Chapters Author's Note
After Foals Errand released her one shot story Eyes Open, I noticed a fair number of people commenting that it was not dark and grim enough for their liking as a follow-up to Lumberjack’s Blinking, which was itself a fan-sequel to Ocalhoun's Blink. People seeking a grim dark story here WILL be disappointed. Seekers of pain, woe, and suffering have been warned.
1. Look
1: Look
“So you see; my faithful student, magic comes at a cost. Even a seemingly harmless spell can have terrible repercussions if it is misused or not fully understood,” Princess Twilight told Shooting Star with regret clearly evident in her voice. Twilight readied herself for the barrage of questions and critical commentary she had come to expect from the young unicorn Though young was a matter of perspective, Twilight mused. Shooting Star was nineteen and therefore older than Twilight had been when Princess Celestia had first sent her to Ponyville. It was not that her student was any less gifted at Magic but that where Twilight had always concerned herself with the ‘how’, Star wanted to know the ‘why’ This had proven frustrating for several of her teachers at Celestia’s School and was perhaps one of the reasons why Celestia had chosen Shooting Star to be Twilight’s personal student. Perhaps her cherished mentor still had lessons for Twilight to learn.
Surprisingly, her pupil only nodded in mute acceptance of what Twilight had told her. In hindsight, this should have told Twilight that something was brewing in her student’s thoughts. Instead, Twilight mentally breathed a sigh of relief that Star had not found a million different points to question her on. Finally, Star asked but a single question.
“How old were you when you first teleported?”
Twilight considered the odd question. She remembered how excited she had been to learn how to teleport. The little filly with no way to know the awful consequences of a seemingly benign bit of magic She must have teleported at least six or seven times that day before wearing herself out.
“I was all of six years old.” Twilight answered wistfully.
It was all Shooting Star could manage to nod numbly at this as her mind followed the ugly implications. The story her teacher had told her had been horrifying: Finding herself, literally , and finding that they were trapped in an unknown space and surrounded by the remains of other versions of themselves and their closest friends. Having to feed upon their flesh to sustain life for one more awful day. It was the stuff of nightmares, guaranteed to turn the stomach of almost anypony.
But what she now envisioned was far worse. Her teacher had been of a responsible age at the time she described, but how much worse for the first Twilights? The bright eyed eager and innocent fillies who had found themselves trapped in a hell that would make the denizens of Tartarus shudder.
Some said that the universe did not concern itself with the lives of the mortals that inhabited it. The universe was not unfair, they claimed. It just didn’t care one way or the other. Shooting Star now saw that was a lie. For such a thing to have been permitted, the universe or whatever force guided it had to truly be sadistic and cruel indeed.
Buck the universe! Shooting Star thought as Twilight declared their lesson ended for the day. Even as she gathered up her books, her mind was already applying itself to her self-appointed task.
Step One: Define the equation.
Shooting Star frowned as she sat in her room considering the matter. There were too many variables. She would need to understand how Twilight’s original teleportation spell was flawed if she was going to fix this at the source. She was also going to have to find a way around the known rules of temporal mechanics. On top of that, she was going to have to do this without neglecting her normal studies or tipping off Twilight as to what she was thinking.
I KNOW from Twilight’s lessons that time travel spells exist but she’s never taught me any of them. Professor Starlight knows time travel better than anypony alive. I’m going to have to ask her to teach me without her going and telling Twilight. I suppose I could tell her it’s part of a thesis project?
“Time travel and its relation to parallel and alternate realities.” The copper maned silver coated unicorn mused aloud. It sounded an impressive enough title and should be enough for Professor Starlight as to not arouse suspicion or excessive curiosity.
Alright. Let’s suppose that she agrees to teach me about time travel. I need to know exactly when I’m going and what to do when I get there or in this case, ‘then’. I need to learn exactly the spell Twilight learned as a filly. The only problem with that is that it is a forbidden spell and there is no way anypony is going to teach it to me. THEN I have to teach her how to do it right! I can’t just go popping in out of nowhere and say ‘Hey kiddo! That teleportation spell is wrong! Do it this way! I try that and not only will she probably NOT listen to me, but Princess Celestia will have the weird crazy pony locked in irons and let’s not forget setting up a giant TIME PARADOX! Oh no! Can’t forget about that. Shooting Star told herself in exasperation And that was the other tiny matter: Even if she pulled this all off, she would change history and set up a time paradox that could possibly erase everything from existence.
Or with my luck, I’ll just erase myself! 'It’s a wonderful change you made Star! It's just too bad you don’t exist to see it!'
Add that to the list of problems.
How do I cheat the fundamental laws of the universe and at the same time trick the universe into acting as if nothing had changed ? Shooting Star paused in thought and looked around the room she shared with Sun Flash, a rather showy unicorn who had a flare for the dramatic but not so much the drive. On the wall above her roommate's bed was an announcement flyer for her favorite showpony…
“Come see the ‘Great and Powerful Trixie’ at the Pearl auditorium.” Shooting Star read. A bit of sleight of hoof. Looks like a show I can’t afford to miss!
“So you wish to learn the secrets of The Great and Powerful Trixie?” The famed stage pony asked. There was a glint of amusement in her eye as she regarded the young unicorn. “I can’t imagine what a simple performer such as myself could know that would be of interest to an obviously well educated unicorn such as yourself.” Star noted that Trixie’s smiling visage reminded her of a crocodile, waiting for an unwary pony to make a wrong step.
