The Witch's Tower: Finding One's Path

by TheEveryDaySparkle

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Romance, Drama, Trixie, Adventure
Length: 9374

There is a legend of a witch in a very tall tower. Trixie endeavors to find this witch.

For as long as she can remember, Trixie has been a magician. It's all she knows. It's her way of life. It's how she survives. But she knows she can do better. She knows that she is destined for something greater, and wants to become a better mage. So when she can no longer stand the idea of simple parlor tricks being her only skills, she goes in search of a legend she thought was long lost. A legend of a witch of unimaginable power and skill. A legend of a being so powerful, the very sun, moon, and stars bow to her rule.

Published 2017-12-08 22:10:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-27 18:28:29 UTC

Chapter 1: To Be Great and Powerful

Author's Note

Hi guys! This is just something new I thought up. I don't know how good it is, so i'll let you guys decide that. Leave a comment if you want. Let me know how good I did. If you want this to continue, you know the drill. But I'm really new to this kind of thing so any constructive criticism is welcome as well.

Chapter 1: To Be Great and Powerful

"In this world there exists only two kinds of people. Those who know their destiny, and hope to see it carried out. and those who wish to change their destiny, and work towards becoming something greater."-The Witch

The life of a magician is one of endless monotony. Pull a rabbit out of a hat here, cut someone in half there, teleport an audience member here, pull off a daring Houdini-esque escape there. And it goes on and on and on and on, day in and day out with no sign of ever changing, like some never-ending cycle. At least, that's how it felt to one Trixie Lulamoon.

Under her stage name, "The Great and Powerful Trixie", she took up the job of entertaining the masses. Keeping them satisfied with their daily dose of magical tomfoolery. It was all so tedious.

How could ponies with so much potential waste it on such trivial things as magic shows? Surely they were aware of the vast opportunities they were currently missing out on? How one could be so blind and still see was a complete mystery to her.

That wasn't to say she didn't enjoy her line of work. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the people who came to her shows is what she lived for.

It just got a little too...routine, at times.

There had to be something out there for her. Anything that could let her know that her dream wasn't just that. A dream.

As Trixie made the trek back to her wagon in the Everfree Forest, far from her most recent magic show, she found herself unable to stop sighing.

She barely picked up her hooves, allowing them to drag across the ground slightly as she walked. Her wizard's hat hid her downtrodden expression as she stared at the ground in defeat, and her star-studded cape hung limply across her back, offering what little comfort it could by protecting her fur from the seemingly even harsher rays of the sun.

It was hotter than usual this day, and while that would seem like nothing to most ponies, for Trixie, it was as if someone had deliberately cranked the sun up to eleven specifically for her.

The heat burned against her fur, penetrating past it to warm even her bare skin. It felt as if someone were watching her, judging her, punishing her in some way with their great big golden eye.

It felt as if they could see right through her. Hear what she was thinking, feel how she felt at that very moment.

Well, if they could, then so be it. She couldn't do anything about it. If they wanted to stare at her, let them. At least then they wouldn't have to watch her pretend on stage.

They could see the real her. Her as she truly was.

'Why am I doing this?' She thought. 'What am I doing with my life? I'm not a real magician! I'm not even a proper mage! How could I possibly show off like that and people don't notice! I'm a fake. A fraud! No matter how real my tricks look, they'll never be real magic.'

By now, she had made it to her door. She had no idea when she had gotten there. Her body was on autopilot the whole time she was walking. But when she finally looked up, there she was, right outside the door to her wagon.

Taking a moment to marvel at her subconscious navigational skills, she flared her horn and opened the door, stepping inside.

Once she was well and truly inside the wagon, she closed the door behind her, hung up her hat and cape, and proceeded to collapse onto her bed, where she lay with her face buried in her pillow for a couple of minutes before finally looking up.

She looked over to her nightstand, and, sitting there, in the light of the sun as it shone through her window, was a book.

She sat up on her bed, and focused her magic on the book.

It was enveloped in a purple aura of magic, and was brought closer to her. When it was close enough, she released her magic and let it fall down in front of her.

She read the title.

The Legend of the Witch

'I wish I was as great and powerful as you...'

She ran her hoof across the picture on the cover. And proceeded to open it up to the first page, which she started reading.

Not much is known about the witch, other than what history tells us. I suppose it is only fair to start at the beginning.
It all began with an incident known as Apocalypse Six. Six natural disasters hit the world at the same time, bringing about a new age of misery and suffering for the people of Equus.

The first, a tornado, hit Equestria, one of the largest countries in all the land. It devastated crops and made quick work of ponies' homes and livelihoods, taking along with it several poor souls in the process.

The next, an earthquake, tore apart the Griffonstone nation, literally ripping it in two and taking the lives of many unsuspecting natives. However, those that did survive managed to move inland to Equestria, and aid in the efforts to restore whatever crops did survive.

The third catastrophe, a phenomenon known only as "Gem Rot", decimated the food supply of the Dragon Lands, eroding their stores and forcing them to seek out assistance from the Diamond Dog Tribes. But it soon proved too difficult to coexist peacefully, as fights over gemstones forced the dragons to move further inward, toward a then better equipped Equestria.

