“For many years, Lady Ventus has been studying dark magic and it’s many forms. Recently, she has finally come to the conclusion of how to control and manipulate the dark art and the power which comes with it.” Sidewinder took a moment to let his disguise falter and reveal his changeling form. “I was sent as a spy to monitor you and your actions, that’s the only reason I enrolled in this academy in the first place.”
“But why me? Why not somepony else? Out of everypony in this school, everypony in Equestria, why choose me?” Midnight questioned as his brow raised with curiosity.
“Need you ask? You’re a 1st class student; you’ve mastered countless spells at such a young age; you’ve completed the most assignments of the hardest difficulty and have demonstrated remarkable magic abilities. There is no pony who would…….no…….should deserve such power other than yourself.” Sidewinder paused a moment and eyed Midnight carefully before allowing a smile to creep onto his face. “And because of your past……….Shadow.”
Midnight grew confused for a moment as his thoughts began to form in his head. ‘That’s the second time I’ve heard that name. The first was when that stallion who apparently knew mother visited me in the medical wing; mother tried to play it off like it was an accident, however, this puts doubt to that theory. Shadow, why does that name haunt me? Who could they possibly be referring to? What could they be referring to?’ Midnight refocused once more and let the question that had been bugging him slip his mind. “What do you mean…..what could you possibly know about MY past?”
“Heh, heh, more than you obviously.” Sidewinder laughed as he recast his transformation.
“Are you trying to piss me off?” Midnight shot the disguised unicorn a death glare with great intensity. “Your not giving me much to go on, what’s the catch? Surely this offer is not being done out of pure generosity.”
“Your just as smart as I’ve been led to believe,” Sidewinder laughed. “Of course, there is something you’d have to give up; and that’s this stupid academy. Leave this academy and join Lady Ventus, she will teach you all that you need to know. Well, that’s not all, your friend here knows too much; she’ll have to be eliminated should you choose to come.”
“Midnight, you can’t be seriously thinking about going with him…….right?” Mary asked with eyes of worry. “You have friends here now, and besides, what would principal Solar Wind think?” Midnight stared blankly at the ground, the tension was thick, one could cut It with a knife if one was present.
“So Midnight,” Sidewinder began as he extended a hoof. “Are you going to continue playing make-believe friends with these pathetic fools? Or……..”
Midnight watched as Sidewinder’s eyes shifted to Mary then back to him. He didn’t have to think about what he was going to do, he had already made up his mind the moment Sidewinder told him what he had to get rid of; whom Sidewinder told him he had to get rid of. “Mary, close your eyes, and turn around.”
“Midnight?” Mary began with a confused face. “What are you do—”
“It won’t hurt, and it’ll be quick. You trust me, right?”
“Midnight….how could—” Mary choked on her words and couldn’t get out the rest of her question. She had finally made her first friend ever, even if he wasn’t the nicest pony in Equestria, she still couldn’t believe that their friendship was about to be terminated so easily. “I thought we were friends? I—I thought our friendship meant something to you?” Mary stammered, a hint of tears beginning to form in her eyes.
“Mary, friends have to learn to trust each other, so I ask again: do you trust me?”
“I……….I did.”
“Then as your friend, I am speaking the truth when I say I must do whatever is necessary for my own ascension.”
“After our little intermission, it appears as though we’ve finally made it to the semi finals of the third trial!” Ignis’s voice was quickly drowned out by screams of excitement, the students attitudes only became more hectic as several unicorns began throwing popcorn and other refreshments which were handed out earlier that day. “Settle down everypony, settle down, I know your all rearing to keep this show going but you must all bring the savagery down a skosh.” Strangely enough, the students listened to Ignis and calmed themselves so he may continue his announcement. “We started off with nine competitors and now we’re down to just four! Who will be the victor and claim the spot as Princess Celestia’s personal student? We’ll find out now!”
“This is it! Everything I’ve done up till now has been to prove that I will be Princess Celestia’s student and there’s no way I’m gonna stop now!” Silver yelled drawing some attention to himself.
“Calm down you idiot, your drawing unnecessary attention to us,” Astral said as she gave the earth pony a shove.
