> Dark Corners of Equestria
>  by Pankrazius
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Beaten but far from broken
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The houses were fading as she raced away. Her head up, an engaging smile on her face.

Proud.

Maybe beaten but far from broken - a pony standing tall, strong and brave.

Then, just out of earshot distance, the bright azure coated unicorn slowed down her gallop to a low walk. Atop the hill she stopped eventually.
Her smile vanished. She wasn't able to maintain it any longer.
Trixie - the Great and Powerful, greatest magician in all of Equestria - felt bad. No - crestfallen. Defeated.

To make things worse, she just couldn't blame it on anypony but herself.
Who could have known this 'Alicorn Amulet'-thing would end in such a catastrophe?

Maybe she had have known better. Had learned her lesson the last time.

All she wanted was to be admired, to be loved for the tremendous power of herself. To punish those who embarrassed her the last time.
No, she shook her head, to get rid of this nauseating feeling. That wasn't true. She thought so before. Whilst wearing this cursed amulet. The last foggy remembrance of this awkward feeling was about to wear off.

All she wanted was a place to stay, beloved by others. A crowd cheering for her performance. Or better - cheering because of her performance.

But now... she messed up just everything.

Even if Twilight Sparkle kinda had accepted her apology. Which other pony around could probably forgive her?
Even if Trixie felt sorry and knew for sure, she wouldn't do such a thing again. Who would trust her? Who could trust her?

Maybe she could have asked to stay - at least for a while.
Maybe she could have asked for help. Or better for chance to really apologize. To make up for all the things she had done. Somehow...
But she knew this attempt would backfire badly. Especially after her second appearance here.

Never let them see you bleed!

One of the first lessons she had learned in her life: Showing weakness just makes you a victim.
This was true long ago and it was true now.

She looked back to the warm lighted spots shimmering in the night, with the moon gazing over the trees.
Trixie blinked for a long moment. She sighed low.
Then, she drew herself up and took a deep breath.
Smiling. Standing tall. Maybe beaten, but far from broken.

The Great and Powerful Trixie had to look forward. As she ever had done in the past.


* * *



It was long after dark, as Twilight Sparkle wandered from Town Square back to her home. It has been a long evening, the purple coated unicorn pondered. Enough time to think about the last few days. And even if she struggled to keep her eyes open, there was something gnawing on her.

"Ey? What's up?" the voice came from above her.
Twilight Sparkle lifted her head, as Rainbow Dash descended in an impressive manner. The sky-blue Pegasus lied in the air, on her back, flapping soft. Her forelegs crossed behind her head, her rainbow-colored mane waved in the gentle evening breeze; a curious expression stood on her face.
"Why this long face? Anything wrong?" with a swift barrel-roll she turned around and landed besides Twilight gazing at her with her cherry-red eyes.

"Hm. Nothing, I think," Twilight replied. No, it was not nothing. It was just hard to put the hoof on it.

"Wow ow ow... don't believe that. Last time you looked like this was... uh.. yeah a long time ago. Something's not OK?"

"Oh. I don't now. Really. I shouldn't be worried. But in fact... I am," she gave back with a sigh hanging her head low.

"So - what's bothering you? An egghead-problem? Or something I could help you with? Just tell," Dash grinned, obviously trying to cheer her up.

"Its about Trixie," now she had spilled the beans.

"She isn't back, is she?" Rainbow gazed unbelieving before she tilted her head around to spot the enemy.

"No. Not that I know of. But that's exactly the problem, I think."

The smile on Dash's face froze, as she perceived the words.

"Wait? What? You are worried of The GREAT and POWERFUL jerk NOT being around? You crazy? She is... just... -" her friend gestured hefty "- Celestias sake - look what she did. All the trouble. The curses - she... she banished you. And you... MISS her?!"

"Not missing, but I'm worried about her. And yeah... she caused lots of problems...," Twilight replied. "But in the end... Gah. How should I say... She seemed really sorry for what she had done."

"Better so. She definitely should be sorry...," Dash stated stomping her hoof on the ground.

"Yes. You're right. But otherwise - this time she wasn't responsible for her actions. It was the amulet, which controlled her. And afterwards she seemed different."

"She ran off with a hoity-toity face, like a diva. Saw her leaving the town. I bet she is searching the next evil artefact right now...," Rainbow snorted bad tempered. Twilight could hear the anger in her voice.

"I don't think so. She apologized to me. And I am certain she meant it. But then she ran off - before I could talk to her. She didn't seem like she was suffering or so. So I just... let her go. But now - I'm not sure any more."

"Ah. She seemed fine enough to leave. For me at least," Dash answered, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah. But after all - she is a showpony. She could have faked her mood."

"Couldn't imagine why," the blue Pegasus stared at a imaginary point above and left of Twilight, "with her attitude - she had been in worse trouble, I bet."

Rainbow Dash was right. Trixie wasn't somepony, who gave up easily. She would find her way.



> Chapter 2 - Hard times
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The summer had gone finally. The leaves had turned yellow red and brown. Applebucking season. The Fall weather races. The wind blew colder now, the days had grown shorter.

Trixie didn't recognize the street, she was walking along - it doesn't matter anyway. Her pride was gone, as her hope.

Four moons had passed, since Trixies attempt to subjugate an entire town. Maybe under the influence of some infernal artefact - but nonetheless done by herself. And since that darned day anything - her whole life - had gone down the hill. Her try to start new in Canterlot had utterly failed. No stage, no engagements. No one willing to talk, let alone help her. Her safe money had dwindled like ice in the sun.
The last thing she remembered, before she run off the city, were the little dark shop in one of Canterlot's more notorious districts. She gave her beloved hat, for two coins. Barely enough to keep body and soul together. For a day. Her cloak had gone a similar way weeks before.

Call it irony of fate. After leaving, she remembered the street, the store and the shopkeeper as well. The spot, where the Alicorn Amulet had stood and waited for her, was still empty.
At least - her hat couldn't do any harm to anypony.

Trixies hooves led her along the way, while the sun descended behind the woodland in front off her. A forest, familiar to her on second look. The wild trees and dense scrubs. The Everfree Forest.
Lots of legends wound around this old and wild wood. But, of more interest, was the small town adjacent to it. Looking up, she could spot the straw-thatchet cottages and houses.
Trixie shivered, ready to turn around, searching for another way. Somehow, she feared Ponyville by now. If she was treated like a pariah in Canterlot - she didn't want to imagine, which fate would waiting here...

But, it was about lunch and her stomach roared like a timberwolf. And there was an Inn - a few miles before the city, seated on the crossroad leading south.





* * *





"And how do you plan to pay for it, missy?" the innkeeper asked. The gray coated earth pony didn't even stop to polish the mug, he was holding.
"The grr... uhm, I could do tricks. You know - like a performance.", Trixie replied, with a hopeful smile.

An awkward pause unfolded.

Speaking in first person felt still uncommon to her. Old habits die slowly. But Trixie had learned to hide herself the hard way.

"Tricks.", out of the keeps mouth it sounded like something icky found under a stone deep in a swamp. "You serious?"

Trixie swallowed dry and peeked to the real tasty looking carrots behind the counter. A night and a half day she had walked without food or rest.

"But.. I have no money. Not yet. You know, I am planning to make a stageshow...", she gave back, embarrassingly sobbing.

"Yeah. I see. Now. In this particular case.... it's the best if you come back, when you have earned some bits with your... tricks. Okey?"

What in Celestias name was this guy thinking?! Hunger and despair stood back to make place for her furore. Trixie stomped with her hoof, ready to show this jerk his place.

"Do you even know who I am?" her voice a dangerous low growling.

Maybe it was the hungry gaze of hers, or the keeper got her wrong otherwise.

"Hey. OK. I got it. T'was a bit rude of me. Beg your pardon, missy. But look. We - I mean relatives of me - had have a heap of trouble with some trickster up in Ponyville, you know. Not long ago.
My aunt - who is mayor there - was even put in a cage and teased real badly! From such a bad little brat of wizard. So please excuse if I don't wanna hear from any tricks, y'know."

Trixie shut her mouth, just before she got herself in real trouble. Swallowing her rage, she just nodded with an unlucky face.
Yeah... maybe she got carried away a bit.

"Ahm... understand that.", she stuttered. "I could do dishwashing, too." hanging her head low.





* * *





"Hey - do you guys want to hear a story?", Trixie announced friendly towards the bunch of fillies, playing in the backward part of the main-room. After the few hours of rest, she felt a bit better. Now it was evening and the small ones did a hell of a noise back in the guest room, annoying the ponies sitting and eating here. So she had offered her help to Pewter Tankard, the innkeeper, as she heard the rumble outside the kitchen.
"Try, missie.", he had sighed.

Numerous small heads were turned towards her.
Just minutes later Trixie sat in front of the great chimney, surrounded by the kids of Mister Tankard and the guests.
Curious looks in her direction. A dozen attentive eye-pairs.

Just one of them stood back a few steps. A young brown and white colt, watching the scene with a visibly mixture off anxiety and curiosity.
Sadly, one of his eyes were hidden under an eyepatch.
Smiling towards him, she started to speak.

"As winter is on its way, I will tell you a story about winter. "- short pause -" Do anyone of you know, where the snowflakes came from?"

She waited for a few blinks. Then she proceeded, her smile grew bigger.

"So you probably don't know that snowflakes were invented from a filly just like you...", she waited for a moment - exactly knowing how to add some drama.

"Good then. Over a thousand years ago - even before the banishment of Nightmare Moon - there was a little filly, called Snowdrop..."

As the words start to flow, small illusions began to appear in midair.
The shy one, approached now, and then he sat between the other fillies, listening and watching.
For a moment the blue, white maned mare felt wonderful.
She remembered this feeling. Far back in her past. Oh. She sounded like a granny to herself. Ok. Maybe ten - fifteen years ago.
Sitting amidst the other schoolfillies reading stories. No not just reading. Tell them - Bring them to life. The amazed gazes, open mouths, as the words expand to tales and dreams.
Trixie had always been good with stories.

