Still mortal, still alive

Chapters

Prologue
An eventful morning
Birthday Betrayal
Next stop, destiny
The entrance examination (part 1)
The entrance examination (part 2)
A Final Twilight
Aurora Novae
The Council meeting
Fear can be very convincing
Lessons of the Heart

Prologue

Warm blood met cold marble. Twilight lay defeated, her fragile form sprawled upon the frigid marble floor. Iron chains, heavy and unyielding, bound her emaciated body while a deep wound seeped blood, staining the purity of the marble beneath her. Her once-vibrant eyes now held a vacant, lifeless echo of despair. Standing before her was the monarch, an imposing figure radiating authority, observing the broken figure below.

In the silence, a faint, empty whisper escaped Twilight's lips. “Oh, hello,” she murmured, her voice a mere echo of its former strength. “You know, I imagined this moment differently. When I imagined this moment, you weren’t there.” A weak chuckle followed.

“But here you are, even though I imagined this moment differently.” Her chuckle wavered as she added, “Although, I think you’re a hallucination...” Twilight stopped her sentence and paused briefly. Then, because she considered her remark impolite, she added, “I’m sorry. I did not mean to be so direct. But you see, it’s unlikely that you’re the real monarch. If you were, I’d be dead already. Please understand,” Twilight’s voice cracked, a trickle of blood escaping her lips, “the shadow of death looms over me.” As an illustration, she moved a leg and smeared some of the blood she lay in. Her voice was a mere breath. “It’s not unusual for people like me who are dying to have hallucinatory experiences.”

“My dear Twilight, you're gravely mistaken; indeed, it is I,” the monarch's voice a blend of warmth and chilling resolve. She lowered a hoof to stroke Twilight’s cheek in a caring gesture to prove her point. The monarch’s glowing eyes looked into Twilight’s lifeless ones for a moment before she withdrew her hoof. “Why did it come to this?” The monarch paused as if weighing her following words carefully. "I too envisioned this moment differently… I actually hoped it would never come to this." The monarch continued talking, but Twilight didn’t understand the words.

Struggling to focus, Twilight mustered enough strength to speak. “Sorry, can you repeat that? I couldn’t hear what you said,” Twilight smiled at the hallucination. She wanted to understand what she was saying. Who wouldn’t want to listen to her? Her voice was beautiful. "But if you stand before me, not as a wraith of my imaginings, then... it means my time has come, doesn't it?" her words trembled with a touch of sorrow, a whisper trailing into the quiet air.

"I wish things had gone differently. You and I had to make a lot of decisions and some of them led us down the wrong path. I regret a lot of things... I regret having failed you,” she paused and considered her next words very carefully, before she added, "This is the end of one story, perhaps, but not the end of all. Your spirit, indomitable even now, speaks of legacies not yet fully realized," she said cryptically.

Twilight's lips curved into a faint, resigned smile. "Legacies... a comforting notion when faced with the abyss. I understand I’ve let you down. The how eludes me."

…

The monarch looked silently at Twilight. A few emotions flitted through her eyes as if she were debating with herself.

…

"Twilight, what actually happens in a chess game when the pieces refuse to obey the player?" The monarch asked the question with a calmness that seemed almost eerie, a calmness that carried the weight of centuries of reign. She smiled gently. Behind her eyes trembled an ocean of unspoken words and hidden emotions, but her mask was otherwise perfect. To the untrained observer, she must have seemed relaxed.

Twilight's laughter broke through the silence, a faint yet defiant sound. "That's a strange question." Her voice was weak, but her mind flashed in that moment of challenge. The chains that held her clinked softly, a sign of her indefatigable spirit. "If the pieces refuse to follow, then... then the player faces a conundrum, does he not? The player loses control of the game and cannot play anymore." She turned to the monarch, searching her eyes for an answer, for a sign of understanding or perhaps even remorse.

The monarch held her gaze, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as if the walls she had built around herself were beginning to crumble. "Twilight, you don't get it. It's not about what the player does when the pieces don't hear. It's about what the pieces do without the player's guidance. How they decide... how they proceed."

...

Twilight’s gaze started to waver, her eyes losing focus as if struggling against a heavy mist settling over her mind with naive innocence. “It’s icy in here,” she said, her words tinged with childlike vulnerability. “I get sick when it’s cold,” she added, her voice quivering, a sob escaping her lips as if she were on the verge of tears. Her voice wavered as her distress spilled over. “I don’t want to get sick, but... It’s cold. And I’ll get sick...” Tears gathered under her eyes and dripped onto the floor. “I don’t want to get sick. I want to do something else. Like before.” She continued to cry.

“You will endure, Twilight. You’re stronger than this.” Concern about Twilight’s change in behavior crept into her voice. “You will be fine. “

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“I’m having a panic attack again, aren’t I?”

“I believe so.”

“That’s okay. Now that I know I have a panic attack, I also know... also that... that I’m venting. My thoughts aren’t a rational analysis of my current situation. My thoughts result from a... d-dis-prop-p-proportional defense reaction to stress.” Twilight recited as if she had memorized it. “It’s hard to think clearly when you’re dying… Can you tell me what it’s like to be dead? But of course, you wouldn’t know because you’re not dead...not dead.” Twilight giggled at her syllogism. She stared blankly at the ceiling for a while, opening her mouth a few times and then closing it again. “Oh, I’m having trouble speaking. I think I’m talking unclearly. Can you understand me?”

“I understand what you’re saying. In fact, you just shouted.” The monarch tried to refocus her attention. “Now tell me, Twilight, what happens when a chess player can no longer play because the pieces have stopped listening to her?” The monarch came back to her question.

…

“The game continues, even if the player can no longer play... The chess pieces must now make decisions for themselves... “Her last words were so quiet they were almost inaudible, each word a struggle, as if speaking through a veil of darkness that threatened to consume her.

For a moment, silence hung heavy between them, a testament to the unspoken sorrow that enveloped both their hearts.

...

With the last of her strength ebbing away, Twilight’s voice barely rose above a whisper: „Can I go to sleep now? I’m so tired, the shadows grow long and it’s like my head is stuffed with clouds.”

“Yes, Twilight, you can go to sleep now.”

“Thank you... I’m glad you were here.” In her last moment, she felt a moment of relief.

Celestia stood there for a while, watching her before quietly leaving. A tear escaped her eye and fell silently onto the ground.

Author's Note

I have (as so often) decided to finally finish this story (or at least start it properly). Therefore I have extended and rewritten the prologue a bit. Chapter 1 will get a similar treatment and will then be available again.

An eventful morning

12 years before...

The still young rays of a rising sun streamed through an open window on the upper floor of a relatively small, ancient building, casting a harsh yellowish light on the silhouette of a pony lying awkwardly in a nest of blankets and other fabrics. Despite the bright sunlight, Twilight dreamily peered out from her perch of colorful material to look out the window. You could hear the chirping of some birds nesting on the roofs of the surrounding houses. A long, soft yawn escaped her as she stretched her limbs reaching in every direction.

Once again, she stayed up late into the night, reading books on various topics and taking notes in bed. The evidence for this was scattered all over the room. Half-written scrolls and broken quills lay scattered around her figure and tangled on the floor. Inkblots stained the crumpled sheets, a clear sign that she had fallen asleep while writing. It has become a bad habit. The sight made her groan internally. Ink stains meant another covert trip to the laundry room.

"Great," she muttered under her breath, annoyed at the extra chore.

Well, that was simply the price of studying late into the night. But, spoken in her defense, she had no other choice but to stay up late, at least if she wanted the opportunity to read any books without getting in trouble. It was a sacrifice she had to make.

It wasn't that reading was outright forbidden, but it would raise the question of where she got all the books. As a child from an orphanage in the city's poor district, even the ability to read was unusual. If someone caught her holding a book in her hoofs, even more, a new and well-cared-for one, she would have to explain how she could put her hooves on it and where it came from. If the truth came out about how she snuck over the stone wall in the fourth adjacent district to steal from the old closed library there, her days of late-night reading would be over very quickly.

It's actually a miracle that Twilight discovered her passion for reading and learning at all. Ponys who are so poor only sometimes have the opportunity to look into a book. Here they try to prepare the foals for more "practical" work and regard books as a pure luxury. A few years ago, there had been a program set up by a noblemare to teach the less fortunate to read and write, offering orphans like Twilight a rare chance at education. But, for reasons unknown to Twilight, the effort was discontinued five years ago. At least some of the older foals have benefited from this.

She shook her sleepy head awake and slowly unraveled herself from the self-made nest of old rags and blankets she seemed to have made provisionally in her sleep. She was careful about this in an ongoing attempt to remain quiet and not wake anyone in the house, but as she stretched extensively and looked out the window at the sky, a sudden sense of panic spread through her mind. If she remembered the date correctly and the sun was already this high in the sky, that could mean only one thing - oh no.

She overslept.

Without another thought to remain as quiet and unnoticed as possible, as she had tried to do earlier, she raced through her admittedly small and sporadically furnished room, tucking all sorts of empty scrolls and books hidden under the bed into a small canvas bag. Hopefully, no one in the orphanage would stop her or try to peek inside.

Next, she grabbed the clothes she had folded neatly on a small stool the day before. A pair of tight black pants and a lavender shirt, made of linen, awaited her. In a ridiculous pose, she hastily pulled the pants over her hind legs, the loose-fitting shirt over her unkempt hair, and finally, over her up-to-now naked body. It was not unusual to walk around naked. Instead, the opposite was true. However, it had become customary to dress accordingly on special occasions to clarify that it was not commonplace.

Twilight always felt like someone else when she put on her clothes. Like somepony who didn't belong in a place like this orphanage. Like she was somepony important. A thought that others would probably smile at best and scold at worst. Reality always caught up with Twilight in the end. She was no one special. These few rags were nothing more than a mask. A lie you put on to make others feel less bad for you in their presence.

Her clothes were among the End Twi's most valuable possessions, at least in pure monetary value. Nobles always see this as an excellent opportunity to polish their image thoroughly and donate their no longer usable possessions to orphanages in the region. As it happens, every noble in the kingdom thinks their old, worn-out clothes would make a perfect donation.

And so it came to pass that every orphan in the orphanage, and probably in every other similar institution, was furnished with more or less fine textiles. Those nobles had no books or anything like that to give away was, of course, obvious. Who needs something like education?

Once Twilight was ready and had gathered her things, she yanked open the worn wooden door of her room. The faint morning light filtered through the narrow upstairs windows, casting long shadows as she hurried down the creaking hallway. Her steps echoed off the stone floor, and in no time, she reached the stairs.

When she ran down the steps, skipping every other one in an ongoing attempt to move faster, she nearly toppled over due to her admittedly small stature. From a distance, the scene must have looked ridiculous. With each of her jumps, the old wood of the stairs protested with an almost unbelievably loud creaking, as if the steps wanted to draw extra attention to their dilapidated state.

Swirls of dust danced in the rays of light that crept in through the broken windows as Twilight continued her way down.

At the end of the hallway, the warm morning light streamed through the large gates, casting bright lines across the cool stone floor, and for a moment, the otherwise dull walls seemed to glow with an unusual radiance.

Unfortunately, Twilight didn’t make it more than twenty feet before a rough, familiar hoof clamped down on her shoulder, forcing her to slow. "Well, well, what's the rush today? Usually, at least in the mornings, we’re spared from your presence," came the mocking voice at her side.

Twilight's muscles tensed instinctively as she spun around to face the source, only to be greeted by Silver Gleam's cocky grin. He loomed over her, his broad shoulders casting a shadow that blocked the sunlight. He was three years older and towered over her, easily a full head taller, with a solid, muscular build that made her feel even smaller.

"Dressed to impress, aren't we? It looks as though you have something important going on," he said, stepping closer to her with a confidence that filled the space around them. His unwavering grin never left his face.

She took a hesitant step back, deliberately increasing the distance between them, and put on a tentative brave grin, but the subtle quiver in her gaze pierced through the facade. "Oh, nothing really important," she stammered, barely hiding her urge to flee. "I just wanted to take a walk. I'm already leaving," she added, her voice trailing off, "and won't bother you further." She spun around, her hooves barely touching the ground, as she attempted to exit the foyer as quickly as possible and resume her hurried sprint through the city to her destination. Yet, before Twilight could start running, she was grabbed roughly by the same hoof on her shoulder, pulling her back with force. Her heart dropped like a stone in her chest as the realization settled in. There would be no easy way out of this.

Hold on a minute," he started. "Believe me, nothing would make me happier than for you to go away for a while." he let his words hang in the air as if it was a complete statement. "But come on, you're not seriously going to tell me you got all dressed up just for a little walk," his grin widened even more. "Besides, don't think I didn't notice the bag you're clutching so tightly. So, what are you hiding?" he teased, his voice dripping with mock concern.

Twilight felt a knot form in her stomach, her grip on the bag tightening reflexively. She fought to keep her expression neutral, aware that any sign of weakness would only encourage him.

"I... uh..." Twilight stammered. Her voice barely escaped her throat. Her breath hitched, and her heart hammered incessantly in her chest, echoing like thunder in her ears. SShe knew exactly what Silver was up to. He didn’t like her, that much was clear. He was always looking for a way to make her day difficult. Truth be told, Twilight didn't care what he or anyone else thought of her. She had long ago dismissed the significance of other ponys opinions, focusing on the worlds hidden within her treasured books, far from the scornful glances and whispered judgments.

In the eyes of the others, she was already written off anyway. She was an anomaly. This one dissonant note that didn't fit in with the rest of the harmonic symphony. The freak. A label forced upon her by those who couldn't or wouldn't look past her quirks. But who needs the recognition of others? They only distracted from the essentials anyway.

Still, Silver Gleam’s mockery cut deeper than she wished to admit, invasive and relentless. He had made her six years in the orphanage a living nightmare. Twilight recalled a day when she had sprinted through the echoing corridors, heart racing as his menacing hoofsteps pursued her. The chase ended at the old laundry room, where he had mercilessly thrust her into a vat of icy, soapy water, holding her down until her frantic struggles ceased.

Another grim memory surfaced. Silver had once trapped her in a suffocating closet, its stale air thick with mustiness, leaving her to endure the night in terrified isolation. And there was the time he had chased her onto the roof of the orphanage, threatening to push her off. Silver probably would have done it too, but it had occurred to even a brute like Silver that he wouldn't get away with it unnoticed and had left it at, scaring Twilight with the prospect of the fall.

The house's matron was seldom seen, too overwhelmed with the amount of foals she has to look after, so Silver had been given many opportunities to bully Twilight in any way he could. But probably the cruelest thing he had ever done to her occurred a few months ago on her sixth birthday.

Twilight's gaze met Silver’s, and the grotesquely twisted grin on his face resembled a cartoonish caricature. A wave of bile rose in her throat, anger mixing with disgust. His gaze, coupled with the imposing manner in which he loomed over her, stirred up painful memories she had fought so hard to bury deep in her thoughts and forget.

As she squeezed her eyes shut, the harsh reality of the orphanage’s foyer began to fade, replaced by a vivid scene of a small, dimly lit wooden chamber in which Twilight was hiding.

Author's Note

Here is a new chapter. It was originally planned to be one long chapter, but I decided to split it into 3 parts for a better narrative structure. The next chapter should be published tomorrow. With bad luck sometime next week.
The next chapter is almost finished.

Otherwise feel free to write me your opinion, thoughts and suggestions for improvement English is not my first language and I'm still a beginner, so feedback on the language and narrative is welcome.

Birthday Betrayal

Twilight found herself in absolute darkness. Her legs were pressed against hardwood on all sides. The musty smell of old wood and stale dust filled her lungs as she tried to breathe shallowly and quietly, hoping not to be discovered. Through the thin slits in the cabinet door, just enough light came in for Twilight to make out the outlines of herself and the few belongings she had brought with her. Her heart beat quickly and irregularly in her chest, and cold sweat dripped from her forehead.

Outside, she could occasionally hear muffled voices and the occasional creaking of the old wooden floorboards as someone walked past. Every noise made her flinch, and her heart skip a beat.

Today was her birthday. Anyone who thought of presents, cakes, and celebrations led a very sheltered and privileged life in Twilight's eyes. For orphans, it was not uncommon to be able to cross their own birthday off the calendar. Who would spend money or time on a worthless and unwanted foal? Certainly no diligent, decent pony. For most, their own birthday was an essentially typical day. Perhaps their friends would spend the day with them or at least congratulate them, but that was all. For Twilight, however, this day was anything but ordinary.

Every year, without fail, Silver would come up with a prank for her birthday. It was his way of celebrating the day. For Twilight, her birthday was a day of humiliation.

A sudden shadow falling through the narrow gap in the door, blocked the light amd made her hold her breath. Someone must have stopped in front of the cabinet. Twilight's ear twitched as she heard a voice.

"Hey Melody, are you going to the party, too?" Twilight recognized Cherry Tart's cheerful voice.

"Party?" Melody sounded confused. "What party do you mean?"

Cherry Tart's voice held a rare excitement. "Silver organized a party in the dining hall. The whole orphanage is invited."

Twilight held her breath. Silver had organized a party on her birthday? That couldn't mean anything good.

"Oh, that's unusual," said Melody, suspicion creeping into her tone.. "Why is he bothering? That doesn't suit him at all."

Cherry Tart lowered her voice. "It's for Twilight. It's her birthday today," Cherry said quietly. "But shhh, it's supposed to be a surprise."

Twilight's stomach twisted. A surprise party for her? And in the dining hall of all places.

"Silver is organizing a party for Twilight?" Melody sounded skeptical. "I thought he didn't like her."

"I thought so, too. I heard he's going to apologize or something," Cherry shrugged. "Apparently, he feels bad for always bullying her."

"Hm, interesting…" Melody pondered slowly. "If I'm honest, I don't know what to think about it. Doesn't that sound a bit odd?"

"You worry too much. Oh please say you're coming," begged Cherryin the sweetest tone.

Melody sighed. "Fine, I'll come. But alas, I have to regret it in the end," She said as she continued her way down the hallway.

"Great! See you later," Cherry Tart called after her, and her steps moved off in the opposite direction.

Twilight remained still in the cabinet for a while, her heart pounding wildly. What should she do now? The party was definitely a trap to pull some prank at her expense. So she would just have to avoid going to the dining hall today, and nothing would happen to her. But what if it wasn't a trap? What if Silver really wanted to apologize to her, and she didn't show up? What if his party was a fiasco because she didn't come? Would the other children resent her even more than they already did?

Twilight took a deep breath. It was a difficult decision. On the one hand, she could protect herself from possible humiliation by simply staying away. On the other hand, she couldn't be sure if this might be a genuine gesture of reconciliation. If she didn't go, she could miss a chance to change things.

Slowly, she opened the cabinet door just a crack and peeked out. The coast was clear. After a brief hesitation, she made her decision. She would go to the party. She had to know if Silver might be serious. She had to be brave.

A few minutes later, Twilight slowly stepped out of the cabinet and blinked into the dim light that filtered through the hallway windows. Her legs were stiff from the long time she had been curled up on the hard floor. With a movement reminiscent of a cat, she stretched extensively and let her spine crack. A soft sigh escaped her as the tension eased for a moment.

She took a cautious look down the empty hallway, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow, making sure she was not being watched.

"Be brave, Twilight," she whispered to herself, her voice hoarse from the dry air in the cabinet. A first tentative step brought her out of her hiding place, and she began to sneak carefully through the orphanage's hallways. Every step seemed louder than the last, the soft creaking of the floorboards echoing in her ears.

The hallways seemed to stretch endlessly, like a labyrinth leading to the lair of a beast. The faint light of the scattered oil lamps burning in the dawn cast long shadows that danced on the walls like ghostly figures. So far, the hallway had remained empty, and not a single pony had crossed her path.

By now, Twilight could hear the soft murmur of voices drifting through the hallways. It sounded as if the entire orphanage was already gathered in the dining hall. With each step, her heartbeat quickened, and her uncertainty grew.

Slowly, the large double doors to the dining hall came into Twilight's view. She paused for a moment in front of the doors, hesitated, and once again questioned whether it was a good idea to go into the dining hall. "I can do this," she encouraged herself, clenched her hooves determinedly, and pushed the door open.

The sight that greeted her surprised her. Almost all the foals in the institution had actually come. She could see the faces of Cherry Tart and Melody in the crowd. Someone had even gone to the trouble of making makeshift decorations out of colorful napkins. Some foals stood in groups, chatting animatedly. As Twilight entered, several heads turned to look at her, and the noise level fell momentarily silent.

Silver Gleam immediately ran up to her, a broad smile on his face. "Happy birthday," he said in a singsong voice that made Twilight shiver. "We've all been waiting for you!" He grabbed her hooves and pulled her further into the room.

The sudden attention overwhelmed Twilight. Under the curious gazes of the other foals, she shrank inwardly, feeling smaller and more vulnerable than ever.

"I was afraid you wouldn't come," said Silver Gleam and winked at her. "I've prepared games and even got you a special present." His smile grew wider and wider until it seemed almost unnatural.

Twilight felt a knot form in her stomach. Something was wrong here. She put on an uncertain smile and mumbled, "Thank you, Silver."

"You don't have to thank me." Silver Gleam disappeared into the crowd for a moment, only to return with a large gift on his back. It was a big red box with a white ribbon on top as decoration. "This is for you," he said, placing the gift on the ground before her. "Go ahead, open it."

Twilight looked at the enormous gift in front of her. The red box glowed in the dim light of the dining hall, and the white ribbon was artfully draped. With trembling hooves, she knelt down and began to untie the ribbon. The paper rustled under her touch, and the room seemed to hold its breath, watching her with curiosity.

Slowly, she lifted the lid of the box. She leaned slightly over the edge of the box and caught a first glimpse of her present. What she found inside made her heart sink heavily in her chest. It was a tattered and dirt-covered rag doll. To be precise, it was her former rag doll, which someone had apparently stolen from her room and destroyed.

Her eyes welled up with tears. A mocking laugh broke out from Silver and a few others in the crowd. "Well, do you like your present?" Silver sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"This is not funny at all," stammered Twilight quietly, her voice trembling with suppressed tears. Without another glance back, she turned and ran out of the room.

Her footsteps echoed loudly in the hallways as she ran aimlessly through the orphanage. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her breathing was heavy and uneven. The mocking looks of the other foals and their amused laughter echoed in her thoughts. She would never forget that laughter.

Twilight ran and ran until she reached the kitchen. There, she stopped, her body trembling with emotion. But before she could compose herself, she heard footsteps behind her. Silver and his friends had taken up the chase. She had to find a way out, but the kitchen was a dead end.

Panicking, she looked around and tried to hide in one of the kitchen cupboards. Too late! Silver yanked her violently by her right foreleg out of the cupboard and practically threw her headfirst into the arms of his two companions, who held her tightly.

Silver stepped closer, a sadistic smile on his lips. "You thought you could escape, huh?" he hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "But I wasn't finished yet." He raised his hooves to hit her, and the anticipation was written all over his face. He stood tall like a bear and reveled in her despair, like the lousy tyrant he was.

Twilight could only watch helplessly as he towered over her. Years of humiliation and pain filled her mind. Then she did something reckless. With all her strength, she kicked. The satisfying contact was followed by his scream, loud and guttural, as Silver sank to the ground. She had hit him between his hind legs. For a moment, a fierce triumph surged through her. She had fought back. He recoiled on the ground and screamed as loudly as his lungs would allow. His two accomplices grabbed Twilight by the head and pinned her to the floor. Her feeling of triumph disappeared instantly. Her head hit the hard wooden floor, and the air left her lungs with a hard gasp.

After a moment, Silver got up, his face red and swollen, his eyes filled with tears. He glared at Twilight, not with mockery but with burning contempt. "Seems someone forgot their place," he hissed venomously. His left eye twitched.

Without hesitation, he grabbed a knife lying on a brown wooden cutting board in the kitchen. The sharp blade glimmered dangerously in the dim light of the surrounding oil lamps. "Shall we remind you?" His voice was barely more than a whisper, filled with threat and pleasure.

Twilight desperately tried to free herself from the firm grip of Silver's companions. She pulled with all her might with all her limbs, wriggling left and right like a fish out of water. Her efforts were futile. The grip was relentless, and her hope faded with each desperate attempt.

Silver grabbed her left arm and slowly cut deep into the flesh with the knife. The pain was overwhelming, and she screamed throughout the entire procedure. He drew a long red line, and blood dripped onto the cold wooden floor. Salty tears ran down her face and mixed with the blood soaking the kitchen floorboards.

She hoped someone would hear her screams. She wished someone would come to help her. But no one came. No one ever came in time. At that moment, amidst the pain and despair, she swore to herself that one day she would leave this place.

Twilight lay on the ground in a small puddle of her own blood. Her hair was matted, her skin sweaty, and her eyes burned from crying. She felt the world slowly but surely fading away, and her eyes grew heavy. Just as she thought she might lose consciousness, she heard the soft clatter of approaching hoofsteps. The kitchen door opened, and Cozy Crinkle, the matron of the orphanage, stepped in.

