The Stars in Her Eyes.by OzoPoniChaptersThe GreatBaltimare BalletThe PowerfulWhat Now?The First StopThe GreatI was there in the crowd watching the blue unicorn on stage. It was a sight to behold: the way her cape waved in the wind, and her pose against the bright fireworks behind her. I cheered like the other ponies and stamped my hooves in the dirt. But that was hours before, and her magic carriage was now in front of me. I was nervous: I looked around as if trying to find something to stop me. I kicked the dirt with my hoof. I looked up and hoped to see her, but I never did. I felt like a stalker; like I was following her every move and violating her. But I wasn't trying to. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted to spend time with her like normal ponies, ever since my cousin Zo Zo and I saw her as little ones. I had to stand up tall and be a brave pony. This may be my last chance to meet The Great and Powerful Trixie. Before I knew it, I was in front of the carriage. I swallowed hard and knocked gently. After one second of knocking, I immediately figured she wasn't going to answer, so I turned around and started to walk off when I heard the door open. "Yes? What is it?" she called out. I turned and saw her. She was even more beautiful without the cape and hat. I stumbled on my words, trying to figure out what to say, but she spoke again. "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't like being disturbed!" she shot me a nasty look. Oh no, I made her angry. "Uh, um. Hi." was all I managed to spill out. She cocked her head in confusion, "You bother Trixie while she is relaxing and all you have to say is 'Hi'?" "No!" I gulped, "I- I'm-" I looked up at her nervously before collapsing to the ground in front of her, "I'm your biggest fan!" "Well, well, a fan? I suppose you want an autograph." She flipped her mane with her hoof. By Celestia's sun, she's gorgeous. "Oh that would be great!" I stopped myself, I didn't want to seem more obsessive. "But I was just wanting to meet you. My cousin and I saw one of your first shows. We were little then, and I've been a fan since." "My first show's were when I was just a filly!" Surprise and interest were replacing the anger and irritation in her voice. "And you wanted to meet me?" "Of course! You're the Great and Powerful Trixie! I've always wanted to meet you." I pawed at the ground with the hoof. The reality of how embarrassing this celebrity crush truly is began to sink in. I felt a warmth in my cheeks, meaning I was probably blushing. She's going to see me blush! "Well, now you've met The Great and Powerful Trixie. What next?" she looked at me in anticipation. "I don't know- uh- we could hang out?" I started sweating and shaking like a crazy pony. She was going to shoot me down, I could feel it in my chest. My heart was hurting at the thought of rejection. "Alright, let's go." she said as a small smirk slipped through her lips, and she trotted past me. I nearly tripped over my hooves trying to keep up. "Where did you have in mind?" "We-We could just walk around town. Maybe go to the park?" I suggested, eyeing the magician in front of me. "Very well, even though Trixie finds that boring." She scoffed. "What do you want to do, Trixie?" I asked, but she didn't say anything. I walked beside her, trying not to stare at her too much. It was getting darker and darker to where I couldn't see very far ahead, but she seemed to know where she was going. "Hey, Trixie?" "Ugh! What is it?" She stopped and faced me, glaring hard enough to burn two eye-sized holes into my soul. If anything she was definitely mean. She wasn't anything like I thought she'd be. Then again, I did show up at her house uninvited. "I- I was just wondering how often you come here. You seem to know your way." I was expecting Trixie to insult me, or to snap. But she simply turned back and started her way again. "Once or twice a year." She finally said, her voice much more quiet than before. "Do you have anyone travel with you?" At my question, Trixie stopped dead in her tracks. uh oh, I must have hit a sore spot. I looked back at her, "Trixie?" I tried to get her attention, but she started walking again. "No." "Trixie, I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." I apologized. "For what? It's not your fault Trixie travels alone." She said solemnly. Nopony should be alone. She and I weren't that different as far as this aspect went. We finally made it to the nearest park and it was completely dark out. We made acquaintances with a nearby park bench and sat there for a few moments in silence. Trixie was the first to speak. "Tell me, why are you so interested in the Great and Powerful Trixie?" As much as I admired her, the whole title thing was getting a little annoying. "I already told you, I've been a big fan since I was a little one." "So, you believe it's just okay to come to Trixie's home, uninvited, and ask to hang out?!" She was back to anger again, causing me to trip over my words. "I- uh- I just wanted to-" My words were cut off as Trixie wrapped her hooves around me in a tight embrace. My heart started racing, and instinctively put my hooves around her. "Thank you." she whispered. Seeing this warmth from her made me smile. It was a much better side than her snobby side. "You're welcome." I whispered, "Nopony should be alone." "Trix- I should." She muttered as she shrugged herself away from me. "I've treated ponies so horribly, I've never really vanquished an Ursa Major. Not even an Ursa Minor!" She hung her head low. "Are you sorry for the way you treated them?" I asked carefully. "Of course. What pony wouldn't?" She seemed like she was on the verge of tears. I tried to place a hoof on her shoulder, but she slapped it away. "Don't look at me!" "Trixie!" I called out, making her flinch. I placed my hoof on her shoulder again. "If you are sorry for how you treated the other ponies and it's all behind you, then, well- It's behind you." I gave her a warm smile, and she seemed to calm down. "Who taught you that?" She asked. It was a strange question, nopony really taught it to me, I just kinda figured it out. "It's smart to understand." "I wasn't taught, you just have to learn it." I smiled, and pulled her into another hug. With a little time, she turned out to be a decent pony. And then, something unexpected happened. She kissed my cheek. Wow. I- wow. "Thank you, for everything." She smiled at me. I looked at her, I could see the stars in her eyes. The same stars she had when I saw her as a little pony. They were the stars of happiness. "Are we now friends?" "We can be!" Friends with The Great and Powerful Trixie? This was a dream come true! "Good! It's good for the Great and Powerful Trixie to have a friend!" A warmth grew in my chest. I'm glad that she's in a better mood. Now that I've spent time with her, she's not as stuck up as she was at first. Or I was just used to it. Plus, I got that free kiss on the cheek. But almost as soon she expressed her triumph, a sullen look overtook her. "I'm going to be leaving town tomorrow for my next performance. Would you..." She took a pause, seeming unsure if she should ask, "Would you want to come with me?" What? Go with her? That would be great, but my home and other friends were all here. "I, um..." I couldn't just get up and leave on a whim, could I? I looked at Trixie's expression, which seemed to become more and more regretful of asking me to travel with her. My friends are all adults, they can take care of themselves for a few days. And my house definitely isn't going anywhere. "Sure." Trixie's face became the brightest I had ever seen, then she threw her hooves around me and pulled me into another hug. "Thank you!" I felt myself smiling. Who knows? It may not be so bad. "Go and pack a bag, we leave tomorrow!" "Sure thing, Trixie!" And away we go. Author's Note Just a little short thing I worked on at 2 in the morning. Hope you enjoyed. Baltimare BalletIt was a few hours until sunset when Trixie was showing me how to set up the fireworks and when to set them off. I was well hidden behind the curtain on the stage extension of the wagon. I was neck deep in fuses and explosives, so needless to say I was nervous. The fireworks might not have been as much magic as they were science, but the way Trixie used them in her show was brilliant. She was brilliant. Trixie was going on and on about how Baltimare paid the most bits for her performances, but the food wasn't the best. At the mention of food, my stomach started to growl so loudly, Trixie nearly froze in place. "I suppose you're hungry. No worries, once we are done here, you can get us some food." "Why don't we both get food?" I suggested, not wanting to be an errand pony, but also not wanting to upset Trixie. "Don't be ridiculous. Trixie needs to prepare for tonight. Now let's hurry so you can get Trixie a smoothie." Trixie was probably just being snide because of pre-show preparation. She'll probably be better after the performance. I thought to myself as I ordered a smoothie for Trixie, two hay patty sandwiches, and some water for after the show. All the items were placed in a paper bag that I carried in my mouth as I trotted through Baltimare. It's been so long since I've been here. I wonder if any of the ponies I knew back then are still here. I was so caught up in my train of thought that I didn't see the stallion that I ran into head first. "Hey!" He shouted. I scrambled back to my hooves and tried apologizing. "Ah fowwie!" I spoke with the bag in my mouth. The stallion scoffed and walked away muttering some obscenities. I shook it off and continued my way getting back to Trixie; making sure to pay attention this time. From