Chapters Razzle dazzle was dead to begin with. This must be understood or else what happens later on will not seem mystical.
Inside the chapel their was the final business of the signing of the death warrant. The vicar wrote his name and it was now down to the sister to sign.
"Sad business, for hearth's warming eve. I hope this hasn't interfered with you plans today miss Trixie?" Trixie's horn glowed and the pen began to scribbled her name and a star.
"Hardly. The theatre will open as normal and our show will be spectacular as always." The vicar was surprised at the lack of feeling this pony had for a brother.
"But aren't you going to be mourning for your loss? He was you brother!"
Trixie turned around and proceeded to walk out the door. "The great and powerful Trixie has no time to waste on the dead. The show must go on." She stepped out into the snow and back to her theatre.
Seven years passed and things changed very little. The snow was falling thick again and every pony was going about getting ready for hearth's warming day. They were buying presents and food for the dinners and parties they would be having with friends and family. But in Trixie and Razzle's theatre their was no warmth to be had. Literally. Trixie had ordered that the fireplaces are only to be lit once a week. Up it the Trixie's office, scratcher was busy writing out the ledgers of the weeks takings. He was wrapped in a pair of scarf 's and three layers of jumpers, but still he couldn't keep out the cold. He looked to the fire place with its pitiful excuse for a fire. Hardly a flame was flickering and it gave off next to no heat. Next to it was the coal scuttle with the last of the lumps (if they could be called that) in the bottom.
His mind wandered. "she's not due back for another hour. Maybe I could use one of the smaller lumps."
He hopped from his stool and moved to the fireplace. Suddenly a familiar creek came from the top step of the stairs in the hall. Quick as a flash he retreated to his stool and began to scribble furiously. The door swung open to reveal Trixie in her blue cape and pointy hat. Her expression was one of anger and frustration as she stomped pass Scratcher.
"Is everything all right Miss Trixie?"
She vented her anger at the young stallion. "Of course not you idiot. That stupid mare in the restaurant got the orders mixed up again. I swear if that place doesn't get it's act together I will never go there again."
She sat behind her desk and started to count the large stack of gold bits in front of her. They were last nights takings from the theatre performance of Hooves of fire and she was the only one she trusted to get it counted correctly. A short time passed until their was a knock at the door. Before any pony could say come in, the door opened to reveal a young stallion with a light sandy coat, dark black mane and a violin for a cutie mark. His name was Third string. He was carrying bundles of different items which he placed on the floor before he took off his cap, to look at Trixie who was cross at the distraction from her counting.
"Happy hearths warming Eve Auntie Trixie!" she didn't raise her head but she did speak.
"Humbug!"
Third string was shocked at this Comment. "Hearth's warming eve a humbug? Surely not Auntie?
Trixie finally raised her head from her counting to look with a icy stare at her Nephew. "Oh I do! And if the great and powerful Trixie could work it into her will. She would see that every stupid pony that goes around with happy hearts warming on their lips would be boiled in their own pudding and buried with a steak of holly through their heart!"
The smile was falling from Third String's face. "But Auntie"
She raised a hoof to silence him in mid sentence. " Nephew. You keep hearth's warming day in you way and i shall in mine"
"keep it? But you don't keep it!"
Trixie slammed he hoof on the table making the stacks of bits wobble. "Then let me leave it alone then! Much good it has done you! Much good it has ever done you!
This was the final straw for Third String. "There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited. But I am sure I have always thought of hearth's warming a time of happiness And therefore, Auntie, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!
Scratcher clapped his hoofs at this raising speech, but was quickly silenced by an ice cold stare coming from Trixie. "Let me hear another sound from you, and you'll keep your Christmas by losing your situation!" His nose firmly buried itself deep into the ledger "You're quite a powerful speaker, nephew, I wonder you don't go into politics.
Third sting coughed at the tenseness of the situation. "Never the less auntie the usual offer stands. Me and Octavia invite you to Hearth's warming dinner. It would make us so happy if you would say yes."
Trixie smirked at the offer as she had done every year. "I'll never understand why you married that second rate cello player."
Third string could only smile, at the simple question. "Because I love her"
Trixie just mimicked her nephew "Because you love her. Good afternoon!"
Third sting replaced his cap and gave his auntie his most softest expression. "I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why cannot we be friends?"
Trixie was back to her counting "Good afternoon!"
Third string could see it was pointless talking to her. He turned to Scatcher and smiled. "Give my best regards to you wife and children Scratch."
Scatcher smiled at the kind words "Thank you sir. And all the best to you as well.
"GOOD AFTERNOON!" which was promptly followed by a ink blotter being launched by Trixie's magic at her Nephew who ducked out the door just in time.
Soon the office was quiet again, apart from the sound of the scratching of pens on paper. The clock on the wall said it was three thirty and yet again came another knock on the door. A smartly dressed stallion with a blue mane and a monocle and a mare with a pink mane and Fleur de lis cutie mark stepped into the cold office. "Hello there. My name is Fancypants and this is my wife Fleur de lis. You must be Razzle dazzle and Trixie, If I'm not mistaken?
