> Luna's Protégé
>  by MrAlterad
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> 1. Luna's Choice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luna fiddled with her false glasses as she waited for the next applicant. She sat near the left end of a long desk, her bookkeeper, Tell Tale, to her left, and five other unicorns to her right. Her wings itched under the casually formal suit she wore, which also covered her cutie-mark. Her mane and tail had also been glamored up to better match the ponies around her. Sitting at the middle of the desk was the principle for her School for Gifted Unicorns, the only other pony, besides her bookkeeper, wise to Luna's disguise. To everypony else, she was simply a teacher from Manehatten, who happened to be a little bigger than the average unicorn.

I just love wearing spectacles! Luna thought gleefully, I doubt I'd be fooling anypony without them! The glasses were the only part of her disguise she enjoyed, but that wasn't the source of her good mood.

Today was a special day for the Princess of Equestria. She was here to oversee an interview, one that would shape Equestria's future; an interview given under the pretense of becoming a renowned unicorn's apprentice, Sir Tell Tale, who was the personal bookkeeper of Princess Luna. Truthfully, today, she was going to name some promising little filly or colt her protégé. One whom she would teach, and rely upon when her sister's banishment came to an end.

At least, Luna was hoping that would be the case. The interview had started from oldest applicants, to youngest, and the applicants so far have been rather ... lackluster. Not that Luna would admit that out loud. She, of all ponies, knew how damaging it was to belittle the efforts of the young. The children were all gifted, each in their own way, but none of them simply had the radiance, spark, or flare that she was looking for. Luna was looking for somepony that really got her attention, somepony that screamed out 'Going to be a big deal! Just you wait!'.

The closest she's gotten to that was a pair of young brothers from the second year group. They insisted that two protégés were better than one, and even sang a terribly catchy, and adorable song. It was so good that their words had gotten to the princess, greatly considering the notion of multiple protégé in their regards. Unfortunately, singing and pitching good ideas seemed to be the only thing they were good at. Luna's protégé needed to be talented with magic. Still, she took note of Flim and Flam, writing a small attachment to their entry on the roster.

'Keep an eye on these two ~ destined for big things.'

Managing to keep a sigh to herself, Luna watched as the first filly of the first-years entered into the office. This filly was one of the few in her year to already have her cutie-mark, and appraising her clip-board again, she took note of the filly, already expecting big things from her.

[Sunset Shimmer: Proven to be a quick study, highest magical aptitude in her year, and the second and third years as well. Though, she doesn't play well with others.]

Sunset walked up to the raised platform set before the seven judges, a fire in her eyes and a confidence that brought a small smile to Luna's lips. Radiance, check. Luna affirmed to herself as the stallion in the middle of the desk spoke up.

“Sunset Shimmer,” the principal, a unicorn with a gray coat and mane named Silver Apple, began sternly, “why, exactly, should we pick you, to be Sir Tell Tale's apprentice?” His tone and question made the young filly falter for a moment, but pride lit up her eyes as she looked to him.

“Best in class!” She proclaimed with a smile, standing tall, with her chest puffed out. Silver Apple stared silently at her, and started writing something down. His lack of a positive reply made Sunset's smile slowly melt as she put some serious thought to his question. “U-Um, because I'm really good with magic?” she then added weakly, “I can also cast third year spells-”

“So you're saying we should pick you based on ability,” he replied, getting a hesitant nod from the filly, prompting a sigh from the old stallion. “Well, it's true that you are best in your year. Still, we'll need a demonstration of your talent.” He then looked back to her, expecting just that. Immediately. Her eyes widened as she quickly pulled over a purple dragon egg from her saddlebag. Luna's brow was furrowed as she looked to Silver Apple, and had to remind herself that the principal's job was to manage the teachers and building, not the students.

Still, after this, I intend to give him some console on how to properly talk to a first year! Luna thought, looking back to Sunset as she levitated the egg onto the platform. She adopted a weak smile as she looked to her audience. Did her parents procure that egg? she wondered as Sunset spoke up.

Or at least she was going to, but she caught the impatient look in the principal's eyes and instead started to gather her magic, wrapping the egg in its light. She then closed her eyes, her face creasing in effort as her horn glowed brighter. Luna could feel an amazing amount of power building from the filly, who was so focused that she stopped breathing. The other judges shared intrigued looks, as the egg flashed brilliantly, the shell crumbling apart, revealing a newborn purple and green dragon.

Everypony was impressed, including Luna. Everypony but Silver, that is, who fit the part of an impartial judge to the letter. Sunset slumped down, taking in a deep breath as she looked to the baby dragon, a small smile on her face.

“That was a very impressive display of power,” Silver admitted, getting a nod from the filly as she got on her hooves, “Still, Sunset Shimmer, now what? Now you have a newborn dragon in your possession. Who's to take care of it? You? Your family?” His words were not doing the filly any favors, who was looking more at a loss, her confidence falling to pieces under his barrage. “When you came here with that egg, did you think of the-”

“That's more than enough,” Luna spoke up in annoyance, getting a surprised look from Silver and Sunset. “Sunset Shimmer,” she began, giving the filly a calm, kind smile, “you did very well.” That got a smile from the filly, who was giving Luna a very thankful look. Luna then leaned close to Tell Tale, whispering to him. “See to it the dragon is looked after, if not by her house, then mine.” Her bookkeeper nodded as he wrote a note down, and Luna wrote down a note of her own as well.

'****Sunset Shimmer. Strongest applicant, determined. Also, baby dragon.****'

Luna then looked back the the filly, who was looking a little nervous for Luna's whispering. “You can expect to be hearing more from Sir Tell Tale, little one.” Her assurance brought forth a smile whose radiance put the sun to shame. “You can go now, somepony will be talking to you shortly concerning your dragon.” Sunset Shimmer nodded, levitating the baby dragon, who looked at the filly with amusement, and they both left the room, a small skip in the filly's trot. After her departure, Luna gave Silver a very disapproving look, and to his credit, he remained composed.

“Why were you so hard on her? She's a first year!” Luna asked, getting a surprised look from all but her bookkeeper, who let out a worrisome sigh. Her sentiment was shared by the others, but they were also teachers working under Silver Apple. 

“I assure you, madam,” he winced when he said that, reminding Luna that she was in disguise, “the position these applicants are applying for is no game. Sunset has talent, but what of character? What of thinking of the bigger picture? Madam, I am simply making sure that only the best take up the role of … Sir Tell Tale's apprentice.” Luna looked to him, then let out a small sigh. Tell Tale spoke up, coming to his princess's aid.

“I appreciate your scrupulousness, Silver, but would you mind toning it down a little. I don't care to see anypony crying today, least of all a child, and you were awfully close to accomplishing that.” Silver looked to Luna, then nodded.

“I will. My deepest apologies.” Tell and Luna nodded in unison, then the princess looked back to the applicant roster on her clipboard.

Of the first year group, there were a total of seven applicants. The second and third failed to impress, though the teal filly with the harp had played quite a lovely tune, it wasn't what Luna was looking for. As the fourth applicant was about to enter, Luna started to feel assured that Sunset Shimmer was the only one fit to be her protégé. She then eyed her notes, and adopted a bit of surprise when she read on the next filly.

[Twilight Sparkle: Daughter of renowned Night Light and Twilight Velvet. Top of year in studies, however, shown to be below average in application.]

I wasn't aware they had a daughter too! Luna thought as she looked to see a lavender filly open the door, peeking in sheepishly before entering, a small potted plant levitated to her side. She paused for a moment, hesitating as she considered something, then nodded to herself as she stood on the platform, laying the plant next to her. Luna took note that Twilight didn't have her cutie-mark yet, as Silver cleared his throat.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Silver began, with a fond grin, which Luna caught notice of, “why do you wish to be Sir Tell Tale's apprentice?” Luna blinked as she appraised the stallion.

Why did he change his opening question? Luna wondered as Twilight looked to Tell Tale, then back to Silver.

“Because, he's Princess Luna's bookkeeper,” she said a little hesitantly, “He gets to look after books, and talk to the princess.” A small fire lit up in the filly's eyes as she looked to Silver, “I wanna be like him!”

Luna found a smile on her face, and from the corner of her eye, she could see that Tell Tale was a little taken aback. Becoming his apprentice, as the children were told, would provide them with the knowledge and influence to make whatever they wanted with their lives. Twilight was the first one to openly aspire to be like him. He scribbled a small note on Luna's clipboard, and the princess had to resist a small chuckle as she read it.

'Best pick. I choose Twilight Sparkle.'

“Well, Twilight,” Silver continued, “as pleased as Sir Tell Tale is to hear that,” that comment made the dark blue stallion blush slightly, “we still need to test your talent.”

“R-Right,” Twilight replied, eyeing the potted plant with dread. “T-This is a Myosotis, of the Boraginaceae family, known as a Forget-Me-Not. I'm gonna use an alteration spell. Changing it to a Lavandula of the Lamiaceae family-”

“Twilight,” Tell Tale interrupted, getting the fillies attention almost instantly, “Instead of lavender, could you change it into a Taraxacum?” Twilight looked to him, considering it for a moment before nodding.

“I'll try,” she replied hesitantly as Luna looked to Tell Tale, a little lost. He quickly wrote on his board another message for her.

'Dandelion. Also, she looks like a real keeper.'

Luna couldn't help but agree, Twilight knew some very big words for a first year. But, is her magic up to snuff? Luna considered as she watched Twilight take several steps back from the Forget-Me-Nots.

Her horn started to glow as she focused her will on the plant, and it started to shake from the magic being forced upon it. The pot danced, the plant shimmered, but the flower remained the same. Twilight put more effort into her spell, exerting herself just has Sunset had. Luna let out a small sigh, as changing a flower to a different kind wasn't supposed to be as difficult as it appeared to be for the little filly. Her horn glowed even brighter, and Luna's disappointment was shifting towards worry, as there were tears in the filly's eyes. Her horn's glow proved to increase further, casting the room in its light, before it all winked out, and Twilight slumped to the ground, unconscious. Looking to the pot, Luna let out a sigh of relief, the pot of Forget-Me-Nots was now a pot of Dandelions. 

It would have been crushing, had she failed... Luna thought as Tell Tale, as dependable as ever, was the first to act. He got up and rushed to the filly's side, looking over her while the others simply looked on in surprise. Seeing Twilight pass out from her spell reminded Luna of the very first time she raised the sun. She had given it her all, and passed out just as Twilight did. That kind of determination was rare, and Luna found another smile on her lips as Twilight stirred from Tell Tale's aid. 

“Did, did I fail-” she asked, then saw the dandelions, and couldn't believe her eyes. “I, I-” she was cut off by Tell Tale, as he helped her to her hooves.

“I think you can look forward to hearing from me, young lady.” Twilight's mouth hung open as she looked to him, blushing slightly before giving him a smile. “Now, move along, there are others still waiting for their chance.” At that, Twilight nodded, and picking the plant up with her hoof, left the room, almost staggering straight into the door. “Make sure you head to the nurses office!” the stallion added as the filly left, an aide assisting her to her destination.

“So, meets your standards, Sir Tell Tale?” Silver asked as the dark blue stallion returned to Luna's side. “She's very popular with the teachers; she's quite the model student.”

“I noticed, she may be our strongest applicant yet!” Tell replied, then noticed the amused look his princess was giving him, and the stallion cleared his throat as he washed his face of emotions. “I suppose she may do,” he added, regaining his composure as he wrote another letter to the princess.

***'Very strongly recommend, Your Highness.'***

Luna nodded as she took note of Twilight, now torn between her and Sunset Shimmer. Still, having two promising candidates is better than one, Luna affirmed. Twilight's still quite young, her magic likely isn't finished being developed. With how hard she appears to work, it's quite possible she could surpass Sunset. Luna was then distracted from her thoughts as the next applicant entered.

Having been surprised by Twilight's addition to her list of truly potential protégé, she kept an open mind for the remaining applicants. Though, the fifth and sixth failed to impress her. Stewing on who she should choose between the two, she found herself leaning towards taking up Sunset as her protégé, while Tell Tale took up Twilight as his apprentice, as was advertised. 

