"Y-You, you promised!" Trixie squealed while Twilight frantically raced through the library, collecting every book she could find on the Minotaur Provinces. Welcoming ceremonies, clan introductions, declarations of war, courtship rituals, Displays of Honor, Strength, and Loyalty. Displays of-...
"SPIKE! BRING ME "STRENGTH OF THE TRIAD," PLEASE! Trixie, I'm sorry, I really am! I just-" Twilight squeaked as she flipped open another book. Rules to Minotaur combat.
"At the beginning of the year Trixie asked you, Trixie asked you if you would help Trixie train for the M.A.G.I.C. competition! You said yes! You promised me we'd be a team! That we'd win the competition together, like Rocky and that other guy!! You were going to be that other guy, Twilight! You were Trixie's other guy!! We were so excited we even had that catchy little song and dance number! " Trixie snarled, pacing behind Twilight whilst the purple pony darted from one end of the library to the other.
"I know, I know and I'm really sorry, but with the Minotaur King coming by on such short notice, Princess Celestia needs all the hooves she can get to make sure this goes over smoothly. The Minotaur King has some...temperament issues. I know I said we'd do the tournament, thing, but the Princess asked me personally to help! I couldn't just refuse!" Twilight explained as she piled books on top of one and other. The Minotaur Race was proud and strong. They valued Strength, honor and loyalty over all things, and the strength of one's proper greeting made for loyal ties and honor bound alliances.
"Yes! You could have! You could have said, "I'm sorry, but I owe my marefriend her dream of winning the M.A.G.I.C competition! I promised her I'd help her win, even if some random foreign dignitary comes along!" Trixie barked, as Spike burst into the bed room, carrying a large purple tome over his head.
"Strength, honor and loyalty, Twilight!" Spike chirped. Twilight nodded her head and took the book from him in a lavish burst of magic. She immediately flipped it open, and started scanning the table of contents, mumbling to herself. Trixie frowned and it only grew and grew while she waited for Twilight's next bombardment of apologies . When they didn't come, and Trixie realized Twilight had forgotten about her and the conversation entirely in the span of that short few moments, she reared back and smacked the book out of Twilight's hooves as hard as she could. The book slammed to the ground in a clatter and Twilight gasped in shock, peering down at the book, then back up at her mare friend. The seething froth that overtook her came out of nowhere, but then again, the weight of helping royalty keep another country happy and avoiding something that might lead to a war had a way of boiling stress levels to a head.
"TRIXIE, THIS IS IMPORTANT!" Twilight snapped at a stunned unicorn. Didn't she understand that?! Did she not know what could be at stake?! Trixie glared quietly at Twilight, the fur on her necked heckled and her ears peeled back.
"So is this." She hissed quietly. They stared at each other for a long few moments, before Trixie gave a snort, and stepped passed Twilight with a flick of her tail. "Humph. The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't need your help. The Great and Powerful Trixie will go ahead and win the competition without you." Trixie replied crisply. She then turned around and trotted past Spike, clip-clopping her hooves as she went. She grabbed her cape, grabbed her hat, and slammed the door in her wake. Leaving Twilight to her books. The purple unicorn gave a haggard sigh. If this was so important, then why did she feel like such a jerk?
* * *
Trixie pressed her back against the chair, throwing her head back and peering at the ceiling while letting a lengthy breath bleed from her lips into the ostentatious air of the Carousel Boutique. Quietly, she opened an eye and glanced at the unicorn sitting at the table across from her hopefully.
At first, Trixie had stormed her way right over to Sugar Cube Corner, where she had intended to worry at her woe over a batch of fresh Straw Berry Cupcakes. But she was frustrated and sometimes Pinkie's bouncy hyper activity rubbed her the wrong way. Then she decided to go to Lickety Splits and order her favorite hay shake. For some reason, that place always made her think of Manehatten, and her friend Coco. And stories of romance so it seemed. Not that she was in the mood for that right now, either.
No. What she wanted was...What she wanted was....What she wanted was somewhere to vent. To growl, and pout and express her frustrations physically and destroy something beautiful. So even though it made perfect sense to show up at the Carousel Boutique, Trixie felt somewhat disturbed this was the first place her hooves had taken her.
Rarity, however, turned out to be a fantastic listener, so Trixie discovered. She set her dress making aside, and pulled out the tea set, then they sat and...talked. They actually talked, which was more then Trixie had expected when she'd wandered over to the shop.
"As much as I would absolutely adore spending the afternoon blasting you in the face darling, I simply haven't got the time, and I really can't believe I'm turning this down. I've orders piling up and I agreed I'd help Sweetie Belle with her homework assignments tonight. I simply can't help you train for hmmm...what was it again?" Rarity purred, peering up from her tea cup at the groaning magician.
"Mystical Ability Gauge and Interaction Competition. M.A.G.I.C It's the biggest dueling competition in Equestria. Trixie has always wanted to participate, but never had the proper motivation or time or money with her show. Now that she's more rooted to the spot, Trixie thought...That maybe with Twilight's help..." Trixie trailed off with a frustrated groan. Rarity smiled sadly and nodded her head.
"But don't blame her. Twilight didn't have many friends, before she came to Ponyville, how in Equestria do you expect she'd handle a relationship? ... Poorly. As you can see. That being said, darling, I'm terribly sorry I can't help you train for your competition, but I do know some pony who might be able to. Zecora." Rarity explained. Trixie stared for a long few moments, before quickly shaking her head.
"Wait, wait, wait, The Great and Powerful Trixie demands you rewind! Are you saying you're taking Trixie's side?!" Trixie squealed. Rarity rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less.
"No, darling. I'm not taking any pony's side. She promised you, and I can see how it would upset any pony who had been promised something they were looking forward too. But on the other hoof...Technically...Twilight has been ordered by royalty to help maybe prevent a war. As far as excuses go for skipping out on a date, that's...well darling, that's up pretty high up there." Rarity explained. Trixie gave a quiet sigh.
"They did tell me you were the perceptive one." She mumbled. Rarity grinned and sipped at her tea again, quietly.
"I do have a fine eye for detail. Anyway, Zecora." Rarity explained quietly. Trixie tilted her head to one side.
"Ze-what?" She asked.
"Zecora, dear. She lives out in the Ever Free forest. She's a bit of a mentor to Twilight when Celestia isn't around. Very skilled potion brewer and shaman. I bet she can help you. " Rarity explained, standing up with her tea cup. Trixie stood up too. Well, pounced to her hooves would be more accurate.
"Wait, another magican?! Why didn't any pony TELL Trixie there was another powerful mage in this a town! Trixie must visit her at once! Hahaha! Trixie shall prove the most greatestest, and most powerfulestest of all!" Trixie squealed. Rarity shook her head slowly, trotting into the kitchen with the china in tow.
"I didn't say she was a mage, darling. I said she was a Shaman. Still, she should be able to give you some decent advice. Just be careful venturing out to meet her, darling! The forest can be unfriendly!" Rarity called out after Trixie burst out the door towards the Everfree Forest, and she had no idea if the showmare heard her or not.
Lost, was an adequate way to describe the current location of her whereabouts. Of course, it is not the term Trixie would have preferred, or sought out for herself, but it's the term that worked the best, if she were to be completely honest with herself.
So she lied.
