Magic Mare
By Slate Sadpony
Trixie levitated her brush with her magic, removing her hat and settling down in front of the mirror. Even in the dim candlelight she could see that a bit of the back of her mane had been singed. Those “bargain” brand pyrotechnics had proven a bit too enthusiastic when detonated, and while the crowd roared at her bravery, she’d had to struggle to keep a brave face during the finale. Her hat and cloak were likewise charred and would need repairs before her next performance. Luckily she had nothing scheduled, and though the bits had not flowed freely in Rockville, prices were cheap. So long as she ate turnips every night, she wouldn’t have to perform for another five days at least. More than enough time to get to the next town.
She picked up her hat and began to examine the damage, trying to decide whether she should patch the fabric or just sew another star on it. Before she could make up her mind, there was a knock at the door. “Who dares disturb the Great and Powerful Trixie?” she shouted, stomping over to the door of her wagon and flinging open the top portion.
“I...I just wanted to tell you I loved your show!” Trixie looked down at a white unicorn mare, her neck still tilted from dodging the door. “My name’s Light Hoof! And...I just wanted to say you’re the most amazing magician ever!” She was certainly young, but not a child. Her cutie mark showed a fan of cards held by a single horseshoe, and her soft blue mane had been carefully combed and brushed recently. She was wearing plain brown saddlebags with spade-shaped clasps.
Trixie grinned, leaning over the half-door. “Trixie is listening.”
Light Hoof blushed, tapping the ground with her hoof a bit. “I just thought it was so cool the way you made it seem like that toy rabbit had come to life. Even though I knew you were using your magic, I thought it had really come to life! I was so scared when you sawed him in half!”
“Mr. Bun is certainly the highlight of Trixie’s new act.” Trixie smiled a bit, happy that her substitution of a stuffed toy, instead of a volunteer, had worked out so well. Mr. Bun had taken the place of volunteers ever since that incident with Snips. It was his own fault, of course -- she had told him not to move, and he did, but that just reinforced the need to switch to Mr. Bun. Toy rabbits didn’t get scared and try to crawl out of the box. Also, there was no need to explain to their parents why they had lost all their hair.
“But what really impressed me was your sleight of hoof! It took me forever to figure out you weren’t using a teleportation spell on those cards. You were slipping them under your hat!”
Trixie raised an eyebrow. “Trixie is displeased that you would reveal her secrets in such a manner.”
“Oh, um, I’m sorry,” said Light Hoof. She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a deck of cards. “It’s just, I do magic too. Well, I do card tricks. And...And I liked yours so much, I was wondering if…”
“Trixie will teach Light Hoof a card trick on one condition.” Trixie grabbed her hat and cape, tossing them down onto Light Hoof. “Trixie’s fabulous hat and magnificent cape need repairs due to those cheap fireworks. If Trixie is sufficiently impressed, then maybe she will teach you how to perform The Queen and the Jack Play Hide-And-Seek.”
Light Hoof’s eyes lit up, and she examined the fabric, her eyes focusing intently on the singed portion. “This looks easy! Do you have a needle and thread? And some fabric?”
“Trixie’s fabric materials are on the dresser, and she is now going to lie on her bed and do her hooves while she waits.” Trixie moved to the back of her wagon, lying down and picking up an emery board. It had been so long since her last hooficure, and she took deep satisfaction in doing it while somepony else made the necessary repairs to her outfit. She needed to find more fans like Light Hoof. Especially ones who would buy her dinner.
Light Hoof sat down in the wagon, opening the window to let in some of the moonlight as she worked. Trixie watched idly, keeping close enough watch to know that Light Hoof was doing the job competently but not hovering over her. A high degree of aloofness was good for the image, after all, and crowding Light Hoof would only reinforce how tiny and cramped the wagon was. There really wasn’t enough room for two ponies, not when all of the stage equipment had been brought inside, but Light Hoof didn’t seem to mind.
Light Hoof pulled the thread and spare fabric from the dresser drawer and began working. She was slow and meticulous, taking her time to push the needle and align the fabric. After about half an hour she held the hat up to the mirror, trying to get a good look at the material. “Almost finished with the hat. Do you have another candle? The one on the dresser is about to burn out.”
“Why don’t you use your horn to create magical light?” Trixie rolled over, smiling a little as she watched Light Hoof struggle to get a good look in the dark.
“I um...I’ve never managed to pull off that spell successfully.” Light Hoof looked down at the floor, embarrassed.
Trixie rolled over on her bed, wrapping her hooves around Mr. Bun. “Well, Trixie isn’t going to waste any of her magic on such a stupid spell.” No point admitting she had never successfully cast the spell.
“But isn’t that a basic, entry level spell?” Light Hoof set the hat down on the dresser and picked up the cape, carefully folding it. “I mean, for magic school.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn’t need magic school.” Trixie rolled over, turning up her nose and puffing her hair with her hoof. “Besides, nopony comes to see Trixie light up her wagon. They come to see the Great and Powerful Trixie dazzle them with Magic Sparkles and Swirling Stars.”