Before Scratcher could speak Trixie interrupted. "Razzle Dazzle has been dead these seven year. This worm, is just my clerk. Now what business do you have with the great and powerful Trixie.
Fancypants straiten his monocle and spoke. "I say I do apologise. Me and my wife are trying to raise funds to help provide the less fortunate ponies of Canterlot with some basic comforts at this festive time of year.
Trixie's returned with her own line of questions. "Are their no workhouses?"
"Too many to say the least" Fancypants replied
"Are their no prisons?"
"Plenty of prisons"
Trixie laid down her pen and smiled a cold and heartless smile at the couple. "I am relived. For a moment I thought they had all been closed. Thank you for putting our mind at ease"
"Yes quite. Well our main goal is offer food and warmth to all those in need. How much may we put you down for?" Fleur levitated a note book and pencil in anticipation.
"nothing!"
"you wish to remain anonymous." Fleur asked
"I wish you to leave the great and powerful Trixie alone. My taxes go out to pay for the fore mentioned establishments. The poor must go there!"
Fancypants monocle fell from is eye and Fleur fell onto his back in shock. "Many can't go there and other ponies would rather die!"
"If they would rather die then they should do it! And decrease the surplus population!" At this they both walked out in a state of shock and horror. Never before had they met such a cold and heartless pony.
The evening show in theatre was busy as expected. The Hearth's warming eve pageant always brought in the crowds and the crowds always came with money. By quarter to nine the theatre was empty apart from Trixie and Scratcher in the office. Trixie was busy counting he money which had been stacked into neat little ranks in front of her whilst Scratcher wrote down the numbers of attendees.
He looked over to the to the clock. "five till nine." not much longer.
"I suppose you will want tomorrow off then." Scratcher jumped in fear of the voice but quickly composed himself. "If it's convenient" He quietly mumbled.
"It's not convenient, and it's not fair. If I was to stop half-a-bit for it, you'd think yourself ill-used. Yet you don't think me ill used, when I pay a day's wages for no work!"
Scratcher fumbled with is quill. "It's only once a year Miss Trixie." Again Trixie was unimpressed. "it's a poor excuse to pick a pony's pocket every 25th of December." she sighed.
Scatcher beamed "Thank you Miss Trixie. And a happy hearth's warming to you!" Trixie scowled at him. " out or I'll change my mind!"
The theatre Was now empty apart from Trixie Counting away. The clock struck ten-o-clock and she decided to call it a night. The rest of the counting could wait till the morning. She pulled on her hat and cape, blew out her candle and stepped into the cold night air. Her house was a short way from the Theatre and had belonged to her brother. But after his death she had taken ownership. As she turned down a narrow street her hoofs crunched in the soft white snow. She was the only pony out at this time and it gave the place a spooky aura. As she continued she suddenly hear a voice call out. "Trixieeee" She looked around and saw no pony.
She shrugged it off. "Must be the wind." she thought to her self. Then she heard the sound of hooves behind her. She looked back to see a White Hurst being pulled by two white ponies. She stood to the side to let it pass. As it did the voice came again. "Trixieeeee" before the Hurst reached the end of the road it was gone.
Trixie shuddered at this strange sight and decide she had better hurry to her home.
She soon came to the dark street where she lived. The house stood tall and empty for no pony else lived their. As she stood in front of the door, she used her magic to retrieve the key from the first floor window cill. The voice spoke again "Trixieeee"
At the sound she quickly put the key in the lock. As she looked back up she had the fright of her life. In place of he door knocker was the face of a unicorn, it's expression blank and vacant. This was too much for Trixie! She opened the door and quickly slammed it shut with all speed.
She stood in the empty hall for a few seconds trying to make sense of what she saw. "Damm that restaurant! Their salad cream must have been off!" she used her horn as a light so she could see her way to her chambers high on the second floor. It was the only furnished room in the whole house. It had four poster bed, a fire place, two chairs and the walls were covered in old show posters of Trixie. Using her magic she started to lock and bar her door. Locks clicked and bolts were slid into place. She hung her cloak and hat on a peg and sat in her chair by the fire place.
As she started to eat she suddenly heard the voice again. "Trixieeeee" louder this time and sounding as if it was downstairs.
Clank
The sound fixed her to the seat in fear. "Go away!" she shouted loudly.
Clank
"Who ever you are you are breaking and entering! Get out now or I will send for he royal guard!
Clank!
The strange noise came from directly behind the door this time! Trixie used all her magic to hold all the locks in place, but to her horror she watched as all the keys turned in the locks and the bolts all slid backwards. With her magic having no effect!
"leave us alone!" she roared.
The door swung open!
Clank!!
She turned around to see Grey translucent figure walking through the open door! It stopped after passing the threshold to pull his chains to his side.
"What do you want with the Great and powerful Trixie?" She trembled
"Much" The Grey translucent figure replied.
"W..who Are You?" She asked stuttered
"Ask me who I was" the figure asked.
"Very well. Who were you then?" In the back of her mind she knew the answer.
"In life I was your Brother. Razzle Dazzle" Trixie's face dropped as she recognized the stallion in front of her was her seven years dead brother.
She waved to the opposite chair. "Can you sit down?"
