The Card Trick

by Poetic Justice

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure
Length: 9947

An earth pony that can perform magic? That's nonsense....right?

A young colt sees a performance that may change his life. Seeing this pony as one that can teach him all the secrets of magic. He goes through whatever it takes to meet this pony and learn everything he can about magic. No matter who or what stands in his way.

CONTAINTS: Language (Chapters-6)

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-23 09:24:19 UTC

Late Night Show

There is a large stage set up in downtown Manehattan. The spotlights attracted nearly everypony in the city, and the loud music attracted everyone else. The stage was set in a large courtyard. It overlooked a number of small stands selling various foods, drinks, and trinkets from their respective shops and cities. Lights were hung overhead between each of the stands, as well as over the large empty space in the middle of it all. However, it could hardly be called an "empty space". Hundreds of ponies occupied the area. Some were eating, others were talking, few were dancing to the band playing on stage; everypony was having fun. As the sun set, the music died down and a grey mare approached the center of the stage. She brushed her mane from her face and spoke into the microphone.

"Hello, everypony."

The crowd became silent, and all eyes were set on her.

"How are you all tonight?"

The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves on the ground. The grey mare simply smiled until the commotion died down again.

"I'm happy to hear that. Most of you know, but I am Octavia, and I would to personally thank all of you for coming out here to support the rebuilding of our Manehattan Theater."

Octavia looked back to a white mare at the control panel. Octavia gave a nod to her. It's possible the white mare winked back, but no one could see behind her purple glasses. The white mare at the control panel dimmed the lights around the courthouse and lit up the spotlights on the stage.

"It's time to start our main event, the Talent Competition. I would like to ask all of our participants to meet back stage for a few last minute instructions. Everypony else, please enjoy the show." With her last words, Octavia gave a smile to the crowd and left to join the judges in front of the stage. It took a few minutes for the first participant walked into the stage. It was a green pegasus filly with a long white mane. She wore thin glasses and carried herself in a confident manner.

One of the stallions at the judges table spoke up, "What is your name?"

"Quartet" She said.

"And what will you be doing for the audience today?" Octavia asked her.

"I-I I will be c-c-c-conducting an orchestra b-band." Quartet shuffled nervously on stage.

"Oh, that sounds lovely." Octavia closed her eyes and smiled at the filly on stage. "Anytime you are ready." She added.

Quartet bowed her head and turned away from the audience. She had band members set up beforehand behind the curtains. When she had her head turned, two stagehands brought her a music stand and a conductor's baton, matching her cutie mark. She tapped the baton on the music stand six times, the standard for the band to get ready and the audience to be silent. The audience did become silent by the sixth hit and the band members straightened their pose.

The music that Quartet composed brought half of the audience to tears. It did not last long, it was definitely shorter than most orchestra pieces, but it is probably a good thing it was short. Once it was over, Quartet turned and bowed her head. The band followed her motion. The audience stomped their hooves on the floor, after they wiped the tears from their eyes of course, and cheered loudly for the filly. Quartet looked up at the judge's table. Octavia was gently tapping her hooves together. No one saw it, but Quartet smiled more than anypony else in the crowd when she saw that.

The next few acts were just as excellent as Quartet's. A unicorn colt was able to dance with fireballs, an earth mare pushed a large boulder across the stage, a pegasus filly drew a detailed sketch of a group of random ponies in less than ten minutes. Every act was exciting to watch. The show went on late into the night. After a few hours, the judges called for the final act. A light blue mare took the stage. She wore a purple cape with a matching wizard's hat. She had a wooden wagon in tow.

"And what is your name, ma'am?" Octavia asked in the same cheerful voice she had all night.

"I am. The One. The Only. Great and Powerful. TRIXIE!"

As she said that, colorful rockets launched from the wooden wagon, and exploded around the crowd and stage. A few ponies in the crowd gasped in shock. The white mare at the control panel looked over to Octavia. Octavia met her gaze. While the other two judges were stunned by the sudden lights and sounds, Octavia gave a reassuring look to the mare behind the control panel. The white mare shook her head. Octavia nodded, keeping her calm expression. The white mare removed her glasses. Her purple eyes met Octavia's. Her face clearly read, "I have a bad feeling about this. We should leave or stop her." Octavia simply closed her eyes and smiled. The white mare sighed, put her glasses on, and resumed her job at the control panel.

The judges did not get the chance to ask Trixie what she would be doing for the show; she had already begun her routine.  Tons of random objects came from her wagon and she levitated them in the air. There were about twenty objects she held. Things from children's toys, books, a vase, simple things one would find around the house. She moved each object in a circle through the air. The audience stamped their hooves on the ground and cheered at Trixie. After a few seconds of retracing the pattern of flying objects, she made each object disappear. Trixie took in a deep breath. Although she was very skilled in Magic, it still took a lot out of her. She focused all of her energy into the rest of her act.

The audience, at first, would applaud and cheer at every trick she did; however, near the end of her act, they could only stare in awe at what she did. She was covered in sweat. She looked at the crowd and said. "The Great and Powerful Trixie, thanks you all for your time." After that, a large cloud of purple smoke covered the stage. By the time it cleared, Trixie and her wooden cart were gone. The audience cheered louder than they did for any of the other contestants. Everypony stamped on the ground and cheered. Everypony except for one. A red colt that was in the front of the crowd. He could only stare at the ground that Trixie was on a moment ago. He smiled, and ran to backstage.

Back there, he saw everypony who was on the stage. They all conversed with each other about the show. Passing both praise and criticism. The red colt walked through the crowd of ponies, looking for either the light blue coat of Trixie, or her wooden wagon. He circled the crowd three times, but did not see her anywhere. Everypony turned their head to the entrance to the stage. Octavia stood there with the white mare from the control panel.

"You all did wonderful." Octavia told the crowd.

"Psht. C'mon Tavi. They were awesome out there." The white mare cut in.

"Yes, Vinyl, I suppose that would be another way to put it."

"Seriously, you all rocked out there!" Vinyl wandered through the crowd, giving hoofbumps to whoever passed her by.

Octavia cleared her throat. "Anyway. The judges chose the top performers, and they will be performing in Canterlot."