"Missy... didn't we came to the agreement, that ... tricks ... are no good idea 'round here", the innkeeper yelled from his counter.

And the moment was gone.

She managed to finish the story. Without magic. And she was certain, no one of the fillies had recognized her mood. After all she was a professional stagepony.
Afterwards they trotted away back to their parents or directly to bed.

Just the young one-eyed waited for a moment.

"Wow. That was amazing.", he cheered with fascination.

"Thanks.", for a long time she hadn't hear anything like this. So this was more then just a courteous reply.

"Say - how did this happen?", more to fill the beginning pause, she pointed at the covered eye.

"Oh. This. Don't worry, Lady. The doc said, its for a few weeks only. Because one eye is develelopping faster or so.", he grinned.
"Buuut, this eyepatch makes me a pirate. Because its no costume, but for real."

He turned to trot away.

"Have to tell my parents, that you are no bad pony after all."

"Wait? What?!", Trixie startled.

"Ah. Because of the trouble home in Ponyville."

"Oh.", she panted for breath "Nonono! Please. Don't tell them!"

"Huh? Why? Are you still evil after all?", the boy asked, but without the slightest sign of fear.

"No. I am not. But... hey... why didn't you run away, as you have seen me in the first place?"

"You offered to tell a story. And nopony seemed to be upset about you - so I thought its alright. And nopony, telling such nice stories could be evil." the pirate explained with a shrug.

"Ok.. Ok I see," This boy was crazy. "Look. Maybe you understand that. Buuut your parents may still be mad about me. I just want to have time to... find the right way to apologize. You know."

"Okay.", he just stated. "Then ma'am - your secret is safe by Pipsqueak the Pirate.", with kind of a polite bow he ran away.

Pirate... But, who was she, to dissent on this point?

Trixie sighed sad.
Only watched by a quiet cloaked figure, sitting in a dark corner, like it was lurking.



> Chapter 3 - Friends in need
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was barely a pale circle beyond the mist, which covered Ponyville soft and white. But the fine, filtered light, shining through the round windows, felt like a promise for a nice and sunny day of fall later.

Nevertheless, at the moment Twilight didn't want to miss the warming fire in her library's fireplace.

"Sorry, Sugarcube.. ah don' get it," Applejack shook her head in disbelief. She sat upon one of the benches in the main hall, together with Rarity. Pinkie, known for her immense patience, was bouncing trough the hall, but stopped dead now, frowning.

A few hours ago, Trixie had been seen by the inn outside the town. According to the description, she was a bad sight. So bad, even the innkeeper didn't recognize her, until she had left in the early morning.

"I think Trixie is not evil at all. She was mesmerized by the Alicorn Amulet. Now that it's gone, she would have realised, what she did. Maybe Trixie had refused our help - or maybe she didn't dare to ask. We had the chance to help her, but didn't. And now she seems to be in real trouble...," Twilight explained. She knew how proud Trixie had been the last time. A pony like her would have asked for help. Even if she had been in dire need of a friend.

"She's a meany. I mean - she wizzardeded anypony around. And than this cheesy cheese-dome over Ponyville. Aaaaand. She, cursed my mouth shut!" Pinkie blurtet, now hopping frantically again.

"Mayyyybe t'was not aaall bad aboud'er.", Applejack responded thoughtfully, rolling her eyes.

"At least she deserves a second chance. And her condition lead to the conclusion, that she has undergone very bad times. More then enough repentance, if you ask me darlings," Rarity stated, placing her hoof on the table in front of her to fortify her point.

At this moment, the door was yanked open and Rainbow Dash rushed in. A few steps behind and by far quieter, Fluttershy entered in a slow trot.

"Soooo we are gonna save Trixie, huh?", Dash focused Twilight, grinning adventurous.

"I thought, you had your doubts about her," Twilight was caught off-guard.

"Yeah. Maybe...," Rainbow scratched her neck. "I doubt her - but I believe in you, y'know. And if you say, there is a chance, I will help you. What a friend would I be otherwise?"

A quick look at Fluttershy, silently beaming in the background, let Twilight smile suspicious.

"And Fluttershy didn't have to do anything with your change of mind?"

"Hehe. Now. Maybeee a little bit," Rainbow Dash blushed, giving a sheepish smile.

"Rainbow Dash came to me - this morning. Right after you talked with her. Uh, I am very happy, that you plan to help her. You know, I was just about to talk to you about this," Fluttershy said calm.

"So you are convinced that we could help her?" Twilight looked in Fluttershy's direction.

"Oh no no no. Not could Twilight. We have to help her. Look. Its going to be cold. She has nothing left. She lost her cape and her hat. No wagon, nor a place to stay. And she surely feels terrible. There is no other way - we have to find her," Fluttershy stated.

Twilight watched the other ponies, thinking about Fluttershys point, with light unease.

"Yeah. Maybe she's a brat - but, nopony deserves to freeze 'n starve. At least we should offer her a chance. But Ah won't turn mah back on her...," Applejack pondered loud, and got affirmative nods as response.

Twilight sighed silent in relief.


* * *


Most times of the year, you can find pretty everything to survive just at the roadside. Herbs, fruits, even wild wheat.
With a little bit of skill you can manage to produce one fine campfire. Dry grass covered with soft fern - a bed as cozy as any one in the royal chambers in Canterlot.

Long before Trixie became "The Great and Powerful Trixie" she was used to travel; had learnt the tricks of the road years ago. She appreciated it to feel new paths under her hooves.
To follow just her muzzle, embrace the freedom of the land and to hear ever new stories. Trixie never regretted, having left the school on her own. What was it worth anyway, to be a gifted unicorn, just to be put in a golden cage.

But now, she was poised to ignore her own experience.
As it wasn't most times of the year. The golden leaves had fallen, even far in the wilderness between the settlements. And cold winds whispered stories of the upcoming winter.

Barely one night she had stayed at the inn by the crossing roads. She - that means 'The Great and Powerful Trixie' was by far to... popular around there. Trixie had even swallowed her pride and had introduced her as 'Beatrix Lulamoon',
a name, she hadn't used for a real long time. But the disguise didn't even hold for one evening. This young pirate-filly seemed familiar. But on the other hoof - the sheer number of faces, Trixie had met in her life, made it plain impossible to remember them all. Thankfully the parents didn't recognize her.
Would have been a lot to explain - especially to the innkeeper-nephew of the Ponyville mayor.
Maybe she didn't look so good lately. She had lost weight, for sure. So starving helped at least hiding her.

Thus early in the morning, just before Princes Luna ended her shift, she left the warm, welcoming building. Again a shelter, she was forced to leave.

So she headed south. To reach one of the small villages beyond the Everfree Forest. Tough she didn't dare to set hoof in this celestiaforsaken woodland.
Not that she were frightened of the legends surrounding the Everfree. It was more the real dangerous creatures, which were anything but legends, living there. Yes, she could survive in the wilderness.
Unless the wilderness decided to survive on her cost...

Anyway. The road turned out to be longer than she had estimated. Or at least had hoped.
Trixe hadn't seen anypony for the whole day. As mentioned before - travelling in winter, was just a bad idea, no sane pony would consider unless absolutely necessary.
The day had been lousy cold and the wind had grown stronger. It was foggy and damp.
Maybe a few days, before it starts to snow. And no settlement in sight.
Her diet had consisted of dry berries and some withered grains. Only two carrots, from the bushel she had grabbed as a compensation for her work, were left.

She tried to get comfortable for the night. Outside the wood Trixie didn't spot any shelter. No caves, no suitable trees. So she set camp beneath an old, standing rock, surrounded by shrubs. The edges rounded from millennia of rain and storm. Strange symbols carved in resembling a kind of five-fingered branch, facing towards the Everfree. An ancient watcher. Like a warden of the forest, keeping the creatures on their side of the border. She liked the image.

The campfire produced more smoke than anything else, and the wind couldn't decide, from which direction it should blow. To make things even better, the fog changed to a cold drizzle. Even her skill didn't help much, as the only pro-tip in this situation read 'just avoid to camp without any shelter. Especially if it rains. And storms. And winter is about to come.'

Maybe it was time to use a bit of her magic. Hungry and freezing, she was anything but in a good state to cast spells.
Despite the fact, she concentrated. At first she managed just some useless pale-violet sparkles. The second shot produced actual flames in the smoking stack of wood logs. An illusion of a fire to be exact.

The third shot was exhausting. But at least she managed to convince some of the logs to burn.
Yeah... a good illusion convinces the mind. A better one was able to take effect on living bodies. But to trick the reality... that's a true masterpiece.

And so the unicorn could leastwise embrace the illusion of heat, as the flames were just to weak to hold the cold night at bay.

Suddenly soft trotting was up the road. Trixie startled for a moment, then she left the camp site, to hide in the bushes. Maybe somepony from the inn had recognized her face and Trixie was sure, that maybe somepony would have some questions about amulets and cursed towns.
The chaser got closer. She didn't hear any clanking sounds - like armour or weapons would have made. And the steps were really light. A small pony maybe. Some farm-foal from the surroundings. Nonetheless, it could be dangerous.
A few moments after, a really small white and brown foal - complete with red bandanna and eye patch and a warm looking jacket - passed by.

"Pipsqueak?", Trixie yelled in surprise, shocking the young colt screaming off the road.
> Chapter 4 - Catching up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zecora sat on her bed, studying an old tome, Twilight had borrowed her a while ago. Even here, deep in the wood, cold winds wailed. Branches were creaking and raindrops hit the windows occasionally.
Nothing to fear this night, the Zebra thought, flipping a page. Which wild animal would leave its shelter under such circumstances? And for the more sinister creatures, she had prepared her masks, fetishes and warden stones.
Hot tea and fire kept the inconvenient weather outside, while she enjoyed some good reading.

Speaking of wardens... Did the holed stone above the door went black - or were she tricked by here very eyes?

