Le Phoenix Feather

by PhoenixFlame77

Rating: everyone
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 10686

Hope. Hope is the only thing that could save her. Hope is the only thing that can save a poor, dirty servant filly.

Her parents, and her big sister, were killed in a hot air-balloon ride when she was just a newborn. Ever since then, she's gone from town to town, searching for work, living in poverty.
She has always been fascinated by the world of books and myths.
She still doesn't have her Cutiemark.
Her name is Graphite Star, and she's about to discover that while the prospect may look black, there's always a light that shines through the dark.

Published 2014-04-07 01:40:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-28 00:02:17 UTC

Chapter Two: The Library Tree

Chapter Two: The Library Tree

Golden sunlight filtered through the crack in the wall, fluttering into my dreams like soft feathers brushing against my cheek. My eyes fluttered open like delicate butterflies awakening for the new season of spring, stretching their wings for the very first time. I yawned, my thoughts not fully awake. I could lay in this beautiful oblivion forever...no thought, no aching bones. But life always carries on; and it takes you with it, no matter if you want to leave or stay. Life gives you no choice...it has a mind of its own.

The brightness of the morning slowly led me to being fully awoken, taking me out of the depths of my mind that were unexplored in the burning hours of the day. The scene that I saw before me slightly confused me; where was I? I seemed to be in a small room about the size of a cupboard...Harry Potter's cupboard, it reminded me of...and then the memories flooded back to me as if the wall in the dam had broken; the river released. I was in a cupboard, under the stairs, in a library...in a tree.

That was by far the queerest element about this job. I now worked, and lived...in a tree. I mean, it felt magical, like a mystical treehouse, but it felt odd. Very odd. Odd suited me. Odd. Odd. Odd. I like that word. It reminds me of Ood. Ood, Ood, Ood, I thought hazily. I grinned and raised myself to my four legs, and yawned again.

I stepped out of the cave-like space of the cupboard and looked up into the inviting mouth of the library. Shelves and shelves full of new worlds, unexplored places...shelves full of what I love. I blinked dreamily and twirled gracefully across the dark oak floor and sighed. If only books were pools...I could dive right in.

My thoughts were regretfully interrupted by the rustle of paper. I turned around and was alarmed to find that it was not the paper from the books, but a thick bunch of paper taped together and messily placed on the centerpiece of the main room. Next to it was a wooden horse-head. I narrowed my eyes and trotted over to the table, stooping low to read the note.

Dear Graphite Star,

I am away in Canterlot on royal buisness, and I need to to start work right away. I gathered information that you are enrolled in Firework Elementary, which begins tommorow, as you know. I will pay you two bits on the weekends, and one bit a day on the weeks you are off school. When the school year is upon you, I will give you three bits a day. On the weekends, you work two shifts, the night and the day, but you get a three hour break in between them. On the weeknights, you work the night shift...but don't forget to go to sleep.

A simple to-do list and a map of Ponyville is taped to this note. Have a nice day, Graphite Star! I will be back in at least three weeks.

Sincerely,

Princess Twilight Sparkle

P.S The cleaning supplies are in the closet next to your sleeping quarters.

I blinked and smiled. She really IS organized, I thought, humored for a minute. Then I cleared my throat, shook my head, and untaped the bundle of paper attached to it. It burst open and fell with a muffled clatter to the floor.

Simple. Simple...really?!? How is a four-hoof-long scroll SIMPLE? I groaned and then stopped myself. It's not the most work I've done in one day. I remember once when I was working at a ca- oh, you don't want to hear that. Anyway, I begin to read it.

1. Sweep the floor.

I rolled my eyes and bit my lip. Sweeping? Easy as pie. I placed the long (really, really long) list down on the table and scanned the wonderous library for a broom. I quickly saw it and I trotted over. I grabbed it by the handle and placed the dustpan on the floor. I swept the dust into the dustpan and poured the dust into the wastebin.

I started to work in a dance while I was sweeping. Twirl, twirl, jump, a little hip-hop move, and then another sweep. I smiled and hummed a catchy tune, and I dumped the dust into the wastebin. I leaned the broom on the wall and looked around the floor. "It looks clean," I observe, nodding my head. Okay...what's next? I ask myself, and I trotted over to the table and seized the checklist.

2. Polish the Centerpiece.

I looked up from the checklist and saw a satisfyingly well-placed wooden horse-head, positioned in the middle of the table. I smiled and fluttered my eyes at the centerpiece. "Unique taste, but it works," I joked. But its not like anypony was listening, so I dismissed the joke with a wave of my hoof. I dropped the checklist and it crumbled to the floor again. I turned my head, my black hair flying in front of my face, and spotted the supply closet very quickly. I trotted over, keeping my eyes on the doorknob.

When I stopped in front of the door, I extended my hoof out to the rusted doorknob. Without hesitation, I pulled it open, to reveal a confined space, bursting-to-the-brim with different cleaning tools; some I'd never even seen before. I pulled my hoof off the handle and stepped forward, accidentally stepping on an over-turned handle of a broom. I closed my eyes and winced, bracing for the entire contents of the closet to fall on me. I waited for a few drawling moments, and then opened my eyes and turned my head, to find that everything was safe.

I wiped my head with my hoof in relief, and my elbow accidently brushed the edge of a feather duster.

Oh no.

The feather duster fell off its perch, knocked over a broom, and slowly caused a chain reaction, so there was a wave of cleaning supplies storming towards me. I gasped and closed my eyes with instinct as a broom slammed on my head, causing green and pink dots to appear around the edges of my closed-eye vision. I winced as the brooms, feather dusters, mops, and paint cans fell on top of me, causing my legs, head, and back to throb painfully.

Please stop, I begged in my mind, even though I knew it wouldn't do any good. I bit my tongue as more and more supplies fell on me. Then, as soon as it had started, it stopped. I sighed with relief, and opened my eyes. Dust immediately stung them, and I shut them again. Ugh, I thought. Now I'll have to do this with my eyes closed.

I lifted myself up. I groaned as another broom clonked me on the head, but I blinked back tears from behind my eyelids. I hooved my way through the maze of cleaning supplies, searching for openings that could free me from this dust-filled cage. I coughed as I took a breath. The dust filled my lungs like water; it was so dense I almost couldn't breathe.

I reached my hoof to the right, and I found an empty space. Yes! I thought, feeling victorious. I raised up on my backlegs and pushed myself through the hole, wiggling my shoulders to make the journey easier. I heard a loud POP! and I tumbled onto the wooden floor, banging my head on the something. "Owch!" I exclaimed, and I scratched the spot where my head was throbbing.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, and I squinted at the mass that I had just escaped from. It was gigantic, and cleaning supplies were scattered across the floor, a few feet apart from the giant pile. I groaned. Great. Just another mess I have to clean up, I thought, growling, and I raised myself to my four hooves.

