Good Times Are My Business Model (Open)

[Pretzelparty]

Presteza watched with fascination as the top hat erupted in amazing display of colors. Her eyes lit up as they beheld the marvelous spectacle brought forth by the Magnificent magician. With a wide smile the mare clapped with great enthusiam, followed up by a slightly restrained giggle as Trixie's rabbit apparently decided to do his own little show for a moment on top of a well dressed stallion's head.

"Now, the Great and Powerful Trixie, Mistress of the Mystical, needs a couple volunteers from the audience to help with her next amazing, stupendous feat of magic! Who among you fine ponies will come forth and be a part of the greatest show to grace Equestria?!"

If this really was the greatest show in Equestria Presteza simply had to be a part of it,"Oi! Miss Trixie! I'd love ta help ya out on stage!" Eager to get the performers attention she raised her hoof in the air waved it about like a schoolfilly who knew the answer to a tough question. Presteza normally could care less about magic given her history with it but how thiis pony handled it made it look... well truly magical!

[tartarus]

A commotion in the casino. Oracle frowned at the fact as she stopping making her way through the city. Although she had spent most of her life living in between where Appleoosa now stood, Bareback Gulch, and Las Pegasus, it was only on the rarest of occasions that she had ever ventured here. However, there was a book that she needed to complete one of her latest inventions, and rumors had been circulating that it could be located near the casino. Of course, with there being no casinos near where she lived, she was slightly uncertain as to whether or not this was normal. Despite having read countless books about this kind of show, she had yet to experience any such thing for herself. Curious, she entered the casino to get a better look. Flapping her wings and taking off into the air, peering over the heads of the other ponies, she watched the performance quizzically.

There was something about that blue pony in the purple hat that seemed oddly reminiscent to her. It was possible she had been mentioned in one of the countless books that Oracle had collected over the years, but she wasn't quite sure. This, beyond anything else, forced her to have no choice but to remain where she was. It was rare that she forgot anything she'd read, and she had to know whether or not she was mistaken. Flapping closer, doing her best not to be noticed, she continued to watch.

[Bellosh]

"Well kind sir, the Great and Powerful Trixie thanks you for helping resolve the mystery of the missing sparks! Miss Dazzle, would you return to this gentle stallion his stylish derby? ...Now, now Snowflake, what did Trixie tell you about trying to get involved in every magical trick?"

"I can tell you're just enamored with our lovely host now, good doctor. You should volunteer! It's sure to be just delightful fun."

Bah; Dr. Merlot saw that sparkler trick coming a mile away. Of course his fedora would suddenly light up when he let the magician borrowed it. What the gentlecolt did not expect was that blasted rodent jumping out of it to ruin his perfectly-styled mane. Merlot’s face fumed, but he merely sat there helpless to do anything least the audience see him break his composure. Alas, how his blue hair would now have to be hidden away by a hat that reeked of a foul, gunpowder-like substance.

There was no way Merlot planned on volunteering for any other humiliating trick; not in a million years. “............You heard the lady a moment ago,” the good doctor coolly explained to Serendipity, trying to disguise his scowl and resisting the temptation to leave the show in a huff; “It’s impolite to insist on taking part in every magic trick. Since you like the magician’s act so much however, I’m sure Trixie definitely won’t mind having a fine mare like yourself grace her stage.....”

[SteelEagle]

It didn't take a genius to ascertain what it was that Trixie had up her splendid sleeves, but part of the fun of magic was allowing yourself to fall under the illusion and Trixie was the best at creating and sustaining an illusion through displays of wonder. The hat levitated towards Trixie and suddenly the fireworks appeared out of it, crackling and exploding in every direction. The lights and sound were suitably impressive, light shapes appearing in the smoke and dazzle as subtle reminders of what was possible with even just a little imagination. He clapped, as did the majority of the audience. Some even hoots and hollers, though that was a bit less high class and not to his not so exacting standards. The hat was returned and he clapped,

Jackpot more than happy to move onto the next trick. It was very good, very fun, but a good magician never lingered and Trixie was the best there was. He watched as some new ponies entered the theater to watch the show and nodded down to them from his own seat. Fun times for everypony! And maybe after all was said and done she'd drift over to the gaming tables and double down on her enjoyment for the evening.

Speaking of, the magician herself asked for help. And not one, but several. Once again, his hoof SHOT UP so he would get picked, but an attendant lowered it and shook her head. Of course not, he couldn't be seen up there. It'd look bad if everypony saw the casino owner getting 'special' treatment. Well, he ignored that and shot his hoof up again in defiance as if he was a schoolcolt asking to be excused to use the restroom. If ponies didn't like it they could stuff their sorries in a sack and toss them over a cliff. With that dealt with, he stood up and nearly waved at the magician like a lunatic.

[brianblackberry]

Only two volunteers?! Ah, this would never do! This trick was so much better, the more ponies one could get! Well, perhaps once word of Trixie's powerful and wonderous act spread across Las Pegasus, she would have volunteers swarming the stage for future acts! Well, Trixie could could manage the trick with only two, even if one of them was the casino owner. Best not hide it, ponies would think he was a plant - she'd tease him a bit.

