Chapters Starlight Acquires Her Magic
In a remote corner of Equestria a devastated filly sat in front of her house. Her only friend had acquired his cutie mark just a couple of days ago and had already been taken to Canterlot. Suddenly a bright light appeared in the sky and a portal opened up, releasing a powerful beam of energy, containing all of the filly's adult self's knowledge and power from where the portal originated. With that energy came the time spell that she, as an adult, had altered.
The scroll landed in front of the filly. She picked it up and began to read it. As she finished reading it she realized she understood it. Suddenly something magical happened, a four pointed star with a white star tilted behind it along with two swirling blue columns appeared on her flank. She got her cutie mark!
Using her newfound magic, the filly flew into her house pointing at her flank yelling, "Mommy, daddy, look!"
Her mother, Primrose and her father, Stone Cutter were stunned when they saw her flying using magic. Primrose gasped, "Starlight honey, are you flying?"
Starlight excitedly replied, "Yes and look, look!"
Stone Cutter saw her flank and said, "It looks like somepony got her cutie mark!"
Starlight squealed, "I did, isn't it awesome? Isn't it amazing?"
Primrose replied, "It is." She then saw that her daughter had a scroll with her. She took it and began to read it. She called to Stone Cutter, "Honey, could you come over and look at this scroll Starlight had with her? I don't know what it is."
He began to read it and knew immediately that it was a time spell. He looked at Starlight and asked, "Starlight sweetie, did you write this?"
Because of the knowledge and power she received when the portal opened, in her mind she did write the spell. She replied, "Yes daddy, I wrote that spell, well parts of it were written by Starswirl the Bearded but I altered it to make it work better!"
While they found her claim kind of far fetched, they realized that cutie marks don't just show up for no reason. They realized that their daughter DID alter the spell. Primrose grabbed Starlight and asked, "Starlight honey, with you rewriting a time spell and being able to fly with only magic, what would you think about going to Canterlot and seeing if you can get into Celestia's school for gifted unicorns?"
Starlight giggled, "Really, you really think I could get into the ruler of all of Equestria's special school?"
Her parents both nodded in unison. Starlight began jumping up and down like the filly she was cheering, "Yes! Yes! Yes! I would love to see if I can get in!"
Primrose replied, "Alright, I'll get in touch with the school, tell them about your abilities and see if you can go there for an entrance exam."
Starlight grabbed her mom and said, "Thank you mommy!" She then giggled, "I wonder if I'll ever meet Trixie!"
Primrose asked, "Starlight honey, who is Trixie?"
Starlight knew she slipped up and had to lie her way out of this. "Oh, she is just a pony that appeared to me in a dream once."
Primrose sighed, "Well shall we get a letter written to send off?"
Starlight excitedly shouted, "Yes mommy, let's do it!"
Writing the Letter
Primrose began the letter,
"To whom it may concern,
My daughter, Starlight Glimmer, has extremely powerful magic. While this may sound far fetched, a portal opened earlier today and a scroll floated down out of it and after reading it, Starlight can suddenly fly with just magic. The scroll is an altered version of Starswirl the Bearded's time travel spell. I am wondering if she would be able to come up to Canterlot to see if she can get into Celestia's special school. We hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Primrose Glimmer"
She handed her daughter the letter and she knew that there were some things in there that simply could not be shared with the princess, or anypony else for that matter. She said, "Mommy, we can't let the princess know about the portal, the scroll or Starswirl's spell!"
Primrose asked, "Why honey?"
This caused Starlight to become more frantic, "Because we can't! This is something that must stay just between us!"
Primrose sighed, "Alright sweetie. How about you write the letter."
Starlight replied, "That sounds good." She took a piece of paper and began,
"To whom it may concern,
My daughter, Starlight Glimmer, possesses an uncanny amount and kind of magic. She can fly with only using magic! Also, she is extremely interested in magic overall and has an infinite hunger for knowledge. With this being the case, I am wondering if she would be able to do what it takes to apply for your school? I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Primrose Glimmer"
Primrose read over the letter and while she felt that Starlight was not providing nearly enough information about her to persuade the higher ups to even let her apply, she nodded and asked, "Well Starlight, shall we get this to the post office?"
Starlight grabbed the letter and shouted, "Yes mommy! Let's get going, we want it to get out today!"
Primrose laughed, "Starlight, we still need to find out the address for Celestia's school and get postage put on the envelope."
Starlight calmed down and said, "I'm sorry mommy, I'm just so excited to get this letter sent off!"
