When she stood up, stretching to push the tiredness out of her limbs, thoughts started to flow through her mind. It seemed like an easy enough thing, being a performer. Some thought that it was as simple as getting on stage, and for smaller venues they might be right. When it came to anything with a sizable amount of ponies, such as a place the size of Hoofington, there had to be something more. The sheer amount of preparation, it was something that made lesser equines crumble. Perhaps that was something that made her better than everypony else. Trixie was able to get all of this together, plan it out, make sure that nothing was going wrong, and then she was able to actually perform in a way that everypony actually enjoyed to go to.
First came the actual venue, the place where she would have to make sure that she had. A smaller place might just need something built, and that would cost. Whenever a pony went to a larger town, there was always a place where he or she could go, there was usually a place where ponies could perform. Usually, the pony that owned that would want some money. That was going to be a bit of trouble, with her own reserves being a little low. Trixie was, by no means, completely broke. She just didn't have money to be throwing around, which made this part of the job more difficult than normal. She knew that the risk-reward ratio was high, a good performance here could make sure that she was financially secure for a while, but it was still a risk. This was only the first part of it, and some might say the easiest.
Next came the audience.
Trixie would have to make sure that ponies knew about her show, that they showed up. Each of them would pay a small amount to see the Great and Powerful Trixie, that was the entire idea of the show. The problem came with making sure that they knew about it, that they were excited about it, that they would demand to see her. Multiple nights worth of show, full, would be a great success. If she was able to do that, she could get a new hat and a new wagon. Everything would be great, she would be able to get ready to a really spectacular show in the next town. It didn't pay to not prepare for the next week, for the next day, for the next show that you could put on that would help to make sure that you lived the life you deserved.
And Trixie knew she deserved great things.
The first of the problems took only a couple of hours. She had been here before, the showmare knew exactly where it was that she wanted to go. She even had the luck, or perhaps misfortune, of knowing the pony that was n charge of the building. He had been the one who helped her out the first time, even waved the fee until she had actually gotten a crowd. Part of her had wanted to thank him for that, but she knew that the performance and bits had been more than enough of a thanks. Not only that, but Trixie knew that everything good that happened to her was a mark that she deserved it. She had known it, even then, and it seemed as if the man knew it before. This time, however, the man saw a chance to get some extra bits.
Yelling is how many of her deals start, but Trixie was used to that. Even when she didn't have anything big on the line, aside from her reputation, she seemed to gallop into those types. It was almost as if they didn't know that Trixie was the greatest, most powerful, unicorn. If they knew about her greatness, they would surely do something about making sure that she got whatever it was that she needed. After all, these stages made a lot of money when the Great and Powerful Trixie used them for her shows. As normal, though, the yelling eventually calmed down. It took less time than normal, though, due to the fact that the two of them knew each other.
“I know that you normally ask for your bits up front, but I'm only going to be able to give half up front.”
“Trixie, you know I-”
“That's the Great and Powerful Trixie to you. And, like I was going to say, you know I'm good for it. I'm going to bring a lot of business to this place.”
“Trixie-”
“Ahem.”
“Fine, fine, Great and Powerful Trixie.” It was obvious that he hated having to address her as such, but it was something that he had settled into. The last time, she had made him enough bits. This time, he was hoping that it would be possible to make even more. If he could get thousands, instead of hundreds, then the place could get renovations. There could be a second floor added. Most importantly, he would never have to deal with that loudmouth Trixie again. And so he would be polite, kiss her hoof, and make sure that she went on her way as soon as she was done. Though, if her appearance was anything to consider, she might want to make sure that her appearance was taken care of before the show. That was something that she would have to take care of, though.
“Great and Powerful Trixie, you expect me to just hope that your shows get me the extra three hundred bits that your little show would cost? That's per night, things have gone up since you last came here.”
