Trix of the Trade - Chapter 26

>You are Trixie, after your brilliant plan to escape the dreaded shop own via teleportation, you were scolded by the Apple, ironically orange coated horse. That wasn’t half as bad as the drama fit Whitehorse threw. ‘I can never return after that! They know my face, they’ll never let me back! My life is ooveerr!’ sums it up well.
>And after that, they made their way towards their other friend’s location. Some other horrible place, no doubt. Quite frankly, these ponies have no taste. Even renowned fashionistas and successful Apple farmers cannot hope to have tastes as great as Trixie!
>And clearly it was their overall jealousy that made them force you to remain several paces behind them. They needed an excuse so they could giggle and whisper at each other while glancing back you periodically.
>Anonymous has some very appropriate terminology for this kind of behavior and you think it fits.
>What a couple of bitches.
>Yes, gargantuan, tremendous, unbelievably enormous bitches.
>The way they sneer at you, mock you, laugh at you. Why, you should—
>”Trixie, are you still back there?”
>What kind of question is that?!
“Of course I am!”
>”Good because there’s something that needs to be cleared up.” Rarity and Applejack glance at each other again. “What exactly happened with you and Anonymous?”
>Now she pries into business that isn’t her own?
“Well, I’ll have you know Anonymous and I have done quite a lot! After all, we’ve been together, alone, for nearly seven months now.”
>Rarity’s eyes widen in shock.
“Make what you will out of that.”
>”So you two jus’ argued a bunch and only began toleratin’ each other?”
>SILENCE, APPLEHORSE!

>”So tell us this, what exactly happened with Anonymous and Fluttershy?
“Hmph! The yellow mule—“
>”Hey,” Applejack snaps back at you. “We’re not trustin’ Fluttershy with Anon either but that don’t mean you can call her nasty names.”
“Oooh, I can’t insult the rapist? Is that taboo, all of a sudden?”
>Applejack begins to tense up with anger.
“I’m allowed to call her a rapist, right?” Ponies passing by begin to look your way but you ignore their gazes. “After all, that’s what she is, isn’t it? A rap—“
>”I’ve heard just about enough from you!”
>Applejack turns on her heels and begins stomping in your direction. You feel like you should be afraid of the big mare but… oh, getting her frustrated is worth almost any beating.
>”You listen here!” Her snout bumps up against yours. You’re still sporting your grin. “No matter what Fluutershy’s done, she’s our friend! If I hear ya say one more thing—“
>A blue aura surrounds Applejack’s tail and drags her away before she can lay a hoof on you.
>”Applejack, you should know better than to let this talentless little filly provoke you.”
>”Grrr… I know that! She’s just… so… mean spirited! Rude and… Guh!”
>”I know, I know.”
>Meanwhile, you’re snickering and trying to come up with a witty line about Applejack being Whitehorse’s little pet on a short leash.
>”And Trixie.”
>Rarity starts walking forward again.
>”I may have stopped Applejack this time, but if you insult our friends again, I’ll make a beating by Applejack look like tea time. Understood?”

>Her words strike a little fear in you, causing you to fall silent and match her pace.
>”Good, now could you please answer the question.”
“What question?”
>Rarity sighs.
>”What happened with Anonymous and Fluttershy before you lost them?”
“Trixie did not—“
>”Do I have to remind you again about our little rule, now?” Applejack mumbles.
“… I did not lose them! Regardless, Fluttershy managed to find my wagon last night. She rudely barged in and shouted something about needing Anonymous. Being a complete idiot, Anonymous had forgotten about everything that Buttershy did to him and went on some sort of adventure through Manehatten . Rainbow Head or something decided to join along with the same intentions of the yellow one. I warned Anonymous of these two but he simply refused to listen. He tends to make a lot of foolish decisions when Trixie isn’t able to stop him. Was he always like this? Of course he was. I picked him up in Ponyville, afterall.”
>Rarity and Applejack only have to glance at each other before they move closer and begin whispering to keep you out of the conversation.
“Hey!”
>You gallop forward and shove yourself between the two of them.
“You can’t leave me out after I told you everything!”
>”We doubt a single thing you told us wasn’t a lie.” Rarity makes her point before bumping you into Applejack.
>”So we’re still at square one because you’ve either convinced yourself that’s the truth or you’re jus’ playin’ dumb.” Applejack bumps you into Rarity. Then they both squeeze in on you and each give you a nasty glare.