Primrose could understand her daughter's excitement since it could change her life forever. After dropping the letter off at the post office, Starlight asked, "Mommy, how long do you think it will be until we hear back from them?"
Primrose replied, "Starlight honey, it might be a month because I'm sure they have plenty of ponies that send letters to the princess. Just be patient, if they let you apply, we'll go up to Canterlot. If they don't, we will make sure you get the best education possible here or maybe in a bigger city."
All Starlight could do was sigh in frustration. She knew she had the talent to get in and knew that she would likely be able to get accepted as Celestia's protege. When she ruined Twilight's chances of getting into Celestia's school as an adult, she knew getting in would be easy but never took into account that simply being able to apply may not be so easy.
Several days later in Canterlot, Princess Celestia is sitting on her throne as the mail arrives. When she saw a guard bring in a whole stack of letters, she was a bit frustrated. She had been hoping to spend most of the day relaxing but realized that her royal duties must come first. She sighed, "Guard, how many letters are in that stack?"
The guard replied, "Well over twenty, well twenty-six to be exact and it looks like all of them are from private citizens."
Celestia sighed, "Well it is that time of month when many parents contact me to see if their fillies or colts could apply for my school."
She took the letters and began to read through them. At first they were simply parents telling her about their filly's or colt's hunger for knowledge and all she could do as she went through them was shake her head, until she got to the last two in the stack. As she read through the second to last one she got a smile on her face and said, "Get this, this family is claiming that their daughter can make fireworks appear out of nowhere and can manipulate objects."
The guard replied, "Wow, that sounds really impressive."
At that moment Celestia realized that the pony mentioned in that letter was something special. While she had been placing most of the letters on the left side of her throne, she placed this one to her right. She then picked up the last letter and began to read it and would be equally as surprised. She gasped, "Wow and get this, this pony is saying that her daughter can fly with just her magic and even better, that she has an insatiable hunger for knowledge."
The guard replied, "I take it you know which ones you plan on letting apply?"
Celestia levitated the large stack to the guard and asked, "Guard, could you take this to my secretary so she can send out letters letting them know the bad news?"
The guard replied, "Yes your Majesty." He then looked at the two letters she had placed to her right and continued, "I take it you will be writing responses to those two yourself?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, now please take those others to my secretary."
The guard nodded while Celestia began to write the responses to those who she decided she would let apply. The first read,
"Dear Moonrise Lulamoon,
I have read your letter and given what you have told me about your daughter, I must say I am impressed. It is not everyday that I hear about a filly who can do what she can do. Because of this, I would like to meet Trixie and see her do what you have said she can do. Please bring her here on the first day of next month for an entrance exam.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia"
Celestia placed the letter in an envelope and addressed it. She then began her response to the other letter,
"Dear Primrose Glimmer,
I have read your letter and I must say that I am amazed that you daughter can fly with just her magic. I have known many, many powerful unicorns, some of which have been my proteges, but this is the first time I have ever heard of a pony flying with just magic. I am also thrilled to read that she has such a desire to increase her knowledge. Because of this, I would like to meet Starlight and see her do what you have said she can do. Please bring her here on the first day of next month for her entrance exam.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia"
Celestia decided that with the fillies that were mentioned in these letters, that rather than having a guard take them to the secretary to be mailed out, she would take them to the post office herself. As she headed out to mail them, she couldn't help but have a huge smile on her face. While she had had many applicants come in and barely get in and fail the exam entirely, she had a good feeling about these two, a feeling that one of them could be destined for greatness.
Almost two weeks had passed since Starlight and Primrose sent their letter off and naturally Starlight was getting anxious as she waited for a response from the princess. With each day that passed and no response from Celestia, Starlight only became more nervous and a bit irritated that they still hadn't heard back from her. As they headed to the post office Primrose said, "Starlight, when we go to the post office today and if we don't get anything from the princess, could you please not make a scene? If we were to hear from Celestia and she learned of your behavior, she probably would frown upon it."
Starlight replied, "Ok mommy, I won't."
When they arrived and picked up their mail, Primrose scowled at the first letters, as they were bills. The last one though would bring a smile to her face. She said, "Starlight sweetie, you got a letter from Princess Celestia!"
Starlight's ears shot up as she asked, "I got a letter from the princess? It is addressed to me?"
Primrose replied, "Yes, you did. From what I understand when Celestia addresses it to the applicant, that is usually good news."