"Come on up, both of you! Oh my, fillies and gentlecolts, our most enthusiastic volunteer here is Jackpot, the owner of this very casino! It seems he's a big fan of magic shows, and wants to be part of the act!" She patted him on the back amicably, and a number of casino chips came showering down to clatter over the floor. "Oh my! And he seems to be ready to go gambling a bit later, as well!" she laughed and reached out towards his mane. "You have a little more in here! What's this?" She pulled out an ace of spades. "Oh-ho! Planning on hitting the poker tables, too?"

She turned to Presteza, then, and tsked and rolled her eyes as the other mare's cowgirl's hat lifted up so Snowflake could wave out from underneath, sticking her tongue out at Trixie. "Snowflake! Leave the Great and Powerful Trixie's volunteers alone! This is not the Great and Powerful Snowflake's show!" As the white rabbit disappeared into Presteza's cowgirl hat again, Trixie put her forehoof round Presteza's shoulders. "No hard feelings? I'm so glad to have you here to help with this next trick! Share your name with the audience!"

As Presteza introduced herself, Razzle Dazzle came across the stage, bringing a silver tray with a coiled rope and a sharp scimitar sword laying across it. Trixie offered one end of the rope to Presteza, and the other end to Jackpot. "And now! Observe as the Great and Powerful Trixie amazes you with this impossible feat! I shall take this sharp blade and pass it harmlessly through this perfectly ordinary rope!"

With a grand flourish, she directed the two volunteers to pull the rope tight, whirled the scimitar around her head, and then bright it down right through the rope. The rope remained intact for about half a second, and then the two cleanly severed ends floated apart, falling to the floor.

There was a moment of dead silence as Trixie looked down at the two pieces of rope, then at the scimitar. She tapped her hoof against the blade, as if testing for flaws...

"RAZZLE DAZZLE! Did you bring the Great and Powerful Trixie the wrong blade? This is clearly not the rope blade, this is the pony blade! Perhaps we should try this trick again, but cutting a pony in half, instead!" She grinned to her two volunteers. "Would one of you two brave volunteers like me to swing a sword through your torso instead?" The blade glinted wickedly.

[Pretzelparty]

This was awesome! She was chosen to go up on stage! The painter's grin couldn't be wider as she Trixie turned to her, but suddenly she seemed oddly disapproving and gave a series of "tsks" in her direction. Another thing that felt off was that for some reason her head felt heavy, like somepony had stuffed her characteristic hat with some fruit or something. Looking up she noticed another pair of eyes looking back down at her and gave a slight jump in her surprise. It seemed that somehow the magician's furry little friend had made a comfy resting spot on her head and under her hat.

After a bit of chiding from his/her owner it seemed the rabbit (apparently named Snowflake) dissapeared just as swiftly as he'd come. the mare took off her hat for a second and inspected it curiously... could rabbits teleport? Was trixie's rabbit a special magic rabbit?! Before she could dwell any further on this subject she noticed a blue hoof drapping over her shoulder.

"No hard feelings? I'm so glad to have you here to help with this next trick! Share your name with the audience!"

Oh a chance to introduce herself to a crowd... if things went right in her life one day she may somehow wind up painting for an audience. With a deep breath through her nose she reared up and put almost all of her energy into her words, "The name's Presteza and I'm the world's -soon to be- greatest painter! Someday I'm gonna be paintin' fer an even bigger audience than even this!" turning to Trixie she bowed to the magician and spoke up again,"If possible after the show I hope our awesome magician will be willin' ta model fer me!... fer now we should prolly get on with the show!"

Once she turned back to Miss Trixie it seemed she was already preparing her next trick and hoofed her one end of the rope, not wanting to be rude she unquestioningly took it in her teeth and held tight. With a very impressive display the magician cut the robe in two. Shortly after cutting it there was a bit of silence... so it seemed this was not really the desired result.

"Would one of you two brave volunteers like me to swing a sword through your torso instead?"

A pony cutting trick? Now that sounded dangerous... but seeing as it was unlikely that the casino would hire a pony who would willingly injure another it seemed like something presteza could get behind. Dropping the rope from her teeth she spoke up,"I'm willing ta give it a go!"

[RarityDash]

“............You heard the lady a moment ago, It’s impolite to insist on taking part in every magic trick. Since you like the magician’s act so much however, I’m sure Trixie definitely won’t mind having a fine mare like yourself grace her stage.....”

Seren giggled at the good doctor's words. If there was one thing that could be said about this Merlot, it was that he seemed to know how to take it. To an extent, he was right. There was indeed a part of Serendipity that did want to participate in the act. Sometimes some of the magic was lost when one was immersed in the action though. She was content to be a watcher for now. Maybe later in the show she'd get a wild hair. Who knew for sure? Regardless, before she could even think to change her mind, the pretty magician was pressing ahead with the act.