Light Hoof smiled. “Do...Do you think you could teach me those spells? I...I never learned Magic Candle in school, so they never taught any of those other ones.”
“Maybe tomorrow. The Great and Powerful Trixie is tired.” Trixie rolled back over in her bed, pulling the covers over her. With the hat and cape fixed, she could get to bed early. All the better, she could leave town before anypony woke up, and then pay a few foals to spread rumors about how she had magically disappeared in the night. She could use the publicity.
“But you promised me you’d teach me that card trick,” said Light Hoof.
Trixie sighed, raising her hoof to her head and rolling her eyes. “The Jack is in your left saddlebag, the Queen in your right, and the rest of the deck is under my hat. Or were you too busy sewing to see the Great and Powerful Trixie moving the cards with her hooves instead of caressing Mr. Bun?”
Light Hoof checked her bags, blushing as she found the cards. “I...I guess I was too distracted…”
Trixie smiled, pulling the young mare close. “Well, then before she goes to bed, the Great and Powerful Trixie is going to teach you the most important lesson of all: misdirection…”
***
Trixie yawned, rolling over in her bed and giving Mr. Bun one last hug before getting up. She had been up late last night, teaching Light Hoof how to perform various card tricks. The young unicorn was a good learner, but her magic was lacking to the point of tragedy. Even elementary level magic spells were beyond her abilities. Still, it felt good to dust off the tricks she’d learned from her uncle back when she was a filly. And Light Hoof’s incessant compliments certainly worked well with the ego.
After pausing for a moment at the mirror to ensure her mane was perfect, Trixie opened the door and almost tripped over Light Hoof, who was fast asleep on the stairs. Trixie raised an eyebrow, poking the young mare with her hoof. “The Great and Powerful Trixie demands you get off her stairs and permit her to make her coffee!”
Light Hoof stumbled to her feet, stepping back and off the stairs. She yawned heavily, rubbing a hoof into her baggy eyes. “I’m sorry, Trixie. I just...After we were done teaching, I was too tired to go home, so I guess I slept here.”
Trixie walked down the stairs slowly, keeping her nose pointed up high in the air. She’d woken up to find foals sleeping on her doorstep before, but they were generally eager kids who’d gotten up too early in an effort to see a quick magic show before school. Clearly, further inquiry was merited.
Huffing and nonchalantly playing with her hair, Trixie began to remove firewood from beneath the wagon, setting up and igniting a small fire. “Trixie demands that you bring her the percolator, fresh filters and coffee grounds from the cabinet over the sink!”
Carefully carrying the requested items in her front hooves, Light Hoof made her way down the wagon stairs.
Trixie picked up the percolator with her magic, shaking it gently. “Did you put water in this? Even the Great and Powerful Trixie can’t make coffee without fresh water.”
Light Hoof blushed, putting her hoof over her eyes. “Sorry, I forgot. But there’s a really wonderful artesian spring near here. I’ll go fill it for you.”
Trixie nodded in approval, poking at the fire with a stick. “Then Trixie will begin making pancakes.” Going back into her cart, she retrieved her frying pan and began making and pouring the batter, flipping and frying the pancakes while she waited for the water. She stared at the pan as she worked it gently over the small fire, absently swishing and flipping it repeatedly.
“Is it supposed to be black?”
Light Hoof’s words startled Trixie, prompting her to quickly remove the pancake and hold it up with her magic. “The Great and Powerful Trixie likes her pancakes burnt!” She bit into it and began to choke it down, though even she couldn’t keep a straight face when her mouth was filled with all that bitter, crunching batter.
As Trixie ate, Light Hoof sat down next to the fire and began to load the percolator, carefully measuring the coffee and placing it on the filter. “I’d like mine golden brown if that’s okay.” Her eyes were transfixed on the coffee pot, and she watched it carefully as it began to warm on the coals.
“What aren’t you telling Trixie?” She poured another dab of batter and began to flip and swish it carefully, moving the pan well above the coals and keeping it at a constant heat. She hated to be so direct in her questioning, but Light Hoof’s behavior was strange, even for an adoring fan.
“I don’t want to go home.” Light Hoof curled up a bit, huddling close to the fire and wrapping herself into a ball. “You’ve seen how bad I am at magic. I’m an embarrassment to my whole family. My mom was yelling at me all day when she got my magic grades.”
“Isn’t Rockville an earth pony town?” Trixie removed the pancake from the pan and gave it to Light Hoof, who put it on her hoof and nibbled at the edges. “Why would magic matter here?”
“Mostly, but I’m not the only unicorn, and all the others are way better than me.” After a few more experimental bites, she shoved the whole thing into her mouth, spewing crumbs and bits of spittle into the fire. “And they’re prettier, and they can do all sorts of spells, and everyone makes fun of me, calling me ‘carrot head’ and stuff.”
“Carrot head? But your hair is a beautiful shade of blue, like Trixie’s.”
