Chapter 15: "Luna's Story."
Daring had actually grabbed hold of her jaw to keep it from hitting the floor. Or at least she felt that it would've. All thought and courtesy had gone from her mind as only one word, one thought, came to her brain and then was quickly blurted out of her mouth: "WHAT!?"
If they hadn't been on the top floor of the castle, if everypony else hadn't been down in the ballroom, there was no doubt they all would've heard Daring yell out. Including Moonbeam and her cronies.
Daring was quickly hushed calmly by Luna, but her eyes were still bulging out of her head. She regained control over the volume of her voice, but her shock and bewilderment was still fresh in her mind. "W-what do you mean you....you...you have to be kidding right? You're kidding right? You're just joking with me, right Princess Luna?" Daring practically begged as she asked Luna in a desperate tone.
But Luna shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid not."
Daring felt she should try to calm herself, as Luna began her story. Daring simply sat and listened, unable to inquire anything further and simply desperate for some form of explanation.
"It was several years ago..."
Several Years Ago, Canterlot Palace
Moonbeam hurried across the morning grass, just as the guards opened the gates. One jumped out of the way as the young unicorn galloped past them. "Sorry! But I don't wanna be late!" she called back to them.
It was a bright, clear summer morning, and today was the day. She had stayed up all night perfecting her speech and her demonstration to be sure it was ready to present to Celestia and the group of visiting ponies from the Equestrian Board Of Magic Advancement. Today was it.
She was sure to get it this time!
Moonbeam rushed into the hall and stopped outside the lecture hall. She saw the other students lined up, but a few still hadn't arrived yet. She turned and studied the clock. Yes! she'd made it with one minute to spare!
Moonbeam opened the door and made her way to her place on stage alongside the other unicorns who were testing to see who would become Princess Celestia's first pupil. Naturally half of Equestria had shown up to see this historic moment, as well as the magic board, whom all eyed the students calmly from their seats above the audience.
Moonbeam was a confident face amongst several other nervous ones. "Naturally." She thought. She doubted anypony had studied as hard as she had. She had been practicing her demonstration for weeks on end without stop, and memorized her Complete History Of Magic books to such a degree that she had begun having dreams of reading it.
Everything was in place. She was going to get it for sure! Now they only had to wait for Princess Celestia and Luna to arrive.
Suddenly the doors burst open, and everyone turned to see not Celestia or Luna but a very exhausted looking pale yellow unicorn with a bright red and gold streaked mane and a sunset for a cutie mark. The mare trotted forward nervously, as all eyes were on her. She gave an awkward smile to Moonbeam as she lowered her voice to a whisper. "Hey, am I late?" she asked.
Moonbeam could've lied. But lying wasn't going to get her anywhere here. What reason did she have to lie to another student, when she had the best chance of becoming Celestia's first pupil out of any of them? She might as well at least act friendly. Moonbeam gave the unicorn a whimsical smile. "Nope, your right on time!" She said cheerfully.
The unicorn breathed a sigh of relief as she took her spot on stage, right next to Moonbeam. Everyone looked up as they noticed the members of the board eyeing the unicorn, shaking their heads and making several marks on their clipboards.
"Well..." Moonbeam thought. "There's no way she's going to get it, at least."
The unicorn didn't seem to notice though as she looked over at Moonbeam and extended her hoof. "My names Sunset Shimmer, by the way." she said in a friendly manner.
Moonbeam decided to be friendly as well. "Moonbeam." she said, shaking hooves with the odd unicorn.
"Cool name. Mines pretty cool too, huh?" Sunset asked, nudging Moonbeam gently.
"It certainly is. Is this the first time you've tested to be Princess Celestia's pupil?" Moonbeam asked curiously.
"Yep. Been studying magic all year. And, I don't mean to brag (she said this in a tone that sounded very much like she wanted to brag) But I think I'm a shoo-in on this one." Sunset said confidently.
Moonbeam held back a chuckle. "I suppose we'll see."
