//------------------------------// // Start the Machine Pt. 1 // Story: Blonde Moments // by FamousLastWords //------------------------------// It had hardly been an eventful week for Spike, but the day had finally arrived for the magic show at the hospital. Convincing them to let her back in was no easy task, but a letter from Twilight did the trick, despite the protests from the entire janitorial staff. Spike, Trixie and Starlight had spent the last few hours before the recess time getting the area set up. Luckily, the children’s recreation room was rather large, so after scooting the various toys and such out of the way, they had room for a small, makeshift stage and plenty of chairs and beanbags for the audience that was soon to arrive. “Hmm, yes, I suppose the lighting in this corner will do,” Trixie said, rubbing her chin. “Spike, please relocate the stage to this corner of the room over here.” Spike rolled his eyes and scooted the small, wooden platform across the room for what had to have been the upteenth time already. “Yes, oh great one. Anything for the Bossy and Demanding Trixie.” “Hmph,” Trixie snarled. “Express your misguided distaste all you wish, dragon of little faith, but the Great and Powerful Trixie cannot risk doing any of the heavy lifting. Her mane must stay perfect and free of sweat and split-ends for the performance. A magician's appearance ranks second in importance only to her talent.” “Uh, Trix?” Starlight asked. “Please remember, you are performing for children today, not a legion of paying adults. Let's keep ourselves in check, alright?” “It matters not,” the unicorn exclaimed. “Every fan, big or small, deserves the best that Trixie can give. And a sweaty mane does not constitute the best.” Starlight chuckled and used her magic to move the stage the rest of the way, much to a gasping Spike’s relief. “Fair enough, but just remember the rules, Trixie. I really would rather not have to help you with insurance paperwork in the near future.” “Yeah,” Spike said, meandering towards them. “No fireworks, real or magical and nothing that can block the vision of the attendees here. It’s a safety issue or something. So, if possible, just avoid anything smoke related.” “Well, you guys are no fun.” Trixie frowned. “But, fear not, Trixie has a full act of tricks and illusions sure to stun the crowd, and they’re all within your supposed safety guidelines.” “Thank you,” Starlight said. “The last thing we need is to have another establishment we’re banned from going to together. Pretty soon, we’d just get kicked out of the town.” “I wouldn’t complain,” Spike said with a snicker before getting whacked on the back of the head by Starlight. “Be nice, Spike,” Starlight said with a glare. “Or else I’m going to tell Twilight about that fanfiction you wrote about her and the other Princesses. You know, the one where they mysteriously turn into rogue dragons with a taste for vengeance?” “You wouldn’t!” Spike cried out. “She’d make me read every book in the library about storytelling.” “I would, I can, and I will,” Starlight said with a smirk. "So, play nice." “Curse you and your leverage over me,” Spike said under his breath. “Anyway, on that note, Twilight should be here any minute.” Trixie groaned. “Oh no!, Sparkle McPartyPooper is going to be here? Everytime she’s around, Trixie’s creative essence gets suffocated!” “Yes, she is going to be here,” a voice came from the behind the pouting mare. “Hello, Trixie.” The blue mare flipped around. “Hello there, Sparkle. You’ve come to see the amazing magic and illustrious illusions of the Great and Powerful Trixie for yourself? You won’t be disappointed.” “Oh, I’m so sure,” Twilight said. “But, actually, I’m here upon request from Spike and to see the fillies and colts. Seeing your show just so happens to be part of the package.” “Hmph, don’t lie to Trixie,” the blue mare said with a smirk. “I know I’m awesome.” Twilight rolled her eyes and turned to Spike and Starlight. “Anyway, it looks like you guys did great work in here. I’m sure everyone is going to have a great time.” Starlight nodded. “What can I say? It’s what we do.” She reached out a hoof to Spike who promptly returned it with a hoof bump. “It’s really great to see you here, by the way. I honestly wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it or not.” “Yeah, well, I made some schedule adjustments so I could come,” Twilight said, “I’ve been needing to get out a bit more anyhow.” Spike nodded his agreement. “Yes, you have been. On a different note, though, what time is it?” “Fifteen after twelve,” Starlight said. “Which means the kids and show will be starting in fifteen minutes. You ready, Trixie?” “Of course,” she replied. “Trixie is always ready to perform on a moment's notice.” She twisted in a quick circle followed by a flash of bright light. When the circle was completed, she was donned in her hat and cape. “A good magician always comes prepared.” Spike slowly clapped his hands. “Yes, yes, that’s very nice. Now, if you all will excuse me for just a moment, I’ve gotta go meet Derpy in the waiting room. I kinda wanted this whole shindig to be a surprise. Her and Dinky don’t even know I’m coming.” “Oh, that’s cute,” Starlight said with a chuckle. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to impress her.” Spike grimaced. “Ha, yeah right, but no. Like I’ve mentioned before, I just think she could use some fun for a change.” “Yeah, sure, whatever you say hotshot,” Starlight said, giving him a wink. “We’ll just finish setting things up. I think all we have left are the chairs.” Spike nodded and waved before racing out the door and down the halls. After his short sprint, he finally found himself in the waiting room and looked around for the blonde maned pegasus he was waiting for. He didn’t see her initially, but soon after he heard the familiar sound of stumbling and overall clumsiness that signaled her arrival. “Oh, sorry!” Derpy said, backing through the doors of the waiting room. “I promise I’ll replace that floor tile!” Spike sniggered. “Hey, Derpy! You, uh, having fun there?” The mare blushed and turned around. “Oh, it was an accident, I swe— Spike?” He waved and walked over to her. “In the scales.” Her blush faded, and her face transformed into a bright smile. “Oh, it’s so good to see you! I had no idea you were going to be here today, though.” “Yeah, I kinda wanted this to be a surprise,” he said, shuffling his feet. “I hope it’s okay.” “Of course it is,” she replied. “I love surprises, and so does Dinky! Are you here to read another story?” “Actually, I’ve got something way bigger planned for today.” Spike winked at her. “Trust me, it’ll blow your socks off, if you know, you were wearing socks.” Derpy let out a small giggle. “Point taken. I’ll take your word for it. What is it?” “Well, if you’ll come with me, I can show you.” The mailmare nodded and followed Spike back down the halls towards the recess area. As they approached the double doors leading to the room, Spike turned around to Derpy. “Okay, close your eyes.” “Huh?” Spike smiled. “Trust me. It’ll make the surprise all that much more awesome. That, and I have to make sure everything is set up first or it won’t have the desired effect.” “Okay, that’s fair enough, then,” Derpy said. “Awesome.” Derpy closed her eyes and held out a hoof. “Okay, I’m ready.” Spike gently took her hoof in his claw and opened the doors. He took a moment to glance around. Wow, they actually got it all done. A small wooden stage was set up at the front of the room with various seats and beanbag chairs strewn about. Starlight and Twilight were standing at the far end of the room having a chat while Trixie was inspecting the stage from head to hoof. “Alright, Derpy, check this out.” Spike gently pulled on her hoof, having her walk into the room. “Okay, you can open your eyes!” Derpy cracked her eyes open and her mouth fell to the floor. “W-What is this?” She took in the full stock of the renovated room. “A magic show!” Spike said, beaming. “Figured a change of pace was in order so I set this up for all the kids. I also figured the staff and adults could enjoy it, too.” “This is amazing!” Derpy said with a wide smile. “But wait a second. Is that the Princess?” Upon hearing herself being called, Twilight dropped out of her conversation with Starlight and walked over to Derpy.. “Yeah, it’s me. You’re Derpy, right? Spike’s talked about you a lot, recently.” Derpy’s face heated up and she kicked at the ground. “Heh, yeah, that’s me. It’s nice to see you again, Princess Twilight. If I knew you were here, I would’ve brought some muffins for you.” Twilight chuckled. “No need. I appreciate the thought, but I’m just here as a friend today. Spike invited me out here to come see the show and to meet you.” Derpy’s blush intensified. “Oh, well, I’m glad he did. It’s really great to see you out and about again. It’s been awhile.” Twilight bit her lip trying to think of an appropriate response. “Yeah, well, it’s good to be out again.” Spike could feel the tension around Twilight and cut in. “Oh yeah, everything is great! Now, Derpy, would you like to meet the mare putting on the show today?” Spike took her hoof and started leading her to the stage where Trixie was. “Oh, Trixie, you wanna meet one of your audience members?” The blue mare sighed and turned around. “I suppose Trixie has time to address one of her many adoring fans.” Derpy looked at her, face contorted in confusion. “Do I know you from somewhere? I swear you look familiar…” Trixie smirked. “Well, of course, pony of lesser origin. The exploits of The Great and Powerful Trrrixie are known far and wide across the country and beyo—” “She tried to enslave the town a few years back before getting redeemed by Starlight,” Spike said, cutting her nonsense off. “Oh, yeah, now I remember,” Derpy said with a nod. “It’s nice to see you in such a non-aggressive setting this time, Miss Trixie.” Trixie frowned. “Yes, quite. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have productive things to do with my time.” With a quick turn of the cape, Trixie went back to dissecting the stage layout. “She seems kinda cranky,” Derpy whispered to Spike as they made their way back away from the stage. “Or maybe it’s just me.” “No, she’s always cranky,” Spike replied. “Now, it’s just about time for all the kids to come gallivanting out here, so I was thinking maybe we could do a surprise pop in on Dinky and go get her ourselves.” “I think she’d like that,” Derpy said with a gentle smile. “You might wanna be careful. You keep spoiling her like this, she’s gonna be at your doorstep nonstop when she finally gets out of this place.” Spike chuckled and walked with Derpy down the hall towards her sister’s room. “I suppose there could be worse fates. I mean, as long as she doesn’t become a filly-scout cookie pusher and harass me every day, we’ll be golden.” The two shared a hearty laugh as they walked down the corridor leading back to Dinky’s room. They received a few smiles from the passing doctors and nurses on their trek back there. Smiles seemed to be in short supply in the children's wing. Before they entered her room, however, Spike turned to Derpy. “Hey, so real quick, I had a question for you,” he said. “Yeah, what’s up?” she replied. Spike scratched the back of his neck. “So, after the magic show I was gonna be taking Twilight out to lunch at a local burger joint. If you weren’t busy, I was wondering if you’d like to come with? It might be fun.” Derpy grinned sheepishly and dropped her eyes to the ground. “Oh, well, that actually sounds nice.” She brought her eyes up to meet Spike’s. “I don’t think I’m busy, at least not with anything more important than food. I’d love to go. Thank you!” Spike smiled brightly. “Awesome! So, when the show’s over we’ll head over there together, the three of us. Sound good?” Derpy nodded enthusiastically. “Definitely!” “Alright, now, let’s go see how your sister is doing.”