Students To Power: The Prophecies

Chapters

Chapter One: Tested Bonds
Chapter Two: As Allies Become Enemies
Chapter Three: First Moves and Final Tests
Prologue: Accepted Applications

Chapter One: Tested Bonds

Students To Power: The Prophecies
Chapter One: Tested Bonds

Written by: Hyacintho Ignis
Edited by: Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An extensive building complex sat in the sunlight, the slanted steel roof reflecting the rays at anyone foolish enough to look upwards. A wrought iron fence encircled the entirety of the property and life went on outside the deserted school. The main gate was a masterpiece of crafts-work, of shining silver and strengthened steel. Standing guard over the gate, four soldiers looked out over the surrounding area. Two were dressed in the Lunar armor of old, while the others had Solar armor from the same age. The age in when two ponies created the school from close to nothing. With their imposing armors and the impressive structures behind them, the sight complete was one to draw the eye.

Amadeus and his father turned a corner to see a small crowd grouped around the gates. As they watched, two ponies and their foal were let through to begin the walk up to the entrance. Getting closer, he began to look closer at the foals who were either lining up or talking with their parents. Their attitudes matched their upbringings; full of pride, arrogance and pampering. Getting a feel for their auras, he could feel a few that had some strength to them, but the majority were far too weak. They might’ve been a threat if they had vivid and wild imaginations but their ideas could only carry them as far as their power.

Twilight had seen the crowd from a much further distance, walking down a hill from Upper Canterlot towards the school. She sniffed as if in disdain of those gathered around the gate, but each unicorn had a tic when feeling the auras of another. She could feel the weakness hidden behind all the blustering arrogance. Coming closer, Twilight could see a colt nearing the group with his father and reaching out, she could feel the reserves of power within him. It was far above anything she’d felt from the squabbling group and she touched her eyes with magic to get a look at him, only to find him staring right back.

Twilight and Amadeus locked eyes as they approached the end of the line from opposite sides. Their stares were laced with determination and a confidence that came from years of study, year of lonely imagining and a lifetime of magic. Closer again, Relius and Nightlight looked at each other and both gave a nod that was imperceptible to others. Within the final steps, Amadeus quickened his pace by a slight step and made it to the end of the line before Twilight. Relius stood to the right of his son while Nightlight and Velvet had their daughter between them.

Neither of them recognized the other, thinking the other to be another entrant. But was it happenstance that the two of them arrived within mere seconds of each other? Or were the makings of greater plans taking effect on every aspect of their life?

Since there was nothing to do except wait for the moment when he’d be able to go through the gates, Amadeus decided he’d see if he could get anything else from his father. He knew that this test would be daunting, and any knowledge he could get would be helpful. As for his partner... all he had to go on was a name...

“Hey dad, do you know anything about what I’ll have to do in this test?”

His father did not respond at first, his eyes transfixed on the school. There was something… off about Relius, something even Amadeus was frightened by. Finally, he spoke...

“The test is nothing major, you’ll be fine. You’ve covered most of the material without even knowing it. Chances are, most of those incompetent teachers know less on the subject matter than these inferior beings…” His voice trailed off before his gaze was broken. The sharpness in his eyes faded when he looked back to his son with a cheerful smile. “Sorry, I was thinking aloud again. Anyway, it’s not that hard. Just do your best and remember, you’re always my son.”

“Thanks, it’s good to know that the massive study you helped me with will pay off.” Amadeus gave an uneasy grin back at his father, all tension and nerves. Back at their house, the room belonging to Amadeus didn’t resemble a room. All the furniture was there, but it was buried under a mountain of books, most of which had been borrowed from the local library. “So… how well do you know the Headmaster? He was here when you went through, right?

“Oh, he and I know one another quite well.” Relius said with a ghost of a smile. “He may not want to admit it, but we were once students here at the same time. He was an upperclassmen, but was always very humble.”

“Really? You never mentioned that. If you knew him so well, why not get a job here?” Amadeus thought his logic was quite good. Friendly company, good money, enjoyable atmosphere. His viewpoint on the school however, was extremely limited. His father knew a bit more, but neither of them knew enough to piece together what reason the school had really been built for…

His father’s past, as well as his mother’s for that matter, was never discussed. Even now, Amadeus wondered if his father would give him a straight forward answer.

“We all have our reasons, Zero. I could never be an actual teacher here, I haven’t the time or patience for such things…” Relius replied with a smirk. “Now, I don’t want you act alarmed, but I do believe we have a little eavesdropper listening in on our conversation…”

The two of them turned to look behind them to see a purple filly jump in surprise as she was caught out. Her parents, who were both admiring the scenery, turned to look at Twilight with disapproving stares.

“S-s-sorry, I didn’t mean to b-be eavesdropping in o-on your c-conversation.” Her usually calm speech was broken with stutters as she kept swapping her gaze between the two of them. The stallions eyes were unnerving to look at, but the colt looked more like he was hurt at the invasion of their privacy.

“As well you should be. How would you like it if you were having a conversation with your parents and I was listening in? Hmm?” Amadeus had taken an unusually harsh tone into his voice and this newcomer looked to be on the verge of tears.

“Now, I don’t think that’s any way to speak to a young mare.” An older male’s voice was heard. Stepping beside their daughter, Nightlight and Velvet looked ever so offended by young colt attitude. “While you do have a point, it’s no reason to be rude.”

Relius simply chuckled as the two parents stepped up to defend their daughter. “My my, how interesting…”

Amadeus took another look at this filly to see her sniffling and rubbing her eyes with a hoof. He was angry that she’d been eavesdropping on them but he could see that she was younger then he was. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to be so harsh. It just slipped out. Sorry.”

The two of them relaxed slightly as they heard the statement, understanding that he really was sorry. Nightlight was the first to speak up as they all faced each other. “Well, I hope you won’t do it again. I’d rather you didn’t make my daughter cry.”

Nightlight and Velvet turned around to look at Twilight. This time, it was Velvet who spoke up. “Now that was a very silly thing to do dear. Here, look up, let me see your eyes.” Twilight looked up at her mother to see that smiling face and her sniffles died down.

“It’s alright Twilight. But that wasn’t the right thing to be doing. It’s rude to listen to other ponies conversations without their permission.” As Amadeus heard that name from this motherly mare, he straightened up suddenly like he’d had cold water splashed on him. His partner for the application test was to be one Twilight Sparkle. But how could this sniveling filly be good enough to enter PCSGU?

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, or to be eavesdropping. But did you say her name was Twilight? Twilight Sparkle?”

Velvet and Nightlight looked at the boy, wondering how he knew their child’s name. “That’s right.” Nightlight spoke with a frown. “But how did you know?”

While this conversation and near-fight had been taking place, the line had moved forward to the point that they were all next for entering the campus. They’d held up the line and the guardsponies had to come down and get them. “Oy! You five! Come on let’s go, you’re holding up the line!”

They all jumped at the voice and turned to look at the guard with varying degrees of emotion. Amadeus called out to the guard and moved forward so that the guard could begin examining him. After doing so, he held out a hoof at the young colt. “You got papers, kid?”

Relius gave a cough and the buff Earth pony turned to give him a cold eye. “They are right here.”

Looking closely at the written print, the guard passed back the parchment after reading it and let Amadeus through. “You’re next sir, step up.”

With a minor laugh, Relius matched the guard’s stare tenfold, enough to even break his gaze. “My name is Relius Zero. The headmaster himself is expecting me and I would not wish to keep him waiting, friend.”

The Earth pony gave a start at the last part. Moving backwards, he bowed to Relius as he waved a hoof to the entrance. “I’m terribly sorry sir. I didn’t realize you were here to see Professor Magellan. Please, go right ahead.”

“Very well then.” Relius smiled, walking past the gates and into the garden. Under his breath however, he added. “Pray you never see me again…”

“Alright, step up you three.” His commanding tone came back as the guard waved Twilight and her parents forward. He began patting Twilight down, starting with her hooves and working his way up her body to the head. Finally giving her horn a quick tap to make sure it was real, he got her entrance papers from Velvet and waved Twilight through. “Next.”

Giving the same treatment to Nightlight and then to Velvet, they passed through the gate to re-join Twilight and the three of them caught up to Amadeus and his father just outside the main doors. A beautiful affair of both oak and mahogany, the doors were inlaid with golden and silver swirls. In the center of each door, a pony was etched and shown with a metal frame. The right depicted the regal Princess Celestia, in the act of raising the sun. The other, depicted the beautiful Princess Luna, in the act of lowering the moon.

“These doors are rather symbolic,” Relius began, “Their true meaning is actually debated. To some, they say that it is piece of history, the act of the two rulers of the bodily heavens exchanging roles as day and night fade into one another. Repeating endlessly, without breaking the cycle. Others say it’s symbolic of change, the advancement of magic, life, and all things that exist. I, however… well, it’s not important what I think. Tell me, son, what do you think?”

“They’re amazing.” Amadeus was breathless as he looked upon the imposing doorway. It seemed like a massive step forward in his life. The beginning of a whole new world.

“Actually, it’s been said these doors are supposed to be an unusual gateway. In the olden times, when a unicorn passed these doors, they would give off a humming sound that only the young could hear. It is believed that those that the doors hummed for, well, they would become one of the most important ponies in the world. They could change the course of history as it has been.” Nightlight spoke in a perfunctory tone, as if he were giving a lecture. His point was enough to make Amadeus and Twilight look at each other, both thinking about the other and their own potential.

Relius laughed loudly, turning back to face the apparent scholar. “Well said, Nightlight… It would appear that somepony has done a bit of reading on the matter. Tell me, call you name the constructor of the archway as well? Perhaps you would like to tell the story of Six Elements while you’re at it? Or rather… the Seven Sins.” He tone was oddly cheerful in a dark way, even if a bit challenging.

“Now wait just a minute, Relius! That is not something for young ears.” As Nightlight drew breath to continue and turn this into an argument that could’ve lasted for 3.14159 days, the doors took on a green hue as a unicorn’s magic took hold of them. They swung inwards without a sound, completely weightless, balanced on steel hinges. An older unicorn stepped forward, moving to meet the group. His white mane flowed down in curved lines, coupling with his foreign looking facial hair to give him a wise look. His coat was a dull gold and he wore a lab coat with one pocket and a monocle over his left eye.

His eyes rolled over the group from right to left, stopping at the end and widening slightly when he saw Relius.

“It’s been too long, my friend.” Rather than sounding friendly, his voice was as cold as ice as he regarded the grey stallion in front of him. “How long has it been? How long… since we last saw my sister? Your wife…”

With a strangely warm grin, Relius replied. “Not long enough, it would seem. I would assume it has been almost nine or so years, Magellan. Speaking of which,” he placed a hoof over Amadeus’s head, “This is my son… Lilia’s son.”

Amadeus gasped as he heard what his father said. His mom… the one who’d birthed him and simply left. Finally, after his constant asking and begging and pleading and crying, he finally had a name. He breathed the name. “Lilia…”

The professor however, was quite annoyed at the news and he looked down, staring at the lanky colt who’d been birthed from his sister’s blessed womb. He lowered his head until he was level with Amadeus who began to shake, staring back into Magellan’s deep black eyes. “And how is it… that right after you were born, that my sister suddenly disappeared? Did your father ever tell you, that your orange eyes were gifted to you by your mother?”

“Now now, Magellan… let’s save story-time for another day, shall we?” Relius chuckled warmly. “After all, he does have to get settled in here first. Then, I’m quite sure the two of you will get to bond properly. And please, don’t ask him too many questions about his mother…” For a split second, his voice became horrifyingly cold, even to the headmaster. “It’s not right for you blame a child for the father’s mistake.”

“What do you mean dad? What mistake?” Amadeus was a bit scared. His father had told him that the Headmaster was his friend. So why were they angry with each other? So… cold?

“Very well… Let’s get your ‘child’ settled inside.” Turning to look at Twilight and her family, he put on a warm smile and shook hooves with Nightlight and Velvet. “I’m sorry for the rather icy reception I put out. Relius and I are old friends, bonded by a rather twisted thread. Please do come in, we don’t want to keep the other judges waiting now eh?”

Nightlight gave a slight nod, nudging his wife and daughter to get them moving indoors. Relius also walked through with his son and Magellan was last, his magic grabbing the doors and readying to close them. As Twilight and Amadeus walked through, they began to hear a sound that rose in volume. As they passed the doors, a song could be heard. But only by the filly and only by the colt.

Listen good and listen well

For I am not one to ignore

Whether by thine or mine will

The fragile balance you must restore

One of blue and one of white

One of sun and brightest light

One of moon and darkest night

Both of these you will reunite

But beware of he in black

For evil things he will bring forth

From the dead they will come back

From the cold and unknown north

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unknown~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the dead they will come back

From the cold and unknown north

The words rang around the dark room. Lit only by a rainbow fire that crackled cheerily in the fireplace, it’s light cast two eerie shadows from the two mares who sat before the fire. They rested on simple cushions that were grey with age.

“A song has never been sung before. Not even for us, when we created those beings.” The blue mare looked tired, her mane clinging to her form as she regarded the shifting fire.

“True, we must gather those two, set them on the right path.” The mare of white replied with a sad smile. “Come, let us leave this room to its destruction.”

Merely nodding in reply, the blue mare stood up, stretching her legs out. The white mare copied her actions, gathered her magic and the two of them disappeared.

The fire still crackled in the fireplace as the cushions were slowly swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Finally, before the light could be snuffed out, a single talon reached out and took the flame before it too disappeared and the room no longer existed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Magellan and Relius entered a spacious office. A window overlooked the gardens while the inside wall was completely taken up by a single bookshelf. A desk sat at one end of the room and a collection of chairs were gathered around various tables. As Magellan went to sit behind the desk, Relius took a look back at the corridor they’d walked down, making sure it was deserted before closing the door.