The Fourth and Fifth disasters were the same in nature, as a love shortage in the Badlands forced the changelings to seek out the ponies to attain peaceful relationships for the purpose of harvesting love in a more passive manner, which lead them to the Crystal Empire, a place with its own shortage due to the drained spirits of those who called the territory home.

The last of these disasters hit the Everfree, and to this day has not been rectified. A flood in the river that ran through this odd place drove away all the animals, thus making it so they had to find new homes. Unfortunately those new homes included those of the already suffering populous. Many others died during that time period thanks to these disasters, But using a spell she herself created, the witch, and her five companions, sealed away the cause of all this strife, the mad chaos god, in stone, never to be seen again. Today, people from all over Equus live in six separate districts. No one knows where the Witch has gone, but even if she has left this world, her legend still lives on in all of us.

Trixie levitated the book back over to the nightstand and set it down, laying down in her bed and staring up at the ceiling.

'Who am I kidding? I'm nothing like the witch. I'm not great or powerful. I'm just a fake!' she thought.

She turned over onto her side, hugging her pillow close to her body as she took the time to calm down from her anger.

And then she began to cry, letting sleep take away all her pain as she succumbed to it's sweet embrace.

But, it seemed, her suffering wasn't done. Or so she thought, as she entered the land of dreams, she heard a voice call out her name.

"Trixie...Trixie...Trixie!"

The blue unicorn woke up to find that everything around her was shrouded in mist. Her room was gone. She dared not look down and find out that her bed was gone as well.

Even still, she found the lack of anything else disturbing, and shouted, "Hey! Is anypony there? Anypony at all?"

No answer.

She was starting to get scared now. She spoke in a trembling voice. "C-c-c-come out! I'll have you know i'm a trained unicorn mage! I can..I can defeat you if I want to!"

"Ah...but how can you defeat me when you cannot see me?" said the voice.

Trixie looked around and spotted a shadowy figure off in the distance. She stood up on all fours and made her way over to the figure, curious as to what it was.

"Who are you? Where am I? You'll pay for kidnapping me!"

The voice chuckled. "Oh no, my dear. I would never dream of such a thing. I assure you you are safe asleep in your home. This is nothing more than a dream."

"A...dream?" Trixie repeated, shock written on her face.

"Yes. This is only a dream. A very vivied one indeed, but a dream nonetheless."

"I see. Then...why have you come?"

"You are not a fake, Trixie."

Now Trixie really was shocked. "You heard that?"

"Of course I heard it. This is your mind, after all. And I assure you, you are not a fake."

"But...but how do you know that?"

"I know because I can see your potential, Trixie Lulamoon. You have more power than you know."

"I find that hard to believe. All I can do are a few lame magic tricks. That's not real magic."

"One's capactiy for magic is not just measured by what we can do with it, but rather, what we choose to do with it. Magic cannot be real or fake. It can only exist."

"Hey, wait. You never answered my question. Who are you?"

"I am she who the ponies call, The Witch."

Trixie stopped. "The witch...you were real?!"

"As real as real can get. And I assure you. I am still alive as well."

"I...I don't believe you. The witch is just a legend. She doesn't exist."

"If you don't believe me, then search for me, young mage. I assure you, you will find me. It is your destiny."

Trixie could only stare at the shadowed figure as it stared back, purple boring into purple.

"Unless you desire to continue working as a mere stage magician?"

"No, I don't!"

"Well, then, young Trixie. I suggest you get moving. Your destiny awaits."

With that, the shadow calling themselves the Witch was gone, and Trixie soon woke up.

A smile crept across her muzzle as she slid out of the bed.

She began packing for a trip, and was soon out the door, looking out over the town of ponyville.

"Alright, Witch. If you are real, I'll find you. And if not, then to Tartarus with it. It'll be better than my old job."

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

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Chapter 3: Taking The First Step

"Trying anything different can be scary, and the result can be disheartening, but those who truly fail, are those who refuse to take the first step."-The Witch.

Trixie awoke to a feeling of warmth. She turned over onto her back and slowly opened her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.

As her senses returned, she could make out a faint glow coming from somewhere around her. She watched the light dance on the ceiling for a bit before slowly turning her head to see a faint outline of a fire.

This was also when her hearing started to return, and she was subsequently assaulted, then calmed by, the sound of bubbling liquids.

And when her vision finally returned to full strength, she saw Zecora, stirring away at a cauldron full of some kind of glowing green liquid.

She sat up, and was barely able to mumble the words, "Where am I?, them coming out more like, "Whm mm ah."

"Ah, Trixie. I see you are awake. I was beginning to wonder how long it would take."

"Ms. Zecora? Where am I? This isn't my wagon."

"I truly cannot believe my ears. Do you really not remember what caused you such fear?"

"What caused me...fear? What in Equestria are you talking-"

Trixie's eyes widened, then slowly closed in undestanding, as she sighed heavily, relaxing her shoulders.

"So that actually did happen, huh? I was chased by a timberwolf."

"I assure you, my dear mage, that it was no dream. Everything that has happened, is exactly as it seemed."

"I see..." Trixie said, looking down.

"Would you like some tea? I have to tend to my special brew, but I believe I can make some for you."

"Tea would be nice right about now. Thank you."

"It is no trouble at all, Trixie, my dear. I can only hope to placate your fears. Wait here a moment while I fetch the kettle. I just made some, and it should help you get settled."

And with that, the zebra mare was gone, lost in a sea of branches, not to reappear until her task was done.

