//------------------------------//
// One Final Test 
// Story: The Dark Ages: The True Tale of Equestrian History 
// by Dragonas77 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 8: One Final Test


Nearly three months later, Dawn approached the newly completed Palace. Celestia had built it in just under a month for herself. Dawn entered, and Celestia immediately greeted her with a soft nuzzle.
"Ah, my student. What news do you have for me?" Celestia asked somfly, still nuzzling her.
"Great news, Princess. It is done. I finished the Academy, as you had asked." Dawn answered.
Celestia looked up, intrigued. "Show me."

* * * * *

"Well, here it is. The new Royal Magical Academy for Ponies." Dawn said proudly. "Um, how do you like it, Princess?"
"It is perfect, Dawn. I couldn't have done it better myself. Faster, yes, but never better. You have a students mind, and used this perfectly, giving each room what it needed, what spells it would require, and making it all so elegant at the same time! I'm proud of you, my faithful student."
"Th- Thank you princess..." Dawn said, bowing. She was overwhelmed with the sheer amount of praise. It was what she had wanted, yes, but never did she actually think it would actually happen.
"Would you mind giving me a tour? A private tour?" Celestia asked.
"Oh! Of course!" Dawn said, opening the doors to the Academy as the words left her mouth.
For well over two hours, Dawn brought the Princess throughout the Academy, showing what she had built, what various rooms where for, and what spells and protections she had given the rooms. It was a truly amazing experience to be alone with Celestia, and she basked in every moment of it.
"Well, I do believe thats every single room in the Academy, Princess Celestia. So, are you pleased?"
"Yes, my little pony. I'm quite happy with your progress. You didn't know it, but there are multiple purposes for this building."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Like the obvious purpose, to train both you and future students here on magic. But also the more subtle, like having you buld the entire complex, stone by magical stone, and learn magical control. You've improved so much just by this task alone, yet you don't realize it." Celestia said. "Here, this will prove my point. I want you to take this puzzle. Lift it into the air, and assemble it all, holding it in mid-air the whole time."
Dawn did as she was asked, and levitated the pieces out of the box they were in. One hundred brightly shaped flat pieces now floated in front of her face. It was quite difficult, but she kept them all suspended there, and then began to think of which pieces go where. Piece by piece, she did it. After nearly fifteen minutes, Dawn did it. The completed puzzle hovered in the air, completely assembled by magical means.
"Wow, I didn't know I could do that....." Dawn said, amazed at ther own abilities.
"That is what practice will do for a pony. Their skill becomes more refined, and since your special talent is Magic itself, it comes much easier to you than to others." Celestia said. "Now, the real training can begin....."


* * * * *


Dawn stood before the Princess. It was finally her time to shine. She had spent many months training and practicing, all leading up to this one moment. One final test. 'Her' final test.
"Now, Dawn, please begin with the rudimentary skills. Start with, lifting this apple." Celestia said, in an even emotionless voice. Dawn knew she was proud of her, but couldn’t show it.
Dawn did as she was instructed, and the tests continued on. She lifted objects, froze water, melted metal, and even grew an entire tree to maturity. The tests got harder and harder, until Dawn thought she was at her limit and was almost ready to give up.
"Stop.  You have been deemed competent. But one final task remains. It is a personal task, one I request of you and you alone. I want you to go forth, and gather your sisters. Bring Spirit and Dash here before me, then I will give you all my istructions."


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