“I know, I know, but I’m just so psyched. I’m so close to being Celestia’s student I can practically taste it.”
“And what exactly does it taste like?” Chip teased as he laughed at his ecstatic friend.
“Not sure yet, I’ll let you know when I win,” Silver replied with closed eyes and a wide grin.
“Shhh, he’s about to announce the first match of the semi finals,” Astral added.
“I’m sure your all just about as ready as I am, however, a new rule will now come into effect for the remainder of the trial. That ruling is: any student who loses from this point forward shall be expelled from Arcane Academy immediately and shall be asked to leave campus.” There was silence after the words of Ignis, a silence which lingered longer than it should have.
“What the heck are you talking about!?” Silver yelled, breaking the extensive silence. “You mean if we lose we’ll be EXPELLED!? What kind of crud is that!?”
“Hey, squirt, I don’t make the rules, I just announce ‘em,” Ignis laughed as he continued on. “For the first match of the semi finals, we have a rather unlikely pairing here: Silverlight versus Astral! Hey look, the earth pony made it to the finals, hopefully he actually gives us a good show this time.”
Both Astral and Silver locked eyes and stared at each other with astonishment; the color had disappeared from both of their faces and their eyes were filled with a mixture of fright and uncertainty. Only one of them would win their match, that pony would continue on in the tournament; the other would be expelled from school.
“It looks like your little twist certainly has everypony on edge,” Celestia chimed as she watched the silence below her and Solar Wind’s position. “Do you really mean your going to expel them if they lose?”
“Of course not, I simply threw it in for a little psychological twist; much like the rules I made for the second trial.” Solar Wind watched as both Silver and Astral hesitantly made their way into the dueling arena. “Though I’m sure the students are taking it seriously, I wonder what will happen now.”
“He’s going to lose.”
Both Alicorns turned their eyes to Midnight who had just entered the room, however, he was alone this time. Mary wasn’t by his side, both of them found this quite odd; Solar Wind began the questioning. “Midnight, where’s Mary?” Midnight sat in complete silence, looking at the ground and not meeting either Alicorn’s gaze. Solar Wind questioned him again. “Midnight, where is your friend?” Just as the last word of the question was asked, Mary entered the doorway with a yellow saddle bag with a black star on it.
“Here she is,” Midnight replied with a smug grin. “Anymore questions?”
“I brought the books you wanted Midnight,” Mary said as her aura enveloped the saddle bag on her back and moved it into Midnight’s lap.
“Good, thank you Mary.” Midnight’s golden eye glanced at principal Solar Wind as Mary pushed him to her side. “Have the semi finals started yet?”
“Your timing is rather impeccable,” Celestia replied as Midnight watched the barrier rise around Silver and Astral. “The first match is just about to start.”
“And here I thought that little distraction we encountered would have made me miss it.”
“Distraction?” Solar Wind blinked her eyes with a bewildered expression.
“It was nothing really,” Midnight lied. “Just had a short conversation with another student about……...’advancing my studies’.”
Mary watched Midnight, a combination of reverence and acclaim on her face for the dark haired unicorn. She couldn’t explain it, but there was another emotion she was feeling; one that had been pestering her since moments before, when Midnight made his decision.
“Mary, friends have to learn to trust each other, so I ask again: do you trust me?”
“I…….I did.”
“Then as your friend, I am speaking the truth when I say I must do whatever is necessary for my ascension.”
Midnight’s golden aura covered his horn and then began to spread all over Mary’s body. She felt a strange sensation, her body became numb; nevertheless, she closed her eyes as Midnight had instructed and prepared for the worst. The beige unicorn disappeared in an instant and only Midnight and Sidewinder were left standing in the hall.
“That’s cute and all, but I know you didn’t kill her, simply teleporting her away won’t do. If your trying to play me for a fool then—”
“Shut up and listen well,” Midnight commanded as he interjected Sidewinder’s rant. “I’ve taught myself nearly everything I know about magic and have obtained my skill and power with my own two hooves. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again once more, dark magic or not, I don’t take handouts or charity from anypony.”
“I thought you wanted the power of dark magic?”
