Magic
The greatest of magicians in history were known to be powerful beyond measure, yet no one pony truly knew the secret of their power. A secret that should never be revealed, a secret that was said to end with Twilight’s studies. At least that is what she believed. Yet even among the terror of truth, not honesty but just truth, reason could be found. Logic could be analysed, and science would only die the way it should.
The day in Equestria could only be described as breathtaking. The sky only brought peace in one's soul as they walked through their town. Even in the town of Ponyville, the citizens were enjoying the joy the day had brought to them. Yet on this glorious day, Twilight could not help but stay inside. The day was important, and would mark the first anniversary of her royal career. It was on this day, where a decision was to be made, and Celestia had called her to Canterlot the next day.
“Twi, you packed everything that you need for your trip. It’s only going to be two days, so why would you need all these books with you?” asked Spike exasperatedly as he looked over Twilight’s massive pile of luggage. “You have nothing to worry about Twilight. It’s not like you haven't gone to these meetings before.”
With the last sentence that the baby dragon gave, Twilight could only cringe. If only he knew, thought Twilight in hopes of being free from her burden. No! He must never know, even after all these years, he must not know. Like having stuck in her throat she let out a slight cough to clear her thoughts before speaking. “Spike, you know that this is an important occasion for both me and the Princesses. I need to be prepared for the material that shall be addressed, let alone that I am in charge of leading the court this year. I need to be prepared, otherwise Discord might as well be the ruler again.” The small alicorn then let out a small sigh, “Well I do need to concentrate, so you can have the rest of the day off Spike.” Twilight gave the motion for her number one assistant to leave.
Spike opened his mouth to argue, but something about his closest friend seemed different today. In reality, that scared him. Without another word he turned and made his leave, heading to his now three day vacation, he did after all have another list of things he wanted to get done. This time, he made sure that it had more items than last time.
Twilight watched as the purple dragon left, closing the door quietly behind him. He must never know.... Turning around she trotted over to her vanity, which was located by the door. It was where she kept her extra ink and quill and other materials she would need in her study. None of the items were what she was looking for however. Lighting up her horn, she used her abilities to open the farthest left drawer. There was a single book in the designated space. A magic glow surrounded the book as it lifted from its cradle and was moved over to its new place on the vanity. The book was of little importance to Twilight right now, what she needed was under the book.
The rest of the drawer seemed to be empty, yet that illusion soon faded as the glow of mystical energy surrounded the base, lifting the floor of the small cradle revealing the hidden base underneath. With in the exposed compartment lay a scroll that was tied in a crimson ribbon. Twilight then retrieved the scroll and placed it in her saddle bag which rested on her bed. They must never know....
It was well known in Ponyville that Twilight had a great love toward all her friends, especially those who shared a special bond that could only be broken by time. Yet her new-found love for friendship was more than just the realization that she no longer needed to be alone, but was the revelation of finding a better source to build her special talent. I must stop this. Oh, why does this have to happen now? After all these years of running from her past, Luna had to go and find a little pony, and choose that soul to be her own protege. The old ways were never to come back, yet now the nightmare would return to haunt another for life. It was the price of power.
Spike was right when he said that she had overpacked for her voyage. In truth she really did not need these books, they were just a simple distraction to hide her most precious cargo. The very relic that Princess Celestia had trusted her, Twilight Sparkle, to watch over.
It had been a rough night for Twilight, for her anxiety for the upcoming gathering had not helped in her night terrors, as memories of blood and murder came back to her. It was to help keep equestria safe, there was no other alternative. Despite her thoughts to try and comfort her reasoning, the elements of harmony had broken her prior beliefs, and now what she was about to embark on again would go against everything she had fought for since coming to Ponyville. Yet the decision was not in her power, just her input of what should be done. She had to fight for the Magic of Friendship, that is what had to be done. Yet this would be a different fight because she would be alone in it.
There came a extensive jolt as the ground beneath her shifted, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. The skilled mage looked around the car she was in, and had to recall how exactly she had gotten there. It was not the first time Twilight found herself in a situation where she could not remember how she got there, even though she knew exactly where she was. Coming to the same conclusion as the other times, she noted down in her log that she was deep in thought and made it to the train to Canterlot by auto-navigation. It struck Twilight on how she lived in Ponyville long enough to find her way around town with her eyes closed. The mare Alicorn looked out the window that was beside her, and saw the city of her birth come closer into view.