She was fine, even if the Everfree forest was vast. Overwhelming, in fact, and the stories Trixie had heard about this place did not paint a comforting light on the unfolding situation. Trixie figured it couldn't be that hard to track down some recluse mage in the woods. Especially for a pony whom was talented in sensing magical auras- like Trixie.
So after an hour of convincing herself she was following magical auras that were not there, and dark, shadowy paths that looked increasingly similar, Trixie had to admit to herself, that she may have gotten a teensie bit turned around. In nigh uncharted woods, that were also filled with terrible creatures hungry for pony meat. Trixie began to pick up her pace. She didn't quite know where she was going, but hopefully it was away from the creeping thoughts of dangerous creatures. Her relief was immeasurable when the large, solitary hut came into view, and Trixie found herself barreling towards it faster than she'd meant to. She burst into the hut with a gasp- as if drawing in life giving air from drowning in the ocean and looked around.
The interior was like some strange and unsettling explosion of culture that could have held its own against a museum. Tribal masks and jewelry dotted the higher interior of the room, whilst bottles, jars and plants of all kinds were crowded into various corners of the overstuffed little hut. A nose tickling incense smoldered somewhere deep inside the hut; it's scent only just masked by the humongous cauldron sitting in the middle of the room. Trixie frowned quietly, gazing over the various knick-knacks and tribal decorations she now found surrounding her.
Rarity had said something about this pony being a skilled herbalist, so this definitely fit that bill. Some sort of potion brewer. Magic through the use of science. Trixie could see why Twilight would get along with this mystery mage if this was the case. Still, the hut appeared to be empty, which meant Trixie was nowhere closer to finding this pony to help her win the competition.
"Hello?" She called out tentatively, perking an ear at the responding silence. Well, great. She'd wandered into the forest, gotten lost, come all this way, and for what?! Grumbling, Trixie turned to leave and frowned, ears splaying against the sides of her head. Oh, right. The lost part.
"Well...I...I guess I could stay until t-they come back. Just to ask for directions..." Trixie murmured quietly to herself, and nearly jumped out of her fur when someone gently cleared their voice behind her.
"WHOZA-WHAZZITS?!" Trixie squealed, twisting about on her hooves, and wildly flailing her hat around in front of her for defense. After a moment of frightened spasms, Trixie opened an eye and peered around the room. The place was exactly the same, only now, instead of the cauldron in the middle of the room, sat a statue-like zebra mare with her legs crossed and eyes closed. Trixie's mouth dropped open. Wait, had she always been there, and Trixie just didn't notice her? No, that was crazy, so how'd...how had she...
"If it's directions, that you need, I know these woods, quite well indeed," Came a voice. It didn't seem like it was coming from the zebra, but more from the hut itself. Trixie groaned and shook her head. It felt like something were wrong. Like the room itself was somehow muted. Or at least one of her senses were muted. It was strange...like if she realized she couldn't hear, she'd suddenly be focused on her hearing, only to realize she couldn't see instead. The moment her vision came back, was the moment she thought about it, and the moment she thought about her vision, was the moment she realized she'd stopped smelling the incense in the room, but all of that dissolved into nothing when the Zebra spoke again, and Trixie found herself drawn to the haunting rhythm of her voice.
"But, if you're here to cause me trouble, you'll regret it on the double, " The zebra explained, calmly. Quickly, Trixie shook her head, and drew her cape slightly tighter around her, before taking a deep breath. First impressions. First impressions. You need her help. Make this count...
"You're a zebra!" words Trixie were certainly thinking. Words that crept from her mouth and hung suspended in the air, bright with social awkwardness and destroying any potential first impressions Trixie might have been hoping to achieve. Words, when viewed in retrospect, could be considered quite rude. The zebra mare in question opened a single eye and cast upon Trixie a devil's glare; that was almost instantly repelled with a smooth flash of a smile.
"Trixie apologizes. Trixie was not prepared to meet a zebra today. From Trixie's past, she is aware one must be prepared to take in the utter magnificence of their stripes. Your coat is breathtaking." Explained the blue mage, displaying her widest, charming smile. *squee* She nailed that, and she knew it. From her vantage point, Trixie could swear she caught the hint of a smile tugging at the zebra's lips, but it was gone in an instant.
"Hollow words, I think you flaunt, but tell me pony, what do you want?" The zebra asked, still frozen like a statue, and still peering into the distance behind closed eyes. Trixie bit at her lower lip. She'd not enamored her new encounter, but she'd not driven them away, either. She shrugged. Could have gone worse.
"Very well! I, am the Great and Powerful Trixie! And The Great and Powerful Trixie was told there is a powerful mage in these woods, ...which...would be you?" Trixie squeaked lamely. She coughed. Well, this was awkward...Sure, the Zebra could have been a powerful magic user, but she wasn't a mage. Mages used their horns and magic for combative purposes, like dueling. This mare wasn't even a unicorn. Sure, there were rumors of Earth ponies being able to use magic. Hypnosis, and psychic powers ( not that there were any claims with substantiated evidence). And scientists, of course. This pony in front of her was perhaps, a powerful earth pony scientist, but she was no mage. Which meant she wasn't a duelist. Which meant Trixie was wasting her time.
"W-Well...Trixie is a friend of Twilight's and w-was told that there was a mage in these woods who could help her train for an upcoming magic duel, but Trixie can see that you're busy..." Trixie sputtered taking a step back. The Zebra, who Trixie was now convinced was Zecora, broke into a gentle smile.
"To hear her called 'just A friend' might bring about a hostile end." Zecora grinned quietly, while Trixie's face burst into a full bloom of rosy embarrassment. The blue witch wildly shook her head and held up her hooves. Another fight was the last thing she wanted from Twilight right now. The zebra drew in a slow breath, and then gestured in front of her for Trixie to take a seat. Trixie winced. Well...it...couldn't hurt to see what she had to say, just for a little while, at least. Just to be polite. After all, she'd come awfully far see this Zebra. And so, quietly, Trixie drew in a deep breath and sat down in front of the meditating mare.
"If it's training, that you seek, I can help hone your technique." The Zebra said quietly. Trixie drew a frown though and again shook her head. Cultural differences didn't stir up often, but when they did, it was often due to the rule of unicorns centuries and centuries ago. Magic was the end all rule of power, which meant Unicorns were on the top of society. They were often at odds with the Pegasus ponies, but both of them agreed that Earth ponies, with all their strength, still had no true magic to boast of. (This would of course later be addressed and ultimately changed to include Earth pony strength as a kind of magic, but Trixie was sick that week in school.) After several wars had been fought, and protests and sit ins, Earth ponies were generally accepted to have magic, and telling a pony they had the wrong 'type' of magic for something (especially an Earth pony) was a gravely cultural faux pas. One Trixie was trying her hardest to avoid as she gave Zecora a sheepish smile. What could an Earth pony possibly teach her about magic dueling?
"N-no no. That's alright. T-Trixie would...hate to...hurt you. And dueling isn't widely known for its.......Earth Pony participants." Trixie stammered sheepishly and shot Zecora a sympathetic grin. Zecora simply closed her eyes and smiled thinly, giving a quiet chuckle in agreement with her guest.
"Judge me by my stripes, do you? I am a zebra, this is true. Your ignorance I find most tragic, Heh. Please. Show me what you know of magic. " Zecora chuckled dryly opening an eye to peer at the stunned little unicorn sitting in front of her.