“The mean girls at school say that I don’t have a horn, I have a carrot glued to my forehead.” Light Hoof swallowed, then buried her face in her hooves. She shrugged her shoulders a bit, sniffing.
“Very well then.” Retrieving a coffee mug, she poured herself a cup of coffee, sipping it lightly. After a few more sips, she poured a second, offering it to Light Hoof. “Trixie has a plan.”
Light Hoof accepted the coffee and sipped it, turning up her nose at the bitter flavor but drinking politely. “Does it involve turning Twittle Dittle and Rapplesnap into toads?”
“As entertaining as that would be, Trixie already has a bit of a...history...with the Equestrian Royal Guard.” Trixie smirked, finishing her coffee and pouring another cup. She sparked her magic over the fire, standing erect and letting her mane and tail wave in the hot air from the flames. “Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns holds open auditions in three months. Let’s see how those Rockville mares like a student from the most prestigious school in all of Equestria!”
Spitting her coffee into the fire, Light Hoof stood up, slack jawed. “But...But how could I even qualify for the audition? And even if I got in, I’d never pass. I barely graduated from magic kindergarten.”
Trixie poured the rest of her coffee onto the fire, extinguishing it before using a teleportation spell to move the cold ash into a nearby dumpster. “One of the unicorns on the advisement committee owes Trixie a favor. As for the audition itself, Trixie will to teach you a few of her most favorite tricks. If you can’t dazzle those idiot judges with your magic, then Trixie will help you to blind them with...Horsefeathers.”
“You mean you’re going to teach me how to transmogrify into a pegasus?”
“No, Trixie is going to teach you how to wield magic like a magician, instead of some showy magical student.”
Light Hoof beamed with excitement, bouncing on her hooves and stomping the ground. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
“You remind Trixie of herself when she was your age.” Trixie picked up her cooking equipment and made her way back into the cart. “And just like when Trixie was young, you will be pulling the cart. So strap yourself in, it’s a long walk to Postburg!”
***
Trixie gently moved the wooden spoon around in the pot, stewing the turnip greens gently before giving the mixture a sip. “It needs salt.”
“I’ll get some from the wagon,” said Light Hoof. The young unicorn was still buzzing with energy and excitement from the evening’s performance. She had never performed in front of such a large crowd before, and her card tricks were paltry compared to the fireworks, buzz saws and disappearing hats that Trixie used to dazzle the audience. She was prancing and skipping as she handed over the salt.
“Trixie can tell that you really enjoyed being on stage tonight.” She gently sipped at the mixture one more time, then helped herself to a large chunk of turnip. Even with the salt, the soup was decidedly bland, but excitement was better than any spice. She poured herself a bowl, then gave one to Light Hoof.
“I’ve never had so many ponies cheering and clapping for me! And all I did was get pulled out of a hat and sawn in half!”
“Trixie did not really saw you in half.” She smiled and sipped at her greens, chewing lightly. She really did need to find some carrots or potatoes or something. “Although she appreciates your screaming. It really got the audience going.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just even I was fooled.” Light Hoof blushed, helping herself to another spoonful of stew. She blanched at the taste but choked it down.
“You were fooled because you wanted to be fooled. That’s the real magic. That you want to believe it’s real.”
“I never thought of it like that.” Light Hoof took another spoonful of stew and then set the bowl down. It was still half full. “I always thought it was kind of dishonest, pulling tricks and acting like I had more magical powers than I actually did.
Trixie stood up straight, holding a hoof to her heart. “Trixie is the most honest of all mares. She promises you she is going to trick you, and then she keeps her promise.”
Light Hoof giggled, then began to laugh so hard she had to sit down on her haunches to keep from falling over. “Do you always refer to yourself in third person? I mean, nopony is around. And it’s kinda silly, isn’t it?”
“You’re around. And it’s not silly. Trixie has a reputation to keep up - a role to play. She is a performer, and all the world is her stage.” Trixie helped herself to another bowl of stew, digging into it eagerly.
“I guess.” Light Hoof tapped at her cold stew. “There isn’t anything else to eat, is there?”
“Trixie could make pancakes.”
“We had that for breakfast. And lunch.”
“Trixie is on a budget.”
“How can you be on a budget when you took in all those bits today? I counted, like, three hundred at least.”
“Trixie must pay for wagon repairs and new fireworks. She must also repair her cape's hemline, and replenish her beauty supplies. This leaves Trixie precious little money for groceries.” Trixie ate another spoonful of stew, then filled her bowl for a third time. “Besides, Trixie likes turnips and pancakes. They are good for her teeth and mane.”
“I just miss my mom’s cooking.” Light Hoof curled up, huddling close to the fire. “I miss home. I miss my nice warm bed. I miss Miss Meow, my stuffed kitty.” She buried her face in her forelegs. “But I can’t go back. Every time I came home, my parents would start fighting and yelling, and every time I got my grades back I just started crying and-”
Light Hoof’s words were interrupted by Trixie’s hoof, which the older unicorn shoved over Light Hoof’s mouth. “Trixie knows what will make you feel better.” Setting down her soup, she went into her cart and searched around for a few minutes, tossing various old bits of uniform, broken trick boxes and spare wagon parts out of the door. “Here it is!” She emerged holding a small stuffed bear. She tossed it to Light Hoof, who caught it in her hooves and hugged it to her chest. “A friend gave it to Trixie, for her birthday. Trixie does not like bears but did not want to hurt the friend's feelings. You can have it.”