“Tch, I don’t need to deal with this!”
>You slide away from their fat, untoned bodies and fall back to your original distance.
“Until any of you can appreciate my aid, I’ll be back here.”
>Their expressions of frustration and borderline hatred bore into you for a little while longer before they focus their attention forward once more.
>There’s a flat momentary silence that lasts until the three of you pass the farmer’s market, when Applejack and Rarity start debating whether they should even try finding Anonymous and the others instead of meeting back up at the hotel. They tone down to whispers and glance back at you whenever the topic came up. You’re inclined to believe they’re not bringing you to the hotel, as well.
>You sigh at the thought of either following these two back to their domicile and searching or waiting for Anonymous to show up. This whole situation has become no more than a headache. Why didn’t you stop him when he was leaving or in the streets? The idiot should know better but he just went with it.
>It was all because he was so desperate to see his ‘friends’ again. The friends who kicked him out and mistreated him. Hmph! Terrible friends.
>And the only reason he would want to spend time with them over you is… the reason are…
>You wince and shake your head. It’s not like you to think that way, Trixie! Anonymous likes you more than them! He’s been cramped up with you for seven months and you know what they say; too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

>The three of you turn another corner and come to a large, slightly crowded area with a tall fountain in the middle. Rarity and Applejack quietly trade whispers before deciding to cut right through the crown instead of merging into it. They come out on the other side and take a seat on the pearly white rim of the fountain.
“What are you two doing?”
>”Takin’ a break. I’ve been on my hooves all day. It don’ hurt to let ‘em up for five minutes.”
>”Yes. We know how feverishly you’re looking for your boytoy but I think both you and Anonymous can take a break from playing kidnapper and victim for a little while longer.”
>You feel your face get warm from her remarks.
“Trixie isn’t… tch, nevermind. It is none of your business anyway. Just leave me alone.”
>You don’t care about what these two ponies have to say anymore. They’re mean, insulting and as Anonymous likes to word it, a couple of bitches. You distance yourself from those two before leaning against the fountain and looking aimlessly into the crowd.
>Rarity and Applejack look at you in concern before turning their attention to each other.
>”…”
>”…”
>”… Oh, I’ll say it first. We’ve been terrible to her, haven’t we?”
>”No kiddin’. She hasn’t been any nicer but… I dunno, I know we’re better than how we were actin’.”
>”Simply because someone is rude doesn’t mean we can stoop down to their level!”

>”… It even feels terrible that we’re sayin’ this. Like, she’s below us or sometihin’.”
>”Oh dear, you’re right!”
>”We have to say sorry.”
>”We can be so awful at times!”
>Do they think they’re being quiet?
>”Not as bad as Trixie can be, but still, we were pretty darn bad.”
>Because they’re not.
>”And we certainly look a lot better, but we surely cannot lose out humility, like Trixie has done so long ago.”
“I can hear everything you two are saying.”
>Applejack and Rarity gasp and look at each other while exchanging guilty looks. Then they sheepishly trot over to you and take a seat on either side of you.
>”Erm…” Rarity starts. “Trixie… we apologize for our…”
>”Meanness.”
>”Yes. And our—“
>”Rudeness.”
>”And—“
>”Rarity’s insults.”
>Rarity shoots a glare at Applejack.
>And you’re remaining quiet and stoic. Their lies won’t work on you.
>”What I’m TRYING to say in between Applejack’s interruptions, is that we’re sorry about snapping at you and treating you terribly. Now, what do you say we spend a few minutes catching up while we rest our hooves.”
>”Ya’ll see that?”
>During Rarity’s little speech, Applejack has been gazing upwards. She points to one of the several pegasi flying about.
>”See what, d—“ However, one stands out more than others. One creating a short rainbow streak across the sky behind her. “Oh my GOSH that’s Rainbow Dash!”
>Rarity leaps from her spot and frantically waves her arms to get Rainbow Dash’s attention. “Oh, oh, oh! Over here! Over here!”
>She continues to shout and wiggle about until the blue pony loops around and disappears from sight.
>”Oooh… drat!”
“Are you ready to keep going or what? We’re wasting time here.”
>”Uhm… didn’t we want to do some catching—“
“I did not. Let’s assume rainbow pony went back to the human and make our way there, hm?”

