//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Collateral Damage // Story: Trixie and her Destiny // by Stark Trist //------------------------------// “Come one, come all!” Trixie’s powerful voice vibrated through the crowd, “come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” smoke spewed from the cart as Trixie's mechanical miracle transformed into a stage revealing the caped mare. The audience was already awestruck over her eloquent entrance. Trixie's heart rate skyrocketed as her eyes glazed over the crowd. In the front row, she spotted what looked to be all six elements of harmony, eyeing her with suspicion. Trixie smiled at the approaching challenge.  Well, it has been a while since I pushed myself. So let the games begin!” She thought briefly before fully immersing herself in the act. She held herself high, placing a hoof to her chest with poise. “Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!” Trixie telekinetically released a pack of fireworks and powered up a few stage effects for added spectacle. The flares sprawled over the crowd igniting the crowd with excitement. “My, my, my! What boasting!” A voice echoes through the crowd, noticeably diminishing its excitement. Trixie resisted the urge to wince as the remark sounded. It seemed to have come from one of the elements. Trixie then started her performance routine by starting her first production trick, the trick was wasn't hard, but it was effective given the audience was into it. The crowd's cheers died down, distracted as the front row started side conversations. Trixie kept her cool and ignored the distraction. poof! the flowers teleported in just as she had practiced several weeks before her tour. It was quiet... Trixie was inwardly furious. the front row was ruining her show. “Nothin' at all, 'cep'n when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.” The orange pony stated bluntly as the brief silence accentuated her remark. Trixie couldn't help but feel stung by the insult.  Trixie was about to start her next trick when Rarity started up. “Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” SERIOUSLY? Shut up! This my show! Trixie's thoughts raged uncontrollably as her attention noticeably locked on the front row. “Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us.” The blue pegasus smirked arrogantly as she hovered above the rest of the crowd. ARGHHHHH! Trixie mentally screamed. These ponies have no respect. If you want to talk do your own show, STOP STEALING MINE! Trixie frowned, her thoughts turbulent thoughts breaking her performer’s mask. “Eh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. Boo!” The pegasus remarked.  You come to my free performance. You interrupt my show. You talk down to me like a child... Then to sum it up, you boo at me! Trixie mentally raged as she focused on her new opponents. THIS IS WAR! The world slowed as Trixie’s mind raced, searching desperately for a counter-attack to recover her rapidly crumbling show. Trixie had seen this kind of aggressive crowd before. After the incident, Black Flair was faced by an audience akin to a lynch mob. The consequences of his performance essentially erased any hope for the studio’s recovery. Unfortunately, Trixie had no better ideas. The plan was a classic; Bait and Trample. The strategy was perhaps a bit taboo because it gave entertainment to the masses at the expense of a few, presumably random, audience members. It was cheap, but it was the only way Trixie could come out on top. It was a gamble considering the small-town audience, but it looked like the only road back to a functional performance. “Well, well, well.” she spouted shortly at the crowd. “It seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She taunted, throwing a menacing glare across the audience. “Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?” “Just who does she think she is?” Rarity questioned. Yes, take the bait. Challenge me I dare you! “Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is. . .” the dragon was cut off by Twilight which seemed to be his guardian. Nopony dared accept the challenge. It seemed that they needed a little bit more prodding. Trixie let loose another pack of fireworks hoping to spur the crowd, and more specifically the front row, into either submission or aggression. Nothing happened for the next few seconds. A few coy whispers pervaded the audience, but nopony made a move. Maybe Trixie misread the crowd. Trixie considered dropping the Bait and Trample; just accepting it and moving on, But just as the thought crossed her mind, Rainbow Dash darted at her face at a thundering pace, imposing herself inches from Trixie’s. Trixie winced, startled by the near-crash. In preparation for the battle soon to commence, she compiled an array of insults and other tricks to assert her superiority. “So, ‘Great and Powerful Trixie.’ What makes you think you're so awesome, anyway?” the pegasus questioned, hovering in front of Trixie with an indignant facial expression. Trixie was unimpressed by the lackluster assault. Taking the opportunity to utilize her show equipment she released a lever backstage. A mist of magical particles flooded into the air. They showered over the stage until Trixie formed them into a cartoonish apparition.  The magic dust was originally designed to make illusory fireflies run through the audience, but in reality, the dust could take any form, given enough magical manipulation. The dust took form into the figure of an Ursa major. Trixie began narrating the scene. “Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major! When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the ursa major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!” The figure of the Ursa exploding into an array of particles, spraying across the audience. “Ahhh...” the crowd cheered as the particles dispersed. Trixie was overjoyed, it was working, the taboo known as Bait and Trample was working. . . The crowd was in awe, this is what Trixie lived for. She loved seeing ponies make that face of amazement. She loved the cheering, and the energy of her admirers as she blew minds and inspired the old and young. The thrill-filled her heart with joy and gave her purpose. Show business was the one thing she really loved in this world; the only thing she couldn't live without. The foals from the school were all cheering loudly, claiming that she was the best unicorn in all Equestria. The baby dragon desperately competed with the others claiming that his friend Twilight was better. Time for a little flaunting, I need to leave a good impression. Trixie mentally rationalized. Calming her nerves by the acknowledgment that if there were any problems she could simply continue the Bait and Trample. She then proudly followed the lead of the young fouls. “It's true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.” The crowd went silent. BUCK Trixie’s tethering psyche squeaked. Her mind began racing again, it hadn't been two minutes since she won the crowd back over and now they all looked at her with hostility. Guess I'll continue the plan — It’s all or nothing! Trixie thought, mentally preparing herself. “Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie? Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do, I can do better.” There was an eerie silence. Again nopony approached.  “Any takers? Anyone? Hmm?” Trixie trying to push somepony over the edge continued. “Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived?” She let another pack of fireworks lose for dramatic effect. The Bait and Trample was now in full effect. There was no turning back now as she had just opened the floodgates, aiming for the jackpot! To Trixie's surprise no pony came forward, could she be lucky enough to clean up her performance without any real consequences? It seemed all too easy. Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw that dragon again begging Twilight to challenge her. She thought it best to end this before the show got any messier. Twilight would be a good target: she looked shy and would burn under the stage fright even if she accepted the challenge. Her magical potential didn't mean squat if she couldn't use it in front of others. She was the perfect target. “Hmm,” Trixie brought a hoof to her chin. “How about you?” Trixie pointed at the purple unicorn. Twilight caved under the pressure, her plan was working. Pushing the issue further she continued the assault. “Well, how about it? Hm? Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can't?” Twilight stammered a bit as Trixie’s stare battered her into submission.  To her left, Applejack stood with a look of pure disgust and anger painted across her face. The other part of Trixie's mind took over. Turning toward the orange pony, “Well, little hayseed?” mentally salivating over her new prey. “That's it! I can't stand for no more of this!” she barked. Trixie couldn't help but let out a small, devilish grin before the crowd as the mare trotted forward right into her trap. The baby dragon ironically encouraged the mare, a proud earth pony, to her doom. “Can your magical powers do this?” The mare then swung her rope as proficiently as a professional cattle driver. The rope work was quite impressive, but it was obvious that trick was merely a consequence of her job on the ranch. The crowd, however, was impressed— making Trixie uneasy. She finished, “Top that, missy.” Time for a little payback! A fierce grin overtaking her face. “Oh, ye of little talent. Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!” Trixie was apprehensive of her situation, she needed to be careful what she did; the crowd was against her. She decided that her original plan — turning the mare's mane color into a blood-red and launching fireworks at the earth pony after strapping her to a horizontal spinning wheel — would probably make the crowd lynch her. So, she chose the next best thing. Trixie first distracted the mare by waving her part of her lasso in front of her. Trixie’s held in her laughter, as the mare comically eyed the lasso; like a kitten does a ball of string. Trixie took the opportunity to snag an apple from the tree while winding the rope around the mare’s hooves. Seconds later the mare was upside down with a priceless expression plastered across her face. Then for the finishing touch, she shoved the apple in the earth pony’s mouth, silencing her probable protests. Finishing her trick she was awarded a cheer from the crowd. Trixie was thankful that the trick didn't come off as simple revenge as the audience laughed and applauded her. She didn't like entertainment at the expense of others, though she was happy to admit this mare was an exception. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails!” she hoped to end the show on that final note. She had her revenge, claimed her superiority, there was nothing to gain from dragging this out. She has accomplished what she came there for. “There's no need to go struttin' around and showin' off like that.” The pegasus shouted over the crowd. “Oh?” Trixie raised an eyebrow but inwardly scolded herself for the missed opportunity to end the show. “That's my job!” The pegasus bolted forward, leaving after-images as she flew. The gust of air in her wake was deafening as she approached a nearby windmill, catching the blades as she spun about them. After building momentum and speed she catapulted herself through the air, smashing through dozens of clouds until reaching the apex of her flight. After a quick pose, she darted back toward the ground with lightning-fast speeds, taking with her droplets of water from the clouds. The crowd was audibly concerned as the pegasus approached the windmill once more, taking hold of its blades slowing her speed slightly then releasing flinging the mare back upon the stage. The water particles which followed created a sizable rainbow for the audience to admire.  “They don't call me "Rainbow" and "Dash" for nothin'!” She touted as she finished her performance. The crowd applauded awaiting Trixie's rebuttal. Trixie was impressed by the act. It was flashy, eccentric, and inspiring. Everything a good show needs. She was a little ashamed she would need to ruin it.  Well, I guess she did boo at me, so this will make us even. she thought. There was little about the performance she could mock, so she decided to fall back on some insults. “When Trixie is through, the only thing they'll call you is loser.” Trixie channeled her magic through her bounding the water particles together like a chain, then wrapped the mare up, spinning her violently. Adding a bit of telekinesis to spin the pegasus into the air like a miniature tornado made of rainbow and pony. The audience enjoyed the counter-performance immensely. Trixie took the opportunity to continue her assault, using her magic she built up an electric cloud behind the stunned pegasus. Crash! A small strike of lightning discharged. The dizzy pegasus screeched in surprise like a little filly during her first nightmare moon night. More applause from the crowd, Trixie seemed to have struck a chord with the crowd as it appeared they held some contempt for this ‘Rainbow Dash.’ Trixie on the other hoof was a little worried. She has just verbally and physically assaulted what she believed to be two Elements of Harmony, and there was only so much damage that could be done before forgiveness was out of reach. Although on the bright side, Trixie had the stage back under her control once again. She was getting good at this Bait and Trample. She recognized that the blue pegasus was easy, but the next, if there was one, might not be. She prepared herself, for what she hoped was her last opponent. The crowd seemed intent on forcing the shy purple unicorn up on the stage. “What we need-” the baby dragon said, somehow trying to represent the crowd as a whole “-is another unicorn to challenge her someone with magic of her own” he said nudging the purple unicorn. “Yeah!” The Rainbow Dash said, following the baby dragon’s lead. “A unicorn to show this unicorn whose boss!” “A real unicorn to unicorn tussle!” the Applejack encouraged. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Rarity burst forward out of the crowd. “Enough. Enough, all of you.” She started with an aristocratic aura, “I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.” Trixie appreciated the facade her new target held, an easy target to be sure. This gracious, self-dignifying fashionista flaunted her mane about the crowd as she approached the stage. Trixie decided that it was best to give her the first move as that seemed to be working quite well so far. She taunted her in an attempt to move the show along, no need to wait for the inevitable. “Ooo, what's the matter?’ Trixie taunted the mare. “Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?” Trixie taunted the fashionista. “Oh, it. Is. On!” She stated gruffly, glaring at Trixie. “You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle.” Her horn began to glow “A unicorn needs to have style.”   The Rarity then commenced to rip down the stage's backdrop and make a dress out of it. Trixie couldn't help but remember the backdrop cost her 5 bits back when she was building Prestige back in Manehatten. It wasn’t a large sum of money, but enough to warrant some anger at the mare's lack of appreciation for her property. When the fashionista was finished, if you could say it took her any time at all, a royal dress lay outfitted on the unicorn. A beautiful blue pristine dress adorned with gold feathers around the neck. Trixie was once again unable to find any direct way to attack the performance, it was simply stunning. Trixie noted that Rarity somehow also did up her mane to match the outfit in the same instant.  Trixie made a mental note that if they ever got past this show that she might contract Rarity when she finally got to the big stage in Canterlot. Unable to trump Rarity's performance, Trixie thought it best to stick to what she already knew was her weak spot. Rarity's mane was apparently a point of great pride. Green seems like a fitting color, the color fits her obvious envy for Trixie’s show style. Trixie thought a moment longer, Green it is. “Quick! I need a mirror!” She reacted in a state of frantic delirium “Get me a mirror! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!” Rarity flared about frantically. Trixie couldn't hold back any longer, she let out a small giggle at the figure before her, which surpassed even greatest actresses of Manehatten in terms of her dramatic presence. Trixie let out a low sigh, she was winning, but at what cost. She didn't enjoy this Bait and Trample as much as a normal show, which was less stressful by far and much more rewarding. However, losing to this crowd would be humiliating. All that remained was Twilight which was being prompted to act by that baby dragon. Trixie glanced at the annoying baby dragon, It was like he wanted these fights. He wanted for there to be somepony humiliated. The baby dragon’s blind admiration toward his guardian had been the building blocks of this entire catastrophe. Even now his actions further elongate the suffering. If anyone were to blame for this, it should be that foolish baby dragon, and Applejack too. Trixie snapping to attention as the little dragon continued to try and tempt the purple unicorn into a fight. Trixie was tired and thought it better to end this before any more ponies are left hating her guts. She knew she was shy and with none of her friends looking to protect her this time, she aimed to scare her away and end the show in one fell swoop. “I'm not better than anyone.” the unicorn sputtered at the dragon. Trixie overheard the purple mare's exasperated mumbles. Taking this as her opportunity to end the show she pretended to misunderstand, “Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all,” she waved a hoof to the large crowd. “Who, me?” the purple unicorn hesitantly replied “I'm just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.” Twilight burst to life, scurrying away. Trixie was a little at ends with that last statement, ‘run-of-the-mill.’ Did she mistake her for an element of harmony when she wasn't? Trixie knew she was shy and therefore wouldn't accept her challenge onstage. If she was the element of magic, she should have at least enough pride to say something. Well, no matter, the stage is clear and the curtains are closing. Trixie, now exhausted from the stressful show and physical demands of the magic, wrapped up the show flaunting her abilities before the crowd as they dispersed to resume their daily lives. The crowd was filing out when she caught the eye of two young colts. “Snips, Snails, I believe you owe my assistance a favor for a certain test answer. You can make it up to him by getting me a smoothie and a hay burger, extra hay.” “Sure thing Trixie,” Snips said enthusiastically. Trixie pulled the lever, Prestige hiding its wonders to grant her some peace and quiet to mull over her next move. Grabbing a brush and mirror, Trixie started to comb her mane. Stress leaking out of her with every brush stroke. Uneasiness in her gut remained. Trixie felt perturbed by her actions, she felt dirty. She had committed a major taboo and won. Well, she wasn't sure if she had “won” quite yet. The show ended before the crowd got angry, yes but it would be a lie to say the show had a great finale.