Chapter 15: Magic makes might
Twilight was pleased with how well Fluttershy was progressing. Well, progressing at her own pace, but progressing nonetheless. At last she had control of levitation and a few shield spells (Fluttershy had been insistent on learning on how to defend herself), and they were moving onto transformations. Something small of course, to help give her a feel for it. She started by showing Fluttershy how to change an apple into a miniature toy carriage. Surrounded by magic, the apple hollowed out, wheels, doors, and seats grew out of it, and the apple's skin hardened. Twilight backed away so Fluttershy could get a better look.
"I don't know if I could do that." said Fluttershy nervously. It looks a bit...tricky." She shrank back and cast her eyes away. But Twilight refused to let Fluttershy give up so easily.
"Nonsense! Just give it a try. What's the worst that could happen?" said Twilight. Fluttershy hesitantly cast the spell on the apple, it started to hollow out inside until it suddenly imploded. Apple mush sitting in its place. A little bit flew onto Twilight's muzzle. Fluttershy groaned.
"You see? I told you I couldn't do it." Twilight shook her head.
"No! It was starting to change a little, you just..."
"I appreciate all you're doing for me Twilight, but I don't think I'm cut out for magic." Fluttershy turned her back and slouched dejectedly. Twilight tried to argue. Fluttershy was her friend and in a way her pupil in learning magic. But it was clear that Fluttershy didn't believe in herself or her magic. Twilight thought, 'She's been taught to follow black magic and she chose to refuse it despite her mother's heeding.' Something clicked in her head and she said, "Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not cut out for magic, but that doesn't change the fact that you have this power." Fluttershy kept quiet as Twilight went on. She didn't expect Twilight to agree with what she was thinking.
"Magic is a tricky thing, not all ponies who have it use it wisely. There are those who use it selfishly or to harm others. But you...you can make your own choice as to whether or not you want to use it. And if you do use it, only you can decide whether you want to use it for good or bad purposes." Fluttershy looked at Twilight in awe. Nopony had ever told her that she could choose how to use her magic. She tried to choose not to practice black magic, and would end up getting sent to her room or some other punishment. Her mother had always pushed her toward evil, and now...somepony was giving her the option to do what she wanted.
"Off course," added Twilight, "we still need to make sure we get your powers under control...just to be safe." The two smiled and laughed good-naturally to each other.
"Now, let's clean this up, and take a well deserved break."
Fluttershy was walking while she read a book Twilight had given her, full of techniques on how to control or deal with outbursts of magic. 'A lot of young unicorns read these when they first learn to hone their magic,' Twilight had said. As she read, Fluttershy noticed one of the servant ponies, named Coco Pomel, burdened by a heavy load of laundry. Fluttershy decided to try something, her irises glowing. Coco Pomel let out a gasp of surprise as the heavy load lifted off her back. She turned to see Fluttershy levitating the laundry with her magic.
"Oh, Princess Fluttershy, you don't have to do that. It's my job anyway, I can handle it." said Coco, trying not to trouble the princess with her own problems.
"I know, but it doesn't hurt to have a helping hoof. That is...if you'll accept mine." said Fluttershy. Coco Pomel was wary at first, but broke into a smile.
"I would be very grateful." said Coco. Fluttershy set a lighter load on Coco's back as she lifted the heavier clothes. The two walked together down to the laundry room.
"Thank you again Princess Fluttershy." said Coco Pomel with a bow. Fluttershy waved a hoof.
"It was nothing. I'm just happy I could help." Coco began to drag the laundry inside, saying her thanks once more. Fluttershy then started to think, 'Twilight said I can choose whether to use my magic, and how to use it.' Fluttershy picked up the book she'd been reading. Perhaps she wouldn't give up on magic just yet. If she could choose, then she chose to use it for good, and to help other ponies.
In her special chambers, full of potions and ancient texts, Queen Melodia was concocting a special spell in her cauldron. She'd been toiling away at it for the last week or so, on top of monitoring her daughter and her progression in the school. There were mirrors and reflective surfaces all throughout that school, so it wasn't difficult to keep track of her. She'd not only noticed how Fluttershy was controlling her powers, but using them to help...others. A mistake she herself foolishly tried to do, before she realized how pointless it was. 'She's making the same mistakes I made.' thought Melodia. 'Well, with this, she won't have to feel the same pain I felt when I realized the truth.' Melodia lowered into the cauldron, a delicately crafted necklace into the cauldron of thick, black ooze. She looked up into her mirror, watching as her daughter helped put away large texts books with her magic.
"My naive little daughter, you don't comprehend the potential of your power. But don't worry my darling, mommy will take care of everything." Melodia said with a wicked grin. She lifted the necklace out, once golden it was now pure black. "For mommy knows what's best." Melodia waved a hoof, shifting the mirror's image to show her her old mentor, Queen Celestia in her office. Celestia and Princess Luna were locked in discussion, not knowing that Melodia was listening in.
"There is still much to prepare for before the the ball." said Luna.
"Yes, but I feel it will be an excellent way to show how well the students have been doing in their studies." said Celestia.
"I've already made up the guest list and have sent the invitations ahead."
"Thank you Luna, now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to my class." Queen Melodia was intrigued by this news.
