The Fillyhood of Sprinklejinx

Chapters

My Cutie Mark
The Good News
The Forbidden Grass
The P.I.T Program
The Ursa Major

My Cutie Mark

I am a unicorn named Sprinklejinx. I was born and raised in Fillydelphia, one of the roughest cities in Equestria. There are a lot of poor ponies in Fillydelphia and the crime rates are through the roof. My mother, Lucky Charm and my father, Shoe Shine work in a horse shoe factory. I have an older sister named Clover Mane and an older brother named Dice. Our family is known to spread luck throughout Equestria. We didn’t have very many toys growing up because our parents didn’t make very much money. They worked hard at the factory, but their salaries were still low. My parents were always proud of their work and expected me to work at the horseshoe factory when I got older. I never wanted to let them down or disappoint them, but I had no interest in making shoes. We rarely had the money for good food like apples, carrots, or oats. We just ate the grass. On my birthday my parents save enough bits to buy me carrots. Carrots are my favorite food in all of Equestria. They’re so crunchy. The ponies at school used to taunt us for eating grass. They call ponies that eat grass “Grasseaters”. It’s sort of like the “Blankflank” discrimination.

For enjoyment my brother and I used to take recycled newspapers from the dumpster. I enjoy solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. When I was done solving the puzzles I would give the newspaper to Dice. He likes to make paper airplanes out of the newspapers. As a filly I always idolized the princesses and Daring Do. I admired the princesses because they have wings and a horn. Alicorns are incredibly powerful. I thought Daring Do was cool because she’s brave and independent just like me. Whenever I had free time I would sit in the library and read Daring Do books. I was never special like Daring Do or the princesses, but that was all about to change the day I got my cutie mark.

“Sprinklejinx, wake up! It’s time to get ready for school.” Momma said. nudging me with her nose. I lift my head off the pillow too quickly. My pointy horn cuts through the pillowcase. A bunch of fluffy white feathers cover my mane.

“Oh no! Not again,” I moaned trying to levitate the pillow off my horn. My horn flashed but the pillow only stays afloat for a short time before hitting the ground.

“I see you’ve been practicing your magic,” Momma said removing the feathers from the mane.

“I make a good flashlight,” I said unenthusiastically.

“Someday those sparks from your horn will make something wonderful. You’ll see,” Momma said levitating the brush into my mane and tying it into a bow. I got up on my hooves and smiled. I trotted to the bathroom. Clover Mane was already in there waiting for me. She levitated the tube of tooth paste in front of my tooth brush flawlessly.

“I want to try to do it by myself,” I said.

“Alright then,” Clover Mane said seeming a bit surprised. Her horn stopped glowing as the toothbrush hit the counter. My horn glowed bright pink. The toothbrush and the tube of tooth paste slowly rose into the air. They teetered awkwardly. I scrunched my forehead and narrowed my magenta eyes. I gained more control of the floating objects. Clover Mane watched me intently. Twisting the cap off of the tooth paste was always the tricky part. I concentrated as hard as I could. I made a quiet grunting noise as the cap came off. I used my magic to put pressure on the tube. A giant blob of tooth paste oozed out of the tube and splattered on my toothbrush and the sink. Clover Mane laughed quietly to herself. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“Don’t screw it up,” I whispered to myself.

“Keep going. You’re doing awesome!” Clover Mane said putting her hoof in front of the mouth. Feeling slightly discouraged, I put the cap back on the tube. I scrubbed my teeth with the bristles of the toothbrush and rinsed. “I’ll clean up the mess. You need to get ready,” She said.

“Thank you, Clover,” I said.

“No problem, Sprinkles,” Clover Mane said. I always wanted to be more like Clover Mane. She was great at magic and had her mother’s good looks. I on the other hoof look more like my father.

I trotted down the stairs.

Dice and Papa were sitting at the table. “What took you so long? Let’s go before we’re late.,” Dice says.

“Bye. Good luck on your quiz. Don’t talk to strangers and-“ Papa said reading his newspaper.

“I know. I know. Stay away from the forbidden grass” I said putting my saddlebag on and heading out the door. Dice and I ate a little bit of the grass we’re allowed to eat and went to school. Mrs. Luster taught us a lesson about manners. After the lesson, she let us play for a while. I took the Princess Celestia and Luna puzzle out of the box.

“You already put this together before, Sprinklejinx. Don’t you get sick of solving the same puzzles?” Mrs. Luster asked.

“Not really,” I replied.

“Why don’t you try to solve the Hoovix Cube?” Mrs. Luster asked.

“The Hoovix Cube? What’s that?” I asked.

“It’s kind of like a puzzle. You turn the tiles around to make all the colors match on each side. You should give it a try. I tried so hard to solve it, but I couldn’t,” She said taking the colorful cube out of the toy box.

“I think I’m up to the challenge,” I said. The Hoovix Cube was a bit tedious. Sometimes I’d have one side one color and I would have to sacrifice that side to get the other side to match. My best friend, Destiny walked up to me. She is an earth pony with a red coat and a bright pink mane tied in a ponytail. Destiny was obsessed with finding her cutie mark. She wanted to be the first pony in the class to get her cutie mark. That was all she talked about. I didn’t mind though because she stood up for me when the ponies teased me for eating grass. Destiny was fun to be around sometimes. We played hopscotch, hide and seek, and pretend. She hated being called a Blank Flank. I was used to being called names such as Blank Flank, Grass Eater, or even some times The Green Giant. I actually thought The Green Giant was kind of funny because I was the shortest filly in the class and I’m green.

“Hey, Sprinklejinx! Do you wanna play Phoenix, Phoenix, Griffon?” She asked.

“Not right now. In a few minutes,” I said turning the tiles with my magic.

“Okay. I’m going to try to get my cutie mark while I’m waiting,” Destiny said.

“Good luck.” I said.

“I’m going to need it. Finding my cutie mark is taking forever. I want it now,” Destiny complained.

“I only have two colors to go. As soon as I get done I’ll help you find your cutie mark,” I said getting slightly annoyed. She always was a very hasty and competitive pony. Why couldn’t she be patient and wait for her cutie mark like everypony else? Fifteen minutes passed. ‘If I turn the top row of the Hoovix Cube to the left and the bottom row to the right…’ I thought to myself. I did it! Each side was a different color. I levitated the puzzle in the air like it was a trophy. Then I gave it back to the teacher.

“You got your cutie mark,” Mrs. Luster said seeming impressed. I looked at my flank and gasped.

