“How’d ya guess Sparkle?” Trixie asked as she unhooded herself in front of the purple unicorn.

"Trixie you'd have to wake up pretty early in the morning to disguise yourself from me, I can practically read your mind like a book" Twilight replied. " That and your cutiemark is stitched on the side of it" Trixie then took a minute to notice the star emblem that was stitched onto her cloak.

"Huh, guess having my cutiemark stitched onto it was a bit obvious" Trixie said looking sorta dumbfounded. " So Sparkle, is this the part where you tell me that I'm not wanted here and should go back to where I came from?" Twilight however gave an amused expression.

"Nah" She said. " I couldn't care less right now Lunamoon, as long as you don't give me any trouble I'll let ya off" The light blue unicorn was shocked at her rivals answer not expecting to receive a get out of jail free card especially after her last visit which nearly destroyed the town.

"Uh......................thanks I guess" She replied. " By the way, why are you in a pub anyway Sparkle? No offense but you don't seem like the kind of gal who would hang around a place like this, I kinda see you as more of a cafe girl than a bar girl"

"Well when you've had a day like mine, you'd wanna hit the pub yourself" She said in a bit of a darkish tone.

"Oh?" Trixie said. " The great and powerful Twilight Sparkle had a bad day huh? So why are you hear then instead of having those friends of yours cheer you up?" Trixie however received a small growl from the purple unicorn slightly causing her to shiver, not expecting to see Celestia's priced student in this state.

"Screw them, I don't need those traitors" Twilight said coldly.

" Woah" Trixie said in a surprised tone. " What happened Sparkle? Did something happen between you guys during the Canterlot Wedding? BTW yes I know about the Changeling invasion, so what happened? Did they ally themselves with the Changeling queen and betray their elements of friendship or whatever the hell they're called or did one of em make a move on your brother or maybe even his wife....................... You know what never mind It's non of Trixie's business"

"Thank you" Twilight replied glad that she picked the right choice to shut her mouth before she said anything that she'll regret. But for some some odd reason, she couldn't help but look at the unicorn differently than they're last encounter. While her actions caused quite a bit of damage to the town and some of it's citizens, the young unicorn couldn't help but feel as if she was a pony that she could actually talk to about her problems. " Actually Trixie, I don't know why but a part of me feels like I can actually trust you" Trixie's shocked look returned after hearing this.

"Ok............are you really Twilight Sparkle, or a changeling in disguise?" She asked only earning an eye roll from the purple unicorn.

"Haha" Twilight replied. " Anyways it's like this..........................................................................

5 minutes later

"Damn that's rough Sparkle" Trixie said in shock and amusement after Twilight finished her little tale of betrayal. " Can't say I don't blame ya for acting like that, if Trixie was in your shoes ( or lacter of) can't say she wouldn't act the same way" She then proceeded to lift her glass up in the air towards the unicorn in a toasting manner. " With friends like those jerks, who needs enemies?"

"Amen" Twilight agreed and them clanked her own glass against Trixie's for a friendly toast.

"So what happens now Sparkle?" Trixie asked. " Are ya just gonna isolate yourself for a while until your ready to find it in your heart to forgive them and all that fairy tale mumbo jumbo?"

"No" Twilight answered in a dark tone. " You don't understand Trixie, I am done with those guys and their so called "friendship". I thought things were great between us, after an entire year together I thought that our friendship was perfect and we all were a great team and that they loved me. But boy was I wrong, after their selfish demands for the extra ticket that i won for the Galla, to that Farm hick shouting at me just because I broke one freaking rule during winter clean up, and now that stupid wedding where my stupid brother had the nerve to banish me when I was only trying to save his sorry ass! Those guys were never my friends to begin with Trixie, I was a fool to listen to Celestia about moving here to expand my lessons on friendship only to have it taken away from me by one little mistake. I hate them Trixie, I hate them all so much, nothing and I mean nothing is ever gonna make me go back to them. Not after all the hell I've been through"

Trixie was at a loss of words not expecting to see this side of Twilight before, she never expected the one pony who was practically the definition of the perfect student and a friend to just give up and abandon everything that she's worked hard to achieve over one mistake that practically cost her everything that she thought she cared about. However a diabolical smirk soon formed on the young magicians face as she surveyed the purple unicorns cold state, thinking that she could use this as an advantage a plan soon started to form in her head.

"Actually sparkle, since we're sorta on the same subject Trixie's actually got something to confess herself" Trixie said.

"Oh? " Twilight asked. " And what would that be Lunamoon?"

