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  "description_bbcode_parsed": "<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>A scary story connected to the Trixie&#039;s Education stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash plays a prank that goes horribly wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can she help save her victim or is an innocent phoenix going to take the blame for her mistake?&nbsp;&nbsp;Could things go even worse for Dash?&nbsp;&nbsp;Will Trixie be able to face a horror she has encountered before and make it back alive?&nbsp;&nbsp;Will Luna&#039;s sad history repeat itself?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />This story takes place after <table style='display: inline-block;'><tr><td>\r\n\t\t\t<div class='widget_imageFromSubmission ' style='width: 75px; height: 75px; position: relative; margin: 0px auto;'>\r\n\t\t\t\t<a   href='/s/96720' style='border: 0px;'><img src='https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/130/130041_Ixbalam_trixieseducationii.jpg' width='75' height='75' title='Trixie&#039;s Education - Part Two by Bahlam' alt='Trixie&#039;s Education - Part Two by Bahlam' style='position: relative; border: 0px; ' class='shadowedimage' /></a>\r\n\t\t\t</div>\r\n\t\t\t</td></tr></table><br /><br />They are both sequels to <table style='display: inline-block;'><tr><td>\r\n\t\t\t<div class='widget_imageFromSubmission ' style='width: 75px; height: 75px; position: relative; margin: 0px auto;'>\r\n\t\t\t\t<a   href='/s/93206' style='border: 0px;'><img src='https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/122/122110_Ixbalam_new_moon.jpg' width='75' height='75' title='New Moon by Bahlam' alt='New Moon by Bahlam' style='position: relative; border: 0px; ' class='shadowedimage' /></a>\r\n\t\t\t</div>\r\n\t\t\t</td></tr></table></span>",
  "writing": "Thunderstruck\nby Ixy\n\nRainbow Dash crashed into the ground hard.  Her muzzle drove deep into the mud.  She struggled to her feet, spitting out mud and bits of grass.  Before she could take off again she was slammed from the side and rolled into a patch of rocks.  She was plastered with mud and wracked with pain.  She struggled, trying to get herself upright but one wing was painfully trapped under her body.  \n\nWithout a pause the larger pegasus pressed his hoof to her chest, pinning her to the ground.  “Nice landing, Rainbow Crash,” he sneered.  His helmet gleamed in the sun.  “You always thought you were better and faster and tougher than anypony but you're wrong!”  He stomped her mercilessly, his hindhoof slamming down on her exposed wing with a sickening crunch.  The delicate bones splintered.  \n\nDash awoke in a fright, her hooves tangled in a cloud comforter.  She panted.  Her blue coat and the fluff under her was soaked with sweat.  It took her a few moments to realize where she was.  She disentangled herself, rolled upright beside the bed and spread her wings.  They gleamed in the moonlight.  “Phew,” she said to herself in a whisper, “All present and accounted for.”  “No bully is ever going to stomp my precious Captain Righteous and Lefty,” she whispered, kissing each wing in turn.  \n\nShe looked around at her flying awards gleaming in the pale light.  Ever since the Harvest Moon festival things had felt a bit different.  Her new flying pupil certainly was different.  She shook her head.  She had hoped to send her off to remedial flight training in Cloudsdale but they didn't start a new session until the spring.  She wasn't a slow learner, instead she wanted to try everything immediately and threw herself into things before she knew what she was doing.  It was a real headache.  Now nightmares?  She couldn't remember having a nightmare about bullies in years.  \n\nThe blue pegasus lay back down, staring up at the waning moon.  It was a few days past full, its edge being nibbled away by darkness.  The night sky was framed in a wide window bordered by cloud columns.  She rearranged the pillows and pulled the comforter back up.  It was still the middle of the night.  She lay her head back down, her nose nearly touching the frizzy pink mane of her bedmate.  \n\nShe slid her right wing around her companion and pulled herself close.  The warmth of another pony's body was more comfort to her than she had ever felt.  Pinkie's wing twitched but she did not wake.  Her breathing was steady and she let out a little whistle with each breath.  Her mane felt like cotton candy and smelled like vanilla.  Rainbow Dash lay beside her for a long time before falling back asleep.  She was glad Pinkie was staying the night instead of going home to the loft above Sugar Cube Corner.  She could be a great companion when it really mattered.  \n\n• • •\n\nCaptain Darkbolt trotted confidently along the line of recruits.  They looked pitiful.  Many had wings askew, which he corrected with the swagger stick he held in his muzzle.  Others he gave a rap on the hock or on the helmet.  The aluminum drilling helmets sounded tinny, unlike his own blued steel armor made by one of the finest blacksmiths.  He tucked his stick under a wing.  “Stand up straight, Racer!”  “Hoops! Stop pawing!”  “You want to be guardsmen? I expect you to look like guardsmen and act like guardsmen!”  \n\nHe stood before them and glared.  “If you are to be the protectors of our Princess Luna you must be immaculate in your appearance and your actions at all times!” he roared.  A phoenix glided down from the palace and hovered behind him.  As he paced back and forth she kept out of his sight just behind the bristly red crest on his helmet.  Whenever he stopped to deliver a correction she made a face.  She mocked his attitude, thrusting out her chest and rowing the air with her scarlet wings.  Pegasi up and down the line snickered then suddenly put on straight faces when the captain looked toward them.  \n\nDarkbolt's red eyes turned on one recruit who wasn't fast enough in concealing his mirth.  “Hoops!” he bellowed, “And what, my I ask, is so funny?”  \n\n“Nothing, sir,” he responded.  \n\n“What was that?”  Philamena imitated him perfectly and perched on his helmet.  \n\n“Nothing, sir!”  the pegasus boomed in response.  \n\nDarkbolt stood very still for a moment then suddenly turned.  In an instant the bird hopped off his helmet and hovered behind him.  When he turned back she hung there in the air.  She kissed him on top of his nose and fluttered off into the cloudless morning sky.  \n\nA wave of laughter swept the otherwise orderly line of recruits.  \n\n“I fail to see what's so hoofing funny!” their captain bellowed.  \n\n• • •\n\n“Tilt your wings up more, more,” Rainbow Dash said, “now do you feel it?”  \n\n“Oh yeah!” Pinkie squealed, “I feel hungry!”  \n\n“Arrgh,” Dash groaned, “I mean do you feel the stall coming on?”  \n\n“Hmmmmnope,” Pinkie responded cheerfully.  She seemed to forget that she was flying for a moment and dropped.  She tilted her wings downward into the fall and amazingly swooped right back up.  The evening sun made her rosy coat shine in its light.  \n\n“Pinkie,” Dash shouted, “You recovered without going into a spin!”  \n\n“I did?” she asked, “That was fun!”  “Lets do it again!” she shouted.  \n\nThe little pink pegasus started swooping around and bouncing off the soft little clouds.  Dash let her play for a while.  There was a soft cloud layer under them that she'd towed in herself.  It would last until dark and there was no way even Pinkie could crash through it.  Dash soared around above their little training ground.  She felt mischevious for a moment and flew past where Pinkie was playing, doing a quick snap roll.  She bounded off a cloud on the other side and went back the other way, doing it again.  \n\n“Oooooh,” Pinkie asked, her eyes wide, “How do you do that.”  \n\n“By stalling…” Dash said, passing by Pinkie in one direction.  “…one wing.” she said passing in the opposite direction.  \n\n“Okay, so how do I stall again?” Pinkie asked.  \n\nThe two were interrupted.  A gleaming bird soared above them and spiraled down.  \n\nThe phoenix settled on the cloud deck near Pinkie, who was bouncing on the cloud layer as if it were a trampoline.  She circled around where Philamena sat, still bouncing.  Dash glided down and floated next to her.  “How's it going my main bird?” she asked.  The phoenix gave her a high-wing, then put on a serious face and started marching around on the cloudtop.  She tucked her wings behind her and twittered, pretending to bark orders.  \n\n“Some serious dude, eh?” Dash asked, “One of Celestia's guards.”  \n\nThe bird shook her head.  She imitated a hard glare.  \n\n“Don't tell me it's that pegasus who goes around with Luna?” Dash asked.  She didn't think she liked him too much.  \n\nPhilamena nodded vigorously, casting off bits of flame.  \n\n“That guy's way too serious for his own good,” Dash said.  “Are they around here?” she asked.  \n\nAs way of response the phoenix rose and climbed into the sky, followed by Rainbow Dash.  Pinkie trailed along behind, her wings a little wobbly.  Before long they could see a V formation of dark pegasi plowing their way through the clouds, with one pegasus in dark armor with a red crest in the lead.  \n\nPhilamena and Dash grinned at each other.  They split up and dove into the scattered clouds, leaving their companion behind.  Pinkie’s ears started to flop.  “Dashie!” she called, but it was no use.  Rainbow Dash couldn’t hear her.  \n\nThe blue pegasus climbed high above the group and flitted around.  Before long she had found a small dark cloud.  “Very handy,” she said to herself.  She kicked and spun it until it was casting off sparks.  Then she heard a voice right behind her.  \n\n“Watcha doin'?” asked Pinkie, suddenly popping out of a little fluffy cloud.  \n\n“Gah!” Dash exclaimed, accidentally kicking the thundercloud hard.  It went soaring straight toward the formation of armored pegasi.  “Pinkie,” she cried, “Don't do that to me!”  \n\n“I'm sowwy,” Pinkie said, “But I think you're going to score a direct hit.”  \n\nThe cloud scudded through the evening sky straight toward the head of the formation.  “Omigoshomigosh,” Dash stuttered, “It is headed straight for that big bruiser.”  \n\nShe shoved Pinkie back into the cloud and promptly hid there herself, peering out.  She looked around.  Philamena was nowhere in sight.  Pinkie snuggled up close.  “This is rather sudden,” she said, “not that I mind.”  \n\nRainbow Dash winced.  “Shut up, Pinkie,” she hissed, “We could get in real trouble!”  “If he gets hurt the princess will banish us to the place she banishes ponies to. If we’re lucky!”  Pinkie’s ears flopped then her tail wiggled.  \n\nThe cloud approached the formation from behind, overtaking them fast.  Just before it arrived Philamena made her appearance.  