“I must admit, Relius, I was quite surprised to get your letter. I know we both went here, we both passed with flying colors. But what I don’t understand is why you didn’t continue with it, I mean surely there was more you could’ve added to this.” The professors green magic held a simple piece of parchment and clearing his throat, he began to read.

To Mage-butt,

Magellan looked up from the scroll with an expressionless face. “I’m going to assume you were trying to be funny there, and I ignored your insult.”

I have a colt who has come of age, and he has an interest in the magical arts. Of course, he is a unicorn,

but his abilities are completely unknown. I would like for him to be enrolled at Princess Celestia’s School

for Gifted Unicorns as the final favor that you owe me after I saved your career and took the blame.

Do not mention anything about her to him and don’t think to ignore this letter. This is my final request to

you.

From Relius Zero
The Devil Bringer

Placing the parchment down on the desk, Magellan stared at the stallion before him. “Do you think to test my patience? If you had asked this of me and my sister was still alive, I would have replied and accepted without a doubt. But now? Now I have made things harder for him. He will never get into this school if he cannot pass!”

With a faint and yet friendly smile, Relius laughed. “You consider that test hard? I was assuming you were actually going to heed my final request. Amadeus is more than cable of passing such a pitiful trail. Now, what’s wrong with having him go here? He is your nephew, after all. A good boy at that.”

Relius looked away, placing a hoof on the bookshelf. “Look, I’m not asking as a former friend, or on my own behalf… I’m asking you for Lilia. She wanted nothing but the best for him. Please, Magellan, hear me out one last time.”

“Don’t you dare bring her into this!” Magellan yelled back, standing now as he stared over the desk at Relius. “You have no right to stand there and invoke her name! If you want your son to come here, then he can pass the test I have set for him! I will not simply let him in because I owe you a damned favor!”

“You were always blind to the truth,” Relius said calmly, “He has raw skill that exceeds his years and knowledge enough to rival your own. Amadeus is more than just a simple child… he is gifted with something far more... The real reason why I requested he be allowed in is because, just like his father, he is a little too wild with his magic at that age. There’s a very good chance somepony will die today. Or… have you forgotten the results of my own trial when I came here?”

“Skill? Gifted!? It is true that you not only succeeded at your trial, you destroyed almost half the school and killed a dozen ponies. It was I and a number of students and professors who fought the demon you’d summoned. But that… that thing! He has no real power. Oh, he is like you, wild with his supposed power. But he is also like Lilia, a smart individual who knew when something was too tough or required a different approach.” Magellan was now before Relius, the two standing a short distance apart as they traded words. But the professor had had enough of speaking. With his magic, he grasped the nearby tables and sent them hurtling at Relius, intent on sending him out the third story window.

“Die! Die you begotten bastard from Tartarus!”

The tables crashed into Relius with full force, but the stallion did not move. Their debris simply floated around the smiling unicorn. He was unharmed, as if nothing was done at all.

“Tables?” Relius gave a gravelly laugh. “I was expecting more from you, Sword of Akasha… Where has your power faded off to?”

“Right here!” Marshaling his power, Magellan crafted a shining sword out of pure magic, containing the swirling mix in his green aura. “The Sword that saved the town of Akasha, far to the foreign lands of Saddle Arabia. The Demon Bringer, the fool of a stallion that brought forth *Ténebris from the depths.”

He crouched with his sword held close to his body before springing at his opponent. “Let us see who is the more powerful of us! Let us settle our rivalry, our hatred, right here! My sister will finally rest in peace with your death!!”

Relius stood his ground, or rather, opened his defenses wide, beckoning to be attacked as his horn flashed with a black aura. “Is that so? Then strike me.”

“Go back to your demonic masters!” Magellan brought the sword back, readying to cleave his opponent in two. As he brought the sword back, he focused his magic, encasing his torso in an ethereal green armor. Sweat ran down his neck as he kept the two spells balanced, running towards the waiting stallion.

Relius chuckled once more as he breathed out a single word, “*Lilith…”

As Magellan swung his sword, sure that his armor would protect him, a perfect circle drew itself around Relius and a pentagram was inscribed in it with the grey stallion in the exact center. A black apparition formed and covered up a section of the bookcase. A sudden blur of black and blue appeared from its depths and rushed the professor, forcing him to block and ruining his attack.

Magellan jumped back, gaining distance on his newest opponent. “Damn… You simply had to wait. So who is it I face? Judging from the death black wings, coat and hair, the blue eyes and hair, I’d say you’re Lilith. The one mostly responsible for the demon race, subverting innocent stallions into planting their seed in you, creating demonic hybrids.”

“So, you’ve been reading up on demons now, Magellan?” Relius snickered at the armored stallion.

Magellan gave an icy grin, charging the demonic Pegasus. They met in a flurry of blows as sword met clawed hoof and sharpened wings met armor. This continued for a full minute before the professor pulled back, breathing hard with various gashes on his face and back legs.

Finally, unable to hold the spells any longer, Magellan’s armor and sword dissipated into the air. Taking a stone that had been attached to a hidden necklace, he breathed a quick apology to his deceased sister before ripping the stone off and swallowing it.

Throwing the now useless necklace to the ground, Magellan cut his hoof with his magic and drew a circle around him with his blood. But instead of the pentagram symbol used to summon demons, he merely drew a six-pointed star.

“For shame, Magellan, breaking that promise…” Without waiting for an order, the Lilith lunged forth with claws readied to rip apart her master’s opponent.

“Watch Relius, watch as I bring your defeat.” His horn blazed with green as a swirling white vortex appeared before him. A mare stepped out of the portal, her wings balancing two blocks, like a scale. Finally, the portal closed and Magellan slumped to the ground. “*Themis, defeat this demon, please.”

“You must rest, this was your first time calling on the Titans.” The crystalline Pegasus spoke smoothly and calmly. Turning back, she held her wings high and charged towards the demon. “By my righteousness, you shall be purged! Scum of the Earth!”

The Lilith rushed forth, before her wings flared back, sending out a wave of sharpened feathers at the holy being. While many of them did little to harm her, they managed to push her back, several striking her wings and scales in vital points. Before a full recovery could be made, the Lilith smashed her claws against the Themis’ wings in an attempt to shatter them.

Rearing up, the Themis swung her hooves in an attempt to catch the demon in the chest. Before making contact, the Lilith sprung backwards and disengaged. Spreading her wings wide, another rain of sharpened feathers rushed towards the titan. The Themis dodged the attack, placing the blocks in front of Magellan and protecting him.

“Your fate has been decided by justice. Return from whence you came!”

Charging the Lilith with an almighty roar, the Themis threw attack after attack. Without a chance to manoeuvre, the demon could only defend against the barrage. Finally, the titan managed to land her left hoof, sending the Lilith apparition through the window. Mid-air, the demon was sucked into a black vortex that had appeared and disappeared within two seconds. The Themis walked over and took the two stone weights, balancing them on her wings again.

“My task is finished. Best of luck to you.” Was all she said before stepping backwards and vanishing like the demon did.

Clapping his hooves, Relius approached the bleeding headmaster. “Well done, Magellan! I haven’t had such fun in years!” He said in a friendly tone. “Oh, but you’re bleeding, aren’t you? Tell me, does that hurt?”

The only reply Magellan could make was to cough up some blood towards Relius. Making an effort to settle his breathing, he managed three words. “Go… away… demon.”

“Demon?” Relius repeated, looking down at his once old friend. “I’m hurt you would call me that, Magellan. Even after I went through so much trouble to use a low level demon to play with you!”

His smile twisted into a sickening grin as his black aura grabbed the headmaster by his throat, lifting him up to be eye level with the Devil Bringer. “You have no sense of fun in you! No trust! I was going come here and apologize to you. Let my son finally meet his wonderful uncle. A stallion I once trusted my life to! This is the last time… Will we be friends once more, Mage?”

Choking from the lack of air, the beaten and bloodied stallion could only say one word. “...Yes…”

Dropping him on the ground, Relius stood over Magellan and smiled. “I’m glad you see things my way, Mage. I’ll start teaching here at the same time my son begins his classes. You’ll be making sure he gets the best treatment.”

Turning away, he began to make his way to the door before stopping a short distance away. He spoke once more under his breath. “Lilith… attend to Magellan’s wounds and… whatever else he... desires.”

Raising his voice, he addressed the wounded stallion again. “It’ll be nice having you back on my side, old friend. The right side.”

With that, the grey stallion left the room, the door opening and closing on its own accord.

Watching with a sense of horror and bewilderment, the very demon Magellan saw vanquished was now standing before him once more. However, it now had a much more beautiful face. She approached the headmaster with a faint smile, her wings flaring only once. In his mind, Magellan could hear the voice of the demon as she spoke to him...

“It is not wise to fight my master, old stallion. He is far beyond your skill or power to defeat. It is so much more pleasing to simply do as he asks… But he is not an unkind pony, I assure you that you will see in time. Now, let me see that wound…”

Author's Note

Ténebris is Latin for Darkness.
Lilith - A female demon of the night who supposedly flies around searching for newborn children either to kidnap or strangle them. Also, she sleeps with men to seduce them into propagating demon sons.
Themis - An ancient Greek Titaness. She is described as ‘of good counsel’, being the embodiment of divine order, law, and custom. Themis means divine law.

Only two chapters in and we've already got a combat scene. Getting intense pretty quickly here. Hope it didn't feel too generic for you all.

Anyway, if you find grammar or spelling errors, let me know below.
If you have any questions, you can ask me below as well. Or send me a PM if you think it's important.

Inspiration can be found in many places. Mine stems from the philosophical, and the thrill of creating a world.

