> The Great and the Generous
>  by Cheer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Not So Great Any More
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Don’t you think the ‘Great and Apologetic Trixie’ is the most magnificent, humble pony you’ve ever seen?” With that Trixie left in a cloud of smoke, eager to get back on the road. Her hope for the future having been raised by the acceptance of the first true apology she had given in years. With no strings attached no less. The very pony she had directly wronged and deliberately targeted had forgiven her after she had banished her from her home and friends. Surely if even she had been willing to forgive her then towns-ponies that lived in completely different towns would welcome her with open arms now. Right?

Wrong. It had only gotten worse. Whereas before she had merely been heckled, generally made a laughing stock and much more often than not barred from performing, she would still at least be allowed to spend what meager bits she had and to park her cart outside the town proper. Now however, she was treated as a hated criminal who had somehow escaped execution. 

She wasn't welcome or even allowed near any towns. She had learned that the hard way, the large scar on her forehead still visible from where her newfound hope for the future had been shattered in the form of a rock. It was only the first on many but, none that followed weighed as heavily on her as that one just as none had left such a visible reminder of how she was thought of. 

She actually wished that she could go back to how things were before. How she was treated before the amulet. At least then she was sometimes allowed to perform a little before she was recognized and run out of town with tomatoes. That was better than kept away from towns with threats, rocks and other various debris. The graffiti her cart acquired when she went shopping was much better than the last time she had seen her cart. Fire rippling across the sky, everything inside too far gone to be saved. She had once again lost everything she held dear. Well almost everything. She considered herself very lucky that she had been bathing and doing laundry in a nearby stream at the time. This act showed her even more what ponies thought of her. That they would rather burn her only home than let her even park near their town.

That had been the last straw for Trixie. She was broke, with nowhere to go now living inside a cave within the Everfree Forest. Sure, she could try Ponyville again but she had long since begun to question the sincerity of Twilight Sparkle. If other towns had treated her like they had, how would the town she had directly wronged treat her? She didn’t want to risk it. No matter how often Pixie had told her to try.

Pixie. She had been the only friend Trixie had for many years. She was Trixie’s salvation from her dreams that were filled by shadowy figures picking away at her soul with their taunts, jeer, insults and angry cries. Pixie had saved her more times than she cared to remember in the early days of life and early days of her new life style within the most dangerous forest known to ponies, from herself. Telling Trixie that the various ways she thought up were ‘the weakling’s way out’ was a surefire way to at least get Trixie’s attention and draw her away from those thoughts. It mattered little that Trixie was a full grown mare. Pixie was still her friend. Her imaginary friend, sure. But her very best friend nonetheless.

Pixie had first come into existence when Trixie was but a filly, living in the alleys of Prance. Her early life was not an easy one and without Pixie it would definitely had been a lonely one towards the end. In the time that they had been together they only grew closer. Now they were closer than ever before. Trixie’s mind having, a month into her stay within the forest having been pushed into a corner. The loneliness of her situation, the fear of the forest and sadness preying on her was nearly too much. In a fit of a need to survive her mind took a leap and added even more to the existence of Pixie. A body, hallucination or whatever others may call it. All Trixie knew was that she wasn't alone and Pixie wouldn't leave her. Sure she knew that talking and being able to see her imaginary friend was definitely not a good sign. That much was common sense. But she, although most ponies lose their imaginary friends when they are young, could never stand the thought of losing her best and only friend and companion was far too frightening to even think about. So she stayed.

Pixie herself was the spitting image of Trixie when she was a filly except for the colors. Whereas Trixie was blue with a silver mane and tail, Pixie was brown with a sea green mane and tail. Trixie still knew that Pixie was merely a creation of what she expected to be her slowly breaking mind but, that knowledge was being muddled by the thought that she wasn't alone out here. The thought reached a point that she had actually made her bed larger so that Pixie could sleep comfortably next to her. The warmth may have only been in her head but it was still welcome all the same as warmth was something that had been steadily harder to grasp. Winter was coming. The air was getting colder and food was much scarcer, a week ago her own stores of food had gone dry. She understood what this meant. In around a weeks’ time, if not sooner, she was going to die of starvation.

In a sick way this excited her. Pixie couldn’t talk her down from the inevitable. All the same it didn’t mean she rushed towards such a fate. She had decided that if she died in this forest in such a way it was her fate. No adoring fans lined up for miles to mourn her, nopony to remember her fondly, no ponies telling their fillies and colts about the time they were amazing at one of her shows. No. It now seemed much more likely that her fate was as it had been recently. Hated, ostracized, dead in a cave with only a hallucination to hear her last words and then she would be forgotten.

She didn’t wish for such a fate obviously. She was still Trixie even if all seemed lost. Pixie would never allow her to just lie down and die either. No. She may not be great anymore, having fallen to rock bottom and then some. She may not be powerful anymore, her magic having failed on her days ago. But, she was still Trixie. Death could have her. But only if it earned the right to reap her. She would make death work for it.

Unfortunately, work it did. As time passed and she got weaker, her run-ins with hostile wildlife became much more frequent. She had even at one point stumbled across the sleeping form of what she could only assume to be the very same Ursa Minor that had crushed all she owned and nearly killed her. She stayed far away from that part of the forest from then on. It mattered little that she wanted revenge. After all, she saw how it had shrugged off her magic.

The morning sun was rising in the east, shining through a small hole Trixie had blasted through the treetops early in the history of her current residence so as to be able to tell the time while within ever-dark forest. It was a new day and that meant getting up and scrounging for food once again, even if the chances of finding enough food to stave off starvation for much longer were slim. However the new day brought an old challenge. That being, Trixie was most definitely not a morning pony. This left it up to Trixie’s mind to wake her. In the form of a small filly named Pixie.

“Trixie. Trixie~. Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Trix-“

“Enough! I'm up! Cease your jumping and incessant chanting.” Trixie cut her off as she shuffled up from under her cape made blanket, the sensation of weight on her back leaving as the image of Pixie jumped in front of her.

“Sorry Trixie. But you know how hard it is to get you up sometimes.” Pixie apologized with a grin. Leaving Trixie to merely grumble about mornings being too early as she clasped her cape on herself albeit with a smile.

Trixie had changed much in the time since she had moved inside the forest. Her once blue coat had darkened several hues due to the dirt and grime of the forest. Bathing it off was however, sadly out of the question. The dark color of both her filthy coat and likewise filthy cape made it easier to move about the forest unseen. The smell, which she had long since gotten used to also helped her to smell like the forest and live in her cave without the scent of a lively pony wafting about. These facts were quite helpful now, though she wished she had access to this knowledge long ago when she had first learned the dangers of letting her mane and tail grow long.

She had been only a week into living within the forest and it had most definitely not been easy. Early on she made use of her magic constantly, protecting herself and hiding her scent with it. The kinds of things she could now do on her own. She had been searching for food in her full ensemble: after all if she needed to run she would wish to take her belongings with her. However she had been walking around the territory of a pack of timberwolves, which had quickly sniffed her out. In her run to keep herself alive she had lost her hat and her tail had gotten caught on a bush. Thinking quickly though, she used a sharp rock to cut it short and kept running. When she was once again safely back in her cave she did the same to her mane, not wishing to let something as inconsequential as looks, while alone in a dangerous forest, lead to her death.

“It is fine. I understand. Thanks you for waking her once again, Pixie.” Trixie said as she stretched. She could feel just how weak she had become. She had been getting slowly weaker before coming to the forest for reasons unknown to her and the long days without food resulted in her own body eating itself to survive. As she stood there, poking at the ribs that showed through her skin, she calculated how many days she had left before she could no longer move. Pixie then moved into her view, wearing a worried look.

“You’re welcome. But hey, don’t worry. Something good will happen today. I just know it.”

Trixie sighed looking down. “So you tell me every day. Yet each day I grow weaker.” She said before looking back at the worried face of her only friend. “But, I must admit I do admire your positive outlook.” Trixie admitted with a small smile. Leading to one twice its size on Pixie’s face.

“Hey, that’s what I’m here for Trix. To be adorable and positive. That’s me.” She said with a grin, causing Trixie’s smile to grow at her antics before Pixie grew serious for a moment. “Seriously though, today will be better. I feel it.”

Shaking her head Trixie began making her way into the forest proper. ”I'll entertain this idea for now I suppose. Now get on and let’s go.” She said as Pixie jumped on her back. It was a good thing that hallucinations didn’t weigh anything.

Only about a half hour into the search and Trixie was already breathing heavily and covered in sweat. “Stupid body. No part of me should be weak. Why do you defy me so?” She grumbled while once again looking at her prominent ribs.

“It’s not your bodies fault. It was just doing what it had to in order to keep the best unicorn in existence alive.” This got a truly large smile out of Trixie.

“Then I suppose I can forgive It this time since it shows such loyalty to me and understands this piece of common sense so well. Maybe Pixie, you were actually right about today. I'm is actually starting to feel like something might actually go well for once.” Her smile disappeared quickly once the forest decided to remind Trixie of Murphneighs Law in the form of growling from behind her. Without moving Trixie tensed up and spoke quietly. ”Pixie?”

“Y-yeah, T-Trixie?” answered a shivering mess of hallucinated filly on her back.

“Hold on.” With that Trixie tapped into every ounce of power and energy she still had. Adrenaline pouring through her pushed her forwards. She kept running without looking back even once. At some point she had entered some incredibly bright area and the soft soil of the forest gave way to hard rock. However, where she was mattered little. Inside her mind she could still feel the shivering of the filly on her back and the growls she heard earlier. So she kept running until she was brought down hard to the ground, having tripped over something like a rock.

“Trixie!” Pixie yelled as she got right in front of her vision. She kept yelling but it became harder for Trixie to understand it. Soon she was teetering on the very edge of consciousness, her vision was black and she could hear naught but unintelligible noises. There were a few raspy noises as she felt herself being lifted, pain shooting through her body, pulling her closer to unconsciousness. The last thing she heard was a higher pitched noise before she felt herself fall, and then, nothing.

> Chapter 2: The Generous Offer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	When Trixie next awoke the first things she noticed was how little pain she was in and how clean the air smelled.

"Trixie!" trixie could hear pixie call out for her. as trixie looked around the room, trying to spot the location of her life long friend. All she could see was blurry however as she looked about. All she saw was white, white, a splotch of blurry purple and more white. 

As she was looking about pixie suddenly filled her vision, crystal clear. "Ah!" Trixie screamed, the purple blur moving slightly as she did. "Don't do that!" she snapped, causing pixie to back up a bit.

	"Sorry Trix. My bad." pixie apologized, smiling sheepishly. 

"I forgive you. Now tell me where I am." 

Pixie looked around for a moment before scrunching her face in concentration. "I dunno." she finally answered, causing Trixie to face hoof. 

"Never mind." After a few moments of trying to think of where she could be when she heard a noise coming from the direction that the purple blur had been. Looking in that direction Trixie discovered that not only had the blur cleared up and that is was actually a pony but also that it was just staring at her. The slightly awkward staring went on for a few moments before the purple maned pony coughed. "Well. I see that you've finally awoken."

Are you feeling okay?" the alabaster unicorn sitting across from Trixie asked. The first thing Trixie noticed was how immaculate the mare's mane was. The next thing she noticed was how beautiful she was which caused a slight blush to form on Trixie’s cheeks. The final thing that she noticed was the thing that banished her blush and brought about a deep frown. She recognized this mare. 

"Trixie is fine. Now tell her where she is." Trixie said curtly. 

Undeterred by the hostility of the mare, rarity answered. "You are at Ponyville hospital. I came across you being handled like a rag doll by some Diamond Dogs.”

“Why is Trixie in a hospital?” Trixie asked, internally worried. She hadn’t had any bits for a long while, let alone enough for a hospital bill.

Using her magic to grab the clipboard at the end of the bed Rarity read it off. “Severe malnutrition, dehydration, magicly exhausted and finally, a very badly broken leg.” As she finished reading it off she levitated the clipboard over to the azure mare.

Looking over the information that had just been read off and trying to move her leg only to find it numb and stiff, Trixie voiced her concerns. “How long has Trixie been here and how much is this going to cost Trixie?”

“You’ve been here for about a week. Don’t worry about the bill. Ponyville General Hospital is a free hospital thanks to many donations from Filthy Rich.” Rarity explained with a small smile. His daughter may be a little beast but her father was well known for his kindness.

With one problem solved, Trixie inquired about the one thing that could possibly bring about the most trouble. “How many ponies know that Trixie is here?”

Rarity quirked a brow at what she thought was an odd question. “Well the doctors, nurses and I  know clearly. I also told Twilight about your magical exhaustion. She will be helping along with the your magic recovery, since it's apparently a touchy thing. I didn't really understand too well. I stitch dresses, not ponies after all. Finally, I’m positive that Pinkie knows. I’m just surprised that she hasn’t popped up at all yet.”

Trixie cocked her head at that fact. Twilight was willing to help her? Surely she wanted some sort of reward for helping. As Trixie had that thought Pixie decided to make herself and her thoughts known. “Trixie. She was the first one to forgive you. I doubt she wants anything more than to help.”

