//------------------------------// // Baltimare Business // Story: A Princess's Path // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// Once they returned to the Crystal Empire, Flurry and Moongleam parted ways for their respective homes. After returning to the castle, Flurry wasted no time in telling her family all about the rodeo in Appleloosa. "It was so much fun!" She smiled. "I see you traded in your sunhat for a stetson." Shining Armor noted the headwear Flurry had gotten in Appleloosa (and was still wearing). "How long were you bare-headed? Not too long, right?" He added worriedly. "I was fine, dad." Flurry rolled her eyes. "Besides, Moongleam needed that sunhat more than me. Poor thing looked like she was going to melt... I even let her keep it." "That was nice of you, sweetheart." Cadance beamed. "Thanks, mom." Flurry beamed. "Besides, it looked better on her than me." "So... did you bring back any souvenirs for your favorite little brother?" Anthem smiled hopefully. "I brought souvenirs for everypony, squirt." Flurry grinned, opening up her saddlebags and using her magic to extract several items. "For you, little bro, I got a genuine Appleloosa lasso." "Nice." Anthem grabbed the coil of rope. "Wait'll you see what I can do with this..." "For you, dad, I got a nice little bolo tie." Flurry floated the tie over to her father. It had an engraving of an apple tree on it. "Thanks, sweetheart." Shining Armor grinned. "I hope you didn't throw too much money away buying these..." "Eh, nothing I couldn't afford." Flurry shrugged. "I've been saving up my allowance for a while now. And mom, I got you this cactus choker." She offered her mother the stylish neck accessory, which had a green gem with the outline of a cactus carved into it. "How lovely." Cadance accepted the gift. "I'll be sure to wear this the next time your father and I go out." "You'll look beautiful in it, darling." Shining Armor smiled. "And I might just wear the bolo too." "And you'll look even handsomer than usual." Cadance fluttered her eyelashes. "Eww, gross." Anthem gagged. "See what you've started?" He glared at Flurry. "Hey, at least now you have an excuse to go out and give that lasso a try." Flurry replied. "Good point." Anthem nodded. "A little practice, and who knows? Maybe I'll be as good at it as aunt Twily's friend Applejack." "I wouldn't go that far." Flurry snorted. "Applejack is really good with a lasso." "Yeah, but she doesn't have a horn." Anthem smirked, using his magic to make the lasso twirl and form into shapes. "Can she do this?" "Actually, yes." Flurry nodded. "...Okay, so I might need more than just a little practice." Anthem shrugged. "So I'd better get out there." "Don't be late for dinner, honey." Cadance urged. "I won't, mom!" Anthem nodded, as he raced out of the room. "Same old Anthem." Flurry rolled her eyes. "I know." Cadance chuckled. "When he finds something new, he just has to make the most of it. Wonder how long this will last?" "Who knows?" Flurry shrugged. "I'll be in my room, if anypony needs me." "We seem to be needing you a lot these days." Shining Armor joked. "But we'll try not to for the rest of the day." "Thanks, dad." Flurry hugged him. "See you at dinner." Flurry made her way up to her room. After putting her hat and the rest of her rodeo souvenirs away for safe keeping, she planted herself on her bed, lying back and gazing at the ceiling, the fun day she'd had at Appleloosa still fresh in her mind. 'And to think, not so long ago, I felt like my life was boring.' She told herself. 'Now look at me, going all around Equestria, meeting new ponies, seeing new sights, having all kinds of fun times... But it's good to know my home and my family will always be waiting for me at the end of the day...' For the next couple of weeks, things were quiet. Anthem had indulged in a few days of practice with his new lasso, but had lost interest after accidentally tying himself up with it a few times. Though he still acted as if he was still practicing with it, not wanting to hurt his big sister's feelings. Flurry was fully aware of the truth, but humored Anthem, touched that he would go to such lengths to keep her happy. "Okay, I'd better head out." Anthem said one morning after breakfast. "Got a lot of... Lasso practice to get done." "Aren't you getting tired of that lasso by now?" Cadance asked. "Who, me?" Anthem threw a nervous sideways glance at Flurry. "Nah! You know me, mom: when I decide to do something, I stick with it, no matter what." He stood up. "See ya!" 