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
-George Bernard Shaw

Give a special thanks to Unknown as well!
~Hyacintho Ignis

Chapter Two: As Allies Become Enemies

Students To Power: The Prophecies
Chapter Two: As Allies Become Enemies

Written by: Hyacintho Ignis
Edited by: Unknown

~~~(The first scene takes place at the same time as Chapter One's scene between Relius and Magellan.)~~~

A perfectly circular room was filled with the sounds of magic, pain, and fighting as two unicorns fought in the center. The domed roof warped the sunlight that pierced it, leaving it so that only the center was lit up. There were several families seated at the edge while two professors sat at a table, slightly closer to the action, writing down their observations of the current test.

Facing off inside the circle of light, a light blue unicorn faced a darker blue unicorn. They were both fillies and their uses of magic were jumpy, limited to telekinesis fights and throwing little balls of magic at each other. They each had several scratches and bruises to various parts of the body and it looked like the fight wouldn’t be over quickly.

Suddenly, the dark blue unicorn unleashed a flurry of magic, directing orbs towards her opponent. Dodging the attack, the other unicorn retaliated by attempting to grab her body with magic. The orbs hit a barrier that had been erected around the fight, some of them glancing off towards the light blue unicorn while the rest burst with various results of light, smoke and sound.

Caught off guard by the sudden changes, the light blue unicorn threw up a shield to cover herself, but the shield was pierced and she took several orbs to the chest and face. After the smoke has cleared and everyone could see what happened, they found the dark blue filly standing over her opponent.

A cough from one of the professors sitting at the table caught everyone’s attention as the green mare stood up and walked into the circle. “The winner of this test is Azhure Starsong. You will now proceed back through the doors and return home. You will receive a letter regarding times and dates. You may leave now.”

Azhure gave a nod to the professor and walked out of the circle, joining her mother who was crying in joy. After much hugging and congratulations, the two of them left the room and the professor turned to the crowd who were gathered in the darkness. “Would the parents of Trixie Lulamoon please step forth.”

The crowd shuffled around, looking at each other and waiting for someone to step forward. Finally, a stallion got up and staggered out to the circle. He carried a glass bottle that was corked and had a large label on the front. Walking was obviously a challenge for him as he stumbled several times. The professor deduced that the stallion was drunk and likely enough, did not want to be here. “Are you the father of Trixie Lulamoon?”

The stallion stared blearily at the ground, not even showing that he’d heard the professor. Mumbling something under his breath, the stallion uncorked the bottle with his magic before taking a deep swig. “Sir, are you the father of Trixie Lulamoon?”

“Sho what if I um. Huh? This good fur nuthin’ dau-, daugh-, pony, couldn’t even pass her exa-, ex… tesssstah.” The stallion took another mouthful at the end of his sentence and gave a loud belch.

“Yes, well. Your daughter has failed the entrance test; she is banned from ever trying again. Please, take your daughter and leave.” The professor placed a hoof to her nostrils, breathing through her mouth to avoid the stench of the uncouth father. With much grumbling about stupidity and drinking, the light blue stallion gathered up his daughter and proceeded to drag her behind him as he slowly made his way to the doors.

As the doors closed, the room was suddenly lit up by various torches that gave it a warmer and more welcoming feel. The two professors made their way over the group to select the next candidates.

“Welcome to PCSGU, I am Professor Seeker, I teach the finer point of telekinesis here. My associate is Professor Prismic and she teaches illusionary magic.” Professor Seeker spoke first to the assembled group. His coat was a chestnut brown while his mane and tail were a honey blond. Being the one who’d walked out into the circle to announce the end, Professor Prismic had an already recognizable green coat. In her brown magic, she carried eight silver bands that were worn by the testees.

“Could Amadeus Zero, Twilight Sparkle, Gemini Shine and Gemini Shadow please step forward. Your entrance tests have been changed from a simple fight to a teamwork exercise.” As Prismic spoke again, the four of them stood up and made their way to the front. As she spoke the second piece, they stopped, surprised at this piece of news.

“Hold on just a minute! Why should they be treated any different than all the others who’ve taken the test?” Nightlight’s outburst sparked mutters and cries f agreement from other parents at this revelation.

“Sir, this is not our choice. It is a command from the Headmaster.” This hushed all other conversations as they stared ludicrously at the four foals, knowing that only one of them had a chance of passing.

“Step forward and take two bands each. The teams are thus; Twilight Sparkle and Amadeus Zero against Gemini Shine and Gemini Shadow. Please take your places in the circle.” The four foals each took two bands, placing them on their forelegs before walking out to the circle.

“Listen Twilight, I didn’t come here to fail. I came here to give it everything I have and become a student at PCSGU. I won’t have it that you are the reason I am unable to achieve this dream.” Amadeus whispered to Twilight as they walked side by side. Across the circle, the Gemini Twins were conversing in whispers with their backs turned.

“Same to you, Zero. Let’s see which of us is better after we fight these two. Did you want Shine or Shadow?” Twilight’s voice was as terse as Amadeus’ had been. Neither of them particularly liked the other, but they both realized that they had to work together to defeat the Twins.

“Amadeus and Twilight, are you ready?” Professor Prismic called out from the table.

“Yes, we’re ready.”

“Gemini’s Shine and Shadow, are you ready?” The only reply from the twins was a nod from the two of them.

“Very well, you may begin.” The brown and yellow magic of the two professors flared up, extinguishing the torches around the room and leaving the four ponies in the spotlight.

The Gemini twins wasted no time as the two quickly created several orbs of light, half black and the other half white, consisting of pure magic. Shine then condensed his half, mixing it in with his sister’s to create several large black crystals. Without waiting for the other to speak, Shadow forced the large crystals at Twilight and Amadeus as Shine started to circle them.

Twilight saw the crystals flying towards them and threw up a shield, quickly adding three more layers to it. The crystals impacted, destroying the first two layers and detonating on the third. Smoke and darkness filled the air and Twilight extended the final layer, covering the two of them in a sphere to protect them from the effects.

“Thanks.” Amadeus gave a nod as well before clearing away the effects of the crystals. Spotting Shadow, he gathered his magic and created a dozen icicles before firing them. The razor sharp points glinted in the light as they sped towards the dark mare.

Rather than attempting to move out of the way, Shadow ducked down and into her very shadow, vanishing from sight and avoiding the attack. However, this was least of Amadeus’ concerns as Shine darted up from his blind side, horn lit with a white aura. Before he could react, it flashed with a wild bright light that blinded him just before a hoof met his face.

Just as Twilight saw this brutal trick, Shadow appeared in front of her, sending out a blast of dark energy that knocked her away. Slowly rising from her shadow, the darker filly stood in Twilight’s way, preventing her from helping her team mate.

“Stay down,” Shadow demanded in her monotone voice, “You’re not the target.”

“I’m not going to fail simply because you two got in a cheap shot.” Amadeus stood up shakily, blood running from his nose to drip onto the floor. Forming his magic again, he swung two tentacles at the twins. “Twilight, I could use some help!”

“Oh, right!” Marshaling her magic, Twilight created a swarm of brightly colored spheres. Some were transparent, others were multi-hued, but all of them targeted Shine as Twilight fought to keep an eye on the two of them.

Shine easily dodged the bulk of the attack with aerial spins, even bashing a few away with magically enforced hooves until coming to stand beside his sister who put up a barrier that countered the rest. The two tentacles swung around to crash into the barrier again and again. The barrier began to fade under the onslaught when the tentacles suddenly shattered.

“Damage assessment?” Shadow asked her brother calmly as she lowered the half used barrier.

“Less than twenty-three percent. That is not enough.” Shine replied, casting his gaze at Amadeus.

“Agreed. Let us continue.” Shadow responded. Without any further words, Shadow rushed forth at Twilight, building up a large dark aura over head as Shine darted at Amadeus, his own spell readying with an odd glow.

Being completely unaware of the twins charging towards them, Twilight and Amadeus were having a slight disagreement. Twilight wanted to go on the defensive, saying they had a better chance. Amadeus felt that offense was the key, catching them off guard with an unexpected attack.

“Twilight, we need to fight back!”

“No! We can’t expose ourselves!

“Twilight… Listen to m- Behind you!” At Amadeus’ panicked voice, Twilight turned to see Shadow closing in on her left side. Amadeus turned around as well to find that Shine had ended up on his right finishing the Pincer movement.

The two once more spoke, this time in unison, “Double Helix.”

Strands of magic shot out from their auras, binding their foes in a web of energy. It was too late for Twilight or Amadeus to move, being forced to the ground by the attack and held there against their will by the webs. With the first sign of emotion the two had shown the entire fight, they spoke again.

“Discharge.”

An electrical charge traveled through the net to Twilight and Amadeus. The juice surged through them, attacking the entirety of their body

Amadeus and Twilight screamed out from the searing pain that comes with being electrocuted. This continued for a full twenty seconds before Amadeus just stopped and regarded Shine with a coldly triumphant stare.

“Nice try.” Using his magic as a conductor rod, Amadeus drew the energy into a ball above his head. He threw the crackling orb at Shine who was unable to move due to his casting of the Double Helix spell. The pure white unicorn took the attack to the chest, sending him backwards and breaking the net.

Amadeus stood up and spun around, catching Shadow with a sharp backhoof. The filly was sent sprawling and Amadeus dropped the personal barrier he had erected when he warned Twilight. Looking down, he saw that the purple filly was still spasming. Her legs jerked in symphony and her neck and face were twitching.

“Twilight!” The call came from both Amadeus and Nightlight in the audience, but the professors restrained the distraught stallion, leaving Nightlight unable to help his daughter.

“Get up, Twilight! I can’t win without you, not against these two!” Amadeus kept tapping her on the cheek, trying to rouse her somehow.

Shadow quickly darted over to her brother, scanning over the injured body, “Shine, damage level?”

“Critical…” Shine replied, forcing himself to stand, “We must… end this.”

“Agreed.” Shadow nodded sadly. As the two of them stood side by side again, Amadeus could see that Shine was taller and bulkier then Shadow. As he watched, Shine seemed to shrink and Shadow grew, becoming a perfect copy of her brother except for the color. Twilight stopped spasming and her eyelids fluttered open to see Amadeus standing next to her. Groaning, she stood up and looked over to see what had Amadeus so enraptured.

The Twins bodies began to vibrate faster and faster and a swirling rainbow appeared between them. It seemed as though they were disappearing into the rainbows and Shine gave a sad smile to his sister. “Be well.”

The last vestiges of their bodies vanished, leaving the rainbow vortex facing Twilight and Amadeus. Looking over at her partner, she was surprised to find a single tear roll down his cheek. “Did we win?”

“...No…”

A form began to materialize from within the vortex. Stepping out, the vortex disappeared and a pony stood there that was the height of a full grown stallion. Half of its body was a startling white; coat, hair, everything. The other half was a pure black. The only place where the colors mixed was the eyes; A swirling mixture of black and white.

“Fusion complete. I am Gemini Shadine. I will not allow you to win.” The voice that emanated from this creature’s mouth was a mixture of Shadow’s and Shine’s. Amadeus cradled his head with a hoof, shaking it as tears ran down his eyes.

“Why? Why would you do something so foolish…”

“What is it? What have they done?” Twilight knew absolutely nothing about their new opponent and Amadeus looked at her with a sad and resolved stare.

“Gemini Twins are a rare subspecies of Unicorn. Born at the exact time, they usually rip the mother apart at childbirth. With their blood bond and coupled magic, they can give up their own bodies. They merge their consciousness into a single form that is as strong as its parts. The drawback is that you can only reclaim your original bodies if the single consciousness remembers its separate lives. Only two cases have been reported thus. Every other fusion has left a single pony in place of two.”

“So this… this is Shine and Shadow?” Amadeus nodded in reply and Twilight looked at the pony who had named itself Shadine. “We still have to win. Zero, we still have to beat them.”

“I know… but I want to save them.” Finished with the conversation, Amadeus wiped the tears from his face and charged Shadine, drawing upon every ounce of power that he could. As the Gemini fusion brought up a seven layered shield to block the attack, Amadeus formed eight copies of himself, using all his concentration to direct their attacks at the shields. As each one came in contact with the defenses, both shattered, leaving the next layer open to the next clone.

Finally, there was one layer left and as that shattered, Shadine saw the remaining clone flying towards him at high speed. Amadeus was lying on the floor, breathing hard as he struggled to keep the clone together. Taking the clone missile full in the chest, Shadine saw it disappear and ended up slamming into the barrier from the force of the attack. Twilight ran over to Amadeus and helped back onto his hooves.

“That was a very reckless thing to do. What would’ve happened to me if you’d been killed?” Twilight seemed to be concerned as she looked over his form, noting the cuts, bruises and abrasions that littered his skin.

“You may not care about what happens to them, but I do. They’re like us Twilight. Trying to realize their goal of becoming students at this school. But for them to go so far as to give up their individuality…” Amadeus and Twilight were staring deep into the others eyes. Both of them trying to figure the other out, and both of them failing by a long shot.

“What? You think that just because I’m some rich kid that I don’t care about anyone else? It was their own decision to do what they did. And it gives them, no, him a better chance of getting in.”

“See? Now you don’t even think that there’s two foals in there. You really are a stuck-up filly aren’t you, always expecting the best of life.”

“And what about you!? You just… just stand there, insulting me because you can’t have what I have! I have a loving family and a good life. What do you have, besides a mother who ran away and a father who isn’t even here?”

Amadeus bit back the angry retort that had sprung to his lips. He had never known his mother, only finding out her name and her gift a mere two hours ago. He looked out into the darkness, trying to spot his father’s steel grey coat but to no avail. He hung his head, tears coming to his eyes again. Here he was, fighting to be accepted into the best magic school in Equestria, and his family was not here to support him.

A fresh round of tears dripped onto the floor and Twilight stood next to the disheartened colt. She was still riled up at his insults about her life, but she knew she’d hit a deep point. It gave her a tingle of pleasure, knowing she had won an argument, but it also came with regret. The regret that she could never take back those words of anger. She placed a hoof on his leg, looking up at his partially hidden face. “Amadeus… I… I didn’t…”

He pulled away from her, raising his head to look her in the eye. His glaring eyes showed his anger and his body was tensing as he held himself back, not wanting to attack Twilight just yet. “Yes you did! You meant every word! You spiteful little female! After we have saved Shine and Shadow, you and are going to have to fight between us to enter PCSGU. I am going to give it everything to make sure you don’t win.”

“Fine! And I will do everything I can to make sure you get sent home, never to return.” Having finished their argument, they turned to regard the black and white stallion. Shadine was still lying there, trying to shake off the effects of the attack and his impact with the barrier.

As they moved towards him, he managed to regain his footing. Shadine turned his head in time to form another shield set as Twilight sent a flurry of magic bursts at him. The shields held, but barely. Shadine continued feeding energy to his shields, blocking the bursts from Twilight and the sneakier thrusts from Amadeus.

“Twilight, move away from Amadeus. He is our target, not you.” Shadine’s mixed voice sounded strained as the attacks kept whittling down his defenses. “This is your last chance fool, step away from the colt.”

