//------------------------------//
// Starting Over 
// Story: Karateka 
// by Karateka12 
//------------------------------//

	Karateka awoke from the spell hours later to find herself wrapped in a blanket, lying on a thin mat on a large marble floor. Her wings had been set and wrapped in bandages so they could heal. She rolled herself onto her stomach and looked around. There was a small glass of water siting nearby. But other than that the hall was mostly empty. Stained glass windows lined the walls. Some of the pictures Karateka knew from school, but most of them she didn’t. On each side of the room there was a door. One door was extravagantly decorated with a sun in the center and a unicorn lock, a lock that only a unicorn with the right magic spell could open, and the other, though also decorated, was relatively plain in comparison. As Karateka was examining her strange surroundings, the plain door opened and Princess Luna came in.  Karateka shrank back a little. 
“We thought the spell we cast on thee would be wearing off soon.” Luna said kindly. “We see, thou art awake. That is good.” She dropped a small hoof full of hay in front of where Karateka lay. “Eat this. It is good to eat a small amount of roughage after one has undergone a sleep spell, such as we have cast on thee. If thou dost not, thou whilst  come down with terrible colic...which we can say from experience is not ever a joyous occasion.”
Karateka wrinkled her nose at the hay at first, but then slowly reached out and took some of the stalks, chewing them slowly. The thick dry stalks crunched and snapped between her teeth, filling her mouth with the dry stinging sensation that the hay cut early in the year always gave. Clearly this cutting was truly roughage and didn’t have any of the sweet alfalfa that the later cuttings had. She took a hard breath and swallowed. Finally she looked up at the blue alicorn. “Why are you helping me.” She asked quietly.
“We have watched thee for some time, Karateka. Thou hast spent every full moon sitting out and conversing with us. Though we could not reply to thee, thou didst still consider us thy friend, yes?” Karateka nodded as Luna laid another hoof full of hay in front of her. “We also have enjoyed thy company. Thou art one of the few ponies that enjoys the night as we. And because of this, we could not allow thy life to be wasted.” She gazed down at Karateka, who turned away as she took another mouthful of the bitter hay. 
Luna was silent for a while, then went on. “We.....I...also came in to tell the--you...that you’re room was prepared. When you are feeling strong enough, I shall show it to you.”
Karateka’s head picked up, still partly chewing the mouthful of hay. “My room...?!”
“But of course. This was only a quiet short-term place for you to rest. Surely you did not think that my sister and I would allow a guest to sleep in the tower.”
Karateka’s cheeks took on a shade of pink as she continued to chew the hay then swallow it. “I don’t want to cause any more trouble than I already have...”
“I assure you, you are no burden.” Luna replied nudging the water toward the pegasus lying on the floor. “I apologize for the unaccommodating surroundings as of now. We did not wish to put thee in a place so cold and isolated, but  it was the only place that was assuredly quiet. But we believe that you will be much more comfortable when you are settled into your new surroundings.”
Karateka drained the water and slowly got to her hooves. “Thank you, Princess. I am feeling a lot better now...really.”
“Good.” Luna replied. Her horn began to glow and the mat, blanket, and empty glass disappeared. “Very well, I shall show you to your room and allow you to get settled.”
The Princess of the night led Karateka down a maze of long hallways and corridors, finally stopping outside a large wooden door. She pushed open the door and stepped aside, allowing Karateka to walk in first.
“Is it to your liking?” Luna asked, after a moment of silence.
“Yes, but even if it wasn’t, I couldn’t complain....” Karateka replied in awe. This room alone is the size of my old house...!”
Luna smiled. “I am pleased you like it.” She turned. “I shall give you time to settle in. Supper is an hour before twilight, you may join us in the dining hall if you are feeling up to it. I shall meet you on the tower balcony for the raising of the moon where we may talk through the night, face-to-face. In the meantime, if you wish, feel free to roam the grounds. I shall see you later tonight.” With that she gently closed the door behind her, leaving Karateka alone. 
