Trixie's life is just fine the way it is. She doesn't need anypony's help?
Trixie's life is just fine. Wonderful, in fact. Everything is just going her way. Then why does she feel so miserable? She hasn't done a show in weeks or even been around anypony and why is she feeling the need to see her nemesis, Twilight Sparkle?
Trixie finally stopped her hurried departure from Coltsdale and released herself from her caravan's harness. She sat on a fallen tree trunk by the side of the dusty road and rubbed the spot on her hip where the last rock had struck her. She sighed and frowned when she looked back at her caravan. The paint was just drying on the words 'LIAR' and 'FRAUD' where they had been hastily slapped on.
This had been the latest in the series of small towns that she had been forced out of. She sat with her shoulders slumped as the sting of the harsh words that were yelled at her when she stopped in the towns returned. Liar, fraud... monster. That hurt worse than the rocks. Tears began running down her cheeks from the memories of angry ponies that should have been enjoying her show but booed her and threw rocks at her instead. Her head hung low as she began sobbing into her hooves.
What happened to the days when she was cheered by crowds and her return was looked forward to? The town foals would watch in awe of her illusions and magical abilities and their parents would vie to have her over for dinner. Now, she couldn't be run out of town fast enough as even the young ones threw dirt clods at her.
She sat up and wiped her eyes with her cape. Alright, if they didn't want her show, then she wouldn't give them one. She was officially retiring from magic shows. That left her with only one problem; where was she going to earn the bits she needed to live on? She lost all of her possessions when the Ursa Minor smashed her original caravan and she had to work whatever jobs she could to get by. The memory of working on the rock farm flooded her mind. Would she be forced back to that?
The memories of why she was in her current predicament resurfaced against her will. Her bravado and blustering had caught up to her in Ponyville and she was exposed for her limited magic. She had heard rumours about the Alicorn Amulet and about how it would increase the power of any unicorn that wore it. This is what she needed to prove that she was equal to if not better than Twilight Sparkle. She spent weeks in researching the history of the amulet and its travels around Equestria. She finally tracked it down to a dusty old curio shop in a rundown portion of Baltimare. It came with a hefty price tag.
With the limited amount of magic she had, getting a job that paid anything was nearly impossible. Early on, it embarrassed her to have to beg for food. She'd gone from town to town working whatever jobs she could get. She stashed away every bit she could, even if it meant skipping meals. It was during a trip between jobs that brought her to an odd farm. It was a rock farm. She was parched from the long, dusty road she had been walking and stopped at the farmhouse to plead for a drink of water. Fatigue, malnourishment and dehydration caught up with her and she fainted on the porch.
The rock farm family took her in and nursed her back to health. Trixie felt indebted to them and would do anything for them. The head of the family told her that they could use another hoof on the farm and they hired her. They treated her well but worked her hard but no harder than they themselves worked. The long days of back breaking labour from dawn to dusk was only offset by her mission. She was saving every bit she could get a hold of in order to get her hooves on the Alicorn Amulet.
Every demeaning job she did kept her focused on why she was working. She was going to show the town and that... that Twilight Sparkle! They were the ones who caused Trixie's life to fall apart. It was because of them that Trixie's name was dragged through the mud like an old rag. She would return to Ponyville and prove that her magic was as powerful as Twilight's. That was all she meant to do. The Alicorn Amulet had other plans.
From the moment she put the amulet on, it began whispering into her mind that she was the most powerful unicorn in Equestria; that she needed to challenge that small town librarian to a magic duel. It slowly stroked her ego and began turning her plans to prove herself equal to Twilight into a plot for revenge.
Her every thought became laced with hatred of Twilight Sparkle and how she would revenge herself against her. But not just against her but the whole town that had made a laughingstock of her! She would show them all! She would prove she IS the most powerful unicorn in Equestria!
Trixie showed up in Ponyville and began abusing the townsponies and Twilight's friends to draw her out. She challenged Twilight to a magic duel but she wouldn't duel her until Trixie began abusing her dragon assistant. The duel was brief and Twilight lost. Trixie had thrown her from town and installed a shield to keep her out.
The more she used the amulet, the more sadistic she became. This town wasn't big enough for Trixie. When she was finished with this little hick town, she would set her eyes on Canterlot and real power.
Then Twilight returned with a stronger amulet from beyond the Everfree. They duelled again but Twilight was preforming magic that Trixie couldn't duplicate even with her amulet. She stole the amulet from Twilight and replaced hers with it. Because it was fake the corruption of the Alicorn amulet began to fade and Trixie could see what had happened to her while under it influence.
The minutes after she removed the amulet, she could see what she had done and was so ashamed of it. The horror of how she had been controlled by the amulet made her skin crawl and her stomach knot up. All she wanted to do was show she had more magical power than Twilight. She didn't want to hurt anypony. The amulet had taken control of her mind and fed her a need for revenge and hatred. She was afraid that Twilight and the town would turn on her and beat her then have her imprisoned. But Twilight offered her a hoof up and showed mercy to her. Trixie even used her fireworks illusion to end the entertainment with the Saddle Arabian delegation that was in Ponyville.
She had been torn by conflicting thoughts: apologise and have Twilight teach her how to increase her magical ability or run. She offered a weak apology then ran. She would never be able to show her face in Ponyville again but the damage to her reputation was already spreading.
She was in need of a stage show caravan so she bought one from a salvage dealer and repaired it as best as she could. She worked whatever jobs she could get for bits to buy supplies and props to stock for her shows. A few distant towns that had favoured her in the past enjoyed her shows but as word spread from Ponyville, more and more towns began shunning her. Eventually, they just ran her off as she came into town.
In her travels, Trixie heard that Twilight had become an alicorn. An alicorn and a princess. Just great! All the hard work that she did to try to achieve her goal and silver platter Twilight becomes an alicorn princess. It just wasn't fair! But then reality reared its ugly head. She sighed as realised Twilight was more talented than her. Her special talent in life is magic. She was the embodiment of magic. How did Trixie ever think she had a chance?
If that's the way the world feels about it, fine! She would keep to herself and shun it back. The nearby Whitetail Woods would be an excellent place to disappear from the ponies of Equestria. She would live off the land by her wits. She wiped her eyes again then hitched herself to her caravan and began walking on a road that lead into the forest. She kept taking the less travelled roads until she stopped in a clearing at the end of a weed choked path. 'Doesn't look like anypony has been here in a while. This is where I'll live.' She unhitched herself and began settling in for a long stay.
I think I've gone far enough. I don't think any of them followed me. I need to get out of this harness and see what damage that last rock that was thrown at me did. This tree trunk will make a nice seat. It didn't cut me but it's sore. A little rubbing should make it feel better. Coltsdale was one of the towns that always liked my shows. Now they hate me, too. Oh great! Some pony painted LIAR and FRAUD on my caravan. I'll have to get the paint back out.
How many towns have I been forced to run from? They don't know how much it hurts to have them curse me and yell at me. Liar, fraud... monster. That's what hurts the most. Great, now I'm crying. Ponies in those towns used to enjoy my shows but now they boo at me and throw rocks at me. This is a great place for me to be crying my eyes out.
What happened to the days when crowds of ponies cheered for me and my return was looked forward to? The foals would watch me in awe of my magical skills and their parents would compete to have me over for dinner. Now they can't run me out of town fast enough and even their young ones throw dirt clods at me.
I don't have any tissues so I guess I'll have to use my cape to wipe my eyes. Alright! If they don't want my shows then I won't give them any. I am officially retired from giving magic shows. That only leaves me with one problem. Where am I going to earn the bits I'll need to live on? I lost everything I had when the Ursa smashed my original caravan and had to take whatever jobs I could get to survive. The rock farm was back breaking labour from dawn to dusk. Is that what I'll have to return to?
I wish I didn't remember why I'm where I am, now. All that boasting and blustering I did caught up to me in Ponyville and I had to admit I couldn't use much magic. Those rumours of the Alicorn Amulet's ability to increase a unicorn's magic made it what I needed to prove myself equal to if not better than Twilight Sparkle. I spent all those weeks researching the history of that... thing and its travels around Equestria. I finally found it in that dusty old curio shop in that bad neighbourhood of Baltimare. The price I ultimately paid was too high.
