Starshimmer : And the School of Magic

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Letter
Chapter 2: Friends and Foes
Chapter 3: The Duel
Chapter 4: The Detention
Chapter 5: Nightmare Night
Chapter 6: The Headmistress
Chapter 7: Mystery Illness
Chapter 8: Shimmer Hooves

Chapter 1: The Letter

Starshimmer stood in front of the small mirror hanging above her dresser, her reflection staring back with an expression that was far from hopeful. Her dark purple mane was as unruly as always, her horn slightly crooked from a childhood injury she rarely spoke about, and her wide, crimson eyes shimmered with a mix of anticipation and fear.

She had been here before—waiting, hoping, dreaming.

And every time, her heart had been broken.

For the past three years, Starshimmer had anxiously awaited a letter from Celestia’s School of Magic, dreaming of the day she would join the ranks of the brightest unicorns in Equestria. She could still remember the first time she had sent her application. She had barely been able to sleep the night before, imagining herself standing in the school’s grand halls, casting powerful spells with ease, her magic finally under control. But that letter had never come.

And neither had the one after that. Or the one after that.

Every year, she had watched other ponies from her village, even younger ones, receive their letters and head off to the school. Every year, she had told herself, Maybe next time. But now, at fourteen years old, she couldn’t help but wonder if this year would be any different.

“Starry?” Her mother’s voice called from downstairs, breaking her thoughts. “Breakfast is ready!”

Starshimmer sighed, taking one last glance in the mirror before trotting down the stairs. She loved her mother, Honey Oats, more than anything, but each year that passed without a letter made her feel more and more like a disappointment. Her mother had never once made her feel that way—on the contrary, Honey Oats was always the first to comfort her after another year without an acceptance. But the sadness in her mother’s eyes, the unspoken understanding that magic just wasn’t something Starshimmer had mastered, lingered in the back of her mind.

The sweet smell of cinnamon pancakes filled the air as Starshimmer entered the kitchen. Honey Oats, a sturdy earth pony with a soft yellow coat and a mane the color of wheat, was flipping the pancakes with an ease that came from years of practice in her bakery. She glanced up and smiled warmly as her daughter sat down at the table.

“Morning, sweetie. Big day today, huh?”

Starshimmer nodded quietly, poking at the pancakes that had been placed in front of her. Her appetite had vanished, replaced with a tight knot of anxiety in her stomach. “Yeah… I guess.”

Honey Oats turned away from the stove and sat down across from her daughter, a comforting expression on her face. “You’ve been working so hard, Starry. I know it’s hard to stay positive after everything, but maybe this time will be different.”

Starshimmer forced a smile. “Maybe. But I’m not getting my hopes up again.” Her voice was soft, almost resigned.

Her mother’s eyes softened, and she reached across the table to place a hoof over Starshimmer’s. “Even if the letter doesn’t come, that doesn’t mean you aren’t special. You’re my amazing daughter, with or without a school telling you so.”

Starshimmer felt a lump form in her throat. She knew her mother meant every word, but it didn’t change how she felt deep down. She wanted to believe she was special. She wanted to be the kind of unicorn who could cast spells without stumbling or losing control. She wanted to belong at Celestia’s School of Magic.

But after years of rejection, doubt had crept into her heart.

The soft clatter of wings outside caught her attention, and her ears perked up. Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat as she glanced out the window to see the familiar sight of Derpy Hooves fluttering toward their mailbox. The mailmare wobbled in the air, her wings flapping unevenly as she carried a satchel stuffed with letters. Derpy was a beloved part of Mareford, her clumsiness always bringing a smile to the faces of the villagers, but today, Starshimmer’s smile wavered.

She watched as Derpy fumbled with the letters, sorting through the stack. A familiar dread crept up the back of Starshimmer’s neck, the same dread she felt every year.

“Looks like we’ve got something special today!” Derpy called cheerfully, waving a letter in the air.

Starshimmer froze.

No. It couldn’t be.

Honey Oats glanced at her daughter, her eyes wide with excitement. “Starshimmer… go check.”

Starshimmer’s legs moved on their own, carrying her outside before she could fully process what was happening. Derpy was just about to place the letter into the mailbox when Starshimmer called out, “Wait!”

The pegasus grinned and handed the letter over. “Looks like it’s for you!”

Starshimmer’s magic wobbled, barely managing to grasp the letter in her aura. Her heart hammered in her chest as she stared down at the envelope. It was thick, the paper heavy and fine, and the seal… the golden emblem of Princess Celestia shone brightly in the morning sun.

She tore it open, her hooves trembling. The parchment inside was crisp and elegant, the words written in a graceful script.

Dear Starshimmer,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Celestia’s School of Magic in Canterlot.

Starshimmer gasped. Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. It was real. After years of hoping, dreaming, and waiting, she was finally going to Celestia’s School of Magic.

She turned, tears streaming down her face, and saw her mother standing in the doorway, a smile of pride and joy on her face. “I knew it,” Honey Oats whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I always knew it.”

The train whistle echoed across the station as Starshimmer stood on the platform, her saddlebags packed and ready. Her heart was still racing, the shock of her acceptance letter lingering as if she was living in a dream. The sleek train before her was painted a deep royal purple, with golden accents that glimmered in the morning sun—marked with the insignia of Celestia’s School of Magic. This was it. She was really going.

“Are you ready, Starry?” Honey Oats asked, standing beside her. Her voice was gentle, but Starshimmer could hear the hint of sadness. This would be the first time Starshimmer would be leaving Mareford for more than a few days.

Starshimmer nodded, though she didn’t feel entirely ready. “Yeah, I think so.” Her voice wavered with uncertainty. The excitement was there, of course, but so was the fear. She had spent years imagining this moment, but now that it was happening, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

Her mother gave her a hug, the warmth of it easing some of the nerves that churned inside her. “I’m going to miss you,” Honey Oats said softly. “But I know you’re going to do amazing things. Don’t ever forget how proud I am of you.”

Starshimmer closed her eyes and leaned into the hug, letting the comfort of her mother’s words wash over her. “I’ll miss you too, Mom.”

When the whistle blew again, Starshimmer knew it was time. With one last squeeze, she pulled away from her mother and made her way toward the train, her hooves feeling strangely heavy with every step.

As she boarded the train, she found herself in a carriage filled with young ponies, all excitedly chattering about their upcoming adventures at Celestia’s School of Magic. The seats were cushioned with deep purple fabric, and the windows were large and arched, offering views of the scenic Equestrian countryside.

Starshimmer scanned the seats, feeling a little out of place among the excited students. She spotted an empty seat near the back and quickly made her way over, setting her bags down before sitting by the window. The gentle hum of the train was comforting, but she still felt like her heart was beating too fast.

She was just beginning to lose herself in thought when a voice interrupted her. “Mind if I sit here?”

Starshimmer looked up to see a colt standing beside her. He had a light blue coat and a shimmering silver mane, with bright, curious eyes. He was smiling warmly, and his saddlebags bore the same royal insignia that hers did.

“Sure,” she replied, moving her bag to give him space.

“Thanks,” he said, plopping down beside her with a grin. “I’m Shimmer Hooves. I’m from Ponyville. Are you excited or nervous about the whole Celestia’s School of Magic thing?”

Starshimmer blinked. Shimmer Hooves’ cheerful energy was infectious, and before she knew it, she was smiling back at him. “Both, I guess. I’ve been dreaming about this for years, but now that it’s actually happening… it feels a little overwhelming.”

Shimmer Hooves nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. I’ve always wanted to learn real magic, you know? I’m just a pegasus, but I’ve been obsessed with magical artifacts and spells for as long as I can remember. Never thought I’d actually get in, though!”

Starshimmer’s eyes widened. “A pegasus? But Celestia’s School… isn’t it only for unicorns?”

Shimmer Hooves winked. “Usually, but I think they’re changing things up. Something about broadening horizons, teaching all kinds of ponies how to use magic in their own way.”

Starshimmer felt a flutter of excitement at the idea. Maybe she wasn’t the only one who felt out of place. Maybe this school was going to be different in more ways than she imagined.

As the train chugged along, Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves fell into an easy conversation. They talked about their hometowns, their hopes for school, and the things they were most nervous about. The more they talked, the more Starshimmer felt a sense of belonging begin to settle in her chest.

By the time the train pulled into Canterlot, Starshimmer no longer felt quite so nervous. She had made a friend. And for the first time, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

The moment Starshimmer stepped off the train and into the bustling station in Canterlot, she felt her legs wobble beneath her. The grand capital city rose around her, towering spires and golden rooftops gleaming in the sunlight. Ponies bustled about—some in elegant cloaks, others with shimmering magical auras swirling around them. This wasn’t Mareford. Everything here seemed larger, grander, and filled with the kind of magic Starshimmer had only ever dreamed about.

Shimmer Hooves trotted beside her, his wings twitching in excitement as they followed the throng of new students toward the grand entrance of Celestia’s School of Magic. “Can you believe it?” he whispered, his voice breathless. “We’re actually here!”

Starshimmer nodded, but she could barely muster a word. Her eyes were too busy taking in every inch of the scene in front of her. The school was just ahead—an enormous castle-like structure perched at the very edge of Canterlot, with towering turrets and majestic stained-glass windows that shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow. The gates were framed by tall statues of famous ponies from Equestrian history, each one depicted in a regal stance with flowing manes of magic.

As they approached the gates, a loud, booming voice shook the ground beneath their hooves. “ALL RIGHT, STUDENTS! GATHER ROUND!”

Starshimmer flinched, her ears flattening as she looked up to see the source of the voice. Standing just beyond the gates was the largest unicorn she had ever seen. His coat was a deep, midnight blue, and his mane was cut short, but his sheer size was enough to make Starshimmer's breath catch in her throat. His muscles bulged beneath his dark armor-like vest, and his horn was so thick and tall it seemed like a weapon in itself.

“Who… who is that?” Starshimmer whispered to Shimmer Hooves, feeling the ground tremble as the massive unicorn stomped toward them.

“No idea,” Shimmer Hooves murmured, equally wide-eyed.

The enormous unicorn’s voice boomed again. “WELCOME TO CELESTIA’S SCHOOL OF MAGIC! My name is Steelheart, and I’m here to make sure you all know what’s what. Follow the rules, and we’ll get along just fine. Break ‘em, and you’ll be dealing with me. Understood?”

Starshimmer swallowed hard and nodded, along with the rest of the students. Steelheart’s gaze swept over the group, and for a moment, his piercing eyes lingered on Starshimmer. Her heart skipped a beat, but then he moved on, continuing his inspection of the crowd.

“Now,” Steelheart continued, “you’ll be meeting your professors soon enough, but first, you’re going to head up to the main hall. Princess Celestia herself will be giving the welcoming speech. Follow me!”

Without another word, Steelheart turned and began marching up the cobblestone path toward the school. The students quickly fell in behind him, their hooves echoing against the stones as they made their way toward the imposing castle-like structure.

Starshimmer couldn’t help but glance nervously at Shimmer Hooves, who gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Starry,” he whispered. “I’m sure he’s all bark and no bite.”

“I hope so,” she muttered back, her nerves still tingling from the encounter.

As they passed through the gates and entered the grand courtyard, Starshimmer felt her awe only deepen. The grounds of the school were breathtaking—sprawling lawns filled with magical fountains that sprayed rainbow-colored water, gardens filled with strange and exotic plants that hummed with magic, and statues that seemed to move when you weren’t looking directly at them.

But before she could take in much more of the scenery, the enormous double doors to the school swung open with a loud creak, and Steelheart ushered them inside.

The Great Hall of Celestia’s School of Magic was even more magnificent than Starshimmer had imagined. The high ceiling was enchanted to resemble the open sky, with swirling clouds and shimmering stars despite it being the middle of the day. The room was filled with long tables, each set with intricate plates and goblets that sparkled with a golden light. At the far end of the hall, a grand stage rose above them, and at the center of it stood Princess Celestia herself.

Starshimmer’s breath caught in her throat.

Princess Celestia was every bit as regal and awe-inspiring as the stories had said. Her white coat seemed to glow with an inner light, her ethereal mane flowing endlessly in the air as if caught in a breeze only she could feel. Her violet eyes scanned the crowd with warmth, and when she smiled, it felt like the sun had risen just for them.

Steelheart stopped at the base of the stage and turned back to the students. “Take your seats. The princess will address you shortly.”

Starshimmer quickly found a seat next to Shimmer Hooves, her heart racing as she stared up at the stage. The room fell into a hushed silence as Celestia stepped forward.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice soft yet powerful enough to carry to every corner of the room. “It is my greatest pleasure to see so many new faces here at Celestia’s School of Magic. Each of you has shown great potential, and it is our hope that you will grow not only in your magical abilities but in the friendships you form and the lessons you learn about yourselves.”

Her gaze fell on Starshimmer for just a moment, and Starshimmer felt a warmth spread through her. It was as if Celestia could see straight into her heart, and for the first time, Starshimmer didn’t feel like she didn’t belong. She felt like she was meant to be here.

Princess Celestia continued, “Throughout your time here, you will be guided by some of the greatest minds in magic. You will face challenges—some of them difficult—but know that you are never alone. Your journey here is just the beginning.”

With that, she bowed her head slightly, signaling the end of her speech. The room erupted into applause, and Starshimmer found herself clapping enthusiastically, a wide smile spreading across her face. Maybe this was the place where she could finally discover who she was meant to be.

After the applause died down, Steelheart’s booming voice rang out once more. “You will now meet your head professors. Pay attention. These are the ponies who will guide your magical journey.”

The doors at the side of the hall creaked open, and Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat as the professors began filing in.

First was a tall, elegant unicorn mare with a soft lavender coat and a flowing silver mane. She had a gentle air about her, and her kind eyes swept over the students with a warm smile. “That’s Professor Moonflower,” Steelheart announced. “She’ll be your teacher for enchantments and magical flora.”

Next, a bulky stallion with a gleaming bronze coat and a sharp, analytical gaze entered the hall. His mane was tied back in a no-nonsense style, and he wore a simple yet well-tailored vest. “Professor Ironmane, expert in magical potion brewing. He’ll teach you everything from basic alchemy to advanced potion creation.”

Starshimmer exchanged a glance with Shimmer Hooves, who looked equally intrigued. Potion brewing was one of the core aspects of magical study, but from the stern look on Ironmane’s face, it was clear he wasn’t going to take it easy on them.

Following him was an earth pony mare with a sandy brown coat and a mane streaked with green, tied in practical braids. She had a wild, untamed look about her, with a satchel hanging at her side filled with crystals and scrolls. “Professor Earthsong,” Steelheart continued, “she’ll be teaching the study of crystals and magical beasts. Be sure to pay attention—her classes will often involve… hands-on lessons.”

The way Steelheart emphasized "hands-on" made Starshimmer shiver, imagining what kinds of magical creatures she’d be encountering.

A more relaxed, slightly scruffy unicorn with a broad smile was the next to enter. His pale orange coat contrasted with his easy-going demeanor, and his mane was casually swept to the side. “Professor Gallopstride,” Steelheart said, though even Steelheart’s tone softened slightly. “Head of athletic magical education and sports.”

Gallopstride raised a hoof in a casual wave. “Hey there! Looking forward to seeing you all on the fields for some magical fun.” His carefree attitude was a stark contrast to the other professors, but something about him put the students at ease.

Finally, the last professor to enter the hall made Starshimmer’s breath catch in her throat. His tall, thin frame was draped in dark robes, and his long white beard flowed almost to the floor. His eyes were piercing, and the air around him seemed to crackle with magic.

“Starswirl the Bearded,” Steelheart announced. “Master of ancient magic and defensive spells.”

The name alone sent a chill down Starshimmer’s spine. She had heard the stories—Starswirl was one of the greatest unicorns to ever live. But there were other stories too. Stories about his harsh teaching methods and his cold, exacting demeanor.

As he stepped forward, his cold eyes scanned the room with barely concealed disdain, as if he were already unimpressed with the new students. Starshimmer shrank back in her seat, hoping to avoid his gaze, but for just a moment, his sharp eyes fell on her. His expression didn’t change, but Starshimmer could have sworn she felt the weight of his scrutiny.

“This year,” Starswirl said, his voice low and cutting, “you will learn magic unlike anything you’ve experienced before. But do not think for a moment that you are special simply because you’ve been accepted here. The real work begins now. Some of you will succeed. Others will fail. But only those with true dedication will rise above mediocrity.”

Starshimmer swallowed hard, feeling a pit form in her stomach. She had dreamed of learning magic for so long, but Starswirl’s cold words felt like a slap in the face. What if she wasn’t good enough?

As the professors took their seats at the front of the hall, Steelheart’s voice boomed once again. “Your journey starts tomorrow, students. Rest well tonight.”

The students began to file out of the hall, chatting excitedly about the days ahead, but Starshimmer remained quiet. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Starswirl had already judged her—and found her lacking.

Shimmer Hooves nudged her gently as they made their way toward the dormitories. “Don’t let him get to you, Starry. He’s probably just trying to scare us into doing our best.”