As the last applicant, the youngest member of the school, walked into the room, Luna noted the filly's wand and apparent crescent moon cutie-mark, and adopted a smile. Having the moon on your flank was a good start to earning bonus points with the princess. The light blue filly held her head tall as she entered, carrying nothing with her, unlike all the other applicants. Being the youngest, it was no surprise she was also the smallest, but the fact that she had her cutie-mark already was impressive.

[Trixie Lulamoon: Takes to magic like a Shadowbolt takes to flying. Her aptitude and studies are average, but has shown to be very creative with her application, especially considering her age.]

Luna nodded to herself, looking up from her notes, wondering how this final applicant intended to impress her audience.

“Trixie the Adorable is ready~!” she stated with a proud grin, as she gave the judges a small bow, the act alone making Luna flush.

So cute!! A crime, I say! Luna thought gleefully, being reminded of her secret motivation behind opening this school. Silver Apple, heart as hard as coal, and just as dark, wasn't phased, as he began with his opening question.

“Trixie Lulamoon, why should we pick you, to be Sir Tell Tale's apprentice?”

“Because mama said so~!” she quickly replied, not faltering under his glower, making the old stallion roll his eyes.

“So, you don't care about the position then?” Trixie looked at him, a little confused.

“Huh?”

“You don't want to be his apprentice?” Silver clarified, with surprising patience. The filly's brow furrowed as she thought on it.

“Mama said it best for Trixie. Trixie wants to be apprentiss.” Silver let out a sigh as he nodded, writing something down as he looked to her. He then seemed to consider his next words carefully as he replied.

“Well, you need to show us you're good at magic, if you want that.” That made the filly's smile grow, and she gave an eager, excited bow.

“A show!? Trixie loves shows!” And with that, her horn started to glow, and with a pop, all sorts of flashy lights and fireworks appeared around the filly, catching Luna, Silver, and Tell Tale off guard. Trixie let out a hearty giggle as she continued to present all kinds of tricks with her magic, from simple illusions to fireworks, even a disappearing act. It went on for several minutes, and when it was over, Trixie stood on the platform, looking quite tired, but terribly happy with herself. Luna was quite sure the filly had forgotten the fact that she was here for more than to have fun.

Luna's cheeks ached from the smile the performance had brought on, and looking to her notes, she was surprised to see that she had already written her thoughts on the filly, and quickly scratched off the incriminating portion of it.

***'Big potential! Super cute! Must adopt as protégé.'***

“Yes, that was...” Silver Apple began as the filly picked herself up, “something. We'll let you know of your candidacy after some consideration.” Trixie looked at him, confused by his big words, but seeing the small smiles the others were giving her, assumed it was a good thing, and nodded.

“Trixie is happy!” With that, she slowly trotted out of the room, despite her fatigue, there was a slight bounce in her step. As the door closed behind her, Silver looked to Tell, as well as the other teachers.

“Yes, that was quite the turnout,” Tell began, giving Luna a brief glance, “I'll need some time to come to a decision, so how about we reconvene in an hour?” He asked, catching the small nod Luna gave from the corner of his eye.

“Very well,” Silver Apple added, also catching Luna's nod, “we'll return in an hour to decide on whom will be your apprentice.”


~~~~~~~~~~


“Have you decided, Your Highness?” Tell asked of Luna in the privacy of a nearby classroom. “I do hope it's Twilight that's caught your eye.”

“Confound it all, that's the problem!” Luna declared, glaring at nopony in particular. “I thought it fortunate to find a single candidate. But that isn't what we found. Not one, not two, but three!” she then looked to Tell with a troubled expression, “I cannot simply choose one of them!” She then let out a long sigh.

One of those fillies is going to reform the Elements of Harmony and save my sister, but what if I choose wrong? That notion echoing in her thoughts, she then considered the three fillies, their strengths, and the potential each had. 

Sunset Shimmer definitely has radiance; her power is clearly strong enough to back that up. I mean, she hatched a dragon's egg! Only a small number of adults can do that! But then, there's Twilight Sparkle. She has the spark of a real genius! And she's got determination, a great deal of it, enough to make up for her lacking magic! And then there's Trixie Lulamoon! So. CUTE. Luna then faltered in embarrassment, I, I mean- So much raw talent! She cast those spells with finesse, weaving together three or four at a time! She may not be as smart as the other two right now, but she makes up for it with her smile! Er, I mean, her flare! And she's the youngest, who knows what she'll be capable of as she grows!

As Luna considered the fillies, she found herself being distracted by a song Tell was humming, a song she had heard earlier. The song the Flim and Flam colts recounted. She recalled what the brothers had pitched, and adopted a sly smile. Wait, who says I need limit myself to one protégé?


~~~~~~~~~~


Luna tried to conceal her smile as the three fillies looked to each other. Sunset looked worried, Twilight confused, and Trixie, oblivious. They were back in the office, each of them standing on the platform, with only Tell Tale and Luna in the room with them. Twilight looked to the stallion hopefully, while Sunset glared to the other two standing next to her.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Tell Tale began, with a small smile, “Twilight Sparkle, and Trixie Lulamoon,” hearing her name, Trixie looked to him, her head tilted in confusion, “All three of you have been found as favorable candidates to be my apprentice. Unfortunately, none of you will be such.” Before his words could hit them, he quickly added, “That is because you'll be taken under somepony else's wing.” With that, he bowed to Luna, and with a simple spell, she removed her disguise, de-glamoured her mane and tail, and carefully levitated the glasses onto the desk, giving the three fillies her majestic smile.

“Princess Luna!?”
“P-Princess Luna!?”
“Princess Luna...”

The three fillies proclaimed in different ways. Sunset in surprise, shortly before adopting a proud grin. Twilight in unexpected happiness, almost bowing to the princess out of reverence, and Trixie out of wonder.

“S-So,” Sunset began as she took a step forward, bowing to Luna, “It's me, right?” Twilight looked to Sunset, then Luna, and started to look crestfallen, while Trixie appeared confused by the events occurring before her. Luna shook her head, popping Sunset's balloon, prompting the light orange filly to frown at the two behind her.

“All three of you, will be my protégés,” Luna declared. Sunset, still looking to Twilight and Trixie, let her mouth fall open as she slowly turned to the princess, who continued to give the three fillies her smile. Twilight's reaction was much more impressionable.

“EEEEeeee~” she squealed out as she started bouncing around the room. “Yes yes yes yes yes! Oh just think of all the books!” she proclaimed as she landed in front of Luna, then remembering herself, tried to regain her composure- nope, she stayed happy, and continued bouncing around the room in pure mirth. Seeing Twilight bounce around, Trixie let out a giggle as she started following her.

“Trixie the Adorable likes!” she proclaimed as Tell Tale gave Luna an amused look.

“Well, Your Highness, looks like you've taken up quite the undertaking.” Luna nodded to him, but wasn't worried. She had managed Equestria without her older sister for almost a whole millennium, teaching three fillies shouldn't be that much trouble. After all, there are plenty of normal ponies that teach whole classrooms of them.

“Princess Luna,” Sunset began, looking up to the princess, a little sheepishly, “Why all three of us? Am I not good enough?” And already the first hurdle presented itself to Luna. She shook her head as she kneeled down to Sunset, to speak on the same level.

“It's not about being good enough. Each of you have your spark, your flare, and your radiance. It's not about being better then the others, it's about the others making you better.” Sunset's face scrunched as she tried to understand that play on words, then frowned to Luna. “Consider that your first lesson, I expect you to take it in quickly.” Sunset's eyes widened at that, and she nodded. “You're the oldest here, you know what that means, right?”

“...that I'm in charge?” she said meekly, suspecting that was the wrong answer, Luna shaking her head only proving that notion. 

“It means that you need to set a good example.” Luna then nodded to herself. “Twilight, Trixie.” Both fillies stopped. Well, Twilight did, causing Trixie to crash into her, causing both of them to roll into a tangled ball of purple and blue at Luna's hooves. She felt her heart skip a beat as they both looked to her with their big, apologetic eyes. Luna's face flushed as she let out an awkward cough. “Both of you, play time is over.” Luna then nodded to herself, adopting her authoritative tone, “It's time for class.” The fillies separated themselves and stood next to Sunset, who looked to both of them, unsure of how to act.

Luna looked to Tell Tale, who gave her a reassuring nod as he got an aide, preparing things for the three fillies before her. She then looked to them, each of them with their own strengths and weaknesses, and she nodded to herself. 

These, were her students. And she had little doubt, she would teach them well. And, with any luck, the three fillies before her will each prove to be what Equestria needed, when the time comes for them to truly shine.
> 2. Trixie's Fear
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	Trixie the Adorable waved goodbye as the carriage carrying her parents rode off, leaving her behind in front of Canterlot Castle. The carriage now out of sight, she felt herself waver at the notion that she wouldn't see her family for at least a couple days. She then looked to the ground, feeling as though things were changing too fast, and it scared her, a little. She then shook her head, lifting it, a small fire burning in her heart. 

She made a promise to her parents, one they asked of her. She was going be Great, and Powerful. She would make them happy, and she would not cry.

Her resolve then melted away as she was plagued by a simple thought. But, if Trixie's gotta cry, mama won't, she won't be there... Feeling her eyes itch, she then shook her head again, rubbing her eyes as she grabbed her bag, her fears falling a step behind as she moved to the gate. Looking past Twilight and Tell Tale, she took in what was to be her new home, for what she considered to be a long time.

Thankfully, for the little filly, her fears were dispelled by the sight before her.

It's so biiig~ she thought, her eyes opening wide as they climb the spires and towers, her mouth hanging open, her head following her gaze, almost making her lose her balance. 

To Trixie, Canterlot, was a big place. Everything towered over her, buildings, plants, ponies and statues. Now she looked upon her new home, and couldn't help but feel in awe at its size, for the castle was certainly the grandest home in all of Equestria. Then, almost as an afterthought, she realized that not only was it going to be her new home, but it was also the home of Princess Luna.

She was one of Luna's students, and she was going to live in her castle. When Luna revealed herself to Trixie yesterday, she didn't understand what it meant to have her as her teacher. Thanks to her mother, she now knew a little of what that meant, and looking to the castle reminded her of that, and it brought a smile to her face.  

Having taken in the castle, now feeling a little better, she looked to Tell Tale, giving him her smile, her eyes wide and full of life. Under that expression, Tell Tale couldn't help but return the smile, and Trixie moved next to Twilight, as the three of them waited for Sunset Shimmer.

“Sir Tell Tale,” Twilight began, getting the attention of her company, “I've been wondering...” she added hesitantly, getting a nod from the dark blue stallion.

“Yes? Don't be afraid to ask questions, either of you.”

“Oh, okay. I was wondering, just, um, what is Luna going to teach us?” Tell consider that for a moment, and Trixie gave him her attention. Since her mother told her that being Luna's student was very, very important, Trixie intended to spend extra special attention to class, and all things related to it.

“Well, I suppose she'll be teaching you exactly what you need to know.” He then shrugged as he looked to the fillies, “She intends to make sure that each of you are prepared to manage on your own when all of your lessons are over.” Trixie didn't understand what he was referring to, but she saw Twilight think on it for a moment, before nodding.

“I think I understand. Thanks!” Twilight proclaimed happily, then, after a moment of silence, she levitated out a book from her saddlebag, and started reading it. Trixie looked at the book's cover, and blinked.

Appli- appli-cat- Her ears dropped as she failed to understand the title, and looked from the book to Twilight. The thought that she wasn't going to be going to school where her friends were anymore struck the filly, and she suddenly felt terribly lonely. However, she chose not to dwell on the thought.

“Twily?” Trixie asked, almost making Twilight drop the book in surprise.

“Y-yes?”

“Whatcha reading? Is it fun?” Trixie didn't consider books to be anything close to fun, but several of her friends loved to read, and she wondered if Twilight was the same. Twilight adopted a smile, and Trixie found a smile of her own from it.

“It's called Application of Imaginary Numbers!” Twilight answered excitedly, “I've only just started it, but it has a lot of-” Tell Tale cleared his throat, getting the fillies' attention. He was looking down the road, and following his gaze, they spotted Sunset Shimmer, galloping to the gate, a number of bags and possessions levitating to her sides.

