Trix of the Trade - Chapter 12

>You grunt in exhaustion as you begin your first moment of labor for the day.
>It’s the morning after. You slept very little last night, and you skipped breakfast just to get this task out of the way.
>Vinyl didn’t like waking up to the words, “C’mon, let’s find a place for you.” But you need to talk with Trixie.
>And not just about what Trixie mentioned last night. Normally, you and Trixie plan and what the two of you are supposed to do in the next town, but with Vinyl around, you didn’t get the chance.
>So as opposed to normally entering a town somewhat ready to preform, now you’re underprepared, trying to get rid of a party mare, dealing with a sick mare, and battling lack of sleep and hunger.
>Not exactly a fine moment of your career.
>Things have been going steadily today, though. Once Vinyl stirred out of sleep, she grabbed a quick breakfast and the two of you found the nearest motel that would allow Vinyl to store her equipment.
>It took a few tries, but one motel owner was kind enough to allow it.
>So now you and Vinyl are unloading the wagon of all her stuff.
>”Hey, thanks again for gettin’ me here.” She says while picking up a rather large speaker in a telekinetic field.
“Yeah, no problem.”

>”Well, I kinda was a problem… Trixie-“
“Hey, don’t worry about it. The worst that can happen now is Trixie wants to whine about it a little more.”
>”Dude, I don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
>She sets down the speaker and leans against it.
>”How can you stand being around her? It’s gotta be torture.”
>You roll your eyes. This topic has gotten you in a bit of trouble already.
>”Have you considered a different career choice or something?
“Every day, but not because of Trixie.”
>”Huh?”
“Well, you always need to keep an eye out for what’s best for you. I’m constantly thinking about what other things I could be doing, and while some of them sound great, the chances of me landing that job are slim to none.”
>”Man, if I owned my own club, I’d hire you to be the coolest guy ever, then I’d have to give you a bunch of raises because you’re too good at your job.”
“Hehe, a raise sounds nice.”
>”Psh, it’s all about money with you, isn’t it?”
“Nah I—“ Abandoned all your friends for the prospect of a little money with a mare you just met whose attitude used to drive you up the wall, “… I like to travel, too.”
>She shrugs her withers.
>”Travelling is cool, I guess.”
>She lifts the speaker once more.
>“Kay, break’s over.”

>The two of you finish loading all Vinyl’s equipment into her small motel room.
>She tries offering you a drink from the mini fridge, but you refuse of course. Early morning and all…
>As the two of you said your goodbyes, she said one last thing.
>”When I get my hooves grounded, Imma get you VIP access to one of my shows. Doesn’t matter where you are in the world, Anon.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” You say as you exit the room.
>You turn around as soon as the door closes, and your eyes meet a very perturbed looking Trixie as she stands at the threshold of her wagon’s door.
>And she still looks a little sick judging by the mild paleness of her coat.
“Hey, uh… She’s gone soooo we can all be happy again!”
>You put on a stupid fake smile.
>”Have you forgotten what Trixie said?”
“… No.”
>”Then come inside. This may take some time.”
“Which is why… We should… Talk about it over breakfast!”
>Trixie raises an eyebrow.
“Well you can’t pronounce you undying affection for me on an empty stomach!”
“Ugh!” She flinches a little. “Very well, prepare Trixie a small plate while you at it.”
>She waves a dismissive hoof at you and reenters the wagon.
>Trixie’s absolute repulsion towards you is a total confidence booster.
>…
>Yep!

