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// Prologue - Let Me be Your Guide 
// Story: My Faithful Student 
// by femikol 
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Princess Luna could not remember why she personally taught ponies. It was not a tradition borne from a lack of activity in her day-to-day agenda, nor was it out of a sense of self-righteous obligation. Over the various millennia, she always had a unicorn by her side, teaching them, helping them grow into the best pony they could possibly become. She would watch on with pride as her little student would enter her tutelage, grow, and find their sense of self before she sent them back out into the world. She would keep watch from a distance as they matured, got married, and even had foals, before they would eventually die. It was just something she had done, something that she felt must be done.

Celestia; her sister, had done the same. But that was a millennia ago.

Luna took a deep breath, her eyes locked on a door that stood not hoofsteps from her. This door was home to her latest pupil; Sunset Shimmer. Sunset was a bright filly, well on her way to becoming a full-grown mare. An orphan on paper, but to Luna she was a daughter, like so many of her previous students. Whenever she had a spare moment, Luna always found herself by Sunset's side, teaching her, speaking with her, every second she found herself in Sunset's presence she was basking in her radiance. Something about the filly restored Luna's lost energy, filling her with nigh-uncontrollable happiness that always bubbled over and consumed her, locking her mouth in the largest of smiles for the rest of the day.

She raised her hoof to the door, poised to knock, but hesitated. Truthfully, she and Sunset had been... drifting apart, as much as it tore at her to admit. Sunset was a powerful unicorn, one of the most powerful she had ever taught, and Sunset knew it. Arrogance had begun to weed its way into the heart of her precious daughter. It was negligible at first, with Sunset politely disregarding her warnings of safety when practicing new spells, happily affirming to her mentor that she had it under control, which she did. She always did, and Luna would congratulate her for it, but not without a small scolding which Sunset would always brush off. It stayed peaceful for a time, but over the moons Sunset's politeness grew into indignance, and indignance into anger. Perhaps her student had been trying to tell her something, something she’d brushed aside in concern of Sunset’s safety. Perhaps if she’d considered what her scoldings meant - or implied - from Sunset’s perspective then she wouldn’t be here now. But empathy was always her sister’s strong suit. Not hers.

From Sunset's fury bore insubordination. She began to ignore Luna's requests to join her at dinner, to do her assigned work, postponing them in favor of more personal pursuits. Ignoring lessons in control and self-restraint in favor of chasing more powerful spells, ways to augment her own magic and cutting herself off from her mentor. Luna could count on her hooves how many times she had seen Sunset during mealtimes in the last month. A far cry from the thrice-daily ritual often used as a time to catch up on the goings-on of both herself and her student. Luna thought that if Sunset were to be given some space, then maybe she would come around. But if that was the case, then she would not be standing outside her student’s door at the dead of night, hoof hoof held a fly’s width from the door.

Luna's eyes hardened as she rapped her hoof thrice against the wood. She expected no response, and she received none. No doubt Sunset was muzzle-deep in her latest pet project. A project that undoubtedly she thought her mentor would have no idea about, but Luna's eyes were everywhere. It hurt her more than she could describe that she had to use them on her own student, but deep down, she had known it was inevitable that Sunset would have pursued this, given her interests.

"I'm coming in, Sunset."

Luna gently pushed open the door, and stepped into the room of her prized pupil. It was a modest room, roughly the size of her own bedroom, suitable enough to play home for one should a pony desire. To her sides were bookshelves, packed to bursting point with an assortment of tomes and scrolls, so much so that some had to be placed on top of them as well, with the shelves themselves threatening to collapse at any minute. The lone table in the center of the room was also packed with books. Not nearly as much as the bookshelves, but just enough that a pony could not comfortably have her tea without shuffling its contents around first. If nothing else, the room certainly reflected the studious nature of her pupil.

Her eyes then fell on Sunset herself. The unicorn in question was lying in her bed, book in hoof with her comforter pulled up over her lower body. Combined with the candlelight it would be a serene picture were her eyes not locked on Luna, filled with an animosity she’d rarely seen, even over her long, long lifetime. To say it hurt would be an understatement, but as attention was brought to the book itself, she felt her heart shatter into countless shards before rusting away and dissolving into nothingness, an agonizing process both instant and one that could not end soon enough.

