//------------------------------// // A Great and Powerful Performance? (Part One) // Story: sPxHoLEic ~ A Great And Powerful Friendship ~ // by MythrilMoth //------------------------------// Trixie rooted through her saddlebags, fishing deep into the crevices with her hoof. After several minutes of searching the empty bags, she studied the pile of things spread out on her bed. There were many books, magical props, assorted alchemical substances, and personal effects. There were things Trixie picked up somewhere that she honestly didn't recall owning and couldn't even immediately identify. Trixie had a great many things indeed stored in her saddlebags. What she did not have... ...were bits. Trixie's ears folded around her head. "Trixie is broke..." * * * * * "Broke?" Twilight echoed at breakfast. It was just the two of them and Spike; Sugarcoat had left before any of them were even awake, leaving a caustic note on the refrigerator and dire imprecations of much work for Twilight later in the day. Trixie poked at her pancakes miserably. "Trixie has spent a great deal of money since returning to Ponyville, but Trixie's money has only been flowing in one direction." She swiped a bite of pancake through the raspberry syrup on her plate and spent a moment savoring it, then continued, "Trixie has no more money than a burro living under a bridge in a park in Manehattan." Twilight frowned. "Well, since you're technically my student now, I could give you a scholastic stipend..." Trixie turned her nose up. "The Great and Powerful Trixie does not need your charity, Twilight Sparkle! I prefer to earn my money." She sighed. "But in order to do that, Trixie will need to leave Ponyville..." Before either mare could blink, Trixie's fully packed saddlebags, along with her traveling cloak and hat, materialized on the table. "Too bad, we'll miss you, sorry to see you go, best be on the road, be sure to write!" Spike said in a rush. "SPIKE!" Twilight snapped, glaring disapprovingly at him. Trixie gave him a half-lidded stare and slowly, deliberately chewed her next bite of pancake. "What?" Spike retorted innocently. "You said it yourself, you have to leave town to make money." "Why do you need to leave Ponyville to make money, Trixie?" Twilight asked. Trixie stared at her incredulously. "Are you serious?" Twilight's hurt and confused expression answered for her. Trixie groaned in annoyance. "Trixie is a performing magician, Twilight. Have you forgotten that?" Narrowing her eyes, she continued, "Have you forgotten what happened the last time Trixie performed in Ponyville?" Twilight cringed, her ears folding flat against her skull. "Oh." "This town, Twilight Sparkle, put Trixie on the road to ruin." "Actually, you kinda did that to yourself, with all the bragging and everything," Spike pointed out. "If you hadn't claimed to have vanquished an Ursa Major, Snips and Snails probably wouldn't have gone looking for an Ursa, they wouldn't have brought it to Ponyville, Twilight wouldn't have shown you up..." Trixie levitated Spike into the air and turned him upside down. "Excuse me," she said frostily, "but in all my years of performing the same speech to attract crowds, never once has anypony in my audience been that stupid." "You...make a good point," Spike admitted. Twilight took Spike from Trixie's magic and set him down in a chair, then frowned at Trixie. "Still, you didn't really get off on the right hoof with anypony that day," she said. "All the bragging, the nasty things you did to my friends..." Trixie threw her hooves in the air and groaned. "I'M A SHOWPONY, TWILIGHT! My entire art revolves around theatrical displays and exaggeration! If I went out on that stage and just said 'Watch Trixie set off some fireworks and make some things fly around', do you think anypony would stick around for the show, much less hoof over any bits?" Twilight blinked. "Well...when you put it that way," she said. "Still, the things you said and did to my friends..." "They were heckling me," Trixie said, grinding her teeth. "A showpony who does not immediately deal with hecklers by making them look foolish in as entertaining a way as possible quicky finds herself a showpony without an audience." She took a sip of juice, then continued, "For whatever reason, Princess, your friends decided to interfere in my livelihood. Had I not responded in kind, the audience would have walked away, and I would have wasted my entire time in Ponyville." She frowned. "Of course, the Ursa incident ultimately did far more damage to my reputation and finances than if I had simply written off the one show