As Trixie sipped at the contents of her tea cup, she could feel her body relaxing, the warm liquid making its way down her throat and spreading it's comforting feeling all throughout the rest of her body.

"I trust the tea has calmed your mind? Please, tell me, what weighs on your thoughts this time."

Trixie looked up at her, surprise written on her face. "W-what do you mean, Ms. Zecora? I'm not-"

"You cannot hide your worry, young mage. It is written on your face like a book's page. Now, tell me what troubles you face, I may be able to help you, in this case."

Trixie thought on her words, opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, but opened it once more to finally say, "I...I'm looking for the Witch."

At this, Zecora's eyes widened. "Ah, the Witch. A powerful mage, and friend to all races. Why do you seek a being lost to the ages?"

"She...says it's my destiny to find her. That I have more power within me than even I know. I want to do just that, so that I can find out if what she says is true. If I really...matter, at all."

"Ah, I see. A journey of self discovery is what you seek. Well, I can assure you, that you are not weak. Your power is real. No matter how much your deny it. You have simply held yourself back, and are too afraid to try it."

"But what if I find her, and she sees that I'm not what she thought? Will she throw me away? And In that case, what if I don't find her at all?"

"One's destiny is not so easily changed, Trixie. I could have died in the flood, but look at me. You've shown determination, to give up one for the other, now all you must do, is have faith, and trust her. Believe that you can be more than you were long ago, and you will see just how far you can go."

"But I don't know the first thing about real magic! I can teleport, and do escape tricks, but those are low level skills that anyone can do."

"Have more faith in yourself, my former student. Have dreams, look forward, be more prudent. If you truly believe that there are heights you cannot reach, then it appears I still have much more to teach."

"What do you mean, Ms. Zecora?"

"What I mean, young Trixie, is of the utmost concern, for it deals with what else I can teach you, and what else you can learn. I will take you under my wing again, and show you all that I know. Maybe then, once and for all, your self confidence will grow."

Trixie couldn't believe it. First, she got new clothes out of this, and now she was getting more magic lessons? She didn't know whether to cry tears of joy, or just bow before her in thanks.

"But...what could you possibly teach me that I haven't already learned in your class?" Trixie asked, genuinely curious.

"School is not the only place where one may learn. Right here in the Everfree forest, was where my skills were earned. Skills I spent countless years, polishing and buffing. They don't call the Everfree Sage for nothing."

Trixie was absolutely delighted to hear this. Not only would she be learning under her old teacher, but she would be getting taught by the famous Everfree Sage herself. The same mare who slew a hundred Timberwolves all on her own during Apocalypse Six. She could only wonder what wonderful things she could learn from her.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Zecora! I really appreciate this!"

But Zecora held up a hoof. "There's no need to address me so formally, my friend. I would be happy to help you on your path to reach this end. When you are done here, you will be more than a little aware of your power. Now come, let us eat. We have much to do, and your lessons grow closer by the hour."

Trixie looked up at her with tear filled eyes. "Right!"

Chapter 4: The Sage's Teachings (New)

"Magic carries many forms, some of which may seem boring and uninteresting, but hidden behind that monotony and tediousness, lies a power beyond anything one could possibly imagine."-The Witch

"Really?"

"Indeed."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Why me?"

"do not question the brew, young mage. I too had to learn this when I was your age. By my self I must add, so there is no use in getting mad."

"I know that, but-"

"No buts. You wanted to learn the ways of the brew, did you not? Well, you will continue to watch the pot."

And so she did. With a sigh she turned her head away from her teacher and continued staring into the yellow liquid that was currently bubbling up inside the zebra mare's cauldron.

"But how am I supposed to know when it's done?"

"You will." The zebra drew up behind her, placing her hooves on her shoulders and whispering in her ear "Trust your instincts, and trust your eyes. Wait for the moment, when the magic arrives."

With that, the zebra left to do...whatever it was she was gonna do. Trixie didn't care right now. Her neck hurt from having to watch the pot, her rump was uncomfortable on the stool Zecora used to reach the cauldron spoon, and she was getting sleepy from all the heat coming off of the liquid inside.

'What magic?' She thought to herself. 'The only thing I see is a pot of boiling...'

"Ms. Zecora! What is this stuff?"

"Keep watching and you will see. Look into the pot, and you tell me." Zecora said from somewhere close by, judging by the tone of her voice.

And so, Trixie did as she was instructed, staring into the pot once more. But then, as if out of nowhere, a sudden increase in heat from the pot caused her to blink, and when she looked again...

The pot was empty.

"Wha- How the- Who-"

"Trixie, dear, whatever is the matter? Did some of my brew fall and splatter?"

Trixie's eyes widened in fear, but she chose to tell the truth anyway."No ma'am. I was watching the pot like you asked, and then the...the brew just disappeared! I swear I didn't do anything! It just...vanished!"

Then trixie's look changed from one of fear...to confusion, as she heard her teacher not yelling, but laughing, chuckling away like she'd just told the funniest joke on the face of Equus! "Um...Ms. Zecora...are you alright?"

"Why, yes, my student, I feel just grand, Allow me to join you on my stand."

At that, the zebra left her previous task and walked up to the stool she had Trixie sit on. She watched as the blue mare made room for her, her shoulders still sagging slightly in sadness. She walked up and sat next to her.