“You misunderstand,” Midnight’s aura surrounded Sidewinder’s body and brought him up close and personal in a matter of seconds. “I WILL obtain the power shrouded in dark magic, however, much like with most spells I’ve learned; I shall do it on my own without any help from you or anypony else. Now, leave my sight and don’t let me catch you snooping around the academy anymore. Oh, and giv your Lady Ventus my regards on your way out.” Midnight tossed Sidewinder rather violently across the hall. After skidding across the floor, the lavender unicorn recovered and was on his hooves once again; this time with an angered face.
“You’re a fool if you think you can obtain the power of dark magic on your own! Without the proper teaching or guidance, the darkness will be too much for you to handle. It will consume you, and then, you’ll be nothing but a memory; nothing but a shell of your former self, because all that remains is the hatred and fear that consumed you!” Sidewinder closed his eyes, let out a sigh, then regained his composure. “Lady Ventus said you’d be a stubborn one, so I shall leave it up to her personally another time.” A bright red flash caused Midnight to shield his eyes, when he looked back Sidewinder was gone and a mare’s voice lingered in a soothing whisper.
“I apologize for Sidewinder’s outburst, Midnight Star. Next time, I’ll be sure to cutout the middle mare. Au revoir.”
Midnight waited quietly as a long silence befell him, he kept searching for any evidence of life all around the now empty hallway; even when he found none, he never faltered in letting his guard drop. “Well, now that the nuisance has been taken care of, I better check on Mary.” Midnight began wheeling his chair toward the direction of the dueling arena, all the while, his horn began emitting its golden aura and emanated several small sparks as it hummed.
Mary found herself surrounded by several tall shelves of books, each with varying heights. She began trotting down an aisle only to find herself in a labyrinth of book shelves and casings now. After several twist and turns Mary had exited the bookshelf maze which entered into a large open building with several assorted wooden tables and chairs; it was then that Mary recognized were she was at, the school library. The library was barren and devoid of any life giving it a creepy atmosphere. As if she wasn’t creeped out already, a loud commanding voice startled here from behind.
“Mary,” Midnight said rather loudly, startling the mare. She whirled around to see Midnight standing on all fours to greet her.
“Midnight? But how—”
“I made a duplicate of myself, however this one can walk.” Midnight looked around and was glad to see that the library was empty. “I’m already on my way to the dueling arena, before you join me I need you to grab a few books for me.”
“What about Moongazer…..or, Sidewinder?”
“Don’t worry about him, I declined his little offer and sent him on his way.” Midnight’s trademark glare returned with a bit more intensity than usual. “I don’t need help when it comes to magic, whether it’s dark or not. Now then, I want you to grab me a few books by Starswirl. However, there is one book I need you to get in particular, a special one called the ‘Arcane Archival Records of Dark Magic and Historical Practices’.”
“Dark Magic?” Mary questioned as she raised a brow. “That doesn’t sound like normal Arcane Magic and it sounds a bit…..dangerous.”
“Must I repeat myself?” Midnight asked as he approached Mary and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “As my new friend, you should learn to have more faith in me, especially when it comes to magic. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”
“Not this again!”
“Boooooo!
“Somepony hit somepony already!
“This always happens when that earth pony goes to fight, it’s his fault!”
With both ponies wearing discouraged countenances, Silver and Astral stood in the center of the dome cage which imprisoned them, neither of them spoke a word. They had been in this position for going on a total of ten minutes since their duel, if you could call it that, began. Both friends knew what was on the line, however, it wasn’t so much as the prize that was on their minds as it was the punishment for losing. The spoils of victory were simple: the winner of the match got to move on with a chance to become Princess Celestia’s pupil. The loser, on the other hand suffered severe negative repercussions with the expulsion of said loser and immediate ejection from the academy.
‘Darn it! Stupid rule had to go and complicate things. I could understand if you were dropped from the trials, but expulsion? That’s crossing the line majorly.’ Silver began gritting his teeth in frustration as he became more and more annoyed with his own thought process. ‘Come on Silver, think! Concentrate, concentrate, concentrate. What would big brother do? Who am I kidding, he’s probably never had to make a decision this difficult.’