because of a few hecklers, but I didn't know at the time that anything like that would actually happen." "Hey, my friends wouldn't—" Twilight began, but paused, her eyes wide as the incident from years ago played out again in her mind. Spike looked up at her. "Twilight?" Just then, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity burst into the room. "Twilight! Our Cutie Marks are glowin'!" Rainbow cried. "We came as fast as we could!" Applejack said. Twilight looked around at the three of them, blinking. "The Map summoned you?" She checked her own Cutie Mark; it was completely normal. She set her jaw, then turned back to Trixie. "Sorry, Trixie. We'll have to finish this discussion later." Trixie, for her part, was staring at the brightly glowing Cutie Marks in confusion. "What in the world...?" Spike grinned. "Come check it out, this is pretty cool." * * * * * Five ponies and a dragon stood around the Cutie Map. Three Cutie Marks—Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity—hovered above the Map's representation of Ponyville, directly over the castle itself. Their actual flanks had stopped glowing the moment they set hoof in the throne room. Trixie stared at the hovering Cutie Marks. "Trixie had believed this map to be merely ornamental," she said, jaw scraping the floor. "What magic is this?" "One of a kind," Spike said, claws behind his head. "One of a kind." "So...th' friendship problem we need t' solve is...right here?" Applejack asked, tilting her head. "Well that sucks," Rainbow Dash said with a frown, crossing her hooves in midair. "I was hopin' we'd get to go on an epic pony quest, and we're already where the Map wants us to be?" "I don't understand," Rarity said. "What sort of friendship problem could we find right here in Twilight's castle?" "I think I know," Twilight said softly. She turned to Trixie, who was still staring in awe at the map. "Trixie...back when you first came to Ponyville, it was these three mares who disrupted your show and set off the entire chain of events that ruined your life, right?" Trixie blinked, then frowned, studying Twilight's friends. "It certainly was," she said. "H-hey now, wait a minute," Applejack began hotly. "Ruined her life?" Rarity asked incredulously. "What're you talkin' about Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight faced her friends seriously. "Girls," she said, "Trixie needs to put on a show to earn some money. She can't perform here in Ponyville because nopony here will pay to see her show after everything that happened the last two times she was here. I think...I think the Map called the three of you to help Trixie." "To help her what, pack?" Rainbow demanded. "To help her repair her reputation in Ponyville," Twilight explained, "so that she can put on a successful show here and not have to leave town." "But why us?" Rarity asked. Twilight sighed. "Because the three of you owe Trixie an apology," she said, "for disrupting her first performance in Ponyville three years ago." Blank stares met that proclamation. "I beg your pardon, darling, but...how exactly are we to blame for—?" "Rarity," Trixie said, "how would you react if you were giving a fashion show and somepony in the audience started loudly criticizing your designs?" She tossed her mane, then affected an upper-class Canterlot accent. "I say, did that pony throw up on some cloth and call it a dress? Where did this mare learn fashion design, at clown school?" "Now wait just a—!" "Rainbow Dash," Trixie said. "Suppose somepony started throwing tomatoes at you while you were doing stunts?" Rainbow Dash frowned. "Like anypony could hit me with a tomato when I'm flying." "Yes, but how would it make you feel?" Trixie pressed. "More importantly, how do you suppose your audience would react?" Rarity and Rainbow exchanged glances. Their ears drooped. "The three of you disrupted my show with your heckling," Trixie said. "Yeah, well...you were pretty mean to us after that!" Rainbow retorted hotly. "In self-defense!" Trixie protested. "If I had simply stood there and taken your verbal abuse, the crowd would have walked away! I had to use my magic to shut you down to keep the crowd interested!" She glanced at Rainbow. "I'm sure if somepony was throwing things at you during a show, you'd take a shot at them, right?" Rainbow took a step back, a guilty look on her face. "Maybe," she admitted. She frowned. "But you can't blame everything you've done in Ponyville on us!" Trixie sighed. "You're right. I can't, and I don't. That whole thing with the Alicorn Amulet was a stupid mistake...one I've been paying for every day since. I've been working hard to make a comeback ever since then, but I never could let go of..." She glanced at Twilight. "Well, let's just say I've always felt like I had unfinished business here in Ponyville. And that's why I came back. But in order to stay here, I need to be able to put on a show and earn some money." "An' that ain't gonna be easy with your track record here," Applejack said with a sigh. "That's why I think it's up to you three to help Trixie rebuild her reputation in Ponyville," Twilight said. "I know you all still have issues with Trixie, but you need to work through that, accept her for who she is...be her friends." Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity looked at each other. "Well...I suppose," Rarity said. Rainbow frowned. "I...I guess I can kinda see that," she said. Applejack tipped her hat down over her eyes. "Shoot, if'n Ah can't own up t' maybe havin' wronged somepony without meanin' ta..." "Great!" Twilight said brightly, clapping her hooves. "Now, let's all sit down and make a plan for how to get Trixie's groove back in Ponyville!" "Excuse me, but you have other business to attend to," a new voice intruded. The group looked around to see Sugarcoat entering the throne room, several clipboards floating around her head. "The first of your new staff are arriving today, you have three schedules to approve, and we need to go over the royal budget for the castle." She looked around the room, adjusting her glasses as she stared at the Cutie Map. "You have a glowing table with Cutie Marks floating above it," she stated unnecessarily. "And then there's this plothole," Rainbow Dash muttered, dragging a hoof down her face. Twilight sighed. "Alright...girls, you handle Trixie. I...have Princess stuff to do." She trudged toward Sugarcoat with her ears down and her wings limp. Spike sighed. "One of these days," he said, shaking his head. "One of these days..." He tottered off after Twilight and Sugarcoat. "Good luck, girls!" he called behind him. "You're gonna need it," he added in a loud mutter. "I don't particularly care for that Sugarcoat," Rarity said with a mild frown. "She's...abrasive." "At least she has pleasant enough looks," Trixie said. She blinked as the others stared at her. "What?" Applejack chuckled. "C'mon, y'all. Let's git crackin' on this." * * * * * "So, you've already made out schedules and a budget?" Twilight asked curiously. "I've been given a job, I'm going to do it to the best of my abilities," Sugarcoat said. "They tell me you're a scheduling freak, but you need to let me take care of your schedules from now on so there aren't any conflicts." Twilight rolled her eyes. "Fine. So what've we got?" Sugarcoat adjusted her glasses as she leafed through Twilight's schedule. "The next four days are mostly orientation," she said. "Half the palace staff will be arriving later today, the rest will be arriving tomorrow. I've scheduled a series of meetings to draft work schedules and establish employee pay. You have the wedding of Cranky Doodle Donkey and Miss Matilda on Saturday, then three days of rest before you're due to travel to Canterlot to prepare for the Grand Equestria Pony Summit." She paused, flipping back through her notes. "Also, tomorrow you're meeting the new head of your royal catering staff." Twilight blinked. "What do I need with a royal catering staff?" Sugarcoat gave her a half-lidded stare. "You're a princess. This is a castle. You'll be hosting state events here at some point. That's what royal caterers do." She turned her attention back to her notes. "Her name is Lemon Hearts. I've worked with her before; she's worked for Princess Celestia for a long time." Twilight's muzzle crinkled. "That name sounds awfully familiar." "It should," Spike said. "She used to be one of your friends back in Canterlot, remember?" "She did?" Twilight asked, tilting her head. Spike snorted. "I guess you don't remember any of our old friends, do you? Not even the ones who live here in Ponyville now, like Lyra Heartstrings." Twilight's ears folded down. "I was friends with Lyra back in Canterlot? Why didn't she ever say anything?" "Well, it's not like you were ever close," Spike said with a shrug. "I mean, you were always blowing off parties and hanging out to study. Like Moondancer's party the day before we came to Ponyville!" "Moondancer," Twilight said softly, her brow furrowing. "Moondancer..." Sugarcoat let out a snort. "It's kind of pathetic that the Princess of Friendship can't remember her own friends." Twilight sagged. "You're right..." She shook her head. "Spike, send a message