Razzle Dazzle raised a eyebrow at the strange question. "I can" as he walked past, Trixie looked at the chains and boxes with hung from his body. He lowed himself into the chair with a loud clank! She shook her head at him.
"You Don't believe in me!" Razzle Dazzle Asked
"The Great and powerful Trixie Doesn't." She returned to her bowl of food.
"why do you doubt your senses?"
"little things upset them. Your probably a bit of mouldy apple or an underdone potato!" At this insult Razzle Dazzle Raised himself off the chair and gave out the most horrifying moan which shook Trixie to the core of her very being.
Razzle Dazzles face was one of anger and frustration "Pony of the worldly mind, do you believe in me or not!?"
"I do! I'm sorry." she waved him back to the chair. "why do spirits walk Equestria and Why do they bother me?
"It is required of every pony, That the spirit within walks far and wide and spreads love and harmony where ever they go. And if that pony dose not go forth in life. They are condemned to do so after death. To witness what they cannot share but might have shared and turn to happiness!" With that he gave out a great moan which scared Trixie to the bone.
"Your fettered! Tell me Why?" Pointing at the chains around her brothers body.
"I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link and yard by yard. It is a ponderous chain. Do you know the Strong Coil you wear yourself! it was a heavy and as broad seven Hearth's warming eves ago. you have laboured on it since."
Trixie was shaking at this point "Razzle Dazzle. Speak comfort to your dear Sister"
"I have none to give." His tone was serious. "I cannot stay. I cannot linger anywhere! Oh the torture of remorse." he said with a tear in his eye.
"Razzle Dazzle, I don't understand? Why you are suffering. All you life you were a good business pony!"
His face turned to one of disgust. "That's why I'm suffering. The cruelty it did to other is being re-paid!"
"Brother, It was business!"
"Business! Showing kindness was my business! Helping the Poor was my business! Not being a self centred cad that I was. I suffer for my mistake. But for you their is a chance of escaping my terrible fate! A chance of my doing."
"You were a good brother to me always Razzle!" she tried to put her hoof on his but it went strait through to the arm of the chair.
"Tonight you will be haunted by Three spirits. Expect the First when the bell tolls One.
"couldn't I meet them all at once."
He ignored her completely "The second when the bell tolls Two and the third more mercurial will come in her own good time." He rose from the chair and walked to the window. "Now look to see me no longer." With that the window opened wide letting in a gust of cold night air. He raised a fettered hoof to point outside.
Trixie rose from her chair and stood by her brother. She was horrified at what she saw! Hundreds of ponies all wrapped in chains circling around the towers of Canterlot like a great snake. Down in the street was a grey Mare clutching a lavender unicorn filly. They were wrapped in thin blankets, trying to keep warm as they slept in the doorway. A Spirit was sitting beside her with his fettered hoof resting on the little fillies head.
"These spirits try to interfere for good but they have lost the power forever." The pony lifted up to rejoin the others. Razzle Dazzle looked into his sisters eyes. "This is the curse we bear" With these last words he floated out the window to join the others.
She watched him float away and Suddenly Trixie noticed a pair of ghost ponies sitting on the opposite balcony. They both looked identical with straw hats and stripped waistcoats apart from one having a moustache.
She could hear them talking. "Hey Flam. This place filled with ghosts."
The other replied "Hardly surprising Flim. This story has been done to death!"
"Dooohohohohohohoho".
Trixie was frighted at this sight and the terrible jokes and so she quickly close the shutters and ran for her bed.
Trixie tried hard to forget what she saw. But found it impossible to get to sleep, after the visit from her brother, she tossed and turned in an attempt to fine a comfortable position. Before she knew it the bells outside chimed one-o-clock”
she pulled back her bed curtains and saw nothing "one O-clock and no-pony here. Trixie knew it was a load of manure." she grinned to herself and turned over.
Suddenly the entire room was filled with a blinding white light and the sound of magic filled her ears. Trixie couldn't keep her eye's open, so she shut them tight.
A voice soft as silk suddenly spoke from the light. "why do you close your eye's my little pony? Why hide away from the light of truth, is it hard to accept."
Trixie tried to open her eyes but it was no good. "No. It's just blinding! Could you turn it down for the great and powerful Trixie please."
"very well" the voice sighed. With that the light was dimmed down, till Trixie could make out the Alicorn standing in her bed room. She was tall and had a crown with a purple jewel. It was none other than Princess Celestia! Trixie instantly fell to her knees.
Celestia rolled her eyes. "Oh don't grovel. I can't stand it when ponies grovel at my hoofs."
"sorry."
"And don't apologise. Every time I try to talk to some pony it's sorry this, forgive me that and I'm not worthy. Now what are you doing?"
Trixie had a hoof over her face" I'm averting my eyes, princess"
"Well stop it. Honestly, It's like galloping gala It's so depressing. Now knock it off! We've wasted enough time as it is." She walked to the window and used her magic to open it."Are you coming Trixie?" Celestia enquired.
"Were one the second floor and if you haven't notice I'm a unicorn! Not a air head pegasus!"
Celestia was starting to lose her temper with her "Will you just hold on to my hoof and come with me!"
The second Trixie took hold, they instantly took to the night sky and were flying over the chimneys and spires of Canterlot.
