Trixie: Take 2

“This should be far enough…” The Great and Powerful Trixie muttered in between rasps and wheezes. Before lying down for a moment, she cast a glance over her shoulder to make sure she hadn’t been chased. At a steady canter, she wandered off to nowhere in particular. At least, that’s what she told herself. She was lost, and in more ways than one. Why had she run? She couldn’t find an answer for this. Why didn’t she just admit that she was wrong and hope to at least go down with respect? “Hind-sight is 20/20, I suppose.” She considered turning around and issuing an apology, when an image seared in her mind. Not for more than a moment, but she felt like it was good enough reason to abandon her things and press on. Shortly before her legs gave out, she came upon another small town. True, she didn’t have her chariot, but with her hat and cape, she was convinced that she could put on a show to earn enough money to rent her a room and maybe some food. She was wrong. As soon as she walked into town, she could see that the ponies that inhabited it were far too interested in the destination to pay attention to a show. “What am I SAYING?! I am the GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE! Surely nothing could be more important than what I have to showcase! I’ll just have to grab their attention…”

Costume and dignity shockingly still intact, The Great and Powerful Trixie hobbled away from the wretched town. “How DARE he shove me aside as thought I’m some… Some One-Trick Pony! Into the middle of the STREET, no less! He had best consider himself lucky, if the oncoming traffic had killed The Great and Powerful Trixie, why I’d… I’d… Well, The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t sure what she’d do, she’d be dead… But think of the consequences! If Equestria had lost its best source of entertainment! Why, the entire world would tear itself to shreds without such a shining example of culture!” This continued on until the magician had completely assured herself that what had happened was absolutely in no way her fault. The whole point of the fireworks was to surprise the citizens, how would she know that they’d react angrily? “Surely The Great and Powerful Trixie was, once again, victim of circumstance.” “Speaking of “victim of circumstance…” The Great and Powerful Trixie muttered to herself.  For the uncountable time since “the Ponyville incident” Trixie couldn’t help but think of her chariot. It was nearly night time, and shelter and food was starting to sound pretty nice right about now. She lay down for the night under a large stone slab when she saw it again. A flash, not more than a moment behind closed eyes. She felt like it resembled something, but she was only able to identify that whatever it was, happened to be blue. The Great and Powerful Trixie didn’t dream that night, she received only an idle state of unconsciousness.

The Great and Powerful Trixie woke up feeling less than “Great and Powerful,” and purely drained in general. With an ample amount of struggle, she managed to raise herself to her haunches. After a moment of regaining her bearings, she remembered, painfully, the events that had happened in the last few days. She faintly recalled seeing a sign in the last town. Eventually, she remembered the horrid town to be called Manehattan. “How anypony could live in that place is beyond me! Although…” The Great and Powerful Trixie had to admit, “…it must surely be better than sleeping under a rock… but not by much.” Chuckling at her own joke, The Great and Powerful Trixie dusted herself off and marched onwards, thinking about how insulted the pony from Manehattan must feel for pushing her. She became so preoccupied with her own thoughts she almost didn’t notice the town just ahead. Right away, she could sense a difference between the this town and Manehattan. Whatever town it was, it seemed to be much more… “Homey,” she said to herself. The town was absolutely vibrant, between the colorful street signs and the colts and fillies playing in the streets, Trixie couldn’t help but appreciate the friendliness that radiated. Everyone in the streets happily greeted each other, and no one seemed to know what a bad mood was. She started off towards the town, but stopped. “Oh, I suppose I should try to wash up, my mane must look like it hasn’t been washed in ages!” she paused for a moment. “Well, I guess it really hasn’t been washed in ages…” For a moment she thought to use her garish appearance to gain some sympathy, but quickly abandoned the thought. “The Great and Powerful Trixie does not go for PITY! She carries herself with the sophistication and respect she deserves!” Although she could not deceive herself, she smelled awful. She noticed a pond off in the distance and decided that that’d suffice for a bath. She galloped to it, hoping to avoid being seen in such a vile state. She quickly stripped herself of her hat and robe and set them on a nearby rock and all but leapt into the pond. The water was comfortably lukewarm, although The Great and Powerful Trixie didn’t hesitate to use some magic to heat up the rocks near the bottom with a basic spell. The comfortably-scalding temperature was just shy of perfect, and it wasn’t hard for the greatest magician in Equestria to doze off.