just a few yards away, I saw the mint blue mare looking over a few things. She wasn't wearing her cape or hat, which was rare to see in public. She looked amazing, and when she heard me coming, she turned to face me. "There you are. The Great and Powerful Trixie needs you to wash her cape. Use a gentle soap and cold water so it doesn't shrink." I told myself that washing her cape probably wasn't that bad of a thing to ask. She had a lot to prepare for the show since there were more ponies. "After that, we can relax for a few minutes and then begin the show." "You should have been more careful." Trixie scolded me. "I'm sorry," I hung my head in shame, "I didn't know that would happen." During the show, I had set off a fuse that was a little to close to my muzzle. A few sparks burned me and I knocked over the stand it was on. Instead of shooting into the air, it shot straight at Trixie. Fortunately, she was able to use her magic to put up a shield which caused the fireworks vibrant sparkles to surround her like a bright glowing sphere of fire. The audience loved it, but unfortunately for me, Trixie was furious. Also, my hoof was very close to the rocket before it went off, causing pretty significant burns. "Trixie should send you home. Or even leave you in Ponyville with your cousin." She snorted, "You're just lucky that little mistake of yours earned me more bits." Ponyville? Home? After only two days? This can't be happening. "Trixie, I'm sorry. It was a mistake and it won't happen again." "I know it won't." She spoke flatly. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I had always dreamed of meeting Trixie, and I was more than just lucky to travel with her. I was happy. Could this really be the end? After just one mistake? "Trixie..." my voice caught in my throat as I held back my tears. Please don't send me away! Please! My mind screamed, but my mouth made no such sound. "If y-you want me t-to go, I will." What? No! That's not what I want! If Trixie hadn't been wrapping my hoof in bandages, I would have slapped myself. But Trixie wasn't wrapping my hoof; The bandages were still wrapped in a beautiful blue aura, but they didn't move. For a moment, it felt like time had suddenly stopped. When I looked at Trixie, even she seemed frozen. She looked lost in thought, but she obviously wasn't angry. She looked hurt. After a moment, she finally spoke. "Fine." Ponyville Ponyville was a haze. Trixie didn't say a word after she finished the bandages other than "Take care of it." I felt like I was kicked in the stomach all night. I passed ponies: they didn't say anything about the bandages or my limp. Instead ,some said hello, others waved or asked if I was having a good morning. I didn't say anything, or wave, or ask about their mornings in return. The only things in my head were a nauseating droning sound and how I made an amazing mare mad at me beyond words. The ponies didn't seem to mind me ignoring them, though. They were beginning to to head for an Unusual stage-wagon that rolled into the middle of town. I made my way to an old-timey building that had a hanging sign with an envelope and the words "Post Office." Maybe they'll have Zo Zo's address. I thought to myself as the door suddenly flew open and a grey pegasus crashed into me. "My bad!" She exclaimed, trying to help me up. "It's ok." I mumbled. I noticed the saddle bag with envelopes and my curiosity got me. "Hey, you work here, right?" "Yeah!" She answered excitedly, "My name is Ditzy Doo, but most ponies call me Derpy." "Derpy?" "I don't mind it too much!" Another look over of her and noticing how her eyes pointed two different ways made me understand why people would call her that. I shook my head, getting back to my point. "Do you know where a pony named Ozone lives? He's my cousin and I'm trying to find him." The girl seemed to be lost, but in a minute or so, she dumped her saddle bag and began searching through the letters and packages. I stood there awkwardly until a letter was shoved into my face. 1008 Alfalfa Ave, huh? "Thank you so much." I said and ran off without helping Ditzy. I began my halfhearted trot through Ponyville. I had no idea where Alfalfa Avenue was, but I knew how to read signs. I started to soak in the feel of Ponyville: Everything was old fashioned, they had a Coffee Lobby, and the ponies were friendly enough. It was someplace I could live. And then I remembered how Trixie was kicking me off here in Ponyville, even if I was the one who said I'd go. My head started to swim again and I felt like I was seconds away from throwing up before I heard a familiar voice. "Hey, what are you doing here?" I looked up and saw an orange stallion with a black mane. "Lanti?" I asked. "Yep! And it's good to see you! Are you here to visit Ozone?" "Huh? Oh- yeah- yes I am! Where is he?" I asked "He's at the house. C'mon, I'll take ya there." Lantern and I walked to their house, and we began catching up and telling me stories about long nights of drinking. The thought of alcohol made me gag at first, but a thought occurred to me: maybe drinking would take my mind off of Trixie. Just the thought of her name made my throat swell and caused tears to build. How could I mess up so badly on the first night of helping a performance? "You alright?" Lantern looked at me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I lied through my teeth. "First, there's that." He pointed at my bandages, which I then tried to hide, "Second, you're normally a lot cheery-er." "That's not a real word." I teased him. "That isn't my point. You know Ozone is gonna flip out whenever he sees that. Not to mention angry at who did it." I sighed, "My hoof was an accident; I burned it. Secondly..." I kicked my hoof at the ground. "Mare troubles?" He asked, half joking. I was shocked, but Lantern had a knack for guessing what was wrong with ponies. I accepted my defeat. "Yeah. I made her mad." "Did she burn your hoof?" He cocked an eyebrow. "No! I told you that was an accident. I burned it on some fireworks. What happened-" Lantern looked even more confused. "How in the hay did you burn your hoof on fireworks?" I really just wanted to be in a place where I could sit down and take a breath without being questioned every three seconds. What I really wanted was to be back with Trixie, but she was probably performing by now. I gave him a look and he figured me out pretty quickly. "Alright, we'll talk about it when we get home. By the way, it's good to see you again." He pulled me into a hug before we set off to Alfalfa Avenue. "It's good to see you too." The Powerful"What the hay happened to your hoof!?" Ozone shouted while hugging me. "I burned it by accident. Fireworks." Ozone was more than excited that I came to visit. Before he saw my hoof, he was talking about making dinner and brewing some tea and coffee. His mane was different some how. "Fireworks?!" He asked. "I was going to surprise you, but since it's no longer a t-thing." I started to get choked up again. Wow, I'm pathetic. "I got to travel with The Great and Powerful Trixie." "The Trixie? THE Trixie?! She's in town! We should go see her, just like when we were little!" "She probably doesn't even want to see me..." I went on to explain how I met her, spoke to her, and ended up travelling with her. Ozone was totally jealous. And then I got to the "argument" and how I'd be staying in Ponyville after she left. "I'm sure if we talk to her, she'll change her mind." Ozone placed a hoof on my shoulder. "From what you've told me, she seems pretty special to you." My chest started to feel light again, but it also hurt. "She's not just special, she's amazing. She's the greatest, and she's the only mare that's shown any thought or care about me. She's- She's-" "The most awful of ponies!" a voice shouted as an alabaster unicorn with her mane wrapped in a towel. "That Trixie destroyed my mane!" She collapsed dramatically onto Ozone's shoulder. "It took me an hour to get it back to its former glory!" "Rarity? What happened?" Ozone tried to calm the frantic pony. Wait, did she say Trixie? "The girls and I went to see some magic show and it was nothing more than some boastful unicorn who had nothing better to do than bully my friends! She basically attacked us!" That couldn't be right. Trixie? Bullying ponies? Ozone was busy comforting Rarity, but he spared a second to give me a confused and angry look that said "Go talk to her. Now." "I'll be back." I told them. It was nighttime when I found myself staring at the wagon again. I had passed two young colts talking about some Ursa Major. They probably saw Trixie's show. I thought to myself. I looked up at the door and felt the Deja Vu of the first night. I swallowed my nervousness and knocked on the door. Within seconds, it opened and the most beautiful blue unicorn I'd ever seen was practically yelling in my face. "Trixie thought she-" Once she realized it was me, she suddenly withdrew. "Oh, it's you." "May I come in?" I asked, trying not to show how nervous I was. She seemed hesitant, but she let me in. Nothing had changed in the few hours I was gone. "How is your hoof?" She asked with genuine concern. "It's fine, but that's not why I'm here." I turned to face her and took a deep breath before beginning, "I heard about today's show, and the audience members." "They doubted me and I showed them! I showed them not to mess with the Great Trixie!" She defended herself. "But did you have to fight them, Trixie?!" After suddenly yelling, I felt as light as air, and Trixie was taken aback. "Trixie... What is going on? You've never acted like this before." "That's just how Trixie gets. Nopony- nopony- doubts Trixie." She gave me a glare before