“Eyes On You”
Chapter twenty-three: Closing Thoughts
Trixie's eyes drifted open the following morning to come face-to-face with the silken wall of midnight blue and purple-pink highlights that was the back of Twilight Sparkle's mane. Her forelegs were wrapped around the lavender unicorn's sleeping form, and she could feel the slow, gentle rhythm of Twilight's breathing, second to the comfortable warmth of her body. Needless to say, Trixie awoke with a smile.
Still very much dreamy as she was, she gently drew a hoof back along Twilight's side and lifted it up to stroke her mane. Twilight had removed the bun before turning in, so her hair was back to its usual, neat straightness, and Trixie could run her touch along its length without a care in the world – simply enjoying its softness and hoping that Twilight felt the same warmth that she was feeling right now.
Twilight let out a grunt – a quiet, content sort of grunt. It was almost a shame to have woken her, but the sight of her sleepy face as she rolled over was more than worth it. She lifted her eyes open half-way, and met Trixie with a smile of her own.
“Good morning,” Twilight whispered.
Trixie wasn't sure whether she was quite awake enough to speak yet, so, just to be safe, she opted for the next best thing. She closed the tiny gap between them and planted a soft, sweet kiss on Twilight's lips.
It was the easiest, most tiny little gesture she could think of, and yet it felt more powerful than a dozen longer touches. She felt the tender smile on Twilight's lips even before she pulled back and opened her eyes.
“Good morning, Twilight,” she whispered back.
They stared at one another for a long moment, before Twilight moved in and nuzzled up against Trixie's chest, closing her eyes and exhaling in comfort. Trixie rested her head atop her partner's and closed her eyes too. There was no need to get up just yet...
* * *
They cuddled for much of the morning, though it finally came to an end when Twilight needed to get up to use the bathroom. After that, it wasn't long before Trixie was up on her hooves as well, tidying her mane and checking herself over in her mirror. The smile never left her face for a second – never before had she woken feeling so content as this.
It was already ten o'clock by the time they went down for breakfast in the dining hall, just off of the lobby. They'd eaten in there before, though never so late in the morning, and it seemed a lot busier now, by comparison. The dozens of different-sized tables dotted around the hall were so full that it might've been a challenge to find an empty one if not for the waiter that met them at the door.
He showed them to a table in the far corner of the room and brought their breakfast salads over a few minutes later, leaving them to eat. Trixie wasn't particularly hungry, so she took little more than an idle mouthful before looking across at her partner.
Twilight glanced up from her bowl and smiled, still chewing her way through her mouthful. They stared at one another in silence for a moment, until Twilight swallowed and spoke up.
“Hey, um... I wanted to say thank you,” she said, “for sharing the bed with me last night. It... meant a lot.”
Trixie rolled her eyes lightly. “Shouldn't I be the one thanking you? It is your bed, after all.”
“Hmm...” Twilight frowned down at the table, as if she was genuinely thinking about it. Then, after a moment, she smirked and met Trixie's eye again. “Yeah, maybe you should be.”
Trixie'd been going to leave it at that, until she saw the nervy, expectant look on Twilight's face. Trixie scoffed and found a smirk of her own. “Thank you for letting me share your bed, Twilight Sparkle.”
With a satisfied giggle, Twilight took another forkful of her salad and turned to the side, looking out across the hall. Trixie followed her gaze. A few tables along, Nightshade and Violet were eating their own breakfast. And a few tables along from them sat Earth Twister and Sandstorm.
“Looks like everypony's eating late today,” said Twilight idly.
“Or taking longer to eat,” Trixie observed, watching the normally-upbeat Earth Twister eat his silent way through his meal. “It looks like they're all on edge – probably anxious about the results.”
Twilight grunted. “That makes sense, I guess.”
Trixie frowned as she looked across at Twilight, who was wearing an unreadable expression. “Are you okay?” Trixie asked.