“Can I go to the bathroom please?” I asked covering my flank with my tail.

“Sure you can,” Mrs. Luster said. I galloped to the filly’s bathroom and turned on the bathroom sink. No matter how hard I tried, the soap and water would not wash away the black puzzle piece on my flank.

“What am I going to do?” I asked myself as I paced franticly back and forth. I came up with a not so brilliant plan. I thought I could go back to the classroom and paint my flanks green. Before I even made it half way across the room, Destiny spotted me.

“You got your cutie mark?” Destiny pouted.

“I’m sorry,” I said staring at the ground.

“That’s not fair. I’m supposed to get my cutie mark first,” Destiny said stomping her hoof on the ground.

“But I uh…” I stutter.

“You promised! Now I don’t want to talk to you anymore,” Destiny said rubbing her teary eyes with her hooves.

“Guess what? I don’t care!” I shouted. I never really needed friends. I already had the green paint out so I painted a picture of me as an alicorn until the bell rang. I didn’t even stop to wait for Dice as I left the school and headed home. I couldn’t control my magic, my best friend hated me for something that wasn’t even my fault, and to make matters worse, my horn wouldn’t stop glowing. A stallion who was painting a building accidentally spilled bright red paint on a mare’s dress. A builder fell off his latter and landed flat onto the concrete. A pigeon pooped on a colt’s ice cream cone. I kicked an empty soda can off of the side walk. Somepony appears right in front of me. I walk around her scowling at the ground.

“Hello there,” She said smiling at me.

“I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” I said bitterly.

“Why the long face little filly?” The mare asked.

“I got my cutie mark,” I grumbled as I tried to avoid her. She paused for a moment and giggled.

“Stop laughing at me,” I said walking past the tall pink figure.

“You look like you need somepony to cheer you up,” She said. “Sunshine, Sunshine! Ladybugs Awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” The mare chanted as she danced awkwardly in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I asked backing away.

“I was trying to make you happy, Sprinklejinx,” The mare said. I whirled around and stared at her.

“You know my name? Y- You’re an alicorn? That means you must be… A princess?” I said.

“I’m Princess Cadence,” She said. My confused face faded into a smile. My horn stopped glowing.

“You’re THE Princess Cadence? And you’re here to see ME?” I asked.

“Yes,” She said.

“Oh my gosh! That’s so super amazing. This is the best day ever!” I cheered as I jumped up and down. I realized how much of a fool I looked like freeing out in front of the princess. “But why do you want to see me?” I asked as I bowed down to her.

“Because your magic was spreading bad luck through all of Equestria.” Cadence said.

“How?” I asked.

“It seems like you have some very powerful magic. It seems like your anger triggers misfortune. I could help you control your power,” Princess Cadence said.

“How can you do that?” I asked.

“How would you like to be my first student?” Princess Cadence asked.

“I would love to be your student!” I said pinching myself with my teeth to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

“I’ll have a little talk with your parents and then we could start your training,” Cadence said.

The Good News

I sprinted down the crowded streets of Fillydelphia as fast as my little hooves can carry me. Princess Cadence flew above me. I rammed into an earth pony while trying to get through the hustling crowd.

“Hey! Watch where you’re goin kid!” He shouted waving his hoof in the air. I was too happy to say something sassy at the time. I skid to a halt in front of my apartment. I levitated the key out from underneath the welcome mat and went inside. I smiled from ear to ear and jumped around the house like a bunny.

“Hey mama! Hey mama! Guess what?” I asked cheerfully.

“Pipe down, Sprinkles. What is it?” My mother asked pushing the unpaid bill across the table. “Oh look. You got your cutie mark.”

“Well yeah… But I have even better news.” I said.

“Better than a cutie mark?” She asked.

“Yep. I met Princess Cadence. She wants ME to be her student.” I said.

“Oh yeah?” She asked incredulously.

“Yes actually.” Princess Cadence said trotting through the door. My mother’s jaw dropped.

“I-I… Can’t believe it. Oh my Celestia! It’s really you!” She said kneeling down and kissing her hooves.

“Is all your family like this?” Princess Cadence said feeling flattered and a little creeped out at the same time. I shrugged. I couldn’t blame her for being excited. I was even still having trouble keeping my cool.

“I am such a big fan. I think you’re amazing! Tell the other princesses I said hi. It is such an honor to have you here Princess.” My mother said.

“I have important matters we need to discuss.” Princess Cadence said.

“Would you like something to drink?” My mother asked.

“Not right now, thank you. Your daughter has powerful magic, you know.” Princess Cadence said.

“She’s been practicing. I am so proud of her.” She spoke patting me on the head.

“It seems that she has a little trouble controlling it. When she’s upset her magic grows to be very dangerous. I witnessed her magic make bad luck wherever she goes. I want to help her learn to control her magic and her emotions.” Princess Cadence said.

“What was bothering you so badly?” She asked.

“I got my cutie mark.” I said staring at the ground. My mother and the princess looked at each other and laughed hysterically.

“Now you’re laughing at me again.” I said covering my flank with my tail.

“Getting your cutie mark is supposed to be a good thing.” Princess Cadence said.

“Yeah, but now Destiny doesn’t like me anymore because she wanted to get her cutie mark first.” I said.

“She’ll get her cutie mark soon enough and she’ll get over it. Our family is known to be early bloomers.” My momma said.

“I’m not so worried about her now. I’ll make new friends at Cadence’s school. Atleast… If you let me go.” I said giving her the puppy dog eyes.

“Are you sure you want to be her student? You still struggle a little with your magic. I don’t want it to be too hard for you.” She said.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that. All you need to do is study hard and you’ll do fine.” Princess Cadence said.

“I think I can handle it.” I said.

“Good. Your first lesson starts in three days. I must be going now. I need to foalsit a pony in Canterlot.” Princess Cadence said.

“Goodbye.” I said watching her teleport away.

“I have a little surprise for you.” She said leaving the house.

“Yay! I like surprises.” I said. I took the newspaper off the kitchen table and began solving a crossword puzzle. About ten minutes later she returned with a little box.

“That smells like carrot cake.” I said.

“That’s because it is carrot cake, your favorite.” She said opening the box. The only time we get to eat something that isn’t grass is for special occasions. Not too long after that, Dice got home from school.

“Where were you, Sprinklejinx? I was waiting for you outside.” Dice said putting his saddlebag on the floor.

“Sprinklejinx saw Princess Cadence today.” My mother said.

