Hard Road Ahead

by Godzillawolf

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Trixie, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe
Length: 8796

Trixie after the Alicorn Amulet incident...but is having a lot of trouble getting back on her hooves, even with Twilight's kindness. With mental blocks and in need of inspiration, she decides to visit an old friend in Manehattan

Live Reading: https://youtu.be/SPYaWPxBgUA

Set in an alternate universe, Trixie chooses to keep in contact with Twilight Sparkle after the Alicorn Amulet incident...but is having a lot of trouble getting back on her hooves, even with Twilight's kindness. With mental blocks and in need of inspiration, she decides to visit an old
friend in Manehattan to see if maybe he'll be able to help her...

THIS IS NOT PART OF THE GBOYHVERSE! IT'S PART OF HOLYCROSS' VERSE!

Commissioned by Holycross9 and edited by www.fimfiction.net/user/Thunde… .

One thing to note is I did struggle with this. Primarily because, ironically, I got Stage Hoof and Trixie's chemistry that makes them a decent couple in the GBOYHVerse was completely accidental. I didn't INTEND to write them as a couple, that's just what happened. Second is that Checker isn't a part of this story. Lastly, because romance isn't a subject I'm super well versed in.

Anyway, hope you like it! Split in half because...well, DA.

My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro!

Stage Hoof is mine!

Edit: Coverart thanks to Floravola on DA!

Published 2016-09-14 15:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-09-14 15:50:01 UTC

Trixie needs inspiration

This story is not set in the GBOYH Verse, it merely uses characters from it. Nor is this set in the prime timeline of MLP. This is a prequel to HolyCross9's fanfic 'My Little Colossi'

Trixie gave an annoyed sigh, swinging a door open with her telekinesis and trotting into the middle a hotel room. The cheapest one she could find, which meant it was small and only had the bare necessities. And a brick wall sitting right outside the window blocking any potential view. Still it was better than sleeping in a cardboard box. Trixie would know.

“Well, at least it was only ONE tomato that time...” the azure unicorn muttered, removing said rotten tomato from her cape and depositing it in a trash can. The previous show had about five or six. She trotted over to an under-filled bag and floated what few bits she'd gotten from that fiasco into it. “Looks like two-bit hotels is all Trixie will be staying at for some time.”

Trixie questioned whether or not she should head back to the Pie Family rock farm to earn enough bits to replace the cart she'd ended up selling to be able to afford the Alicorn Amulet. But not only was it not her preferred line of work, there was the little matter of explaining why she needed another job, and assumed the explanation of 'I used the money to purchase an ancient and evil Amulet of dark and terrible power in a revenge scheme' would go over well. It'd been a few weeks since that...incident. At least Twilight seemed to have kept it from causing as much trouble as the Ursa incident, which Trixie begrudgingly appreciated. Speaking of which...

Her horn glowed and she floated a quill and scroll to herself from a suitcase where several more scrolls sat. Right after she'd been defeated, she was at a crossroads. She considered simply trying to move on and forget about it, or keep only in indirect contact with the group that'd saved her from madness. But...ultimately she'd chosen to keep in contact with Twilight Sparkle. Both because she'd been the one to save her and because of how she'd wronged her so...and admittedly because being in the good graces of Celestia's personal student had a certain appeal now that she no longer desired vengeance on her.

Dear Twilight,

Trixie's doing adequate. She just performed a show in Baltimare, it was decidedly an improvement over the last one. However, Trixie must admit...she feels a certain lack of motivation since completely changing her entire MO. Don't worry, she's simply in a minor creative slump. And possibly still trying to get her brain back in order after an evil artifact twisted it in knots. She's certain it will all be back to normal soon.

Regardless, how are you doing? Any major events happen?

The Humble and Apologetic Trixie.

Trixie admittedly was kind of hoping Twilight's bizarre life might give her at least a little boost in creativity...maybe. She quickly wrapped a purple ribbon with a violet star on it around the scroll to hold it tight, then sent the scroll away to be received by Spike.

“Trixie isn't bad at magic. It's obviously more a matter of needing the right inspiration for a new show is all,” the showmare said in a somewhat uncertain tone. “...In retrospect, making her entire act consist 'tell the Ursa Major story and then publicly humiliate the hecklers' may not have been Trixie's best idea...” she admitted in annoyance. She tapped her hoof, looking at the window impatiently.

“...Perhaps Trixie should stop at a library and get a book on dangerous creatures...”

The issue was that the story of the Ursa Major had been her bread and butter...

On that note, she allowed her thoughts to wander back to that story's genesis. After all, all stories had to originate from somewhere...

Trixie (then a small filly) sat in a hidden little tunnel. Nothing special, merely a hidden little area of the variety young foals seemed to have a natural affinity for locating and making their own. Especially foals who felt the need to hide from adults who tended to be a little bit too strict. Along with her was a white unicorn colt with a black mane and tail, glasses on his face.

The colt levitated a cut out of a large bear made of star over another cut out of a city, both held in his gray colored telekinesis. “Oh no! It's an Ursa Major! Somepony help us!”

“Have no fear, Hoofington!” Trixie shouted, then floated a mini cut out of herself up. “The Great and Powerful Trixie shall save you all!”

The two proceeded to perform the foal-like action of representing a fight by slamming the two fighters into one another and making boom noises and other sound effects. All the while in their mind's eye imagining a gigantic battle between an Ursa Major and a brave (and very attractive) unicorn worthy of a big budget production.

Trixie found a small smile go across her face. A Hearth's Warming Tail had a memorable song about how little things in the past can lead to big things in the future. She would know, she'd had Hearth's Warming Spirits visit her...several times. When she was a young mare, growing up in Hoofington, moments like that were few and far between, which made each one valuable...even if for...reasons, she'd lost track of what they meant to her. Unfortunately, her smile soon faded as what happened to that story returned to her memory. “Ugh...why couldn't Trixie's keystone story have NOT been the one she became a laughingstock for!”

