Chapters Author's Note
This chapter, like all chapters in this story will be told in the first pony by Starlight.
My First Day
It has been two weeks since I passed my entrance exam and hatched Spike. I'll admit, not seeing my parents everyday and learning my way around the palace is a radical change from what I'm used to but it is a change that I know will lead to great things for me. Today however, is a very important day as not only is it the day that my parents begin their new jobs here in Canterlot, it is also the day that I begin my studies. While many students would dread their first day of school, I am looking forward to it because since I am Celestia's protege, I have a lot more to gain than my peers do.
Not too after the sun rose, Celestia knocked on my door letting me know that it was time to get up. Of course I jumped out of my bed and was ready to go, not just because I am excited for school, but also the breakfast I get here at the castle is huge! That morning I had my usual breakfast, plenty of eggs, hash browns, toast and something that I have only had since I moved into the castle, bacon, and it is so tasty.
After breakfast Celestia led me to the royal library and grabbed some books. She said, "Starlight, while I know you are very talented, I want to start you out with something rather basic today."
I asked, "What is that?"
Celestia replied, "Levitation. It is one of the most basic skills for a unicorn to learn."
I replied, "Alright, I'm ready to learn."
My first thought was, "Are you kidding me? I already know how to do that!"
While I have already shown off things that really impressed her, I figured I may as well sit down with her and study the book she laid in front of me. As I was reading it, I was thinking that perhaps, despite me already knowing how to do this, that I could use it to aid other students in the future.
After ten minutes of studying the basics, Celestia asked me to give it a shot. The first thing I decided I would do is levitate the book, which I did effortlessly.
Celestia saw this and asked, "Wow Starlight, you did that like it was nothing! There are some students that don't master levitation until their third week."
I replied, "Well I have always been a fast learner."
She gave me a smile and I'm going to be honest. I didn't feel like just sitting in there all day long reading over a levitation book so I stepped back and levitated the table. I know I shouldn't have done this because I really didn't want Celestia to ever suspect that I got all this magical ability the way I did. She asked, "Starlight, how did you levitate that table so easily? You're just a filly!"
I replied, "Well I just wanted to impress you so I put extra strength into it."
Celestia said, "Well you certainly have impressed me. I'm thinking that we should move on to something more difficult since you seem to have levitation down already."
I nodded and we headed further back into the library where she grabbed a few books regarding manipulation spells. Now this was something that I had never studied, not even back in what I like to call "the prior timeline." I remember she had an apple that she sat down on the table and told me that once I read over the proper spell, that she wanted me to turn it into an orange.
I was reading over this and my first thought was, "What is the point of doing this?" I then remembered how Trixie was boasting about manipulating things and I thought, "Seriously, you want me to do what amounts to street magic?" Given that this was what Celestia wanted, I studied the spell and focused on the energy that would be needed to complete this.
I stood up and lit up my horn. Celestia said, "Whenever you're ready, give it your best."
Now this was my first time ever turning an object into something else so I wasn't completely sure I could do it. I fired energy at the apple and when it struck the apple, it turned into something else but unfortunately, it was not an orange, it was a plate of bacon. I was so embarrassed when I didn't get this right.
I thought Celestia would be upset but luckily she wasn't. She laughed, "Well I can tell where your mind is!"
I replied, "I'm sorry princess, my mind just drifted for a minute. I hope you're not mad at me."
Celestia must have been impressed by the fact that I could change an object into something so different. She laughed, "Wow Starlight, what you did is something that usually takes quite a bit of time to learn." She patted me on the back and continued, "Now I want you to try and turn that plate of bacon into an orange."
I nodded, light up my horn and fired some energy at it. Much to my delight I was able to get it right this time although I really wish Celestia would have let me have a couple of slices before having to do this but oh well, I got it right and that is what is mattered.
The rest of the day continued to go by the same way it had started, Celestia would put a spell book in front of me and after reading it for a few minutes, I would easily cast the spell. I tell you, I must have really impressed Celestia that day because during supper she told me, "Wow Starlight, I have never had a student start out as well as you have! I have a feeling you're going to be studying the more advanced stuff well before your peers."
Of course I had to act excited over this despite me figuring that I likely already know most of the advanced stuff too. I'd never admit this to anypony but chances are my full magical talent was only surpassed by that of Princess Celestia. As I turned in for the night I laid there wondering how quickly I would advance. I also knew there were extremely advanced things in the archives and I knew that while it is likely years before many students are even allowed back there, I had a feeling that Celestia would take me back there within the next six months.
New Acquaintances
One month had passed and I continued to easily cast more and more difficult spells. The upcoming day would be different though. Despite me being Celestia's protege, she did want me to take academic courses such as astronomy and mathematics as well. Yeah, I always have been good with astronomy but mathematics was always one subject that caused me problems.
After breakfast Celestia led me down to the main school. She asked, "Starlight, I know we have been doing a ton of magic study but you have to learn academic material as well. Are you ready for this?"
I replied, "You bet I am!"
Celestia also knew about how things were where I grew up and she continued, "You know, there will likely be more fillies in the classroom than you ever encountered growing up!"
My pupils shrank as I never was fond of large crowds and given that I would pretty much be on the same level as them, I was a bit nervous but hey, I mastered time travel and altered the destiny of multiple ponies so this shouldn't be too hard! I sighed, "I know your Majesty, I just hope I won't let you down."
Celestia gave me that same half-smile she always does when I refer to her as "your Majesty" and replied, "Don't worry Starlight, I know you'll do great."
I gulped and headed into the classroom and Celestia was right, there were a lot of fillies in there, five of who seemed very close and for some odd reason, I found myself drawn to them so I sat down next to a blue unicorn with a blue and white mane and tail. She glanced my way and asked, "Who are you? I've never seen you here before."
I replied, "My name is Starlight Glimmer."
She hugged me and replied, "It's so nice to meet you Starlight! My name is Minuette!"
I replied back, "It's nice to meet you too Minuette."
Seeing her enthusiastic and warm greeting towards me prompted her friends to want to meet me as well.
A white unicorn with a pink mane and tail said, "My name is Twinkleshine."
A yellow unicorn with a blue mane and tail said, "My name is Lemon Hearts."
A mint green unicorn with a mint green and white mane and tail said, "My name is Lyra Heartstrings."
There was a fifth unicorn as well, one who wore glasses that seemed a lot more shy. She looked up and said, "My name is Moondancer."
