When a rival of Trixie's shows up in town and tries to one up her duirng a magic show, Trixie and her friends fight back.
The arrival of Wild Card, a boastful pony with magical skills and gambling problems from Trixie's past, arrives in Ponyville during Trixie's magic to make Trixie's life miserable after blaming her for his misfortune, angering Trixie's friends. Trixie's friends try to get her to stand up for herself while Trixie resists her friends' requests to challenge Wild Card.
Derpy glanced out the window as she looked at the rising sun before looking at Dinky and Trixie sitting in the dining room at a table before going back to making Dinky’s lunch. Sparkler had left before the sun was up for work with Rarity.
“Pick a card Dinky!” Trixie said as she and smaller unicorn sat in Derpy’s dining room as Trixie held out her playing cards with a large smile.
“Any card?” Dinky asked and Trixie nodded.
“Any card and Trixie does mean any young Dinky. Don’t keep Trixie waiting because she isn’t fond of patience!”
Dinky gave a nod as she picked a queen of hearts.
“Now don’t tell Trixie what card you picked, just add it back to the pile and Trixie will magically pull the card you picked out of the pile,” Trixie explained as Dinky complied. Trixie shuffled the pile as Dinky watched with wide eyes as the cards seemed to dance from hoof to hoof. “Trixie will shuffle the pile so you can see she isn’t cheating. Is this your card?”
Trixie held up a eight of spades and Dinky shook her head.
“Of course it isn’t because your card is right here,” Trixie said as she reached for Dinky’s ear and pulled a queen of hearts from behind the fillies ear, placing it on the table with a smug grin as Dinky clapped. “Thank you, thank you.”
“That was awesome,” Dinky said as Trixie grinned wider.
“Trixie will teach you later but you must promise to show no pony. A magician never reveals her secrets after all.”
“Alright time to go to school Dinky. Say thanks to Trixie,” Derpy called out as she dropped some saddlebags on the table. “Have fun, learn a lot and don’t accept any wooden bits.”
Dinky had no real idea what that meant but assumed it was some wise saying. Derpy was the smartest pony she knew contrary to what others thought.
“Thanks Trixie. Bye mom!”
“Bye!” Trixie waved as Dinky took off out the small house as Trixie smiled faintly.
“They grow up so fast,” Derpy muttered as she shook her head. “Feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital with her.”
“Just wait until she starts dating,” Trixie said with a grin as Derpy glared at her.
“Don’t even joke like that. The day Dinky brings a colt or filly home is the day I die.”
“Meaning.....?”
“Meaning she isn’t going to date ever. No boyfriends, no girlfriends and definitely no hoof holding,” Derpy explained as she slammed a hoof into the wooden floor adamantly. “None whatsoever.”
“Oh well okay. Trixie wishes you luck but she must be going now. She must set up her stage tonight,” Trixie said with a smile as the pair hugged.
“Oh we will be there don’t worry about that,” Derpy promised as they separated.
“Trixie hopes so. This is the show to end all shows and you three get in free.”
Derpy waved as Trixie trotted out the door as it shut gently behind her.
She just hoped it didn’t go too late otherwise Dinky would never go to sleep.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahh (My Little Pony!) I used to wonder what friendship could be (My Little Pony!) Until you all shared its magic with me Unwavering loyalty, Teaching laughter, Helping other ponies, Being generous to all we meet, Being honest and helpful, Leading the way and representing everypony, It’s an easy feat And magic makes it all complete! You have my little ponies Do you know you’re all my very best friends?
Roseluck and Daisy both sat in the front row of the stage as Trixie finished doing a trick and the two clapped their respectively along with the rest of the crowd as Trixie’s magic turned the magical stage lights on.
“That was cool,” Lily admitted as the two other sisters nodded. They hadn’t really needed to force Lily out surprisingly. Apparently she was into magic or shows or whatever it was she said. Either way, the two sisters weren’t complaining.
Sunset nodded her agreement from the seat behind them as Silverspeed and Derpy shifted slightly before lifting Silver Spoon and Dinky up respectively to let them see better as Trixie nodded at the pair.
“Having fun?” Silverspeed asked as Silver Spoon shrugged.
“I mean it’s okay. I’ve seen cooler shows at school,” Silver Spoon said as she folded her forelegs and Silverspeed scowled at her.
“Be nice, that’s my friend up there. She’s doing good and you got in here free so show some respect,” Silverspeed chided as she narrowed her eyes. “I’m not asking, I’m telling.”
