> Mind of Matter - Winds of Change
>  by SilverCreep
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 01 - There and Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	You are Anon
And life, from what you can tell, is good.
You've got work, work equals to money, and money equals to doing stuff.
That is, if doing stuff you mean hanging out with friends, going for dinner and just general buying of things.
Then yes, money equals good things.
Ever since you returned from Equestria, things have gotten better for you.
A new perspective on life.
A new leaf was turned and you're ready to put yourself into a better step of living.
You work night shifts again, not too pleasant, but the work you did in Equestria had been helpful, you always felt...energized... when you did your shifts.
It was good, people liked and respected you, and of course, your coworkers and supervisors were happy with you.
Life was good.
But then, you can't ever forget about Equestria.
You found out that when you returned, the few weeks you were gone had been only a few hours back home. Having woke from the celebrations to seeing your clock say 8am when you had fallen asleep around midnight.
It was..comforting...but at the same time disheartening.
You did enjoy being there, it was fun, exciting.
And of course, seeing what other people would consider being a nut-job, you never told a soul, not even your best friend.
It was tight, but ever since you got back into the swing of things you kept the Equestria escapade to yourself
No one needs to know you went about with ponies.
No one needs to know it was a fictional world that you've seen on TV.
No one...that is... no one but the Ponies
need to know you really don't feel like going back.
But...this is YOUR story, and as an Anon In Equestria.
It would only be a matter of time before you're pulled back in.

Not that it was a bad thing, you took a lot out of the experience the first time you went there, and returned home soon after with a whole new outlook on life, as well as a few extra things.
Like Raritys wardrobe.
The ensemble she made you was utterly eye catching.
You couldn't remember the last time so many girls decided to speak to you.
That and other who found...interest....in the design.
Oddly enough it got a bit discomforting, so you decided to find a better solution.
You made wardrobes slightly better with what you got. For instance, right now, you were wearing a nice jacket atop a lose t-shirt, black pants and shoes; the vest and gauntlet you got from your trip don't often leave your side. 

You wear the vest every day, oddly enough you find that it never needs to be clean; 
whatever material Rarity used didn't need to be washed, 
and sweat seemed to just wick right off it.
It didn't even hold an odor either.
It was fortunate, real fortunate, how the heck were you even suppose to clean something with diamonds inside it.
The gauntlet on the other hand was...different.
You often kept it away in a drawer, never wanting to test it in the real world.
For all you know, some military organization might get wind of it, and that's a one way trip to military testing.
Ahah...no thank you.
You ain't no military toy....you're you.
But whenever you went out by yourself, you....liked to wear it.
It didn't function the one time you tired, more or less it acted simply as a fancy 'carrying case' for your phone, and no matter how many times people asked, all you say "it was a gift."

But that's beside the point.

You're driving off to your friends place, a nice quiet 'you time' with your bro's during such a wonderful spring evening.
Its been a good, hard week of work, and now with your weekend upon you, it was off the lair to chill with your compadre'se and joke about things all nerd-like and stuff.
You had to thank your time in Equestria, things had opened your eyes to the value of friendship and you put your best foot forward in meeting and spending time with those friends you still had. Of course, there was also the premise of your similar interests as you eye your backpack on the passenger seat. 

You'd be bringing a slew of goodies, as well as some of your tech to work on some crap you have sitting around.
Laptop, phone charger, the basics yah know? Certainly its fitting to always be prepared, considering you did game with most of these guys in the various online multi-player scapes you would enjoy.
Humming as you listen to your phones musical beats on the aux, you slowly make a turn down another side-street, pulling into a deep hill as you ease downward, slowly coming to the base as you suddenly notice something...strange.
Fog...or...perhaps something else as you slowly pull to a stop at a stop-sign. 
The weather never said for fog, clearly someone was derping around, and without any Pegasus to blame, you just had to figure either the worlds going to hell, or someone really hot-boxed their place.
That or a fire...fires were kinda cool to watch.
You shake your head, suffice to say, you had to drive through it to get to your destination, so off you went into the fog, unaware that something would befall your trip as the road went from smooth, to suddenly very bumpy.
THUNK!
Your car suddenly hits off the road, landing hard on a lower, beveled ground as you suddenly hear the rough noise of gravel or dirt beneath your tires. 
Your car shakes, unsuspecting the sudden change as you grip the wheel tightly, eventually finding it sliding...downwards.
OH SHIT!
Your going downhill again as you ease your foot onto the break, finding that your wheels simply slid down whatever hill you were going, faster and faster as you close your eyes.
WHUMP!
Your car comes to a stop...slowly you open your eyes to find your headlights blaring through the slowly fading fog to expose a tree-line before you.
It soon clears, showing just the forest, or wood, or whatever that was in front of you as you blink, putting the car into park and slowly stepping outside.
You look at the wilderness that now seemed to surround you, the only way out was up that gravel hill, but if you couldn't even break going down it, trying to go up it with such terrible grip would be a nightmare.
You are driving an SUV for Pete sakes, and even THAT had trouble as you scratch your head.
'I don't recall any construction signs...' you mutter to yourself as you turn to your car, suddenly seeing its lights and engine just stop...and go dead.
You blink, seeing the once live car now sitting there, its lights off, engine stopped as you look curiously at it.
You had just filled the thing, why would it suddenly die as you slip back inside and turn the key.
The engine revs, but nothing happens.
Press the gas a few times.
Still nothing.
Shit man, whats going on here?
You sigh, looking around as you can see the darkness of the night still around you as you sigh.
'Guess its always a first for car sleeping.' you mutter as you curl up in the driver seat and try to get some sleep.

Morning comes sooner than you'd like, then again, you didn't sleep too well as the sun's rays cascades through the tall canopy of the forest around you. The few beams already streaking through the trees and into your car as it stirs you from your slumber. You groan, trying your best to un-crick your poor body as you've been sleeping sitting in a chair. Opening the door, slipping out and stretching from your compact interior as you let out a yawn and rub your head.
'Well...guess I better hoof it from here...' you mutter, giving a sign as you take your keys, your backpack, and close the car door with a slam, pressing the lock-button but getting no response from the now dead machine.
'Piece of shit...' you mutter, shaking your head as you grab your windbreaker on the passenger sear and slung your bag over your shoulder.
Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a path to your far right, leading through the wilderness, without much choice, you decide to take it, stepping from the clearing your car had unfortunately sunk into before making your way through the wood.

You eventually come to a clearing in the brush, finding the tree's leaves to have changed from a deep green to a various hue of fall colours, reds, golds, browns in hues you haven't seen in ages around your neck of the woods.
And why would you, it was almost spring back home, now you were going into fall?
Did you just miss the best season of the year or was someone playing tricks on you?
Regardless, you look closely at the trees, seeing how they are...all
Very...similar.
A shot passed your mind as you realized there was only ONE place in the whole universe where trees were the exact same, and their colours with this bright... You were back in Equestria.....
and boy were you not prepared for this,

'OH COME ON!' You shout to the sky 'Why the HECK would you do this to me now?!'
You get no answer, of course, there wasn't anyone...or any pony who COULD answer it...save for Celestia or Luna if they were in some way responsible for pulling you from the comfort of your pre-weekend evening and into Equestria.
They better have a DAMN good reason if they are responsible...or heads will roll.

With a huff, you plant your back against a tree and slinking to the base of it, head down as you sigh.
You didn't mind...deep down anyway...being back here. Equestria was fun, a nice cozy place where you could do crazy things and be super awesome without people...or ponies...judging you wrongly. You felt good here, wanted even at some regard, especially since Celestia and Luna had a thing for you. Regardless, it was a bit of a shame you missed out with your bros, but how often did you get pulled into Cartoon Magical Land with ponies?
You give a few chuckles as your ears suddenly pick up the clopping of hooves and turn down the road to notice a caravan cresting the hill to your left.
The carts were large and wooden, easily something from an old fairy tale as they were lined with streamers, but not party streamers, this was more of a carnal type; traveling gypsies even as you watch the lead cart being pulled by two rugged looking stallions as they notice you, somewhat wide eye before coming to a stop and waving a bit.

"Well...howyd there!" one calls, slowly easing himself from the reigns.
"Aint see nuttin liek you before partner, what brings ya;ll down here?"
'Uhh...' you begin.
"Ah...you be lost er sumthing?"
'Lets go with that...yeah.'
"Ah...mighty fine then mista, where yah be headin?"
'Well...I guess Ponyville if thats not too far.'
"Ponyville?" Chirped another voice from behind as the sudden rustle of reigns being removed and the trotting of a third pony approaching your gathering.
She too was a unicorn, a brilliant light blue coat with a white mane to boot. Her cutie mark, a magic wand with 
a very big star on the tip, waving upwards with a trail of magic behind it as she smiled softly.
"Ah, Trixie was just planning on going there too!" she said before passing and looking at the Stallions as they shot her a glance. "Trixie...er...wouldn't mind the traveling companionship."
'Really?' you say...she almost sounded a bit...too interested in  the prospect of going with someone she never met as you look at the stallions. He has a quizzical look on his face.
'And you are?'
She smiled, standing up straight and proper "I am the great and powerful-" she paused "err...you can just call 
me Trixie, I'm a magician."
'A magician?'
"Y-yes...Trixie guess's you can say my talent is magic."
You smirk, knowing another pony with oddly the same talent.
'Well, thats fine and dandy, good to know someopony also needs to go to Ponyville...I take you rest aren't?'
"nah say we can, we're just passing through ta make our way ta Hoofington, Miss Trixie came along some time before we found you, ah bet she's probably just as lost as you are."

Trixie looked away, her expression a bit...ashamed? 
Of course you noticed something about her when the Stallion looked at her. 
No one seemed to smile as they looked at her, perhaps... was it something about that line she paused at, Great 
and Powerful was it going to be?
Well, can't complain showvanistic magicians, even back home they acted like they were 'all powerful', can't blame a mare for being like that.
'Alright, I don't mind tagging along with you guys, i don't suppose you can spare some sleeping space.'
"You can use my cart, Trixie....wouldn't mind the company and she has ample space."
Trixie asked as you look at her, then at the stallion, he shrugs, not sure what to say.
'Alright then, I guess...thank you.'
She smiled and bowed, totting off back to her cart.
"Ah'd be careful with her..." spoke the stallion "shes an...unusual 'un."
You look at him seriously 'unusual? Why?'
"She's a boasting type..." he replied, rather cut and dry "She went on bout being all great and powerful, but she was mur den just a handful ta deal with...spoiled a tad if you ask me."
'Hrmmm...well...she IS a magician, they live on the showbiz and stuff.'
The stallion nodded "Ah can understand at, but ah ain't one ta much like those type, we're a traveling show group, each time we try ta show, she tends ta be all..boastful and ruin it."
"Three so far..." spoke the other stallion "that's how many shows we nearly lost ta her."

You blink for a second, the word being an unsual term to hear as you turn towards the Stallion.
'Lost?' you ask as the stallion nodded. 
"She likes attentuin, she takes center stage and goes on about all her magic. Ponies love her, but...well...when yah keep getting side-showed...it bugs yer group, we dun want her, but we aint the kind ta just exclude her."
You nod 'I understand...trust me I've seen it before....maybe if I talk with her a bit...maybe help her out.'
"Ah be wary too, she's a stubborn one...but if yah can do it, den more power to yeh."
You nod, smirking as you look back at Trixies cart
'Fine, I'll go settle with her, just say when ur ready to go and I'll be set.'
"Well, we betta get movin soonish, if yah want to go to Ponyville, then its a good three days from here."
'Three days of travel?'
"Yessum, you're not too far, but still far enough."
'Thanks, anyway besides walking is good enough for me.'
The stallion chuckles "go rest yer haunches, we got it."

You step over to Trixie's cart, she's already settled into her reigns as she looks surprised to see you.
'Trixie right? Pleasure to meet you I-'
"Trixie knows who you are Anon..." Trixie began giving a rather delighted grin "A lot of ponies know you, you're name is quite...famous among Equestria."
'Oh...Really?'
"Word travels fast of the Human that aided Luna during the trial against her and helped Celestia vanquish the crystal dragon...such praise only beset by a creature such as yourself...and seeing as you're definitely not a pony, Trixie could only assume that you are what they call a human."
'Well, you're certainly on the ball for this one.'
"Ball? What ball? Do I look like a seal?"
'Uh No...its an figure of speech.'
"Oh...THOSE...it mentioned that often of you."
'What did?'
Trixie blinks "oh...that's right, you departed soon after..." she magics a newspaper from inside her cart over to you, you read it dating back sometime ago, not sure when considering you never bothered to keep dates.
It was on the front page, an article, and a picture of you with Celestia and Luna...
Whoever took this shot was quite a skilled photographer, so you can't be ashamed of it....just
"Surprised?"
'Very much so...' you reply as you read the article, speaking quiet positively of you and praising your bravery despite being an 'unusual creature of the night'.
"It would seem both princess's see very highly of you, Trixie is impressed, certainly not often you read something like that."
'Well...it wasn't easy considering how much insanity I had to endure.'
"Oh?"
You look at Trixie, there's this light in her eyes, she's quite interested, perhaps more so, but...at the back of your mind you're being very wary of her considering what the stallion said. It was his word over her's, but your gut was telling you just to take heed, no one wants to befriend a strange Unicorn right off the bat.
"A'ight all yeh lazy yubbers, lets get a'movon!"
And the carts began to move once more.

It was a good few hours hike as you sat atop Trixie's cart while she pulled. She didn't seem to mind carrying a 'celebrity' as she made you out to be, and would go on for hours asking you all sorts of questions; more or less how to deal with the fans.
'I never had to deal with fans.'
"Wha? But you were well known?"
'Perhaps...but...I left before the fame could reach me, heck, I doubt that many ponies would still believe I was around, but certainly returning to Ponyville would whip up a frenzy of congrats and welcome backs.'
Trixie looks away "Trixie..sees...that's quite impressive of you."
'I wouldn't say that....I'm not for the fame, but...I did what I had to do and the results were this, I'm more or less taken away by how much they spoke about me for that article.'
"Its...nice isn't it? Trixie always wanted to be well known, to be praised for her skills...but...guess even Trixie can't be granted such wonderful desires."
'Now why do you say that?'
She paused, looking away before exhaling "It...doesn't matter now." she said as you eye her.
She certainly was hiding something.
"Trixie...doesn't like to think about it."
'Why not?'
Trixie looks back "Trixie made a mess of things the...first time...she was in Ponyville."
You blink 'So, you were there before?'
She was about to speak when the carts suddenly came to a halt.
"A'ight everyone, take ur rest, daylights waning, we betta get some sleep befur we head out tummorow!" called a voice at the front. Trixie sighed, slowly unhinging herself from the reigns.
"Do...do you want to come in?" She asked "Trixie...would never ask a celebrity to stay outside."
'Ah....sure...but cut it with the celebrity stuff, don't treat me like I'm amazing or anything, I'm just a normal...human...per say...nothing special, heck...' you chuckle as you follow her 'I'm sure you're far more special than I am.'
Trixie paused mid trot inside her cart "R-really?" she said, hiding some blush 
'Well...yeah, I mean, you know magic for one, I don't...that alone is pretty cool.'
"Well...t-thank you" she said as she stepped inside, you followed yourself in after her.

The cart inside was... a lot bigger than it looked outside, quiet cozy for one person. Trixie of course didn't seem to lavish herself as you'd think she might considering be a 'show hog'. She had a simple desk with a mirror, a closet, a bed, and a table and chair set. 
Fitting for someone living on the move.
As you ease inside, she closes the door gently behind you.
"Can Trixie get you anything?"
'Hrmmm? Oh...maybe something to eat and drink?'
"Trixie has plenty of that...do you mind hayseed and bread with sweet milk?"
'Sounds delightful.'
"Wonderful! Then Allow the great and....ehehe....Allow Trixie to prepare it for you! Trixie always wanted to try this." she said before she trotted over to a small kitchenette in the corner and began to fix a pair of sandwiches and milk. 
You eye her cart...there isn't much to say that furnishes the thing; its pretty drab if you wanted to be blunt honesty about it, but something about it was also very...homey.

You scan the walls, a few pictures pinned up as you look over the first.
It was of Trixie, of course, as a small fillie, with a magical hat and cape oversize for her little head and body, but she was more interested in performing her magic as she stood on her hind hooves and was casting a spell on an orange.
"Eheh....one of my first shows...I turned an apple into an orange...wasn't...easy, but I learned how and loved the amazement of showbiz from the start."
You nod, eying the next one.
'Whats this?' you ask, pointing to one of Trixie with a band of other ponies.
"Oh..." she said, turning to trot over to the desk and chairs as she magicked the plates and drinks to them "that was long time ago, when I was living in Phillideplhia, I met a troupe of performers. We all worked together to make a living and it was...wonderful."
'I take it something happened?'
She nodded "Two of them were caught stealing, the third was arrested for attempt arson...and me..."
she paused again "I was told by each I was a sham." she placed the plates and glasses on the table as she turned to you.
"How can you feel happy when your...friends...the ponies you trust, say you're a flop?"
'Uhhh not easily...certainly not good friends either.'
Trixie sighs "Trixie would guess not...but...Trixie admits she did steal the show quiet often...and....maybe she did shadow them behind her."
She rubbed the back of her head as you sigh.
'The Caravan master told me you were a bit like that.'
"He did what!?"
'Hey relax...he was warning me about it, but look, I'm going to be honest, I can see you're trying not to be the bragging type right?"
Trixie was a bit on edge from being told someone said something about her behind her back, but...she calmed for a moment.
"Y-you're serious...you're not pulling Trixie's leg?"
'No...look, I've been through a lot of crap during my life, I can understand the desire of being the star, but sometimes it can get to your head and mess with you. If they...those ponies were your friends, then that must have been exciting, at least, you know, you weren't caught doing something stupid, while they get taken away, you still performed, but...' you pause 'i can imagine taking the show away from those who want in isn't a good thing.'
"No...Trixie knows it isn't" Trixie said, sighing a bit as she sat at the table, obviously waiting for you as you turn and do so, sitting in the chair.

She didn't seem interested in speaking as she gulped her drink and began to eat her sandwich.
Perhaps something got her uneasy, but as soon as you go for your drink.
She takes it.
And drinks it.
'Excuse me?' You ask as she looks at you.
"Trixie was thirsty." she said rather spitefully as you roll your eyes.
'I see....well...whatever.' You reach down into your bag and pull out your water-bottle, popping the top and drinking back a swing before putting it down 'Not in the mood for milk anyway.'
Trixie looks at you deeply, eying the water-bottle as she suddenly magicked it away and tried to squirt its contents into her maw.
Nothing.
"W-what?"
You yank it bank
'Scues me for being blunt, but what the hay you doing taking someone elses drink?'
Trixie huffed "I'm still thirsty!" 
'Then go get some more milk?'
"Trixie demands you do! This IS Trixie's cart!"
You blink
Wow...what a change of heart.
'Fine...geeze.'

Leaving the chair, you walk towards the kitchen, muttering something under your breath as you take both glasses from the table, ease over to the kitchenette and pull out the milk from the fridge.
The sparsely packed fridge.
Nothing inside it but a few packs of hayseed and bread... and milk, two jugs of it.
Poor thing was eating nothing at all, yet she doesn't look malnourished as you look at her...now...eating your sammich.
'HEY! I thought you made that for me?'
Trixie looks over "Trixie is hungry!"
'Yet you made one for yourself...wow...that's low.'
She huffed "Trixie does what she wants."
'Oh really, because this is your cart?'
She nods as she finishes, and then eyes your bag with glee.
'Don't....' you mutter '...you dare think about it.' 
She dosen't listen as you notice her horn glow, and your bag suddenly become envloped in a light blue arua as its slowly lifted from your grasp and brought towards the mare. 

Trixie studied your pack, having never seen such a item being, what being more use to saddle bags and probably less about zippers as she starts to turn your bag around, upsidwon, shaking it to get its contents out before she turns it upright and studies the zipper, seeing it...slide open a little before she began to  pull it open fully.
She doesn't even have a chance to look in before you yank it away.
'The heck is wrong with you, prissy little....mare. Looking through other pe-ponies stuff?'
"You look about mine, shall Trixie not have the same regard?"
'Not with a closed backpack, your pictures are in the open.'
She huffs, magicking it, trying to pull it back "Trixie demands to inspect your bag to see if anything dangerous may be inside."
'Not on your life.'
Trixie scowls "We...shall see!" she barked as she yanks back again, actually gripping it with her fore-hooves as you hold it tight. Oddly enough, you barely feel her pulling it as you stand there, simply holding it.
She's struggling like crazy before you pulling back and she looses her grip, flopping to the floor before you.
"Ack, what are you doing?"
she demands as you turn.
'Leaving...I don't plan on being with some prissy showpony who hasn't a care for anyone but herself.'
You begin to open the door, she magics it shut, locking it.
"You cannot leave, Trixie requested you to come here, you shall stay till she says otherwise, and Trixie demand to see that bag!"

You turn back to her, a "I don't give a fuck" expression on your face, zipping it shut as you toss the bag down.
'A'ight, if you want to look into it, then you going to have to take it.'
Trixie looks at you, scrunching her nose a bit "Well then...Trixie..." she pause a bit, looking at you, then the bag.
"Trixie...shall leave it be, on condition you do not leave." she finished as she eased back, you huffed.
'Damn right.' you mutter 'I can accept that, but this bag aint going anywhere.'
Trixie looks at you, but, you start to see something...odd with her.
She starts to tear up.
And then cry.
And boy does sh- 
"Why does it ALWAYS happen to Trixie!?" she bawled "Why does Trixie have such a hard time finding friends to be with without...stupid...arrogance showing its face!?" she slumped to the floor, hooves covering her head as you blink.
The heck was wrong with her.
Did she have like Bipolar or something, she's definitely off her rocker a little bit.
That or her attitude is waked.
'Hey...' you mutter, easing over to her and heaping her up into her arms.
She meeps, flailing a bit as you fwump onto the bed and rest her on your lap.
Sighing, you begin to run a hand through her mane as she squirms, somewhat suprised, perking her tail for a moment before turning to you, blush radiating across her face.
"W-what are you doing?"
'Calming you down, mare's shouldn't cry needlessly...'
"I....Trixie..." she paused again before exhaling, and gazing up at you, her expression soft, almost meek "Thank you...I'm...sorry...sorry for what I did. I don't know how to explain it but..."
'Let me guess, you speak about yourself in third person to avoid saying you for what you do?'
She blinked "not...exactly..."
'Then what?'
She sighed "When I was little...my parents always put me on a pedestal, always...making me seem so great and amazing, I guess....I guess it got to my head when I started to realize how...well...wrong I was acting."
'I can agree to that.'
"No I mean...before...before all this...I guess you can say it started when I was in Ponyville. I...hoped to show my stuff as an amazing pony but....those six..."
'Hold on...you mean Twilight and her friends.'
She paused "you know them?"
'Yes...they are my friends.'
Trixie blinks and looks away, blushing madly "i...I see...p-erhaps Trixie shall refrain from-"
'Go on, spill it...I guess your boasting got you into trouble with them?'
"Much....very much."
'I see....bad mare...' 
She shakes her head quickly "Trixie...I didn't...mean it to be like that, I, just...wanted to put on a good show, but...they all thought I was boasting and bragging."
'You probably were.'
She scrunched her nose and looked at you, huffing a bit. 
"Details..."
'Not really...'
She huffed "Is this MY Story to tell?"
You raise both hands apologetically.
"I...showed them all who was the best, but...when some little fillies took my yammering too far...I....I ended up looking like a fool."
'Servers you right.'
"You dare mock me?"
'Damn right I do, after what I saw, glad you were made a fool.'
She begins to fidget, trying to get out of your grip 
"Call Trixie a ....fool you little-" she falls from your lap onto the floor, landing on her back, eying up at you as she flailed on the floor.

You face palm for a moment as a sigh passes your lips, seeing the mare squrim about in defeat on the floor as her hooves waggle in the air.
'Look, can you not try showing off or doing something stupid...I get what your saying and your attitude certainly shows it, but...that doesn't mean its not...workable.'
"Workable?" she asked lifting her head.
'We all have...qualms about what we are like, you boast, I'm rather silent...but...we can change that.'
"We can?"
You nod 'Peo-Ponies....can change just as easily as anyone else, even if your talent is magic, it shouldn't affect your ability to be a nice mare to others...and not brag.'
"Trixie...I...never through of that..."
'How did you meet your first friends then? I'm sure your attitude wasn't all bad if you could meet those ponies...aside from them being bad influences...'
"It was...more they found me, and like my parents..." she sighed "they made me feel wonderful, then again, none of them had their magic talents I had..."
'Ah....I see then...so they used you.'
"The great and powerful Trixie is used by NO ONE!" she barked "i...sorta...tipped off the authorities when they started doing bad things..."
'I see...well...I wouldn't say that's ALL bad...but damn...you really are something else.'
She smiled a bit "T-thank you Anon..."
You sigh, eying the clock hanging on the wall 'Say, lets get some rest, I'll even help you pull the cart tomorrow.'
"nonsense Anon, it would be rude of Trixie to ask their guest of something such as that!" she said with great delight as she eased back onto the bed, taking the whole thing as you sigh.
'Do you have a couch?'
Trixie nodded with her head on a pillow as her horn magicked a closet open and pulled out a rather...nice...couch from within.
'Thank you.'
Sleep time.

-1-

You're dreaming
Or at least you think you are.
Back outside, walking through the woods.
The Everfree woods.
The wilds of those trees and the moving clouds definitely said otherwise.
You move about with care, eying everything as you hear rustling around you.,
You whip about, trying to find the source.
More rustling
its coming closer.
You have no blade, you cannot defend.
As you see something...familiar...leap at you.
You fall back to avoid it, seeing the red and black scales of the drakess pass over you as you're suddenly tumbling back, down and down a limitless sky.
"Wake up!"
came a voice
"wake up!"
It was getting louder.
"WAKE UP!" it shouted as you suddenly slam into the ground.

Only, its not the ground.
You're on the floor of Trixie's cart, the mare standing above you, her expression quizzical.
"Trixie demands you wake up!" she stomped a hoof on the ground as you quickly get up.
'Alright alright geeze, no need to make a scene.'
"Scene? Are we in a movie?"
'No...just...never mind.'
"Trixie shall...but then, what would you prefer for breakfast?"
'If its the same as last night's dinner, I'll have that, only...' you walk past her 'let me prepare it.'
Trixie blinks, watching you walk over to the kitchenette and preparing a meal like its your own home.
You make two sammiches, bigger than yesterdays, and pour a tall glass of milk for Trixie and a modest size one for yourself.
You go to the table and set down the larger portions for Trixie who looks at you, and then your smaller portions as you set yourself across from her.
You're about to eat when she magicked the plates around.
'What the?'
"Trixie demands to have your share instead!"
'But...last night you got hungry that you ate both, I made the extra large for you!'
"Trixie does not WANT extra large, Trixie has an image to hold!"
'Considering what you eat....' you mutter as you take her sammich, not wasting any time actually...eating it.
It tasted alright, bland, but palpable for something to eat on, seriously bad to eat this all the time as you drink down the glass, finishing everything before Trixie had even begun to finish her milk.
"You...you eat so much!" she said 
'S'why I made you the bigger portion, miss "big stomach", then again, you wanted mine so what was I left with but to eat the big un.' You pat your chest as you brup 'scuse me.'
Trixie just blinks as she finishes hers, of course, she did want the bigger portion, but...it was too late to argue as she finished her milk and sammich, eying you with a renewed...interest.
There was a sudden knock at the door.
"Oi, betta get urself sorted, we be departing soon!" came a shout from outside as you roll your shoulders and step out.

You can see the weather to be a tad nipper than yesterday as you inhale the brisk autumn air. 
Easing your coat back on and hat, you step outside as you look around.
The carts were all a bustle of activity as ponies moved to and fro, packing things, securing tarps, everything you'd expect from a traveling group.
Without much wait, the troupe was on again, and you and Trixie began by pulling the cart....only...you were pulling it this time.
'I thought we were both going to do this?'
"Trixie requires compensation for staying in her cart and eating her food, so, you must repay her by taking the load."
'Yeah...figured...' you roll your eyes as you push the cart from the harness.
Its not bad, nor is it heavy, just....ugh...this isn't what you'd expect to do as you continue on with the group.
Never once does Trixie ask to take over, she just walks by your side, not even saying much either.
Its boring.
'Hey...' you ask as you pull the cart in towards the afternoon, the hills slowly subsiding as you can see Canterlot in the distance.
"What is it?" Trixie replied, almost annoyed.
'Just....let me get one thing straight...what did you do in Ponyville to get everyone angry with you?'
Trixie blinks a few times, but then looks away "Trixie...lied about defeating a powerful celestial creature known as an Ursa Major."
'Lied about defeating a monster?'
"Yes...well...Trixie did, but...it wasn't a real one...it was a baby, and Trixie had prepared everything so...."
'Pretty much you set the whole thing up the first time, but...when you went to Ponyville.'
She looked down, sighing "Trixie bragged about it, on and on, and considering the great and powerful Trixie was second to none, she thought it would be seen as an accomplished Mare."
'Boastful, but not accomplished.'
"You do not think I did such a thing?"
'You have no proof, no pictures...so what happened next?'
She looked down again "Two little fillies decided to find a...ursa major..only...they did and brought it back to Ponyville."
'I take it THAT was something you couldn't handle?'
She sighed "oh how atrocious it was, the Great and Powerful Trixie to be nearly squashed by such a beast...and then....having Twilight..." she grumbled a  bit "stealing the show and saving the town...Trixie...never felt so..."
'Ashamed? Seconded? Beasted?'
"Allured..."

You pause mid-step as Trixie blushed vibrantly for a moment, quickly looking away.
"E-ever since then, Trixie wanted to go back and...face...Twilight, mare to mare, magic on magic....her powers were simply amazing and Trixie couldn't dare find myself SECOND to her..."
'So thats why you're going back?'
"Welll...yes...that and I...would like nothing more than to show I'm not some...upstart or snob..."
'You really want to improve how ponies see you?'
"Yes...oh Anon yes! Trixie is not a bad pony, but Trixie does not like to be ridiculed for....what she had done, she wants to be cared and admired, not joked..." she exhaled softly as you pat her head.
She blinks, blushing a bit as you stroke her mane.
'I wouldn't put it past you, it can be done, just got to really put your mind to it.'
She smiled as she suddenly shoved you aside, taking the reigns.
"Trixie thinks it is now her turn to pull the cart."

