A groan of satisfaction escaped my lips as my back cracked from my morning stretch. “Alright then,” I said to no one as I got out of bed and went to the window. With a flick of my finger, I unlocked the window and with my hands pushed the windows open. Clear mountain air wafted into my room. With a deep breath, I took in the clean air.

“Perfect,” I said as I turned around and fell to the ground. Just before I hit the ground I flung out my arms to catch myself. My arms bent to take the force before they pushed up and I started doing push-ups.

The next fifteen minutes or so I spent working out, using my own body’s weight as resistance.

I knew that the main weakness of magic users is the physical. They spend so much time practicing strengthening their mind that they neglect their body. A weakness that I wasn’t going to allow for myself. My excitement for learning something amazing pushed me to continue my workout.

Slowly I transitioned into Yoga. I am going to take advantage of my…physical restart…I guess you could call it. I definitely lived a sedentary lifestyle and when I finally got to the point where I wanted to work out I just…couldn’t. I would try and get a routine going but only for it to collapse within three weeks. Until I finally managed to start something only to get into an accident and end up with deteriorating discs.

Now though I don’t have to worry about that at all, now I’m free of all the restrictions.

I’m going to take full advantage of it.

When I was done I moved toward my bathroom in order to complete my other part of my new morning routine. This includes brushing teeth, showering, bathroom, etc.

After I finished I walked toward the bathroom door. Just as I rested my hand on the handle, memories of me walking out with only a towel and Hazel in my room. Slowly I turned the handle and poked my head out to check to see if the coast was clear. I looked in my room to see that the coast was clear. With that clarification, I entered the room and instantly felt something was off. I looked around my room to see if I was by myself and I was.

Then what is causing this feeling?

I moved to my bed and saw that it was already made with a set of fresh clothes resting on it. Next to the pile was a rolled-up piece of parchment.

When did this…damn they’re good.

With an impressive snort, I took off my towel and moved to get dressed. Once I was done I picked up the parchment and unrolled it to see a letter from Celestia.

Dear Sean,

I hope that you are well this morning. Unfortunately, I am not able to discuss this with you myself as my duties have called me away.

First, I wish to apologize for Prince Blueblood’s behavior last night as it was unbecoming of somepony in his position. Although I will ask you not to antagonize any more of the nobles you may come in contact with during your stay here. I know that you have a strong sense of justice, but here you must be extra careful who you antagonize. Here in Equestria and in your current position you are more vulnerable to those with power. Especially with your connection with me. I know that you are not one to be easily swayed by others, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful. We will discuss more on this at a later date. Also please watch your langued it might be normal back home but here it is extremely frowned upon.

On a lighter note, I know that you are excited to start learning magic so once you are done with breakfast I have instructed Lt. Gleaming Shield to escort you to the library where I have instructed them to give you books to get you started. I will swing by this afternoon with your magic instructor.

Your Friend,
Celestia

P.S. I mean it about the language. While most of your obscured cuss words are not known smart ponies will still know your intent.

I took the parchment and placed it on the bedside table. With a deep sigh, I took in what Celestia just told me.

So, I have to worry about nobles and their grubby claws, or rather hooves. Oh goodie.

“But magic time,” I said as I got off my bed and made my way towards my door. As I stepped outside I saw that my door was flanked by two Royal Guards. I couldn’t tell if I recognized either of them as they both looked the same. “Uh, Lt. Shield?” I said slowly at the two.

The one on the right spoke up, “Sir,” she said in her gravelly voice.

“Ah,” I said as I turned to her, “Good morning,” I said, “Um…Princess Celestia said you would escort me to the library?”

“After breakfast, yes,” Gleaming said, her stance unmoving.

“Cool, let's head to the library then,” I said quickly, “I’m not really hungry.”

Gleaming’s eyes glanced at me as one of her eyebrows raised. “As you wish,” she said slowly and walked past me.

Yea fuck breakfast. I never eat it anyway. It's time for magic anyway.

Unsure how far the library is and I wanted to make up to her as well I decided to strike up a simple conversation. “So, how many of the guards are girls?” I asked.

Fantastic dipshit.

“Girls?” Gleaming asked.

“Um right, uh mares,” I clarified.

“Ah,” Gleaming said simply. “Besides the Captain of the Guard and a few special operations agents. I would say about the entire force.”