“Notice anything different?” I asked.

“You got a manecut?” Dice asked.

“No. I got my cutie mark.” I said.

“Oh. Cool. Does that mean we’re going to celebrate like we did for mine?” Dice asked.

“Of course.” Mother said.

“Where’s Clovermane?” I asked.

“She’s out on a date with Filthy Rich.” She replied. Filthy Rich was the wealthiest stallion in Fillydelphia. He was a bit full of himself and thought that he deserved the best. That’s why he wanted to be with Clover Mane. He had enough money to buy fancy clothes and was able to eat whatever he wanted. My parents owed him money from the time my father hurt his leg and couldn’t work. I wished that she would dump him and get with some pony better. He thought of her more like a trophy than a marefriend. He’d buy her nice things occasionally, but he wouldn’t do fun things with her like take her to the movies.

“We can eat the cake as soon as your father and sister get home. Maybe you can help Sprinklejinx practice her magic while you’re waiting.” Mother said.

“Okay.” Dice said taking his crayon box out of his saddlebag. He took out a red crayon. “Try to turn this crayon blue.” I stared intently at the red crayon. I pictured the color blue in my mind. My horn glowed brightly. The crayon’s color began to change from red to purple.

“Ugh! Why did it change to purple!” I groaned.

“Red and blue make purple. You just need to add a little more blue to cancel out the red.” Dice said. My horn light up even brighter this time. The purple crayon turned darker and the reddish tint faded away. Then Dice stomped on it with his hoof.

“You broke it.” I said.

“Can you fix it?” He asked. I levitated the broken pieces of the blue crayon together. My horn’s light stopped flashing and the crayon turned yellow.

“Stupid crayon!” I grumbled. Dice laughed. He took the newspaper with the finished crossword puzzle on the table and folded it into a paper air plane.

“When I throw this paper airplane at you try to make a barrier to block it. Okay, Jinx.” Dice said. He launched the paper airplane into the air with his magic. The paper airplane soared towards me. A pink bubble surrounded me for a split second and then disappeared as soon as the airplane hit my nose. I levitated the airplane off the ground and passed it back to Dice. Dice went into the kitchen and poured a glass of water.

“Try not to spill it.” He said. I levitated the glass into the air. It tipped from side to side. I tried to concentrate on keeping it straight up in the air. I finally got the glass to balance in the air. Sweat trickled down my ear. “Think fast!” Dice said tossing the paper airplane. I blocked the airplane with the magic bubble. The glass of water poured on my head. I shook the water out of my mane.

“Quit horsing around and let’s have a slice of this cake.” My father said.

“It smells delicious.” Clovermane said. She looked at my flank and smiled. “I guess you’re our little puzzle solver now.” She said.

“How did you do on your quiz, Dice?” Mother asked as she cut the cake.

“I got a B+.” Dice said.

“Good job. I’m glad you passed.” Father said.

“It seems like everypony has good news today.” Mother said.

“I have some good news too.” Clovermane said.

“What’s the good news, Clover?” I asked.

“I’m getting married.” Clover answered showing us the shiny ring. I put a fake smile on my face.

“I don’t mean to seem negative but, isn’t it a little soon. I mean you’ve only been together for three months.” I said.

“Who cares? I’m finally going to have a brother to play with!” Dice said.

“It will be great to have a new addition to the family.” My mother said.

“He’s sleeping in your bed, right?” I asked. We didn’t have much room for another pony to live in and there was no way I would want to share a room with Filthy Rich.

“He’s not staying here. I’m going to move in with him.” Clover Mane said.

“You’re leaving?” Dice asked.

“Yes. But I’ll come to visit as much as I can.” Clovermane said.

“Do you have to go?” I asked.

“If I get married to him we’ll have enough money to get you toys for Hearths Warming Eve this year and you’ll be able to have carrots whenever you want. The Horse Shoe Factory won’t go out of business and he’ll take care of me.” She said.

“But will you truly be happy with him?” I asked. She hesitated for a moment.

“Yes.” She said.

“Are you sure? We can find another way to come up with the money if that’s what you’re worried about.” My father said.

“I’m just… Nevermind, I’m sure.” Clovermane said playing with her food.

“He seemed to treat you alright. We should be grateful for what he’s done for us. I just think that it’s a bit soon to be thinking about that.” My mother said.

“I guess so.” I said levitating my fork into my slice of cake.

“I’ll tell you what. How would you like to be my flower filly? And you could be my ring foal.” Clovermane said cheering up a bit.

“I would love to be your flower filly.” I said feeling relieved.

“It would be awesome to help out with the wedding.” Dice said.

“You guys are the best.” She said hugging us both.

The Forbidden Grass

At school the next day, things were much different. The older foals didn’t tease me for being a blank flank. Mrs. Luster congratulated me for being accepted to Cadence’s School and said she would miss having me around. She even had me come up to the front of the class to show them my cutie mark and tell them about how I got it. When it was time for recess I approached Destiny.

“Hey, Destiny. Guess what?” I asked. I wanted to tell my classmates about my encounter with Princess Cadence so badly I forgot how angry she was at me. She continued to jump rope like I wasn’t even there.

“What do you want? Are you here to show off your cutie mark some more?” She asked.

“No. Actually, I wasn’t. Can you get over it already?” I asked.

“How about you try working so hard and not get what you want?” Destiny asked. I had just about enough of listening to her whining for one day.

“How about you try shutting up?” I asked narrowing my eyes at her. Destiny grabbed the jump rope with her teeth and whipped me with it. After being hit a few times I ducked out of the way. I used my magic to tie her hooves together with the rope and pushed her onto the black top. She pulls my mane.

“Fillies! Fillies! Stop! What’s gotten into you?” Mrs.Luster said getting in between us.

“She started it? And she hurt me.” Destiny said pointing her hoof at me and pretending to cry.

“I don’t care who started it. Into my classroom, now. You two should be ashamed of yourselves.” She said.

I bend over to untie her. As soon as Mrs. Luster turns her head, Destiny sticks her tongue out at me.

“As your punishment you two will clean my chalk board erasers for the rest of recess.” Mrs. Luster said. I reluctantly levitated the erasers outside. Destiny patted the erasers together making a cloud of chalk dust form into the air. We both coughed in unison. I tried to rub the chalk dust out of my eyes. We exchange dirty looks. Destiny sticks her nose up into the air. I levitated the erasers into the air and patted them against each other. When we we’re done I use my magic to make the clouds of chalk dust into different shapes.