“Oh, thanks.” Light Hoof nuzzled him, happily rubbing the stuffed animal against her face. “What’s his name?”
“Trixie never gave him one. So it’s up to you.”
“Then his name is Barnaby.” Light Hoof nuzzled the toy close, cuddling it tight. “You don’t think I’m too old for a stuffed animal do you? My mom kept saying I was.”
Trixie huffed. “A pony is never too old for a hug. Therefore a pony is never too old for a stuffed animal.”
Light Hoof hugged Barnaby, then walked over to Trixie, hugging her tight. She blushed as she let go. “Trixie, you’re the greatest pony I ever met. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You can thank Trixie by showing her that you paid attention today.” Trixie sat down, clapping her hooves together. “Now that you have your own assistant, Barnaby, show Trixie how to pull your assistant out of a hat. You can use Trixie’s.” Trixie took off her hat, presenting it to Light Hoof.
“T...Thanks.” Light Hoof accepted the hat gingerly, her hooves shaking with nervousness.
“Just do the trick.” Trixie leaned back, resting her head on the side of the wagon. “Trixie knows you can. Do it right and Trixie will let you sleep in the bed with her tonight. It’s too cold for you to use the hammock anyway.”
“You mean that?”
“Don’t get any funny ideas. Trixie just doesn’t want her assistant to shiver all night and be sleepy tomorrow. You’ll be pulling the wagon again, of course.”
“Oh, of course.” Light Hoof closed her eyes and began to wave her hooves, chanting magical words as she carefully hid Barnaby out of sight.
“Trixie has faith in you, Light Hoof. Show Trixie that you’re becoming a great magician -- not as great as her, but great enough to let everyone know what an amazing teacher Trixie is.”
***
Trixie yawned and blinked, holding her hoof up to shade her eyes from the encroaching sunlight. She was a little cramped, her bed not built for two, but she still felt that she had slept well.
Light Hoof was still sound asleep next to her, holding Barnaby tight and sucking on one of her hooves. Trixie smiled lightly, running her own hoof up and down the unicorn’s back. How could any pony not love this little mare? Her enthusiasm and hard working attitude were impressive, even if her magical skills were lacking. She had been a quick and eager learner as well, taking quickly to everything Trixie was willing to teach. Though she had more skill with slight of hoof than anything else, she could be impressive when she needed to be.
Carefully crawling over Light Hoof in an effort not to wake her, Trixie moved to her dresser, pulling out a comb and beginning to work on her mane. Though she wouldn’t reach Canterlot for another three days, there were plenty of places to stop and perform. Impromptu shows were always a good way to get a few bits and a decent meal for the night, and with Light Hoof’s quick tricks, Trixie wouldn’t have to waste expensive fireworks to get the crowd going.
“Well look who finally woke up.” Trixie tossed the brush to Light Hoof, who missed catching it with her magic. The brush bounced a few times before Light Hoof could catch it, but she was soon brushing her hair, even as she continued to snuggle Barnaby and yawn herself awake.
“Do you want me to start cooking breakfast?” Light Hoof got out of and began to make the bed, tucking Mr. Bun and Barnaby into the sheets.
“If you want. Our next stop is only a few miles away. We have plenty of time and can take it easy today. Trixie will even help pull the wagon. For some of the way. You still need to do most of it.”
“Do we still have any blueberries?” Light Hoof began to rummage through the cupboard, removing the bowls and mix. “I’d love to have blueberry pancakes again.”
“There’s a box of dried ones next to the raisins.” Trixie moved outside, starting the fire and then leaning back against the wagon. When Light Hoof was around, she barely had to lift a hoof. She could get used to this.
Light Hoof came out of the wagon carrying the tools and ingredients, beginning to work them together and then cook them over the small fire. Summer was ending and the morning wind was brisk and chilly, prompting both ponies to keep close to the fire.
“We’re near Canterlot, aren’t we?” Light Hoof began to pour and flip the first pancake.
“About three days.” Trixie helped herself to a plate and fork, then sat back. She would get the first one; Light Hoof always let her have that. There would probably even be extra blueberries in it. One could hardly hope for a more giving assistant, one more eager to please.
“When is the open admission being held?” Light Hoof tossed Trixie a pancake and then began to pour a second one for herself.
“In five days.” Trixie dug in eagerly, sinking her teeth into the flaky crust and the chewy blueberries. “It seemed like a good idea to have a few extra days, in case something happened.”
“I’m kind of nervous.” Light Hoof tossed her pancake high into the air, barely managing to catch it. “I’ve never even been to Canterlot. What’s it like?”
