Trix of the Trade - Chapter 26

==Incomplete. I ask for patience while I finish up the rest. Whatever you see here is subject to change in the final edit of the chapter, so feel free to reread when I update this.==

>You are Trixie. It’s been five days since Anonymous began spending more time with his ‘friends’, the friends that basically kicked him out of Ponyville. Tch. Today is the day of the New Cycle. A near year, a new beginning. You always told yourself that to get excited for the day, but you can hardly get out of the wagon at this point. Since Anonymous has wandered off with the herd of liars and whores, things have only gotten worse. The letter from the wagon rental company came in yesterday morning, stating that they cannot change the size of a room and you’d have to get a completely new wagon. They sent a price sheet for two bedroom wagons and it’s far beyond your budget.
>The Pink one’s friend hasn’t shown herself either. You’re starting to think it’s a hoax, fooling you into leaving Anonymous alone while the blue and yellow ponies seduce him. You’re tempted to go out and pull him back but there’s no motivation to go anywhere. Let him leave, let him fall for another pony, let him tell you he doesn’t like you. The thought of being alone again after so long stings, and you’d hate for any of all that to happen, but you simply cannot bring yourself out of bed.
>The bad news doesn’t stop there. Anonymous has only come back to the wagon late at night and leaves early morning. You’re normally asleep or almost there whenever he’s here, and that leaves no time to search for performance leads.
>So, everything is an absolute disaster.
>It’s just a phase. It’ll pass. That’s all you can tell yourself.
>And it certainly cannot get any worse.

>You are Anonymous.
>Bam! Wagon door opening action!
>You catch Trixie off guard, she yelps from one of the cabinets and bumps her head on her way out.
“Hey, still here?”
>She quietly hums before ducking her head back into the cabinets, looking for food again. It strikes you as odd but Trixie has been really off in the past month or so.
“So, uh… bet you enjoyed all that alone time, huh?”
>No response again.
>That’s… very uncommon.
>You sigh and take a few long strides towards Trixie and scoop her up before she can scamper away.
>”W-what are you doing?! Let Trixie go!”
>You plop her down in a seat and lean on the table, next to her.
>”What do you even want?”
>Trixie’s voice has a slight phlegmy sound to it. Her appearance isn’t so hot either. Well-disguised sags hang under her eyes and her mane and tail are visibly messy which is never common for Trixie, unless…
“Did you just wake up?”
>”Well, Trixie just has SO much fun partying and spending time away from you, she forgot to sleep!” She says with sarcasm dripping from her lips.
“Are you okay?”
>”Perfect.”
>You sigh and walk off to the cabinets she was digging through. You flick at the edge for a few second before closing it and turning back to Trixie.
“Are you up for the ceremony tonight?”
>She shrugs.
“Not even if we could get inside a VIP booth with some very important ponies?”
>Trixie’s ears perk a little.
>”… Tch, you’re bluffing. You simply want Trixie to stand in the crowd of tens of thousands and get lost.”
“What, no. I was talking to the gang,”

>”Gang…” She parrots.
“And the princesses are going to be there. They get special seating and a perfect view of the first fireworks show of the new year.”
>”Good for them.”
“Aaaaaand they’re going to try to get me in that booth.”
>She doesn’t respond and tries to shrug you off.
>You grumble and purse your lips.
“Do you want to come see the fireworks show with me or not?”
>”Let me guess, your ‘friends’ are going to be there too?”
“I can’t get in without them. Probably. Either way, they’re going to be there.”
>”Well Trixie doesn’t want to go! Those ponies are… eech, absolutely not.”
“Really?” You take a couple steps towards Trixie and brush an arm over her shoulder before grasping both and gently massaging them. She tries to flinch under your touch but quickly gives in under your gentle caress. “I’d like it if you were there. You’d like it too.”
>Trixie eventually writhes out of your grip and glares at you.
>”So you like Trixie all of a sudden?”
>You slouch and sigh before sitting next to Trixie.
“I thought we were cool with the break. Like, you got a break from my nagging and I got a break from your… Trixie. You agreed to this, right?”
>”… You… sprung it on me and…”
“I’m sorry if—“
>”A-and we missed plenty of work opportunities! While you spent all week, mucking about with your friends, Trixie has been unsuccessfully looking for work! Trixie brought you along for one reason, and you’re shirking away from your duties.”
“I can get you sitting next to a Princess by the end of the day. Do you know how much publicity that will give you?”
>Trixie freezes up.

