Trixie walked down the sidewalk, not really paying attention to her surroundings. She’d been distracted like that, lately. Ever since her encounter with Sunset, she’d been on edge, haunted by nightmares and visions of her tormentor. She’d briefly—very briefly—considered going to her parents for advice, but she quickly stamped down that line of thought. She absentmindedly rubbed her throbbing cheek, a reminder that her parents were…unreliable. Her grandmother didn’t own a phone and lived out of town, and since her friends were still in the hospital and were afraid to talk to her lest Sunset come back for them, she had no one to talk to, so she just kept it all to herself and tried to deal with it. And it worked…somewhat.

Trixie found herself at a crosswalk, the post on her side of the street was littered with fliers for garage sales and yard sales around the suburbs. She paid them no mind as she pressed the signal button and waited, pulling up the sleeve of her blue hoodie and checking her watch. Four in the afternoon. She’d have to get home soon, a prospect that made her sick to her stomach. Sighing, she pulled her hood up and waited for the pedestrian signal.

Hearing the crosswalk beep, Trixie began to walk across the street, head down as she thought about what she’d have to deal with when she got home.

“Watch out!” a familiar voice screamed out as Trixie felt someone forcefully yank her backward, out of the way of the blue T-bird blazing through the crossing. Trixie yelped in surprise as she stumbled and fell painfully on her rear.

“The light was red, asshole!” the voice screamed out, then said more softly, “Are you alright?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is...a-alright. Thanks,” Trixie said, her haughty tone giving way to a more grateful one. Rubbing her stinging rear, she finally got a look at her savior. “S-Sunset?!” Trixie exclaimed as she immediately scrambled backward into the wall of the building behind her, her heart racing.

“Woah, Trixie, calm down,” Sunset said, holding her palms up placatingly. “I’m not going to hurt you. Not anymore and not ever again.”

Trixie slowly rose to her feet, never taking her eyes off Sunset, and asked slowly, “Why did you save Trixie?”

“Because you don’t deserve to be splattered all over the street like roadkill.” Sunset slowly began approaching, but Trixie immediately tensed her body, leaning to the side, so Sunset stopped. That’s when she noticed Trixie’s black eye and the bandage over her nose. “Hey, what happened to your face?”

“Oh, Trixie, uh, slipped and fell last night,” Trixie replied, taking a step to the side. “It's nothing, really. Trixie will be alright. She’s just—”

“He hit you again, didn’t he?” Sunset interrupted.

Trixie’s eyes widened in shock and what looked like fear. “Wh-What?”

“Dumbbell. He hit you again, didn’t he?” Sunset repeated.

Trixie thought very carefully about her next words, knowing she may very well be on thin ice. “No, he didn’t,” she said slowly. “He’s, uh, he’s dead. He died on the way to the hospital.”

“Oh,” Sunset said softly. “I-I’m sorry. I mean, I wanted to hurt him, yeah, but I didn’t mean to—” Sunset cut herself off. “Wait, if it wasn’t him, who hit you?”

“Trixie told you, no one hurt her,” Trixie insisted. Sunset raised her eyebrow and gave her a skeptical stare. Trixie bitterly continued, “Fine, so someone hit her. What of it?”

“Who?”

“None of your business!” Trixie snapped, immediately regretting it. “Wait, no, I-I’m sorry, Sunset!” she said, shrinking into herself.

Sunset’s shoulders dropped at Trixie’s fear. “I can see you don’t want to talk to me. I understand. I’ll leave you alone, then.”

Sunset began walking down the street in the direction she had been going before running into Trixie. She only got a few yards before she heard, “Sunset, wait!” She turned around to see Trixie biting her lip, clearly trying to force herself to say something.

“Yeah?” Sunset asked.

“Trixie,” Trixie began, almost forcing the words out, “is sorry for being rude just now. She…f-forgives you for what you did to her.”