There was a short pause before Twilight flashed her a bright smile. “Of course. I've never been better.”
Trixie couldn't help but smile at the simple statement. It was a typical something that everypony heard all the time – 'I've never been better.' But, somehow, she knew that Twilight really meant it. She never had been better, and that was exactly how Trixie felt, waking up beside her that morning.
“I suppose you still have that good feeling, then?” said Trixie, idly digging at her salad with her fork.
Twilight nodded brightly. “That's right,” she chirped.
Still smiling and keeping her eyes on Twilight all the while, Trixie raised the fork to her lips. “...Good,” she said.
* * *
Fireworks exploded in the air overhead as the ten competitors made their way out into the arena under the midday sun. Two rows of trumpet-bearers flanked them as they marched through the open portcullis, and horn blasts filled the air along with the approving roar of the audience, many of whom stood and waved down at the ponies entering the field.
Trixie walked near the front of the group, with her cape trailing out behind her and with an immodest smirk on her lips. She couldn't so much as bring herself to feel anxious. It all came down to this, but, like Twilight, she had a good feeling – especially after having one-upped Flaire with the dance last night.
'I've beaten him this time,' she told herself, smirking wider. 'With Twilight backing me up, he never stood a chance.'
Twilight herself strode alongside, wearing a proud smile instead of a smirk, but otherwise looking just as confident as Trixie felt. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a quick, knowing glance before turning to face ahead again.
In the centre of the arena, Princess Celestia stood tall and graceful, from whom Trixie received a flattering smile. The Princess overshadowed a unicorn stallion – with a light brown coat and a short, dark mane – who had one forehoof perched on a small, wooden chest.
This stallion wore a particularly cheesy grin, and as the five pairs of competitors approached, he levitated a microphone from behind his back and raised it to his mouth.
“Welcome! Welcome all of you!” he said, and his voice echoed out through the stadium. There was no mistaking that accent – this was the announcer that had been commentating their performances throughout the Display.
Trixie and Twilight stopped a respectful distance away from him and the Princess, and the other competitors lined up alongside.
“Well, it's been quite the Display this year, folks,” the announcer continued. “We've had the excitement of chimaera wrangling, the drama of the pillar climb and, of course, those spectacular magical performances, hoof-crafted by our competitors themselves. But, alas, we've finally come to the end.”
He hung his head in mock sorrow for a moment, before raising it up and grinning widely again. “But one thing remains!” he said. “The placings for each pair have been decided, and we have the exciting matter of crowning our victors yet to come. And while I'm sure I could ramble for hours about all the highlights and dramatic moments we've had thus far, I think you'd all much rather hear the results, am I right?”
This was met with an approving clap from the audience, as well as a shuffling from the competitors' line, as they prepared for the news. Trixie cast a smirk sideways at Flaire, who stood at the opposite end of the line. He caught it and smirked back, apparently unaware of his imminent humiliation. That suited Trixie just fine...
“Well, alright then!” chuckled the announcer. He stepped off of the chest, magically opened it up and proffered it to the Princess. “Princess Celestia, if you would.”
“Thank you, Broadcast,” said Celestia warmly. Her horn lit up a brilliant yellow, and she magically reached into the chest to retrieve a pair of copper medallions, along with a slip of paper. She lifted her head a little, to address the stadium as a whole...
“In fifth place--”
Trixie cringed at the sudden volume of the Princess' voice. She hadn't used the microphone, but still her words echoed out across the entire place.
“--Most notable for their unique and wonderful performance in the third event, I am pleased to announce that Nightshade and Violet are the winners of the copper medallion.”
A polite sort of clap spread throughout the stands, though the pair in question didn't seem too satisfied with it. Nightshade hung his head and frowned deeply, whilst Violet gave him a long, apologetic stare.
The Princess smiled patiently at them, whilst the announcer, Broadcast, beckoned them forwards. Violet nuzzled her partner's neck. He looked at her, cracked a tiny smile, and together they shuffled forwards to receive their medals.
