Chapters The moon shone through the small window, illuminating Trixie's dorm. It was small, and filled with minimal decoration. Aside the humble bedpost was a stack of spell books and a poster of Celestia. She didn't want to admit it, but the young mare adored the princess. The blue unicorn sat brushing her mane, humming happily to herself. Another filly entered the room, giving a small yawn.
"Trixie." She mumbled. "Why are you up so early? Celestia hasn't even raised the-"
"I KNOW!" Trixie set down the brush excitedly, swinging around to face her roommate. "But listen, grassheart. We're almost done with magic kindergarten, and there is one more spell I want to learn..."
Grassheart smiled. "There's always one more spell with you. I mean, I agree! I'm just a little less magical then you, that's all."look the part.
"Listen MASSFART " Trixie giggled at her new nickname for her roommate. "I'm going to go and talk to celestia. The castle isn't a long walk from here anyway." She tossed her mane casually, a spark of excitement in her eyes. The feeling was shared by the two fillies.
"C-can you even do that? Why do you need to speak to Celestia anyway?" Here the blue one rolled her eyes.
"The spell, fart. THE SPELL. I'm trying to cast illusions. It tricky, but nothing I can't do." Trixie gave a dreamy smile as they left the kindergarten.
"Still,a little advice couldn't hurt."
..........
Grassheart shuffled quietly into her room,feeling defeated. Trixie had woken her up preparing,and the hopeful mare had gone out to practice magic. The courtyard had been dismal, the only bright light from her horn. Her horn began to "charge" and she directed her magic toward a small statue. Slowly but surely it lifted into the air, but gravity ultimately won. She still had a shard of clay in her hoof.
"Trixie? Why are you up so early? Celestial hasn't even raised the"
"I KNOW!" Grassheart's roommate was practically beaming with energy. The blue unicorn launched into a quick explanation of what she was planning,which Grassheart casually listened to.
"It always one more spell with you, Trixie. I mean, I agree! I'm just a little less magical than you." Her ears flopped as Trixie smirked in amusement.
"A little?" Trixie continued talking, her words cutting Grassheart like a knife. She barely listened, but perked up as soon as her roommate mentioned Celestia.
The two students walked out of the building, excited at the prospect of Meeting royalty. Grassheart still felt the sting of her partners remarks, but in the end shook it off. Trixie had no other friends, while she had many. The only other pony she knew that was like Trixie was celestia's student, who spent most of her time studying. In a way, she felt sorry for Trixie, maybe even wanted to be her friend.
But probably not.
.................
Celestia walked calmly to her main balcony, feeling rather peaceful. Raising the sun wasn't anything new to her-she had done it for thousands of years. For the first time in a century, however, this quiet routine had been interrupted.
"P-princess!" Two small unicorns galloped up to her, out of breath. As soon as they had regained themselves, one of them gasped. She quickly bowed and, to Celestia's surprise, trembled before her. The other shot her friend a glare.
"Mass-er- GRASSHEART. There's no need to fear her. According to the guards, she's the kindest person ever! Not that you can trust them. For all we know she's a stinky, heartless-" the alicorn raised an eyebrow, and the blue filly began to bow as well, also trembling. The princess was amused really, no one had acted so informal quite before.
"Is there somthing you need, my friends?" Celestia inquired. The two mares sprung up.
"I am Trixie, a student at your school." She then waved a hoof at her friend. "And this... This is Grassheart." Trixie cleared her throat. "I have been studying illusions and tricks... And I um... Wanted advice." Her blue face had turned a deep Crimson. There was a brief bit of silence, then Celestia answered.
"Show me." The alicorn watched as Trixie went even redder, lighting up her horn. Magic began to spark and buildup, then slowly turn to mist. At this point the mist would dissolve and reveal the wanted image. It was at the mist, however, that failed to spread, Trixie gasped for air, head tucked in shame. Grassheart had backed into the shadows.
"Get the air around you to smoothen with a minor wind spell. Then relax and visualize, let the magic be released in small doses before the image has settled." Trixie listened intently, then began to try again. Celestia glanced at the night sky outside, biting her lip. She had time, ponies had waited for her before. When she turned around, however, the fillies were gone. Celestia looked around, confused on their departure. Then the wall ahead of her dissolved.
The two unicorns sat in awe, Trixie breathing hard, grinning from ear to ear.
"That was amazing,young filly! Please, keep up your excellent work! " guards who had seen the commotion clapped, rather impressed at the young mares spell. As the pair of unicorns walked away, the first rays of sun shone through the decorated halls.
"Wow ,Trixie." Grassheart said. "That was cool! You are truly great!"
"Yes, great." Trixie whispered. "Great and powerful."
Author's Note
This is my first story, so please give advice/criticism! I truly appreciate it!
