Chapter 6:
Kindness of Strangers
Trixie had been standing in line for hours, her vexation growing with every passing minute. She tapped her hoof and gave exasperated sighs every time the line stopped for another monotonous pause after only inching forward a few more steps. Again, the claustrophobic feelings returned to torment her. The sooner she could sign up and figure out what to do next, the better.
She found trying to think about strengths and strategies that pertained to her own magic to be a good way to block out her surroundings, even if it was ever so slightly. This was probably closer to what Quill had meant when she discussed a “game plan”. That pony often mixed up her words, Trixie suspected. She had mentioned how everypony was going to arrive with their own magical skills and secrets. Good thing Trixie had ditched her right when they arrived at Canterlot before she let anything slip. Here, nopony was on her side, and the only reason they’d try to get close would be to sabotage her or to psych her out. And Trixie wasn’t going to fall for any of that again. Quill was just another pony trying to mess with her head. Just another competitor that was after the same prize. Standing in line, she had also not forgotten about that roguish character, Sage, and how he had gotten the better of her, rendered her vulnerable, and forced her to go through so much more than she had originally planned. She kept her eyes open for the stallion, but knew it to be a fruitless search as he had probably arrived days before. Trixie did not envy the poor suckers that he would probably be conning at that very moment.
She returned to considering her own special skills and tricks. Magic was her special talent, of course, but with it came truly endless possibilities. Trixie was never a mare to study or even read a book about the subject; it was something she felt came naturally. One day she’d think up a trick and the next she’d practice and perfect it through trial and error. But then, she’d never really considered a clear focus for her magic, instead simply finding the most attractive, flashy, and awe inspiring spells she could learn. Of course she knew the common unicorn spells such as manipulation through telekinesis, and even a fair amount of intermediate to higher level spells like forcefields and teleportation, but nearly everything else in her arsenal of spells was based around putting on an entertaining show. How far could fireworks possibly go? Entering a tournament that essentially had magic as its focal point might reveal new and interesting possibilities.
Pondering over the thought of what a cutie mark in ‘magic’ truly meant was something Trixie rarely considered. Magic was the same for everypony, and a mark in it only meant certain ponies were better at it than others, she firmly believed. She had never questioned her skills in the past; only recently, after her altercations in Ponyville, had she found cause to consider them. Left uncertain and confused, she hoped that the tournament would shed some light on her little magical predicament.
The line continued its slow but steady pace, but eventually she found herself only a few ponies away from the registration booths. A feeling of excitement came over her as she realized that the thing she was having so much difficulty reaching was nearly at hoof. She was relieved nothing had happened while she had been waiting in line, and was quite eager to get things set in stone and have everything rolling smoothly.
At last, she was next in line. A pony behind one of the recently-vacated counters called for the next in line, and Trixie stepped up proudly.
“Name and identification, please,” the registration pony said flatly, perhaps already tired at standing at his post for so long.
“Trixie Lulamoon,” Trixie said, levitating over an old identification card she always had tucked deep in her saddlebags. The other pony scrutinized the card, looking back and forth between Trixie and the picture before returning it. He turned to the right, magically lifting a quill over a large, rolled up scroll, presumably filled with record registrants’ names. However, he acted as if something had just come to mind before he started typing. He turned around and rummaged through a box behind the counter, pulling out a paper with a small list of ponies’ names. To the right of each name was printed a short phrase or sentence.
“Uhh, Ms. Lulamoon, may I see your identification again?”
“Why?” Trixie was hesitant, unwilling to hoof over the card.
“Well, hmm... it seems your name might be on the no-go list... ‘Trixie Lulamoon: for malicious acts without reconciliation in Ponyville,’ it says.”
Trixie was left standing dumbfounded, eyes wide in shock and disbelief. “Wh-what...”
“For malicious acts-”
“I heard what you said!” Trixie snapped, already shaking with trepidation. She could never forget her actions, but she had hoped that she had already moved past them. It was difficult, as they always seemed to follow her every move like a dark and ever-looming cloud overhead. And it seemed that even now it tormented her.
“No!” Trixie yelled without restraint. “I’m not going to let you stop me. Not here, not now!”
“B-but-”
“But nothing! If you don’t sign me up I’ll... I’ll seriously make you regret it!” She threatened, horn glowing at the ready. There was nothing else for her to do and nowhere else for her to go. This tournament was her only chance, and she’d do almost anything to get in.