A knocking at the door, let her look up. 
'At this time?' Zecora wondered.

Imaging somepony in distress - standing outside at this hour, would count for sure - she stood up and walked towards the entrance. Just in case, she longed for the large club, she usually used to prod remote fruits from their trees.

With a growing awkward feeling, she realised, some of her dreamcatchers were literally withering away, falling to pieces.

Before she even could react, somepony pushed the door open, breaking the latch like a toothpick.


* * *


Later in the evening the drizzle had given stage to an outright rain. Winds howled over the stone, moaning and whistling menacingly. The only luck - if one want to speak of luck - the winds gushed the rain around - so the warden rock covered Trixie and Pipsqueak from most of the droplets. 
Pipsqueak had curled up besides Trixie on her makeshift bed. It was a plain wonder, how the foal could sleep like this.
She had covered his little body with the blanket, borrowed from the inn.
Well - she could stand the cold air. But the foal surely would freeze and get sick.
It was to late, to bring the colt back this night. While it was dangerous to wander alone in this time of year, running through this weather was just insane. So she had done everything to keep him warm.
Although she was tired, it was too chill for her to sleep. Anyway - sleeping was not a good idea at all. Trixie knew how easy one could freeze to death sleeping and not even recognize it.
Maybe a merciful way to pass away. 
But grimly smiling, even if life had is odds, simply giving up was so absolutely not her style...
Chilling winds screamed - for hours by now. The nearly frozen rain, pricked her occasionally  With distant fear she realised, that her opinion in matters of freezing didn't seem to count very much.

The little fire was gone a while ago. Just a rest of embers shimmered. And there were hours left till dawn.

Trixie looked up. The sky was covered by a monotonous layer of  rainclouds. Despite the wind she couldn't make out any breaks in the cover. Which means the rain may stay for hours or... even longer.

She knew of stories, were fillies wished upon the stars.
Although, there were no stars to see and it were only tales after all.
Trixie sighed, before she whispered lowly. Her eyes closed. The wetness just raindrops. For sure.

"I wish, I dream, I hope, I pray...
for the Princesses rule, light my way..." She sighed lowly, while hoping for somepony to safe her. 

But... what was she hoping for anyway? Nursery rhymes, childish wishes? Trixie knew exactly how she had slipped in this situation.

'When you have to rely on dreams - you know you are f...'

Trotting hooves!
No. This couldn't be true, could it?

Bewildered she stared in the direction.

A shape formed out of the dark rainy curtain.
"Is there anypony?" Trixies heart jumped.

"Hello?" she cried out with a mix of shock and relief. Her wish... could it really be? At this point she would even appreciate Royal Guards to arrest her. But... the stranger didn't seem to be a soldier.

The strange pony was cloaked in a wide hooded coat. Crimson red fur hair visible here and there. But Trixie was unable to spot his eyes or even see his face besides the white beard.

"It is uncommon to see ponies stray so far apart from their homes - isn't it?" his voice was creaky and hoarse, like a real old pony would sound.

"I... We... Yes. I were forced to take this road - but I didn't manage to find a safe place to rest. I hoped to reach a village tomorrow.", Trixie stood up.

"Oh. How unpleasant. I am sorry, but I fear I must tell you - there are no houses for another two or three days along this way," the strange pony replied. "And its going to be colder. I fear, if you follow the path you wouldn't make it. I suggest you to turn back and head were you came from... It may be better for you and the filly of yours."

Back to Ponyville?

"This... He isn't my foal. He... followed me."

"Is that so? I've heard rumours of a missing little one. Some ponies say it were foalnapped. You don't know anything about this? I've heard even the guard is searching for this foal."

Trixies heart missed a beat. Foalnapping? Pipsqueak had awakened meanwhile and looked curious to the cloaked one.

"No. Trixie did not foalnapping me. I have searched for her. To thank her for the story, she told. But she had gone early in the morning. Then I ran after her. But it was so late, when I found her..."

"Ah Trixie is the name." the stranger spoke softly, but revealing something strange. The creature seemed to have something like - arms, as known for Minotaurus. Weaker of course. Thin and worn out, matching the voice. The stranger gestured - not thinking about it, obviously. "For starters, I would suggest to lead you to a safe place to stay. A ... friend of mine lives in the forest, don't fear it is not far."

Trixie shivered. But... the decision was obvious. Freezing for sure, or get maybe in danger in the Everfree. With the possibility of sleeping in an actual house...
So she took Pipsqueak upon her back and followed the strange guy, through the rain.
What was this creature? Trixie had seen many different races during their travels. Griffons, Minotaurus, even some awkward fellow with not only two hands, but a third one on his tail...
But... anyway. He seemed friendly so far.

After a while the stranger picked up the conversation.

"Trixie .... I know this name. Say - are you the Trixie, who is called the Great and Powerful? The greatest magician in all of Equestria?" the stranger recommenced the talk.

"I used this name," Trixie admitted sighing. At least the rain had dimmed to occasional drops, since they entered the wood.
"And now you are going to hate me, for all the wrongs I committed. Right?"

"What are you thinking?" the creaky voice got a bit louder. "I never would do such a thing."

Trixie looked up. What?

"You are one of the greatest magicians I know of," the old fellow - she decided to use 'pony' as she just didn't know what to call him... declared with a determined tone in his voice.

"You think that? For real?" Trixie just couldn't believe, what she heard.

"For sure. I have heard a lot about you. I've heard about your glorious deeds - and of course of the defeats, brought to you by this pesky inhabitants of Ponyville." he explained.

"So you know I am just a showpony, after all?" she replied. Meanwhile she was used to the image of her, not being the greatest magician of all. Even if the idea still hurt her.

"Oh. Did they make you think so?" the strange pony asked. "Did they manage to break your will?"

"They... What?" Trixie startled. How could he claim such a thing? But... his words felt like a sting. Not painful - quite the opposite.

"Oh. What a luck I came just in time. They were about to break you, Trixie." a strong tone sneaked in the old voice. "Rejoice - for I am hear to save you."

"Who are you anyway?" she raised one eyebrow in suspicion. Although she liked his words... it somehow seemed way to good to be true.

"Somepony who is quite like you. Once I had power. Tremendous power. I had magic on my disposal, far beyond even your imagination. But then - just like you - I was defeated, broken and left to decline."

"That sounds awful... Who did that to you?" Trixie shivered. She meant to even hear a distant echo of astonishing might in his voice.

"Ignorant, evil and selfish magicians. Enemies, who demanded my power for themselves. They don't even had the mercy to kill me on instant. They left me suffering. So believe me - I know how you must feel."

The words repeating themselves through Trixies head. Hypnotic. But... No...

"Excuse me, but it's not quite as in your case. I DID make mistakes, caused trouble and endangered a whole town. I used magic, far beyond my control, and got mesmerized by an ancient artefact. Even if I hate to do so - I must accept, that Twilight and the others just had to stop me."

"To stop you from making a mistake is one thing. But to devastate you and your belief in yourself - this is an insult. A crime, which demands punishment! And whilst I am broken and burnt-out to a point, where I can't use my powers any more - I can teach you," real anger was heard.

"No. No. Please. I don't want revenge. I never want to do something bad again. I just hope to... start again. Somehow.", she replied soft. What was her loss compared to his story?

The cloaked pony paused for an moment.

"No. Of course not. Please excuse my outburst. I've witnessed to many bad things. Maybe they have formed me in that way. So I suppose, I count myself happy, to see your inner strength."

Was this a kind of compliment? Trixie blushed.

The strange pony hadn't lied. A tree house, on the far end of a small clearing, came in sight. Spooky masks with eerie faces showed towards the forest. Carvings in barks and stones all over the place. It seemed somewhat familiar, only Trixies tired self couldn't figure out, what it was.
The door stood open a bit.

"Ah. By the way. Our host is out. But she told me, I could make me a home at her place. In I am certain she won't mind if you stay here to. Especially in a night, where nopony should sleep outside."

As if to emphasize, the storm wailed even louder and remote thunder rolled over the nightly forest.

"Trixie..", Pispqueak whispered. "This is no good."

"What do you mean?", she answered silently.

"This is Zecora's place. And it seems something bad had happened..."

Zecora?... Zecora! Trixie remembered this Zebra. This witchdoctor, who helped Twilight to beat her. Who took the Alicorn Amulet. She hesitated. Zecora would get mad, if she saw her here.
Or maybe not. She was a friend of Twilight after all - and she forgave her, kind of. So Zecora wouldn't be such a monster to refuse her a place to warm up and rest...

She went after the stranger, into the warmth of the hut, hearing a rumble from inside.

"Ah. Here you are. Please - take a seat. I just have to look after something, Zecora had promised to borrow me," the stranger was searching a bookshelf, randomly pulling books out, putting them on a stack. Thinking of it - this arms seemed practical. Maybe they were the result of some magic experiment?...

"No. No. No! NO!" he growled, louder every time he tossed a book away.

"What are you doing here? May I help you?" Trixie was unsure about this. It seemed ominous to here. Like a thief, searching for valuable loot. But... In this case, why would the strange pony had looked after Pipsqeak and her anyway?

"Its a book. I think I will recognize it, once seen. And no - you can't help me with this. Not yet. Please - take a seat, get some tea,"  he replied in his quiet hoarse voice.

So Trixie closed the door, just to let it get opened by the next gush of wind. Pondering, why the door was defect she grabbed a stool, blocked the entrance. Brittle remains of... something... crunched under her hoof. But glad to be out of the cold now, she didn't mind.

Trixie put Pipsqueak on the big bed in the huts corner. Zecora wouldn't mind - as it was unlikely she would come home in such a night.
After grabbing another dry blanket for herself, she plopped on a creaky chair besides the enormous cauldron, dominating this corner of the hut. To excited to get sleepy right now, she let her mind wander. Why was this strange fellow wearing this cloak - even inside?

As if the stranger had read her mind, he started to talk.