“How did you end up in such a state anyway? If I may be so bold as to inquire.” Rarity asked, glancing at the once immaculate mane, causing Trixie to flinch away and frown without saying a word. Being alone with Pixie in the woods was one thing. But letting a pony who had plenty of reason to hate her see it was entirely another. Seeing how Trixie reacted, Rarity decided to inquire about the more recent situation and avoid her appearance. “What do you remember before you woke up here?”

Frowning deeper Trixie recalled the situation that led to her current condition. The Timberwolves and running. However, she wasn’t about to admit that she had run away in fear from a bunch of stupid wooden dogs. “A pack of timberwolves, knowing they were no match for Trixie in a fair fight, teamed up with a manticore and ambushed her. Trixie vanquished most of the pack before the manticore got in a lucky shot, throwing Trixie far. When she hit the ground far away from the site of her epic fight, she valiantly fought against unconsciousness until even she could no longer hold off its cold embrace.”

Rarity stared at her with the most disbelieving stare that had ever graced her face. “Really?” She asked, her face not changing.

Trixie huffed and looked away with her muzzle in the air. “If you choose not to believe in the greatness of Trixie, that’s your own loss.” 

Pixie looked between the two mares and gave a sigh.

Heaving a silent sigh Rarity forced her face back into a polite smile. “Well, you’re here and okay now.  I suppose that’s what matters. I don’t know if you remember but, my name is Rarity.”

“You will get no reward out of Trixie, no matter what you may have expected.” Trixie responded without moving her head, ignoring the introduction but storing the information for later.

While Rarity took her time to cool her head from dealing with such a mare Trixie heard a cough. Looking down she saw Pixie giving her an expectant look. After waiting a moment didn’t bring about anything from either of them, Pixie finally spoke. “Well?” When Trixie still didn’t respond aside from a raised brow she spoke again, this time in a warning tone. “Trixie. Come on.” Finally realizing what her friend was expecting of her she almost imperceptibly shook her head, which brought a strict look from Pixie. “Trixie.” Trixie felt slight goose bumps from the tone her friend used and finally lowered her head in defeat.

Rarity had finally cooled down and was about to give this arrogant mare a polite, but stern talking to. However, Trixie spoke first. “But-“ Rarity paused herself from giving her prepared speech to allow the mare to continue. At first Rarity felt that giving her time to speak would only result in more irritation, but the look on Trixie’s face was not the same arrogant one from before. “But, Trixie and all of Equis thank you. It would be a much sadder world without her.”

Pixie looked at Trixie with a large smile. “See? That wasn’t so bad now was it?” Trixie only responded with an embarrassed grumble. “Oh come on. It’s not that bad. She earned it after bringing us to the hospital and all.”

Rarity could only blink and stare at the unexpected thanks. ‘Maybe she’s not as bad as she lets on. It was still arrogant but at least she thanked me.’ She thought as she looked at the mare across from her fidget uncomfortably. “You’re most welcome darling. I must ask however, do you have anywhere to go nearby? I don’t think you could make it back to your home on that leg very easily.”

Trixie winced at the mention of ‘home’ and was about to say that she would be fine when a pleading look came into her view, courtesy of Pixie. “Please, Trix? Just be honest. She might have somewhere we can stay and I know that I at the least have forgotten what an actual bed feels like. I don’t want to sleep outside again.”

Seeing her friend with that such a look pierced Trixie right in the heart. The look alone made her feel sad for what she must have put her friend through.

Rarity on the other hoof felt confused. Trixie looked as though she was about to say something when she suddenly looked to the right. Something to the right caused a solemn look to cross her face. She was brought out of her confusion as Trixie looked towards her. Not looking Rarity in the face, she finally answered.

“No. Trixie does not.” She said it as though she was admitting some great wrong. This reminded Rarity that while Trixie may be arrogant she was also very prideful. The fact that she was weak with nowhere to go, Rarity figured, must be eating away at her like nothing else. Taking from her experience of dealing with Rainbow Dash, she prepared her words carefully so as to not make it sound like pity or as though she would be a burden.

“Well, if it is okay with you I could use help around my boutique. You wouldn’t have to walk a lot for it and I could give you a place to stay until you are better as well as a few bits in return for your help.” Rarity’s offer seemed to have an effect on Trixie.

After mulling on the offer for a minute Trixie finally spoke. “You said it was a boutique, correct?”

Rarity gave a nod in response before expanding on it. “Yes. The Carousel Boutique is both my home and place of work. I make fabulous garments for ponies all across Equestria. On that topic, do you have any experience with sewing? Otherwise I have plenty of other jobs you could do should you accept my offer.”

Regaining some of her previous attitude, Trixie lifted her muzzle to the air. “Of course! Trixie is a master of all things. Sewing is easily one of them.”

“So is that yes then?” Rarity asked, trying to decide if she was blowing hot air or simply exaggerating.

“Trixie can sew with her hooves just as easily as she can with her magic.” Trixie said with a little less attitude.

‘If she’s lying it’ll show right away any way.’ Rarity though before asking for Trixie’s decision.

“So, what do you say? Partners while you recover?” Rarity asked, making her way over to Trixie’s side, extending her hoof.

Trixie didn’t even have to look at Pixie to know that she was wearing a begging look on her face. Heaving a sigh Trixie shook hooves with the mare. “You are a lucky mare. Trixie’s mere presence will increase your success by tenfold. Such is the greatness of Trixie.”

Rarity rolled her eyes at the declaration. “I’ll go tell the doctors that you’ve woken up.”

A few moments after Rarity had left the room Trixie finally let her head fall. The next thing she felt was a nuzzle against her cheek. She looked over to see Pixie giving her a small smile. “It’ll be okay Trix. She seems nice.”

Trixie gave a snort, “Ponies aren’t nice. Ponies are greedy creatures. They do what is best for themselves and nothing else.”

With another nuzzle Pixie looked Trixie in the eyes. ”Then why would she take us in? There is nothing for her to gain in this. She’s even giving you a job. Besides, it’s not like we have a lot of options.”

“I can't pretend to know the minds of ponies. my guess is that she will work me to the bone and throw us out when she doesn't need me anymore.” Pixie gave a small shake of her head and curled up next to Trixie, falling asleep in the warmth of her friend.

Trixie looked down at her friend and a gentle smile came across hr face as she curled around her friend. Speaking softly so as to not wake her, “I still don't trust her but, I'll try my best.” With a small nuzzle Trixie closed her eyes as well.





After Rarity left the room she stayed in front of the door, thinking. I’m too generous for my own good sometimes. Hopefully she will become easier to handle with time.’ As she was about to leave the door she heard her newfound housemate and employee talking. Unable to stay her curiosity she took a listen.

“-Ponies aren’t nice. Ponies are greedy-“

Rarity drew her head back; surprised that Trixie had such negative outlook	of ponies but the more she thought about it, the more she was confused as to who she was talking to. Putting her head back to the door, she took what she told herself to be the last time.

“-work me to the bone and throw us out when she doesn't need me anymore-“

When she could hear no more coming from the inside the room Rarity finally made her way away from her room. Was that what Trixie believed would happen to her? What caused her to have such a horrid outlook? Who was this 'us' Trixie talked about? So deep in her thoughts that she didn’t notice when a pony was right in front of her.

“Oof!”

The noise brought Rarity out of her thoughts as she noticed that she had walked right into another pony. That pony being nurse Redheart.

“I’m terribly sorry darling. I was lost in my thoughts.” Rarity apologized as she avoided looking around so as to avoid the eyes of ponies, which would only serve to increase her embarrassment.

Redheart adjusted her hat before flashing a forgiving smile. “It’s okay Rarity don’t worry about it. I know I’ve had my share of moments like that. Mercy can attest to just how often I get lost in my own thoughts.” She explained with a small laugh. “Now is there anything I can do for you?”

“Thank you dear, and yes. I wanted to let the doctors know that Trixie has awoken.” Rarity explained, pleased that she had been forgiven for her inattentiveness.

“Oh excellent. She should be okay for release after a few tests. If you’ll follow me I can grab the paperwork needed for her.” With a nod from Rarity, they made their way to the main desk.





Rarity entered the room after receiving no answer to her knocking. Upon coming across Trixie, she was unable to hold herself back from giving a quiet “Aww”. The sight of the normally talkative and arrogant mare curled up asleep with a gentle smile was too much for her.

Rarity kept looking at the mare with a smile on her face before she realized just how odd it might seem to watch her sleeping.

Rarity shook the mare slightly, trying to wake her up. This only resulted in Trixie curling up tighter. Trying harder, all she got was a grumble.

“Leave me alone, Pixie.” Trixie said as she curled up even tighter.

“Trixie. Wake up.” Rarity essentially demanded, ignoring the unknown name that Trixie had spoken when they had both woken up earlier while she continued to shake the mare harder.

Finally opening her eyes Trixie looked down at Pixie and nuzzled her awake. To Rarity however, all she saw was Trixie attempting to nuzzle empty air. To say the action confused her would be an understatement. Shaking her head, she figured that she was probably still half-asleep.

“Trixie? Are you awake now, darling?” At the sound of Rarity’s voice, Trixie froze before she looked up.

“What do you want?”  Trixie asked, acting as though nothing had just happened.

Once again ignoring the mares’ hostility Rarity used her magic to bring in the small pile of paperwork. “These are for you to fill out after a couple tests. They said you’re ready to be released after that. Though you do-“ Using her magic once again she brought the wheelchair inside the room. “-need to ride in this until you are out of the hospital. Regulations and all that, you know.”

Pixie popped her head over Trixie’s shoulder and her eyes brightened with foal like wonder as they came across the wheelchair. “Ooh! Ooh! A wheelchair! Can we ride it!? Can we!? Can we!?”

Ignoring the excited foal on her shoulder, Trixie’s look of dread was on the paperwork. “Trixie hates paperwork.” She grumbled.

“Don’t we all.” Rarity commented with a giggle.

After the few necessary tests were complete, Trixie was busily signing each different page as Rarity watched carefully. She noticed the way that she used her hooves was much more deft than she would expect from most unicorns. Even Twilight seemed to depend on her magic too often to practice her hoof writing too much. However, Trixie seemed just as at home writing with her hoof as Twilight did with her magic. 'Maybe she was telling the truth about her hoof sewing after all.'

With an exaggerated flick of her hoof all of the paperwork was finally done. Attracting the attention of everypony in the room.

“Finally. As much as Trixie loves giving her autograph, signing paperwork is a completely different matter.”

“Excellent. Shall we get ready then? I’ll bring your papers to the front desk, unless you would like some assistance to the wheelchair?” Rarity offered.

At the mention of ‘wheelchair’ Pixie’s eyes lit up again and she jumped off Trixie’s head making it look like she was nodding and ran on to the wheelchair. She jumped up and down on it yelling, “Let’s go! Come on!

Taking what looked like a nod as asking for assistance Rarity used her magic to bring over the chair, not hearing the excited squealing of Pixie as it moved right next to Trixie’s bed.  'I'm surprised she was actually willing to ask for assistance. I expected her to try to do it herself,' Rarity mused as she waited on Trixie.

After signing all of those papers Trixie didn’t really feel like explaining why what she did was not an actual nod and silently slid off the bed and, once Pixie jumped off, onto the chair. With the paperwork and Pixie on her lap, they made their way to the front to complete the release process.





Getting out of the wheelchair, Trixie stood as tall as she could and was about to take her first step out of the hospital when nurse Redheart came back out. “I’m so sorry! I can’t believe that I almost forgot to give you this.” She said as she brought forward a small contraption with a wheel.

“What is that?” Trixie asked, looking at the contraption with small worry as Pixie looked at it with her eyes less than three inches away, her mouth seeming to be stuck in the shape of an 'O'.

“It’s a mobile attachment for your leg. This way you can move without putting extra pressure on your bad leg.” Redheart explained. Seeing a weary look on Trixie’s face, she decided she should make things a bit easier. “Would you like me to put it on for you?”

Trixie kept looking at the brace for a few moments. She could already feel her leg start to ache from just standing on it for a couple minutes. She didn’t want to even think about walking a long distance on it. “Trixie will allow this.”

“Excellent. Miss Rarity, could you hold her leg up for me?” With a nod of affirmation, Trixie felt the soft and not unpleasant tingle of the other unicorns’ magic lift her casted leg up as the wheeled brace was attached on her injured leg.

With a click, Redheart backed off with a smile on her face. She had heard of Trixie and the times she had visited the town before, and was pleasantly surprised with their few interactions, granted Trixie had been unconscious for most of them. “There you go. All ready to go.” After saying that she noticed that Trixie's eyes had not come off her cast up leg the whole time since she started putting the sling on.

With a smile and a small nod, Redheart spoke again. "Now then, I'll be coming around every friday to give you a checkup. Miss Rarity has already informed us of your lodgings. Have a good day you two."

“Shall we be off?” Rarity asked, nodding her head towards the direction of their soon to be shared place of occupation and breaking Trixie out of her staring competition with her leg.

