Trix of the Trade - Chapter 22

>You are Fluttershy.
>You and all of your best friends were invited to attend this year’s New Cycle celebration by the Princess herself! You’re a little nervous about going to such a big city, but it still sounds exciting! Especially since you’re going with your friends.
>Although, one is making you a little nervous.
>Rainbow Dash shares a train room with you and she won’t stop talking about all the things she’s planning to do on this little vacation.
>… Some of those… dangerous.
“Rainbow Dash, I don’t think that’s a good idea…”
>”No, no! I can totally pull up and even out after the tenth floor!”
“But what if you don’t.”
>”I tooooootally can.”
“But,”
>”I’ll be fiiiine!”
“Well… okay. If you think you can do it.”
>”Hehe, wanna try too?”
“NO!”
>”Ahaha! I’m only joshin’, Flutters.” She gives you a light punch to the shoulder as she laughs to herself. It wasn’t that funny! But, the other things sound like fun. The big park, the fancy restaurants, and the Manehatten Zoo! You’ve heard so many great things about it! You wish your friends would allow you to spend all day there!
>But you’re also looking forward to a fancy spa date with Rarity, a fun (but hopefully tame) Pinkie party, browsing the library with Twilight, and… getting to know Applejack a little better. The two of you don’t do a lot together. Maybe this would be a good time to find something in common!

>The rest of the train ride is spent playing room-swap with your friends. You and Rarity discussed recent fashion trends, Pinkie told you of her friend in Baltimare but cut herself off several times during the story for some reason, Twilight was absorbed in a book about Manehatten history, so you just played around with Spike.  Applejack… you just talked.
>Honestly, how do you not know Applejack very well? That should change!
>But that would have to wait for later, because the train stops in Manehatten just as things began getting awkwardly quiet between Applejack and yourself.
>The six of you unpacking is always quite comical. Applejack and Rainbow Dash normally compete who can pack the least, but Applejack wins quite easily this time. Rainbow Dash has an abnormal amount of suitcases. Three, as opposed to a plastic bag with a ‘just in case’ dress. That’s exactly what Applejack has. Pinkie has zero from the looks of things, but then three suitcases, two oozing melted ice cream from the cracks, fall out of her mane. Twilight has five, most with books. That mare has an unhealthy addiction. You… goodness, you actually have the second most with six.
>You packed EVERY dress you think Anonymous would like.
>Shoot! You’re not supposed to think of him! Moving on in… now.
>Rarity is always the funniest when it comes to packing and unpacking. She has way more suitcases than any mare has business having. When the six of you watch her try to take care of it all by herself, she has a habit of being a little overdramatic about it. Eventually Spike concedes and offers to help, and you do as well shortly after.

>Once all loaded onto a cart, Spike insists on pulling the thing himself. Dragons are awfully strong, but he’s still only a baby dragon. Everyone tries to persuade him to let them help, even Rarity, but he’s so deadest on looking self-reliant and generous in front of Rarity, it’s like arguing with a brick wall.
>So the six of you have to walk slowly just so Spike doesn’t fall behind.
>Rainbow Dash and Twilight are slightly impatient because both of them want to start doing what they want to do, but you don’t mind. Despite the crowds and noise, soaking in all the sights Manehatten has to offer is a wonderful experience. Buildings that touch the sky surround you, intimidating and intriguing you at the same time. Never in your life did you think that buildings alone could have such an effect upon you. When you heard of skyscrapers, you simply thought of really tall buildings, but seeing them yourself is an entirely different experience. Well… they ARE really tall buildings, but… oh, it’s difficult to put into words.
>”Flutters?”
>Rainbow Dash waves a hoof in front of your face.
“Hunh?”
>”You awake?”
“What, er, oh yes! I’m only looking at the skyscrapers…”
>”Yeah, pretty cool, huh?”
“… Yeah.”