They both bowed their heads before the Princess and allowed her to slip the prizes around their necks.
“Do not despair, you two,” said Celestia quietly. “Your performance here displayed an impressive level of both talent and determination. These things will take you far, so long as you do not give up.”
The two ebon-coated ponies stood in awe of the Princess' kind words, and each offered a quiet mumbling of thanks before moving along to one side – to start a line next to Broadcast. Trixie cast a long, pensive look at Celestia.
'They lost,' she mused. 'I can't imagine... But the Princess is right – giving up is pointless. I wouldn't give up if I lost.
...If I lost.'
A frown crossed her face, but she promptly shook it off as the audience gave another polite clap for Nightshade and Violet. Waiting only for them to take their places, Broadcast offered the chest to Celestia again. From it, she withdrew another slip of paper and two more medallions – this time bronze.
“In fourth place, we have what is no doubt our most diverse couple this year!” said the Princess. “Let us applaud for Bay Dasher and Cherry Blossom!”
Applaud they did, and considerably loudly – probably thanks to the Princess being the one that asked. True to form, Cherry Blossom was as cheery as ever, and Bay Dasher held his stern expression as they approached the Princess. 'Diverse' was not the word Trixie would have used to describe them.
“Thank you all for being such a wonderful audience!” Cherry Blossom bade, overpowering the announcer's magic and seizing hold of the microphone. “We hope you all enjoyed our performances this year, and we'd also like to remind you all of the Manehattan Flower Festival coming up next month! Make sure to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment, and volunteers are always welcome!”
With a sickeningly sweet smile, she passed the mic over to her partner, who drew himself up and eyed it warily. He leaned in. “Bay Dasher returns now to his bakery,” he said, in an appropriately gruff voice. “Where he will bake sweet buns and tasty treats. I pity the fool that does not come and get a free sample next Wednesday. Hmph!”
This announcement was met with a momentary, stunned silence, followed by a much louder applause.
Princess Celestia actually let out a warm chuckle at that, as the pair returned the microphone and bowed their heads before her. She spoke to them as she presented their medals, but Trixie couldn't make out the words over all the clapping.
Bay Dasher and Cherry Blossom took their places beside Nightshade and Violet, whilst the next pair of medallions – made of a shining silver – were lifted from the chest.
“For their domination of the pillar climb event, as well as their overall impressive performances during the others, I hereby announce Earth Twister and Sandstorm as winners of third place!”
Trixie couldn't help but cast a glance at them as the applause started up. Twister grunted an “Ah,” and kicked the ground lightly. He didn't seem too put out though, because he and his brother exchanged a smile straight afterwards, and started forwards.
Just as those before them, Twister and Sandstorm bowed before the Princess and accepted their medals. “Congratulations to both of you,” she bade. “You've shown a unique discipline in your use of magic here, something that is quite rare among unicorns your age. You might bear in mind that the Canterlot Guard are always looking for gifted magic users, if such a thing strikes your fancy.”
Having received their words and spoken their thanks, the two joined the line with the others. And as they did so, the stadium steadily fell into expectant silence.
Now, only two pairs – and two placings – remained. Two triumphant winners, two humiliated losers.
'No,' Trixie corrected herself. 'This is personal. There's only going to be one humiliated loser – and that's either Flaire... or me.'
Her smirk had long since faded from her face now. She felt herself beginning to waver. The silence in the stadium was absolute, and it served to remind her that there was nothing she could do now to influence the result.
She'd done her best, and her best was amazing. But, from a third pony's view, was her best better than his best?
“Can you feel that tension in the air, fillies and gentlecolts?” said the announcer, speaking into his microphone again. “I know I can! Only four competitors remain – all winners in my book – but only two will walk away with the platinum medallions, and the title of Champions of the Manehattan Display.”
The announcer grinned between the four of them for a moment, before striding forwards towards Flaire and Rose. Trixie's heart jumped into her throat.