It was mere moments when Twilight soon found herself navigating through the city streets. Passing Donut Joe’s place and even following down the central road to Canterlot Castle. Along her way, she passed the central park, in which was a concert playing, featuring the one and only Octavia, the rumored Cello prodigy in Equestria who could channel any emotion by just playing a simple song. I’m so glad that you do not have to hold my burden, Twilight thought wistfully.
There were times on her journey that Twilight wished she could have the power that the young cellist had. To change people's hearts by music alone, nothing to do with magic other than the magic that resided in the atmosphere while she played. The magic of friendship.
Lost again in her self ramblings, she found herself inside the palace, standing in front of the great doors to the throne room. Twilight let out a large breath. Better now than never. With that she turned to the small door on the left, opened it and descended the stairs that once lay hidden behind the enchanted door.
‘Dark Magic’, as all unicorns knew, was in fact a relative term. At one point, even Twilight dismissed the concept. She believed that magic was magic, no matter its source. That of course, was before Twilight found out about Friendship. The real magic that kept Equestria spinning in true harmony. Once Twilight had started and progressed in her studies of magical properties in friendship, she had found that the source was pure, and clean. What Twilight now had to discuss was her worst nightmare. She had at one point promised herself that she would never mention her rise in mana strength.
A large table stood in front of her, and from where she was sitting she noticed the new shape that the table held. It was no longer a square like before, but now contained four other sides from where she was sitting, creating a perfect pentagon. Around the table were both Princesses Celestia, and Cadance. Other than those two, there were no other sign of the missing occupants.
To Twilight’s left, Princess Celestia cleared her throat. “Thank you for coming Twilight. I am quite aware of how this might be difficult to you, so let me be the first to show you my appreciation.” she said in a cheerful tone.
Normally Twilight would welcome Celestia’s considerate voice with the utmost joy. However this occasion was nothing to be happy about, let alone show happiness. “I’m here simply because I need to be here to make sure nothing goes wrong. Then I intend to leave here and hopefully not return until next year, or if I have my way, to never come back at all.” Replied Twilight, not even attempting to hide her distaste and resentment.
Celestia only showed her frown for a second, enough for Twilight to notice, only to be replaced by the same demeanor of twinkling lips. “Twilight, you must see that this does not only protect Equestria, but also gives us an opportunity to increase Luna’s new protege’s magical abilities. If you remeber correctly you had to go through the same thing.”
Though the tone of the message was sweet, the reprimand was clear. A few years ago, Twilight would have been excited for this occasion, She would even be jumping for joy to be a part of this again. After her studies in friendship though, she had come to the conclusion that what was about to take place was Dark magic. Why does she think that this is still a good idea? It has to be obvious to her that this is wrong! Still, Twilight could do nothing but follow through with her duty.
A soft sound resonated through the room as the one door opened, bringing in Luna and her new pupil from behind its ornate hinges. The time has come. as soon as the thought hit her, dread returned as her past burdens returned to her call. Twilight watched as the first mare walked it, her mystical mane flowing through the air like a gentle breeze in the vast cosmos. Behind Princess Luna, walked in a small light blue filly with a cutie mark of a telescope.
Anxiety seemed to grow and complete its task upon the sight of the small protege that Luna had brought in. With every step closer that the filly made, the more recognition Twilight had to her own experience. Her head pounded as the pair walk up to her side, her chest felt like it was about to combust as Luna spoke, introducing her young pupil. “Sister,” she said to Celestia, then turned her head to Twilight. “Twilight, this is my Protege, Star Beam.” The world seemed to swirl around Twilight, and then there was nothing but black.
Six years old, that was her age when she started. So young it seemed, that it was probably why she never felt guilt until friendship saved her from common stupidity. Yet her memories lead her back to relive the treacherous occasion of her potent existence.
The room was dark, and Celestia stood at head. It had been six months since she had passed her exam and her dream had come true. Of course those where Twilight’s thoughts at the time. “Are you ready Twilight, do you know what you must do?” inquired her teacher and ruler.
Twilight looked over to her cutie mark. It had been over six months and yet she was not accustomed to seeing her flank decorated with the symbol of magic. Looking back to Princess Celestia she replied, “Yes, I am ready.”
Without hesitation, the celestial Alicorn’s horn began to glow. With a small ‘pop’, a scroll appeared between the duo. Without hesitation, the Princess opened the scroll and handed it to her young student.
There were no words spoken, and as the ritual directed, Twilight placed the scroll on the floor. The parchment having been laid out, Twilight stepped back exactly two spaces, no more, no less. She waited for the surge of power to fill the room, she waited for the roar of arcane energy to blast from the source. Nothing happened.
