My Little Pony Inner Demons: chapter 4

Chapter 4: Humbled from Disgrace

In Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was looking at the sunset, watching her sister Luna create her night.  At the time when they were younger, Celestia took for granted what Luna did, but now that she was older, she could appreciate the art of making the night.

Luna's night was quite beautiful.  She not only lowered the sun and raised the moon, but she also would spend some time moving the stars into various constellations.  She seemed to really enjoy herself, and watching her make her art was a good way for Celestia to clear her thoughts, which was what she needed to do right now.

She had kept a close eye on Twilight for thirteen years, hoping to keep the darkness in her heart at bay, and then sent her to live in Ponyville in the hopes that the magic of friendship would also keep her heart in the light.  This was the day she had secretly dreaded; the day she found out whether or not her plan worked.

A few minutes ago, she received a letter from Spike, saying that Twilight had been acting really weird.  He said that she seemed afraid of something, but she wouldn't speak to anyone.  She didn't know if Twilight was going through something else, or if it was related to the prophesy, so she didn't have an answer for Spike.  All she told him was to stay close to her, and try to keep her mind on positive things, but inside she was terrified.

Luna returned from her nightly flight in high spirits and was walking towards Celestia.

"Oh sister," Luna said gleefully, "That flight was wonderful!  Did you see the new constellation I made?"

"Oh, yes Luna," Celestia said softly, "That was quite beautiful."

"Tia, is something wrong?" Luna asked walking up to Celestia, "You seem so distracted."

"A dark wind has blown," Celestia stated, "I worry that Equestria's Darkest Hour is approaching."

Luna looked up at her older sister in confusion, "But you told me that you took measures to prevent that," she said, actually looking a little scared now, "Did those measures not work?"

"Oh, Luna," Celestia said, wrapping a wing around her younger sister, "I'm not going to lie to you, I don't know whether or not the things I set up in defense worked, but I don't want you to worry.  I'm sure everything will be fine.  Worst comes to worst, we always have the Elements of Harmony."

"Okay..." Luna said looking down, "I think I'm going to walk through Canterlot a bit before I go to bed."

"Alright.  Good night, little sister."

"Good night, big sister."

Celestia watched Luna walk out of her room, wishing she could give Luna a more certain answer.  Truth was, many ponies forgot that although she was powerful, and immortal, she wasn't all knowing, nor was she invincible, or perfect.  She could be killed, and she could make mistakes.

And right now, she feared that she made a huge mistake in her judgment...

School had been a real pain.  Ever since Apple Bloom's argument with Scootaloo, both she and Sweetie Belle seemed to be avoiding her.  They must have felt betrayed, and with good reason.  Two days ago she did choose her own personal interests over her friends, but she did so out of a need to get her Cutie Mark the right way.  Now she could pursue her own path, which was good.

So why did she feel so bad?

As Apple Bloom walked out of the classroom, she saw Sweetie Belle by her locker.  Hopefully she could mend things with her at least.

"Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom called out.  Sweetie Belle looked her way, and was about to say something, but...

"Come on, Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo called out from down the hall, "We need to get going!"

"Coming Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said.  She gave Apple Bloom a sad look, and then walked off to Scootaloo, who was staring daggers at Apple Bloom the entire time.

When they left, Apple Bloom sighed, "So much for makin amends..." she said to herself.  She went to her locker to grab her bag and get ready to go, but she noticed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking by.  She opened her locker to hide behind the open door.

"So you better attend, Silver Spoon," Diamond Tiara commanded, "I need to win, and if you and I are together, then that insures I get first place."

"Of course, Diamond Tiara," Silver Spoon said in a slightly phony manner.

"Good.  And I mean it.  You're going to attend with me, and I shoot for first place while you get second."

"Right.  You're the boss."

Diamond Tiara gave an arrogant giggle, "Damn right.  See you Silver Spoon."

"Take care, Diamond Tiara."

When Diamond Tiara walked off, Apple Bloom closed her locker and walked closer to Silver Spoon, who was still standing there with that same smile, which was beginning to look more and more blank.