“Sometimes ordinary magic won’t get the job done.” Shooting Star answered. “If it takes humbly asking advice and knowledge from a self taught master magician, then I will go to her and say please and hope that she will teach me what I need to know.” Star added. “So here I am.” She said kneeling. “On bended knees, I’m asking for your help. Please.”
Trixie regarded her with the strangest of expressions, as if searching for something. Her eyes narrowed . “First, you are mistaken.” Trixie told the young unicorn firmly. “I am not self taught. I learned much of what I know from my father. He was also a great stage pony. One in a long line of performers who honed their craft with pride. Sometimes pride is all a stage pony has. The consequence of not being born into the right family.” She said with some bitterness. “What do you think of that my dear?”
Shooting Star swallowed reflexively at the rebuking. Yes. Her family did have some connections in Canterlot society, being ranked among the lesser nobility. Shooting Star would have been less than honest if she did not admit to herself that those connections had worked to her advantage in securing her a place in Celestia’s School. “I can’t deny the truth of your words.But pride is a luxury I can’t afford right now.”
Trixie’s expression softened. “Well said. So why don’t you tell me your tale and we will see what advice the Great and Powerful Trixie can bestow.”
And so Shooting Star related the terrible tale, noting the distressed, almost ill look on Trixie’s face.
“But this is all in the past.” Trixie said finally. “A wise pony would accept it as such and move on.”
“Maybe.” Star admitted. “But I know I can change these things! And that’s why I have to try.”
“Do you even have a plan?” Trixie questioned.
“As a matter of fact I do.” Shooting Star replied with a confidence she did not quite feel.
“Alright then. What is it?”
Shooting Star outlined her plan. Funny that it seemed better before she had to explain it out loud. Indeed she saw Trixie’s face twist into a scowl.
“That is without a doubt the most insane plan I have ever heard!” Trixie exclaimed. “It is reckless in the extreme! I would have expected something more sensible from Twilight Sparkle’s personal student” Trixie suddenly grinned. “Trixie will help you.”
As Shooting Star breathed a sigh of relief, Trixie asked her one last question.
“Before we begin, I want to know: Do you truly believe you can do this?”
“Yes Miss Trixie. I do.”
“Then would you do the same knowing the risk? Would you do the same if we were not talking about your mentor? Would you take the same risks for a pony you did not know?”
Shooting Star considered the question. She remembered that Trixie also made frequent use of the teleportation spell. What she was really asking was if Shooting Star would place as much value on Trixie as on her own mentor. The young unicorn stood straight. “Yes. I would and I will.”
Trixie nodded approvingly, accepting Star’s promise. “One last thing.” She said firmly. “This business of writing a thesis paper?”
“Yes?” Star asked, noting the disapproval in Trixie’s expression. At the time it seemed like the best idea.
“Starlight Glimmer is a close friend of mine. You will not lie to her. You will tell her the truth of what you are planning. I will speak to her. Agreed?”
“Yes Miss Trixie.” Shooting Star answered Trixie’s admonishment.
“Good! Now then! Shall we begin?”
Author's Note
So even outside class, Shooting Star is being tested. Funny that in life one usually isn't aware of the test until they either pass or fail.
3: Observe
“Time travel spells are the most dangerous spells of all.” Starlight Glimmer warned. “There is a reason that Star Swirl kept most of his research hidden. It is also why I have promised myself I would never teach them. Before I became Twilight Sparkle’s first student, I nearly destroyed all of Equestria through my callous abuse of them. Time is too malleable, too fragile. The chance for unintended changes is much too great.”
“Professor Starlight.” Shooting Star said with a respectful tone. “I know time travel is inherently dangerous. But it’s the only way! I’ve considered the risks and I’ve taken everything I can think of into account I know I can do this!” She pleaded.
“Spoken like a young unicorn I used to know.” Starlight shook her head. “For everything you think you’ve taken into consideration, there will be fifty you never even thought of!” She objected.
Miss Trixie told me not to lie to you.” Star answered. “She said that you were one of her closest friends.” Her voice grew firm. “If that is so then you should know it is the nature of friendship that we would risk anything. I’m asking you to trust me. I’m asking you to take a chance for your friends. In exchange, I swear I will never teach another the secrets you teach me.”
“Let’s suppose I agreed with your plan.” Starlight offered. “What if I carried it out?”
“Because you know there is too much chance that Twilight would recognize you in the future. It would be much too dangerous for you to do it.” Star replied calmly.
Starlight nodded in reluctant acceptance of the youngster’s logic. “Very well Shooting Star. I will teach you the secrets of time travel. You must only use what I teach when there is nothing else left to try. If you teach it, you must only teach it to one who will likewise use it only in the most desperate hour of need.”
“Yes Professor Starlight.”
“Good. These spells require sharp focus. The most serious of mind.” Starlight cautioned. “One more thing,” she added.
“What is that Professor?”
“You mess this up? If you destroy the universe? You had better hope your time ends quickly or I will find you. Even if it takes an eternity.”
“Yes ma’am,” Star said meekly.
That conversation was now many days past as Shooting Star wandered the streets of old Canterlot, trying to acclimate herself. Or many years in the future depending on one’s viewpoint , she mused mildly. At least bits were still bits even if she did have to pay premium prices to make certain her coinage matched the times. It was unlikely anypony would correctly discern future events just by seeing a coin marked with Princess Luna’s seal inside Princess Celestia’s but it was probable that such a coin could lead one to some wrong and inconvenient conclusions. She made a note to stay clear of the Canterbridge district. There was no sense needlessly chancing an encounter with one of her own ancestors. This is not the time to reenact ‘Buck to the Future’ . Star told herself. Speak little, listen always. Don’t attract attention.