“I! AM! NOT! A! FOOL!” Each outburst from Twilight was followed with a strike against the shield as Twilight just gathered the magic and threw it, not even bothering with using her aura to give it a form. On the final attack, the black and white construct fell, leaving Shadine wide open.

“Very well. I will just have to kill you both then.” He held his head high, looking up at the roof and spreading his hooves outwards. As he reached his limit and could not move any further, three words sounded from his mouth that boomed around the room. “Infinite Density Singularity."

The stallion’s legs seem to forcibly grip onto the ground, holding him in place as a black orb formed in the exact center of the fighting circle. His tail and mane were pulled towards his latest creation, ending up in straight lines pointing towards the orb. Its black depths pulsed constantly and it began to grow as if it were feeding off the air itself.

Amadeus and Twilight began to feel the effects of the attack as they slowly slid towards the growing ball. Turning to look, they tried to hold themselves down with magic, use covers to negate the effect and even attack the orb. But nothing seemed to work is it simply absorbed their efforts and continued to drag them in.

“An Infinite Density Singularity…” Amadeus gave a grunt as he turned around again and tried to walk away. His legs felt like they were covered in lead as he still drew closer to that pulsating orb. “Where did I hear about that? I know I read it-” Another grunt “-in one of those astronomy papers…”

“That one by Professor Stella Specto*?” Twilight slipped and ended up on her back, picking up speed as her resistance to the pull was lessened. She tried to get back up and think about what was in the paper, failing at the both of them. Behind her, Amadeus gave a gasp of horror as he remembered the only singularity to have an infinite density.

“Twilight! It’s a black hole!” Twilight’s reaction was a perfect mirror of his as she heard his message and she turned to look at him. Since they had both read the same paper, they both knew what was going to happen to them if they were sucked in.

“We can’t beat that!” Her voice was loud with panic and the two of them redoubled their efforts. Looking for a way to counter the attack, Amadeus thought about what made up a black hole.

'Mass… Gravity… Collapsing… Singularity Center… Event Horizon… The horizon!'

“Twilight, I’ve got an idea!”

“What!? There’s nothing we can do against a black hole!” Amadeus shook his head at her, thinking she’d given up.

“Trust me, alright!? Just fire a beam into the center!” Twilight stared at the pulsing orb, wondering if it would just feed off her energy or if they could actually win against a black hole.

“Fine, you better know what you’re doing…” Drawing her magic to the fore, she directed a single beam at the center of the circle. The energy seemed to twist and warp as it approached the event horizon. While it was piercing the horizon and continuing into the singularity itself, it looked as if it wasn’t. Time was slowing down due to the gravity dilation.

“It’s not working! Zero, what else!?”

“Hang on! Let me get into position!” Amadeus had walked around and to her left, still being pulled to his death but now he stood ninety degrees to her. “I want to you fire a second beam at me! Can you do that!?”

Twilight gritted her teeth and nodded, channeling a second beam at Amadeus who deflected it back at the black hole. The two beams formed a triangle and Amadeus readied his own beam.

“I’m going to destabilize the horizon! On the count of three, I want you to send out a massive pulse along your first beam!” Time was stretching thin as they neared the pulsing orb. Another twenty seconds and they’d be gone.

“One! Two! Three!” Twilight gave a battle cry and pushed everything she had down her direct beam, forming a massive circle that traveled towards the black hole. Amadeus send out three very tiny beams that circled around, aiming at the exact point where Twilight’s discharge would collide on the event horizon.

As the three beams hit, they collapsed a miniscule portion of the horizon. It was enough for Twilight’s attack to widen and completely destroy the event horizon. No longer being contained, the singularity's gravity caused it to implode, sending out a massive shock-wave. The protective barrier was destroyed and the two foals, Shadine and the guards were all pushed back. Those affected connected with various walls and protrusions.

The fight was over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The torches flared back to life as the professors ignited them, their brown and yellow magic mixing to give off a dull glow. Six ponies carried boxes filled with bandages and medical equipment over to the two exhausted foals on ground. Already beginning to apply their magic and their skills, the medical Pegasi and Unicorns handed the boxes to the only Earth pony in the group. The three Unicorns took Amadeus and Twilight in their magic, the Pegasi supporting them with their wings while their heavyset companion carried all the equipment.

The two professors walked over to Shadine, taking the four silver bands from his legs. Seeker looked over the body, discerning the damage that had been done while Prismic addressed the crowd. “Could the parents of Amadeus Zero and Twilight sparkle please step forward?”

Nightlight and Velvet rushed over their daughter, the first shaking with anger and the second crying from happiness. Amadeus looked around, hoping that his father would appear. “... Dad… Where are you?”

Seeker got up, finished with the black and white stallion. Catching Prismic’s glance, he shook her head and pointed to the group of medics who had surrounded the foals. Prismic once again addressed the room, her clear voice carrying to all. “The winners of the test are Twilight Sparkle and Amadeus Zero. Well done.”

Nightlight had heard the colt’s whisper and walked over to him. “I’m sorry your father wasn’t here to watch. I want to thank you, Velvet too. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for protecting our daughter from that horror.”

Amadeus managed a weak smile at his sincerity. “It was-” A violent coughing fit interrupted him and he waited until he had his breathing under control before continuing. “It was nothing, sir. Just… make sure she knows... next time.”

Before anypony could speak further, the doors leading into the testing room were pushed open as the room remained silent. A lone stallion walked in without a word, his eyes scanning around the room. One the doctors approached him.

“Sir, you can’t come this way,” he began, “we have injured and several possible casualties. So, please-”

“Stand aside.” Relius demanded, his eyes flickering with a black aura. Against his will, the doctor felt his body move, almost being forced to bow as he stepped aside. Relius did not bother to even look at him, walking inside and looking for his son.

With a momentary sigh, he spotted Amadeus and approached. There was something different about Relius, something that felt darker than he truly was. Nightlight saw him coming closer and felt a wave of anger at the steely stallion for not being there for his son. However, he could see the coldness in his eyes. Eyes that he knew were not of a father.

“Amadeus.” Relius spoke calmly, standing before his son, his face holding a look he was not known for having.

“Dad… where-” A sharp cough stole his breath. “-Where were you? I fought, thinking that you were here. Relius… what was so important?”

This was the first time Amadeus had used his father’s name when talking with him. The young colt’s faith in his father was shaken, figuring that Magellan meant more to Relius then his own son. A sigh escaped Amadeus’ lips and he rolled onto his back to allow the medics to finish their work.

Looking around them, Relius saw the medics that stood around them, the collective eyes staring at them. The black aura seemed to leap out, but slowly faded, leaving a figure that did resemble the stallion Amadeus called his father. His eyes became gentle while a soft smile formed on his lips.

“I’m so sorry, Amadeus…” He said with a soulful voice, hugging his son, “I wish I could have been here to see your victory. I could feel the displacement of magic in the air; I feared that something might have happened. Magellan held me against my will, trying to end your future here at the school… Please understand, I wanted nothing more than to leave to make sure you were safe from harm, I couldn't bear to lose you as well.”

Amadeus’ mouth fell open as his dad hugged him. It was always a pat on the head and ‘well done’. An awkward smile grew from the ashes as he patted his dad on the back, astonished to feel a single tear slide down that steel grey cheek.

“I… I didn’t realize. Dad…” Amadeus moved his father off of him, rolling so he could use his hooves. Standing up to face his father, Amadeus was at a loss for words as everything sunk in. His father had given up so much to see him safe, even keeping himself away so that he wouldn’t incur the Headmaster’s wrath. “Thank you… for everything. I thought… I thought you didn’t care. But I see you care about me more than anything.”

He embraced his father, hugging him as a child would. As they both drew back, they smiled at each other and the bond of family was restored.

Author's Note

Stella Specto is Latin for Star Watch

Edit 24/10: So I realized after combing this chapter for any mistakes my editor and I might have missed after 16 separate checks that I didn't have one of my usual Author's Notes here.

Now, this makes me feel slightly silly because I haven't posted anything in a while, and because It means you fine people miss out on my ingenious insight and the feeling of writing such a story.

Thanks for sticking by me and for the views and the likes and the favorites. As for where Chapter Three is... I've not finished yet.
Yes, I know, long time to wait. But I've finished Chapter Five. How crazy is that?

So I'm doing my best to get these last two scenes done and start Chapter Four. Unknown is currently indisposed so I can't get my insane ramblings looked at until he comes back.

I've read this quote a hundred times, and I hope to Luna that I can find my way past it.

Indecision and delays are the parents of failure.
-George Canning

~Hyacintho Ignis

Chapter Three: First Moves and Final Tests

Students To Power: The Prophecies
Chapter Three: First Moves and Final Tests

Written by: Hyacintho Ignis
Edited by: Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The testing room had been undercut with tension when Relius entered the room, anger and fear joining it as Relius made his way over to his son. Everyone held their breath as Amadeus questioned his father, quickly followed by a fright and an even more sudden awkwardness. After they’d both spoken their piece, Relius and Amadeus embraced as father and son. Everything was forgiven.

Now the steel grey stallion stood next to his son as Nightlight stood next to his daughter. Velvet remained with the medics, conversing with them about an unknown issue. The small group of families had not moved from their spot by the wall and the eight guards had been checked out. Two of them were currently being taken to ER, replacements were being found and the rest had taken up positions around the circle. Professors Seeker and Prismic stood before the two stallions and the two foals, readying the young for their final test.

“The deciding test will be between Twilight Sparkle and Amadeus Zero, the victors of the previous fight. Do either of you have any objections?” Twilight and Amadeus both shook their heads while Relius smiled, glad that his son had emerged victorious. Nightlight was the only one to speak up.

"Yes, I have an objection! How can you allow this to happen? Orders or not, our children deserve a rest if they're to battle one another! What kind of sick game is this to you ponies?!"

Prismic raised a hoof in a gesture to calm Nightlight. “Sir, calm down. I assure you, this is not a game to us. The professors and teachers here at PCSGU do their best to provide-”

Nightlight was shaking with anger as he interrupted the professor. “You can assure me!? My daughter almost died in that fight! Where were your assurances then!?

Seeker stepped forward, placing herself at an angle to the fuming stallion. “For every other entrance test since the opening of this school, we’ve-”

“”You’ve what?” Relius cut him off. “In over thirty cases in the past two years, your so called ‘students’ have died in this mockery of a test. I’ve spoken with headmaster himself and he has already agreed that this final act is unnecessary! So, shall we put an end to this little game? My son has more than proven himself worthy of this school, if not more so than yourself.”

“Sir, as I said earlier, this is not a game to us. We do our best to ensure each and every student is treated equally. In fact, it was Professor Magellan himself who’d placed the order to change the test conditions. He didn’t tell us anything except that it came with the highest authority.” The two professors faced off against the fathers, anger and distrust filled the air. Twilight and Amadeus were at the figurative center of the heated discussion between the four. So, they looked hard at each other and each gave a terse nod before speaking up.

“This isn’t a game to any of us, least of all Twilight and myself. We’re here to fight for our future, not to argue with each other.” Amadeus spoke first, his voice perfectly neutral as he continued. “I do not care who changed what, or who is to blame. What I care about, is finishing this test, and entering PCSGU as a fully-fledged student.”

“Ah, you think you could actually win against me? If you’re so eager to lose, I’ll fight you right now. Otherwise, you could take this chance to rest.” Twilight’s goal right now was to taunt Amadeus into anger, cloud his judgement. But Amadeus would not be swayed so easily.

“Looking at the situation, Twilight, I’m certain that you would be the one to lose. Can we begin the final test now? Or would you all like to argue about moralities?” Addressing the four adults, Amadeus spoke beyond his years, showing a side that scared all but Relius. He’d known of his son’s knowledge and general ability, but not what Amadeus could actually do. He couldn’t know, or believe, what would happen if his son continued down this path.

They all shook their heads and Prismic offered four silver bands to each foal. “Good luck to both of you.”

Placing the band upon their legs, Amadeus and Twilight then proceeded out into the center of the circle once again. Facing each other with a few steps distance between them, they seemed to represent two sides, two forces, two differences. The torches were extinguished by the professors and Seeker called out for them to begin.

They didn’t begin immediately. They stood for several seconds, each looking into the other’s eyes. Amadeus broke the silence first with a confident taunt. “You think you’re ready for this, Twilight?”

“I could ask you the same thing... Zero!” Twilight’s horn shimmered into action as she attacked first. She drew her magic together, creating a cat familiar that jumped at Amadeus. He responded with his own magic, slamming the cat into the ground with a tentacle of magic. Both disappeared as Amadeus smirked at Twilight.

“And here I thought you were the defensive one. But surely you can do better than that.” Amadeus went on the offensive, firing beams in different bursts. Twilight threw up a dual-layered shield, attempting to retaliate by throwing spherical constructs over the shielding. Increasing his output, Amadeus felt the spheres impact against his own shield as he raised it.

For thirteen seconds, Twilight and Amadeus held their ground against each other. Then Amadeus’ shield broke under the onslaught. As the auric spheres rained down, Amadeus jumped to the right to get clear of the attack.

“Twilight, how about we heat things up a bit?” Focusing on his cheeks, Amadeus took in a deep breath, feeling the bulge in his chest. Heat swelled up through his body and the magic he’d focused on his cheeks turned his breath into a blast of fire which covered the entire front of Twilight’s shields.

“I prefer the cooler air myself, Zero.” Twilight’s horn flared up and a full circle of water formed over Amadeus, drenching him and his flame. She dropped her shields and smiled cutely. “Aww, you’re all wet. Want me to dry you off?”

Following through with her statement, a gust of magic-induced wind buffeted Amadeus. His sopping wet mane was spiked upwards and his tail was more of a solid extension. He glared angrily at Twilight as he felt his coat go all poofy. “You want cold? Try this then.”

A thick fog began emanating from Amadeus’ horn to cover the floor beneath them. Pushing up against the entirety of the barrier and rolling back in on itself, the fog cover was large enough that only Twilight’s head could be seen while the upper half of Amadeus’ body was uncovered. Their breath crystallized before them and even the ponies outside the barrier could feel the cold. Nightlight shivered slightly as he watched the fog shroud his view of the fight and he turned to Relius.

“You son is quite the fighter, Relius. But I guess he gets that from you.”

“Actually, that’s not quite true.” Relius chuckled, paying no mind to the cold. “He actually gets it from his mother. She was always very strong willed and a bit hot headed at times… It’s truly a shame she’s not with us anymore.” His tone was low, almost breaking his warm appearance, but it was quickly dismissed. “But, she would be proud to see him now, following in our steps and making friends.”

“I don’t think they’re trying to be friends…” Nightlight winced as another bright flash came from within the barrier, showing icicles flying around the two foals.

Relius disregarded the remark with a smile. “Friends come from the strangest places, and love even stranger still. Trust me, Nightlight, a rival can be your closest friend.”

