“So you wish to learn the secrets of The Great and Powerful Trixie?” The famed stage pony asked. There was a glint of amusement in her eye as she regarded the young unicorn. “I can’t imagine what a simple performer such as myself could know that would be of interest to an obviously well educated unicorn such as yourself.” Star noted that Trixie’s smiling visage reminded her of a crocodile, waiting for an unwary pony to make a wrong step.
“Sometimes ordinary magic won’t get the job done.” Shooting Star answered. “If it takes humbly asking advice and knowledge from a self taught master magician, then I will go to her and say please and hope that she will teach me what I need to know.” Star added. “So here I am.” She said kneeling. “On bended knees, I’m asking for your help. Please.”
Trixie regarded her with the strangest of expressions, as if searching for something. Her eyes narrowed . “First, you are mistaken.” Trixie told the young unicorn firmly. “I am not self taught. I learned much of what I know from my father. He was also a great stage pony. One in a long line of performers who honed their craft with pride. Sometimes pride is all a stage pony has. The consequence of not being born into the right family.” She said with some bitterness. “What do you think of that my dear?”
Shooting Star swallowed reflexively at the rebuking. Yes. Her family did have some connections in Canterlot society, being ranked among the lesser nobility. Shooting Star would have been less than honest if she did not admit to herself that those connections had worked to her advantage in securing her a place in Celestia’s School. “I can’t deny the truth of your words.But pride is a luxury I can’t afford right now.”
Trixie’s expression softened. “Well said. So why don’t you tell me your tale and we will see what advice the Great and Powerful Trixie can bestow.”
And so Shooting Star related the terrible tale, noting the distressed, almost ill look on Trixie’s face.
“But this is all in the past.” Trixie said finally. “A wise pony would accept it as such and move on.”
“Maybe.” Star admitted. “But I know I can change these things! And that’s why I have to try.”
“Do you even have a plan?” Trixie questioned.
“As a matter of fact I do.” Shooting Star replied with a confidence she did not quite feel.
“Alright then. What is it?”
Shooting Star outlined her plan. Funny that it seemed better before she had to explain it out loud. Indeed she saw Trixie’s face twist into a scowl.
“That is without a doubt the most insane plan I have ever heard!” Trixie exclaimed. “It is reckless in the extreme! I would have expected something more sensible from Twilight Sparkle’s personal student” Trixie suddenly grinned. “Trixie will help you.”
As Shooting Star breathed a sigh of relief, Trixie asked her one last question.
“Before we begin, I want to know: Do you truly believe you can do this?”
“Yes Miss Trixie. I do.”
“Then would you do the same knowing the risk? Would you do the same if we were not talking about your mentor? Would you take the same risks for a pony you did not know?”
Shooting Star considered the question. She remembered that Trixie also made frequent use of the teleportation spell. What she was really asking was if Shooting Star would place as much value on Trixie as on her own mentor. The young unicorn stood straight. “Yes. I would and I will.”
Trixie nodded approvingly, accepting Star’s promise. “One last thing.” She said firmly. “This business of writing a thesis paper?”
“Yes?” Star asked, noting the disapproval in Trixie’s expression. At the time it seemed like the best idea.
“Starlight Glimmer is a close friend of mine. You will not lie to her. You will tell her the truth of what you are planning. I will speak to her. Agreed?”
“Yes Miss Trixie.” Shooting Star answered Trixie’s admonishment.
“Good! Now then! Shall we begin?”