"Are we alone?" Silver Spoon asked through her smile.

"Uh" Apple Bloom looked around, "Yeah, ev'rypony is gone. We're the last one's here."

Once they heard the door close, which signaled Diamond Tiara's exit from the school, Silver Spoon immediately lost her fake cheerful expression.  She growled angrily, and began stomping her front feet on the ground in anger, actually screaming.

"I HATE HER!!!!  I HATE HER!!!!  AHHH!!!!!!!!!"

Apple Bloom just watched with wide eyes as she saw Silver Spoon's latest tantrum.  She had gotten used to these, but it still shocked her.  Celestia... Diamond Tiara looked difficult, but based off of Silver Spoon's emotional state, she was unbearable.

By the time she finished, her braid was partially undone, her glasses had fallen off, and she was breathing heavily gritting her teeth.

"Um, is it safe ta ask whut happened?" Apple Bloom asked slowly.

"Diamond.  Tiara," Silver Spoon began, still seething, "Wants us to enter a beauty contest!!!"

"That's... cool..." Apple Bloom said, not fully understanding why she was so angry, "Ah bet you could go fer first place easily."

"Oh, I know I could win," Silver Spoon said, "But Diamond Tiara HAS to get first place, which means I have to get stuck with second!!!  I'm ALWAYS!" she stomped her feet, "SECOND!" she stomped again, "TO HER!!!!"

That was followed by another string of loud screaming and stomping.  Now Apple Bloom understood.  She had never been in a beauty contest, but she knew that rich families did them a lot.  Also, being second to Diamond Tiara ALL THE TIME had to be annoying.

By now her braid was completely undone, and she almost looked insane with anger.  Apple Bloom walked over to her glasses and picked them up with her mouth to hand them to Silver Spoon.  Once she took them into her hooves and put them back on, Apple Bloom walked her into an empty classroom and began rebraiding her mane.

"Maybe this is yer chance ta show her who's really on top," Apple Bloom said, "Ah bet yer parents would be real proud."

"My parents probably won't even come," Silver Spoon said sadly, "They never come to anything I do."

"Why don't ya ask?" Apple Bloom asked, "Tell 'em that ya want ta make time to be with 'em, ya know?"

"I guess..." Silver Spoon said, now a little calmer.  Once her mane was braided again, she turned to Apple Bloom with a serious look, "How about you?  Are things looking better for you?"

"Sadly, no," Apple Bloom said sadly, "Ah don't have an idea of how ta get mah Cutie Mark, and Scootaloo still hate mah guts."

"So you don't have any ideas?"

"Well, Ah guess Ah had a small idea, but it's useless now."

"Show me!  Show me!" Silver Spoon said eagerly.  Apple Bloom smiled and opened up her back pack, pulling out her notebook.  When she opened it, Silver Spoon saw measurements, lists of materials, and plans for a stage.

"This is amazing," Silver Spoon said, "You did all of this?"

"Yeah.  Ah've always had a knack for architecture, so measurements and stuff come naturally.  Ah haven't had enough time ta really test it though, tryin random stuff with Scootaloo."

"Why don't you make this?  I mean, it's obvious that your special talent has to do with architecture and design, right?"

"Well, Ah tried this kind of stuff before, but it don't get me anywhere," Apple Bloom said closing her book, "Besides, this wus the stage Ah had planned fer Sweetie Belle and her concert.  Since she and Scootaloo won't talk ta me, Ah have no use fer it.  They're jus doodles now..."

"Come on, there's always a pony somewhere who might want or need a good stage," Silver Spoon said, "All we have to do is find that pony."

"Ya really think Ah should still make this?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yes yes yes YES!" Silver Spoon said, "I can even help!  I can give you the money for materials, tools, oh, we could make it really flashy, with lights and banners!  Oh!  Oh!  We could put those extra fireworks to good use for special effects, and totally go all out!"