“Can you make a triangle?” Destiny suddenly asked.

“Sure.” I said using my magic to make the chalk dust cloud into a triangle.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I just wish that I saw the princess and got my cutie mark. I’m just so sick of every pony picking on me for not having my cutie mark. We make a great team, don’t we?” She asked.

“Yeah, I guess we do.” I said. I never apologized because she deserved all the things I said and did to her.

“Too bad you’re transferring schools soon.” Destiny said.

“Well maybe you will be the first foal in the class to have a cutie mark after I leave.” I said. The bell rang and I waited for Dice outside the school.

“Hi, Jinx!” Dice said giving me a noogie.

“Hello.” I replied trying to fix my mane. He was already a few hoof steps ahead of me. I picked up the pace a little.

“I heard mom and dad talking about Filthy Rich last night. I don’t think he’s going to be a good brother in law from the sound of it.” Dice sighed.

“Maybe if we start a lemonade stand we can get enough bits to pay back Filthy Rich. Then Clover Mane won’t have to get married.” I said.

“You can’t make that much money off of a lemonade stand. I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it.” He said as we were walking around the patch of forbidden grass.

“Why the long face, little ponies?” A stallion said chewing the forbidden grass. He towered over me.

“He’s a stranger.” I whispered. We both turned around.

“You don’t know who that is? That’s Flank Kicker. He is the toughest gang member in Fillydelphia. He took out three stallions with a yoyo.” Dice said.

“That’s right.” Flank Kicker said. His eyes were bloodshot and he couldn’t stand up straight.

“I’ve never heard of him.” I said.

“You two seem kind of down. Have a little grass. It’ll make ya feel better.” He said.

“Papa said we’re not supposed to eat the forbidden grass. It’s bad for you.” I said.

“A daddy’s girl, are you? A little bit won’t hurt you.” He said.

“It smells funny.” I said backing away from the forbidden grass. I was slightly curious of what was so special about it.

“It’ll make your worries go away and make you tough like me.” He said.

“I’m already plenty tough. I just took down one of my classmates today.” I said.

“See. Being a little rebellious and breaking the rules puts a little hair on your chest.” Flank Kicker said.

“I have plenty of fur on my chest. Now stop telling me what to do.” I said trotting away. “I showed that meathead right, Dice? Dice???” I asked. There was no response. I saw Dice standing in the forbidden grass. He hesitated for a moment before taking his first bite.

“What’s it taste like?” I asked.

“It makes my head feel kind of fuzzy.” Dice mumbled sounding ill. He gagged.

“That’s how you’re supposed to feel. Have a little more.” Flank Kicker said. Dice ate another mouthful.

“It’s not so bad once you get used to it.” Dice said.

“Now that’s a colt who knows how to live on the edge.” Flank Kicker said.

“You’re going to be grounded once he smells that grass on your breath.” I said.

“You better not squeal on me, Jinx. If you do I’ll tell mom you talked to a stranger and got into a fight today. I’ll be mad at you and I won’t help you learn how to use magic anymore.” Dice said. He never raised his voice at me like that before.

“Alright. I won’t tell any pony.” I said.

“Pinkie Promise!” He said.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly or stick a cupcake in my eye.” I said putting my hoof in front of my eye.

“Good. Now let’s go home before they get suspicious.” Dice said putting some of the grass into his saddle bag for later.

“So tell me. How does it taste? Does it taste like normal grass?” I asked.

“Stop talking about the g-r-a-s-s. Somepony might hear you.” He said.

“Something doesn’t seem right about that Flank Kicker guy.” I said.

“I saw him once when our dad took us to a wrestling show.” Dice said.

“Don’t you think it’s a little bad that we went behind papa’s back like this?”I said.

“We weren’t hurting anypony.” He said.

“I’m not good at being sneaky.” I said.

“If you slip you’re going to get me in big trouble.” Dice said taking the key out from under the welcome mat and coming inside our house.

“Where were you two?” Momma asked.

“We stopped at the library to uh…” Dice said.

“Read some of the Dancy Doo Mystery books.” I stammered.

“Oh, well that’s nice. Did you have fun?” Momma asked.

“Yeah. But they didn’t have the book I was on in the series.” I said.

“I guess you’ll have to wait until the pony who took it out returns it. So how was Destiny acting today?” Momma asked.

“We got into a little fight, but then the teacher made us say sorry.” I said.

“It’s always important to apologize when you do something wrong.” Mama said.

“Yep. I’m going to try to do a new spell.” I said trying to escape up to my room. She didn’t seem too suspicious. I never enjoyed being deceitful, but I was pretty good at lying. My mother seemed to have bought my story for now, but how long can she go without knowing? What she didn’t know couldn’t hurt her…Right?

The P.I.T Program

The next day I got up an hour early because I was too excited to sleep. This was the day that I got to have my first lesson from Princess Cadence. My magic has improved since I met the princess. I must have gotten more motivated or something. I was able to go through my entire morning routine without mama or Clover’s help.

“Do you think you’re ready for your entrance exam?” Mamma asked.

“I hope so.” I replied trotting out of the house.

“Good luck, Sprinkles.” Clover said. Princess Cadence was waiting for me outside.

“Are you ready to go?” Princess Cadence asked.

“I sure am.” I said cheerfully.

“I’m glad I have a student of my very own. The other princesses can’t wait to meet you.” Princess Cadence said. Her horn glows brightly. She teleported us out of Fillydelphia and into her castle. “Stay right here. I’ll go get the other princesses.” Cadence said. The room we were in was nearly three times the size of my apartment room. I examined the elaborately decorated room. There were guards standing in a row on each side of the red carpet. Each of them were staying perfectly still with a serious expression. I watched them for a long period of time waiting for them to blink or show some kind of life. Their lines were organized perfectly by height. I waved my hoof in front of one’s face. He still didn’t move.

“Hello?” I said. The guards still stood there and did absolutely nothing. Then I danced and made faces at the guards to try to make them laugh. The shortest one in the back of the line fidgeted.

“What are you doing? You’re going to make me mess up and then dad will be mad at me.” A white pegasis with a black and yellow mane whispered. I nearly jumped out of my skin. For a second there I thought I was talking to a mannequin. That was a bit embarrassing. I probably could have made a better first impression to the castle guards.

“Oops. Sorry.” I whispered. I stood beside him and stood in the same position as the other guards. “I want to help guard for a while.” I whispered. Standing still was a lot harder than it looked. Especially for long periods of time.

