Starlight Rising

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter Two. Luna's Observatory
Chapter Three. The Three Dreamers
Chapter Four. The Princess and the Apprentice
Chapter One. Following in Father's Hoofsteps

Prologue

A high pitched screech sounded as the brakes slowed the train to a stop within the deserted station. Outside, the sky was dark and dotted with glittering stars. As the doors slid open, a small white filly burst into full gallop across the wood planks of the station. Each stride made a clear thud that seemed louder just by the sheer silence.

"Star, don't run off now, it's too dark for that." A stallion called as he stepped from the train. Shining Armor, the captain of Canterlot's Royal Guard. After so long in the Crystal Empire, Celestia had requested a report on its progress into recovery and return to life.

And what better time to introduce his daughter to Equestria's crowning jewel; Canterlot?

For as long as she could talk, Starlight -usually called Star, for short-, learned of Canterlot from stories told by her mother, Princess Cadence; and with tales of Canterlot, came the story of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

Coming to a stop, Star shrugged her shoulders but smiled and came galloping back to her father, weaving her way between his front legs before standing next to him. She puffed out her chest in a mimicking way towards Shining Armor, smiling as she did.

Shining Armor smiled softly at the little filly before turning to walk across the station to the road that lead up to the Canterlot Castle. Star followed behind him, having to trot to keep up with the long strides of her father.

For such a young filly, Star's mane and tail were quite long. If she did not carry her tail in a graceful arch, the ends easily fell to the ground. Her mane was a lovely shade of blue, highlighted with two thick strands of purple and yellow. Lastly, but possibly the most beautiful feature about her, was the deep shade of purple that filled her eyes.

As she trotted behind her father, she mimicked his proud stature as best she could. She held her head high, allowing her mane to flow in the crisp night air. Each step was quick but deliberate and strong. She kept this pace with Shining Armor the entire way to the castle.

As they approached, they were met with a shadow gliding over them. Star jumped at the sudden appearance and found herself colliding with her father's leg. Shining Armor however, did not flinch at the shadow's appearance. He knew exactly who it was.

Landing a short distance up the road, princess Luna walked toward them. Her celestial mane billowing behind her.

"Shining Armor," said Luna quietly, "It is good to see you again. We did not think you would be arriving so late."

"I'm sorry, Princess. I stayed in the Crystal Empire to help Cadence square the guards away while I'm gone." As Shining Armor spoke, little Star poked her head out from behind his leg shyly. Luna tilted her head slightly at the small filly, and chuckled softly.

"Is this who I think it is?"

"Yep, our newest little princess. Go on Star, say hello." Shining Armor smiled down at Star and gave her an encouraging nudge on the shoulder.

Star slowly stepped out from behind her father's legs, and stood shyly with one front hoof crossed over the other.

"H-hello, princess..." She said quietly.

"Hello to you as well, little Star." said Luna as she politely nodded once towards the small filly. "I hear you wish to join my sister's school?"

Star's ears twitched at the word 'school', and she lifted her head slightly.

"Y-yes," said Star. However, a thought seemed to come to her, making her quickly speak again, "b-but, I'm an Alicorn...! Can I still join even if I'm not a unicorn..? Father said I could!" Star's shoulder's dropped as she glanced from Luna to Shining Armor.

Luna laughed quietly.

"I am sure we will find a place for you, Star, do not worry, but that can wait until tomorrow; it is late." Luna spoke in a reassuring tone. "Shining Armor, your old room has been prepared for you. I trust you remember where it is?"

"Of course," said Shining Armor.

"Then I must return to my routes. My sister and I will speak again in the morning. Good night." Extending her wings with a light gust of wind, Luna lifted herself into the air and once again took to the skies. As quickly as she had appeared, she was gone; like a shadow over the land.

Shining Armor began following the rest of the path to the castle, and Star followed quickly after him.

"See? I tried to tell you everything would be fine." Shining Armor said with a chuckle. Star lowered her head and smiled shyly. "We'll talk to Celestia tomorrow about getting your schooling started, alright?"

"Mhmm!" Star nodded happily with a slight bounce in her step.

Shining Armor's magic easily pushed the doors to the castle open. He shared a glance with the night guards before silently entering the castle. The lavender glow of magic was able to light the dark hall as he turned and walked.

However, eager to lend a hoof, Star concentrated for a moment, and let a tiny blue light glow from her horn, creating a small ray in front of her. This earned a proud smile from her father as Star proudly held her head high at accomplishing such a spell, even if it was one of the most basic of spells.

Shining Armor pushed open the last door at the end of the hall, and let Star into the room. It was as dark as the rest of the castle, but the large glass door that led to a sizable balcony allowed for an ocean of moonlight to bathe the middle of the room.

On one side of the room was a large bed with decorative posts and enough pillows to fill a small store. On the other, a cute little bed just the right size for a little filly. Star trotted over to it and grinned at its midnight blue blankets and pillow that looked as if somepony had plucked a cloud out of the sky and placed it right there on the bed.

"Come on, get to bed Star. You have a big day tomorrow." Shining Armor pulled back the covers just enough for Star to leap under them and cozy up against the fluffy pillow. Shining Armor laid the thick blanket over her and smiled as she leaned up just enough to nuzzle him. "Goodnight, Star." He said quietly, returning the nuzzle before turning to go to bed himself.

Star peaked through one eye after some time in the quiet room. It seemed her father was asleep now. Quietly, she slipped out of bed and stepped towards the balcony door. One hoof pushed the door open while the other pivoted to swing her through the tiny opening without making a sound.

Outside, the air was as crisp and fresh. The smell of flowers from the garden was swept up on a light summer breeze. Star walked to the edge of the balcony and placed her hooves on the low wall, and she looked up at the night sky. The moon was full tonight, tinting the sky a light violet around its edges. Star smiled widely up at the stars, and after a moment of stillness, she lowered her head slightly.

From her horn the glow of magic formed again, a blue ray that wisped its way into the air and dissipated into the sky. As soon as the magic took effect, Star quickly looked up again and found herself grinning in awe.

The stars above began to sparkle more brightly, and twinkle as the magic worked around them. It was almost as if they had come alive to dance in their heavenly domain. Their light gleamed across the sky, creating a aura of glittering silver across the night, and Star marveled at her creation.

"Again?" Luna hovered in the air, her eyes narrowing at the sight in her sky. The stars suddenly breath in life and were glittering as bright as their sister moon.

This had happened multiple times now, and seemed to appear out of nowhere one night. The first time had been simply a small twinkle, but the magic was stronger now, and nearly half the sky was being affected.

Who was responsible for this activity? The night was -her- domain; one that she alone controlled. Who could even manipulate her stars in such a way?

Quickly the princess of the night dived through the air, gliding over Canterlot with watchful eyes. There was magic at work here and she was determined to find the source. As she flew, Luna noticed wisps of blue tinted magic twisting in the air as if carried on the breeze. They twisted and flowed through the air as they rose into the sky to their destination in the stars. Luna began following the trails of little wisps as they drifted past her, and she found herself circling around the Canterlot castle.

Luna narrowed her eyes as she banked around the west side of the castle. Somepony near the castle was the source of magic? As she rounded the side of the castle, she found her answer.

On a balcony, with blur magic emanating from her horn, was little Star. Luna stopped in mid-flight, her wings turning upwards to pull her to a stop as she stared in disbelief. The gust of wind caused by her stop caught the attention of the little filly, who jumped when she saw the princess above her.

"You? It was you who did this?" said Luna, seemingly to herself.

Star pushed herself off of the balcony and lowered her head, unsure if she was in trouble or not.

"U-Uh..." She started hesitantly, "... yes?"

Luna looked from Star to the skies above, that slowly stopped glittering brightly as Star's magic faded. Her gaze turned slowly back to the filly, and she flew the last short distance to quietly land on the balcony in front of the small filly.

"I'm... impressed." said Luna, and she found herself smiling. Star raised her head slightly, her ears slowly perking up. "Very few have that kind of ability."

"R-really? Thanks, princess!" Star said with a happy smile.

"Of course," Luna began with a quiet chuckle at the filly's happy response, "but, I believe someone is out passed her bedtime." Luna raised her brow as she tilted her head towards Star.

"Oh, y-yeah..." Star laughed nervously, "I-I just wanted to watch the stars before going to sleep; they look pretty when they sparkle!"

Luna's smile grew at hearing what Star said. It was touching to hear such words when her night went mostly unnoticed, even with her return after one thousand years.

"As much as I love the night as well, all ponies must sleep at some time or another, right?" Luna said, her smile softening.

"Yeah, I guess so..." said Star as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Do not worry. For every sunrise there is a sunset, and there will be plenty more nights for you to see, -after- you get some sleep. After all, you have a lot to do tomorrow." Luna reassured the tiny filly as she laid her hoof on her shoulder. "Back to bed, little Star. You'll need your sleep."

"Aww... Alright, princess." Star flicked her tail as she turned to walk back inside, but paused before opening the door. "G'night!" She said with a glance over her shoulder. Quickly but quietly, Star slipped back into the dark room and into her comfortable, warm bed.

Luna watched the filly disappear into the room, her smile remaining on her face as she turned her gaze towards the sky once more. The stars were once again quietly and softly shining over the land, the last of Star's magic having left them.

"Goodnight." Luna whispered quietly.

Chapter Two. Luna's Observatory

The day of Starlight's exam came to a close after Shining Armor had double -and triple- checked Star's belongings to be sure she had everything necessary for schooling. They stood within the entrance hall, various bags surrounding Star after a long day of shopping for Star's upcoming enrollment.

"...-and you have all your books and scrolls?"

"Yes daddy, you asked that already," said Star as she smiled up at her father.

"Oh, right," said Shining Armor, earning a giggle from the tiny foal, "alright then, what about your parchments? You are going to write your mom and I, aren't you?"

As Shining Armor stood prolonging the time he still had with his daughter, within the throne room, Luna was speaking with her sister. Luna slowly paced at the base of the steps leading to the two thrones. Celestia's magic had begun to lower the sun to begin the night, but the spell would still last a few minutes.

"She is more powerful than you think, sister. You didn't see her last night; in all our centuries of ruling, no pony has ever manipulated my night. Even the unicorns from before our time did not use such magic as she did."

"You said she did something to the stars? What exactly did she do, Luna?" Celestia asked, tilting her head to the side as her eyes followed her sister's pacing.

"They... well, they were glowing. I've never seen anything like it before; they was this aura of silver across the entire sky. It was... beautiful." Luna ceased her pacing as she turned toward Celestia, who stood perched at the top of the stairs. "I want to see her use this magic more."

