My Little Pony-Friendship is Magic
The Romancing Quest
By Doctor Scraps
Disclaimer: My Little Pony- Friendship is Magic is property of Hasbro and all affiliated parties involved, and the author claims no rights to any characters, settings, or events. This story was written for entertainment purposes only.
A/N: This chapter took a little longer than the others because, as I believe I said last chapter, I was returning to a regular work schedule. This chapter is also a little more serious, but I went in and re-wrote the scenes I dubbed "Not Pony". Please to enjoy. And a big hello to everyone who found this story from Equestria Daily . Bro Hoof.
PS- Am I to assume correctly that Twilight Sparkle is a librarian in Ponyville? I see this referenced that her home is a public library in fanworks, and she does have a sign like one would find outside a library, but it's never explained whether Twilight actually has a vocation other than Sorcoress's Apprentice.
...
Chapter 6
...
The next morning found Twilight Sparkle with more of a spring her step and a song on her lips as she went about arranging the brunch she and the other six mares were having, as was their custom on Saturdays most weeks. The brunch was set in rotation as to which of the six's home it would be held, with the exception of Rainbow Dash, since the Flying spell at Twilights disposal was a total drain on one pony, let alone the four that were without the ability to walk on clouds. Thus, Rainbow Dash was exempt from brunch hostess duty, which the pegasus reveled in.
As expected, when Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack arrived, they all seemed very eager to hear how things went with Big Macintosh the night before. More so Applejack, who literally greeted Twilight at her door with inquiries of how it went, whether or not Big Mac had…as she put…"gotten cloppy with her", promising to "wax his hide" if he had.
Of course, Twilight assured her that Macintosh had been a perfect gentlepony.
Rarity and Fluttershy were about to bombard Twilight with their inquiries, when Rainbow Dash interjected.
"Girls, can we PLEASE eat something first before we start talking about all this lovey dovey stuff? I skipped breakfast for this!"
"Hold yer horses, Dash. Let's wait fer Pinkie Pie to get here." Applejack raised a hoof for Rainbow Dash to calm down some. "She's goin' through rough edges right now."
"Oh? What happened? Did her party not end well?" Twilight asked, very concerned. Very rarely did any party of Pinkie Pie's end on a sour note.
"Oh no, darlin', it was a success all'round." Applejack said reassuringly, rolling her eyes some. "…But at the end o' the night after we cleaned up, she caught 'Brian' in the closet with a mop. She…didn't take it well."
"Oh…The broom…" Twilight recalled, laughing softly. "Well…As her friends, let's show her our support, of course…"
"Support for what?" Pinkie Pie asked from where she was sitting between Rarity and Fluttershy. Both adjoining mares let out a frightened cry, as Pinkie Pie looked around, holding one of the sandwiches from Twilights table, and the aforementioned broom in the other, the broom itself sporting a necktie. "What?"
"Ah, er…Pinkie…" Applejack cleared her throat nervously. "I see you and Brian got back together."
Pinkie smiled big and radiantly, nodding wildly as she hugged the broom close. "Oh, you betcha! He told he it was all a mistake and he'll never look at another mop as long as he lives! He even pinky-sweared!"
"Right…" Twilight and Applejack said in unison. Twilight scratched the back of her head, smiling with some unease. "Well…let's eat."
…
"Ah…I have had sufficient…" Rainbow Dash flopped back, rubbing a satisfied belly while the others sat around sipping tea and discussing the topic of the day, Fluttershy and Rarity in particular looking to Twilight with stars in their eyes.
"I'm so happy it went well, Twilight." Fluttershy said. "You two are so cute together!"
"Oh, indeed, dear. The posh city mare and the worldly and hardworking field stallion!" Rarity squealed. "It's just like in my book-"
"Oh no you don't, Rarity." Applejack butted in, "Do not be draggin' yer clop novels into this." The two gave each other hard glares before turning away from each other with a 'humph'. "Anyway…Twilight…I'll have you know I found the culprit who done sent those letters."
"O-oh?" Twilight sipped from her tea, giving Applejack a inquisitive look.
"Applebloom was being a touch too interested in how Big Mac's date went." Applejack smirked some. "She tried to skirt the issue, but I eventually just sat on her and threatened to put applesauce in her mane if she didn't spill the beans. She would like to deliver a formal apology when she is no longer grounded."