Quietly Trixie sighed. If this Zebra insisted she get her pretty stripes rearranged, who was Trixie to argue? A quick burst of a spell and she'd be on her way back to training for the competition. She stood up and shook herself off, slowly pointing her horn at the quiet zebra, and it began to charge with a purple glow.
"For what it's worth. Trixie thinks you are very brave to challenge her." Trixie exclaimed. Zecora didn't answer, only simply started to hum. Trixie frowned. Whatever tribal beat Zecroa seemed to be humming was warm and rhythmic, but gave nothing in the way of tactical defense from magic. HI-YA! Trixie fired the mighty shot of magic she was charging from her horn. At least, she thought she fired a shot. She should have fired a shot. A shot should have been fired, but instead, all Trixie had was the strangest sense that she'd forgotten something. Like she'd stepped into the other room to fetch something, only to have forgotten what it was the moment she got there. Instead of fetching something, though, it felt like she'd just lost her train of thought while she was preparing to fire her stunning shot. She frowned. The Zebra hadn't moved.
"Sometime this year, I'm waiting, it's clear." Zecroa grumbled. Trixie took a step back, narrowing her eyes at the- wait, where she go? The Zebra was gone- vanished from sight, right in front of her! Thats when Trixie realized she was humming- the same tune Zecora was humming before. A song that weaved itself into her head and seemed to suck up all of her concentration.
"Over here, my dear." Whispered Zecroa from somewhere behind Trixie. The blue mage gave a squeal, and whirled around, glaring daggers at the zebra calming standing behind her. How was she doing this? What sort of card did she hold? Impossible! Trixie turned around, narrowing her eyes and preparing for a full frontal blast of magic, but her target wasn't there, and Trixie found herself humming again.
"Your focus is all but for pretend, I think this farce it's time to end," Zecora explained, directly from Trixie's left, sitting calmly, once again in her meditative stature. Trixie frowned. The Zebra's voice was so calm, so soothing. Almost hypnotic in the rhythmic way she spoke. It was the bass. She had such a beautiful, bassy voice deep and resonating. Almost like a lullabye. No, not like a lullabye, more like at chant of some kind. What kind of chant was that? Trixie frowned. She was lost in thought. In the middle of a duel. And she caught herself humming Zecora's hum again. Trixie's eyes widened. That was it! The hum! Her voice! It was some spell that had to do with her voice! She was speaking th-
The world spun around and Trixie landed on her back with a mighty thud. She groaned, peering up at the image of Zecora, that slowly came into view over head.
"...How...how did you do that?" Trixie whimpered. Zecora shook her head quietly.
"It would take a very long time to learn. A skill with practice, you might earn. " Zecora explained. Zecora the zebra explained. Zecora the earth pony who had no magic aura Trixie could sense in the slightest. Zecora the earth pony who just beat Trixie without firing a single burst of magic. An earth pony. First impressions indeed...
"I'll be back at eight tomorrow. "squeaked Trixie. Zecora smiled.
Spike poked his head in from the kitchen when he heard the door open and slam shut It was late. Later than he expected for any visitors. The library was closed, and that meant...
"What did you forget?" He found himself saying, before he realized it was the cobalt unicorn that had poked her head into the house, instead of the purple unicorn he had expected. They stared at each other for a moment, before Trixie's frame settled into a relaxed state, lowering her guard and giving a Spike frown. She only did that when she was expecting a fight...
"Twilight's not here. She's uh, already gone to Canterlot to help out with the Minotaur stuff. " The little dragon explained. Trixie's facial expression didn't budge. She simply wandered into the kitchen with a sigh.
"Oh." She mumbled softly, while Spike sheepishly followed behind. She pulled out bread and peanut butter before slumping down quietly into one of the chairs at the table. She wasn't hungry. And everything was kind of tasteless anyway. Spike frowned and sat down next to her silently, biting at his lower lip. If only he had the right words to say, but all he came up with was:
"Hey? I know Twilight, okay? I've been with her since...forever. She's my sister, my mother, my family...and I know you're the most precious thing to her in the world. She really really wanted to go to your magic thingie. She hates disappointing her friends, and since your extra special to her, ya know, she hates disappointing you most of all. She said I could take her place, i-if you wanted. " The dragon squeaked quietly. Trixie's muzzle twisted into a ghost of a smile and she leaned across the table.
"You're one in a million, Spike. And for what it's worth, Trixie believes YOU are the most valuable thing to Twilight, and by proxy...me too. Trixie insists, you join her at the M.A.G.I.C. competition!" She gushed, and drew in a deep breath, and flashed him the most dazzling smile she could.
"And Trixie shall win!" She announced- provided she could find her way back to that crazy zebra...
* * *
The next day, Trixie had figured it out. She thought she had it figured out. At least, part of it. It was an earth pony magic called "hypnosis." There was something about the way Zecora moved, the rhythm of her voice and the way she talked. All of it was designed to grasp and control Trixie's attention. In addition, she had a way of commanding Trixie's senses. Probably part of the hypnosis thing. Trixie had discovered, in the short time after meeting Zecora, that the zebra was far more resourceful and dangerous than she thought. Zecora, through her strange hypnosis, could dominate one of Trixie's senses. Smell, sound, vision- it didn't matter. When Trixie found herself lost in thought and focusing on hearing, Zecora had already moved and prepared her next attack. Sneaky zebra. While she was seeing what she thought was Zecora, her brain was just seeing an echo of a memory...or...something. Trixie didn't really know how it worked, (And drove herself into a headache trying to unravel it during the night.)
The trigger was the humming, Trixie had decided. The soft, rhythmic sound that resonated from Zecora seemed to put everything into effect. It was her ace in the hole- the powerful card she held. No need to fight if the enemy is absolutely lost to the sound of your own voice. Not that it helped her out any at the moment and at the moment, 'hypnosis' was the least of her problems.
"If these duels, you are to brave, your energy, you must save." Zecora explained to the little blue unicorn, struggling to hold her balance on the surface of the pond she stood on. It really was simple. Stand on this pond. Rotate these rocks in a circle using telekinesis. For every rotation around the pond, add another rock. The test was over if the rocks fell, but you could have them circle the pond as fast or slow as you wanted. A common practice for testing a magic user's concentration. A simple enough spell, and a little concentration had Trixie standing on water in no time flat, and a small chain of rocks circling the pond in a wide ring.
That was before the beanbags.
Beanbags. Zecora had a small pile of them, sitting next to her. She frowned at Trixie and lifted one of the bean bags up in a hoof. She looked at it, then Trixie and pointed her hoof at her.
"Powerful, I see you are, your future's bright, like a star! But it's focus you must learn, If victory you wish to earn." Zecora explained. Trixie rolled her eyes. Really?
"The Great and Powerful Trixie already HAS foc-ACKPT! NOT FAIR!" Trixie squeaked, as Zecora whipped the bag at her before she could finish her protest. Trixie, who was extremely unprepared for a beanbag to the face, gave a squeal and splashed into the pond below her. The little blue unicorn snarled, as she poked her head free. Zecora gave a quiet chuckle, rolling her eyes at the wet mage.
"These lessons I have may seem stern, but It's something, you need to learn. " Zecora explained, picking up another beanbag as Trixie regained her footing. She barely had a chance to register the next beanbag before it clocked her in the face- sending her back down to the bottom of the pond.