Surpassing Limits: Unmatched Power from Deep Within

Luna bit her lip. ‘I knew as much, but it still pains me to see...’

"Hello, Princess." Were there any water in the room it would've frozen over then and there.

"Hello, Sunset."

The two locked eyes, each daring the other to go first. It was tempting indeed, to tear into the heart of why she was here. To explain to her student that dark magic was not a force to be trifled with, that all it created was evil. But it was not what Sunset needed to hear right now, nor would it yield the outcome she desired. No, she could not stamp down on this. To do so might be the worst possible card she could play.

"What do you want?"

"I would speak with you, Sunset." Luna said. "But please, put the book down."

A huff escaped Sunset's mouth. With a quick flash of her horn, Sunset snapped the book shut and set it on her nightstand, her eyes never leaving her mentor.

She wanted to yell. Luna could see it in her eyes. She could both see her student’s barely suppressed defiance and feel her rage emanating off her in waves like its own twisted form of heat. Luna licked her lips, suddenly finding herself in need of a glass of water.

"What is it?"

"I'd like to address your... latest passion project."

For a brief moment of time, Luna could swear that Sunset's eyes had widened, though it came and went so fast it could be misconstrued as a trick of the light before the look of challenge returned in full force.

"Oh, yeah? So let me guess. You're gonna lecture me again, is that it? You're gonna tell me that this is too dangerous, and that I shouldn't concern myself with it? That I need to use proper safety like you always say? Or wait!" Her student leapt off the bed and started advancing towards her. "You're gonna force me to abandon this and do what you've laid out for me! You're gonna tell me to rehearse the fundamentals again! Fundamentals on magic I already know just because I felt like practicing something with a little more challenge! Is that it?!"

Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

‘In another time, yes.’

"No."

The look of venom plastered across Sunset's face vanished in an instant. Her oppressive aura that weighed down on Luna's very soul vanished, only to be replaced by a look of confusion and suspicion from her student.

"Then what is it?"

"What is... what?"

Sunset's eyes flared once again. "If you're not here to lecture me, or scold me, then why are you here? I doubt you're here to condone me, or wish me goodnight. You never visit my room this late, Princess."

Luna fought back a tear from showing. Was that how Sunset had come accustomed to their interactions now? Naught but an exchange of harsh words before she would bid Sunset her leave?

‘Though I cannot say she is entirely wrong.’

"Then allow me to correct that, starting now."

Ever so slightly, Sunset's defensive glare softened.

"Sunset, I know what you've been researching." Almost immediately, the glare was back. "I will not stop you. I would merely like to share a story... and ask a favor, if you'd permit."

Sunset held her glare for a moment, and Luna could almost see the gears turning in her student's head, going over every option, every possible outcome. Sunset's eyes darted around the room for a moment, before they fixed themselves back on Luna herself.

"A story?"

Luna made no effort to acknowledge her student's skeptical tone. "Indeed."

Sunset closed her eyes, and Luna’s breath refused to leave her until - after a brief pause - her student let out a huff. "Fine." She climbed back onto her bed and sat on the edge, her hind legs hanging off the edge, though she made no movement to invite her teacher to join her. "What is this story of yours?"

Luna walked over to where Sunset was perched, and sat down in front of her. She offered a grateful smile that would, hopefully put her student more at ease. "I appreciate your time, Sunset. It means more to me than you know."

Sunset's glare dissipated, replaced by a look of discomfort. "No problem." She mumbled.

Luna's heart leapt at the words. Perhaps Sunset didn’t despise her? Yes, she had to believe that, if only for her own peace of mind. Hopefully it would not prove to be wishful thinking.

"Sunset, do you remember much of the tale of two sisters?"

Sunset waved a hoof dismissively, allowing the ghost of a smirk to adorn her face. "That old foal’s tale? What about it?"

"Do you remember how it goes?"

Her student’s face fell, putting a hoof to her chin and tapping it before a look of embarrassment crept upon her face. "I... actually don't. You know I don't really care much for fairy tales, Princess. Sure I’ve heard it a couple of times, but that was years ago."

Luna covered her mouth with a hoof in a lazy attempt to suppress the chuckle that escaped her mouth. It was quite adorable to see her usually so composed daughter so embarrassed.

"Then you'll be happy to hear that the story I'm about to tell is very real."