"Oh, really, there's no need. No harm done…In fact, I'm glad she did it. I had a really good time." Everyone watched as Twilight started to redden again.
"Oooh, did you kiss?" Pinkie Pie asked, bouncing in her seat.
"Now, Pinkie that's…did ya?" Applejack couldn't deny curiosity.
Fluttershy and Rarity merely leaned forward, expectant expressions presented.
"Well…I-" Twilight started…then came a knock at the door. Oh, thank you, Celestia… "Oh, who could that be? I'll be right back, girls." Twilight hopped up and trotted to her front door.
…
As soon as the door was opened but a crack, an eruption of blue smoke blew the door open, sparklers and firecrackers going off in mid air, causing Twilight to gallop back some in surprise. Through the smoke, a figure appeared, dressed in her magicians garb…
"Twilight Sparkle, the Great and Powerful Trixie has arrived!" Trixie announced with theatrical bravado, granting herself entry. "Oh, my how quaint…It's not entirely how I envisioned your home to be."
"Ah, well, come on in, we were-" Twilight motioned to the others, who were watching with both a mix of surprise of the sudden visitation, and Rarity and Fluttershy restraining Rainbow Dash and Applejack from, by sheer instinct, wanting to pummel Trixie.
"-I've been thinking, Miss Sparkle, about what we talked about last time." Trixie turned and faced Twilight, her tone calm, maybe even airy. "And…I came to a decision, and I agree. We shouldn't be enemies. I was foolish and angry at the time, but now my eyes are open, and I finally know what it is that I want to do."
"R-really?" Twilight blinked, before smiling some with a light sigh. "…I'm glad Trixie. I apologize if maybe I came on too strong for you…"
"Yes, well, about that…"
…
"Lemme go! I still owe her one!" Rainbow Dash grunted in a hushed tone as she struggled underneath Pinkie Pie, who had taken to sitting on her.
"Rainbow Dash, no." Rarity hissed, while using her Unicorn magic to cement Applejack firmly in place, the farm pony herself glaring daggers at the magician. "Let's let Twilight handle this."
…
Trixie fluttered her eyes at Twilight, removing her hat and tossing it on the nearby rack by the door. "Twilight, I want to be perfectly upfront and honest with you." Trixies tone turned direct and serious. "I want to make out with you so direly that it is literally causing me physical pain for every second my lips are not pressed against yours."
Twilight, her whole face turning red in contrast to the rest of her purple frame, opened her mouth to respond when the powder blue Unicorn sprang upon her, whatever words she meant to say lost as Trixies lips came upon hers, legs wrapping around and hooves holding her tight.
…
Across the room, five jaws hit the floor simultaneously, and a broom hit the floor.
…The feeling was so different from when Macintosh had kissed her. Twilights mind went blank as Trixie pressed her up against the wall. Her kiss tasted of longing, and maybe oats. Toasted oats, with a hint of honey. The feeling sent shivers down her spine. It felt…wonderful.
When the kiss was broken, it left both fillies panting for breath, staring into each others eyes, that Twilight had nearly forgotten her present company until she heard a rather irate drawl come from her living room.
"….Twilight…" Applejack huffed, fire in her eyes. "…You mind explainin' what in the hay?"
Trixie suddenly became aware of the five over ponies in the room. "Oh, you have guests…"
"A-Applejack, this isn't what it looks like…" Twilight said, not really making a move to break Trixies embrace.
Trixie tilted her head, still with a playful nature. "Is it not? Am I not being forward enough…?" Trixie drew close to capture Twilights lips again.
"Alright right, that does it!" Rainbow Dash broke free of Pinkie Pie and made straight for Trixie, Pinkie Pie clinging to one hind leg, squealing that 'violence is bad!', "Get yer hooves off Twilight, you two bit show pony!" Trixie swerved behind Twilight as the Pegasus came about, eyeing her over Twilights shoulder.
"Rainbow Dash, please…there's no need for that." Twilight raised her hooves to call for peace, Trixies legs still wrapped around her from behind.. "Let me explain…"
…
And so, Twilight explained her visit to Canterlot, and her visit with Trixie. A visit that was meant to smooth out their differences, and perhaps grow more acquainted. However she failed to confess how close to amorous the visit had come before Trixie's reaction.