" You see the reason i actually came back to Ponyville was to survey the town to plot out my next move which originally involved getting revenge on you for last time" Trixie answered. " But........................after seeing you in this state, I now realized that trying to pay you back would be pointless with you in this state especially after what your former friends did to you. So I figured instead of us being enemies, how bout we team up to take revenge?"

"Oh? And what makes you think I'd team up with you?" Twilight asked. " As much as I want to get revenge on those traitors, how do I know I can trust you? Especially since you don't really have the best rep when it comes to magic skills" Saying this, Trixie instead of being offended just continued to smirk diabolically.

"Simple sparkle" She replied. " I actually know a guy who specializes in crafting many forbidden magical accessories at quite a reasonable price, how do you think I acquire all of my gear from ? Another reason I showed up to survey the town was because he was putting on the finishing touches of his latest creation that he personally prepared for me and said to come back in the morning to exchange payment for his services, Believe me when i say this Sparkle this plan of mine Isn't doomed to fail this time thanks to my latest gear. He promises that it'll make the user more invincible and as powerful as an Alicorn, and if you don't believe me and wanna walk away I understand. But just know this could be your chance for revenge against those so called " Friends" of yours, so what do you say.................................partner?"

Twilight pondered for a moment about Trixie's offer, while it did sound tempting especially with her thirst for revenge against those who betrayed her back in Canterlot. She never the less still showed concern about this given Trixie's track record when it comes to magic, who's to say what she has planned wouldn't backfire or something? After a moment the unicorn finally made up her mind.

"I wanna see your friends creation in action first before teaming up Lunamoon" She said earning an evil smirk from the magician.

"Excellent" She replied. " Trust me you will not be disappointed Sparkle" She then proceeded to get up but not before paying for her drink. " Meet me at the edge of the Everfree forest by 9pm, and ya might wanna pack some gear cause it's gonna be a pretty long walk"

The next day

We find the group sitting in Celestia's dining hall as they waited patiently for the morning meal that the sun goddess requested her personal chefs to prepare for her guest, however the groups minds weren't focused on breakfast but for their " friend" who was still out there somewhere. And not only that Dash hasn't returned last night which further increased their worries especially the farmer of the group who still felt guilty for being so harsh yesterday with the fear that they might lose not one but two friends now. Each member looked around the table to find each of them with varied expressions written on their faces.

"Morning everyone " fluttershy said softly.

"Morning" Everyone else said in unison. There was an awkward slice for a few seconds after that before one of em broke the ice.

"Is Rarity ok? Sweetie belle asked in a worried tone, after she was informed that her sister was hospitalized while she was back in the hotel room after the changeling attack yesterday the young filly was quick to rush to the hospital but alas visiting hours were over by the time she and her friends arrived, but the doctor assured the young girl that her sister was in good hands before the group was escorted back to their respected rooms.

"Yes Sweetie belle, your sisters doing fine" Celestia answered trying to sound as calm as she could. " She's still out cold and we're not sure when she'll wake up. But I assure you, your sisters in good hands and she'll be fine I promise, but after what twilight did. I'm afraid that she'll have a few "casualties" when she awakens" The young filly was now in a state of shock, while she was happy that her older sister was gonna pull trough. She was terrified at the fact that she'll have a few casualties once she's out of the medical wing.

"Sis" Bloom jumped in. " If ya don't mind me asking, what the hay happened in the wedding hall that made Twilight lash out and attack Rarity like that? Did she do anything to her? Cause it's not like Twilight to act like that towards anyone" After hearing this the farmer was hesitant to answer her sisters question as she knew that would just bring the painful memories of yesterday and even the day before that back into her mind. But alas she knew that lying went against everything that she was taught plus sooner or later her sister and the others would know the truth soon enough, after a moment of hesitation Applejack let out a long sigh before speaking.

"Well" She began. " It's like this........................................

But before Applejack could begin her explanation, the door to the dining room swung open and the two guards from yesterday emerged into the room and slowly walked towards the sun goddesses seat and then bowed their heads in respect.

"Good morning your majesty" They said in unison.

"Good morning boys" Celestia replied. " What's the word?"

"Your majesty, my apologies but we weren't able to locate Twilight sparkle yesterday" One of the guards said. " It appears that she's made her way back to Ponyville undetected"

"Plus it seems that she's left her luggage behind as well" The other one jumped in.

"I see" Celestia said.

