone. To their surprise he felt sorry for Trixie.

He glared at Applejack who did her best not to look the baby dragon in the eye.

"I can't believe you of all ponies could be so cruel, and to a friend." he said coldly to her.

He stood up walking up to Twilight hugging her. The library shook as a viscous howl was heard all across Ponyville. It was unmistakably Trixie.

"Guess we better get out there and help." he said opening the box revealing the Elements of Harmony. They all looked at them wondering what the Princesses could have meant by they'd be useful. They each took their respective element and walked out the front door, but Applejack lingered behind looking at hers.

Never had she felt so unworthy to wield her element. Twilight returned to see her staring at the element in her hooves.

"AJ? Are you, OK?" she asked gently nuzzling her.

"Ah don't right know, Twi. Trixie warned me of mah attitude. This is all mah fault. I feel so dirty." she then took the necklace and threw it across the room. The metal clinked and fell to the ground. Twilight looked at it thoughtfully. She walked over lifting it with her hooves and went behind Applejack, placing it around her neck.

The orange pony shot upright at the sudden contact. She looked behind herself to see Twilight wrapping the necklace around her neck. She always thought Twilight was beautiful but never imagined it was part of her feelings for the unicorn. She always thought it was just her being friendly. She grabbed the lavender hoof and kissed it gently, Twilight kissed her on the neck enticing a moan from the farm pony.

"I'm sorry, Aj. If the mayor hadn't stopped me I don't know what I'd have done to you."

"It's fine, sugarcube. We are together now with our friends. And though we might have broken apart before, now we're all together now and that's what matters." She lifted the unicorn up from the wist and spun with her towards the door. She placed the unicorn down beside the door. "Now, let's go save our new friend!" she said with a wink.

Twilight Blushed as she leaned up to kiss the mare. Applejack made no objection, it felt weird but it felt good. It felt right. Another howl was heard from outside as the earth shook as an explosion went off in the distance.

Twilight broke away from her and looked out the door. "You consider Trixie a friend now?"

Applejack thought about the question. True she never had respect for the arrogant unicorn until now. She wished she'd listened to her before. But she couldn't deny the mare was right about what she'd said, but did she consider her a friend? Not really, they barely knew each other. Trixie knew more about her family than she knew about her.

Perhaps once this was over, they could become friends. But for now, she had to save her to find out.

"Guess we'll find out," she pulled Twilight beside her, giving her a kiss on the fore head. "Together."

And they both ran out to join their friends and save Trixie.

The western part of Ponyville was now in ruins as Trixie chased after the two mares who fled from her. Platinum was dizzy from blood loss and Mary was sore from running. I really need to get in better shape! She scolded herself for being so lazy.

Trixie flew after the two firing spell after spell laughing like a maniac. The to managed to dodge her attacks by shear luck and coincidence. Maud was nowhere to be found as they searched for their companion. They ducked under a fallen house effectively evading Trixie for now.

"Can't believe the mule left us!" Platinum growled. "Bet she's expecting to sweep in and save Trixie after she does us in."

"She wouldn't do that!" Mary swatted the mare in the back of the head.

The silvery unicorn frowned rubbing her head tenderly. "How do you know that?"

"She's a Pie and they aren't the kind of ponies to leave others high and dry." Platinum looked at her unconvinced. "I grew up with her father and mother, I know them. They raised their daughter right. Look at Pinkie."

Platinum was about to respond when the roof over them flew off to the side as Trixie revealed herself hovering over them.

"Just like a rat, hiding under the mud and filth of others." She mocked her eyes still glowing red.

"Stop Trixie!"

"Who dares-" Trixie spun around to meet a purple beam hitting her in the face, blinding her. "GAH! WHAT IS TI WITH THIS TOWN AND TRIXIE'S FACE!?!" she screamed gripping her eyes.

Once her vision cleared she saw Twilight and her friends all wearing the Elements of Harmony around their necks.

"We're not going to hurt you Trixie." Twilight said stepping forward.

"She's right darling," Rarity chimed in. "We just want to help you!"

Trixie however wasn't listening to them. Instead she focused on the yellow pegasus near the back. A cruel smile donned her lips as she dashed for them flying past she gripped Fluttershy by the neck flying with her into the sky.

"Fluttershy!"

"A team is only as good as the weakest link! That's why Trixie was always alone!" the unicorn said putting her prey in a choke hold. She began to squeeze making the pegasus flail and gasp for breath.

Mary saw this and ran beside them with Platinum at her side. "Trixie stop!"

"Oh, Mary there you are!" Trixie cheered. "And Platinum too? Aww, you shouldn't have. Really, you shouldn't have."

Her eyes narrowed as she focused her magic on the two mares, lifting them up to her just out of arms reach.

"You should have fled like the cowardly earth pony did. Now you'll all suffer the same fate starting with this one!" She sneered squeezing harder on the pegasus.

"That's it no one hurts Fluttershy while Rainbow Dash is on duty!"

"Rainbow catch Fluttershy!" Platinum screamed as she fired a beam into Trixie's eyes blinding her again.

Trixie let all three mares go gripping her eyes yet again. The mare screamed flailing around in the air shooting stun beams in every direction, hitting ponies and objects alike. Twilight shielded her friends while Rainbow braved the assault and saved the three mares from certain doom.

Landing behind Twilight's shield Rarity tended to Fluttershy while Mary ran up to Twilight.

"Twilight darling you're alright!" she hugged the young mare. "Glad to see you are better so quickly we have to stop Trixie!"

"I know mayor. But we need to get the amulet off of her."

"But how? She won't fall for any tricks again!" Pinkie gasped.

"We may have no choice then." Twilight declared looking at the raging unicorn up in the air. "We may have to use the elements on her!"

Platinum and Mary said nothing, they were shocked to hear such a thing. They had hoped to reason with her and convince her to remove the amulet herself. Clearly it was a failure but they held hope in their hearts that Trixie could be reasoned with.

They a violent shaking disrupted their thoughts as Trixie looked around to find the source of the disturbance. She stopped to see Maud standing on the roof of a house with her pet rock in her hoof.

"Maud!" Everypony cried out in surprise.

"Maud."

"Little moon, stop now or else!"

"Hah! You tell me what to do?! I call the shots here!" She laughed at the mares declaration. "What can you do to stop me?"

"I will stop you, with a few friends I just met." She said with a smile.

Trixie tilted her head in wonder when the earth started to shake. A large crystalline claw flew out from the earth and gripped the house next to the one Maud stood on. A massive serpentine creature made of crystal crawled out of the ground. It's head was like a giant spike with no eyes, it had a single large scythe like claw on its one arm and its tail split into tow at the end.

Everypony gasped at the sight, but Trixie only grinned.

"Don't make me do this little moon. It'll only end badly for you. Please come back to us." she pleaded.

Trixie reared up arching her back as she bellowed with laughter like a madmare. She then flew towards the creature and tackled it sending it to the ground. Maud sighed as she placed Boulder back in her pocket and jumped down to join the fray.

End of the Fifth Day Clash of Gods and Heroes Part 2 (Revised)

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Trixie stood atop the crystalline creature beating it in the face, or she presumed its face. She held a wicked grin as her hooves rained down on the creatures face laughing the whole time. The creature slapped her off with a flick of its tail sending her flying across the town.

She spun in the air, using her flight jet spell to propel herself forward towards it striking it a second time. This time she was intercepted by Rainbow Dash. The two tumbled in the air as they exchanged blows to one another. All the time Rainbow tried to reason with Trixie but was only met with mockery and laughter.

Rainbow gripped her around the while Trixie pounded her face with her hoof. Finally tired of the pegasus she blasted her wings stunning them. They went completely limp making the two fall out of the sky. Trixie positioned her hooves against Rainbows chest and blasted her with her jet spell sending her soaring and the pegasus tumbling to the ground.

Rainbow Dash hit the ground with such force a small imprint of herself was left behind. Trixie all the while laughed at her fallen adversary flying into the sky with great speed as the crystal beast charged after her.

Maud trotted calmly over to her two friends/rivals. Mary and Platinum had mixed emotions. Mary watched her with awe and wonder, Platinum looked at her guiltily.

"I thought you left us." She said not looking up at the grey mare.

To their surprise Maud smiled gently reaching for her and helped her stand. "I wouldn't leave my friends behind. Especially not you two."

"Why? you barley know us."

"I know you care for, little moon. That's good enough for me."

Platinum was taken aback by the forward and simple answer. Her eyes welled up with tears and she leaned forward hugging her. Mary smiled at the sight rubbing her hooves trying to dry the layer of blood on her hooves.

The two mares broke away looking up to the sky as laughter caught their attention. Trixie hovered above them her arms crossed. She looked down at the three mares grinning. "So, you three finally are together? Glad to see you decided to stand together making it easy to depose of you!"

She aimed her horn at them, it glowed red as charged a powerful spell to destroy them in one go. Maud stood in the front with Platinum, Mary stepped behind them. Trixie fired her spell at them, Maud stomped the ground making the earth crack and Platinum used her magic to bring it up making a barrier. She focused her magic on the rocky barrier, reinforcing it with a shield spell.

To Trixies horror the spell she fired redirect back to her. Her eyes widened and her pupils dilated and she was forced to stop firing the spell of doom to deflect the redirected one away from her. She held out her hoof and using the amulets power deflected the beam back to the forest. The beam flew across the Everfree and impacted somewhere deep within.

The unicorn recovered quickly from her stupor and grinned at the barrier before her.

"That was clever girls! But you'll have to do better than that!"

She curled up into a ball focusing on her very anatomy and in seconds she split herself into two separate beings identical to one another. One flew off to the side the other went in eh opposite direction turning invisible. The visible Trixie flew to the side of the barrier kicking Maud in the face. Platinum turned to fire a stun spell but only met a grey wall of fur. The two mares went down on top of one another.

Platinum opened her eyes to a truly wondrous sight of Maud's marehood less than an inch from her face. Blushing she pushed the mare off of her and dusted herself off like nothing happened.

Mary was left shaking in fear as Trixie approached her.

"Oh, Mary, Mary, Mary," she cooed to the cowering mare, summoning an energy blade from her right arm. "You should have run while you had the chance."

Dragging the blade across the wall, she drew nearer to the tan mare who to her surprise stood her ground defiantly.

"Oh, brave mare I see. Well, let's see how far that gets you."

"Farther than you realized Trixie."

"Hmm?"

"Now get her!" Mary yelled as the element bearers lunged at her with Mary. But Trixie held her grin and in a flash disintegrated into small particles o light as all the mares collided into a pile. In their daze none of them noticed the other Trixie become visible again as she charged the group with her crimson blade, only to be stopped by the crystal beast.

She halted her advance and focused on the giant monster before her. It made several wild swipes at her, forcing her to shield herself from every strike. Even with the power of the amulet she found it difficult to hold the beast back. She growled forcing the shield spell outward blasting the creature back, but it dug it's clawed arm into the ground stopping itself from falling farther away. It returned seconds later continuing its assault as Trixie held up another barrier.

She screamed in fury at the beasts relentless nature. Firing a blazed of firework to blind it, but found ti was completely ineffective. The next thing she did was something she was taught by Maud. All rocks and gems had a specific resonance that could make them shatter. Even diamonds were no exception.

She focused on adding a new layer of magic to her horn as she vibrated her horn to find the resonance the creature needed to break it. Mary and the others recovered helping each other up. They watched in awe at the sigh to Trixie holding back the giant monstrosity. Pinkie looked over to her sister.

"Maudie? What's that?"

"It a hydranga. A crystal hydra sub-species that lingers deep in the planet. This one is a close friend of mine. We've known each other since we were both young."

"You did?"

Maud nodded, earning looks of respect from everypony around her. Mary was truly envious. Here were all these magnificent mares who could do great things, and she was nothing more than a regular earth pony. She felt useless. Maud notice her and nudged her gently in the side of her belly.

"We need a plan!" Twilight said to her friends.

The mane six huddled together to discus a plan to stop Trixie. But hushed whispers turned to a full argument as half of them wanted to stop Trixie no matter what, the other half wanting to save her.

"She's our friend Rainbow! We can't abandon her!" Rarity screamed to her marefriend.

"I know rares, but we have to stop her before somepony gets hurt!" She said flexing her injured wing. "If we stone her, we'll have time to find a way to get the amulet off her and-"

"OUT OF THE QUESTION!" Mary yelled pinning the pegasus to the ground.

"If you can't save her then you'll do nothing to her!" Platinum added stepping over the prone pony.

"I agree." Maud stepped in. "But we do need to stop, little moon."

"How?"

"I'm sure something will come up. Until then-"

Maud was cut off by the hydranga screeching in pain as its body began to fracture. Trixie released her barrier as the beast fell to the ground screeching and thrashing about in great pain. Maud recognized what Trixie was doing and rushed over tackling her from behind. The two mares rolled on the ground as Twilight looked to her friends gathering the power of the elements while Trixie was distracted. The hydranga burrowed itself into the ground fleeing from the fight.

Maud rolled over Trixie landing on top of her. She straddled the unicorn and pinned her horn to the side so no spell could hit her. Or so she thought. Trixie fired abeam off the surface of the hydranga hitting Maud in the back. The smell of burnt flesh and fur invaded her nostrils and Maud let out a pained groan.

She then pulled a chunk of earth from beside of Trixie's head and hit her several times in the horn dazing her. The unicorn spun over and slipped under the earth pony pulling her back legs from under her sending her flying onto her back effectively winding her. She then drove a solid punch to the mares chest knocking the wind out of her again.

Just then Mary and Platinum tackled her to the ground immobilizing her. But their victory wouldn't last. Trixie used a focus blast blowing the two off of her. Before they got far they were encased in a crimson aura and smashed head first together. Trixie dropped them beside Maud and drew her energy blade preparing to deliver the final blow.

But she couldn't do it. She stood there as ponies watched from their homes expecting her to show no mercy, yet she hesitated. The mane six were now glowing with the power of their friendship rising above Trixie, who turned to face them. A rainbow of colors swirled together forming a giant beam of radiant light.

Trixie was about to fly away. She easily could have but then the thought of what would happen to her friends stopped her. She glanced behind her and saw they were still clumped together in the line of fire. A million thoughts ran through her head as the amulet hissed in her mind.

Evade them! You don't need them! They mean nothing to you! It hissed.

"But they said they'd save me... why?" she asked looking to them.

As the radiant light struck her she held up both of her hooves creating a barrier between the beam and herself.

What are you doing?! Obey me! Leave them to their fate! The amulet commanded causing her to flinch.

"n-no I-I won't leave them!" She cried out as her eyes pulsated red. "I won't - I-father..."

In a moment all her memories from her life pasted in the blink of an eye. The times she laughed with her family, the times she cried, every moment she spent to this very moment flashed in the blink of an eye. She thought about her time with Maud on the farm, Igneous and even Cloudy Quartz and their two other daughters.

Her time in Ponyville with Mary and Platinum. Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and yes even Applejack. All the time she spent here. The precious moments she spent with all of them.

Clarity came to her in the blink of an eye and she thought about Mary. How she loved her and how she felt for the others. She loved them all. Dearly. She loved Maud, Platinum, and Mary and here she was fighting to save them from an attack that was meant for her.

Trixie fought the amulets influence but the fight was being lost. She held onto the barrier spell but slowly it waned with her mind. The three downed mares groaned from the aching in their heads. They looked up to see Trixie standing over them using a barrier to protect them from a beam of light. She looked like she was struggling to fight it back, not realizing it was her fighting the amulet as well.

They stood up ready to make a break for it when they heard Trixie talking to herself.

"I-won't I - Trixie won't fall for your lies again!" She screamed as the amulet hissed.

You will obey me! A voice hissed from the amulet creating a blast sending the nearby building crashing down on Mary, Maud and Platinum. The three mares screamed as the rooftop fell on them pinning them down.

Trixie screamed in horror at the sight of her closest friends being partially buried under the rubble of the fallen house. She saw they were alive, but there was no telling for how long. Summoning all her strength she focused all her power on one thought. Throwing out all the noise and sounds around her she focused on just protecting them. She had too. She wouldn't fail again.

Failure. A voice called out to Trixie. The amulet glowed brightly, the voice now audible for all to hear. You'll fail just like you failed your father. The amulet hissed.

"No, I won't fail again!"

No, you won't. Not with me you won't. It said. Memories of her fathers death passed in her mind in seconds. Every moment she had with him till the moment he died. Why would you want that to happen again? Don't you want to save them? It hissed as a red orb appeared beside her.

From under the rubble, Mary managed to crawl out seeing Trixie being circled by the red orb. She forced herself up. Her body was wrecked with cuts and bruises her mane was dirty and her glasses were missing. Her left ear was torn slightly like a knife clipped it. She slowly limped forward tripping behind Trixie who turned to see the tan mare struggling to get to her.

Mary reached out wrapping her arms around Trixie's neck. She leaned into her ear and whispered, "I'm here Trixie. I won't leave you to fight this alone anymore."

Trixie flinched as the amulet orb hissed loudly. You can't save them without me! You are nothing without me! Without me you'll fail and no power in the universe will change that!

Mary shook her head pressing her lips against Trixie's cheek. "Don't listen Trixie. You have nothing to fear. I will be there in the end, always." She looked over her shoulder and saw the other two crawling out from beneath the rubble, Maud was first to get free, and with her help Platinum was able to get free as well. "We'll all be there for you Trixie." Mary calmly said reaching with one arm for the others.

Each mare took hold of her arm and were brought into the embrace surrounding Trixie with the warmth of their bodies. Maud stood to the right of Mary with Platinum to the left of Mary and Trixie buried in the center.

"We love you, little moon." Maud said kissing her.

Platinum too kissed her. "We may have fought before but now all we want is to be with you no matter what happens or who you choose, Trix."

Mary warpped her arms around all three mares and pulled them close. 'Alone you were lost Trixie. Now," She loooked at Maud and Mary each giving a smile, "you have all of us and together we'll overcome this together!"

"Together we stand!" Platinum Declared reaching for Trixie's extended hoof, the barrier became brighter.

NO! You can't! I will not be denied! The amulet declared trying to strike Trixie but bounced harmlessly off her, as a blue barrier covered her. What magic is this?! The orb exclaimed.

Maud gave the orb a death glare that could put Fluttershy's stare to shame. "We love her. Our love will protect her from any influence you have on her." she replied calmly, reaching for Trixie's hoof as well. A third stream of color mixed with the first ones making it turn a deep violet.

But how!? the orb cried out. How can you have greater influence than I?!

Mary sneered at it kissing Trixie in the back to the head. "She has us! Her true friends! You promise her power but she doesn't need it. She never did!" Mary turned to face Maud and Platinum. With a flick of her tail, she wrapped her tail around Maud's and then she pulled Platinum's in too. "We now have each other and no power in the world is more powerful than us! Not even you!" She declared.

No! You're nothing but a common earth pony! What power could you have? The orb asked mockingly.

Trixie laughed to herself. "I never knew you three would help me like this. I always thought and feared that I would have to choose between all of you. Hurting the others. Now, I see that you all love me, and I guess to an extent you do care about each other."

All three mares looked at one another blushing and averting their gazes to the side.

"But now I know. Destiny has bound us together," Trixie said wrapping her tail with theirs. "Now we are bound together and nothing will drive us apart! Together we are great and powerful! And nothing! Not even you can stop us!"

Trixie reached for the amulet yanking it off.

NOOO! You fool! Without me you're nothing!

Trixie grinned looking to the amulet. "Trixie thought that once too. Not anymore."

She then threw the amulet up in the air and together with her mares she used her power to siphon the Elements blast and redirected it up in the air. The rainbow blast now flew high in the sky and hit the alicorn amulet dead center. The orb hissed loudly as the amulet began to crack.

Trixie turned to each of the mares beside her and kissed each of them. "Trixie will never be alone again. Promise you will all be there with me forever?"

The all nodded together. "Forever." They agreed in unison.

Just then a bright light emanated from each of their forearms as small armbands of light formed around them. They gasped at the sight but a strange feeling overcame them. Clarity of purpose. They knew what to do as if they had done it a million times before, they focused on their love and together as a second beam of violet light shot from them and entwined with the blast from the Elements of Harmony. The amulet hissed as it cracked more and more from the power of the Elements and the four mares, unable to take anymore the amulet shattered into dust vaporized by the blast.

NO! I can't-I will not! NOOOOooooooooooo... The voiced echoed out to nothing as the orb disintegrated to noting as if blow away by the very wind.

The blast shot past up into the sky tearing through the dark mass and blew it away with little effort, leaving only clear skies above.

After the blast dissipated the Mane Six landed on the ground landing near the four mares who now bore small golden bands with their cutie marks on it. Amazed at the sight the two groups met and began to chatter about the mysterious bands.

"Wow Trixie! That was totally awesome!"Rainbow exploded with excitement. "The way you threw the amulet in the air and blasted it was sooo, cool!" She gushed.

Twilight inspected the armbands inquisitively.

"So, what do you think they are, Twi?" Applejack asked standing beside her.

"I'm not sure AJ." the unicorn responded.

"Well whatever they are I'm glad we got the-hey!" Platinum yelped as the armbands glowed and vanished into particles of light.

"What gives?"

"Did you break them?" Maud asked calmly inspecting her arm.

The silver mare turned puffing her cheeks. "NO! I didn't break them!"

Trixie stood beside her and Mary pulling her close rubbing her cheek to cheek.

"Now Platinum she wasn't blaming you." Trixie cooed to her making the mare blush.

She swatted at the azure unicorn in mock annoyance. "Stop it Trixie!"

"Speaking of which." Applejack walked over taking her hat off and looked at Trixie square in the face. "Ah'm right sorry for the way I treated y'all."

Mary looked at her in disbelief. "Are you sure?' She asked incredulously.

Applejack looked ashamed of herself. She felt this was better than she deserved. She placed her hat on the ground and sat down bending her body over in a low bow.

"Ahm really sorry. Honest to mah element I swear ah am." She then stood up reaching over for Twilight pulling her close. The lavender unicorn blushed from the sudden show of affection but nuzzled the orange shoulder beside her. "Ah was wrong bout you Trixie. What you said about love, it's indeed true. Ah just wish ah listened sooner."

She craned her neck over to kiss Twilight on the forehead. Twilight blushed as red as a tomato and tried to hide her face behind her mane in a very Fluttershy way. Rainbow and Rarity giggled at the affectionate sight while Pinkie and Fluttershy gave silent congrats to them.

Applejack returned her focus back to Trixie who was now surrounded by her three mares. "You were right, love does change ponies. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worst. Ah should know." She took up her hat replacing it on her head. She turned to walk away but a tug on her tail held her in place.

She turned to see her tail in a pink aura held by Trixie who smiled at her. "Don't worry Applejack. Trixie forgives you. Can you forgive yourself though?"

The orange pony grinned tilting her hat as her tail was released. "Ah'll try."

With that the ponies broke apart heading for home. the sun was setting and the sky was now at the twilight hour. Rarity and Rainbow went back to the boutique, Applejack and Twilight went to the library. Fluttershy and Pinkie went their separate ways heading for home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DG6x1H5iZk

Trixie, Maud, Platinum, and Mary walked together back to Mary's place. Maud walked beside Mary silently observing her. Mary noticed this and turned to the grey mare.

"What's wrong dear?" She asked not stopping.

"I was just going to say thanks for saving, little moon." she replied.

"We saved her together, Maud." Mary looked over to the two unicorns as they chatted away giggling like school fillies.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Maud asked eyeing them.

"I don't know. Let's ask." she said walking closer to the two mares who ere whispering. Their heads bobbed as they realized the two older mares approaching them.

"What you two talking about?" Mary asked bumping her rump into Trixies.

The two unicorns giggled again looking over the two earth ponies. Platinum looked over at Mary and Maud with a mischievous look on her mug. The two earth ponies looked at her oddly wondering what the two were concocting in their minds.

"Oh, Trixie and I were just wondering if you two old horses can keep up with us young ponies?" she grinned breaking into a full pace run with Trixie right at her heels. Both laughed as they ran.

Before both mares could comprehend what happened, they looked at each other before it clicked in their minds it was a game of chase. With only a nod , they gave chase after the two younger mares.

As the sun set the sky gave way to darkness, and briefly the was absolute darkness. Trixie and Platinum giggled lighting their horns in the dark and vanished in bright lights with no trace of themselves. Maud and Mary rounded a corner where they saw the two run to but found a dead end.

Just as they got the idea they had been duped a bright flash came from behind them as the two unicorns giggled running off again. Maud smiled looking at Mary with a fiery passion. She then picked up the tan mare wedding style and jumped into the air with a great leap right over the wall. Mary blushed from the sudden act.

She looked up at Maud as they flew through the air. It took only a few seconds to clear the wall, but to Mary time seemed to slow down. She looked at the mares mane flow in the cool night sky. Her eyes glittered with the reflections of stars in them giving them a cosmic beauty that she had never seen before.

Maud looked down at the two unicorns who managed to get around the wall and were running perpendicular to the wall now. Their trajectory would bring them right over the fleeing unicorns. Shifting herself Maud angled herself to land when she gave Mary a warning.

"I'm going to release you. Get ready to run." She said before letting Mary go who landed on the dirt road with a yelp.

Maud landed on top of both mares using their heads as launch points propelling herself past them and continued down the dirt path. Trixie and platinum looked in shock at the mare as she ran and stopped at the edge of the street. Mary took the lead giving a hoof bump to her as she past. Maud grinned sticking her tongue out at the unicorns before continuing down the street with a playful wave of her tail.

Platinum scoffed at the sight. "Come on Trixie let's get them!"

"Right!"

And with that the two were off like a shot. The unicorns ran eventually catching up with the earth ponies and kept up with them all the way home. All of them giggling as they ran, even Maud which seemed oddly refreshing to the others. Maud tried flicking her tail in Platinums face slowing her down. She then looked at Mary with a mischievous grin. Mary opened her mouth to speak but got it full of Maud's purple tail instead making her slow down as well.

"He-hey! Maud we're on the same team!" She cried indignantly.

"Sorry love," she replied looking behind her. "It's a race and there can only be one winner!"

Trixie leaned in kissing Mary on her left cheek. "Don't worry, she cheats all the time."

"Do not!" Maud called back.

"Come on let's get her!"

Platinum Mary and Trixie banded together to chase the grey mare down. A short while later the house was in sight and Maud grinned sure of her victory. Unbeknownst to her, the three ponies took a short cut by teleporting ahead of her and were already in the house waiting for her. She came to a stop at the fence as the door flew open and three mares tackled her to the ground. They rolled over the cobblestone path landing in the grass.

The mares fell into pile of limbs and fur laughing as they rolled over the ground falling apart into a tangled mess.

"Hey, no fair." Maud said in her monotone voice.

Trixie bit her lip trying no to laugh as she looked to see Mary's rear next to Maud's head. "Guess you got the butt end of the deal, huh?"

Platinum giggled pointing to Mary's rear as Maud looked over to see all she had to offer. Mary's tail was hiked up from rolling over and she didn't even realize it until she heard Trixie's joke. Blushing profusely she pulled her tail down scolding the two younger mares.

"Yo-you two are such sick perverts!" she said pointing to Maud. "I am glad there's a grown mare who is mature around here."

"Actually I was enjoying the sight. Any chance I can have another peek." Maud bluntly said.

All three mares blushed looking at her.

"Wow Maud. I never knew." Trixie said looking at Mary who was trying hard to cover herself. "Mary? What's wrong?"