Trixie nodded her head before raising her muzzle slightly to the air as Pixie jump on to what she had once called ‘her spot’ on Trixie’s back. “Trixie will allow you to escort her.” With that, the two mares made their way toward the Carousel Boutique, a small squeak coming from Trixie’s wheel.
> Chapter 3: A Moment from the Past and a Bed in the Present
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Trixie and Rarity came to a stop outside the Carousel Boutique with yet another squeak from Trixie's wheel. Pixie had long ago taken to covering her ears with her hooves to block out the noise. Trixie herself was fairing little better. The scowl that usually held a constant place on her face had intensified three fold due to the constant squeak and her current inability to fix it. 

'If Trixie had her magic this would be nothing! ‘Trixie thought as she remembered the many times she had been forced to fix her own cart’s wheels. She never could trust them to do much else but break. In the middle of nowhere. In the rain. At night. ‘Two times is a coincidence. After the same thing happened five times Trixie is sure there is a conspiracy going on somewhere.’ She thought with a deep frown.


When the two mares entered the Boutique, Trixie had to consciously keep her mouth shut from complimenting the clothes on display. Pixie however had no such reservations.

 “Oooh. Pretty!”  Pixie shouted as she hopped towards the ponnequins on display.

Rarity took her time looking ahead of her, where a strategically placed mirror was usually used to gauge the reactions of her customers while they thought she wasn’t looking. What Rarity saw on Trixie’s face did not disappoint. While she didn’t voice her thoughts on Rarity’s work, her face announced it to the world all the same.

“So…” Rarity began; continuing to look forward into the mirror as Trixie quickly trained her face into her normal frown. Holding in a laugh at Trixie’s change in expression Rarity continued, “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique. Where everything is chic, unique and magnifique. What do you think?” Turning around, Rarity awaited her answer with a small smile

After taking a moment to think Trixie finally answered. “It’s…nice. Perhaps one day you may even design something up to Trixie’s standards.”

Rarity rolled her eyes at her comment, having already seen what her new employee thought, thanks to her mirror. While she was doing so however, she noticed one of Trixie’s ear flinch away from something before glancing behind her angrily.

’Again.’ Rarity thought as she remembered when she woke Trixie in the hospital. Acting on her curiosity, Rarity left the room with the promise of being right back. After she left the room, she stayed on the other side of the door.

“What was that for?!” Trixie whispered harshly to Pixie as she rubbed the ear that had been hit by the angry brown filly.

”Because her stuff is really pretty and you were being mean about it.” Pixie complained with a pout as she looked up at Trixie’s face.

With a roll of her eyes Trixie began to explain. “I was not being mean. I was giving her the impression that she didn’t impress me with a room filled with clothes that all probably cost more than a years’ worth of shows. This way she won’t think she can try to bribe me with clothes instead of paying me.” After Trixie finished explaining herself she was met with a deadpan stare. Coming from a small filly it was a bit unnerving. “What?”

Pixie gave a sigh before beckoning Trixie closer with a hoof. Once her head was close enough, Pixie let a hoof loose at Trixie’s other ear.

“Ouch!” Trixie yelled as she reared up rubbing her ear.

On the other side of a door, Rarity stood with her eyes wide. ’Okay. Think Rarity. There has to be a logical explanation for this.’

‘She already seemed a bit mad before all this. Now it’s just more obvious,’ a part of her mind reminded her.

‘But she seemed fine up until now. Maybe she’s just talking to herself a little. Everypony does that now and then.’

‘Yeah. However, that’s talking to themselves. There is half a conversation going on in there. That’s not normal. Don’t lie to yourself for her sake. Besides you could still just put her up in a motel or something’.

‘I will not. That place is barely suitable for ponies in general. They don’t even change the sheets daily. I won’t put somepony healing from injuries and magic exhaustion there.’

'You might still be able to convince Twilight to take her in.

'No, no. I agreed to take her in and a lady does not go back on her word. Besides aside from all this she's been much better than I expected.'

Rarity sighed as she remembered when she came across the mare.






Rarity looked back at her cart filled with gems and gave a happy sigh.

“Whew. That should do it for now,” Rarity thought as she surveyed the area around her. It had taken slightly longer than before due to finding new areas for gems that were still away from known territories of Diamond dogs but in the end she still managed.

Her ear twitched as she heard some murmurings coming from a commotion somewhere nearby. Quietly, she made her way in the direction of the noises as curiosity got the better of her. As she got closer she was finally able to make out some of the words.

“-broken. It useless.” The broken equestrian and extremely rough voice sent a jolt through Rarity’s body as a menagerie of memories played through her mind.

“Diamond Dogs,” Rarity grumbled. Usually the mere thought of being anywhere near those brutish characters would send Rarity off in a huff immediately. This time however, something spurred her forward. As though something had switched her sense of curiosity for that of Opals. She only hoped that it wouldn’t end the same as that horribly morbid adage.

Peering through a thicket of bushes, careful not to let any of it touch her mane, Rarity gazed across the mostly barren landscape of the quarries.

There, not too far to the left, were three unfortunetely very familiar diamond dogs huddled around something with their backs towards her. As she watched, they spoke once more in their voices that no pony would want to imitate.

“Not too broke. Still useful. See?” With that, the tallest dog lifted whatever it was that had captured their attention to well. To Rarity’s horror, their attention had been captured by a pony. Her eyes widening as a dirtied blue pony with short silver tail was lifted by her hind leg high enough to see it’s – her, Rarity mentally noted with a slight blush- barrel.

If she hadn’t already been worried for the mare behind held by the diamond dogs, she certainly was when she saw the condition she was in. The sight caused Rarity to cringe as she thought of what the mare must be going through. Her eyes widened in worry as the diamond dog started shaking the mare around by her leg.

A sharp crack echoed through Rarity’s ears as any and all plans she had formed to create a distraction or rescue for the mare fell to the wayside as she made her way out of the bushes and towards the group. She wouldn’t let anypony go through what the diamond dogs put her through, and she had gotten off easy from tales she heard. She got closer with her worried mind having only one thought. To help that mare.

“Aw! See?! Now pony broke even more!” the shortest dog complained as he through his paws up in exasperation, not that he knew what that word even meant.

“I sorry Rover.” The tall dog apologized as his eyes watered and his lower lip began to quiver. He had begun to naturally call upon puppy dog eyes. Unfortunately, he had not been a pup for many years, causing the look to come off as more than a little odd.

“Fine! You forgave. Just stop making face. It really weird.” With a toothy smile, the definitely-not-a-pup gave a vigorous nod.

“Put her down!” Came a shout from somewhere behind them. Turning around they came to find an unfortunately very familiar and very angry looking white unicorn.

The three diamond dogs cocked their heads as though she had been speaking a different language. Since the dogs had turned around, Rarity could finally get a better look at the mare in their hold. The sight only served to make Rarity’s already powerfully righteous anger and extreme worry for her even more so. The mare’s ribs were easily seen through her barrel. Her coat, mane and tail were to the point that filthy was the only word that fit. Somewhere in the back of Rarity’s mind there was a sense of recognition. However, after seeing the mare’s closer, Rarity’s look shifted to the Diamond dogs whose instincts told them that this was not a good situation.

“I said down!” Princess Luna would have approved of the volume that Rarity had somehow managed to put out.

Every instinct in the diamond dogs' bodies were telling them to put their bellies to the sky in submission to the furious - and surprisingly frightening – mare. However, their brains- as underdeveloped as they were- had a much better idea.

Rarity looked on in confusion, her anger replaced as she watched the three diamond dogs, the very creatures who caused her to move her gem hunting to less profitable areas, drop the mare and run, their tails seeming to have fused to their bodies.

Shaking her head out of her confusion, Rarity rushed over the mare, using her knee Rarity quickly checked the mare’s pulse next to her cheekbone. She had a pulse, that much had been established; however that same pulse was the problem. It was incredibly weak. The same as her breaths.

Rarity quickly rushed back to where she had been before, with hardly a thought, she dumped out her cart of gems and pulled it to where the mare laid. As carefully as possible, Rarity used her magic to put the mare inside the cart being especially careful toward the mare’s hind leg. As soon as she was sure the mare was situated properly, Rarity latched herself into the harness and made her way to the hospital and quickly and smoothly as was safe.

The sound of a pony pulling a cart at high speeds outside of a hospital tends to attract attention. Therefore, it was with that logic that Rarity found herself being met outside of it by nurse Redheart.

“Rarity?” Redheart asked, perplexed by the normally extremely well kept mares current state. Dirty, sweaty, exhausted and pulling a cart to a hospital.

Panting heavily Rarity attempted to explain herself. “Quarry… Diamond Dogs… mare… leg… hurt.”

Before Rarity had even finished attempting to explain, Redheart had already looked into the cart. With a blow of a whistle, medical staff came pouring out.

Getting out of their way as quickly as possible Rarity stood to the side, if one could call the wobbling she was doing standing. Quickly noticing her condition, Redheart went up to her and let Rarity use her as a crutch as she led her into the hospital. Rarity wouldn’t even remember being laid upon an uncomfortable and ugly shade of green couch.

A while later Rarity was awoken by quite a familiar voice.

“Rarity? Rarity, what are you doing here?  Are you okay?” Rarity opened her eyes to find the lavender face of one of her closest friends.

“Twilight?” Rarity asked before yawning and creating a cacophony of cracks with her back as she stretched. “What are you doing here?”

Twilight opened her mouth to answer before she was called by one of the younger nurses that Rarity was unable to quite remember what her name was. Quick something.

“Your highness!” Quick gave a bow, causing Twilight to give a nervous look.

“Please. Just call me Twilight.” Twilight said with a sigh. Rarity had a feeling Twilight had long since grown tired of correcting ponies.

“Of course, your highness. Just this way.” Quick said with a hoof pointed towards a far doorway. “Also.” She began, lowering her voice to a loud enough whisper for Rarity to still able to hear. “If you would rather we find somepony else, we completely understand.”

“What?” Twilight asked, backing her head away slightly. “It’s no problem.”

“Just-Keep in mind what I said when you see her.” Quick said vaguely as they left Rarity’s earshot.

With nothing else to do since any fashion magazines the hospital had were horribly out of date, Rarity laid her head back down for some much-needed sleep. ’Honestly. How do they expect to help anypony with their fashion when their giving them nothing but out of date trends?’ she mentally grumbled before sleep took hold.

After what felt like mere moments but in fact had been an hour, Rarity was once again woken by the sound of her friends’ voice though her efforts to stay asleep were strong.

“Rarity? Rarity. Rarrrity.” After a couple moments, the alicorn of not-letting-her-friends-get five-more-bucking-minutes spoke to herself. “I wonder; if I mentioned her boutique and the cutie mark crusaders in the same sentence, would that wake her up.” Before her sleep depriving friend could dare utter a jinx such as that Rarity finally gave up on her attempts to sleep more.

“If you ever wake me like that you’ll find the next ten hours of your schedule taken up by ‘model for Rarity because I was a horrible pony.’” Rarity grumbled sleepily as she worked the kinks out of her back before facing thou who shalt not allow more sleep.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Twilight said with a gulp before flinching as she took in the usually pristine pony’s current appearance. “Wow Rarity. You look-“

“Don’t. Don’t say another word.” Making use of her magic, Rarity smoothed out her hair to a close semblance to her usual look. “There. Now Twilight dear, how can I help you?”

“Sorry about that Rarity. But I was wondering what you were doing here.

With sleep still lingering about her mind, Rarity was having problems remembering. Why was she here? Moreover, why did her sewing chair feel more comfortable than this couch?

“Did you bring her here?” Twilight asked suddenly.

“Her?” Rarity asked confused for a moment before her mind fully woke up. “Oh yes! That poor mare. Do you know if she’s okay?”

“Yes, she… should be.”

“You hesitated darling. Is something wrong?” Rarity asked with a worried look on her face, fearing that things weren’t looking too well for the mare.

“Well…It’s just- Do you remember Trixie at all?” Twilight asked as she made her way to sit on a nearby couch.

Rarity quirked her eyebrow at the question. It didn’t seem to have anything to do with the mare’s condition. ”Well of course I do. I doubt anypony could forget her. But what does that-“ Rarity’s eyes widened as she realized why Twilight had asked. “No.” Even with how poorly Trixie’s past visits to Ponyville had gone Rarity would never wish whatever it was that had put Trixie into such a state on anypony. 

Twilight nodded, “I’m guessing she was too dirty for you to recognize her when you found her. I heard one of the nurses mention that the dirt on her was like a second coat it was so thick. It was cleaned off by the time I got here so I could only guess.”

“That reminds me,” Rarity began, grimacing at the idea of a coat made of pure filth.

“Hm?”

“Why did they call for you?”

“Oh.” Twilight’s ears drooped slightly as she shifted a little. “It was because aside from her broken hind leg and magic exhaustion, which isn’t surprising with how weak her body looks-“

“Oh I know dear. She looked to be skin and bones when I found her.” Rarity said as her ears drooped. 

“Yeah… Well aside from that there was also something they couldn’t identify attached to her eyes, horn and neck. They found it during there magic scans.” Twilight explained, pointing to each spot as she said them.

“What was it?”

“Dark magic“ It was short and simple but due to the serious look on Twilight’s face, the basic knowledge of that particular type of magic being banned and the only practitioner Rarity knew of having been the evil unicorn tyrant King Sombra Rarity looked understandably worried.

“Dark magic?”