Even Trixie knew this was a lie, she was being fleeced. If this had been any time before, even a few months, she would have turned him down. There were plenty of places where she could go, and there were enough bits to last for a while. This wasn't normal, though, and the showmare needed bits to get a new wagon. She needed a new hat, new fireworks, new everything. This show, or more accurately these shows, were either going to make her or break her. This was a time when she couldn't say anything about the amount that was being charged. Perhaps that was the worst part, that her circumstances were bad enough to where she couldn't do anything about what was being done to her. It was all Twilight's fault, she told herself, it was all the fault of that lavender mare.
It doesn't matter if she's more power- no, she isn't. She has a lot of magic, but she will never have the show-stopping power of Trixie!
“The Great and Powerful Trixie will have no problem filling these seats. There isn't a pony in Hoofington that won't want to see the greatest unicorn in Equestria. Neigh, the greatest equine that has ever lived!”
That was something that he could count on, her own ability to boast. It was something that he hated, yet at the same time it was something that he admired. The stallion wasn't a foal, he knew about what had happened in Ponyville. It was his job to know what had happened everywhere, and to make sure that everything that happened was something that could be used to his advantage. There was something about her confidence, her bragging, that was contagious. It was almost as if the ponies around her wanted to believe what she said, wanted her to be telling the truth. Such was the power of a good showpony. Regardless of what could be said about the boisterous mare, an insult to her showmanship was something that couldn't accurately be done. She brought in crowds better than most of his other shows.
That was why he hadn't thrown her out yet.
“You sure you can do this?”
“No doubt.”
“Okay, fine. But I'm also taking double my normal fee. Twenty percent instead of ten percent.” This was something that could be considered negotiating by some. He knew that she would cave, there wasn't anywhere else that was as well known. In that way, it was more like legalized extortion. Trixie would pay the fee, if she wanted to be able to have a show that was worth it. She would have to pay the raised rates, the ones that he just raised to deal with ponies that he didn't like. All of these things, she would pay.
The rate of return would be great for both of them.
“Fine. Remember, the show starts in three days.”
The theatre owner nodded his head, though he was clearly thinking about what it was that he was going to get out of this. The fact was, three days was going to make it easy on him. Her shows were mainly about her, so there wasn't any real preparation. She normally prepared fireworks, which meant she had them. These types didn't trust anypony, so every little detail would likely be taken care of by them. He knew that she just wanted a stage, that she would be able to make sure that the ponies came in droves. When they did, he would make lots of bits.
Then he would never have to see her again.
Of course, Trixie didn't know anything about his wishes. She didn't care if he liked her, or if he wanted to have her around. To her, the only thing that actually mattered was that she was going to be able to get some bits. She needed to get a new wagon, she needed to get a new hat, she needed a lot of things. In fact, that was why she was here. One job, she would likely be heading to Trottingham next, and then her life could actually get back on track. There might be a need to go to Canterlot, there were always some good designers there. She had heard about a designer from Ponyville, but there wasn't much of a chance that she was going to be going there anytime soon. Of course, when she did it wouldn't be for her to get a hat or cape either. Her last visit would have to be washed away, but that was a long time from now.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie will be doing some of the advertising. Fans are always appreciated.”
Before the manager could say anything, she was already out the door. Trixie didn't want to give any time for there to be a final word, that would likely lead to another argument. She was going to make sure that there were a lot of ponies there, which meant that she had to do a little of the work herself. This wasn't an idea that she liked, or even wanted, but it was something that had to happen. After I'm done with this little problem, Trixie will not have to deal with another one as long as she lives. Hoofington has a lot of slow ponies with big wallets, and a lot of them that just love a brilliant spectacle. And Trixie is one of the best when it comes to spectacle. As she continued down the street, thoughts went back to the concept of a show. She made everything seem much more grandiose than it was, and sometimes threw in elements of fiction, and then everypony ate it up. The truth didn't matter, entertaining the ponies around her did.
They were almost always entertained.