"She'll learn plenty in school, Luna, I'm sure she--"

"No, sister," Luna paused, seeing Celestia slighting taken back by the interruption. "I... That's not what I meant," Celestia blinked, and remained silent as Luna continued, "I want to see her magic grow. She cannot do that without a teacher; one who knows the night better than anypony." Luna's eyes burned intensely as she spoke, further solidifying her serious tone. "I wish to make her my apprentice."

For a moment, Celestia stood silent, staring down at her younger sister.

"An apprentice?" asked Celestia, as if unsure of this idea, "Luna are you sure? You've... not been back for very long, and taking on a personal student is a difficult task."

"Sister I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Starlight is the foal I want to teach; her magic is unique, it's something that should be allowed to flourish. I can help her realize her full potential, just as you did with Twilight Sparkle."

"I see... You're set on this, I can tell. It is a great responsibility, but I know you'll do your best. I wish you luck, Luna." Celestia smiled. Indeed she believed it to be a difficult task for her sister, as she had never taken on a personal student before, but Luna was a determined pony. She was fully capable.

"Thank you, sister. I'll retrieve her after Shining Armor has said his goodbyes. She still must decide what classes she'll be attending when in school," said Luna, and she turned quickly on her hooves and began walking out of the throne room. Her wings were carried high, and a small, excited smile came to her face.

"Your mother and I will come see you anytime we can can. If you ever need anything, just ask Princess Luna or Celestia," Shining Armor said as he finished hugging Star.

"I will, don't worry, I'll be fine," said Star with a smile as she nuzzled herself against her father's chest. As he stood, she jumped to the ground.

"Good, I know you will. I'll see you soon, Star. Goodbye, little Princess,"

"Bye daddy!" said Star excitedly as Shining Armor turned to leave the castle and head back towards the train, and finally to the Crystal Empire. Star waved frantically until her father was out of sight, then sat by her bags with a long yawn. It was already getting close to this little filly's bedtime.

"Hello again, Star."

Star turned her head at hearing the voice of Luna, her mane falling temporarily in fron of her muzzle. As Star shook her head to move her hair out of her eyes, Luna walked across the hall and stopped in front of her.

"Oh, hello Princess Luna. How are you?" Star said happily.

"Quite alright, and you?"

"Fine I guess. I miss my mom and dad already though." Star shrugged as she spoke.

"I know, but don't you worry, I'm sure you'll see them every time they get a chance to come here," Luna reassured the little filly by placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Come, walk with me for a moment," said Luna gently. Star stood up and took a few steps after the Princess, but paused and glanced over her shoulder,

"But, what about my bags?"

"Don't worry, I'll have a guard bring them up. I have a few questions for you first though."

"Oh, questions? Okay, sure!" Star jumped after the taller mare and walked in parallel with her as they made their way down the hall.

"Your magic last night was truly impressive. Do you know that no pony in my time has ever used magic like you have?"

"Huh? Really? Magic like what?" Star asked, her voice peeking with interest.

"Magic that changes my night, like how yours made the stars glow." Luna gestured for Star to turn down a small passage that led to a winding staircase. The staircase climbed the outside of the castle, and around a tall tower.

"O-o-ooh, that," Star paused a moment, thinking about the Princess's words, "But I've always been able to do that. It's one of the first things I learned."

"But nopony taught it to you."

"Well... no. My mother taught me a few things, but not the star spell. I can get a flower to float in midair though!"

Luna laughed quietly as she walked beside the filly on the staircase.

"An impressive feat for a foal your age. Whatever you may think Star, the magic you performed was special. It has never been done before. That is why I want to see you learn to use it to a more powerful extent; recognize the true ability you have." Luna paused at the top of the staircase, and Star stopped across from her. "That is why, I want you to be my personal apprentice."

For a moment, Star stood motionless. Apprentice? Her? Luna wanted... her, to be an apprentice? Then finally, as if suddenly realizing she had not moved yet, Star jumped into the air and hoved for a moment, her tiny wings buzzing with joy.

"Really?! Can I?!"

Luna could not help but laugh happily at the filly's reaction.

"Yes, of course," said Luna with a smile as she turned towards the door in front of them. A quick spell made the door open inwards, and Star was met with a wall of sheer darkness. She could not see two steps inside, yet Luna walked in without a second thought. "My old home... This is where your apprenticeship will see most of its progress."

"It's... it's dark in here, Princess." Star said as she took a few tentative steps inside.

"We are ponies of the night, little Star. We don't fear the darkness, it is just a product of the night; a necessity we must learn to accept. In fact," Luna's voice emanated from the darkness, and reverberated off the walls of the room eerily.

Suddenly, the tower shifted with a large quake, and moonlight poured through the roof as it opened overhead.

"You simply have to learn to let in the light, to make the shadow's fade."

Star gazed up in amazement at a sky swirled with pink, orange and faded blue. The sunset was near its completion, and the moon would once again rise into the sky. Facing out of the opened dome roof was a colossal bronze colored telescope. Around the room there were various tables and shelves all covered with masses of scrolls and books on advanced arcane magics and mathematics. One side of the room was dominated by a thirty foot chart holding dozens of charted stars and constellations. On the floor around the telescope, the polished stone was inscribed and painted with the moon cycle set in a perfect circle.

"This is the castle observatory. After I was... when I came back to Equestria, Celestia had it built for me. I cannot use it much, unfortunately, but you can. Use this observatory to study the night alongside your studies in my sister's school. Together we'll discover things that no pony has ever known; that I never even knew."

"I get to use this?" Star said in awe as she slowly walked over to join the Princess.

"Yes. You'll be able to use my observatory anytime you wish. Not only that, but you'll be staying here; this will be your home while you stay in Canterlot. Come, I'll show you your room." Luna gestured for Star to follow her as she approached a wall. The stones were carefully laid, and no door seemed presence.

"Uhh, I don't think I know the walk through walls spell yet, Princess." said Star as she looked up at Luna, who chuckled in reply.

"No, no magic required, Star." Luna lifted a hoof and placed it upon one of the stones, and lightly pressed it into the wall. A grinding suddenly echoed out as a large section of the wall shifted in, and moved off to the side. Luna stepped inside, followed shortly by her new apprentice. Only one source of light lit the room, a single small candle in a gold holder, which sat on top of a table beside a bed.

"Celestia always loved making our home filled with puzzles and mechanisms for me to find, this home was no exception." Luna spoke as she cast a spell on the dimly lit room, causing various wall-mounted torch sconces to burst into fiery life. With the room lit, Star walked to the center to examine its contents. A large bed made up with dark blue sheets and blankets. A bookcase containing various works and scrolls.

As Star turned to look at more of the room, a sudden chirp caught her attention.

"Ah, there you are, I was wondering where you got to." Luna chuckled as a familiar dark blue feathered bird hopped along the ground towards Star. "Remember him?"

Star leaned down to be eye level with the little chick, and smiled as he walked over to press his beak against her nose, and Star giggled happily.

"A pet is a companion for life, and one that can help you in your studies." Luna said with a soft smile.

"A pet? Can he be my pet?" Star asked hopefully, gathering up the little chick in her hooves and holding him close.

"Of course," said Luna. A drop in the light let in from the dome made Luna turn her head. "It's time for me to go, Star, but before I do, come over here." Luna walked over to a desk set in the corner of the room. On top of it lay an open scroll, and a quill resting in an inkwell. "This scroll lists the available classes you may take during your studies at my sister's school. You may pick four as your main focuses, and the school will decide your magic leveled class. Choose them tonight, and I will send it to the school in the morning."

"Oh, okay!" Star said as she jumped up onto a chair to see the scroll set on the table.

Luna smiled and nodded once before turning and walking towards the other side of the room. In front of her opened two glass doors that led to a small balcony. The balcony overlooked the castle below, and Canterlot beyond its walls. Star hopped down from the chair and trotted over to Luna as the Princess extended her wings and pulled her head back proudly. As the last colors of sunlight began to fade, Luna's aura of magic glowed around her horn, and in the distant horizon, the moon began to rise.

Star watched in awe as the sky darkened and the stars once again came to life, dotting the sky like tiny diamonds. Eager not to miss an opportunity to practice, Star put her hooves up on the balcony railing and willed her magic into the skies. In response, the stars began to glow brightly, pulsing with new and added light. At that moment, Luna could not help the smile on her face, a smile of hope and pride.

"This is only the beginning, little Star. You're on your way. We'll speak again in the morning, good night." Luna's wings made a broad down stroke, lifting her into the air as she dived off the balcony, and soared into the open night air.

"Goodnight, Princess." Star said with a wave of her hoof. She pushed herself off the balcony, and found herself looking at the little phoenix who seemed intent on staying as close to her as possible. "Hey there, little guy. Looks like you'll be staying with me!" said Star excitedly as she trotted inside and looked back over her shoulder to see the chick quickly hobble after her. He gave his wings a frantic flap, but fell forward on his breast. Star walked over and helped him back up, and watched the phoenix hang his head with a huff.

"Aww, it's okay little guy," Star said in a consoling manner. Then a thought occurred to her, and her knelt down beside the phoenix. "Wanna know a secret? You can't tell anypony... or... anybirdie, okay?" Star glanced side to side, making sure no one was listening in, then she leaned in close to the chick. "I can't fly yet either. So we'll learn together, alright?" Star with with a grin, earning a happy chirp from the phoenix. "Great! Oh, I just realized, you don't have a name yet." The phoenix shook his head. "Hmm... well, you sure made a scene when you hatched. The sound was like a thunderstorm... Huh.. how about that? How about Storm?" Quickly, the chick nodded his head in agreement, his bright emerald green eyes beaming. "Alright then, it's official. Your name is Storm." said Star with a smile, and Storm chirped happily. Star laughed as she stood up again and jumped towards her desk. "Well, come on Storm, you wanna help me pick out my classes?"

Storm cawed as he followed Star over to the chair, where Star scoped him up onto her head and jumped up onto the chair. Thee, she placed him on the table and he walked over to stand on the corner of the scroll.

"Now, let's see what we can do. Hmm... Studies is Nature Magic. That sounds interesting... Ooh Alchemy! Do you think we could do that?" asked Star, who received a confident chirp from Storm. "I think so too. Alright, two more!" Star called the quill over with her magic, and together, she and Storm began to plan out her future classes.

Chapter Three. The Three Dreamers

Four days later...

"Alchemy, Studies in Nature Magic, Equestrian History, and Defensive Magical Study. Quite the list, Star, but I don't see many fillies joining the defense classes." Luna walked beside Star, who trotted giddily towards her first day at school.

Star was clad in a silver cloak that hung just slightly above the ground behind her hooves. On each side hung a purple saddle bag packed full of anything and everything a school-bound filly could need. Quills, a capped inkwell, notebooks, scrolls, and course materials. Luckily the alchemy equipment was provided in class.

"But I have to learn it if I'm going to be a guard someday!" said Star, as if the answer was completely obvious, and Luna chuckled lightly. Children always had the most charming plans for their future.