Starlight immediately grabbed the letter from her mother and opened it. As she read it a huge smile grew on her face, "Yes! Yes! She wants me to go up and take an entrance exam!" She teleported onto her mother's back and continued, "Mommy, she wants me up there on the first of the month!"
Primrose gasped, "Starlight, you can teleport too? Wow, I'm sure Celestia will be beyond impressed when she can see everything you can do." Her smile grew as she continued, "You never know, she might do more than just let you into her school. She might even want you to be her protege!"
Starlight teleported back to the ground and began to jump up and down, "Really mommy? You think she might even want me as her protege?" She began to gallop home and continued, "I can't wait to tell daddy that we get to go to Canterlot!"
Before Primrose could even catch up to her, Starlight teleported into her house right in front of her father. She levitated the letter up to him and squealed, "Look daddy, Princess Celestia addressed this directly to me! She wants me to go up to Canterlot!"
Stone Cutter read the letter and was ecstatic. He hugged Starlight and said, "Wow Starlight, I never expected her to address it directly to you!"
He was begging to say something else when Starlight interrupted, "I know! Mommy said that if Celestia addresses it directly to the applicant, that it is usually a good thing."
Stone Cutter replied, "Well it certainly looks like it was here!"
Very shortly Primrose returned to the house to find Stone Cutter and Starlight talking about the upcoming trip to Canterlot. Obviously Starlight was showing a ton of excitement but what she wasn't showing was the extreme amount of confidence she had in herself. One thing that did concern both of her parents though was how excited she was.
Primrose began, "Starlight honey, you know we love you very much and are very happy for you but I think it might be best if you calmed down."
Starlight asked, "Why?"
Stone Cutter replied, "Because if you are too excited you might not be able to get enough sleep and that might cause you to not do your best when the time comes for your entrance exam."
Starlight sighed, "You're right. I shouldn't let anything keep me from doing my best."
The rest of the day went by as normally as it could for Starlight and her family. While she had a smile on her face the rest of the day her parents couldn't help but worry about her. They had their concerns as to what would happen if she couldn't do up in Canterlot what she does at home and how she would react. After Starlight headed upstairs to bed, Primrose and Stone Cutter had a discussion over this.
Primrose asked, "Honey, I know we are all excited for Starlight but what are we going to do if she fails her exam?"
Stone Cutter was shocked over his wife's question. He asked in return, "You seriously think Starlight will fail her exam? How could you even think such a thing?"
Primrose sighed, "It's not a matter of me thinking that she won't pass, it is a matter of me being worried that she will be too excited and won't be able to pass."
Stone Cutter replied, "You know how she is, that excitement might work in her advantage."
Primrose asked, "Why would you think it would work to her advantage?"
Stone Cutter replied, "Remember how excited she was the day that she got that scroll? Remember how it was that excitement that likely caused her to just start flying to begin with?"
Primrose suggested, "That is true but I still think we should try to calm her down a bit because she does need her sleep. If she is wound up like this she definitely won't get any sleep."
Stone Cutter added, "Yeah, that could be a problem. If she is too tired she might not be able to do her best up there." He paused and continued, "Well we still have a few days before we head up there. I'm sure we can get her calmed down well before then."
Primrose replied, "You're right, we'll get her calmed down and she will do fine."
While her parents were talking, Starlight laid there in bed wondering about so many things. She couldn't help but remember what gave her this opportunity, her past adult self stopping Twilight as a filly from hatching Spike, she couldn't help but think about the opportunities that would open up for her when she passed her entrance exam but most of all, she couldn't help but wonder if she would see Trixie while she would be up in Canterlot.
Starlight's First Trip Out of Town
First Trip Out of Town
Three days had passed and it was the day before Starlight would have her entrance exam. Despite her parents trying to calm her down, Starlight still couldn't help but show a large amount of enthusiasm. As they were getting ready to head to the train station Starlight was shouting, "Come on mommy, come on daddy, let's get going!"
Their train was not set to depart for another couple hours so they knew they had time to calm her down, again. Rather than simply being all sweet about it, Primrose knew they had to be more firm. She began, "Starlight Glimmer, like we have said we are happy you are getting this opportunity but you have to calm down. If Celestia were to see you like this she might think that you lack the discipline to be in her school."
Starlight's face dropped, "Really mommy? You really think she would think that?"
Primrose replied, "Yes, I do."