"You wonder about my turnout, aren't you? I don't have to break in your head to know this. See. Underneath this mantle, you will find an ugly, mutilated body. A sight I don't want show you. So call my cloak a sign of courtesy. But on another topic - you won't do anything evil any more?"

"No," Trixie stated firm. What was his motive on this, she wondered.

"I can help you. To get back your good reputation. I can help you get power for yourself. No corrupting magic, like the amulet you mentioned. No pure, plain energy - at your disposal. With this you can do whatever you want."

"Why would you do so?", Trixie couldn't believe to get help without any reward.

"Do you considering ulterior motives on my side?", the cloaked pony hadn't stop searching for a moment, turning his back towards her, chuckling in a more then scary manner.

"It is just hard to believe...," Trixie explained.

"Sure. Stranger saves lady, stranger offers to train lady in magic arts, for nothing. I think I have to reveal my plan... "- he waited for a second, a perfect dramatic pause, Trixie realised - "I cannot gain my powers back. Not yet, not in a useful amount. YOU on the other side are full of potential. Yes. You may call yourself great and powerful. And in fact - you are. But think about it - with my help you could grow out of yourself. You could reach an even higher level of skill. I couldn't be your teacher - as you are no student any longer. But you could call me your advisor."

The words sounded good. Her imagination drew a picture. The Great and Powerful Trixie - back in business. Cheering masses and even impressing Twilight Sparkle. She longed not for revenge anymore. But getting her respect would be fine. Maybe with more magic, she would be able to do things besides illusions and a bit of telekinesis.
To good...

"You didn't reveal your plan - are you playing with me?" she answered, suspicion in her voice.

It took a second before the stranger replied. This time it didn't felt like a planned pause.

"A bit maybe. Just to watch your reaction. You are cunning." the strangers words left her flattered and a bit proud.

Yes. She was indeed. Without a doubt. Trixie felt better now, glancing over all the herbs hanging from the low ceiling and the jars full of the most exotic ingredients, lined up upon shelves carved in the tree-wall. Even if Trixie knew just a small portion, there were more than enough to brew some fine tea.

"Good then," - the strangers voice rose again - "The book I am searching for, reveals a place - here in the forest. A hidden repository of magic power. I have researched for years, to find where this well is located. Just to learn, that the entrance is locked by a specific spell. A spell I am unable to break in my state. Do you see the irony in this."

Indeed. What an evil fate. Trixie frowned. But if she helped him - than he could help her. But...

"You said you are full of anger and such. And you have no power for your revenge-thing. So - if I help you, what prevents you from skip your part of the deal? Back to your old power, you don't need me any longer."

Trixie noticed another pause. Or maybe her tired mind played tricks on her.

"Because we share the same fate. You were defeated, so me. You were embarrassed and humiliated. Even if you don't look for revenge anymore - a stance I have to admire, as they have done to you more, then you may have deserved. It is not certain how much I can regenerate. Or how long it would take. So I will never be the same as before. You see - my fate is sealed. Not so yours. So it would be a honor for me to help you on your path. And if my plan were to do you wrong, then I had just left you to die anyway, don't you think so?"

"So you will be my... friend?"

"Yes.... indeed. Oh... Look. I found it!" the strangers answer let Trixies mouth standing agape. Someone who cared for her. Someone who don't judged her. A... friend?

Trixie beaming stood up and walked over.  The book was about the size of a quart, but very strange indeed. Smooth black cover. Pages, thin and plain. It looked newer, then she had expected. But the most peculiar thing were the script used.
She never had seen such signs, not even in the royal library in Canterlot.

"What does it read?"

"The title says 'Von unaussprechlichen Kulten'. It seems to be an original print... I can't believe it!" The stranger seemed really happy about this.

"Is this griffin-language?" Trixie asked, wondering.

"It is old and from far away. I don't think even the griffins are able to read this. I think we should get some rest. We have to start early in the morning, to reach our goal,... friend."

Friend. A mighty mage. A warm place to stay.
Yes. The Great and Powerful Trixie was about to be back in business!
Trixie felt thankful and happy, ignoring the gnawing, warning voice.


* * *


"I hate her.", Rainbow Dash stated, moody and tired flapping a few inches above the group. "For real. Why couldn't she stay in this nice inn? Why had she to stroll this celestiaforsaken road?"

"I didn't expect her to be that fast.", Twilight was alike exhausted. "But, she has travelled all her life - so she might be a bit more sustained. Any sign of Pispqueak, by the way?"

At first this was meant as a quick trot down the road. Finding Trixie, talking to her and probably bring her back to Ponyville. It sounded like a promising plan. Twilight even had left Spike at home.

But then they had arrived at the small hotel, not far from the Everfree.
The place in a real turmoil. Ponies running around, worried, obvious searching somepony. Rainbow Dash had spotted Pipsqueaks parents the first.
Their foal had gone missing.
And in addition an azure blue unicorn mare - matching Trixies description - had left the place a lot earlier today. Depending on the direction she has headed, she might have arrived at Canterlot at this point. Or she has set camp anywhere west of the forest - given she didn't dare to enter the Everfree - a thing most unlikely to Trixie.

"Let us split. Rarity, Pinky and Fluttershy - you take the road to Canterlot. If you find her - fine. If not, report to the guard. Or better to the Princess. She might send help. We head south." Twilight recommend. The situation grew more serious.

"Alright, darlings. Let's go," Rarity replied.
"Oki Doki Loki.", Twilight knew Pinky for long enough now, to discern how worried she was, despite her engaging nature.
"I will report to you, if we find Pip or her." Fluttershy said. "If I can find you."

Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash marched - respectively fled on. 

"Nothing. Meadows to the left, Trees to the right. The same as... like the whole night.", Dash grumbled.

No one of the three, were to happy to take this walk. Despite the scarves, Rarity had provided before they splitted up, it was cold - and a steady icy rain poured down on them. Even if it was no storm, wandering the whole night through had left Twilight wet to the skin and chilled to the bone. Using her magic as an umbrella for - mainly Applejack and herself - was exhausting, too. But the weather was just to bad. Even Rainbow Dash couldn't kick all the rainclouds away. Speaking of them - Twilight could see, that Applejack shivered from time to time - to stubborn to say anything. And even Dash - as Pegasus used to low temperatures seemed weary.

Then - after hours of monotonous walking -  in the early morning, Rainbow yelled in surprise.

"Standing rock - about a mile away. I see smoke there."

Newly energized by this, they trotted faster.

"She must have left a while ago now," Applejack stated, checking the campfire and the lair. "And Ah could be wrong but there are two moulds here. Bet 'twas Pipsqueak with 'er."

"But where did they go?" Twilight asked desperate.

"Dunno, Sugarcube," Applejack shook her head. Worried as Twilight herself.

"Maybe we could ask Zecora if she saw them," Rainbow Dash suggested, flying above the trees.

"Huh?", Twilight gave Rainbow a baffled look.

"Her tree is right over there. Or it is another wild growing masks-and-flasks-tree." Rainbow shrugged.

"You mean - we walked the whole night in circles? We had just had to cross trough the wood and saved the whole way?!" Twilight yelled the last part, facehoofing herself.

"Uhuh.", Dash replied, a sheepish grin on her face.


* * *


The rain had ceased over night, left nothing but dew and morning mist. But after the restful sleep, and a short snack Trixie felt better.
Pipsqueak seemed tired, but in a good state, after all.

"We have to leave," the mage explained. "It is just a short walk from here - but it may take time, to open the entrance."

So - after just a few hundred feet they reached a near invisible pathway, leading deep in the forest. Here and there rests of obvious chiselled stone plates of a dark color. The underbushes grew thicker with every step, hiding broken columns and withered stone blocks. For some reason this path gave a feeling of security. As if nothing bad could enter the ancient stones.

For the Great and Powerful Trixie this was an adventure to tell of. This could be her first real story. And with the help of her new friend - there would be more of them. No more pretending, she cheered silently.
But on the other hoof - it felt like a dream. It felt as too good to be true.
This was the first time, somebody really cared for her. Was there, when the hours went dark. At least, since she left the school in Canterlot.
But than again the nagging doubtful voice, whispered. She shouldn't trust this strange pony.
Pressing her eyes shut, she shook her head.
No. This was her ticket back to the top. And even if this guy tried to plot anything against the Great and Powerful Trixie - she would show him, not to mess with her!
And anyway - he had explained his motives quite well. Adopt her as a kind of protégée, to achieve the glory, denied to him.
She would be more astonishing than ever before. And this time she wouldn't mess up. Trixie had made her point clear - no evil deeds again. And he had accepted it.
To fast. He gave in way to fast...
'Oh. Shut up!'

"Is everything OK with you?", Pipsqueak jolted her out of her thoughts. "You seem worried. Well. I don't know. This mage-guy is a strange one. Can't we just go home?"

The Great and Powerful Trixie hesitated, as a part of her mind consented with the foal at her side.
No. This time she would make it right.

"Oh Pip. He had helped us - so its our turn to help him. And after that I will bring you back to Ponyville, promised. And you haven't anything to fear. The Great and Powerful Trixie - back and better then ever - is with you. And I promise - I will never let anything bad happen to you."

The worried look on Pipsqweaks face disappeared. "And you will tell stories?"

"For sure.", she asserted.

"At least. We have arrived!", the hoarse voice claimed.

The clearing deep in the Everfree was surrounded by trees so close and full of deep hanging branches, they resembled more a wooden wall. The free space itself was full of shrubs and boulders. Across then entrance, a hillside raised. Trixie recognized the complete lack of anything cave-like. The only remarkable detail was a symbol about a ponylenghth above the ground, carved in the dark rock, glistening like dew in the morning sun.

"You sure?", she asked sceptically.

"I am certain, we are at the right place. Now - it is your turn to open the gates with the magic of yours," the strange cloaked wizard told with an impatient tone.

"I see..." slowly the Great and Powerfull Trixie, stepped towards the strange sign - resembling a branch with five limbs - and touched it with her horn.