Just as she said this, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entered the room and took their places by the stage. The room went quiet as Celestia addressed the room. She smiled brightly as every excited face was now on her.
"Mares and Gentlecolts. On behalf of myself and my dear sister, I would like to thank you for all coming to this truly momentous event." Celestia said proudly. Moonbeam was one of the many unicorns who couldn't hold back her excitement, and was hanging onto Celestia's every word.
"It was said long ago by one Starswirl The Bearded, that magic is the most amazing thing in our world. With it we can shape mountains, twist the climates, and even bend the very fabric of space time itself. (Moonbeam smiled at this, having memorized this exact quote herself many times.)
Celestia paused a moment before continuing. "But with this, It is also a fact that, magic is only as good as the pony using it. The same applies to any student of which that pony is responsible for." Celestia said proudly, looking over at the excited unicorns on stage.
"And today I'm proud to call myself one such pony. Today, one of these talented and amazing unicorns will become my very first student, and I solemnly promise to do everything that I am able to make sure that my student strives to be all they can be. And so much more."
Moonbeam actually began to struggle to contain herself but none the less remained composed, despite her overwhelming excitement. This grew even harder when Celestia actually strode over to them and smiled at them all. "I want you all to know that I'm proud of each and every one of you. If I was able to, I would take all of you as my students. But If I were to do that , I would be taking you away from your own abilities to learn on your own. Just know that whoever passes, I believe all of you will succeed one day. I wish you all the very best of luck." Celestia said cheerfully.
She turned back to the crowd. "Now then with the introductions over, I will begin the testing with the first name on the ledger. We will continue to go down the list, and once all unicorns have taken the test, we will discuss the results with the board, then announce who has passed at the very end." Celestia said over the scribbling of pens on clipboards from the board members.
With a courteous nod from Princess Luna, the unicorns on stage all made their ways to the sidelines, to await when their names were called.
After a brief applause, Celestia joined her sister Luna, who magically held the ledger in front of her, and called out the first name.
"Cheerheart Maple!"
Cheerheart was a timid looking amber unicorn with a wheat colored mane and green eyes, with a smiling maple leaf for a cutie mark. She slowly made her way to the center stage. She looked quite nervous indeed.
The testing itself was rather simple, and those who had tried out before, knew the process well.
First, a unicorn had to explain in any way they could, what magic meant to them, or to Equestria as a whole.
Second, A demonstration of that unicorn's magical skill and ability. They were free to use any spell they wished, so long as they were sure they could control it.
And finally, they had to simply answer Princess Celestia's Final Question, correctly. Which no one ever had.
Back on stage, Cheerheart had done fairly well. She had explained in a shaky voice that magic instilled her with inspiration and made her feel like she could do anything. That the same applied to all unicorns, and most unicorns in the room agreed with her.
For her demonstration of her magical skill, Cheerheart conjured a massive oak tree on stage, that's leaves shifted in a rainbow of colors. Everypony applauded her, as she took a little bow, before dissipating the tree out of existence in a flurry of purple sparkles.
And finally came the final question. For this, Princess Celestia came on stage and congratulated Cheerheart on her progress. After Cheerheart had said thank you, Celestia bowed and said she would be asking the final question to her directly. Cheerheart nodded as Celestia asked the now confident unicorn directly: "What Is The Value Of Friendship?" she asked with a calm smile.
The smile flushed from Cheerheart's face, as she seemed to have become mentally lost in the question. She wasn't the only one, as every other unicorn on the sidelines was now scratching their heads or just looking completely confused. Including Moonbeam.
"Friendship? Is this some kind of joke?!" Moonbeam thought bitterly. "What does friendship have to do with magic?" Moonbeam was now scowling to herself, as she hadn't been able to study anything like "Friendship" in any book. How was she supposed to know the answer then? Was this some kind of test? Maybe it was a trick question? Moonbeam tried to think logically, while Cheerheart now looked utterly lost on stage.
