After their misadventure to Sweet Apple Acres, Mary and her new assistant Trixie made their way to Town Hall. As the sun reached it's peak they reached the first buildings of the town and Trixie was reading off the Mayors list of meetings to be complete by the end of the day. "...and at 3 pm you have a meeting with Filthy Rich and at 4 pm you have a meeting with Miss Octavia Von Clef about new living arrangements and the... banning of high output subwoofers in close urban environments." Trixie read off the last one causing Mary to sigh.

The two ponies were walking through town square heading towards the Town Hall. Ponies gawked at Trixie and the Mayor as they passed by.

"Again?" she asked shaking her head. "I really thought we reached a suitable arrangement for that problem." She continued to walk down the road to the center of town. "Trixie?"

Hearing her name Trixie hurried to her side ready to take a note down. "Yes, Mayor?"

"Please, make a note that any arrangement I make with Miss Von Clef and Miss Scratch is final and I won't be making changes in the future."

"Yes Mayor." She scribbled the note down in her log for future reference.

Note to self: Make any arrangements with Von Clef and Scratch final.
No changes in the future. FINAL!

"Done Mayor. We should hurry though, your first meeting is in five minutes," Trixie said, picking up the pace still holding her logbook with her magic making her way past Mary who also picked up her pace to meet her deadline.

"I'll go ahead actually, you can take your time Trixie. I'll see you at the office." Mary began to run off, but halted suddenly turning to face Trixie.

"Oh by the way!" Mary turned calling to Trixie. "Can you get me a black coffee? Oh, and get yourself something too."

She then threw a small bag of bits to Trixie who caught it with her magic. The gold coins clanked in the bag as Trixie used her magic to grab the bag. Mary then turned and hurried to Town Hall leaving Trixie behind.

Looking at the bits Trixie decided to go to a local cafe she remembered passing by when she went to challenge Twilight Sparkle. About ten minutes later she arrived at the small cafe to find it had just opened so nopony was around except the owner and one waitresses.

It was small with a few seats and table outside the front of the establishment, Trixie walked over to the open register and waited for a pony to come along and take her order. A young silver earth pony mare with a spiky white mane came to the register. Her amber eyes locked onto the azure mare and she held a bright smile.

"Good morning Miss and welcome to Le Petite Cafe. What can I get you?" she asked cheerfully.

"Yes, Trixie would like a black coffee large and a small croissant please," she said instinctively.

The young mare looked at her for a moment before a look of realization hit her. "Oh right, Trixie! I remember you from a while ago with your performance! That was great! Sorry about your wagon. Also," she paused looking around making sure nopony was near, "I don't hold a grudge against you for the Alicorn Amulet incident. Twilight said it wasn't your fault so I'm okay, with you. Other ponies like my boss however... I can't say the same for them so watch yourself," she whispered to the azure unicorn.

Trixie nodded, whispering back. "Thank you. Many ponies have been giving Trixie the stink eye today."

The young mare rang up Trixie's order up and at the end the register said, void. "The drink and croissant are on me Trixie."

"No, Trixie can't ask that of you! I can pay!"

She pulled out the bag of bits, shaking it. "How much?"

The mare giggled at Trixie placing a hoof over her lips. "Not to worry Miss Trixie, I'll cover it this time. In exchange I'd like to get to know you better. Names's Platinum Spoon." She extended a hoof. Trixie shook her hoof with a smile. It's nice to be treated so well after such a bad week, she thought.

"Trixie Lulamoon, stage magician, evil dictator for a week, and now personal assistant to the Mayor of Ponyville. It's a pleasure to meet you Platinum Spoon."

"It's nice to-"

"PLATINUM WE GOT CUSTOMERS GET YOU BUTT IN GEAR!" a loud female voice called from the back.

Trixie and Platinum both turned to see a large brown portly earth pony mare with a dark green curly mane walked in glaring at her and Trixie. "I pay you to take orders and work the register not chitchat." She paused looking at Trixie specifically. "And especially not with the likes of her."

Looking behind her, Trixie noticed a line had formed behind her all of them with angry looks.

"Ye-yes Mrs. Cobblepot," Platinum said as the large pony worked the other register. "Sorry, we'll pick this up later OK?"

