Her Last Show

The sun was shining bright in the midday sun, bathing the markets and shops in a blanket of yellow. Naturally, townsquare was bustling with ponies, eager to enjoy the beautiful weather during their daily commute. Starlight couldn't help but envy them for having so much free time on their hooves. As much as she enjoyed being Princess Twilight's prized pupil, the constant demand and responsibility made her sometimes question if it was all it was chalked up to be.

But even despite having practically no time for herself, she had never felt more fulfilled. All those years lying to herself and putting on a dominating facade just pushed her deeper into self loathing. If Twilight hadn't walked in and showed her the proper way, she'd surely be dead by now.

She brushed her past and Twilight out of her mind as she trotted through the town, avoiding walking into scampering foals as she went. Today was a day for herself, and she wanted to take full advantage of it. No worrying or overthinking. She needed to keep a level head, and her dear friend Trixie's proposition to chill at the best cafe in town was the perfect way. Starlight hummed a quiet tune while she made her way towards the cafe.

Upon approaching the small building, she could make out Trixie through the glass. The blue mare was quick to notice and waved excitedly, mouthing something that Starlight couldn't quite make out.
The bells above the doors chimed as Starlight pushed inside the establishment, signalling to Trixie to jump from her seat and greet her friend.

In a manner reminiscent of Pinkie Pie, Trixie hopped up and down and beamed. "You're here, you're here! You have no idea how excited Trixie was when you said you were free!"

Starlight giggled at her enthusiasm, waving a hoof at her to calm her. "It's great to see you too, Trixie! Ugh, life's been so hectic lately. I've barely had time to-"

"You must see what Trixie found!" Trixie interrupted her abruptly, smiling from ear to ear. Starlight was used to her abrupt nature, and didn't mind much that she had been cut off. And by the looks of the smile on Trixie's face, whatever she had found, it must be good.

"Alright," she sighed. "But show me at the table. We're sorta blocking the line." She gestured at the growing line of ponies behind them, giving her annoyed looks in return.

Trixie waved her hoof dismissively. "Please, they can wait. The Great and Powerful Trixie is of much higher priority."

In an attempt to spare a fight from breaking out, Starlight slapped a hoof over Trixie's mouth and turned to the crowd. "Excuse us!" She said with a nervous laugh before booking it towards the back. It wasn't until the two were sat far away that Starlight turned to her friend. "Sorry."

Once Starlight dropped her hoof, Trixie turned up her nose. "Hmph." Her attitude didn't last for long however, as she suddenly remembered the main point of the visit. She nearly hopped out of her own skin as she dug through her saddle bag. "But you won't believe this!" she exclaimed, finally withdrawing the poster. She all but levitated it into Starlight's face, too enthralled to realize she wouldn't be able to read it.

Starlight snorted and took the poster in her own magic. "A movie poster?" she asked slowly, her eyes following the words.

Trixie slapped her hooves on the table. "Yes! These ponies are looking for a good actress! And as we all know, The Great and Powerful Trixie is the best actress." She beamed with pride, making Starlight subtly roll her eyes.

After digesting everything, Starlight looked up at her friend. She chewed on her bottom lip. "It says it's a controversial film," she pointed out with a frown.

That fact didn't bother Trixie however, who shrugged it off. "Not a problem. Trixie is quite controversial herself."

Starlight still seemed uneasy. "Do you know the crew?" Seemingly lost in her own world, Trixie just nodded. As much as Starlight wanted to pester, she knew better than to drag the mare out of her dream world. All she could do was sigh, reading over the poster again. It wasn't very informal, only describing the production as controversial and nothing more. Though she did have to admit, the pay was very alluring. She imagined Trixie was surely seeing dollar signs.

After what felt like an eternity, Trixie spoke. "Starlight, this is my chance." Her eyes were practically sparkling with excitement. "I've lost my name, but not my talent. This could be my saving grace." Hearing Trixie refer to herself in first person was alien to her, and really accentuated how dire the situation was. Trixie placed her hoof on Starlight's suddenly. "You support me in this, don't you?"

Starlight chewed on her bottom lip. She always supported Trixie in her wild endeavors, but this wasn't something either were accustomed to. "Of course," she managed to say after much diliberation. "I'll always support you!" She offered her friend a reassuring smile, which Trixie gave in return.

"You don't need to worry about me so much," the magician said with a roll of her eyes. "I can take care of myself." Starlight's smile faltered, but she still did not protest.

As if suddenly remembering they hadn't ordered anything, Starlight magicked the menu towards her. "You're right," she said with a hearty sigh. After deciding what she was gonna order, she passed the menu over to Trixie.

Trixie waved her off. "I'll be heading out. I don't just want to be punctual, I want to be early!" Satrlight's rebuttal didn't reach her as she took off towards the door.

The purple unicorn simply sighed, inching over so she could comfortably sit in the booth. She placed the menu down on the table and glanced out the glass window next to her. She could just barely make out Trixie's blue and white streaked mane before it disappeared in the crowd. A waitress approached her booth, her attention now on her instead of the window. She absentmindedly ordered her latte and slouched into her seat as the mare cantered off. Starlight couldn't get her mind off how vague the ad was. She swallowed thickly and gazed out at the bustling ponies lining the street. She couldn't help but get a bad feeling. She considered running after her friend, but figured that was in vain. She traced the design on the oak table and let her mind wander as she waited for her beverage.