The Hazards of Magic Training
I awoke to find myself in a bed that is not my own. Looking around only to find the shiny walls of the TARDIS mocking me. The final bit of reality crashing around me, realizing all that had happen was no dream. Everything that has happened is real and it is about time I accept it. Part of me did not want to accept or even leave the bed, but that would achieve nothing. Reluctantly I got up and prepared for my day, somewhat groggy from troubled dreams.
I did not have the most restful sleep during the night. The things that had happen plagued my mind. Without my father to protect me in my dreams I was a victim of my own imagination. In the past when I had dreams that upset me my father would enter them and calm me. I enjoyed it, I found it to be one of the few times I could bond with him. He always seemed gentler in dreams than in reality. He found ways to make time for me in the dream world when travel took him away. Now I am on my own. I will have to face my dreams good or bad and solve them on my own.
I left the room focusing on what was promised for the day ahead. Today I start to learn about magic. The magic inside me dancing as if excited and ready to be put to use. However, I first must remember my promise to myself and get some answers from the Doctor. My sister and I might be young fillies, me of eight and her two years behind, but that does not mean we can be pushed around. Even if my sister will not join me I will make my stand until I get my answers.
I reach the main area of the TARDIS looking for the elder stallion. He is not there and the doors of the TARDIS are closed. I hear trotting and look over to see my sister arrive. She looked much like I did, I am guessing she had trouble sleeping as well.
"Oh good your both up," spoke the Doctor as walked into the ship from the doors. He was holding a bag in his mouth full of random things from outside. It contained things from what I believe was fruit to grass and leaves. "Since we will most likely be on this planet a while I decided to forage for food. I checked each of things myself to make sure they are safe to eat. So you have no reason to worry feel free to sample," he smiled placing the bag of food in front of us.
"Thank you Grandfather," spoke my hungry sister pulling out a fruit like item. Taking a bite finding she liked it than ate it with a smile. I too hungry found things I liked and ate my fill.
"Now that is out of way. Are you ready for magic training?," he asked us. My sister nodded, but I still had my questions to ask.
"Wait Doctor," I spoke making my stand. "I want answers first. I refuse to be treated like a foal anymore. I will not do anything until I get them," I demanded as I stood in my belief.
"You dare talk back to me, you dare question me," he spoke with authority as his eyes stared into mine. When I looked into those blue eyes the presence behind them was immense. I wanted to cower in fear, I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. The only question in my mind was who is this pony. It felt like a life time under that gaze, but it was only moments and he looked away and I was free. I gasped for air as I saw the look on his face change to that of a grin. "It is good to question things and not to do anything blindly. Consider that your first lesson," he smirked.
"Celestia you are right," serious again looking at me and my sister. "You both been asked to do much despite your young age. You both have earned the right to ask questions. I will answer one question from each of you and answer it to the best of my abilities. Sound fair," he looks at me as I can only nod still recovering from my experience. I motion for my sister to ask her question first.
"Why did our parents hide their names from us?," asked my sister wanting to know more about our family. "What are their names?," she added in tears, I wanted to know as well.
"That is a double question my dear," responded the Doctor. "However, since I believe that every filly should know their parent's name I will let it slide. Also it looks like Celestia wants to know as well," he smiles at me and I nod in agreement.
"Very well let us start with your initial question," the Doctor began looking a bit sad. "I suppose your parents hiding their names is somewhat my fault," he said surprising us both. "When they first started traveling with me they had no problem using their names. Everywhere we went they would introduce themselves to anypony we met. They were young and outgoing much like the two of you. It was happier times," he sighed looking lost in his memories. "However, all things come to an end. We met a being that could use one's name against them. The being was eventually defeated, but the scars remained. It was not long after they left and took rule of Equestria. They must of decided to hide their names so not to be vulnerable again," he spoke sadly looking down.
"I know you want to know more, but that would be going past our deal," he told us before either of us had the chance to ask. "Just know to use caution when giving your name out," giving us another lesson.
"Now for the other part of your request," I held a breath in wait at finding out my parents names. "You mother a lovely and kind mare, the Queen of Equestria, her name is Golden Dawn," an image of my radiant mother came to my mind as the Doctor spoke. "Your father a noble and proud stallion, the King of Equestria, his name is Obsidian Moon," the image of my strong father came as tears formed in my eyes. I finally knew their names I was so happy, yet sad that I would never see them again. I promised to myself not to forget their names and to keep them in my heart.
"I believe it is your turn to ask a question Celestia," wiping the tears away as I thought of my question. "Remember I will not be allowing a double question this time," he spoke with a smirk. Thinking about what to ask the Doctor as many different questions went through my head.