She had received two volunteers--one of which, to Seren's surprise, was the owner of the casino, Jackpot? She laughed. Was that proper procedure even? It seemed kind of silly, though Trixie seemed eager to play with him. She couldn't blame her. He was fairly cute and seemed fun to tease. She was maybe just a little more interested in the other volunteer though. It was the cute mare in the hat who had been seated near her and the Doctor. She was asked to introduce herself and it was especially adorable. So, Presteza, was it? Seren had to say she approved. She was an artist evidently, and one with a dream. Her confidence built slow, but when it kicked in it just made the whole thing sweeter. Seren was smiling as she applauded the volunteer.

The act continued with a few tricks involving the rabbit, Snowflake, before Trixie brought out a large sword. After cutting a rope with it to prove its sharpness, while continuing her silly act, she proposed the idea of cutting one of the volunteers in half. Adorable Presteza was unafraid though, and boldly announced she was willing. Seren had to applaud her. She also had to say she was eager to see the magician pull off a trick like this. It sounded fun. She smiled as she watched eagerly.

"This should be a fun trick," she said to Merlot. "It's kind of an old standard, but when pulled off well it's a show stopper." She gave a laugh. "Though I'm sure our Great and Powerful Trixie will put some nice spin on it to keep it interesting."

​

[Bellosh]

Dr. Merlot wasn’t all that surprised to see Jackpot volunteer to partake in Trixie’s magic act. If he hadn’t been a fan of the unicorn’s skills, the casino owner wouldn’t have hired her in the first place. What opened Merlot’s eye however was the name of the other volunteer; Presteza. She was the daughter of Trottingham’s resident duchess, Silver Belle, and the last time Merlot had laid his eyes on Presteza was back when she was just a mere child. This occurred years ago, before Merlot left his hometown to make his mark on the world.

While Presteza looked superficially liked that little filly from Merlot’s adolescent past, little of what he remembered about her remained. Gone was the girl’s refined accent and pose, swapped for a “folksy” personality disguising her true noble origins. The art career shocked Merlot too, his half-forgotten prediction being that Duchess Belle’s heiress would do what every other unicorn in her bloodline did and rigorously train in magic. But the gentlecolt was a cultured stallion, and he endorsed all who brought fine art to the world of Equestria. Maybe if he had time one day, Merlot would commission artwork from the potential future Duchess of Trottingham. Very curious indeed.

"This should be a fun trick. It's kind of an old standard, but when pulled off well it's a show stopper. Though I'm sure our Great and Powerful Trixie will put some nice spin on it to keep it interesting."

The archaeologist diverted his attention from one heiress back onto another, abit a bit grudgingly. “Yes yes,” Merlot said halfheartedly, still not impressed with Trixie’s act; “Finally, a routine that can’t be accomplished by standard unicorn magic. It’ll be interesting to see how the madame accomplishes her next trick without her usual clutch to fall back on.....”

[SteelEagle]

(OOC- Tartarus is out of the roleplay.)

Jackpot had never been part of a magic act before. He had various magicians hired for his birthdays growing up but they didn't like it when the colt ran up to them and tried to be part of the act. So he had admired it from afar and had admired Trixie from afar but now he was on stage with her and magic was happening! He was as giddy as a schoolfilly to be up on stage and that didn't end with a simple nod. She started playing with him- oh, bits fell off of him! He blushed and laughed. Silly Trixie, those bits weren't his! But he was planning on gambling a bit later. Probably lose, too. But maybe Trixie's magic would rub off- speaking of rubbing him off, she reached into his mane and pulled out a card! He neighed in joy an did a little jump with a bucking motion, as happy as he was to be involved. It was so silly. So fun! So silly fun!

The other volunteer- he didn't know why everypony didn't volunteer and there was only one other- was a pretty unicorn herself. A painter, she said? That was great. He liked artists! They livened Las Pegasus up. Too many business types and showponies and not enough with that good ol' Equestrian heart and soul that gave them all a canvas to paint their own personal pleasures on. They were both equally confident and excited to participate, though Jackpot's tail did swish back and forth a bit rhythmatically as he sang a silent song of awesome victoryness to himself. Maybe he hummed it a little, but with that silly rabbit being silly he doubted anypony noticed or cared. And if they did, phoeey on them anyway!

Trixie asked both of them to hold the rope at length ad they obliged their magical mistress, holding it taut and firm before the attack of the scimitar. The rope held for a flash second before it fell, creating in Jackpot a moment of anxiety. Had the trick failed? Trixie never failed. No, no- ahh, it was another one of those reverses! She was a silly mare, this Trixie. She asked if either of them would mind being the target of the next cut. Jackpot nodded emphatically, but it was Presteza who spoke up first. She was game, he was game, they were all game!

"Oh, me too! Me too! Maybe if we're side to side or- oh, who am I talking to? You're the magician! But yes, I'd like to help!"

[brianblackberry]

Well, that hadn't quite gone to plan. The players weren't following the script! Who wanted to have swords stuck through them by a magician who just acted like she'd messed up her trick? And yet, here she had two volunteers for such a performance! Didn’t they understand the sword slicing through their torso was just part of Trixie’s little witticism? Agreeing to volunteer changed everything!