“Very busy.” Trixie stuffed a large piece of pancake into her mouth, spitting onto the fire as she chewed. “And noisy. And filled with prissy unicorns who wouldn’t know a beautiful illusion if it bit them. And it did bite them!”
Light Hoof removed her pancake from the fire and began to nibble at it, taking her time to enjoy each small bite. “You don’t like it there, huh?”
“Canterlot unicorns have no respect for Trixie’s magic.” Trixie jammed the rest of the pancake into face, chewing with her mouth open. She grabbed the pan and mixing bowl, pouring herself another pancake and cooking it hastily.
Light Hoof ate another few bites and then set down her half-finished pancake. “I think I understand.”
“How can you understand?” Even though the pancake was only half done, Trixie jammed it into her mouth, ignoring the uncooked batter running down her chin. “Trixie puts on her best show, used her most expensive fireworks, wore her best hat and cape, and the best she could do is get a few drunk unicorns to heckle her in the rain.”
“I had the same kind of thing happen to me at my last magic recital.” Light Hoof curled up, scooting close to the fire. “I tried to use sleight of hoof to make a breakfast appear out of nowhere. I ended up covered in jam and everyone was laughing at me and pointing and I couldn’t stop crying. I ran off stage to my mommy and her response was, ‘Well, what did you expect would happen?’ My mom is such a...Such a…”
“So like Trixie’s mother.” Trixie tossed the remainder of her pancake into the fire, letting it burn. “Sorry. Trixie tends to eat when she’s upset.” She moved over to Light Hoof, hugging her close. “It’s not fair that you were treated like that. But we’re going to show those Rockville ponies. We’ll get you accepted into the School for Gifted Unicorns and then they’ll never laugh at you again.”
“Yes, they will.” Light Hoof buried her face in her hooves, sobbing. “The girls in that school will just make fun of me like the girls in my old school. I’m ugly and fat and I can’t do magic. Who cares about a pony who can just shuffle a few cards around when you’re not looking?”
“Trixie does.” Trixie ran her hoof through Light Hoof’s hair. “Listen. Trixie was once a boastful mare, who lied to other ponies and made herself seem bigger than she was. When this was taken away from her, she took a dark path, one of revenge and suffering. It wasn’t until a special friend taught her how to love herself that Trixie finally understood what’s important.”
Light Hoof wiped away her tears. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“A special friend helped Trixie to love herself, and because she loves herself, she knows the hatred of others doesn’t matter.” Trixie picked up the bowl, pan and remaining ingredients, returning them to their places in the wagon. She returned with Barnaby, shoving it into Light Hoof’s hooves. “Their jeers and taunts still hurt, of course. But at the end of the day, Trixie knows she is a good pony, and for every terrible pony, there are dozens who love her magic. That makes it worthwhile.”
“Do you think you can be my special friend?”
“Trixie is your special friend.” Trixie gave Light Hoof a hug, then moved towards the front of the wagon, harnessing herself. “Extinguish the fire and hop up top. You and Barnaby are going to ride for a bit.”
“You really mean that?”
“For a few miles.” Trixie strained against the harness, trying to force the wagon to move. Once the momentum got going it wouldn’t be too bad, but getting it started was a pain. “You need some sunshine and fresh air. And the chocolate bar stashed under my spare cape in the dresser.”
Light Hoof blinked, her eyes wide as she poured water over the remains of the fire. “I thought you were saving that for an emergency.”
“Trixie’s friend and assistant is crying. That’s emergency enough.” Trixie pushed against the harness again, her firm shoving finally getting the wagon out of its ruts and moving. “Now get on it before Trixie takes off down the road without you. Trixie plans to perform out in front of Shelly’s Shake Shack before the dinner rush! Trixie has not had a decent raspberry smoothie in far too long.”
“Yes ma’am!” Light Hoof bounded into the wagon, retrieving the chocolate bar and then climbing up onto the top of the wagon, the chocolate in one hoof and Barnaby in the other.
“That’s better.” Trixie put her shoulders into the harness, picking up the pace. “Now be thinking of what you want to do when we get there. We’ve got five days to come up with a routine that will blow the minds of those Canterlot unicorns. They’ll wish they’d never even heard of Light Hoof, prized student of the Great and Powerful Trixie!
***
“Did you see me out there? Did you see? Did you see?” Light Hoof wrapped her arms around Trixie, hugging her tight. “Oh, I’ve never heard so much applause!”
“Trixie told you this would happen.” Trixie rubbed her hoof up and down Light Hoof’s back, returning the hug lightly. “You were amazing out there!”
“Oh, I was so scared at first!” Light Hoof rubbed her hooves together, stomping excitedly and grinning. “But then I really got that filly in the front row to ooh and ahh over me hiding the queen, and everything went together.”
“It’s like Trixie told you: the crowd wants you to succeed and they want to see a good show.” Trixie adjusted her hat and cape, checking the curtain to see how the crowd was calming down. She’d have to time the intermission and her entrance just so if she was going to hit the crowd while they were still hot. Anticipation would prepare them for her own performance, and give Light Hoof some time to gush with excitement.