“Think about it. ‘Princesses Visit Manehatten For New Cycle’, the headlines read in big, black letters. And the paper has a big photo on the front page. On that photo, those two, some political figures, the elements of harmony, me and you.”
>Trixie tries finding a distraction in her hooves.
>”You’re… you’re bluffing! They wouldn’t allow me up there while The Elements of Harmony themselves hate me!”
“I—“
>”And when it’s their word against yours, who do you think the guards are going to listen to?”
>You sigh and slump down in your seat. She’s right about that, if any one of your friends say no, it’s a no.
“Theeeeeen… we won’t watch it with them.”
>”We?” She emphasizes.
“Yeah, I guess I can give up my awesome seats to watch the show with you.”
>Trixie finally breaks and smirks at you.
>“Please, you’re being far too hopeful. Surely they will force you on to the streets with me.”
“So you’re coming?”
>Trixie sighs and slides off her seat before trotting towards her door.
>”I’ll get ready. Don’t expect anything too formal.”
“Yeah, I gotta spruce up too.”
>You too push yourself out of your seat and head towards your room. You’re upset Trixie wants to remain informal when you might be sitting with the Princesses, but you’re sure no one will mind.
>Before entering your own room, you see Trixie looking at you through a crack in her door. As your eyes meet, she closes the door.

>Damnit.
>You caught the informal bug.
>Also, everything else was dirty. Great preparation, Anon.
>About an hour later, you and Trixie are making your way towards Middle Park. You’ve put on a light black zip-up sweater. Trixie has done something equally unimpressive. Purple hoodie. It’s cute. Her hair is tied up into a ponytail. It’s very cute.
“Hey, Trix?”
>”… Don’t call me that in public.” She whispers.
>She’s blushing a little, which is understandable. You’d be a little flustered if someone called you ‘Nonny’.
“Right, Trixie. Whatever. Why are you dressed… not like you?”
>”Are you implying I wear a Trixie costume? I don’t love myself THAT much.”
“Stop it.”
>Trixie elicits a giggle.
>”I thought, for once, I could not try to impress everyone.”
>You shoot Trixie a confused look, which she returns upon seeing your face.
“I don’t get it.”
>”Tch, it’s a holiday. Get off my back.”
“Fair enough. So, it’s still quite a few hours until anything happens. Wanna at least grab something to eat?”
>”What is it with you? Eat, eat, eat. You always—“
>Trixie stops talking and adopts an awkward look on her face. You assume she’s finally realized how hungry she is.
>”Maybe something small. Buy Trixie a candy bar!”
“Buy yourself a damn candy bar.”
>Trixie scoffs and flicks her hair to the side.
>”Oh, please? Trixie will surely pay you back… in kind.”
>She bumps up against you and you gently shove her off.
“You owe me around fifty candy bars now and I haven’t seen any of this kindness.”

>”Oh, this isn’t good.” Trixie begins to whip up some mock drama. “You’ve caught on to me! What will Trixie do without a male to manipulate to my every whim?”
>She glances towards the ponies passing by on the streets and points at a particularly pudgy looking on.
>”Oho, perfect. That one is probably lonely. Trixie will be right back.”
>She takes a few steps towards the stallion before turning to look at you.
>Nope, no reaction. You’re just waiting for her to be finished.
>She sighs before giving you a stoic glare.
>”The joke isn’t fun if you just stand there and let me do something like that.”
“No, no, I kinda wanted you to go seduce the fat, ugly stallion. Would have done wonders for your outlook.”
>”Oh, shut up.”
“Could you have gotten him to follow some of my commands, too? Like, I don’t know if you’re hot enough for that.”
>Trixie puffs her cheeks out and reddens up in the face.
“Literally. I don’t know what makes a pony ‘hot’ in the eyes of another.”
>Trixie rolls her eyes and continues walking down the street. Feeling accomplished, you follow in silence. Trixie only stops to buy two candy bars. She actually gave one to you. Reluctantly. It’s still a huge leap in your… god, there’s a word for what the two of you have, you just can’t think of it.
>Small moments like this make the walk go by faster. You pass by decrepit buildings and lavish hotels, poverty stricken ponies and posh Canterlot elites.
>Once closer to the park, the crowd begins to thicken.