“Fine just don’t make me laugh.” The Pegasus said. The princesses come back in. The guards all bowed in unison and I stayed in my statue like pose.

“Oh.” I said bowing down with them.

“You must be Sprinklejinx. We heard a lot about you.” Princess Celestia said.

“My sister and I are going to help judge you on your entrance exam. Our most faithful students will do a demonstration.” Princess Luna said.

A young light blue unicorn with a light bluish grey mane comes into the room followed by an orangeish yellow unicorn with a red and yellow mane.

“This is Sunset Shimmer, my student and this is Trixie, my sister’s student.” Princess Celestia said.

“Address me as The Great and Powerful Trixie.” Trixie said tipping her pointy hat. Who the hoof did she think she was barking orders at the princess like that? “Alright, let The Great and Powerful Trixie show you how it’s done.” Trixie said. Trixie levitated a toy box into the room. “This is where we keep all of our props.” Trixie said. Trixie made fireworks shoot out of her horn. Then she levitated her hat off and shook it upside down to prove there was nothing inside. Then she levitated a bouquet of flowers out of her hat. Then Trixie jumped inside the toy box and shut the lid. Seconds later she appeared in front of me. Trixie took a juicy red apple out of the box. Then she turned it into a green apple. I’ve never seen a unicorn her age with such good magic. Some of the spells I knew, but most of them I didn’t. I was nowhere near as good as Trixie was.

“I bet you can’t do this.” Sunset Shimmer said turning herself invisible. She turned back from her invisibility and levitated a basketball outside of the toy box. She then put a spell on it to make it glow in the dark. She used her magic to turn out the light.

Trixie uses her power to turn the lights back on. “Quit being such a show off.” Trixie said hypocritically.

“Fine then. Go ahead, Jinx. Let’s see what you got.” Sunset Shimmer said. Luna, Cadence, and Celestia levitated a notebook and quill into the air watching my every move.

I took a deep breath and looked through the toy box. I didn’t know I had to put on a show. I thought they were just going to ask me to do spells. I wasn’t prepared at all. I had to improvise. While digging franticly through the toy box something colorful caught my eye. It was a hoovix cube. I levitated it out of the toy box much slower than Trixie and Sunset Shimmer did. I can only levitate small items and even that is difficult for me. Trixie and Sunset Shimmer, on the other hoof, can levitate the entire toy box at ease. My horn light up. “I hope this works.” I whispered to myself as I tried to stop myself from shaking. The last thing I wanted to do was make a fool out of myself in front of the princesses. I scrunched my forhead and closed my eyes tightly. I used a duplication spell to make one hoovix cube into three. I know that when I use powerful spells like that it’s only temporary and I can’t hold it for long. I levitated the three hoovix cubes into the air and began juggle and solve them at the same time. This took a lot of concentration. I wasn’t the best multitasker in the world and working under pressure wasn’t helping me any either. When I was done solving the hoovix cubes I levitated them up to the ceiling and let go. As the hoovix cubes fell down on top of me I used the reflection spell Dice taught me to make a force field for a few seconds. The hoovix cubes bounce off my force field and land back into the box. That part was unintentional. Sweat poured down my face. I looked up at the ponies who were watching me. The princesses kept an expressionless face and Sunset Shimmer and Trixie were laughing at me.

“You call that magic? How pathetic.” Trixie said smugly.

“I learned those spells ages ago. What do you think this is some kind of a preschool?” Sunset Shimmer said. I stared at the ground and sighed. My ears drooped down.

“I am very disappointed in you.” Princess Celestia said sternly.

“I’m sorry.” I said holding back tears as I ran out of the palace doors. I couldn’t believe I failed. I practiced so hard. But I still wasn’t good enough. It was Cadence’s first chance to have a student and I blew it. I felt so guilty for letting my idol down. I just couldn’t seem to do anything right. Unicorns that are too stupid to use a simple levitation spell properly shouldn’t even be born. My family would be so disappointed. I can’t even teleport to get myself home. I sat alone outside the castle moping. To make matters worse it was raining when I got out of the castle. Once again my freaking horn wouldn’t stop lighting up. Lightning struck a nearby tree. It fell into the castle making the rain pour all over the castle floor. Their important documents got all soggy and wet.

“Sprinklejinx! Where are you? Come back.” Cadence shouted over and over again. I just wanted to be alone, but she could probably send me home.

“Is everypony alright?” I asked.

“There she is.” Luna said.

“We weren’t done with you yet, Sprinklejinx.” Cadence said.

“But I failed, didn’t I?” I asked.

“Not at all. I wasn’t saying I was disappointed in you. I was disappointed in Trixie and Sunset Shimmer’s behavior. You got a B on the entrance exam.” Princess Celestia said.

“The presentation thou gave us was impressive. You have quite a bit of potential if you work hard at it.” Luna said.

“Soon I’ll teach you how to do all the spells the other unicorns were using. We didn’t expect you to know how to do those just yet. This test was only to let me see what you knew.” Cadence said.

“Sorry about your roof, your majesty.” I said.

“Don’t worry about it. Our servants will have it fixed in no time.” Princess Celestia said. So she did her weird little sunshine chant to try to cheer me up and then we met up with the other students again.

“Those spells you all were doing were amazing.” I said.

“I know right.” Sunset Shimmer said.

“We got As on our entrance exams.” Trixie brags.

“Stay right here, Jinx. I’m going to go get something.” Princess Cadence said flying up to her room.

“So where are you from? I’m from Ponyville.” Trixie said.

“I’m from Canterlot.” Sunset Shimmer said.

“I’m from Fillydelphia.” I said.

“I heard lots of zebras live there.” Shimmer said.

“And the crime rate is through the roof. My parents wouldn’t let me grow up in a scummy place like that,” Trixie added.

Princess Cadence came back down the stairs levitating a book in the air.

“This book will help you learn about magic. It is called The Beginner’s Guide to Unicorn Magic.” Princess Cadence said. I levitated it into the air. It was too heavy for my magic to carry. It dropped to the ground by its spine.

“Oops.” I said. I guessed that I had my work cut out for me. I didn’t mind though. Studying magic is the best excuse for me to hide up in my room from my parents. I wouldn’t have to worry about keeping Dice’s secret as much.

“It’s not as bad as it looks. It has pictures in it.” Princess Cadence said.

“It’s alright. I have a lot of time on my hooves.” I said.