"How is Trixie supposed to dodge while she's focused on standing on water! It's impossible! If Trixie takes a single step, Trixie gets all wet! The spell fails!" Trixie barked, prying herself from the wet depths of the pond. Zecora however, simply picked up another beanbag.
"Precision movements are the key, dodge my throws on bended knee." Zecora explained, pausing for a moment to let her words sink in. Trixie frowned, but climbed back into position, waiting for Zecora's next throw. Bended knee...If Trixie could dodge without moving... is that what the zebra was talking about? Dodge without taking a step? Was that even possible? She paused. Just because she was standing still didn't mean she couldn't move. Did that make any sense? Trixie peered at Zecora, who idly tossed a beanbag to herself, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
When she finally threw it, Trixie was ready to try something new. She bent her knees as much as she could and focused... and got clocked in the face with a beanbag. Zecora gave a disappointed sigh and hefted another bag. To the blue unicorn's credit; she kept trying. And she kept trying. All afternoon in fact, and as the evening sun started to sink from the sky, Trixie wondered if this really the way to learn focus, or if she was the toy of a crazy zebra There were just too many things happening at once. Hold the rocks, stand on the water, dodge the beanbags. How was she supposed to deal with this? And Zecora's cryptic, rhyming hints did little more than frustrate her.
"One thousand, three hundred, and forty-eight. We'll be here forever at this rate. " Zecora grumbled under her breath, lifting up another beanbag and whipping it at Trixie's face. Trixie bent low as she could, and breathed out through her nose. Circular breathing techniques raising up to kiss at her thoughts while she did her best to hold the ring of rocks steady while at the same time, trying to keep her mane dry. She dipped to the left in a fluid motion, awkward, but fluid. Bending her knees and getting as low to the water as she could, before sweeping to the left let the beanbag whistle past harmlessly. They stared at each other, before Trixie began to grin wildly. Zecora gasped.
"Wait- don't!" She tried to warn, but it was too late. The success of finally, FINALLY achieving her goal flooded through her, and Trixie gave a cheer.
"I DID I-" Were Trixie's last words, before she found herself at the bottom of the pond again.
* * *
"Your movements are clumsy and slow, but soon your progress you will show! Your movements must be swift and slight, if you wish to win your fights. Dodging here will be your key, so do your best and follow me. "Zecora had explained. Much to Trixie's ultimate surprise the Zebra stood up, and dipped herself fluidly to the right, then the left, rolling her shoulders with snake like movements. Still settled on the pond, Trixie did her best to follow along- twisting her hips and shifting her weight to match Zecora's movements. To her surprise, regardless of how late it had become, Trixie found herself having fun. She was soon following along with Zecora's motions with ease, all while still planted on the water. She felt like one of those old books, training with the master on an open field during a sunset. Only it was night time by now. And instead of an open field, it was a horrible and dangerous forest. ...Eh, close enough.
"These skill you practice, your body will burn, but in time, you will learn. " Zecora explained suddenly, before turning around where she stood, and pointing in the direction of her hut. She gestured for Trixie to follow suit, and the pony eagerly leaped from the surface of the pond and followed Zecora. They entered the hut together, where Zecora closed the door, and latched it. Trixie frowned. Was this it? She was fine with the end of training but...
"So...are you taking Trixie back to town now?" Trixie asked, watching fearfully as Zecora slowly prepared a bed roll. No...Spend the night in the creepy forest? True, Trixie was exhausted, and was about ready to collapse, but what she wouldn't give for her bed right now. Ugh. Sleeping on the floor? On the very ground she was walking over a few hours ago? What was this savagery?!
"...Trixie would like to go back to town now." Trixie coughed. Zecora ignored her, finishing the little bed roll she had provided and turned towards Trixie with a tired smile.
"The forest now, dangerous to us, so tonight, you'll sleep here, thus." Zecora explained, gesturing to the bed roll. Trixie frowned. She was willing to put up with the Zebra's crazy training, but this was all just to much. She didn't sign up to spend her day soaked and sleeping on the ground was the last straw!
"The Great and Powe-" She paused. Something about the way the zebra started to glare at her gave rise to concern. Zecora was tired, and it was clear she did not want to put up with this now. She'd spent her entire day training this ungrateful, arrogant little...
"Trixie would prefer to sleep in her bed...if it is possible. Although....a hammock will do. Trixie will never get to sleep if she is on the floor!" Trixie announced pridefully, glancing at the hammock in the corner of the room. Zecora's bed. Zecora followed her gaze, before she threw her head back and laughed. And laughed hard.
"In my bed, you will not snooze, I promise you, this fight you'll lose. But an answer I have for you, take a sip of my special brew." Zecora explained, sliding over to her potion table, where she grasped a small blue vial and popped the cork free. She turned towards Trixie who crossed her arms and turned away with a pout.
"Trixie does not consume things that could contain high fructose corn syrup." Trixie explained quietly and winced at Zecora's glare. Slowly, timidly she accepted the bottle, and drew it too her lips taking a quick pull. It was HORRID.
"ACK! WHAT?! Is it not enough you to try and drown Trixie but you must poison her as...as well..." Trixie mumbled, her tongue filling up her mouth entirely, and the room grew warm. Like a relaxing bubble bath. Slowly, Trixie started to grin. Those were delightful feelings shooting through her frame, and they only seemed to be getting stronger and stronger. Oh, my, this was quite nice. Oh, yes, very nice indeed.
"Now, if you could please tell me, are you feeling at all sleepy?" Zecora asked sweetie. Trixie turned her head towards the silly zebra and gave a wide drooling grin.
"Very." She cooed warmly. Zecora smiled and patted at the bed roll, where Trixie promptly sat down with a smile.
"That brew you drank, will help you sleep, it relaxes, nice and deep. In my village, this game we play, to see how long awake we stay. " Zecora explained. How long they could stay here? For a brief moment Trixie was slightly baffled by the mysterious quip, but she found the answer in short supply. The sweet, tingling sensations of whatever it was that she drank, were getting stronger and stronger. She felt like she was floating up off the ground and it tickled wonderfully. At the same time, she was getting sleepy. Sleepier and sleepier. She blinked once, then twice, now struggling to keep herself awake. All the while, Zecora watched over her vigilantly with her quiet smile. After a moment or two longer, Trixie's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed into the bed roll with a cozy grin.
"Good night pupil, now you rest, you've quite far to go on your quest. " Zecora sighed, tucking the sleeping Trixie into the bedroll. Now to get some sleep herself...
"See without seeing and it may save your very being," Zecora explained as the two of them sat silently in the clearing. Staring at a tree. Like they'd been doing for the last hour. Trixie, who had first been impressed with Zecora unconventional mystical abilities, was seriously beginning to question if the zebra was a few stripes short of a zebra. Wait...no, that didn't make any sense. Ugh. Her mind did strange things when she was bored.
With a gravely annoyed sigh, Trixie shrugged her shoulders. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is bored! It is a dumb tree! Trixie does not see anything!" Trixie huffed, turning to look at the Zebra with an angry snort. Zecora said nothing, simply lifted a hoof to re-orient Trixie's gaze towards the tree. Trixie gave a groan. There was a tree in front of her. She didn't even know what she was supposed to be learning from this, but she knew if she didn't play Zecora's little game, she'd never end up going home.