Aside from her coin purse, she carried a saddlebag filled with old textbooks, parchment, her grandmare’s old ink bladder for traveling and a supply of quills. By Celestia! It took two days to learn to use a quill well enough that Professor Starlight would pass my penmanship! My kingdom for a ballpoint pen! She also carried a sack lunch. After all, the first ‘Big Burro’ won’t open for another thirty years A little long to wait for fast food.
Fashion had proven to be an interesting challenge as Canterlot ponies were and had always been sticklers for fashion and appearance. Thankfully she wasn’t one of those ponies who had embraced horn piercing or other fads. In the end, she had opted for a minimalist look Combined with a basic unstyled mane simply brushed, Shooting Star would rate hardly a glance from fashion conscious Canterlot ponies. They would merely assume she was from one of the smaller towns on the outskirts of 'Great Cosmopolitan Canterlot'. She would be beneath notice. And thank Celestia for that! She was certain that her identification would pass to get her onto the campus of Celestia’s School The bigger problem was going to be getting close to Twilight.
“How do you propose to go unnoticed by Princess Celestia or any of the other teachers in Celestia’s school?” Starlight had asked her.
Shooting Star considered her question. “Actually, I know just the pony to help me with that.” Even if she does live in an out-of-the-way neighborhood. Star reminded herself.
4: Reveal
“So,” Sunset Shimmer asked calmly with her arms folded as she regarded her guest, having listened to Shooting Star with interest. “What makes you think I have any special knowledge or advice that could help you?” She asked mildly.
Star could feel Sunset’s gaze taking careful measure. She only hoped her answers would be satisfactory. She struggled to avoid shifting or fidgeting in the unfamiliar human form. Conversely, Sunset Shimmer's mastery of her human form lent even more of an intimidating feel to her presence.
“My teacher has told me about you taking her crown and how she followed you here.”
“ Stealing her crown.” Sunset corrected. “You don’t need to worry about offending me by calling it what it was. I stole her crown and just lucky for everyone that your teacher followed and stopped me.”
“But what she left out is what interests me, ma’am.” Star continued, not wanting to belabor the matter.
“Oh?” Sunset Shimmer asked with interest. “And ma’am makes me sound like an old mare. As you may know, I too was a student of Twilight’s, if only informally. Call me Sunset.” It was not a request.
“Yes m… Yes, Sunset.” Star hastily corrected, then pressed on. “What interests me is that you left Equestria a full decade before Twilight Sparkle ascended but you knew who she was. More than that, you knew that her crown and the mirror would be in close proximity. This despite the fact that the mirror had just been moved to the Crystal Empire. You were able to navigate Princess Cadance’s palace even though you could not possibly have known its layout from when you were Princess Celestia’s student. You had to have first hoof information. That means you were there right under Princess Celestia’s muzzle.”
“Well!” Sunset smiled. “A student definitely worthy of her teacher! I should note that I have had my suspicions that Princess Celestia KNEW I was there. Frankly, the lucky happenstance of the portal being open at just the right time with Twilight and her crown being so temptingly close? There’s a reason Celestia is known as the ‘Chess Master’.” Sunset noted. “So I would be very careful about that. As for the rest of it? It’s amazing how far you can get with a confident look. It’s a nervous pony that attracts attention. If you can project confidence, People will assume you belong there.”
“I see,” Star replied as a thought occurred to her. “Weren't you taught the same teleportation spell?”
“I believe I was six and a half when we covered teleportation.” She saw the look in Shooting Star’s eyes. “You can’t save everyone. Just do what you can. That’s all anyone can do and it is more than most.” Sunset counseled gently.
“I understand.” Star replied, In her heart, she disagreed ‘I may not be able to teach you the proper spell, but I will save you. I might not be able to save everypony but I won’t give up on any pony.’
In retrospect, putting theory into practice was a bit trickier than Shooting Star had anticipated. Getting onto the grounds of Celestia’s school was simple enough. The hard part was getting close to Twilight Sparkle. Shooting Star knew that the young Twilight already had a personal guard assigned in the form of the mysterious and aptly named Silent Shadow. A strange unicorn approaching Princess Celestia’s young personal student would most definitely be viewed with suspicion. On the other hand, she reasoned, if she could get close to someone Twilight already trusted? Princess Cadance had been Twilight’s foal sitter.It was a risk but if Star could gain the confidence of Princess Cadance, then she had a chance. Fortunately, Star had aimed for the start of the school term. There was time yet There had to be! In the meantime, she had another little filly to find. A crucial first test she had to complete before she risked everything.
According to my research, she should be near Greenbriar about now. So, now to find ‘The Great and Momentous Maximus’ and his daughter and see if we can start setting things right.
Author's Note
Young Twilight's bodyguard, Silent Shadow is from Tiny Twilight Tales by Foal's Errand.
The Great and Powerful Trixie's father, The Great and Momentous Maximus is from Tiny Trixie Tales by Zodiacspear.
Both are used by permission of their creators.
Also, please check out their stories!
Thanks again!
Until next time!
5. Act
There was one matter that Shooting Star needed to tend even before finding the young Trixie. She owed it to Professor Starlight to show her younger self how to teleport safely. This would be less complex than Star’s other goals but still not exactly easy by any means. A major concern was that rather than being just another mare in the crowd, Star was definitely going to be memorable to Starlight Glimmer. The young unicorn frowned as she stared at her own cutie mark. The golden star with its fiery tail trailing behind was very distinctive, especially against her silvery coat.