“Do you have anything you'd like to say to your rivals before the announcement?” he asked, offering the microphone. “Some fighting words, perhaps?”
Trixie let out a silently relieved breath.
Flaire exchanged a glance with his partner and gave quiet chuckle. “No fighting words,” he said. “But I would like to say that it's been an exciting experience to compete against such talented unicorns as you, Twilight and Trixie--” He flashed them a smile. “--Thank you for an exhilarating competition.”
This drew a round of applause from the audience, and a forcibly suppressed smile from Twilight. Trixie herself bit her tongue.
“Well, what a nice sentiment,” said the announcer, trotting over to stand beside Twilight and Trixie next. “And have you anything to say in return, fillies?”
He extended the microphone to Twilight, whose jaw fell open a little as he did. Clearly caught off guard, Twilight made to backstep, only to stop half-way and make herself look even more awkward. She glanced at the Princess. “I... um...”
Her stammering echoed throughout the stadium, and hearing this made her cringe a little. Her face was flushed, her mouth moved slightly and soundlessly. It might've been an adorable sight, if not for the embarrassing fact that they were being watched by hundreds of speech-hungry spectators.
On instinct, Trixie lifted her nose and stepped forwards to seize control of the mic and make an improvised speech of her own. She cleared her throat, took a breath, and stopped...
Twilight, Celestia and Broadcast were all looking at her expectantly – just as much of the audience were. Trixie stayed silent. Not because she didn't know what to say – she could ad-lib a speech with the best of them. It was more that she felt a strange kind of obligation to let Twilight say her piece.
So – after the moment's hesitation – she shut her mouth and took a step closer to Twilight. Smiling into her partner's eyes, Trixie reached out and crossed a hoof with her – an offer of support, and a silent gesture of more.
Twilight stared at her for a long time, mouth part open as the colour in her cheeks returned to normal. She blinked. She returned the smile. And then she turned to face the microphone.
“I-I'm sorry, I lost myself for a moment there,” she said, drawing a smile and an understanding nod from the Princess. “Thank you Flaire, and Rose, and everypony else too. It's been a real honour for us to compete alongside you all, and to perform for such a wonderful audience.”
The crowd offered her an appreciative round of cheers. During the pause, Twilight cast a long, thoughtful glance across at Trixie, who also smiled her approval.
“And, of course, I hope we win,” Twilight continued, a little more quietly, and with a self-conscious glance at Celestia. “But I'm also very grateful for being invited to compete in the first place. If not for this event, there are a lot of things I might never have seen or done... or felt--” She gave Trixie a warm smile. “--Whatever happens next, I know that I'm a better pony for it, and that I'll be in good hooves with the new bonds that I've made. Thank you.”
As thunderous applause rang out across the stadium, Trixie could only stare at Twilight – chest swelling with something so much warmer than embarrassment at the awkwardly romantic statement. Standing so close, she was hard-pressed to not simply lean in the rest of the way and steal a kiss from Twilight right there and then. The poor mare would probably die of embarrassment in front of her Princess though, and thankfully, Trixie managed to maintain some of her discretion. It could always wait until later.
“Well, I'm sure the romantics in all of us can appreciate that nicely-delivered sentiment,” said Broadcast, stepping back to smile at them both. “Thank you, Flaire and Rose, Twilight and Trixie. Now that the speeches are out of the way, I can, without further ado, go on to announce a certain turn of events regarding our placings.”
Lost in Twilight as she was, it took Trixie a moment to register the words. When she did, she blinked rapidly and turned to face the announcer, who was standing by his chest again, but hadn't lifted it. “What turn of events?” she muttered.
Her curiosity was matched by a cautious muttering from the audience, as well as some exchanged glances between the other competitors.
“Princess,” said Broadcast, bowing his head to her.
Celestia bowed her own head grantingly, before unfurling her wings. She kicked off from the ground, sending a blast of warm air over the ponies closest to her, and began to fly off towards her box in the stands.