"It is as dear Twilight says." Trixie declared as she sat beside Twilight as the group reconvened in the living room. "I hesitated at first, but lo, I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, have come to confess her feelings for Twilight, of undying love!"
"Oh barf." Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and huffed.
"Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, missy." Applejack motioned to Twilight. "But she just so happens to be datin' my brother!"
"Applejack…" Twilight was about to make note that it had been only one date, but Trixie interjected.
"Oh, you mean that workhorse I saw last night?" Trixie put a hoof to her chest and let out a laugh. "You cannot possibly believe that such a simple earth pony is capable of besting the Great and Powerful Trixie for Twilights affections…"
"Well, I wouldn't like to boast…" A voice came from the door, which had been left wide open. There stood Big Macintosh , carrying a small gold star between his teeth. Giving Trixie a curious, if not suspicious glance, he trotted in and set the star beside Twilight. Trixie glared as the red stallion nuzzled Twilight.
"Here, I found yer hairclip, Miss Twilight."
Twilight smiled with appreciation, once more blushing at the sudden display of affection. She then noticed that both Trixie and Big Macintosh were giving each other looks. The kind of look that indicated they were sizing each other up. How much from the doorway had Big Mac heard?
"Macintosh. Folks just call me Mac. And you are…?" Big Mac offered a hoof.
Trixie turned up her nose and shook his hoof in as elegant a manner as a hoof could be shook. "The Great and Powerful Trixie…Magician and scholar. The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure." They continued shaking hooves, eyes never leaving the other, as though war would indeed erupt once the hooves separated.
"Well!" Twilight let out an exasperated laugh, looking from them to her friends who were watching on with curiosity as to how this was going to play out. Rainbow Dash and Applejack seemed set to step in if things got volatile, Fluttershy and Rarity seemed very rapt in the sudden drama, and Pinkie Pie…had disappeared with her broom. "I'm going to go make some more tea! Rarity! Come help me!"
"Oh, but I-" Rarity was about to protest turning away from such a spectacle, but then she saw the annoyed pleading in Twilights eyes. "Of course dear…Trixie…darling…" an obviously forced sentiment, "How do you take your tea…?"
"However Twilight chooses." Trixie said smugly.
"I see…Macintosh?" Rarity asked.
"I'm fine, ma'am, thanks fer asking." Big Mac said, not even turning his head.
"Of course…well then…"
…
"What am I going to do!" Twilight flatted her face against the counter in her kitchen, hooves stuffed into her mane.
"Well, whatever it is, it should be executed quickly." Rarity set about preparing said tea. "Why didn't you tell us about Trixie, Twilight? What's more," She leaned in towards Twilight, taking on an annoyed tone. "Why Trixie?"
Twilight hung her head, looking up at Rarity with big eyes. "…Promise you won't get mad?"
Rarity nodded. Twilight sighed and explained everything, her hypothesis of turning a rival into a friend, and whether love could exist where once there was hostility. When she was done, Rarity had a hoof between her eyes, and was shaking her head with dismay.
"…Oh Twilight…" Rarity said with great distress. "…You don't actually love this girl…and yet you tagged her along to prove a point…?"
"No, no it's not like that!" Twilight raised her hooves defensively. "….I mean…Maybe…It started out like that…" Twilight began doing her Fluttershy impersonation again. "…When I saw what Trixie was like when not trying to impress someone…And saw what my actions had done to her…"
"The Ursa Minor?" Rarity asked. "Twilight, she brought that on herself, dear. You can't blame yourself for that."
"It cost her everything, Rarity…It…" Twilight sucked in a breath, slowly letting it out. "…Remember what you said once about Unicorn magic…?"
Rarity tilted her head a moment, before her eyes lit up some with recalling. "…That it doesn't happen without a reason…"
Twilight nodded. "That day…I felt some of that magic…like me and Trixie…fit together somehow…I can't explain it…I wanted to be close to her…I wanted…to help her…But then…She rejected me. She thought I was making fun of her. Like it was all a plot between us six."
"Paranoid much?" Rarity chuckled lightly as she put a kettle on for the tea.
"…So, I let it go…I thought maybe I'd insulted her…I didn't think she actually-" Twilight paused and strained an ear, Rarity following suit, eyes narrowing as they heard the sound of raised and agitated voices.