Surprised, Sunset said, “Oh. Trixie…I don’t deserve your forgiveness. Not after what I—”

“Trixie knows what you did to her,” Trixie interrupted. “But you seem…different now. You don’t have that same scary look in your eyes, you aren’t being creepy or flirty, and you seem genuinely concerned for Trixie.”

“Well, yes, I’ve changed, but—”

“Trixie’s not finished,” Trixie interrupted curtly. When Sunset fell silent, Trixie continued, “I’ve been…a wreck ever since you kidnapped me, to be honest. I’ve been having nightmares, I’ve been seeing things that aren’t there, my friends have all but abandoned me, and I have no one to confide in.” The words came out in a rush, knowing that Trixie had to keep talking or risk her inhibitions getting the better of her. “Now, for reasons I won’t go into, I’m leaving the city. I have family in Ponyville willing to take me in until I turn eighteen next year and am able to get my own place. But before I go, I want to let go of all the terrible memories here. And if that means forgiving you and moving on from what you did, then...s-so be it.” Trixie gulped as she finished, “I can’t promise I won’t be skittish for a while, but I can promise to try to look past what you’ve done and let it be water under the bridge.”

“Thanks, but…I-I can’t accept your forgiveness.” Shaking her head, Sunset decided to end the conversation there and continued on her way. After a minute or so of walking, she noticed a second set of footsteps behind her. Already knowing she was being followed, Sunset turned around and asked, “Why are you following me, Trixie?”

“Trixie wasn’t following you,” Trixie said. “She decided to go to one of the garage sales advertised on the pole at the crosswalk. It’s pretty close, and it just happened to be in the same direction you’re going.” Trixie showed Sunset the tab she took from one of the fliers, then her mood dampened. “Trixie figured she should buy another backpack or two to help her pack for the trip out of town and maybe a few knick-knacks to keep her entertained.”

Sunset took a look at the address on the tab. “Oh, hey, that’s my place. My parents are moving, too, so they’re selling all their stuff to make the trip light. Follow me. I’ll take you there.” Trixie began to show signs of worry, so Sunset, trying to calm her, said, “Come on, my parents are great. They’d love to have you over, and giving you at least one good memory of this city is the least I can do for what I did to you. I’m sure they’d love to see your magic tricks.” Looking around, Sunset leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I know I would.”

Trixie’s eyes widened slightly. “Y-You like Trixie's magic tricks? You mean it?”

Sunset nodded with a friendly smile and, taking Trixie’s hand, led the magician down the street, stopping at a magic shop on the way. Taking out her phone, Sunset dialed a number and waited a few seconds before hearing Sonata’s voice over the phone.

“Is this thing on?” she heard Sonata say into the phone. “Hello?”

“Hey, babe. It’s Sunset.” Hearing Sonata giggle, she continued, “Hey, would you like it if I brought Trixie home for a few hours? I thought a magic show would help everyone's mood today.”

“That sounds awesome! Your mom won’t sit still, not even for your dad, and he seems like he could use a few hours of fun. Can you ask Trixie if we can be her lovely assistants?”

Looking over to Trixie, Sunset saw she was preoccupied with the magic shop’s window. “Trixie,” Sunset said. When Trixie looked at her, Sunset asked, “Sonata wants to know if the two of us can help you with your magic show.” Trixie’s eyes widened, and she nodded excitedly, beaming. “That is a resounding ‘yes’, Sonata,” Sunset said into the phone, grinning.

“Great, I’ll tell your parents—”

“Sonata,” Sunset interrupted, “Mom and Dad are your parents, too. They may not have adopted you, but in every way, both of them will be your parents. They’ll be there for you no matter what, and I know they love you very much. So, no more referring to them as just my parents, okay?”

There was silence over the phone, but as Sunset listened closely, she could hear soft sniffling on the other side. “Sonata?” she said, walking a small distance from Trixie. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Sunset,” Sonata said. “I’m just so happy to have you in my life. Even with my sisters, I’ve been so lonely, and it’s so wonderful to hear that you’re okay with sharing your family with me.”

