Twilight's Pupil

Twilight's Pupil Chapter 3

by Crystal Secret

It was the dawn of a new day, the first day of her young pupil's new life. She had no idea what to expect in the time that was yet to pass but she was sure of one thing: That her pupil would exceed her expectations and would be the bringer of joy and harmony now and long after her death. She was unsure of how this was to be so but she was sure and almost certain that she made a good decision in choosing Starlight to be her pupil.

As Twilight rose from her four poster bed turning to run a brush through her mane. She diligently placed her tiara on her head and put on her royal garments ready for the day ahead. Even though she wasn't entering the public eye, she still wanted to keep up her appearance.

She exited her royal chambers and walked down the hallway that would lead her to the entrance of the royal dining hall. There, she would greet her fellow princesses and for the very first time she would be sitting and enjoying a meal with her pupil.

The young filly had a lot to get used to and so much to learn in such a small space of time but she was sure that she would prevail. Twilight had been prepared for this her whole life. It would seem that even Celestia was beginning to age a little now and soon there would be a new era for a new reign. She would someday be the sole ruler of this country and after her maybe it would be Starlight's turn. She wasn't certain but she knew that even after Celestia's death harmony would be maintained throughout the land.

As she entered the royal dining hall she noticed that both Celestia and Luna were already seated waiting for her. Prince Blueblood was among them and so was her brother Shining Armour but where was Starlight? After a few moments of waiting she quickly scanned the room. Starlight was nowhere to found. She made her way over to the table as a pair of hoof steps echoed behind her. Suddenly she could feel something bump into her behind and she quickly whirled around.

"Oh there you are Starlight. I was beginning to get worried that you weren't able to find your way. Well, you're here now so why don't you have a seat?" offered Twilight as the little filly pulled up a chair.

In all honesty the filly looked half asleep as its eyelids drooped closed. Then, the table shook as somepony got up and her eyes shot wide open.

"Starlight, would you like some breakfast?" asked Twilight quickly getting the filly's attention.

"Yes please." replied Starlight as she let out a stifled yawn.

After breakfast Twilight decided to take Starlight into an empty hall which was used for functions and events. The ceiling was high and the glass panes allowed plenty of sunlight into the room making it available for both night and day. It was big enough to cater for at least a hundred ponies and there was plenty of room for Starlight to practice her magic.

Starlight gazed in awe as she noticed the height of the ceiling that seemed to arch over her like the night sky.

"This is the room which we'll use to practise spells. There's plenty of room and in the afternoon Celestia's sun keeps the room warm. Now, would you like to get started?" asked Twilight leading the filly to the center of the room.

"Yes please. What spell will I begin with?"

"Something nice and simple, a levitation spell which is useful for daily purposes. Unicorns use it for well....everything. Now, why don't you try levitating that small chair for me?"

Starlight concentrated all of her magical essence on the chair, sparks soon flying from her horn and gradually picking the chair up. It soon made its ascendance into the sky, Twilight watched as the chair got higher and the filly became more and more strained.

"Well done, you have surpassed my expectations. You may drop the chair now." said Twilight smiling gently.

Starlight lowered the chair to the ground before turning to her teacher who stood there, smiling at her.

"I think that's enough for today. You look tired. Why don't you come for a stroll with me in the garden?"

"Alright."

Twilight and Starlight strolled through the Canterlot gardens together, taking in the wonder and beauty that nature provided for them. Starlight was captivated by everything she saw, heard, touched and smelled. There was nothing the little filly wasn't fascinated by.

"Princess, how did you become an alicorn?" asked Starlight suddenly finally taking an interest in something other than her surroundings.

"That's a very good question Starlight. Well, it was a very long time ago back when I was much younger than I am now. I used to Princess Celestia's student and well, it's kind of a long story." said Twilight realizing how long she had been Celestia's student for.

"Oh please tell the story. I would very much like to know how you became a princess." pleaded Starlight.

"Alright. Well I've been Princess Celestia's student since I was about your age and one day I was sent to Ponyville to supervise the preparations for the annual Summer Sun Celebration...."

As Twilight told her story Starlight never took her eyes off her teacher. They walked around the garden but instead of watching the bees pollinate the flowers she paid careful attention to her teacher's story.

"And that is how I became an alicorn. Are there any questions?" asked Twilight when she had finished her story.

"No, not really."

Twilight gazed up at Celestia's sun and noticed how late it was getting. It was almost sun down and she should probably get Starlight more familiar with the castle grounds.

"How about I show you around the castle?" asked Twilight, breaking the silence.

Twilight lead Starlight into the castle, she wanted to give her a very clear idea of how to get around the castle. She showed her every room but she saved the very best until last.

"This, my student, is one of four libraries that are scattered all over the castle. It took me years to find all four, for you see some of the libraries are hidden and are not easily spotted by the naked eye. I give you the challenge of find all of them. However, this is the biggest one." said Twilight before opening the door to the library.

The room was circular and was several stories high, shelves from floor to ceiling and each level represented a different letter so there were twenty-six floors. There were staircases leading up to the different sections and ladders to help you reach higher shelves. There was a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the windows were draped with royal patterns. The afternoon's sun shone through the window and reflected on the polished shelves. The room was immaculate and perfect just the way a library should be.

Starlight stared in awe at the amount of books that were at her disposal. Who knew one room could contain so much knowledge, adventure, fantasy and romance? Who knew that somepony could own so many books? The room captivated and amazed the little filly but one thing prevented her from running up to a shelf, selecting a book and reading it. Just one small piece of knowledge stood in here way.

"Uh, princess? I was just wondering if maybe I could read in here once in awhile?" asked the filly.

Twilight just smiled and said, "Why of course you can Starlight, these books are here for you to read them whenever you like. Please, read at your own pleasure." replied Twilight encouragingly.

"Thanks princess, I`ll be sure to have a more thorough look at this collection when I have some free time."

With those words they turned to exit the library, Celestia's sun was beginning to make its descent behind the mountains as the two ponies causally strolled through the castle. The glass windows allowed light to stream through creating a colorful array of light. The afternoon was always the best time of day as it meant that soon, the stars were to be making their way into the deep and mysterious blue wonder that was the night sky.

Twilight had a many great deal of things planned for that evening. She had been waiting for this night for a very long time. She even had somepony special to share it with. Who knows what could happen? Why it had even lead her to believe that anything could happen.

Tonight she would be quite literally dancing among the stars....