I introduced myself to them and it is kind of odd, I seemed to bond with all five of them immediately which is odd given that I have never truly bonded with anypony except for Sunburst. I asked, "Sooo....how long have you been in school here?"
Minuette replied, "I've been here for two years."
Twinkleshine added, "I've been here for two years as well."
Moondancer added, "I've been here for three years."
Lemon Hearts added, "Three years for me as well."
Lyra finished, "This is my first year here." She looked at me and asked, "You look really young, I take it this is your first year?"
I replied, "Yeah it is my first."
Lemon Hearts asked, "How did you get in at such an early age?"
I replied, "Well my parents thought that since I know a lot of magic that they would bring me up here for an entrance exam. Not only did I pass the entrance exam but I also hatched a dragon's egg."
All five of them gasped in shock. Moondancer asked, "So I take it you are the princess's protege?"
I replied, "Yep and I must say, I thought things would be a lot more difficult so far but the basic spells she's had me working on haven't been difficult for me."
Lyra asked, "Maybe you could help me with my magic sometime because I am really having problems with basic levitation."
I realized that I had said the absolute wrong thing. While Lyra seemed friendly and I know a ton of magic, including magic that I can't even let Celestia know I have, I was not sure if I would be ready to aid other students in their studies. I do know that I would feel really bad if I wouldn't be able to help Lyra in her studies.
Just as I was about to reply the teacher came into the classroom and we all went silent. Apparently most of the students she had seen before because she pointed towards Lyra and myself and asked, "It looks like we have a couple new students. Would you two like to introduce yourselves?"
Lyra stood up and replied, "Yes. My name is Lyra Heartstrings and I am from here in Canterlot."
I was much more nervous and you know how I am when I get nervous. I teleported up to the front of the classroom and replied, "Hello, my name is Starlight Glimmer and I am from Eastern Equestria."
Everypony gasped when they saw me teleport. I saw my teacher's jaw drop open as she asked, "Wait....you can already teleport at such a young age?"
I really didn't feel like telling everypony that I have been able to teleport for as long as I have. After all, if I was to tell them that I've had this ability for decades, they would think I was nuts so I came up with a different excuse. I replied, "Yeah, I get nervous in front of crowds and when I'm nervous, I do things like that."
The teacher replied, "Well I can tell one thing, you are extremely talented and I wouldn't be one bit surprised if Princess Celestia makes you her protege one day."
Lyra raised her hoof and said, "She already is Princess Celestia's protege!"
All of a sudden every single student was fawning over me and this is not what I wanted. I didn't mind when my five new acquaintances learned about it but the whole class? I headed back to my desk and buried my face in my hooves as I do not like getting that much attention. To make matters worse, my teacher said, "Wow Starlight, despite you being so young, I bet you'll be helping everypony in class with their magic one day."
I looked up and replied, "Yeah, maybe."
Minuette piped up, "Don't be so modest Starlight, you'll be helping everypony!"
While I was flattered that Minuette thought that, I simply didn't want that attention. Luckily though the teacher got class started so their attention shifted to her rather than me. That day we started out with basic math and astronomy. Of course the astronomy we studied was basically learning the order of the planets and the math was basic addition, things that I would think that some of my classmates would know, especially given some of them had been there for two or three years.
Three months had passed since I started my studies with Celestia and two months since I had begun my regular studies and things seemed to be going quite well. The spells I were casting were not easy and some were things that even I had never heard of in my prior adult life and despite the math getting more difficult, I was grasping it easily. I think a large part of that is because I was learning it while I was young and you know how they say that it is easier to pick things up when you're young. Another thing that has made life easier is that those who were my acquaintances are now my friends and having friends makes life much easier.
Another day had passed and class was dismissed but one of my friends seemed a bit down, Lyra. I saw her with her head hung down and asked, "Lyra, what's wrong? You seem so sad?"
Lyra replied, "Well I'm not doing so well in my magic studies." Her voice began to break a little as she continued, "I thought I was really good but I'm not! My magic teacher told me that if I don't improve I will have to go to remedial magic."
I put my hoof around her and replied, "I'm sorry Lyra, is there anything I can do to help?"
Lyra replied, "Yeah, could you help me with my magic? I don't want to get sent back, I want to stay with you and the rest of my friends."
Despite me being so young, I had access to the royal library so I figured that I would take her there to help her. Now this would be something more difficult for me, actually teaching a pony. As I was leading her towards the library we bumped into Celestia. Celestia asked, "Hi Starlight, how was school today?" She then cast her gaze at Lyra and continued, "Who is this?"
I replied, "This is one of my friends, Lyra Heartstrings."
Apparently Celestia had sent a letter to her parents when she was accepted because she knew who she was. She said, "Hi Lyra. I remember you, you are the one whose parents said you could play the lyre with just your magic."
Lyra replied, "Yep, that's me."
Apparently Celestia doesn't let regular students just come to the royal library because she asked, "Starlight, Lyra, why are you two headed towards the royal library?"
I replied, "Well Lyra is having trouble with levitation so I thought I would help her out with it."
Apparently Celestia was impressed with me as she said, "Wow Starlight, I never expected this! I never thought you'd be teaching another pony, especially at this age."
I replied, "Well I'm pretty good at this and it really bothers me to see one of my friends struggling."
Celestia asked, "Well if you can help Lyra out with this, what would you think of helping students in the remedial magic class as well?"
I replied, "Sure."
Eventually I was able to lead Lyra to the library and she was amazed by it's size. She looked around and asked, "Wow, you get to study in here?"
I replied, "Yep, now let's get started."
I felt nervous yet happy at the same time as we headed to the levitation books. There was a rather large section of books on levitation and like she was when we first arrived, she was amazed by the number of books. Once I had grabbed the books I thought would help her I sat them in front of her. I began, "Alright, before we get started, how much can you levitate right now?"
Lyra replied, "Well I can levitate quills just fine but when it comes to things heavier than that, I have problems."
I'll admit, while she is a friend of mine, I couldn't help but wonder how she got into Celestia's school. I grabbed the basic levitation book and turned it to the lesson for levitating somewhat light objects. I said, "Alright, I want you to read through this and then we'll see how well you do."
She gave me a weak smile before beginning to read. I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps her magic teacher put too much pressure on her because unless a teacher is really overbearing, a unicorn should have the power to at least levitate books by our age. Once she spent around fifteen minutes reading I continued, "Alright Lyra, I want you to put as much energy as you can into levitating this book."