“Sun Tzu, very nice. Oh, I’m sorry about your wife as well. I hope you get to meet her again someday.” Nightlight’s tone was sincere as he talked with Relius, not wanting competition or harsh words to come forward. ‘Better to have a friend you can see, than an enemy you can’t.’

“Believe me, one day I shall.” Relius replied quietly, forcing another smile after looking up. “But let’s not dwell on the past. There’s nothing that can be done about it at this time.”

The fighting had stopped for a moment as both Amadeus and Twilight gathered themselves. Fighting with the elements and various constructs had taken its toll on the both of them. Both professors were taking notes, their pencils moving furiously against the paper. Their heads were bowed to the sheets so they missed the action that followed next.

The two foals stood a good distance apart and Twilight stood closer to the barrier then Amadeus did. Faring slightly better than her opponent, Twilight was still breathing heavily from her constant dodging. Seeing Amadeus’ body quaking slightly, she gave a devious smile.

“Are you out of energy already, Zero? What happened to all your talk?” Amadeus looked up and gave a look that could kill if he knew the proper spell for it. It was basic knowledge for any unicorn that the extent of what they could craft was limited by their imagination. Often, various physical items would be needed to augment the magical side, or using outlines drawn with chalk which is commonly known as performing Alchemy. Amadeus’ mind was working overtime, going through all these different facts when he found a particularly strange one.

“I stand by what I said, Twilight. You won’t beat me, and I’ll PROVE IT TO YOU!” Using his knowledge, Amadeus turned his simple speech into a soundwave, knocking Twilight off her hooves to send her skidding to the base of the barrier. Giving a triumphant smirk, Amadeus took several steps towards the apparently unmoving filly. “What’s the matter? Get up, Twilight, show me how you were going to force my words back down my throat.”

Twilight was moving, she was shaking with anger. The shame of being caught like that hurt as much as the blow itself. Standing up, she was still looking at the ground when she had an idea.

“Come on, Twii,” Amadeus spoke the nickname in a cutesy voice, trying to further inflame her anger, “Surely you can still atta-” Amadeus stopped talking as a sudden blur past by him and he turned to see a piece of masonry stuck in the barrier. Everyone but Twilight was open-mouthed as a red line formed on Amadeus’ face and he reached up to touch it. His touch stung for a second as he drew a hoof along the cut and held it in front of him, watching the sticky red liquid pool and run down his foreleg.

His anger increased with every drop of blood that exited his body, taking his reasoning with it. He crafted an auric guard around his hoof like he’d seen Shine do and he slammed it into the group. Bending his aura to the ground at the same time, Amadeus forced up multiple pieces of marble that hovered around him. Twilight saw this and immediately followed, simply choosing to rip her ammunition straight out of the ground.

Seeker had just finished taking his notes as he looked up to see them squaring off again. As he touched pencil to paper yet again, the tip snapped and the sound carried more than one would expect. She heard multiple smacks and what sounded like wet clothes hitting the floor as Amadeus and Twilight let fly and continued to rip up the floor in their attempts to defeat the other.

Their impromptu missiles either collided in the middle or continued on to hit the barrier surrounding them. Twilight was hit twice, once to the left foreleg and once to the right side of her chest. Amadeus had also taken two more attacks, one to his right hind leg and one to his left foreleg. A fine dust filled the air from all the colliding masonry and it obscured their vision and restricted their breathing.

Silence rushed in the fill the void as Twilight and Amadeus froze mid attack. None of the spectators or guards could see them, assuming they were still fighting within the haze. No matter how much either of them strained, neither of them could break free of what held them. There were no marks on their body and there wasn’t the telling sign of magic. It was if they were stuck in both time and space. Two voices sounded in their heads, neither of them belonged to them, and it seemed as if the voices were continuing a discussion.

“The first of the conditions have been met, S.”

“Indeed, I see no reason to wait any longer, P.”

“Very well, let us release their restraints.”

“Yes, let us see how they fair.”

The voices and their bindings were released and Amadeus and Twilight dropped the jagged masonry they’d been holding. The dust surrounding them dissipated, giving everyone a clear view of what happened next.

Amadeus and Twilight both felt warmth blossom and spread across their bodies, their minds going blank of everything save the connection to their magic. Suddenly, their bodies were lined with black as all the injuries sustained by both of them were healed. Tendrils of pure magic lashed out around them, colliding and mixing together in a deadly dance. They shattered the barrier and continued to flail around, instantly killing two guards.

Prismic teleported over to the doors, forcing them open as Seeker ran over to the group of families who were huddled against the wall in fear. “Everyone out! Get out into the hall!”

That was enough to get colts, fillies, mares and stallions up and running for the doors in an attempt to escape. The guards were putting up defences, valiantly trying to protect the civilians from being swept up in the carnage. Nightlight and Relius were some of the last to leave the room with Seeker and Prismic closing and reinforcing the doors behind them.

Nightlight tried to keep his voice level and his body under control as he stood with Relius and Velvet. He noted that another guard was missing and that cracks were beginning to show along the walls.

“What in the world is happening to those two? Relius, did you teach your son any of this?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Earlier Today~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the upper end of Canterlot, a fair distance from the school, a restaurant was open for business. Typical of Equestrian high society, the amount of opulent furniture, decadent foods and general wealth was quite high. However, this one was more opulent, decadent and more wealthy than any other restaurant in Canterlot. This wasn’t due to its five star service, or the formal atmosphere it presented to its customers, but because of what it kept secret from the rest of the world.

An Earth pony stood out the front of the restaurant, his fur coat flapping in the stiff breeze that had gotten stronger over the day. He’d been the first to arrive at the appointed time of ten past one and none of the others had given the same courtesy, leaving him to wait alone in the cold. His gray amber coat stood out from the white fur around his torso and azure eyes looked out at the crowd, looking for whoever he was meeting.

Finally, at fifteen minutes to two, a Unicorn made his way up the steps to the restaurant and stopped beside the Earth Pony, each facing the other direction. His coat was a light gray and he wore a fashionable jacket of black and blue. His own azure eyes were scanning the building as they’d been doing for the past twenty minutes.

“He’s still not here yet?” The Unicorn spoke first, his tone was easy but with the force of authority behind it. “I would’ve thought he’d be the first to arrive, being ‘royalty’ and everything that that implies.”

The Earth Pony gave a snort of derision. “You’re not really one to talk, Fancy Pants. You were late yourself.”

The Unicorn in question, Fancy Pants, turned around and raised a single eyebrow at his companion. “You must be blind as well as filthy… I don’t even know why you’re here.” The amount of cautious respect he’d built up disappeared as he regarded his fellow businesspony. The reputation surrounding this ‘vicious’ stallion had been built on rumors of marefia connections and a ruthless attitude towards his competition. Maybe it was just rumors. Maybe it wasn’t.

“If you want to keep your life, don’t use my first name.” The Earth Pony scowled darkly at Fancy Pants, almost snarling as he issued the threat.

“Very well then, Mr. Rich, but be careful whom you talk to like that. You’re not the only one who has connections.” Fancy stood calmly against the angry Filthy Rich, not showing the irritation that he’d gained in the past minute.

“And the one with the most connections, would be me. And don’t you squabbling nobles forget it.” A third voice entered the discussion, belonging to a white unicorn whose walk exuded arrogance and self-worth. His golden mane was combed over and held back with gel, and his arctic blue eyes were filled with contempt.

“Ah, we’re both so glad you could make it, Prince Blueblood.” Fancy inclined his head in respect and gave a meaningful glance at Filthy Rich. ’Bow, or he will make you,’ it said.

Filthy Rich bent his head lower than Fancy had before greeting the prince. “Welcome, Prince Blueblood. Now that we are all here, will the two of you show me what all the fuss is about?”

“And the only reason you’re even getting to know about this place, is because of your association with Fancy Pants and myself. Now, come along, this weather isn’t doing any good to my coat.” With that snide remark, Blueblood turned from the duo and walked inside, not bothering to wait for them as he passed through the gold lined doors.

“What a jackass.” Filthy Rich broke the silence and the two of them slowly walked up to the doors.

Fancy gave a tight smile at the insult. He could’ve used more descriptive language and still not come close to describing Blueblood. “I’ll take you up to the top level, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to get in.”

Scowling again, Filthy fell back until he was slightly behind Fancy as he was led up to the third floor, passing the increasing amounts of wealth and opulence. Finally, the two of them stopped in front of the center support pillar on the third floor and Fancy muttered a quick sentence. “Secrets are our language, currency is our blood, life is our excitement.”

And just like that, he walked into the pillar, passing through it like it wasn’t there. Filthy blinked once, and again, suddenly seeing Fancy’s head sticking out. “Are you coming in or not?”

Rich’s scowl grew even deeper, much to the amusement of Fancy who’d disappeared back through the wall and had started climbing the staircase. Muttering the passcode, Filthy walked through and followed Fancy up the stairs. Stopping before two extremely buff Earth Ponies, they repeated the code and Fancy showed them two pure white cards.

“Welcome gentlemen, enjoy your time here.” Each of the two Earth Ponies pushed open their respective door, and the duo passed into the room to see a scene entirely unlike the last three levels.

There was a bouncy beat playing through the speaker system that had been discreetly installed as to be invisible, which immediately elevated the heart rate slightly. The serving ponies who wore tight fitting tuxedos and had an air of professionalism about them had been replaced with mares in risque outfits, serving customers in more ways than one. The drinks were plentiful, the furniture was informal and comfortable, and the company was more of the pleasurable kind. But for now, there was a discussion to be had.

“Ah, there’s our host. Let’s join him, shall we?” Fancy pointed to Blueblood who was reclined on a couch, two mares under each foreleg and a drink in his aura that he was sipping slowly.

“Took you both long enough to get up here. You ladies can leave now.” Sitting up, the two mares left and went over to the other side of this erotic paradise. Taking another sip, he leaned forward and waved a hoof at the seats around the glass table in front of him. “Take a seat, and we’ll talk.”

Rich took a moment to consider the seating, or rather, lack there off. Aside from the couch, which he guessed must have to be cleaned every hour or so considering the type of place they were in, the other piece was a chair. A rather oddly designed chair that seemed to suggest something he’d rather not find out later. Taking the lesser of the two evils, he sat on the couch, away from the Prince, leaving the chair for Fancy.

“Alright, we’re all here.” Rich stated in a almost annoyed tone. “What is this really about?”

“Watch where you sit and what you say, Filthy, you might mark my coat.” Blueblood’s arrogance had only increased while he had waited for them to arrive. Finishing his drink, he crushed the empty glass into dust and used his magic to alter the table’s face. “Take a look, these are the events currently conspiring today at our research site, where all our money is going.”

The table’s surface fogged up and cleared to show two different scenes. In one, a fight was taking place between two ponies who were trapped from moving by a barrier. In the other, a massive lab filled with gray dots and moving unicorns was shown. A particular piece in the second scene, was a group of ponies herding a single massive beast into the center of the pristine lab.

“This… is this some sort of joke?” Rich responded in anger. “I know you’re one for games, but I am not. Get to the point… before I decide this isn’t worth my time.”

Fancy, in response, tried to ease his fellow colleague. “Now, now, Rich. Let’s hear him out.”

Blueblood smirked at Rich’s outburst, his eyes glinting with irritation at this… peasentish noble. “I understand that you are from Ponyville, Filthy, but that cannot mean that you are this stupid.” He turned his eyes back to the table, watching the two scenes unfold.

“Stupid?” Rich’s voice was almost at a yell, the music loud enough to stop it from carrying to the rest of the room but not to the nearby tables. “Let’s get two things straight Blueblood. Firstly, you don’t have the right to insult me, so I suggest you stop before someone gets hurt.” Blueblood’s eyes lit up with anger as Rich stood up to deliver his finish.

“Secondly, you don’t get to use my first name. It’s Rich, or there’ll be problems… Ashley...” Fancy choked on his drink at the name. Now he understood why no one knew him by his first name, only by the title of ‘Prince’ Blueblood. He filed the name away and kept his face expressionless as Blueblood glanced at him with a tricky look in his eyes.

“... Rich…” Blueblood’s voice was low with a dangerous tone, “... I suggest you be careful. You never know what might happen to your family otherwise.”

Fancy was feeling decidedly uncomfortable. What was supposed to be a meeting to update their information had degenerated into threats and looked as if it would become open violence. He needed to diffuse the situation before that happened. Adopting an air of boredom, Fancy sighed and signalled to a mare who was walking past. “We’re almost done here, do me a favor and prepare one of the private rooms.”

The mare raised an eyebrow, noting where he sat in the group. “You don’t want it here?”

Fancy simply gave her a disinterested stare and the mare bowed and apologised before walking off to talk with the barpony. Looking back over to Blueblood and Rich, he found them both staring at him. “Is there a problem here, or are we going to get on with this so I can have my fun?”

Blueblood smirked and sat back in his seat. “So it’s true that Fleur is just a trophy for you, eh?”

“She knows what I do, Blueblood, so don’t go thinking you have an angle on me. Now, did you call this meet just to endanger all of us, or is there something to discuss?”

“Learn some respect Fancy, particularly when it comes to matters like these.” Wiping the table face clean, Blueblood used his magic again to have two stacks of documents appear on the table. At the same time, Fancy smirked, not because he was happy, but because a cold amusement pooled inside him.

“I’m not sure that you need the respect, Blueblood. But how about we get the information and leave our animosity here. Does that sound like a good idea to both of you?” Fancy looked to the both of them, Rich giving a terse nod and Blueblood sniffing in disdain. He took the top paper in his aura and began reading it and Blueblood realised he’d lost control of the meeting.

“Over the past six years, our money has been funding a genetics and magical mutation research lab as well as going towards ensuring the legitimacy of the operation. The money has also been put to funding the expeditions required to gather test subjects and having appropriate staffing on site. There are four of us in total, Fancy, Filthy, myself and one other.”

“So where is this other then? Why are we not privy to our fourth?” Rich spoke what was on both Fancy’s and his own mind. If there was someone out there who knew them, but was unknown, then that was a dangerous thing indeed.

“He’s not from Equestria, that I know. All I do know, is that he sends payments that are twice as large as your own.” Blueblood waved a hoof in the air as if ridding himself of an annoying insect and tapped the two piles of document that were still on the table.

“These contain everything that’s happened over the past six months, including our varyingly latest attempts from creating a Griffin-Unicorn hybrid to nullifying the effects of manticore venom,” He gave a tight smile to the two stallions, “So, that’s what our money is doing. As for where it is… it is a very prestigious and well known location...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, as the battle raged and the political machinations of nobles were taking place, the Royal Court was being held at the castle. Light filtered in through the stained glass windows that showed the achievements of ponykind since The Celestial Sisters had come into rule. The heavy satin curtains had been pulled back and a single guard stood on each side of each window. Totalling sixty-four, they were Celestia’s elite guard. But today, they were just here to keep the nobles in check as they made their various petitions to the Princess.