>You enter the wagon shortly after Trixie.
>She sits calmly at the table, not taking an eye off you.
>You ask what she would like to eat, she says, “Something simple and quick.”
>The only thing that came to mind was oatmeal. She’s been having it quite a lit recently, but when you pulled it out of the cupboard, she didn’t seem to mind.
>You quickly prepare one awfully large bowl for her and attempt to sneak off to your room.
>”And where are you going?”
“To my room to… Clean… up from Vinyl! She-“
>The magical tug on your shirt stops you mid-sentence.
>Trixie yanks you to the seat across from her and forces you down.
>”You should have made yourself something,” Trixie takes a bite of her food. “But thaf woulf make you sif down wif me.”
>She swallows her food loudly.
>”Wouldn’t it?”
“… Yes?”
>She closes her eyes and nods.
>Then she takes a few more spoonfulls into her mouth before speaking again.
>”You can leave anytime you want, if you’d like.”
>She says it so calmly and quietly, you don’t think you heard correctly.
>But you did.
“Like… To my room?”
>”No. This. All of this. You can just take a train back onto Ponyville anytime that suits you.”
>You’re… Speechless.
“…”
>See!
“Am I… Are you firing me?”
>”Hm?” She’s acting so casual about this. “Of course not. If you recall, you and Trixie are partners. If Trixie no longer desired to work with you, she would have left already.”
>You nervously tap your fingers on your knees.
“So what are you getting at?”
>”Trixie was merely reminding you of the situation. After all, you do seem to complain about the state of things.”
“Uh-“
>”More specifically, you seem to complain about Trixie. A lot.”
“Oh.”
>”Oh?”

“Um… That’s… That’s just a thing.”
>”A thing.”
>Judging by the stoic expression on her face, she’s obviously not buying it.
“You know…”
>Wait. Wait! Ideaaaaaaaa~.
“A social thing… Liiiike,” You snap your fingers a couple times. “Stigma! That’s the word.”
>She skeptically raises an eyebrow.
“That social stigma where one person says something, and since the other has no desire to argue, he agrees as well!”
>Trixie crosses her forehooves.
“Seriously, after all we’ve been through, how could I not like you?”
>Trixie’s expression eases and a small smile spreads across her snout.
“And there are so many positive traits about you! You’re strong, independent, powerful!”
>Those few compliments were absolutely enough to butter her up. She gives off a pompous air while poofing her hair curls.
>You lean back in your chair, pretending to get lost in thought.
“Not only that, but you’re beautiful. Alluring! A little rough at first, but you’re what they call, ‘An acquired taste’.”
>You let out a gentle chuckle.
“You know… I kinda envy the stallion that courts you, one day.”
>Trixie stops after realizing this is all too forced.
>She gives you an even meaner glare.
>You… Didn’t expect this.
>…
>Oh wait, you totally did!
“I… Oh my gosh. I-I mean. You know… He’s… A lucky guy.”
>Trixie’s expression becomes mildly sly.
“Not to… Um. Not to imply… Nevermind. You know what I mean.”
>Trixie places two hooves on the table and leans forward a bit.
>”Mmm, Trixie knows exactly what you mean…” She says in a very… Ahem, sensual tone.
>Not the response you expected, but at least it’s a positive one.
>For the time being, it looks like you’ve gotten yourself out of a sticky situation.

>Or so you thought.
>A magical aura grips your seat and pulls it away from the table with you in it.
>It stops in the middle of the floor and Trixie immediately jumps to a spot in front of you.
>“So, you’ve become infatuated with Trixie?”
“I…”
>”Hm, of course you have! It’s only natural, there’s no sense in fighting it.”
>She begins to slowly walk around you.
>”As a matter of fact, Trixie is surprised it took you so long to admit these feelings. As you said, she is…”
>She disappears behind you for a moment only to surprise you from the other side.
>”An acquired taste. Something to be prized?” She continues her stalking. “Beautiful and…”
>As she walks in front of you, her tail lightly brushes up against you.
>First your chest.
>Then your face.
>The tail tenderly tickles your nose as it swishes by. It smells of blueberries and… Something else. Something you can’t quite pinpoint. It’s unique, but familiar. A scent that as much as it eludes you, it forces your thoughts on Trixie.
>Several thoughts begins to swirl about in your head from the scent. Most of which you don’t like.
>Trixie finally pulls her tail away. What was merely a second felt much longer.
>”Alluring?”
>You only clear your throat in response.
>She quickly spins on a leg and hops up onto your lap while wrapping her hooves around your neck.
>”Not many stallions have said such things about Trixie without trying to bed her, Anonymous.
>Okay, if you weren’t sweating before, you are now. Blushing? Old news. This has absolutely gone much further than you could have expected.

