Author's Note

Part of the reason I write is to help people think on a deeper level, be it philosophically or emotionally. I believe in no uncertain terms that the world is broken. Compassion and critical thinking have fallen to the wayside in favor of tribalism and greed. As human beings, we have the power to change things. It all begins with a choice. The mind is our most powerful tool in the quest for progress. Help your fellow man, be good, and do good. That's all there is to it.

Expulsion

Twilight scheduled the first lesson for Halloween. Five o' clock, when the trick-or-treaters came out to play, they made their move.

"You put out the candy?" she questioned her brother, making sure no loose ends were left untied.

"Yeah," Spike replied, "You know Rainbow's gonna be pissed, right?"

"She'll get over it. Every game starts small."

"I guess. You know how impulsive she is."

"That's why we're doing this - to teach her self-control. It's like ultra instinct. Stoicism's the key to mastery."

"Fair enough."

"Come on. We shouldn't keep 'em waiting."

Down by the woods, Rainbow, Applejack, and Fluttershy stood at the ready. They were waiting for Pinkie and Rarity.

"Someone's eager," Twilight jested, "Might wanna hold your horses for the time being, though. We're not doing magic today."

Contrary to what Spike expected, Rainbow wasn't so much mad as confused.

"Then...Why are we here?"

"Magic requires extreme self-discipline and focus, especially if it's benevolent. If we're to have hope of mastering each form, we must acknowledge and practice the fundamentals in our daily lives. From there, we must purge ourselves of ill will. Anger, sorrow, and resentment will only stifle our progress."

"But...How do we stop feeling them? I mean...It's normal, right?"

"It's not about not feeling them, but tempering them. You can use your emotions to your advantage without letting them control you. This is what's known in psychology as assimilation - coming to terms with your darker half and accepting its value."

"The shadow, huh...?"

"Science and magic aren't mutually exclusive. Multiple advancements have been made using traditionally 'magical' methods - exploring nature, combining medicines, that kind of thing."

"Wow. That's actually kind of impressive."

"If you're serious about learning, now's the time to harden your resolve. There's no point in going further if you're unsure."

Rainbow's bravado rocketed, recognizing the challenge set forth by her companion.

"You kiddin'? I was born ready!"

Twilight smiled.

"Good."

Pinkie and Rarity came into view as the others finished speaking. Pinkie stuffed her face with doughnuts to keep up her energy. Twilight hoped she wouldn't regret the crash.

"You guys ready?"

"Yes," Rarity acknowledged, "Truth be told, my magical abilities were always less than ideal. It's high time I caught up with everyone."

"Don't worry. By the end, you'll be far more powerful than anyone can imagine."

"Very well. Consider me thoroughly motivated."

"Didn't realize we were bringin' DMC into this." Spike chuckled.

"Summon swords are a spell." his sister reminded.

Between the trees, Twilight sparked a campfire, inviting the others to form a circle as before. Being the most experienced, she thought it pertinent to speak first. She wasn't just helping the others grow. She had her own flaws to iron out.

"It's funny. To think, a few centuries ago, we would've been attacked for being what we are..."

"You mean the witch hunts?" Rainbow recalled, thinking back to history class.

"Burnings, lynchings: all of it. You know how I feel, right?"

"Yeah. Coming from the tribe responsible's been a weight on my shoulders. If I could go back and knock some sense into 'em, I would."

"That's the thing about knowledge. It doesn't stop when people die. It only grows with their successors. Someday, someone will surpass me. I'll be proud when it happens, but sad it's over. I'm just a stepping stone for something greater."

"They might surpass you alone, but they'll never match us together. Only fools desire power for power's sake."

"That's true, and unusually astute."

"I pay attention."

"The real reason I brought you out here was to vent. Until we move on, we can't be trusted with this power. Not even me..."

"This is about last week, isn't it?"

"I have an idea what you're feeling, but I can't actually know without being you. I was introverted from the beginning. I related more to Fluttershy in that regard, but you guys were more outgoing. I knew once high school was over, our friendships would decline, but I always figured it was about the quality, not the quantity."

"It is. I spoke out of anger, and I really shouldn't have. I'm sorry if I made you feel unvalued."

"It's not me I'm worried about. What hurt was seeing you suffer. It felt like witnessing some hellish nightmare you couldn't wake up from."

"Like Freddy Krueger?"

"Something darker - far older and way more deadly."

"The shadow you mentioned earlier."

"When the shadow turns against you, it's hard to come back. It's not impossible, but those of weaker wills have little hope for survival."

"Did you think I'd end it?"

"It did cross my mind."

"Never."

Twilight's ears perked, surprised by the authority in Rainbow's voice. It sounded ancient...Powerful...God-like...

"Now that you've told me, I have every reason not to. I understand now. We have the strongest friendship of all."

"So I wasn't blind?"

Rainbow shook her head.

"No. I was. We all have secrets we hide from the world, and I trust you with mine. Do you?"

Twilight nodded.

"Yeah. I do."

Rainbow turned to the others, prepared to join them in eternal solidarity.

"We've said our piece. Now it's you guys' turn."

Previously uncertain, Twilight's mind solidified. They were on the right path.