to Canterlot. Ask Princess Celestia to keep..." She turned to Sugarcoat. Sugarcoat rolled her eyes. "Lemon Hearts." "Right, her. To keep her from leaving Canterlot until we get there tomorrow morning." Twilight's wings rustled. "You and I have emergency business in Canterlot." "We're...gonna track down all your old friends, aren't we?" Spike asked wearily. "Yes we are!" Twilight said, standing tall. "And this is what they warned me about," Sugarcoat muttered. * * * * * Rainbow Dash rummaged through the pile of magical props Trixie had spread out on the table in one of the many conference rooms in the castle. "Huh," she said. "Some of this stuff actually looks pretty cool." "This is nothing compared to the props Trixie once possessed on her wagon," Trixie said. "Alas, Trixie is presently without her longtime home and traveling stage..." She sighed. "Which, admittedly, would have made it difficult to put on a traveling show..." Rarity blinked. "But whatever happened to your wagon, darling?" she asked. "I know your original wagon was destroyed during the Ursa incident, but you did obtain another one, did you not?" Trixie snorted. "Tirek happened," she said sourly. "Oh," Rarity said softly. "Yes. Hmm." "Tirek happened to a lot of ponies," Applejack said. "Heck, we're still fixin' up stuff he an' Twilight wrecked around Ponyville." "And we're kind of short a public library," Rainbow commented. "Not that anypony ever really, y'know, went to the library for books, but...that's what it was there for, besides being Twilight's home." She bowed her head, ears lowered. Trixie frowned. "Your mayor hasn't dealt with such things?" "Mayor Mare can't deal with a turd in th' middle of th' road," Applejack said, shaking her head. "Don't git me wrong, we all love 'er t' death, but she don't hardly seem t' get much mayorin' done." "And Ponyville's coffers seem to be perpetually empty," Rarity put in. "The mayor once put the financial burden of repairing Town Hall squarely on Applejack's performance in the Canterlot Rodeo." Applejack cringed. "Thanks fer bringin' that up," she said. "Sorry, darling." Rainbow Dash scratched her head. "Huh," she said. "Y'know, I hadn't really thought about it before, but...Ponyville is kind of in sorry shape. I mean, you wouldn't know it because everypony's pretty happy most of the time an' all, but..." She looked around at the other mares. "This town's kinda got some problems, y'know?" "This town has a laundry list of problems," Trixie said. "It would take Trixie all day to—" The others glowered at her. She coughed. "Forgive Trixie," she said. "Old habits die hard." "Yeah, well that stuck-up attitude needs t' die hard," Applejack said. "That right there's a big part of your problem. You say stuff that rubs everypony th' wrong way an' it sure as shootin' don't win ya no friends." "And without friends, you can't really accomplish much of anything," Rarity said. "We've all learned that lesson time and again." "Yeah," Rainbow said. "You may be used to bein' a lone pony, goin' from place to place puttin' on your little shows, but ask yourself, where's it really gotten you? I mean, really." Trixie drew back slightly, raising a hoof, an uncertain expression crossing her muzzle. "It..." She sighed. "Your point is taken," she said softly. "Until Trixie imposed herself upon Twilight Sparkle as houseguest and student, Trixie's life has been...rather forgettable, in all honesty." She sniffled. "In truth, Tri—I don't even have a place to call home." The others looked at each other uncomfortably. "Well," Rainbow said, "what about Ponyville? Isn't...isn't Ponyville sorta your home now?" Trixie snorted. "Ponyville hasn't exactly welcomed me with open hooves," she said. "Well that could change," Applejack said. "Ah mean, if you try hard enough, meet everypony halfway, show 'em you're not...y'know..." "Ponyville is a very welcoming community," Rarity said gently. "Why, Princess Luna has a far more fearsome legacy and reputation than you, and she is the favorite princess of the children of Ponyville!" "Except for when they all got swept up in Twilight-mania," Rainbow added. "Yes, except for that." Trixie looked around. "Do...do you really think Ponyville would accept me?" "All you can do is try," Applejack said. "Whuddya got t' lose?" Trixie sighed. "Still, that does bring Trixie back to the original problem," she said. "Trixie must put on a performance, but Trixie has no place to perform and no bits to procure a stage." "And we don't exactly have a suitable venue for rent," Rarity mused. "One of many civic improvements Ponyville needs..." She