"What's going on here?" she called out in a stern voice as her eyes fell on Twilight's lying figure on the ground. Silver and his accomplices hastily stepped away from Twilight. The matron, an older mare with yellow fur and grey mane, knelt down beside Twilight. "What happened here?" she asked, her voice trembling with shock.

"Uh, I'm not exactly sure," Silver said nervously. "We found her lying on the ground like this."

The matron raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Is that so?" She turned to Twilight. "Twilight, dear, would you please tell me why you're lying on the ground, bleeding profusely?"

Twilight could barely speak. Her throat was raw from screaming, and the pain constricted her voice. She lifted her head slightly. The first thing she saw were Silver's angry eyes. She hesitated for a moment. "I-I was clumsy and tripped. The knife..." The words came haltingly as tears streamed down her face.

"An accident, you say? That looks like a very strange accident." The matron looked Twilight directly in the eyes, as if trying to pull the truth from her. Twilight whimpered softly, too scared to tell the truth.

The matron shook her head, and for a moment, it seemed she might investigate further. But then she sighed deeply. "Alright, if you say so. Let me bandage that up." She carefully helped Twilight to her hoofs and slowly led her to the kitchen door. "You need to be more careful, Twilight," she said as she supported Twilight while they walked. "An accident like this shouldn't happen again."

"Yes, Mrs. Crinkle," Twilight whispered.

Silver grinned as Twilight was led out of the kitchen.

The matron took Twilight to her room and left briefly, returning with a small brown case marked with a red cross. She opened the case, took out some bandages and a small glass vial. With a steady hoof, she began to clean Twilight's wound.

The antiseptic liquid stung Twilight's skin, and she clenched her teeth to avoid crying out again. Her eyes filled with tears.

"It will get better soon," the matron murmured as she carefully applied the bandage. "Try to rest."

Twilight nodded silently, her thoughts swirling. The matron packed away her supplies before quietly leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Left alone with her thoughts, Twilight stared at the ceiling of her room. "Someday..." she thought.

Author's Note

Now we know what happened on Twilight's last birthday. And did I manage to make you hate Silver? I hope so.

Anyone who remembers the original version of the last chapters knows that this segment used to be much shorter... and not a separate chapter. I think it's more emotional that way. Poor Twilight. Hopefully her life will take a positive turn soon.

Remember, I'm an inexperienced writer and English is not my first language, so give me your critique. I love your comments. Thanks also to all who share their theories. I love reading this. You are the reason I keep writing.

Next stop, destiny

Twilight opened her eyes. The memories of her last birthday were fresh in her mind, and her scars, both physical and emotional, burned like fire. But there was something else too. Deep within her, something dangerous blazed: determination. She was no longer the same frightened filly. She stood tall, and the resolute glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

Silver continued to stare at her, his grin unchanged, his confidence unbroken. "Hello? Silver to Twilight. Did you hear me? What are you hiding in your bag?" He stomped his hoof, took a step forward, and now stood just inches away from her. His shadow loomed menacingly over her.

Twilight's heart continued to pound nervously in her chest, but she took a deep breath and forced herself to stand her ground. She couldn't show Silver her fear. Not anymore. "That's none of your business, Silver," she said firmly, though she trembled inside. "If you'll excuse me, I have something to do."

Silver's eyes narrowed dangerously, his lips curling into a cold line. "Is that so?" he asked, taking another step, so he now blocked the exit completely. "I don't think you understood. I asked you a question, and I expect an answer."

Twilight felt the tension within her growing. She had to act quickly before the situation escalated. She couldn't make a mistake. Not today. Her mind raced. She had to prevent him from looking in her bag while also finding a plausible excuse for why she needed to leave.

Twilight let her gaze wander around the room and noticed a half-open door leading to a storage room. She remembered that rats often scurried around there. A hastily cobbled-together plan formed in her mind, and she nervously licked her lips.

"Fine," she said, pretending to give in. "If you really want to know, it's food scraps from my room. Mrs. Crinkle asked me to take them out so they wouldn't attract rats." She smiled weakly and shifted her weight nervously, like an unsure schoolgirl.

Silver wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Food scraps? Gross."

"Yeah, exactly," Twilight lied further. "And they smell really bad." She waved her hoof in a mock gesture in front of her nose, grimacing. "If you open the bag and the stench spreads through the hallway, we'll both get into big trouble. Believe me, you don't want that."

Silver took a step back, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Why should I believe you? No pony puts on clothes just to take out trash."

"If you don't believe me, see for yourself." Twilight used her magic to reach into the bag and pulled out a shriveled piece of apple. She held it up to his nose, and the rotten smell immediately filled the air.

Silver grimaced in disgust and took another step back. "Food scraps... Ugh, okay, okay. I believe you."

Twilight seized the moment and stepped towards the half-open door. "Like I said, I have something to do. If you'll excuse me..."

Silver stared at her, the uncertainty in his eyes replaced by disgust. Finally, he shrugged and stepped aside, giving her a clear path. "Go ahead. But this isn't over, Twilight."

Twilight nodded, her internal tension slowly easing as she walked through the room and quickly exited through the door. Once out of sight, she discarded the rotten apple. The illusion spell immediately dissipated, revealing a crumpled piece of paper.

She took a deep breath. Her heart was still racing. It had been a risky trick, but she had pulled it off. Her hooves trembled slightly as she picked up the piece of paper and tucked it back into her saddlebag. She cast one last glance back to make sure Silver wasn't following her and then continued on her way.

Twilight ran through the streets, the familiar clatter of her hooves on the worn cobblestones calming her a bit. She knew she couldn't afford to waste any time. Her destination was the School for Gifted Unicorns, located next to the royal palace in the city's first district.

She lived in the fifth district, the city's slum. A high wall separated it from the fourth district. Small, makeshift houses made of patched-together materials crowded together and formed a labyrinth of narrow alleys.

The streets were crowded with ponies in worn-out clothes and exhausted faces going about their daily lives. Many lay around in the alleys, too weak or resigned to get up. They had matted fur and glazed eyes, showing signs of hunger and illness. The stench of sewage and garbage hung heavy in the air, mingling with the smoke of small fires where ponies huddled for warmth.

Between the dilapidated buildings, vendors had set up improvised stalls, offering their few goods: old, worn clothes, simple food, and occasionally a handmade piece of jewelry. Their voices blended into a constant murmur that wafted over the market. Every attempt to sell something was marked by desperation, yet there was a hint of hustle and bustle.

But despite the poverty and hopelessness, one could also feel the residents' relentless will to survive in the district's corners and nooks. Foals played with improvised toys, and sometimes you could hear laughter, breaking like a weak ray of light through the grim environment. „Even here, there's hope,“ Twilight thought.

Twilight moved carefully through the crowd, trying not to draw attention while still making progress. She had to reach the school. There, she might find a way to escape this life.

Finally, she reached the high wall separating the fifth from the fourth district. She paused to catch her breath, her eyes darting around for the familiar small gap in the masonry through which she could slip. Her thoughts raced. „I'm running late. I can't mess this up.“

"One step at a time, Twilight," she whispered to herself and forced herself through the gap. The rough surface of the wall scratched her fur, but she ignored the pain. She had done this many times before. She would do it again this time.

With one last powerful push, she reached the other side. She pulled herself up and landed in the fourth district. The contrast was striking. The narrow, maze-like alleys of the fifth district gave way to wide, clean streets. „It is a different world.“

Here there were simple but functional buildings painted in white and light pastel colors. Occasionally, you would see a tenement house or the well-kept storefront of a business. The air was fresher, the noise quieter. Here lived the city's workers, employees, and merchants.

Twilight didn't allow herself to be distracted.

„Keep moving. Don't look back.“

She continued her way, her hooves now clattering faster on the pavement. The School for Gifted Unicorns awaited, and she couldn't afford to lose any time.

Twilight got lost in her thoughts and barely noticed when she left the fourth district and marched through the gates into the third district. A small, unguarded symbolic wall separated the two districts, little more than a reminder of the boundaries that once existed here.

The third district was a world unto itself. Public baths and washhouses lined up next to residential houses with small, well-kept gardens. Workshops and andateliers stood side by side, their facades adorned with colorful signs and artistic decorations. The ponies seemed alert and busy. Here lived the city's Craftsman and artists, and life pulsed to its unique rhythm.

Trees and bushes lined the streets, their leaves rustling gently in the wind. The chirping of birds filled the air, giving the place a soothing, almost idyllic atmosphere.

Twilight continued walking absentmindedly. Halfway through the artisan district, she accidentally bumped into a young filly carrying several colorful rolls of fabric. The collision sent both of them tumbling, and the rolls of fabric scattered on the dirty ground.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" the white filly exclaimed indignantly with a slight accent.

Twilight scrambled to her hoofs and looked at the filly before her. She was small and delicate, not much older than Twilight. Her coat was snow-white and flawless. Her long mane was a deep shade of violet and styled in an elaborate wave. Her eyes sparkled with anger as she tried to gather the scattered fabrics.

"I'm sorry," Twilight said quickly, bending down to help. "I was lost in thought and didn't watch where I was going."

"I can see that," the filly snapped sharply as she picked up the dirty fabrics from the street. "Oh, these fabrics are ruined! Do you know how much work it takes to clean something like this? This is the worst thing that could have happened," the filly cried dramatically."

Twilight felt her cheeks heat up. "I'm really sorry. Here, let me help you," she said, her horn lighting up. She collected the scattered fabrics and wiped off the dirt. Then she used a spell to clean the fabrics thoroughly.

The filly watched skeptically as Twilight worked her magic on the fabrics. But as the last bit of dirt disappeared and the fabrics were pristine again, her face brightened. "Oh, that's impressive. Thank you," she said, now with an honest smile.

Twilight smiled with relief. "No problem. Sorry again for the collision. I was just in such a hurry. Today is the entrance exam for the School for Gifted Unicorns."

The filly's eyes widened with interest. "The School for Gifted Unicorns? Really? Well, what are you standing around here for? You'd better not be late. Go on, hurry."

Twilight's eyes widened. "You're right. It was nice meeting you," she said and sprinted forward.

"Good luck!" she heard the filly call out behind her.

Without wasting any more time, she continued on her way, her destination clear in her mind. In no time, she reached the city's second district. Large and elegant houses with lush front gardens lined the wide, well-maintained cobblestone streets. Beautifully decorated lanterns cast soft light on the paths, and neatly trimmed hedges and bushes conveyed a sense of wealth. Here lived the ponies who had made it far. Businessponies and entrepreneurs.

Occasionally, Twilight passed monuments, such as artistically crafted statues and fountains, which glistened majestically in the morning sun, leaving a regal impression.

Twilight could feel the bewildered and judgmental looks of the few ponies who were out and about. She seemed out of place in her hurry, but it didn't bother her.

„Let them stare. They have no idea what I've been through.“, she thought to herself.

Finally, she reached the first district. A small, decorative wall of gold and marble surrounded the area reserved for the city's nobility. The district's grandeur and wealth were immediately apparent. The streets were paved with the finest cobblestones, and every corner seemed meticulously cared for and designed.

Near the massive palace of Empress Celestia, the most influential and wealthy ponies of all Equestria lived here. Nobles. The buildings were magnificent villas and mansions, each an architectural masterpiece with elaborate facades and artistic decorations. The gardens were full of exotic plants, fragrant flowers, and fountains that gently trickled while peacocks strutted proudly over the lawns.

Twilight paused briefly, letting her gaze sweep over the imposing surroundings. She had never seen anything like this before. This display of power and wealth. All paths led directly to the palace. It stood in the center of the district, like a crown jewel.

As Twilight approached the grand gate to the first district, a guard barred her way. He was a large, imposing stallion in gleaming silver armor, his expression stern and unyielding. "Stop! What business do you have here?" he demanded.

Twilight's heart skipped a beat, but she took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "I'm here for the entrance exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns," she said, mustering as much confidence as she could.

The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked her over, scanning every inch of her worn appearance. Then, to her horror, he burst into loud, mocking laughter. "You? You want to go to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns? The most renowned and prestigious educational institute for young unicorns in all of Equestria?" He grimaced, his disdain palpable. "Do you want to apply for a job as a janitor?"

Twilight's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She straightened her posture, meeting his gaze with fierce determination. "I've worked hard for this," she declared, her voice firm despite the tremor of indignation. "I've studied every day, practiced my magic, and never given up. I may come from the fifth district, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable. I deserve this opportunity."

The guard's smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a look of mild surprise. His eyes softened, though skepticism lingered. "Very well," he said slowly. "But remember, you're being watched. Any trouble, and you'll be escorted out immediately."

Twilight nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

The guard stepped aside, allowing her to pass. "Good luck," he said gruffly, his tone less mocking but still wary.

„I'm in. Now I just have to make it to the school." She picked up her pace, her hooves clattering on the polished cobblestones. She ran down the street and slowly approached the palace.

Celestia's palace rose majestically over the first district, a truly impressive structure. The exterior was made of gleaming white marble that sparkled in the sunlight, giving the entire building a heavenly aura. The tall, elegant towers reached high into the sky up to the clouds and were adorned with golden spires that reflected the light and glittered like stars in the distance.

Huge, intricately wrought gates opened to the palace entrance, flanked by imposing marble columns carved with intricate designs, ornaments, and royal emblems. Above the gates hung the royal coat of arms and the flag of Equestria, a symbol of power that commanded respect from any visitor.

The palace gardens were equally impressive. Expansive lawns stretched out in front of the entrance, lined with splendid flower beds blooming in all the colors of the rainbow. Marble statues depicting important figures and moments from Equestria's history stood along the well-kept paths leading to the various palace entrances.

Adjacent to the palace was Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The building mirrored the architectural wonder of the palace. Tall towers and magnificent halls stretched across the landscape. The country's most prestigious magic school was just a few steps away from Twilight.

Twilight stood still for a moment. Her heart beat faster with excitement and nervousness. This was the place where her dreams could come true. She took a deep breath and continued her way, her destination clear in her mind. „This is it. My chance to prove myself.“ She took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Nothing could stop her now, and with that thought, she approached the school.

Author's Note

And here is the next chapter of Twilight's journey. Next time comes the test and the first meeting with Celestia. Oh how I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't sure whether this chapter contained too many descriptions of the individual districts. So maybe I'll revise it again. I'll see.

Remember, I'm always happy to receive your comments. Feedback is very important to me. Unfortunately, I'm an inexperienced writer and English is not my first language. Well...

The entrance examination (part 1)

Twilight finally reached the magnificent gates of the School for Gifted Unicorns. She had dreamed of this moment for so long. The tall towers of the school rose high above her into the sky, their gleaming marble facades adorned with intricate ornaments and carvings. No matter where Twilight looked, her eyes discovered another work of art. Twilight knew it couldn't be a dream, for she couldn't have even imagined such artistry. Her mouth was wide open.

As she stepped through the gates, a mixture of awe, wonder, and nervousness overwhelmed her. The ceilings soared many meters high, painted with images of the sky. Elaborately designed stone columns and statues of famous magicians lined the path. Golden chandeliers with magical candles lit the hall.

A stern-looking unicorn stallion in a neat uniform greeted her at the entrance. "Name?" he asked, his voice curt and efficient.

She stared at him for a few moments with wide eyes. "He must be a teacher at the school," she thought. He was tall and powerfully built, with light gray fur and a slicked-back black mane. Traces of age marked his features, but a youthful energy burned behind his eyes.

"Name?" the stallion repeated, now in a slightly more energetic tone.

Twilight stuttered. She had been in the school for maybe ten seconds and had already managed to annoy the first teacher. "T-Twilight," she replied, her voice barely more than a whisper.

He consulted a list and nodded. "Follow me." He led her through the school's grand halls, the walls adorned with portraits of famous graduates and tapestries depicting historical events. Occasionally, they passed by more statues. Twilight's eyes widened as she took in her surroundings, feeling more out of place with each step.

"Everything here exudes so much history and significance," she thought in awe.

Finally, they reached a large red oak door. The stallion nodded and indicated for Twilight to enter the room. Twilight swallowed and approached the door. She pushed it open just a crack and slowly stepped into a vast lecture hall filled with dozens of other young unicorns. Most of them wore fine clothes and exuded a confidence that Twilight found intimidating.

Twilight entered hesitantly. Her eyes searched for an empty seat. Her footsteps echoed lightly on the marble floor as she cautiously moved through the rows. Almost immediately, she felt eyes on her. A few foals in the front row turned to whisper to each other, casting glances her way.

"Who is that?" Twilight heard one foal whisper. "Did you see her clothes?" another foal hissed. "If only it were just that. She must have escaped from a circus," a third foal replied. "She probably comes from the lower district," the first foal said somewhat haughtily.

Twilight tried to ignore the comments, but the words still stung.

Twilight was a relatively small, delicate unicorn. Her mane was neatly cut and of a dark, almost black shade that had a bluish shimmer in certain light. Two differently colored purple streaks ran through her hair. Her horn was unusually long and sharp, proudly protruding from her forehead. It was dark purple to match her coat but lightened towards the tip. Her eyes shone with an intense magenta, expressing a fierce curiosity. Her coat was as dark purple as the base of her horn and was matted and thin due to lack of care. Her dark overall appearance was complemented by her sharp teeth, which were only noticeable upon closer inspection and had often caused a stir and mockery.

"They only see the outside," Twilight thought. "They have no idea who I really am."

Her thoughts drifted briefly as she remembered how many hours she had spent secretly reading and learning, how many nights she had pored over books by the dim light of a candle. How she had snuck through the streets under the cover of darkness to obtain books or practice her magic. "I'm not here to hide. I'm here to prove myself."

Finally, Twilight found a solitary seat on the edge of the room and sat down, hoping not to attract much more attention. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I will prove to them that I am just as good as they are."

Shortly thereafter, the teacher from earlier entered the room and stared expectantly at the examinees. The room was quiet except for the faint rustling of paper and the distant hum of the magical lighting. He tapped a hoof on the podium to gain the attention of those present.

"Welcome, young unicorns," he began in a firm voice that echoed through the room. "My name is Professor Lumens. You are all here because you believe you have the potential to become a great magician. I am pleased to see so many attentive and eager faces. The exams ahead will test your abilities and knowledge. I expect nothing less than your best."

Twilight listened attentively as Professor Lumens explained the exact procedure of the exam. "Your exam is divided into two parts. First, you will take a written exam," he explained. "There, you will demonstrate your knowledge and ability to understand complex issues, analyze problems, and solve them. I wish you the best of luck."

His horn glowed, and he began distributing exam sheets, quills, ink, and paper to the examinees. Once Professor Lumens had handed out the materials to each of the present examinees, he spoke again. "You have 165 minutes to complete the exam. I recommend you use this time effectively. You may now begin the exam."

With this statement, the foals began to turn over their exam sheets and read them intently. Twilight looked at the exam sheet in front of her. Her heart pounded wildly, and her breathing became frantic. The questions seemed to stare back at her from the page as if challenging her. Her quill hovered uncertainly in the air as her thoughts raced.

"What if I'm not good enough?" The thought drilled into her mind. "What if all the others are right and I don't belong here?" She looked around and noticed the confident faces of the other examinees. Their elegant clothing and posture exuded a confidence she herself did not feel. "I have only this one chance to escape a life of poverty," she thought.

Twilight firmly grasped her quill and began to read the questions carefully. She tried to block out her surroundings and self-doubt, focusing only on the here and now. The rustling of quills and the scratching on paper from the other examinees slowly faded into the background. The first questions were more difficult than expected, but Twilight did not let herself be deterred. She knew that all the nights of studying and practicing had not been in vain.

With each question she answered, she felt a tiny spark of hope ignite. "I can do this. There is too much at stake to fail here." The thought of one day becoming a great magician and standing beside Celestia filled her with new energy. She imagined what it would be like to impress the other examinees and teachers, finally receiving the respect and recognition she so desperately desired.

Time passed faster than she had expected. Some of the questions were challenging and required much thought, but she did not give up. Slowly, her thoughts became sluggish, and it was exhausting to keep writing. She collected herself briefly and looked at the exam sheet. She had already answered more than half of the questions. As she looked around, she saw the other foals working diligently on their questions. Some of them, like her, took a short break and looked around.

With each additional sentence she wrote, her determination solidified. "I must not give up now," she admonished herself. "I must stay focused and give my best." The thoughts of the orphanage and Silver filled her mind. She would escape from there.

When the time for the written exam expired, Twilight put down her quill and took a deep breath. She had given her best and could only hope that it was enough. Slowly, she calmed down again. She no longer even noticed how nervous she had been. She looked around and noticed that the other examinees had also put down their quills.

After a few more minutes, Professor Lumens stepped back to the podium and tapped a hoof loudly on the wood to gain the attention of the examinees. "The time for the written exam is now over," he announced. "Please put down your quills and remain seated while I collect the exam papers."

His horn began to glow again, and one by one, he collected the exam papers and filed them away. Twilight's heart was still racing, but she also felt relieved. The first part of the exam was over.

"Now we come to the second part of the exam." Some exam assistants entered the hall and stood behind Professor Lumens. Each of the exam assistants carried a banner with a number on it. "Each of you will find a card with a number on it at your seat. I ask you to stand up in the order called and follow the pony with the corresponding banner," he said to the foals.

Twilight looked at her table and discovered a small card with a beautifully drawn two on it in the right corner. Her heart rate accelerated again, this time from a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She scanned the ponies at the front of the lecture hall and spotted a white unicorn mare with a pink mane and a matching banner.

"The examinees with the number one may now stand up and follow the dear Aetherlight."

The pony with the banner marked with a one stepped forward and waited until all the foals with the corresponding number had come down. Then he turned and left the room through the right door. The foals followed him closely behind.

Twilight observed the scene and tried to calm her nerves. Soon, it would be her turn. "It can't be long now," she thought, looking at the white mare holding the banner with the two. She could hear the whispers of the other foals discussing their own strategies and hopes for the practical part of the exam.

Some of the examinees continued to cast skeptical glances at her. Twilight tried to ignore these and instead focus on the upcoming challenge.

When the last group had left the room, Professor Lumens raised his voice again. "Now the examinees with the number two are up."

Twilight felt her legs tremble as she stood up and made her way forward. The white unicorn mare with the banner smiled encouragingly at her, which brought a hesitant smile to Twilight's face. Along with Twilight, nine other foals came down, including two of the foals who had made fun of her earlier. Once the small group had gathered around the mare, she opened her mouth. "Please follow me, yes," she said gently and led the group through the left door.

The foals formed a line and followed the white mare down a wide corridor decorated like the rest of the school with paintings, statues, plants, and other artworks. The smell of lavender and old books hung in the air, and the light streaming through the tall windows bathed everything in a warm, golden glow.

On the way to the next exam, Twilight tried to calm herself by going over in her head what might come up in the practical exam and how she would handle it. She imagined successfully mastering the tasks, but the nervousness remained.

Suddenly, she was pulled out of her thoughts when one of the other foals spoke to her from behind. "Hey, you there, from the lower district, right?" The voice was full of arrogance and mockery.

Twilight turned and looked into the eyes of a light blue filly with perfectly groomed fur and a chic red uniform with a golden crest on it. Her gaze was disdainful, and her lips twisted into a mocking grin. "Yes, what is it?" Twilight asked cautiously, trying to stay calm.

"Why are you even here? You must know that someone like you has no chance. I bet you didn't even have a private tutor," the filly said in a tone as if discussing the weather. "I'm surprised you can even write. Do you really think you have a chance here?" She laughed softly, and another foal, her friend from earlier, joined in.

Twilight felt her stomach knot. She wanted to retort something clever, but her insecurity made her silent. She took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and said quietly but firmly, "Unlike you, I wasn't born into this. But I've worked hard and earned my place. I don't need a private tutor."

The light blue filly's face twisted into a smug smile. "We'll see how far you get. I wouldn't be surprised if you ran crying to your loser parents."

Twilight felt her anger rising. Her ears twitched nervously, and she began to stomp harder as she walked. But she forced herself to stay calm. She couldn't afford to stand out negatively now.

Before the situation could escalate further, the white unicorn mare stopped in front of a large double door. "We're here," she announced.

In front of them was a massive metal door with the royal seal on it. The mare used her magic, and the massive door creaked open slightly, revealing an impressive arena. Magical devices and obstacles were already set up, and the air was filled with a palpable energy. On the other side, important-looking unicorns sat on a podium, overseeing everything. Twilight took in her surroundings while her heart began to pound again.

The white unicorn mare turned to the group. "This is the practical part of the exam," she explained with a clear, soothing voice. "Each of you will take turns solving various tasks. I will call the order."

Twilight took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I will make it," she told herself inwardly, her gaze fixed on the upcoming tasks. "I have no other choice."

The mare began calling the names of the foals. The tension in the group was palpable, each foal ready to prove themselves. When Twilight finally heard her name, she stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the challenges ahead. It was time to prove her skills.