Excitement filled the room. All the ponies started chatting with each other, sharing their hopes that they will be on their way to Canterlot.

"Will Trixie be there?" A voice shot from the commotion.

Everypony's voices died down, and they all focused on the red colt.

"I don't seem to recall you on stage tonight." Octavia addressed the red colt.

"Well, duh. He's a blank flank!" One of the fillys shouted from the crowd.

"Not cool." Vinyl replied in that direction.

Octavia looked over from Vinyl to the red colt.

"Why do you want to know where Trixie is?" Vinyl broke the silence.

"Because I want her to teach me how to do magic!"

Silence filled the room. It was very tense, until the young performers started laughing. The adults in the area tried to calm down the younger ones, but to no avail. Octavia motioned Vinyl to get the red colt and get away from the ponies in the area. Vinyl did so, and Octavia followed. She turned around to give one last statement, but nopony was looking her way. She brushed her mane to the side, then followed Vinyl.

Octavia met up with Vinyl and the red colt a few dozen feet from backstage. The laughter could still be heard in the background. Vinyl and the red colt were already having a conversation.

"But, that can't happen."

"I'll be the first, then!"

"No, it seriously is impossible."

"Nothing is!"

"What are you two talking about?" Octavia cut in.

"Tavi," Vinyl turned away from the red colt, "get this. He wants Trixie to teach him how to use magic."

"Uh, but, isn't he...?" Octavia looked at the red colt.

"Yea! That's what I keep telling him."

"I'll talk to him." Octavia took a deep breath, and approached the red colt.

"Hey." Octavia sat next to the red colt.

The red colt looked up at Octavia. "Will you tell me where she went?"

"How about you tell me your name first?"

"It's Borderline."

"That's a...um...interesting name." Octavia tried to keep her cheerful face on.

"Can you tell me where she went?" Borderline insisted.

"Why do you want to know?" Octavia caught Vinyl's eyes.

"So she can teach me how to use magic!"

Octavia and Vinyl met eyes again. Vinyl shook her head.

"But, only unicorns can perform magic."

"Then I'll become a unicorn!"

"No, you don't understand." Octavia insisted.

"Listen, kid, you're an earth pony! You can't perform magic and you won't ever be able to!" Vinyl butt in.

"Vinyl!" Octavia shouted at the white mare.

"You're wrong! Trixie is great and powerful! She can teach me how to become a unicorn!" Borderline fought back the tears in his eyes.

"I don't care how great and powerful she is! She can't do it!" Vinyl insisted.

"You're wrong!" Borderline couldn't fight back the tears anymore. He ran past Vinyl, and headed for the city.

Vinyl looked at Octavia, what she said caught up to her.

"You are a real piece of work sometimes." Octavia said in a cold voice.

"I-...I-...I don't know what came over me." Vinyl removed her glasses.

"I guess you did get your point across. He is a colt, he would have had to learn eventually I suppose."

"Yea. I'll meet you back at the house. I have to pack up the sound booth."

"Okay, but you're getting dinner on the way home."

"What! Why?"

"I didn't make the colt cry."

Late Night Game

"Show your cards."

"Three of a Kind"

"..High Card"

"O-O-One Pair."

"High Card."

"Ha! Looks like I win!"

A circular table, surrounded by five ponies. Each one is wearing a black saddlebag, protected by their long jackets. They are in a dark room that is housed under the local tavern. They have all been there since sunset. Even though there are no windows, some in the room knew the sunrise was due in an hour or so. One of the ponies, an orange stallion with red eyes, was close to winning all of the tokens on the table.

"Looks like I can afford that amulet I promised my fillyfriend." The orange stallion exclaimed as he dragged all of the tokens to his end of the table.

"C'mon Rusty, you could go a little easier on us." A white mare, the youngest of them all, flipped her mane back and smiled at the orange stallion.

"Is it truely fair to be playing against someone whose talent is bluffing?" The dealer, a yellow stallion spoke up. Pointing to Rusty's cutie mark.

"Bluffing? My cutie mark means I am talented in office!" Rusty spoke up.

"Like I said, bluffing." The yellow stallion shuffled the cards.

Everyone at the table laughed at the dealer's comment, including Rusty.

"I think it's safe to call it a night." The dealer spoke up. He scanned the table, everypony except Rusty was close to having no tokens left.

"I agree." The white mare said, looking at her cell phone. "Sunrise is soon, and some of us have to work."

They all started to put their tokens into their saddlebag, until one of the ponies at the table slammed his hoof on the table.

"One last hand." He said.

Each pony in the room looked around. The dealer broke the silence after a few seconds.

"Look, I know you're new here, but you have the least amount of tokens of all of us. We are tired, let's call it a night."

The stallion brushed his black mane back. He looked right at Rusty. "One last hand," he said, "all or nothing."

Rusty let out a loud laugh.

"And why would I do that?" Rusty exclaimed, nudging his saddlebag full of tokens.

"I never took you for a coward, Rusty."

Rusty flinched from that remark. The stallion challenging him placed his red hooves on the table, and looked Rusty in the eye. Rusty felt nervous.

"One. Last. Hand." The red stallion spoke one last time.

Rusty smirked at the dealer. "If it'll get you to shut up. Sure."

The dealer sighed as the other two left the building. The dealer took a seat between Rusty and the red stallion. He slid the first card to each of the ponies.

"What's your name, by the way?" Rusty asked.

"Silver Boulder."

The dealer sent out the next card.

"Odd name for a red earth pony."

"I am an odd red earth pony."

The dealer send out the last set of card, and put the two cards face up between them.

"All or nothing?" Silver more stated than asked as he put his saddlebag on the table.

"Agreed" Rusty said as he put his on the table as well.

"On three." The dealer wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

"One..." The dealer eyed the two to the sides of him.

"Tw-.." Rusty flipped his cards over.

"Royal Straight Flush!" He shouted.

The room was quiet. His voice lingered in the air for what seemed like forever. All that Silver could do was smile and wait for him to sit back down.

"Looks like I win." Rusty said as he reached over for Silver's bag.