Twilight put her book away, giving Trixie an apologetic smile, as Sunset joined the group. She took a moment to collect herself, breathing heavily from her canter.

“You okay, Sunny?” Trixie asked as she tried to pat Sunset on the back, only to get a brief glare from her, making Trixie step back in confusion.

“S-sorry, and it's Sunset,” She stated quietly, then took a deep breath, looking to Tell Tale. “I'm sorry I'm late.”

“Your father couldn't bring you?” he asked, his concern masking something Trixie couldn't quite pin down. Sunset's eyes avoided Tell Tale as she nodded. “I see.” His horn then glowed, and he wrote something down on a clipboard that Trixie has yet to see him without. He then turned to the guard at the gate, and with a small nod, the guard opened the gate, and the four of them were welcomed into the castle grounds.

If Trixie was impressed by the castle, then the grounds left her even more awestruck. Statues of ponies, dragons, and other things Trixie couldn't recognize adorned the sides of the garden. The smell of flowers in the air helped put Trixie at ease, her eyes wandering, taking in all they could.

There were also a small number of ponies working on the grounds, each of them giving their group a respectful greeting and a warm smile as they passed. Trixie, like many a young filly, has wondered what it must be like, to be a princess. Now, she couldn't help but feel like she was being presented a taste of it, and was a little eager to take in more.

“I'd say a tour would be in order,” Tell Tale began, “but Her Highness wishes we get straight into the lesson,” he stated with a hint of amusement as he indicated to a path that led to an area near the castle, but not within it. “Right this way, everypony.”

“What about our things?” Sunset asked, still levitating her possessions. He glanced over her items, then nodded.

“As the Princess's students, there are some luxuries you're entitled to here.” With that, he flagged down a servant, who arrived before Trixie could figure out what 'luxuries' meant. “See to their belongings.” With a bow, the unicorn's horn glowed, freeing the fillies of everything but their saddlebags, taking their things to the castle.

“Sir Tell Tale,” Twilight began, “I've been wondering, why did Luna trick us yesterday, during the interview?”

“Because the turnout would have been a mess, had everypony known Luna was looking for a protégé.” 

"That makes sense~!" Trixie affirmed, "Cleaning up a mess is no fun." Tell Tale nodded in agreement, adopting a small smile as they found themselves in a field caught in the castle's shadow, hidden from the front gate. There was a single small crate next to the edge of a large rectangle drawn on the ground. The large area had lines on the grass, marking distance that reminded Trixie of-

“Oh! Trixie knows this!” she proclaimed excitedly, making Tell's small smile grow, “This is a hoofball field!” Her papa did love the game; he had once taken her to a really big game, that had an amazing half-time show. Trixie remembered it well.

“Close, we don't use it for hoofball, but for exercise for the soldiers, and miscellaneous-” he then gave Trixie a glance then cleared his throat, “I mean, other things, such as your first class with Luna.” He then nodded to himself, moving to one of the crates, and peaking inside. “Looks like everything's here.” He then looked to the three fillies, “Princess Luna should be here shortly, so don't wander too far. I'll be seeing each of you later.” And with that Tell Tale left, trusting the three fillies to be fine by themselves.

The three looked to each other. Twilight gave Trixie a sheepish grin. Sunset gave both of them a very unfriendly look, putting off Twilight. Trixie wasn't going to be done in by a glare, so she gave Sunset a smile.

“This is Trixie,” she said as she put a hoof on her chest, standing tall, “Trixie the Adorab-” Her brow then furrowed as she recalled the promise she made to her mother, and smiled, “Trixie the Great and Powerful.” Her brow then furrowed again as she adopted a contemplative look, not liking the sound of it. She then nodded to herself, readopting her smile as she looked to Sunset's unamused face, “The Great and Powerful Trixie. And Trixie wants to be friends!” she then looked to Twilight, tilting her head in question. Twilight nodded, looking to introduce herself, properly, as well.

“I'm Twilight, and I'd-”

“The Great and Powerful?” Sunset interrupted in a condescending tone as she walked around Trixie, giving her a dominating glare, “Right. No, you're not.” Trixie blinked in surprise, taken aback by her forward declaration.

“S-Say's you!” she quickly replied.

“Look, Trixie,” Sunset began, “I get Twilight. I can see why Luna picked her. She's very smart. But you? You got no reason to be here. So, how about you not waste the princess's time and head on home.”

“Trixie is staying! Mama said this was best for Trixie, so Trixie stays!”

“Well, your 'mama' is wrong,” Sunset proclaimed resolutely, making Trixie flinch, and her annoyance with Sunset shifted to open anger.

“Take that back!” Trixie demanded as she stomped her hoof. Sunset simply gave her a smug grin.

“Make me.” 

Trixie gave Sunset a dirty look as her horn started to glow. Before she could cast anything, she found herself caught off guard by an unexpected voice.

“Looks like two of my protégées are already partaking in a heated discussion.” All three of the fillies looked to Luna, standing several paces nearby. She was giving them her majestic smile, sapping the tension in the air like a sponge. 

Trixie's horn fizzled out, surprised that she had almost gotten in trouble, and tried to mask her guilt with a smile. Sunset's words still echoed in her head, reminding her that her mother was now very far away. And just like that, her fear from earlier caught up to her.

“Luna,” Trixie began, her forwardness surprising the other fillies, getting a quizzical look from the princess, “Why we-” her brow furrowed as she corrected herself, “Why do we gotta live in your house?” Luna appraised Trixie, her cheeks flushing slightly from Trixie's somber expression.

“You don't want to?” she asked, surprising the filly.

“N-no. A- Trixie means yes. But, well...” she frowned, uncertain on the words to choose to get her feelings across.

“In life,” Luna began serenely, her change in tone catching her students' attention, “there are many tests. Living away from your family is one such test. You are young, but don't you worry, Trixie, your family is a lot closer than you think.” Trixie thought on that a moment, putting faith in Luna's words before nodding. “And,” Luna continued, “when they are unable to be there, that is when you look to your friends.” That affirmation made Trixie smile, which she shared with Twilight, while Trixie ignored Sunset. 

Twilight reciprocated Trixie's smile, while Sunset simply frowned at Luna's words. Trixie's friends were just as far away as her family now, but, nothing stopped her from making new ones, and she wouldn't shy from how smart Twilight was.

“Princess Luna,” Sunset began as she took a step towards Luna.

“Just Luna, please,” the princess asked, getting a slightly surprised look from Sunset and Twilight.

“Oh, um, Luna. About the baby dragon...”

“Yes, I talked to your father about him.” Luna's words prompted Sunset to look at the ground, her ears falling as the princess continued, “After the lesson, we'll talk about the hatchling.” She then gave Sunset an appraising look. “You're worried about him? I can assure you, he's quite fine, and lively.”

“I, I see,” Sunset replied, adopting a small smile as she looked to the princess, who gave a satisfied nod.

“Now, from what I understand,” Luna began as she walked onto the field, motioning her students to follow, “orientation and greeting each other is what's done first. As Princess, I declare that we're going to skip that, and move right into the lesson.” She then looked to the fillies. “If you wish to master everything I aim to teach you, it only requires one thing from all of you.” 

They looked to her, eager for clarification. “There is a bond, between student and teacher, called trust. You should trust that my lessons will better you, as I trust that you will listen.” She then nodded to herself, “However, it doesn't go one way. I expect you to speak your mind, and just as I expect you to listen, you can expect me to listen in turn. Understand?” Trixie didn't understand what she meant about trust and bonds. What she did understand, was that she promised her mother she was going to give this her all, so if the princess wants Trixie to listen, that's what she's going to do.

“Yes Ma'am!” Trixie replied, her words mirrored by Twilight, then by Sunset. Smiling to her students, Luna then looked to the crate nearby, her horn glowing as she levitated out a smooth, polished black rock, as big as the fillies were, in front of them.

“Trixie, Sunset, can you tell me what kind of rock this is?”

“A round one!” Trixie quickly answered, getting a small giggle from Twilight.

“Well, Trixie, you're not wrong,” Luna affirmed, “But it's not the answer I'm looking for.” She then looked to Sunset, who had a ponderous look on her face. Twilight looked like she wanted to shout something, like she had the answer, but the teacher refused to call on her.

“I-” Sunset began, looking a little downcast as she eyed the ground, “I don't know.”

“Pick your head up, Sunset,” Luna stated, “While you don't have the answer, what you gave me wasn't wrong. Never be afraid to admit you don't know. Nopony knows everything, and sometimes, we may simply forget the answer when we need it most.”

“Even you, Luna?” Twilight asked, a little skeptical, getting a sly smile from the princess. 

“Yes. In fact, until yesterday, I didn't know what a Taraxacum was.” Trixie tilted her head at that word, seeing Twilight's eyes open wide at it. “Speaking of which. Twilight, what is this rock?”

“Huh? Oh! That's obsidian. It's formed from active volcanoes and is quite sharp when in pieces. It's more like volcanic glass than a rock-” 

“That's more than enough, thank you Twilight.” Luna affirmed, then dropped the rock, letting it fall into the ground unceremoniously. “Now, could you shatter it for me, without picking it, or anything else, up?” Twilight looked to the rock, then to Luna, a little put off with the request.

“I, I'll try, but, I don't think I can.”

“What's important is that you try. Unless you're completely certain you can't do it, you shouldn't let the odds of failure stay your hoof.” Twilight looked to Luna, and a fire burned in her eyes as she grasped the rock in her magic. Her horn started to glow brighter, and brighter, sweat beaded down her head as Twilight- “That will do, Twilight.” Luna declared, surprising Twilight, causing her magic to fizzle out, and she took several deep breaths as she looked to Luna, confused. “You did well, however, I don't really want any of my pupils passing out during my lesson.” That got a blush from the filly as Luna looked to Trixie. “Your turn, Trixie.” Trixie eyed the rock, resting on the ground without a care in the world.

Shatter? That means break it! Oh! But Trixie can't lift it, or hit it with something else! Her brow then furrowed. But, then how does Trixie break it? She looked to Twilight, who was giving her a weak smile. Twily was trying to squeeze it. Trixie will try that!

“Princess Luna,” Sunset began, distracting Trixie from her task, “We all know I'm the only one that can break the rock, so why are you having Trixie waste our time.”

Huh? Trixie wondered as she looked to Sunset, mouth hanging open. Sunset gave her a small, smug grin, which got a glare from the blue filly.

“Oh?” Luna began, her smile unchanging, her kind aura still radiating, “Do you already know today's lesson?” Sunset hesitated at the question, looking to the rock, then Luna, who was looking at Trixie. “Trixie, do you want to try?” Trixie considered that for a moment, tapping the rock with her hoof as she looked to Luna.

“Can Trixie break it?”

“I'm afraid not, dear.” Luna then gave Trixie an apologetic look, “This task is beyond you at the moment.” Trixie nodded, not bothered by her words. Trixie didn't find the notion of breaking a rock to be important, that it wasn't a worthy display of her dazzling, spectacular magic. 

Luna then smiled, looking to Twilight, “I'm certain you would have broken it, Twilight, had I not stopped you.” She then looked back to Sunset, “If you would...” Sunset nodded, suddenly looking like she had been caught taking from the cookie jar. Shaking her head, she focused her magic, and in short order, the rock crumbled with a loud crunch, scattering pieces of the rock in all directions a short distance away. Trixie's eyes widened at the ease Sunset had at the task, and looked to her, masking a moment of fear from the others.

She's strong! Trixie affirmed to herself, hoping that she never ended up on the receiving end of Sunset's magic.

“So,” Luna said, pulling Trixie from her thoughts, “What's the lesson?” Sunset let out a slightly annoyed sigh as she spoke up.

“That I'm strong with magic, but Twilight is smarter.”

“Is that so?” Luna asked as she turned to Trixie, “Would you mind putting that back together for me, and bring it over when you're finished?” Trixie looked to the broken rock's pieces, smashed into well over twenty of them, and nodded as she watched Luna approach Sunset.

“Is that the lesson then? What am I trying to teach, if that's the lesson? What's its importance?” As she addressed Sunset, Trixie gave the pieces a cursory glance, and started to reform the rock, as she moved to the others.

