Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her Alicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.
But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger Alicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness:
Nightmare Moon.
She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon…
“...And harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since,” a young yellow unicorn filly read. Her long teal mane had shifted to cover one of her green eyes. She moved her mane out of the way to show off her freckles, “I wonder why Princess Celly gave me this story to read.”
“The Princess wants you to do WHAT?!” A violet Unicorn mare exclaimed after reading the letter she was just presented with. Strands of dark purple mane began poking out of her bangs as the shock overtook her, “I mean, why would she choose you to organize the Millenial Summer Sun Celebration?! I’m the more organized out of the two of us! And without me, you’re a disorganized mess!”
Twilight Sparkle is one of Princess Celestia’s two prized pupils with a special talent in magic, representative of the six-pointed starburst cutie mark.
“It’s called ‘controlled chaos’,” a pale blue Unicorn mare grumbled in irritation at the jab at her lack of organization skills. She flicked her stylized white mane with a dramatic flick of her head. Her purple eyes shone with self-confidence, a trait often confused as egotistical when in reality, it’s just her nature as a showmare, “But when I got that letter, I was as confused as you are. I mean, you are famous for your checklists. And how you double, triple, and quadruple-check them.”
Trixie Lulamoon is Princess Celestia’s second prized pupil (although Trixie would argue that she’s the first). Like Twilight, Trixie also had a special talent in magic. Granted, it was a different type of magic. Where Twilight’s magical ability is focused more on her deep reservoir of raw magical potential, Trixie’s magical ability is primarily about finesse and cunning, allowing her to be the stage magician that she is. Trixie’s special talent is represented in her cutie mark as a waving wand topped with a six-pointed star. The same six-pointed star that is Twilight’s cutie mark.
Twilight and Trixie are functionally two sides of the same coin. They have always been mirrors of each other in some form or another. This has been the case ever since they got their cutie marks simultaneously during their entrance exams into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. If something happened to one of them, in some way, something similar happens to the other. Some could call them coincidences. But in the long term, there are far too many ‘coincidences’ for them to be coincidences. And it’s not uncommon for the situation to be too specific to be a coincidence.
“I don’t quadruple-check my checklists. Although…” Twilight said, considering the idea.
“Trixie, you should know better than to give Twilight ideas like that,” an adolescent purple Dragon said as he set down a stack of books.
“As flattered as I am to be tasked with such an event, I don’t know if I’m up to the challenge,” the showmare admitted with defeat, “I mean, I know I’m great and powerful. I am The Grrreat and Powerful Trrrixie after all! But that’s just it. I’m a showmare, not an event organizer. I don’t know how to organize a Summer Sun Celebration. Especially not one as big as this one!”
“First things first. Trixie, calm down. Take a deep breath in. Hold it for a moment. Then slowly let it out,” the young Dragon instructed.
Trixie did as instructed, allowing herself to calm down, “Thanks, Spike. I needed that,” Trixie thanked in a more calm tone, “I don’t need to start Twilighting. It’s bad enough when Twilight does it.”
Twilight grumbled at her name being turned into a verb.
“Next, let’s think of this rationally,” Spike continued, “Do either of you believe that Princess Celestia is not in her right mind about this?”
“Spike!” Twilight exclaimed in shock, “Why would you say that the Princess isn’t in her right mind?”
“I didn’t,” Spike replied, “But if you're questioning her motives, you are the ones implying that you believe she’s not in her right mind. Rather than question why Princess Celestia didn’t pick Twilight, try to think of why she would pick Trixie instead.”
“I think Spike has been hanging around Princess Celestia too much,” Trixie said, “He’s becoming cryptic like she often is.”
“So because I’m sounding cryptic, that means I’m hanging around Celestia too much?” Spike countered, “Fine, I’ll just tell you what I think if you two don’t want to think for yourselves. I think-”
“No, wait!” Twilight interrupted, “Let us think for ourselves. Trixie didn’t mean to imply that we didn’t want to figure it out for ourselves. But you know her well enough that she doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut.”
The coy grin on Twilight’s face from that comment earned a deadpan look from Trixie in response, “Despite how Twilight chose to word it, she’s technically right,” Trixie admitted halfheartedly, “I was just teasing. But I technically never implied that I didn’t want to figure it out for myself. You came to that conclusion all on your own.”
BELCH
Spike belched out a green flame that coalesced into a scroll. Spike then started reading it out loud:
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
As you are most likely aware by now, the Millenial Summer Sun Celebration is coming up. This year, the Summer Sun Celebration will be held in Ponyville. I have requested that Bellatrix Lulamoon VII oversee the event. I would also like to request that you take charge while I’m away.