My limited magical abilities made it hard for me to get a job that paid anything. I didn't think I would live past the shame of having to beg for food. I took whatever jobs I found as I wandered from town to town. I stashed away every bit I could even if I had to skip meals. I was between jobs when I came across that odd rock farm. I was so thirsty from that dusty road that I stopped at the farmhouse to plea for a drink. The fatigue, malnourishment, and dehydration caused me to faint on their porch.
If that family hadn't taken me in and brought me back to health... I might not even be here. I owe them my life. They needed another farmhoof and offered me a job. They treated me good but worked me as hard as they worked. Those long days of backbreaking labour from dawn to night helped keep me focused on getting the bits for that amulet.
All of those demeaning jobs kept my mind on what I was after. I was going to show those ponies and that... that Twilight Sparkle! They were the reason my life fell apart and my name was dragged through the mud. I was going to return to Ponyville and prove my magic was as powerful as Twilight's. That was all I meant to do but that... amulet had other plans.
From the moment I put that... thing on, it started whispering into my mind that I was the most powerful unicorn in Equestria. It said I needed to challenge that small town librarian to a magic duel and prove myself her superior. It played to my ego and changed my plans to show myself as Twilight's equal into a plot for revenge.
It laced my every thought of Twilight Sparkle with hatred and how I would revenge myself against her. But not just her but that whole town that had made a laughingstock of me! I would show all of them! I would prove to them that I AM the most powerful unicorn in Equestria!
To draw Twilight out, I began abusing the townsponies and her friends. I challenged her to duel but she wouldn't until I began abusing her assistant. The duel was short and she lost. I threw her out of town and sealed it in a shield to keep her out.
The more I used the amulet, the more sadistic I became. That town wasn't big enough for me. When I was finished with that little hick town, I was going to set my eyes on Canterlot and real power.
But Twilight returned with a stronger amulet from beyond the Everfree. I duelled her again but she was preforming magic that I couldn't duplicate even with my amulet. I stole her amulet and replaced mine with it. Because her amulet was fake, the corruption of the Alicorn amulet began to fade and I could see what had happened to me while under its influence.
In the minutes after I removed the amulet, I could see what I had done and was so ashamed of it. The horror of how I had been controlled by the amulet made my skin crawl and stomach knot up. All I wanted to do was show I had more magical power than Twilight, I didn't want to hurt anypony. The amulet took control of my mind and fed me on a need for revenge and hatred. I was afraid that Twilight and the town would turn on me and beat me then have me imprisoned. But she offered me a hoof up and showed me mercy. I even used my fireworks illusion to end the entertainment with the Saddle Arabian delegation that was in Ponyville to try to pay her back.
After, I was torn by conflicting thoughts: apologise and have Twilight teach me how to increase my magical ability or run. I offered her a weak apology then ran. I'll never be able to show my face in Ponyville again but the damage to my reputation was already spreading.
I needed a stage show caravan but all I could afford was one from a salvage dealer. I repaired it as best as I could. I worked whatever jobs I could for bits to buy supplies and props to stock for my shows. A few distant towns that had favoured me in the past enjoyed my shows but as word spread from Ponyville, more and more towns began shunning me. They just started running me off as I came into town.
In my travels, I heard that Twilight had become an alicorn. An alicorn and a princess. Just great! All the hard work that I did to try to achieve my goal and silver platter Twilight becomes an alicorn princess. It's just not fair! Oh well. I realise, now, that Twilight is more talented than me. Her special talent in life is magic. She's the embodiment of magic. How did I ever think I had a chance?
If that's the way the world feels about it, fine! I'll keep to myself and shun it back. This is the Whitetail Woods. It will make an excellent place to disappear from the ponies of Equestria. I can live off the land by my wits. Okay, wipe your eyes again then hitch up to the caravan and began walking on a road that leads into the forest. Just kept taking the less travelled roads. This weed choked path hasn't been used in a long time. The path ended in this little clearing. Doesn't look like anypony has been here in a while. This is where I'll live. Park the caravan over here and unhitch myself and begin settling in for a long stay.
'NO! NO!' She screamed out! His huge red hand grabbed her and lifted her up to his face. He looked at her with those dark, lifeless eyes and grinned. His mouth opened and a sound like millions of demons from the deepest pits of Tartarus came out. She felt her magic begin to weaken. He was absorbing her magic! She fought to stop him but was powerless, she couldn't use her magic! She tried to turn her head, she tried to escape but he was still draining her! It hurt; her horn felt as if it were on fire! She could feel him inside her mind! She could feel him searching through all of her thoughts and memories looking for magic! She heard him laughing while he was ripping away her magic! She begged him to stop but he wouldn't! When she began crying, he called her a pathetic little pony and kept tearing her magic away! It hurt her so much! She desperately wanted him out of her head! She could feel the emptiness he was leaving behind. There was just a void where her magic had been. She felt like she was an old rag in his grip. He'd taken everything she had. Everything she had since she was a filly. The things that made her... her. Her magic and her cutie mark were gone. When he was done with her, he cast her aside like she was an empty bottle and walked away.
She lay on the ground, her spirit broken, unable to move. She tried to use her magic but nothing came out. Her horn felt... dead. She began to cry. It was hours before she could lift herself from the ground and crawl back inside her caravan. She climbed into the cubbyhole where her bed was and pulled her thin blanket over her head. She curled into a ball and begin sobbing into her hooves. The only reasons she left her bed were to eat or relieve herself. Days passed before she could stand it to stay out of bed for very long. She would hear a sound in the forest and would cower in a corner, shaking and crying. It was only after she ran out of food that she dared venture more than a few metres from her door to forage for something to eat. She brought back grass and pine cones to boil. She hadn't eaten that since she started her career and had to stretch her meagre meals.
After several days, Trixie felt her magic return and was overjoyed, but it didn't feel right. She could use it but it felt as if there was something else in it. Something that wasn't, familiar. Something, awful. Him! It was as if she could still feel him in her mind pushing her around and searching for her magic. She thought if she didn't use her magic she couldn't be found again.
The night after her magic returned, she began having nightmares about what he'd done to her. The excruciating pain had been nothing compared to the sense of emptiness and ravishment she felt. There was something else, she thought she heard Twilight's laugh in her nightmares instead of his. Twilight had nothing to do with what happened. She'd felt resentment towards Twilight because of the seeming ease with the way things came to her. It seemed that nothing came to Trixie without hard work. But, that wasn't Twilight's fault. She knew that both times she had confronted Twilight and been bested, it had been her own fault. Before she left Ponyville the last time, she had a fleeting thought to ask Twilight for help. Maybe that was why she heard Twilight's laughter. Maybe it was her subconscious telling her that she needed Twilight's aid. But, before she could ask for Twilight's help, she would need to apologise for what she'd done.
She had been trying to go to Twilight and apologise for days. She'd agonised for hours over the decision. She made up her mind to do it but stopped at the door of her caravan and promised herself 'Tomorrow, I'll go tomorrow', every time. One day, the emblem of Twilight's cutie mark appeared above the treetops. It was a daily reminder of her promise. Every night she dreaded going to sleep knowing... he would be there, waiting for her. She would wake in the morning feeling spent from her restless sleep and the cycle would begin anew.
It started to rain that last night and the roof of her caravan began leaking. She was hungry, wet and cold. She began shivering so much that she couldn't keep her wet blanket over her. She got out of bed and put on her hat and cape then went out the door. It seemed like she slogged through the cold rain for hours before she arrived in Ponyville.
“NO! NO!” I'm screaming at him! His huge red hand grabbed me and is lifting me to his face. He's looking at me with those dark, lifeless eyes and grinning. His mouth is opening and making a sound like millions of demons from the deepest depths of Tartarus. My magic is beginning to weaken! He's absorbing my magic! I fight to stop him but I'm powerless, I can't use my magic! I'm trying to turn my head, I'm trying to escape but he's still draining me! It hurts, it hurts! My horn is on fire! I can feel him inside my mind! GET OUT! I can feel him searching, intruding through all of my thoughts and memories looking for magic! STOP! OH, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP! I can hear him laughing while he's ripping away my magic! I beg him, again and again, to stop but he won't! I can't hold back my tears. He calls me a pathetic little pony and keeps tearing my magic away! It hurts so much! I desperately want him out of my head! I can feel the emptiness he's leaving behind. There's just a void where my magic was. I feel like an old, limp rag in his grip. He's taken everything I have. Everything I've had since I was a filly. The things that made me... me. My magic and my cutie mark are gone. He's done with me and he's thrown me on the ground, like I was an empty bottle. He's just walking away from me like nothing happened. Like I don't even exist.