'That brother of mine can be a real sweetheart when he wants to...' Flurry chuckled inwardly as Anthem departed. 'But maybe I should just tell him it's not such a big deal if he uses that or not...' "Oh, and Flurry?" Shining Armor smiled. "We have a new assignment for you. One we think Moongleam is going to like." "Oh, really?" Flurry asked. "What's the job?" "We need you to make a goodwill visit to Baltimare this Friday." Cadance announced. "Just a little talk with the mayor, that's all." "Baltimare?" Flurry repeated. "As in, where Trixie lives?" "That's right." Shining Armor nodded. "We know how close Moongleam is with her 'aunt'. So it's pretty much a given that she'll love the idea of going to Baltimare with you." "You'd be right there, dad." Flurry nodded. "Mind if I go and tell her?" "Not at all." Cadance smiled. "Just be sure to finish your breakfast first." "Will do." Flurry agreed. After finishing her toast and cereal, Flurry made her way over to Moongleam's home. Sunburst was the one to answer the knocking at the door. "Good morning, Flurry." He smiled. "What brings you by here so early? We're still in the middle of breakfast." "I just have some news for Moongleam that she'll really want to hear." Flurry smiled. "Oh, then by all means, do come in." Sunburst nodded. Flurry made her into the house, finding Moongleam sat at the dining table with her mother. "'Morning, Flurry." Starlight smiled. "'Morning." Flurry nodded. "You're a little early." Moongleam said between bites of pancake. "I know." Flurry shrugged. "But I've got some great news for you." "What's so 'great' it couldn't wait until after breakfast?" Moongleam asked. "Something about our next mission." Flurry smirked. "Specifically, the location of our next mission." "Which is...?" Moongleam urged. "We'll be going to Baltimare." Flurry grinned. "Baltimare?" A smile emerged on Moongleam's face. "You know what that means, Moongleam?" Flurry smiled. "I sure do." Moongleam declared, ecstatic. "It means we get to visit aunt Trixie." "And Trickster." Flurry added. "Yes, yes." Moongleam rolled her eyes. "And him." "Good for you, girls." Starlight chuckled. "Say 'hi' to Trixie for me, will you?" "Sure, mom." Moongleam nodded. "And don't forget to say 'hello' to Smoke." Sunburst requested. "Of course, dad." Moongleam smiled. She turned to Flurry. "So, when do we set out?" "Friday." Flurry announced. "Friday?" Moongleam repeated. "I don't know if I can stand to wait that long..." "Well, you're gonna have to." Flurry smirked. "Not unless you know a spell to speed up time." "No." Moongleam admitted. "But I think I know someponies who might..." She glanced hopefully at her parents. "Not a chance, little miss." Starlight chuckled. "You're just going to have to be patient." "Great..." Moongleam sighed. Friday came excruciatingly slowly for Moongleam, but it finally arrived. She and Moongleam both got into the royal carriage, and were brought to Baltimare. "It'll good to see aunt Trixie and uncle Smoke again." Moongleam smiled as they moved through the skies. "Bet they'll be surprised to see us." "Not unless your mom wrote ahead." Flurry pointed out. "Not likely." Moongleam declared. "I actually told mom not to write to aunt Trixie. I wanted our visit to be a surprise." "Okay then." Flurry chuckled. "But you do remember we have a small bit of business to attend to first, right? Mayor Crow is expecting us, after all." "Of course, of course." Moongleam nodded. "But it's only a small visit. It'll barely take any time at all. And then we'll be off to see aunt Trixie and uncle Smoke!" "And Trickster." Flurry rolled her eyes. "Must you keep