//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty-One – A Recovery Day – Part Two // Story: Marking the Generations – Part Four // by Glimbursts //------------------------------// After spending the morning at Mane Melody. Sunny, Starlight, and Misty all enjoyed lunch at one of the seafront cafes. “We need to discuss something,” Starlight sighed. “Oh?” Sunny said through her daisy sandwich before she swallowed. “What is it, Starlight?” “When Sunset and I check in our return ticket,” Starlight admitted. “It probably should be sooner rather than later.” Sunny’s eyes widened before she looked between Sunset and Starlight worriedly. “Well, you said your leg was the timer,” Sunset replied. “So, it’s when you think it’s strong enough.” “That’s the thing,” Starlight frowned. “I don’t think that’s going to be long.” “Well, I have a surprise in store when I think you’re up to it,” Sunset winked. “So, we won’t be going before that.” Sunny gulped and took a steadying breath. “Okay, when we get back, we should make sure everypony is aware. But we still need to go to the school. I promised Miss Butterscotch ages ago and I feel bad for not going yet.” “That’s no problem, Sunny. Let’s go make some colts and fillies very happy,” Sunset smiled. “Yeah, Starlight grinned. “We’re not going to the flower yet. But I think it’s only going to be a few days at most.” “I’d better get you to take a look at that chest from Opaline’s room then,” Misty smiled. “Sure thing, Misty,” Starlight grinned. It was a short time later that they made their way towards the school. Given she had left the wheelchair with Pipp, Starlight was keeping the pace nice and slow as she walked along. “I can’t help worrying that this is a bad idea,” she admitted. “What? Going to the school?” Sunny gasped worriedly. “No, that’s a brilliant idea actually,” Starlight smiled. “It’s walking there that’s a bad idea, how much further is it?” “Why? You getting any pain?” Sunset asked. “Not yet,” Starlight responded. “But I can’t help feeling this is pushing it. Are you sure this will be okay, Sunset?” “I am,” Sunset smiled. “You need to build the strength in your muscles again and that’s what the spell helps you to do. But it will only work if you keep exercising your leg.” “But, no skating,” Misty chuckled. “I wouldn’t know how anyway,” Starlight grinned. “That’s okay, you don’t need to,” Sunny laughed. “The school isn’t much further, just around the corner.” It didn’t take long for the group to reach the school. After speaking to the receptionist, they waited in the front foyer for Miss Butterscotch. It wasn’t long until a light green Earth Pony mare with a yellow mane and tail arrived. “Oh, thank you for coming, Sunny,” she beamed. “I was worried you’d forgotten.” “Everypony, this is Miss Butterscotch. She was my teacher when I came to school here,” Sunny grinned. “I’m sorry it’s taken us so long to get around to coming, Miss. This is Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn.” “So, what was it like teaching Sunny?” Sunset grinned. “Oh, she was a hoof full,” Miss Butterscotch giggled. “Skating in the corridors was always a problem but we had so many arguments over history. Of course, we’ve all been proven wrong, and she’s been proven right. I just feel so bad for my current class.” “Why?” Sunny asked worriedly. “Well, obviously the history books we had were all wrong,” Miss Butterscotch explained. “A new textbook has been released but everypony wants one and it’s expensive. We’ve only one copy for the whole class. Oh, but there is no need for you all to worry about that. “Thank you, thank you all for coming. The number of questions I’m getting from my class about magic is making my head spin. I just don’t know how to answer them all.” “Kind of difficult for you to do so,” Starlight smiled. “Even in our time, there are specific schools for Unicorns to learn magic.” “I heard,” Miss Butterscotch smiled, “and whilst the number of Unicorns in my class is low. I still can’t help worrying they aren’t learning enough from me.” “Well, let’s at least give all your students a bit of a demonstration,” Sunset smiled. “We’ve not prepared anything though so it will all be improvised.” “Oh, I’m sure that will be fine,” Miss Butterscotch beamed. “Anything will be better than nothing at all. They are due to finish lunch in a few minutes, follow me.” Miss Butterscotch led them through the school and towards a classroom, happily chatting with Sunny as she did so. As they walked along, Sunny also couldn’t help noticing things that had changed. Meanwhile, Starlight whispered something to Sunset who gave a beaming smile and nodded in response. Then, Sunset whispered something to Misty who smiled. As they finally entered the classroom, Starlight couldn’t help grunting. “Feeling it now then?” Sunset presumed. “Yeah, but don’t go using that spell yet,” Starlight replied. “Ooh, that’s a good idea,” Sunset smiled. “Is there a chair she could use?” “Oh certainly, you can take mine,” Miss Butterscotch replied. She pulled a worn-looking wooden armchair from behind the desk. Moving it near to Starlight and inviting her to sit. It wasn’t long later that a bell sounded, and Miss Butterscotch disappeared. She soon returned, leading a line of fillies and colts that all began chatting