The two of you continue onward on the rather dull voyage towards your destination as you pass the time by talking about ways to impress ponies, without being a show off.
'You got to get the audience to want to know more, to make them crave more if you will. Showing off is fine and dandy, but...why not ask them to show how they can do better what You can do?'
Trixie nearly tumbled from the surprise "You mean....let others prove themselves...BETTER than Trixie?"
'Welll, just for the show...the audience matters just as much as the host.'
Trixie hurmmms a bit "how so?" she asked, eyes fixated on you.
'Well...if its a Pegasus, try making something fly in a maneuver they may have difficulty doing...for an Earth Pony, maybe a test of strength, and another unicorn...'
You pause for a moment 'All I could guess would be to just see if they can't do a trick you can do.'
Trixie blinks for a moment, both surprised and impressed as she nods
"That...sounds like a wonderful idea, Trixie would like to make it so!"
'Great!'
"Would Anon be willing to...help...Trixie in preparing such a show?"
Your turn to pause and nearly tumble "ahah....heh sure, I can't see a problem with that.'
Trixie smiles brightly as she pauses, the caravan had yet again stopped...time for rest.

Dinner was short, no changing of plates - equal portions of everything were made again,no fuss, no switch, in return, you showed Trixie your bags contents as her curiosity to see what you could do perked her.
At first you showed her your sketchbook, she liked it, admitting that the style was...par...but finding quiet an interest to how you can create it.
'Its just one of my talents, humans have many of them, though we don't have cutie marks telling others what we can do the best.'
"Trixie sees...what else is there?"
The laptop came out next, it wasn't on, and you really didn't want to show it just yet to anypony. 
Trixie asks about the 'device' you had used before, pointing to the article where the reported had mentioned a magical 'object on his wrist.'
You show her your phone.
She magics it, looking at it curiously, trying to see how it worked.
"It....is not as impressive as Trixie thought..." she said, passing it back to you.
'You'd be surprised, but, I guess since I don't have a need for it, probably just shut off for the moment, it has proven itself though, never judge something just because it looks simple.'
Trixie nods "Wise words...Trixie shall remember them."
You nod, putting your phone away and closing the backpack.
"You humans are certainly interested, Trixie is surprised you are not of this land."
'I'm glad we aren't....I wouldn't be so quick to like humans for just me, we're not a very pleasant species...but...that's nothing to really bother about.'
"Oh...why do you say that?"
You look away from her
'Because...the world I came from is not as impressive as I'd like to say it is, and people...humans...we're not a very nice race if you see what we've done...'
"Trixie...understands..." she says, and not a word was said more.

It was sleep time soon after, you on the couch and she in the bed, only, you didn't fall asleep right away.
You kept hearing a soft whimpering coming from Trixie.
"no....please..." she muttered "please, don't leave me alone..." more whimpering as she seemed to hug a pillow tight.
She...certainly wasn't all that great and powerful when you had only yourself to show off too...
"I...I am great and p-powerful...you'll see...*sniffle* you'll all see!"

-2-

The following morning went smoothly.
Trixie Enjoyed your breakfast making and after finding she had a working stove, you decide to make her something special.
Borrowing a few eggs and some butter, you begin about making her a bunch of french toast.
She's is of course flattered by it, hiding it behind the seriousness of her "Trixie this and Trixie that" demanding you show her how you made it. 
You've grown use to it.
Its just...well...part of her, can't blame her for being who she is.
Problem was, not many ponies were as smooth and easy as you, certainly it would have to be touched on.
Perhaps...you think as you serve plates of three toast bits each to yourself and her, that maybe if she's given the chances, she could prove herself a powerful unicorn... she just needed a means to.

Mid way through the day, as you were beside  Trixie as she was pulling the cart, and going over some ideas for the show, you find yourself suddenly stopping as the group have come to a rather difficulty obstacle.
Apparently, a rock slide had occurred sometime ago and the pathway that went between two mountains was blocked.
Nopony was sure what to do as the Stallion approached.
"Ah can't believe it, dis here wus just clear last month, why now does it have ta be all a mess."
He tried to magic a boulder away, lifting it gently off the others, but it slipped, not able to hold the spell long before it thumped down loudly before them.
You and Trixie look over as she huffs.
"Would take nothing more than a simple telekinesis spell to move it all."
'Then why don't you do it?'
"ME? Why would Trixie sink to such a-"
she paused, looking at you.
Serious face on.
'Look, you want to get into good graces with peo-ponies...you help them, do things for them, and sometimes just because its the right thing to do.'
Trixie huffed "You...sure care for Trixie to tell her something like that."
'I only seek the best in all.'
She blushed a bit and nodded, slowly easing forward.
"Trixie cannot help but notice you have some trouble with these rocks, perhaps the Great and Powe-"
'Ahem...'
She blinked, pausing and exhaled a bit "ahem...perhaps Trixie can be of some assistance?"
The two stallions look at one another.
"If ya'll think you can move at, then by all means fillie, go on and do it."
They step back, giving Trixie room as she looks at the rock pile.
So many...
But....Twilight could do this, she could move it, just like she moved that water tower and the Ursa Minor....
Trixie WOULD NOT  be shown up again.
She began to move the boulders, one by one, putting them to the side like guardians of the road.
One
by
One.
Slowly of course, no rushing her as she moved each one until the final bits of rock simply scattered about like pebbles before she exhaled.
"There...Trixie has...moved them." she took deep breaths as she heard a rousing cheer from behind.
Three mares had begun to hoof stomp for her, cheering her on as everyone else began to do so.
You smirk, clapping in turn as Trixie turned, eyes alight at what she had done and the reward she was given...all she could do was bow.
'I told you...' you mutter as she recoups with you in line with the carts.
"You we're right...Trixie...can admit that."

You made good progress, but Trixie clearly had done more than normal, she was tired. 
You insisted she rest.
She refused, and kept along side you, demanding you talked more about her show for Ponyville.
'I really don't have much of an idea yet Trixie, perhaps it will come to me.'
Trixie huffed, but deep down, she really wanted to have a wonderful show not only to show up Twilight, but to also give those ponies a better outlook on her. Of course, you had other ideas, perhaps something to surprise them, or maybe just something to really let Trixie go wild. Fact was, she had to make a good impression, and hopefully the overall idea could be that.
Your thought train would have continue had you not suddenly fwumped into the behind of the ahead cart as they stopped suddenly. 
A river
and the Bridge they often took was out.
"ah gosh darnit..." spoke one of the stallions as you and Trixie make your way to the front.
"Some varmin gone and chew up dem lines." he said, picking up one with his magic and drawing in a...half...bridge.
"Seems we betta take the long way round en."
You nudge Trixie a bit 'you got any bridge spells?'
"Bridge? I don't think its a good time for games."
You shake your head and point 'I mean that, can you...make one?'
"Maybe...."
'Then why not ask if anypony can help.'
Trixie blinked as she nodded, gulping as she inhaled...
"If Trixie may ask, good Stallion." she began "Perhaps she can help perform a bridge making trick."
"you?" he asked suprised "Ah...not to sure if ya'll can handle at..."
"You question-" she paused, looking at you as you shake 
your head "Ahah...Well, Trixie would need every Unicorn to help her make it."
The others look about as the main stallion hrmms a bit.
"A'ight then, we give yeh a shot." He called back "Hey, Any Unicorns able ta, we need yah help up front!"
Soon, a small crowd of Unicorns, young and old gathered about as Trixie looked at them. She coughed a bit before looking at the river. 

"Trixie...requires each one of you to charge as much energy into her as you can. Once you do, She shall create the bridge." she turned her backside to everyone, slowly lowering her head as her horn glowed,brilliance with a light violet colour before drawing the bridge out halfway, and then...slowly creating a bridge made out of light to span the rest of it.
As soon as everypony saw, they began to seem in awe as the Unciorns did as Trixie asked, sending magic into her as the bridge got brighter and brighter.
"Aha...t-there!" Trixie exclaimed as the carts didn't hesitate to move across, one by one they went over the light bridge.
Each cart began to weigh down more and more onto the energy being given, and the strain seemed to phase Trixie slightly. But
The magic given to her by everypony made it work.
Soon, as everypony made it across, Trixie, her cart, you and her 'entourage' slowly began to proceed across the bridge, slowly...slowly until everypony was off, and Trixie, being the one holding it, was the last to jump off, stopping the spell as she nearly collapses onto the ground.
Only to be caught by you.
Sly dog you.
She gazed at you
"Trixie...I did it."
'Hell yeh you did...' you ease her upright and start to clap
"Round of applause for the Great and Powerful Trixie!'
Everypony began to shout and stomp hooves as you look at her.
'Feels better when its doing a good job, and not just performing isn't it?'
Trixie blushed as everypony cheered 
"Hehe...it certainly is.'

You continue on, Ponyville just up beyond the next hill as you stop for a rest. 
Trixie out of everypony else deserve it the most. She had done two very taxing spells today and she certainly wasn't about to give up by how determined she looked.
'I still say you need rest.'
"And Trixie refuses, I still have it in me, Twilight would...never rest!"
'You really want to show her up?'
She pants "Yes...as....foolish as it may seem, I wish to show her I am a better Magician, I may not be the talent of magic, but I can still..." she paused, chugging back a jug of water and exhaling "...use my powers just as well as she can."
'She did defeat a ursa minor...that's still something...'
"Well..." she paused, looking away "I wouldn't bother with fighting monsters anytime-"
"EEEEK!"
You're both up like lighting as you rush off to the noise.
You see a pair of mares hiding behind their cart as something its thrashing about inside it.
"It...it came out of nowehere and s-scared us!" one said as they cowered underneath, the grunting sounds of something big inside.
You want to go in, but Trixie stops you.
"Trixie asks if she is allowed to enter."
You step back 'fine...take point, I won't hesitate to enter if you nee-'
She lept inside in an instant...silence for a moment.
"Aha, so you seek the challenge the Great and Powerful Trixie!? I shall show you NO QUARTER!" Zap zap...magical bolts blasted about as the commotion was more of Trixie's banter than anything else as you watch the cart shift and jump and finally come to a pause as a sudden "KICK" from the inside sent.... what looked like a board....right out the door.
Trixie trotted out slowly, her mane a mess, but she was more or less in one piece as the two mares instantly hug her.
"Oh thank you!" they said, squeezing Trixie between them.
"We were so worried."
"You must have really showed that monster a thing or two!"
Everypoony came up, surprised to see Trixie had done something like that.
A few congrats went about as Trixie came back to you.
Sheepish smile.
'Feels good?'
"Oh yes...such joy to be helpful...Trixie...I...am surprised I never thought of it...that way."
'Its a good thing to help others, even if you do end up a bit...messy...' you poke her mane as she sighs "I guess I better go visit the bath cart...and clean up." she sighed, making her way over...and for some odd reason, there was an odd...strut...in her step.

You go back inside the cart while Trixie went to wash up, easing down on the couch, you look over your bag and open it up.
You had checked most of your belongings, but you didn't check the other pockets. Your bag had two large ones and a single small one as you open the second big pocket.
Low and behold, you find spare t-shirt, underpants and some deodorant stick.
You sigh, easing the sack up a bit and hearing the clinking noise in the front pocket, opening it up to pull out a thin metal cylinder, and a small matching tin.
The smell...
That smell...
You inhale before stuffing it back inside quickly as you hear trotting from outside and see Trixie walking in, a towel wrapped around her head. She passes you a look before trotting past and into the kitchen grabbing a glass and pouring herself some milk.
"Ah, you're here, was wondering if you were spying on the Great and Powerful Trixie at her...most vulnerable moment."
'Keep dreaming...' you mutter as you lay back on the couch.
She smirked a bit, showing off her behind with a cute flick of her tail as she downed the glass in one gulp. With a grin, she turned, easing over with an alluring strut in her step before pausing only a few inches from your laid-back form.
"You are playing the hard to get?"
'I'm not playing anything...why do you ask?'
She wiggles her behind a bit, passing a look back to it with a cute pout "Ponies tend to admire my backside once they see it, I hope you had a peek when I did leave to clean up?" she asked, turning about in place to let you admire her.
Eye roll times two 'Yeah I did...but you're a pony, I'm a human, that's the difference.'
She huffed, somewhat unsettled how difficult you were before she rose up and placed her fore-hooves on your gut, causing you to gasp in surprise with the weight as you shot her a look, which she returned in kind.
"Are you stubborn?" she demands as she leans closer to you.
'Are you nuts?' You reply, glaring as you press your head a bit closer to hers.
You can smell her.
She smells sweet
Vanilla with a hint of peppermint as your faces hung within inches of eachother before she suddenly eases off.
"Fine...if you wish to play as hard to get...then so shall Trixie!" she trots over to her bed and fwumps down, easing the blankets over and coiling about.
You lay there as the lights dim, eying her for a moment as you start to see her shift and move.
Of course, you're concerned for her, last night she was crying in her sleep as you sigh and lay back, closing your eyes.

"Anon?"
You open your eyes some time later, seeing Trixie...standing beside you, eyes...gazing at you with this deep uneasiness, almost a longing as you sit up slightly.
'Whats up Tixie?' You mutter, somewhat groggily.
"Trixie....I....had a bad dream."
'A bad dream?' you reiterate, considering what happened last night with her sniffling.
"Yes...a Nightmare...and..." she looked at you "May I...ask you to sleep...with me."
WHOA
HOLD HORSES
And a Record Scratch too.
She wants you to sleep.
With
Her.
The fuck is this shit?
First chapter in and we're already upping this to PG13?
You sigh, looking at her as you shake your head a bit.
'Trixie, you're a grown mare...I can't-'
"Please....Anon..." she whispered a bit "I....just want to be with somepony...not a pillow, not a stuffed toy...somepony...please Anon?"
You sigh, rolling your eyes, the things you do for these ponies...
'Fine'
She smiled wide "Oh...thank you Anon..Trixie...I...am happy you agree." she eased aside, letting you get up and walk over to the bed.

It was...rather large for a single pony.
Perhaps she like the space as you sigh and fwump down onto the left side of the bed, easing your head right against the pillows as she draped sheets over you, and then quickly got onto the other side, snuggling right up.
She was...warm...soft too.
Guess bathing always does good for ponies...can't say the same for you...you haven't really bathed since you left, but considering you haven't....well....sweat or anything...you shrug and go with it.
She doesn't seem to mind.
She's out like a light in a few moments, tugging tight to your shirt as she keeps her body pressed against you.
And for once...no sniffles....
You can even see her smile.

-3-

You were up earlier than usual.
Sneaking off to the bath cart Trixie mentioned to get yourself cleaned.
Clothing all neatly put aside as you begin washing in one of the big wooden tubs.
Its funny, you'd expect showers, but it seems these ponies did it the old 'sponge down' way.
Nothing difficult, you wet the sponge, soap, and lather.
Obviously nopony would be up this early, and thank god for that.
Each time you were bare naked and ponies were around, you were either asleep or unconscious.
Not this time.
You were going to wash and like it.
You scrub and rinse before easing up, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around your waist, covering your goods as you grab a second and dry the rest of yourself. You feel quite relived to be clean as you suddenly hear trotting of hooves from outside.
"Anon?" Trixie asked as she opened the door, stepped inside with her eyes closed for a moment before they opened.
Seeing you, bare chested with a towel on your head and around your waist.
Silence...
She blushed deep red.
"Uhm...Trixie will go wait outside..." she said slowly as she trotted out backwards, almost stiff in step before closing the door. 
Well...so much for that.

You walk out fully dressed sometime later, seeing Trixie just...easing back and forth outside the cart.
'You okay?' You ask, she looks at you
"I...never expected humans to look so...impressive."
she whispered, eying you "Nopony could ever look....well..." she blushed even more as you sigh
'Keep dreaming...c'mon, we're only a few hours out, lets just get this trip done.'
She watched you leave, you can feel her gaze planted on you as she soon followed and settled back with you in the cart.
She made breakfast this time.
Eggs.
Good enough.
You sit down and start to eat, she's just staring at you, smiling from across the table as she even leans on her forehooves.
"You like?"
'Hrmmm'
"I asked one of the mares from the monster incident yesterday how to make em"
'Hrmm?'
"I hope they don't taste too salty."
'hrmmm deere good eggs.' You mutter, stuffing your face as she giggled
"My, you do have an appetite." she smirked, eying her plate before eating the eggs there, eventually you both finish and sigh contently.
"Well, that was wonderful yes?"
'I must admit, despite starting out with sammiches, you really know how to cook.'
"Well..." she looked away "A mares got to have other talents right?"
'Touche.'
"Oi!" came a voice outside "get yourselves sorted, we be hittin Ponyville in the hour!"
"Guess this is our stop?"
'You sure you want to do this? Could easily slip away.'
"No..." Trixie says, easing upright "Trixie...I...Must do this, I have to face what my failure was and bring about something better...or else I'll be shamed forever."
'Harsh much?'
"You think?"
'Look, stuff happens alright? Best to put it behind you, you're not an antagonist of this tale, besides...lets see if we can settle something for the show, remember what I said before?'
"How to let the audience have some fun?"
'Yes, well..lets make it a little show, you know, you and me?'
She smiled, you can tell she'd like that.

You go on to explain the idea of a comedic act, Trixie of course is a bit taken back, seeing as she'd be more of a fool then a magician.
'No, you're not thinking right, you can use that power to really bring out some good stuff, think of it this way, act silly, be friendly, and then say "Now then, lets see who can do what I can do, any challengers?" That should bring home some interest.'
"and...if not?"
'Then...' you smirk 'they have no taste in shows.'
Trixie clops her forehooves together
"Trixie likes this idea! So, how do we start?"
'Well, I don't think Anypony is expecting a riveting show from The Great and Powerful Trixie...sooo~"
> Chapter 02 - Showpony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"So...What did you have in mind for Trixie to perform?" Trixie began as the carts pulled into Ponyville the following afternoon; it was going to be a quick stop for most of the folk in the caravan before they would continue on to Hoofington, which left you and Trixie ample time to plot your little escapade for the evening.

Breakfast was said and done and before you could even begin, Trixie was upon you, wanting to start right away.
Sitting comfortable inside her cart with a few peices of scroll and quills to write out ideas, you pounder.
'Well the trial ideas were a pretty sound plan would you agree?'
Trixie nods "Trixie would, to allow ponies to show their skills and challenge her with them."
'Exactly, the audiance may find a good kick out of that, not to mention the mane six may have an idea to get invovled for a rematch.'
"Then I shall best them again!"
'No...thats not the answer.'
Trixie looks at you "but...why not?"
'You want to make a good impression right, as much as you may want to show you're the best, they are the best at their things too, Rainbow dash for example is THE fastest flyer in Euqesatria, I wouldn't be suprised if she could outrun a....'
You pause
IDEA!
You grab a sheet of scroll paper and cut it into a perfect page of paper.
You start to fold it.
And fold
and fold
and fold.
Until you have a paper airplane before you.
"That...is amazing!" Trixie said "How...how did-"
'Secret....' you reply 'trade skill I have since I was a kid.'
You hand it to her.
'Can you make it fly?'
"Fly? Are you asking if Trixie the Great and Powerful can make a peice of paper fly?"
She smirked "foals play." 
She said and magicked the plane, easing it from your hands as it floated about before you.
'Good...now fly it around like a pegasus.'
Trixie blinked, nodding as she began to buzz the plane around the inside of her cart, slowly she got your idea and a big grin came on her face "We challenge any fliers with something such as this?"
'Yes...exactly...get a bunch of flags and have them place them around Ponyville, once done, you race from flag to flag and back to the cart.'
"Oh Anon, thats simply...amazing! Why didn't Trixie think of such a thing?"
'Human inginiuity.'
She grinned, suddenly pressing closer "and what else does this...human inginiuty grant?"
You roll your eyes and ease her back just a bit 'A lot of things, but lets take it slow.'

Now that you had the first trial done for any fliers, you still had to find something for earth ponies and unicorns.
'Perhaps some test of strength, I mean, that's all you can really do.' You huffed, rubbing your forehead...
Trixie watches you...mimicing your movements as you tap your fingers on the desk.
She taps her hooves.
You sigh.
She sighs...
Its nothing that bothers you, hell its cute, and for a moment you feel like doing something silly.
But you need focus as you fwump your face into your hands.
So does  she, into her hooves.
'You moved those rocks before right? Why not try moving something...bigger?'
"Bigger? Such as what?"
'Well... there are plently of apple trees....'
"You don't suggest we uproot one? As much as it would be a wonderful Idea, Trixie feels that is just uneccissary."
'Yeah, may be charged for vandalism.'
"Vandawha?"
'Never mind...hrmmm...'
You can't really figure what sort of object would be viable for a strenght test, but...maybe the fact of who could move something for an extended period of time...
You pause, suddenly thnking it through...
'I got it!' you exclaim, slamming your hand on the table
Trixie almost jumps in suprise at the sound "r-really?"
'Well, you did impressive work with moving al those boulders, perhaps an endurance of lifting and lowering a boulder over and over and see who tires first, its not much of an idea but its something...'
Trixie hrmms for a moment, tapping her chin with her hoove "It...does have merit towards strength and...is something Trixie can accomplish..." she smiled "it shall be so!"
Two down
One to go.
The magic test between other Unicorns.
You knew  Trixie wanted to duel Twilight, but that still left the HOW part.

---

The caravan slowly departed, leaving only the cart of Trixie and you; of course, no know KNEW it was Trixis cart (apparently her old one was smashed the last time she was here...) so it gave you the element of secrecy. 
You would be back stage, and having helped Trixie with a decent and non-over-the-top script, you hoped that the rest would go according to plan.
But this is Equestria
Insanity can and will often happen.
"Fillies and Gentlcolts of Ponyville, lend me your ears!~"
Trixie's introduction went off the moment the rest of the caravan had pulled away, there was little else waiting for them in Ponyville, and considering she and you were at your destination, why not make the biggest entrance of all time.
"I the great and powerful Trixie have returned once more to your fair town to ask for your audience!"
Ponies looked about, surprised as nopony could see the mare in question aside from her cart settled in the middle of town. Like before, a crowd gathered, and from inside you could see the mane six at the very edge of it, perhaps a little....uneasy with the return of a rather unruly mare, but you were hoping Trixie could make a better impression this time around.
For your sake...
You were helping her, if this didn't work.
Damn...failure would be the last thing on your mind.
You could hear murmurs from the crowd as Trixie coughs abit "Trixie....is aware of her doings the last time she had come...and she had felt the need to....apologize for it." she bowed slightly "As a result of Trixie's prior antics, she wishes to bring about a new show for you all to enjoy!" she got on her rear hooves as fireworks shot out of nowhere.
Some ponies were impressed, others rather bored, and the mane six...well...uneasy like before.
'c'mon, give her a chance...' you think as Trixie begins by removing her hat.
"Trixie....asks not for your forgiveness...but...for a chance to redeem her past actions. Trixie...I..." she paused a bit "I have learnt that my actions were not...fitting as a magician, and though I had bragged and boasted, it was..wrong of me. I...ask, 
you, as fellow ponies, as unicorns, pegasus and earth pony...to...forgive Trixie for her actions."

She bowed her head slightly, remaining there for a few moments before a few soft cheers began to ripple through the crowd.
They all began to hoof stomp, bringing a sigh of relife to yourself and Trixie.
Though, from backstage, you can see the mane six still unmoved; did she really rub them the wrong way that deeply?
Trixie didn't seem to mind, she wanted to put on a show, so she simply began with what you talked about.
"Before Trixie had said, whatever you ponies could do, she could do better? 
Well, trixie has a NEW proposition....anything Trixie can do, can any pony do better?"
There was a flush ofd murmurs through the crowd as Trixie stood on stage, determined, eyes scanning over all the ponies, landing on the mane six as she eyes them all, smiling softly with little in return before looking away without making a fus.
"Are you a fancy flyer? Perhaps you may outmaneuver Trixie's little airplane?" she smirked, letting a small paper plane fly about, decorated with her cutie mark as it flew around and overhead her, brilliance by her magic.
"Or maybe, a strong earth Pony, set to see if you can move a heavy object, and keep it off the ground longer than I may do?" she galloped off stage to a oddly well place boulder, circling around it as she smirked.
"Or better still...a Unicorn.." she eyed Twilight "and test your magical wits against mine?"
She galloped back onto stage, turning to face the crowd "I ask to show me what you can do, and see if you can best me in such acts of grace, strength and skill!"

More fireworks and a resounding cheer from the crowd echo about the evening display.
"She's nuttin but trouble, ah dun think we can just go in and trust her again, not afta what she did last time." AJ had said as the others nod.
"I...don't know..." Fluttershy began "She...doesn't seem as moody..."
"Thats because she's hiding it dear, she wishes and begs for forgivness and yet will simply laugh it off when we give it, who knows what dreadful things she may do." Rarity remarked, somewhat a little offended by what Trixie did to her mane the last time. 
"Well, we can only just keep watching what she does..." Twilight began as 
Rainbow huffed.
"You know, lets see what she's all about...I can't stand just watching this."
"Rainbow!" Twilight called "What are you doing?"
"Seeing if she's still the bad mare we remeber!" she called back as she flew over to Trixie.
Trixie looked at Rainbow in suprise "Well, if its not the one Rainbow Dash, such a pleasure to see you again."
"Cut the pleasantries..." Rainbow remarked "I just want to see how good your little plane is." she said, flicking the paper thing with a hoof. 
Trixie smirked "Well, if you wish to be bested like before...perhaps...but I play fair and square now, I hope you can do the same."
"Hey, if theres one thing I always take seriously, its racing Trixie, I won't be shown up by a Unicorn."
Trixie nodded "very well...mark out a path." she said as Rainbow took the flags before her and dashed off to place them.

After several moments, she came back "Alright, from here, to the windmill, over to Rarity's shop, then to Suger Cube corner, then to Twilights Tree, THEN to the city hall and back here." she plants the last flag at the base of the stage with a grin "think you can handle that?"
"Trixie can handle anything my dear Rainbow...are you ready?"
"I was...BORN...ready!" She said as she lined up at the start with that little...plane...
She remembered Anon.
GO!
And she almost missed the starting signal as she flew off a few inches behind the plane.
It was fast, well, really fast, but Dashie wasn't going to let a small thing like that best her.
From the cart it was off to the windmill, Dashie slowly gaining on the small, and much lighter craft as it buzzed passed the windmill onwards towards Rarity's shop.

Dashie only revved her speed, zipping faster and faster as her rainbow trail cascade behind her.
She gained speed past Raritys Boutqique, sharp turning and making the way back to Sugar cube Corner, catching the plane on the turnabout from the Boutquies roof.
A buzz and swoop and she just passed the little thing before another sharp turn took them around SCC and onwards to Twilights. 
The plane was smaller and with its size was able to actually sweep through the branches with ease as Dashie nearly struck a large one in the head, narrowly avoiding wounding her wing as she buzzed through the tree and caught the plane again on the turn as they raced towards the town hall at blinding speed. 
Dashi huffed, she began to move her forehooves and rear hooves in the way Anon showed her, and within a second she sped further, her speed slightly increasing as she eyed the plane as they both swooped past town hall, neck and neck in the turn as they raced towards the finish.
In the final moments, Rainbow wanted to win, the urge was so high she flappe a solid flap and sped herself just a few bits ahead of the plane as they slammed into the dirt at high speed. 

Everypony gathered to see that Rainbow had landed further, and of course, had passed the finish line.
As for the plane...
Well...
it was paper.
Ir crumpled on impact, nothing more than a little ball as Rainbow got up.
"Ahah...told yah, I was...BORN ready to win!" everypony cheered.
Even Trixie, holding back the urge to complain, smiled calmly and trotted over.
Trixie is impressed Rainbow dash.... and with such a thing, she admits defeat to the first challenge." she smile, eying the crowd "Such a display from the heroine of the sky!" she called out, almost in a praise "but, there are still two more challenges, any other pony wish to test their mettle?"

"Ah reckon ah betta give it a try." Aj spoke out before looking at the others "if Rainbow can do it, ah better do it too or ah may neva hear the end of it." she said, trotting over to the stage.
"Ah...Apple Jack, I hope you are well."
"Ah damn tootin Miss Trixie, yerself?"
"Well, Better, and glad you're willing to test your skills this evening."
AJ huffed "Well, ah best hope we dun hafta tie me up again and stick an apple in mah mouth."
"OH Trixie would not dream to such a thing..."
AJ looked at her seriously as the unicorn mare had a sweat drop down her head.
"but...aha...Trixie does apologize for such a thing...instead, she has set up a different test."
She trots over to the boulder, studying it before casting a spell and...duplicating it.
"there, two equal boulders, now then AppleJack, each one of us must lift and lower their respective boulder and whoever is able to hold it the longest wins...are yo-" AJ had already begun tying her's up with rope and putting one end through a nearby tree, pulling at the other end as she huffed, raising it above ground.
"Ya'll sayin?" she muttered with the rope in her mouth as the crowd cheered. 

Trixie grinned.
"I see...well then, two can play at this game." she magicks her boulder and lifts it, holding it up to equal height of AJ's.
"Now...who will break first?"
The pair held their stones, the weight, at first, being nothing as AJ and Trixie would rejuvinate their efforts, an extra tug here or a shot of magic there, keeping their respective methods up to par as both slowly began to show strain.
They were boulders.
They were heavy.
And a single pony carrying it was no easy task.
They would begin to lower and raise their boulders, as the test required, both ponies begining to break out sweating as they lifted, lowered, lifted.
Lowered
Lifted
FWUMP!
AJ nearly lost her rope as she gripped it tight and held on, the boulder INCHES from the ground as she began to pull back.
"Hah..." Trixie muttered "You begin to weaken to Trixie's...power!"
"Ah aint done....yet!" Aj protests as she pulls back and lowers, getting the rythm again.
Trixie was in no better shape.
She had done well at the rockslide during the caravans trip, but extending the use of her magic was taking a toll on her too.
Sure enough, as the minutes past and the first hour drew to a close, a resounding WHUMP left both stones suddenly planted in the ground.
"Its a tie!" somepony said as Trixie exhaled.
"Ah...you see...the Great and Powerful Trixie can stand up to any earth pony strenght!" she said, quite pleased with herself.
"Ah mustr admit Trixie, yah aint got no soft spot in yah, takes...guts...ta heave such a load." AJ grinned "if its a tie, den the one who set the challenge wins...ah guess yah get it fair n'squre Trixie."
Trixie blinked "Ah...but you AppleJack have certainly gotten more than-"
"Ah dun need it sugh, ya;ll beat me, and thats that." she smirked and trotted off, leaving Trixie rather...suprised.
As AJ returned to her friends, they all stared at her.

"Stroke her ego much?" Rainbow muttered.
"Ah aint one ta be a bully bout it, she set the task and we boith ended up tying it. If it had been me, ah am sure I woulda taken the win."
"We could only dream such a thing with her." Rarity muttered "In all intent AJ dear, you gave her what she sought, certainly fitting but..." Rarity sighed "I guess whatever else she has planned with a Unicorn willl...*gulp* have to be considered the last chance to see if she's up to no good."
Twilight huffed a bit, eyeing Tixie who was still trying tio recover from the unusal kindess given to her by AJ, that and try and retain her train of thought before she exhaled and trotted onto stage.
"Trixie is indee...suprised...with events of the challenge, but she cannot stand idly by as another gives her the win. Apple Jack, Trixie approves of your kindess and thanks you deeply for your offering of the win, but...that still leaves one last challenge, a Unicorn with skill and cuning, perhaps only I shall be considered as such unless anypony wishes otherwise?"
Everypony looked at Rarity.
"What...do you think I would do such a thing again, I learn my lesson from last time dears...I think its Twilight who should take her last test."
Twilight of course was already trotting over the moment Rarity finished leaving the white mare surprised at how sudden her friend went about it.