"Whoa whoa WHOA!" Apple Bloom shouted nervously, "Do we really need ta go that far?"

"The more goes into making it, the more likely you'll get your Cutie Mark, and this is a big opportunity for you!  Come on, let's do this!"

It looked like Silver Spoon was more excited about this than she was.  But the more Apple Bloom thought about it, the more appealing it was.  She could get her Cutie Mark like this, and working with Silver Spoon would give Apple Bloom the funding she needed to really make something special.

Something ponies would be talking about for years to come.  The little filly who at age ten made the stage for one of the biggest shows in Equestria.  This would be major.  Now there was only one thing they needed.

"If we do this, we need ta find a show.  Ah mean, a stage ain't worth much without one."

"True," Silver Spoon said thoughtfully, "So let's head out to find a pony who's in need of a killer stage."

With that Silver Spoon got up and trotted off.  Yep, they were about to do this.  Apple Bloom sighed and trotted after her rich, powerful, and very enthusiastic friend, just happy that she wasn't angry about Diamond Tiara anymore.

At least, not visibly angry.

* * * *

As she trotted through Ponyville, she was fully aware of the looks she was getting.  Last time she was here, she was made a fool of by Twilight.  She had hoped that they had forgotten about her horrible boasting, but as it turns out, some things aren't easily forgotten.

This was one of those things.

"Geez..." she said, "I knew it might be bad, but I had hoped two years..." they were both only nineteen at the time, but Twilight was clearly the more mature one of the two of them.  She guessed that came from being a disciple of Princess Celestia.

Her caravan was getting heavy, so she guided it to the park so she could rest on a bench.  As she lay down on the bench, she pulled her hat over her face to cover it as best as she could.  Hopefully no one would bother her.

"Twilight Sparkle..." she said to herself, "Where are you..."

"Did ya say Twilight?" a sweet southern voice said.  She pushed her hat up slightly and saw Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon standing in front of her.  Silver Spoon was shocked when she saw her face.

"I know you!" she cried out, "You're the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

"Glad to see I still have fans," Trixie said somberly.

"Ya said ya were lookin fer Twilight, right?" Apple Bloom said, "Ah know where she lives."

"Oh?  Could you take me there?" Trixie asked.

"Sure!" Apple Bloom said with a nod.  Trixie smiled warmly and got up from her bench.

"So what brings you back to Ponyville?" Silver Spoon asked as they walked.

"It's my last stop on my personal journey.  I plan on settling down here, but first I need to speak to Twilight."

"You aren't here for revenge, are ya?" Apple Bloom asked, "Cause mah sister told me about whut happened the last time ya came ta town."

"You might think that," Trixie said looking away, "but I assure you that my presence here isn't a red flag."

"Well, okay," Apple Bloom said looking at Trixie seriously.  She probably didn't believe her.

"Are you planning on doing another show here?" Silver Spoon asked, shocking Apple Bloom.

"Um... I might..." Trixie said, "Why?"

"Cause my friend here has a stage that she's dying to try and make, and you're the first show pony we've seen here," Silver Spoon explained, "It can't be coincidence.  You know, our meeting here?"

"Silver Spoon!" Apple Bloom whispered nervously.

"Tell you what," Trixie said now focusing on Apple Bloom, "If I do decide to do a show here, I'll get in touch with you, how's that?"

"Um, sure...? Apple Bloom said with an awkward smile.

The rest of the trip was in silence.  Apple Bloom kept looking at her suspiciously, while her friend (Silver Spoon, was it?) kept jumping up and down in excitement.  Clearly she was really happy to hear that Trixie might need a stage.

After a while they reached the library.  Did she live here?

"No wonder she was so powerful," Trixie said looking up at the building.  She then turned to her young escorts, "Where do you live, Apple Bloom?"

"Um, Ah live with mah broth'r an' sistur in Sweet Apple Acres."

"I believe I know where that is," Trixie said thoughtfully.  She then bowed to them, "The Great and Powerful Trixie thanks you," she said in her original show voice, smiling when Silver Spoon squealed happily.

