Trixie was having a hard time lifting her equipment onto the stage by herself. "If only my great and powerful assistance were here instead of CELESTIA KNOWS WHERE!" She shouted to blue sky above her. It was nearly 1 in the after noon and the stage was yet to be set up. She had expected to have more help with setting the stage so she decided t sleep in. choice she was now coming to regret. As she was pulling a large box containing most of her tricks up the staircase to the stage her grip began to lessen an slip back down. Suddenly the box stopped mid way and two heads pocked out from each side.
"Sorry were late." Said a female voice. "We stopped to grab some lunch." Starlight and Polaris finished pushing the box onto the stage as an thankful, yet slightly annoyed, Trixie began to pout.
"Well I haven't had a chance to eat all day!" She turned away from them in a huff. Starlight looked at Polaris and rolled her eyes as she levitated a box of take out over by Trixie's head. The smell wafting around her caught her attention.
"Good thing we ordered to go then!" Starlight said as Trixie grabbed the box. "How about you take a lunch break while we finish setting up?" Trixie could only nod in agreement as she was already shoveling the hay fries into her mouth.
Between the directions from Trixie and the assistance of Starlight and Polaris, the modest stage was more grandiose than ever before. Polaris suggested that they set up a thrust stage, making it lower to the ground and closer to the audience. Trixie voiced her concerns of somepony being able to watch too closely and figure out the secrets to her tricks, but Polaris gave her a cheeky smile and said, "I guess you'll have to go all out tonight." Trixie, not one to shy from a challenge, pushed aside one of the tricks she was practicing and grabbed a pencil and a large piece of paper.
"Oh I'll show you 'going all out.'" She replied with new found vigor. "I've had an idea for a marvelous trick in my head for months but I never had the opportunity to test it out." She began to chew on her pencil as she thought aloud. "Starlight? I could use a second pair of eyes if you please." Starlight gently put down the heaps of wood she was levitating and waled over to Trixie. As she began to read what Trixie had written her eyes began to widen.
"Trixie you cant be serious! This is insane!" Polaris' s ears perked up as he glanced over. "Somepony could get hurt!" Trixie but an arm around her friend.
"Starlight please, we are professionals! And since we have and extra set of hooves I wont be too tired to perform this terrifying feat." Polaris tried to look over there shoulders to see what was on the paper but it was immediately rolled up. "Polaris!" She announced startling him.
"I wasn't looking I swear!" He reared up on his hind legs.
"Starlight and I have to prepare for tonight's show, do you think you can finish the rest of stage before this evening?" She gave him a smug smile. "I mean you may have to go all out." Polaris returned the playful attitude.
"Shouldn't be a problem, I just need to finish the arch and attach some lights. Shouldn't take me more than an hour." He began to walk towards the stack of wood Starlight dropped. "Cant wait to see your tantalizing terrifying trick!" He shouted over his shoulder.
"Oh I like him." She said to Starlight as they began to walk back to her carriage.
As evening settled over Ponyville a small cowed was beginning to form in front of the stage. As the natural light began to dim Polaris began to test the lights on the stage as well as a final sound check. He even installed a spotlight as well as some pyrotechnics for Trixie. All she had to do was set them off via her magic. He walked back behind the curtain to finish checking the wiring as Starlight and Trixie entered through the side door. "Wow this looks great Polaris!" Starlight said admiring the work he put in for the time they were gone. "I think you were right about the making the stage a thrust."
"Why this stage is nothing but a pale reflection of the great and powerful magician who will be performing on it tonight. Wouldn't you say so Trixie?" Polaris was putting more bravado into his words than he meant to. Still, Trixie was slow to respond. She peaked her head out through the curtains to examine the stage.
"While I may be great and powerful, I don't think I could have done all this." Her words were soft. "Thank you Polaris. This stage looks wonderful." She hugged him for a moment and cleared her throat. "Since your work here is so commendable I have no choice but offer the unique and glorious opportunity to become my great and powerful Stage Manager. If you want to that is." Polaris stroked his chin thoughtfully trying to mull over her proposition. His silence began to cause Trixie to worry. Seeing this Polaris gave her that cheeky smile again.
"Of course! Who would turn down an opportunity to see a famous magician perform for free?" He saw Trixie exhale in relief.
"Well it wouldn't be free." She said with a flip of her mane. "You would be compensated of course. How does 5% of tonight's profits sound?" She offered. Polaris crossed is arms.