"I don't know why Maud said that. I'm no pretty. I'm old and fat."

All three of the others looked at her like she'd just spit a the Princesses themselves. Maud pulled her in a hug still lying on the grass

"You're not." She said pulling her into a kiss.

Mary was surprised by the kiss that she pulled away.

"Maud! We barely know each other!" Mary yelled, her eyes widened from shock.

Trixie and Platinum looked at the sight with wonder. In their minds they were screaming. Again! Kiss again! Mary looked at Maud slowly inching away but the grey mare pulled her back and gently rubbed her cheek, slightly blushing herself. Mary stopped her struggle and slowly opened up to the embrace.

"Don't think that way Mary. You're very pretty." She said kissing her agian.

This time Mary allowed the kiss to persist, Trixie and Platinum watched in awe at the sight of the two mares kissing. When they broke the two earth ponies looked at their unicorn counter parts. "Enjoying yourselves?" Mary asked wiggling her eye brows.

Both of them nodded.

"Care to join us?" Maud offered her hoof to them.

Platinum and Trixie slid into a small huddle and laid there in each others embrace. They laid there and watched as the moon rose high in the sky for over an hour. By which time they all were cold and decide to retreat to the warmth of Mary's home. They walked into the room where Mary's bed was and looked it over. There was no way the four of us were going to fit on it together. Mary thought. Why did I just think that?

She blushed at the thought of sharing her bed with three other mares, especially one that was the daughter of her first crush from her child hood. "Sorry girls, I don't have a spare bed."

Maud walked over to the door. "I can sleep on the floor."

"NO!"

Three sets of eyes looked at Mary. She blushed from her sudden outburst. Coughing in her hoof she took a moment to compose herself. "I mean no, I won't let you sleep on the floor. There's more than enough room for us to share. If that's alright with all of you?"

"Trixie finds this acceptable." the azure unicorn said not missing beat.

Platinum nodded in agreement as did Maud.

"Well, I guess that settles that." She looked over to the bathroom. "Let's get ready for bed I guess."

For the next hour the three mares showered and prepared for bed. Once they were all finished they huddled together in the bed having the perfect amount of space for all of them to sleep comfortably. Mary took the farthest left end with Maud beside her and Trixie between Platinum and Maud.

"Good night girls." Trixie said nuzzling each of them.

"Goodnight." They all said together laying back into the comfy pillows.

Three of them fell asleep the instant their heads met the pillows. Trixie, however, stayed up for a few minutes looking out the window to Luna's moon. It was beautiful. She smiled looking at the moon brought her great comfort. Before closing her eyes she prayed that Luna would watch over them as they slept this night, protecting them from nightmares. After her short prayer she drifted to sleep in the warm covers with her newly formed pack of mares.

Trixie truly is the luckiest mare in the world. She thought falling into a deep sleep.

That night none of the mares had a bad dream but a shared dream of them having a picknick in a flowery field with small foals running about playing with them.

From afar in the dream, Luna watched smiling at the happy dream before vanishing into the dreamscape.

(Bonus Chapter) Letter to a Mother & Call to Arms (Final)

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*Later in Baltamare*

Deep in Baltamare, was a large stadium called the Neigh High Stadium holding a magic show. A large crowd had come with ponies as far from Las Pegasus, Canterlot, and Saddle Arabia. The stage was large taking nearly half a football field in size and around it was an auditorium style seating was arranged to accommodate the show.

The crowd was murmuring with anticipation for the upcoming show starring the famous Misty Veil and her stage assistant Turnover. Suddenly the lights dimmed and the crowd grew silent with only a few voices still speaking in hushed whispers. Then a loud voice boomed over the speakers in the stadium.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! Are you ready for a tale of mystery? Adventure? And most of all are you ready to have a good TIME!" The announcer's voice boomed over the audience.

The crowd cheered loudly to his question, stomping hooves echoes over the cheering shaking the auditorium. Ponies waved their hooves wildly and the voice had to redouble its efforts to overcome the crowds cheering.

The announcer grinned at the enthusiasm of the audience. He then stood on his back and waved a hoof to point behind him. "Then raise your hooves for the mysterious, and beautiful MISTY... VEIL!"

A large smoke cloud poofed on the center of the stage revealing a unicorn mare on her hind legs standing straight up with her arms at her side. She was cyan blue with long platinum and white streaked hair and tail. She wore a collared cape with a large emerald as the clasp and her hooves had little white cuffs. To her side was a brown unicorn with a apple turnover cutie mark, wearing a dark brown silk blouse. In the center of it was a star made out of seeds of her cutie mark. Her mane was black with grey streaks in it and she wore a top hat with a simple black vest and a white collar.

The first unicorn, Misty Veil, tapped a mic that was attached to her ear. A signal feedback sounded getting the crowds attention. She took a step forward with a smile that made everyone feel warm inside.

"Are you ready for a show of a lifetime?!"

Once again the crowd cheered echoing far beyond the stadiums walls. Misty and her assistant both grinned. Hook line and sinker. She thought to herself.

"Well, then let's get this show started! First I will start with one of the classics! A disappearing act!" The crowd cheered again clapping their hooves with anticipation. "I will now ask my beautiful assistant, Turnover to step into the door of nothingness!"

Trick after trick, Misty and Turnover went through their routine with no hassle and no mishaps. It brought smiles to all the ponies in Baltamare and in turn made the two thespian mares feel good about themselves. Misty and Turnover even had a short comedy act just before their big finisher.

Misty was just finishing with her last comic line with Turnover beside her. Both mares sat cross legged on stools with a mic held by a magical aura.

"- so I says to Turnover, 'I bet I know why you don't trust wheels, since they have a tendency to turn on you!'" Misty laughed at her friend.

The mare beside her frowned, pouting off to the side as the audience laughed at the story.

"Har, har, Misty. At least I had a love interest!." she paused waiting to give her punchline. "At least he knew how to get around, without directions."

"Yeah, cause all he did was take you around in circles! Face it love, you never went anywhere with him!" She swatted her leg with a hardy laugh. "I've seen dogs get farther chasing their tales than you did with that wheel!"

"At least I don't chase tails all the time Misty." The brown mare wiggled her eyebrows.

"OOOHH!" the audience sounded.

"... OK, you got me there! Misty!"

The crowd laughed at the two mares jokes and applauded by stampeding their hooves on the floor. The two performers stood up and took a bow to the crowd thanking them and blowing kisses to the. One stallion fell over, fainting when Turnover winked at him. Standing upright from the bow, the two mares tiptoed to the edge of the stage grinning to the crowd. Misty took the center while Turnover slinked off to the side.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! Thank you for coming tonight! Now for my last act, I will leave you in a dazzle with the greatest transformation you will ever see!" She cupped her hooves together looking over to her assistant. "Now, watch as I turn my assistant into an alicorn!"

She closed her eyes and the horn on her head glowed orange as Turnover became engulfed in a pink aura. Slowly she levitated off the ground and began to glow in a bright light. Turnover floated up as her body was covered in a dark pink aura. She shined brightly as two wings popped out from her back as she floated in place flapping them once.

She opened her eyes with a wide grin as she flew over the front row of the audience. Everypony 'ooh'd' and 'awwed' as she flew in a few circles and landed beside Misty.

The crowd cheered once again louder than it ever did before as the two mares took a last bow before the curtain closed over them.

***

After the show Misty and Turnover were in their trailer. Misty was brushing her mane while Turnover was in the shower. Misty placed her brush down looking over to the bathroom calling out to it.

"Turnover dear?"

"What?" Turnover called back from the shower.

"Where should we go to next? I was thinking of Las Pegasus again, but we go there all the time. What do you think?" Misty asked wiping her face with a damp towel.

The shower became silent. A minute later the door opened revealing the brown unicorn mare with her mane wrapped in a yellow towel. Turnover was rubbing her mane vigorously as she walked over sitting down on a nearby chair next to Misty.

"We always go there, let's go to Saddle Arabia! I hear the horses of that place know how to party!" Turnover said, hoof pumping.

"Well, I says we goes to Maneeticut. We hardly ever go there." Misty said, reaching for her horn.

She pulled at it a few times before it popped off and she set it to the side. Turnover brushed her mane aside and looked at where the prop horn had attached to her forehead. She giggled at the sight of a small miscolored section on Misty's head.

"Ha, ha, laugh it up, brownie." Misty said, smiling at the brown mare.

Placing a hoof over her chest, Turnover gave the cutest hurt look she could muster, making Misty roll her eyes, as she feigned hurt from the mars words.

"Oh! Misty! Why would you say such hurtful things to little old me?" She said laying over her lap in a fainting position.

Misty patted the mares head leaning down and kissing her nose, then gave it a swift lick. The brown mare yelped shooting straight up rubbing her nose.

"EWEWEWEWEW! Why did you do that!?" Turnover yelped, pushing away playfully from the earth pony and running away from her as Misty gave chase.

"Get away you sicko!" Turnover yelled, playfully swatting at her lover.

Misty grinned like a predator as she found herself cornering the fleeing mare at the end of the trailer. She slowly inched forward seeing the brown mare was on the large bed in the back.

"Oh this will be fun." she hungrily hummed as she inched closer to the brown mare.

Turnover looked behind her seeing the bed she was standing on she looked back to Misty with a warning look. "Don't you dare Misty! Don'tyoudDAREEAHH!"

She screamed as the blue pony leapt on her licking her face affectionately. She tried as hard as she could to push the pony away but it was no use. Misty was simply too strong for her. Finally giving up her struggle Turnover just allowed the earth pony to lick her, which turned into grooming a short time later.

As the earth pony groomed her unicorn mate, she contemplated her reaction as she always did. Turnover loved to be groomed and pampered, yet simply licking the mare grossed her out. It made no sense. Not bothering to bring the subject up, again, Misty continued to groom her mate when a loud pop sound caught her attention.

Mid lick, she fled her tongue against the mare's neck looking over to the table she sat at earlier. There on top of her fan mail was a single scroll with a wax seal on it. Only one pony used the method that scroll traveled, and it wasn't somepony she expected to hear from so soon.

She must have something really important to say to be sending me a letter like this. Misty thought eyeing the scroll. Oh! What if she's hurt!

A brown hoof poked her neck, and she looked down to see Turnover frowning pointing at her neck.

"Don't stop." she pleaded, rolling over to expose her belly. "Can I have a belly rub sweetie?"

Misty kissed her mate once in the belly and with a series of kisses she lead up the mares thigh to her hip, all the way up her chest to her neck, then finally to her lips.

"Sorry love, but I have to see this letter." Misty said.

Misty rolled off the bed much to Turnovers bane. She saw the scroll Misty had picked up, breaking the seal and unrolled it to read it.

She turned over on her belly and twirled her hair as she watched Misty read her letter. A good minute later she grew impatient and yelled over to Misty, "Who's it from, dear?"

But Misty didn't respond, her hoof shook as tears ran down her face. She turned, surprising Turnover as she began to pack the trailer, preparing to travel. The brown unicorn quirked an eyebrow at the frantic mare running around the trailer.

"Love, what is it? Who sent the letter?" she asked, walking over to the discarded letter, reading it. Her eyes widened at the name at the end of the letter. "TRIXIE?!"

The mare running around circled past her mate as she threw a few boxes and props into a chest to the side of her desk smiling with great joy.

"Finally! After all these years, my baby girl is opening up to me! Oh, how I've dreamed of this day! But I never in my wildest dreams thought she'd come to me first! Isn't it great Turnover?!" She yelled startling her mate. "Finally we can put the past behind us and move forward! I knew she'd grow out of it eventually! Come on pack up we leave immediately!"

"Where are we going?" Turnover asked poking her head out the window.

Misty grinned looking back as she placed her horn on and donned a cloak and hat similar to Trixie's but this set had shooting stars on it. "We head for Ponyville!" she declared darting out the door hitching herself to the trailer. Without so much as a warning she went off like a shot dragging the trailer behind her as she headed west to her destination, and her daughter.

*Meanwhile in the Badlands*

A unicorn in plate armor and a full helmet stumbled around atop a large spire of stone. Several black creatures in similar armor to his buzzed as they hovered around him and the spire. One landed beside him as he gave off a deep throat growl at the light emanating from the distance.

He could sense a great evil power there, one that the creatures beside him feared. He feared nothing, but this power was beyond even his abilities. He looked out as a second power toppled over the former. This one radiated love. He growled again as the black creatures basked in the light, as if absorbing it.

When the light died down he flinched as he looked to the side tapping his helmet a few times. Listening. The creature beside him looked over at the large unicorn pony as his horn lit up.

"What izz it sire?" it asked. "Izz it the Queen?"

"Worse." he responded. "The hierarchs. They have grown impatient, we can delay no longer! Assemble the troops immediately!"

The black creatures, all cringed as their holey hooves trembled in fear of the pony. The one beside the stallion buzzed scared as he stepped up to him.

"Bu-but what if the darkness infection defiles the sacred spire?"

"I CARE NOT FOR YOUR LITTLE LIFE!" He growled, gripping his hoof around the poor creature's neck. "Open, the chamber."

He then threw it to the floor as it scrambled off as two large doors beneath the spire opened. He leapt from his spot on the spire falling a few hundred meters landing with a loud mechanical kuthunk! He looked over the horizon as a disembodied voice echoed over the land from the chamber.

Crystals...

"The dark infection." He said drawing his arm to the side creating an energy sword. He then marched deep in the spire with all the creatures at his side as they closed the doors behind them sealing themselves in.

Crystals...

Start of the Sixth Day Love in the Morning (Final)

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Trixie rolled over under the covers feeling warm. Happy. She was happy again. For the first time in a long time since she met Maud she was happy. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking a few times as her sight slowly returned. She saw Platinum beside her snuggled beside her, and behind her was Mary sandwiched between her and Maud. All of them were still asleep, Platinum snoring lowly.

Trixie slowly turned over to take a good look at Mary. The tan mare snooze on and Trixie couldn't help but caress her bangs to the side and rub her cheek. She gave a soft moan grabbing the hoof in her sleep and kissed it gently. Mary then opened her eyes to see Trixie looking her.

"Good morning, darling." she pulled Trixie's hoof down kissing it twice more.

"Morning Mary. How did you sleep last night?" Trixie whispered in response.

The two slid closer together, Mary pulled Trixie close wrapping her arms around her waist, and kissed her lip to lip. A few kisses later, Trixie smiled at Mary gently licking her nose, getting the mare to grin back. Mary then responded with a kiss on her muzzle.

"Gosh you two are noisy." a voice groaned making the two jump slightly.

Maud awoke from the sudden jolt and yawned silently. Platinum stifled a giggle as Mary and Trixie glared at her for interrupting their tender moment. She looked the two glaring at her and put on an innocent face pouting.

"What? I don't get any love." she said sadly reaching for them.

Maud now leaned looking over Mary at the three of the, her face as blank as ever.

"Morning." she greeted them.

"Morning Maud." Both Trixie and Mary said turning away from Platinum to hug the grey mare.

The silver unicorn scoffed at the utter rejection and crawled over to them.

"Come on girls, I was just kidding!" she pleaded nosing Mary in the back. "Can I get hugs?"

All three mares ignored her and group hugged leaving her with open arms and a frown on her face. They looked back at her after a few seconds, allowing her to join in, making her smile.

"Well, come on ladies," Mary nodded jumping off the bed, "We should get ready for the day. Lot's to do. Oh, and Trixie?"

The unicorn cringed at how sweetly her name was called by the tan mare. "Yes, love?"

Mary's eyes narrowed at her. "Care to join me in making breakfast?"

"Does Trixie have to?"

"Only if, 'she' wants to eat to day." Mary sang skipping out of the room with Platinum at her heels.

Trixie remained behind falling back into the bed with a soft thump. She bounced twice as she fit the soft plush covers. Maud looked down at her with her usual blank expression. She looked at the grey mare giving her a fox grin.

"Hey Maud."

"Morning, little moon."

The two leaned into a kiss, Maud rolled over the blue mare laying atop of her. The two held on for a good minute just kissing. When they both couldn't hold on any longer they broke gasping for breath. They laid in the bed for a period of time neither saying a word. Maud finally forced herself from the comfy bed and trotted out of the room.

Stopping at the doorway she looked over back to Trixie who was lazing about in the bed.

"Come on Trixie. It's time to get up."

Trixie groaned in response, flopping on the bed like a grumpy teenager. "Maud, Trixie doesn't want toooo. She's tired."

Maud gave her an uncharacteristic smile. "Well, then you should have thought of that before using the amulet a second time, little moon."

Trixie scoffed turning her nose up to the mare.

"Fine! Trixie will get up but only if you help her! Hump!"

Maud slowly walked over to the mare standing right beside the bed. "You mean like this?"

She suddenly yanked the bed sheet from under Trixie and made her flop to the floor with a heavy, thud.

"That wasn't funny Maud!" she yelled up from her prone position.

"I don't know, little moon. I thought it was pretty funny." she said, turning and walking out from the room.

She glanced back winking at her before leaving the room. The disgruntled mare grumbled standing up from the floor. She rubbed her head, having fallen on it, she mumbled under her breath promising vengeance on Maud later. Finally gathering herself, she walked over to the mirror in the bathroom and saw her mane was a mess.

She pulled out Mary's brush and absent minded started to brush her mane. She stopped to inspect the brush and saw a few strands of grey and oink in the brushes bristles. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and inspected her mane.

The silvery hairs glistened in the sun light, making it look like pure sterling silver threads. Trixie prided herself in her beautiful mane. If anything went wrong with her mane before today, she would have been devastated. Now, she didn't mind so much. Placing the brush down, her mane still a tangled mess, she exited the bathroom and the bedroom heading out into the kitchen.

Maud sat at the table with all the dishes and silverware out, Mary and Platinum were in the kitchen chatting away while making breakfast. She slipped over to the table where Maud was sitting. With a flick of her tail, she struck Maud in the nose making her scrunch up her nose.

Trixie gave her a sweet smile mouthing, 'Sorry' as she walked by sitting on the chair next to her.

"Morning sleepy head." Mary sang walking over to hug the blue mare.

She was wearing a bright pink apron with a darker pink heart in it with the word love on it. Trixie thought it was the silliest thing she'd ever seen.

"Morning Mary." she hugged her back.

"Morning Maud."

"Morning Mary." The two hugged.

"Hope you're all hungry, Platinum and I made a wonderful breakfast!" she walked back to the kitchen.

Platinum was wiggling her rump to a tune she and Mary hummed as they put the last touches to the food.

Once it was ready the four mares sat together eating hearty for the day. Mary and Trixie were talking about work as they ate, they had a lot to catch up on after everything that happened the last few days.

"So at 2 pm we need to talk to Daisy and Rose luck about the flower permits they'll need for the next season. Then we need to finalize the documents with Vinyl and Miss Von Clef."

"Right, got it down." Trixie said scribbling on her notepad.

She placed the pen down and brought her toast over with a knife and put some grape jelly on it. She took a bite chewing the delicious mixture of bread toasted to perfection with just the right amount of jelly.

Everyone ate while the two made plans for their day. Maud and Platinum decided to go into town today to see if anyone needed help repairing after last night's tussle.

"So Platinum? Wanna tell us about your horn?' Maud asked casually eating her hay bacon.

All three mares stopped eating staring at Maud. Then all eyes turned on Platinum, in all the chaos it slipped their minds that she was even using magic last night. She fidgeted uncomfortably under their gaze trying to become as small as possible in her chair.

'Yeah, I was wondering that myself?" Mary looked at the cowering silvery mare. "I thought everypony in your family was an earth pony?"

Platinum cringed lowering her head trying to hold back tears. Mary scooted closer reaching out to touch her, she flinched pulling away making her retract her hoof cautiously.

"You can tell us Platinum, none of us will tell anypony what we hear." Mary offered.

She eyed her wearily before looking to the others. They all offered warm smiles nodding for her to go on.

"Well you see I was the child of a stallion my mother was having an affair with when father was away." She said sighing.

Mary and Trixie both looked ashamed forcing her to tell them something that was clearly very personal. Maud; however, remained stoic as every.

"Dear you don't have to tell us if you don't want too." Mary said holding her hoof with hers.

Platinum nodded and continue to eat silently once she finished she excused herself and went back to the bedroom to rest feeling sick from the thoughts of her past. Maud followed to keep her company while Trixie and Mary left to head for Town Hall. Maud told them she'd meet up with them later once she'd spoken to Platinum in private.

Now on their way to Town Hall, Mary rambled on about her meetings that were put off during the week.

"I can't believe I put so much on hold because of what happened." She said to Trixie as they walked through town.

"Trixie agrees madam mayor, but it wasn't your fault. As mayor, it was your obligation to help others when need be."

"No Trixie," Mary said, turning to face the unicorn. "I did it for selfish reasons. I wanted to help you. So, I wavered on my duties as mayor and focused only on you and not what I was suppose to do."

She looked down in shame as ponies greeted her, but frowned at Trixie. She noticed this and saw Trixie was uncomfortable by the harsh words from the other ponies.

"Don't worry Trixie. You saved Twilight Sparkle and saved all the ponies in Ponyville." She spoke so softly that the azure mare barely heard her. She walked up to her and kissed her muzzle making her blush from the public display of affection. "Don't worry Trixie, you are a hero no matter what they say. I'll make sure they know."

But Trixie wasn't having it. She didn't want fame or fortune anymore. No, all she wanted was her three mares by her side. That and that alone was enough to satisfy her for a lifetime.

She returned Mary's affection with a kiss of her own, on the mare's nose. "Fear not my love. For you are all Trixie needs. No manner of fame or words could fulfill the void in Trixie's heart as you and the others have."

Mary smiled nodding to her mate. A brief hug later and they returned to their trek to Town Hall. There they found a line on angry ponies around the front of the hall. Many were barring entry for them, others surrounded them harassing Trixie and the mayor alike.

"This is going to be a long day." Mary groaned.

"It's fine Mary." Trixie Said, feeling a bit nervous at the crowd around Town Hall.

Sixth Day Meeting of Friends and Mother (Final)

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As Trixie and Mary tried to pass through the crowd of ponies, they found themselves surrounded by them unable to advance further. The door was just within sight but out of reach. Mary could tell Trixie felt scared by all the threats thrown her way, as well as the occasional object. But then something truly awful happened.

Somewhere in the crowd a brick came flying over them striking Mary in the chest knocking her over. She let out a pained scream as the red brick fell to the floor with a loud clunk.

"Who threw that!?" Trixie yelled out to the crowd calling out the pony who threw it.

She focused all her energy into her horn and created a focused blast, not to hurt ponies, but gently shove them aside. As the ponies slid Trixie ran to Mary and used her magic to carry the downed mare to the office. Once inside Trixie quickly and precisely placed the closed sign on the door shutting it before the mob got in.

A moment later, a blue hoof came out with a second sign saying: Entry by appointment only!

Sighing Trixie knelt down looking at Mary's side. She had taken Mary over to her desk and sat her down in her leather chair. A small but noticeable bruise had formed around her rib cage on her left side. She tenderly rubbed it making Mary groan at the touch.

"Sorry." Trixie pulled away quickly. "Trixie's sorry, this is all her fault."

"Trixie," she looked up from her sitting position.

"No Mary, it is my fault this time. I put on the amulet a second time." She sighed sitting beside the tn mare. "I thought I'd need it but..." she trailed off leaving her thought unfinished.

Mary leaned back in the chair, making it creak from the added pressure. The leather rubbed against her back making a rubbery noise. She gave Trixie a thoughtful look as she wrote a note and placed it on the desk. She then stood up and tapped her on the back.

"Don't worry Trixie." she said, rubbing her back. "I'll be in my office getting things ready. I'll be expecting the first of our appointments soon. Do what you can."

The blue mare nodded cracking a small smile across her lips.

Mary retreated to her office and sent a letter to Twilight. The contents of the letter said that her library was to be used as a junction point to teleport anypony who had an appointment to Town Hall. Twilight happily agreed and sent various ponies to town Hall over the course of the day.

By late noon, most of the appointments had been complete, leaving only two appointments left. The first was the meeting with Octavia and Vinyl who were due to arrive in about an hour.

in the meantime Trixie busied herself by catching up with some reading from her Daring Do book. She had left off in a particularly 'engaging part' where Ahuizotl was about to finally kill Daring, but as luck would have it, her young sidekick saved her. Now she was getting to the escape.

Daring Do and The Temple of Zhertva
-as they ran through the temple Ahuizotl laughed as Daring and Hotluck, her unicorn assistant, ran through dodging trap after trap. Upon coming upon a great chamber, Daring took flight carrying Hotluck with her. Just then an arrow flew through the air. The feathers whistling doom as it lead try to Daring's wing.
The arrow penetrated the base of her wing sending her tumbling down with Hotluck both rolling to a halt. Daring groaned taking in her surroundings. At the center of the massive chamber was a large pit of thirty some feet down with lava at the bottom. Above suspended was an iron cage held up by a sturdy looking chain. At the head was a large pedestal with a stone path that lead to the pit, and presumably the cage.
Around her the followers of Ahuizotl surrounded them taking Hotluck into chains. She watched in her daze as they dragged him to the center pit and lowered the cage. Seeing what they were doing, Daring summoned all her strength to stop them, but found her body unresponsive. She pulled out the arrow and sniffed it. The scent of blood hit her sense of smell, but so did another more subtle hint of something.
"Ah, I see you are suffering the ill effects of my newly developed toxin, Daring." Ahuizotl cackled as he revealed himself at the top of the pedestal. "And I see your friend has volunteered himself to our cause. Good thing too, the timing is perfect."
He raised his arm revealing a serpentine armband on his arm and an identical one placed on Hotluck. The poor unicorn was gagged but that didn't stop him from headbutting two of the blue menaces henchmen. After getting the armband on him, he was pushed off as Daring Do was tied and forced to watch.
Hotluck, started to panic. His magic was doing him no good here. The was able to free himself from his binds but only to find himself trapped with nowhere to run. He ran back and forth struggling to break free, but to no avail.
"Hahaha! You foolish boy! You should have stayed away." He sneered taking an stone statue in the shape of a King Cobra and placed it in his satchel.
"So good to see you one last time, Daring Do! HAHAHA! Leave her here." he ordered his henchmen who obeyed.
One of them however, stopped to question his boss's motives. "Uh, sir? Why not throw her in?"
"Because she will die here with him no matter what." He said confidently. "The world's destruction may be at stake, but she'd throw it away for him. She cares for him too much."
The henchmen shrugged and with his partners carried Daring to the edge of the pit and left her there. She struggled against her binds and managed to get her mouth moving again, the toxin was potent but short lived.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS AHUIZOTL!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "YOU MARK MY WORDS IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM I'LL-"
"You'll what? Sacrifice him to stop me?" he asked knowing Daring had no quip to this dilemma.
Oh, did he love to see the look of horror on her face. The thought that she'd have to decide between her lover and the entire world? She wouldn't be able to decide, and by the time she did he would be long gone and she'd be dead with him. For when the sacrificial cage was lowered with someone inside the temple, which was built on a volcano would erupt granting the bearer of the armbands power beyond imagine.
And it would all be his. With it he could rule the world and nopony would be able to stop him. And if Daring managed to survive, well, his newfound power would see her to her death. She watched, unable to act as Ahuizotl left with his followers and was forced to watch as Hotluck was lowered to his doom.
Finally breaking free from her binds and her mobility back, she took off chasing the slowly lowering cage trying to open it. But he lock was too complex for her lock picking skills. panic took her as she flew around the cage searching for a way to save Hotluck. Hotluck was in no better condition. He too struggled against the cage trying to open it but neither made a dent.
"Daring try and stop the cage at the controls!" the unicorn shouted getting her attention.
"What controls?" the golden pegasus asked flying to him.
"The controls behind the pedestal! That's where it is!" he yelled to her.
She nodded flying to behind the pedestal, but to her horror the lever was broken with a note. Ahuizotl knew she'd figure it out, he always was good at planning ahead. But this time... this time she was going to end him.
"AHUIZOTLLLLLLLL!!" she raged to the sky stomping the note several times.
She choked back a sob, falling to her knees, knowing she wouldn't be able to save Hotluck and the world together. If she stayed it would mean Ahuizotl would win the world, but she'd have to sacrifice poor Hotluck to do so. So, she did.
Flying to him he was happy to see her, but when he notice the cage didn't slow or stop he frowned.
-

Trixie stopped reading to compose herself. This chapter in the story reminded her too much of her father. Though the love was different, the idea of losing somepony close to you made it hard for her to read on. Putting that aside she continued to read on, wiping her tears away.