Once the mare had called all the foals names, she paused briefly to lead the group into the arena and to the first task. The arena reminded Twilight a bit of a coliseum. It was circular and vast, with a diameter of at least a hundred meters. The roof was open, but a magical barrier ensured no rain could fall in. The high walls were made of polished marble, and archways and tribunes surrounded the arena. The tribunes were covered with fine fabrics, and numerous ornate decorations adorned the structure. Twilight even spotted some spectators in the high seats of the tribunes. Twilight could feel the expectant gazes of the examiners and spectators.

Suddenly, the mare stopped about ten meters from the podium with the examiners and pointed to a small glass table with a black box on it. "The first test will take place here," she said in a calm but firm voice. "For this test, you will demonstrate your magical control and precision. In front of you is a box with 100 small glass marbles, each with a slightly different weight. Additionally, the box contains a stack of cards depicting various geometric shapes. Your task will be to lift as many marbles as possible and have them float in the pattern shown on the card."

Twilight let her gaze drift over the other foals. She didn’t miss the confident stance that many of them displayed. They stood there, hooves firmly planted on the ground, heads held high, as if this were just another routine exercise for them. A hint of envy crept up inside her. "They probably had private tutors or at least attended special preparation courses. They probably know this exam inside and out."

Twilight felt a knot in her stomach. "Oh, why am I so nervous?" Fighting against the wave of insecurity, she took a deep breath. "I only had the old books... but I made the most of them. It has to be enough. Stay focused, Twilight." She clenched her teeth as she tried to calm the storm in her mind, forcing herself to put on a determined face.

The mare gave an encouraging smile and stepped back. "Dreamweaver, you are first."

The light blue filly from earlier stepped forward confidently and walked to the table with the box. She picked up a card and held it high for everyone to see. A glowing pyramid shape appeared above her head, matching the pattern on the card. Dreamweaver set the card aside, lit her horn, and began to grasp ten of the glass marbles.

With remarkable ease, she formed the outer edge of the pyramid with the ten marbles and had them float in the air. Gradually, she added more marbles, her expression concentrated and focused. At 34 marbles, she began to sweat, and her movements became slightly uneven.

"She's slowly reaching her limits. The movements of the marbles are becoming more erratic." Twilight narrowed her eyes, focusing all her attention on Dreamweaver's aura. She noted every tiny change with precision. It was fascinating: the aura enveloped each marble in the same way, regardless of its size or weight.

"Interesting." Twilight's thoughts raced. "She's using the exact same amount of energy for each marble, even though it should take significantly more effort to control the larger ones." Twilight furrowed her brow slightly as the scene continued to unfold before her. "That probably makes the exercise easier for her. If she doesn't have to focus on the different weights, she can apply her energy more evenly."

At 37 marbles, Dreamweaver finally lost control, and the marbles clattered to the ground.

The examiners immediately looked away and began taking notes. The white mare quickly gathered the fallen marbles and placed them back in the black box. "Thirty-seven. Not bad, you can be proud of yourself," she said in a friendly tone.

One by one, the foals stepped forward and did their best in the test. Most managed to move fifteen to twenty-five marbles accurately. Some showed impressive skills, while others were noticeably nervous and clumsy. Twilight oversaw each performance and tried to devise her own strategies. Unfortunately, Twilight had never had the opportunity to practice her magic in such a way. While the others had long prepared for such an exercise, this was Twilight's first time using her magic for such precise movements.

"Next is Twilight Sparkle," said the white mare, her gaze falling on Twilight.

Twilight felt all eyes on her. With a deep breath, she stepped forward. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and her breathing quickened. It felt like her heart was at the bottom of the ocean, fighting against immense pressure.

Standing before the table, she picked up one of the cards and showed it to the examiners. A complex star shape appeared above her head, its many edges and points looking both beautiful and intimidating to Twilight.

"A piece of cake," she said in an uncertain tone as she set the card aside and lit her horn with her magenta magic. Slowly, she lifted the first marbles from the box, her magic gently enveloping them. Twilight felt the different weights of the individual marbles, but tried to divide her aura evenly between the marbles, as she had seen Dreamweaver do. Lifting them was easy, but arranging each one in the pattern proved difficult. Her forehead began to sweat, and she bit her lip in concentration.

The first ten marbles were still relatively easy to fit into the shape, but with each additional marble, it became increasingly difficult for Twilight to focus on the pattern and maintain control. Slowly and carefully, she added one marble after another, careful not to lose control. The star shape became more complete. As she added the thirtieth marble, she felt her strength slipping. Sweat dripped from her forehead, and her magic wavered briefly, but she persevered, her determination giving her the necessary strength.

At the thirty-fifth marble, the movements of the marbles became more uneven. Twilight felt her head pounding from the effort, but she focused even more intensely and forced the marbles to stay in the star shape. Finally, she reached the fortieth marble and held the complex star shape stable for a few seconds before collapsing from exhaustion and letting the marble fall to the ground.

The sound of the examiners' quills scratching on paper could be heard as Twilight took a step back and breathed deeply. She had given her best, and even if her result wasn't perfect, she had managed to outperform the arrogant foal from earlier.

"You did very well," said the white mare, smiling reassuringly at Twilight.

Twilight returned a weak smile and rejoined the other foals. Her legs felt shaky, but she was relieved to have completed the first task. As she waited for the next task, she occasionally glanced at the examiners, who continued to take notes diligently.

After all the foals had completed the first test, the white mare stepped forward again. "You all did very well. You can be proud of yourselves." Her smile was almost infectious. "In the next test, you will each demonstrate your magical power," she explained, producing a smaller black box. "Each foal will have a metal ring placed on their horn," she said, opening the black box to reveal ten metal rings. "These rings are magical suppressors that make casting spells significantly more difficult." Next, she placed ten identical metal spheres one meter apart in a line. "Your task will be to hold a ten-kilogram metal sphere in the air. Every ten seconds, the suppressor ring's power will double. After sixty seconds, the suppression ring reaches its maximum power. Very few foals manage to last the full minute, so don't be disheartened if you don't make it to the end," she said with an encouraging smile.

Some foals looked nervous, while others nodded confidently. Twilight felt her stomach knot again. A magical suppressor ring? She could only hope her magic was strong enough. This test would be a real challenge. She watched as the first foals stepped forward and had the metal ring placed on their horns.

Dreamweaver was first again. The light blue filly stepped forward, donned the metal ring, and her horn began to glow with a faint violet aura. The ten-kilogram metal ball before her hesitantly lifted into the air. The effort was evident on Dreamweaver's face, but she held the ball for nearly forty seconds before collapsing, exhausted and panting to the ground.

One by one, the foals stepped forward and did their best. Some barely managed to hold the ball for more than a few seconds, while others struggled to the forty-second mark. The tension in the air was palpable. Many knew this exercise could mean their end.

Finally, it was Twilight's turn. She stepped forward, and the metal ring was placed on her horn. Immediately, she felt the magical suppression like a heavy weight on her head. With a deep breath, she lit her horn. Her magenta aura was dimmed, and small sparks shot from her horn, but after a short time, Twilight could adjust to the magical suppressor, and her aura stabilized.

With trembling concentration, she lifted the metal ball before her into the air. The first thirty seconds passed surprisingly quickly, but soon she began to sweat. The magical blockade felt like wading through thick mud. Her forehead shone with effort, and she clenched her teeth.

The seconds ticked by agonizingly slowly. Twilight could feel the gazes of the other foals on her, but she did not let herself be distracted. "I can do this," she said aloud this time, pumping extra power into her horn. Her aura around the horn began to glow more intensely, and the runes on the suppressor ring became visible. Tension built, and the examiners watched her with expectant eyes. Twilight mobilized her last reserves. After fifty seconds, she was still standing, her magic firmly holding the ball.

After sixty seconds, Twilight was sweating profusely, but the ball remained unchanged in the air as if destined to stay there. An amazed murmur went through the examiners. When the exam assistant said it was rare for a foal to hold out for the full sixty seconds, she did not lie. Even talented adult unicorns would struggle to keep the ball in the air for that long.

Twilight felt the increasing exhaustion, but she forced herself to maintain control. The last seconds felt like an eternity. Finally, as the magical pressure became unbearable, her body gave in. With a final powerful burst, she let the ball fall, which hit the ground with a loud thud.

At the moment the ball touched the ground, the magical aura around Twilight's horn faded, and she fell to the ground, exhausted. Her legs gave way, and her vision blurred as she listened to the shocked exclamations of the examiners. The white mare immediately rushed over, her eyes full of concern.

"Are you all right?" she called out, removing the suppressor ring from Twilight's horn. The cool touch of the metal vanished, and Twilight felt her own magical energy slowly returning.

"I'm fine," Twilight said as she struggled to get back on her hooves. "How long did I hold out?"

The mare stared at Twilight with incredulous eyes. "She doesn't even know what she just did," the mare thought in amazement. Then, a familiar smile formed on her muzzle. "You held out for sixty-eight seconds. That must be a new record for the entrance exam."

Twilight's eyes lit up, and she nodded weakly, trying to calm her breathing. Her legs were still trembling, but a spark of pride filled her. The other foals stared at her, some with admiration, others with obvious envy or resentment.

After Twilight had recovered briefly, she rejoined the other foals. It wasn't long before this test was over as well, and the white mare stepped forward again. "Now that you have demonstrated your magical strength, we move on to the next test," she said with a smile. "Now it's time for you to show us that you can cast more complex spells than simple levitation." A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Some would say this is the most important test."

The mare led the group to another area of the arena, where several tables with apples on them were set up. "Your task will be to transform an apple into something else. We are also testing your creativity here, so transform the apple into whatever you like."

The foals slowly walked to the individual tables and stood before the apples. Twilight's thoughts began to race. Transmogrification? She had read about such a spell but had never practiced or paid much attention to it. It seemed too risky to her. She began to sweat again as she stood before her apple.

The first foals began their spells. Twilight watched as an apple turned into a banana, another into a flower. She took a deep breath and lit her horn as she focused on the apple in front of her. What should she transform the apple into? It had to be something she knew well enough to mimic and simple enough to cast the spell successfully.

"An orange," she thought. "That's similar enough to be doable," she said matter-of-factly, though her tone sounded anything but confident. Her magic enveloped the apple, and she imagined it changing. The spell took shape in her mind. Slowly, the apple began to change shape, its color shifting from red to orange and the surface becoming rougher.

Twilight tried to focus on the spell, just as it was described in the book. The complicated formulas were in her mind's eye. The process took more effort than she wanted to admit. Her spellwork was inefficient and could best be described as sloppy. She gritted her teeth and focused further. Finally, after a last spark of magic, an orange lay before her. It was not perfect, a bit misshapen with small red spots, but she had done it.

The exam assistant stepped forward and examined the results. Her gaze was slightly disappointed as she looked at the orange, but she tried not to show it. "Well done, Twilight," she said with an effortful smile. "You successfully performed the spell."

Suddenly, Dreamweaver stepped up to Twilight's table and stared at the orange. "That's it?" She laughed mockingly. "Ha, pathetic. As expected from someone like you. Your magical suppressor must have been broken earlier or something. Maybe you should be expelled for cheating."

Twilight felt her cheeks heat up. She wanted to respond, but before she could, the exam assistant intervened.

"That's enough, Dreamweaver," she said firmly. "Everyone here has given their best, and respect is paramount here. Such disparaging remarks have no place here. Understood?"

"Yes, of course," Dreamweaver said unconvincingly. She gave Twilight one last disdainful look and trotted back to her place. Twilight took a deep breath, glad that the exam assistant had intervened.

The exam assistant stepped forward and raised her voice once more. "You all did very well. It's wonderful to see that you all successfully performed the spell," she said, placing special emphasis on the word "all." "We now come to the final task for this part of the exam. This task will test the character of your magic. As you know, each unicorn has a magical profile. You could say your magic has its own character," she chuckled a bit at her comparison. "For example, I am particularly skilled in healing, fire, and barrier spells. Not that I'm not proficient in other branches of magic as well." She looked proud as she said this. "There are dozens of magical talents and combinations that make up the magical profile, and we need to know what your profile looks like." She paused briefly to let each foal process this information.

Twilight felt her curiosity piqued. A magical profile? She had read about it. Unicorns were naturally connected to three elements. The connections and combinations of the connections gave the unicorn's magic its unique aura. Depending on the connections, unicorns were talented in different areas of magic. The elements ranged from simple elemental magic like fire to emotion-based magic like love or dark magic like shadow magic.

"To this end, each of you will step forward one by one and wear this medallion." She brought out a golden necklace with a large pendant. The pendant was intricately designed, shaped like a unicorn proudly raising its head, with delicate curls along the edges. In the center of the pendant sparkled a large, faceted gemstone that shimmered in various colors in the light.

"When you wear the amulet and let your magic flow through the gemstone, it will reveal the character of your magic to all of us," explained the exam assistant, holding the medallion high for everyone to see. The medallion sparkled in the light, drawing the foals' gazes like magic.

The foals looked at each other nervously as the exam assistant held the necklace aloft. "Dreamweaver, you may start," she said and approached the named foal. Dreamweaver stepped forward confidently, puffing out her chest so the exam.

The assistant could place the amulet around her neck. The gemstone immediately began to glow, shifting between a deep blue, a rich yellow, and a murky green.

The exam assistant nodded approvingly. "Fascinating, Dreamweaver. You seem to have a deep connection to transformation and illusion magic, psionics, and nature magic."

The other foals murmured in admiration as Dreamweaver proudly stepped back. The exam assistant called each of the remaining foals one by one, each stepping forward and wearing the amulet. Each time, the gemstone glowed in different colors, revealing the various magical profiles of the foals.

A light pink foal named Rose Petal stepped forward, and the gemstone glowed a soft pink, clear white, and bright green. "Healing and protection magic, light, and thought magic," commented the exam assistant. "Very versatile, Rose Petal."

Another foal, a gray colt named Steel Hoof, made the gemstone glow a deep red, brown, and metallic silver. "Ferromancy, geomancy, and pyromancy," noted the exam assistant. "You seem to have a talent for the elements."

Twilight watched intently as the magical profiles of the other foals were revealed. Finally, it was her turn. The exam assistant called her name, and Twilight stepped forward hesitantly. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as the necklace was placed around her neck.

Nothing happened. Twilight began to feel nervous. Did she break the amulet? Would she get in trouble? Just as she was about to say something, the amulet began to glow a pale white. A gentle glow, almost like moonlight, broke the silence. Then, without warning, the light changed. It became a bright red as if a sunrise was happening inside the small gemstone. Twilight's heart beat faster. Was it supposed to look like this?

But that was just the beginning. Suddenly, the glow turned pitch black. It was as if the amulet was swallowing the light itself. The darkness was unsettling and fascinating at the same time. Twilight's nervousness grew. Her breathing quickened, and she could hear the soft whispers of the other foals behind her. But before she could think further about it, the amulet changed again.

The exam assistant stepped closer to Twilight and positioned herself so the other foals could no longer see the amulet. Her eyes widened slightly as she recognized the pattern.

A soft, floating sound filled the air as white dots appeared on the gemstone's surface. They glittered and sparkled as if a thousand tiny stars were captured inside the amulet. Slowly and majestically, they formed a pattern resembling a starry sky—as if the gemstone itself contained the sky and the stars. Twilight stared in fascination at the shimmering display before her eyes.

With a quick decision, the exam assistant lifted her head and shouted, "Very interesting, Twilight. Your magic shows connections to void magic, pyromancy, and light magic," she said in a neutral tone. Twilight stared at her in confusion. That couldn't be right. But the exam assistant seemed confident and took the medallion.

Twilight could hardly believe what she had just experienced. The atmosphere in the room had changed; the air filled with a kind of electric tension. The other foals whispered among themselves, casting curious and partially distrustful glances her way. Twilight knew that what she had just seen was extraordinary.

The exam assistant, however, was already with the next foal, placing the medallion around their neck. After the exam assistant removed the medallion from the last foal, she quickly made the chain disappear into a small chest before anyone else could look at it. She turned to the examinees and explained, "Well done, everyone. That was the last part of this section of the exam. Now, we will take a short break, after which the results of the written and practical exams will be announced. Please follow me once more."

Author's Note

And that brings us to another chapter. To be honest, I originally wanted to have the whole exam in one chapter, but it got so long that I decided to split it up. I hope you are excited to see what happens next. Believe me, the exam is not over yet and the most exciting part is still to come.

As always, I would like to point out that English is not my mother tongue. If you notice any mistakes, please write them to me.

I am happy about every comment and really read everything. :twilightsheepish:

The entrance examination (part 2)

The group of foals followed the exam assistant through the long corridors of the school building like a flock of ducklings waddling after their mother. They were all still exhausted from the exams, and most of them appeared nervous. Their footsteps echoed on the polished marble in an irregular rhythm as they marched in tense silence.

After a short while, the exam assistant stopped in front of a large wooden door adorned with intricate carvings and turned to the foals. "Behind me is the door to the great hall. Snacks and drinks are waiting for you while we evaluate your exam results. In half an hour, the results will be announced. Unfortunately, you won't see me again today. I wish you all good luck." She gave the foals one last smile as she opened the large red wooden door with her golden magic, revealing the view into the great hall.

Twilight and the other foals entered the hall, and Twilight could hardly believe her eyes. The hall was enormous, with ceilings at least twenty meters high. Above them stretched a vast glass dome made of the finest crystal glass, through which the sunlight broke into rainbow colors, bathing the room in a gentle, warm light. A large golden chandelier in the shape of the sun hung from the ceiling, though it was not needed as the sun had already brightly illuminated the room.

The walls were adorned with a long tapestry depicting the story of Celestia's rise to the throne in magnificent images. The colors and details drew Twilight's attention like magic, and she could almost feel the pride and power emanating from these stories. Long tables were laden with various snacks and drinks, emitting enticing aromas. Some foals were already present, likely from one of the other groups.

Many of the foals seemed to have forgotten their worries instantly and eagerly dove into the banquet laid out. The enticing scents of fresh pastries and sweet fruits briefly made them forget their anxieties. But Twilight was not in the mood for food. Her worries weighed too heavily on her stomach. She retreated to a corner and let her thoughts wander.

The voices of the other foals echoed through the hall, some sounding excited, others nervous. "The transfiguration spell went pretty badly. The exam assistant tried not to show it, but I could see the disappointment in her eyes," thought Twilight. The pressure she felt weighed heavily on her.

Lost in her thoughts, Twilight overlooked one of the other foals slowly approaching her. A familiar shadow fell over her, and when she looked up, she recognized Dreamweaver. The light blue foal stood over her, the light from the crystal glass dome reflecting in her eyes and casting sharp shadows on her mocking grin.

"What are you thinking about?" Dreamweaver asked in a smug voice as she leaned down toward Twilight.

Twilight flinched as she stared into Dreamweaver's green eyes. She felt her cheeks flush with anger and embarrassment. "Nothing important," she finally muttered, her voice quiet and irritated.

"Oh really?" Dreamweaver laughed softly, a cold, hollow sound. "Maybe about your pathetic transfiguration? That was hardly more than a failed trick. When the exam assistant emphasized that we all successfully performed the spell, she must have forgotten about your orange. Not that anyone would remember something like that."

Twilight bit her lip to keep her composure. "I did my best," she replied, trying to stay calm.

Dreamweaver didn't relent. "Of course you did." Her grin widened. "Or maybe you're thinking about the amulet?" She leaned even closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and cunning. "What was that anyway? Some shabby trick? Or do you not even know what you did?"

Twilight felt her uncertainty rise again. "I don't know," she admitted. "But it wasn't a trick."

Dreamweaver snorted contemptuously. "Of course not. I bet it was just your shabby poor-people magic. Such a precious artifact is probably just not meant for someone average like you to use."

Some of the other foals, who were watching the scene, looked sympathetically at Twilight, but none dared to intervene. Twilight swallowed her rising tears and said nothing more. Satisfied with herself, Dreamweaver left Twilight to her thoughts and trotted back to the other foals.

Twilight remained alone in her corner, her thoughts swirling. "Don't let it get to you," she told herself quietly. "Soon, the results will be announced, and then we'll see who is average."

The minutes dragged on, and what was supposed to be only thirty minutes felt like an eternity to Twilight. Suddenly, the door to the hall opened with a loud bang, and all the foals immediately turned towards the source of the noise. Professor Lumens, accompanied by the five examiners from the arena, marched through the door and headed towards a podium set up at the other end of the grand hall. A long, parchment-like list floated beside him, held by his magic.

The foals were electrified and followed Professor Lumens with their eyes. The hall, previously filled with the hum of excited chatter, suddenly fell silent. Twilight felt her nervousness flare up again. She stood up and joined the other foals gathering around the podium. All eyes were on Professor Lumens as he and his companions slowly ascended the rostrum, observing the foals with a neutral expression.

He cleared his throat as he unrolled the list and began to speak. "Welcome back," he began in a deep, resonant voice that echoed through the hall. "You have all given your best and shown what you are capable of. Now, the moment has come for you to reap the fruits of your hard work."

The tension in the room was palpable as the professor cleared his throat again and directed his gaze to his list. "I am pleased to see that so many of you have passed the exams this year. Those who did not pass should not be disheartened; you have also achieved great things today." His words conveyed comfort, but his tone remained as neutral and matter-of-fact as ever.

Professor Lumens began calling out the names of the foals one by one, each receiving brief feedback on their performance. The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and fear that nearly took Twilight's breath away.

A light brown foal named Amber Dust was praised for her exceptional transfiguration skills. Another foal, a black colt named Shadow Strike, was recognized for his impressive control and precision. Twilight also heard some familiar names. Dreamweaver and Rose Petal had also passed.

Twilight felt her heart race as the list grew shorter. Her hooves felt heavy, and she hardly dared to breathe. Finally, Professor Lumens called her name. It didn't help that the majority of the foals had not passed, despite the professor saying that many had succeeded this year.

"Twilight Sparkle," he announced, and all eyes turned to her. When Twilight heard her name, her thoughts went silent. It was as if a thread had been cut, and Twilight's entire attention was now focused on the professor's words. She stood up and stepped forward hesitantly, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as if it might burst at any moment.

"Twilight," began Professor Lumens, "you performed well in the written exam. Your analytical skills are remarkable, and you show great knowledge in many areas of magic. However, your understanding of more complex magical structures shows clear gaps." He paused briefly before adding, "In the practical exam, you also performed above average. Although your transfiguration spell fell short of the examiners' expectations, you demonstrated impressive control and strength." A subtle smile crossed his muzzle. "I am pleased to inform you that you have passed."

Twilight felt a wave of relief and joy wash over her. The tension lifted from her, and for a moment, she could hardly believe what she had just heard. She had done it. She had passed.

She wanted to jump up and let her joy run free, but she had to restrain herself. However, this didn't stop her from wearing the broadest and silliest grin imaginable. Professor Lumens continued calling the names of the other successful foals and giving them feedback, and it wasn't long before he had read through the entire list. Some staff members led the foals who had not passed out of the room. There were murmurs and defiant stomping as they reluctantly left the room.

After all the foals who had not passed had left the room, Professor Lumens stepped forward again and raised his voice to gain the attention of everyone present. "Now that we have announced the results of the written and practical exams, I must make a confession. I fear there is one final, ultimate task that you must master."

The assembled group of foals stared at the professor in astonishment. Another task? What could he mean? The surprise and curiosity were evident on their faces as they looked around restlessly and whispered to each other.

"Each foal will complete this task individually," Professor Lumens continued. "You will be called into the exam room, where the details of the task will be explained to you. The order is based on your previous performance."

Twilight's heart beat faster and faster. One by one, the examinees were called and led out of the room. With each foal that disappeared and did not return, Twilight grew more nervous. Finally, she was alone with Professor Lumens in the great hall, desperately trying to calm her nerves.

At last, after what seemed like endless minutes, she heard her name. "Twilight Sparkle, please step forward."

Twilight did as she was told and stepped closer to the professor. "Please follow me, Twilight. We will go to the exam room for the final decisive test together," he said in a neutral, even voice that offered little comfort.

Twilight felt her legs tremble as she followed him through the long corridors. The path seemed to stretch on endlessly, and the ticking of a giant clock echoing through the hallways only heightened her anxiety.

They stood at the end of the corridor before an unassuming, light wooden door. Professor Lumens stopped and opened the door without comment, allowing Twilight to enter. The room beyond was impressive and had a cozy, almost homely atmosphere. The floor was covered with a soft carpet, and the walls were painted in warm colors. Although the room was relatively sparsely furnished, it had an undeniable charm.

Pictures and other artistic depictions of famous personalities and places adorned the walls, and plants decorated the space. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, atop which rested a giant purple dragon egg. But that was not what caught Twilight's attention.

Beside the pedestal stood the majestic figure of Empress Celestia herself. She was at least twice the size of a grown earth pony stallion. Her radiant white coat and flowing, multicolored mane seemed to absorb and return the light of the room, creating a gentle, magical glow around her. She wore her golden royal regalia and had her massive wings spread wide. Her magenta eyes shone with pride and calm, and her smile conveyed a maternal level of kindness.