She rose up from below Darkbolt, her body shrouded in a dark cloud shaped like a pegasus, and soared ahead of him.  She held her head just like the captain, her crimson wings plying the sky the same way he did.  The pegasus scowled at her.  His companions snickered.  \n\nBefore he knew what was happening he was struck from behind.  Lightning coursed through his armor, instantly turning it red hot.  The rest of the formation scattered.  Only two stayed by their captain, stopping his fall.  They eased him onto a small cloud as the remnants of the little thunderhead dispersed.  His armor was still hot, its bluing engraved with branching Lichtenburg figures where the lightning had touched it.  \n\nPhilamena tossed off her cloud disguise and fluttered down next to the captain.  She cooed softly and brushed his head with her wing.  His helmet fell away and some of his dark mane came with it.  \n\n“Omigosh, Pinkie,” Dash squealed in their hiding place, “He's really, really hurt,”  She shook.  Pinkie snuggled against her.  “We've got to get out of here,” Dash said, dragging Pinkie out the other side of the cloud.  “No one can find out we had anything to do with it, okay, Pinkie,” she said, her voice trembling.  \n\n“Cross my heart and hope to fly,” Pinkie said, “Stick a cupcake…*ouch*”  She poked herself in the eye with a hoof and started falling.  Dash dove toward the ground after her.  \n\n• • •\n\nCelestia embraced her sister shortly after evening fell.  A comet trailing gold dust across the sky had appeared the previous evening.  It reappeared during the evening twilight, rising once again toward the apex.  The velvet night sky and glittering stars were more vivid than they had been in centuries.  The waning moon had yet to make its appearance.  \n\n“It's more beautiful than I remember and I have such fond memories of long ago,” Celestia said nuzzling Luna's cheek, “You have every reason to be proud of your work.”  “You're worried though,” she said, “About that new Captain?”  \n\n“Yes, I'm afraid so,” she said, “It was such a strange accident.”  “I'm so glad he's alive and I hope he can recover.”  She drew her head back, trying to fight back tears.  “It's been a long time since I felt this way about…” she began.  She didn't have to finish.  \n\n“The doctor and healers are doing all they can,” Celestia said gently, “They'll make him well again.”  \n\nBut in her heart Celestia was worried.  The captain was near death and she couldn't understand how her pet could have had anything to do with it.  The cadets all confirmed the story.  Other than accidentally setting things on fire the phoenix had never caused any serious harm.  It didn't make any sense.  She certainly was one to make a fool of Darkbolt.  She'd caused trouble among her own guards many times.  But to somehow blast him with a thundercloud was beyond comprehension.  It had to have been an accident.  It just had to be.  \n\nShe thought of Philamena locked in her cage in the palace.  She loved her freedom when she was let out but that wasn’t going to happen again any time soon.  \n\n• • •\n\nA blue unicorn ran through the school at full gallop, a red crystal floating before her.  Her purple velvet robe flapped behind her.  She slid around one corner and nearly crashed into a door.  She hoofed it open and peered inside.  The evening sky looked black through the high windows.  A chandelier lit the lecture hall.  The crystal cast its light into the room, pointing toward the back where a student who looked very nearly like her twin sat scribbling in a notepad.  \n\nThe unicorn at the door got the other’s attention by levitating her out of her seat and straight toward the door.  Trixie’s hooves clattered on the floor as her teacher sat her down just outside the room.  Her eyes were wide and her mane stood on end.  \n\n“Trixie,” she hissed, “You have to run a very important errand immediately!”  She took off galloping back down the hallway, dragging Trixie after herself with her magic.  Trixie started galloping on her own just to stop her hooves from grinding on the floor.  \n\nWhen they reached a landing the two ran out onto it.  Without even looking around Miss Selene suddenly enlarged.  Dark wings sprouted from her back and her horn grew much longer.  “Get on,” she said, kneeling.  Before she had a chance to try Trixie found herself levitated onto the back of her teacher, who had now resumed her true appearance as Princess Luna.  Luna dove over the railing and soared across the courtyard toward the palace grounds.  Trixie would have screamed if she’d been able to breathe.  When they touched ground she tumbled off immediately.  She dearly hoped she’d never have to do that again.  \n\nThey were surrounded by guardsmen trainees bearing all sorts of implements.  One, Trixie noticed, was wearing an odd sort of saddle she knew was meant for carrying another pony.  She winced.  Luna levitated a pair of saddlebags to her and unfurled a map in the air.  A route and destination were glowing.  She knew that place well.  Her hide itched just thinking about it.  \n\n“I’m sorry I have to impose on you in this way,” Luna said, “But there’s an emergency. Do you remember that cave where you encountered a wraith?”  \n\nTrixie nodded.  She didn’t feel very great or powerful at that moment.  \n\n“I’m afraid you’ll have to return there. Darkbolt has been injured and I believe the only thing that can restore him is the water from the cave.”  A silver necklace with a rune-carved gem set in it floated around her neck.  “This should distract the wraith,” she explained, “But if he attacks you, there’s no remedy except to get away quickly.”  “Take this bottle and fill it completely,” she said, tears in her eyes.  She hung it around Trixie’s neck.  \n\nTrixie stood there stunned for a moment.  Luna had tears in her eyes.  Trixie had never seen her like that before.  She had no idea what sorrow her teacher had experienced and probably wouldn’t have understood the depth of it if she did.  But she knew she’d have to do what Luna asked.  She did wonder briefly why Luna couldn’t fly to the cave herself.  Could a wraith harm a pony as powerful as she?  \n\nLuna embraced her with her great forelegs.  “Please do as I ask and return safely,” she begged, “I don’t want to lose two ponies I care so much about.”  \n\nThis time she let Trixie mount on her own.  She climbed into the guardsman’s saddle and the others strapped her in.  He galloped along the ground before taking off, being heavily burdened with a pony on his back.  Trixie started to panic briefly before catching hold of herself.  There’s nothing so scary about flying, right?  It couldn’t be as scary as a wraith or an Ursa Major.  \n\n• • •\n\nHigh above the palace two pegasi leaned over the edge of a cloud, watching and listening as the scene played out in the moonlight.  Rainbow Dash looked at her companion with tears in her eyes.  “He’s going to die and they’re depending on that showoff to save him?” she asked rhetorically, “We’re doomed!”  Pinkie held her tight.  \n\nDash wiped away a tear with a hoof.  “There’s only one thing I can do,” she said, determination in her hoarse voice, “I’m going to have to help that loser.”  She rose into the air.  “Pinkie,” she said, “Go do whatever it is you do.”  She soared off, leaving Pinkie behind and followed the other two.  \n\n• • •\n\nLuna heard a crash on the terrace outside.  The door parted with a squeak.  A pink head poked into the room, framed by the darkness.  She saw that familiar pair of sparkling blue eyes.  The princess gestured for Pinkie to enter.  \n\nThe newly made pegasus walked to her side slowly, very different from her usual way of moving.  Her frizzy mane was tangled and her eyes looked as if she’d been crying.  Luna nuzzled her cheek.  “Thank you for visting, Pinkie, but I don’t think this is the time for a party.”  Luna sat on her haunches by Darkbolt’s bed.  The stallion’s breathing was ragged, his body covered with bandages.  \n\n“I know, Princess,” she said, “Sometimes it’s good to just be there to comfort a friend when you can’t do anything else.”  \n\nThe two sat in silence for a long while.  Luna noticed something and used her magic to push Pinkie’s mane aside.  There were three little braids tied behind her ear.  One was straight pink mane hair, the second sparkling blue, and a third in rainbow hues.  Luna smiled despite the situation.  \n\n“You’ve been a naughty mare,” Luna said, nuzzling Pinkie’s ear.  \n\n“Well,” she responded, blushing, “When you’ve had fun with a shy girl and a goth girl I guess you want to have a roll in the hay with a butch girl too.”  \n\n“Do you know what we used to call mares like you, Pinkie?” she asked gently.\n\n“Noooooo.”  \n\n“Lucky,” the princess said, tears in her eyes.  \n\n• • •\n\nAs the sun rose the earth below became more visible.  A thin fog lay along the ground, tall pine trees poking up through it.  Trixie still clung to the saddle but wasn’t terrified anymore.  She wasn’t exactly used to flying but she wasn’t near panic the way she had been at takeoff.  On the way she’d learned that the pegasus she rode was a guardsman named Hoops.  He was the fastest and strongest of the recruits and talked about nothing but sports.  It would’ve driven Trixie crazy if she weren’t so terrified.  She told him what she knew about the wraith.  \n\nTrixie had thought of something along the way too.  She had looked through every book she could find that mentioned wraiths.  It was possible to keep a wraith away from a place with the proper sigils.  At one time houses were built with them hidden in the walls or inscribed above doorways.  But this wraith seemed to be connected to a place.  She wondered what this gemstone might be.  She didn’t remember anything in the little black book Luna had given her students about anything like this amulet.  It was a ruby inscribed with runes Trixie couldn’t read.  She was troubled by the fact that she couldn’t sense any enchantment on it.  \n\nHoops made a heavy landing in a muddy clearing a few hundred yards from the tunnel.  The two of them hid behind some large rocks.  From their vantage point they could see a the wispy figure of a unicorn standing in the shadows of the cave entrance.  He seemed to sense their presence.  He came forward into the morning light and sniffed the air.  His ghostly form seemed to be wearing some kind of archaic armor.  \n\n“I’ll lead him away,” Hoops whispered to Trixie, “while you go in and get the water. I’ll keep him busy as long as I can so get in and out fast.  The pegasus didn’t waste any time.  He rushed forward and wiggled his hindquarters toward the wraith.  “Hey ghostie come get me!” he shouted.  The wraith cantered in his direction.  Hoops took off into the woods, zig-zagging through the trees.  