“Where's she going?” Trixie hissed into Twilight's ear.
“How should I know?” said Twilight.
“Throughout the first and second events,” said Broadcast, speaking into his mic again. “Trixie and Twilight Sparkle remained slightly ahead of Flaire and Rose, in terms of points, that is. But the third event saw a spectacular performance from each pair, for which the final round of points was then awarded, as you know, by our judges--”
Trixie's body stiffened. 'He said 'but'...'
“--and the points awarded were as thus – Flaire and Rose received an average of nine-and-a-half points out of a possible ten, whilst Trixie and Twilight received an average of eight-and-a-half.”
“What?!” Trixie growled, surging forwards only to be held back by Twilight's soft touch.
The announcer pulled a slip of paper from his wooden chest and smiled at it. “These points were then added to the totals, leaving us with turned tables and a new score...
“Our two pairs are tied for first place!”
“...What?” said Trixie and Twilight both. They were far from the only ones bemused by the statement – throughout the stands, a rowdy sort of muttering began to break out, punctuated by yells along the lines of “A tie?!” and “That's rubbish!”
The announcer chuckled a little into his microphone. “Easy now, folks! I know you're all hungry to see a winner. You don't really think we'd leave it at that, do you?”
The crowd quietened down, apparently willing to listen for now. For their part, Twilight and Trixie exchanged questioning glances.
“'But how do we resolve a tie between two pairs with identical scores?' I hear you ask!” Broadcast yelled. “Well, the answer is simple...”
Trixie cast a look at Flaire. He also had a brow quirked in question. Rose looked concerned, Twilight anxious. They all turned to face the announcer together, as he threw up his hooves and yelled at the top of his lungs.
“A magic duel!”
* * *
20 quatloos on Twilight and Trixie!
Dun dun dun!
Get the Alicorn Amulet and start the preparing, its time for a Magic Duel!!
Good this story is, Favorite i must
inb4 Yu-Gi-Oh ref.
Guess the judges just like magic dances better.
denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw8181-1348961216188.gif
Haven't read it yet, but so far it reminds me of another ship-fic I read.
It's a battle royale for the finish, folks! One pony will be left standing at the end, and that will be our winner!
It's a bold move, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off!
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I'm betting it all on purple and blue!
2821217 Lol^^ I can imagen that^^
Celestia: This has my digital-noises.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/seal-of-approval.jpg
hehehe^^ looking back though... that might have been what he had intended on, seeing as he didnt seem mad or anything when Trixie was about to give up after their initial problems.
As for their kiss.... yeah I can agree with you on that^^ though I think they'll have to deal with some funny comments from their fellow magicians since they were all at the dance as well^^ this'll be hillarious^^
.... Anyone else having a deja vu here?
Oh you motherfucker. I thought I'd be free of all the tension by the end of this chapter!
What, are these the Olympics before the fall of the Soviet Union? I don't think I've ever heard of a 'spectacular' performance earning only a 7.5/10 in anything.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! i called it :D
2847412 Yup, everyone place your bets! I'm afraid I don't have any quatloos though, so I'll have to pay the winners in smiles
2847449 A shocking turn of events, to be sure
2847482 "Trixie's magic will make them writhe in agony! Or at least, giggle a little bit and lose their concentration..."
2847528 The force is strong with this one...
2847543 I blame Simon.
2847594 It's almost over, I promise!
2847606 Oh? Which one?
2847612 Celestia approves! Only the strong survive!
2847676 <- My face when your commentary is better than mine. Hehe! Well, I certainly hope it does pay off - I've been planning this one for a while.
2847697 Twilight sacrifices her Cute, Blue Unicorn to summon Green-eyes Purple Dragon!
25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m61cmfU6IM1qc5ffho1_1280.png
Also better watch out for trap cards.