“Yeah… maybe,” Starshimmer murmured, though doubt still gnawed at her.

Tomorrow would be her first real day of classes. And now, more than ever, she wasn’t sure if she was ready.

Chapter 2: Friends and Foes

Starshimmer’s heart pounded as she stood outside the towering doors of her first classroom. The soft murmur of voices from inside made her legs feel wobbly, and she could feel her nerves bubbling up once more. This was it—her first day of magical education, the moment she had been dreaming of for years. Yet now, as the reality stood before her, it all felt overwhelming.

Shimmer Hooves was beside her, grinning as he adjusted the straps on his saddlebags. “Ready, Starry? First class of the day: Potions with Professor Ironmane.” His excitement was contagious, but Starshimmer couldn’t quite shake her unease.

“Yeah… ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied, forcing a smile. Potions weren’t her strongest suit. The one time she had tried mixing her own at home, the kitchen had exploded in a cloud of purple smoke. Her mother had never let her forget that day.

With a deep breath, she followed Shimmer Hooves into the classroom. The space inside was much different from what she had expected. Instead of desks, the room was filled with long, polished wooden tables, each lined with rows of bubbling cauldrons. Shelves along the walls were stacked high with vials of shimmering liquids, jars of strange herbs, and containers marked with names Starshimmer didn’t recognize. The air smelled faintly of lavender, but underneath that was something much sharper, like sulfur.

Professor Ironmane stood at the front of the room, his large frame imposing as he surveyed the students trickling in. His bronze coat gleamed in the dim light, and his sharp eyes seemed to watch every move they made. Starshimmer could already tell he wasn’t going to be an easy teacher to impress.

As soon as the last student took their seat, Ironmane’s voice filled the room. “Welcome to Potion Brewing, where you will either learn to create magic with precision… or fail spectacularly.” He paused for effect, his gaze lingering on a few nervous faces. Starshimmer swallowed hard. “Potions are not just about throwing ingredients into a cauldron. They are about discipline, focus, and understanding the magical properties of each element.”

He walked slowly down the aisles, his hooves making soft clicks against the stone floor. “Some of you will be naturally gifted. Others will struggle.” His eyes flickered toward Starshimmer, making her shift uncomfortably in her seat. “But none of you will succeed if you don’t take this seriously.”

Starshimmer could feel the pressure mounting, and she forced herself to sit up straighter. Shimmer Hooves shot her a quick, encouraging smile, but even he looked a little uneasy.

Ironmane clapped his hooves together. “Today, we will start simple—an energy-restoring potion. If brewed correctly, it will enhance your magical abilities for a short period of time. If brewed incorrectly, well…” He smiled, a cold, humorless smile. “Let’s hope you enjoy fur. Now, follow the instructions on the board.”

The blackboard behind him filled with chalk writing as if by magic, listing the ingredients and steps for the potion. Starshimmer glanced at it and quickly began gathering her supplies—a sprig of nightshade, a phoenix feather, powdered moonstone, and a vial of enchanted water.

As she began carefully measuring out the ingredients, she couldn’t help but notice how easily Shimmer Hooves was moving through the steps. His pot bubbled gently, the perfect shade of pale blue, just as the instructions had said. Meanwhile, her own cauldron seemed to be… hissing.

“Uh, Starry,” Shimmer Hooves whispered, glancing over at her cauldron with wide eyes. “I think you might’ve added too much moonstone.”

Before Starshimmer could respond, her potion erupted in a cloud of thick green smoke. A few students coughed as the smoke spread across the room, and Starshimmer’s face burned with embarrassment.

Suddenly, a loud, mocking laugh broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Looks like somepony isn’t cut out for magic school after all,” sneered a voice from the other side of the room.

Starshimmer turned to see a tall, striking unicorn with a shimmering silver mane and gleaming lavender eyes. He wore an immaculate vest embroidered with the royal emblem of Twilight Sparkle—a gleaming starburst. His expression was twisted into a smug grin, and beside him, a group of other unicorns snickered and whispered, clearly enjoying the scene.

“That’s Borealis Sparkles,” Shimmer Hooves whispered to her, eyes wide. “Son of Princess Twilight. He’s… kind of a big deal.”

Starshimmer’s stomach dropped. Of course. Borealis Sparkles, the Prince of Equestria, Twilight Sparkle’s son, a pony born into greatness. And now, apparently, her worst nightmare.

Ironmane’s voice cut through the chaos like a knife. “Miss Starshimmer, correct?”

Starshimmer froze, feeling all eyes turn toward her. “Y-yes, Professor.”

Ironmane sighed, shaking his head as he walked over to inspect the damage. “Your potion is not an energy-restoring brew… it is a disaster waiting to happen. Do you even know what moonstone does when combined with phoenix feather?”

Starshimmer bit her lip, her mind racing. “It… um… enhances magical output?”

Ironmane’s expression didn’t change. “In small amounts, yes. But you’ve overloaded it, which means your potion has now become volatile.”

With a wave of his horn, Ironmane cast a spell that neutralized the bubbling mess in her cauldron. “You will need to pay more attention to the details, Miss Starshimmer. Magic is about control. Without it, you’ll end up causing more harm than good.”

Borealis let out another laugh, and this time, his entourage joined in. Starshimmer’s face flushed with humiliation as she ducked her head, trying to ignore their snickers.

As Ironmane moved on, Starshimmer dared to glance over at Shimmer Hooves, who gave her an apologetic shrug. “It’s okay, Starry. First day jitters, right?”

But Starshimmer couldn’t shake the feeling of failure. If she couldn’t even handle a simple potion, how was she ever going to keep up with the rest of the students? Especially with Borealis Sparkles watching her every misstep.

After the tension of potions class, Starshimmer was hoping for some relief as they made their way to Crystal and Magical Beast Studies with Professor Earthsong. But as soon as they entered the classroom—which was more of an outdoor enclosure—she realized that this class would be no easier.

Professor Earthsong was already waiting for them by the gate, her wild mane blowing in the breeze and her eyes filled with a manic sort of energy. “Ah! Wonderful! You’re here!” she exclaimed, bouncing on her hooves with excitement. “Come, come! No time to waste!”

The students followed her through the gate, their eyes widening as they took in the vast enclosure. Mystical creatures roamed the area—crystal-embedded tortoises, sparkling phoenixes, and even a baby manticore lounging in the shade. The air was filled with the hum of magic and the soft chime of crystals growing from the earth.

Earthsong clapped her hooves together. “Today, you will learn to connect with the power of crystals! These are no ordinary rocks, my little ponies! They are alive with magic, and it is your job to unlock their secrets.”

She trotted over to a table piled high with shimmering crystals, each one glowing with its own inner light. “Each of you will take a crystal and try to bond with it. Feel its magic, connect with it! Only then will you be able to wield its power.”

Starshimmer’s stomach twisted as she picked up a piece of rose quartz. It hummed faintly in her hooves, but no matter how hard she tried to focus, she couldn’t feel any deeper connection.

Across the enclosure, Borealis Sparkles had picked up a glowing amethyst. He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with a smug grin as the crystal floated effortlessly in his magic, spinning and shimmering. His entourage oohed and aahed at his display, while Starshimmer sat helplessly, staring at her still, unresponsive crystal.

“Trouble connecting, Starry?” Borealis called out, his voice dripping with mock concern. “Maybe they sent you the wrong letter. You don’t seem to belong here.”

A wave of frustration washed over Starshimmer, but no matter how hard she tried, the crystal remained a dull, unmoving stone in her hooves. She was a complete failure.

By the end of the class, she was exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally. Borealis’ cruel comments echoed in her mind, and her inability to bond with the crystal only made her feel more out of place.

Lunch was a brief respite, but not nearly enough to soothe Starshimmer’s frayed nerves. As they walked to the fields for Magical Sports with Professor Gallopstride, she felt her hooves growing heavier with every step.

The fields stretched out before them, a vast expanse of grass and sky. Floating orbs zipped through the air, and magical rings shimmered in the distance. It all looked so… overwhelming.

Professor Gallopstride, with his carefree grin and easy-going attitude, trotted up to the group. “All right, ponies! Time to get moving! Today, we’re playing Orball. The goal is simple—control the orbs with your magic and score points by getting them through the rings. But remember, the orbs have a mind of their own, and they won’t make it easy for you!”

As the game began, Starshimmer’s anxiety mounted. The orbs zipped unpredictably through the air, and every time she tried to catch one with her magic, it slipped out of her grasp. She could see Shimmer Hooves zipping around the field, easily guiding his orb through the rings, while she stumbled and fumbled, barely able to keep up.

It didn’t take long for Borealis to notice.

“Well, well, well,” he called from across the field, his orb floating perfectly under his control. “Looks like somepony isn’t cut out for sports either. Should’ve known a failure in potions would be a failure everywhere.”

His clique of bullies laughed, their voices ringing in Starshimmer’s ears. She tried to ignore them, but the weight of their judgment pressed down on her until her magic sputtered and fizzled out completely.

The game ended with Borealis’ team winning by a landslide, and Starshimmer’s spirits hit rock bottom. She had failed again—this time in front of the entire class.

By the end of the day, Starshimmer was completely drained. As she and Shimmer Hooves made their way back to the dormitories, she could barely muster the energy to speak.

The halls of the dormitory were dimly lit, the soft glow of enchanted lanterns casting long shadows on the floor. Starshimmer kept her head down, her thoughts swirling as she and Shimmer Hooves made their way toward their room. The day had been a disaster. Every step she took felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the sting of failure and the cruel words of Borealis Sparkles.

As they reached the hallway leading to their dorm, a voice called out behind them.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t our little disaster.”

Starshimmer stopped in her tracks, her heart sinking. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. She could already hear the sneer in Borealis’ voice.

“Starshimmer, wait,” Shimmer Hooves whispered, his ears flattening against his head as he glanced back. “Just keep walking. He’s not worth it.”

But before they could take another step, the sound of hooves trotting closer filled the hallway. Borealis Sparkles appeared beside them, his lavender eyes gleaming with amusement. He was alone this time—his entourage of bullies nowhere in sight—but the smug grin on his face was still as insufferable as ever.

“Heading off so soon?” Borealis asked, his voice smooth but dripping with condescension. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings earlier, Starshimmer. Just having a little fun, you know?” He gave a half-hearted shrug, as if his earlier cruelty had been nothing more than a harmless joke.

Starshimmer kept her gaze fixed on the floor, trying to will herself not to react. She just wanted to get away from him, to disappear into the safety of her room. But Borealis wasn’t done.

“You know,” he continued, stepping closer, “you won’t learn any real magic hanging around non-magical creatures like that.” He jerked his head toward Shimmer Hooves, who bristled at the insult. “Pegasi might be good for flying, but when it comes to magic?” Borealis let out a small, derisive laugh. “They’re nothing. You’ll never reach your potential if you surround yourself with creatures like him.”

Starshimmer’s blood boiled. She felt her hooves digging into the ground, her heart pounding in her chest. How dare he? Shimmer Hooves was her friend. And now Borealis had the audacity to stand here and talk down to him, as if being a pegasus made him less worthy?

“Look,” Borealis went on, his tone softening as he took a step closer to Starshimmer. “You’re not completely hopeless, despite that…” His eyes flickered to her horn, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “...less-than-perfect horn. You’ve got potential, Starshimmer. You just need to surround yourself with the right ponies. Ponies like me.”

Starshimmer’s eyes snapped up to meet his, fury building in her chest.

“I could help you,” Borealis said, his voice almost sweet now, though it only made Starshimmer’s skin crawl. “You join us—my friends and I—and I’ll make sure you learn real magic. You won’t have to struggle like you did today. You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. You just have to make the right choice.”

He held out his hoof toward her, his smile widening as if he were offering her the greatest gift in the world.

For a moment, the hallway was silent. Starshimmer stared at his outstretched hoof, her mind racing. The temptation was there—he was, after all, the son of Twilight Sparkle, one of the most powerful alicorn in Equestria. He could probably help her learn magic in ways she had only dreamed of.

But then her gaze flicked to Shimmer Hooves. His usually bright eyes were clouded with anger and hurt, his wings twitching as he glared at Borealis. Shimmer had been nothing but kind to her, supporting her from the moment they met, and Borealis had treated him like dirt simply because of who he was.

Starshimmer’s anger surged, and without thinking, she slapped Borealis’ hoof away with a sharp flick of her own.

“Don’t ever talk about Shimmer Hooves like that,” she snapped, her voice trembling with rage. “I don’t need your help, and I definitely don’t need you.”

Borealis’ eyes widened in surprise, and for a brief moment, the smug confidence on his face faltered. But he quickly recovered, his expression twisting into a scowl.

“You’re making a mistake,” he hissed, stepping closer, his voice low and dangerous. “You think you’ll survive here without ponies like me? You’ll be nothing.”

Starshimmer squared her shoulders, standing tall despite the nervous flutter in her chest. “I’d rather be nothing than be anything like you.”

The words came out stronger than she expected, and she could see the fury flicker in Borealis’ eyes. For a moment, she wondered if he would lash out, but then he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“Suit yourself,” he said, his voice dripping with contempt. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you’re still failing at everything while the rest of us are moving on to bigger things.”

With that, he turned sharply and trotted away, his tail flicking behind him as if to dismiss her completely.

Starshimmer stood frozen for a moment, her heart still pounding in her chest. She hadn’t even realized she had been holding her breath until Shimmer Hooves gently nudged her with his wing.

“That,” Shimmer said, his voice filled with admiration, “was amazing.”

Starshimmer let out a shaky breath, her body suddenly feeling like jelly. “I can’t believe I just did that.”

“Believe it,” Shimmer Hooves said with a grin. “You just put a prince in his place.”

She smiled faintly, though her mind was still racing. Borealis was far from finished with her, and she knew it. His words had been laced with venom, and there was no doubt in her mind that he would make things harder for her from now on.

But despite the lingering fear, Starshimmer felt a spark of pride ignite within her. She had stood up for herself. She had stood up for Shimmer Hooves. And for the first time since she had arrived at Celestia’s School of Magic, she didn’t feel completely powerless.

“We should get to the dorm,” Starshimmer said, her voice still a little shaky.

Shimmer Hooves nodded, falling in beside her as they continued down the hall. “Don’t let him get to you, Starry,” he said quietly. “He’s just a bully. You’re better than him.”

Starshimmer smiled softly. “Thanks, Shimmer. And… thanks for sticking by me.”

“Always,” Shimmer Hooves replied, his grin returning. “Besides, you’re stuck with me now.”

Starshimmer chuckled, though the weight of the confrontation still lingered in the back of her mind. Borealis might have retreated for now, but she knew this wasn’t the end of it. He would be watching her, waiting for her to slip up again.

Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves walked in silence for a few moments, the weight of Borealis’ venomous words still lingering in the air. The halls of the dormitory were quieter now, with most students already tucked away in their rooms, preparing for the next day of classes. The soft glow of enchanted lanterns cast flickering shadows on the walls, but the warmth they offered felt distant to Starshimmer, whose thoughts churned with frustration and lingering hurt.

“I really can’t stand him,” Shimmer Hooves muttered, breaking the silence. His wings flared slightly as he glanced back down the hallway where Borealis had disappeared. “Who does he think he is? Just because he’s a prince doesn’t give him the right to act like everypony else is beneath him.”

Starshimmer nodded, her jaw tight. “He thinks because he’s Twilight Sparkle’s son, that makes him better than everypony else. Like we should all just bow to him because of his bloodline.”

“Yeah, well, I think you handled him perfectly,” Shimmer Hooves said with a grin. “You should’ve seen his face when you slapped his hoof away. Priceless.”

A small, tired smile tugged at the corners of Starshimmer’s mouth. “Thanks, Shimmer. I just couldn’t let him talk about you like that.”

Shimmer Hooves tilted his head, his expression softening. “You really didn’t have to, Starry. I can take it. Pegasi like me? We’ve dealt with ponies like Borealis before.”

Starshimmer stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. “No, you shouldn’t have to take it,” she said firmly. “You’re one of the smartest, kindest ponies I know. You don’t need magic to be special. He doesn’t see that, but I do.”

Shimmer Hooves blinked, clearly taken aback by the fierceness in her voice. His ears twitched, and for a moment, his usual confidence seemed to falter. “Thanks, Starry. That means a lot.”

Starshimmer smiled, feeling a little lighter now. The sting of Borealis’ words still lingered, but standing here with Shimmer Hooves, she realized something important: Borealis could mock her, insult her, and try to tear her down all he wanted—but he didn’t control her future. He didn’t define her.

They continued walking in silence until they reached the door to their dorm. Starshimmer hesitated for a moment, her hoof hovering just above the handle. She felt exhausted—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It had been a long, difficult day, and part of her wanted to collapse into bed and forget everything that had happened.

With that, Starshimmer finally opened the door to their dorm room. The soft, inviting glow of their cozy space greeted them, and for the first time that day, Starshimmer felt a sense of calm wash over her. She might have faced failure after failure, and Borealis might have done everything he could to tear her down, but she wasn’t alone. Shimmer Hooves had her back, and as long as they stuck together, maybe—just maybe—they’d find their place here.