‘Silver looks like he’s really beating himself up over there, I don’t blame him, even I don’t know what to do right now.’ Astral closed her eyes, then she inhaled a deep breath while bringing a hoof to her chest, then extended her hoof as she exhaled. ‘I wanted to have our rematch, but not like this. I could’ve taken on anypony else during these semi finals and probably would have one easily. But to have to face my best friend, the pony who’s had my back since day one, since I first set hoof into this academy? And to top it all off an expulsion is rewarded to the loser. I wonder if it would had been different if I had gone against Midnight.’
Just then, Astral opened her eyes wide, not to look, but due to shock. She had finally realized what all of Midnight’s subtle hints meant; all the sly remarks and slight teasing, even the ‘good luck’ that he had extended to Silver and Astral just before their match. It was all leading up to this moment.
‘It can’t be……he couldn’t have predicted every single outcome that would lead up to this……..could he? Damn him! I can’t explain it and I may not have any proof to back my claim, but I just know Midnight was behind this whole thing. But he couldn’t have just predicted this match, in order for him to make an accurate prediction he would have had to take in each variable into account—’. Astral’s train of thought was quickly derailed as the gears in her head began to turn. ‘During the first trial, we were all outsmarted by Discord and everyone left with the same score. But ever since the written exam, Midnight has always appeared to know what each trial was about and how to pass it appropriately. No doubt about it,’ Astral thought as she gritted her teeth in anger now. ‘This is all his fault’.
“Astral,” Silver mumbled in an almost inaudible voice. Astral snapped out of her trance like state even though her friend’s tone was low. “I know we promised to have a rematch, but I want you to know that this doesn’t count.”
“Shut up you idiot,” Astral laughed lightly after hearing her friend’s obvious attempt at a joke. “This is serious. This match can only end with one of us winning, and in order for there to be a winner, then there must also be a loser. Look, Silver, your dream is to become a powerful wizard; your journey can’t stop here.”
“Astral, don’t do that!” Silver snapped, drawing a look of shock from his friend for his outburst. “Astral, ever since we became friends you’ve always stood up for me, backed me up, even protected me.”
“That’s what friends do you idiot. We help each other out.”
“I know and I couldn’t be more grateful, but I rely on your help too much. I have to learn to do things myself and not rely heavily on others, I must take responsibility for my own wellbeing.” Silver gave his friend a warm smile which was combined with a dash of confidence. “A pony grows up when they overcome hardships. Protection is important and all, but there are some things that I must learn on my own; in this case, do on my own. I want to take this risk so I can grow, if I don’t, I’ll never learn anything.”
“Silver,” Astral locked eyes with her friend, still confused and worried. “What exactly are you saying?”
“Vice Principal Ignis?” Silver peered at the orange unicorn who stood on the other side of the barrier. Once he had Ignis’s attention, Silver continued with his request. “I withdrawal from the match.” There were numerous gasps of surprise mixed reactions amongst several jeers and spiteful comments in the wave of students who looked on.
“Silver, you can’t! You’ll be expelled! And what about your dream and your promise you made to yourself!?”
“I know I’ll be expelled, but that doesn’t mean I still won't be able to learn magic elsewhere."
"What about being Princess Celestia's pupil? I thought you wanted that more than anything?"
"I still do, but I'm not getting my best friend expelled over my own selfishness, besides, your already a 2nd class student and your more qualified." Silver looked into the eyes of his friend, his look was genuine sincerity. "You'll make a proud student of the Princess."
"So are you bluffing here or is this the real deal?" questioned Ignis who watched on from behind the green dome. "Do you really mean you forfeit? If so, I'll drop the barrier and end the match."
Silver looked back at Astral, then back to Ignis; after closing his eyes for a few brief seconds, he sighed and replied with a laugh. "Yeah, I give up, Astral wins."
"Very well then," Ignis added as he materialized a microphone out of thin air while simultaneously dropping the green barrier which held the two ponies hostage. "Due to a forfeit on her opponent's part, Astral is the winner and will be moving on to the finals. Silverlight on the other hoof must-" Ignis was soon interrupted as the microphone was pulled away from him, Silver brought the device close to his mouth to make a statement. Because Ignis' green aura still held the object, Silver needed only to speak.