“Magic is a pretty basic thing. The more spells you learn, the easier it gets. You’ll be learning the spells Trixie and Sunset Shimmer are learning in no time.” Cadence said.

“Are they always this pleasant?” I asked. Cadence put a hoof over her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

“They think highly of themselves because only the best of the best learn from princesses. They’re not so bad once you get to know them.” Cadence said.

“Why do princesses only teach unicorns?” I asked.

“Every ten years a pony is chosen to become an alicorn princess. There seems to be a pattern. The first pony to become an alicorn was an earth pony. The second was a Pegasus. And the third was a unicorn. I was a pegasis before Princess Celestia gave me my horn. We’re trying to find the unicorn who would be fit to be a princess. We call it The Princess in Training Program.” Princess Cadence said.

“So I might get to be a princess?” I asked.

“Yes, but don’t get your hopes up.” Princess Cadence said. I always wanted to fly. Being a princess would be so cool. They got to live in the big castle and they never have to worry about not affording food. If I were a princess I would be able to pay off the debt to Filthy Rich and Clovermane wouldn’t have to worry about getting married.

“What kind of training do I need?” I ask.

“There’s much more to being a princess than giving orders. We also have to defend Equestria from evil.” Princess Cadence said.

“What kind of evil?” I asked.

“Come with me.” Princess Cadence said leading me down a long staircase.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“This is the dungeon. We keep clones of creatures that attacked Equestia in cells. When you get older we’ll train you to fight these monsters.” Princess Cadence said.

“You cloned the monsters and kept them in the castle? Isn’t that an accident waiting to happen?” I ask.

“No. They can’t possibly get out without us knowing. The cages are indestructible. And they can’t get out without the key.” Princess Cadence said.

I peeked into the window of one of the cells. A massive three headed monster resembling a goat, a snake, and a tiger is sleeping in the cell. “He’s scary.” I whisper.

“That’s nothing. Wait until you see the Ursa Major. Only an alicorn is powerful enough to take down one of those and that’s even a struggle. “ Princess Cadence said pointing at the largest cell. The giant bear shows his teeth at me when I peek through the window. He looks like he can eat me in one bite.

“Wow. He’s bigger than my house.” I whispered.

“This place is very dangerous. But it’s okay when I’m here with you,” Cadence said. The Ursa Major slammed himself into the side of the cage.

“You’re in a cage,furball. You can’t get me.” I said. I bet I wouldn’t be too confident if the cage wasn’t there. The Ursa Major snorted and swatted at the cage with its paw.

“I should be getting ready to take you home now. I have to get ready for a party tonight. A filly I foalsit just got her cutie mark and I don’t want to be late.” Princess Cadence said.

“Wait. I just have one more question.” I said.

“What is it, Sprinklejinx? Is everything okay? You haven’t been yourself today.” Cadence asked.

“I’m fine. I’m just a little overwhelmed. I was wondering… Why is the forbidden grass forbidden?” I asked.

“The forbidden grass? Where did that come from?” Princess Cadence asked seeming a bit surprised about my sudden outburst.

“My daddy told me not to eat it. He gets really angry if we talk to ponies that eat it.” I said.

“The Forbidden Grass is very addictive. Once you start eating it, you can’t stop. It can make you really sick and make you hallucinate things.” Princess Cadence said.

“What is hallucinating?” I ahsked.

“Hallucinating is seeing things that aren’t really there. The forbidden grass can make ponies act differently and really messes with their heads. It can even kill ponies.” Princess Cadence said.

“Ponies could die from it?” I gasped.

“I’m afraid so. Is there anything else you would like to ask me?” Princess Cadence asked.

“Not right now.” I replied. Her horn flashed and we appeared in front of her house. Mama let us both come inside.

“Hello, Sprinkles. How did you do on your exam?” Mamma asked.

“She got a B.” Princess Cadence said.

“And I got a book.” I said pulling it out of my saddle bag.

“How wonderful. So what did you learn?” She asked.

“I watched Celestia and Luna’s students perform magic.” I said.

“See you tomorrow, Jinx.” Princess Cadence said.

“Bye. Thank you for the book.” I said waving my hoof.

“Filthy Rich and your sister are upstairs packing her stuff. Maybe you should help,” My mother said before I even got to read a page of my new book.

“Okay.” I said prancing up the stairs. I stood quietly in front of her doorway.

“What do you need all of this junk for anyway. None of it has any value.” Filthy Rich said tossing an album of old photographs to the side.

“They’re memories. They might not be worth any money, but they still have sentimental value.” Clover argued.

“And what about this doll? Are you ever going to play with it again?” Filthy Rich asked.

“No, but that doll was given to me the day I was born. I can’t just throw it away.” Clover Mane said holding the doll.

“If you’re not willing to part with the doll, I guess our children will play with it when we have some.” Filthy Rich said.

“If the wagon gets full we can always take two trips.” Clover Mane said trying to reason with him.

“I still don’t see why you have such emotional attachments to this old stuff. It’s a waste of space.” Filthy Rich said.

“Maybe to you, but not to me.” Clover Mane said. Filthy Rich finally noticed my presence.

“Didn’t anypony ever tell you not to eavesdrop on other ponies’ discussions?” Filthy Rich asked.

“What does eavesdrop mean?” I asked.

“It means listening to a conversation in secret.” Filthy Rich said.

“Sorry. Mamma told me to come up here and help. I didn’t want to interrupt.” I said.

“We don’t really need any help, Sprinklejinx.” Clover Mane said.

“While you’re up here would you like to show me what you are planning on wearing to the wedding?” Filthy Rich said.

“Just a minute.” I said looking in my nearly empty closet for something to wear. “How about this?” I asked putting on an orange dress.

“You can’t go to a wedding wearing that scruffy thing. Don’t you have anything more presentable than those rags?” Filthy Rich asked.

“I don’t think so.” I said.

“I suppose I’ll have to buy you one.” Filthy Rich sighed. Dice trotted into the room.

“Hey, sis! I heard you passed your test with a B.” Dice said.

“That’s wonderful.” Clover Mane said.

“Don’t your parents teach you not to talk when other ponies are talking?” Filthy Rich asked.

“Well, yeah but-“ Dice said.

“Dice, I need to talk to you in private.” I said.

“Alright, let’s go in my room.” Dice said.

“Don’t you two even think about leavesdropping on our conversation.” I said.

“We won’t.” Clover Mane said.

“And it’s called eavesdropping.” Filthy Rich said. “Foals these days.”