As she settled into bed that night, Starshimmer stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts still swirling but quieter now. Tomorrow was another day. Another chance to prove herself. Another chance to rise above the doubts and the bullies like Borealis.

And no matter what challenges lay ahead, Starshimmer knew one thing for sure: she wasn’t going to give up.

Not now. Not ever.

Chapter 3: The Duel

The morning air hung heavy with tension as Starshimmer stood at the entrance of the classroom for ancient magic and defensive spells. The tall, imposing door loomed before her, carved with intricate runes and symbols she couldn’t yet read. Shimmer Hooves wasn’t with her this time. As a pegasus, he wasn’t required to attend this class, which specialized in the use of unicorn magic—specifically, magic used to defend against dark forces.

Starshimmer’s stomach churned with nervous energy as she pushed open the door, stepping inside the dimly lit room. Starswirl’s classroom was far different from the others. It was cold and stark, the walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls, many of which looked like they hadn’t been touched in centuries. There were no desks, only circular platforms scattered throughout the room, each one etched with magical symbols. This wasn't her first time going to this class, but over the past week, it was not her favorite, mainly due to the intense studying sessions.

At the far end of the room, Starswirl the Bearded stood like a shadow, his long white beard flowing to the floor and his eyes sharp beneath his heavy, wrinkled brow. He surveyed the students with the same cold, calculating expression he had worn the day before. Starshimmer swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze as she quietly joined the other unicorns already gathered in the center of the room.

It didn’t take long for her to notice Borealis Sparkles, standing near the front of the group with his usual smug confidence. He was chatting easily with a few other students, but his eyes gleamed with something far more dangerous. Starshimmer quickly looked away, not wanting to catch his attention, but her pulse quickened. She could feel the tension between them lingering in the air, unresolved and simmering.

“Welcome to your third class on ancient magic and defensive spells,” Starswirl’s voice cut through the room like a blade, silencing the students instantly. “As you know, this is not a place for fools or the faint-hearted. The magic I teach is not something to be taken lightly. It is the foundation of everything we know, the very magic that protects Equestria from the darkness that lurks beyond its borders.”

He began pacing slowly, his eyes never leaving the students. “In today's class, you will learn spells that could save your life. But know this—only the strongest of you will master them. The rest… will fall behind.”

Starshimmer felt a chill run down her spine as his words echoed in the stillness. She glanced nervously at the other students, all of whom seemed to be standing taller, more confident. Borealis, of course, looked completely at ease, his posture relaxed as if he already knew he would be the best in the class.

“You will begin by learning the basics of magical defense,” Starswirl continued, his voice harsh and unforgiving. “We will start with the Reflectus spell—a basic shield spell that will allow you to deflect minor attacks. Pair up and practice. And no, this isn’t a game. Failure here could be disastrous.”

Starshimmer’s heart sank. Pairing up? She scanned the room, hoping to find a partner, but the other students quickly paired off, leaving her standing awkwardly alone near the back of the group. Borealis was already standing with one of his usual lackeys, casting smug glances her way.

Starswirl’s cold eyes landed on her, and he raised an eyebrow. “Miss Starshimmer,” he said slowly, his voice dripping with disappointment. “No partner? Tsk, tsk. It seems you’ve been left behind.”

Heat rushed to Starshimmer’s cheeks as some of the other students snickered. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

“No matter,” Starswirl said, waving a hoof dismissively. “You will practice the spell on your own until you can prove yourself worthy of a partner. Now, begin.”

Starshimmer’s heart pounded in her chest as she stepped onto one of the circular platforms. She could feel Borealis’ eyes on her, watching with that same mocking amusement as she tried to focus on the Reflectus spell.

I can do this, she told herself, trying to ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She lit her horn, focusing on the magical energy flowing through her. The spell was supposed to create a barrier—a protective shield—but as the magic gathered in her horn, it sputtered and fizzled, refusing to take shape.

Starshimmer gritted her teeth, trying again, but the result was the same. The energy slipped away from her, scattering like sand between her hooves. She could feel the frustration building inside her as the minutes ticked by. Around her, other students were already forming shimmering barriers of light, their spells glowing with perfect precision.

Borealis, naturally, had formed his shield with ease, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he glanced in her direction. Starshimmer’s face burned with humiliation. She was the only one who couldn’t do it.

Suddenly, Starswirl appeared beside her, his eyes narrowed with disapproval. “You’re wasting time, Miss Starshimmer,” he said coldly. “The Reflectus spell is basic—any unicorn with even a trace of magical talent should be able to perform it. Perhaps you are… less talented than I assumed.”

Starshimmer’s breath caught in her throat. His words cut deep, and for a moment, she felt the overwhelming urge to disappear. But then, something inside her hardened. She wasn’t going to let Starswirl humiliate her—not in front of Borealis, not in front of anyone.

She closed her eyes, focusing harder this time. She visualized the shield, imagined it forming around her like a protective cocoon. Her horn sparked to life, and for a brief moment, she felt the magic responding.

But just as the shield began to take shape, a loud, mocking voice broke her concentration.

“Having trouble, Starry?”

Her eyes snapped open to see Borealis standing nearby, his own shield glowing brilliantly around him. He smirked, his tone dripping with false concern. “I thought this was a class for unicorns with actual magical talent.”

Starswirl, standing only a few feet away, made no move to intervene. If anything, there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Starshimmer’s heart pounded, but she refused to give Borealis the satisfaction of a reaction. She turned her back on him and focused again, but her concentration was shattered. The magic fizzled out before it could even form, and this time, she didn’t try to stop the frustration from bubbling to the surface.

“Enough!” Starswirl’s voice boomed, silencing the room. “We will take this lesson to the courtyard. It seems some of you need to learn through action. Follow me.”

The courtyard was vast and open, the sky above a brilliant shade of blue as the students gathered around a series of dueling platforms. Starshimmer’s pulse quickened as she realized what was about to happen. This wasn’t just practice anymore. This was a test—a real one.

Starswirl stepped to the center of the courtyard, his presence commanding. “You will now use the Reflectus spell in live combat. Each of you will face off against a fellow student and defend yourself using the spells you’ve learned. Remember: this is not a game. Do not hold back.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the students, but Starshimmer felt a knot of dread tighten in her chest. She hadn’t even managed to form the shield once. How was she supposed to use it in a real duel?

Starswirl began calling out names, pairing students off one by one. Starshimmer watched nervously as her classmates took to the dueling platforms, their shields shimmering as they exchanged spells in quick succession.

And then, the moment she had been dreading arrived.

“Starshimmer,” Starswirl called, his voice carrying over the courtyard. “You will face… Borealis Sparkles.”

A cruel grin spread across Borealis’ face as he stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Looks like we’re finally going to see what you’re made of, Starry.”

Starshimmer’s heart raced as she took her place on the platform. She could feel every eye in the courtyard on her, waiting for her to fail. Borealis looked relaxed, his horn already glowing with magic as he sized her up.

“You may begin,” Starswirl said, stepping back to watch the duel.

Starshimmer swallowed hard, her horn flickering to life as she desperately tried to summon the Reflectus spell. But before she could even focus, Borealis launched a spell her way—a bright, crackling bolt of energy that whizzed through the air with frightening speed.

Panicked, Starshimmer cast the shield, but it flickered weakly to life and then shattered as Borealis’ spell hit it, knocking her back with a sharp jolt. The force of the blow sent her stumbling, and she barely managed to stay on her hooves.

Borealis’ laugh echoed across the courtyard. “Come on, Starry! You’ll have to do better than that!”

Anger surged through Starshimmer, her hooves digging into the ground as she tried to focus again. She could feel the magic struggling to form, but before she could get her footing, Borealis cast another spell—this time aiming not at her shield but directly at her hooves.

The blast hit the ground beneath her, causing a small explosion that sent dirt and dust flying into the air. Starshimmer gasped as she was knocked off balance, stumbling back once more.

“That’s against the rules!” one of the students called out, pointing toward Borealis.

But Starswirl didn’t move. His expression remained impassive as he watched the duel unfold, as though Borealis’ actions were of no concern to him.

Starshimmer’s heart pounded in her ears as she struggled to get back on her hooves. She could feel the weight of everypony’s gaze, the expectation of her failure, and it was suffocating. Borealis circled her like a predator, his horn glowing with magic.

“I’m not sure why they even let you in,” he taunted, his voice low and cruel. “But don’t worry. After today, everypony will know how out of place you are.”

Rage flared inside Starshimmer, white-hot and sharp. She wasn’t going to let Borealis win—not like this.

Without thinking, she channeled all her frustration, all her fear, and all her anger into her magic. Her horn flared to life, and this time, the shield snapped into place around her—a bright, shimmering barrier that pulsed with energy.

Borealis blinked, taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered. “Oh, so you do know a spell or two. Let’s see how long it lasts.”

He fired another bolt of energy, but this time, Starshimmer was ready. The spell slammed into her shield, but instead of shattering, the barrier absorbed the blow, the magic rippling harmlessly away.

A collective gasp rippled through the courtyard as Starshimmer stood her ground, her shield holding firm. Borealis’ eyes narrowed, and for the first time, his smug confidence wavered.

Before he could cast another spell, Starswirl stepped forward. “That’s enough,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “The duel is over.”

Borealis scowled but obeyed, lowering his horn. Starshimmer, her heart still pounding, let the shield flicker out, the magic leaving her body as exhaustion washed over her.

Starswirl’s cold gaze fell on her, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of… something in his eyes. Approval? It was gone before she could be sure.

“Dismissed,” he said, turning away. “You will all return tomorrow.”

As the students began to disperse, Starshimmer stood frozen on the platform, her mind racing. She had done it. She had finally cast the shield—and in front of Borealis, no less.

But as she glanced back at Starswirl, she knew that the battle with Borealis was far from over. The duel may have ended, but the war was just beginning.

The Grand Hall buzzed with the lively chatter of students winding down from the day’s lessons. Long tables stretched the length of the massive room, each one piled high with plates of fresh fruit, bread, and all manner of delicious meals that made Starshimmer’s stomach rumble with hunger.

She and Shimmer Hooves sat side by side at their usual spot near the middle of the hall, both of them piling their plates with food. The warm, rich scent of freshly baked bread and roasted vegetables filled the air, and for a moment, Starshimmer felt a small flicker of peace in the chaos that had been her day.

“So,” Shimmer Hooves said, taking a huge bite of a honey-glazed apple, “tell me again what happened in Starswirl’s class. You took down Borealis Sparkles in a duel?” His eyes gleamed with admiration as he spoke, although his mouth was still full, causing a few crumbs to scatter.

Starshimmer rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “I didn’t take him down. I just managed to block his spell. Barely.” She sighed, poking at the food on her plate. “But it wasn’t like I had control over it. I was just so… angry.”

Shimmer Hooves raised an eyebrow, swallowing his food before grinning widely. “And it worked! That’s the second time now, right? Remember that time in magical sports? Your magic goes haywire when you’re mad.”

Starshimmer groaned, resting her chin on her hoof. “Great. So what does that mean? I have to lose my temper every time I want to get anything done?”

Shimmer Hooves chuckled. “Well, it’s not the worst idea. I mean, if getting mad is what finally makes your magic work, maybe we just need to keep annoying you. I’m happy to volunteer for that role.”

Starshimmer shot him a mock glare, but her lips twitched upward. “Oh, please. You’re annoying enough without trying.”

They both laughed, the tension from the day easing away for the first time since the duel. As Starshimmer picked at her meal, she glanced around the Grand Hall, watching as other students talked and laughed, enjoying their dinners. The atmosphere here was so different from the rigid formality of Starswirl’s classroom. For a moment, she could almost forget about her struggles.

“Seriously, though,” Shimmer Hooves said, lowering his voice slightly as he leaned in. “There’s something about your magic when you get really angry. It’s like it unlocks something. Do you feel it? Like, is there some huge rush of energy or—?”

“I mean, I guess,” Starshimmer said, frowning as she thought back to the duel. “When I was facing Borealis, I just… I got so frustrated with him. And Starswirl wasn’t doing anything to stop him from cheating. It was like something inside me snapped. And then, the shield just… happened.”

Shimmer Hooves nodded thoughtfully, his wings twitching in that way they always did when he was thinking hard about something. “Huh. So, Borealis is basically a walking rage button for you. I bet if we stick him in a jar and shake him before every test, you’ll ace the whole year.”

Starshimmer snorted, trying to suppress her laugh. “Oh, can you imagine the look on his face if we did that? He’d probably throw a royal tantrum. And then we’d get another lecture from Starswirl about ‘discipline and control.’”

Shimmer Hooves waved his hoof dramatically. “Right! Like, ‘Miss Starshimmer, magic is not meant to be wielded in anger. It is the reflection of your soul.’”

Starshimmer burst out laughing, clutching her sides. “That’s actually pretty good! You’ve been practicing your Starswirl impression.”

“Thank you, thank you,” Shimmer Hooves said, giving a mock bow. “I’ll be here all week, performing at your local Grand Hall.”

Starshimmer wiped a tear from her eye, finally feeling some of the tension lift. “Honestly, though, it’s hard to take him seriously when he’s got that beard. It’s like he’s constantly tripping over it.”

“Right? One day it’s going to get caught in a door, and we’ll all be standing there like, ‘Well, guess class is over.’”

They both laughed again, the sound of their voices blending into the chatter of the hall. It felt good to joke around, to let off some steam after everything that had happened.

“And what about Ironmane?” Shimmer Hooves said with a smirk. “I swear, that stallion must be part statue. I’ve never seen anypony with a face so… stony.”

Starshimmer nodded, grinning. “Yeah, it’s like he’s permanently angry. I wouldn’t be surprised if his face cracks one day and we find out he’s actually a golem or something.”

They both giggled, unable to stop themselves now, the flood of jokes pouring out. But just as Shimmer Hooves was about to make another wisecrack, Starshimmer noticed something out of the corner of her eye—a familiar, imposing figure standing at the end of their table.

Her heart skipped a beat as she slowly turned her head, only to find Professor Ironmane himself standing there, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever.

Shimmer Hooves froze, his eyes wide with panic. “Oh no…”

Ironmane stared down at them, his sharp green eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Starshimmer. Shimmer Hooves.” His voice was low and stern. “I trust your meal has been… entertaining?”

Starshimmer swallowed hard, trying to keep her face neutral. “Uh… Professor Ironmane, I—”

“Save it,” Ironmane said, cutting her off with a wave of his hoof. “I believe you both need some time to… reflect on your behavior. Report to me after dinner for detention. We’ll see if you can find something as amusing there.”

Shimmer Hooves slumped in his seat, his wings drooping. “Detention? Really?”

“Really,” Ironmane said, his voice like a rockslide. “And if you’re lucky, I won’t ask Starswirl to join us. I imagine he would find your impressions… enlightening.”

Starshimmer bit her lip, trying not to laugh, even though her heart was pounding with dread. Ironmane turned sharply and strode away, leaving them sitting in stunned silence.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Shimmer Hooves groaned, burying his face in his hooves. “I can’t believe we got detention. For jokes.”

Starshimmer sighed, shaking her head. “I mean… it could’ve been worse. At least Starswirl didn’t hear you.”

“Yeah, but now we have to spend detention with Ironmane,” Shimmer Hooves muttered. “I’m starting to think making fun of him wasn’t the best idea.”

Starshimmer chuckled, nudging him with her hoof. “Look on the bright side. We’ll get to find out if he really is a golem.”

Shimmer Hooves snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t know how you can joke about this right now.”

Starshimmer shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I guess I’m just not as mad about it as I should be.”

For a moment, they both sat there, letting the absurdity of the situation sink in. And as the laughter bubbled up between them once more, Starshimmer couldn’t help but feel a little better. Sure, she had detention, and sure, her magic was still a mess—but at least she had Shimmer Hooves by her side, and at least they could still laugh.

And that, she decided, was worth a lot.

Chapter 4: The Detention

The atmosphere in Ironmane’s office was as cold and stony as the professor himself. Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves sat side by side, both of them doing their best to avoid Ironmane’s piercing gaze as he paced back and forth in front of them.

“So,” Ironmane said, his voice low and gravelly, “you thought making jokes about your professors was appropriate behavior?”

Shimmer Hooves shrank slightly in his seat, his wings twitching nervously. “It was… just a joke,” he muttered. “We didn’t mean any harm.”

Ironmane’s green eyes narrowed. “Intentions matter little when discipline is at stake, Shimmer Hooves. You’ll learn that soon enough.”

Starshimmer kept her eyes fixed on the floor, biting her lip to keep from saying anything. She had known they were going to get in trouble for their jokes, but the weight of Ironmane’s disappointment still sat heavily on her shoulders.

“Now, for your punishment,” Ironmane said, stopping in front of them. “I originally planned to have you clean out the potion storage rooms, but it seems an opportunity has arisen for a more… practical lesson.”

Starshimmer’s heart sank. She didn’t like the sound of that.