Trixie kept her eyes on twilight, and Twilight did the same in kind.
Nopony really spoke, they all knew of the last time these two were together and the true story behind the fictional tale Trixie spoke.
But, seeing her skills here.
Those magic skills 
Both with flight and strength
It was...difficult to be certain her intentions.
Of coruse, you knew full well, hiding back stage, seeing Twilight slowly trot onto the far end from Trixie.
"Well, it seems we have the last challeneger, and one The great and powerful Trixie expect to come forward. Twilight Sparkle..." she paused, 
Twilight kept a serious face on, looking right at Trixie.
"I'm not sure what you're planning Trixie, but I won't let you show about yourself here, we want nothing to do with it."
Trixie huffed "Do you always assume the worst of people? Trixie is most displeased that you will not be willing to give her a second chance; wasn't it said to leave the past behind us?"
Twilight exhaled, it sounded...familiar of course, but she wasn't about to stand down.
"You're right...things should be left in the past...and I'm willing to do so, that is why I'll take your challenge."
Trixie smirked "Splendid, Trixie is most pleased you will."
"What is it then?"
"A spell, not just any, a teleportation spell."
Twilight smirked "Really, thats all? I can do that blindfolded." she grinned and closed her eyes, suddenly vanishing and appearing atop the cart, vanishing again, and then appearing before Trixie.
"See?"
Trixie blinked a few times "Yes...Trixie...does...but that was not what she meant."
"Oh?"
Trixie smirked "Trixie shall teleport not herself around here, but....will try and teleport something from....ANOTHER DIMENSION!" she said the last part a tad overdramatic as you wait and hear the rippling gasp escape the maws of the audiance.
Twilight looks dumbfounded
Lolz
That face when she is confused and perplexed.
So chuuu~
You can't help but snicker at what you planned for this.

-Earlier-

"Trixie cannot believe you are serious!"
'I Am serious...serious enough to get you Twilight's attention.'
You and Trixie were plotting the last few touches on the show you had planned, and of course, when the idea for the final act came to be you, she was rather...upset.
It was her show.
She wanted to end it with her choice.
But considering you helped, you wanted this, besides, she'd get Twilights attention.
And perhaps then some.
'You wanted to challenge Twilight to a magic duel, to see who IS the best Unicorn in all of Ponyville, that's legit and I won't stop you, but you got to draw her attention with something SHE cannot do, and considering her...position.'
Trixie sighs "You're right Anon, she is...powerful, and her skills far superior than Trixie's....but, she will NOT be outshined."
'I know, and in fact, thats why we should do this.'
"I..Trixie...still does not approve."
'You should, will drive everypony wild.'
"and if not?"
You pause, but grin 'I doubt that will ever be a problem.'
She sighed "fine...what is the plan?"
'Simple...teleportation from a distance, and I don't mean here, I mean from ANOTHER DIMENSON!'
Over-dramatic time.
She blinks, and looks at you.
"Dimensional travel? That is the stuff of ponytale and lore, such things...do not impress Trixie."
'But they will tug at Twilights interest. She tried it the last time I was here.'
"And?"
You look at Trixie 'She nearly blew herself up.'
Trixie blinked a few times, certainly there was something she didn't expect, Twilight unable to do something such as that? 
It wasn't...unusual...such magic was far to advance for even Trixie to deal with, but the information that she tried and failed...
That made it oddly sweeter to Trixie.
"Well...that makes sense...and what of the ploy to hook her?"
You grin 'Ask her WHO she might want to be brought here from another dimension; 10 to one it's me, and if so, well...make a big show of it.'
"You are confident in such a thought?"
'Always, cause I know her, it will happen.'
Trixie looked away a bit "They like you that much...to want you back?"
You look at Trixie, patting her on the neck gently and pulling her close 
'Just between you and mean, I am glad to have them, but they definitely would want me back...'
"Trixie...I...can see why."

The mare eased away a bit as she trotted to the window, looking out to see all the ponies still about with the caravan, some packing up to go, others visiting old friends, and her, silent...alone. Nopony really took attention to her.
You walk over, standing a bit beside her.
'If it means anything, these past three days have been...impressive and rewarding, despite the rough start you're...a pretty cool pony.'
Trixie looked at you.
"You... mean it?"
You smile 'Course, why would I say oth-'
She jumps at you, pressing into your gut as you tumble back a bit, almost falling over as you look down un suprise as she rubs her face into your gut.
Sniffling...a few tears.,
"I....I am glad to have taken you in for these past days..." she pulled her face from your chest and looked at you "your...kindness gave Trixie the utmost in Joy and...because of you, I feel...no....I know I can do this right!"
'Thats the spirit!'
Trixie smiled, easing off as she trotted to a cuboard and pulled out a small bag, she opened it and pulled out three white orbs and placed them before you.
"To help with effect...Smoke bombs...I..." she looked away "always carry a few to leave on a moments notice."
You nod, pocketing them before you look about.
'I guess we're ready to go.'

--

"You can't be serious!" Twilight demanded "you really have the power to do that?"
Trixie snickered "Oh dear Twilight, do you not think Trixie to be nothing more than a foul? There is a reason she is Great and Powerful, and her travels have opened many doors of wonder and abilities for her to take hold."
All showbiz, but Twilight was eating it.
"Then....then can you bring someone from another dimension here?"
Trixie laughed "Indeed I can...name it."
Twilight bit her lip, looking back at her friends, all of them just as spellbound as she was as she turned back.
"Bring....bring Anon from his world."
Called it.
Trixie's eyes go wide.
"ohhoho!" she said, putting a hoof to her maw "So you seek HIM do you, the Human of Equestria, the savior of Canterlot?" she approached Twilight as the purple mare eeped a bit. Trixie of course was going to milk this thing as you facepalm, seeing that she planned to do just that.

The newspaper from inside the cart fluttered out under the spell of Trixie as she put it to Twilights face.
"You do seek him, don't you, curious why you do; he had done much to help you and your friends..."
"Y-yeah...he's one of our friends." Twilight stammers, fidgeting as Trixie wrapped a hoof around her neck.
"As well as close ones with both princess's, certainly an interesting thing to consider...do you....admire him?"
Twilight blushed
"O-of coruse not! he's just...an interesting po-person to be with."
Trixie let out another laugh "So, you wish to have the human brought back? Very well, The Great and Powerful Trixie shall make it so!"
More fireworks as she stretched out her neck and hooves.
With a grin, she began to cast her brilliance, magiking a spot before her as she slowlky began to create an orb of energy, swirling and coiling as she started to focus her power.
"Anon..the human...we seek you to come to Equestria, shall you respond or shall he refuse...we desire the return of our Hero soon!" Trixie chanted...

More show biz.
You toss a smoke ball as it begins to whip about in the vortex of energy, cascading around it like a torando as the orb grew larger and larger and the smoke covered the entire  stage as the sudden wail of energy unleashing itself cast a blinding light to flash from the stage as everypony looked away.
And you jumped right into it just as it all subsided.
Twilight coughed, trying her best to see through the smoke as you stretch out and begin to take on your role.
You start to cought.
'Oi, what the heck?' you say oddly loud as Twilights head perks
"A-ANON!?" she shouted as the smoke slowly dissipated, and you...as you always were...stood there in the center of the stage.
You looked around.
Perplexed.
Confused, not noticing Twilight as you gaze about.
Everypony had their eyes on you as you look around.
'Well...didn't expect this...' you muttered with a smirk, catching the gaze of everypony, especially the mane six as all their maws are on the floor.
You turn, looking at Twilight and Trixie.
'Well...I would have expected' you mutter.
"A-Anon!?" Twilight asks as you turn to face her.
'Oh...Hey Twilight...' you look around 'Did you finally get the dimensional 	spell working?' you smirk 'Hope you didn't do anything...silly while I was gone.'
"A-Anon...is that really you?"
You pat yourself...solid.
'In the flesh I guess, good to see you too Twi-'
You can't finish your sentence as you're floored instantly by her.
"ANON!" she shouts again, pressing her muzzle into your upper chest "Oh it is, it is, it is  you! SQUEE!" 
She was overly hyper.

Trixie couldn't help but laugh in return, hiding a blush as a bit of envy for Twilights deep fondness showed on her face.
"Ahem..." she said as Twilight looked at her and quickly was at her hooves.
"PLEEEEEEEEEEASE tell me how you did that!"
Trixie blinked and smirked, a coy smirk.
Real coy.
"A magician never tells her secrets..."
"But...but I must know!"
"Trixie does not tell her tricks Twilight, understand that."
"NO...I can't, please, tell me~!"
"No."
"PLeeeease~"
By Celestia...she really wanted it.
You give a nod to Trixie as she sighs, but smirks.
"Alright....if you really wish to know, then the Great and Powerful Trixie shall tell you...on one condition."
"Anything!" Twilight remarked rather quickly "I'll do ANYTHING to know!"
Trixie smirked.
"Then...Trixie...the Great and Powerful...challenges you, Twilight Sparkle, to a magical duel!"
Twilight blinked as she rose.
"A magic duel?"
Trixie nodded "Ever since you bested me the first time I was here, I have sought much in the way of skill to learn and be...better...than you. Trixie is second to nopony and she plans to make sure you don't hold the title of being...better...than her."
Twilight gulped a bit "You...w-want to fight?"
"Yes...to see who is the Best and Strongest Unicorn, Trixie cannot let you outshine her for it."
Twilight looked away for a moment, at you, you shrug, you're not going to stop Trixie on that one; she wanted a duel with her, and you were letting her have it.
"The terms are simple." Trixie began again "if you win, I tell you how I brought Anon here, even send him back and bring him over again to make it clear!"
Twilight looked back at Trixie, a determined look on her face "and if I lose?"
Trixie grinned "Then Anon stays with me."

Everypony gasped
You exhale, god, you could have seen that coming...only she would do something like that....
You shrug and lay back, not caring for the theatrics.
Its what Trixie wanted.
"So then Twilight..." Trixie said as both mares looked determinedly at one another. "Will you...accept my challenge?"
Twilight looked at Trixie.
She wasn't one to enjoy fighting, but to know the secret of dimensional transportation, even just a smidgen, would be a giant leap in her skills; even Celestia could not do such a thing, yet Trixie had done it as easy as pie; not even a remote explosion happened when Anon came through.
She had to know.
Not because she wanted to
But because she HAD to.
"Trixie..." Twilight began as she pointed a fore-hoof at Trixie "I accept your challenge!"


> Chapter 03 - Spellbond
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The old stage had been put aside and a new one had been made.
Twilight at one end And Trixie at the other.
You of coruse stood in the middle
Both had requested you be the judge.
You are Anon.
and You're in Equestria.

Ever since your arrival, you've learned a few things about a pony named Trixie, how she was a show-off, a bragger, and just a rather rude pony.
But, in the past three days you were with her, she showed a much softer, and almost determined side of herself.
She and Twilight, from what you gathered, were bitter rivals, and the entire trek from where you arrived to Ponyville was of both you and Trixie plotting to get Twilight into a magic duel for the other mare.
Of course, you don't mind a good fight; but, this was a bit...uneasy.
Especially since you were the judge of it.
*Sigh* Dems the perks of being Human
Everypony wants you.

Trixie and Twilight have agreed to have a duel, on the consent that Trixie shows Twilight how she brought you here.
Which is a big lie.
You came here by an unknown means and she happened to stumble upon you.
BUT in the time you had been with her, she wasn't all bad to be made out from the other ponies.
In fact, she was just alone, and wanted to be favored by many.
A foolish idea to show off and brag, but one she seemed to be very good at; putting on a show anyway.
Now, with you having made the perfect entrance, Twilight had accepted the duel challenge from Trixie and both now stood face to face, ready for the go signal as you exhale.
'Alright...lets keep this a clean good fight, no fancy foolery, no trick shots, simple magic dueling and nothing else.'
You have NO idea how this works anyway, you're just trying to get things straight.
'Winner...I guess...is whoever is the last pony standing between the two... lets not try to off one another alright?'
You cough, Such is the shame of conflict, you can't help but overload this idea with so much want.
Trixie and Twilight duking it out.
Damn that was cool.
You take a step back, watching both of them
'Alright, come in and...well...tap horns or something.'
"Tap horns?" Twilight ask
"Why would we do such a thing?" Trixie adds
You sigh 'Its a sign of respect, you may not want to see eye to eye, but show some dignity in a fight.'
The two blink, looking at one another and sighing, trotting right before you and tapping horns.
"I will win this, and learn HOW you did that." Twilight mutters.
"It wont happen, Trixie will make it so." Trixie replied as they parted back to their starting positions.
You look at each one.
'Ready...' you rose a hand.
Hell would be let lose if you had any idea of what sorta thing you were getting into.
'BEGIN!'
Nothing happens
They just stand there, looking at each other as you back up a good distance to the other ponies, you and the other mane cast are sitting there on the sidelines, waiting for the magic to start flying.

'So....how does this work?' You ask Rarity, standing beside you.,
"Oh heavens, have you never seen such a thing before?"
You shurg 'perhaps not, I know what a duel is, not sure if the same here.'
Rarity smiles "Well darling, its quiet simple really, both Unicorns try to land a perfect hit upon their opponent, it starts off small, throwing things with magic you know, then the disenchanting spells, disabling spells, all those rough and rowdy business of avoiding the others attacks, and then..." she shifted a bit "the real ensemble begins as both competitors try to best the other with their most powerful magics!" She sighed a bit "Such is how these work, a beauty in fighting over somepony special...to be the center of such a thing between two Stallions..." and she was off in her thoughts again.

You didn't mind Rarity's banter on the subject, but how she explained it, and how close you were, you felt a little...uneasy.
The pair before you remained motionless for over a minute before the sudden blip of a rock nearby levitates it under Twilights magic and sends it right over to Trixie.
The blue mare smirks as she caught it, letting it hover before her and then shot it right back only to have it caught by Twilight and returned.
God...
What a boring match of paddle ball you were witnessing.
No one else seemed to mind, but damn, you wish it was....bigger.
It suddenly got bigger.
Before your eyes, you could see the magic radiating between them suddenly spark quite a bit as a table nearby is lifted by Trixie, and without much strain, sent over to Twilight.
The purple mare sees it, and quickly dives aside, letting it smash into the ground.
Twilight smirked, rising the shattered pieces and sending them straight at Trixie.
The Blue mare put up a shield, catching two of them as she sent them right back while the other three bounced harmlessly off her protective barrier.
"Is that all?" Trixie said with a yawn as Twilight gave a scowl. She shot a glance to an apple cart and picked the whole thing up, causing a surprised Big Macintosh to dash off.
"Hey..." Aj began "Ah twi, yah otta be careful with at, we need dem apples fer-"
Aj didn't get a chance to finish, all three buckets of apples were suddenly lifted with the magic of the unicorn, and the many apples were suddenly sent right towards Trixie.
The blue mare gasped and quickly dove aside, avoiding the majority of the apple assault as the buckets and their contents splat on the ground.
"Twi!" AJ yeld "What ya'll doin!"
She tried to rush over but she stopped by Rainbow dash.
Odd twist.
"Hold on there AJ, even I know its stupid to stop a magic duel."
"But...." Aj protests and huffs "fine, ah guess its no big deal, but dey were fer sellin."
'I'm sure you can get more AJ, you own a whole orchard..."
Aj looked at you, sighing as she trotted back.
"Ya'll be right Anon, ah guess..."

You didn't really notice, but all five ponies had moved around you. Rarity to your left, Fluttershy to your right. AJ and Pinkie are close enough they could slip into your lap, and Rainbow hovered just above your head.
"So...you really back?" Rainbow asked as you look up.
'I am sitting here aren't I?'
The Pegasus mare grinned "Well thats super great, I was wondering when your slow butt would ever find the time to come back here, you know its been a YEAR since you left?"
'A year?'
RD nods "Yeah, Pinkie counted."
The pink mare, like always, is right up in your lap now as she has a calendar with X's on all the days.
"See, I kept counting, I would put this nice black x each day you were gone, and now your back, yay!" she tossed the calendar off to know-were before one of the Unicorns grabbed it and threw it at their opponent.
You sorta lost interest as the five mares are all joyful to have you back.

"So...Whats it like...uhm...back home?" Fluttershy asked
'Well...can't say I've been on any adventures like standing up in trial or fighting with a Princess, but...I did get a new pet.'
"ooo! what kind?" Fluttershy is quite close now, her wings perking upwards as they flutter softly.
"A cat, she's the cutest little thing." you pull your phone out as you tap it. 
All the ponies lean forward, so much so thet nearly block the screen as you scroll to the picture of your cat.
A chorus of Awwww's to how cute the kitten was on the bed you took of her.
"She is simply marvelous, that coat of fur is simply amazing~!" Rarity says, noting the mix of caramel, black and white.
"Is...that a Calico?" Fluttershy asked "ohh, I always wanted to see a Calico, their so soft and cute, especially kittens."
You snicker as you flip through more, pictures of you and other humans, of you doing things and going places; the ponies seem impressed.
"Well, ah sure say that your little magic box has quite a collection of pictures Anon, yah sure done much when ya got back home."
'Yeah...I did...I guess I have you all to thank, you did help me get myself sorted out and...well...break out of my anti-social shell."
Pinkie smiles "its what friends do Anon, we're happy to have help!" She gasped "Oh my, that means we need to make a WELCOME BACK PARTY!" Pinkie lept up, throwing streamers out as she cartwheeled around.
Same old Pinkie.
You laugh just as you see a cart....Trixies cart...to be exact...slam just at the spot where Pinkie hard cartwheeled from.
"HOW DARE YOU DAMAGE TRIXIE's CART!" Trixie barked as she suddenly lifted up two park benches from nearby "You...shall pay for that!" and they were flung at Twilight.
The mare dodged, only to see them whip back aroud and go right for her again.
She started to trot away, trying to find a means to avoid and get clear, eventually hitting the deck as they flew over...and...
Slammed right into the window of her tree house.
"HEY!" She shouted, turning back "you did that on purpose!"
"And you flung Trixie's cart at Trixie! Such a crime can only be punished by means of the same destruction!"
"Grrr you'll see what kind of Destruction I can bring you arrogant."
"Nosey."
"Self Centered."
"High and Mighty"
"Boastful"
"Bookworm!"
"Washout!"

Trixie gasped "YOU..DARE call The great and Powerful Trixie a washout!?"
"I bested you before Trixie, I will do it again!"
"HAH!" She remarked "from the Goody four hooves....Trixie shall not be so easy to sway this time!" and they were both off, trotting after one another, flinging whatever they could along the way.
"Uhm....anypony gonna stop em?" Aj asked as you all looked on.
"Oh good heavens, they will destroy everything!" Rarity gasped "My word, what are they doing!?" 
Rarity shouts as the two mares had begun yanking the flagpoles around the town hall and shook off the flags.
"Oh...I think their jousting!" Pinkie exclaims, un-phased by the fact she nearly got squashed by a cart.
'Wait...jousting?'
"Oh but of course darling," Rarity began, brushing her mane aside "did you not thing we still held something such as that as sport? By Celesrtria's mane, it is one of the oldest forms of settlement we have, though, I do hope those two aren't planning on..."
The orbs at the top of each where yanked off, leaving a dull end.
"Oh...my..." Fluttershy muttered as she cowered closer to you.
They were getting very serious...
You didn't even want to get anywhere near that battlefield as they stomped their hooves and lowered their 'jousting' poles.
Of course, a direct hit from that would hurt, but it was blunt, so it was impossible that they would...
They rushed each-other, narrowly missing on the first past as they simply trotted about and came again.
It was...tedious to watch, back and forth, a few near hits and clinks of their metal poles before they finally give way and snap when they finally collide head on.
Both ponies are sent back a bit landing on their behinds from the recoil of metal poles breaking,obviously the work out was getting to them as they slowly rose panting.
"It...seems we are at an impasse..." Trixie began "neither one backing down?"
"Not...until I know....How..." Twilight exhaled "Until you tell me."
"You'd have to best the Great and Powerful Trixie before she even decides to tell you."
"Then...I guess we don't have an end in sight!"
Twilight lept at Trixie.
Trixie lept at Twilight.
And all you could tell from then on was a cartoon tussle ball bouncing all over the place.

Stupid PG rating, wanted to see the actual hooves to cuff.
"They certianly are brash about their goals..." Rarity began "Why can't either of them just accept the other's strenghts?"
'Considering Trixie did, you know, do something Twilight nearly got killed for, I can imagine it'd be pretty...important, that and Pride.'
"Pride? Oh dear me Pride is the LAST thing anypony needs Anon, why, Pride is the reason I dared to try Blueblood before his...fiasco with me at the Gala."
"Still ain't livin that down sugh?" AJ mutters.
"Certainly not, a Lady always seeks the best for her measures, and the faults of what she's done to always remember the worst..."
'Yet not the best?'
"Oh dear me Anon, there are so FEW stallions to even consider such a thing."
"That's because she's so picky." RD interjects.
"AM not!" |Rarity exclaims "I'll have you know I am more than able to find the perfect stallion...I have it all in my mind deary, and I plan to keep it there until he's found."
RD rolls her eyes as she sighs "whatever, its getting boring watching those two fight..." she says, nudging over to the tussle ball. "I'm gonna bounce, besides, someones got to clear the sky before the night sets in." and off she went, leaving the others with you as you sigh, finally seeing the tussle ball separate as both ponies land belly up across from one another.
You were about to call it a draw when they slowly got up.
Exhausted, but the most determined look on their faces as their horns began to glow.
Oh...shit.

You can smell a thick ozone all around you as Rarity's horn suddenly starts to sparkle "Oh dear!" she mutters as magical charges began to jump from her tip.
'Whats going on?' you ask as the wind suddenly picks up, nearly whisking away Fluttershy before you grab her, and then find yourself loosing your grip before AJ grabs you.
She's rather sturdy to hold you back as you can see RD suddenly being whipped about high above, the clouds going with her.
"Whaooo whats going on!" she cries as she's tossed about as you look at Rarity, her horn glowing vibrantly.
"I...never seen such a thing before!" she said, trying her best to focus her thoughts. 
"Oooh...Twilight mentioned this to me long ago, and I hadn't bothered to remember, oh darn my distracted mind...." she exhaled, thinking "Aha!" she said with delight "when...two unicorns continue to discharge strong amounts of magic...the resulting cascade of energy will..." she paused "cause all other types of magic to be fed into their abilities!" Rarity shouts as she realized what she had said. "Their absorbing all the magical energy around us!" she cried as she was nearly swept away as the wind picks up while the two unicorns before you slowly begin charging their horns, and you can figure those beams they may fire at one another would not be the small fry you've seen.
These two were letting their powers run wild.
You ease away from AJ and hand Fluttershy to her.
"Anon!?" AJ calls "where' ya'll goin?"
You huff 'I started this...Im going to stop it!'
"DEAR ANON WAIT, you cant hope to stop them, they may not even be able to stop themselves!"
'Well, its better than not trying and seeing everything explode now isn't it?'
"ANON!" Rarity calls, trying to go after but getting knocked back by the wind.

You rush forward.
Shit...
Shit shit shit!
This is your fault, hell, you can't even blame Trixie.
Was your idea to have the plan of making Trixie seem like she knew something Twilight didn't.
Was a good idea...but...
You rush between the two, putting out both hands.
'Hold your horses, that's enough!' you bark.
No answer, both their eyes are pure white as their horns brilliance suddenly peaks and two huge beams come right at you as you close your eyes.
'Give me strength!' You mutter and brace as the beams collide around you.
Everything was enveloped in a brilliant white light as you suddenly feel everything...cool...around you.

-=-
"Dearest Journal
It has been almost a year since the Human, Anon, had left our world, leaving my sister and I to return to his own, his...Earth...beyond the skies and stars to whence he came.
Things have...change...quite drastically since his departure, and its certainly been a rather bumpy experience. 
Anon's actions, despite only being set to Canterlot, had been spread through Equestria as a renouncing feat of heroism, stating that Anon had aided Celestia in defeating the "Crystal Dragon" that had attacked Canterlot.

Such a reaction to his efforts that Tia had decreed the day of his departure "Anonymous day" where everypony remembers the feats Anon had done to help both myself and Celestia in overcoming the evils within our fair land. It certainly is popular, especially with those of Ponyville, the Element bearers take it to heart and were quite glad to have been given such a memento for their friend. Oddly enough, there has been some sort of cult following to this day, ponies dress up in their best suits, donning green masks and fedora hats to present themselves as "Anonymous" and wander about, helping ponies with whatever they may need.

It is a positive influence on a sole human's actions, and one both Tia and I are proud of, but it is just one of the few blossoming things overshadowed by the fears we still hold. BlueBLood, the nephew Prince of Canterlot has yet to return since his desire to capture Anon; even after Anon had returned to Canterlot as the darkness overcame him, BlueBlood had dared not to pursue, odder still was his disappearance since then. There had been no word of BlueBlood from any of the neighboring cities within any distance of the Everfree he could have escape to.
This Puzzles Tia, and perhaps frightens here more than she'd let on.
But she is the ruling Princess.
We still hold our faith and strength for her, and she has not let us down.

Though, there are some unsettling things I've notice of my sister; her actions speak quite loudly despite her soft words soothing my thoughts. Every so often Tia would leave herself in her study for quite some time before ever bothering with her other duties around Canterlot. Likewise, she would often venture off to who-knows-where before returning with grass in her mane. Perhaps it is my curious nature, but I feel she may be missing anon more than she lets on, and I am not one to complain; I miss anon just as much as she, his kindness and  dedication to us...well...few could ever be so capable of taking on Tia in a fight and actually letting her enjoy it. 

Our hopes for Anon to return have never wavered, but, perhaps he is not one to be able to return; he is from another world, and whatever responsibilities he has must be handled with as much diligence as Tia or I would consider for our own.
My hope is...that soon he does return...and perhaps both Tia and I can relax a little better knowing his strength is there for us.

Yours Truly My Journal
Princess Luna."

Luna sighed, closing her night-sky embroidered journal and slipping it into her desk as she gazed over at the afternoon sun.
The days had certainly begun to get shorter as the wonderful season of fall had spread through Equestria.
The nights were becoming more and more beautiful with a clearer, cooler sky to play in, and Luna was more than happy to keep her skills with the night sky as sharp as ever.
But...it was more of the day she was concern about.
Like she wrote in her journal, things around Equestria have been tense, perhaps more-so due to recent events...but they were not her's to tell. With a huff, she slowly rose and trotted to her balcony, eying the slowly hanging sun as the brisk wind blew by, causing her to shiver and close the window firmly before easing the drapes over them.

There was a sudden knock at the very window she had closed as she sees Celestia floating just before it, her large wings easily keeping her in place as she held a sheepish smile and waved her hoof.
Luna returned it as she opened the window and her elder sister gently touched down onto her floor.
"Tai!" Luna said as she nuzzled close.
"Luna...so good to see you." Celestia replied as the pair embraced.
"Are your duties done for the day Tai?"
"I sadly wish they were, but there are still the matters of the Griffin Kingdom to be had."
Luna perked her head "What word does the Griffin kingdom bring?"
Celestia sighs "Nothing good I'm afraid, their King is slowly losing his holding, and much strife has begun to plague their capital."
"Dear me sister, what tho do they seek to do?"
Celestia flutters her wings before folding them to her flanks.
"They request aid for resources, their territory is too mountainous and their capital city has grown too large to supply the demand of food and materials they need...and...well..." she sighed "several of the emissaries from Griffon territory who reside here have requested we intervene and try to help."
"Help them? That is a first Sister, the Griffins tend not to appreciate our help."
Celestia nodded "As troublesome as it may seem, we are not ones to refuse a request for aid, especially when the populace of a city, even from those we do not see too well, are suffering."
"Then what shall we do?"
Celestia huffed again "I do not know, we do not have the means nor the ponypower to supply any major effort, let alone knowing what exactly their situation is...for now...all we can do is speculate."
Luna nodded, she didn't feel it reasonable to deal with the Griffins, many ponies felt they were more of a bother considering their...distasteful past between the two.

Griffins always saw...lesser of ponies, and it didn't help in any of the grand delegations they held for all countries within their world.
Being asked for help from them was...strange, but also saddening.
"Perhaps we can think of it over tea Sister if you have time?"
Celestia smiled "Why I would wish for nothing more sister dear."

You are Celestia
It has been a long time since Anon's departure, and much has happened since then, many things, many good, many bad, and even a few terrible events have struck your kingdom, but you've endured, remained as strong willed as the ruler you've always been and known by your subjects.
Of course, there have been faults.
Incidents of recent months have made a rather stir in the court, and word of uncertainty has risen again.
With Bluebloods disappearance since Anon's escapade, you've come to wonder just what sort of wicked plot he had begun to commit; without ties to the royal court, he was a free stallion.
Even his iron guards had gone with him, leaving his entire wing bare and empty, devoid of life.
You had planned to turn that into a daycare for the fillies of the court advisers to get in their good graces, a fitting change for what it once was.
But the fact he was gone still troubled you.
Why had he left, and where had he gone?
It was something you couldn't get past, knowing how spoiled the stallion was, to simply up and leave everything certianly had to be considered a very delightful reason, at least for him; what coiling desires could his sick mind think.
You shivered at the thought as your mind returns to the present, and a soft sigh escapes your lips as you magick a scone over and nibble at it.
Times had changed, you've certainly taking precautions, increasing your Guard Count and Luna's, training them harder and with more of a demand.
Considering the events with Shining Armour...
A new threat was rising, and soon enough, you'd need to face it again.

But...that was in the past.
Now...the present was what mattered as you sigh, easing your cup from its saucer and taking a light sip of the fruity tea served to you.
You and Luna had taken the time to spend a quiet moment together, both you and her had been up to your necks in work for the coming festivities of Running of the Leaves, Nightmare Night, all the way to Heartwarming Eve.
Certainly a list of tasks to be done for each, with much more in the preparation of each event.
You exhale at the thought as you move your cup from your lips, trully a dizzy assortment of things to handle.
But...you are Princess Celestia, and with Luna's help, you've been able to handle just about everything.
Almost...
You pause for a moment, your tea cup suddenly stiffing in place as you feel a rather...familiar prick in your horn.
Strange...you had not sensed such a thing for awhile.
That similar pain had not been felt by you since....
Since....Anon.
You instantly put your tea cup down as you look up, almost demanding answers from a ghost before you as Luna looks up in surprise.
"Sister dear?" Luna asks "Are you alright?" the midnight princess asked as you turn to her, suddenly feeling the urge to get up and trot around.
"I'm...fine sister, complete fine." you say as you trot around the table almost three times before sitting back down.
Luna blinks a few times as you feel your horn spiked again.
"I've certainly never seen you commit such an act as trotting around the table Tia, are you sure?" Luna asked, keeping a quizzical gaze on you as you suddenly look out the window in the direction of Ponyville.
Your horn twitched again.