"25 Percent." He was flatly causing Trixie to have an insulted look.
"10 percent!" She shouted.
"15!" He shouted back. Trixie was gritting her teeth.
"12 percent! Take it or leave it!" Polaris tapped his hoof on the ground squinting at Trixie. "And Ill buy the first round of drinks after the show!" She quickly added. Polaris still squinting slowly held out his hoof.
"Deal." He said as the shook. Starlight tarted to laugh at this negotiation. "Whats so funny?" He asked.
"Nothing its just, that was some intense negotiating for such little reward." Polaris cocked an eye at her.
"Well how much is she paying you?" He asked.
"30 percent."
Polaris eyed Trixie who refused to meet his gaze. "Well would you look at the time we better get ready!" Trixie ran off to prepare for the show as Starlight calmly followed. As Polaris readied his station he thought to himself on how he would get the most expensive drink on the menu later that night.
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The stage was set and the crowd around it was massive! Due to the shape of the stage, more patrons could enjoy the view thus the tickets sold almost three times as much. The mellow brightness from the stage lights were the only thing illuminating the stage. Polaris activated the fog machine and as the fog rolled in the lights began to flutter. A voice booming over head quieted the audience. "Ladies and Gentlecolts." The voice began. "We thank you for joining us on this mystifying adventure where the laws of space are time are rendered null!" Fire works spouted upwards on the last word. All but one light in the center went dim. "Tonight you bare witness to the worlds most daring and death defying feats! Performed by none other than..." An explosion of magic erupted in the center of the stage blowing the smoke away as the lights returned with a blue mare in a magicians hat and cape appeared.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" The crowd cheered as the star of the show took the stage. "For my opening trick I will be helped my my wonderful assistant Starlight!" At her queue Starlight ran on stage and a light was shown on her.
Behind the stage Polaris was pulling ropes and maneuvering the props to there respected locations. Working only on verbal queues. The show seemed to go off with out a hitch as Trixie performed one spectacular trick after another. Polaris was finding it rather difficult to keep the light in an orderly fashion. The magician had compete control over her stage and was using it to her advantage. The respective 'ooh and ahhs' that came from the audience was a indicator that the show was going well.
But as the show went on it soon became time for the finale.
"And for her final trick The Great and Powerful Trixie will be performing her most treacherous magic trick she has performed to date!" Starlight used her magic to 'poof' a large glass box filled with water onto the stage. Underneath the box was another glass box that had a team of piranhas. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will have thirty seconds to free herself from the box before the pony eating piranhas are released into the tank with her!" A stray voice from the crowd shouted to the stage.
"That doesn't seem that bad!" Starlight smiled as somepony took the bait.
"How about if she was bound in chains!?" Another poof of smoke appeared over the box and when it cleared there stood Trixie covered in chains still adorned with her hat. The entire crowd gasped at this new development. "Are you ready?" She pointed at Trixie who simply nodded with a confidant smile on her face. "And how about you!?" She then pointed at the spectators who replied with a loud roar of excitement. "Then on your mark , BEGIN!" Trixie took a breath and jumped into the water sinking down as the lid above closed and locked. Trixie began to struggle trying to undo her chains as the crowd counted down. Bubbles of air came form her as the time ticked. The crowd now on the edge of there seats as the time reached less than 10 seconds. "I don't think shes gonna make it folks!" Starlight said in a panicked voice.
"3...2...1..." The box filled with piranhas opened as a torrent of bubble obscured the glass box. Shrieks and cry's were heard from the crowd as some looked away in horror. Starlight used her magic to remove the box from the stage leaving behind only the Trixies chain and her hat. "I'm sorry folks." She lowered her head. "It looks like Trixie didn't make it." The crowd was stunned at the failure of the trick. Polaris was wracked with fear for his friend as he was peaking from just off the stage. Then Starlight threw the hat into the audience as a sopping wet hoof reached out to catch it. Placing it on her head Trixie shouted back to the stage.
"Or did she!?" There she was somehow in the audience completely soaked. A singular Piranha was clutched to her tail as she trotted back onto the stage, the crowd roaring with praise! The stage shook with adoration from the spectators as Trixie bowed. Polaris still watching from the side was also screaming in a surprise from the trick. "Thank you one and all for coming out tonight for my show. We hope we gave you a brief reprieve from the usual humdrum way you perceive the world but now we must bid you all a fond farewell!" Her and Starlight took a bow as the lights went dim. The crowd was cheering for more as the two unicorns went back stage.