The pegasus stood for a moment, then walked slowly over to the window, trying to not let her hoof-steps echo through the empty room. She stared out over the palace grounds, a vast expanse of alabaster beauty, adorned with flowers, shrubs and statues. Karateka heard laughter and her ears perked up. She looked out over the palace labyrinth to see a group of the well-to-do ponies playing polo on the lawn. Karateka sighed and lay her head on her fetlocks, as she watched them laugh as they continued on with their game. She slid off the windowsill and walked over to the bed. Climbing up onto it, she lay out on the thick pink and white comforter and closed her eyes, trying not to think of home. Within moments, she had again fallen asleep.
Karateka awoke hours later. After realizing where she was, she noticed the room was dim...very dim. She immediately jerked her head up. The sun was already almost half under the horizon. “Oh, no...I’m late!!!” Karateka cried, jumping out of bed and bursting out of the room. She galloped down the halls to the dining hall, nearly knocking down the servants and guards as she flew past. Finally, she plunged into the room, flinging the doors open and causing them to bang against each wall and resound throughout the entire castle. Both princesses stopped eating and turned to look at her. As the loud echo finally began to reside, Karateka felt herself grow red and hot in her cheeks. She lowered her head and slunk quietly into the room, her hooves seeming to make sounds as loud as the doors had. Finally coming to the table she bowed onto one knee. “M-my apologies, your majesties for arriving so late.” She said, hardly over a whisper.
“Please, do not be ashamed.” Princess Celestia replied kindly, gesturing with her horn toward an empty chair. “We only guessed that you were not feeling up to dining with us this evening, but we are pleased to see that we were mistaken.” As Karateka sat down, the princess pushed the chair foreword for her with her powers, then nudging a basket of whole wheat rolls toward her. Karateka took one, but instead of eating it, fiddled with it nervously with her nose, still feeling a little red in the face.
“So then, Karateka,” Celestia continued as the servants, some of whom Karateka had almost tackled (and who all gave her slightly dirty looks because of it), came in with more food. “Tell us about yourself. My sister says that you enjoy the night and that you like to sit out and talk to her in the moon.”
“Yes....” Karateka answered shyly. “Or...I did...your highness...”
“Well certainly that should not change just because you are living here.” Celestia continued, motioning to one of the servants who had a pitcher of water in her mouth...and whose mane was also sopping wet. As the mare was  pouring the princess’s water, Celestia noticed. “My goodness, Tenderhoof...what happened to you...?” 
The mare set the pitcher down on the table so she could answer. “With all due respect your majesty,” She cast a glare toward Karateka, “If this young filly didn’t run through the halls as though they were a race track....!” Karateka shrunk in her seat and felt her cheeks grow hotter as fresh tears stung her eyes threatening to escape onto the white pressed tablecloth. 
“I see.” Celestia replied, picking up a towel nearby with her powers and handing it to Tenderhoof. “Go ahead and dry yourself off.” 
“Thank you, your majesty.” the servant blessed the princess before casting another harsh glance toward the young purple pegasus and walking out.
After the mare left, it was silent for a few moments before Celestia looked again at Karateka. “You were in a hurry to get here, I see.”
“I didn’t want to be rude and ignore your sister’s invitation, your majesty...” Karateka replied quietly, her voice cracking.
Celestia only smiled. “It is alright, young filly. No real harm was done.” She looked out the window at the fallen sun. “But unfortunately, we shall have to call this meal to a halt...” She pushed back her chair. “Luna, it is that time again. I trust you can handle the raising of the moon on your own...If you don’t mind, I will be turning in a little early tonight...” Luna nodded and Celestia turned to Karateka again. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Karateka. I hope to learn more about you in the days to come.” Then without another word, she turned and left the dining hall. 
When the hall was quiet again, Luna stood up from the table. “Come, Karateka, we have much to do. We may discuss on the way.”
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“How are your wings faring?” Princess Luna asked when the two equines had gotten to the top of the tower. 