"Uh excuse me Mr guards?" Scootaloo jumped in earning the men's attention. " You wouldn't have happened to have seen Rainbow Dash have ya? Cause I heard that she walked out of the hospital room yesterday and after that no ones seen her since"

"Sorry kid, we haven't seen Rainbow Dash either" One of the guards said earning a sad look from the young pegasus and the others as well.

"Dashie must have went back to Ponyville too" Pinkie said sadly.

"Damn it, what was I thinking?" AJ said in her head.

"What are your orders for today your majesty?" One of them asked as the sun goddess took a deep breath before speaking.

"Well............." She began. " IT seems that Twilight wishes to isolate herself for the time being, so going to Ponyville and collecting her would be too risky given her current state. Hmmm you know what? You two have worked pretty hard last night, why don't you two and the others who scoped the city for Twilight take today off?" Saying this earned happy expressions from the two guards.

"Thank you your majesty!" They both said in happy unison. " If we happen to find out something, we'll be sure to report it to you immediately"

"Thank you boys" She nodded. " That will be all for now" The two guards gave a solute before making their way out of the room once again leaving the group alone in their thoughts of the matter in hand.

" I was too hard on her yesterday " Applejack said sadly. " Damn it why did I have to call her a coward, now we'll possibly lose another friend and it's all my fault" Applejack then felt a hoof on her shoulder.

"Applejack don't beat yourself up" Fluttershy said in a comforting tone. " What you said yesterday was wrong but it wasn't all your fault, Dash knows you didn't mean it she just needs a little time to cool off first. But I assure you she's still our friend, believe me I've known Dash since middle school and she's not the one to hold grudges. She doesn't hate you and she doesn't hate Twilight either, like I said she just needs a little time to cool off" Applejack felt a little better after hearing her friends words of comfort.

"Thanks Shy" She replied earning a smile from the shy pegasus, she then turned towards her little sister and her friends. " Also Bloom, when you and your friends are done with breakfast, I'm gonna have you three take a train back home immediately" saying this earned shocked looks from the three fillies.

"What!?" Bloom shouted.

"No way!" Scootaloo replied.

"We don't wanna go home yet" Sweetie belle interjected as well.

"Girls it's out of the question" Cadence jumped in. " Besides your sister and the others needs this time to try and figure out how to apologize to Twilight"

"But we wanna help too !" Bloom replied.

"Bloom..............

"No big sis!" Apple bloom interrupted. " Before you go it's too dangerous for us to be here and it's for the best if we went home, just hear me out. Twilight's our friend too you know ? I don't know what went down during the wedding rehearsal but if our friend is sad and in a dark state , then we can't just ignore that either. And if mom and dad were here right now I'm sure they'd say the same thing!"

"Amen!" Scootaloo jumped in. " Twilight was always there for us too, whenever we had trouble with homework or needed advice on getting our cutiemarks. twilight was always there to help us out, but now she's out there somewhere alone and upset and we're not gonna stand by and just ditch a friend who is in need of cheering up. And It's not just her, Dash needs cheering up too and I'm not about to stand by while not one but two of my friends are in a depressed state"

"I don't wanna leave Twilight hanging either" Sweetie belle replied. " She's our friend and I'm not about to leave a friend behind who's sad I am NOT Diamond Tiara, also Rarity's still in a coma I don't wanna leave her behind either. I wanna be here for when she wakes up and to comfort her if anything goes wrong especially given the casualties that Celestia mentioned earlier, I'm sorry Applejack but we are not going home my sister, twilight, and Rainbow dash needs as much help and friendship as they need" The entire group was speechless not expecting the young girls to snap back at each of em, Applejack while proud of her sister for wanting to be there for those in need especially Rarity, twilight, and Rainbow Dash. She never the less still kept her decision that it was best for them to go home as it was safer for them.

"Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle listen to me" She said. " Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of you guys for wanting to help Twilight and everyone else and to make them feel better. But please hear me out, like you said Bloom you guys don't know what went down during the rehearsal and the wedding hall incident yesterday. Me and the girls weren't acting like true friends towards Twilight and we honestly don't blame her for hating us, but as for you three non of you were there so twilight holds no grudge against any of you. This is partially between us and Twilight, and i hate to say this but you three might just get in the way. Plus in Twilight's current state it might be a little too dangerous for you three to help without the possibility of her snapping out physically again, which is why it's for the best for you three to return home" The CMC bowed their heads in disappointment that they couldn't stay and help the others. " But there is something you guys can do, now It's pretty obvious that Twilights back in Ponyville by now. I want you guys to quietly survey her behavior and let us know how she's doing and if it's safe to approach her. and once she's completely cooled off that's when we'll step up, but listen under any circumstances do not and I repeat do not try and talk to her. Like I said she's in a pretty dangerous state and it's too risky to approach her right now, so only survey don't approach her and be sure to write to us about her condition, can you do that for us CMC's? " Hearing Applejacks instructed perked up the trio's spirits a little as even though they wouldn't be able to stay, at least they'll still be able to help by secretly surveying and spying on Twilight to see how her behavior is.