She just said the first thing she could: "I-I...I don't know the answer to that, Princess Celestia." the mare said in a final defeated voice.
But Celestia only smiled. "That's alright my dear. It's not a question that just anypony can answer easily. You did very well, Cheerheart. You may return to your seat, whenever your ready."
Cheerheart bowed respectfully, then returned to join the other unicorns to the side of the stage. Tension now brewed in the lecture hall as every unicorn was now either very nervous, very confused or just at a loss as to what the final question meant. Moonbeam was particularly angry over the fact that she couldn't seem to figure it out.
The nervous chatter died down immediately as Luna called out the next unicorn's name: "Silver Brush!"
Silver Brush was a lanky teal blue stallion with a puffy periwinkle mane and a paintbrush for a cutie mark. As Silver Brush took the test Moonbeam put all her brainpower into trying to figure out what Celestia's last question could mean.
Finally, as Silver Brush demonstrated his magical skill of manipulating colors to create living works of art, Moonbeam finally solved it. It was a trick question! Obviously she was supposed to say something about how magic can affect the world and the relations of ponies and their environments. It was so simple, Moonbeam actually chuckled to herself for being so confused by such a trivial question.
When the time came for Silver Brush to answer the question he simply said: "To make friends?"
Princess Celestia chuckled a bit before she politely returned him to his seat.
Over the next few minutes, Luna called out more names from the ledger. Each time was the same: Each unicorn seemed to show fantastic skill with magic, and once again excelled in their answers to the first question. But when it came down to the last question, they were all completely stumped. No one seemed to get it.
By the time they reached Moonbeam, she was smiling so pridefully to herself, that Celestia had smiled back as she took center stage. This was it, the moment she had been waiting months for. She was going to blow everyone away with her demonstration. Where as everyone had studied traditional magic, and clearly demonstrated skill in it, Moonbeam had other areas of magic she wanted demonstrate. It was her sure fire way of winning Celestia's interests. No doubt about it.
Moonbeam looked out at the sea of curious faces in front of her, and took a deep breath as the first question was asked of her. "What does magic mean to you?" asked Luna calmly.
Moonbeam smiled as she spoke, clearly and confidently. "Magic is life. It is Change, It is Love, It is hate, indeed I could go on and on about how magic has shaped the very foundation of our world. But I see it used in so many ways. Ways that I can't help but think it to be wasted on!"
All eyes were now on Moonbeam, as Celestia and Luna both looked at the mare with budding interest.
"Magic is so much more than what we all use it for. There are magics out there that we cannot even begin to imagine, forces that simply breach the laws of what we believe is possible. If we could just learn to harness it, to not be afraid of what we know and what we don't...then I truly believe we can accomplish greatness that hasn't been seen since the days of our celestial princesses times."
The room gave a great applause to Moonbeam's speech, including Celestia and Luna. But she wasn't finished yet.
"And now for my demonstration..." Moonbeam paused for effect.
"I will be doing just that."
The room went quiet as Moonbeam's horn began to glow unlike any had ever seen. Dark bolts of electrical energy coiled around it as a green aura enveloped it, to match Moonbeam's now glowing green eyes. Unicorns were awestruck as this energy could be felt emerging on every corner of the room, as Moonbeam lifted her head up, an almost devilish grin on her face. "This is what I mean."
There was a flash of green and a rushing sound, as though a vast, invisible something was soaring through the air. And something vast, green and glittering erupted from the shimmering air above everyone's heads. Several ponies screamed, others hid under their desks, and the judges all dropped their clipboards, too stunned to make any notes.
A colossal skull, comprised of what looked like millions of emerald colored stars, now looked down upon the students, its empty face contorted into a wicked looking sneer. It opened its mouth and great gouts of green flame spewed forth, scaring even more ponies out of their wits. But these flames soon took another shape: A great dragon of pure fire now sailed down and landed on stage, its wings outstretched as it roared a terrible roar, before vanishing in a clap of green dust, as did the skull.