continuing, "I still haven't forgiven you for nearly setting my stage on fire in Baltimare. You are a weak pony: you just do whatever you are told and that makes you happy. You are weak!" Her saying that started to make me angry, "Trixie, that was an accident and you know it. It was one mistake!" "No, letting you come with me was the mistake." She retorted. How could she say that? How could she be so cold? All I had ever done was keep her company and try to be her friend! "Well, maybe I haven't forgiven you!" I fired wildly; I felt out of control, like something inside had taken over and all I could do was watch. "What kind of pony sends out an injured pony on their own in a town they've never been in? What if my cousin didn't take me in and I was stuck on my own?! Do you even feathering care about other ponies? Or is it just about money and being 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'?" I realized then that in my rant, I had marched to her and was practically pressing my muzzle against hers. "What makes you think I forgive you for that?" I was crying at that point; the trails of tears making small streaks on my fur. But Trixie spoke again. "Do you think Trixie has forgiven herself for that?" "Huh?" I questioned. "Do you think Trix- Do you think I want you to go?!" She shouted; causing me to flinch. "You've been the only pony to even care about me! To show any form of interest in me! Ponies don't just come up to my wagon in the middle of the night just to meet me. You're the only pony that's been able to put up with me for more than five seconds!" "My whole life, I've been your biggest fan." I spoke carefully, "I can stand you because while I was growing up, I saw you as a Great and Powerful pony, not just a magician. But I'll be honest, you act like a snob at times, but I know you are a good pony. I don't want to leave- I don't even know why I said I'd leave! But, I-I want you to apologize to my cousin's friend." Trixie stayed quiet, tears budding in her icy blue eyes. She nodded for a minute before speaking, "I will." Good. Then she stepped forward and forced herself into a hug. I didn't feel nervous this time, I just wrapped my forehoof around her. "And... It's okay if you want to come back." Her words felt like a weight being lifted off my chest. "I'm gonna go see Ozone, okay? I didn't get to spend too much time with him earlier." I nuzzled the magician, who agreed. I knew she was annoyed that I was leaving again, but she knew I'd be back. I left the wagon feeling better, but Trixie still had to apologize to the ponies she hurt. That didn't last very long, at all. I thought to myself. To be honest, I thought it would last a lot longer, but at least nothing bad was going to happen. When I got back to Ozone, his friend was asleep on the couch and Lanti was starting to tap into his drinks. I gave him a quiet wave and he returned it with a raise of his glass. Ozone peered around the corner afterwards and motioned for me to come over. "How'd it go?" He asked. "It was ok. Trixie says she is going to apologize soon, but she doesn't know the address of this place, so it could be tricky." I was exhausted: I went from hurt, to happy, to confused, to angry, and back to happy in one day. "Is there any place I can sleep?" "You can sleep in my-" Ozone was cut off by a sudden roar and a violent shake of the earth; like footsteps. "What in the hay was that?!" "I'll check it out," Lantern jumped up, heading for the door, "y'all stay here!" And before we could say anything, he ran out of the house. After a few seconds, the shaking seemed to become less violent. Whatever was causing it was getting further away. The window! I peered out the small glass in the wall and saw ponies running away from something. I kept looking as far as the window would let me until i saw something monstrous in size and blue. It looked like a bear made of stars. Ozone was right behind me, "Dear Luna, is that an Ursa Major?! Here!?" "Trixie!" I shouted, and bolted for the door, only to be stopped by Ozone. "We have to stay here! You know how dangerous Ursas are! You saw Trixie's show!" Ozone gave a strong push to get me away from the door. "Lantern told us to stay here and that's what we are gonna do!" "I know how dangerous they are, that's why we need to get Trixie so she can deal with it, now let me through!" I tried pushing my way through. Ozone's horn started to glow. "I don't want to do this, but I have to." He spoke threateningly. "Wait what?" I felt a sudden tingle hit me in the chest and then I felt sleepy... So very sleepy. My whole body was tingling as my legs suddenly felt numb and gave out underneath me. I didn't even feel the floor when I hit it, but I saw it coming closer before falling asleep. What Now?I wasn't out for too long, but when I woke up my head felt completely empty. Parts of my body were still numb and my insides felt like they were missing. What just happened? Ozone was above me, helping me wake up, and saying things that sounded like "It's gone". "Hu-wah?" Was the only thing that came out of my mouth. Ozo helped me get to my hooves and propped me up when I still couldn't stand on my own. "Ozo? What happened?" "It's all right, now. The Ursa is gone somehow." He spoke reassuringly, trying to help me gain my balance. "What in the hay did you do to me?" I asked, still trying to figure out what it was that he did. "A tranquilizer spell I learned when Lanti got into his brawls at taverns and bars." He stated proudly, as if honoring it. "It's saved our plots plenty of times." That sounded right. My mind quickly went from Ozo using that spell on some bulking stallions beating Lanti's flank to the Ursa. And then to that wonderful blue unicorn. "Where's Trixie? Is she ok?!" My heart was racing; worrying about her. "I have to go find her!" I bolted out the door as quickly as my noodle legs would let me. Behind me I heard Ozone telling me not to go before the spell wore off, but I wasn't listening. As soon as I got to the road, I collapsed. "Trixie!" I tried calling out, but my voice was weak. You're a weak pony! Her voice echoed in my head. I forced all of my energy into standing back on my hooves, but I could only do so much. I fell onto my burned hoof, sending an agonizing pain up my leg. I forced my strength again to stand, but I fell once more. "Trixie..." I mumbled. "Where are you?" Ozone was by my side again, helping me stand. Once I was on my feet, I began walking again. I was doing everything I could to keep from falling, and that included resisting Ozone. Trixie. I have to find you. I made it down the street, around the corner and to the center of town where a crowd of ponies were dispersing. I had most of the feeling in my legs back by the time I found the remains of Trixie's wagon. I fumbled through the debris frantically. She's alive, she has to be! Please be alive! I felt an unbearable pain the more rubble I went through without finding her. I was thinking that at any moment I'd see her body. And I didn't know if she'd be alive or not. In the distance I saw a blue fabric floating in the wind. It seemed like it was trying to find something, as if a magic spell was put on it to find its owner. I ran over to see Trixie's cape, flapping helplessly in the air. I grabbed it with my mouth and took off down the road it was trying to go. My legs were still a bit shaky, but I wasn't stopping soon. I wasn't stopping until I found that blue unicorn. "Trixie!" I called out repeatedly. I had been searching for hours, and I had found both her cape and hat. "Trixie!" I was on the outskirts of Ponyville. "Trixie!" And then I saw her. She was curled into a ball on the ground and she was crying. "Trixie!" I called out and ran to her. She sat up and looked at me before lunging into a sob-filled hug. "Are you OK? What happened?" I held her tight to comfort her. "I'm not great, and I'm not powerful! I'm just some stupid unicorn who's good at lights!" She screamed with tears in her eyes, "That thing destroyed my home! Now everypony will know I'm just a flop!" "You're not a flop, Trixie! You are the greatest magician to ever live!" I told her, but she wasn't listening. "No I'm not! I'm just a unicorn who got good at shooting fireworks! That wasn't even an Ursa Major, it was a Minor! I'll never be as good at magic as that Twilight Sparkle! I'll never be good at magic! I'll nev-" Her words cut off as she broke down into a hysterical crying fit. "I'm not the Great and Powerful Trixie, I'm just Trixie!" "No you aren't, Trixie. You are the greatest most powerful unicorn to ever exist! You may not have defeated the Ursa, but listen: When I was little, and I saw your show for the very first time, I was entranced! I wanted to know everything about you, I wanted to know you, to meet you. I was even founder of my school's 'The Great and Powerful Trixie Fanclub'! I loved your show so much I couldn't stop thinking about it for years and years and here I am today. I traveled half of Equestria with you, through thick and thin and I've enjoyed every minute of it." I lifted her head up with my hoof to look into those beautiful eyes that caused my heart to race. "Now you tell me that isn't magic." She sniffled a bit before answering, "You really mean all of that? After all I've done to you and how badly I've treated you?" "Of course I mean it, Trixie! At first, I thought you were the most powerful unicorn in Equestria, then I thought you were kind of a brat, but I've seen every angle of you, Trixie, and I know you're simply a pony. Just like me and everypony else and I-" My words got lost and I failed to speak. Something was caught in my chest and I couldn't say a word to her. "You what?" She