-he frowned.
Daring just watched as the cage lowered deeper into the pit. When he saw her, she looked so sad. It broke her heart to have to say the next words, but she had to say something.
"Hotluck." she cried reaching into the cage touching his hoof. "I'm... sniff, I'm so, sorry."
He gave her an angry scowl. He didn't want to hear this.
"This isn't funny Daring! Get me out of here! please!" he pleaded to her.
He grabbed both her hooves with his pulling her into a kiss. They held it until Daring realized it was time to let him go. She looked into his eyes with complete determination, and when he saw her eyes he knew her mind was concluded. He was to die here, alone without her.
"You-you aren't gonna leave me here to die? Are you?" he sobbed. Then he went into a full panic, he reached for Daring who flapped her wings to just out of reach. "YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME HERE!"
'I'm sorry, hotluck. I can't save you and I can't sacrifice the world to that monster." she replied crying, not holding her emotions back. "I tried bu-but-but the controls where, sniff, sniff... the controls are gone. I can't save you."
"You said you wouldn't abandon me! You can't go back on your word!" Hotluck screamed at her in a rage.
"I'm sorry, Hotluck but I can't live knowing I gave the world to that monster to destroy. You understand. I know you do." she said looking away from him, not able to bare the devastation in his eyes. "just-just know that I love you, and Ahuizotl WILL pay for this. I promise."
With that she took off flying through a funnel opening overhead. Hotluck cried her name several times but she didn't look back. Not once.
"Daring! Daring! DARING! Please come back!" he screamed kicking the cage. He then leapt from side to side hitting it with all his strength but realized he couldn't escape. "Nononono, it can't end like this. Oh, please don't let it end like this."
He cried as the first bits of the cage hit the lava sinking it slowly, but surely down to his doom. He gripped the cage desperately trying to climb out of reach of the liquid inferno beneath him. Though in his mind, he knew he was doomed, and nothing was going to change that.
"Daring please. Don't let me die alone.." he yelped as his tail lit on fire from initial contact. "Nononono! Daring! Help me please! HELP!"
As his lower legs slipped they fell into the liquid fire, burning him instantly causing him to scream in pain like a wild animal. His pleas turned into babbling as he could barely make cognitive sentences from the burning pain of melting and burning at the sametime. As his body slowly became devoured by the lava he reached out and with his dying breath cried out to the one who he loved more than anything in the world.
He knew it wasn't a selfish reason she left him to die, but it still didn't stop him from wishing he'd listened to her and stay ed home for this one and with his last breath he cried out to the mare that left him behind.
"DARRRRIINNGGGGG!"
***
From outside, the temple erupted into a blaze of lava and rock. This sent debris all over the tiny island and from her vantage point, Daring heard Hotluck's pleas to his dying breath. Each word stung like a sword to her heart as she was filled with sorrow. That sorrow became regret, then that regret became unbridled anger and hate.
She looked out towards the sea, as a small speck was just out of the blast area from the volcano. Daring' eyes narrowed with murderous intent, as she rocketed recklessly to the speck heading to the sea. A sonic cone formed around her as she broke the visible spectrum and propelled her faster than the speed of sound charging the dot as it became larger and the dot became recognizable as a boat.
On the top was the blue furred menace that took her loved one away from her and made her watch helplessly as he died. No, she wasn't even give [it]that. She was forced to watch from afar where she couldn't even comfort Hotluck in his last moments. Instead he died, alone, afraid, abandoned. She was going to kill Ahuizotl, oh there was no doubt. However, she was going to make him suffer, long before she gave him the sweet relief of death. She'd make him wish he'd thrown her into the pit with Hotluck.
With burning fury as a rainbow trail flowed behind her, she flew straight for the blue menace, her hooves ready to break everything attached to him from top to bottom. When he looked behind to see the destruction of the island, Ahuizotl noticed Daring flying at them with great speed. He ordered his ponies to prepare to fight. What he didn't know was what was in store for him.
"AHUIZOTL!"

Trixie closed the book, unable to read anymore. She sobbed at the sad ending for Hotluck and Daring Do when she noticed two familiar ponies watching her with concerned looks in their eyes, Octavia and Vinyl. She quickly wiped her tears away and tried to compose herself before addressing the two mares.

"Augh- sorry about that." she said straightening herself up in her seat. "You're early she said looking to her clock.

"Vinyl wanted to show up early for once." Octavia said sarcastically. "I can never get her to do it on her own, so I was happy when she decided to actually show up to something early."

The grey mare looked to her blue friend. "Are you, OK Trixie?"

She nodded pointing at the book. Vinyl and Octavia both looked at the book and instantly knew what set her off.

Vinyl picked up the book and read the title. "Yeah, that book was very sad and depressing. Octy. cried for the whole day after that, Lucky guy died, or something."

"It's Hotluck Vinyl!" Octavia scolded her friend taking the book and covered protectively.

She then realized she was holding the book like such a fan girl, Trixie and Vinyl stared at her bemused. Blushing, Octavia placed the book down and adjusted her bowtie. "Ahem, well glad to see we brought up your spirits Miss Lulamoon.

Trixie giggled, her sadness now a thing of the past, and she walked up to Mary's office. "Right this way ladies." Trixie said knocking at Mary's door,.

"Enter."

The door opened with a loud creak as Trixie opened it gently trying not to unhinge it. "Madam mayor, Miss Melody and Miss Scratch are here to see you."

At her desk, Mary was hard at work scribbling down on a parchment which was atop several documents. She had several piles behind her at least two feet higher than her desk. Trixie knew most of them were complaints about last night's battle, and the subsequent damage. The tan mare looked up from her pile and sighed gesturing for the mares to enter.

As Trixie let them in she turned to leave, but Mary called out to her, stopping her. "Miss Lulamoon, please remain."

"Uh, yes madam mayor." she complied sitting in a chair beside Octavia with Vinyl sitting a the left most end.

"Glad you two could make it. Sorry about putting this meeting on hold for so long." The politician pony apologized to her guests.

Vinyl, always in good spirits even in the worst of times, chuckled to herself. "Think nothing of it. After yesterday I think it's all good."

"Vinyl you really should be more serious about this!" Octavia chided her. "You need the money to get the house started but we're still short even with the extra time from, yesterday." she said cautiously.

Trixie rolled her eyes at the earth pony, waving her hoof dismissively. "It's fine. Trixie is over it."

"Really Trixie?" Vinyl asked incredulously, earning a bonk to her noggin by a grey hoof. "What?" she asked annoyed.

Octavia sighed with a facehoof as did Mary. Vinyl had that effect on ponies. Trixie simply shook her head at the silly mare.

"Well, all joking aside I believe Miss Lulamoon had something she wanted to tell us." Mary said looking at the blue mare.

All eyes went on Trixie as she looked bewildered at the sudden attention. She hadn't said she needed to tell them anything and began thinking about anything she'd forgotten. A minute later it dawned on her that she'd forgotten to finalize the money order with the Mayor so Vinyl could begin building her soundproof shed/house.

Trixie grinned excusing herself and ran to her desk. Mary smiled as the other two ponies watched the unicorn run off suddenly, wondering what she was up to. A minute later Trixie returned with a large sack. She levitated it over to Vinyl who took it with her magical aura shaking the sack.

"What is it Trixie?" she asked eyeing the sack suspiciously.

"Open to silly." Trixie giggled watching Vinyl open the sack as a large gem fell out. It was the largest Fire Heart Ruby she'd ever seen. Taking off her glasses, she rubbed her eyes to make sure they were indeed working. Seeing as it was real Vinyl squealed in delight hugging Trixie in a death crush of a hug.

"AWW, THANKS TRIXIE! I LOVE IT!" she released her eyeing the ruby. "This has got to be at least 20 karats!"

Octavia gasped at the sight of the red gem. Holding her hooves to her mouth in shock, she too inspected the large gem. "This has to be worth a small fortune! Trixie where did you get it?"

The unicorn in question, leaned back in her chair dusting herself casually like it was nothing. "Well, the Great and Powerful Trixie-"

"Oh good lord." Mary gave an exasperated sigh.

Trixie glared at her mate before continuing, "As Trixie was saying, it was a reward for her services at the Pie Family Rock Farm. Trixie's mate Maud brought it to her."

"Your mate?" Octavia inquired.

she nodded. "Yes one of Trixie's mates."

"Trixie, I hardly think calling us mates is accurate." Mary chimed in.

Vinyl and Octavia looked at one another shocked by what they just heard. Vinyl was first to recover grinning, she leaned back in the chair extending a hoof over to Trixie.

"Nice work there Trixie. How many you got?"

"Vinyl! That's rude!"

"It's fine Miss Von Cleff." Trixie said calming the mare, before hoof bumping Vinyl. "Three."

"Ugh. Trixie..." Mary shook her head as did Octavia.

"That being a moot point, " Mary continued on ignoring Trixie and Vinyls childish display. "We now have the funds necessary to begin building the soundproof building for Miss Scratch. So here, are the final papers I need you both to sign."

She pulled out a small stack of papers hoofing them over to the two mares to sign. A few minutes later they finished signing the last of the papers and offered them back to Mary. Both happy to finally get what they needed. Vinyl was happy to finally be able to get her own place where she could make her music and not have to worry about waking the neighbors, but most importantly not anger her roommate.

For Octavia, it was reassurance that there would always be peace and quiet in her house, and best of all, she didn't have to feel guilty for kicking Vinyl out. Of course that didn't mean she couldn't hold this above her to get the unicorn to do a favor now and then.

"Well, I think that's it. Miss Von Cleff, Miss Scratch if there's nothing else Trixie can see you out."

"Actually mayor, there is one other thing." Octavia said raising a hoof.

"Please." Mary gestured for her to continue. Vinyl looked very nervous.

"What exactly happened last night? We saw the mob at the entry way and had to fight to get inside, only to find a note on the door saying to go to the library to teleport back here." she then looked over to Vinyl who nodded in agreement. "The ponies outside were saying awful things about Miss Lulamoon. That she used the amulet again as a grab for power and that she tried to kill the Elements of Harmony. It isn't true is it?"

Before Mary had a chance to react, Vinyl smacked the chair arm making all of them jump.

"Of course it's not true, Octy!" Vinyl said, taking her shades off and placed them on the tale.

Twice in one day. Octavia thought. Vinyl never took her shades off unless something important was going on. To Octavia, who knew her nearly from childbirth, it was a sign she was serious.

"Octy, you know it's not true. Look at her now!" the white unicorn waved to Trixie who blushed at the confidence her friend had in her.

"Thanks Vinyl." she said walking over punching the unicorn in the shoulder.

She grinned and swatted back at Trixie. Both mares giggled, Trixie sat back in her seat. Octavia looked at her like she was the oddest mare in Equestria.

Mary sighed shaking her head, again. "The stories of Trixie are greatly exaggerated, Miss Von Cleff."

To her credit, Octavia, took the mayor at her word and left at that. She knew the rumors and stories about Trixie were exaggerated. She knew Trixie wouldn't do the things they said for selfish reasons.

"Trixie, sorry I’m didn't mean to sound like I was trying to accuse you of anything." Octavia said to the unicron looking down.

"It's fine Octavia."

After that the four had a short chat, retelling of the previous night's events, and at the end Vinyl and Octavia were in awe at the unicorn and Mary.

"So you have powers that can rival the Elements of Harmony?" Vinyl asked excited.

"We aren't sure Vinyl." Trixie replied.

"Well regardless of that I'm glad the armbands appeared when they did." Mary chimed in.

"It was truly spectacular!" Trixie cheered. "It all started when the alicorn amulet-"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

"What in heaven's name is that!?!" Mary cried running for the front of town hall, the other mares behind her.

Outside the crowd of ponies were no longer facing the hall, but at a rather large trailer rolling up with a brown unicorn pulling it. She was taller than Big Mac by at least a foot, her mane and tail were dark blonde, her eyes were emerald green and she wore a silk skirt with a small black dress vest. Her cutie mark was that of an apple turnover.

Her horn glowed several times as she forced ponies apart so she could travel through them with the trailer.

"Come on you ponies! Move it along I gots a meeting to gets to!" The mare yelled, pushing a group of mares to the side.

She continued unhindered until she spotted a familiar blue pony behind three mares. She smiled and redoubled her effort to get to the unicorn cutting a path st right for her.

"Trixie!" she called waving to the unicorn.

All eyes turned to Trixie, who looked embarrassed. The brown unicorn mare stopped and unlatched herself from the trailer and ran up hugging the young mare.

"Oh, Trixie! It's so good to see you again you little shit!!" The mare cried spinning with the unicorn in her death grip hug.

"Gah! It's good to see you too Turnover." she gasped trying to breath. She was put down by Turnover, looking past her at the trailer. "So, is mom here?"

As if on cue an explosion of smoke appeared behind Turnover. Once the smoke cleared it revealed a tall slender cyan blue unicorn with a long platinum and white streaked hair and tail. She wore a collared cape with a large emerald as the clasp and her hooves had little white cuffs. Her cape and hat had a similar design to Trixie's old cape and hat, but had shooting stars instead of regular stars.

Everypony gasped at the sight of the two titanic mares, parting for her to pass as she made her way to Trixie. She walked with such grace it made other mares feel envious of her. Plus, she was beautiful. While all the ponies gawked at her, Trixie simply watched as she approached. Standing over the azure unicorn, the tall blue mare smiled leaning down to kiss her on the cheek, which Trixie returned with a kiss to her cheek.

"It's good to see you again Trixie." The mare said looking down at her.

"It's good to see you too, mother." Trixie replied in a dry tone, Maud would have been proud.

Sixth Day Great and Powerful Mother Part 1 (Final)

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There was a dead silence as the two azure ponies stared at each other. Mary was awestruck by the tall mares beauty, when what transpired registered in her mind. Did Trixie just say,mother? She thought stepping beside Trixie.

"Trixie, sweetheart," Mary wrapped an arm around her. "Did you just call this mare, your mother?"

She nodded silently, not taking her eyes off the tall unicorn.

"THIS is your mother?" she asked pointing to the colossal mare.

"Yes Mary this is Trixie's mother, Misty Veil." she introduced the blue mare.

"Nice to meet you," Misty said bowing to the mayor, "And you are?"

"Mary Goldmane. Mayor of Ponyville and Trixie's..."

Mary paused and looked over to the unicorn wondering what to say. Trixie responded by kissing her cheek making her blush. "Tr-Trxi- I mean Miss Lulamoon! Really?! In public!?"

Trixie shrugged leaning into Mary's side. The tan pony puffed her cheeks looking off to the side. Everypony else was watching, wondering how Trixie was related to this mare and what she was doing here. Misty regarded them and decided she didn't like them eyeing her. She turned to Turnover leaning to whisper something into her ear.

The pony named Turnover nodded and walked off taking the trailer eastwards. Misty walked over to Mary and Trixie.

"Might I suggest we take this meeting elsewhere, madam mayor? If that's alright with you?" She asked.

"Sorry, but we can't," she responded looking up to her, being considerably smaller. "But we have another appointment due to show in a while. Perhaps we can schedule you for later?" Mary offered.

Misty chuckled pulling out a letter. She showed it to Mary who stared at it. "I believe I was the pony who was scheduled to meet you here." Misty said pointing to the time. It was in fact the right time and place she said she'd meet them.

"Oh!"

"Sorry, mom, but Tri-I didn't know it was you who was coming," Trixie said, wrapping her tail around Mary's.

"It's fine dear, we have much to discuss." Misty looked at the crowd which had returned to insulting and scowling at them. She grinned at the sight. "You've drawn quite the crowd, sweetie."

Mary gritted her teeth at the crowd as chatter of Trixie made it's way to her ears. Insults and threats murmured across the crowd some saying she was an evil temptress, a villain, worse yet they called her a harbinger of chaos and death. Misty gave a bemused look.

"Perhaps we should take this elsewhere madam mayor." Misty offered.

"Oh, of course. Lets walk into my office..."

"Sorry, madam mayor but I was thinking of a more neutral site." Misty opened a portal behind her beckoning Trixie and her to enter. "Please."

Without so much as batting an eyelash, Trixie went into the portal followed by Mary close behind. Misty gave a small chuckle as the crowd watched and she entered herself. The portal fell into itself and vanished with a loud pop sound, leaving a dumbstruck crowd in front of town hall.

Meanwhile Turnover was sitting inside the trailer sipping on an apple cider when a disk portal appeared nearby. The violet portal opened from a beam that spun clockwise into a full disk as three ponies entered. Turnover saw two familiar ponies and one new one, a tan earth pony she wasn't expecting.

When she saw Trixie however, she began to feel uneasy. The last time they saw each other Trixie was a small filly and it wasn't a good prating. The blue unicorn gave her an uneasy smile and waved her hoof at her, Turnover waved back straining a smile. This is going to be a long day. They both thought.

"Hi Turnover. Looking good?"

"Trixie."

The following silence was extremely awkward for all present. Misty decided to break the ice and proceed with introductions. "Turnover this is the mayor of Ponyville, madam mayor this is my mate Turnover."

"A pleasure." the tan pony said offering her hoof.

"Likewise mayor." Turnover shook her hoof with Mary's.

Misty cracked a smile at her daughter, who for her part looked really upset.

"Please have a seat you two." the tall mare offered. Misty then went and sat across the table next to Turnover, Trixie sat across from her mother and Mary sat beside her. "Would you like a drink?"

The two nodded and Misty went to get each pony a cider, and refilled Turnovers.

"Thanks love."

Trixie fidgeted uncomfortably while Mary held her hoof under the table trying to calm her. Misty and Turnover, though they hid it well, here in no better condition. Misty was terrified by what her daughter might say and Turnover was worried for Misty's mental state of mind. Not willing to wait any longer, Misty decided to ask the one question everyone was waiting for her to ask.

"So, Trixie?"

The sudden address to herself made Trixie nearly jump.

"Yes mother?" Trixie replied hastily.

"What did you want to talk about, and where's your father? I wanted to speak to him." Misty looked out the window room her trailer to see several large apple trees in the landscape. "I wanted to make amends with him. Where is he? Does he live in another town perhaps?"

Trixie looked down at the table, her face darkened behind her mane as a single tear ran down her face.

"Father's gone mom. He died shortly after you left with Turnover," Trixie choked back her sobs continuing. "I've been alone the entire time."

She practically growled at her mother through gritted teeth. She wanted to forgive both of them, that's why she sent the letter but didn't specify why, but now she was having second thoughts. Old feelings of anger arose inside her chest as she replayed the events leading to her father's death.

Misty, Turnover, and Mary all stared at her in disbelief. Misty sobbed and held her head in her hooves babbling incoherently while Turnover tried to comfort her and Mary tugged at Trixie's shoulder to get her attention. Snapping back from her stupor Trixie looked at Mary. "What?"

The tan mare sighed kissing her once. She then gave her a serious look. "You never spoke about your father to me before."

"Trixie hasn't? Huh, she thought she did." Trixie tapped her chin thinking back. "Guess Trixie hasn't. Weird. Well, Trixie guesses she better tell the story." She looked over to her mother who was straining to hold back her tears in the brown unicorns hold.

"Mom?"

Misty snapped her attention back to her daughter. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I didn't know, I, I wish I'd tried to contact you both more often. Had I known-"

"Mother, stop." Trixie said firmly. "It was your fault he died."

"Trixie!" Mary screamed at her. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Then let Trixie tell you what happened. It all started years ago when... she came to our small town-" she looked at Turnover with a sneer.

Trixie retold her tale of how her mother fell in love with Turnover just as she did with Twilight and Applejack during the storm a few nights back. All the while she watched as her mother broke down with each word. Misty felt awful. She never expected her divorced husband to take such drastic measures with Trixie under his care.

She wished she'd taken Trixie with her, but the courts said that a mare of such profession would never be able to raise a foal on such unstable income. Shows what they know. She thought. She had more than enough money to retire to where Trixie wouldn't have had to work a day in her life.

She felt bad for leaving him but she thought Trixie would have been enough to hold him together while he found new love, clearly that wasn't the case.

Once Trixie finished her story there was dead silence. Nopony said a word. Trixie got up and walked over to a table littered with pictures and found one she hadn't expected to see. It was a family photo of her her mother and her father.

"I never got rid of it." Misty said from behind Trixie. "Deep down I still loved him. He was a good stallion, your father was. I can't change the past Trixie, but I hope we can have a future together as a family. If you could ever bring yourself to forgive me."

"Well, a simple I'm sorry won't cut it."

I thought I was over this. Guess I'm not ready to move on yet.

"Trixie, my sweet daughter please I didn't-"

"I tried to take my own life too you know." Trixie said coldly turning away from her mother. All the mares gasped at her matter of fact tone. "It was a while ago before the alicorn amulet fiasco in Ponyville. I went to work on a rock farm when my life hit rock bottom, heh no pun intended, and then when I thought I had nothing left... I almost did it you know."

Misty choked trying to speak but found it difficult to do so under her daughters tense glare. "I don't understand-"

Trixie whirled around on her mother so fast Misty was sure she’d suffer from whiplash from leaning back so fast. Trixie had a furious look on her face, one that was sad and hateful.

"No you don't." Trixie snapped at her mother. "I had a friend who talked me out of it, obviously."

"Trixie, your mother is trying to make amends you should be nice." Mary scolded her mate.

"Well, then she shouldn't have walked out on me and my father!" she screamed at Mary smacking the picture down hard.

"Don't yell at me! I was just trying to help!"

"TRIXIE DOESN'T WANT YOUR HELP!"

Mary looked shocked as did Trixie. Mary's mouth hung open and Trixie looked away in shame. Misty had collapsed into Turnovers arms who was glaring at Trixie, while fanning Misty.

"Sorry, Mary. Trixie didn't mean it." Trixie said, as she walked over nuzzling her.

Mary pushed her away giving her an angry scowl. "That's your problem Trixie, you don't think about a lot of things. You act without thinking about how or what you do will affect others. The alicorn amulet was just one of many I can think of."

She turned her back on the unicorn and went to help Turnover.

"How is she?"

"She fainted. Typical," Turnover rolled her eyes. "She such a drama queen."

"Tell me about it. I think Trixie gets it from her, if what I've seen is any indicator." she whispered at the mare.

When they turned to see what Trixie was doing they were shocked to see she was gone. The door to the trailer was wide open and the blue mare was gone.

“Should we go after her?" Turnover asked, looking at Mary.

"No, let my daughter be." Misty groaned. "She needs time to sort her thoughts out. She's very family oriented much like Turnover here."

The unicorn sighed heaving the fallen mare up with her magic and placed her on the couch. "I still don't get how you can be so patient with that brat, Misty."

"She's my daughter and I love her. It's that simple." Misty said rubbing her lover's hoof. She then turned her attention to Mary. "How has my little Trixie been?"

"It has been, difficult the past week since she started working for me as my assistant." Mary said, walking to the door closing it. "She's been through a lot the past few months, apparently."

"Why not tell me? It's been a while since I heard from her. So tell me what's happened since she first arrived."

"Well that goes back a while."

Mary told the story of how Trixie had come to town originally and was humiliated by Twilight Sparkle by accident, leading to the ursa minor tale. She then went on to piece together events that happened on the rock farm from what Trixie and Maud told her. The to Trixie's return to Ponyville a second time with the alicorn amulet and how she enslaved the entire town for a week after trying to get back at Twilight.

Once she told that,she went on to how Trixie became her assistant and the week that followed to the battle with her after reclaiming the amulet a second time. She told the story of the battle that ensued and how each mare, Trixie, Maud and Platinum, were all wonderful and how amazing each of them were that had Trixie been there, she would have been pleased. When she finished she sat back drinking the cider, her mouth had become dry from the long exposition, and waited for the mares to gather their thoughts. To her surprise Turnover got up and walked to the door.

"Stupid daughter of mine causing trouble. I raised her better than that." Turnover grumbled walking out.

Mary watched, dumbstruck by the the mares sudden departure, but Misty only giggled.

"Don't worry, she has family issues too. Her children too had to deal with her leaving." she looked past the tan mare at the door smiling. "So tell me about these mares Maud and Platinum that have won my Trixie's heart and...yours." she wiggled her eyebrows, making Mary blush.

"I-I uh, I never said anything like that! You're mistaken!" Mary harrumphed turning her nose up at the smug look the mare was giving her.

"Sure thing sweetie, whatever you say." Misty rolled her eyes chuckling. "But tell me about them anyway. What are they like?"

*Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres*

The Apple family plus Twilight were enjoying a hearty breakfast after the last night and were chatting. Granny was happy to see her granddaughter finally accepting the views of others, but was surprised when she heard Applejack call Twilight her marefriend.

"So, there young'in what are you two gonna do now?" she asked them while Big Mac and Apple Bloom watched in silence.

"Well, I was hoping to spend the day working on the farm with Applejack," Twilight replied, bumping her shoulder into the orange pony. "She's gonna teach me how to apple buck like an earth pony."

"Just so long as ya'll use protection aint no matter to me." Granny nodded sagely.

"Granny!" Applejack yelled, while Twilight looked at them in confusion.

"Did I miss something?" Twilight asked Applejack, who hid under her hat.

"Aww, Twi... just don't go there." she pleaded.

"Can ah excuse myself?" Apple Bloom waved her tiny hoof.

"Eyup!" Big Mac picked her up and together they left to clear the table.

Then there was a knock at the door. A very hard violent knock. Applejack frowned at the door getting up but was held down by Twilight.

"Don't worry, AJ, I'll get it."

"No, Twi you're my marefriend and It's mah house so I'll get it." She got up giving her a quick peck on the lips. "Just stay here and I'll be right back."

Another knock came from the door but this one lasted ten whole knocks.

"Alright, ahm coming ahm coming!"

Twilight watched as Applejack trotted to the hallway and disappeared around the corner, leaving Twilight and Granny Smith alone. Twilight finished eating the last bit of her pancakes while the green elderly mare rocked back and forth in her chair.

"So, Granny Smith? How have you been lately?

"Ah geez, Twilight, don't go calling me that! Just granny's fine now that you and AJ are together. You're part of the family now." she said happily. "but to answer your question, I realized that it's hard keeping up with the apple seasons lately what with only the four of us here at the farm, so ah did gone asked Mr. Rich if he'd hire some helpers fer us in exchange for a share of the apple stock at his store." she said sipping a glass of water.

"Did he agree, granny?"

