As the sun sets, the first lights of the night could be seen from the road. Not many ponies travelled by land, not since the railway line to Las Pegasus had been finally finished by the Equestrian Railway corporation. Since then, the city had seen a never ending flow of goods and ponies, and the owners of hotels and resorts had happily embraced that change.
But even with such technological advancement, there were still ponies who like to travel the old fashioned way, using a cart. Those kind of ponies usually love sights, dirt in their hooves and dust in their manes, but it can’t be helped. Nature is too beautiful to skip it. Unless you’re also the assistant of a travelling magician who doesn’t like to be separated of her wagon. Ever.
- We could have taken the train, you know?
- Oh, of course. But the trip wouldn’t be so fun, right?
- Right… -Starlight still didn’t sound very convinced- I still don’t see how you can walk that much. My hooves sore!
- It’s just practice, darling. When you have years of travelling dragging a wagon besides you nothing is very heavy at the end of the day.
While they were talking, the sun was starting to set, and the moon was appearing in the distance. Stars sparkled one by one, until the sky was filled by them. While Trixie was trotting besides her, Starlight was still thinking about the train. It was easier, faster, and one could say it could be cheaper since they could have done fewer stops. But Trixie was her friend and she was willing to do whatever it took to make it comfortable. Even if she had to endure travelling with that wagon.
When it was too dark to continue travelling safely, they decided to make a stop in a forest clearing. The sound of a river could be heard a few meters away. Later, the smell of the haycakes was covering both of them. To pass the time, they discussed what they would be doing tomorrow before the presentation. Starlight wanted to visit the other casinos that were in the city while Trixie wanted to spend the day in the spa. They were working an arrangement when a question aroused in Starlight’s mind.
- Why did you decide to come to Las Pegasus? -Starlight asked- The last time we tried to go to Saddle Arabia we had to go back before we had even go there!
- Easy, easy, Starlight. You know -said Trixie with a chuckle- I wanted to change airs. You see how it’s in other parts of Equestria. In the end is the same thing. But here’s the money! The big scenarios, the clapping public! And you know, the great and powerful Trixie only acts in the best scenarios!
- Okay, I get your point. But why did you accept an offer from a hooded pony? I’m having a feeling this is not going to end well.
- It was the first offer that I got… and it was the only offer I got so far -while sounding disappointed-. Might as well take it, right?
With a sigh, Starlight said: Okay, we can do this. Let us don’t get ourselves in trouble.
After speaking a bit more, they decided to call it a day and go to sleep. Since the last adventure they had had together, both of them slept outside of the wagon, protected from weather and dangerous animals using a spell Starlight had looked up in the Canterlot Library.
The next day, the sun was starting to rise, and the hot and dry air was starting to heat up. As Starlight opened her eyes she heard an ear-piercing scream. Standing up with her horn ready, she looked right and left for enemies, but she only saw Trixie staring at an empty spot where her wagon had been.
Where her wagon had been.
Her wagon had been stolen.
Author's Note
Well, this is the first chapter of a new fic that I had on my head for a while, inspired in that episode about Trixie and Starlight going to Saddle Arabia and mixed with Las Pegasus episodes. Man, that's a city with a lot of potential.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyt it! Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts, I want to improve my English :)
The screaming continued until Starlight trotted near her and put a hoof in her mouth. But she still could feel the grief.
Trixie put her around quickly. What we are going to do- she screamed- Our presentation is this night! And all of our things were in the wagon!
Not quite -said Starlight with a movement of her horn-. I have our money here, in this pocket dimension I created. If emergencies happened, we would still be able to do something. And we should not despair, because -she pointed the soil- the tracks are still fresh, and lead to Las Pegasus. The thieves must not be far. Let’s go!
Trixie looked and her faithful assistant and smiled. This is she liked to be close to her. She was always helping her and cheering her up. And having someone who could think with a cooler head was also very handy.
- You’re right, Starlight. Let’s go!
They started galloping to Las Pegasus. When they were approaching the city, they saw a big sign that said: “Welcome to Las Pegasus”. It was not the welcome they wanted, but now they were there, for good or bad, and both mares were decided to make the best of it, even if it meant recovering an stolen wagon.
But as they looked the tracks, they disappeared as soon as they got past the sign. No traces of the wheels, nothing. There was just a sleepy stallion, leaning in the pole, looking tired. Nopony else was to be seen. It was their first track, not a good one, but better than nothing.
- Hey, sir! Sir! - shouted Trixie.
The poor stallion woke up quickly only to lose equilibrium and fall to the ground. Starlight and Trixie went to him and helped him to stand up. After a moment, he felt good enough so he could answer them.
- Y-yes? What do you want of me? - asked still disoriented.
Trixie and Starlight looked at their eyes and decided that Starlight should be asking the question. In her best voice, she said: Sir, we’re looking for a stolen wagon. It has a purple painting, windows in both sides and the roof is covered with stars. It shouldn’t be easy to miss.
Blinking, the stallion looked at both mares and said with a more firm voice: “I haven’t noticed anything strange under my watch. Now will you please leave me alone… - and started turning around.
Wait, what are you talking about? Come here! - Starlight used her magic to drag him back- Those tracks are still fresh so we’re sure you saw them. Speak… or you get something from this horn.
Trixie spoke up. Calm down, Starlight- said carefully- “We don’t want our friend here that we’re going to hurt him right?”. Starlight magic started to wane from her horn as she was speaking. “That’s right. Now, let’s start again. What’s your name? We tell ours and you tell yours. I’m the great and powerful Trixie! And this is my faithful assistant Starlight. How about you?
Well, I guess you can call me Watcher.
Okay Watcher, it’s early in the morning, we haven’t had breakfast yet but we are determined to find our wagon. You’re our first clue. Time to spit out what you saw.