The figure followed.  \n\nTrixie waited what she hoped was long enough before rushing forward.  She dashed into the cave, lighting her horn as she went.  The floor was covered with standing water that had an odd sparkle to it.  But she was looking for the spring itself.  She splashed deeper and deeper.  It seemed like the cave would never end.  At last she saw a sparkle at the end of the tunnel.  There was a tiny corroded brass pipe projecting from the wall in the very end.  \n\nShe wasted no time getting the bottle under it but the flow wasn’t much more than a trickle.  The bottle filled very slowly.  “Oh come on you stupid enchanted spring,” she berated, “you’re so pitiful and slow!”  Then she noticed the bones.  She lowered her horn to get a closer look.  There was a unicorn’s skull encased in a rusty helmet and a pile of other bones and armor plates on the floor of the cave.  A horseshoe still clung to a rotted hoof.  It gave her the shivers.  \n\n• • •\n\nHoops zig-zagged through the forest, trying to avoid running water.  But it was such a wet place there seemed to be little rivulets everywhere.  The figure was pretty fast for a long-dead pony.  Hoops was faster and knew it.  He kept looking over his shoulder just to be sure it was still there.  Then he looked back and didn’t see him anymore.  He gaped at his own hoofprints and saw that he’d just crossed a tiny stream.  “Aagh,” he cried, “She said not to cross the streams!”  \n\nHe cursed and ran back the way he’d come.  Or at least what he thought was the way he’d come.  All the trees looked alike from ground level.  He found a break in the canopy and climbed for it.  A few wingbeats brought him above the treetops.  That’s when he saw the last thing he expected.  There was a familiar blue pegasus with a rainbow mane hovering above the trees and watching the cave entrance.  He made top speed straight at her.  \n\nRainbow Dash felt the unexpected impact and found herself plunging groundward.  She landed with something between a thump and a splash in front of the cave.  A huge dark-pelted pegasus landed in front of her.  “What are you doing here Rainbow Crash?” he bellowed, “You need to go away! We’re busy!”  \n\nHe snorted and charged toward the muddy mare.  She leapt into the air and struggled to gain altitude.  Hoops stayed on the muddy ground.  “Go!” he shouted, “Go home to Ponyville!”  \n\n“No, wait,” she cried, “I’m here to help!”  Drops of muddy water flew from her wingtips as she hovered above him.  \n\n“What do you know about it?” he asked, looking around rapidly.  There was no sign of the wraith.  \n\n“I know your captain is hurt and I want to help that showoff Trixie get the water!” she shouted, forgetting herself.  \n\nHoops was suddenly enraged.  He sprung off the ground and charged at her.  He sped toward her but missed and soared past her as she dove under him.  The two snorted at each other as they dodged and weaved in the air.  A wispy figure unseen by both trotted past below them and straight into the cave.  \n\n• • •\n\nTrixie heard the moaning when the bottle was little more than half full.  Her eyes went wide in the pale light from her horn.  Something was definitely in the cave and it was coming closer.  She cursed at Hoops, her words echoing and bringing a ghostly response.  The moaning got louder.  “Get oooout,” echoed off the walls.  The bottle wasn’t full yet and there was nowhere for her to flee.  \n\nThe Great and Powerful Trixie stood her ground, blocking the way to the spring.  She dug in her hooves and lowered her head.  Hopefully the gem would do something.  Then she saw the figure approaching.  He didn’t look that scary until he got close enough that she could see the gaping wound in his chest.  He stopped and stood frozen in front of her.  Maybe the gem was working?  \n\nThe wraith raised the visor of his helmet.  His eyes were blank white orbs.  “Where is she?” it asked in a ragged voice.  Trixie backed away as he extended a hoof toward her.  “Where is she?” it asked again.  Trixie backed up until she was nearly straddling the spring and bottle.  She had nowhere to run.  “Where is she?” it asked again.  He reached out toward the gem in her necklace with his ghostly hoof.  \n\n• • •\n\nBoth pegasi heard the echoing scream.  They stopped in midair and dove toward the cave.  Rainbow Dash charged straight into the opening, her wingtips brushing the walls, flying toward the faint light at the far end.  When she reached it she stopped short.  Trixie was standing stiff, paralysed by fear.  The wraith was touching the gem in her necklace with his translucent hoof.  “My love,” he sobbed.  Silvery tears ran down his cheeks.  “Where is my love?” he asked.  His glowing white eyes were focused on the ruby.  \n\nBoth Dash and Trixie heard the splashing coming up the tunnel.  Hoops galloped into the light, nearly crashing into Rainbow Dash.  He stared at the strange scene too.  They all stood very still.  The ghost’s sobbing and the sound of trickling water were the only sounds.  Trixie was shaking uncontrollably where she stood.  \n\nThen a sound brought all the living ponies to their senses.  The hollow bubbling of the spring changed.  The bottle was full and overflowing.  Trixie looked around in a panic.  Rainbow Dash gestured for her to move to the side.  Trixie carefully lifted her hoof and stepped sideways over the bottle.  \n\nDash crouched and crawled forward, her eyes on the wraith.  She shoved the cork into the bottle and slipped the loop of the cord around her neck.  Hoops scowled at her and she grinned and stuck out her tongue at him.  In a moment she had dashed past him and the buzzing sound of her wings echoed in the cave.  \n\nThe two ponies left behind stared at each other.  Trixie took a chance and very carefully levitated the necklace.  The ghostly figure’s eyes followed the gem.  His attention was fully absorbed by it.  Trixie stepped back and slipped out of it.  \n\nShe carefully moved away from the floating necklace and the wraith.  Both ponies moved away from it and then walked slowly toward the opening of the cave.  “Where did she come from,” Trixie asked in a whisper.  \n\n“Don’t ask me,” Hoops responded, “but she knows about the captain. I hope she knows where to take the water.”  \n\nTrixie shook her head.  “We’ll have to hope she does,” she said.  Trixie turned back toward the wraith.  She moved the necklace forward.  The ghost followed it, ignoring everything else.  The two pegasi walked out of the cave, leading the ghost toward the sunlight.  \n\n• • •\n\nLuna and Pinkie both looked up when the heard the clatter of hooves on the terrace outside.  Rainbow Dash pushed the door aside and walked into the room.  She bowed and stepped forward.  The bottle swung around her neck on its cord.  Luna was quite surprised.  She looked from Rainbow Dash to Pinkie.  Pinkie was smiling hopefully.  She shook her head.  A blue aura lifted the bottle from around the pegasus’ neck and uncorked it.  Sparkling droplets floated out as the princess began her work.  \n\n• • •\n\nRainbow Dash looked ashamed.  Her ears drooped and her muddy tail brushed the floor.  “I’m so sorry, Princess,” she said.  \n\n“Rainbow Dash,” Princess Celestia said, “What you did was horribly irresponsible.”  \n\nDash remained silent.  She made no excuses.  Hoops stood silently next to her.  \n\n“You were also very brave,” the princess continued, “You did everything in your power to make up for your mistake and the terrible accident.”  Philomena peered at the other ponies from her golden cage.  “Therefore I’ve decided not to punish you,” she said, “My sister may do so if she wishes but I don’t believe she will.”  \n\n“I can’t say more than that I’m sorry, Princess,” Dash said, “And I’ll do anything I can to make up for it.”  \n\nThe princess looked thoughtful and approached the pegasus.  “The best thing you can do is learn from your mistake and not repeat it,” she said.  \n\n• • •\n\nTrixie shivered.  Luna’s private study wasn’t cold but something inside Trixie was.  She couldn’t escape the deathly gaze of the wraith.  The cup of hot tea she held aloft barely warmed her.  “That gem wasn’t magic at all, was it?” she asked.  \n\n“No, it wasn’t,” Luna responded, “But I knew who that being was and hoped it would distract him so you could collect the water.”  “I should have explained but things moved so fast and it’s a painful story,” she added.  \n\n“Who was this lost love of his,” Trixie asked.\n\nLuna sighed.  “There’s an old story. Once upon a time there was a princess and a captain of the guard who loved her. His name was Sir Gilead and he devoted his life to her service.”  She took a sip of tea.  “One day a warrior attacked the princess’ carriage and he defended her, receiving a lethal wound.”  She looked down, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.  “The princess took him to a place of healing but it was too late. He had already felt the touch of death so the water did not revive him. It had a much worse effect.”  A silvery tear rolled down her cheek.  \n\nTrixie touched her teacher’s side with a comforting hoof.  “History nearly repeated itself, didn’t it?” she asked.  \n\n“History does do that,” Luna said quietly, gazing into her teacup, “But thankfully it didn’t today.”  \n\n“I left the necklace on a stump. He wasn’t interested in anything but your old gem,” she said, “At least he isn’t in the cave anymore.”  \n\nLuna looked at Trixie from behind her mane.  “You did well to do that,” she said, “The cave is open to anyone who needs it and now that he’s away from that water it’s possible he may find his final release.”  \n\nPrincess Luna looked pained.  “I should do what I avoided doing last night,” she said, “I couldn’t face him.”  She swallowed hard.  “Maybe now I can go and be with him before he dissolves in the moonlight.”  \n\n“Thank you for doing what I couldn’t,” the princess said, “I’ll never forget this.”  \n\nNoties:  \n\nI started writing this while in a serious depressive funk.  That went up to the point before Luna grabs Trixie out of class.  The story sat for a while until I got the idea of where it would go while writing Trixie’s Education Part II.  \n\nThe dream part is somewhat based on personal experience.  I’ve had those sorts of dreams many times.  I dream of something that may go horribly wrong but when the situation does happen I have a chance to change it.  Dash got up in the air where she has the advantage of speed and maneuverability.  She’d be screwed fighting a stronger opponent on the ground.  If Hoops had broken her wing the whole quest may have failed and Luna may have lost her two most trusted companions, other than Pinkie that is.  \n\nI hope I’m not writing Pinkie as too much of a slut.  The whole braid thing is based on someone I knew in high school who was actually collecting braids of her partners’ hair.  She was only slutty like that with girls, not with boys.  Go figure.  Pinkie reminds me of her.  I think she still works at a bakery, which is weird.  That ear flop plus tailwave combo?  Lightning strike I figure.  I could’ve used twitchytail for Darkbolt falling but really didn’t want to.  \n\nThe idea of the cave/tunnel is based on a 19th century tourist attraction called The Spanish Mine near Ellenville New York.  It has a wishing well in the end and the whole tunnel glitters with galenas.  There are no wraiths in there as far as I know.  There are salamanders.  \n\nWas Sir Gilead around all those thousand years?  I’d say yes, but not wandering around chasing people.  During Luna’s absence the creatures of the night were hiding away, at least to some extent.  No one has seen a wraith in centuries.  How many more are out there?  \n\nMy original idea was to have Dash do a Sonic Rainboom on the way back.  The glass doors explode and there’s Dash, etc. but in the end I thought it was silly.  \n\nLuna always seems to have a sad story, right?  Well, I figure she’s basically a tragic figure with a second chance at life.  I like to think she’s taking it.  ",