"Course he did!" she cheered. "He even did it for free. Was surprised by that though. Said his daughter loved coming here so much she volunteered to be a regular worker here too."

Twilight did a double take hearing this. She was sure it was a mistake of her ears, or some kind of interference. She’d never known the little filly to do any actual work in her entire life. As far as she knew.

"Diamond Tiara? Work? On a farm?" Twilight asked.

Granny Smith nodded in confirmation to Twilight’s inquiry.

Twilight was sure she wasn't thinking of the same filly. There was no force in the universe that could make her want to work on a farm much less in the dirt. She knew the filly and she was not the first pony to come to mind when hard labor was involved. She would have thought of anypony except her, even Silver Spoon, before she ever thought of the pink filly working on a farm.

A sudden scream from Applejack brought her out of her thoughts as the orange mare ran back into the house screaming like a banshee out of Tartarus. Big Mac and Apple Bloom ran from the kitchen to see the orange pony panting heavily on the floor, curled up into a ball.

"AJ! What's wrong?" Twilight asked kneeling down beside her.

"Ma,ma,ma,ma-mah."

"Excuse me." Everyone looked up to see a brown unicorn mare at the entryway.

"Have you seen my daughter Applejack?" the mare asked, looking left and right.

Sixth Day Point of View and Cuddles (Final)

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Trixie stormed out of her mother's trailer and headed off to home. Along the way she ran into two of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Close behind them was Silver Spoon and Twists running towards her in a line, laughing as they ran after each other. Twist was far behind and with a swift swat she tapped Silver Spoon on the flank and turned to run in the opposite direction.

The metallic filly stopped running and started groaning.

"No fair!" she whined chasing after Sweetie Belle. "You guys know I'm no good at this game!"

As the small grey filly chased the others she ran into Trixie and fell flat on her butt. Rubbing her head she glanced up to see Trixie grinning down at her.

"OH! Miss Trixie! How are you?" she gasped standing and dusting herself off.

"Trixie has been better. How about you little one?"

"I'm playing with my friends. Tag... I hate this game." Silver Spoon said, glaring at the snickering ponies from behind Trixie.

Trixie giggled at the fillies disdainful nature towards the simple game. The other three snickered at her, making her glare at them. Sweetie walked over hugging the filly, grumbling to herself.

Now Trixie was laughing rubbing the two fillies heads ruffling their manes. A loud screeching scream brought their attentions to an alabaster fashionista pony everypony knew well.

"You ruffian, stop that this instant!" she screamed at the blue unicorn.

Rarity ran up to Sweetie Belle shoving Trixie aside, and immediately tended to her sister's mane.

"What'd you do that for?!" Trixie exclaimed from the floor.

"Rares, should you be so mean to Trixie?" said Rainbow Dash from above.

The pegasus was hovering just above the white unicorn who was grumbling to herself as she tended to Sweetie's mane. She leaned back like she was laying on a chair, crossing her legs. "Trixie, might set her marefriends on you. Plus one of them's the mayor."

"Humph." Rarity stuck her nose up, her hooves working flawlessly despite not watching what she was doing.

"I would expect you of all ponies to say that." she said bitterly to her flying lover. "What? Am I not good enough for you, Rainbow?"

She was taken aback by the comment and began to panic not realizing Rarity had a playful tone in her voice.

"Th-that's not true!" she yelled falling beside her unicorn mate.

"I'm not so sure Rainbow. You were awfully quick to leave me and go searching for Trixie in that storm a while ago." she said playfully.

"Bu-bu-but Rares..." Rainbow cried, hugging her from the waist.

Rarity giggled at the pathetic pegasus. "Oh, Rainbow, you know I love you."

"Huh?"

Trixie shook her head at the mare. Rarity and the girls giggled at her reaction.

"You're so dense." Trixie muttered.

"Like a hopeless colt." Silver Spoon chimed in.

"I don't get it." Scootaloo titled her head wondering what they were talking about.

Sweetie Belle and Twists nodded in agreement. Rainbow Dash crossed her arms in a pouting manner. She had realized she'd been duped, unfortunately she realized too late to save herself from embarrassing herself.

"One day squirt. You will." Rainbow sighed angrily.

While the group laughed at the mares expense, Rarity finished tidying up her sister's mane. Once Rarity finished with Sweetie's mane she turned to Trixie.

"So what are you doing here anyway Trixie? Playing with the fillies?"

"No, actually I was with Mary and my mother just a while ago." She said, putting extra spite in the word mother.

She spoke so softly that Rarity had to strain her ear to hear her. Even then she wasn't sure she heard correctly.

"Come again, dear? But did you say your mother?"

"Yes."

"Where are they?" Rarity squealed. "I would very much like to meet her!"

"Absolutely not!"

Everypony stopped at Trixie's sudden outburst. They stared at her as she drove her hoof into the ground crushing a small flower under her hoof. She looked as the petals were torn apart under the shear force of her hoof. Rarity watched her in shock and Rainbow Dash gave her an angry glare. Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle looked knowingly while Apple Bloom looked at the ground depressed.

"You don't have to yell at Rarity like that, Trixie." Rainbow hissed, to Trixie, pulling the unicorn close like she was going to punch her in the muzzle.

Trixie was again in a foul mood. The thought of her mother abandoning her was all it took. Had one asked her the week prior, she would have dismissed it as a thing of the past. Now, she was enraged by the very thought of that mare. She had thought she had enough time to get over it, so she wrote a letter to her mother hoping to get past this and reconcile with her.

Instead, the old feelings about her mother and her father arose and renewed her anger ten fold. Still, Rainbow was right, she didn't have to yell at Rarity for just wanting to meet her mother. Her pride always got the best of her at times like this. Her eyes went wide as she thought back to what Mary had said earlier concerning her behavior. That's your problem Trixie, you don't think about a lot of things. You act without thinking about how or what you do will affect others.

Throwing her pride aside Trixie walked up to Rarity with unusual determination.

"Trixie, is sorry for yelling at you. Good day."

Then Trixie suddenly turned to leave. Leaving a disgruntled group of ponies behind as she made her way back home.

"What was that all about?" Rainbow asked, looking at the leaving unicorn.

"I'm not sure darling. I feel that Trixie might have a family issue that needs to be sorted out.'" Rarity said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

As Trixie disappeared around the corner the ponies she left behind wondered what could have set her off like that. Just then the sound of Mary's voice caught their attention.

"Hello, everypony!" Mary greeted the group. "How are all of you today?"

"Madam mayor! So good to see you again!" Rarity jumped to hug the tan pony. "How have you been darling?"

Mary sighed, removing her glasses, she rubbed the ridge of her muzzle. She was very upset at Trixie right now and really wanted to have a word with her about her attitude towards her mother. For now though, she could take comfort in her friends being there for her to brighten up her day.

Replacing her glasses she looked up to see Scootaloo, Silver Spoon, Twists, and Sweetie Belle together. Now that was a sight. She never thought she'd see the day those four were together.

"I had an, unusual meeting with Trixie and her mother." she replied to Rarity's query.

"Ah, and what's she like?"

"Rarity it's rude to ask such personal questions when Trixie clearly wants this to be left alone." Rainbow Dash said poking her head.

All the ponies present looked at her like she had grown a second head. Never in their wildest dreams had any of them expected Rainbow to value one's privacy, especially after the Gabby Gums fiasco not long ago. Then again, it had been a humbling experience for everypony.

"Rainbow, I never thought you could be so sensitive." Rarity said with a sultry look. "I find that, quite appealing."

The rainbow maned pegasus blushed looking away, making rarity pout. Mary smiled at the sight of the two ponies and thought about her relationship with Trixie and the others. What were they? They weren't officially together, yet they all slept together. Was it really just their affection for Trixie that brought them together? Or, was there something more between all of them?

It was very hard to think about. She never really thought about it until now. What brought them together was Trixie, but did they all consider themselves to be part of a herd or were they just in it for Trixie? Mary rubbed her head, it was so confusing to think about!

"Wait a minute." Mary stopped and looked a t the group. "Did you see which way Trixie went actually? There's something I need to talk to her about."

"She went that way dear." Rarity said, pointing to the west.

Mary nodded and trotted off at a brisk pace. "Thanks. Sorry, but I have to run. I'll see you later everypony!"

"Bye mayor!" They all said together, waving good-bye to the mayor.

Mary made her way down the street and saw Trixie heading towards home. She walked through several ponies who mumbled at her as she past. A few even made a few strikes at her, much to Mary's dismay and surprise, Trixie never retaliated. Not once. A few items were thrown her way but nothing serious that could hurt her.

To Mary's relief nopony made any true attempt on her life as she feared. She knew the ponies would never do such a thing, but she still worried about it. She was relieved to see Trixie reach home without incident.

The azure unicorn opened the door and slammed it shut behind her. She peeked around tiptoeing to the door. She pressed her ear against it and listened.

"Are you sure, Trixie?" She heard Platinum asked mid-sentence. "I'm not sure you read that situation right?"

"I think we should hear her side of the story before we jump to conclusions." Maud said in her usual tone.

She opened the door gently as to not alert the ponies to her presence. In truth she felt that if Trixie saw her she might not open up to the others, then she'd never know why she stormed off like she did. At least she hoped she'd learn why the young mare ran off.

"Augh, today was terrible! Nopony understands what Trixie had to go through!" Mary heard Trixie yell from inside the bedroom.

Mary sighed, as she snuck into the kitchen and sat down on the linoleum flooring, listening.

She then heard Platinum ask Trixie, "So what happened when you met your mother, Trix?"

Mary laid back against her wooden cupboards listening.

"Trixie feels that it could have gone better."

"Why's that, little moon?" Maud asked.

"Well, Trixie has quite the story to tell. We best sit down this could take a while." She laid down on the bed and got comfy with Maud and Platinum sandwiching her between them. She smiled and blushed at the intimate gesture. "Thanks."

"Think nothing of it Trixie." Platinum coed nibbling her ear.

Maud gave the ever so slightest twitch of her left ear, and immediately took action to nibble Trixie's other ear. The younger mare groaned in delightful bliss as the two showered her in affection. She sighed nodding her head back and forth before pulling away from them.

"OK, you two love birds. Trixie is the most amazing unicorn in all Equestria, but even she can't tell her story when being praised in such a manner." She said in her mock arrogant tone.

All the mares shook their heads and Mary rolled her eyes giggling slightly from the kitchen at her silly antics.

"So, as Trixie was saying, it all started years ago when Trixie was a filly..."

She spent the next half hour talking about how her mother left her and her father, in great detail, and how it lead to him killing himself due to depression and her battle with the dire bear. Maud made no physical reactions, but Platinum was sure that Maud was affected by the story. She then told about her early life and everything that lead to her first humiliation in Ponyville.

By this point in the story Maud took over explaining Trixie's time on the rock farm and how they got to know each other. Once that portion of the story had finished, Trixie took over talking about her takeover of Ponyville. Ultimately this leading to her time with Mary as her assistant and the week that followed.

"-and at one point, about a day ago or so, Trixie wrote a letter to her mother hoping to meet with her and close the gap between us." she sighed leaning into Platinum and resting her nose in the silvery mane. "But in the end, Trixie couldn't let go of her anger and she... I lashed out at her and I left."

Both Platinum and Maud looked at her and waited, knowing there was more to it. Finally Platinum couldn't take waiting and tried to pry Trixie for the answers she sought.

"So, what made you storm off Trixie?"

"There was nothing else." she lied.

"Trixie."

"Little moon, remember what we talked about concerning honesty?" Maud asked her calm, but slightly scolding manner.

She thought about it. But Trixie was stubborn as a mule and she would need more than that to pry the answers out of her. "Trixie, what are you not telling us? Please be honest. You have nothing to fear from us." Maud persisted with a gentle nudge to the mare's side.

"Yeah love. You can trust us. Just tell us what this is really about." Platinum added.

Sighing in defeat, Trixie took a deep breath before she continued. She shifted to adjust her leg, which had gone numb from resting on it.

"I yelled at Mary for taking my mother's side in the conversation. She said I was being unreasonable to her. That I should have listened to what she had to say." she said hitting the bed with a soft thump. "She sided with that mare who walked out on me and my father! Why would she do that?!"

Trixie screamed hitting the bed again with every word.

Tears flowed from her face as she struck the bed over and over again. Maud looked to Platinum with a concerned look. The silver pony held Trixie close to her and patted her back calming her down.

"How could she side with her?" Trixie sobbed, into the silvery mares fur.

"Have you considered what your mother must feel Trixie?" Platinum asked.

Trixie sniffed a few times, wiping her eyes and looked at Platinum. "What she felt?"

"Yes, what she felt Trixie." Platinum said lifting her chin planting a gentle kiss on her nose. "Did you stop to hear what your mother thought about this whole thing?"

To her surprise Trixie shook her head. "No, I didn't."

"Well, do you think it's fair to have her listen to you and not allow her to be heard?" Platinum said firmly.

Trixie was at a loss for words. "But she-"

"I understand Trixie, she left you and your father. I get that. Really I do." she sighed looking off in the distance. " I know what it's like to feel abandoned. But did you ever consider that you may not be mad at your mother but yourself?"

"She's right little moon." Maud chimed in. "I too also think you should hear your mother out before you pass judgement on her. Perhaps by hearing her out, you can put these terrible thoughts out of your mind. You should also apologize to Mary. She was only trying to help you."

"Fine." Trixie sighed crossing her arms. "I'll hear her out, but if Trixie doesn't like what she hears it's over. Will you both accompany me?"

Platinum nodded but the grey earth pony shook her head. "I think I'll stay, little moon. I'll join up with you two later, I wish to speak to Mary about something once I find her."

The two unicorns nodded leaving the room. After a brief good bye, they were off and Maud was left at the door by herself. She closed the door, not even looking back, and said, "You really should have been more supportive of Trixie rather than siding with her mother so quickly."

Mary nearly jumped from the sudden acknowledgment to her being there. She got up making her legs crack slightly, and peeked her head over the counter. "How did you know I was here?"

"I could smell your aroma, it's very sweet." Maud blushed looking back to the tan mare. "I like it."

"Wh-what do you me-mean my aroma? Do I smell?" she exclaimed sniffing herself. "Good lord! Do I?"

In her panic she didn't notice the mare walk up to her. With gentle push Mary found herself on the floor with Maud on top of her. The grey mare moved her muzzle just beside Mary's ear took a strong sniff. Mary smelt like a sweet rose with a hint of dew. She began smiling at Mary's embarrassing red face, she gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You smell lovely." Maud said nuzzling her.

"Well, you smell like," Mary sniffed her. "A...rock?" she guessed.

She was surprised to see Maud blush at the deceleration like it was the best thing in the world. "Thank you."

The two mares snuggled on the cold floor for a while before Maud spoke again. "So, how have you been?"

"It's been a long day, and it's barely noon!" Mary whined throwing her arms up and falling back into Maud. "First there was a damn near lynch mob outside Town Hall looking for Trixie, and then the whole thing with her mother happened, as you now know."

"Yes, I do." she nodded resting her head on Mary's hip.

"Maud?"

"Hmm?"

Mary blushed looking away from the grey head resting on her flank. "Do you wanna take this back in the room? Maybe?"

She smiled picking of the older mare. "Sure."

Mary wrapped her arms around Maud's neck holding her tightly, so as to not slip from her grip. But she knew the she'd never let her fall. At least, that was as long as she wasn't trying to win a race apparently. Maud carried her into the room and closed the door behind her and with a mighty leap she jumped to the bed and laid Mary down gently, straddling her.

"Don't worry, I won't drop you again." she said nipping her on the neck.

"Ohhhh... Maud." she groaned, her hind leg kicking. "Lower. Lower. Lower. oh! right there."

She held the grey head at her collarbone as Maud worked her teeth on the mares tender neck. Slowly the two mares rolled over, Mary grabbed Maud's waist and rolled to her side bringing her down beside her. But Maud didn't budge. With a mischievous grin, she craned her neck and ran her tongue across Mary's chest, enticing a horny groan from her.

Sure of her victory over the mare she went to nibble her ear but suddenly found herself flat on her back with Mary on top of her. The swift motion of Mary raising her hoof and pulling Maud over head and brought her down on the bed left the grey mare dazed but aware.

They both grinned, knowing they'd have to assert who was the dominant one here. Mary wrapped her arms around Maud's neck planting a kiss on her lips but Maud was determined to come out on top. She pushed back forcing Mary away then slipped out from beneath her and jumped at her.

The two wrestled giggling as they rolled over one another. Each trying to get the better of the other. Eventually they both gave up, neither able to assert their dominance in the end. They lay there on the bed, sweating, their fur and manes a mess but both satisfied. They looked lovingly into each other's eyes before kissing again.

"I love you Maud. Just like I love Trixie." Mary said rubbing the grey hoof beside her.

"And Platinum?"

"Ugh. Pssshhh. Weeeellll, I guess. If I must." Mary giggled jokingly.

The grey earth pony looked to her tan counterpart smiling. "I'll tell her you said that."

"No don't!" Mary replied, in mock shock fanning herself. "You'll do no such thing!"

She swatted the mare who held her hooves up defensively. Feeling tired from their play fighting the two laid down together, resting their heads on each others hips, their chins on each others cutie marks. The two rested as the warm sunlight flowed through the window nearby warming them up as they drifted asleep.

“I love you Maud.”

“I love you too, Mary.” Maud replied with a hint of warmth in her voice.

Mary caught wind of this and smiled rubbing her chin on Maud’s flank and closing her eyes.

Sixth Day Great and Powerful Mother Part 2 (Final)

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As Trixie and Platinum made their way through Ponyville, the silver mare took notice that several of the inhabitants were eyeing Trixie viciously.Several of them looked ready to jump the mare at a moment's notice. It made her feel uneasy. Trixie for her part, kept a neutral face having years of experience with tough crowds. It was like a second skin to her.

Nopony made a move against them but neither wanted to stay out long. They made their way to Misty's trailer which was on the border of Sweet Apple Acres. The trailer's door was slightly ajar and a familiar booming voice was heard echoing across the landscape. As they got closer, Trixie realized it was Turnover who was yelling from within the trailer.

"-and further more, I'm very disappointed in you Applejack!" she yelled in a scolding manner. "What kind of example are you setting for your little sister? Your brother has more sense than you! Not only that but you hurt one of your best friends feelings and made her do this crazy shi-"

"TURNOVER! LANGUAGE PLEASE!" Misty cried, out from within.

"Sorry, dear."

Trixie shook her head. She really didn't want to deal with this right now, but she promised Maud. One thing you never did was anger Maud, lest she sick her pet rock on you. (Not Boulder). Platinum nudged her cheek earning a smile from the blue mare. Taking a deep breath, Trixie steeled herself for the encounter ahead. She looked to Platinum, her heart spoon cutie mark seemed to shine in the light.

She opened the door with her magic and entered with Platinum behind her. What she saw was not what she expected. Applejack and Twilight were sitting together on the couch with Turnover towering over them, yelling at Applejack, Misty tried to calm her down. But Turnover was too busy lecturing Applejack to even notice the new arrivals.

"I can't believe my own daughter could be such a cruel little mule! Your father would be disappointed in you if he were here now!" she yelled throwing her arms in the air. "Heh, I'll bet he's rolling in his grave as we speak now!"

"Turnover!" Misty cried out shaking the mare. "Stop this now!"

"What? Why're you taking her side in this?!"

"She said she learned her lesson, you don't have to be so... you!" she said pointing to the brown mare. "Applejack said she learned from her mistakes and is trying to be a better pony, just like my daughter."

Turnover rolled her eyes at the mention of Trixie. "That ungrateful little shit?

Trixie frowned at the mare while Platinum snickered to herself. She shot the silvery mare a glare, causing her to look away whistling innocently. Trixie then returned her attention to the scene in front of her clearing her throat.

"Ahem! Trixie would appreciate if you did bash her behind her back, thank you."

Misty immediately turned to see her daughter and rushed up to her giving the small unicorn a vicegrip hug. Trixie gasped a the shear strength her mother displayed, struggling to break free. She was definitely an earth pony.

"Hi mooom." she managed to gasp out. "Nne-eed air!"

"Oh! Sorry sweetie!" Misty gasped letting go of the mare.

Everypony stopped what they were doing and watched as the earth pony and unicorn fidgeted, neither making eye contact. Applejack and Twilight stared in awe at the two, Turnover scowled at Trixie for upsetting her mate earlier, and Platinum tapped her hoof impatiently.

"Trixie don't you have something to say to your mother? After all she did come to see you." she said pushing her gently in the rump.

"I'm going! I'm going!" Trixie replied irritably.

She walked over to her mother not daring to look her in the eye. Not that she could, for misty too was averting her gaze to not make eye contact. The two stood there looking all around them except each other, it was quite the annoying spectacle. Nopony expected them to not look or say anything for ten minutes straight.

'Mother."

"Yes?"

"...I wanted to say, I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier." she said grudgingly.

"Thanks sweetie. That means a lot to me." Misty replied, still not looking at her.

Trixie scoffed. "I'm not forgiving you."

"Trixie." Turnover growled towering over her. "If you upset Misty again-"

"You'll what? Beat Trixie up? Yell at her? Or maybe steal her mother away?" She then made a mock shocked expression. "Oh, wait! You ALREADY DID!"

"Oh! So, now you're blaming me for this?"

"Perhaps Trixie should!" The unicorn yelled stomping the floor of the trailer. "You are the one who stole her mother's heart."

Applejack jumped up from her seat. She stood between the two unicorns and pushed them apart. Twilight and Platinum stood ready to join if need be. Misty lay on the floor hyperventilating into a paper bag mumbling to herself.

"Now see here Trixie! You leave mah ma, alone!" Applejack yelled pushing her back.

"Remember what your therapist said Misty." she told herself.

"Don't you tell Trixie to leave her alone! Not after everything you did and said about your own mother leaving you!" Trixie rebuttled.

Twilight ran over to help the distraught mare. Seeing this Platinum went to hold Turnover back as she tried pushing past Applejack. Turnover was fuming as she tried to get close to Trixie, hoping to ring her neck. Trixie felt the same as she tried pushing Applejack aside. They really wanted to hurt each other now. Suddenly Misty jumped up sobbing, tears ran down her face as she inhaled deeply. She then let out a loud scream like a banshee stopping everypony in the trailer.

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" she bellowed. "Why do you two have to fight?! WHY!?!"

She then ran out the door leaving everypony behind in shock from her outburst. Applejack scowled at Trixie in an identical manner Turnover did. "Ah thought you had more sense than this Trixie."

"Like you're one to talk." she said glaring at the orange pony.

Applejack walked around her, hugging Twilight, and whispered into her ear. The lavender unicorn nodded kissing her on the cheek. Applejack then walked past her and went straight for the door leaving. Twilight bid the others farewell and followed Applejack outside.

Turnover, Trixie, and Platinum were left wondering what had just happened. Suddenly Trixie and Turnover glared at each other like two feral cats about to duke it out in the street.

"This is your fault!"
"This is your fault!" The shouted in unison.

"No it's not! Yes, it is!"
"No it's not! Yes, it is!"

In a flash, the two mares were in a mane grabbing match, each trying to pull the others mane as hard as possible. Turnover pulled hard to the side causing Trixie to instinctively roll over. This caused Trixie to yank on her brown mane and forced her to roll with her. The two mares rolled over the trailer floor.

they spat insults and vulgarisms as each tried to get a foothold over the other. Turnover tried to use her superior size to overpower Trixie. The the smaller unicorn proved to be too small and evasive for her. On the other hand, Trixie's small size made it impossible for her to actually get an advantage over the brown counterpart.

Platinum all the while was trying to separate the two ponies but found it extremely difficult. And that's when things got really dirty. Tired of Turnover pulling her mane, Trixie fired a stun spell at the mare grazing her ear. She yelped, rubbing her now numb ear. She heard a loud ringing that bothered her to no end. Now filled with pure fury, Turnover lit her, she abandoned Trixie's mane, and lifted the couch over the blue unicorn.

That was the last straw. Platinum trotted up between the two and with all her might, she summoned a energy blast. The shockwave sent both mares flying back against the walls of the trailer. Turnover impacted the wall and slid down in shock, while Trixie flew head first into the wall beside Turnover. Her rump stuck out as she struggled to get her head out of the trailer, her horn stuck in it. Finally after several attempts Turnover felt bad for the blue mare, and with a gentle tug, managed to free her horn from the wall.

Trixie looked over to the brown pony, nodding a thank you to her. Turnover accepted the thank you and both turned to face a very angry Platinum. She was huffing deeply as she glared at the two mares making them both cringe.

"He-hey there Platinum." Trixie said, laughing nervously at her mate. "How's it going?"

"I'm very disappointed in you Trixie." she replied mournfully.

The blue mare tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

"I thought you'd have learned by now not to go around causing trouble after everything that happened to you here in Ponyville!" She scolded her. "After everything that's happened I figured you'd know better than to go causing trouble! And your poor mother."

Trixie was about to object to that statement, but Platinum held up her hoof. "I get it. She was in the wrong too. But you need to realize that two wrongs don't make a right. Trixie," she knelt down beside her blue mate, snuggling up to her side. "I love you. You know i do right? After all four of us bonded with each other... I feel whole. I found not one, but three significant others."

She rubbed her muzzle against Trixie's making her purr like a cat at the affectionate touch. Turnover grinned knowing what she was doing. Misty had done something similar to her in the past whenever she got mad at her too. She thought about how Trixie reacted to her and everything that transpired and came to a startling realization. She was just like her.

She got angry the minute somepony challenged her in such a manner that her pride was on the line. But how would she respond to family? Clearly she didn't like her mother. So, what was the mare's intention?

"Trixie?" Turnover piped up, getting both mares attentions. "Why did you call to Misty? What was your intention? To insult her and upset her?" She asked incredulously. "I seriously doubt that's why you contacted her."

Trixie thought about it. She knew the answer, but didn't know how to convey it.

"Why not let me show you instead?" she asked looking over the two other ponies. "It'd be better if I could show you my thoughts and feelings rather than explain them." she said.

The two unicorns gave each other curious glances, neither knew of what Trixie meant.

"Please let me show you both. It'll be quick and it won't hurt you." she said. "Please."

Turnover thought about it. It would be nice to finally get some common ground with her. she thought tapping her chin.

"Fine. I'll allow it, but only if you tell me the spell." she said.

They looked to Platinum who was still contemplating it. A moment later she too nodded in agreement. "I'll do it too. I trust you Trixie." she walked over to the blue mare, hugging her. "It'll be nice to see things from your perspective for once. Perhaps it'll bring us closer together."

"Thank you both. Please sit around me." Trixie instructed.

The two mares sat facing her, off side, and awaited her to activate the spell. In her mind, Trixie really wasn't sure why she said she knew a spell but it was there. A mind alteration spell for the purpose of relaying thoughts and memories to other ponies. Where did I learn this spell? She thought. I'll have to talk to Twilight about this sometime. I fear this may be a side effect of the amulet.

Trixie closed her eyes, focusing on the spell deep within her thoughts. The energy from her horn swirled around her head. Her pink aura turned dark red as it entered her left ear and exited the right. It flowed up, splitting into two and slowly crept towards the two mares beside her.

Echoes were heard by both unicorns. Voices from Trixie's past all intermingling into an incoherent babbling of voices. Turnover and Platinum watched cautiously as the red tendrils inched closer to them. They tilted their bodies away from them trying not to make contact. But the tendrils were persistent.