“Yeah, that’s about how I reacted when I found out.” Twilight said as she shook her head.

“I knew she didn’t like Ponyville much but I didn’t think she would go that far, I mean the amulet was bad enough.” Rarity’s body gave a shudder at the thought of Trixie running around with dark magic.

“Actually-“ Twilight began; drawing Rarity from the visions her mind had created. “I think the amulet was based in dark magic or at least it was made with it but what she used was still her magic in a way. I think that’s what’s doing it.”

“But how could it be made by dark magic but not use it?” Rarity asked. Rarity may be above average when it comes to magical precision and slightly above average in power but her knowledge of theory was limited to textbooks from when she was young and the little she could understand from some of Twilight’s impromptu lectures. One of which she felt coming on. “Please, go slowly darling.”

“Okay. You remember how when she was using the amulet her eyes went all red with little wisps of magic coming off them?” Receiving a nod Twilight went on. “Dark magic looks like that too. Before we went to the crystal empire Celestia showed me a little of it so I could understand it enough to stop it from affecting me too badly. The difference is in color and intensity. Dark magic causes purple wisps to come from the eyes while the magic color is changed to an ugly mixture of green and purple. It kind of feels slimy when it’s used” Twilight added with a shiver. 

“Anyway. After I remembered how similar they looked I did a little digging into the past of the amulet and what I found out that all the past users died within a year of putting it on.”

“Dark magic. Always has a horrible catch. One of the reasons it was banned if I remember my classes correctly.” Rarity commented as her face turned more grim. “So the amulet caused what happened to her?”

“No, or at least not completely. It had a part in it but its hold on her still isn’t too strong. I hypothesize that the amulet was made with dark magic and fed upon the innate magic of the wearer very little when they wear it to power itself, but when they take it off...” Twilight trailed off searching for the right words. “The amulet: it’s like it causes a deep wound to be inflicted on the pony when they put it on. Therefore, when Trixie took it off it was like taking pressure off a wound and it started to bleed her magic away.

“Oh my. Is there any way to stop it? You did say she should be okay right?” Rarity asked with a hopeful look.

“Yeah. I’ll have to work at systematically pick it out of her essence and since dark magic is banned, aside from Celestia and Luna I am the only pony who knows dark magic as well as I do. So I’d have to meet with her over at the next three months or so.”

“Oh my. It’ll be quite difficult to find her while she travels. Well if she still can with that leg that is.”

“And with how her magic is I doubt she’d be able to do any of her shows any time soon. It’d be so much easier if she could just stay around Ponyville.” Twilight said with a sigh.

A moment later Twilight’s ears perked up. “Saaaay.”

Rarity froze as she heard the tone in Twilight’s voice. It was a tone that said ‘I have a Brilliant idea but you probably won’t like it’.

“Y-yes, darling?”

“Well.” Twilight started as her smile began to come under control although it was still a bit worrisome. “What if you took her in?”

“What?!” Rarity shrieked causing a nearby nurse to shush her. Apologizing, Rarity got her voice to a whisper, though it was slightly harsh. Darling, are you serious?” She was answered by a vigorours nod accompanied by a serious look. “Why couldn’t she stay with you? Surely that would be simpler.”

Twilight raised a brow and stared at Rarity for a moment making her feel uncomfortable. “Rarity. Last time she was here I was her target. I doubt she’d be very happy to stay with me. I can easily see things going badly the instant Rainbow or Applejack find out she’s here let alone asking them for favors for her. Either Fluttershy would be scared of Trixie still or she’d be too easily pushed around for me to feel comfortable in letting Trixie stay around her. Besides, as much of a hoof full as she can be, you did save her life. That’s gotta count for something to her.”

“A hoof full? Twilight, I do believe we may be remembering different things. She took over Ponyville and banished you from town.” Rarity countered incredulously.

“That may be true but, did she seriously hurt anypony?”

“I-“ Rarity faltered as she wracked her brain. “I don’t know. I remember what she did to poor Spikey but he seemed just fine.”

“Exactly. Even Snips and Snails who should have had as much of her wrath as I did came out unharmed.”

Rarity was quite surprised at this little tidbit of information. “Wait. They did? But I saw her with that horrid whip.”

“Yes, she used the whip to scare them but there wasn’t a single mark on them from it. Also, don’t forget why your plan to get me back worked in the first place. She allowed those beavers out. She could have ignored them or at worst gotten rid of them but instead she let them out.”

’I do have to admit. For being a tyrant she didn’t do much more than scare us and cast a few spell that she reversed anyway. For goodness sake now that I think about it, all she did to make Applejack work was tickle her. Granted she threw Applejack into a bunch of buckets. But even then Applejack came out fine saying that it looked worse than it was.’

“But what about towards the end? When the amulet was off her neck and she tried to harm Rainbow Dash? She said herself that the spell was supposed to make her ‘writhe in agony’.” Rarity asked, not quite willing to give in.

“I think at that point the amulet was overpowering her own moral code and like I explained earlier, just because it’s off her neck doesn’t mean it’s not affecting her. Though looking at the fact she apologized later that night and helped me impress the princess with her fireworks, I’m quite sure that it stopped influencing her thoughts not too long after it was taken off.”

Rarity heaved a sigh. “Look Twilight. It’s not that I don’t want her to get better – I do, I really do – I’m just very apprehensive about having her in my boutique. Especially if Sweetie decides to come by. Doesn’t she have somepony she could go to?”

This time it was Twilight’s turn to sigh. “I wish I knew Rarity. But the most information I have on Trixie was from Gabby Gums, and you know how trustworthy that was. I tried to find more on her but there wasn’t anything around. No birth record. She just suddenly shows up in Canterlot and applies to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns on one of their open testing days, went through her classes with quite good grades, graduated and took to the roads. That’s all I could find out about her. It’s really somewhat mysterious. Besides if it makes you feel any better, there wasn’t a single report of her doing a single thing to any of the fillies or colts in town aside from Snips and Snails.”

’An angry traveler with a mysterious past. It sounds like something out of a book. “I…I suppose I could take her in.” Before Twilight could say anything, Rarity spoke again. “But, only if she agrees with it. She will not be staying for free but I won’t make her do anything bad for her. 

Twilight gave a nod of agreement “That sounds perfect actually. I doubt Trixie’s pride would let her mooch off you anyway.” Twilight got up with a couple cracks of her back. “I doubt she’ll be up any time soon. You can probably head home. I’m betting that you could do with some more rest. I need to find Redheart and have a little chat about some of the other nurses. Have a good day.”








Have a talk they did. Apparently, a nurse named Quick Shot had told Twilight that they wouldn’t mind waiting for their doctor of magic to come back from Manehatten -which would take at least a week- to diagnose Trixie. Rarity had been able to hear Redheart chastising Quick Shot for her unprofessionalism as she had been leaving the hospital.

Heaving another sigh, Rarity shook her head and made her way back into the room with a plastered smile that she hoped would not be seen through.

“I do apologize about that Trixie.” Rarity said as Trixie quickly spun around to face Rarity, yet again wearing a slightly deeper than normal frown as her ears both twitched slightly.

“Is there a problem?” Trixie asked with some bite to her voice.  Unfortunately for Rarity, when one must read a crowd’s reactions and act accordingly to what they liked, one becomes quite good at reading ponies’ faces. This made Rarity’s false smile as easy to read as a Manehatten billboard.

“What? N-no. Not at all. Why would you think that, darling?” Rarity asked, hoping to Celestia, Luna and maybe even Discord that Trixie wasn’t as good as Applejack at seeing through lies. Okay, probably not Discord. That could and most likely would end badly.

“Because your smile is about as fake as Trixie’s Ursa Major story.” Rarity blinked, her mouth forgetting the words she had been preparing. “Look if you don’t want Trixie here, she’s sure she can find somewhere else to stay. After all, ponies l-love Trixie.” Trixie stated, attempting to keep her looks up despite tripping over something she very well knew was a lie.

No longer stuck in her throat and mind, words finally began to come out of Rarity’s mouth. “No, no, no! That’s not it at all. It’s perfectly fine that you are here. I was merely thinking of something unpleasant is all. Nothing to worry about.” Rarity assured, her face showing more concern than unease for the mare in front of her. Trixie’s slipup had not gone unnoticed after all.

After watching Rarity’s face for a moment or two, Trixie finally relented. “Very well then.”

“Excellent!” Exclaimed Rarity as her smile spread across her face. Trixie was finding it hard not to be infected by the smile. “Now-”Rarity began as she pointed her hoof ahead of herself. “If you’ll follow me I’ll show you to your room.

As the pair of unicorns made their way out of the business part of the building and into the living quarters Rarity began pointing out parts of the building. “Over on the left is the bathroom. It has a full bath and shower. You may use what you find in there yourself as long as you do so in moderation. Over on the right is Sweeties’ room.”

“Who?” Trixie asked, interrupting her tour guide.

”Maybe it’s her sweeties’ room and she’s just bad with words.” Pixie offered with a small giggle causing Trixie to roll her eyes slightly.

Rarity stopped and turned her head to face Trixie. “Oh, Sweetie Belle. She’s my little sister. She usually stays with our parents who live on the edge of town near the lake. However, they like to travel so she stays here quite often. She’s still in school. You don’t have a problem with children do you?” Rarity asked, slightly worried that the information Twilight had given her hadn’t been wrong about Trixie leaving the fillies and colts of town alone.

“Of course not. The Great and Powerful Trixie has done many shows for the little ones in her illustrious career. They could not get enough of her and always begged for an encore, which Trixie always gave. She doesn’t disappoint her fans after all.”

Pixie rolled her eyes at Trixie’s arrogant act before jumping on her back and nudging the back of her head. ” You couldn’t just admit you have a soft spot for them could you?” Trixie answered by putting her muzzle up a little higher.

“Good to know dear. Sweetie can be a hoof-full. I do love spending time with her but as hard as the dear tries sometimes, she somehow always causes trouble but even still she’s my sister and I love her. You know what I mean?”

“Trixie…-” she began as she felt the weight on her back shift slightly. Without noticing, a smile came across her face. “-believes she does.”

 ‘She has such a nice smile. If only she would show this one more than that arrogant smirk she seems to be so fond of.’ Rarity thought before shaking her head with a smile. “Yes. Well I don’t know when the next time she’ll be here so you won’t have to worry about waking up covered in tree sap any time soon.”

Trixie stopped moving. “Tree sap? Why would Trixie end up covered in tree sap?” Trixie asked through narrowed eyes.

Rarity stopped and took a deep breath before turning to face Trixie. Both Trixie and Pixie both flinched at how serious she looked. “Everything gets covered in tree sap at least once when she and her friends are around.” Trixie could only nod as Rarity turned back around and they both began moving again.

“Anyway. Over there is the stairway leading up to my room.” Rarity explained while pointing to a set of stairs on the right that seemed to spiral upwards. “Do try to refrain from waking me. I do love my beauty sleep.”

”I bet you don’t think she needs it, huh Trix?” As Trixie’s face wordlessly turned a slight shade of pink Pixie began to laugh hard.

“Finally here we have your room.” Opening the door Rarity revealed a very small room with a one pony sized bed on one side and a nightstand reaching from the far end of the bed to the wall which to be fair wasn’t that far.

Rarity fidgeted a little as Trixie looked at the room, her face back in its neutral slight frown.

Some ponies may have called the room tiny, others small, cramped, a closet more than a room kinder ponies may have hesitatingly called it cozy. Trixie called it –

“Perfect.”

“I know it’s a bit small dear but- wait, what?” Rarity was stunned into a state of utter confusion. She would have expected someone like Trixie to want extravagance, style and lavish decorations. The room had none of this and was extremely Spartan in its design.

Trixie winced a little at the fact she had said such a thing out loud as Pixie made her way to jump on the bed, making a small ‘wee!’ with every jump. With a sigh, Trixie decided she might as well explain this once. After all, unless there were other guest rooms it wasn’t as if she could be moved to a smaller one.

“Yes, perfect. It reminds Trixie much of her cart. Her old cart, the one that was crushed by the Ursa. It folded out as you may remember. So there wasn’t much space on the inside. Thus this is both nostalgic and just right for Trixie.” She explained without looking away from the room before yawning.

“Oh, excellent. I’m glad you like it. But I see you’re still tired. If you would like I can get you when Dinner is made. Would that be okay?”

With the idea of sleep offered, Trixie began to feel the strain that the trip had put on her weakened body. With a nod, Trixie began making her way toward the bed. However before she could even get two steps to the bed the accursed wheel squeaked again. Stopping on the spot, she sat down and began using her teeth to attack the numerous straps that kept her hind leg in the loud contraption. After a few minutes of furious, failed, fiddling Rarity finally spoke up.

“Would you like some hel-assistance?” Rarity asked, correcting herself as to not hurt her guests pride and cause more issues.

Trixie began talking, however due to the straps she was pulling at her voice was mumbled. Rarity’s best translation was, “No! Trixie can get it by herself! If only it wasn’t so fu-“ What followed was a string of curses that Rarity felt no need to translate.

After a few more minutes of dental floundering Trixie finally got the right strap just right. With a declaration of ‘Success!’ Trixie slid her vanquished foe from her hind leg and got on the bed.