Before she could go into further thought on that note, a wisp of green flame came through the window and materialized into a scroll that fell in front of her, wrapped with a blue ribbon with her cutie mark on it. “Punctual as always, Twilight Sparkle...”

'Dear Trixie,

I'm glad to hear things are improving. I've done my best to ensure Ponyville is aware of the fact the Amulet was corrupting you and that wasn't your true self, so hopefully if word does spread, no pony will be hard on you for it. We haven't had any big world threatening things happen, but Rainbow Dash got to go to Wonderbolt Academy.

On the subject of your problem, I--

Trixie blinked, noting several paragraphs of text that had been written and then marked out.

Sorry, got a little carried away! Basic point: we all have things that inspire us. Sometimes it's a place, other times it's a thing. Sometimes it's a pony who means something important to us, or just inspires us with their presence. I suggest returning to something that inspired you in the past and see if it does again.

You're friend, Twilight Sparkle.'

Trixie put a hoof to her chin and gave it thought. “Things that inspire Trixie...well, of course there's Trixie, but Trixie inspires everypony...Hoofington was good, but then she might run into father...she was always fond of Las Pegasus, but that place isn't good for the money conscious...come on, think Trixie, you're a storyteller! Surely you can think of ONE thing to inspire a story...”

She read over it again...and stopped on one specific line. “'Sometimes, it's a pony who means something important to us...' Well...maybe there is somepony...Trixie IS starting over after all...”

Tracking down a pony one has not seen in years is a difficult task. Even more difficult is tracking down that somepony when they moved years ago and the only relative you know of the pony in question has an even more tedious one with them. Trixie had eventually resorted to something Trixie only because the prospect of finding this particular pony grew more and more promising the longer she thought about it.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Trixie hates asking for help...very much so. But in keeping your suggestion in mind, Trixie desires to find somepony she has not seen in a great many years. A unicorn from Hoofington named Hired Hoof. Or at least that was the name she knew him as. Trixie believes finding him may be exactly what the doctor ordered...he is also a friend Trixie has not seen in a very long time.

Your friend, the Humble and Apologetic Trixie.

As it turned out, Hired Hoof's new residence was manehattan. Trixie was also grateful to discover a certain mare named Checker Monarch who was previously manehattan's top businessmare had had dirty dealings come to light (she wasn't certain of the specifics) and was presently serving life in prison. Had she been present in the city, then Trixie wouldn't be within one hundred hooves.

As the azure unicorn trotted through the streets, she looked at piece of paper with directions on it held in her telekinesis. Twilight being Twilight, they were quite precise. Perhaps a little too precise.

“Did Twilight really have to put it down to HOOF STEPS?” Trixie muttered, taking the last three steps and coming up on a fairly average apartment building. She did note a large, red brick theater set across the street from it, bringing a smile to her face. “Well, seems some things never change.”

“...And after that I learned how to properly pull up the curtain...it can be harder than it seems...” Hired Hoof explained, back in their little secret hide out, having returned from a local theater club meeting. His body language and manner of speaking had a mature air to them, but decidedly seemed to lack confidence.

Trixie seemed to be enraptured by what he had to say. “Sounds wonderful, my grandmother speaks of theater all the time. She's kind of a big deal in those,” she said, showing a bit of pride.

“That must be nice...” Hired Hoof replied, looking down. “Having family that supports such things.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. “Your father again?”

The young colt nodded. “He doesn't know...but he doesn't approve of such things. He wants a business stallion, not a 'two-bit actor' as he put it.”

“At least he actually let's you have things in your room without you having to earn them.”

“But only things HE approves of...”

Both gave an understanding smile to one another and chuckled a little.

Trixie then jumped into their little pile of supplies, emerging with cardboard wings and a paper crown. “Well, now Trixie is a Princess. And she supports you...Trixie is also a Princess, so her word must mean something, right?” the little azure filly asked, assuming a regal pose.

“...You're right, it does, your majesty,” he said with a stage bow and a smile.

“No need to bow...” Trixie floated a second paper crown from the pile and placed it on his head. “You're a Prince too, now how do we rule our kingdom?”

Trotting into building, Trixie headed to the room where Hired Hoof was living. It wasn't a big fancy place, but it was moderately well-furnished and was made of the same red brick as most of the structures in the area.

The showmare finally arrived at his door...and paused. This had seemed like a much better idea before she actually got here...now she questioned how exactly she was supposed to do this (Trixie was not used to thinking deeply and emotionally on anything). She hadn't seen Hired Hoof in decades, would he even remember her? Would he be angry with her? Had he changed too much?

The mare considered leaving and forgetting this idea had ever crossed her mind...but...

“Trixie, afraid to show her face to somepony?” she questioned. “As if...besides, Trixie's come all this way, it'd be a waste of resources she...sadly needs otherwise...”

Trixie also did decidedly not wish to tell Twilight she'd simply chickened out after getting her aid in locating Hired Hoof. Certainly, she could lie but she'd still feel biting humiliation if she'd done that only to back out at the last moment. “Like Trixie would back down at the last second! She's many things but a quitter isn't one!”

Finally, the mare reached up and knocked on the door. And then put on a mask that hid her emotions effectively.

She heard hoofsteps cautiously approach the door, then undo the latch.

“Hello?” asked a refined, but timid voice as the door opened to reveal a bespectacled white unicorn stallion, black hair done in a high class style.

Trixie, despite her prepping...was stunned for a few moment at seeing this pony for the first time in decades, back when they'd been foals...It certainly wasn't that Trixie was far worse at interpersonal interactions than she had thought herself to be a few moments ago. That definitely wasn't the case, why would it be? She was fantastic with ponies.

“Oh, hello...Hired Hoof? It's me, Trixie...I-” Trixie said, looking considerably awkward, much to her own annoyance. 'Why am I suddenly tripping over myself?!'

Hired Hoof, however, suddenly gasped and looked her over like he'd seen a ghost. “T-Trixie?”