Could he have come back to your realm once more?

It...wasn't certain, just because your horn ached like before doesn't mean Anon was back.
But that feeling was definitely the same as the first time you had him arrive in Equestria.
You'd feel it.
But now, its confusion, you don't feel the same calmness you had.,
You had the urge to go.
go and find him
Anon
Oh sweet Anon...has he finally returned to you?
Luna just gazes at you.
"Sister...Celestia, are you well?"
She looks blankly at you, your face filled with an odd mix of joy and curiosity as you look back at her, scrunching your noise.,
"Ah...I am sorry sister, lost in thought..."you exhale "I....think something immense shall happen soon?"
"Immense sister dear? Whatever do you me-"
Her voice is cut off by the sudden explosion that seems to ripple about the air.
It is not Rainbow Dash doing her Sonic Rainboom again, this...explosion was different.
You suddenly felt the cascading wave of energy rippling through the air as you perk your head and trot to the window, seeing a massive blast of magical energy ripping upwards into the sky.
"He has returned~!" you think to yourself as you quickly gallop out to the balcony and gaze over at Ponyville...
Where the blast had come.
You pause, seeing it dissipate and...well...a big cloud of dust covering it.
"Oh dear, it seems there is something a miss at Ponyville." Luna says, trotting out beside you.
"Hrmmm there certainly is." you muttered, certainly not the kind of thing to expect, but could this be part of Anon's return?
Such a blast, certainly it couldn't....
You had to check.
"Luna, we must investigate this immediately."
And the two of you flap off, quickly taking wing towards Ponyville.

-=-

The air was clouded with thick brown dust, it was hard to see, even harder to breath as AJ coughed, finally returning to her senses as she eased herself up from her crouched position, shaking her hat free of the dirt as she looked down to see Fluttershy tucked right by her. 
When Anon...had lept into the blast, he had tucked Fluttershy with her, and had said to keep her safe.
Aj was more than happy to oblige as she kept herself low and used her stronger body to keep the Pegasus mare tight to the ground, even sharing part of her hat to cover their manes.
As the earth pony slowly got up, she nudged Fluttershy, allowing the Pegasus to meep as she quickly got up "oh..t-thank you AJ.":
"Nuttin to it sugh." AJ said with a grin "Ah just hope everypony else is alright."

"We're fine over here!" Pinkie calls out as she and rarity popped out from a bush "Made it just in time!"
"Oh good heavens, my mane, oh its covered in dust and whats this...leaves! Oh this will take forever to clear out!" Rarity whines as she pushes through the bush, finding leaves and dirt caking her mane and some of her coat as she looked around "And the one time I neglect to bring my bag, oh Rarity you're certainly losing your grace." she sighed as Pinkie jumped from the bush, not a care in the world as she landed beside Rarity.
"Here use mine!" she chirped as she handed the unicorn a rather...pink...looking brush.
"Why thank you P-" Rarity paused "But...Pinkie, I never knew you comb your mane?"
"I don't, I just keep getting brushes from the cakes for my birthday, I think they want me to look more...professional."
"Well nothing wrong with spiffing yourself up, but I do find it odd, considering your mane doesn't abide the same style as everypony else..." she poked it, it instantly puffing out as the dirt and leaves fell from it almost without a problem.
"Well, s'all good were here...but...hey, where Rainbow?"
"Mmhmmm!" came a muffled cry from a big pile of dirt as AJ blinked, slowly trotting around it before her eyes caught a small tip of a rainbow coloured tail.
"Ah, Rainbow, ya;ll right?"
"mmmHMMMM!?" she complained as she tried her best to squirm out, but finding almot a ton of dirt atop her wasn't an easy feat to do.
Especially for a Pegasus.

"Danrit, can ya'll make it out?"
AJ asked as Pinkie pressed her ear to the mound.
"Hrmmm..." she said 
"Hrmmmm?" she repeated
"Hmmmm!?" 
"Well?" Aj asked as she approached Pinkie.
"I don't know, can't make her out, something about wanting to be in bed."
"On my HEAD!" RD called from within the mound, though like before it was muffled.,
"Oh my, I think she's upside-down!" Rarity asked as she studied the mound.
"Upside-down, aint good fer anypony ta be stuck that way!" AJ said as she began to dig into the dirt.
"Darnit..." she muttered as she began to dig a hoof into it, but only getting bits of it off, its thick covering made it difficult to dig too deep.
"Dirts mighty hard, can guess that there blast musta made it tougher than normal...gonna take awhile!" she said as she continued to dig.
"Oh I hope we can get her out" Fluttershy muttered as she fluttered to the top of the mound and began to dust away what she could with her hooves, being rather gentle for dirt as she helped the best she could.

Eventually everypony around began to, and all four mares were quickly digging with all their might to get RD out.
Sure enough, after some hard menial labor that...even Rarity decided to help with.
An exposed rump of RD appeared, and her tail now fully freed from the mud.
"Gosh Darnit...this ill take ferva!" Aj mutters "We gotta dig faster...ya'll okay Rainbow?"|
"I been better!" she said behind a lesser muffled voice.
"Least she can still breath."
"Yeah, but I'm still upside down! Maybe if you slow pokes hurried up a little..."
"Now Now Rainbow, we're trying the best we can, its not like we can magic a shovel and dig you out...."
Rarity paused for a moment...
"On second thought..." she trotted off, and coming back with a single shovel.
A nice, round dirt moving shovel.
She huffed, and with a quick whip of her horn began to dig, taking good chunks from the pile as AJ smirked.,
"Fancy seeing yeh do some heavy liftin sugh, didn't know you had a working bone in yer body."
"Even a lady must know when to roll up her sleeves and put a hoof to the grind stone, I value my own life just as much as Rainbow, and I know full well she'd be at her top perform to get me from such a scrape."
AJ chuckled "Ah know she'd do it fer any one of us...just as we'd do the same fer her."
"That's right!" Pinkie shouts as was digging with her own shovel, a bright yellow hard-hat atop her head.
"You know what always helps me get some tough work done? A song!" she said as she inhaled and then began to sing.
"Oh were digging, were digging, were digging rainbow out.'
"The silly little filly got her head stuck in a mound..."
She would keep singing as the others all began to laugh.
Only Rainbow wasn't too sure about laughing.
Especially with your head stuck into a pile of dirt.

Sure enough, with great speed from everypony, Rainbow is soon exposed from the mound and falls flat onto her belly.
"Ugh...I think I'm going to be sick..." she said as the blood rushed back from her head and her eyes goggled about.
Pinkie was the first to grab her and hug her tight "Oh Rainbow, we're so glad you're okay!"
Rainbow blushed "Yeh...well if it wasn't for those two wizard wannabees, I wouldn't have been stuck..." she looks around "and Ponyville wouldn't have this cloud of dust everywhere!"
"Heavens, what did happen to those two?" Rarity asked as she looked over to where the blast originated, unable to see anything through the thick smog of dust covering it.
"All ah think is we best wait till it settles, walking inta a dueling ground like this is just silly."
"I couldn't agree more AJ...though it pains to have to worry about dear Twilight, al stuck in there with that...show off."
Rarity huffed as Fluttershy meeped a bit.
"I hope Anon is alright, he did go in to...stop them."
"I'm sure he's fine, he's a stubborn human." RD said.
"Moreso then you?" AJ asked
"Hey!" RD retorted as they all shared a chuckle.
"Well...there isn't much we can do but wait...and hope...Oh Celestia, I do hope its nothing truamatic." Rarity says as they all stare into the abyss.

Dust was kicking all around them like a storm as Twilight slowly opened her eyes. 
She was sore all over, her whole body ached as she slowly rose her head.
She and Trixie had certainly went all out, and that was one heck of a blast to have cause such a torment of energy.
But...Anon...he had jumped right into the middle of it, wanting to stop their duel....
Twilights eyes went wide as she got up, ignoring the pain.
"Anon..." she called "ANON!"
She trotted over, suddenly stopping instantly as she saw what was before her; a lip to a giant crater just a few feet infront of her, the dust storming all around it as she looked around, trying to make out anything inside of it, but to no avail.
She huffed, feeling worse and worse as the seconds past as she turned and started trotting around the edge.
"Anon!" she cries as she suddenly stumbles over something.
"Owie!" she cried as she looked back to see Trixie, slowly the light blue mare stirred as she opened her eyes and got up.
"What...what is all this?" she asked in surprised.
"Take a guess....we did this." Twilight said as Trixie spun around instantly.
"This is clearly your fault." Trixie began.
"Mine? You were the one who wished to challenge me."
"Oh details, details, you clearly overstepped your boundaries, Trixie never considered such...actions would be taken.'"
"ANd you didn't?"
Trixie huffed.
"IF You consider yourself the most powerful unicorn in Equestria, only you can be blamed for such an act!'
"Say the mare who wanted to magic duel without guidelines."
"Oh hush... Trixie had set a judge."
Twilight was flustered "YOU Mean the on we vaporized?"

Trixie blinked for a moment, slowly the deeper realization had begun to settle in hr haad that sh was just as much tgo blame for...destroying ANon.
"Oh...." Was all she could say.
"I never should have taken your challenge. Now ponyville is a mess and ANon...well..
SHe looked at the crater as dust still billowed around it before she and Trixie slowly creep up to the lip but are unable to hear or see anything.
Trixie blinked, looking at Twilight with a little cough
"Well, guess..that concludes the duel...uhm shall we call it a tie?" Trixie stuttered, slowly backing away.
Twilight grumbled as she grabbed the mares tail and tugged
"You know I won't stand for this, clearly you crossed the line this time Trixie."
Trixie was about to reject the notion when a sudden, powerful beating of wings disrupted their argument, and the grand Celestial Princess's, Celestia and Luna, slowly touched down behind Twilight, looking in bewilderment at the dust storm all around them.
"Twilight Sparkle....What is all this?"

What Celestia thought was a magical enchantment was actually a devastating crater in in the center of the town.
A swirling vortex of one.
In fact, so potent was the blast that the very dust it had created fabricated into a vortex filling the entire crater with crackling energy.
Luna was just as perplexed as she looked over to the crater, seeing the storm the thickest deep within it.
"P-Princess Celestia." Twilight said bowing slowly, seeing Trixie just stare in utter shock before Twilight forces her down too.
Celestia looks them over, huffing.
"Twilight Sparkle, what have you gotten yourself up to now? I do hope you haven't been delving into the dark arts again..." Celestia asks, eying the two mares bowing before her; one rather cuter then the other. 
Suffice to say, diplomats will have a field day as she looks over to the spinning storm before a soft *ahem* paused her mind
"Uh...y-your majesty, Trixie thy humble ask of ye to sp-spare a moment to listen to her tale." the blue mare said, slowly raising herself. 
"Twilight and I had engaged in a duel to see who was the best unicorn in Ponyville, and low and behold-
"She brought Anon back!" Twilight barked out, standing beside Trixie "I...wanted to know how...so she challenged me to a duel, and if I won, she'd tell me."
Celestia focused instantly onto the blue pony before her.
"Trixie....Lullimoon is it?"
"Y-yes....t-that is my name." She said slowly, somewhat surprise.
"Hrmmm, I had heard of your...antics before with one of Twilight's letters, I'm...surprised you came back to Ponyville after what had occurred.
"I..."

"She had changed some..." Twilight interjected "her show was...much better this time around. She wasn't boasting or showing off, rather...she wanted to show us her own skills against talents we had. Rainbow dash's flight against her magicking a small plane, or her strength of magic against Applejacks physical strength. Both times she showed much more...calmness in her defeats and was more than wiling to press on with her display...that was until we had the duel."
Trixie looked at Twilight before she turned back to Celestia.
"It...it is true...Trixie the humble had wished to...bring a better impression of herself to the Ponyvillians...and..." she looked about "Trixie thought she had done a much better job until..." she waved a hoof about, showing the mess they made.
Celestia sighed, smiling a bit as she trotted over.
"Twilight said you brought Anon back...is that true? How did you achieve such a thing?"
Trixie and Twilight gulped, and turned to the crater.
"He..." Trixie began, but sighed "I did not bring him back."
"What?" Twilight said in surprise "You mean you didn't bring him here?"
"No...Trixie...didn't bring Anon here..." she looked at Twilight "it was a lie...Trixie made it up..."
"You mean you lie about bringing Anon from another dimension? But...but he was-"
"Smoke...and some magical flashing, Anon...had already been here. Trixie had met him three days ago on her trip to Ponyville. He...he was a wonderful human and Trixie had heard of his exploits from the article talking about him...she...she had to get to know." She paused, easing to her tummy "despite Trixies...rudeness at first, he was willing to bear her, and....helped push Trixie to new heights with her abilities and attitude..." she smiled up at Twilight then Celestia "He was as kind as the article had said...and now..." she sighed, a few tears in her eyes "he may not be here anymore."
Celestia looks quizzically at Trixie.
"What does she mean Twilight?" she asked as Twilight looked away, and then back at the princess.
"He had wanted us to stop, so he jumped into our beam attacks to...make us stop."
Celestia's eyes went dinner plates.
"He..
Did...
WHAT!?" she demanded, almost in a booming voice as the two cower as her wings flared, her mane almost exploding with her benevolence as it ebbed and flowed quickly as a flame.
"Twilight...Trixie...what are you saying, have you both....vaporized Anon?"
Trixie starts bawling "Oh grand Celestia, we had no...no intention of harming him! He...He did not wish for anypony to get hurt and-" She was cut off as Celestia magicked the mares mouth shut, huffing as she approached the pair. 
"You two certainly have much to explain for this, even more to say that you have done what you did...Twilight, I am very displeased with you, taking a duel with the level of power you possess, I am surprised you hadn't destroyed all of ponyville during your...escapade..." she looked over to Trixie "and you, Trixie Lullimoon...I am equally displeased, despite your skills matching that of Twilights, I cannot condone your actions for both challenging the pupil of my teaching and lying about a magical act that has yet to ever been accomplished by our scholars." she muttered, turning over to the crater.
"If it is true Anon has been...slain...then there is little choice then to mark you both with the utmost pressure of the royal court-"

Celestia paused, her horn twitched again, the same pain rippled through her mind as she turned from the two to gaze upon the crater. She started to approach it, leaving both twilight and Trixie rather...confused.
"Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked meekly as she watched the princess approach the lip and slowly eye deep into the clouded abyss. The alicorns horn began to glow and as she flared her wings and a sudden beam struck right into the heart of the dust storm, cascading throughout the storm as it slowled and eventually dissipated.
There
In the very center of the storm
Was a single pillar of land.
Its grass and dirt untouched below as atop it was planted a brilliant blue shield, octagonal sections forged into a half sphere as the Princess eyes it with interest.
"Anon?" she asked, as the shield slowly began to fizzle out, leaving a rather...silly looking human holding both arms out stretched.

You are Anon
and you're really not sure about this whole thing.
You had jumped into the fray of battle between Twilight and Trixie, and honestly, you hadn't expected it to get...this...bad.
Hell, you were just hoping for some good unicorn on unicorn brawling.
Not magic blasting.
Especially not village wrecking magic.
But, you couldn't have expected that now could you?
As the shield around you slowly fizzled out, all you could do was slowly open your eyes.
You had remained motionless like that for almost half an hour when you jumped in between the blasts hoping that you'd stop this madness.
You had.
But now to your surprise, the whole area around you was nothing more than a crater as you eye the area around you, atop the small patch of grass covered dirt.
The ONLY patch of it.

"Anon?"
That voice.
The sweet, motherly, all too familiar voice
All of a sudden brought you right back to reality as you turn and look to see Celestia.
Standing before Twilight and Trixie.
The two obviously more in over their heads of trouble for what happened as you sigh.
'Celestia...its good to see you a-'
You can't finish as she swept right at you, landing perfectly in the little space available, grabbing you by the stiff of your collar and tugging you up and back to solid ground as she placed you on your butt before the two dumbfounded mares.
"Anon...so...it is true you have returned, I am...glad that you are unhurt."
'Huh?'
You look over at Celestia as she ushers her head towards Trixie, the mare had water filled eyes as she and Twilight quickly lept upon you.
"Anon!" Twilight said 
"HrmmmH!" Trixie added, still having her mouth bound as they hugged you.
"Oh...I...I'm so sorry, we...we got out of hand"
"Hrmm Hmm, Hrm HMMM!" 
"and...and we didn't think we;d gon over board."
"Hrmm!"
"And...and"
You put a hand to Twilights lips.
'S'okay...no one got seriously hurt.' You said before easing the two off you and standing up and looking them over 'you two really pack something else in those horns...oooh whee...'
"How did you survive that then?" Twilight asked.
You flick your wrist, showing her your gauntlet.
'Upgrades, gotta love em.' You point to an image of a shield just below and to the left of your sword image. 'I guess when it saw I was putting my life on the line like that, it felt it had to keep me protected.'
Celestia blinked, slowly approaching from behind, eying the device.
"Ah, so your magical mirror has a new attachment?" she asked, quite intrigued as she eyed you.
"Well...yeah...I kinda got it during my escapade with Twilight and Cermina in the Everfree... long story, but it helped quiet a bit considering it gave me both a means to defend my friends and fight my enemies."

Celestia smirked "So, even a human that does not possess magic can still control it?"
'Not the same kind' you correct 'this is still kind of technological, same concept but still...different.'
The Princess chuckled "It is still magic when your will is what controls it." She eased away, looking back at the other two "which brings you to back to my attention." She fluttered her wings a bit as she stands before Twilight and Trixie.
"Twilight Sparkle, you are my most faithful student, and I know there is still much for you to learn, but your actions here...especially with the desire to learn something somepony else may know... cannot be simply swayed past." she huffed, hearing the trotting of Twilight's friends from behind and catching them in her peripheral. "I applaud your interest to learn new things, but I thought your actions from the last time you tried crossing into darker magics was a lesson enough, it seems your curiosity still can get the better of you." she smiled a bit as she turned to Trixie "Trixie Lulimoon, despite your prior actions, Twilight has spoken rather...well of you...and I am willing to let those pass. This...however, cannot be so easy to sway and consequence must be committed for you and Twilight."
'Hey...'
Celestia turned to you "Anon?"
'Don't blame either one of them, you want to blame someone, blame me. I got this whole thing sorted out...didn't I Trixie?"
The blue mare eeped behind the closed maw, looking at Anon with surprise and then Celesita before nodding slowly.
"You did this Anon?"
'When Trixie and I met, she was telling me how she wanted to get Twilight into a duel with her to see who was the best Unicorn in Ponyville...well...we made a smoke-and-mirrors show of trixie bringing me here...all false, how I got here I don't know, but I had arrived here three days ago, and...well... I met Trixie when her caravan just so happened to be drivivng by my arrival point and I hitched with them.'
You stand in front of Twilight and Trixie.
'If you want to grind an axe for them, then use me, I should take what ever punishment they should be given.'
Celestia blinked, surprise as always for your...unusual antics, but a smile crept across her face as she stifled a giggle.
"Well...I am...quite relived you were not hurt Anon, but I cannot just let all blame settle on you, besides, you did try to stop it."
'Eh...somewhat.'
Celestia smirks "This is...however, my duty...and I know just the thing to help these two ponies come out from this little...rivalry they had."
"Celestia...what do you mean?" Twilight asks.
"From this point on...I...Princess Celestia, Decree that Twilight Sparkle, and Trixie Lullimoon, be considered Sisters...temporarily...until both of you can learn to get along."
"WHAT!?"
"HRMM!?" 

The expressions on both mare's faces were priceless, even you had to smirk and hide your laughter as the tw stared dumbfounded at their Princess.
"P-Princess...not that I would doubt your decision, but...are you CRAZY!?"
Celestia stiffled another giggle "why do you say that twilight?"
"Trixie as my SISTER? How is that going to work?"
"Simple really." She smiled, that...coy smile.
You caught it.
She was up to something....
oooh you liked where this going.
"Both of you need to learn to be friends, despite what has happened in the past. You two should try to get to know one another better, and what way then putting you both as family...temporarily of course."
"But...but that's...how is that even possible?"
Celestia smiled "Twilight, I know you wish to continue studying the meaning of friendship, and I know full well you wish to do this with your friends, but sometimes, a little sacrifice must be made to learn all you can about what friendship really is about. Think of it as a task I set for you, you and Trixie learn to be good friends and who knows what good it could bring..."
'But wouldn't they just as easily be able to spend that time separated?' You ask
She returns that coy smirk.
"That is where it gets...interesting." she lights her horn as it creates a very thin band. This band suddenly leaps from her horn and enchants both Twilight and Trixie before vanishing in a puff of glitter.
"That...was a bonding spell. As it stands, seeing as you two are now sisters, you must be within a certain proximity of one another..."
"And....if we move apart too far?" Twilight asks 
"You are simply pulled back..."
Trixie, who was still unable to talk, was getting rather annoyed.
"Hrmm hrmmm! hrm HRM hrm hrmmm hrm hrm hrmmM!"
"Oh dear...I better remove that." Celestia says with a sheepish smile and zaps Trixies maw.
"Ah...." she said, suddenly being able to move her mouth as she sighs and inhales.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie need not wish for her to be sistered to Twilight!" she said, casting her a glare "How ever shall we decide who is best?"
"Perhaps its better you find how to be the best together...rather than as individuals." Celestia replied "Both of you are very capable, even without the dimension grabbing of Anon, Trixie is quite strong for a 'show pony' mare...Twilight, it would be wise that you two learn to work together rather than keep trying to be at odds."
Trixie huffs, looking at Celestia before turning to you.
Shrugs
'I'd go with it...' you mutter as the blue mare sighs.
"Very Well...Trixie...shall do her best with this."
Twilight was rather perplexed, but with the odds against her she let out a deep sigh.
"Fine...I guess we can try something out....better than trying to blast one another right?"
They share a glance for a moment before looking away.
Celestia chuckles "Give it time, I know you both can do this." she eased back, slowly turning her gaze to you.

"Anon..." she said trotting over....
'Celestia?'
"Anon..."
'Celestia-' *whump*
She embrace you...or at least as best a pony could as her neck pressed tightly against your chest and her wings wrapped around you.
Warm and soft like always...though...you can't help but feel something...
Cold...
something deeply cold inside her as she slowly pulls away.
"It has been many suns and moons since your last steps upon our land Anon...I am...glad to see you have returned to us once more."
'Your very welcome your majesty, I thank you kindly for such grace.'
You bow, show some respect.
She blushed a bit 
"Much has happened since you left Anon, and indeed, many things have changed since then...but...as Princess of Equestria, there is one thing I must request of you."
You perk your brow a bit 'Request?'
"Yes...Anon...human of Earth and Knight of Equestria...it has been one year since your departure, and as Princess of this realm...I ask...no...I demand that you allow me to...inspect...your capabilities once more."
> Chapter 04 - Hardships and Friendships
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	You are Anon
And right now, you're rather...stumped with the request the Celestial Princess had just asked you.

Not too long ago you had just finished dealing with Twilight and Trixie from their duel and over hearing how angry Celestia got for them nearly vaporizing you was touching.
If not slightly creepy.
Had you not shown up when you did, well, things might have gone a bit awry, and you'd hate to see Twilight or Trixie face the wrath of Celestia when both are responsible for your destruction.
Of course, that didn't happen, and all was good...but her request...
Did....she just ask what you think she just asked?
'Excuse me?' Was all that could come from your mouth as your brain tries to figure why she'd ask to 'inspect' you.
Celestia only smiles, that heart warming, controlled smile. 
Whenever she had that on you couldn't tell anything about her, she seemed so happy, so perfect when she looked like that, it was hard enough to read her expression, let alone even her intentions as she suddenly teleports a news clipping...the same one Trixie showed you, before your eyes.
"Anon, you do recall you were Knighted during the ceremony after the...defeat...of the crystal dragon do you not?"
You thought hard for a moment, memory a bit fuzzy... It had been a year since you were back here, both in this world and your own... a lot was on your mind since then.
'I remember a ceremony Celestia, but...I didn't know I was knighted.'
Celestia smirked a bit, sighing with a content sigh as she eased a wing around you "The medal you were given, it was to display the Knighthood of the Equestrian Royal Guard, had you forgotten it was Luna's idea?"
She ushers her head to her sister who looked equally surprised, but remembering back when you were in the hospital and she had...uttered....those words.
*Facepalm*
Sly devil she was...

Celestia giggled a bit more, clearly excited for what was to come as you exhale, putting both hands out in front of you.
'Look Celestia, i understand you want to test my skills since the last time I was here, and you know what, I won't disagree; knowing you of course i won't have much choice.' you raise a finger though 'I must ask one thing.'
Celestia perked her ears "What is it Anon?"
'At least give me the day to rest and reacquaint myself with everypony, I'm sure they all want to see me again and I'd be quite...happy...to see them." you look back at the crater 'as  well as...you know...clean up this mess.'
Celestia smiles, outstretching both wings "Leave that to me Anon." she said as she flew upwards with a wind-snap and took her altitude quite high above Ponyville. Gazing down, you could see her horn start to brilliance as a sudden radiance cascaded from her, enveloping her in a brilliant white light as everything suddenly flashed in an instant...and as you opened your eyes from the flare...you could see that everything was back to normal.
Celestia flew around once to inspect her work before she gently fluttered back down a few feet before you, hovering just a bit above ground level

"Ah...it has been so long since I had done such a spell, it certainly invigorates the blood!" she said as she let out another huff of satisfaction, turning to you with a grin.
"Your request will be granted Anon, but I expect you to be back here by Dawn tomorrow...understand?'
'Yes your majesty!' you call as you could see a faint blush on Celestia's cheeks.
"Very well, take care Anon and please, no more jumping into magical beams of energy, I would much dislike having to reanimate your corpse." she said with a content sigh as she flew off, leaving everypony both in awe and amazement.
"Bye bye Princess!" Pinkie shouts as you sigh and slump to the ground, everypony quickly trotting around you as you exhale.

"Well all be, ah had no idea you'd been Knight Anon!" AJ said "that there be quite an honour ta take sugh!"
"It certainly is!" Rarity added "such an amazing thing to have, to be a friend to an Equestrian Knight, oh I could faint from the majesty of such a glorious title!"
"We have to make your welcome back party super duper Anon!" Pinkie added as she cartwheeled about "its going to be exciting!"
'Yeah....Exciting...' you mutter as RD looks at you.
"Hey, whats eating your end?" She asked "You just got Knighted, now why you acting all out of shape?"
The others agreed as you look at RD.
'To be honest, I don't want to come here to only be tossed into a fight again...its...just odd coming from Celestia.'
"I couldn't agree more." as you turn to the sound of Princess Luna approaching, everypony turns to her as she bows her head to you.
"Anon," she began "may I have a word with you...alone?"
She looks at everypony else as they look back.
"Ah, well if the Princess wants yah Anon..' AJ began "ah betta get back to the farm, feel free ta come on bah after yah done here sugh!"
"Oh yes! Please take the time to see all of us dear, it would be certainly fitting to have a proper meet and greet to mark your return!" Rarity added.
"And Don't forget the party, It will be SUPER special tonight!"
You chuckle 'hehe, I won't...' you turn to Trixie and Twilight, both still...awestruck as AJ taps your shoulder.
"Du worry bout those two, Rainbow and I will get em settled back at Twilights, least we can do to try and help them."
'Thanks AJ, dependable as always.'
The mare 'kirtsies', crossing her fore hooves and bowing her head a tad. "yah most welcome anon."

Luna and you began to walk towards the egde of Ponyville, the Night-time Princess oddly quite for the first few moments as you walk side by side, getting away from the commotion earlier as you leave the village.
'So...' you mutter to cut the silence 'what was it you wanted t-'
You didn't have much of a chance to finish before you feel the warm, plush coat of Luna right in your embrace as the princess pressed her body right up to yours, her frame against your chest as her neck is just along your shoulder.
"oh Anon~" she said softly "how I missed you so..."
You blank, blinking a few times as you look down at the mare upon your chest.
You get ALL the Princesses...
'Uhh...I missed you too...what's with the sudden-'
"Anon, it has been...such a time since your departure from our realm, thy is overjoyed to see you and embrace the strength you held."
'Uhhh...right...I take it I missed quite a lot.'
"More than you would think  Sir Anon...and that is why I wished to speak to you alone, there is much else thy must be told of what has come to past...notably...Tia's condition." Luna said slowly as she looked away.
'Condition?' You reiterate.
"Yes...you see...Anon...she..." she paused "she had grown quiet found of you, more so than I had first thought./ How casually she had decided to move on with her duties once you left was almost surprising. Tia acted like it was nothing...but...I could tell something was...missing from her." Luna looked down "Days went by, not much had changed, we kept diligent with our tasks with our subjects and the council as Princess's should but...there were days Celestia would set herself to her study and never emerge until the following Dawn. other times she would take wing and fly off, returning hours later with grass and leaves in her mane. Grass and leaves! NO royalty should ever be seen with such ill fitting attire for their appearance!" 

You snicker a bit 'Maybe she just wanted time alone...you know...to think?'
Luna huffed "Yes...of course...she obviously sought it needed to take time away from her work to rest, which is reasonable, all Princess's must keep both physically and mentally fit...but...that wasn't what really changed her." Luna looked at you as she seemed to have a hard enough time continuing at whatever she meant to tell you.
"I...know it is not my place to say this; it's for Tia to whisper to you when she feels needed,. but Anon...you should know, it is JUST you know so that you may handle yourself as proper with her when she does decide to tell you." she paused, slowly magicking her horn as she set about an orb of energy before you.
In it, you could see Canterlot castle, and a bunch of guard ponies all over the place; decorations everywhere, certainly something big was going on as it pans over the city.

"Three months after you left there was to be a celebration, Shining Armour, elder brother of Twilight Sparkle, was to be knighted as Captain of the Royal Canterlot Guard. Everypony was to attend, especially Twilight and her friends.
However..." Luna pause "During his time in Canterlot, Shining Armour had been visiting a unicorn mare he had started to fall for. Everypony thought nothing, but....Twilight, something didn't seem right about that mare to her." 
Luna looked away again, sighing as she let her head hang, as she inhaled slowly. The orb showed a picture of Shining Armour, a handsome looking stallion with a white coat and blue mane, standing tall and proud in proper attire as a dark grey, almost silver looking mare, quite beautiful in appearance, stood by his side, her deep eyes of green almost alluring in a rather...creepy...sorta way.
"I must admit, we were foolish to disprove of her theory of something being wrong, but what evidence did she have? Speculation that this mare was...manipulating...Shining Armour...we weren't too sure at the time, but...we should have listened."
'I take it she was right?'
Luna nodded "Exactly so, only, we wish she wasn't at times... When the ceremony began for Shining Armour, he was instantly taken under the spell of this Unicorn...who....had shown herself to be none other than Queen Chrysalis, Ruler of the Changeling Hordes."
'Changeling?'