"I see, well then you'd better pay special attention in that class. Oh, and your homeroom class is Basic Magic, with Ms. Lily." Luna smiled as she read over the scroll where Star's day to day classes were listed.

"Huh? "Basic Magic"?" Star ceased her trotting and turned towards Luna, a confused look in her eyes. "But I thought you said my magic was unique?" Star protested.

Luna halted in mid step, looking over at the confused filly.

"Your magic is unique, Star." Luna assured her firmly but gently. "However," Luna turned towards her student, her wise voice low but assuring, "not all ponies may share the same ideas. I know what power you possess, but others do not. You will have to prove your potential to them through hard work. Basic Magic is only the beginning, little Star, but I know you'll do wonderful things no matter what magic class your attend." Star began to smile, beaming up as her teacher spoke with her head proudly held high. This was the Princess of the Night speaking, a ruler of Equestria recognizing her potential. What does a filly, especially one her age, say to that? Does a foal really even comprehend the significance of someone seeing your potential? Perhaps, at least in this case, Star understood just enough to reassure herself.

"Okay Luna, Basic Magic it is then!"

"Basic Magic?" A voice called off to the side. Star turned her head to see a chestnut coat looking at her, a smile on his face. "That's my homeroom too, you're in Basic Magic? Oh, and good morning Princess Luna." Luna smiled, giving a slight bow of her head towards the young colt as she chimed in,

"Good morning little one," Luna smiled and gave a polite bow of her head, "First day and you already have a friend. Go on, introduce yourself. Have a good first day, you two." Luna said with a smile towards Star. The Princess then turned and began her walk back to the castle.

"Thank you Luna!" Star waved as the Princess left, then turned towards the colt. He was a light chestnut brown, with a mane that fell over his red-brown eyes to the point where it was difficult to tell if he could actually see clearly. His saddle bags were a dark green, and seemed even more full of books than Star's. "I'm Star!" Star exclaimed happily.

"I'm Ember," The colt offered politely, "so you're in basic magic too?" He asked. Star nodded quickly.

"Yep! Well... Princess Luna says I shouldn't be, but I'll just have to prove them wrong! I'm going to be a guard someday after all, and Luna's going to teach me all the magic she knows!." Ember and Star turned towards the front double doors of the school. Dozens of ponies from their age to young adults were making their way inside and to their first classes.

"You're going to be a guard and the Princess is teaching you?" Ember asked, his widened eyes giving away his surprise. "I'm going to be a guard too! Well... sort of. I'm going to be a blacksmith; my dad's a blacksmith for the Canterlot Royal Guard."

"Woah, a blacksmith? That sounds so cool, you'll make all the armor for everypony!" Star grinned as Ember seemed to enjoy her enthusiastic reply.

"It's going to be hard though, my dad says it takes years to learn everything," said Ember just before Star slightly stumbled over her cloak. "Isn't it a little to warm for a cloak?" He asked with a tilt of his head.

"To warm indeed." A voice chimed in. Ember's ears fell back as Star looked over at the source of the voice. Standing with his nose up, was a pale blue stallion. His mane was neatly combed, and his tail tied up so it wouldn't touch the floor. Beside him was a light purple filly with shining blue eyes and a smirk plastered across her lips. A quick glance over revealed that both had already acquired a cutie mark, the colt having a single silver lightning bolt, and the filly with a sapphire gem. Ember sighed and rolled his eyes before quietly speaking.

"Come on Star, we'll be late for class."

"You'll be late every day if she insists on wearing such ridiculous clothing." The purple filly giggled.

"Maybe I like wearing my cloak. Why do you care?" Star protested in a way that was just as defensive as it was confused at the words of the older filly.

Bullies... I never liked them. Perhaps if they knew who you were... What would your father think?

The voice that seemed like a disembodied whisper distracted Star just long enough for the filly to step forward quickly and lightly flick the clasp of Star's cloak with her hoof. The clasp released, and under the weight of Star's saddlebags, fell to the ground. As if on instinct, Star's wings unfurled as she shook off the voice to face the colt and filly.

"My father is Prince Shining Armor of the Royal Canterlot Guard! I don't think he would like hearing about you being mean to me." Star said defensively as a flick of magic brought her cloak off the ground and clasped at her chest. Her saddlebags followed after, luckily without any spilling of organized scrolls and books.

"Shining Armor," The colt said with surprise, though he seemed more surprised at seeing Star's alicorn status. "Huh, an alicorn in school. So, you're in our class then; Advanced Magic. Right?"

"Come on Stormcall, leave her alone already." Ember stepped in, putting himself between Star and the colt. Stormcall scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Well? Are you in the class or not?" Stormcall urged as he walked around to Star's side.

"No, I'm in Basic Magic." Star's firm statement earned a sudden rush of laughter from Stormcall and the filly made Star step back.

"An alicorn in a basic class? Sapphire and I are barely a moon older than you by the look of it, and you're in a basic class. Aren't you suppose to be more powerful than all of us?" Star's brow furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Stormcall. "Alicorns are the top magic users in Equestria. I'd get out of the basic class and up to where the real unicorns are. You wouldn't want to be the only Alicorn to be so... average, would you?" Stormcall smirked as Star seemed to want to speak, but only stared at him with narrowed eyes. Ember stepped over suddenly, coming nose to nose with Stormcall.

"And you wouldn't want to be caught talking to a Princess like that, would you?" Ember's eyes narrowed into a glare, but Stormcall smiled calmly.

"Hmph. Princess or not, Alicorns are known for powerful magic. There's nothing basic about them. My advice, get yourself to the Advanced classes, Princess. In this school, you're nothing special without the magic to back it up."

Star was left with Stormcall's smirk as he pulled his head back calmly while turning his back on the duo who stood as if ready to fight. Ember snorted shortly and turned back towards star after the older foals had rounded a hallway corner. Star's cloak hovered back to tie itself around her neck with a blue aura of magic. Lastly her books and supplies neatly placed themselves in her saddlebags before coming to rest on her back. Turning on their heels, Star and Ember walked away from the scene of the encounter.

"Stormcall and Sapphire. Stormcall's mom is some prim and proper mare with a big name in Canterlot. She owns a salon in the market square. Sapphire's his adopted sister. I usually avoid them; nice seeing that someone stands up to them."

"Oh, well... I don't usually do that, it was just, well, sudden..." Star said as she glanced over her shoulder at where the four once stood. "Are they always so...?"

"Stuck up? Yep, unfortunately--" A loud bell toll cut off Ember, "That's homeroom bell, come on--we're late!" Ember and Star took off down the halls as fast as their little legs could carry them.

"Take your seats, fillies and colts." A soft voice called from the front of the class. The voice belonged to a pale green unicorn mare. Her white mane, which had a single pale pink stripe, was neatly pinned up in a pony tail. She was young, even for a teacher, but her appearance and expression seemed to glow with knowledge and wisdom.

Ember and Star came running in just as most had already found a seat.

"Sorry we're late Ms. Lily, we had some trouble getting here." Ember said quickly.

"Not to worry you two, the first day is always the most overwhelming. Take a seat, you won't be marked tardy today." Ms. Lily smiled as Star and Ember both hopped into the nearest two seats where they could sit together. "Well then, are we all here now?" The resulting nods from the students gave a simultaneous yes. "Good. Welcome to Basic Magic. I'm Ms Lily, I'll be your teacher this year. In this class we will be exploring your individual talents in magic, as well as universal practices that all unicorns know. Now, since we're all new here, why don't we introduce ourselves?"

This is usually the part where students shrug and sigh in an annoyed way, but for most of the class the reaction was excited. This was a chance to make themselves known; to make their make on their peers. Even Star was a little excited behind her nervousness. How does a Princess introduce herself? Does she use proper language? Does she bow deeply and use a grand title like the princesses in storybooks? Her mother never said anything about introductions in a classroom.

Then the introductions started; Arrow, whose father ran a successful restaurant. Blossom, who told of her talent being in the care of plants, and a hoof-full of other students that each took their time to make themselves known among their peers. When Ember's turn came around, the eager colt stood up on his chair, his front hooves planted firmly on the top of his desk.

"Hello everypony, I'm Ember. My father's a blacksmith at the Princess's castle and when I grow up, he's going to teach me everything he knows! By the time I'm out of here, I'm going to be the greatest blacksmith in Canterlot!" By the time Ember was done speaking, the glow of pride around him was enough to make Star smile at seeing how sure this foal was of his future. "Your turn," said Ember as he handed over the attention to Star.

A moment of silence followed as Star scanned the room, quietly sizing up the pairs of eyes who looked to her as if to top what Ember had said.

Well? They're waiting... They're waiting for you. Remember little Star, you are a Princess...

The voice again. Eerily quiet and distant yet warm and embracing. Ember's confident smile was the final sight her violet eyes fell upon before a wisp of magic pulled back the cloak to reveal two tiny, unfurled wings. Quietly and gracefully, Star stood up tall on her seat and smiled politely.

"My name is Princess Starlight Cadenza. My father is Prince Shining Armor, Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard. It's nice to meet you all."

Star's introduction kept some silent. Others looked to Ms. Lily to see how they should react. The teacher smiled and politely gave a slight bow of her head.

"Princess Luna informed me of you attending this year, Starlight. I'm sure we're all glad to meet you as well," said Ms. Lily, who heard the tiniest scoff from the back of the room. It came from a light pink filly who crossed her hooves defiantly. She glanced across Ember's desk towards Star.

"Nice grab for being teacher's pet." The filly murmured to herself. Ember reacted far faster than Star could have.

"She doesn't need to try and be teacher's pet. Princess Luna is teaching her too." Ember said without so much as giving the filly a glance over his shoulder.

"That's enough you two, I won't have squabbling in this class. Learning magic is a very delicate process, and is dangerous when first learning new spells. Fighting only leads to you losing your focus, and in this class that is a very bad thing to do." Ms. Lily said firmly, her eyes traveling between Ember and the other filly. "Now, as homework, I want you each to explore what magic has already come naturally to you and categorize it. There are seven types of magic, Augmentation, Kinetic, Arcane, Divination, Oracle, Elemental, and of course, Wild. You will find a definition and examples of each type in your "Basic Laws of Magic" textbooks on page eleven. If you have any trouble categorizing your form of magic, look for the closest match and I will help you individually tomorrow. For today's lesson, take out your Basic Laws text book and turn to page three. We will be covering the rules of learning magic; something every unicorn must learn before taking their first steps in magical practice."

Star smiled as she pulled her textbook out of her saddlebag and placed it neatly in the center of the table. She set her cloak lightly over the bags on the ground, and turned to page three.