sighed. "That there is simply no money in the town budget for..." "How does this town function with a bankrupt bureaucracy?" Trixie wondered aloud. Applejack shrugged. "Mostly it's just folks takin' care of each other an' their own," she said. "We all pitch in t' do whut needs doin' when we can." She sighed. "Course, it means we can't always fix th' big things, like losin' a whole dang library." Rarity gasped sharply. "I-DEE-A!" She bounced on her hooves excitedly, eyes wide and bright. "I just thought of a way to revitalize Trixie's reputation in Ponyville and raise money to build a new library!" As the others looked at her with interest, she continued, "We can organize a charity street festival! Businesses from all across Equestria can open stalls! Trixie can perform! All the proceeds can go to building a new library!" "Hay yeah!" Rainbow said. "That sounds awesome! And fun!" "It'll be a heck of a lot of hard work," Applejack mused, "but me an' Big Mac'll do our part." "I, of course, will encourage the many strong stallions and savvy salesponies in town to contribute their skills to the cause," Rarity said. "As well as inquire of my Canterlot and Manehattan connections to spread the word." "I'll see if I can get the Wonderbolts to do a charity air show!" Rainbow added excitedly. Trixie frowned. "And how exactly does this solve any of my problems?" As the others looked at her, she hurriedly added, "Not that I'm unwilling to help, I mean, after all the trouble I've caused, it's the least I can do, but..." Rarity smiled reassuringly. "Trixie, dear...performing for charity may not necessarily put bits in your saddlebags, but it will earn you something far more valuable." "Yeah," Applejack said. "It'll earn you respect. An' you can make some honest t' goodness friends here in Ponyville workin' on this here shindig." "Besides, it sounds to me like the real problem the Map wants us to solve," Rainbow said thoughtfully, "is what Trixie's future holds." She looked at Trixie. "Whether or not you're gonna live the life of a traveling showpony, or settle down and make a home for yourself. You're destiny's worth way more than a sack of bits, right?" Trixie stroked her chin with a hoof. "You have given Trixie much to think about," she said. "But I agree, this plan to raise money for the town library, that comes first. Trixie is not going anywhere for some time." She drew away from the girls. "If you will excuse me, I...I need to do some thinking." She packed all her magic props back into her saddlebags and left the room. * * * * * "So then I said 'do I look like I have magic pussy pants?' and he said—" Pinkie Pie abruptly stopped talking as her eyes began to contract and dilate out of sync with one another and both of her ears billowed outward. "Pinkie Pie?" "Somepony's planning a party," Pinkie said in a suddenly low, serious tone. "A big party. I gotta go!" And with that, she disappeared in a pink blur. The two mares she'd been talking to looked at each other and shrugged. "So," Minuette said casually, "you're getting a new job in Ponyville." "That's right," Lemon Hearts said. "And you'll never guess who I'll be working for!" Minuette smirked. "Let me guess. Our old friend Twilight Sparkle?" "How'd you guess?" "Umm...because you're a royal caterer?" Lemon Hearts giggled. "Oh yeah!" She shook her head and sighed. "It'll be nice to see Twilight again. Do you think she even remembers me?" "Sure she does!" Minuette said cheerfully. "Why wouldn't she?" A royal page suddenly rushed up to Lemon Hearts. "Important," he wheezed as he hoofed her a note. "From the Princess." Lemon Hearts frowned and unfolded the note, reading it. She blinked. "Twilight's coming here to meet me?" She shook her head. "But...I don't understand...I was supposed to leave for Ponyville on the first train tomorrow..." Minuette giggled. "See? She can't wait to see you again!" "It's...not just her," the page said. He found another note, then passed it to Minuette. "You are Minuette, correct? You've been summoned too." Minuette blinked. "Really?" She looked at the note, and her eyes widened. "Why me? I'm not moving to Ponyville..." "I also have summons for..." The page frowned as he examined the clipboard around his neck. "Twinkleshine and Moondancer." With that, he took off again. Minuette and Lemon Hearts looked at each other. "Our old friends..." Minuette whispered. "What do you suppose Twilight's up to?" Lemon Hearts asked. "No idea," Minuette said. She frowned. "Moondancer, though..." She shook her head. "Yeah..." Lemon Hearts agreed with a sigh. * * * * * Twilight surveyed the group of