  "writing_bbcode_parsed": "<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>Thunderstruck<br />by Ixy<br /><br />Rainbow Dash crashed into the ground hard.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her muzzle drove deep into the mud.&nbsp;&nbsp;She struggled to her feet, spitting out mud and bits of grass.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before she could take off again she was slammed from the side and rolled into a patch of rocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was plastered with mud and wracked with pain.&nbsp;&nbsp;She struggled, trying to get herself upright but one wing was painfully trapped under her body.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Without a pause the larger pegasus pressed his hoof to her chest, pinning her to the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Nice landing, Rainbow Crash,&rdquo; he sneered.&nbsp;&nbsp;His helmet gleamed in the sun.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You always thought you were better and faster and tougher than anypony but you&#039;re wrong!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stomped her mercilessly, his hindhoof slamming down on her exposed wing with a sickening crunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;The delicate bones splintered.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Dash awoke in a fright, her hooves tangled in a cloud comforter.&nbsp;&nbsp;She panted.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her blue coat and the fluff under her was soaked with sweat.&nbsp;&nbsp;It took her a few moments to realize where she was.&nbsp;&nbsp;She disentangled herself, rolled upright beside the bed and spread her wings.&nbsp;&nbsp;They gleamed in the moonlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Phew,&rdquo; she said to herself in a whisper, &ldquo;All present and accounted for.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No bully is ever going to stomp my precious Captain Righteous and Lefty,&rdquo; she whispered, kissing each wing in turn.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She looked around at her flying awards gleaming in the pale light.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ever since the Harvest Moon festival things had felt a bit different.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her new flying pupil certainly was different.&nbsp;&nbsp;She shook her head.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had hoped to send her off to remedial flight training in Cloudsdale but they didn&#039;t start a new session until the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;She wasn&#039;t a slow learner, instead she wanted to try everything immediately and threw herself into things before she knew what she was doing.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was a real headache.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now nightmares?&nbsp;&nbsp;She couldn&#039;t remember having a nightmare about bullies in years.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The blue pegasus lay back down, staring up at the waning moon.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was a few days past full, its edge being nibbled away by darkness.&nbsp;&nbsp;The night sky was framed in a wide window bordered by cloud columns.&nbsp;&nbsp;She rearranged the pillows and pulled the comforter back up.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was still the middle of the night.&nbsp;&nbsp;She lay her head back down, her nose nearly touching the frizzy pink mane of her bedmate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She slid her right wing around her companion and pulled herself close.&nbsp;&nbsp;The warmth of another pony&#039;s body was more comfort to her than she had ever felt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie&#039;s wing twitched but she did not wake.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her breathing was steady and she let out a little whistle with each breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her mane felt like cotton candy and smelled like vanilla.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash lay beside her for a long time before falling back asleep.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was glad Pinkie was staying the night instead of going home to the loft above Sugar Cube Corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;She could be a great companion when it really mattered.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Captain Darkbolt trotted confidently along the line of recruits.&nbsp;&nbsp;They looked pitiful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many had wings askew, which he corrected with the swagger stick he held in his muzzle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Others he gave a rap on the hock or on the helmet.&nbsp;&nbsp;The aluminum drilling helmets sounded tinny, unlike his own blued steel armor made by one of the finest blacksmiths.&nbsp;&nbsp;He tucked his stick under a wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Stand up straight, Racer!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hoops! Stop pawing!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You want to be guardsmen? I expect you to look like guardsmen and act like guardsmen!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />He stood before them and glared.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;If you are to be the protectors of our Princess Luna you must be immaculate in your appearance and your actions at all times!&rdquo; he roared.&nbsp;&nbsp;A phoenix glided down from the palace and hovered behind him.&nbsp;&nbsp;As he paced back and forth she kept out of his sight just behind the bristly red crest on his helmet.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whenever he stopped to deliver a correction she made a face.&nbsp;&nbsp;She mocked his attitude, thrusting out her chest and rowing the air with her scarlet wings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pegasi up and down the line snickered then suddenly put on straight faces when the captain looked toward them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Darkbolt&#039;s red eyes turned on one recruit who wasn&#039;t fast enough in concealing his mirth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hoops!&rdquo; he bellowed, &ldquo;And what, my I ask, is so funny?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Nothing, sir,&rdquo; he responded.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;What was that?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Philamena imitated him perfectly and perched on his helmet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Nothing, sir!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;the pegasus boomed in response.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Darkbolt stood very still for a moment then suddenly turned.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an instant the bird hopped off his helmet and hovered behind him.&nbsp;&nbsp;When he turned back she hung there in the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;She kissed him on top of his nose and fluttered off into the cloudless morning sky.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />A wave of laughter swept the otherwise orderly line of recruits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I fail to see what&#039;s so hoofing funny!&rdquo; their captain bellowed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />&ldquo;Tilt your wings up more, more,&rdquo; Rainbow Dash said, &ldquo;now do you feel it?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Oh yeah!&rdquo; Pinkie squealed, &ldquo;I feel hungry!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Arrgh,&rdquo; Dash groaned, &ldquo;I mean do you feel the stall coming on?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Hmmmmnope,&rdquo; Pinkie responded cheerfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;She seemed to forget that she was flying for a moment and dropped.&nbsp;&nbsp;She tilted her wings downward into the fall and amazingly swooped right back up.&nbsp;&nbsp;The evening sun made her rosy coat shine in its light.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Pinkie,&rdquo; Dash shouted, &ldquo;You recovered without going into a spin!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I did?&rdquo; she asked, &ldquo;That was fun!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Lets do it again!&rdquo; she shouted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The little pink pegasus started swooping around and bouncing off the soft little clouds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dash let her play for a while.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a soft cloud layer under them that she&#039;d towed in herself.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would last until dark and there was no way even Pinkie could crash through it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dash soared around above their little training ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;She felt mischevious for a moment and flew past where Pinkie was playing, doing a quick snap roll.&nbsp;&nbsp;She bounded off a cloud on the other side and went back the other way, doing it again.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Oooooh,&rdquo; Pinkie asked, her eyes wide, &ldquo;How do you do that.