"Trixie sees a tree. Its probably got a bird in it or something. This is BORING!!" Trixie intoned once again. Zecora did not seem to care in the slightest. She just sat there, quietly in her little meditative pose, peering straight ahead.
"The history of this tree, what can you tell me?" The Zebra cooed softly. Trixie gave a louder groan. This was getting on her nerves.
"Ugh. Enough with the riddles!! Trixie does not know! How is Trixie supposed to know?!! Just tell me what we're looking for! Just TELL me! Trixie came here to learn powerful magic, not waste her time with stupid tree-specific puzzles" Trixie growled. Zecora gave a quiet sigh and drew in a quiet breath. In and out. Calm...caaaaalm...
"Listen to me. Look at the tree. Tell me what you think you see," Zecora whispered quietly, standing up and walking towards the tree in question. She pointed towards it's base, directing Trixie's gaze. There was a slight discoloring near the bottom along the trunk, darker than normal. Trixie squinted her eyes thoughtfully.
"...The...tree has markings on it...Clearly it was in a fire," Trixie snorted. Slowly Zecora nodded her head and Trixie paused as the wheels began to turn.
"Trixie...cannot recall any fires in the Everfree Forest. She would remember reading about it. Big fires always have big stories.... How old is this tree?" Trixie pondered momentarily. Zecora was nodding her head still, as if imploring her to go on. Quietly, Trixie bit her lower lip.
"It must be very old. There's a strange sort of charring towards the top. Trixie shall guess it must have been struck by lightning at some point. But there aren't any more burnt markings along the tree itself, so that isn't what caused the fire...There's a huge broken branch...it must have fallen during a storm, but the tree itself is still standing. It is very resistant. If Trixie needed to knock it over, Trixie would need a very strong spell. " Trixie mused quietly. Zecora smiled and dipped her head.
"Indeed you see, much of the tree, but still far from impressing me." Zecora said quietly, and Trixie gave a sharp snort. What else was she supposed to say? What else was she looking for? She glared at it and let her eyes scan through the branches. It was a boring old tree. Nothing important, nothing usual about it. What was she looking for? Why couldn't Zecora just tell her what she was supposed to see so they could get on with this pointless training? She sighed and stared at the limbs again, trying to look like she were concentrating, and not falling asleep. Branches. Limbs. Branches. Limbs. Branches.
There was a flash of red. For just an instant, but it was there. Something under the leaves and twigs. A cardinal. Cute. Pointless, but cute. But better that staring at nothing. The bird didn't fly away, simply darted a bit left and right along the branches. It seemed particularity occupied with a small knot hole in the side of the tree. From Trixie's vantage, she could guess it had a nest there. Ok. So what? A nest. Eggs perhaps? Eggs...mmm...she'd not eaten since breakfast. Some weird brownish sludge Zecora fed her. Ick. She sighed, noticing a small piece of bark that seemed to peel away from the side of the tree. It looked almost like someone had been scratching at it. Something, at least. Presumably Timber wolves, but Trixie didn't know for sure. The bird shifted. Trixie had been staring at the tree for so long, she caught the tiny flash of movement instantly. When you're bored out of your skull, any movement seemed like a better alternative that staring into space. It had simply hopped to another branch, but to Trixie, it'd been the most exciting part of the afternoon. What was she supposed to be learning from all of this?! And she couldn't just up and call it quits- this crazy Zebra was the only one who knew the way out of the forest. Trixie gave another irritated sigh and squeezed her eyes closed. Ugh. She could still see that stupid tree in her mind. Every inch of it.
"You must see everything, if you're to win, anything." Zecora's voice interrupted her thoughts, babbling about strategy or something. Trixie gave another aggravated sigh. Again with the riddles. She groaned and shook her head. She wasn't learning anything. That was it, she was finished. The pony stood up slowly, paused, and than sat back down.
No. She couldn't leave. Not yet. Whatever it was that Zecora had done to Trixie at their first meeting haunted her dreams. 'Hypnosis' . Earth pony magic. It was a very curious magic, and one Trixie couldn't seem to duplicate no matter how hard she tried. Which, in and of its own right, was fairly disconcerting. Just finding out that Earth Pony 'magic' wasn't all myths and make-believe had her fixated on studying Zecora, and yet, after all the 'training' they'd been doing, Trixie wasn't any closer to learning that power. A power that would surely lead her to a victory in the M.A.G.I.C. Tourney. She HAD to have the secret! And if that meant sitting here, being bored while the Zebra babbled endlessly about things that rhymed, then Trixie could put up with it. She wouldn't quit! She wouldn't go home!"
"Tomorrow meet, one final time, For you I have one last rhyme." Zecora grinned. Trixie blinked and perked her ears, glancing at Zecora in confusion.
"Huh? Did you say something? Trixie was thinking about magic." Trixie explained. Zecora gave a groan and let her shoulders drop. Kids.
"I said it's time for you to go, if you'd been listening, you would know. Just meet me here, tomorrow noon, this tournament comes far too soon." Zecora groaned. She gestured to Trixie, standing up and heading to the edge of the clearing as she slowly lead Trixie out of the forest. She was mildly tempted to offer Trixie a Poison Joak flower, just as a 'going away present' but thought better of it. "I think in time, you will see, what you've come to learn from me." Zecora grinned quietly. Trixie rolled her eyes. Yeah. Sure. How to be bored out of your mind and get hit in the face with beanbags.
"Uh...well, uh...thaaaaanks." Trixie groaned awkwardly and forced a disappointed smile. She didn't learn one scrap of magic while she was here. ugh. "Trixie supposes she should formally invite you to witness her greatness in the M.A.G.I.C Duel, " Trixie chuckled meekly. The zebra raised an eyebrow, and slowly her lips twisted into a warm grin.
"Honored I think I'll be, thank you for inviting me." Zecora smiled warmly. Trixie couldn't help but to think the zebra shaman was laughing at her. Train her wrong as a joke just to watch the unicorn fail. Ugh. No. Trixie shook the thoughts free of her head. She had to trust in Twilight, and Twilight's friends. ...Who were also...Her friends? Rarity said this Zebra helped Twilight when it came to magic problems, and Trixie had to trust she wouldn't lead her astray. That's how friendship worked right? Trust? That was one of the elements, wasn't it? No, wait, that's honesty, Those are two different things, sort of. She'd have to ask Applejack.
* * * * *
Lost in her own thoughts, on her way through town, Trixie nearly slammed into a blue blur that shot by her in a flash. Ugh. She knew that pony. One of Twilight's friends. And her by association. In theory. Sort of. Kind of...
"HEY! There you are! We've been lookin' every where for you, Trixie!" came the spirited voice of Rainbow Dash, who slowly lowered down and hovered in front of Trixie. Trixie raised an eyebrow. We? ...Oh. From around the corner bounced Pinkie Pie, who had a large silver chalice bouncing about in the curly pink loops of her mane. Somehow, she managed to do this without spilling a single drop of whatever mysterious substance she was transporting. More weird earth pony magic. That creepy unnatural sense of balance they had...