For a while the room was quiet. No pony dared to say a word. Moonbeam waited for applause. But none came, as everyone was far too shaken to do anything. Then when the tension died down, many did indeed applaud, but only because they were glad to still be alive.
Moonbeam bowed as Celestia and Luna both looked at the unicorn, completely awestruck. "I knew they'd be impressed." Moonbeam thought pleasantly to herself. She had done it. She had displayed the potential of the Dark Arts to other ponies. And now all that was left was the final question.
Princess Celestia came up on stage with a cheerful, yet cautious disposition. "That was certainly...different, then what I have seen thus far, Moonbeam. Well done indeed."Celestia said, with a slight lilt of unease in her voice. But Moonbeam didn't notice only accepting the fact that Celestia was impressed.
Princess Celestia paused a moment before she asked Moonbeam her final question.
"Now then: What Is The Value Of Friendship?" Celestia asked calmly.
Moonbeam smiled as she gave her answer, almost instantly: "It's a trick question."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Moonbeam nodded. "The value of friendship is a term used to describe the relations between magic and the ponies who wield it. Friendship is meaningless in the way that truly mastering magic is. As no one will ever truly master magic. Ergo, the question is simply a statement to the importance of studying hard, to get as close to mastering magic as one can."
All the unicorns to the side of stage were amazed. "Oh! Why didn't I think of that!" one yelled out.
"Of course, it was a trick question!" another called out.
"She's way smarter than I thought." another said, thoroughly impressed.
"And a lot scarier." Cheerheart added softy.
Princess Celestia smiled. "I see. That's a very well thought answer, Moonbeam." Moonbeam bowed respectfully, and took her place back amongst the other unicorns. Every one of them was looking at her thoroughly stunned. All except Sunset Shimmer, who simply snickered to herself and shook her head.
"And what are you laughing at?" Moonbeam inquired, very annoyed at the unicorns mocking.
Sunset smiled at her. "You really think that was the right answer, don't you?" She asked, as if she knew that what Moonbeam had just said, had been completely wrong.
Before Moonbeam could argue, the last name was called: "Sunset Shimmer!"
Sunset looked utterly relaxed as she took the stage, a calm smile on her face. "Break a leg!" Moonbeam yelled out.
"Literally." she added bitterly under her breath.
Luna calmly asked the first question: "What Does Magic Mean To You?"
Sunset smiled as she answered. "I don't need a speech to answer that, Princess Luna."
Luna looked up. "I'm sorry?"
Sunset looked outside the window. "I mean just look at it all out there. The trees, the birds, the wind. That is real magic. This whole world is made with magic. Magic we may not be able to use to lift a book from its shelf, or make ourselves breakfast in the morning. But magic that inspires us to do those things. To me, that's what magic means: To inspire others, not just myself, to keep adding to the magic around them."
Sunset walked off stage and put her arm around Silver Brush, who blushed nervously. "I mean, did you see what this guy could do? It was amazing! He made art just phase into existence right here on this stage. That's because he's inspired by what he sees around him."
Silver Brush blushed even harder and smiled as everyone else smiled at him.
Moonbeam shuffled uncomfortably as Sunset made her way over to her and gestured to Cheerheart. "And what she did with that tree? You can't tell me she wasn't inspired by the trees we see everyday! She added something to the world, based on what inspired her to."
Sunset returned to the stage as Cheerheart was now receiving several friendly looks from everyone around her. She smiled at them as Moonbeam only scowled in Sunset's direction.
"What in Equestria is she doing?" She thought to herself. "She isn't performing any magic at all! She just keeps talking about the things that everypony else did! Is she a complete idiot!?" Moonbeam thought in disbelief.
Sunset smiled as the members of the board and the celestial princesses were all smiling at her. "As for my demonstration, I would like to decline."
"What!?" Moonbeam yelled out. "You decline? You can't just decline!"