Twilight looked to her teacher unsure, fearing that she had done something wrong. Yet despite her own look of confusion, her teacher returned the gaze expressionless. Suddenly, Twilight was thrown from her hooves into a solid wall made from pure arcane energy. The paper had released a monsoon of moving air as a blinding light filled its sketch within. Time slowed, and the word halted its works as the universe let its fate come together once again. Energy filled the expanse to such a critical point that Twilight could no longer sense her own consciousness. Light filled her eyes, her body, and her spirit, even her soul. Then all went back to normal.
Young Twilight was confused as to why she could not see, darkness enclosing her sight so she could no longer sense her surroundings? “My most faithful student, the transfer went well. But you must simply open your eyes and continue on if you want to succeed.” Embarrassed, Twilight opened her eyes to find herself in the middle of Canterlot, the exact same Canterlot as she had grown up in. ’This can’t be right...’ her thoughts stated, ’I should not be home!’ She could feel her pulse go up as confusion threatened her logic.
Taking a deep breath, she kept her cool. She could panic later, and based of what she remembered in the Princess’s dossier, the scenario was expected. Walking down the streets she could hear the ticking in her head. ’Two minutes’, she thought to herself. That was all the time she had, ‘But that is all the time I need.’ She reassured herself. That was when she saw it, just like what was previously described to her, the world was frozen. She looked to her left, to see the ponies around in mid stride like they were stone. Even debris from fellow filly’s and colt’s sports activities were still in midair.
‘Come on Twilight, keep a look out. The package must be brought.’
That was when she saw her target. It did not surprise her because it was exactly where she would be. With no further thought, she ran over to the frozen unicorn and prepared her tag. Upon arrival to her destination, she hesitated. It was like looking into a mirror. Resembled to the purest of lavender, and the eyes of violet silk. That moment however was cut short by her own sense of duty. With her horn glowing, she touched her horn to the frozen mare’s, causing the light to return. As the two mares disappeared, life returned to the city with no memory of their own missing Twilight Sparkle.
‘I did it, I found her!’ was all that young Twilight Sparkle could think as regained consciousness from the multi dimensional teleport. Her eyes snapped open. According to prior knowledge, she should have only been out for only two minutes before her return.
“Well, shall we get started?” said a voice that Twilight recognized. Twilight looked up from where she lay and saw Celestia standing over her. Giving out a nod, Twilight got up from the floor looking over to the table, only to find her counterpart tied up on it. Before Twilight could recall on what was about to take place, her doppelganger stirred into consciousness as well.
Only a few mumbles came from her lips as she tried to roll, as if she were in her own bed. It did not, however, take long for her eyes to snap open as fear shot through her restrained body. If young Twilight could smell the sweet aroma of adrenaline, her senses would be in a buffet. To most ponies, it would be unnerving to watch yourself wake up to a bound up state. But to what needed to be done, and to what she was taught, the mare before Twilight was just a tool to help her in her studies.
Desperate muffles filled the room as the doppelganger began to panic, trying to break free of her bonds. Twilight trotted over to the table, grabbing her scalpel on her way ‘The job must be done’.
Mental concentration, that is what it really took to use magic. Yet to a small filly, it was still rather tricky. Upon using her telekinesis, she realized that all she could manage to do was loosen the gag on the live cadaver. Soon the muffled cries of fear changed into a demanding inquiry.
“Wh-who are you?” stammered the identical prisoner. Those words where all that she could muster out.
With the surgical object in her hand, she stared at her twin, cocking her head slightly at the question. ‘No. She is not me!’ screamed Twilight in her own thoughts. Yet as she stared into the filly’s eyes, recognition of herself racked into her brain. “No!” That self-assertive shout broke Twilight from her trance as she used her magic to force the twin’s tongue from her protective lips. Mutated screams and shouts erupted from the mouth. Gurgled cries of pain escaped even as the scalpel sliced through the soft tissue of the tongue, leaving behind a bloody pool.
The severed muscle was placed in a dish with a solid fleshy squish as Twilight turned, ready for the next step. Grabbing a knife that was resting in a fire, she used it to cauterize the flesh wound to stop the bleeding, drawing a high, feral scream from the captive. Now it was time for phase two.
Having been previously instructed on how to surgically remove the uterus, she positioned herself around the point where the organ lay. Lyrical screams of pain vocalized from the now tongueless victim as the scalpel was placed into her groin area. Clamps were levitated by Princess Celestia as she assisted in any way she could. Precise incisions were made, accompanied by shrill sounds that would never reach ears beyond the present souls.
The bound filly, having no more strength to fight the pain, passed out as her reproductive organ was removed. Yet she was denied the passage to death, for her role was not done.
