//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: The North Star // by Frostjack //------------------------------// The cafe was almost never full and today was no exception. Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were sitting outside the cafe at a table with there drinks as they waited for Starlight and there guest of honor to arrive. "So who is this guys anyways? Rainbow said after finishing a long drink from her cider. "Well his name is Polaris and I believe he is from Fillydelphia." Rarity said taking a sip of her ice tea. "Other than that all we know is that he knows quite a bit about dealing with curses." "So is some great magician?" Rainbow Dash said with excitement. "Nope. Hes just an earth pony like yours truly." Applejack said. Rainbow slumped in her seat. "Well thats boring." She said getting a rather annoyed glare from AJ. "No offense." She quickly added. "You two dont know anything else about him?" She asked the table. "Well why dont you ask him yourself?" The pegasus turned around to see Starlight and the aforementioned earth pony. Rainbow took a moment to recompose herself. "Well howdy you two, I see you both freshen up. we were just about to order." "Oh perfect im starving." Polaris said siting down at the table. "Im Polaris." He stuck out a hoof towards Rainbow dash. "Im Rainbow Dash. Wonderbolt, daredevil, and high flyer extraordinaire." The three other mares collectively rolled there eyes. "Whoa!" His face lit up. "Your an actual Wonderbolt? Thats awesome! Do you know Spitfire?" To which Rainbow Dash gave a triumphant nod. "We're pretty tight i'd say." "Thats super cool!" Rainbow was beginning to like this guy. "So your the one who helped AJ with the farm right?" She asked. "Yeah and unlike somepony, he actually stayed to help solve the problem instead of flying off." Applejack said getting a jab in at Rainbow Dash. "I uh... Had a Wonderbolt emergency." She quickly took another gulp of her cider. Still being eyed by Applejack. "So you work with curses huh? Thats gotta be stressful." Her deflection was graceful. "Well its actually a lot lamer than you'd think. Like 80% of it is research. The rest is putting it into practice." The waiter came by to take Polaris and Starlight's drink orders as he continued. "Mainly I'm just the errand colt while my sister is the one who does the hard part." "I dont know. Your sister was wrong about the curse." Starlight said drinking her tea. "Yeah, YOU were the one who said that it was a drain curse not a rot one." Applejack interjected. "My Polaris are you blushing?" The unicorn teased. "No!" Said the blushing stallion. Laughter was heard from the others at this spectacle. "But seriously, if it weren't for you my that tree might have drained most of Ponyville by now." Polaris shook his head. "I cant take all the credit. Usually when I make carvings they turn out wrong. Starlight's precision made that possible. Not to mention that without the ruby Rarity gave me we wouldn't have been able to hold the curse magic to calm the tree down enough for Applejack to convince it to fix the farm. It was a team effort." Rarity clanged a spoon against her glass. "Then I wold like to propose a toast. To our exceptional team work." She raised her glass and was meet by 4 others. "Here here." The glasses clanged and as they all were amidst there toasting Applejack spoke. "Except for Rainbow Dash." A snort came from Starlight and she choked on her tea. Rainbow and Applejack began an intense staring match seeing who would challenge the comment first but luckily the stare was broken as the waiter returned to take there order. As they ordered there food Starlight got began to sip her drink again when Rainbow Dash asked, "So are you two dating?" Another snort was heard, this time from Rarity. Everypony at the table looked at her as a blush formed on her face. "Ahem, terribly sorry. Allergies and whatnot." She wiped her face of any remaining tea. "Any how Polaris, have you had a chance to see more of the sight of our humble town?" "Why yes I have, this town is wonderful and the ponies here seem super nice." He swirled his drink around for a moment seeing his reflection in the liquid. "This place is so nice I'll probably have to get a side job seeing as how the curses business isn't as booming here." "You dont sound all that upset by it." Applejack said giving him a sideways look. "I thought you loved all that curse magic stuff." "To be honest, it gets old pretty fast and the ponies who commission us to fix there curses are usually uptight. Sometimes after we lift the curse they refuse to pay." Polaris sighed. "I mean its great for research but the most days it isnt worth it." "Well never fear darling. Ponyville has a bountiful assortment of professions that you can get in to. Now tell me what do you see yourself doing until you get yourself established?" Polaris blushed slightly. "Well when I was younger I always loved theater." He said sheepishly. "Not acting