ponies that arrived shortly before noon with curiosity. They were a decidedly odd bunch. First was the earth pony in a maid's uniform. She had a yellow coat, pinkish eyes, and freckles; her bright fuschia mane was done up in a high ponytail and shot through with lighter fuschia streaks and one green stripe. Her tail was long and lush. Her Cutie Mark was a dark pink heart inside a blue outline of a heart, with a turquoise outline of a diamond bisecting both hearts, its axis slightly off-center. She favored Twilight with a glower. Next was a rather prim unicorn mare with a pale turquoise coat, bright reddish-purple eyes, and a lavender mane in a razor-straight pageboy cut. Several light magenta streaks highlighted her mane. She looked around with interest, her eyes and the frequent press, pinch, and twist of her lips suggesting a number of thoughts were flashing through her mind. Her Cutie Mark was a bright pink sun peeking out from behind a raincloud. The third pony was a tall, ginger-maned stallion whose Cutie Mark was a kitchen knife with a blue ribbon tied around the handle. He wore a spotless white chef's jacket over his forest green coat. And then there was Flash Sentry. Sugarcoat kept pace with Twilight as she walked from one pony to the next. "First, this is one of the maids," she said. "Sour Sweet." "The head maid," Sour Sweet said. "Actually, your sister Syrupy Sweet is the head maid," Sugarcoat pointed out. "That's what she wants you to think," Sour Sweet hissed. Twilight frowned. "Is she...okay?" she whispered to Sugarcoat. "She's a little bipolar," Sugarcoat replied. "A pony as neurotic as you are shouldn't have a problem with that." "HEY!" "Moving on," Sugarcoat said briskly, stepping to the unicorn mare. "Here we have Sunny Flare. She'll be your royal coordinator. She'll be in charge of..." Sugarcoat's brow furrowed. "Coordination," she finished awkwardly. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," Sunny Flare said silkily. "Next we have Cordon Bleu," Sugarcoat said. "He'll be your personal chef." Twilight frowned. "I thought that was supposed to be Lemon Hearts." "No, Lemon Hearts is the caterer," Sugarcoat corrected. "She'll be in charge of the staff that handles large-scale dinners and functions. For every day, Cordon Bleu will be preparing meals for you, the staff, and...whoever else happens to be freeloading on any given day." "I'm all for that," Spike said. "Don't get me wrong, I like to cook, but I could sure use a break sometimes." He toddled up to Cordon Bleu and held out a claw for a hoofbump. "I'll get you up to speed on what everypony likes, maybe even share some of my own recipes." Cordon Bleu bumped his claw with a hoof. "I'm looking forward to it," he said with a faint brogue. "And last we have—" "Flash Sentry, yes, I know who he is," Twilight said. She tilted her head. "Flash, what are you doing here? I thought you were part of the Crystal Guard. Besides, I told Celestia no guards!" Flash rustled his wings, flinching under Twilight's scrutiny. "Don't look at me, this was Princess Cadance's idea," he said. "And Princess Celestia said she doesn't think it's a good idea for any castle to be totally without guards, so..." He shrugged. "Just think of me as a doorman? With armor?" He scratched the back of his helmeted head sheepishly. Twilight facehoofed. "Cadance," she muttered. "That figures." She sighed. "Fine, I guess it won't hurt to have ONE! guard." She looked over the group again and smiled. "Well! I hope you'll all enjoy living here in Ponyville. It's a lot different from Canterlot. I'm sure you'll make lots of friends!" "Yeah, because that's why I left my whole life in Canterlot behind, to make friends with farmers and hayseeds," Sour Sweet said. "Oi," Cordon Bleu barked. "Get your head out of your arse. Act like a fucking adult!" Sunny Flare pressed a hoof to her forehead. "Will you two stop? You've been doing this since we left Canterlot, I swear to Celestia..." "Could you all not do this in front of the Princess of Friendship?" Spike snapped harshly. "Sheesh!" Twilight took a step back, drawing up a hoof. "Wow," she said. "Looks like I've got my work cut out for me with this bunch..." "And you have six more ponies coming in tomorrow," Sugarcoat pointed out. "Aren't you supposed to be in charge of this bunch?" Spike asked. Sugarcoat adjusted her glasses. "I make the schedules and hand out assignments," she said. "I'm not here to deal with their personality problems." "Yeah, you've got your own personality problems to deal with," Spike muttered. "I, uhh...I think I'm gonna..." Twilight looked at