“Good day, Your Highness. As you might already know, the water shortage in Phillydelphia…” The noble who was currently presenting was talking about the latest water shortage, but Celestia had tuned him out. She simply nodded or gave a light word or two when she knew, from millennia of experience, a response was needed.

Just as the noble was about to finish his speech, the doors to the throne room burst open. The reactions from the rooms occupants were different; scared, defensive, relief... and dread. Celestia sighed as she watched her sister, Luna, enter the room with a small contingent of her own guard. Their darkened blue armor and Thestral wings were a stark contrast to the gleaming gold and Pegasus wings of Celestia’s own guard.

“Sister, what is it that brings you to my court at this time when you would be abed? Has something happened?” Celestia’s voice was perfectly neutral, but still managing to convey a multitude of emotions and a slight sense of resignedness to her sister.

Luna locked eyes with her sister as a grave look overtook her features. “Celestia, there’s something… something’s wrong. Does thou not sense it?”

As Luna mentioned this ‘wrongness’, Celestia became aware of an itchy feeling at the base of her skull. Her horn glimmered gold as she cast a sight spell. In her mind’s eye, she could see Twilight and Amadeus as they somehow fought with unrestrained magic. Snapping back to herself, she stood up from the throne and walked down the stairs, issuing orders.

“Today’s Royal Court is cancelled. Guards, escort the nobles from the castle grounds and ensure that none of them are left behind. Captain Lathspell, gather a unit of unicorns and meet Luna’s contingent at PCSGU to contain the situation. Luna, we need to get into the room and stop the fight.” As ponies rushed to follow Celestia’s orders, Luna met her sister partway, thinking about the situation at hoof.

“We canst simply teleport into the room itself, the danger of being hit by stray magic is too high”

“The guards would have evacuated everyone into the hallway, we should go there and inform them that we are going to step in and stop the fight.

“It wouldst take far too long to talk to them, and we’re wasting time here as it is.” Luna cast a sight spell for herself, seeing the magic used by the two foals become more powerful and wilder while somehow being focused on each other. ’Are they still conscious of the fight between them? No child should have that much power, let alone it flow through them without damage.’

Noting another entrance, Luna ended the sight spell. “Celestia, there’s a hole in the vaulted roof. We couldst enter through there after properly protecting ourselves after teleporting.”

“Indeed. Very well, let us stop this before it consumes the two foals and the proving grounds.” Gathering her magic, Celestia cast the teleportation spell, leaving not a sign of Luna or herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Testing Room~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight and Amadeus were actually not in total control of their magic as it raged through the room. They remained conscious and vaguely aware of how the tentacles roped and collided with each other, causing shockwaves and destroying the building. Holes were torn in both the roof and walls but neither of them cared.

A tentacle lunged at Amadeus and he forced one to swing in front of him to deflect it. The resulting collision formed a shockwave that again weakened the building and the deflected tentacle smashed through the wall behind and slightly to the right of Amadeus. Wondering if he could talk, having this out-of-body sensation as magic raced through his whole body, he projected his thoughts towards Twilight.

”So, what do you think? Ready to give up, Twilight?.” He didn’t see Twilight’s ears perk up, but he heard her reply in the same way he talked.

”I wasn’t planning to anytime soon, Amadeus. How about you?”

”Not until I’m the one who stands victorious, no.”

And so the magic of the two foals continued to rage on as more and more power flowed through their bodies. Neither of them spoke again, having reached an understanding between them. There was a flash of light from beyond one of the holes in the roof but neither Twilight or Amadeus paid attention to it.

The flash signalled the appearance of Luna and Celestia upon completion of the teleportation spell. The two of them looked into the room and rapidly stepped back as a rogue tentacle thrust up through the hole, destroying the spot were they were standing a second ago.

’It almost seems as if their own magic is aware. Like it has a life of its own. What is it about these two that makes them so powerful?’ Celestia was musing over the situation when she was brought back to her senses by Luna snapping at her.

“Celestia! Make ready so we can stop this fight, before not even we can contain it.” Luna’s entire body was surrounded by a glowing outline, showing the amount of power she’d put into shielding her body. It steadily grew brighter and brighter as the seconds ticked by and Celestia shook her head clear of her musings. Gathering her own power, Celestia covered her own body with a glowing outline, forcing more magic to the fore than Luna.

“Alright, let us put a stop to this. Then we shall have to figure out why this is happening.” Their bodies now nothing more than bright lights that blotted out their figures, Luna and Celestia flew a short distance into the air before diving into the hole.

The two foals had once again felt an increase in power as the magic flowed through their bodies to take shape. Some of the tentacles had gained different forms, some were weapons, others were like walls. They were in the midst of trading what blows they could when a blinding light burst forth from a hole in the roof and its sources came to rest between Amadeus and Twilight. The four of them hovered in the air, Celestia facing Twilight and Luna facing Amadeus.

The raw magic that filled the room had stilled, as if analysing these new life forms. Before either princess could blink, the magic of the two foals moved towards them at a speed previously undisplayed. Smashing into the two balls of light, the magic was unable to penetrate them and simply moved to completely surround them. It searched for any opening it could use, a mere sliver of a gap that would allow it to obliterate these powerful beings.

“ENOUGH!” The two princesses used their Royal Voices and pushed their magic outwards, driving back the malevolent, swirling darkness that had surrounded them. As their barriers passed over Amadeus and Twilight, they were rendered unconscious and the magic that had been emanating from them dissipated.

Before they could fall to the ground, Celestia and Luna swept the two foals up in their respective auras, lowering them to the ground slowly. They let their own defences dissipate and they stopped hovering to fall a short distance to the floor. The princesses stood together, the foals in front of them unmoving except for the irregular movements of their chests.

Celestia looked around the room, noting the destruction caused by the fight. Holes had been ripped in the roof and walls and cracks ran through the entirety of the room like a never ending spiderweb. Debris was stacked in ragged piles or embedded in the floor and walls and she was sure there was damage to other rooms as well.

“Now wouldst you like to inform those who’re in the adjoining room? I’m intrigued as to how they managed to flee from the wild magic of these two.” Luna’s tone was firm and questioning as she had viewed the destruction of the room from a slightly different angle using a replay spell. In her mind’s eye, she could see the fight unfold. She frowned as she watched the fight seem to pause for a few seconds before the foal’s magic overtook them.

Celestia nodded to Luna and the two of them took up the foals and with Celestia carrying Twilight and Luna carrying Amadeus, they walked to the double doors that were the only real entrance into the room. Opening them, they were greeted with the scene of two stallions talking, a group of families cowering against a wall, and the professors and guards standing back from the door. Velvet was nowhere to be seen.

Professor Seeker was the first of the group to speak up, rushing quickly to the princesses. “Your Highnesses, what happened?” She asked, before remembering herself and bowing before the monarchs. As the guards heard of the princesses entrance, they looked up from what they were doing and quickly bowed. “What was that... that thing!?” Seeker was trembling greatly, as were many in the hall.

Prismic was the next to join in, his legs almost knocking together in fear. “I-It was like nothing I’ve ever seen! That shouldn’t be possible, it can’t be possible! It just can’t!”

Celestia raised a hoof, stopping the two professors from saying more. Barely raising her voice so that everyone could hear her, she took a half step forward. “Everyone, you can rest easy now. Luna and I have stopped the fight between these two foals, and we shall be keeping a close eye on them.”

Nightlight and Relius looked over as Celestia and Luna took control of the scene, the two of them giving off a calming presence. Rather then rush up to them, they decided to stay back from the conversation and wait until the princesses wished to deal with them.

Luna then stepped forward as well, looking to the guards who were yet to come out of their bow. “Soldiers, thou art five in number. I soon found out that the other three of your number were killed in the line of duty, defending these innocent ponies. I thank you for your services and that you continue to do your finest. Please, stand up and accept my gratitude, and the honor of my magic.” The five guards lined up and one at a time, Luna touched her horn to their own, sending a single magical spark down each one. The guards felt invigorated and their fatigue fell away.

She turned back to the professors raising an eyebrow as she looked at their trembling bodies. “Couldst thou join me a short way down the hall, I wish to have a word with thee.” The professors simply nodded, not sure of what to say or what would be said as the princess led them a short ways down the hall.

Celestia, having calmed the group of families that had taken up one side of the hall, turned to Nightlight and Relius. She’d taken Amadeus from Luna and with her aura, laid the foals down in front of their respective fathers. “I would have prefered it if you two would have simply left well enough alone. Devil Bringer, Knowledge Seeker, the both of you have caused Luna and I no small amount of problems over your lifetimes. Now tell me, why is it that your foals are able to unlock the two Physimage gates? Or do neither of you know of them?”

“I know of only one, but I had no idea Twilight was powerful enough to open it. It takes so much power to open the very gate that limits you, she would have to be stronger than I am.” He started, looking slightly shocked. “The Physimage gates are such mysterious things, they reside in each of us, unicorn or otherwise, and keep us from attaining our full potential. They-”

“They’re just used to show the power that each pony contains. Why else would you ‘Alicorns’ be capable of opening the gates at will? If not to keep your own authority, then certainly to show your own power.” Relius’ words had a touch of venom to them, as his views on these ‘perfect beings’ weren’t of their benevolence or leadership.

“You should watch what you say when you speak to my sister. I may be more tolerant of my beloved subjects, but she is much less so. If you’d like to hear me out, then let me speak, otherwise I shall not let either of these foals into my school.”

“I will hear you out, for Twilight’s sake. She deserves this more than anyone.” Nightlight said confidently.

“You think that your daughter has even the slightest chance of not getting in? You could probably get her into this school with the right words in someone’s ear. Amadeus and I had to fight every step just to get him here, and I’ll be damned if I can’t get him over this last hurdle now. I’ll listen to you, Sun Warrior, if you can help my son.” Relius’ words to Nightlight had an icy anger to them, as if Relius meant to cause injury with his words. His choice of words to Celestia though, left Nightlight surprised that Relius could speak with such venom to the co-ruler of Equestria.

“Very well, since you both accept, I shall now ask your permission to have both Amadeus and Twilight at Canterlot Castle where they shall be our personal students. I would prefer to train Twilight myself and Luna would train Amadeus. They will receive specialized study beyond the level that can be attained here at PCSGU.” Celestia’s voice was calm as she explained every detail. But she spoke with a second voice, one that was loaded with suspicion and accusation. One voice spoke to the two fathers, and the second spoke into Relius’ mind.”How do you know of that title? Those events were erased from the history books, Luna and I made sure of that.”

“If that is the reason the two of you will be taking them, and not for anything else, then I will allow you to train my son.” Relius agreed with a point, as he looked down at Amadeus lying peacefully on the floor. Over the top of his verbal reply, he replied to Celestia’s mind voice with his own. ”I have my own paths through Time. Even you, Celestia, cannot comprehend the entirety of existence, as much as you act like you do.”

“Alright, my daughter will become your pupil then. Please, take good care of her.” Nightlight replied, looking at Twilight. “She’s everything to me.”

Celestia looked at the two fathers warmly. “Since you have both agreed to this, I feel that we must discuss this with my sister as well.” She looked over to Luna who was still deep in conversation with the professors. ”Luna, are you almost finished?”

”Yes, sister, but there is a third obstacle that need be removed. Midas has talked with the Devil Bringer, and we must find out what they spoke of.”

”It is not of great importance at this time. Now finish with those tainted beings and let us move the Prophecy forward.”

Luna cut off the mind link and knew she had no time left with Seeker and Prismic. “Do thee two understand what hast happened here, and what will happen? Dost thou understand that thee two have no place beyond what has been set for you?” The two wide-eyed professors nodded, their mouths slightly open as they were still processing everything that Luna had told them.

“Be off with thee, I must get back to my sister.” Without another word, Luna turned her back to the professors and walked back to her sister. The two professors looked at each other and an understanding passed between them. They turned around and headed down the hall to exit through a small stairway.

“I have finished, sister, and sent those two on their way. Now, tell me of these new happenings. Will I be taking Amadeus under mine wing?” Luna looked down at the colt who would become the focus of her attention of the next few years. ’And taking the time to delve into his mind and figure out why he has enough power to destroy most of Equestria’

“Perhaps, it will fall to the fathers to decide who we shall teach.” Celesta looked back to the two fathers. “We shall await these foals three days from now, at Canterlot Castle, where you two shall make a choice that will affect many a future.”

“Very well, but it will be Amadeus that will make his own decision. He has ever been one to make his own path in life, I have merely been the one to help him, never to lead him.” Relius ruffled Amadeus’ made with a hoof, his emotions were unreadable as he looked at his son.

“Twilight and myself are very much the same way, so I’ll leave this decision to her. Though I believe I know what choice she’ll make.” Nightlight spoke confidently. He knew Twilight, helped teach her, and he knew which Princess she’d pick to train under.

These two, after everything that’s happened, are still children, and will need their parents to make the choice for them.” Celestia’s words had a haunting quality to them, as if speaking of past events that held significance now in the present. “Do not give them too much freedom, for they might begin to believe themselves worthy of anything…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unknown~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To the far north above Equestria, past the Crystal Empire, sat a mountain range that stretched from horizon to horizon sat. Beyond the mountain range, blizzards constantly raged and there was nothing to see but rolling hills of snow and nothing to feel but heavy winds and sub-zero temperatures.

On the backside of a mountain marked with a christmas tree shaped peak, a campfire crackled and burned, unaffected by the elements around it. The dancing light threw shifting patterns on the snow around it that were marred by the shadow of a cloaked being. He too was unaffected by the wind and snow, and though his cloak moved around with the wind, his shadow always remained the same.

A red glow came from beneath the hood and three panes of glass appeared before the figure. They were streaked with red, as though they had recently been used to kill and then put together again. The surfaces facing towards the being fogged up and then cleared in the center, showing three different locations that varied majorly in landscape and weather.

One was in a mountainous terrain such as the blizzard swarmed peaks he was in, but there was sunlight and soft winds instead of ice and the biting breeze. Zooming in, it showed a multitude of tiny dots flying around a castle that had been built into the side of a mountain. The base was clearly made of rock, as an extension of the mountain itself, but the rest was made of polished metal and stone with gold tipped towers and bridges.