“I see,” I said as I stuffed my hands into my pockets.

So gender skews towards mares it seems.

“I am guessing it is different from where you're from,” Gleaming said as she must have picked up what my train of thought was, and I nodded in response.

“Yep, the gender ratio is about 50/50 depending on the location,” I explained, “and it's usually the men who take on the role of defense, but there are some exceptions.”

Gleaming turned towards me her eyebrow raised, “That’s…different,” she said as she rolled the words as if to test them. “I guess you don’t have to worry about repopulation then.”

I shook my head. “I’m assuming that is why you protect your males?”

The guard nodded her head, “Yes, because of the low numbers of stallions it is the mares that take on the roles of the providers and protectors.”

“While the stallions stay home and take care of the house,” I said with a nod. It makes sense I suppose. I just hope that they don’t plan on putting me in that category. That reminds me, what am I going to do here? I don’t think I could be an Ayurveda Consultant here, nor do I think that they have a need for Voice Actors. Perhaps I can do something with magic? Just another reason for me to study magic I guess.

“Here we are sir,” Gleaming said as she opened a pair of long red doors. She revealed a large multi-story room. Books covered every inch of the walls and besides a walking space on the sides of the room, there were shelves full of books.

Huh, I guess if Twilight was here she would have an orgasm at the amount of books there were.

Well, that was a little inappropriate. Eh fuck it, it's my mind I can think whatever the fuck I want.

Gleaming Shield led me to a circular desk where an old pegasus stallion rested behind it. His mane which was charcoal black had grayed in some areas. His periwinkle fur sagged around his face. He wore a brown and white sweater vest-shirt combo. Behind a pair of circle glasses, his storm gray eyes zipped across the book he was reading.

My guard let out a small cough which jolted the pony from his book. Slowly he turned to look at us, his eyes squinted at us. “Ah!” He said as he readjusted his glass. “You must be the ‘homan’ Her Highness was talking about.” His voice scratched like old parchment.

“Yes sir,” I said with a slight nod of my head.

The librarian’s eyes slightly widened. “Manners?” He gasped out as his smile morphed on his muzzle. “Well, that’s nice.”

The librarian got up from his chair and walked around the desk. He went up to me and eyed me up and down. “Dusty Pages, at your service,” the stallion said as he held out his hand.

“Sean,” I said as I took Dusty’s hand and shook it.

“Hmm, a strong grip yet soft hands,” Dusty said as we broke contact. He turned around and motioned us to follow. “I have the books Princess Celestia wanted you to look over.”

“What kind of books?” I asked as I walked up next to Dusty.

Dusty’s wings fluttered a bit, “Oh just some basic magic instruction books,” he said as he turned to me. “It's safe to assume that you just picked up magic?”

I nodded my head, “Yea, my kind don’t normally have magic so I have to start from the beginning and hope that it isn’t that different from how Poines use magic.”

Dusty let out a hum before he spoke again. “We’ll have to see,” Dusty said, “Unfortunately I can’t help you.” He fluttered his wings to emphasize the point that he could only fly. “Pegasus can’t use magic like unicorns.”

I wonder if I could fly? Perhaps with a wind spell or maybe a levitation spell combined with something…? Wait, I wonder if I could make some suit that will enable me to fly? Perhaps some sort of enchanted object?

Dusty let out a laugh and I looked over to see that the Peguses were rubbing his eye. “Sorry,” he said as his laughter died down. “You just remind me of a unicorn that visits these halls frequently.” When I cocked my head to the side he went on, “Oh you just got this look of deep concentration as a thousand thoughts swim about.”

“Ah,” I said simply as my eyes wondered at the books that we were passing.

“Hmm,” Dusty hummed, “Sort of act like her too,” he muttered as we came up to a table with a stack of books. “Ah, here we are.”

Dusty went up to the table and pulled the single chair out and motioned me to sit. I went over and sat down as Dusty went over and picked up a book and showed it to me.

It was a hardcover book that was wrapped in a light blue with bubble-style letters that spelled out: Magic for Young Unicorns by Twilight Velvet. “I would start with this one,” Dusty said, “It will give you the basics on how magic works and a few spells for you to try.”