I scampered into Dice’s room, shut the door, and locked it. “Dice, you gotta get rid of that grass.” I whispered.

“I already ate it all. Don’t worry. I won’t get caught.” Dice said.

“That’s not the point. Princess Cadence said that stuff can kill you.” I whispered.

“I only had a little bit today.” Dice said.

“As possible future princess of Equestria, I command you to stop eating the forbidden grass.” I said.

“I don’t have to listen to you.” Dice said not sounding the least bit intimidated.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because I’m older than you.” Dice replied.

“Fine. Just don’t come crying to me when you’re dead!” I shouted storming off. If he wanted to rot out his brains with forbidden grass, so be it. Soon I would be the pony saying “I told you so.”I was going to love every second of it.

The Ursa Major

After staying up late last night looking through Cadence's textbook I was a little tired the next day. So i had to rush through my morning activities.

"Sprinkles, your teacher is here." Papa said taking a sip of his coffee.

"I'm coming." I said hustling out of the bathroom.

"Are you ready to go?" Princess Cadence asked smiling at me.

"I sure am." I said trying to hide my panting.

"Good. Then let's go." Princess Cadence said teleporting us to the castle.

"I wish I could teleport." I said.

"One day you will, Jinx. So have you been reading your new book?" Princess Cadence asked.

"Uh, yeah." I said nervously. I hoped she wouldn't make me take another test.

"How far have you gotten?" Princess Cadence asked.

"Well... I only read up to chapter four." I said.

"Four chapters? That is a lot of pages for a filly your age to be reading in one day. " Princess Cadence said seeming a bit surprised.

"So what are we going to do today?" I asked anxiously. I wanted to show her everything I've learned.

"How about you show me your breathing techniques." Princess Cadence said. I read in the book that it is easier to use magic when you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. I haven't tried to do it yet.

Princes Cadence levitated a pile of bricks that fell from the roof yesterday. "I can't levitate all that." I said.

"We'll start off with one and then I'll gradually add more. Don't worry. Just do your best." Princess Cadence said. My horn flickered. I took a deep breath through my nostrils. My horn glowed even brighter than before. The brick slowly raised into midair.

"I did it?!" I whispered.

"Sprinklejinx, focus." Princess Cadence whispered.

"Sorry." I said looking back at the brick. She added another one to the pile. The two bricks lowered for a split second and returned to its position. I regained the pattern of the breathing technique. The stress in my head is slightly relieved. She added the third brick. This time I hardly noticed the difference.

"Hmm..." Princes Cadence mumbled to herself. She added another brick to the stack. The weight was finally dragging my magic down a little.

"Stay up. Stay up. Stay up." I whispered closing my eyes tightly.

"In through the nose. Out through the mouth." Princess Cadence said calmly.

"Nice form." Princess Celestia said from behind me. I panicked and all the bricks fall like rain. Princess Celestia levitated them before they hit the marble floor.

"Oops! I'm sorry." I gasped.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to have a little word with Cadence and Luna alone." Princess Celestia said.

"Alright. Maybe Trixie and Sunset Shimmer can give you a couple pointers while your waiting." Princess Cadence said.

"She'll be right back." Princess Celestia said leading Princess Cadence out of the room. Trixie and Sunset Shimmer entered the room.

"You know what's going on, don't you?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The princesses are having a meeting right after the final princess found her student." Sunset Shimmer said trying to give me a hint.

"So what?" I asked.

"So they're probably picking the pony who will be the next princess." Sunset Shimmer said.

"Don't be ridiculous. They're not going to pick the princess now. We're too little to be given that much responsibility." I said.

"If they are choosing one it's obvious that The Great and Powerful Trixie would be the the most qualified." Trixie gloated.

"Of course." I said dryly as I rolled my eyes.

"I have just as much of a chance of being the new princess as you." Sunset Shimmer protested.

"You? Well may I remind you who scored highest on the last test? That's right, The Great and Powerful Trixie." Trixie bragged.

"May I remind you who's teacher got banished to the moon?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Maybe they'll make all of us princesses." I suggested.

"You? A princess? Look at your cutie mark. Now look at our cutie marks. What do you notice?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"They have similar symbols to Princess Celestia and Luna?" I ask.

"Hmph! I guess you're not as stupid as you look." Trixie said.

"Your cutie mark has nothing to do with being a princess." Sunset Shimmer said.

"Maybe we'll be the next ponies to raise the sun and the moon." Trixie added.

"Well they have to pick one of us sooner or later." Sunset Shimmer said.

"Which is why The Great and Powerful Trixie is going to prove to them that I'm better than the two of you combined." Trixie boasted.

"How are you going to do that?" I asked.

"I'm going to take down an Ursa Major, of course." Trixie said confidently. The worst part about it was that she looked dead serious. I laughed hysterically. "What's so funny, Sprinklejinx?" She asked.

"That thing would eat you in one bite. You wouldn't last ten seconds in that cage." I said.

"You dare to belittle The Great and Powerful Trixie?" Trixie said.

"I'm not belittling any pony. I'm just stating a fact." I said.

"I bet that Ursa Major would kick your sorry flank." Sunset Shimmer said.

"How much do you want to bet?" Trixie said.

"Whoever loses has to do whatever the winner says for a whole week." Sunset Shimmer said spitting on her hoof.

"It's a deal." Trixie said spitting on her hoof and pressing it against Sunset Shimmer's hoof.

"You're all crazy." I said spitting on my hoof and joining in. The three of us went down into the dark dungeon.

"How are we going to get the key?" Sunset Shimmer whispered?

"I don't think this is a good idea." I whispered.

"Relax, The Great and Powerful Trixie has this all under control. I'm going to take that key from the guard who comes in to feed the monsters." Trixie said pointing her hoof at a Pegasus stallion. He scooped up a pile of ground meat and dumped it into one of the cages. Since the Ursa Major is the last cage in the dungeon that means he hasn't eaten since last night. So Trixie was about to go inside a cage with a hungry Ursa Major inside. He had a key hooked onto his belt. Trixie's horn glowed brightly. The guard fell fast asleep on the floor.

"We're going to get in trouble." I whispered.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie never backs away from a challenge." Trixie said.

"This isn't a challenge. It's suicide." I said.

"The Ursa Major is no match for the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria." Trixie said.

"You're not the most powerful unicorn! You're seven years old." I said.

"Don' t you want to see Trixie go head to head with an Ursa Major?" Sunset Shimmer asked. I really wanted to watch all the action happen. It would be really exciting to see Trixie get maimed by and Ursa Major, but this was dangerous.