"That was amazing!" Polaris said running up to them. "How did you do that with the chains and being over there and the-" Trixie put a hoof over his lips.
"Up up up, A magician never reveals her secrets!" Polaris took a breath as his shoulders slumped.
"Alright I walked into that one I suppose. Still, that was an amazing show Trixie!" She took the compliment in stride. "You were great too Starlight."
"I know." She said coolly as she ran a hoof through her mane. "I think its time to celebrate!"
"Yeah!" Polaris added, "And Trixie's buyin!" The pair ran out the door.
"I said I was buying the first round only! Hey! Wait for me!" She shouted after them.
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The bar they went to was small but modest. There were a lot of ponies packed into it tonight. The jukebox played as a few ponies were dancing around it. At a near by table sat three tall drinks with an equal amount of drinkers. "I cant believe you forgot your wallet Trix." Polaris teased. "Im sendin you the bill lady!"
Trixie sipped her drink calmly. "I'm sorry, but you two ran off with a moments notice so I didn't have time to grab it." Starlight gave her a steady look. "Fine! I'll pay you back. Starlight can get the next round." Starlight sank into her seat and laughed sheepishly.
"I, ah, forgot mine too." Polaris narrowed his eyes at her. "Do you think you could get the next round too?" She grabbed his arm. "Pretty please?" She said batting her eyelashes at him. He tried hard not to show his smile.
"Fine. Bunch of freeloaders." He took a big sip of his drink as Trixie stood up.
"I would like to propose a toast!" She lifted her glass. "To new partnerships and new friends!" Their glasses clanged and they finished there drinks. "Polaris! Refill!" Trixie shouted! Polaris grumbled to himself as he obeyed.
"Right away master." His comment caused the two mares to giggle as he left leaving them alone.
"I see somepony has been taking my advice." Trixie said wiggling an eyebrow at Starlight who blushed slightly. "You got him wrapped around your hoof don't you?"
"Well we have been hugging a bit more. But I stand by what I said yesterday." She said firmly. Trixie looked at her empty glass.
"The hard parts over isn't it? Hes officially moved into town now? So whats wrong with testing the waters a little more?"
Starlight couldn't tell if her face was feeling warm from the alcohol or her friends comment. "You mean like... holding hooves?"
Trixie dropped her head onto the table. "No Starlight not 'Holding hooves' " She mimicked her friends voice. "I mean a kiss! Kiss on the cheek, kiss in the lips." She got a devious smile on her face. "Maybe a kiss somewhere else?"
"Trixie!" Starlight shouted.
"Oh come on! Why are you being so shy? What happened to the confident sexy Starlight everyone loves?"
Starlight crossed her arms ad sighed. She was quiet for a long moment before replying. "You know what? Your right! There's nothing wrong with a little flirting. In fact Rarity thinks It's perfectly healthy!" There was a long pause again. "But maybe I should start tomorrow since drinks are involved tonight."
"Oh? You don't want to know what he's like drunk in bed?" Trixie said making a attempt to tease her.
Starlight calmly replied. "Well I already know he doesn't snore."
"Starlight!" It was now Trixie's turn to shout. "You two didn't already..."
"Oh heavens no! He fell asleep on me on the train is all."
"He fell asleep ON YOU?" Trixie scooted her chair closer. "What happened?"
"Nothing happened I swear! He just fell asleep... And so did I for a bit. It was nice." She said dreamily. "And he told me some nice stuff when we went to see his sister." She blushed slightly recalling her intimate thoughts.
"You think he likes you?" The question seemed to ring in her head.
"Yeah I think he might." She said smiling.
"Are you gonna as him out then?" Trixie was on the edge of her own seat as Starlight allowed herself a moment of pause before answering.
"Probably." She said shrugging her shoulders. Her nonchalant attitude toward the situation gave Trixie noticeable stress. Starlight laughed at this display. "Maybe I can take him for dinner or something. Make an evening out of it you know?"
"Maybe dinner AND breakfast?" Trixie gave Starlight a devilish wink.
"Geez your relentless tonight aren't you?" Starlight chuckled. "You barely had one drink."
