Chapter 10: Come To The Show

As soon as the sun began to set upon the horizon, the two mares set out to set up for the show in the middle of town. First Light knew the ponies of Ponyville would recognize her immediately, so she decided to wear a dark cloak while she did her work. Trixie did the same, knowing ponies would recognize her as well. It was good for First Light to be back. Looking around at the small town she had called home for part of her short life, she felt nostalgia grip her heart. It was as if each little detail of the town carried some sort of memory with it. The main street where she had made her grand entrance, the orchards in the distance where she had waited in anticipation of 'cousin Applejack', and all of the various outlets the Ponyvillains were always going in and out of. The town seemed to almost be falling asleep as hoof traffic slowed and fewer ponies roamed the streets.

“So long as we keep my sign out of sight, we should be fine.” Trixie noted. It almost pained her not to have the sign out and be the centre of attention, but she knew it was for a good reason, and kept her gripes to herself.

“I really can't thank you enough.” First Light smiled over at Trixie, though it was hard to tell under the dark hood of the cloak.

“You don't need to.” Trixie laughed. “This is me saying thank you.”

“Well, thank you for the thank you!” First Light giggled.

“Oh!” Trixie's eyes went wide.

“What did I do?” First Light looked around to see if something had fallen over.

“I just realized that you could use a stage name!” Trixie looked excited.

“What do you mean?” First Light cocked her head. “What's wrong with First Light?”

“Nothing is wrong with it.” Trixie shook her head. “But you need something to grab ponies' attention. Like 'The Great and Powerful First Light! But not that. That's my thing. Patent-pending as a matter of fact!”

“Hmm...” First Light thought aloud. “I'll get back to you on that.”

“Don't take too long.” Trixie warned.

The two continued to work, chattering as they went, until the whole stage was set up. First Light had seen the stage set up before, but now it was in a new light for her. It all seemed so much bigger now, as if it would swallow her up. Trixie walked over and affectionately draped a hoof over First Light's shoulder.

“You'll be great.” Trixie assured. “I know it.”

“I really hope so.” First Light smiled as the two unicorns got back to work.

First Light sat in the darkened trailer dressed in a top hat with goggles wrapped around the base, as well as a dark coloured cape. Her heart was racing as she thought of what she was about to do. She had told many ponies about her bio before, but never like this.

“Why am I so nervous now?” First Light asked herself. “I've done musical numbers, random outbursts, told my story hundreds of times. So, why is it affecting me now?”

She sat on the bench and swung her rear hooves back and forth under her, the tips of them just grazing the wooden floor. Outside, she could hear Trixie putting the final touches on the stage as ponies began to curiously gather around. Hoof-steps came near as First Light looked up.

“Are you ready for this?” Trixie asked, coming into the trailer and taking off her cloak.

“I think so.” First Light managed a smile even though her stomach felt like a butterfly sanctuary.

“It'll be fine, Best Pony.” Trixie winked. First Light had decided on that name because it reflected the persona she would be performing. “I'll see you on stage.”

“Wait.” First Light called out.

“What's the matter?” Trixie cocked her head as she turned back.

“What do I do when I'm out there.” First Light asked. “I've never had a captive audience before.”

“Just pretend that you're having a conversation, and the other pony can't talk back.” Trixie shrugged.

“That's it?” First Light asked. “No imagining them in underwear? No pretending they're all my grandmother? No pretending that it's just one person?”

“No. Just talk like you normally do, just more dramatic.” Trixie stated as she began to leave again. “You're on in five. Break a leg.”

“Why would I want to do that?” First Light cocked her head and inspected her four legs. “I need ALL OF THEM!”

First Light was left in silence as Trixie trotted out onto the stage. She went back to swinging her hooves back and forth as she waited for the show to begin. Never having performed before, First Light found that the excitement she was feeling came not from actually having to go out on stage, but the mere thought of having to put herself out there again. The last time she had done a performance of any kind in front of other ponies, she had just come to town, and was still being called Best Pony. Now, she was going by that name again, not because she thought she was, but because it gave her persona more of a set up.

Meanwhile, out on stage, Trixie used her magic to dim the stage lights as she set a mysterious scene. Her cloak was draped over her face, only the glow of her horn cast light upon it. By now, a herd of curious ponies of all shapes and sizes had come to see what all the excitement was about.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts...” Trixie began, her voice like thunder. “Welcome one and all, to an evening of incredible feats and trickery.” Trixie got up on her rear hooves and stood dramatically, allowing the slight breeze to stir her cloak. “Tonight you will hear a tale like no other. One of incredible courage, fear, joy and sorrow.” She tossed her head back to add to the drama, only to have the hood slide off her head and reveal her identity to the crowd.

“Hey!” A pony shouted. “Isn't that Trixie?” The stallion trotted closer to the stage. “Hey! Yeah, it is! It's that crazy mare who tried to take over the town!”

A few grumbles and boos were heard as some ponies turned for home. Trixie looked longingly over the crowd. For the first time, she hoped she would see a familiar face. Someone who would give her a chance. Most of all, she needed to go on with the show. Another first for Trixie came immediately after. She thought of how she needed to get on with the show for First Light. Her thoughts were for somepony else. Trixie had put so much effort into making this happen, and she would not let it be ruined because of her. It was a selfless thought, but Trixie did not dwell on it at that time.

“Will everyone please put their hooves together,” Trixie stammered, “for the one, the only, The Incredible Best Pony!”

At that, she sent a flurry of sparks into the air and blew open the curtains, revealing a pink Alicorn with a rainbow mane standing behind it. The Alicorn wore a top hat with motorcycle goggles on the band, and a dark cape.

A few heads turned towards the newcomer. A few chuckled, recognizing her, while others groaned at the Alicorn.

“Not another one.” A loud pony groaned out above the others.

“Shh.” The pony next to it hushed. “This could be fun.”