Trixie nodded in silence looking at the line as it split into two, half the ponies going to Mrs. Cobblepot's register the rest waiting in line behind Trixie. The glares were intense. Clearly the ponies were still mad at her but nopony made a move against her. Many were chatting among themselves occasionally glancing at Trixie.

"Trixie your order is ready," Platinum said, giving Trixie her order. Trixie took the drink and her croissant and gave her a pleasant smile.

"Thank you, Platinum, for everything. Come by the office sometime. Trixie will come back tomorrow for the same order, if she isn't banned." Trixie looked over to Mrs. Cobblepot who paused to give her a stern glare.

The older mare then turned her gaze to Platinum who gave her best puppy dog eyes she could muster. After a brief moment the mare relented, with a heavy sigh.

"Ugh, fine. You may grace my establishment whenever you'd like." Platinum and Trixie both gave her big smiles. "But if you cause any trouble I hold my right as owner to refuse service to anyone," she finished pointing to a small sign that read: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Trixie nodded walking to the door. "See you later, Platinum. Have a good day Mrs. Cobblepot." And with a last wave to her new friend and, acquaintance, Trixie exited the cafe heading off to the Town Hall.

Platinum watched as her friend left sighing to herself. “She seems nice.”

A few minutes later Trixie arrived at the Town Hall. Entering through the large double doors she sat at the front desk the Mayor had given her last night as they left. It as a small circular desk with four drawers and a small rack for papers and a lamp. Behind her was a book case with lots of books to choose from. Trixie sat at her desk arranging her papers to her liking taking the lamp and placing it off to the left rather than the right side of the desk.

As time passed many of the Mayors meeting were canceled or rescheduled. Mr Rich came in at 3 pm ready to speak to her about sales and a new store branch he wished to open soon. That meeting was still going on when and grey earth pony mare with a black mane and a white unicorn with a short spiky lightning blue mane came in. Trixie looked up from a paper she'd been reading to greet the guests.

"Hello ladies and welcome to the Town Hall. Do you have an appointment?" Trixie asked sweetly.

The grey earth pony walked to the desk shaking her head as the unicorn sat on the nearby couch.

"Yes, I'm Octavia Von Cleff and we have an appointment with the Mayor," she said bowing politely.

She glanced over to the white unicorn. She was wearing a blue headset and a pair of sunglasses happily bobbing her head with the beat of her music which could be heard by Trixie easily. "You know Miss, your friend's going to lose her hearing at this rate right?"

Octavia glanced over to her friend who Trixie was pointing at. Vinyl was bobbing her head up and down with the beat of her music, which both mares could hear clear as day.

The Octavia facehooved, giving an exasperated sigh. "Ugh, I know. No matter how many times I tell her she won't listen to me... about anything! Anyways, we have a 4 o'clock appointment."

Trixie looked down at her log book.

"Ah, yes Trixie remembers," She glanced over her roster finding Octavia's name near the bottom. "Okay, Miss Von Clef and Miss Scratch, if you'll just sign right here the Mayor will be with you in just a minute."

Octavia titled her head to the side, signing the logbook, "Why can't we meet with her now?" she asked forcefully.

Trixie simply placed her hooves on the desk. "Sorry, Miss Von Clef but the Mayor is in a meeting with Mr. Rich right now."

"Ugh fine," Octavia pullled the headset off her unicorn companion. "Vinyl will you please turn that wretched music down? You'll lose your hearing.”

The pony named Vinyl Scratch swatted at Octavia in a childish manner. "Hey hey hey! Come on Octy you know me!" she exclaimed. "Don't mess with my tunes! I don't mess with your cello collection or your records. I thought we agreed to that." Vinyl placed the headset back on. Octavia rolled her eyes pulling them off and took the CD player with it. "Hey!" The ivory unicorn protested, trying to get it back with her hooves even though she could use her magic to get it back.

"Vinyl please you're acting like a child. Stop that this instant!" she yelled, as Vinyl began to poke her on the side of her stomach. "I said, stop that!" She swatted Vinyl on the head again.