The showmare attempted to keep her smiling composure even as a few beads of sweat formed around her head. She couldn’t ask them again if that was what they really wanted to do: After all, it might give the audience the impression she wasn’t up to the challenge. She was the Great and Powerful Trixie, this was her show, her moment to once again shine for all of Equestria! Or at least a few ponies of Las Pegasus. She was up to any magical challenge! She looked back at Razzle Dazzle, who was looking at her with a face of uncertainty, and gave a nod to the assistant, who, for a moment mouthed the words "are you sure?"

Trixie was sure. Not even her assistant, as talented and beautiful as she was, knew all of Trixie’s clever tricks!

The azure unicorn turned to the pair on the stage and gave her most confident smile, which for Trixie, was pretty huge. "Well, my enthusiastic volunteers, the Great and powerful Trixie, the Magnificent, Stupendous Showmare of Enchantment will perform this most dangerous and fearsome of feats for the pleasure of our illustrious audience! Razzle Dazzle, the box!"

The lavender assistant rolled out a large box, just large enough for a pony to stand in comfortably with their legs and head sticking out, and a tray with several blades on it floated out along with her. She ushered Jackpot into the box with a flourish, and then joined Razzle Dazzle in sealing the clasps, locking him into the contraption.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts! Watch in Awe and Wonder and the Daring and Bold Trixie, Mistress of magic has all these dangerous, sharp scimitars shoved through this locked box with Mr. Jackpot secured inside! Remember not to turn away from the spectacular spectacle no matter how mane-raising it may be to witness!”

With that, Trixie lifted up one sword and carefully poised it at the slot. "Miss Presteza, will you be so kind as to spear my employer?" Then she leaned over to the box and, at a volume the crowd could easily hear, she asked coyly smiling, "By the way, is now a good time to talk about a raise?"

[Pretzelparty]

"Fillies and Gentlecolts! Watch in Awe and Wonder and the Daring and Bold Trixie, Mistress of magic has all these dangerous, sharp scimitars shoved through this locked box with Mr. Jackpot secured inside! Remember not to turn away from the spectacular spectacle no matter how mane-raising it may be to witness!"

Well this didn't turn out how she'd hoped. As she watched the stallion who volunteered as well getting locked into the box she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. Volunteering to be the one locked up in the box and supposedly speared as part of the trick seemed all fine and dandy if it was her in the box rather than being the one doing the skewering.

"Miss Presteza, will you be so kind as to spear my employer?"

Looking back to audience she took a deep breath and then swallowed, as if trying to hide her nervousness in her stomach. Would Trixie's trick still work if she wasn't touching the sword? Well at this point the only thing she could do was go along with this and comply with the performer's request, "I sure can!" calmly walking over to the box and the blade she looked to the pony inside, "Don' worry sir, I'll be sure ta paint a great mural in yer memory!" she said loudly enough for the audience to hear her as well. Taking the handle of the sword in her teeth she began to slowly push the blade into the box all the way up to the hilt.

[RarityDash]

“Yes yes, Finally, a routine that can’t be accomplished by standard unicorn magic. It’ll be interesting to see how the madame accomplishes her next trick without her usual clutch to fall back on.....”

Serendipity smirked at the Merlot's tone. He was so keen to play like nothing impressed him, though a quick look at his eyes told Serendipity this wasn't quite the case. He was looking at her, this painter Presteza. It was easy to see why of course. Serendipity certainly wouldn't have minded to get an opportunity to get to know her herself. Whatever it was, it was pretty clear. His gaze lingered on her just a little more than it should have. Who was Seren not to notice?

"I wonder if the trick is truly what has you suddenly more interested..." she said playfully. "I suppose that one is more your type than our lovely host, eh? I totally get it, of course. She is really cute," she added with a giggle.

Her little bit of teasing through, Seren turned her attentions fully back to the show. Trixie remained a great showmare. She made a great play out of how one of the volunteers she had inadvertently selected was her own boss. Jackpot seemed excited to take part, though she had to wonder how he'd react when he fully realized what his magician had in store for him. She had never figured him for a stallion of very remarkable character, so she expected to see him squirm a little. Fun. Presteza on the other hand seemed ready to embrace her role as the stabber, making jokes at Jackpot's expense right along with the magician. How cute. This one had a lot of confidence it seemed.

Serendipity smiled and kept her eyes glued to the stage. There were a number of ways this trick could usually work. Oftentimes it involved a box which had been constructed in a particular way, so as none of the stabbing slots pointed at the one inside. She had heard as well of fake, bendable swords being used and of course there were also all sort of crazy things that could be done with unicorn magic. Considering the rest of Trixie's act, Serendipity was expecting some fun twist on it. Whatever the case, she was sure it would be entertaining to watch.

​

[Bellosh]

The only dignified way for Dr. Merlot to respond to Serendipity’s latest bout of teasing was to scoff at it. “It’s strange mentioning this,” the stallion commented with an air of detached indifference; “But the girl was someone I once knew in my childhood. By the look of things, I doubt we would... mix well today, in the manner that you joke about. Maybe she has skill with a paint brush, however.”

If grown-up Presteza had resembled her mother much more however, well then that would have been a completely different story to the elitist stallion.