As Celestia's sun moved ever slowly west in the sky, the school day came to a short pause with all classes being let out for lunch. Most took to the cafeteria, but two foals left with food trays in tow to walk to the outside tables. The outer courtyard was placed in the middle of the campus, with classrooms laid in a circular pattern around it. Lining the edge were various benches and wooden tables that seemed faded from exposure to the sun.

"I didn't know Basic Magic had so many rules." Ember's tray of food hovered above him as he walked to the nearest empty table and hopped up into a seat. Star was not far behind, and jumped into the seat next to him.

"Me neither, I would have expected that for Advanced Magic," said Star, as she took a bite out of a green apple, "I wonder what our magic categorizes as. What's yours?"

"Definitely Augmentation," Ember said through a mouthful of cupcake, "smithing requires it to receive training; if you can't work the forge with augmentation magic, then you can't complete the training. What about you?"

"I'm not sure yet... I'll read the section tonight and see but I have to do it after I'm done in the castle library; Princess Luna and I are looking for books there!"

"You should've seen the look on Lavender's face when she heard you were being taught by Luna," Ember said with a laugh, setting his cupcake down long enough to speak, "it was priceless. Nopony'll think twice about messing with the student of a Princess. You're set for the whole school year."

"I would rethink that last statement." A familiar voice called, one that made Ember roll his eyes. Glancing over their shoulders, the duo found themselves looking back at Stormcall. "Nopony is untouchable here."

"What now Stormcall?" Ember rolled his eyes as he spoke.

"I was just wondering how your first class went, that's all."

"It was fine, thank you." It was Star's turn to speak, and she did so in a firm way. Letting Ember take the brunt of Stormcall's talk was not an option now; the stun of the first day had worn off with homeroom and Equestrian History. "...is there anything else?" she added quickly, as if unsure of the addition.

"Indeed. I hear your in the apprenticeship of Princess Luna."

"You bet your left hoof she is." Ember said bluntly.

"Interesting," Stormcall paused as if taking the confirmation into account, "a shame. Why would she waste her--"

"'Ey there Stormcall, lay off will ya?" A fourth voice joined in, originating from some distance across the outside courtyard. Stormcall's gaze traveled to his left to find himself watching possibly the tiniest filly anypony had ever seen strutting towards him as if she owned the world. Each step was deliberate and confident. The dark blue filly walked until she was nose to nose with the foal who seemed twice her size. "You sir, need a lesson or two in leaving others alone. Take a lesson from the artists here and brush off, huh?" Her golden gaze narrowed as she turned on her heels and flicked her tail across his face before strutting towards Ember and Star.

"Indigo," Stormcall cleared his throat in an irritated way, "What a... pleasure, to have you here."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're head over hoof, aren't ya?" Indigo countered with a toss of her ebony black mane. "Now I'm sure you have somewhere to be so we'll be seeing ya, right? Right. Trot along now." As if she was meant to be there, Indigo sprung her tiny frame into the seat across from Ember and Star, who stared at her in disbelief.

"As a matter of fact, I do. Unfortunately you've wasted my time here. We'll just continue this later." Stormcall's gaze never left Indigo as he rounded the table and turned his back on the trio. Never once did he look back as he left them to their tableside talk.

"Don't take it to heart guys, Stormcall's an ego trip just waiting to happen at every possible moment. So, what'cha names, hmm?"

Ember and Star glanced at eachother once, then twice as if unsure of how to react to this nearly overwhelming personality.

"Quiet ones, hmm? Hell then, I'll go first. Name's Indigo, I'm in Intermediate Magic. Working on being an designer; it's my talent," standing up on the chair, a flick of her tail directed their attention to her cutiemark, a paintbrush with a broad stroke of gold extending from the brush. "yep, got that little thing half a moon ago, designin' the layout of my studio. Hoping to set one up by the time I get outta here," as Indigo sat back down, she turned her attention towards Star, "So, what's the name Princess?"

"Oh, uhh.. uh.." Star shook her head to regain her focus, "Starlight Cadenza-but call me Star... No cutiemark yet." Star said as steadily as she could. Indigo pointed her hoof at Ember.

"What about you?"

"Ember," the foal responded in a snap, "yeah, no cutiemark either."

"Eh, don't get ya tails in a twist over it, everypony gets one sooner or later. What kinds'a magic ya working with?"

"Augmentation, need to it be a guard-smith some day. Star here's gonna be a guard too." Ember replied as Indigo leaned forward on the table, slouching slightly.

"No kiddin'? Kickin' tail with the uniform armor and everything? Not bad, not bad at all. You working with augmentation too kid?"

"Well..." Star paused thoughtfully, "I'm not sure yet, I don't know what my magic is; I need to read the Basic Laws book first."

"Fine by me. Basic hmm? Alrighty then, looks like I gotta transfer." Indigo tossed her head slightly, trying to get her long bangs to stay out of her face.

"Transfer?" Ember asked, tilting his head.

"Well duh, gotta be where the friends are, right?" Indigo spoke as if the answer was obvious, which earned a smile from Star.

"Sure!" She exclaimed happily.

"But, you're in Intermediate. Why go to Basic?" Ember asked, unsure if he should let the filly transfer to a lesser class.

"Lemme tell ya a secret, kid. Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced, magic is worthless without the heart to back it up. And while you're learning skills in your class, you can bet your lucky horseshoe that you're learning more than the snobs in the "Advanced" classes ever will, 'cause all that mattered to those high society ponies is when the next party is so they can cozy up with others like them who wouldn't know more than a levitation spell if a spell book fell out of their flank." Indigo leaned forward on the table again as she spoke, her front hooves crossed and her gold eyes steady. "I'd rather learn some magic with a few friends than learn none with some stuck up know-it-alls."

"So we're friends then?" Star cut in as soon as Indigo finished, and did so smiling. Indigo smirked and held her hoof out,

"Ya learn quick, don't ya kid?" She responded sarcastically. Star smiled again and almost threw her hoof forward, meeting Indigo's with a sharp clop. "Now it's official. You in on this Ember?" Ember grinned widely, and joined in the hoofbump before the trio fell back onto their seats. "See y'all tomorrow in Basic Magic then. I gotta go get a transfer. Cya later kids."

Chapter Four. The Princess and the Apprentice

"You two take forever to get outta class, you know that?" Indigo said as she took the lead. Behind her Ember and Star ran down the halls as a long bell toll signaled the end of the school day.

"I had to make a list of the books I needed, otherwise I would've been out of history class before the bell rang." Star said as her tiny hooves moved quickly over the polished ground.

"Where do we go now? We've got at least a few hours before sunset, and homeroom's assignment takes all of ten minutes to finish." Ember slowed the group to a halt at the end of the hall. Across the hall, the front doors were nearly unable to be seen behind a mod of unicorns who flocked to the outside world.

"Oh! The castle! I could show you Princess Luna's tower; it's where I'm staying!"

"Living in the castle with the Princesses; lucky filly. I'm in. Ember?" Indigo and Star looked excitedly towards Ember.

"Sure thing!" The colt said, setting the three in motion. The three weaved their way between the older, taller unicorns, and burst out of the front doors right under the hooves of a full grown mare and her two friends. Outside, Star broke into a sprint as her eyes met a midnight blue mare waiting for her. The sea of ponies parted to walk a distance around Luna, giving excited glances and whispered words, wondering why the princess of the night were here at Celestia's school. Luna however, did not seem to notice the glances and whispers, as Star came barreling toward her and nearly collided with her front legs. Luna gave Star a pat on her head as her student stood proudly next to her, before her gaze met the two foals who had followed Star. Ember and Indigo seemed in awe of the princess, who towered over them even more than the other adult unicorn students.

"It looks like your first day went just fine. You've made two friends already, hmm?" Luna said with a smile.

"Mhmm! This is Ember and Indigo!" The mention of their names made Ember and Indigo bow their heads towards the princess. Star bounced from Luna back over to her friends, earning a soft laugh from Luna.

"A pleasure to meet you both. Where are you all off to in such a hurry?"

"I was going to show them the castle! Can we explore it?" Star asked with a bounce in place.

Luna chuckled at the charm Star continued to express, and gave a glance at her two friend who eagerly beamed at her.

"Of course you may-" Before Luna could continue speaking Star jumped up happily with a loud,

"Yes!"

"-but Star," Luna continued, holding out a hoof to regain the filly's attention. "only until sunset. Along with what you schooling calls for tonight, we have somewhere to be."

"Okay! Thank you, Luna!" Star yelled as she and her friends broke off in a sprint for the castle walls.

Luna watched as the trio took off, a smile on her face. This was the best start to schooling that she could have hoped for her little student.

"That's the tower I'm staying in!" Star threw her hoof forward to point at the western most tower which housed Luna's observatory. "There's a whole observatory in there!"

As Ember and Indigo gazed up at the white and gold embellished tower, Star trotted forward and as she approached the massive front doors of the castle, the two guards on either side bowed their heads.

"Good afternoon, Princess." One guard said politely, as the other opened the doors for her.

"Thank you." Star responded just as politely, and gestured with a wave of her hoof for her friends to follow her.

Once inside, Indigo watched the doors close behind her with a short echo into the halls.

"All this to yourself? I should try being a princess sometime." said Indigo as she nudged Star with a hoof.

"Well, not entirely. Celestia and Luna are here too after all. The only place Luna and I have to ourselves is the tower; I don't think Celestia goes there much." Star lead her friends down the halls at a brisk trot, their hoofsteps muffled by the long lengths of thick, soft carpeting. Down one side of the hall, large stained glass imaged detailed pieces of Equestrian history.

Star took the group around one last corner and out of the doorway leading to the tower's spiral staircase. With tiny legs scrambling furiously the trio climbed each step as quickly as possible. Star was the first to reach the top, and pushed open the doors with her front hooves.

"Storm, I'm back!" She called happily as she dropped her saddlebags and her cloak beside the door. As Indigo and Ember reached the top of the stairs and followed Star inside, they found themselves staring in awe at the room before them. Their eyes were locked on the shining telescope that dominated the room. It was the sudden chirping that broke their gaze, and they found a small blue bird hopping up onto Star's foreleg.

"This is Storm, he's the ice phoenix I hatched for my enrollment test; Luna let me keep him!" Star said with a smile as the bird flapped his wings quickly.

"Ice phoenix? Woah." Ember leaned forward on his front hooves, looking closely at the hatchling's shining blue plumage. "I only had a canary's egg for my test! He's so cool!"

"I didn't even know ice phoenixes existed." Indigo spoke slowly as she looked at the little bird, as if she was deep in thought.

"Neither did I!" Star exclaimed as she gently set her pet down. "Come on! I'll show you around!" Star turned and ran towards the most obvious object in the room, the telescope. She stood beside it, dwarfed by its size, and held a hoof up to it as she spoke.