I narrowed my eyes and looked over my shoulder, to see what I had bumped my head on. Ah, the table, I nodded to myself. I noticed that my shoulder was covered with grime as I stared at the table, and I glanced down at it, curious. It was clouded in dust, and a few bits of discarded paint. I looked down at the rest of my body and realized, with a moan, that I was filthy. "GREAT! Now I'll have to go jump in the lake." I growled to myself.

I bent down, prepared to clean up the mess, and I was surprisingly interrupted by the library door opening. I whipped my head around, my black hair flying in front of my eyes, and I saw a skinny, curvy figure standing in the doorway, the gleaming sunlight hiding the details of their features. I squinted, trying to make out their facial expression, but I couldn't see.

The sun was blinded by a cloud, and I could see the figure in full definition. The doorway shut behind them as they stepped into the library, looking around with their radiant blue eyes.

A white, flawless-skinned mare stood in front of me, her posture perfect and her features symmetrical. She had bodacious purple hair, curled perfectly and fashionably, tweaked to fit the latest trends. She had a small, skinny horn on her head, and a cutiemark of three dazzling blue gems. I was confused. Who is she? I wondered, and I cocked my eyebrow and stood up.

Her eyes flashed around, and they finally settled on me. Her expression changed from neutral to absolutely mortified as quick as a lightning strike, and I felt positively bruised inside. My heart burned from the obvious disgust shown on her face. I knew I wasn't the prettiest filly, I was actually very far from that, but was I really that distasteful?

"Oh my. You look certainly," she scanned me, "busy." Her voice was quaint and bold; I could tell that she was obviously attractive to stallions. She stepped forward and looked over at the door, but then she glanced back at me. "Er...I don't mean to intrude, but have you seen Twilight?" She inquired, lowering her head to mine. I nodded. I bowed to the mare, trying not to forget my motto of politeness, and responded.

"She is in Canterlot, on royal buisness, ma'am.

I looked up and saw, to my pleasure, that the mare looked delighted. She fluttered her eyelashes, and I was reminded of black butterflies. "...Who might you be, little colt?" She inquired. I swallowed my protest and responded, looking straight into her eyes. "Pardon me, but I'm a filly, ma'am. My name is Graphite Star," I answered. She looked embarrassed, and her cheeks flushed bright pink. "My apologies, Graphite Star. My name is Rarity; I'm a good friend of Twilight's. Now, may I ask...what are you doing in the library on a sunny Saturday like this?" The mare called Rarity catechized.

I stood up, because I saw no need to bow anymore. I expected to see this mare a lot over the next year or so, depending on how long I stayed in Ponyville, since she was clearly authorized to enter the library on a Sunday, even when it was closed. "Oh, I work here, ma'am. Mistress Twilight hired me," I explained, gesturing to the closet where I slept. Rarity blinked and stared at me, her expression now revolted again. She was now focused on my filthiness. "Darling, forgive me, but you are simply disgusting," Rarity gapped, disgusted. I shrugged. "I'll get myself cleaned up at some point, ma'am." I responded simply. Rarity gasped. "No no no! You have to come to Carousel Boutique straightaway! Anypony who lives in Ponyville should be clean!" She gasped again, flipping her mane. I rolled my eyes as I looked at the floor. I didn't liked being fussed over, nor caring about my appearance.

That's how you learn to feel when you're not pretty.

"That's really not neccessary, ma'am. I'll be fine," I assured her, putting my hoof down and glancing at the door over her shoulder. She snorted with rage and I looked at her, alarmed. "No, no, no! I simply will not allow it!" Rarity closed her eyes, as if refusing to look at such a disaster. I rolled my eyes again. Rarity wrapped her hoof around mine, and I gasped.

"Come on, darling! Lets go freshen you up!" Rarity exclaimed with delight.

Oh no, I thought.

This library tree is just leading from one thing to another, isn't it?

Author's Note

Love you guys!

Thank you for reading...criticism is encouraged! :twilightsmile:

Oh, and by the way...Spike and Owlicious are going to be included later on! They are currently...well, you'll just have to see! :ajsmug:

Chapter Three: I Felt Beautiful

Chapter Three: I Felt Beautiful

The streets of Ponyville crawled with ponies, like ants in an ant hill, except with no queen to please. Everywhere I looked, ponies were chattering their hearts away like parakeets, chirping like bluejays. They were all so distracted by their own lives that they turned to blind eye to the radiant Rarity dragging a grey, dirty servant filly behind her. Only a few stallions, the ones that were desperately in love with her (I could tell because of their expressions), looked up. Their eyes were diverted from me, focused, in awe, on Rarity's features. I'm not exaggerating when I say: She stops traffic.

While we trotted an unknown route to me, I took the valuable time to look around the shops of Ponyville. Well, look at them, I mean. Rarity was determined. She didn't let me rest for one minute. She just kept going, pulling me along like a youthful mule. My eyes flashed from a bakery called SugarCube Corner, a cafe called Mistletoe Wreath, and an apple stand that said, Apple Family Fresh Apple Delicacies! I decided, that someday in the distant future, I would have to visit all of them.

We stopped abruptly, and I was jerked back to my senses. I looked at Rarity, confused, and I saw her talking to a orange mare with a yellow mane and freckles across her face. I narrowed my eyes, intrigued by the mare's sudden appearance, and I stepped forward, staying closely to Rarity's side. The orange mare's eyes flickered to mine like flame for a fraction of a second, then she looked back up to Rarity.

"Who's this youngun' ya'll got with ya?" The mare asked. Her accent was heavy and southern, like all the ponies I've met from Appleloosa's were. Rarity lifted up her hoof and patted me awkwardly on my head, ruffling my hair. I couldn't care less about my hair. In fact, I loved the ragamuffin look. I smiled up at Rarity, attempting to be polite, and the two mares smiled at me.

"Oh, Graphite Star? She's a filly Twilight hired to work in the library for her," Rarity explained. The two mares exchanged a glance of surprise. Why is a filly working? They were asking each other silently. I could tell. I knew that look...only too well. I pretended to not comprehend what was happening in this exclusive moment, and I pawed the ground absentmindedly with my hoof.

The orange mare cleared her throat and coughed. "Er...mai name is Applejack. Nice ta meet ya, Grappite Sta'," she scratched the back of her head with her hoof. I noticed that she pronounced my name wrong, and I smiled to myself. "Nice to meet you too, ma'am," I bowed to her. I liked this mare. Not too bodacious, but not over-shy. I looked up out of the corner of my eye and saw that the mare was blushing heatedly. "Aw, shucks, no need ta bow," she chuckled modestly, and her ears turned down, embarrassed. Modest ponies are the best kind, I thought, looking up absentmindedly into the clear blue sky.