What did he do to me? I feel so weak. I... I can't stand or move. My whole body feels leaden. I'm trying to use my magic but nothing's coming out. My horn feels... dead. My tears won't stop.
It's been hours since he left me here and I'm just barely able to move. I must get inside. I don't know if I can get into my caravan. Climb,... Trixie. You... can... do... this. I just want to get in my bed. Why is this so hard?! I just want to stay curled up on my bed and hide from the world. I don't even have my first foalhood magic to pull my blanket over my head. I can't stop crying. I want to go to sleep and never wake up.
How long have I been asleep, this time? I'm really hungry and I have to... go again. I don't want to get out of bed but I have to. Maybe I can stay out of bed a little longer today? I wish I didn't have to, go, outside. WHAT WAS THAT!? IT'S HIM! RUN TRIXIE! GET INSIDE! HIDE! PLEASE, DON'T LET IT BE HIM! It was a another false alarm but I'm hiding in a corner, crying and shaking. He's ruined my life.
I'm so hungry but there's no food left. There are things I can eat but they're... outside. I'll be cautious and gather some that are nearby the caravan. Grass and boiled pine cones. I used to stretch my meals with this when I first started out. Now it's all I have.
I feel different. My horn feels... alive! Is it possible? YES! My magic is back! How WONDERFUL! Trixie feels as strong as ever. But, it doesn't feel quite right. Something else is there. It's... not... familiar. It feels... awful! It's... HIM! He's still in there! He's still hunting for my magic! NO! NO! NO! NOT AGAIN! NOOoooo! That laughter... . It was a dream! I feel my heart pounding and I'm soaked in sweat. My magic is back but I keep dreaming of him taking it. The pain I felt while he... stole my magic was nothing after feeling him... touching my memories and thoughts... and the emptiness he left behind. But, his laughter... It wasn't his. It couldn't be! Why would it be hers? She had nothing to do with what he did. I always felt like I resented Twilight because of the seeming ease with the way things come to her. Nothing ever comes to me without hard work. But that's not her fault. Both times I confronted her and she beat me, it had been my fault. Before I left Ponyville the last time, I had a weak moment and thought about asking Twilight for help. Maybe that was why I heard Twilight's laughter. Maybe it's my subconscious telling me that I need Twilight's aid. Before I can ever do that... I need to tell her how sorry I am for what I did.
How many days has it been? I agonised over the decision but I need to do it. I need to see her. I have to tell her I'm sorry for what I did but every time I leave the caravan and start to go, I get so scared that I run back to bed and hide. I promise, tomorrow I'll go. Her cutie mark appeared above the trees days ago. It's reminding me of my promise every day. But, every night I dread going to sleep knowing... he'll be there, waiting for me. I can't keep living like this.
What's happening? I'm so cold and... wet? Oh, great! It seems the whole roof is leaking. It's raining so hard and it's cold. Why did those pegasus ponies feel the need to make it rain on such a cold night? I can't stop shivering and I'm so hungry. Twilight's library is warm and dry. But it's so far and it's raining. That's just another excuse. You've put this off for too long, Trixie. You made the decision and know it's what you need to do. Get your hat and cape. Now step out the door. It's just putting one hoof in front of the other, now.
The dark evening and cold rain suited Trixie's mood. Her hat and cape were soaked through and the cold water was giving her chills. The roof of her caravan leaked and she had been just about as wet and cold inside it as she was now. As she walked down the muddy lane between the buildings of Ponyville, she could see her destination just ahead, Twilight Sparkle's library.
As she approached the library, she was shocked when she saw the condition it was in. The tree appeared to have been completely burned out. Had Twilight been inside during the fire? Was she still alive? Had she missed her chance to apologise? She looked at the Ponyville skyline and saw Twilight's cutie mark shining dimly in the evening gloom. Was it a memorial to Twilight? She walked between the buildings of town in the direction of the glowing mark and saw a crystal tree. She was confused. Was this Twilight's new home?
Trixie started walking towards the crystal tree not sure what to expect when she got there. Second thoughts about what she was here for began flooding her mind. She stopped and closed her eyes then sighed. Her resolve to do what she set out for was beginning to waver. NO! Her course of action had been determined and she wasn't going to back out, now. She continued walking in the muddy lane until she was standing at the palace steps. She looked up then climbed the gold coloured steps to the broad yellow doors. She hesitated before she lifted a trembling hoof and gave the door three raps.
Trixie waited in the rain for several moments then saw the doors swing open. Twilight Sparkle was framed by light from behind the palace doors making Trixie think she looked like an angel for a moment. Twilight saw Trixie standing in the cold rain and felt a little apprehensive about what she might want but the despondent look in her eyes made her speak, “Trixie! Come in, you're soaked!” She stepped aside and Trixie slowly entered the palace lobby. “Get out of that wet cape and follow me upstairs where it's warm.”
Trixie levitated her cape and hat off and Twilight took them and levitated them to a closet. Twilight led Trixie up the stairs to her personal study. Twilight indicated the couch in front of the comforting heat from the fireplace, “Please, sit while I make some hot cider. Would you like some cinnamon in yours?” Trixie nodded slowly. Twilight prepared their drinks and came back to the couch levitating two cups of the hot cinnamon spiced cider. Trixie used her magic to take one as Twilight sat at the opposite end of the couch. Twilight nervously grinned and asked, “Uhm, to what do I owe this visit?”
Trixie closed her eyes as she sipped her steaming cider. She felt it warming her cold and empty insides. She held her cup in her lap and took a breath as she began speaking calmly, “The Great and...,” she sighed. “Trix..,” she sighed again then bit her lip and said slowly, “I'm not going to do that with you. I came to apologise to you for what I did when I had the Alicorn Amulet. I'm not going to excuse what I did because of being under its influence. When I left Ponyville the first time, I felt humiliated and embarrassed. I'd been shown for what I was: a self-aggrandising fraud. My caravan was gone along with everything I had. I wasn't looking for revenge when I heard about the amulet. I worked hard at whatever jobs I could get until I had enough bits to buy it.” Tears began welling in her eyes. “All I wanted to do was prove to you that my magic was as strong as yours but the amulet fed me on revenge and hatred. It made me become power hungry and I couldn't stop.” She began crying as she spoke, “I didn't mean to hurt anypony. I'm sorry. I didn't want to enslave the town or work ponies to exhaustion. She was sobbing as she continued, “ I'm so, so sorry! Please, forgive me! Please, tell me that you put that accursed amulet some place safe so no pony has to suffer because of it.” Twilight nodded and Trixie felt relieved. “Thank you. You don't know the power of that... horrible thing.”
Trixie wiped her eyes and calmed herself then sipped her cider and continued, “I left Ponyville feeling humiliated again but I realised it was my own fault. I was only thinking about myself and not what I could have done to improve my magic. I tried to go back to doing shows... but no ponies wanted to see me. They cursed me and ran me off. I've been wallowing in self pity and haven't done any shows or even been around any ponies since then. I was depressed and hiding in the Whitetail Woods.” She closed her eyes and began shivering, “Then... he came. He was a giant monster. I don't even know how he found me but he did.” Tears began welling anew in her eyes. “He grabbed me and I could feel him sucking the magic from me.” Tears began falling down her cheeks. “I tried to stop him but there was nothing I could do. I could feel him inside my mind pulling all of my magic out.” Trixie began sobbing. “It hurt so much and I felt so... violated. When he was done, he threw me to the ground like so much rubbish and left.” She looked down at her lap as tears continued to fall from her cheeks. “Afterwards, I could hardly move, or eat, or do anything. I had no magic at all. All I wanted to do was hide in my caravan.”
“One day, my magic came back but I began having nightmares every night about what he did. He was attacking me again and I heard you laughing in the background. I know you wouldn't hurt me but I've always been jealous of you. Everything seems to come to you so easily while I have to work so hard,” said Trixie, through her tears. “I haven't slept well, eaten much or even used much magic in weeks. All I did was sit huddled in a corner, crying, trying to forget.” Twilight reached over and pulled her into a hug. She held Trixie as she cried herself out.