"This is Luna's telescope! She lets me use it at night to look at the stars; I even saw a comet last night!" Just as she finished speaking, she galloped over to the large star chart, and hopped up on the chair next to the desk below it. "And this is where she charts stars! I think every star in the sky is on this, but, I don't know what all these numbers are yet." Star gestured to various numbered lines on the chart.

It was Indigo who took an interest in the telescope, where as Ember found himself lost in the maze of dots that plotted constellations and various other stars.

"I wish I could paint something like this, or even just design something like it! There's so many pieces, I can't believe it," Indigo paused dramatically, turned away with a toss of her mane, "I might cry; that's just gorgeous. Star, you have to let me sketch that sometime." indigo grinned as walked over to Star and Ember, resisting the urge to stare at the work of mechanical art behind her.

"Sure thing, Indigo! Anytime!" Star said happily.

"Having a princess for a friend has it's perks, doesn't it? Thanks, kid." Indigo trotted down the table and Star jumped off the chair. "So what's in there?"

Star looked down the side of the room towards the furthest door on the right.

"Oh, I haven't really been able to look in there much. Everything has these heavy covers on them; I couldn't lift them by myself," Star explained.

"Well you have two other unicorns now, how about we take a look-see?" Star nodded quickly, and looked over her shoulder for Ember. The chestnut foal quickly looked from the star chart to his waiting friends, and followed them as they ran into the side room.

"Woah, when you said 'covers', you really meant it." Ember said as he stopped at the doorway, letting the fillies enter first. Directly to their right was the first covered item, a tall rectangular shape that reached all the way to the ceiling. Across from them at the middle part of the wall appeared to be a table covered in white sheeting. On either side of table shaped object were smaller rectangular shapes covered in the same material.

"Well, let's get to work. Easiest first." said Indigo as she walked to the smaller object on the left of the table. The three lined up side by side, each lowering their horns toward the cover.

"On three. One. Two. Three." Three streams of magic surrounded the cover, easily lifting it up and off the box which now lay revealed on a small table. The box was a dark red that shined even in the dim light let in by the window over the desk. The top was marked with gold symbols, and a single button latch held it shut.

"My dad has a box like that!" Ember exclaimed as he put his front hooves up on the table's edge to get a better look at the box. "It's called a Rune Cage; The blacksmiths use them to sort runes that they put in armor pieces for magic effects. The box is usually enchanted to keep the magic from leaking out of the runes."

"Rune cage. That sounds cool, is there anything in it Ember?" Star asked as she stepped forward and put her hooves up on the table beside the colt.

"Let's see." Ember tapped the button lock on the box and slowly the top swung open on its hinge. Inside, laid neatly in individual place holders, lay several rune symbols carved expertly into smooth, polished stones.

"Aww, they're pretty!" Star giggled as she touched one of the stones with her hoof. "How do they work, Ember?" She asked excitedly.

"Well, from what I've seen my dad do, the stones hold the enchantment until the armor can be completed. Metal doesn't hold magic well by itself, so the blacksmiths use these runes for the enchantment instead. I can't remember why runes hold magic better," Ember paused in thought, "I think it had something to do with, earth? Something like that. Each symbol does something different too, and they're not just for armor; they can be used for weapons, alchemy, even good luck!"

Indigo took a look at the runes and tilted her head at how strange the symbols seemed.

"Hard to believe there's still magic in them, they seem pretty normal to me. Maybe the magic's worn off?" Indigo asked as she pushed a few runes around with her hoof.

"Could be that they were never enchanted -rune cages usually do a pretty good job of keeping the magic in- or maybe they're for alchemy instead."

"Huh, cool either way. How about we see what's behind cover number two?" Indigo put her hooves back on the ground and the three went to the cover across from the box. The second object was similar in size, and pulling down the sheet revealed another box laid over the top of a small table.

Indigo was the first to investigate the box, and found that upon opening it the room was filled with a cornucopia of smells. Inside, stored in small leather bags tied in smaller strips of leather, seemed to be small collections of various plants.

"My bet is on alchemy ingredients. Every alchemist has a storage box like this."

"And is smells amazing." Star said as she breathed in the floral scents emanating from the box. Her wings fluttered as she released her deep breath and followed her friends to the next cover.

As they has guessed, beneath it was a simple large table and chair. The table lacked everything other than small cracks on its edges from the heat let in through the window.

"Well that's boring compared to the last ones. Let's hope we saved the best for last." The trio turned towards the cover that stretched all the way to the ceiling.

"Alright, on three." Indigo said in preparation.

Star planted her hooves firmly on the ground, swishing her tail in anticipation. Ember did the same, and made sure all four hooves were firmly placed before the count of three. On the count all three streams of magic grasped the sheeting and pulled it outwards with as much force as they could gather.

For three small foals who had just begun to familiarize themselves with magic, the effort was met with the reward of the heavy sheet falling to the ground with a think plum of dust.

Indigo quickly covered her muzzle with her foreleg to avoid the sneezing that reached Star and Ember.

"Sheesh this thing must have been covered for awhile." Looking up, they found the sheet had covered a towering book shelf. Stored on the lower most shelf were various glass tubes, beakers and other tools used for scientific works and experiments in alchemy. Further up the shelves were lined with thick books, many of which had scrolls stuffed and laid on top of them.

"Now that is some bookshelf." Indigo said as she stared up at the collections. "Let's see what kind of books you have. I'll pass them to you, Star, and you pass them to Ember. Ember, you put them on the table, okay?"

"Got it." The pair said in unison and they backed away from the shelf. Ember pushed the chair out with his front hooves and hopped up onto the seat. Star took her place between them and readied herself for the first book.

The trio passed a total of three books to the table, and when the last one was laid down, they all gathered on top of the table to look at the books Indigo had taken off the shelf.

"I can't even pronounce some of this stuff!" Star exclaimed as she looked over the intricate book covers. Each had a thick binding with a title in large letters. One even had a jeweled decoration over the letters. "Equestrian Tradition and Cu... Cul..?"

"Culture." Ember said kindly.

"Oh, thanks." Star said with a smile as she glanced from the book to the colt in front of her. "What about that one?" She pointed to the smallest of the books on the table, one with a blue cover and gold lettering, before opening the book of Equestrian culture in front of her.

"Looks like..." Indigo turned the book towards her. "Ah, looks like a book of the things in Equestria, you know, flora and fauna. Except, this one doesn't have any fauna."

"Fauna?" asked Star, tilting her head slightly.

"I heard the teachers talking about it before my enrollment test. Fauna means animals, and I guess since flora sounds like flower, maybe it means plants? Seems like it considering this is a book of plants." A slight pause followed as Indigo flipped through the pages. "That and it's called Equestrian Flora and Fauna, Book One. Fauna's probably book two or somethin'."

"Huh, that sounds cool. What about you Ember? What does yours say?" Star said as she looked over at the book Ember had been flipping through.

"No idea, I can't even read this." Ember said as he levitated the book in front of him, turning it over and over again as if that would help him understand the lettering inside.

"Can I see?" Star asked curiously, and Ember laid it down in front of her. The cover lettering was unrecognizable, but quite beautiful. It was black with murky light blue swirls across the binding. In the middle were the shapes of three different ponies. The middle was a pegasus. It's wings were outstretched behind the trio. On the left was a unicorn, and the blue swirls seemed to originate from its horn. Finally, on the right was an earth pony, and beside it were three small shapes that resembled blooming flowers.

"Nice picture; wonder what it says? Is it short-hoof or something?" Indigo asked as she tilted her head at the strange writing.

"Nah, short-hoof is more... You know; short." Ember said as he sat back on the table. "Maybe it's just something we can't read yet."

"I'll ask Luna what it is when she gets back! Wanna look around more in the meantime? I can show you my secret room!" Star said excitedly.

"I didn't see any other room here though." Indigo said.

"That's because it's secret! I'll show you!" Star emphasized as she turned and leaped off the table, landing on the floor with small thuds from her hooves. In haste to keep up, Indigo and Ember jumped down after her.

As Ember followed after Indigo, his hoof clipped the black book and sent it sliding across the table, where it fell off the back. The foals were already to focused on the possibility of a secret room to notice.

"Alright, so you have to push this stone block right here, and the door opens!" Star said as she put her front hooves on the stone that opened the door to her bedroom. As the stone gave way, the doorway shifted inward, then slid to the side to allow them to pass. Star picked Storm up and set him on her back before leading the group into the room.

"This used to be Luna's room, but she stays in the castle now. She let me stay here while I'm in school." Star walked inside and let Storm hop up onto the bed before she sat down to let her friends look around.

"Sheesh kid, you have everything." Indigo said as she traced the room and its contents; the polished desk with an ample supply of parchment and quills, the bed that was two sizes to big for a full grown mare, and the two bookshelves in the corner of the room.

"Well it's all thanks to Luna; she's so nice!" Star said happily. "She's even letting me be her apprentice! She's going to help me with my magic!"

"Looks like Filly Luck is looking out for you. Only your first day and you're set for life."

Star smiled as the trio sat down on the thick carpet at the foot of the bed.

"Well you guys know pretty much everything about me now, what about you guys? Ember I know you want to be a blacksmith; who's training you?" Star asked as she laid down, tucking her front hooves under her chest.

"My dad mostly, but when he can't I take lessons with the other blacksmith soldiers. I can't do much right now except watch and learn their techniques; I'm not allowed to work with the forge until I'm a little older."

"You should make my armor when I become a guard! It could be practice for you and I'd love for a friend to make it!"

"Well sure I could make it! Only, I don't think we make any armor sets for mares. Come to think of it, I think only the Princesses have armor, and they only wear it when something's really wrong."

"Well I'm a princess too, and I'll need armor too when something's really wrong!" Star urged with a nod of her head.

"Well... Yeah, I guess you would. Alright! I'll make you one someday!" Ember said in his usual friendly tone. Star grinned happily before both of them looked toward Indigo.

"What about you Indigo? Are you anyone's apprentice?"

"Nope!" Indigo said quickly, "I'm teaching myself right now, learning my own way. I like it that way, where it's just me and only me doing what only I want to do, without having to follow someone else."

"Teaching yourself?" Star seemed surprised, and she leaned closer as if to hear more, "But how do you learn new things if you teach yourself?"

"Oh that's easy, kid." Indigo sat back on her haunches with a smile. "I read a lot. Any artist you can think of, designer, painter, sculptor, everyone, they all have books about their pieces. I like reading about how they made each work, especially the fashion designers; I could see myself designing clothes one day, and being a painter of course."

"That's so cool!" Ember said, impressed by the filly's independence. "That must be why you got your cutiemark so early!"

"It's pretty fun." Indigo said thankfully. "And hey, I might just be an early bloomer, you two will be getting your cutiemarks in no time, I'm sure."