"Well, you've found Trixie. Congratulations. What do you want?" Trixie sighed quietly. She'd just spent the last two days wasting time with a Zebra who was supposed to be teaching her new and impressive magic. Now she only had a day to get to Canterlot, register for the tournament, and figure out exactly how she was going to win. She was not in the greatest of moods.
Regardless of her verbal snap, Rainbow Dash was grinning her head off, as if she were extremely proud of herself which, Trixie could guess, wasn't all that far from the truth.
"Soooooo we heard you were going to a dueling tournament! First of all, don't you ever sneak off to one of those without letting me know!" Rainbow snapped to Trixie's surprise. The other blue pony leaned in and wrapped an arm around Trixie's shoulder with a sly grin. "Don't let the wing's fool ya, magic duels are freakin' awesome! When I was in Flight School, we used to watch the unicorn teams practice from Cloudsdale after class! I totally got hooked! I'm a huge fan of Silverswirl, but I totally think Razzle Dazzle is takin' the Master's Wand this year." She squawked, much to Trixie's ultimate surprise. So much surprise, in fact, that it spilled over into glittery smile.
"You...like dueling? Ha! HAHAHA! Unexpected! The Great and Powerful Trixie believes both of them to be powerless foals in comparison! SilverSwirl is too reliant on her reputation, and Razzle Dazzle is strong, but she's far to careless! And for YOUR information, Dashie, Trixie is to win the Master's Wand this year." She snorted. Rainbow Dash offered her a friendly grin and gestured to Pinkie, who tilted her head, and toppled the glass from her head and directly in front of Trixie's hooves.
"I'll believe it when I see it- which is why me and Pinkie whipped up an energy shake for you! Fitness and training are second nature to Pegasai, so I'm sharin' my super secret energy recipe with you. I added some mint leaves and spring tea, cause I hear that helps restore your your concentration pool? Focus Pool? Whatever, when I added that stuff it tasted horrible. So I asked Pinkie to help add some 'not-suck'. now it tastes like a chocolate shake!" Rainbow beamed brightly. Slowly, Trixie raised an eyebrow, peering at the two of them warily.
"Why...Why would you go to the trouble of doing this for...T-Trixie is...confused." Trixie stammered, taking a step back. This was weird. Really weird. Rainbow and Pinkie were smiling at her.
"Cause you're Twilight's buddy. 'Special buddy'. And Rarity said if Twilight can see the light, and we can't, it just means we need to try harder. I mean, I guess if Egghead likes you, ya can't be all bad. And, we totally have somethin' in common!" Rainbow exclaimed. Trixie couldn't help herself and pulled Rainbow Dash into a gentle hug. Pinkie beamed quietly, watching Trixie and Rainbow. In some alternate dimension somewhere, the two might be sisters. From the hug, she could observe they had the same body structure and shape, not to mention the fierce love of competition. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Trixie twirled around and struck a well practiced pose. If this was what friendship was like, Trixie could get used to this!
"Well, Rarity is right! The Great and Powerful Trixie has reformed, and...um...really...appreciates this." She stammered, quietly lifting the glass to her lips, and swallowing the chilled concoction of Rainbow's secret recipe. Ugh. Oh, there was the faint taste of chocolate, but it was over powered by a far worse taste that now swirled around her mouth. She coughed, and choked it down. She had experimented with potion crafting in her early teens, but never got to far with it. Still, all the magazines claimed that energy shakes were the way to go when it came to training, and if it tasted THIS bad, it must have been healthy for her! She forced a shakey grin, and dipped her head towards Rainbow Dash and Pinkie.
"Trixie must prepare for tomorrow, ...Thank you very much." Trixie stammered sheepishly. For a flimsy second, she was scared they might not accept her gratitude. That the two of them might mistake it for snark, but they grinned back, and meandered off, leaving Trixie standing there with the shake.
Nope. She tried. She really really did try. But it was hopeless. The alarm was relentless in its pursuit of her conscious state and it got exactly what it wanted. Trixie lifted her head with a dull groan. Four-Thirty. This is what she wanted. Get to the tournament early, sign in, scope out the competition as they arrive, form strategies, win. That's the plan.
Trixie twisted around to sit sideways on the edge of her bed, letting her legs dangle over the side and she yawned. She didn't sleep at all, that energy shake she had consumed earlier was an extremely poor choice. Didn't matter though. Sleep or no sleep, the great and powerful Trixie was gonna win and such and such. Just had to lift her hips. Slide off the bed. That was all. She'd be fine once she was on her hooves, but she was starting to fall asleep. Finally. (Isn't that always the case? Start to fall asleep just as you need to wake up. Ugh) She knew it. She could feel it. She slid back under the covers quietly. The bed was so so so so warm, and so so so so comfortable. So deliciously cozy, that she yawned and curled right back up under the covers. Just five minutes. She could really use just five minutes. That's all she needed. All that 'training' she'd done at Zecora's wasn't doing her any favors. She slid her eyes closed. Usually, Twilight would be the one to shake her awake so she wouldn't over sleep. But Twilight wasn't here. No, Twilight was in the castle, kissing Celestia's fat flanks instead of helping her like she promised. That wound was still open, forgiveness or not, and that thought just submerged it in salt. Trixie snarled quietly and sat up. What was she doing?! She didn't have time to go back to sleep. She had a tournament to win, Twilight or not!!
Ten minutes later, Trixie was sitting in the early morning cold in front of the train station. She could see her breath floating up in front of her as she sat there; shivering. This was the life of a super star. An ace duelist. A powerful magician. This is exactly what she wanted: freezing her cutie mark off while waiting alone at an empty train station while a heavy fog started to roll in. Her best friend had more 'important' priorities. Everypony else too, of course. Trixie sniffled quietly.
"Is this as good as it gets?!" Trixie suddenly yelled into the silence. The fog echoed her words across the empty train yard. No one replied. Was this the life she'd been chasing after all these years? Things were supposed to be different now! She was with Twilight! That was supposed to change everything! She wasn't supposed to be alone anymore. This wasn't supposed to happen! She did everything right! She changed! She was nice! She apologized for everything and still...
Still...
Still there was nopony there for he-
"Do all duelist git up so early? I figured ya'll were city folk and slept in. " A gruff voice petered out of the fog. Trixie tilted her head curiously, snapped free of her thoughts by a voice that sounded like, but couldn't be...
"Applejack?" Trixie asked curiously as the orange farm pony stepped through the heavy fog, sitting down next to the astonished blue mare. The farm gal grinned quietly and adjusted her hat.
"Eeeeyup." Applejack smirked, bright eyed and bushy tailed.
"What ar-" Trixie began to ask, but found her voice cut off by another voice. A brash, rowdy voice that was louder than it needed to be. She knew that voice. What on earth was happening?
"We're not late, are we? Are we late?! We didn't miss the train, did we? I can hardly see anything with all of this fog. This is what happens when I take a day off. Fog. What are they doing up there?!" barked an angry voice above her that sounded an awful lot like Rainbow Dash.
"Fog? Darling, if that were the case wouldn't it be foggy all the time?" someone who sounded terribly close to Rarity giggled. There was a harsh snort overhead before the heavy sound of wings flapping and fluttering brought down a blue pegasus who touched down daintily on her other side. More figures emerged from the fog. Slowly stepping up onto the train's platform to her ultimate disbelief.