Trixie nodded. “Yes, Trixie Lulamoon Monarch. We were friends as foals, remember?”

“Remember? Trixie...I...”

The two of them stood there awkwardly for a few moments, both looking for words. While Trixie could see this coming from Hired Hoof, she cursed herself for suddenly being tongue tied.

“...I...Trixie...she recently experienced something that made her realize that...perhaps she should start fresh and...well...She knows it's been years, if you have no interest in such things anymore, then that's fine. She doesn't know why anypony wouldn't want to get to know Trixie, but given everything, she'd understand-”

“...I...” Hired Hoof smiled, looking like he hadn't the words. “...Trixie...I missed you.”

“...You did? I mean, of course you did...I'm Trixie! How could anypony forget her?”

“...You haven't changed, Trixie...”

Trixie didn't know why, but for some reason that hurt a little bit. Hired Hoof seemed to notice that fact and looked down. “S-Sorry, I didn't mean that in a bad way!...I meant you are still the Trixie I remember...Please, come on in...”

Trixie sat at the small kitchen of Hired Hoof's apartment. As she'd guessed, it was a fairly nice one, not five stars but probably a solid three. Enough for her to feel a twinge of jealousy given her normal accommodations the past few weeks. It was a decent size with all the necessities, and she could tell Hired Hoof had done some customizing. Namely the posters for plays set up on the walls in decorative spots.

On that note, she also noticed several play scripts on the table in front of her.

“Sorry that the room is a mess,” said Hired Hoof, clearing off the table before she could get a closer look. “I was not expecting company today.”

“It's fine, Trixie has seen worse...” Trixie replied. 'Including the last place she was in.' Another awkward silence occurred, both seeming to have some difficulty starting the conversation. “So, Hired Hoof...”

“Um...it's Stage Hoof now, actually...”

The azure unicorn blinked. “Stage Hoof?”

“Yes, you see,” The white unicorn nodded and turned to show his flank, revealing his cutie mark was a set of red theater curtains. “I changed my name when I got my cutie mark.”

Trixie stared in shock. “Theater? I...Trixie knew you loved it, but she never thought you'd be one to get up on stage!”

Stage Hoof blushed. “Well, I'm not. I mean I would love to, but I do not have the confidence for it. Did you see the theater across the street?”

Trixie nodded. “Yes, I did. It was a nice looking one.”

“That's where I work. I'm on as a permanent stage hoof.”

The azure mare stared for a moment, then gave a laugh...though one with a tiny bit of jealousy. “Trixie supposes it's safe to say that you've proven your father wrong, is it not?”

Stage Hoof's eyes widened...then he blushed and gave a small smile. “I...I suppose that's true...I haven't seen him in a long time...”

“Trixie hasn't seen hers in a long time either. Remember how we used to borrow Trixie's grandmother's scripts and play them out in our hideout?”

Stage Hoof chuckled. “Yes, you were always wonderful, but I was...”

“You were fine, Hir-Stage Hoof,” Trixie replied, giving a smile. “Maybe not as good as Trixie, but Trixie has met actual actors with less skill than you had back then, take it from her.”

Truth be told, this was not a lie. Stage Hoof was good at memorizing lines and emoting properly in their delivery. The problem was a simple matter that a two foal show for their own enjoyment didn't require as much confidence as a stage performance.

“Remember when we did Roameo and Julibit?” Trixie questioned.

“Oh yes, you were wonderful...even when we needed to do the fight scenes against one another.”

“Hehe, well, we were a two pony show. I think we did quite well,” Trixie said. “Even if we had to use sticks for swords. And we didn't even know the proper illusion spells to make up for it!”

The stallion chuckled. “I recall, and I also recall how we had to use little paper masks cut out for the masquerade scene.”

“Oh yes! They were perfect, after all, Trixie cut them out,” replied the azure unicorn, a proud hoof to her chest. “Two rich ponies and between us we were stuck using improve props.”

“Sadly...Was rather annoying with the dagger scene...”

“Indeed, a paper dagger so Trixie didn't harm herself spoiled the mood a little bit, especially considering giving the kiss directly before that was perfectly done...”

The two suddenly stopped their recollection, a warm blush covering both their faces.

“What I...Trixie...means is the kiss was well acted.”

“Yes, it was, you put a lot of effort into it...like you do everything...” Stage Hoof replied, followed by another awkward pause. “S-Speaking of which, how are things going for you, Trixie? I heard you'd gone into stage magic...”

Trixie's blue was replaced with her eyes shifting left and right. “Oh...well, Trixie is doing...fine...She's become a very successful stage magician...until an accident cost her her cart.”

The stallion's eyes widened. “Accident? Are you alright?”

“An Ursa Minor was involved...it was partially Trixie's fault...but mostly the fault of two dumb colts...and then Trixie...might have...made some mistakes of her own in her anger...Trixie's doing better now! She's earning the money to purchase a new cart with her shows!”

Stage Hoof gave a sigh of relief. “That's good. How close are you?”

“...Not as close as Trixie would like, but she's getting there!” Trixie announced, pride clear in her tone.

For most, Trixie's impeccable lying would've been enough...but of course this was the only pony who actually genuinely knew her closely.

Stage Hoof frowned. “I see...” he replied, then looked out a nearby window, eyes falling on the theater. “...May I make a suggestion?” he asked, after a moment of working up his nerve.

Before losing everything she had twice over, the idea of accepting help would've been the last thing that Trixie would ever consider. But this was after that...and seeing the price of her pride had left her a bit more open.

“Trixie is willing to hear it...”

“...The theater is always in need of actors and narrators for the plays...And if not, we could certainly use somepony with talents in stage magic for effects...perhaps you could...maybe try out for a job there until you earn enough to buy a new cart?”

Trixie put a hoof to her chin. “Trixie does adore theater, and she is fantastic when it comes to stage magic and illusions. And her storytelling talents would be well spent as a narrator...but Trixie would need to find an affordable place to stay and given this is manehattan that would be quite the task.”