“T-they hurt a little, but they are ok.” Karateka replied uncertainly.
“Good,” Luna assured, her horn beginning to glow, as the sun of the night crawled it’s way into the sky. “I’ll admit, I’m not the best at healing magic, but I did the best I could. They both should heal without any complications. If you wish though, I could have a doctor unicorn heal them for you.”
“No, that’s ok, thank you.” Karateka answered quietly, then the two stood in silence for a while in the chilly winter air. “Um...Princess?” Karateka started, nervously.
“Yes?”
“Why...um...why did you come for me last night?”
“I did not wish to see your life wasted. It is as simple as that. Life is a precious gift and it should not be thrown away.”
“But why did you come then? Why didn’t you come when you saw my parents were about to throw me out? Or when I was screaming for you? Or when I broke my wings? Why did you wait till the last second to show yourself.”
“I did not know if you were truly desperate enough to do something so drastic. I hoped you weren’t; I hoped that you would come to a realization of something to live for, but when I saw that wasn’t the case I had to stop you.” The princess turned to look at the violet pegasus. “I told you before, Karateka, though we have not met face-to-face before today, I view you as a friend. I hope you see me in the same way.”
“Y-yes, Princess.” Karateka answered sheepishly. 
“Good.” Luna replied turning back toward the moon. “As the Castle is your home now, you are welcome to explore on your free time. You should feel comfortable in the place you reside. I understand it shall take a little getting used to--living in the castle even took a little time for ME to adjust to after having been banished on the moon--but I assure you, it is a safe place. You are welcomed here.”
Karateka averted her eyes. “But what about the servant-ponies...They don’t seem to like me very much...”
Luna chuckled, “Yes, well, they shall learn to cope. Their sour faces today were only because your hurry almost caused an accident.” Karateka blushed and turned away. “Do not let it bother you, Karateka,” Luna continued. “You are welcomed in the presence of me and my sister, and that is all that matters.”
“I suppose that is true, Princess,” Karateka answered quietly. There was another long pause. “So, tell me: I know the story from the history books, but I’d like to here it from the mare herself, what is the story of the Mare in the Moon?”
Luna was silent for a few moments, then she opened her mouth. “Many years ago, when I was young, and naive, I grew jealous of my sister Celestia for being the ruler of the day. I saw how the ponies everywhere loved and admired my sister, while all my deeds went unnoticed. A dark entity overtook me and I took on the name of Nightmare moon, determined to force the ponies to appreciate me. In a final attempt to save me and save Equestria, she banished me to the moon, also creating the formation commonly called the Mare in the Moon to remind herself of me.”
“So the books were right all along,” Karateka added after the princess had finished.
“Yes, though in 1000 years, generations go by and ponies forget what happened in the past. They believe stories to be Old Pony’s Tales and myths.” Luna answered.
“Like my parents?” Karateka asked.
“Like your parents.”
“Princess?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for rescuing me.”
****************************************************************************************************
“For your treason against the throne of Equestria,” Princess Celestia’s decree boomed down on Karateka, “I hereby declare you to be banished to the moon for all of eternity.” 
“B-but...Princess Celestia...I don’t understand! I’m not treasonous!” Karateka begged.
“By caring for the night more than the day, that alone is an act of treason.” Celestia corrected, as her horn started to glow. 
“No...Princess Celestia...Please....!” The panicked pegasus turned desperately to Luna, “Please, Princess Luna, help me...!” 
Luna only smirked, “If you love the moon so much, maybe you’d like to live there for a thousand years.” She replied coldly. 
Tears streamed down Karateka’s face. “Please...You said I was safe here...!” Luna only turned and walked away and Celestia zapped Karateka with a teleportation spell. “NOOOO!!!”
“Karateka! Foal, what is the matter?” Princess Luna exclaimed, bursting into Karateka’s room. The pegasus lay curled up on her bed sobbing bitterly. 
“You sent me away. Celestia banished me to the moon. She said I committed treason but I didn’t! I didn’t!” the young pony cried shaking.