"That's the past, my little pony. Now hold on, this is bit bumpy"
It grew brighter and brighter, until it suddenly it all disappeared to reveal a long corridor with racks of dresses and props everywhere.
Trixie's eyes grew wide in amazement at what she saw. "I can't believe it! It's Trottingham theatre.” two mares walked past her, dressed in flowery costumes. “That's lemon drop and Pear drop the sister duet, hi Girls it's me Trixie."
"These are just the shadows of the past. They cannot see or hear us. But observe." she pointed down the hall at a small blue filly sitting by one of the doors. She had no cutie mark but she had a Blue and white mane.
"That's me" She exclaimed.
Celestia put a hoof to her lips. "shhh! Just watch."
The door behind the little Trixie opened to reveal a yellow Stallion with green hair. It was Razzle Dazzle, Trixie's big brother.
The look on his face was not a happy one. "Hey sis. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. Farther has left us to look after ourselves." He passed his little sister the letter he had revived and as she read the page, tears started to fall onto the letter and smudge the ink.
Celestia kept looking forward "Your Farther didn't care for you much did he Trixie... Trixie?" she looked down at her side and noticed, Trixie was also crying at what she saw.
"He never had time for us. He was too busy with his work and he had never forgiven me for the loss of our mother during my birth."
Celestia put a wing around her in comfort. "You only had your brother in the whole world and very soon he will give up his career as an actor to help you growing up.
Celestria's mane began to flow strongly around the two of them wrapping them up like a blanket and when it stopped they were standing in the snow, outside a shop in Canterlot. The sign above the door read. Pinkie's Party & Joke shop. The door opened and a pink pony prance into the snow.
"Oh goodies it's almost time for the party. I hope no ponies late." she pranced back indoors.
Celestia and Trixie walked through the wall into the shop to see that it had been transformed into a big party room with cakes balloons and presents. And in the far corner was a young Trixie busy putting the boxes of squirting turtles back in their place high on the shelves
Pinkie bounced over to look up at her "Trixie, why don't you leave those boxes till later. Were going to have guests soon."
Trixie pushed the box into place. "If I don't do this now I will have to come in early the next day and I won't have time to practice my magic acts!"
Pinkie frowned "But Trixie. All work and no play makes a dull pony."
"bah humbug" she uttered under her breath.
Soon the party guest were arriving.
Their was Rarity from the dress shop, Applejack and Big Macintosh from the Grocers. Twilight Sparkle from the book shop, Fluttershy from the pet store and Rainbow Dash from the Flying school. Along with any pony else who came in off the street, so that soon the entire shop was full of ponies having a good time.
Trixie was still stacking the shelves when a grey stallion with three four leaf clovers as a cutiemark bumped into her."Can't you watch where you going!" She snapped.
But when she saw the hansom pony she went bright red. "Sorry about that, I think I slipped on some cake. My names lucky, and you are?"
"I'm I'm Tr Tr Trixie." she stuttered in embarrassment.
He smiled at her and held out a hoof. "Well Trixie would you do me the honour of joining me for a dance?
"I'd love to. She put her hoof in his and followed him to the middle of the floor.
Celestia smiled at the lovely sight before her "He seems like a nice stallion." Celestia commented to the smiling Trixie.
"Their was no other like him" She sighed.
"But it was not to last was it Trixie." The princesses mane was starting to flow again.
Trixie suddenly realised what was coming!"Please Princess no! Do not show me that! Anything but that! I beg you" she was starting to cry again as the mane revealed an office.
It was the Office of the Trixie and Razzle Dazzle Theatre in Canterlot which they had brought together with their life savings. Trixie was at her desk adding up Last nights takings when the Door opened to show Lucky walking in with a concerned look on his face.
"Trixie we need to talk."
"We've been engaged for two years now and we seem no closer to getting married. Every time I bring it up you just change the subject.”
She waved a hoof at him "Can't we talk about this later. I'm rather busy at the moment." she didn't even bother to look at him
"But Trixie!" He pleaded
"Look, just give me more time to get this place on it's hoofs and then we can get married. I just want the best."
"For you or me!" He retorted "If this place is more important to you than our love. I will leave you with your bricks and mortar!"
"Fine Fine. We'll talk later." with these final words Lucky turned away with tears in his eyes and walked out the door.
"GO AFTER HIM YOU FOAL!" Trixie shouted at the top of her lungs towards her counterpart with tears streaming down her face.
"I told you they are shadows. They can't see us or hear us."
"As you wish. But remember these words, MY Little Pony. Life is like a river. You cannot change it's source but you can alter it's course"
with these final words ringing in her ears, Trixie found herself back in her bedroom.
She cried till he pillow was damp and she slowly fell to sleep.
Trixie only got half an hour of sleep. Too many thoughts of her past were swirling around her head. She knew that two-o-clock was coming from the sound of the bell in the nearby clock tower.