…
"Oh, spare me, Mr. Macintosh!" Trixie growled, standing up on her rear hooves to see eye to eye with Macintosh, poking him in the chest. "What do you possibly have to offer a lady of Princess Celestia's court?"
"Everything that I can give, Miss Trixie." Macintosh's voice was straining to maintain that humble civility of his nature, but Trixie was greatly starting to whittle at it. "My love, the fruits of my labor, a roof over her head, and all the comforts that come with it. How about yourself?"
The other mares watched on, even Applejack finding herself unwilling to step into the proximity of her brothers incited temper. Rainbow Dash herself sulked in a corner after receiving a dual-pointed "Butt Out" from the two quarreling suitors when she had tried to come between them.
"Tell me, Mr. Macintosh, can you truly appreciate Twilight ? Hmm?" Trixie turned up her head haughtily. "She is the protégé and apprentice to your ruler, country foal, a wielder of magic's you could never possibly understand. She demands to be courted by someone of sophistication and high class, someone who can truly accept her for all that she is."
"That's a lot of high faluting cobbswabble comin' from a travelin' magician who got ran out of town on a bad bluff. Yer all limb and no fruit, and I'll brand my own flank before I let Twilight be carried off by someone the likes of you."
"Why wait?" Trixie grinned nastily, summoning a small fireball in her hoof. "I know a spell that will do just that!"
Twilight stepped forward. "…You two, please…" She pleaded with them with eyes that seemed fit to tear up from all the stress and uncertainty. She knew she had made a mistake somewhere along the lines to lead up to this. The two looked to her, then to each other, Trixie extinguishing the magical fire.
"Let's set this straight." Macintosh said.
"Yes, lets."
"We both fancy Miss Twilight."
"Too true."
"And neither one o' us is gonna back down."
"Not in your life."
"So let's settle this with some matter o' civility."
"What do you propose?"
"Miss Trixie. You and me. I challenge you to a contest."
Twilight swallowed, feeling a panic sweat start. She had witnessed her fair share of contests in Ponyville to know how those went. "I…W-what kind of contest? Nothing dangerous! I won't let you two get hurt fighting over me!"
"Nothin' of the sort." Big Mac reassured. "No, I challenge you, Miss Trixie, to the oldest show of skill and strength in Equestria."
"So it is to be a race then?" Trixie asked, satisfied with the suggestion. Macintosh nodded. "So be it. However, this is Twilights decision." They both turned to face Twilight. "Do you accept our compromise?"
Twilight looked to them each in the eyes. They both looked so determined to see this through. Big Macintosh, with his kind heart, and determination, willing to lay his honor on the line for her. And then there was Trixie. Complex and infuriating Trixie. She could not explain her feelings for other Unicorn, other than it was through her that she had tasted blood, and would be lying if she didn't want more.
"Alright…I will consent to this…" Twilight nodded, looking around the room at all the eyes now on her. "A fair race. As this is me on the line as the prize, I will be the one to set the rules and choose the track. We will meet again here in one week. Are we in agreement?"
"Agreed." Macintosh and Trixie said together.
"Good…Now…I feel like I should lay down." Twilight tried to laugh a little as she trotted over to her couch and flopped over onto it, her back to the group.
…
Trixie placed her hat back on her head as she prepared to depart. She had arrangements of her own to make, for her grand victory over Macintosh, "Until we meet again, Mr. Macintosh. I look forward to your crushing defeat."
"Mind your words, Miss Trixie. Remember the last time your tongue did more workin' than your head." The two shook hooves, and Trixie took her leave. Macintosh let out a breath watching her vanish down the road. Something about that filly struck him cold. She'd try and pull some trickery during the race, no doubt about it. He would have to be prepared for anything. Shaking his mane, he turned and ventured back inside where everyone was sitting around in an awkward silence. Applejack looked fairly agitated by the whole affair. Fluttershy was sitting beside Twilight, whom was still laying with her back to everyone while the yellow Pegasus petted her mane. Rainbow Dash was leaning against a far bookcase, trying to look cool and collected, but the way she kept swinging her hooves hinted irritation. Rarity meanwhile returned with some fresh made tea.
"Well, now everyone, let's stop acting like someone just died." Rarity said with a lilted tone as she poured out some cups.
