//------------------------------// // Bonus Chapter: Her Perspective // Story: Just One Little Lie // by PonySage86 //------------------------------// Trixie adjusts her hat as she walks into the foyer of the hotel, the entrance being mostly empty save for the desk up ahead and the green carpet leading to it, Trixie can see the stairs leading up to the guest rooms to the right of the desk. Trixie faces forward as she approaches the desk and the blue earth pony stallion sitting behind it reading a book. Only in this moment does Trixie realize what a stupid idea it was to order a dress from Sparkle’s designer friend, not only had it been a pain to take her own measurements so she could order the dress without having to actually go to Ponyville, it obviously would have been much simpler to just go to literally any other tailor in all of Equestria but Trixie clearly deserves the best possible dress she can get and begrudgingly she has to accept that Sparkle’s prissy friend is the best way to get that. “Excuse Trixie.” Trixie announces herself as she finally arrives at the front desk, the foyer perhaps being a bit large. “She has an unusual request to make.” The bored looking stallion lowers his book and lazily looks at Trixie. “And what would that be?” “Well you see Trixie is a traveling performer and as she is not staying in this town for long but she is expecting a package very soon Trixie was hoping she could have her mail forwarded here while she is in town.” Trixie asks while giving an award winning smile. The Stallion just stares at her with a bored expression. “Sure, no problem.” He says simply before looking away from her and returning to his book. “Oh... Well, uh... Good. Trixie’s wagon is parked in the alley outside.” Trixie says slowly before she turns around and heads for the door. “Well that was easy.” Trixie thinks to herself, being rather thankful for the compliance as she’d already told Sparkle’s fashionista friend this was where to send the dress when she’d ordered it. With that business taken care of Trixie leaves the hotel and after making sure the door to her wagon is securely locked she begins walking down the street, counting cracks in the sidewalk so she doesn’t get to bored. After several minutes she finally sees her destination up ahead, The ‘Southern Manehatten Apartment Complex’, a three floor apartment building with six rooms on each floor, the same number will be reflected on the other side of the building and as she expected, there was quite the crowd of fans outside, Trixie counts fourteen- no fifteen in total. Their all being held off by a large brown Earth Pony stallion with a black buzz cut, this stallion was the bodyguard and good friend to Manehatten’s favorite performer. “Alright, Alright. Everypony back it up.” The Stallion’s gruff voice bellows loud enough for all to hear clearly. “Ms. Lulamoon is in the preparation stage for the show coming up and can’t take visitors right now. If you really want to see her that bad head over to the theater and buy a ticket before they sell out.” At that suggestion the fans all move out together, five Pegasi flying while the rest walk but none of them wanting to be left out. “You know, Trixie could swear this was exactly what you were doing last time she was here. Those were even some of the same ponies.” Trixie says with a chuckle as she approaches, the large stallion turns and smiles upon seeing her. “Well, well. If it isn’t little Trixie.” He says happily as he hooks one hoof around the much smaller mare and uses the other to give her a noogie through her hat. “Aw jeez uncle Barricade, cut it out.” Trixie whines as she squirms out of the stallions grip, though she is smiling. “Bodyguards are supposed to protect ponies not assault them.” He just chuckles in response. “Oh you Lulamoons, always so sensitive.” Barricade jokes as he bumps Trixie’s shoulder with his hoof. “Your mother always joked that’d she’d have to buy body armor just to interact with me without getting hurt. Even used to wear helmets to school.” Barricade lets out a loud boisterous laugh at the memory of his childhood friend. “Speaking of Mom.” Trixie says as she turns to look at the Apartment building. “You said she was in the preparation stage? So would now be a bad time to-” Trixie stops in mid sentence as Barricade playfully smacks her on the back with another loud laugh. “Come on kid, you know she always has time for you.” Barricade assures her. “You go on inside, you know which room it is.” “Thanks.” Trixie says as she heads inside the Apartment Building, as she walks she rubs her back where Barricades hoof had made contact. “Maybe that body armor isn’t such a bad idea.” Trixie walks into the foyer area, the check in desk sits along the wall, the hall leading to the first floor of rooms can be seen to the right with the stairs leading up to the next floor next to the entrance of the hall. Trixie wordlessly heads to the stairs, the pony behind the desk, a white earth pony mare with a curly blonde mane, does nothing about her seeing as she remembers who Trixie is from her last visit. Trixie climbs up the stairs heading for the third floor, she looks over the rooms, there being number