Merlot kept on watching the magic show, not expressing any emotion over the proceedings. It turned out Jackpot wanted to be part of the act too, revealing just how much he could revert to the mentality of a little colt if provided the opportunity. While the audience laughed at the jokes as expected, Merlot remained silent, determined now to not give Trixie’s show any benefit of the doubt. When one, who judged themselves as better than most others, found themselves probed incessantly, a pony like the khaki gentlecolt couldn’t help but remain on guard.

[SteelEagle]

When Jackpot had been just an impish little colt who had too much money and time on his hooves and too little parental oversight and common sense, he had decided to try and become the best colt magician of all time. The thrill of discovery meshed well with the aura of mysticism that covered the best displays and he was proud to admit that he couldn't accomplish any of it. He didn't understand at that age the art of illusion or the concept of deception, required elements to any successful act. He tried to the tricks straight up and wondered why they failed and could only stew as he was mocked. Finally, the charade came to an end when his parents walked in on a friend of his in a box and Jackpot about to levitate swords through him painlessly. They had to have the talk with him. About magic. Performances. Dances with lies deception and only the illusion of mysticism. They broke his little heart with the truth about his favorite magicians long after he had given up believing in Santa Hooves.

So for a while, Jackpot had shunned the magical performing arts. It was fake, all fake, all a show, nothing to see and nothing to feel. He wasn't alone. A large percentage of unicorns disliked the whole thing and considered it a farcical display of proper unicorn magic masquerading as true power. They dismissed the performers as failed higher magical education students whose ability to lie and deceive made them inferior. He didn't go quite that far, but he was happy to pretend like he didn't still love it. Then one day he matured and loved what he loved, and now here he was as the owner of a casino living the dream. He had a big magic act he was a part of in front of many hundreds of viewers and the magic was being performed by the most talented and beautiful unicorn to ever grace the stage. Why anypony could even feign shock at his willingess to be involved was a shock- if it was up to him, he'd be involved in every magical trick forever!

So he clambered into the box and was fastened in securely. He didn't plan on thrashing or trying to escape but what fun would the trick be otherwise? The sword hovered in position and Presteza took her spot in the most deadly of plays. Trixie leaned over, the hot breath of her speech cascading along his ear and sending a shiver of sensation that made his hooves contract. It was a very fine thing that he was in the box as well. Too many of his fanfictions had started off this exact way.

"Oh, its a fine time to ask for a raise but I can't sign the contract if I'm in too many pieces!" he added to the bad joke brigade right before Presteza prepared to 'finish him off'. At least she offered to paint a fine mural of him!

"Well, as long as you get my good side," Jackpot finished, ready to be speared by the magical power of Trixie, Razzle Dazzle, and Presteza combined. Alakazam!

[brianblackberry]

Trixie tensed up as Presteza slid the sword in, gritting her teeth and half turning away from the box. She couldn't watch! It slid in... and ... oh, hey! It worked! "Most excellent work, Presteza!" she cried dramatically, a single gout of sparks flying up behind her. "You have achieved every employee's dream, and ran a sword through the boss! But once is not enough, not for the GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE!"

She turned offstage, and made a dramatic and commanding gesture. "RAZZLE DAZZLE! My swords, if you would!" The showpony came out with a saunter in her step and a tray full of swords floating next to her. "A dozen fine steel blades! A baker's dozen, with Presteza's sword! Thank you, Presteza, for your help, you may now return to your seat. I, meanwhile, have some work to do!"

With that declaration, she grabbed up one of the swords and thrust it quite suddenly into the top of the box, the tip emerging out from the bottom. She leaned over and tapped the tip. "There doesn't seem to be any blood! I'd heard that businessponies were heartless, but this seems to be going a bit far!"

She grabbed up another sword, pirouetted, and then dramatically thrust it in from the side, spearing through the box, and apparantly the pony within. Two more swords were thrust in from the back in tandem. Razzle Dazzle got her turn to put in a sword, from the bottom so the tip thrust out towards the audiance. Even Snowflake took a turn, as Trixie held a sword poised, hopping up and down on the hilt to send it sliding through Jackpot bit by bit.

And finally, Trixie was holding the final sword. She smiled, bowed, thanked the crowd for being so wonderful, and thrust it into the box. Jackpot felt something bump into his back as she gave it a little push, pressing him forward a bit. "Hrm. That's odd," Trixie said in confusion. "There seems to be something in the way." She pushed the sword in a few times, and Jackpot felt the nudging against his back with each time. Trixie drew the sword back a little bit, and winked at the audience. "Well, fortunately, the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE has a solution for that!" And with that, she floated a very large hammer out from behind her back, poised it over her head, and slammed it down onto the sword.

It erupted from the side of the box, the blade gleaming redly as it dripped on the floor. Trixie blinked, looked aghast. She reached over and collected a bit on her hoof, gave it a lick. "Ah, strawberry jelly! So THAT'S where Snowflake hid Trixie's sandwich!"