I released from my position and smiled, closed-mouthed, up at the two mares. They stared back at me, and for a few, awkward moments, there was a metal-hard silence, refusing to break. My eyes shifted back and forth between the two, and a bead of sweat formed on my forehead. My smile was no longer real.

The mare called Applejack cleared her throat and adjusted her moth-eaten cowboy hat. She glanced back at the apple stand I had seen earlier out of the corner of her eye and looked at me again. She half-smiled. "So, are ya'll new here in Ponyville?" Applejack asked, and the silence broke like glass. I blinked and nodded. "Where'd ya'll come from?" She pushed further, wiping her nuzzle with the back of her hoof. "Vanhoover." I answered simply.

My motto is: Never say more than you're asked. Never tell more than you need.

Applejack gestured with her hoof to me. "Where's yur family?" She asked, looking around, as if expecting them to be nearby. Nearby? I thought, heat gathering behind my eyes. They're dead.

I looked at the ground, purposefully avoiding Applejack's intensified green eyes. They bored into me like bullets...if I looked into them, I would most certainly cry. "They...they're not with us," I responded, my voice cracking slightly. A slight murmur exited from Applejack's mouth.

"I-I'm so sorry...I didn'-" she started, and I held up a hoof. "It-its okay. No need to be sorry for me, ma'am," I said, sticking serenely to my motto. I decided to be brave, like my parents would want me to be. Or at least, I think they would.

Another metal-hard silence.

Rarity had been silent the entire conversation. I looked up at her, to make sure she hadn't run off while Applejack and I were talking, and I was positively startled to see that her stunning blue eyes were glimmering with tears, and a few that had escape were rolling like tiny waves down her white cheeks. "Graphite Star, what a tough life you've had," Rarity whispered, her lips trembling. She reached out a hoof, and I ducked. We looked at each other, and fierce understanding sparkled in Rarity's eyes. She lowered her hoof and wiped her tears on her mane. Rarity closed her eyes and tilted her head towards the sky. She cleared her throat.

"Well, we must be going, Graphite Star," Rarity declared, and she flipped her mane with her hoof. She had quickly and obviously returned to her pampered manner. I nodded slightly in a approval. Applejack raised her eyebrow. The air between the three of us loosened slightly, and I felt a weight that I hadn't noticed before rotate off my shoulders. I could breath again.

"Where ya'll goin'?" Applejack asked.

Rarity rolled her eyes.

"Have you even been paying ATTENTION? Have you SEEN Graphite's fur! Its dirty!"

Applejack looked at me, scanning me up and down.

"She looks fine ta me."

"Are you INSANE? She looks like a pig!"

"No she don't."

"Well, cowpony, you have NO taste in fashion! While it might look normal to you, it looks like throw up to the rest of us!"

"Well I ain' a fashion queen."

"So what are you...the queen of apples?"

"Yup."

The two mares stared at each other, daggers piercing each other's skulls. My muscles grew tense, and I was prepared to break up a fight. Then, they stayed silent for a few moments, and to my surprise, they broke out laughing. I laughed along awkwardly, joining in the moment. It was kinda funny, I smiled to myself. Who am I kidding? It was hilarious!

Rarity's laughter was tinkly, like a piano, while Applejack's laugh was hardy and full, like a tuba. My laugh, however, was bungling and undeveloped, and it sounded like I was gurgling laughter. I stopped laughing, disappointed at how stupid it sounded. I swallowed and waited until they finished.

Rarity smiled at Applejack. "Well, we must be going." She stated, and she started to trot away. I began to follow her, but Applejack put a sturdy hoof on my shoulder, causing me to stop mid-step. I turned my head around, and I looked at her freckles, not her eyes. Her eyes were too intense.

"Grappite Star, I suggest ya'll be careful 'round Rarity. She's kinda...touchy," Applejack bit her lip, and she glanced at Rarity, who was making snobby comments on another mare's hat. I giggled, and Applejack did too. "I'll try, ma'am," I responded, still giggling. Applejack curved her eyebrows in, as a sign of pleasure. She patted me generously on the head, ruffling my black hair. "Take care of yurself, Grappite," she concluded the conversation sharply, and she trotted in the opposite direction, towards the apple stand. I simpered at the back of her head, amazed by how hilarious and hard-working she seemed to be.

"Graphite Sta-ar! Come on, darling, its time for your makeover!" Rarity cooed, her words sing-song and jazzy. I whipped my head around and slipped slightly on the ground, but I quickly regained my balance and trotted over to where she stood; facing an exotic, clean building, with a logo of a perfume bottle on it.

Oh no, I gritted my teeth. The spa.

"Miss Rarity? Er...are we going there?" I gestured to the spa with my hoof, my stomach seething with dislike. Rarity looked down at me, her eyes curious. "Why the tone of disapproval? The spa is delightful!" Rarity chimed, hopping into the air. I was about to disagree, but then Applejack's words echoed in my head. I suggest ya'll be careful 'round Rarity. She's kinda...touchy. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I can't believe I'm about to say this.

"Okay, ma'am."

Rarity squinted her features in delight, and she squealed. "Delightful! Lets go in, shall we?" She insisted, and before I could nod, she seized me by the arm. "Woah!" I exclaimed, alarmed, as she started to drag me up the glossy, glass (WOAH...GLASS?!?) staircase, and hauled me through the front door.

"Holy Celestia," I muttered, so Rarity couldn't hear me.

It was a palace...but smaller.

A miniature waterfall was beside the entrance, pouring gracefully into a steaming hot tub. The steam seeped into my brain, causing me to feel woozy and relaxed. Multiple recliner chairs were positioned around the room, some occupied, some not. The ceiling was high, and circular, with a chandelier. A glass observatory ceiling covered the top, narrowing to a point. Glass-stained pictures covered the majority of the walls, reflecting onto the white-stained ground in a rainbow of colors. If I could describe this place in one word, it would be....WOW.

"Isn't it amazing?!? The decor is simply divine, isn't it?" Rarity squawked, so unlike herself. I looked into her shining blue eyes and gulped. "I like the waterfall the most, ma'am." I stated simply. I didn't want to lie, but I didn't entirely want to tell the truth. I compromised by compromising. It was the only thing to do when you were set on pleasing somepony.

Especially Rarity.

I rocked back and forth on my hooves and and started whistling. Rarity didn't take notice; she was too absorbed watching the spa-workers neatly clipped the costumer's hooves, massaged their backs, and gave them practiced, professional foot massages. Rarity sighed in delight as one of the spa-workers spotted us lingering by the entrance. "Here they come! Be prepared to have the relaxation of your life, Graphite Star!" Rarity declared, putting her hoof to her forehead...as if she was about to faint. I cocked my eyebrow at her, bewildered by her wide similarity to a pony who bathed in royalty.