reminding me?" Moongleam sighed. "Having to spend time around that intolerable egotist is the one downside of this trip." "Sure it is, Moongleam." Flurry snorted, incredulous as ever over Moongleam's refusal to admit she and Trickster were friends. "No doubt that ego of his will be bigger than ever since that performance in the Crystal Empire." Moongleam scoffed. "If that head of his head swells any further, he'll have trouble going through doorways..." "Hey, we're here!" Flurry pointed, glad of the opportunity to interrupt. "Baltimare, straight ahead!" Baltimare was one of the largest seaports in Equestria, its docks packed with ships that were arriving and departing. As such, it was also a prosperous city, with many skyscrapers and businesses. Flurry took in the sights with awe, while Moongleam simply tapped her hoof impatiently, still eager to get to her aunt Trixie's home. Soon after, they arrived outside city hall. The city's mayor, a grey-coated, brown maned (and mustached) stallion with green eyes, a Cutie Mark of a dark-feathered bird, and a black and suit suit, was there to meet them. "Mayor Crow, I presume." Flurry smiled. "You presume correctly, your highness." Crow bowed. "Just 'Flurry' will do." Flurry sighed. "Of course, 'just Flurry'." Crow joked. Flurry chuckled slightly. It wasn't often she met a pony willing to make light of her. "If you'll step this way, we have everything prepared." Crow offered. "Right behind you, Mayor Crow." Flurry nodded. "Yes, let's get this over and done with quickly..." Moongleam muttered, as she followed the two of them inside. The meeting wasn't anything Flurry hadn't experienced before. She and Crow discussed trade between Baltimare and the Crystal Empire, made some small talk... the only difference was that journalists from the local had come to document the story and take their picture, a picture Flurry had insisted Moongleam be part of. "Come on, Moongleam." She urged. "You're with me, so you deserve to be in the picture too!" "Okay..." Moongleam shrugged. Joining Flurry and Crow, she flashed the biggest, fakest smile she could. "Not so wide, young lady." The journalist frowned. "Somepony might think you're faking." "...And we wouldn't want that, would we?" Moongleam growled, annoyed by the slight delay. She put on a more realistic smile. "Okay, perfect." The photographer smiled. "Hold it there, and..." He took the picture, temporarily lighting up the room with his camera's flash. "Got it!" "Fantastic." The journalist smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a story to print..." The journalist and photographer departed. "Thank you for your time, Flurry." Crow declared. "My pleasure, your honor." Flurry nodded. "Please, just Crow." Crow urged. "Okay, 'just Crow'." Flurry joked. "Oh-ho, you are a funny one!" Crow chuckled. "Yeah, she's a real barrel of laughs." Moongleam said flatly. Catching Flurry's eye, she nudged her head in the direction of the door. "I'm afraid we have to be going now, Crow." Flurry took the hint. "Until next time." "I look forward to it." Crow smiled. Flurry and Moongleam exited the town hall. "Okay, now for the real fun stuff." Moongleam declared, running on the spot. "Let's get moving, quickly!" "You don't have to be so impatient." Flurry told her. "It's not like Trixie and her family are going anywhere..." "No, but we are." Moongleam smiled. "Follow me." Moongleam took the lead, crisscrossing through the city streets with practiced ease. Even flying, Flurry could barely keep up. Eventually, they reached a store selling magic props and clothing titled "Smoke Mirror's Magical Emporium". The second they reached the door, Moongleam knocked as quickly as she could. "Coming!" Trixie's voice called out. She opened the door, and her face lit up at the sight of her guests. "Moongleam! Flurry!" She smiled. "What brings you here?" "Some official royal business." Flurry declared. "And Moongleam would have just hated it if we didn't take the time to drop by." "Surprise!" Moongleam beamed. "And what a wonderful surprise it is!" Trixie chuckled. "Come on