2847724 They're the ones to beat! Go, Team Twixie!
2847728 More questions on the Flaire front! It's interesting to see everyone's perspective on him, and it'll probably be even more so after the duel. And hehe, there would definitely be some awkwardness if Twilight knew they had an audience.
2847780 It feels almost like they had another surprise announcement just two chapters ago...
2847809 Sorry! Next chapter, promise! ...*shifty eyes*
2847841 It's all relative
classicstargatesg1.com/rr0804jack.jpg
2847874 Congrats! But can you call the winners, too?
2847962
Kindness reward on Deviant art.
same basic premise, Trixie hurt, X pony brings Trixie in to nurse her to health, Trixie very annoyed, Trixie and X pony fall in love.
with in this case X pony being Fluttershy.
I can't help but feel that 7.5 is a little too low for what Twilight and Trixie did... What they did was on a scale so much larger than any other, I think you could easily make it 8.5 points, which would also make that "A little ahead" more "apparent".
That's a pretty pointed invitation, I find it interesting that Celestia took the opportunity to do a little recruiting.
And a Magic Duel to break the tie and finish off the competition? Awesome.
Oh bugger. This should be interesting.
2847962 LOL! It really does^^
I'm just raising a few theories here. Not entirely sure what to make of him yet. He's trixies brother and has about the same talent for shows she has. That's about all we know about him so far. For me, thats a little.... meager information to make a solid opinion about him^^
The irony of all is that Twilight and Trixie fought in a magic duel against each other now teaming up.
Featured again? Maybe I should actually read this.
[One half of a read later...] WHY DID I PUT OFF ON THIS?
2847697
You know what?
That's hilarious. Good job.
Saw that coming.
FIGHT to the DEATH!
I was of the opinion that 7.5 average was WAY too low a score for what Twilight and Trixie did for their performance...but then I realized why.
You're going even further to demonize Flaire.
He either bribed or mind controlled the judges to reduce the score they were going to give to Twilight and Trixie by two points each (putting actual average of 9.5). He knew they were beyond him in terms of ability - especially Twilight - and their chemistry much stronger than his with his partner, and he figured a drop of ten points total would easily put him in the clear for the lead, since he knew they were ahead of him.
Oh! Not just reduce their score on that event, reduce EVERYONE else's score and increase his own.
SO looking forward to the duel!
2847962
DAMN YOU SIR!! YOU JUST WON'T STOP WILL YOU!!
AND ALSO CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EXCELLENT PACING AND TIMING!
I AM (once again) WAITING WITH BATED BREATH.
2847841 Well, the Stalliongradi judge was a bit of a dick
A duel huh..... I guess I should have seen that coming. After all there is a trend of "Twilight" chapters and "Trixie" chapters. Having a duel from Twilight's perspective for Trixie's sake would be more entertaining than Twilight either comforting Trixie, or worrying again over if she will see Trixie after the display they won for a whole chapter.
One thing I do have to mention I think shows Trixe's growth in this story, is how for awhile its been "Twilight and Trixie" rather than "Trixie and Twilight". The fact Trixie hasn't been obsessing over this small switching of her names shows that she isn't as self centered as she used to be. One would think she would hate being seen as the 'the assistant' again, but it seems she doesn't mind being such with Twilight. If this was intentional or not I don't know, but that is how I see it.
I look forward to seeing how Rose handles herself when she has to be something more than just be eye candy again. Its clear Flaire brought her along for that reason mostly, since he is the one who mostly provides the magic for their team. I could have missed something though.
I also hope we find out what Flaire is really up to in the next chapter or two. I still don't know if he actually does care for Trixie like he said to Twilight or not. I also wonder if he actually is interested in Twilight as well. He could merely be showing interest in her to try and tear her and Trixie apart, or he could see winning Twilight over as yet another competition with Trixie. At the same time though he could actually like her, because she is Twilight and it is really hard not to like her.
Excellent chapter as always, though the 7.5 was a bit BS in my opinion. If anything I would have figured Trixie's failure at the tower would cause the tie.