Once more, her old friend looked thoughtful. “...I've got a fold-out bed for a couch...”

Trixie's eyes widened, finding her cheeks growing somewhat warm. “Trixie...Trixie appreciates the offer, but Trixie doesn't like pity...”

“...Well I wouldn't call it pity...not if you perhaps paid half the rent?” Stage Hoof questioned, in a nervious tone. “...Trixie, I haven't seen you in years...we used to be such good friends...until my father decided you were being a 'distraction' to me...”

Trixie was taken aback by the tone of voice Stage Hoof referred to that moment with. Granted, she wasn't very happy about it either, but the sudden anger in her friend's voice made her remember how unfair his father Iron Hoof could be.

“...I would at least like to make up for lost time, if that is alright...and this way you can work doing something you enjoy to replenish your funds and buy a new cart...I mean if that's alright. I don't desire to force you to do anything...”

Trixie thought about this...pity was something even now she could never in her life stand. It was one of the reasons she'd so quickly departed Ponyville and not let Twilight Sparkle become aware she'd spent all her funds on the Alicorn Amulet. She knew the mare would try to aid her out of pity, and she wouldn't have it.

On the other hoof...Stage Hoof was the only friend she'd had as a child. She'd come all this way to reconnect with him...and he had a point: she certainly wasn't opposed to theater and paying half of the rent meant it wasn't quite pity...and it was either that or continuing as she had been doing...or in a cardboard box, and that certainly wasn't an appealing option by any stretch...would it really be that bad?

“...Alright, Stage Hoof...Trixie is willing to give it a try...”

“Alright, Miss...Monarch?” asked the mare set before them. She was slightly older than the two of them, with a light purple coat and a yellow mane and pink eyes, her cutie mark a star with pair of ballet shoes. “Are you perhaps related to a Checker Monarch?” she questioned with a degree of caution.

Trixie growled. “Unfortunately, yes, she is Trixie's elder sister...but believe Trixie, she's as happy as anyone that she's behind bars!”

“...She's telling the truth, Mrs Meadowlark. Checker Monarch treated Trixie horribly when we were younger,” Stage Hoof explained, seeming to have just worked up the confidence to do so. “..Just like she did me...”

Mrs. Meadowlark looked at Stage Hoof in surprise.

“Checker is the REASON Trixie left home, she couldn't stand being near her any longer,” Trixie replied, giving a growl. Well technically not the ONLY reason. Her father was certainly one reason. Another had been three bullies named Whistle Blower, Billy Club, and Cuffer who constantly bullied them at school...she didn't like her hometown very much. “She tried to convince Trixie her wonderful talent for show magic was a 'worthless waste.' Clearly Trixie didn't listen...”

Meadowlark showed a moment of anger. “Well, I was already no fan of hers, but as big sister myself, I can't stand the idea of sibling doing that.”

“Big sister?” Trixie asked, giving a curious look.

Meadowlark nodded, turning a picture on her desk to reveal a picture of her and another, younger purple Earth Pony with a pink mane and a four leaf clover cutie mark. “I have a younger sister, I can't imagine ever treating her that way.”

“Then you're better than Checker...” Trixie remarked. “Trixie feels like her sister hated Trixie simply for existing.”

Meadowlark gave a look of consideration. “It also says here you were involved in an incident in Ponyville...”

Trixie cringed, unable to conceal a look towards Stage Hoof. “...Yes...Trixie was...she made mistakes, and she completely admits it...though in her defense, she had no intention of actually causing harm to the town, merely show up a pony she'd believed wronged her. The Alicorn Amulet corrupted those motivations into something terrible...Trixie has made amends with Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the town, she has letters proving they have no ill will towards Trixie and has pardoned her.”

The showmare waited, fully anticipating Stage Hoof to react in horror or some other way...

“...I trust Trixie, Mrs. Meadowlark. I do not believe she would lie about this...”

“You...you do?” Trixie asked, staring in shock.

Stage Hoof merely nodded.

“You know her far better than me, Stage Hoof,” Meadowlark replied, giving an understanding smile. “And if it's something you're willing to speak up about, it must be important...Trixie, bring me those letters from Miss Sparkle to look over and if they're legitimate, I think I'd be willing to give you a chance.”

The two unicorns trotted back towards Stage Hoof's room after retrieving the showmare's belongings from the hotel room she'd intended to stay at, along with the letters Meadowlark had asked for. Trixie looked confused.

“...Stage Hoof?”

“Yes, Trixie?”

The showmare looked up at her friend. “...How did you know Trixie was being honest?”

Stage Hoof gave a small smile. “...You never apologize unless you really mean it.”

Trixie stared for a moment...then laughed. “...Trixie supposes that is true...Thank you for believing in me, Stage Hoof...”

The stallion blushed in return. “You're welcome, Trixie.”

“Ugh, all that's left are narrator roles?” Trixie questioned in annoyance, looking over various scripts back at Stage Hoof's apartment. It was the next morning, and the scripts had been brought over by one of Stage Hoof's (and thus now Trixie's) co-workers (a pink pegasus named Curtain Call, who almost rivaled Trixie in hamminess, almost) at Mrs. Meadlowlark's request. Trixie had to admit, she'd slept better than she had in quite some time. She wasn't sure if that was owed to Stage Hoof having a surprisingly comfortable couch or the hotels she'd been staying at having surprisingly uncomfortable beds. “No lead roles?”

“...I'm sorry, Trixie, but it is late in casting for the majority of our current plays,” Stage Hoof replied timidly, looking over a list of duties for the plays in question his job called for. “...But is that truly so bad?”

Trixie cocked her head. “Well, Trixie would just be sitting to the side reading what's happening. Trixie isn't quite fond of that idea.”

“I see...Well you...if you don't mind me saying so I mean...you always narrated our...plays as foals and I always believed you did a wonderful job. Your voice is quite captivating...” the white unicorn replied, his tone remaining timid...then blushed as what he'd said dawned on him. Trixie strangely found herself blushing a small bit as well. “I-I m-mean you are a captivating storyteller, so the role of narrator is perfect for you. And...the narrator is a surprisingly important part of a play.”