With an amused smile, Rarity shook her head and made her way to her own bed for an hour or so of sleep before getting back to work.

> Chapter 4: Anger over an Apple and Dinner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Trixie felt like she was in a cage. A cage that was constantly being slowly crushed by…something. Some kind of familiar but horribly cold and cruel power as if it’s only goal was to compact her into nothing. To squeeze the utter life from her.

She could see something. After a couple moments, she could see a red glow but as soon as she could see it, her ears were bombarded with a loud high-pitched noise that she couldn’t quite place. It kept growing and growing in volume.

She shot up from her bed, breathing heavy having realized what the noise was. Screaming. Many voices at once screaming. Bombarding her eardrums with screams of agony.

Trixie sat in her bed and took a few deep breaths. She looked around the area around her. “Where…?” She asked aloud as her mind woke up along with the rest of her. ’Right. The fancy mare, Rarity.’ She thought before sighing and looking down. She smiled as she saw her tiny friend; Pixie snuggled up to her side.

She moveed her head down and nuzzled the small filly. Her ears perked as she did so. A rhythmic mechanical noise entered her ears. ’Probably Rarity at work.’ She thought as she nuzzled the filly awake.

”Ngh. Nno…I dun wanna wake up Trixie…” The silly little filly moaned out causing Trixie to chuckle.

“Come on filly. It’s time to get up.”


”Urg…Fiiiiine…” She said, grumbling before letting out a cute little yawn. ”Ngh…Is the food ready?” She answered as she rubs her eyes.


If Pixie hadn’t reminded her, the loud sound of Trixie’s grumbling stomach would have done an excellent job. Trixie grumbled before yawning and getting a nice long stretch out. From her head to her tail, she heard pops and cracks. She cringes as she feels pain in her hind leg. Reminding her of the circumstances that have brought her to this home. With an annoyed groan she looks over to her brace.

’I really don’t want to deal with you again, you stupid contraption. But…I’m hungry and would rather not be hungry and in pain. With a resigned sigh she scooted herself over to the end of the bed. With a quiet grunt, she pushed herself off the bed and towards battle with the cruel and evil straps.

After a good ten minutes of battling with her newest arch nemesis and enough curses to get a foal put in detention for the rest of their schooling career she announced her victory. “Ha! Trixie, two. Fate….Well. Trixie, two anyway.” She said aloud with a shrug and upon turning around and a small squeak of her wheel, she saw a wide mouthed Pixie on the edge of the bed. Trixie blinked a few times before simply walking over to her and speaking. “Don’t repeat anything I just said.” The filly nodded lightly before jumping onto the showmare’s back.

“But what does fu-“

“Don’t. Repeat them. I might explain it to you one day.” Trixie said, cutting off the filly.

"Awww. Fiiine." Pixie said, admitting defeat with a pout.

"Good. Now let us go feast." Trixie said as she began to move towards the door. Not even two steps or one wheel squeak and Pixie scrambled on top of her head, smile on her face and hoof pointing forward as she shouted.

"To food!" Trixie just shook her head at the enthusiastic filly causing her to wobble a little before going back to her "dramatic pose" as Trixie made her way to the kitchen with minimal squeaking.

Upon entering the kitchen, she was pleasantly surprised to have a sudden feeling of warmth and comfort. She stood in the doorway for a moment, trying to figure out what it was before shrugging and making her way to the fridge.

Upon opening the fridge door Trixie was a bit disappointed to find the fridge filled with many ingredients but nothing that the thin mare could just pick up and eat. After all. She was a guest. In addition, one against her own will at that. If she was going to eat something, either her 'host' would make it or it would be something proper for snacking. She had lived on scraps long enough. She wanted 'real' food. She groaned as she shut the fridge. 'What kind of pony doesn't have snacks?' she mentally grumbled as she turns around. But, halfway she stops and stares. 

There, on the counter was a large bright red, delicious apple. Her mouth opened slightly nearly drooling, as she unconsciously got closer and closer to it, not even hearing the squeaking of her wheels, as enchanted as she was by the apple. It was as though the red fruit was singing a siren song to her. And, the words to the song were. "Eat me Trixie...Devour me...."

So enraptured was she that she didn't even notice the lack of the mechanical noise from earlier as she took her first bite. Nor did she notice the gasp nearby though the fact Pixie was running in a circle nearby screaming "Game over mare! Game over!" did capture her attention and pull it to the doorway where Rarity was standing, looking aghast.

As Trixie stood in place, she watched Rarity, wondering what might be wrong with her as she slowly took another bite of the apple. 

Rarity seemed to finally break out of whatever stupor she had been in and shouted "What in Equestria do you think you're doing?!"

Trixie took another bite. The apple now over half-gone as she spoke. "Eating. Trixie assumed she was allowed to do so without needing permission." 

Rarity took a deep breath to calm herself as she mentally lamented the loss of the apple she had purposefully saved for last. The best and most delicious looking apple out of a good-sized bushel she had gotten from Applejack. She had actually had daydreams about eating that one and now it was gone. Well, almost. Another bite or two and her delicious apple was gone for good. That reminder caused her anger, which she had just calmed down from, to return. She slightly grit teeth and spoke. 

"I assumed that you would know well enough to not eat what was so obviously being saved."

"How was Trixie to know that? Besides. It's not as if you have anything else she could eat. There's nothing else that would immediately sate Trixie. Not like this apple here, that is."

"Then why not just make something?" Rarity replied, more annoyed than anything now. After all, it was just an apple. A bright red, juicy, delicious apple. Oh. There was the anger again.

"Because Trixie is a guest. You expect her to make something for herself? Aside from that. Do you 'really' trust Trixie to make food?" She asked, punctuating her sentence with another loud crunch as she bit through the apple.

Rarity opened her mouth to disagree, only to stop after a moment. If she were to be honest with herself, she didn't trust the mare. She knew she wasn't a real threat -not without any magic and a broken leg at the least - but and still didn't trust her. At least not with something that would be eaten. The last time she saw the mare with an apple was when she was throwing Applejack into a pile of buckets. After a moment passed with these thoughts, she was ready to speak again. To tell her that, "of course she trusted her" and put her at ease. Unfortunately however, Trixie had noticed the pause.

"Trixie's point is proven. You do not trust her. Therefore it is in your best interest to have snacks."

"Ooh! Ooh! Can we get those little fruit snacks? The ones with the parasprites and the hydras?" Pixie asked excitedly. Her earlier worry gone.

"In my best interest?! How could it be in my best interest to cater to your every-"

"And make sure you get some of those "Creatures of Equestria" fruit snacks." She said, not really paying attention to the somewhat outraged mare across from her as she continued to think of more.

"Now see here!" Rarity shouted, commanding attention of those in the room and causing Pixie to hide under Trixie. "I am not your maid. I am not your waitress and I am not your servant. This is my home and you will listen!" 

Trixie opened her mouth to speak up against the angry mare only to find her mouth being held shut by Pixie as she hung from the taller mare's muzzle, shaking her head quickly. With a roll of her eyes, she obliged the frightened filly and keeps her mouth shut as Rarity took a deep, calming breath.

"Now, look. I will prepare us a nice meal at about six thirty every night. If you cannot make it till then there will be a small amount of snacks in the cupboard that I will grab tomorrow morning. However! they will be limited. Therefore, when you run out, that's it for a while. I've learned that a pony that had been in your condition shouldn't eat too much until your body is used to eating proper meals again. So in case you want to know why I'm enforcing such rules you can just keep that in mind."

"...fine." Trixie grumbled. It wasn't really a loss but it certainly wasn't a victory. Not to mention that the mare could very well be right. Oh, she'd definitely ask for an actual professional opinion but for now, she'd play it safe. If there was one thing Trixie hated it was being downed by illness. In addition, she already had a broken leg and temporarily useless horn. Well... not completely useless. She could still use it in a fight though it wouldn't do much more than hurt a bit and bug whomever she used it on without the proper use of her leg.

"Excellent!" Rarity exclaimed with a smile. "There are books in the den if you are interested." She offered, attempting to interest Trixie in something other than bugging her. She gave a sigh of relief when the showmare shrugged and made her way into the den, leaving Rarity to work in peace.

Trixie stood in front of one of the bookshelves in the den, scanning over the titles. 'Romance. Romance. Filly’s book. Beginners magic book. Parenting book.' she mentally noted to herself as she went over them.

"Oo! Oo! Feeding Finicky Foals Foul Foods and Finding Favorable Flavors!" Pixie yelled excitedly as she did a little bounce in front of Trixie. 

Trixie skimmed over the book a little and gave the filly a confused look. "This is an instructional book on getting foals to eat healthy."

"Aw...really?" Pixie asked dejectedly. "Not even any funny pictures?" She asked, prompting Trixie to skim through the book.

"Hmm...nope. Purely instructional." She said as she skimmed a little more and closed the book.

"Aw, come on. Why give a boring book a silly title?" She grumbled with a pout on her face.

'Romance, romance, foal, f- ah-ha!' She mentally declared as she pulled a book from the shelf.

"Oo! Oo! What did you find?" Pixie asked as she ran under the open book while Trixie skimmed it. She craned her head and read aloud, "Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Sewing Techniques". But you already know how to sew Trix." The confused filly asked.

"Of course I can sew. But, I might have over-exaggerated just a little, while talking with Rarity. So I want to learn more so she doesn't figure it out. My simple rip fixes aren't going to hold up around here." Trixie explained as and headed over to a pillow on the floor and laid down to continue reading.

"Oh wow. Miss Rarity would be awful happy to know that you're putting effort into learning about it." Pixie said, proud of her longtime friend as she came around to silently read along.

"Too bad she shall never find out. As far as she knows, I'm the best seamstress this side of Ghastly Gorge-"

"Well I don't think you sold it that well"

“-AND I intend to make sure that she doesn't think otherwise." She said, not once looking up from the book as she took the words in. Her mind -always exceptional at visualizing things as a showmare's mind should- imagining every step she is shown. If one didn't make sense or the visualization looked wrong she'd reread it again and again until it did make sense.

About ten minutes into this, Trixie noticed that Pixie hadn't been complaining about anything so she brought her head up but when she looked about the room she couldn't find her anywhere. She shrugged it off figuring the filly simply went off to explore. Pixie never did stay around when she was focused on studies anyway. With that, Trixie once again put all her mental focus on the book.

After what felt like only a few minutes but in reality was around 43 minutes when Rarity called out. "Trixie! Dinner!"

Trixie's head shot up as she looked around and realized that it was time to see if she'd be fed or poisoned.

"Oh, come on. She's not going to poison you. Don't be such a drama queen." Trixie jumped at the sudden voice of her friend causing Pixie to giggle.

Trixie rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes. Laugh at me but you won't be laughing when I'm lying on the ground, foaming at the mouth and she's cackling above my body."

Pixie gave a deadpan stare before sighing and shaking her head. "I take it back."

"See? I knew you would-"

"You're more like a drama goddess! I mean, yeah. We've more than our share of bad ponies." Pixie began, sounding more mature than usual.

"That's for sure." Trixie huffed.

"But! If she were a bad pony she would have left you out there. Besides. Twilight knows you're here. She forgave you after all that happened." She explained, giving Trixie a meaningful look.

After a brief but intense stare off between mare and filly, Trixie sighed. "Fine. Maybe I am going a little overboard."

Pixie rolled her eyes but accepted the answer nonetheless. She knew Trixie better than anypony so she knew she wouldn't get much better out of her friend so she nodded in agreement before jumping on Trixie's back.

"Oof! Warn me before you do that." Trixie grumbled as she carefully put the book exactly where she had taken it from.

"Hehe. Sorry Trix." She said with a genuine smile. 

Upon sight of this smile, Trixie soon returned it. "Apology accepted." She said before adjusting her back to make it more comfortable. "Now then. Let us be off. " After receiving a nod in return, Trixie raised her nose to the air slightly and made her way to the kitchen where she remembered seeing a dinner table.

As Trixie entered the kitchens she was hit by a familiar scent. 'She made Prench.' She thought as she walked to the table. She hadn't smelled that in years but the scent would never leave her mind. It was a part of her past after all. Though this certainly smelled of a higher quality than she remembered. With luck, the free meal would taste just as good.

"Good. You're here already." Rarity said with a smile. She was glad that and didn't have to go out and get her but she really wasn't too surprised that the showmare wouldn't hesitate to eat free food.

"Of course Trixie is here. She is neither deaf nor unable to smell." She said with a huff.

Rarity's eye slightly twitched but she took a deep breath and pushed her irritation away. "Of course not. I never said you were. Anyway. I made dinner.

"No. Trixie assumed we were having Prench for breakfast." She joked, earning herself another eye twitch from the fashionista as Trixie sat herself down and very slightly pulled another chair back for Pixie who jumped up on it while Rarity was looking away.

"You seem to have a good nose." Rarity complimented as she finished cleaning up her cooking area. "I didn't even mention that we were having Prench tonight." She said as she brought over the food.

Trixie gives a smug grin. "Trixie thanks you for the compliment. She is pleased that you are starting to see her greatness." As she said this, the smell of the food continues to enter the showmare's nose. Causing her smug grin to change to a content smile.