"Give me the key." Trixie said to Sunset Shimmer.

"Here you go." Sunset Shimmer said levitating the key to Trixie.

"Wait! Stop!" I shouted.

"What now, Jinx?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"If you open the cage the guard can get eaten. He's just laying there like a sitting duck." I said.

"Hurry up and get him out of here." Trixie ordered. I took the shovel out of his snoring mouth and tried to drag him up the stairs. He is nearly twice my size.

"This is taking too long." Sunset Shimmer said. Trixie unlocked the cage and closed herself inside. She put a spell on the ground to make it slippery. The glare of her horn woke up the beast. The Ursa Major roared ferociously. He swatted at her with his giant claws. At the last second Trixie ducked. He knocked her hat right off her head. If she didn't duck her head would have came clean off. The Ursa Major got up on his hind legs and bared his sharp teeth. Trixie shrieked and bolted out of the cage. The Ursa Major slipped on the ground. Sunset Shimmer quickly slams shuts the door behind her.

"That was so close!" Trixie said hyperventilating a little bit. Her eyes were opened up as wide as her eyelids would allow.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"I think so." Trixie said.

"Are you crazy! You could have died." I groaned.

"I told you you couldn't do it." Sunset Shimmer said. Trixie ignored her scornful remark. Trixie was trembling like a leaf.

"Now is not the time for that, Shimmer. She almost got eaten alive by and Ursa Major." I scolded. Trixie was cocky and deserved to be proven wrong,but that didn't justify Sunset Shimmer rubbing it in her face. "So what are you going to do about your hat?" I asked looking back at the cage.

"M-my hat?!" Trixie stuttered putting her hooves over her head. "It's gone. What am I going to do?" Trixie said frantically.

"Who cares? Your parents can buy you a new hat." I said. Her parents are high class and have a lot of money.

"That's not the point. If the princesses see the hat they'll know she went in there." Sunset Shimmer worried.

"And if Luna finds out she'll get mad at me." Trixie said.

"She'll get over it. It's not like you did any serious damage." I said.

"Do you know what happens when Luna gets angry?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"She'll turn into Night Mare Moon and Princess Celestia will have to banish her into the moon for another thousand years!" Trixie said.

"Oh, no! We have to get that hat back." I said. I was overreacting. I didn't know Luna as well as I do now. Luna doesn't just transform into Nightmare Moon for every little thing that goes wrong. At the time I honestly thought that Luna was going to get sent directly to the moon without passing go or using a get out of jail free card.

"There's no way I'm going back in there." Trixie said.

"We have to." Sunset Shimmer said.

"Can't we just put the Ursa Major to sleep, walk in, and take the hat?" I asked.

"He might be too powerful. But I'll give it a shot." Sunset Shimmer replied. The horn flashed. The Ursa Major curled up into a ball and yawned. He closes his drowsy eyes.

"That should do it" Trixie whispered.

"Now all we have to do is levitate the hat." I said.

"The glare from our horns might wake it up." Sunset Shimmer said. I could hardly hear her over the beast's deep snoring. The cell door creaked open. I cringed. The Ursa Major didn't seem to stir. I swallowed a lump in my throat and creeped slowly towards the hat. I held my breath and tried not to make a sound. I snatched the hat with my teeth.

"Got it!" I whispered to the two fillies behind me.

"Shhh!" Trixie said putting a hoof over my mouth. As we crept back out of the cell, Sunset Shimmer's long wavy tail brushed up against the Ursa Major's nose. He sneezed loudly startling the three of us. We all screamed in unison galloping out of the cage. The Ursa Major came barreling after us.

"Hurry!" Sunset Shimmer screamed.

"Help us!" Trixie yelled. She skidded to a halt. "I have an idea." Trixie said. Trixie teleported out of the room. Sunset Shimmer was about to do the same.

"Wait! I can't teleport!" I pleaded. Sunset Shimmer looked back at me for a moment. Her horn lit up and then she disappeared leaving me to die. I try to get out but the door won't open. The Ursa Major stood on its hind legs towering over me. My ears went down. The Ursa Major roared and slammed his paw into me. His claws raked through my skin as I tumbled backward. As I tried to get back up I noticed the feeding shovel from across the room. It was in the mouth of the still sleeping guard. I used my breathing techniques and levitated it into the air. I heard hoof steps coming down the stairs. The Ursa Major opened his jaws widely as he pounced at me. I swung the shovel at his snout. He recoiled for a moment and put his paw over his nose. I struck him again. It just seemed to make him angrier. He picked me up with his slobbery mouth. His breath smelled like fish. I heard some pony coming down the stairs.

"What in Equestria is going on down their?" Princess Cadence asked as she burst through the doors. The Ursa Major whirled around and growled. He was bearing his teeth. Princess Cadence stood still with a dumbfounded expression. The Ursa Major threw me head first against the wall. My vision was blurred for a moment. After a few seconds of disorientation, I saw the Ursa Major lunging at Cadence. She was flying over to me. I staggered out of the pool of my own blood.

"You leave the princess alone!" I shouted whacking The Ursa Major in the face with the shovel again. This time a pointy tooth hit the floor. He licked the bloody gap in his mouth. I keep beating him over the head with the shovel. Beams of magic shoot out of Cadence's horn blinding him temporarily.

"What do we do?" Princess Luna asked.

"Get the Elements! Now!" Celestia commanded. She begins hitting the Ursa Major with sparks of magic as well. It seemed to be helping more than my shovel attacks. Luna quickly got all these magic necklaces and a magic tiara. They all made a rainbow vortex surround The Ursa Major. Princess Cadence lifted me into the air before the Ursa Major fell on me. The three princesses trapped the unconscious monster into his cage.

"We heard screaming and we got here as soon as we could." Princess Celestia said.

"Are you alright?" Luna asked.

"I don't know." I said staring down at my red hoof prints.

"I should have kept a better eye on you. I don't thin I'm ready to have a student yet. I'm sorry, Jinx." Princess Cadence sighed. I struggled back up on my hooves and faked a smile.

"Sunshine... Sunshine... Lady Bugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake?" I said. I wasn't sure if I was doing the dance right or not. I'm sure I looked kind of stupid. But it seemed to make Cadence happy so, whatever.

"You're in no condition to do any shaking." Princess Cadence said.

"I'll put a healing spell on you for now, but we need to take you to a hospital immediately." Celestia said. Her magic made some of the pain go away.