"nuh-uh." Silver placed his hoof on Rusty's

Silver flipped his cards over. "Royal straight flush."

The room was in silence. None of them were able to move.

"We both have the same hand, but I have two spades." Silver stated.

Rusty did not move.

"That means..." Silver couldn't help but smile as Rusty struggled to say the words.

"Y-You win." He finally said.

Silver sat back down on the stool and smiled. "I'll be taking your bag now."

Rusty slumped back in his stool. He starred at his hand, then at Silver's. He could not take his eyes off them. Silver grew impatient, and reached over the table for Rusty's bag.

"No!" Rusty slapped Silver's hoof away.

Silver slumped back in his chair, giving a cold stare to Rusty.

"I finally got the money to treat my wife right! I won't let you take that away!" Rusty yelled at Silver.

"Very well." Silver replied in a calm manner.

Silver slammed his front hooves on his end of the table, then pushed with all of his weight. The table caught Rusty by the neck as his end was launched in the air. Luckily, the bag was still on the table; the bag flew through the air and landed near Silver. While Rusty was still stunned, Silver spun around and kicked the table with his hind legs. The kick sent the table, along with Rusty, flying to the wall. One loud crash later, there lied pieces of a table, and a knocked out Rusty.

Silver put on Rusty's saddlebag, straightened his coat, then fixed his mane. "Thank you for a wonderful night." He said as he walked by the dealer.

"Don't ever come back here, Borderline." The dealer responded.

The red stallion was halfway up the stairs.

"I was not planning on it."

The game was supposed to end before sunrise, but it was far too late from that. As Borderline left the tavern, the sun was just rising over the horizon. He heard bells coming from the Baltimare town hall, signalling that all the public buildings are now open. After going to the bank to exchange the tokens for bits, he made the mistake of walking in front of the tavern.

"Thats him, sir!" A voice called from the tavern entrance.

Borderline looked that way, and saw two guard. One on each side of a familiar orange stallion.

"Shit" Borderline whispered as he covered the saddlebag with his coat. The guards approached Borderline, who put on a smile.

"So how can I help y--" Borderline was cut off, something struck him in the back of the head.

"You are wanted for assaulting and stealing from the mayor of Baltimare! What say you in your defense?!"

"Mayor?" Borderline's vision blurred.

"Take him in, and I'll be taking that." Rusty took the saddlebag from Borderline.

"Get up!" One of the guards shouted at Borderline/

"Mayor?" Borderline asked. He was struck again.

"I said get up!" The guard shouted.

Late Night Ride

"Wake up!" A voice called into the dark cell.

Borderline's legs were stiff, and he struggled standing up. Unfortunately, he was too slow for the guard's liking. The guard hit him with a blunt object. Borderline collapsed. Borderline met the eyes of the guard.

"Get up." The guard ordered.

Borderline took his time, but he did get on all four hooves and met the guard eye to eye. The guard motioned for Borderline to go to the front desk. The head of the guards in Baltimare was at the desk, focused on his paperwork. Borderline approached the front desk. The head guard stayed focused on his paperwork. Borderline cleared his throat, but the head guard stayed focused on his paperwork. Borderline looked over to the other guards in the room. They all stood at attention, or they were trying to avoid Borderline's eyes. Borderline knocked on the desk. The head guard finally met his eyes.

"Give me a minute." He said as he looked back at his desk.

Borderline sighed and looked around the room. It was fairly obvious that not much happened in the building. Dust was collecting on top of shelves and picture frames. Lights did not work. The place was a few bad weather days from being flattened into a parking lot.

"Alright, Mr. Borderline." The guard attracted Borderline's attention. "The mayor has stated that he does not want to see your face in this city again. Also, if you would like to get the charge of assault off your record, you'll have to fulfill forty hours of service to a business from this list." The head guard slid a paper to Borderline's end of the desk.

"Once that is completed, have your superior sign a letter of proof and give it to the mayor of the respecting city."

By the time the head guard was finished with that statement, Borderline marked a name on the list and made his way out of the door. The guard was surprised.

"I never took you for a labor worker."

Borderline was halfway out the door.

"I'll call the owner to meet you at the train station." The guard shouted to Borderline.

Borderline went straight for the train station. Despite not eating since the card game, he just wanted to get out of Baltimare.

"Next stop leaving in 5 minutes!" The conductor shouted from the stand. Borderline shook his head. It was early in the morning, and he looked like crap.

"Pardon me, miss."

Borderline smiled as he made his way through the line of ponies at the ticket counter, saying "Excuse me" and "Beg your pardon" every few seconds. When he got to the front gate, he presented his ticket that he entered the town with. The pony behind the counter glanced to the entrance gate. Borderline bowed his head and made his way to the train at the station.

"It's about half a day to Canterlot, sir. You're more than welcome to the diner wagon if you're feeling hungry." A staff member said as Borderline passed him.

"Thank you. However, I am not headed to Canterlot."

"Oh, well, still help yourself."

"Thank you very much." Borderline smiled back to the staff member as he boarded the train.

Borderline took a seat in the back of the passenger car. He thought about the job he chose. He's heard about the place, but never went there personally. He ran into a pony from there while cutting across Filly Delphia on his way to Baltimare a few weeks back. She told him that if he ever dropped by, she can help him out with whatever he needed. He hoped that included working with her. "Didn't that guard say he would call her?" He thought to himself. He couldn't help but smile. "I guess I'll figure out if she was honest about helping me out when I get there." Borderline closed his eyes and waited for the train to start moving.

"Do I smell....mints?"

Borderline's vision came back to him very slowly. He was satisfied to feel the train moving, but he couldn't pinpoint what that smell was coming from. He rubbed his eyes with his hooves, then stretched them out. His right hoof knocked into something soft. He quickly pulled it back, and his eyes shot open from shock.

"I am so sorry! I-" He looked at an unicorn mare sitting next to him.

The blue unicorn took a second to swallow some food that was in her mouth. "Oh no, it's quite alright."

Borderline sat up in the chair. "What's your name?" He asked her.

The blue unicorn ate another chocolate muffin before answering his question.

"Doctor Colgate." She finally replied.

"Doctor?"