in, my unexpected but not unwelcome guests!" Flurry and Moongleam followed Trixie inside. The store was packed with vearious magic props and tools, from trick wands to vanishing cabinets. "Nice place." Flurry noted. "I'll bet you don't have to look far for show props around here." "Just one benefit of marrying the best stallion in the world." Trixie smirked. "Who was at the door, dear?" Smoke Mirror, a grey Unicorn with a black mane, ice-blue eyes behind half-moon spectacles, and a Cutie Mark of a hand mirror surrounded by smoke, emerged from the rear of the store. "It's Moongleam and Princess Flurry, darling!" Trixie declared. "Oh, hello, Moongleam." Smoke smiled. "Good to see you." He eyes moved over to Flurry. "And royalty in my Emporium. Such an honor." "Well, this isn't really a royal visit." Flurry shrugged. "We were just in the neighborhood." "It's still nice to see you, Flurry." Trixie declared. "Mom and dad say 'hi', by the way." Moongleam declared. "And say 'hi' right back for us, will you?" Smoke chuckled. "Will do." Moongleam nodded. "Where's Trickster? Is he out performing another one of his little shows for the neighborhood kids... and won't be back until much, much later? "Actually, no." Smoke answered. "He's right upstairs." "...Oh, good." Moongleam groaned. "Trickster!" Trixie called. "Come downstairs! Look who's here!" "Comin', mom!" Trickster's voice yelled back. Flurry smirked at Moongleam's supposed annoyance as the sound of hoofsteps moving downstairs was heard. Then Trickster emerged. The second he laid eyes on Moongleam, he returned her annoyed look. "Oh, hey." He said flatly. "Hello, Trickster." Moongleam nodded. "Moongleam." Trickster nodded back, then glanced at Flurry. "Good to see you again, Princess." "And you." Flurry smiled. "I'm sure Moongleam feels the same way, right, Moongleam?" "Sure..." Moongleam rolled her eyes. "So, how about we all go into the living room and have a snack?" Smoke suggested. "Sounds good to me." Flurry nodded. "For some reason, I find myself very hungry right now..." She threw a disparaging look Moongleam's way. "You must have had a light breakfast." Moongleam shrugged. Flurry and Moongleam joined Trixie's family in the living room, and they all enjoyed some peanut butter crackers. "So, how are things, uncle Smoke?" Moongleam asked between bites. "Aunt Trixie said you were too busy to come and visit at the Crystal Empire." "Unfortunately, I was." Smoke admitted. "I had to stay here in order to receive a delivery of books." "What kind of books?" Moongleam inquired. "A few classics." Smoke smiled. "Like A Beginner's Guide to Prestidigitation and The Art Of Illusion. Both classic works, utilized by many a great performer." "No offense, dad, but you can be a total snooze sometimes." Trickster groaned. "I've read those books myself." Moongleam revealed. "You have?" Smoke asked. "Yes." Moongleam nodded. "There are copies in my dad's book collection." "That's no surprise." Smoke smiled. "Your father is quite the studious pony." "He's not the only one, though, is he?" Trixie added. "Well, I do like to read." Moongleam grinned. "Big surprise." Trickster smirked. "Ha-ha." Moongleam snorted. "Surely you must have done a little reading into stage magic in order to hone your craft?" Flurry asked Trickster. "Yeah, right." Trickster chuckled. "My skills are all natural. I don't need some dusty old book to amaze audiences!" "It doesn't hurt to take a few lessons, though." Trixie pointed out. "Your aunt Starlight helped me learn a few tricks that really helped with my act. Maybe Moongleam can show you a few tricks." "Yeah, right." Trickster snorted. "What's the matter?" Moongleam smirked. "Afraid to admit you might actually learn something?" "In your dreams." Trickster shot back. "I got more tricks then you've got book smarts!" "Care to put that to the test?" Moongleam jeered. "You know it." Trickster nodded. "Seriously, guys?" Flurry rolled her eyes. "Yes, can't we just enjoy each other's company?" Smoke sighed. "Come on, just a quick spell-off?" Trickster pleaded. "...I suppose a few tricks