“Sonata, honey, it's not about just sharing my family with you. It’s about letting you know for sure that you are indeed loved, wanted and needed. I love you, Sonata, and I want you to know that, through thick and thin, I will always be there for you and our baby. I know how your sisters treated you, and you need to know that I will never do that to you. Ever. You and I are going to get through so much together, and through it all, I will always be right there by your side, no matter what. I really do love you, Sonata.”

“I know. It just feels so good to hear it. I never heard that from either of my sisters. After we were banished here, they always told me I was dumb or stupid, treating me like a toady or a tool instead of a sister and had the gall to call it love. Thank you, Sunset. I’ll tell our mom and dad that you’re coming home with Trixie. I love you, Sunset.”

“I love you too, Sonata. I’ll be home in about an hour. I’ll see you then.”

Hanging up, Sunset dropped her phone into her coat pocket and turned to Trixie, who was standing off to the side, looking embarrassed and trying not to listen to Sunset’s heartfelt conversation. “Don’t look so embarrassed, Trixie. It was something that needed to be said, and I’m not ashamed of my love. Now, come on.”

Sunset led Trixie into the magic shop. Trixie looked around, saying despite her excitement, “Uh, shouldn’t we be going, Sunset? A good magician doesn’t keep her audience—”

“A good magician needs the proper costume and things for a magic show, and I figured you’d want some new material, so I thought I’d help you out with that.” Sunset interrupted, adding, “Now, you follow me, and I’ll help you pick out a new costume and some really neat props for your show tonight. Then, I’ll talk with Mom and Dad and see if they can bring you to your grandmother's house.”

Nodding excitedly, Trixie followed Sunset towards the back of the magic shop. Costumes of all sorts, shapes, and sizes hung from pegs on the walls. Display cases, shelves, and hooks presented seemingly ordinary props: trick cards, hats with false bottoms, white-tipped wands, gloves with secret pouches, and so much more. Finally, on one of the walls were platforms for several different styles of dress shoes, mostly in black or white but occasionally in a brighter color. Looking up, Sunset grinned, spotting a familiar purple, pointed hat with yellow and blue stars on it hanging over a purple cloak with a half-moon and blue stars on it. Looks like Trixie has been here before.

Heading back to the front of the shop, she found a bell with a sign next to it that read, “Ring for service”. Ringing the bell, she heard from the direction of the front door, “Coming!”

Sunset looked in the direction of the door. Something was familiar about that voice, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Oddly enough, there was no one there. She turned back to the counter and nearly jumped out of her skin when she found a very familiar man standing behind the counter. “Why, if it is Sunset Shimmer? And in my humble shop, too! What delight can I take in this little adventure that you’re having today, my dear?”

“You!” Sunset screamed, causing Discord to grin insufferably. “What are you doing here?”

“Didn’t you hear me, Sunset? This is my magic shop?” Discord said, grinning a toothy grin. “I do so love feats of sleight-of-hand, or legerdemain, as it’s also called!”

Sunset growled. She stole a glance at Trixie, who was excitedly perusing the shelves, oblivious to Sunset’s conversation. She turned back to Discord. “I swear, if anything you sell here ends up hurting her, I’ll have your head!”

“Oh, Sunset, you wound me,” Discord said with faux innocence, batting his eyelashes childishly. “I have a business to run, here. Why would I ever sell anything that would hurt anyone? And why especially would I sell such a thing to one of my best customers?”

Sunset seethed. She couldn’t deny the logic of Discord’s statement, but then again, “logic” wasn’t in Discord’s dictionary. “I’m watching you, Discord,” Sunset growled before returning to Trixie.