"Why did our parent's say they would be unable to fight Discord?," speaking the most important question in my mind, the reason why we are fighting in their place.
"I thought you might ask that," responded the Doctor sadly looking down. "Very well I will tell you, but don't think less of your parents for it," preparing us for his tail. "Discord was not always the monster he is now. There was a time he was much like everypony else. He was very close to your parents, in fact they loved him," I was in shock at this revelation, but continued to listen. "To them he was family they trusted him completely. It was him who had the castle built which stands at the edge of the Forever Free."
"It is the Everfree now Grandfather," spoke up my sister interrupting the Doctor.
"The Everfree, I see still clinging to what they lost, the foals," mumbled the Doctor. "As I was saying," he continued. "They trusted him, so much in fact he was giving something sacred to Equestria to watch over. It was powerful and magical and it drew out Discord's power hungry ambitions. What occurred next I was not present for, but Starswirl was and it was terrifying," giving pause making sure he had our attention. "Discord ripped the sacred object in half and took half for himself. He merged with the magic and it corrupted him. It twisted his body and mind stripping him of everything he once was and leaving a monster in his place."
I shudder as I remember what our teacher told us about what happened to the Everfree so long ago. I now know the cause. "Despite all that had happened your parents still love Discord," spoke the Doctor as I cannot understand why. "That is why they could not fight him. They don't have the heart to," he spoke sadly and looked away.
My question had been answered, but I felt even more in the dark than before. I wanted to ask more, but knew the Doctor would not answer. We had made a deal so I would have to be satisfied, for now. Perhaps as we train the Doctor will reveal more to us.
"I hope you two are ready to train," spoke up the Doctor. "We begin as soon as you leave the TARDIS," with that he left leaving my sister and I with our thoughts. We looked at each other and nodded our heads. It was no time to dwell on what we learned for there was much more ahead of us. We both left the TARDIS together ready to face the day.
It is still unnerving to come out and see both night and day, but it is getting more familiar. I spot the Doctor not far away looking at a large boulder and smiling to himself.
"There you are good," he speaks looking at the two of us. "Now a bit of warning to both of you. Listen to my instructions and don't do anything reckless," he makes sure we understand. "I may not be a unicorn, but I do know about magic and from this point on I am your teacher," he smiles to us. "Tell me what has Starswirl taught you about magic so far?"
"Not much Grandfather," spoke up my sister. "He taught us that magic is a force of life in all ponies, but not much beyond that. He never taught us about how to harness or control it," she said meekly looking away.
"I should of forced Starswirl to come with me," remarked the Doctor as he sighed. "Very well looks like I have a lot to explain to you," he sighed again.
The Doctor explained much about magic and how it pertains to us and the land around us. He told us while all ponies have magic unicorns or Alicorns, such as us, can use it actively. In order for it to be used we need both focus and concentration. Without focus the spell could misfire and without concentration it could fall apart completely. He told us that magic was based off two categories internal and environmental. The internal was the magic inside us that we could use. While the environmental was in air, ground, and everything else. Casting magic is the convergence of the two. He did warn us not to over use our internal magic for it could lead to exhaustion or even death. However not using our internal would lead to magical bursts that could hurt ourselves or other ponies. The Doctor called it a double edged sword. He also warned not to rely on magic to much. He told us it was not absolute or all powerful there were ways to defeat magic, however he did not tell us how.
"I trust what I told you was enlightening," bringing his explanation to a close. "However, there is no better way to learn than than experience," the Doctor smirked. "Which one of you wishes to be first?"
I bravely step forward ready to learn how to use my magic. "Celestia, very good make sure to follow my instructions," commented the Doctor on my volunteering. "Now inside you you feel a well of magical energy. You need to guide it through your body and to your horn," he spoke as I listened. Finding my magic and leading it through unseen pathways to my horn. "Make sure to watch Luna, your next," the Doctor told my sister as I went through my lesson. "Keep your eyes open watch the tip of your horn make it glow," the Doctor commanded. I did as he said as my horn began to shine a yellow light surrounding it.
"What is the color about Grandfather?,"asked my sister.
"You noticed it, good,"the Doctor replied. "That is the interaction of the two magics. Each pony who can use magic interacts with it differently and that difference is represented by color," he explained to us. "Separate magics can sync and become one much like this planet's magic has, but that a different lesson."