She wiggled one hilt, then another, then grinned out to the audience. "We all understand if you don't give a bow, Jackpot, but give 'em all a grin! For you have been in a magnificent magic trick by the GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE!" She spread her hooves wide, and a grand creshendo of fireworks went flying up behind her, spraying green and red and blue sparks across the entire stage, little whirling sprays of fire spinning throught he air, and grand showers blanking out the view of the back curtains. When the sparks died down, the fires didn't disappear with them, the curtains crackling with merrily dancing flames...

[Pretzelparty]

"Most excellent work, Presteza! You have achieved every employee's dream, and ran a sword through the boss! But once is not enough, not for the GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE!"She turned offstage, and made a dramatic and commanding gesture. "RAZZLE DAZZLE! My swords, if you would!" The showpony came out with a saunter in her step and a tray full of swords floating next to her. "A dozen fine steel blades! A baker's dozen, with Presteza's sword! Thank you, Presteza, for your help, you may now return to your seat. I, meanwhile, have some work to do!"

At first a smile spread over presteza's lips, although her expression quickly changed as the magician demanded for more swords and then stabbed several more sword though her employer. The cream colored mare winced as each sword sunk itself into the casket. Fortunately for all of them everything turned out fine as, despite some fancy teasing of the audience on the part of Trixie. it turned our that Jackpot was indeed fine.

The mare bowed to Trixie politely, "Thanks, Miss Trixie! I hope ya take me up on my offer ta paint ya sometime! And since yer boss is still alive maybe he could pose with ya! you'll be in the foreground o' course." Then she turned to the audience and gave a bow, hoping to lavish in the cheering and praise of the audience. Whether she did receive any or not she'd leap from the stage and land gracefully in the aisle before calmly returning to her seat beside Serendipity and Merlot, for a moment during her stylish looking gait she seemed to show the kind of poise one would expect from the daughter of a duchess.

As soon as she sat down she was grinning like a school filly and turned to both Seren and the classy looking stallion beside her,"That was so much fun! How do ya guys think I did up there?" she asked in an ecstatic tone as she almost vibrated in her seat. As her eyes drifted back to the stage she went wide eyed as she noticed the flames spreading over the curtains. Lifting herself from her seat she shouted to Trixie, "Miss Trixie! I wouldn't Panic, but you should know ... THE CURTAIN'S ON FIRE!"

[RarityDash]

“It’s strange mentioning this, But the girl was someone I once knew in my childhood. By the look of things, I doubt we would... mix well today, in the manner that you joke about. Maybe she has skill with a paint brush, however."

Seren giggled. So a childhood friend, huh? Interesting, interesting. It was more layered than that though. He stressed the word "today" when he spoke it. That would indicate that back on some yesterday they might have mixed better. Perhaps the cute little artist was something more than she appeared to be? If she once mixed well with Dr. High-and-mighty here, it only made sense. Perhaps this was someone like her, then? A kindred spirit. Another pony who had it all, but didn't care for any of it. A pony out living her life as she wanted to. If so, that was pretty awesome. Serendipity hoped for some chance to spend more time with her.

"Excellent, in that case you wouldn't mind if I swooped in, would you?" she started, playfully, slapping Merlot on the back. "I'm not sure what she was like back when you remember her, but your buddy there has become quite the catch!"

With that, Serendipity turned her attention back to the act. It really was going pretty awesomely. Trixie was truly a showmare, as she upped the number of swords she jammed through the box. The gruesome fakeout with the jam was an especially neat little trick. Serendipity couldn't help but give an amused laugh and some applause. Her applause only grew louder as Presteza gave her bow on stage and then slowly returned to her seat.

"That was quite the show, kid. I don't think Trixie could asked for a more enchanting assistant," Seredipity said when the returning mare asked how she had done. She didn't really know the mare, but after all she had seen and learned, she was somewhat eager to. Her smile deepened until Presteza called out about fire. Seren jerked her head back to the stage, and sure enough there were flames.

Was this part of the act? It seemed slightly unlikely... all the same, a good magician should be able to handle even the unexpected. She was interested to see what this lovely Miss Trixie might do...

​

[Bellosh]

"Excellent, in that case you wouldn't mind if I swooped in, would you? I'm not sure what she was like back when you remember her, but your buddy there has become quite the catch!"

There was confusion within Merlot over how to handle the latest round of Serendipity’s taunts. On one hoof, the gentlecolt rationalized that he had nothing to be jealous about. By his own admission, Presteza was no clearly longer the sort of mare that Merlot would allow himself to be seen with. Regardless, something else gnawed at him, tempting him with the promise that the younger sister of the stallion’s old childhood friend was indeed a lady worthy of romantic pursuit. Merlot supposed though that Presteza possessed a smashing figure... but the same thing could be said of any simple showmare, or even Serendipity for that matter.

Intent on denying his companion any satisfaction, Merlot nonchalantly murmured to the casino heiress; “You may very well think that, Serendipity. I couldn’t possibly comment.....” Come to think of it, Seren also resembled the aspiring painter in that they despite their family backgrounds, they tossed aside most notions of behaving in refined manners. Perhaps those two mares could actually become very good friends.