"Trixie what is this?" Platinum asked shakily.

Trixie was silent for a moment as her eyes turned red. "It is a memory alteration spell. It'll pass my life's memories to you two in an instant." she said. "Do not be afraid. It won't hurt you."

Platinum fidgeted as the tendrils halted their advance. "Do you trust Trixie?" Turnover asked her.

The silver unicorn sighed. She looked over to the tendrils and then to Trixie. She looked like a lifeless statue, she was perfectly still. She then looked at the tendrils and sat perfectly still like a statue. She puffed out her chest as she eyed the tendrils

"I do trust Trixie. I'd trust her with my life."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." she replied without hesitation or even a thought.

Of course I trust Trixie. She's my friend. My mate. Aren't we? What were we? She thought.

Trixie focused the energy into Platinum's tendril as it slowly entered the mare's ear and her eyes went red. She too became as stiff as stone. Turnover frowned at the sight.

"Fine Trixie. You can do the spell to me too. But the minute i say to stop, you better. Got that?" she said pointing at her.

Trixie mindlessly nodded. The brown mare stood upright as the red tendril entered her ear. The voices echoed together, yet she could clearly make out what was being said despite the voices overlapping.

All three mares heard the thoughts and memories of Trixie. They also felt her emotions for each memory. The happy times, the sad times, everything was there to read like a book. Her deepest darkest desires, her closest guarded secrets. Turnover respect for the mare increased astronomically by this point. Here she was, giving her deepest darkest secrets for her to read, and she barely knew her. This was mindbogglingly to the brown mare.

The memories were colored based on the strong emotions connected to them. As they sorted them out, they determined the bright colors were happy or good memories. Darker and red ones were sad of the worst memories.

Platinum on the other hoof was busy sorting out the memories in her mind. One in particular caught her attention. It was the day Trixie and her met. It was true she trusted the unicorn with her life, she felt that way towards all of them, Mary and Maud included. But where did they stand as a group. They all loved Trixie, that was not in any debate. But she felt something towards the others.

Was it love? Compassion? That night after they saved Trixie she felt happy. Happy to be not only with Trixie, but with Maud and Mary as well. It was odd. Ever since they bonded with their armbands she felt connected to them somehow. It wasn't something she could explain, it was just there. An unseen force pulling the together. Their love holding it together. But what confused her was whether it was feelings for all these mares, or just their common feelings for little moon.

Wait, little moon? That's was something she heard Maud call her. She found herself seeing memories of Trixie and Maud at the rock farm The two shared a bed as Trixie was gripping Maud's left leg thrashing her body against hers. They both moaned and groaned as Platinum watched in awe at the sight. She then jolted away from the memory and found another that caught her attention. A dark memory that had a blood red hue to it.

Platinum and Turnover both focused on the memory, their thoughts colliding with one another. The entered the memory and what they saw haunted them ever since. They watched as filly Trixie braved the dire bear to save her father from certain doom, only to watch her cry herself to sleep after she realized he was dead.

As the memory came to an end, they followed a red energy thread that connected the memory to another. They followed it and found a memory that started this whole chain of memories. It was the day Turnover came to her home town. The days pass by in moments, but through Trixie's eyes they saw the relationship between Misty and Turnover blossom. Trixie's hate of the mare grew with each passing moment. She watched as her mother became more distant, not paying as much attention to her and her father.

Then came the court hearings. It was centered around Trixie and whether or not Misty would be able to provide for her daughter if she was a traveling show more. Ultimately they decreed she would be unfit to provide for her financially. The memory went on for the next few days and eventually lead to a truly heart breaking moment.

As Misty walked to the edge of the town, Trixie ran after her. The filly was all teared up and sniffled as she chased her mother. She tripped over her own hooves and slid in the dirt. When she stopped she rubbed her aching chin. She then cried on the spot until a warm hoof touched her. She looked up to see her mother standing over her with a warm smile.

They stood on the peak of a small hill that overlooked a small town called Winter Hooven. The moon was setting behind them signaling the coming of the sun. It was cold this morning and all the feelings and sensations Trixie felt were conveyed to the other two ponies who watched. To them they had no physical bodies, it was very much like how others would describe an out of body experience.

Misty walked up to Trixie and lifted her chin. She tenderly rubbed the sore red spot under the fillies chin, making her smile past her tears.

"Are you alright little one?" Misty said rubbing her daughter's chin.

"Sniff. Yes, mommy." filly Trixie said.

"That's a good girl."

"Mommy?"

"What is it sweetie?" Misty asked, picking up Trixie. She cradled the filly in her arms like a newborn foal.

"What are you leaving me and daddy?" she asked.

Misty didn't reply for a long time. Instead she rocked Trixie back and forth as she collected her thoughts. Her face scrunched up as she tried hard to explain everything to her. Before speaking, she placed Trixie back on the ground and laid on her belly facing the filly. She was finding it difficult to find a way to explain everything to the filly.

"Trixie. It's... Difficult to explain." Misty said averting her gaze. It was hard for her to admit, but she didn't love her ex-husband the way she use to. The spark was gone, and she needed something more than the simple life of a stay at home mother. But how do you explain that to a five year old filly? "I'm just going away for a while sweetie."

"When will you be back?"

Misty cringed at the question. Truth is she had no intention of coming back, but she couldn't bring herself to abandon her daughter. "Someday sweetie. I promise I'll come back someday."

Trixie's little ears perked up, and she smiled. "Sunday?!"

"No sweetie, someday." Misty giggled at her misunderstanding.

Suddenly the memory began to shake slightly as the entire memory began to take on a red hue. The onlookers to the memory were taken aback by this sight. Never did the think Trixie was affected in such a way that it would leave her scarred like this.. Then again, she was just a filly. Turnover never knew about this, Misty never told her. Guess we'll have to have a heart to heart talk when we see her again. she thought.

"Oh, someday." she replied bitterly, looking to the ground. "Mommy?"

"Yes sweetie?"

"Why are you leaving us? Do you not love daddy and me?" she asked, a bit of spite in her squeaky voice. "Do you hate us?"

"WHAT!?! No! I mean, I don't love your father the way I use too, but I still love you Trixie!" Misty yelled in surprise. "I'll never stop loving you my Little moon, I just-"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU ABANDONING ME!? WHY ARE YOU ABANDONING US!?!"[/in] the filly cried, a fresh batch of tears ran down her eyes. "Why mommy, hic...Why?

Misty began to panic, she tried her best to calm Trixie down but her mind was in complete turmoil. "Sweetie please! It'll be, OK. I'll come back! I'm not abandoning you!"

But Trixie stomped the ground looking over the hill at a small trailer over the next hillside. It was very much like Trixie's old trailer when she first came to Ponyville, but this one was more elaborately designed and was earth tones. Filly Trixie glared past her mother at the trailer on the horizon, more specifically, a brown mare standing beside it.

"It was her."

"What's that sweetie?"

"It was her!" She yelled pointing at the mare with her tiny hoof. "You're leaving us because of her! Aren't you!?!"

Misty folded her ears down in shame. It was true, she was leaving because Turnover asked her too. She was afraid she would respond this way, hence why she tried leaving under the cover of darkness.

"It's not her fault Trixie." Misty said, her voice shaking.

"Yes it is!" Trixie stomped the ground again. "She's like the evil witch in the forest who promises games and candy to foals and takes them toheerhomeinthewoodsandthencooksandeatsthem!!" As Trixie continued to ramble on her face began to darken into a darker hue of blue than was normal. Misty jumped shaking her daughter trying to snap her back from her rant.

"Sweetie! Breath! Breath!"

The fully gasped for air, turning to her normal baby blue. She glared at her mother. The sun rose behind her like a soaring beacon. Her mother was beautiful, her eyes had a reflective shine to them as the sun rose and her mane shifted with a warm breeze. Her blue fur was that perfect sheen where she almost glowed.

But Trixie didn't take it all in, no. She was too scared and upset to realize anything else at this point. Misty held her close and pulled the filly into a hug, but Trixie struggled against it the whole time. What happened next, was something that would shape Trixie for a long time to come.

Misty held her daughter tightly, the filly struggled to break free. She then leaned into her ear and whispered something.

"Why don't you come with me and Turnover, Trixie?" she asked. The filly stopped her struggle. She went wide eyed at the very thought of leaving her father. No. I won't leave him! she screamed in her mind. "You could come with us and we could be happy together. You, Turnover, and I. Leave these hurtful memories behind and-"

"NO!" Trixie jabbed her horn into her mother face scratching her cheek. Misty yelped in pain, letting her go and rubbed her bleeding cheek. "You are leaving us with her!"

At this moment, both Platinum and Turnover felt a sharp pain in their chests as they are bombarded with unbridled fear and hate. They felt Trixie's desperation, all the anger she held in up to this moment, and all of it was released in a single moment. At this moment, everything went red.

"You don't love us!" Trixie yelled at her mother. “That ...MARE has stolen your heart mommy!"

"Sweetie please it's not like that!" Misty said scoldingly, her temper rising.

"She's a horrible pony and so are you!"

Misty looked shocked at the outburst. She fell on her haunches, her eyes teared up. She face then turned to a scowl as she raised her hoof and struck Trixie across the cheek. The fillies head snapped to the side instantly, a slight red spot was left there. Trixie then began to slowly sob as she rubbed her cheek.

"Don't you verily say that again young lady," Misty said standing up. "I am you mother."

"No you're not!" Trixie spat at the ground. "You're just the mare who gave birth to me. You're not my mother. A real mother wouldn't abandon her family!"

"Trixie."

"I hate you and I hope you die!"

With that Trixie turned tail and ran away from Misty, leaving her dumbstruck. The memory faded to black leaving only the after image of Trixie running in a dark void. She was running, but had no destination in mind. She ran for a long time, and Platinum and Turnover both felt the weight of the fillies heart. This spell was truly potent. The emotional turmoil in her heart was immense. It was no wonder Trixie hated Misty so much.

Her young mind didn't understand what was going on, and it gave way to irrational fear and anger. Eventually a bright light encompassed the entire memory and Turnover and Platinum were thrown back into reality. Both of them jolted like they had awoken from a nightmare.

Their eyes dilated and their fur soaked in sweat. Trixie too, jolted from her spell and was in a similar state as the other two mares. All three of them looked at each other, then all eyes fell on Trixie. The unicorn looked away shamefully. Platinum ran up to her and tackle hugged her to the ground.

"I'm so sorry Trixie!" Platinum cried into her shoulder. "I never knew. And here I was saying you were solely in the wrong! I'm so sorry..."

"It's fine Platinum." Trixie coed to her mate, patting her head gently. She then looked over to the brown unicorn and gestured her to come over. "I'm also sorry to you too Turnover."

The brown mare slowly walked over, sitting shoulder to shoulder with Trixie. She looked sadly down at the smaller mare in Trixie's arms. She held both of them in her arms nuzzling Trixie. She then whispered into Trixie's ear.

"I'm sorry Trixie. I never knew." she sniffed. "I wasn't trying to break your family apart, I was just-"

"In love. Yeah," Trixie looked down at Platinum, who looked up at her kissing her. "Trixie understands now. It took a long time, but Trixie understands now."

Turnover looked at her expectantly. "So does this mean-"

"Now, we aren't friends, and I'm still mad at you." she said holding up her hoof to Turnover, silencing her. "But I'm willing to give you a chance, if you'll give me one."

All three mares shared smile. "Of course I'll give you a chance, daughter."

The two younger mares looked at her oddly. "What?"

"Well, me and Misty are married so that means we're family now!" Turnover said cheerily.

Trixie's mind tried to wrap around this. Then something hit her, that meant she was now related to Applejack. The thought terrified her more than anything she had conjured in her mind to that single point in time. Trixie then had a feeling this was karma slapping her across the face for all her misdeeds. Trixie promptly went to faint in a very dramatic fashion. Platinum gasped as the blue mare suddenly fell over with a dull thud as she hit the floor.

"Just like your mother, Trixie." she giggled.

Sixth Day Honesty and Forgiveness (Final)

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*Earlier Sweet Apple Acres*

Misty ran. That was all she could think to do. All her life all she ever did was run. She was very good at it. When Life comes knocking she always had an escape plan. After all, a good magician always has a plan. But this time there was no plan, her plan as far as she thought, was to run as far from all the fighting as she could.

She ran among the trees of Sweet Apple Acres trying to avoid everypony, unaware that she was being perused by Applejack. The orange pony followed her halfway through the farm fields before she came to a stop near a lake at the southern end of the property. The azure earth pony panted, resting her tired body on the warm grass at the edge of the lake. It was a small lake, only about a mile across.

From where she was there was a line of trees about fifty feet behind Misty, where Applejack stayed hidden from view, and across the lake was open fields of grass. On a small hill on the opposite end of the lake was a single tree. It was a large oak tree standing over fifty feet tall and cast a mighty shadow beneath it.

Misty settled into the grass basking in the warmth of the sun when she suddenly heard a noise from behind. She snapped her neck around to see her mates oldest daughter, Applejack, hiding among the tree line. She smiled at the young mare who gave a sheepish smile back.

"You're Applejack, correct?" Misty inquired.

The orange pony nodded silently.

Misty turned her head to face back at the lake. "Turnover talks about you often."

"She does?" Applejack asked sitting beside the older pony.

"Oh, yes she does." Misty replied, shifting her body to lay more to her side and face Applejack. "I had hoped to speak with you concerning my little Trixie."

The farm pony sighed looking down at the water. Her reflection was distorted and barely recognizable. Fitting, that's how ah feel. She thought.

"I was wondering if you could tell me about your encounters with my daughter."

"Well, it was a rough start. As you know she came here twice. The first time she came here was a while ago that lead to the whole ursa thing. Then about a week ago she came wielding the Alicorn Amulet. She was beaten again by mah friend Twilight." Applejack sighed pulling off her hat and setting it aside. "Ah thought that after that I'd never see her again. Boy how was ah wrong about that."

"So the next day ahm walking to the west field to begin the apple bucking season when Trixie and the mayor come into the house. That's when ah learned Trixie was working for the mayor as her assistant. Ah wasn't very fond of the idea of her being in town at the time. Now, ah'm glad she stayed. There's no telling how things might have turned out if she'd left."

Applejack's thoughts wandered onto Twilight and how she used the Alicorn Amulet to get to her. The influence the amulet had on her was so strong she acted on her base desire to be with Applejack. And she would had done anything to get to her, no matter what it took. If Trixie hadn't been there...

"Ahm just glad she stayed." Applejack said.

Misty could tell something weighed heavily on the young mares mind. They both did.

"What did my mother tell you about me?"

"Oh, I guess I forgot about that statement I said didn't I? So sorry dear."

"Ain't nothing wrong with it." Applejack replied.

"Well," The blue earth pony shifted her weight. "She says you're very loyal to family. Even at a young age you always held family in high regard." Misty looked at the orange pony with a sad look on her face. "I can see why you'd hate us."

Applejack looked up at her. She gave the older pony a curious look not understanding what she meant.

"Don't you hate ponies who believe in same sex relationships?"

"Not anymore." Applejack replied, looking ashamed.

Misty tilted her head scooting closer to the younger pony. "Why's that? If you don't mind me asking?"

Applejack thought over the events of the last week. She had done a lot of soul searching and found herself embracing the idea of being, a fillyfooler. No longer did she say the word in spite, or at all anymore. She changed drastically over the last day after being saved by Mary, and her mates.

"Heh, had yall come to me earlier this week I'd have beat you senseless." Applejack said with a laugh.

"Wow, just like my little, Trixie." Misty said jokingly.

Misty laughed rolling over accidentally. After recovering she sat upright as Applejack laughed at her falling over. The two shared a good long laugh, the stresses of the day long gone. When they managed to stop they both stared at the lake for a while neither saying a word. Misty thought about her favorite place in all the world a large lake near the base of Mt. Hooverest a few miles from Manehattan.

The spring frost would melt streaming down towards the rivers and into the lake. It was beautiful this time of the year. She wished she could take Trixie to see it, but it would be impossible since the young unicorn hated her.

Misty looked at Applejack gauging her silently.

"What do you think of my daughter?" Misty asked suddenly.

Applejack's mind came to a halt at the question. What did she think of the blue unicorn? Sure, they weren't exactly friends, but she hoped that they could both put the past aside and become friends. Someday. She thought about his for a long while, Misty sat patiently waiting, before long Applejack had her response.

"Ah think she's wonderful mare. She true to herself, selfless, and brave. If a little arrogant at times."

"You really think that way about her?" Misty asked.

"Ah do."

"Well, that's great to hear." Misty said excitedly clapping her hooves together. "I just wish I could get her to not hate me."

"Ahm sure she will once she cools her head off."

"I sure hope so." Misty looked away from the lake to watch the trees. "Well, I guess it could have been worse. You could have hated me too."

"Ah don't know you-" Applejack stopped mid sentence to really think about that.

She never gave it much thought, but she barely knew Trixie either. She just made assumptions after their initial meeting back when Trixie first came to Ponyville. When the unicorn boasted her magical prowess, being able to defeat an ursa major, she was reminded a lot of her rivalry with Rainbow Dash. The pegasus was always very arrogant and prideful.

Yet in spite of all that, Applejack still considered her a friend. She would always see her as a friend. Perhaps, she should have given Trixie a chance too. Instead all she did was try so hard to hate her for being different, when in reality , they weren't so different.

"Ah think, I like to be her friend." Applejack said softly. "She's... unique."

Misty chuckled at the statement, knowing exactly what the mare meant.

"That's true, my daughter is very unique." she said, standing up and stretching like a cat. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you hate me for what happened to your family?" she asked in a worried tone.

Applejack had to stop and think about that one. She wasn't sure if she hated her, but at the same time she didn't know her very well. She had expected to hate the mare that took her mother away. Yet, she didn't feel that much anger or hate for her. Sure she didn't like her for tearing her family apart, but at the same time she felt her mother was more to blame than anything.

After getting to know the mare, she couldn't bring herself to hate Misty. But if she didn't hate her then why was it so hard for her to like Trixie? Had she changed that much over the last few days? Did Trixie influence her in such a way that she no longer held any animosity for her or her own mother? It was all so confusing. She felt connected to the mare somehow.

Misty stretcher again, flexing her legs. "Well, let's get back. I bet the others are looking for us, and I want to speak to my daughter." Misty said helping Applejack up.

"Thanks." the orange pony said, wiping blades of grass off herself.

"Come on. Let's get back."

The two walked back to Misty's trailer to find Trixie asleep on the couch while Platinum and Turnover were gossiping at the dinner table. They were sitting side by side with a bowl of grapes eating as they chatted up like a couple of school fillies. Turnover stopped at the sound of the door opening. She craned her neck to look over the couch and saw Misty with Applejack.

She got up and ran over to the earth pony mare hugging and kissing her. Applejack and Platinum looked away embarrassed by the show of affection. While Misty got her scolding from Turnover for running off, again, Applejack knelt beside Trixie at the couch. Platinum decided to join her and pulled up a chair so they could both sit and not disturb Trixie.

"How is she? She's not hurt is she?" Applejack asked wondering why she was asleep.

Platinum giggled rolling her eyes. "No, she just fainted from learning about her sister."

Applejack did a double take. She never knew Trixie had a sister, at least she didn't recall that being brought up. When she was about to ask the silver unicorn to clarify what she meant, Trixie awoke with a loud groan.

"Ah! Trixie you're up!" the silvery unicorn cheered hugging her. She then looked over to Misty and Turnover, waving at them to get their attention. "Turnover! Trixie is up!"

The two older mares walked over sitting beside Applejack who was now between them and Platinum. Trixie shook her head, her vision was blurry as she awoke. Once her vision cleared, she realized she was surrounded by several ponies. She felt relieved to see Platinum. She reached for her mate and pulled her into a quick kiss before releasing her.

"Oh, Platinum I had a horrible nightmare!" Trixie cried out loud. "I dreamt that Turnover had married my mother and said, ‘Applejack was my sister in law’!"

All four of the other mares had different reactions. Misty frowned at Turnover who looked away with a bright blush, while Platinum giggled and Applejack turned pale.

"Trixie?" Misty leaned towards her.

"M-mother?"

"Turnover and I are married, so technically you are Applejack's sister in law." She finished her sentence with a smirk.

Trixie's eyes rolled up into her head as she fell back onto the couch and Applejack followed suit, falling off the chair and onto the floor. Turnover was having way too much fun with this, but it was nice to see the family getting along so well.

End of the Sixth Day Friend in Need (Final)

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*Hours later*

Trixie and Platinum were walking through Ponyville heading for home as the sun was beginning to set. The sky gave off a orange and violet mixture reminiscent of a grand painting. The colors blended perfectly together. The two mares were close together, almost touching, as they kept a brisk pace heading for home.

After a rude awakening, Trixie and the others decided to have a 'family' gathering later on in the evening. Trixie and her mate left shortly after agreeing to bring Mary and Maud with them to the gathering. But first they had to make it back home.

Ponies scowled at them and called Trixie a monster and spat at her as they past. Platinum scolded a group of fillies and colts for calling Trixie hurtful names, after which she had to tell off their parents who said similar things. While walking, Platinum took the time to vent her frustrations.

"I can't believe the nerve of these ponies!" she yelled stomping the ground as she walked. "And they wonder why foals are growing up to be such thugs these days?! This is exactly what I warned Silver Spoon about!"

As Platinum ranted on Trixie kept her eyes open for any trouble. A group of mares walked past them, pushing Trixie to the ground. One was a cream colored earth pony mare with a rose colored mane and a rose cutie mark, another was a pink earth pony mare with a curly green mane and a double daisy cutie mark. The last was a pink earth pony with a long blonde mane and tail with a triple lily cutie mark and a lily in her mane.

The three mares laughed at Trixie as she fell into the dirty road not even stopping to admire their work. Platinum cursed at them as they continued walking insulting Trixie as they did. Trixie stood up dusting herself off. Platinum continued to rant at the mares, having followed them to their nearby flower shop, from beside Trixie a voice called to her.

"Trixie, are you alright?" it said in a worried tone.

"Who-" Trixie turned to see Carrot Top running to her from her stand. "Carrot Top!"

The two ran up to together and hugged one another.

"Are you alright Trixie?" the yellow pony asked, looking her over. "You aren't hurt are you?"

"Trixie's fine." the blue unicorn replied, puffing her chest out with pride. "But they are some of the worst ponies Trixie has met yet."

Carrot Top looked at them as they snickered at something Platinum said to them. That was when they realized they were being enclosed by several ponies.

They heard scoffs and both looked to see the three flower mares giving them disgusted looks. Several ponies were now circling them and Platinum decided to stand beside Trixie. The ponies looked very angry. VERY angry. The silvery unicorn had never seen such animosity from Ponyville citizens before. They began to chatter among themselves, wondering what to do about Trixie and her 'associates'.

Both unicorns lit their horns preparing to defend themselves as the crowd closed in on them. Several had ropes, rocks, and other assortment of devices and foods ready to pitch them at a moment's notice. Before anypony knew what was going on a dark misty appeared around the three surrounded ponies. Screams of terror and yells echoed as ponies shoved one another aside to escape the terrifying mist.. Once it cleared the ponies were gone.

"Run!" Trixie's voice called through the smoke.

The two escaped unicorns and earth pony ran around a building into a dark alley where the sun didn't reach. From there they watched as the citizens of Ponyville, the more reasonable ones trying to stop them, as they rampaged over to Carrot Tops stand and demolished it. They heard several ponies yell that, "Carrot was with them!" and destroyed all her stock of carrots.

Once they finished they left very suddenly northward as a group. They surrounded a small hut that had a small garden in front surrounded by a little wooden gate. The ponies surrounded the hut and garden enclosing it. It was a simple hay and clay hut with a single wooden door and two windows at the front. Hanging over the entrance was a sign with a batch of carrots on it.

Then, without any hesitation, they began tearing it down and ripping out all the crops. Carrots flew across the street as earth ponies and unicorns alike tore them out from the soiled earth and stomping them. Others were tearing down the house and beat down the supports causing it to collapse in on itself.

Carrot Top all the while, cried as she tried pushing past Platinum and Trixie. She thrashed trying to get to her home but it was long gone. "My home! My carrots! NOOO! Let me go!" she sobbed, punching and kicking the two unicorns. "I have to save my home! My crops!"

"Carrot no! You can't they'll swarm you and do, Celestia knows what to you!" Trixie said trying to reason with the distraught earth pony.

Platinum held the mare around her waist, receiving kicks to her stomach and legs in response. "You can't go out there! Be reasonable, Carrot!"

"NO! I won't let them destroy everything I worked so hard for!" she yelled, turning to punch Platinum in the face. She pushed her hooves against the mares chest but was held firmly in place. All Carrot Top could do was watch. Watch as her livelihood was torn down before her very eyes. Years of cultivating and growth, all gone in the blink of an eye. After several minutes the ponies had finished their work and dispersed.

The carrot colored only cried in her friend's arms. She couldn't bare to watch as her entire life was literally destroyed. A few minutes later she and the two uncorks walked among the rubble of her destroyed house. The two unicorns watched as their friend traversed the stone rubble landscape, searching.

She had no more tears to shed, but she hiccuped as she ducked through the stone and wood. She stopped when she came across an old tattered leather book. She opened it and looked inside and quickly closed it. She continued to dig for sometime. Trixie and Platinum helped her find her old saddlebags and placed a few belongings, that weren't destroyed, into them. Once the search was complete they left the depressing sight and went towards Mary's house.

None of them spoke, Trixie was too concerned for the others safety to say anything. They slinked in the shadows and kept close to the alleys as they inched their way back home. The journey was long, but eventually they reached the safety of Mary's home. Luckily, she was there waiting.

Mary was just coming out to look for the two unicorns when they arrived from down the street. She smiled and trotted over to the group of mares, surprised to see Carrot Top with them.

"Trixie! Platinum! Where were you two? Maud and I were worried." she said, hugging the younger mares.

"Sorry Mary," Platinum started to say. "But we got held up. Let's get inside quickly." Trixie finished for the silver unicorn.

The two smaller ponies entered the house but Carrot Top remained outside. Mary walked up to her and sat beside her. "How are you Miss Carrot Top?" she asked her. "Are you doing well?"

"...No. I'm not." the carrot pony responded in a pitiful tone.

Mary lead the mare into her home, setting her into the couch. Maud was in the doorway closing it behind them after they entered. The grey pony greeted the new guest.

"Hello." she greeted Carrot in her monotone voice.

"Hello?" Carrot more or less asked, rather than greeted.

She'd never heard a pony speak in such a monotonous manner before. But she didn't care at this point. Her home was gone and she had nothing left but her friends and her book. Platinum walked up to Mary, while Trixie went to the room and began closing the windows and drew the curtains for each.

"We need to talk, Mary." Platinum said, looking over to Maud. "We need to talk as a group, actually. This involves all of us."

Trixie walked past them heading for the kitchen and closed all the windows bringing darkness to the home. Only the slightest traces of light shined through the window curtains. But otherwise the home was dark save for the candle light. The flames danced in the darkness like tiny fairies in a dark void, they were surprisingly entrancing to look at.

The ponies met in the living room under the cover of darkness. Carrot Top sat on the couch beside Platinum and Maud, while Trixie and Mary sat in chairs in front of them. The tan earth pony frowned at the two younger unicorns, while Maud simply stared at them patiently waiting.

"So, what's all this about?" Mary asked her mates. "You were suppose to be home a while ago. What kept you two? Decided to take the scenic route?"

