"Oh, where IS he?" said a concerned yellow mare.
Angel tugged Fluttershy's hoof to get him a carrot, but she was much too concerned on where her chicken was hiding.
"Oh Angel," said Fluttershy, "All the other chickens are accounted for, but I don't know where this one is! I hope he's okay... should I get somepony to help me search?"
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. Can I just get a carrot now?" said Angel in bunny-speak.
"Maybe I should try to find him on my own. I can let the others know I'm not that dependable..." said Fluttershy.
Fluttershy checked the front yard, the chicken coop, and the sides of the cottage, yet still no chicken. Upon closer inspection of the backyard however, she found a trail of feathers leading to the Everfree Forest.
Fluttershy squeaked. "Th-th-the forest? What do I do now?"
"Get me food and stop worrying, considering you have dozens more chickens." said Angel in more of his bunny-speak.
"You're right!" said Fluttershy with a determined look. "I need to prove to the other girls I can be strong!"
"WHY DID I LET YOU TALK ME INTO THIS?" said Fluttershy nervously, and what she assumed her yelling voice was. Angel too noticed how dark it had gotten, they'd been following feathers and going in circles for two hours.
"This is creepy. I want to head back, but the chicken... Plus I could tell Rainbow Dash I did something brave..."
Oh Celestia, this again... thought Angel.
In the thickness of the forest, Fluttershy made out what appeared to be a light. From a... campfire?
"Oh, finally somepony's here!" said Fluttershy. She got close enough to make out what the other pony was saying.
"Of all the animals to follow Trixie into the forest, why did it have to be a dumb chicken!"
Fluttershy stopped. "Huh? Chicken?"
Moving closer, she saw a light blue unicorn holding a hat in her hooves. She kept eyeing a chicken that aimlessly wandered around, and a nearby cape lay on the ground. The unicorn had a ticked off look on her face.
"No place to stay... just great! Thanks a lot, Sparkle! It was just supposed to be a simple act until your friends ruined everything..."
Fluttershy noticed how messy her mane was, probably from wandering around the forest for a few days. No place to stay?
"Um... hello?" Fluttershy said.
Trixie barely glanced her way. "I already said 'No more shows right now'." she said, "Although if you know the way back to Canterlot, Trixie would be very appreciative."
"Um... a-actually I just came for my chicken..." said Fluttershy. She had seen her once before. Maybe in Ponyville?
Trixie looked at the yellow pegasus pony. "This is YOUR chicken? It's been following me for past three hours!"
Fluttershy went over to the chicken. "Oh... my apologies. He likes to explore..."
Trixie sat down on the ground. "Thank you."
A long silence passed between the two ponies. Angel was already getting annoyed with the blue one's attitude.
"Let's go." said Angel.
"Um, what did you say your name was again?"
"...Trixie..." she said, getting closer to the fire. The darkness was fast approaching, and Fluttershy thought this mare could use a friend.
She also didn't want to get lost alone again on the way back.
"Do you need a place to stay?" she asked without thinking. After all she did look familiar.
Trixie was surprised at the question. "No."
Fluttershy was surprised at her answer. "But why? You won't survive alone in the forest..."
"Trixie is doing just fine, thank you."
"Just stay for one night?"
"No thanks!"
"Just for a cup of tea?"
Trixie sighed. "You're persistent, Miss...?"
Fluttershy smiled. "My name is Fluttershy."
"Fluttershy. Fine, Trixie will stay for tea, if only to stop your asking."
Fluttershy, Trixie and Angel went back through the forest with a smile, a frown, and a look of annoyance.
Trixie noticed where they were headed about half an hour of walking later. She stopped.
"Wait, we're going to PONYVILLE?" a hint of poison in her words.
"Um, yeah. My house is-"
"Trixie will NOT return to Ponyville! Not after last time!"
Trixie huffed and stayed where she was.
"You've been there before? I knew I knew you from somewhere..."
"I was the magician," said Trixie flatly, "You know, The Great and Powerful Trixie!"
Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "Now I remember you! Oh, I'm sorry about what happened..."
"Yeah, so is Trixie..."
Fluttershy felt bad. She had to help somehow.
She put a hoof on Trixie's shoulder, the latter staring with confusion.
"Just stay the night. Please accept help."
Trixie nodded. "Okay..."
The three resumed their walk to Fluttershy's cottage, unsure what to make of the situation.
New series! Prepare for Fluttershy x Trixie. Remember to review and keep an eye out for updates. New Merry Celestmas! series coming soon as well.
-Sharky