“Sunset, look! Isn’t this adorable?” Trixie asked when Sunset reached her. She was pointing to a costume consisting of a white, five-button dress shirt with a black bowtie, a navy-blue swimming suit style bottom, and a purple cummerbund surrounded by a black blazer with two long coattails and blue lapels. The costume itself looked rather form-fitting, meant to accentuate the wearer’s curves, and the lack of leggings on it would certainly grab attention. “The Great and Powerful Trixie would look so cute in this. What do you think, Sunset?”

“I don’t know, Trixie,” Sunset said uncertainty. “Don’t you think it’s a bit…much?”

“Oh, come on, Sunset. You can’t tell Trixie she wouldn’t look adorable in this!” Trixie said pleadingly. “Besides, a costume is supposed to draw eyes. It’s part of the performance!”

Sunset leveled her gaze at Trixie and raised an eyebrow. “Trixie, what kind of shows do you do?” she asked. “Are they for pay or do you do them for talent shows?”

“Mostly birthday parties and stuff. Gotta start somewhere, right?” Trixie replied, shrugging. “Why?”

“Don’t you think that costume is a bit…inappropriate for a kids’ show? Shouldn’t you save this for an older audience?”

Trixie looked back at the costume, then bit her lip, blushing embarrassedly. “Well, Trixie supposes she isgetting ahead of herself. You’re right, Sunset. She’ll keep looking.”

While Trixie looked, Sunset decided to busy herself with checking out the different props, finding herself smiling at the deceptively innocent items. Sure, human illusions were not as grand as real Equestrian magic, but in a way, that made it more impressive. Watching a unicorn perform magic was an everyday occurrence in Equestria, but watching a non-magical human-like Trixie seemingly make something vanish brought a certain sense of wonder.

“Sunset, I found another costume!” Trixie called. When Sunset walked over to her, she continued, “Trixie thinks this suit will work better than the last one, at least until she gets bigger shows.”

The costume was very similar to Trixie’s first choice, consisting of a white dress shirt with a purple cummerbund, the biggest difference being the slim, black slacks. The costume came with a slimming black blazer with long coattails and purple lapels. The costume still looked like with was meant to accentuate the wearer’s figure, but it was much more modest.

“Yeah, that looks much better,” Sunset said.

“Wonderful choice, my dear!” Discord said, appearing behind them in a puff of smoke, startling the girls. “Would you like that custom-tailored for you?”

“No, that’s alright. Trixie kind of needs this today,” Trixie replied.

“No problem. Let me bring this to the front, and we’ll get you rung up,” Discord said, reaching for the costume.

“Wait a minute!” Sunset said suddenly. She pointed to the costume’s price tag. “This is eighty bucks. That’s way too cheap. What’s the catch?”

“Why, there is no catch, dear,” Discord replied disarmingly. “Go ahead and try in on, if you’d like. I have changing rooms.”

“Come on, Sunset, it’s fine,” Trixie said. “Trixie’s shopped here before. She trusts Discord.”

Sunset glared at Discord, then sighed, rubbing her temples with her eyes closed. “Fine. Discord, you take the costume up front while we get some props and shoes.”

“Way ahead of you!” Discord called. Sunset snapped her eyes open to see Discord waving at her from the front counter, the costume already in a plastic covering.

Sunset growled while Trixie giggled, and the girls set to finding more things. Ultimately, the girls found white gloves, purple dress socks, white dress shoes, a purple corsage, a white-tipped wand, a top hat with a purple sash, and enough props for about an hour’s worth of tricks.

Sunset waited impatiently for Discord to ring everything up. Finally, he said cheerfully, “That’ll be three hundred dollars, please. Cash or credit?”

“Three hundred dollars?!” Sunset repeated, aghast.

“I know! Don’t you just love it when the price comes to a nice, even dollar amount?”

“I thought you said the costume was only eighty dollars! We didn’t buy thatmuch extra stuff!”

“The costume isjust eighty dollars, but I have to make a profit somewhere. I’m running a business, after all.”

Growling but not wanting to disappoint Trixie, Sunset paid for the items and rushed Trixie out the door and away from Discord’s insufferable smirk.