Trixie sat up and composed herself then got on her knees in front of Twilight, “Please, Princess Twilight Sparkle, would you be willing to teach me the magic I never learned? I want to use real magic in my shows. I want to be a quality entertainer, a real showmare. I don't want to die as some has been, two bit, side show wannabe.” She stayed there with her eyes closed and her head bowed down as her tears continued.
Twilight pulled Trixie back onto the couch then sat next to her to consider what she had said, “Let me think about it tonight. Do you have a place to stay here in town?” Trixie shook her head. “You can't go back out in this weather. The pegasus weather team is going to make it rain all night and into tomorrow. There are plenty of extra bedrooms in this place. You can stay until the weather improves.”
Trixie bowed her head, “Thank you, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“Please, just call me Twilight.” Trixie's stomach growled loudly making Twilight raise her eyebrows, “You need something to eat. Follow me to the kitchen.” They walked down the hall and entered the vast kitchen. “There's this huge kitchen and just me and Spike living here. There's enough food in the pantry to last for months.” She opened the large refrigerator, “Would you like a lettuce and cucumber sandwich with some orange juice?”
Trixie nodded, “Yes, please.”
Twilight made two sandwiches and poured two glasses of orange juice. She levitated them to a small table and sat on a cushion, “Please, join me. Spike makes most of the food and I usually eat here. No sense taking it to that large dining room to eat.” Trixie sat on an adjacent cushion and began devouring her sandwich.
When they finished their meal, Trixie asked Twilight, “Where is your dragon friend? I thought he would have opened the door earlier.”
“He's staying with some friends, tonight.” A serious look crossed Twilight's face. “I hope they don't get into trouble, again.”
“Is that what happened to your library?”
Twilight looked sad as she told Trixie what happened, “No, it was destroyed by a red centaur that absorbed the magic of all the ponies in Equestria. He escaped from Tartarus when Cerberus got loose. His name was Lord Tyrek.
Trixie began breathing heavily and visibly stiffened, “That was... his name?” Her stomach began to knot as she thought back to what he had done to her. She began trembling as she tried to hold back her tears.
Twilight put a hoof on Trixie's shoulder and pulled her close, “Yes. He's been resealed in Tartarus so he'll never escape again.”
Trixie enjoyed the warmth of Twilight's hug as her shuddering slowly subsided. She rested her head on Twilight's shoulder.
“After he stole everypony's magic, he went after the magic of the princesses. They gave me their magic to hide from him but he found out I had it. We fought and he destroyed the library trying to kill me.” Twilight's eyes welled up and Trixie sat up to put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “He used my friends as hostages and made me give up my magic to save them but it was our friendship that ultimately defeated him. The Tree of Harmony returned the stolen magic back to the all ponies of Equestria.” Twilight wiped her eyes, “It's late. We should go to bed.” Twilight led Trixie to one of the bedrooms near hers, “You can use this one. The bathroom is over there,” she indicated a door in the hall.
“Thank you, Prin... Twilight,” said Trixie as she entered her room. She closed the door behind her and looked the room over. The furnishings and trimmings were elegant and the bed was big enough for five ponies to sleep in. Never in her life had she imagined she would sleep in a room this splendid. She closed her eyes and smiled. 'I hope my luck is changing at last.'
It's dark and raining and I'm cold and soaking wet. This foul weather just suits my mood. My hat and cape are soaked and the cold is giving me chills. I should have stayed in my caravan but the leaking roof made me just about as wet and miserable inside. This muddy road has stretched on for miles and my hooves are freezing. At least I'm in the middle of Ponyville, now, and I can see her library.
What happened! It looks like the tree the library was in has been completely burnt out. Was Twilight inside when it burned? Is she still alive? Have I missed my chance to apologise to her? What about her cutie mark that I saw over the town? There it is shining dimly in the gloomy night. Is it a memorial to Twilight? I have to see what it is. It looks like a crystal tree. This is so strange. Is this Twilight's new home?
I have to see if Twilight is there. What will I do when I get there? I... I can't take the next step. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. It's a good thing it's raining; I wouldn't want anypony to see me crying like this. I... can't do this. NO! I've already made my decision and I'm not backing out. Just one hoof in front of the other. Just climb the steps to the doors. There, I'm standing at the doors. Her doors. Now just lift a hoof and knock. Just take your hoof and knock. It's just the cold making my hoof shake. One, two, three. There! Now it's up to her.
Will she open the doors at night? The doors are opening. The light from inside is bright and making my eyes sting. I thought her little dragon assistant would open the door but... it's her! It's Twilight! The light surrounding her makes her look... angelic. The look on her face tells me she doesn't trust my motivation for being here; I can't blame her. She's looking at me and... her expression is changing. It... looks like... concern... for me.
“Trixie! Come in, you're soaked!”
She's stepped aside and is waiting... on me. Move hooves, she's waiting on us. I can't believe I'm going inside her palace! One hoof in front of the other. It's dry and warm and smells homelike, inside.
“Get out of that wet cape and follow me upstairs where it's warm.”
She must have seen me shiver. It's not the cold that's causing it.
I levitate my wet cape and hat off and she takes them in her telekinetic field. I can feel her magic aura touching mine as she takes my cape and hat and hangs them in a closet. It felt so... soft and silky. Not at all what I would have expected. She's leading me up the grand staircase. I wonder what room she's taking me to? The room is warm and dimly lit, she has books everywhere, a desk, a couch and personal mementos. This must be her personal study. She's pointing a hoof at the couch in front of the flickering fireplace. I'll sit at the end. It feels so warm.
“Please, sit while I make us some hot cider. Would you like some cinnamon in yours?”
I nod my head to her. I watch her making the cider for us. Her horn is glowing and she's doing multiple spells at once. It doesn't look like it's even taking any effort on her part. She comes back to the couch levitating the mugs of cider. I use my magic to take one of the mugs from her. I can feel my aura brush against hers again. It still feels soft, silky. I wonder what mine feels like to her? Probably like a thistle. She sits at the other end of the couch. There's a smile on her face but it looks... nervous.
“Umm, to what do I owe this visit?”
The cider smells so good. My eyes close as I take a sip of the steaming cider. It tastes and feels so good warming me inside and putting something in my stomach. I'm going to hold this warm mug in my lap as I answer her. Take a breath and relax. “The Great and,” Sigh. That's not what I want to say. “Trix...,” Sigh. That's not it, either. Stop chewing your lip and just say it. “I'm not going to do that with you. I came to apologise to you for what I did when I had the Alicorn Amulet. I'm not going to excuse what I did because of being under it's influence.” Remembering that makes my skin crawl. “When I left Ponyville the first time, I felt humiliated and embarrassed.” And so ashamed. “I'd been shown for what I was; a self-aggrandising fraud. My caravan was gone along with everything I had. I wasn't looking for revenge when I heard about the amulet. I worked hard at whatever jobs I could get until I had enough bits to buy it.” I worked my hooves to the bone. I feel tears in my eyes. “All I wanted to do was prove to you that my magic was as strong as yours but the amulet fed me on revenge and hatred. It made me become power hungry and I couldn't stop.” The memory of that makes my stomach hurt. I can't help crying. “I didn't mean to hurt anypony. I'm sorry. I didn't want to enslave the town or work ponies to exhaustion.” I'm bawling my eyes out. “I'm so, so sorry! Please, forgive me!” What happened to... it? “Please, tell me that you put that accursed amulet some place safe so no pony has to suffer because of it.” She's nodding her head. Good. “Thank you. You don't know the power of that... horrible thing.” And I hope you never do.