“A creature has escaped from Professor Earthsong’s enclosure,” Ironmane continued, his voice matter-of-fact. “A baby manticore, to be specific. It broke free earlier this evening, and as you both know, manticores—young or not—can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked.”

Shimmer Hooves froze, his eyes widening with panic. “A m-manticore? With a… with a scorpion tail?”

Ironmane raised an eyebrow, his expression unyielding. “Correct.”

Starshimmer could feel Shimmer Hooves stiffen beside her, his usual bravado replaced by a palpable wave of fear. She glanced at him, her concern growing. Shimmer had mentioned once, in passing, that he wasn’t exactly a fan of scorpions, but she had never seen him look this scared before.

“You will be accompanying Steelheart into the woods to retrieve the creature and return it safely to its enclosure,” Ironmane said, as though sending two first-year students out to hunt a baby manticore in the middle of the night was the most logical punishment in the world.

Shimmer Hooves looked like he was about to faint. “W-wait, what? You’re sending us into the woods? At night? With a manticore on the loose? We’re first-years! Isn’t that—well—dangerous?”

Ironmane’s eyes gleamed with amusement, though his expression remained as hard as ever. “You signed your school contracts, did you not?”

Starshimmer frowned, exchanging a glance with Shimmer Hooves. “Well… yeah, but what does that have to do with—”

“Everything,” Ironmane interrupted. He waved his hoof, and a scroll appeared in front of them, unfurling to reveal the school’s contract in elegant, looping script. His voice was calm and measured as he began to recite: “Clause four, subsection three: ‘Punishments and corrective actions administered by faculty are to be considered subjective and may take the form of any practical, magical, or educational activity deemed suitable by the instructor.’”

Starshimmer groaned inwardly. She remembered signing the contract, of course, but like every other first-year student, she had been too excited about getting accepted to Celestia’s School of Magic to actually read the fine print.

Shimmer Hooves’ mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally managed to stammer, “B-but… but we could get seriously hurt!”

Ironmane’s lips twitched into what might have been the faintest hint of a smirk. “Which is why Steelheart will be accompanying you. You’ll be perfectly safe under his watch.”

“Safe?” Shimmer Hooves squeaked. “We’re going to be chasing a baby manticore through the woods! Nothing about that sounds safe!”

Starshimmer swallowed hard, her own nerves twisting in her stomach. She wasn’t thrilled about the idea of wandering the woods at night with a potentially dangerous creature on the loose either. But arguing with Ironmane was clearly a losing battle.

Ironmane gave them both a long, appraising look before finally turning toward the door. “Steelheart is waiting for you by the main gate. You will leave immediately.”

Shimmer Hooves’ ears flattened against his head. “I’m going to die,” he muttered under his breath.

Starshimmer took a deep breath and stood, nudging Shimmer Hooves gently. “Come on,” she whispered. “We’ll be fine. We’ve got Steelheart, right?”

Shimmer Hooves shot her a look that clearly said he wasn’t convinced.

With a final glance at Ironmane, they both trudged out of the office, their hootsteps heavy with dread.

The night air was cool and crisp as they made their way toward the main gate. The towering spires of Celestia’s School of Magic loomed in the distance, bathed in the soft glow of the moon. But the woods beyond the school’s grounds were dark and ominous, the trees casting long, jagged shadows that seemed to stretch out like claws.

As they approached the gate, Starshimmer spotted Steelheart standing in his usual imposing stance, his massive frame illuminated by the flickering lantern light. His midnight-blue coat blended into the shadows, and his stern gaze was fixed on the forest ahead.

“There you are,” Steelheart rumbled as they approached. “About time.”

Shimmer Hooves swallowed loudly, his wings twitching nervously. “Y-you sure we should be doing this? I mean… it’s a manticore. With a scorpion tail.”

Steelheart raised an eyebrow but said nothing for a moment, clearly unimpressed by Shimmer’s fear. Then, in a voice as steady as the mountain itself, he replied, “You’ll be fine. The baby manticore isn’t fully grown, and while its venom can sting, it’s not lethal. As long as you don’t provoke it, we’ll have it back in Earthsong’s enclosure before the hour is up.”

Shimmer Hooves’ face drained of color. “Oh, great. Only a sting. That’s so much better.”

Starshimmer did her best to keep her own fear in check. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about the situation either, but they didn’t have much of a choice. Steelheart didn’t seem the type to accept complaints—or cowardice, for that matter.

“Let’s get this over with,” Starshimmer said quietly, nudging Shimmer Hooves again. “The sooner we find the manticore, the sooner we can get back.”

Shimmer Hooves gave her a weak nod, though his legs were shaking slightly.

Steelheart turned and led them into the woods, his heavy hooves barely making a sound as he moved through the dense underbrush. Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves followed closely behind, their eyes darting nervously around the darkened forest. The trees towered overhead, their branches twisting and curling like ancient, gnarled claws. The only sound was the rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig beneath their hooves.

Starshimmer’s heart raced as they ventured deeper into the woods. The shadows seemed to move with them, flickering at the edges of her vision. She tried to stay focused, to keep her mind on the task at hoof, but every now and then, she caught a glimpse of something in the darkness—an animal, perhaps, or the faint glow of magic.

“So,” Shimmer Hooves whispered beside her, his voice trembling slightly, “remind me again why we’re doing this?”

Starshimmer sighed, trying to keep her voice steady. “Because Ironmane hates us, apparently.”

Steelheart glanced back at them but said nothing, his expression unreadable as ever. He seemed completely unfazed by the darkness, his eyes sharp as they scanned the forest for any sign of the escaped manticore.

After what felt like hours of walking, Steelheart suddenly stopped, raising a hoof. “Quiet.”

Starshimmer froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She listened carefully, straining to hear what had caught Steelheart’s attention.

There it was—a faint rustling sound, coming from a cluster of bushes just ahead. Something was moving.

Steelheart nodded toward the bushes. “Stay behind me. I’ll handle this.”

Shimmer Hooves looked like he was about to pass out, but he managed a shaky nod, stepping closer to Starshimmer as Steelheart advanced toward the bushes. Starshimmer’s pulse quickened as she watched, her magic flickering to life in her horn, just in case.

Steelheart reached the bushes and slowly pushed them aside, revealing a small, scaly creature crouched among the leaves. The baby manticore was even more intimidating up close than Starshimmer had imagined. Its lion-like body was covered in sleek, golden fur, but its scorpion tail flicked dangerously behind it, the stinger gleaming in the moonlight.

The manticore let out a low growl, its bright yellow eyes narrowing as it locked onto them.

Shimmer Hooves made a strangled noise, stepping back instinctively. “Oh, no. No, no, no.”

Steelheart held up a hoof, signaling them to stay still. “Don’t move. Manticores respond to strength. If you show fear, it will see you as prey.”

Shimmer Hooves swallowed hard, clearly doing everything in his power not to run.

Starshimmer watched, her heart racing, as Steelheart slowly approached the creature. The manticore growled again, its tail twitching, but Steelheart remained calm, his movements slow and deliberate.

“Easy now,” Steelheart murmured, his deep voice soothing but commanding. “We’re not here to hurt you.”

The manticore’s growl softened slightly, but its tail remained raised, ready to strike.

For a tense moment, the entire forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, just as Steelheart reached out to the creature, the manticore let out a sharp hiss, spinning around and darting into the shadows.

“After it!” Steelheart barked, his voice sharp.

Without thinking, Starshimmer took off after the creature, her hooves pounding against the forest floor as she followed its trail. Shimmer Hooves let out a strangled yelp but followed closely behind her, his wings fluttering in panic.

The manticore darted through the trees, its movements quick and agile, but Starshimmer kept her focus, her horn glowing as she tried to cast a binding spell. The spell fizzled out before it could reach the creature, and she cursed under her breath.

“Starry! Do something!” Shimmer Hooves called, his voice high with fear.

“I’m trying!” Starshimmer shouted back, her mind racing. She needed to stop the manticore before it escaped into the deeper part of the forest, but her magic was still sputtering, uncooperative.

Just then, the manticore came to a sudden stop, skidding to a halt in a clearing. It turned to face them, its yellow eyes glowing in the darkness, its scorpion tail raised high.

Shimmer Hooves froze, his entire body trembling. “No, no, no…”

Steelheart appeared beside them, his horn glowing with a powerful aura. “Stay back,” he commanded.

But before Steelheart could act, the manticore lunged—its tail flashing through the air in a deadly arc.

Starshimmer’s magic flared to life without warning, a burst of energy shooting from her horn and forming a protective shield around them just as the manticore’s stinger struck. The creature’s tail bounced off the shield with a sharp crack, and it let out a surprised growl, stumbling back.

Steelheart’s eyes flicked toward Starshimmer, and for a moment, there was a flicker of approval in his gaze.

“Now!” Steelheart barked, casting a binding spell that wrapped around the manticore, holding it in place.

The creature struggled for a moment before finally going still, its growls softening into a low, defeated rumble.

Starshimmer’s heart was racing, her breath coming in short gasps as the shield flickered out. She had done it again—her magic had worked, but only when she was pushed to the limit.

Steelheart nodded, his expression unreadable. “Well done, Starshimmer. You showed real potential there.”

Starshimmer blinked, her mind still spinning from the rush of magic. “I… I did?”

Steelheart didn’t answer, turning his attention back to the manticore. “Let’s get this creature back to Earthsong’s enclosure. Quickly.”

Shimmer Hooves, still shaking, let out a weak laugh. “I… I’m never making fun of Ironmane again.”

Starshimmer chuckled, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Something was happening with her magic—something she didn’t fully understand. But whatever it was, it was growing stronger.

The journey back to Professor Earthsong’s enclosure was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves as Steelheart led them through the darkened forest. The baby manticore, still wrapped in Steelheart’s binding spell, let out the occasional growl of protest but otherwise seemed subdued.

Starshimmer’s mind raced, her thoughts swirling between what had just happened and Steelheart’s brief words of praise. Her magic had worked when it mattered most, and though it had felt wild and uncontrolled, she had protected them. She had acted without thinking, driven purely by instinct, and it had worked.

Beside her, Shimmer Hooves was walking stiffly, still pale from the ordeal. Every now and then, his eyes flicked nervously toward the manticore, as if expecting its scorpion tail to lash out at them again. But even through his fear, he couldn’t help but glance at Starshimmer with a mix of awe and relief.

“Starry,” he whispered, nudging her as they neared the enclosure, “that was incredible back there. I mean, I thought we were goners, and then boom, you throw up a shield like it’s nothing!”

Starshimmer flushed, glancing down at her hooves. “I don’t know how I did it… It just happened.”

“Well, it happened at the right time,” Shimmer Hooves said with a shaky grin. “I was about two seconds away from fainting.”

Steelheart’s deep voice interrupted their conversation as they arrived at the entrance to Professor Earthsong’s enclosure. “Quiet, you two. We need to calm the creature before we put him back.”

The enclosure was peaceful in the moonlight, the crystalline plants casting faint glimmers across the ground. The baby manticore growled softly as Steelheart levitated it over to a large, sturdy cage, carefully placing the creature inside. Once the door was secured, Steelheart pulled a thick, woven blanket from a nearby shelf and draped it over the cage, his movements slow and deliberate.

The manticore let out a low, rumbling noise, but the darkness and warmth of the blanket seemed to soothe it. After a moment, the growling subsided, and the manticore curled up into a ball, its tail tucked safely beneath it.

“There,” Steelheart said, his voice softer now, though it still carried the weight of command. “That should keep him calm for the night.”

Starshimmer watched as Steelheart stood beside the cage for a moment, his imposing figure illuminated by the soft light of the enclosure. She had always seen him as intimidating, a wall of muscle and authority. But now, in this quiet moment, she saw something different—a kind of gentleness in the way he had handled the manticore, and a quiet understanding that went beyond the tough exterior.

As if sensing her thoughts, Steelheart turned to face her and Shimmer Hooves. “You both did well tonight,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Especially you, Starshimmer. What you did back there—using your magic in the face of danger—that’s what we expect from students at Celestia’s School of Magic. Bravery doesn’t mean acting without fear. It means acting despite it.”

Starshimmer’s heart swelled at his words, a small, warm glow of pride settling in her chest. For the first time since she had arrived at the school, she felt like she had done something right, something worthy of recognition.

“Thank you, sir,” she said quietly, her voice filled with gratitude.

Steelheart gave a small nod, his expression softening for just a moment before returning to his usual stern demeanor. “Now, both of you, back to your dormitories. It’s well past curfew, and I don’t need to remind you what kind of trouble you’ll be in if you’re caught.”

Shimmer Hooves groaned. “More trouble? I think we’ve had enough punishment for one night.”

“Then don’t linger in the hallways,” Steelheart said, his voice carrying a note of finality. “Get back to your dorms, and keep quiet.”

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the enclosure, leaving Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves standing in the soft glow of the moonlight.

Shimmer Hooves let out a long, exaggerated sigh of relief. “Okay. We survived. Barely.”

Starshimmer smiled, still feeling the rush of Steelheart’s unexpected praise. “Come on, let’s get back before we run into any more trouble.”

The two of them started walking back toward the school, their hootsteps quiet on the forest path. The night air was cool and crisp, and the towering trees around them seemed to watch silently as they made their way through the shadows.

“Steelheart’s actually kind of… nice,” Starshimmer said after a moment, her voice thoughtful. “I mean, he’s still scary, but not in the way I thought.”

Shimmer Hooves nodded, though he was still glancing nervously over his shoulder every few steps. “Yeah, a gentle giant. Emphasis on giant. I’d hate to be on his bad side, though.”

Starshimmer chuckled. “Same.”

They walked in companionable silence for a while, the looming towers of the School of Magic growing closer as they neared the edge of the forest. The night was still, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the distant call of a night bird.

As they entered the school grounds and approached the main building, Shimmer Hooves let out a low whistle. “We are way past curfew. I don’t think we’ve ever been out this late before.”

Starshimmer nodded, feeling a slight twinge of nervousness. Getting caught wandering the halls after curfew would definitely land them in more trouble—something she was keen to avoid. She was just about to suggest they hurry when a faint flicker of movement caught her eye.

She froze, her gaze narrowing as she looked toward one of the side corridors that led deeper into the school. At first, she thought it was just a trick of the shadows, but then she saw it again—a figure moving quietly, almost stealthily.

“Hey, do you see that?” Starshimmer whispered, stopping in her tracks.

Shimmer Hooves’ ears flicked nervously. “See what?”

“There,” she said, pointing with a hoof toward the side hallway. “Somepony’s sneaking around.”

Shimmer Hooves squinted, his wings stiffening as he followed her gaze. “Maybe it’s just a teacher doing rounds. We should—”

His words trailed off as the figure stepped into the dim light of a nearby lantern, revealing a tall, cloaked pony with a flowing beard and a familiar, towering hat.

Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat. “That’s Professor Starswirl.”

They both stood frozen, watching as Starswirl moved silently down the corridor, his hooves barely making a sound on the stone floor. But what caught Starshimmer’s attention most wasn’t just that it was Starswirl—it was where he was heading.

At the far end of the hallway stood a large, ornate door made of dark wood, its frame carved with intricate runes and symbols. Starshimmer had seen that door before—everypony knew what it was. The entrance to Headmistress Celestia’s forbidden library.

“What’s he doing?” Starshimmer whispered, her curiosity piqued.

Shimmer Hooves’ wings snapped open in alarm. “Whoa, whoa. No. We are not getting involved in whatever this is. You saw what happened last time we went after something dangerous!”

“But he’s sneaking into the forbidden library,” Starshimmer said, her eyes wide with intrigue. “That’s not normal. Why would he be doing that at this hour?”

Shimmer Hooves looked like he was about to take off into the air. “Does it matter? We’re already past curfew, and we’re definitely not supposed to be here! We don’t need more trouble, Starry.”

Starshimmer’s hooves shuffled restlessly, torn between her curiosity and the very real threat of getting into more trouble. But the temptation to follow Starswirl was strong. What could he be doing in the forbidden library so late at night?

Before she could take another step, Shimmer Hooves grabbed her tail with his teeth and yanked her back. “No. We are not following him. We’ve had enough adventure for one night, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the rest of the year in detention.”

Starshimmer huffed, her ears drooping slightly. “Fine. But something’s going on, Shimmer. I just know it.”

Shimmer Hooves let out a nervous laugh, flicking his tail as he nudged her toward the dormitories. “Yeah, well, you’ll have plenty of time to figure it out when we’re not sneaking around after curfew. Let’s go before we run into another professor.”

With a final glance back at the shadowy corridor, Starshimmer reluctantly followed her friend, her hooves tapping quietly against the stone as they made their way back. Her mind was racing, filled with questions. What was Starswirl doing in the forbidden library? And why did it feel like something bigger was happening behind the scenes?

Chapter 5: Nightmare Night

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale, eerie glow over the grounds of Celestia’s School of Magic. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and the faintest hint of something sweet—perhaps from the candy being given out in celebration of Nightmare Night.