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike and Fluttershy, crammed themselves onto the platform, until they were all sitting in a nice, neat little line and surrounding a hopelessly confused Trixie. They were all laughing and chatting, and grumbling about how terrible it was to wake up so early and talking about what they had for breakfast. Casually. As if Trixie wasn't even there! She balked.
"ENOUGH! Trixie demands everypony stop talking! What are you all doing here?!" She snapped, hopping to her hooves and glaring at the six of them. Some sort of joke? A Trap? A Going away party? Did they think she was leaving ponyville for good?! Was that it? The secret why Twilight was so eager to help with the Princesses problems? Were they so tired of her already? Were they so eager to see her leave they got up extra early just to make sure? Trixie snarled. She'd changed! Everything was supposed to have changed, but it was all the same! All over again!
"Uh, duh, M.A.G.I.C. Tournament." Rainbow explained, rolling her eyes. Trixie growled, splaying her ears back against her head.
"Yes, Trixie knows where she's going. That doesn't explain what all of you are doing here, " Trixie snapped- although hesitantly. Rarity rested a hoof on her shoulder and flashed her charming grin.
"You invited us, dear. Remember? Did you think we wouldn't come?" Rarity explained softly, watching Trixie's facial expressions jump to anger to confusion. Yes, she had invited them. She'd said that, and they'd said yes, but she didn't actually believe they would uproot their activities just to watch her fail at some tournament. Certainly not at four-fifty in the morning. Not for her.
"Y-Yeah...Trixie just thought...just wasn't...expecting..." Trixie stammered, before Pinkie offered a yawn, and gestured to her friends. As if to say" Well we're here!" All of them were happy- tired and sleepy, but happy. Smiling quietly around Trixie who felt all the more confused.
"Listen here, Suga'cube. Know yer' new at this here friend thing 'n all, but if I say I'm gonna be someplace, gosh darn it, I'm gonna be there. Same goes for the rest of us. Especially if we're helpin' out a friend." Applejack announced proudly, whilst Rarity slid up next to Trixie and grinned warmly.
"You really didn't think we'd let you go off and do this alone, did you?" Rarity cooed, while Trixie shook her head, tugging her hat down to cover her muzzle. Her hotly blushing muzzle with wet cheeks.
"Y-Yes. Trixie is used to being an army of one..." Muttered the little blue pony through her magician's hat. Rarity could detect hints of sadness, and shyness hiding underneath, but an overwhelming joy also trying to burst through. Poor thing seemed a bit overwhelmed.
"Well now you've got an army of your own, darling. Breathe in, breathe out, back straight, look at you slouching! You are a duelist, darling! One must look the part!" Rarity smiled gently. Trixie did as she was told, tugging herself into a more upright position. She couldn't stop smiling, which was problematic, because her face was starting to hurt.
"Yo...You're all...here for me? Really?" She asked, her voice murky with emotion. Pinkie Pie cheerfully nodded her head.
"Yeah! Duh! Who's gonna throw you your super duper celebration party when you win?" She giggled as if it were the most basic of answers, to the most basic of questions.
"I...I..." Trixie sputtered as a train whistle rippled through the fog, masking her voice. Slowly, the train pulled up to the platform along the tracks, and came to a stall. Trixie turned to look at her group. Her...friends and wiped a tear from her eyes.
"AHEM! T-The Great and Powerful Trixie....r-really appreciates this. So much...thank you... AHEM...W-Well...We had...better get moving then," Trixie squeaked, still unable to believe this was happening to her. Each word forced out though choked sobs of happiness. This couldn't be happening to her... but it was. They all boarded the train, and Trixie- who was slightly nervous undertaking this huge adventure on her own, suddenly had companions by her side. This was new. This was all new. Confidence and strength pulled from others. Real, true strength that wasn't flimsy and fake, but the real power of friendship!
Trixie smiled happily- she could get to like this.
The ride to Canterlot was far more enjoyable than Trixie could have imagined. Instead of sitting quietly, and practicing her slight of hoof tricks for two hours, she was caught up in an epic conversation about duelists, strategies and abilities with Rainbow Dash of all ponies! Ha! Pinkie, bless her, kept buying snacks and treats from the cart for every pony. The trip was the most fun Trixie had ever had on a train, and it was all due to her new friends!
"Ya'll look as happy as a pig in the mud, Trixie," Applejack chuckled quietly. Trixie raised an eyebrow, and stole a glance at Rarity, who was rolling her eyes.
"Did she just refer to the great and powerful Trixie as a pig?" Trixie whispered in disbelief. Rarity, who was sitting across the booth next to Rainbow Dash, nodded her head with a snort.
"Just, roll with it darling. Tis one of her country-isms, " she whispered back. Trixie had to laugh. Right! Pig it was then! Wait, why was she okay with this? Since when was she okay with being called a pig by a farmer? Since she's your friend, and she doesn't mean anything negative by it. cooed a little voice inside of her head.
Trixie grinned quietly. "Well, why shouldn't Trixie be happy? She is surrounded by her... friends. She is about to win a tournament! She *yawn* doesn't even need Twilight. She is a super star!" Trixie explained, while Dash and Rarity shared glances.
"Darling, we've discussed Twilig-" Rarity began, but Trixie cut her off with a dismissive waggle of her hoof. She took a deep breath, as if to cleanse herself of thoughts of Twilight and forced a warm smile.
"Yes, yes, Trixie was just...oh! Is the ride over already?!" Trixie squeaked. Indeed, the train was already pulling up to the Canterlot station Crowded was the term Trixie would have used. No, the platform wasn't crowed. It was overflowing! Ponies of all shapes and sizes were crammed up onto the platform, all of them underneath a hypnotic buzz of conversation.
"W-Whoa nelly...D-Didn't expect so many...p-ponies, so early!" Applejack squeaked quietly. Fluttershy didn't either, because the moment she'd stepped off the train, she fainted into Pinkie's arms. Rarity pet Applejack on the shoulder and smiled to the others.
"Darling, I think Applejack and I are going to find the hotel next to the arena and take a load off our hooves. Pinkie, Fluttershy, you should come with us. Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked, but Rainbow shook her head, leaning against Trixie.
"No way! You guys go on. I wanna check out the stadium!" She squeaked excitedly. Trixie nodded her head with a brilliant smile.
"Very well! Trixie and Dashie shall visit the arena and sign up for the tournament! You guys secure us a room at the hotel!" Trixie squeaked. Her voice was hitting pitches she didn't know she had. She was just...so...happy! She was so happy she didn't know what to do with herself. She hopped into the air, clicking her heels together, and started to skip off towards the arena with Rainbow Dash following behind.
"Gotta say...Ain't never seen her so durned happy. Sure do hope Trixie's been practicin'. These here folk look like they mean business." Applejack winced. These were the most muscular, in shape unicorns Applejack had ever SEEN. Most unicorns were a little on the, eh, plumper side of things Applejack had observed but these- these were unicorns that were ripped. Something inside Applejack made her shudder quietly. She sure hoped Trixie knew what she was doing. The last thing she wanted to see today was a one sided fight...
******************
"This is so cool!" Rainbow squealed as her and Trixie made their way into the arena. Multicolored ponies of all shapes and sizes were milling about and most of them simply talking among themselves.' Trixie smirked. Soon enough they would all be talking about her. Well, they would be if she could just find the-there!