She lit up her horn and grabbed a hold of the book with her aura. I said, "Alright, whenever you ready, give it your best shot."
She gave me a smile and was easily able to pick up the book. She gave me a smile and said, "Wow Starlight, that was easy!" She dropped the book, hugged me and continued, "I guess when I have a teacher who isn't so overbearing this is so much easier!"
I knew it. I figured that she had a bad teacher and I honestly think that perhaps this needs to be addressed but first, I want to get Lyra to be able to levitating more than a single book. I pointed at the stack of books I sat down and ordered, "Alright, I want you to try to pick up that whole stack of books."
Lyra's eyes shrank and she replied, "Really Starlight, you want me to pick up that whole stack of books? I don't know if I can." She became more frantic as she asked, "But what if I can't? I don't want to disappoint you like I do my teacher."
I replied, "Lyra, you are my friend and you're not going to disappoint me! Just have confidence in yourself and you'll be surprised with what you can do."
Lyra lit up her horn and was easily able to levitate the books. What made me even happier was that she began swinging them in a circle. She stood there with a huge smile watching what she was doing in elation. She wasn't the only one smiling, I was as well seeing one of my friends having the confidence to do what she needs to pass her courses.
She finally sat the books down and gasped, "Wow Starlight, I never imagined I would be able to levitate that much."
I replied, "Like I said, when you have confidence in yourself, you'll surprise your...."
Before I could even finish my sentence I saw Lyra grab the table in her aura and easily levitate it. I was shocked, I will be honest, I didn't think she would progress along so easily or so quickly. I decided at that moment that I was going to talk to Celestia about getting her put in a different course. I would not have to wait long as Celestia walked in on our lesson. When she saw Lyra holding that table up in the air she gasped, "Lyra, Starlight told me you were having problems levitating. How are you doing that?"
Lyra seemed a little flustered as she replied, "Well uhm....."
I interrupted, "Princess Celestia, I know why she was having problems."
Celestia asked, "Oh and why is that?"
I replied, "She told me that her professor is very overbearing and some ponies just don't do well with a teacher who puts too much stress on them."
Celestia looked and Lyra asked, "Lyra, who is your teacher?"
Lyra replied, "*Professor Flintheart your Majesty."
My jaw dropped open when I heard this. Now I knew exactly why she was so stressed and doing so poorly. I looked at the princess and asked, "Princess Celestia, did you hire this pony?"
Celestia replied, "Yeah, when I saw his resume I was impressed and figured that he would help ponies excel." She gave me a look of concern and continued, "Starlight, do you know something about him that I don't?"
I replied, "Yes."
Celestia asked, "Would you care to tell me?"
I started, "Well, he used to teach at the school in my hometown and was a not a very nice pony." Remembering my parents talking about him caused me to become a bit agitated, "He was both my mom and dad's teacher and they told me once about how overbearing he was."
Celestia asked, "Did they tell you exactly how overbearing he was?"
I replied, "Yes. They told me how he would always yell at them along with anypony else that did not meet his expectations. They told me that some students simply broke under him and that some parents would send their fillies and colts fifty miles away to Fillydelphia just so they wouldn't have to have him as their teacher!"
Celestia asked, "Seriously? When did he leave there?"
I replied, "Well it was not too long before I discovered all my talents that my parents said that they were happy I wasn't born five years earlier or I would have had to have him as a teacher."
Celestia asked, "I can understand that but what caused him to leave?"
I replied, "He was fired by the school board when they finally realized that he simply wasn't fit to educate young fillies and colts."
Celestia said, "I wonder what he was ever doing teaching in an elementary school? When I contacted the University of Manehattan they gave me a very positive review of him and that is why I hired him."
I replied, "That's the thing! He may be good at educating full grown mares and stallions but he isn't good with foals." I leaned forward and continued, "I don't mean to try to tell you how to handle things around here your Majesty, but I think you need to reassign him and get him away from educating young ponies."
Celestia looked at me in shock. I have a feeling that she didn't even know how to react to a filly so young making a suggestion so big. She gave me an odd look and replied, "Well I don't know. I'll have to find somewhere to reassign him to and finding a replacement for him will take time so for now he will remain where he is."
Lyra's face dropped when she said this. I looked back and said, "I'm sorry Lyra. If it makes you feel better I will continue to tutor you when it comes to magic."
This must have given Lyra and idea because she interrupted, "Your Majesty, you could always have Starlight teach me and my classmates!"
This shocked both of us, especially me. Both Celestia and I stood there in a state of shock. Given that I had learned so much in just a few months I was hoping, despite my age, that Celestia would take her seriously. Unfortunately, that was not the case. She replied, "Lyra, Starlight is the same age as you and she does have her advanced studies with me, along with her academic courses. I'm sorry but you'll have to deal with Professor Flintheart for now."
I was not thrilled over this, not one bit. I asked, "Your Majesty, isn't there a different magic class that she could transfer to? It just kills me seeing one of my friends having so much pressure put on her, especially by the same teacher who drove students away back home!"
Celestia looked at Lyra and could see the tears forming in her eyes and it must have made her think. She gave Lyra a warm smile and replied, "Lyra, I know I shouldn't do this but there is one other option but Starlight will have to agree to it."
I asked, "What is that your Majesty?"
She gave me that same half smile that she always does when I address her that way and replied, "I know you are extremely advanced with your magic and you seem to be learning quite a bit without me being by your side all the time. If you would be up for doing more studying on your own, I could have Lyra do an independent study with me until Professor Flintheart is reassigned."
Lyra ran over and hugged Celestia's leg, "Really? You'd let me do that?"
Celestia replied, "If Starlight is up for it, yes."
I said, "You bet I'm up for it. I would do pretty much anything to get Lyra in an environment where she can actually learn instead of being afraid of angering a pony who shouldn't be teaching at all."
I could sense a bit of disapproval from Celestia when I said that about Flintheart but I honestly didn't care. Lyra and I are close and unlike our slightly older friends, she was still kind of scared of overly stern teachers. Celestia sighed, "Alright Starlight, but if you start to stagnate in your studies, Lyra will have to go back to her current class and I'll keep you much closer under my wing."
I replied, "Don't worry princess, I won't let you down and I know Lyra won't either."
Lyra gave both of us a smile and Celestia replied, "I know she won't."