the bickering ponies, then at Flash, who gave her a sheepish wing-shrug. "Apple," Twilight finished lamely before teleporting away. * * * * * Trixie laid on her bed, hooves behind her head, staring up at the ceiling without seeing it, lost in thought. She almost missed the bright magenta flash that lit up her room, but her reverie was broken by the heavy sigh, and completely shattered when a second body flopped onto the bed next to her. She glanced over at Twilight, pursing her lips. "I know it's your castle, but you could try knocking," she said. "Sorry," Twilight said. "I just..." She frowned. "Shouldn't you be with the girls, planning your comeback show?" "The plans have...mutated somewhat," Trixie said. "After lengthy discussions, not all of which directly concerned Trixie's well-being, we have unanimously decided to plan a charity street festival to raise money to build a new library." "A new...library..." Twilight's eyes turned sad. "A new library," she whispered. Trixie glanced at her. "I know the Golden Oak Library was your home, and...and I know the idea of replacing it hurts, but...your friends have a point. Ponyville doesn't have a public library anymore." Twilight sighed. "You're right," she said. "It's past time there was a new library for everypony. I just...still can't..." She shook her head. "But enough about me. How does this help you?" Trixie shrugged. "That is what Trixie is presently pondering," she said. Her brow furrowed, and one ear twitched. "I...I have a decision to make, and I think taking part in this festival they're planning is...is important." "A decision?" Twilight asked. Trixie glanced at her. "I have to decide where my destiny lies, Twilight," she said. "Up until today, I never questioned the fact that I'm a traveling magician. It just made sense that that was my entire reason for being. But..." She looked back up at the ceiling. "I'm a pony without a home," she said. "I think...I think the next few weeks are going to be a crossroads for me." She kicked a back leg absently. "Do I move on from here once I feel my studies are complete? Continue my transient lifestyle, carrying everything I own with me from town to town, living show to show? Or...or do I settle down and find a place to call home?" She sighed. "I guess...I guess the real question is, can I call Ponyville home?" Twilight smiled. "I think I'd like that," she said. "You're still pretty rough around the edges, but I've gotten used to having you around. And so has Spike, even though he'll never admit it." Trixie snorted. "So, a street festival, huh?" Twilight mused. "That sounds like fun. And a lot of work to put together." "Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash seem confident they can pull it off," Trixie said. "And I will put forth my own efforts as well." "I don't think you'll be doing it alone," Twilight said. She grimaced. "For once, though, you'll probably be doing it without me. I've already got my hooves full with this conference in Canterlot, and on top of that, Celestia apparently decided I don't have enough crazy ponies in my life, because she just dumped a whole manure wagon full of them right in my lap!" "So that's why you're in here," Trixie said. "You freaked out and ran away." "I did NOT freak out!" Twilight retorted hotly. "I...!" She sighed. "Okay, so I freaked out. But when you meet these ponies, you'll understand why." She paused, then added hesitantly, "And...you may have to deal with them by yourself tomorrow, because Spike and I need to make an emergency trip to Canterlot first thing in the morning." Trixie shot her a sideways glance. "Twilight Sparkle, you are not leaving Trixie alone with that caustic twat Sugarcoat and a castle full of lunatics!" "Actually, I kind of am," Twilight said. "Think of it as a friendship lesson! Try to keep them from killing each other for one whole day." Trixie groaned. "Ugh. Fine. But you owe Trixie!" "That's the spirit!" Twilight stood up and stretched. "Well, I'd better get back downstairs and see if they redecorated my castle with each other." She waved a wing, then teleported away. Trixie shook her head and snorted. "This is what I'm thinking of calling home from now on? I must be insane..." * * * * * In a dilapidated shanty near the old colisseum in Canterlot, an unkempt unicorn mare in a dark pullover sweater studied a royal summons which had been hoof-delivered to her dwelling earlier in the day. "Twilight Sparkle," she muttered to herself. "Twilight Sparkle..." She crushed the summons into a ball and tossed it into the wastepaper bin. "Don't need you...leave me alone..."