She decided that she would be ready for what this next Spirit could throw at her. She wouldn't lose her cool this time. She herd the bell ring two and instantly she herd noises coming from the adjacent room. She got out of bed to see the door frame with a halo of light around the corners. As it opened she saw her room had been decorated with steamers, a huge tree decorated in beautiful jewels of every colour and a raging fire was in the fireplace. Presents covered the floor and on a table were cakes of every description. In the centre of all this stood a Pink Alicorn with a yellow, pink, purple mane and a beautiful rose coloured robe with cream coloured lining. It was Princess cadence! Trixie was about to bow again but remembered what happened last time
Cadence wore a wide smile as she watched Trixie's reaction to room "I take it you've never seen a sight like this before."
Trixie didn't know what to say so she kept it simple "Never"
Cadence stood up and walked up to her, Still smiling widely. "Don't you ever have parties. Walk fourth with fellow ponies and spread love and joy?"
Trixie shook her head. "I don't care for much for company. Plus I couldn't justify the cost."
Cadence shook her head at this. "Oh Trixie you still have so much to learn." she swept her robe towards Trixie. "Touch my robe" As she did she thought she saw something move underneath.
In an instant the room with all its delights disappeared. So did the room,the fire and was quickly replaced with a street filled with ponies singing, playing and being merry. All the bells of Canterlot were ringing out in celebration and in the square were a group of ponies in red uniforms playing instruments. They were playing the fire of friendship.
Trixie was looked to Cadance. "what day is it Princess?"
Cadence couldn't help but laugh. "You silly filly. It's hearth's warming day of course" she lead Trixie down the busy street till they came to a young group of ponies skating on the large sheet of ice.
Trixie was intrigued at the spell she had just seen. "What did you just do?"
Cadence gave a little smile. "I gave them the nudge" she pointed back to the pair who now were side by side talking to each over. "Without happiness their is no love. So maybe you will remember that when next time you have the chance to spread some yourself.
Trixie looked down at the snow. "I'm sorry Princess. I'll remember that in the future." she Jumped as she felt a hoof go over her shoulder. "See I told you had much to learn. Come on"
They walked down one of the smaller streets till they reached a small row of terraces. From the chimneys came the smell of food cooking and from inside and the sounds of laughter.
"Now we will visit your clerk" Cadence led them inside to a small kitchen where an Mare was busy cooking. She had a yellow coat and light pink mane and tail. Her cutie mark showed a bar of soap and bubbles. Her name ways Ariel and on the fire she had a cauldron bubbling away.
"Is that all they have to eat. That broth?"
"No that's laundry." Cadence pointed out "That's their food on the table." their was a simple soap,A loaf of bread, salad made out of turnips and parsnips, with a few leaves spread over. Their was also a plain fruit cake with no marzipan or Icing.
The door behind Trixie opened to reveal Scratcher with a very small colt sitting on his back. The colts face was pale and limbs looked thin and too weak to walk on. This was Tuppence Scratcher put him down and the little colt with the aid of a small crutch limped to the table.
Ariel walked to her husband and gave him a kiss. "How was he at the princesses speech?" Celestia always gave a speech from her balcony. She would tell them how they had made this year a happy one and to all have a even better new year.
"He was good as gold." He looked at his son sitting at the table. His brother and sisters had now joined him and were all playing a game of cards. Their was a sudden fit of coughing from Tuppence rough and painful. His sister gave him a handkerchief to cover his mussel, but when he took it away their were spots of blood all over.
Soon the image changed to them all sitting around to the table. They had their meal of soap, salad, cake and a bottle of ginger beer had been opened as well. Scratcher filled his glass and stood up to make his little speech. "I would like to toast Trixie. The founder of the feast."
The silence lasted for what seemed an eternity until Ariel retorted "The Founder of the Feast indeed. I wish I had her here. I'd give her a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I hope she'd have a good appetite for it!” Her face was one of anger.
Scratcher looked softly at his wife "My dear, the children. It's Hearth's warming day."
It did nothing to her attitude. "It should be a happy day, I am sure, on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling pony as THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE" This made Trixie's face go red at such a insult. "You know she is, Scratch. Nopony knows it better than you do, my love.
He pleaded again My dear, it's Hearth's warming day".
She finally conceded defeat. "I'll drink her health for your sake and the Day's, not for hers. Long life to her. A Merry Hearth's warming and a happy new year. she'll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt.
They all drank the toast. Tuppence drank last of all and started to cough again.
Trixie finally ask the question she had on her lips since they had seen little Tuppence "Princess, tell me if Little Tuppence will live?"
Cadance was taken back at the question. “You actually care?”. Trixie nodded. "I see a vacant seat and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the colt will die.
Tears were welling up in Trixie's eyes at the words "No, no. Oh, no, kind Princess say he will be spared.
Cadence just continued to look ahead. "If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future he will die." She turned to look at Trixie. Her face was a scowl and her eyes angry. "But if he is to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
Trixie remembered her conversation back in the office. "You would use Trixie's own words against her!"
Cadence's face was one of anger. "It may be, that in the sight of the almighty, that you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor Stallions son. Oh God, to hear the Parasprite in the forest pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust. Come with me!
They turned around and found that they were in a room which was filled with ponies all enjoying the party. Trixie could see some very influential ponies mingling in the crowd. Their was Hoity toity, photo finish, Jet set and Upper crust, and many more. She saw that a Dark grey mare was playing the cello in the corner and some of the ponies were dancing to the sweet sound.