“That...” Sunset began, feeling as though she had made a grave error, trying to reason out an answer for Luna's questions. Her ears then fell, as well as her head, “That's not the lesson, is it?”

“Not all of it,” Luna affirmed as Trixie brought the reformed rock around to the princess, who grabbed it in her magic, giving Trixie a thankful smile. “Here's the rest of it,” She proclaimed as she presented the reformed rock to Sunset and Twilight. The rock was still broken, but the pieces were brought back together, fitting snugly, like a puzzle. 

In Luna's grasp, the pieces separated, spun in the air, then fell on the ground. “Can either of you piece it together, as fast as Trixie had?” Trixie's eyes widened at her words, and she looked to her classmates, who looked to each other, then the pieces of the obsidian rock.

Twilight grabbed the fragments with her magic, catching Sunset off guard, as the shards swirled into the air, Twilight's eyes darting between the pieces, trying to figure out what went where. All she had after a minute was half of a reformed rock. Twilight gave out a defeated sigh, seeing it take too long for her to reform, and gave the fragments to Sunset, who simply shook her head. Sunset then looked to Trixie, completely shocked, prompting Trixie to stick her tongue out at her.

“How?” Sunset asked, “I mean, Twilight is smarter then her!” Luna adopted a slightly amused smile as she took the fragments, closed her eyes, and effortlessly reformed the rock. With the rock whole, she opened her eyes, and ushered Trixie to the others side.

“It's a little something called intuition,” Luna explained, “When you look at the pieces, they all look strikingly similar, using your eyes only confuses the picture. Trixie wasn't using her eyes to put it back together, she let her magic do the work for her.” Trixie gave the others a proud smile as Luna nodded. “So, what's the lesson?” The three fillies considered her question for several moments, before Sunset spoke up.

“Is it that each of us are better at one thing then the others?” Twilight looked to Sunset, then Luna, who seemed to be waiting for the lavender filly's thoughts on the matter.

“Um, that we're all different?” Twilight suggested, prompting Luna to turn to Trixie, who was looking between Twilight and Sunset, a strange notion coming to mind. She grabbed onto that notion and turned to Luna.

“Umm, it doesn't matter?” Trixie pitched, and Luna remained silent as she looked between her students, who were also looking to each other.

“It ... doesn't matter?” Twilight repeated, “It doesn't matter that we're all different?” she asked as she looked to Trixie.

“Noo silly!" she replied energetically, happy that Twilight had asked. "It doesn't matter, because we're all the same!”

“How?” Sunset asked, giving Trixie and incredulous look. Her eyes then widened as she looked to Luna. “Oh.”

“We're all Luna's students,” Twilight affirmed.

“We're all fillies,” Trixie stated with a big smile.

“We're all unicorns,” Sunset said, looking back to Twilight and Trixie, “We each have our own strengths-”

“And together,” Luna interjected, “you found some answers. So the question is, what am I trying to teach you.” The three fillies looked to each other, before Sunset spoke up.

“That we should work together?” she asked, doubt laced in her words. Luna's nod dispelled Sunset's doubt, making her take up a small, proud grin.

“Indeed. The three of you are my students, my protégées. You will work together, learn together, live together, and succeed together.” Luna nodded, then looked to Sunset, “Nopony has all the answers, that's why it's okay to admit you don't know. Surely, somepony else has the answer you're looking for.” She then looked to Twilight and Trixie, “If there's a task you can't do, don't be ashamed to look to others. And when others look to you, don't be afraid to share your strength.” 

“Luna,” Twilight began, looking to her, awe in her eyes, “is that what you do? You share your strength, with all of Equestria?” Luna looked to her students, and she beckoned them over.

“That's right. Come, gather close. Twilight, Trixie, Sunset, let me show you something, amazing.” The three of them did so, in wonder of what was in store. Luna's horn flashed brilliantly, and for a moment, Trixie was blinded, as she felt a spell wash over her and the others.

The first thing that came to her attention was the chilly breeze. She then realized she wasn't standing on grass anymore, and assumed they were now somewhere else. And as her vision returned, her eyes widened, her mouth hanging open. She was not alone in this gesture, as she, Sunset, and Twilight approached the rail before them, looking out, into the vast horizon.

Equestria.

In her short life, Trixie has never seen it like this. Upon the highest tower, a landing with no roof, the mountain to their backs, they could see for miles around. The late day sun, casting it's light on the land. Canterlot city below, bustling with activity. A village to the west, nestled in the hills, the faint smell of apples carried on the breeze. A formation of clouds to the north, rainbows falling from it like waterfalls. Far, far away, on the edge of the horizon, a single, lonely mountain standing amongst the heavens. Far to the south, an ancient forest of wonder and danger.

“Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Unicorns,” Luna stated, pride radiating from her, “We are all children of Equestria, including me. We look out for each other, we count on each other, we laugh, we cry, and we live with each other.” Luna then flew, moving before her students, her majesty billowing with pride for all ponydom. “We all play our part, and the three of you, have just started on the path to discovering yours.”

“Our part?” Sunset asked, looking to Luna in a new light, reverence and respect in her eyes. “And what is it?”

“That, my little filly,” Luna let out, giving her students a warm smile, “is the question. Hopefully, when all my lessons are learned, you'll find the answer for yourself.” She then landed back on the platform, the fillies moving close to her. “And now, it's time for the next lesson, a very important one, so make sure you're paying extra attention.”

The three nodded, eager to partake in her wisdom. 

“Now, I'll teach you how to not lose your way, in your new home.” And with that, she moved to the staircase leading down, Trixie half a step behind her, the others following in hoof. As their trots echoed against the stone floors, climbing down the tower, Trixie found that something she had brought with her was now missing, which surprised her, and the realization summoned a smile so fierce that her cheeks ached.

Seeing Equestria before her, the vast distance, the rolling hills, lakes, rivers, made her realize how big the world was. Now, the halls of the castle seemed small compared to that view. Her eyes had been opened to the scope that is Equestria. Now, she truly understood how close her family was. Compared to the size of Equestria, her family, in the same city as the castle, wasn't as far from her as she had feared. 

The notion she felt earlier came back, but this time, its power was lost on the filly. If Trixie has to cry, mama isn't that far. She affirmed to herself, then looked to Luna, then Twilight. Maybe, Trixie can go to them, if she needs to. Nodding to herself, her eyes fell to Sunset, and she resisted the urge to frown. Deciding not to let the filly bother her, she let out a happy sigh. The Great and Powerful Trixie had a promise to keep, and in the halls of her new home, she knew she would never break it. And so she walked behind the princess, her head held high as she took in Luna's words, Trixie's heart, free of fear.
> 3. Sunset's Envy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sunset Shimmer fell behind as Princess Luna led them through her castle. Luna's words were still going through her head, and the vista of Equestria was still fresh in her mind. It had all really struck a chord with Sunset, moved her, made her believe in the Princess. However, the notion of working together with the others, Trixie and Twilight, was alien to Sunset. 

Sunset Shimmer wanted to be the best at all she could, which made everypony else seem like an obstacle to her. She worked hard to be as strong as she was. To be as smart as she was. She was independent, proud, and accomplished. And now, she was a student to Princess Luna. 

This in mind, Sunset's brow furrowed slightly as she looked to Twilight ahead of her.

Before going to Luna's School for Gifted Unicorns, Sunset always considered herself to be the smartest of her year. However, being in the same year as Twilight at that school, made her consistently second place in studies. Despite trying her hardest, she could never seem to best Twilight's score. Twilight was an obstacle Sunset seemed unable to overcome. 

It was frustrating. Sunset was frustrated with herself, believing that she simply wasn't trying hard enough. That Twilight was trying harder than she was to be smart. That frustration was naturally directed outwards. Sunset wanted to be smarter than Twilight, but didn't hold the fact that she wasn't against the lavender filly. Despite always being in second place, she liked Twilight. Twilight worked hard, studied hard, and even though she wasn't as good at magic, tried her hardest in that regards as well.

Which made Trixie's inclusion as a fellow student of Luna all the more annoying.

If Sunset and Twilight were the most studious, hard-working fillies in their year, Trixie had to be the opposite. She goofed off in class. She was always eager to show off her magic to the other students. She spent her time making others smile, being the center of attention. And now, just like the two hardest working fillies in her grade, Trixie was a student of Princess Luna.

And Sunset was expected to work with her, to succeed and learn.

“And our last stop,” Luna explained, dragging Sunset out of her thoughts, suddenly realizing that she hadn't been paying attention to Luna's tour since leaving the tower behind them, “is your room.” There was a guard at the door of their room, a door that melded into the hallway, several similar doors adorning both sides of the hall. With Luna and her students there, the guard opened the door for them, and the four of them entered, and as they did so, something caught Sunset's attention.

“Princess Luna,” she began.

“Please, just Luna, Sunset.”

“S-Sorry. Just, whose room is this?” She then noticed a small collection of possessions resting near the door. The pile was mostly made of her own things, but there was also Twilight's and Trixie's items there as well. “Are we sharing this room?” Luna nodded with a small smile. “Why?” There were plenty of other rooms, and Sunset really wasn't keen on sharing any room with Trixie.

“Because this was the only room available without a secret door or passageway,” Luna affirmed, her brow then furrowing slightly, suddenly looking as though she hadn't meant to admit that. Before the fillies could ask her what that meant, she quickly followed up her statement. “Trixie, Twilight, if you have need of anything, simply ask the nice pony standing outside the room. All three of you are free to wander the castle,” she then gave the three a mischievous grin, “just don't cause too much trouble.” She then looked to Twilight and Trixie, “The two of you are free for what's left of the day, perhaps you can get more acquainted with each other.” She then looked to Sunset, “This way, Sunset, there is something I wish to discuss with you.”

Recalling her promise considering the dragon egg, Sunset nodded, following after Luna as she left the others behind. 

“Hey Twily, since meany-flank is gone, let's-” Sunset heard from Trixie, the doors closing behind Sunset, making her frown, looking to the door before letting out a sigh. If Luna had anything to say on the matter, she hid it well, as Sunset followed after her. Luna didn't address Sunset as they walked, so the filly took the opportunity to memorize her way through the castle as best she could, and after a small stroll, she found herself at the royal library.

“Why the library?” Sunset asked.

“I prefer to do most of my work here,” she explained, then considered something for a moment as she reached a large desk nestled in the side, a large stack of paper resting on it. Near the edge of the desk was a small pot of daffodils, which made Sunset's horn tingle slightly when she looked at them. Before she could ponder why, her eyes noticed what was behind the desk. 

On the wall was a large stained-glass mural of a white alicorn with a multicolored mane. She wore a golden crown, her wings spread wide, basking in the light of the sun. Small fragments, all colors of the rainbow, were scattered around her. Something about the picture seemed magical, and terribly sad. A small plaque was written under it, but Sunset couldn't make out what was written from here. Seeing Sunset take in the mural, Luna took it in as well, adopting a small smile.

“I find myself less easily frustrated in here...” She sdded, then after several moments, pulled her eyes from the window, and appraised the stack of papers on her desk, adopting an impassive expression. She then levitated over a cushion for Sunset, as she took a seat herself. “Now, Sunset, about your dragon.” Her choice of words caught the filly's attention, giving Luna a small smile.

“My dragon?” she asked enthusiastically, and Luna nodded.

“Your father seemed eager to part with the little guy,” she stated, looking a little disappointed at nopony in particular, and hearing about her father made Sunset's ears drop as she nodded. “Still, he did at least give the dragon a name. Spike.” Sunset's ears perked up, her face adopting an annoyed look.

A dog's name? Sunset thought, then noticed Luna appraising her.

“Do you want to change it?” Luna asked, “You did hatch him, after all.” Sunset looked alarmed at the prospect, and shook her head.

“That's his name. I won't take it from him,” Sunset admitted, settling with the name, despite her dislike of it, which got a smile from Luna.

“I have a foal-sitter taking care of Spike right now. Sunset, what am I to do with him?” Sunset looked to the princess, under the impression that Luna already had something in mind, and was simply asking for her opinion.