"OK Big sis, we'll do that" Apple bloom said.

"We wont let you guys down" Scootaloo replied.

"Once we arrive back , we'll be sure to inform you guys about how Twilight's doing, we promise" Sweetie belle jumped in.

"Atta girls " Applejack replied proudly. " And Don't worry about rarity Sweetie belle, she's in good hands. And we'll be sure to inform you about how she's doing" The young unicorn then walked up and hugged the farmer and soon the others followed suit as Applejack returned the embrace.

"Thanks Applejack" Sweetie belle said, but before any of them could say anymore. The dining hall door opened again only this time emerging was Celestia's personal chef's pushing carts containing the groups breakfast presented in various types of fancy plating, silverware and glasses. And the large array of breakfast foods definitely looked like a meal fit for a.....................well royalty.

"Your majesty" One of the chefs said. " So sorry to interrupt, but breakfast is served"

"Ah thank you fellah's" Celestia said politely and then proceeded to use her magic to levitate each of the plated foods towards the large table for each member of the group. " I'll handle it from here, you guys go on ahead and eat breakfast yourselves. And afterwords go ahead and take the day off for all your hard work"

"Thank you your majesty!" The chefs said happily as they bowed down to the sun goddess before exiting the room, The group stared at the lovely assortment of baked goodies, fresh bread, fruits, fresh squeezed orange juice, tea, and of course a few vegan dishes for Fluttershy as well.

"These all look so good your majesty" Pinkie pie said.

"Indeed, you didn't have to have your chefs go through all that trouble your highness" Applejack replied. " I would have been fine with just some toast and eggs"

"Nonsense" Celestia said with a smile. " Your my guest so it's only fair you receive the perfect treatment, plus we'll need the energy if we're to come up with our next move. Now lets go on ahead and eat so we can discuss what to do about Twilight" The entire group nodded their heads in an understanding manner and then proceeded to dig in to the lovely morning feast prepared by the sun goddess and her personal chefs.

2 hours later

We find the former element of magic trekking down the deep regions of the everfree forest alongside Trixie as the duo made their way towards the exact spot where Trixie's trader resided, after trekking since last night the unicorn was about to lose her patience especially with her legs ready to give off after the long hike throughout the forest.

"Jesus Trixie how much longer?!" She complained. " We've been walking since 9pm, how much farther till we reach your friend already?!"

"Patience sparkle" Trixie assured. " We're almost there, his hut is just across the corner"

"Seriously Lunamoon" Twilight huffed. " Why the hell is he living so deep in the forest?"

"Trust me Twilight, with the kind of stuff that he sells you'd wanna lay low yourself" She replied.

"I guess" Twilight said still huffing a little. " Are you sure this guys legit?"

"Oh he's legit alright Sparkle" Trixie reassured again this time with a wink. " I promise ya your not gonna be disappointed with what he's cooked up for me" After another minute, the duo finally arrived at the spot where a wooden hut resided with a shield spell coated the entire foundation. " We're here"

"Finally!" Twilight said with a sigh of relief, Trixie the walked towards the magic coated door and knocked three times. After a few seconds a voice can be heard from the other side.

"Password?" Came a voice, and Trixie then proceeded to bring her snout close to the door for the stranger to hear her more clearly as she muttered the password.

"Calamity" She said and soon the shield spell dispersed as the door swung opened to reveal a hooded stranger on the other side.

"Ah welcome back my number one customer" The stranger said to the young magician in an excited tone, however his expression changed when he noticed that she didn't come alone this time.

"Don't worry she's cool" Trixie reassured.

"I'll take your word on it" He said and then ushered the duo to come right in. " Come on in, your gonna love my latest creation I just know it" Trixie then gave a nod and a smirk as she and Twilight made their way inside of the hut, as the stranger was about to shut the door an evil smirk emerged on his face as the door slowly closed.

Another chapter down folks <3 Originally the trade off scene with Trixie and the stranger was gonna be in this one, but I found that it would have made the chapter way too long so I decided to save it for the next chapter

Anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter and I should have the next one up hopefully sometime this week