A tie leading to a bonus round, can't say I didn't see it coming but I'm really looking forward to it all the same.
Shit just got real, again.
Damn it, i only finished reading a minute ago and the wait's already killing me.
2849018 I see your points. However, I hope the author doesn't go for the over used main character(s) lose, but realize the friendship they have now is more important . I hope they go with a lesson that can have just as much meaning. I hope Trixie and Twilight win, but Trixie realizes she doesn't really care as much as she thought she would. Instead Trixie realizes she cares more for being their with Twilight than winning and showing up Flaire. She also learns that it is time she lets go of her past with Flaire, as she realizes how much time during the display she wasted thinking about this, rather than enjoying Twilight's company and the opportunity to preform for a large audience. People all to often think someone has to lose in order to learn anything when that is not the case.
As for Twilight learning to fail, I don't think that is a lesson she actually needs. I think the lesson she needs is to learn not to be so shy and afraid of her gift. I believe Celestia pointed this out earlier in the story. Heck as far as this story goes Twilight isn't concerned at all about winning the Display, or 'failing' the princess. Twilight only cares about being there and helping Trixie. Twilight doesn't care so much about winning or losing. The only 'failure' she could have is not being there for Trixie win or lose.
A tag duel? Simple: Trixie summons Obelisk the Tormentor, while Twilight yells at her about teamwork. Though, Trixie probably doesn't trust pillars anymore.
2849701
That never fails to crack me up.
Great!
Ah interesting. This duel may give some sort of closure between Trixie and Flaire having them have a more personal confrontation than from the contests before. Will Trixie let go her contempt for Flaire? Will Flaire turn out to be nothing but an act or will we see a concerned brother who could only find this competition as a means to get Trixie to even talk to him? I hope to find the answers next chapter.
2848472to the death you say?
2848291 Hehe, you're enjoying it then? I hope so!
2848037 Ah, I've heard of it, but never got around to reading it. I can't remember why though... but there's no time like the present! Thanks for the reply!
2848051 I guess I could make it 8.5 and 9.5, if 7.5 seems too low. The only point I was trying to get across was that Flaire and Rose did better than Twilight and Trixie (in the eyes of the judges), not that Twilight and Trixie's performance was less than spectacular. I'll see to it! Thanks for the feedback.
2848059 I guess she senses trouble ahead! Also, I'm glad you like the idea of a duel to finish things off Stay tuned!
2848084 Let's hope so!
2848107 Well, hopefully all will be revealed in the duel. Or, at least, enough about his personality to make a good judgement.
2848271 Technically, they've never dueled one another at this time - since the story takes place during Season 1. But having them team up after magic duel is something I could (and hope I will) see in Season 4
2848472 No mercy!
2848585 "My evil plot, exposed!"
That's good thinking, and a very viable possibility. Twilight and Trixie will have the chance to get him back for it next chapter!
2848619 Nope, I never will Thank you very much! I'm eager to bring you the next chapter soon!
2848834 Wow, thanks for the comment!
Well spotted! Yes, in the past, she would've likely been pretty peeved at being referred to as '...and Trixie', but after being with Twilight for so long, it doesn't matter anymore Just the same, I've been trying to show some of Trixie's pride and confidence rubbing off on Twilight.
They totally complete each other, hehe!
The duel should provide some answers on the Flaire front, I hope. As for Rose, I'm not quite sure yet. She's a talented unicorn for sure, but she was never really meant to be a prominent part of the story - despite being a supermodel, she's overshadowed by Flaire, in Twilight and Trixie's eyes at least.
2849018 Nice to see so much thought going into this! The Twilight x Trixie balance is a particularly good point. While Twilight and Trixie are somewhat 'out of sync' when it comes to power and showmareship, Flaire and Rose are both 'pretty good' at magic and exceptional performers.
I'm liking the last paragraph as well Not going to say anything, 'cause spoilers of course, but good thinking! Thanks for the detailed comment!