“Yes sister,” Silver Spoon muttered as she hid her blush.
“Now Trixie needs a volunteer!” Trixie called out as a grey unicorn stallion next to them group stood up.
“Me?” The stallion suggested and Trixie started to nod.
“Or me,” a tan unicorn with a bent playing card from the back called out and Trixie stared at him with a flat expression as her friends looked back.
“No. First stallion, what’s your name?” Trixie asked as she focused back on the unicorn.
“Mystic Song,” he answered as Trixie glanced at his music note cutie mark.
“You are lucky to be Trixie’s partner. She will respectfully ask you to stay still as she makes your disappear with the drop of a curtain if you will please step behind it?” Trixie requested and the stallion complied.
“Why not me?” The tan unicorn called out as Trixie gritted her teeth and Shoeshine raised an eyebrow. In all the short time she’s known her, she’s never known Trixie to turn down a pony asking to come on stage.
“That’s it, shows over! Goodnight everypony!” Trixie shouted as confused ponies starting talking to each other as Trixie’s friends gave each other confused looks. “Trixie is very sorry sir. Meet her after the show and she will use you in her next performance.”
“What the hay is going on?” Sparkler asked as she tossed her cup into a trash can. “Two points.”
“No idea but come on. We’re gonna find out,” Sunset answered as she and the others stood up.
Trixie gave a long drawn out sigh as she closed her trunk after placing some of her magical items inside it as she dragged it over to her wagon.
“What the heck was that?” Sunset demanded as she trotted up. “You never cancel shows halfway through Trixie. What the heck happened?”
“Trixie doesn’t wanna talk about it,” Trixie answered as she sighed again. “Can you girls help open the wagon door?”
“What happened was me arriving to confront the mare who ruined my life,” Sunset turned to glare at the stallion with narrowed eyes.
“And who the hell are you?” Derpy demanded as she eyed him up and down.
“Wild Card,” Trixie said simply without turning around as Roseluck opened the wagon door. “He has a gambling problem and blames Trixie. Used to be a uh business partner so to speak with Trixie.”
“I have a gambling problem because you suggested I go to the casino,” Wild Card shot back as Trixie rolled her eyes. “Multiple times and you also got my wife to leave me after it. My life is hell because of you.”
“That sounds like a you problem,” Sunset commented casually as she shifted her weight on her hooves. “Trixie isn’t the type to make anypony do anything. You don’t have to ever do anything a pony suggests. Based on your name and cutie mark, gambling and card games seems to be your special talent. Obviously not that good at them if you lost.”
“This doesn’t concern you,” Wild Card answered as he stepped around Sunset.
“Uh actually it does. Trixie is my friend so hit the road buddy,” Sunset grumbled as the others nodded. “Consider yourself lucky Raindrops is working and isn’t here. Otherwise she’d be hitting you by now.”
“Be careful of who you pick to be friends with. You’ll crash and burn if you associate with Trixie just like I did,” he said as he stepped back into the alley nearby. “She may have skills with show magic but I’m stronger in general with magic. Good luck.”
“I can’t believe you canceled a show over him,” Derpy scoffed as she sat down on the dirt next to Trixie. “He seemed rude.”
“Normally you shut down naysayers instantly and rudely. Why not now?” Roseluck asked as Silverspeed watched the alley warily.
“Because he’s right, I did ruin his life. I said he should go, I said he would win because of his cutie mark. But his cutie mark isn’t winning, it’s apparently cheating and getting caught cheating at card games. Obviously not good at it,” Trixie sighed as she stood up. “There’s nothing to stand up for when I’m the problem.”
“What?” Silverspeed demanded as she spun around with a stunned expression. “You’re all about self love and not caring what ponies think of you. You’re actually gonna let him get to you? You’re better than this.”
“Yeah well not tonight. I’m going to bed. Goodnight,” Trixie sighed as she stepped up the ladder of her wagon. “I’ll see you girls around.”
The five watched worriedly in stunned silence as the wagon doors slammed shut followed by the sound of a mare flopping onto a mattress.
“Should we follow her or...?” Roseluck trailed off as they all looked at Sunset expectantly.
For once, Sunset wished she had a book at home with the answer.
Roseluck bit back multiple curse words as her alarm screamed at her, idly flailing a hoof at her nightstand till she slammed a hoof down on the clock and the infernal machine went silent.