Twilight felt her breath catch and her heart beat faster. She had never expected to come so close to the regent. All the stories she had ever heard about Celestia came to life at that moment.

Celestia smiled gently and took a step forward. "Welcome, my little pony," she began, her voice warm and soothing, like a melody filling the air. "You must be Twilight Sparkle. I am pleased to personally welcome you to my school. I will oversee the final part of your exam myself."

Twilight stared at the pedestal with the dragon egg. Her mind was blank, and she felt numb. The task's weight and the Empress's presence seemed to overwhelm her. Her nervous thoughts were interrupted by the gentle voice of the Empress. "Do not worry, my little pony. You do not need to be nervous. Your task is to hatch this dragon egg before you. I am sure you will master this task wonderfully." She gave Twilight a gentle smile and sweetly squeezed her eyes shut.

Twilight swallowed and nodded hesitantly. "I will do my best, Your Majesty," she said quietly, her voice trembling with excitement.

Celestia stepped aside to join the other examiners in the room, giving Twilight space to focus on her task. Twilight took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let her magic rise. Her horn began to glow softly, and she felt the magical energy flow through her body.

She remembered all the nights spent hunched over books, the countless times she was caught sneaking around at night, the many hours she practiced her spells behind the orphanage, the mockery she endured, and Silver's bullying. Despite all this, she had fought her way to this moment. Every obstacle, every tear, every hour of solitary study had led her to this point.

Twilight opened her eyes and focused on the dragon egg before her. It seemed overwhelming, insurmountable, but she couldn't give up. She directed her magic towards the egg, trying to sense the embryo inside. She imagined her magic penetrating the thick, magic-absorbing shell to give the egg the necessary warmth and energy. Her magic enveloped the egg like a gentle, protective cocoon. Seconds passed, and Twilight could feel her magical energy flowing into the egg, but there were no signs that it was working.

The room was silent, the only sound being the faint hum of her magic. Twilight bit her lip, her forehead covered in sweat. "I must succeed," she thought desperately. "I must not fail."

Celestia's gentle voice broke the silence. "Remember, Twilight," she said softly. "Magic does not only come from strength. It comes from within, from your heart. Let your passion and determination flow."

Twilight tried every possible spell, anything that might be related to hatching an egg and much that had nothing to do with it. She stood in various ridiculous magician poses around the egg, pumping as much magic as her little body could muster through her horn. The magical aura around her grew denser, and the glow of her horn became more intense.

Twilight closed her eyes again and concentrated on her innermost wishes and dreams. She thought of the many hours of study, the tears of frustration and exhaustion, the endless nights of loneliness, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge and recognition. But the egg remained motionless.

A lone tear dropped onto the carpet. "I'm sorry for wasting your time," Twilight whispered, her voice trembling with disappointment.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still. The silence in the room weighed heavily on Twilight, and the certainty of failure seemed unbearable. Twilight was overwhelmed by her darkest memories. But deep inside, something stirred – suddenly, Twilight heard a loud bang, and a tremendous force overcame her. It was as if a veil had been lifted from her inner being, and she felt a powerful, unknown energy rising. It hurt, and she closed her eyes.

Deep within, Twilight discovered magical reserves she had never known existed. In her mind's eye, an endless ocean of sparkling stars spread out, their lights dancing and pulsating in a mysterious, cosmic rhythm.

The examiners in the room began to grow nervous. There was a loud bang, and the little purple foal had flinched and then suddenly squeezed her eyes shut as if in terrible pain. What was happening?

Twilight let herself be carried away by her vision, her eyes opening wide with astonishment and awe. The energy emanating from the stars converged within her, filling her with a sense of boundless power and deep connection. Her magic flared up, stronger and brighter than ever before, filling the room with a radiant, sparkling light that resembled the glitter of countless stars.

Her magical aura enveloped the egg and made it glow in an enigmatic light. The room was filled with a palpable tension as if the air itself were saturated with magic. Everyone in the room held their breath as they noticed the first crack. The examiners could only stare in astonishment at the egg. How was this possible? The egg contained no embryo; nothing was supposed to hatch from it. Yet thin lines spread across the egg's surface, and the sound of the shell breaking was the only noise in the silent chamber.

With one final, powerful burst of her magic, Twilight made the egg shine even brighter. The cracks grew more prominent, spreading like a spiderweb, and a soft crackling sound broke the silence. Pieces of the shell began to fall away, and the room seemed to vibrate with anticipation.

When the shell finally broke open, a small purple and green head emerged. Large, curious eyes peered out, taking in the world for the first time. The little baby dragon slowly fought its way out of the egg, its tiny limbs still wobbly but full of life and curiosity.

The examiners could only watch in stunned silence as the impossible miracle unfolded before their eyes. The dead egg, which should have contained no embryo, brought new life.

Twilight felt her control over her magic slipping away. The radiant light around her intensified and transformed into a magical storm. Magically generated winds rose, swirling violently through the room and sweeping everything in their path like a raging tornado. Books, decorations, and even pieces of furniture were flung through the air.

Bolts of pure magical energy crackled wildly through the room, striking the walls and setting parts of the precious artwork on fire. The walls themselves began to tremble and crumble under the force of the magical discharge. The room was filled with blinding light and thunderous noises as the chaos continued to escalate. A magnificent painting hanging on the wall was struck by a bolt and reduced to ashes. An intricately decorated mirror shattered into a thousand pieces as a magical wind hurled it against the wall.

Twilight stood at the center of this storm, her eyes wide with shock and fear. She could feel the magic flowing through her, stronger and wilder than ever before. But instead of feeling empowered by this force, she felt like a puppet being moved by invisible strings.

Celestia's eyes widened with concern, but behind this concern lay a hint of something else – a triumph she rarely allowed herself to show. In her long life, she had seen countless magical talents, but this exceeded even her expectations. An excited, almost manic smile crept across her features, an uncharacteristic expression for her. Had anyone looked at her face now, they would have been frozen in fear.

But the urgency of the situation snapped her out of this fascination immediately. Celestia stepped forward and raised her voice over the roaring storm. "Twilight!" she called, her voice piercing through the cacophony of wind and lightning. "Focus on me!"

Twilight stared at Celestia, her eyes glowing bright white like a blinding light. Celestia lit her own long ivory-colored horn with golden energy and began to erect a powerful protective barrier around Twilight. The barrier acted like a shield, instantly stopping the magical storm in the room by absorbing and neutralizing the unleashed energy.

But that was not enough. Celestia had to delve deep into Twilight's mind to calm the young unicorn. With gentle yet determined magic, she entered Twilight's thoughts, feeling the turbulent, chaotic emotions coursing through the young foal. Slowly, Celestia began to soothe these swirling thoughts, bringing them peace and clarity.

Twilight felt the calming presence in her mind, the gentle but unyielding force soothing her fears and uncertainties. The blinding light in her eyes began to fade, and the magical aura around her weakened. The magical storm subsided, the lightning disappeared, and the wind stopped raging.

Finally, Twilight lay trembling but herself again, in the middle of the devastated room. Debris and smoke testified to the incredible power she had just unleashed. Celestia put on her usual maternal smile and took a step towards Twilight. "Twilight Sparkle," her voice was calm and gentle, as if soothing a startled animal.

Twilight looked up at the imposing figure of the Empress. The Sun Goddess herself had her stern gaze fixed on her. Her eyes narrowed to pinpoints. She had wrecked the room and probably destroyed artworks worth several million gold pieces. What would the Empress do with her? Fear and panic gripped Twilight's heart.

"She will banish me. Definitely, or she'll lock me in her dungeon, in a cell where I'll never see the light of her sun again. Or she'll banish me and then lock me up in a cell wherever I'm banished," Twilight thought frantically. The thoughts raced through her mind as she prepared for the worst.

Celestia was just about to speak again when a bright flash of magic filled the room. The dazzling light forced her to close her eyes. When she reopened them and her vision cleared, Twilight was gone. In her place, only a scorch mark remained on the floor.

Celestia stared at the scene in disbelief. Had Twilight just teleported away? "The remnants of powerful magic must have reacted to her fear," she thought, her face a neutral mask.

The other examiners and unicorns present also stared in shock at the empty spot where Twilight had just stood. The tension in the room was palpable. Celestia raised a hoof and then slowly lowered it as she gathered her thoughts. "Twilight Sparkle will not be admitted to my School for Gifted Unicorns," she said in a firm tone.

"But, Your Majesty. That can't be serious. This foal has incredible magical..." one of the examiners tried to interrupt but was silenced by a raised hoof from Celestia.

"Yes, Your Majesty, as you wish. We will send her an appropriate letter," the examiner finally said, bowing his head respectfully.

"Very well, Star Twister. I am counting on you." Celestia's voice was calm but resolute.

With a final, determined look, Celestia left the room, her steps firm and purposeful. "I need to take a day off," she thought to herself, "I have a job to do."

Author's Note

That was quick. But I didn't want to keep you waiting long for the second part. I hope you like it.

As always, I look forward to your comments. Your feedback keeps the whole thing going here.

English is not my mother tongue, so please write to me if you find any mistakes.

A Final Twilight

A hollow knocking echoed through the long corridors of Canterlot Castle as Empress Celestia slowly and thoughtfully retreated to her private chambers. The steps of her metal-covered hooves on the marble floor created a melancholic echo that broke the silence of the majestic halls. The high, richly decorated walls and the magnificent tapestries seemed to lose their life in the twilight, as the shadows grew longer and the colors duller.

The massive doors to her chambers opened silently, and Celestia stepped inside. Her private quarters were the stuff of many myths, which only a few ponies had ever glimpsed. It was said that the most precious treasures in the world were hidden here. But the truth could not have been further from these rumors. While the palace shone in decadent splendor, Celestia's private chambers were marked by a subtle, almost bourgeois simplicity.

The walls were painted in warm, earthy tones, and the floor was covered with soft, hand-woven rugs. A simple bed made of dark wood stood in one corner, flanked by a small nightstand with an old-fashioned oil lamp. In the center of the room was a low table surrounded by cushions inviting one to sit. Shelves full of books and scrolls lined the walls, and a gentle light from candles illuminated the room, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow.

Celestia let her wings hang slightly and moved slowly to a chair near the window, which offered a wide view over the city and the surrounding land. She sat down and closed her eyes, reflecting on the events of the day. The memories of Twilight's magical outburst, which had turned the exam room into a chaotic battlefield, were still fresh in her mind.

"Twilight Sparkle," she murmured softly, as if she wanted to taste the name of the young foal. "You are exactly as I always imagined you."

She opened her eyes and looked into the darkening sky. The stars began to appear in the distance, and their faint light reminded her of times long past, epochs that were long gone but never forgotten. "It won't be long," she whispered with a mix of reverence and melancholy. Her gaze wandered from the twinkling stars in the sky to the expansive view before her. The lights of the various districts of Canterlot flickered lively, while in the distance, some remote villages blossomed in the shadow of the capital. Celestia smiled as she looked at her kingdom, but behind that smile lay deep contemplation.

In these lonely moments, alone with her thoughts, Celestia felt the crushing weight of centuries on her shoulders. Her gaze wandered to the dreaded Everfree Forest, a dark scar in the landscape, marked by wild, untamed magic. This sinister place embodied an ancient darkness that haunted not only the landscape but also the hearts of her ponies. It was a darkness that had taken much from her and that she had sworn to banish forever.

Celestia rose from her chair and strolled to her balcony. She closed her eyes and let the cool evening air wash over her. Her plan was beginning to take shape. Soon she would banish this darkness from the world. Her thoughts wandered back to the young unicorn, who was so much more than she herself knew. "You will achieve great things, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia murmured, feeling an unexpected warmth in her heart. "And I will ensure that you receive the guidance you need for it."

Far from the castle, Twilight materialized in a secluded, dark alley in the fifth district of the city. Her hooves hit the uneven cobblestones hard, and the echo of her steps quickly faded in the oppressive silence. Her coat was singed from the reckless teleportation spell, and she felt dizzy. The tall, dirty buildings loomed like threatening shadows around her, and the familiar stench of garbage and sewage hung in the air.

"What have I done?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely more than a breath in the nocturnal stillness. "She will punish me. For sure."

Her eyes darted around nervously, searching for a way out of the oppressive darkness that surrounded her. The alley was empty, not a soul in sight. The cool night air seemed to cut through her skin, and she shivered from the cold and fear.

"I was there," she murmured. "I passed and then I ruined everything," she whimpered. Tears began to form in her eyes, which she quickly blinked away. The thoughts in her head swirled like a chaotic storm.

"I should never have passed. What was I thinking? Me, Twilight Sparkle, attending Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns and drinking tea with the Empress." She laughed bitterly, a sad, hollow sound in the darkness." Celestia will cast me out. Or worse, she'll throw me in the dungeon."

Twilight retreated further into the darkness of the alley, trying to calm her breathing, but her heart pounded against her chest. Her thoughts grew darker." Silver was right, I really don't know where my place is. I'm the biggest failure in Canterlot." She bit her tongue.

The moon cast a faint light on the dirty walls of the alley as Twilight lay in the darkness, trying to bear the weight of her mistakes and fears.

Twilight breathed heavily, her thoughts circling around the same question: What would she do now? She knew she had to return to the orphanage, but the thought of encountering another pony made her blood run cold. "There's no other place for a pony like me," she said resignedly and began to move.

The streets of the fifth district were deserted at this late hour. Only the faint rustling of the wind pushing garbage over the cobblestones could be heard. It was dark, and only the gentle light of the moon illuminated the alleys. The moon was a familiar companion and gave Twilight at least some comfort. Each step seemed louder than it should have been, and her fear grew with every moment.

Finally, she reached the old, dilapidated building that would forever be her home. The orphanage loomed darkly before her, the windows dark and eerie. It held nothing familiar, nothing that offered comfort or security. She paused briefly and took a deep breath before opening the creaking old wooden door and stepping inside. The hallway was dimly lit, and the floorboards creaked with each step, as if announcing her return.

Twilight tried to sneak quietly up the stairs, but the familiar voice of Mrs. Crinkle broke the silence. "Twilight Sparkle!" Her voice was sharp and angry, sending a cold shiver down Twilight's spine.

Mrs. Crinkle stood at the end of the hallway, staring at Twilight with angry eyes. Her expression was a mix of anger and disappointment. "Where have you been all this time?"

Twilight swallowed hard. "I... I was at the exam," she stammered.

"At what exam, Twilight? It's already past sunset. You know you're not allowed to stay out so late." Mrs. Crinkle continued to stare at Twilight with disapproval. "And the worst," she paused and reached into her saddlebag to pull out some books. "Stolen books, Twilight! What were you thinking?"

Twilight felt her heart sink. She knew there was no point in making excuses. "I... I just wanted to learn," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Mrs. Crinkle shook her head, her eyes narrowed with anger. "That's no reason to steal books! You've broken the rules and betrayed everyone's trust here. Do you know what could have happened if you were caught, Twilight?"

Twilight fought back the tears burning in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she finally said, her voice trembling. "I just wanted a chance."

"A chance?" Mrs. Crinkle laughed coldly. "A chance to ruin yourself? I'm glad Silver brought these books to my attention. Who knows what other trouble you could have gotten into. Do you want to end up in jail before you even grow up, Twilight?"

"N-No," stuttered Twilight, her voice barely more than a whisper. She felt as if her shoulders were being crushed under the weight of Mrs. Crinkle's words.

Mrs. Crinkle shook her head, her eyes sparkling with anger. "As punishment, you will have no free time for the next few weeks," she said sternly. "Every free minute will be spent working at the orphanage. And I will make sure you never do something so foolish again. Go to your room now and think about what you've done. The books stay with me."

Twilight wanted to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. Mrs. Crinkle turned away and left, the echo of her steps whipping through the hallways. Twilight stood still for a moment before turning and slowly climbing the stairs to her room.

When she finally reached her small room, she closed the door behind her with a bang and fell onto her bed. Her thoughts were a chaotic mess of shame, anger, and despair. She stared at the ceiling, unable to hold back the tears that now freely ran down her cheeks. "Stupid Twilight," she admonished herself and began to scream into her pillow.

"Some great magician I am," she thought bitterly. "Now, thanks to Silver, I'll never hold a book in my hooves again. I should have hidden them better. Why am I so stupid?" Her screams turned into a quiet sob, muffled by the pillow.

Twilight rolled onto her side and clutched the pillow tightly, as if it could protect her from the overwhelming reality. "Why did I even go to the exam? It was clear that I wouldn't succeed. It's only the entrance exam for the most famous magic school in the world, no big deal. It's not like every unicorn foal would love to go to that school or anything." She groaned in frustration and sniffled.

"Why did I have to believe that I was special? Why couldn't I just stay in my corner, stealing and reading books secretly?"

Finally, she closed her eyes and let the darkness envelop her. "I wish I could just disappear," she whispered before eventually falling into a restless sleep, her dreams filled with the ghostly shadows of her fears and insecurities. Twilight tossed and turned in her bed while outside, the night grew deeper over Canterlot.

The next morning at Canterlot Castle was entirely different. It was just before sunrise, and the last rays of a dying moon crept through the high windows of Celestia's chambers. The delicate beams of light painted shimmering patterns on the floor and bathed the room in a soft, silvery glow.

A quiet, peaceful atmosphere filled the chambers, and the silence was only interrupted by the faint rustling of leaves in the wind and the distant, gentle murmur of the city. Celestia cherished these early morning hours when the world still lay in a tender, silent twilight before the bustling day began.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and blinked sleepily in the dim light. She sat up in her generous bed, the silky sheets rustling softly as she moved. Her multicolored hair flowed in gentle waves down her back, shimmering in the faint moonlight.

She sat on the edge of her bed and let her hooves glide onto the soft, hand-woven carpet that covered the floor. Celestia took a moment to enjoy the peaceful silence before finally rising and stepping through the door onto her balcony.

She tilted her head first to the left, then to the right, letting her neck crack. With a deep breath, she gathered her magic, which lit up around her horn in a warm, golden glow. The familiar, gentle power filled her as she focused on her daily task.

With a single, clear thought, she let the magic flow. Her horn shone brightly, and on the horizon, the sun began its ascent. The first rays broke through the darkness, bathing the world in a gentle, golden light and banishing the shadows of the night. It was a ritual she performed every morning, and yet it never lost its magic and significance.

Celestia stood still and watched as the sun slowly crept over the mountains, spreading its warmth and brightness across the land. The sky transformed from a dark blue to a vibrant pink and orange, and the birds began to sing their morning songs.

"A new day, a new chance," she murmured to herself as she shook off the last remnants of sleep and prepared for what lay ahead. Her thoughts wandered back to the events of the previous day and to Twilight Sparkle. A gentle smile played on her lips as she thought about the future that lay ahead for Twilight. But one step at a time. First, she had to find the filly and bring her into her care.

Celestia stepped back into her chambers and carefully considered how best to proceed. It would be unwise to simply run off and bring the filly to the castle. As the ruler of the land, she couldn't really move freely. Every action she took was closely watched, and it wouldn't take five minutes for half of Canterlot to know what she was doing. She had to act discreetly. The innocent filly should not be pushed further into the spotlight than necessary. Accordingly, Celestia needed a disguise to reach Twilight unnoticed without attracting unnecessary attention.

A mischievous grin appeared on her face as Celestia made her decision. With a deep breath and a clear goal in mind, she let her magic rise. Her horn began to glow in a familiar golden light, and the air around her started to shimmer.

Slowly, the majestic form of the Empress began to disappear. Her large body shrank to the size of an ordinary pony. Her radiant rainbow mane lost its ethereal quality, taking on a soft pink hue and falling like normal hair. Her imposing horn became smaller, and her powerful wings receded until they were completely gone.

When the transformation was complete, there stood Sunny Sky, the friendly exam assistant from the previous day. She regarded her new reflection with a satisfied nod. The disguise was perfect for her plan – inconspicuous enough that no one would pay her much attention, but still equipped with the necessary authority to set everything in motion. It certainly helped that Twilight already knew this face.

Without wasting any more time, Celestia – now Sunny Sky – set off and left her chambers. The castle's corridors were familiar, and with a clear goal in mind, she put on a smile and hummed a cheerful melody. Everything would go perfectly today.

Meanwhile, morning had also dawned at the orphanage. The faint light of the rising sun filtered through the grimy windows, casting an orange glow over the old, worn furniture. The quiet murmurs of some foals waking up and coming out of their rooms gave the old building a touch of life.

Mrs. Crinkle, the resolute head of the orphanage, stood in the small, modest kitchen. The smell of burnt porridge wafted through the rooms, mingling with the already musty odor of the old house. She stirred the large, heavy pot frustratedly and sighed as she noticed the burnt edges.

"Darn it. I kept the fire low this time," she muttered and lifted the pot off the stove. A thin wisp of smoke rose from the pot, curling toward the ceiling. "Oh, what am I doing wrong," she sighed sadly as she tried to salvage the partially burnt porridge.

Mrs. Crinkle perked up when she heard a faint knocking a few corridors away at the entrance. She wiped her dirty hooves on her apron and began to walk to the door. "Who could that be so early in the morning?" she muttered, giving the door a puzzled look.

When she opened the door, there stood a postpony, a simple but friendly stallion with a bag full of letters. He pulled out an envelope with a royal seal and handed it to her with a polite nod.

"Good morning, Mrs. Crinkle. A letter for Twilight Sparkle," he said.

Mrs. Crinkle took the letter and regarded the royal seal with a mix of respect and unease. "A letter from the Empress herself," she murmured. "Strange." She nodded politely to the postpony and closed the door.

"I should probably bring this to Twilight immediately," she thought as she suddenly saw smoke rising from the direction of the kitchen. Her eyes widened, and she sprinted back to the kitchen. "Oh no, no, no, no!" Another pot, also filled with porridge, had begun to smoke. "Why now, too?" she wailed in frustration and glared at the offending pot.

As she frantically tried to prevent the new disaster, she noticed a foal passing by the kitchen door. "Silver, come here," she called.

Silver, the oldest of the orphanage residents, reluctantly entered. "Yes, Mrs. Crinkle. What can I do for you?"

Mrs. Crinkle handed him the letter. "Take this to Twilight. It seems important," she said, turning back to the smoking pot.

Silver raised an eyebrow and took the envelope. The royal seal piqued his curiosity. "Will do," he said with a grin and left the kitchen to carry out his task. No sooner had he left Mrs. Crinkle's sight than he tore open the envelope and began reading the letter aloud. "Dear Miss Sparkle, we regret to inform you that your application to the School for Gifted Unicorns has been declined."

His eyes widened, and his grin grew even broader. "Oh, Twilight. Did you really think you could escape this place?" he murmured maliciously and laughed loudly. "This is wonderful."

He felt the power the letter gave him over Twilight and savored every moment of it. With the letter in his hooves, he made his way to Twilight's room, his steps echoing through the hallway. The anticipation of Twilight's reaction quickened his heartbeat. "Let's see how you handle this," he thought amusedly as he approached the first floor.

Silver reached the door to Twilight's room and knocked twice, sharply. Without waiting for an answer, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Twilight was still curled up on her bed, her eyes red from the tears of the previous night. She looked up in alarm as Silver entered the room.

"What do you want, Silver?" she asked weakly, sitting up and trying to rub the sleep from her eyes.

Silver held up the opened letter and grinned at her mockingly. "Oh, I thought you'd like to read this letter, Twilight." His voice dripped with scorn.

Twilight blinked in confusion, her eyes widening as she recognized the royal seal on the envelope. "A letter... for me?"

"Oh yes," he replied, slowly approaching Twilight. "A very special letter, straight from the School for Gifted Unicorns." He held the letter directly over her face, his eyes sparkling with malice.

Twilight hastily reached for the letter, but Silver pulled it out of reach with a quick motion. "Not so fast. If you really want to know what's inside, all you have to do is ask," he said, beginning to read the letter with exaggerated clarity. "Dear Miss Sparkle," he began, his voice dripping with mockery. "We... regret to inform you that your application to the School for Gifted Unicorns has been declined."

One could clearly see that he had difficulty reading, his eyes darting over the words as he slowly and deliberately pronounced them. Twilight's heart sank as she heard the words, and a feeling of deep despair spread through her.

Meanwhile, Sunny Sky, aka Celestia, reached the fifth district of Canterlot with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. The dilapidated buildings and narrow alleys reminded her of the dark sides of her kingdom, which she rarely experienced personally. The uneven cobblestones under her hooves and the pungent smell of garbage and sewage made her feel immediately uncomfortable. She looked around with lowered eyes and noticed the suspicious glances of the few ponies who were out on the streets at this early hour.

"This area..." she thought as she observed the grimy, sickly ponies. "It's been a long time since I was here. I wish..." she dismissed the thought and continued on her way.

The alley where the orphanage was located was particularly narrow and filthy. Sunny's heart beat faster as she approached the old, decrepit building she was seeking. "Oh, poor Twilight," she murmured to herself, putting on a sympathetic look.