***

The Great and Powerful Trixie’s head shot up. She’d heard a noise, she was sure of it. It was either leaves rustling, or something-or somepony- hitting the ground, or a combination of both. Since there was only one bush for a moderate distance, it wasn’t hard to determine the origin of the sound. Reluctantly, she got out of the water to check the bush but stopped when she noticed something; her robe had been neatly folded and cleaned, and her hat had been delicately placed on top. More curious than alarmed at this point, she cantered over to the bush, only to be greeted by a blonde-coated earth-pony colt covering his eyes, hoping to avoid detection, only to succeed in appearing rather silly. The Great and Powerful Trixie decided to take a seat and wait for the stranger to give up the act, although he seemed rather persistent. It was after nearly 10 minutes of the Great and Powerful Trixie clearing her throat that the strangers, with an exhausted sigh, rose to his hooves and hesitantly turned around to greet the magician. Trixie was pleasantly surprised to see a handsome caramel-coated colt, although the profuse apologies were extremely offsetting.

“Ma’am, I know it was wrong of me to take your clothes, and I’m mighty sorry that I did it, but I thought such a beautiful mare like you wouldn’t want to be traveling in such… weathered attire, and, since I know how…” he went on and on, until the mysterious mare in front of him literally zipped his lips shut and turned to walk away. The colt turned to follow her, although he allowed her time to dress herself in privacy behind a boulder. Once she had finished, he gently nudged her and motioned to his now-zippered lips, hoping she’d undo the spell. He was disheartened when she smirked playfully at him and shook her head. He followed in silence for a few moments before the mysterious mare turned and asked him:

“Would you like me to unzip your mouth?”

“MMmf! MMf!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you repeat it?”

“MMMMMMMMFFFFF!”

“One more time, please.”

On this attempt, The Great and Powerful Trixie received nothing more than an angry glance.

“Alright, alright, you’ve had your fun, let the poor colt talk.” The Great and Powerful Trixie thought as she chuckled to herself. She turned to the stranger and said “Now, listen. I’m going to unzip your lips, and when I do, I want you to answer some questions for me. Sound fair? Trixie watched with sheer awe as the colt as her proposition was considered, and then denied! With pure rage, she screamed “How DARE you refuse The Great and Powerful Trixie! You should feel honored to kiss the ground upon which she walks, let alone have The Great and Powerful Trixie bargain with you! Why, if you ever-“ She cut herself short when she saw the colt reeling with silent laughter. Embarrassed and shocked that she had taken a joke so seriously was rather eye-opening. She apologized briefly and explained that it was HIS fault that she had gotten so angry. She repeated her offer, and the colt happily agreed. Smiling, she shut her eyes in concentration as a flash of dull purple light emanated from her horn and she turned around to see the colt opening and closing his mouth to stretch his jaws. Without realizing it, she uttered a “sorry” to the colt, which was received warmly by the stranger.

“Y’all don’t need to apologize, miss; I shouldn’t have taken yer clothes! I should be apologizing for-“ Remembering what happened last time he apologized, he decided he’d apologized enough. “Er… never mind. So, what brings y’all to these parts? I’d be happy to give ya the grand ol’ tour of our town here! Why, App-“ He was cut short by the rumbling stomach of a now-blushing Great and Powerful Trixie. “Oh, where are my manners? You must be famished! Here, come with me, I’d be more than happy to cook you up some grub!”