asked. "Well, I-I like you, T-Trixie." Great, I'm stuttering again. "I mean- What I'm trying to s-say is-" I'm not sure what happened, but I was pretty sure Ozone's spell was still kicking around in my brain. Especially when I felt my body lean forward and kiss Trixie. I just kissed Trixie! My heart was having an ultra party in my chest and I wasn't invited. The party got harder as I felt Trixie kiss back. She kissed back! Everything that had gone wrong: My burnt hoof, the Ursa attacking Ponyville, our home being destroyed, Trixie being humiliated, and the side effects of the spell immediately faded away in a moment of bliss. I kissed Trixie. As much as I enjoyed the moment, it had to end at some point. And that "some point" was when Lantern came running up on us. "There you are! Ozo's been worried sick about you!" "Lanti, how did you find us?" I asked. "I just know these things, kid!" He smiled. "C'mon, Ozone is waiting for us." Trixie and I rose to our hooves and followed Lantern back to Ozone's house. "Is there anything you need before you set off?" Ozone asked us. After a night's hospitality, a full stomach and food for the road, we couldn't ask for much more. "Nothing else, but thank you anyway!" I hugged him and Lanti before stepping away so Trixie could say goodbye. "We're planning to get to Fillydelphia to get a new wagon. It's not a very far trip." "Well, take care of yourselves." And with that, we left Ponyville on foot. Trixie and I walked close to each other the whole time. And then I kissed her. The First StopAuthor's Note I was NOT intending in ANY way for this to be a series. I was originally planning one chapter and done, but the idea suddenly hit me. The idea couldn't have been more poorly timed because as soon as I started typing, our power went out and my laptop died before I did any actual work. So I wrote this chapter from the LG Optimus Pro G. And it wasn't fun. (Sorry It took so long <3) The First Stop Trottingham The air was crisp and chilling when we got out of Trixie's wagon. It was much larger on the inside than it would appear. It was magic after all. "First, we need to find a good place to set up the stage." She told me. I had never been to Trottingham before, so I didn't know the first thing about where to set up. The good part of that was I got to walk around with Trixie. Trixie's snobbish side still came out every now and again over the night. Especially when I couldn't name something or help her with her act. But with the right amount of time, she was actually a pretty good friend. After nearly an hour of walking around town together, we found a wide open area in front of a large water fountain. "This should be a good place to set up." She said triumphantly, "Let's go get the cart and get ready!" She turned around to leave, but something in my head clicked on and made me stop her. "Hey, wait!" I called out. She turned around with an expectant look and I started to fumble again. "Well, I w-was wondering if we, uh, if we could hang around a little bit?" I was pretty sure she was going to say no, or at least try and put an argument. However, she surprisingly agreed and relaxed a bit. "Well, what should we do?" She asked. This was the second time I'd been put in this situation and I still couldn't give an answer to that question. "Uh, we could..." I looked around to see what all was in the general area. Furniture store? No. Beach Supply? No. Coffee Lobby Trottingham? Maybe. "We could get some coffee?" I suggested after none of the other buildings seemed to be anything worth examining. However, there was one building that caught my eye. It didn't have a sign, but it had red neon lights in the windows. I put it on my mental list to check out later. "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't drink coffee." She answered dramatically. "Well, I'm sure they have other things besides coffee." I shrugged. Trixie sighed and agreed; We made our way to the coffee store. The barista pony greeted us with a smile and offered us something called "Bon Bon's Deal of the Day." Trixie looked around the lobby, noticing a few ponies who were looking at us strangely. They saw some celebrity walk into their normal coffee shop and saw she was was accompanied by a pony they have probably never seen before. Who knows what they were thinking? We got our drinks and sat at an empty table away from the other ponies. "I don't like sitting in a crowd." She explained. "Maybe you're just not used to it." I suggested. Trixie looked down at her drink, and seemed deep in thought about something. "Trixie?" I called to her, making her snap back to reality. "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about a spell I learned last night. It's a minor defensive spell since we'll be getting to Manehattan eventually." She shuddered, "I lost all my bits in some poorly executed mugging." "Poorly executed?" I asked. "Well, obviously it worked, but their technique was terrible." She let out a small laugh as if her being robbed was a joke. I let out a nervous chuckle, not knowing what to say. We finished our drinks while discussing our travel plans. Perform here tonight, go to Baltimare, perform, go to Fillydelphia, perform, go to Manehattan, perform and then run for our lives to Hoofington where we won't perform, and then back where we started. We were walking through the streets of Trottingham when a sudden voice blasted overhead. Heyya, everypony! It's me, Silver, reporting to you live from the EFR: Equestria's Finest Radio! And only Radio... Suddenly I remembered that the bigger cities had radios. Where I came from, they weren't very popular, and they were seriously expensive. I remembered hearing about some disc jockey named "Silver Puls" who used to perform with electronic music. Supposedly, he settled down and now broadcasts music and news from a hidden bunker/radio station. "Hey Trixie, what do you know about radios?" I asked the blue mare. "Not much, other than they are loud and I want one. There aren't any good radio stations besides EFR, which is why they are playing it here. But never mind that, we have to get the wagon to my spot. Let's go." Night Time The show went off without a hitch: Fireworks, magic, showmanship, an "Ursa Major, and more fireworks. I had a front row seat and when the show was over, I stuck around to help Trixie pack up and we left for Baltimare. Luckily the wagon is large enough on the inside that we can sleep in it so we don't have to pay for a room at Inns. While we were on the road, I decided to get to know more about Trixie. "Hey Trixie?" I asked, somewhat nervous. "Yes?" She looked at me with her bright blue eyes. "Well, I-I was wondering if I could ask you something." I kicked at my forehoof. "I suppose so." She responded; not necessarily paying attention. I was already losing her! "Well, where are you from?" She snorted an answer that sounded like "Hoofington" but I couldn't be sure. "Er, do you have any family in Balt-" "No." She said flattly. This was going really well. "Friends?" No. "Business partners?" No. "Envelopes?" No. For some reason, she wasn't in a talking mood and I felt I was making things worse. "H-how about you ask me a question?" "Are you good with magic?" She asked halfheartedly. "I can do a card trick or two-" I started to offer, but she cut me off again. "I've been thinking you should start doing some work if you're going to be traveling with Trixie. What are you good at?" "Um-uh," Fiddlesticks, I wasn't good at anything! She's probably going to dump me off here between Trottingham and Baltimare! I tried thinking of things she did and if I would be any good at them. Suddenly, it hit me: "Fireworks! I know how fireworks work. You light the fuse and they go off!" She seemed to think it over, and then finally agreed. "I guess you can be in charge of the lights. We'll be in Baltimare by tomorrow afternoon. Trixie is going to sleep now." That was a close one! I screamed internally, and something else suddenly hit me: I have a cousin that lives in Baltimare! Ozo would love to meet Trixie! I slept on the floor where I did the night before and fell asleep thinking about how I'd see my cousin again. For Sale: Inquire Within "He doesn't live here anymore?" I asked the sign in front of his house. "What about Lantern? He should still be here!" I knocked on the big door and a pony I had never seen before opened it. "Are you here to buy the house?!" She asked excitedly. "Um, no. I'm looking for my cousin who lives- well, lived here." "Oh, are you Ozone's cousin? He moved to Ponyville a few months ago." She maintained the excitement. Ponyville? Where in the hay is that? I thanked the estate pony and ran back to where Trixie parked the wagon. "Hey, do you know where Ponyville is? My cousin lives there and I was hoping I could visit him on our trip." "Ponyville, hm?" She pondered, "I believe it is somewhere south of Canterlot, and a little out-of-the-way, but Trixie supposes. "Thank you so much!" I nearly tackled Trixie with a hug. Ozo wasn't just my cousin, he was my best friend, and I haven't seen him or Lantern in years, and- and- I'm hugging Trixie. I'M HUGGING TRIXIE. I quickly jumped off her and let out a nervous laugh. She was standing there as if frozen and I feared the worst. I knew I crossed a line by touching her when she can't even stand most ponies talking to her. I knew I was about to either be yelled at or asked to leave. But she didn't do either of those things. Instead, she smiled at me. My chest started to pound, but not from fear. I didn't know what I was feeling. "No need to thank Trixie. Plus, more shows mean more bits." She added "Ponyville" between Baltimare and Fillydelphia on the list hanging up in the wagon. This is going to be the best trip ever!