2849079 Thanks! And regarding the score... yeah, I'm starting to get that impression I'm going to bump them up to 8.5 (and probably Flaire to 9.5 as well), and justify it as you say - by Trixie's falling from the pillar.
2849116 Kind of obvious, I guess But I'm glad you're looking forward to it anyway. Thanks!
2849133 Hehe, my bad! Just another two weeks, hang in there!
2849458 Why have I never heard of this? Thank you for introducing me to it
2849661
I suddenly have a vision of a pillar on wheels...
2849701 It's funny because it's true
2850357 Thank you!
2850740 Couldn't have said it better myself, really. Indeed, it's a personal confrontation on more than just a physical level - I'm probably more excited about it than everyone else
2855378 Aw yeah! Love that tune (it brings back fond memories)
2859751 lets hope so^^
2859751
Wait...you mean I guessed right?
Here's hoping it comes out somehow during the duel!
2859751
It's funny because Obelisk is a pillar, so she wouldn't use a pillar in a duel. Now that my joke is explained, I will make another: a pillar on wheels, with peanut butter crackers on the very top.
2849018 Trixie has never been shown to be abysmal at magic. In fact she's shown to be exceptionally impressive by unicorn standards. Name any other unicorn that can summon a bouquet of flowers out of thin air, manipulate the light of a rainbow (she uses Rainbow Dash's own rainbow against her) and summon a cloud to hit something with lightning (And that's only the spells we saw her use, which likely isn't near her full ability). The only other unicorn shown in the show able to do so is Twilight.
The problem some people seem to run into is they act like Trixie is some kind of weakling in magic because she couldn't match up to a unicorn that Celestia said has more raw power than any other unicorn she's ever known. The fact Trixie needed the Alicorn Amulet to match up to Twilight was not because Trixie is weak but because Twilight is so freakishly powerful. From what we've seen of unicorns in the show Trixie is very likely quite powerful by normal standards.
Dawww! How cute those two are all throughout this chapter.
What's with the added magic duel?! Dahhh I was ready for the winner to be them two, and they would finally be heading home, because I want to see all the events that I hope will transpire in future episodes when they return to Ponyville. All this arena contesting was giving my nerves a battle of twitches. Haha
I guess I'm just super anxious to find out what will happen when they return home to Ponyville and perhaps what the whole rainbow dash and fluttershy subtle antics was all about.
Wonderful chapter. This stories got golden moments all over. Stick with it.
Is it bad that I expected that last line to be "A XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN!!"?
Note: another show where Tara Strong voiced a male character.
Great chapter though, as per usual. Great development throughout the story. Can't wait for more.
2865031
Sleight-of-hoof cain't explain usin' a rainbow as a weapon. Maybe if it were the kinda rainbow produced in Cloudsdale that could be dismissed as simple telekinesis - albeit with a degree of control we ain't seen anypony else exhibit, even finesse-first Rarity - but it was explicitly shown ta be the average real-world rainbow, simple refracted light. How do ya grab light and beat someone else up with it without bein' considered powerful? An' anyway, in yer talk about the ponies' reactions, you forget - nopony ever said she was weak, either. In fact, they acknowledged her "simple" tricks as bein' proof enough. They ONLY took issue with her braggin'.
She was designed to be a foil ta Twilight, but that doesn't mean she's a fake - that'd make her a foil ta AJ. She's a foil ta Twilight because a' how she uses the power she has.
An' the creators have said that Trixie studied at Celestia's School fer Gifted Unicorns. That in itself means she's at least got above-average potential an' training.
So we're going to get to see Trixie and Flair fight, I assume. If Twilight fought, well that wouldn't even be a competition. The only thing that could limit her is if she is unwilling to actually fight another pony. If she went all out she could crush Flair like an ant.
great story. luv t way u built up trix and twi's feelings for each other til their kiss can't wait for t next chappie