The Opposing Sides Of Life

Chapter 3: Knowledge Is Everything

11 months later- Spring

Laughter filled the hot spring air. Celestia and Luna were having fun playing outside chasing

each other along with other colts and fillies. In the past few months they have learned a lot about the way of life and everything they need to know. They learned how to speak and could walk very well. They also, in the past few month, had been getting more and more curious about exploring outside the village. Sun and Night told them about the monsters and dangers outside the village.

"Tia?" Luna asked.

"Yes what is it lil sis?" Celestia said with a smile.

"Can we go explore? Im bored." Luna mumbled.

"No Luna, Remember what mom and dad said?" Celestia said sternly.

Luna sighed, "Yes but I'm tired of running around here. We do it every day. Same thing one day after another."

Celestia stopped and thought for a second. "Yes I know but there's monsters out there that will hurt us. We have to stay here for now."

Luna moaned. "Your right Tia, lets do something else. hmm. Hey Tia?"

Celestia kept staring at her sister. "Yes Luna?"

"Do you know what these horns are for. Like we have talked about them before. But what are they meant to do? They have to do something right?" Luna asked with a  puzzled look.

Celestia paused for a while and thought about it. "You know what Luna? I don't really know. Let's ask mom or dad."

Celestia and Luna ran into the hut. "Mommy! Daddy!" they yelled.

Nightlight was sitting in his chair reading a book. "Yes? what is it?"

Celestia looked at her dad. "What are these horns for? Like what do they do?"

Night stopped reading. He put his book down and turned his attention to his two daughters. "I suppose I could tell you. You two are Alicorns. You learned about Pegasi and Unicorns in school right? Well Alicorns are a combination of Pegasi and Unicorns. The horn on your head is for magic."

The look on the two sisters faces were of awe. "Do you mean.."

"Yes Celestia you can use magic and do what unicorns do."

"I didn't know this thing actually worked. This is awesome!" Celestia said excitedly.

"Except I don't know how you would use it because no one around here can teach you. The only one who can is...."

"Who is it dad?"

"Uhhh never mind they aren't around any more I forgot." Night said with a nervous smile.

Celestia didn't pay much attention to him she just sighed, gave a "oh" and went to her room.

Celestia and Luna's room was much bigger now that their baby stuff was still gone. They were only a year old. They still had some toys but mainly read books or played outside. Celestia sat on her bed. "I wonder what daddy was saying about that somepony that could help. I know he knew where that pony was." Celestia said quietly.

"I don't know Tia." Luna said.

"I got an idea but it will have to wait until mom and dad go to bed we will hear them talk about it with each other later.."

Celestia and Luna were playing with toys in their room when their dad came in.

"Celestia, Luna it's time for dinner come down stairs."

"ok daddy." Celestia said.

Celestia went down stairs with Luna close behind. They sat down and ate. It was their favourite. Grass and oat sandwiches with salad. They took their time eating.

"Wow you two are sure taking your time eating. Usually its gone within 5 seconds of you sitting down." Sun said with surprise.

"Ya we are not very hungry right now." Celestia said.

"Well maybe you two should go up stairs and get some rest. You have to go to school tomorrow."

After an hour or two of waiting Celestia finally heard her parents going up the stairs to their bed room.

"ok lets go Luna." Celestia Whispered.

They were sitting in front of their parents door listening.

"Did you tell them about the zebra in the Everfree?" Sun asked

"No I can't even remember where it is." Night Replied.

Celestia listened intently and gasped at what she heard. "Do you hear that Luna? There's a zebra in the Everfree! She can help us I bet." She whispered.

"Oh well you know its not to far from here. You go out the back of the hut and go straight until you meet up with the trail. Then you go right and follow the trail and it will take you there." Sun said.

"Oh yes i remember now. It's just so dangerous in that forest. It isn't a nice place."

"I just don't want to put our kids in any danger. I care about them so much." Night said.

"Yes I know Night. They are too young for this anyways. When they are a bit older we will tell them."

"Ok, Goodnight." Night said.

Celestia and Luna decided to go back to there room to talk and think.

"Did you hear that? There is a zebra in the Everfree that can probably help us with magic and show us how to use our horns. We will go after school tomorrow ok?"

"Uhhh Sure Tia sounds good..." Luna said nervously.

"Ok good. We need to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day." Celestia said.