“I didn’t think they’d be so interested in card tricks.” Light Hoof removed the top hat and long sleeves that Trixie had given her to wear, the various cards hidden in her outfit clattering to the floor. “I mean, not when they came to see you make bears and phoenixes out of fireworks, or pretend to saw Mr. Bun in half with a magical saw. But they really ate it up!”
“It’s the way you do it.” Trixie checked the audience again. A few more minutes and she’d burst out. She just needed them to relax, to think that the show was mostly over, and consider getting up and going for a snack. That’s when she’d burst out, bowling them over with flames and noise. “You make it out like you don’t know what you’re doing, and they accept your humility and lower their expectations. Then when you show them what you’re capable of, they’re doubly impressed.”
“Well, you told me that a good performance is all about managing expectations.” Light Hoof began to pick up the cards and place them carefully back in their places in the cart. Since the backstage was also the living quarters, Trixie insisted that Light Hoof clean up before the show was over, so they could focus on sleeping when everything was done. “I’m just not as good with the big stuff as you, so I tried to make the small stuff feel big. And I wanted the audience to like me and not resent me for putting on less of a show that you.”
“You did not put on less of a show than Trixie.” Trixie moved the curtain aside a bit, pointing a hoof at the chattering crowd. “Look at how they still talk about you. Look at how they wave their hooves and wonder how you did such magnificent tricks. They will remember you. And the best show is one that is remembered, for whatever reason.”
“I’m just so happy right now.” Light Hoof stowed the hat and long-sleeved jacket, hopping onto the bed and hugging Barnaby. “I bet they’ll all be talking about me tomorrow! Oh Trixie, this is what it feels like to be a star, right? It’s amazing!”
“Well, don’t get too caught up in it.” Trixie walked back and forth behind the curtain, giving the fireworks one last check. It didn’t hurt to check twice, and besides, she couldn’t afford to replace another flaming curtain, even if she did manage to convince the crowd it was part of the act. “You have to perform in front of those Canterlot unicorns tomorrow for your audition. They won’t be so eager to see you succeed.”
“I can handle it.” Light Hoof wrapped herself in the sheets, kicking her hooves with excitement. “I’ll just do what I did today, only more so. When I catch them off guard and loving my card tricks, I’ll wow them with disappearing and reappearing coins. I may even ‘steal’ their watch, if they have one! Did you see that old stallion’s face when I made it reappear in his granddaughter’s ear? I couldn’t tell if he was going to faintfrom surprise or delight!”
Trixie smiled. “Trixie knew you had it in you. All she had to do was make you believe in yourself.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you, Trixie.” Light Hoof smiled, Barnaby still held tight in her hooves. “Nopony has ever cared for me like you have, or helped me to realize how much my tricks really matter. I think that...I think...That I...”
“Trixie knows how you feel.” She blushed, turning away from Light Hoof to get another look at the crowd. She shook off her concerns for tomorrow. She had a show to do, and right now, that was all that mattered. “We’ll talk about it later. Right now, Trixie needs to wow her audience, just like you did.”
“Oh, okay Trixie.” Light Hoof blushed, pulling the covers over her and lying back down. “Knock ‘em dead, Trixie! I’ll be rooting for you from here!”
Trixie gave Light Hoof one last smile, then stepped out from behind the curtain. “With rooting like that, Trixie is sure to bowl them over.”
***
Trixie rubbed her hoof up and down Light Hoof’s back. “Trixie is really sorry.”
Light Hoof sniffed. “It’s not your fault. I just wasn’t good enough.”
“Yes but Trixie shouldn’t have built up your expectations. Trixie shouldn’t have made you think that the tricks she taught you would enable you to fool the judges.” She sighed and pushed Barnaby into Light Hoof’s hooves, trying to give the mare something to hold on to.
“I wasn’t trying to fool them, I was trying to wow them.” Light Hoof’s words were muffled by the pillow. She had wrapped herself in the sheets as well, even though it was a bright day and very warm for fall. “And they were wowed. But they didn’t want to be wowed. They wanted me to show them magic and they said what I showed them wasn’t magic.”
“Well, who are they to say what magic is or isn’t?” Hearing a whistle from outside, Trixie left the wagon and came back with a steaming camp kettle. She set it down on the floor and poured two cups, offering one to Light Hoof. But the young unicorn didn’t turn towards it.
“They’re the professors of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Who else would be able to say what magic was or wasn’t?”
Trixie sipped her tea and sighed. She put a few sugar cubes into the other cup and offered it again. Light Hoof still waved it away. “They don’t know what magic is. They don’t know what it’s like to make a filly smile or remind an old stallion that there’s still a place for wonder in this world. Trixie bets they don’t even know how to pull a bit out of a colt’s ear.”
“Does it matter?” Light Hoof grabbed a nearby handkerchief and blew her nose before burying her face back in the pillow. “They said I had a nice little hobby and that I was a nice girl but that’s all.”