“I want to take care of him,” Sunset proclaimed.

“And why is that?”

“Because I hatched him,” she stated, feeling guilty about the entire incident.

“Now what's with that face?” Luna asked as she raised a concerned eyebrow, “Why do you feel that way, Sunset?”

Because I hatched him, when dad couldn't. She wanted to say, but said something else instead, giving the princess the truth, but not all of it, which filled the filly with shame.

“Because Silver A- The principal, he was right. I didn't think about what would happen after I hatched him. I just wanted to be picked, and now there's a baby dragon who needs a home." She then looked Luna in the eyes, "It's my fault, so it's my problem.” Luna adopted a proud smile, catching Sunset off guard.

“That's a big thing to say for somepony as young as you.” Luna then nodded, “Spike will be left in my care, until you're able to look after him on your own.” She then put a hoof up, cutting off Sunset's building reply. “But, I won't keep him from you. By tomorrow, his pen and sitter will be living in the room next to your own. You're free to help him when you can, just keep in mind, you're still my student.” Luna then nodded, "So you should keep your studies in mind." She then considered something before looking back to Sunset.

“Sunset, have you been taking your lessons to heart?” Sunset balked at that question, feeling just as guilty as she had when Silver Apple put her on the spot yesterday.

“N-No,” she admitted, then quickly added, “But I will.” She then looked to Luna, a fire in her eyes. “I promise.” She was supposed to set a good example for the others, and work together with them. She had no idea how to accomplish either of those, but wasn't afraid to try. She saw the two of them as obstacles, and knew she'd have to change that outlook. The task then appeared daunting to the filly, as she realized that meant having to tolerate Trixie.

“Glad to hear it,” Luna proclaimed, ignoring the distress the filly was working herself into. She looked like she wanted to talk to Sunset about something else, then simply shrugged. Luna looked past the filly to a large grandfather clock on the adjacent wall, and nodded to herself. “Sunset, it's about time for bed. Would you like to see me raise the moon?” she asked, with a small, hopeful smile.

Being reminded of the time made Sunset more aware of how tired she was. She had woken up early to pack and prepare, as her old home wasn't anywhere close to the castle, and had galloped through half the trip. That, and walking all over the castle made her quite tuckered out. She weakly shook her head, giving the princess an apologetic look, and stifling a yawn as the princess nodded. “Another time, then. You have a good night, Sunset.” 

Sunset nodded, wishing the Princess the same, then blushing upon realizing that she just wished the Princess of Equestria a good night's rest. Being the independent filly she was, she returned to her room on her own, managing to find her way back without getting lost. Entering her room, she was instantly reminded of the fact that she was sharing it with the other two. Finding it quite quiet, she looked around, seeing that there was a common room, a bedroom, and restroom. 

The common room had an overhanging balcony. Going out onto it, she came to realize just how high in the castle their room was, the statues in the front garden looking quite small from this distance. The balcony looked over the front end of the castle, she could see the front gates and the road on the other side. 

As she took in the view, Sunset noticed the sun begin to dip into the horizon, her namesake coming to mind as the sky was filled with the afterglow of the setting sun. And though she couldn't see it, she could almost imagine the moon rising on the opposite side of the castle. Letting out a yawn, she went inside, to the bedroom, and reaffirmed that there was only one bed.

It was, however, quite a large bed. It was also higher than she was, and she'd have to jump to get on it. Not quite content with sharing the bed with the others, she hopped up, prepared to wake them up and claim the bed as her own.

Or at least, that's what she intended, but the sight before her gave her reason to pause. Twilight and Trixie were cuddled happily together, a small pony doll snuggled in Twilight's hooves. They both breathed quietly, lost in their slumber. Seeing them together like that caught Sunset's voice, making her take a quiet step back. They looked comfortable together. So comfortable, that Sunset felt a familiar expression growing on her face.

She didn't know its name. The emotion tied to what she was feeling. But she didn't like it. She wanted that comfort. She wanted what they had, but knew she couldn't have it. And she hated it.

She didn't hate that she couldn't have what they had, she hated the emotion itself. The look on her face was the same one her father had when he learned she hatched the egg he couldn't. The face she first saw when she showed him she could cast spells he couldn't. The same face that made them drift apart. The face that made him grow cold towards her.

Sunset Shimmer got off the bed, making sure her landing was quiet. She didn't want to be in the same room as those two. She didn't want to take their happiness away, and didn't trust herself at that moment not to do so. Returning to the common room, she went out onto the balcony, looking out into the now star ridden night.

She applied to yesterday's interview to change her life. To leave her old one behind. She had succeeded. And yet, looking up at the lonely sky, she felt a strong urge to cry. However, she wouldn't allow herself such a display, so she stood there quietly, taking in the stars. After letting the ache in her chest die down a little, she went into the common room, unpacked her blanket and pillow, and rested on one of the cushions, hoping as her fatigue took her, that her dreams would be happy ones.


~~~~~~~~~~


Her dreams were indeed happy ones, although she couldn't recall them as she awoke. She saw the traces of dawn creeping through the balcony's window, and as she stirred from her 'bed', she found a small doll nestled in her blankets. The same doll Twilight had in her possession.

Wait... Did Twilight leave this here? Sunset wondered, levitating the doll up, and as that notion struck her, the lavender filly entered the room.

Sunset's eyes met hers, and Twilight gave her a very sheepish smile as she looked to the doll. Sunset didn't know why, but her eyes itched, and there was a small smile on her face, as she returned the doll to Twilight.


~~~~~~~~~~


The next few days flew by at a startling pace. At least, Sunset felt so. She and Trixie were still giving each other the cold shoulder, but Twilight's gesture had won Sunset over, and she now gave Twilight the same amount of respect that she gave Luna. Okay, maybe not that much, but it was pretty close. Taking cues from both Luna and Sir Tell Tale, Sunset had been trying to set a good example for the others. 

She found it to be both very easy, and very difficult. Twilight was a model student, and hardly needed a good example. Trixie on the other hoof...

The three fillies were all gathered on the field, where today's lesson would take place. The last few lessons had taken place in the library, and were mostly for general education instead of Luna's lessons on life. Today was different, and the three of them were excited, as Luna had promised they'd be taught a new spell, one that few adults could cast.

Eagerly awaiting the princess, there was some disappointment in the air when Tell Tale showed up instead.

“A political matter has come up,” he explained matter-of-factly, “It's something that couldn't be helped, and Princess Luna gives her apologies. Since she cannot teach today, I'll be your instructor.” He then gave them an aside glance, “And yes, the lesson will go unchanged.” That got a happy look from his audience. “However, the spell in question, as stated, is quite difficult, I'll only be able to show you once or twice, then I'll be spent.” The fillies nodded as he looked over the field. “Now, the spell in question, is teleportation.” 

Teleportation! Sunset thought in surprise, her expression mirrored by Twilight, while Trixie looked confused, much to Sunset's annoyance.

“Tele-what?” Trixie asked.

“Teleportation,” Tell repeated, “It's a spell that gets you from one place to another, instantly. I do believe Princess Luna used it to take the three of you to the observation tower?” That got a nod from each of them.

“Sir Tell Tale,” Twilight began, “if adults have trouble casting it, how does Luna know we can do it?”

“She has faith in each of you.” He then noticed the doubt on Twilight's face, then added, “Don't worry, Twilight, the effort required in this spell is determined by the distance, so a small hop should be possible by each of you. You are Princess Luna's students after all.” His horn started to glow as he continued. “Now then, the first thing you'll want to do, is focus on where you want to be. It must be someplace you can either see, or are intimately familiar with. With your destination in mind, picture your magic taking you there, and, focusing on your horn, imagine taking a step that will get you there.”

And with that, Sir Tell Tale teleported two paces to the left, letting out a small sigh after doing so. He then looked back to the fillies. “Understand?” Sunset nodded as she started to gather her magic.

“Walking with magic?” Trixie asked, “Trixie can try-” With a light pop, Twilight disappeared, and reappeared at Tell Tale's side, surprising everypony, including Twilight, causing Sunset's magic to fizzle out.

“T-That was well done!” Tell Tale affirmed, his surprise replaced with pride. “You seemed to have no trouble with that. I wonder if it's related to your special talent...?” he wondered out loud, prompting Twilight to quickly appraise her flank, her ears dropping when she saw it still bare.

“T-Thanks.” Twilight replied honestly, looking to the others. Trixie was giving her a smile, while Sunset was trying to hide that look. The one she hated. Working to pull herself away from feeling that way for Twilight's success, Sunset focused on her horn, intending to get this spell down, immediately. There was another pop, and to Sunset's despair, Trixie had teleported next to Twilight.

“I see," Tell stated, "As talented as ever. Good job, Trixie.” Trixie looked to him, seemed to consider something for a moment, before replying.

“Trixie thinks it needs, more~!” and with that, her horn glowed, and she teleported again, summoning a puff of smoke from her destination, then blew it away when she teleported into it, a small set of magical fireworks going off as the filly let out a hearty giggle. “Perfect!” she then swayed on her hoofs as she fell down, shaking her head sluggishly. “Ooo. The Great and Powerful Trixie is sleepy.”

“You've already exhausted your magic? Very well. Twilight, can you help her to her room? You two can do as you wish for the rest of the day. Princess Luna told me this would be a rather short lesson. Appears she was right.” He then looked to Sunset, who had just managed to turned that hated expression to something she did understand. Frustration.

She quickly gathered her magic, and cast the spell. Her horn flared, and with a pop, Sunset stepped back in pain, her horn aching from feedback as her world temporarily fell to pieces. It took several moments for her vision to straighten, and her thoughts to come back together.

Why!? What did I do wrong? Sunset thought as Twilight moved to Trixie's side, helping her up. Twilight gave Sunset an apologetic look, before moving to the castle.

“Ah, fillies,” Tell began, causing the two to stop and look to him quizzically, “Just a reminder, there is no class tomorrow, and your parents will be here as well to pick you up for the weekend.” 

“Really!?” Trixie asked, suddenly full of energy.

“That's right,” he affirmed, prompting Trixie to give him a huge smile. She quickly trotted to the castle, then after several steps, slowed down as the fatigue from her drained magic reasserted itself on the filly. Twilight quickly caught up to her, and helped, giving Sunset a 'see you later' as she left.

“Now Sunset, let's try that again.” Sunset did just that, not wanting to be left behind. Her horn glowed brightly, and once again, she suffered feedback as she failed to teleport. Tell Tale approached her, giving her an appraising, and slightly concerned look. “Sunset, I think you're pouring too much magic into the spell, try toning it down.”

Use less magic? Sunset wondered, as she tried to do just that. She then winced in pain, as once again she failed the spell. Her horn was starting to throb at this point, but she ignored it, and tried again.

And again. And again.

“Sunset, I think that's enough-”

“No!” Sunset shouted out, her cry causing her throbbing horn to ache even more, bringing tears to her eyes. “I-I mean, I don't want to stop. I want to cast this!” she declared, looking to Luna's bookkeeper with pleading eyes.

“Sunset, you're already going to have a small headache for the next few days. I can't let you continue, the Princess would have some harsh words with me, and I honestly prefer to not see you hurt yourself over this.”

What? Sunset thought in surprise, his concern for her catching her off guard.

“But-”

“No buts. Go join the others, and get some rest while you can.” Sunset's ears fell as she gave a small nod, the bobbing of her head making her horn ache, causing her to wince, as she turned to the castle. 