“I-I’m s-sorry! I can’t do that!” the pony said, cowering in fear behind raised hooves. Trixie’s anger was reaching its limits, her expression so fierce it could kill. She didn’t know what to do now. What was left if she was refused? All she could do now was keep to her word and depart in grandeur.
“So be it!” Her magic intensified greatly, swirling around her horn and surrounding it with an illuminating aura. Ponies were drawn to the spectacle, unsure of what was going on. The pony behind the counter ran away at top speed without a second glance back. She continued to push her magic as the watchers became increasingly wary, rapidly backing further away. With no focus or spell in mind, the magic was only building up within her horn, the aura growing exponentially around it. With a forceful grunt she released the magic in a great burst - a flash, a flurry of colors, and a grand explosion.
A dust cloud was thrown into the air, surrounding Trixie and shielding her from the sight of the frantic ponies running away. Her version was blurred, her mind spinning, body feeling shaky and exhausted. She was hardly able to stand upright, and didn’t bother trying to move as she fought to regain her composure. The commotion on the other side of the cloud was growing increasingly loud, giving Trixie the signal that escape was needed, and fast. With a rough shake of her head she began to regain clear sight and mind. As the dust settled, she was able to look through it and spot a possible hiding place in an alleyway behind a little shop. She readied herself for a second before taking off and bursting through the thinning cloud.
Trixie ran as fast as her body would let her, focusing on her destination. Running into the darkened alley, she slowed and eventually came to a stop, breathing heavily and still feeling worn out. She leaned against a wall, letting her feelings settle down and the whole situation sink in.
What have I done? Tears began to brim as the feeling of sheer helplessness flooded her. There was nothing left for her to do now, and the thought hit her hard. And now, with her most recent act of rash impulsiveness, she might have just sealed her failed fate. Head hung low, she felt like collapsing where she stood and crying, something she had not done in some time. But she had no time to brood, as she heard hoofsteps entering the alleyway, approaching at a slow pace from behind her. Trixie quickly wiped away the tears with a forehoof and turned to meet the newcomer, her stance defensive.
“Go away!” Trixie demanded of the dark unicorn that slowly approached her. “I-I’m warning you! One more step a-and you’ll regret it!” She failed to make herself sound threatening, voice cracking. The other unicorn stopped on command a short distance away, but stood unwavering at the threats. Trixie took a step back, ready to turn away and run as soon as her energy returned.
“Don’t move,” the other mare demanded.
“What?”
“You must serve a penance for your dangerous actions. Thus, I cannot let you escape. Now, come with me and everything will be resolved in short order.”
“Who do you think you are to stop the Great and Powerful Trixie!?” Trixie cried aloud, tears still welling around her eyes. “I’ll show you!”
“No! I shall show you,” the other pony said as a bright flash of magic engulfed her. Trixie watched with wide and confused eyes as the dark mare’s form began to change. She grew in size, great wings sprouted from her back, and her mane formed into a glimmering plethora of stars. This new pony stood tall and intimidating, elegant and exalted.
“P-Princess Luna!?” Trixie spat, frozen in disbelief, she was unable to kneel down and only shift her eyes between royalty and the ground.
“Yes. Now you see why I cannot let you leave. You have not only caused trouble for my tournament, but, above all, put my subjects in danger. To this, what do you have to say?” Luna spoke in an authoritative manner, serious and stoic.
"N-no, wait! You don't understand... Princess. It's just... I-I mean..." Trixie fumbled with her words, trying to find some way to make sense of the situation. She shook her head and stomped her hoof, looking up with a fearless expression nearly matching that of the princess. "I am sorry, Princess, but I cannot comply with your request." Luna simply raised a brow in intrigue, waiting for the disheveled mare to continue.
“I’ve come too far to let it all go to waste now... I know I’ve made lots of stupid decisions in the past and done many things I regret. I know what I did was wrong, but I am not that mare... I don’t want to be that mare anymore!” Trixie was breathing heavily, whereas Luna simply continued to watch her carefully.
“And... I’m sorry for what I just did back there. I... didn’t know what to do... This tournament was my last chance.”
“Your last chance for what?” Luan finally interjected.
“My last chance for... anything. It’s all been so difficult! And it only seems to be getting worse. I want things to change... I don’t want to be alone anymore... and that’s why I must find a way into your tournament. Somehow!” Trixie’s eyes swirled with fiery passion as she tried standing tall before the princess.