Dr. Merlot instantly forgot about all thoughts of the Trottingham girl upon witnessing one of the most offensive acts of his entire life. The gentlecolt’s mouth dropped in aghast as Trixie staged a fake impalement of her employer, apparently using strawberry jam for the ghastly effect. To think that this shameless performer could put on such a vulgar display to a public audience! HOW DARE SHE? Merlot intended on complaining to Jackpot once this show ended; if he took no action to satisfy the gentlecolt, not only would Merlot never stay at this hotel again, but he’d write an editorial in the papers condemning the magic act. Trixie would be run out of Las Pegasus, and she’d likely crawl back to that poor excuse of a historian that she leeched off of previously.

The return of Presteza failed to register in Merlot’s mind, who was in more of a ranting mood; “I’m shocked and appalled somepony can get away with such a tasteless, barbarous routine!” Merlot wasn’t done spewing his venom; “Everypony in Equestria ought to be OUTRAGED at Trixie’s poor judgement.” However, Merlot saw that he may not have to do much to end Trixie’s professional career as one of the curtains caught on fire. The gentlecolt stayed on alert; this might very well be part of the fact, but at the first sniff of serious trouble, the pretentious pony planned to be the very first one to make a run for the exit.

[brianblackberry]

Trixie stood there on her hind legs, forhooves up over her head, eyes closed as she magically caused her magnificent cape to billow as the colorful fireworks finished behind her. What the azure unicorn expected, indeed in her mind, deserved, was a thunderous applause from the no doubt astonished audience, what she got was gasps and murmurs that only grew louder and more urgent.

Trixie was beside herself, incredulous, how could the audience not have been impressed with her marvelous performance?!? What had possibly gone wrong? Was the strawberry jam with the swords too much? No, c’mon, that was hilarious and surprising! Then Presteza yelled out what was obvious to everypony but her, "THE CURTAIN'S ON FIRE!”

Trixie quickly dropped to all fours and looked behind her; the scene was as terrible as she feared. Somehow her magnificent fireworks had caught the curtains on both sides of the stage to alight in flame, which had quickly managed to already engulf a significant portion of the drapery. Trixie was stunned, how could her fireworks gone wrong, She was disbelieving as she ran the spell over in her mind, the Careful and Diligent Trixie always used fireworks in her outdoor traveling shows, nothing ever went admiss- Ohhhhhhh… indoor show."

Trixie double facehoofed, “Horseapples!”

The azure magician stood there for a moment, shaking her head over her unbelievably amateur mistake when a panicked Razzle Dazzle ran by with Snowflake in tow, suspended by the assistant unicorn’s magical glow. The pair leaped off the stage and ran straight for the exit, along with much of the now thoroughly hysterical audience. Trixie just did what came naturally as she leaped off the stage after them, determined to get the hay out of the theater, the hotel and most likely Las Peagsus, and quite possibly Equestria too after this reputation killing and possibly criminal faux pas. Then she remembered… Jackpot!

The poor unicorn stallion was still trapped inside the colorfully painted pine box with the swords sticking through it, unable to move or escape. She couldn’t just leave him! Trixie was many things to many ponies, often suffering from a poor reputation that she would grudgingly admit was often well deserved, but she was no coward! If she could stand up against an Ursa Minor, Clockwork Ponies, and deadly possessed chocolate demons, she could certainly save a lone pony from a raging fire! “Have no fear Jackpot, the Great and Powerful Trixie shall rescue you from this torrential blaze! That Trixie accccidently started, heh..."

Trixie leap on the stage, and with a large glow of her horn blew the box apart, swords flying everywhere! A couple of the blades shot forward right at her, but thanks to a purple spheroid shaped magical barrier she formed around herself instinctively, she managed to keep from being impaled. Wait.. When did I master this? No time to think on that now, she had ponies to heroically rescue! As the other sword whizzed off into the distance, they fortunately missed everyone still in the room, save the one that skewered Merlot’s hat and took it right off his head. It was a good thing the sword didn't injure him, well… More or less a good thing. As amusing as it was to see his no doubt angry face, there was no time left! “This way Jackpot, uhh sir, the brave and fleet-footed Trixie will safety assure you will make it to the emergency exit!!”

Everypony would be fine, the flames still haven't moved much past the stage itself, the theater on the other hoof....

[SteelEagle]

Jackpot laughed nervously and loudly as the final sword was shoved in, trusting in Trixie that she wasn't hired as an elaborate assassin...but if she was, then what could he do? He was rarely this helpless. It was kind of exciting. He also loved magic and magic acts, so that was even more exciting. He was terribly, terribly excited. He was once almost as excited as he was now, back when he was an older colt and asked the prettiest filly of all to the dance. She had agreed and he was terribly, awfully excited about it. Nice suit. Flowers. Winning smile and attitude. He had waited outside his door all night and she had never come, his realization of abandonment striking him in the pale moonlight only when his mother forced him in for the night. He wasn't one to hold grudges though, and she was a perfectly decent cocktail waitress. Hopefully his excitement here would be more richly rewarded!