Luna's expression turned stern, her thoughts on the event obviously making her concered as she looked at you. "Changlings are almost as old as Equestria itself, though, records of their existence are slim, they have survived countless changes in their realm of the Scorched Lands. Some had said they were once a race of graceful, peaceful creatures, only to be turned into vile beasts as they are by dark magic. We are unsure how...when....or even why, but they are a serious threat to all creatures of this land. They possess the unique ability to shift their form into any pony, be it earth, pegasus, and unicorn, within a moments notice. When Chrysalis emerged, we knew we had to do something."
The orb now showed the mare changing from at one point a pretty little thing to a large, black, insect like creature with holes in her hooves, insect-like wings, a sharp tooth grin and a crooked horn.
'Sounds pretty dicey...I take it with both you and your sister there, you were able to quell it?'
Luna looks at you, her expression was more hurtful than you could take, and a spike seemed to stab right through your gut as she turned away.
"Changelings...feed of love, they consume it like a virus and grow stronger with it. Shining Armour had loved the mare guise Chrysalis had played with him, and with the love of a powerful Unicorn...she..." she paused again, closing her eyes as a few tears started to form.
"I...I cannot say it."
You walk over, gently placing a hand around her neck and pulling her in.
'Tell me, I take it that you had a very bad time with it.'
Luna nodded slowly, eying you with a look of renewed hope as she pushed into your gut.
"Tia had set to challenge Chrysalis, to defend her subjects from the witches reign, but...with the power of love behind the evil queen, she....cast down my Sister with magic mightier than any we've seen before."
The spike stuck deeper.
Pain.
God...that was...depressing beyond belief.
'Celestia...beaten?' you mutter, you certainly can't hold any victories of the Princess yourself, she was tough, much tougher than you, yet this...Chrysalis, this changeling, had so easily bested her with the power of love?
It was almost laughable, but you weren't laughing.

The orb continued to showed what she meant, at first it was Celestia and the changeling queen jousting it out horn to horn, and at a point you could see Celestia was physically stronger than the insect witch, but, as soon as they began throwing magical attacks, you could tell Celestia was slowly losing her footing. 
As Celestia took wing, she charged a mighty beam, sending it right at the evil queen, in response, Crysalis returned fire with her own, and for a moment, it looked like Celestia would win.
That was...
Until the beam from the queen began to push right back, eventually engulfing Celestia's magical attack and sending a powerful wave of energy right into the Princess's horn.
Her body flung from the air, slamming into the wall and tumbling to a heap in the floor, her crown...tossed aside as it clinked along the ground and came to a halt some distance from the shattered form of the Celestial Princess.

"It was a terrible moment...as soon as Celestia fell, thousands of Changelings stormed Canterlot. Many of our guards were overwhelmed and even as we remained within the walls of the castle, we could hear them scurrying, digging, trying to get inside... it was madness..." she sighed again "had Twilight and her friends not banded together and freed Shining Armour from Chrysalis control, we may have lost all of Canterlot on that day...

The orbs final scene was Twilight, her friends, and even her brother, all together as a mighty force of energy began to ripple through them, cascading all over as the power of friendship and love combined to strike down the witch, and send her, and all her changelings back to the desolate lands whence they came.
The orb then dissipated, its job done.
You sigh, seeing things had worked out in the end, but can still hear Luna sniffling a bit.
"It was...saddening, as soon as the insanity had subsided, Celestia was sent to the infirmary wing of the castle, to the same doctor who treated you...of course."
'Ah, Professor Sketch?'
"Yes, so you remember him?"
'Yeah, why wouldn't I, sure he was the only doc who wanted to study a human so in depth.'
Luna smiled a bit, her expression still hurt by the story she told "Indeed, his work was quite welcoming and he had Tia patched up in a few days...but...then you know how the rest goes."
You sigh a bit, nodding as you gaze up at the early afternoon sun.
'Yeah...guess I do...but for now, I think its best we deal with whats needed. When Celestia comes back tomorrow, I'll be ready, and whatever she decides to do or say, I'll be wary of it.'
Luna smiled brighten, seeing your confidence as a welcoming sigh "I wish you well then Anon, and...thank you."
'For what?' you ask.
"For coming back." she said before she nuzzled into you one more time, and then eased away as she took wing to return to the castle.

You were left alone again, sighing contently as you rubbed the back of your head, clearly you've been a bigger impact then you first thought to these ponies.
Made you feel good actually.
To be seen as a good influence, to be wanted.
It was a welcoming, if not somewhat creepy feeling as you slowly ease up to your feet and dust yourself off, watching the Lunar princess fly back to her home before you look around Ponyville.
The fall season certainly brought out its beauty, nothing like you've seen at home for a looong time,
The trees filled with leaves of every colour, bronze, red, brown, it was pleasant. 
You take a moment to turn about your surroundings, seeing the all too familiar Apple Family far just a tad away as you start walking towards it.

"Well howdy there Anon, good ta see yeh again!" Aj said as she hefted another basket of apples onto the cart tied to Big Macintosh, the same one Twilight had flung at Trixie, certainly he wasn't to happy having to make the same trip twice.
'Good to see you to Aj, need a hand?'
AJ smiled "Nah thank yeh Anon, but thanks fer asking, we got this all wrap up nice n'tight." she tapped BigM on the shoulder as he went on his way, leaving you and AJ as the big stallion gave you a nod, trotting his way back to town.
"So, what brings ya'll back here, thought you wus with the princess."
'Yeah...' you said 'Was, she had to go back home, filled me in on a bit of whats been happening since I left. Missed quiet the party'
Aj huffed, eying you with an almost 'you got to be kidding me' look.
"Ah can tell yeh for one thing anon, aint much of a party since yah left, sure she told you what hoohaa has been causing a ruckus round these parts."
'You mean the changeling thing?'
She nodded "gave us all a scare for 'while, but we gotta thank Twi for what she done, sending em packing without much of a fuss, impressive ta see how much love she got fer her Sibling, can say that ah share the same with mah own."
'I wouldn't be surprised if you could have called on that power with Big M or Applebloom, you're all quiet close.'
AJ blushed "Thanke yeh kindly Anon, we care fer one another, been with one another fer a long time, though we may not have em magic powers like Twilight and Shining Armour, ah am sure the love we have is just as strong as any ol spell."
You nod 'I could imagine, 'especially considering all three of you and Granny work a farm together, lotta team work for that bit I guess.'
AJ nods "darn tootin..." she trotted over to the barn, easing a bag out from inside and trotting over to you with i,
"by the way Anon, we neva did get a chance ta pay yer back for all your hard work, must say, ah am suprised how ya'll humans can work night n'day. BigM tried it once, worked a full night shift like ya'll did, but..." she chuckled a bit, tipping her hat a ltitle "he slept fer two days straight. Bit o'haperin to our harvesting time, s'peically with the seasons winding down."
'Eheh...' you rub the back of your head 'We're quiet a capable species to work both day and night, we adapt to whatever the world around us acts like.'
"Ah can see that sugha cube, mighty fine in your standing ta handle it so well." she smiled, easing the bag down before you as she opened it, exposing three bottles.
Booze bottles.

Your eyes go wide.
"When ya'll left Anon, yah missed one of dem best times round Ponyville; the Apple Cider season. We harvested a buncha barrels of the stuff, but each time it sells out double quick, we rarely have more dn enough tah get enough set aside." she pointed at the three bottles "but, fer yah hard working on dem nights, we were able ta mix a good few extra, and decided ta save some fer yah when yah decided to get your rump back here ta Equestria." she smirked "they aged pretty darn good, so ya'll be in fer a wonderful treat!"
You blinked.
Cider.
As in...apple cider.
THAT was their booze-type beverage here.
Dear lord this was going to be worlds of fun when you crack those open...but then you had a thought.
'I guess I should save these for tonight then, with the party and all.'
"Well that'll be a swell treat fer everypony anon! Very kind of yeh ta offer that up."
'Well, its three bottles, even for me I know I can't finish all that cider myself, would be quite selfish of me.'
AJ nods "same old anon, always carin fer everypone else."
You shrug 'Hey, gotta be me yah know, besides, would be a wonderful treat for Pinkies Party.'
"Ah sure it will be a hit Anon..." Aj laughed, closing the bag a bit "Ya'll takin it now or what?"
'Mind holding it and brining it tonight? I still have other ponies to see.'
AJ nodded "Sure thing anon, we'll drop it right off when we go n'see yeh."
You smirk, giving AJ a thumbs up 'Great, now then, I better get to seeing the others.' You bow to AJ
She blushed a bit, kirtsing back.
"Take care Anon, and be safe now ya'll hear?"

You tread along the outskirts of ponyville for a tad longer, eyeing the orchard of AJ's family as you make your way along the edge. You remeber being here the first time, hiding out and keeping your distance from these ponies, not wanting to get involved in their lives. Perhaps they would fear you, or not find you fitting, but had it not been for Pinkie, well, you may have never been bothered to stay, even try to make friends with them.
And what friends they were; you've never met such wonderful ponies....was a tad of a shame they were here and you were back home.
You train of thought is suddenly stop as you had bumped into tbe soft yellow frame of a pegause.
"Eeep" 
You look down to see Fluttershy blocking your path.
'Fluttershy?'
She looked up at you in surprised, clearly  distracted.
"Oh.. a-anon, i hope i didn't hurt you with my road block..."
You wave your hands 'no no its fine... just... why ARE you blocking the roAd?'
She kicked her foot down a bit, gently kicking the dust from the dirt as she looks down at a family of turtles just on the other side, a small one, a mid sized one, both pushing a larger one from behind.
"Ah...W-Well, Rainbow Dash's new pet, Tank, his relatives were around when she picked him as her pet, and...well I'm just helping them get around to my hut where they will stay, being family of a friends pet and all.."
'Well that's very sweet of you.'
"Ah..t-thank you Anon" she blushed a bit as the turtles made their way across the road as Fluttershy smiles as she takes wing, hovering just a bit above the ground "W-would...you like to help them get to their new home?"
You shrug, got nothing else to do 'Sure, can't see why not.'
Fluttershy smiled "oh yay~" she said softly, clapping her hooves together as she leads you off behind the turtles.

You hadn't been to Fluttershy's cottage before, in fact, you hadn't really warmed up enough to know more about her true capabilities as a friend...and perhaps a secret martial artist.
When she rescued you and Cermina from the spider lair that one time...
You never seen her move THAT fast or hit THAT hard. 
You wouldn't really want to get into a scrap with her if she's got some wicked moves like that.
It was...odd, how strong and tough she was to defend her friends....considering Fluttershy would literately bend over backwards for anypony to make them happy.

The turtles for example, most often no one would bother.
Not Fluttershy, she cares A LOT for animals.
As she fluttered around the trio of turtles, she'd move branches and rocks aside, even lay herself down as a bridge over easily walkable gasp to let them trod right over her.
It was to some extent cute, and ultimately, the very base of her element; kindness.
You just made sure they didn't separate or tumble over, your hands easier to flipping them right side up than Fluttershy hooves and risk hurting them. It was pleasant to be honest, something about her made you feel quite relaxed as she began to hum a tune.
A soft tune, filling the air with her beautiful voice before a few birds began to chirp along, eventually leading to a whole symphony of her animals friends singing along as you just walk behind her, admiring the sudden coiography of all the animals signing their respective sounds in perfect harmony with Fluttershy as you suddenly arrive in front of her cottage and the tune slowly dies down.
"Here we are" she said with a smile as she opened the door for them. "Go on and make yourselves at home."
You chuckle 'well, seems we got them here safe and sound.'
Fluttershy nodded "Thank you for helping Anon, it was very nice of you."
'Don't mention it, besides, I got time to kill.'
Fluttershy's expression becomes worried.
"Oh, you wouldn't want to hurt time now would you, I'm sure it wouldn't like to have to be..."| she gulped "killed..."
You facepalm 'Ah....no Shy, its just a figure of speech.'
Fluttershy blushed deep red "oh..sorry...Twilight...told me about those....you say them a lot."
'Yeah, don't take it too seriously, besides, I don't want to hurt anypony anyway.'
Fluttershy smiled again, returning to her happy deminour, giving off a soft chuckle.
"Well thats good to know...uhm..." she paused for a bit "would you like to join me for tea Anon...I mean, if its not too much trouble or, or if you don't have any matters to attend now?"
You smile as you put out a hand 'Lemme check' you fish out your phone and check the time. 
Considering it still used 'your' time zone from home, you could see that it was only around noon.
'Make it tea and brunch, and you got a deal.'
Fluttershy smiled "sure...that would be nice."

You feel slightly bad taking advantage of the situation like that, you were hungry, and eating hayseed sandwiches and eggs for the past three days doesn't do you well, considering you wanted to eat something more towards your tastes - protein.
Of course, that would result in needing meat, something you knew perfectly well most of these ponies would detest.
You couldn't ask Fluttershy to go out and fetch some meat, none of the animals around her place would even require it as part of their diet, but you need something, and for pete sakes you would be happy with any-
You pause as fluttershy eased a plate of fish infront of you.
Not fish like a meal.
But...fish
A whole fish
Tuna from the looks of it.
"ah,,,s-sorry..." Fluttershy said as you stared blankly at it "You...you need to eat something with high protein right?" 
You blink 'Yeah...how'd you know?'
Fluttershy meeped, feeling like she stepped on a touchy subject "Pinky Pie told me...I...I wanted to know more about how..to take care of you...if you ever had the spider-bite problem like last time."
You nod....course you did talk to Pinkie about what you needed to eat, getting a chuckle as you remember the peanut butter and jam escapade you had with her.
'Ah...and what she say?'
"She said you needed something...like...m-meat..." she felt uneasy saying it "b-but, I don't have any...I only have fish for my bear friends..."
'Bears?'
She nods.
'Ah...welll....' you look at the Tuna 'That is high in protein, but, if you're going to serve it to a human, you got a cook it first.'
"oh...OH!" she blinked "Ah...I...I didn't know...I...I'm sorry I hope I did-" you put a hand on her muzzle
's'alright Shy, ever prepare a fish before?'
She shook her head "Only pasta and...salad...and...nuts and raisins snacks..."
You nod 'Not bad...but Fish, well, let me show you.'
She blushed, looking at you as you ease up and start walking to the kitchen, only....to see a white rabbit staring at you.
He didn't look too happy.
You blink, looking down at this....tiny...little white rabbit.
'Uh....hi?'
The rabbit glares at you as Fluttershy swoops over and picks up the little bunny in her hooves, showing him to you.
"Aha...Angel, say hello to Anon, he's a new friend of ours and a very nice human. Anon, this is Angel, he's my little assistant and close friend here."
'Ah...thats pretty nice....hey there lil-' you outstrech a hand slowly to rub his head.
He swatted it away
"Angel Bunny, you know better than to be rude to our guests, Anon here is just going to show me how to properly prepare food for him, please let him into the kitchen Angel." Fluttershy said as the bunny muttered something in rabbit tongue.
"Oh no he's not going to eat us, where do you get these silly ideas Angel?"
Another yammering as he glared at you again, fidgeting out of Fluttershy's grasp and walking up to you. He was about to kick your shoe before he was swooped up again "Now now Angel, be nice....Anon isn't going to hurt anypony here right?"
You nod 'Yeah...considering what Fluttershy here did to that nasty old spider who captured me the last time.
Fluttershy nods as Angel stares at her "Yes, he's the one we looked at after the spider trouble, remember? We had to bring him here when he was out cold...poor Anon."
The rabbit looked at you, studying you up and down before huffing, sighing as he looked at Fluttershy and nodded.
"Oh thank you Angel" she said with a smile and hugged the little guy tight, a little too tight as he looked at you and gave you a "I'm watching you" sorta look as you eased past the pair and into the kitchen.

Fluttershy's kitchen was indeed simple in its own regard; it reminded you almost of a doll-house's set of a kitchen: wooden furnishings with matching table and chairs, a sin, fridge, stove and the like. It certainly was swanky, but you had a task at hand to do. 
Quickly you mosey over to the counter, checking the silverware for any sharp knife.
Of coruse, it wasn't easy, you did find many, but....the rabbit...Angel...kept staring at you. Ypu could feel his eyeballs digging into the back of your neck as you sigh, pulling a knife out as the glare dug deeper.
You roll your eyes, checking the knife a bit.
Dull..
You draw another.
It's also dull...
You draw a third.
HAT TRICK!
it too was dull....
You sigh, putting it back as you look at the pair.
'Well, here's yah problem, you got no sharp knives...but...that's beside the point...' sharp knives and ponies...yeah, not a good idea.
You pull out your phone, eying it over as you slap it into your wrist guard, letting it sync with the device as its screen glows blue then turns black, showing an icon of a sword and below it, a shield. You nod, remembering how that shield saved your butt in the magic duel, and certainly something useful to have for later, but now, you needed your old faithful. 
You press the sword icon as it vanishes, and a warm sensation begins to radiate from your hand.
You raise it, seeing the grid-like image of your blade's handle appear and 'assemble' itself in your hand before you grab it, feeling the long-forgotten weight before you clutch it, and draw a vibrant blue blade. 
Fluttershy meeps and holds Angel tightly, both keeping him close and preventing him from trying anything at you as you level the sword, and slowly shrink its blade to a good size knife.
'Alright...seeing as we're down a knife, I'll use this...now then....first!' you begin, by taking the fish from the counter 'is to wash and clean'
You turn on the sink, letting the water run as you dump the fish in and begin to scrub it sides, dragging the scales off as you do.
"Anon...the scales-"
'Are meant to come off.' you finish her sentence as she nods and hovers closer, watching you clean the fish before you pull it out and lay it on the counter again.
'You don't happen to have a cutting board.'
Fluttershy nods, zipping off and returning with a wooden plank in her mouth.
'Thank you' you say as you take it gently from her maw
"You're welcome" she replied, blushing as Angel sighs, rolling his eyes.
You put the fish on the plank and slowly pick up your blade, keeping it away from Fluttershy as you start to very carefully sear off the scales along its sides. The blade cut smoothly, perhaps knowing not to cut into the fish, and only removing the scales as you clear one side, then the other in quick succession before looking at your knife.
'Cool...' was all you could mutter as you look at Fluttershy
"uhh, if you have a weak heart...I suggest you turn away.'
Fluttershy blinks "Why?"
'Because...' you point to the head 'thats got to go.'
"oh....okay..." fluttershy turned quickly, not one to see such things as you exhale, ease the blade up and with one hefty *WHUMP*
Its head came off.

You pushed it to the side as you took your knife and began to cut open the stomach, removing the inards and then dumping them all in a pile.
"ah....may I look now?"
You blink, turning to see fluttershy still floating, looking away from you.
'Oh...uh yeah, its cool.'
She turns, seeing the head and organs at one side....
you can see her go green slightly, but she gulps, holding it in as Angel shakes his head, squirming his way out of her grip and sitting atop her head now.
The rest of the work involved a lot of cutting, donning, and eventually removing the tail of the fish, leaving only two, large, slabs of fish meat and a pile of 'gubbins' as you call it, beside it.
Fluttershy certainly wasn't use to the prospect of 'gutting' the fish and cleaning it like you did, but seeing she held her own well was enough to think of her as one heck of a trooper....
Despite the...you know...shyness and all.
You sigh, wicking off the last few bones into the pile as you smirk.
"Is...that what you cook?" She asked, looking over the meat
'Yeah, that's it, all that work for two slabs of meat, not much really, but, its better than eating bones and guts and ewwie gooey stuff.'
Fluttershy blinked "ewwy gooey?" she asked, tilting her head a bit
'Yicky Nasty, the gross insides we don't really like.'
She giggled  "You do have a lot of funny words Anon, are all humans like this?"
You sigh, smirking 'some, but...not all sadly....lets not dwell on that.'
"oh..." she folded her ears "I'm...sorry if I..."
'no no, its okay Shy, its ok...'
She smiled, easing a tad closer to you as you can see Angel looking at you atop her head.
'Relax...' you mouth to him 'I aint here for funny business...'
"Now...what do we do?" Fluttershy asked as you look down to her.
'Now...we cook it....why don't you go start on a salad, and while you're at it, pass me some olive oil, lemon juice, and maybe a bit of black pepper.'
Fluttershy nodded as she zipped off, returning quickly with each of the things you asked.
She was good...you take each one, thanking her for it as she went off with a smile to begin the salad.
You didn't notice Angel Bunny beside you until he pulled out a pan.
You looked at him wide eyed as he reels it back.
'You gotta be-' you say as you brace, only to her a clink as you look to see what Angel Bunny did,
He placed it on the stove...
He gave you a look again, and then scampered off to help Fluttershy.

You exhale deep as you look at the pan.
Number 1: how did he get it
Number 2: Glad he put it down and not smack your face in.
What was this, Saturday Morning cartoons? 
Wait...don't answer that....
You huff, looking at the olive oil Fluttershy gave you....it was rather drab with the name "olive oil" on the side with pair of siloutted ponies bordering an olive.
Of coruse, you'd be suprised if there wasn't already a pone with the olive as a cutie marker...what would her talent be, martinis perhaps?
You chuckle at the thought as you dab some oil into the pan, then some on the fish, adding the lemon juice and then sprinkling black pepper on it. 
To be honest you never did this before, you've seen your mother cook it as well as your grandfather, but this...hell...you're shooting from the hip for a cooking attempt at Tuna.
But you NEEDED this, you need to eat...to Live!
You hero grab the tuna and with a defiant HA! Slam them both into the pan and begin to cook them
Fluttershy meeped in the background, taken by surpise with your call as you start cooking.
'C'mon mr fishey, lets see what you can do!' you shout as you start laughing like an idiot, tossing the fish around in the pan, flipping it when you thought best.
Boom
What a flip
And the side you had been cooking looks seared just right. 
The smell was godly, it wasn't too spicy or sweet, a right rich aroma which began to cascade around the room.
"Mmmmm, that smells good~" Fluttershy says as she turns to see you, you give a grin.
'Darn right it is, humans are quite skilled in the kitchen.' you say with a smirk as you flip the second filette, it was turning out quite nicely as you look over back to Fluttershy to...

OMFG

She's on your shoulder, well, fore-hooves on your shoulder as she's looking over, mesmerized perhaps by the sizzling of the fish in oil, or maybe the smell of it.
Could Ponies eat fish? It wasn't...odd
History had said that horses would eat anything to survive, and you could guess that some sailors, transporting horses, probably fed them fish when they were low on feed.
It was...odd...but the fact she was so interested made it hurt that you may be eating both of these yourself.
As you finish cooking, you slip the fish upon a plate and dribble a bit more oil and pepper atop it, kissing your fingers as you go "manifique!" like a french chef.
Fluttershy giggled slightly "yay" she said in the cutest, most heartwarming softest voice ever.
Your heart melted a bit as you resisted the urge to hug her.

You sit down at the table as you have the plate of fish before you and Fluttershy with her salad, as well as a pot of tea with two cups.
You insisted she have all the salad unless she couldn't finish it, then you;d be glad to eat it.
But the fish
She kept looking at it.
You could guess she didn't often see someone, perhaps even somepony cook such a meal such as this, especially with a group of animals that eat mostly greens, hay and sweets, especially with the one who CARED for other animals.
It probably was just as confusing to her as if you were watching an alien cook a lizard to a desirable meal, you still wouldn't eat it because its a lizard.
Horses, or ponies, would probably be in the same boat seeing a fish dish made before them, it would be awe inspiring, but hella-wrong to eat.
You slowly begin to poke at the fish with your fork slowly cutting away a piece and eating it.
You pause
"Anon?" Fluttershy asked
You look at her, chewing...chewing, then swallow.
'Mmmhmmmm thats good!'
Fluttershy smiled as she clapped jher hooves "Oh, thats wonderful to hear Anon, I...hope its to your liking?"
'Why wouldn't it be?' you asked 'I cooked it.'
"Ah, yes, you did, but uhm, i mean, how....does it taste?"
'Taste? Like...fish....oh'
Her head dropped a bit "Uhm, well, I never tried fish... before..."
Yeah...just as you thought.
'Well... its...kinda a tough taste to it.'
"tough?"
'Well its Tuna, tuna is a very thick slab of fish, and they are often quite good when you cook it right...' you poke it gently 'Its also the most healthy of the fish types I often eat, so it's worth the time to prepare esepcially when it has such a hearty taste.'
You had to admit, even the fish here was good.
Fluttershy kept easing over, completelty uninterested in her salad as you can see her float up to your side.
"Oh, well, bears love tuna, and salmon, they always eat the whole fish when I catch it."
'Wait, you catch the fish?' 
She nods
'But never ate it?'
She shook her head
"I...don't think it would be too appetizing for me, considering, well, we always eats vegetables and nuts...I mean, I don't even think the Princess's eat something like that."
'I would guess not, you're ponies, herbavores.'
SHe nods again.
You just stare at her, looking back down at the fish and eating another bite.
She doesn't move, keeping her eyes on you, then the fish each time you cut a peice and ate it.
'Do....you want to try any?'
She instantly flys back "oh, I...I couldn't do that...you you made it yourself right, it...it would be rude of me to ask something I did not help make."
'But you gave me the fish, thats reason enough, besides...I don't mind sharing, its two steaks of it, I can't eat both...'
"I...uhm..." she clopped her forehooves together "I...don't know if I should Anon...should I? I mean, would I be a bad pony if I did?"
'I don't see why, I mean, its not like your eating a ground beef stake from like a cow...you know?'

You could see Fluttershy going a tad pale, errr...perhaps she knew a few cows too as you sigh.
'Eh, nevermind...sorry..'
"No its...okay Anon..." she said softly "I...guess humans, being...predators...need different food than what we can eat..." Fluttershy says slowly coming closer.
"It....still looks....good.."
'The offer to try it is still there, I mean, I don't think its BAD that you eat it, not like its going to kill you or anything.'
Flutteshy looked away "I..." but before she could finish, Angel had done the deciding for her, as she was rather close already, Angel jus grabbed the fork from your hand, yanked a small peice from the plate and quickly stuffed it into a suprised fluttershy's mouth.
She didn't move 
She didn't even flinch
She just hovered, cheeks puffed with the food now stuffed into her mouth as she was unsure what to do.
Angel on the other hand began looking at you, and drew out a carrot, pointing to your fish.
'Wha...you want me to prepare your carrot like that?'
He nods as you look at Fluttershy
;Would...you mind if i?' 
She just shakes her head as you look at Angel and then the kitchen.
'Oh boy...'

You don't waste any time preparing Ab's desired snack, sauteing a carrot was a cake walk, adding a few herbs and oil for seasoning here and there as you flip it about in the pan.
Fluttershy was still in the dining room, not moving, her cheeks still puffed as you finish the carrot and put it on a plat as the rabbit digs in.
With that done, you return to Fluttershy as she watches you.

'Have you eaten it yet?'
SH shakes her head
'DO you... want to eat it?'
She looks at you, then around, then chews it for a moment.
You could se her ears prk a tad as you watch her attempt to consum something beyond their diet.
Guilty as charge, hopefully she won't rea-
She swallowd.
"Gulp!''
You're dumbstruck as you watch hr.
She looks at you, thn away.
"its....not...that bad..." sh muttrd, putting a hoof to her maw.
Akward pause.
Silence for a moment as you blink awkwardly 

'Do you want me to get that out of you?'
She looks at you, slowly opening opening her mouth 
There, right there, her tongue slups out
The fish peices, placed on the tip of it.
eyeing her with her tongue still out "I auh, laurndit from Pinkie Pâe"
You smirk as you gently take the meat from her tongue, taking it to the trash bin in the kitchen and returning.
'Well, I must say that was very good thinking Shy, you're a very good pony.''
She smiled as her eyes started to sparkle and twilight "T-thank you Anon~"
Twilight.
Twilight and Trixie.

Deadpan stop.
Twilight and Trixie 
They have been alone for almost an hour.
You bolt up, almost to the unsuspecting surprise of Fluttershy.
She meeps, trotting a bit back.
"A-anon?" she asked, her voice slightly rising "is...is everything okay?"
You look at her, shaking your head 'I just realized Twilight and Trixie are alone at Twi's place last I heard...and well... last thing I want to happen is some crazy magic competition Trixie pulls Twi into...'
"Oh..." Fluttershy begins "I...wouldn't worry too much, knowing Twilight, she will do her utmost to stop Trixie from doing anything silly..."
'You sure about that?'
Fluttershy nodded "Oh...oh yes!" she smiled, pausing a bit to brush her hoof against the floor "the others may not see so kindly of her, but, she still has heart, she isn't a bad pony either...but...i'm not the type to dislike anypony for any reason unless its really really mean..."
You nod, Trixie wasn't exactly 'mean', snotty, stuck up and a braggart perhaps, but not mean.
You sigh, sitting back down slowly...
'I guess you're right...I mean, I doubt either of them would want to upset the princess and try having another magic duel'
There was a knock at the door.
You blink, you look at Shy as she looked at you.
'Expecting anypony?'
She shook her head "I'll go answer that..." she said softly as you began to clean your plate and the like off the table, putting it into the kitchen. You could see a compost bin out the window, so with a quick open, dump, and close, you remove the waste to where it could be reduced to fertilizer.