"Then give me back my player, Tavi!" The smaller unicorn wasn't getting anywhere, she was shorter than Octavia which made it all but impossible to reach her music player. Then without warning she mounted Octavia in such a way it looked like she was riding her.

"Vi-Vi-Vinyl get off me now!" Octavia nearly screamed wiggling the white mare off her. Vinyl landed with a loud 'oof!' on the ground crossing her arms, and presumably glaring at Octavia through her glasses.

Trixie watched as the two began to butt heads. "Ladies please this is no way for two grown mares to act!"

Trixie tried to deescalate things before they went too far. Prying the two apart she levitated both over to a lounge seat placing them at opposite ends and sat in her chair in front of them. "Now, If you two will calm down Trixie would like to help you settle this dispute so you two can speak to the Mayor in a calm fashion."

Both mares looked at each other before turning away sticking their noses up in the air.

Trixie slapped a hoof to her face and took a deep breath. "So, explain to Trixie how this all started."

Vinyl lifted up her shades placing them on her head with her magical aura. Her violet eyes glared at her friend who returned the gesture with a stare of her own. "Well, you see Octavia here is a selfish prude, as she would put it, and doesn't-"

"Oh, I'M selfish? Really?!" she exclaimed to the white unicorn. "I'll have you know I've been very gracious allowing you to stay in MY home!"

"That I help pay for!" Vinyl retorted.

"Yes I know and I'm grateful, but you need to understand Vinyl I have to work during the day," Octavia managed to say in a calm voice, but she was visibly shaking with anger. "And I can't have you running your sub… whatevers blasting the door down at 3 in the morning."

"Subwoofers."

"Whatever." Octavia rolled her eyes. "The point is I can't stand it! Neither can the neighbors. Poor Sweetie Drops and Lyra have to suffer every morning because of you!" Octavia exclaimed, pointing an accusatory hoof at Vinyl.

Octavia then stood up towering over the unicorn who reeled back in fear under Octavia's piercing gaze. "So, that being said I offer you this ultimatum. One week from now, that is seven days from now Vinyl, you either get every sub-- subwoo-- subw... whatever they are out of my house or you're out of the house!"

Octavia finished with a mighty stomp on the floor cracking it. Even Trixie scooted back a foot from the angry mare to scared to say a word. Vinyl on the other hand was in a panicked frenzy.

"No! You can't! Octy, please," Vinyl begged getting on her knees, grabbing the other mares shoulders, "Come ooon Octy! We go so far back! You wouldn't really kick me out. Would you?" She gave her friend a sad puppy dog pout.

Octavia huffed standing firm to her decision. "No Vinyl, it’s either the equipment or you." She pointed to the unicorn causing her to fall on her back. "I've made my decision. Since I am the property owner what I say goes."

The grey mare turned tail and began to head for the door. "Seven days Vinyl. Seven days or you're out."

Vinyl ran after her blocking the door with teary eyes. "Octavia, please I have nowhere to go! You can't!"

"No Vinyl. This is it." She shoved her way past Vinyl. "You have seven days to get it out of my house or I. Will. Kick. You. OUT." She emphasized each word darkly.

"But they're for my gigs! I need them!" Vinyl pleaded. "Please, Octavia!"

Octavia looked back tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Well, then I guess seven days to build a shed that's soundproof or find a new place to store them. Either way they go or you go Vinyl Scratch. This is non negotiable."

With one last huff, Octavia turned her nose up to her friend turned about face and marched out the door slamming it shut leaving two stunned unicorns behind.

Vinyl slumped against the wall briefly, replacing her shades and started to mumble to herself. Trixie watched as Vinyl began to pace back and forth in the room talking to herself.

"Ah man what am I gonna do? I can't get rid of my wubs. On the other hoof I can't get kicked out either. I have nopony to go to!" She began pulling her hair rolling to the floor sobbing. "Ugh, this sucks!"

Trixie felt bad for her. Sure, she was annoying but she seemed nice enough. Her thoughts turned to Octavia and how quickly she disregarded her friends feelings. *Some ponies just don't know what they have until it's gone,* Trixie thought bitterly. She then thought about Octavia and what she said. Seems a bit harsh but then again Trixie knew Vinyls work was loud.