Another fifteen steps away from the building, the theatre, it hit her. There was something to be said about the show, and it was that it needed beauty. Trixie had always made sure to take care of herself, but that was when she was able to use her wagon. There was no wagon, and her mane seemed to have gotten a little messy. Maybe it was sleeping out on the ground. Then again, Trixie has to do a lot to keep her mane clean. My tail is the same way, they have to be taken care of with the utmost care. Some of it used to be saved by my hat, but without it... my mane is much messier than it should be. If she wanted to be able to pull in a crowd, she would have to make sure that she looked presentable. This was something that meant, of course, that she couldn't sleep outside anymore.
That expense hadn't been foreseen.
Not counting the mount of bits Trixie can expect from the show tonight, expenses are pushing it. There is likely a cheap place to stay. Though, to be honest, Trixie doesn't really have many bits. If she doesn't make a lar- NO! Trixie will not think like that! She will make thousands of bits, tens of thousands! Nothing will stop her! She will show those ponies, those Ponyvillians, that she is not one to be trifled with! As she had thought about that, her inner rant, her eyes had been moving to the different buildings. Trixie needed to find something that looked good without looking expensive, which was the key. If it was too expensive, that would be a problem with being able to deal with the meager expenses that would come along. If it didn't look good, it was likely to end with her having to deal with far more problems than she was willing to deal with.
Things were so much easier when she had a wagon.
A small building, on the edge of town, looked like the best place. It couldn't be much more than three rooms, but the vacancy sign was something that called her in. Not only that, but the small size might mean that she would be able to get in for cheaper. She might even be able to be left to her own devices, which meant that she would be able to get away from some of the ponies there. Above all of that, Trixie was sure that nopony would think to look for her there. If there was some pony she owed, or some pony that had a grudge on her from the show in Ponyville, they wouldn't think to look for her there. It really did seem as though the stars were aligning, at least until she took a few steps in and found that there were a lot of things that would keep her from the place.
Was it even legal to rent out that small space to so many ponies?
Then there was another problem, one of the ponies looked familiar. Trixie couldn't quite place her finger on it, but she was sure that she had seen a pony that looked like that. Eyes went wide, and she ducked, as a piece of furniture was thrown right at her head.
“Why, you little! It's your fault that I have to be here! GET OUT!”
The normal response would have been to fight back, maybe throw her out with her magic. That would have been the answer that would have given her the most joy, but it wasn't the response that she ended up going with. Trixie didn't care enough about this small abode, which she now knew wasn't worth her time to care about, to actually lower herself to fighting. She knew that there wasn't any reason to give that mare another moment of her time. The showmare didn't even bother opening her mouth, knowing that it wasn't her fault at all that anything had happened. If this pony was from Ponyville, as was likely the case, then it definitely wasn't her fault. Those two others, her fans, had been the cause of everything that the Ursa Minor had done. She hadn't brought it to town, she couldn't be blamed at all.
Then why did she feel the slightest pangs of guilt?
There was, really, no time for her to dwell on that. Trixie had a job to do, and right now that job was to find a place to stay. She didn’t want to sleep on the ground, the ground was uncomfortable. The showmare was trotting down the street, looking around. To her, it would be the worst possible thing if she couldn’t find at least one place. Minutes turned into hours, but the search turned into there not being a single place that she could stay at. Much to her dislike, it seemed as though the place had turned into a popular tourist spot at some point.
That wasn’t what she expected at all.
By the end of the day, she wasn’t any closer than she was before. The only thing she really knew was that she didn’t want to spend another night outside. That didn’t seem to be something that was going to come to pass, though, her wants being second to what reality had in store for her. Why did it seem that even fate was jealous of Trixie? That was the only way it made sense, the powers that be were jealous of what Trixie was going to be able accomplish. Whoever controlled them, she knew, likely was doing it for some sense of amusement. She was a fighter, though, and told herself that it would only get better from now on.
The fact that she had to sleep about ten minutes from town was another minor setback.
Another day started with a beautiful sunrise, but that didn’t matter as much to her. Trixie was sleeping on the ground, her mane hadn’t been taken care of, and now she had to go help with the advertisement. It had been her idea, of course, but she had hoped that there would be some way for her to get a place to stay. Without the place to stay, the ability to beautify her mane a little, she knew that everypony would consider her t be some sort of hobo. The only thing she could really do, though, was sneak to one of the spas and get something done. Sure, it would set her back a few bits.