Rarity threw a glance over her shoulder at me, and she pursed her lips. She flipped her mane and it fell delicately across her shoulders, causing me to gag. I looked down, hiding my face from her, and Rarity clicked her tongue impatiently. I glanced up quickly, seeing that her attention was averted from me, and sighed with relief. I clapped my hooves together and watched as a aqua-blue mare, with beautiful, flowing pink hair, with a white hairband tying it back, approached us with a helpful glint in her eye.

The mare took her position behind a clear, glass desk, covered with clean, smooth appliances and adorable, chibi pictures, drawn by an urban artist, judging by the texture. I stepped forward, following Rarity as she gracefully trotted over to the desk, her hooves lightly stomping on the floor. I peered over her shoulder, searching the gaze of the glossy mare. The smile she wore on her face was fake, as if torn off a doll and plastered on her skin clumsily. I narrowed my eyes. Fake sincerity? Can I leave now? I thought, heaving. I slightly slowed my step.

“Why hello, Lotus Flower!” Rarity greeted the mare, bowing her head slightly, showing respect. The mare smiled wider, her white, pearly teeth glinting with the sunlight streaming through the glass door behind us. “Why hello, Rarity! Will it be the usual today?” The mare called Lotus Flower inquired, her hoof reaching for a clipboard that had been abandoned on the desk.

Rarity nodded. “Of course...but today, I have a filly here who needs your expert help...very badly,” Rarity gestured with her hoof towards me. I flinched as Lotus Flower looked at me, her pearly white smile faltering for a fraction of a second. Disgust is what she felt...I could tell. I had learned to ignore the pang in my heart when ponies looked at me with disgust. I didn’t move. I stared directly into her judgmental eyes and thought, I’m not pretty, but beauty doesn’t matter where I come from. She cleared her throat, quickly brushing the sticky, uncomfortable moment aside, and her eyes shifted to Rarity. “Oh, of course. Anything else, madam?” Lotus Flower questioned, lifting her eyebrow as well as her hoof.

Rarity shook her head, her flawless mane bouncing off her sleek shoulders. “No, darling. We’re quite alright.” Lotus Flower closed her eyes and nodded, her pink hair staying suspended in the same place...not moving with the flow of her head. I raised my eyebrows suspiciously; that wasn’t possible. Not unless influenced by chemicals...oh, right. Hairspray.

“Alright then. We’ll get your treatment ready, ma’am,” Lotus Flower turned on her hoof, her pink mane unmoving. I frowned. I hate ponies who are fake.

Lotus Flower stepped out from behind the desk, grabbing the clipboard with her pink tail. Rarity looked at me over her shoulder and smiled, her blue eyes stunning and demanding. I gulped, smiling back. Why am I doing this? I asked myself.

Remember, Graphite? For respect.

Shut up, mind, I thought, partly amused.

Oh, and you’re as filthy as a pig.

Is that a bad thing?

My mind frowned at me.

I sighed, and I continued to smile back at Rarity. “Ooh, this is going to be sooo delightful! You’ll be as fresh as a summer daisy when we walk out! Oh, and then of course we have to head to my boutique, where obviously we’ll dress you in a fabulous outfit! I want Twilight to know we’ve been taking good care of her little worker,” Rarity explained, her voice magnifying in a businesslike manner.

I gaped at her. “A-an outfit?” I inquired, horrified. I realized how rude that sounded and I covered my mouth with my hoof, my eyes shifting from my filthy body to her confused eyes. She raised an eyebrow, her heavy, fake eyelashes fluttering like butterflies.

“Is that a problem?”

I stared into her waiting eyes, my expression shifting quickly from horrified to delighted. “N-no! Its just, I haven’t...worn anything for a long time!” I explained, my voice carrying a forged tone of surprise to it.

Rarity rolled her eyes, her alarming, shiny smile returning. “Oh, of course! I mean, what filly like-” she stopped herself before she could finish the sentence. It was obvious to my sensitive mind what she was about to say. Oh, of course! I mean, what filly like yourself would wear clothes?

I’ve always trained myself to understand why ponies say certain things. I try to have empathy.

But I’ve figured out...it’s impossible.

I cleared my throat, pretending that I didn’t hear the hesitation in her voice. I nudged forward with my head, telling her to continue her hurtful sentence. She laughed awkwardly and flipped her mane idiotically.

“-what filly like you wouldn’t want to try clothes on?” she invented, glossing off the sentence. I blinked, smiling at her, trying to assure her that I would love to. I couldn’t bring myself to answer.

Gratefully, Rarity noticed out of the corner of her eye that Lotus Flower was approaching, carrying two heaps of white on her back. Rarity gasped, putting her hoof on her head, like a Princess about to collapse. I jumped, alarmed at her sudden movement, and observed through wide eyes as Lotus Flower stopped beside us.

Rarity ran forward, a high-pitched giggle escaping her lips. Lotus Flower stepped towards me, avoiding being knocked to the ground by Rarity’s pounce. Rarity seized one of the heaps of white off Lotus’s back, pulling it towards her face.

“Ooh!” She cooed. “I just LOVE the feel of their robes,” she purred, causing me and Lotus Flower to exchange looks of utter bewilderment. Lotus Flower quickly pulled away from my gaze, her eyes adjusting to Rarity’s overreacting over how ‘fluffy’ the robes were. I frowned, pawing the ground with my hoof.

Rarity glanced at me, gesturing to Lotus Flower’s back. “Go on, Graphite Star! Take one!” Rarity demanded, and Lotus Flower extended her back to me. I reached forward uncertainly, took one off, and draped it around my shoulders like a towel. The silky, buttery feel of the fabric was so comforting it almost lulled me to sleep, but I kept my strength and beamed at Rarity.

“They are soft,” I agreed, chuckling. Rarity flashed me a satisfied smile.

Lotus Flower cleared her throat and closed her eyes. She stretched her neck towards us, fluttering her eyelashes. “Let me take you to your seats,” Lotus Flower offered, smiling her fake smile. She gestured towards the main part of the room, sprinkled with massage chairs and hot tubs, full of drifting rose petals and draped with silky towels.

Rarity watched her arms as she put on the robe, the fuzzy collar perking her shoulders. “Why thank you, Lotus Flower. Graphite Star, put on your robe, darling,” Rarity insisted, waving Lotus Flower off with a wave. I swallowed the guilt in my throat for bathing in such luxury, and put on the robe. Carefully avoiding touching my dirty legs, I tightened the belt around my waist and weakened under the softness. A warm, delightful feeling tingled from my hooves to the tip of my muzzle, spreading across my heart like a baby blanket. “Ah,” I whispered in comfort.