"Yes, I am a dentist in Ponyville." She answered just before eating another chocolate muffin.

"I never expected a dentist to have such a sweet tooth." Borderline smirked as he eyed the plate overflowing with chocolate snacks.

"Yes, well.." Colgate stuttered for a moment. "I can't eat these while I am working with other ponies. So I simply have a few while I am out of town."

Borderline smiled as he laid back into his chair. "I understand completely. Do you mind?" He reached out for one of the muffins. Colgate gave a nod as he took one. Borderline was not a big fan of chocolate, but he will settle for anything at this point. He got through half of the muffin before looking over to Colgate again. "Would you happen to have a deck of cards?"  He asked between bites. Colgate reached into her saddlebag next to her chair and tossed him a sealed box. He finished the muffin before opening the box. He pulled out the deck of cards and shuffled through them. He tossed out the two Discord cards, as well as the rules card. Colgate couldn't help but look over to Borderline, who passed the piled of cards around his hooves as if it was levitation magic.

"You're quite handy with those." She spoke out.

"Thank you. I have a lot of free time." He met her gaze, but didn't stop shuffling the cards.

"Why would you spend so much time shuffling cards?"

"So I can read pony's minds."

Colgate almost choked on her food at that remark.

"What did you just say?" She asked.

"I can read pony's minds with these." He fanned the cards. "Care to try?"

Colgate smiled and nodded her head.

"Okay. Think of a number one to nine." Borderline shuffled the cards one last time.

"Got it!"

"It was four. Give me a challenge."

Colgate's eyes shot open. She stammered a while before once again saying she was ready.

He placed the cards in her hooves, and pulled sixteen of them at random.

"Do you think any of these cards have your number on them?"

"Well, yes. There is a 20% chan-"

"No. These are all face cards." Borderline turned the cards to Colgate. Then put them on the arm of the chair.

Borderline stared into Colgate's eyes for an awkward amount of time.

"5 of Clubs" He finally said.

Colgate was shocked once again.

"How did you know that?" She exclaimed.

"Your hoof was on it." Borderline took the cards back into his possession and shuffled them one last time.

"How did you know that was the card? I didn't even know!"

"Secret"

"But!.."

"This is my stop." Borderline hastily got up and quickly moved away from Colgate.

Borderline made it to the door as the train slowed to a stop. He was the first one off the train. The station was very crowded, no doubt from ponies wanting to board the train to head to Canterlot for the upcoming event. Borderline scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face. After a few seconds of looking back and forth, he saw a crudely painted "Borderline" on a white wooden sign. The sign was being held by a yellow filly. Once he got closer, he saw a familiar orange mare standing next to her.

"Howdy. I got the call a few hours ago."

"Thanks for helping me out."

"What is it you need to be doing, exactly?"

"I have to get fourty hours of work done."

"What did you do to get yourself in that situation?"

"I...uh." Borderline froze.

"You what?" The orange mare asked again.

"I-I-I-I damaged a food cart." Borderline choked out.

"Ha! I reckon I could get Rainbow to help me out on the farm if that's what they do to ya."

Borderline tried to laugh with her.

"Mister, what's that in your hoof?" The yellow filly pointed to  the deck of cards.

"Oh. These are playing cards." Borderline handed them to the yellow filly.

"Well, he have a lot of work to do. I'll show ya around the farm. Then we do the actual work tommorrow mornin."

"Yes, um, I apologize, but I forgot your name."

"It's Applejack."

"And I'm Applebloom!"

"I am really grateful you kept your word back from Filly Delphia."

"Well, I did send out notes sayin that I needed help for the upcommin festival. I'm glad that I met you before this."

"Either way. I'm ready to work."

Late Night City

The walk to Applejack’s apple farm was a lot shorter than Borderline expected. When he first saw the farm, he figured it would take longer to walk the length of that rather than the barn to the train station.

“This is it. Wadda you think?”

“It’s certainly a lot bigger than I thought.”

Applejack showed Borderline the house and the barn. Applebloom ran off with Borderline’s deck of cards when they first arrived, and she has not been seen since. The barn was very clean. Borderline was expecting the smell of dirty animals to fill the air, but that was not the case. All of her farm animals were recently washed. The animals in the barn did not react much to Borderline’s presence. They all continued to eat the grass in their rooms, some did not even glance over in his direction.

“Very well behaved.” Borderline commented.

Applejack continued to the apple trees. She showed Borderline the area he would be getting apples from, and also showed him how to collect them by kicking the trunks of the trees. Since Borderline was an earth pony as well, he did not expect to have too much trouble keeping up with Applejack.

"Let's have a contest. First to clear ten trees?" Applejack suggested

"You're on."

Applejack immediately ran for the first tree, and Borderline did the same. Borderline kicked the tree has hard as he could, then moved onto the next. He wondered if Applejack had planned this, since there were already buckets placed at the base of each tree. Borderline was quick. He could run up to a tree, kick it, then move onto the next one in seconds. When he kicked the tenth tree, he wiped the sweat from his face. Applejack ran up to him."

"Impressed?" Borderline smirked at Applejack.

"Considerin' only a hoof-full of apples fell from each tree, and I had enough time to double back, clear your trees, and meet you here in a coupla seconds. I'm very impressed."

Borderline looked away and scratched the back of his neck.

"Rematch at the end of the week?" He suggested.

"You're on."

“Applejack!” A voice came from far away.

Borderline and Applejack looked around. Applejack’s eyes were to the sky while Borderline continued to scan the area around the trees.

“Y’all may wanna put your head down.”

“Wait, why?”

Before Borderline could get his answer, a large force flew by him. The large force of wind knocked Borderline to the side. It took a second for Borderline to regain his balance. Applejack was not affected by the large force.

“What was that?!” Borderline shouted. When he looked up, he saw a spectrum of colors dividing him and Applejack. Applejack’s head was turned to the left side, so Borderline looked in that direction as well. The trail of colors disappeared into the trees. He could hear a faint sound of something cutting through the wind. Before he could ask any other questions, he heard a loud crash.

Applejack was gone from where she was standing, and a trail of colors took her place. When Borderline looked over, he saw Applejack on the ground, with a blue mare with a rainbow mane standing over her.