"She spoke in the voice!" Silver Spoon said, clearly in fanfilly mode.  Apple Bloom just shook her head rolling her eyes, which made Trixie laugh.

"If I need further assistance, then I'll turn to you," Trixie said.

"Please do!  And thank you!" Silver Spoon said, making Apple Bloom sigh.

Trixie watched as the two fillies trotted off, and then turned to the library again.  Was she really about to do this?  Would she even hear her out?  Trixie took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

"Coming," a young male voice called out.  When the door opened, her eyes met the shocked expression of Twilight's dragon assistant.

"Wait, aren't you..." Spike asked.

"I'm sorry if I am intruding, but I must speak to Twilight Sparkle.  Is she in?"

"Yeah... she's in," Spike looked up at Trixie sort of suspiciously.  Was this going to happen with everypony she saw?

"Um, may I speak to her?" Trixie asked after a second.  Spike nodded slowly and closed the door.  If she didn't hear him call Twilight's name soon after, she would have thought he just closed the door on her.

A few seconds later, the door opened again, but this time she was face to face with a purple unicorn.  She looked a little different than how she looked two years ago, but her mane gave her away.  It was her.  The pony that changed her life forever.

And judging from her expression, she wasn't much happier to see her than any other pony in Ponyville.

"Trixie?" Twilight asked, "W-what are you doing here?"

"Um..." good question, Trixie thought.  She had dreamed of this day for two years, but now she was here and she didn't know what to do.  She took a deep breath and spoke again, "May I come in.  I've been walking around for a long time, and I'd like to rest my hooves."

"Sure..." Twilight said, moving to the side and ushering Trixie in.  Trixie slowly walked into her library and took it all in.  You could learn a lot about a person from what's in their house.  All Trixie saw were books.  Lots and lots of books.  There were a few ornaments here and there, but clearly decor wasn't one of Twilight's strong points.

"Um, do you want any tea?" Twilight asked, shocking Trixie a bit.

"Oh!  Um... yes please.  Thank you," Trixie said.  Twilight nodded and walked off to where Trixie assumed was her kitchen.  Now alone, she sighed and rested on the floor in front of the table.  She was finally in the house of the one pony who bested her.  It was scary, and she half expected to be turned away at the door.  But maybe this was a sign.  Maybe this was a good idea.

* * * *

"I don't like it," Spike said instantly.

"I know this looks strange, and it is, but I want to give her a chance," Twilight said pouring the tea into two cups.

"But she was horrible.  Thanks to her boasting Ponyville was almost destroyed, and she didn't even own up afterwards.  She just ran off."

"That was two year ago.  She might be different now.  Besides, she looks like she really wants something.  It may be important."

"Or it may be a trick.  Remember, she isn't the most honest pony in the world," Spike said.

"Well, we're about to find out," Twilight said, now using her magic to carry the two cups, "Let's try and be hospitable here.  Right now, Trixie is our guest, and we're going to treat her as such."

"Alright..." Spike said dejectedly.  Twilight walked back into the main room, where she saw Trixie resting.

"I'm back," Twilight said.  Trixie opened her eyes and looked at Twilight with a somewhat sad smile.  Was she afraid of something? "I hope you don't mind green tea with ginseng and honey.  It's the only kind I drink so..."

"No, I don't mind.  It's actually my favorite," Trixie looked down almost like how Fluttershy used to, and Twilight could have sworn she was blushing a bit, "Thank you."

Twilight nodded and then trotted to the table, setting down the two cups of tea.  This was met by a few seconds of awkward silence.

"So, how have you been?" Twilight asked.

"Good.  Good," Trixie said with a nod, "I've been on a personal pilgrimage around Equestria."

"Really?  What sort of pilgrimage?"

"Uh, well..." Trixie looked down again, "After what happened two years ago I began learning more about magic.  After my first year I began using my magic to help ponies," she took a sip from her tea before continuing, "I actually did save a town from an Ursa Minor, for real this time."