The left one showed an open plain for miles, with nothing but greenery and the occasional sand pit to break up the monotone. It became clear that the view was from above as it got closer to the ground, revealing a city that seemed too symmetrical to be made by anything except magic. Coming even closer, dots could be seen swarming on the ground as large numbers either left or entered the city. Its imposing metal walls, stone pathways and a huge castle that was an amazing amalgamation of wood, stone, glass and various metals meant it had a dominating effect on the landscape.

The third one in the middle showed a city built of stone, gold and silver sitting on a large base halfway up a mountain. It’s spires gleamed in the sunlight as did the many spears and helmets worn by guards that seemed to be everywhere, giving the city a sharp glow that would hurt the eyes of any who looked upon it. Instead of just viewing the city, the view split in two and moved to a castle that stood higher than any other building, and to a certain group of buildings whose slanted steel roofs shone as brightly as the castle spires did.

Even though there was nothing significant could be seen happening in each view, a feral white grin appeared from the depths of the hood’s shadow. The red glow had yet to disappear from the hood and it gave a bloody tint to the teeth as the grin turned insane. The glass panels were crushed into sand and the dusty mix was thrown over the fire, dousing it. The shadows disappeared with the light and the red glow stopped. The final thing to disappear was the insane reddy grin as all the light faded.

Author's Note

So... Prince Ashley Blueblood... I think Luna was hoping for a girl.

Anyway, it's finally here! Thanks guys and gals for sticking around and being interested in this journey that I've written over roadblocks and so many obstacles.

I have a couple things to attend to here:

Firstly, I wanna say a massive thank you to Akashic Brony who has helped me out more than anyone. He's looked at my scenes, given me ideas, and he even did me up some art to cover this awesome story. So check him out. He's gotten more well known for his story Lunacy of Love, but check him out anyway.

Secondly, Crackshot. Bro, I was wondering where you've been for the past month and a half. But just that two hour session and we got some good plans in the works. Helped me out a ton with fleshing out my characters, looking at some potential plot routes and feeding the egotistical flame. Thanks man!

And Unknown, of course. Without this guy, the fic wouldn't be where it is today. He's helped me with naming the characters, writing them into the story, putting the bones down and just putting up with my crap. Relius was his idea and originally his writing and there's going to be a character in Chapter Five that is completely his; design, backstory, personality, everything.

And to all of you reading my story, I'd like to say thanks for taking time out of your life to enjoy this work. I'll see you all later!

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
-Michael Jordan

Time to walk again
~Hyacintho Ignis

Prologue: Accepted Applications

Students To Power: The Prophecies
Prologue: Accepted Applications

Written by: Hyacintho Ignis
Edited by: Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Distant Past~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A contingent of soldiers stood ready to fight, their weapons drawn or their magic at the fore. Totaling twenty-two, their captain stood at the point of the triangle formation the soldiers had made around their rulers. Princess Celestia stood tallest, a beacon of peace that represented the kingdom of Equestria. Princess Luna stood slightly shorter than her sister, a beacon of leadership in the hard times that had fallen Equestria, for her views, although tempered by love, were less so than Celestia’s.

A cloaked figure stood a mere eight steps from the captain, its massive levels of tainted magic giving off a sickening aura. The two princesses could only guess what would happen in the coming fight against this enemy. The air was thick with tension and danger, mixing with the snow and the weather matched the overall attitude as they all faced off against this dangerous being. Cold. Calculating.

The snow and wind suddenly stopped as the four Unicorns on each end erected a barrier and eight Pegasi jumped at the sinister figure. There was no warning as they were suddenly swiped out of the air by a transparent force. Luna noted a glow from beneath the hood as Celestia threw up a cushioning barrier to stop her elite troops from being thrown to their deaths.

“It has speed, and its level of control is perfect.” Luna turned to look behind her and signaled with a hoof. “Simultaneous strikes, four points.”

Slivers of shadows were all that could be seen as eight of Luna’s own elite guard attacked the figure from the left, the right, from above and from the front. But they never made managed to make contact as a ball of ice formed around the figure. Their attacks cracked the ice, and it disappeared to stick out from their bodies as sheets and icicles. Luna growled as she watched the carefree slaughter of her finest combatants.

Celestia held out a hoof in front of Luna, stopping her from jumping in. “Pheriphorn, fall back to Crystalia and make haste to Canterlot. Inform the Prince and our Generals that we are handling this personally.”

Pheriphorn, captain of Celestia’s elite and a veteran with over forty years in his Highness’ service, gave only a single nod and a shrill whistle. Ten Unicorns gathered the injured Pegasi in their magic while the other four extended their barrier, cutting a path through the snow and wind.

The party made it fourteen steps past the princesses before a glow came from beneath the hood again and a ring of fire surrounded the troops. From equidistant points on the circle’s circumference, eight massive arms reached up to the sky, dwarfing even Celestia and Luna for their sheer height. Forming a strange symbol in the air, the eight arms came rushing down upon Pheriphorn and his command. He only had time to close his eyes and bow to Celestia before the entire contingent disappeared and the wind and snow rushed in the fill the emptiness.

’Twenty-two of my elite guard, and eight of Luna’s close quarters combat masters. Where is this power coming from?’ Celestia contemplated this as she turned back to look at the figure again, the cloak billowing in the wind but revealing nothing.

“Show yourself, you foul demon. Your blood shall be spilled so that those who met death in your meaningless slaughters can find peace. No longer shall the lands of Equestria run red with the life-force of its people. Let me look upon your face as I take your life in recompense for the genocide you have committed!” Luna started forward, ready to give herself fully to the darkness. To embrace her ultimate power at the cost of herself for her subjects. To surrender every fiber of her being to the Spirit inside her.

“Luna! We do not have the need to release our beasts. To do so would spell the end for many more than one. But the idea is tempting… Pheriphorn was close to my heart...” Celestia was still looking at the figure when another glow came from beneath the hood. Jumping forward, she connected with Luna, taking her out of the way as a bolt of blue came from beneath the hood. The bolt caught her leg as it passed, but it wasn’t electricity that coursed through her body. It was an alien magic that counteracted her own. Bile rose in her throat and she rolled off of Luna just as gobs of her golden aura forced themselves from her mouth.

“Sister! What’s happening to your magic!?” Luna could feel Celestia’s power slipping away every time she hawked up her own magic. It was as if the alien magic were expelling it from her body. She went to touch Celestia’s shivering body with a hoof, but if the contagion could be spread through contact…

Luna whipped around to face the hooded monster that had rendered her sister useless with a single attack. “You piece of filth-covered carrion, I will make sure you burn in the deepest pits of Tartarus for this. Tell me your name so that I may consent you to eternity’s keeping.”

Pulling back the hood, the creature revealed itself to Luna and the cloak unbuckled, surrendering to the wind. Its body, or rather species, was a hybrid of five races. The torso was that of a Griffin, dull and greyed. It had two sets of wings, one Griffin, one Pegasus. Atop its head was a Unicorn's horn, its green coloring making it stand out amongst the red tinged feathers. While it had the body and front legs of a Griffin, the back legs were clearly those of an Earth pony. The final species that made up this freak of nature was Dragon. The spines that started from behind the horn and travelled down its back to the base of the scaly green tail that flowed in the wind.

The creature’s beak was sewn shut, leaving it incapable of verbal speech. But such was the level of its power, that it had no problem communicating inside Luna’s mind. “I have no name, for I was not born willingly into this world. What I have is a number, for I was just a statistic to those that created me. I am Zero, and my purpose in this world is such that even you could not comprehend.”

“Your purpose will be to amuse me until the end of days as I slowly destroy your mentality. The amalgamation of parts that makes up your body shall be ripped to shreds, one by one, as I keep you alive to pay for what has happened to my sister and our fair kingdom.” What little sunlight that pierced the snow seemed to fade as another dome surrounded them. Instead of being transparent though, its outline was shown by swirling patterns and dots of light upon the pitch black. No matter what the little pinpricks of light did, they were dragged into the center of the swirls where they disappeared.

Luna’s eyes took on cat-like pupils as they adjusted to the darkness. She could easily make out their opponent in front of her and she turned to see Celestia stop retching and shivering. Walking over to Celestia, Luna noted her steady breathing and the decidedly alien aura of the magic inside her. “Sister, how do you feel? Your aura has changed; where has your magic gone?”

Celestia could feel what remained of her magic buried deep within. She closed her eyes and tried an armor forming spell. Instead of her golden aura, her horn was shrouded with a sickly grey and the armor appeared with the same film. Cancelling the spell, Celestia enhanced her sight using the alien magic, her vision becoming as clear as if it were midday. “My magic is closed to me but I can use what has replaced it.”

”Do you both see now? I have left you no other option save one. The longer this goes on, the longer that death and destruction shall rule over Equestria.” Zero’s words sounded in their minds as it moved towards them, using its magic to constantly ping their location as it slowly came closer and closer. Its form began to change, bulging from within, stretching the skin over lumps as it became more and more distorted.

“Luna, did you bring the Elements with you? We shall have to trust in them to give us the power needed to vanquish this abomination. The last time I had to rely on the Elements, I did not have my desired result..." Luna gave a terse nod and a box appeared between them. They both opened the box to reveal six gemstones, with one crafted into a six pointed star. They each took three with Celestia taking the star and the box disappeared, having served it’s purpose.

Together they stood, facing their opponent with the six gems before them. “The Elements of Harmony, representing Laughter, Kindness, Honesty, Generosity, Loyalty and Magic. These are the most powerful artifacts in Equestria, to be used in its time of need, when all hope has faded.”

The gems grew brighter as a glow came from within them. But it was only the three Luna held that glowed brightly as Celestia’s remained lifeless in her sickly gray aura. Luna stopped using the Elements for a moment, letting them settle back to their lifeless state as she looked at Celestia. “What’s wrong? Why are the Elements not responding to you?”

“I do not know, this has never happened before.” Celestia tried pouring her magic into the Elements again, but rather than enter, it simply stopped and built up around them. Shadows formed around the three that she held and a single crack ran down the star. The sounds of torture and painful screams reverberated from the gem and Celestia dropped all of them in fright.

”You stupid ponies! How can you not see what is right in front of your faces!?” The face that confronted them shouldn’t have been able to hold itself together. Zero’s entire body was nothing more than a writhing mass of bumps that pushed at the skin, shown by a bright gray glow that came from the green horn amongst the reddened feathers. "My magic does not allow the Elements to work! Why did you think that I would leave you such an easy option!? Has the death of half a million fools not made my point clear!? Must the rivers of Equestria run red with blood again so that you can find the answer!? You two have nearly run out of time, and destiny will take a new path, one upon which neither of you will tread!”

Celestia was a bit shaken after having the Elements scream at her and the sudden appearance of the horrifyingly bulging face of their opponent. She took several steps back while Luna stood her ground, not wanting to give ground to the abomination before them.

Luna's eyes reverted back to their normal state while her canine teeth grew long and pointed, for the small amount of power she let slip had to manifest somewhere on her body. The Sisters couldn't beat him in a contest of magic, the elements couldn’t be used with Celestia in her current state and his mind was so confusing at first glance that a battle of minds would end in their swift defeat. There was still an option left, but neither of them could figure out what it was. Luna took the words that echoed around in their minds and stood firm as she examined them closer. 'Death... Blood… We cannot kill him but our victory must be certain for Equestria to survive. It must be too easy to simply seal him away using a physical sealing spell, but if we were to use a dimensional one...’

The skin on Zero’s face and body began to droop and the violent bumps under his skin slowed to a stop as his body grew larger. A wave of magic was released from his horn and it expanded outwards, passing through the barrier that Luna had erected. As it touched the Elements, Luna lost her connection to them and they dropped to the ground, nothing but smooth, round stones. ”Those that come to this plane of existence suffer pain like no other, for it is their constant companion in this life. There is but one relief though obtaining it means passing the gate of no return. I make the choice for them; a moment of intensity for an eternity of peace.”

Luna stepped back so she was level with Celestia and bending down, she whispered in her ear so their enemy wouldn’t hear the conversation. “Sister, there is one thing that we could try. The sealing spell of Blood. The one we found in the abandoned research lab beneath our city. The Great Binding.”

“The Demon’s Deal…” Celestia almost breathed out the words. As much as she tried, she couldn’t find anything that could work besides what Luna had suggested. They were down to this last chance, all or nothing. “We must ensure that the beast cannot escape the s-sealing. I fear that this magic can only be used with the darker arts.

In the short time they’d looked away from Zero, it had grown to match them in height. The two pairs of wings were spread wide and its head was tilted back. A white orb appeared over its head as it drew forth more and more power, focusing it all on that one spot. ”The cogs have stopped. The clock strikes its final moments. Armageddon shall fall upon Equestria with your deaths, for there is none to guide them, save you two. But neither of you can exist on this path, for it is not open to you. Your passing shall be most painful. Now accept your death.”

“We refuse your reality! It shall be you who passes this day!” Luna shrunk the sphere she’d put around them, the dots growing even smaller against the black. Passing over Celestia and Luna, it continued to shrink to Luna’s will and as it began to pass through their enemy, it stopped, trapping it in place. “Now Celestia, get into position and bring forth everything you can!”

Celestia jumped to the right while Luna jumped left, placing themselves on opposites sides of the struggling beast between them. Drawing upon their power, they sent tendrils of magic through their hooves and into the snow. They continued expanding and moving, marking out patterns atop the white landscape. Completing their purpose, the tendrils now formed a circle with Celestia and Luna outside it.

Zero raged between them in the exact center of the circle, surrounded by swirling lines and intricate patterns. Two final strands of magic worked their way from the princesses horns to Zero’s horn. As the connection was made, a beam of light shot up into the sky, mixing blue, grey, red and black.

Zero’s body split into six different pieces and its chest simply disappeared, paying a sacrifice owed to the circle. Its head and legs each went to one place on the circle, forming a pentagram between them. The Binding was almost completed…

Celestia and Luna stepped away from the circle and the beam that had lit up the sky collapsed downwards, its energy imprinting the patterns in the snow. Each body part had disappeared, leaving five circles with a single runic symbol in their place. The weather continued with its business, but the spell was never covered up. It merely continued to show itself, rising or falling with the snow.

The two princesses took a long and hard look at one another, breathing hard and shaking with exhaustion. Celestia suddenly fell to the ground as her knees gave out and Luna rushed over to her, careful not to touch the seal that lay upon the snow. She looked to the south, to where their home lay, noting that the red and black sky still covered Equestria. “Come Sister, we have a long trial ahead of us.”

