Trixie took a sip of grape juice, then set the glass down on the counter. She was sitting alone at a large table in the new restaurant located between Ponyvillle and Manehattan. It was called "The Blue Unicorn". How fitting. Trixie started coming here when it first opened. Mainly to eat the good food that was served, but also to think about the past. About her time in Ponyville. The moment that changed her life. Ever since she was called out as a fake, her life has been miserable. Everywhere she went, ponies stared at her, muttering to their friends. Hoofington was the worse. Ever since the word got out that she supposedly saved them from an Ursa Major, they treated her like dirt. And she didn't blame them either.
The door to the restaurant opened and six mares walked in; 2 Ponies, 2 Pegasi, and 2 Unicorns. They were talking with each other until they spotted Trixie at the table in the far corner. They decided to approach her.
"Trixie?" asked Twilight, surprised to see her.
The blue mare had a depressed look about her, like she didn't care about anything. Her eyes filled with sadness and her mouth in an expressionless pose. She took another sip of juice.
"Hello, Twilight Sparkle." she said in a depressed tone, setting the glass down. "It's been a while."
"Oh, I've been waiting for this moment." said Rainbow Dash. "Now, I get to teach you lesson about bragging."
"Rainbow..." Twilight whispered harshly.
"I welcome it." said Trixie, not changing her tone.
She didn't even look up at them.
"Beg your pardon?" asked Applejack.
"I deserve it." said Trixie, taking another sip of juice.
"Excuse me?" Twilight asked, shocked. "Something wrong?" she asked, sitting down across from Trixie.
The others sat down as well, with Trixie on one side and the others on the other side.
"It's a long story." said Trixie, taking another sip.
"We have time." said Twilight as a waitress unicorn came over.
The six ordered food. When the waitress left, they returned their attention to Trixie.
"Well?" asked Applejack. "What happened?"
Trixie sighed and closed her eyes.
"I guess I should start from the beginning and work me way up to this point." The six friends listened intently. "It all started when I was a foal..."
It was Christmas and I was sitting in front of the Christmas tree. My parents had gotten me a present and it was sitting in front of me. I opened the box and pulled out a wand. I let out a small gasp of excitement.
"It's amazing." I said, in awe.
"Merry Christmas, sweetie." said my mom with a smile.
I continued to stare at the wand and I decided to show my friend. I walked up to my mother a few minutes later.
"Mommy?" I asked.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Can I go over to my friend's house?"
"Sure." she said. "Just don't overstay your welcome."
I smiled. "I don't think that's even possible. They love me."
My mom smiled back. "I bet." She rubbed my mane. "Go on. Get going."
i gave her a hug and left. I then made my way through Hoofington, heading straight for Butter Crisp's. I saw her standing out in her front lawn.
"Hey." I said, running up to her. "Look what my parents gave me."
I held the wand in my mouth, the star at the end glistening in the sunlight.
"It's pretty." said Butter Crisp.
"I know right?" I asked. "What did you get?"
"Just a train set." she answered with a hint of disappointment.
We continued chatting for a bit longer before we parted. It was then I decided I wanted to be a magician. After earning money by doing chores around me house, I went to the toy store at Hoofington. It was there I bought my first magic kit. I practiced and practiced and practiced until I could perform the tricks blindfolded. After I got good enough, I showed them to Butter Crisp and my other friend, Feathermay.
"That was cool." Feathermay answered. "Do it again."
I set the wand down on the cardboard box I was using as a table.
"Sorry, Feather. A good magician only does a trick once."
"I thought a good magician never reveals their secrets." said Butter.
"That, too." I said.
"How'd you get so good?" Feather asked me.
"Practice. Lots and lots of practice."
The compliments my friends gave me made me think I had a shot at being an actual magician.
Trixie took another sip of juice.
"Is that how it all started?" asked Twilight.
Trixie nodded. "Yes. Little did I know I'd take it too far."
"Wow." said Rainbow Dash. "What happened next?"
Trixie stared at her empty glass.
"Let me just get some more juice." she said. "Then I'll continue."
Trixie now had her full glass of juice and the others were waiting in anticipation. Trixie calmly took a sip of her juice and then set the glass down..
"Now, where was I?" she asked aloud. "Ah, yes. The talent show."
I stood in the halls of Hoofington elementary staring at a poster on the wall. It had the words "Talent Show" in big red letters with info on how to sign up. Butter Crisp trotted up next to me.
"Gonna join?" she asked.
"I don't know." said Trixie.
"Oh, come on." my friend urged, leaning against the wall. "You're really good."
"Thanks, Butters." I said. "I just a little thing called... um... stage fright."
"Stage fright?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "But you performed for me and Feathermay all the time."
"That was just the two of you. This would be the entire school."
"Look, Trix." she said. "If you need help, all you need to do is ask."
"The only thing I'll need help with is getting over my fear."
