//------------------------------// // Prologue: A Spark // Story: If There Was No Magic // by Just Reading //------------------------------// Bzzt! A spark dances from the tip of the unicorn filly’s purple horn, breaking the silence between the two ponies studying in the lounge. The other pony closes the book that lies on the carpet at his hooves. Blue eyes shimmer a faint purple as he watched the spark hop towards him across the floor. It fizzles out before it had crossed half of the distance between them, bringing disappointment to the older siblings features. “What was that Twily?” The Shining Armor’s eyes are lit up, jaw hanging open, wanting to see more. “I was reading an old book the Princess gave me. It’s about the reign of Discord.” Twilight groggily sums up as if that explains everything. “Discord? Why are you reading those old tales? I thought the Princess was teaching you new things.” Sighing inside Twilight resists the urge to just continue reading. “Well,” A yawn forces the spent filly to pause, “The Princess said this portion of history is key to the research we will be doing together. This book is one from the forbidden archives detailing exactly what happened in Discords reign. The original was written in the peace shortly after his defeat almost two-thousand years ago. I consider myself luc-” “I don’t want a lecture on old books Twilight,” Shining Armor cuts in rolling his eyes. “I want to know what that spark was and if you can do it again..” “Oh that,” Twilight takes a deep breath, “It’s magic, or at least my first attempt at it.” Shining’s face begins to redden. He lets out a snort and chuckling soon follows. Soon enough he collapses onto the floor in a full blown laughing fit. Sighing outwardly this time Twilight continues to read trying to ignore her brother as he suffocates himself with joy next to her. Once he recovers and is upright next to Twilight he continues the conversation. “Sorry Twi. It’s just magic? I thought that didn’t exist?” If forming the spark hadn’t used all of Twilight energy, this conversation was certainly sapping the last of it. “It existed in the time before Discord. It is written here that there were three princesses before the Reign of Chaos. In order to defeat Discord the three sisters had to combine the powers of the sun, moon, and magic to vanquish him.” Twilight pinches the page between her teeth and flips it over. “The greatest strain was put on the third sister Magi, the provider of magic. After Discord’s vanishing the sisters found her missing as well. Magi provided magic much the same Celestia provides the sun and Luna the moon, without her it is inaccessible for other ponies, even the two remaining sisters.” “So what you’re telling me is that you’ve somehow revived this long forgotten sister, by reading a book.” Shinings neck straightens from a slouching position as he speaks. “Not revived, more of rediscovered. It’s like I’ve found a small spark of magic still-” Twilight attempts to continue talking but a yawn overcomes her, “-left.” By now Shining is upright and walking to stand over Twilight. “I think it’s time for someone to get their rest,” he observes. Another yawn stops Twilight’s protests as Shining closes the book she was in the middle of and places it on top of her pile. When she finally can speak Shining has taken the candle they were reading by and she has followed the light out of the now dark lounge then up the soft, carpeted steps. Shining takes a left at the top of the stairs, leading the yawning purple pony into her room. Stepping around a pile of books Twilight was halfway through reshelving, they make their way towards the corner of the room where a bed clothed in the night sky waits. As he tucks her into bed Shining Armor can’t help but encourage his little sister. “Whatever that spark was Twilight it’s the closest thing to magic I’ve ever seen. I’m sure if you try hard and have Celestia to help, you’ll become the first pony in two-thousand years to use magic.” Lacking the energy to speak Twilight murmurs her agreement as her heavy eyelids close without her consent. “Good night Twilight.” Shining’s last words are whispered before he blows out the candle and exits the room, closing the door softly. Celestia smiles from her viewpoint outside Twilight’s window. Standing she extends her wings and launches from the neighbour’s roof top, flapping effortlessly towards the white castle that fills the Canterlot horizon. ★★★ The sun’s rays pushing their way through Twilight’s eyelids wake her. Rousing herself she can’t help but stop in awe as the beauty her mentor has created for Equestria this morning. Soft pink fades into deep blue as the sun warns of it’s coming presence on the horizon. Seeing the sun reminds Twilight of the excitement that awaits her today, the same that had awaited her everyday for three months since Celestia took Twilight under her wing. Twilight’s dreamy mind takes the thought, recalling the experience for Twilight. It was to be the first time Celestia would mentor a student since she taught her own sister. Twilight, a student studying two years above her level was the star student of the private academy she attended, was asked to attend the