//------------------------------// // Second Prances Ahoof Part 1 // Story: Student of Friendship // by zalla661 //------------------------------// A few days later Starlight was asleep in bed wrapped around her comfy blanket. She happily snored away as the sunlight rose through a small crack in her curtains crawling slowly across the crystal surface until it reached Starlight's face. The poor mare groaned at the light hitting her face and used her magic to close the small gap in her curtains by forcing them together. Starlight felt relieved that the light had been banished and darkness once again reigned over her room. However it was not to last. A few minutes later her doors slid open slowly and Guiding Wind let herself in and walked over to the bed where Starlight slept. She shook Starlight gently with her hooves earning a small groan from the mare, Guiding Wind giggled at the response. “Young miss, it’s time to wake up. The Princess beckons you.” The mare said, shaking Starlight again. “Nnnn. Noooo… Don’t wanna.” Guiding Wind giggled again. She stepped around the bed and shook the covers again. “It’s time to wake up young miss. The Princess needs you.” Guiding Wind whispered into Starlight’s ear. Starlight’s pink nose peeked out from under the covers. “Do I have to?” Guiding Wind nuzzled the pink nose gently like a mother to her child. Starlight felt the warm nose touch hers and stuck her head out from under the covers, slowly opening her heavy eyes to see the older mare smiling down at her. “You always know how to entice me out of bed.” Starlight groaned, wiggling out from under the covers. “Thanks.” The hefty mare nodded once looking over the unicorn. “I do my best for young miss. Sleep well?” Starlight scoffed in an annoyed manner crossing her arms over her chest. “Well, I was until I was woken up.” She said sticking her nose into the air. Guiding Wing nodded, her smile never faltering even with Starlight’s grumpy attitude. Instead she hugged the unicorn and nuzzled her cheek. Starlight resisted at first but then allowed the show of affection, and even nuzzled back a bit. “You are so kind. Thanks, Guiding Wind.” “I’m just glad that the Princes and you are speaking again.” Guiding Wind then began to fix the bed now that its tenant vacated. “Princess Twilight is in the dining hall.” “Thanks.” Starlight said going to the bathroom. After quickly doing her mane and brushing her fur Starlight made her way down to the dining hall to see Twilight and Trixie there near a big ornate table with lots of silverware on a cart. Trixie waved to Starlight while Twilight place a plate on the table with her mouth. Staring at the plate a moment, Twilight adjusted it with her hoof before turning to the two unicorns. “Ah, good morning Starlight!” Twilight greeted her student. “Glad you could make it.” “Of course, though I wish I could have slept in…” Starlight mumbled the last part. Twilight gave Starlight a hard look while Trixie turned her nose up with a scoff, waving her mane with her hoof.   “Trixie agrees. She has a show to put on later and should be resting and preparing for it.” Twilight sighed giving a slight shake with her head. “Come on girls, today is very important.” She said to them. Seeing confused looks on their faces Twilight decided to elaborate. “Princess Celestia is coming to visit tonight and I want you two to be there, Trixie, I know you’re busy and it was last minute so I can understand if you can’t make it.” The azure unicorn nodded looking at the princess. “Thank you for understanding Twilight.” Trixie then turned to walk away when Twilight’s voice suddenly called out loud making her stop, “I guess your Humble and Penitent Trixie’s Equestrian Apology Tour is more important that showing up to an important dinner for the friend who gave you a second chance, I can completely understand.” Twilight sighed and dramatically placed a hoof over her forehead. “I guess it can’t be helped.” Trixie turned and glared at Twilight, Starlight gave a titter. Twilight then sighed looking sadly at the floor. “I guess, I’m not important enough to-” “Alright! Trixie gets it! Sheesh, she’ll be there at the dinner…” Trixie said, reluctantly. Twilight ran up to the mare and tackle hugged her. “Thanks so much this means a lot to me!” The azure mare rolled her head groaning in annoyance to the clingy princess. “Ugh…” Starlight was now doing her best to hold back her laughter when Twilight turned on her with a smile on her face. “Glad to see you’re in such good spirits Starlight, cause I have your next assignment!” The pink unicorn felt her smile falter at Twilight’s words. The princess saw the change in her students posture and amended, “It’s not hard I promise, you just have to bring a new friend to the dinner is all.” Starlight thought for a minute before saying, “BUt I like all your friends, I can’t chose one-” “That’s just it Starlight, you have to make a new friend!” “A… new friend?” Starlight rubbed her neck before blurting out, “How about i just make a bunch of new friends by enslaving the entire population of Ponyville?!” She asked in a over the top manner, ending with a wide toothy smile. Twilight was about to scold her student when suddenly Trixie struck Starlight across the cheek with a solid punch. The impact sent the poor mare to the floor as Trixie towered over her fallen form. Twilight gasped as Trixie yelled to Starlight, “Don’t you ever joke about that! That isn’t funny!!” Twilight pushed Trixie away from her student with her magic. “Trixie, leave her alone! Star, are you alright?” Twilight lifted her student up rubbing