Starshimmer trotted across the courtyard, the clopping of her hooves barely audible over the distant laughter and chatter of students in costume. The whole school was alive with energy, as ponies celebrated the ancient tradition meant to honor—and ward off—the mythical Nightmare Moon.

Her saddlebag was lighter than usual, filled with only a few books, but her mind was heavier than ever. It had been a month since she and Shimmer Hooves had spotted Starswirl sneaking into the forbidden library. Despite her progress in classes, Starshimmer’s curiosity had only grown. She found herself paying more attention to Starswirl’s lessons, hoping to catch a glimpse of something unusual—some clue that might explain his secretive behavior. But so far, there had been nothing out of the ordinary.

“Hey, Starry!” a familiar voice called out, breaking her thoughts.

Starshimmer turned to see Shimmer Hooves trotting up beside her, his wings flaring with excitement. He was dressed in a makeshift costume—a bed sheet draped over his body with two holes cut out for his eyes. “What do you think?” he asked with a grin, wiggling his wings beneath the sheet. “I’m a ghost! Pretty spooky, huh?”

Starshimmer giggled, nudging him playfully. “You look ridiculous, Shimmer.”

“Ridiculously scary, you mean,” Shimmer Hooves said, puffing out his chest as if he were the most fearsome ghost in all of Equestria. “So, what’s the plan? You don’t have class tonight, do you?”

“No, no class,” Starshimmer replied, her eyes drifting toward the main building. “But I’ve got something on my mind.”

Shimmer Hooves rolled his eyes. “Still thinking about Starswirl?”

Starshimmer hesitated, her hooves shifting in place. “It’s just… it’s been a whole month, Shimmer. I still can’t figure out why he was sneaking into the forbidden library that night. I’ve been paying extra attention in his class, and he hasn’t let anything slip.”

“Maybe he was just doing research,” Shimmer Hooves suggested, though his tone was uncertain. “You know how old he is. He probably just forgot to get permission.”

“Maybe,” Starshimmer murmured, though she didn’t sound convinced. There was something about Starswirl’s behavior that still bothered her—something she couldn’t quite put her hoof on.

But before she could say more, a loud voice rang out from across the courtyard, cutting through the festive atmosphere like a knife.

“Well, if it isn’t the little ghost and his sidekick!”

Starshimmer’s heart sank as Borealis Sparkles sauntered toward them, his usual sneer firmly in place. He was flanked by two of his lackeys, who snickered at his every word. Borealis, as always, looked immaculate. His costume—a gleaming suit of armor with a shimmering cape—made him look more like a prince than ever.

“Oh no,” Shimmer Hooves muttered under his breath, his wings drooping beneath his costume.

Starshimmer straightened, trying to keep her cool. “Go away, Borealis. We’re not in the mood for you tonight.”

Borealis let out a mocking laugh, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. “Not in the mood? Come on, Starry. It’s Nightmare Night! You should be having fun. Or do you just not know how to have a good time?”

Starshimmer’s jaw clenched. “We’re trying to enjoy ourselves, but it’s a little hard with you around.”

Borealis stepped closer, his voice dripping with condescension. “Still trying to be a hero, are we? I bet you’re still hung up on that little spell you pulled off a while back. Don’t get too cocky. One lucky shield doesn’t mean you’re good at magic.”

“Lucky?” Starshimmer shot back, her ears flicking back in frustration. “That spell wasn’t luck. I worked hard for it.”

“Sure you did,” Borealis said, his tone mocking. “You know, it’s really cute how hard you try, Starshimmer. But let’s be real—no matter how much you study, or how many spells you practice, you’ll always be second-rate. You’ll never be as good as—”

“Twilight Sparkle’s son?” Starshimmer interrupted, her voice sharp. “I’m not trying to be you, Borealis. I’m trying to be better.”

Borealis’ eyes darkened at the mention of his mother, and for a moment, the smirk on his face faltered. But he quickly recovered, his sneer deepening. “Better? You’ll never even come close.”

Starshimmer opened her mouth to retort, but Shimmer Hooves stepped forward, his wings flaring in irritation. “You know, Borealis, you spend so much time putting other ponies down, but I don’t see you doing anything impressive. Maybe you’re the one who’s afraid of competition.”

Borealis’ eyes narrowed, his horn sparking faintly as he took a step toward them. “Careful, little pegasus. You might want to watch your mouth before I—”

“Before you what?” a booming voice suddenly interrupted, making everypony in the courtyard jump.

Starshimmer’s heart leapt into her throat as she turned to see Steelheart standing nearby, his massive frame casting a long shadow across the cobblestones. His dark blue coat glowed faintly in the moonlight, and his eyes were locked on Borealis with a look of warning.

Borealis quickly straightened, though his smirk didn’t completely fade. “Steelheart, sir. I was just… giving them a bit of Nightmare Night fun.”

Steelheart’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so?”

Borealis opened his mouth to protest, but Steelheart didn’t give him the chance. “I suggest you enjoy the rest of the evening without harassing other students. Or do I need to remind you of the school’s policy on bullying?”

Borealis scowled but said nothing. He gave Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves one last sneer before turning on his hoof and trotting away, his lackeys following close behind.

Starshimmer let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thanks, Steelheart.”

Steelheart gave a small nod, his expression softening slightly as he looked at her. “No need to thank me. Just watch your back with ponies like him. They thrive on making others feel small.”

Shimmer Hooves sighed in relief. “I was about two seconds away from flying out of here.”

Steelheart’s lips twitched, almost as if he were suppressing a smile. “Then it’s good I showed up when I did.” His tone was serious again as he added, “Don’t stay out too late. Nightmare Night may be fun, but rules still apply. Keep to the main paths and stay out of trouble.”

“We will,” Starshimmer promised, her heart still pounding from the confrontation.

Steelheart gave them one last glance before trotting off into the shadows, his heavy hooves clopping softly against the stone as he disappeared into the night.

Shimmer Hooves let out a low whistle once he was gone. “Wow. That was close. And hey, you really stood up to Borealis this time!”

Starshimmer sighed, her ears flicking back in frustration. “Yeah, but it won’t be the last time. He’s not going to stop.”

Shimmer Hooves frowned but didn’t argue. Instead, he glanced around the courtyard, his eyes flicking toward the glowing jack-o-lanterns and strings of enchanted lights that decorated the trees. “Come on, let’s forget about him. It’s Nightmare Night! We should be having fun, not thinking about that jerk.”

Starshimmer smiled faintly, grateful for Shimmer Hooves’ positivity. “You’re right. Let’s enjoy the night.”

They continued down the path, the sound of other students laughing and celebrating filling the air. But even as she walked, Starshimmer couldn’t help but feel a flicker of unease. Borealis wasn’t just a bully—there was something deeper there, something darker in his eyes when she had mentioned his mother. And then there was Starswirl, with his secretive behavior and his late-night visits to the forbidden library.

There were too many mysteries swirling around her, and Starshimmer knew that sooner or later, she was going to have to find the answers.

The Grand Hall was filled with the flickering light of enchanted candles as students and teachers gathered for the Nightmare Night banquet. The long tables were piled high with treats and sweets—candied apples, pumpkin tarts, and bowls of candy corn that seemed to refill themselves whenever they ran low. Ghostly decorations floated around the hall, and the air buzzed with excitement as everypony awaited the guest of honor.

Starshimmer sat at the table with Shimmer Hooves, who was still in his ghost costume, though the sheet had become a bit rumpled after the evening’s festivities. Around them, students chattered and laughed, their voices echoing off the high, vaulted ceilings.

“Do you think she’ll actually come as Nightmare Moon?” Shimmer Hooves asked, his wings twitching in excitement as he munched on a caramel apple.

“Of course,” Starshimmer replied, glancing around the hall. “Princess Luna always goes all out for Nightmare Night.”

As if on cue, the grand doors at the far end of the hall creaked open, and a hush fell over the students. The only sound was the soft whoosh of wind as something flew in from the darkness outside, circling high above the tables. The room was plunged into eerie silence, and then—

“FOOLISH PONIES!”

A booming voice filled the air, making everypony jump as a dark, winged figure swooped down from the ceiling, her glowing eyes scanning the crowd. It was Nightmare Moon, her midnight-black coat glistening in the candlelight, her sharp fangs bared in a wicked grin. Her wings flared as she soared over the tables, sending a ripple of gasps and laughter through the crowd of students.

Nightmare Moon flew in a wide arc above the tables before landing dramatically beside Headmistress Celestia at the head of the hall. Her dark magic flared, and with a crackling burst of energy, she transformed back into her true self—Princess Luna, her mane shimmering like the night sky. The students erupted into applause, stomping their hooves in delight as laughter filled the room.

“That was so cool,” Shimmer Hooves whispered, his wings fluttering excitedly.

Starshimmer couldn’t help but smile as Princess Luna dipped her head gracefully, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she took her place beside her sister, Princess Celestia. The two sisters exchanged a fond look, and Celestia gave a small chuckle.

“Welcome, students!” Luna’s voice carried easily over the crowd as she addressed the room. “Tonight, we celebrate the legend of Nightmare Moon—a tale of darkness, redemption, and the power of friendship. Gather close as we retell the story of the night that nearly plunged Equestria into eternal darkness…”

As Luna began her retelling of the Nightmare Moon legend, Starshimmer’s attention wandered. She had heard the story before, and although it was thrilling to hear it from Princess Luna herself, her mind was elsewhere. Something nagged at her—a lingering sense that tonight held more than just celebration.

She scanned the room, her eyes drifting over the teachers seated at the front of the hall. That’s when she saw it—Starswirl the Bearded, slipping quietly away from the table, his robes trailing behind him as he made his way toward the side door of the hall.

Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat. Now? Why was he sneaking away in the middle of the banquet?

Her curiosity flared, and without a second thought, she rose from her seat. “I’ll be right back,” she whispered to Shimmer Hooves.

Shimmer Hooves barely noticed her leave, too wrapped up in Luna’s storytelling to ask questions.

Starshimmer followed Starswirl’s retreating figure out of the hall, her hooves quiet against the stone floor. She slipped into the shadows, careful to stay out of sight. As she rounded the corner, she saw him heading toward the one place she had suspected all along—the forbidden library.

This is my chance, she thought, her heart racing. If she could follow him inside, maybe she’d finally uncover what he was hiding.

But getting into the forbidden library wasn’t going to be easy. The entrance was heavily guarded by magical wards, and students weren’t allowed inside without express permission from Celestia herself. Luckily, Starshimmer had been practicing a spell she had learned in Starswirl’s class—a spell that could create a temporary barrier to conceal her from sight.

She took a deep breath and lit her horn, focusing on the magic she had learned. Her horn glowed faintly as she whispered the incantation, and slowly, a shimmering barrier formed around her, bending the light until she was invisible.

It worked!

Carefully, Starshimmer crept forward, her hooves barely making a sound as she followed Starswirl into the darkened corridor. The massive wooden doors to the forbidden library creaked open under the weight of his magic, and she slipped inside just before they closed behind him.

The moment she entered, Starshimmer felt a chill run down her spine. The forbidden library was unlike any other part of the school. The air was heavy with the scent of old parchment, and towering shelves of ancient books stretched up into the darkness, their spines worn and covered in dust. The flickering light of enchanted candles cast long, eerie shadows, and ghostly whispers seemed to echo from the walls.

Starshimmer shivered. She had never been inside the forbidden library before, and now that she was here, she could see why students weren’t allowed. The place was unsettling—grim, even. It felt as if the very air was alive with ancient secrets.

She followed Starswirl deeper into the library, keeping her distance as he navigated through the winding shelves. Every now and then, his horn would light up as he retrieved a scroll or a book from one of the shelves, examining it briefly before continuing on.

What is he looking for? Starshimmer wondered, her hooves careful not to disturb the dust as she moved.

They reached the far end of the library, where a massive, ornate door stood at the end of a long aisle. The door was covered in intricate carvings, and a faint glow of magic radiated from it, as if it were sealed with powerful wards.

Starswirl paused before the door, his horn glowing as he muttered something under his breath. The magical wards shimmered and pulsed in response, but before he could open the door—

“AAAAAAH!”

Starshimmer nearly jumped out of her skin as a loud scream pierced the silence. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest, only to see Shimmer Hooves standing a few paces behind her, his wings flared and his eyes wide with panic.

“Shimmer?!” Starshimmer whispered fiercely, her spell fading as her magic faltered in shock. “What are you doing here?”

Shimmer Hooves looked terrified, his eyes darting around the library as if expecting something to jump out at him. “I—I followed you! I thought you might be in trouble, and then… this place is so creepy!”

Starshimmer’s heart sank. “You weren’t supposed to follow me! Now we’re both in trouble!”

Before Shimmer Hooves could respond, a cold voice cut through the shadows.

“Well, well, well.”

Both Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves turned to see Borealis Sparkles stepping out from behind a bookshelf, his eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. “Looks like somepony’s breaking the rules. Again.”

Starshimmer’s stomach twisted as she realized what had just happened. They had been caught. And not just by anypony—by Borealis.

But before she could say anything, another voice joined the fray, sending a chill down her spine.

“It seems we’re all in trouble tonight.”

Starswirl stepped forward, his expression dark and unreadable as he glared at the three of them. His presence seemed to fill the library, his magical aura crackling in the air around him.

Starshimmer’s heart sank even further. This was bad—really bad.

Shimmer Hooves gulped, his wings trembling. “Uh, Professor Starswirl, we were just—”

“Breaking into the forbidden library,” Starswirl interrupted, his voice cold and unforgiving. “I don’t know what you were thinking, Starshimmer, but you’ve crossed a line.”

Starshimmer’s ears flattened in shame, her heart pounding in her chest. “I—I'm sorry, Professor. I just… I saw you sneaking out, and I—”

“You thought you’d follow me?” Starswirl snapped, his eyes narrowing. “And you dragged your friend into this, as well?”

Before Starshimmer could respond, Borealis let out a snide chuckle. “Looks like your little act of rebellion didn’t go as planned, Starry.”

Starswirl’s gaze shifted to Borealis, his expression hardening. “And what exactly are you doing here, Borealis?”

Borealis blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Me? Oh, I was just—”

“Following them?” Starswirl finished, his voice dripping with disapproval. “It seems you’re just as guilty of breaking the rules.”

Borealis’ eyes widened in disbelief. “But… I… I’m Twilight Sparkle’s son! You can’t be serious.”

Starswirl’s gaze didn’t waver. “Rules apply to everypony, Borealis. Even you.”

For the first time, Borealis looked genuinely stunned, his confidence shaken as he realized he wasn’t getting a free pass this time.

Starswirl’s horn flared, and the doors of the library creaked open. “All three of you will report to Headmistress Celestia in the morning. And I can assure you, she will not be pleased.”

Starshimmer’s heart sank even further. This was worse than she’d imagined. She had been so close to uncovering Starswirl’s secret, but now, she was about to face the consequences of breaking into the forbidden library—and so was Shimmer Hooves.

As they were led out of the library, the ghostly whispers seemed to follow them, echoing in Starshimmer’s mind. What had Starswirl been doing in the library? What was behind that door?

She didn’t have the answers. Not yet. But one thing was certain—her curiosity had just landed her in deeper trouble than she could have ever imagined.

Chapter 6: The Headmistress

The air in the waiting room outside Headmistress Celestia’s office felt thick with tension. Starshimmer sat stiffly beside Shimmer Hooves, her hooves tapping nervously against the floor as they awaited their fate. Across from them, Borealis Sparkles lounged with a smug look on his face, as if this were just another day for him. Shimmer Hooves’ wings twitched with anxiety, and Starshimmer couldn’t blame him. Being summoned to Celestia’s office was a big deal—a very big deal.

Celestia’s office wasn’t a place most students visited, and if they did, it was either for something incredibly good… or incredibly bad. In this case, it was definitely the latter.

“I can’t believe we’re actually about to face Celestia,” Shimmer Hooves whispered, his voice barely audible. “Do you think she’s going to—”

“Expel us?” Starshimmer finished for him, her stomach twisting in knots. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

Shimmer Hooves let out a soft groan and buried his face in his hooves. “We’re doomed.”

Borealis, ever the picture of confidence, rolled his eyes. “Relax. If anything, I’ll just explain what really happened. After all, I was there to stop you two from making a huge mistake.”

Starshimmer shot him a glare. “You were there to get us in trouble, Borealis, and you know it.”

He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say anything, the large double doors to Celestia’s office creaked open with a soft hum of magic. A regal voice called from inside, “You may come in now.”

Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat as they rose to their hooves and followed a stern-looking Starswirl into the office. The room was grand, filled with high shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls, and the soft light of the morning sun filtered through tall stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the marble floor.

But the first thing that caught Starshimmer’s eye was not the grandeur of the office or the majestic glow of the windows—it was Philomena, Celestia’s phoenix, perched elegantly on a golden stand beside the Headmistress. Philomena’s vibrant red and gold feathers shimmered like fire, her keen eyes watching the students with curiosity as Celestia gently stroked her head.