However, Sunset wasn't finished. Well, actually, she was done trying the spell, for today, but she wasn't finished trying to learn it. Instead of returning to the others, she went to the library, and started looking for any books that could help her with this problem. Time flew by as she dedicated herself to the task, not wanting to see either Twilight or Trixie until she was able to cast the spell they could.


~~~~~~~~~~


Sunset looked over the front gates of the castle from the overhanging balcony. She could see two carriages out front, and two groups of ponies, Twilight and Trixie's families, all waiting eagerly for the little fillies to join them, which happened in short order.

Everypony looked happy. And Sunset couldn't help but notice that there wasn't a third carriage, and never doubted that there would ever be more than two. Her horn ached lightly as she felt that hated expression on her face, and let out a tired sigh.

“Why the tired sigh?” a familiar voice asked, startling the filly as she looked to Luna. The princess walked to the balcony, looking to the sight Sunset had turned away from. Sunset could almost feel Luna taking note of the lack of a third family, and the princess's expression shifted to something more disapproving, letting out a small sigh of her own. “Oh.”

Sunset looked back to Twilight and Trixie's families, her brow furrowing. Her face took on that expression, and once again, she pictured her father giving her that look, and her eyes started to itch.

“L-Luna.”

“Yes, Sunset?” Luna asked with some concern.

“What's that feeling you get, when you want something somepony else has? Something like talent, or...” A happy family, she thought as she looked to Luna with desperate eyes. She was tired of this feeling. She was tired of being afraid of not knowing what it was. She wanted to rid herself of it, and saw Luna as the only pony that could help.

“Such a thing is called envy, Sunset.”

Envy? she thought in surprise, A little word like that? Her brow then furrowed.

“How do I get rid of it? I don't like it!” Luna considered the filly for a moment, before nodding towards the ponies at the gate.

“Sunset, why do you envy them?”

Why? Sunset looked over the others, spotting Trixie, and she let out a sigh.

“They, they can cast teleport-”

“You will too,” Luna quickly interjected, “Sunset, don't let your difficulty get you down. You could break the rock with ease, but they couldn't. Now, it's simply reversed.” Sunset nodded, taking in Luna's words, seeing the reason in them. But, the filly wasn't finished.

“They have a family that- that-” she couldn't say the words, her throat closing up from the effort.

“You have Spike,” Luna said, almost soothingly, “That makes you a big sister.” Sunset looked to the princess, surprised by the way she put it.

“A big sister? Me?”

“That's right.”

That, that's something Trixie and Twilight don't have, right? But, Twilight, she's...

“...Twilight is smarter than me.” Luna smiled to Sunset, shaking her head.

“And you're smarter than Trixie. That doesn't seem to bother her.” Sunset's brow furrowed.

“I work really hard, Trixie doesn't, and Twilight's still smarter!”

“Sunset, you shouldn't focus on how others are better than you. You don't need to be the best at everything to be a great pony.”

I don't? she thought, not sure how to take that in. So, instead of focusing on that, she looked back to the heart of the problem.

“Luna, how?” she asked, looking to Luna's eyes, seeing the princess flush lightly from her expression, “How do I get rid of it, my envy?” It was what her father felt towards her. It had made them grow distant and cold, and she didn't want that to ever happen again, to anypony she knew.

“You should try being more than Twilight and Trixie's classmate.” Luna adopted a wise, and hopeful grin. “Try being their friends, Sunset, and maybe then, you'll find your answer.”

“Friends? But there are more important things than friends...” she stated weakly, knowing that if it was something Luna had faith in, that Sunset was missing something important.

“Perhaps, or perhaps not. One thing I do know, is that friendship is one of the most powerful things in all of Equestria. It's not something you should disregard.” There was a glow in Luna's eyes as she said that, and it captivated the filly. Before she could reply to Luna's affirmation, there was the sound of hoof steps behind them, drawing their attention, making Sunset's eyes widen in surprise.

“Hey Sunset,” Twilight said, giving her a smile, “Wanna study together?”

“T-Twilight!? What about your family? Aren't you going with them?” Twilight shook her head, a fire in her eyes.

“They can wait till next week. They understand.” Twilight then nodded to herself. “Sunset, you really wanna learn how to teleport, and I really wanna help!”

“Well then, I guess I'll just leave you two alone,” Luna said as she got up, giving Sunset a small wink. As she walked past Twilight, they both shared a small grin, as the princess left.

“But, why?" Sunset asked, completely lost. "Why do you want to help me?”

“Because! We're friends!”

“Huh?” We are? Sunset wondered, her face adopting a baffled expression, getting a small giggle from Twilight.

“Your face looks silly like that. Come on!” Twilight motioned toward the door, waiting for Sunset to follow.

Sunset stood there, unsure of how to proceed, her hesitation prompting Twilight to grab her by the hoof. Caught off guard, she was pulled along, out of the room. And despite her confusion, Sunset couldn't help but notice, that she was smiling.
> 4. Twilight's Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight lay in their large bed, eyes wide open, looking to the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. It wasn't because she was worried about being poked by a sleeping Trixie's horn, again. And it wasn't her royally satisfying dinner, or her lack of fatigue that kept her awake. She couldn't fall asleep, because she was eagerly anticipating the morning.

Tomorrow was the dawn of the third weekend since becoming one of Luna's students, and it was going to be special for Twilight. For the first time, she was looking forward to being away from 'school'. Because, when she went back home with her family in the morning, she wasn't going alone.

Unable to fall asleep from her excitement, she quietly left the bed, hoping Trixie would be fine alone for a couple minutes. Heading to the balcony in the adjacent room, Twilight trotted past Sunset, who was sleeping soundly. Twilight then gave a small nod to Smarty Pants, and in her imagination, she saw the doll nod in reply, as it continued to keep Sunset company.

Reaching the balcony, she looked out into the night sky, breathing in the warm evening air. It bothered her, that Sunset refused to share the bed with Trixie. It bothered her, that the two of them refused to be nice to each other. It bothered Twilight, that her friends, couldn't be friends with each other. She took note of her slight annoyance, and gave the night sky a warm smile.

Friendship.

A word Twilight once saw no reason for. Before becoming Luna's student, she had found herself content with just reading books. The wealth of information, all the information Equestria had to offer, appeased her more then the idea of spending time with others. The only companionship she ever needed was from her parents, and big brother.

However, when Luna gave the three of them a tour of the castle, the princess had also entrusted Twilight with a task. To help Trixie and Sunset in their studies, if help was needed. Being the good student Twilight was, she did just that, and in the process, had found herself becoming attached to both of them. Now, she considered time spent with either of them to be more important than books. And that very notion was what brought the smile to her face.

However, she didn't let that stop her from reading. She still loved to read, after all. But now, if she saw either of her friends struggling with something, Twilight was eager to offer her aid. Trixie required it more often than not in these last three weeks, but the time she helped Sunset, with the teleportation spell had been precious to Twilight.

She had always seen Sunset, as Trixie put it, as a meany-flank, even before becoming Luna's student. Twilight now saw that Sunset was more than that, when Twilight helped her learn the spell. Beneath the hostility, was a proud filly trying to prove herself, thoughtlessly pushing others away in the process.

Sunset was powerful, and Twilight was in awe of that power. Her magic was so strong, that using it in small portions was difficult for Sunset, and together, they discovered that to be the cause of her difficulty with teleporting. Now, as long as it was a decent distance, Sunset could teleport with ease, though she had some difficulty with short hops. Now, because of Twilight's help in discovering this, they were friends. Thanks to Luna's task, Twilight found a whole new world before her, and she was happy for it. 

A world more real than anything conjured up in a book. A world full of purpose, and friendship. Reflecting on all that, Twilight's eyes finally began to feel heavy, and in short order, she returned to bed, hoping sleep would overtake her, so she could greet the dawn with the others.


~~~~~~~~~~


“Twilight, you sure about this?” Sunset asked sheepishly as she approached the carriage that Twilight's mother and brother were waiting in. Twilight turned to her, grinning ear to ear.

“You bet! Come on!” Twilight said as she motioned after Sunset, who did so with a small smile. Hesitating at the carriage door, Twilight pushed her inside, to Sunset's surprise, as she almost tumbled in, being spared a fall by the magic of Twilight's mother.

“Careful, Twilight!” Twilight's mother, Twilight Velvet, said in surprise as she appraised Sunset Shimmer, helping her regain her balance. “You okay dear?”

“Y-Yes!” she quickly replied, blushing as she took a seat, “Thank you for letting me stay over this weekend...”

“Think nothing of it. A friend of Twilight is a friend of ours,” Velvet replied with a motherly smile, making Sunset's blush deepen.

“Hello Sunset,” Shining Armor greeted with a grin, catching Sunset's attention as Twilight got in the carriage. Sunset looked at him, a little speechless for a moment, but the spell over her broke when the carriage lurched forward, moving away from the castle.

“H-Hi! I'm Sunset Shimmer,” she replied, adopting a bright and surprising grin towards Twilight's brother.

“I'm Shining Armor, and it's nice to meet you,” he then gave Twilight an amused smile, “Twily's said so much about you.”

“Really!?” Sunset replied, sounding very excited, prompting Twilight to raise an eyebrow to her.

Did I bring the right filly? She's acting more like Trixie, Twilight thought, as they rode off towards her home.


~~~~~~~~~~


“Hey, Shiny~?” Twilight asked, getting the attention of her brother, and Sunset, who were in the middle of a very passionate discussion concerning how 'real' the Power Ponies were, “Wanna play Oubliettes and Ogres?” She asked as she looked to Sunset, and Shining Armor considered that for a moment as he appraised Sunset as well.

“I don't know, Twily, isn't she a bit young for that?” he asked, raising an eyebrow to Twilight.

“I, I'm older than Twilight,” Sunset quickly, but kindly, affirmed.

“Well, I could get in trouble with your parents if they don't like that game-”

“That isn't a problem,” Sunset quickly cut off, then looked to Shining, wide-eyed at the annoyed tone she used, “I mean, it'll be fine,” She affirmed with a nod, then looked between her two hosts, a little confused, “So, what is Oubliettes and Ogres?” Twilight was quick to reply. 

“It's a game where you pretend to be somepony else and go on all kinds of adventures! I like to play as Clover the Clever. Oh! And rules! It's got a lot of fun rules!” Twilight explained enthusiastically, getting a nod from her brother.

“That... sounds like it could be fun,” Sunset stated, failing to hide her skepticism. All she got in reply, was Shining and Twilight sharing a small smile.

This is going to be the best! Twilight thought, as the three of them broke into the rules and workings of the game, not a doubt in Twilight's mind that Sunset was going to enjoy O&O.


~~~~~~~~~~


Twilight smiled as she looked over her O&O set, placing the rule books, board, and figurines away with the large number of other books she had gathered over the last three weeks in their room at the castle. Everything was organized perfectly, and Twilight was looking forward to playing with Sunset again soon. Having finished today's lesson half an hour ago, Twilight noticed Trixie approach her as she finished organizing her things.

“Hey, Twily, mind helping me again...?” Trixie asked, getting a knowing smile from Twilight as she nodded. With today's lesson over, Trixie and Twilight went over their now routine practice of reaffirming the important parts with the blue filly. 

The first two weeks of helping Trixie had been rough, particularly for Twilight, who had to adopt great patience for her audience, but now, Trixie was able to become quite focused on the task, which Twilight was quietly thankful for. The practice has prompted Twilight to begin making checklists during the lessons, smoothing things over for Trixie as they covered the topics again later. After Trixie was certain she had all of today's studies down, she looked to Twilight.

“Thanks again, Twily. Trixie does not want to be a bother. And she is really, really glad that we're friends.” She then looked off, as if seeing something Twilight couldn't, an almost lonely expression on her face. Twilight could almost imagine Trixie picturing her old friends and family, and not liking that look, Twilight was quick to break her out of it.

“Don't mention it! It's what friends are for, right?” Twilight asked, half serious, half curious.  Trixie looked to her, adopting a bright smile as she nodded.