"Really?" she asked. "I could gather a large group of fillies together."
"No, that's okay." I said with a laugh.
Butters smiled. "Well, good luck." she said. "No matter what happens, you have my vote."
I smiled. "You really are a good friend."
She playfully bumped me. "I know."
Later that day i practiced for the talent show that night. I spent lunch time going over routines. Butter Crisp and Feathermay sat down with me.
"How's it coming?" asked Feather.
I waved the wand over the hat.
"So far..." I tapped the hat and a coin popped out. "so good."
The coin rolled over in front of Feather, spun around, and then lay flat.
"That was amazing." said Butters.
"Thanks. But I still need one more."
"What's it gonna be?" asked Feather, poking the coin.
"Not sure yet." I said, levitating the coin and holding it in front of me. "I'll think of something, though." I put the coin in my saddle bag. "It's hard to find tricks you can do without using your horn."
"Something I'd never know about." said Butters. "Well, I hope you find one in time."
"So do I." I said.
"i can always get those fillies for you." said Butters.
I shot her a look. "No, thanks."
After school, I went to the auditorium. I went backstage where all the other performers were hanging. I headed to a desk where an adult mare was sitting.
"Hi." I said. "I'm here for the talent show."
"Name, please?" she asked kindly.
"Trixie." I answered.
The mare looked at the list. "Trixie... Ah." she said, finding my name on the list. "Ooh. Magic, huh?" she asked. "Now these are actual tricks, right?"
"Yes, ma'am." I said. "No unicorn magic required for these."
"Well, this should be interesting." she said, penciling a check mark next to my name. "Wait over there with the others."
"Sure." I said, joining the rest of the fillies.
It was about a half hour or so before it was time to start the show. the mare at the desk went out on stage and gave the introductions. I took a few steps away from the curtain and bumped into a gray filly.
"Watch where you're..." he started. "Trixie? Getting a little stage fright?"
"Nothing I can't handle, Cloud."
"You gonna chicken out, aren't you?"
I let out an angry sigh and walked away. Other acts went on until it was my turn. My heart skipped a beat and I began to sweat a little as the mare announced me.
"Fillies and gentlecolts!" she announced. "Put your hooves together for our next act. The Great Trixie!"
Ponies in the audience slammed their hooves on the floor, the Equestrian version of clapping. I took a deep breath and went out on stage, bringing my hat and my table with me. Every pony's eyes were on me.
"Uh... watch as I... The Great Trixie... perform magic without the use of unicorn magic."
There was silence as I levitated the wand and waved it over the hat. I then tapped the hat and the coin popped out. I let it hit the floor before picking it up. I waited for a response. Nothing. Then... all the ponies in the audience started stompin their hooves. They actually like it. I started to feel a little more confident.
"Now watch as I, The Great Trixie, perform another trick." I said with more confidence.
This went on for about two more minutes before I ran out of time. The crowd applauded as I headed backstage. The mare shot me a smile as she passed me, heading back on stage. I had done it. I had overcome my fear of crowds. I guess all it took was something I loved.
"So, that's where you developed the first-pony speech." said Twilight.
"Yes, Twilight. One of the things I now find quite annoying myself."
"And this is where things start to go downhill." she said.
I was walking down the streets, feeling good about myself. I now had the confidence I never thought I had. Just then a filly came running up to me.
"Trixie." he said, catching up to me. "Can you help me with a magic trick?"
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"A magic trick. I saw you at the talent show and figured I'd give it a shot. I'm just having trouble."
"Aw, well..." I said. "Magic's not for everypony. What can the Great Trixie do for you?"
He described the magic trick and I gave him some tips on what to do. About two or three more fillies came up to me, asking me about magic. All this attention... it felt good. I got home around nine at night. My parents were waiting for me.
"Where have you been?" my father asked, scolding. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
I narrowed my eyes and walked passed him.
"The Great Trixie is going to bed." I said. "Don't bother her."
My parents watched in shock as I went upstairs to my room. I was now popular. And popular ponies listen to nopony. There was a knock on the door.
"What's going on, honey?" my mom asked.
"The Great Trixie said that she did not want to be disturbed."
"Are you okay?"
I sighed. "I'm fine, mom." I said with an annoyed tone. "Just let me sleep."
The next day I went over to Butters' house. She was, once again, in her yard. We were planning on seeing a movie.
"The Great Trixie is here." I announced.
"Hey, Trixie." she said.
I walked up to her. "Whatcha up to?"
"Just smelling the flowers. You?"
"Trixie was just about to go for a walk." I said. "Wanna come? We still have time before the movie."
"Sure." she said hesitantly as she followed my out of her yard. "Why are you speaking like that?"
"Like what?" I asked.
"You were speaking in the first-pony. Like you were still on stage."
I hesitated. "Trixie doesn't know what you're talking about."
"There." she said. "Right there. You did it again."