She knew about the famous DJ and was a big fan of her work. Like Trixie, she was into big performances to leave all in awe of their talents. They both loved the spotlight and to bring smiles to the faces of their fans, as a fellow performer, it made Trixie’s blood boil to see Vinyl in such a pathetic state. She listened to Vinyl who was now talking to herself and pacing back and forth in the lobby. She approached the mare grabbing hold oer her making her stop pacing.

Vinyl looked up at Trixie tears in her eyes. "*Sniff*. What?" she asked pathetically. "You gonna kick me out too!?"

Vinyl looked down dejectedly at the floor, watching the tears drop into a pool by her hooves. "Well, it's not like anypony will notice that I'm gone. Probably liked it if I did."

That hit Trixie right at home. Memories of ponies alienating her from the Ursa minor incident plagued her mind. What hurt most was when ponies told her that nopony would miss her if she disappeared among other things. This along with her ruined career and mostly Gabby Gums lies and slander, were what drove her to seek the alicorn amulet and her revenge against Twilight. Seeing another pony suffer the way she did made her blood boil. She reached for Vinyl lifting her to her hooves and then promptly slapped her across the face.

"What in heaven's name was that for!" Vinyl screamed gripping her cheek. "You psycho!"

"Don't give Trixie that garbage!" She was now in Vinyl's face yelling at her. "You think you have it bad? Well, Trixie went down he same path you follow. Believe Trixie when she says not to go down that path. Get rid of your equipment. No worldly possessions should take priority over friends and family." Trixie rubbed Vinyl's reddened cheek.

She gave a longing look at the door where Octavia existed just moments ago. “I once gave everything up for revenge. Trust Trixie when she says nothing’s worth losing friends over.”

Vinyl nodded looking past Trixie as if she could see Octavia through the doors.

"No, you're right. Thanks," Vinyl said through choked sobs.

Trixie gently rubbed the mares back with a hoof. Vinyl gripped her arm looking into Trixie's magenta eyes. "Think nothing of it. Trixie knows what it's like to feel abandoned. If you need help Trixie will be here for a while. You can always ask her for help."

"Thanks." Vinyl trotted to the doors stopping before she took hold of the knob. "You know, you're not as bad as other ponies make you out to be. I respect my fellow performers as does Octavia. If you ever need help..." She opened the door walking out sticking her head in briefly. "I'm there for you too Trixie, as a friend."

The two ponies bid each other farewell and Vinyl ran off after Octavia leaving Trixie behind in the office. Trixie walked back to her desk and sat down with a smile on her face as she picked up a book she found titled: *Daring Do and the Temple of Isis.* She loved reading books, it helped calm her when she was feeling down. And a good Daring Do novel was a great way to release stress for her.

***

Meanwhile Mary and Mr. Rich watched the exchange transpire outside the office. Mary looked at Mr. Rich with a smug expression while Mr. Rich looked like he was in shock.

"I told you Mr. Rich," Mary said coyly. "She's not the same when she was under the influence of the Alicorn Amulet. Just like Miss Sparkle mentioned. She’s changed and nothing she did while under the amulets influence was of her own doing."

Mr. Rich nodded in agreement. "I see what you mean. She's far more sympathetic and gentle than I gave her credit." He glanced over to Mary. "Perhaps she can help me with my problem." he said thoughtfully.

Mary clapped her hooves with glee. "Excellent! I'll speak to her after we conclude our meeting!" she then reached for her desk drawer pulling out a paper and placed it before Mr. Rich. "Here are the terms and conditions for your new store branch here in Ponyville."

After reading over the document thoroughly Mr. Rich and Mary signed it and it was filed away. After saying their goodbyes Mary escorted Mr. Rich out to the main hall. Once Mr. Rich was gone she saw Trixie was reading one of the many books from the shelf behind her. Walking over she read the title. *Ah, Daring Do novels. Good choice.*

Trixie was so immersed in her book she didn't even realize that Mary had walked up to her. Giggling to herself Mary tapped a hoof on the desk startling Trixie. "Gah! Oh Mayor! Trixie apologizes!" She fumbled the book back into her desk closing it rather hard. "Trixie didn't hear you finish with Mr. Rich. It won't happen again ma'am!" she exclaimed.