Trixie threw her hooves up into the air and screamed in frustration. "I really don't know what happened. It's not my fault. I swear it just plain disappeared on me!"

Zecora placed a hoof around her shoulders and spoke."I know it disappeared on you. That is what it is supposed to do."

Trixie looked back at the zebra like she had gone crazy. "What?"

The older mare just grabbed her hoof. " This brew, young mage, is not something you can see. For it is a potion, of invisibility." She brought Trixie's hoof up to the brew and dipped it in gently, pulling it out and lifting it up so that she could see for herself just what the potion did. She could no longer see the portion of her hoof that her teacher had just dipped into the pot.

"Now do you see why I asked you to watch the pot? The magic of potions has it's own charms, does it not?"

Trixie simply nodded.

Zecora continued speaking. "Do not judge a book by it's cover. Each path of magic has it's own skills, each very different from the other. Now, for the next step, I shall bottle this brew. And then, it's intended target...will be you."

Trixie was brought out of her trance by a hoof in front of her face. When she saw Zecora pointing at her, she grew confused once more. "What?"

"You will drink the potion, and then we'll be at our peak, for the last lesson of the day, is a game of hide and seek."

"But will you be able to find me once I drink it?"

"I may not be the Witch, but I have my ways. I will find you, and it will take much less than a day. In fact, I do not mean to make you cower, but I believe I can spot you, well within the hour."

The sound of gentle breathing could be heard as Trixie Lulamoon hid herself behind a tree, trying her hardest to remain as quiet as possible.

Their game of hide and seek had only just started and they were only five minutes in. She had less than an hour to go before Zecora found her. She was already invisible, so the only thing she had to make sure of was that her breathing wasn't too loud and that she didn't make any sudden moves.

She looked around for a better place to hide. A tree was so obvious in a place filled with dozens of them. She kept her eyes open for any place she could use. Then she spotted a perfect place.

There appeared to be some kind of large boulder near her that she could hide behind. IT wasn't the most original plan, but it was better than a tree.

So, with that in mind, she inched her way out of her hiding spot and slowly, ever so slowly traversed the few feet between her and the rock. It was rather large, just as she'd thought at first, so it would serve as good enough cover for now.

She crouched low and added on some magic to hide her scent just in case her teacher could use that as well. She stayed like this for a good ten minutes before she felt it was time for her to move again. She looked around once again for a place to hide.

Soon, she spotted a tightly packed den of trees. Just inside of it, she thought she saw a small indentation in the ground. Maybe she could hide there and not be spotted! Add that to the fact that the sun had started to set five minutes ago and was now casting a nice long shadow over that particular area, and she was golden. There was only one problem. That particular area was a ways away from the rock she was hiding behind now. There was no way she could make it there without being seen by Zecora. Sure she may have lived there her entire life, but she was different from her teacher, who had both lived and fought to survive in these woods. There was no doubt in her mind that Zecora knew these woods much better than she did. So there was also no doubt in her mind that her words rang true, and that she in fact would be caught within the hour.

Still, she had to try. She couldn't sneak her way past the trees, as that would take too long, and she couldn't make too much noise, lest she just make it even easier for Zecora to find her. She would have to risk exposure. She turned right and bolted towards the cluster of trees, hoping the slowly fading light would hide her long enough for her to win the game and pass the test.

She could hear her feet crunching on fallen leaves and often she had to dodge and weave past several branches just to avoid giving even more evidence of her location by screaming in pain.

Soon enough, however, she was able to cross the distance between the rock and the tree cluster, and then, only then, was she able to relax.

She let out a sigh of relief as she laid her back against a tree and tried to catch her breath. She shouldn't even be tired, in all honesty, she had barely moved since the game started, but she was feeling like this because of the stress of being caught. She wanted to win. She wanted to pass, and that was enough to make her give it her all even just to hide in one spot for as long as she could. She had to make sure her teacher didn't find her.

But, now that she thought about it, where was Zecora? What was she doing? surely she hadn't given up on the game? Surely she was still searching for her? She wouldn't abandom her out in the woods would she? Or maybe... Maybe she had hidden so well that she still couldn't find her? She stayed like that for another ten minutes, before finally deciding that it must be the latter option. She smiled a haughty smile and pranced around in a small circle for a bit.

"Ha! Looks like I win, teacher! You didn't even find me in less than thirty minutes."

"Don't be so sure of yourself just yet, little one, the hour is still not done."

Trixie froze, not even turning around to face her. "No! You couldn't be... how did you get here before me?"

"I've always known where you were, Trixie. There is not a place in this forest where you can hide from me."

"What? Then why did you let me think I could win?!" Trixie yelled, finally turning to face Zecora.

"Forgive me for deceiving you. It was the only way to see what you could do. By letting you believe you had a chance, you could try your hardest to be the victor in our little dance. I wanted to show you the skills you possessed, so I played a little game, to put them to the test."

Trixie sighed. "So I guess that means I failed, didn't i?"

Zecora came up to her and put a hoof around her shoulders. "There is no pass or fail. This game was meant for you. I wanted to show you something that I will soon teach you how to do."

"You mean...you were using magic to find me?" Trixie asked.

"yes indeed i did. I followed your magic signature to every place you hid." Zecora said.

"No fair! You cheated! No fair using magic!"