"Trixie Lulamoon." Hoofingtons stage master kept his face blank as he read her resumé. The Mage kept her eyes on the stallion, trying to read his body language. He was rather laid back, and seemed to always look bored. That hadn't changed since the last time she was here. This time however, a look of suspicion glazed his eyes. The stage master heaved a great sigh, suspicion replaced by annoyance. Trixie's body froze as he returned her gaze. She knew that look. His expression, though appearing neutral, held the feeling of disgust and rejection. She was getting this look much more then she wanted to admit.
"I'm afraid we cannot accept your...talents, at this time. " The stallion was direct, yet also merciless. Trixie winced, expecting the usual spiel. Some directors had been cruel, others sickeningly sweet. Either way she would be rejected. She stared at the pony, waiting for him to continue. The stallion cleared his throat, awkwardly staring at his hooves.
"We... We are looking for more variety in our theater, and magic just isn't interesting-" he began.
"Hoofington is the second most magic based entertainment center. Tall Tale the first." Her head drooped. "They rejected Trixie too." The stallion cleared his throat again, quickly organizing the mahogany desk. Moments as long as years passed as the two sat in silence. The stage master continued organizing his already neat station, not daring to look Trixie in the eyes. After an eternity he glared.
"We're on a tight schedule, Lulamoon. Ponies are waiting to speak to me." She shakily trotted off, glaring at the empty hallway.
"Waiting to speak to that chump? Horseapples." Trixie walked away in defeat, cursing under her breath.
The sun peaked through the clouds, promising a new hope ahead... For any pony but Trixie. Passerby stared at her, some snickering softly. Last year they would've been asking for autographs. She had always distrusted Hoofington, the crowds were doubtful. Not as bad as some places, but it seemed this town was just like all the others.
Trixie groaned as the colt trotted up to her. He had a look of curiosity, but also amusement. The mare shifted from foot to foot, waiting for the scorn. The last town had been torture. Half the services wouldn't serve her because she was a fraud.
"Is it true you talk funny?" The colt grinned.
"What do you mean, does Trixie talk funny?" He laughed and she went red. She couldn't even remember when she began to speak that way. As a filly,it seemed all show ponies had some sort of announcer. So she had decided to become her own, and it had stuck. Other foals would laugh, but then she taught them some respect. She didn't want to hurt this colt though, he seemed to have a hard time as well. Though hearty, the foal was thin, and his eyes were bloodshot. Sooner or later she would end up that way too.She glared at a colt who was staring, and noticed a community board behind him. The stage sheet was mostly filled, but there was spots she could have filled. There were two magicians on there as well. She scoffed.
"Sunset Moons and... No." Trixie's face paled, her heartbeat sounding like a drum. She stepped back in horror, then gazed at the advertisements. There was a sheet for her too. She used her magic to rip the paper from the wall, crashing past the colt. Tears pricked at her eyes as she rushed into her caravan. "This... This isn't possible." She stared in disbelief at the flyer
witness the impossible with Grassheart! Honored by all, this sorceress is one of the most elite mages in Equestria. See the magic today!
The tears spilled, depression turning to rage.
"This is all her fault. That no good mare in Ponyville. " through gritted teeth Trixie paced her small home, shivering with anger. "Of course Trixie ran from an Ursa! It was a minor, sure, but a dangerous one at that! Trixie should have beat those foals herself!" Even though she said these things, doubts creeped into her head. Twilight had easily stood up to that beast, and tried to make amends! Meanwhile, you hadn't even left with your dignity It was true, not a single person had hired her since. Sure there was some volunteer shows, but those only ended with embarrassment. She glared at in her reflection in a mirror leaning against a corner. At one point Trixie had used it to prepare for performances and admire herself. Now it was a cruel reminder of the life she had lost.
"Trixie didn't think it would come to this." She muttered, levitating a slip of paper from behind her mattress. "A rock farm." She moaned. "How could one pony ruin me like this?" She idly flipped open a spell book on charms, a certain page catching her eye. The alicorn amulet had always fascinated her, but nothing beyond an idle dream of power. Trixie's mind raced, could this get her life back together?
The unicorn shook her head, that power could corrupt. Her horn glowed as her caravan began to move with her magical assistance. She sighed, closing the book and focusing on the rock farm. Still, creeping thoughts entered her mind. Small seeds of revenge took root in her head, growing into weeds of consideration. Without realizing it, Trixie began to scheme. all she had to do was wait until she made it to the rock farm. Then the plans could unfold on their own.
................................
Trixie almost gagged at the drab landscape ahead of her. Everything was... grey. Clouds loomed over the rock farm, complimenting the colorless landscape surrounding her. Mounds of pale stones were the only thing that truly stood out- but even those were void Of interest. Minutes later she had taken a hammer and was set to work. Trixie tried to concentrate, but thinking didnt seem to be nescasary for splitting rocks. Instead she concetrated on the amulet. Could she actually get it? Would it even be worth it? The mare looked around idly, then nodded her head. She would do it. The amulet would be hers.