“Right!”


~~~~~~~~~~


Lessons on Fridays were always short, giving the fillies an early start on the weekend. Twilight was usually with Trixie or Sunset after the lesson was finished, but today, they were both occupied with their own things. Rain pattered on the library windows as Twilight contemplated on what to read. She paused as she passed a large decorated mirror nestled in a corner. Seeing her reflection reminded her that she was still a blank flank, and with that on her mind, she felt the urge to abandon studying to look into something else. 

Putting the books she had grabbed back where she got them, she returned to the center of the library, where Sir Tell Tale was looking over some books with a check list, seeming to appraise their condition.

“Um, Sir Tell Tale...” Twilight began, prompting him to turn around, nodding to himself as he read her expression.

“What's bothering you, Twilight?” he asked, putting down his clipboard and giving her his attention.

“I was wondering, if you could help me get my cutie-mark.” It was something that bothered the filly every so often. She was one of Luna's students. The idea that one of Princess Luna's students didn't have her cutie-mark ate at Twilight.

“Very well,” he quickly replied, getting a smile from Twilight. She hadn't been expecting him to agree, but she did hope that he would. “This matter can wait till later anyways.” With that, he abandoned the pile of books. “So. Twilight. It would appear that you don't have your cutie-mark.” Twilight's brow furrowed slightly at his stating of the obvious.

“Well, yeah.”

“Why?”

Oh. That's why he said that. Twilight thought, seeing that Tell Tale was intending to use Luna's approach of having her students find the answers for themselves, not that it bothered Twilight.

“It's because I haven't found my special talent. Right?” she asked back, hopeful that her reply was correct.

“Well, maybe, but I doubt that.”

“Huh?”

“Well Twilight, sometimes your cutie-mark has more in common with your destiny than your talent. Still, you're very smart, Twilight. You only need to read a book once, and you memorize everything very well. Better then any pony I've ever met. So I'd say that learning is your special talent.” Twilight was a little taken aback by his words, and was now a little confused.

“Then, I don't have my cutie-mark, because I don't know my destiny?”

“Perhaps, but finding your destiny is a little harder then a special talent, and it's possible your talent hasn't been fully realized yet. So, you know your talent, maybe you simply need to know how to apply it. After all, you've learned a great deal, but what do you do with all that you learn?” That made her pause in consideration.

“Well... I do like to help Trixie and Sunset...” But, she was still a blank flank. Tell Tale considered that for a moment before nodding.

“Have you asked them how they got their cutie-marks?” Twilight shook her head, now feeling as though she should have asked them first before turning to Tell Tale.

“No. That might help.” She considered that for a moment, and found her mind running with the notion, as she appraised Tell Tale's cutie-mark, an open book looked over with a magnifying glass. “How did you get yours?”

“Heh,” He let out, adopting an amused look. “Well, you'd be surprised to find out, that books are not my special talent.” That made Twilight's face scrunch slightly as she frowned at him.

“But, you have a book as your cutie-mark. And you're Princess Luna's bookkeeper.”

“Well, I can't deny that I love to read. Though, books aren't the only thing I can read, Twilight.” The filly appraised him, unsure of what he was referring too, and before she could ask, he nodded to the door. “You should go ask your friends, as for me, perhaps I'll tell you when you're older.” 

Twilight blinked. That was the first time her new teachers have ever pulled that line on her, and she had honestly never expected to hear it from them. Letting out a small sigh, she turned, and looked for the others, wondering just what Tell Tale was referring to when it came to reading more than books.

Assuming Trixie and Sunset were back at their room, she returned in quick order, teleporting to several points in the castle as shortcuts. She couldn't teleport as far as Sunset could, or with the same level of flare as Trixie, but Twilight had the easiest time with the spell. As long as it was short distances, she didn't feel particularly drained when she cast it, feeling completely fine as she reached the hall leading to their room.

If the guard was surprised when Twilight suddenly appeared out of thin air, she hid it well. She gave Twilight a small smile, and opened the door for the filly. Twilight entered with a small 'thank you', and upon entering, she found, much to her slight annoyance, Trixie and Sunset having an argument.

“So you can go from Twily's home to the castle in one go. Big deal!” Trixie proclaimed nonchalantly, “There's nothing flashy about it. It's only cool, once. But The Great and Powerful Trixie's teleport, is flashy aallll the time!”

“It's not about being 'flashy',” Sunset replied, both fillies oblivious to Twilight's arrival, “It's about being practical.”

“Wrong!” Trixie replied, making Sunset look even less amused with her. Twilight quickly stepped in, knowing that telling Sunset that she was wrong was not a good idea.

“H-Hey! Trixie, Sunset?” she began, catching the two of them off guard, their scowls being traded in for light embarrassment.

“Hihi Twily~!” Trixie replied, first to regain her composure.

“Hey Twilight, did you find what you were looking for?” Sunset asked.

“Actually, I came to ask about that,” Twilight replied, glad to have defused the situation. Trixie and Sunset shared a look, then, upon realizing that they just shared a look, focused on Twilight, trying their best to pretend the other wasn't there. “How did you get your cutie-marks?” Both of them were surprised by the question, and hesitated to reply, Trixie seeming to be lost in thought as Sunset spoke up.

“I ... don't remember too well,” She admitted, getting a wide-eyed look from the others.

“You don't remember how you got your cutie-mark?” Twilight asked, seeking some clarity, finding the notion to be completely absurd. Sunset shook her head.

“I had a strange dream,” she began, “it was bright, hot, and yet, comforting. And when I woke up, I had my cutie-mark...” she explained, looking a little apologetic to Twilight.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie admits. She doesn't remember either.” 

Really!? Twilight thought, now more annoyed then surprised.

“Trixie is sorry, Twily,” she quickly added, catching Twilight's expression, “but one day, Trixie was a blank flank, and the next, she was not. She don't remember how she got her cutie-mark.” Trixie then looked to Sunset, a little interested. “A dream? Is that how Trixie got hers?” She wondered out loud, then looked to Twilight. “Is that how fillies get their cutie-mark?”

“No. Trixie.” Sunset firmly replied, “Getting a cutie-mark from a dream, is very odd.”

“Hah!” Trixie replied with a sly grin, “That makes you an odd-pony!”

“Better an odd-pony then a lazy idiot,” Sunset replied coolly, prompting the two fillies to share a glare.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is not lazy!”

“But you are an idiot,” Sunset stalwartly affirmed, “And you're not great or powerful, so drop the prefix!”

“Prefix?” Trixie asked in confusion, then shook her head, “Says you! Why are you such a meany-flank!?” 

“Why are you... you!?” Sunset declared in frustration, almost screaming out her question. Twilight tried to step forward, in an attempt to calm them down, but the air about them was tense, and Twilight found her body unwilling to comply with her demands.

“Trixie can't help it. Just like you can't help but be you,” Trixie replied matter-of-factly, and Sunset seemed even more frustrated by her words, and she stomped a hoof on the ground as she glared daggers at the blue filly.

“Does the 'Great and Powerful' foal wanna take this outside?” Trixie hesitated a moment before taking a step forward as well.

“Trixie isn't scared of you! The Great and Powerful Trixie could take you anyday.” 

Something in Sunset snapped at that moment, and her remaining composure fell away as she charged at Trixie, her horn starting to glow. Trixie, caught off guard, toppled over as Sunset slammed into her, and they both immediately disappeared in a flash of emerald light.

Huh? Twilight thought, standing still and alone, unsure if what had happened in front of her had actually transpired. Huh!!? It then hit her, that her two friends were now somewhere else, probably fighting. Oh no! What do I do!? This wasn't in any of the books I read! Unsure how to act in this situation, she ran out of the room, her thoughts too panicked to consider teleporting, as she galloped through the castle to the first floor.

This is all my fault! she thought as she reached the main floor, heading straight to the field they had taken their first lesson in. Should I have stopped them? Was I suppose to talk to each of them alone!? Ohhhhh! she thought in desperation, Why can't my friends be friends! They're both fun ponies! As she ran, she failed to notice that she passed a dark blue stallion, who appraised her as she galloped.

Her lungs were screaming, her legs were sore. Twilight had never galloped so hard in her life, and as she reached the field, she briefly found herself marveling at the fact that Sunset had run much farther than that on their first day at the castle. Much to Twilight's confusion, there was no sign of her friends at the field.

Now already soaked in the warm summer rain, she moved around to the front of the castle, wondering if she had missed the fight, or if Sunset had taken the two of them somewhere away from the castle-

In the castle garden, were two fillies, and nopony else, which Twilight didn't take note of. Both were matted in mud and plant debris, the garden itself looking like a complete mess. It was clear that magic was used at some point in this fight, but now the two fillies were simply down to wrestling each other. Seeing the damage caused to the garden reminded Twilight of her own magic, and she teleported close to them, and tried to tell them to stop, but she was still trying to catch her breath.

“...stop it...” she breathed out, unable to hear her own words over the rain. Please! Stop it! Stop fighting each other! Twilight's eyes itched, though she didn't understand why, as she tried again. “Stop...”

Still, the two of them wrestled, small hooves getting tangled in each other's manes, neither backing down, both oblivious to the desperate filly overlooking them.

“Stop it! Stop fighting!” Twilight got out, now certain they had heard her. There was a brief hesitation in the struggle, but they both continued on. WHY!? Why won't they just-

“Stop! Fighting!” Twilight screamed out, her horn glowing fiercely as the two combatants were covered in her magic, and yanked away from the other. They both glared at each other, and Sunset's horn started to glow. “Stop!!” Sunset flinched as she looked to Twilight, and her horn fizzled out as she appraised her friend.

A quiet pause fell over the three of them, the sounds of each of them catching their breath lost in the steady patter of the rain. Trixie and Sunset hovered in the air as Twilight looked to them, unsure of what kind of look she was giving them, but she didn't think it was a kind one. As the rain washed over the three of them, bits of mud, grass, and flowers washed off of Sunset and Trixie, as the two of them cooled down. Seeing the fire in their eyes slowly burn out, Twilight put them down, and moved closer to them.

“Why?” Twilight asked, her tone piercing through her friends. They both looked like they wanted to reply with something along the lines of 'she started it', but neither indulged in that desire. Sunset looked to Trixie, who looked back, and they both shared a terribly guilty look. Sunset looked away first, taking in a deep breath, closing her eyes momentarily, before looking to Twilight.

“I envy her,” Sunset admitted, then caught the confused look Trixie gave her, “I want what she has, but it's not something I can have... And I, I can't help it. She can cast magic more easily then I can, she has a happy family, and she doesn't work as hard as we do!”

“Trixie works hard,” Trixie quickly replied, a little taken aback by Sunset's words. “Trixie isn't as smart as you, or Twily, so Twily helps Trixie. It's boring, but it's also a big deal, so Trixie tries hard.” She looked at Sunset, a little bashfully, “Trixie admits, she is a scaredy pony. She's a little scared of the meany-flank that could break the rock. Trixie's scared she'll make mama or Twily or Luna sad. So Trixie tries hard, she really does.” She looked to the others, a fire now burning in her eyes. “Trixie doesn't wanna lose what she has.” Now it was Sunset who was taken aback, and the two fillies appraised the other, as if truly seeing each other for the first time.

“So, you were trying hard too,” Sunset said, looking even more guilty than before. “I see.” Sunset looked like she was trying to take something in, like she was trying to swallow something difficult, as an uncomfortable expression adorned her face. “Trixie... I'm ... sorry. About, well, a lot of things. Twilight is your friend, and she's my friend too. I should have seen that there was more to you than I first thought.” Sunset then eyed the ground as Twilight moved to her side, giving her a small smile, and Sunset took strength from that smile. “I guess, I just didn't want to see, that you were working hard too.” Trixie moved up to Sunset, hesitating, before bringing her head low to look Sunset in the eyes.

“Trixie accepts your sorriness,” Trixie replied, “And, Trixie admits, she's kinda wanted to make you smile since the first day,” she then adopted a small frown, “but Trixie didn't like what you said about mama. Trixie couldn't forget that. So, Trixie also is sorry, and a little happy.” Her frown then turned to a smile as Sunset's eyes met hers. “Sunset, wanna be friends?” Sunset looked uncertain, glancing to Twilight, who gave her a very happy, and eager nod. Sunset knew the happiness of having a friend, thanks to Twilight, and now, despite the fight, and her original hostility, Trixie was offering her friendship to Sunset.

“Eh heh heh,” Sunset let out, looking to Trixie bashfully, “I think we got off on a terribly wrong hoof, no thanks to me. Trixie, I think I'd like it, if we could be friends. And... If you want, you can call me Sunny,” she finished, blushing lightly as Trixie gave a happy nod. "A-As long as it's just us around. Okay?" she quickly added, getting another nod from her new friend.