Fluttershy certainly was heck of a self-sufficient pony, living away from everything certainly had its perks, but I guess even she had to do shopping runs.
"Hello?" Came Fluttershy's soft voice as she listened to who was outside.
You could hear the door open slowly.
"Oh, hi Rarity" Fluttershy said as you perk your head, easing to the kitchen doorway.
"Fluttershy dear, have you seen Anon? I must speak with him."
You exhale, stepping out from the kitchen.
'Hey Rarity, sup?'
Rarity smiled when she saw you.
"Oh how good it is to see you anon, I hope all is well.." she eyed you then Flutteshy "I hope I didn't interrupt anything, oh how un-lady like it must be if I had!"
You chuckle as you wave a hand
'Oh no, you're fine.'
Fluttershy nods "A-anon was just showing me how to...take care of a human...so that the next time he gets hurt or sick I have a bit more know how on what to do."
'Oh that's simply marvelous!' Rarity replies, eyes alight as she looks at Shy then you "I'm so glad he's able to tell you Fluttershy, such a wonderful friend you are!"
Shy blushed "i-its nothing" she said shly as Rarity trotted over to you before bowing.
"Sir Anon" she said as she eased up "An honour to properly aquatint you, I'm sorry you had to experience such a mess before with Trixie and Twilight."
You sigh 'Thanks, but, I don't think its anything to apologize for Rarity, I didn't know Trixie and Twilight were...well...that HEATED in a rivalry, let alone Trixie actually being able to push Twi that far.'
Rarity sighed "They go back, the last time she was here, she certainly made a very uncouth name for herself..."
'So I heard.'
Rarity nodded "I do say, she certainly had not been able to sway my view of her, beyond all the generosity I can give to this world, its much harder to forgive anypony who changes one's mane from such a glamorous violet to an...unruly Green....GREEN, such a disgusting colour for a mane!" she swept a hoof through her mane, letting the curly bang aside her head bounce slightly.
'Uh...right... look, as much as I may not approve of what she did, I cannot say she's worthy brooding over the past about...she isn't a...bad pony...' you say, rubbing the back of your head 'she's just got....friendship issues, she's been alone a long time Rarity, I'm sure you can figure that anypony being alone and even worse, ridiculed for what she's done, can't have a healthy, or better yet, stable mindset to look at making new friends.'
Rarity looked at you for a moment, passing a sigh "I know you're right anon, it would be foolish of me to refuse your wise words, but....it still merits some thought if she is truly able to fit in if we do. What is stopping her from going off again as a braggart and a blow hard, I would dare not wish to put such a fate on any of my friends."
'And partly I wouldn't either.' you mutter 'but... I spent three days straight with Trixie, and from what I've seen, she's not worth being angry at anymore than if you got mad at a client for changing his order up at the last moment." you pause 
"She may not be best pony to you, but she has promise, and behind the show-off-ness she may have, she's still a decent pony to know. Give her a chance, perhaps it would improve things with her?'
Rarity sighed, looking around and away before turning back.
"You are right dear anon, I cannot disapprove your words, perhaps....you are right, maybe giving her a chance will change her personalty for the better."
'And if not.' you add 'you can totally tell me "told you so."
Rarity blinked "now why would a lady such as I wish to ridicule you if you were wrong? I am not like Trixie you know Anon."
'Ehe....sorry, guess I just felt it would be better to say than not.'
"I take your words well Anon" rarity said, smirking "but it is beneath me to make others feel foolish for a wrongdoing or a slight mistake...besides, how would that set me as a friend to an Equestrian Knight if I were to mock him for an error?"
'True....' 
She giggled "oh, and that reminds me, I took the liberty of recovering your belongings Anon."
She levitated your dark blue bag before her, its appearnce slighty...better...than before.
"I couldn't help but clean it up, all that scuff and dirt, and...dust...dust from that one's cart...ehe...couldn't just let it sit there."
'Rrr-ight..totally forgot about that.'
She shoots you a look "Did you..."
'No...get off it.'
"But did she?"
'Did she want what?'
She looks at Fluttershy, her eyes innocent as she sighs "nevermind dear...I must ask though.."
'yes?'
"What is that unsual armoa coming from it? I've ever semlt it before but it has a rather...hermmm...rich and earthy taste..."
'uhh...'
You blink

OH shit, she's smelling the goods
The herbs...your magic jack...so to speak
Organically grown and local, only the premium stuff for you bub. It was well worth the time to take it, considering it would be quite...cool...to use here.
'Ah...thats just some body deodorant, you know...case I start to smell or what not...'
"Oh dear me... I do hope I did not pry?"
'no no...' you wave a hand 's;cool, thanks a ton anyway Rares'
"Rares?" Rarity questioned as she tilted her head.
'Well....you know how rare is something very uncommon, and wears is something you put on... I think the nickname of Rares seems just suiting, don't you?'
She blushed deeply, putting a hoof to her chest as she suddenly backs up.
"A-ah why yes darling, it is certainly a s-smahsing name....I...i hope to see you at the party tonight, it will be at Twilight's Library....please...come as you are."
She smiled, trotting off with a slight swing in her step as Fluttershy just looked wide eye, then at you.
"i...I think she likes you..." she whispered
'Yeah...can imagine why...'
You snicker, patting Shy's head.
'Thanks for taking care of me Shy, I mean that, I really owe you a bin of debt.'
"oh think nothing of it Anon, it is always welcoming to help a friend and...well...you did help me with something I never experienced before...."
You rub the back of your head a bit chuckling a half hearten chuck before rolling your eyes down and then back to her.
'sooo, see you at the party tonight?'
"Oh...of course Anon, I wouldn't miss it, I'm sure my animal friends will all be wanting to come."
'How...will they fit?'
"Oh, silly, they would be the outdoor party...plus" they all lined up perfectly behind her.
"They can make excellent waiters and waitresses."
'Oh....I didn't think that.'
You smirk, rubbing your head as you take yourself out, tipping your hat to the mare in the yellow dress.

> Chapter 05 - Sisters, Brothers, and Parties
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The afternoon slowly began to wane on you as the sun crested the sky above, from the brilliant blue of the day to the slow amber to dusk, you knew the day was coming to an end and soon enough, you'd have to be ready for Pinkie's party.
She always threw the best parties, I mean, her element was Laughter, she's meant to make other happy and smile.
You walk away from Fluttershy's cottage, your tummy full and backpack on your back. You had  to make your way to Twilights with  best haste, concern still ripe in your gut as you push towards Ponyville. 

You can see Rarity not too far ahead as you call out to her, she would pause, turn back to you and smile as you jog over to her side.
"Well hello there stranger, couldn't resits the swave of a mare?" She joked, swaying her behind in the most alluring fashion as you chuckled.
'Well hello to you too m'lady, I hope you are well?"
The mare smirked, a giggle passed from hr lips as she slowed a bit to keep pace.
"Things couldn't be better deary, i cannot say much has changed with my life since you left, only the chance of creating some of the finest ensembles for pony kind, special thanks of you my dear Anon."
You raise a brow 'oh really?'
"Oh yes! You would not believe the turn about all those nobles in Canterlot had about the dress you wore. I must admit i was just as surprised as you were darling, but ever since your stunning performance during that wretched trial, many ponies simply could not stand to be devoid of such fine formal ware. I haven't had a moments rest without somepony seeking out a costume suit or dress for their wardrobe, and I've been up to my horn in deliveries and commissions...ah...it is often too much to handle."
She paused, dramatically putting a fore-hoof to her head as you roll tour eyes.
'Right, right, show a little drama and it goes a long way I guess, glad to know your business is booming, just, don;t overload yourself, I'm sure nopony wants an exhausted and bothered Rarity.'
She smiled, easily understanding the concern as she bowed her head. 
"Why thank you kindly Anon, I've been very strict on just how many I do at one time, a lady must be able to demand her time accordingly, even business should not be her entire life!" she smiled, gazing up at you as she trotted forward a bit, coming...oddly close.
"But it is you who I must thank, your defiance to Prince Blueblood had certainly put a change of heart in the council', why, Celestia herself has never had an issue with them yet, and there finally has been talk about converting part of the castle Blueblood had resided into a learning center for young fillies and colts of the authorities of Canterlot, such a wonderful thought to replace the cold sanctum of that dastardly Prince."
'Has any-pony even seen Bb? I was told he fled after he failed to apprehend me?'
Rarity sighed "i am afraid so, not even Celestia knows where the cur had trotted off to. I worry each day and night he is plotting to out his aunt for the throne, but without his authority, he is nothing more than a common criminal bent on making all our lives difficult for his own personal gain."
You rub the back of your head, exhaling a breath as you can see Rarity quite flustered by the fact of the prince running off after causing so much trouble without suffering consequence.

You had to agree it was a sour note to listen to as you slowly approach the center of town, knowing you'd be parting ways here.
'Well, i hope that you can keep doing what you're doing, Bb isn't your concern and shouldn't even be given a thought, unless of course you still have a heart for him?'
Rarity shot you a look "Never would I consider to even think well of that buffoon, the heartless scamp was more than enough for me to handle the first time, and I pray to never have to witness his ugly, staunchly appearance another, especially after all the hardship he put myself and my friends into ANon. Even putting All of Ponyville under such a trifling hoof to seek you at your weakest moment. I am shamed he had to be related to such a wonderful Princess as Celestia, but...that's how the world works I guess." she sighed, smiling at up you.
"I wish you all the best as well Anon dear, do take care of yourself and for Celestia's sake do try to be careful, between your gung-ho attitude and the sort of trouble you sniff out i would be dreadfully worry of what you would get yourself into, a lady certainly cannot strain so much for such a kind soul."

Again with the over dramatics of Rarity as you smirk, stifling a laugh.
'well, why don't we sit for some coffee sometime, a nice calm, relaxing day out hrmm?'
"Oh anon that would be lovely darling, I would be honoured for such a moment.'"
You grin 'then its a date.' you reply as as Rairity blushed.
"oh, so fresh dear ANon, heh, i shall definitely look forward to it. Tata for now dear and do mind yourself!" She said as she turned and trotted towards her boutique, leaving you staring the other way towards Twilight's Library, still standing there intact, thought whatever was happening inside you had no idea until you open the door.

--

Perhaps it wasn't the best day in your life, but it certainly was one of the worst. 
The hope of seeing Anon again was wonderful, but having brought...Trixie...with him certainly made it all the more unbearable. She had been such a nuisance the first time, and though you had thought to let it pass, her fiasco in the square only made it harder to really...trust....her.
Now however she was standing in your library, and there wasn't much in argument to get her to leave.

Celestia's words had rung true, by her decree, the two of you, Trixie and yourself, were now considered 'sisters' which for all intense purposes was completely INSANE! How Celestia wanted you to make a lesson on friendship with this...mare...in your midst certainly would be complicated, but...knowing Celestia, she always saw best for you.
"Trixie hopes you don't plan on having her sleep on the floor now do you? Where are your mannerism towards being a good host?" Trixie spat as she looked about the Library "such a place is...ill fitting for the great and powerful Trixie."
Twilight rolled her eyes "That may be so, but it's still my house Trixie, and I wouldn't go about calling it 'ill fitting' considering you're staying here now."
Trixie looked at Twilight "Well, at least try and make an attempt to make it presentable." she said, kicking a bit of dust about as Twilight gave a sigh. 
"Look, I know its nothing like your cart, but its better to make due with what you have, I'm sure its a lot better to be snug inside a bigger space like this then stuck in a cart for such a long time."

Trixie's head perked up as she turned to look at Twilight, she would rather prefer her cart over some stumpy little tree house any day as she huffed.
"Trixie finds a cart to be far superior to any such a place as this, at least Trixie's cart had a kitchen."
Twilight sighed again, closing her book and turning to the mare.
"You know, I don't like it anymore than you do Trixie, but..." she huffed "I'm willing to mare-up to it and be the bigger pony here, accepting you is all I can do, and I'd ask you do the same, we got to start being better off with one another or its only going to make things worse."
Trixie looked at Twilight for a moment, huffing as she looked away "Trixie shall consider it..." she muttered "but she had preferred the company of Anon to Sparkle any day."
'As would I...' Twilight thought as she gave a rather forced smile "well...considering he's coming to the party tonight, perhaps you'd be willing to help clean up this place before then."
Trixie gave a surprised look.
"You expect the great and powerful Trixie to clean!? Such a menial task is unfitting for this mare!"
Twilight groaned, putting a hoof to her face as she magicked her book away; this would be a very long night as she trotted over to the blue bother.
"Look Trixie, you've got to cut the attitude out, its not making things any easier and considering you need to stay here, I'd rather not have an axe to grind with you." Twilight gave a stern look to Trixie "as to why Celestia decreed this is BEYOND me, but as I said before, I'm willing to accept it, even if you aren't, but then, you're just being fillish."
"Trixie is no fillie, she is a well regarded Mare."
Twilight chuckled a bit "It was because of Anon most of the Pony's here were willing to see you off as a bit better, even AJ was sympathetic to you after your show, but considering it was Anon and not you who organized it-"
"Lies!" Trixie shouted "Anon had little to do with Trixie's show."
"Considering you spewed all about how he helped you after our little fiasco."
Trixie went red, puffing her cheeks as she turned away.
"Sparkle, sometimes you are a barrel of annoyance!"
"I could say the same about you Trixie." Twilight retorted, keeping her temper in proper control as she began to put books away on the shelf "Now are you going to keep being bratty or help me clean?"
Trixie let out a sigh, exhaling the breath she held as she looked down at the ground.
"Its Anon's party after all, I'm sure he'd appreciate it." Twilight noted, seeing Trixie's eyes go wide as she gave a triumphant hoof stomp.
"Ah, then if that is the case, Trixie shall do her utmost to tend to this mess!" she glanced around, seeing it more of a mess of books on the floor than of dust or dirt as she started to magic several of them, placing them on the empty space of the shelf.
"Wait, stop!" Twilight exclaimed "You can't put that book there!"
"Why not?" Trixie demands "Trixie sees a space for a book, she shall fill it!"
"But you don't just put them in!" Twilight yanked the book away with her own magic "that's the History of Fillidelphia, it goes in this section of City History, that is a book on elemental magic, that goes over in the Magical arts section there!"
Twilight began to re-sort the books Trixie had put back, causing the blue mare to huff again.
"Why do you insist on making this so difficult, Trixie cannot even clean without you making another mess!"
"Its about keeping organized, this is a Library!"
"A library that is hardly ever used!" 
Twilight let out a gasp "That's not true!" She retorted as she stared at Trixie "lots of Ponies use it!"
"And what would a bookworm such as yourself know of that? I do not see any books removed aside from those on the floor taken by you!"
Twilight was losing her patience as she shook her head.
"Look, why don't you just put the books on the floor into a pile and I'll put them away?"
"Trixie believes She could do a fine job herself on this book shuffling!" she picks up another, looking at the title.
"Kama Sutra for the Modern mare?" she reiterated as Twilight yanked it away quickly, a deep blush across her cheeks.
"Aha, that is from my own...collection."
Trixie catches on quickly as she gives a sly look.
"Ohhh, then it MUST be important!" she said, magicking it away from Twilight as she started to read the first chapter.
"Hey, give that back!" Twilight protested as she tried to magicked it away, the pair both casting their spells upon it as they pulled the book there and back, there and back until it suddenly popped away and flew right out of their grasp... into the unsuspecting face of Anon.
--

No amount of magic or combat prowess could have prepared you for the impact to your face.
Your poor face as you open the door to Twilights Library, only to receive a strike right damn smack by one of her books.
You feel everything slow a your head is pushed backwards by the impact and you tumble over onto your backside with a heap.
'Son of a...' you bark, seeing the book fwump to the side of you as you grab your face.'What I do to deserve that kind of treatment?' 
"Anon!" came a pair of concerned, if not highly worried voices as you see Twilight and Trixie step  up to either side of you.
"A-are you alright?" Twilight asks as Trixie huffs, putting her nose upwards.
"Obviously he is not Sparkle, considering your book is what caused him such discomfort!"
"My book!?" She turned to the mare "had you not listened the first time and gave it back to me, maybe it wouldn't have turned out like this."
Trixie turned back to her, scoffing "And you were so unwilling to allow Trixie to help that you now blame her for such a thing?"
"Unwilling? You were doing it all wrong!"

'Karma Sutra for the modern pony?' You read as you slowly regain your senses, eying the book for a moment before flipping open the cover, reading the text about how the 'modern' pony should be apt in all forms courting traditions and...sexual...innuendo. 'A mare seeking to intrigue the opposite sex must be fairly suited in the fine art of recuperation. From foreplay to 'the nasty', she must be willing to bend rules, as well as bed with them, to please her partner.'
Your eyes go wide as you quickly see the purple hooves of sparkle yank that from your grasp, her face blushing madly as she hid her gaze beneath her hair, trotting back a bit as she looked away from you.
"Ahah...I think t-thats enough of that book for now..." Twilight stammered, holding it close to her gut with her hoof as she adverted her gaze.
You could clearly see the blush rippling across her cheeks as she held the book close to her, almost...seeing a tear rolling down her cheek.
Trixie could only stifle a giggle as you look at Twilight, slowly sitting up before you tap her chin upwards to look at her.
"Well, it certainly seems Twilight, in all her glroy has gone and hurt Anon, how could you Sparkle, such a crime to harm the epicenter of perfection!"
Trixie's words only made Twi sniffle more as she kept her gaze away from you.
That wasn't right, that wasn't very nice at all from Trixie as you ease close to Twi.
'Hey...' you whisper, seeing Twi ease away slightly. 
You huff, moving a bit closer, gently putting a hand on her cheek to turn her head to face yours.
Tears in her eyes, oh god, she looked so down-trodden, you felt a sink in your heart as you see her, quivering.
"A-Anon....I-I'm...s-sor-"
She began, but, you didn't let her finish as you pushed close to her.

You kiss her.
Slowly of course, let her see you coming.
You don't know why....but the situation just seemed to call for it as you hold for a few seconds before you part.
Her eyes glinting slightly as you see the surprise slowly fade into a sudden rush of delight...and perhaps equal bewilderment to the situation on her end as those eyes return from pin-pricks to gentle orbs.
'Shhh...its okay Twilight, no harm done.' you smile 'besides your eyes are lovely, they do not deserve to be filled with tears.' you whisper, gently stroking her cheek  before you smirk, getting off your butt and walked into the Library.
Twilight hadn't moved, her eyes staring out in a cloud of bliss as her expression was soft and her tongue...heh...was hanging there.

Trixie just stood stupefied, perhaps more surprised than anything as her gaze went almost a dead stare. Her mind would have been running a mile a minute as you step into the library, confident grin across your face.
You weren't going to get intimate with them, but it would sure be a fun way to screw with them.
Besides, it would certainly give Trixie more reason to try and be a 'good friend', the question would be asked to you, you were certain of that.
'Now then...how will this party be happening?' you mutter as you hear the trotting of hooves entering to your rear.
"Has though lost all...f-faith in Trixie?" the blue mare said "what....what have you done to that mare!" she points outwards, Twilight stunned, completely unaware of her surroundings as she looked like a statue, eyes twinkling like the stars on her rump.
'Heh, guess she's just lucky.'
"LUCKY!?" Trixie exclaimed "You...you jest, There is no luck with such a thing, to...completely ignore Trixie for that simple mare."
'Simple? Mare please~ Twilight's the most complicated and inquisitive pony you will ever meet. Perhaps its just who she is, she has a nice attitude.'
"A-attitude?"
You grin at Trixie 'Remember what I told you along the way in the cart? Come on, I hope you didn't forget.'

Trixie looked down, huffing as she closed her eyes to return her gaze, teeth somewhat   showing as she gave a bit of a tsk
"The Great and Powerful Trixie remembers all! You had said to be more...open to attitude, and I had with the show, you did not say when the Great and Powerful Trixie would implement it, that is HER own choosing."
'So why not with Twilight? I mean, from what I can gather, you two weren't just playing a game.'
Trixie huffed, looking away as her grinning defiance faded, and her expression went calming to the point of uncaring before she passed a look at you.
"She is...unsettling for Trixie to be with....she has...something about her that...." she stopped herself "I...envy her."
'whoa, must be serious when you go back to first for a bit.'
"Only because Tri...I think it is... she is the start pupil of the Princess, the Princess of all ponies! Trixie knows....I know....we can't be better than her." She looked down in defeat, letting out a content sigh as she turned a bit to the side.
You rub your arms, letting out a sigh before you see the books on the ground.
'Well...if the Great and Powerful Trixie wishes to talk, help me put these books away, we're going to need to make this place clean.'
Trixie blinked for a second, but, perhaps almost slightly, gave a smile before she turned it to a defiant grin. 
"You ask the Great and Powerful Trixie to do such a simple task, ah, you shall be swayed by her awesome power of a cleaned place!" and off she went, gathering books up like she had a reason to. Course, she didn't really...read any of them before putting them away, but I'm sure Twilight could teach her on that. Sides, you wanted to get her to LIKE Twilight, that would be something.

You've spent almost 20 minutes in silence cleaning, you sweeping the floor while Trixie stocked the shelves. Trixie didn't say much, perhaps more pleased to be working with you and doing this simple task that with Twilight made her somewhat more...delighted, but her silence was strange.
Was she really that beat up you kissed Twilight? You shake your head a bit as you look over to her.
'So...if you can't really be better than Twilight, why not just try and be the best you can?'
Trixie paused, looking at you before she magicked a pair of books into place.
"Because Trixie needs to be superior, she cannot just be 'the best', she must BE the best."
'Including those stronger than you?'
She paused, looking sternly at you "I was willing....to fight for you.... if it means that even the Great and Powerful Trixie is so loyal to you that she would go before her greatest foe and hope to defeat them just to HAVE you."
You look at her with your head still down, the eyes of someone who really felt that was something serious about care that you even had to smirk at her.
'I appreciate that, and to be honest, I wanted to see it to; I was quite certain you'd both come to a draw considering you're both powerful.'
"You.... you did?"
'Well... yes, you're both quite capable ponies, so seeing such a display would be quite awesome...but...' you sigh '...you were going to kill each other if you didn't quit it there, and neither of you had that choice in mind...I had to do it myself.'
Trixie looked away "It was...emotional...to say the least. Trixie knew...deep down she may not survive, but Trixie wasn't willing to let....Twilight....beat her to have you..." she looked at you, slowly trotting closer "please...let...let Trixie be the one for you."
She came closer, stopping just inches from you, her eyes, big...deep as you let out a sigh.

'Look, Trixie, I'm not going to pull punches, but we're from two different worlds, as much as you may want to be close to me, I...cannot risk getting close to you, or anypony for that matter, it just wouldn't be right.' you tell her as you can see her stare harden.
"AM I NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?" she yelled, her breath hard, but not labored as she stepped closer, pushing into you.
You blink in surprise as she presses herself into your gut.
"If...If that is your choice, T-then Trixie doesn't need you...she....she...." she was now crying into you; face planted firmly against your lower body. Her horn tilting left and right against you as she remained fixed in place, standing there as you felt the tears.
God, them feels are not good.

With a deep exhale, you let your body slowly ease down, placing the broom on the floor as you gently put your hands on her 'shoulders'. She sniffled a bit as you gently pushed her away from you, making sure she wouldn't remain tucked against your gut and her horn upwards to avoid any nasty injury. 
You can see she's still looking downward from you as you gently stroke her mane with one hand while slowly bringing her chin up with the other so her eyes met yours. 
You smiled at her, those cheeks still flushed red with blush as she had tears in her eyes, she looks away, suddenly pushing right back into you...or at least, your hands
Trotting in place, she looks back with defiance in her glare.
You firmly resist her just a bit so she never really was impeded in her movement.
"Your toying with Trixie...why can you not let her make her end." she protested, keeping her pace steady against your palms.
'Because I don't think it would be a good idea, for both our sakes.'
"Why....Trixie only wishes to give you the utmost best! Why do you resist her offer?"
'Because...' you sigh 'knowing me, and know what insanity that often follows me here, you might get hurt or even worse...and I wouldn't want that.'
She fixated on you for a moment, her expression perhaps more compassionate, and that blush only got redder as you told her your reason as she paused mid-trot. She glanced away for a moment, but returned her gaze to yours, determined, if not a tad unsatisfied as she only began to push again, a bit...stronger this time as she glared at you.
'Stubborn one.' you mutter with a smirk.
"Trixie gets what Trixie wants..."
'Yeah, and what if i told you ah won't be it?'
Again, another stop from the mare in question "You...you don't want Trixie? There would be no other way to question her desire for you!"
She bit her lip, looking away and down as her hat tipped forward, hiding her eyes this time "Fine....*sniff* why should the G-great and Pow- *sniffle* P-powerful Trixie care...." again the tears filled her eyes.
You groan as she started to go back to square one again before you let her fwump into your gut.
She paused from crying as she looked up.
"What are you doing?"
'Trixie...' you begin 'I don't hate you or anything, you're a wonderful pony...but I'm a human, and that ain't how it suppose to be. I can tell you'd be willing to go to the ends of the earth with me and be there, but...I don't want any pony to get too attached to me, especially considering I'm not even from this world. I'm doing this out of respect and kindness because I'd rather be able to say good-bye to a friend then have a heart-broken mare who wishes for me not to go.'

Trixie stood in surprise, suddenly feeling a lot more angrier as you see her horn began to glow.
"Do you see the Great and Powerful Trixie as anything less than the most proper mare for the task of being with you? The very will of her  mind can crumble even the strongest of foes and yet you choose to ignore her brilliance and charm....very well...then Trixie...challenges you to a duel."
She had a coy smirk as you shot a glance at her.
'You're not serious are you.'
"The Great and Powerful Trixie always know when to be serious, and if it is to prove her worth, then Trixie shall make it so!"
She took a stance, stomping a hoof half-heatedly on the floor before she swayed back her hat to expose that horn. 
It glowed a nice pink hue as you sigh, shaking your head.
She wasn't getting it.
'I won't fight you Trixie....forget it.' you mutter in a serious tone, easing back up as you look down at her.
"Trixie cannot forget it, Trixie must beset you for her worth! She cannot prove otherwise."
You huff, rolling your eyes as you move towards her.
"What...s-stay back!" she barked, taking steps backwards as you towered over her "Don't m-make Trixie do what she might regret!"
'Try me' You mutter as a grin ripped across your face.

It was over before it even started as Trixie let out a yelp as you went upon her.
Your past experience with the Princess's had taught you a few things about dealing with ponies, especially unicorns. 
You grabbed Trixie's horn first, gently of course as you held your fist around it, pushing her back until she was on her backside as you held your other hand below her. 
She would be hovering a bit in mid air as you kept her in your 'semi-embrace' as she slowly opened her eyes, looking up at you with an even redder blush.
"A-Anon!" she said "U-unhand Trixie t-this instant, s-she must show you her worth!"
'Silly little filly...you cannot hope to show me anything for I can easily best any mare who tries.'
Slowly, very slowly and gently you begin to caress her horn, she gasps, more half-hearten demands of her release as you just smirk, slowly running your palm along the length of her spike.
She started to huff, groaning slightly which eventually turned into moans the more you 'worked' your hand gently along her horn.
Whatever material compromised of their magical protrusion certainly was a sensitive one, and just like with the Princess's you'd done to before, a unicorn mare would easily be taken by the smooth touch a human hand on their horn.
Trixie was already triplicated, her blush was beat red as her head eased back, you felt her body weaken in you grip as she let out soft moans, panting steadily as she pressed her hooves together submissively.
"A-anon...y-you have the m-motions of a god~" she whispered "P-please...do what y-you will to t-Trixie...." she begged, her eyes just as blissful as Twilight's as you lower yourself a bit closer to her.
Her breath was hot, her maw opened as she moved slightly towards you, perhaps wanting a kiss as you only grin, pecking a quick one below her horn.
She let out a gasp as you slowly put her down to the floor, her underbelly exposed as she let her fore-hooves gently 'trot' in the air.
"Y-you t-tease Trixie!" she said slowly, trying to move but finding her body completely taken by the swiftness of your swagger.
'I tease because I care, and I'd rather tease than put any moves on a creature that isn't a human.'
She grumbled, huffing as she eventually found herself, flopping to her side before slowly rising as she looked at you, blush still plain across her face as she exhaled slowly.
"T-then...w-why do you continue to let Trixie suffer, she wishes...I wish...to be there for you, to show you I can take care of you...p-please!" she eased closer, going to her fore-hooves as she wrapped them around your legs.
"P-please Anon....let me feel...worthy of you."

Its Tour De France with your eyes as they roll a few miles before you sigh, looking down at Trixie, she seemed almost pathetic, if not down-right cute for a mare as you ease down yet again, freeing your legs from her death grip before you put her upright.
'You'd really do anything to have you with me, wouldn't you?'
"Trixie would!" Her eyes lit up "S-she would do anything to show her desire for Anon, to care for him, to be there for him! S-She would be the best for Anon..."
'Like a sister?'
Trixie blinked, she hadn't thought of that as she nodded "Y-yes, T-Trixie shall be Anon's Sister!" she paused "if...that is...Anon would...permit it."
You chuckle, rubbing your chin. 
That actually could work, you always wanted a sister.
'I may not be able to make it official like you and Twilight had by Celestia, but...' you shrug 'I...Anonymous of Earth, deem Trixie henceforth to be cast as my sister from here onward.' you say as authoritative as possible as she smiles at you.
'Feel better-' You started to say before you feel her suddenly embracing you.
"Oh...A-Anon..." she said softly, nuzzling along your cheek as you sigh.
'There is one...catch...however.'
Trixie paused, pulling away to look at you.
"A catch?"
You nod 'if you're deemed to be my sister, and...considering Twilight is also your 'sister' for the time being, you have to care for her as much as you'd care for me.'
There was an element of shock in Trixie's expression as she gave you a deadpan stare, mouth agape and eyes wide.
"Y-you cannot...but...but Trixie seeks to have Anon for herself!"
'But with a royal decree of Twilight being your sister, you have to share me, just like sisters would....and that means you have to CARE for Twilight as well...' You point outside 'so you can start by bringing her back inside before she catches a cold.' you say as sternly as possible, motioning to the still dazed Twilight Sparkle outside the door as Trixie huffed, looking away.
"You insufferable...oaf...Trixie..." she huffed, trying to keep the blush hidden  "Trixie shall do as you ask...brother"
'Call me Anon-san'
"Anon-san?"
'Its a term from my world for 'brother', it sounds a lot better doesn't it?'
She blushed, mouthing the word to herself a bit before finding the ring she needed.
"Y-yes....Trixie thinks so...Anon-san." she turned her head about, blush still on her cheeks as she turned and trotted towards Twilight with a slight, sway, in her step.

The blue mare grabbing Twilight firmly by the tip of her tail as she started to drag her inside, closing the door behind her before she pulled Twilight before you, butt to your face.
"There...Trixie has done her duty for Twilight as a Sister, Anon-san." she muttered as she looked away.
You smirk 'Thank you Trix' you say as you get up, and walk around to Twilight's front end.
'Hey...Twi...' you begin 'Twilight?' you gently pat her cheek.
Trixie trots beside you as you look at the dazed, almost 'out-to-lunch' Twilight as the mare sighs.
"You cannot get her back like that, let Trixie handle this." she said, and with a sift hoof, smacked Twilight across the face.
"OW!" Twilight exclaimed, suddenly returning to reality as you blink.
'Well...that work...' you muttered as Twi rubbed her cheek.
"Trixie knows best." She said triumphantly, perhaps more-so the fact she got to hit Twilight in the face above anything as you shook your head, turning to Twilight as the purple mare gave Trixie a look before turning to you in surprise, blush still on her face.
'Welcome to the land of the living again Twilight, enjoy your vacation in the depths of space?'

--

A short while later, the rest of the group had arrived at the Library, Pinkie and AJ were first, bringing with them the blunt of the party gear as Pinkie was overjoyed to see you again.
'But Pinkie, you only saw me a few hours ago.'
"But it was a few HOURS to long to not see you Anon!" she hugged you tightly as you almost felt your ribs break from the strength of her hug.
It took AJ a few moments to pry the overly-affectionate mare before she went off to commence with her party planning leaving you with Twi, Trixie and the southern belle.
"Well, ah sure am glad ya'll were able ta sort yourselves out Anon, good ta see Twi and Trixie haven't level'd the place.
Trixie huffed "The Great and Powerful Trixie understands the concern Twilight has for her...tree house...and as such, she will take the utmost care in keeping it neat and tidy."
Twilight huffed, shaking her head abit "So she says..."
You smirk 'Hey, she did help clean up...'
"After having to be coddled into it." Twilight responded as Trixie now huffed.
'Yeah, well, at least we got it done, and hopefully you two won't plan on causing a scene with this party, from what I hear, a lot of ponies want to come by and see the "human of Equestria."
"Ah can vouch fer that one sugha cube." AJ said "Ponies been talkn all over Ponyville bout yeh, and Pinkie was more en happy ta hand out invitations."
"H-how many ponies are coming then?" Twilight asks with a slight concern in her voice as there was a knock at the door.