Sunset brought her gaze back to Luna and gave her a skeptical look. "Hold ona minute, Princess. You’re not about to tell me that it's true, are you?"

Luna sighed. A small void began to form in her stomach, devouring the brief elation she had felt with her student with a voracious appetite that, for as long as she told this story, wouldn’t be vanishing anytime soon.

"It is, my student. I wish it were not so, but every aspect of it is true."

Immediately Sunset's skeptical look returned. "Really?"

Luna nodded.

"How do you know it's real, Princess?" 

"A fair question, my student." Luna stood up. "I would know because I lived through it. I played a part in it first hoof."

Sunset's eyes widened, before returning to their previous state. "I... see."

Luna offered her student a gentle smile. "Would you like me to tell you the tale, Sunset?"

Sunset closed her eyes for a couple of seconds before opening them again. She took a deep breath, before looking up at her mentor. "Sure."

"Very well." Luna stepped towards the window, glancing through the glass and surveying the impossible sight below. Truly, Canterlot was always a sight to behold. Everywhere she looked she saw houses, government buildings, and the occasional tree. Farther out the government buildings gave way to local shops, and apartment complexes, while the number of individual houses and trees grew in number, all bathed in the beautiful glow of moonlight. Farther beyond, beyond the boundaries of Canterlot, Luna could spy dim lights near the Everfree. Ponyville, if she wasn't mistaken. It was all so peaceful, enough for her to gather her nerves.

It was far from a happy tale, but one that needed to be told regardless.

"A long, long time ago, Sunset, nearly a millennium now if I'm not mistaken, there were two royal sisters who ruled side by side. The eldest sister commanded authority over the sun, raising it every morning, and lowering it every night. In turn, the youngest would raise and lower the moon, in the absence of her sister's celestial presence. The two ruled in harmony, guiding and protecting their ponies, be it day or night, and bringing peace and prosperity to the land of Equestria... for a time." Luna turned around, bringing her gaze back to her student. Sunset’s expression was unreadable, her eyes locked on Luna with a hoof idly tracing the patterns on her bedsheet. A lump began to form in her throat, but she did her best to ignore it.

"But it was not to be. Being the eldest, the sister was called on time and time again to use her superior strength to protect Equestria from demons that lurk in the realms beyond. One by one, she would banish them each to the depths of Tartarus, employing powers that have since been lost to time. But these powers took a toll on the fair sister." Luna could feel herself begin to tremble. "These powers consumed both her mind and body, leaving in its wake one of the very demons she sought to protect Equestria from, and turned on her younger sister. The youngest tried to reason with her, to bid her to act in reason, but the eldest was too far gone. Reluctantly, the youngest sister employed the most powerful magic known to ponykind; the Elements of Harmony, banishing her elder sister to the sun, from where she may never return."

Luna felt something wet touch slide down her face and fall onto her hoof. She didn't even need to look down to know what it was. "With great sorrow, the youngest took the responsibility over the sun and the moon, maintaining the peace both her and her sister and fought hard to achieve forevermore."

Luna's gaze never wavered from her student. It was a hard tale to tell, one Luna had lived with for nearly a millennia now, but the knife was drilled in just as deep with each telling.

Sunset's face was one of surprise. Luna could not speak on the exact inner workings of her student’s mind, but this was a familiar silence; one Sunset often employed after one of Luna’s long lectures, usually meaning she was organizing her thoughts, weighing what questions to ask. After a moment, Sunset readjusted herself so she was properly facing her mentor.

"What made her turn?"

Luna sighed. There was no way to sugar coat this, and Sunset would not like the answer. "Dark magic, Sunset." Indeed, Sunset's look of intrigue vanished, marred once again by skepticism, with a hint of her prior animosity back on her features. "To draw on dark magic requires a pony to draw on feelings that are not healthy to indulge in. They put aside positive feelings in favor of ones such as spite, envy, and greed. My sister and I both knew this, but neither of us could possibly have anticipated the consequences."

Sunset put a hoof on her chin tapping it as her eyes began to narrow. "This sounds... awfully convenient, Princess." The animosity that darkened her features began to coax itself out of hiding, covering more of her face as she locked her gaze with Luna. "You're telling me that some old foal’s tale from a thousand years ago is real? You're the only pony alive to be able to actually attest to it. That's not a concrete form of evidence."