“OhmygoshApplejackyouwon’tbelievethis!”

“Rainbow.”

“NolistenIgotustwoseatstothefanciestrestaraunt-

“Rainbow!”

“It’sgoingtobegreat.Imean.IhatedressingupbutIt’llbe-“

“Rainbow!!” Applejack’s voice finally reached over the blue mare’s excited story. Applejack looked over at Borderline, and the blue mare looked over as well.

“Who are you?” The blue mare glared at Borderline. “Who is he?” The blue mare looked back to Applejack.

“If you get off of me, I’ll tell you.”

The blue mare flapped her wings and glided off of Applejack. Applejack got up, took her hat, and then brushed the dirt off it before putting it back on.

“This here is Borderline. He’ll be helpin me out for a few days on the farm.”

The blue mare couldn’t help but laugh.

“Who did you tick off to get that death sentence?” She shouted between breaths.

“He damaged a food cart.” Applejack starred at the blue mare, seeing if she got the hint.

“Anyway, I just came here to tell you to be ready tomorrow. I got us somewhere I think you’ll love.”

“I’d love to, but I have to stay here with Borderline and buck apples for the festival commin up.”

“Aw, pppllleeeaaasseeeee? I’m sure he will be fine by himself for an hour.”

Applejack and Borderline met eyes. He shrugged. She sighed.

“All right, fine. Only if it is an hour. You don’t mind, do ya?” She returned her gaze to Borderline.

“Not at all.” Borderline gave a reassuring smile.

“YEA!” The blue mare spun in the air and flew off.

“I’ll be back at sunset!” She shouted as she flew away.

“Who was that?” Borderline asked.

“That was Rainbow Dash. She’s a close friend of mine.”

Applejack headed back to the house, and Borderline followed her. When Applejack and Borderline reached the house. Applejack turned to face him.

“You’re more than welcome to stay at our place if you wish.”

“It’s quite all right. I’ll stay at an inn in the city.”

“If you’re sure. Be back here at sunrise.”

“Got it.”

Applejack went into her house, and Borderline headed for town square. It was not until halfway there that he remembered the guards confiscated all of his money. He dug around in the pockets of his vest, but they were all empty as well. He looked in his pockets again for his card deck, but remembered that Applebloom ran off with them. “Well, this is fantastic.” Borderline whispered to himself as he arrived in town. He was lucky enough to make it before all of the shops closed for the night. He entered a pink shop. As soon as he entered, he felt sick from the overwhelming smell of sugar and chocolate.

“Oh, hello there. I’m sorry, but we’ve thrown out most of our sweets. All we have left are cupcakes.” An orange earth stallion called out as he dumped a tray into the trash.

“Oh no, please.” Borderline placed a hoof over his nose. “I’m not a fan of sweets anyway.”

“Well, you’re certainly in the wrong place.” A mare’s voice cut in. A blue mare with a pink swirl mane appeared from a door behind the counter.

“Yes, well.” Borderline put his hoof down and maintained a straight posture. “I came here hoping you also sold a card deck”

“Sorry, sweetie. But we only sell pastries.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” Borderline headed back outside.

The moon began to rise, but the lights around the city could fool somepony to think it was day. Lanterns were hung from nearly every building. To compensate for the light, Borderline noticed that every window was either shut, or they all were covered, except one. He laid down in front of the fountain, and closed his eyes. He thought of new card tricks he could perform once Applebloom gave them back. He needed to get some bits, and that was the only way he knew how in these circumstances.

Late Night Fashion

Borderline slowly faded back into consciousness. Even though he was used to waking up early, he did not want to wake up. It was not because of the inevitable day of hard work. He was not lazy. Borderline found the cushions under him to be quite comfortable. "Wait, what am I on?" he thought to himself. He snapped into conscious thought and jumped off what was under him. After having a look, he saw that he was on a rather expensive looking couch. The design of the couch looked odd to Borderline, but after looking around the room he was in, at least it matched. The interior of the building was filled with different shades of purple, complimented with yellow and white trimming on pieces of furniture.

"Oh, you're awake. Good morning." A mare's voice came from the other end of the room.

Borderline looked towards the door to see a white unicorn mare standing at the other end. Her horn was surrounded with a blue glow.

"To you as well. Um, where exactly am I?"

"You're in my shop, dear. You were asleep just outside, and it was supposed to rain something aweful. So me and Sweetie Belle used our magic and brought you inside."

"I am thankful, but, we've never met, have we?"

The white unicorn smirked a little. "I knew you wouldn't remember. How about this?" Rarity cleared her throat. "I'm gonna track down Trixie and she will teach me magic!" She gave in a rather impressive imitation of a colt.

Borderline couldn't hide the embarrassment on his face. She laughed at his reaction.

"So, do you still have that plan?"

"I...uh....n-no. No, I don't."

"Good. I don't mind you wanting to learn magic, that's actually possible, but you need to stay away from Trixie."

"What? Why is that?"

"Come with me. I'll tell you in my workshop."

Borderline followed the white unicorn further into the shop. They passed by a window, and Borderline was relieved to see the moon was still out. Rarity's workshop had things flying all over the place. Each object had a similar blue glow that the unicorn's horn had. Borderline was impressed by the precision of her magic, then he spotted a familiar clothing item.

"Isn't that?"

"Your vest? Yes."

"Why?"

"It was torn and dirty."

"Why?"

"Possibly because you sleep outside in it."

"No, why do you have it?"

"I figured I'd improve your outfit."

"Last question. Why?"

The white unicorn couldn't look Borderline in the face as she answered his question. "I felt bad after that night. I should have said something"

"It's quite all right. One of the judges and her friend spoke with me afterward."

"About that. Stay away from Trixie." The unicorn's tone drastically changed.

"What happened between you two?"

"Not us two. The entire town."

"Care to explain?"

The white unicorn explained that Trixie has been to Ponyville a few months prior. On her first visit, she was proven to be a fraud by Twilight Sparkle. On her second visit, she used the Alicorn Amulet to banish Twilight from the city, until Twilight was able to trick Trixie into removing the amulet.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"Oh, please, if you knew some of the things I've been through."

