Author's Note

Decided to do a small chapter explaining magic in the world. Well, at least most of it. I thought it might help with understanding how things are being done and what can be done. Don't worry, the next chapter ties into this one.. But how? Take a guess.

Practice Presentation

I gaze up at the empty space in front of me from the makeshift podium I crafted using instructions from a book I read not too long ago. Aligning the papers correctly on the podium multiple times, more than I usually do, and I set them back down. I clear my throat and begin my presentation using my magic to pull over a blackboard that has already been labeled. On it is a diagram of each alignment and what they are, influence and examples of spells that involve them. Raising a pencil using magic, I point at the word 'Magic'.

"Magic, as you all very well know, is something this world is teeming with. It flows through every living thing, providing protection passively as well as power to those that can use it properly. Earth Ponies usually contain either Air or Earth alignments, increasing their hardiness or agility on ground while Pegasi typically have Fire or Air to boost their soul or should I say, personality, as well as their speed in the air." I say while giggling at the 'personality' line, pointing at each species of pony as I go across them.

Pointing the pencil at my best known race, Unicorn, I continue. "Unicorns are somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to Alignments, though some say they lean towards the Dark and Light alignments more often. Water wasn't forgotten here, it's just extremely rare for any pony species to naturally have. Rituals can be performed to decrease or increase ones affinity towards a certain alignment however, and that can lead to a pony that normally didn't have one alignment, to now be aligned to it! But what does each alignment do? What does it mean?"

Pointing towards the middle of the black board with each alignment arranged in a six-sided diamond shape. Light is listed on the top, Dark is on the bottom. Water is on the middle left edge, while Fire is across from it on the right. On the bottom edges, Earth is on the left while Air is on the right. I point at Earth and decide it's a good place to start. "The Earth alignment is one that is simple, but strong. Magic supported by it usually affect the body or physical form of anything. Examples of such are changing the actual ground around you into shapes or objects and combining the alignment with other alignments to change the properties of skin or other living beings forms. Moving onto Air, it can provide a boost to other spells by using energy within your body to more efficiently power them. It can also be used to control energy in general, though the applications of this are still mostly unknown. An example of a spell that uses Air mainly can be simply increasing the energy of a flame nearby to create a larger one. Air can be used to energize various other elements easily while it would just take more effort if you just used that other elemental alignment."

I take a drink of water at the precise moment I knew my throat would become dry from various calculations I did earlier. A lone onlooker claps from the crowd lazily, I give him a stern look. Clearing my throat for a bit, I turn to my next page and point with the pencil at the word 'Water' on the board and proceed with my presentation.

"The Water alignment is somewhat mystifying due to it's rarity in those that are willing to document it's uses. It has been used to obviously control water in a lot of ways such as the temperature of it, but this is normal among all alignments. The ability to control the real world element that the alignment is assigned to is nothing new. Rumors of the Water alignment being able to affect the mind of beings are spreading however, so research will begin soon on if that is true or not. Fire on the other hoof is another simple but dangerous Alignment. It allows the controlling and manipulation of the soul as well as fire itself. This can be used to bolster subconscious morale, maybe even allow the user to visit a plane of existence known as the 'Soul Plane'. That plane being a mythical zone where lost souls of all kinds find themselves at. An example of a spell using this alignment is one that heals a soul or perhaps even traps it. Soul magic is dangerous however, and should be used carefully and within a contained zone." I explain, ending on a cautious tone.

Another lazy clap was given by the small dragon watching this mock presentation, I simply ignore his lack of energy and continue by then pointing at the word 'Light' and clearing my throat again to gain attentiveness. The young dragon sits up and peels his eyelids open with his claws. I nod appreciatively in reply to his added effort.

"Light and Dark alignments are exact opposites. They are also both support alignments. This means they only modify other spells and only rarely are used to make spells happen in the first place. Light represents mending, fortifying and giving while Dark represents destruction, suppressing and sapping. Examples of the Light alignment supporting spells can be any healing spell. No matter what type of healing it is, it uses the Light alignment. This is the same with any spell that strengthens an aspect of another object such as their courage or physical hardiness. Light is used whenever you give something up to another being. Magical essence transfers or physical energy transfers are good examples of such. Dark, like stated earlier, is the opposite. Examples of spells that use the Dark alignment consist of destroying objects or taking something from them such as energies and the like. It is a misunderstood alignment that most associate with evil or bad deeds. It is used in magical based surgeries to destroy certain cells as well as barriers that protect individuals from attack. It isn't something that can be used by just anypony, but if mastered, can be used for good just as much as the Light alignment." I finish with a smile.

Soon after I finish, Spike gives me a tilted look before speaking up. "Uh, Twilight? I think you forgot someth—"

"ARCANE! Yes, Arcane. Of course!" I say hurriedly before turning to my last page. "Arcane is an alignment that most magic users have naturally! Very few beings lack the ability to use arcane magic as it is the foundation of most spells. Basic telekinesis, teleportation and other neutral spells. Spells deriving from Arcane usually are sub-consciously used for those that have been using magic all of their life. Being without it, for spell casters, would be as if you could not breathe. Thus, the conclusion to my presentation. I hope you all enjoyed the information I presented to you, farewell."

I feel the sweat dripping down my face from nervousness and sigh. "Time to do it again—"

Interrupting me is a strange event that I didn't think would ever happen. Pinkie Pie and Devan appear right in front of me after a yellowish-green flash. This intrigues me, but I realize instantly what happened.

Teleportation! Very clean, finely tuned.. But who?.. Pinkie Pie can't use magic... So...

"You can use teleportation!?" I exclaim, pointing my purple hoof at Devan.

"Afternoon Twilight!" Pinkie says in response to my accusation.