Her train of thought was interrupted when a coarse-looking stallion stepped out of the shadows. He wore a dirty cap and reeked of alcohol. "Hey, pretty mare," he called out to her and blocked her path. "What are you doing in such a shabby alley?"

Sunny Sky stopped and tried to remain calm. "I'm just on my way to the orphanage," she said firmly.

The stallion grinned and stepped closer. "Orphanage, huh? Then today must be your lucky day. If you want a foal, I can help you," he grinned stupidly.

A shiver ran down Sunny's spine. "No thanks, but… no," she said in a clear, affected tone and tried to sidestep the stallion.

He laughed harshly and blocked her path again. "That wasn't really a suggestion, you know..."

Before the situation could escalate further, the stallion suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure on his chest, as if an invisible claw was gripping his heart. A cold shiver ran down his spine, and a primal fear overcame him, leaving him paralyzed. His eyes widened in terror as he tried to understand the source of this fear, but his thoughts were smothered by an overwhelming panic. Slowly, he stepped back, unable to fight or even scream. Sunny Sky seized the moment and slipped past him quickly. The stallion stumbled backward into the shadows, cursing and gasping as he tried to regain his breath, while the terror in his eyes slowly faded.

Sunny Sky took a deep breath as she left the incident behind. "It's your fault," she muttered to herself, her heart still pounding in her chest. She forced herself to stay calm and fixed her gaze firmly on her goal – the orphanage. Without another thought, she knocked on the orphanage door and waited.

It took a few moments before she heard a clattering from the other side of the door, followed by a cursing pony. "Everything is going wrong today," a mare wailed on the other side. Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a yellow mare with a gray mane. The mare wore a stained apron and put on a nervous smile. "Hello, my name is Cozy Crinkle, the matrone of this orphanage. How can I help you?"

"Good morning, Mrs. Crinkle," said Sunny with a friendly smile. "My name is Sunny Sky, and I'm here..." Sunny hesitated. Until now, she hadn't considered the best way to approach this conversation. Would it really be wise to mention that she was here on official business? The mare had probably seen the letter for Twilight and might become suspicious about why an additional official was visiting. In the worst case, it could spread false rumors. A plan quickly formed in her mind. "I'm here to adopt a foal."

Mrs. Crinkle raised a surprised eyebrow. "Adopt a foal? Really?" She eyed Sunny skeptically. It was not often that someone came to adopt a foal. Usually, they just left when they were old enough. Often earlier.

"Yes, exactly," Sunny confirmed quickly, her voice a bit uncertain. "It's a bit embarrassing. Actually, I already have a specific foal in mind."

"Oh really. What's the name?"

"Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight Sparkle," Mrs. Crinkle murmured thoughtfully. "Yes, she lives here." Her expression became concerned. "Tell me, why Twilight specifically?"

Sunny tried to hide her nervousness. "Well," she began softly, "I've heard that she's a very talented foal and... and I thought she deserved a chance at a better life." She looked at Mrs. Crinkle shyly, as if seeking understanding. The broad, shy grin on her face looked silly.

Mrs. Crinkle regarded Sunny for a moment before sighing. "Twilight is indeed something special, but she has it tough here. Just yesterday, she came home very late and caused some trouble."

Sunny frowned, worried about Twilight. "What happened?"

Mrs. Crinkle hesitated for a moment before continuing. "She came back after dark and had obviously gotten into something outside. She was exhausted, and it looked like she had been crying. Anything could have happened to her, but the foal never listens to what she's told."

Sunny nodded slowly. "I understand," she hesitated briefly. "That's exactly why I believe she's the right one. I think I can really help her," her voice sounded excited and enthusiastic.

Mrs. Crinkle regarded Sunny again, her eyes searching. "And what do you do for a living, Miss Sky? Can you really take care of a foal?"

Sunny smiled gently. "I work as a librarian at the School for Gifted Unicorns. I have flexible working hours and a lot of experience dealing with young ponies. Twilight would find a quiet, safe home with me."

Mrs. Crinkle remained skeptical. "And how do you know about Twilight? Have you met her before?"

Sunny hesitated for a moment. "Well, I've heard about her. She seems really interested in magic and seems bright."

Mrs. Crinkle nodded slowly. "Alright, come with me. I'll take you to her."

Sunny Sky followed Mrs. Crinkle through the narrow corridors of the orphanage, past old furniture and faded wallpaper. As they slowly approached the door to Twilight's room, they heard a muffled conversation. "Did you really think you could leave this place? You're a loser."

Mrs. Crinkle frowned and quickened her pace. She opened the door to Twilight's room and saw Silver holding a letter in Twilight's face and laughing mockingly.

"Silver!" Mrs. Crinkle called sharply. "What are you doing?"

Silver flinched and turned slowly. "Nothing, Mrs. Crinkle. I was just reading the letter to Twilight."

Mrs. Crinkle gave him a piercing look. "Give me the letter and get out of this room immediately."

Reluctantly, he handed Mrs. Crinkle the letter and approached the door with his head lowered. "And don't think you'll get away with this so easily. We'll talk about this later, young stallion," Mrs. Crinkle added sternly. Once Silver had left the room, she turned to Twilight.

"Twilight, are you alright?" Mrs. Crinkle asked more gently, stepping closer to the frightened foal.

Twilight nodded hesitantly and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Yes, Mrs. Crinkle."

Mrs. Crinkle handed her the letter and smiled encouragingly. "This letter is for you. And this nice mare here," she indicated Sunny Sky, "wants to talk to you."

Sunny stepped cautiously closer, her eyes full of compassion. "Hello, Twilight. My name is Sunny Sky. May I come in and sit down?"

Twilight turned her head to get a better look at the mare in the door. She recognized the face as the friendly exam assistant from the previous day. Her eyes widened with hope, and she nodded to the mare. Sunny stepped into the room and sat on the edge of Twilight's bed. Mrs. Crinkle observed the scene briefly before deciding to leave them alone.

Once Mrs. Crinkle had left the room, Sunny let her horn glow with her warm golden magic. The door closed, and the walls of the room began to glow golden. "I cast a silence spell on this room so that no one can hear what we're discussing," Sunny finally said.

Twilight looked confused at Sunny. "Why would we need a silence spell?"

Sunny leaned closer to Twilight, her eyes full of compassion. "Twilight," she began softly, "I have something very important to tell you. It may be hard for you to believe, but I ask you to trust me."

Twilight looked at her with wide eyes, her confusion and curiosity clearly visible. "What do you mean?"

Sunny smiled gently before standing up from the bed and taking a step back, taking a deep breath. Her horn began to glow with the familiar golden magic, and slowly her form began to change. Twilight's eyes widened as she saw the pink mane revert to the majestic, rainbow-colored mane, and the wings and horn returned to their original size. Before her stood none other than Empress Celestia herself.

"E-Empress Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise and uncertainty. "But how? Why?"

Celestia smiled gently and stepped closer to Twilight. "Twilight, I disguised myself as Sunny Sky to meet you personally and see how you're doing." Her horn glowed, and the letter Twilight had received floated slowly beside her head. "In fact, I wanted to talk to you about this letter."

Twilight's eyes widened in fear, her breathing quickened. "You're here to punish me, aren't you?" Her ears flattened against her head, and her voice trembled. "Because I wrecked the exam room."

Celestia shook her head and sat on the edge of the bed. "No, Twilight. I'm not here to punish you. Quite the opposite." Her tone was gentle, soothing, while her eyes shone with care.

Twilight lowered her head, still unsure. "But I destroyed everything..."

Celestia gently placed a hoof under Twilight's chin, lifting her head so she could look into her eyes. "Twilight, what happened yesterday was a sign of your enormous magical abilities. Yes, it got out of control, but that only shows how much potential you have."

Twilight swallowed and tried to hold back her tears. "But I'm afraid I'll lose control again."

Celestia smiled encouragingly. "That's why I'm here, Twilight. The teachers at my school don't have the means to teach someone like me. I want to personally teach you and help you master your magic. You shall live with me in the castle and learn from me. Together, we will develop your abilities so that you can use them safely and responsibly."

Twilight looked at Celestia with wide eyes, her fear mixing with a spark of hope. "You want to teach me?" she asked incredulously.

Celestia nodded, her eyes sparkling with confidence. "Yes, Twilight. I firmly believe that you will achieve great things. You are very special, and I will do everything to help you realize that. So, what do you say?"

Twilight felt the weight of her worries slowly lift from her. A bright smile lit up her face, and she began to hop around Celestia with joy. "Yes, yes, yes! I'll do my best, I promise!"

Celestia pulled Twilight into a gentle embrace. "I know you will, Twilight. Together, we will achieve great things." She let her gaze fall on Twilight's flank and noticed something new. "And I believe you have noticed this too," she said, pointing to the symbol of a large star surrounded by five smaller stars.

Twilight followed Celestia's gaze, and her eyes widened with joy. "My Cutie Mark!" she exclaimed. "I finally got my Cutie Mark!"

Author's Note

I'm currently in another city as announced in the last blog post. However, I took my tablet with me and am more productive here than I thought, so I can also surprise you with the final chapter of Act 1. (Act 2 will of course follow and will be a lot longer) the game is set.

As always, I'm always happy to receive your comments. Who doesn't love to read feedback, theories, thoughts etc. about their own story?

english is not my native language, so feel free to correct me.

Aurora Novae

Twilight Sparkle stood nervously in front of the grand palace gates. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and her legs suddenly felt heavy. The tall marble towers cast long shadows over the city, and the spires sparkled in the midday sun. Beside her stood none other than Empress Celestia herself. One of Celestia's majestic wings wrapped protectively around Twilight, as she gave her a warm smile.

"Welcome to your new home, Twilight," Celestia said gently, opening the gates with her magic. "From today, you will live here with me in the palace. Your room has already been prepared."

Twilight's eyes widened and sparkled with wonder as she took in the sight of the palace halls. Even the impressive corridors of the School for Gifted Unicorns paled in comparison. The halls were adorned with exquisite tapestries and golden embellishments, and everywhere, the sunlight shimmered in kaleidoscopic patterns as it streamed through the high stained-glass windows. "This is incredible," Twilight said in awe.

Celestia chuckled softly. "And I was worried you might not like it here." Her playful grin betrayed her true thoughts.

Twilight stopped and turned abruptly to Celestia, her eyes wide with shock. "How could I not like it?" she exclaimed, her voice nearly breaking. "I've never seen anything so impressive!"

Celestia laughed quietly and led Twilight further into the palace. "I'm glad you like it," she said, as they passed by a particularly beautiful tapestry. "But wait until you see your room."

Twilight could barely contain her excitement as she walked beside Celestia. She had to make an effort to keep up with Celestia's long strides. Her gaze darted here and there, trying to peek into every room they passed and absorb all the details. Her eyes shone with childlike curiosity, and she couldn't help but bombard Celestia with questions.

"What is that tapestry?" Twilight asked, pointing to the wall hanging. "And who are all the ponies on it?"

Celestia smiled patiently. "That is a depiction of the founding of Equestria, Twilight. Every pony on it played an important role in our history."

Twilight nodded eagerly and tried to take in every detail of the tapestry. "And what's behind this door?" she asked, pointing to a large, ornate door they were passing.

Celestia chuckled. "That is the library. You can go in there anytime to grab some books to read." She grinned playfully. "I've heard you like to hide books under your bed."

Twilight grew nervous and her ears flattened. "W-How do you know that?" she stammered.

Celestia laughed gently and winked at her. "I have my sources," she said mysteriously. "Don't worry, Twilight. Here, you can read as many books as you want without having to hide them."

Twilight sighed in relief and smiled broadly. "Really?" She beamed with joy. "Oh, I can't wait to read all the books!"

Celestia laughed again. "Patience, my dear. You will have plenty of time to discover everything."

They continued through the magnificent halls, passing intricately decorated vases, splendid paintings, and glittering chandeliers. Twilight could hardly believe that this would be her new home. Finally, they stopped in front of a large ornate double door. Celestia turned and gave Twilight a gentle smile. "And behind these doors, you will find your new quarters." With that, she let her horn glow and opened the door with a push of her golden magic.

Twilight stepped in cautiously and could hardly believe her eyes. The room was large and cozily furnished, with a soft, large bed in the left corner of the room, covered with a luxurious blanket and fluffy pillows. Several tall bookshelves filled with an impressive collection of books lined the walls, and a lavish desk on the other side of the room invited reading and studying.

The high windows offered a generous view of the royal gardens, where flowers bloomed in a kaleidoscope of colors. The room was decorated in various shades of white and soft blues, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The ceiling was painted with a beautiful sky scene, making it look like one was sleeping under the open sky. There was even a small private balcony where Twilight could imagine spending hours reading or simply enjoying the view.

"Wow..." Twilight whispered, overwhelmed. "Is this all for me?"

Celestia nodded and stepped closer to stand beside Twilight. "Yes, Twilight. This is your new home. Make yourself comfortable here and let me know if you need anything or if there's something you don't like," she said in a calm tone. "When I decorated the room, I wasn't sure what you might like, so I based it a bit on my own preferences." Her tone made it sound like she felt a bit embarrassed.

Twilight slowly turned around the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I think it's beautiful," she said finally, turning to Celestia. "It's perfect."

Celestia smiled in relief. "I'm glad you think so, Twilight."

At that moment, Twilight noticed something unusual in her room. A few meters from her bed stood a small, lovingly decorated crib, in which a tiny, purple dragon slept peacefully. His chest rose and fell evenly, and occasionally, a soft, almost cute snore escaped him.

Twilight stepped closer cautiously, her eyes wide with surprise and curiosity. The creature looked familiar to her. "Who... what is that?" she asked in a whisper, turning her wide eyes to Celestia.

Celestia smiled gently and stepped next to her. "That is Spike. He is the baby dragon you hatched from a dead egg during the entrance exam for my school," she said in a factual yet warm tone. "Dragons form strong familial bonds, and it seems he has imprinted on you." Celestia gave a reassuring smile. "It will be your task to take care of him."

Twilight looked fascinated and at the same time unsure at the sleeping dragon. "But... I don't even know how to take care of a dragon."

Celestia wrapped a comforting wing around Twilight. "Don't worry, I'll help you with that. Dragons are very loyal and intelligent creatures. You will quickly learn to understand each other. I'm sure he will follow you all his life."

Twilight nodded hesitantly, her heart pounding with excitement. She bent closer to Spike and studied him more closely. His tiny purple scales shimmered in the soft light of the room, and his small claws were tucked carefully under his body. "He's kind of cute," she whispered, unable to suppress a smile.

At that moment, Spike opened his big green eyes and looked up at Twilight curiously. He yawned softly, stretched his limbs in all directions, and slowly crawled out of the crib to sniff at Twilight.

Twilight giggled, a warm feeling spreading through her as she gently stroked Spike's soft head. "Hello, Spike," she said softly, with a touch of joy in her voice. "I'm Twilight. It seems we'll be together from now on."

Spike blinked at her before starting to chuckle, a soft, cheerful giggle that made Twilight smile. He stretched out his tiny arms and wiggled a bit, as if he wanted to hug Twilight. Twilight let her horn glow, and her magic gently enveloped Spike, lifting him carefully onto her back. He immediately curled up there, a contented sigh escaping him.

Celestia watched the scene with a warm smile and an expression of satisfaction. "You two will make a great team, I'm sure of it," she said softly, winking at Twilight. "And now, come, let me show you the rest of the palace. There's still so much more to discover. Plus, your first lesson is scheduled. I took the whole day off to show you around."

Twilight nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. "That sounds fantastic!" she exclaimed, running after Celestia. She was so excited that she almost tripped over her own hooves, which made Celestia smile amusedly.

"But Twilight, be careful not to fall," Celestia teased gently. "We don't want Spike to take his first flying lesson prematurely."

Twilight laughed and shook her head. "Don't be silly, Celestia, Spike doesn't even have wings."

Celestia smiled and rolled her eyes slightly as she led Twilight through the magnificent corridors of the palace. Their footsteps echoed on the polished marble floors, and the high ceilings and ornate decorations fascinated Twilight again and again.

Twilight couldn't help but pester Celestia with questions. "Who is that in the painting?" "What do these old books say?" "Are there secret passages in the palace?"

Celestia patiently answered each question and showed Twilight all the important rooms of the castle. They visited the vast kitchens, where delicious aromas filled the air, and the splendid dining halls with long tables set for festive occasions. They climbed the winding staircases up to the attics, filled with mysterious artifacts and treasures from around the world. Finally, they reached the location of Celestia's private quarters, situated in a secluded wing of the palace.

"This is where I am most of the time when I'm not in the throne room or at official appointments," Celestia explained, opening the door to her private chambers. "If you ever need me urgently, you can always come here."

Twilight nodded, staring at Celestia with wide-eyed wonder. A warm, calming feeling spread through her, one she didn't quite understand. It was the feeling of safety. "I will definitely not get lost," she said resolutely.

Celestia smiled and led Twilight further down the corridors. "I believe you, Twilight. You have a sharp mind and a good memory."

They continued until they finally reached the large open space in the royal gardens. Twilight could hardly believe her eyes. The flower beds were in full bloom, birds chirped happily in the trees, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of roses and jasmine. The peaceful atmosphere calmed her nerves and filled her with new energy.

"We'll start your training here," Celestia said, pointing to the wide, open space. "This place is perfect for magical exercises. No distractions and plenty of room to try out your abilities."

Twilight looked around and felt inspired by the peaceful surroundings. "I'm ready," she said with a determined smile.

Celestia nodded approvingly. "Then let's begin." She sat down on the grass and indicated for Twilight to do the same. Twilight sat next to Celestia and gently placed the sleeping Spike in the grass.

"As I recall, you demonstrated remarkable magical power during your entrance exam. Your control, however, could use some improvement. Additionally, after your magical outburst, you performed an advanced and very complex spell, teleporting yourself away. Tell me, Twilight, could you repeat that?"

Twilight shook her head, her eyes full of uncertainty. "No, I can't."

Celestia smiled gently and nodded understandingly. "I thought so. Teleportation is one of the most difficult spells, one that even experienced magicians often do not master perfectly. It requires not only immense magical energy but also absolute concentration and precision."

Twilight looked at her hooves, feeling a bit discouraged. "But if I could do it then, why can't I do it now?"

"Because you were in an extreme stress situation," Celestia explained patiently. "Sometimes, in such moments, we can surpass ourselves and do things we normally couldn't. You probably have an innate talent for such spells."

Twilight raised her head and looked at Celestia questioningly. "Talent? But my magical profile..."

"...doesn't matter here," Celestia quickly interrupted. "The amulet showed an unusual anomaly, and I couldn't decipher your profile. What I said at the exam was just a cover."

"Oh," Twilight said, surprised by this revelation.

Celestia wrapped a comforting wing around Twilight. "But I want you to master this spell permanently. Such skills require practice and patience to perfect. We'll start with the basics."

Twilight nodded resolutely. "I want to learn everything."

Celestia smiled proudly. "That's the right attitude. We'll begin with a concentration exercise." She let her horn glow, and a shimmering ball of golden light formed in front of Twilight and Celestia. It floated gently in the air, glowing warmly and steadily. "Try to focus your magic and create a similar ball."

Twilight nodded again and closed her eyes to concentrate better. Her horn began to glow faintly, and slowly, a small, flickering ball of light formed in front of her. The light was unstable and flickered as if it could extinguish at any moment.

Twilight bit her lip and focused even more. She squeezed her eyes shut, her expression showing the effort. The ball began to stabilize, but it was evident that Twilight struggled to maintain the shape.

"Come on, Twilight. Focus on the form," Celestia encouraged softly. "Imagine pouring your magic into a vessel, like water into a bowl."

Twilight took a deep breath, trying to concentrate more on the mental image. She opened her eyes slightly and fixed her gaze on the flickering ball in front of her. With a renewed, concentrated glow from her horn, the light ball gradually became more stable. The flickering subsided, and the ball took on a clear, steady shape.

Celestia watched her attentively and smiled in satisfaction. "Very good, Twilight. You're doing excellently. Stay focused and keep the shape."

Twilight nodded, her eyes still on the light ball. She felt the warmth of the magic in her horn, sensed the energy flowing through her body. With each moment, the ball became more stable and brighter until it finally glowed as clear and steady as Celestia's.

"I did it!" Twilight exclaimed excitedly, her voice full of joy and pride.

Celestia nodded approvingly and smiled proudly. "You did very well," she praised. "Now we'll take it a step further. Try to duplicate the ball."

Twilight looked at Celestia attentively as she continued: "To duplicate the ball, you have to imagine splitting the magic in the ball. It's like cutting a thread into two equal parts. At the same time, you add extra energy to the spell. You need to distribute the energy evenly between the two new balls." Celestia let her horn glow again, and the golden sphere of light effortlessly split into two identical balls. "See? You need to maintain control and ensure both balls have the same amount of energy." With a smooth motion, she doubled the number again, and in the next moment, four golden balls floated before them. Then eight, sixteen—each ball shone in perfect harmony.

Twilight watched, fascinated, as Celestia controlled the magic. She took a deep breath and concentrated again on her own ball. Her horn glowed more intensely, and with a slight twitch, her ball split. There were now two. Twilight smiled and continued her concentration. She split the balls again, then again, until finally, eight sparkling light spheres floated before her.

Celestia smiled broadly and nodded approvingly. "Very good, Twilight. You're learning quickly. Now keep these balls up and try to switch their positions."

Twilight focused her concentration again on the eight balls before her. Twilight's magic began to pulse, and slowly, the balls started to change their positions, first a bit wobbly, then more fluidly until they finally danced in harmonious motion through the air. But as the balls moved faster and crossed paths, Twilight began to feel the strain. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her breathing quickened.

"You're doing great, Twilight," Celestia encouraged. "But remember to maintain control and stay focused."

Twilight gritted her teeth and concentrated even harder. The balls began to flicker as if they might disintegrate at any moment. She felt her magical energy slowly waning, but she didn't give up. She slowed the pace a bit, managing to keep the movements of the balls steady and constant.

Celestia watched with a smile. "That was excellent, Twilight. You have real talent. We'll repeat this exercise every day until you can perform this trick with a hundred balls."

Twilight looked up and blinked in surprise. "A hundred balls?"

Celestia smiled and nodded. "Yes, a hundred balls. With enough practice and concentration, you'll significantly improve your mental endurance and precision."

Twilight swallowed and then nodded resolutely. "I'll do my best."

Celestia placed a reassuring hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "I know you will."

Twilight focused on her magic again, while Celestia guided her patiently. They continued the exercise for a few more minutes until Twilight's breath became heavier and the balls finally vanished.

Celestia watched her attentively, recognizing the right moment to suggest a break. "You've made great progress, Twilight. But you've done enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow. Let's take a break now."

Twilight sighed in relief and sank into the grass. At first, it seemed like she wanted to protest, but she was too exhausted.

Celestia stood up and stretched her wings. "Come, let's go to the kitchen and see if we can find a little snack. After such hard work, you deserve a reward."

Twilight beamed and followed Celestia back into the castle, while Spike, now awake, curiously crawled onto Twilight's back. The palace corridors shimmered in the warm light of the afternoon sun, and Twilight's steps echoed on the marble floors.

Celestia led Twilight and Spike into the palace kitchen, where the staff was busy with preparations. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of freshly baked bread, cakes, and other delicacies. Twilight could hardly contain her excitement as she curiously examined the various dishes. Her eyes darted from one delicious item to the next, while her stomach growled softly.

"Empress Celestia!" a voice called from the group of cooks. A gray, plump stallion of middle age approached the group and bowed deeply to Celestia. "What an honor to have you here in my humble kitchen. What can I do for you?" he asked respectfully.

Celestia smiled kindly. "Good day, Golden Spatula. Twilight and I just had an intense training session, and I thought we could use a little snack. Perhaps some cake?" she said in an almost childlike tone, which made Twilight giggle.

"Of course, Empress!" the chef responded eagerly and bowed again. "It would be my honor." He quickly turned and began to prepare a tray with various pieces of cake. "We have an especially good selection today: chocolate cake, lemon cake, vanilla cake, and carrot cake," he added as he placed the delicious pieces on the tray.

Twilight sniffed curiously in the air and couldn't take her eyes off the delicious cakes. "The cake smells so good!" she said excitedly.

Celestia chuckled and winked at her. "Just wait until you taste it. Our chef is famous for his sweet creations." Celestia adopted a thoughtful expression. "That's probably also why I hired him."

Meanwhile, Golden Spatula returned with a large silver tray, which he carefully set down while bowing again. "Here you go, Your Majesty. Enjoy," he said reverently.

Twilight and Celestia looked at the tray, which was covered with a variety of cake pieces. Both their eyes sparkled with anticipation. Celestia subtly licked her lips as she reached for a piece of chocolate cake with her magic.