"Ah, but what about you, Trixie? You were using magic too, don't you see? That potion i gave you made you invisible, so there was no other way. I had to use my magic to follow you on our way."

Trixie's eyes widened at that. "You mean, you gave yourself the disadvantage?"

"Yes. Now you get it don't you? This training was as much for me, as it was for you." Zecora answered.

Trixie looked on in awe at her teacher, before shaking her head and saying, "So, how did you do it?"

Zecora smiled as she trotted around Trixie, watching her sit on her rump and meditate. "To sense another's magic signature, your training will start simply. You have only to open your mind, and allow it to be empty. Let your magic flow out of your body, and envelop the area around you, then you will be able to find anyone who surrounds you"

Zecora trotted around her for a little bit more, watching as her student struggled to send her magic out of her body. She was relaxing, and that was okay, but she was trying a little too hard to get her magic to do what she wanted.

"Trixie, do not force it, simply relax. Your magic will do the rest, you have but to ask. Imagine your magic flowing out of you like the wind. When you find someone, it will return back again."

She watched as Trixie visibly relaxed. She seemed to understand now, at least. Now all she had to do was send out her magic, and she would be able to see Zecora currently standing in front of her.

"Um...Teacher? What are you doing?" Trixie asked.

And there it was. She had done it. She could see her. And her eyes were still closed. Perfect.

"I am not doing anything, dearest Trixie. It appears you have learned the technique, and are now able to see me."

Trixie let a smile grace her lips as she slowly opened her eyes. "I learned it... I know more magic now. I...I'm gonna become a mage...I can do it..."

With that, Trixie started bawling like a baby, hugging Zecora with all she had. "Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for believing in me. I was so worried i'd never become a mage for as long as I lived but...you showed me different. I know now, that even someone like me can do magic. Real magic."

"There is no such thing as real or fake magic. The fact that you think so is quite tragic. Magic can only exist my dear, so please, put away your fear. You are quite strong, this I know, you just need time for it to grow."

"But wait. Teacher. What about the game? Why did you play it with me if you only wanted to show me this?"

"This was not the only thing I wished to reveal to you. The way you handled the game of hide and seek shows that you have the mind of a mage, too. You assessed the situation and determined the best possible solution, and you acted on your decisions without any doubt or confusion. You took a risk and it was the right one. You've shown that you are wise and can get things done. Your quick choices and movements are needed in a mage, and you're very strong willed for someone your age. All of these are strengths you possess, you just didn't see them buried under all your stress."

At those words, Trixie started crying all over again. She buried her muzzle into her fur and nuzzled her softly, saying, "Thank you, teacher."

"How many times must I remind you. Calling me Zecora is fine by itself, too." Nevertheless she didn't tell her to stop. Because that's what they were now. teacher and student, as they were once before. And she vowed at this point to teacher her everything she knew, down to the smallest detail if need be. She would make sure that Trixie lulamoon never doubted her abilities again.

Chapter 5: The Sage's Teachings Part 2 (New)

Trixie woke up with a smile on her face. She had finally done it. She had learned more magic!

She sat up on her haunches and stared out at a wall in front of the couch she had been sleeping on. Zecora had offered to let her sleep in the guest room she had carved into the tree, but she refused, saying that the couch was beginning to feel increasingly more comfortable the more she slept on it. She briefly wondered if this was yet another example of magic, but Zecora simply smiled and corrected her, saying that it was simply her own body having gotten used to the feeling of it after two days.

She allowed herself a small grin. She just couldn't stop the feeling of pride that was welling up inside of her from coming forth. She stood up and strutted about, puffing her chest out in a haughty manner as she did so.

Unfortunately, this was stopped cold when she heard a voice say, "Well, I see someone is in a good mood. I wonder what could have happened to change your attitude."

Trixie's face quickly went from shock to embarrassment as she turned to see her teacher trotting into the room, a small smirk on her face.

"D-did you...see any of that?" Trixie asked, hoping that she hadn't just embarrassed herself in front of Zecora.

"I only saw what I walked in on, but I still had no idea what was going on. I was preparing tea for when you woke up, but I must admit, I almost dropped the cup."

Trixie's head fell, and her eyes stared dejectedly at the ground, her ears splayed back in shame.

"Being proud of one's self is nothing to hide. Celebrate and shout with joy. Hold your head up with pride!" Zecora spoke as she walked up to Trixie, setting the tray down on the table and lifting her head up in her hooves.

"Are you still doubting yourself? Do you need more convincing? Or do you feel like you could do just about anything?" She asked, a grin spreading across her face as she thought of her own pride in her student.

"The last one! I feel like I could take on the world!" Trixie exclaimed, returning her teacher's grin.

"Well, maybe not that much just yet. Perhaps we should wait and see how strong you can get?" She asked, still smiling.

"Yeah...I guess you're right." Trixie let out a light chuckle. "So, what will you teach me today? Got anymore amazing spells you could show off?"

At that, Zecora laughed.

"I'm afraid not, my dear Trixie, but I do have things I wish for you to see. Now if you would please just follow me, we will take another look at my tree."

Trixie looked around until her eyes landed on the tray, containing the cups of tea, which were most likely getting cold, by now.

"Um...teacher?" Trixie pointed to the tea.

Zecora gave a blush of her own. "But...perhaps we should have tea first. There is no point in enduring thirst."