"Listen up, every last one of you. I don't care if I lose, I don't care if I get expelled and I don't care if any of you doubt that I should even be here. You wanna know why?" The earth pony was practically radiating with charisma and a strange sensation hung in the air, every student who was insulting him before was now listening to him intently. "Because I'm gonna be the greatest wizard in Equestria, the greatest in history even; and it doesn't matter if any of you doubt me, because as a wise pony who's very close to me once said: ‘As long as you believe in yourself and embrace your dreams, then you can do anything you put your mind to’. So yeah, I’ll get expelled and some of you may laugh at me for doing so; but when I become a member of the Equestrian Arcane Agency and prove that I’m not your average earth pony, then you’ll all have no choice but to start showing me a little respect! ”
After his short speech, Silverlight returned the microphone to its owner and began trotting to the large double door exit, however, his demeanor was not one of a pony who just got expelled, but one who just stepped into a new chapter of his life. He held his head high as the echoing announcement of the Vice Principal starting what he could only assume was the second match began to fade into the distance. Reality hit Silverlike a freight trian a few moments later as he walked down the hall and felt his stomach began to hurt; if expulsion is what he just received, the only thing he could do now is to gather his belongings from his dorm room and say goodbye to his friends.
“You know I never realized how little I own until now,” Silver said to himself as he placed several quills and notebooks into his blue saddle bag. He hadn’t brought much to the academy when he first enrolled except all his supplies he’d need for the school year. “Hehe, well, look on the bright side; at least my saddle bag won’t weigh so much.” Silver gave himself a pity laugh as he grabbed a hefty bag of bits and threw it in his saddle bag. “Good thing I saved my allowance I’ve been getting from mom and dad, though I really thought Astral would say goodbye. Well, she’s probably already won the tournament and is on her way to Canterlot, she’ll be a good student for Princess Celest—”
“3rd class academy student Silverlight, please report to Principal Solar Wind’s office. 3rd class academy student Silverlight, please report to the Principal’s office.”
“Should’ve guessed that specific announcement was coming,” Silver sighed as the threw his saddle bag on his back and exited the room, shutting the door behind him. “Well, better get going, at least mom and dad will be happy to have me back.”
Silver stared at the door, the door which had a golden plaque on it and a name and occupation engraved on the plaque. ‘Principal Solar Wind’; Silver never would have thought that he would end up in her office, especially not for getting expelled. He was sweating nervously and held his hoof only inches away from the door, he knew his fate was sealed, so after much hesitation, he opened the door and entered.
The room was dark aside from the hallway light which only shone enough to expose an empty desk in the back of the room. Silver stepped forward and was consumed by the darkness as the door behind him slammed shut. Just then, the lights cut on and Silver was graced with the presence of his friends along with two large alicorns.
“What’s going on? Shouldn’t you all be wrapping up the tournament and announcing a winner? And why is everypony here for my expulsion?” Silver had many questions and not yet a single answer, his friends just eyed him and began laughing amongst themselves. “What the heck!? Getting expelled isn’t something to laugh at!”
“Your friends aren’t laughing at you for being expelled,” Celestia began as she approached the earth pony. “As a matter of fact, I’d say their happy for you.”
“Would somepony please explain to me what the heck is going on?” Silver began to question, a confused gaze locked on his face. “Why would they be happy for me?”
“Wouldn’t you be happy to if your friend was chosen to be a Princess’ pupil?” Celestia asked the pony with a raised brow. Silver looked up and locked eyes with the majestic Princess, his eyes filled with so much wonder and splendor; Celestia could have sworn she saw tears begin to form.
“You…….you mean—”
“3rd class academy student Silverlight, I’d like you to come with me to Canterlot and study under me personally.” Celestia paused and gave Silver a kind smile before continuing. “That is, if you’d like to come.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes! YES!” Silver shouted as he jumped in the air and began hopping around in excitement. “A million times, yes! Thank you Princess Celestia, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“You needn’t thank me young one, it was you who proved your worth to me; I simply provided the opportunity.” Celestia noticed that Silver had his saddle bag packed and on his back. ‘Did he truly believe he was getting expelled? Silverlight. You’re an odd one, no, your more, your…….unique.’ “We shall make our departure soon, though I’m sure you still have a few goodbyes you have to say.”