Bile erupted in Luna's throat as her eyes narrowed. "Are you calling my sister's banishment a 'convenience', Sunset?" Rage prevented her from holding back the scowl she gave to her student, though Sunset had the decency to at least look ashamed.Unfurling her wings, Luna began to advance towards her student. "Or perhaps that I made this story up on the spot for my own gain? Perish the thought. I am many things, Sunset. But I am not a liar. I would never, never stoop to such lows as spinning a lie for my own gain, and it offends me that you would think so."

Sunset threw her hooves up in front of herself. "Okay, okay, I get it!" Her accusatory tone vanished, replaced by a softer voice. One that Luna had rarely heard. "I'm sorry, Princess, alright? I just don't get why you're telling me this at all."

Luna couldn't dispel the small prick of guilt that stuck in her as she saw Sunset's bravado temporarily vanish. ‘I shouldn't have lost myself like that.’ Regardless of Sunset's behavior as of late, she was nonetheless a pony Luna had come to love.

"My apologies, Sunset. My rage should not be directed at you."

Sunset shook her head. "Nah, Princess, I was being... insensitive." Sunset looked away. "I'm sorry." Luna couldn't hide her surprise. An apology from Sunset was something she hadn't heard in moons.

"I just... don't understand."

Luna cocked her head. "What is the matter?"

"If dark magic is so bad then why aren't you forcing me to stop?" A small prick of anger shot to the surface of Sunset's eyes. "You've done it before. Why not do it again?"

Carefully, gently, Luna took the final few steps toward her student. Gingerly she lifted up one of her forelegs and placed it on Sunset's shoulder, elation filling her heart when Sunset made no move to stop her. Her student’s eyes rose to meet her and she gave Sunset a sympathetic smile.

"I was widening the rift between us, Sunset, because I attempted to force you. I was afraid that should you delve into a passion beyond your control then I would lose you forever."

“Wait a minute.” Recognition flashed across Sunset's face. "Your sister."

"Just so." Luna nodded. "I couldn't bear to lose another pony so important in my life. It’s been thousands of moons, Sunset, but the pain is as fresh as the night I last saw her."

Silence followed the exchange between student and mentor. Luna watched patiently as Sunset gazed down at the floor, mulling over their conversation. To say Luna was pleased with the direction their discussion had taken would be an understatement. Somewhere, underneath the deep-seeded pride of the young unicorn, there was still her student, who respected Luna even now, regardless of the rift put between them. Eventually, Sunset lifted her gaze back up to meet hers. Any trace of indignance or reservation replaced by guarded curiosity.

"And what was this favor you wanted of me, Princess?"

Luna's smile faltered. She subconsciously brought up a hoof and scratched the back of her mane. "Ah, yes. That." She took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "Should you wish to continue learning dark magic, Sunset, I would ask that you permit me to teach you. I would not want you to learn it at all, but if you so desire, then at least allow me the comfort of knowing that you'll be safe."

Sunset's expression was a mix of both surprise and apprehension. "Uhhh, are you sure, Princess?" She asked after a moment. "We both know it's illegal..."

Luna's gaze hardened. "I am well aware if it's status in the eyes of the law, Sunset. I outlawed it myself."

"Then, why?"

Luna gave her student a smile. "Because, my student, dark magic - while dangerous - can be controlled with proper tutelage. And besides," She continued, cutting off whatever reply Sunset had in store. "It is as I've said before, I have been rather forceful in your curriculum. Consider this my apology, should you accept it."

Luna watched a thousand emotions dance across Sunset's eyes. An entire spectrum, from elation to apprehension, then apprehension to worry, and back again. Eventually, the festival in her eyes subsided, and they refocused back on Luna.

"Princess, do you mean it?" Sunset asked. Despite her happiness, Luna could sense a small seed of suspicion buried deep underneath her words.

It was hard to ignore the small pang of hurt that coursed through Luna's body at Sunset's hesitation, but she brushed it off to the best of her ability.

‘I should be happy that we've made so much progress in the span of one night. I can ask for no more than that.’

"Of course, my student." Luna said, grinning. She backed away, giving her pupil some space as Sunset hopped off the bed. Once more the unicorn tapped a hoof to her chin, closing her eyes and humming to herself. Not long after she opened her eyes and looked at Luna with a smile, the first genuine smile Luna had seen from her student in months, and one that was beyond infectious.