>You trot off in the direction Rainbow Dash went without waiting for the two others to respond, but you hear two sets of hooves fall in line behind you quickly enough. You ignore their continued chatter and focus exclusively on keeping the pegasi’s trail. She’s long gone at this point but you’re trying to find her, Fluttershy and Anonymous before you lose the direction they went.
>And what are you going to do or say when you find Anonymous? Well, you’ll find out.
>You walk past a few more blocks before Rarity and Applejack catch up and walk along side you. They try to spark a conversation but you avoid going into detail about anything.
>As the crowds begin to clear out, you see the same blue pony creeping around a corner, chatting happily with whatever is still around it.
>Rarity and Applejack grow excited, but you stop in your tracks. They’re a street and a half away and you still have no idea what you’re going to do.
>Fluttershy flitters around the corner next, wearing that ever-cute smile of her.
>Then Twilight Sparkle, that mule of a mare. Just seeing her makes your blood begin to simmer.
>And of course, Anonymous is the last to walk around the corner. He’s wearing a smile so genuine; you swear you haven’t seen it before.
>He’s already spotted Rarity and Applejack rushing towards him and that expression on his face somehow becomes even brighter. Why is he never smiling like that around you?
>And the laughter when those barbaric ponies tackle him into a hug.
>Then that look on his face as they all pull in to a group hug. Except Fluttershy. She’s hovering a foot away while extending her hooves.

>Rarity’s head on his gut, Applejack’s on his left thigh. Twilight’s on the small of his back and Rainbow Dash’s buried in his chest.
>A public display of friendship and affection that… that you’ve never experienced.
>…
>N-… You don’t care! It’s stupid! In fact, looking at them like that makes you angry! It’s time to break it up. Anonymous has no place among those backwater ponies anyway.
>You focus all of your magic on displacing Anonymous, causing him to disappear with a pop and reappear next to you. He instantly stumbles and tries to find his footing while the ponies also try to register exactly what happened.
“Fine, fine, fine. You’ve all had your big reunion and now it’s time for Anonymous to return to the wagon for magic practice. We’ll send a postcard and visit when we’re in the area!”
>You yank on Anon’s sleeve as you walk away but he quickly pulls his arm out of your grip, which you promptly regain with much greater strength this time.
>”Trixie, what the hell are you doing?!”
“We talked about this.” You turn around as his friends get close. “You would spend time with your friends then you would come back for practice!”
>”Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d try to pull me away already. Besides, I was thinking we could just wait until—“
“Absolutely not!”
>”Well that’s too fuckin’ bad.” He pulls out of your grip again. “What the hell is your problem anyway?”
“Trixie is—“ You cut yourself off once the five ponies approach. None of this is for their ears. “Can we find somewhere private to speak?”

>You and Anonymous have moved to a nearby alleyway. He stands in front of you with his arms crossed while you explain to him why he needs to come back. You’re sure to make your reasons elaborate and long winded to make him believe they’re more important—and real—than they really are.
“—So it should be quite obvious why we need to spend time alone together. P-practicing magic! Not only benefiting my concentration, but your understanding of my work!”
>You have your chest puffed and nose risen in confidence that he understands perfectly.
>”… So why can’t we just do it later?”
>Crud.
“I… um… that is, Trixie…”
>”I really like the newfound motivation but I… I kinda need this.”
“Need what?”
>”A… break. That’s all.”
“A break? Didn’t we just recently spend an entire day at the carnival, or do you not remember?”
>Anonymous lets out a short, silent sigh.
>”Not that. I… Look, it’s been seven months. Aren’t you a little tired of me?”
>That’s a question you cannot answer comfortably. Any answer will hurt your case in some way.
>”I bet you are… and, and maybe you’d like some space?”
>Sweet Celestia, now you catch his drift.
>You’re trying so hard to get close to him and he’s been progressively pushing himself away. And now, here he is, telling you he wants you to leave him alone. What did you do wrong?!
“Oh… I—“
>”Trixie.”
“I, I get it! You can’t keep up with Trixie, is all!”
>”What? What are talking about?”
“You…” Wonderful. Why are you choking up? You clear your throat the best you can and continue. “You need time to recover? T-that’s fine!”

>“Are you alright?”
”Trixie is just perfect! She, she can finally throw… that wild… party. Yes. THAT party! And she will invite all the stallions,” Not even a wince at the mention of stallions. You’re only digging yourself deeper now. “and… mares for a glorious party!”
>”You’re crying.”
“Gah!” You instantly turn away and wipe the tear that began to drop from your eye. “I was only… planning out party supplies! Trixie was going to make some of her famous salsa dip and… the idea of onions makes my eyes water up. D-don’t tell anyone.”
>You hear Anonymous sigh behind you, but he remains silent.
>“… Alright, I’m glad we got that all worked out then. I might… stop on by hang out for a little bit, but I’ll be pretty busy all week.”
>You can’t think of any other response than,
“Hmph!”
>”Well, alright then. Later, Trixie.”
>He walks out of the alley while you keep your stature. Only when he’s out of sight do you flinch and falter. Did he really just do that?!
>This is it, isn’t it? This is how you lose him.
>Meanwhile, Anon’s friends approach him as he leaves the alley.
>”Anon, everything alright?”
>“Yeah, but…” He shrugs and shakes his head. “I’m not going to let it bother me. I’ve been meaning to ask, where’s Pinkie Pie?”