excitedly as they took their seats. Peach Fizz, Glory and Seashell were among them and sat together around one of the large round tables. “Why are Sunny and the others here?” Seashell whispered. “Miss Butterscotch said we’d have visitors this afternoon,” Peach Fizz explained. “So, they must be the visitors.” “At least you remember that,” a brown colt with a red mane sneered. “Will you quit that already, Redbolt,” Glory hissed. “Leave Peach Fizz alone.” Redbolt snorted in response as Miss Butterscotch coughed lightly to clear her throat. “Okay, okay class,” Miss Butterscotch smiled as she stood behind her desk. “I know you are all excited to see our visitors. So, which of you can tell me who they are?” A forest of hoofs shot skywards, however Miss Butterscotch sighed as she spotted Peach Fizz’s wasn’t one of them. “Peach Fizz, I’m sure you know who these Ponies are. Can you tell me?” Peach Fizz gasped and looked around as all her classmates lowered their hoofs. All looked expectantly at her, so she sighed and cleared her throat. “Two are Sunny Starscout and Misty Brightdawn, they’re both Guardians of Unity,” she answered. “The other two visitors are Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer, they’re visiting from Equestria’s past.” “Well done, Peach Fizz,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “I knew you would know. Redbolt, can you tell me who sent Sunset and Starlight to be with us? We were talking about her yesterday.” Redbolt gasped and looked at the pair worriedly. Put on the spot, he felt the eyes of all his classmates on him as he struggled to remember. “I...Err....I....” Miss Butterscotch sighed and shook her head. “Seashell, do you know?” “They are both students of Twilight Sparkle and she sent them here to help Sunny and the other Guardians,” Seashell beamed. “That’s right,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “Redbolt, I hope you pay better attention today.” “Y...Yes, Miss Butterscotch,” Redbolt gasped. “Okay, that’s enough from me,” Miss Butterscotch smiled. “I’ll let Sunny take over and explain why she’s here with her friends.” “Oh, yes,” Sunny gasped as she stepped forward. “Well, the main reason we’re here is to give all of you a little demonstration of magic. I can already see we’ve got a few Unicorns here but I’m sure the rest of you are curious too. “Therefore, as they come from a time full of magic, Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer are going to show you some of the wonderful things they can do. Also, Misty is here as she’s proof that a pony from our time can learn more advanced magic. She’s been learning so much from both Sunset and Starlight.” As Sunny finished speaking, Sunset smiled as she stepped forwards. “There is one important thing you all need to be aware of. Everypony has a different level of magical ability. For some, there will be spells they just can’t cast, no matter how hard they try. As an example, Izzy Moonbow has also been learning from us the same as Misty. However, there are spells that Misty can do, that Izzy can’t.” “I bet your level will be really low, Peach Fizz,” Redbolt whispered. He quickly turned away after seeing a warning stare from Glory. However, Peach Fizz couldn’t help sighing. “Fortunately, that ability tends to be tied to your personality or special talent,” Starlight continued. “Therefore, if you’re a Unicorn who is really interested in painting. You won’t be able to cast really complicated spells. However, you’ll find that your levitation is far more controlled and accurate than others.” “Of course, we now have Earth Pony magic,” Sunny beamed. “It’s brand new and unique to our time. So, we’re all still finding out its abilities together.” “Exactly, there are no books on that subject,” Sunset explained. “However, there are lots and lots of old spell books from our time out there. Our advice to all Unicorns is to exercise caution.” “If you don’t understand something from an old spell book then stop,” Starlight continued. “Magic can be wonderful, but it can also be dangerous. Don’t cast spells blindly, no matter how wonderful they sound. Make sure you fully understand the spell and if in doubt ask others.” “There are special social media channels that have been set up on all platforms for this purpose,” Sunny beamed. “If you’re unsure about anything then reach out. We all want to explore magic safely, both Unicorn and Earth Pony magic. Check out Princess Pipp’s channels for details.” Sunset looked around the class, spotting some of the young ponies who looked quite board. However, she knew exactly how to counter that. “So, who’s ready to see some practical demonstrations?” There was a chorus of excited voices as Sunset moved toward Starlight. “Yeah, magic is dangerous,” Redbolt sneered at Peach Fizz. “That’s why you shouldn’t use your horn.” “Then you ought to stop using your hoofs,” Seashell whispered back. “Quit it Redbolt,” Glory added. “Or what? You’ll flap at me?” Redbolt chuckled. “No, we’ll tell Miss Butterscotch and she’ll stop you from being able to race,” Seashell responded. Redbolt's eyes widened, and he turned to look as Sunset’s horn glowed. “I can see some hoofs up and we’ll get to questions soon,” Sunset said as she ran her horn over Starlight’s leg as she had done previously. “First