her slightly swollen cheek. “I’m fine Twilight,” She looked over to Trixie who was still glowering at her. “I was just kidding by the way.” Trixie gave an annoyed snort, twisting her neck. “That isn’t something you should joke about. It isn’t funny, and it isn’t something you  should even think about.” Starlight was about to respond when trixie suddenly turned and began to walk away at a brisk pace closing the doors behind her. Starlight looked confused at Twilight who had a saddened expression. “What was that all about?” She asked her mentor. Twilight shook her head rubbing the ridge of her nose with her hoof. “Trixie is, well… did anypony tell you what happened when Trixie was last here?” “Uh, I heard something on and off about an evil amulet, or something. Why?” Twilight walked away and sat at the table, Starlight sat beside her listening to Twilight for an explanation. After a few minutes Twilight seemed to collect her thoughts and began to tell Starlight about Trixie’s past. “To be honest Star, there’s a lot concerning Trixie and our town that is related to why she had that amulet to begin.” Twilight said rubbing her hooves. “A while back Trixie came to town and boasted her great and powerful magical feats, which included the slaying of na ursa major.” Starlight nodded, knowing about these animals herself after spending much time studying about animals in the Everfree, she came across several articles on the large beasts. “Well, as two colts, who shall not be named, found out a average unicron like Trixie at the time can’t slay an ursa after bringing one back to town.” Starlight gasped, “What?! WHY?!” “They weren’t the brightest little colts on the block.” “Oh.” Twilight took a deep breath feeling an odd sense of anxiety, causing her head to throb like a hammer was striking her head over and over. A most aggravating feeling.Today was going to be a long day she could tell. She rubbed her temples as she continued to tell Trixie’s story. “That was when her career took a turn for the worst. According to Trixie nopony would give her a chance to perform and was run out of towns all over Equestria for being labeled a fraud. A liar.” Twilight said looking at where Trixie stormed off. “Some time later according to her she went to work on a rock farm owned by Pinkie’s family. She saved up enough money to buy the Alicorn Amulet.” Twilight paused and made a magical representation of the amulet in question for Starlight to see. She focused her magic into a small ball and from there she molded it like clay into the shape of the Alicorn Amulet. Starlight watched in awe, captivated by the story. “So, what does it do, Twilight?” “It increases the magical capabilities of the pony who wears it considerably, but at a terrible cost.” Twilight paused momentarily. “I did some research into the Amulet, turns out it was one of King Sombra’s greatest attempts to amplify his powers. And it worked. The thing is, once he was defeated the amulet was lost and thought gone forever. Then Trixie stumbled upon it from an ancient slab of stone she kept hidden from the Pie Family, and by chance of fate she found the AMulet in the possession of an antiquities dealer.” Starlight oohed and Twilight continued. “Yes, the Alicorn Amulet can make a magically weak pony into one of the most fiercest ponies around, but it corrupts them. Since it’s creator was already corrupt it didn’t affect him in anyway except amplify his powers. You see to make it he poured his hate and cruelty into it infusing his own dark powers within it. So, when a normal pony like Trixie, wore it it would twist their minds and corrupt them. Thus leading them down a spiral of madness until they were but a shell of their former self.’ Starlight tilted her head fascinated by the story but failed to see how this had any relevance to Trixie’s reaction. “So, what does this have to do with Trixie?” The question made Twilight lower her posture with a look of shame and defeat. “Trixie was perhaps my greatest failing as Celestia’s pupil, Starlight.” “I was so caught up with my friends I didn’t think about how the events of, what became known as the ursa minor terror, would affect Trixie later on down the line. You see after she left Ponyville, as I mentioned, she became ostracized and worked on the Pie Family Rock Farm bought the amulet and then returned to Ponyville to beat me in a magic duel.” “But, you won right?” Starlight asked. “No, Star, I didn’t. The power of the amulet gave Trixie unsurpassed powers,” Twilight rubbed her neck and fluttered her wings in annoyance. “I lost to her and was banished from Ponyville.” “That’s awful.” Starlight said in a low tone. “Well, that wasn’t the worst part, the amulet twisted Trixie’s mind and made her enslave Ponyville under a week long rule.” Twilight walked over to the table and began to set everything with her hooves. She stopped and inspected one of the fine ornate plates before smashing it on the ground, startling Starlight., “Twilight what are you doing?! That’s expensive china!” “I know, but I want you to consider something Starlight,” Twilight lifted a piece of the broken plate with her hoof. “When I accidently humiliated Trixie and didn’t try to help her at the time, I created a series of events that spiraled out of control and lead to Trixie’s fall from grace.” Starlight cringed thinking back on her time travel plan of revenge. “Just like me, huh?” Twilight placed the broken plate down and went to comfort Starlight. She wrapped her wings around the pink unicorn and nuzzled her cheek softly, to which Starlight nuzzled back. “I know