Genuinely shocked by how kind this colt was being, especially after what she’d done to him, The Great and Powerful Trixie nodded. It was true, she was famished, and, at the moment, nothing sounded better. She followed the colt through his town and watched in awe as he was warmly greeted by everypony, young and old. While some were just a casual “Howdy!” or “Afternoon!” Many vendors would offer him the wayward apple, or a pie, all of which he politely refused, to the magicians dismay. Once they reached his house, he guided her into the kitchen and had her sit down. “Now, miss, care to tell me what you’d like to eat?” Her first thought was to blurt out that her favorite food was a dandelion sandwich with extra hay, she also thought she should at least attempt to repay the favors he’d done for her. “I’ll have whatever your favorite is.”

Shocked by the sudden warmth of his guest, the colt turned and smiled. “Why, miss, my favorite food’s whatever you want to eat! I’m no fancy-shmancy “Gourmet Chef” but I still know my way around darn near any kitchen appliance in Equestria! He saw the magician prop her elbows on the table and her head between on her hooves. In a mock-challenging tone, she said “Surprise me” Finally excited for a chance to show off his own magic. “This might take a few minutes, and I apologize for that, but in the mean time, why don’t you tell me about yourself? I don’t even know your name, so let’s start with that, huh?”

Delighted that she’d have a chance to brag, the Great and Powerful Trixie introduced herself. “Well, I normally don’t do interviews, but, The Great and Powerful Trixie guesses she’ll make an exception. You may have seen some street performers, and maybe even some magicians, but believe me when I say, The Great and Powerful Trixie leaves them all behind! Whereas some saw their assistants in half, and some can perform feats thought only possible by pegasi, The Great and Powerful Trixie does all this, and has even vanquished an Ursa Major!” By this point she had slid her chair across the floor and was standing straight up on her haunches. “I’ve done shows in every major city and town, from Mareyland to Ponyhio, I’ve left an inspirational mark on those who watched, and struck all with an overpowering sense of awe. Growing up in an unforgiving world where The Great and Powerful Trixie had no one to rely on but herself, she prevailed against all odds!” She turned to look at her host when she thought she heard him say something, although she was surprised and infuriated when she discovered that he was actually laughing! With obvious malice, she asked “I’m sorry, is there something FUNNY about all this?” She’d have acted a tad more irate had she not been a combination of hunger and gratitude.

He silently scolded himself for letting that slip. It’s impolite to laugh at someone, especially a guest, no matter what. He had to admit, though… “I’m sorry Miss Trixie-“

“That’s The Great and POWERFUL Trixie” She corrected him.

“Yes, of course. It’s just that… Well, if you’ve done all that, why are you…” He looked her up and down, and The Great and Powerful Trixie knew just what he meant. “I just feel like anyone who’s accomplished so much’d carry themselves with more…” He knew he should choose his next words carefully. “They wouldn’t be in short supply of a place to bathe, you know? I mean no offense, but surely someone with so many accomplishments would have at least a cart? Or some traveling companions?” When he saw his guests gaze fall and wince with pain. “I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t have pried. I’m almost done with your food, can I get you something to drink?” He saw The Great and Powerful Trixie nod half-heartedly and he wandered over to his cabinet and grabbed out a bottle of Apple Juice and a bottle of Apple Cider, along with some Milk and Water. He turned around and waited for her to decide. She didn’t decide, so he poured her a cup of cider and sat down beside her. He handed her the glass and watched her eyes light up. “Before you ask, the secret to great Apple Juice’s an age old family secret, no one knows it but us.”

“But… how’d you know I was going to ask that?”

“Lucky guess, I suppose.” He replied with a sly wink.

“Now, prepare for the best meal you’ve ever had, Oh Great and Powerful Trixie.” He rolled his tongue as he executed a mock bow as one would when bowing to royalty and was rewarded with a playful shove and “Shouldn’t you be getting food?” from his guest. As he brought out the platter of food, he smiled with pride as he saw the magicians jaw drop.