>You carve through them like butter. The ponies get one look at your and part like the red sea.
>And, once more, Trixie is bathing in the offhand attention she’s getting. “Oh my, who is that beautiful pony with that stunning, godlike being?” “Sweet Celestia, I wish I could be her.” “So stylish, so posh! I would pay money just to keep looking at them.”
>Trixie is saying all of these things and badly passing it off as the crowd doing so. She bought you a milkshake so you’re not going to say shit about it.
>She’s on a roll now. A candy bar and a milkshake? What a fucking awesome pony.
>”Anonymous. Pst.”
>She nudges you.
>”Carry me above your head. Trixie wants everyone to see her.”
>Wow, nevermind.
“No, just keep going.”
>”Where is this place, anyway? Don’t tell me it’s on the other side of the park.”
>You open your mouth, but then you suddenly remember that you don’t have a goddamn clue. No one ever told you where you’re supposed to go.
>Trixie only has to take one look at your face to know your answer.
>”Oh, are you kidding me? You drag me all the way out here for this and—“
>You shush Trixie. You heard something that caught your attention but it was far too vague for you to hear.
>”What?”
“I thought I heard something.”
>You listen carefully, and swear you hear someone call out your name. You look around, hoping to find Rainbow Dash flying your way, but there are very few pegasi off the ground and none have a rainbow colored mane.
>But carefully looking back in the direction you came yields another result.

>”Anon, Anon!” She calls, hopping over and shoving past the ponies. The stark white unicorn white electric blue hair.
>You make no attempt to approach her, as she quickly finds her own way to you.
>Vinyl Scratch is ba—
>”The Scratch is back, baby!”
“Hey! Long time, no see! It’s been like, a week?”
>”Oooh, ‘The Scratch’?” Trixie speaks up. “Is that your name or a rash?”
“Trix—“
>”Pfffhaha! Oh man, good burn, Trix.”
>You and Trixie exchanged confused glances for a moment before looking back to the giggling Vinyl.
>”Okay, you got me with that one. I set myself up. So how’ve you been, girl?” Vinyl pulls Trixie into a one hooved hug, which makes Trixie look incredibly uncomfortable. “Yeah, good to see you. And you, Anon! Get your tall butt down here and give me some sugar.”
“… Uh.”
>The awkwardness of the situation isn’t lost on you, but Vinyl isn’t one to be refused or the least bit patient. She yanks on your collar and pulls you down low enough to plant her lips on the bottom of your cheek.
>A blush creeps across your face awfully quickly, and you get out of her grip as soon as you can.
>Unknown to you and Vinyl, there’s a storm of jealousy and anger brewing next to you.
“Yeah…! Good, I was just trying to find my way around here.”
>”Really? I can probably help.”
“Alright, do you know where the princesses watch the show from?”
>”Totally, follow me. It’s a bit of a walk.”

>Vinyl was a great help in finding your way to your destination. Navigating the streets by yourself was almost impossible at this point. The flocks of pegasi and griffons made it impossible to see too far, even with your height advantage. The park’s trees and hedges sure didn’t help.
>But Vinyl managed to lead you to the North end of the park, where crowded streets were replaced by tall, elegant looking bleachers. A mixture of local city guard and Canterlot are no-so-well hidden in the area, keeping a close eye on the types that come through this area. The local guards eyed you closely but the Canterlot ones paid you no mind. Shit, they know a ton about you.
>In the middle of this row of bleachers is a tall tower, draped in purple and white tapestry. At the very top, symbols of the crowns adorn the sides. Celestia’s cutie mark on the left, Luna’s on the right. It’s too high to see if anyone is actually there yet, but at least you know where it is.
>But they should be here. It’s kind of an all-day thing, you’d think. Or maybe an all-night thing. You know what? You should ask.
“Hey, Trixie?”
>You hear her grunt behind you. She’s been silent and extremely annoyed since Vinyl showed up. You’re not going to pretend you don’t notice Trixie’s hatred of her.
“How do people around here celebrate this holiday.”
>Trixie opens her mouth, but Vinyl, who’s in front of you, decides to chime in first.
>”Oh, baby! All night long! If you come to Manehatten for the New Cycle and fall asleep sometime between sunset and sunrise, you’re like, a total loser.”
>”What about ponies who need to sleep for work, hm? Or maybe children who are far too young to stay awake for so long?”
>”Well… yeah. I didn’t mean everyone, Trix. No need to be a stickler.”