“Hush. T’was only a dream. That shall never happen, I promise.” Luna comforted coming over to the bed and nuzzling the filly with the tip of her nose. “You have had a hard couple of nights; return to sleep now.”
“I--I don’t think I can...”
“Make the attempt.” Luna replied. She got onto the bed and knelt next to Karateka. “I shall stay to make sure you get a restful sleep tonight.”
Karateka curled up next to her, snuggling into her shoulder. Luna draped her wing protectively over the pony. As Karateka slowly started to drift off, Luna cast a sweet dream spell over her and let her fall into a calm peaceful sleep.
****************************************************************************************************
The next afternoon, Karateka felt brave enough to explore the gardens a bit. As she walked slowly over the acreage, unbenounced to her, Celestia watched from the tower window. Luna quietly approached her sister. 
“She harbors much resentment.” Luna stated without prior speech. “I have seen her dreams. Without proper guidance, she could easily be led astray.”
“Do you understand the task you are requesting?” Celestia asked, not removing her eyes from the purple pegasus on the ground, who was now curiously watching a squirrel nibble at an acorn under a tree nearby.  “Are you sure you could handle the responsibility? Considering your past, I fear this filly might remind you…”
“Sister.” Luna interrupted sharply. “The child has no one else. Her own family abandoned her. I cannot allow her to suffer as I once did.”
The pain in Celestia’s eyes was obvious, as she knew her younger sister was correct. “Luna, you know I blame myself for what happened to you. If I could do it over, I would.”
“Twilight Sparkle is your protege; why will you not allow this hope-lost pegasus to be mine? She has no where else to go. If I don’t take her under my wing then who will?”
Celestia was silent for a while, then sighed and nodded. “Alright, Luna. You may take in this filly. Just be careful to train her well; anger is a powerful force, and if misdirected…” She turned to look at her younger sister, “I do not want to have to use extreme measures.” 
A few hours later, Luna guided the young pegasus to a large open basement room. It was a humongous gymnasium, with all manner of equipment. A display of weapons and armor, along with the cleaning and polishing supplies stood to her left. Next to that stood a couple weight racks, next to that a punching bag and a variety of fighting dummies. On end of the room and taking up the majority of the space, a running track, the center of which was taken up by an obstacle course. Hanging from the ceiling, a number of suspended rings used for arial agility, and finally, to her right, a rack stocked with clean white pressed towels. It was the royal guard training facility. 
“What have you brought me here for, Princess?” Karateka asked curiously. 
“You hold a lot of anger inside your heart.” The princess replied. “You cannot allow it to fester, or it will grow to control you.” She turned Karateka to the left and led her toward the training dummies. “Talking is one way of letting out frustration, but there are other ways as well. And judging from what I’ve seen of you throughout the years, I believe physical labor to be yours.” She walked over to the punching bag in the corner. “Kick this as hard as you can.”
Karateka cocked her head a little but didn’t move.
“Young filly, you must trust me.” Luna prodded. “I speak from experience when I say bottling up ones emotions does not make them go away.”
“But Princess, I can’t even kick a cloud right…how do you expect me to kick something solid like this?”
“You are simply not trained. And that is ok. I am not asking you to kick it beautifully—this is not a martial arts lesson. I only want you to let out your aggression. Ever since you have come here, you have been very tense and wary. After we ratify that and calm your mind you will feel much better.”
Karateka was hesitant, but shakily made her way up toward the bag. After a frightened pause, she turned her hindquarters toward it and lifted one hoof flicking it behind her and letting it make contact with the bag. The bag didn’t even move. 
“Karateka, your going to have to get over your fear of failure if you want to do this exercise.” Luna admonished. “Try again. Kick harder.”
Karateka nervously obeyed, raising her rump into the air along with both her hind legs and kicked back, one hoof making contact with the bag, but the other missing. The force threw her off balance and flung her forward. Her ears pulled back and her face burned with embarrassment. “You see princess? I can’t do it!”