While I am happy that Lyra will have a good teacher now, I do still have my concerns over the other students, wondering if they are having the same problems with Flintheart that Lyra did. This is one moment when I wish I was old enough to be a professor. Hey, I have so much magic mastered that I could probably teach the magic courses he does right now and still be able to handle my academic courses.
Author's Note
*Professor Flintheart is Snowfall Frost's teacher in the flashback in "A Hearth's Warming Tail."
One year had passed since I was able to get Lyra out of Flintheart's class and while I thought Celestia would make good on her promise to get him reassigned, he is still teaching that course! Luckily though my other friends, given that they are older, they can handle his bad attitude more easily and Lyra is flourishing under Celestia. She's not the only one who has improved dramatically though, I too have improved.
Despite my magical abilities, I have even learned things that I never knew about in the prior timeline but what I have improved in dramatically though are my academic courses. While I have always loved astronomy, my overall knowledge of what caused everything to be has increased tenfold and the math I used to have so many problems with is now easy as pie.
Another weekend had arrived as the sun woke me up on a Saturday morning. I always loved weekend mornings because that was when Celestia would allow me to go out and eat with my friends since I had nothing on the schedule for that day. This morning would be no different as I joined my friends at the cafe. They all seemed happy but the one I had noticed the biggest change in though over the past year was Lyra.
When I arrived she rushed up to me and said, "Hi Starlight, how are you doing?"
I replied, "I'm doing good." I saw the huge smile on her face and continued, "I've never seen you this happy before. What has you so happy?"
She began to jump up and down as she shouted, "Celestia thinks I'm doing so good she's putting me in a more advanced magic course!"
Moondancer added, "Yeah, she'll be joining me in the course I'm in now."
Lemon Hearts sighed, "Yeah, lucky you. The rest of us are still stuck with Professor Flintheart."
The very mention of his name made me scowl. Minuette asked, "Starlight, what's wrong? What's up with the frown?"
I replied, "The very mention of his name just frustrates me." I began to become more agitated and continued, "After I found out about all the undue stress he was causing Lyra last year I suggested she reassign him. I thought she would do that but she obviously lied! I never imagined she would not think about the welfare of her students!"
Minuette added, "I wonder if Celestia didn't talk to him about his demeanor because he seems nicer than he used to."
Now I didn't want to hear anymore about him than I had to so I decided that changing the subject would be the best for all of us. Now that wouldn't take long as Celestia approached us. I didn't even know she was there until Lemon Hearts looked up and said hi to her. I turned around and saw that she had a serious look on her face. She pointed her wing towards the palace and said, "Starlight, I need to speak to you alone."
My friends gave her a nervous look as did I and I followed her to the palace. I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen. Was she going to make me go back to being more close under her wing given that Lyra advanced or something else but of course my paranoia would be unnecessary.
Once she arrived she gave me a smile and said, "I'm sorry I broke up your weekend meet up with your friends but I have some good news for you!"
While I figured it involved Lyra I still had to act excited, "Does it involve Lyra? Is she doing really good?"
Celestia replied, "I take it Lyra told you about her being put in a more advanced magic course?"
I replied, "Yes, she did."
Celestia sighed, "While I am happy she advanced, there is a much different reason I brought you here." She got a bit of a smile on her face and continued, "Starlight, I know you are extremely intelligent and know more magic than any student I have ever had so I am going to give you the opportunity to do something special, especially for a filly."
I asked, "What is that?"
Celestia replied, "Well there are a couple of students in one of the remedial magic courses that simply can't get their magic to work."
I asked, "Yes and what do you want me to do? Do you want me to help them somehow?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, I do. Their teacher is trying her hardest to help them but she just can't get through to them. I thought that since you are the same age as them, that maybe they would feel more comfortable having somepony their own age assisting them."
I asked, "So when do you want me to do this?"
Celestia replied, "On Monday afternoon around three-thirty, I want you to go to the main library where they will be waiting for you." I gave Celestia an uncertain look and she continued, "Starlight, don't worry. I'm sure you'll help them out so will you do this for not just them, but for me as well?"
While I new they needed the help, I wasn't sure about this but it was when she said, "But for me as well" that swayed me. I didn't want to let her down so I reluctantly agreed to do this. I sighed, "Alright, but only as long as it does not cut into my study time, for both magic and academic matters."
Celestia replied, "Don't worry Starlight, it won't. When it comes to magic, you don't even need to study and when it comes to academics, you are doing spectacular!"
I replied back, "Ok, I'll do it."
Celestia said, "Good, now I'll let you get back to your friends."
I nodded and headed back to the get together I had with my friends. While the rest of my time went well with them and they were happy that Celestia wanted me to do this, the same could not be said for me. Yes I knew that this could lead to perhaps even bigger things for me but a nagging voice in the back of my head was telling me that I would likely have to deal with ponies that would either be impossible to help or ponies that would flat out drive me nuts.
The rest of the weekend flew by as did all of my courses on Monday and before I knew it, it was time for me to head to the library to help a couple of struggling students out. Was I nervous? You bet I was. Now given how advanced I am in magic one would think that helping remedial magic students out would be easy. I wondered that with as advanced as I am, would I even understand their problems? As I entered the main library, I knew that I would soon find out.
I was immediately greeted by Celestia and their teacher and led to the back of the library. Once we arrived their teacher said to them, "Sunburst, Trixie Lulamoon, here is the filly I said might be able to help you, Starlight Glimmer."
I will admit, I wasn't surprised that Trixie would be struggling so much but Sunburst? I figured that he would be in some sort of advanced magic course after doing that trick with those books, not failing remedial magic. He was the first to say anything, "Starlight, is that really you?"
I replied, "Yes Sunburst, it is me."
Their teacher didn't pay any attention to how he knew me and interrupted, "Well I'll let you get to work." She leaned down and whispered, "Good luck Starlight but I want to warn you, Trixie will likely drive you up the wall."
I nodded and gave her a smile. Once she and Celestia left, I decided to get this started. I began, "Your teacher said that you two are having problems with your magic. What specifically are you having issues with?"
Being the narcissistic filly she was, Trixie had to answer first, "Well, The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't think she is having any problems. The teacher simply doesn't like The Great and Powerful Trixie and is always stressing Trixie out."
Ugh, she still speaks in the third-pony. Well I decided that if I am going to try and help her, that that was going to stop. I ordered, "Trixie Lulamoon, if I am going to help you out you will speak like everypony else. How you speak on your own time is your business but I won't tolerate it while I'm trying to help you. Either you speak like the rest of us or you can just go ahead and fail."