After their tea session, Trixie and Zecora left to stand outside of her tree, trotting in circles around the base of the great wooden tower.

After a while, Trixie had to ask, "Teacher? What are we doing out here?"

"We are here to begin your next test. Now pay attention, for this is more difficult than the rest."

"What about the Timberwolves?" Trixie asked, looking around quickly as they continued trotting in circles around the tree.

Zecora simply smiled at her. "Do not fret, young mage, you shall not face a Timberwoles' rage. They have gone about their way, and are not as active during the day."

Trixie seemed to relax at that, and she looked up at Zecora to ask, "So, what is my next test anyway?"

"Your next task requires quite a search." She pointed a hoof at a rather strange looking flower. "You must learn the ways of magical research. We will bring this flower into my tree and you will scour my library. You will look for all the information you can get, and bundle it all into a single set."

Trixie groaned aloud and rolled her eyes. "Really? Research? That's my training? Why do I have to study out of some dusty old books? Isn't there another way you could teach me?"

When Trixie had finished griping, she turned her attention to her teacher, only to be met with a glare that looked as if it could make mountains quake in fear.

Trixie started sweating. She was absolutely sure she was gonna get scolded. Why did she have to go and be such a loudmouth pony?

But, to her surprise, Zecora smiled, and laughed out loud, saying, "Perhaps you are correct. Maybe we should try something more direct. Come with me, and we shall start. Bring the flower, it is an important part."

Trixie made her way over to the flower and picked it up in her magic. She examined it for a bit, scanning every inch of its fiery orange-red color. Even the stem was yellow, and the petals looked just like a rising flame. All in all it was unbelievably...

"Beautiful!" Trixie said as she stared at the flower, transfixed by it's magnificent appearance.

Meanwhile, Zecora came up beside her and stood at her side. "Yes, it is quite the sight to behold. It's beauty is said to have survived since days of old."

"Really? It's so cool!" Trixie exclaimed.

"Indeed it is, beauty it does not lack, but perhaps we should get inside before we both lose track." Zecora said, placing a hoof on Trixie's shoulder.

Trixie seemed to snap out of it when she heard that. "Oh, yes! Sorry, teacher!" Trixie galloped back up the tree, taking the flower with her in her magic the whole way. Zecora only laughed.

Trixie was absolutely dumbfounded. She stared down at all the liquids, bottles, beakers, powders and other assorted materials with a horrific look on her face. She looked back to her teacher.

"Um...Zecora...?"

Zecora simply looked up from her tea and smiled at her. "Yes, little one?"

"What is all this?" she asked.

"It is your first task. You must make a fire bomb potion, using that flower, and one of those flasks. There are several ways to complete this lesson, that i must say. Perhaps you will manage to find your own way." Zecora sipped her tea again, leaving Trixie to gape at her. How could she be so sneaky? This was punishment for refusing to do research wasn't it?

She looked back at the glass beakers, and a sudden anger boiled up inside of her. "Fine then, teacher. If you want me to make a potion, I'll make a potion. I'll show you that I had the better idea about how to go about my learning. I'm more of a hands on kind of mare anyway!" Despite herself, she found it in her to smirk. 'Fire bomb potion, coming right up! She'll probably be so shocked, her jaw will drop to the floor!'

Well, her jaw was certainly on the floor. But, not for the reason Trixie thought it would be. Instead, Zecora, who had fallen asleep in her chair sometime after Trixie started making her first potion, woke up to find her work space in ruins.

Beakers were shattered and cast about all over the floor, the counter was blackened with what looked like the remnants of a small explosion that was still smoking, even as she stared in awe at it. Bowls, which had until recently been holding small amounts of various kinds of powder in them, were now strewn across the floor along with the glass, but some had luckily avoided the same terrible fate. Instead, out of the bowls that had survived what looked to be a much smaller scale version of the tornado that destroyed ponyille all those years ago, only a few remained, and those were merely chipped, the powder in them scattered all over the ground in her work space.

She looked around for her student, and saw her laying in a heap on the ground, smoke rising off her blackened fur. She watched as she coughed up smoke and slowly rose to her hooves with, of all things, a smile on her face.

Zecora ran over to Trixie and cradled her head in her hooves. "Are you alright, Trixie! However did you manage to hurt yourself to such a degree?"

Trixie only looked up at her as her smile widened. She moved her hooves away from their place around her stomach, and held up a small flask of red liquid. Her smile turned into a full blown grin as she coughed out, "See? I...did...it...teacher. I told you" she coughed, "I would."

With that, she passed out, leaving Zecora to carry her to the couch she loved so much. She took a moment to look over to the potion her student had made.

"She said she had made the potion. But how would she know? Don't tell me she just kept trying until the kitchen was set to blow."

She looked down at Trixie, a worried expression on her face. "I didn't know this would happen to you. I only wished to show you the dangers of biting off more than you could chew. I am sorry for my foolish act. There is nothing I can do or say to take it back. Please forgive me, dearest Trixie."

She was now crying into her hooves. But then, she heard a voice. It was soft, and slurred, as if whoever was saying it was exhausted beyond belief. She looked up to see Trixie talking in her sleep, saying,

"Look, teacher! I did it! I made the potion! Are you proud of me?"