Lotus Flower turned her back to me, walking forward down the glass steps towards the circle-shaped lower area of the spa. “Follow me,” she called over her shoulder, and I stepped forward. Realizing my mistake, I stepped back, allowing Rarity to pass first. Rarity halted, confused on why I had stopped. I bowed low, my muzzle nearly touching her groomed hooves.

“After you,” I insisted.

I looked up, and saw that Rarity was yet again flattered. Is she always this fancy?, I wondered. I shrugged slightly to myself, so the gratified Rarity wouldn’t notice in her state of pleasurable bewilderment. I’ll have to ask Applejack later, I decided, glancing out of the corner of my eye.

Rarity fluttered her enormous black eyelashes, her twinkling blue eyes in light. “Thank you, darling. You are so polite,” Rarity complimented, nodding her head to me. She trotted past, and my cheeks warmed up with the unknown glee of hearing praise. I was used to harsh words and scoldings...I think this is the first compliment a pony has ever given me. My eyes welled up with joyous tears as I watched Rarity walk farther ahead.

“Thank you, but I’m not as polite as you, ma’am,” I trotted down the steps, blinking back my tears. Rarity turned her head, her eyes pleased but her expression uncertain. She acknowledged my commendation with a grateful nod, and then she turned back, facing Lotus Flower. My cheeks went cold again as I halted by Rarity’s side. It’s wrong to expect compliments all the time, I scolded myself, furrowing my eyebrows at my arrogance.

I looked up, quickly establishing the situation.

Lotus Flower was sitting between two deluxe, leather massage chairs, complete with a remote-control panel, a cup holder, and a food tray. At the bottom of each chair, there was a heart-shaped hoofbath, with pumping jets that spewed water like a blowhole of an enraged whale. I gasped, marveling at the serenity of the scene. I watched as Rarity clambered onto the left chair gracefully, her purple, curled hair streaming behind her. She sighed, relieved, as she sunk into the chair, sliding her hooves in the elegant bath. “Magnificent,” she breathed, fluttering her eyelids closed.

Lotus Flower was sitting on a white, circular, spinning seat, with a metal bar connecting her to the glass floor. She was holding a silver, knife shaped object, that made my heart jump into my throat. Holy Luna’s Moon...is that a knife? I questioned, pulling my right hoof towards my heart. Lotus Flower turned to Rarity and leaned over her hooves.

“U-um...w-what is that thing?” I stuttered, quietly gesturing to the horrifying object in Lotus Flower’s hoof.

Lotus Flower turned her head to me, her eyebrows raised. She had a smirk on her face, as if I should know what the object was. I stared, my cheeks reddening with the weight of her arrogant face. I sniffed, awaiting her answer.

She held it in the air, and I leaned forward to examine the object.

“Er...it’s a hoof file?” she answered, bewildered at my lack of knowledge. I was still puzzled. What’s a hoof file? I asked myself, my eyes widening. I blinked quickly, begging silently for Rarity to answer the question instead of Lotus Flower.

Graphite Star, never think badly of anypony.

I sigh at my mind.

I know. I’m sorry.

Do not be sorry. Learn from your actions.

Of course.

That’s a good Graphite.

I straightened my posture, glancing politely at Lotus Flower. She smiled a closed-lip smile and lowered the so-called hoof file towards Rarity’s hooves. “It shines your hooves and removes any dry skin,” she explained. I nodded, relieved that it wasn’t a knife. Oh! That makes sense, I smiled, glad that I now knew. Imagine if I’d just walked into a random spa and said, “Oh, is that a knife?” That would be so hilarious....

“Go ahead, make yourself comfortable, Graphite Star. My sister, Aloe Vera, will be with you shortly.” Lotus Flower elucidated, looking at me over out of the corner of her oceanic blue eye. I shifted my eyes towards the chair on Lotus Flower’s right, observing that it appeared extremely friendly and comfortable. I relaxed my shoulders and blinked sedately.

I put my hoof on the seat and hoisted myself up, tenderly tracing along the stitches in the leather covering. I slid down the front, my hooves lowering into the amazing hoof bath. The tips of the rose petals tickled my hooves, causing delighted shivers to climb up my spine. I turned my head, placing my front hooves on the arms of the chair.

No, no, you mustn’t get too comfortable, Graphite.

I blinked.

You’re right, mind. I must not dwell in luxury.

You’ve learned well.

Well, I try my hardest to be polite and true.

That’s a good Graphite.

I raised my head off the chair, scanning my surroundings. Rarity was in mid-treatment, her hooves sparkling with the effort of Lotus Flower’s tedious work and the shining chandelier hanging far above everypony’s heads. Rarity’s head lay back; her eyes covered with cucumbers and her hair in ringlets. I blinked, amazed at how tenderly she’d been treated.

I turned my head slightly, searching for Aloe Vera, even though I had zilch idea of what she looked like. Similar to Lotus Flower, I reasoned, remembering that Lotus Flower had spoken of Aloe Vera as a sister. I squinted, looking around the vast spa, full of workers and relaxed ponies, to spot somepony who might resemble Lotus Flower.

Between two towel racks, I spotted a mare with a blue mane, exactly like Lotus Flower’s, with the exact same headband. Her body was pink, like Lotus Flower’s hair color, except less florescent, and more humble. She had a lotus flower cutiemark, like Lotus Flower, except hers was outlined in blue, not pink. Her eyes were oceanic blue, similar to Lotus Flower’s...but maybe more clear.

If this isn’t Lotus Flower’s sister, then I’m a Princess, I thought, smiling to myself.

I leaned back, closing my eyes. Seconds ticked by as I waited for her to trot over, bearing the message that’d she be the one who would treat me. I sighed, my back sinking into the bendable leather of the chair, and I felt as if my heart was melting with relaxation. I tingled my hooves, feeling completely aware of myself and my beating heart...feeling completely in sink with my pulsing veins and heaving lungs. It was a new sensation...a sensation I didn’t know how to cope with.

I heard a voice slowly creeping into my mind, snapping me out of my trance. “Hello there. My name is Aloe Vera, and I’ll be treating you today,” a cheery voice said, bouncing in my ears like lovely bells. I blinked open my eyes and saw the mare with the blue mane, with her crystalized oceanic blue eyes and her strong resemblance to the slightly snarky mare, Lotus Flower.

I sat up, observing her kind smile and her welcoming eyes. I watched her very closely as she sat down, bending low over my hooves. I watched her concisely as she scanned my hooves, disgust not appearing on her face at the sight of the dirt crusted over my gray fur. I raised my eyebrow, realizing that I had not replied to her sentence.

“Oh-! Hello, ma’am. Thank you so much for taking the time to be here with me today,” I tilted my head down, bowing to her slightly. Aloe Vera looked up from my hooves and slanted her head, confused at my politeness. I smiled back, something inside my heart bursting to the brim.

I liked this pony.