though I cant act to save my life. But I was pretty good as a stage hoof." Starlight shot up with excitement at hearing this. "Ive got just the place for you!" She saw how startled the others were at her explosive enthusiasm and she slowly sat back down regaining her composure. "I have a friend whos a stage magician and im sure she could use your help." "Thats a great Idea Starlight. Trixie's shows are pretty good but I always thought they were lacking something." Rainbow said. "I would totally be down to see her after we eat." Polaris said full of hope. "And when she doesn't have a show in Ponyville you could give us a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres. We could use the help and its the least I could do." "That sounds great Applejack thank you. Maybe after lunch Starlight and I can go talk to, what was her name?" "Trixie. And I'd be happy to introduce you." Starlight looked around for there waiter. "AFTER WE GET OUR ORDERS THAT IS." She yelled at the restaurant hoping somepony who worked there would hear her. The waiter would unfortunately not be receiving a tip from them. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// In the fields next to the Everfree Forest a lone wagon stood as its owner began unpacking. A blue unicorn with a white mane began examining her props when she was delightful interrupted by a close friend of hers. "Hey Trixie. Did you just get back in to town?" She dropped her things to gave Starlight a hug. "Why yes The great and Powerful Trixie just got back from an amazing and wondrous tour through Yakyakistan. Though I dont believe the yaks there quite appreciated the majestic performance they were graced with." It was at this moment that Trixie noticed the earth pony standing awkwardly behind Starlight. "Im sorry who is that?" She asked in annoyed tone. Starlight used her magic to pull him towards them. "Trixie this is Polaris, Polaris this is my good friend Trixie." An eruption of fireworks exploded above them. "The Great and Powerful Trixie!" She corrected. "Of course. Trixie this is the guy I was telling you about a while back." Trixie looked him up and down and gave a smirk towards Starlight. "So your the colt who helped out our sweet, and single, Starlight." She gave a wink towards the purple unicorn who gave a face hoof to herself. "Well honestly she was the one doing the helping. In fact shes still helping me out." That was her queue. Starlight walked over and put an arm around her unicorn friend. "Say Trixie, didn't you say how you always wished you had somepony helping you with the set up for your show?" "Thats what I have a great and powerful assistant for isn't?" Trixies 'praise' fell on deft ears as Starlight continued. "Sure but I just help ON stage wouldn't it give a little something extra if your show had somepony running lights and setting up different props for the show while you have more time to dazzle the crowd with your spectacular magic?" Her words were like honey to Trixie. She found it annoying how easy it was for Starlight to sweet talk her into agreeing with anything she'd say. "Where are you going with this?" Trixie was getting suspicious and this time whatever Starlight wanted, Trixie was gonna make her work for it. "Well our new friend Polaris here just happens to have a love of the stage himself." She said giving him a wink. "And Im sure he'd be more than thrilled to help you." She nodded at him. "OH! Absolutely! Once I heard from everypony on how... stupendous your shows were I had to meet you myself. I would be most honored if you would let me assist you." Trixie rubbed her chin in consideration. "Hmm, 'stupendous' you say." She was trying hard not to look too pleased with the complement. "Well I suppose I could let you run the lights and pull a curtain or two. On one condition!" She had a devious smile. 'It wont be so easy this time Starlight!' She thought to herself. Starlight looked worried while Polaris looked eager for whatever Trixie had in store. "You name it." He said confidently. "You must take Trixie on a date!" Trixie glanced at Starlight whos jaw hung in the air. Then to Polaris who was beet red. "E-Excuse me? A date?" His voice was cracking. "Now I understand how intimidating it could be having an opportunity to spend a romantic evening with someone as... Divine as me." She lifted Starlight's jaw back into place. "But i'm sure you'll manage." "Uh Trixie?" Starlight said through gritted teeth. "Do you mind if I have a word with you?" And with a 'pop' the two unicorns teleported away from the wagon and the Stallion who was still in shock. Over past the trees far from ear shot Trixie began to laugh. "Trixie! Whats so funny!?" Starlight said in a harsh tone. Trixie wiped a tear from her eye due to laughing so hard. "Oh Starlight you should see your face! Dont worry im not gonna steal him from you I just wanted to see who im 'getting into bed with' in a matter of speaking." She wiggled an eye at Starlight. She could tell