Trixie stepped into her wagon after the show in Ponyville. It was another town that had the type of ponies that wanted entertainment but, it also had the sort of ponies that would naturally shoot her act down before it even began. It was always just a pain in the flank when she encountered hecklers, though, they usually waited until after the show to heckle the entire show. She thought back to the three ponies that she had embarrassed and regretted it.
“Why does something like this always have to happen? Can’t ponies just enjoy the regular show without trying to get a high off heckling a showmare?” she sighed, it was just another bad day.
She checked to see what she had to eat but, realized that she still needed to resupply. She hung her hat and cape and grabbed her saddlebags along with her bag full of bits. She thanked the ponies when they gave her tips for today’s show but, that didn’t erase the awful feeling of making fun of those mares.
“Let’s just get some food and sleep it off. Maybe I’ll even get a chance to apologize if I run into them.”
She stepped out of her wagon and locked the door only to be stopped by two foals.
“It’s Trixie!” they both yelled at the same time.
It was always nice to see fans but, it meant getting back into character. While she didn’t mind doing so it meant talking in the third pony which was just silly but, it was something she established long ago when she was starting as a showmare. It just didn’t feel right to change it even if it was embarrassing. She just got used to it in the end but, it still left her a bit embarrassed.
“Yes! It is I! The Great and Powerful Trixie! And to who is Trixie speaking to?”
“I’m Snips, and this is Snails.” Said the shorter of two as he gestured towards his taller lanky friend.
“We were wondering if you could teach us some of your magic Miss Trixie.” Asked Snails
“Yea! We want to learn how to fight an Ursa Major too!” said Snips
Trixie smiled at them; it was great to know that she could inspire young unicorns to learn more magic. It reminded her of when she first started out and had to take side jobs as a tutor for struggling young magic users.
“Well, you both are still far too young and lacking in power to face such a fearsome opponent. Regardless, Trixie may find some time available to teach you tomorrow in the afternoon just be sure you get permission first as Trixie would rather not deal with overly concerned parents.”
“Thanks, Miss Trixie!” they both shouted loud enough for Trixie’s ears to fold. “We’ll get our permission and come back tomorrow.”
They ran off and left Trixie on her own to enjoy the rest of the day. As she walked to the marketplace, other ponies noticed her and waved or said hello as she walked by them. This town was particularly friendly, it was a nice change of pace from the frequent wary glances or ponies completely ignoring everything, but themselves. As she reached the market, she noticed a yellow Pegasus being shoved back forth in front of a cherry stall. Normally she would have ignored it and carried on but, with the two foals asking her for lessons and the friendly atmosphere this town had she went over to help.
“Here, let me help you up,” She said to the pegasus
Trixie offered a hoof and helped the pegasus up from the ground. She dusted her off a bit and giggled at her shyness.
“Oh, my thank you.” Said the yellow mare
“No problem, why were you being shoved around like that Miss?” Trixie asked noticing the pegasus trying to squirm away.
“It’s umm… Fluttershy.”
“I’m sorry? What did you say?”
“Fluttershy.”
“You’re going to have to speak up dear; I can’t quite hear you.”
“My name is Fluttershy.”
“Ah, Fluttershy is it? It’s good to meet you Fluttershy my name is...”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie. I saw your show and how you made fun of my friends. I uh didn’t like it.” Fluttershy said hiding behind her mane.
“Ah, those were your friends? Well, I am sorry for how I treated them and I hope to apologize at some point. You have to understand, though, I usually only do such things when faced with hecklers. It gives the crowd a show and a way for me to fight back. However, today I think I went too far. Oh, and it's Trixie Lulamoon, by the way, you can drop The Great and Powerful part.”
“Ok Miss Lulamoon but, why act like that in the first place? It doesn’t seem that nice.” Said Fluttershy, moving up on the line along with Trixie.
“Just Trixie is fine, and well, it’s just a persona dear. When on stage you have to act the part, and my profession is being a showmare. I’ve made The Great and Powerful Trixie persona when I was young and stuck with it. I do agree that it might get somepony’s nerves at times but, it is just part of the act.”
They moved up once more for their turn to the stand. Trixie gestured Fluttershy to go ahead and get her order. Once and Trixie bought her own they then went on towards the tomato stand and waited there.