Mary stifled a laugh pulling up a lounge seat next to Trixie sitting next to her. "I heard what happened out here. Actually we both did, Mr. Rich and I," Mary said harshly. Trixie's ears fell flat and she began to feel a tightening sensation in her chest. She knew she screwed up now she'd face the consequences of her actions. *No more running away.* She thought with pride steeling her resolve. "And I was happy with how you performed." Mary's expression softened.

"What do you mean? Trixie screwed up badly!" The azure mare yelled jumping out of her seat walking over to the couch in the waiting area.

“Trixie always screws things up. Not only did Trixie tear two friends apart but now she feels responsible for Vinyl as well." She sobbed collapsing on the floor. Mary stood up walking over to her placing both hooves on her shoulders gently rubbing them sitting behind Trixie. "Trixie always messes everything up. First her show, her reputation, the honor of a stallion that cared for her, and now this.''

Mary wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. She couldn't think of why she felt the urge to hug the mare. It wasn't simply to comfort Trixie in her time of need. Perhaps it was for herself as well? She is a cute thing after all. *No I gotta keep it under control. I'm too old for her.* Mary mentally scolded herself. I can't take advantage of a vulnerable mare. I'm not like my partner was. As she dispelled the bitter resentment of her last partner she began stroking Trixie's mane. Then Trixie said something that pushed her over the edge. "Trixie wishes she was never born."

"Trixie?"

The unicorn turned looking at the tan earth pony. “*Sniff*... Yes Mayor?" she asked shakily looking absolutely pathetic.

"You're not a screw up." She then slapped her hard across her face.

Trixie reeled back in shock. "What was that for!?" *Slap!* "WHAT?!"

Mary pulled Trixie into a hug, pressing her head against her chest. "Don't ever say that! Your birth is a wonderful thing. Every life is precious. Even the most evil and vile of creatures was once an innocent child. Especially a precious pony such as yourself."

Trixie blushed from the sudden contact even the Pies rarely did such intimate contact. It was strange to her. Trixie rubbed her face into the soft fur embracing the warmth of Mary's fur, she sound of her heart, her smell. Before she knew it she was happy in the warm embrace. She never felt so protected and safe as she did now.

"Thank you, Mary," Trixie spoke so softly that Mary almost didn't hear. She leaned down nuzzling the mare before standing up.

“Come along now Miss Lulamoon." Mary pulled her along. "I think we should call it a early day."

Trixie nodded. "Yes, madam mayor."

The two ponies spent a got ten minutes locking up the place before heading out. Along the way, Trixie noticed many ponies glaring at her. Some were talking about her and the Mayor. Trixie hated it. While other ponies were more sympathetic towards Trixie. These ponies made the walk home bearable.

The evening sun was setting and Trixie founder herself thinking back to her time on the rock farm. Igneous was like a father to her. She missed him and Cloudy Quartz, but they parted on bad terms. It saddened her greatly to think of the hurt looks they'd hold if she were to return. Trixie was glad when they reached home and was able to relax without any pony mocking her or Mary. She immediately went to her bed and plopped down face first into her pillow. Mary joined her sitting next to her on the bed.

"You feeling alright Trixie?" Mary asked, rubbing the young mares back. Trixie moaned in appreciation for the back rub as Mary carefully maneuvered her hooves up and down her spine loosening her up.

"Thank you. Trixie needed that," she moaned. After a minute Mary stopped her massage much to Trixies disappointment. "Aww why'd you stop?" Trixie whined.

Mary giggled. "I have to get dinner ready. I'll have it ready in an hour." She turned closing the door behind her, "I'll call you when it's ready. Rest until then," she said softly.

Trixie shrugged falling asleep on the bed not even bothering to roll over. Before Mary left she observed Trixie eyeing her from top to bottom. What a wonderful mare she is. Most ponies wouldn't go out of their way to help ponies like Vinyl. Maybe she is different from others, she thought as she exited the room closing the door softly as to not disturb Trixie.

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! Sorry about the poor finish at the end of the chapter! I lost my momentum along the way. T.T Being sick has taken its toll. Anyways enjoy the chapter everyone!

Now with some minor revisions!