The Fillyhood of Sprinklejinx

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.