But Luna interrupted her. “Do not say you cannot do it. That was better. Try again. Harder.”
Karateka raised up again and kicked back, both hooves making contact, but slipping at the last moment. Again the bag didn’t move. 
“I have seen you destroy the desk in your room countless times, much to your parents’s dismay. Why are you unsure of yourself now?” Luna asked. 
“That was different…I was angry and the desk was made of clouds…It was much softer than this thing…!”
“Try again.” Luna prodded. “This time, imagine, this bag is the desk.”
Karateka wanted to object, but silently she did what she was told. She paused and tried to imagine the last time she was really furious…Her parents came to mind. Their disapproval, their demeaning remarks. She kicked back again. Both hooves hit the back making it sway slightly, but not much. 
“Harder.” Luna prodded.
Karateka was now beginning to get irritated, but she did what she had been told. 
“Harder.”
Bam!
“Harder.”
Bam!
“Harder.”
Karateka gritted her teeth in frustration. The bag was still hardly moving, but yet the princess continued to prod her to kick harder. “I can’t kick any harder!” She spat at Luna, kicking back again, her hind feet making contact with the bag. The bag swung a but only a few inches. Karateka’s face burned. “You’re trying to make me fail!” She yelled, kicking again. The bag swung back. “Stop making fun of me!” She thrust her two hind feet back as the bag swung forward, making full contact. The canvas bag swung all the way and as it turned and began its decent, Karateka reared again. “I am not your plaything!” She screamed at Luna, thrusting her hooves back with enough force that the bag tore from its bolt and flung itself three yards away. Upon hitting the ground, the seam along the side snapped and the sand poured out. 
Karateka stood, her ears pinned back, teeth gritted, staring at the filling pouring out from the ripped seam. Her muscles were still pulled tense and glistened from the sweat of frustration. Princess Luna stood behind her, staring with wide eyes at what her student had just done. 
“There, are you happy?” Karateka spat back at her mentor. “Or do you want me to kick even harder?!” Tears were starting to glisten in her magenta eyes and her front legs were beginning to shake, the adrenaline now wearing off.
“No, that will be enough for now.” Luna assured softly. 
Karateka’s legs gave out and she fell onto her knees, tears now starting to trickle out of her eyes. Luna walked over to the filly laying a hoof on her shoulders. “I told you you were capable of kicking harder, but it was not until you trusted in yourself that you were able to. You have great potential, but your fear of failure inhibits your ability to perform. You must no longer allow your fears to get in the way.”
“Is this what this exercise was about…?” Karateka asked weakly. 
“In a way, yes.” Luna replied kneeling next to her. “I also saw you needed to deal with your frustration  in a non-harmful way; during my younger years, this was sometimes one of the ways I would try to deal with mine.” She turned to the pegasus sitting next to her. “Do you feel a little better?”
Karateka paused. “I kinda wish you hadn’t been so hard on me.”
“Perhaps my method of motivation was a bit harsh, considering you did not know what I was trying to accomplish, and for that I apologize.” Luna replied. “But even so, when you no longer felt fear of failure, you succeeded, even better than I had hoped. Your kicks are strong and you seem to have a great talent for it.”
“If your thinking that my special talent might be martial arts, I’ve already tried that.” Karateka answered. “My parents enrolled me in a fighting school for pegasi when I was younger, but I never got my cutie mark.”
“Did you enjoy your lessons?”
“Well…Yes…”
“Then why did you stop practicing?”
“My parents took me out when they saw I wasn’t getting my cutie mark.”
“Karateka, it does not matter what your special talent is or isn’t; if you enjoy something, you should pursue it. Your cutie mark will come in its own time.” The princess stood up. “Many years ago when Celestia and I were still young fillies, it was required of us that we learn at least a little of the fighting arts. It was thought to be a way to help find unity of mind, and body, as well as be helpful should either of us find ourselves in a predicament in which fighting was the only option. It has been a long time, but I shall teach you what I remember, and if you excel, we shall continue from there.”