>Several hours later.
>You and your friends are getting settled into your hotel rooms. Being invited by royalty certainly has benefits. Three rooms, two per room, and the suites are fantastic. Separate rooms and bathrooms, a large recreation room, and a stocked fridge! The Princess’ generosity is not going unappreciated.
>You’ve just began unpacking as you hear Rainbow Dash digging through the fridge in the other room.
>Aaaand for some reason, you packed ALL of your dresses. You thought it was only a few but… you wouldn’t need so many suitcases for a few.
>As you unlatch the final one, a white blur hops out and attaches itself to your face.
“… Angel Bunny?”
>He squeezes a little tighter.
“Oh, Angel Bunny!” You pull the little cutie off your face. “Wait, I told you to stay at home, little mister!”
>You’ve become airborne out of surprise.
>Angel only crosses his arms and looks away.
“Angeeeel…”
>He continues to ignore you on the matter.
“Fine. If you’re going to act like a spoiled little bunny, you won’t get to have baby carrots dipped in teriyaki sauce for a whole year!”
>Angel’s attitude does a full 180 and he sprints up to you and begins making pleading motions.
“Hmm… Do you promise to not make any trouble while we’re here?”
>He vigorously nods.
“Good!” You stretch your forelegs out and the little cutie hops into your hug.

>Only about an hour later the sun is finally setting. Most of the girls are going out for a fun night on the city, but you’d like some time to settle in. They were kind enough to respect your wishes.
>You were simply sitting down on your bed, playing around with Angel until you heard a loud squawk from outside your window.
>Your head darts to the location of the sound, and your eyes meet with something absolutely precious!
“Oh my gosh! A south-eastern island Tucan!”
>These kinds of tropical birds are never seen around in areas like this! It must have escaped from the zoo or some sort of aviary! Gasp! What if it’s the pet of a pony and it escaped! You have to return it to where it came from.
>You open the window to hopefully persuade it to come in and stay with you until you find its home, but it just squawks at you again and flies off.
“W-wait!”
>You begin to chase it. Despite its bright and vibrant colors, tracking it in the dark is a difficult task.
>It leads you in between skyscrapers and over small businesses. It leads you far away from your hotel. If it were a normal bird, you would have given up the chase by now, but a creature so rare to these parts is much more fascinating and hypnotic.
>But the darn thing is determined to break its spell on you.
>Soon enough, you lose it. Not a long beak or neon green feather in sight.
>And then you realize you’re lost as well.

>Fluttering in the air far above the streets, you nervously look back and forth for the hotel, but you’ve travelled too far to see it.
>You whimper quietly as you slowly descend to the streets. Your wings are already getting tired, and there’s no sense in tiring yourself out before you get any sense of direction.
>Night life in Manehatten is a completely different place. Bright lights block out the stars themselves, and the more eccentric ponies come out of the woodworks. That or the insane ones.
>All the ponies look bigger, meaner, and a little crazier than the day ponies. You’re going mostly unnoticed as you trot along the streets, only drawing a few glances.
>You feel eyes tracking you as you pass by alleyways, but no action is taken against you.
>Any kinder looking pony you come across is something of a haven for you, if only for a second. You feel more comfortable to approach them and ask if they would know where your hotel is. Most shrugged and apologized, but a few helped by pointing you in the right direction. And one was even kind enough to write you some vague directions on how to get there!
>Feeling more confident about your sense of direction, you take flight once more.
>You keep yourself not too far from ground, floating along lazily to avoid using too much energy. From up here, seeing the world below is much less strenuous. It does seem like a more dangerous time, but more exciting as well.
>Everything looks to be in a sorry state if it’s within spitting distance of an alleyway. Although there is one with a pretty looking wagon parked in… in…
>You… know that wagon.

>If the lamp weren’t hung outside, you wouldn’t have even noticed it! That’s a very familiar looking wagon. The last time you saw it, it was snapped in half! But… but…
>No! There’s NO chance that’s HER wagon! In a city like this, it would be finding a needle in a haystack! There must be at least twenty other wagons like that in this part of the city alone! Surely the odds aren’t stacked… against or in your favor?  You don’t know how you feel about this. Disbelief is the only thing that comes to mind.
>You lightly float down to the street, your hooves landing with a loud clopping noise.
>You gasp at the noise. What if the ponies inside the wagon heard you!
>Well… you’re still half a street away from the thing but… what if they hear you approach.
>You’re not going to approach though!
>Your wings clearly disagree as they begin to flitter once more, bringing you closer to the wagon.
>Knocking on the front door would be silly. Especially if you didn’t even know who’s in the wagon.
>But what if you just took a little peek? That wouldn’t hurt anybody, would it?
>Of course it wouldn’t, Fluttershy.
>Just flying over the wagon, you hear a conversation between two ponies going on. The muffled sounds make the voices unrecognizable, so you must investigate further.
>You’re sure to be very caution when putting your weight onto the wagon. Landing next to the hatch on the roof, yours heart begins beating rapidly.
>What if it IS him? What would you do!?
>Run away? Yes. Fluttershy, if it is Anonymous inside the wagon, you run away. Nonnegotiable.