Twilight Velvet? Wait isn't that Twilight's mom? I didn't know that she was a writer. Sure the fan base somewhat canonized her to be one, usually as a ghostwriter for Daring Do but was she really an author? This reminds me once again just how lived in this world is. How alive everyone is. Each one with their own hopes and dreams, day to day living their life one step at a time. A life that will soon be disrupted from the start of the 1000th-year Sun Celebration all the way to the final battle against the trio of villains. Since this is real and not a show bound by the laws of rating I need to prepare for all threats.

I have a long way to go.

I reached out and picked up the book. “Thank you,” I said as I opened the book and flicked to the first chapter. It had cutesy pictures of a blue unicorn who spoke in speech bubbles. I flicked ahead and saw that the speech bubbles had what looked like a complicated math equation.

Great. My worst subject.

With a sigh, I looked up to ask Dusty a question only to find that the pegasus had left already.

“He said that he had to go back to the desk,” Gleaming said from her spot next to a bookshelf on my right. “And that if you have any questions or need help with something to come find him and he’ll help you.”

“Okay,” I said as I took the book and flicked it back to the beginning. “You can go as well if you have something to do,” I told Gleaming. The guard turned to me with a raised eyebrow

“Her Highness has instructed me to stand by your side until the afternoon when I am relieved,” Gleaming said, her tone stiff.

“Oh, okay,” I muttered, “Well if you need to, just um, you know…fuck it” I whispered the last words.

With that embarrassing engagement, I dug into the book to learn the secrets of magic. My eyes began to dance across the page as I drank in the knowledge. Time became relative as I swam through the book. Sometimes I read the same page multiple times just in case I misunderstood a concept.

It seems that there are multiple ways to cast a spell; most of them depend on the spellcaster. The most common is through thoughts, especially for basic spells like levitation. That spell acts as an extra hand or hooves for the unicorn. It's odd that ponies call both their hands and feet hooves. Doesn’t that get confusing? Bah, no matter.

For more complex spells a series of words or equations is needed. How that works I have no idea as apparently, that is too high for a young unicorn to understand. It is possible to perform these spells with thoughts but it is a bit more complicated to do so. Only the most accomplished magic users like Starswrill the Bearded could do so with ease. To power the spell the user uses a mixture of mental and physical energies. Both of which can be expanded through practice and exercise. Although there is still a limit on how much one can expand it.

I wonder if I have a limit. Or perhaps I could go beyond…PLUS ULTRA!!!

…I’ll walk myself out.

There was also something called Rune Magic. To simplify it was a form of enchantment where runes are drawn with some form of magic whether that is using your natural magic to engrave runes on an object or using ink that has been treated with charged crystal dust or gem dust for a more inferior spell.

It looks like I'm going to have to hunt down that crystal cave under Canterlot.

I then came to the part where they started to teach levitation.

“Close your eyes,” I muttered to myself as I read the words, “And touch your magic, once you do so reach out and think about grasping the object.” I read on as a cartoony unicorn explained that the weight of the object will increase the difficulty and start off with something light.

Touch my magic, huh?

I closed my eyes and reached out to the bump in my mind. As I did so, light angelic music began to play. I reached out with my hand and felt a force pull my first two fingers up. I felt something grasp the kiddy book and I moved my hand up.

“Impressive,” Gleaming said and I opened my eyes to see that the book was levitating in front of me and that it was wrapped in a light blue aura. The same aura that was around my outstretched hand. With a smile, I jerked my hand towards me and the book zoomed into my outstretched hand.

Only for the book to zip past and nail me in the head. “Ow,” I said simply as the book flopped on my lap.

Gleaming let out a giggle and I looked over at the guard to see that she was covering her muzzle with an armored hoof.

I let out a grunt of irritation and picked up the book. With a huff and dropped the book on the table. My magic activated and I picked up the beginner's book and with a flick of my fingers opened the book. Slowly the pages turned until I found the spot where I left off with my free hand I picked up the next book.

“Magic Basics for Elementary Unicorns,” I muttered as I opened the book and began to read. I lost myself within the confines of the pages. Time became lost as I poured over the contents of the books before me. Once I was done with that book I floated that book up and picked up the next one. I used the previous books as a point of reference as I went through the books.

I heard Gleaming let out a cough, but I chose to ignore it as I turned the page on how to enchant items. It requires a spell to be placed on a crystal. Each crystal has to be recharged with magic to keep it working. So it was kinda like a battery. The only issue is that crystals were rare thanks to the disappearance of the Crystal Empire where they were abundant. In Equestria, they can be found in pockets but they are hard to find.

