A Case of Mistaken Identity

Chapter 4: Magic Lessons

Sonic and the Mane Five have boarded the Ponyville train headed to Canterlot, after Sonic agreed to take magic lessons from Princess Celestia. While on the train, the group had discussed what had been going on in their respective worlds, which included topics like Dr. Eggman originally kidnapping innocent animals and turning them into evil robots, to which Fluttershy looked shocked and upset at the notion.

"W-why would he do such a thing?" she asked.

Sonic shrugged. "I dunno. He doesn't do it anymore, but still, it sucks to be trapped inside a robot, especially one that does nothing but destroy things."

"I think he didn't have a good foal-hood to be wanting to take over your world," Appleack said. "But still I wanna know why he would?"

"Again, I dunno. His intentions are to build some 'Eggmanland' or some kind of amusement park, which doesn't sound bad at first, but the way he's going by doing it doesn't make any sense." Sonic stated.

"I would've done the same thing you did, Sonic," Rainbow said. "Anypony who tries to take my home is gonna get it, the hard way!"

"How brave of you, Dash. But try to take care of his robots while you're at it." Sonic looked out the window. "Wow! So this is Canterlot?"

The group could now see the city of Canterlot as the train made its way to the station. Sonic was in awe, but he agreed to keep his composure throughout the time walking to Celestia's castle. As he was in Twilight's body, the other ponies think that he knows the city. As they strolled through the city, Sonic walked straight ahead, not paying attention to the other ponies. When the group reached the castle, the guards stationed there bowed to them, letting the doors open for their access. Once they went inside, they could see Celestia and another alicorn, this time more pink, and a unicorn, who had an all-white coat just like Rarity. They turned to see the group just arriving at the castle.

"Hi, everypony!" the pink alicorn said. "Twilight!"

She approached the small alicorn and, with no hesitation: "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

Sonic looked very confused. "Uh, what are you doing?" he asked.

The pink alicorn got up from her stance and giggled. "Sorry. That's what me and Twilight have done since she was a filly. I'm Cadence, by the way."

Sonic nodded slowly. "I'll take your word for it." He approached the unicorn. "Hi. What's your name?"

"My name is Shining Armor, and I'm Twily's big brother," the unicorn said. He motioned to Cadence. "She's my wife."

Sonic nodded again. "Cool." He turned to Celestia. "I'm ready when you are."

Celestia nodded as well. "Then let us go, Sonic." She led the former hedgehog deeper in the castle while the rest dispersed from the castle.

Celestia opened the door to the same room where Twilight got her cutie mark. Sonic grinned as he saw the layout of the room. "Pretty nice room. So this is where Twilight got her cutie mark?"

"Indeed, Sonic." Celestia replied. "I shall assume your new friends told you about cutie marks, right?"

"Not really. Somepony by the name of Cherilee did so."

"Oh. And I am surprised that you are getting our terminology so quickly." Celestia stated.

Sonic smiled. "I am a fast learner. Just like me making that book float."

He pointed with his hoof to the floating book. Celestia looked surprised. "I must say, your magic skills are higher than I had anticipated."

Sonic shrugged. "Again, I'm a fast learner." He put the book back to where it was on the shelf it came from, then turned to Celestia. "So, what are you going to teach me first?"

Celestia smiled. "That was actually the first lesson I was going to teach you, but it seems you have got it. Your first actual lesson is to cast a spell from a book." She took out the same book that Sonic levitated onto a table for him to read. "It is best to start with beginner spells before moving to the more advanced spells."

Sonic read the book, looking for any beginner spells that had his interest. He had found one, and made his horn glow. When the magic from his horn reached its peak, he cast the spell on an object. Celestia smiled, as she thought that this was going faster than what she anticipated. "You are doing well, Sonic. Let us go into the next lesson."