>After taking a deep breath, you crack the hatch ever so slightly. The voice from inside become clearer, but it’s still much too muffled. Maybe if you just take a small peek…
>You open the hatch some more with extreme caution and barely stick your head in, making sure your mane doesn’t drop down.
>”That’s fine. Trixie wants to say something too.” You hear.
>I-it’s just a coincidence!
>Yes, lie to yourself.
>”I’m all ears.”
>Anonymous’ voice… oh sweet Celestia of Equestria! It really is him! Nononononono! This can’t be happening!
>Your body begins to shiver in fear and confusion just at the sound of his voice. If you can’t keep yourself under control…
>“I know… we don’t always get along so well. But today,” Your hoof slips a little, causing the roof to creak a little.
>Uh oh.
>Trixie cuts herself off and her eyes meet yours.
>UH OH!
>You try to pull yourself out, but a purple aura surrounds your snout and drags you inside the wagon.
>Your heads bumps on the ladder several times before you hear Anonymous shout,”What in the—FUCK!”
>You’re just as surprised as he is. You attempt to explain yourself,
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! I just…”
>You trail off and begin lightly crying, yourself.
>Trixie’s expression noticeable changes from shock and annoyance to worry.

>You are Anonymous.
>FUCK!
>That’s pretty much what’s going through your head right now.
>Just when you thought you were safe. Just when you thought everything was going well.
>Fucking.
>Fluttershy.
>Out of nowhere!
>Trixie has moved on the offensive while you put up a strong chair defense.
>…
>Fuck, you’re a pussy.
>But the last time Fluttershy had the chance, she easily overpowered you. And Trixie was only looking away for a moment.
>This time you’re not giving Fluttershy any room for trust.
>And seeing Trixie’s inaction puts a bit of a fire under your ass.
“Fluttershy, what are you doing here?!”
>Through sobs, she manages to answer.
>”I don’t… I don’t know. I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…”
“How did you find me?!”
>”I-it was an accident! Please don’t be mad!”
>Finally noticing her cowering state, you become a little less defensive and move the chair, but refuse to trust her for even a second.
“Wait, what ARE you doing here?”
>”P-princess Celestia,”
>”Are you honestly going to believe a word out of this mare’s mouth after the last time?!”
“Trixie,”
>”I keep telling you that you have some unnatural weakness for mare who pretend to be helpless.”
“Trixie. Fuck off. I’m not going to make the same mistake.”
>She lightly growls to herself before looking back down at Fluttershy.
“What were you saying about the Princess?”
>”She invited all of us to, to the New Cycle celebration…”
“As in Twilight, Rarity, Dash, and such?”
>”Y-yes…”
>Well… this changes a lot.
>But Trixie looks more worried than before.

>”Ha… ha! More lies! Anonymous, do not believe a word this sick mare says! She is here alone and of her own accord!”
>”N-no! I’m not!”
>”Silence!”
>”Eeep!” Fluttershy flinches as Trixie raises a hoof at her.
>Trixie doesn’t go through with it, but Fluttershy is scared nonetheless.
“Trixie. Stop!”
>Trixie makes her annoyance clear, but you’re not once for violence. Especially unnecessary violence.
“Fluttershy, you’re telling the truth about the gang being here, in Manehatten?”
>She lightly nods while eliciting more light whimpering noises.
>”D-do you want to see them?”
>You and Trixie quickly exchange glances before you come to an easy answer.
“Of course. But I want you to bring them here.”
>”Wh-“
“Because I won’t walk the streets of Manehatten with you. Not even with Trixie there. And especially not at night.”
>Judging by the way her eyes narrow, your words impact her more than you expect but… BUT SHE TRIED TO RAPE YOU!
>No fucking sympathy.
>”Pah, you’re wasting your time, Anonymous.”
“Maybe, but at least I’m being careful about it.”
>You squat down to Fluttershy’s level but maintain your distance.
“Think you could bring them here tomorrow? After that, we’re probably moving and you won’t be able to find us again. No one is that lucky.”
>”Of…” She comes to attention a little, no longer crying in a fetal position. “Of course! Rainbow Dash… she really wants to see you again.”
“Heh, I bet.”
>”They all want to see you, but Rainbow Dash… well, they all want to see you again.”
“And I want to see them, too. Now, I’m putting much more trust in you than I should be, so please don’t let me down, Fluttershy.”
>For the first time, her face lights up with excitement.