“I guess that makes sense, and you did say that you wanted to apologize, so it means you are regretting doing those things. I’ll try and see if they could visit you Trixie” Fluttershy said moving along as the line continued to shorten.
“You will Fluttershy? Thank you, that relieves some of the stress from today. You wouldn’t believe how stressful it is to get on stage in front of all those ponies. Trying to get them to enjoy what you have and the amount of practice I need to do to get everything just right.”
“Well, it does seem rather terrifying. I certainly couldn’t do it; I don’t have that kind of confidence.” Fluttershy hid behind her mane again.
“Nonsense! Anypony can do it if they try and try again. I was a wreck when I first did it and look at me now. I can say that I do worry each time but, the confidence does come in time. You certainly can’t quit before even starting.”
“I don’t know; I’m not exactly the best pony in front of others.”
“Well, if you want, tomorrow I’m teaching two foals some of my magic tricks. You can come by and act as my assistant for some of the tricks and get some practice time. I mean, it is just two foals, and I’ll be there with you. You won’t have to say much either since you’ll only be an assistant. Sound ok to you?” Trixie asked with a warm smile.
Fluttershy moved up for her turn while thinking about it and waited on Trixie to finish her purchase as well. They walked towards the apple stand and halfway Fluttershy stopped. Trixie stopped as well a bit concerned for the mare.
“Ok, I’ll try Trixie. If that’s ok with you” Fluttershy said as she looked up at Trixie.
“You won’t regret it Fluttershy.”
The continued to walk and stopped in front of the stand only to encounter a rather large red stallion glaring Trixie down.
“Uh… hello?” Trixie said to the large stallion with a worried tone.
The stallion kept glaring but, was interrupted by Fluttershy stepping in between them. The stallion was taken aback and looked at the yellow mare.
“Stop that Big Mac, at least, talk to her before you scare her away.” Fluttershy turned to Trixie, who was still a bit distressed. “I’m sorry about that Trixie; Big Mac here is Applejack’s brother. The earth pony you tied up at your show, so that is why he’s glaring like that.”
Trixie relaxed a bit “Oh, ok that’s understandable.” She walked over to the front and looked at Mac. “Trixie Lulamoon, I assure you that I do regret my actions and hope to apologize to your sister if given the chance. My actions were uncalled for but, you should know that I do not respond well to hecklers. Especially those that don’t even allow me to start my regular show.”
She offered her hoof and winced at the grip of the stallion as he shook it. His glare vanished and was replaced by understanding. He offered a smile and nodded his head.
“Ee’Yup” was all he said before offering his wares.
“Thank you for understanding and six apples please.” Trixie levitated the bits and stashed the apples in her bag.
She waited for Fluttershy and thanked her once more before stating that she needed to go back. They said their goodbyes after Trixie told Fluttershy when to show up for practice. Trixie went back to her wagon with relative ease and didn’t see any of the mares from the show. It was sad but, hopefully, the next day would give her chance to apologize and perform her real show. As she stepped in and put away the food, she got ready for bed and for the tasks that she had the next day. Taking out books for the Snips and Snails and an extra cape for Fluttershy when she went on stage with her.
She turned off the lights and went to sleep thinking of how fun tomorrow would be with tutoring and practicing. She dreamed of the past foals she taught and the fun times they all had. She dreamed of applause from the crowd for both her and Fluttershy the potential friend that she met that day. It was a peaceful dream but, it was, unfortunately, interrupted by the pounding at the door by Snips and Snails yelling her name.
Trixie woke up annoyed, angry and slightly exhausted. She didn’t know why the two had come to bother her so late at night but, she wasn’t about to let them off easy. She went to give them a piece of her mind and tell them to come back tomorrow.
Only tomorrow in Ponyville never came for Trixie. The only things that would come for her would be facing a dangerous predator, losing her home and possessions, untold humiliation, and scorn. All of this was waiting for her in the morning along with no sympathy and no friends.
Author's Note
Just a small story I wanted to write. I like Trixie as a character, I mean when you think about it the only reason she would embarrass those three is because of the heckling. I always thought that once not in front of a crowd she just let the persona come off. Let me know what you think in the comments. Thank you for reading!