The GreatI was there in the crowd watching the blue unicorn on stage. It was a sight to behold: the way her cape waved in the wind, and her pose against the bright fireworks behind her. I cheered like the other ponies and stamped my hooves in the dirt. But that was hours before, and her magic carriage was now in front of me. I was nervous: I looked around as if trying to find something to stop me. I kicked the dirt with my hoof. I looked up and hoped to see her, but I never did. I felt like a stalker; like I was following her every move and violating her. But I wasn't trying to. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted to spend time with her like normal ponies, ever since my cousin Zo Zo and I saw her as little ones. I had to stand up tall and be a brave pony. This may be my last chance to meet The Great and Powerful Trixie. Before I knew it, I was in front of the carriage. I swallowed hard and knocked gently. After one second of knocking, I immediately figured she wasn't going to answer, so I turned around and started to walk off when I heard the door open. "Yes? What is it?" she called out. I turned and saw her. She was even more beautiful without the cape and hat. I stumbled on my words, trying to figure out what to say, but she spoke again. "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't like being disturbed!" she shot me a nasty look. Oh no, I made her angry. "Uh, um. Hi." was all I managed to spill out. She cocked her head in confusion, "You bother Trixie while she is relaxing and all you have to say is 'Hi'?" "No!" I gulped, "I- I'm-" I looked up at her nervously before collapsing to the ground in front of her, "I'm your biggest fan!" "Well, well, a fan? I suppose you want an autograph." She flipped her mane with her hoof. By Celestia's sun, she's gorgeous. "Oh that would be great!" I stopped myself, I didn't want to seem more obsessive. "But I was just wanting to meet you. My cousin and I saw one of your first shows. We were little then, and I've been a fan since." "My first show's were when I was just a filly!" Surprise and interest were replacing the anger and irritation in her voice. "And you wanted to meet me?" "Of course! You're the Great and Powerful Trixie! I've always wanted to meet you." I pawed at the ground with the hoof. The reality of how embarrassing this celebrity crush truly is began to sink in. I felt a warmth in my cheeks, meaning I was probably blushing. She's going to see me blush! "Well, now you've met The Great and Powerful Trixie. What next?" she looked at me in anticipation. "I don't know- uh- we could hang out?" I started sweating and shaking like a crazy pony. She was going to shoot me down, I could feel it in my chest. My heart was hurting at the thought of rejection. "Alright, let's go." she said as a small smirk slipped through her lips, and she trotted past me. I nearly tripped over my hooves trying to keep up. "Where did you have in mind?" "We-We could just walk around town. Maybe go to the park?" I suggested, eyeing the magician in front of me. "Very well, even though Trixie finds that boring." She scoffed. "What do you want to do, Trixie?" I asked, but she didn't say anything. I walked beside her, trying not to stare at her too much. It was getting darker and darker to where I couldn't see very far ahead, but she seemed to know where she was going. "Hey, Trixie?" "Ugh! What is it?" She stopped and faced me, glaring hard enough to burn two eye-sized holes into my soul. If anything she was definitely mean. She wasn't anything like I thought she'd be. Then again, I did show up at her house uninvited. "I- I was just wondering how often you come here. You seem to know your way." I was expecting Trixie to insult me, or to snap. But she simply turned back and started her way again. "Once or twice a year." She finally said, her voice much more quiet than before. "Do you have anyone travel with you?" At my question, Trixie stopped dead in her tracks. uh oh, I must have hit a sore spot. I looked back at her, "Trixie?" I tried to get her attention, but she started walking again. "No." "Trixie, I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." I apologized. "For what? It's not your fault Trixie travels alone." She said solemnly. Nopony should be alone. She and I weren't that different as far as this aspect went. We finally made it to the nearest park and it was completely dark out. We made acquaintances with a nearby park bench and sat there for a few moments in silence. Trixie was the first to speak. "Tell me, why are you so interested in the Great and Powerful Trixie?" As much as I admired her, the whole title thing was getting a little annoying. "I already told you, I've been a big fan since I was a little one." "So, you believe it's just okay to come to Trixie's home, uninvited, and ask to hang out?!" She was back to anger again, causing me to trip over my words. "I- uh- I just wanted to-" My words were cut off as Trixie wrapped her hooves around me in a tight embrace. My heart started racing, and instinctively put my hooves around her. "Thank you." she whispered. Seeing this warmth from her made me smile. It was a much better side than her snobby side. "You're welcome." I whispered, "Nopony should be alone." "Trix- I should." She muttered as she shrugged herself away from me. "I've treated ponies so horribly, I've never really vanquished an Ursa Major. Not even an Ursa Minor!" She hung her head low. "Are you sorry for the way you treated them?" I asked carefully. "Of course. What pony wouldn't?" She seemed like she was on the verge of tears. I tried to place a hoof on her shoulder, but she slapped it away. "Don't look at me!" "Trixie!" I called out, making her flinch. I placed my hoof on her shoulder again. "If you are sorry for how you treated the other ponies and it's all behind you, then, well- It's behind you." I gave her a warm smile, and she seemed to calm down. "Who taught you that?" She asked. It was a strange question, nopony really taught it to me, I just kinda figured it out. "It's smart to understand." "I wasn't taught, you just have to learn it." I smiled, and pulled her into another hug. With a little time, she turned out to be a decent pony. And then, something unexpected happened. She kissed my cheek. Wow. I- wow. "Thank you, for everything." She smiled at me. I looked at her, I could see the stars in her eyes. The same stars she had when I saw her as a little pony. They were the stars of happiness. "Are we now friends?" "We can be!" Friends with The Great and Powerful Trixie? This was a dream come true! "Good! It's good for the Great and Powerful Trixie to have a friend!" A warmth grew in my chest. I'm glad that she's in a better mood. Now that I've spent time with her, she's not as stuck up as she was at first. Or I was just used to it. Plus, I got that free kiss on the cheek. But almost as soon she expressed her triumph, a sullen look overtook her. "I'm going to be leaving town tomorrow for my next performance. Would you..." She took a pause, seeming unsure if she should ask, "Would you want to come with me?" What? Go with her? That would be great, but my home and other friends were all here. "I, um..." I couldn't just get up and leave on a whim, could I? I looked at Trixie's expression, which seemed to become more and more regretful of asking me to travel with her. My friends are all adults, they can take care of themselves for a few days. And my house definitely isn't going anywhere. "Sure." Trixie's face became the brightest I had ever seen, then she threw her hooves around me and pulled me into another hug. "Thank you!" I felt myself smiling. Who knows? It may not be so bad. "Go and pack a bag, we leave tomorrow!" "Sure thing, Trixie!" And away we go. Author's Note Just a little short thing I worked on at 2 in the morning. Hope you enjoyed.
Baltimare BalletIt was a few hours until sunset when Trixie was showing me how to set up the fireworks and when to set them off. I was well hidden behind the curtain on the stage extension of the wagon. I was neck deep in fuses and explosives, so needless to say I was nervous. The fireworks might not have been as much magic as they were science, but the way Trixie used them in her show was brilliant. She was brilliant. Trixie was going on and on about how Baltimare paid the most bits for her performances, but the food wasn't the best. At the mention of food, my stomach started to growl so loudly, Trixie nearly froze in place. "I suppose you're hungry. No worries, once we are done here, you can get us some food." "Why don't we both get food?" I suggested, not wanting to be an errand pony, but also not wanting to upset Trixie. "Don't be ridiculous. Trixie needs to prepare for tonight. Now let's hurry so you can get Trixie a smoothie." Trixie was probably just being snide because of pre-show preparation. She'll probably be better after the performance. I thought to myself as I ordered a smoothie for Trixie, two hay patty sandwiches, and some water for after the show. All the items were placed in a paper bag that I carried in my mouth as I trotted through Baltimare. It's been so long since I've been here. I wonder if any of the ponies I knew back then are still here. I was so caught up in my train of thought that I didn't see the stallion that I ran into head first. "Hey!" He shouted. I scrambled back to my hooves and tried apologizing. "Ah fowwie!" I spoke with the bag in my mouth. The stallion scoffed and walked away muttering some obscenities. I shook it off and continued my way getting back to Trixie; making sure to pay attention this time. From just a few yards away, I saw the mint blue mare