plates next to them but no other decorations on the walls. Trixie finally locates the one she is looking for at the end of the hall, she walks up and knocks on the door and waits. “Who is it? Prima is very busy and wishes not to be disturbed!” Comes the voice from the other side of the door. “Oh ok. Trixie will come back later.” She calls to the voice, moments later hoof beats can be heard rapidly approaching followed by the door swinging open. The mare who opens the door is a blue unicorn with long silver hair that cascades down their shoulders and brilliantly expressive violet eyes, the mare wears an outfit identical to Trixie’s but the hat is pointier and the cape and hat are a dark midnight blue while the star and moon shapes are a deep silver. Standing at the door is Prima Lulamoon, known as Showstopper to her fans. She smiles down at her slightly shorter daughter. “Trixie! What a wonderful surprise. The Amazing and Extravagant Prima was not expecting to see you.” The mother speaks with a dramatic sweep of her cape. “Please come in.” “The Great and Powerful Trixie would be honored.” Trixie says with a bow before following her mother inside the apartment. Trixie felt a little weird as she hadn’t really used that old moniker in quite awhile. But she knows if she just said Trixie her mother would think something was wrong. “Nice to see this place hasn’t changed.” Trixie comments as she looks around the practically empty apartment, every room having only the bare essentials, the living room having a couch and a single chair for sitting with a coffee table in between them, the two bedrooms should only have a bed, dresser and closet if her memory is correct, the kitchen has a fridge, stove and one small table next to a window with two chairs. and of course the bathroom has a toilet, a bath and a sink plus mirror. Trixie smiles at the familiarity. “Naturally, you know what Prima always says.” Prima says as she walks into the kitchen. “Extravagance and excess are for the stage, why would she waste money on decor for the home when she can use it for props or supplies or-” She turns and her and her daughter look into each others eyes. “Fireworks!” They say in unison, then the two laugh together. Prima looks at her daughter cheerfully. “Did you ever perfect that illusion you were telling Prima about?” She asks Trixie, who rubs her hoof on her chest in confidence. “Of Course Trixie did, now she can conjure her own fireworks, watch!” Trixie flings her head to the left and a firework appears out of nowhere and flies over to the living room couch before exploding. Prima claps as the explosion does nothing to her home. “Bravo, Prima is very impressed.” The mother than waves her hooves. “But come, come. Sit down and Prima will prepare some tea.” “Thank you.” Trixie says as she sits down at the small table, the curtains on the window are wide open. “Do you want to invite Uncle Barricade too?” “Oh he’s fine, he loves being outside.” Prima waves off as she brings cups and tea bags to the table and sits down. “You are what Prima wants to talk about.” “Trixie will have to disappoint you then, she has no stories to tell.” Trixie says as she puts the bag into her cup. “She has simply been traveling Equestria and performing in whatever town would have her, which is all of them.” “Ah, that must be so exciting.” Prima says happily. “Oh, what about that amulet you told Prima about? Did you ever find it?” Trixie falters for a moment at the question, having forgotten she was in the middle of her revenge obsession last time she visited. “Uh, no. Trixie never found it. But that’s ok. It was just a silly trinket Trixie was looking for.” Trixie says nonchalantly. “A Trinket Trixie wishes she’d never found.” “Well that is to bad. Hopefully you made some memories at least.” Prima says as she takes a sip of tea, Trixie slowly nods her head in ‘agreement’. “Good, see, there’s always a silver lining.” “Oh really?” Trixie mumbles as she drinks her tea. “Always?” “Of course.” Prima waves a hoof as her horn glows, the curtains on the windows close and the apartment falls into darkness. “In even the darkest night.” Her horn glows once more and the curtain next to the table opens slightly and a thin beam of light shines through. “You shall find a hint of light.” Prima’s horn glows one more time and the curtains open and light returns. “Prima knows that wasn’t actually silver but you get her point.” “Oh jeez mom.” Trixie laughs out loud. “You are so weird.” “Oh Trixie, always so serious.” Prima says with a shake of her head. “You never slow down to experience things.” “Trixie supposes that is true.” She thinks out loud. “Trixie is actually waiting for a package to be delivered, she’ll likely leave town after that.” “Really now dear, you just got here.” Prima says with a frown. “It’s been so long since you were last in town.” “Trixie knows, but she is a traveling magician after all. If she doesn’t travel she’s not working.” Trixie lies convincingly, she looks down into her tea cup, the mare reflected in the liquid has red eyes instead of violet. “Bad things happen when Trixie stays in one place to long.” “Does this mean you won’t be coming to Prima’s birthday party?” Prima