“How exactly is that?” the azure showmare questioned.

“Because the narrator is the one who keeps the story going and without them, the audience wouldn't have any idea what's going on. Where we are, or what is happening...honestly, in some ways it is more important than the actual lead role because the lead role needs a narrator to give context...In my opinion at least, I mean. I might not share yours...and that's perfectly fine.”

Trixie blinked. “Trixie...hadn't thought about it that way...Hmm...Trixie supposes maybe being a narrator isn't quite so bad in that case...”

“There is a lot more to theater than most think...” Stage Hoof replied. “...Something I wish father would appreciate...”

“Trixie remembers grandmother describing it as having a magic all of its own,” Trixie replied, chuckled.

“Oh yes...I remember...Hehe...do you remember the song she taught us?”

Trixie smiled. “Oh yes, Trixie does...”

“Do you want to...I mean you don't have to, but...”

Trixie gave it thought...then began tapping out a sound. Stage Hoof stared for a moment...then fell in along with her.

[=The Magic of Theatre – My Little Pony Tales=]

“Making them believe in the web you weave...” Trixie began with her typical theatrics. She looked at Stage Hoof expectantly.

The timid stallion took a moment to work himself up and cleared his threat. “That's the magic of theater...”

“A Queen and her lord...”

“With his cardboard sword...”

“That's the magic of theater...”

Back in their little hideout, Trixie, her paper crown on her head, stood with young 'Prince' Hired Hoof, who was chopping at a paper dragon with a cardboard cutout sword.

“A fake moon in the right light,
Makes you believe that night has come...”

Trixie stood in her narrator's position, reciting the set up from a horror story telling of a dark and stormy night, in her normal dramatic fashion. A golden pegasus with a feather cutie mark (an actor named Quill) played the part of a lost youth wandering through the woods, a fake moon lit up well enough to make it look real in the mind's eye.

“A sudden flash! A noisy crash!
And you hear thunder's sharp drum!”

Quill jumped as a sudden light flashed and loud crash sounded, running off stage where he gave Trixie and Stage Hoof (who was handling the light and sound backstage) a smile and an approving nod once out of the audience's sight. Trixie blinked, looking a little confused at the genuine praise.

“Oh what's the next stop? Climbing a mountain top?”

Trixie used her weather magic to generate a wind spell while continuing to narrate, smiling to Stage Hoof who dropped fake snow onto her spell. On stage, a white unicorn with a blond mane (an actor named Winter's Howl) climbed a mountain set and planted the Equestrian flag at it's 'summit.'

“That's the magic of theater!”

“A flowing dress...
Can start as a mess!”

A golden furred Earth Pony named Golden Fields looked in a mirror at her dress and shook her head.

Stage Hoof gave a nod and rubbed his head. Trixie was about to ignore it...but then noticed Stage Hoof's expression and gave it thought.

Finally, she produced a piece of blue fabric she always kept on hoof for a quick patch job on the road (as any traveling pony had many of) and suggested it to the mare as a sash. She tried it and found it fit perfectly. Trixie gave a bow and Stage Hoof smiled as Golden Fields looked herself over further in approval.

“That's the magic of theater!”

“Creating an illusion that takes their breath away!”

At a rehearsal, Stage Hoof raised a hoof to suggest something, but stopped short, a timid look on his face. Trixie nudged him and gave him an encouraging look. After getting the attention of the troupe, the two crossed horns and combined magic, forming a blanket of black clouds over the room while also using light and sound spells to emulate lightning without the risk of setting fire to something that came with (more things happening at once than either of them could manage with a single spell). The rest of the room applauded. Both caught themselves looking at each other and blushed, separating and doing a bow.

“That's the magic of theater!
And the fun of putting on a play!”

The two repeated their combined spell at the same play with Quill they'd began with, earning a gasp from the audience. The two shared an approving, happy smile.

“That's the magic of theater...”

Trixie narrated the image of fog rolling in, as Stage Hoof used his magic to create a wall of fog blowing in. Trixie then provided a few illusions to show shadows moving in it...and found her and Stage Hoof looking at each other, both with a smile.

“That's the magic of theater...

Trixie produced the illusion of a dragon while Stage Hoof produced the illusion of it roaring as Winter Howl fought the illusion before the crowd with a sword, Curtain Call dressed a princess in a tower behind the beast. Trixie used a fireworks spell to give the illusion of it's flame breath striking next to him. Trixie found her hoof wrapping around Stage Hoof...who found himself return it. Both blushed and separated the moment they realized it.

“To help make the illusion, we paint...”

Stage Hoof stood on some scaffolding, setting down a paint can to begin painting it when he realized he was missing the paint brush...at which point it floated up next to him, Trixie giving him a playful look from the ground, causing him to laugh.

“We build.”

The entire theater troupe, Trixie included, pulled up the giant backdrop of a castle into place on stage. Trixie lost her footing, but Stage Hoof caught her before she could fall, which given the situation could have ended nasty.

“We sew!”

Trixie stitched the last thread on a gown costume (a skill one constantly on the road needed if they didn't want to be nude). She gave a yelp when she pricked her own hoof, causing Stage Hoof to run over to check on her...then blush when he realized it was nothing.

“That's the magic of theater!
And the fun of putting on a show!”

The troupe, including the stage hoofs and narrator (Trixie), bowed before the crowd to thunderous applause.

“That's the magic of theater!”

“So, you're going climbing in the Crystal Mountains during your vacation?" Trixie questioned, taking a drink of tea to sooth her throat after a play and setting down a letter from Twilight she'd been reading.

Winter Howl nodded, packing up some of his supplies. "Yeah, the Yaks are offering some guides to the mountains now that they're allies."

"Going to try to break any records?," said the azure showmare, smirking.

"Nah, I'm just going for some good old-fashion ice climbing," the white unicorn replied, looking intense for a moment.