"Hey! Rainbow Dash! Over there!" Trixie explained, pointing to the end of what looked like a tremendously short line leading to a small red booth.
"Is this registration? It's totally deserted." Rainbow squeaked quietly. Trixie grinned and smugly made her way towards the booth. Arrive early- check! Her dreams of being in a M.A.G.I.C. Tournament were about to come true! A real, live, professional tournament! She could feel the excitement shivering through her veins as she approached the booth. There sat a wizened grey unicorn with the loudest orange glasses Trixie had ever seen. She looked like she'd seen better days, or perhaps she just woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Either way, Trixie remained undaunted.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie should like to participate within the dueling contest, today!" Trixie exclaimed as she she reached the booth. The attendant stifled a yawn and pulled out an application form.
"Name?" She asked dully. Trixie straightened up, throwing her head back before brandishing her cape with a flourish of practiced skill.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon!" Trixie announced boldly. The attendant did not seem thoroughly impressed. She scratched down the name on the sheet with her quill before glancing up at Trixie and then back down.
"Sponsor?" She grumbled. Trixie bit her lower lip and shot Rainbow Dash a curious glance. Sponsor? She was supposed to have a sponsor? Nopony told her she needed a sponsor!!
"Trixie...uh...wooooooooooould...like to represent herself?" Trixie asked nervously, flashing the attendant her most radiant smile. The attendant did not smile back.
"That will be one thousand bits for the entry fee, then, in addition to the fifty bit application fee. We don't accept Jangles, " The mare grumbled. Trixie shot Rainbow Dash a sheepish look. Rainbow Dash shrugged. The attendant sighed, and took the sheet, tearing it up slowly in front of them.
"No sponsor, no money, no deal. I've got ponies waiting in line." She snapped, pointing away from her booth at the non existent ponies waiting in line. Trixie took a step back with a loud indignant gasp.
"Here we go..." Rainbow Dash groaned to herself. Trixie drew back on her hind legs, gasping in shock.
"I am the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie! These prices are OUTRAGEOUS! TRIXIE DEMANDS TO SPEAK TO THE PONY IN CHARGE!" She barked.
Almost immediately, Trixie caught a flash of brown in the corner of her view. At first, at very first, she thought it was a tank. There was a tank in the stadium. Probably because of some great war fought here or something, so that wasn't too strange; until it moved. It shuffled into her vision silently and quickly, as if it were somehow gliding across the air. A huge, monstrous creature that positively towered over the diminutive Trixie and all other creatures in the room. It was shaggy- covered in deep brown fur from head to toe, like a giant puff ball. Also, it had tusks. Huge, massive, dark yellow tusks that jutted out where Trixie was guessing it's face might be underneath all of the fur. It was...Good lord, it was a Woolly Mammoth. There was a Woolly Mammoth towering in front of her. And just when Trixie thought things couldn't get anymore surreal, it growled out in a great, huge, deep dark trembling roar: "Is there a problem?"
The ponies in the room all widely circled Trixie, trying to keep as much distance as possible from her and the mammoth mammoth. Things were about to get messy.
".......Trixie wanted to talk to the pony in charge." "Trixie whimpered, gazing up at the behemoth creature. The mammoth leaned down slowly, just until Trixie could see the name tag on it's wide, wide chest: Sunshine Sparkle Dust; Floor Leader. Trixie balked and swallowed a lump in her throat.
"Just wanted to say you're, um, you're doing a fantastic job!" Trixie squeaked and squee'd as hard as she possibly could. Pleasedon'thitmepleasedon'thitmepleasedon'thitme... before she knew it, she felt Rainbow Dash tugging at her tail, backing her away from the ominous giant.
"What the hay was THAT?! Is there some sort of alternate story going on right now that we're not aware of? Cause that was really weird. Like, someone bought a Woolly Mammoth back to life and it's leading a tournament registration at an arena in Canterlot? I ....I really wanna hear the rest of that story." Rainbow chirped. Trixie gave a snarl and magicked Rainbow's tail to pull the other pony back towards her while Rainbow tried to dart off. She didn't have time for this.
"Let's worry about registration first! Trixie only has till the end of the day to register, and she doesn't have a sponsor, or a thousand bits to buy in! What are we going to do?" Trixie asked glumly. She strolled out onto the street with Rainbow following close behind, and she sat down on the curb.
"Well, maybe we can come up with the bits by the end of the day. Registration ends at six, right? I mean, how hard could it be to come up with a thousand bits in twelve hours?" She chuckled nervously. Trixie only glanced up at her with teary eyes and Rainbow shut her mouth. It was hopeless. Really it was, and both of them knew it.
"...Guess....guess we might as well head back to the others. No reason to book a hotel when we aren't going to be competing. Waste of bits," Trixie muttered, her cape trailing behind her as she stood up and began the long, long walk to the hotel next door. She didn't know what she was thinking. The day might actually turn out alright for once. HA! Not for Trixie. Never for Trixie. So close and yet so far. It wasn't fair! It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair, it wasn't fair!! Why would the universe decide to toy with her? Make her think she was going to the tournament alone, only to give her support at the last second- only to snatch it all away again. WHY?! WHY HER?! ALWAYS HER?!
"G-Gimmie a minute. " Trixie sputtered, turning away from Rainbow Dash with quivering shoulders. Rainbow Dash frowned at the other girl, who took to hiding her face underneath her hat. A very, very awkward minute. Rainbow Dash bit her lower lip while Trixie sat on the curb and tried to collect herself. It wasn't working, though. Every few moments, Trixie would shudder and sniffle and lurch forward, throwing her face deeper into her hat.
"Ugh. This is lame. I'm outta here." were the last words Trixie heard, before the sound of fluttering wings alerted her that Rainbow Dash had left her sitting on the side of the street. Alone. Trixie couldn't blame her, nor did she. Everything had gotten off track. Twilight not being able to help her, the strange, time wasting training Zecora gave her. Not getting any sleep the night before, and now this. How did she miss all of the signs? The universe was toying with her again and she fell for it. All of it. Hook line and sinker. All because she'd been blinded by 'friendship.' She had gotten lazy. She stopped looking out for herself. Let her guard down. Opened herself up to this. This was all her fault. No matter how much she convinced herself she'd changed, the universe refused to budge. Somepony sat down next to her, and Trixie shook her head. She couldn't deal with anypony right now. Why couldn't the universe just give her a minute!!
"Please go away." Trixie sobbed quietly from underneath her hat. Whoever was next to her shifted and sighed. She had an earthy, musky scent to her, and Trixie didn't even need to hear the accent to know who it was.
"Ya'll better win."
Trixie's ears perked, and she sniffled quietly. What? She lifted her hat, just enough to see Applejack, sitting on the side of the curb, watching ponies busily race by, here and there, darting about with their busy lives. Trixie gave another sniffle, and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"W-What di-"
"You heard me. Ya'll. Had better. Win. Rainbow Dash came by, told us ya'll had a bit of a predicament. Pinkie Pie don't own the bakery. Rarity ain't popular enough here, yet. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash don't own no company or nothing. Twilight's busy... so I guess Sweet Apple Acre's will have to do. I don't know much 'bout sponsorships or nothin' but Sweet Apple Acre's ain't never come in anything lower than second place, so you'd bett-" Applejack squawked. She didn't get a chance to finish. Trixie was hugging her far, far to tightly.