By the time she was done, though, she knew it was worth it.
When ponies looked at her mane, they would see just how well it was normally maintained. When they looked at her coat, they wouldn’t see any dirt. Everything about her would look pristine, perfect, just the way that she tried to present herself. Trixie had been a showmare long enough to know that she was the product, that her looks were just as important as the amazing skills that she was able to show off. If she didn’t look like perfection, or close to it, she’d have no real audience. Her recent time in Ponyville had taught her that she wasn’t the most powerful, there was likely somepony else like that lavender mare out there that could make her look bad.
Attitude, appearance, they brought her the fame that she deserved.
All of that aside, it was now time for her to to what the job required of her. After all, she was a product that could only be described as a hot commodity. That was how she would describe herself, after all, with there being nopony else with her sheer show-stopping prowess. Even if there are those with more magic than me, I- No, no, don’t think like that. You’re the best, the brightest, the most talented, the most magical. that lavender mare could never perform some of the things that you have, and she never will be able to. By the end of her thoughts, she knew one thing about herself.
She didn’t even believe her anymore.
Today was going to be a day unlike any other. Trixie wasn’t going to put on much of a show, or really any show, but she was going to go out and see the adoring masses. There would be nothing short of joy at the sight of her, she was sure of it. She tossed aside the memory of the day before, of the woman that blamed her for the actions that somepony else had caused, and smiled at herself. An idea soon came to mind, though, when she thought about the many fans that would want autographs. They would love her, adore her, want to keep her from making sure that hundreds of ponies came to her show.
She would have to disguise herself.
Her horn lit up, little effort being put into the spell that she had done over a dozen times before. Normally, I use this spell on others. I might have somepony else on a big show, make them look like some giant creature, show a more theatrical approach to how I defeated some creature. That works out well, or horribly. Trixie knew, however, that the principle was the same. She just had to use the spell on herself, to make sure that it made her look a little less like herself. This is for the show, Trixie. Even the greatest stars have a little bump here and there. This means nothing about your ability to perform, this is just a minor setback.
Unlike last time, she actually believed herself.
Everything about her seemed to change, almost instantly. Her coat took on an orange color, much similar to the hillbilly that she had seen in Ponyville. Eyes were rose-colored, not that she could remember why that color came to mind. Her mane wasn’t anything special, either. It was straight, a purple color. It reached down a couple of inches under her chin. If she had really been thinking clearly, almost all of it would have seemed familiar to her. She wasn’t one to dwell on such things, though. Trixie was a pony that was there to get things done. Aside from that, most of her focus had been on trying to make sure that this spell would work.
Keeping it up would also be a difficult proposition.
Now it was time for her to get to work, to get the masses excited for when they would be able to see her perform. When she had first started, there had been ponies that helped her come up with methods. They had used her small size, her charming expression, and sometimes simply her beauty, to make sure that ponies came to see her. None of these things had brought in the hundreds she desired, but none of them were done after she had become famous. That was something she she knew would come in handy, when she would be able to get the crowd that would rocket her back into the life she deserved.
The question was, of course, how she was going to get the largest crowd she had ever had.
The fact that the other pony, the manager of the theater, was helping wasn’t something that she overlooked. There would be at least two, unless he hired somepony else, ponies trying to get an audience. Between the two of them, there was sure to be a success. Trixie wasn’t used to small crowds on her own, Ponyville had even come out in force, but that was just with her. She knew that her talent lay with wowing crowds, not with gathering crowds. Hoofington would be a large audience, she could feel it. This would be the place where her dreams came true.
The only thing she could think to do was try to find a large crowd, and then make sure that the word spread. If she told one pony, they would tell others. It would take a couple of days to get the large crowd that way, but it was the best idea she had. In her mind, there was no possible way that this could fail. Trixie could think of no better place than a local tavern. Not only would she be able to make sure that the ponies knew about it, but the bartender could make sure that it spread even faster. She might have to drop a few bits, which were precious, but it would help make sure that the crowd was even larger than before.