Trixie began to say something but before she could I asked, "And Sunburst, what sort of problems are you having?"
Sunburst replied, "Well I am having trouble turning objects from one thing into another and I can't even teleport across a room." His voice began to break as he continued, "All of my classmates can do that and a few can even teleport out side of the room but I can't even teleport at all!"
What, he can't teleport at all? This really shocked me but I knew I had to be nice and caring with him and Trixie. After all, I did not want to be just like Flintheart and be unable to help them at all. I replied, "Well, let's take a look around. I'm sure we can find some books on basic teleportation." I turned to Trixie and asked, "What about you? How is your teleportation going?"
Trixie boasted, "Well The Great and Powerful Trixie is sure that she can teleport but Trixie's teacher puts so much stress on Trixie that she just can't!"
I knew it was a lie. I did speak some with their teacher on the way back here and she seems perfectly nice. I sighed, "Follow me, let's find some books and get to work on this."
Now had we been in the royal library, I could find the teleportation spells in my sleep but given that I have never even been in this library, I figured it would be best to ask somepony where they are. I saw one of the library's shelvers and asked, "Excuse me, but where are the basic teleportation books?"
He pointed his wing to the left and told me that they would be in the very back. I nodded and led my students, well if I could call them that, back with me. When we got there I noticed they were up on the very top shelf. The first one to say anything was Trixie, "Wow, those are really high, you'll have to get some help to get them!"
Seriously, Trixie thinks that I would need help getting those books? I easily levitated them down and carried them to a nearby table. Trixie asked, "How did you do that? How could you possibly do anything that The Great and Powerful Trixie can't?"
Before I could say anything Sunburst would come to my defense, "Look Trixie, Starlight has very advanced magic. That is why our teacher has her helping us."
It felt good to have the pony who simply up and left after doing that trick with those books admitting how advanced my magic is but that is not about to cause me to give him any preferential treatment. I sat the books down on a table. Since I grabbed two of each book, they would not have to sit together to study. I put the most basic books in front of them and ordered, "Alright, open the books to the first page."
Both were able to do so but I will admit, I was shocked to see Trixie do it without any effort. I pointed towards the first page and ordered, "Ok, I want you to read the first five pages and focus on them intently. They will not only teach you about the process itself, but also the energy involved in it and how much you need to use for different distances."
Before they began to read Sunburst asked, "So Starlight, how did you learn to teleport?"
This is something that I certainly did not want to answer. I couldn't just tell him about the past life, my altering everypony's destiny, the portal, the time spell or anything else so I decided to lie. "Well I just woke up one day with the ability." He gave me one of those looks like he thought I was lying so I continued, "Now get reading. I'm sure your teacher wants you two to have this down by the end of the week."
Sunburst quickly got to reading which did not surprise me in the slightest while Trixie sighed in frustration staring blankly down at the book. Naturally I really wanted to get these two to learn this stuff so Celestia wouldn't view me as a failure but to be honest, I didn't think Trixie had the focus or the desire to learn this.
During the middle of their reading I realized something, that they need to focus extra hard on the material. I interrupted, "Ok you two, I know I said to focus but to truly grasp this, you will need to focus so hard that you will actually go into a trance."
They both gave me confused looks like they had no idea what I was talking about but once they got back to reading, I saw Sunburst's eyes begin to shine white as he stared more intently on the book. This is a very good sign and hopefully he will at least be able to teleport a few inches if not more. Trixie on the other hoof, all I'm going to expect out of her are a few sparks of magic and a whole lot of grunting.
After thirty minutes they both looked up and I took that as them saying they are done. I said, "Alright, do you two think you are ready for this?"
Both of them nodded but like she always does, Trixie boasted about how she would be able to do so much better than anypony else. I said, "Alright Sunburst, you go first."
Sunburst lit up his horn and I could tell he was trying hard. He had his teeth gritted and was grunting but all I saw were a few sparks of energy fly out of his horn. After that I told Trixie to give it her best shot and she got the same result. Both of them were frustrated that they couldn't get it but they had totally different attitudes.
Sunburst hung his head low and said, "I'm sorry Starlight, I just can't get it. I hope you're not disappointed in me."
I replied, "I'm not disappointed in you. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told one of my friends when she was having trouble, have confidence in yourself."
Trixie however was not so accepting of her failure, "The only reason The Great and Powerful Trixie couldn't do it is because Trixie feels pressured by you! Trixie knows you don't think The Great and Powerful Trixie can do anything!"
I grunted, "Trixie, with that attitude you'll wind up failing." I knew that if I was going to get through to her that I would have to be a lot nicer. I continued, "Trixie, like I told Sunburst, if you just have confidence in yourself you can do anything."
Trixie sighed, "Whatever. The Great and Powerful Trixie has to get home so that Trixie's mother does not worry about Trixie."
Sunburst sighed, "I better get going too. I have other things I have to study as well."
Before they left I asked, "See you tomorrow here at the same time?"
They both agreed although I could tell that Trixie was not overly thrilled about it but knew that if she wanted to have even the slightest chance of passing, that she would have to continue these study sessions. She wasn't the only one who had negative emotions running through her, I too had them. With me though it was a bit of frustration along with self doubt. I thought to myself, "If I can't help them, does that mean that I'm not as good with magic as Celestia thinks I am?"
The following three afternoons were a challenge. While I have very advanced magic, the same could not be said of my tutoring abilities. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, Sunburst and Trixie just couldn't get teleportation down. Did I feel bad for them? With Sunburst I did but with Trixie, the only reason I was frustrated was because if she failed it would make me look bad. Come Friday afternoon though, I would see if my assistance truly was all for naught.
Friday afternoon arrived and Celestia and I headed to the exam hall where the remedial magic students would show off their stuff. On the way there Celestia and I began to talk about how Trixie and Sunburst were doing. Celestia asked, "Starlight, how did they do this week? Were you able to help them any?"
I replied, "Not good. I tried helping them, I helped them learn to focus, I tried to calm them down because one of them felt pressured by me but I just can't help but wonder if some ponies just don't have it in them." I then grabbed a hold of Celestia and became more frantic, "What if they fail? Will I be in trouble? Will I no longer be your protege?"
This drew a laugh from Celestia, "Starlight, I'm not going to do anything to you if they fail!" She calmed down and continued, "I do think you might be right about some ponies, that they simply don't have it in them."