"Well, Trixie wishes you luck," Trixie replied, smiling. She'd originally thought Winter Howl was just a good actor when it came to adventure stories. It'd actually been the thing that'd bonded them: Trixie was a storyteller who was proud of being physically strong for a unicorn (she DID have to pull a heavy cart all over Equestria), and Winter Howl was a physically strong, athletic unicorn who was proud of his talents as an actor.

"Thanks, see you when I get back, Trix!" Winter Howl replied, heading out.

Trixie waved as he departed, then turned to see another familiar face. "Hello, Stage Hoof. Fantastic effects tonight."

Stage Hoof blushed, looking down and swinging his front hoof a little bit. "T-Thank you…" he said. Trixie could tell he was nervous. Well, more than the timid stallion could normally be. "Oh...and….Mrs. Meadowlark thought so too...she actually is rather impressed with how well I have improved since you got here."

"Well, Trixie wouldn't know, she's only seen you after she got here, and you've done marvelously," Trixie replied, giving a reassuring smile.

"T-Thank you...but I really have gotten better since you were here...I-I mean just...I think I try harder with you around...t-thank you for that..."

Trixie felt her face get a little warm. "You're quite welcome, Stage Hoof."

"A-And Mrs. Meadowlark wanted to give me a p-promotion…" the stallion replied, face growing redder. "S-She wants to promote me to Head Stagehoof, the last one j-just r-retired..."

Trixie smiled widely. "That's fantastic news, Stage Hoof. Glad to hear it."

"T-Thanks...b-but, I'm not sure if I want to take it…"

The azure unicorn stared at him like he'd said the world was flat. "Whyever not? You don't want the job?"

Stage Hoof shook his head. "N-No, I do want it...I really do...then I-I'll k-know Father was wrong about me...and I-I do really want this to be my life...b-but...I'm...I'm not sure if I-I'm right for it...I-I'm…well…"

Trixie looked thoughtful for a moment. "...Do you know how the stage works and what needs done to keep this place running?"

"Well...yes...I have done most of it enough to know it by heart…"

"And do you know everypony on the stage crew?"

"...Yes, by n-name…"

Trixie smirked. "Then you sound like a perfect fit to Trixie. And Trixie is the granddaughter of Helena Midsummer, so she should know a thing or two about the subject!"

"But...I-I don't think I could get somepony to listen…" Stage Hoof stuttered, shaking a little bit.

Trixie rolled her eyes at the nervous stallion. "Stage Hoof, everypony LIKES you, including Trixie. And that should matter a great deal...because she's Trixie. Besides, you certainly do a good job of when it came to convincing Trixie to do things she wasn't quite willing to do at first."

The white unicorn cocked his head. "I-I have?"

Trixie nodded. "Trixie wouldn't have even taken this job if it wasn't for you. And showed her how important and valuable she'd be if she chose to be a narrator...which Trixie appreciates. She enjoys being important and valuable," the azure showmare said proudly. "And you make Trixie want to be better...Trixie knows, that is odd. But it's just something about you makes Trixie...wish she was nicer...maybe because you're so kind to her...because you always think the best of her…" Trixie blinked, finding herself blushing a bit.

"...Anyway...Trixie thinks you'd be good for the job, and you don't know unless you try. If it doesn't work out, she'll probably let you take you old job back, she seems too nice not too…"

Stage Hoof just stared. "Y-You really think so?"

Trixie nodded. "Does Trixie ever say anything sappy she doesn't mean?"

"...No, you don't...Thank you, T-Trixie."

"You're quite welcome."

It was several weeks before Trixie finally got a bed of her own. Stage Hoof had insisted she get one, he felt bad about her sleeping on his couch. He'd offered to use his raise from his promotion to buy it, but Trixie was Trixie, so naturally she refused to accept that. And...she wouldn't admit it, but...taking advantage of her best friend wasn't something she was comfortable with. She'd naturally considered getting her own apartment...but she just felt a certain coldness when she thought of leaving. Or was it losing a warmth she'd felt since she'd come to live him?

Stage Hoof had gone downstairs to the lobby pick up their mail and the newspaper (a thing they traded back and forth on doing), so Trixie simply sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee...and noticed a letter lying on the floor next to the window, which she picked up in her telekinesis.

“Huh, early letter, Twilight, must be important...” Trixie replied with a chuckle. “Trixie wonders if she and her friends managed to redeem another evil overlord...” The mare opened the letter and took a sip of her coffee.

“Trixie!” yelled Stage Hoof, swinging the door open and rushing in, the newspaper in his telekinesis. “You won't believe what's happened! There's a new Princess!”

At which point Trixie spat her coffee on a nearby wall.

One cleanup succession later, the two sat at the table, looking down at the image of the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria at her coronation in Canterlot.

“Twilight Sparkle became a Princess?!” Trixie yelled in shock. “And she didn't bother to tell TRIXIE?!”

“Um...Trixie?” Stage Hoof asked, looking at Twilight's letter.

“Trixie is her friend, she should have been the first one to know about this!”

“Trixie?”

“Trixie might not be a world saving national heroine, but she's still Trixie! And that means a lot! Especially to Trixie!”

Stage Hoof used his magic to set off a loud ringing sound, forcing Trixie's hooves over her ears.

“...Sorry...but...she did...” Stage Hoof said meekly, floating the letter over to her.

“Dear Trixie,
A great change has recently happened in my life. The specifics are complicated and even I don't know nearly all of them...long story short, I managed to complete an unfinished spell of Starswirl the Bearded. One that...had unforeseen effects...but when I finished it...

Long story short...I've become an Alicorn and tomorrow morning I'm going to be officially dubbed a Princess...

I hope this doesn't affect our friendship, but I still consider you my friend...I'm just...an Alicorn now...that's all...

Your friend Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh...” was all Trixie could say. “Well...I...Trixie...Trixie is p...Trixie is pro...Trixie is...”

“Proud?”