It was the most beautiful thing The Great and Powerful Trixie had ever seen. The plate was specked with dandelions and hay, with a small assortment of Daisy-and-cooked-grass sandwiches. On another platter was some fried apples with sauce on the side, and dessert was a slice of Chocolate cake on a fine china plate. She looked over at the chef and could only say the words

“You lied to me!” She saw her host look at her with a mix of worry and surprise. Before he could say anything, she said “You said you WEREN’T a gourmet chef!” After her first sandwich, she said “Thish ish delicioush!”

He smiled contentedly as he waited for her to finish, which took far less time than he had expected. The last time he’d seen anypony eat that much so quickly was in the great pie eating contest last summer. As he recalled, that very pony who won was later seen in the hospital getting his stomach pumped. Finishing in record time, The Great and Powerful Trixie leaned back in her chair to massage her now-stuffed stomach. As her chef stood up to clear away her plates, the near-comatose pony uttered a groan of rebellion in hopes of assuring the stranger that she could clear her own plates, as a sign of gratitude. Laughing, the colt proceeded to retrieve the used dishware and wash them by hoof. She could feel her eyelids grow heavy, and it wasn’t long before she fell asleep for the second time that day, visited by dreams of simpler, happier times.

With gentle nudges, The Great and Powerful Trixie opened her eyes to see the early light of the evening flooding through the windows, and a very eager colt standing in front of her.

“Good evening, miss Great and Powerful Trixie! Did you enjoy your nap?” As the still-sleepy mare opened her mouth, the colt went on. “I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me to my private get away to see something very special to me.”

Smiling groggily, she agreed. As she followed him out the door, she was painfully reminded of the wonderful meal she had regretfully woofed down not too long ago. She hoped she could keep up the pace, although something told her it wouldn’t be easy… perhaps it was the fact that she could barely walk, and her entertainer had all but taken off at a gallop.

***

The dirt trail they had been on gradually transitioned into grass, then small twigs, and eventually into a forest, big enough to conceal the view from the steep hill they had consequently ventured onto, much to the magicians dismay. The Great and Powerful Trixie did her best to keep her grunts and complaints to a minimum, but after the huge lunch, hiking wasn't exactly the best idea. The fact that her gracious host was still chugging along at full power wasn't helping, either...

"We're almost there, Miss Trixie, just a little more!" He was doing his best to hide it, but he couldn't help but act a little nervous. Never before had he shown anyone his "Little Slice of Heaven" as he called it, and, he had to admit, he didn't know why he was doing it now. He cast a glance over his shoulder to take a look at his guest and was pleasantly surprised to see how well she was doing.

After a few moments of silent walking, the Caramel-coated colt stopped in place and looked at his guest with genuine content. The Magician looked at him quizzically, but when she saw him motion to the left, she followed his gaze. What she saw was utterly breath taking.

Through her fatigue, The Great and Powerful Trixie had failed to notice the forest gradually recede, and that the only thing left was Princess Celestia’s setting sun*, in its entire splendor. The duo stared at the scene for what seemed to be ages, until the sun had burrowed itself out of sight. The Great and Powerful Trixie stood up, expecting the colt to be ready to leave, although she saw that he was still sitting just as he had been. When asked why she stood up, The Great and Powerful Trixie gave a slightly embarrassed shrug and sat back down, wondering why they were still there. She was pleasantly surprised when the colt began making idle small talk, which was oddly intriguing.

The conversations jumped from one topic to another, sports to books, music to places visited, when the colt suddenly went silent. He did nothing but look straight up and smile. Following his gaze, The Great and Powerful Trixie discovered why. Even though the sun had gone down, the cloudless sky acted as a window for a perfect view of Princess Luna's beautiful night. The night sky had been studded with distant stars, all dancing motionlessly around the moon. For a full minute, the mare remained oblivious to her entertainer’s subtle movements until he was right beside her. She felt his warm touch and smiled at him before returning her gaze to the gift that so many over looked. After a moment, she was finally able to speak, although she could not avert her eyes.