Philomena was the most beautiful phoenix Starshimmer had ever seen, and for a moment, the tension in the room eased as she admired the creature’s regal presence. But that moment passed quickly when Celestia turned her gaze toward the three students, her expression calm yet unreadable.

“Please, sit,” Celestia said softly, her voice gentle yet carrying the weight of authority.

Starshimmer, Shimmer Hooves, and Borealis quickly took their seats, their hearts pounding in their chests. Starswirl remained standing off to the side, his eyes narrowing as he glanced between them.

“Headmistress Celestia,” Starswirl began, his tone clipped and stern, “these students were caught in the forbidden library last night. I strongly recommend immediate and severe punishment, including expulsion. Their actions—”

“Thank you, Starswirl,” Celestia interrupted, raising a hoof to quiet him. Her tone was calm, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes as she looked at the three young ponies. “I will take their actions into account, but let us not be hasty.”

Starswirl frowned, clearly displeased with being interrupted, but he remained silent.

Celestia turned her attention to the students, her gaze soft yet piercing at the same time. “I understand that last night’s events were quite… unusual. But I would like to hear the full story from each of you.”

Borealis, of course, was the first to speak. He straightened in his seat, his voice taking on a smooth, practiced tone. “Headmistress Celestia, I was only in the library to help these two avoid danger. I tried to warn them that going into the forbidden library was a mistake, but they wouldn’t listen. I was simply being a good friend, trying to keep them from getting hurt.”

Starshimmer nearly choked on her own breath. She could feel Shimmer Hooves tense up beside her, and her eyes darted to Celestia, wondering how the headmistress would respond to such an obvious lie.

Celestia raised an eyebrow, her lips curving ever so slightly as she glanced at Borealis. “A good friend, you say?”

“Yes,” Borealis continued, nodding earnestly. “I only followed them to make sure they were safe.”

Celestia’s gaze flickered with something unreadable, and she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, the doors to her office burst open.

“BOREALIS SPARKLES!”

A voice filled with fury rang through the room, and everypony turned to see none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle standing in the doorway, her eyes blazing with anger.

Borealis’ smug expression vanished in an instant, his ears flattening against his head as he shrank back in his seat. “Mom—Princess Twilight, I—”

Twilight strode across the room, her wings flaring as she grabbed her son by the ear and pulled him out of his seat. “You and I are going to have a very long talk,” she said through gritted teeth, her eyes narrowing as she glared down at him. “I raised you better than this, Borealis. You are going to explain to me exactly why you were sneaking into the forbidden library and breaking the rules!”

Borealis opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything, Twilight dragged him out of the room, leaving the rest of them in stunned silence. Then she poked her head back in with an embarrassed look. ''Princess... Starswirl...''

The door closed behind them with a sharp thud, and for a moment, Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves sat frozen in their seats, wide-eyed and trying not to laugh. But Shimmer Hooves couldn’t help himself—he let out a soft snort, and Starshimmer quickly covered her mouth, a giggle threatening to escape.

Starswirl’s gaze snapped to them, his eyes flashing with irritation. “This is not a laughing matter!”

Both Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves stiffened in their seats, but before Starswirl could continue his scolding, Celestia raised her hoof again.

“Starswirl,” she said gently, her voice calm yet firm, “I think that’s enough.”

Starswirl hesitated, clearly struggling to hold back his frustration, but he stepped back with a reluctant nod. Celestia’s attention returned to the two remaining students, her expression softening.

“I understand the temptation of wanting to explore forbidden areas,” she said, her voice gentle. “But those areas are restricted for a reason—to keep all of you safe. Your actions, while not malicious, were still dangerous.”

Starshimmer’s ears flattened, guilt swirling in her chest as she lowered her gaze. She had wanted to know the truth about Starswirl’s secret, but she hadn’t thought about the consequences.

Celestia paused for a moment, her eyes lingering on Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves. “That being said,” she continued, “I believe this situation can be used as a learning experience rather than something deserving of expulsion.”

Starswirl’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But Headmistress, they—”

“No, Starswirl,” Celestia interrupted, her tone kind but firm. “Nopony will be expelled today. Instead, I think a more fitting punishment is in order.”

Starshimmer’s heart raced. She wasn’t being expelled? Relief flooded through her, but she remained tense, waiting for the verdict.

Celestia smiled softly. “You will both write, one hundred times, by the end of this week: ‘I shall not go into forbidden areas for my own safety.’”

Shimmer Hooves blinked in surprise, his wings twitching. “That’s it?”

Celestia nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “That’s it.”

Starswirl looked absolutely appalled. “Headmistress, that is far too mild! These students—”

“I believe it will be enough,” Celestia said gently, her gaze steady. “The lesson has already been learned.”

Starswirl opened his mouth to argue, but when Celestia’s serene gaze met his, he closed it again with a begrudging nod. “As you wish.”

Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves exchanged a glance, both of them still in shock. A hundred lines? After everything that had happened, it seemed too good to be true.

“Thank you, Headmistress Celestia,” Starshimmer said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.

Celestia smiled warmly at them. “You may go now. Please don’t forget to complete your assignment.”

Shimmer Hooves gave a quick bow before nudging Starshimmer toward the door, eager to get out of the office before anything changed.

The grand doors to Headmistress Celestia’s office closed behind them with a soft thud as Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves walked out together. The air in the hallway felt lighter now, the tension of the morning’s meeting easing, but Starshimmer couldn’t shake the odd feeling that had settled in her chest. Celestia had gone easy on them—much easier than she’d expected. No expulsion, just a writing assignment. It didn’t make sense.

Beside her, Shimmer Hooves seemed relieved. He stretched his wings, letting out a long sigh. “I can’t believe it. I thought we were going to be expelled for sure.”

Starshimmer nodded, but her mind was somewhere else. They walked in silence for a while, the soft clopping of their hooves echoing in the hallway. As they reached the courtyard, Starshimmer finally turned to Shimmer Hooves, her brow furrowed in thought.

“Shimmer,” she began hesitantly, “why did you follow me into the library?”

Shimmer Hooves stopped, blinking in surprise. “Huh?”

“I mean…” Starshimmer continued, choosing her words carefully, “you knew we could get into trouble. You knew we were breaking a huge rule. Why did you come after me?”

Shimmer Hooves’ wings fluttered slightly, and he shifted on his hooves, looking a bit embarrassed. “Well, I—I couldn’t just let you go in there alone.”

Starshimmer tilted her head, her confusion deepening. “But you could’ve stayed out of it. You didn’t have to follow me. I was the one being reckless.”

Shimmer Hooves let out a small sigh, his eyes softening as he looked at her. “Starry, you’re my best friend. Of course, I followed you. I didn’t want to lose you—or let you get into trouble alone.”

Starshimmer’s heart skipped a beat at his words, her ears twitching as she processed what he had said. She had always known that Shimmer Hooves was loyal, but hearing him say it so openly made her chest tighten with emotion.

For a moment, Starshimmer didn’t know what to say. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts about the library, about Starswirl, and about Celestia’s leniency, that she hadn’t considered how much her actions had worried her friend.

A soft smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks, Shimmer.”

Shimmer Hooves gave a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. “Yeah, well… you’re kind of important, you know? I couldn’t just sit by and let you get into danger without having your back.”

Starshimmer’s heart warmed at his words, and she gave him a playful nudge with her shoulder. “You’re a good friend, Shimmer Hooves.”

“Of course I am,” he said, his grin widening. “You’d be lost without me.”

They both laughed, the tension finally breaking as they continued walking toward the dormitory wing. The worry that had been hanging over Starshimmer’s head began to lift, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude for her friend’s unwavering loyalty. Shimmer Hooves had always been by her side, but this time, she realized just how much he truly cared.

As they approached the entrance to their dormitory, Starshimmer glanced over at him again, her heart lighter. “I guess we got off easy, huh? I’m still not sure why Celestia didn’t expel us.”

Shimmer Hooves shrugged, his wings giving a small flutter. “Maybe she just saw something good in us. Besides, it’s not like we meant to cause any harm. We were just curious.”

“Yeah… curious,” Starshimmer repeated, though the word hung in her mind with more weight than before. There was still something about the whole situation that felt unfinished, but for now, she pushed those thoughts aside.

As they parted ways to head to their respective rooms, Starshimmer couldn’t help but smile. The mystery of the forbidden library and Starswirl still lingered in the back of her mind, but knowing that she had a friend like Shimmer Hooves by her side made it all seem a little less daunting.

The soft scent of freshly turned soil and herbs filled the greenhouse as Starshimmer and her classmates settled into their seats around large wooden worktables. Sunlight streamed through the glass walls, casting a warm glow on the rows of vibrant magical plants that lined the shelves.

Professor Moonflower, a gentle mare with a pale lilac coat and a mane that shimmered like dew in the morning sun, stood at the front of the room, her kind eyes surveying the eager students. She was known for her calm and patient teaching style, and her classroom was one of the most relaxing places in the entire school.

“Good morning, everypony,” Moonflower said with a smile as she greeted them. “Today, we’ll be working with a very special plant—the Lumos Bloom. It’s a plant that glows with magical energy when it reaches maturity. However, it’s notoriously slow to grow.”

Starshimmer’s ears perked up. Magical plants had always fascinated her, and the idea of helping one grow faster with magic seemed like a perfect challenge.

“Now,” Moonflower continued, “we’ve studied basic growth spells in previous lessons, but today we’ll try something different. You’ll be using a special herbal potion, one you’ve learned about in Professor Ironmane’s class, to accelerate the growth process. The trick is to make sure you’ve brewed it correctly—any mistake can have… interesting results.”

A few of the students chuckled at her light warning, but Starshimmer felt a buzz of excitement in the air. They’d learned the recipe for the potion in Ironmane’s class just last week, and now it was time to put that knowledge to the test.

“Each of you has a small Lumos Bloom seedling in front of you,” Moonflower said, gesturing to the rows of potted plants on the tables. “Your task is to carefully apply the potion to encourage its growth. If you’ve done everything correctly, you’ll see the bloom glow before the end of class.”

The students quickly got to work, their hooves clinking against the glass vials and stirring the potions they’d brought with them. Starshimmer carefully measured out the potion she’d brewed earlier, its soft green hue swirling gently in the vial. She felt a small surge of confidence—she had been extra careful when preparing it, following Ironmane’s instructions to the letter.

As she began to pour the potion over the soil around her Lumos Bloom seedling, she felt a pair of eyes boring into her from across the room. A quick glance told her exactly who it was—Borealis Sparkles.

His expression was cold, his eyes narrowed into sharp slits as he stared at her. Starshimmer could practically feel the hostility radiating from him, and she suppressed a shiver as she turned her focus back to her plant. Borealis hadn’t spoken to her since the incident in the Headmistress's office, but his silent anger was almost worse than his usual smug remarks.

Just ignore him, she told herself. She wasn’t going to let Borealis throw her off.

Beside her, Shimmer Hooves was pouring his own potion carefully over his seedling, his tongue sticking out slightly in concentration. “Think this’ll actually work?” he asked with a grin.

Starshimmer smiled. “If we followed Ironmane’s instructions right, it should. The hardest part is making sure the potion is the right concentration.”

“I hope I didn’t mess mine up,” Shimmer Hooves said, his wings fluttering nervously. “I kept getting distracted in Ironmane’s class. He’s just so… intense, you know?”

Starshimmer chuckled softly. “You’ll be fine. Your plant looks—”

Before she could finish, there was a soft sound behind them, like a hoof brushing over the table. Starshimmer glanced over her shoulder just in time to see one of Borealis’ lackeys, a smirking colt named Nimbus, leaning ever so slightly toward Shimmer Hooves’ plant. His hoof brushed against Shimmer’s potion vial, and Starshimmer’s eyes widened in alarm as she saw him slip something into the mixture—a tiny pinch of sparkling powder.

What is he doing? Starshimmer thought in panic, but before she could say anything, Nimbus quickly stepped away, pretending to be focused on his own work.

A knot of dread formed in Starshimmer’s stomach, but it was too late. Shimmer Hooves had already poured the rest of the potion over his seedling, completely unaware of what had just happened.

For a few moments, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The room was quiet, with the sounds of hooves brushing against soil and the occasional clink of vials as students applied their potions. Starshimmer focused on her own plant, watching as the tiny seedling began to glow faintly. A surge of excitement rushed through her—her potion was working.

But then…

Fwoosh!

A loud pop came from Shimmer Hooves’ table, and suddenly, his seedling erupted into a cloud of bright purple smoke. Shimmer Hooves yelped in surprise, stumbling back as the smoke swirled around him. The entire class turned to look, and a wave of laughter rippled through the room.

“What the—” Shimmer Hooves spluttered, his wings flapping wildly as he tried to clear the smoke. His plant, instead of growing, had turned a bright shade of neon pink and was now releasing small, harmless bursts of sparks into the air.

Nimbus and a few others in the back of the class burst into laughter, pointing at Shimmer Hooves’ glowing plant as it fizzled and popped with harmless sparks. “Nice work, Shimmer!” Nimbus called out mockingly. “Looks like you’ve got quite the magical touch!”

Shimmer Hooves’ face turned red as he tried to wave the smoke away with his wings, clearly embarrassed. Starshimmer’s heart twisted with anger as she realized what had happened—Nimbus had sabotaged Shimmer’s potion on purpose, and now the entire class was laughing at him.

Before Starshimmer could say anything, Professor Moonflower stepped in, her voice calm but firm. “Alright, class, that’s enough. Let’s not make fun of anypony’s work.”

The laughter died down, though a few students continued to snicker under their breath. Shimmer Hooves shot Starshimmer a sheepish look, his ears drooping slightly. “I… I think I might’ve messed up.”

Starshimmer opened her mouth to tell him what she’d seen Nimbus do, but before she could speak, Moonflower gently approached their table, her expression soft. “Don’t worry, Shimmer Hooves,” she said kindly. “This is why we practice. Potions can be tricky, especially when working with magical plants.”

Shimmer Hooves managed a small smile, though he still looked embarrassed. Starshimmer glanced back at Nimbus, who was smirking triumphantly from his seat, and her heart burned with frustration. But she kept her mouth shut—for now.

As the class continued, Starshimmer couldn’t help but feel a simmering anger beneath her skin. Borealis and his lackeys were getting worse, and it seemed like every day they found a new way to humiliate or undermine her and Shimmer Hooves.

This isn’t over, she thought, glancing over at Borealis, who still sat with a smug grin on his face.

Chapter 7: Mystery Illness

The hallways of the School of Magic buzzed with nervous energy, the soft murmurs of students mixing with the clatter of hooves on marble floors. Starshimmer trotted beside Shimmer Hooves, her ears flicking as she caught snippets of hushed conversations, every voice carrying the same sense of unease.

“Did you hear? Bright Spark just… collapsed. Right in the middle of class.”

“They say he didn’t even make a sound—just dropped.”

Starshimmer’s stomach twisted with an uneasy flutter as she and Shimmer Hooves rounded the corner and reached the entrance to the infirmary. A crowd of students had already gathered there, pushing close to the doors, their worried whispers filling the air. Some of them peered through the crack in the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside, while others traded wild theories about what could have caused the sudden collapse.

Shimmer Hooves slowed beside her, his wings giving a nervous flutter. “This is… weird, right?” he whispered, casting a glance at the other students. “Ponies don’t just pass out like that. Especially not in the middle of class.”

Starshimmer nodded, her brow furrowed as she tried to piece together what little she had overheard. Bright Spark was a capable student, not the kind of pony who would faint without reason. Something wasn’t right.

“What do you think happened?” Shimmer Hooves asked quietly, leaning closer to her.

“I don’t know,” Starshimmer murmured, her voice thoughtful. “But it’s strange. Nopony just collapses like that for no reason.”

They edged closer to the gathered crowd of students, trying to get a better view of the infirmary doors. A few of the older students whispered conspiratorially to one another, tossing around ideas of magical accidents, illness, or something worse. Starshimmer shivered at the more outlandish suggestions.

“Do you think it’s a curse?” one pony whispered to another, their eyes wide with fear.

“Maybe it’s some kind of rogue spell,” another said, glancing nervously toward the door. “Something that went wrong in class.”

Starshimmer’s thoughts raced as she considered the possibilities, her mind jumping from one theory to the next. Could it have been a potion gone wrong? A spell misfired? But none of it seemed to fit. The teachers would’ve handled it immediately if it was something as simple as that. This felt different—more serious.

Before she could think further, the doors to the infirmary creaked open, and a hush fell over the crowd. Everypony leaned in closer, hoping for a glimpse of what was happening inside, but instead of answers, Professor Ironmane stepped out. His stern face looked as stony as ever, his eyes hard as they scanned the students gathered outside.

“That’s enough,” Ironmane said, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a sharp blade. “There’s nothing to see here. Return to your classes.”

The students hesitated, their curiosity palpable. Starshimmer craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse beyond the doorway, but Ironmane’s imposing presence blocked the view. He stared them down, and slowly, the crowd began to break apart, muttering reluctantly as they dispersed.