'If only she'd use that smile more often than that irritatingly smug look'' Rarity thought as she began dishing out the food.

Rarity sat down and the meal began. It was a quiet affair and unlike Rarity's expectations of how a previously starving mare would eat, Trixie ate just as delicately as Rarity herself. 'I wonder if she's trying to show off or if she usually eats like that.'

Trixie on the other hoof was barely keeping herself from gorging herself on the food. 'This is what Prench food is supposed to taste like?!' She thought as she ate. She continued to eat as though nothing was different but her mind continued to work.

"S'it good?" The brown filly asked as she watched Trixie from the smaller chair nearby that Trixie had pulled earlier. Trixie gave a miniscule nod as she ate. "Awesome! You haven't had any since we moved from Prance, right?"

As the filly said that Trixie started to think a little different. 'Hmm. So maybe it isn't her skill so much as me comparing this to the scraps I had way back when.'

"So. How is it?" Rarity asked. She took pride in her ability to cook. Being mostly self-taught, unlike her sister. After all. There is only so much one can learn from a mare that burns half of what she cooks until one realizes that she may not be the best teacher.

Trixie chewed for a few moments. And a few more moments. Almost a minute had passed before Rarity opened her mouth to ask if she had been heard when her guest finally answered. “It is...” Trixie began slowly, taking another small bite as Rarity found herself slightly leaning forward. “Acceptable.” She said simply.

There was a thud as Rarity’s body went limp, the anticipation leaving immediately. Trixie brought another bite up to her mouth as though nothing had happened as Rarity slowly regained her composure. She took a deep breath before speaking; trying to ensure her irritation didn’t seep into her voice. “Acceptable? Is that all?” She asked, hoping to somehow earn some reason to like the mare across the table from her a little. Just one compliment and it would at the very least alter her outlook on her.

“Yes. Acceptable. You do understand what that means, yes? It means that when it comes to Trixie’s great and powerful palate, this is nothing special but it will do.” She explains without looking away from her food, half gone as it was.

Rarity took another deep breath. However, this time it didn’t seem to help as her irritation grew. “Yes. Great. I understand. I understand that you’ve been nothing but rude to me since you’ve gotten here!” Rarity stated loudly, fed up with the mare’s attitude. She had been attempting to shrug it off for the past day but enough was enough.

Trixie however wasn’t impressed by her show of anger. She had been face to face with an Ursa. Major or minor didn't matter. Those were terrifying. This mare? Not so much in comparison. At least not outwardly. Pixie however was hiding behind Trixie’s chair, huddled up. “Good. Then you understand Equish. Trixie was a little worried that you may be an idiot.”

“Idiot?!” Rarity yelled. She was now truly angry at this mare. She had been pushing her anger down but as things built up more and more she just couldn’t keep it back anymore. This mare needed a lecture, and by Celestia, she was going to give it. 
“Trixie said you were NOT an idiot. Learn to listen.” She said as she took another stab at her food, only to hit table instead. When she looked up, she saw the plate float to a nearby spot as Rarity fixed her with a glare. “Taking food away from the hungry isn’t very kind you know.” She said as she used her magic to try to grab the plate, only to miss as Rarity pulled it farther away.

“I’m going to say this once. You will show me some respect. I will NOT care about your condition if you act as though I’m your slave or just some pony you can insult with no consequences. I – against my better judgment- am allowing you to live here. I am your HOST but you are far from a guest. You feel more like some bird that got in through a window and I have to put up with until it stops flying around so I can let it out.” Rarity explained, half of her words being hissed through her teeth.

Trixie now started to become offended. Well…More offended at least. Who was this mare to say such things about her? Not to mention she had just made it official that she didn’t want Trixie around. “So, what? You’ll take away Trixie’s food until she acts better? What would your friends say about this?” She challenged. Having heard about how close all the “Elements of Harmony” were, she expected that this would get through the angry mare’s skull.

That actually seemed to make Rarity falter a little but not for long, though she did seem a little calmer now. “I am not taking your food away for better behavior. I’m merely doing it now so that you’ll actually listen to somepony for once.”

“…Trixie is listening.” She said with a glare and a bit of anger in her voice. She was hungry Celestia dang it and this mare was keeping her from eating.

Rarity opened her mouth, only to realize that she had already said her piece. There was an awkward silence in the room before Trixie spoke again. “Well?”

Rarity sighed and with all the grace she could muster, tried to let herself relax. “I’ve said what I wanted to.” She said simply before setting Trixie’s food back down. The rest of the meal continued in an awkward, still slightly angry silence until the sound of utensils hitting porcelain broke it.

Rarity looked up and, before she was able to get a word out, Trixie had left the room with an unseen filly scurrying behind her. She let out a sigh as her mind worked over what had just happened. ’Good job Rarity. Make sure she hates you in the first day. That’ll make her stay easier on everypony.” Part of her mind said before the other piped up almost immediately. ’She doesn’t deserve this. Any of this. She’s still the uncaring, smug and cruel mare she was. She could care less that you saved her. All she cares about is what she can get out of this. Heck, she’ll probably steal half of your things when she leaves for all you know.”

Rarity shook her head. She actually doubted that would happen. While she didn’t trust the mare, her problems all seemed to come from her personality and attitude. She hadn’t heard of her doing anything quite like stealing or anything criminal. Well, aside from the last horrid time she had come to town: Alicorn amulet in tow. Though, now that she was thinking on it, maybe she was a little harsh. At least with how she said what she did. However, she still kept of the opinion that she wasn’t wrong. ’Still. I could have been a little bit more calm during all that.’ She mused. But the different opinions kept warring with each other. One side saying she deserved almost everything that had happened to her, while another saying some of what happened was CERTAINLY too much. And still another wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe there was a kind mare hiding in there that just wanted somepony to talk to. 

With a sigh, she went back to eating alone. She still had a fourth of a plate and didn’t intend to let her cooking go to waste. Though what she wanted was moot with the condition her mind was in. After a few minutes of moving her food around, she merely shook her head and packed it up as leftovers.





Trixie wanted to stomp back to her room. Wanting does not make something happen however as her brace made the act of stomping very much awkward. Therefore, she had to make do with angrily grumbling as she walked. "That mare has some nerve if she thinks I; Trixie will listen to her demands so easily.

Pixie, who had long since calmed down after Rarity's small tirade piped up, much to Trixie's small annoyance. "Well...to be fair to her-" She began, causing Trixie to groan. She loved that little filly but she was always so quick to forgive and forget. Not to mention an irritating habit of siding with the other pony. "You have been a little, tiny, teensy, weensy bit of a jerk face to her." 

"Me? How was I a jerk?" She challenged. Sure, she wasn't rolling over like a dog for Rarity, but she really didn't think that she was a real big problem.

"Weeeell...the last time she saw you was...bad. Really bad." Pixie reminded her sheepishly, knowing that Trixie didn't like to be reminded of it.

Trixie grumbled to herself and moved her hoof in a circular motion, indicating for her to go on.

"Right. Well if that was the last impression she had of you then it makes sense that anything you do that annoys her would be seen even worse and more annoying. Like that surfer. Silver something or another. Kept talking about how awesome the waves were while you were trying to drink. He annoyed you, so when you ran into him later and he stopped you to ask for the time, you told him to "Stare at the sun for a while and maybe he'd figure it out.” Basically. He left a poor impression and it stuck. Really, Trix. This is why you always pulled out almost all the stops in new towns. So they'd want you back."

Trixie hated to admit it. really hated to admit it and planned never to do so publicly. However, the filly had a definite point and they both knew it. The ponies of this town obviously had a bias against her and acting as she was only hurt her. Which meant that keeping her attitude against Rarity that she had been a poor idea and continuing would only lead to more problems.


”You know I’m right.” Pixie said with a bit of a smug smile, knowing that Trixie couldn’t disagree. She was quickly proven right as Trixie grumbled under her breath and continued to walk forward towards her room, choosing to ignore the sound of filly laughter





Trixie couldn't sleep. She had been trying for hours. The bed was comfortable for sure, she was certainly tired enough, it was pleasantly quiet and Pixie had long since curled up against her barrel. It was cute but it also meant that Trixie didn't have anything to blame her inability to sleep on.

'Ugh... Trixie groaned as she tried adjusting herself. It didn't help. Her mind was just too busy. Usually her mind did this when a show didn't go over well. She'd go over who was in the crowd, their reactions to her different tricks. Then she'd figure out which they liked and which they didn't. The slight of hoof tricks almost always went over good when she had her hat off, proving that no magic was used. This however. Was different. These weren't tricks. She could just drop a trick from her act if it had gotten stale. The issue now was herself. How she had been acting and treating Rarity. She wouldn't admit anything, but "hindsight is twenty-twenty" as they say.

After a little more adjusting, she groaned and carefully got up. Pixie merely fell back on the bed, still asleep when the showmare, usually so good with her hooves, missed catching her. Luckily, the filly stayed asleep as Trixie threw her brace on with at least some ease for once and made her way out of the room. 

The house was boring in the daytime on its own and Trixie was finding it as interesting as a show without a hook at night. Sure there could be entertainment there but she just wasn't interested enough to find it. She sighed as she found herself in the main room again, surrounded by couches and books. With nothing else to do and sleep evading her at every turn, she lit a small candle and pulled out the book she was reading earlier. Sure, there might have been something more interesting on the shelf but she had already started reading this one and, much like her acts, once she started one, she intended to finish it.





Rarity awoke groggily. Her mind had continued buzzing late into the night and the bags under her eyes proved it. The mid-morning sunlight only making them more prominent. 'A lady is not lazy. No matter how nice the idea of more sleep may seem.' She thought as she got out of bed.

Her usual routine of maintenance went as though slogging through mud. Slow and tedious but it wasn't something she was willing to ignore. A morning ritual if ever there was one. A shower followed by making her coat, mane and makeup look the best she could. Followed up by a double and triple check to ensure her looks. With a smile and nod to her reflection, she went downstairs to the kitchen. 

Rarity was just about to turn the corner when something caught her eye. A bundle of blur on the floor living room. She cocked her head slightly as she entered. Her eyes widened in surprise as she came to find Trixie curled up on a reading pillow with a book nearby. Rarity picked it up to look at it. As she looked between the book and the mare whom had been reading it. Her mind was quickly putting together an explanation for what she saw and, honestly, it put the mare in a better light. Slightly better. As if she were correct, it meant Trixie had lied to her face. 'But she does seem to at the very least be trying to learn so that's something.' She thinks with a sigh before placing the book back where she found it. 'The best course of action now is to just pretend I didn't see this, I suppose.' She thought as she left the room. She may still be more than a little angry with her but, much like earlier at the hospital; she decided to handle this like she would rainbow dash. Meaning that hurting the pride of the showmare would do nothing but make things worse.

She made her way to the kitchen with one last thought. 'Shame she's such a pain. She's quite adorable while sleeping. Much quieter too.'

> Chapter 5: Dreaming and the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight groaned as she continued looking over her books. She had been studying over dark magic for a while and still not found anything she needed. She knew what she needed to do for Trixie’s treatment but she still needed more information of the amulet’s creation.

It was an ancient thing. That was for sure. At least one thousand years old and used corrupting dark magic to cause its host to do horrible things and as time passed it got worse. She groaned as she let her head slump against the table. ’Ugh. I’ll just take a break.’ 

The next time Twilight opened her eyes she found herself surrounded by a black smoke and through it, she could see the eyes of somepony she hoped to never see again. They were the eyes of Sombra.

“No. No! You’re gone! G-Go away! We got rid of you!” She shouted, only causing the set of eyes to chuckle. It was as if she was no threat to him. She charged her horn and fired a bolt of magic towards him. “Go away!” She screamed, only to go pale when the magic went straight through him, causing him to laugh loudly. A giant fang filled mouth appeared under the eyes and started to come towards her. 

“No!” She cried out as she fired bolt after bolt of magic, trying each and every variety she could think of but none did anything. The mouth was just upon her and as she clenched her eyes tightly, she heard a new voice.

“Be gone phantom. Leave this dream and do not return.” Twilight’s eyes shot open and looked towards the voice. It was Princess Luna. Now things started to make sense to Twilight. All this study into something dealing with dark magic brought back memories of King Sombra and his magic, resulting in a nightmare. She shivered at the memories before admiring the blast of radiant and cold magic that struck Sombra, forcing him back and away. With a final cry of pain and a hiss, the smoke and Sombra himself dissipated into the nothingness of the dreamscape.

With a nod to her work, Luna quickly made her way to Twilight and helped her up. “Twilight Sparkle. Are you alright?” She asked; worry clear in her eyes and voice. If anypony knew how bad dreams could affect anypony, it was Luna. She had seen plenty of ponies in the past nearly driven to madness by their own mind.

Twilight took her hoof happily and dusted herself off out of habit. “Yeah. A little shook up but otherwise I’m fine. Thank you so much Luna.” She said with a smile as Luna helped her up. “That was a bit of a shock. I’m just glad it was only a dream.”

“A dream to a sleeping pony is a real as anything else and can affect them just as bad.” Luna said sagely as Twilight looked around the now empty dreamscape. “I saw you were struggling with your slumber and came to help.” She explained before Twilight could have a chance to ask.