"Let us continue with yours," he spoke to me as my horn lite brightly with magic. "Project your magic at that boulder," pointing a hoof at the one he was examining from before. "Then surround it with your magic and try and lift it," I do as he instructs feeling the magic in the air around the boulder come under my control. I focus my magic on the boulder and try to lift it. I can feel my magic tighten around the boulder and then the boulder explodes. I stop casting at the unexpected event and look over to the Doctor.
"Well that was unexpected," he laughed. "I had picked that boulder hoping that wouldn't happen. Looks like you have more power than I thought. Fascinating results from your first try," he grinned at me. I couldn't believe I had that much power in me. I will have to learn how to control the amount of magic I use from now on.
Luna's turn is next, I watch her go under the same instruction as I. I watch as the magic builds up in her horn it is a dark blue color which surrounds it. I noticed as it looks as it seems she is struggling. "No, no this won't do," remarked the Doctor. "You should be as strong as your sister, but it looks like your magic is blocked. I wonder," as he takes a thoughtful pose. "Luna cross the line and go into the night side and try again."
"Yes Grandfather,"she spoke as she trotted over to the other side. She summoned up her magic she struggled less with it this time. The result was different, this time the boulder shattered under her magic.
"Impressive," remarked the Doctor. "Celestia could you cross over and join your sister and then use your magic? I want to test a theory," doing as he requested and joined my sister on the night side. I tried summoning up my magic and if felt sluggish. It was difficult much like walking around with your eyes closed through a swamp. My magic didn't follow where I lead it and it was slow as it moved through me. "You can stop," ordered the Doctor as I panted in exhaustion. "Interesting, yes very interesting. I now know why your parents picked this planet for you to train. It is so you can both train equally at the same time," he said proudly at his discovery.
I thought about it and realized he was right. It seemed our abilities were strongest during the time we were meant to rule, I day and my sister night. Which if this were a normal planet would mean the Doctor would have to divide his time between us. However, since both night and day exist at the same time he can now train us equally. Thinking further, I realized it also meant he could train us until we could overcome this problem and use magic no matter the time.
For three months we trained under the Doctor in that time, after much trial and error and many broken rocks, I managed to gain control over my magic. However, now I was bored and wanted to learn more. The Doctor keeps teaching the same thing over and over. At first I was alright with it, understanding the need for practice, but now I can lift just about any rock and move it about without any trouble.
The lesson always started out the same we were made to meditate and focus our magic. The Doctor said we were tuning our magic when we did that. Making it respond quicker and with less effort, but also expanding our sense of the magic around us. I recall one day when I reached out with my magic it felt as if something was calling to me. The source was large and bright I wanted to follow it to connect with it. The Doctor stopped me though, apparently my eyes were glowing and horn was shifting colors. I told the Doctor what I felt and he warned me not to listen and ignore it. Apparently I had made a connection with the planet's sun. If I had answered it I could of destroyed the planet's ecosystem and most likely killed us as well. He also warned my sister that the moon may call to her as well and not to answer or the same fate may happen.
I have decided if the Doctor wishes to continue to treat me like a foal then I will just practice without him. I close my eyes and focus my mind. I know deep in my thoughts are many spells used by my mother, for when she gave me her power I received knowledge as well. I searched for the perfect spell something good, but not too large so the Doctor will not notice. The spell I find is called summoning fire. It is suppose to bring any source of flame to me and follow my will. With no fire near us this is the perfect spell to use.
Casting my spell I stretch out my magic. Feeling looking for a source of fire. I find one it is far away so I focus on it. It is exciting as I send my message for the fire to come to me. It feels like a small heart beat of light in the dark as it responds to my call. I send my message even stronger that the last. The fire responds pulsing faster. I can't help, but smile that I am advancing in my magic without the Doctor. I can feel the fire as it burns brighter, but then I notice it is getting closer. I start to panic realizing that this is no small flame it grows larger as it comes closer to me. I try to break my hold or send it back but the fire does not respond, it is almost on me now.
"Rwaaakkk," sounded out a terrible screech as I forced my eyes open. I watched as the Doctor and my sister looked towards the source of the sound. "Rwaaakkk," came the noise again as the source made itself know. It was a very large beast with wings of red and yellow. However it was not feathers I saw, but fire. The beast was living bird of flame that made the phoenixes of home seem tiny in comparison.
"It is a Firebird run!," yelled the Doctor as we all ran from the beast. "Quick get onto the night side of the planet, hopefully it will not follow," we followed his direction and hid behind a large boulder on the night side of the planet. We watched as the Firebird stopped at the line landing it's feet burning the ground.
"What is that Grandfather? Why did it stop?," asked my sister both scared and out of breath.