“Thank Celestia,” Roseluck grumbled as she moved deeper into her warm blanket pile. “Stupid alarm clock, stupid sun, stupid work.”
“Get up!” Lily shouted through the door as Roseluck groaned. “Your friends or whatever are here. If you don’t get your flank down these steps, I’m eating your waffles and I mean it.”
Roseluck rolled out of her blankets and fell with a thud as she rubbed her cutie mark with a wince.
“That’s gonna bruise,” Roseluck muttered as she awkwardly stood up and opened her bedroom door. “Now why are my friends here?”
“How the hell should I know? They’re your friends, probably here to do whatever it is friends do,” Lily answered with a shrug. “You’re the expert, you tell me.”
“Is this where we have another argument and awkwardly work around each other for the next week till we forget about it?” Roseluck asked as she followed Lily down the steps.
“Nah I’m in a decent mood today surprisingly so please don’t ruin it.”
“Which friend is it?” Roseluck asked as Lily paused.
“Blue coat one. Unicorn. Trixie is her name.”
“I’m trying to decide if that was a poorly made poem or not,” Roseluck mused as Lily surprised her by laughing.
“Nah it’s not. I’m not entirely good at poems but go see what Trixie wants. Surprised she is out and about with that one stallion still in town,” Lily commented as Roseluck scowled.
“He’s still here? I thought he left!” Roseluck pounded a hoof on the base of the stairs.
“Nope and from what I heard, he’s been following Trixie around and criticizing her every move. Why, I’m not sure,” Lily admitted as she stepped into the kitchen. “She’s in the dining room.”
“Hey how’s it going Trixie?” Roseluck asked with a smile as she entered the room and paused as Trixie continued browsing cupboards. “Uhm Trixie? What are you doing?”
“Got bored and started looking for alcohol. You don’t have any, do you?” Trixie asked as she closed a cupboard and opened another with seeds. “Why in the world do you have seeds in random places in your house?”
“Not sure. Us running a floral shop might have something to do with it?” Roseluck suggested as she closed the doors of the cupboards Trixie had already looked through. “Why come to us for alcohol? Why not Berry Punch? She runs a store out of her cellar, remember?”
“Been there.”
“And?”
“Trixie bought all she had,” Trixie answered as she shut the final doors and sighed. “Okay, thanks anyways.”
“Hold up, so you’re not going to sit down and talk?” Roseluck asked as she trotted into the living room, flinging herself on the couch in one corner of the room, patting the spot next to her. “Sit and stay awhile. I don’t care if Lily wants you gone, I want you here and you don’t seem okay so spill.”
Trixie eyed the couch warily before sitting down next to the mare before clearing her throat.
“For the record, Lily actually suggested Trixie comes inside. She was only gonna poke around for a few moments,” Trixie admitted after a moment of silence.
“Huh,” Roseluck muttered as she folded her forelegs under her. “Lily has been in good mood all day she said. Weird.”
“Anyway, Trixie is fine,” Trixie insisted as Roseluck raised an eyebrow slightly. “Fine, she’s upset but that’s it.”
“What the hell even is your story with him? All you said was he was a business partner and that was that. There’s more to that story than just that,” Roseluck said as Trixie bit her lip.
“Fine, he used to work for me and my master,” Trixie admitted as Roseluck gave her a worried look.
“Were you like a slave or something? I really hope not.”
“No, no nothing like that. Master is just a term of respect I used for the pony who taught me all I know. Good stallion. Anyway, that’s a story for later. You wanna know more about Wild Card. He’s just as boastful as me, has or well had a lot of bits that he invested in my shows and equipment. But he got taken out of his dad’s will after he died and Wild Card pretty much went broke. He had a nice wife but she left him after the money was gone so I guess not as nice as I once thought. So I suggested he spend his last few bits at a casino in an attempt to make a lot of bits and well, he obviously lost. I thought his cutie mark was being good at card games but evidently not. I ruined his life with one suggestion. He would still have a wife if it wasn’t for me fucking things up like usual. Anyway, that’s all,” Trixie concluded as she shifted on the couch. “Oh and he used to travel with me on my shows so that was already pretty hard on his family. I don’t really have a family that I’m on speaking terms with so it was easy for me to travel for months at a time. I didn’t actually put down roots so to speak till I became friends with you girls.”