"I just don't get it!" Rainbow Dash grumbled. "Macintosh is ten times the pony Trixie is."
"Well…He is much bigger than she is…And I'm sure he's much faster at a gallop…" Fluttershy said. "Statistically, there's no doubt that Macintosh is the better pony. For the race, I mean."
"I don't mean that, I mean…Twilight, why her of all ponies?" Rainbow Dash motioned to the purple Unicorn."
"…I-it's complicated…" Twilight uttered, curling up more so on the couch. Some of what Trixie had said before rang true. There was some deep desire in her for someone who she could talk about magic with, and not get blank or bored stares. Someone she could do research together with. Be of like minds with. But…in contrast, would a life with Macintosh be that bad? Sure they probably didn't have the same passions in life, but that didn't mean they couldn't live happily together…
Applejack was about to say something, and it probably was not going to be the kindest. She was the bearer of the element of Honesty, not sugar-coating, after all, but Mac put a hoof on her shoulder and shook his head. "…Let's get back to the farm, sis. Still got some things to take care of…"
"Right…" Applejack sighed. "…Bye everyone."
There was an echo of goodbyes all around.
…
"Yer actually okay with this…?" Applejack asked as the two trotted down the road, her head heavy and scowling. "That foalish Twilight…Oh, I could just kick somethin' right now…"
"Don't blame Twilight." Macintosh said, his usual calm returning now that Trixie was out of his hair. "It don't change how I feel. I'll prove to her what I'm worth, even if it's just who's faster 'round a track."
Applejack looked up at her brother, displaying that honorable determination she loved so much about him. "Is…Twilight really worth the trouble to prove yourself to?"
"She's yer friend, AJ. You tell me." He asked.
Applejack thought for a bit. She was still mighty angry at her. But…This seemed like the sort of mess of road apples she'd get herself into. She wanted to know what love was and now she was getting a taste of it. "Yeah…Yeah, I reckon she is…"
…
"Why'd AJ look so angry?" Pinkie Pie announced her reappearance, minus the broom, however her face was covered in lipstick prints, everyone noted. "What? Oh, gosh, did Brian leave a hickey?" Pinkie Pie panicked some, rubbing at her face. It was enough to get some laughs from the group, the mood lightening.
"Look…Twilight…" Rainbow Dash said, peering over the couch at the Unicorn. "…I want you to know I'm there for ya. Applejacks just got her feathers ruffled about Macintosh."
"Of course, dear, we all are." Rarity said simply, as though it wasn't even a point. "We are your friends, and we will respect your decisions…even if we don't particularly agree with them. However that does not mean that we will stand by idly if on the off chance you do something stupid."
Twilight rolled over to face the group, smiling softly. "Thanks guys. I guess I'm just a little confused right now…I never thought Trixie would come back to call on what we talked about…"
"Maybe…" Fluttershy mused delicately. "That's why Love isn't an Element of Harmony?"
Everyone glanced to the Pegasus, who blushed self-consciously at the round of attention. "I mean…All the elements are harmony are things that bring people together, right? But…Love can bring people together, but it can also tear people apart…"
"That was…very profound, Fluttershy." Rarity hummed. "But yes…I suppose love is a building stone, and the raucous kick that topples it all as well."
Twilight turned this over in her head, unconsciously writing a letter to the Princess in her head. A silence once more fell, which caused Pinkie Pie to noticeably fidget as she looked around.
"H-Hey! You know what would make us feel a whole super lot better?" Pinkie Pie bounced.
"Lemme guess…A party?" Rainbow Dash smirked at the earth pony. "That's your answer to everything."
"Of course it is! It's the answer to all things! Chip a hoof, throw a party! Bad day at the bakery, throw a party! Catch your boyfriend in the closet with your best mop, throw a PAR-TAY!" Pinkie Pie cheered.
Smiles grew all around, along with some light giggling.
"I would like that, Pinkie…Thank you…" Twilight said, sitting up, putting her hooves over Fluttershy's and Rarity's shoulders, pulling them close, while Rainbow Dash rested her head on top of Twilights over the back of the couch. "Thank you guys, for being there for me."
"Ah, don't get all mushy on us, Twilight." Rainbow Dash ruffled her mane.
"That's right." Twilights confidence began to return to her voice. "After all, I have a race to organize!"
…
…
To be continued.