Out of all of the investments that she had ever made, this would be one of the most sure.
A deep breath, and Trixie trotted up confidently to the bartender.
“So, a friend of mine’s having a show in town soon.” Innocent enough conversation starter, everypony seemed to like standard conversation. It was difficult to not talk about herself, about how great she was, but that was something she’d just have to do. There would be time for her to show her greatness at the show, when she was making bits. Right now, she had to remind herself, she was a simple mare that was trying to get her friend’s show some publicity. “Any way I could talk you into going?”
A wink came next, this was one of the things that she had been used to doing. Trixie was a beautiful mare, or at least she wanted to believe so. Flattery might be able to get a lot of ponies a lot of places, but harmless flirting got a pony further.
“That depends, who’s your friend?”
That wasn’t an expected question. She had hoped that it would be a simple yes, but it didn’t seem as though the bartender cared much for her attempt. Perhaps it was the same disguise that helped her to blend in with the crowd, the one that she had used to help out with her attempt. “She’s the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“No promises. I’m sure I’d be more likely... If I got some business.”
His voice didn’t sound as enthusiastic as she wanted. Trixie had expected some sort of excitement, some sort of joy at having a friend of the Great and Powerful Trixie there. She was famous, for Celestia’s sake. There was no way that this town wasn’t lucky to have a talented unicorn such as herself. All of those thoughts went through her head, and then stayed there. She would figure out a way to get back at these ponies as well, she would find a way to make sure that they all knew that nopony simply seemed disinterested when the Great and Powerful Trixie was mentioned.
But, there is was, the bribe had been asked for.
“Oh, I’ll have a cider.” A few bits were put down, and then the amount of the drink was put down as well. Trixie knew better than to think that the cost of the drink was enough. She had an understanding with bartenders most of the time. They would help her out, and she would give them a little extra for their efforts. The showmare was sure that this was something that happened all the time, with traveling performers having to rely on the ponies that knew the place to ensure that they got the largest crowds imaginable. There were other methods, of course, but they were ways that she would never see herself doing.
Trixie had pride, she had dignity.
“I’ll see what I can do, sweetie.”
To her, that might as well have been a code. She had paid the bribe, he was going to do everything on his end to make sure that the audience she wanted was there. “Thanks. I’m sure everything will work out perfectly...” The cider was drank, in one large drink, and then Trixie started to trot out. She tried to sway her flank as trotted out. Even after the long years, she knew that she had the charm to make all of this work. The only bad thing was that, despite the fact that all of this was done by choice, there was a feeling of regret. She didn’t blame herself, though, she blamed everypony who had caused her show in Ponyville to go wrong.
She blamed anypony but herself.
That stunt at the tavern, it wasn’t something that could be done often. Trixie hadn’t ever been the type that saved bits, she always lived the best life. The good life cost bits, the best life cost more. Once again, this was something that she knew she was worth. Nothing less than the best for he most talented showmare that had ever graced Equestria. Nothing less than the best for the most talented unicorn that had ever lived. Not even the setback in Ponyville could destroy her spirit for long, all she needed to do was make sure that she got back every bit,
That lavender mare would pay for what she had done.
It actually wasn’t long until the rest of the day had been spent. Trixie couldn’t even remember most of the ponies that she ran into, spoke to, tried to get to come to the show. It wasn’t something that was simple, easy, or fun. The entire time, the nagging feeling that she should just come clean with who she was, use her star power to get them to be wowed, she wanted to just be herself in front of all these ponies. She wanted to lower the trick, to make sure that they knew who they were talking to and who they seemed to be ignoring. Nopony would ignore the Great and Powerful Trixie, that was just something that didn’t happen at all.
It didn’t help that the trick that she used was getting exceptionally difficult to keep up, even though it was something that should have been easy. Even the easiest trick got more difficult if you had to keep it up. The continued strain on her magic, it might have been something that took some of her natural grace from the conversation. Once, and only once, she almost failed to keep up the appearance. But she knew that her trick would pay out in the end. If she lowered the veil, there would be no chance that she could talk to some of the ponies that she was able to get in touch with.