Silver gave the mighty princess a nod and trotted over to his three unicorn friends who were waiting by Principal Solar Wind’s desk. All of them had smiling faces, all except Astral who was on the verge of tears.
“Congrats buddy,” Chip said as he and Silver connected hooves together. “Ya know, when I first met you during the first trial, I would have never imagined you’d win it all; I expected you to give up. But you know what? I’m glad you proved me wrong. I know it’s not much, but I want you to have this.” Chip levitated a muffin in front of Silver’s face who’s eyes began tearing up.
“A blueberry muffin?” Silver quickly ate the muffin in a single bite, gave a belch, and then wrapped a hoof around his friend. “You know me so well, I’m gonna miss you man.”
“Silver, I never did thank you for saving Chip and I from Midnight during the examination trial, so….” Cherry beamed a smile at Silverlight who met it with one of his own. “Thank you for saving us, and helping us get through the forest, I doubt we would have even made it as far as we did if it wasn’t for you.”
“No problem, what are friends for?” the earth pony laughed. His laughter was cut short as he heard light sobbing; he continued down the line of his friends and stood in front of Astral. “Hey, you ok—” Silver’s concern was casted aside as he felt two hooves wrap around him and embrace him tightly. Astral’s hug was firm, yet comforting to the earth pony all at the same time.
“You better not give Princess Celestia a hard time,” the cyan unicorn began as she attempted to keep her sobbing to a minimum. “And I want you to write to me often, don’t you dare forget about me and—” Astral stopped as she felt Silver embrace her, his hooves wrapping around her just as she did.
“You really think I’m gonna forget about the one pony who’s been by my side since I first came here?” Silver chortled softly as he tightened his hug. “I figured you of all ponies would know me better than that. Plus,” the earth pony gently pushed Astral away and interlocked his hoof with hers and gently bumped her head with his own. “I made a promise for a rematch, and not just any promise, but a best friend promise. And what do I always say?”
“You…..you never break your promises.” Astral wiped away her tears with one hoof as she tightly gripped her friend’s, she then returned the bump that he gave her a few moments ago; her eyes gazing into his as a smile formed on her face. “You….you better keep your word. We will have our rematch, and you better write….you big dummy.”
“Silverlight,” the Principal began as Silver took notice of her after his moment with Astral. “I have something for you, consider it a congratulation present,” Principal Solar Wind said with a smile as she made a small card like object materialize before Silver. Silver’s eyes widened and filled with fascination at the I.D. card which floated before him. “Congratulations, since you are now the disciple of the princess; you are hereby acknowledged as a 1st class student, same as both Midnight Star and Mary Anette.”
“What!? You….you mean it?” Silver continued to stare at his I.D. card, he was now one of the top academy students.
“Of course, however, in order for you to maintain this new position in the student hierarchy, you’ll have to stay on top of your assignments which will be delivered to you via mail while your in Canterlot.” Principal Solar Wind move the card into Silver’s saddle bag and then turned her gaze to the princess standing in the doorway. The two locked eyes and gave one another a nod before principal Solar Wind turned back to the earth pony who stood before her. “Now then, I believe your new teacher is waiting for you.”
Silver slowly marched his way to Princess Celestia, when he finally stood by her side he turned back to acknowledge his friends one last time. “Hey, don’t any of you ponies forget, we made a promise to remain friends no matter what; you can ask Astral, I don’t take my promises lightly, but when I do I take 'em seriously so everypony better keep to their word.” The three unicorns all gave the earth pony a comforting nod, Silver just gazed at them, attempting to paint pictures of their smiling faces in his mind where they would remain for as long as he lived. He then turned to Princess Celestia and smiled a broad smile at his new teacher which was accompanied by giggles of excitement; he gave her a salute before he spoke. “Ready when you are.”
“Then come my faithful student, the new chapter in your life awaits you.”