Stone Cutter, who wasn't exactly thrilled over having to quash her enthusiasm added, "Starlight sweetie, we just want to make sure that you are completely alert and aren't distracted when the time comes."
Starlight replied, "Alright daddy, I understand. You two just want what is best for me."
Both parents smiled and Stone Cutter obviously wanted to make his daughter feel better. Given that they didn't really have anything to pack he said, "How about we go to the train station early so we won't be late?"
Primrose sighed, "This early? I don't feel like sitting over there and waiting for nearly two hours."
Stone Cutter whispered, "I'm not thrilled about it either but I think that if we are there early, it will calm Starlight down and besides, we can eat at the cafe there."
Primrose sighed and the three headed out the door. As they headed to the train station Starlight's smile returned and after seeing this, both parents had huge smiles on their faces as well. Despite having a meal at the cafe, the wait seemed to be forever for the three, but especially for Starlight. After finishing their meal they bought their tickets and waited on the platform.
After around a half an hour a train pulled into the station. Starlight excitedly asked, "Mommy, daddy, is that the train to Canterlot?"
Primrose replied, "It is honey." While she had tried to be the tougher parent she couldn't help but get a few tears in her eyes, "Very soon you'll be on your first trip out of town."
Stone Cutter added, "And hopefully on your journey to a great opportunity."
Given that the train stopped in a very remote town, no ponies got off of the train but Starlight and her family quickly boarded the train and were able to sit in an empty car. As the train began to pull out of town, Starlight's eyes grew in anticipation as she had never been out of town before. As new landscapes greeted her eyes for the very first time, she couldn't help but think how beautiful it was and realize what she had been missing during her childhood.
Arrival in Canterlot
After what seemed to be a quick trip for Starlight and an extremely long trip for her parents, the train finally pulled into Canterlot. It was all Starlight could do to not immediately rush off the train. As they stepped out into Canterlot for the very first time, Starlight said, "Wow mommy, wow daddy! There are so many ponies here!"
While her parents had been out of town before and had been in much larger crowds, they decided to agree with her. Primrose said, "There are a lot of ponies here. Canterlot is the capitol city so it will be quite busy."
Starlight asked, "So where is the castle? I can't wait to go take my exam!"
Stone Cutter replied, "Starlight sweetie, your exam isn't until tomorrow morning!"
Primrose added, "And we need to find a place to stay, after all we do need someplace to stay."
Starlight realized they were right and simply nodded. While her parents were generally more frugal and would choose a cheap place to stay, they decided that since this was likely a once in a lifetime event, they checked into a much more posh hotel, right in the vicinity of the palace and after that, they decided they would go out and eat.
Getting Ready for Her Exam
The following morning arrived all too soon for the three. Surprisingly though, it was Starlight who seemed more calm and her parents who were more nervous. Starlight noticed them biting their hooves and asked, "Mommy, daddy, what is wrong? Why are you biting your hooves?"
Primrose was shocked to see her daughter so calm given how wound up she had been over the past couple of weeks. She replied, "I'm just nervous about how you'll do."
Stone Cutter added, "Starlight, I thought you would be either really nervous or really excited. How you do in your entrance exam will greatly affect the direction your life will take."
Starlight knew that and was certain that she would easily pass this exam, she knew that she would likely be able to do what it took to become Celestia's protege and knew she had to be calm but confident. She replied, "I know. I just don't want to be too distracted and not do good today. After all, like you said, what happens today will have a direct impact on my future and I want a future with as many opportunities as possible."
Stone Cutter heard Starlight's stomach growl and said, "Well Starlight, I think we should get some food in you. After all, you'll do a lot better with a full stomach."
Starlight nodded and the three headed down to the hotel's buffet. Starlight was amazed at the amount of food in front of them. She gasped, "Wow mommy, wow daddy, I've never seen this much food before!" She began to head towards the buffet and continued, "And we get to eat as much as we want?"
Primrose replied, "Yes sweetie, is is part of what we get for staying here."
Stone Cutter added, "So eat to your heart's content."
Starlight immediately began to get some food. Back home eggs were a rare treat so she grabbed as many of them as she thought she could eat. She also made sure to get some toast, hash browns and naturally, a tall glass of cider. Primrose saw this and asked, "Starlight sweetie, are you sure you'll be able to eat all of that. After all, we don't want to waste any food."
Starlight replied, "I'm extra hungry this morning so of course I'll be able to eat it."
While Primrose continued to have a bit of concern in her face, Stone Cutter had a smile on his face. He was happy to see his daughter being able to have such a huge breakfast yet at the same time he felt bad that they couldn't provide large meals like this for her back home.