looking over a few things. She wasn't wearing her cape or hat, which was rare to see in public. She looked amazing, and when she heard me coming, she turned to face me. "There you are. The Great and Powerful Trixie needs you to wash her cape. Use a gentle soap and cold water so it doesn't shrink." I told myself that washing her cape probably wasn't that bad of a thing to ask. She had a lot to prepare for the show since there were more ponies. "After that, we can relax for a few minutes and then begin the show." "You should have been more careful." Trixie scolded me. "I'm sorry," I hung my head in shame, "I didn't know that would happen." During the show, I had set off a fuse that was a little to close to my muzzle. A few sparks burned me and I knocked over the stand it was on. Instead of shooting into the air, it shot straight at Trixie. Fortunately, she was able to use her magic to put up a shield which caused the fireworks vibrant sparkles to surround her like a bright glowing sphere of fire. The audience loved it, but unfortunately for me, Trixie was furious. Also, my hoof was very close to the rocket before it went off, causing pretty significant burns. "Trixie should send you home. Or even leave you in Ponyville with your cousin." She snorted, "You're just lucky that little mistake of yours earned me more bits." Ponyville? Home? After only two days? This can't be happening. "Trixie, I'm sorry. It was a mistake and it won't happen again." "I know it won't." She spoke flatly. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I had always dreamed of meeting Trixie, and I was more than just lucky to travel with her. I was happy. Could this really be the end? After just one mistake? "Trixie..." my voice caught in my throat as I held back my tears. Please don't send me away! Please! My mind screamed, but my mouth made no such sound. "If y-you want me t-to go, I will." What? No! That's not what I want! If Trixie hadn't been wrapping my hoof in bandages, I would have slapped myself. But Trixie wasn't wrapping my hoof; The bandages were still wrapped in a beautiful blue aura, but they didn't move. For a moment, it felt like time had suddenly stopped. When I looked at Trixie, even she seemed frozen. She looked lost in thought, but she obviously wasn't angry. She looked hurt. After a moment, she finally spoke. "Fine." Ponyville Ponyville was a haze. Trixie didn't say a word after she finished the bandages other than "Take care of it." I felt like I was kicked in the stomach all night. I passed ponies: they didn't say anything about the bandages or my limp. Instead ,some said hello, others waved or asked if I was having a good morning. I didn't say anything, or wave, or ask about their mornings in return. The only things in my head were a nauseating droning sound and how I made an amazing mare mad at me beyond words. The ponies didn't seem to mind me ignoring them, though. They were beginning to to head for an Unusual stage-wagon that rolled into the middle of town. I made my way to an old-timey building that had a hanging sign with an envelope and the words "Post Office." Maybe they'll have Zo Zo's address. I thought to myself as the door suddenly flew open and a grey pegasus crashed into me. "My bad!" She exclaimed, trying to help me up. "It's ok." I mumbled. I noticed the saddle bag with envelopes and my curiosity got me. "Hey, you work here, right?" "Yeah!" She answered excitedly, "My name is Ditzy Doo, but most ponies call me Derpy." "Derpy?" "I don't mind it too much!" Another look over of her and noticing how her eyes pointed two different ways made me understand why people would call her that. I shook my head, getting back to my point. "Do you know where a pony named Ozone lives? He's my cousin and I'm trying to find him." The girl seemed to be lost, but in a minute or so, she dumped her saddle bag and began searching through the letters and packages. I stood there awkwardly until a letter was shoved into my face. 1008 Alfalfa Ave, huh? "Thank you so much." I said and ran off without helping Ditzy. I began my halfhearted trot through Ponyville. I had no idea where Alfalfa Avenue was, but I knew how to read signs. I started to soak in the feel of Ponyville: Everything was old fashioned, they had a Coffee Lobby, and the ponies were friendly enough. It was someplace I could live. And then I remembered how Trixie was kicking me off here in Ponyville, even if I was the one who said I'd go. My head started to swim again and I felt like I was seconds away from throwing up before I heard a familiar voice. "Hey, what are you doing here?" I looked up and saw an orange stallion with a black mane. "Lanti?" I asked. "Yep! And it's good to see you! Are you here to visit Ozone?" "Huh? Oh- yeah- yes I am! Where is he?" I asked "He's at the house. C'mon, I'll take ya there." Lantern and I walked to their house, and we began catching up and telling me stories about long nights of drinking. The thought of alcohol made me gag at first, but a thought occurred to me: maybe drinking would take my mind off of Trixie. Just the thought of her name made my throat swell and caused tears to build. How could I mess up so badly on the first night of helping a performance? "You alright?" Lantern looked at me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I lied through my teeth. "First, there's that." He pointed at my bandages, which I then tried to hide, "Second, you're normally a lot cheery-er." "That's not a real word." I teased him. "That isn't my point. You know Ozone is gonna flip out whenever he sees that. Not to mention angry at who did it." I sighed, "My hoof was an accident; I burned it. Secondly..." I kicked my hoof at the ground. "Mare troubles?" He asked, half joking. I was shocked, but Lantern had a knack for guessing what was wrong with ponies. I accepted my defeat. "Yeah. I made her mad." "Did she burn your hoof?" He cocked an eyebrow. "No! I told you that was an accident. I burned it on some fireworks. What happened-" Lantern looked even more confused. "How in the hay did you burn your hoof on fireworks?" I really just wanted to be in a place where I could sit down and take a breath without being questioned every three seconds. What I really wanted was to be back with Trixie, but she was probably performing by now. I gave him a look and he figured me out pretty quickly. "Alright, we'll talk about it when we get home. By the way, it's good to see you again." He pulled me into a hug before we set off to Alfalfa Avenue. "It's good to see you too."
The Powerful"What the hay happened to your hoof!?" Ozone shouted while hugging me. "I burned it by accident. Fireworks." Ozone was more than excited that I came to visit. Before he saw my hoof, he was talking about making dinner and brewing some tea and coffee. His mane was different some how. "Fireworks?!" He asked. "I was going to surprise you, but since it's no longer a t-thing." I started to get choked up again. Wow, I'm pathetic. "I got to travel with The Great and Powerful Trixie." "The Trixie? THE Trixie?! She's in town! We should go see her, just like when we were little!" "She probably doesn't even want to see me..." I went on to explain how I met her, spoke to her, and ended up travelling with her. Ozone was totally jealous. And then I got to the "argument" and how I'd be staying in Ponyville after she left. "I'm sure if we talk to her, she'll change her mind." Ozone placed a hoof on my shoulder. "From what you've told me, she seems pretty special to you." My chest started to feel light again, but it also hurt. "She's not just special, she's amazing. She's the greatest, and she's the only mare that's shown any thought or care about me. She's- She's-" "The most awful of ponies!" a voice shouted as an alabaster unicorn with her mane wrapped in a towel. "That Trixie destroyed my mane!" She collapsed dramatically onto Ozone's shoulder. "It took me an hour to get it back to its former glory!" "Rarity? What happened?" Ozone tried to calm the frantic pony. Wait, did she say Trixie? "The girls and I went to see some magic show and it was nothing more than some boastful unicorn who had nothing better to do than bully my friends! She basically attacked us!" That couldn't be right. Trixie? Bullying ponies? Ozone was busy comforting Rarity, but he spared a second to give me a confused and angry look that said "Go talk to her. Now." "I'll be back." I told them. It was nighttime when I found myself staring at the wagon again. I had passed two young colts talking about some Ursa Major. They probably saw Trixie's show. I thought to myself. I looked up at the door and felt the Deja Vu of the first night. I swallowed my nervousness and knocked on the door. Within seconds, it opened and the most beautiful blue unicorn I'd ever seen was practically yelling in my face. "Trixie thought she-" Once she realized it was me, she suddenly withdrew. "Oh, it's you." "May I come in?" I asked, trying not to show how nervous I was. She seemed hesitant, but she let me in. Nothing had changed in the few hours I was gone. "How is your hoof?" She asked with genuine concern. "It's fine, but that's not why I'm here." I turned to face her and took a deep breath before beginning, "I heard about today's show, and the audience members." "They doubted me and I showed them! I showed them not to mess with the Great Trixie!" She defended herself. "But did you have to fight them, Trixie?!" After suddenly yelling, I felt as light as air, and Trixie was taken aback. "Trixie... What is going on? You've never acted like this before." "That's just how Trixie gets. Nopony- nopony- doubts Trixie." She gave me a glare before continuing, "I still haven't forgiven you for nearly