“Oh? Well. Thank you very much Luna.” She says with a smile, blushing at the fact she needed help


Luna smiled and waved a hoof as she shook her head. “It is no problem Twilight Sparkle. But. May I ask, what brought about the dreams of such a… being.” She said with so much venom that it could have stopped Sombra on its own.

“What? Oh. Right. Because dreams are heavily influenced by daily events.” She said to herself before taking a soft breath. “Well. I was studying an artifact that he made all day.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed as Twilight spoke. “Artifact? Which one, if I may be so bold?” She asks as her mind runs through the many, many different artifacts she knew of and then narrowed the results by her knowledge of what had been created by Sombra.

“The Alicorn Amulet. I keep looking and looking but none of his notes have anything about how he made it.” She scratches her head. “It’s just so weird. Before he went completely mad, he was so good about keeping notes. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Luna wore a tense frown before she spoke. “That’s because he didn’t create it.”

Twilight was shocked to say the least. “Wh-what?! But every record says it was his creation. That it was what turned him so evil.” She says quickly, confused by this revelation.

Luna shakes her head and sighs. “No. I’m afraid that the tale of the amulet isn’t so simple. Would you believe, Twilight Sparkle, that the amulet was originally created out of love?” She said with a sad voice as she brought the attention of the curious alicorn to a peak.

“Love? The alicorn amulet was made out of love?” Twilight asked, shocked for the second time in a row.

Luna gave a slow nod as she sat down upon one of the two pillows she had materialized and motioned for Twilight to do the same. “In more ways than one.” She began as the two sat upon the pillows. “The alicorn amulet is true to its name as its original goal was to turn a normal mare into an alicorn.” She lets out a heavy sigh “She really was a nice mare. Truly. Stubborn as any pony I’ve ever met but…So very kind…”

“You- you know who made the amulet? You personally knew them?” Twilight asked as she tried to hide her excitement poorly. This was fantastic! Luna personally knew the mare that created the amulet. This could put her study far ahead of her initial projections.

“I did. She was my personal guide whenever I visited the empire. Ideals and ponies were much more…traditional back then.” She explains with a sigh.

“Traditional? The only things I can think that took a big change were ideas toward- Oh…S-so she? A-and you?”

Luna answered with a deep nod. “Indeed, Twilight Sparkle. We were lovers. However, law would not allow anypony but fellow royalty to even imagine courting my sister or myself. So she decided to turn herself into the one thing that is always considered royalty with little to no question.”

“An alicorn…”

Luna nods in agreement, her face starting to allow some joy into it. “She was a wonder to watch while she worked. Can you imagine, Twilight Sparkle? An earth pony designing a magical amulet?”

Twilight was running out of energy to be shocked. “She was an earth pony? How could she be and still create the amulet? It works. I’ve seen it.”

“She used the same style that was used to create the crystal heart itself which was created by earth ponies. She then used the only magic available to every race…” She says slowing down and her joy disappearing. “Dark magic.” She nodded as Twilight gasped. “Indeed. She performed the most powerful ritual available to earth ponies to power the amulet. Unfortunately, as you can imagine dark magic isn’t an easy thing to contain or control. It took over the amulet without her even realizing it. Then. When she used the amulet to attempt to become an alicorn to publicly gain my love…” Luna trailed off as she spoke, memories flashing through her mind. 

“Then what?” Twilight asked. Her inquisitive mind needed to know what happened.

A tear began to form and leak from the eye of the moon princess as she turned to fully face Twilight. “It worked.” 

“Sh-she became an alicorn?! B-but I haven’t heard of any-“

She waved her hoof and wiped away the tears. “Dark magic always has a catch my dear Twilight. It took her need for love and…turned it literal…along with turning her mind into a pit of fear and dispair.”

Twilight worked the words in her mouth. “Turned her need for lover literal? But that doesn’t make any sense.” She shakes her head again. “I don’t understand. What happened to her?”

“Her name was Crystal Stage. She was a crystal earth pony. Her skill in painting was wonderful and she could act like no other…the name she goes by now however…is Chrysalis. Queen of the changelings.”

That was when Twilight temporarily broke. The pony who created the alicorn amulet and the former lover of Princess Luna…was the Queen of the Changelings. Luna gave Twilight time to fully grasp everything she told her as she looked out at the dreamscape. “I-I need time to think. This- This is huge. B-but what about when the changelings invaded? What happened then?”

Luna drops her head. “That was my own fault. I was unable to see through the disguise of Cadance even though she had obviously not done any actual study into her character or anything of the sort. She placed a powerful sleeping spell on me. I knew of nothing happening until I came down after the events had already been taken care of.” She sniffs and stands herself up straight, attempting to hide her current feelings. “But I must bid you farewell. I have things to do still this night.”

Twilight nodded without question. Luna may have tried to hide it but she had a much worse poker face than Celestia. Thanks to that, Twilight could tell that she definitely needed time alone. Besides. She got what she needed to learn. The alicorn amulet was connected to both changelings and the crystal heart. Which both had connections to emotions. Which means, quite obviously, that the source of the magical infection must be hiding somewhere in the emotional center of Trixie’s brain. However, she shook that thought off for a moment. It’d be rude to not see her off. “I understand. I hope you have a good night Luna.” 

Luna nodded and was about to take off when in the spur of the moment, Twilight spoke again. “And-!” She fidgeted for a second as the princess’ eyes settled on her. “I-I’m sure there’s still a part of Crystal left in her.” She said weakly. Nevertheless, it seemed to be the right thing to say as Luna nodded.

“I agree.” She said simply before nodding and taking flight. Tonight – or what was left of it- was sure to be a busy night for the princess of friendship. She had so much to look through since she had been looking in all the wrong places.

> Chapter 6: Good Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next morning brought a loud and long groan from Trixie as last night. Immediately afterwards she remembered Pixie's words and how irritatingly  correct they were and she let out another groan. As she opened her eyes, she saw Pixie sitting on her chest.

"No, you can't stay in bed all day." Pixie said with certainty. She wasn't about to let Trixie just avoid her problems and she knew the mare would try.

"Ngh...Why not? She's just going to give me the silent treatment IF she changes how she acts at all." Trixie groused as she pulled the covers over her head.

"Because." Pixie began before deciding not to continue talking to fabric instead of her friend. After pulling the covers off her difficult friend she started again. "Because not only does she not seem like the kind of pony to do that but-" she grinned as she prepared to press one of Trixie's buttons. "I would think that Trixie was always the bigger mare. But yet here you are trying to hide like a foal."

"You're a foal." Trixie pointed out in a weak attempt to derail her point.

"I'm a filly. But that still means you'd be taking my job. A filly's job." She explained, knowing it was only a matter if time before she won. Knowing Trixie inside and out gave her that advantage over her longtime friend. She could read Trixie like a book. This chapter was titled "giving up on acting like a foal and ponying up."

Trixie grumbled, trying to figure out some sort of rebuttal. She wracked her mind for a few moments before letting out a louder groan which only made Pixie grin wider. She had won. "Fine! I'll take your "advice" and get up. I was going to do it anyway." Trixie says as a last way to save at least a little face. But if Trixie were to be honest, she "was" curious as to how Rarity would act. Pixie was right when she said that the mare didn't seem like the type to just ignore her. At least not while she was supposed to be looking after her. 

With a grunt, Trixie pulled herself off the bed and puts on her brace. She still despised the thing but she really had no choice and the problems putting it on by herself were mostly solved. She still hadn't decided if afterwards she would keep it or set it on fire. Maybe a nice little explosion? Those last possibilities certainly were winning so far.

"Woo! Go Trixie!" Pixie yelled, earning another grumble but also a small smile.

"Yes, yes. Everything I do is amazing. Now get up so that I don't have to give you a speech on being a hypocrite." She says as she does a little stretch. Pixie gives a giggle and jumps off the bed and onto Trixie's back. Trixie gave a a grunt and glared at the filly. "How many times do I have to tell you to warn me first." She nods to her bad hoof. "I am injured after all."

Trixie actually found herself smiling as she walked through the quiet building. No sounds of ponies outside, no rhythmic thun of the sewing machine. Nothing but the quiet noises of early morning. It reminded her of better times when she’d wake up at this hour now and then while moving between towns. The peaceful serenity of it all put her into a sort of trance. She glanced over and spied a comfortable looking red duvan

’Ah. A perfect place to pass the morning.’ She thought before she softly trot over to it. Her hooves sounded almost silent against against the soft carpeting. It was as if everything this morning was just working in her favor. Even the sunlight was perfectly entering in the window to cast it’s rays over the duvan.

The morning almost felt too perfectly peaceful. The world didn’t usually feel like it if Trixie was the only pony in the world in a good way. ’Wait. That’s it!”’ Trixie thinks before looking around for the missing link. The missing, usually talkative filly. After a few moments her leg started to lightly ache, indicating that standing too long wasn’t the best of ideas. Trixie then climbed onto the couch as she continued to search about the room for the filly. “Pixie?” She called out as her head lazily scanned the room.

”Here I am!” Pixie shouted. Now even Pixie herself was an odd thing about this morning. Since when did Pixie do anything that would result in panting and looking as though she were sweating?

“Pixie? Are you okay? You look exhausted.” Trixie asked before she pat a spot next to hewr. “Come on up here. It’s too nice a morning to be so active doing…whatever it is you’ve been doing”

Pixie gave a relieved smile at how Trixie was acting. “So, you’re all relaxed then? Great!” She said exuberantly before trying to calm down and cleard her throat. “E-heh. It’s great knowing that you’re feeling so good. Afterall you’ve been through, you deserve a day like this.” She said, only for Trixie to frown.

“All we’ve been through. That means you too. So get your hind end up here and relax with me.” Trixie commanded as she pat the spot next to her a bit harder.  “Come on you silly filly.” She finished with a kind smile.
Pixie giggled and softly shook her head. “I’d love to Trix but I have to-“ Pixie’s eyes suddenly widened as she seemed to realise something unknown to Trixie and in the next moment, after Trixie blinked one time, Pixie was nowhere to be seen.

“P-Pixie?” Trixie called out shakily as she looked around the room. “Pixie?” She called out louder as her head began to whip back and forth in search of her friend. “Pixie?!” She called out yet again, alarm clear in her voice.  ‘Why did she leave? Why did she look so worried all of a sudden? Did- did she finaly get tired of me  and that was a look of realization?’ she thought to herself in growing hysteria. She just wanted the filly to be here. To tell her that it was alright and that she would never leave.

Trixie winced and barely hend back a small squeak of pain as she jumped off the couch and landed on her bad leg to begin her search of the house. She bit her lip and moved on. Her search couldn’t wait afterall.





Upstairs, Rarity had been having the most wonderful dream. She and the girls, along with the princess’ were meeing carious royalty while Blueblood pulled their carriage without a single peep. It was truly wonderful. However soon she started to hear mumblings and every time she asked the others about them, they would act as though they couldn’t hear anything. They didn’t even react as the road started to get more and more bumpy. Soon the carriage started shaking so badly that it sounded like a stampead. Suddenly, everything stopped as the wheel crashed into a large rock, smashing into pieces.

> Chapter 7: Searching
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity shot up in her bed, quickly throwing her sleeping mask to the side as she awoke. Usually she might be a little disoriented by such a quick and unexpected awakening but due to the continued noises of things being thrown about she was more alert than usual.

“No…No…No! Where is she!” Trixie shouted from the middle of Rarity’s room, surrounded by a mess that would have impressed Pinkie in the speed it was created. ’She couldn’t have gone far. She-she has to be somewhere!’ She thought, her panic causing her to not realize that Rarity was looking at her, staring at the one making such a mess

Clothes thrown all about the floor, drawers pulled out from dressers and the contents from on top of the dresser were likewise thrown all about. Rarity’s mouth was agape as she tried to form words. To say something, anything to stop the localized disaster within her room. In the end all she was able to form was the word “Stop!”

Trixie, for once, did so without issue. She stopped and looked up towards Rarity with what seemed like a look of confusion as though she had forgotten Rarity would be in the room. However, this look only lasted a few moments before she had a thought. ”Maybe she could help me find Pixie!”

With that thought, Trixie rushed towards the bed “You! You can help me find her!” She shouted, causing Rarity to cringe at the volume

Rarity shook her head slightly as she rubbed her ear. ”Why do ponies always have to shout when you’re tired?” She wondered to herself before she digested what Trixie had actually asked. “Excuse me? Her? Who are you looking for?” She asked

Trixie in response huffed as though she expected Rarity to know exactly what was going on. “Where is Pixie?! Do you know?! If not then you best help me find her!” She demanded, continuing to shout despite how close they were with merely four feet of bed separating Rarity’s sitting up form and Trixie’s standing one.