“That is not on you,” Roseluck said after a moment as she wrapped a foreleg around Trixie. “Just a bunch of misfortune in general. Could have happened to anypony, hay that could have happened to Daisy or Crescent Moon or Star Tracker. And you don’t fuck things up, what happened the Trixie we all know and love that brags about herself, is all about her being the greatest at everything?”
“It is my fault,” Trixie corrected and shook her head. “None of that would have happened if I didn’t convince him to come along. Most ponies thought we were together but it was a strictly professional relationship. I don’t cross lines like sleeping with married stallions or mares. And that Trixie is still there, she’s just taking a break at the moment.”
Roseluck flinched and looked away. She didn’t really think Trixie meant that as a jab about her and Derpy’s ex husband but it didn’t necessarily hurt any less.
“I have to go now. It’s been a decent conversation I guess but I wanna go back to sleep after getting wasted,” Trixie said as she levitated Roseluck’s foreleg off of her. “Alcohol is calling this mares name and she desperately needs whiskey in her system till she can’t walk.”
Roseluck gave a frustrated sigh as she watched Trixie leave out the front door as Roseluck inhaled.
“Lily! I’m going out!”
“And that’s why I came here,” Roseluck finished as Raindrops growled incoherent curses under her breath as the two sat on a bench near the pond, watching ducks swimming. “You’ve know Trixie longer than any of us in town, any suggestions?”
“Beat up Wild Card and throw him out of town?” Raindrops suggested hopefully and her face fell as Roseluck shook her head. “Anyway, Trixie mentioned him a few years back but it was only good things except in one letter where they went their separate ways and ended the partnership. I’ve never met him and so far, I’m not impressed.”
Roseluck nodded her agreement as she watched a colt run by before focusing back on the pegasus.
“So how exactly do I stop Trixie from feeling bad about something that clearly wasn’t her fault?” Roseluck asked as Raindrops grimaced.
“Trixie has always been this way. She usually tried too hard back in school to get friends and well, it usually backfired so she’s used to thinking she was the problem. She usually gets random depressive phases so I suggest just giving her stuff she likes. She really likes chocolate and peanut butter crackers. Like, she loves that shit. And back off when she says to otherwise she’ll get angry,” Raindrops explained as Roseluck stared at her in silence. “When you know Trixie as a long as I do, you pick up on little things like this. Angry Trixie is scary and I thought I was intimidating when mad but Trixie is a whole ‘nother level.”
Roseluck shuddered slightly as she nodded. She had seen Raindrops angry before, the whole town had and most ponies knew to run in the opposite direction when Raindrops was on a rampage. There was nothing scarier than a furious pegasus who could make it rain whenever she wanted and control lightning.
“Anyway, I’m gonna get back to work. My break is over,” Raindrops glanced and tossed a lazy salute. “I’ll drop by Trixie’s wagon later and talk to her. I’ll also keep an eye out for Wild Card, he’s been out and about all over town from what I heard.”
“Thanks Dropsy.”
Roseluck watched the pegasus fly off before standing up herself to go find Derpy.
Derpy usually provided a perspective that most couldn’t provide, Roseluck mused as she looked down at her stomach growling and blushed.
Derpy and Roseluck trotted up to a faded blue and purple wagon falling apart as they both raised their eyebrows before Derpy knocked on the door.
“This is where she lives?” Roseluck asked and whistled. “Sweet Celestia.”
“Trixie? It’s Derpy and Roseluck!” Derpy called out as the door opened and the pair stepped back. Trixie was wearing a white robe, reeking of beer mixed with whiskey and various other alcohols as she covered her eyed with a hoof. “Good heavens girl.”
“What time is it?” Trixie grumbled as she winced at the sun. “Come inside, it’s too bright outside.”
The two looked at each other before stepping into the wagon and Trixie shut the door behind them. Derpy had never been inside Trixie’s wagon before as she looked at a hammock in the corner before glancing up at a smiling picture of Trixie above the hammock.
“What is that?” Derpy asked as she pointed a hoof at the hammock.
“Where I sleep. Duh,” Trixie said as if that should be obvious and flopped onto it with a groan. “What’s up?”
“This is an intervention now. At first it was just us checking up on you after you know who arrived,” Roseluck said as she sat down against a metal wall that she realized was the folded up stage Trixie performed on and was a bit impressed it was even able to fit in the wagon. Trixie was a traveling mare so she probably should have figured it would go somewhere. “You’re drunk at twelve in the afternoon.”