asks with disappointment. “It’s next month isn’t it? Trixie will be back in town by then.” Trixie looks away from her mother in defiance. “But Trixie is not wearing a dress got it? She knows your turning fifty but she’s not getting dressed up for it.” “Oh very well. you are an adult now after all.” Prima shrugs as she knows how stubborn her daughter is. “So, would you like to see what Prima is planning for her next Amazing and Extravagant performance?” “Whatever it is, the Great and Powerful Trixie could do it better.” Trixie says with incredible cockiness, only to follow it up by looking at her mother like an excited filly. “But yes, you must show Trixie.” A LITTLE LATER “What was that?” Trixie questions, turning to her mother in surprise. “Prima said, would you like to be in her show?” The mother smiles. “She’d love the chance to work with you on a project.” “Heh, not this time mom.” Trixie shakes her head. “the show is in a couple days isn’t it? Trixie will likely have moved on by then.” She lies, unless Sparkle’s fashion friend rushed her order done and had it express delivered it wouldn’t be here that soon, she’d only ordered it a couple days ago. Trixie simply wants to get more practice with her illusions before trying something like that, her mother’s shows were to important to her to take a risk of screwing up. “Well Prima hopes you’ll at least say good bye before you go. Last time you visited you just up and vanished.” “Well that is Trixie’s favorite trick.” Trixie jokes before sighing. “If Trixie doesn’t say good bye than you’ll never know when she’s coming or going. That means every time you see her will be a surprise.” “Prima knows dear.” The mother says as she hugs her daughter. “She has gotten used to your vanishing acts. But why don’t you spend the night? Prima has a guest room for occasions like this.” “No thanks, Trixie has left her wagon unattended long enough.” Trixie politely declines as she heads out the door. she stands just outside the doorway and smiles to her mother. “Trixie will see you next time.” “Hold on Trixie.” Prima holds the door open. “Prima needs to talk with you.” “What is it?” Trixie inquires from her side of the door. “Prima knows something is wrong.” The mother says with concern. “She doesn’t know what it is and she knows your to stubborn to tell her.” The mother sighs. “Mom, you don’t need to worry about Trixie.” Trixie moves forward and embraces her mother. “Trixie knows how she is but she promises she will always visit again, she will always come back to you.” Trixie frowns into her mother’s shoulder. “Unlike him.” “Trixie, just make Prima a promise.” The older showmare says as she pushes Trixie and holds her at hoof length. “Prima knows you have a... Well less than positive view of ponies. Can you promise her that you will try to trust ponies more? Look for the silver lining and-” Prima taps her daughter’s forehead with a hoof “Think carefully before you do something rash.” “Trixie knows better than to let her emotions control her.” Trixie waves off. “Now.” Trixie looks her mother right in the eye. “Trixie can only promise to be Trixie, whatever that entails.” She sighs and looks down. “But she will make an effort.” “Prima knows you will. Be safe Trixie.” Prima says with a small smile. “She will.. Trixie loves you mom.” Trixie says as she begins heading down the hall towards the stairs. “Love you too sweetheart.” Prima calls down before heading inside and closing the door. SOON: TRIXIE’S WAGON Trixie sighs as she returns to her wagon, glad that the lock was intact as well as the wagon being in the exact same position it had been in before. Trixie looks at the sky and locates the sun, judging by it’s position she can tell it’s mid afternoon, the day won’t last terribly longer. With a shrug Trixie decides she may as well head inside. Lighting up her horn Trixie pulls out the key and inserts it into the lock, the mechanism and key fall down and Trixie picks it up as she heads inside. Once inside her wagon Trixie closes the door and locks it, she then levitates a small chain attached to the door and places the end of it inside a hole in the wall next to the door, preventing the door from being able to open fully. Satisfied the door was secure, Trixie raises her hoof to light a lantern to the left of the door it’s dull light illuminates the small wagon, she then turns and observes her wagon’s interior, one wall being what would become the stage when it unfolded, with a curtain placed so no pony could look inside her wagon. the other wall has multiple rows of supplies and materials on shelves, these include things like ropes, hoops and balls. Various things she uses for her tricks, the bottom shelf holds her fireworks, though she can makes illusions the real things always more fun. But her supply is running low. The ceiling is of course wood but a soft red cloth drapes over it with a dip in the middle. In the far corner sits a metal chest that holds all her bits. The floor is a soft blue carpet. “Home sweet home.” Trixie says with a small smile as she walks through her little home, happy that everything is as it should be. She lights her horn and the red cloth comes down from the