>Despite this overwhelming feeling of defeat, you somehow muster the motivation to travel a few blocks to find a road that supports carriages. You manage to wave down a blue carriage taxi before long and climb in. It’s dark inside and it only has enough room for three ponies but you’re lucky to find and empty cab. The upholstery matches the ugly mustard yellow and gold-brown plaid design on the walls. The magical lamp hanging from the ceiling is darkened for the time being, which you’d honestly prefer for now. As you climb in the cab, you give the pony pulling it instructions on where to go and close the small window so he cannot see or hear you.
>Although it’s not as if you’re going to be talking to yourself. You’re not stepping down that low.
>The cab lurches, signally you’re now slowly travelling down the crowded street. You lazily gaze out the window to your side and watch the ponies pass by.
>You hope to find something in the crowd that’ll take your mind off him, but nothing comes across. You only see many ponies going about their day with a smile on their face.
>Meanwhile you’re sitting in here on the verge of crying your eyes out because the stallion you’ve fallen for doesn’t even like you. Seven months and nothing has changed for him. Sweet Celestia, are you really this horrible of a pony? It’s probably all your fault.
>You can feel the tears begin to leak out once again before the cab stops. You’re nowhere near your destination so that must mean the cab is picking up another pony.
>To stop the tears, you clear your throat twice. Just like mother taught you.

>The door on the other side opens, you feel weight on the other side of the seat, then you hear a loud gasp as the door slam shut.
>”Trixie?!”
>You snap your head in the direction of the squeal-like voice.
>Oh good heavens, it’s the pink one!
“What are you doing here?!”
>”Oh, oh, I went to the fair in the morning, then I went the Cake Factory! Did you know it’s not actually a factory? It’s just a really big bakery! A really big, really good one but—Are… are you okay?”
>You let out a short groan before hiding your face and rubbing your eyes.
“Trixie is fine! It’s allergies…”
>”Those aren’t allergy tears, those are sad tears! Did something bad happen?”
>You ignore her question and continue to try and spruce up, but with no mirror or materials to do so, you’re most likely making it worse.
>”Come on, Trix! You can tell me. Or you can just tell me how to make you feel better!”
“S-shut up. It’s your fault anyway.”
>”Me? I didn’t… I’m sorry but I didn’t do anything.”
“Not you… directly! But your friends… and Anonymous. He hates me now.”
>”No!”
>You look into her eyes, waiting for her to continue. She looks genuinely concerned, but why is she smiling?
“Of… course he does! I’ve been nothing but horrible to him since we’ve left Ponyville. I’ve tried changing that recently but… I think it’s too late.”
>”Trixie, let me tell you something ‘bout Anonny. Since the day he came to Equestria, Fluttershy has been after him.” You wince at the thought. He’s with her right now. “He’s been annoyed, flustered, frustrated, angry, furious and everything in between with her. But he has never hated her! Anon CAN’T hate anyone. In fact, I bet he still really likes you!”
“But he doesn’t ‘love’ me.”

>You say that so casually, you don’t even realize what you said until a few seconds later.
“W-wait, I mean—“
>Pinkie Pie stuffs a hoof over your mouth. The expression on her face is one of shock and mild worry.
>”You don’t… you don’t mean you…”
>You nod without thinking. You cannot stop yourself at this point, the floodgates are wide open.
>”Uh… um…” She removes her hoof from your mouth and shifts her hooves uncomfortably. “I can’t help you.”
“What?”
>”I’m sorry but… I know someone who will! A friend!”
“A fr—Wait, who says I even want help! And I never said I—“
>”Look, she’s really good at this kind of stuff and I know she can help you with something… I can’t. Okay?”
“Hmph… how would I even know who this pony is?”
>”She’ll make herself known. Look, I really, really have to go now. I’ll send a letter tonight and she’ll be here soon. She’ll give you all the materials and advice you need.”
“Materials?”
>”Oh look, hehe, my stop! Well it was a pleasure to talk, Trixie! I hope everything goes well!”
>Pinkie Pie steps out, literally throws bits at the cab driver and gallops away. What a strange mare…
>As Pinkie slows to a trot, she’s verbally beating herself up and stomping at random times.
>”Stupid, stupid Pinkie. You can’t always make everyone happy…” She looks up to the bright sun and sighs as she ducks into an alley. “I really hope Dashie gets Anon first…”