"Well then how about we get started on that? We could get homeroom's assignment done before you guys go home." Star offered. Indigo and Ember both nodded in return.

"Sounds good, no homework to worry about is always a good thing." Indigo added as she and Ember set their own saddlebags on the floor and pulled out their Basic Laws of Magic textbooks.

"Be right back then, I left my saddlebags at the door." Star stood up and quickly trotted out into the observatory to retrieve her saddlebags.

As Star grabbed the strap connecting the two bags in her mouth, she immediately jumped and dropped it at the sudden sound of a voice overhead.

Magic is a thing of beauty, but your magic is more than beautiful, Little Star. It is also immensely powerful. You'll find the answers one day, and I will be your guide.

"Huh? H-hello? Hello?" Star looked around the observatory quickly, but saw nothing. The voice seemed to have come from everywhere at once, but only she occupied the room. "Hello?" She asked one more time. Only silence answered her. After a few moment in quiet, Star picked up her bags and backed towards her room. She only turned around when she was in the doorway of her room, where she walked to join Ember and Indigo while looking over her shoulder.

"What's up, Star?" Ember asked as he looked up from his open text book.

"I... I just thought I heard something." Star said dismissively as she shook her head and pulled out her own book.

"It could have been one of the pegasi guards flying by. I would guess a castle is always noisy during the day." Ember reassured her. Star nodded in agreement and she laid down and laid her book in front of her, flipping the pages until she found the categories of magic.

A short study session later resulted in Indigo and Ember both putting their books away after marking the page they found their category of magic on as well as the example that best fit them.

From the windows lining the outer edge of Star's bedroom, large streams of dark orange sunlight streamed in. The sun was hanging lower in the sky, turning it lovely rich shades of pink, purple, orange and yellow.

Star starred down at the final page of examples in her textbook, eyes narrowed as she reached the end of the page. Finally, she sighed and closed the book.

"Nothing." She said flatly.

"Huh? You can't find which kind of magic you are?" Indigo asked as she picked up her saddlebags and swung them over her back.

"Nu-uh. Nothing matches me." Star shrugged her shoulders as she sat up, setting the book aside so that it leaned up against her own saddlebags.

"You sure you're not missing anything?" Indigo asked.

"Yeah, but nothing covers light magic." Star shook her head as she sat up slowly.

"Don't worry Star, you can just ask Ms. Lily tomorrow." said Ember as he smiled reassuringly.

"Yeah, I'll do that." Star stood up as the three of them walked out of Star's room and into the observatory. "So, meet you guys tomorrow?"

"Sure thing. How about the front steps again?" Ember asked, receiving an enthusiastic nod from Star.

"Fine by me, we'll see you then. Come on Ember, it's getting late. Goodnight, Star." Indigo gestured for Ember to follow her.

"Cya later Star, 'night!" Ember said with a wave of his hoof as he reached the large double doors of the tower's entrance.

"G'night guys!" Star waved back happily as she sat back on her haunches. A series of chirps made her look down. Beside her, Storm flapped one of his wings in a waving gesture before looking up at Star.

"Think you'll be okay here by yourself when I go to school from now on?" Star asked with a small laugh, tossing her mane out of her face. Storm chirped lightly in response. "Don't worry, I get weekends off and even summer break so we can go outside and play then! You even get to come to school with me for my Nature Magic class!" Star smiled happily as the chick hopped up onto her foreleg and flapped his wings excitedly.

"It appears as if someone had a very good first day of school."

Star looked up to see Luna standing in the doorway, smiling warmly.

"I did! It was so fun!" Star exclaimed as her teacher walked closer to her. She noticed that Luna had her own saddlebags laid over her back. "Do you have school too, Luna?" She asked with a curious tilt of her head. Luna chuckled in reply.

"No, Star. We must recover books left behind long ago, in a place long abandoned." Luna gestured for Star to follow her with a single wave of her hoof. Star let Storm sit on her back as she followed Luna across the observatory and out onto the balcony. There, Luna watched quietly as the sun began to dip just past the horizon.

"Tell me, Star, do you fly yet?" Luna asked as she gazed out over the expansion of land before her.

Star's gaze fell from Luna onto the stone floor.

"Well," Star paused for a moment before sighing heavily, "no." She said quietly while running the edge of her hoof over the ground. Luna looked over at her apprentice, and smiled before laying a hoof on her shoulder.

"It is alright. All in good time, Star. I can carry you this time."

"Where are we going?" Star asked.

"To my sister's castle, the castle where we lived as foals. There are things I wish to retrieve to assist you in your studies." Luna looked towards the horizon as the sun began to disappear behind it. "Watch, Star. This could be what you are one day capable of."

Star looked up as she saw the edge of a crescent moon begin to raise into the sky. Luna's magic made it seem so easy, and Star watched in awe of it.

"Would you mind helping me with the stars? They seem a little dim tonight." Luna asked with a smile. Star grinned widely as she put her front hooves up on the rails of the balcony.

After just a few moments the moon was set in motion, and around it small groups of stars twinkled lively. Constellations painted the now darkened sky.

More than satisfied, Luna knelt down and let Star climb onto her back. On the floor, Storm chirped in attempt to be let on as well.

"I apologize little one, but this time you must stay here." Luna said calmly.

"I'll be back soon Storm, don't worry!" Star said as she reached down to pat his head gently.

Luna unfurled her wings and with a strong downward stroke she lifted herself into the air. She looked over her shoulder to be sure her tiny passenger was alright after the take off, and Star was excitedly looking down at the ground as she loosely held onto Luna's neck to keep still. After seeing that the enthusiastic filly seemed steady, Luna dove from the balcony, letting her wings catch the draft as she glided smoothly over the Canterlot castle gardens.

Star laughed as the rush of wind caught her mane and sent it flying backward. She extended her tiny wings and felt the short feathers catch the updrafts made by each stroke of Luna's wings.

"I apologize in taking so long to give your first lesson, Star. It is something we will have to grow accustomed too; you may have to begin accompanying me more often."

"I don't mind, that sounds fun!" Star replied happily as she looked out over the rapidly passing ground beneath them. Star clambered higher onto Luna's long neck and placed herself right behind her black crown.

"Hold on," Luna smiled as she gave a power downward stroke of her wings and propelled herself very quickly upward. As she did so, she partially tucked a wing inward to twist circularly until she reached a high enough altitude. Star giggled excitedly as she threw her head back and let the wind fly past. As Luna extended her wings again into a smooth glide, Star looked down to see the entirety of Canterlot below them, tall towers and spires appearing as small as her hoof and houses no bigger than her tiny horn.

"It looks so tiny from up here!" Star nearly yelled in her excitement while clinging tightly to Luna's neck.

"I thought so too when I was young. Celestia would carry me over our old castle when I was a filly; that was when I could not yet control the rise and fall of the moon. Over a thousand years ago." Luna's voice trailed off softly as she closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the cold air travel over every feather of her wings.

"So, you didn't always live in Canterlot then?" Star asked curiously, peeking over the edge of Luna's crown as the princess looking back at her.

"Not at all. I didn't live in Canterlot until... well, until I came back to Equestria. Before then, we lived in the Everfree Forest. Look there, you'll see the tallest towers over the trees." Luna and Star looked to the large expanse of trees that marked Equestria's largest forest; Everfree. Star squinted as she leaned forward to attempt to see better. Just over the green canopy she saw two thin gray shapes rising into the dark sky.

"I think I see them! Over there!" Star called excitedly as she pointed a hoof in their direction.

"Keen eyes, little Star." Luna praised with a smile as she gave multiple powerful strokes of her wings to propel them over the forest with speed.

"My mom said that Everfree is "dark and mysterious"." Star said while waving her hooves over her head as if to make her words sound more spooky.

"It was for a very long time. When Discord reigned, the forest contained many Seeds of Chaos that spread roots of darkness over every plant and creature. For many a century no pony would dare venture into its boarders. It was thanks to Princess Twilight Sparkle that the seeds were eradicated and freed me and my sister in the process. Now the Elements of Harmony have begun to heal the damage, though it will be long before the forest can return to the beautiful land it once was."

Star looked down at the shadows cast over the trees, wondering what could be found lurking below them.

"It is for that reason that you must always stay close to me when we enter the forest. While in the castle, we must be wary. The walls are weak and the floors are crumbling. It may be dangerous."

"I'll be careful! I promise!" Star said as Luna began slow herself. Her wings tilted backwards until she hovered in the air, her dark blue eyes slowly looking over the outside of the castle. Once satisfied that it was deserted, Luna let herself gently glide down to the ground and softly settled all four hooves on the grasses that sprouted up at the end of the stone bridge outside of the castle.

Star stayed perched on Luna's neck, suddenly finding herself once again dwarfed by her surroundings. The trees leading back into the forward stretched menacingly towards her. The shadow of the castle fell over her in a heavy black cloak. Star lowered her head behind Luna's crown, her ears falling back timidly. Luna felt the filly's nose bury into her celestial mane, and looked over her shoulder with a gentle smile.

"Do not be afraid Star. Do you remember the darkness of the observatory?" Luna asked quietly. Star looked up at Luna, slowly pulling her head up.

"We're ponies of the night?" Star spoke timidly.

"Yes. The night will always be frightening at times. We are afraid of the stories we hear about the darkness and its creatures. We are afraid of what lurks in the shadows, but something is only as frightening as we allow it to be." Luna stepped onto the stone bridge as she spoke, and gracefully leaped over a large fallen portion as Star seemed to come out from hiding behind her crown. "Whenever something frightened me, I would think about something that I loved, like my sister, the moon, or flying. Why don't you try that? And remember; I'm here."

"Okay, I'll try." Star said quietly as Luna gave a small smile in return. "Well I... I-I love my dad! He let's me come with him on guard duty sometimes!" Star suddenly perked up, looking over the edge of Luna's crown again with a large grin.

"Ah so that's where you're dream of being a guard comes from. You see? Not so scary then, is it?"

"Not really. It's still really dark in there though." Star squinted to try and see past the doorway that seemed to lead to a wall of darkness. One door was crooked and only partially still hinged in place while the other had fallen to the ground long ago.

"It will always be dark when night falls. It is a time to rest for most creatures. You must learn to see past the darkness; your lessons with me will always be at night." Luna stepped forward, unphased by the darkness beyond the arched doorway. Within the castle, Luna's larger eyes saw the outlines of shapes and objects in the darkness, while Star saw only blackness.

"I can't see, Luna." Star whispered as she waved her hoof in front of her face and saw no movement.

Suddenly a soft blue glow emanated from Luna's horn, casting light over the stone interior of the castle. Luna looked towards the end of the opening chamber that once lead to two tall thrones. The thrones were worn, with Luna's being broken half way up the back and Celestia's worn into ruins. Large tapestries hung over them with the few repairs graciously done by Princess Twilight and her loyal friends.One sight that Luna's eyes lingered on for a long time, was a decorative arch between the two thrones. A large chunk had been beaten out of it. Behind it, the wall and large glass window were cracked and shattered, pieces of them lying about the floor of the throne room.