"I see," Twilight said, actually tempted to believe her since she mentioned an Ursa Minor, not Major like before.

"I looked up Ursa Majors.  Celestia, I can't believe what I was saying," Trixie laughed a bit.

"Yeah," Twilight laughed as well, "They're no joke."

There was more silence, broken by an unusual statement.

"I want to thank you, actually," Trixie said, shocking Twilight.

"Thank me?  For what?"

"Well, that day I realized that I didn't really know what magic was," Trixie said, "All I knew was smoke and mirrors.  What you showed me, at the time I wouldn't admit it, but it mesmerized me.  I became obsessed with learning how to do that.  You changed me, Twilight Sparkle, and for the longest time I just wanted to see you again."

"Oh... wow..." Twilight was really taken aback hearing this.  It sounded like Trixie really felt strongly about what happened that day.  Twilight didn't think she had made that much of an impression on her, "So, did you come all this way here just to thank me?"

"Well, that was part of it..." Trixie said, "But actually, I was hoping I could... complete my training... here..."

"Huh?" Twilight was wide eyes hearing this.  Trixie then took Twilight's foreleg earnestly and said something no pony was ready for.

"Please Twilight, make me your disciple!" she said.

"W-what...?" Twilight asked, now shocked beyond belief.

"You know how to do things no pony could imagine.  You're literally the strongest pony in Equestria besides Princess Celestia herself."

"I highly doubt that--"

"Twilight, I've been all over Equestria.  I've seen unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies all with different powers, but none of them had an ounce of your power."

"R-really?" Twilight asked, her heart racing now.

"If I'm willing to admit it, then you have to believe it.  Twilight Sparkle, I know literally everything there is to know about magic now, at least NORMAL magic.  You're the only pony who can teach me the magic I want to, no, NEED to know!" at this point there were tears in her eyes, "Let me learn under you, I beg you!"

Trixie really wanted this, Twilight thought.  She was literally crying now.  Twilight wanted to help her, but there was something bothering her.  Trixie called her the strongest pony in Equestria.  That couldn't be true though.  Surly there had to be something, SOMEpony, who was stronger...

"No one stronger?" Twilight asked, her voice shaking now.

"No one.  Twilight, there isn't a pony alive besides the Princesses who could defeat you, and even they might have trouble.  I'll never be lucky enough to be taught by the Princess herself, but I can at least reach out to her disciple, and ask her to make me hers."

"Trixie, I'm not qualified--"

"You're more than qualified now.  We're not fillies anymore, Twilight.  That was two years ago.  I'm sure by now even the Princess recognizes your talent."

She did just turn twenty-one.  She was technically qualified to teach someone else... maybe this was a sign.  Maybe she was supposed to do this.

She'd be the perfect disciple...

Blind obedience is the best obedience...

She'll follow you till the ends of the earth...

"NO!!!!" Twilight shouted suddenly.  She ran to the couch and fell down, burying her face in a pillow.

"Twilight?  Did I upset you?" Trixie asked.

"No, no, I'm just..." Twilight swallowed and turned her head back to Trixie, "I need some time to think about this."

"I understand," Trixie said.  She looked away, but then looked as if she had an epiphany, "Give me a few days to a week.  I'm going to put on another show, and I want you to attend."

"A... show?"

"Yes, when you see what I can do now, you'll make me your student," she turned and walked to the door, "You'll see, Twilight, I have potential."

With that she left.  Twilight rested her head on the pillow, but a second later actually broke down into tears.  Spike came out and ran over to her, and began rubbing her back.

"Twilight..." he said softly, "What are you so afraid of?"

She wanted to answer him, but she couldn't.  Instead, she wrapped her forelegs around him in a loving embrace, and continued to sob.  He was right though, she was afraid.  Afraid of the voice in her head.  Afraid of the demon that might be waiting for her in her dreams.  Afraid of the thoughts running through her head after learning the truth.  The truth that she was the strongest pony in Equestria.

A truth that for a split second... she sort of liked...