A Thousand Lessons

Chapter Four

“So… Do you four now understand the gravity of your situation?” Twilight asked, the alicorn mare having quite a furious aura about her. Even though she was sitting behind the Headmistress desk, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash; were all worried of a sudden ruler smack… But, none the less, nodded in response. “Good. You three will be suspended from any club and campus activity. Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash blurted out, on instinct.

“You will be forbidden from any attempts to assist in the Physical Education Department’s own functions… All four of you will remain so for two months.” Twilight finished, their jaws going slack with how long their punishments will last. “Before any of you try to plead your cases, and get a lesser punishment… Remember this: Three of you used Academy Supplies for unauthorized activates. Then, the forth took it a step farther, and ended up embarrassing Princess Celestia. I am being lenient with what I am giving you.” They gave defeated nods, as the princess checked her clock, going wide eyed and looking back at the four. “You are all dismissed. I have somewhere to be, right now.”

“Yes, Headmistress.” The four said, together, before leaving Twilight’s office. Though, when Rainbow Dash closed the door, a flash caught her attention. It had been then, that the mare realized this was when Twilight often disappeared, and decided to see if she could find out why. Pressing an ear against the door, Rainbow Dash listened to what is currently happening within Twilight’s office.

“Oh, no, no, no! I lost track of time, and I am going to be late!” Twilight’s muffled voice said, in a panic, as Rainbow Dash carefully listened. “I better get dressed, and quickly! Or else, he’ll be so mad…”

“Who’ll be mad?” Rainbow Dash thought, still listening in, hearing the sounds of Twilight getting undressed and then dressed again quickly.

“There, perfect! Now, best use a teleporting spell, if I am going to make it in time.” Twilight’s voice seemed to be a little worried, as a bright glow appeared behind the door. “I wonder what Anubis has planned to day.” This time her voice sounded chipper, and Twilight even giggled at the end, confusing Rainbow Dash. “Whatever it is, I be it’ll be unbelievable!”

When a flash of light caused the glow to vanish, Rainbow Dash stepped back and scratched the back of her head. "The hay is up with Twi? And what does Anubis have to do with it?”

-Anubis’ Classroom-

Anubis wrote down a single letter and two number grade on to one of his student’s papers, giving a sigh. “Close, Mister Fang. Just a bit more study, and you will have it.” He thought, eyeing the ‘B+/90’ on a research paper dealing with what kind of influence power has that can corrupt good causes. The next paper made him frown, seeing the topic and who wrote it. “Hmm… ‘Power of Dark Entities by Nova Crystal’? This boy is delving into territory that he should never go into.” Anubis turned to the first page. “Next time Twilight and I speak, in private, we need to discuss this matter.”

He read through the research paper, eyes narrowing with each bit of information given and turn of the page. From what Anubis could tell, Nova Crystal has done far too much research on every creature trapped in Tartarus and those the Astartes mentioned lived within the Warp. Normally, he would have been proud of such understanding, but Nova Crystal had also made internal notes of how these entities could be made stronger with certain Equestrian artifacts or spells… This worried him, greatly. Every red flag started to go up, especially when said stallion mentioned how easily it could be to contact a Greater Daemon of Chaos from Equestria, despite the Nexus Field around Equis.

A sudden flash of light drew Anubis’ attention away from Nova Crystal’s research paper. In front of him, now, stood a worried Star Ruby, quickly looking around the room. “I’m so sorry, for being late, Professor Anubis! I lost track of time, and got here fast as I could!”

Anubis blinked a few times, looking to the clock real fast, then back to Twilight. “Uh… Star Ruby, you are five minutes early.”

Twilight quickly looked at the clock, noticing it was, indeed, one-fifty-five in the afternoon then looked back at Anubis. “O-Oh! U-Uh, s-sorry…” She rubbed the back of her head, giggling a bit in an embarrassed manner. “Must have my clock set ten minutes fast, then.”

“I would not put it past you, Star Ruby.” Anubis agreed, smiling, as he leaned back into his chair. “Though, I am glad that you have arrived early… There are a few things I wish to discuss with you.” Twilight raised an eyebrow, noticing how serious the Astartes seemed. “Many of it involves your progress in awakening the Rubricae, the other will be more of a private matter.”

Twilight quickly noticed him tapping a finger on to Nova Crystal’s research paper, especially at the title. When his gaze went to the door, she also noticed that the white coated and ice blue mane unicorn stallion is now walking into the room. Twilight smiled back at him, and gave a nod. “Of course, Professor Anubis! Just let me know when you want to talk.”

He returned the nod, as the other students started to walk in. The Astartes obviously had something planned for today, and Twilight couldn’t be any more excited to find out what it exactly is he planned on teaching them. Once all were stated, Anubis simply remained within his own chair. “Alright, class, today I am planning on teaching you about why making pacts with Dark Entitles is a big mistake.” He motioned to the Rubricae on both sides of him. “These are good examples, but I will give another… So you may understand how badly such things can turn out, or what effect they could have on you personally.”

They all looked at one another, as Anubis leaned further back into the chair. Twilight raised an eyebrow, as the Astartes looked up at the ceiling. It seemed like he was deep in thought, recalling something within his long memory.