>She presses her body closer to yours and bites her lower lip.
>The two of you stare into each other’s eyes for almost a minute before she says anything.
>”You know, Anonymous. You’re awfully charming. Trixie picked up on that quickly.”
>She presses even closer, trying to put most of it into your upper body.
>”However…”
>Trixie puts a little more force into you, and the chair goes toppling backwards.
>You land hard on your head and instantly wrap a hand around the afflicted spot.
>Trixie looms over you with the same look in her eye. You meet her gaze as she begins speaking again.
>”You’ll have to try harder if you want to fluster Trixie, even a tiny bit.”
>W-… What? Oh.
>Damnit.
>She takes a few long strides while walking off your body. She makes sure to step on your gut once.
>”That was a cute show, Anonymous, but you can’t fool anyp0ny with simple flattrery.”
>Trixie begins pacing around the room.
>”Of course, Trixie always takes all compliments to heart, even if you did not mean them. You know what they say, though?”
>You push yourself up to a sitting position.
“No… No I don’t, Trixie.”
>She raises a hoof in a dramatic fashion.
>”Within every lie, there is a grain of truth.”
>She looks to you and gives you a challenging stare.
>”And Trixie will be having fun deciphering how much was truth.”
>You shouldn’t have a problem with that, but you do. The way she said it… It gave you chills.

>You are Trixie.
>And
>You
>Are
>About
>To
>Cry
>Celestia… It’s time for a tactical retreat.
>You look at Anonymous in a very sensual way, which is how you always look.
“For now, you will go do whatever it is that needs to be done. Trixie will spend the rest of her day resting.”
>You give Anonymous a little wink.
>Oh yes, look at him blush and stumble around his words. It is beyond adorable how easily flustered he is.
>You slowly back into your room, never breaking eye contact with him until the door closes.
>Once you hear it latch, you stuff your hoof into your mouth.
>That was close. If you had waited another second, you would have just lost it.
>Even some stifled giggles are making it out. Too quiet for Anonymous to hear, but you should have more self-control than this.
>It’s just perfect, though! Getting Anonymous so hot and bothered like this will be adequate punishment for bringing that mule of a mare along!
>After a few minutes, you’re finally able to calm down.
>When the wagon starts moving once again, you assume Anonymous is no longer in the next room.
>You exit your room and begin doing… whatever.
>There’s not much worth doing right now. You could prepare for a show, but you’re still not feeling great. The coughs and stuffy nose have gone away, but you still feel all achy.
>And it’s been far too long since you’ve bathed. You’ll tell Anon to stop at a cheat little motel tonight or something.
>You won’t actually sleep there, but as long as it has hot water, you’ll pay for it.
>Or Anon. He can pay for it. Yeah.

>You scour the fried for something tasty to eat, even though you just ate.
>Hrmph… Everything needs to be cooked in some way. You simply want something you can stuff in your mouth right now.
>You may say that later to Anonymous just to make him feel uncomfortable.
>The fridge yields no results. Maybe the freezer… Hrm. Nothing.
>Aah! Wait! Something bright is poking out of the back.
>You shift a few bags of frozen vegetables out of the way to uncover your prize.
>Frozen chocolate popsicles! How dare Anonymous hide these from you!
>For punishment, he will be the victim of first degree popsicle theft!
>You steal the popsicle, unwrap it, and give it a quick lick.
>Yes, delicious chocolate!
>Then you hear the roof hatch open up.
>You immediately slide the popsicle in your mouuaaaaAAAAH! Cold! Coldcoldcold!
>Anonymous takes a few steps down the ladder and notices you.
>You keep up the façade like you did earlier and look at him lazily as he comes into view.
>”… You found them.”
“Mmm?”
>He dismounts the ladder and walks towards the exit.
>”Anyway, I’m gonna see if I can find a city map in this convenience store or something.”
>He opens the door and steps out, but peeks his head back in.
>”And don’t eat chocolate when you’re sick. It’s not good for you.”
>You spit the popsicle out onto the floor.
>”Classy.”
>No retort comes to mind, so you just remain silent.
>He then makes a full exit.
>… And your popsicle is ruined.
>Eugh, for the best. Anonymous is usually right about these things, anyway.
>And you’ve already eaten this morning. You magically pull a cup out of the cupboard instead, fill it with water, and go back to your room to do… Nothing.
>…
>Oh, forget this. You feel fine.