Borderline looked out the window, and could see the sun coming over the horizon.

"Oh crap. I'm sorry, but I have to go" Borderline quickly headed for the door.

"Come back later tonight! Your outfit will be finished!" The white unicorn called out to him.

Borderline raced through the trail to Applejack's farm. In a race against the sunrise, he pushed himself harder than he has in a long time. Leaves flew in the air as he blew past them. He could feel sweat all over his body as he made the final stretch to Applejack's farm.

Once he arrived, he saw Applejack speaking with Rainbow Dash. Neither one of them noticed him coming from the trail. They were speaking quietly. Applejack was facing away from Borderline, and as he approached them, Rainbow Dash stopped the conversation. Applejack turned around and saw Borderline.

"Howdy. Right on time too."

"Thanks. What were you two talking about?"

"Nothing." Rainbow Dash cut in. "Don't forget about tonight, Aj."

"I won't."

Rainbow Dash flew off.

"Big plans tonight?" Borderline asked.

"Yepp. Dash wants us to have some alone time before the big festival.

"How cute. Do you mind?" Borderline took an apple from a nearby tree.

"Actually, yes. We need all these apples."

"Oh." Borderline looked at the large field full of apple trees.

"I'm just messin' with ya." Applejack laughed.

Borderline followed Applejack to the barn. A red stallion twice as large as Borderline stacked buckets onto three different wagons. Each wagon held about fifty empty buckets. "Reckon you can fill them all?" Applejack nudged Borderline. Borderline didn't give an answer .He waited for the red stallion to finish, then took his wagon to his part of the woods.

Borderline collapsed in the field as the last few apples fell into the buckets below. The sun was close to setting. Applejack was gone by now, and Borderline figured that the red stallion was done mere hours after he started. He took in a breath before getting up to bring the wagon full of apples back to the barn.

Borderline didn't see anypony from the time he brought the wagon back to the barn to arriving back at the white unicorn's shop. A bell rang when he walked into the door.

"I'm sorry, but we are close to closing. I'm afraid I cannot take anymore orders today." A voice came from the workshop.

"I've stayed past closing before." Borderline called back.

"Oh! It's you! Please, come in."

Borderline entered the workshop. Little has changed since he left that morning. Patterns and fabrics flew all over the place. Some fabrics were placed on manikins, others met various machines, and then they would return to their shelves.

"Busy day?" Borderline asked.

"Not exactly. I've been out of the shop a lot today. This is actually the little bit of work I've done."

"I wish I could say that."

"That's right. Rainbow Dash did mention you were helping out Applejack."

"That's true, speaking of names, I never got yours."

"My apologies, it's just so rare when we get new people in town. I'm Rarity."

"Pleasure to meet you. Again."

"Likewise."

A large pile of fabric came from the back room. A voice came from under the sheets of fabrics.

"This is the last of it, Rarity."

"Thank you so much, Spike."

A small purple figure emerged from the fabrics.

"Dragon?!" Borderline shouted.

Spike didn't pay much attention to Borderline. "Need anything else, Rarity?" He asked.

"No, Spike. I think I'm done for the night. Thank you for helping me.

"A-anytime." He stumbled on his words as he left.

"I think he likes you." Borderline stared at the door.

"I know." Rarity said somewhat proudly.

"Who was that anyway?"

"His name is Spike. He's Twilight's ser-I meant assistant."

"Twilight? Isn't that the one Trixie ran out of town?"

"The very same. Come here a second." Rarity levitated a few pieces of clothes in front of Borderline.

Borderline stood still as various pieces of fabric was placed against him. Rarity would put a piece of fabric on him, bring it back, cut it, then repeat the process. It took half an hour before Rarity finally had something that looked like clothes.

"Try these on" She gave him a few pieces of clothes.

After a second, Borderline was ready.

Rarity turned to see. She had satisfaction written on her face. Borderline's vest was repaired, and was complimented with a large coat that covered his back body.

"I love it."

"Seems impractical."

"Nonsense. You look fabulous."

"Won't the coat get dirty from dragging on the floor?"

"It's a very durable material, and waterproof."

Borderline sighed. "It does look nice."

"And it'll be perfect for your arrival at the festival next week."

"Wait, I'm not-"

"It'll be perfect. You'll be the envy of everypony there. Simple, yet very fashionable."

"Rarity, I-"

"Maybe somepony will like my design and would like to buy some." She wandered the room, looking at the different patterns and fabrics on the floor and shelves.

"I'll see you later." Borderline headed for the door. He didn't think Rarity heard him. She was too caught up in her fantasy. Borderline felt something heavy in one of his pockets. Once he fished the object out, he was surprised. It was his deck of cards from the train ride. A note was attached to the deck. It read, "Courtesy of the Cutie Mark Delivery Ponies". Borderline stuffed the note back into his pocket, and shuffled the card deck. He went to the only place that still had lights on.

"Welcome to the Ponyville Inn! How may I help ya?" A large yellow earth mare asked. Borderline approached the counter, and placed the deck on the desk.

"I'm afraid I have no bits. However, I am known across Manehatten for my magic acts. Maybe I can make up a night's cost?"

The mare at the other end of the counter smiled. "Let's see what ya got."

Late Night Party

Borderline kicked the last tree effortlessly. All of the apples fell from their branches to the buckets he placed on the ground.

"You have improved a bit since you first started." A voice came from behind.

"I certainly feel a lot stronger than before."Borderline rubbed his hooves.

"Well, I called the guards over in Baltimare. You've completed your forty hours.

"Excellent," Borderline lifted the bucket onto the wagon, "No offense, but I am ready to head back out."

"Well, before ya do, you reckon you can pay Rarity a visit? There's somethin she wanted to let you know."

"Sure."

Borderline and Applejack pulled the last of their wagons to the barn. Borderline was pouring with sweat. Every few steps he took were halted from him taking a second to wipe his hoof across his eyes. The path he took with Applejack was entirely uphill. He couldn't help but think that she took this path in spite of him. He struggled to keep up with Applejack. She was able to walk uphill like there was nothing holding her back. Borderline said he felt stronger, but not that much. He felt worse when he looked over to the side, seeing Bic Mac pull his wagon at twice the speed he and Applejack were walking.