The sheer amount of autographs that she would have to sign would make sure that her day would be spent with adoring fans. As nice as the idea was, and it was an exceptional idea, she knew that her dwindling bit supply couldn’t take a single failed show. Between the rental costs, the extra spa treatment she would have to get, and food, there was very little that was keeping her from plunging below the red in terms of finances. That was alright, though, because soon enough she would have the bits that were required to get the things she needed.
A hat from Canterlot, a wagon from the same location, and some extra supplies to help with a few smaller shows were the main things on the list. Most importantly, though, she would be able to start living again in the manner of which she was accustomed. Trixie just needed to suffer through this, she wold be able to for the sake of her own greatness. She told herself that the setback would only be small, that she would be able to go back to showing the world how Great and Powerful she truly was. All she had to do was make sure that she showed everyone at the show in a couple more days.
Two more days, the show was only two more days.
The morning came, the sun beautiful, and Trixie once again awoke on the ground. This seemed to be a trend, something that she was hoping might end soon. She did hope that she would be able to sleep in a wagon again, right? If she was supposed to be the Great and Powerful Trixie, and she was, then she had to live like the Great and Powerful Trixie. She hadn’t been forced to sleep on the ground since before she was a success. Despite the fact that she found it more comfortable by the night, there was something of an image to maintain. She told herself that there was no chance for her to sleep on the ground anymore, she had to come up with something else.
All it would take was a couple more days.
To say that this day was busy would be an understatement. Trixie tried to do her best to hide who she was again, once again trying to use the same spell. Once again, she tried to make sure that as many ponies as possible came to her show, the one that was coming up quite quickly. The only problem was, each minute using that spell was one more minute that seemed like an eternity. Trixie had been able to keep it up the day before, but it had tired her out far more than she had even thought. Today, she was barely able to keep it going.
It was around noon, only having done it for a scant five hours, that she decided to head somewhere to take a nap. Yesterday must have been more than enough. Trixie will have a large crowd, she knows it. She will start again with the advertising, she just need a few minutes of sleep. Even without the permission of the manager, the showmare soon found herself taking a small nap in the theatre. It wasn’t her finest moment, but she knew that all she would need was a few minutes, maybe an hour at the most, and she would be able to get back up. More work was needed, more time was needed to make sure that everything went without a hitch.
“Wow, you’re really dedicated to the show.” Obvious sarcasm rolled from the stallion’s voice, Trixie blinked as she looked up at him. “I haven’t known at showpony that actually stayed at the theatre for the entire night before a show.”
That wasn’t possible. Trixie blinked a few times, her mind desperately trying to catch up to the idea that she had just slept there for so long. He’s kidding, right? I know that the past few days haven’t been easy, but Trixie did not just sleep through an entire day and a half. Surely, he’s playing some sort of prank on me. “Excuse me, but Trixie thought she heard you say that today was the day of the show.”
“Yep. Part of me wondered how you were going to make sure that the audience was wowed, but this takes the cake. You probably know the entire theatre by now, coming up with something spectacular for the show.” Was he being sarcastic? Did he really not know that Trixie had merely been sleeping there out of pride? Did he not know that there was a part of her that couldn’t let others see that she was simply too poor to afford a good enough room? Regardless of what he thought, she simply nodded her head and agreed with his incorrect assumptions.
“Trixie thought abut a few special tricks, to make sure that everything went smoothly tonight. It will be... Spectacular.” Another lie, but Trixie told it so convincingly. She didn’t know what she was going to really do for tonight’s show. She knew that it would be something smaller, more convincing, better acted, and just overall grand. Timberwolves would be the key to her success, she knew it, but that was as far as she got. Oh, right, I have to make sure that I look the part of the all-powerful unicorn.