wouldn't hurt." Trixie declared. "Thanks, mom." Trickster smiled. "Don't thank her just yet." Moongleam declared. "After all, you're about to be put in your place." "We'll see about that." Trickster grinned. "There's a difference between reading about spells and actually performing show-worthy tricks, and I'm gonna prove it to you." The group stepped out into the garden, where a practice stage was located. Moongleam and Trickster both stood on either side of it. "Ladies first." Trickster nodded. "Why, thank you." Moongleam nodded. Concentrating her magic, Moongleam conjured up a crystal, which split into pieces. Those pieces started glowing and flying around the stage, creating a spectacular light show. "Wow!" Flurry smiled. "Impressive." Smoke admitted. "Top that, if you can." Moongleam told Trickster. "Gladly." Trickster smirked. Trickster's own horn lit up with magic. A burst of light fired up into the sky, exploding like fireworks. The light formed an image of Trickster's own face, which winked at the audience. "Oooh!" Flurry gasped. "Nice." Smoke grinned. "That's my boy!" Trixie cheered. Trickster smirked triumphantly at Moongleam. "I wasn't aware we were going to skip the warm-ups." Moongleam stated nonchalantly. "Time for the good stuff, then..." "Yeah, that's real scary." Trickster snorted. For her next move, Moongleam created a construct of a serpentine dragon with her horn, which flew and circled above the stage. "Not bad." Trickster glared. "Now for my 'A' game..." Trickster conjured up a Manticore, which leapt and bounded across the stage. Not to be outdone, Moongleam made the nearby plants stand up and dance. In retaliation, Trickster threw three balls into the air, turning them into paper airplanes that flew around the stage. And on it went, with more spells and tricks. With each round, Moongleam and Trickster enjoyed themselves more and more. It finally came to a head when Moongleam created a cloud that snowed sparkles, and Trickster used his own magic to make the cloud explode into streamers. After a round of applause from their audience, Moongleam and Trickster both found themselves exhausted. "So..." Trickster wheezed. "Shall we... call it a draw?" "...Deal." Moongleam wiped the sweat from her brow. "Yay, Moongleam!" Flurry cheered. "Yay, Trickster!" "You were both amazing!" Smoke declared. "Best show I've ever seen!" Trixie smiled. "Well, without me in it, at least..." Moongleam and Trickster both bowed to their audience. After another round of peanut butter crackers, Flurry and Moongleam found that it was time to depart. "As always, it was a pleasure having you with us, dear." Trixie hugged Moongleam. "Thanks, aunt Trixie." Moongleam smiled. "And you, Flurry." Smoke beamed. "You're welcome here anytime." "Glad to hear it." Flurry chuckled. "You weren't too bad out there." Trickster told Moongleam. "But I'm getting better every day. Next time, you won't be so lucky." "We'll see." Moongleam smirked. "I'm getting better every day too, you know." "At least it means you can keep up with me." Trickster joked. "And then some..." Moongleam chuckled. "Come on, Moony." Flurry urged. "Time to head back home." "Of course." Moongleam nodded. As Flurry and Moongleam made their way back to the carriage, Flurry couldn't help but notice the satisfied grin on Moongleam's face. "That was a lot of fun, wasn't it?" Flurry noted. "I'll admit, it felt good to actually put what I've learned to some actual use." Moongleam confessed. "And Trickster is a worthy opponent. I'd hate for him to get ahead of me in terms of magical skill" "Guess being around him isn't so annoying after all, huh?" Flurry said knowingly. "Perhaps not." Moongleam admitted. "For the first time, I'm actually looking forward to our next meeting." "That makes two of us." Flurry chuckled. "Seriously, it was quite a show. You two should try teaming up sometime." "I wouldn't go that far." Moongleam rolled her eyes. "Of course you wouldn't..." Flurry sighed. The two walked through the streets of Baltimare, feeling a magic that had nothing to do with the city itself...