>Trixie naturally retaliates.
>And this is where you disengage. Trixie begins to assault Vinyl with all sorts of insults and Vinyl simply shrugs them off.
>You let them have their fun as you look for a nearby Canterlot guard. You find a local one nearby, but he reacts with hostility before you can even get three words out. After backing off, you search a little more and find some golden armor sticking out in a small crowd of ponies.
>You can tell he recognizes you as you approach.
“Hey, guard? Can I ask you a question?”
>”Of course, sir Anonymous!” He says with a stern voice.
>Yes. Finally, some respect. God know you’ve been lacking in the receiving department.
“Do you know if the Elements of Harmony have arrived, and do you know if they’re in that tower?” You point upwards.
>”Yes, to both of your questions. The Elements arrived an hour ago and are seated comfortably in the Royalty reserved box.”
“Great, you think I could go up there to talk to them? They were going to try and get me up there, after all.”
>”Absolutely not, but I could get at least one of them to come down, if you’d like.”
“That’d be perfect, thanks.”
>”It was a pleasure, sir Anonymous.”
>You both turn and walk towards your destinations. A long, annoying staircase for him, and a short walk for you.
>Except he’s walking into a large room on top of a tower filled with royalty and attractive mares. You’re walking back to two mares yelling at each other.

>”—And if your coat weren’t so white, I bet everyone would see that you’re covered in cu—“
“Trixie.”
>”You slut!”
“Trixie!”
>She’s completely ignored you and continued to rail into a bored looking Vinyl. Once close enough, you grab hold of Trixie ear and give it a hard yank.
>”Ow! What was that for!?” She turns on you.
“Let’s keep a level head. We’re trying to get into the same room as royalty and the last thing I need is the guards to have any reason to throw one of us in jail for the night.”
>”Whoa, wait.” Vinyl interjects. “You guys gonna sit with the princesses and watch the show? Ohoho, man. That’s awesome.”
“I know, right? Getting close with the Elements of Harmony, and the Princess herself gives me a good chance. You want to come along? I’m already going up with Trixie, if at all. I’m pretty sure we can get another.”
>”No.” Trixie harshly whispers.
>”Can’t. Gotta meet a few, uh… friends. You know? Yeah, you know.”
“Yeah, partying with them sounds more fun than sitting in a quiet room with diplomats and shit.”
>”Don’t you dare skip this for—“
“I’m not, I’m not. Chill. And, we need to talk about your attitude.”
>”What?”
“Later.”
>”Anyway, gotta go. I’ll see you rude dudes tonight!”
>”No you won’t…”
“Why, what’s up?”
>”I said we were gonna party all night, didn’t I?”
>You and Trixie think back over what she said in the past five minutes.
“… I guess you did? Whatever, sounds like fun. See you tonight?”
>”You know it, pal. C’mon, gimme a goodbye kiss and I can get out of here.”
>Crap, you shouldn’t be blushing over this. It’s too flattering though.
>Trixie looks more uncomfortable, though.
“Yeah… no harm in that.”
>You crouch down, and Vinyl wastes no time in bringing you closer. Just close enough for her to plant her lips on yours.

>Vinyl did it.
>She did something you never thought possible.
>Despite the way she kissed you, she pulled you in by force, placed her juicy lips upon your own and even had the gall to slip her tongue inbetween your lips for a split second, she disengaged so casually, like it was nothing more than a hug. Her face looks no different than it did a few seconds ago, but just under those rose tinted glasses, she looks to Trixie, and winks. Trixie isn’t quite sure she saw that correctly, but just the thought of Vinyl rubbing that in her face sets her on edge.
>But does that mean Vinyl knows about Trixie’s feelings? She can’t quite figure out what’s going on, but like you, she’s confused. Unlike you, she’s also upset.
>”Alright, that was cute. I’ll find you later tonight, Anon.”
“Right… peace.”
>”Peace.” She waves before disappearing in the crowd. You’re able to catch a few glimpses of her before she completely fades and blends with all the other ponies.
>”I can’t… you and… ooooh!” Trixie grumbles and storms off towards the tower.
“Where’re you going?”
>You quickly catch up to her, when she suddenly stops, takes a deep breath, and glares at you.
>”… I don’t know! Just... somewhere!”
“Somewhere?”
>”Yes! Somewhere.”
“… You wanna talk about it?”
>”Yes!” She snarls. “I want to talk about a lot of things!”
“Like what?”
>”Not… here! In the open!”
“I’m not going back to the wagon just to talk.”
>”Neither am I, but… ugh, forget it. I want you to stop hanging around that Vinyl girl!”
“I know you two hate each other, and all. But—“
>”And I don’t care about that! It’s… Can we just go back to the wagon and enjoy ourselves!?”