“Oh, Light Hoof, you’re more than that.” Trixie finished her cup of tea, then poured Light Hoof’s tea into her own cup. No sense wasting it. As it was, she had begun to regret her tendency to pour the leftover coffee onto the morning camp fire. She had run out of coffee grounds three days ago, and what with campsite rental being so expensive, it had been tea for breakfast ever since. “You are a amazing, magical mare. If Trixie has taught you anything, she has taught you that.”
“I’m still a failure.” Light Hoof finally pulled herself away from the pillow. Her eyes were red and swollen, her mascara was running down her cheeks, and her hair had matted around her brow. “I can’t go back to Rockville. I can’t go anywhere now.”
“Who says you have to go to Rockville, and who says you have to go anywhere?” Trixie put a fresh teabag in Light Hoof’s cup and refilled it. Going to the cupboard, she retrieved a jar of honey and a lemon. She added one spoon of honey and one slice of lemon, then pushed the cup under Light Hoof’s nose. This time, Light Hoof accepted it, sipping lightly. Trixie folded up the rest of the lemon in wax paper and set it aside. Shame to waste a good lemon. She could juice it and make a glass of lemonade later. “Light Hoof, you’ve seen how the crowd loves you. You’ve seen what your talent can do. It’s time you stopped trying to impress ponies who don’t matter and started caring about yourself.”
“And do what, become a traveling magician like you?”
“Well, Trixie does not like to foster her own competition, but Trixie wouldn’t mind having an apprentice going around and showing every pony what a great teacher she is, and showing them why they should have her come to their town.” Trixie set down her teacup and moved to Light Hoof, hugging her close. “Besides, Trixie cares about you, Light Hoof. She wants you to succeed.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me that you failed your audition to the school for Gifted Unicorns?”
Trixie stepped back, then looked at the floor and sighed. “Trixie...Hoped you wouldn’t find out. That you wouldn’t care. That you would get in and she could be proud of you because you succeeded where she failed.”
“They laughed at me, Trixie! They said that I was doing the same stupid tricks you did, and that they felt sorry for me, that I fell for your stupid fake magic!”
“Trixie is sorry.” Trixie sat down, scraping the wooden floor with her hoof. “Trixie just...She wasn’t trying to trick you. She just…”
“Didn’t you tell me that you’re honest - Isn’t that all you are? You tell ponies you’re going to trick them, and then you do?”
“That...That’s not what Trixie meant to do.” Trixie grabbed the lemon and jammed it into her mouth, wincing at the sour pain that spread through her mouth. It hurt, but she was depressed, and she had to eat something. “Trixie wasn’t trying to trick you. She was trying-”
There was a loud wet crash as Light Hoof threw her half-empty teacup onto the floor. It shattered, splattering hot tea everywhere. Trixie winced as it burned her flank, but did not move. “You were trying to make a fool of me, just like everypony else. And to think I looked up to you! I trusted you! I thought you could help me beat the system!”
Trixie stood up, locking her eyes with Light Hoof. “Trixie did no such thing! Trixie saw the potential in you, and she worked very hard to bring it out! And now you go around smashing Trixie’s favorite tea set, and-”
“And you made me pull the wagon! You made me cook for you! You trained me how to do card tricks while keeping the flash and dash performances all for yourself!”
“You like card tricks!” Trixie pushed her nose against Light Hoof’s staring deep into her eyes. “Don’t you turn your disappointment on Trixie! It’s not her fault that some stuck-up unicorn elitists can’t see how special you are when Trixie can!”
“Horsefeathers! If I’m so special, then how come only you can see it?”
“Only Trixie huh?” Trixie grabbed Light Hoof’s hat and cape and tossed them onto the bed, then grabbed her makeup kit and began to work on Light Hoof’s face. “Get dressed and come with Trixie. We’re going to the park right now, and you’re going to show every pony that you are every bit as special as Trixie knows you are.”
“No!” Light Hoof shook her head, smearing the makeup and sending the brush flying. It laid a line of blush on Barnaby’s forehead before clattering to the floor.
“Enough!” Trixie climbed up onto the bed, pinning Light Hoof under her. “Trixie will not allow this! Trixie is not going to let you sit here and cry and break her things just because you feel sorry for yourself! That is what Trixie did when she didn’t get into the school, and you are too special to feel that way!”
Light Hoof sniffed and blinked, her lip quivering. “You really feel that way?”
Trixie huffed and puffed her mane with her hoof. “Since when has Trixie ever been false about her feelings?” She climbed off of Light Hoof and pulled her to her feet, putting Barnaby in the bed and resuming her work on Light Hoof’s makeup. “Trixie understands you’re in pain. She understands how much this hurts more than you realize. And that is why she is going to clean you up and make you go out and perform. Because that is what you are. A performer. A wonderful, beautiful performer that everypony loves to see.”
Light Hoof sniffed a bit, then smiled slightly. “Even Trixie?”
“Especially Trixie.” She carefully put Light Hoof’s hat and cape on her, tying it around the young unicorn’s neck with an elegant bow. “Now let’s get out there and give some colts and fillies the best day in the park they ever had.”