The last thing I need is to have Professor Starlight recognize my cutie mark the day I first show up to classes. Or would it even work that way? Star wondered. If she was going to recognize me then wouldn’t she have already done so? No, because I haven’t yet committed myself. Even if effect could precede cause, it is not immune to cause. This is a solvable problem. I’ll need to cover my mark and then? Well, I can’t be a blank flank. That would be a bit odd. So I need to draw something in its place. What, though? It has to be simple because I’m a lousy artist. It’ll need to be simple and bland and totally forgettable. I’ll just draw two lines. That will do. Simple, easy, and boring! With the proper stage paint applied, Shooting Star went in search of a young unicorn of great potential.
Appearing on the dirt road a short walk outside a small village, Shooting Star took up her role as a simple traveler stopping for food and lodging. She was a performer offering a little show for the foals in thanks for the hospitality, Shooting Star arrived in the village about mid morning. On the calendar, it was a weekend. After paying for a pleasant lunch, Shooting Star introduced herself as ‘Minerva’, ‘Mare of Mystery’ Okay, so it's a bit pretentious but it’ll hold. Besides, I’m playing a role here. I have to be the role. Now to spot a very very bright young filly with an interest in magic and a mind like a steel trap!
As expected, the young Starlight Glimmer was easy to spot.
“So? What do you think of my little show?” Shooting Star asked her after performing a small act for the village foals. As she expected, Starlight’s interest had definitely been drawn as she sat in fascination throughout the show.
“It’s amazing! Did you study at Princess Celestia’s school? I want to go there someday but my mom and dad said that if you aren’t a pony from Canterlot, you have to be REALLY good at magic.”
“I learned these tricks from a great stage mare. She was a powerful magician I met while traveling. That’s when I realized that you could find some of the best magic in unexpected places. So I travel from place to place, learning what I can.”
“Is that why your cutie mark is a road?” Young Starlight asked.
“A road?” Star answered in confusion and then looked at her flank and seeing it. “To tell you the truth I’ve never really thought about it. Sometimes I think ponies place too much importance on cutie marks.”
“Yeah, That’s true.” The filly agreed. “Miss Minerva? Can you teach me some of your magic?”
“I don’t see why not!"
And so Star spent the next couple of days tutoring the young Starlight in basic magic spells and theory, gauging the foal’s aptitude and potential. It was hardly a surprise that young Starlight clearly measured in the top one percent of unicorns in her magic potential. False modesty aside, Shooting Star was quite proud of her own abilities but she seriously doubted if she were in Starlight Glimmer’s league. At the end of the second day, ‘Minerva’ smiled and tore a sheet from her notebook and jotted down one last formula for her student.
“I have to continue my travels in the morning but before I leave, I have one last piece of magic for you to study. This is the formula for a teleportation spell. We will practice it and you must show it to nopony. This is for you alone.”
“I promise Miss Minerva!” Starlight avowed earnestly as she clutched her mentor’s notes in her magic.
It was with fascination and delight that years later Starlight noticed that her mentor had left one last hidden gift on that page.
One day Starlight would use that clue left for her and her alone to uncover the means to gain her revenge.
Author's Note
So Shooting Star has successfully taught Starlight Glimmer safe teleportation. It also appears that she has fallen prey to the laws of unintended consequences.
7. Focus
Knowing that she could sync with another pony’s bubble and escape was a major success for Shooting Star. Looking forward, her next major concern was how to handle the matter of Sunset Shimmer. Everything began and ended with Twilight Sparkle. That could not be disrupted. But could she leave Sunset Shimmer to the same fate she had spared Starlight Glimmer and Trixie? No.
But nor could she teach Sunset the safe form of the teleportation spell. Doing so would risk tipping off Princess Celestia. Either Sunset would discuss what she had learned with her mentor, or at the very least, somepony, possibly even Celestia would take notice of Shooting Star in the company of her personal student. This could well have repercussions if a certain unicorn were to reappear, once again cultivating a close contact with another of Celestia’s personal students.
Here then as a human might say, was the ‘Catch 22’: Shooting Star could not in good conscience, leave Sunset Shimmer to the same fate she was trying to save Twilight Sparkle from. Yet, the very attempt to help Sunset could well undermine all of her plans to save Twilight.
What do I do? What is the moral course? Having come this far, is there even a moral course anymore? In her mind, she weighed an infinite sum of Sunset Shimmers and an equally infinite number of Twilight Sparkles. Choose one side and possibly condemn the others?
As she considered this, she hid and watched as a tiny Sunset Shimmer teleported for the first time.
“You can’t save everyone.” A mature Sunset had warned her. Was Shooting Star now witnessing the truth of that statement come home to roost?
NO! I CAN do this! I can and I will! First thing’s first though. With that, she concentrated and teleported into another lonely bubble.
“Hello,” She said as she stood before the gold and fire-hued filly.
“Who are you?” Young Sunset asked with a touch of suspicion. “Where are we? Princess Celestia isn’t going to be happy if you foalnapped me!”
Star waited for the frightened filly to finish before answering her in the calmest tone she could.
“My name is Shooting Star. I know your name is Sunset Shimmer and I need to get you out of this place. We don’t have much time, so, I need you to do exactly as I say as if Princess Celestia herself were telling you”
Sunset looked around with fear and nodded. “All right.”
“Good. Then you need to wrap your forelegs around me as tight as possible.” She waited patiently as the filly did so.
“Luckily, this is the first time you’ve teleported,” Star remarked.
“How do you know that?” Sunset demanded.