ceiling, Trixie grabs the pillow from the center of it and places it on the carpet floor as she wraps the blanket around herself and lays down. “May as well get some rest.” Trixie thinks outloud. “Wouldn’t want to be tired for Trixie’s next show... Whenever that is.” Trixie uses her magic to remove her hat and cape and hangs them from small hooks next to her rows of shelves Trixie lays still and quiet, her eyes closed and breathing gently. Trixie’s ears perk as she hears a dull hum, slowly the hum begins to get louder and it’s pitch gets higher. Trixie’s eyes pop open, a red aura tinting them. Trixie’s breathing becomes faster as she slams her hooves over her ears, the once dull hum now becoming a terrible piercing sound. Trixie sits up and closes her eyes as the shrill high pitched sound causes her to try and cover her ears harder. With some effort, Trixie turns her head and opens her eyes, the red aura spilling out darker than before. Trixie looks at the shelf adjacent to her, what few fireworks she currently has adorning the sturdy wood. “Seven rockets in total, two with a spiral design wrapping around the whole thing, one long and slender intended for going high before detonating.” The shrill sound seems to lessen. “One twice the size of the rest, has never been used, decided payload was to dangerous. Last three are small, designed to spiral and curve, meant for flashy entrances. Should use those in Trixie’s next show.” As Trixie talks, she lowers her hoofs from her ears and the sound returns to a dull hum. “Trixie’s next show, probably will be in the village of Hoofton. It’s not far from Manehatten, known for it’s friendly populace. They could use some good entertainment.” Trixie sighs as the hum has completely vanished. She falls backwards back onto her pillow, her eyes and breathing are normal. “Trixie didn’t have to deal with this when she actually had the stupid thing.” Trixie groans as she hits her forehooves against the floor rhythmically. “Think, think, think, think.” Trixie chants insistently, she sighs loudly and then stares straight up at the ceiling as she moves one forehoof over to the other one, with some precision she pinches one of the hairs on her leg. “One...” Her hoof moves ever so slightly. “Two.....Three.....Four......Five......” ....... “Three Hundred Twenty One..... Three Hundred.... Twenty Two....” Trixie mumbles out the next number as her eyes close shut and she drifts into a dreamless sleep. When next Trixie opens her eyes she groggily lifts herself up and rubs her eyes with her hooves. She yawns as she levitates a hair brush from the top row of shelves and smooths out her bed head, she then adorns her signature look before levitating the blanket and pillow back up to hang on the ceiling. Satisfied with the position, Trixie begins stretching her body, her limbs feeling a little stiff. Trixie is roused from her stretches when she hears a loud knock come from the door of her wagon. “Who would, oh it doesn’t matter.” Trixie muses to herself. “Just a Moment! Trixie will be right there!” Trixie calls to the pony outside, she straightens her hat and cape before unlocking the door. “What do you want from Trixie?” She asks as she opens the door and steps outside. Trixie blinks in confusion as she observes who is actually standing there, it’s Sparkle’s Rainbow Maned friends, she has some kind of package inside a saddle bag on her side. “Huh? What are you doing here?” Trixie asks with heavy confusion. “I’m here to give you this.” Rainbow Dash says as she pulls a box from her saddle bag and hoofs it over to Trixie. Trixie looks at the box. From: Carousel Boutique, Recipient:Bellatrix in Manehatten Trixie facehoofs as she reads the fake name she’d given to the fashion pony. “Trixie thought if she used that name no pony would know it was her, she didn’t think about who would deliver it.” Trixie levitates the box and puts it into the top shelf inside her wagon. “So why the Secrecy?” Rainbow inquires. “I doubt Rare wouldn’t have made the dress if she knew it was you.” “Trixie does not like asking favors, or ponies knowing she did so.” Trixie explains as she turns toward her wagon with a huff. “Are you really embarrassed about this?” Rainbow asks, Trixie doesn’t move her head. “That is for Trixie to know and for you to not know.” Trixie responds. “A Little.” "So, I'm guessing you're still in show business?" Rainbow asks her. Trixie looks at her in surprise "How's that going?" "Um... Well, Trixie is doing fine." The showmare answers slowly. "Why do you care?" She really didn’t get it. "Well, are you planning revenge on Twilight? Or have any evil amulets?" Trixie shakes her head. Slightly miffed she brought that up "And I'm sure Twilight wouldn't want me to fight you. So that just leaves being civil." "Fair enough." Trixie shrugs. "And though it pains Trixie somewhat, She requests you thank Twilight for Trixie, Trixie has been trying to be a little more humble and It's actually been helping her business." Trixie feels almost physically ill saying that, but the truth is the truth. And she has done a good job getting rid of her animosity for the newly crowned Alicorn. "Cool, cool." Rainbow says. "So why'd you want the dress