"Sure. Why not?"

Luna was only able to keep her elation in check due to the not-insignificant wave of resignation that crashed into her. I suppose it was too much to hope for her to say no. Exposing her student to dark magic was... dangerous, to put it lightly, and it hurt to know that she would be doing it willingly. There was so much room for it to go awry, to corrupt another pony she held close to her heart, and steal them away forever. But at the same time, she had to remind herself, Sunset was already exploring this very dangerous path, and there was a very real chance that, had she not intervened, she would've lost her daughter forever.

‘Better I teach her to defend herself from the darkness than to stand by in silence... again.’

No, she was making the right choice, and one that gave her a chance to rekindle her bond with SunsetTruthfully, she couldn't ask for more. Tentatively she wrapped a wing around Sunset, and when the unicorn made no movement to object to the display of affection pulled her in close.

"Sunset, you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that."

"I can guess." Sunset said. eventually stepping away from her mentor. "So, when do we start?"

Luna began making her way towards the door. "Tomorrow." She said. Sunset's face immediately curved into a frown. She began to open her mouth to speak, but Luna cut her off. "It is as you said yourself, Sunset. It’s late. As much as I would like to get started on your lessons immediately, I believe we can both agree that we've had an eventful day."

Sunset stomped her hoof on the floor. "But I-!" She took a deep breath, lowering her gaze to her hooves. "No, that's not fair. I understand, Princess."

Luna smiled at her student. "Thank you, Sunset." Raising a hoof to the door, Luna paused. "Though, I suppose there is one thing you can do if you wish, to prepare yourself."

"Really?" Sunset's head shot up, her demeanor changing to one of an over-enthusiastic filly. Luna couldn't help but giggle. "What is it, Princess?"

"Meditation." Luna said. At Sunset's confused expression, she continued. "Meditation tempers the mind and revitalizes the soul, Sunset. Dark magic seeks to corrupt, and can overwhelm an overworked mind with ease with enough time. Exercising control over your mind and guarding your soul against it can not only render its efforts futile, it can reverse the damage it does. Does that make sense?"

After a moment, Sunset nodded. "Yes, Princess." Luna watched her student shift nervously from hoof to hoof. "But, where should I start?"

Luna gestured to her student's bed. "Right there is as good a start as any. Close your eyes and focus on clearing your mind of any wayward thoughts. It's a far cry from not thinking." She added, noticing Sunset's skeptical expression. "It takes more effort than one might think to calm a busy mind. But in doing so, it brings your emotions further under your control. This will be a staple in our lessons, and I will not begrudge you starting now."

Sunset kept her gaze locked on Luna for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Princess. I'll do it... and thanks."

"Hmm?" Luna was nearly out of Sunset's room entirely before turning around. "What for, my student."

"For letting me do this." Sunset said. "It really means a lot."

Luna's heart flipped, and she gave her student one last smile.

"Of course, Sunset. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Princess."

Gently Luna closed the door to her student's room. For a moment she simply stood there, observing all of the small cracks and dents in the painted wood borne from untold centuries of use, before signing and turning around, making her way to her own chambers, her soul weighing lighter with each and every step she took. Their confrontation could've gone in a far less favorable direction than it did, though preferably Luna would rather not entertain those possibilities.

‘It's in the past now, and there it will stay.’

Stopping, Luna turned her attention to one of the many windows dotted throughout the palace. Outside she could once again see the sprawling land of Canterlot, but that was not her focus this time. Instead, her gaze shifted upwards, up to the familiar glowing orb that was imprinted on her flank. Her mind wandered back to the story she told Sunset.

“Reluctantly, the youngest sister employed the most powerful magic known to ponykind, the Elements of Harmony, banishing her elder sister to the sun, from where she may never return.”

Luna sighed. There was one last part of the tale she had omitted when telling it to Sunset. But it was not of importance to her student. Not yet.

‘Ten years.’

A decade. That's how long she had left to prepare Sunset for a fight she never wanted to train her for. The Elements didn't respond to Luna now, not anymore. But Sunset had a passion. A passion in her soul that with any luck, could be used to defend Equestria against her sister once more. Luna's eyes hardened as she stared at the moon.

‘In ten years, sister. I will see you again.’