Calm down, Trixie and wipe your eyes. I need another sip of cider. “I left Ponyville feeling humiliated again but I realised it was my own fault. I was only thinking about myself and not what I could have done to improve my magic.” I should have stayed and asked... you. “I tried to go back to doing shows... but no ponies wanted to see me. They cursed me and ran me off. I've been wallowing in self pity and haven't done any shows or even been around any ponies since then. I was depressed and hiding in the Whitetail Woods.” Where I was alone and thought I was safe. If I close my eyes tightly, I won't see him again; he still makes me shiver! “Then... he came. He was a giant monster. I don't even know how he found me but he did.” The tears are coming back whether I want them or not. “He grabbed me and I could feel him sucking the magic from me.” I... can't hold them anymore. “I tried to stop him but there was nothing I could do. I could feel him inside my mind pulling all of my magic out.” I'm crying like a foal in front of her but I don't care anymore. “It hurt so much and I felt so... violated. When he was done, he threw me to the ground like so much rubbish and left.” I can't look her in the eyes crying like this. Just look down. “Afterwards, I could hardly move, or eat, or do anything. I had no magic at all. All I wanted to do was hide in my caravan.” And die.
Get it together, Trixie. “One day my magic came back but I began having nightmares every night about what he did.” I couldn't make them stop. “He was attacking me again and I heard you laughing in the background. I know you wouldn't hurt me but I've always been jealous of you. Everything seems to come to you so easily while I have to work so hard.” The tears are coming back. “I haven't slept well, eaten much or even used much magic in weeks. All I did was sit huddled in a corner, crying, trying to forget.” And I never will!
What's she doing? She's... hugging me. I'm crying on her shoulder like such a silly little filly. She's warm and soft and... I hope she never lets go.
Okay, Trixie, sit up, you're in front of a Princess of Equestria. Compose yourself, wipe your face and do what you came here for. Get on your knees in front of her. “Please, Princess Twilight Sparkle, would you be willing to teach me the magic I never learned? I want to use real magic in my shows. I want to be a quality entertainer, a real showmare. I don't want to die as some has been, two bit, side show wannabe.” I don't want her to see me crying again. I'll just stay here, looking at the floor.
Wait! She's lifting me back to the couch. She's sitting next to me. She's just, looking at me.
“Let me think about it tonight. Do you have a place to stay in town?”
I shake my head. Not too many ponies in this town would have anything to do with me.
“You can't go back out in this weather. The pegasus weather team is going to make it rain all night and into tomorrow. There are plenty of extra bedrooms in this place. You can stay until the weather improves.”
She's going to let me stay? After everything I did and said before, she offers me a place to stay instead of turning me out? I had so misjudged her. I honour her and her position by bowing my head. “Thank you, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“Please, just call me Twilight.”
She says that to me like we're already friends. That mug of cider gave my stomach courage to let itself be known. She heard that; her eyebrows went up.
“You need something to eat. Follow me to the kitchen.”
I haven't had any real food in days. I've been eating grass and boiled pine cones. I learned to do that years ago to supplement my meagre meals. Look at this kitchen! It's almost as big as the house I grew up in.
“There's this huge kitchen and just me and Spike living here. There's enough food in the pantry to last for months.”
She opened a door on a refrigerator almost the size of my caravan.
“Would you like a lettuce and cucumber sandwich with some orange juice?”
I nod. “Yes, please.” Eating from Twilight's rubbish bin would be a banquet.
She made sandwiches for both of us and poured two glasses of orange juice. She levitated them to a small table and sat on a cushion. She's pointing to an adjacent cushion.
“Please, join me. Spike makes most of the food and I usually eat here. No sense taking it to that large dining room to eat.”
I sit next to her and begin devouring my sandwich. It's amazing how good something this simple can taste when you haven't had a real meal in weeks. We finished eating, I was done well before her. I feel a little embarrassed. “Where is your dragon friend? I thought he would have opened the door earlier.”
“He's staying with some friends, tonight.”
She has a serious look on her face.
“I hope they don't get into trouble, again.”
Did they burn down her library? “Is that what happened to your library?”
The look on her face is so sad.
“No, it was destroyed by a red centaur that absorbed the magic of all the ponies in Equestria. He escaped from Tartarus when Cerberus got loose. His name was Lord Tyrek.”
My breathing feels laboured and I feel so tense, “That was... his name?” My stomach feels like it's knotting up. I don't want to remember what he did to me. I'm shaking but I don't want to cry again. She's put her hoof on my shoulder and pulled me close to her.
“Yes. He's been resealed in Tartarus so he'll never escape again.”
She feels so warm again. Her hug is helping make my shakes go away. It feels so comfortable with my head on her shoulder.
“After he stole everypony's magic, he went after the magic of the princesses. They gave me their magic to hide from him but he found out I had it. We fought and he destroyed the library trying to kill me.”
She looks sad again and has tears now. Sit up and offer her a hoof.
“He used my friends as hostages and made me give up my magic to save them but it was our friendship that ultimately defeated him. The Tree of Harmony returned the stolen magic back to the all ponies of Equestria.”
She's wiping her eyes.
“It's late. We should go to bed.”
She's taking me to where the bedrooms are in the palace. She brought me to a room near hers.
“You can use this one. The bathroom is over there.”
She's indicating a door to me with her hoof.
As I entered the bedroom I said, “Thank you, Prin...Twilight.” I almost forgot she wanted me to call her that. I closed the door and look around at this room. Everything in the room is so elegant! Just like her. This bed would sleep five ponies easily. I never imagined the day where I would sleep in room as splendid as this. I close my eyes and feel a smile on my face as I wish: 'I hope my luck is changing at last.'
Trixie stretched out in her bed expecting her head and hooves to bump the walls in the cramped cubbyhole her sleeping mat was in. She was surprised by all the space she had around her. The thick, warm blanket was not the thin and wet one she expected. She slowly opened her eyes, hoping this wasn't a dream. She began looking around the spacious room and remembered where she was. This was Twilight Sparkle's palace. The home of her nemesis. No, her new friend. Last night, she bared herself to Twilight more than she ever had to anypony. It felt... good.
Trixie thought back over the events that happened after she went to bed. Twilight heard Trixie cry out during the night and entered her room. She found her weeping under the covers and offered a shoulder to cry on. Trixie had her recurring nightmare and was terrified. She held Trixie and rubbed a hoof on her back as she continued to cry. Trixie told her, “You've been the only pony to show me any kindness for a long time.” Twilight held Trixie until she fell asleep then tucked her into the covers. Trixie slept well after that and didn't remember her nightmare so vividly. Maybe the old mare's tale was true, she thought: 'If you share your nightmare with somepony, it helps make it go away'.
A gentle rapping at the door broke her reverie. It had to be the only other occupant of the palace, Twilight. Trixie crawled to the edge of the bed and placed her hooves on the shiny, smooth floor. She walked to the door and opened it to see Twilight there.
“Good morning. I hope you slept well.” Trixie nodded. “Great! I have breakfast ready for us in the kitchen.”
Trixie followed Twilight to the kitchen and sat on the cushion that was indicated to her. Twilight began levitating plates of waffles and fresh fruit to the table. “What would you like to drink?” she asked.
“Another orange juice would be nice,” Trixie replied.
“I have to start my mornings with a cup of coffee. I've had three,” said a wide eyed Twilight as she poured the orange juice.
Trixie rolled her eyes, “Gee, I would have never guessed.”
Twilight smiled at her then began eating her breakfast, “Sooo, I thought about what you asked me last night.” Trixie stopped chewing and looked at Twilight. “So what you're wanting to do is learn magic that can be used to make your show more 'spellbinding'?"
Trixie rolled her eyes and groaned at the obvious pun.
“Too early in the morning?”
“Too much coffee,” offered Trixie as she began eating again.
“But seriously, we need to discuss what kinds of magic you want to learn. We need to get an idea of what your show will be like and plan the magic accordingly. How much magic do you know?” asked Twilight.
Trixie stopped chewing and frowned. She looked away as she swallowed the lump that her waffle had become. She looked back at Twilight, “Could we... discuss this after breakfast?”
Twilight smiled at her, “That's okay. We can go to my study later.”
Trixie ate the rest of her meal in silence.
They finished their breakfast and Twilight levitated the dishes to the sink. Twilight led Trixie upstairs to her study. They went in and sat on each end of the couch in front of the fireplace. Twilight used her magic to stoke the fire and added a log. Soon there was a warming fire burning. “Most of the palace is heated from the ground. I'm glad this room has a fireplace. It makes it feel cosy. Sooo... how much magic do you know?”