“There’s something wrong with that spell. Believe me. If you had done it before, I would know.”
“Princess Celestia taught me this spell! The Princess doesn’t make mistakes!” Sunset angrily objected.
Star smiled gently. It was a lesson both Celestia and Twilight had taught her: That all ponies were capable of making mistakes. But Sunset was still at an age where her mentor was seen as a perfect and infallible being.
“All ponies can make mistakes,” Star replied. “But in this case, it’s not her mistake. She just didn’t know about it There’s no way she could have known. When we get out of here, I’m going to take you to a safe place and I have a few more things to do but then Princess Celestia will explain everything.”
“Okay.” Sunset agreed in a small voice.
Star smiled reassuringly. As with Trixie, she concentrated and did a time displacement and teleported clear. Appearing in front of Miss Trixie and her younger self, Shooting Star breathed a sigh of relief as Sunset let go.
“Sunset Shimmer? Meet the Great and Powerful Trixie! She is going to teach you a new teleporting spell.”
“Wait! Where are you going?”
“I’m going to try and put things right,” Star replied. I’ve tried doing this my way. But my way isn’t enough I guess it’s time for me to make a leap of faith. She realized. Star was actively trying to mold the clay of history Time had only so much stretch before the fabric unraveled completely That said, Star had to make a decision, and that was to stop trying to manipulate time while pretending she wasn’t. There was no more room for foalish games.
“I need to talk to somepony.” Concentrating on the time spell again, she vanished, reappearing just outside Princess Celestia’s study.Gathering all the courage she could muster, Shooting Star firmly rapped a hoof on the door.
After a moment, the door swung open and the towering form of Princess Celestia stood in the doorway. Odd that Celestia seemed much taller than Star remembered or maybe it was that Shooting Star felt a lot smaller than ever as she looked into the curious and searching eyes of the Sun Princess. The tilt of an eyebrow inquiring for answers.
Shooting Star fought the weakness she felt in her knees. “Princess Celestia” She bowed sharply, hoping her legs did not give out on her. “I really need to speak with you.”
Author's Note
With my wife starting to recover from persistent vertigo, I feel like I can spend some time writing. So FINALLY I have Chapter 8 ready.
Thanks to RK_Striker for editing and please enjoy!
8. Pieces
8. Pieces
In Human legend, the Gordian Knot was a knot of such complexity that it was said that he who untied it would rule all of Asia. That Alexander; King of Macedon, ‘solved’ this knot by the cut of his sword is telling in both the genius and the tragedy of the man. An Empire forged by might but not guided by wisdom could not endure.
For all that, Shooting Star could have only wished to have been in Alexander’s shoes, At least the knot of his contention was one that a sword could cut. Her’s was infinitely more complicated. But then that’s what fiddling with time got you, she sighed. There was a possible solution. The problem was that for it to work, it would require an absolute trust and faith for the pony who would become her teacher to quite intentionally do something in the wrong manner.
And it had to be that way! Her whole plan was dedicated to preventing anypony from using that flawed spell and experiencing that hell. Yet if Twilight Sparkle did not perform the spell, then a very beloved pony would never exist.
So going to Princess Celestia seemed the only possible option. The only question was ‘when’. Obviously immediately but would it be today, yesterday, or decades past? In the now, Princess Celestia would be easier to convince, but in the past was when Star needed for her to listen. So the answer was both. So Shooting Star would see Celestia thrice.
In the present, (Or rather ten minutes ago when Star was sure of where Princess Celestia was) the meeting was a relatively calm thing. It seemed she had been expected, if not precisely at that moment, then at some point. It was probably as well for Shooting Star that this fact did not register in her mind until much later.
“Ah! Shooting Star. How may I help you, my little pony?”
“Your Highness… I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew. Um… So to speak.” The young unicorn told her as sweat rolled down her face.
“Well… That’s usually the case where time travel is involved.” Celestia noted drily. “Wait here and I will give you the letter you need. But when this is all done, I expect you to give me a full report on what you have learned from all this.” Celestia added sternly, not giving Star the time to notice that she had not yet asked Princess Celestia for the letter.
Presently Celestia retired to her study and retrieved a sealed envelope. She then returned and gave it to Shooting Star
“Give this to Twilight. I’m certain it will be sufficient.”
“Yes, Princess.” Star bowed and readied to take her leave. As she left, Celestia called to her.
“I will expect your report by the time my sister raises the moon.”
Who knows? Maybe I’ll luck out and get eaten by a Krakodile first… Princess Twilight’s pupil thought hopefully to herself, thinking of the huge half alligator, half squid-like predators that filled the tales of old seafaring ponies.
This done, Star turned to the matter of when to go next. A thought struck her: The basic teleportation spell had existed since the days of Star Swirl the Bearded at least! Why had not one other unicorn… Why had not even Celestia herself become aware of the dangerous flaws in the spell until Twilight Sparkle managed to escape? She needed to do some studying.
I need to see Princess Twilight’s study books! My gut is screaming that I’ll find the answer there!
Concentrating on the Palace’s School Library at the start of Princess Twilight’s third year of studies. Appearing outside, she walked in and up to the main desk.
“Excuse me, Miss! Do you have Teleportation: Basic Principles and Practice ?”
The librarian smiled. “Why yes! You are in luck! Twilight Sparkle just brought it back this morning!”
The poor mare had no idea why Star groaned and face hoofed in disbelief.
“D’oh!”
She shook herself. “No! No! No!” she said as she raced out of the library and readied to teleport, hoping that she wouldn’t find anything when she got there but knowing that she would. Twilight Sparkle was nothing if not a determined scholar. But what awaited Shooting Star was beyond her worst imaginings.