“...Yes...that,” Trixie said, eyes shifting. “Trixie is now friends with an Alicorn! That's a benefit for her...What with her wings...and her power...prestige...having ponies bow to her...all things Trixie is completely proud of Twilight for having.”

Stage Hoof blinked, watching her. Particularly the fact she was grinding her teeth and looking at the picture of Twilight's wings like they were a giant diamonds and she was a dragon. “...Trixie...are you...I mean if you don't mind my asking, are you...jealous?”

“Jealous? Why would Trixie be jealous?” the azure showmare asked, eye twitching. “Trixie is proud. Why should she be jealous of Twilight having every little fillies' dream come true? Or imagining herself with those wings? Or Earth Pony super strength?”

“...Trixie...”

“Or wondering why Trixie went to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns just like her but isn't an Alicorn?”

“...Trixie, you don't...”

“Or wishing the world would stop playing such cruel ironies on her? Or asking why it couldn't be ANYPONY but Twilight Spark-”

“YOU'LL ALWAYS BE A PRINCESS TO ME!”

The room was silent. Trixie merely stared in shock, finding her face glowing with a vibrant blush.

Stage Hoof panted, his face likewise bright red.

“Stage Hoof...what do you mean?” Trixie asked, staring. Stage Hoof had YELLED. That left Trixie no choice but to take him seriously.

“Well...I...I mean...I...”

Stage Hoof took a deep breath...then got up and trotted over to his closet and began digging through it, throwing out items. He finally emerged with an old cardboard box. “I...I didn't show you this before now because...I-I was worried you'd think it...i-it was c-childish or c-creepy...”

Trixie blinked...as Stage Hoof pulled out old cut outs of an Ursa Minor, Trixie, and several other things. “These are...”

“What I could hide from my father when we were separated and lost out hide-out...” Stage Hoof explained. “...D-Do you w-want to k-know what m-made me finally move away f-from him?”

“No...”

“...I s-saw a n-newspaper a-article on one of your s-shows and remembered when you told me y-you s-supported me...” Stage Hoof's fur was doing nothing to hide his blush as he pulled out a pair of tiny, old cardboard wings and paper crown.

Trixie gasped, staring.

Trixie then jumped into their little pile of supplies, emerging with cardboard wings and a paper crown. “Well, now Trixie is a Princess. And she supports you...Trixie is also a Princess, so her word must mean something, right?” the little azure filly asked, assuming a regal pose.

“You...you remembered that?”

Stage Hoof nodded. “...Trixie...you and father were all I had...and b-between the two of you, I-I'd rather remember everything w-with you...Y-You're nice to me...you c-care about me...I...I w-wouldn't b-be where I-I am now without y-you...” the stallion's legs were shaking. “It's a-alright t-to b-be jealous of T-Twilight...but...I've never f-forgotten you b-being a Princess for me that time...T-Trixie...m-my princess...A-And I hope t-that helps a little bit...”

Trixie...felt her chest become warm... “...I...I am?”

Stage Hoof nodded, trying to remain composed, but his natural timid nature making that difficult. “Y-You said I make you want t-to be nicer...y-you m-make me want to be better...I-I think w-we kinda complete each other...if...if you think so...”

“...When you say it that way, it almost sounds like we're a couple...” Trixie replied...then the two stared at each other...both blushing as that sunk in.

Both realizing they had the same warm feeling being around each other. That they made each other feel more than they did when they were apart. That after so many years of being apart...they hadn't forgotten how important the other was to them. At all.

“...Well...I...I guess it k-kind of d-does...” the stallion replied, nervously swinging his leg. “I-I mean w-we live t-together...w-we like the same things. We...c-care about each other...”

“We bring out the best in each other...” Trixie found herself continuing. “You'll stand up for Trixie...and Trixie is kind for you...”

“I...I guess when you put it like that...we do sound like a couple...” Stage Hoof replied, trembling. Both were now blushing. “...Is...is that a bad thing?”

Trixie was not an emotional person...so she knew when she was experiencing an emotion she wasn't used to feeling. “Trixie...Well...Let's say hypothetically we were...Trixie...wouldn't find it too bad...she...does like how she feels around you...and likes you...”

Stage Hoof looked like he was working up as much courage as he could “And...hypothetically...I...I wouldn't find it objectionable...I like how I feel around you and...I...I l-like you...”

They just stood there, staring at each other awkwardly. At this point both knew what they'd wanted to say next. It was the same exact thing, except...

“I...”

“Trixie...”

“Um...”

“What Trixie means is...”

One was a timid stallion who lacked confidence in himself and the other was a mare who was not used to expressing such emotions.

“...I-I...D-Do you...m-maybe...w-want t-to t-try it?” Stage Hoof stuttered, looking like he was going to faint. “S-Sorry! I shouldn't have asked-”

Trixie, being Trixie, decided 'to Tartarus with it' and go for the most dramatic way of accepting his proposal she was capable of. Namely shutting him up with a kiss. She admitted, that this was an impulsive move she wasn't quite sure she wouldn't regret...but Trixie was an impulsive pony. Stage Hoof seemed stunned for a few moments...then returned the kiss.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle

Trixie is happy for you. Being a Princess is a huge accolade...Trixie envies you. In a good way. Yes. She's proud of you. You deserve it.

Also, Trixie has some good news of her own as well. She and her friend Stage Hoof are now...more than friends. Yes, Trixie has a coltfriend! Do you have a coltfriend? Trixie does!

Your friend, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”

Several months later, Trixie and Stage Hoof walked through manehattan Central Park, spending their day off simply having a date. They'd been doing that quite a bit on their downtime since they hooked up, including one double date with Quill and Golden Fields (turned out the two had gotten sweet on each other too). Their coworker's reaction to learning about both couples? “About time.”

They're unfortunately also discovered that Cuffer, Billy Club, and Whistle Blower had become cops in the city, but other than a few issues, that had yet to become a problem.