Gathering Celestia in her aura, Luna lifted her sister onto her back and settled her there. Summoning the box again, Luna placed the Elements in their respective slots. Doing a quick count, Luna realized she only had five Elements and the star was pointedly absent. After an extensive search, she found a star shaped rock that she recognized as the Element of Magic. Placing it in the box, she closed the lid and banishing the box to its hiding place. Making sure Celestia wouldn't fall from her perch, Luna began the long trek back to Canterlot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unknown~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zero stood in nothingness, a desolate and dark void that stretched on infinitely. Two white orbs of light appeared before it and it knelt, looking down at the darkness beneath him. Reaching out with its mind, it spoke. ”I have started them on their path, but the choice remains to them to follow it.”

”They will face their challenges, as each much, whether or not they fail will decide the fate of worlds, for even we cannot see far enough into the future. You have done well, and there will be more, but you may rest for now in the Blood Void. Pray that you do not encounter those that have also been sealed away.”

The two white orbs disappeared and Zero stood up, staring at where the orbs had been. The gemstone that represented the Element of Magic appeared before it, the crack still running from tip to center. ”I fear I may have to… to fulfill my part.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Present~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a small room, a snow grey Unicorn sat on a pillow before a desk. A pencil, surrounded by a pastel blue aura, flew across the sheets of paper littered upon the wooden surface. The light of the afternoon sun filtered through the only window to fall upon the exact center of the floor, where faint chalk outlines could be seen. A bed sat in the corner, pushed up against the orange walls, with a wooden chest at its feet. A thin bookshelf stood next to the desk like a sentry, loaded down with books from magical theory and engineering principles, to worn children's books and dusty comics.

The pencil marked one final line before coming to rest upon the edge of the desk and the colt stood up, twisting his head left and right to hear his bones crack and shift. His sky blue mane showed signs of being combed half-heartedly with tufts sticking out at odd angles and slightly covering one of his eyes. His horn came to life as he levitated a thin, leather bound book back onto the bookshelf before turning to look at his latest design. It was a trebuchet, but instead of flinging debris or ammunition at the enemy, it fired pure magic. Another sheet showed all the materials that would be required while yet another held all the angles and trajectories upon its face.

“Well, still trying to make your weapons a reality, eh?” A deep voice sounded from behind and he turned to see a tall, slender stallion looking over his shoulder. His coat was a steel grey while his mane was silver, slicked and tied back out of the way. His cutie mark was covered by several belts and bands that held a few of his tools and other oddities. A single scar ran across his brow and down his left eye, which had caused the color in his iris to fade. “You realize that mass producing magical constructions that will last after being casted is impossible, yes?”

“I understand that Dad, that’s why the ponies who are operating it are mostly unicorns. Their job is to maintain the output of constructions throughout the battle and to defend the post from magic attacks if necessary.” Taking a black cased book from the shelf with his magic, he placed a forehoof on the book, pointing out the title to his father. “‘Rules of Magic’ by Midas Magellan. You gave me this for my birthday three years ago, which was my last day of primary school, remember?”

His father chuckled, nodding at the remark. “Of course I remember, Amadeus. After all, I had never seen you take to a book so quickly as that one.” He took the book and held it up for a moment. “However, while Midas does make some excellent points, his theories on magic and the three solid forms are highly flawed. As Auric magic stands by itself, it has no base form. It has to be converted into a solid. A secondary type of magic must be used. Be it Cryomancy, Pyromancy or any other elemental based magical art, but by itself... impossible."

Rolling his eyes, Amadeus grasped the book in his blue aura and took the initiative in the almost awkward silence that had followed. “Hey Dad, why aren’t you teaching at a school anyway? I know you enjoy doing what you do, but it’s hard to get the materials I need with your rather limited paycheck.”

Replacing the book, he noticed that his father’s horn was still glowing, and his curiosity was instantly aroused.

“So... you don’t usually come into my room without a reason.” His voice, usually quivering with excitement, took on a more questioning tone. “Would it have anything to do with my weapons? Or my recent applications for schooling?”

Relius Zero was not a stallion known to play games, but for his son, he could not resist the chance. “Does a father need an excuse to check on his only son?”

Losing his composure, Amadeus started fidgeting on the pillow. He wanted to know why his dad was here, but he knew he had no chance of trying to wrest whatever he was hiding away from him.

“Pleaaaase? I’ve put in at four different schools. I even applied for that magic school in Manehatten. Please tell meeeee...” He opened his eyes nice and wide as he looked up at his father, hoping that the act would work.

“I suppose you have the right to know.” Relius grinned for a moment, turning away from his son to look out the window. “All four schools that you sent the applications to... they were all rejected.”

He looked out of the corner of his eyes to see his son’s reaction. Amadeus looked to be on the verge of tears, and he slumped against the desk. Turning back to his son, Relius smiled warmly. “However, I did take the time to fill out a fifth application for you and I sent it off to a small school you may have heard of... I believe it’s known as PCSGU. You have heard of it, yes?”

Amadeus looked up at his father’s face, smiling warmly down at him with a playful glint in those eyes. He knew of the school; it was famous enough simply for the pony it was named after. He also knew that the price for tuition was far from affordable. But he didn’t care about that, all he cared about was that his father had applied for him to go to the most prestigious magic school in Equestria; Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.

“Really!? Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” His voice rose with each repetition until his father was rubbing his head with a hoof.

“Okay... calm down, Amadeus.” Relius tried to bring the over-the-moon colt back to earth. After seconds of watching his son bounce around the room, he dropped the scroll he’d been carrying on the bed and grabbed the colt in his orange magic, setting him down in the middle of the room. “Yes, you’ve been accepted to take the Entrance Test two days from now. The details are right here in this letter.”

Of course, after that was said, Amadeus couldn’t wait to read it and ripped his own aura into overdrive, trying to pierce his father’s hold. Relius simply gave a deep chuckle and released him onto the floor, giving him the letter to read. After two minutes of complete silence, Amadeus looked up from the scroll at his father with a wondering tilt to his head.

“Hey dad... Who is Twilight Sparkle?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Two Days Earlier~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a house on the other side of Canterlot, a unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle was snoring into her pillow. A tower of books reared up beside the bed, almost reaching the roof. A trail of drool started from the purple unicorn’s mouth, dripping off the blue covers and onto the floor. The open windows allowed the unfiltered sunlight to come in and a blustery breeze entered the room. Several loud crashes woke the sleeping filly to have her find that everything she’d read was on the floor or atop the furniture that was strewn about.

“Twilight! Are you okay!?” Voices floated up from downstairs. Quickly darting up the stairs, the two adults almost forced the door down. Upon entering the room, they sighed in relief knowing that their daughter was all right. Despite the massive number of books that now lay scattered about the room, their daughter appeared to be fine.

Twilight looked at her gasping parents, a tousled mane and a sheepish smile on her face. She wiped the saliva off her muzzle with a hoof and walked over to her parents.

“Sorry Mum, sorry Dad. I guess I fell asleep reading and I left the window open.” She put a forehoof to her father’s and the other to her mother’s and gave a sweet little smile. “I didn’t mean to scare you both. Can you forgive me for making you worry?”

Exhaling in a mixture of emotions, her father did his best to smile. “Of course we forgive you, Twilight, but how many times are you going give us these heart attacks?”

“What your father means is, we want you to be more careful.” Her mother kneeled down, brushing off some dust from Twilight’s forehead. “We know that you have a passion for knowledge, but you have to balance it with other things in your life-”

“Such as sleeping,” her father interjected, “... Properly.”

“Yes, Father.” Twilight looked around at the mess that she’d made and sighed. Her horn lit up with a magenta aura, closing the windows and she began sorting the books back to their shelves around the room. “By the way, did my latest order of books come in? I went down to the bookstore and placed an order last week for Professor Seeker’s latest works. I think they might be late.”

Sighing, Nightlight Sparkle shook his head. “Don’t you think those books are little too advanced? Maybe try something more simplistic."

Velvet gave a giggle at Nightlight's statement and his seriousness. "Oh, don't be too hard on her Dear. You used to be quite the avid scholar when we were still dating," Taking on a thoughtfully provocative tone, she finished, "In fact... I remember our third date... You left me at the table when you received a phone call from your professor saying that your specialized study books had come in."

Nightlight blushed as he too remembered the night in question. "C-come on Vellie... Not in front of Twilight."

Twilight placed the last book on it’s shelf and decided she should rejoin the conversation, starting with her father's first statement. “Dad, I outgrew those childish books when I was three. I prefer a lengthy novel, or a paper on a new theory or hypothesis. Scientia potestas est* was our family motto generations ago, and I like to follow the traditions of the past. And I don't want to know about what you two did on your dates! That's just gross!”

A clear chime sounded through the house to reach the three of them and they all looked at each other with confusion. Nightlight raised an eyebrow as he looked at Twilight with a question in his eyes.

“Expecting anyone Twilight? I know you like to organise things first and tell us second.” His voice took on a tone of reproval but Twilight just looked stonily at her father.

“Really Dad? If I’d organised something for today then you and mom would’ve known about it. I’d left the rest of the week for studying the rise of the Royal Sisters and how they formed Equestria.” The doorbell sounded again and the family made their way down to the front door. Nightlight opened the door to reveal a tall cream-colored Pegasus with the official uniform of the Canterlot Mail Service and a bright smile on his face.

“Is this the house of a Twilight Sparkle?” The trio looked at each other before Twilight stepped up next to her father.

“I am Twilight Sparkle and... ahh... I’m quite sure I am at least. But I didn’t order anything personal, or someone playing a prank on me?”

“Well I wouldn’t know myself, but I have a package here for you from a very important pony.” Taking his bag off with his wings, the mailpony removed a scroll and a bulky package and offered them to Twilight. She tentatively grasped both items with her magenta aura and the cream Pegasus tipped his hat with a hoof before walking off.

Nightlight closed the door and they stood in a triangle, looking at the brown package that Twilight was holding.

“Any idea who these are from Twilight?” Velvet asked the purple filly. They were all trying to find a tag on the package but the wrappings were uninterrupted.

“There’s nothing on the package, let me check who this letter is from.” She unrolled the parchment and began to read.

To Twilight Sparkle,

Your preliminary written tests have passed our minimal criteria of acceptance into our prestigious college.
However, while lesser learning institutions may accept students based purely on their theoretical knowledge,
we ascribe to a higher standard.

Therefore you must submit to a practical application assessment of your magical talents. This test will
occur before our college’s board of reviewers and failure will result in permanent rejection, leaving you
unable to attempt a second test.

Due the high injury incidents with these tests, by continuing your application process you accept that
any disembodiment, mental trauma, physical trauma, or death will not be the college’s responsibility.
Reply to this letter will be accepted as a legally binding contract to these terms.

Finally, due to new efforts to reduce the mortality rate, a partner has been selected for you from a pool
of fellow candidates to take the test with you which will be held four days hence.

Sincerely
Professor Magellan
Sword of Akasha, Headmaster of PCSGU, Four Time Tennis Champion

“Death?!” Nightlight’s face was ashen as he spoke.

“Disembodiment!?” Velvet’s face and voice were as equally disturbed as her husband’s.

“A partner!?” Twilight’s voice contained nothing less than utter horror as she read the final piece. After re-reading the scroll, she looked up to see her parents staring at her with ludicrous expressions.

“What? I could probably do it by myself but to hinder me with a partner just increases the risk to us both. Ohhh, I’ll have to study really hard!” Twilight dropped the scroll and the package on a nearby table and bolted up to her room, locking the door to begin her eighty-four hour study marathon.

“This could be a problem dear. Twilight may take after me, but this is a whole different ball game.” Velvet picked up the package that had been discarded while they’d read the letter and sighed at the declaration of her other half.

“As long as she’s able to come home to us in one piece, I will be happy. Do you think we should open this package, Honey?” She waved the delivery in his face, trying to get his attention.

“Yes, yes. Go ahead and open it.” Nightlight waved a hoof in the air, clearly distracted by the fact that his child faced death in her upcoming test. As Velvet ripped off the brown wrapping however, a slip of parchment fell to the ground and she picked it up with her own aura to read.

I understand that you’ve been looking for Professor Seeker’s latest works. Here is a copy with her
signature on the inside of the front cover.

Signed
P.C

“Who in the world is that?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unknown~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two mares faced each other in a dark room known only to the two of them. A single light shone down on them and caught them at the edge of it’s cone. The silver table that sat between them sparkled so intensely that it hurt to look at it for too long.

The blue mare spoke first in a voice laced with power. “Are you sure that we should go through with this? Immortality is a double-edged sword for those who do not understand it.”

Facing the blue mare directly across from her, the white mare replied with her own power. “The appointed time is upon us and we lack in number. All of the conditions must be met.

Sighing at the reply, the blue mare brought forth her magic and cast a spell on the table. The surface began to roil and bubble, forming a map of Equestria that began to zoom in on Canterlot. Finally, the map stopped and a single building rose above everything save the castle in the background.

“The stage has been set.” As those words were spoken by them both, a stone tablet materialised above the miniature building. It merely hovered there as writings began to appear on the two sides. Its script, as well as the reading and use of it had been lost to the ages. Translated, the text said:

Two Celestial powers, similar, yet different

Entwined in an eternal dance

Two Mortal beings, chosen to represent

Chosen by Heaven’s glance

A time of harmony and peace

Ruled by benevolence

The land must first find release

From evil prevalence

As the time of peace begins

The chosen two shall search

For two, whose powers shall be twins

And take them straight from the perch

When the final two are found

And their powers are inducted

The seal shall be unbound

And the Prophet, reconstructed

The Prophecy of Power, of Release, of Choosing, and of Construction

Author's Note

Scientia potestas est is Latin for Knowledge is power.

Well, here's the first chapter like I promised. Or rather... the prologue, like I promised.

Hope it wasn't too slow for all of you but this was crucial to setting up the story as a whole. These four scenes. Weird...

Anyway, if you find grammar or spelling errors, let me know below.
If you have any questions, you can ask me below as well. Or send me a PM if you think it's important.

If you are a writer and you aren't having too much success with your own story or stories, just persevere. Good things will come in time. Here, have a quote. I like quotes.

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.
-Walter Elliot

Catch you all later!
~Hyacintho Ignis