Trixie and platinum looked over to Carrot who had her head hung low. Her orange mane covered part of her face barely lit by the candlelight. Platinum patted her on the back, enticing a crack of a smile from the mare. Trixie however, bore an aggravated look on her face.

"You wouldn't believe what the ponies of this town have done!" the blue mare yelled. "It was horrible!"

"Now Trixie, I know you're mad at your mother but Ponyville has some of the most responsible and respectable ponies in all of Equestria." The tan mare declared. "Surely, it wasn't that bad?"

Platinum looked up at Mary with a concerned look on her face. "Actually, Trixie's right Mary."

"What do you mean?" Maud asked looking at her.

"A group of ponies..." Platinum tried to talk but was still in shock from what had happened to say anything.

A brief silence followed. Then, a unheard voice startled everypony in the room. "They destroyed my home." it said.

All eyes turned to Carrot who still had her head low. A fresh batch of tears filled her eyes as she griped her book close to her chest.

Carrot Top, Trixie, and Platinum retold the other two mare so the events before and after they left Misty's trailer. They told them how they met up with Carrot Top and had to run for their lives from an angry mob that destroyed Carrot's home and how they had to sneak back home.

By the end Mary was absolutely livid.

"How dare they. HOW DARE THEY!" Mary screamed as loud as she could.

Everypony, except Maud, backed away from her as she circled around the room ranting to nopony in particular.

"How could they do this?! Why would they do this?" she asked looking out through one of the curtains. "I swear if I find out who is responsible I'll have the Royal Guard lock them away for this!"

She felt a slight tug at her side. She glanced over to see Trixie with a calm but warm expression. The blue unicorn hugged her mate pulling her into a kiss. Maud and Platinum held hooves, watching. Carrot looked away nervously scratching the back of her neck from the view of such unconditional love.

Once they broke apart, Trixie pressed her head against Mary's chest. She nuzzled her soft fur with her nose while she felt her mane being stroked. After a few minutes, they sat back down, Mary finally calm.

"I guess we'll need to make new living arrangements for you Carrot." she declared. "Do you have any place to stay for now?"

"No, I don't. My family lives south just before the Badlands." Carrot replied.

"Why do they live there?" Trixie asked her friend. "There's nothing there but desert."

Maud coughed before she had a chance to reply. She held her hoof over her mouth to get their attention, there was a small twinkle in her eyes, one that Trixie knew all too well. Lecture time. She thought staring at Maud. the other three just stared at her waiting to her what she had to say.

"Actually, little moon, there soil between Equestrias south lands and the Badlands is quite fertile." Maud walked over to a desk and pulled out her stuff. She looked through her saddlebags as she continued to speak. "I went on a survey there a few years back. I was a junior lead on an excavation team to study old ruins there."

She pulled her head out of the bags with a rolled up paper in her mouth. It was over 14 inches long and it was very old. The orange colored paper roll was torn and had burn marks on it. Maud brought it over to the table between them and unrolled it revealing an ancient map of Equestria, but still accurate to this date, minus most of the cities.

"This area of land is all farming towns and such." she said pointing to a small strip on the map. She slowly dragged her hoof across it as she gave them the details on the rich content of the soil there, making it the ideal place for farming. "It's so good that plants grown there are suppose to be the healthiest and most tasty of all food grown in Equestria."

Trixie made a small, oh, with her mouth as she put two and two together in her mind. "So, you're from a farming family too, Carrot Top?" she asked her friend.

'Yes, I am." Carrot replied proudly. The fur on her face matted with her drying tears. "I was born into the Carrot Clan, and like the Apple Clan we're proud of our heritage and the crop we specialize in growing."

"So, I'm taking a wild guess but do they by chance grow... carrots?" Platinum snickered as the carrot pony rolled her eyes.

"Yes. We do." Carrot looked over at Maud's map pointing to a small mountain range. It ran across the entire length of the border between the Badlands and Equestria, save for a small gap in the dead center.

"This is where my town was where I grew up." Carrot said, as all the others surrounded her to see. "It's called Saltmill Hills."

"Oh! Trixie's heard of this place!"

"It should Trixie." Maud said kissing her cheek. "We went there a while ago."

Trixie frowned at the memory. "Yes. Trixie hates that place."

"Hey!" Carrot turned to her friend with an offended look. "Don't go dissing my home town there Trixie!"

Trixie scoffed puffing her chest out. "That place is beneath the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She declared hopping on the table.

"Trixie, your arrogance is showing."
"Trixie, get off the table!"
"Little moon, please don't step on the ancient map."

Trixie, blushed stepping down, she dusted the maps gently with a sheepish grin, before taking her seat beside Maud. The grey mare stared at her before refolding the map. As she left to go put the map away, the conversation continued. Mary leaned on her chair pulling it beside Trixie and Platinum.

"So Carrot, where are you going to stay now?" she asked her.

"I guess I'll have to go back to my home town." Carrot Top replied looking down. "It's so heart breaking."

"My own friends called me out and basically turned on me. I can't believe Rose, Lily, and Daisy would turn on me so-"

"Wait wait wait!" Mary waved her hooves stopping them. "The flower trio? They did this to you three?!"

She received a series of nods.

"That's it!" Mary fumed smacking the arm of the chair. "I've had just about enough of ponies causing trouble in my town! there will be changes around here."

She stood up and walked over to her room and collected her glasses and a spare ascot she could wear. This one was pink with a white collar and a single button on the center.

She exited the room with a determined look on her face. "I'll be back later!" She said and trotted out the door without another word word, heading off into Ponyville.

The four remaining ponies watched as Mary stormed off. They then looked at each other.

"So, what now?" Carrot asked the three others present.

"Well, Trixie needs to write a letter to her mother," The unicorn said stretching from her seat.

She stood up and walked to her room where she wrote a brief letter apologizing to her mother for not being able to show up for dinner and a promise to make it up to her later. Once the letter was written, she used her massage candle to send it off and returned to see the others chatting.

Not stopping their talk, Trixie walked up to the couch and sat between Platinum and Maud. They instinctively wrapped their tails together with hers. Carrot Top watched as they connected their tails. She wondered if they were all together like a herd or something. Her thoughts went off into a tangent when she imagined the four mares doing very dirty things in bed. Catching herself before the thoughts took root, she shook them off.

"So, girls?" All eyes turned to Carrot. "Are you, are you all in a herd? Or something?" Carrot Top asked nervously.

None of them said anything but stared at her like she suggested they go jump off a cliff. They looked at each other, and thought hard about that. None of them had decided on how their relationship was going to work. They deeply loved each other, Mary included, but they never thought about calling themselves a herd. Though that was basically what they were. In silent agreement they nodded looking over to their yellow furred friend.

"Yes, we are a herd." Trixie said.

Maud nodded as Carrot nodded satisfied with her answer. But, Platinum had a concerned look on her face.

"Sorry Carrot, I know you aren't involved with us but if we are a herd, then who's the alpha in our herd?" Platinum asked her two present mates.

"Uh..."

"........"

"Mary." Maud replied without missing a beat.

End of the Sixth Day Problems on the Homefront (Final)

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Mary stormed out of her home determined to put an end to all the madness that had befallen her quaint town. She was quite disturbed by the news brought to her by Trixie, Carrot Top, and Platinum about ponies rioting and destroying property. All because of that stupid amulet.

What was it with her town that made it a magnet for disaster after disaster?

Now, Ponyville being so close to the Everfree Forest had it's fair share of troubles, but it was never anything they couldn't handle. In truth, this use to be a quiet town with little to no excitement. That was until about a eight months ago when Twilight Sparkle first arrived for the Summer Sun Celebration. That was when things really spiraled out of control.

She thought back to the earliest days that Twilight spent in Ponyville. One of her earliest incidents involved some doll that she enchanted, infamously named the Smarty Pants Dilemma, it was easily one of Mary's most embarrassing moments in her life. Oh, was she ever glad that her unprofessional behavior was long forgotten from all that.

A she past over an old bridge she thought back to when Spike, the resident dragon, went through a greedy growth spurt and terrorized the town. It cost a lot of bits to fix everything the young dragon destroyed. It was no where near the damage caused by the most recent fight, but it was a solid second place compared to the damage the Alicorn Amulet caused.

She thought hard about these incidents as they came and went, as she walked past a group of ponies carrying banners. She didn't see what was on them, being to concerned with getting to her destination. She was on her way to see Twilight Sparkle at the local library. She knew that the unicorn was a student of Celestia's and had hoped she'd be able to get some backing.

But she was stopped short by an angry mob that was blocking the street, about halfway to the library, just outside the town hall.

She thought long and hard as she altered her path and began heading into the center of Ponyville. Her destination, Ponyville library.

She was passing through the market when she noticed a large group of ponies heading in her general direction with angry looks on their faces. They chanted together saying,"drive out the demon witch!" Several carried the banners Trixie had Rarity make over a week ago with her icon on them, but now they had red paint crossing over the faces. Several ponies held signs that read, "Drive out the witch!" Others had vulgar statements about Trixie, and most disturbingly several were about Platinum and Carrot Top as well.

Mary frowned at the sight of the ponies. Never in her entire life had she even seen such a thing. While it was nice for a change to see the citizens banding together against a common foe, she would have liked it if they had grown a spine not on Trixie. She trotted over to the group and a single pony ran up to her half way.

"Roseluck, what is the meaning of this?" The mayor demanded, gesturing to the group.

Roseluck held up her hoof and the mob stopped dead in its tracks.

"We're going to show that, arrogant blue bitch, that she can't come to our town and destroy it, not once, not twice, but THREE times!" the mare shouted, enticing shouts of agreement from the crowd. "We won't allow an outsider to come and subjugate us!"

"Yeah!"

"Drive out the demon!"

"Let's hang her by her hooves! Neigh! Saw off her horn!"

"Peace citizens of Ponyville!" Mary called trying to calm the group.

The group slowly stopped its frenzy and all eyes focused on the mayor. She felt tense. She hadn't felt this way since she first arrived in Ponyville to run for mayor years ago. Now, here she was trying to quell the same feeling of dread she felt so long ago.

Steeling herself, she stood before the crowd ready to try and reason with them. Ponyville had always had some of the most reasonable ponies Mary had ever met. She hoped they weren't too far gone to be reasoned with.

"Citizens of Ponyville! I urge you to lay down your arms and return home peacefully. Trixie has paid her dues and is not a threat to you anymore!" she said to the crowd. "I promise you what happened a few days ago was a terrible accident that involved several ponies and it HAS been taken care of!"

Roseluck stared incredulously at the mayor. She knew Mary hired Trixie as her assistant, but never thought much about it until now. Anger swelled in her face she she invaded Mary's personal space.

"And just what do you mean it involved several ponies?" the rose pony asked. "It sounds to me like you're trying to cover it all up. Again."

"How dare you-"

"No! How dare YOU!" Roseluck yelled back, pushing Mary. 'You always cover up for the biggest screw ups because you don't want to lose your position! The Gabby Gums thing! Now you cover for Trixie... wait a minute."

The cream colored pony ran back into a nearby house and a minute later came back out with a news paper recognized by all of Ponyville. "Gabby Gums article #177: The Great and Powerful Trixie Secrets revealed!" The pony yelled smacking Mary with it. "You've been covering for Trixie the whole time! You even went so far to make a random stallion out to be a criminal and Trixie a victim! I can't believe I never made the connection!"

Mary was shocked at the absolutely false allegations against her. She furrowed her brow and stood her ground as the crowd began to chatter among itself.

"These are lies and I won't stand for it! I'm not covering for anypony! Trixie was a victim of circumstances and I won't let you victimize her for it!"

Another pony stepped forward from the crowd, it was Bon Bon. The cream earth pony swung her blue and pink mane to the side glaring at the mayor. Mary took note that her closest friend Lyra was nowhere to be seen. Bon Bon made her way over to Roseluck and stood beside her, puffing out her chest.

She leaned over and whispered something into Rose's ear, earning a disgusted look from her. Rose looked over to the mayor as if sizing her up and looked like she was appalled by her very sight. Mary felt very self conscious from the intense glares she received from the two.

Rose stepped up and pressed her hoof to the mayor's chest. "You are with her!?"

Mary tilted her head unsure of what she meant. "What do you me, 'with her'?"

"YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN!" Rose accused shoving Mary with both hooves this time. "You're dating Trixie!"

Now Mary could see where this was going.

"Yes, I admit i'm in love with her. And two others I might add." she added before Rose could speak. "I can vouch for her as can several others."

Bon Bon stepped forward with a smirk. "Yeah, I know. Lyra told me all about your little herd you've got going on. Must be nice to have all the mares to yourself and I bet they're getting 'political favors' aren't they?"

Now Mary was beyond angry. She stepped forward pushing Bon Bon back wit her head, making her push back to stand her ground.

"Now see here you piece of-" she pushed catching herself before she gave into her base desire to insult the mare. "Don't you dare accuse me of being some common whore. What's between me and my herd mates is my business. Not yours, not Lyra's, and certainly not all of Ponyvilles!"

"So, you admit to playing favorites!?" a voice cried form the crowd.

"She's one of them!"

"Impeachment! Impeachment I say!"

"Everypony please be reasonable-" Mary tried to calm the group down but was met with stiff resistance.

Roseluck pulled over a box from the side of the market and stood atop of it, Bon Bon by her side. "You see everypony! It's as I said before! Mary Goldmane, mayor of Ponyville is nothing but a cheap whore who uses her position to not only give favors to others, but she manipulates them into doing her dirty work! Then she covers up her mistakes by shifting blame on others!" Rose held up the Gabby Gums article to emphasize her point. "She's been covering things up from the start! Spike's rampage! The parasprites! Now Trixie, arguable her biggest cause she can't control her urges!"

"That's a lie and you know it, Roseluck!" Mary yelled in her own defense. "I never used my position for any gain, nor to fave sexual favors from anypony!"

Roseluck however, was ready for this one. She turned to face Mary, her eyes locking with the angry green ones.

"Oh, and I hear you slept with Maud Pie. The famous Canterlot Geologist! I'll bet you had her come out to say this was a random rock monster attack or even a natural disaster! Something about the, fault lines or some junk!"

"That's a false accusation and has no premises and you know it Rose! Why are you doing this? Aren't we friends, Rose?" Mary tried pleading with her. "The lunches, and all the fun we had with everypony? Does this not all mean anything to you? To any of you?"

Several ponies hung their heads low. Shame donned their faces, but Rose then turned to the group. "She's trying to manipulate you all! She's using the guilt trip maneuver! She's trying to shift blame again! Don't you see!?"

Several ponies in the group still looked unconvinced.

"Roseluck is right!" Bon Bon said, coming to aid her friend. "She even covered up the whole thing! She's trying to divide us knowing she can get to you by using the whole, 'I thought we were friends' thing!"

"That's not true! I'm friends with half of you here!" she pointed to a stallion in the group. "Iron Hoof! We went to school together years ago! I was there when you got your cutie mark in iron forging! Daisy! I helped you start your flower business back when it was just you me, and Ticker!"

Mary then turned to face the others. "And what you did to poor Carrot Top was uncalled for! Destroying her home and her entire livelihood! Shame on all of you!"

The two ponies in question looked torn. They didn't deny what was said, but fear of rejection from the group meant that they, like Carrot Top, would be targeted as well. Fear gripped them as they decided to look away from their friend in her time of need.

Mary looked distraught when they looked away, but Bon Bon and Roseluck gave her cocky grins.

"Don't you see mayor? You can't cover this one up." Rose said, wrapping her arm around Bon Bon, kissing her. "We've banned together to stop your unfair treatment and will see to it that all involved are punished for their crimes."

Mary slumped on her haunches, but her gaze never left Rose's. She stared with all the hate she could muster at the moment at the two cream colored ponies. She tried to rack her brain for a peaceful solution, but came up empty.

Rose and Bon Bon circled around her like two sharks ready to strike a helpless wounded prey. Sensing their victory they pressed on.

"You can't win this time Mary." Bon Bon said in her ear.

"You'll never cover this one up. We intend to make Trixie and you pay for what you did, and any who stand with you." Rose threatened. She then softened her face as she stood in front of the mayor. "And nothing you do will stop the truth from being heard!"

The crowd cheered as Bon Bon hugged her, a triumphant look on her face. Mary sighed shaking her head. She couldn't believe things spiraled out of control so badly. Had she been playing favorites this whole time? Was she really as bad as they said she was? Normally ponies don't say such things unless there's some hint of truth behind them. It was true she covered up the Gabby Gums paper fiasco, but that was for the good of Equestria since it involved one of the Elements of Harmony.

No, that was a lie. She knew it was to save face for Igneous Rock Pie. She used her position to help him and soften the blow to his reputation. Rose was right about that one, she did do it as a favor to him. But it was for the stallion she loved so long ago. She glanced up seeing the two weren't going to relent she decided drastic measures needed to be taken.

Mary took in a deep breath calming herself for what she felt she had to do next. Bon Bon and Roseluck raised their hooves silencing the crowd as they waited to hear what Mary had to say.

"I have a proposition for you all." Mary declared. "One I think you all with agree to."

Start of the Seventh Day Decsisions

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Mary awoke in her home early in the morning. She looked over to see her three mates all huddled together around her. When she came home the previous night, after a close encounter with the angry mob, she felt exhausted and wanted to go straight to bed but was held up by her now official herdmates.

They all spoke briefly that they were going to be a herd and wanted talk to her about her being alpha, but she said she was to tired and needed to rest for the night before they could tell her. Carrot Top, left to stay at her sisters place for the night leaving the others to themselves. Now, with the rising of the sun Mary forced herself from the comforting of her bed to face the day. The others slept soundly as she crept from under them, making sure the slightest movement didn't disturb them.

Maud slept soundly. Her breathing was heavy but steady, unlike the two younger mares who had a slight snore as they breathed in. She felt her side roll slightly and shifted her weight so she didn't fall off the small bed. Maud's face buried deep into Platinum's mane and she pushed it to the side.

Mary giggled at the sight. Maud scrunched up her nose and blew a few strands of hair out of her face. Mary then quickly got ready and prepared for what was surely to be her biggest day since her inauguration as mayor.

As she prepared she didn't realize she was being watched.

Platinum was awake, her mane was a mess and she felt her mouth was very dry. She got up to get a drink of water only to find Mary skulking around in the kitchen. The tan mare was eating silently like she was foal trying to sneak to the cookie jar at night. When she spotted the unicorn, Mary stopped dead in her tracks like deer caught in the headlights.

"Oh! Good morning dear." Mary greeted her mate.

"Good morning." Platinum replied.

The two shared a hug an kiss before settling down to eat cereal together. While they ate, they watched as Maud and Trixie snuggled up together from the living area. Ever since the Alicorn Amulet was destroyed the dinning area was in shambles forcing them to eat in the living room instead.

Mary ate in silence while Platinum sipped a coffee, eyeing the tan mare. Mary moved like a machine. Her arm was very stiff and slow as she raised her spoon to her mouth. She chewed sixteen times before swallowing every time. It made Platinum worry. She'd never seen Mary act like this before. Not that she knew her very well before. It was odd knowing how much had changed in the last week for them.

She continued to watch her eat until she finished. Mary then stood up and walk over to the sink, with her bowl in her mouth, and placed it in the sink. She then began to clean the bowl when Platinum came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist. Mary stopped wiping the bowl, and let it sink into the water. She felt the younger mares nose press against her back, she could hear her purring too.

Mary sighed drying her hooves with a towel before rubbing the silvery arms around her waist. She then turned around and pulled the younger mare up to her wait line and kissed her. The silver mare rubbed the tan fur sides of her mares hips, enticing a short moan from her as she returned the favor. Both leaned in shortly after kissing, still rubbing each others legs.

That was when Platinum got ambitious. She reached inside Mary's thigh, tenderly rubbing her inner thigh while avoiding her most private parts. Mary gasped from the sudden invasion and arched her back as she redoubled her efforts on the younger flank she held. After a brif skirmish the two stopped their foreplay and slumped down to the floor in front of the sink.

"That was a nice wake up call, Platinum." Mary said, kissing her forehead. "Thanks."

Once more, Mary pulled her close pinning the younger mares head to her chest. Platinum buried her face into Mary's fur while the tan pony laid her head on the silvery mare. The rise of Mary's chest, the sound of her heart beat, made Platinum feel comfortable in a way she could not describe except as, wonderful.

"So, Mary?" a muffled voice called from her chest.

"Hmm?"

"Why are you up so early?" the silver mare poked her head out from the tan fur. "Don't you have the day off?"

Now, the previous night, Mary never told them, but she had made a deal with Roseluck and Bon Bon that involved all of them. And it was one she didn't come to lightly. Never the less, she went through with it to protect her herdmates from the mob. She never did tell the others about it. She simply said good night and that was the end of her conversation with them. Now, she felt it would be necessary for them to attend the meeting at Town Hall.

After her encounter with the mob, she made an announcement via paper flyers that stated there was going to be a 'MANDATORY TOWN HALL MEETING THE FOLLOWING DAY AT 10AM SHARP.' But she didn't want to tell the others out of fear they'd retaliate or object, and put themselves in danger. Fear was a powerful motivator. It could drive the most sane ponies to do the most insane of things.

But love was behind Mary's actions. Not out of selfish self preservation or to salvage her reputation, but to protect the love of her herdmates. She thought about how she could break it to them, but decided the meeting at Town Hall would suffice.

"I'll let you know, let all of you know when we meet at town hall." Mary replied cryptically.

"Fine." Platinum muttered to herself releasing Mary.

Just as they finished the dishes Trixie and Maud came stumbling into the room. Both mares had terrible bedmane and their fur was complexly unkept looking, sticking up in small patches all over. The two awake mares laughed at the other two while they both looked at each other wondering what was so funny.

Trixie and Maud stumbled into the kitchen and made a quick breakfast and ate in silence while Mary and Platinum finished getting ready. Once thy were done, Trixie and Maud were finished eating and now fully awake. Mary walked up beside them pulling both into a hug and kissing each of them.

Maud looked happy while Trixie looked concerned.

"Mary? Are you alright?" Trixie asked her. "You're being awfully affectionate today."

"What? Can't a mare kiss her mares early in the morning?"

Two of them looked at her like she said the oddest thing they ever heard in their lives.The only exception was Maud who starred blankly at her like she normally did. Mary just stared back at the group before turning red with embarrassment.

"What?"

"Well, we wanted to talk to you about that actually." Trixie started.

"About what?" Mary asked cocking her head.

"WE all decided yesterday that you should be the alpha of our herd." Maud said from her seat.

Mary was shocked. She never expected them all to nominate her as the alpha. If anything, she expected Trixie or Maud to be picked, but not her.

Mary tilted her head down hiding her eyes behind her mane.

"Why? Why me?" she asked, unsure why they chose her to be the alpha. "I'm nothing special. Unlike all of you."

"That's not true." Trixie said upset.

"Huh? I don't understand Trixie. Why did you all choose me?" Mary asked.

The three mares circled around her and hugged her. Her thoughts ceased at that very moment as she welcomed the warm embrace her troubles forgotten. When she felt this it always filled her heart with joy knowing she was loved. Knowing the hardships of the day would be faced together and not alone.

'We have all changed so much thanks to you." Trixie stated.

"Well, I can see why I changed you Trixie, but the others?"

Platinum then decided to take her turn to speak. "You helped me realize that I wasn't alone anymore." the silver unicorn said. "When I was born I was ashamed of being a unicorn born into an earth pony family."

She nuzzled Maud gently in the shoulder, pulling her closer. "I was afraid that theirs would not only judge my family, but me as well. Now, with all of you I couldn't care less of what others think. Cause as long as I have you three," she paused looking at each of them. "I know you'll never judge me for being different."

"And I owe you Mary. As I do with Trixie and Maud." The other's looked to her with uncertainty, so she clarified. "Think about it. If Maud never saved Trixie, she wouldn't have come back to seek revenge on Twilight." she stopped waiting for the others to make the connection.

Instantly they knew the answers to what each was thinking at that moment. Maud's eyes widened as she thought about how she saved Trixie's life not so long ago, and what came of it.

"Had I not saved little moon, she never would have come back, and I would have never met either of you." Maud said, seeing the connection.

Mary then looked at them and her eyes glowed for a instant before it was gone. Her moment of clarity was at hoof and the realization of the decisions she had made until now were clear. Both the good and the bad.

"Had we never met, we would've had very different lives now." Trixie said.

Maud reached out pulling all of them together. "If we never met, then we wouldn't have fallen in love. Our lives would have been very boring."

"But now that we have each other, nothing will separate us. Nothing can stop us now!" Platinum cheered.

Mary giggled at the young mares energetic take on the situation. She took hold of them and held to them like they were her last life line. She wanted this moment to last forever. But alas she knew it had to end. The clock on the wall chimed 9am and she knew it was time to get everypony ready for her big announcement. She gently pulled away from the group and kissed each of them. First was Maud, then Trixie, and last but certainly not the least Platinum.

Once finished Mary backed away from the group and circled the table to get her glasses. After placing them on her nose, the familiar frame made her feel at ease, she turned to see the others holding a small wrapped present. Each of them smiled, including Maud which was quite the sight.

Mary stared t the little white package with its little pink bow at the top. The three mares gave the widest smiles she'd ever seen on any of them and smiled herself. Trixie levitated the small present over to Mary, who took hold of it in her hooves.

"We got it for our, lovely lady." Trixie said.

"Because we think she's the best mare in all of Ponyville." Platinum chirped happily, with a large smile that would have made Pinkie envious.

Mary smiled untying the bow. The pink sliver of plastic unraveled like a snake uncurling from its coil. Peeking inside but not enough to actually see what was in it, she held the lid slightly ajar before addressing her mates. "What is it?"

"You have to open it silly!" Trixie giggled.

Maud nodded blankly. "Indeed."

Opening the box top, Mary peered inside and saw a new neck tie that was a deep maroon with a new black collar with Mary's cutie mark on the left collar. She held to new neck tie close to her chest, her eyes misted up instantly as she lunged forward and grappled the other mares necks in a love hug.

"I love it. Thanks." Mary said nuzzling them.

"We made it last night while you slept." Maud said. "We argued over what color to make it."

"We only had black, limegreen, hot pink, and maroon red." Trixie added. "We figured you'd like this one the best."

Mary quirk an eyebrow pointing to the pin. "What about this? I doubt you had this made last night."

Trixie blushed looking down at the floor. "Actually, Trixie had that made a few days ago. It was suppose to be a present for you at the end of the week."

"Aww. Thanks Trixie!" Mary cried happily, hugging her.

"Ahem!"

She turned to see a very jealous Platinum reaching out to be hugged too. "I helped too-oof!" she nearly toppled over as a grey arm jabbed her side. "I mean, WE helped too. We!" she added looking at Maud who smiled.

Mary grabbed them and hugged them all once more. Her grip was stronger than she ever used before.

Once broken away Mary took the new necktie and placed it on her neck. A familiar feeling came over her. A feeling she felt long ago when she feel in love with Derpy. The feeling of being whole. It had been so long since she felt this much love and affection from another. It was intoxicating.

She loved the gift and she loved her herd mates. It felt strange to call them that, but in her mind and theirs, it felt right. She touched the deep maroon silk of her ascot and let out a deep sigh.

"Come along ladies. We have an important meeting to attend." She said leading them out of her home.