Things were rather quiet as they ate breakfast, not because of any sort of stress but because Starlight was devouring her meal. Stone Cutter saw this and said, "Starlight, you know you don't have to down your meal this quickly. I want you to at least be able to taste it."
Primrose knew why she was eating her meal so quickly. She added, "Starlight, we have until late this afternoon to get to the palace so you don't need to eat so quick that you'll make yourself sick."
Once Starlight had an empty mouth she replied, "I know mommy, I'm just looking forward to going and taking my exam."
Her parents just smiled at one another as they realized that Starlight wasn't wound up and used the term "looking forward to" rather than "being excited." Primrose leaned over to her husband and whispered, "With the way she is acting this morning, I know she'll pass."
Stone Cutter whispered back, "And with the composure she has, the princess may very well ask her to be her protege."
Primrose nodded and they noticed Starlight had finished her food and drank all her cider. She began to get up and asked, "Well Starlight, shall we get to the palace?"
Starlight hopped out of her chair and replied, "Yes mommy, let's go!"
As the three headed towards the palace, Starlight could feel it. She knew that this would be the day that she would begin her journey down the path that could lead her to greatness. While her parents were certain that she would get in, there was one thing they dreaded. They knew that if she passed that she would not be returning home with them and like it is with all parents, they knew they would miss her.
A Tense Wait
As the three arrived at the palace they were greeted by two guards. One asked, "Halt, who goes there?"
Stone Cutter replied, "My name is Stone Cutter." He pointed to his wife and continued, "This is my wife Primrose and this is our daughter, Starlight Glimmer. She is here for her entrance exam for Princess Celestia's school."
The guard said, "Princess Celestia told me to expect her and her parents." He opened the castle gate and continued, "Follow me to the waiting room. Once she is ready, she will send a guard to come and get you three."
Starlight was amazed by the grandeur of the palace. She looked around in awe at the fancy windows, the tall ceilings and the fancy decor. Before they knew it they arrived at the waiting room. The guard pointed his wing to the waiting room and said, "Go in and take a seat, Princess Celestia will be ready for Starlight shortly."
As they headed in they were greeted by a dark blue unicorn wearing a cape and hat and her daughter, a light blue unicorn filly dressed just like her mother. Starlight saw her and realized this could only be one pony, Trixie Lulamoon. At first there was just an odd silence between the five until Starlight broke the silence. While she knew it was Trixie, she knew she couldn't just go calling her by name right then and there, "Hello, I'm Starlight Glimmer, what's your name?"
Trixie looked up and said, "I am The Great and Powerful Trixie!"
Starlight tried to look confused and asked, "Great and Powerful? Why do you use a title with your name?"
Trixie boasted, "Because Trixie is great with magic! Trixie is likely the most powerful unicorn that has ever lived!"
This brought out a look of disgust from Starlight. It was at that moment that she realized why Twilight was upset when she brought her into her castle. Starlight thought to herself, "She is so stuck on herself! What did I ever see in her?"
Her parents could see the negative reaction from their daughter and wanted to try to lighten the mood. Primrose looked at the mare sitting across from her and said, "Hi, my name is Primrose Glimmer and this is my husband, Stone Cutter. What is your name?"
In an arrogant voice similar to that of her daughter she replied, "My name is Moonrise Lulamoon, the mother of The Great and Powerful Trixie!"
Despite her initial response being rather pompous, Starlight's parents knew not to start any kind of argument or scene. Primrose asked, "So, what can your daughter do that caused you to bring her here?"
Moonrise replied, "Well my daughter can make fireworks and other objects just appear out of nowhere and she can manipulate objects. I'm guessing that only The Great and Powerful Trixie can do that!" She then cast her gaze towards Starlight and asked, "So, what can your daughter do that causes you to think she is so great?"
The way she worded the question did not impress them but they did not want to stoop to her level. Stone Cutter replied, "Well she can fly just using her magic, she can teleport and she has quite the hunger for knowledge."
Trixie interrupted, "That's it? That's all she can do?" She pointed her hoof at Starlight and boasted, "Well, you may be able to do that but the princess will be much more impressed by The Great and Powerful Trixie's amazing magic."
While Starlight did not like ponies pointing at her and Trixie's boasting was getting on her nerves, she just closed her eyes and thought, "Just stay calm Starlight. Just stay calm and everything will be ok."
