//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Mario & Luigi: Of Ponies and Plumbers // by EverSoNitro //------------------------------// “What are you doing here in Canterlot?” Twilight asked the traveling magician. “Well, if you must know,” Trixie said with her usual air of superiority, “after you cruelly and unjustly humiliated Trixie in Ponyville-“ “Cruely and-“ Applejack repeated,. “Twilight was jus’ tryin’ t’protect her town Ursa Minor, she weren’t tryin’ t’show you up at all!” “The Great and Powerfult Trixie had the situation completely under control!” Trixie shouted. “If Sparkle hadn’t butted in, she would have easily dealt with it. Anyway, after that fateful evening, Trixie began roaming Equestria, trying to rebuild her hard-earned reputation. During her travels, Trixie learned that the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom was to come to Equestria. So, Trixie came to Canterlot to meet her, and astound her with Trixie’s fantastic feats of magic. If she did that, then it would be simple for her to rise to superstardom in that kingdom instead, and she could leave all you foals behind to become the greatest celebrity the Mushroom Kingdom has ever seen!” “Well, sorry to burst your bubble, Trixie,” Rainbow Dash said, though with an air that suggested that she wasn’t sorry in the slightest. “But you happen to be looking at the biggest superstars in the Mushroom Kingdom!” At this, Mario and Luigi both struck impressive looking poses, their moustaches gleaming in the sunlight. Trixie merely scoffed. “Those blue-collar slobs? You have got to be joking.” “It’s true!” Twilight said. She retrieved the book she had gotten from Mareshroom Beach, and opened it to the entry on Mario and Luigi (the latter merely being a foot-note). She levitated it in front of Trixie, and the boastful showpony began to read. “…most prolific residents… saved the kingdom from peril… hmm…” Trixie seemed to be considering something as Twilight took the book back. “See? Now if you could please let us get going, we’re in the middle of-“ Trixie started, but Trixie cut her off. “Just a moment, Trixie isn’t through with you yet.” At this, the horn under her hat began to glow, and the city gates suddenly slammed shut. As Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy rushed over to try and force it open, Trixie continued. “If you two are really as great as that book claims, then surely someone greater would sail to stardom overnight,” Trixie said, addressing the Mario brothers directly. “Trixie, what are you getting at?” Twilight said warily. “Mario and Luigi, superstars of the Mushroom Kingdom!” Trixie said, ignoring Twilight. “Your fifteen minutes of fame has met its end! Prepare to witness the brightest star any kingdom has ever seen! Prepare to face… The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Mario and Luigi struck battle-ready poses, and the fight was afoot. Trixie immediately started things off by letting off a burst of magical fireworks. A pair of red and green ones headed for Mario and Luigi, but they were easily avoided with a pair of well-timed jumps. However, a third, grey coloured one sailed directly upward, just as a grey pegasus was passing overhead. She was startled as the explosive whizzed past her, causing her to drop a satchel she had been carrying. Not noticing the lost cargo, she continued onward. The satchel fell at the brothers’ feet, and a pair of large mallets spilled out. They quickly scooped them up, and proceeded with the battle. Mario leapt forward and bounced off of Trixie, his brother promptly following suit. As Luigi retreated back beside Mario, Trixie vanished with a green flash. As Mario raised his new hammer, Luigi simply stood there, frantically searching for the pony. Suddenly, Trixie appeared in front of him, spinning around and bucking the taller brother in the gut. She disappeared quickly, and appeared in front of Mario, though he was ready for her, knocking her away with the mallet. Scowling, she vanished and returned to her initial position. The three traded blows for a while, until Trixie was finally incapacitated. She lay sprawled on the cobblestone street, eyes spinning. The gate swung open as she shakily got to her feet. “Trixie… was merely holding back…” she panted. “She wanted to leave you in one piece… so she could… uh… ask what you and Sparkle were up to!” Despite Trixie’s obvious excuse making, Twilight answered. “Princess Celestia, Luna, and Peach were kidnapped, and we’re on our way to the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue them. So, if you’re done wasting our time-“ “Kidnapped?” Trixie asked. She seemed genuinely concerned for a moment, and then a sly grin spread across her face. “If Trixie were to rescue them… then she would be praised as a hero in Equestria AND the Mushroom Kingdom… Everyone would know her name… “The Great and Powerful Trixie, Saviour of Equestria, Champion of the Mushroom Kingdom”!” Trixie snapped out of her vocalised train of thought, and looked to the eight heroes. “Well, this has been fun, but Trixie must be off. She has princesses to save and kingdoms to adore her. Farewell!” Suddenly, she seemingly disappeared in a puff of smoke, though she was plainly seen dashing through the open city gate and down the mountain path leading to the Everfree Forest. Everyone watched her run off, before Rarity spoke up. “Why do I get the feeling she’s going to be more of a hindrance than help?” “Nevermind her,” Twilight said. “She’s cost us enough time here as it is. This mountain path should take us to the Everfree Forest, and through there we can get to Ponyville. We’ll figure out what to do from there.” Twilight walked through the gate, and everyone followed, their quest picking up once again.