The journey to town hall was very short. And all the streets of Ponyville were devoid of life. Once they go to town hall; however, everypony from the smallest of foals to oldest of stallions and mares were there. All eyes turned on Mary as she and her herdmates trotted up a a makeshift platform where a single pedestal with a mic stood.

At the front of the crowd was Bon Bon and Roseluck sitting side by side. While all the others sat with a minimal amount of space between them, the two earth ponies stayed so close their flanks were pressed against one another. The two mares gave Mary cocky grins as she walked past them. She harrumphed as she past them making sure to scrap some dirt at them as she past by.

This earned a growl from Rose, while Bon Bon dusted her off. Mary smirked as she made her way to the podium. Ponies were talking about what they thought was going to happen at the town meeting. It wasn't often the mayor would call a town meeting. In fact there hadn't been a mandatory town meeting since Mary first took office.

Talk and rumors spread across the ponies as they wondered what the mayor was going to tell them. One thing they all agreed on , it was going to be ground breaking. Trixie,platinum, and Maud sat among the crowd and waited for Mary to make her big announcement. They didn't speak but each took note of what was being said around them.

Mary made her way to the podium and stood before it, tapping the mic causing a feedback through the speakers. Mary nodded to Vinyl who sat by a control booth behind the stage. The ivory mare nodded to the mayor and increased the volume. Mary took a deep breath and leaned in close to the microphone.

"Citizens of Ponyville," she said panning her view to the whole crowd. "Thank you for coming out there so early this morning. I know it must have been tough for, most of you." she said with a slight pause, looking directly at Rose and Bon Bon. The two mares grinned back at her.

Turning her attention to three familiar faces in the crowd, Mary continued her speech.

"I have been mayor for this town for many, if not most of my years." she looked out to see the Elements of Harmony sitting in the center of the crowd. Twilight and Applejack were sitting side by side holding each other, through the latter looked very nervous. Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat with their sisters beside them with the exception of Apple Bloom. The young farm pony sat on the other side of Rarity, who kept them separate. Pinkie Pie however sat separate from the rest beside the Cakes.

Mary smiled at the sight of all of them and all of the familiar friendly faces in the crowd, despite knowing some of them weren't.

"I have been through some tough times with all of you. I've made so many great friends in this little town I don't even have time to recognize them all. Some are still here," she looked back at Vinyl and then out to Octavia and Carrot Top. "Some have long since past."

She then looked at Applejack, who covered her face with her stetson, Twilight wrapped her arms around her to comfort her lover earning a smile from the orange pony.

"But in spite of all this, we all know life must go on. So, that being said I have learned many things in my time as mayor. Letting go and making compromises are two of the biggest things any politician can do. But I consider myself lucky, to have such a supportive town and friends to help me stay true to myself and others." She then looked at two particular earth ponies. "Good honest friends."

She paused to see the crowds reaction. Several ponies looked worried about what she was saying. Some chattered among themselves quietly while most remained silent intently listening to every word she spoke as if it would be her last. She touched her new tie and ran her hoof across the cutie mark pin. She could do this, she had the support of her lovers and her friends and that was all she needed. She'd pull through this with them.

She then thought of Trixie and what her life was like before she met Mary. She said she had nopony back then. Then she met Maud who helped her through a rough time since the ursa minor event from nearly seven months ago. She then thought about how they met and how their lives changed dramatically from that one event. Who knew i'd meet not one, but three soul mates in one go? she thought looking at her herdmates.

She held the thoughts in her mind as she continued. "I learned not to judge others based on prejudices and to give all a fair chance at redemption. Doing so can lead to such wonderful things. Wonderful friendships. And even love."

Applejack and Twilight pulled each other closer as did several ponies. Many had tears in their eyes as they listens on Mrs. Cake cried in her husbands shoulder at the teary confession as did Pinkie Pie. But Rose and Bon Bon rolled their eyes, waiting for her to get to the prat they had agreed on from the beginning.

"I once thought that the world was against me when I took this position years ago. But my outlook on life matured as I did as not only a pony, but as mayor of this town. I've made so, so, many wonderful friends and I thank each of you for helping me in my times of need as I have done for you in the past."

She stopped and pulled off her glasses, and set them down on the podium. She inhaled deeply with closed eyes, holding it in a few seconds before releasing it in one go. "That being said, it is with a heavy heart that I must now undertake the greatest hardship in my political career..."

Everypony stopped to listened as she prepared to get to the meat of this meeting. After a brief, intense pause, Mary let out what she'd been holding onto since the previous night.

"I Mary Goldmane, Mayor of Ponyville, do hereby give my resignation as mayor of Ponyville."

Seventh Day Retirement and Moving on

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*Several hours later at Ponyville Town Hall*

Mary sat at her desk filling out a mountain of paperwork. The pileup had accumulated over the last several days, and with everything that happened, she didn't have much time for it. Actually that wasn't true and she knew it. She had been putting it off for a while now, the events that transpired were only a meager excuse.

She sighed, as her heavy eyes went down page after page, line after line of words in an endless sea of letters and bureaucracy. It was maddening to her that she had to do all of this now, but soon it would be somepony else problem. She leaned back in her chair throwing her quill to the side as she read over the last page of her paper before rolling it up and set it ablaze with a message candle.

The paper light up into a ball of smoke as it slithered out the window and beyond. Mary took off her glasses and leaned back on her chair again to hear the old creaking sound it made. It was her favorite sound in the office, and her top ten in the world.

She was about to rest her eyes when a knocking came onto her door. "Arguh! Yes!?"

The door creaked open as Trixie poked her head through. "Madam mayor, Twilight Sparkle and her friends are here to see you."

"Uh, send them in please, Trixie."

"Right away Mary." Trixie receded and in a few seconds, the doors opened to reveal several ponies all of Ponyville knew as the Elements of Harmony.

"Welcome Twilight and friends!" the earth pony greeted them. "How may I help you?"

Twilight walked up the her and leaned on the desk with both her hooves on it. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS MAYOR?!" Twilight bellowed. "How can you just suddenly resign after all you've done for this town? For us?"

Rarity, surprised by her friends outburst, rushed over to pull her down from the desk, but was met with stiff resistance.

"Twilight dear, she's-"

"Leaving us. I know." the lavender unicorn replied bitterly.

Mary sighed taking her glasses off and setting them on the desk open. "Miss Sparkle, I tell you that I did not come to this decision lightly."

"Why are you resigning madam mayor?" Rarity queried as she let go of her friend.

"I simply wish to retire, is that so wrong?" Mary lied.

"Ah don't know mayor. This was awfully last second especially for you." Applejack said not convinced of her sincerity.

"Well, I promise you it was planned." she lied again. "I have a herd to maintain and I have to be there for them. My political career is now over and nothings gonna change that."

That much was true, being alpha of a herd was a full time job and one he could not do from her office. But she never told anypony about why she really resigned. Bon Bon and Rose made it very clear if she did, they'd use blackmail material to ruin all of her herdmates lives and reputations. They had her connived at Trixie, the unicorns infamy had grown tenfold since the battle for Ponyville occurred, but thy had damning material on Maud and Platinum as well.

What was a mare to do? Abandon her morals and let them hurt her lovers and ruin them? No, she wasn't a spineless politician. Though giving into blackmail wasn't much better. Still, she had planned on retiring from her political career within the next year, this just made it happen about six months earlier.

Mary leaned forward in her chair eyeing the group sternly. "It's my choice ladies. Not yours."

"Of course madam mayor. We understand."Rarity said leaning on Rainbow Dash. "However, we simply wish to know if there's something else behind your early retirement?"

"Yeah, we want to make sure this isn't something you're being forced into." Rainbow added.

"Yeah! It'd be like going to a party but having to cut it short because you forgot the cake! The CAKE!" Pinkie added.

Fluttershy timidly approached the mayor. "We aren't unhappy you wish to retire, just, please let us know if you need anything. OK?"

"Thank you. All of you. I really appreciate this." Mary said with a smile. "But I'm fine. I just have other priorities now."

"Well, if you're sure then we'd like to talk to you about something more important." Twilight added. "Who are you going to have replace you?"

"Actually Miss Sparkle, I wanted to ask if you'd take my place as Mayor of Ponyville?"

The room fell into a dead silence. Twilight's eyes went wide as she stared int the mayor's aged eyes. There was nothing but compassion in her eyes. A familiar feeling overwhelmed her, like she felt when she was in the presence of Celestia herself. Twilight breath in and out relaxing herself as she looked over her friends, who too had looks of shock.

"I don't know mayor," she said looking away from her friends. "I don't think I have what it takes to be mayor."

"Well, I can't think of anypony better suited for the job."

"Surely there is somepny better." Twilight pleaded.

"I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, there is one other pony I had in mind." Mary said with a sly grin. There was another knock at the door and Trixie's head popped in again. "Madam mayor the new mayor is here."

"Ah, please send her in!" she cheered. Mary took her glasses and placed them on walking by the group of ponies with happy skip in her step. She opened the door to greet somepony before leaving the room. The door opened again to reveal the new mayor of Ponyville who took her place at Mary's old desk.

Everypony gasped at the sight of the new mayor of Ponyville.

Seventh Day A Fun Filled Payback

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Mary happily trotted along the dirt path heading for home. She had a bright smile on her face and a slight sway in her hip. She giggled at the thought of Rose and Bon Bons reactions to the new mayor would be. With any luck, they'd be finding out soon enough. Boy was she looking forward to that.

She stopped along the way to get a coffee from the La Petite Cafe, before continuing on home where her newly formed herd awaited her arrival. After leaving the office Trixie went ahead of her to begin packing the home. After a lengthy talk they all decided to move in together out of Ponyville to get some much needed time away form the chaotic lifestyle they had come to know.

They had decided to move to the small town of Rockyshores. It was a nice earth pony community that was mostly farming communities. But it was peaceful. And peace was what all four mares agreed they needed to get plenty of while they established their herd. Plus, it would give Maud and Trixie time to mend old wounds.

After Gabby Gums paper on Trixie Igneous, according to Maud, had been going through some troubles with his wife. It made her feel uneasy wondering what lay ahead for them.

All these thoughts plus the idea of reuniting with her old friend filled her with even more excitement as she turned the next corner. She stopped suddenly at quite the miserable sight. Carrot Top's home and stand. What was once a quaint little hut and carrot garden now lay in ruins. It burned her inside, knowing who was responsible yet was powerless to stop them for fear of hurting her mates.

She had considered going straight to the Princesses in Canterlot to deal with the situation, but she knew if she was gone too long Rose and Bon Bon would have acted. Now, she could go to Twilight and just send the Princesses a message, and she was going too, but her idea of making Derpy mayor was just an act of spite rather than desperation.

But she knew Derpy and trusted her plan.

These were going to be hard times for her herdmates but she was use to it now. After the last week she had gotten use to trouble being around the corner on a daily basis.

She dismissed the thoughts and returned to her journey home. When she arrived she found her home was all packed and the three other mares were resting at a makeshift table composed of old boxes and a piece of wood. They were eating lunch when the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention.

Mary stood at he doorway panting, smiling at them.

"Hello ladies." she greeted them.

"Welcome home Mary!" Trixie jumped from her seat, hugging the mare kissing her.

Platinum then interrupted the kiss, by shoving Trixie aside and kissing Mary in her place. Trixie scoffed in annoyance as Platinum got the full force of the kiss. Breaking away she gave the tan mare a cheeky grin.

"Hello."

"Hello Platinum." Mary giggled. "You know you shouldn't be so mean to Trixie. She'll get back at you."

"Yeah, well, Trixie knows she can't out maneuver me!" the silver unicorn said with pride.

"I don't know. I think out of all of us, little moon, can out perform us all in bed." Maud said in her usual monotone.

The content of her sentence brought blushes to all of them, even herself, not realizing she had spoken without thinking. Trixie pulled the rim of her hat over her face hiding beneath as she began chuckling. Platinum looked away rolling her eyes, while Mary simply looked shocked, Maud did the only thing she cold think of. She walked up to Mary and gave her a quick kiss before retreating from the house saying she had some errands to run, and winked and Mary who winked back.

Mary was dumbstruck as was Platinum, but Trixie rolled on the ground laughing so hard her sides hurt. She gripped her sides as she tried to gain control of her laughing but found it difficult, while the others glared disapprovingly at her.

"What? It was funny!" the blue mare chuckled laying on the floor.

"Besides, Trixie can't deny it." she said in a sultry tone, wiggling her hips.

"Oh, Trixie." Mary shook her head. She could already taste today's liquor.

But, Platinum was not about to let her off easy. "Hey! We all know I perform the best!"

"No you don't! Trixie does!" the blue unicorn replied.

Mary then thought about it, and the truth was none of them, as far as she knew, had ever "performed" together in bed before. In fact, as far as she remembered the only ones who came close were Maud and Trixie, but Maud claimed to have never done such things before.

Before she could think of a response a loud and obnoxious knocking came from the front door. It was fast and very loud, like somepony was -about to die and required a sanctuary from their impending doom. Mary trotted to the door at a brisk pace. The peep hole blocked, she opened the door to reveal a very upset looking mare. Roseluck.

"Ah, Miss Roseluck!" Mary greeted her in a overly kind voice, "HOW are YOU?"

But the rose maned pony wasn't amused. "You, know damn well what is up!"

"Now there's no need for that kind of language here." she growled at the earth pony.

Glancing around, she found no trace of Bon Bon. Satisfied the cream candy mare wasn't there, Mary returned her attention back to Rose.

"Now, what are you doing here? I'm busy packing."

Roseluck's eye twitched as a vein began throbbing on her forehead. "Wh-wha-WHAT!? You're leaving NOW!?"

"Yes, and you don't need to shout, I'm right here." she said rubbing her ears.

"Why did you make Derpy the mayor?!" she continued screaming at the tan mare, despite her protests. "You have to remove her from office now! She's a flying disaster house and now she's going to run Ponyville to the ground!"

By now, Trixie and Platinum, made their way to the door drawn by the sounds of an angry mare. They stood beside Mary, glaring daggers at the rose maned pony. Trixie, however, was secretly hoping her magical armband would reappear so she could vaporize Roseluck. Sensing this, Platinum looked over to her and whispered, "I don't think it'll work like that Trixie."

"Trixie, can hope and dream."

Mary ignored them and continued to speak in a calm manner to Roseluck. "As you are very aware, I as a citizen of Ponyville can't remove somepony from office. I no longer hold that authority."

Roseluck's eyes shrunk to pinprick sized at that news. Suddenly there was an explosion, again, off in the distance as Bon Bon rounded a corner heading straight for them. She skidded to a halt when a loud roar came from where she had come from .

She panted, sweat covered her body, and she was covered in a layer of frost and dirt all over her body. She babbled pointing to herself then back to the corner several times no pony could make any sense of what she was saying. Finally Rose took hold of her and slapped her snapping her out of her child like babbling.

"Speak Bon Bon! I need grownup words! Not babbling like a foal! What's happening now?"

"Fro-fro-frost.... FROST SERPENTS! They're everywhere!"

"What?! Where? When? HOW!?"

"I don't know! It's a disaster out there!" Bon Bon cried in Rose's cream fur. "Th-they almost ate Lyrahaha!"

Now, Rose was in full panic mode. She desperately looked between her crying marefriend and Mary. The older mare gasped dramatically at the news as did Trixie and Platinum.

"You have to do something!"

"What can I do!?" Mary yelled clearly frustrated.

But something seemed off about her demeanor to the two mares behind her. They couldn't think of any rational explanation jut that they knew she was hiding something.

Rose was desperate as ponies ran around fleeing the frost serpents. Bon Bon pulled away from her sanctuary in Rose's fur just in time to see Lyra being chased by a group of frost serpents. They resembled cobras, but were white with blue eyes and were easily three times the size of even the biggest of stallions.

Trixie was familiar with these beasts, and made it an effort to never cross paths with them. The serpents nature was one of violence and insatiable hunger. But hey were only found far north near the frozen tundras. Why was there a whole pack of them here? And further more, what did they look so odd?

As she watched the carnage she saw one pass by up close. It's scales were oddly shaped, being more of a diamond shape rather than smooth like the scales were suppose to be. And the eyes look...flat. Just hen, Lyra yelped, turning back to run from a second serpent that cornered her.

Bon Bon cried out to her friend but only got a blood curdling scream as Lyra ran around a corner and one of the serpents lunged around it. The candy mare promptly fainted, her eyes rolled in the back of her head, as she placed a hoof over her forehead. Roseluck caught her fanning her.

"Please! Mary you knew how to handle these situations! Do something! Ponies are dying out there! How can you stand there and do nothing?!"

Suddenly Trixie and Platinum looked very nervous. But Mary held them back before they could bolt out the door. Before they could say anything, Maud came from around the corner at a casual pace. Ponies ran past her chased by the serpents, completely ignoring what was going on as she strode up to the house and beside Mary.

Roseluck, Trixie, and Platinum looked at hem dumbstruck, as Maud whispered something into Mary's ear, making her giggle. A few seconds past after which Maud gave Mary a quick kiss before entering the house. Mary then returned her attention to Roseluck, still holding the unconscious body of Bon Bon.

Rose was now completely bewildered as were the other two mares by the two earth ponies casual attitude, or rather Mary's sudden casual attitude to ponies dying around her. Just then Twilight and her friends came running through the town fighting off the serpents.

Twilight fired several spells at the serpents, but it bounced off them harmlessly. Rarity and Pinkie threw various objects at them while Fluttershy cowered behind Applejack who bucked any that came near. Mean while, Rainbow Dash flew above tackling and kicking any that came near the group. Strangely, Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen.

The group of Harmony made it's way to the house where they met the already formed group of ponies. Twilight ran up to Mary seeing Bon Bon was unconscious.

"Mary! It's horrible! We can't fight off the serpents!" Twilight cried out. "They're too powerful! And they don't even behave like frost serpents! What's going on?!"

Mary shrugged. "I have no clue. Rose just came to my house screaming nonsense when the serpents started attacking. How should I know? I've never even heard of these creatures."

The group made it's way inside the house barricading the door as quickly as possible. Maud strode in to help but did so at a casual pace. When the door was successfully barricaded Trixie ran up to the student unicorn.

"What's going on here Sparkle? Where did all these frost serpents come from?"

Twilight flinched slightly rubbing her neck. "Well, you see..."

*Earlier at Ponyville Library*

Mayor Derpy was watching as Twilight concentrated on a spell for long range teleportation. It was very hard to do and took a lot of energy to cast. Derpy simply watched in awe a safe distance away while Twilight cast the spell. A bright light emanated from her as her purple fur turned white and in a bright flash of light, vanished.

Derpy watched the spot where Twilight once stood, as did Spike. A minute later the received a letter, via Spike's dragon fire saying that Twilight made it to her destination in the Crystal Empire. Just as they responded Maud came into the library covered in dirt. She dusted herself off before entering the library and was greeted by both Derpy and Spike.

"Hello Maud!" Spike greeted her happily. "How's it going? Need something?"

"Actually, I'm here to speak to Twilight and the mayor if that's, OK?" Maud said in her usual tone.

Derpy fluttered over to her with a wide grin. "Well, she should be back any moment now."

The grey pegasus winked at Maud who's lip curled slightly. Suddenly a bright flash came into the room and in seconds revealed Twilight Sparkle and a good amount of snow. She was covered in a layer of white frost and shook it off with a loud, BURR!

"It was cold there!" she wined. "And I never want to do that again without being properly clothed again!"

"Should I make a note of that for future teleportations to the Empire?" Spike asked pulling out a large book from the shelves with a quill in his claw.

"Please and thank you Spike." she turned to see Maud near by. "Maud! So good to see you again!"

The two hugged. It still felt odd hugging the mare being so opposite from her sister Pinkie, but she still considered Maud a friend.

"So, Maud what brings you here?" Twilight asked.

"I was going to talk to you and mayor Derpy about the move from Ponyville to Rockyshores," she paused looking at the ground. "But it seems you brought back some, friends." she emphasized the last word while Derpy chuckled.

Before Twilight could respond the ground shook as the snow and ground caved in as several large frost covered serpents sprang from the ground. They looked at eh ponies and dragon. Twilight and Spike screamed running out of the library as the creatures gave chase. Derpy flew away to evade call for help and Maud stood in the library alone.

She cracked a smile.

"Roseluck is going to hate us so much." she said, exiting the tree and heading for home.

*Present time*

Rose was very angry now. She was using every ounce of will power she had not to pounce on Twilight and rip off her horn. It also helped that Bon Bon was holding her back.

"You brought those creatures back with you!?"

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash yelled standing between her and Twilight. "She said it was an accident!"

"Yeah an accident she caused! AGAIN!" Rose stomped the ground cracking it. "As far as I can tell, you six cause more trouble in this town than anyone has since Derpy's accident!"

"Hey! Leave poor Derpy out of this!" Rarity butted in. "She can't help it if she's disorganized a bit!"

Roseluck grumbled taking hold of Bon Bon's hoof calming herself. She then turned to face Mary again.

"Which brings me to my original point. Why is Derpy mayor? What benefit could that have been?"

"Because I had no time to find a proper replacement." She paused looking at Twilight. "Actually I had somepony in mind, but they refused to take the offer. Such a shame that they didn't. The pony in question is very organized. Well liked. And has royal support."

Trixie cast a odd glance at twilight and her friends. The it donned on her what Mary was trying to do. Quickly she got up and walked over to Twilight who was holding Spike, and was held by Applejack. Trixie smiled at them nodding to them and pet Spike on the head. He smiled back at the blue mare giving a respectful nod.

But Platinum was as oblivious as always.

"I don't get it, who could you possibly mean?" she asked looking around.

"She means Twilight Sparkle." Trixie said beside the mare in question.

"Me?"

"Yes, miss Sparkle. You"

Roseluck and Bon Bon couldn't argue with that. Aside from the events they complained about moment earlier, they had to admit Twilight was possibly the only pony suited for the job.

"But why me? I'm not that special."

"Twilight, you are special. You are also my friend." Mary said sitting beside the unicorn. "Ever since you came to Ponyville our town has grown in such a way that would not have been possible had you not been here. This town has seen growth in way s i could never have made myself. I can not express enough how much that means to me." Mary said encouragingly to the young mare, making her blush. "Sure you've made mistakes in the past. I have too. We all have."

Mary turned to face Trixie, all eyes fell on her, she then hid her face under her mane in embarrassment.

"I once failed to help the citizens of Ponyville, I lost my first election because of it. I learned from that mistake. As have you from yours. You can be a great politician, you have the skills and you have the smarts. You also have something I didn't have when I first started. Friends."

"You really think I can do this?" She asked looking over her friends.

They all gave supporting nods and words of encouragement. But Applejack had the most to say of them all.

"Twi, if you ever ran I'd vote for ya." Applejack said, earning a kiss from her lavender mate. "Well, shucks, if you were mayor,ah'll bet you'd make this place grow tenfold in no time!"

"Really?"

"Really."

"That's all fine and dandy but how do we deal with those frost serpents!?" Roseluck butted in. "We still have them running amok and they're eating ponies!"

Suddenly the walls burst apart reveling several of the serpents looming over them. Everypony stood still not wanting to make any sudden movements. The serpents parted as a loud growl was heard and a large serpent slithered forward. It was easily as tall as the buildings and towered over the little ponies.

Like it's smaller counterparts, it was long scaly and very ridged looking. It's body had sharp curves and points to it rather than a smooth look. Trixie was sure she'd seen it before. Somewhere. It's head was long and narrow coming to a point a secondary head identical to its other one, but much smaller stuck out to the side almost like an arm. That was when Trixie realized what it was.

"That's no frost ser-OOF!" she stopped talking as Mary shoved her elbow into the mares side.

The best loomed over them turning to face each of them one at a time. It stopped when it ran it's face over Roseluck and Bon Bon. With a loud hiss, it's head split open revealing four mandibles filled with teeth as crystalline tentacles ripped out grappling Bon Bon and Roseluck by the legs dragging them towards it. A stinging sensation filled their legs as the crystal tentacles wrapped around their legs digging into their flesh.

The two mares cried for help as the dug their hooves into the ground to slow their decent towards certain doom. Twilight and her friends piled on top of them trying to hold them back, while Trixie fired several stun spells at the fol beast. Maud stopped forward gripping the mass of ponies with her forearms and dug her hind hooves into the ground holding them in place.

"Hang on!" Trixie called to them as she ran up to the serpent to buck it. When she did, her legs felt like she kicked the side of a cliff. Her knees buckled and a shearing pain ran through her legs making her fall over gripping her legs while screaming in pain.

"Trixie!" Platinum ran from the group to the downed mare. "Are you alright?"

"Trixie's ... fine." she lied patting the silvery mares shoulder. "Thanks."

Bon Bon whimpered looking back at the mouth of the serpent about to eat her and her lover. tears fell freely from her eyes down her cheeks as she contemplated everything she ever did in her life. So this is my penance for the misdeeds I've done? she wondered thinking this was some cruel fate brought onto her by the gods.

"No! No! It can't end like this!" she cried digging her face into the fur of Rose who was holding her and the group of ponies. "I don't want to die here!"

"You won't! Not on Trixie's watch!" the blue unicorn claimed jumping onto the serpent digging a conjured sword into it.

The serpent roared suddenly thrashing about pulling at its captives legs violently. Rose and Bon Bon felt like hey were about to break their legs off at any second now and Bon Bon in her panic she began to say things she otherwise wouldn't have.

"Mary! Mary if I don't make it I want to say I'm so--ahh! sorry for blackmailing you!" she cried.

Eveypony looked at her, Roseluck scowled at her. "Don't say anything, Bonny, don't!"

"No! I won't die with this on my conscience, I hated the idea of blackmailing Mary! But my feeling for Roseluck overrode my better judgement! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Mary smiled at the mare holding a hoof out. The cream mare took it as she pulled harder. Everypony looked on in shock at what was said by Bon Bon. Roseluck glared at her but returned her attention quickly to the serpent pulling at her legs. Mary nodded to Maud who gave a swift kick to the beast making it release Bon Bon and Roseluck.

Everypony except Mary Maud and Trixie looked bewildered at the serpent as it stared down at them unmoving. Maud then tapped the serpent and it rubbed her cheek purring. It's body shifted becoming more streamline and ridged turning into more crystalline it's head became longer and more narrow the scales melted together into one mass and it's tail split into two. Its body became more blue and green like the clear ocean waters but covered in tiny cracks.

Everypony ion the room recognized it.

"The hydranga." Trixie said.

Maud giggled as the beast licked her and turned to burrow underground and the other smaller ones followed suit.

"Well, done Maud." Twilight complimented the earth pony. Her friends looked shocked at her words.

"Twilight, what do you mean, 'good job?'" Rainbow asked accusingly. "You knew about... THIS?" she threw her hooves up in the air gesturing to the destruction.

"Yes, Rainbow I was." Twilight walked beside Spike who also seemed unaffected by what happened. "Spike send the letter."

Without a word Spike pulled out a scroll and with a deep breath, blew his magic fire over it sending it off in the distance to its destination.

"Message sent Twilight." He gave her a thumbs up.

"Great. Mary we should let Derpy know what's going on and I think I'm ready to take up the offer of mayor." Twilight said with a smile.

"Glad to hear it! I'm sure you will do great things for this town."

Now Applejack stepped forward clearly upset with not knowing what was going on. "What in tarnation's going on here?!"

"Mary stood before the whole group clearing her throat. "I guess we need to explain a few things don't we Twilight."

