Title:           A Lesson
Author:          NicheSpace
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/dGAZ6XwP
First Edit:      Thursday 4th of June 2015 01:36:57 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Thursday 4th of June 2015 03:45:07 PM CDT

>Trixie didn't know why, but she was always brought back here.
>The familiar smell of morning dew and flowers laid out the night before caused her nostrils to flare.
>She hated coming back to this place.
>As she ventured down the aisles of stone, the sun slowly raised up from it nightly slumber to shine light down on the world.
>It was as if Celestia's warmth and love for her subjects was being distributed.
>Trixie didn't seem to care, however.
>She had come here for a reason.
>Something important to her.
>As she turned into the usual aisle, a recognizable figure stood in it.
>He waved to the mare; his strange alien-like figure never ceased to amaze Trixie.
>The creature stood tall on two legs and operated using hands.
>Most ponies were afraid of him, but Trixie had sensed something.
>A common interest.
"Back again so soon?"
>The mare sat down beside the human, but her eyes did not meet his.
"I'm guessing it didn't go so well?"
>His voice had pity behind it.
>Trixie grew angry almost immediately.
>"It didn't work like I had planned."
>The man shrugged and took a seat beside her.
>With his large mitts, he patted Trixie on the withers.
"There's always next time."
>Trixie immediately threw him a glare, her eyes burning like a forest fire.
>"No! There isn't a next time. Trixie is done trying."
>The man withheld his hand and sat there, stunned at her reaction.
>For a moment, they stared off into the distance.
>Not a word was uttered.
>The man let out an exasperated sigh, followed by a hearty chuckle.
"Well, are you going to tell me what happened? You must have come back all this way for a reason."
>Trixie continued to look off, completely absorbed by the surrounding area.
>Her eyes finally broke off from the scenery and returned the man's gaze.
"Trixie bought an amulet. It was supposed to help her be better at magic."
>The man's eyebrows furrowed.
"An amulet, huh? Don't see how that would make your tricks any better."
>Trixie shook her head.
>"It wasn't for a show. It was for..."
>Her voice trailed off, a guilty expression consuming her face.
>"...revenge."
>The man leaned back, using his arms to support him.
"I'm guessing you wanted to get back at the Twilight girl?"
>The mare nodded.
>"Trixie just wanted her to feel the pain she had felt. The humiliation, the grief; Trixie just wanted her to feel bad for what had happened!"
>Trixie slammed her hoof to the ground in frustration.
>The man couldn't help but laugh at her outburst.
"Well, I guess you learned your lesson then."
>He patted her head, calming her down a bit.
"You always were a spiteful one, even as a filly. But," he continued, "you always were one for magic.
>Trixie rolled her eyes.
>The man laughed at her reaction which quickly dissolved into a small smile.
"When I found you, you were so absorbed in my work you didn't notice you had gotten your cutie mark."
>Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink.
>"Because Trixie was amazed a creature without magic was able to perform... well, magic!"
>With a quick flick, the man pulled a dove from behind her ear.
>A small cheeky grin worked its way on the mare's face.
>"Trixie had always been interested in magic since she was young. You had shown her not only how useful it was, but how entertaining it could be."
>Her eyes met with the ground, refusing to look at the man.
>He released the dove, letting it fly off towards the morning sun.
"You're a great magician, Trixie. I've seen enough of your shows to know that."
>Silence echoed throughout the area before the man continued.
"Don't ever think any differently. Don't let anyone ever tell you differently. But..."
>The pause made the mare look up from the grassy floor.
>He pointed his finger at her, a stern expression upon his face.
"...stop letting it get to your head. There were two simple rules about being a magician. Do you remember them?"
>Trixie nodded.
>"'A magician should never reveal their tricks' and 'The audience should always be entertained.'"
>A smile took over his lips as he nodded in approval.
"Knowing the rules is one thing, but implementing them is another. Now I know you definitely haven't revealed your secrets. That only leaves one rule you need improvement on."
>The mare smiled, knowing he had the best of intentions, but she still couldn't help but feel a little mad.
>What did he know about what she had gone through?
"I've been booed off stage, had ponies throw food and objects at me... hell, I almost had someone jump me on stage."
>Trixie cocked her head like a confused dog.
>How did he know what she was thinking about?
>Was he able to read minds now too?
"But I kept trucking it. It took me a while to realize it, but humbleness is the key to being a performer. If the crowd is happy and you're happy, you did your job. But if you go up on stage and act like a clown, you'll get laughed at like a clown."
>Trixie looked back to the sky.
>The sun was about to reach over the mountains.
>"Trixie-- I think I understand," she said with a soft tone.
>The man smiled and wrapped his arms around her.
"You are an excellent student. One of the best magicians there is. But above all else, you're a good pony, Trixie. You just don't know any better."
>She slowly wrapped her hooves around him, tears welling in her eyes.
>Reluctantly, she let go of the man before he stood up.
>His feet were heavy as he walked away from the mare.
>Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she waved, seeing him off.
>"Thank you. Thank you for everything you've ever taught me," she shrieked, hoping her would hear her.
>With a snap of his finger, the man disappeared with the wind.
>Trixie stood there for a moment, soaking in the moment before looking back down at the stone.
[spoiler]>On it read, "Here lies the Great and Power Anonymous. A man, a legend, and a teacher."[/spoiler]