>”Y-you’re trusting me?”
“Granted, it’s not much of a task if you’re telling the truth, but I’m inclined to disbelieve everything you say, now. Hell, I’m inclined to just kick you out and be done with it.”
>”So do it.”
“Shush, Trixie.”
>”O-okay, Anon! I’ll do it!” She flitters up above Trixie’s head and puts on a confident grin. “I’ll take this trust you put in me a-and make sure not to let you down!”
“Good. Now,” You nod towards. “Please, just leave.”
>Fluttershy’s excitement deflates a little, but nonetheless she is elated by the opportunity you’ve given her.
>”Okay, bye Anon!”
>Clearly avoiding saying goodbye to Trixie, she quickly flutters towards the door and exits the wagon.
>Trixie quickly locks both exits as soon as the door latches.
“Thank yo-“
>”You’re such an idiot. You’re the BIGGEST fucking idiot I have ever met, you know that?”
“What? What’s wrong? I thought I handled that pretty well!”
>”No! You should have kicked her out the moment her yellow little flank fell in here! And you’re going to believe that garbage about all her friends being here too? Ha! I bet she’s been following us for weeks now, thinking she had the cunning to take a sneak peek at you, but Trixie was clearly too aware of her surroundings for that nonsense.”
“That’s quite a st-“
>”Do you even remember what she did to you!?”
“Yes! I also remember you were just washing clothes while I was stuck between a psycho and a fucking bear!”
>Trixie flinches at your retort.
>You have more to say but… no, just no. Getting mad and yelling won’t solve much.

“You know what, I’m done with this.”

>You are Trixie.
>”You know what, I’m done with this.”
>He simply waves you off and turns for his door.
“Don’t you walk away from me! Do you not realize that this mare is extremely dangerous!? Why are you so passive about it!?”
>”Fine,” He grabs a chair. “Extra fucking security.”
“No! Answer my question!”
>He ignores your demand and enters his tiny room. He slams his door shut then judging by the sounds that come afterwards, he stuffs the chair under the doorknob.
>Oh you are just SHAKING with rage.
>First, it’s impossible to say ANYTHING to Anon! ‘Anonymous! I think I like,’ Boom, stupid pony crashes through the roof. ‘Anonymous, I secretly read,” Suddenly the wagon crashes into something. ‘Anonymous I’m hungry,” bang, Princess comes over and reminds you that you are like an ant compared to the importance of Anonymous, to her.
>Second, WHAT is up with the mares that always hang around him!? They always desperately need help! All the pain and annoyance is hardly worth his presence.
>Third! …There… there is no third. You’re just so mad! And Anonymous is mad too! But you’re mad at Fluttershy and because you took it out on Anonymous, he’s mad at you!
>Celestia… you messed up again.
>It’s just… so many things. Things were easier when you just went from town to town, sleeping with the stallions you thought were cute. Drinking with half of the town if the show went well or retreating into the safety of your wagon if it didn’t.
>You hate that kind of easy.
>After how hard it was to cope with Anonymous, you want to get your Celestia damned reward. And he won’t be handing out any gold medals if this keeps happening between the two of you. If you know what you mean.
>Of course you do.

>After taking a few minutes to cool off, you slowly exhale once more, then approach Anonymous’ door.
>You give it a light knock but get no response.
“Anonymous.”
>Once again, no response.
>You let out a slight sigh before continuing.
“Trixie is… sorry about her attitude.” You have to bite your lip before this next part. “She… I was only concerned about… you. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt by her, or anyone else.”
>You hear a slight rustling from behind the door but silence shortly follows.
>You’re about ready to give up when Anonymous finally pipes up.
>”We’ll just cool off tonight and… and forget about it by tomorrow morning, alright?”
>You can feel a weight lifted off your chest as you essentially earn his forgiveness.
“Very well. Good night, Anonymous.”
>”Night, Trixie.”
>You lazily look down to the wooden ground, your horn bumping up against the door, and close your eyes for just a moment.
>It seems to take some time, but relief pumps through your body, giving you confidence for the next day.
>So Anonymous is bringing his friends here tomorrow, is he?
>Well bring it on, Twilight Sparkle. It’ll be fun, Rarity. Watch me smother your stallion, Fluttershy.
>You forget the rest of them.