Sunset shrugged. "Just did. I don't have to show anyone up, to prove myself. I know I'm great at magic, that's all that matters."
Moonbeam was in complete shock. She couldn't decide if she was furious, confused or just bewildered at the same time. What was this mare doing here then? She was never going to pass now! She hadn't even taken the test!
Sunset only smiled still, which further infuriated Moonbeam. Sunset then turned to face both Princess Celestia and Luna. "And for your last question, Princess Celestia?"
Princess Celestia nodded. But this time she stayed right where she was as she exchanged pleased looks with her sister. Then they turned their attention to Sunset. "And what is your answer, Sunset Shimmer?" she asked with a calm smile.
Sunset smiled as she said: "Friendship is Magic. The most important magic of all. Its the one that binds us as students, as ponies of Equestria. I might not know as much about it as I would like. But...it's definitely something we should all take time to learn about. Perhaps even more so than traditional magic. So in my opinion, the value of friendship...is Priceless."
At this, Moonbeam had lost her temper. "DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!?" she yelled startling everyone in the room. She rushed on stage and got very close to Sunset's face, her flaring eyes digging into Sunset's own. "This is a test on MAGIC. This is place to study, MAGIC. Yet for the past few moments, all you've been doing is wasting everyone's time with these stupid little speeches of yours!"
Everyone looked as the two unicorns stared each other down, not daring to say a word. "This is not some pathetic after school club, where you can voice your meaningless opinions! Magic is about one thing, and one thing only: Understanding what it's capable of, and not being afraid to go the extra mile in order to use it to its fullest potential." Moonbeam said still glaring at Sunset, intensely.
Sunset was shaken but held her ground. She narrowed her eyes to match Moonbeams. "Magic is more than just understanding what it does and being more powerful than everyone else. You need to understand-
"You, need to understand that, like it or not, the dark arts has more to offer then your so called, ideal magic, as I have proved!" Moonbeam snapped.
Sunset laughed. "Really? Like that demonstration of yours from earlier that scared the living daylights out of everyone? What did that prove?"
Moonbeam took a step back and gave a glaring look over her shoulder at the audience. "That your weak. That your all too afraid to embrace what you don't understand. Too afraid to see things from a new perspective." she said spitefully.
The ponies in the audience all grimaced at this remark, while others began whispering with one another. Moonbeam turned her attention back to Sunset.
"Like it or not, there is darkness inside all of us, and no matter how cheerful and friendly you are, one day you'll let that darkness out yourself. Then what will happen? Where will your "Friendship Is Magic" theory take you then?" Moonbeam asked with an evil grin.
Sunset went silent for a moment. "You're right. Maybe one day, I will lose sight of my real self. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up just like you: an angry, self-absorbed, condescending, manipulative pony who has no regard for others or their feelings. I may not even remember anything about friendship at all." Sunset admitted honestly.
Moonbeam laughed wickedly. "You see!? Your no different than any other pony that has darkness deep in their hearts! If you embrace that darkness now, then-
"But."
"But??"
"But, I know that somehow, someway, I will find friendship again. And then I'll be back to my normal self. That's the magic of friendship, Moonbeam. No matter how far down into the dark you've fallen, it will always find you in the end." Sunset said kindly, and offered her hoof out to Moonbeam. "Don't let yourself fall down that hole. You still have a chance to see what's right in front of you." said Sunset, smiling warmly.
But Moonbeam only scowled at her even more. She chuckled to herself, as she glared at Sunset more intensely than ever before, hatred filling her eyes to such a degree that she looked almost manic now. "You're an idiot." She growled in a grave tone "You will never understand what magic is really capable of. Your weak just like all the others." Moonbeam turned to Celestia who was now standing right beside them."And Princess Celestia knows it."
Sunset lowered her hoof and turned away sadly. They both faced Princess Celestia now.
The other unicorns watched intensely as they all realized the moment had come: Princess Celestia was going to choose her student.