You walk over, opening it to see quiet a few ponies standing outside. 
Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow were leading the group while behind them were a few ponies you hadn't seen before. 
Some Unicorns, some Pegasus, a few earth ponies as you stand aside, letting the ensemble enter.
Many would offer hellos and welcomes to you, a few even wanted to shake your hand.	
Rarity, Fluttershy, and Dashie would all make their welcomes as you let them in as a gentleman before you started greeting the other guests.
You did however catch a glimpse of a mare who certainly had her eye on you. A cyan coloured unicorn with a cyan and white mane.
Lyran Heartstrings as her name went, and apparently she brought her 'marefirned' Bon Bon.
"Oh Celestia, its true, its true!" Lyra exclaimed as she entered with Bon Bon, the earth pony obviously un-pleased with Lyra's antics as she started to observe you very...closely.
'Uh...personal space much?' you ask a Lyra just looks, blushing.
"o-oh s-sorry...I...I just am an avid fan of yours!"
'Fan?'
She nodded, grabbing the same damn newspaper clipping from her saddle bag.
"I've always...b-been fascinated by humans, and I have always wanted to meet one...when you first arrived, I was torn for not having gotten a chance to see you after I saw you rescue Twilight, then...I saw this article and you left and I had..." she paused "I had committed myself to finding where you went and how you could return!"

Great...a second Twilight wanting to find a way to break a dimensional barrier or something.
You can understand why Bon Bon looked upset as you lower yourself to eye level with her.
She's blushing red, hiding her face partially behind the article.
'Well, that's quite impressive, but please, do be careful about that; I wouldn't want to have to hear in the news a mare got hurt trying to open a rift in time and space, certainly not one who's so...interested...in my kind.'
She meeped, looking a tad surprised '-oh...I-i guess you're right...I...I should be careful shouldn't I?"
'Considering even I don't know how I got here, yeah, that would be a very good idea.' you eye her friend 'and you're Bon Bon right?'
The mare nodded "And you're Anon, I am quite glad Lyra could finally meet you, you wouldn't believe how much she goes on about you and humans." she seemed a bit resented by the fact as Lyra looks away.
"But you see Bon Bon, its true, they DO exist."
"Yet he isn't from this world Lyra, it only confirms that they don't."
'But they DO!"
"They don't, at least not here!"
'You can't be certain of that...can you Bon Bon?'
You chime in, causing the pair to look at you.,
"But...there aren't any records, no ruins, nothing!"
You waggle a finger 'Back on my world, we've thought the same thing, thinking we're the only civilization here, but as we dug, we found older and older civilizations! Just because you might not seem them, doesn't mean their there.' you smirk 'It all depends on how deep you look, perhaps even Ponyville could be high above a once ancient city long before it was buried under hundreads, if not thousands of feet of dirt.'
Both mares are stunned as Lyra gave a wide grin.
"See, even HE thinks so!"
Bon Bon huffs "Well...I still doubt it, with no evidence or proof, its all just pony-tale."
Lyra doesn't seem defeated as she bowed her head "Th-thank you Anon...I really am glad to finally see a...living, breathing human! C-could you..." she wiggled the article "sign this?"
You blink 'Uh...sure....got a pen?'
She magicked a quill over as you took it, dabbing it into the Ink well she held out as you signed.

Even if its only one, humans could still exist, don't be afraid to look deep beneath your hooves, there could be answers somewhere in this wide world of yours.

Just be careful, not worth losing something important for the sake of research; play it smart and play it safe.

Happy Hunting.
-Anonymous

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Lyra said, suddenly embracing you as Bon Bon blinked, blushing in surprise as you blinked in return, shrugging as you gently ease the mare off.
'You're welcome...now go and enjoy the party.'
The pair trot of to venture towards the punch bowl as you see the rest of the party settling in. You could count almost 20 ponies, not a bad number, certainly more than what you had the first time you came and introduced.

“Sir Anon, how are thee this lovely night?” spoke Luna as she trotted up to the door.
Everypony inside stopped, turning to see as they bowed to the Lunar Princess, causing Luna to blush a bit “it is good to see you have gain such a following sir Anon.” She smiled, looking at Pinkie “and thank ye mare of pink for the invitation.”
“No problem Princess Luna!”
‘Well, didn’t expect to see royalty here, guess you’re here for the party?’ you ask as Luna smiles.
“but of course Anon, we came to see how you are fairing. Celestia had asked us to make sure you would be ready for her ‘inspection’ tomorrow, we shall be escorting you to the meeting place post the dawn, so please...enjoy yourself, but do get some sleep.”
‘I’ll try to keep that in mind your majesty...now...care to join us?’
Luna bowed “I’d be happy to.” She said, gracefully trotting inside as you close the door behind her. “Let us commence with the partying!”

Everypony cheered as the party continued, certainly a splendor of gathering as you look about, noticing Trixie...alone by herself in the corner. You had a nagging feeling in your neck as you meandered over to the punch table and grabbed two cups of it, making your way over to the mare as she notices you and then looks away.
‘Uh oh, I know that look Trixie, whats got you looking blue?’ You ask, gently putting the cup of punch before her ‘drink?’
Trixie huffed, glancing at you before seeing the drink cup, nodding as she took it with her magic.
“Trixie is...unsure of herself Anon-san....She does not...know how to mingle as normal ponies do.”
‘Well...have you tried? I mean that's the point of this party right, to mingle and meet new ponies.’
“Trixie knows that is not the point, this party is for You Anon-san, thrown by the Pink mare, she had done it for you, not for any other purpose.”
“Now that's not true!” Pinkie exclaimed, appearing almost suddenly beside Trixie as the blue mare nearly jumped out of her seat as Pinkie smirked, easing up close to Trixie as she pointed to the party as a whole “I throw parties for everypony, not just for one pony...or person.” She smiled as she looked at you and then back to Trixie “its meant for everypony who comes to enjoy themselves! Even for mares who’ve never done it before.” She patted Trixie on the back as the blue mare gave her a look, but sighed.

“The Pink one speaks the truth.” Luna added, stepping up towards the group “Trixie, you had been granted an incredible opportunity! thee may see this as a curse to be tied to Twilight Sparkle but it is a chance for you to be  to socialize, and enjoy thyself in any manner of normal ponyidom without worries of superiority or inferiority.”
“That's right sugh.” AJ added as the rest of the mane six came around “As much as ya'll may have messed up the last time ye wuz here, we were willin ta hear yah out and yeh gone and impressed us, acting much betta then yah did before.”
“I can agree to that darling.” Rarity chimed “though it is still...unsettling to admit it Miss Trixie, your change of heart and personality during your show was indeed astounding, I must admit even I was slightly...touched, but your improvement, it certainly was for the better.”
“Yeah, you really showed me something else too!” Dashie added, fluttering over Trixie “I knew that plane was something Anon would have shown you, but you still drove me for a loop, haha, give it to this lug to bring the one thing that almost beat the awesome Rainbow Dash” she boasted, nudging your shoulder as you smirk.
‘Well, considering it was controlled more by Trixie’s magic than anything else, its her who should take the credit for nearly kicking your butt.’
“Fat chance, no stupid airplane’s going to be Rainbow Dash, not now, not ever!” she smirked “I’d like to see you try your luck against me, but ah, you can’t fly.”
You grumble ‘Watch it missy, or I might make sure you can’t for awhile.’
“That a threat?” 
‘Perhaps...can say that I wouldn’t mind teaching you some manners once more, or did me kicking your blue flank the last time not suffice?’ you both glare at one another intensely for a moment before RD pulls away. 
“Well fine, you’re just some big boring, jerky meanie, I don’t need you to be as cool as I am.” She huffed, fluttering off as you stuck our tongue and gave a sour face.
Luna of course stifles a giggle as everypony looked at you.
“Real mature Anon-san...” Trixie mutters as she rolled her eyes “certainly she has you wrapped around her hoof.”
‘Eh, other way around, RD knows I was able to teach her a better flying technique, she's just to proud to admit it.’
“Oh?” Trixie asked, perplexed “And how does one such as yourself do that when you cannot fly?”

You smirk, standing up to put out your arms, putting them above your head in the same way Rainbow had in the flight contest.
‘It was...well...more like something I learned when I taught swimming, body position and movement. Flying has a similar principle to swimming, it’s all about how your body movement-" you move your arms in a 'front-stroke' movement "-and body position and form when you move through the water, or in this case, fly through the sky. It helps create less drag, you know?’
“Indeed we do.” Luna said, fluttering her wings “such an interesting concept, to mix the art of water foul with the method of flight, simply genius Anon.”
You shrug ‘Hey, I may not see eye to eye with her, but that don’t mean I can’t try to get along with rainbow butt considering a non-flying creature showed her the real art of flight.’
“I HEARD THAT!” Rainbow called from across the room.
‘Want to make something out of it?’
“Will you two please stop!” Twilight barked “I...don’t want anypony fighting now, come on, please, this is a party, I think we’ve all seen enough conflict for one day...” She said, looking at Trixie as she trotted over.  “Trixie, why don’t I introduce you to some ponies, maybe I can show you a...better way to go about speaking to everypony else, I’ve had read up a lot on this stuff.” she smiled "I mean, we're sisters, and sisters help one another, I wouldn't want you to feel upset about being left out."
Trixie looks at Twilight for a moment before passing a glance back to you, you nod.
‘Go on sport, it will be good for you.’
Trixie blinked, blushing a bit “O-okay Anon-san...” she said softly before being led off with Twilight who began to describe the methods of making friends and acquainting yourself with others.

Crossing your arms, you watch the two mares meander off, Trixie passing a glance back to you every so often before Twilight introduced her to a brownish coloured Earth stallion.
‘God, Trixie’s going to be getting an earful before the nights out.’ You mutter as the rest of you regroup about the spot she had once occupied ‘hopefully for the best.’
“I hope so, she would make a fine model to try my new ensembles with...” Rarity began as you looked at her.
‘That would be nice, though I’m not too sure on Trixie wanting to be a model anytime soon, but perhaps she’d be able to accept things more after we get her comfortable with communicating better. Despite her third person antics, she’s got to drop that “Great and Powerful” line or nopony will take her seriously...still...its who she is, we shouldn’t be forcing her to change something that's ‘part’ of her.’
Everypony nodded as you sigh, pulling out one of the bottles.
‘So...whose up for some cider?’
Everypony around you nodded in a chorus of yes's with as Luna magicks several cups from the punch table over and you crack one of the bottles open, whiffing the smell.
‘Whoo...strong aroma.’ You mutter, taking a nice wiff.
“Ah told yeh, we aged it fer a year sugh, its gonna pack one helluva kick, whoo wee!”
You take a glass for each one of you, gently pouring a good half-glass for each mare about you as you pour one for yourself, finishing the bottle there as you raise a glass.
‘Well...cheers...to friendship’
“To Freindship!” they all say, drinking the thing down as everyone gasped, a few coughs, and you of course took it like a champ.
“It certainly has a....brutish taste...” Rarity mutters, smacking her lips as she had a semi-sour look. 
Aj just chuckled “Ya’ll never tasted aged beauty such as this sugh, an acquired taste and a bit of a far fetch from yer fancy stuff.”
Rarity huffed, shaking her head of the strength before she let out a soft sigh, letting a hoof pass through her curls.
“Well, I do enjoy a nice stiff drink as much as the next mare AppleJack, but certainly this cider has packed more of a bite than I would be use to.” She smirked “May i have some more?”
You smirk, seeing a few other ponies start to crowd around as the smell of cider was now in the air.
‘Well shucks...we won’t have enough bottles for everypony here.’
“Nonsense!” Luna barked, a faint blush across her cheeks as she finished her glass “We decree that every *hic* everypony should bare such a wonderful treat as this cider our AppleJack has prepared!”

Her horn brilliance, a deep blue as she zapped the two remaining bottles, suddenly causing them to duplicate...and duplicate, and duplicate until at least 20 bottles were sitting before you.
Blinking with surprise, you can only turn to Luna, a rather smug look on her face as she magics a bottle to up to her maw and removes its cork, taking another swig without consent. “Cider for all our loyal subjects!” Luna shouted as the bottles zipped all over landing in the hooves of everypony as cheers erupted from the library.
‘Lightweight...’ you think, smirking as you pick up a bottle, certainly impressive this pony magic was.

--

For some reason or the other, you wake up in the warmth of a bed.
But not just any bed....this is Twilights bed.
How you'd guess? Considering both SHE and Trixie are sleeping atop you as you lay on a quilt cover of stars and such, it was rather obvious you'd somehow manage to get yourself in bed and they decided to join you.
You still had your clothes on, so the thoughts of anything naughty happening were out the window.
Which was good, you weren't really looking for ANYPONY to strip you down and see you naked while you're asleep...again.
You sort of wondered what exactly...happened...after you uncorked and drank your bottle of cider.
You groan, slowly easing your body upright as you feel the weight of Trixie slip off and fwump onto the bed.
She was out like a light as you squirm from Twilights grasp around your legs before you sigh, easing gently onto the floor...and nearly on Luna's face.
Holy crap...
The Lunar Princess was out on the floor as you kneel down, seeing she had actually lay flat on her belly, sleeping soundly as you sigh.
You look outside, seeing the night is still hanging in the sky as you look at you wrist...
Only to see your phone is gone.
OH SHIT!
Panic mode x10
You start searching all over the place for your sacred item.
First you shuffle through your pockets
Nothing.
You look around the floor.
Zip
You look over the bed, under the bed, around the bed. 
Nadda
You know for a fact nopony knew what you had nor how it would work, but fuck, if somepony stole it, heads would roll, literally.
Nopony steals from you...nopony.
You continue to wander about the room, shifting books about, looking over and under anything not bolted down before you look at Luna, sighing as you gently poke her.
'Your Majesty?' you ask as she fidgets,muttering something 'your majesty,its time to arise from thy slumber.' you say as proper as possible as the mare shifts, twitching her nose before her eyes slightly open.
"ah...s-sister?"
'Not quiet Luna, time to get up..'
"Oh...dear us...what has...befallen our night?"
'I don't know...but whatever happened, my phone is missing.'
"Your...phone?"
You tap your empty wrist gauntlet as Luna's eyes go wide.
"BY CELESTIA'S MANE!" she shouts before you clam her mouth shut.
'Shhhhh let the sleeping ponies sleep' you say sternly as she nods, slowly releasing her maw as you give a sigh.
"Well, we must findeth thy scared item yes? You cannot contend with Celestia's inspection without your full attire!"
'I know, I know, damnit....' you huff, searching about as you rub your head.
Last night was still a fog as you look over to the window, seeing the sky slowly turn a hue of red as the night was wanying.
'I'll go check downstairs...' you mutter, looking at the dial clock to see it only being 5am. 'we got an hour till dawn, I'll see if I dropped it or anything, I pray to Celestia or whatever god is out there that no pony stole it.'
"I would...say neigh to such a fact. everypony knows not to trifle with you Anon, to do such a thing would be foolish!"
'I wouldn't put that past anyone of them....but...that's just me.'

Making your way downstairs, you look around at the mess that was there.
Balloons and streamers everywhere, confetti littering the tables and floors, but that wasn't what got you.
EVERYPONY who attended had fallen asleep where they laid, the floor was filled with sleeping bodies as you give a long sigh.
'What a mess...' you mutter, slowly making your way through the mass of pony as you start shuffling them about, none really seeming to wake from your movements or soft noise as you kept your eyes about, surveying the room.
The food was all gone, so was the punch, but you counted 20 bottles littered all over by the time you made it to the door across from the stairs.
Two of them were sitting in said punch bowl, obviously the party got really crazy when the punch had been spiked.
God...you must have ALL got hammered last night.
You sigh, to no avail in finding your magical tool as you turn to see Luna standing at the stairs, her eyes were wide.
"We can see that the party indeed had...been a long lasting success!" she said with a bit of a grin "Oh such a folley of ours to grant all our subjects of the night cider..." she exhaled, putting a hoof to her head as slowly trotted down the steps.
You made your way over to her.
'Any luck?' You ask as she shook her head.
"Nay, the upper floor is clean, no sign of your device sir Anon..." she looked at the main floor "considering nopony had left, I doubt it had gone far."
'Yeah...I figured, so we can either assume its somewhere here...or under somepony-'
*ULP!* Luna intruded, putting a hoof to her maw as she suddenly started to turn a little green.
'Are....you okay?' you ask as she shakes her head, her cheeks suddenly puffing as you can hear the gurgling in her stomach.
'Oh geeze....hold on, I'll get a bucket.'
You race upstairs to the bathroom, grab the waste bin on the floor, seeing Lyra and Bon Bon nestled in the tub. 
You give a d'aww face before you rush back to Luna just as she spews her insides into said bin.
For a moment you expected stars and moons to spew from her mouth, but all you got was amber coloured liquid of her cider from last night mixed with whatever else she had-
*THUNK*
You blink, hearing the sudden noise as Luna eases her head back.
There...at the bottom of the bin...was your phone.
You looked at Luna, she looked back, then into the bin, seeing your...phone there...and then back at you.
Her eyes went wide very slowly, you could see the sheer terror in her face as she stepped back a bit.
"A-Anon...." she began, suddenly putting her hoof to her mouth again as you sigh, yanking your phone from the goop as she spewed a second time.

"We are...s-so sorry Anon, we hath no idea of our actions last night, please do not be angry with us."
Luna spoke as you were in the bathroom, washing your phone off. 
It was nasty to say the least as you dry it off and walk out.
'Its...alright Luna, I'm not mad with you, just...surprised...and confused how this got into your gullet.'
She looked away as you shook your phone, water still wisking out of it.
'T'sk...not sure if I can fully clean it.'
"W-would...ANon allow us to-" Luna began as you turned to her, seeing her face pull away as she paused.
'Sure...if you can dry it out, that would be nice.'
Luna nodded slowly, magicking the phone as she let her blue glow embrace it, spinning it slowly as you could feel a strange warmth about it before it slowed and then went back to your hands.
It was dry alright, and as you tapped the screen, you found it still work.
Good....nothing to worry about.
"Again..we...we are sorry Anon, we do not wish for thy to be cross with us and... we are willing to accept your punishment for our actions."
You sigh, seeing her head bowed as you roll your eyes, and then flick her horn.
"OW!" she squeaked as you gave her a look.
'There, punishment given, now come on, we got some time and I need food...so do you Miss Puke-a-lot."
You ease past her, putting your phone back into place as she followed you, gently easing over the crumpled bodies about the main floor before you made it to the door and out into the early morning.

Luna kept a bit of a pace behind you as you surveyed Ponyville.
You were now at 5:30, so you had some time to get food before dawn, your guess at 6 considering the sun wasn't moving anywhere just yet.
You occasionally look back to see Luna, her expression is down-trodden, perhaps over the fact she somehow ate your phone and had you not gotten it out through the mouth; you might have through the other way if you weren't so fortunate.
The nasty way.
You sighed, stopping as the Lunar Princess continues forward, not really watching as she suddenly face-planted into your backside.
"oh...Ah w-we are s-sorry."
'Luna...can you please relax already, for Pete sakes you're acting like a nervious wreck.'
"But...but we had eatny thy's tool of protection and function, has thou not seen us as ill for a friend if we do such a thing?"
'I really don't care that you ate it, perhaps more on the 'why' part but I'm just glad to have it back, so don't worry. Besides, i already flicked your horn, think that's punishment enough.'
She looked away "yes...that is...logical, but we think we deserve more than such a small flick."
'Maybe later, right now, we need something to eat, and I doubt we can find a working kitchen at this hour.'
"Not so dear Anon! We may know of a place." Luna calls, finding some vigor in your comfort as she trotted off towards a corner cafe nearby.
You follow suit as she gently taps on the door.
A few moments pass before you see a wait-staff approach and open the door, he looked like he had just gotten out of bed, even his mustache was unkempt as he blinked.
"What...who's knocking at this hour..." he said, suddenly seeing the Princess.
"P-Princess Luna! Oh...w-what an honour to have you here...."
"A good morning garcon," she says in her best french accent "We ask for a seat for two if that is willing to be done, breakfast would be what we seek."
The pony-staff blinked a few times "O-oh, c-certainly, I shall go wake the chef!" he bowed, turning about and trotting off into the store. 
You could hear hoof-falls going upstairs as you look up to see a light turn on.
Silence, some murmurs before you hear.
"WHAT!? Princess Luna is here!?"
Hooves trampling about before you see the waitstaff and the sous chef arrive.
"Ah...g-good morning to you both!" he said "What can we do for you?"

Settling down at one of the outdoor tables, the waitstaff quickly trots off after you gave your order. You had asked for eggs and cheese on a bun, and Luna, curious of such a mixture of foods, asked for the same with a side of coffee for yourself and a strawberry milkshake for the Princess. The Garcon was quite welcome to accept your patrtonage, and was off with a bow as you pulled our your phone.
'Hrmm...' you mutter, flicking on your photo section 'It seems we had a bit of a photo-shoot last night.'
Luna blinked "a photo-shoot, but Anon, thy had sent no cameras about...." she paused as you wiggled your phone.
'Had you forgotten this is a camera too?'
Luna went wide eye'd as she leaned forward.
"Oh! Then we must witness to what we had committed during the eve of celebration!"
You nod, flicking through the first few photos, seeing you, Luna, the mane six, all together in nice warm friendly photos...but as you progress, it got...weirder.
Perhaps it wasn't you holding the camera at some point, one picture was of you and Luna before you got one of just Luna, her face a mix of glee and slurred instability as the pictures started to get...nuts.
When the make-out shots started to pop up, you're eyes widen.
First it was Spin-the-bottle.
Ponies making out with ponies...
Rainbow had spun, and she got you.
She was protesting...but...the next photo was her kissing you, first...her expression was uneasy, but, the following one had her...all...over you.
Perhaps she secretly did like you, it was hard to tell with her attitude at times, but she certainly had something on about you as she was really into it.
The next was Twi and Trixie....oh lordy.
Trixie was refusing as Twi blushed, but the following picture had the pair making out.
And then...pulling you in.
It got crazy from there as the pictures begin to just be random shots of ponies, the DJ, some random stallion, blah blah...and then the final one was of the inside of Luna's maw, her tongue gently hanging out as she was...about to eat your phone.
As you finish the last photo, both you and Luna had deadpan stares at the phone before you slowly turn to one another.
'We must never speak of this...' you muttered as Luna nodded.
"We shall hold our tongue on such matters further this moment..." she replied as you started clicking the delete button with the pictures.
Keeping...some...of the good ones of course as you sigh, seeing your food finally served as the chef gives a grin.
"Enjoy yourselves, bon appetite!" he said and trotted off.

You don't hesitate to scarf down your food, the chef certainly had talent as you take your bites in stride. Luna of course eats slowly, proper for a Princess, taking nibbles here and there as she watches you. She found it humorous, but you didn't care, you were hungry as you finish the last of it.
'Hrmmm, that's good, man, he can really whip up some good egg'ncheese sammiches.'
Luna giggled "Such is the truth Anon, we have spent many a dawn at this restaurant, the chef has always impressed us with his culinary skill, I say he has more talent than those of our castle cookery."
'So i see...' you smile, looking at the Princess as you sip your coffee 'Any idea what...Celestia might do?'
Luna paused, looking at you, she sighed, putting her food down as she looked upset.
"We would not know Anon, she has...never before asked another to be tested for their capabilities. She has her own reasons for such a thing, perhaps...she wishes to see if your magical skills are as strong as they were before, perhaps even see if your strength could match her once more."
'You mean fight? Oh geeze, really?'
"As we had said Anon, she had lost much of her confidence when she was bested before, she would certainly wish to find a means to improve it, at least...putting out against an opponent who would be worthy, but also beatable-"
You slam your fist on the table.
'Screw it...that's NOT how you build confidence, what the heck is wrong with Celestia to want that? If she'd want to just sit and talk fine, but a fight?'
Luna was surpirse as she eased back from the table, somewhat afraid by your reaction as she looked solemnly at you.
"Anon...please....for her sake, there is only so much sitting and talking could DO, even we had tried to help her, but she MUST do this, we BOTH know she does."
You sigh, sitting back as you put a hand to your face, taking your coffee with the other and sipping it again.
Luna watches you, concerned as she magicked her milkshake, sipping it through a straw as she waits for your answer.
'You're right....I felt the cold spike of doubt or whatever when she embraced me the first time...could that be what she wants to get rid of?'
Luna blinked in confusion for a moment, but nodded "We would believe so...we had felt her unsettled embrace before, and feel that she needs to be warmed with the strength of one she had enjoyed the company of more-so than us."
'Touching...'
Luna smiled a bit "She has lived a long time Anon, few creatures can live her life-span, even the guards cannot be close with her, for they are simply ponies that will too pass to the great veil of time. She is immortal, forever living alone...without anypony to call her own."
'You're in the same boat too aren't you?'
She nodded "Yes...but...we are younger than she, and still fit to last a good life with anypony we see fit to do so; she however is not as fortunate as we...and that is why...she wished for you."
'For me?'
Luna nodded, sighing a bit "I had heard her one night, upon my rounds below her room, she was crying, her voice strained as she wept, speaking your name, seeking your warmth and your kindness again. We had wanted to comfort her, but felt she would only find herself in worse ware, so we let her mourn your departure and wish for your return."
You settle back into the chair, taking a breath and exhaling slowly.
Had you really made THAT much of an impact on her, was she THAT attached to you that she even cried for you to come back? It certainly seemed off considering how much responsibility she had to handle daily and how she always seemed to happy to just be with the company of others. That made everything...different...it made everything about her inspection a lot more concerning...and a lot more serious.

'Well...' you begin, taking your final sip of your now finished coffee '...if she wishes to really see how much I've changed, then I won't hold back against her.' you mutter, slowly standing up from your seat as you shuffle into your pocket.
You grab your wallet, you had some change you could toss, but before you could, Luna dropped a small pile of bits.
"it is on us Anon, we are....just glad you will be able to aid our sister this time cometh."
'Trust me...' you smirk as you stuff your wallet away 'I'll do more than aid her, I'll completely revitalize her if I have to.'
> Chapter 06 - Everfree Escapade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia, the Solar Princess, stood tall in the center of Ponyville, her white coat gleaming gently as she watched her sun slowly rise. The Alicorns horn brilliance as she elevated the giant ball of fire up across the horizon with almost an effortless rising motion of her head and neck. Her mane, a mixture of blue, pink and green colours ebbed and flowed as the grand sun of her might enchanted her powers with the light of the day as she let out a content sigh. The moment of great delight was upon her, to see Anon yet again was an uplifting experience and since he had left so long ago, she had yearned for his return.
Now, with the time drawing near of Anon's debut, the mare was quite smitten with interest to see how the human, Anon of Earth, has changed since his departure. 

"Tia!" Came the familiar tone of Luna as Celestia turned to see Anon and her younger sibling approaching the square as Luna rushed over to embrace her elder.
"Luna, so good to see you again my dear sister, has your night been pleasant?" she asked as Luna smiled up at her.
"Oh yes sister, We had much fun with Sir Anon during his welcoming party."
Celestia smiled "Ah, that is wonderful to hear my dear sister, I do hope it wasn't too much for Anon to take?" she asked as Luna gave a sheepish smile, casting a glance to Anon.
"It was...interesting..." she said as Celestia perked her ears.
"Interesting, such an usual answer for a simple party..." she turned to Anon "Was there something amiss about it?" she asked as you shook your head.
'No your majesty, just a simple get-together, though I guess the oddity of the party was the....shall we say, turn out of the subjects of the night.'
"Ah..." she smiled, the concern fading from her expression as she trotted over to you.
You bow slightly out of respect as Celestia stopped some distance away from you, surprised at your formality for a moment before returning the bow.
"Sir Anon...it is a great joy to see you once more, I am quite glad you have returned to our land and hope your stay thus far has been pleasant?"
'Indeed it has Princess, thanks to both Trixie and Twilight as well as Pinkie for making it a 'smashing' success.'
You look at Luna who snickered slightly, remembering the events of the evening before now as Celestia looks between you with a quizzical expression before returning to face you.
"Well, I am just glad you haven't attempted to bring harm to yourself again ANon, having to save you the last time was...gratifying, alas it is not fitting for an Equestrian Knight to be saved by the one who they are charged with is it not, let alone showing such a brutish side to my subjects, including my pupil no less."
You nod 'Yeah...I can understand Princess, you hardly raise your voice in anger, but I can imagine having the words "Anon" and "Vaporized" together would ruffle anyone's feathers...no pun intended.'
Celestia stifled a giggle, covering her maw with her wing. "I can certainly agree, considering your reputation among our subjects."

You nod 'I heard my fair share of it from  that article that fluttered about, seems many ponies really did find my presence helpful, if not awe-inspiring.'
"Oh but of course!" Luna chimed in "The savior of Canterlot! the Knight of the Celestial Sisters, such an honour to be blessed by a title sir Anon!"
You rub the back of your head as Celestia approached closer now as she at you; those amethyst eyes of hers glinting in the rising sun as she smiled.
"A year has passed since you returned once more to our humble kingdom, Anon of Earth. Much has happened and...much has changed since then."
'So I've heard.' you mention, looking at Celestia 'I heard that there was quite a lot that happened.'
Celestia sighed, lowering her head a bit "I take it my word has been spoken before my lips could mention it?" she said, passing a look to Luna who just lowered her head with a bit of a smile.
'I guess it has, but it was for the best Celestia, knowing....what had befallen you, your kingdom...it wouldn't be something I'd be able to take if I knew it right here and now, being told in advance was well enough, and its from your mouth I still wish to hear it.'

Celestia looked back at you for a moment, another sigh passing her lips as she spread her wings and folded them against her side. "Queen Chrysalis... she had shown her face upon the coronation of Shining Armour, Twilight's elder brother, as Captain of the Royal Guard. Her... actions to sway Shining from the truth and leech off his love had been going on since his return to Canterlot, and yet, I had been unable to detect her until she relived herself to the court and council." she looked at you, those eyes, pain behind the veil of calmness she had on them. "Never had such a power been forced upon me when I sought to defend my subjects. The love Shining had for the mare in her guise was almost too much for me.... it was...." she exhaled "unfitting...for the ruler of a nation to crumble in the face of evil." 
You scratched your chin for a moment as you sigh 'It must have been a terrible time for everypony to see their Princess fall like that, such is the power of love stolen from a stallion isn't something to take lightly I guess.'
Celestia shook her head "The power of love and admiration is one of the strongest elements, though mine and my sisters power is based upon the sun and moon, it is also the admiration of our subjects that help us fuel our magical might. Even with such power, the focused concentration of Love to one mare from a Stallions own heart had fallen me...but..." she looked away "it had been a time for once...that I thought...I had lost everything as I had when Luna had become her darker self...Nightmare Moon."