"I... I don't know what to say. It's amazing, this view."

"I'm glad you like it. I come here when there's too much going on in my head, or when the world gets to me. It helps remind me that, at the end of the day, we're all only mortal. We have flaws and imperfections and lose sight of what's important, you know?"

"You're right." She admitted. She turned to him and continued. "I've lived such a lonely life, thinking the only attention that mattered was envy, or adulation. I never once realized that what's important is lasting relationships... friendships..." She noticeably started to tear up. "I don't know how to explain it... but..." Shaking drops from her eyes, she turned to meet the colt’s eyes. "I’m just happy to be here with you now." She said in a hushed tone.

The Great and Powerful Trixie smiled before standing up and trotting over beside him to marvel at the night, seemingly created for them, and them alone. The magician nuzzled the cheek of her host softly, and laid her head on his shoulder. Too soon, however, the night began it's slow transition into the day, and the couple realized they needed to return to the town. The walk down the mountain was serene, as the grasshoppers chirped their last chirp, just as the birds sang out to usher in the beautiful sunset, bearing high hopes for the coming day. As they reached the town limits, marked by a sign reading "Welcome to Appaloosa!" The couple froze, cursing the sun for setting.

The colt turned to the magician and asked the question on both of their minds: "Will I see you again? The time I've spent with you was amazing, and I don't want it to end." But the look of uncertainty from the Great and Powerful Trixie provided more than enough of an answer.

The colt continued on "Well, should our paths ever cross again, my door's always open to you, Oh Great and Powerful Trixie." He repeated in his playful tone. What surprised him was the response it would elicit.

"Just... Trixie. You taught me more about myself than I could have ever hoped, and I can never repay you." The tone of confidence brought a smile to both of their faces, but the imperceptible sadness beneath it was not undetected. "Each new day brings potential and possibilities. I've been acting like more than I can ever be, but today it ends. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or the next, but we will meet again, and on much better terms.” A look of shock shot across her face. “But, I should probably learn your name?”

The colt’s face flushed. “How could you forget to introduce yourself! You feed this stranger, and wash her clothes, you even take her to the only place for miles that nopony else knows of, but you don’t even tell her your name!” As soon as he finished berating himself mentally, he bowed to Trixie, only sincerely. “My name, Miss Trixie, is Braeburn. Please excuse my thoughtlessness in delaying that introduction, but I felt that there were more-“

“You talk too much.” She interrupted.

With that, Trixie kissed him briefly, yet passionately, before turning her back on the town which had taught her so much and headed into the beautiful uncertainty of tomorrow.

***

“How long has she been like that?”

“I’d say at least 20 minutes!”

Fluttershy and Pinkie had gotten lost in idle conversation while they scoured the park for a good spot to host the picnic, and entirely forgot that Trixie was even there. The Pegasus and Earth pony started to worry when the Magician solemnly turned her head to address the two of them, and uttered a simple phrase. “It was as if the night had been made for us… Please, can I rely on you two to remind me to do something later?”

Without hesitation, the two nodded.

Trixie turned her gaze upward and continued “Please remind me to thank Luna for her beautiful night.”

Hey readers (scarce as you may have become D: ) Thank you for reading what I have so far, and thank you VERY much for putting up with my delays! In all honesty, I scrapped several ideas for this chapter, and had no idea what to do, until I started getting comments wondering why Trixie was so different, and, I thought i'd do a little flash back explaining why! As always, feel free to leave suggestions in the comments, or PM me with anything you may have. The story’s not done yet, I’d say I have at least 3 chapters to go, although nothing’s set in stone. Stay awesome you guys, and don’t expect the next one too too too soon, I have no idea what it’s going to be about yet!