“I see...” was all Luna said before a pause that extended for what felt like minutes. “I am sorry to hear that you have apparently had to face so much. But I cannot rely on your word alone. And your recent actions do not shed the most favorable light upon your situation.” Her tone had softened as her face assumed a thoughtful expression.
“Princess Luna!” Came a voice from behind the princess, startling Trixie. “Everypony is all right and...” the voice trailed off as another mare came to a stop at Luna’s side.
“Twilight Sparkle!?” Trixie exclaimed at the sight of the lavender unicorn.
“Trixie!?” Twilight returned with an equally baffled expression.
“So you two are acquainted?” Luna said, looking between the two frozen unicorns.
“Yes,” Twilight began, “we are. Trixie, what is going on?”
“Well,” Trixie paused, even more confused over the situation. “I could ask you the same question! What are you doing here in Canterlot?”
“I’m here to help the princess, but that’s beside the point! What happened? Trixie... did you do this?”
“Well... yes, but-”
“Trixie! How could you?” Twilight said with disappointed eyes, a frown creasing her brow. Trixie averted her eyes. She felt bad, wrong, guilty, but she didn’t know why. Here was the only mare that had forgiven her for her past actions, perhaps somepony she might one day call a friend, and she had let her down. Trixie didn’t know why it mattered, or why she even cared, but she did.
“I can explain! I just wanted to sign up, but they wouldn’t let me because of what I did in Ponyville. But you know that wasn’t me! That wasn’t my fault! So I didn’t know what to do and I-I... I don’t know, but there was nothing else I could have done!” Trixie explained at a frantic pace.
“You didn’t have to blow up the registration booth!”
“I know that! I am... sorry,” Trixie said, still looking away from Twilight.
“Are you really?”
“Yes,” Trixie said underneath her breath.
“Really?” Twilight continued to persist.
“Yes! All right? I’m sorry for making so many stupid decisions and for acting without thinking. But things are different now. And this tournament will prove it!” The ferocity returned to her voice as well as the fiery gleam to her eyes.
Luna and Twilight exchanged a glance. Twilight was obviously worried, already starting to become a bit fidgety on her hooves because of the seemingly uncontrollable situation. Luna wore an unreadable stare as she looked back and forth at the two ponies, who were both fully aware that the decision was in her hooves. Trixie stood tall and proud, trying her hardest to hide her anxiety through another prolonged silence. At last, Luna spoke.
“It seems... I need more time to think upon this situation,” Luna said to the shock of both Trixie and Twilight, who looked up at her with gaping mouths. “I do not fully know the story of what has transpired here, and from what I see, it might be a mistake to make a rash decision so soon.” As Luna spoke, Trixie could feel her racing heart slowing, her breathing becoming more composed and her mind settling. Her body was flooded with relief at the thought of still being able to enter the tournament.
“Therefore,” Luna continued, “you shall be held at the castle under a watchful eye until further notice. I can’t have you causing any more trouble for my tournament. Even if you say you won't, I cannot trust you based only on your word at the moment.”
Trixie stood dumbfounded, still trying to make sense of what the princess was saying. How could she possibly submit so easily and willingly to this? She was no prisoner, liar or criminal, and not one who could give in quickly to another’s will, as she was the Great and Powerful Trixie, of course. But she quickly set her mind straight, realizing the opportunity that was being offered to her. A second chance.
“I’ll go with you to the castle,” Trixie said, evoking little of any sort of emotion in her voice. “And... thank you, Princess. For this.” Luna simply smiled in return, turning and walking towards the main road, all the while once again engulfing herself in the magical aura of her disguise. Twilight held a wavering smile as the two unicorns followed close behind the princess.
Trixie trailed silently, her expression stoic. Twilight was close by her side, occasionally looking over and as she considered saying something, but always choosing against it. She could see that Trixie was in no mood for idle conversation. The three ponies were silent as they moved through the crowds inconspicuously. Already late in the afternoon, the city was beginning to calm after the midday bustle. Ponies were heading back to their homes or temporary rest areas as the registration booths began to close.
It didn’t take long for them to reach the castle entrance, where royal guards stood ever-watchful before the courtyard. A simple dispelling of Luna’s magic and the sight of the princess effortlessly moved the guards aside from their path. Trixie felt wary in the castle, behind its tall walls and intimidating guards. It was all too constraining, and she knew every action here would have to be thought over and considered carefully. Doing something brash here could lead to some serious trouble.