I understand that you may be confused about my decision. Bellatrix is likely equally confused. But I assure you that I have my reasons for this decision.
I’m sure that by the time you read this, the two of you are already trying to figure out my reasoning for not sending Twilight to Ponyville. This also means that I assume that Bellatrix is listening to Spike read the letter. I have already informed Spike of my reasoning and have requested that he lets you figure it out on your own. This is why he was likely unphased by the news.
Sincerely,
Princess CelestiaP.S. Yes, Bellatrix Lulamoon VII may bring her ward to Ponyville with her. I believe that this may be a good chance for her to socialize with others. Ponyvillians tend to be very accepting Ponies. I also know she would’ve brought her along either way.
“We’re going to Ponyville?!” a young voice squealed in joy as she entered the room.
“You know, considering how much the Princess got right about us in that letter, I wouldn’t be surprised if she knew the exact moment Ocellus would arrive so that she would hear exactly what she wanted her to hear,” Trixie assumed.
Before Ocellus arrived, Trixie had a slightly sour expression on her face. She hated the name Bellatrix. It’s why she preferred going by Trixie instead. But Princess Celestia would always write letters to her addressing her as Bellatrix Lulamoon VII. She admitted that it’s a name inherited by her lineage, which is why she would likely name her own daughter Bellatrix Lulamoon VIII, and her daughter would likely hate that name just as much as Trixie did.
But Trixie’s mood always lifted when Ocellus came. It’s partly reactive, since Trixie being in a bad mood would cause more harm than good to Ocellus. But nobody could deny that her pure innocence could chase away Windigoes. The yellow filly went up to nuzzle her surrogate mother, who returned the gesture in kind.
“You heard correctly,” Trixie confirmed, “Princess Celestia is sending me to Ponyville to oversee the planning for the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration. Twilight will be staying here to oversee things while Celestia is away.”
“It must be because you’re an entertainer,” Ocellus said, catching the attention of the older ponies, “Who better than the Grrreat and Powerful Trrrixie to make sure the event is as spectacular as it can be?” She said, rolling her Rs as Trixie would.
Spike sighed in defeat. Ocellus was quite insightful. And when Spike had a secret or something, her insight would figure it out, even if she didn’t intend to.
“And Twilight’s organization skills would make her a good leader,” Ocellus continued, “Because Princess Celly is smart like that!”
“She sure is,” Twilight agreed with a light chuckle, “So when do you plan on leaving for Ponyville?”
“If it weren’t for the fact that it’s on such short notice, I would’ve said we leave tomorrow,” Trixie said, “But that would mean I’d have to organize the celebration and find a place to stay all in one night. Ocellus, get your things ready.”
With that said, the filly ran to pack her bags. Twilight and Trixie were a little annoyed that they didn’t get to figure things out on their own. But at the same time, they were impressed with how Ocellus was able to analyze the situation and come up with what Celestia’s reasoning likely was so quickly.
Then again, if Celestia had predicted what their reactions were and when Ocellus would arrive, could she have predicted that Ocellus would figure things out before Twilight or Trixie and that she’d tell them? With how cryptic the Princess can be at times, who knows.
Trixie and Ocellus were now on the train after getting ready to go to Ponyville. “Doesn’t the Town Hall offer a place to stay for political representatives?” Ocellus asked.
This caught the showmare off guard, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Trixie asked. Without being answered, Trixie came to the conclusion herself, “You just wanted to go to Ponyville sooner, didn’t you?”
The grin on the filly’s face was all the answer she needed.
“Think of it this way. This still means you have more time to watch over the celebration,” Ocellus said, “That also means we’ll have more time just to spend time visiting Ponyville.”
“I guess we should enjoy it while we can,” Trixie agreed, “It’ll be a refreshing change of pace. But I will still be more than happy to return home to Canterlot.”
“Do you think there are any foals my age to play with in Ponyville?!” Ocellus asked excitedly as she looked out the window, her tail swishing back and forth with glee.
There was no hiding the smile on Trixie’s face at Ocellus’s joy, “I’m sure there are plenty,” Trixie chuckled, “Although considering Ponyville’s proximity to the Everfree Forest, I question how smart it is to raise a foal so close to the forest.”
“A village was able to thrive there, right?”
“Yeah, I suppose they have, haven’t they?” Trixie said, “You know, Ocellus, we have a private car so that you don’t have to stay in Pony form.”
Ocellus’s demeanor fell like a lead weight, “A-are you sure nopony will see me?”
“If somepony saw you, then this wouldn’t be a private car, now would it?” Trixie said with a smug grin.
Acknowledging this fact, Ocellus relented. A green glow began to form around her horn. The magical aura began to take the form of a green flame.