You approach the Princess, gently putting a hand to her cheek and stroking it as she looked at you in surprise.
'You did all you could, and though it may not have been by you, it was by your student you had taught and guided who overthrew the menace, you can be proud of her at least and know you did all you could.'
Celestia blushed a bit, looking solely at you before pulling away.
"I admit...it is rewarding to know Twilight had done well against the Queen, and her spirit and strength of friendship shawn brightly that day...but Anon..." she huffed "it is one thing to see my student vanquish the evil that had fallen me, it is another thing to see that, as a Princess and ruler, my own image has been seen as...weak."

'Weak?' you repeat, not liking the word coming from Celestia as she nodded slowly
"After that incident, I had been placed into the medical ward under Professor Stencil Sketch, the same pony who treated you. He had spoken how some of the council-ponies were...uncertain...of my position in the future if I cannot defend my own subjects on their capital grounds. It is very unnerving to have to admit that ponies find you lacking, especially those who serve under you. I...I do not wish to have my own subjects question my strength and ability to defend them." she huffed "Even...after BlueBloods departure and my request to shift his castle wing to a daycare for the fillies and colts of the council, I still am unsure about their standings towards me....it is...so vexing."
'They still follow you Princess, they still see you as their leader and that should calm your concerns to a point anyway.' you mutter 'so you lost one fight, it hurts, it hurts a lot, but you've gotten back up and still done much good for them, much guidance and leadership of your subjects, that should say something yes?'
Celestia looked at you, a small smile on her face as she returned to confront you.
"Yes...I can understand your logic Anon, but it still...leaves me with a spike of uncertainty in myself....can I continue to lead, will I be able to stand against the next threat that surfaces to harm our Kingdom?"
'I know you will.' you reply with a smirk 'you're friggin Princess Celestia, the Solar Princess and ruler of Equestria!'
She put a hoof to her maw, again the blush across her cheeks as she looked at you.
"A-Anon..." she giggled a bit "you always seem to know how to brighten the mood as the sun brightens the day."
'Hehe...s'what I do...now then Princess... you mentioned an inspection the last time, what you have in store for me, a test maybe? A summary to write, what?'

In the back of your mind you knew she'd be up to something, though the thought of a fight between Celestia and you for assurance of the Princess's ability and confidence still bothered you. When you had asked Luna about it, she couldn't give a good answer on it, but this was Celestia, she wasn't one to fight anypony without reason...right?

Celestia's eyes glinted, something about her smirk made you shiver as Luna could tell from her sisters sudden change of posture from soft and dainty, to a stern, proud figure as she cleared her throat.
"Anon of Earth, you had left upon the knighthood of the Euqestiran royal guard, as such, your first task is to assume your position as a knight. Though you had shown the medallion, the proper merit had not been granted....Anon...please kneel."
You do so without hesitation as Celestia's horn glows vibrantly, slowly she lowers her head, tapping your left shoulder, and then raising above your head to tap down on your right.
"Anon of Earth, with the power of the Sun and the ruling of Equestria, I, Princess Celestia, formally dub thee as Royal Knight of the Celestial Guard. Your duties from henceforth are to serve and protect the maidens of the Celestial ruling against any and all threats towards the Kingdom and crown." She smiled a bit "you may rise."
You nod, doing so as you suddenly see a glow before you as a magical ring suddenly appeared on your right left wrist.
You blink, looking in concern as Celestia just smiles.
"A knight must bear the arms of the kingdom they serve do they not? Though we cannot provide you with a full armour plate as our guards tend to don, we had asked Rarity for some, alternatives."
'Alternatives?' you ask as the magical ring flashes, and there, on your wrist was a silver brace, it almost reminded you of the gauntlets BlueBlood imprisoned you with, but the design was nicer, and the silver crisper as you can see an engraved image of the Sun and Moon atop a sword and shield as a single blue crystal remained in the center of the metal rig.
"Anon, you have been granted a great responsibility and an even greater power within our realm. As the first Human to be granted Knighthood, you hold an important role in our kingdom as well as the reputation of both myself and my sister... I trust that you will take this with great pride and diligence."

Eying the bracer for a moment, you can't help but admire its design before turning to Celestia.
'Of course your majesty, I shall do my utmost to protect and serve your highness's.'
"Your utmost....well...we are glad to hear such a thing!" Luna said with a grin "Anon, it will be truly an honour to see you by our side." 
"That is....if...he can pass his test." Celestia of course wasn't sharing the delight her sister bubbled as she remained stern in her appearance, a slight grin crept across her face as she came quite close, pressed into you, causing you to back away.
This wasn't an embrace like before, this was a show of force, and you could feel the pressure of her muscular form against your body as you are pushed back. Celestia would continue, almost to shove you away from Luna as you blink.
"Tia!?" Luna exchalmed "What are thou doing?"
Before Luna could spread her wings, a solid band of magic wrapped itself around her, keeping her wings tightly fit by her flanks as she yelped.
"Sister!?" Luna said in surprise as Celestia stops pushing you.
"Anon...to truly test your mettle and worthiness of a Knight, I challenge thee to a confrontation of skill and tactics!"
She wasn't kidding as her expression was as serious as ever, you couldn't help but gulp as you look at her, those eyes alight with a fire of confidence.
'Ce-Celestia, w-what do you mean?'
The Princess looked sternly at you as she cast a backwards glance at her sister.
"As you know, my care for kingdom is grand, but my care for my sister is above all a priority fit only for those worthy and able to handle threats far superior to their own skill and might." she turned her glance back to you "Anon...if you truly seek to be a Knight, you must be willing to face foes far stronger than even me.... are you willing to take such a risk?"
You blink for a few seconds, letting the thought of what was about to happen sink in as you slowly take a step back.
'Yeah....I can't image a reason to refuse when I wish to protect the two most important ponies here.'
Celestia smirked, closing her eyes "Then we are in agreement that we shall begin this test?" she said, opening her eyes to see you... suddenly running off into the woods.

"Oh Anon do be careful!" Luna called as she saw her sister take wing without a moments hesitation.

--

You are Anon
And your Innawoods again.
Same old, same old, you recall the last time you did this song and dance with Celestia, running atop the roof's of Canterlots common area as you made your attempted escape against her and her guards.
She beat you that time.
And again, she might just do so here.
Not that you'd let her easily, but the fact she wanted to fight you to test your skill as their 'body-guard' made it more interesting, if not somewhat unsettling.
You didn't really want to fight, you felt the need for it almost forced by the Solar Princess, but who are you to refuse her request, you WERE Knighted by them.
Whatever the case, the further you got from Celestia, the better your chances of getting an idea as to how to approach-

There was a brilliant flash of light ahead as you quickly double back, taking cover behind a tree as you look at the source. What was once nothing more that dirt and foliage had turned into a lush, green clearing with flowers blooming as the Solar Mare herself descended through the trees as she landed softly on the freshly grown grass, exhaling as you could see the look of determination in her expression.
"Anon? You know I expect most of your tricks now..." she said, slowly turning and...trotting...through the wilderness; her horn brilliance gently, casting a glowing beam of light to search you out. 
Keeping tight to the trunk you hid behind, you could hear the clopping of her hooves against the ground, nothing subtle about her movements as she stepped where she pleased.
Making a quick look, you can see she's venturing off...away from you.
That was good, get further from her by her own due-diligence, fine.
Ducking low, you start making your way through the underbrush, moving as slowly and as softly as possible, keeping your head just above the thicket brush to keep an eye on Celestia as you circled the clearings perimeter. 
She didn't seem intent on venturing further, perhaps the brush would not do well for her mane, or perhaps she was just too big to move through without hindrance.
You couldn't blame her, she'd be completely vulnerable without the ability to spread her wings and nothing but a lose footing on the roots and dirt that littered the forest floor.
This, however,  was your territory, and you had the edge.
*SNAP*
Or at least you thought as you suddenly step on a branch, causing the Solar Princess to turn directly towards you.
"Anon!" she shouted, her horn brilliance as she fired a beam square at your location.
You dive, seeing the beam almost slow in its approach, enough time to dodge aside as it impacted, turning the messy underbrush you were hiding amidst into a pleasant little bush with lovely flowers.
Of course, leave it to the power of the sun to turn any shrub into full bloom, cute, but that left the question of what it would do to you.

Another beam struck above you, then another as you keep low, crawling as fast as possible among the brushes as the clopping of hooves echoed behind you.
You make a left, quickly clambering over some large roots and taking cover amidts the roughage of the undergrowth, keeping tight to a large tree and hiding behind it as you hear Celestia rush by.
"ANON!" she called "sway this insolence and confront me, you cannot run forever!"
Of course, she didn't really stop to look as she rushed right past you, going some distance over brush like a show-horse, leaping over obstacles as she kept her pace steady.

It takes several tense moments before the hoof-falls slowly faded, waiting a bit for her to get clear from sight before you exhale. 'Damn...she's getting better.' you mutter 'can't remember the last time she was so persistent, that or fool-hearted...' 
Dusting yourself off, you look around the forest scape, the last time you were in the Everfree was with Cermina...
She had kept you protected against the baddies, and made it through the wilderness to Ponyville on two occasions.
You sort of wondered where she was now, she didn't appear when you first arrived, but you were sent home by her last time.

Your thoughts reiterate to the final moments of your past adventures here, going through hell and back with Twilight and Cermina before returning home during the ceremony. It was...nice, and you really were kind of growing on the fact you were back, but since the Princess wasn't letting you get through easily was a real shame, considering you wouldn't hear the end of it until either you or her were left standing. 
'Well, let her run off like a wild one, she'll find something eventually, or fall of a cliff...' you stretch, slowly making your way away from the tree as you take a few steps out into the thicket of the wilderness as you inhale, taking in a deep breath of the fresh forest air before exhaling, looking around with delight as you take in the sounds.... if there were any.
Strange... not a single sound, no bird chirped, no animal moved, everything was silent.
Was this Celestia's doing? Had she gone about silencing EVERYTHING as to not be swayed by this battle?
That was pretty harsh, but at the same time, hella-smart of the princess to go through all that trouble.
Maybe just her presence alone kept the wilderness silent as you suddenly catch a sot rustling nearby.
With a sudden turn, you raise your fists, expecting to see Celestia charging out, but find nothing aside from a gently swaying bush before you.
'Get it together man...' you mutter as you hear more rustling, quickly turning another direction as you hear it a third time, but could only see the swaying bushes of something that was once there.

You were being watched.

The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, you could feel the eyes of something... or somepony watching you.
It felt like a cold tingle down your back. Its not a comfortable position to be the mouse when the cat is prowling unseen, but this mouse had fangs. With a smirk, you flick forward your gauntlet, slipping your other hand atop the device as you tap the sword icon, quickly drawing forth the blade's handle as you hold it tight in your right hand, gently twirling it, but not drawing the blade just yet. 
It wouldn't be sportish to kill some random animal right off the bat if they attacked anyway, most things knew to avoid you unless they want to be shashimi as you keep hearing the rustling of bushes getting more frequent.

'where...' you mutter, keeping your eyes shifting, turning your head from the left to the right like it was on  swivel as you exhale, keeping your stance lose before you make a full rotation... Right into the sudden form of something leaping at you.

*WHUMP*

You hit the ground hard as whatever attacked you landed square atop your body as your hat sheilds your eyes.
A hiss, hurring even, reverberated from your perpetrator as you look to your arms to find them pinned by...claws?
Shit... where you about to be some beasts lunch? 
Try as you might, you can't free yourself as you suddenly hear the soft chuckling of laughter.
"he he he... al'vasy de same comrade, never v'ere good at keeping yourself protected."
That voice... you look up, just as your hat flips back and you see the all too familair face of one certain drakess.
Cermina...

The black and red drakess smirked, showing her rows of very sharp teeth as you see her red eyes glowing crimson and her ram-like horns glinting from the sun above.
'Cermina, that you?'
The drakess huffed, easing off you as she slowly helped you up.
"Good dat you did not forget name dis time comrade, I am glad, did not expect to see you again so soon."
'So soon?' You reiterate 'its been a year according to everyone else.'
Cermina chuckled "V'eally, seems less time den dat comrade, guess tngs just go faster v'hen you have fun yah?" she smiled, suddenly hugging you very tightly.
Oh gods your spine...
"Time aside comrade, tis good to see you v'once more, it v'ill be just like old times, v'e can travel Equestria again, fight monsters and baddies, and be victrious for moderland!!" he said, keeping you close.
'Well... adventuring here.... would be better with a spine intact...' you mutter as she relases you, letting you flop to the ground.
"Humph, mock comrade Cermina;s affection?" Cermina asked, crossing her arms as you strech your back
'More like death grip.' you retort, smirking as Cermina grinned 
"al'vays kidder comrade yah?"
You nod, looking across at the almost equal height drakess. Her scales were the same from what you remebered, black exterior body, red chest, lower jaw and inner thighs. Her hat, the same commissar hat she always wore, still tucked between her ram horns as she winked.
"V'hat brings you to my territory?"
'Your territory?'
Cermina nods "Did not know, or did Princess Sun or Moonbutt not tell you?"
'Oh... you mean body-guarding Ponyville?' You did remember having that talk with Celestia before, offering her the suggestion to have Cermina as a guatdian of the village.
"Yah yah! It has been good comrade, many good fights, many good times." she huffed "but, dis not ordinary forest comrade, dis place strange v'ith many dangers even Cermina not face... v'hat brings smart human like you here any'vay?"
Smirking, you shrug 'Oh, I dunno, perhaps because the Princess of the Sun knights me and wants to fight me to test my strength as their new bodyguard.'
Cermina blinked, she stared at you for a moment before she broke out in laughter.
"Hahah, you face Princess Sunbutt again? Did she not kick comrade Anon's butt last time real good?"
'Laugh it up chuckles... its different this time, she's pulled out the stops on this one, definitely not one to want to let me go easily; she's being serious on this matter, considering how much of an affect the... past incidents here had taken a toll on her.'
Cermina growled, finding that even you weren't kidding. "I see... dis is trouble comrade... not surprised since she's changed since last time."
'I've heard.... from everypony already, tell me something I don't know.'
Cermina shrugged "Dere is little else comrade, aside from obvious dat she is infatuated by you."
Blinking in suprise, Cermina just grins wider "Seen her many times in clearings, resting upon grass, saying your name~" she nudged your shoulder "She v'eally likes you."
'Figured that too, but then, why is she willing to kick my ass?'
"Because she v'ants to show true strength to Anon, if dis is part of job to project dem, she v'ants to know you can kick ass as hard as her." 
Nodding to the drake's logic was simple enough, you felt that because you could actually go toe to hoof with Celestia, that having her go all out against you would be the only way to truly test your skills. 
It didn't help that Celestia got her rear handed to her by that changeling witch queen, but you were certain she wouldn't be a problem anytime soon. If you knew Twilight and her friends, they certainly gave her the one-two-hoof and knocked her clear out of the park.
That however DIDN'T help your current situation as you look at Cermina.
'So... where's a good place t lay low.'
"Low? You do not v'ish to engage Princess in combat?"
A shake of her head causes her expression to turn to shock.
"You not serious comrade, to back av'ay from fight?"
'I really had no choice, she knighted me, then wanted to test my skills, but to be honest Cermina, I don't feel the need nor want to fight.'
The drake obviously is offended as she huffed, coming closer to you "You little shit, you not letting Celestia win you so eas, I cannot belive dat you v;ould simply refuse good fight!?"
'Whao, hang on, I never said I'd let her win over me or anything, just...'
"yah?"
'theirs... no reason to fight her, even if she did 'demand it', i don't have the same desire to confront her.'
"And v'hy is dat, you ran her for loop last time."
'Because I was trying to escape her, now it just feels she wants to prove to herself she's strong, and I really can't blame her.'
Cermina huffed, obviously she understood what you meant now as she looked away "I do not condone v'etreating comrade, but if your heart not in fight, den not much fun is it?"
'No it aint..'
She smirked "Den follow me, I know place v'e can hide for v'ile, get your spirit up.'

Cermina knew the forests well, considering the year she spent here had her protecting Ponyville from the number of monsters inside it. She had grown too, she was taller now, and even her body looked a tad more 'built' than before. You certainly were impressed with her adaptability to the wilderness here, and it made you wonder how she survived so well.
"You leanr lot from living on edge comrade, dis forest is just like home, only dere is one intervesting t'vist about it."
'Twist?' you ask, ducking below a branch.
"Dis forest is alive comrade, not like alive as v'e see it, but alive as it changes, shifts even."
'Shifting wilderness, you got to be kidding me.'
"Its no joke!" Cermina barks, stopping and looking at you "Forest can change scenery on v'im! What may v'once be a single tree and turn into MOUNTAIN! V'hat could be cleararing could turn to swamp! It is ever moving like magic v'orking beneath it."
'I wouldn't past that theory beyond it, this is a magical world after all.'
She hrmmed, grinning "you catch quick comrade, dat is good."
Cermina led you through the thicket, oddly enough, you didn't see or hear any sign of Celestia. 
Honestly, you were starting to worry, what if she got lost or something, or maybe some monster gobbled her up? You'd be quite pained to find her corpse somewhere while you were being escorted by your guide. 
Still, it was strange how Cermina found you so easily, perhaps the connection with her was just something strong enough to find you as you suddenly see her pause, raising a fist like a squad captain.
"Shhhh" she said "Wait a moment... the trees are moving."
'Moving?' you as as she points into the distance.
You can see several trees suddenly shaking, as though something was moving within them.
Slowly becoming more violent before the whole ground exploded upwards, creating a massive towering mountain only a couple of yards away.
'Wow... so that's what you mean?' you say in awe, seeing the once shrubbery forest now turned into a mountain.
"My commander had saying... if you been round area, you know it v'ell, but when you know something a miss, you have to be very wary of things."
'I can see what you mean, it certainly seems that mountains can grow from trees, what else, valleys can be born from dirt?'
Cermina chuckled, looking back just in time to see you suddenly drop as the very ground cave away, and everything a mile behind you suddenly shifted down and what was once forest, became an extensive valley.
And you were falling.
Falling very fast.


Plummeting to your inevitable doom as the valley below was a rather intimidating drop of free fall, you without a chute. Your last glance upwards at Cermina had her rushing to the edge but no where near as close enough to get you in time. 
It didn't seem reasonable to die like this, falling to your death in some magical world as you see Cermina ease up from the edge, and take a few steps back.
And god she's not stupid enough.
Oh shit.
She did.
The wingless dragon leaped right from the cliff-side, rushing forward before going into a tight vertical drop right towards you.
The fuck is she thinking.
'you know you can't fly!' you call upwards.
She just smirks at you, dropping faster as the winds shift, causing a slight updraft beneath you extend your body, trying to slow down.
As your decent slows, Cermina closes the gap with you, eventually gripping hold of you tightly and bringing you right into her chest. She huffed, her eyes glowing vibrantly as you notice a strange work of lines along her form as golden slivers began to ripple along the breaks in her scales.
"HOLD TIGHT!" she barked as you feel an intense heat envelope you, and everything goes dark as you impact.

Only...
You don't
The stone around you does.
You suddenly see the very cracking motel magma as the rock around you breaks, and leaves you on a perfectly hollowed case like a Geode stone. 
As more of it breaks, you can feel yourself wiggle from the drakess's grasp as you huff, easing yourself free from her confinement.
'WHat the heck you do?'
"SIMPLE, i adapted."
'I can see that...'
Cermina dusts the stone from her shoulders as she eases herself free from the rock tomb "Super heating body, I v'as able to forge magma power into an orb round us and super cool it v'ith de vind. Makes perfect shelter for almost any impact."
'Almost?'
Cermina shrugged "It v;orked didn't it?"
'I Wouldn't bet myself on an 'almost' level.'
She huffed, crossing her arms.
"Super powers turn to magic levels, I found dat after falling myself to near death dat I had to make a 'shell' to protect self."
you eye the half capsule, seeing a few lines of molten lava still radiating along it.
'So you pretty much were able to go OP and protect me?'
"You are still master of Cermina comrade, do not tink I v'ould go above and beyond to help you, besides, v'ithout you, I v'ould not exist."
'Touche.'
Dusting off, you look up towards the sky at the base of the freshly formed valley.
'Wonder how Celestia is doing, I doubt she's been around the Everfree as much as you have?'
Cermina chuckled, kicking away the last of her stone case.
"Aside from does times mentioned, she hardly ventures forth den a few wing beats, dis would be as new to her as you comrade, besides, I do not tink she is dat in-tuned v'ith nature to know v'ere dese tings v'ill happen."
'Lets hope on that...'

Before you could get on your way however, a figure of pure white suddenly slammed into the ground not too far from you as you look to see Celestia herself having crash landed into the Valley.
The mare indeed hadn't expected to be met by such a change of scape, and perhaps falling from a once stable ground into a valley was a rather shocking, if not painful experience as she slowly gets up, shaking her head and then suddenly noticing you.
'Oh sh-'
"Anon..." She said, trying to look unopposed as she turned directly to face you "It seems your game of hide and seek is over."
'shouldn't you be out patrolling?' you jest 'I think its a bit early in the day for gaming with the sole human in Equestria.
She looked back with a rather questioning gaze.
"I don't think its one's place to judge the actions of royalty, when one has yet to prove their worth to the crown."
'eh... didn't think you for the primacy type Celestia, what happened to gentle benevolence?'
Celestia only smirked "I do what is necessary for my kingdom, subjects... and my family Anon. You are a Knight of the Crown, not a duty to be squandered, even by childish means. I had asked you to engage me in combat, and yet you had only fled your duty, such is the one we seek as our protector?"
It was certain that Celestia wasn't willing or even planning on letting you go either as Cermina huffed.
"You cannot expect comrade Anon to v'ant to fight if he v'ishes not to." Cermina muttered "besides, v'hat good does forcing him to bout you prove, are dere not oder 'vays he can prove himself, consider he has done so much more before?"
Celestia turned to Cermina, her expression stern and unshaken.
"It is to prove his capabilities, at times, there won't be any 'awareness period' for Anon to prepare himself for battle; he must always be ready, and always be willing to stand against all who oppose us and wish to cause harm. I am sure, Cermina, you understand this better than even he, as you too were signed to our duty and care."
Cermina quirked a brow "You asked me to protect Ponyville in Everfree forest, dat has noting to do v'th ordering me around, besides, it v'as Anon who gave idea, not you."
Celestia chuckled "Your dedication to your master is admirable Cermina, but despite what you think, your under my jurisdiction and my authority. You're our responsibility and under our charging as the pact we had made stated, am I not correct?"
Cermina growled, clenching her fists.
'Pact?' you mutter, causing Cermina to glance at you 'what does she mean by that?'
"It means...by royal decree, Cermina, you will apprehend Anon."
'Ah....'
Cermina quickly turns to face you, her eyes a mixture of angst and uncertainty as she huffed, growling low.
"Anon...Run!"


Cermina came like a demon outta hell itself as her body acted on the sudden whim of her...contractor.
You didn't have enough time to evade her first swipe at your body, the instinct in combat as well as your own 'time slow' was enough to dodge her first attack.
Her claws were dullen, the radiance of her fire not used with her attacks.
She didn't have to kill you, but she didn't want to take you either.
"Sheet"
'I don't like this idea.'
Both of you dash off into the wilderness, Cermina keeping a few paces behind you for a fighting chance.
She took a hit for you last time....
...she didn't feel to reprimand it from you either.
But...orders were orders.
So for now, she was the fucking sheriff;
and you were her quarry.
"You know you cannot v'un forever comrade, you must face me!"
Cermina barked, bounding through trees as you keep pace through the foliage. She does all she can to refrain from pouncing you down, even slipping up here and there on purpose as you look back.
'I won't fight you Cermina, you're being ordered to do this, not by your own choice!' you shout, ducking under a branch as Cermina bounds over it.
"You fucking nuts, you expect me to just stop v'ehn pact says I must do as Celestia says!?"
'Then I'll just keep running until you're out of steam and then make my escape, nothing too it!'
"Comrade... you made me a machine of v'ar, I vi'll chase you to ends of EARTH to capture you for my contractor, Dragons cannot deny their orders from a pact, you must understand I v'ill not stop!"
She was right, Cermina was duty bound by Celestia's word, and she literally would chase you to hell and back. 
She had the stamina, she had the capabilities and durability, and it would only be a matter of time before your weaker human stamina would be drained and she'd have you.
Defeat was inevitable, but it wasn't your option, it WOULDN'T be your option as you suddenly see the trees around you begin to shake, just like that time....
'Cermina.... run past me!' you shout.
"V'hat!?"
'Trust me!' you bark, suddenly stopping as you grab hold of a Tree, seeing Cermina rush right by you just as the land suddenly shifts, sending you upwards at incredible speeds.
And you're atop a mountain, finding yourself hugging the now devoid trunk of a tree, its canopy of green vaporized by the sudden altitude change as you look about the rocky beyond.
'Modeu fuckin gu'd' you mutter as you slowly ease down, clambering a few feet downward until you ended up on a rather flat surface. With a sigh, you sit down, exhaling deeply as you look out beyond the wilderness, seeing mountains and forest all ahead before breaking about Ponyville and Canterlot further beyond.
It was serene, you bet that Cermina had found herself on the bottom of this mountain, and you had a good few hours or so before she would even reach you.
IF she could reach you, whatever the case, you were free for the moment.
"Anon!" came the all too familiar voice of the Sun Maiden.
Celestia flaps towards you, her large wings beating briskly as she eyes you.
'Celestia... we've done this dance before, why must you seek me to contend with you?'
Celestia blinked for a moment "Do you not wish to hold your duty to the highest degree of seriousness Anon? I seek to test your skill and might for that it would be suiting to defend my sister, yet you continue to avoid the matter like a child. Wat has happened to the Anon I knew of strength and prowess, what has become of you to be this... unwilling?"
'Considering it an ideal of not really wanting to fight when you don't have to. Celestia, I won't fight you, I can't fight you; what point would there be if I did?'

Celestia didn't respond, she just floated there, wings gently flapping as she considered your words for a moment.
"Anon, your wisdom is paramount, and nay can I refuse what you say as true and fact, but, you are a Knight of the Royal crown, few ponies have ever donned such a title before, and those who have always were tested by their ruler to see if their strength and skills were enough to be worthy of their duty. I only ask you permit such actions Anon, to not shy away from danger, to not avoid confrontation. Had.... had you been there during the coronation, would you have acted, or would you have sat idly by and not dared to confront the Queen of the Changelings?"
You really didn't know what you'd do. To be honest, you'd probably leap at the chance to break that witch's horn first off, and then make sure she never had a chance to try a second attempt, ever. Sure, Twilight knocked her away to the scorched lands, but that didn't stop her, it didn't maim her, kill her even, it probably just pissed her off completely and would eventually find a way to return.
That is how most villains work anyway, you don't kill em outright, they will always come back for more.
'That's... not a question I can answer Celestia. I might have done more harm than good even if I had been here, and I know you and Luna wouldn't want that credit towards you, even if this mare was a bad-seed, I'm glad that Twilight found out more than anyone else, and all the better, had it been me.' You smirk 'I might have been a tad upset when the cat was out of the bag.'
Celestia stifled a giggle, you could even catch a bit of embarrassed blush from her cheeks as she coughed, taking her role seriously.
"Again, Anon, your words ring true, though I may not have been blessed by your company, my student and pupil had done her diligence proper despite the disagreement even I had towards her notions, but that does not sway my choice for our trial Anon. Now... shall you engage me... or do you wish to surrender your title?"
The last part of that sentence sounded painful, more towards her than to you as you grumble; she was playing hardball now as you step back a bit.

'Threatening to take it all away because I won't raise a punch to you Celestia, that's a tad brutish, even for you. What happened to the benevolence and kindness? Your ego is getting in the way.'
She looked surprise "You cannot mean such a thing?" she said.
'I do... you could easily have found a peaceful way to test my skills, then again, you've already seen what I can do the last time I was here, why do all this, why!?' you demand, outstretching your arms.
Celestia looked away for a moment. "I felt... powerless when I was defeated Anon, no creature should ever feel such a dreadful emotion of loss, to know I had fallen, failing my subjects before their eyes can never be healed. No matter how much good I do for them, I had been reduced to nothing but a wash-up. Even my our court is uneasy with my capabilities... " she looked at you, her eyes now filled with a longing expression, deep with regret, sorrow, but also hope.
"Anon...please, let me...let me feel powerful again, it is why I asked to inspect you, why...I demanded it....to feel strength and thrill in combating you.

She came closer, slowly landing at the edge of the plateau as you take a few steps back, keeping your distance as you come closer to the edge on the other side. You look back, seeing another, much higher sheer drop down, as you can catch Cermina still scaling the mountain below you.
She was fast, would not be long until she reached the top as you turn back to see Celestia approach you, confident you weren't stupid enough to jump.
"Anon.... please... do not run from this... engage me, let me feel the thrill of battle with you once more."
Taking one last look down, you share a glance with the Princess, if all she wanted was to fight you, then you had no reason to remain here, no reason to bother, no reason to even care as you sigh, slowly letting your body fall back, as you begin to plummet once more.

The shrill cry of Celestia calling your name in sheer terror was enough to get your head into it; maybe thinking this through a bit more might have helped, but fuck it, you weren't going to go about fighting Celestia, not like that anyway. She had opened herself up, even admitted to WANT to fight, that wasn't like her, that was her broken ego trying to mend itself.
It was sickening, how somepony so benevolent, so kind, so wise suddenly turn to nothing more than a wash-up. 
Maybe you did need to sock a few hits in her head, make her see straight a bit and perhaps even get her to realize her errors; never hurt to throw some tough love onto her as you look up, seeing her suddenly leap off and after you.

'If only I could fly... maybe I'd be able to really bring her through the ringer...' you mutter, letting your hands spread out as you slow your decent, casting a glance to your device.
'C'mon, I know you can make me fly, just give me that already and lets show Celestia a good fight.'
Your gauntlet listened, and responded in kind; a glowing ring around the wrist began to whizz its way through your body to your head, slowly going down to your shoulders, splitting, and pressing down to his shoes as they suddenly sparked.
And a pair of wings sprouted from each one, suddenly sending a rocketing force right through your shoes as your boots engaged their thrusters.
Your feet propelled you forward with immense force as you feel the sudden strain of G-force before you noticed that you were flying.
You soar to a good few thousand feet over the mountain range that had now formed.
It was iffy, the whole location shifted as your body levels out.
You weren't just flying, you were soaring on boots of flight.
It was quiet wonderful
And though you wished it could last as you suddenly see a familiar white glint on your tail.