Aloe Vera inclined her head, blinking her graceful eyelashes at me. She was stunning, like Rarity, but she wasn’t as bodacious, which is the most likeable factor in a pony, in my opinion.

“It’s no problem at all,” she replied. “Now, we’ll start with your hooves.”

The next three hours were filled with hoof baths, polishings, cleanings, filings, and massages. I had never felt anything as luxurious as this in my short life, and I had never expected to; being a working filly...I didn’t expect to amount to much. Aloe Vera was the kindest, most tender pony I had ever met (besides Mistress Twilight Sparkle, of course) and she treated me with respect and diligence. She was dedicated to her work, and that’s what gets a pony far in life.

Finally, at the end of the third hour, I stood in front of a mirror, with Aloe Vera beside me. Rarity had disappeared into a room with an expert massager, who was licensed all over Equestria, and said to be the best in the business. I had gratefully stayed with Aloe Vera, gladly excepting her excellent work.

Her crystalized blue eyes peered over my shoulder, looking into my eyes in the mirror. “So, do you like your transformation?” she asked quietly, blinking curiously at me.

The pony in the mirror, standing where I should be standing, nodded her head. I couldn’t believe how different I looked.

My green-and-blue eyes were shining. My untidy, short black hair was perched on my head gracefully, as if a professional hairstylist had spent countless hours putting every stray, grimy hair back into place. My tail was delicately twirled to natural perfection; looking as it looked when I had been cared by my loving parents, bathed and brushed regularly. My dark gray fur was silky and soft, like a baby blanket, looking like it shouldn’t look; luscious and beautiful. I felt unreal. I felt...something I had never felt before.

I felt beautiful.

Chapter One: The Train

Chapter One: The Train

Glowing orbs of light flickered past the foggy, rippling windows, filling me with any hope that I could grasp. I urged to reach out; to feel the inviting warmth that seemed to be excludedly contained in the little balls. I yearned to escape this cold train car, filled with desperation and impaitence. But of course, nopony seemed to care how a little, poor, and dirty servant filly, thought.

I turned my head away from the misty window with some regret, because it felt like turning away from a bright, beautiful aura. Avoiding the eyes of the grumpy, tired mares and stallions that were obviously curious, yet at the same time, revolted, of an unexperienced filly sitting in their car, I reached down and grabbed the tan and dark brown messanger bag that was lying clumsily next to the bench. I unbuttoned the top, and then shoved my hoof inside it, groping for a large, leather book. Finally, I found it, and I heaved it onto the tattered leather that covered the bench I sat on.

I could still feel their eyes on me.

Ignoring the prickling sense I was obtaining behind my ears, I opened the book and flipped to the first page; the only page that was occupied with any writing; or any pictures, in the entire, old photo album. A worn, faded photo was sloppily pasted (by me, of course) smack-dab in the middle of the yellowing, moth-eaten page.

I made a mental list of the ponies in the picture. The mention of their names in my head echoed rather uninvitingly, bringing unwanted tears to the brink of my eyes.

DuskDark: The tall, lanky blue-grey mare-earth pony, with sapphire eyes, a black, flowing mane, and a cutiemark of a leather book with dragon wings.

CloudFlicker: The stalky, dark-grey stallion-earth pony, with alarming green eyes, a dark blue scraggly mane, and a cutiemark of a lightning-shaped flashdrive.

SunLily: The small, light pink filly-unicorn, with dark brown eyes, a electric blue, puffy mane, and a cutiemark of two popsicles intertwined, with fireworks surrounding them.

Hot, emotional tears were pouring over my eyelashes. Gosh darnet...this happens all the time! I thought, angry at myself. There are so many other ponies in Equestria who have bigger problems than me...there's no use crying over spilled milk, I thought, even more infuriated at myself. I slammed the book shut, collecting the surprised grunts from the ponies around me.

Still holding the book in my lap, I closed my eyes and turned my head back to the window. I fluttered my eyes open, and discovered that the tears had left them dry and hard. I ignored this and my thoughts steered towards the ponies that lay in that book.

My parents, and my sister's, deaths were not heroic or boast-worthy. It was a humble, sudden death that wouldn't have occured if it weren't for the dark red pagasus filly that had flown across the air right at that moment. I have met some fillies who say that their parents have died while fighting a vicious dragon. I have heard tell of parents that captain the Wonderbolts. I have also, unbelievingly, heard a story about being a secret alicorn, and having Princess Luna for a mother. I find it horribly disgusting to dishonor your parents like this; the truth shows the humbleness and greatfullness inside. Lies only bring false hope and unwilling self- sacrafice.

Ever since my family passed, I have earned my living by traveling all over Equestria, accepting assistant jobs. Some months, I'm a dishwasher at a restaurant; other months, I'm a maid at a hotel. You might be thinking, But you're just a filly! You can't work. Well, in a way, you're right. But I cut deals. I ask for no protection; they give me the bits that I need. When my family was buried, I promised to always work hard and make them proud.

Recently, Equestria has gained a new princess. Princess Twilight Sparkle, I believe she was called. She's been all over Equestria, attending welcoming ceremonies and parties of every kind. Of course, I had never attended any of these; I had always been in work when they happened. But one night, last night, in fact, I had the extraordinary opprutunity of going to one. Back in Vanhoover; the last town I had taken a job in, I had watched from a kitchen window as Princess Twilight Sparkle entered the village, waving to her new, loyal subjects.

I had worked at a cafe called Swissa Monalisa. It specialized in cheese and artwork. Weird combination, right? Anyway. I was the dishwasher. Anyway! The cafe was closing early because of the celebrations, and I was finishing up my work. My boss back then, a dusty yellow mare with a black and purple mane, with a cutiemark of a wooden spoon, had been putting on her hat and jacket. Her name was Ms. Bumblefly, and she had been a strict boss, that's for sure. I remember that job like it was yesterday...actually, it was yesterday. I quit around noon. Annnnyyywayyy, back to the memory.

"Graphite Star, are you finished here?" Ms. Bumblefly had barked rather waspishly. Her voice was funny because it sooooo resembled to her name. Every comment, statement, or question she made had been very wasp-like; sincere or not. I had looked up and met her cold eyes and analyzed the frown on her face. "Yes, ma'am," I bowed, and I placed the last, clean plate in the cupoard above the window, and clapped my hooves together. "Done, Ms. Bumblefly," I had bowed again. I had always bowed to everypony I met that was older than me; it was part of my inner code.

"Then you best be getting home...unless you are going to attend the ceremony," She had turned away, grabbing her purse off the hook near the maple door with her tail. I had just finished hanging my apron up, and my hoof was still positioned on the granite counter beside the sink. I had glanced over my shoulder, and had observed that Ms. Bumblefly was halfway out the door, her head inclined towards me.