The exploitation took well over an hour to complete in detail. In short Mary after striking her deal with Bon Bon sent a message to Twilight via the magical candle that Trixie possessed to make a plan to get a confession out of Roseluck and Bon Bon about the blackmail. Twilight had prepared a letter that night to be sent to the royal sisters once they had claimed their confession.

But to get it they required the help of Maud and the hydranga. That night Maud went looking for the beast and found it had given birth to a whole nest of younglings. After making a deal of sorts, she claimed, they hydrangas sat idle waiting for the signal to attack Ponyville. Of course, no pony was to be hurt and none were. During the explanation Lyra had revealed herself to be unharmed and very much alive. Needless to say Bon Bon was relieved but Rose was very upset.

Shortly after the deal was struck Maud returned home to see that Rose and Bon Bon had come and went to the library to signal the hydranga to attack. Once they tracked down the two cream colored ponies the hydranga was to intimidate them into giving a confession about the blackmail. Of course, Bon Bon was the one to do so, Rose was to stubborn to do so. Once the confession was given, the attack was halted and the hydranga was left to its own devices.

"-and that's why I employed the help of Twilight and Spike." Mary said finishing her explanation.

The Elements of Harmony had no idea what to think or do a this time. Most everypony who was near heard everything and was too shocked by the explanation to say a thing many stood idly by waiting. Just then Pinkie Pie came bouncing down the street with several of the ponies that were running from the serpents all with deep frowns on their faces.

"So this was all a setup from the start?" Roseluck asked.

"Yes, it was." Mary replied smugly.

"You tricked us."

"Yes and Ponyville will be in good hooves in my absence." she gestured for Twilight to join her. "And I think this will be the start of a bright future for Ponyville."

"Thank you Mary." Twilight said shaking her hoof. "I promise to do my best for Ponyville."

"I know you will." Mary replied turning to leave.

Trixie joined up with her and was flanked by Maud and Platinum as they went back home. As they did a team of royal guards descended from the skies and a pegasus commander spoke with Twilight as Rose and Bon Bon were escorted elsewhere. Trixie craned her neck beack to see Twilight and her friends gather in a group hug smiling and cheering for their friend.

"You sure she has what it takes to be mayor?" she asked the former mayor.

"Indeed I do, Trixie." she kissed her blue mate. "After all, I had faith in you didn't I?"

The blue mare smiled brushing up against the tan mares side. As they walked home, the sun was at its peak and a warm breeze blew over them. And they knew it was all going to be alright.

End of the Seventh Day The Moments we Remember and the Move

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*Late Afternoon*

It was late afternoon in Ponyville. The sun was only now beginning its decent towards the evening and a warm breeze was blowing through the town. Trixie and Mary were alone taking several of the boxes of items they didn't need to the Salvation Station. Along they were greeted by friends from all over Ponyville.

Silver Spoon and the Cuite Mark Crusaders were out playing/crusading for cutie marks. It filled both mares hearts to see the former bully opening up to others and getting along with them. They also ran into Big Mac who was delivering apple pies to Sugarcube Corner. Then they past by Bon Bon's shop which was being run by Lyra.

They greeted the mint colored mare as they past. It was sad really. After the guards showed up and read Bon Bon and Roseluck's rights they were charged and arrested on the spot and taken to Canterlot to face trial for what they had done along with several other ponies. Lyra was upset they took her friend but knew she had to face the charges for what she did.

All that aside, Trixie was happy to be moving as was Mary. They past by Town Hall which had several construction workers all over it. It was being remodeled after almost thirty years. Mary stopped to watch as her old office was torn down. She felt both sad and relieved. Trixie didn't realize she had gone ahead until she looked back to see Mary watching the remodeling. She sighed shaking her head and came back to sit by her.

They sat there for a few minutes. Watching.

"Hard to believe, it was only a week ago the we met in that office." Trixie recollected melancholy.

"Yeah. That was the best day of my life thus far." Mary declared.

She reached for Trixie wrapping her arm around the blue mares neck and pulled he r close. Trixie blushed as she was dragged from her spot towards the tan mare. She felt her lips gently tap her on the head before pulling back and Mary laid her head on the soft white mane.

"I'm so glad we met, Mary" Trixie said wrapping her arms around her waist.

"I am too." she looked over to her right. "I'm also glad we met the others too."

"Huh? You mean Maudie and Platinum?"

"Of course. Was there ever any doubt?" Mary asked in a mock tone winking at Trixie.

"Ugh..." the unicorn groaned pushing away from the earth mare leaving her behind to continue down the road.

"What? Was it something I said?" Mary asked quickly picking up the boxes and chased after Trixie.

The trip to the Salvation Station didn't take long after that. They were in and out in less than ten minutes. The stuff they left was mostly old clothes Mary didn't need and Trixie had to get a few things. The walk home was mostly silent while their tails were twisted together. Neither would admit it, but it was very comforting to them, and neither wanted to let go.

Trixie suddenly gave Mary a playful bump with her hip. Mary frowned at her, but then smiled and bumped her back. The two continued their playful act until their hips were to sore to continue and they resumed walking without any playful banter. She thought about the scheme Mary pulled up for Rose and Bon Bon. She couldn't help but admire the mare for her cleverness.

She always berated herself for not being special like the others, but Trixie knew she had something none of them had. She had brains. She was arguably one of the smartest mares in this town, and there were a lot of mares. Just then and odd thought crossed the blue mares mind.

"Mary?"

"What's up dear?"

"Just how many stallions are there in this town?"

"Mary cracked a smiled stopping. "What? You planning on running off with some stallion and leaving me and the others alone?" She then used her elbow to gently nudge Trixie's side playfully.

"As if!" she huffed pushing Mary to the side. "Trixie won't go running off with anypony except you and the rest of our herd."

"Well, it's nice to hear it from you."

Trixie smiled once again pressing her body against the tan mares. "Seriously though, I won't leave you there for and stallion or mare. I give you my word."

"I know you won't. But it is true there aren't many stallions here." Mary tapped her chin deep in thought. Just how many stallions were there? "I would wager there is one stallion for every ten mares or so. At least that was according to the last census."

"Wow, that few huh?" Trixie said, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, this was always a very mare central town. Why what brought this up?"

Trixie didn't say anything right away. Instead she took a moment it collect her thoughts. She hesitated, making the tan mare look at her worried. Was it something serious? She wondered.

"Trixie was wondering if... you know what never mind. It's not important."

Mary stopped in her tracks giving the unicorn a serious look. "Trixie."

"We'll talk about it later. Promise. It's really nothing important." she kept walking but paused momentarily. "Yet."

She then continued on as Mary facehooved. Trying to get Trixie to talk was like pulling teeth from a foal. An overly active one but a foal none the less. The continued down the road and saw a familiar trailer in front of the house. Trixie frowned slightly at the sight but hastened her pace just as Misty and Maud exited the house with boxes on their backs.

The two earth ponies were chatting when Misty looked over Maud to see her daughter approaching. She carefully maneuvered around Maud and walked straight up to Trixie. From the trailer, Platinum and turnover were watching while Mary stood beside Trixie.

Neither said a word. There was a tense feeling in the air around them. Neither wanted to say anything for fear of starting another fight between them. They kept looking at each other, but when their eyes met they averted their gazes to look past, around, anywhere that wasn't at each other. For a very long awkward minute they danced around in this strange ritual before they finally got the nerve to lock eyes.

In that moment something strange happened. For a moment their memories came rushing back to the happier times they had together. And though the times after would be filled with pain and sorrow, they reveled in the fact that they did have good times together. They were mother and daughter. Family, and it was time to start acting like one again.

"Mother." Trixie started.

"Yes?" Misty looked at her hopefully.

Was my little girl finally going to open up to me? She desperately thought.

"Can we go for a walk. I want to talk to you in private."

"Sure thing sweetie." she placed the boxes down and followed her estranged daughter into Ponyville.

Everypony watched as they went together into the town disappearing around a corner. Mary watched as they departed wondering if Trixie was finally going to open up to her mother or if they'd fight again. Maud And Platinum joined up with her giving her reassuring smiles. They waited a few minutes watching the area where the two ponies went before long they went back to work packing the last of the boxes into the trailer.

Meanwhile Trixie and Misty ere walking down the street heading to the outskirts of Ponyville. Still neither spoke. They were both nervously waiting for the other to say the first words. Deep in her mind, Trixie, was scared. After everything that had happened she wanted to forgive her mother for leaving her and her father, but couldn't find the words due to residing feelings of anger and anguish.

She kept telling herself it was in the past, but that made her feel like she was dishonoring her father. It was a very confusing feeling. One that has hindered her for a long time now.

Now was finally the time to set things straight her and her mother. But how to break the ice. Not coming up with any ideas she decided to do the thing she was best known for. She winged it.

"Nice weather here isn't it?" she asked the earth pony mare.

Misty looked up to see the sky. It really was nice weather. There was a warm breeze which kept them cool even in the blazing heat. And there was not a cloud in the sky as far as the eye could see. It reminded her of her home back when she was still with Trixie and her father.

"It really is nice, isn't it?" she agreed with a nod.

There was an awkward silence that followed. Both once again averted their gazes to not meet each others eyes. Why is this so hard?! Trixie screamed internally. Why can't I just say I forgive you to her and be done with it? No matter how many ways she questioned herself it all came back to her father's death. His passing had affected her in such a way she never thought possible until these last few days.

She knew it would be difficult, but this was way out of her league. Maybe she shouldn't forgive her mother? Maybe she should hate her for her fathers death and let her wallow in misery as she did? All these dark thoughts past through her head as they walked over a stone bridge in the center of town over a small river. Yes, it'd be so easy to blame her.

No. Trixie told herself. Trixie is stronger than that. She won't let the anger get the better of her again. After all that's why she was here to begin with. Who would have thought that one mistake would lead to so much happiness? Maybe there was a silver lining to her mother and her fathers death?

Yes, that was it. His death, though tragic, was what started her down the path to where she was now. Had she not faced that trial alone, she would not have become a traveling magician. She never would have lost everything to the ursa minor and met Maud. There would have been no Alicorn Amulet, no Platinum, no Mary. True she might have found happiness else where, but then she wouldn't be with the three loveliest mares in the world.

As her mind became clear, her mother began to break under the silence. She broke down and threw herself at her daughters hooves and bawled like a filly. This sudden outburst, though expected, startled Trixie making her jump in fright. Misty held to the blue hooves rubbing her nose into them, and with the most pathetic display ever she glanced up to her and begged.

"Trixie! Please talk to me! Yell at me! Scream at me! Blame me for his passing but just say something!" she cried over and over.

"Whoa mom! Mom! Seriously stop ponies are looking at us." she tried hushing the bawling mare.

To Misty's surprise there was a large crowd of ponies around them, staring. She blushed wiping her tears away and stood up trying to preserve what little dignity she had left.

"Let's go somewhere private." she suggested heading outside of Ponyville.

"Right." Trixie replied following her mother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MilR3Z1sASY

Trixie followed and in a few minutes they found themselves on a cliff overlooking Ponyville. It wasn't a very steep cliff, but if anything fell... it was a long way down.

Trixie sat on a soft patch of grass beside Misty. She felt a cool breeze run over her mane which flowed in the wind like water in a stream. She looked up to see her mother had closed her eyes, and in that moment, she looked like the royal sisters. Her mane flowed like the ethereal manes of Celestia and Luna and her posture made her look just as majestic. Truly Trixie was in awe of her mothers beauty, and a bit envious.

She smiled at the sight of her mother and instinctively scooted closer to her. She pushed up against the soft fur and buried her nose in the blue fur. Misty's eyes shot open from the sudden contact. She didn't move a muscle but, she glanced down from the corner of her eye to see Trixie resting against her. She smiled closing her eyes and rested her head on Trixie, who began to purr.

They allowed the moment to go on for a while, resting.

"Trixie, sweetie?"

"Yes?"

"I know I can't change the past. But believe me when I say that I'll do everything in my power to mend the rift between us." she said in a melancholic tone.

"Mother, please. It's me who should be apologizing."

"And why not?!" Misty yelled stepping away, making Trixie fall to the ground. "All I've done was make your life worse! Your father died, you got hurt, the madness that followed. Everything's my fault!"

"That maybe so, but I don't blame you for it anymore." Trixie reassured her

"What do you mean? Why aren't you blaming me anymore?" Misty asked unsure of what Trixie meant.

"Had you not left, yes father may have lived, but then, I wouldn't have met my friends, and my lovers." she sighed giving her mother a smile and hug. She rubbed her nose in the soft blue fur chest. "I love you mom. I'm sorry it took me so long, but... if you'll be patient with me we can mend the rift between us. Just stop blaming yourself for his death. Let's both let him rest in peace. Please?"

Both mares eyes met and a in that moment their minds became clear. They no long had him, but together with their mates and their friends they knew they'd overcome any obstacles that crossed their paths. Now, they were back together. It was time to start fresh.

"Yes," Misty replied looking over Ponyville. "Let's leave your father to rest in peace."

They sat in peace watching ponies go about their day. Nothing was said, but they knew what the other felt. The connection between them that had long been severed was reconnected. Their bond was weak, but in time it would heal.

They watched the scene for a long time. So long in fact the sun had begun to set. They sat in each others embrace for several hours, not moving but content with just being close. The mother/daughterly bond they thought had been lost so many years ago had reconnected. Now they were a family again. But this time their family was bigger. With the union of the Lulamoon clan and the Apple clan, the family was a whole lot bigger.

Trixie sighed contently under the warmth of her mother. It made her feel safe. Like nothing could harm her. No force could break her away. It was a good feeling she long forgotten, but was happy to embrace once again. Once the sun had set and the moon was rising the two finally forced themselves to vacate the vantage point and headed back to Ponyville.

On the way they ran into Turnover and the others just outside the towns boarder. Trixie's herd was there along with the Elements of Harmony and several of their friends.

"Mother?"

"What is it sweetie?" Misty whispered.

"I wanted to thank you for helping us move." she said looking up to her.

Misty shied away from her gaze, hiding behind her mane. "It's nothing really. I want to help you. I'm just grateful you allowed me to."

Trixie surprised her with a sudden hug which Misty returned.

"I'm sorry, mom."

"I'm sorry too sweetie. I promise nothing will divide us again." she promised kissing her daughter on the head.

They separated and gathered with the ponies at eh outskirt of Ponyville. Most of the mane six were gathered around Mary and Maud but to the side was several ponies who, at the sight of Trixie, galloped towards her. Among them was Carrot Top, Octavia, Vinyl, Snips Snails, and even Mrs. Cobblepot was among them.

Octavia and Vinyl greeted her in their usual manner.

"Trixie darling how are you?" Octavia greeted her friend with a formal hoof shake. "I hope you're doing well?"

"Indeed Trixie is!" she replied grinning. "Today is a glorious day for Trixie! How about you two?"

"Vinyl and I are fine, but she wanted to talk to you actually." Octavia stood to the side allowing the ivory unicorn to approach her.

"Hey Trix! Wha'dup?" she greeted wrapping her arms around Trixie

Trixie suddenly felt very constricted unable to breath as she turned a slightly darker shade of blue than was healthy. Octavia gasped dramatically.

"Vinyl! She's turning bluuuer?" she slurred unsure of what to say. "Yo-you're asphyxiating her!" she decided on.

The ivory unicorn cocked her head in a confused manner. "I'm doing what to her now? Tavi, you know I'm straight, right?"

The grey mare blushed, unsure of how Vinyl confused what she said with her sexuality, but none the less shook it off.

"I mean you're choking her you dolt!" she growled swatting the mare with her hoof. Vinyl's head bobbed from the hit but lifted up like nothing had happened.

"Heh, sorry Trixie." she turned to glare at her grey friend. "Why didn't you just say that instead?"

"Ugh... Vinyl." she whined. "Never mind."

Trixie felt very awkward now being held by her white friend and the intense glares she was receiving from her herd. Trixie smiled nervously waving at them before they marched over and pried her away from the DJ.

Octavia facehooved. "Vinyl wasn't there something you were going to tell Trixie?" she hinted.

Vinyl tilted her glasses up, giving her a look of wonder. Then a look of realization donned her face as she looked over to Trixie with a grin.

"Ah! Yeah there was! I wanted to thank you Trixie! You're the coolest pony I know!"

"Ahem!"

Vinyl flinched at the sound of Octavia clearing her throat, glaring at her.

"I mean, the second, coolest pony I know?" she asked more than said out of fear. Octavia nodded approvingly. But seriously! Thanks for the money to pay for my sound house!"

Trixie blushed from the compliments she heard from her other friends. Rarity even made an off-hoof comment about her generosity to friends.

"Well, it was for on of Trixie's best friends. She couldn't allow her friend to become homeless."

Octavia and Rarity smiled at this.

"I'm so proud of you dear." Rarity said stepping forward from the crowd.

"You truly have changed for the better." the grey earth pony added.

Trixie nodded, as Ponyville's ace flier came swooping in from above to hug her. Rainbow picked up the mare flying with her in a tight hug spiraling towards the sky before coming back down the same way. Everypony stared at her. Both of them were embarrassed by the show of affection.

Rainbow rubbed her neck while Trixie imitated her as their friends laughed at them.

"Heh. Sorry." she whispered to Trixie.

"Don't worry about it." Trixie said hugging her friend back.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh. After her release Rainbow flew to the sky in a twirl as Rarity and Octavia talked to Trixie. Carrot Top congratulated Trixie on the formation of there herd and was off shortly after to return home after saying good bye. That was when the atmosphere became heavy.

Everypony was saddened by Trixie's sudden departure along with the herd. Twilight was in tears as she bravely walked up to Trixie and gave her bravest smile she could muster.

"Trixie." she sobbed. "I-I-I sniff... I want you to know it was great having you as a friend."

"You sound as if we'll never see each other again, Sparkle." The unicorn frowned at Twilight's statement.

"I'm sorry, I just... hate losing friends." she wiped her tears away, looking over to Mary who smiled to her. "I hate losing so many old," she looked to Platinum. "And new friends."

"We will see each other again Twilight."

"I know."

The two hugged, and were joined by Applejack who held Trixie from behind sandwiching her between Twilight and herself. Trixie released Twilight and turned to face her former foe, now sister in law.

"Hey." they both greeted.

Applejack, pawed the ground with the tip of her hoof nervously, while Trixie turned to face away.

"Sooo." the orange pony drawled. "Ah guess yer leaving?"

"Yep. Trixie plans on coming back though." she turned to look Applejack in the eyes. "We have lots of sisterly bonding to catch up on. And this time don't be a horses ass about it."

"Hah! As if ah was being the terd-nugget there!" Applejack bellowed happily taking hold of Trixie who was laughing with her.

"You sooo, were." Trixie replied holding her breath to stop her laughing it.

Once calm they hugged and Twilight teared up at the sensual sight. Over to the side Silver Spoon stood by her sister as Mary spoke to her about the move. The grey filly tugged at her sisters tail getting her attention. Platinum turned to see her little sister standing behind her.

"Hey Silver, what's up?" she asked looking down at her sister.

"I was just wondering, sis, when were you coming back?"

The unicorn looked over at Mary who shrugged. "I don't know Silver. I really don't know. But I promise it will be soon." she promised kneeling to Silver Spoons level. She ran a hoof through her little sisters mane, pushing her bangs to the side and it fell over her face again. She repeated the motion a few times before frowning at the offending lock of hair. "You need a mane cut, missy."

The grey filly frowned swatting her arm away. "Stop it sis! You're so annoying!" She glared at Platinum as she began chuckling placing a hoof over her mouth to hold them back, but failing to do so. Silver Spoons expression softened as she walked forward, hugging her sisters neck. "You maybe annoying, but I'll really miss that."

"Why's that?" Platinum asked, wrapping her arms around the little pony.

"Because I know now you say those things because you care about me. I'm sorry, I got mad at you earlier this week.''

The memory of that day stung the silver mare in the heart. Never had she heard something so hurtful from the filly. That day was a bad day and she had to admit, she could have taken it better. But now all she cared about was that she and her sister had reconciled and agreed to let it go.

"I know you didn't mean it, Silver." she whispered in the fillies ear. "Promise you'll be a good girl for me?"

"I promise sis." she replied kissing her sisters muzzle. Platinum kissed her sister back affectionately and Maud hugged Pinkie.

"I'm gonna miss you, Maudie!" Pinkie sobbed dramatically.

"Pinkie, I'll be seeing you again." she said reaching into her sweater. "Which reminds me. I made you this."

She pulled out a necklace made of several variously colored rocks of all shapes and sizes. The pink pony gasped taking the necklace and put it on rubbing it tenderly. She cried with tears streaming down her face.

"Thanks Maud! You really are the best sister in the world!" she cried.

"Thanks Pinkie."

"Oh, that reminds me, I maaaaddde you one!" she said in a sing song voice, pulling out a necklace of her own.

Maud Took it and smiled softly. She nodded pulling out a small chest from her saddlebag. Mary stood over it and watched as Maud opened it revealing several other necklaces similar to the one she had just been given. She watched as Maud placed the necklace in the chest with the others wondering what they were just as Pinkie began eating hers.

Mary looked at the pink pony in bewilderment as she continued eating the rainbow rocks. Maud smiled sensing Mary's confusion.

"They're rock candy necklaces." Maud answered her silent query.

"Rock? As in rock, rock?" Mary asked eyeing them.

"It's a special recipe I made with my sister years ago."

She picked one of the rainbow necklaces up and took a gentle nibble off it. She chewed it thoughtfully. Mary watched as Pinkie finished devouring hers and Maud placed her unfinished one back in the chest and locked it.

"I don't have Pinkies taste for chocolate. So, I don't eat them as often." Maud confessed.

Mary giggled looking between the two sisters. "I can easily see that."

Trixie came up beside them, wearing her signature cape and hat. It was slightly altered having a fur lined collar rather than a simple cloth one, and her hat was longer with a silver bell at the tip. Her clasp was her old diamond one. She casually walked up beside the two with a wide grin posing

"What do you think?" she asked posing for them. "Rarity said it would add a little more dazzle to Trixie's look."

"Well Rarity's right. You look great, little moon." Maud complimented her.

The grey mare followed Trixie's curvature to her flank and stared at it. Mary scowled swatting her on the head, not hard but just enough to get her attention.

"Maud! Don't stare it's rude!" she scolded her.

A strong breeze passed by blowing Trixie's cape violently nearly toppling her over. Several ponies fell over due to the sudden strong breeze. Twilight out up a strong barrier to protect them form the effects of the winds. The winds blew for several seconds and once they died down, Twilight released the barrier.

Applejack looked around, as if trying to determine the cause of the powerful winds. She adjusted her stetson pulling the leather sting straps down to tighten it around her head. She helped Rarity up, who fell over from the initial gust.

"What strange weather we're having, isn't it Applejack?" the alabaster unicorn observed.

"It sure is. Trixie has never seen such a strong gust here before."

Applejack and several others nodded in agreement.

Everypony checked to make sure no one was hurt. All checked out OK, and the ponies dismissed the wind as an anomaly and was quickly forgotten. Once everypony gathered up again they talked for a while sharing stories from the past week and times long before.

Once done Mary and her herd separated from the group with Misty and Turnover by their trailer. After several more long heart filled good byes the group of ponies gathered into the trailer and Misty sat beside Turnover, who filled her horn with magic and set the trailers destination for Rockyshores.

Trixie, Mary, Maud, and Platinum sat on the couch, their heads out the window watching as Ponyville turned into a speck on the horizon. Their tails entwined and their flanks pressed against one another. The wind blew in their manes as the trailer trudge along the dirt path.

Misty lay on several pillows and focused on the road with Turnover by her side. The older brown unicorn craned her neck and observed the younger ponies by the window. She nudged Misty, making her look over to see the four mares gathered by the window. The two gave a knowing grin to one another.

"Isn't it cute?" Misty asked kissing her unicorn mate.

"It really is." Turnover agreed. "Kind of reminds me that night we rut-"

"Speak further, dear, and you'll be sleeping outside tonight." the earth pony harrumphed, turning her nose up.

Turnover laughed glancing back a the four ponies. "You think they have what it takes to hold their herd together, Misty?"

The older mare looked over once more. The little herd was now chatting happily among themselves as they watched the sun set over the mountains beyond, which made her crack a smile.

"Yes Turnover," she replied returning her attention back to the road. "I think they'll be fine."

"You sure?"

"I know they will be. They each bring something the others need." She paused pressing her body against her mates. "They each have strengths and weaknesses that the others help makeup for. Trust me, if you and I can do it..."

They both glanced once more to the tiny herd smiling together.

"If we can do it they can too."

The trailer rolled along the dirt path heading over a small hill where it disappeared from view as it head towards its next destination. And with it the Trixie, Mary, Maud, and Platinum's destinies. But that's a story for another day.

Epilogue Over the Horizon is Doom

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As the moon rose over the Badlands, a large black creature stood on a mobile platform. She had long green gossamer mane and tail and was as tall as Celestia herself. She had dark sickly green mesmerizing eyes and a small black crown with three green balls. She wore black chitin armor and stood before a large spire with two large doors made of thick stone.

She stared at it as if it would come alive at any moment and attack. Behind her was a small army of tiny black creatures similar to her, but the size of an average pony. They chattered among themselves when the two large doors creaked open.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINxYSI7R1Q

From within a loud hiss, echoed as two small black armored changelings came running out screaming for their lives. They fell on the ground pulling their helmets off gripping their heads like they were in pain. A large unicorn stallion stomped out on his hind legs with loud metallic kthunk with each step he took. He wore full plate armor and a visor helmet which curved over his muzzle giving it a dome like shape. His armor was layered plate and had bracers and leg guards.

He was dragging a large crystal behind him with his magic and held another black creature in his hooves. As the doors closed behind. The poor thing was being dragged with her face dragging on the ground and hit a large rock along the way. He marched before the larger female changeling, and dropped the poor thing to the ground unceremonious, then taking a knee bowing to the crowned black royal.

His armored armbands hissed as they dissolved into a black mass. He ripped it off revealing his furless scared arm beneath. The changeling mare struggled to stand as she was hauled off by two others into the army of changelings.

"Commander Kayushka, report." the tall mare ordered in a regal scaly voice.

He didn't look up, instead he continued to stare downwards as he spoke loudly. "My Queen, the dark beast has ruined all our defenses. The love reserves are low."

"And our letters to Canterlot?"

"...Uh, ignored your Majesty." Kayushka replied sadly.

"My emissary?"

This time Kayushka growled digging his armored hoof into the ground smashing a small scorpion. "Executed by the ones known as Appleosians from Applealoosa." the one known as Kayushka replied with an angry growl. "Let me take a small strike force, I will end this menace once and for all-"

"NO! You will not!" the one named Chrysalis replied angrily.

"But Chrysalis-"

"YOU'LL ADDRESS ME AS QUEEN OR YOUR MAJESTY!" the queen snarled at him.

All the others cringed at her outburst, but he didn't flinch.

"As for your foolish idea, I plan to take revenge on my own terms. Not yours. Take our troops and defend the homeland." she growled stomping the ground he stood on, cracking it. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, my queen. Forgive my bluntness. But what about you?" he asked.

"I'll take the majority of our forces and invade Canterlot." the queen declared. "If they won't hear my cry for help, then they hear my cry for war."

She turned and narrowed her eyes, focusing on a small mountain in the distance. She knew this landmark well, for it was the pinnacle of pony society, Canterlot. She grinned menacingly at it as a voice called out from the chamber behind the closed doors.

Crystals!