“I’m okay,” Trixie insisted as she picked up a bottle and shook it, giving a frustrated sigh when no liquid sloshed inside and she tossed it into a large pile of bottles near the door before levitating a unopened beer and ripping the cap off.
“Uh no you aren’t,” Derpy shook her head and took the beer. “You’re worse than Sunset and I thought she was the alcoholic of the group.”
“It’s been a rough few days,” Trixie admitted as Derpy sniffed the beer and made a disgusted face before setting it down away from Trixie. “Just get me some water and I’ll be right as rain.”
“Okay uh where’s a sink in here?” Roseluck asked as she looked around from her spot on the floor.
“I should have water in my fridge.”
Roseluck nodded as she jumped up to her hooves and trotted over to the small fridge in the corner.
“How do you even get clean in here?” Derpy asked as she narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t exactly seen a shower or a bathroom in here when she trotted inside.
“I use the river downtown. There’s a secluded spot where I can wash off where nopony can see,” Trixie answered as Roseluck hoofed her a water bottle. “It’s quite nice.”
“Uh that’s kinda weird,” Roseluck interjected. “A lot of colts and fillies go swimming in it in the summer, not bathing in it.”
“What’s the difference? They’re getting wet regardless and so am I,” Trixie shrugged in response.
Roseluck couldn’t necessarily argue with that logic.
“Getting off track, we’re taking your alcohol. This is getting out of hoof,” Derpy said as she picked up a bottle. “You’re gonna drink yourself to death.”
“That earth pony with the unicorn filly gets drunk all the time and is fine!” Trixie argued as Derpy rolled her eyes.
“Berry Punch’s alcohol problem is not a good example. Her cutie mark gives her a stronger liver than all of us that’s why she can drink all the time and stuff.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah come on, let’s get you some actual food,” Roseluck smiled as she stood up and hooked a foreleg around Trixie’s neck as Derpy opened the door, staring at a crowd of ponies with Wild Card in front of them. “What do you want?”
“Did you know that Trixie had multiple public intoxication arrests after she and I went our separate ways? Five is the number I believe,” Wild Card commented as Derpy glared at him.
“What is this about? We all have our struggles.”
“My point is do we really want a pony like that bearing an element of harmony when she clearly isn’t one hundred percent herself?” Wild Card faced the crowd as Trixie looked away and Roseluck glared.
She could faintly make out a few ponies in the crowd. Carrot Top, Lyra, Berry Punch, Bon Bon and others glaring at him disapprovingly as he smiled slightly.
“I’m kinda glad Raindrops isn’t here,” Derpy whispered as Trixie sighed. “She’d be trying to jam her hoof down his throat by now.”
“Hell, I’m almost there,” Roseluck whispered back. “Violence does seem pretty appealing right now.”
“Leave it,” Trixie said as Wild Card and his crowd started trotting away, some tossing glares his way. “At least he didn’t find out about the public sex charge.”
“I hope you’re joking.”
“I am. I’d never do that in public.”
Derpy and Roseluck sighed in relief as Trixie stared at the disappearing stallion.
“Can’t believe the whole town sided against moi,” Trixie shook her head and yawned.
“Uh they didn’t? A majority of them were giving him dirty looks, especially Berry, Caramel and Lyra,” Derpy pointed out with a frown. “Even I know when you should defend yourself and it’s past that point. None of us would judge for respectfully standing up for yourself. Heck, Silverspeed might even arrest him for harassment at this point. She does carry that power.”
“No, he will leave on his own accord once he embarrasses me enough. It’ll pass and I’m not weak,” Trixie stated firmly and swayed before leaning against the wall. “I need to sleep, vomit and pee. Not in that order.”
“Oh uh okay?” Roseluck said as Trixie shut the door and the two listened to faint sniffing. “Is she crying?”
“Come on,” Derpy said as she narrowed her eyes at the door and stretched her wings.
“Where to?” Roseluck asked as she looked back at Trixie’s wagon.
“We’re going to find Raindrops.”
A part of Roseluck had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well.
Derpy and Roseluck gulped as Raindrops kicked a cloud with an enraged expression before she spun around to face them. Above them, Raindrops co workers on the weather team hid in the clouds in fear, excluding Cloudkicker who watched, hovering idly next to a terrified looking Milky Way.
“And Trixie did nothing?” Raindrops continued her tirade as Derpy hugged Roseluck.