Zecora was stunned. She had done all that... just to get her attention? No, that wasn't it. It wasn't attention she wanted. It was recognition. She wanted to make her see that she could do it if she tried hard enough. That even without all the boring research, there was a way to get things done.

She looked over at the bottle of red liquid bubbling in its flask, thinking, 'You certainly showed me Trixie. And what a sight it is to see.'

Chapter 6: The Sage's Teachings Part 3 (New)

Trixie awoke to a feeling of slight pain in her...well, everywhere.

She tried to sit up, but found that it was too hard to do, so she simply lay back down onto the bed she was laying in.

Wait. Bed? She wasn't lying on the ground anymore? What happened? All she could remember was placing a small amount of that blue powder like substance into a mixture she made with the flower. She placed it on the heater and all of a sudden, BOOM! She saw a bright flash of light, felt a burning sensation, fell over and passed out.

She tried to open her eyes, and found that she could just barely get them open a crack. She managed to maintain that sliver of sight long enough to look around and see Zecora sitting on her haunches in a chair to her right, her hooves covering her face/ She coughed a bit as she tried to speak, her words coming out like,

"T...teacher... Ms. Zecora, what's..." she coughs, "wrong?" She lifts a hoof towards her mentor.

Zecora looks up from her hooves and sees Trixie reaching out to her. She immediately rushes to her side, gently grasping her outstretched hoof with her own.

"Trixie, are you alright? Please tell me of your plight!" Zecora said, tears threatening to stream down her face again.

Trixie simply laughed, finding her teacher's worry amusing when combined with her rhyme speak. "I...feel fine, teacher, I promise. I mean, I feel better at least. I'm not covered in dust anymore that's for sure. How did you fix that, anyway?" Trixie was rambling. She was doing everything in her power to ease Zecora's nerves, and that included random topic changes.

It seemed to work, as Zecora sighed and let go of her hoof. "It seems you are fine. That fact eases my mind." She looked up at her student with a smile. "It was a simple healing brew. It can be applied to your skin, too!" Zecora tried to make a joke to ease the atmosphere, a smile adorning her features at how funny it was even to her.

Trixie laughed as well, and they both joined in merriment for only a small while until Trixie looked down at herself with a said expression.

Zecora noticed this and said, "Now what is the matter, Trixie? What is that expression on your face I see?"

Trixie didn't answer right away. Instead, she kept looking down at the covers she was under, before turning her attention back to the zebra mare.

"I'm sorry, teacher."

Zecora was surprised at this. "Why, child, whatever for? Why would you be sad anymore? You are safe and uninjured, no? What could have you hindered so?"

Trixie simply looked back to the covers. "I...said somethings I shouldn't have. I was acting like a spoiled foal and tried to take on more than I was ready for. I see that now."

She turned to lock eyes with her teacher, who she could see was genuinely shocked that she was saying these things. "I promise never to doubt your teachings again. If you say I should do something a certain way, I will trust your judgement, and be patient. You are my teacher, after all. What use am I If I can't follow my teacher's words?"

Zecora looked as if she was about to cry again, but instead, enveloped Trixie in a gentle, comforting hug. "There is no need to apologize. You simply wanted something new to try. If anything, I am to blame, for leaving you alone to stoke the flames."

Zecora released her hold on Trixie and said. "If you don't like research, we will have to find another road. Perhaps combing the two will make it easier to take the load."

From that day forward, Trixie studied in the ways of magical potions and elixirs, taking to the information like water to a sponge. It was actually rather enjoyable when combined with hands on work. And with Zecora there to keep an eye on her, they never had to experience an incident like that again for the rest of the time Trixie stayed. It also helped that Trixie, keeping true to her words about her studying, had taken up researching in Zecora's library, determined never to make that same mistake again, it seemed.

There wasn't a moment outside of breakfast, lunch and dinner that Zecora saw Trixie outside of that library. It had become her new room after a while, with Zecora placing a bed in there just to make sure she got some sleep after all that reading. But it made her proud to see the determined smile on her face every time she walked by the room.

They eventually had to replace the bowls and flasks Trixie had broken, a fact that still made her feel embarrassed every time it was brought up, so now, they were headed toward the ponyville marketplace,making their way across one of the bridges that now connected all of Equus together.

Along the way, they talked about several things Trixie had learned, from the proper formula to create a fire bomb potion, to the ins and outs of healing brew and even strengthening elixirs. She recited all of them by memory alone at least three times before, and today was no exception.

"Of course, the main ingredient in a fire bomb potion is the Phoenix Feather flower." Trixie said with a haughty smile. She still had a bit of the old show pony in her somewhere.

"And don't forget, before we make it to town in less than an hour, what is the Phoenix Feather flower?"

"It's an ancient flower found only in the Everfree that is said to bloom eternally once it has fully grown. It's first appearance was after Apocalypse Six and it has been used as a symbol of hope ever since."

"Once again you are correct Trixie. Your learning speed never ceases to amaze me." Zecora said as they were stopped by a guard at the entrance to the Equestrian District.

"Halt! Who goes there? State you business!" he shouted.

Zecora simply walked up to the stallion and smiled, pulling down the brown hood she always loved to wear. "Forgive our sudden approach to your gates, but we desire to enter before it gets too late. We are only travelers looking for things to buy. Perhaps you could let us in, my companion and I?"