After all, she had nothing to lose.
There was no doubt now that Trixie would obtain the amulet.
It was less a plan, and more a guideline. Get the necklace, get revenge. For months the mare labored at the farm, splitting and moving stones. There was little pay, but at least she could keep her cart on the property. Though better off, Trixie was far from satisfied. She missed her cheering crowds and adoring fans. She missed traveling and seeing equestria. Now the only things she saw were her home and the unbearably flat Rock farm. It had been another tiring day when she decided to take in her accounts.
" Lets see, Trixie's made another 20 bits this week, but only ten the last. After a month that would be..." The unicorn scribbled hastily on a parchment, planning how to use her money. In her mouth she placed a bit bag into a chest. She sighed happily as she admired her work. The chest had been empty a long time, but since she began her new... profession, it was now almost filled. Trixie stared a long time, silently thinking. Would this be enough? After an eternity the mare nodded. She glanced at a pile of books and notes. In every spare moment she had studied and thought about her plan. It had grown from a thought to an obsession, taking hold of her mind like a weed.
Trixie trotted over to the desk, glancing at the mirror. Her eyes hinted of the sleepless nights she had become accustomed to. Again she sighed, this time out of frustration. Her books said little on what the charm did. Most of them compiled of rumors. The texts generally proved two things; it was dangerous and powerful.
In the beginning of her project, she had also researched how to keep dark magic at bay, but had soon ditched that study. There was simply not enough time to note on petty details. Naturally, this was no mere detail- but her own anger blinded that fact. It would all be worth it. Twilight Sparkle would be defeated and scorned, and Trixie would become more than a stage magician. With her magic, she could rival the princesses.
Yes, it would all be worth it.
....................
Rained poured down from into the streets of Canterlot, Trixie's cloak her only protection. Her breathing deepened as her cautious trot turned into a full gallop. She practically dove into the charm shop, antiques of all shapes and size surrounding her. She did not hesitate to search the piles of items. She huffed in frustration, turning a skull over in her hooves. The light of a lantern came towards her. A grey stallion walked up to her, smiling softly.
"May I... help you?" Trixie quickly hid her face, pointing at the amulet behind him. Her heartbeat quickened- there it was. Months of toil and dead ends had led to this moment. The stallions eyes widened as he described it magnificent power. She pointed again, and he quickly denied her purchase.
"Oh no!" His white face paled even further. "Its...far too dangerous!" She rolled her eyes. Trixie impatiently tossed her bag of gold. If theirs anything she knew about merchants, they were easy to bribe. The grey pony's eyes glinted with excitement and greed.
"Would you like that gift wrapped?" As Trixie approached the glass protecting the power, a slow, dark grin contorted her face. She could already feel the Alicorn Amulet's power. Her own magic stung slightly as it was levitated into her cloak. As soon as she stepped into the dark canterlot streets, the mare pulled it out. It began to sting as she held it in one hoof. It glinted in the moonlight, the red gem shining. Her hooves shook as she unclipped a metal link, then relinking it as she placed it on her neck.
Trixie gasped quietly. her entire body had frozen as the magic of the necklace surged through her. It was... cold. Almost refreshing in a sense. Like stepping out of a steaming desert and falling into snow. her thoughts became clouded with new possibilities. She could take on Canterlot with this power. For the briefest moment there was a soul-crushing regret. As soon as she had put it around her neck the weed of revenge had darkened with almost murderous possibilities. Her heartbeat quickened as she fought for control of her mind. The dark thoughts grew louder.Take your revenge! Humiliate sparkle as she humiliated you! Still, her new ideas came with an odd common sense.
"But Twilight has those pesky friends. They will stay with her no matter what! I have to get rid of them..." Trixie pondered her next actions. She couldn't just remove her rivals friends-that would take too much effort for such little in return. No, she wanted them to be hurt as well.
"I'll just remove Twilight from her home! Banish her from ponyville! That pathetic village will be at my mercy! How will her friends deal with that!" Trixie laughed at the thought. "I could rule them! I WILL rule them!" Despite her thoughts running wild, she paused a moment to try out her new powers.
To her undoubted surprise her pale purple magic had contorted into a deep red. At first all she wanted to try a simple levitation spell. However the dark power writhed inside her- urging for more. She put no effort into stopping it. She relit her horn- this time with bigger plans. The antique shop glowed with a thin layer of corrupted magic. Then in the blink of a eye the simple shop had erupted into flames. Shards of burning wood came down along with ashes of burning treasures. The panicked shop keeper galloped out of the ruins, his coat slightly burned.
"You! You did this! Why would you do this? Help! HELP!" Trixie laughed at the stallions attempts to save his building. Ponies began to swarm around the building. Trixie realized that a couple of guards were pointing at her and murmuring. She laughed again and activated a teleportation charm. Traveling to Twilight would be easy with these powers! And in that moment- that casting of the first spell- Trixie had lost all control.