Trixie looked away from Twilight and bit her lip. She was embarrassed by the fact that she didn't know that much magic and had relied on illusion and deception during her magic shows. She really didn't want to say but she knew Twilight would find out eventually. She looked back at Twilight and then to the floor, “I... don't really know that much. My show was based on trickery and bravado. That's why... I boasted so much.”
Twilight looked at Trixie and understood how much courage it took for her to admit that. She reached out her hoof and took up Trixie's hoof. Trixie looked at Twilight and saw compassion in her expression. Her heart felt lighter with that admission even if her ego was bruised.
“Well... what school did you go to and what training did you take?” asked Twilight.
“When I was a filly, they did the standard unicorn magic potential tests on me. My parents were told I had a high potential to be a great magic user and they put in an application for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.” Trixie smiled at that memory. “I studied there for almost two years. My father worked for the Canterlot government and had a good income.” Trixie began frowning and her her eyes welled up. “He died in an accident, one day, on the way to work.” Tears were falling down her cheeks. Twilight moved closer to Trixie and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “My mother didn't work and we only had my fathers insurance and savings to live on. We had to move to a smaller apartment. There weren't enough bits for tuition at the school so I was enrolled in public school. The school there only taught basic unicorn magic.” Trixie began to sob into her hooves because of her next memory and Twilight rubbed her hoof on Trixie's back. “My mother missed my father so badly that she took to drinking to ease her pain. It got so bad that she wouldn't get out of bed for days. One morning, I was hungry and I couldn't wake her up.” Trixie sobbed deeply before she continued. “I went to the building manager and told him I was hungry and couldn't wake my mother. He looked in at her and contacted Foal Protective Services. My case worker told me she had died.” Trixie pulled her knees to her chest and sobbed inconsolably. Twilight pulled Trixie to her and held her several minutes until her tears slowed. She sniffled before she continued, “I was put in an orphanage run by the Merciful Sisters of Celestia. I was there for two years before I was adopted by an earth pony couple. The school where they lived didn't teach any unicorn magic so all the magic I ever learned was from my time at Celestia's school or on my own.”
Twilight had tears in her eyes. “That's so sad. Hearing that makes me feel ashamed for what I thought of you before.”
Trixie wiped her eyes, “That's okay, Twilight. I wasn't in a good place then. I used my lies to make me feel better, to cover for the fact I'm such a weak magic user. I started bulling ponies to build up my self esteem. I was horrible.”
“You're here now, Trixie, and you've asked for help,” said Twilight “It takes a pretty big pony to do that. You had to have serious magical potential or you would have never been accepted to Celestia's school. We need to start testing your magical limits and begin a course of remedial magic.”
“Remedial magic? Isn't that like magic kindergarten?” asked Trixie.
Twilight thought back to her past and a small smile crossed her face. “No. We need to see what spells you do know and then strengthen them and then teach you new spells that rely on them. The ability to use magic effectively is built up in layers but you have to have a solid foundation of common basic spells to build from.”
A look of understanding spread across Trixie's face, “So that older spells can work automatically with newer spells?”
“Exactly!” said Twilight. “That way you don't have to concentrate on what base spells you need when you begin combining them.”
A happy look of understanding spread across Trixie's face.
“We'll start the testing and formal lessons later because I have to go to Canterlot, today. I'll be back this afternoon. I'll set out some basic magic books for you to read while I'm gone.”
Twilight examined her collection of basic magic books and selected some of the less foalish ones for Trixie. She didn't want to insult her with too simple a book. She levitated them to the small table at the end of the couch, “You can read these in here, if you like.”
“Thank you. I think I will,” replied Trixie.
“Feel free to raid the kitchen for lunch. Well... Got to fly,” Twilight left for Canterlot.
Trixie levitated the top book from the stack and settled into the couch for a comfortable morning of reading basic magic theory.
A nice stretch would feel good before I get out of bed. Why haven't my head and hooves bumped the walls of the cubbyhole my mattress is in? There's so much room! This thick, warm blanket isn't my thin wet one. I hope this isn't a dream when I open my eyes. This room has so much space! I remember where I am. This is Twilight Sparkle's palace. The home of my nemesis. No, my new friend. Last night, I told more about myself to Twilight than I ever have to anypony. It felt... good to tell her.
What was it that happened after I went to bed? Twilight came in and found me cowering under the covers, crying. I must have had that horrible nightmare again. She held me and rubbed my back as I cried. I told her, 'You've been the only pony to show me any kindness for a long time.' She must have held me until I fell asleep. I don't remember my nightmare so vividly. Maybe the old mare's tale is true: 'If you share your nightmare with somepony, it helps make it go away'.
There's somepony knocking at the door. It must be Twilight. This bed is so large, I'm going to have to crawl over to the edge of it. The floor is so smooth and shiny. It is Twilight at the door.
“Good morning. I hope you slept well.” I nod my head. “Great! I have breakfast ready for us in the kitchen.”
I follow Twilight to the kitchen and sit on the cushion that she indicated to me. She's levitating plates of waffles and fresh fruit to the table.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Another orange juice would be nice,” I answer.
“I have to start my mornings with a cup of coffee. I've had three.”
I noticed her eyes seemed a bit wide as she was pouring the orange juice. I roll my eyes, “Gee, I would have never guessed.”
Twilight smiled at me then began eating her breakfast.
“Sooo, I thought about what you asked me last night.”
I stop chewing my waffle and look at her.
“So what you're wanting to do is learn magic that can be used to make your show more 'spellbinding'?"
I roll my eyes and groan at the obvious pun.
She looked at me,
“Too early in the morning?”
“Too much coffee.”
“But seriously, we need to discuss what kinds of magic you want to learn. We need to get an idea of what your show will be like and plan the magic accordingly. How much magic do you know?”
I stopped chewing the waffle in my mouth as it now tastes like cardboard. I turn my head away from her as I swallow the lump my waffle became. I look back at her, “Could we... discuss this after breakfast?”
Twilight is smiling at me.
“That's okay. We can go to my study later.”
I eat the rest of my meal in silence. I can feel a pit in the bottom of my stomach.
We finish our breakfast and Twilight is levitating the dishes to the sink. I follow Twilight back upstairs to her study. We go in and sit on each end of the couch in front of the fireplace. Twilight uses her magic to stoke the fire and add a log. Now there is a warming fire burning.
“Most of the palace is heated from the ground. I'm glad this room has a fireplace. It makes it feel cosy. Sooo... how much magic do you know?”
I really don't want to answer that so I look away and bite my lip to stay quiet. It's so embarrassing how little magic I do know. Most of my shows were based on illusion and deception. I don't want to tell her but... she'll find out eventually. I look back at her but I can't look her in the eyes, so the floor will do. “I... don't really know that much. My show was based on trickery and bravado. That's why... I boasted so much.”
The look on her face isn't the smirk I was expecting. The little smile she has looks like she understood how much courage it took for me to admit that. She's such a good pony for not making fun of me. She's taking my hoof into hers. The look on her face is so compassionate. I feel so much better even if I hated admitting what I said.
“Well... what school did you go to and what training did you take?”
“When I was a filly, they did the standard unicorn magic potential tests on me. My parents were told I had a high potential to be a great magic user and they put in an application for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.” They were so proud of me. “I studied there for almost two years. My father worked for the Canterlot government and had a good income.” I wish I didn't have this memory; I feel tears coming on. “He died in an accident one day on the way to work.” I feel the tears rolling down my cheeks. It's nice that Twilight moved closer to me and placed her hoof on my shoulder. I think I can continue. “My mother didn't work and we only had my fathers insurance and savings to live on. We had to move to a smaller apartment. There weren't enough bits for tuition at the school so I was enrolled in public school. The school there only taught basic unicorn magic.” I hate this next memory. I'm crying so hard. I don't want her to see me sobbing like this. She's rubbing my back. I can do this, now. “My mother missed my father so badly that she took to drinking to ease her pain. It got so bad that she wouldn't get out of bed for days. One morning, I was hungry and I couldn't wake her up.” This hurts so much! “I went to the building manager and told him I was hungry and couldn't wake my mother. He looked in at her and contacted Foal Protective Services. My case worker told me she had died.” I MISS HER SO MUCH! Mommy!... I'm curling into a ball as the tears are just pouring out. I can't get them to stop. Twilight's warm hug feels so comforting to me. She's letting me cry this out... I don't know how much time has passed. I sniffle my nose and feel better. “I was put in an orphanage run by the Merciful Sisters of Celestia. I was there for two years before I was adopted by an earth pony couple. The school where they lived didn't teach any unicorn magic so all the magic I ever learned was from my time at Celestia's school or on my own.”