FWOOSH
Click
A gray Earth Pony with a geode cutie mark and an expressionless face walked into the car to see a pale blue unicorn wearing a magician’s hat and robe, and a black, Pony-like insectoid with gradient blue eyes and holes in her limbs and wings.
The two inhabitants of the car looked on at the newcomer with shock. The smaller of the two was petrified at being caught in her true form. Some would believe that the young one was a stone statue if it weren’t for the glowing blue eyes, especially with how she fell over with a “clunk” without moving a muscle.
But to the newcomer in the car, it wasn’t the glowing blue eyes that gave her status as not a stone statue away. The gray mare slowly made her way to another booth, not even reacting to the site of an unknown creature that was Ocellus.
“Uh… I don’t mean to be rude, but…” Trixie said before her demeanor changed to a more aggressive one, “What are you doing here?!”
“Riding the train,” the mare said simply.
This caught Trixie off guard for a moment before regaining her intimidating composure, “Don’t you know this is a private train car?”
“Yes.”
Again, Trixie was caught off guard. There was something about this mare. Not only was she unphased by Trixie’s intimidation tactics, her blunt honesty kept throwing her off guard, “If you know this is a private car, then why did you come here?!”
“For privacy.”
That answer was so obvious that it was the last answer she expected, “What I mean is, how did you get into this car? We specifically reserved it!”
“The Conductor let me in.”
“B-but… why did the Conductor let you in?!”
“Because I needed a seat.”
“B-but… I… we… reserve… private…” Trixie stuttered incoherently, completely thrown off her game.
“You should remind your friend to breathe,” the gray mare said, pointing to Ocellus.
Trixie looked to see that Ocellus was so dedicated to keeping still that she was holding her breath. And now, her face was turning purple before falling to the floor limply. No longer interested in arguing with the newcomer, Trixie ran to check to see if Ocellus was okay.
“Ocellus! Are you okay?! Please wake up!” Trixie exclaimed in a panic, trying to wake her ward up.
“She should be okay as long as she gets enough air,” the gray mare said, suddenly next to the two, “She just fainted from oxygen deprivation. She’ll recover as long as she’s breathing.”
Trixie was surprised by the mare’s sudden appearance next to them, not hearing her even move. But she was more concerned about Ocellus, which lessened the impact.
“You’re taking this a lot better than I expected,” Trixie admitted, still keeping an eye on Ocellus.
“If you knew my sister, nothing would surprise you either,” The gray mare said, “What is she?”
The question took Trixie off guard. Specifically, she was taken off guard by the fact that it was the first thing she said that wasn’t a response to a question. Well, it was technically the second, but the first was her saying that Ocellus would be okay. But that was still technically in response. This question was the first time the gray mare had spoken without it being a reaction to what Trixie had said first.
“Her name is Ocellus. And she’s a Changeling,” Trixie said simply, “Your knowledge of what she is is now nearly as extensive as my own. I get the feeling that Princess Celestia knows more than she told me. But this is as much as I know. As for what I haven’t told you, you probably can figure that out on your own based on what you saw when you walked in on us.”
“Transformation magic?”
“Something like that,” Trixie confirmed, “Yes, it’s magic, but it’s innate to her species. She usually takes that Unicorn form because of how she’s been treated when she’s undisguised.”
“I assume you’re from Canterlot,” the gray mare said, “Canterlotians tend to dislike anyone who’s different from them.”
“Well, they’re not all like that,” Trixie said, “But the Canterlot Nobles certainly fit that description, with a few exceptions. There are a few good Nobles though. My name is Trixie by the way.”
“Maudalina Daisy Pie,” the gray mare introduced, shaking Trixie’s hoof, “But my sisters simply call me Maud.”
“So, are you on your way to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration?” Trixie asked.
“Ponyville is on the way, so I’m stopping to visit a friend,” Maud said, her face never leaving that emotionless expression, “I’m studying to earn my Roctorate from the School of Rockology.”
“Isn’t the study of rocks called Geology?” Trixie asked.
“Yes. But it doesn’t sound as fun,” Maud said.
“Fair point,” Trixie admitted, “My name is Trixie Lulamoon. I’m on my way to Ponyville to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration. I was sent by Celestia herself.”
Trixie waited to see how impressed Maud was at being directly instructed by Celestia to oversee the event. But to her chagrin, Maud barely reacted. She just slowly blinked, “So you’re a friend of the Princess?”
“I’m not friends with her, I’m her personal student,” Trixie said before thinking about it, “Well, I suppose we’re not not friends. I guess I’ve never thought of her as a friend because of the teacher-student relationship.”
“Friends can be found in the strangest places and situations,” Maud said insightfully, “My friend and I got our cutie marks together.”