Then Trixie herd a familiar voice come from the crowd. "Ha, ha. Ha, ha, ha, ha. She said that It was all a humbug, as I live and breath. She believes it too."
Octavia stopped playing and looked indignantly at him. "Darling really!
Third string was still smiling “She should do comedy rather than magic! Dear Auntie, that's the truth. She is not unpleasant as she might be. However, her offences carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against her.”
Octavia walked to her husband and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "I'm sure she is very rich, String. At least you always tell me so."
Third string laughed again "What of that, my dear. Her wealth is of no use to her. She doesn't even spend it! She won't do any good with it. She won't make herself comfortable with it!"
Octavia scowled. "She can't be that bad sweetheart."
"I am sorry for her. I couldn't stay angry with her if I tried. Who suffers by her selfishness. Herself, always. Here, she takes it into his head to dislike us, and she won't come and dine with us. What's the consequence. She don't lose much of a dinner.
Octavia kissed him again. "Indeed, I think he loses a very good dinner"
Cadence place her hoof on her shoulder. "It's time to move on." They turned around and found them selves in the Canterlot graveyard. The head stones were covered in snow and the light was fading fast. As they walked Trixie noticed that The Princess was leaving more than just her own hoof prints in the snow. Then she saw it.
She had to know. "Forgive me princess, but I see something strange, and not belonging to you, protruding from your robe. Is it a hoof or a claw?"
Cadence stopped and turned around to face Trixie. It might be a claw, for the fur there is upon it. Look here. With a flap of her wings the foldings of her robe lifted to reveal two creatures, wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable. They hissed at her and clung upon the outside of its robe.
Trixie couldn't look at them. For they made her want to be sick. Cadence stamped her hoof.
She looked down at the twisted creatures. They glared back with hollow eyes. The filly, if it could be called that, swiped at Trixie with a hoof. Appalled, Trixie spoke. "Princess, are they yours?"
Cadence shook her head. "They are your children! They are all pony kinds children And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This Colt is Ignorance. This Filly is Want. Beware them both, but most of all beware this colt, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom!
Trixie was feeling nauseous at the sight of them. Can't you hide them away. Have they no refuge or resource..
Cadence's smiled and the words seemed to drip like poison from her lips “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”
The bell struck midnight.
Trixie was on her own in the grave yard.
Trixie was alone in the cold and empty Graveyard. She looked around but could see no sign of the next spirit. As she walked past a large statue their was a sudden flash of lightning, which made Trixie jump. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed that the statue had changed into a tall figure shrouded in a deep black garment which hid its entire body and obscured it's face. The only thing she could see was a tall horn protruding from the hood. It was difficult for Trixie to detach It's figure from the night and separate it from the darkness which surrounded it.
Trixie was shaking as she was finally able to speak "A..are you the spirit whose coming was for told to me?
Another flash of lightning illuminated a pair of eyes and teeth from the hood. The figure nodded Slowly but spoke no words.
Trixie had never felt such darkness from a pony in all her life. "I fear you more than anything I have seen tonight! But I know you purpose is to do me good." Another flash of lightning spread across the sky and when Trixie could see again she saw the figure was now by her side. Slowly it raised a front leg to reveal a hoof adorned in a blue shoe. It pointed to the arch of a mausoleum. Trixie new what she had to do. "I'm ready to follow you spirit. Please lead on. The night is waning fast and it is precious to me"
They passed through the arch and came out onto a street in Canterlot. The rain was falling heavy and the snow on the ground was being turned to sleet. It was the kind of day when most ponies would stay indoors in the dry. But a few were walking the streets under the cover of their umbrellas. They came upon a group of unicorns who were talking to each over.
"No I don't no much about it, either way. I only know she is dead."
"When did she die?"
"Apparently last night."
The third unicorn finally withdrew himself from his pastry. "What was wrong with her?"
"Pneumonia apparently. The assistant walked in and found her slumped over the desk.
The second started to yawn. "So what becomes of the money and her building?"
The third unicorn spoke with a mouthful of food. "Didn't leave it to me. That's all Know."
They all roared with laughter.
With a bored tone the second on talked . "I hear the funerals tomorrow. Any of you fancy going?"
"I might. As long as lunch is provided."
Another roar of laughter followed as they walked away.
Trixie had a sickly feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. "Spirit. Who were they talking about. And why were they so mean to her?" Their was no response from the figure apart from a raising of a hoof to point at a small shop which had three golden balls hanging outside. They walked in and saw a mint green unicorn and a cream coloured earth pony with a dark blue and pink mane talking to a large stallion unicorn behind the counter.
The Stallion had a thin smile across his lips. "Now what do my favourite couple have for Joe today then.
Lyra opened her saddle bag with her magic and pulled out a set of red blankets. "what about these Joe. None finer bed curtains unless you go raid the palace."
Joe levitated one to inspect it. "You took down her curtains and the rings! Won't any pony notice?.
Bonbon just laughed. "Unlikely. Nopony but us two go to that place. Besides, after the way she treated us, why shouldn't we get something in return!"
Joe could only laugh "Ha ha. A pair of mares after my own heart. Now how bout you my dear."