"A party?" mused Melodia. "And they didn't bother to send me an invite? Well, we'll have to fix that. It's been ages since last I attended a ball, and what a ball it shall be."
The entire castle was abuzz with the talk of the upcoming ball, where royalty and nobles from all over were coming (including family members). Rarity smiled to herself as she took in all the talk of colts, dresses, and the sophistication that were sure to be there on that magnificent night. Rarity hadn't missed a single one and she wasn't about to now. She'd already begun to fantasize over what to where. Something dazzling but not to gaudy. Elaborate, yet simplistic. Classy yet with an air modesty. Perhaps something with diamonds. Rarity knocked on the door of her friends' room.
"Come in!" Rarity entered the room, where Twilight and Fluttershy were practicing spells and whatnot.
"Is this a bad time?" inquired Rarity. Twilight shook her head.
"No not at all. Did you need something?"
"Just your measurements, I'm planning on making dresses for all of us to wear to the ball, and I want to make sure that they're perfect." Rarity pulled out her measuring tape, and used it to measure the girls.
"I didn't know you could sew." said Twilight.
"She's the best student in our Royal Attire class." Rarity grinned at Fluttershy's praise.
"Oh I dabble a little here and there. Besides, there's nothing better than a dress made by one's own hooves." She looked Twilight up and down, determining what kind of dress would look best on the alicorn princess. 'Maybe an evening theme. Or something that shows her love of learning.' Rarity pondered.
"Everypony sure seems excited about the ball." said Fluttershy in her gentle voice.
"Well of course! It's a ball darling, every princess remembers her first ball." Fluttershy looked away embarrassed.
"I...never went to a ball before." She said. Rarity let out a loud gasp upon hearing this.
"Never been to a ball?!"
"There wasn't exactly anything to celebrate, or any opportunity to be invited to one."
"Still...I'd never think..."
"It's okay, after all, this will be my first ball." Rarity's eyes widened and she smiled excitedly, like she did whenever she felt inspired.
"You're right! And with my help, I'll see that this is the most memorable ball you've ever attended!" Rarity practically skipped out of the room as she made her way back to her dorm. Her roommate, Photo Finish, was out somewhere in the school, probably taking pictures. The unicorn cleared off her inspiration table and got to work designing the dresses. 'Let's see, for Twilight definitely a purple and gold motif. Fluttershy, flowers would look positively fabulous on her!' Rarity sketched out the designs, proud of how they were turning out. There was a kind of magic put into designing or making dresses that she absolutely loved. And the thought of how they'd look on her friends was so...so...well it was so great she couldn't think of a word that could convey the feeling.
"There!" she proclaimed, holding up her finished work. Now all she needed to do was make them. Hopefully, there would be enough time for her to work on her own dress! She needed to get started right away!
Discord could tell something was up when Fluttershy walked up to him nervously during her lunch hour.
"Something troubling you my dear?" he inquired. Fluttershy shook her head.
"Oh no, nothing's troubling me, it's just that I...have something I want to ask you."
"Well by all means, ask away." Discord watched her closely as she tried to meet his eyes but was unable to.
"I'm sure you know about the ball that's coming up." she said.
"How could I forget." Discord had been keeping track of the day the spell would take full affect and release him from the castle. And it just so happened to be on the day of the ball (and by 'so happened' he convinced Celestia to move it to that day). It would provide the perfect cover for his escape.
"So, I was wondering...i-if it's not too much trouble...could you...would you..." Fluttershy mumbled something.
"Speak up, Fluttershy! What is it you're trying to say?" Whatever it was, it seemed to be very difficult for her to get out. Fluttershy took a deep breath.
"Would you...accompany to the ball?" Discord blinked.
"Come again?" he asked. He stuck his talon into his ear, not sure if he heard right.
"I-it's just that...this is my first ball, and I'd like it if you would accompany me...as a friend of course." Discord looked at her with disbelief. Somepony wanted him to go with them to an event like a ball? Fluttershy frowned worriedly at his expression.
"Oh, you don't have to of course! I can just go alone...or join with Twilight and her brother. I wouldn't want to impose on you." said Fluttershy. "Just forget it, forget I said anything." Fluttershy was about to leave when Discord materialized in front of her.
"Now wait, I didn't say no...yet." said Discord. "Why me? Why not go with one of your other friends?"
"The girls already have ponies that are going with them, and I didn't want to be a third wheel on them. Also, I thought that, if you're going you might feel more comfortable going with a friend." Discord thought about this to himself.
"I suppose it couldn't hurt. Though I wouldn't know what to wear."
"So, you'll go?" Discord smiled at Fluttershy.
"Consider it done my dear." Fluttershy grinned.
"Thank you, Discord." As Fluttershy left Discord felt that warm feeling again. What was it, and why did it keep reappearing whenever Fluttershy was around? 'Whatever this feeling is, I can't let it distract me. I might have enough time for a dance before I make my spectacular exit. Perhaps once I'm free, I'll leave Fluttershy alone to repay her for her kindness. Maybe even a celebratory picnic or something as well when I have the time.' Yes, there was much to do. His freedom was close, and he could just reach out and touch it.
"Now," he mused. "What to wear for such a momentous occasion."