Luckily for Starlight and her parents, a guard entered the room and said, "The princess is ready. He looked at Trixie and said, "Trixie, you are first since you got here sooner."
As they were leaving Trixie said, "Ha! You see, Trixie gets to go first so obviously Trixie will get into the school easily."
As they left Starlight glared towards the door and said, "If we both get accepted I hope I don't have to put up with her much because she is not a very nice pony."
Primrose sighed, "Well judging from her mother's behavior, I know where she got her attitude from."
Trixie's Test
As Trixie and her mother were being led to the exam room, Trixie couldn't help but feel extremely confident. She knew she was leaps and bounds ahead of her peers and her mother felt the same way. Both of them went into this like it would be nothing. When they arrived they were greeted by Princess Celestia. She looked at a sheet of paper and asked, "You are Moonrise and Trixie Lulamoon I take it?"
While Moonrise was not the type that liked paying homage to anypony, she knew she better in this scenario. She bowed and replied, "Yes your Majesty."
She looked at Trixie and asked, "So, your mother has told me that you can perform some unusual acts of magic. Is that correct?"
Trixie replied, "Yes! The Great and Powerful Trixie can do all sorts of magic, magic that Trixie is sure you will be blown away by!"
While not addressing her by her title did not bother her, Celestia was not thrilled by the filly's arrogant attitude. She asked, "Before you show me everything you can do, why do you think that you should be able to be in my school?"
Trixie stood tall and began, "Well The Great and Powerful Trixie thinks that Trixie should be in your special school because she has amazing, show stopping magic! Trixie can make fireworks appear out of nowhere, Trixie can make other objects just appear and Trixie can manipulate other objects!"
Celestia gave the boasting filly a slight look of disapproval and replied, "Well Trixie, how about you show me your magical abilities."
Trixie began doing her stuff as she caused fireworks to go off in the exam room, she began causing all sorts of things to appear out of nowhere, flowers, cards, ropes, she threw smoke balls on the floor around her and to prove how amazing she was, she tied the rope into a lasso and threw it around Celestia herself.
Trixie boasted, "And that is just part of The Great and Powerful Trixie's show!"
Moonrise asked, "Your Majesty do you want to see more? If you do she has plenty, plenty more to show."
Celestia sighed, "That is enough for me to see." She then turned to the guard and continued, "Could you go and get 'the cart?'"
The guard nodded and while he was gone, Moonrise asked, "What do you mean by the cart?"
Celestia replied, "Your daughter has shown me enough magic that I have decided to accept her into my school but this cart could have a lot to do with whether she could be much more than a student." The guard wheeled a cart in that had a dragon's egg in it. She continued, "Trixie Lulamoon, if you can hatch that dragon egg, I will make you my protege."
Trixie boasted, "Well, The Great and Powerful Trixie will easily hatch it and Trixie will become your next protege."
Celestia could only sigh in frustration over her new students boasting. She sighed, "Whenever you're ready, fire away."
Trixie leaned forward and while she was able to get a good burst of magic to hit the egg, she simply couldn't get it to hatch. She was grunting for nearly five minutes, trying to put more and more energy into her magic but just couldn't hatch the egg. Finally Celestia stopped her and said, "Trixie, while I admire your perseverance, for now you will be a normal student in my school."
Moonrise asked, "Oh and what does that mean? Does that mean that she will have to study with other pupils with only a fraction of her abilities?"
Celestia stood tall, towering over the unicorn and replied, "Moonrise Lulamoon, it means that your daughter will start her studies with unicorns that started with her level of talent." Celestia knew that she shouldn't let her temper get the best of her so she calmed down and continued, "Don't get me wrong, your daughter is very talented but she doesn't quite have the power to hatch a dragon egg."
Moonrise threw her hooves up in frustration as Celestia continued, "I'm going to let you in on something, very few unicorns are able to hatch a dragon's egg and that is probably why I haven't had a protege in over 300 years."
When Trixie heard this she was shocked yet saw an opportunity. She boasted, "Well if you will let The Great and Powerful Trixie try again later, she is sure that Trixie will be able to hatch it!"
Celestia was getting frustrated with not just Trixie but her mother as well. She looked at the guard and ordered, "Guard, could you lead Trixie and her mother to the dorms and help her get settled in?" She cast her gaze to Trixie and continued, "And Trixie, after I take care of the next applicant we can talk and get your courses set up, courses that will benefit you the most."