"There can only be one Princess in Equestria, and that Princess will be me!"

The words echoed through me mind until Luna forced herself to look away, letting the archway fall into shadow once more as she turned down a hallway.

"Luna? Luna are you okay? You're not scared are you?" Star asked as she looked down at the princess. Luna smiled and shook her head.

"No, Star. This castle holds many memories of mine. Some are heavier than others." Luna walked down the hallway quietly, though each step echoed slightly in the heavy silence of the castle walls. "I remember the library being... Ah, here." Luna used her front hooves to push open the door, the rotted wood easily giving way and crumbling at the smallest pressure. As dust rose in a cloud around them, Luna stepped into the dark room and sent the light from her horn out in front of them. There it split into multiple orbs of light that spread out over the large library, revealing shelves upon shelves of old books.

"Are the books okay? Everything's so dusty in here." Star said as she covered her muzzle with her hooves.

"Unlike the castle, the books were enchanted to allow them to withstand the ages. The castle we knew would decay, but the books needed to be protected so their knowledge would not be lost."

"What are we looking for then? I can help!" Star said as she hopped down from Luna's back and turned to face her.

"Alright, we need four books tonight. One is called "Ethereal Derived Magic and Alchemy"; a grimoire I used during my years of training as a filly. The other three are simply called "The Nocturnals". You look for the Nocturnal books; they'll be easier for you to find anyway. They should all be black books. The first one has a flower on it, it looks like a white lily."

"Got it!" Star turned and looked at the shelves lined end to end with seemingly countless books all covered in thick dust but otherwise in perfect condition. Her bright violet eyes traced the bottom shelves with the help of the orbs of light shining above.

Luna's decorative shoes sent out echoes with each step as she moved over holes in the floor and leaped easily over fallen pillars and sections of wall. At the back of the library were the ruins of a once beautiful and cozy sitting room. Large cushioned seats and thick carpets were now just distant memories eaten away by insects and time. To one side of the sitting room was a large desk with tall stacks of books lining the back of it.

During her foalhood Luna remembered the warmth of the large fireplace as she and Celestia lay curled up with each other, a stack of books at their side as they read stories of fantasy and adventure. A smile found its way to her face as she glanced over the covers that depicted valiant soldier stallions and beautiful mares of royal blood. Luna looked from the large stacks of foal stories to those scattered about the room, her eyes slowly glancing over the titles to locate the grimoire.

Luna pushed her way around the rotted wooden frame of a large chair, pulling her saddlebags free when the threads caught on the splintered pieces. On a small side table, covered by layers of grime, Luna wiped away the dust and dirt from a decorative cover. Exposed to the light of the orbs, the bright green cover glittered as Luna softly blew the final layer of dust away.

"There you are." Luna said quietly as she lifted the grimoire into the air, her eyes slowly tracing over the elegant gold lettering of the title "Ethereal Derived Magic and Alchemy" before she placed it carefully into her saddlebag. "Right where I left you."

"H-Hey! Luna, I think I found one!" The loud cascade of falling books that followed Star's voice made Luna quickly leap into the air with a powerful stroke of her wings and land heavily on the ground only to find Star partially buried under three large books. "Oops." Star giggled as she wiggled out from under them and shook her mane until it fell correctly to one side again. "See! Found 'em!"

Luna shook her head and chuckled as she walked down the isle between the book shelves as Star pushed two books towards her. Lowing her head, Luna examined the covers of the books. The title was written in a language very different from that of Equestria, and from the lettering extended swirls of light blue. On one cover they formed the shape of a white flower, while on the other they created the detailed outline of a large pair of wings.

"I found these two on the shelf up there!" Star jumped up at high as she could, just barely able to put her hoof up to the second shelf from the ground.

"Only the two? There should be three." Luna said as she looked over the shelf for the missing volume.

"What does it look like?" Star asked curiously while tilting her head to the side.

"The final one should be..." Luna's voice trailed off as she tried to recall the cover of the final book. "I remember it having three ponies on it. A pegasus, unicorn and earth pony."

"Ember found a book like that in the observatory!" Star exclaimed with a excited jump in place.

"Oh?" Luna raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps it was accidentally brought to the castle without the others. You're sure about your friend finding that exact book?"

"Yep, I was gonna ask you about it since we couldn't read it! I forgot though."

"Well then we should return to the castle, it's late enough as it is, and you have school tomorrow." Luna knelt down as Star began to scramble onto her back, and let the little Princess settle herself just behind her crown again. The two walked quietly out of the crumbling castle and out into the night once more.

"Uhh.. Luna...? About school," Star began quietly, as if unsure how to continue.

"Yes, Star?" replied Luna as she unfurled her wings and leaped into the air, her wings catching the soft night breeze and carrying her further into the sky.

"Well, Ms. Lily wanted us to figure out what kind of magic we use. I tried reading the book, but I couldn't find mine. What should I tell her?"

"Star, your magic cannot be found in a book." Luna smiled as she spoke, and looked back at the filly who tilted her head at her.

"I can't?" asked Star.

"The kinds of magic spoken of in school books in common magic; various classifications of magic that unicorns use almost every day. However, over the years that my sister and I have ruled, unicorns have lost much of their magic abilities. Did you know that unicorns raised the sun and moon before my sister and I adopted the task?"

"That's in the Hearths Warming Eve story my mom told me. They really did that? It's not just a ponytale?"

"Oh, far from it, Star. It's our history, though it does sound like it could be a ponytale; it has been more than two thousand years since unicorns possessed magic of that caliber though. Now, while still strong, they are much weaker than they once were. Your magic in unique, remember?"

"But, what kind of unique? I need to tell Ms. Lily what kind it is; it's my homework."

Luna chuckled at Star's statement, and shook her head slowly.

"The only title you could apply to your magic, is Alicorn magic. We still have yet to test the limits of your power; but that will wait until you are older. You must master the basics, before you can uncover the unknown."

"Alicorn magic. I'll remember that." Star repeated quietly as she laid her head down in the celestial mane of her mentor, her eyes heavy as she watched the stars pass overhead.

As the flight to the castle seemed to drag on, Star's eyes fell closed, and Luna extended her wings and let the wind gently carry them home to Canterlot.

Once on the balcony, Luna quietly walked through the dark room only to hear the patter of little feet beside her.

"She's asleep, Storm. I'm afraid you must wait to see her until morning." Luna said quietly, receiving a chirp in reply as she opened the hidden door to Star's room. Without waking her, Luna laid Star gently on her bed and pulled the thick covers over her. In the same silence, Luna left the tower, and resumed her vigil over the citizens of Equestria.

In the darkness of the room, Star turned over in her bed, unaware of the presence that lurked in her doorway.

Oh, little shining Star, I think it's time I finally talk to you. Your mentor's chaperoning along with those friends of yours has kept me from properly introducing myself. Awaken.

"Huh..? Luna?" Star's eyes opened, though she saw nothing but darkness.

Hello, my little one.

"You! H-Hey, where are you? I knew I heard someone!" Star stood up on her bed, sleep still heavy in her eyes despite the eagerness to find out who spoke in the blackness.

Indeed you did. You heard a friend. I've been waiting to meet you face to face.

"W-who are you, I can't see you." Star asked as she squinted and tried to see through the darkness.

As I said, I am a friend. I was once a very important pony, a High Priestess as a matter of fact. I want to help you unlock the secrets of your powers of night.

"High Priestess...? But, Luna's already helping me."

It won't hurt. I can show you what Luna cannot; unlimited possibilities in the realm of Alicorn magic. Your destiny lies with the Nocturnals, little Star. You cannot see me now, but in time, if we help each other, we will meet.

"I-I guess... I guess I can help you, but, I don't know how. Maybe Luna can."

Neither Luna nor anypony else may know I am speaking to you, Star. You must not speak of me to anypony, no matter what.

"But... then-then how do I help you..?" Star sat back on her bed, looking around the room as the voice seemed to surround her.

Simply trust me when I say this; the stars that fall to the earth can still be saved. Unlock the secrets of your magic, and you may replenish the magic lost in them, and return them to the skies when they are ready. Fear not, for I will help you understand when the time comes.

"You mean the shooting stars? My mom and I make wishes on them; I didn't know they were magic." Star said with a tilt of her head.

How else would your magic allow them to sparkle so brightly? You give them power, and they gather it. However, when their supply runs dry, they fall. You can save them however, bring them back here when you find them, and together we will place them back into the sky; and in doing so, become closer to restoring my physical form, then I shall be able to meet you.

"Huh, well if I can save the little stars, then sure! I'll keep a very close eye out for them! Then when you come back, you can show me more of my magic!"

There's a good filly. For now, sleep. You have many years ahead of you before you can gather enough power to help me. Until then, I'll be close. You'll keep my secret for me, won't you?

"Sure! Cross my heart!" Star said as she wiggled her way under her covers again and pulled them over herself.

Good. Then goodnight, little Star. Sweet dreams, princess.

Star snuggled her cheek against the soft pillow as the voice faded, and the presence that woke her then allowed her to fall back into a deep sleep. The night calmly went on, without a single thought of what secret was now safely and innocently harbored.

Chapter One. Following in Father's Hoofsteps

With the rising sun, came a sudden brightness to the room where Shining Armor slept. The moon had been lowered and Celestia had brought another glorious sunrise to Equestria.

As Shining Armor opened his eyes, he stretched his legs before pushing back the covers and setting his hooves on the ground. One glance across the room was enough to notice the already empty bed where Star had slept. Perhaps she had gone to explore the castle; this was a completely new castle to her after all.

Leaving the room, Shining Armor found himself nearly colliding with another pony in the hall. In taking a step back, he found it to be Luna.

"Shining Armor," said Luna, as she raised a hoof elegantly, "good morning, I was just coming to see if you are Star were ready to speak of her enrollment in my sister's school." Luna smiled, but the look in her eyes was glazed with exhaustion after an entire night of standing guard over her subjects.

"We would be, but Star's gone off exploring I think. I'll find her and meet you back at the throne room." Shining Armor said with a small laugh.

Luna tilted her head, but nodded towards him.

"Gone off, alone? You don't seem worried about that."

"Not at all. Star's a smart filly. Knowing her, she's running around the halls or out in the gardens. She's been so excited about coming her that I'm not surprised. I'll find her, don't worry." Shining Armor gave a smile, and received a single nod in return from Luna.

"Very well. We'll wait for you," said Luna before she turned and followed the hallway back the way she had come.