“N-no she didn’t,” Roseluck muttered as she went pale.
“Where is Trixie?” Raindrops demanded as she hovered in front of the two.
“Her wagon,” Derpy answered quickly and pointed a shaky hoof back where they had came from.
Raindrops took off, breaking some clouds and leaving the two mares spinning, the sound of thunder echoing as they gave each other confused looks.
“I didn’t know she was fast enough to break the sound barrier like that.”
“I’m more surprised we can still freaking hear,” Derpy muttered as the other ponies came out of the clouds. “Hey, do you think telling Drops was a bad idea?”
“Maybe so.”
Raindrops hovered in front of Trixie’s wagon as the mare inhaled before slamming her hind legs into the door.
“Sweet Celestia!” Trixie yelped and ducked as the door flew over her head. “What the fuck are you doing, Dropsi?”
“We are going to have a conversation and there is zero room for arguing about this. Clear?” Raindrops said as she trotted over the splintered door. “I’ll buy you a new door.”
“Why in Equestria would you break my door to have a conversation? Why wouldn’t you not knock?” Trixie demanded angrily as she glared at the pegasus. “It’s hard to get doors for this model of wagon!”
“I said sorry!”
“You actually didn’t but go off I suppose.”
“Fine, I am sorry. Now you are going to come with me, we are going to this annoying motherfucker and kick him the fuck out,” Raindrops announced and slammed a hoof on the wooden surface. “No arguing.”
“Yes arguing. We aren’t doing that. Wild will get bored eventually and leave town on his own then Trixie and her friends will be free again,” Trixie shot back as she shifted her weight slightly.
“I don’t care. I didn’t spend all of middle school standing up for you just so you can freaking go back to your old, shy self.”
“And you can’t make me,” Trixie said as Raindrops spread her wings.
“Wanna bet? You may have magic but I can fly and I’m stronger than you. Now let’s move on,” Raindrops pointed a hoof out the door. “Please?”
Trixie nodded and Raindrops sighed in relief, reaching out with a hoof as Trixie’s horn glowed brightly.
“Trixie what are you-?” Raindrops started to ask as Trixie disappeared with a pop. “The hell? When did she learn to teleport?”
Trixie tumbled to the ground with smoke rising off her body, shakily forcing herself up as she made eye contact with a confused looking Roseluck.
“When did you learn how to teleport?” Roseluck asked as she moved some rosebushes aside. “And why are you in my rosebushes?”
“Because-ow! Because Raindrops was doing her normal encouragement of trying to get me to stand up to Wild but she wasn’t there so. I don’t really know much about teleportion, just basics. All I know is to pick a area and boom. Now hide me,” Trixie begged as she flung her forelegs around Roseluck.
“I would but Raindrops is scary when angry. I saw her angry earlier this morning and well, it isn’t something I’m too keen on seeing again.”
Trixie couldn’t necessarily argue with that. Raindrops anger issues was pretty well known by well, anypony who knew her even remotely well.
“Fine, come on,” Roseluck sighed as she wrapped a hoof around Trixie’s neck. “But if she catches us, you better run for Luna’s sake because Raindrops is fast as hell and I can’t outrun her. I don’t even think I’m stronger than her and I’m an earth pony.”
“More hiding, less talking. She broke the wagon door and everything! Shit was insane. And I thought Comet was the destructive pony in town considering how often he kicks down doors. Oh and can I stay the night? I refuse to sleep anywhere that has no door.”
Roseluck scuffed a hoof on her welcome mat in front of her door as she bit her lip.
“Yeah sure. Just don’t be upset is Lily isn’t enthused to see you. Lily hates guest as you know.”
“I’m well aware, don’t worry. I got peanut butter crackers so don’t worry about making dinner or anything for me.”
Roseluck waved a hoof with a dismissive snort.
“Element of generosity, remember? We always make a plate for when our friends are here. No exceptions.”
Trixie opened her mouth to argue as Roseluck closed her mouth.
”No exceptions, Trixie.”
Raindrops flopped onto her couch with a frustrated sigh, a beer in her hoof.
“What’s with you?” Bright Ideas asked as he sat next to her.
“Oh hey big brother. Just ya know, upset about Trixie. Love her like a sister but Celestia above is she getting on my nerves. It’s not like I can force her to defend herself but damn man,” Raindrops sighed as she drank from the can before setting it down.