>You are Anonymous.
>You’ve driven the wagon further into Fillydelphia in hopes of finding a good location to set up.
>But the further you got into the city, the bigger it began to feel.
>This wasn’t like Hoofington or Baltimare. Buildings here towered over you like imposing gaints. The overhanging clouds didn’t help soften their appearance.
>The ponies here were also rude. They’d fling insults at you if the wagon came within a few feet of them.
>The damn thing is moving at just above a trot’s pace! Why the hell are they getting so upset when they can just move a little to the left!
>Yeah, you don’t like this place. Once Trixie brings enough bits in, you’re hightailing it to Manehatten.
>Now you’re in a small store filled with short stocky angry ponies.
>There are at least two argument going on within earshot.
>You tune it out as best you can for now and head straight for the register.
>You’d expect the maps to be kept there. If not, the cashier ought to know where to find one.
>The cashier smiles as you approach. That’s a nice change of pace.
“Hey, do you know where I can find a map of the town?”
>That smile of his fades quick.
>”Of course I do! You think I’m stupid!? I should… just punch you in the face!”
>You hold your hands up defensively.
“Whooooaaa, I’m just looking to buy a map, sir.”
>”Then why didn’ you just say so?! Celestia, you are the worst kind of person!”
“What?”
>”You can’t hear either?! That’s it, looks like my hooves are going to have to do the talking!”
>The pony, who actually looks pretty scrawny, starts flexing.
>Then a purple aura envelops him.
>”Magic!? Cheating! Cheat-“
>His head is rammed against the counter, and then he’s dropped.

>He stays quiet for a second before screaming bloody murder.
>You look behind you while covering your ears.
>Trixie dressed in her cape and hat sits behind you, using her own hooves to cover her ears.
>Another pony walks up to the cashier, both wearing the same attire.
>He stops screaming.
>”Hey! What the buck are you doing?!”
>He jumps to his hooves and points one accusingly at you and Trixie.
>”They attacked me, man!”
>The pony who walked up slaps the cashier on the back of the head.
>”Shut it, Sit-n-Spin. I saw the whole thing.”
“Heh.”
>”I know, his talent must be sitting on cocks or something.”
>He looks to you, expecting a laugh at his awful joke. You can only muster a fake sounds laugh.
>Then he notices Trixie. He has to do a double take when he sees her.
>”Hey there…” He brushes his mane back before taking a few steps towards Trixie.
>”Did it hurt, baby?”
>Trixie rolls her eyes.
>”When I… Oh wait, I haven’t put my twelve inch penis inside you yet.” He looks over to Stupid-n-Ugly while you and Trixie give this scumbag the most vehemently enraged looks. “See, mares like it better when you say, ‘penis’ because ‘cock’ or ‘schlong’ is rough, and ladies like it gentle. But some mares do like it rough!” He looks back to Trixie. “What about you, do you like it rough?”
>Trixie is stunned. Honestly you would be too.
>”I’ll take your silence as a yes.” He scoops Trixie’s hoof in his own. “The name is Casanova, what’s yours, good lookin’?”

>Trixie says nothing. She only retracts her hoof and gives Casanova a death glare.
>”Oh come on. Don’t be such a stingy mule.”
>You can see the hate flowing through Trixie right now. You decide to step in before this really escalates.
“Hey, we’re looking for a map. Do you guys have one or not?”
>Casanova becomes visibly upset once you try to intervene. He harrumphs and walks to where they’re hanging right next to the register.
>… God, you’re blind.
>He yanks one out and slaps it onto the counter.
>”Twelve bits.”
“What?! It’s a map!”
>”And it costs twelve bits!”
“That’s…”
>You reach into your pocket and pull out what you have. You have fifteen bits on you at the moment.
“A fuckin’ ripoff.”
>”If you want you can go across the street to buy it at the same price!”
“Ugh, fine…”
>You toss the bits onto the counter.
>Casanova walks to the other side of the counter, pushes Sit-n-Spin out of the way and looks you in the eye.
>”Sooooo, you know her?”
“Yeah, I—“
>He stuffs two small boxes in a bag along with the map after swiping your bits off the counter.
>Then he takes a slip of a paper and writes something on it with a quill in his teeth.
>He tosses it in the bag before giving it to you.
>”Now get out of my store, I got things to do.” He looks behind you at Trixie. “And I’ll see your sweet flank later.”
>Trixie scoffs and storms out of the store with you not far behind.