Twilight has tears in her eyes.
“That's so sad. Hearing that makes me feel ashamed for what I thought of you before.”
I wipe the tears from my eyes. “That's okay, Twilight. I wasn't in a good place then. I used my lies to make me feel better, to cover for the fact I'm such a weak magic user. I started bulling ponies to build up my self esteem. I was horrible.”
“You're here now, Trixie, and you've asked for help. It takes a pretty big pony to do that.”
She's giving me such a beautiful smile.
“You had to have serious magical potential or you would have never been accepted to Celestia's school. We need to start testing your magical limits and begin a course of remedial magic.”
Did I just hear right? “Remedial magic? Isn't that like magic kindergarten?” She has this look on her face like she's thinking about some inside joke.
“No. We need to see what basic spells you know and then strengthen them and then teach you new spells that rely on them. The ability to use magic effectively is built up in layers but you have to have a solid foundation of common basic spells to build from.”
She's sounding like one of the school's magic professors. I wonder if she's thought of teaching at the school? Wait a minute! I think I understand what she said. “So that older spells can work automatically with newer spells?”
“Exactly! That way you don't have to concentrate on what base spells you need when you begin combining them.”
She has such a pleased look. We haven't even had a first lesson and I'm beginning to see what I've missed all these years!
“We'll start the testing and formal lessons later because I have to go to Canterlot, today. I'll be back this afternoon. I'll set out some basic magic books for you to read while I'm gone.”
She's going through her collection of books. I wonder what she's choosing? I hope it's nothing too basic. Wow, she's got quite a pile of them set on the end table.
“You can read these in here, if you like.”
“Thank you. I think I will,” I say to her.
“Feel free to raid the kitchen for lunch. Well... Got to fly.”
Let's see what this top book has to say. Hmmmmm... not too basic. Let me prop these pillows up and stretch out on the couch. Now to some serious reading.
Trixie was so engrossed by the books she was reading that she had forgotten about lunch until her stomach reminded her, loudly. She bookmarked her place in the magic manual she was reading and levitated it to the couch. She was pleased with the gentle landing she was able to control.
Her search for food took her to the large pantry in the kitchen. Just as she emerged from the pantry, levitating several items she intended to make her lunch with, she heard a loud gasp and someone say, “What are YOU doing here? What have you done to Twilight?”
The sudden question surprised her and she dropped the lunch ingredients on the table. She looked around the kitchen for the owner of the voice and saw a small dragon standing near the kitchen door. “You must be Spike. I'm...”
“I know who you are. You're Trixie Lulamoon. You almost destroyed Ponyville the last time you were here. Where's Twilight? Does she know you're running around in her kitchen? I need to go find her!” Spike turned to leave but was stopped by being suspended in Trixie's pink magic aura. “Let me go! What kind of torture are you going to put me through, this time?”
Trixie levitated Spike and set him on the floor in front of her. “If you'll let me get in a word. In order: I'm not here to destroy Ponyville. She went to Canterlot. I haven't done anything to her. She told me I was free to make my own lunch. I've let you go and I don't plan on torturing you, yet.” Trixie paused for a moment, “And, I'm sorry.”
“For what?” asked Spike as he furrowed his brows.
“For what I did to you last time I was here.”
“You were under the influence of the amulet. It was controlling you.”
“I'm not going to use that as an excuse. I bought the amulet and I used it. I didn't have to put it on. It was my choice.” Trixie had a sad look cross her face. “I began doing evil things that I was so ashamed of afterwards. I'm so very sorry for what I did. Will you forgive me?”
Spike considered it for moment, “Yes, I will. One thing I've learned from Twilight and our time in Ponyville is that it's better to forgive than carry hard feelings around. Besides, I've got a thick hide; scales and all,” he smiled as he pointed to his back.
Trixie smiled, “Thank you.” She began preparing her lunch. “I'm not the same pony I was last time I was here. I made mistakes and I'm trying to improve myself. I talked to Twilight and she agreed to mentor me. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Spike smiled and tapped the tips of his claws together, “Okay, as long as you don't make me eat asparagus. I can't stand asparagus.”
Trixie smiled at Spike, “No problem, I'm not too fond of it either.”
Trixie made sandwiches and fruit bowls for herself and Spike. While they sat at the table and ate, Trixie made some idle conversation, “So, I noticed you weren't here when I arrived last night...”
“I was at Sweet Apple Acres on a sleepover with the CMC in their club house. The rain kept us in all night,” answered Spike after he swallowed a bite of his sandwich.
Trixie rolled her eyes, “Yea, I know about that rain. What is the CMC?”
“The Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are fillies that formed a club to try to get their cutie marks. They try all kinds of things to get theirs”
Trixie rolled her eyes and grinned, “Nopony ever has the patience to wait. Even I wanted mine, NOW!” Trixie made a pouting face.
Spike and Trixie laughed and continued their conversation.
“I notice you're not speaking in the third person,” said Spike.
“Trixie started doing that for her shows.” She smiled at Spike. “I used it as a way to keep my name in ponies minds. I started getting too carried away with it, later. That's about the same time I began challenging the hecklers in my audience and feeling I was better than them. I started boasting about my abilities about then, too. Those weren't some of my better decisions. I believe my time with Twilight will make me a better pony.”
They finished eating their lunches and Spike volunteered to clean the kitchen so Trixie could get back to the books. She returned to Twilight's study and resumed her reading.
It was early afternoon when Twilight returned from her trip to Canterlot. She found Spike in the library shelving books in the fiction section. His eyes lit up as he ran over to her. “Hey, Twilight! Do you know about Trixie being here?”
Twilight set her saddle bags on a table with her magic, “Yes. I had hoped to tell you before you found out. She came here last night during the rain. She apologised to me for what she did the last time she was here. Trixie seems to have changed for the better. She wants me to tutor her in magic.”
“No, and I think we should keep it that way for now. Some ponies might not respond too well to her after last time she was here. I want to try to get them used to the idea of her being here, slowly. Where is she?”
“She's been up in your study reading most of the day.”
“Okay. Pinkie promise you won't tell anypony she's here.”
Spike went through the motions and recited the Pinkie promise then Twilight left the library. She went to her study and saw Trixie absorbed by a book on basic magic. Trixie's pink aura surrounded a book on the pile behind her on the end table and levitated it next to her on the couch. She levitated it back to the pile and gently placed it on top.
Trixie looked up for a second and saw Twilight watching her. A broad smile spread across Trixie's face, “I found a way to gain a finer control over my levitation spell! Before, I had a rather mixed success with a gentle landing. I've been reading about so many things I was never taught.”
“I'm glad to see you take initiative and practise.”
“I want to improve my skills for myself as well as my show. There are so many things I have to do one at a time that others combine. I hated it when I was called 'One Trick Trixie' in school.” A small frown showed on her face.
Twilight looked a little uncomfortable with what she was about to say. “About school... Trixie... I need to ask you something.”
Trixie returned a concerned look, “What is it?”
“I checked with Celestia's school for your records and they said there has never been a Trixie Lulamoon registered.”
Trixie looked down, “Because... that wasn't my name, then. Trixie Lulamoon is my adopted name.”
Twilight furrowed her brows, “What was your name in school?”
Trixie took a breath and closed her eyes, “My birth name was... Moonglow Glitter.”
“Moonglow, that's such a pretty name. Why don't you go by that?”
Trixie looked down again, “That was the name my... mother gave me. It always made me sad to hear it... after...” Trixie felt a lump in her throat. “I've gone by Trixie Lulamoon most of my life. Only you, me and some dusty old school records know my real name. I'd like to keep it that way.”
“How did you get named Trixie Lulamoon?” asked Twilight.
Trixie smiled briefly, “Lulamoon was the name of my adoptive family. Trixie...” she sighed. “Trixie was a pet name my adoptive mother gave me when I was a filly. We'd gone to a magic show and I wanted to be like the magic pony but I couldn't say tricky pony because I was missing my front teeth. It came out twixie pony, so she called me Trixie.” Trixie looked Twilight in the eyes, “I have a confession to make. My first trip to Ponyville wasn't the first time we met. You're going to find out anyway.”