I asked, "What will happen to the students who fail their exams?"
Celestia replied, "Well that will be it then. They will return home and go to the school there."
I just gave her a nervous look after hearing this. Yes this won't affect my standing with Celestia and I will continue to do things as I always have but despite how he just up and left, I do hope that Sunburst will be able to pass. Trixie on the other hoof, I don't think she has it in her and this might sound bad and I certainly wouldn't let anypony know this but I honestly don't care if she passes or not.
Once we arrived we were greeted by the teacher. She hugged Celestia and greeted her in her normal cheerful attitude and then she greeted me, "Hi Starlight! How did things go with my students?"
I leaned up and whispered, "Not good. I'm sorry but I they just couldn't seem to get it down."
She replied, "Well we'll see how they do. Maybe they were just intimidated by having such a young filly tutoring them."
Young filly? I'm the same age as them so I would think that they would feel less pressured by me! Well maybe the fact that I am Celestia's protege had something to do it but it is too late to worry about that now. The students are coming in to take their exams and all of them have very nervous looks on their faces as they know this is their last chance to stay in Celestia's school.
The normally cheerful teacher had a somewhat more stern look on her face once she began class. I looked up and saw a slight look of disapproval coming from Celestia, one that mirrored mine. Here I thought she was a nice, cheerful teacher yet here she is giving students the same kind of looks that Lyra said Flintheart gave her! Perhaps she is one of those teachers who is happy outside of the classroom yet are not so pleasant once class starts.
As she began to call on students to show that they have progressed enough in their teleportation skills that they can return to normal courses many of the ponies were doing it easily. A few even teleported outside into the hall and one even teleported outside. Wow, remedial magic students are doing this? Perhaps they got sent here simply because their prior teachers simply stressed them out.
Towards the end of the exam the teacher called on Sunburst to show his skills. When he was standing there gritting his teeth and shooting magic out of his horn I couldn't help but feel bad for him. One small part of me wanted to simply teleport him around the room but if Celestia saw my aura around him and he suddenly started doing that, she would know I was responsible. If that was the case, I probably would get kicked out of school so I just watched in disappointment as he continued to struggle.
After five minutes the teacher said, "Sunburst, just stop. You're not going to get it."
He gave her a look of devastation and replied, "I'm sorry."
What happened next angered me greatly. The rest of the class actually began to laugh at him and some even told him that he wasn't a real unicorn! I was appalled but I certainly couldn't do anything to help him at this point. I wanted to see if Celestia would give him a second chance with another course but then I remembered how she was when I suggested that she reassign Flintheart, it would be all for naught.
The teacher next called up the final student, Trixie. She said, "Trixie, let's see if you can do any better."
Trixie boasted, "Well Trixie knows The Great and Powerful Trixie will pass and get Trixie's dignity back!"
The teacher gave her a glare as Trixie began trying to teleport. There she stood, doing exactly what Sunburst did but after a couple of minutes she yelled, "Ugh, why can't Trixie do this? Trixie knows The Great and Powerful Trixie can do anything!" She then pointed her hoof at me and continued, "It's because of HER! The Great and Powerful Trixie can not concentrate with Celestia's little pet watching Trixie's every move!"
Now that was the absolute wrong thing for her to say. Celestia actually grabbed her in her aura and snarled, "Trixie Lulamoon, my protege has nothing to do with your inability to teleport!"
The teacher added, "Trixie, this is just a matter of some ponies not having the skills to be in this school."
As she headed back to her desk the whole class began to laugh, "The Pathetic and Magicless Trixie" at her. Did I feel sorry for her? No I did not. Did I find this appropriate behavior though? Again, no I did not.
If I didn't think I would have got in trouble, I would have stopped this myself but the teacher would intervene, "Class, now this is no way to treat these two." She stood up and continued, "For those of you who passed, congratulations, you will return to your regular classes next semester." She then turned to Trixie and Sunburst, "You two will have a discussion with Princess Celestia and myself regarding your futures."
Their teacher led them towards Celestia and myself and I felt truly bad for Sunburst. I approached him and hugged him, "I'm sorry Sunburst, maybe someday you'll get another chance."
While I thought he would appreciate my support, the exact opposite happened. He shoved me back and yelled, "Are you crazy? I just failed my REMEDIAL MAGIC exam right in front of Princess Celestia!"
I tried to calm him down, "Sunburst, I've seen your talent with my own eyes. Maybe in a couple of years......"
He interrupted me with an angry cry, "I'm not talented! All I did was do some fancy trick with books and here you are the protege of Princess Celestia." He stomped his hoof on the floor and continued, "One day you'll probably be an Alicorn princess and I'll just be an average unicorn back home." I approached him again but he shoved me back, "Just leave me alone Starlight, I have a long trip back home and disappointed parents to face."
I looked up at Celestia and asked, "Princess Celestia, don't you think you better try and calm him down?"
Celestia replied, "Yes, I'll go and try to console him." She then looked at the teacher and continued, "Could you and Starlight keep Trixie here so that I can discuss her future with her?"
Before her teacher could say anything Trixie yelled, "Forget it Celestia, The Great and Powerful Trixie already knows she is getting kicked out so Trixie will just go home!" She then began to fake a sniffle, "And The Great and Powerful Trixie will get punished by Trixie's mom severely for failing."
She then took off and all the three of us could do was sigh. I could tell the teacher was frustrated that a couple of her students failed and naturally I was disappointed as well, well for Sunburst anyway. Celestia, while I could tell she was frustrated, had a rather stoic look on her face as she knew that what I had said earlier was right, some ponies simply don't have what it takes.
Whatever happened with Sunburst and Trixie I'm not sure of. Later that day I tried talking to Celestia about how her last meeting with him went but she simply said that she couldn't share information about other students with me. While I knew that was the case, I couldn't help but have a feeling that I would likely run across both Trixie and Sunburst again someday. How and when I'm not sure, but I have a feeling it will likely happen.
Six years has passed since my entrance exam and things have changed dramatically for me, and not just as far as how advanced I am in my studies. I have grown quite a bit and have begun to mature. With this being the case, I can't help but wonder how much longer I will have to sleep across from Celestia. Personally I hope that it won't be for much longer. I'm not exactly a filly anymore and the thoughts of me having a whole study tower to myself, well Spike would be living with me as well, sounds very nice.