though, let’s get Starlight here back on her hoofs.” “Starlight is recovering from a broken leg,” Sunny explained as Sunset finished. “However, thanks to magic her recovery time is being reduced greatly. Sunset has just applied the spell that’s helping her heal.” Starlight smiled at Sunset gratefully. She carefully stood up and walked into the middle of the room and turned around. “It’s not the most spectacular spell to start with,” she admitted. “However, I can assure you it’s working very well. As Sunset says though, enough of the boring stuff. Let’s get some action going here.” Starlight grinned as she fired a beam at the chair she’d been sitting in. It disappeared and reappeared back behind Miss Butterscotch’s desk. “Oh my,” Miss Butterscotch gasped as she took a step backwards in shock. “Teleportation isn’t just for inanimate objects,” Sunset grinned. Her horn glowed and Sunset disappeared in a flash. The class all gasped as there was a flash at the back of the classroom and she reappeared. “Teleportation is certainly one of the more advanced things you can do with magic,” Sunset continued. “Those who become more skilled can also teleport long distances.” Misty nodded as her horn glowed and she disappeared with a flash. The class all looked around, but nopony could see where she had gone. After a few moments, Sunny gasped as her phone started ringing. She quickly got it out and smiled at Miss Butterscotch. “It’s a video call from Misty,” Sunny beamed as she tapped on her phone and the picture of Misty appeared. “Oh, she’s back at the Brighthouse.” Sunset grinned as she picked up the phone in her levitation. Moving it around the class so they could all see Misty waving back at them. “Okay, you can come back now, Misty,” Sunset grinned. Misty hung up the call, and then there was a flash as she reappeared in the classroom. “So, what did Sunset do to show you all the phone?” Starlight asked as she walked around the class. “Floated it,” Redbolt answered. “Redbolt, raise your hoof next time please,” Miss Butterscotch reprimanded. “I suppose floating it is one way to describe it,” Sunset chuckled. “However, the spell is actually known as levitation.” “Levitation is one of the earliest things that a Unicorn learns to do with their horn,” Starlight explained. “However, even that can be more advanced.” Starlight's horn lit up and the class gasped as she lifted herself into the air. She proceeded to fly around the classroom above all their heads. “Levitating herself is one of Starlight’s specialities,” Sunset winked. “Now, do any of you have questions?” Many hoofs shot into the air as Starlight gently landed. Against her better judgement, Sunset pointed a hoof at Redbolt. “Peach Fizz keeps telling Miss Butterscotch that she can’t remember things because of magic,” he said. “Is that really possible?” “Redbolt, we’ve talked about this,” Miss Butterscotch sighed. Sunset couldn’t help noticing the way Redbolt gave a snarky glance towards Peach Fizz after asking the question. She also spotted the annoyed look that Seashell and Glory, both gave him and how uncomfortable Peach Fizz looked. “It’s important to understand that while magic can be wonderful there will always be nasty ponies out there,” Sunset explained. “So, whilst there is a lot of good that magic can do. There is also bad too.” “That’s why we have the Elements of Unity,” Sunny interjected. “To protect everypony from those nasty ponies.” “Exactly, but sometimes stopping one of those nasty ponies takes time,” Sunset explained. “Before they can be stopped, sometimes they manage to do things to others that put them through horrible experiences. That’s what’s happened to both me and Peach Fizz. We were both subjected to dark magics by Opaline and were made to do things that we cannot remember.” “Redbolt, I’ve told you all that we need to help and support Peach Fizz,” Miss Butterscotch frowned. “If I hear you’ve been teasing her again, you won’t run in the competition next week.” Redbolt gasped and immediately looked worried whilst Peach Fizz looked thankfully towards Sunset. As more hoofs were raised, both Sunset and Starlight continued to answer questions. Eventually, though, Redbolt put his hoof up again. “Could you turn a chicken into a mushroom?” he asked. “Technically yes for those powerful enough,” Starlight frowned. “However, that raises an ethical question. Would you like it if I turned you into something else? Maybe into something that can’t move?” “N...not really,” Redbolt gasped. “Exactly, so using magic comes with its own responsibility,” Sunset added. “Although, transfiguration of inanimate objects is possible to do as Misty will show you.” “O...okay,” Misty gulped. Sunny grinned as she placed a used board rubber she’d been given on the ground. Misty suddenly realised all the eyes of the classroom were on her. However, with a deep calming breath, she put those to one side and focused on the board rubber. She fired a beam of magic at it, and it immediately turned into a table. The classroom erupted with applause. “Now,” Sunset smiled. “Let’s see something a little more special. Miss Butterscotch, I believe you have a textbook problem?” “Oh, yes,” Miss Butterscotch gasped as she produced the history textbook. “This is the only copy we have for the whole class.” “Can