Pony Power Battles

“The dark side is a terrifying thing,” Celestia began, her voice echoing throughout the hall over all the fillies and colts in training, “it can twist any normal pony into a force of pure evil. It is important that you not succumb to its passions and instead feed on the light side of the force! Repeat after me! There is no emotion, there is peace.” Celestia’s words were echoed by the small group of ponies as Trixie, Moonlight Scroll, and Archimedes stood in the doorway. She smiled at them and continued the lesson, holding a hoof up for them to wait until she was done.

After class, Celestia confronted the patiently waiting ponies and dragon amidst a throng of fleeing ponies. Once they had cleared out, she spoke freely.

“I know why you’re here,” Celestia said, smiling. The three hung their heads, Moonlight feeling the burn scar on his face as they did so. “But take heart,” Celestia continued, “Your mission was a success! And I think you’ve all learned a valuable lesson about friendship.”

“Yeah,” Archimedes stepped up, “I learned that no matter how much you want somepony else, if they don’t want you back, you should respect their decision. It doesn’t matter how much you want them to say yes, no means no.”

“And I,” Moonlight Scroll began, “learned that even if your special somepony tells you to do something, if it conflicts with your principles, don’t do it. It’s respectful to both your partner, and yourself, to remain true to who you are.”

“Very good, my friends,” Luna said gently, “And what did you learn, Trixie?”

Trixie had a hard time maintaining composure as she recanted, “I learned that love can be just as destructive as hate, when it’s love of self instead of others. I should balance my two loves so that I don’t become blinded by arrogance.”

“Very good, my little pony. Now I have another mission for you…”