anyway?" Trixie frowns a little at that question. "That is Trixie's business, not yours." Trixie huffs. But she doesn’t dwell on it."Though it is good you brought it, Trixie had decided to leave town once her dress arrived." "Where you headed off to?" Rainbow inquires. "Trixie doesn't know yet, She figures she'll just head out and perform at any towns she comes across." Trixie fibs a little, no reason to tell Sparkle’s friends what she’s doing. Trixie's horn glows and her wagon moves, Parts of the wagon fold in and compress, making the vehicle smaller and more aerodynamic. Trixie had to save quite a lot of bits to get a wagon that can do that while keeping her valuables in tact."Trixie bids you farewell." "Wait hold on!" Rainbow shouts before Trixie can head into the wagon, Trixie stops and tilts her head slightly backwards in interest. "I just thought of something." “Oh this should be good.” Rainbow grins at Trixie. "You're a performer right?" The question is rhetorical of course but Trixie nods anyway. "How would you like a job working on the biggest event coming up in Canterlot?" “Now, what could she possibly know about that?” Trixie thinks to herself. “This could be some kind of trick. Would she do that? For what purpose?” Trixie then recalls the promise she’d made her mother the other night. “Alright mom.... Here is Trixie’s effort.” "You have Trixie's attention." Trixie responds as she fully turns around. "This guy, Hoity Toity, He's putting on this huge Fashion show. There are gonna be a lot of Ponies there." Rainbow explains. Trixie internally groans at the name drop. "My friend Rarity is the closer on the show, but she's having some trouble with the presentation-" "Say no more." Trixie silences Rainbow by raising her hoof. "You wish for Trixie to assist your friend in her show?" Rainbow nods vigorously in response. "Trixie does not simply do favors you know." “The nerve of this mare. Demanding favors from Trixie.” "Well duh we'll pay you, I'll pay you by myself if you want." Rainbow assures Trixie. Trixie gets a little laugh out of that idea. "I just figured, it'd sorta be like putting on your show, except with a humongous crowd of ponies." Rainbow gestures with her hooves spread wide. That definitely interests Trixie. "Trixie does have some new tricks she wants to try out." Trixie muses while rubbing her chin with a hoof,“This would be an excellent time to try Trixie’s hoof at some big illusions, If Trixie can master some complex ones and do them well, that will put her one step closer to complete mastery of illusion magic. Yes, this might be just what Trixie needs.” she then turns to Rainbow with a large smile. "Trixie has one simple condition." "Name it." "Trixie will have full creative control." Trixie states boldly. "All you and your friend will need to do is show Trixie what she is working with, Trixie will dazzle the audience on her own." "Hey, that sounds fine to me." Rainbow shrugs. "Though you may want to run this by Rare before we settle anything." "Very well." Trixie sighs. "In the interest of making bits Trixie will assist you, though she is very serious about that complete control thing." Trixie's horn glows as her wagon is surrounded in her aura. “Hopefully Trixie knows how to do this.” Moments later it begins floating off the ground and Trixie grins to herself, though the wagon doesn’t go very high. "Trixie's wagon is as light as a feather, she will get some rope from inside and you can pull the wagon and Trixie to Ponyville." "Let's just hope this trip to Ponyville goes better than your other ones." Rainbow jokes, at those words Trixie stares crossly at the Pegasus trying to fry her brain with her mind, luckily Trixie’s eyes stay normal. "Sorry." Rainbow Dash says honestly "Trixie has increased her bill." The Trixie huffs as she walks into her wagon. "Be careful or Trixie may become to expensive for you." “Oh Jeez.” Trixie thinks as she holds her head, she’d made sure the Pegasus couldn’t see her before doing this. “Making the whole wagon float was harder than Trixie thought. She needs to practice weight altering spells more often and on heavier things.” With that resolution Trixie uses her magic to grab a rope and levitate it outside, she ties it around part of her wagon and around Rainbow’s stomach. After a few test flaps the Pegasus takes off and Trixie follows swiftly behind. “Oh good it actually worked.” Trixie sighs in relief as she takes a seat to relax. As they fly Trixie notices the position of the sun, it’s in a similar position but a little higher than it was when she’d returned to her wagon yesterday. this would mean it’s slightly earlier than when she’d arrived home before. “How long did Trixie sleep?” She wonders to herself. Trixie sits there, not sure what to do. Maybe she could strike up a conversation with Rainbow Dash? No, that’d just be awkward. Honestly she couldn’t really think of anything at the moment, maybe she could just enjoy the peace and quiet of the flight. Trixie’s breath gets caught in her throat as she hears a dull hum, Rainbow continues flying, not hearing anything. Trixie brings one forehoof over to her other one. “One......Two......Three.......Four........Five......”