//------------------------------// // A Wound Unhealed // Story: The Element of Pride // by DragonShadow //------------------------------// Chapter 04: A Wound Unhealed Trixie’s training was surprisingly smooth, and Celestia grew hopeful that this was indeed the Element of Magic sown by one thousand years of careful preparation. The unicorn definitely had a gift for the magical arts beyond most, with a diverse repertoire of spells nearly memorized in the first few months. It was mostly small stuff like advanced levitation and light refraction, but Celestia was fairly confident that she had chosen wisely. It was with a sense of pride that Celestia watched the growing filly in their private training chambers. Her eyes were narrowed in concentration, and sweat was beading on her forehead as her horn began to glow with a brighter and brighter crimson light. Celestia watched with a mask of calmness on her face as a soft wind began to blow through the room, blowing the young unicorn’s mane around her body as black smoke began to seep out of her horn. The black smoke billowed into the air above her, carried by the wind current and strands of red magical energy that moved with them like razor-thin streamers. Shards of lightning ripped through the forming cloud, and a clap of thunder echoed across the room. Most regions in Equestria had their weather controlled by Pegasus scientists, only extremely powerful Unicorns could do it themselves. It was a small cloud, but impressive nonetheless. “Very good, Trixie.”Celestia smiled and approached as the cloud began to dissipate, its energy vanishing back into the ether. Trixie was panting from the exertion, with sweat pouring down her forehead, but she kept her head high and grinned through her fatigue. “That was an impressive showing. You’ve come a long way in a fairly short time.” “Thank you, Your Highness.” The pony bowed again. “I’m the best because of your teaching.” “You aren’t the best, Trixie.” Celestia reminded her. “You’re only better than you were before, which is the best you can hope to be.” “Of course, Princess.” Trixie bowed in respect again, though there was an odd twinge to her voice. Celestia thought to ask about it, but they were interrupted by her chancellor entering the room. “Your Highness.” The guard stepped towards them before giving them both a small respectful bow. “Dinner is ready.” “Thank you, we’ll be along momentarily.” Celestia replied with a smile before turning back to her student. “Go wash up for dinner, I shall meet you in the dining room.” “Yes, your highness!” Trixie nodded with a sweet smile and leapt from the floor, bounding toward the door with the energy of the extremely young. Celestia allowed herself a soft sigh as she pushed her way out of the training room and moved down the hallway. She blinked when the world around her began to grow strangely hazy, then again when she suddenly found herself lying on the thick carpet on her side, opening her eyes against the sharp lights of the candles on the walls. “Celestia! Please wake up, Celestia!” A gentle voice urged her onward back into consciousness. Celestia groaned softly and turned to see Princess Cadence kneeling down beside her, one hoof wrapped around Celestia’s head to hold it up off the ground. “Oh thank goodness…” Cadence told her with a smile. “Hold still a moment, I’ll help you.” “Thank you, Cadence…” Celestia took a deep breath as Cadence’s horn began to glow with a soft blue light. The light streamed forth into Celestia’s head in a tiny beam, the pain roaring through her mind beginning to ease the moment the beam touched her. It was only another few moments before Celestia was on her hooves again, shaking her head to clear it. “I should have come to see you sooner, I just got distracted. My apologies.” Cadence responded with a soft chuckle. “Only you would apologize for fainting, Celestia.” Her smile faded a few moments later. “You’ve been getting these headaches more frequently of late. I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep up this strain for much longer, being responsible for the sun, the moon, and all the ponies under both…” “Don’t fear, dear Cadence.” Celestia assured her young companion. “My burden is no more than I can handle, and soon it will not be mine alone to bare… one way or another…” Cadence cocked her head curiously, but Celestia offered no explanation, instead asking, “are you going to join Trixie and myself for dinner tonight?” “Oh, as much as I’d love to I can’t. Shining Armor’s little sister needs a foalsitter for the evening, and I volunteered.” Cadence smiled with a slightly rosy blush on her pink cheeks. “Again.” “My, you sure are quick to volunteer for what he asks, aren’t you?” Celestia cast the smaller filly a sly smile. Cadence was one of the few Princesses currently alive in Equestria, and by far the youngest of them. As they grew most Princesses put away concepts of romance and lives of adventure. Living so much longer than Unicorns, Pegasii, and Earth Ponies made it difficult to love when one knew it would be swiftly lost. Still, Cadence was young and, in a way, Celestia envied her for it. She still believed in love… and understandably so. Love was her special talent, after all. “Well he’s a really good friend.” Cadence replied with a giggle. “Plus I can’t say it’s much of a chore, Twilight Sparkle makes me wish I could have foals of my own, she’s so adorable to spend time with! Here, take a look at this!” Cadence looked up as her horn flashed, a small photograph appearing in a burst of sky-blue light of a tiny, purple filly sitting quietly on a shag carpet and reading a strangely thick book. In fact it looked suspiciously like a dictionary. “Is she not the cutest!?” “Yes, and quite… studious, from the looks of her.”Celestia chuckled softly. “I shouldn’t keep you from her much longer, go make sure she stays safe, as a good foalsitter should.” “Yes ma’am!” Cadence gave her a quick goofy salute. “If you’re sure you’ll be okay.” “I’ll be fine, I promise. Go enjoy yourself.” Celestia chuckled. “Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow!” Cadence flashed a bright smile and a quick wave before turning to gallop down the hallway again, vanishing around the corner with a flick of her colorful tail. Celestia watched her go with a smile, then turned back toward the dining room. She wasn’t a foalsitter, but she still had a little filly of her own to look after now.