setting my stage on fire in Baltimare. You are a weak pony: you just do whatever you are told and that makes you happy. You are weak!" Her saying that started to make me angry, "Trixie, that was an accident and you know it. It was one mistake!" "No, letting you come with me was the mistake." She retorted. How could she say that? How could she be so cold? All I had ever done was keep her company and try to be her friend! "Well, maybe I haven't forgiven you!" I fired wildly; I felt out of control, like something inside had taken over and all I could do was watch. "What kind of pony sends out an injured pony on their own in a town they've never been in? What if my cousin didn't take me in and I was stuck on my own?! Do you even feathering care about other ponies? Or is it just about money and being 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'?" I realized then that in my rant, I had marched to her and was practically pressing my muzzle against hers. "What makes you think I forgive you for that?" I was crying at that point; the trails of tears making small streaks on my fur. But Trixie spoke again. "Do you think Trixie has forgiven herself for that?" "Huh?" I questioned. "Do you think Trix- Do you think I want you to go?!" She shouted; causing me to flinch. "You've been the only pony to even care about me! To show any form of interest in me! Ponies don't just come up to my wagon in the middle of the night just to meet me. You're the only pony that's been able to put up with me for more than five seconds!" "My whole life, I've been your biggest fan." I spoke carefully, "I can stand you because while I was growing up, I saw you as a Great and Powerful pony, not just a magician. But I'll be honest, you act like a snob at times, but I know you are a good pony. I don't want to leave- I don't even know why I said I'd leave! But, I-I want you to apologize to my cousin's friend." Trixie stayed quiet, tears budding in her icy blue eyes. She nodded for a minute before speaking, "I will." Good. Then she stepped forward and forced herself into a hug. I didn't feel nervous this time, I just wrapped my forehoof around her. "And... It's okay if you want to come back." Her words felt like a weight being lifted off my chest. "I'm gonna go see Ozone, okay? I didn't get to spend too much time with him earlier." I nuzzled the magician, who agreed. I knew she was annoyed that I was leaving again, but she knew I'd be back. I left the wagon feeling better, but Trixie still had to apologize to the ponies she hurt. That didn't last very long, at all. I thought to myself. To be honest, I thought it would last a lot longer, but at least nothing bad was going to happen. When I got back to Ozone, his friend was asleep on the couch and Lanti was starting to tap into his drinks. I gave him a quiet wave and he returned it with a raise of his glass. Ozone peered around the corner afterwards and motioned for me to come over. "How'd it go?" He asked. "It was ok. Trixie says she is going to apologize soon, but she doesn't know the address of this place, so it could be tricky." I was exhausted: I went from hurt, to happy, to confused, to angry, and back to happy in one day. "Is there any place I can sleep?" "You can sleep in my-" Ozone was cut off by a sudden roar and a violent shake of the earth; like footsteps. "What in the hay was that?!" "I'll check it out," Lantern jumped up, heading for the door, "y'all stay here!" And before we could say anything, he ran out of the house. After a few seconds, the shaking seemed to become less violent. Whatever was causing it was getting further away. The window! I peered out the small glass in the wall and saw ponies running away from something. I kept looking as far as the window would let me until i saw something monstrous in size and blue. It looked like a bear made of stars. Ozone was right behind me, "Dear Luna, is that an Ursa Major?! Here!?" "Trixie!" I shouted, and bolted for the door, only to be stopped by Ozone. "We have to stay here! You know how dangerous Ursas are! You saw Trixie's show!" Ozone gave a strong push to get me away from the door. "Lantern told us to stay here and that's what we are gonna do!" "I know how dangerous they are, that's why we need to get Trixie so she can deal with it, now let me through!" I tried pushing my way through. Ozone's horn started to glow. "I don't want to do this, but I have to." He spoke threateningly. "Wait what?" I felt a sudden tingle hit me in the chest and then I felt sleepy... So very sleepy. My whole body was tingling as my legs suddenly felt numb and gave out underneath me. I didn't even feel the floor when I hit it, but I saw it coming closer before falling asleep.
What Now?I wasn't out for too long, but when I woke up my head felt completely empty. Parts of my body were still numb and my insides felt like they were missing. What just happened? Ozone was above me, helping me wake up, and saying things that sounded like "It's gone". "Hu-wah?" Was the only thing that came out of my mouth. Ozo helped me get to my hooves and propped me up when I still couldn't stand on my own. "Ozo? What happened?" "It's all right, now. The Ursa is gone somehow." He spoke reassuringly, trying to help me gain my balance. "What in the hay did you do to me?" I asked, still trying to figure out what it was that he did. "A tranquilizer spell I learned when Lanti got into his brawls at taverns and bars." He stated proudly, as if honoring it. "It's saved our plots plenty of times." That sounded right. My mind quickly went from Ozo using that spell on some bulking stallions beating Lanti's flank to the Ursa. And then to that wonderful blue unicorn. "Where's Trixie? Is she ok?!" My heart was racing; worrying about her. "I have to go find her!" I bolted out the door as quickly as my noodle legs would let me. Behind me I heard Ozone telling me not to go before the spell wore off, but I wasn't listening. As soon as I got to the road, I collapsed. "Trixie!" I tried calling out, but my voice was weak. You're a weak pony! Her voice echoed in my head. I forced all of my energy into standing back on my hooves, but I could only do so much. I fell onto my burned hoof, sending an agonizing pain up my leg. I forced my strength again to stand, but I fell once more. "Trixie..." I mumbled. "Where are you?" Ozone was by my side again, helping me stand. Once I was on my feet, I began walking again. I was doing everything I could to keep from falling, and that included resisting Ozone. Trixie. I have to find you. I made it down the street, around the corner and to the center of town where a crowd of ponies were dispersing. I had most of the feeling in my legs back by the time I found the remains of Trixie's wagon. I fumbled through the debris frantically. She's alive, she has to be! Please be alive! I felt an unbearable pain the more rubble I went through without finding her. I was thinking that at any moment I'd see her body. And I didn't know if she'd be alive or not. In the distance I saw a blue fabric floating in the wind. It seemed like it was trying to find something, as if a magic spell was put on it to find its owner. I ran over to see Trixie's cape, flapping helplessly in the air. I grabbed it with my mouth and took off down the road it was trying to go. My legs were still a bit shaky, but I wasn't stopping soon. I wasn't stopping until I found that blue unicorn. "Trixie!" I called out repeatedly. I had been searching for hours, and I had found both her cape and hat. "Trixie!" I was on the outskirts of Ponyville. "Trixie!" And then I saw her. She was curled into a ball on the ground and she was crying. "Trixie!" I called out and ran to her. She sat up and looked at me before lunging into a sob-filled hug. "Are you OK? What happened?" I held her tight to comfort her. "I'm not great, and I'm not powerful! I'm just some stupid unicorn who's good at lights!" She screamed with tears in her eyes, "That thing destroyed my home! Now everypony will know I'm just a flop!" "You're not a flop, Trixie! You are the greatest magician to ever live!" I told her, but she wasn't listening. "No I'm not! I'm just a unicorn who got good at shooting fireworks! That wasn't even an Ursa Major, it was a Minor! I'll never be as good at magic as that Twilight Sparkle! I'll never be good at magic! I'll nev-" Her words cut off as she broke down into a hysterical crying fit. "I'm not the Great and Powerful Trixie, I'm just Trixie!" "No you aren't, Trixie. You are the greatest most powerful unicorn to ever exist! You may not have defeated the Ursa, but listen: When I was little, and I saw your show for the very first time, I was entranced! I wanted to know everything about you, I wanted to know you, to meet you. I was even founder of my school's 'The Great and Powerful Trixie Fanclub'! I loved your show so much I couldn't stop thinking about it for years and years and here I am today. I traveled half of Equestria with you, through thick and thin and I've enjoyed every minute of it." I lifted her head up with my hoof to look into those beautiful eyes that caused my heart to race. "Now you tell me that isn't magic." She sniffled a bit before answering, "You really mean all of that? After all I've done to you and how badly I've treated you?" "Of course I mean it, Trixie! At first, I thought you were the most powerful unicorn in Equestria, then I thought you were kind of a brat, but I've seen every angle of you, Trixie, and I know you're simply a pony. Just like me and everypony else and I-" My words got lost and I failed to speak. Something was caught in my chest and I couldn't say a word to her. "You what?" She asked. "Well, I-I like you, T-Trixie." Great, I'm