“Entities within the warp, often require payment for their gifts and boons.” Anubis started, his students already taking notes. “Like any spell or summoning, the proper reagents are required. Not to mention, the attempts are very specific. Every line, placement, and chanted word; has to be perfect, or else the attempt will fail. However, to gain such a thing and their favor, another payment is required.” They all stopped, Twilight specifically noticing the change in Anubis’ tone from intellectual to shamed realization. “Sacrifice. Either blood, lives, or your very own soul; is often required.”

Echoing gasps and quills dropping filled the classroom, all eyes on Anubis. A sudden chill filled the entire room, silence blanketing the students. Such a price, to give up an unknown amount of lives or one’s very own soul, had never been heard of before. No spell, in Equestrian History, had ever called for such drastic prices. Granted, known dark magic required anger, fear, or hatred; but nothing like what Anubis had just told them.

Slowly, a hand raised up, and the students looked to Nova Crystal, Anubis giving a nod. “Professor, if I may ask, how do you know such things?”

Anubis looked at Nova Crystal for a few moments, then sighed and closed his eyes. “It would be a lot easier, if I were to say that I discovered these things through research and study, but that is not the case.” Those words made Twilight’s heart drop, eyes wide and jaw slacked at what he is now saying. The Astartes’ hands clasped together, over his robed chest, his body starting to shake. “Before Warsmith Zarrix opened my eyes and mind, allowing me to see how things truly are… I was a monster. I did not care what lives were destroyed by my hands, or my actions, only that I achieved more power.” Twilight raised her hand up next, the other over her muzzle. “Yes, Star Ruby?”

“H-How did he open your eyes? Did he know some spell to stop you?” She asked, trying to hide her own trembling.

“No, it was much simpler than using a spell. Warsmith Zarrix nearly killed me, is all.” Anubis’ answer earned more gasps, as the Astartes opened his red robe up enough to reveal his bare chest… And a four-pronged claw-mark scar going from his left breast down to his right side. “Warsmith Zarrix saw what I was becoming, he knew what was waiting for me on that dark path… So, he stopped me just before such a fate had been fully sealed, and there was no return for me.”

They stared at the Astartes’ scar, Twilight the most, as thoughts of how far he must have gone to earn such a response swam through their minds. Twilight, on the other hand, could not get over the fact that Anubis had done such a thing and nearly went too far. “Whoever this ‘Warsmith Zarrix’ is… I really need to thank him.” She thought, as the Astartes closed his robe and stood up.

“Now then…” Anubis went to the blackboard. “With that being said, I will go on to our next lesson.” He wrote ‘Ritual Signs’ on to the board. “I will be teaching you how to identify such rituals and how to prevent them from being used.”

-Academy Commons-

“I’m telling you, girls, something is up with Twi.” Rainbow Dash started, the other four Elements sitting with her. “I’ve never heard her act like that before.”

The others looked at her, then to one another. They didn’t know what to say about what Rainbow Dash had just told them. Some of their group, mostly Rarity, believed their friend had been possibly meeting a romantic interest in secret. However, when the speed demon said Twilight was planning on meeting none other than Anubis, they all became hesitant to the idea. After all, they still know near to nothing about him or the Rubircae that arrived with the Astartes.

“Are ya sure if it was that there Anubis? And ya weren’t still worried about that backfired prank comin’ back ta bite ya, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, finally breaking the silence between the five.

“Of course I’m sure, AJ! I heard her say his name.” Rainbow Dash replied, throwing her hands up into the air. “Though, why she changed clothes to meet with someone that’s always on campus, I’ll never know.”

That caught the fashionista’s attention, nearly instantly. “She changed attire, before leaving!?” Rarity asked, appearing right in front of Rainbow Dash, who only nodded. “Then that settles it, darling. Our Twilight has fallen for the dashing Professor Anubis and his mysterious appeal! However, I am unsure if he shares those same feelings.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, giving Rarity an unconvinced look. “Aren’t ya jumpin’ the gun there, Rares?” She asked, the fashionista looking at her farmer friend. “Besides, those two are only seen together fer business. If there is any here at the Academy seeing Anubis, it’ll be that Star Ruby mare. Many times, I have seen her glued to his hip and the big guy is also so warm around her.”

“Ooooh, why don’t we ask her, if there is anything going on between them!? Then, we could throw them a ‘Mentor-Student Relationship’ Party!” Pinkie Pie asked, obviously having some kind of motive behind it. “I mean, we won’t see her around campus after Anubis’ class. Which is strange, because Star Ruby appears when Twilight disappears, and vice versa.”

That made the four realize something, Pinkie Pie clued them in on a fact the other four missed. “Ya’ll don’t think…” Applejack started.

“That Twilight is…” Rainbow Dash added.

Rarity spoke up next. “Star Ruby in disguise?”

“Oh my…” Fluttershy finished, hiding behind her mane.

-Anubis’ Classroom-

The bell rang, causing Anubis to stop writing on the blackboard and look at the clock. With a nod, he faced the class. “I will end today’s lesson here, and pick up first thing tomorrow.” They started to gather their things, as the Astartes grabbed a stack of papers. “I will have your research papers graded by tomorrow, as well. Also, Star Ruby?”