>That’s a bit of a surprise. You know Trixie wasn’t too excited about watching the show here but she’d rather hang out at the wagon. What’s up?
“… It’s something else, isn’t it?”
>”E-excuse me?”
“I’m pretty bad with women when it comes to this stuff. You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”
>”Every mare has her secrets… but yes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. A… lot of things.”
“Ugh, crap. You know, you can always just say something. I’m pretty easy.”
>”Judging by how much you hang around that Vinyl, I can tell... And you never make it easy to talk. Every time I can get a moment with you, someone else—“
>”Anon! Anon!”
>”Celestia. Fucking. Damnit.” Trixie viciously mutters under the sounds of the crowds.
>You turn to the source of the voice. It’s not Vinyl this time. It’s none other than Rainbow Dash.
>She’s quickly descending from the tower. Straight at you.
>Over the past week, you’ve gotten used to what she’s about to do.
>Without any kind of warning, Rainbow Dash collides into you, making for a cool, but soft, pillowey hug.
>”Hey, man! You made it!”
“Duh, I wasn’t gonna miss this show. You got me a seat up there, right?”
>”Of… of course… kinda.”
>You furrow your brow at the vagueness of her answer.
“Kinda?”
>”… Eeyeah. Look, up there. You see that metal catwalk about ten feet under the actual room?”
“Uh-huh.”
>”That’s where you have to watch the show.”
“Really? Did you ask the Princess?”
>“Yeah, but Princess Luna said—“
“Right, right. Say no more.”
>”But I have some good news! You can come inside and hang out with us for a little while. But when the Princesses begin making speeches, you gotta go.”
“Alright, when does that happen?”
>”A couple hours before the show.”
“Oh, that’s not for a while. I guess that’s cool. Hey, about Trixie coming up—“
>Dash sighs and glares at Trixie for a second before returning her gaze to you.
>”Princess Celestia said she could come.”

>Trixie would have spit out her drink if she had one.
“Seriously, you asked?”
>”No! It was so weird! When she said you could come up she added, “And his friend, Trixie can come too.” And that was that.”
>”She said my name,” Trixie squeals.
>”So, yeah. She can come, I guess.” Rainbow Dash trails off to a mutter.
“Awesome, we’ll be right up. The guards—“
>”They know. Don’t worry about them. But, uh… want me to come with you? It’s a bit of a climb.”
“No thanks. Trixie and I need to talk about something in private.”
>”Don’t tell her… you’re such an idiot.”
>Rainbow Dash looks a little apprehensive to leave, but rubs her neck and begins to flutter away.
>”Alright. Guess I’ll see you up there soonish then?”
“Yeah, see you.”
>She wears a concerned expression but ascends to the top of the tower nonetheless.
>”Do you know how stupid you look when you just tell everyone that we need to talk in private?”
“Can you quit complaining for a second? The sooner we get to climbing that staircase, the sooner we get out of this crowd.”
>Trixie grumbles in agreement before following you to the front entrance. The tarp splits in two near the bottom with a gold strip of fabric lining out an archway. A single guard nods as you pass through.
>Inside the structure leaves much to be desired. Four metal rods at each corner support everything, with a staircase criss-crossing almost all the way up. Bright, orange magical lanterns are the only source of light, two being mounted with every turn of the staircase.
>No other ponies seem to be inside the tower, so now’s the perfect time to get Trixie to talk about what’s on her mind.

“So what was it you wanted to talk about, Trixie?”
>She takes a deep breath before chuckling quietly.
>”Now, I finally have an opportunity to say what’s on my mind and I’m drawing a blank.”
“Funny how that works.”
>”I-I know what I need to say, but I really don’t want to hamhoof it.”
“Maybe you should start off with a joke?”
>Trixie gives you a disapproving look which you easily shrug off.
>”Maybe I’ll start from the beginning.”
>You and Trixie take your first steps on the staircase as she begins to divulge on her story.
>”Ever since we’ve met. You’ve… tolerated me. At best. We never got along and I made things much harder for you, despite how much you were helping my business. You made a few essential changes that got me out of a bad place. And, although I should have, I never showed any kind of appreciation! I stuck you in a closet, stole your food, belittled you over and over again. Why did you ever stick around?”
“Money.”
>”… Right. I’m sure there were more reasons, but I presumed that to be the biggest one. Nonetheless, you remained ever persistent. Your attitude has even shaped Trixie into a better mare!”
“Really?”
>”Yes! Trixie has learned this ‘humility’ you drilled into her mind.”
“I had to do something those three months of travelling between Hoofington and Baltimare.”
>”So Trixie is less inclined to tell ponies how much greater she is. Most of the time.”
“… Well, Trixie. I’m glad I could help.”
>”That wasn’t the point I was trying to make, you idiot.”
“Shit, bitch. Keep going then.”
>”Hmph! Well, I was going to compliment you for a few minutes, Celestia knows you need the self-confidence. Honestly, has a mare ever said something nice to you?”
“I don’t know if you notice it or not, but I’m covered in mares, as of late. Funny enough, none wanna fuck.”
>Trixie stifles a groan. She thinks it’s obvious Vinyl wants you, which she won’t allow. Not at all.