> Chapter 5 - Dark corners of Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Zecora?" Twilight shouted fearful. "Are you OK? Where are you?"

She searched the place around, along with Applejack, while Rainbow had entered the hut.
What had happened? The door rattled in the wind, no one seemed to be at home. But this wasn't it. Twilight had discovered, that the dreamcatchers and wardens used to protect Zecoras hut, were destroyed.
She couldn't imagine how or why. The fetishes, used to repel evil spirits and dangerous creatures, had somehow... wilted away. The stones had gone black and brittle like cold ember. A slight touch sufficed to let them crumble to dust. The knotworks had fallen apart, laying in the dirt.

"GUYS - SHE'S HERE!" Rainbow Dashs voice yelled.

Just seconds later the three of them stood in the main chamber. Dash was about to help Zecora. Somone had tied her up, gagged her with a piece of cloth and then caged her up in her own basement. Twilight was shocked to see her - usual calm and confident - this fearful and upset.

"Tell me what happened!", Twilight demanded, worried about Zecora's state.

Her sorrows didn't wear off, as Zecora told, what she knew.

A stranger had come at night - destroyed her magic wardens, subdued her and throw the Zebra down the stairs.

Due to the sounds from above the strange, cloaked pony left after this, but eventually came back a hour later - accompanied by at least two other ponies.
One of them sounded like a foal, the other like a mare.

"Fear, my ponies, for this stranger, is evil and so full of anger," Zecora closed her statements.

"Trixie!" Rainbow Dash growled angry, her eyes narrowed "Maybe you should think about her again."

"Told ya, Sugarcube. Won't turn my back on her..."

"Girls... we don't know what happened and why." Twilight said. Her voice meant to sound determined. But... she knew, that she tried to convince herself, too.

The hut itself was not destroyed or anything. Just some books, laid cluttered around.
Zecora ran quick after them, looking around and searching, with obvious growing fear.

"Oh. No. Nonono!" Zecora yelled, her eyes widened in fear "The book from a far land, filled with vile and evil, is now in the hand, of this sinister devil!"

"Then let's run.", Twilight shot right out of the door - followed by Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Zecora.


* * *


"Nothing. Again..." the hoarse voiced pony sounded disappointed.

"Magic takes its time. Especially by such high level spells," Trixie explained, annoyed herself, by this darn seal, her bad success - but at most by this constant complaining.

"Maybe I deluded myself about you," the cloaked mage murmured.

"No way. I AM the Great and Powerful Trixie!" she responded, eagerly try it again.

The sun was about to set - so she had tried for hours and hours now. But nothing took effect. Whether firing raw magic at the seal, nor any spells, she knew. Anything seemed to be just sucked up by this wardenstone.

One step back, she inspected the rock, once again. Not the slightest breach. "Maybe its just the false place," Trixie thought aloud.

"What you say?" the creaky voice swelled in anger. "No. My researches are right. There is no doubt. The place is right here! You are just us...."

"Wait!" Trixie yelled, gazing at a little spot on the ground. A small sign, hidden behind some grass, flickered right there. Ignoring the insult, the stranger was about to call out, she focused her magic at this small glittering star. Magic flow and engulfed the carved boulder.

She startled away, as the earth began to shake, accompanied by a deafening dim. A crack build up, starting at the small stone, rising up to the seal above. The walls went apart, opening a cave right in front of them.

"At least!" the stranger shouted engaging.

Without hesitation he passed Trixie, entering the cave.

"You really want to go in there?" Pipsqweak sounded unlucky and frightened.

"I am at your side. Don't worry. You should come with us. Its dangerous out here."

"You trust him?" Pip asked as they followed the mage, down the narrow path.


* * *


"Woah. Did you hear that?" Rainbow shouted downwards.

"Silly question. Heard and felt! I am nearly deaf," Twilight growled back. "Did you see anything."

"There's a dustcloud over there." Rainbow pointed in the direction. "See ya!"

With this she accelerated. Seconds later a clearing came in sight. The cloud billowed out of a cave. Rainbow Dash landed and watched the entrance. Maybe she should wait for her friends. Better team up, before storming a dragons lair.

Suddenly a foals yell, emerged the cave. And without any further thought, she jumped, flapped and sped up.


* * *


"Gnah. Where is Rainbow? For Celestias sake. Why couldn't she wait?!" Twilight was more annoyed than worried.
"Ya know her. Better run, before she has all tha fun alone. Or get in big trouble..." Applejack just shrugged.

"Do you know this place?" Twilight asked in Zecoras direction, while they approach the spooky entrance.

"Its a place,
so old and bad,
we should avoid
to go ahead." Zecora answered.

"I know. But Trixie is in there. Pipsqeak probably, too. We can't let them alone."

"In the cave,
we have to carry,
but we must remember
to stay wary," Zecora seemed not very edified.


* * *


The small cave descended with every step. The sunlight had gone a while ago, so only her glowing horn, led them through the dark. Trixie shivered. This place felt ... wrong. Bad. Evil.
Pipsqueak trotted behind her, the main reason why she didn't panic right away. No other pony should see her anxiety, for the Great and Powerful Trixie knew no fear. And she surely won't frighten the little foal.
Just the hooded mage trotted along the way - obviously eager to reach his goal.

A strange greenish light glowed in the distance, building up a oval shape - like a predators eye. She panted for a moment.
The shimmer turned out to be a gateway.


* * *


The cave was narrow, cold and icky. Claustrophobia-causing. Icy prickles run down Rainbows spine. She knew, flying in here, was sheer impossible, as it was way to dark. The only way to move forward was by groping ahead.
Even with more light, the tunnels were to crooked, with hanging stalactites everywere. Only a nightguard could probably feel comfortable in here. Or... other things.

Voices meandered towards her. Maybe from far before - or way back. Hard to tell, with all the echoes. Single words were also undistinguishable. Only the voice - better one of the voices sounded a bit like Trixie.


* * *


Trixie calmed down the shrieking Pipsqueak.

Then she stared amazed at the dome before here. The cave was big - no vast. Mostly round, with a artificial levelled ground. Adnate stalagmites and stalactites formed columns, supporting a widespread ceiling. Anything from top to bottom seemed chiselled and carved with ornaments, signs and sigils. The magic was almost palpable. The center part of the ceiling formed some kind of natural chimney fading upwards in darkness. At the ground however a chasm opened itself. The abyssal hole was surrounded by three layers of carved circles, completely filled with detailed lines and symbols. Although Trixie don't knew the exact nature, she could tell, that this circles hold some tremendous spell. Five short bases protruded out of the flat underground around the abyss, supporting statues. Five different creatures - an Earth Pony, a Pegasus and an Unicorn as well as two unknown but obvious ponybreeds, stood rearing upon them. One with strange butterfly like wings, the last with some unidentifiable fins growing out of its back. Chains - old and rusty but as well sturdy looking - were attached between them in a way, that everyone of the five holds two chains together with another one across the chasm. From above it must resemble some kind of star, build up of chains.

"Ah. At least. It is nearly done.", the strange mage spoke loud.

"What do you mean?", Trixie.

"Don't you feel the power at this place? Only a short moment and I... I mean WE can have it all. Follow me now, my dear. And don't forget to bring the foal."

He had reached a raised platform near the chasm. Atop the stone stage was some kind of altar or lectern. Once at the altar, the mage dropped the book and opened it with a theatrical gesture.

"I don't wanna go there.", Pipsqueak said with low voice. "Please... let us go. I am frightened!"

"I will protect you. I have promised.", she answered, unsure herself. The stranger had helped her. Had saved her live. Maybe he was eerie. But... could she refuse her help in return, now?
But what if this all was his plan? If he had bad motives?

Torn between her own anxiety and her dreams, she only followed the mages demand hesitantly.


* * *


Twilight let her horn glow and followed the path with a bad feeling. The cave walls appeared unnatural to her. In parts like bored by a giant worm, whereas they crossed halls with stalagmites and stalactites standing and hanging in strange angles. The pathway forked on a few occasions, but with her light, she was able to guess the right tunnel.

Even Applejack seemed uneasy. And Zecora murmured silently in a language Twilight didn't understand.

"Ah feel troubles around here. This ain't no good place at all.", Applejack seemed uneasy, despite her brave nature.

After a while Twilight realized something. The cave was filled with wind. Not strong, but noticeable, once felt. Uncommon however, the wind changed its direction from time to time.

Like... breathing.

In what had they only gotten?

A greenish light came into sight - not far away. Moments later, the three of them gazed into the giant hall. Magic all around. Most of the low glowing runes Twilight didn't understand... or even know.
But the few more familiar symbols all signed protection, encasement and warnings.
Yes. Felt truly like trouble around here.

Then Twilight noticed movement within the dome. Two ponies - one small like a foal - walked along this spooky chasm.
The light around blurred the details and distorted the colors, but Twilight was certain, they found Pipsqueak and Trixie.

"There they are!" Applejack said, only to run after them.

So much for 'stay wary'. Twilight followed her friend. But where was Rainbow Dash?
> Chaptere 6 - Redemption?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Great. Got lost in this darn maze. Rainbow Dash grumbled, while following the dark path, seemingly upwards.
The wrong direction for sure. But as she had passed some crossings and forking ways, she decided to go as far up as possible. Maybe she got the chance to find an exit. Back in the forest, she could start again.
Or she never found out and therefore starved to death.

Dark thoughts, meandered through her mind and a fear swelled inside. She was used to fly, to feel the wind around her. Pegasi could even read the air around them. The angles in which gusts blew, smells, cloud forms. Flying in an outright storm was merely a reason for worries. A challenge, for sure - but nothing impossible. But this cave? To narrow to fly - or at least spread her wings and strange unreadable winds changing their direction for no reason. This cave could easily become her favorite nightmare.

Suddenly Rainbow heard sounds. For moments she struggled with panic. Any creature could easily reach her, for she was nearly trapped. "Who is it?! Show yourself!" Rainbow challenged into the dark. She ran along the way, hoping to find an opponent, to fight. Her eager gallop ended - abrupt on some stonewall.