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;By stalling&hellip;&rdquo; Dash said, passing by Pinkie in one direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;&hellip;one wing.&rdquo; she said passing in the opposite direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Okay, so how do I stall again?&rdquo; Pinkie asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The two were interrupted.&nbsp;&nbsp;A gleaming bird soared above them and spiraled down.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The phoenix settled on the cloud deck near Pinkie, who was bouncing on the cloud layer as if it were a trampoline.&nbsp;&nbsp;She circled around where Philamena sat, still bouncing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dash glided down and floated next to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;How&#039;s it going my main bird?&rdquo; she asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;The phoenix gave her a high-wing, then put on a serious face and started marching around on the cloudtop.&nbsp;&nbsp;She tucked her wings behind her and twittered, pretending to bark orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Some serious dude, eh?&rdquo; Dash asked, &ldquo;One of Celestia&#039;s guards.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The bird shook her head.&nbsp;&nbsp;She imitated a hard glare.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Don&#039;t tell me it&#039;s that pegasus who goes around with Luna?&rdquo; Dash asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn&#039;t think she liked him too much.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Philamena nodded vigorously, casting off bits of flame.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;That guy&#039;s way too serious for his own good,&rdquo; Dash said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Are they around here?&rdquo; she asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />As way of response the phoenix rose and climbed into the sky, followed by Rainbow Dash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie trailed along behind, her wings a little wobbly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before long they could see a V formation of dark pegasi plowing their way through the clouds, with one pegasus in dark armor with a red crest in the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Philamena and Dash grinned at each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;They split up and dove into the scattered clouds, leaving their companion behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie&rsquo;s ears started to flop.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Dashie!&rdquo; she called, but it was no use.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash couldn&rsquo;t hear her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The blue pegasus climbed high above the group and flitted around.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before long she had found a small dark cloud.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Very handy,&rdquo; she said to herself.&nbsp;&nbsp;She kicked and spun it until it was casting off sparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she heard a voice right behind her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Watcha doin&#039;?&rdquo; asked Pinkie, suddenly popping out of a little fluffy cloud.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Gah!&rdquo; Dash exclaimed, accidentally kicking the thundercloud hard.&nbsp;&nbsp;It went soaring straight toward the formation of armored pegasi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pinkie,&rdquo; she cried, &ldquo;Don&#039;t do that to me!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I&#039;m sowwy,&rdquo; Pinkie said, &ldquo;But I think you&#039;re going to score a direct hit.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The cloud scudded through the evening sky straight toward the head of the formation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Omigoshomigosh,&rdquo; Dash stuttered, &ldquo;It is headed straight for that big bruiser.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She shoved Pinkie back into the cloud and promptly hid there herself, peering out.&nbsp;&nbsp;She looked around.&nbsp;&nbsp;Philamena was nowhere in sight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie snuggled up close.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;This is rather sudden,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;not that I mind.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Rainbow Dash winced.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Shut up, Pinkie,&rdquo; she hissed, &ldquo;We could get in real trouble!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;If he gets hurt the princess will banish us to the place she banishes ponies to. If we&rsquo;re lucky!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie&rsquo;s ears flopped then her tail wiggled.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The cloud approached the formation from behind, overtaking them fast.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before it arrived Philamena made her appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;She rose up from below Darkbolt, her body shrouded in a dark cloud shaped like a pegasus, and soared ahead of him.&nbsp;&nbsp;She held her head just like the captain, her crimson wings plying the sky the same way he did.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pegasus scowled at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;His companions snickered.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Before he knew what was happening he was struck from behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightning coursed through his armor, instantly turning it red hot.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest of the formation scattered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Only two stayed by their captain, stopping his fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;They eased him onto a small cloud as the remnants of the little thunderhead dispersed.&nbsp;&nbsp;His armor was still hot, its bluing engraved with branching Lichtenburg figures where the lightning had touched it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Philamena tossed off her cloud disguise and fluttered down next to the captain.&nbsp;&nbsp;She cooed softly and brushed his head with her wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;His helmet fell away and some of his dark mane came with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Omigosh, Pinkie,&rdquo; Dash squealed in their hiding place, &ldquo;He&#039;s really, really hurt,&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shook.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie snuggled against her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We&#039;ve got to get out of here,&rdquo; Dash said, dragging Pinkie out the other side of the cloud.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No one can find out we had anything to do with it, okay, Pinkie,&rdquo; she said, her voice trembling.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Cross my heart and hope to fly,&rdquo; Pinkie said, &ldquo;Stick a cupcake&hellip;*ouch*&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She poked herself in the eye with a hoof and started falling.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dash dove toward the ground after her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Celestia embraced her sister shortly after evening fell.&nbsp;&nbsp;A comet trailing gold dust across the sky had appeared the previous evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;It reappeared during the evening twilight, rising once again toward the apex.&nbsp;&nbsp;The velvet night sky and glittering stars were more vivid than they had been in centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The waning moon had yet to make its appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;It&#039;s more beautiful than I remember and I have such fond memories of long ago,&rdquo; Celestia said nuzzling Luna&#039;s cheek, &ldquo;You have every reason to be proud of your work.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&#039;re worried though,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;About that new Captain?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Yes, I&#039;m afraid so,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;It was such a strange accident.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&#039;m so glad he&#039;s alive and I hope he can recover.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She drew her head back, trying to fight back tears.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&#039;s been a long time since I felt this way about&hellip;&rdquo; she began.&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn&#039;t have to finish.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;The doctor and healers are doing all they can,&rdquo; Celestia said gently, &ldquo;They&#039;ll make him well again.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />But in her heart Celestia was worried.&nbsp;&nbsp;The captain was near death and she couldn&#039;t understand how her pet could have had anything to do with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cadets all confirmed the story.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other than accidentally setting things on fire the phoenix had never caused any serious harm.&nbsp;&nbsp;It didn&#039;t make any sense.&nbsp;&nbsp;She certainly was one to make a fool of Darkbolt.&nbsp;&nbsp;She&#039;d caused trouble among her own guards many times.&nbsp;&nbsp;But to somehow blast him with a thundercloud was beyond comprehension.&nbsp;&nbsp;It had to have been an accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;It just had to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She thought of Philamena locked in her cage in the palace.&nbsp;&nbsp;She loved her freedom when she was let out but that wasn&rsquo;t going to happen again any time soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />A blue unicorn ran through the school at full gallop, a red crystal floating before her.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her purple velvet robe flapped behind her.&nbsp;&nbsp;She slid around one corner and nearly crashed into a door.&nbsp;&nbsp;She hoofed it open and peered inside.&nbsp;&nbsp;The evening sky looked black through the high windows.&nbsp;&nbsp;A chandelier lit the lecture hall.