Twilight, meanwhile, couldn't take her eyes off the enticing chocolate cake. "That looks so delicious!" she exclaimed excitedly, igniting her horn to grab a particularly moist piece of cake. Celestia's and Twilight's magic mingled as both tried to take the same piece. Their eyes met, and both looked at each other in surprise. Twilight blushed. "Sorry, you first, Empress."

"No, no, Twilight, I insist you take the first piece," Celestia said, gently pushing the piece of cake toward Twilight.

Twilight accepted the piece of cake with a beaming smile. "Thank you." She took a bite, her eyes widening with delight. "This is incredible!"

Celestia grabbed her own piece of cake and sat down next to Twilight. "I told you, Twilight. Nowhere will you find better cake." She also took a bite and closed her eyes in pleasure, a soft hum of satisfaction escaping her lips. "Golden Spatula, you have outdone yourself once again."

Twilight and Celestia ate their pieces of cake with remarkable synchrony. Both twitched their ears slightly as they chewed, their eyes half-closed as they enjoyed the taste on their tongues. Their tails swayed in the same rhythm, and they leaned slightly to the side, as if they were completely lost in the moment.

Spike, still on Twilight's back, sniffed curiously at the cake. Twilight broke off a small piece and held it out to him. "Do you want to try some too, Spike?"

Spike grabbed the piece and chewed it enthusiastically. His face lit up, and he began to gurgle contentedly, gazing at Twilight with big, shining eyes.

Golden Spatula watched the scene with a broad smile and a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Your Majesty," he said, clearing his throat slightly, "if I may, it's remarkable how similar you and Twilight eat cake. One might think you are twins."

Twilight giggled, while Celestia put on a playfully indignant expression. "Twins, you say?" She winked at Twilight. "Well, how else should one react to such exquisite cake?" she said, reaching for another piece.

Twilight laughed and looked at Celestia. "But Empress, eating so much cake will make you fat."

Celestia put on an overly dramatic, sad expression. Her wings drooped to the ground, and she placed a hoof dramatically on her chest. "Twilight," she said with feigned sorrow, "are you saying you think I'm fat?"

Twilight blushed and stammered, trying to explain her words. "N-no, that's not what I meant! You're perfect just the way you are!"

Celestia couldn't hold back her laughter any longer and broke into a hearty giggle. "Don't worry, Twilight. I know you didn't mean it that way. And besides," she added with a playful wink, "a little extra cake never hurt anyone."

Twilight sighed in relief and joined in Celestia's laughter. Golden Spatula, who had been observing the scene, shook his head with a laugh and turned back to his work.

Twilight and Celestia sat together for a while longer, enjoying their cake and laughing over little anecdotes and stories Celestia shared. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and Twilight felt increasingly comfortable in her new surroundings.

Later, Celestia led Twilight through the magnificent halls of the palace back to her new room. The sun had begun to set behind the mountain peaks, and the orange light of the sunset painted pictures on the walls. "I hope you enjoyed today," Celestia said gently, her voice echoing softly in the quiet corridors.

Twilight nodded eagerly, her eyes still full of joy and excitement. "It was amazing! I can't believe I get to live here now and learn all these things." Her voice trembled with excitement and enthusiasm, a broad smile lighting up her face.

Celestia smiled lovingly and opened the door to Twilight's room, which creaked open softly. "You've earned it, Twilight. And this is just the beginning. Tomorrow, your next lesson awaits." She let her horn glow and lit the fireplace in the corner of the room, whose flames immediately spread a cozy warmth. The inviting bed next to it, with its soft blankets and pillows, seemed to smile at Twilight in the warm light of the fire. "But for today, you should rest. It's been a long day."

Twilight yawned and nodded, suddenly feeling the fatigue in her limbs. "Yes, you're probably right," she admitted, climbing into bed. Spike yawned too, snuggling up next to Twilight and curling into a small ball.

Celestia sat on the edge of the bed and gently pulled the blanket over Twilight and Spike. She stroked Twilight's mane lovingly as she spoke. "Sleep well, Twilight. I'm really proud of you."

Twilight blinked sleepily and murmured, "Thank you, Celestia. Good night." Then she closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep, while the gentle crackling of the fire and Spike's soft breathing created a soothing melody.

Celestia watched Twilight for a moment longer before rising and quietly walking to the door. But before leaving the room, she turned once more and whispered, "Welcome home, my dear Twilight." A gentle smile played on her lips as she softly closed the door behind her.

As Celestia walked down the palace corridors, she was deep in thought. The high ceilings and intricately decorated walls appeared almost magical in the soft light of the setting sun. She stopped by an old tapestry depicting a scene from her own youth. Her gaze lingered a moment longer than usual on the familiar images.

For a moment, her thoughts wandered to Twilight, and she felt a pang of regret. But Celestia shook her head gently and continued on her way, a knowing smile on her lips. "Don't worry," she murmured softly, her voice barely more than a whisper in the quiet night. "In the end, everything will be alright."

Author's Note

And here we are with the first chapter of the second act. It's a filler, no question, but I hope you like it anyway. I made an effort to write a few cute moments, you'll have to decide how well I succeeded.

As always, I look forward to your feedback. Comments are very welcome.

As always, please note that English is not my native language, so feel free to point out any mistakes and I will correct them.

The Council meeting

Twilight stood nervously before the large mirror in her new room, struggling to tame her unruly mane with a brush. Over and over, the brush caught on a tangle and got stuck. "Ugh," she groaned in frustration. "Come on, you stupid brush, move," she cried out into the empty room. Her eyes widened in anger as she impatiently tugged at the brush, which stubbornly remained tangled in her hair

She sighed deeply and looked at her reflection in the mirror while pulling the brush through her hair with more force. "Why does my mane have to be so uncooperative today?" she muttered. Celestia had mentioned that Twilight should look especially presentable for today’s lesson. Twilight's heart pounded faster at the thought of what might be awaiting her.

Twilight still remembered the exact words. "My dear student, tomorrow presents a rare opportunity for a particularly important lesson. But for that, you must show yourself from your best side and look especially well-groomed." Celestia’s gentle voice echoed in Twilight's thoughts. Twilight squeezed her eyes shut in frustration and continued to yank at her brush when a gentle knock on the door interrupted her.

Twilight's eyes widened, and her heart began to beat faster. What was Celestia doing here already? "Just a moment, please, five more minutes," she called out in a cheerful tone, trying hard to conceal her nervousness. She tugged even harder at the brush, tears forming in her eyes. "Come on," she murmured desperately.

The door opened quietly, and Celestia entered with a warm smile. Her mane shimmered in the soft light of the room, and her presence filled the space with a comforting warmth. Twilight paused, hastily turning to hide her tears.

"Good morning, Twilight. Do you need help?" Celestia asked gently.

Twilight flinched and quickly tried to blink away her tears. "No, everything's fine," she said hastily, forcing a big, fake smile as she turned to face Celestia. "Yes, absolutely perfect."

Celestia shook her head slightly and stepped closer. "Twilight, you don’t need to lie to me. I’m happy to help you." She offered a subtle smile and added playfully, "Though I must admit, you do look quite adorable with your frizzy mane." She chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood.

Twilight lowered the brush and pouted, staring at her hooves. Her cheeks turned bright red, and she could feel the heat rising in her face. "I'm just so nervous," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "My mane just won't do what I want it to today." Her eyes filled with tears again, and she sniffed lightly, feeling frustrated and embarrassed.

Celestia smiled lovingly and stepped even closer to Twilight until she was right behind her. With a gentle nod, she let her horn light up and took hold of the brush. "Let me help you," she said soothingly. The magical aura around the brush began to move, gently untangling the knots in Twilight's mane. "It's perfectly normal to be nervous, especially before an important day." As she spoke, her magic softly ran through Twilight’s hair until it was smooth and tidy. "Sometimes, we just need a little help to make things right."

Twilight continued to stare at her hooves and murmured, "I’m just afraid of messing everything up. What if I disappoint you?"

Celestia paused. She turned Twilight to face her and leaned down to gently lift Twilight's chin with a soft hoof. Celestia looked deeply into her eyes and spoke in a warm, reassuring voice, "Twilight, you don't have to prove anything to make me proud. As long as you do your best, that will always be enough, I promise you." Her smile was full of confidence and love. "Besides, you wouldn’t be my student if you were already perfect at everything, would you?"

Twilight felt the tension slowly leaving her body. "No, I guess not," she said softly. "I’ll do my best."

Celestia stroked her gently on the cheek and then took a step back to give Twilight the chance to finish getting ready. "That's all I expect of you, Twilight," she said with an encouraging smile. "Are you ready to get dressed for your special lesson today?"

Twilight looked up curiously and asked, "What is the lesson, anyway? Why is it so special?"

Celestia watched Twilight with a mysterious smile as the young unicorn filly approached a coat hook on the wall. "Well, my dear student," she began, her voice tinged with a quiet laugh, "sometimes the most important lessons are not found in books or learned through magical exercises. Sometimes, they lie in the opportunities that life offers us."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully but stood uncertainly before the hook. Hanging from it was a light summer dress that gently fluttered in the breeze from the open window. A palace servant had brought it to her yesterday at Celestia’s request. The dress was a soft lavender shade that perfectly complemented Twilight's coat. Small silver embroideries in the shape of stars adorned the hem and shimmered slightly in the light streaming through the tall windows.

"Oh… this dress is beautiful," Twilight whispered in awe as she carefully lifted it from the hook with her magic. She pressed a sleeve against her coat and ran a hoof over it, as if testing the fabric's feel. "But… why do I need a dress for a lesson?" she asked, confused, her brow furrowing.

Celestia stepped closer, a gentle smile on her lips, and helped Twilight carefully slip into the dress. With practiced movements, she smoothed the fabric and adjusted the sleeves. "Today is one of those opportunities I just mentioned," Celestia explained as she watched Twilight move slightly in the dress to ensure it fit properly. "You will be attending a session of the Noble Council."

Twilight froze in the middle of the room, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. "The Noble Council?" she repeated, as if the words were a curse. "But… I’m not a noble," she said hesitantly, lowering her head. "Why should I be there?"

Celestia laughed softly, a melodious laugh that only deepened Twilight's confusion. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, as if she were hearing a joke only she understood. "It will be a valuable experience for you," she finally replied, taking on a more serious tone. "Being a powerful mage is not just about understanding the secrets of magic but also about understanding the world we live in. Whether you like it or not, you will one day be a powerful and influential mare and will have to make many important decisions."

Twilight still felt a bit uneasy as she returned to the large mirror in her room and gazed at her reflection. The elegant dress shimmered in the light, and it felt strange to see herself so dressed up. "And… what am I supposed to do there?" she asked cautiously. "I don’t know anything about politics."

Celestia moved closer to Twilight and gently lowered herself to the ground so that she was eye level with her student. "Twilight, I’ve already told you," she began softly, "if you already knew everything, you wouldn’t need me as a teacher." With a loving smile, she wrapped a wing around Twilight and pulled the little filly gently to her side. "Today, you are simply to sit beside me and listen carefully. Take in everything you hear and see… it will help you understand the world better."

Twilight felt the comforting warmth of Celestia's wings and leaned into the powerful alicorn, her tension easing a little. "I just love being your student so much and don't want to lose that," she said quietly but happily.

Celestia gently stroked Twilight’s mane and softly guided a stray strand back into place. "I know, my faithful student," she whispered soothingly. "And if you have any questions, you can always ask me. There are no silly questions, only those you do not ask."

Twilight took a deep breath and slowly stepped out of Celestia's warm embrace. "Alright, I'm ready," she said, her voice now a bit firmer, her eyes full of determination. "Let's go."

Celestia nodded with satisfaction and gracefully rose. "Then come along, my student," she said, smiling, as she opened the door with a gentle shimmer of her magic. "Just follow me to the council chamber."

Twilight followed Celestia through the palace's vast corridors. She had already been living in the palace for two weeks, but she still couldn't get enough of the breathtaking architecture and the displays of Equestria’s history. Every corner seemed to hide a new secret, and she had to restrain herself from stopping at every interesting detail.

Celestia noticed Twilight's attentive glances and smiled slightly. "This palace carries a lot of history within its walls," she began in a casual tone that nonetheless held deep meaning. "Many of the decisions made here have shaped our kingdom over centuries."

Twilight turned her gaze from the tapestries to Celestia, trying to focus her thoughts on what was to come. "And today, one of those decisions will be made, right, Empress?" she asked shyly.

"In a way, yes," Celestia replied as she continued at her steady pace. "Today’s council meeting has been convened by Duchess Bloodthorn, a noble from the southern part of the country. She wants to discuss security issues in her duchy. There are always topics that can change the world, Twilight. What's important is that you learn to understand and evaluate these topics."

Twilight frowned thoughtfully. "Security issues…" she murmured before asking more loudly, "You said I'm learning to understand the world today, but… why do I need to know about security problems in the south?"

Celestia laughed softly, a mischievous gleam appearing in her eyes. "My dear, magic is more than just spells and tricks. It is a force for change." Her voice grew warmer as she added, "With it, you can inspire, protect those you care about…" Celestia paused, and suddenly her expression changed. Her eyes grew sharper, her smile disappeared, and her voice took on a cooler, firmer tone. "...or destroy those who threaten you."

A palpable heat radiated from the Empress for a moment, and Twilight felt an eerie, powerful aura fill the room. It was as if a sudden gust of wind blew through the corridors, causing the torches on the walls to flicker slightly.

Twilight shuddered involuntarily and swallowed, surprised by the sudden change in Celestia's demeanor. "I… I understand," she stammered, unsure of what to think.

Celestia noticed the reaction, and her expression softened back into a friendly smile. "I know it’s hard to grasp, Twilight," she said gently, "but these lessons will help you understand the world around you… and your place in it."

Twilight followed Celestia, her thoughts swirling with questions. She wanted to learn more about this council meeting, but even more, she wanted to understand why Celestia had suddenly shown her this side of herself. Was it a warning? A lesson? Or perhaps both?

After a few moments of silence, she decided to ask one of her questions. "Empress," she began hesitantly, "what exactly makes a duchess like Bloodthorn so powerful that she can convene a council meeting? I mean… aren’t there more important matters than those of some noble?"

Celestia smiled softly as she heard Twilight's question. "A good question, Twilight. The Duchess is not just any random noble," she explained with a gentle but firm voice, "but also the ruler of a very significant area in the south, rich in natural resources."

Twilight perked up her ears and listened intently to every word. Celestia continued, "Her duchy is the center of the gemstone trade. Nearly seventy percent of all gemstones in Equestria come from her mines. This gives her not only economic influence but also political power. She is also a member of the High Council, an assembly of the ten most important nobles."

Twilight nodded, her eyes wide with wonder. "And… what does it mean that she's on the High Council?" she asked curiously.

Celestia paused briefly and smiled. "The High Council consists of the ten most influential nobles in the land, Twilight. Each of them represents the interests of the nobility as a whole, as well as the ponies of Equestria. Bloodthorn is one of these ten. Her voice carries a lot of weight." She paused briefly and added quietly, "And she is a master at using her power to pursue her own goals."

Twilight frowned and thought about what Celestia had said. "So… does that mean she's going to try to push something that benefits her today?"

Celestia nodded slowly, her face calm, but her eyes sharp. "Exactly, my student."

Twilight stayed close behind Celestia as they finally came to a stop before a large, heavy door. In the center of the door was an ornate golden sun engraved, strongly reminiscent of Celestia’s cutie mark. Above the door hung a golden plaque with the inscription "To the Ponys of Equestria." Twilight couldn't help but take a deep breath before following her teacher. Her steps suddenly felt heavy and hesitant.

With a soft glow of her horn, Celestia opened the doors, which swung open silently but majestically. The council chamber unfolded before them in all its splendor. The high ceilings were intricately decorated, and a massive golden chandelier in the shape of a radiant sun hung from above, reflecting light throughout the room. In every corner, large banners in soft blue, adorned with Celestia’s cutie mark, seemed to glow in the light.

A massive crystal table dominated the center of the hall, surrounded by eleven ornately carved chairs, their backs gleaming in delicate patterns. Nine of these chairs were already occupied, and the nobles present looked up curiously as the doors opened and Celestia entered the room.

Twilight’s eyes swept over the attendees, and an uneasy feeling crept over her as she noticed one detail: Of the nine nobles seated, seven were unicorns. Two were pegasi, but not a single earth pony sat at the table. Were these few supposed to represent all of Equestria? She swallowed hard and felt her cheeks flush slightly. She quickly tried to focus her gaze on the crystal table to hide her nervousness.

A blond unicorn stallion with sharp blue eyes caught her gaze. A mocking smile flitted across his face when he noticed Twilight. He looked her up and down before barely perceptibly shaking his head, as if ridiculing her appearance. Twilight’s heart beat faster, and she suddenly felt small and insignificant in this room full of powerful ponies.

Celestia walked with Twilight at her side through the hall, the heads of the attendees following them. They walked to the other end of the table, where the largest and most elaborate chair stood. "Sit here next to me, Twilight," Celestia whispered softly, indicating a seat to her right. "I apologize that we didn’t have a chair prepared for you." She smiled reassuringly, her voice barely more than a gentle breath in the room’s silence.

Twilight sat next to Celestia and gave her a brave smile. "That’s no problem, my Empress. I’ve had more uncomfortable seats in my life," she said bravely, trying to hide her nervousness. But her gaze continued to wander around the room and finally landed on a pink unicorn.

The mare had a softly curled, violet-pink mane that fell in gentle waves over her shoulders, and her large lavender eyes radiated a gentle warmth. The mare sat a bit apart and gave Twilight a shy smile when their eyes met. It was a warm, welcoming smile that instantly had a calming effect on Twilight. She felt some of her tension ease and smiled back, grateful for the friendly gesture in the midst of the overwhelming atmosphere.

Celestia noticed Twilight’s interest and leaned in slightly to whisper, "That is Lady Mi Amore Cadenza. She resides most of the year here in Canterlot, but she originally comes from a duchy further north. She is known for her efforts to fight social injustice and help the less privileged. Cadenza has a big heart, even though some nobles don’t take her very seriously for it."

Twilight nodded and suddenly remembered stories she had heard in the past. "I think I've heard of her," she whispered back. "Didn’t she start a project to promote education in the lower districts? I think some older foals in our orphanage learned basic things like reading because of it."

Celestia smiled softly. "Exactly. She has initiated many such projects. Unfortunately, she often struggles to get the support she needs. The initiative you mentioned was abandoned a few years ago. Still, Mi Amore never gives up. She firmly believes that everyone deserves a better life, regardless of their background or status."

Twilight felt drawn to this description and glanced again at Lady Cadenza, who still wore a friendly smile. There was something about her demeanor that calmed Twilight's own insecurities a little. She admired the way Cadenza seemed so gentle yet resolute—a strength that seemed to come not from power or authority but from empathy and conviction.

Celestia continued quietly, "Don't be fooled by her gentleness, Twilight. Lady Cadenza has more influence than one might think at first glance."

Suddenly, the gate opened again, and all eyes turned toward the last missing member of the High Council. Duchess Bloodthorn entered the room. She was a striking figure—tall, with a dark elegance that immediately drew all attention to her. Her coat was a deep, smoky gray, and her eyes shone with a cold, intense red, like glowing fire rubies flickering in the half-light.

Her mane, as black as the night, flowed in smooth, perfectly shaped waves over her back and gleamed like polished obsidian, catching the chandelier's light in shimmering reflections. She wore a deep red dress that emphasized her form and was interwoven with silver jewelry that glittered in the chandelier's light. Around her neck lay a thin gold chain with a striking obsidian pendant in the shape of a rose.

Her mere presence seemed to make the air in the room heavier, and Twilight could feel the sudden tension that spread like an invisible net around the attendees. The Duchess moved forward with an unshakable elegance, her hooves setting a confident, almost threatening rhythm on the floor. As she passed the other nobles, they bowed slightly—not out of respect but more out of a kind of forced courtesy. Almost none of those present dared to look her in the eye for long.

Twilight felt a cold shiver run down her back as she watched the Duchess. There was something about her that made Twilight feel like a storm was approaching, even though the sky was clear. Bloodthorn nodded almost imperceptibly to the others before taking her seat with a fluid motion.

Celestia remained calm, her expression unchangingly serene, but Twilight noticed a tiny flicker in her teacher’s eyes—a hint of alertness mixed with something Twilight couldn’t quite decipher. Celestia leaned in slightly and whispered, "That is Duchess Bloodthorn. I’ve already told you about her. Be vigilant, Twilight. Caution is required in her presence."

Twilight swallowed and nodded silently, her eyes still fixed on the imposing figure of the Duchess.

Celestia slowly rose from her seat, and the atmosphere in the room seemed to change. A radiant smile spread across her face, exuding a strange mixture of warmth and authority. Her gaze wandered over the assembled nobles, who immediately focused their attention on her. She let a brief moment of silence pass before beginning to speak, her voice clear and melodic, yet with an unmistakable firmness.

"Esteemed council members," she began, choosing her words carefully, "I warmly welcome you to this important meeting here in Canterlot. It always fills me with joy and pride to see so many of you gathered at one table, all united in the pursuit of the well-being of our beloved Equestria."

She paused briefly, her gaze resting on each of the attendees as if she could read their thoughts. "As I see, we are all present today, and I thank you for your attendance and willingness to participate in this discussion."

Her voice grew a bit more serious, without losing any of its gentleness. "Today's meeting has been called at the request of Duchess Bloodthorn. A matter she considers urgent enough to bring before this esteemed council—a threat to the internal security of our realm."

Celestia turned her head slightly and directed her gaze at the Duchess, her expression remaining friendly, but her eyes appeared watchful. "I now hand over the floor to Duchess Bloodthorn," she declared in a polite tone, "so she can explain her concerns to us in more detail and share her views with us."

With a graceful movement, Celestia sat down again, but her eyes remained focused on Bloodthorn as she waited for her to speak.

Bloodthorn nodded briefly as she stood up, her figure like a shadow casting over the room. Her posture was straight and proud, her eyes gleaming with confidence as she scrutinized the other attendees with a piercing gaze. A faint smile played on her lips, but it never quite reached her eyes. Her voice was clear and cool, with a hint of sharpness as she took the floor.

"Thank you, Empress Celestia," she began, choosing her words carefully, and her tone swung between respectful and insistent. "I have called this meeting because the situation in my duchy is becoming increasingly precarious. There are disturbances in the mining towns, and crime is on the rise. Resources are running low, and the hardship is growing. Our workers suffer from bitter poverty, and the situation threatens to spiral out of control."

She let her words hang in the air for a moment before adopting a more concerned expression and continuing in a slightly softer but no less determined voice. "That is why I ask the crown for support—additional funds to deal with this crisis and ensure the security of my duchy."

A murmur ran through the ranks of the nobles; some looked skeptical, while others muttered quietly among themselves. Twilight could feel the tension in the room rising, and she glanced at Celestia, who remained calm and attentive as she watched Bloodthorn.

Lady Mi Amore Cadenza was the first to speak. "The reports of the precarious situation in your duchy fill me with great regret, Duchess Bloodthorn," she began in a gentle yet firm voice. "However, I find myself questioning whether the funds you request would truly help solve this problem."

She paused briefly, her eyes scanning the room before returning to Bloodthorn. "Your duchy is one of the wealthiest in all of Equestria, and many of the mines are in your private possession. The poverty you speak of seems less a result of resource scarcity and more a consequence of your own priorities. You pay your workers poorly, while large sums of money go into theaters, monuments, and militarization rather than public infrastructure like education and social security. If we grant you more funds, it could be like adding fuel to the fire."

After Lady Cadenza's words, there was a moment of tense silence in the council chamber. The attendees glanced at each other, some with curiosity, others with concern, as they waited to see how Bloodthorn would respond to this challenge.

Bloodthorn slowly raised her head, and a cold, thin smile played on her lips. "Lady Cadenza, I appreciate your concerns," she began with a voice as smooth as silk but with an underlying edge. "But I'm afraid you do not fully understand the situation in my duchy. It is easy to judge from a wealthy and privileged place like Canterlot."

She cast a quick glance at the other council members, as if testing their support, before continuing. "Without the crown's support, tensions could escalate, and this would not only destabilize my duchy but all of Equestria."

Twilight observed the faces of the council members and noticed that some nodded thoughtfully, while others remained skeptical. She felt her curiosity grow and leaned slightly toward Celestia. "Empress, do you think she's telling the truth?" she whispered.

Celestia kept her gaze on Bloodthorn and replied in a calm voice, "Politics is rarely a matter of truth, Twilight, but rather one of persuasion. Fear can be very convincing."

Before another council member could speak, an older, dignified stallion dressed in fine robes whom Twilight recognized as Lord Regal Crest, an influential noble from the west of the country, rose. "Perhaps it would be wise to coordinate the use of the funds from here in Canterlot if we decide to grant them," he suggested. "To ensure they truly benefit those in need."

Bloodthorn’s smile faded for a brief moment before she composed herself again. "With all due respect, Lord Regal Crest," she said, her voice now sharper, "but overseeing the use of our resources could be seen as an act of patronization—an intrusion on my duchy's sovereignty. Let us not forget that the duchies in Equestria enjoy a certain degree of autonomy. A control by the crown could be perceived as an attack on this freedom."