that Trixie was teasing her. "And besides! You always butter me up and get me to agree with whatever crazy ideas you come up with! This is my revenge." She said plainly. Starlight sighed. "Alright alright you got me. Im sorry." She had to admit it she was rather adept at 'persuading' Trixie. "And your not 'stealing' him from me. Were not even dating." She crossed her arms. "My my somepony sounds disappointed." Starlight began to argue but stopped herself as she let out a defeated sigh. "Yeah you may be right." Starlight recalled her earlier talk with Rarity and Applejack and how she promised to be more true to herself. "Its just, hes going through a lot right now and I dont think me asking him out is gonna lessen the load." Trixie looked confused. "Whats going on with him?" "Well I cant say much about it but I can tell you that hes going to try to convince his sister to let him move to Ponyville. And it might not be pretty." "He has to convince his sister? Isn't he old enough to make his own decisions?" She asked skeptically "Shes been the one taking care of him since he was foal. I think he just wants her blessing." Trixie saw the worried look on her firneds face. A look which didnt suit her in the slightest. "Thats well and all but listen Starlight, but im sure he would be extactic to go on a date with you. And frankly speaking Starlight if I were you I would start sending him some 'hints' if you know what im saying" Starlight looked confused. "Im telling you you should flirt with him!" She through her arms up irritated. "Oh I dont know maybe after gets settled in.-" She was interrupted by her friend who put a hoof over her mouth. "Look girl, you looking worried all the time over him is just gonna make him worried about you. And besides you eyebrows do not look good furrowed. Hes a cute stallion if you dont snatch him up im sure some other mare will." Starlight had a frightful look in her face. "You think so?" "Sweetie I know so. Get his mind off of things and on to more, 'ahem' Starlight related things.' Trixie could tell she was swaying her. "Its not too hard, I mean you do know how to flirt dont you?" The question took her by surprise. "Oh yeah! I flirt all the time, I mean I'm just a regular ol' flirty girl thats me." Trixie was not convinced in the slightest. "Alright, so i dont know how to flirt! It never really came up when I was bending ponies to my will and making them give up there cutie marks." "Well just be your charismatic and confidant self!" Trixie said trying to reassure her. "Oh! And try to be a little more liberal with the physical contact. And give him a few of these." Trixie batted her eyelashes in a sultry manner. "That'll do it for sure." Starlight thought for a moment slightly fearful of her friends knowledge. "You know know that i think of it I dont think I've ever seen you on a date before." Trixie waved a hoof in front of her face. "The colts here are probably just too intimidated by my charm and grace." Starlight rolled her eyes. "Just promise me you wont tell him I told you anything?" She pleaded. "Of course. But you make sure that when your helping him you dont forget about taking care of yourself alright?" Starlight was touched by her friends sincerity and she pulled her in for a hug. "Deal." She said with a smile. The two unicorns 'popped' back to Polaris who looked like he was still processing what was said earlier. "Alright Polaris." Trixie said snapping him out of his daze. "Forget about taking me on the date." A sigh of relief was heard from him. "Instead after we finish our first show together you will take the both of us on a date!" "WHAT!?" Starlight and Polaris said in unison. "What? There's nothing wrong with a small celebration after a performance is there? And besides it'll give us a chance to get to know one another." She wasn't wrong. Not only did this give him an opportunity for a job but it also gave them a chance to see if they could be friends as well. "Thats not a bad idea Trixie." Starlight said. "If thats okay with you that is." She got with in range of his personal bubble putting an arm around his shoulders, making his voice crack as he replied. "Yeah sure, that sounds like fun." He was visibly sweating. "Then its a date!" Starlight said in an upbeat tone. "So whens the next show 'Oh Great and Powerful one?'" Trixie walked to the other side of Polaris and leaned into him causing his nervousness to increase. "Why tomorrow evening of course." Starlight's jovial mood turned sour. "We should start setting up in the morning." "Oh were gonna be gone tomorrow." Starlight said dishearteningly. "I dont think we'll be able to-" "Able to start until later in the afternoon." Polaris looked at Starlight and gave a wink. "We have a bit of trailing to do bright and early but when we get back I'm sure Ill be able to help with the set up." "I would expect nothing less from my new Stage Manager." Trixie said as she walked up to her wagon. "I expect you two here as soon as possible! I have big plans for tomorrows performance! All of Equestria will tell tales of it!" A puff of smoke came from where Trixie was standing leaving just the two of them alone." "Good night Trixie!" Starlight yelled to the open area they were in. "Good night!" Trixe yelled from within her wagon. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As the pair began walking back to the castle she noticed how Polaris was looking up towards the stars and he was smiling. "Well that was exciting huh?" She said interrupting the silence between them. "Ha yeah Trixie seems nice, kinda odd but I guess that come with the territory of being a great and powerful magician." Starlight was glad that the two of them got along. "I cant wait to get back behind the stage again!" "Hey, are you sure well be able to make it back in time?" Starlight was worried. "Oh 100%, It takes about an hour to take a train from Fillydelphia to Ponyville so if we get up early and take the first train at like 7 in the morning we should get there by 8. It take like 15 minuets to get to the shop, we chat with Stella, and go home." 'He sounds like Twilight with all her scheduling.' She thought to herself. "We'll probably even have time to get some baked goods from The Bread and Butter, Im sure Mr. and Mrs. Dough would love to see you again." Starlight remembered the pastries they had there. Despite being a day old they were still delicious. "Yeah Id like that." She said, "But how long do you think it will take to talk to your sister?" She was careful to soften her tone when asking. "Oh that shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Just pop in and tell her im moving. What IS gonna take a while is deciding what im gonna bring back from the shop!" "But what if she says no?" Polaris stopped walking and grew silent. She knew how much his sister meant to him and how much he meant to her. deciding on something like moving away from from his only family couldn't be an easy decision for him. Especially when it meant he might hurt his sister in the process. However, Polaris just smiled and replied. "Well its not up to her. This is a choice I'm making for me." In his eyes shown clarity. Like a new found truth had been unveiled o him. "She cant take care of me forever. She shouldn't! I'm 24 for Celestia's sake. I want her to be able to live her own life and make her own way. So she can say no all she wants but I'm staying in Ponyville and thats final." Starlight was proud of this development and happy at his realization. As the pair started walking again she noticed how she was staring at him. Almost admiring him. Trixies words of advice rang in her head. She inched closer to him as they walked. "Boy its pretty chilly outside." She said aloud. They were the only two on the streets as the locals were already in there home by now. "Yeah it brisk." He said in agreement. Starlight swallowed hard as she made her move. She hooker her front hoof around his as they walked. He had a surprised looked on his face at this development. "Do you mind?" She asked timidly. A small blush formed on his face as he turned his head. "Not at all, It its cold out tonight." She inched closer to him as they walked arm in arm. Starlight couldn't believe she had that much nerve while Polaris couldn't form an intelligent thought at the time. His hoodie was soft and he was warm. She was glad that nopony else was out tonight. She thought she'd die of embarrassment. Polaris, now being free of his initial shock, was able to think straight. He thought on how lucky he was and once again how happy he was that he met Starlight. He wanted to thank her somehow for everything she had done for him. He wanted to make her feel as special as she did for him. He sighed heavily with content. "You okay?" She asked looking up at him with her beautiful purple eyes. "I'm good. Just thinking." She nudged him still holding on to his arm. "Bit for your thought?" She asked. "I'm just thinking about what to do for you and Trixie for our 'date'." She tightened her grip on his arm. "Oh?" She gave him a wicked smile. "And just what do you have in store for us?" Her voice was playful. "Now now Starlight." His tone matched hers. "That would be telling. Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise now would I?" "Hmm sure Polaris. Ill choose to believe you." They walked by another couple who were enjoying a nightly stroll. Starlight tried to hide her face but they still heard the other ponies whispering. Polaris didnt want anypony to gossip about her more than the already did and as he began to take his arm away Starlight grabbed it with her other hoof pulling it towards her. "Hey." She said angrily and slightly blushing. "I'm still kinda cold." He put his arm back down and she snuggled up against it now resting her head on his shoulder. Starlight decided to take them along the longer, more scenic route home so that they might enjoy each others company a bit longer under this cool night sky.