I see it?” Sunset smiled. Miss Butterscotch looked confused as she held out the book and started to move towards Sunset. However, she gasped as Sunset took the book with her levitation, holding it in the air above the class.” “Oh my, I keep forgetting you can do that,” Miss Butterscotch gasped. “Now, watch as I make this single copy into many,” Starlight grinned. “Thereby solving your problem.” She quickly counted the class before firing a beam of magic at the textbook. It immediately began to glow, before beams of magic shot out of it, one for each of the ponies in the class. There were flashes above the heads of each filly and colt as copies of the cover appeared. Then, copies of each page fired out of the book as it rotated. The pages flew into the covers of the newly copied textbooks, slowly filling them. They all watched the display in awe as Starlight’s horn continued to glow brightly. Eventually, all the books slammed closed and floated down to each of the students. The whole class clapped and cheered, many picking up their new perfectly copied textbook and started flicking through the pages. “There we go, no more textbook problem,” Starlight grinned. Miss Butterscotch stood wide-eyed, and slack-jawed as the original was returned to her. It took her a moment to find her words, “That was truly remarkable. You’ve just made a huge difference to the schooling of these ponies.” “No problem at all,” Starlight smiled. Sunset grinned as she walked around the classroom. “Any last questions about magic? No? Okay, anything you want to ask me and Starlight about history then?” Seashell smiled as she rose her hoof. “Why does the book say Princess Twilight was both a Unicorn and an Alicorn?” she asked. “Well, Twilight became an Alicorn,” Starlight smiled. “She ascended to that status through her actions. Before that, she was a Unicorn the same as any other.” Glory thrust her hoof skywards and waved it around hopefully. She grinned as Starlight smiled and nodded at her. “Can anypony become an Alicorn?” she asked. “I bet you have to be a Unicorn,” Redbolt snorted. “Actually, you don’t have to be a Unicorn,” Sunset responded. “Anypony can ascend to become an Alicorn. You only have to look at Sunny as proof.” Sunny blinked and stepped forward. “Y...Yeah, that’s true,” she gasped. “I was born an Earth Pony, the same as many of you. But I’ve been given Alicorn powers.” Sunny took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She jumped into the air as there was a golden orange flash and her wings and horn appeared. “Does that mean Sunny is a Princess now?” a Pegasus filly shouted. “Fern Blocks, what have I told you about shouting out like that?” Miss Butterscotch replied sternly. Starlight however smiled and shook her head. “I think the best way to answer that is times have changed. Certainly, in the time of Harmony, all the rulers of Equestria were Alicorn Princesses. You didn’t just become an Alicorn overnight, you did so after a lot of hard work and achievements. Now, however, you’ve only just returned to having a unified monarchy. Therefore, if future rulers of Equestria will be Alicorns will depend on many things.” “What’s certain is Sunny is very happy where she is,” Sunset smiled. “So, even if her horn and wings do become permanent, I think the best thing is to let her decide, don’t you?” The class all excitedly agreed to that, much to Sunny’s relief. A few more questions were answered before Fern Blocks raised her hoof. “Erm, is it possible for a Pegasus and an Earth Pony to have children?” she asked bashfully. “Perfectly possible,” Sunset smiled. “It’s quite common for myself and Starlight to see mixed couples with foals.” “There’s a couple of Earth Ponies that I know quite well who have had twins,” Starlight grinned. “One is a Unicorn and the other a Pegasus. So, it’s quite common for families to be mixed as well as all one kind of pony.” There was a lot of happy chatting after that before Miss Butterscotch stepped forward. “Okay, I’m sorry that’s about all we have time for now,” she informed. “So, what do we all say to Sunny, Sunset, Starlight and Misty?” “Thank you for coming,” the class chorused. “You’re welcome,” Sunny laughed. “Goodbye everypony,” Sunset smiled as they all started to leave. “Goodbye,” the class all replied. With that, Miss Butterscotch showed them all to the door and thanked them again. As they eventually walked out of the school, Sunset couldn’t help smirking at Starlight. “I think that was worth it.” “Yes, it was,” Starlight grinned. “You know I enjoy showing others my magic. Also, I think you’d make a good teacher, Sunset. How about it? Sunset almost tripped over in surprise. “Wait, what?” “Well, you are speaking to a Headmare,” Starlight winked. “You had good control of that class and I know you have excellent experience with friendship.” “Oh shoot, please don’t make me decide something like that now,” Sunset begged. “Besides, I’ve still got a year to go at CHS.” “Don’t worry, I won’t,” Starlight smiled. “However, add that to your list of options. I’m going to need new teachers soon. So please consider it, yeah?” “Don’t worry, I will,” Sunset sighed worriedly as they continued towards Mane Melody. She daren’t let on that it seemed to be the only concrete option she had right now.