"Ouch," stars and strange lights flickered before her eyes. And they just didn't want to go away. It took a while, before she realised, the lights were actual there. Not far in front of her - right behind the column she ran into - there was a bright green shimmer, sharpening the contours around her. Rainbow Dash dared to breath again.

She walked towards the opening, just to stop in the last moment. Her foreleg over the gap leading in a really gigantic cave - the bottom dozens of metres below.

Directly beneath: A big dark hole led into sheer black darkness... with something moving inside. From stone figures, cluttered around the abyss, chains stretched from one to another, building something like a five-pointed star. But somepony had botched on this. Some chains were to long, so they sagged. And anyway the statues didn't stand in a regular pattern, so the star was completely off.
Shrouds of black fog whirled around the abyss. Greenish lightnings zapped around.

Rainbow could spot a lavender and brownish spot down there. Her heart skipped a beat. Twilight and Applejack. A bit away stood another blue spot. Trixie for sure. But again a little behind them some hooded figure stood upon a raised plattform.
She could hear single words through the winds. But not one of them sounded reassuring.


* * *


"Come up here!" the mage demanded, one red furred arm raised

"Trixie. Stop!" a voice behind her yelled.

Turning her head she recognized Twilight Sparkle. What in Celestias name, was she about to do here?! The cinnamon colored Pony was around with her. Applejack, she meant to remember. A few steps behind them stood the Zecora.
Where they here to hinder her, reaching her goal?

The hooded stranger had begun to read. The language, although alien and unintelligible, was clearly some incantation. Trixie felt the creeps, as raw magic sizzled along her coat towards the altar.

Twilight, now near the dais, shivered. Small bilious-green lightnings danced in patterns over her body, culminating in her horn just to jump towards the book. But she recovered fast, preparing a spell herself. Purple energy engulfed her horn.

"Stop them! They are about to destroy everything!" the mage had interrupted his monotonous chant. But magic already wailed through the dome.

"Stand back!" Trixie called towards the approaching opponents. "You won't stop me!"

"You don't know, what you are doing! Stop right there!", Twilight shouted. Trixie could see the fear in her eyes, while storming gusts of magic swept through her mane.

"Oh - you don't have to fear my dear, for the Great and Powerful Trixie don't want to do anything evil. I am just helping a friend in return for him saving my life!"

With this Trixie unleashed a magic push against Twilight. Not strong enough to hurt her - but sufficient to break her concentration. The purple unicorn lost her trip and stumbled.

"Whatsha doin?!" Applejack ran towards Trixie. For a moment she felt guilty. Somehow this didn't turn out like estimated. But after this, she could make up for everything wrong she has done before.

A second energyblast hit the cinnamon colored earth pony, sending her to the ground as well.


* * *


Twilight tried to bob up. Trixies spell had not been very painful but it felt hard to concentrate or even to coordinate. To see Trixie doing this - and the anger in her eyes, was much harder to take.

"You are the one, don't knowing what she does. This very time, the Great and Powerful Trixie won't do anything wrong."

Greenish and black flashes of energy emerged from the book, while the carvings around the chasm started to glow brighter. The clash of magic cracked like thunder, echoing from the walls.

"Trixie!" Twilight shouted through the gathering magic storm. "Stop it now!"


* * *


Trixie felt, as if she were watching herself. Whatever happened was wrong. Why was Twilight fighting her? Didn't she appreciate to see her turn in the right direction?

"Very well, my friend," the mages voice spoke. "Now we could complete the ritual! Finish them off!"

She took a few steps toward the lying enemies of hers.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie don't want to fight them.", Trixie, explained. "They are of no danger now.... If they listen, I can explain them..."

"Why? They are here to destroy your very future..." the voice sounded impatient.

"Trixie. You have to stop this. Its black magic!" Twilight, managed to pull her up again, AJ sorted her feet, but soon she would stand as well.

"You have gone to far already. Do you really think, they let you get away with this?" the hooded mage shouted through the din.

Applejacks angry face illustrated the mages point. Trixie let her horn glow again, fearful about, what to do next.

The creaking in the strangers voice vanished, as he intoned the last lines - in common language. "And now, as anything is, as it should be - Cyägha - I present you the victims. The Mage, the Fighter and the Innocent."

Trixie, distracted from the words turned her head, just to fell the blood drain away from her face. Her mouth formed a silent 'no'... her eyes went small.

"Finish the unicorn, and this earth pony, as Cyägha demands it!", the voice roared now, while he got grip of Pipsqueak holding the foal in one, skinny crimson red arm. "I'll take care of our young friend."

Trixie stood in shock. The words had hit her like a hammer. Without mercy the hooded stranger proceeded.

"What? Doubts? You have gone too far already. Do you think, they can forgive you THIS?" the strangers gesture enclosed the clouds of black magic, the lightnings and the lying ponies ahead of her.

No. This couldn't be true.

"Oh, you can oppose me, if you want. I don't need you as an enemy. But I still offer you to stay at my side. As long as you are loyal. Now - carry on! Cyäghea is waiting."

The time slowed down. Trixie felt her legs moving like through syrup. The shrieks and shouts behind here blurred to an undistinguishable murmur. The mages wilted muscles tensed, before he tossed, the small body of Pipsqueak towards the chasm.


* * *


Rainbow knew, diving down there wouldn't work... But...

Terrified she watched the strange hooded creature raising one arm. Holding a little white and brown bundle. Her eyes went big - then small like needlepricks.
The little foal flew, tossed by the mage.

Before Rainbow Dash realised what happened, she dropped down the shaft, accelerating with her wings. Nothing mattered, but Pipsqueak. Seconds expanded, while the dark hole stretched before her. Focusing just on the falling foal, she ignored anything other. Even Applejacks yell  towards her, deteriorated to a mere whisper.

She knew her attempt was in vain. The distance was to big. But then - in the very last moment, a pale pink cloud surrounded the little body, reined his fall, eventually to a dead stop.
Rainbow managed to catch Pipsqueak. The bottomless abyss directly before her.


* * *


Everything happened at the same moment. She concentrated. Pipsqeak! Magic shot from her horn. Flying wasn't anything other, then distract gravity!
Twilight unleashed magic herself two times, the hot blasts just inches away from Trixies head. A split second later a third bolt flashed from the purple, angry unicorn.

Something exploded anywhere in her back.

Suddenly a deep, unearthly scream emerged. Pain. Anger. Frustration.
On instance the magic storm disappeared, and a shock wave pushed herself through air and smoke, away from the stage. Something hard hit her. Most probably the ground.


* * *


Twilight had fired at the strange hooded mage. Two times. With no visible effect - the magic just had faded and disappeared. It won't work this way.
Then she realised - the book. A third time she concentrated, but led her magic a little lower then before.
The bolt hit.

.
.
.

As the smokescreen faded away, Twilight halfway expected to see Trixie try something stupid, like running away. Bad idea - as the tunnel leading to this place were blocked by Zecora.
But then - she gasped in shock. Not the blue unicorn had disappeared - she laid unconscious between edge of the chasm and this strange altar - but the creaky voiced stranger in his cloak was gone.

Had he... Had he jump in this abyss? What in Celestias sake was going on?!

"What in tarnation....", Twilight heard behind her.

Trixies forehoof twitched, followed by a long groan, as she slowly woke up. Instantly Twilight focused on her again.

"Don't you dare to move!", Twilight yelled. No, it was no anger, that filled Twilight. Sadness, the feel of betrayal. She just couldn't believe what had happened. She couldn't believe she were this wrong with Trixie. But it had happened. Before her eyes. Pipsqueak - the missing foal - pushed over the edge, pale pink magic surrounding his body. The cry, echoing in her ears. The blurring blue silhouette of Rainbow Dash shooting after the child. And then this deafening silence.

"You're  so finished, missie!", Applejack besides her, snorting in wrath, and charged to the unicorn lying prone without further warning.

"No! No. Please... stop. Stoop!" Trixie begged and cried at her attacker, blocking the head with her hooves. Just a moment afterwards Applejack, tackled and pinned the frightened mare to the ground, one hoof risen above her own head, ready to strike her finally down.
"One good reason, wha a shouldn't."

Twilight stood paralysed. She knew, she should stop Applejack. She should do something. Anything. Rainbow Dash had fallen in this abyss. Along with the foal. Icy shivers run down her spine.

"Hey. Haaa-eeeey. If you are done up there, maybe you could consider to HELP?!"

The relief to hearing Dashs voice was almost as stunning as the terror moments before. Luckily it had the same effect on the raging Applejack. Still holding Trixie gasping down, she had full stopped her hoof.


* * *


This was bad. Falling winds in this abbyss, much to small in diameter anyway. Any try to leave this hole flying, was prone to disaster. So Rainbow Dash stood on this way to small ledge, trying to get a grip on the wall with one hoof, and hold this small colt with her other at the same time. The edge was a good dozen meters above her. And then she saw something move in the darkness. Dark, greenish fingers made of fog, groped upwards.

Perfect. Really.

Rainbow Dash tried to not think about this pitch black hole at her hooves. She tried to ignore the cracking and clattering sounds emerging from the stones she stood upon.

Literally in the last moment a rope fell down in front of her. Looking up, Rainbow felt a weight was lifted from her shoulders, she saw the worried but unharmed faces of Applejack and Twilight.


* * *


Trixie had sunken to the ground. Her face buried between her forelegs.
No. She wasn't crying. No tears left. She had seen the most terrifying thing in her whole life. By far more devastating than a furious Applejack. Even the sad, disappointed face of Twilight touched her not as bad.
She had reached the edge and had stepped over it. This was no little act of bragging. Even the 'Alicorn Amulet'-incident was merely a harmless prank in comparison.

"Now... to you! " she shivered just a bit, although the cold voice of Twilight pierced her painfully.
"What have you done?" Accusing, questioning, but Twilight didn't stop to walk towards her.