Light Hoof took a few steps towards the door then turned around, blushing. “Thank you, Trixie. For everything.”
“You can thank Trixie by busking enough bits to where she can pay somepony to fix the teacup you broke.” Trixie shoved Light Hoof out on to the steps. “Now get going! School just let out, and there will be dozens of colts and fillies all longing for a distraction before they start on their homework. Just make sure their parents tip you when they come by to take them home!”
***
“Make sure your bow tie is always straight.” Trixie grabbed Light Hoof’s tie, adjusting it carefully. “You have an image to project, even when you’re on the road and you think you’re alone. You never know when you’ll need to wow some random filly into realizing how great and powerful you are.”
“Oh, you’re the great and powerful one.” Light Hoof adjusted herself in her harness, looking back at the small two-wheeled cart behind her. It was a simple affair, carrying only a tent, basic camping gear, dry food, her makeup and outfits, and her box of tricks. Barnaby was perched on top of the box, his face shimmering from the recent wash. “I’m sorry I blew up on you the other day. I really am. But thank you for not letting it get to me.”
“You were just upset about those snooty idiots at the school.” Trixie walked around the wagon, checking it closely and kicking the wheels. She didn’t trust wheels, especially new ones which hadn’t been broken in. New wheels tended to catch in ruts and lose a spoke unexpectedly. Still, she had picked these out herself, and they seemed like they would work. Probably. “Trixie is just glad you came around, and had her teacup fixed like she wanted, and had enough left over to buy this cart and head out on your own.”
“You sure this is enough?” Light Hoof pulled on the harness, moving the cart easily. “It seems awfully light.”
“After about five hours of hauling it down the road, you won’t think so.” Trixie inspected the dry goods again. Four jars of peanut butter, six boxes of crackers, two bags of coffee and a grinder, assorted dried fruits, one sack of potatoes, one sack of carrots, one sack of apples, and three sacks of turnips with greens attached. That should be more than enough for one mare to make it from Canterlot to Appleoosa in one piece.
“Did you have to pack so much dried fruit?” Light Hoof grinned playfully. “I know you like that stuff, but I kinda had enough getting here.”
“If you want to learn how to travel on a budget, you’re going to have to learn to do without such luxuries as fresh fruit.” Trixie puffed her mane a bit and smiled. “Besides, dried fruits will give you have a beautiful smile like the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
“I don’t think I could ever have smile as fabulous as yours, Trixie.” Light Hoof tilted her hat back, looking up at the clouds. “Besides, I think I look best with my top hat on, so who cares what my mane looks like?”
“The audience. Has Trixie taught you nothing?” Trixie pulled out a brush and began to work on Light Hoof’s hair.
“I know I...I’m just…I guess I just wanna keep talking because...” Light Hoof looked at the ground. “I’m scared to go out on my own. Are you sure that I can’t just keep riding with you? You know, as your opening act? Your assistant?”
“There’s barely enough bits in most of these one-horse towns for Trixie alone. The road to Canterlot is wealthy enough, but the Great and Powerful Trixie is not about to watch her assistant starve because there isn’t enough turnips for the both of us in every town we stop at.”
“Actually going without turnips for weeks at a time doesn’t sound so bad.” Light Hoof stuck out her tongue and rolled her eyes, gagging. “I can’t believe you eat turnip soup four times a week. It’s only been a few months and quite frankly I’d be happy to never eat turnips again.”
“If you become a famous magician, maybe you won’t have to.” Trixie booped Light Hoof on the nose, smiling.
“If I become famous, I’m going to buy you some of that black bean and sweet potato that you and I celebrated with the other night. Twenty bits a bowl! Since when do you splurge like that?”
“When Trixie wants you to have happy and fond memories of her before you go. It is a scary place out there, and Trixie wants you to know she’ll be there for you.”
“Just not in the same town.” Light Hoof smiled and began to pull her cart, trotting down the road and merging into traffic.
“Not unless you’re opening for Trixie!” Trixie ran along beside her, keeping pace at first but then falling back. “Don’t forget! Trixie is going to be at Ponyville’s Nightmare Night celebration this year, and you’re opening for her!”
Light Hoof threw herself into the harness, picking up the pace and grinning. “How could I ever forget the Great and Powerful Trixie?”
“And how can the Great and Powerful Trixie forget her precious student?” She slowed to a stop and then turned around taking one last glance at Light Hoof over her shoulder. Wiping away a tear, she shifted into a haughty smile, grinning at the curious ponies beginning to circle up around her campsite. It was almost time. Whether there was a thousand ponies or just one, she was going to give the performance of her life. There might be another Light Hoof out there. And if one amazing, beautiful and talented protege was great, how wonderful would two be?
Author's Note
2/12/14 - Posted rough copy. Other than a quick spellcheck, nothing has been done to edit and clean the work.
3/31/13 - Posted more advanced and edited copy, touched up with the help of Alex Astrocity