Trixie nodded and the guard led her and her mother towards the dorms while Celestia decided to go and get Starlight and her family herself.
Starlight's Test
When Celestia arrived at the waiting room she found Starlight and her family sitting at attention, awaiting her turn. As soon as they saw her, Starlight and her family got up and bowed to the princess. Starlight said, "Good morning your Majesty."
Celestia replied, "Good morning." She took a closer look at the filly and asked, "I'm taking it you are Starlight Glimmer and these are your parents?"
Starlight replied, "Yes your Majesty."
Celestia replied, "You know, you don't have to address me that way every time you answer me." Starlight nodded and Celestia continued, "Follow me. Let's see how you do with what your parents told me in their letter."
The three followed Celestia to the exam room and when they arrived, Celestia couldn't help but notice Starlight's cutie mark. She had seen that mark before and realized that it was a symbol of very powerful and incredibly rare magic. She looked at Starlight and asked, "In the letter that your mother wrote to me, she said that you can fly just using magic and that you have an insatiable hunger for knowledge, is that correct?"
Starlight replied, "Yes your Majesty."
Celestia gave her a half smile over the way she replied to her and continued, "Let's see what you can do."
Just as though it was natural for her, Starlight took flight and began to fly all over the room. Very soon she began to teleport while she was flying. Celestia's jaw dropped open when she saw this. While she had seen many fillies show a lot of talent, she had never seen such talent from somepony so young. To finish things off, Starlight teleported onto Celestia's back and wrapped her hooves around her neck in an embrace.
Celestia gave Starlight's parents a smile and said, "Well it is obvious that your daughter is beyond ready for my school but there is one more thing I want her to try to do."
Starlight teleported off of Celestia's back and onto the floor. She asked, "What is it you want me to do your Majesty?"
Celestia giggled, "Starlight, you don't have to reply to me like that all the time!" She then pointed her wing towards the dragon egg that Trixie couldn't hatch and continued, "Starlight Glimmer, if you can hatch that dragon egg, not only will I let you into my school, I will take you in as my own personal protege."
Starlight's eyes grew wide as she asked, "Seriously? If I can hatch that egg you'll make me your protege?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, I will." She then pointed her wing towards the egg and continued, "Whenever you're ready."
Starlight lit up her horn, fired a bolt of energy at the egg and easily hatched it. When they saw this, Starlight's parents began cheering as they realized that their daughter had opened the door to limitless opportunities. Celestia said, "Congratulations Starlight Glimmer, if you truly want, I will take you in as my personal protege here at the school."
Starlight began jumping up and down squealing, "Yes, yes, yes! I would love to be your protege." She then calmed down and asked, "So what will happen with that adorable baby dragon?"
Celestia replied, "There is a reason a pony must hatch a dragon's egg to become my protege. When a pony becomes a protege of mine, she is given the dragon she hatched as a companion who will also act as her assistant."
Starlight's jaw dropped. She asked, "Assistant? Why would I need an assistant?"
Celestia replied, "Well a protege of mine must be able to be reached at all times and here is something very few know about baby dragons, they can send a message to me by simply blowing on it with their fire breath and they can cough up messages that I send to them."
After hearing this Starlight knew that her new assistant would need a name. She rushed over to him and examined him closely. She noticed his green spikes and said, "I think I'll name him Spike."
Celestia replied, "I think that is a wonderful name." She looked at Starlight and then her parents and continued, "I think we all need to go to the throne room. There are many things that we need to discuss and given that you are her parents, there are special options for you as well."
Stone Cutter asked, "Really?"
Celestia replied, "Really!" She pointed her wing towards the throne room and continued, "Follow me and we can discuss everything that Starlight will be involved in along with what your and your wife's options are now."
Stone Cutter, Primrose, Starlight and Spike all followed Celestia through the throne room. While Starlight was beyond excited that she was now Celestia's protege, she couldn't help but wonder what these options are that Celestia was mentioning regarding her parents. While she wouldn't just flat out admit it, she was secretly hoping that it would be something that would help them be closer to her.
A Discussion With Celestia
Starlight did it, she hatched a dragon's egg and is now Celestia's assistant. Because of this, not only have more opportunities opened up for her, suddenly her parents have more options and Celestia led them to the throne room to discuss everything with them.
When they arrived in the throne room Primrose asked, "Your Majesty, you said that since Starlight is your protege that besides her having more opportunities, that my husband and I will have more options as well. What do you mean by that?"