stuttering again. "I mean- What I'm trying to s-say is-" I'm not sure what happened, but I was pretty sure Ozone's spell was still kicking around in my brain. Especially when I felt my body lean forward and kiss Trixie. I just kissed Trixie! My heart was having an ultra party in my chest and I wasn't invited. The party got harder as I felt Trixie kiss back. She kissed back! Everything that had gone wrong: My burnt hoof, the Ursa attacking Ponyville, our home being destroyed, Trixie being humiliated, and the side effects of the spell immediately faded away in a moment of bliss. I kissed Trixie. As much as I enjoyed the moment, it had to end at some point. And that "some point" was when Lantern came running up on us. "There you are! Ozo's been worried sick about you!" "Lanti, how did you find us?" I asked. "I just know these things, kid!" He smiled. "C'mon, Ozone is waiting for us." Trixie and I rose to our hooves and followed Lantern back to Ozone's house. "Is there anything you need before you set off?" Ozone asked us. After a night's hospitality, a full stomach and food for the road, we couldn't ask for much more. "Nothing else, but thank you anyway!" I hugged him and Lanti before stepping away so Trixie could say goodbye. "We're planning to get to Fillydelphia to get a new wagon. It's not a very far trip." "Well, take care of yourselves." And with that, we left Ponyville on foot. Trixie and I walked close to each other the whole time. And then I kissed her.
The First StopAuthor's Note I was NOT intending in ANY way for this to be a series. I was originally planning one chapter and done, but the idea suddenly hit me. The idea couldn't have been more poorly timed because as soon as I started typing, our power went out and my laptop died before I did any actual work. So I wrote this chapter from the LG Optimus Pro G. And it wasn't fun. (Sorry It took so long <3) The First Stop Trottingham The air was crisp and chilling when we got out of Trixie's wagon. It was much larger on the inside than it would appear. It was magic after all. "First, we need to find a good place to set up the stage." She told me. I had never been to Trottingham before, so I didn't know the first thing about where to set up. The good part of that was I got to walk around with Trixie. Trixie's snobbish side still came out every now and again over the night. Especially when I couldn't name something or help her with her act. But with the right amount of time, she was actually a pretty good friend. After nearly an hour of walking around town together, we found a wide open area in front of a large water fountain. "This should be a good place to set up." She said triumphantly, "Let's go get the cart and get ready!" She turned around to leave, but something in my head clicked on and made me stop her. "Hey, wait!" I called out. She turned around with an expectant look and I started to fumble again. "Well, I w-was wondering if we, uh, if we could hang around a little bit?" I was pretty sure she was going to say no, or at least try and put an argument. However, she surprisingly agreed and relaxed a bit. "Well, what should we do?" She asked. This was the second time I'd been put in this situation and I still couldn't give an answer to that question. "Uh, we could..." I looked around to see what all was in the general area. Furniture store? No. Beach Supply? No. Coffee Lobby Trottingham? Maybe. "We could get some coffee?" I suggested after none of the other buildings seemed to be anything worth examining. However, there was one building that caught my eye. It didn't have a sign, but it had red neon lights in the windows. I put it on my mental list to check out later. "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't drink coffee." She answered dramatically. "Well, I'm sure they have other things besides coffee." I shrugged. Trixie sighed and agreed; We made our way to the coffee store. The barista pony greeted us with a smile and offered us something called "Bon Bon's Deal of the Day." Trixie looked around the lobby, noticing a few ponies who were looking at us strangely. They saw some celebrity walk into their normal coffee shop and saw she was was accompanied by a pony they have probably never seen before. Who knows what they were thinking? We got our drinks and sat at an empty table away from the other ponies. "I don't like sitting in a crowd." She explained. "Maybe you're just not used to it." I suggested. Trixie looked down at her drink, and seemed deep in thought about something. "Trixie?" I called to her, making her snap back to reality. "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about a spell I learned last night. It's a minor defensive spell since we'll be getting to Manehattan eventually." She shuddered, "I lost all my bits in some poorly executed mugging." "Poorly executed?" I asked. "Well, obviously it worked, but their technique was terrible." She let out a small laugh as if her being robbed was a joke. I let out a nervous chuckle, not knowing what to say. We finished our drinks while discussing our travel plans. Perform here tonight, go to Baltimare, perform, go to Fillydelphia, perform, go to Manehattan, perform and then run for our lives to Hoofington where we won't perform, and then back where we started. We were walking through the streets of Trottingham when a sudden voice blasted overhead. Heyya, everypony! It's me, Silver, reporting to you live from the EFR: Equestria's Finest Radio! And only Radio... Suddenly I remembered that the bigger cities had radios. Where I came from, they weren't very popular, and they were seriously expensive. I remembered hearing about some disc jockey named "Silver Puls" who used to perform with electronic music. Supposedly, he settled down and now broadcasts music and news from a hidden bunker/radio station. "Hey Trixie, what do you know about radios?" I asked the blue mare. "Not much, other than they are loud and I want one. There aren't any good radio stations besides EFR, which is why they are playing it here. But never mind that, we have to get the wagon to my spot. Let's go." Night Time The show went off without a hitch: Fireworks, magic, showmanship, an "Ursa Major, and more fireworks. I had a front row seat and when the show was over, I stuck around to help Trixie pack up and we left for Baltimare. Luckily the wagon is large enough on the inside that we can sleep in it so we don't have to pay for a room at Inns. While we were on the road, I decided to get to know more about Trixie. "Hey Trixie?" I asked, somewhat nervous. "Yes?" She looked at me with her bright blue eyes. "Well, I-I was wondering if I could ask you something." I kicked at my forehoof. "I suppose so." She responded; not necessarily paying attention. I was already losing her! "Well, where are you from?" She snorted an answer that sounded like "Hoofington" but I couldn't be sure. "Er, do you have any family in Balt-" "No." She said flattly. This was going really well. "Friends?" No. "Business partners?" No. "Envelopes?" No. For some reason, she wasn't in a talking mood and I felt I was making things worse. "H-how about you ask me a question?" "Are you good with magic?" She asked halfheartedly. "I can do a card trick or two-" I started to offer, but she cut me off again. "I've been thinking you should start doing some work if you're going to be traveling with Trixie. What are you good at?" "Um-uh," Fiddlesticks, I wasn't good at anything! She's probably going to dump me off here between Trottingham and Baltimare! I tried thinking of things she did and if I would be any good at them. Suddenly, it hit me: "Fireworks! I know how fireworks work. You light the fuse and they go off!" She seemed to think it over, and then finally agreed. "I guess you can be in charge of the lights. We'll be in Baltimare by tomorrow afternoon. Trixie is going to sleep now." That was a close one! I screamed internally, and something else suddenly hit me: I have a cousin that lives in Baltimare! Ozo would love to meet Trixie! I slept on the floor where I did the night before and fell asleep thinking about how I'd see my cousin again. For Sale: Inquire Within "He doesn't live here anymore?" I asked the sign in front of his house. "What about Lantern? He should still be here!" I knocked on the big door and a pony I had never seen before opened it. "Are you here to buy the house?!" She asked excitedly. "Um, no. I'm looking for my cousin who lives- well, lived here." "Oh, are you Ozone's cousin? He moved to Ponyville a few months ago." She maintained the excitement. Ponyville? Where in the hay is that? I thanked the estate pony and ran back to where Trixie parked the wagon. "Hey, do you know where Ponyville is? My cousin lives there and I was hoping I could visit him on our trip." "Ponyville, hm?" She pondered, "I believe it is somewhere south of Canterlot, and a little out-of-the-way, but Trixie supposes. "Thank you so much!" I nearly tackled Trixie with a hug. Ozo wasn't just my cousin, he was my best friend, and I haven't seen him or Lantern in years, and- and- I'm hugging Trixie. I'M HUGGING TRIXIE. I quickly jumped off her and let out a nervous laugh. She was standing there as if frozen and I feared the worst. I knew I crossed a line by touching her when she can't even stand most ponies talking to her. I knew I was about to either be yelled at or asked to leave. But she didn't do either of those things. Instead, she smiled at me. My chest started to pound, but not from fear. I didn't know what I was feeling. "No need to thank Trixie. Plus, more shows mean more bits." She added "Ponyville" between Baltimare and Fillydelphia on the list hanging up in the wagon. This is going to be the best trip ever!