Trixie had also received a letter from Twilight that had made her have more faith in herself. Apparently, Twilight had met a mare named Sunset Shimmer, with a similar pride to Trixie, only (shockingly) worse...and redeemed her. Trixie had fewer reasons to doubt her new choices after that.

“Trixie...thank you for giving me a chance...” Stage Hoof said, giving a blush.

Trixie chuckled, stopping to buy them both carrot dogs, floating one over to him with a nuzzle. “You're welcome. Give yourself some credit, you're a fantastic coltfriend.”

“I-I try...” Stage Hoof stuttered, giving a timid smile and returning her nuzzle.

“And doing very well as Head-Stage Hoof, Grandmother even said so,” Trixie replied, the azure showmare giving him a nudge and enjoying seeing him blushing.

One of their dates had been a visit to Fillydelphia to meet with Trixie's grandmother Helena Midsummer. Trixie was proud to say Helena had been proud of them both. Apparently, by doing so, they'd missed Twilight and company having their own trip to the city involving Rarity in a fashion show.

“I owe you that one...” Stage Hoof replied, giving her a smile. “You're the one who got me there.”

“You're right, but Trixie only GOT you there,” Trixie replied with a mixture of pride...and compassion that she'd found herself showing much more often.

The two walked through the park, enjoying their moment...when they trotted by a small filly next to the park's lake. She was a blue blank flank unicorn with a white mane, sitting next to a top hat. She was currently focusing on the hat with intensity, her horn glowing brightly...then fizzling out. She made a second attempt...and got the same result. Several times in fact. The filly finally gave a sad look and lowered her head.

Trixie blinked at the image before her...a strangely familiar sight. This was the unicorn who'd managed to get into the School for Gifted Unicorns with a stage magic talent after all.

“Stage Hoof, Trixie will be back in a moment,” Trixie explained. Stage Hoof didn't object and the unicorn carefully trotted over to the filly and looked down at her. “Excuse me.”

The filly jumped, turning to look up at the older mare. “Oh! Hello...”

“Hello, my name is Trixie...also, Trixie will proceed to speak in the third person after this sentence.”

The filly blinked in confusion. “Oh...I'm Moonshadow...”

“Good to meet you, Moonshadow. Trixie couldn't help but notice that that you are trying to perform a magic trick.”

Moonshadow looked down at the top hat sadly. “Yeah...I'm trying to practice it for a talent show but I just can't get it to work...”

Trixie actually gave a chuckle. “...That's ironic...Trixie actually earned her cutie mark doing such a thing.”

The filly's ears perked up. “Really?”

Trixie put a proud hoof to her chest. “Trixie won first place, and you are in luck, she is an expert at such things. Perhaps she can be of assistance?”

As Trixie spoke, Stage Hoof watched from a distance, giving a little smile.

Moonshadow focused on the hat.

“Remember think of what you want to appear already being where you want it. The audience expects it to appear in the hat so YOU must expect it to appear in the hat,” Trixie advised in probably a more dramatic voice than the situation called for.

Finally, the filly lifted a bouquet of flowers from the hat in her telekinesis. She gave a loud gasp. “I DID IT!”

Trixie gave a proud smile. “Was there ever any doubt? You did have a professional to instruct you after all.” The azure unicorn gave a gasp as the filly hugged her.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Moonshadow exclaimed excitedly.

“You're quite welcome,” Trixie replied, giving an awkward smile. “Good luck with your talent show.”

As the small filly ran off and Trixie returned to Stage Hoof, she noticed her coltfriend smiling. “What?”

“Oh!” Stage Hoof jumped a little bit. “Well...just it's nice to see you helping somepony like that...”

Trixie chuckled and nuzzled him. “Thank you, Trixie is proud of herself. Hehe, the filly kind of reminded her of herself actually.”

Stage Hoof nodded. “I seem to recall several times you were in that exact situation...”

The showmare nodded...then looked nostalgic. “Reminded Trixie of back when she was doing her shows. Standing before the audience with all eyes upon her, doing feats that defy the mind!”

Stage Hoof seemed unphased by his fillyfriend doing her typical over the top theatrics. “You miss it, don't you?”

Trixie nodded. “Yes...she loves theater, but doing some shows again would be nice...though Trixie admits...”

The stallion looked concerned, noting Trixie showing an unusual hesitance. “What's wrong, Trixie? This is unlike you.”

The azure unicorn gave a sigh. “...Trixie ended up coming here in the first place hoping to find new inspiration because she'd spent the last few decades putting ponies down to raise herself up...now it makes her feel quite hesitant to start again, even if she knos she's changed greatly...”

Stage Hoof nuzzled her this time. “I understand...but if you really want to...and need help...then I wouldn't mind being an assistant...”

Trixie blinked. “You would?”

The stallion nodded, giving a small smiled. “We've proven we're a great team, haven't we?” he asked, looking a bit nervous but working through it. “But your choice, I won't pressure you.”

The showmare looked at him for a moment, then smiled and returned his nuzzle. “Thank you, Stage Hoof. She'll keep that in mind...my prince.”

“You're welcome, my princess.”

Later that night, the two prepared for bed. Separate beds, mind you. They were coltfriend and marefriend, but they also were not married yet.

Trixie blinked, taking a look outside the window. “Hmm, sudden fog. Trixie doesn't remember them forecasting fog.”

It was surprisingly thick as well, to the point even the streetlamps didn't allow her to see much.

“Perhaps a sudden change?” Stage Hoof asked.

“Not impossible...” Trixie replied, then trotted over. “Goodnight, Stage Hoof.”

“Goodnight, Trixie.”

The two shared a loving kiss, and laid down in bed.

“Hmm...if Trixie is going to try doing her shows again, she'll need new material...wonder if Mrs. Meadowlark knows any mythical creatures...” Trixie whispered before drifting off to sleep.

Central park was quiet. This late at night, no one was in the park.

From the fog emerged a black lizard-like beast. It's beady eyes darting around, strange glowing marks on each of it's legs barely illuminating it in the fog. The creature crossed the empty street and vanished into an alley.

The End