“Come on,” Shimmer Hooves whispered, tugging at her with a wing. “We should get going before Ironmane catches us standing around.”

Starshimmer stayed rooted for a moment, her eyes lingering on the closed infirmary doors. Her mind buzzed with questions—too many questions. Why had Bright Spark collapsed? Why were the teachers so tight-lipped about it? And more importantly, why did it feel like there was more to this than anypony was letting on?

As she turned to leave with Shimmer Hooves, something caught her eye. At the far end of the hallway, partially hidden in the shadows, stood Professor Starswirl. His expression was unreadable as he watched the scene unfold, his eyes sharp and focused. He wasn’t moving, wasn’t talking to anypony. He just stood there, silent and still, like a statue carved from the shadows.

A chill ran down Starshimmer’s spine. Why wasn’t Starswirl with the other teachers? Why wasn’t he offering any explanations, any reassurances to the worried students? The way he stood there, observing from a distance, filled her with a sense of unease.

“Starry, come on,” Shimmer Hooves urged again, nudging her gently. “Let’s go.”

Reluctantly, Starshimmer allowed herself to be pulled away, but her thoughts remained on Starswirl. There was something strange going on, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Starswirl knew more than he was letting on.

That evening, the school felt different. The usual buzz of chatter and laughter was dampened by the weight of the day’s events. Even in the library, where students often gathered to study or chat quietly, the atmosphere was tense. Starshimmer sat at a table near the back, surrounded by stacks of books, her mind focused on a single thought: What could have caused Bright Spark to collapse?

She flipped through pages of a dusty old tome, her eyes scanning for any mention of sudden magical afflictions, but so far, nothing seemed to fit. She had been at it for over an hour, but her search had turned up empty.

The soft sound of hooves on the marble floor made her glance up, and she saw Shimmer Hooves trotting over, a book tucked under his wing. He looked surprised when he saw the pile of research materials in front of her.

“Starry, are you seriously still looking into this?” he asked, setting the book down and taking a seat across from her. “You know we have a test coming up in magical potions, right? You should probably study for that instead of... whatever this is.”

Starshimmer sighed, pushing her mane back with a hoof. “I know, but I can’t stop thinking about what happened. Nopony just collapses like that out of nowhere. There has to be a reason.”

Shimmer Hooves tilted his head, his ears flicking with uncertainty. “I get that it’s strange, but… shouldn’t we just let the teachers handle it? I mean, they’re the ones in charge, right? They’ll figure it out.”

Starshimmer frowned, her eyes drifting back to the open book in front of her. “Maybe. But something about this feels... off. You saw how quiet Starswirl was, right? He wasn’t even trying to explain what was going on. He just stood there, watching.”

Shimmer Hooves shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Yeah, but Starswirl’s always kind of... weird. Maybe that’s just how he is.”

“Maybe,” Starshimmer muttered, though her mind wasn’t convinced. “But I feel like there’s more going on here than they’re telling us.”

Shimmer Hooves sighed, his wings twitching. “Starry, I know you’re curious and all, but... what if it’s none of our business? What if you’re just getting yourself worked up over nothing?”

Starshimmer opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself. Shimmer Hooves had a point. They were just students, after all. What could she really do about something like this? And yet, the nagging feeling in the back of her mind wouldn’t go away.

“I don’t know,” she said finally, her voice soft. “But I can’t just ignore it.”

Shimmer Hooves gave her a long look before letting out a resigned sigh. “Alright, but don’t let this get you into trouble again, okay? We’ve got enough to worry about without adding secret investigations to the list.”

Starshimmer smiled faintly, grateful for his concern. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Shimmer Hooves didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he opened his own book and started quietly flipping through the pages, the two of them falling into a companionable silence.

A few days had passed since Bright Spark’s sudden collapse, and the uneasy atmosphere that had settled over Celestia’s School of Magic had only grown heavier. Whispers of worry filled the corridors, and no matter where Starshimmer went, she couldn’t escape the sense that something dark was lingering in the air.

The strangest part of it all? Since Bright Spark’s collapse, three more students had fallen unconscious. One in the middle of gym class, another during magical potions, and the last one found unconscious in his dormitory.

And the pattern was becoming disturbingly clear.

They were all non-unicorns.

Starshimmer sat with Shimmer Hooves at lunch, the two of them picking at their food while the usual hum of chatter in the dining hall felt strained, as if every student was on edge.

Shimmer Hooves’ wings twitched nervously beside her, and she could feel his tension without needing to look at him. “It’s only been non-unicorns, hasn’t it?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “The ones who’ve collapsed?”

Starshimmer nodded, her stomach twisting with unease. “Yeah. Earth ponies and pegasi.”

Shimmer Hooves swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously around the room. “What do you think it means? Why only them?”

“I don’t know,” Starshimmer admitted, her voice heavy with worry. “But whatever it is… it’s getting worse.”

Before Shimmer Hooves could reply, a loud chime echoed through the school, signaling that all students were to gather in the grand hall. Starshimmer exchanged a quick glance with Shimmer Hooves, the knot of tension tightening between them.

They followed the flow of students, everypony making their way to the hall with hurried, nervous steps. The sense of unease was tangible now, as if the very walls of the school could feel the growing fear among the students.

The grand hall was packed by the time Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves found their way inside, and the murmur of anxious voices buzzed like static through the room. Ponies gathered in groups, talking in low tones, their eyes flicking nervously toward the stage where Headmistress Celestia would soon address them.

As they waited, Starshimmer overheard fragments of conversation from nearby students.

“Do you think they’ll shut down the school?”

“Maybe it’s some kind of magical sickness.”

“I heard it’s a curse.”

Starshimmer’s heart pounded in her chest. There were so many rumors flying around, and yet nopony seemed to have any real answers. Her mind wandered back to Starswirl—his cold detachment from the last incident. Was he hiding something? Did he know what was going on?

The doors to the hall creaked open, and the room fell silent as Headmistress Celestia stepped onto the stage, her flowing mane gleaming like the sun itself. She moved with calm grace, but there was a weight in her expression—a seriousness that the students hadn’t seen before.

Celestia stood before them, her eyes scanning the room. The silence was thick, every student hanging on her next words.

“Students,” she began, her voice warm yet firm, “I know you are all concerned about the recent events at the school. I want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to understand what is happening and to ensure the safety of each and every one of you.”

She paused, allowing her words to settle over the crowd. Starshimmer could feel the tension in the air, the quiet anticipation of what Celestia would say next.

“In light of the incidents where several students have lost consciousness,” Celestia continued, “we are instituting some new rules, effective immediately, to ensure your safety.”

The room seemed to hold its breath.

“First,” Celestia said, her gaze sweeping over the students, “we are implementing a stricter curfew. All students must be in their dormitories by 7 PM. Anypony caught wandering after hours will be sent back immediately.”

A murmur rippled

through the room, but Celestia raised a hoof, quieting them as she continued.

“Second, to ensure nopony is alone, all students will be required to move from class to class in groups. No wandering the halls alone, no sneaking off between lessons. You will stay together for your own safety.”

Starshimmer could feel the nervous energy building in the room. The stricter rules were necessary, but they only confirmed what everypony feared—something dangerous was happening, and no one knew exactly what it was.

Celestia’s eyes softened slightly, her voice becoming gentler as she continued. “I know this is unsettling. I ask you to remain calm and trust in the efforts we are making to solve this mystery. I assure you, my fellow teachers and I are doing everything we can to protect you.”

She paused again, as if preparing herself for the next announcement. “Lastly, at the request of Steelheart, no student is to leave the school grounds unless granted permission by myself or the teaching staff. This measure is not meant to limit you, but to keep you safe. These are troubling times, and we must be vigilant.”

A nervous murmur spread across the hall. Starshimmer glanced at Shimmer Hooves, who was biting his lip in worry, his wings fidgeting at his sides.

“We understand your fears,” Celestia said, raising her voice just enough to command the room again. “But rest assured, we are looking into this. We will find the cause, and we will keep you safe. You have nothing to fear while under this roof.”

There was a pause before she added, her voice firm with quiet authority, “We must not panic. Together, we will see this through.”

The hall erupted into a wave of low chatter as Celestia stepped down from the podium, the students digesting the new rules. Starshimmer could hear the tension in their voices—ponies nervously discussing the curfew, the forced group movements, and the tightening restrictions. Even though Celestia had tried to calm them, fear still clung to the air like a mist that couldn’t be shaken.

Shimmer Hooves shifted uneasily beside her, his wings twitching. “Do you think this’ll be enough? The curfew and all that?”

Starshimmer bit her lip, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know. I hope so. But… why is this only happening to non-unicorns?”

Shimmer Hooves’ ears flattened, his nervousness evident. “That’s what’s really scary, isn’t it? What if… what if I’m next?”

Starshimmer turned to face him, her voice firm but filled with concern. “You’re not going to be next. We’ll stick together, alright? No wandering off.”

Shimmer Hooves nodded, though his eyes flickered with doubt.

As they made their way through the throng of students toward the exit, a familiar voice cut through the crowd, stopping them in their tracks.

“Well, well. Look who’s worried about being next.”

Starshimmer’s heart sank. She didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was. Borealis Sparkles, flanked by a couple of his usual cronies, sauntered over, his smug grin as sharp as ever.

“Great speech, huh?” Borealis said, his tone dripping with false cheer. “I’m sure Celestia means well. But, you know, it’s funny how all the students who’ve collapsed have something in common.”

Starshimmer’s jaw tightened as she glared at him. “What do you want, Borealis?”

Borealis gave her a slow, exaggerated look of innocence. “Oh, nothing. I’m just saying… isn’t it interesting that the ones collapsing are all non-unicorns? Maybe it’s a sign.”

Shimmer Hooves’ face paled slightly, and Starshimmer’s temper flared. “A sign of what?” she snapped, taking a step forward.

Borealis smirked, his eyes glinting with malice. “Maybe that pegasi and earth ponies don’t belong here. Maybe it’s the school’s way of telling you… you’re not cut out for this.”

Starshimmer felt a surge of anger rise in her chest, but before she could respond, Borealis leaned in closer to Shimmer Hooves, his voice low and mocking. “Careful, Shimmer. You might be next.”

Shimmer Hooves’ wings trembled slightly, but before Borealis could say anything more, Starshimmer stepped between them, her voice firm. “Back off, Borealis.”

Borealis gave her a lazy smile, clearly enjoying himself. “Relax, Starry. I’m just pointing out the obvious. Some ponies just don’t have the magic for a place like this.”

“Come on,” one of his cronies chimed in with a sneer. “You can’t expect pegasi to handle real magic like we do.”

Starshimmer’s blood boiled, but she kept her cool. “You don’t know anything, Borealis. And if I were you, I’d keep my mouth shut before you end up in more trouble than you can handle.”

Borealis’ smile faded just a little, but he recovered quickly, shrugging as he turned to walk away. “We’ll see, Starshimmer. We’ll see.”

As Borealis and his cronies disappeared into the crowd, Starshimmer let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She turned to Shimmer Hooves, who was staring at the floor, clearly shaken by Borealis’ words.

“Don’t listen to him,” Starshimmer said softly. “He’s just trying to get under your skin.”

Shimmer Hooves gave a weak nod, but the worry still lingered in his eyes. “Yeah. I know. It’s just… what if he’s right?”

“He’s not,” Starshimmer said firmly, though the knot of doubt in her chest wasn’t so easily dismissed.

They left the grand hall together, the weight of Celestia’s speech and Borealis’ cruel words pressing down on them. The tension at the school was growing, and though Celestia had done her best to calm the students, the fear of the unknown was only deepening.

And for Starshimmer, the mystery was far from over.

Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves walked side by side, their hooves echoing softly against the stone floor. Shimmer Hooves still hadn’t spoken since their encounter with Borealis, and Starshimmer could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.

“He’s enjoying this,” Shimmer Hooves muttered suddenly, breaking the silence. His wings twitched nervously at his sides. “Borealis. He’s… he’s acting like this whole thing is some kind of joke.”

Starshimmer frowned, her own thoughts still turning over Borealis’ cruel words. “Yeah. It’s like he’s happy that this is happening, like it’s some sort of sick game to him.”

They turned down another corridor, the dim light casting shadows on the walls. The earlier confrontation with Borealis had only deepened Starshimmer’s suspicions. The way he had taunted Shimmer Hooves, how he seemed to almost revel in the fact that only non-unicorns were collapsing—it was all too strange.

“He’s always been a bully, but this feels different,” Starshimmer said, her voice low. “He’s too… giddy about it. Like he knows something we don’t.”

Shimmer Hooves nodded, his brow furrowed in worry. “You think he could be behind it? I mean… all those ponies collapsing? It just feels too much like a coincidence that he’s so smug about it.”

Starshimmer’s mind raced. Could Borealis be involved somehow? He was powerful—everypony knew that. As the son of Twilight Sparkle, he had access to magic most students only dreamed of. But would he really go that far?

“Maybe,” she said slowly, her thoughts churning. “I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s always thought he was better than everypony else, especially non-unicorns. Maybe this is his way of showing it.”

Shimmer Hooves swallowed hard, his wings drooping slightly. “If he’s behind it… that means I could be next, right?”

Starshimmer’s heart ached at the fear in his voice, but before she could say anything, a deep voice interrupted them, cutting through the quiet like a knife.

"Out for a late stroll, are we?" Starswirl’s voice was sharp, though more weary than malicious. His gaze flicked between them, clearly unimpressed. "Or did you somehow forget about the new curfew?"

Shimmer Hooves gulped, his wings snapping tight against his sides. "We were just heading back to the dormitories, Professor. Honest."

Starswirl sighed, his expression a mixture of annoyance and something else Starshimmer couldn’t quite place—exhaustion, perhaps, or maybe frustration. "You two always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Starshimmer felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She opened her mouth to explain, but Starswirl raised a hoof, cutting her off before she could speak.

"I’m not interested in whatever excuses you have," he said with a wave of his hoof. "The Headmistress has given clear instructions for your safety, and I expect you to follow them. Wandering the halls after hours isn’t exactly going to help."

Shimmer Hooves nodded rapidly, eager to show they weren’t causing any trouble. "Right. Of course, Professor. We’ll head straight to the dormitories."

Starswirl’s gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing whether or not to say more. Finally, he let out a short breath and gestured down the hall with a flick of his horn.

"Off with you, then," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "And next time, don’t make me come looking for you. If you want to stay out of trouble, stick to the rules."

Starshimmer gave a stiff nod, her pulse quickening as she felt the weight of Starswirl’s words. He wasn’t angry, exactly—just tired, as though dealing with students wandering around was the least of his concerns. Without another word, she nudged Shimmer Hooves, and the two of them hurried down the hall.

As they rounded the corner and the distance between them and Starswirl grew, Shimmer Hooves let out a long breath. "That was... uncomfortable."

Starshimmer glanced back, her thoughts still swirling. "Yeah. He didn’t seem too happy."

Shimmer Hooves shrugged, his nervous energy finally settling. "Well, at least we’re not in detention."

Starshimmer didn’t respond, her mind still lingering on Starswirl. There had been something in his tone—something more than just annoyance. It was almost as if he was worried, though he had hidden it well beneath his usual impatience.

As they reached the dormitory wing, Shimmer Hooves broke the silence again. "Do you think he knows what’s going on? With the students collapsing and all?"

Starshimmer hesitated, then shook her head. "I don’t know. But whatever it is, I think we’ll find out soon enough."

Chapter 8: Shimmer Hooves

The soft crunch of snow beneath their hooves filled the air as Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves made their way through the courtyard. The wintry landscape around the School of Magic was a dazzling sight, with fresh snow glistening under the pale afternoon sun. Though the cold nipped at her muzzle, Starshimmer found the crisp air refreshing after the stuffiness of their long train ride back from the holidays.

Hearth's Warming Eve had come and gone, and while it was a relief to return to familiar routines, there was still an undercurrent of tension beneath the surface. The collapses, the rules… even though they had all tried to enjoy their time at home, the unease hadn’t disappeared.

Shimmer Hooves walked quietly beside Starshimmer, his breath misting in the cold air. He hadn’t quite shaken the worry that had gnawed at him for weeks, and it showed in the way his wings drooped slightly, even now.

Starshimmer felt her heart squeeze as she looked at him. The thought of him almost quitting school still stung. He had admitted to her into a serie of letter that he wanted to quit school. She had convinced him to come back, but she knew that fear still clung to him like a shadow.

The urge to lighten the mood struck her, and before she could second-guess herself, Starshimmer’s horn lit up with a mischievous glow. A soft ball of snow levitated from the ground, and with a playful grin, she flung it directly at Shimmer Hooves’ side.

Thwap!

“Hey!” Shimmer Hooves yelped, spinning around with wide eyes. Snow slid down his side as he blinked at her, completely caught off guard.

Starshimmer couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled out. “What? I thought you could use some practice dodging things!”

Shimmer Hooves narrowed his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Oh, you’re asking for it now.”

Before she could react, he scooped up a snowball with his wings and flung it at her, hitting her squarely in the chest. The impact sent a spray of snow into the air, and Starshimmer gasped, laughing as she shook off the cold.