&nbsp;&nbsp;The crystal cast its light into the room, pointing toward the back where a student who looked very nearly like her twin sat scribbling in a notepad.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The unicorn at the door got the other&rsquo;s attention by levitating her out of her seat and straight toward the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie&rsquo;s hooves clattered on the floor as her teacher sat her down just outside the room.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes were wide and her mane stood on end.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Trixie,&rdquo; she hissed, &ldquo;You have to run a very important errand immediately!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She took off galloping back down the hallway, dragging Trixie after herself with her magic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie started galloping on her own just to stop her hooves from grinding on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />When they reached a landing the two ran out onto it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Without even looking around Miss Selene suddenly enlarged.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dark wings sprouted from her back and her horn grew much longer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Get on,&rdquo; she said, kneeling.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before she had a chance to try Trixie found herself levitated onto the back of her teacher, who had now resumed her true appearance as Princess Luna.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna dove over the railing and soared across the courtyard toward the palace grounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie would have screamed if she&rsquo;d been able to breathe.&nbsp;&nbsp;When they touched ground she tumbled off immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;She dearly hoped she&rsquo;d never have to do that again.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />They were surrounded by guardsmen trainees bearing all sorts of implements.&nbsp;&nbsp;One, Trixie noticed, was wearing an odd sort of saddle she knew was meant for carrying another pony.&nbsp;&nbsp;She winced.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna levitated a pair of saddlebags to her and unfurled a map in the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;A route and destination were glowing.&nbsp;&nbsp;She knew that place well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her hide itched just thinking about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry I have to impose on you in this way,&rdquo; Luna said, &ldquo;But there&rsquo;s an emergency. Do you remember that cave where you encountered a wraith?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie nodded.&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn&rsquo;t feel very great or powerful at that moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I&rsquo;m afraid you&rsquo;ll have to return there. Darkbolt has been injured and I believe the only thing that can restore him is the water from the cave.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;A silver necklace with a rune-carved gem set in it floated around her neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;This should distract the wraith,&rdquo; she explained, &ldquo;But if he attacks you, there&rsquo;s no remedy except to get away quickly.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Take this bottle and fill it completely,&rdquo; she said, tears in her eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;She hung it around Trixie&rsquo;s neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie stood there stunned for a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna had tears in her eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie had never seen her like that before.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had no idea what sorrow her teacher had experienced and probably wouldn&rsquo;t have understood the depth of it if she did.&nbsp;&nbsp;But she knew she&rsquo;d have to do what Luna asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;She did wonder briefly why Luna couldn&rsquo;t fly to the cave herself.&nbsp;&nbsp;Could a wraith harm a pony as powerful as she?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Luna embraced her with her great forelegs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Please do as I ask and return safely,&rdquo; she begged, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to lose two ponies I care so much about.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />This time she let Trixie mount on her own.&nbsp;&nbsp;She climbed into the guardsman&rsquo;s saddle and the others strapped her in.&nbsp;&nbsp;He galloped along the ground before taking off, being heavily burdened with a pony on his back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie started to panic briefly before catching hold of herself.&nbsp;&nbsp;There&rsquo;s nothing so scary about flying, right?&nbsp;&nbsp;It couldn&rsquo;t be as scary as a wraith or an Ursa Major.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />High above the palace two pegasi leaned over the edge of a cloud, watching and listening as the scene played out in the moonlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash looked at her companion with tears in her eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;He&rsquo;s going to die and they&rsquo;re depending on that showoff to save him?&rdquo; she asked rhetorically, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re doomed!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie held her tight.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Dash wiped away a tear with a hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;There&rsquo;s only one thing I can do,&rdquo; she said, determination in her hoarse voice, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to have to help that loser.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She rose into the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pinkie,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;Go do whatever it is you do.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She soared off, leaving Pinkie behind and followed the other two.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Luna heard a crash on the terrace outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;The door parted with a squeak.&nbsp;&nbsp;A pink head poked into the room, framed by the darkness.&nbsp;&nbsp;She saw that familiar pair of sparkling blue eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The princess gestured for Pinkie to enter.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The newly made pegasus walked to her side slowly, very different from her usual way of moving.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her frizzy mane was tangled and her eyes looked as if she&rsquo;d been crying.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna nuzzled her cheek.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Thank you for visting, Pinkie, but I don&rsquo;t think this is the time for a party.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna sat on her haunches by Darkbolt&rsquo;s bed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stallion&rsquo;s breathing was ragged, his body covered with bandages.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I know, Princess,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;Sometimes it&rsquo;s good to just be there to comfort a friend when you can&rsquo;t do anything else.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The two sat in silence for a long while.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna noticed something and used her magic to push Pinkie&rsquo;s mane aside.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were three little braids tied behind her ear.&nbsp;&nbsp;One was straight pink mane hair, the second sparkling blue, and a third in rainbow hues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna smiled despite the situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve been a naughty mare,&rdquo; Luna said, nuzzling Pinkie&rsquo;s ear.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Well,&rdquo; she responded, blushing, &ldquo;When you&rsquo;ve had fun with a shy girl and a goth girl I guess you want to have a roll in the hay with a butch girl too.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Do you know what we used to call mares like you, Pinkie?&rdquo; she asked gently.<br /><br />&ldquo;Noooooo.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Lucky,&rdquo; the princess said, tears in her eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />As the sun rose the earth below became more visible.&nbsp;&nbsp;A thin fog lay along the ground, tall pine trees poking up through it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie still clung to the saddle but wasn&rsquo;t terrified anymore.&nbsp;&nbsp;She wasn&rsquo;t exactly used to flying but she wasn&rsquo;t near panic the way she had been at takeoff.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the way she&rsquo;d learned that the pegasus she rode was a guardsman named Hoops.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was the fastest and strongest of the recruits and talked about nothing but sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would&rsquo;ve driven Trixie crazy if she weren&rsquo;t so terrified.&nbsp;&nbsp;She told him what she knew about the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie had thought of something along the way too.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had looked through every book she could find that mentioned wraiths.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was possible to keep a wraith away from a place with the proper sigils.&nbsp;&nbsp;At one time houses were built with them hidden in the walls or inscribed above doorways.&nbsp;&nbsp;But this wraith seemed to be connected to a place.&nbsp;&nbsp;She wondered what this gemstone might be.&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn&rsquo;t remember anything in the little black book Luna had given her students about anything like this amulet.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was a ruby inscribed with runes Trixie couldn&rsquo;t read.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was troubled by the fact that she couldn&rsquo;t sense any enchantment on it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Hoops made a heavy landing in a muddy clearing a few hundred yards from the tunnel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two of them hid behind some large rocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;From their vantage point they could see a the wispy figure of a unicorn standing in the shadows of the cave entrance.