Six! Six tiny little purple unicorn fillies were trapped in that awful bubble. One trying to squeeze out another burst of magic. One was checking her study books. One was trying to boost up a fourth to see if she could see further. Two more were huddled, clutching identical hoof-made dolls tight. Tears flowing.
“Excuse me?” Star called their attention to her. Six fillies turned, asking questions all at once as they turned and saw her:
“Who are you?”
“Did Princess Celestia send you to find us?”
“Where are we?”
“I want to go home!”
“I’m hungry.”
“Are we going to be sent back to magic kindergarten?”
“One question at a time!” Star called and then pointed to each filly in turn. “My name is Shooting Star. Yes. You’re in a dimensional void…. Don’t try looking it up. It’s not in your books yet… I’m going to take you all home and we’ll get you some food as soon as we get there. And no…. Nobody is being sent back to Magic Kindergarten." With the possible exception of me… She mused to herself.
“Now I want you to line up from left to right by order of who got here first. Can you do that for me?”
The Twilights nodded and lined up quickly. Star turned to the last one.
“I expected to find one or two of you but not six. What happened?” She asked, remembering to keep a gentle tone.
“We just started practicing. We practiced all afternoon until we started to get tired. I guess we stopped after that.”
“Good. I don’t want any more little Twilights coming in while I’m trying to get you all out.” Shooting Star replied. “Now everypony listen up! Link forelegs together and count off from left to right.”
“One!”
“Two!”
“Three!”
“Four!”
“Five!”
“Six!”
Star smiled. “Very good! Now I want number one to grab hold of my left foreleg and number six? Grab onto my right foreleg.”
The fillies quickly complied and Star grunted as she threw all the magic she could muster into her teleport. She sighed in tired relief as she and her tiny passengers appeared once more in front of a slightly bemused Trixie.
“Trixie sees our friend has taken up Twilight farming.” The Great and Powerful told her younger self and young Sunset Shimmer.
“Very funny.”
“Trixie thought so.”
“Don’t give up your day job.” Shooting Star grumbled. “These fillies need food and rest and I trust you will teach them the new spell like you are Sunset?”
“It would be a Great and Powerful honor.”
“Good!” Star nodded. “Thank you, Miss Trixie,” Star said and then turned to the Twilights.
“I need one of you to hand me her copy of Teleportation: Basic Principles and Practice. ”
Twilight number five pulled out her copy and offered it to her.
“Hey! I have that book!” Sunset Shimmer chimed and pulled out her copy. Star took both books and quickly skimmed them. When she was done, her face had taken on a hard, grim look. Anger simmering under her eyes.
“Thank you, girls. I want you to do exactly as Miss Trixie tells you. I need to see Princess Celestia again.” And then after that I have a feeling I’m going to be tearing the hide off somepony…
Author's Note
So. After a long absence, I have finally returned to finish this story. Please enjoy!
9. Resolve
Resolve
Shooting Star was beyond furious. So stupid! That's why no other pony was ever affected! That's why Princess Celestia and Princess Luna never had this problem!
The problem came down to methods of teaching: Long Centuries ago, Star Swirl the Bearded had trained Celestia and Luna to teleport with hooves-on training. This was traditional learning. But eventually, after Celestia had founded her school for gifted unicorns, the equations had been written down and put in textbooks.
Originally, the equations had been copied from Princess Celestia's direct dictation. But eventually, a copy of Star Swirl's original notes had been found and authenticated and that is where the trouble had started as a new edition text had been prepared using those notes, just around the time Princess Celestia had taken Sunset Shimmer as her personal student.
Shooting Star had an icy ball forming in the pit of her stomach. "Well... That tells me where I needed to go next..."
***
In The Time of Star Swirl the Bearded
Shooting Star looked around the narrow streets of early Canterlot, not particularly caring about her incongruous appearance. She forced herself to calm herself... a little at least... and applied a translation spell. I hope the translation spell isn't as screwed up as the teleport spell!
Spotting a lone mare, she addressed the pony. "Excuse me? But doth thou knoweth the dwelling of Star Swirl?"
The mare simply blinked.
Shooting Star rolled her eyes. "WHERE is Star Swirl the Bearded?!"
A hoof shakily pointed toward a house in need of repair work. A tall pony wearing his famous cloak wordlessly entered.
"Ah! Thank you!"
The mare shook her head as the clearly insane pony raced to Star Swirl's home.
Star Swirl grumbled as he sorted through the papers on his desk, looking for the one he wanted, only to be interrupted as his front door was flung open.
Shooting Star glared at him. Without a word, she snatched a random page of notes in her magic and drew them to her scrutiny. She frowned. "What in the name of Tartarus? What IS this?"
Star Swirl snatched the sheet back from the intruder. "My private notes!"
"It's chicken scratch! Your 'Es', your '3s', and the symbol for Sigma... At least that's what I think that was supposed to be... are practically IDENTICAL! Who taught you how to hold a quill?! The publishers misread your notes!"
By this time a crowd began to form outside, the front door of the cottage still wide open, gawking at the mad-pony and the reclusive wizard. Shooting Star whirled on them.
"Can anypony here write in clear, legible characters?!"
A single tiny hoof nervously went up.
Star looked at the foal. "What's your name?"
"Clover," the foal said meekly.
Shooting Star looked at the foal agog and then shook herself, turning back to Star Swirl. "You are going to teach this foal everything you know. In exchange, Clover... YOU are to recopy all of Master Star Swirl's notes, neatly and help get some organization here!"