I guess they haven't met Rarity yet. She has a spell just for that. Unless those are different from crystals? Nor does seem as though anyone knows about the crystal cave underneath the capital.

Gleaming let out another cough this time a bit louder.

Elemental magic was incredible too; perhaps I could learn a bit of that. However what kind of a mage do I want to be? I think there was a book on that. I’ve been more of a battlemage or spellsword. You know, kind of an all-rounder.

There was a loud dainty cough that did not sound like Gleaming.

I looked up and pushed some of the books out of the way to see Celestia standing there with a bemused look on her muzzle.

“Oh,” I gasped out and with the shock, the books that I had floating up came down with a series of crashes. With a wince, I used my magic to pick the books up and place them back on the table. “How long have you been standing there?” I asked.

“A few minutes,” Celestia said as she crossed her arms under her chest. I averted my eyes to look at Gleaming who just stood there like a statue and had a thousand-yard stare. “Now I need to ask,” Celestia said as I looked over to see a raised eyebrow to enhance the disapproval look she now had on. “Did you even eat breakfast?”

“Uh…no,” I said as I looked at the book that I was reading, “I didn’t really feel hungry this morning.”

“And now?” the princess pressed

I took a moment and got the answer. My stomach started to hurt with hunger pains. “A little,” I said.

Celestia rolled her eyes and said, “Perhaps because you’ve missed lunch?”

“Did I?” I said as I looked around to spot a window or clock.

Celestia’s lips pulled up as she looked at me. “Yes, Sean,” she said as if she was pointing out something to a child. “You missed lunch.”

“I see,” I said as I reached for the book that I was currently reading. “Sorry about that,” I said as I opened the book to get back to the spot I was at.

“Sean,” Celestia said, her voice getting a harder tone in it.

“I’m okay,” I told her before the book was reading was taken from me by a golden glow. “Oi!”

The book caused a thud when it hit the table. I looked up to see that Celestia was not alone beside her was a mare with a familiar golden coat with a golden and red mane. Celestia’s eyes looked over to the mare as she waved her to come forward. “Sean, this will be your magic teacher, Sunset Shimmer.”

In contrast to Celestia, Sunset was a good foot shorter and I was roughly six feet tall. So I would pin her height about five and a half-ish. Sunset's mane was pulled back and tied up in a ponytail with the exception of a few stands that covered her aqua-green eyes. A pair of pony ears sprouted out from her mane. She was...well proportioned in all the desirable places to which the purple suit clung to her form helped emphasize that point well. The suit seemed to cover her entire body minus her arms, and her hooves except for a thin piece. On her hands were a pair of purple gloves that went up to mid-bicep with a metal bracelet around both of her writs. Each bracelet at a fire red gem placed in the center. Golden diamonds were stitched into the neck, thigh, and forearm. She had on a pair of boots there was a lighter shade of purple that went up to her upper thigh where her cutie mark was stitched. Around her ankles were the same metal braces that were around her wrist minus the gems. The boot also left open her hooves. On her waist was a lime green sash that flowed the front of her with the same golden diamond that was on her main suite.

Whoa, she’s beautiful.

I'm not going to lie. I was so struck by her beauty that I couldn't help but let my jaw fall just a little.

Sunset rolled her gorgeous eyes and looked at Celestia, “This is who I’m going to teach?” She said snidely. “This is beneath my skills.”

'And she’s a bitch,' I thought as my jaw closed to transform into a frown.

“Sunset!” Celestia chided sharply.

“It's fine,” I said going back to my book. “If she doesn’t want to teach me then that’s her problem. I don’t need someone who doesn’t care besides…” I lifted my hand and magic began to encase my hand. The book in front of me began to levitate. “…I think I got it, and she’ll be a hindrance.”

Celestia then turned her harsh gaze to me. I recoiled slightly but just shrugged my shoulders and grabbed the floating book in front of me.

“What! A hindrance! How dare you!” I heard Sunset yell, “I’m Princess Celestia’s top student!”

“I don’t give a fuck!” I snapped back ignoring the jolt from Sunset and Gleaming, “You could be a god for all I care but if you don’t give a fuck you're going to be a shitty teacher.”