But then everything started to go wrong. The curtains caught fire after the fireworks went off- drat, and he thought that the show's pyrotechnic supervisor was highly qualified! Well, her previous work experiences came from a moving company and small-town weather service in Ponyville, but she had interviewed well. The fire moved with the speed of a hurricane, quickly engulfing the high-class and quite expensive drapery. All those bits! Jackpot was unable to move or free himself from his chosen coffin, a sword-pierced entry-wound in his defense against fire. So many entrances for a lick of flame, so little he could do. Unless this was a magic trick! Yes, that was it. A really cool trick. Trixie sure knew how to put on a performance, hahahahahahahahahahaha....hahaha....haha. Ha. Trixie star- No, not a performance! Trixie started fleeing from the stage as the fire matured from a small flamespurt into a blaze that consumed not only the drapery, but part of the wooden stage. To be abandoned by Trixie now was worse than being abandoned by that filly from school in so many ways! His fooalhood magical dream realized! His favorite magician! A fire! Betrayal by that same magician! Jackpot's heart would have broken if not for the shock of seeing fire engulf the stage towards him. Things were about to get toasty, but the only toasty thing he liked was a hay sandwich toasted with baked lettuce! This sucked!

And just when it couldn't get any worse and Jackpot felt a scream forming in the most guttural sections of his throat, Trixie returned as a heroine reformed from lesser parts of her disreputable character. In a flash of powerful magic the box he was trapped in came apart as if struck by a hundred hammers aimed at its weak points, the frame collapsing under the weight of gravity's will in an explosion. The swords went flying but in all honesty Jackpot didn't even notice it as small splinters staggered themselves in a row on the left side of his face and several more along his body. He ignored that pain and instead started crawling up onto his hooves as flames consumed the stage, jumping off of it in a panic and slamming into the ground before pulling himself back up. All class all the time.

Then he was with Trixie, who was making good on her promise of bringing him to the emergency exit. He was filled with so many conflicting emotions that it was that which sent his head spinning, not the oxygen-sapping fire and smoke inhalation which crowded around them like jealous exes out for a peculiar revenge. A few attendants and security started to rush in, levitating or holding fire extinguishers as they went to work. The emergency exit was opened and across the casino ponies were evacuated in a mandatory fashion. Finally he got out of the heat and chaos and into a service tunnel, Trixie by him with with a few medical personnel. One went to work in his face while an assistant trotted up to him.

"Sir, are you okay?!"

Jackpot sighed.

"Sure...sure! Refund all the customers. Offer free drinks and two hundred bits credit to all of them," he nodded along in shock, "Trixie, how are you?"

[Bellosh]

The stage magician's look of fear as she panicked about the burning stage was all Dr. Merlot needed to see. The gentlecolt didn't even wait for a reaction from Serendipity before getting out of his seat and cantering to the exit. And yes, Merlot indeed was the first pony in the audience to make a run for it, for he had a well-homed knack for swiftly detecting and fleeing from danger (Trixie knew this first-hoof, as a matter of fact). Merlot's mind also registered the fact that through this disaster, the stallion got a chance to ditch Seren and her uncomfortable mannerisms. Oh, maybe a trip to the High Stakes was also in order; at least there, the top attractions don't revolve around hack stage performers not ready for the Big Time.....

*EXIT MERLOT*

[brianblackberry]

Trixie felt awful for what she had done, even if it was entirely an accident. It was a very rare situation where the azure unicorn felt honest remorse for any of her numerous misdeeds, the last time was the incident of the Alicorn Amulet in Ponyville, and never did she do so for a mere incidental situation. This was different; most ponies just tolerated the presence of her traveling show in their towns, but Jackpot truly believed in her, believed that her magic was special, believed she could be a star. She had blow her golden opportunity thanks to her overwhelming need to show off. Worse, somepony could have been badly hurt, a possibly Trixie had become far more conscious of ever since the amulet incident had corrupted her mind and shown her the true horror of the dark side of her nature.

What was truly stunning to the unicorn mare was how calm Jackpot appeared to be with the whole disaster. One would think he would be furious that his stage was ruined, and that his casino would be losing a fair amount of bits, not to mention possibly getting a bad reputation among potential customers. Why hasn't he demanded she be held for the authorities? Trixie did contemplate using the confusion to make an escape and hide among the mountains and wilderness around Las Pegasus where it would be very difficult to find her. Her iterate lifestyle with Whooves in the lands outside Equestria would easily keep her out of jail until the statues of limitations made it safe again for her to return. So why didn't she run this time? Why stay and accept whatever the consequences may be? Cursed Twilight Sparkle and Whooves influencing her, making Trixie all soft and actually care and junk!

She azure mare didn't know even what to say when Jackpot asked her if she was aright, in fact she just looked at him mouth agape in shock that this stallion would be worried about her well-being, especially when she noticed he had been injured, although mildly, after all. "Wha… I uhh, er, Trixie is fine, thank you, uhh…" She had no idea what to say next in this situation; how could a mere apology make up for this? She had to at try at least, right? Especially considered she had decided to stay and take whatever punishment awaited her. Trixie lowered her hat down in front of her chest, "uhhh, the Contrite and Remorseful Trixie would like to apologize for accidentally setting your magnificent stage ablaze during her Magnificent Show of Magical Delight; could you find it in your heart to forgive and perhaps not sue or jail Trixie?"