“Well, I’d say just make whoever or whatever is bothering her know that you don’t mess around,” Bright shrugged as he placed a wing around her. “You are the scariest pony I know but pretty damn caring too.”
“Think I’m a bit too scary at times. You should have seen how afraid Derpy and Roseluck looked this morning when they talked to me about Trixie. All my co workers minus Cloudkicker hid from me all day,” Raindrops leaned into the hug. “It is nice to see you. You should have told me you were visiting.”
“Meh, I enjoy surprising you. Just in the area for work and decided to drop by for a few days,” Bright Ideas shrugged and waved a hoof. “And you’re scary sure, but only about the ponies you care about. Any of your friends would be lucky to have ya.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I’m right,” he countered with a faint smile. “I brought your favorite food as well. It’s in your fridge. Or well, the one in the kitchen. Not the one out here with your alcohol. Now go eat, I assume you’ve been running around all day like a bat out of Tartarus.”
“Even Trixie?” Raindrops pressed and flicked a ear slightly as he nodded. “She seemed pretty passed earlier. I may have also broken her door down in a rage so I have to fix that some how. Might try to convince Shoeshine and Fix It to well, help me fix it.”
Raindrops mouth went dry as she stared down at the wagon door catalog. True to her word, she was buying Trixie a new wagon door but she had no idea they were this expensive like sweet Celestia it was damn near an entire check of bits. It was no her opinion that dppr companies were evil and she truly hated them.
“Yeah it’s expensive,” Trixie agreed as she looked over the blue unicorn sitting next to her with a coffee in front of her. “I’m well aware. I’ll throw some bits in too so you don’t go entirely broke. I don’t want that, I just want to sleep in peace again.”
“Where are you even sleeping Trixie? I got a spare bed if needed.”
“With Roseluck. She offered Trixie a spot on the couch,” Trixie answered with a shrug before drinking from her cup. “I’m not sleeping on the floor for the record. Not a bed, it’s the couch because they only have three rooms.”
“I’m insisting you stay here. My brother leaves for Cloudsdale in a few days and honestly, I think he likes you still,” Raindrops tossed Trixie a tired smirk as Trixie rolled her eyes.
“Trixie is flattered but she is happy single at the moment. And besides, Trixie dated him for a couple years in middle school, remember?”
“Did more than date him,” Raindrops snorted as she glared at Trixie.
“That was your idea!”
“I suggested dating him, not sleeping with him Trixie,” Raindrops rolled her eyes. “And it was kinda weird you asked me permission first to let him.”
“Girl code.”
“Not even gonna ask what that is,” Raindrops shook her head. “Now which door do you like?”
“That one!” Trixie proclaimed and jabbed a hoof at a door on the catalog. “That is the exact same one Trixie had before it was destroyed in a Raindropsnado!”
Raindrops snorted and shook her head with a faint smile. She really hoped that the term “Raindropsnado” wouldn’t stick. The last she needed was her co workers hearing about it.
“I guess I can stay with you as long as we s don’t argue about Wild Card again,” Trixie said as Raindrops gave her a frustrated look followed by an equally frustrated sigh.
“I only yell because I care,” Raindrops answered as she leaned back on her cushion. “You know this. You’re like the sister I never had. And we’re gonna argue about it till you do something.”
“Maybe yelling at each other isn’t the best option,” Bright Ideas commented as he trotted into the room and flung himself on the couch. “Hey, Trixie. Been a while.”
“H-hey Bright,” Trixie said as she blushed and shifted her weight. “Indeed it has. How’s your business in Cloudsdale going?”
“Pretty decent. How’s the whole traveling magician life style?”
“Eh. Haven’t been doing much traveling these past few months but this town makes Trixie a decent amount of bits. As long as fillies and colts adore her magic shows, Trixie will be fine,” Trixie shrugged with a smile.
“I just realized it’s been a long time since the three of us have been in the same room together,” Raindrops said as she rubbed her chin with a hoof.
“About six years I’d say,” Bright commented as the light blue pegasus folded his wings. “We should go somewhere tonight, the three of us.”
“Trixie is down. As long as it’s somewhere with alcohol and loud music,” Trixie said with a grin as the two pegasi snickered.
“You haven’t changed a bit Trixie,” Bright shook his head as Trixie grinned.
“Why bother changing perfection? Is Trixie not the greatest pony you’ve ever seen?”
“I can’t argue with that,” Raindrops said after a moment. “Nor do I really have the energy to do so.”