Sunset ground her teeth as she growled. “I’m going to…” she seethed as her horn glowed a red color. I stood up with my hands flaring with magic.

“Bring it!” I growled.

“Enough!” Celestia shouted with such force that I shoved back into my chair. I looked up to see that Celestia’s eyes had hardened and she had that gaze pointed right at me and Sunset who had her back turned away from her. “I’m not going to have you two fighting each other! Is that clear?”

“Yes,” I hissed out softly.

Celestia turned her heated gaze at her student, "Sunset?" she fumed.

“Yes, Your Highness," came the sharp response.

“Now apologize," Celestia as she turned to the both of us, "the both of you," she demanded.

"What! Why?” Sunset snapped as she turned toward her teacher. Her eyes flared darkly.

Not wanting to raise Celestia's ire any more than I already have I gave a muted "I’m sorry.”

“Fine," Sunset snorted angrily, "I’m sorry I guess," she said with little to no sincerity.

Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her eyes then widened as an understanding crossed her face.

Oh boy, I’m not going to like this.

“Sunset, I want you to give Sean a tour of the grounds,” Celestia said.

“What?!” Sunset and I exclaimed together.

“Yes,” Celestia said as she clapped her hands together, a smile that didn’t match her eyes graced her lips, “Both of you, together.”

I reached over to pick up a book and held it up to her, “But magic,” I whimpered to which Celestia giggled.

“Will still be there tomorrow,” she said as her horn glowed and she summoned a bright red apple. With her magic, she floated the apple towards me which I took with a frown. As I sat there eating the apple Celestia turned towards Sunset. “Please show him around the castle, and starting tomorrow you will be teaching him magic.”

"But why me?" Sunset demanded while she pointed at me, "Why not one of your other students?"

"Because," Celestia said hiding the fact that her patience was wearing thin, "his kind doesn’t have any connection to magic." The princess then placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder, "Now that he does we don’t know what kind of effect it may have on him. Yes, he has shown some aptitude for magic but we don’t know how much and to what extent."

Celestia then used her free hand to lift Sunset's head so that she was looking into her eyes. "He needs somepony to guide him, I need somepony that I can trust to guide him when I am unable to. A pony to watch over him as he roams the castle."

"A task that I’m entrusting to you, my faithful student."

Sunset closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Fine," she said with finality, "let's go." She then pulled herself away from Celestia's grip before she waved at me to follow.

I watched as Sunset began to walk away then to Celestia who let out a sigh. I got up and walked toward her. “Is everything alright?” I asked the princess of the sun. Celestia looked at me for a moment and smiled.

“Nothing that you need to worry about,” Celestia said a smile started to pull on her lips as her hand rested on my shoulder. “Thankfully I've taken your advice for her to heart and adjusted my teaching habits with her. Although she’s still thirsty for power."

“Uh, you mean the other me?” I said before I pointed out, “I only showed Celestia the first two episodes.”

"Oh," Celestia said with a shocked jolt before she retreated her hand, "I see," she said softly as she began to shift her gaze away.

I picked up on the shift in mood and cut in, "But I uh, I’m glad that my advice has worked out for ya." I put up two thumbs up at her while I gave her a smile.

Celestia began to smile again.

Sucess!

"I want to let you know that you will have the freedom to roam the castle," the princess said, "but I asked that you remain on the grounds. I have to prepare a few things before I introduce you to the general public."

Well, that sucks. I kinda wanted to get out and see Canterlot.

"What if I can get a disguise?" I asked. I think there are some illusion spells that could work. I'll have to look that up to find out more.

Celestia sucked in her lower lip before she answered slowly. "We’ll have to see."

"Ya, that’ll be great. Your place is cool and all but I think I’ll get a little stir-crazy if i’m not able to go out and what"

“Again we will see,” Celestia giggled, “Now, run along my little human,” she said with a smile, “It won’t do you any good to keep Sunset waiting.”

Author's Note

So this story is starting to take off for me I already have up to chapter 11 outlined and the next three ready for edit and post. In light of this, I'm thinking about putting more focus on this story while I have the momentum. This will no longer be a side project. As such I'm thinking about a name change and getting an editor if I can afford it. This also mean actual chapter names as well.

I would like your opinion on whether or not to make this all one story or split it into a series. I can do both either way I just don't know which one to do.

Sunset's look was inspired by Ambris