The next day Celestia and Luna awoke early. They were up before their parents. They went down stairs grabbed some food and went outside. It was dim out. The sun had just started shining over top of the far mountain to the east. Old tales say that there once was old dragon who lived in a cave at the tip of the mountain. But the Unicorns and Pegasi teamed up and eventually drove it away. They split the resources 50/50. This is what unicorns used to discover some types of magic and spells.

Luna looked towards the mountain in awe. Her jaw was open a bit as she looked at the mountain. The sun had cast a orange and pink glow over equestria driving the monsters away. Each time Luna saw the sunrise she thought of her sister. That color of pink almost matched her mane. The shade of pink wasn't as vivid as her sisters but it was close.

Celestia laughed at her sister. "What are you looking at?" she said with laughter.

"Huh? oh. I was just watching the sun." Luna said. She was mesmerized by it. Celestia looked too.

But Luna couldn't take her eyes off it. After a minute or so the the wash of colors went away. Luna blinked and brought her gaze back to her sister.

"Yes it is very pretty little sis but we must go to school soon. The sun is starting to move more." she said.

Celestia and Luna walked and talked for while before heading to school. They started talking about the mysterious Zebra that their parents were talking about the night before.

"So what do you think will happen when we meet her?" Celestia asked.

"I don't know. I don't think it's such a good idea to go. The Everfree is a very dangerous place."

They stopped walking. "What do you mean not go!? We could learn so much. We could learn how to fly or use really cool spells! Mom and dad would be proud of us!" Celestia said with a slightly irritated look.

"Do you think they will be proud?" Luna asked her sister.

"Yes they will." Celestia replied. "Now it's time to go to school. Come on we can't be late!"

And with that Luna gave a sigh and ran off after her sister who was running towards the school hut.

Later that day all the fillies and colts ran out of the school hut. School was out and Celestia and Luna emerged from the school hut tired and worn out. They stretched and look around with a yawn.

"So Luna are you ready to go see the Zebra?"

"I think so sis." She said with a nervous look. This caused Celestia to stare at her. She looked away.

"Alright lets go." She said excitedly.

They too fillies walked down the path to the Edge of the Everfree's entrance behind their hut. Celestia Looked around for the sign of any other ponies. If they were caught going into the forest they would be in trouble. "Ok coast is clear let's go." They proceeded into the Everfree. It was very dark in the forest. The two young fillies walked together with eyes peeled. They watched everything. They continued through the underbrush of the Everfree until it broke through and met up with a long

winding path. The canopy of the Everfree opened up in spots lighting the path a little. They continued on for sometime. As beautiful as it was in the Everfree they had the feeling something had started watching as they continued to walk. It was also very dangerous and they knew that too. As they kept walking Luna kept whimpering. "Shhh. You have to be quiet if we hear anyth.." Celestia froze. "What is it Tia?" Luna asked. Celestia didn't say anything. She craned her neck to the left. She screamed. Then everything went black.

Celestia woke up warm. She fidgeted and yawned. It took her a moment for her eyes to adjust. A smell hit her. Filling her mind with thoughts It was a pleasant smell. It was...Food. She come back to reality instantly. She sat up. "Wha. Wh. Where am I?" she said. Her mouth was watering from the smell of what ever was cooking. A tall dark figure came out of the corner. Celestia froze. The figure began to speak.

"Ahhh yes you are awake my dear. I have entertained your sister with my riddles. So why don't you sit down and take hear." The dark figured said as she moved into the light. She was a zebra. "A Zebra!?"

Celestia thought. She jumped to her hooves. "Your a zebra! where is Luna? I must tell her the good news!" Celestia said with excitement.

"Tia!" Luna said with a happy look. "You're awake!"

"Yes I am." Celestia said with a smile. Then turned and looked at the Zebra. Who was staring at her.

"My name is Recora." Celestia just stared.

"You must be the Zebra my parents were talking about. I asked them where I could learn to use this horn and they didn't want me to know you were here. I think they wanted me to stay away form the Everfree. That's why me and my sister aren't supposed to be here." Celestia said.

"Not telling your parents is bad. Surely they are looking for you and will be mad." Recora said. It was strange how she talked in riddles it put her mind at easy. It made her feel safe.

Celestia's face turned sad. "Yes I know but I really wanted to learn magic and we thought maybe you could help."