"I...", what was left to say? Apologize? Begging for mercy? After... that. "I should have known. But I didn't. He was suspicious. He said, that he admired me. That he would help me to get back on the track...
Inside I even felt he was doing wrong. That he lied. But I enjoyed this lie so much. I wished it were true. I wished I were wrong. So I followed this stranger. Until.. until" the lump in her throat grew to big.

Trixies eyes brightened for a moment. A few steps behind Twilight, the blue Pegasus managed to climb over the chasms ledge. Pipsqueak hanging on her back. At least they were saved.

Twilights voice softened a tone as she spoke "Why didn't you come back?"

"Does it matter anyway? I am finished. I could tell of my pride. The will to get it on my own. Maybe I feared you and your friends. You have less then no reason to help me. To ask you ... and now..."
Trixie sighed.

"Why did you push Pipsqueak down there?" Twilights voice sounded hoarse now, as if she had herself a lump in her throat.

Trixies head shot up. "What? I never did such a thing!"

Why would Twilight accuse her of such a deed? She may have done many bad decisions, she may have committed more then one thing, that would qualify as a crime. But that? She stared in disbelief for a moment.
Then - what would it matter. Maybe she didn't it by herself. But she helped the guy who did it. Blessedly the small one had survived. Her only true fan after all, she thought bitter.

"Thank Celestia Rainbow was fast enough to save the boy. You tried to murder a child. Do you understand that?" sadness lay in Twilight Sparkles voice "I thought, we were able to help you. But I fear even me couldn't do that anymore."

"Hey! Stop it. Wait a minute!" the pegasus remarkable voice yelled from behind.

Twilight turned her head, as her friend trotted near and laid a hoof on her back.

"I saw it. She didn't push - her magic hold Pipsqeak and managed to land him on a small platform." - then breathy - "She saved him. Not Me. I weren't even able to fly down there. The wind..."

"But... I..." sadness and anger made way for surprise followed by real dismay. Twilights head tilted between the blue pegasus - Rainbow according to Twilight - and Trixie.

"I. Oh Celestia... Oh no. I accused you."- she blushed -"How could I. Sorry. Sorry I didn't want to..."

"It is OK. It won't change anything." Trixie replied quiet.

"No. This changes everything! I got this whole thing wrong. I thought you teamed up with this hooded stranger!" Twilight gasped.

"I did, so to speak. I broke with him in the end. But the damage was already done."

"Twi... don't get me wrong... I am not afraid or something. But this place gives me shivers. Would be better to head back, hmm? -" Rainbow meant uneasy. "- We can play court at Zecora's, if you don't mind..."


* * *


Trixie felt weak, as she managed to walk besides Rainbow Dash.
Twilight and the other two walked a few lengths before them - with Pipsqueak sitting on Applejacks back.
Everypony was eager to leave this eerie underground dome. The narrow passage walls seemed to move towards another. Like a wound in the world trying to heal...

Nopony spoke a word, silently heading towards the entrance.
She felt, as it had took for hours - but at last she could spot the vaguely paler hole in the distance.
But instead of growing with each step, it got... smaller, Trixie realized with a chilling feel.
And she wasn't the only one!

"It collapses! RUN!",Twilight yelled. In no need of a second warning, she ignored her sore body and forced herself towards the opening. The last few meters she felt a hoof longing after her.

"Now come on!" Dash grabbed her foreleg, pulling her faster forward. Blurring sensations, and a awful din surrounding her.

The hole in the hillside closed with a cacophony of cracking and breaking sounds.
.
.
.
Only a noselength behind her tail.

Trixies heart raced and she pumped air in her exhausted lungs. Just like all of the others.
For a moment she couldn't think on anything other, than to have survived this nightmare and just embraced the wonderful cold nightly air.

"Anyone hurt?", Rainbow recovered the fastest.

Some different versions of 'no' accentuated with heavy breathing were the answer.

Saved? For good now?
> Chapter 7 - Repentance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dashs hunger for adventure was saturated, for the next time. Especially if these adventures had things like creepy holes, foggy tentacles and really weird eyes prepared.

"Why did you defend me?" Rainbow turned her head. Trixie trotted along her side silent, since they left the clearance.

"Huh? What, Why?" Rainbow was confused. "Why not?"

"After all I have done to you and your friends, I mean."

Rainbow Dash was ready for a rude answer. Did Trixie think she was a liar? But then she realised Trixies face. Pale, haggard, tired and sad.
"Because it were not true. You saved Pip. I didn't. Tough I managed to pull us two to this ledge. Without your magic, he had fallen down. And myself probably too.", she replied softly instead, shivering at the sudden remembrance.

"Thanks. Its... far more than I deserve, I guess..." Trixie smiled faintly.

That was unfair. Really. Rainbow Dash had any reason to hate her. She had tried. But somehow it just didn't work out. And now after this words, she felt sorry for this boasting nag.

"Ah. Come on. Its over. We did it. And now anything will come together just fine," this was strange. In some ways stranger than the events before. Did she really try to cheer up Trixie? The Great and Powerful show-off?
Now. There wasn't much left of a show-off. She looked terrible. Barely a shadow of her former self.
But Trixies smile got a bit brighter.

It took not long, before the trees opened. Fluttershys home came in sight. Lights signed that she was at home. Some ponies gathered in front of the cottage. Rarity and Pinkie. So Fluttershy wouldn't be far. But it seemed, they were not alone.


* * *


A terrible mix of emotions accompanied Trixie. Fear, hope, happines. She was exhausted.

Twilight's friends spotted them. The white unicorn, the nice Pegasus and... Twilight had once called her Pinkie. They seemed happy to see their friends again and don't appear to be hostile towards her.
Maybe a good sign...

"STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL SCUM!" a hard voice shouted.
The flapping of wings filled the air, without any warning. Royal guards, was Trixies first thought. She forced back the short urge to run away. What sense would this make anyway?

Soon she was flanked by two of them. Black fur. Silvery armors, leathery batlike wings, sharp pointy teeth. A moon-emblem on their chests.
Night Guards!
Hear heart stopped. Or exploded or something. Blood rushed in and out of her head. Her eyes went small and anything around her began to blur, as another Pony walked behind the guardsstallions. Dark as them, but taller. Wings. Horn.
Princess Luna.

A grim smile sneaked on her face. So it wasn't only a crime she had committed. It seems to be much more a state-affair. Well - you really might be hanged for a sheep, as for a lamb...


* * *


Twilight, jolted away by the guards, panted. What was THAT?! Tough she had sent the others to inform the Princesses. To maybe use the royal chariot for a faster travel back. Or maybe informations. But this?

"We were informed by the friends of you, that a magician of the name Trixie Lulamoon was suspected of an act of foalnapping. Now then. We want to be informed of the forthcoming of the mission of yours. So report," Luna spoke. Twilight knew the Princess only fell back in her old speech-pattern, when really upset.

Twilight Sparkle stared in disbelief, but then straightened herself.

"Thank you for coming. But I think we are pretty done here."

She tried to tell the princess the whole story. But just moments after, Pip hopped from Applejacks back and ran towards them. Without any hesitation, he passed Twilight and hugged Luna. Or... better her foreleg. Way to fast to react for anypony, Twilight tried to pull the foal away from her highness, embarrassment in her face.
"Oh. Sorry. Your Highness. Its... --- get away from her --- Sorry princess --- PIP!" her heart beating faster, as her breath. Sweat pouring on her forehead, while she tried to - somehow - undo this situation, while fighting down feral instincts of escape. 

"You have no reason to worry, Twilight Sparkle. I am not angry," with this words, she laid her other hoof around the boy. "And after all, we share a special relationship - Pipsqueak and me."
Twilight just stared. Unbelieving, while instincts and rationalism fought their very personal vendetta inside her mind.

"Is there a special reason for your irritation, Twilight Sparkle? You should know, my sister is not the only princess who fosters correspondence with a pen friend. But now - please proceed."

It took a few moments for Twi to calm down enough to resume to her explanation. But she would direly need rest afterwards.

"So, did you find evidence of evil deeds by the unicorn named Trixie Lulamoon?", the princess asked subsequently.

"Its. Its complicated I fear...", Twilight pondered, try to set things straight in her mind. To much had happened this night.

"Please. Let me speak.", Trixie's bidding voice was heard.

"SHUT UP CRIMINAL SC..."

"We want to hear her story.", Luna cut the guards words short.


* * *


"It was my fault...", Trixie begun. It felt easing to tell. No more secrets. She had teamed up with a real nasty stranger. She had stolen, she had - unintentionally - foalnapped Pipsqueak. More worse - she guided the foal in this great danger. It was pure luck, that it was such a close shave.
She shivered only by imaging the possibilities.

"Well. If this is the case, then we can't ignore what you have done," Luna spoke up in a sad tone, after Trixie had ended.

"Wait a minute!", Trixies eyes grow big, as Rainbow Dash hopped over the guards, landing in front of Trixie.

"What do you have to say?" Luna seemed surprised.

"Trixie totally saved Pipsqueak. Look. Maybe she was fooled by this cranky stranger in his hood. But really. She isn't as bad as you may think."

"Yeah,-" suddenly Pipsqeak stood before Trixie "Trixie is a good guy and she could tell so nice stories. And she didn't take me away. I ran after her."

Trixies mouth stood open. This couldn't be true...

"Why did you not mention this evidences?" Luna looked directly at Trixie.

"For I am deserve no mercy. I have done terrible things..." the only thing Trixie wished for, was an end. Dungeon. Banishment. Anything, just an end.

"Princess Luna. I am as responsible for this events, as Trixie is." Twilight stated to Trixies surprise. "If I hadn't let her go in the first place - none of this would have happened."

Twilights friends had approached the scene. And the Princess watched the round.

"What do thou think about this subject?"

"Ah ain't no attorney, or so. But ah think Trixie ... could change to the better," Applejack stated.