Bonbon pulled out a bundle of clothes and dropped them on the counter with the rest of the wares. "I've got some of her clothes." she showed him some cashmere socks, some night shirts made of the finest cotton, then Trixie saw something that caught her eye. It was a piece of blue cloth with stars of different colours all over.
Joe looked over them. "Very fine, Very fine indeed."
The sickly feeling came back to Trixie's stomach again. "That can't possibly be mine?" she thought to herself.
Joe looked up from the counter. "I'll give you 33 Bits and six pence for the lot."
Both Lyra and Bonbon spoke together. "Thirty three and six!" Lyra spoke by her self. "Your a hard pony Joe!"
He chuckled at the comment and smiled. "Tell you what. How about I take you out to Mrs Miggings pie shop for a slap up dinner. My treat"
With that the shop disappeared into shadow, when Trixie could see again found that they were back in the graveyard. The clouds in the sky were black and the sun was going down in a red sky. It felt as if all the happiness in the world had been taken away, leaving nothing but fear and sadness.
"Spirit, why have you brought me back to this place?" As before their was no reply but a hoof pointing to a tiny hill with a tree, a short way in front of them. Their were two ponies standing their looking down at a tiny wooden cross.
As Trixie got closer she recognised the two. It was Scratcher and his wife. "Oh no, Spirit please tell me it's not so." Scratcher picked up the crutch and leant it on the side of the cross. Tears were streaming down his face at the loss of his young son. He turned back to his wife and the two walked away, comforting each other for the loss of dear Tuppence.
Even Trixie had tears in her eyes. "Spirit why do you show me these things?" Again nothing but silence. she suddenly herd a bout of laughter from behind her.
She turned around to see a pair diamond dogs standing next to a open grave with spades, a lantern and a pile of earth to one side. "What a sorry excuse for a Funeral eh"
The other lit his pipe illuminating his face. "Yeah, no mourners, no friends to bid her farewell." he replace the pipe in his mouth.
The first on pulled out a fob watch from his jacket to check the time. "I say that's time for a break, before we fill her in. It's not like she's going anywhere just yet." He picked up the lantern and they walked off talking. "we'll tell our friend in the pub, theirs a fresh one for the surgeons slab. Might as well get some use of her." With that they both laughed out loud as they disappeared into the night"
Trixie walked up to the deep hole and looked down into the blackness. The figure stood at her side, silent. "Spirit? Whose lonely grave is this?" suddenly the figures horn glowed to illuminate the headstone. It was short
"R.I.P TRIXIE"
Trixie couldn't speak for the lump which was in her throat. So the figure spoke for her "Why it's yours Trixie. The figures robes disappeared to reveal who she was.
She was the wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare moon! Trixie felt a sharp kick to her side, sending her tumbling into grave "The richest pony in the graveyard! HAHAHAHAHA"
Trixie clung for dear life to a tree root a few feet from the surface. Nightmare moon was laughing maniacally as her horn glowed again. Beneath her Trixie could see the shape of a coffin, which to her horror began to open to reveal a almighty pit of fire and brimstone. Trixie was holding on as tight as she could, but the root was breaking!
"Please!" The root slipped. "I'll change!" the Root snapped "I'll chaaaaange" she fell towards the pit of fire and her doom!
Trixie landed with a heavy thump onto something soft. Her breathing was heavy and pearls of sweat covered her brow. But she looked up their was no fire, no brimstone. She was home.
Her voice was filled with joy "Oh Princesses, thank you! I will remember all that you have taught me and I promise to be a better pony than I was. I swear on my knees!
She suddenly heard the sound of bells ringing outside and in a flash her horn opened the window to let in the bright sunlight light. Down below three fillies were having a snowball fight in the street.
Trixie called out at the top of her lungs. "I say you down their."
They all looked up at the source of the voice.
"what day is it?"
All three looked confused. "It's hearth's warming day, silly"
"It's Hearth's warming day, I didn't miss it. Those clever Alicorns did it all in one night." suddenly a thought sped through her mind. "Hey you three?.
They spoke in chorus. "Yes miss.?"
Is that Prize Marzipan Mascarpone ?Meringue madness still in the cake store down the next street."
"What. The one as big as all three of us put together?"
Trixie. Laughed out loud. "Yes that's the one. Go buy it for me and bring Mrs and Ms cake here with it."
"Be serious" The orange filly retorted.
"I am serious. Here!" she levitated a bag full of golds bits to the fillies. " Be back here in ten minutes and I'll a surprise for you."
The fillies grinned and cheered out. " Yay cutie mark crusaders. Cake deliveries!" with that they took off.
Trixie was a giddy as a school filly and as merry as a pony who had drunk too much cider on a Friday night. She pulled on her hat and cloak. Emptied her safe and ran to the front door .
Outside Mr and Mrs cake had the Mmmm on the cart with the three fillies at their side.
"If this is a practical joke you three we will box your ears!" Just then the door swung open to reveal Trixie. "Are you the one who ordered this.!" Mrs cake pointed behind her."