Star, and that’s why I want you to always keep your friends close and those who you either fight or wrong closer.” Twilight’s voice was soft but deep down Starlight could tell the hint of warning behind the words. The tale was all too familiar to her to go unnoticed. “I want you to know our tory, Trixie and mine, so you can be better equipped to handle that kind of situation better than I can.” Starlight nodded understanding what twilight meant. “Now, run along and go bring find a new friend to bring, and Star, please be careful around Trixie and what you say. Okay?” “I will Twilight. See ya.” Starlight waved goodbye and ran out of the castle. Starlight thought about what was said long and hard. She now understood why Trixie left in such a huff. She didn’t realize at the time, but she hit Trixie right where it hurt. Her past. She needed to make things right with Trixie. So, Starlight set off to find the azure mare somewhere in Ponyville. Walking down the streets Starlight caught sight of Amber Anvil. The iron work pony glared at her but made no hostile moves, residing to continued hammering some smoldering metal on a iron anvil. She waved to Starlight giving her a sinister smile. Starlight gave a nervous wave back and hurried past the mare hoping nothing bad would happen. Nothing did, but it didn’t put Starlight at ease but on she went about her day. She passed by Roseluck who was tending to her flower stand along with Daisy and Lily. They were nice mares and Starlight was starting to really get to know them. SHe walked over to Roseluck who was tending to her roses ever so diligently. “Roseluck! Good morning!” Roseluck stopped watering her roses and craned her neck to see Starlight approaching. She put the water pot down and waved to her pink friend. “Starlight, how wonderful of you to stop by!” She greeted the unicron with a friendly hug. “How have you been?” “I’ve been doing well. Twilight and I made up finally.” Roseluck nodded slowly. “I’m so happy you two made up. A teacher and student shouldn’t fight.” Rose said sagely, returning to her roses. “It doesn’t do anything but stunt both sides growth.” Starlight nodded in agreement, she watched as Roseluck watered her flowers then when she finished she went and started to water the other flowers. Starlight felt bad just sitting there and watching, so in an effort to be friendly she offered to help. “Hey Roseluck do you need any help?” Starlight offered. Roseluck put the watering pot down and smiled gratefully. “I’d love th ehelp. I’m sad to say I’m behind schedule and I could really use an extra pair of hooves.” “Great! Where’s the spare watering pot?” Roseluck pointed to a small shed to the side of the garden. Starlight nodded and walked briskly over to find the doors closed. A open lock lay to the side. She reached for the handle and turned it feeling the metal bar within slip out of place unbarring the door. Slowly she slid the shed door open and looked inside to see several items within. Back in her town of equality she was use to gardening, everyone was then, and she was no stranger to how most of the items and tools inside were used. She found the watering pot beside a pile of garden hoes. She picked up the pot and carried it with her magic and closed the doors with her hooves. She then went over to Roseluck and filled the watering pot up and watered the daisies while Rose finished with the lilies. “Thanks for the help Starlight. You truly are a wonderful pony.” Roseluck said wiping her brow. “Thanks Rose, by the way,” Starlight paused placing the watering pot down. “Have you seen Trixie?” The rose maned mare frowned instantly at the name of the town's former dictator. “Yeah, she came by here a little while ago with a really sour attitude.” Starlight eyes Roseluck wondering what could have transpired. “What happened?” “See, that mare comes by all mad like, and I asked her, ‘Hey Trixie what’s wrong?’ and she got all mad and just stormed off. Talk about rude!” “Well, it’s not her fault. I kinda said some things that upset her, concerning her past and I really need to find her to apologize.” Starlight replied feeling guilty deep down. Roseluck saw the hurt in Starlight’s eyes. She felt bad considering some of the things that happened in recent months were her fault, especially when Starlight and her first met. “Speaking of apologies,” Starlight’s voice interrupted Roseluck thoughts. “I’m sorry about your roses from before. I didn’t mean to run into you and ruin them.” Roseluck sighed rubbing the mares back. “Don’t worry. The truth is I overreacted to that and got you and Trixie in trouble. I’m sorry.” “Thanks.” The two mares hugged the problems away feeling a warmth within themselves. Starlight pulled away but held onto the cream pony’s shoulders and asked, “Hey, Rose, I have this important dinner tonight with Princess Celestia and Twilight, would you like to come and join us as my friend and guest?’ “Oh, sorry I can’t. I have a huge order to fill for a wedding later. Sorry.” Roseluck flattened her ears. Starlight chuckled patting her friends back. Don’t worry bout it. The offer still stands. It’s later tonight at 6pm. Come by if you can otherwise I’ll see you around?” Roseluck smiled at Starlight holding up her hoof and received a hoof bump from the unicron. “Definitely. I’ll see you later Starlight.” ‘See you later, Rose.” Starlight then continued down the streets of Ponyville heading off in the direction Roseluck pointed where she last saw Trixie heading. Starlight, feeling better now continued her quest to find Trixie, and perhaps make a few friends along the way.