Another Saturday morning had arrived and like I always did, I was out with my friends. Despite there being a three year difference between Moondancer and myself, our intelligence levels were similar and apparently I have grown rather fast as we stood at roughly the same height. Unlike how it was years in the past, I did not go to see my friends alone, Spike accompanied me pretty much everywhere I went now.
That morning would be rather surprising though as Spike would cough up a very important message. *BELCH!*
As soon as I began to read the message, a nervous look appeared on my face. Spike was the first to see this and asked, "What is it Starlight, you look worried?"
Minuette added, "Yeah, you look like you saw a ghost or something."
I replied, "Well Celestia wants me at the castle immediately."
Lemon Hearts asked, "Why Starlight? Are you in trouble?"
I replied, "I don't think so but I better get going. I'll see you ladies later." I looked at Spike and ordered, "Hop on! We don't want to keep Celestia waiting."
Spike hopped on my back and I galloped to the castle. Something in my mind was telling me that this could be big, very big. Once we arrived in the throne room Celestia stood there with her wings spread wide and I have only seen her do that over matters of great importance.
I saw her and asked, "Princess Celestia, you wanted to see me?"
Celestia replied, "Yes Starlight, I did."
I asked, "What is it over?" I haven't done anything to upset you have I?"
Celestia laughed, "No Starlight, you haven't." She became more calm as she continued, "I have called you here because it is time for you to take a test, a test that will have a lot of influence on your future."
My pupils shrank. I began to wonder what would happen if I was to fail this. Celestia saw this and continued, "Starlight, don't worry. It's not like if you fail I'll kick you out of school or drop you as my protege. If you pass however, you will prove that you are ready for the next level, which includes moving into the study tower!"
I gasped, "Really?"
Celestia replied, "Really!"
I asked, "So when do you want me to take this test?"
Celestia led me into the Starswirl the Bearded wing where I would have more privacy and replied, "Now."
She set a huge test in front of me. The thing had to be at least twenty pages long and this did unnerve me, a lot as it was likely 25 or more pages long. I asked, "So what all is covered in this test?"
Celestia replied, "World geography, advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, pony history, biology and there will be an advanced language portion as well. After all, a pony must have proper grammar and know proper usage of the Equestrian language if she is to move on to the next level."
I asked, "Will there be a spell casting portion?"
Celestia replied, "Starlight, you have shown me so much magical ability that what would have been in it, you have already done and then some." She then sat down far enough away from me that she would not be in my eyesight but I would still know that she was there. I suppose that this is something she likely does to make sure students don't cheat even though she knows I would never do such a thing.
Once she got out of my eyesight I began to work on my exam. The first part was world geography which was beyond easy for me. I have always been interested in the location of things and I even enjoyed looking at maps back home. The next part though would not be so easy for me, advanced mathematics. I have been able to ace pretty much everything EXCEPT advanced mathematics since I have been here. I'm better at it now than I was in my prior life but still, I don't ace it and that is so frustrating, especially given that everything else seems so easy for me.
After that, it was physics, chemistry and biology. Those have always been easy for me for the most part. I will admit, biology has always proved to be a bit of a challenge but nothing serious. The next thing was pony history which was beyond easy, even easier than world geography as I have always loved history and pretty much read history books as leisure reading. The final part was the advanced language portion. Yeah I don't do a ton of writing but I know my language well enough that I should be able to pass it with no problems.
After three hours I finally finished my exam and handed my exam to Celestia. Did I think I did good? Yes, I did. Was I nervous? You bet I was. I wasn't sure how good I had to do to pass this thing but I was pretty certain that I aced the geography and history portions. The only portion that had me nervous was the math portion, of course I think a lot of that anxiety may come from my prior life where math wasn't so easy for me.
When I gave her my exam, she and Spike both gave me a smile. Celestia levitated the exam to herself and Spike asked, "Starlight, do you think you passed?"
Celestia looked up and raised and lowered her wings, which is her way of saying she needs it quiet. I simply smiled and nodded. I watched Celestia read through it in anticipation yet a bit of fear. I could not tell how I had done as she kept a completely neutral expression on her face the whole time. A half an hour later she set the exam down and stood tall, keeping that neutral expression on her face the whole time.
Once she stood tall she spread her wings wide and began, "Starlight Glimmer, I have finished grading your exam." She again levitated the exam up and continued, "I read through the world geography part and I must say, you have an uncanny knowledge when it comes to geography as you are the first student who has ever scored a 100 on that section."
I asked, "Really? Nopony else has ever got a 100 on it?"
Celestia replied, "No, nopony else has." She flipped to the next section, the mathematics and continued, "Starlight, I must say. I have NEVER seen a pony show her work the way you have and I am very proud of you! I know you have always said that advanced math is difficult for you but I beg to differ. You are the FIRST pony to ever score a 100 on the math portion as well."
I was shocked. I never imagined that I would ace a math exam, especially one involving such advanced and complex mathematics. She flipped the exam to the next section, the sciences. She gave me a smile and continued, "I must say, I am amazed at your broad knowledge of science and I'm going to let you in on something, nopony until you has ever got the genetics part correct in the biology section and like you have in the other sections so far, you scored a 100."
At this moment my anxiety had all but disappeared. The only results she had left to report were the history and language sections. I was a bit stunned that she simply flipped past the history section and went straight on to the language section. She continued, "Starlight, I have always heard ponies mock ponies with rural origins and claim that they have poor language skills."
I wondered why she would bring that up and I knew it. I replied, "Yes, I have heard about that."
Celestia smiled, "Well those ponies don't know what they're talking about. You are also the first pony to ace the language section as well."
I was relieved over that but I still couldn't understand why she skipped past the world history part. Finally she flipped back to it and I have never seen a smile so big in my life. She finished, "Starlight Glimmer, I guess all that time you have spent reading about world history really paid off. You aced the world history exam as well!"
Wait a minute, I aced every section? Did I really do it, did I......She then continued, "Starlight, you have done something very special. You have become the first student to ever ace the entire exam! I am so proud of you Starlight and I bet your parents and friends would be as well."
I was so happy when I heard this I began to teleport around the room, "Yes, yes, yes, yes! I can't believe it, I aced it! Woo-hoo!"
Celestia let me celebrate for a couple minutes before calming me down. She said, "Well Starlight, you have proven you are ready for not just the next level of your studies, but also to have more space to study and live."
I asked, "Do I get to move into the study tower?"