Trixie beamed. " Yes indeed. And I want you to deliver it to this adress." A piece of paper floated into Mrs cake's apron pocket. "Please tell them it's from anonymous"
With that the two Ponies were off on their errand and Trixie looked at he small Fillies. "As I promised, a Surprise." With a glow of her horn the snow was lifted into the air and was deposited back in the street to make a giant snow castle with little towers and a drawbridge. The cutiemark crusaders couldn't believe their eyes. It was the best gift they had ever seen. They thanked and hugged Trixie and ran inside the castle to play.
Trixie beamed with delight. "Now to business" she ran off down the street heading for the shops of the High street. She rounded a corner and slipped on the ice. Her flank dropped to the floor and she couldn't stop.
She hit something and it gave out a noise. "Umph. I say steady on!"
Trixie pulled her hat from over her eyes, and saw Fancypants being picked up by Fleur. "I say, this is the second time this happened to me." He adjusted his monocle and looked at Trixie. "Oh it's you, Miss...Trixie, if I'm right?"
"It is my dear fellow, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. But I want to ask for forgiveness from you and your lovely wife and to offer you." she pulled them close to her and whispered in their ears.
Suddenly both their eyes widened with amazement. "How much! Oh Miss Trixie you can't be serious!"
"I promise you I am and a many back payments to follow as well." Trixie was continuing to smile from ear to ear.
Fancypants and Fleur were both beside themselves in amazement. "This is so kind of you! I just wish there was something we could give you in return." At those words Fleur stepped toward Trixie and with a glow of her horn she took her pink scarf off and placed it around Trixie's neck.
Tears were starting to well up in Trixie "For me?" Fleur just smiled and nodded. Trixie began to cry. "T..Thank you! Thank you! Fifty times." she hugged the two of them and disappeared down the street.
Everypony she walked passed she wished them a Happy Hearth's warming and they did the same. When she got to the high street Trixie started darting from shop to shop. Buying all sorts of things. Soon she had a sack full to the brim with gifts.
She notice on the other side of the street was her Nephew walking with a Grey mare with dark hair and a musical note for a cutie mark. "That must be his wife. Oh she is simply beautiful. In a flash she ran over the street and skidded to halt in front of them.
Third string was amazed to see her out enjoying herself. " Auntie? Is everything all right?"
"Yes Nephew everything is more than all right. It's great." Trixie's face suddenly went red. "I just wanted to ask, weather I was still welcome to come to Dinner today. If you'll have me?"
Third string could had leapt for joy. "My dearest auntie, of course you are welcome. We will be delighted to have you." Octavia smiled also and watched as Trixie rumbled around in her sack of gifts.
With a tug she pulled out two items which she passed to each of them. Third String's was a new violin which was made of rose wood and had his name engraved in gold lettering at the back. And for Octavia was a necklace with a Blue gem set in the centre. Both of them were overcome with joy and so hugged Trixie. "Come with us back to the house. We can talk before the guest arrive."
Trixie shook her head. "Not just yet Nephew. I have some very important wrongs to make right first." she hugged him again. "But I promise to come" With those last words she headed off on her last port of call. She trotted from street to street till she found it. A row of small terrace houses. She went to the on the end and dropped the bag.
She put her most angriest scowl on her face and knocked on the door loudly. "SRATCHER!"
Their was the sound of something being knocked over from inside the house and a trembling hoof opening the door. Scratcher looked with fear at his boss standing in the door way. "Miss Trixie, why a..are y..you hear?"
Trixie continued to scowl "You didn't turn up for work this morning!"
The colour was dropping from his face at an alarming rate. "B..but you gave me the day off."
Trixie looked as if she was furious. " Me? The Great and Powerful Trixie? Give you a day off?"
Scratcher was about to feint, till his wife swung the door fully open to reveal her self and the four children. "That's more than enough from you. You miser!"
"Oh I still have a lot more to give! I have....”
"Toy's" Little Tuppence had got behind Trixie and was looking into the sack.
"Yes toy's.... No no that's not the main point. Scatcher, I'm giving you a raise!"
For a second no pony moved. Scratched tried to grasp what he had just herd. "a......Raise?"
The smile was wide on Trixie's face “Yes a raise. And I want to help you and your struggling family in any way I can." she levitated her sack in to the room. "But first of all lets start with this." The sack opened to unleash a torrent of toys, games, food, drink and clothes. For the next hour the entire family played and were merry till it was time for Trixie to leave.
Scatcher stood with his family to say good by to Trixie. But little Tuppence summed it up best.
The end?
Well not just yet.
Up in Canterlot castle, in the large study. The three Princesses were together.
Luna looked at her sister. “Next time some pony else can be thy future spirit.! One is sick of wearing those fanged teeth.
Cadence giggled. “But Luna. You make such a cute baddie.” she took another sip.
Luna didn't look impressed. “Speaking of cute. Why wasn't shinning armour with thy last night?
Cadence blushed. “He was sleeping off the last pages of the pona-sutra. I love him to bits but he's only mortal.”
Luna looked over to her sister. “sis. Where did you come up with this idea. For changing a pony ways?
Celestia smiled “ I read it in this book.” a small scrappy book was lifted from the shelf and put it in the middle of them.
Cadance looked down with Interest.
“A Christmas Carol. By Charles Dickens”