"Well if it's help you are looking for and not for greed, I will gladly accept your need. First we must gather plants and fruit. This will sharpen your senses and will later help you find the loot."

So Celestia and Luna set off into her garden outside. The tree house in the forest was in a clearing. The canopy of the Everfree had a hole in it to let light in Recora's yard. Celestia and Luna gathered fruit and plants and went back into Recora's house. "Recora we're back!" Celestia announced.

"Oh good, did you get the fruit for the soup? I hope so or it may turn into goop." she said with a chuckle.

"Yes we got all the fruit can we learn about magic now?"

"Yes why not? Just read this books and take a look." She said walking to her book shelf and grabbing some books from the shelf. She handed Celestia and Luna some books. Celestia stared at the cover and opened the book and started to read. Recora just looked at them and laughed. The books she gave them to read was a book for young fillies and colts which contained old stories and facts on the unicorns. After and hour or two of reading Celestia and Luna got up off the chair.

"All done I see?" Recora said.

"Yes, what now?" Celestia asked

"You will go home and rest. That will be the best.Tomorrow If you return around the same time there will be somepony who can show you how use magic using what you learned." Recora said.

"I guess my parents are probably worried..." Celestia said quietly. "Let's go Luna."The two fillies left for home. They started talking while they made the journey back home.

"What did you learn Tia?"

"I learned about how the Unicorns used their thoughts to visualize and summon magic.What did you learn?" Celestia asked.

"I learned about how emotion can affect magic and change it's outcome." Luna said happily.

They continued walking home silently. They kept thinking about what they learned and building upon it

in their minds. It was starting to get dark out so they picked up the pace. "How long have we been gone?" Luna asked. Celestia looked up at the sky through a hole in the canopy of the Everfree. "It's been about Four hours or so. We need to get home fast." Celestia said in a rush as her and Luna picked up speed and started to run as fast as their little hooves could carry them. When they arrived back home they Snuck in the back door. The lantern in the corner light up as they walked through the kitchen.

"Where have you two been?" Sun and Night were standing at the doorway infront of them with a suspicious and cross look on their faces.

"Uhhh." Celestia started to speak but was cut off.

"You went to see that zebra in the Everfree didn't you? We told you to stay out of there. It is so dangerous in the forest. Your uncle was killed in the that forest. You do not go in there. Now go to your room. I will come talk to you in a while. This is disappointing." Celestia and Luna hung their heads low and went to their room.

"I thought they would be happy that we are learning things for ourselves. I guess not." Celestia said with a sigh.

Just then her dad came in the room and sat on one of the chairs. He took a deep breath. "I know you are curious and like you so was I at your age. But you must realize your mother and I care about you to much to lose you. We are still both very much in our prime and two are still so young. We couldn't cope if we were to lose you. You both have to understand that you and Luna are very special and I know you have heard that before. This time when I say it... well. You both are destined to be a big part of this world and play a big role in Equestria. You are to young to understand right now but you will understand when your older. Your mother and I do not want to lose you. Lately you haven't seen her much due to her working but you must understand even if we are not there, we will always be in your hearts. So you must stay away from the Everfree's interior. Please just do this for us." He said in a sincere tone.

"We understand dad. But we are learning all about magic! Recora the zebra in the forest said if we show up there tomorrow there will be somepony that will help us learn magic. If you come with us there can we go?" Celestia asked.

He thought for a second. "I will to your mother. I will see what she says. Come back here after you get out of school tomorrow. "How do you feel about this Luna?" She sat in the corner and watched her dad. "Uhh I kinda want to learn more too. I like learning about this kind of thing." she said with a small grin. Nightlight sat for a moment and thought. He got up and began to leave. "Goodnight." he said with a soft tone as he shut to door behind him. "Goodnight." Luna said as her and her sister went to sleep.

The next morning Celestia and Luna awoke. The sun was shining in the windows and the smell of potato and carrot soup filled the air. Celestia and Luna got ready and went down stairs. "Good morning Mom. Good Morning Dad." They just looked at them and smiled. "We have decided that I will go with you to Recora's place in the Everfree. But you better be learning something because this isn't something I completely agree with ok?"

Celestia looked at her dad. "Ok, thanks so much dad." she said as she gave him a hug. Luna followed.The two fillies ate and left for school. It was going to be a long day at school. All they could do was think about going to Racora's place and meeting this pony who was going to teach them how to use magic. It was a long day. Following the routine of yesterday both Celestia and Luna emerged from the school hut with big yawn followed by a stretch. "Ugh I though I would never say this but as much as I love learning school is soooo boring." Luna said with a annoyed tone. "What about you Tia?" she asked.