Shining Armor waited for the princess to round the corner before he followed the halls out towards the Canterlot Castle gardens. If Star had been up long enough, without a doubt she had already run through every hall and was now thoroughly determined to explore every inch of the castle grounds.

"Star...? Starlight?" Shining Armor called as he walked onto the lush garden path, bordered by rose bushes and oak trees that housed a wide variety of fauna. No answer came to his call, but as he walked on he noticed tiny hoof prints in between the flat stones that formed the path. A smile came to his face as he continued following the little trail.

However, Shining Armor paused when he noticed the trail changed direction. It veered suddenly to one side and out of a gated exit. This exit he recognized as leading into the courtyard of the castle barracks; the exit made easy access to getting in and out of the castle between shifts. He sighed, hoping the filly was not getting herself into trouble or interrupting the work of the guard.

"So the proper way to march is with your head back, chest out, and eyes forward. Think you can do that?"

Star stood beside a large pegasus stallion, clad in Canterlot Royal Guard armor. He demonstrated the correct way to march by strutting his way down the cobblestone courtyard.

"Head back," Star repeated as she drew her head back as proudly as she could, "chest out," and Star thrust her chest out dramatically, "and eyes forward. Got it! Watch this!" Star took dramatic steps that looked robotic and heavy. She stumbled slightly over a larger stone, but quickly regained her footing and continued on with her march. Every step was echoed with a loud clop of the hoof until she reached the stallion at the other side of the courtyard.

"Hey, you learn quick, kid. Look-e-here lieutenant, looks like we have a future recruit here, hmm?" The stallion's embellishment went unnoticed to Star, who only beamed at her accomplishment.

"Looks that way, huh? Well hey, every new recruit needs a helmet." The other stallion, a unicorn, sent his helmet hovering towards Star with a wisp of magic. Star grinned widely as it set down on her head, and nearly touched the ground as it did. But the sudden weight caused her to fall forward slightly with an "Oof."

A simple spell unhinged the lock and opened the shining white metal gate for Shining Armor as he entered the back end of the courtyard. Here, the yard was surrounded on all sides. Four long units consisting of two lodging stations, an armory and lastly a blacksmith's forge made up the entirety of the barracks. Even while being in the Crystal Empire for so long, Shining Armor remembered it like the back of his hoof.

Then, breaking his attention from past memories, a small "Oof," caught his attention. There, in the middle of the courtyard, little Star stood nearly completely concealed under a guard's helmet. A pegasus stallion chuckled at the sight of the little filly who tried to stand tall under the clearly four times too big helmet, and swept it easily off of her with a stroke of his wing.

"I think you're just a bit too small right now. Maybe when you've grown up a little, hmm?"

"I'm not that little!" Star protested with a joking half smile.

"There you are," Shining Armor interjected as he approached the two ponies, "I was wondering where you got off too."

"Shining Armor, sir." The pegasus straightened up as the captain approached, "Welcome back."

"Thank you, it's good to be back. I hope Star here wasn't causing any trouble." As Shining Armor spoke, Star trotted over to him and politely stood next to him with her head held high.

"None at all. She found her way here between the changing shifts, she's looking to be a new recruit someday by how she catches on with a helmet."

"I only stumbled once!" Star proclaimed proudly.

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow but ended up shaking his head hopelessly at the overly proud filly. At that age, any accomplishment is multiplied by a million, and in a very charming way.

"Well, thank you for seeing that she didn't wander too far. Come on Star, Celestia's waiting, remember?" At hearing her father speak, Star's eyes suddenly shot open.

"Celestia, I forgot! Come on dad, we'll be late!" Turning on her back hooves, Star began galloping back towards the gate to the gardens. Shining Armor chuckled, and after a goodbye from the guard, he followed Star to the gate.

Star pranced back and fourth until her father unlatched the gate so they could pass.

"You think they teach guarding in Celestia's school?! That'd be amazing! There would be fancy helmets, oh, and marching! And-"

"Woah, slow down there Star," said Shining Armor with a soft smile. "You have to focus on your magic remember? You need to get the basics down before anything else. Then you have all your other practices to go through. Let's leave the guarding to the others for now alright?"

"But you're a guard! You could teach me, I'd be great!" Star jumped slightly as she trotted quickly to keep up with her father. Shining Armor looked over at the hopeful, wide-eyed filly.

"It's... more complicated than that Star. We'll see how things go with your schooling, then we'll talk about it, okay? You don't even have your cutie mark yet, there's endless possibilities when it comes to that, especially when it comes to getting into Magic Kindergarten."

Star tilted her head thoughtfully, even though most of what her father said seemed too complex to really grasp, she took it as a 'maybe', and that was good enough for her. Resuming her prancing step, she smiled and followed Shining Armor back into the castle. The two made their way through the elegant halls and finally came to the throne room.

There, atop a gold embellished throne, was Celestia. Her eyes were focused on a long scroll in front of her, but as soon as Shining Armor and Star entered, she turned her attention to them. The scroll disappeared with a blink of magic and she rose from her throne to greet them.

"Shining Armor, it's good to have you back again." Celestia said happily as she approached them.

"It's good to be back, your highness, and I'm happy to report that the Crystal Empire is prospering. The complete recovery seems complete."

"I had no doubt Princess Cadence would restore it's former glory, I'm glad that everything is going so well." Celestia's gaze found the tiny filly next to Shining Armor, and she smiled softly. "So this is our newest Princess."

"And hopefully newest student, Starlight. She's wanted to join your school ever since Cadence told her about Twilight and Magic Kindergarten."

"I had heard. So, Starlight--"

"Uh-m, Star is fine, I-I mean, if you like that, you highness or-uh, Princess Celestia." Celestia found herself laughing warmly at the filly's nervous voice.

"No need to be nervous, Star, and you're in luck. The newest additions to the school begin in just a few days. We can have your exam today and have you enrolled before the sun is set. Have you practiced at all?"

"M-my mom taught me a little! I can show you!"

"Better yet you can show your teachers, they'll by the ones who assess your strengths in magic. Come, Luna had them assemble before retiring for the day." Celestia gestured for the two to follow her with a careful wave of her hoof.

Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, a school where every unicorn foal in Canterlot wanted to be. The school was nestled in the shadow of the Canterlot Castle, and praised a gorgeous campus where students would study various forms of magic and meet new friends.

Within the school, the room where Star now stood was a room that every student had come to before beginning their studies, even Princess Twilight Sparkle; the room where they held the entrance exam.

"The baseline test is one every unicorn takes before entering. Give it your best try, Star, and we'll see what the teachers think of you," said Celestia as she and Shining Armor stood off to the side of the room.

Star looked from Celestia, to the four teachers who sat together in a row of chairs at the back of the room. Their eyes were locked on her, as if sizing her up, or at least sizing up her potential. After a moment, the wide double doors swung open and through it rolled a cart pushed by a earth pony stallion. Resting in the cart, atop a small but elegant stand of ice, was a frosty blue egg. Star had never seen an egg like it before. The shell looked as if it were glass, shining brightly in the sunlight let in from the windows.

"Hatch the egg," said one of the teachers, a male unicorn.

Star looked at the egg, set atop its icy pedestal. It couldn't be too hard. All that was needed was the shell to be broken, but carefully. Setting her hooves firmly on the ground, Star lowered her horn and faced the egg. She narrowed her eyes as her horn illuminated in a blue aura.

The egg became surrounded in the same blue aura, its icy shell glimmering. Finally, with a firm stomp from her hoof, a beam of magic connected the two. The egg's shell formed a small crack on the surface, but almost as soon as it formed, Star's magic faltered. The aura faded, and Star gasped as she saw the beam fail. The loud scribbling of pencils on paper from the teachers made her gulp nervously, but the exam was not over yet.

Star quickly lowered her horn again and cast the spell. The beam extended again, and the crack in the shell's surface broadened more. Yet again, the spell broke and faded after a short duration.

"No, no, why won't it work..?" Star muttered under her breath as she watched the blue aura fade again. She took a step back from the cart, her head slowly dropping. Then, a sound caught her attention. Lifting her gaze, Star noticed the crack in the shell was slowly expanding downward.

Star took a small step towards the egg, yet as soon as her hoof touched the ground, the egg suddenly cracked in two. From the shell, a stalagmite of ice shot upwards, and collided with the roof with such force that the building shook and the roof was split by the sharp ice. Shining Armor quickly leaped forward and swept Star back behind him before the ice grew too far to reach her. He looked up in shock at the large tower of ice that now pierced the roof and covered a quarter of the room.

Awakened from her sleep by a sudden crash, Luna raised her head in surprise. Something that loud was always coupled with damage, and that couldn't be ignored. Quickly the princess rose from her bed and opened the doors of her balcony with a simple spell. Luna took flight only to see a large ice formation jutting out of the roof of one of the school buildings. Another entrance exam gone a-rye? Shaking her head, Luna glided down from the air and onto the school grounds to check on the damages.

"Was... that supposed to happen?" Star asked as she stood behind her father.

"Just wait." said Celestia, as calm as ever. As Celestia spoke, Luna entered the room only to be shocked into silence at the sight of the pillar of ice. She stood next to her sister with wide eyes, glancing from her to Starlight.

Moments passed in silence by the group of ponies. After a time, Star stepped out from behind Shining Armor's legs as the ice began to retreat back towards the shell. Star approached the egg slowly, but froze when she saw two gold eyes suddenly open from within the ice. The last pieces of retreating ice revealed dark and icy blue feathers.

"When a phoenix egg is overtaken by cold, their form shifts from fire, to ice. A rare sight, but very possible, and much easier to handle than the flames of a fiery phoenix." Celestia explained. Star grinned at the little phoenix who blinked back at her with brilliant gold eyes.

Luna shock turned to an impressed smile. Hatching a phoenix, fire or ice, was no easy task. Couple that with her nightly spectacle and this filly was true magical potential.

"Impressive indeed, Starlight. We'll be seeing you during classes beginning next week," said the same male unicorn in a satisfied way as his colleges nodded in agreement.

Star grinned happily, bouncing slightly in place as she looked from the teachers, to her father, and finally to Celestia. Her expression changed to surprise when she saw Luna standing there as well, but Shining Armor caught her attention before she could question when Luna had arrived.

"You hear that Star? You passed; you're a student now!" Shining Armor exclaimed as Star laughed and jumped in excitement. Smiling in a proud way, Shining Armor watched as Star bounced from him, over to Celestia and Luna.

"Congratulations Star, I look forward to seeing your talents grow here." said Celestia toward the happy filly.

"Yes, congratulations, little Star. You're quite gifted." Luna smiled as Star beamed at her with bright eyes. As Star basked in the feeling of being a new student, a falling roof tile caught the group's attention, the sound echoing throughout the room, and Luna chuckled. "And maybe this time we should build a higher ceiling. This roof can't take much more powerful magic."