"You go Big Mac!" Applejack shouted.

It took minutes for Applejack and Borderline to meet up with Bic Mac at the barn. Bic Mac took the apple buckets from their carts as they approached the barn.

"We will take it from here, Borderline. You go see what Rarity wants to talk to you about."

"It was great working with you." Borderline extended a hoof to Applejack.

"It was fun." Applejack raised her hoof and met his.

With a nod from Big Mac, Borderline made his way to Rarity's shop. As usual, the trail was empty. However, Borderline usually walked to town at night. It was odd, to him at least, that it was also empty during the day. Borderline zoned out during his walk. He thought of where to head to next.

With the mayor of Baltimare banishing him, he would have to head West to Tall Tale. He could perform there for a few months until he had enough bits to make it to Las Pegasus. In "Borderline", his chances of performing for an actor or some celebrity. From there, he would have to head to "Borderline", where the largest library in Equestria is located. He figured that somepony there could help him find what he needs. However, since he--

"Borderline!"

Borderline woke from his fantasy. He was in a purple and yellow room. In front of him was a familiar white unicorn.

"Sorry, Rarity. I kind of dozed off." Borderline rubbed his hoof over his eyes.

"Quite all-right, darling. Happens to the best of us."

"What did you want to talk about?"

"I know you still have that crazy agenda of learning magic."

Borderline couldn't help but smile. "And?"

"Well, my friend Twilight lives in the library here. She lent me the key." She levitated a set of keys between Borderline and herself.

"Wow! um. Thank you so much!" Borderline reached for the set of keys.

Rarity levitated the keys out of reach. "Not so fast."

Borderline sighed. "Okay, I should have seen this coming. What do you want in return?"

Rarity smiled. "Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes, I am sure."Borderline couldn't help but start thinking of all the things she could say that would make him instantly regret his answer

"I would like for you to accompany me at the festival in this town in a few days."

"..."

"Well?"

"...I...uh"

"Oh, puullleeeeeaaaaassssssseeeeeeee?" Rarity's eyes began to water.

"Uh-but, I don't plan on staying in town for that long."

Rarity put a hoof to her chest and exaggeratedly sighed.

Borderline's eyes went from the keys to Rarity, then back to the keys.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

Rarity's expression went to the other end of the spectrum.

"Thank you Borderline! You're going to love the festival. The music, the guests, the people-" Rarity went off, describing everything she expected to see at the festival.

"Um, Rarity. The keys?"

"Oh, yes. Of course, I will have to accompany you there, since it is Twilight's house and all."

"I don't mind." Borderline turned and walked out the door. Rarity shortly caught up to him.

"So, where is the library?"

"Other end of town."

"Excellent."

Borderline and Rarity did not have a conversation on the way to the library, although there was plenty of talking. Rarity went on about the dresses ponies have ordered for the events happening in Canterlot and for the festival occuring in Canterlot. She's never had that amount of orders before, but the dresses were mostly simple designs.

"I will have to make you something for suitable for the occasion." Rarity eyed Borderline's coat.

"I think this is fine. You did make it yourself."

"Yes, yes, however, it is not enough for a formal dance."

"Rarity, I've seen a tan stallion wear nothing but a tie."

"I suppose. Ah, here we are." Rarity and Borderline stopped in front of a large tree.

Borderline took a moment. "A tree? That's new."

Rarity ignored his comment as she pushed the door open.

"Wait, didn't you need to use the ke--"

"SURPRISE!!"

Borderline took a step back. Balloons, confetti, and streamers were everywhere. Instead of seeing walls of books, he was met with what had to have been every pony in the city, and then some. They all stared at Borderline, expecting him to do or say something. A pink earth mare appeared in front of him.

"Howdy! Applejack told me that you were helping her on the apple farm, and she told me that it was your last day working, and since since I didn't get to meet you all week, I thought I could make up for it by throwing you a party to celebrate! I'm Pinkie Pie by the way. I'm the party planner in Ponyville!"

"Oh, um, a pleasure to meet you."

"Come on in!" Pinkie pulled Borderline by the hoof into the library.

"Pinkie, I was actually coming here to look for a book." Borderline looked around the cloud. He did not notice anypony there.

"Oh, you mean this one?" Pinkie held up a book, Artifacts Past Crystal Mountains.

"That could actual-how did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Nevermind, may I see the book?"

"What book?"

"What do you mean 'What book?' the one in your hoo-" Borderline looked back to her hooves, which were empty.

"Where is it?!"

"Where is what?"

"The book."

"There you go again about the book. Just enjoy the party!"

Borderline looked back to the crowd of people. He turned back to find Rarity, but she was not there.

"Pinkie, listen. I don't do too well in crowds." Borderline's breathing got heavier.

"What!? Well that's no good."

"Pinkie, please. Give me the book. I need it."

"Well, since you asked nicely. I gave it to Rarity."

"What!? When?!"

"A few seconds ago."

"Dammit!" Borderline's shout caused the loudest silence he has ever heard. It was deafening to him. He looked around the room, but the only face he really saw was Pinkie Pie's. "I'm so sorry." He quickly ran outside. Borderline looked around for the white unicorn. He ran as fast as he could to her shop. However, when he arrived, the shop doors were closed. He pounded on the door.

"Rarity!"

No Answer.

He punched the door three more times.

"Rarity!" He shouted as loud as he could.

"She will give you the book at the festival." A high pitched voice surprised Borderline. When he turned around, he saw a familiar pink earth mare.

"Pinkie, about back there. I'm so sorr-" Borderline was interrupted with a slap to the face.

"That was for saying such foul language in front of colts and fillies!"

"Okay, I deserved th-" Another slap.

"That was because slapping you is so much fun!"

"Are you done?"

Pinkie nodded her had rapidly.

"So, she will give me the book at the festival?"

"Yupp! Why do you need it anyway?"

"Long story."

"I have time." Pinkie extended her hoof, revealing three watches.

"Have those always been there?"