Once past the courtyard they entered the magnificent castle itself. The grandeur of its architecture was breathtaking. Everything seemed to gleam brightly, from the hard porcelain floors, to the snow-white walls, to the large stained-glass windows. Trixie looked about the grand room with wide eyes, noting big double doors across from the entrance and hallways that seemed to stretch for miles in various directions. As the three ponies came into the room they halted at the center, where they were greeted with low bows by two more guards.
Luna turned to face the two unicorns behind her. “I have some business to attend to at the moment. Twilight,” she said, Twilight perking up at her mention, “would you come with me? And Trixie, you will be escorted by these guards to your temporary holding area. I ask of you not to cause any trouble,” she said with a wry curl of her lip.
Trixie glared at the ground, but nodded in compliance. “You will be seen to shortly,” Luna finished, turning and walking towards the large double doors. Twilight gave Trixie a supportive, yet wary, smile before trotting off to catch up. Trixie watched them closely until the guards stepped up and drew away her attention. She gave them a warning glare, to which they responded with unfazed stoicism.
“Come with us, miss,” one of the guards ordered, leading her down one of hallways.
~*~*~*~
Luna walked at a brisk pace through the castle’s hallways and up its elegant stairs. Twilight was close at her side, but unusually silent, looking towards the ground with a focused expression. She must have been thinking about that rambunctious mare, Luna thought.
“Twilight,” Luna said, breaking Twilight’s concentration and drawing her attention.
“Yes, Princess?” Twilight replied in a less than enthusiastic tone.
“Is there something on your mind?”
“Oh, no. I’m fine, it’s fine.” There was a broad smile on Twilight’s face that Luna could only suspect did not reflect her true feelings.
“I see. I’d like to discuss your friend for a moment.”
“Trixie?”
“She is your friend, is she not?” Luna asked, looking down with a questioning stare.
“Well... I don’t know. I mean, I wouldn't mind being friends with Trixie. It’s just sort of complicated. We haven’t talked all that much. And she always seems to be running off as soon as she arrives.”
“Hmm... she spoke of past actions in Ponyville, and that being why she was prohibited from entering my tournament. Pray tell, what exactly transpired in Ponyville?”
“You see, she’s... visited Ponyville twice. The second time around she kind of returned for, um... revenge. She ended up banishing me and taking despotic control over Ponyville and its citizens.” Twilight spoke warily, smiling bashfully at Luna’s obvious concern. “But it’s not what you think! She was possessed by this evil amulet - which is well hidden now - and wasn’t in control of what she was doing.”
“How sure are you of that?” Luna questioned, wanting to make sure leaving that mare with only two guards was a good idea.
Twilight winced. “That’s the thing, Princess. I don’t know for sure. She apologized for what she did in Ponyville, and what was making her act so evil was definitely the amulet. But with what she did today, I’m not sure if she’s really changed at all anymore...” Twilight paused, the look of worried uncertainty returning.
Luna thought to reassure Twilight, but couldn’t quite find the words. She knew next to nothing about Trixie or what sort of feelings Twilight could possibly have towards her. Quite frankly, Luna herself still couldn’t decide on what she thought of that troublemaking mare. Was everything she had said in the alleyway just a lie? Or was she telling the truth and really had changed? It all left Luna unsure about what she was going to do with the whole situation. She had to speak to this pony and figure out the truth. It seemed the only possible way to come to a decision.
“Twilight, I must bring forth the moon shortly. Would you care for me to escort you back to a carriage for Ponyville? If you wish to carry on working on the tournament, you must get your things for your stay.”
“Oh, right,” Twilight said in a more uplifted mood, as her mind was drawn away from Trixie. “If you wouldn’t mind, Princess.” Luna smiled in return.
~*~*~*~
Luna stood at her elder sister’s side atop one of the castle’s balconies, concentrating her magic. Both of their horns held steady, shining auras as they performed their daily duties with the celestial bodies. As the sun set to the west, the moon rose in the east, casting marvelous darkness over the land of Equestria. Once all was completed, Luna released a light sigh at the presence of her night, an inscrutable look on her face as she silently stared unseeingly into space.
“Another beautiful night, Luna,” Celestia complemented her in a soft voice as she admired the scene. Luna only nodded in return, her mind on other things.