“Oh, it’s on now!” Starshimmer declared, her horn glowing again as she whipped up another snowball and launched it at Shimmer Hooves.

For a few moments, the tension melted away as they launched snowballs back and forth, their laughter filling the cold winter air. The courtyard became their battleground as they dodged and sprinted across the snow, their worries momentarily forgotten. Starshimmer darted behind a tree, using it as a shield as Shimmer Hooves tried to lob a snowball over the branches.

“You’re going to have to do better than that!” she taunted, barely peeking out from behind her cover.

Shimmer Hooves snickered. “Oh, don’t worry, I will!”

Suddenly, Starshimmer took off, sprinting across the open courtyard with Shimmer Hooves in hot pursuit. Their hooves kicked up the powdery snow as they zigzagged across the schoolyard, their breath coming in bursts of laughter.

Starshimmer rounded a corner near the edge of the grounds, skidding to a halt just as they neared the small cottage where Steelheart, the school’s groundskeeper, lived. The large stallion was outside, shoveling snow from his front steps, his imposing frame covered in a heavy woolen cloak to keep out the cold. His ears perked as the sound of the two students’ laughter reached him.

“Well, what’s this then?” Steelheart called out, leaning on his shovel with a bemused smile. “Looks like somepony’s having fun.”

Starshimmer stopped, slightly out of breath, her cheeks pink from both the cold and the chase. “Just… getting in a little practice,” she joked, tossing a sidelong glance at Shimmer Hooves, who had finally caught up.

Shimmer Hooves, panting but grinning, ruffled his wings to shake off the snow that had accumulated on them. “Starry’s got a wicked aim with snowballs,” he huffed.

Steelheart chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. “Good to see you both enjoying yourselves after all the… excitement lately. It’s important to find time for some fun.”

He eyed the two of them for a moment, then nodded toward the door of his cottage. “How about you two come inside and warm up? I’ve just made some hot cocoa, and you look like you could use it.”

Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves exchanged a surprised glance. It wasn’t often that a teacher—especially one like Steelheart—invited students into their home. But the warmth in his voice, and the promise of hot cocoa, was too tempting to resist.

“Are you sure?” Starshimmer asked, feeling a little sheepish.

Steelheart waved a hoof dismissively. “Of course! Come on, before you catch a chill.”

Without further hesitation, the two of them followed Steelheart inside. The cottage was cozy, filled with the comforting scent of woodsmoke and rich chocolate. A fire crackled warmly in the hearth, casting a golden glow across the room, and Steelheart’s large armchair sat invitingly by the fire.

“Have a seat,” Steelheart said, gesturing to the small table near the fireplace. “I’ll get the cocoa.”

As they settled down, Starshimmer felt herself relax into the warmth of the room. The playful energy of the snowball fight had lifted her spirits, but it was the quiet comfort of this moment that made her feel safe. It was as though, for just a little while, the heaviness of everything happening at the school didn’t seem so overwhelming.

Steelheart returned with two steaming mugs of cocoa, placing them on the table before sitting down in the chair near the fire. “Here you go. Fresh from my secret recipe,” he said with a wink.

Starshimmer took a sip, the warmth spreading through her chest as the rich flavor hit her tongue. “This is amazing!” she said, her eyes lighting up.

Shimmer Hooves nodded in agreement, his wings fluttering slightly as he drank. “Definitely better than the stuff we get in the dining hall.”

Steelheart chuckled again, a deep sound that filled the cozy room. “Glad you like it.”

For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound. Starshimmer watched the flames dance in the hearth, her mind drifting back to the events of the past few months—the collapses, the strange behavior, the growing mystery that seemed to wrap tighter around the school like a vine.

Steelheart seemed to sense her thoughts. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes kind but thoughtful. “I imagine things have been weighing heavily on both of you. With everything going on lately… it’s hard not to worry.”

Starshimmer hesitated, unsure of how much to say. Steelheart was one of the few teachers she felt she could trust, but there was still so much she didn’t understand. “It’s just… it feels like nopony really knows what’s happening,” she said quietly. “And even though we’re back, everypony’s still on edge.”

Steelheart nodded slowly, his expression serious. “You’re not wrong. A lot of strange things have been happening lately, things that we can’t quite explain. But we’re doing everything we can to keep you all safe.”

Shimmer Hooves shifted in his seat, his voice soft. “It’s just hard not to be scared, you know? Especially with the new rules and everything.”

Steelheart’s gaze softened. “I know it’s hard. But you’re both stronger than you realize. Just remember that we’re here to help, no matter what. And sometimes, finding a little joy, like you did out there in the snow, is the best way to keep the fear at bay.”

The warmth of the fire and the rich taste of the cocoa eased the tension in the room, but Starshimmer’s thoughts still churned beneath the surface. She felt safe here, sitting with Steelheart and Shimmer Hooves, but that gnawing feeling—that something was very wrong—wouldn’t leave her.

She glanced at Steelheart, who sat comfortably in his armchair, his large frame somehow making the cozy space feel even more inviting. His steady, calm presence was reassuring, but the questions in her mind itched to be asked. She hesitated for a moment, glancing at Shimmer Hooves, before finally speaking.

"Steelheart," she began carefully, her voice quieter than before, "do you think… I mean, is it possible that Borealis could be behind what’s happening?"

Shimmer Hooves gave her a surprised look, but he didn’t say anything, clearly waiting for Steelheart’s reaction. Starshimmer had been thinking about it for a while now—Borealis was a bully, sure, but his smugness, the way he seemed almost happy that only non-unicorns were collapsing… it felt off.

Steelheart, however, didn’t seem at all concerned. Instead, he let out a deep, booming laugh that echoed through the cozy cottage, startling both Starshimmer and Shimmer Hooves.

"Borealis?" Steelheart chuckled, shaking his head with amusement. "That pompous colt? I’ll admit, he’s got quite the ego, but believe me, he’s not the mastermind you’re imagining."

Starshimmer blinked, a little taken aback by how quickly Steelheart dismissed the idea. "But he… he’s been acting so strange, almost like he’s enjoying this. And he always makes these remarks, like he’s glad it’s happening to non-unicorns."

Steelheart leaned back in his chair, still smiling. "Oh, I don’t doubt that. Borealis has always been a bit too full of himself, thinks the world revolves around him. But to suggest he’s behind this? Not a chance."

Shimmer Hooves, seeming more at ease now, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I mean, Borealis is awful, but… doing something like this under Princess Twilight Sparkle’s nose? His own mother? He’d never get away with it."

Steelheart grinned. "Exactly. The son of Twilight Sparkle causing this kind of trouble? Not even in a million years. Twilight would catch on to him before he even tried. That colt may be arrogant, but he's not foolish enough to try something this dangerous while his mother’s watching over him."

Starshimmer sipped her cocoa, the heat warming her hooves, but her mind wasn’t convinced. Sure, Steelheart had a point—Borealis probably wouldn’t do something so reckless with Twilight Sparkle as his mother. And yet…

There was something about the way Borealis carried himself, something about how smug he had been when the first students collapsed. It felt too coincidental. But with Steelheart and Shimmer Hooves both brushing off the idea, she decided to keep her doubts to herself.

"Yeah, I guess you’re right," Starshimmer said aloud, though her thoughts continued to swirl with uncertainty.

Steelheart leaned forward, his expression softening. "Listen, I know things have been strange around here, and I can’t deny that we’re still trying to figure out what’s going on. But it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes the most obvious explanation isn’t the right one."

Starshimmer nodded, though she remained quiet, her suspicions still gnawing at her. She didn’t want to argue, especially not with Steelheart, who had been so kind to them. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Borealis than met the eye.

"Thanks, Steelheart," Shimmer Hooves said, his wings fluttering slightly. "It’s good to know we don’t have to worry about Borealis… at least not like that."

Steelheart smiled, rising from his chair to place another log on the fire. "You two just focus on your studies and try not to worry too much. We’ll get to the bottom of this, but in the meantime, don’t let your imagination run wild. Sometimes, that’s more dangerous than the actual problem."

Starshimmer forced a small smile, but her mind was still spinning with questions. She knew Steelheart meant well, and his reassurances helped calm her nerves. But something about Borealis still felt wrong, and despite his confidence, she wasn’t ready to let go of her suspicions just yet.

As the evening stretched on and the warmth of the fire lulled them into a comfortable silence, Starshimmer’s thoughts lingered on everything they had discussed. She might have to be more careful about voicing her suspicions, but she wasn’t ready to stop searching for answers.

Steelheart may be right… but I’ll have to find out for myself.

The classroom was filled with the faint hum of magical energy as students focused intently on their latest assignment. Starshimmer furrowed her brow, her horn glowing faintly as she attempted the spell again, sweat beading along her forehead. The book on offensive spells lay open in front of her, and while the rest of the class seemed to be picking up the technique, she was still struggling.

“Concentrate,” Starswirl’s voice rang out sharply from the front of the room. His deep, commanding tone echoed through the space, though he didn’t sound angry—just impatient. “This is not a spell that will tolerate distraction. Focus.”

Starshimmer gritted her teeth, her horn sparking with unstable magic. The spell—a simple offensive burst—was supposed to be a foundational skill in defensive combat, something she’d eventually need to protect herself and others. But no matter how hard she tried, the energy fizzled out before she could form it properly.

Across the room, a few students exchanged amused glances, and Starshimmer’s ears flattened as she caught Borealis whispering to one of his cronies. It was clear her struggles weren’t going unnoticed.

“Ugh, this is embarrassing,” she muttered to herself, trying again to summon the energy for the spell.

Nothing.

Starswirl watched the room with his sharp eyes, clearly aware of her struggle. He stepped forward, his presence heavy as he observed the students’ progress.

“Some of you need to understand,” he said, his voice cutting through the quiet, “that magic is not just about knowing the theory. It’s about discipline. Control. And sometimes, you need to shake off your environment to truly connect with the power you're trying to wield.”

Starshimmer’s cheeks burned with embarrassment as she realized Starswirl’s gaze had landed on her. She kept her eyes on her spell, trying harder to focus, but the mounting pressure only made things worse.

“I think,” Starswirl said after a pause, “an outdoor lesson is in order. The snow will do you all some good.”

A collective groan rippled through the room, and Starshimmer cringed as several of her classmates shot her annoyed looks. It wasn’t hard to guess that she was the reason they were being subjected to this sudden change in plans.

“Outside? Now?” one student muttered. “Why?”

“Thanks a lot, Starshimmer,” another whispered harshly, glaring in her direction.

Borealis’ smirk was unmistakable, and though he said nothing, the smug look he shot her told her everything she needed to know. Perfect, Starshimmer thought bitterly, now they’re all mad at me.

Starswirl clapped his hooves. “No more complaining. Everypony outside. Now.”

Grumbling under their breath, the students shuffled to their hooves and followed Starswirl out into the courtyard, where the snow-covered grounds stretched out beneath the gray sky. The cold bit at Starshimmer’s nose, but the sharp air cleared her head a bit. Maybe this would help. Maybe she just needed the fresh air to focus.

“Pair off,” Starswirl commanded once they were outside. “You’ll take turns practicing the offensive spell against one another. Controlled bursts only. No unnecessary force.”

Starshimmer’s heart sank when she found herself paired with one of Borealis’ friends—Nimbus, who always seemed to have something to say about her failures. He trotted up to her with a wide grin, his hooves crunching in the snow.

“Well, this should be fun,” Nimbus said with a chuckle. “I hope you don’t plan on missing me with that pitiful magic of yours.”

Starshimmer glared at him but said nothing, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She had enough trouble focusing on the spell without his taunts.

Nimbus rolled his eyes. “Come on, Starry. You’ve got to try harder than that if you’re ever going to be good enough to be in this class. Or maybe… you’re just not cut out for offensive magic.”

Her horn flared slightly, the magic crackling more violently than before as she tried to keep her focus. But Nimbus kept going.

“Maybe you should go back to the basics. Or ask Shimmer Hooves for help—oh wait, he can’t even attend these classes. Must be nice to be so special.”

Starshimmer’s heart pounded in her chest, her anger rising. She could feel the heat behind her magic as it built up, the energy sparking more wildly as her emotions flared. She gritted her teeth, trying to keep control, but the pressure was growing. She could hear Nimbus snickering, and the humiliation only fueled her frustration.

The snow around her began to swirl as the magic coiled within her horn, ready to burst.

Focus… just focus…

But just as she was about to release the spell, a sharp voice cut through the tension.

“Starshimmer!” Starswirl’s voice rang out, his tone urgent. He was striding toward her, his expression unreadable.

She blinked, her magic fizzling out in an instant as the spell collapsed. Her chest tightened in panic—had she done something wrong?

But Starswirl didn’t scold her. Instead, he motioned toward the nurse standing beside him, her face grave. “You’re needed in the infirmary immediately.”

Starshimmer’s heart dropped. The infirmary?

“What…? Why?” she asked, her voice trembling with sudden worry.

“The nurse will explain,” Starswirl said, his tone strangely soft. “It’s urgent.”

Starshimmer barely registered the other students as she followed the nurse, her hooves crunching through the snow as a knot of dread formed in her stomach. Something was wrong—terribly wrong.

As they neared the infirmary, Starshimmer’s pulse quickened, her mind racing with thoughts of what might have happened. Was it another collapse? Was somepony hurt?

The nurse opened the door to the infirmary, and as soon as Starshimmer stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat.

There, lying stiff and motionless on one of the beds, was Shimmer Hooves.

But he wasn’t simply unconscious. His entire body was stiffen his wings frozen in mid-flutter, his eyes wide with shock, yet lifeless. He had been petrified.

“Shimmer Hooves…” Starshimmer whispered, her voice cracking. She stumbled toward the bed, her chest tight with fear. “What… what happened?”

The nurse’s expression was grim. “We found him like this. We don’t know how long he’s been petrified, but it’s far more serious than the collapses.”

Starshimmer’s knees buckled as she sank to the side of the bed, her eyes filling with tears. This was worse—so much worse than the unconsciousness the other students had experienced. This was something darker. Something cruel.

The door creaked open behind her, and Starshimmer turned to see Headmistress Celestia stepping inside, her presence filling the room with a quiet authority. Her gaze was soft but filled with concern as she approached the bed.

“Starshimmer,” Celestia said gently, her voice calm but probing. “Do you know anything about this? Has Shimmer Hooves mentioned anything to you?”

Starshimmer blinked, her vision blurred with tears. “No… no, I don’t. I don’t know what happened. He… he was fine earlier.”

Her voice broke as she looked back at her friend, her heart aching. Shimmer Hooves had been afraid—afraid of something happening to him because he wasn’t a unicorn. And now, here he was, petrified, his body frozen like stone.

Celestia’s eyes softened, but there was a gravity in her expression. “If you know anything, Starshimmer, anything at all, it could help us figure out what’s happening.”

Starshimmer shook her head, her tears spilling over as she clutched the edge of the bed. “I… I don’t know anything,” she whispered. “I swear… I don’t know why this happened.”

Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. “We’ll do everything we can to help him. But we need to understand what’s going on.”

Starshimmer nodded through her tears, her heart breaking as she looked at Shimmer Hooves’ petrified form. The weight of the mystery pressed down on her like never before. Whatever was happening, it was getting worse. And this time, it had taken her best friend.

The warmth of Celestia’s hoof on her shoulder did little to ease the chill that had settled deep within Starshimmer. Her tears had dried, but the ache in her chest remained, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions she couldn’t control.

Shimmer Hooves—her best friend—lay petrified, unmoving, frozen in a state worse than any of the collapses that had come before. It wasn’t just unconsciousness anymore; it was something far more sinister, something that threatened to steal him away forever.

Starshimmer swallowed hard, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and desperation. Celestia’s words echoed in her mind—We need to understand what’s going on. But how could she explain something she didn’t understand herself? How could she stand by and watch as Shimmer Hooves became another casualty of this strange, creeping magic?

As Celestia left the infirmary, speaking softly with the nurse, Starshimmer wiped her eyes and stood up. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, but with it came a growing resolve. She couldn’t sit idly by and wait for answers to come. She couldn’t leave Shimmer Hooves like this.

There has to be a way to fix this. There has to be a cure.

Her thoughts drifted back to Nightmare Night, back to the door in the forbidden library that Starswirl had disappeared behind. The one that had been sealed with ancient magic. Whatever was behind that door—it had to hold some answers. She had been too scared to act before, but now, with Shimmer Hooves’ life hanging in the balance, she didn’t have a choice.

I have to go back. I have to get inside that door.

She wasn’t sure how she would do it yet—how she would get into the forbidden library without being caught, or how she would break the seals on the door—but she would find a way. For Shimmer Hooves. For the answers that no one else seemed to have.

Starshimmer took a deep breath, her mind already forming a plan. She would wait for the right moment, maybe after curfew when the halls were quiet. She would use every spell she had learned, every bit of her magic, to get into that library and find the knowledge she needed.

Because if the teachers didn’t have the answers, she would find them herself.