> The Truth Will Set You Free > by SMP > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: An Unexpected Surprise > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Truth Will Set You Free Prologue: An Unexpected Surprise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trixie stared at Ponyville worry etched into her face as she rubbed her stomach absentmindedly. After contemplating her choices she let out a sigh and began trotting towards town, the harness of her new cart still chaffed, but, she ignored it and pressed on. As she trotted through town most of the ponies stopped and stared in confusion and still others turned their heads, obviously still remembering the empty boasts and the resulting rampage by the Ursa Minor. The stares made her very uncomfortable, but, over the past year she learned to just keep focusing on what lay ahead. Eventually her destination came into sight and a slight smile tugged at her lips as she marched up to the library and freed herself from the harness. Once free she trotted up to the door and raised her hoof to knock when the door opened. Twilight and Trixie stared at each other for a while, Twilight in confusion, Trixie in a bought of nerves. "Uh, would you like to come in?" "Please," Twilight stepped aside, surprised at the soft tone that Trixie was using. It had been a year since she had last seen her, but, she still remembered well that visit and the lesson she had learned. Once Trixie trotted in Twilight closed the door behind her. "Would you like something to drink?" "No thank you. I actually have a request," she paused and took a deep breath. "I have come for two reasons, the first I wish to study magic from you." "What! But, I'm just a student myself!" "You also faced down an Ursa Minor and showed remarkable strength of will for a mere student. Finally the second reason I came here," she paused again and placed a hoof to her stomach. "I need your help." Twilight would never be able to fully explain how she understood what Trixie was hinting at, but she knew and that was enough. "How long?" "Three month, the first half was a combination of uncertainty and denial. Then when I learned the truth it was worry and preparation. Listen I will not impose myself upon you, I can always go to Fillydelphia or Manehatten. It's just, I'm scared, I have no steady work and ever since the truth came out I've been forced to move from place to place. I need a place to live and work for the day the foal is born. "I believe that I can learn a lot from you especially since you are already raising a baby dragon." "You can stay for as long as you want or need." Twilight couldn't just turn Trixie away, it wasn't in her nature. "Thank you," Trixie then latched onto Twilight, crying and chanting, "thank you," over and over again. Twilight patted Trixie on the back trying to find a good way to subtlety ask a very personal question. Eventually Trixie pulled away and wiped her eyes on a handkerchief that Twilight levitated to her. "Of course there is more to the story that you should hear first. After I left Ponyville I managed to pull together some bits, but, it didn't last. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how fast news spreads, especially when it is humiliating. Anyway I was eventually labeled a fraud and soon I was out of bits, so, I began hopping from place to place trying to find a way to make a steady income. Then six months ago I arrived at Canterlot and while searching for a job I found something else." "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Twilight was worried at the dark expression on Trixie's face, however, at Twilight's words the dark look faded to be replaced by a sad smile. "I appreciate the gesture, but, you have to know the truth. I was approached by Lord Moneybags with an offer of a steady income, access to tomes of magic, and a place to live and all I had to do was be his mistress." Trixie nodded as she saw realization dawn in Twilight's eyes. "Yes, it seems that his wife Lady Gems was holding out on him and at first I refused, but, a week later when what little bits I had dried up, well." "Why not go to the Princess?" "I didn't want to be a charity case, I wanted to earn my own bits, even if I had to lower myself to such a job. Still it wasn't all bad, I learned magic, earned some bits and baubles, and there were even books on your exploits. It was annoying to be at the call of that Stallion, but, he didn't care what I did as long as I was discreet about our relationship and he used protection. Still nothing lasts forever, I still don't know how it happened, but, one day this." She tapped her stomach for emphasis. "What was his response," a cold feeling of dread welled up inside Twilight. "I managed to hide it for a while, but, eventually he caught on and on the spot he offered me two thousand bits, all I had to do was leave Canterlot to settle elsewhere. So I sold all my fancy clothes, jewelry, and the other useless items that I didn't need and I had another thousand bits. I then bought a wagon-house and came here." "Why me though?" "You forget I read your exploits, you were a mare who could do the impossible and already had some experience in raising a baby. Also I remember how modest and kind you were and I felt that if I could stay with you, at least until the foal was born, I could improve myself." "Now this is probably a little much to take in, so, I'm going to spend the night in my wagon and if I don't hear back from you in three days then I'll leave." Trixie turned to leave, but, was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. Turning she was faced with a rather solemn expression. "I've already made my decision," this announcement made Trixie tremble slightly unsure if the sudden decision was good or bad. "No matter what may happen, if Lord Moneybags comes for the foal, if my friends don't like it, or anything else that may occur you and your foal will always have a place here should you want it. It's not because of all the flattery, but, I could never turn away from someone that needs help." Trixie opened and shut her mouth for several moments and then the true extent of Twilight's words finally impacted her. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined such a perfect thing. She felt tears rushing down her face and over her smile as she lay down on the floor, her legs no longer able to support her. Twilight trotted forward until they were side by side and then lay down next to her. She calmly nuzzled Trixie in support until the pregnant mare was finally calm.