Celestia replied, "Yes Starlight, you do."
Naturally I was beyond ecstatic and was ready to get moved in right away and apparently Celestia could sense it. She asked, "I take it you want to get moved in there as soon as possible?"
I replied, "You bet I do!"
She hugged me and said, "Well since you don't have a ton of personal belongings, how about we grab what you do have and you can move in today if you want. Unless something has happened in the past 300 years, the bed should still have clean sheets, nice pillows and blankets on it."
I levitated myself up to eye level with Celestia, hugged her and continued, "Thank you your Majesty, I'm so happy."
I couldn't help but laugh over her response, "Tsk, Tsk Starlight, what am I going to do with you? You know you don't have to address me like that!"
All I could do was reply, "I know, it's just out of respect for you." as we headed towards my bedroom. While I didn't have a lot of personal belongings I did have one thing that I was extremely protective of, my lock box. Some ponies may wonder why I am so protective of that thing but it has something very important to me, something from my prior life, Starswirl's time travel spell that I altered.
Luckily Celestia didn't ask about what I had in that box nor did she even say anything about it. All she did was smile as I gathered all of my belongings out of what used to be my bedroom and headed towards the exit. I can only imagine what life is going to be like now. I do know one thing, Spike is going to be hacking up a lot more messages!
Movin' On Up!
I did it! I aced my exam and now I will be moving on to the next phase in my studies, and I won't have to sleep right across from Celestia anymore. Finally after what seemed to be ages I was able to move into that study tower. While I do appreciate everything Celestia has done for me, including watching over me as if I were her own as a filly, it will be so nice to have my own space to live and study without supervision.
As Celestia and I headed towards my new home we passed by the donut shop where my friends were gathered. They all rushed out and the first to say anything was Minuette, "Hi Starlight, how did you do?" She then saw Celestia and bowed, "Hi your Majesty."
Celestia giggled, "Oh Minuette, you're as bad as Starlight! You don't need to address me like that all the time."
I excitedly added, "I aced my exam! I get to live in the study tower now!"
All my friends rushed over and hugged me. I could tell they were all happy for me but something just didn't seem right with Moondancer. She asked, "So what will you be doing now that you'll have so many books right there at your disposal?"
Just as I began to reply Celestia interrupted, "While she will continue to study quite a bit with me and spend a lot of time in the Starswirl the Bearded wing, she will also be expanding her knowledge in pony history overall."
Minuette asked, "Will we still be able to get together on weekends like we do now?"
Celestia replied, "Of course you will. Chances are she will actually have more spare time on her hooves now."
I added, "Yep! Come on ladies, want to join Celestia, Spike and I in getting me settled into my new home?"
They all nodded in agreement and followed us to the study tower. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but I figured that whatever it was, that I would like it. I must admit, I didn't expect the staircase to get up there to be so long. Luckily when my friends won't be following me up here, I can just self-levitate and not be so winded.
Celestia handed me the key and as I opened the door for the first time, a rush of musty air hit all of us. While it caused Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine to gag a bit, it didn't bother the rest of us any. Given that it had been 300 years since anypony had been in here, both Celestia and myself were expecting it.
Once we headed in I began to look at the wealth of knowledge that surrounded me. I said, "Wow, I can't believe that I'll have this much knowledge at my disposal."
Celestia replied, "While there are many books in here, I am going to have to get some newer books in here as well. After all, like I said, it has been 300 years since anypony has been in here."
As we headed into the kitchen I'll admit, there wasn't much of a kitchen at all. It was like stepping into a time warp, going way back in time. Celestia could see a look of disappointment on my face and continued, "Oh and don't worry, I'll make sure this place has modern equipment and electricity in no time."
I asked, "So will I not be able to move in right away now?"
Celestia replied, "No, you won't. If I have crews start working on this place immediately, it should be ready in about a month."
Oh horseshoes, I was really hoping that I wouldn't have to sleep across from Celestia anymore. You know how it is, once a pony starts to mature, she wants more personal space and would rather stay out with her friends as late as she wants to. Apparently Moondancer could sense my frustration as she asked, "Your Majesty, I don't know if this would be ok with you or not but if Starlight doesn't want to sleep across from you for another month, I would be willing to take her in."
My ears perked up when I heard this. Celestia asked, "Starlight, what do you think? I know you've been looking forward to having more space, would you want to stay with Moondancer until your new home is ready."
Out of all my friends, despite her being older, I felt as though I could relate with Moondancer the most since she tends to be the most studious. I replied, "You bet I would!" Of course given that I would be staying with Moondancer I knew that our schedules would likely conflict. I asked, "I know I just passed my exam but when will my next phase begin."
Apparently there is something that other students get that I didn't know about, breaks. Celestia replied, "I've never done this before with a protege Starlight but your friends are going to be on break for the next six weeks, what would you think of joining them?"
I replied, "You bet I would!"
Celestia began to head back towards the castle when she said, "I am very proud of you Starlight Glimmer and I look forward to us working together more once break is over." She then looked at all of us and continued, "Now you six, I mean seven, have fun and enjoy yourselves."
I replied, "Oh I'm sure we will."
Once Celestia got out of earshot Minuette asked, "So Starlight, what would you think about having a party tonight to celebrate you acing your exam and getting to move away from Celestia's constant watch."
I replied, "That sounds great." I looked down at Spike and asked, "Does that sound good to you?"
Spike replied, "Yeah, I almost never get to have any fun."
We all embraced and began to jump up and down celebrating not just the start of a new phase in my life, but also something I've never experienced before, the beginning of break. That night our party went by as any party would. There was music, dancing, punch and something that Celestia had really got me addicted to while I lived with her, cake! While we have had plenty of fun times together and met up a lot, that night was the first night I truly felt like I could let my mane down since I didn't have to be back at the palace by a certain time.
During the month that I was waiting for my new home to be modernized, Moondancer and I did enjoy one another's company quite a bit. While it may sound kind of odd that I would do this during break, I went with her to the library and just studied various things for the fun of it. By the time that my tower was ready, Moondancer and I had become very close, close enough that we considered each other best friends.
After four weeks my new home was ready and wow, Celestia's crews did a spectacular job modernizing it. When I first went in there was no artificial lighting, there were no appliances and while this may sound odd, the place didn't even have indoor plumbing. Now, it has all the modern conveniences a pony could want and as would be expected, my friends and I held a party in there the night I was able to move in.