Celestia replied, "Before I go into detail, I want to let you know why that is the case." She paused for a moment to get ready to go into detail. She continued, "The reason why parents of proteges of mine have more options is because I believe that it is best if they live closer to their children. Three hundred years ago I had an applicant. much like Starlight, who became my protege. Like Starlight, she was from a remote town but was unable to stay in contact with her parents. Her family was very close and without her parents being around for her to spend time with, she went downhill in a hurry and I eventually had to let her go."
Primrose asked, "What happened to this pony?"
Celestia replied, "Well, she wound up moving to Manehattan. Yes she became a successful model but still, it was because of her that I decided that proteges as young as Starlight should have their parents nearby." She looked more closely at Stone Cutter and asked, "What sort of job do you have back home?"
Stone Cutter replied, "I am the foreman of the local stone masons. Basically, I work on keeping the local infrastructure, especially the dam, from falling apart."
Celestia asked, "How much do you make back there?"
Stone Cutter replied, "I make 10,000 bits a year."
Celestia shook her head in disappointment, "You are the foreman of the stone masons there and that is all you earn?" She got a huge smile on her face and continued, "What would you think about making five times that amount here?"
Stone Cutter's jaw dropped open. He knew exactly what Celestia had in mind. He asked, "Are you saying you want my wife and I to move here to Canterlot to be closer to Starlight?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, I am." She then cast her gaze at Primrose and asked, "And what do you do back home?"
Primrose replied, "I am a homemaker and I raise my own garden."
Starlight added, "And mommy is one of the best gardeners out there! Her flowers are always so pretty!"
Celestia smiled and asked, "Primrose, what would you think about moving here and not only being able to tend your own garden, but also being paid to tend the palace gardens?"
Primrose was shocked over this. She had never even heard of ponies getting paid to simply take care of flowers. She asked, "Seriously, you would pay me to help take care of the palace gardens?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, I would. If you two agree to this, I will gladly send guardsponies to help you relocate."
Stone Cutter asked, "But where would we live and how would we afford anything?"
Celestia replied, "Your daughter is part of the royal system now which means that you two are also part of the royal system. I will see to it that you have a place of your own."
Both parents got huge smiles on their faces and as they looked at one another, they knew that this was not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also could be what would help Starlight out tremendously. In unison they replied, "We accept your offer your Majesty."
Celestia replied, "I am so happy to hear that and I can tell by the smile on Starlight's face, that she is also happy. Speaking of Starlight, we shall now discuss her living arrangements."
Starlight asked, "What sort of living arrangements would I have? Would I live with mommy and daddy?"
Celestia replied, "No, proteges live here at the palace and given how young you are, you would be staying in a bedroom directly across from mine so that if you need me in the night, I will be there for you."
Starlight was thrilled over this but she also knew that once Twilight got older, that she lived in that study tower yet she was not about to mention anything directly about that. She asked, "So how long would I sleep across from you?"
Celestia replied, "You would stay here in the castle with me until you mature and after that, there is a very nice study tower that you would live in. Yes it has been hundreds of years but my last protege liked it quite a bit up there. She was able to study in peace yet still keep in touch with me and have study sessions with me."
Starlight liked that idea, quite a bit. She gave Celestia a smile and asked, "So when will I start as your protege?"
Celestia replied, "You will start in two weeks. Until then, I would like for you to get to know your way around the castle and get acclimated to Canterlot."
Primrose asked, "And what about us? When would you be able to get us this place you were talking about?"
Celestia replied, "I know of a relatively new place that is empty that I am willing to give to you immediately and regarding when you would start your jobs, I would want you to start on the same day that your daughter will start her studies."
Starlight and her family huddled together and began to discuss all the positives of this and after just a minute of talking, Starlight turned to the princess and said, "Mommy and daddy really like your idea and are ready to begin their new lives here."
Celestia replied, "That is good, very good." As she began to leave the throne room Starlight's family followed her. She smiled and finished, "Welcome to Canterlot, we welcome you with open hooves!"
As they left the castle they couldn't be happier. Finally Stone Cutter and Primrose could live a life where they wouldn't have to live paycheck to paycheck and Starlight could begin her journey in life, a journey that would likely take her many places and could lead to her achieving things that her former foe achieved. She thought to herself, "I wonder, will I one day become the Princess of Friendship and take Twilight in as MY student?" She got a huge smile on her face as her thought intensified, "I certainly hope so but if that does happen, I will make sure that she does not do what I did and I most definitely will not let Trixie in my castle!"