"Trixie... uh... I have no idea what you're talking about." I insisted.
"Are you serious or are you hiding?" she asked, not knowing if I actually didn't know what she was talking about.
"Trixie just likes speaking this way. Is that a problem?"
"Well... no, but..."
"Good. 'Cause Trixie's gonna keep doing it. It makes Trixie feel good."
"Is that the only thing that makes you feel good, Trix? Performing magic?"
"It's what Trixie was meant for, Butters."
A couple foals ran up to them.
"Can you do some more magic for us?" asked one of the foals.
"Sure, kid. Trixie would be glad to."
"What about the movie?" asked Butter Crisp.
"We still have time." I said, patting Butters on the head before leading the foals to my house.
I set up the table and the hat and grabbed my wand. Butters watched me with a disappointed look as I performed magic. I didn't care, though. I was having too much fun. A couple more foals made their way onto my lawn and watched. Butters let out a sigh, hung her head, and left.
"Intermission." I said.
I set down the wand and ran over to her.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"As if you don't know." she said coldly.
"What are you talking about?"
"You've changed, Trix. Friends always came first with you. But, now... all you care about is performing."
"I perform because others like it. And I'll keep doing it."
"Even if you lose your friends?" she asked.
I was shocked for a second but it was quickly replaced with anger.
"If Trixie's friends can't accept Trixie for who Trixie is..."
"Stop saying your name. Please?"
My eyes narrowed. "Then maybe Trixie doesn't need them."
Butters' mouth hung in shock as a tear fell from her eye.
"Fine." she said. "Have it your way. Just don't come crying to me when you're all alone."
She turned and walked away.
"I don't need you!" I shouted back. "I never did!"
Butters stopped walking and hesitated. She then ran away, crying. I turned around and headed back to my house.
"Show's over." I said as I passed the foals, grabbing my stuff as I did.
"Yeah." agreed Trixie. "And it was all my fault. All because I cared more about performing than my friends."
"Did you ever make up?" asked Rainbow Dash.
Trixie sighed. "No. I never did."
I sat at the kitchen table staring at me plate of food, thinking about Butters.
"Eat your food before it gets cold." my mom said.
"Trixie will eat when Trixie is ready." I said coldly.
"Don't talk to your mother that way." I let out a sigh. "What's going on?" asked my dad. "You've been acting different lately. You've been disrespectful. You're speaking in the third-pony for some reason. I also hear that you had an argument with your friend."
"She's not Trixie's friend." I said. "Not anymore."
"It's because of your attitude."
I felt a rage build up inside me.
"No. It's because Trixie doesn't need anypony!"
"Watch the tone." said my father.
"No. Trixie'll speak however Trixie wants!" This caught my parents by surprise. I've never talked back before. "Trixie can think for herself and doesn't need anypony telling her what to do!"
"Go to your room." my father ordered. "Now. I don't want to see you for the rest of the night."
"FINE!" I yelled. "And don't worry. You'll never have to see me again!"
I stood up abruptly and stormed to my room. I grabbed my wand and headed back downstairs.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked my father who was standing next to the stairs.
"Away from here!"
"Go back to your room."
"NO! ANYPLACE IS BETTER THAN HERE!"
"THEN GO!" he yelled.
"Honey." my mom whispered.
A tear fell form my eye.
"I WILL!"
I turned and bolted out the door. I ran and ran, leaving my home further and further in the distance. I kept running until I wound up in a forest near town.
"I DON'T NEED ANYPONY!" I cried. I slowed to pace and fell to my knees. "I don't."
I sat in the dark forest... all alone. Just like Butters warned me about. I curled up and listened to the creatures scurrying in the woods. I could just pray that they wouldn't attack me.
Applejack stared in shock and sadness. "What happened?" she asked.
Trixie let out a sigh. "They did."
A Timberwolf burst through the brush and snarled. I jumped up, startled. It lunged at me, swiping a claw. I raised a foreleg to block and the wolf clawed it. Blood dripped from the cuts as I stumbled backwards. The wolf howled and I ran in the opposite direction. I knew for sure I was running away from Hoofington. I just didn't know where I would end up. I stumbled over roots and ducked under branches, getting cut as I did. I soon felt as though I couldn't run anymore, and collapsed. I rolled over on my back and watched as the Timber wolf got closer and closer. I let out a scream as it leaped into the air. My horn suddenly started to glow. The last thing I saw was the Timberwolf's face as the scenery around me faded into a dark room. I looked around at my new surroundings. I was now in some kind of storage shed.
"You teleported?" asked Twilight. "As a foal?"
Trixie nodded. "I'm not sure how, either. I guess instinct kicked in just in time."
The door opened, letting in a bright light.
"Who's there?" asked a voice.
"Uhh..." I stammered.
"Oh... you're just a little filly."
A figure knelt down in front of me. The blindness was starting to wear off as I saw an indigo-colored colt with a white mane.