The guard simply looked on at her, dumbstruck. "Oh, um, well, uh...anything for the great Everfree Sage." He steps to the side. "Right this way ma'am!" He saluted to her, his training kicking in for talking to somepony with authority.

Se simply laughed and walked forward through the gates. "Thank you, kind sir. I must go about my day. I only wish we had more time to stay."

Trixie stood dumbfounded, watching her teacher talk with the guard. 'Looks like her title has more pull than I first thought if the guards know her.'

Soon, the display of celebrity power was over, and they were walking through the gates. Trixie had to ask.

"Um...teacher? What was that?"

Zecora looked back at her. "Oh, that? Just a bit of recognition, young mage. Good deeds get a lot of respect in this day and age."

'She considers fighting off a hundred timberwolves all at once nothing more than a good deed? Wow...' Trixie thought as she once again realized just how powerful her teacher actually was.

When they had finally made it to town, Zecora went about buying the necessary items from a griffon vendor some ways away from his home after the 'incident' as he called it while talking to her. She was surprised to finally see a griffon who had suffered like they had. She had heard that Apocalypse Six affected every nation, but to see it with her own eyes was...shocking, to say the least.

It was only a few minutes until they were making their way back to Zecora's tree, her cart carrying several different assortments of bowls, powders and flasks that she had bought

"Trixie. Wait here." Zecora suddenly said. "I have something you should see. Perhaps it's a little early, but I know you'll love it. Wait for me."

And with that, Zecora was gone, making her way up the tree and into the house, while leaving Trixie to guess what she could have for her.

"What could she possibly have to give me? Is it some kind of jewel?" She whispered to herself as she watched for any sign that her teacher was returning.

She soon saw her exiting the house and coming back down, a small box held in her mouth.

Trixie stepped back to allow her space to place the thing down. " What is it, Ms. Zecora?" she asked, eagerly.

"Shame on you! How could you forget? I said I would remake your costume. A whole new set!"

At that, Trixie's eyes lit up. "My magician's costume? You made it?"

"Indeed. And it was quite the challenge, my friend. But, after seeing your smile today, it was all worth it, in the end. I even gave you a petal from the Phoenix Flower plant, that should keep you safe, when all else can't."

Trixie opened the box with her magic and looked inside, seeing a new, darker version of her old costume. The cape was all black, with a feeling similar to silk, and the hat was much the same, save a sturdier material that she couldn't quite place at the rim of it.

"What's the rim made out of?" Trixie asked.

"Enchanted wood from the bark of my tree. I wrapped it in the cloth and made what you see." Zecora answered.

" That's amazing!" Trixie said, staring down at the hat. But then she had a thought,"But...what's the occasion? Why give it to me?"

At that, Zecora looked away, opting to head up into her tree before speaking. Trixie followed her inside.

When the two had finally sat down, she said, "This gift symbolizes my farewell, as it is time for you to leave. You must continue your journey. There is nothing more you can learn from me."

Trixie was shocked. "Wait. What? This...is a farewell gift? I'm leaving? But...but what about my lessons? What about the magic of potions?" she asked these questions as tears slowly welled up in her eyes.

"I have taught you all I can. You must move on. You will find another teacher. A better one." Zecora's gaze still refused to turn her way.

Trixie was all around crying now. "But...but I don't want a better teacher. You're the best, after all! Why would I leave you?"

"Do not mistake my intent, little one. I am not throwing you away. Did you forget your mission? Your journey does not end today. I have taught you all I know, and left you with a gift. Now go, before my false resolve lifts. I only ask one thing of you, my dear Trixie. Remember all the time we shared, and never forget me."

Trixie was bawling. How could this happen? And so soon too. Just when she was getting used to life with Zecora. No. Her mentor was right. It was time for her to move on. Regardless of her feelings, she still had a journey to finish. She had to find the witch. And it wasn't as if this was any easier for Zecora. She'd grown juts as attached to her, as she had to the poor zebra, and here she was being the one to do what needed to be done, instead of her. She probably dreaded this moment, but knew it would come eventually, so she's sucking it up and being strong because this was necessary. She had to go, and she would never forget the time she spent here, in this forest, with her.

"Alright. I understand. I'll...go get ready." She stood and left, going to the library to grab her things.

When she had finally returned, she found that her teacher was not there. So, she opted to look outside, only to find her looking out at the night sky as the moon rose. She looked over and spotted Trixie as she sat down next to her.

"Well, looks like I'm leaving." Trixie said as she stared at the stars as well.

"Yes, it would appear so. You don't know how badly it will hurt to see you go."

Trixie smiled despite her words. "Hey. Just think of it like this. You helped me become a better magic user. I can finally call myself a real mage now. I'm the way I am because of you, and that means that a part of you will always be with me, no matter where I go."

Zecora looked over at Trixie. This was the first time it had been her who had comforted her, instead of the other way around. She really had grown. up quite a lot since being with her. And that thought made her smile back.

"You are right, Trixie. Perhaps it is to early to cry. For we will see each other someday, you and I."

At that, Trixie got up, put on her new costume, hat and all, and walked a little ways before looking back and saying, "We sure will! Well, i'm off!"

And with that she turned back around, trotting off into the night and leaving her teacher to stare at her back as she did so.

"Safe travels, young mage. May your path be safe, and your days filled with life, even as you encounter more and more strife."