Trixie walked happily alongside Sunset, practically skipping down the sidewalk as the latter tried to calm down and just forget about her run-in with Discord. Sunset waved down a taxi and opened the door, letting Trixie climb in first before getting in herself. “Please take us to Seventeen Maple Drive,” Sunset told the driver.

“Is that your place?” Trixie asked.

“Yep. I’ll help Mom and Dad with the garage sale, and afterward, Sonata and I will help you with the magic show. I’m sure you’ll blow them away.”

“Thank you, Sunset. The Great and Powerful Trixie can’t wait to perform her most impressive tricks for you and your loved ones.” Looking out the left passenger window, she added, “Then, Trixie will finally have something good to remember this city by before she gets out of this city for good.”

“Which I can help you with. I’ll ask my family to take you with us.” Trixie snapped her head around, locking surprised eyes with Sunset as Sunset added, “We’re moving to Ponyville, too. My parents are really cool, and I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem to take you with us.”

“Where are you moving to?” Trixie asked worriedly.

“The address is…” Sunset began, trailing off as she checked her phone for the information, “Sixteen Berry Lane.” Sunset looked back at Trixie, growing concerned at Trixie’s surprised and somewhat upset expression. “What’s wrong, Trixie? You look surprised. I mean, honestly, can you really expect me to stay here in this city after all that happened over the last few months?”

“No, it’s not that. It's just that that’s right next door to my grandmother’s house,” Trixie said quietly.

Sunset quirked an eyebrow as she smirked. “Well, good thing we buried the hatchet today, huh? Thatwould’ve been an awkward reunion.”

“Uh, y-yeah, totally,” Trixie stammered, laughing nervously.

The girls fell into silence until the taxi pulled up to Sunset’s house. After paying for the ride, Sunset and Trixie got out and walked to the garage. Trixie found herself looking in surprise and confusion at the vast amounts of things for sale. Furniture, clothing, picture frames, and boxes upon boxes lined every inch of the driveway and garage. Looking at Sunset, she said, “Sunset, it looks like your parents are selling everything they own.”

“That’s because we are,” Mr. Cake said from the house, coming out with more boxes of merchandise. “Sunset, Sonata told us she wants us to see a magic show. Is that correct?”

“Yep. I thought you and Mom could use a break, so I thought that CHS’s resident magician Trixie Lulamoon could provide us all with some entertainment,” Sunset said, smiling as she wrapped her arm around Trixie’s shoulders in a show of camaraderie. Trixie waved nervously at Mr. Cake, trying her hardest not to look too uncomfortable with the physical contact; it wouldn’t do to let her audience know she’s scared of their daughter. Motioning Trixie towards the house, she added, “Dad, we need to talk. I’ll have Sonata get Trixie ready for the show for later on tonight.”

“Alright, honey. Your mom is inside, getting the pots and pans ready to put out. I’ve tried several times to get Cup to stay in bed, but it's like pulling a lion’s teeth. Maybe, you can get her—”

“Sunset, your back!” Sonata squealed, running out of the house and throwing her arms around her. “Did you get all the signs up around town?”

“Yeah, I—” Sunset’s eyes widened slightly as Sonata pressed her lips passionately against her own. All too soon, Sonata pulled back, sticking her tongue out teasingly with half-lidded eyes. Sunset coughed nervously, blushing as she continued, “Sonata, this is Trixie Lulamoon. She’s going to be doing the magic show for us.”

“Hey, I remember you!” Sonata said excitedly. “You helped us get the Rainbooms out of the way during the Battle of the Bands!”

Clearing her throat nervously, an ashamed blush exploding across her face, Trixie took a bow and changed the subject, saying, “Yes, well, the Great and Powerful Trixie is happy to formally meet you, Son—” Trixie was forcefully cut off as Sonata wrapped her in a vice-like bear hug. Feeling her bones pop and crack, Trixie croaked out, “Trixie is going to pop.”