&nbsp;&nbsp;He seemed to sense their presence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He came forward into the morning light and sniffed the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;His ghostly form seemed to be wearing some kind of archaic armor.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll lead him away,&rdquo; Hoops whispered to Trixie, &ldquo;while you go in and get the water. I&rsquo;ll keep him busy as long as I can so get in and out fast.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pegasus didn&rsquo;t waste any time.&nbsp;&nbsp;He rushed forward and wiggled his hindquarters toward the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hey ghostie come get me!&rdquo; he shouted.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wraith cantered in his direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops took off into the woods, zig-zagging through the trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The figure followed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie waited what she hoped was long enough before rushing forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;She dashed into the cave, lighting her horn as she went.&nbsp;&nbsp;The floor was covered with standing water that had an odd sparkle to it.&nbsp;&nbsp;But she was looking for the spring itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;She splashed deeper and deeper.&nbsp;&nbsp;It seemed like the cave would never end.&nbsp;&nbsp;At last she saw a sparkle at the end of the tunnel.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a tiny corroded brass pipe projecting from the wall in the very end.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She wasted no time getting the bottle under it but the flow wasn&rsquo;t much more than a trickle.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottle filled very slowly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Oh come on you stupid enchanted spring,&rdquo; she berated, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re so pitiful and slow!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she noticed the bones.&nbsp;&nbsp;She lowered her horn to get a closer look.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a unicorn&rsquo;s skull encased in a rusty helmet and a pile of other bones and armor plates on the floor of the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;A horseshoe still clung to a rotted hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;It gave her the shivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Hoops zig-zagged through the forest, trying to avoid running water.&nbsp;&nbsp;But it was such a wet place there seemed to be little rivulets everywhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;The figure was pretty fast for a long-dead pony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops was faster and knew it.&nbsp;&nbsp;He kept looking over his shoulder just to be sure it was still there.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he looked back and didn&rsquo;t see him anymore.&nbsp;&nbsp;He gaped at his own hoofprints and saw that he&rsquo;d just crossed a tiny stream.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Aagh,&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;She said not to cross the streams!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />He cursed and ran back the way he&rsquo;d come.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or at least what he thought was the way he&rsquo;d come.&nbsp;&nbsp;All the trees looked alike from ground level.&nbsp;&nbsp;He found a break in the canopy and climbed for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;A few wingbeats brought him above the treetops.&nbsp;&nbsp;That&rsquo;s when he saw the last thing he expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a familiar blue pegasus with a rainbow mane hovering above the trees and watching the cave entrance.&nbsp;&nbsp;He made top speed straight at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Rainbow Dash felt the unexpected impact and found herself plunging groundward.&nbsp;&nbsp;She landed with something between a thump and a splash in front of the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;A huge dark-pelted pegasus landed in front of her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What are you doing here Rainbow Crash?&rdquo; he bellowed, &ldquo;You need to go away! We&rsquo;re busy!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />He snorted and charged toward the muddy mare.&nbsp;&nbsp;She leapt into the air and struggled to gain altitude.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops stayed on the muddy ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Go!&rdquo; he shouted, &ldquo;Go home to Ponyville!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;No, wait,&rdquo; she cried, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m here to help!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drops of muddy water flew from her wingtips as she hovered above him.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;What do you know about it?&rdquo; he asked, looking around rapidly.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was no sign of the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I know your captain is hurt and I want to help that showoff Trixie get the water!&rdquo; she shouted, forgetting herself.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Hoops was suddenly enraged.&nbsp;&nbsp;He sprung off the ground and charged at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;He sped toward her but missed and soared past her as she dove under him.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two snorted at each other as they dodged and weaved in the air.&nbsp;&nbsp;A wispy figure unseen by both trotted past below them and straight into the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Trixie heard the moaning when the bottle was little more than half full.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes went wide in the pale light from her horn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Something was definitely in the cave and it was coming closer.&nbsp;&nbsp;She cursed at Hoops, her words echoing and bringing a ghostly response.&nbsp;&nbsp;The moaning got louder.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Get oooout,&rdquo; echoed off the walls.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottle wasn&rsquo;t full yet and there was nowhere for her to flee.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The Great and Powerful Trixie stood her ground, blocking the way to the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;She dug in her hooves and lowered her head.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hopefully the gem would do something.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she saw the figure approaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;He didn&rsquo;t look that scary until he got close enough that she could see the gaping wound in his chest.&nbsp;&nbsp;He stopped and stood frozen in front of her.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe the gem was working?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The wraith raised the visor of his helmet.&nbsp;&nbsp;His eyes were blank white orbs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Where is she?&rdquo; it asked in a ragged voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie backed away as he extended a hoof toward her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Where is she?&rdquo; it asked again.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie backed up until she was nearly straddling the spring and bottle.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had nowhere to run.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Where is she?&rdquo; it asked again.&nbsp;&nbsp;He reached out toward the gem in her necklace with his ghostly hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Both pegasi heard the echoing scream.&nbsp;&nbsp;They stopped in midair and dove toward the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash charged straight into the opening, her wingtips brushing the walls, flying toward the faint light at the far end.&nbsp;&nbsp;When she reached it she stopped short.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie was standing stiff, paralysed by fear.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wraith was touching the gem in her necklace with his translucent hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;My love,&rdquo; he sobbed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Silvery tears ran down his cheeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Where is my love?&rdquo; he asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;His glowing white eyes were focused on the ruby.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Both Dash and Trixie heard the splashing coming up the tunnel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops galloped into the light, nearly crashing into Rainbow Dash.&nbsp;&nbsp;He stared at the strange scene too.&nbsp;&nbsp;They all stood very still.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ghost&rsquo;s sobbing and the sound of trickling water were the only sounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie was shaking uncontrollably where she stood.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Then a sound brought all the living ponies to their senses.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hollow bubbling of the spring changed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottle was full and overflowing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie looked around in a panic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash gestured for her to move to the side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie carefully lifted her hoof and stepped sideways over the bottle.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Dash crouched and crawled forward, her eyes on the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;She shoved the cork into the bottle and slipped the loop of the cord around her neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops scowled at her and she grinned and stuck out her tongue at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a moment she had dashed past him and the buzzing sound of her wings echoed in the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The two ponies left behind stared at each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie took a chance and very carefully levitated the necklace.