//------------------------------//
// We All Have to Begin Somewhere 
// Story: A Long Overdue Explanation 
// by FoxMcCloud7921 
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In sameness, there is peace.



***


Starlight wasn’t exactly sure what just happened. One moment she was playing jenga with her best friend Sunburst, the next thing she knew was that he was being carried off by friends and family and Starlight was left behind with wooden pieces all over the floor. Of course she was happy for her friend; getting one’s cutie mark was a rite of passage of sorts. It all but determined the kind of career you were going to have. 
Starlight was certain Sunburst would return the next day after the celebration had died down. Knowing him, he’d be going off a mile a minute about the things he could do. He wouldn’t rub it in though, at least not intentionally. However, Sunburst never came by the next day, or the day after that.
Finally, after almost a week, Starlight was more than worried and finally asked her parents about Sunburst. That was when they broke the news: Sunburst had been sent off to Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Starlight could only stare at her parents for a few moments before she ran up to her room, the tears forming in her eyes.
She sobbed for almost an hour into her pillow. Her friend was gone, the only friend she had and he wouldn’t be coming back any time soon. Her sadness then turned to anger. How could he not have written to her, telling her where he was? Was he that busy all of a sudden to spare time to write a bit of parchment, or did he just not care anymore? Starlight looked at her blank flank as her mood continued to sour. “If Sunburst hadn’t gotten his stupid cutie mark, we would still be together,” she thought.



Over time, Starlight eventually did get her cutie mark, although she wasn’t nearly as excited as her parents were. They told her now she’d be going to the same school as Sunburst so she’d be able to see him again. Their words apparently fell on deaf ears as it did nothing to improve Starlight’s mood.
Her cutie mark represented what appeared to be a falling star. What did that mean? That she was meant for failure? Starlight was bright for her age, there was no doubt about it, and already she was starting to see the downside of cutie marks. A stupid stamp on your flank determined your life. 
Hypothetically, a young colt gets a cutie mark of an airship. That would mean he would be involved with airships, whether piloting them, fixing them, or maybe serving drinks. But what if he originally wanted to be involved with science or potions? What if he went against the norm? What would happen?



“Wow, you really put a lot of thought into this at an early age,” Twilight commented.
“Well I wasn’t wrong,” Starlight pointed out. “Even you have to admit it’s a bit unfair.”
“Hmm, I suppose in a way you’re right,” Twilight sighed slightly.



Starlight had her bags packed and she soon started school in Canterlot. Like most foals her age, it was a lot to take in. While many friendships began to form between the students, Starlight was slightly more hesitant. She wasn’t sure if she would bump into Sunburst and if she did, she wasn’t sure what to say to him.
Classes weren’t all about magic of course. While magic to a unicorn was like wings to a pegasus, there were also classes on potion making, care for magical creatures (and what to do when you met the not-so-friendly ones), and of course defense against the dark arts. The teacher for that class was as unpleasant as the class itself.
With a black mane that looked almost greasy, the teacher spoke in almost a monotone but at the same time one could tell he was knowledgeable and passionate about the spells they learned. His name was Professor Flintheart.



“Oh no, I know exactly where this is going,” Spike said.
“…Spike, do you want me to tell the story or not?” Starlight glared at him.
“Sorry, carry on.”



In the months that passed, Starlight performed rather well in most of her classes, although her scores were slightly higher in Flintheart’s class and it didn’t go unnoticed. As time went on, he would keep an eye on her as he was lecturing and would often call upon her to answer a question, which she answered straight away, causing him to smirk in response.
Despite being a large school, the staff was limited which meant students pretty much had the same teachers throughout their school career. That wasn’t an issue for Starlight of course, as she found herself bonding with Professor Flintheart. He was now actually praising her in front of class, which only made Starlight’s heart swell with pride. Little did she know that he would be the one who would put her on her future path.



“You wanted to see me professor?” Starlight asked as she came into Flintheart’s office. It had been about four years since she first came to the school and she had come a long way. Her magic skills were among the best in the school, although she knew she wasn’t right on the top. Sunburst was probably at the top, even though she still hadn’t had the opportunity to bump into him, despite all this time. And there was another mare who was very skilled but Starlight forgot her name. She probably wasn’t that important anyway.
“Glimmer.” Flintheart nodded and Starlight closed the door behind her and took a seat. “As long and memorable as this journey for you has been, it seems to be coming to an end.”
“An end?” Starlight asked.
“You’ve learned a lot and I dare say that you’re perhaps the best student I’ve ever had,” Flintheart smirked. “But unfortunately, there isn’t much more that I can teach you.”
“But sir, I still have two more years,” Starlight replied. “I haven’t even gotten into the advanced spells yet.”
“Trust me Starlight, to everypony else it may be ‘advanced’ but to you it’s mere foal’s play,” Flintheart said. “However, despite what I just said, there are…other spells that one can learn, spells that unfortunately I’m not allowed to teach in class.”
Starlight suddenly looked interested. “What kind of spells?”
“Spells that some consider…immoral,” Flintheart said. “You’ve heard me talk about the spells that you have to fight against…but what if you actually had to use them?”
Starlight hesitated. “Sir…are you asking me about…private lessons?”
“If you’re interested,” Flintheart said with a wave of his hoof. “I wouldn’t judge you any differently if you said no. You definitely have a future ahead of you and I’d be very surprised if Celestia herself didn’t consider taking you on as a student.”
That was a very big deal. Starlight smiled. “I would say I’m definitely interested.”
“That’s what I thought. If I may ask a personal question…I noticed throughout the school years you haven’t made nor attempted to make a friend here. I’m slightly curious why.”
Starlight looked down towards the floor. “Honestly, I’m not sure why. I had a friend once but…circumstances happened and I guess that was the end of it.” She then met his gaze once again. “Besides, I’ve been focusing more on my schoolwork anyway.”
“I see. That will be all then. We shall meet here on Friday after school. Understood?”
“Understood sir.”