“Whoops, sorry, Trixie!” Sonata said, giggling as she released Trixie. “I’m just so excited to help with the magic show!”

Grabbing Trixie’s hand, Sonata half-led, half-dragged Trixie into the house with her. Sunset let out a light giggle before turning to face her father. “Dad, I was wondering. Is it possible to take Trixie with us when we move?” Looking down, she added, “She wants to get out of town—she won’t tell me why, but I have a feeling I know why—and her grandmother lives next door to our new home.”

“Would those reasons have anything to do with her bruises?” Mr. Cake asked sternly. Sunset looked away, nodding. “I hoped not. Sunset, I’m sorry to say, but I can’t take her with us.” When Sunset looked up, devastated, Mr. Cake clarified, “She’s seventeen, right? I can’t take a minor away from her guardians without their permission. That could very well be kidnapping.” When Sunset opened her mouth to protest, Mr. Cake interrupted her, “But, I do agree that no one should be treated like that. So, I will call her parents and see if I can convince them to let her stay here tonight; your room and the guest room are still furnished, as we’re not selling those things. But in the morning, I want Trixie to go to the police about this and explain the situation. If they or her parents allow us to take her with us, then we will.”

Sunset sighed. “Alright, Dad. I just want to make up for what I did to her. Let’s just say I was…particularly cruel to her, and I feel just awful about it.”

Mr. Cake wrapped his arms around Sunset in a warm hug and began gently running his hands through her hair comfortingly as she buried her face in his shoulder. He softly said to her, “I know you’re hurting because of what you’ve done, honey, and I understand. I’ll do what I can to help you get through this, but please understand that I can’t make any promises. I can’t break the law.”

“I know, Dad,” Sunset said as she tried to keep her tears in. “I’m just glad you’re willing to try.”

Sonata and Trixie came out of the house, Trixie wearing her costume to break it in a bit, when they saw the scene. Sonata walked over and joined in the hug, but Trixie stayed behind, wondering why Sunset was crying. A worrying thought hit her. “He must’ve said no,”she thought sadly.

Head down, she turned to leave the area, but she was stopped by two arms wrapped tightly around her. Looking back, she saw Mrs. Cake’s tear-stained, loving face. “Don’t go, Trixie,” she whispered. “We’ll take care of you. I promise.”

Closing her eyes, Trixie sobbed out, “Take me with you, please. Trixie doesn’t want to stay in this city.”

Gently ending the hug, Mrs. Cake led Trixie over to her husband, Sunset, and Sonata and said sternly, “She is coming with us, and I won’t hear another word on this matter.” Turning to Sonata and Sunset, she said, “Sonata, please take Trixie inside so she can rest. Sunset, please help us with the garage sale.” When the girls left, Mrs. Cake finished solemnly to Mr. Cake, “And you, husband, will do all within your power to see to it that Trixie is able to come with us. She told me everything. Until we leave, she will remain here at this house.”

“Dear, you know it’s not that simple,” Mr. Cake protested. “Her parents could get the police involved, and that might be dangerous for Sunset.”

“Let them call the police!” Mrs. Cake snapped. “Let’s see if they want to risk Trixie telling them about what she’s been through.”

Although uncertain, Mr. Cake sighed and said reluctantly, “Yes, dear.”

The evening went on, and the garage sale went without a hitch, each piece selling for more than what the Cakes asked for. After Mr. Cake placed their earnings into a safe upstairs, he went back out to sit next to his wife in front of a makeshift stage. True to Sunset’s word, Trixie’s illusions and acts impressed the entire family, and after a hearty applause, Mr. Cake finally allowed himself to relax as his family crowded around Trixie, praising her performance. He found himself smiling calmly, basking in the happy atmosphere.

Tomorrow’s problems could wait.

Next Chapter: Safe and Sound (Edited and Titled by Icecreammac) Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 13 Minutes