Celestia allowed a moment of silence before seizing the opportunity to re-enter the conversation. "Of course, the autonomy of the duchies is an important asset, Duchess Bloodthorn," she said in a calm, gentle voice. "But equally important is transparency for our citizens."

Twilight looked up at Celestia, impressed by the calmness and composure her teacher exuded. She felt the warmth and strength in Celestia's words, and a faint feeling of admiration rose within her.

Celestia continued, her voice as gentle as the wind rustling through the trees, but with an inner strength that was unmistakable. "I suggest we find a middle ground. A cooperation in which the Duchess receives the funds under her supervision, with an independent pony from the crown, who must approve the expenditures."

Some of the council members began to murmur, and Twilight could see some of them nodding in agreement. Bloodthorn, however, seemed to hesitate briefly, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "An interesting idea, Your Majesty," she said slowly, studying Celestia carefully. "But who would undertake this voluntary supervision?"

Celestia smiled slightly and replied, "I am sure we can find a neutral and capable individual who is acceptable to both you and the crown. Someone we can all trust."

Twilight felt the tension in the room reach a new level. She couldn’t help but wonder who Celestia had in mind. She glanced at Lady Cadenza, who appeared calm and resolute, as if she had made an inner decision.

Before Bloodthorn could respond, adenza spoke up: "I would be willing to take on this task if it is agreeable to the council and Duchess Bloodthorn. My only interest is the welfare of all ponies in Equestria."

Some of the council members looked surprised, while others nodded in agreement. Bloodthorn looked at Cadenza with an indefinable expression, then smiled again, though more forced than before. "That is very generous of you, Lady Cadenza," she said slowly. "I think I can agree to that, provided the reports are also presented to the High Council to ensure transparency." A slight growl resonated in her tone.

Celestia nodded, and a quiet, satisfied smile spread across her lips. "A wise decision, Duchess Bloodthorn," she said. "That way, we will all see how the aid reaches its goal and makes Equestria safer and stronger."

The meeting continued in this manner for several more hours. The nobles debated heatedly on various topics, and Twilight tried to listen attentively. But the longer the session lasted, the harder it became for her to maintain focus. Her thoughts began to drift, and she noticed her eyelids growing heavier.

The room was filled with voices overlapping, from gentle murmurs to sharp, heated arguments. Twilight let her gaze wander over the nobles, trying to remember names and faces. But her thoughts kept returning to the words she had heard earlier—about poverty, injustice, and the role of power.

Just as she closed her eyes briefly to gather herself, she suddenly heard her name from one of the nobles at the table. Twilight blinked and sat up, surprised and suddenly wide awake.

"…and what of this new protégé of the Empress?" came the voice of the blond stallion with the sharp blue eyes Twilight had noticed earlier. His tone was cool, almost condescending. "What qualifies a foal of low standing to attend such a gathering? How is it that Her Majesty grants this upstart such a privilege, learning directly under her?" His lips curled into a thin, disdainful smile as he fixed his gaze on Twilight.

A quiet murmur went through the room, and Twilight felt the weight of the attendees' gazes on her like a heavy burden. Her heart began to race, and she felt uncertainty rise within her. She didn’t know whether she should respond—or even if she was allowed to.

Beside her, Celestia placed a reassuring hoof on Twilight's shoulder and spoke with a clear, firm voice: "Twilight Sparkle is not here because she belongs to a certain rank or title," she began, her words both gentle and resolute. "She is here because I see exceptional potential in her—a potential that goes beyond birthrights. I chose her as my student because I believe she has a great future ahead of her that will enrich our kingdom."

Twilight breathed a bit more steadily, grateful for Celestia's words, but the tension in the room remained palpable. The stallion snorted softly and leaned back, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," he said with undisguised mockery, "but I cannot comprehend how a half-blood like her is worth your time. My ancestors count among the most significant ponies in our history, and yet you overlooked my son. Is the presence of this filly just another whim of Her Majesty?"

Twilight felt Celestia beside her tense slightly, but the Empress remained outwardly calm. Her voice was gentle, but her words carried a weight that filled the room. "Lord Blueblood," she began, directing her piercing gaze at him, "the greatness of a pony is not determined by the blood in their veins but by the deeds they accomplish. A good teacher recognizes potential, even when it is still hidden."

Some of the nobles exchanged thoughtful glances, while others seemed skeptical. Lord Blueblood’s face reddened with anger, but he forced himself to maintain his composure, even though his eyes burned with fury. "Of course, Your Majesty," he replied stiffly, "but it remains troubling when traditions are so lightly cast aside."

"Traditions have their place," Celestia agreed, "but they must not stand in our way when it comes to looking forward and growing. We must be open to new ideas, fresh voices, and talents that have not yet been recognized."

Twilight felt her heart beat a little faster—this time out of relief and pride. She was grateful for Celestia's support and the sincere words that had shifted the direction of the discussion in her favor.

A quiet murmur ran through the room, some of the attendees nodding slowly in agreement, while others remained distrustful. Before anyone else could speak, Celestia raised her voice, calm yet determined: "My little ponies, let us now move on to the main agenda."

It wasn't long before Celestia rose from her chair, and the soft murmur in the hall immediately fell silent. With a calm but commanding voice, she spoke: "I thank you all for your valuable contributions and your dedication to the cause of Equestria." Her gaze slowly swept over the attendees, lingering briefly on each one, as if she could read their thoughts. "May our decisions today pave the way for a safer and more just Equestria."

Some of the nobles nodded earnestly, while others—especially Bloodthorn—remained with stony expressions. "This meeting is hereby adjourned," Celestia announced solemnly and bowed her head slightly as a sign of closure.

As the council members began to rise and leave their seats, Bloodthorn stood up and addressed Celestia directly. "Empress," she began, with a certain sharpness in her voice, "I hope the decisions made today will lead to real change." She paused briefly, letting her gaze wander over the table until it finally rested on Twilight. "And to you, young mage, know that the brightest lights often cast the deepest shadows." With that, the Duchess turned and left the hall.

Celestia gently placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. "Come, Twilight," she said soothingly, "let's go." She led Twilight out of the hall and into the wide corridors of the palace. The heavy doors closed behind them with a soft echo.

"How do you feel after your first meeting?" Celestia asked as they walked slowly through the corridors.

Twilight hesitated briefly, searching for the right words. "It was… more intense than I expected," she admitted. "I think I didn’t understand a lot. But I want to learn. I want to understand what I heard."

Celestia smiled with satisfaction and nodded. "That is the first step, Twilight. To question and learn."

Later, when Twilight was alone in her room, she thought again about the meeting. Bloodthorn's last remark echoed in her mind. "The deepest shadows…" she murmured softly to herself, trying to decipher the meaning of those words. "What could she have meant by that?"

Author's Note

It took a while, but here you have the latest chapter. Here we get to know some new characters. I hope you like the whole thing.

Don't forget to comment, because your comments are the reason why the story is still breathing. Have fun with the chapter.

Fear can be very convincing

The council meeting had been over for a few hours. Celestia stood alone on the balcony of her chambers, which jutted out into the cool night air. The gentle breeze played with her mane, which shimmered silver in the moonlight. Her gaze was fixed on the moon and on the dark silhouette that marred its surface.

"I can sense how eager Twilight is to help me," she murmured softly to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper in the darkness. It sounded almost like a thought that had slipped from her lips, carried away by the wind. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if she were asking the air itself how she should proceed.

"But... why does it feel so wrong... why do I hesitate?" Her eyes drifted back to the moon, whose silver light was momentarily covered by a passing cloud. Her face lay in shadow, and her eyes, hard as polished steel, remained unyieldingly focused on the distant celestial body, as if she could find the answers she sought there.

"I’ve risked too much to allow myself doubts now," she murmured, her words sharper than she intended. "Twilight has become exactly what I hoped for: strong, curious, loyal. She trusts me…"

But in her heart, she felt again that painful stab she knew all too well. A fleeting pang of regret that gnawed at her resolve. "Maybe that's why it feels so wrong," she thought, standing still for a moment, her thoughts a chaotic jumble.

She gritted her teeth, forced herself to calm down, and squared her shoulders as if to shake off the weight of her doubts. "No. I can't afford to show weakness now. Twilight is strong, stronger than she knows. She must learn to recognize the dark magic, to understand it," her voice softened, almost pleading. "It is her destiny. I have chosen her for this."

Celestia opened her eyes, and suddenly the determination returned to her gaze. The moon broke through the clouds once more, casting its silver light over the world as if offering a silent affirmation of her thoughts. "It is time to show her what is truly at stake," she murmured, her eyes glinting in the moonlight.

With resolute steps, Celestia turned away from the balcony and began the walk to her student’s chambers. "There is no better time than now," she murmured, as if her words alone could sweep away her doubt. Her voice echoed softly through the corridor, and the clattering of her hooves sounded like a beating heart against the cool marble floors. As she passed a statue depicting herself in a maternal pose, with a gentle smile and kind eyes, she felt a strange pressure growing in her chest. It was as if the stone eyes were following her, filled with silent reproach.

Celestia's expression darkened, and her heart beat faster. "I have no choice," she hissed, feeling her anger rise within her, hot and burning. She paused briefly and cast a furious glance at the statue. "It’s not my fault the world is what it is!" Her voice rang through the hallway, sharper and louder than she had intended.

For a moment, it seemed as if the cold, empty eyes of the statue were indeed accusing her, like a silent witness to her doubts. A flicker of heat rose in Celestia, burning within her like a wild fire. "What do you want from me?!" she shouted, her voice echoed through the quiet hall, bouncing off the walls until it faded into a weak echo.

But the statue did not answer. With a frustrated snort, she stomped on the ground. The marble beneath her hooves cracked and splintered under the force of her fury. "Argh! You cannot judge me; I am the one who decides what is right and moral!" Her voice trembled.

Celestia felt her anger boiling inside her. At whom was she so angry? Her burning eyes locked onto the statue, but she only saw her own face reflected back at her.

With a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down, pushing the anger back into the deepest corners of her heart. "No," she whispered, her voice now steady but firm. "I am doing the right thing."

After a few minutes, she finally reached the door to Twilight’s chambers. She hesitated, her gaze fixed on the heavy, carved wood for a moment. At last, she raised a hoof and knocked softly on the door.

For a moment, there was silence. "Perhaps Twilight is already asleep," Celestia thought, her gaze lingering on the closed door. "Yes, that must be it... She must have gone to bed already. I will simply come back tomorrow..."

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she heard the soft tapping of hooves from the other side of the door. Celestia held her breath as the hoofsteps approached. The door slowly creaked open, and a narrow shaft of light fell into the dark corridor. Twilight's sleepy figure appeared in the doorway, her disheveled mane falling in messy strands around her face. Her eyes, half-open and still clouded with sleep, blinked in surprise as she saw Celestia. "Empress?" Twilight asked, confused, her voice soft and still hoarse with fatigue. "What... what brings you here so late at night?"

"I hope I didn’t wake you, Twilight," Celestia said with a warmth in her voice that she barely felt herself. She looked down at Twilight with a gentle smile. Her expression was reminiscent of the statue she had passed. "But there is something important I need to show you. Something that cannot wait until morning."

Twilight rubbed the sleep from her eyes and nodded eagerly, the unexpected visit from her mentor having dispelled the last remnants of tiredness. "Of course, Empress," she replied, her curiosity growing. "I am ready to learn whatever you wish to show me."

Celestia's smile became a little more genuine. "I’m glad to hear that, my student. Please, follow me." Her voice was soft, but behind the facade, there was a hint of seriousness that further piqued Twilight's curiosity.

Without hesitation, Twilight followed Celestia, walking by her side through the long, winding corridors of the palace. Her thoughts swirled as she pondered the significance of this nocturnal lesson. Where would her mentor take her? What could possibly be so important all of a sudden? Did it have something to do with the council meeting?

"Empress," Twilight began cautiously, trying to keep the uncertainty out of her voice, "does this lesson have anything to do with what you discussed at the council meeting today?" Her gaze wandered questioningly over to Celestia, searching for a hint of her mentor's mysterious intent.

"No, Twilight, at least not directly," Celestia said, sounding a little absent-minded. The usual warm melody in her tone was missing, replaced by a note of gravity that made Twilight pause for a moment. Celestia's gaze remained forward, as if she were focused on something unseen in the distance while trying to organize her thoughts.

After a while, Celestia led Twilight to a long, spiral staircase descending deep into the lower levels of the palace. The further they descended, the cooler the air became, and an icy chill blew against them. Twilight felt a shiver spread across her skin as a cold shudder ran down her spine. The palace’s marble gave way to rough stone. The corridor grew narrower, the walls seeming to swallow up the faint light of the torches.

At the bottom of the stairs, Celestia finally stopped before a massive steel door, its surface studded with rusty rivets and marked by time. The cold, metallic smell emanating from the door mixed with the damp air, and Twilight felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation rise within her.

Celestia's voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade. "Behind this door lies the Canterlot Dungeon," she explained, her words heavy and piercing. "A dark, deep hole where I throw those criminals who must never see the light of day again. Only the worst of the worst find their final refuge down here."

With a powerful thrust of her magic, Celestia flung the heavy metal doors open. A deafening crash shattered the silence and echoed through the long, dark hallway beyond the gate. The reverberating sound seemed to make the shadows on the walls tremble, suggesting it had roused most of the prisoners from their uneasy sleep.

"Do not get too close to the cells along the walls," Celestia warned, her voice calm but insistent. "If a prisoner should touch you, just scream. Trust me, Twilight—as long as I am by your side, nothing can happen to you." A flickering glow emanated from her horn, casting Celestia's face in golden light, emphasizing her sharp features and the determination that flashed in her eyes.

Twilight felt uneasy; there was a sense of foreboding in her stomach. Why was Celestia leading her to such a dark place? She continued to follow her Empress through the grim corridor, occasionally glancing into the surrounding cells. Most were empty, filled only with darkness and silence. But in some, figures crouched in the shadows—ponies whose emaciated bodies reminded Twilight of the narrow alleys of her old home.

Occasionally, they passed a prisoner who dared to mutter an obscene remark, only to fall silent immediately under the first cold, piercing look from Celestia. Twilight felt the air grow heavier, as if with each step she was being pulled deeper into the darkness. A slight tremor went through her body, but she kept her head held high and continued to follow the Empress further into the unknown depths.

Eventually, Celestia stopped before one of the cells and pointed a hoof at a unicorn stallion who was chained inside. His pale blue coat looked wan in the dim light, and his red mane hung in stringy strands over his face. His limbs were spread wide and bound to the walls by heavy iron chains. A rough muzzle cut into his skin, preventing him from uttering a single word.

The stallion stared at the cold stone floor with a vacant, lifeless gaze, as if all the life had long since drained from him. Twilight's breath caught as she looked at the broken figure. A shiver ran down her spine, and for a moment, she felt nothing but cold dread.

"Star Gaze," came Celestia’s cold, cutting voice. "That is the name of the stallion you see before you."

Twilight wanted to turn her gaze to her teacher, but her eyes remained fixed on the bowed figure of the unicorn, unable to look away. The sight of this tormented being captivated her, sending her thoughts into a wild whirl. "What... what did he do to end up here?" she finally asked in a trembling voice that was little more than a whisper.

Celestia waited a moment, allowing the silence to hang over the room like a heavy shroud. Twilight felt the air around her grow denser as she waited for an answer.

"The worst crime in all of Equestria," Celestia finally said, her voice soft but biting. "Star Gaze practiced dark magic." The words left her lips with a palpable hint of disgust, as if even speaking of the deed contaminated her.

Twilight forced herself to look away from the broken figure of the stallion. It took effort, as if she were waking from a dark enchantment. "Celestia," she began, her voice full of confusion and uncertainty, "I... I don't understand."

Celestia let her gaze rest on Twilight, her eyes inscrutable for a moment, as if weighing how much she should reveal. "Dark magic is more than just a collection of dangerous, forbidden spells," she explained slowly, her voice sounded urgent and serious. "It is an abomination that devours the soul and consumes everything that is pure and good. Star Gaze thought he could use these powers without paying the price." She paused, her words like a test directed at Twilight. "But no one remains untouched. No one."

Twilight felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Celestia’s words echoed in her mind, but she could not silence the doubts in her heart. "But..." she dared to say, her voice barely more than a whisper, "what if he… what if he did it for a good reason?" She felt Celestia's gaze sharpen like a knife cutting through the darkness, and she swallowed hard. "Sometimes...," she added softly, "you can do the wrong thing for the right reasons, can't you?"

Celestia directed her gaze back to Star Gaze, her eyes burning with hidden emotions. "Star Gaze lost his family in a tragic accident," she began, her voice cold and distant, as if delivering a verdict. "Driven by his pain and despair, he turned to necromancy—the most vile of all dark arts. He tried to bring the dead back, but what he created were not resurrected souls. They were deformed creatures, lifeless husks that brought nothing but disaster." Celestia's mouth twisted as if tasting something bitter. "He defied natural laws, Twilight. He wanted to break them just to soothe his own grief, without regard for the consequences."

Twilight felt her stomach clench, but she could not tear her gaze away from Celestia. "He endangered innocent lives," Celestia continued, her voice growing harder. "The beings he created roamed the city, driven by madness and hunger. Several ponies were injured, some even killed, before we managed to bring the situation under control." She paused, her eyes narrow and gleaming. "Star Gaze is not a victim, Twilight. He is a monster, willing to destroy everything just to reclaim his lost world. Eleven ponies lost their lives because of his selfishness. Such creatures must never see the light of day again."

Twilight felt a growing unease within her. She looked again at the broken figure of the stallion in the cell, staring into his empty eyes. He was already dead, she realized. Dead inside. "But…" she began hesitantly, "he doesn’t seem like a monster to me. Maybe he was just desperate and blinded by grief."

Celestia stepped closer to Twilight, her voice growing deeper, more intense. "Compassion is a valuable virtue, Twilight, but in this world, it can be easily exploited. There are things that simply cannot be excused, no matter how desperate one is." Her eyes flashed, and for a moment, it seemed as if something unspoken lay hidden in her gaze. "You must learn to recognize evil and know when no path to redemption remains. Because if you hesitate…" she paused and let the words fall into the silence, "…it might be too late."

"I want you to understand the true nature of dark magic, Twilight," Celestia said, her voice now calmer, almost gentle, yet a keen sharpness glittered in her eyes. "I will show you how to defend yourself against it." Her horn began to glow with an intense golden light, the energy within pulsing and filling the room with a flickering brilliance. "So that you may learn to fight the shadows rather than be consumed by them."

Slowly, Celestia inclined her horn, and the golden glow spread like liquid light throughout the room, the magic swelling in its intensity. "Open your mind, Twilight," she whispered, her words carried through the charged air, "and see with your own eyes what happens when one surrenders to the shadows."

Twilight felt the world around her blur, colors fading as everything was cloaked in a suffocating darkness. Suddenly, she found herself in a new place: a small village at the edge of a dark forest, shrouded in the deepest night. The moon stood high in the sky, its light casting long, ghostly shadows over the ruined buildings. Flames licked hungrily at thatched roofs, and thick, black plumes of smoke rose into the starry night. The panicked screams and desperate howls of the villagers reached her ears as the village around her sank into rubble and ash.

The heavy, metallic scent of blood hung in the air, mingled with the acrid stench of soot and burning wood. Everywhere, lifeless bodies lay in the dirt, their faces twisted in a final expression of pain. In the midst of the chaos stood a single pony—a dark, menacing figure moving silently and smoothly, like a shadow, over the burning ruins. A cold shiver ran through Twilight as she sensed that this figure wielded an eerie and powerful magic. Something inside her screamed that she should turn away, yet she could not look away.

"This being," Celestia began softly, but with piercing sharpness, "was once very close to me. A soul I loved and trusted." Her voice was cool and almost emotionless as the dark figure suddenly broke into a rapid sprint. She charged toward a terrified soldier in golden armor who froze for just a moment before his eyes widened with panic. Blue magic flickered like living flames around her black horn, and in a sudden, merciless sweep, a magical blade formed, severing his head cleanly from his body. The look of pure terror remained frozen in his dead eyes as his body collapsed to the ground.

"But the darkness consumed her, turning her into something I could hardly recognize," Celestia continued, her words cutting through the air like a knife. The dark figure laughed—a hollow, cold laugh that echoed in the night—and her eyes glowed a toxic green as she pounced on the next soldiers, who frantically raised their shields and tried to defend themselves against the unstoppable force.

Twilight could not look away as the figure sent a wave of magical energy crashing into the soldiers with ruthless precision. The earth trembled as the magic struck, and the screams of those hit rang through the night. "She has killed dozens of ponies in the most gruesome ways, torn families apart—all because of the dark magic that entered her heart," Celestia continued, her voice filled with sorrow. "The darkness turned her into a monster that knows nothing but destruction."

Before Twilight's eyes, the figure bent over a wounded soldier, a bitter, mocking smile on her lips. Then she opened her mouth and, without hesitation, bit off his ear, chewing slowly, savoring, as blood dripped from her lips. Twilight felt her heart beat faster, a cold shiver running down her back. "And the worst part?" Celestia’s voice now sounded broken, as if fighting back tears. "She was once so close to me... But the darkness has taken her from me forever."

The vision shattered like glass, and the burning ruins and battling soldiers dissolved. Twilight found herself back in the dark dungeon, her thoughts a swirling vortex of images and emotions. She looked over at Celestia, whose face was hard to read in the fading light. "Do you see what dark magic can do to a being?" Celestia whispered, her voice soft but urgent. "It corrupts even the purest hearts and leaves nothing but misery."

Twilight finally collapsed onto the cold stone floor, her legs giving way beneath her as she broke down in tears, crying as if to scream all the fear and confusion out of her. "Please, Celestia," she pleaded, her voice choked with sobs. She didn't even know exactly what she was asking for—only that she could no longer bear this overwhelming fear.

Celestia sat beside her, a calm and warm authority in the cold, gloomy dungeon. With gentle strength, she drew Twilight into an embrace, holding her tightly at her side. "Do not fear, my student," Celestia murmured softly, her voice as gentle as a promise. "I am with you, and before my light, no shadow, however deep, can stand."

With tear-filled eyes, Twilight looked up at Celestia, her vision blurred by tears. Celestia smiled gently down at her, a smile that was both comforting and strong. "I promise you, Twilight," she said firmly, but lovingly, "I will make you strong. Strong enough that the shadows will fear you."

Twilight felt her fear gradually give way to a burning resolve. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and met Celestia's gaze, her eyes now full of determination. "Yes," she whispered, "I will learn, I will become strong... and I will make you proud." In that moment, she swore to herself to do everything she could to meet her mentor's expectations, despite the doubts that lay deep within her.

She buried her head in Celestia's warm, protective coat, breathing in the familiar scent and feeling the comforting warmth envelop her. She clung more tightly to the embrace, as if it were the only anchor in a world that had suddenly become so dark and threatening. Celestia placed a wing over her back.

Twilight never wanted to let go, never wanted to leave this hug. Here, she felt safe and protected, far away from the shadows she so deeply feared.

Author's Note

And here is the next chapter. Very gloomy today. Don't worry, the next chapters will be much more cheerful. I hope you enjoyed the whole thing anyway.

Don't forget to comment your thoughts, I'm always happy to see what you think about it.

Lessons of the Heart

Twilight walked alone through the long corridors of the castle, her steps echoing softly on the gleaming marble floor. She had just been in the castle gardens with Celestia, practicing some concentration exercises, when her mentor was suddenly called away for a pressing matter. Even though Twilight had already been living in the castle for a month, the large, sprawling halls still felt intimidating without Celestia's presence. She missed the comforting aura of Celestia, who always made her feel safe and protected.

Her thoughts kept returning to the distorted images of the burning village that Celestia had shown her. The sharp scent of death and ash seemed to still hang in her nostrils, and she could see the panicked looks of the trembling soldiers, trapped in fear and despair. And then there was that dark figure, standing like a demon amidst all the destruction, surrounded by flames and shadows. A cold shiver ran down her spine, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of oppression that had accompanied her since then.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the images, and continued walking. "I must not be weak... Celestia is counting on me," she muttered to herself, but her voice sounded uncertain in the silence of the corridors.

Celestia had begun to give Twilight lessons about dark magic—how to recognize its users and how it differed from regular magic. Regular magic, she explained, was an art that required both strength and concentration from the user. It utilized the body's own mana, which flowed from the magical source within every unicorn and was directed through the horn to produce the desired effects.

Depending on the characteristics and strength of one's mana, the shape and refinement of the horn, the ability to control magic, and the understanding of magical laws, one could influence the environment in harmony with one's own will. Mana flowed like an invisible current, and every spell was a manifestation of the spirit and inner harmony of the user.