Every aperture, every skill, had been prepared for this moment. Twilight had turned on the stovetop behind her as she prepared the pan. Flames licked the edges, carrying the heat evenly throughout the solid base. Butter and oil rested nearby, for their role was soon to come. The pan being ready, the magical glow surrounded the lump that was once a tongue. Having been lifted up, it was placed onto the pan.
As the flesh cooked, Twilight placed her attention to the removed uterus. Upon close inspection, the young unicorn noticed that the organ was in fact symmetrical. ‘Ah, that explains the next part of the ritual,’ with no other thoughts distracting her she set to work. Levitating a knife, she placed the organ on the butcher board. She then used extreme precision to cut the mass in half, resulting in two bowl like dishes before her.
A smell soon found it way into her nose informing her that the tongue was ready. The young filly smiled as she reached the pan, using her magic she lifted the tender flesh into the air. Taking a knife and using a quick slash, the caramelized mass was split in two. One piece was placed into one half of the split birthing organ, while the other was placed into the alternative.
Twilights attention was now back to the mutilated filly before her. Some way during the time of preparation the filly revoke, and Twilight observed tears flowing out of her eyes. ‘She is just an echo of another world, what I am doing is right’, came the thoughts that were effective to carrying out the next stage.
A wet gagging sound echoed in the chamber as a knife slide acrossed the doomed ponies throat. Blood pulsed out in rapid spurts matching the beating of her panicked heart. The fluid spewed out into the halves of the uterus, which was levitated by Celestia’s magic. Twilight watched as her counterpart’s eyes faded into an empty void, life leaving her restrained form. The captive’s role however was not yet complete.
Blood now spilled out of the corpse, onto the floor and making a current to the drain. Young Twilight and Celestia stood at the head of the table, now oblivious to the corpse. Holding the blood-filled containers below their forehooves, they used knives to slit a thin wound in their own limbs, dripping blood into the works.
Then raising each others bowls to each of their lips, they let out a thick spit into the soup. Switching the bowls, the traded their select possessions of gore. Princess Celestia’s horn the began to glow brighter, not only encompassing her belly, but young Twilights as well. “Now we can survive the next portion,” stated the princess once she finished her spell.
It was quick, that if there were to be an observer to the true chaos. The pony would have blinked and missed what happened. Twilight lifted the bowl up to her mouth and drank her teachers, and her alternate self’s blood. Then her tongue wrapped around the cooked tongue as she devoured the seared flesh. Just like that they were done, and it did not take long for Twilight to feel a buzz go through her head, and within a moment she watched as her teachers eyes glowed before her. A glow that blinded her own eyes, it occurred to her that the princess was seeing the same thing from her student. Then it was over.
“Come Twilight, we have a feast to complete” said Celestia as she placed the mutilated corpse into a bag and levitated it before her. With a nod, Twilight assisted with the transportation of the corpse and followed her out the chamber.
Cool stale air, that was all that Twilight could feel as she came back to her senses. In an instant her memories flooded her mind, not only her passing out and what she was about to do, but also what she had done. Tears welled up in her eyes and she cried, “No! you can’t make me do it! not again!” Her logic would have been shared if she was not silenced by a dark blue aura surrounding her lips, sealing them shut and cutting off her words completely.
“We must do this!, bellowed Luna in her royal voice. “If our universe is to survive that tide, we must continue The Great Feast! We don’t do this to give ourselves more power, but to protect our very world!
Though her words somewhat made sense, Twilight could no longer understand their validity. If the ritual was in fact meant to protect the universe, then why did it require the life from another universe? It was something the she had to look into, yet she could not bring herself back to the horror that had been done since the beginning of time.
“I realize that you do not want to be here to do this, my dearest friend,” Said Princess Celestia. “but it must be done, and if Star Beam is to continue in her studies, she must go through this, just like you did.”
Silence wound the group together as Twilight thought on what she should say next. “You are not my friend,” was all that escaped her lips in the end. She turned her attention to Star Beam, “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked. Twilight knew that Star had a perfect knowledge of what she was about to do.
“Yes princess, like what Princess Luna said, it must be done!” Twilight could not but give a disgusted smile, not because she hated the young filly. Just simply because the filly’s understanding mirrored her own when she experienced this for the first time. Too many times, have I done this, she thought to herself.
“Twilight, do you have the scroll?” Asked the bringer of the sun. Without sharing any other words, Twilight brought out the scroll that she had concealed. She placed it on the table and the three alicorns stood back as they watched Star Beam shine, and then disappear.
May this be the last time.