Author's Note

Up to now, I've been winging it a bit without extensive knowledge on the actual history of witchcraft. Now we can cement the rules of the world. I'll be studying up as I write. While I'm taking tongue and cheek jabs at the belief systems, I'm not doing so maliciously. I'm poking fun at mine as well.

Co-Misery

For their first lesson, Twilight took two books from her personal library at home. The first provided extensive historical knowledge surrounding magic, its origins, and basic spells. The other was the novel she'd mentioned to Rainbow prior.

"There are two main types of magic. In the old days, it was referred to as 'magick' with a ck at the end. Modern spellings stem from the enlightenment age. There are various sub-categories, but they all fall under the two main types: Internal and External."

"What's the difference?" Rainbow questioned.

"Internal draws power from the user's own energy supply - specifically the glucose and fat stored in our cells. External relies on outside forces - stuff like nature, machinery, art, etc."

"I imagine internal's a hell of a workout."

"The way it works is both simple and complex. By focusing your energy, you can manipulate the particles around your body for extremely potent effects. It's a technique Shining used extensively during training. You can create all kinds of weapons, armor, and medicines just by thinking about them. For more advanced examples, you can mix internal and external to execute powerful summoning spells. This is extremely useful for daily tasks and combat. We'll worry about that later."

"What about limits? Even magic's got rules, right?"

"Some, but they're few and far between. Take cloning for instance. While it's possible, the clone would be a separate person. They wouldn't think or act like you because they couldn't. Aside from the brain being impossible to replicate, they haven't lived your life. They haven't experienced your thoughts, emotions, or memories. People are just too unique to copy. In a way, it makes us special. No one can be us, no matter how hard they try."

"Could you use them for say, I don't know, personal reasons...?"

"Personal?"

"You know what I mean."

The Alicorn thought for a moment, turning red as the pieces fell into place.

"Oooh!"

Rainbow smirked, pushing her mane to the side.

"Absolutely," Twilight assured, "provided consent is given."

"Good to know."

Twilight cleared her throat, changing the subject to avoid the others catching on.

"Anyway, we'll start with levitation. This is the most basic skill taught to Unicorns from birth. In a controlled environment, negative effects are bound to be short-lived. Think hitting yourself with a beanbag or toy ball. That's about the worst that would reasonably happen."

"Sounds simple enough."

"Why don't you take the lead?"

"I'm on it."

Rainbow focused on a small pebble by the fire.

"Close your eyes," Twilight instructed, "Feel the flow between you and the stone. You're part of the same world, connected by time and space. Transcend your physical limits and speak through the soul."

"You know what this reminds me of?"

"What's that?"

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

"True. It runs on similar logic, doesn't it?"

For a time, there was nothing - just the crackling of flames among the whispers of the wind, and then...Shaking...

"That's it," Twilight encouraged, "Keep going."

The vibrations grew more frantic, resisting as Rainbow poured herself into the object. Sparks began to appear, forming a stream between the Pegasus and the ground below. Slowly, steadily, the rock began to rise.

"Open your eyes."

Rainbow obliged, shocked at the result. She'd done it.

"That's...Me...!?"

Twilight nodded, a smile of pride on her face.

"Well done. You've passed the first test."

"Huh! Figured I'd feel tired."

"Small objects require less energy to move. The same's true of manual labor."

"Ya know, maybe we should start training both our minds and bodies to handle the strain. I know it's a lot harder for us being new and all."

"You read my mind. A healthy lifestyle will drastically boost our stamina. You don't have to be in peak physical form, but general exercise will keep us in shape for higher level spells, though technically, spell tiers don't exist - at least not in a streamlined notion. Some just take more practice."

"Anything else we should know?"

"I guess at this point, I can tell you my real goal."

"Meaning...?"

"Remember when I said we were dedicating ourselves to growth in all walks of life?"

"Yeah."

"What I meant was evolution."

"You mean like biology?"

"Maybe in time, but I was referring to the philosophical branch. The theory of evolution is a concrete phenomenon dating back to the dawn of life. Philosophical evolution is a broader, more expansive term that entails conscious effort on the part of the organism. While biological evolution occurs over millennia, philosophical evolution encourages the organism to develop on its own. Strength, intellect, and discipline are the primary focus of this variation. It's more abstract and cosmically agnostic than its successor. It's been around far longer under different names."

"So essentially, we're trying to become self-made superheroes."

"Well...Yeah. Pretty much."

"Well, shit! That's all you had to say!"

"Really?"

"I'm in. Think it'll be fun - help break up the monotony."

"How 'bout you guys?" Twilight inquired, turning toward the others. They nodded, their faith in her unyielding.

"Well," Rainbow concluded, "That settles it. You're stuck with us."

"Thanks guys..."