Trixie rolled her eyes in response.
Trixie, Raindrops and Bright Idea trotted down the road as the three gave confused looks at a large stage with a few ponies as Trixie tilted her head to the side.
“What’s that?” Raindrops jabbed a hoof. “That wasn’t there earlier, was it?’
“No, it wasn’t,” Trixie said slowly as she raised an eyebrow slightly. “I’m intrigued.”
The two warily followed Trixie as the mare trotted closer to the stage as Wild pulled a rabbit from a hat.
“Is he doing your tricks?” Bright Ideas asked with a stunned expression.
“Yes,” Trixie huffed as she shifted her weight. “All of those are my tricks.”
Raindrops gritted her teeth as the three got closer.
“Let’s go,” Trixie pulled her hat over her eyes. “Before he sees us.”
The three snuck out the way they came, Raindrops turning on Trixie the moment they were a good distance away.
“How the hay does that not enrage you?” Raindrops snapped as she flared her wings and flung a hoof.
“I’m very enraged,” Trixie shot back as she glared at the jasmine pegasus. “What do you want Trixie to do? Start a riot, get the pitchforks and run him out of town? You know as well as I do how illegal that is. Ponies tried to do that once to me and I’d be no better than them if I did that here.”
“There’s a difference between running a pony out and standing up for yourself, Trixie!” Raindrops shouted as the two stepped closer.
“Okay let’s not,” Bright Ideas cut in as he nervously stood between the two. “I don’t really have any interest in seeing my sister and a colt hood friend have a hoof fight in the street. We’re all friends here, the Unicorn-Pegasi war ended over a millenia ago.”
Trixie’s horn glowed a light pink as she narrowed her eyes and Bright bit his lip nervously as Raindrops shifted her weight.
“You’re right,” Trixie muttered as her horn slowly quit glowing. “About the war thing. Trixie has better things than going to jail, especially with her reputation as a hero after Nightmare Moon. Trixie is going to bed now. Night.”
The mare turned around and started trotting off towards Raindrops house as the two gave her stunned looks.
“That was unexpected,” Raindrops admitted as she folded her wings. “Trixie almost never backs down when she is about to fight a pony.”
“Nor do you come to think of it,” Bright commented as Raindrops gave him a flat look and he laughed. “You’re always the hot headed one in the family, always trying to punch your way out of a problem.”
“If it works, don’t change it. But something tells me I won’t be punching my way out of this problem,” Raindrops muttered and shook her head as she leaned against her brother and he wrapped a wing around her.
“You will find a way to help her. You always have. I remember all the times you fixed her problems in school when you two were just fillies.”
“Yeah me too,” Raindrops said with unreadable expression. “I’m going for a flight, I’ll be back tonight. Goodnight.”
Raindrops took off into the sky as Bright scuffed a hoof with a sigh on the dirt road.
Raindrops watched from her cloud as Wild Card trotted up to a motel room, putting in the key as Raindrops jumped off the cloud and stood behind him silently before clearing her throat.
“You will never be Trixie, just so you know that. Trixie will always be the better magician and a better pony,” Raindrops narrowed her eyes as he watched with a bored expression. “You’re lucky I promised not to kill or seriously maim you.”
“I don’t think you could seriously hurt me,” Wild chuckled as he examined the mare. “But go off. Trixie is not the better pony and she isnt good in general. You may say you know her but you don’t truly spend every waking moment with her like I did.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Raindrops corrected as she slowly trotted around him. “I’ve known Trixie for years since we were fillies and she’s damn near my sister after all we’ve been. You mess with her, you mess with me.”
“And me too,” Raindrops jumped and looked back at an angry looking Bright followed by Lyra and Derpy. “You should know better than think we wouldn’t follow you Rainy.”
“I hate you some nights Bright,” Raindrops grumbled as she turned to face Wild with the other angry looking ponies. “Just leave her alone.”
“Hmph.”
Raindrops turned to leave with the others before stopping.
“Oh and Wild?” Raindrops called out as she faced him again.
“What?” Wild grumbled as he raised an eyebrow.
Raindrops slammed her hoof into his throat and his eyes widened followed by a gagging sound as he collapsed on the doorstep.
“That was for Trixie. Have a goodnight.”
With that, Raindrops turned around and trotted into the night with the other three stunned ponies, leaving a gasping Wild Card on the ground.
Hitting ponies isn’t always helpful but damn does it feel therapeutic.