"It is a Firebird. A creature of pure fire and magic. It stopped because it has never seen night before. It doesn't know how to react to it," answered the Doctor. "Why is it here? It should be on far side of the planet near the sun?," he asked himself as he looked over at me. "What did you do Celestia?," he spoke accusing me.
"I didn't do anything," I lied and the Doctor easily saw through it. "I just wanted to do something different," I admitted no longer willing to lie. "I used a summon fire spell. I had no idea that I would bring a monster here," I spoke trying my best not to cry.
"Hopefully you have learned a lesson here," he said in his teaching voice. "That even small spells can bring great troubles when the pony casting is not fully aware of what they are doing," I nod my head sadly as I feel the Doctor pat my head. "Try not dwell on your mistakes Celestia, your going to make them, it is a part of life. Learn from them and try not to make them again," he spoke sagely to me as I can only nod.
"How do we get the monster to go away Grandfather?," asked my sister bringing reality back to us.
"Unfortunately the Firebird is now connected to your sister's magic, so it might not leave easily," he told us as I felt worried and scared. "I don't know what will happen if it crosses into the night side of the planet. One possibly is nothing and it will continue to chase Celestia no matter where she goes," I shudder at the idea of that possibility.
"The we need to keep it from crossing," I say bravely holding back my fear.
"Indeed and I think I know how, but you need to listen to me and focus," spoke the Doctor as I nodded. "Good now recast your summon fire spell," I do not question why as I start to cast. "It will be hard, but you can do it Celestia," he coached me as I struggled to use my magic. "Form the spell into a ball at the tip of your horn. When you built up enough release it and shoot the spell past the Firebird," I did as he ask building the spell up. I release it firing it like a shot as it went past the Firebird. It followed the spell taking off back to where it came.
"I did it Doctor," I said both happy and relieved. "I am sorry Doctor," remembering it was my fault in the first place.
"No harm done and hopefully you learned from this," he said in a forgiving tone. I nod my head in response. "Good it looks like I will have to excel both your training. I rather not have to go through that again," he smiled and winked at both of us.
A week has barely past since that event as I am awaken by something I never wanted to hear, my sister's panicked screams of fear. "Luna," I cry out rushing into her room. She is struggling in her bed her eyes closed trapped in a dream. I put my hooves on her and try shake her awake. "Luna please wake up, it is only a dream," I plead as I continue to shake her. I manage to free her from her frightful slumber as she looks at me with tears in her eyes.
"Celestia," she cried out as she held me tight. "It was so horrible. I never want to go through that again," she cried on me as the Doctor came running into her room.
"Luna are you alright," he spoke in concern for her. My sister yelped in fright as she looked at the Doctor hiding behind me in fear. I tried to make sense of her reaction. My sister loved the Doctor why would she fear him? I had no answer as I looked to the Doctor for an explanation. "I know what you saw was frightening Luna, but please don't fear me," the Doctor pleaded with my sister. My sister only nodded as she calmed down and came out of hiding. "I am afraid your sister has been doing some dream walking," he spoke to me. "Unfortunately for her it was my dreams she entered," ashamed of himself for resting.
"What did she see?," I asked not sure if I will be answered.
"A terrible memory, one of the many I often relive," responded the Doctor. "I am sorry for what you saw Luna, but it is only a memory and cannot hurt you," he said soothingly.
"It spoke to us," replied my shaking sister. "That black winged evil pony, it spoke to us," she cried.
"It spoke to you," responded the Doctor shocked as my sister nodded and whimpered. "What did it say?," he asked hoping she reply.
"It called us it's dark daughter," she cried. "Told us we would take it's place and bring night eternal," she sobbed into my coat. I can see the trouble look on the Doctor's face as he takes in what she said.
"Luna look at me," spoke the Doctor. My sister looks up at the Doctor. "What you saw me against was a terrible pony. One's who name I will not speak. I promise you in his hoof steps you will not follow. However, I need you help to make sure it never does. I need you to be strong Luna, Granddaughter, can you be strong?," the Doctor asks my sister.
"Yes, Grandfather I can," she answers him no longer shying away.
"Very good," he smiles once more. "I expect marvelous things from both of you. Don't let me down," he smirks and leaves the room.
Left with my sister I can only guess what she saw or met. I will not pry not wanting those dark memories to resurface. Instead I bid my sister good night and head toward my room. I see now I do not have a full understanding of magic. That it behaves unpredictably and wildly. A force that can be used for good or evil depending on the pony. Tomorrow is a new day and I promise myself to use my power for the benefit of all.