Dark magic, however… dark magic was different, as Celestia repeatedly emphasized. Unlike regular magic, which drew its power from a pony's mana, dark magic drew its power directly from the soul. It fed on the desires and deepest emotions of its user and defied the natural laws of the world. This made it immensely powerful but also uncontrollable and destructive.

Dark magic consumed the life force of its user, amplified their strongest emotions, and poisoned the soul. Particularly powerful dark spells often required the sacrifice of multiple lives to gather the necessary energy. It was an abomination, nourished by negative emotions such as hatred, fear, and greed, and could corrupt even the purest of hearts.

Twilight's thoughts circled around her lessons, the explanations of dark magic, and the dangers associated with it when she suddenly heard the faint echo of hoofsteps behind her. She stopped, her heartbeat quickening. A slender, tall stallion with an elegant, almost exaggerated demeanor emerged from the shadows of a colonnade.

It was Blueblood. His haughty smile revealed his immaculate teeth as he looked down at her. "Ah, the little student of Celestia," he said, his voice dripping with sickly-sweet arrogance. "Are you wandering around the castle all by yourself?"

Twilight felt an unpleasant tug in her stomach, but she forced herself to smile politely. "Yes, I was just... getting some fresh air. That's all."

Blueblood's smile grew wider, almost into a mocking grin. "Fresh air? Shouldn't you be in your lesson with Celestia right now?" He took a step closer, his eyes fixed on her with a penetrating gaze. "Surely you're clever enough to realize that this study is not what you hoped for. It almost seems as if Celestia just wants to create an appearance of being close to the ponys by having you as her student, a common pony from the crowd to polish her image."

He tilted his head slightly, as if pondering something. "Look at yourself, a month under her care, and already your education is being neglected. Do you really think she sees something special in you?"

Twilight stared at him defiantly, her eyes flashing with determination, even though her voice wavered a little. "What do you know? Celestia enjoys spending time with me," she retorted sharply, trying to suppress the uncertainty in her voice.

But deep down, doubt gnawed at her. Could it be that Blueblood was right? Her insecurity slowly returned. But no, she must not let him unsettle her. Celestia trusted her… she had to keep telling herself that.

Blueblood's smile grew even more smug at her words. "Oh, of course, of course..." He let the words draw out slowly and sweetly, as if savoring a particularly delicious morsel. "Celestia enjoys spending time with you because it is politically smart. A small, eager pony at her side makes her look warm-hearted. Do you really think you're something special to her?" He shook his head slowly, as if he had to reveal a painful truth to a naive foal. "Believe me, you are just another pawn in a bigger game. Once you've served your purpose, she'll discard you... like all the others before."

Now, Blueblood looked at Twilight with a disappointed expression, as if she had deeply disappointed him. "What a shame," he said slowly, letting each word weigh heavily on her, "another, truly talented foal could probably benefit from your position... and achieve great things." His eyes narrowed slightly as if he were scrutinizing her, waiting for her reaction. "But you... you just don't seem to understand what an opportunity you're wasting for someone else."

Twilight felt her chest tighten. The insecurity that had been haunting her for days now seemed to spread over her like a dark shadow. She wanted to contradict him, to tell him he was wrong, but the words stuck in her throat. "You're lying..." she finally whispered, but her voice sounded weak. Blueblood's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he saw his words hit their mark. "Oh, little Twilight," he said softly, almost pityingly, "it's not a crime to see the truth. It's just painful."

Tears welled up in Twilight's eyes, and a soft sob escaped her throat. Blueblood grinned with satisfaction and walked past the weeping foal without a hint of sympathy. "If I were you," he said sharply, "I'd stop being so selfish and just leave this place. It would be best for everyone involved."

Twilight stood frozen, as Blueblood walked past her, his cold words echoing in her head. Her tears flowed freely now. She wanted to run away, to hide somewhere from the pain and confusion that Blueblood had stirred in her. But her legs felt like lead, and she just stood there, trembling and lost, unsure of what to do. "Maybe he's right..." she thought desperately. "Celestia must have noticed my hesitation in the dungeon, and that's why she's avoiding me today..."

Eventually, she forced herself to move her legs and stumbled back toward her room, her vision blurred with tears. With her last bit of strength, she reached the door, pushed it open, and sank heavily to the floor, her hooves covering her face as the tears continued to flow. She didn't know how long she had been lying there; time seemed to have lost its meaning. Minutes, hours, perhaps even days… Everything blurred into a sea of pain and uncertainty.

At some point, the tears stopped. Her throat was raw and burned from crying, and her eyes felt swollen and sore. But she remained lying there, her thoughts still spinning wildly, her chest rising and falling heavily.

Twilight's sorrow was interrupted when she heard the soft creak of the door behind her and sensed someone entering her room. She lifted her head slightly and saw Celestia approaching, her eyes filled with deep concern. "Twilight," Celestia said gently, her voice full of compassion, "what happened? I came to check on you and heard you crying through the door."

Celestia knelt beside her, her wings spread wide as if to shield Twilight from the whole world. "Talk to me, my student," she continued softly, placing a gentle hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "What has upset you so much?"

Twilight felt a new lump forming in her throat as she saw the gentle expression on Celestia's face. Her lips trembled, and she felt tears burn in her eyes again. She opened her mouth, closed it again, and her gaze wandered to the floor as she tried to find the right words. Finally, she took a shaky breath and murmured softly, "When… When I was coming back from the castle garden to my room, I ran into Blueblood." Her voice was thin, and she didn't dare to look at Celestia. "He said… he said that I'm just a means for you to look better. That you don't really… care about me and that I'm wasting your time."

Celestia's face hardened for a brief moment, and Twilight suddenly felt a noticeable warmth rising from beneath her wing, as if an inner fire was burning within the Empress. But then Celestia's expression softened again, even though the warmth remained, like a protective cloak. She pulled Twilight into a firm, comforting embrace, her wings forming a secure cocoon around her. "Twilight," she said gently but with unwavering determination in her voice, "never let someone like Blueblood tell you that you're not good enough. He has no idea what he's talking about. From the moment I met you a month ago, you've seized every opportunity to make me smile and fill my heart with pride."

Celestia gently stroked Twilight's mane and added with a loving smile, "There is no pony in this world I'd rather cuddle with right now, and no one more worthy of being my student." She held Twilight for a moment longer, letting the silence underline her words, then added emphatically, "Never forget that you are special, not because someone tells you so, but because you know it deep in your heart."

Twilight looked up at Celestia, her eyes wide and filled with doubt. "But then why did you leave me alone in the castle garden today?" She pressed her face deeper into Celestia's soft fur, as if trying to hide from all her insecurities. "I thought you were avoiding me because I hesitated in the dungeon…"

Celestia stroked Twilight's head gently and smiled reassuringly. "Twilight, as the ruler of Equestria, I can't always arrange my time as freely as I would like. There are often urgent matters that require my attention, sometimes unexpectedly. But that has nothing to do with you disappointing me. On the contrary," she paused to take Twilight's face in her hooves, "you showed down there what a big heart full of compassion you have." Celestia gently pulled Twilight back to her chest. Twilight leaned into the embrace, slowly calming her still-wild breathing.

As she felt Twilight's shaky breaths, Celestia's thoughts ran through the situation again. "I never thought one of the nobles here in Canterlot would be so brazen as to intimidate Twilight in this way," she thought with a hint of anger. "I must make sure Twilight is no longer left unattended… and I already know exactly which pony can watch over her when I don't have the time. And Blueblood..." A cold gleam came into her eyes as she continued to think. "He needs a stern reminder of where his limits lie. If Twilight had left the castle and run away, I would be facing a much bigger problem right now."

Celestia's thoughts were interrupted by a faint noise from the back corner of the room. Her gaze shifted to the source of the sound, and she spotted Spike, desperately pressing against the bars of his crib, as if trying to reach the upset pony. How long had the little dragon noticed that something was wrong and tried to comfort the pony who meant the most to him in the world, without being able to reach her?

"He will serve Twilight faithfully one day," Celestia thought to herself, while gently using her magic to lift the little dragon out of his crib and slowly float him over to them. Spike squirmed impatiently in the air, and as soon as he touched the ground, he snuggled up to Twilight's side, a soft, soothing purr escaping him as if he wanted to let her know in his own way that she was not alone.

Twilight lifted her head slightly when she felt Spike beside her. The little dragon nestled close to her, his big eyes full of concern. She felt the gentle vibration of his purr. "Oh, Spike…" she whispered softly, stroking his head. A faint smile flickered across her lips as she was reminded that she was not alone.

Celestia watched the scene with a gentle smile, glad that her student had found some comfort again. "You two really do look adorable together," she commented lovingly, letting her eyes rest on the two of them for a moment before gently stroking Spike's head.

Later that day, Celestia left the castle to visit Blueblood's manor. By now, the sun was already on its slow descent, bathing the mountain city in a warm violet light and casting long shadows across the streets. The air was noticeably cooler, and a gentle evening breeze blew through the alleys. But Celestia, in whose veins the power of the sun flowed, felt no cold. She walked with her head held high and a determined gaze through the streets—determination in every step.

It didn't take long for Celestia to reach Blueblood's residence. The manor was imposing, an impressive building of light stone and glass, designed in a modern style. The tall windows reflected the fading light of the evening, casting sparkling patterns on the manicured garden paths. It was a property that loudly displayed its wealth and importance, like a monument to self-righteousness.

Celestia did not give the building a second glance as she walked through the sprawling gardens to the massive front door and knocked with determined force. The loud echo reverberated through the courtyard, like a silent announcement of her arrival. It didn't take long before the door opened a crack, and an elderly stallion stuck his head out.

"How can I assist you?" he asked in a polite tone, the etiquette clearly evident in every syllable. The immaculate uniform he wore left no doubt that he was a servant of Blueblood. His eyes widened slightly when he recognized Celestia, and he immediately made a respectful bow while waiting for her response.

"I wish to speak with Blueblood," she said in a friendly tone that nonetheless brooked no argument. The servant remained in his bow before he hesitantly replied, "I understand, Your Majesty. I will see if he is available."

He straightened up and began to close the door slowly, but Celestia held it open with a gentle but unyielding magical grip. "Don't bother," she said with a soft smile that hid a steel core. "I know he is at home, and I can assure you he has nothing more important to do than to receive me."

The servant stepped back, unsure of how to react to the unexpected situation. Etiquette demanded that he not allow anyone in unannounced, but the guest was none other than the Empress herself. One did not contradict the Empress. That was a law of nature, unshakable and clear.

Torn between his loyalty to his employer and the unmistakable wish of the Empress, he felt his resolve crumble. Finally, he stepped aside and bowed his head respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty," he murmured, as he opened the door wider and cleared the way. "I will lead you to His Lordship."

Celestia smiled and followed the servant through the expansive manor, past elaborately decorated corridors and oversized paintings, until they finally stopped in front of an unassuming door. "Lord Blueblood is in the dining room behind this door," the servant explained, his voice low and respectful.

Celestia smiled gently and nodded. "Thank you," she said in a friendly tone that nonetheless radiated clear authority. "You may attend to your other duties now; I wish for privacy during my conversation with Lord Blueblood."

The servant raised an eyebrow, surprised by this request, but he dared not question the Empress. Instead, he bowed briefly before turning wordlessly to attend to his other tasks, his thoughts still on the unexpected encounter.

Celestia opened the door and entered the dining room. The room was vast, yet an unexpected emptiness filled it, as if it had been made to appear even larger by the lack of furnishings. An imposing dining table of dark wood dominated the center of the room, but the chairs around it were empty, waiting in vain for guests. Large paintings of Blueblood and his ancestors hung on the walls, each portrait carefully placed to emphasize its own significance.

Here and there were ornate decorations—marble busts and statues, all of which bore the same smug expression as Blueblood's face. It was as if the room were a single monument to himself, filled with a coldness evoked by the self-love of its owner. Celestia let her gaze wander through the room, her smile unchanged.

Seated on one of the chairs, with his back to the entrance, was Blueblood himself. He was hunched over a plate of red soup, his movements slow and deliberate, as if each gesture was considered and meaningful. When he heard the sound of someone closing the door behind him, he barely reacted. "Pocket Watch, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't want to be disturbed while I'm eating?" he said in a bored tone, without bothering to turn around.

"Well, forgive me for the intrusion, Lord Blueblood," Celestia replied with a hint of playfulness in her voice. "But I thought you might enjoy my visit." Her tone was friendly, but the subtle irony in it left no doubt that she had not come for polite conversation.

Blueblood froze in his movement, his spoon hovering for a moment over the soup. Then he turned slowly, almost mechanically, in his chair, his expression twisting into a forced smile. "Your Majesty, what an unexpected pleasure to welcome you to my humble abode," he said as he hastily stood and bowed deeply to Celestia. His eyes nervously searched for a hint of her intentions. "What brings me the honor of this visit?"

“What's the matter? Can't a Empress just drop in on the most important nobleman in Canterlot for a nice chat?” Celestia said, emphasizing the word "Empress" with a gentle but unmistakable sharpness that left no room for misinterpretation. Her smile remained friendly, but in her eyes burned a fire that made Blueblood shift uncomfortably.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Blueblood replied hastily, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "I just did not expect your arrival; otherwise, I would have had something prepared, of course." He sat back down at the table, trying to adopt a relaxed posture. "May I perhaps offer you a bowl of gazpacho?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

Celestia gently shook her head. "No, thank you." Her voice remained calm but firm. She turned and pointed to one of the imposing paintings on the wall, which depicted Blueblood in a pompous pose. "Can you tell me about this painting, Blueblood?" she asked, a slight hint of curiosity in her voice, which was meant to distract from her true intentions.

"A true masterpiece, isn't it?" replied Blueblood with a hint of pride, the tension from before completely gone from his face. "It was made by an exceptionally talented artist from Saddle Arabia to perfectly capture my inner and outer greatness." His chest swelled with self-satisfaction as he looked at the painting, as if admiring himself on the canvas once again.

"Indeed," Celestia commented with a slight smile. "The way he depicts you… the linework… He must truly be a master of his craft." Her voice carried a hint of admiration.

"Isn't it?" Blueblood agreed smugly, his pride unmistakable. Celestia nodded slightly, as if agreeing with him, before leaning a little closer to the painting. "It is truly impressive," she continued, "a painting that tells a lot about its muse and their ambitions. It shows a person who takes their role in society very seriously and likes to present themselves as significant."

She slowly turned away from the painting and looked directly into Blueblood's eyes. "Speaking of ambitions," she added with an inscrutable smile, "can you tell me what you were doing at my castle today?" Her voice was friendly, but there was a certain emphasis in it.

Blueblood's smile froze for a moment, then he put on an innocent expression. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," he replied with feigned innocence, "I don't know what you mean. I have been at home all day." His voice sounded polite, but a flicker of nervousness flashed in his eyes for a brief moment.

"Is that so?" Celestia asked with feigned confusion as she lightly brushed her hoof over the painting. "Interesting, because I just spoke with my student," she continued, her voice growing colder. "And she told me a very different story."

Blueblood's eyes widened for a moment before he put on his smug smile again. "Oh, did she?" He laughed quietly but nervously. "Well, you know how foals are. She must have mistaken me for someone else."

Celestia let go of the painting and took a step closer to Blueblood, her eyes glinting coldly. "A mistake, you say?" she asked, her voice soft but with a dangerous edge. "Twilight may be young, but she is not foolish, Blueblood," she hissed with venom in her voice. "And she is certainly not someone who easily confuses who is trying to intimidate her." She paused and let her words hang in the air for a moment, the atmosphere in the room seeming to thicken. Blueblood could feel it growing warmer. "Do you know what I value even less than cowardice, Blueblood?" she continued. "Being lied to."

Blueblood's smug grin disappeared, and he swallowed hard. "Your Majesty..." he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I really meant no harm to your student. It was just a harmless conversation, I assure you..." He avoided her gaze, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

Celestia turned back to the painting, examining it with a sharp look. "The artist must have been truly talented," she said with a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice, "because he managed to masterfully conceal your inherent cowardice."

Her words were calm, but the cutting irony in them made Blueblood's face pale. Celestia let the remark hang in the room, the smile on her lips seemed to grow slightly wider as she observed the noble's reaction.

"I will tell you what is going to happen," Celestia continued undeterred, her voice now like cold steel. "From now on, you will not approach my student of your own accord. If you are in a room with her, you will treat her politely and with the same respect as if you were speaking to me." Her hoof rested once more on the painting that showed Blueblood in his proud pose. "And you will never lie to me again, Blueblood."

Around her hoof, black, charred edges began to spread across the canvas, creeping over the image like flames. "And tomorrow, you will apologize to Twilight under my supervision," she added as the painting burst into sudden, blazing flames, consuming Blueblood's likeness. "Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal clear, Your Majesty," a visibly frightened Blueblood stammered, his eyes wide with fear.

"Very good," Celestia replied in a honey-sweet tone, while a fleeting expression of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. Without another word and without giving Blueblood a second glance, she teleported out of the room, a faint hiss accompanying her sudden disappearance.

All that remained was the oppressive silence and the blackened, charred spots on the floor where she had stood before.

* * *

The next morning dawned, and the soothing scent of fresh pancakes and waffles wafted through the palace halls, accompanied by cheerful birdsong streaming through the open windows. Twilight sat in her room, her snout buried deep in a book, when she suddenly heard a gentle knock on her door. She lifted her head and blinked in surprise. "Huh, who could that be so early?" she murmured softly to herself as she hesitantly put the book aside and went to the door.

When Twilight opened the door, she looked into the warm, friendly eyes of a mare she had only seen from afar. Before her stood a young unicorn, perhaps in her late teenage years, and Twilight found her beautiful. Her coat was bright pink and perfectly groomed, while her mane flowed over her shoulder in soft pastel hues and ended in elegant waves. On her lips was an inviting smile that made Twilight feel a comforting warmth immediately.

"Hello, Twilight," the mare greeted her with a soft, melodious voice as she leaned down to her slightly. "It's so lovely to finally meet you. My name is Mi Amore Cadenza, but you can call me Cadance."

Twilight became a little nervous. What was this noble mare doing here, in front of her room, so early in the morning? The last noble she had spoken to had not had good intentions. But Cadenza… or Cadance, as she called herself, had always seemed like a kind pony, at least. Twilight put on a somewhat uncertain smile. "Hello, Cadenz… I mean, Cadance. My name is Twilight, but you already know that," she babbled hastily, the words almost tripping over each other. "I knew your name, too. Celestia mentioned it during the council meeting, but that probably doesn't interest you at all." Her voice became higher towards the end, and her uncertain smile wavered.

Little did Twilight know that Cadance was just as nervous as she was. Cadance tried to hide her own nervousness while remaining friendly. "Oh, Celestia mentioned that she would be in Twilight's chambers around this time… Where is she? That mischievous alicorn is doing this on purpose. Just stay calm, Cadance, you can do this. Twilight seems nice. It's not like Celestia would never forgive you if you mess this up," she thought to herself. She smiled a bit wider, hoping her uncertainty wasn't too obvious.

"No, Twilight, it really does interest me!" Cadance finally replied with a bit too enthusiastic an exclamation. Inwardly, she cringed. "Cadance, what are you doing? The moment is getting more awkward... quick, say something smart to save the situation!" she thought frantically. She forced a nervous smile and tried again. "So..." she drew the word out while frantically searching for a topic, "how was your day?"

Twilight blinked, confused. "Well... it's pretty early, so I basically just got up," she replied in a slightly confused tone. Cadance felt her cheeks heat up, and she bit her lip inwardly. "Great job, Cadance… really great," she thought sarcastically as she tried to keep her smile up.

"Oh, I meant... the other day... I mean yesterday," Cadance hastily added, her smile a bit wider as she tried to bridge the awkward silence. "Good save, Cadance," she thought to herself, forcing herself to stay calm, even though she inwardly rolled her eyes in embarrassment.

Twilight looked confused for a moment, but then she seemed to notice Cadance's efforts and nodded hesitantly. "Oh, yesterday... yeah, yesterday was actually okay," she finally replied, trying not to giggle. The nervousness between them slowly dissolved as both seemed to recognize the absurdity of the situation. "Would you like to come in?" Twilight asked hesitantly as she opened the door a bit wider.

At that very moment, Celestia seemed to appear out of nowhere, standing beside Cadance. "Cadance," she said with a warm smile. "I'm sorry, I got held up in the hallway and I'm a little late. But I see you've already made acquaintance with Twilight." She gave Cadance the most innocent look she could muster.

Cadance whirled around and stared at Celestia in surprise. "Celestia! Of course," she quickly replied. "Yes, we… just started having a nice conversation." Inwardly, she sighed with relief as Twilight looked back and forth between the two of them. The day was getting stranger and stranger.

Celestia turned her gaze to Twilight and smiled. "I hope Cadance didn't scare you, Twilight," she said in a playful tone. "She's a very warm-hearted mare, but sometimes she can be a bit... overzealous."

Cadance snorted softly and puffed out her cheeks as she shot Celestia a playfully reproachful look. Twilight couldn't suppress a giggle; the sight of the two older mares teasing each other finally eased her tension. Cadance's face brightened at Twilight's laughter, and she couldn't help but smile. "Oh, really, Celestia?" she said with mock indignation. "Overzealous is more like your relationship with cakes and pies."

Celestia just rolled her eyes at that and focused her attention back on Twilight. "I just wanted to make sure you two get along well. I have a terribly busy day today, and I thought it would be a good idea if you didn't spend the whole day alone." She gave Cadance a meaningful look. "And who knows," she added, "maybe she'll show you around outside the castle a bit to get to know Canterlot better."

Cadance grinned broadly and nodded eagerly. "Oh, I know some wonderful places I absolutely have to show you," she said with a mischievous wink. "From the best restaurants and coziest cafes to the most interesting museums and hidden bakeries that have the best treats in town!" She actually squeaked a little with excitement, and her joy was contagious. Twilight felt her own excitement grow. "That sounds great!" she replied, full of anticipation.

"Well, apparently, I'm not needed here any further," Celestia commented with a smile. "Have lots of fun together," she added as she turned to leave them. But before she left, she paused for a moment and looked back over her shoulder. "Oh, and Cadance," she said with a warm but meaningful undertone, "take good care of her."

Cadance nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Celestia, she's in good hooves with me," she assured. Twilight watched the Empress for a moment longer before focusing on Cadance again. "So… how come you're supposed to look after me now?" she asked curiously.

"The opportunity came up spontaneously yesterday," Cadance replied with a smile. "Celestia said something unpleasant happened to you yesterday when you were alone in the castle, and she's worried about you. Lately, she's been talking about you a lot." She placed a hoof on her chest and added with a broad grin, "And when I heard that, I practically volunteered to spend some time with you and watch over you. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know you better!"

Twilight smiled at this revelation. It was nice to hear that Celestia cared about her. "That's… that's really nice of you. So, where do we go first?" she asked eagerly.

Cadance stepped into the room and quickly glanced around, as if looking for something specific. "Aha, there you are!" she suddenly called out and moved with such speed through the room that Twilight almost thought she had teleported. "There's a beautiful pavilion there that many don't know about. And afterward, we could explore the city, maybe visit a small cafe that has the best lemon tarts in all of Canterlot!" she explained enthusiastically.

Then Cadance took a step toward Twilight's wardrobe and turned to her with a mischievous grin. "But before we do that, we need a little makeover. I remember how cute you looked in that summer dress." With a wave of her magic, Cadance opened Twilight's wardrobe, only to stare into the gaping emptiness. "Uh, Twilight..." she began with a puzzled smile. "Do you perhaps have a second wardrobe? This one seems... quite empty."

Twilight felt the heat rise to her face. "Um… no, that's the only one," she murmured, embarrassed. "I… I don't really have many clothes. The summer dress you saw is still in the wash, and otherwise… I left everything else at the orphanage." She shrugged and looked at Cadance apologetically, her eyes briefly glancing at the floor in embarrassment.

Cadance's smile became softer, and her eyes shone with empathy. "Oh, Twilight, I'm sorry about that. But actually, this gives me a brilliant idea," she said cheerfully, clapping her hooves together. "We can head out right away and get you some nice things. There are so many great shops in Canterlot; this will be an adventure for both of us!"

Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but before she could utter a single word, Cadance had already telekinetically grabbed her and pulled her out of the room. "Now, no objections, young lady," Cadance said in a playfully stern tone. "I'm going to buy you some wonderful things, even if I have to tear down all of Canterlot to do it!"

Twilight was so surprised that she could only giggle as she floated down the corridor. Cadance's determination was infectious. "Okay, okay! We'll do what you say," she finally laughed. "But maybe you could manage to leave Canterlot standing!"

Cadance smirked, not slowing down. "We'll see," she murmured with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "I can't make any promises."

Author's Note

Will Cadance and Twilight succeed in buying clothes? Will Canterlot remain standing? Will Blueblood apologize? All this in the next episode of...

No but seriously, I hope you like the chapter. Next time we'll see Cadance and Twilight's adventure in Canterlot.

As always, please comment with your thoughts and opinions. Bye