Twilight gave a confused look back at Trixie, “When did we meet before?”
“Quite literally, in magic kindergarten. We started at Celestia's school the same day. I remember the stories circulating around about how your entrance exam went, that you got your cutie mark and how you became Celestia's personal protégé. I wished I had been given such a special place like that and I was hurt that I had to quit school just over a year later... after...” Trixie closed her eyes and sighed at the sad memory. “Anyway, that's why you probably don't remember me.”
“Well, to be honest, I was so obsessed with trying to please the princess that I really didn't pay too much attention to the other students around me. I barely had a hoofful of friends through school as it was and those I had, I began to ignore. I was a bad friend.” Twilight frowned and her ears folded down. “It wasn't until Celestia sent me to Ponyville that I learned the true value of friendship.” Twilight perked up, “I don't need your old records. We can let Moonglow stay where she is and start fresh. I have a few royal duties to attend to that will take me a while. Why don't you finish your reading and we'll start your studies in earnest in the morning.”
Trixie nodded and returned to the couch while Twilight retired to her desk to peruse her piles of princess paperwork.
These books are so engrossing but that rather loud and rude sound my stomach just made reminded me it's lunchtime. I guess I'll just bookmark where I am in in this book. I'm so happy I learned how to set it down gently with my magic instead of just dropping it like I used to.
Twilight said I could 'raid' the pantry for something to eat. Let's see if I can find the kitchen. Here's the pantry; what to have? Let's see... some bread, lettuce, daises, mayo, fruit. Okay, now levitate this to the table...
“What are YOU doing here? What have you done to Twilight?”
ACK! Oh, rats! I dropped my lunch. At least it didn't fall far. That little dragon by the door is Twilight's assistant. “You must be Spike. I'm...”
“I know who you are. You're Trixie Lulamoon. You almost destroyed Ponyville the last time you were here. Where's Twilight? Does she know you're running around in her kitchen? I need to go find her!”
I don't need him running around in a panic. Just pick him up and bring him over here. I hope he appreciates the gentle landing.
“Let me go! What kind of torture are you going to put me through, this time?”
What a drama drake. Ease him to the floor in front of me. “If you'll let me get in a word. In order: I'm not going to destroy Ponyville. She went to Canterlot. I haven't done anything to her. She told me I was free to make my own lunch. I've let you go and I don't plan on torturing you, yet.” Apologise to him Trixie, “And I'm sorry.”
“For what?”
“For what I did to you the last time I was here.”
“You were under the influence of the amulet. It was controlling you.”
I don't ever want to use that as a defence. I have to pony up to my own actions. “I'm not going to use that as an excuse. I bought the amulet and I used it. I didn't have to put it on. It was my choice.” I feel so bad about that. “I began doing evil things that I was so ashamed of afterwards. I'm so very sorry for what I did. Will you forgive me?” I hope he will.
“Yes, I will. One thing I've learned from Twilight and our time in Ponyville is that it's better to forgive than carry hard feelings around. Besides, I've got a thick hide; scales and all.”
He made a joke. He smiled as he pointed at his back.
“Thank you.” Maybe I'm beginning to earn a little of his trust. Now, let me start lunch. “I'm not the same pony I was last time I was here. I made mistakes and I'm trying to improve myself. I talked to Twilight and she agreed to mentor me. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Well, at least he's smiling, even if it's a nervous one. I wonder who he learned that from?
“Okay, as long as you don't make me eat asparagus. I can't stand asparagus.”
A smile's in order, “No problem, I'm not too fond of it either.”
Let's see, a couple of sandwiches with a bit of mayo, some fruit for the fruit bowls, and it's lunch for two. Levitate his across the table... let's see if he'll talk to me some more, “So, I noticed you weren't here when I arrived last night...”
“I was at Sweet Apple Acres on a sleepover with the CMC in their club house. The rain kept us in all night.”
That rain was a real treat. “Yea, I know about that rain. What is the CMC?”
“The Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are fillies that formed a club to try to get their cutie marks. They try all kinds of things to get theirs”
Foals never change. “Nopony ever has the patience to wait. Even I wanted mine, NOW!”
Well, at least he's laughing at the pout face I made; that's good. We're talking and eating. He seems to be loosening up.
“I notice you're not speaking in the third person.”
“Trixie started doing that for her shows.” I sneaked that in on purpose. It kind of tickles me he noticed. “I used it as a way to keep my name in ponies minds. I started getting too carried away with it, later. That's about the same time I began challenging the hecklers in my audience and feeling I was better than them. I started boasting about my abilities about then, too. Those weren't some of my better decisions. I believe my time with Twilight will make me a better pony.”
We're done eating and he volunteered to clean the kitchen so I can return to my reading. I can see why Twilight likes her study so much. It's an excellent place to relax and read.
There are so many things in these books I need to practise. I'm going to need Twilight to show me some of the intricacies of the mixed spells. Setting things down gently after levitating them; how did I miss learning to do that? I want to keep practising that until it becomes second nature. I'm going to keep reading this book and levitate one from the pile behind me to the couch. There, a nice soft landing. Now, back to the pile. Nice and easy.
There's Twilight! I wonder how long she's been watching me? She seems pleased with what she saw. That makes me happy, too. “I found a way to gain a fine control over my levitation spell! Before, I had a rather mixed success with a gentle landing. I've been reading about so many things I was never taught.”
“I'm glad to see you take initiative and practise.”
“I want to improve my skills for myself as well as my show. There are so many things I have to do one at a time that others combine. I hated it when I was called 'One Trick Trixie' in school.” Those ponies never knew how much that bothered me. Did I say something to worry her? She looks like she's ill at ease.
“About school... Trixie... I need to ask you something.”
Suddenly, I feel a bit nervous. “What is it?”
“I checked with Celestia's school for your records and they said there has never been a Trixie Lulamoon registered.”
Oh, no. I can't look her in the face. “Because... that wasn't my name, then. Trixie Lulamoon is my adopted name.” Twilight looks concerned now.
“What was your name in school?”
If I close my eyes, maybe this memory won't hurt as much. “My birth name was... Moonglow Glitter.” I haven't said or thought of that name in years.
“Moonglow, that's such a pretty name. Why don't you go by that?”
I can't seem to look at anything but the floor. “That was the name my... mother gave me. It always made me sad to hear it... after...” I have such a lump in my throat. Breathe. “I've gone by Trixie Lulamoon most of my life. Only you, me and some dusty old school records know my real name. I'd like to keep it that way.”
“How did you get named Trixie Lulamoon?”
This story is kinda cute. “Lulamoon was the name of my adoptive family. Trixie...” Sigh. “Trixie was a pet name my adoptive mother gave me when I was a filly. We'd gone to a magic show and I wanted to be like the magic pony but I couldn't say tricky pony because I was missing my front teeth. It came out twixie pony, so she called me Trixie.” I have to look her in the eyes and tell her the truth. “I have a confession to make. My first trip to Ponyville wasn't the first time we met. You're going to find out anyway.” She looks confused.
“When did we meet before?”
“Quite literally, in magic kindergarten.” I'll never forget that day. “We started at Celestia's school the same day. I remember the stories circulating around about how your entrance exam went, that you got your cutie mark and how you became Celestia's personal protégé.” She actually hatched that egg. “I wished I'd been given such a special place like that and I was hurt that I had to quit school just over a year later... after...” That memory hurts so much. Sigh. “Anyway, that's why you probably don't remember me.”
“Well, to be honest, I was so obsessed with trying to please the princess that I really didn't pay too much attention to the other students around me. I barely had a hoofful of friends through school as it was and those I had, I began to ignore. I was a bad friend”
She looks like she really feels bad about that.
“It wasn't until Celestia sent me to Ponyville that I learned the true value of friendship.”
She looks happy again.
“I don't need your old records. We can let Moonglow stay where she is and start fresh. I have a few royal duties to attend to that will take me a while. Why don't you finish your reading and we'll start your studies in earnest in the morning.”
A quick nod of my head and I'm back to the couch and the books. It looks like she's going to her desk to peruse her piles of princess paperwork.