“Okay. For one. please for the love of Celestia stop shouting.” Rarity said, doing her utmost to not hypocritically shout that very sentence
Trixie nodded quickly, willing to agree to anything just to ensure that Rarity would listen to her and help. Pixie was gone. She needed Pixie. She couldn’t lose her. “Fine. Trixie will stop shouting, now-“

“Two. [i/]Calmly explain what is going on” Rarity said, interrupting Trixie, much to the mare’s irritation “At least take one deep breath before you explain” Rarity said as she moved the covers and slid out of bed. She doubted she’d be able to stay in bed with whatever it was making Trixie panic about and she’d rather Trixie not touch her personally made sheets in trying to yank her out of bed.
Trixie pouted and rolled her eyes before doing just as Rarity had asked. It honestly did help but Trixie wasn’t about to admit it at the moment or near future. “Pixie is missing and-“ She began before blinking. Rarity didn’t know about Pixie at all. She’d never seen Pixie. How could she even help? This thought caused Trixie to stand in place, slightly awkwardly
“Alright. So something is missing. Wonderful. That wasn’t so hard. Now what is “Pixie” And where was it last?” She asked as she carefully re-made her bed. Rarity had never really thought about just how relaxing it was to simply make her bed. It was something else to focus on. Something to calm her down.

“Er…Pixie- N-never mind!” She shouted, waving a hoof “Trixie will find her on her own!” She shouted once more before she began stomping out of Rarity’s room with a deep blush on her face.

“I-“ Rarity began before her door slammed on her. She sighed and lit her horn as she began organizing the room. Fixing anything Trixie had messed with. This was too much. ”What was I thinking? I’m a fashionista, not a physician. Let alone a psychiatrist.” she thought with yet another sigh. She didn’t want to just say that she couldn’t do it but at the same time she had no clue what to expect from a mare like Trixie. She had a history. Not the best one but at the same time not the worst. Before the Ursa incident, she had reportedly had a wonderful reputation as a well-liked showmare and why she used to have such a positive reputation was made quite clear by the beginning of her show. While not the most impressive spells, she had worked them in a creative way and made an entertaining show. A free one at that.
That was a part that had always given Rarity a double take whenever she thought back to it. Trixie was a braggart, yes. She had a large ego, yes. She was loud, yes. But the fact is…her show was free. She wasn’t greedy, she didn’t seem to have aspirations that ponies needed to pay to see her. She was giving her show to any who wanted to see. She was…generous. It was a singular thing to be generous in and it wasn’t completely separate from her selfish nature but still. She wasn’t a horrible pony by any stretch. Well…aside from her last visit to town. That was a little more than horrible.

Rarity was relieved to not hear any crashes or thuds as she took a seat back on the once again covered bed. She really needed to think about these things. For one. Trixie was still injured and the most Rarity could do if it got worse would be to bring her to a hospital. Two. Trixie seemed to have…some sort of mental issues. That was more than a little worrisome. If Trixie got her magic back and mind degraded…Rarity had to honestly worry when she thought about that. Trixie could very well get some mad thought in her mind from the dark magic effecting her. Rarity didn’t know if she could do anything in that situation.

A part of her mind entertained the idea of handing Trixie off to Twilight, or better yet a mental institution. Ponyville may be a small town but they did have one.

“I just don’t know what to do…” Rarity mumbled to herself with a sigh before lifting herself up. The least she could do was to talk to Twilight about her thoughts. Hopefully an outside view on it would help. But then again, Twilight had been the very one to recommend Rarity take Trixie into her home. But then again, there was no way for Twilight to know about Trixie’s mental situation. If only she could get some simple answer before all of this even began. Things would be so much easier.

Rarity sighed yet again as she pushed herself up from the bed. She had decided. She would go see Twilight and ask her what her thoughts are on Rarity’s own thoughts.





Downstairs, Trixie was grumbling as she continued to look around, though now it was much more half-heartedly. What could she do after all? She needed to find  Pixie but no one could help her. No one knew who or what Pixie was and she knew that if she tried to explain it to anyone, they’d call her insane and put her away and Trixie would not be thrown away like some common madmare. Not that she was any sort of madmare anyway.

What should she do? Where should she start looking? She wasn’t sure. A part of her though had begun to think of a few ideas. They  weren’t very…fun ideas but they were at least something. Now all she needed was to get Rarity out of the house so she could start looking properly.

“Trixie?” Came a call from the top of the stairs “I’m going out for a little bit so I trust that you’ll not make too much of a mess while looking for Pixie” Trixie couldn’t help it as her ears flattened against her head slightly as she heard that. She felt like such a fool for asking the mare for help. But wait. She said she was going out, yes? That’d be perfect.

Speaking in the most confident voice she could manage, Trixie answered “Of course! Your home shall be exactly as it is in this very moment!”

Rarity came to the bottom of the stairs with a raised brow before answering “Well…Alright then. It shouldn’t be much longer than an hour. If you get hungry, go ahead and have something from the fridge. But please leave something for me” Trixie wasn’t sure if Rarity was making a joke or not but she still felt offended and raised her nose to the air as Rarity let out a small giggle. A giggle! She was laughing at Trixie!

But before Trixie could speak about how she was not some sort of glutton, Rarity had already left.





Rarity took a deep breath as she walked to Twilight’s home. The air was clean and crisp. It filled her mind with a relaxing feeling just as it filled her lungs. It was as though all of the weight on her mind was taken away for a little bit.

There were ponies out and about town, whom Rarity waved to with a soft smile and even a small skip in her step until she started calming herself down and continued to her usual ladylike walk.

It didn’t take long for Rarity to make her way to Twilight’s home. The large shining castle that it was. It had always seemed so imposing and so …well, royal. But at the same time when Rarity thought about who it was that owned the castle she couldn’t help but see the castle as that same homey library that Twilight used to live in. That warm little tree. And suddenly, That castle didn’t seem nearly as imposing.

Rarity simply walked into the castle, knowing that she and her friends were always welcome “Twilight? Twilight darling, can I speak to you?” Rarity called out, knowing all too well that these halls echo through the whole building

“Rarity?” Came Twilight’s voice from somewhere deep in the castle “I’ll be-“ There was a purple flash and in the next moment Twilight was standing in front of her with a smile “There” She finished with a giggle

Rarity gasped as Twilight teleported in the middle of her sentence. She knew she should be either used to it by now or annoyed with her friend but she just couldn’t. Twilight just had one of those looks. Too adorable to be mad at.

Twilight giggled yet again before giving Rarity an apologetic smile “Sorry about that. I’ll try to warn you next time”

“Oh, don’t worry about it dear. I was merely startled. Nothing that Rainbow and Pinkie don’t do on a weekly basis already” She answered with a wave of her hoof

Twilight giggled and gave a nod before waving her hoof behind her “I’m still sorry. Anyway, I’m sure you came here for a reason so come on in and we can talk about it in my room if you’d like.”

“Your room? Not the map room?” Rarity asked as she started walking in the direction that Twilight indicated.

“Well…The map room  is certainly beautiful and great for meetings but for just a one on one I’d rather have a nice and soft pillow to sit on instead of a crystal chair” Twilight explained with a smirk

“You bring up a very good point darling. I shouldn’t have doubted you. Oh, please forgive this foolish mare” Rarity said with obvious over exaggeration.

Twilight simply rolled her eyes as she led Rarity to her own bedroom and let her in. Rarity could have sworn there was a blush on Twilight’s cheeks but let it slide. “Anyway, I’m just glad you were here. It’s a bit urgent. Or at least it feels like it” Rarity explained as she entered the room and watched as a lavender pillow was levitated over to her “Ah. Thank you darling” She said as she watched Twilight sit on a white one of her own.

“You’re welcome. But it sounds like we should get right to it if it feels that urgent to you” Twilight said with a soft nod before asking “It’s about Trixie, isn’t it?”

Rarity sighed as she nodded. “Yes it is. I’m afraid that…I don’t think I’m qualified to be looking after her.”

Twilight quirked her brow “What do you mean? I would think that you’d be just fine. It’s not like she could overpower you in her condition. Is it just her attitude?”

Rarity shook her head “No. Her attitude is honestly not all that bad. At least when she’s not shouting at me” She  said with a roll of her eyes “But…it is partially having to do with the possibility of her overpowering me. The biggest issue though is…her mind.”

“Her…mind? Is there something wrong?” Twilight inquired

“I’m afraid that she’s…not quite all there. There’s been multiple times that I’ve heard her seemingly…talking to herself. No. Talking with herself. As though there’s a conversation I can’t hear half of” Rarity explained with a deep sigh.

Twilight’s eyes widened at Rarity’s words. “That IS a problem. Especially with the dark magic affecting so many parts of her body connected to the  brain… Has she done anything that doesn’t make any sense? Something that you can’t explain?” Twilight asked as she levitated a quill, inkwell and paper over to herself in order to take notes

Rarity nodded once “Yes. This morning actually. She was turning my bedroom upside down as she looked for something called Pixie and no. I’m not sure who Pixie is. Though I suspect that she’s who Trixie is talking to”

“She?”

“Oh, yes. When she noticed I was awake, She told me that I needed to help Trixie find “her”.” Rarity explained “And I’m quite sure I’ve heard her mention the name before. Well…Unless I’m imagining things. Then maybe I’m the one with the damaged mind”

Twilight frowned and shook her head “Now, now. There’s no reason to call her “Damaged”. We’re not even sure that she has something wrong with her” She said before Rarity gave her a deadpan expression “Alright, alright. So, it seems that something is in fact wrong with her. But still. Saying she’s damaged is a little rude” Twilight pointed out

Rarity sighed a breath of understanding “I know…I’m just…I feel overwhelmed by this and I keep thinking that it might be better to just pass her to a hospital that would know exactly what to do with her condition. But then I think about that nurse. How willing she was to just throw her out for what she’d done in the past. I may not have tried to take over a town in the past but I still would hate if somepony judged me by my past actions. I mean, if my customers judged my skill by my old designs I would almost certainly not have any customers and I think I just understood a part of what Trixie may be going through, haven’t I?”

“I think you have. I think you understand how unfair Trixie feels like it is to be judged so harshly on her past” Twilight said with a soft smile, glad to see Rarity understand Trixie a little better before her face turned more serious “But I do understand your worries. If Trixie does indeed have something wrong with her mind, letting her stay around professionals would probably be for the best.” Twilight looked up slightly with a hoof to her chin as she thought “Well, I think that it might be a good idea if I took a look at her. To check that the dark magic isn’t getting worse or spreading. If it hadn’t already I doubt it’ll suddenly spread now but I can’t be sure without checking”

“I see. That is indeed a good idea.” She said with a smile before standing “Well then, would you like to come to my home and check on her? Maybe stay for lunch if she’s in a good enough mood?” Rarity asked with a smile. Glad to at least have some sort of direction to go now. Something to do.

Twilight giggled with a small amount of red on her cheeks as she stood “Of course. That sounds wonderful Rarity.”

Rarity and Twilight walked side by side and made small talk as they did. Though Rarity did notice that at times, Twilight would continually get very close. But Rarity chalked that up to Twilight not being used to her growing alicorn body.

“Trixie? I’m home and I brought a guest!” Rarity called out as she shut the door behind her.

A moment passed and then another. There was no answer “Trixie?” Rarity called out again

“Maybe she’s asleep?” Twilight offered

“Good point. I’ll go check her room if you want to have a seat in the living room.” Rarity told her with a warm smile before she made her way towards Trixie’s room. She knocked softly but crisply “Trixie? Trixie could you wake up and come to the living room for a moment?” She asked.  Just like earlier. No answer “Trixie?” She knocked again, harder this time.

When for a second time there was no answer, or third if she counted the when she called out upon entering her home, Rarity frowned and opened the door. “Trixie?” She asked as she opened the door, only to find the room empty.

Rarity raised her brow as she stepped back out of the room. She had a bad feeling about this.

Rarity took a few more minutes to check her own room and the rest of the rooms upstairs, only to come up with empty hooves. That bad feeling she had a few moments ago only got worse and with slightly quicker breaths she made her way back into the living room where Twilight was casually sitting on the couch where warm sunlight bathed the alicorn. Rarity hadn’t noticed before but under the light of the sun Rarity could see small  spots of what looked almost like glitter in Twilight’s mane. Rarity knew Twilight wasn’t the kind to put glitter in her mane, so maybe it was just an alicorn thing.

Rarity pushed her thoughts for outfit designs that incorporated those into themselves to the side for now as she spoke “Twilight. I can’t find Trixie. Could you help me look for her? I doubt she’s outside but I’m starting to feel worried”

Twilight stood with an equally worried look on her face “That’s not good at all. Of course I’ll help you look” She said with a determined nod “With the two of us it should only take a couple of minutes to find her”

Rarity nodded in agreement and with that the two began their searching. Just as Twilight said it only took a few minutes for them to both meet back up in the living room. Without Trixie.

“Did you find anything?” Twilight asked, her wings fidgeting slightly

Rarity sighed and shook her head “No…There was a little food missing from the fridge but that was it. I’m afraid that she did leave the boutique. But why? I doubt she wants to deal with ponies who dislike her” Rarity complained

“I agree. But…you said that she was looking for someone, right? Could she have left to search for her?” Twilight offered

Rarity’s eyes widened slightly “That’s…a good possibility.  But where else could she go? Maybe-“ Rarity gasped “Do you think she went back to the quarry where I found her? What if the diamond dogs find her  again?!”

“We’ll find her Rarity.” Twilight said with a determined look as she set a hoof on her shoulder “Let’s go look for her. If we hurry I’m sure we can stop anything from hurting her.