“But if you don’t mind, Trixie will make sure that she looks good for her audience. I will be back from the spa before the show starts, roughly three hours, to make sure that everything is set up perfectly.”
Before the manager could say anything, she had already left.
-Show time-
Well, here it was.
Trixie had a few nervous twitches, staring into the mirror at herself. Her eyes kept moving to the empty spot where her hat had once been. It was something that she had grown accustomed to, liked having. It was something that made her feel stronger, smarter, better. The fact that it was gone did more than one might expect, but she would have to move on without it. There was an audience out there, they wanted to be entertained. There was no noise, but that simply meant that they were as reverent as the showmare had desired from a crowd.
Even as she got closer, there was no sound. Trixie was certain that this meant that they were all going to cheer when they saw her.
The sound of a small explosion, and the smoke, was her personal sign to make sure that she appeared out from around the corner. There was no sound still, no cheering. To her, that had crossed the line from reverent to creepy. Of course, she didn’t actually see what the biggest problem was until she had stepped out of the cloud. She was ready to greet her audience, to tell them about her exploits. There were seats for hundreds, perhaps five hundred max. She had been ready to emote, to project, to make sure that everypony got their bits worth.
Not a single pony had shown up.
To say that this meant nothing would have been a lie. Trixie had gone through a lot of things, but this was the first time that she had suffered through an empty show. Even when she had been a new showpony, without a real name, there had been a few ponies that had shown up. This time, there was not a single pony. There were no colts, no fillies, no stallions, no mares. Even the few that she had gotten to agree to show up were missing, the only sound in the room being the sound of her own breathing as she started to hyperventilate. A single minute passed, and then the darkness took her as Trixie unceremoniously passed out on the stage.
By the time she awoke, it was to the sight of a very unhappy stallion.
“Fill up the seats, you said. I knew I was stupid to trust something like that.”
For the first time in a long time, she was afraid. There had been a long understanding that she could bring in huge crowds, and so she had been treated like she knew she should. This stallion was large, angry, and a pony that seemed to think he had been cheated out of bits. “Something must be wrong. This must be a bad dream. Trixie has never failed before to get ponies to come to a show. But, worry not, this was probably just a setback. They probably forgot the day, and they’re co-”
“NO! NO TOMORROW!”
Trixie backed up, almost like he was going to buck her teeth in. “B-but how will you get your extra bits?”
“You’re going to pay them.”
“But Trixie doesn-”
“DON’T CARE!”
A few tears fell as she realized that she had been duped completely. Regardless of how poorly the show did, he was going to get his. Trixie had been a foal to think that she could get the upper hand. Bits came out of a bag, were dropped on the ground. The currency of Equestria, the almighty bit, seemed to be the true most powerful force of the land. She turned, thinking about the fact that she wouldn’t have much to live on for a while. There wasn’t much of a chance for another show, either. The only thing that came to mind was that she would have to head back to the largest city in Equestria and look for what could be considered a normal job.
That hurt more than anything else.
Trixie could have moved on from the Ponyville incident, she was doing so just fine. Even when they had been their rudest, they had at least shown up. Something about this entire situation felt wrong, felt as though it shouldn’t have happened. She didn’t even stop once as she left the town, trying to keep her head up as she trotted out of Hoofington. Small setbacks, that was what she told them these were. But as she laid down, eyes looking up at the stars, she silently cursed them all. She had been cast aside, in a way, by the very fans that had rushed to pick her up when she was smaller.
The final thought, before she tried to go sleep, came to mind.
Could this get any worse?
Of course, it could. The sound of thunder came next, and rain quickly followed. By the time that Trixie got under a tree, she was already soaked. The only good thing about this, if anything, was that the rain was able to cover up the fact that she was starting to cry. This wasn’t right. She was the Great and Powerful Trixie, there shouldn’t be things like this happening to her. Of course, her thoughts on the matter wouldn’t help the fact that she was completely drained of money.
She had to find a way to make some money. Quick, slow, it didn’t matter. The only thing she could think to do would be head back to Canterlot. If any town had a way to help her get back on her feet, it was Canterlot.