"Well ddduuuuuhhhhhh. I need to keep track of when my parties start!"

"Can you tell me more about the festival coming up then?"

"Of course! I am the one planning it!"

"Of....course...."

"Okilokidoki! It starts in three days---"

The door in front of  Borderline took its time to open. Borderline's hooves ached from a mix of the past weeks work, and standing in front of Rarity's door for what felt like an hour. The bright light from inside the building escaped through the door and shown on the unicorn standing in the frame like a spotlight.

"I thought you left town."

"I wouldn't miss a dance with you."

"So you found out what kind of festival it is?"

"I did my homework"

"Very impressive."

Rarity approached Borderline. He got a better look at it once she stepped outside. Her dress was different shades of purple with the familiar yellow trimming. She had white fabric escaping from under the dress. It certainly looked like it came from a few centuries ago. However, the dress had a modern twist of having gems sewn in patterns across the chest and neck.

Borderline also changed into something more formal. His black vest and coat was accompanied with a black top hat and tie. Although it was not to Rarity's standards, it was certainly an improvement.

"Shall we?" Borderline extended a hoof.

"We shall." Rarity took his hoof and followed him to Town Hall.

A crowd much larger than the one from the library was outside Town Hall. They all turned heads as Borderline and Rarity walked to the doors. The noise outside died down as conversations turned into whispers. Some whispered about Rarity being with him. Others about his departure from Pinkie's party. Rarity smiled to everypony as she walked by them, while Borderline focused on the set of doors. He would glance to the crowd every few seconds, but his eyes would quickly return to the door. His pace increased halfway to the door. The whispers got louder the closer he got to the door. He couldn't hear anything except the ponie's voice passing back and forth, but he could not make out what they were saying. He felt Rarity fall behind, and only slowed down so she could stay with him. Borderline started to sweat as he placed his hoof on the door.

"Are you all-right?" Rarity asked.

"Yea. Yea. Just. Umm. Nervous Energy." Borderline took in a deep breath, then forced a smile.

"Ready when you are, dear."

"Let's do it." Borderline pushed the door open.

The crowd outside Town Hall was nothing compared to the crowd that occupied the indoors. He could not see the floor in front of him. He heard the orchestra in the back of the massive foyer, but it was very faint over the conversations the ponies were having. The Town Hall's air was full of the scents from the dozens of food being brought from the make-shift kitchens every few minutes.

"Come on, there's simply somepony that you must meet!" Rarity pulled on Borderline's hoof.

"Okay. Just stop pulling on me." Borderline gave up his stance and followed Rarity to the second floor.

She led him to a back room. There were no other ponies this far back in the building. She looked back at Borderline and smiled at him every few steps. She led him into a back room. It was the only room in the hallway that had lights bleeding through the door. Rarity extended a hoof to the door. "After you," she said. Borderline excitedly opened the door, eager to find what was on the other side.

"Hello, Borderline." A rather important white mare stood in front of Borderline. Borderline pushed on the door with all of his weight, and the door was not fully shut. He found himself in the middle of the room. He could not feel his hooves. He was face to face with the one pony in Equestria that he did not want to get involved with.

"P-P-P..." Borderline couldn't say anything. He was petrified.

"You almost got it."

"Celestia..."

"The one and only" Celestia smiled

Borderline ran for the back door.

"Nuh-uh." A familiar blue mare slammed the door shut and blocked the way. Borderline turned his head to the side doors, but each was blocked by two guards. He looked around the walls, floor, and ceiling, looking for some way out. While looking around, he did not notice two of the guards from each side approach him. He left something on the back of his neck, something heavy. He collapsed to the ground, not able to support the weight of whatever held him down.

"How?" He asked.

"It was certainly a pain tracking you down. However, with the help of my faithful student, we managed to finally capture you." As Celestia said this, a purple unicorn appeared behind her, followed by Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Rarity came from behind him and joined them next to Celestia.

"I'll explain. You see, after the head guard from Baltimare reported your assault charges. Celestia thought that there was something odd with your name. After further investigation with the Equestrian Records, her hunch was correct. There was something rather odd about you. So, Celestia asked me for an idea to get to you.

I was with Twilight at the time, and I recalled runnin into a stallion matchin the description Celestia gave Twilight. I then contacted the guard, and requested that you come work at my ranch, where we can keep an eye on ya. Me and the guard came up with a list of fake locations and names, I reckoned that the first place a pony would pick would be a place he would at least hear of.

No hard feelings, pal, but I had to do what Celestia asked. She needed me to watch over you at night and, if you ran off, bring you in any means necessary. When Rarity brought you into the shop that night, she came up with the raining story. I then went to the cloud factory and borrowed a couple of storm clouds. Then watched you ever since from the sky.

Twilight came up with the idea of capturing you here. I made you an outfit that would make you easily spotted in a crowd. Also, I had to make sure that you stayed for this event.

Oh! Oh! I know this one! On your last day, Rarity said that you would needed to find a book. She asked me to get the book, make sure it was the one you needed, then give it to her. However, I had no way to totally knowing what book it was, so I decided to throw a party! When I held the book up to you and you told me that is what you needed, I gave it to Rarity to ensure that you stayed.

Borderline was fighting a losing battle as tears ran down his face, He planted his face on the floor. The story he heard echoed in his mind, Everything that he went through in the past week was fabricated to capture him.

"What was it?" He asked.

"What was what?" Celestia responded.

"What about my name was odd?" Borderline lifted his head from the floor.

"Well, legally, you should be dead."

The room fell silent. Celestia had not told any other pony why she wanted Borderline captured. Borderline's breathing was the only sound that was present in the room. Each pony looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to what Celestia said.

"Rarity."

Silence.

"Rarity." Borderline said again.

"Y-Yes?"

"May I have that book now?" Borderline couldn't help but laugh. Through the tears, he let out a laugh that shocked the others. Nopony could move. Only Celestia maintained her calm demeanor.

"Take him to the castle. I'll deal with him in due time."

The guards dragged Borderline out of the room through one of the side doors. Celestia, along with the others, left the room a few seconds later. Rarity stayed longer, though. She didn't leave until she couldn't hear that laugh anymore.