Twilight stopped gathering her things, looking at the Astartes. “Yes, Professor?”

“I will have to postpone my arrival, for your private lessons, today. I need to finish things here and see the Headmistress about a potential security risk to the Academy.” He informed, placing the papers into a bag and walked back to his desk.

“Alright, Professor. I’ll wait until you arrive and ready to start, before trying anything.” She replied, smiling, before hearing a snerk from behind her. Glancing back, the mare saw Nova Crystal giving her an arrogant look… Almost like he was telling her she isn’t worthy of such attention.

Before she could say anything on the matter, another beat Twilight to it. “Find something amusing about Star Ruby’s situation, Mr. Crystal?” Anubis asked, appearing between them, a brow raised. “If so, please, share. I would love to hear what that may be.”

“Yes, Professor. I find Star Ruby quite amusing.” Nova Crystal answered, the other students stopping when they heard his response. “This silly mare has gotten lucky time and again, and has now been made your personal student. Yet, with a chance to test what she has learned, on her own, she is too terrified to do so without you present.” Twilight glared at the stallion, who looked down on her like she did not belong in their presence. “Your time and knowledge is wasted on such an unworthy mare, Professor.”

“Oh? And I take it that you believe it is yourself, that would be the better choice of being my personal student?” Anubis asked.

“Of course, Professor!” Nova Crystal nearly yelled, placing a hand on to his chest. “Unlike this nobody, I have been training in the magic art since I could cast my first spell, by the finest instructors Canterlot could offer! In her shoes, I would be pushing every limit of what it is you had taught me, pushing past any limits the spells may have. Practicing every second of the day until I have mastered the very knowledge you give me. I would not be too afraid to press on, without you watching over my shoulder like some preschooler! After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Anubis raised an eyebrow. “So, you are willing to break barriers and do things without care for what damages it may cause?” Nova Crystal gave a nod, grinning a bit. “Then you will never be worthy enough, to be my personal student and learn what secrets I hold.”

Nova Crystal lost is arrogant appearance, making it seem like he had just been slapped by Anubis. “W-What?”

“I have no tolerance for such arrogance and blatant disregard for the safety of those around oneself.” Anubis stated, now looking down on Nova Crystal. “I became this course’s instructor to stop the evils of magic, like the monster I once was.” His gaze hardened on the stallion, Twilight staring up at him. “Star Ruby understands what it is I seek to do and teach, often proven to be very powerful in what I have taught her so far. With each passing moment I spend with her, I grow prouder and prouder being her mentor in such arts, and feel that she’ll one day surpass me in protecting this Academy. I will even wager that, when the time comes, she’ll awaken all ten of my brothers and perform a feat that only Sorcerer Astartes of the Fifteenth Legion could do, have them perform combat operations all at once. She is extremely promising, along with very humble to help temper her thirst for knowledge. This makes her the perfect candidate to be my personal student. So, as of right now, this ‘unworthy mare’ is far worthier and stronger than you’ll ever be, Mister Crystal.”

“Stronger, huh?” A crystal blue aura of magic appeared around Nova Crystal’s hands. “I would like to test that-?”

Almost immediately, they all felt the air electrify and become heated. All eyes went to Anubis, who stood between the stallion and Star Ruby, eyes holding a fiery glow to them and glared down at Nova Crystal. “I suggest you fully consider your next move, Mister Crystal. If you were to attack Star Ruby, I will take it as an attack on myself and retaliate. Also, some friendly advice.” His hands were suddenly engulfed with flames, causing Twilight to step back some. “Just because I act peaceful, does not mean I have forgotten what I truly am.”

Nova Crystal just stared at Anubis, feeling the ever increasing aura of blazing fiery magic coming off of him. None, but the Elements, have ever faced him in combat, and not even they know if he used all of his abilities or not during their battle. This is a major factor for Nova Crystal to consider, especially when Anubis has the two nearby Rubricae to back him up. Despite he, himself, not wearing any armor… Those two metal giants could crush the stallion in mere seconds, their defenses being nearly impenetrable to him. Right now, the stallion is at a major disadvantage.

The magical aura disappeared from Nova Crystal’s hands, as he backed down. “Good choice, Mister Crystal.” Anubis said, the flames disappearing from his hands, along with the air returning back to normal. “Now, all of you, it is time for your next class. Best go, or you all will be late.”

They began to leave, even Nova Crystal, while Twilight stayed behind with Anubis. IN all honesty, the mare was shocked to see such a reaction from him, giving off an obvious ‘will not hold back’ appearance. Still behind him, Twilight decided to make a bold move, and actually hugged the Astates from behind… Resting the side of her head against his back.

“Thank you.” She muttered, a smile cresting her muzzle.

Anubis, on the other hand, had been surprised by the sudden hug. So, he just stood there, looking towards the door, and rubbed the back of his head. “A-Anytime…”

Unknown to them, both Rubricae were staring at them, mentally contacting the others about who won a certain bet… On the other side of the door, though, five mares were all grinning about the situation.