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ghostly figure&rsquo;s eyes followed the gem.&nbsp;&nbsp;His attention was fully absorbed by it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie stepped back and slipped out of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />She carefully moved away from the floating necklace and the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both ponies moved away from it and then walked slowly toward the opening of the cave.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Where did she come from,&rdquo; Trixie asked in a whisper.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t ask me,&rdquo; Hoops responded, &ldquo;but she knows about the captain. I hope she knows where to take the water.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie shook her head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have to hope she does,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trixie turned back toward the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;She moved the necklace forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ghost followed it, ignoring everything else.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two pegasi walked out of the cave, leading the ghost toward the sunlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Luna and Pinkie both looked up when the heard the clatter of hooves on the terrace outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rainbow Dash pushed the door aside and walked into the room.&nbsp;&nbsp;She bowed and stepped forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottle swung around her neck on its cord.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna was quite surprised.&nbsp;&nbsp;She looked from Rainbow Dash to Pinkie.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie was smiling hopefully.&nbsp;&nbsp;She shook her head.&nbsp;&nbsp;A blue aura lifted the bottle from around the pegasus&rsquo; neck and uncorked it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sparkling droplets floated out as the princess began her work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Rainbow Dash looked ashamed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her ears drooped and her muddy tail brushed the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m so sorry, Princess,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Rainbow Dash,&rdquo; Princess Celestia said, &ldquo;What you did was horribly irresponsible.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Dash remained silent.&nbsp;&nbsp;She made no excuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoops stood silently next to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;You were also very brave,&rdquo; the princess continued, &ldquo;You did everything in your power to make up for your mistake and the terrible accident.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Philomena peered at the other ponies from her golden cage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Therefore I&rsquo;ve decided not to punish you,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;My sister may do so if she wishes but I don&rsquo;t believe she will.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t say more than that I&rsquo;m sorry, Princess,&rdquo; Dash said, &ldquo;And I&rsquo;ll do anything I can to make up for it.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The princess looked thoughtful and approached the pegasus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The best thing you can do is learn from your mistake and not repeat it,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&bull; &bull; &bull;<br /><br />Trixie shivered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luna&rsquo;s private study wasn&rsquo;t cold but something inside Trixie was.&nbsp;&nbsp;She couldn&rsquo;t escape the deathly gaze of the wraith.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cup of hot tea she held aloft barely warmed her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;That gem wasn&rsquo;t magic at all, was it?&rdquo; she asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;No, it wasn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; Luna responded, &ldquo;But I knew who that being was and hoped it would distract him so you could collect the water.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I should have explained but things moved so fast and it&rsquo;s a painful story,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Who was this lost love of his,&rdquo; Trixie asked.<br /><br />Luna sighed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;There&rsquo;s an old story. Once upon a time there was a princess and a captain of the guard who loved her. His name was Sir Gilead and he devoted his life to her service.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She took a sip of tea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;One day a warrior attacked the princess&rsquo; carriage and he defended her, receiving a lethal wound.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looked down, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The princess took him to a place of healing but it was too late. He had already felt the touch of death so the water did not revive him. It had a much worse effect.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;A silvery tear rolled down her cheek.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Trixie touched her teacher&rsquo;s side with a comforting hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;History nearly repeated itself, didn&rsquo;t it?&rdquo; she asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;History does do that,&rdquo; Luna said quietly, gazing into her teacup, &ldquo;But thankfully it didn&rsquo;t today.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;I left the necklace on a stump. He wasn&rsquo;t interested in anything but your old gem,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;At least he isn&rsquo;t in the cave anymore.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Luna looked at Trixie from behind her mane.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You did well to do that,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;The cave is open to anyone who needs it and now that he&rsquo;s away from that water it&rsquo;s possible he may find his final release.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Princess Luna looked pained.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I should do what I avoided doing last night,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t face him.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;She swallowed hard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Maybe now I can go and be with him before he dissolves in the moonlight.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;Thank you for doing what I couldn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; the princess said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll never forget this.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Noties:&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />I started writing this while in a serious depressive funk.&nbsp;&nbsp;That went up to the point before Luna grabs Trixie out of class.&nbsp;&nbsp;The story sat for a while until I got the idea of where it would go while writing Trixie&rsquo;s Education Part II.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The dream part is somewhat based on personal experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve had those sorts of dreams many times.&nbsp;&nbsp;I dream of something that may go horribly wrong but when the situation does happen I have a chance to change it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dash got up in the air where she has the advantage of speed and maneuverability.&nbsp;&nbsp;She&rsquo;d be screwed fighting a stronger opponent on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;If Hoops had broken her wing the whole quest may have failed and Luna may have lost her two most trusted companions, other than Pinkie that is.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />I hope I&rsquo;m not writing Pinkie as too much of a slut.&nbsp;&nbsp;The whole braid thing is based on someone I knew in high school who was actually collecting braids of her partners&rsquo; hair.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was only slutty like that with girls, not with boys.&nbsp;&nbsp;Go figure.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinkie reminds me of her.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think she still works at a bakery, which is weird.&nbsp;&nbsp;That ear flop plus tailwave combo?&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightning strike I figure.&nbsp;&nbsp;I could&rsquo;ve used twitchytail for Darkbolt falling but really didn&rsquo;t want to.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />The idea of the cave/tunnel is based on a 19th century tourist attraction called The Spanish Mine near Ellenville New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;It has a wishing well in the end and the whole tunnel glitters with galenas.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are no wraiths in there as far as I know.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are salamanders.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Was Sir Gilead around all those thousand years?&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;d say yes, but not wandering around chasing people.&nbsp;&nbsp;During Luna&rsquo;s absence the creatures of the night were hiding away, at least to some extent.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one has seen a wraith in centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;How many more are out there?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />My original idea was to have Dash do a Sonic Rainboom on the way back.&nbsp;&nbsp;The glass doors explode and there&rsquo;s Dash, etc. but in the end I thought it was silly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Luna always seems to have a sad story, right?&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, I figure she&rsquo;s basically a tragic figure with a second chance at life.&nbsp;&nbsp;I like to think she&rsquo;s taking it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>",
  "pools_count": 2,
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