"I might take a look, ma'am," I had replied simply and respectfully. Ms. Bumblefly blinked and frowned again. "Have a good night, Graphite Star." And she had slammed the door, leaving me alone in the cold, desolate kitchen, with no company except for the pots and pans hanging clumsily on the tile walls.

It had been snowy outside. White, crystalized snowflakes had drifted dreamily across my eyes as I stood outside, watching the blurred, royal blue carrige ride in front of a gleaming, noisy parade. Rows and rows of ponies had been positioned in front of me, all crowding each other to get a closer look at the newcoming princess. I wasn't particularly concerned about the new princess; I knew nothing about her, but I couldn't pretend that I wasn't curious; I had done some research about Princess Celestia's Academy for Gifted Unicorns, and Twilight Sparkle's name and description had taken up a whole page of the yearbook.

There had been an uproar from the crowd ahead of me; the carriage had approached. I had narrowed my eyes and craned my neck, trying to see over the tall mares and stallions that blocked my view. Parents were holding their fillies and colts on their backs, which had made it even more difficult to get a glimpse of the princess. I had sighed and hung my head, then turned away and started to make the 12-mile trek to the orphanage I lived in.

Suddenly, there was a flash of purple light that had blinded me temporarily, a roar of confused gasps, and I had turned around, surprised.

"Hello, citizens of Vanhoover! It is me, your new princess, here to say that I am the luckiest pony in Equestria to have all of you lovely ponies as my faithful subjects!" A magnified, cheery voice had echoed magically through the gloom. I remember dashing forward, eager for a glimpse of this magically talented princess.

"I have come here today to enlight my crowning, by giving you all a party in my honor, and yours! Meet me at the Towne Hall, where our grand celebration shall commence!" Princess Twilight Sparkle had announced, causing another uproar from the crowd. Some part of me, at these words, had awoken, and was jumping up and down in my stomach. I was intruiged by this new princess, and I wanted to meet her, to speak to her...even LOOKING at her would be satisfying.

I'd never been to a party, but I had been positive that I was going to this one.

_____________________________________________________________________

I had been trailing along behind the outskirts of the mass that was moving like a large, deformed catterpillar. Surely I hadn't been the most excited to attend this party, and I remember trying not to rush myself. Going to the party would mean a longer walk home; and also, Mrs. HummingBreeze, the Mistress of the orphanage, expected all fillies and colts to be home by 9 o'clock sharp, but I needed to go to this party. I just...didn't know why.

Towne Hall had now been in my view. Golden streamers hung from the tall podiums, and balloons hung on the rafts of the circular, red roof. I remember gasping with delight; I had always been used to dull colors of the orphanage and the many cafe's and post office's that I had worked at. I had smiled like it was the best day of my life. Something about the lightened town hall had filled me with golden light; like a warm, cozy feeling that hypnotized me like a warm, comfy, red-velvet cushion.

The crowd was filing in Towne Hall, some glancing at the parked carrige, others staring wonderingly at the decorations. I remembered impaitently waiting in the line, awaiting my chance to gain entrance. I also remembered glancing at the clock repeatedly; it was getting closer and closer to 9 o'clock...I could imagine Mrs. HummingBreeze fretting over my late return. Finally, the chance had arrived. I ducked under a stallion's extended hoof, under a mare's puffy tail, and into the magnificent building.

"Woah."

Rows and rows of long tables with white, silver-lined tablecloths had decked the giant, main room of the Town Hall, and a colossal, glimmering chandelier hung grandly in the middle of the domed ceiling. I had never seen the place so decorated; it felt like Christmas had come early this year. I grinned and turned my head every which way; I felt like an uncontrollable remote-control race-car.

I remember searching the long rows of tables for a suitable seat; one that was close to the princess, at the other end of the hall, and one that was away from the commotion in the middle of all of the tables. I trotted along the edges of the tables, causing some stallions and mares to look up at the little filly in the large crowd. I had turned away to look at the princess again, and saw that she was being offered a drink by a smart-looking stallion in a red and black tuxedo. Aghast, I had looked closely at the drink and saw that it was only lemonade.

I was very close to her now. I remember that I could've reached out...could've touched her purple hooves, could have tapped her golden crown if I had reached high enough. The crowd was flowing by her like a swimming river, and I was surrounded by the hungry fish who were moving me along. Disappointed that I couldn't straggle, I gave up fighting back the crowd and let it engulf me, my eyes still on the glass of lemonade.

It all happened very suddenly. The table where Twilight Sparkle's throne was behind began to wobble, and Twilight Sparkle had shrieked as the lemonade slipped off the table and through the air, spiraling towards her valuble, priceless, glass crown....

I was now in the air, spiraling towards the glass of lemonade, seconds from shattering, seconds from spilling its contents. "Nooooo!" I screamed, and with a heart-shocking thud, I had caught the glass, saving the princess from humiliation, and lay splayed across the tablecloth in front of her.

The whole room had stopped. The clinks of silverware against plates had died out as every pony had turned to look at me. The princess herself looked at me, a strange look in her eye that later I recognized as pity and curiousness. My throat had clogged; I remember trying to say sorry, but the words, I remembered, where reduced to a strange gurggling noise.

The horror...the shock...that I'd thought I'd seen in the princess's eyes....It had been unbearable. I was balanced on that table, stuck staring into those purple eyes. My mouth had been opened in paralization. I never...had seen...anything...like her eyes, before. Eyes that could hypnotize you with her emotions...I HATED them, yet secretly admired them.

It was the princess who had broke the eerie silence. "Continue eating," she had beckoned to the citizens of Vanhoover. The clinks of silverware against plates had resumed, and the chatter had risen high again. The princess had observed for awhile, ignoring me, and then her eyes flickered toward me. She had opened her mouth, then spoke.

"Can you come with me for a moment, little filly?" She had asked. Those words had awoken me from my transfixed state, and harrassed me back to the terrifying reality. "Y-yes, ma'am," I had stuttered, and the princess had pushed her golden throne back, raised herself up, flexed her purple wings, and left me to grope in her absence.

I remember wobbling my legs around and flopping on the velvet stage where the princess's throne was. White spots sparkled in front of my eyes as I raised myself up and rocketed down the stairs after the princess, who was leading me into a hall that led away from the main room. I remember gulping and setting off after her; the hallway was dark and brooding.

The hallway carpet had been red velvet, just like the main room's. The hallway had many, many grand, golden doors on its walls, leading to who knows where. I remember thinking that the princess had to be waiting for me in one of them. My questions had been answered very soon; a golden door on the left side had been open, still swinging on its hinges, as if somepony had just gone through it.

Sweat had poured out of my short, black hair, and I remember biting my lip and wiping it away with my hoof. What awaited me behind that door? A beheading? A banishment? OR...WAS SHE GOING TO MURDER ME?!? Graphite, calm down, you're being insane, I had thought. I could now laugh at that thought. I could now laugh....

