Learning Magic

Chapter 3: The Magical Mishap

Rarity slowly got up from her bed. She felt great, actually, she felt better than great – she couldn’t remember the last time she got such a good rest. What was strange was that she didn’t feel like this because of her body, it was rather because of her mind.

For the past several years, she never really used her magic, except for her daily chores, which don’t really count. As a result, majority of her magical stamina waited in her horn unmoving, undisrupted, rotting; in a metaphorical sense, of course. This stillness caused a feeling in her horn – it could be compared to the feeling you get after being really bored for several hours. Of course, this feeling was intensifying gradually, so Rarity didn’t notice it until it was gone – yesterday’s test was like flexing a muscle.

I feel like I can tackle the world! Twilight, today I’ll show you what I’m made of!

———

“Alright Rarity, just stand over here and focus on that large boulder.” Twilight said, as she motioned towards a nearby rock.

The rock itself was quite big - it weighed 52,568 kg – Twilight measured it. The point of the test was to levitate the rock as long as possible.

“As soon as you begin to feel your natural energy being drained, drop it.”

“Of course darling, no need to remind me.”

Rarity lit up her horn. At first, the rock simply started to glow light blue, without actually rising. That soon changed, however, as Rarity began to channel her magic towards it, making the aura change colour to rich blue.

This... is really hard.

Rarity could feel her magic being exhausted and knew that at this rate, it will be completely depleted in under 10 seconds.

I have to keep it up longer! If I drop it after just 10 seconds, I’ll look pathetic! Twilight might even give up on me after such a feeble performance!

After 11 seconds, her magic was completely spent, but Rarity continued to levitate the rock nevertheless.

Just... A... Little... Longer!!!

Slowly, her vision began to darken, however, the boulder stayed afloat.

Why is it so dark? There must be a cloud passing overhead. The rock suddenly feels so light...

And with that, Rarity passed out.

———

“Ow, my head,” Rarity groaned as she woke up.

Her whole body felt like it was on fire. Every single muscle was sore and to top that, she had a splitting headache.

“About time you woke up, you were out for the whole day,” a familiar voice said.

“Sweetie? Why aren’t you at school? And what time is it?”

“It’s Saturday morning and it’s half ten. Oh and Spike is cooking breakfast downstairs.”

“Spike? What is he doing here? Shouldn’t he be helping Twilight? I’m sure she wants to eat just as much as I do.”

“Twilight is here too, she said she wants to speak with you. And Spike is cooking here because he thinks that I can’t take care of you alone. As if I can’t cook a breakfast!”

Unlike my parents, I need to eat something that isn’t burned to crisp. Good thinking Spike! I need to reward him somehow. But first – Twilight is going to scold me.

Rarity quickly got out of bed and followed Sweetie downstairs.

“Good morning everypony,” Rarity said, while trying to maintain a smile.

That smile soon faltered as she saw the state in which Twilight was. Her mane was all dishevelled, the front of her coat was stained by dried tears and she had large bags under her eyes. Despite all that, she still managed to give a weak smile as she saw Rarity.

“Good morning Rarity, I’m glad to see that you are alright.”

Oh my, she looks terrible! And it’s all my fault. I’m so sorry Twilight!

“Twilight, are you alright, dear?”

“Of course I’m alright, why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like thinking I might have killed or permanently injured my friend would make me feel bad or anything. And it’s not like I spent the entire night praying to Celestia that you were okay, not at all. WHAT THE HAY WERE YOU THINKING!?!"

Rarity was slightly startled at this sudden outburst.

Oh no, this is going to be bad...

“I–I–I’m terribly sorry Twilight, I didn’t know you’d be so worried, I thought the worst that could happen would be passing out...”

“Indeed that would be the case, IF YOU WEREN’T USING A CONTINUOUS SPELL!!! While you lost your consciousness, you sub consciousness continued to maintain the magic field, draining your energy even further! If I wasn’t there, you’d be dead! I was so afraid that I didn’t disrupt the field soon enough... Why did you do that Rarity? I told you to stop before draining your energy several times...”

I could have died!? Why didn’t she warn me!? Wait... This is not the time to try to shift the blame. I’m the one who’s responsible for this.

“I... I think I just wanted to impress you, since what I showed yesterday was so bad. When I couldn’t hold the rock for more than 10 seconds... I just felt so weak.”

After hearing this, Twilights expression started to soften, even a small compassionate smile began to appear.

“You are not weak Rarity; yesterday I simply compared you to myself, that’s why I was so... harsh. Today, I didn’t expect you to keep the rock up for more than seven seconds, you did great even without risking your life.”

“So... You forgive me?”

“I forgive you, Rarity. Just don’t scare me like this ever again.”

At this very moment, Spike walked in from the kitchen, interrupting their conversation.

“Breakfast is ready everypony. Rarity! I’m glad you are alright, I was worried.”

“Spike, you’re such a gentledragon, preparing breakfast for me.”

“It was nothing, really...”

“Well, I think you deserve a reward.” Rarity said as she levitated several gems from the nearby box.

“I love sapphires! I mean... Thank you for your gift Rarity, you are really generous.”

“Don’t be so modest Spike, you deserve it.”

And I mean it – you saved me from Sweetie’s cooking after all!

———

After eating, Twilight bid her farewell.

“I think you should rest today, we’ll continue our lessons tomorrow, only if you want of course. I can understand if you don’t want to have anything to do with magic anymore.”

“Don’t be ridiculous darling. One magical mishap can’t keep me away.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? I can stay and help if you want me to,” Spike said.

“While I still feel a bit sore, I don’t think there’s anything me and Sweetie couldn’t handle together.”

“Are you sure? I can sweep the floor or–or...”

“You heard the lady, Spike. And you can sweep the floor at the library,” Twilight said, grabbing Spike with her magic.

“Aww...”

Afterwards, Rarity went to fix her hair. If she was to relax, then she’ll do it in the spa, and she needs to look presentable in order to walk out of her house after all.