“Then again, there was that one mare two weeks—“
>”Stop talking.”
“So—“
>”Right now. I was going to go into detail about how you became such a… Nevermind.”
>You want to apologize again, but you’d be going in circles.
>”However, that isn’t even the point I’m trying to make. What I’m saying is…”
>Trixie trails off, unsure of what to say next. This is where she drew a blank. She’s stuck. She already said she likes you, what else is there? According to Trixie, a lot. What she does know is that she wants to be with you, a lot. She’s jealous of all the attention you’re getting from other mares while you pass under the radar. She’s possessive of something she doesn’t own, but she wishes to change that.
>”What I’m saying is… I must crackdown on you! I’ve already said we should start working together more. And closer. Much closer. You wander off far too often.”
“I’m not some dog on a leash.”
>”Yet you chase mares like one. I need to reel you back in before you get someone pregnant. Trixie will not allow motherless foals onto her wagon, Anonymous! Or any at all.”
“I don’t think that’s even possible.”
>”I’m not ready to find out! From now on, the two of us will be working very closely, for most of the day! We can't afford to have any more slacking off if I want to become the world’s greatest magician!”
>The two of you reach the final step, and you stop.
>Trixie continues for a couple steps before noticing you.
>You stare at her with a bored expression for a few seconds before she rolls her eyes and lazily says, “What?”

“That’s the private thing you wanted to tell me?”
>”Yes. More or less.”
>You let out a long sigh and shake your head. Without a word, you pass by Trixie to exit the tower through another fold in the cloth tarp covering the entire thing.
>”What, do you want me to be more sincere about it?”
>You’re already out the door, so it’s easy to pretend you’re out of earshot.
>”Buh—… W-wait!”
>She gallops after you to the outside. The two of you are now standing on the catwalk Rainbow Dash pointed out earlier, only on the opposite side. It circles around the tower, with heavy support rods connecting to the structure. It doesn’t look too stable but, magic or something. There’s another staircase next to you, leading up to the room everyone is in. Now that you’re closer to it, it looks much bigger. It can fit maybe about twenty ponies comfortably.
>”I also wanted to add—“
“Finally, that climb was terrible.”
>”… I wanted to add—“
“I bet they have food up there too. C’mon.”
>”Anon, don’t—“
>You skip up the last staircase and look down to Trixie.
“We’ll talk about it later. Seriously, you’re making a big deal out of nothing,” You turn back to the door. “As usual.”
>”What was that?!”
“Nothing. Is what you need to say really that important?”
>She looks up to you with a concerned look. The wind blows her mane into her face, hiding some of her disappointment. Then after a silent sight, she looks away and covers her face with her mane.
>”No, not really.”

>You stand before the top of the tall structure now. The purple and white tapestry hides the cold metal underneath quite gracefully. The door in front of you doesn’t receive the same treatment, as it isn’t covered whatsoever.
>Despite the noise of the ponies far below, you can hear the chatter of ponies within, and you give the door two swift knocks. It is at this time, Trixie trots up the last set of stairs, looking defeated once again. Trixie’s recent change has been a mixed bag. She’s been kinder, more willing to talk with you and budge on previously untouchable topics. But she’s also emotionally unpredictable. What seem like the smallest things keep angering or depressing her. You keep trying to find how this could come back to you, but you don’t see it. Right now, the best answer is that Trixie is a girl, and girls do this kind of thing a lot.
>Finally, someone comes to the door, and it slowly creeps open. A guard stands on the other side, and behind him, Rainbow Dash holds a cup in her hoof.
>”Anon, welcome! To the best. Fireworks show. Ever.”