As the foal eagerly nodded, Star Swirl frowned. "And if I refuse?"
Shooting Star smirked evilly, having anticipated the wizard's stubbornness. "I was hoping you'd ask that. I'll be right back!" She flashed out of existence, only to reappear a moment later surrounded by a pack of excited fillies.
"I have a bunch of eager little students hungry for knowledge and books and if you don't accept my terms, I'll turn them all loose in your personal library."
"You wouldn't..."
"Try me. And if you try to go back on your word later, I WILL find out and I will be back."
"Alright!" Star Swirl relented.
"Good. If you'll just sign a few autographs for the girls. we'll be on our way! Oh! And it wouldn't hurt for you to take a broom to this place every once in a while and fix that shutter..."
***
After dropping the girls back off with Miss Trixie, Shooting Star had one last time jump to make, appearing in the Ponyville Library to leave the letter she had gotten from Princess Celestia on Twilight Sparkle's table for her future mentor to find.
Then Shooting Star finally jumped back home...
To find her teacher waiting there calmly with Princess Celestia, Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Miss Trixie, and a smirking Star Swirl the Bearded.
"Well done, Shooting Star. I hope you've learned some important lessons."
"Yes, Princess Celestia."
"Good. Because time travel is incredibly dangerous. As it turns out, you did not shape history to your design, history simply used you to fulfill its own plan."
"And part of that plan," Twilight Sparkle told her student. "Is that you are going to serve as teacher for eight little fillies you brought forward through time." She dropped her wings to reveal Shooting Star's new students.
"I will be most interested in seeing your progress," Star Swirl smiled in satisfied revenge.
"Oh! horse feathers..."
6. Show
One pony down, lots more work to go. Star thought as she left Starlight Glimmer’s village. This had been the simple part. Her next task would be harder and even if everything went exactly as planned, Shooting Star would have a major complication on her hooves.
Upon entering Greenbriar, it had been foal’s play to find The Great and Momentous Maximus and more to the point, the future Great and Powerful Trixie. The enthusiastic Trixie was passing out fliers in the town square for her father’s act. To play the game, Shooting Star would have to see the show. Five bits a head wasn’t too much to pay. It would have been twice that if Maximus had been part of a traveling circus or carnival but the individual take would probably have been less, especially in small towns and villages. Trixie had explained to her just how tight a margin such traveling performers lived on. Star figured that footing the bill for a decent meal or two ought to get her a chance to ask Maximus a few questions as she played the role of a new and inexperienced performer interested in learning the ropes from a veteran.
This was where the advice the Great and Powerful Trixie had given her would serve Star the best. Trixie had warned her that as a performer and businesspony, Maximus would be able to see through most deceptions and the more elaborate the lie, the quicker Maximus would catch it and more wary he would become.
Not that the truth would be any more believable. Star told herself with a touch of true, if bitter humor. Excuse me sir, but I’ve come from forty years in the future to teach your daughter a spell so dangerous that it’s banned in my time and THEN teach her to do it the safe way because reasons…. Sure! That will go over great!
So Star would have to craft a story that at least met Maximus’ expectations. For starters, Star would be hard pressed to conceal her status as pony from a privileged background. Her hooves were well kempt and had clearly seen a good hooficure recently. She had bits but no discernible enterprise. Her speech, while lacking many of the affectations of upper class Canterlot ponies, would still be clearly recognizable. No lies, she told herself. Let him draw his own conclusions.
And so it was that while performing in the village of Greenbriar, Maximus the Momentous and his daughter, Trixie met ‘Stardust’, a feisty young Canterlot pony who had finally had enough of her family’s attempts to have her wedded off to some brainless scion of a society family in the name of ‘status’. It was a likely enough story, Star figured. It still happened even in her time. Fortunately she didn’t come from a family like that, but it was a scenario she could envision easily enough to impart the proper distaste and disgust to make the story believable. Her willful personality and independent spirit connecting quite agreeably with young Trixie.
“So what about teleportation spells?” Star asked Maximus.
“What about them?” The performer chuckled. “I know the basic theory but surprisingly, teleportation isn’t that useful in this business. It uses a lot of energy and while the appearing out of nowhere would seem to be an attention getter, I can get the same result with flash bombs. It’s showier and takes less energy and concentration. I can get on with the act. For the most part, teleportation is a trick that young ponies do because they’re impatient.”
“But it would certainly be a mark of a pony with pretty strong magic. Certainly not something an average unicorn can do.”
“Yes,” Maximus agreed. “But it is important to realize that the average pony is often more impressed by a simpler, spell that catches the eye than a more advanced spell with less ‘sparkle’."
Shooting Star could not help but chuckle at his ironic phrasing. “I see.”
Maximus smiled. “Tired performers do fewer shows. Fewer shows means less of a take and when you have family…" He gazed down at his daughter with fatherly love and pride. “This is how I measure success.” He stared at ‘Stardust’ thoughtfully. “I can’t afford to pay bits for any helpers, but as long as you can pay your own way, then I could certainly use somepony with a sharp mind and willing to work. Is that agreeable?”
“Completely sir.”
“Good! Besides, Trixie likes you.”
“I’m glad. I think she’s pretty special too.”
Later, as Maximus readied for another show, Star was watching Trixie as the filly played with ‘Cuddles’ and ‘Lulu’, her two favorite dolls.
“Teleporting might not be good for shows but I bet it would impress a pony who knows anything about magic.” Star commented.
Trixie considered. “Do you know how to do it?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Star smiled.