"Likewise." she said. "Now let's go home so we can go learn more magic!" she exclaimed with excitement. With that the two sisters ran off for home excitedly. Neither of them could wait to start learning magic again. Luna and Celestia were not like normal ponies. well aside from being the only alicorns to inhabit Equestria in some number of years they Loved learning. Most ponies hated school but they didn't mind it. Even though it made them tired they still loved learning. When they got home they burst through the door. "Daddy it's time to go to Recoras! Celestia said with a raised voice. Night came out of the sitting room and got on his hat. "Ok let's go." he said

They walked for about Twenty minutes before arriving at Recora's house. They knocked on the door and a dark figure opened it. She removed her hood. "Recora!" Luna shouted as she ran in the house. Recora sat there speechless. She then turned her attention to Nightlight. "ahhh Nightlight long time no see?" she said.

"Why hello Recora, long time indeed. Place looks like it always has.

"Thank you." she said. "Night you always were so Polite if I recall."

Night just smiled and nodded.

"Who's this pony we are meeting?" Celestia asked.

Recora pointed to the blue and white pony sitting down and eating. She cleared her throat and stood up.

"Hello my name is Blue Twist." the Blue mare said. You must be Celestia and where's the other one?" She said in confusion.

Luna was sitting in the corner reading some old ponytales. "Ahh yes there's the other one. You must be Luna then?" she said with a light chuckle.

Luna looked up with a smile. "Hi. Are you going to teach us about magic?"

"Yes I am. Lets get started shall we?" she said with a smile. "Stand side by side in the middle of the room." Celestia and Luna did as Instructed. "Now Recora told we what you read about. I will teach you what I can. Close your eyes. I want you to think. Bring up your thoughts and think hard. Meditate on them. Now I want you to open them. Look at the small box on the floor. I want you to close your eyes and imagine that. Where it is, what it looks like and such. Now Celestia I want you to pick it up in you thoughts. Imagine picking it up. Now search your body for your horn and now try to take the thoughts and move them to your horn."Celestia's horn began to glow a bright pink. "Good. Now try pick it up again. Luna started to gasp. "Now open your eyes Celestia." She opened them and gasped. "Im doing it! Im lifting the box!" Celestia said with pure excitement. "Now Celestia imagine moving it up,down,side to side, or where ever." Blue Twist said this a smile. Celestia was now making the box do loops before she set it down. "That was amazing!" Celestia said with glee. "Now you try it Luna." Luna closed her eyes and did the same thing her sister did and when she opened her eyes the box was floating. "This is what we call Levitation. It can be used on objects as well as other things like ponies. You can only lift as much as your mind can comprehend. So don't try to over do it." she said in a serious tone. Celestia turned to her dad and her horn lit up. She just grinned. "Wha. Whoa!" Night said nervously. "Celestia put me down now!" He kicked and bucked so she set him down.

"Don't ever do that again ok?" he said, heart still racing.

Celestia laughed. "Don't worry dad I won't."

Blue Twist sat on the floor. "well uhhh. You must have strong, smart minds then. Well anyways, shall we learn some new spells?"

"Yes let's" Both sisters said.

After a few more hours of training it was time to go. "Let's go home it will be dark soon." Night said.

"Thank you Blue." Luna said.

"No problem come back some other time and Recora will call for me. I will be here in a flash. Literally." Blue laughed.

They said their goodbyes and started the journey home.

"What's your favourite spell Tia?"

"Well I like the Levitation one. Oooo. I also like the Teleportation one but it's really hard. My favourite one has to be the Listening enhancement one. I can hear anything. But we have to be careful because she said it takes a lot of energy to do magic." Celestia said. "But which spell is your favourite Luna?"

"Mine has to be the Levitation spell. I don't think dad likes it though." She giggled.

Night just shook his head with a sigh.

All three made it home and went to bed. Celestia and Luna had just gotten into bed. "Tia?"

"Yes Luna?" Celestia whispered.

"Can we learn to fly?" Luna asked.

"Sure. When we finish learning magic." Celestia said quietly.

"Awe but Tia." She whined

"One thing at a time." Celestia laughed. "Now let's get some sleep."