>You take a step outside.
>Shit, it’s raining again.
>Trixie doesn’t seem to mind. She continues to trot back to the wagon.
>You catch up with her while digging through the bag.
>The map is in here, but two other things catch your attention.
>One; chocolates.
“Haha, look at that. You have an admirer, Trixie.”
>”They’re yours.”
“Awesome,” You put the chocolates back in the bag. “Now what else did he… Oh…”
>”You can keep whatever that disgusting stallion gave you. Trixie doesn’t want it.”
“I don’t think I want them either…”
>Two; …
>You pull out a large carton of condoms.
>What was this guy implying with this many condoms?
>Why do they even make boxes like this?!
>You slide that back into the bag before Trixie notices.
>Last thing, the paper. You pull it out.
>There’s a receipt hastily scribbled on the front and a note on the back.
>Actually… it’s an address.
>You show Trixie the note.
“Guess we know where your special somep0ny lives, huh?”
>”Why would Trixie need that?” there’s that mischievous smile of hers, again. “She has her big, strong human with her.”
“Oooooohoho, you’re really doing this. Joke’s on you, I—“
>She gets closer. A lot closer.
“I… Ahem, I can ignore it.”
>”Aw, Trixie is only waiting for you to admit your undying affection for her.”
“Hey, that’s my line.”
>”And you say it far too often.”
“Do I?”
>”Absolutely.”

>The two of you reenter the wagon.
“Well maybe I think you have something to get off your chest.”
>”And perhaps Trixie could get something off yours.”
>Eugh. That gives you a really uncomfortable feeling in your gut.
“Okay, you’re better at being weird.”
>Trixie raises a hoof in triumph.
>“Only when it serves to pacify your own, Anonymous.”
>You drop the bag on the table and go to your room.
>Your clothes aren’t exactly soaked, but they’re a little wet and cold and new ones would be nice.
>After changing into something warmer, you leave your room.
>You feel better already. The rain softly patters outside while you’re warm inside. You have no reason to leave the wagon for the rest of the day, so you can only imagine how comfy things are going to get with hot cocoa and a blanket.
>All those happy thoughts of being comfortable melt away when you see Trixie taking a good look at that carton of condoms.
“Ahh, shit. I was going to toss those.”
>”There’s no need to be so secretive about it, Anonymous. It’s only natural.”
“They’re not mine.”
>”Hmm…” She twists the box to face you. “Aren’t you being a little generous with the size?”
>OOOOHHHHH you want to slap that expression off Trixie right now!
>But instead you grab the box and chuck it in a random direction.
>It hits a wall.
>The box bursts open.
>Condom packets fly everywhere.
>Trixie falls off her chair from laughing too hard.

>After a little cleaning and a LOT of giggling, everything gets picked up.
>You and Trixie take seats across from each other at the table.
>Trixie is still elated from the hilarity of the situation but you have you head in your hands.
>But something else in the back of your head is pricking at you. It’s demanding to be brought to attention.
“So what was the deal with the ponies in that store? Like, more than Casanova and Suck-n-Fuck. The ponies all seemed… Angry, or something.”
>Trixie gets a little serious all of a sudden.
>”How much do you know about Fillydelphia?”
“Nothing.”
>”Tch, you’re supposed to be the one who does all the research.” She shakes her head. “Fillydelphians are scum, Anonymous.”
“… The guys in the store?”
>”No. All of them. It has the highest crime rate in all of Equestria and it’s filled to the brim with ponies wanting your bits.”
“And you didn’t tell me?!”
>”How could you not know!? Ach, it’s not important. What is important is that we watch each other’s backs very carefully, Anonymous.”
“Then…”
>You tap your fingers on the table.
“Why don’t we leave?”
>”Trixie has been here before, and there is quite a bit of money to be made, but being alone at night in a bad neighborhood could end up bad.”
>Shit. Why weren’t you informed of this earlier?
>And Vinyl. You can’t believe you actually brought her to this place!
“Okay… Okay. So as long as I don’t walk around alone at night or down alleys, I should be fine?”
>”It just means there’s little chance for you to be robbed. It won’t stop ponies from trying to gouge every bit out of you one way or another.”
>You let out a long exhale as those words sink in.
>”Rule of hoof for Fillydelphia; Don’t trust anyp0ny. Not a single one. Understood?”
“… Yeah.”