I pushed open the door.

The princess had been standing in the middle of a wide, circular room, with walls filled with bookshelves and desks; cluttered with broken quills, worn parchment, and cracked mirrors. The room would have been the most interesting thing I'd ever seen at that moment; but what the princess had been doing was much, much more breathtaking than a dusty, old room.

Her wings were spread, and her horn was surrounded by a majenta glimmer, wimmering with the invisible wind that seemed to be in the room. Books of every size and shape were floating around her head, swirling around like a leathery tornado. I gasped in awe; what I wouldn't give to have those books in my hoofs...to feel their leathery spines, to read them cover to cover.

Majestically, the books had fallen to the floor, and her horn had stopped shimmering. She had turned around and bore her sympathetic, curious eyes into mine, folding her wings against her body. She had walked towards me, blinking her eyes slowly. I braced myself for a hit; for a blow. I felt her presence so close to mine, and I cringed back.

"What is your name?" She had asked me. I had uncringed, startled at her question. I had expected a scolding at the very least. I had bowed, very low, and responded, "Graphite Star, your majesty." I remember trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

Her purple, soft hoof had gripped my chin, and pulled my head up gently. I had found myself eye-to-eye with her. Her eyes were now soft, not cold, and they had reassured me that I was not to be punished. "Graphite Star, do you like books?" She had asked, pulling her face away from mine and walking back to the middle of the room. She had picked up a particularly large volume with her horn, picked up her right hoof, bent it, and turned her head to me.

Do I like books? DO I LIKE BOOKS? Books are the most wonderful objects in the universe! They take you on adventures, show you possibilities that could never be imagined, let you fly on their leathery backs...THEY LET YOU SEE AND KNOW EVERYTHING! If I could have one object, and one object only...it would be a book. BOOKS ARE MY HOOOOOOMMMMMEEEEE. THEY ARE THE MOST EPIC, BEAUTIFUL-

"Yes, your majesty, I love books," I had replied, bowing again. Princess Twilight Sparkle had smiled. "Graphite Star, I admire that. Not many fillies enjoy reading these days." She had replied, levitating the book down so it hit the velvet floor with a soft thud.

I had been wondering when she would talk to me about the lemonade incident, and I nodded, not hearing what she was saying. Would she be mad? Would she be disappointed? Twilight had been observing me as I thought this, and she finally spoke, breaking the short silence.

"Tell me about yourself, Graphite Star." Twilight had demanded politely. I was taken aback; nopony had asked about me before. "Uh...um...well, I am an orphan at St. Cennia's, just up on the hill...I've been in town for about a month, and I look a job at Swissa Monalissa...I've earned 7 bits in the last few weeks-" I had started, but the princess had cut me off.

"You work?" She asked. I had nodded politely, and she frowned to herself. "Go on," she had insisted, and I opened my mouth to speak again.

"I've been to four cities, and I've taken 20 jobs so far...I've earned 47 bits in total...I'm working for 800, you see...to buy a house...somewhere...and uh, I have a messanger bag with a notebook, the Harry Potter series, a dirty, blue blanket, and-," I had paused for a moment, tears filling my eyes, "-a blank photo album."
There had been an uncomfortable silence, stretching to the boundaries of forever, seeping invisble, inky blackness into the room. The princess broke the silence, and I remember being greatful that she did.

"How old are you?" The princess whispered, and I remember meeting her now pityful eyes. "I am 10 years old, ma'am." I whispered back. I had looked down at the ground now, pretending to be interested at an astray tuft of scraggly carpet that I had just noticed. Unable to stand the suspension, I had looked up and met her eyes again. I had been alarmed to see that a wet tear was dripping out of her eye.

"Graphite Star, I have a library in Ponyville, and I have been looking for a pony who loves books, who can work hard, and I have just found the perfect pony. Would you like a job?" The princess inquired, her voice rather watery.

I hadn't believed my ears. A library? Books? Working for a princess? OF COURSE! It was my dream job...Ponyville...everything about it was amazing! I was already imagining the wonders...a new school, a new start....

"I would love that, ma'am." I had answered, and I was eager to go pack my bag as soon as I got to the orphanage, and buy a train ticket to Ponyville as soon as I could.

"Then I shall see you in a week." The princess had concluded with a smile, and she trotted past me, opened the grand door with her horn, and left me alone to dwell in my happiness.

_____________________________________________________________________

That was how I ended up on this rumbling train, on a frosty, bitter Saturday night, with nothing for company but the grumpy stallions and mares that sat on the chairs around me. I smiled; reliving the memory was almost as delightful as experiencing it for real. My eyes, once again, darted back to the glowing orbs of light that lingered for a moment, then flashed away, as the train rumbled slowly along the train tracks. I glanced up at the clock, feeling eager. According to the clock, the train should be arriving in the station soon.

My thoughts began to ramble away, perhaps disappearing with the last street light that passed before the train petruded into darkness, having just entered a brick tunnel. I wondered about my new school...it was called Firework Elementary, I believe. 'A calm school in the outskirts of Ponyville, with an excellent education program and great grades all around!,' had been the description that I found in a pamphlet. Of course, descriptions in pamphlets were usually for clueless tourists....

The train lurched uncomfortably, sending my face slamming into the glass, and causing me a temporary throb of pain. I knew what this meant; the train had arrived! My face still throbbing, I leaned back and reached down, throwing the messanger bag over my head. I smiled again; the train had slowed to a complete stop.

"Mares and Gentlecolts, we have now arrived in Ponyville station. Please watch your step and please remember to give your conductor a tip on the way out. Have a pleasant evening, and we hope that you choose Mare-away Trainlines as your faithful transportation again soon." A cheery, mare's voice rang out through the loud speakers at the top corners of the train car.

I leapt up, joining the long line that had begun to que up, from the front of the train to the back. I saw an opening, and I dashed towards it just in time, delaying a stallion from cutting in front of a cheerful looking mare. I heard a grunt of frustration and I grinned. I don't like ponies who take advantage of other ponies.

I peered around the cheerful mare in front of me and saw that the line was moving quickly, and I felt pleased. I retracted my head and looked down at my messanger bag, just for something to look at. I dawdled away into my own thoughts and memories again, moving along with the line without thinking.

Before I knew it, I was the second-to-first pony in line. The cheerful mare in front of me payed the conductor an extra big tip, picked up her baggage, and moved off the stairs that led to the platform. My stomach doing backflips, I stepped one hoof out of the train, and another, and into the cold, bitter air. My future lay here.

My destiny lay here.

Author's Note

I appreciate criticism and suggestions for grammar and craft!

You guys rock! Stay awesome, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for reading!