Trixie pouted. "Maybe I would be more agreeable if your little boy toy came back with the second round! Just where is he anyway!?" The pair scanned the room not able to see Polaris from there table. Trixie stood up as she heard a group of ponies at the far end of the bar stomping to a song. "I wonder whats going on over there." Starlight followed Trixie as she walked over to the where the band was playing.
The ponies in the circle were stomping there hooves to the beat as two stallions in the center were singing some kind of folk song. One was a larger stallion with a brown mane and red fur. His stomps to the rhythm seemed to shake the whole building, his voice booming as it sang. The colt singing besides him was none other than Polaris. "Is that Big Mac?" Starlight asked eyes full of bewilder at the spectacle before her. The two colts were taking turns singing verses from an old griffin drinking song. At every verse the one not singing would drink from there mug until it was there turn to sing and so on and so forth. The particular song they were singing was a rather long one with MANY verses. Trixie and Starlight couldn't help but stomp along as they watched there friend keep pace with Big Mac's drinking and singing. As the last verse finished they both finished the drinks in there hooves and laughed as the crowd cheered. As Polaris noticed his friends he stumbled over to meet them.
"Hey gals!" He said almost falling over Starlight. He speech was clearly slurred. "Have you met Big Mac? My gosh does he know how to party! And sing! And party!" He put his hooves around both of them as he led them to the table he was just at. "So I was getting yous guys your drinks and I had em here a minute ago but uh..." He looked hard at the table where a bunch of mugs stood empty. "I must have drank em!" As he said this four new glasses slammed on the table.
"Looks like I'm buyin tonight then." Big Mac said slowly.
"Oh you dot have to do that Big Mac." Starlight said, but all he did was shake his head in disagreement.
"Actually I do. I saw your friend here carrying all those drink earlier and I bet him that if he could keep up with me in a little contest, I'd buy for the rest of the night." Starlight wondered if the alcohol was causing him to be so verbose as she had never heard him talk so much before.
Polaris sat besides him and jabbed him in the ribs. "Bet you wont make that bet again will ya!"
"Nope." He said smiling. "Hope you ladies don't mind if I join ya."
"Not at all." Starlight said picking up her glass. "I never pegged you as the gambling type Big Mac."
"Just be sure you don't tell Applejack. She'd hog tie me and leave me out to dry sure as the day is long." He said rubbing the back of his head.
"You know Jackleapp?" Polaris slurred. "I just met her yesterday! She's pretty cool! Is everypony in your family cool like you guys?" Polaris put his drink down after he heard himself. "Oof I'm pretty smashed. I think I need a little break."
"Either that or we need to catch up!" Trixie said downing her entire glass and slamming it on the table. The other three looked at her completely stunned. "What? I lived in Las Pegasus for a while. I know my way around a drink." Big Mac leaned over to Polaris.
"Glad I didn't bet against her." Polaris nodded in agreement.
Starlight stood up and yelled to the barkeep. "Can we get another round and some shots please?" All at once the three ponies pointed at Big Mac and said in unison.
"He's Buying!"
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As the night went on the drink flowed to Big Mac's table. There drinking and celebrating was a sight to see as they had another bout of that song game they were singing. This time to everyone's surprise Trixie was the winner. It slowly became that magical hour of the night where all four of them were completely smashed. Big Mac, who ha started far earlier that the rest was almost unconscious and needed help leaving the bar. "Come on big guy lets get you home." Polaris said using his own body as a crunch for Big Mac to walk with. Starlight was in a similar situation as Trixie, while incoherent, was flailing about crying that she didn't want to leave yet.
"I'm gonna take Trixie to the castle. Last time we were this drunk she almost set her own carriage on fire with fireworks. You sure you'll be alright finding your way back from Sweet Apple Aches?" She asked Polaris as he was trying to keep his patient awake.
"No worries, its a small town and I'm sure the night air will sober me up." They parted ways as Starlight used her magic to levitate Trixie. "See you at the castle Starlight."
As Polaris and Big Mac made there trek to his home a hooded figure bumped into them. "Whoops my bad. My mate here is pretty inebriated." He apologized to the unknown pony. The figure stared at him for a moment before speaking.
"Vigilate in qua vos erant 'iens." the voice said as it continued walking. Polaris's eyes narrowed as he tried to understand what was just said.
"Guess I'm still drunk too." He said shrugging in defeat. He hoisted Big Mac's arm over him again and continued on to the farm.