After the letter was sent, and her friends said their goodbyes, Twilight was generous enough to show me her magic and how it worked. She channeled the magical energy within her body through her horn, allowing her to mold it into what ever way she needs. It might be worthwhile to see if I can do similar later. But for now, I shall enjoy being in the presence of another intellectual. It has been too long since I was able to have a conversation about theory’s and equations with someone who knows what they are talking about.

“ According to star swirls theory or mana capabilities of other species, every creature has magic within them, but only some are able to utilize it, such as those with horns or antlers.”
“Interesting. Does this apply to creatures with wings as well? Because according to aerodynamics, most pegasi wings are much too small to lift them off of the ground.”

“ As a matter of fact, yes! The wings are capable of utilizing the mana to create more or less draft than they would normally produce. The more magic within a Pegasus, the stronger their aero-manipulation abilities. ”
“ Interesting. As for earth ponies, I assume due to their name that their abilities lie in the ability to use their mana to influence agricultural growth as well as soil composition.”
“Yep!”

“Amazing. With magic so much is able to be done. But what about technology? Since you have all of these advantages due to the supernatural capabilities of natural mana, does technology that could possibly even further assist get left behind? Or is it improved in tandem with magical insight?”
“Well, magic does make it not as big a priority, but technology is always improving anyways. So I say a little bit of both.”
“This is all so fascinating.”

“I know! Could I perhaps ask to know a bit about what you know?”
I know the dangers of letting too much get out, but I believe I can control the flow of information. “ Of course. It begins with the theory of evolution.”

“ So according to this theory of evolution, due to genetic and sometimes physical similarities you found, you came to the conclusion that over time species change into different species entirely to survive more efficiently?”
“Yes. As you know, sometimes when a birth occurs, the child has defects. Sometimes, those defects help it to survive better, and will be more likely passed down due to survival of the fittest. This causes the next generation to have an increase of those defects, and the next, and so on and so forth until the entire species has changed just enough to be considered different. And sometimes, the original species remains as well, causing 2 branching evolutionary paths.”

“ This could change so much! It explains why zebras are so similar to us, yet different. It also explains why griffons and hippogriffs are different as well!”
This world never heard of the theory of evolution before? Strange. Wait, what the hell are hippogriffs?! And is she talking about GRIFFON griffons, the one’s from ancient mythology?! This world is stranger than I initially thought.

“And that’s only the first major point of my studies. This leads into something even more theoretical, evolution of the mind. It is believed that there are 2 different evolutions; one affects the body, making survival easier, and reproducing more advantageous. The other affects the mind, allowing capabilities of deeper thought and reasoning. It’s why some animals are smarter than others, their minds evolved to be able to better understand the world around them. This leads to my next point. The theory of ascension.”

“So let me get this straight. Your teacher believed that if the mind were to evolve far enough, it could leave behind its physical body?! ”
“Yes, but it must occur naturally. Try to force it, and well…” As I am about to say what will happen, my breath hitches in my throat. I begin to remember. The pain, the suffering. The bloodlust.

“…That’s what happened, isn’t it? Your teacher and you tried to force that ascension, and it backfired. Someone you loved for hurt in the process.”
I could feel my eyes begin to burn. I had let slip too much, but I do not care. I needed to get this off of my chest.
“…yes. We tried to ascend our kind to help end our suffering. And it ended, just not in the way we had hoped. And now, here I am. The only of my kind. Body changed into something unrecognizable, yet unlike the others, my mind remains. Burning eternally with guilt. That is why I didn’t tell you the full story when your friends were around. When I saw that manticore, it reminded me of what my people had become. And when I saw those 3 fillies, cowering in fear, about to be eaten, it reminded me of the ones that my forced evolution killed. And so I made a vow. To never let the mistakes of those who delve too deep harm the innocent. Whether it be others mistakes… or mine. To atone for the blood I spilt.”

I can feel my face grow moist, as tears begin to freely flow. “I understand if you hate me now, or wish to kick me out, but I must thank you for your hosp-“
I am unable to finish my sentence as I am wrapped in a hug.
“But… but why? My actions have hurt so many.”
“Because you didn’t mean too. You wanted to help, to save your people, and so in desperation, you turned to forcing change. And you promised to never make the same mistakes. Heck, you vowed to protect ponies from others Doing the same thing! You don’t deserve to hate yourself over a mistake. Even a big one like that. I forgive you.”

She… forgives me? Even after I told her about what I had done? After all the bloodshed, all the suffering, all of the death? I begin to sob as I bury my head into her shoulder. Maybe with time, I can learn to forgive myself like she has.

“Thank you.”
“you’re welcome.”
“ not just for the hug. For sharing your information with me. For listening to my information. For forgiving me. For… being the first friend I have had in years.”
She smiles.
And thank you for sharing with me. I know it must have been hard to talked about these things, so I’m glad you’re willing to share them with me. I’m glad to call you my friend as well.”

For the first time in years, I feel as if things are going to get better. That maybe, just maybe, that my suffering was over. Then I heard the flap of many wings, and the sound of what seems to be a chariot touching the ground.
“Oh, the princess is here! I’ll bet she’ll be glad to meet you.”
As the door opens, I feel a force grip my throat.
“You should not have come here, beast.”

Author's Note

I’m feeling extremely proud about this chapter! Please leave a comment if there are any improvements you wish to see.