"She's a meanie. But... she is also funny. And I think, she only needs friends, to show her to be more funny then mean. And for starters she should stop to wizard otherponys mouth shut!" Pinkie rattled.

"Excuse me. I know you are the princess and all. And we couldn't tell you, what to do... But look. She is lonesome and scared and freezing and hungry. And maybe she wanted someone for a friend so badly, that she just followed this bad guy. If we had let her stay here - she had never done such mean things.", the nice yellow Pegasus spoke in a calm, quiet manner.

"I can only second what Fluttershy had stated. She made a very good point. Or like Twilight Sparkle said - in a kind we may be responsible for this, too.", the white Unicorn closed. Trixie remembered, how bad she treated her.

Trixie had resigned to be found guilty and to be punished in any way the Princess assume proper. But now... She looked around, disbelieving. Hey... wait? Was there a small smirk on Princes Luna's face?

"I see." the Princess said in a pondering tone.


* * *


The town square was well-lit. Dozens of spectators - former search party members for Pipsqueak - surrounding the small group around Trixie. Pip had run to his parents for a moment, but now stand again besides her.

With one hoofsign of the Princess, the whole audience went silent.

"Hear ye, Hear ye. We, Luna of Equestria, Princess of the moon and warden of the night, proclaim: The unicorn of the name Trixie Lulamoon is hereby found guilty of burglary, larceny, and for helping a magician by preparing a forbidden magical ritual, and therefore for the exertion of unlawful wizardry. In addition she is found guilty for the misuse of a dangerous magical artefact and the misuse of lawful wizardry, as for the exertion of unlawful wizardry in the town of Ponyville."

The spark of hope in Trixie extinguished. Depression got grip of her.

Luna proceeded unblinking.

"But as we got knowledge of the circumstances we have to add the following: First. The unicorn Trixie Lulamoon stopped her wrongdoing and eventually opposed the unknown magician and saved the life of a foal. Second - as confessed by the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle and the other Element Bearers - Trixie Lulamoon isn't sole guilty for her actions. As said Twilight Sparkle refused to help the culprit."

Trixie could hear the unison gasping of almost anypony around. This time it took a shout from the nice, loud-voiced batpony, to tame the crowd.

"We - after hearing all parties and get knowledge of the evidences - got to the following verdict. The culprit Trixie Lulamoon is hereby sentenced -" for a short moment the word hung over Trixie like a sword"- to an open confinement in the town of Ponyville. Thus she has forfeit the right to leave the town, with the exception of the farms in the peripheries. We consider four months an appropriate time. In this time the culprit has to fulfil four hundred hours worth of community service. Trixie Lulamoon is hereby sentenced to apologize in an appropriate manner to anypony damaged by her intentionally.
The unicorn of the name Twilight sparkle will be in responsibility for the resocialising process and therefore report to us on a regular base."

Seconds pass. Trixie had a feeling like watching herself, standing there with open mouth, barely able to breath. The realization of what had happened this very moment, dripped in her mind. Slowly like honey. Confinement? In Ponyville - with the possibility to make up for her errors? This...
The emotion rolled over her like a dam breach.

- LUNA -
Had she said something wrong? Luna looked consternated at the scene before her eyes.

For a few blinks it was dead quiet. Then, as a first reaction tears glistening in Trixies eyes. Her body started to tremble and a mumbling sound arose, swelled to a kind of hysteric laughter.

The Princess of night had seen many things in her life - besides this one-millennial hiatus recently.
But she never would have believed that somepony could cry and laugh at the same in such a manner.

"Is... everything right? Did I rule to harsh?", she whispered unsure.

"You sure did the right thing, Luna." Twilight, commented, started giggling herself, just before she couldn't resist any longer and joined in the collective laughter.


* * *


Luna smirked openly, as she stood at her balcony in Canterlot Castle. The moon descended slowly, the night bowed out. And - it was a good night after all, the princess resumed.

She felt her sister nearing and turned the head in her direction.

"I am impressed, sister.", Celestia told.

"Thank you. You would have done the same, wouldn't you."

"I would have savoured it longer...", she replied smiling.

The sun introduced a new day. The first snow glittered and shimmered upon roofs and streets. Winter had finally arrived.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie stood at the entrance portal of Sweet Apple Acres. Accompanied by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle.
"Couldn't believe its already four moons," Twilight said with a thoughtfull tone.
"It were actually four and a half moon," Trixie replied, smiling. And a bit sad.

She sighed. Four moons.
The first few days had been a strange experience. Most of the townsponies avoided her. No open hatred though, but no heart-warming welcome either.
Pinkies Party - just for her, a favour she couldn't be thankful enough - helped a bit.

So she had hung out with Twilight and her friends. Had helped in the library, and done some errands.

Trixie learnt to know the six friends. She had a pretty good start with Twilight, for she was understanding and forgiving in her nature. She helped Trixie come along.

"You may not be the greatest magician in Equestria - but you are certainly one of the best illusionists I ever met." she had said once.

Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity were nice and they spent much time.
She helped in the boutique and in Sugarcube Corner. But she soon realised, to not having a good hoof for animals. Nonetheless she were a regular guest at Fluttershys. On one - awkward - occasion even with a dragonequus. Probably the only living inhabitant of equestria, more notorious than herself.

Rainbow Dash was a bit of a challenge. She had forgiven Trixie - but it took long to figure out how she could make a worthy apology.
In hindsight, the idea with the skyfilling light effects for one of her stunts, was a good start. After this Trixie cast some pretty impressive backgrounds for some of Rainbows shows. Far countries, jungles in deep winter, even the moon and stars... Yes she had a good hoof for illusions, for sure.

This days - literally the coldest ones - the ice between her and most of the townsfolk broke up.
Softly smiling she remembered the Hertwarming Eve stageplay. Played by a bunch of chaotic young fillies - light, effects and sound by her and a nice white, blue-maned Unicorn with an interesting taste in music.
It was maybe a bit more funny then a serious Heartwarming Eve play should be.

"I think I know your special talent now." Twilight had told her after the show. "Your illusions - your talent for stories, your creativity. You, Trixie Lulamoon, can give ponies visions - you can make them dream."

Applejack stayed suspicions longer then any other pony. Maybe she was one reason for her to keep up trying the whole time. But Trixie assumed, her voluntary staying for two weeks more, to help with the Winter Wrap up, may have impressed her.
Though - AJ didn't say so. But Trixie appreciated the honest stand of Applejack. And she knew her stubbornness.

But now - with the winter gone - the fresh leaves blooming and the first sunny days - she started to miss something.
Trixie just couldn't deny it. She was - and always would be - a pony of the road.

So she told Twilight - a few days ago - of her plan to move on.

"A new show - with a bit of luck, the not so bad stories about me, have spread enough to give me a good start."

The farewell party. Yes - this story certainly would be told a long while.

A part of her frowned by the idea of leaving. For it was like jumping in cold water. Not much money, no cart, not even a cape. But - she had far worse setbacks in her live. Compared to these, this one was nearly perfect.

"You know, you can always drop by," Twilight explained.

"Yes... maybe I pull something criminal and let me get confined here," Trixie shook her head grinning.
No. Nevermore. For now she knew a welcoming place for the cold months.

Pinkie, seemed somewhat sad and was silent at the moment.
Rainbow Dash, tried to keep a cool face. She may be the daring stunt pegasus. Alone she never would be a good actor.

"Trixie. Darling. Terrible sorry for being late," Rarity trotted fast paced towards the little gathering.
Fluttershy, bearing a big package, right behind her.

"Yes. Sorry. Took longer then expected.", Fluttershy gasped.

"I didn't even thought you would come. Shouldn't you be in Canterlot right now?", Trixie asked Fluttershy.

"Oh. we are back, as you see.", she beamed towards her.

At last Applejack walked down from the barn. Pulling a big cart, covered with blankets. There is never too less work on a farm. But luckily she took the way direct to the portal.

"Ah, feared ah couldn't make it," she sneered gleefully.

Then Trixie realised the grinning on all of the faces.

"What?" she asked suspiciously narrowing her eyes glancing from one pony to the next.

"Oh. We just couldn't let you go without any presents.", Rarity explained. Her voice forbade any contradiction. With this she pulled a small package out of her saddlebags.

"I thought you could need this."

It turned out to be a cape. Similar to her old one - but far better sewed.
Trixie gasped, before she stormed Rarity in a hug.

Hoofmade Cupcakes - the icing resembling six cutie marks - were Pinkies gift. Twilight had an original print of "Advanced Illusion" - a real rare book on that topic.

"The beginners just wouldn't fit for you anymore.", Twilight had explained with a smirk.

"Yeah and if you need some relief from this egghead-gibberish - here you go!" with this words Rainbow Dash gave a stack books to her.
"As I'm hunting for 'Daring Do' first editions, you can keep these," she grinned. Ever to proud to admit it was a meaningful gift.

"So... Y're alone on ya hooves?", Applejack started. "We thought, y'need something to carry y'stuff 'round. 'Twas not mah idea. Tis cam from all o' us. I just nailed tha thing together."
She pulled the blanket from the cart.

Trixie stood stunned and gazed at the blue painted carriage Stars, moons, her name in glittering letters.

"You... you..." she stuttered.

Fluttershy had held herself in the background. But then she approached Trixie with a cheering smile.
"I cannot stitch and I have no useful books or so. And you ... should better stay away from animals.... But you may like it. She gave Trixie a round box.

Curious she lifted the lit and then fell backwards.

"You told this sad story about your hat. Rarity thought to make you a new one... but then we agreed, that your original hat is just the only one right for you.


* * *


The tears of joy and sorrow had dried in the warm sun. All the gifts and enough apples for the next moons were stacked inside her new home.
Her cape waved in a magnificent manner. Her hat stayed in place.

A pony, strong, tall and brave. Once beaten and maybe broken. Now looking forward to a magnificent future.

"Be prepared Equestria - for the Great and Powerful Trixie - the most astonishing illusionist, dreamweaver - and storyteller for fillies extraordinaire - is back in business!