Before Twilight had left, she had mentioned Trixie again. She had insisted that even though Trixie had done what she did, everypony deserved a second chance. Luna thought over this prospect. A second chance. An opportunity to show one’s true self, instead of a self possessed by an external force. Luna knew of this all too well. Her time as Nightmare Moon was something she could never forget, something that would continue to loom over her even after being freed from its evil clutches. She recalled the time of her return to Equestria quite vividly as well. The loneliness, rejection, distrust, and fear she received from her own subjects was difficult to deal with at first. But her sister forgave her, giving her another chance; later on, ponies like Twilight Sparkle and the citizens of Ponyville would also come to see that she was no longer the mare of her dark past.
Considering this, Trixie was starting to become less of an anomaly to Luna. A mare who had once done wrong trying to change and make a difference, but unsure how to do so. But could it be true? Of this, Luna was still uncertain. The only way to find a solution would be to speak to her and find out if she truly was a mare deserving of a second chance.
“Is there something on your mind?” Celestia spoke again, leaning in closer to her little sister. Luna’s concentration was dispelled as she looked over with a small but reassuring smile.
“Everything is all right, ‘Tia, but I have something to attend to at the moment. Will you be off to bed soon?” Luna asked, her voice projecting a calm facade despite her inner turmoil.
“Not yet, but I will be in my bedchambers finishing up some paperwork if you’d care to visit,” Celestia said with a smile as both alicorns turned back towards the hallway. Luna always knew she could turn to her sister for advice, but this time everything was her own responsibility.
“Not tonight, but I shall see you in the morning,” Luna said, both now smiling at each other. “Good night, ‘Tia.”
“Good night, Luna.” And with that, they parted ways down separate hallways.
Luna knew exactly where she was headed: the holding room at the lowest level of the castle. She moved at a steady pace through the large halls and back down the stairs. It didn’t take her long to arrive at the relatively small door with two stoic guards standing at the ready before it. Her approach was all it took for the guards to move aside, using their magic to push the door open and allow the princess to enter.
There was Trixie, sitting at the back of the room and looking out of the single window set into the far wall. The room itself was one of the many rooms that served little purpose aside from emergency holding or storage. It was plainly made and furnished with a bed, a small desk, and a few old-looking lounging pillows. Luna stepped in, the guards making as if to follow but she turned with a soft shake of her head that assured them to wait outside the door. Trixie had turned to see the princess enter, though her head still hung low and her face was expressionless. All that could be read by Luna was the fiery boldness in her fierce eyes, eyes that had drawn Luna’s attention when she had first seen her.
Luna entered wordlessly, sitting on one of the pillows as Trixie watched her carefully. With a smile, Luna gestured her over with a hoof, silently inviting Trixie to sit across from her. She approached, undaunted, and sat across from the princess, both ponies still silent. It wasn’t often that Luna encountered a pony with a complete disregard of the normal formalities towards her royal status. It was odd, but nothing too jarring.
“Trixie... we have much to discuss,” Luna spoke casually, which seemed unexpected to Trixie, whose blank face broke into wide eyes for a mere second. The ostensibly fearless unicorn quickly returned stoic before the princess, beckoning her to continue with silence.
“Twilight spoke of you.” To this, Trixie perked up, clearly intrigued by the mention of Twilight. It was obvious to Luna that she had held back a vocal outburst. “She told me about what transpired in Ponyville,” Luna continued, “and of your actions. I have heard what she has to say, but I would like to hear your side of the story as well.”
At last Trixie’s expression softened, posture relaxing as her defenses fell and composure returned. With a sigh she began to recite a monologue telling her side of the story, beginning with the time when she still had her traveling magic show and her ill-fortuned visits to Ponyville. Luna listened intently with an unchanging expression, noting the truthfulness that seemed to back her every word. She suspected that Trixie had exhausted her options and no longer felt a reason to lie. It seemed she was right. As Trixie continued, she spoke of the time after tarnishing her reputation in Ponyville, how her life had become miserable and lonely, and how she had become an outcast that was driven out of every place she visited.
“But what was worse,” Trixie said, a somber tone to her voice, “I was no longer appreciated for my magic. What I loved to do the most became the reason I was detested by everypony...” She looked to the floor, averting her eyes from the Princess’ gaze.
There was a short moment of silence before Luna spoke. “Trixie, do you happen to have a place to stay?” she said, getting up from the cushions and walking towards the door. She turned to look at the confused mare, awaiting her reply. Trixie shook her head in response. “Then you can stay in the castle until I come to a decision regarding the tournament. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask one of the guards.” Again, Trixie only nodded. Luna gave her a smile before exiting the room.