“Teach Trixie!” The young filly insisted.
Star smiled, hiding the mixed emotions she felt. This was what she wanted, needed to do and yet it filled her with dread. If everything went well, then Trixie would be safe and Shooting Star would know for certain that she could carry out her plan in full. If not, then Trixie and Twilight and every other pony, sans Starlight Glimmer, would be doomed to repeat the horrors of the pre-existing timeline and moreover, Shooting Star would die, trapped in a dimensional bubble, never to be found.
This was the reason that Star could not simply teach Trixie the safe spell the way she had taught young Starlight Glimmer. Shooting Star needed to test herself. She was reasonably certain that the new teleportation spell synched to Trixie’s magic frequency would allow her to access Trixie’s bubble and leave at will. A barrier spell should keep her magic from disappearing immediately. But if she failed, she would die. If that happened, she could not be in Twilight’s bubble. She could not be found by her once and future mentor. The possible damage to the timeline was unacceptable.
If this fails, if I screw this up then let Trixie’s soul be granted Elysia and may the heavens forgive me. Even if I succeed, I pray the heavens will forgive me for doing this. She thought back to the days before she was Princess Twilight’s personal student and to a lecture Princess Celestia had given her class on ethics. ‘The ends never justify the means.’ Celestia had told them. ‘Because the means shape the ends.’
But if I do nothing, then I will condemn how many ponies to die alone, terrified, trapped, and helpless. So the question is whether I risk one life that would surely be lost anyway plus my own in exchange for the chance to save her and how many more from that nightmare? Do I accept the responsibility or not?
Shooting Star closed her eyes and nodded. She accepted her responsibility and took a deep breath.
“Alright Trixie, I will teach you, but you need to do everything exactly as I teach you. When you are ready, we’ll both teleport from here to the other side of the room. We wouldn’t want you to get lost between here and there.” Star told the filly knowing the sort of reaction she would get.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie won’t get lost! Certainly not over that small a distance! But what if you get lost?” The filly teased.
“Then run straight to your father and tell him everything. Understand?”
Trixie nodded, for the first time realizing that this was more than simple magic.
“I promise you I’ll be right there with you.” Star reassured Trixie as she decided Trixie was ready. She had to pay close attention to synch Trixie’s frequency. The part after that would be harder because it would require herself to be in two places at the same time but with time travel, that was manageable.
“Are you ready?” Star asked.
“Trixie is ready!” The little filly announced as she clutched onto her dolls ‘Lulu’ and ‘Cuddles’
“On the count of three then! One… Two.. Three!” Star teleported and nodded as ‘Trixie’ appeared right beside her.
“That was well done, but I noticed something interfering with your magic field.” Star said, using technobabble to ‘explain’ things without explaining them. “Let’s go over those equations and make sure we did everything right.” After a few minutes of technobabble, Star went over the spell again, this time with the corrected formula and deliberately destroying her original notes to make certain Trixie only remembered the right way. Then she had Trixie try again.
“That’s better!” Star praised as Trixie teleported the distance across the room once more. “And see? You look less tired than you did the first time!”
Trixie nodded in agreement, although in truth she didn’t feel much different. But it didn’t matter. Stardust was proud of her and her father would be also!
Star smiled. “Your dad’s act should be finishing any minute now so why don’t you go greet him? I have a couple of chores to take care of so I’ll see you in just a little while, okay?”
“Alright Stardust!”
Star watched as the filly ran off. Then she stepped outside and did a quick time jump. Inside she could hear herself talking to Trixie.
“Are you ready?”
“Trixie is ready!”
“On the count of three then!” On three, Shooting Star focused on Trixie’s signature and teleported into her bubble only a fraction of an instant after Trixie arrived. Star’s shield spell was up and she felt her magic holding for the moment but weakening in this strange space.
“Miss Stardust?” Trixie asked. “Trixie does not like this place and Lulu is scared.” The filly clutched the white and pink doll and the changeling doll both close to her for comfort.
“I don’t like it either Trixie. Hold on tight to me. I’m going to try and get us out of here! Here.. put Lulu and Cuddles in my saddlebag and hold on tight to me.” Star smiled reassuringly as Trixie nodded and secured her two friends and then Star felt Trixie wrap her forehooves around her. Star concentrated as she felt her shield spell weaken.
She activated the time spell and teleported.
Shooting Star opened her eyes. The warmth of the sun on her coat and a cloudless blue sky greeted her as she noted with satisfaction that little Trixie was still holding on.
“Trixie? I think we’re safe now.”
Trixie opened her eyes and let go of Star and looked about at the gleaming towers.
“Where are we?”
“Safe. Where I live.” Star smiled gently “I have somepony you should meet”
“Who?” The filly inquired. A strangely familiar voice answered her…
“Why, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
Little Trixie’s eyes went wide at the sight as the older but still magnificent blue mare in front of her scooped her up in a loving embrace.
Shooting Star allowed herself a moment’s satisfaction. She had succeeded in the second phase of her plan. More importantly, she had saved one filly.
Save one foal and the whole world will follow, but I still have a lot to do.
Author's Note
Again thanks to Zodiacspear for his creation of Maximus the Momentous as found in Tiny Trixie Tales
Shooting Star actually first appeared in Twilight Moon by Foals Errand. Readers of that story will note that the original Shooting Star had a different look than her counterpart in this story but much the same attitude.
Also, I have become aware that these two authors: Foals Errand and Zodiacspear have challenged each other to a 'Duel of Cutes' Filly Twilight vs Filly Trixie, coming soon! Check it out!