choosing. Strangely only unicorns were chosen. The written test was on Pre-Discord era history as well as concepts and theoretical application of magic unicorns of the era could perform. The test was supposedly to prove how well the potential pupils knew all aspects of history as well as their ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts. Celestia didn’t want a student that was difficult to teach the examiners assumed. Twilight as well as two others managed to ace the quiz answering every question correctly. So Celestia personally asked them the final question, “Would you like to learn magic?” The query resulted in everypony in the room but Twilight and Celestia chuckled a little dismissing the question as a joke. Surprising everyone, even herself Twilight answered enthusiastically “I would love to Princess.” The memory of Celestia locking eyes with her as she dismissed the others from the room fills Twilight’s head. The warm presence and soft comforting feathers of Celestia’s wing cemented in her mind. The blinding sunlight twinkling over the horizon shocks Twilight out of her memories. Annoyed, she reminds herself that she didn’t have time to get lost in this memory every morning. She needs to be out of bed and ready to leave if she wants to make it to her lesson on time. Covers are tossed aside by flailing hooves as Twilight springs out of bed to collect her saddle bags. Already full of books their weight gives her some difficulty. The struggle is short and soon a purple filly pops out from Twilight’s bedroom into the cool, dim hall. Twilight can hear the routine noise of her mother in downstairs humming to herself as she prepares the morning meal. Descending the stairs, sounds of Shining Armor’s morning sword practice begin to reach Twilight. Reaching the bottom and beginning down the hall Twilight stops to observe her brother beating a wooden dummy tied to the oak in their yard. Swinging the sword from his mouth the new recruit looks like a proper guards pony to Twilight. “Twilight dear could you tell your brother breakfast is ready.” The voice breaks her focus on the swordplay outside. “Okay mom.” Twilight answers without thinking. Her thoughts have already shifted to her upcoming lesson. She can’t wait to bring news of her discovery to her teacher and show her the spark. The rush of cool air as the door opens doesn’t pull Twilight from the depths of her mind, neither does the slam of the door as Shining enters. “Come on Twily it’s breakfast.”The voice combined with Shining’s sweaty nudge manages to bring her back to the conscious world. “Yes Princess” Twilight looks expectantly up at Shining “Uh I mean hey there Shining, nice morning isn’t it?” Her correction not enough to cover up her mistake and all she gets is a chuckle out of Shining Armor. “Been day-dreaming again Twi?” “I’m just excited after what happened last night,” Twilight admits, annoyed at herself once again for losing her focus on the real world. . “That spark was pretty cool. Are you gonna show the Princess it?” “Definitely,” Twilight’s purple locks dance around her horn as she nods. “I’m certain that’s the reason she gave me the book.” “Well tell me about it when I get home tonight, for now let’s have some pancakes.” Shining Armor turns and Twilight trails her brother down the hall into the kitchen. ★★★ “Show me it again.” Twilight’s forehead creases with stress and eyes scrunch shut. A rush of air passes between her lips, deep breath. Distractions cloud her mind. What if she can’t do it this time? What if she doesn’t pass? Ignoring these habitual thoughts she sets her focus. Focus on a memory, a memory of heat pushing it’s way through her horn. The energy reaches the tip and leaves her body. The expense is taken from her legs, causing them to collapse under her. As she falls flat on her face she manages to catch a glimpse of a tiny purple twinkle dancing at Celestia’s hooves before it shrinks into nothing. Celestia nudges Twilight with her nose in an attempt to rouse her. “That was very good Twilight, no pony has been able to form magical energy in two-thousand years.” Celestia realises she is talking to herself. Twilight has yet to move from her fall. Celestia feels her stomach sinking and gently attempts to pull Twilight up with her hooves. Her efforts only result in Twilight falling into a more comfortable position on her side. The fear grows inside Celestia as she sinks down next to Twilight and uses a snow white hoof to cuddle her student to her side. “Twilight?” Barely a whisper escapes Celestia’s lips as they pass over Twilight’s ear. “Did I pass?” A mumble of words reach Celestia from the purple filly curled before her. “Yes.” The syllable bursts out of Celestia’s mouth as her mind conflicts whether to cry or laugh, her lips choose a smile. “Of course you passed you silly filly, even I couldn’t have done better.” “What next, Princess?” Twilight’s diligence manages to ask for another assignment before she slips back to sleep. The princess allows herself to steal a celebration nuzzle from the resting student. Her lips curl another twitch upwards. Celestia speaks softly, as not to wake, “Next we rediscover the world my precious little student.”