Twilight's heart felt like it wanted to burst out of her chest at the turn of events. Or maybe it was because of the run. Still, she couldn't keep the joy in her heart to herself, so she wrapped a foreleg around each of them, pulling them close in a tight hug, causing them both to wince in pain as they looked to her in surprise, causing Twilight to giggle. Caught in the warm embrace, Trixie followed Twilight's lead, and wrapped her own forelegs around Sunset and Twilight, and after hesitating for a moment, Sunset did the same. In short order, Trixie, and then Sunset, adopted Twilight's giggling.

And for several moments, the three of them stood there, in the rain, in each other's embrace. Despite the fight, Sunset had washed away her animosity towards Trixie, the source of her envy cast under a new light. Despite the mean words, Trixie was quick to accept a new friend to fill in the fear in her heart. And, for Twilight's efforts, the three of them became friends. And, at that moment, unbeknownst to the lavender filly, her cutie-mark appeared. A pink six pointed star, along with five smaller white stars around it.

“Are the three of you quite finished?” Tell Tale asked, ending the moment, his tone neutral and un-informing, causing the three of them to flinch in surprise, breaking the hug as they all shared a look, the same thought coming to mind as they looked to the bookkeeper. “The Princess's students fighting each other,” he said as he shook his head, “You can rest assured, she'll be having some choice words with you,” he added, confirming their suspicions.

They were in trouble.

“Come along, let's get the three of you cleaned off first,” He ordered, prompting the three to follow him in hoof. Before reaching the interior of the castle, Twilight felt as though something was watching her. And looking back to the garden, all she saw were statues, her eyes momentarily falling on one of a draconequus. Feeling the sensation pass, Twilight hurried after her friends and mentor, worry starting to bubble up in her mind.

We had a fight! Not! Good!! Students that get into fights get suspended!! Twilight's step faltered as she looked to her friends. I. Fought. My. Friends! We're Luna's students, that's even worse than fighting in school! As they returned to their room, getting cleaned up, Twilight couldn't help but lose herself in worry. And by the time the three of them were brought to the library, she was on the edge of a nervous breakdown, as she learned that each of them were going to be questioned individually, by Luna.
> 5. Three Lights...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luna was looking over a particular parchment of importance. It was old. As old as Canterlot itself. Held together by centuries of preservation spells and tender care. As the familiar words swept past her eyes, she couldn't help but smile. She then abandoned that smile, the weight of what lay before her coming to mind, as she appraised the relic. Her eyes fell to the words at the top of the list as she adopted a determined look: 

'Excuses For Skipping Out of the G.G.G.' 

It was tradition, and it was necessary. At least, Luna thought so, and who was going to tell her otherwise?

Once a means of avoiding a great annoyance, it was now a means of testing herself. She went through great pains to make sure her exclusion from the event seemed more as something that simply couldn't be helped, rather than her just blatantly avoiding it. And for several centuries, she'd managed to pull it off. The trick, was attending some of them, then having to drop out early, or arrive late. 

The 'Triple G' was several months away, and it took time to get these things together. Her eyes went past a large number items on the list, many of them checked off repeatedly from past use. Her eyes, in an almost habitual motion, hesitated on the only object left unchecked on the large list, as she noticed Sir Tell Tale enter the library.

She felt compelled to hide the list, but resisted the urge, trusting her perceptive bookkeeper to keep this royal secret to himself. She could tell by his pace that he had something important to inform her of, and her interest was even more piqued, as she noticed he held a small grin.

“Something good happen?” Luna asked.

“Depends on who you're asking,” Tell Tale casually replied as he gave Luna a small bow, “Your students got into a fight with each other.” Luna raised an eyebrow to him, putting her quill down as she appraised the stallion.

“I'm presuming they're alright...”

“Oh, quite so, Your Highness. Sunset and Trixie are a little battered and bruised, but I think they finally got what was between them out of their systems.” Luna nodded, hiding a small smile as she looked to the library door.

“You have them standing in the hall?” He nodded as his eyes noticed the list on the table, his grin growing.

“I, I assumed you'd want to talk to them, individually,” he replied, pulling his amused look away from the desk, looking to the Princess, who nodded, appraising the bookkeeper.

“I'll take your version of the events, first.”

“Understood. Though I didn't see the whole thing, I presume the fight started in their room, and at some point the two of them teleported to the front garden. The garden itself is a mess, but it seems both fillies didn't harm each other with their magic. Twilight's panic to reach and stop them caught my eye, and I arrived in time to see her separate them and end the fighting. Afterwards, they all gathered for a rather,” he then cleared his throat, and Luna could swear he was trying to conceal a blush, “touching, moment.”

“Really?” Luna asked, picturing what such a scene would entail. Her brow then furrowed, “It took place in front of the castle? Where were the guards?” Tell Tale let out a small sigh as he shrugged.

“I have the captain looking into that right now. The guards inside the castle never saw the fight, and the hoof-full that saw Twilight running through the castle in a state of panic didn't take as high a note of it as they should have.”

“I want the captain's report delivered after we're done talking to my students,” Luna firmly stated, “We can't have a lapse in security. I don't need some renegade changeling simply waltzing in here, thinking they can spit on our alliance by foalnapping somepony!”

“I'll make sure she's ready for you in short order,” Tell quickly, and firmly replied, then gave Luna a small smile, “Not liking the idea of running off to save your students from a renegade?” The notion did have a touch of fun to it, but Luna shook her head.

“I don't want those three to be given the wrong impression concerning changelings.”

“Ah, I understand.” There was a small pause following his reply, prompting Tell Tale appraised the front of the library, “Who do you want to speak to first?”

“Twilight,” Luna quickly replied, “She's undoubtedly worried sick over this.” The bookkeeper nodded, and with a small smile, left Luna alone, sending Twilight to her. 

In short order, the lavender filly was standing before Luna's desk. Her ears were low, a familiar look of worry etched on her face. It looked as though she had recently cleaned up, which made her slightly frazzled mane all the more concerning to Luna.

“Twilight...” Luna began softly.

“Yes, Princess Luna,” Twilight stated sheepishly.

“Call me Luna, Twilight.” The filly nodded weakly as she avoided Luna's gaze, “Mind telling me what happened?” Twilight nodded again as she reported the events that transpired. From the way she delivered it, Luna was put under the impression that Twilight was the cause of the whole thing, which the Princess found skeptical. When she was finished, Luna appraised her student, hiding a sad frown.

“Twilight, did you start the fight?”

“I- Well, yes. They wouldn't have fought if I didn't ask them about their cutie-marks...”

“So then, you think you're the one to blame?” she asked, a little put down that Twilight was so quick to see the glass half empty. “Well then, what happens next?”

“Since I caused the fight, I'm gonna be dropped.” Luna blinked in surprise.

“Huh?”

“That I'm dropped,” Twilight repeated, on the verge of tears. “That I- I'm no longer your student.”

“Twilight,” Luna said firmly with a kind tone, getting a confused look from the filly, “I would never do that.” Luna got out from behind her desk, moving close to Twilight, lifting her chin so they were looking eye-to-eye. “You are my student. One little fight isn't going to make me send you- any of you away. I don't know what put that in your head, but rest assured, I'm not that harsh. What happened between the three of you is simply another lesson, one about life.” She then gave her student a warm smile, “Tell me, did anything good come of it?”

“Huh?” Twilight asked, looking to the princess blankly for only a moment, before her mind started seeking out the answer, almost desperate to appease her teacher. “Um. Yes...” she answered weakly, then, a small fire lit in her eyes. “Yes. They're both friends now.”

“Interesting,” Luna said with a smile as she moved her hoof from Twilight's chin, “A fight making them friends. What do you think about that, Twilight?”

“I... don't really know,” Twilight admitted, “I mean, they talked afterwards... But I don't really get it. Still, I'm glad that they're friends now.”

“Maybe you should try and figure that out, and try and understand why they're friends now.”

“How?”

“Just do what you always do. Look for the answers.” Twilight considered that for a moment before nodding.

“Okay. I will,” she replied, rubbing her eyes of the moisture they had threatened to give up. She then looked to Luna, the fire in her eyes burning brighter. The fire then flickered faintly as doubt flashed across her face, “Luna, if I'm not getting dropped, then...”

“That can wait till I've talked to the others.” Luna then nodded to the door, “Now, you go think about how the three of you became friends. Oh, and could you send Trixie in?” Twilight briefly considered Luna's words before nodding, and she turned around to fetch the blue filly, a contemplative look on her face. 

As Twilight turned, Luna noticed the filly's new cutie-mark, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw the set of six stars. A missing piece of an important puzzle clicked into place in Luna's mind, and she adopted a small, thankful smile, to nopony in particular. “Oh. And Twilight, congratulations on getting your cutie-mark.” That made Twilight freeze on the spot, and she instantly appraised her flank. And as if like magic, the few traces of her worry evaporated as she adopted one of the happiest grins Luna's ever seen. 

“My cutie-mark!? I'm not a blank flank anymore! Yes yes yes yes yes!!” she cried out, jumping on the spot in pure mirth. As her happiness slowly returned to reason, her expression shifted to confusion as she stood there. “But, when did it...?” she asked out loud, considering it for several seconds before remembering where she was. Her face adopting an embarrassing blush, Luna motioned her on, and Twilight quickly continued off towards the others. Luna shook her head, a foal-like grin on her face as she let out a small sigh of relief. 

So, choosing all three of them had been the right choice all along, huh? She thought to herself as Trixie entered the room, looking composed, if a little bruised. The filly carried an air around her, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened today. Luna briefly considered returning behind her desk, then abandoned the notion as Trixie reached her, standing tall before the princess.

“Well Trixie,” Luna began, “care to tell me what happened?”

“Nothing big,” Trixie replied, without hesitation. “Sunny and Trixie wanted to play in the garden, so we did. The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot help that the garden got messy.” Luna adopted a smile as Trixie looked her in the eyes, a confident grin on her face. Luna felt as though she could lose herself in those adorable eyes, but stayed strong, not daring to look away as she spoke up.

“Funny. That's not what Twilight told me.” Trixie's eyes moved just a little, caught off guard by Luna's reply.

“Twily, she was late. She may be...” Trixie's words faltered as she tried to find the word, “Confused. Twily was confused. Trixie and Sunny are friends.” Trixie then nodded to herself. “Friends don't fight.”

“Friends occasionally fight,” Luna amended, “Oh, and Trixie, I don't recall mentioning a fight.” Luna then adopted a contemplative look as she appraised her student. “How strange.” That made Trixie's confidence give way momentarily as the filly quickly sought a reply.

“Well, Tell Tale said that we did.” She then nodded to herself again, “So he must be confused too!”

“So, just to be clear,” Luna began, with a sly smile, “There was no fight. It was simply you and Sunset playing in the garden, and Sir Tell Tale and Twilight are confused?”

“Yep!” Trixie replied resolutely, giving Luna her brightest smile, making Luna adopt it in kind. “So you see! Nopony is in trouble! The Great and Powerful Trixie is sure~!”

Heh. Quite the little liar I have here. Despite the amusing thought, Luna couldn't help but feel a little proud, and impressed for the young filly. If she hadn't known better, Luna would have bought Trixie's story wholesale.

“Very well then. Trixie, could you send in Sunset for me?” Trixie gave an eager nod, radiating with happiness that the princess apparently bought her story. As she started to turn around, Luna added. “And Trixie, I would be terribly disappointed, if I caught any of my students lying to me.” That made Trixie stop in her tracks, looking to Luna from the corner of her eyes, worry on her face. “For that matter, I would be quite upset, if any of my students lied to hurt another pony.” Luna moved around Trixie, lowering her head to see her eye-to-eye, giving the filly her smile. “Understand?”

“Yes Luna,” she replied after a moment's pause, her voice lacking its bubbly enthusiasm, “Trixie promises, she won't hurt anypony.” She then nodded, a fire in her eyes. “Trixie will try her hardest.”

“Very good. I'm looking forward to seeing you keep that promise.” The filly nodded, readopting her confident smile, as she left to send in Sunset.

Luna had little doubt to whom started the fight. Twilight's skewed version of the events failed to hide that, and Luna was curious to see what story the oldest was going to give her. Just as Twilight had, Sunset entered the library with her ears low, but she wasn't carrying worry on her face as Twilight had. Instead, shame was written in her features, as Sunset looked to Luna apologetically.

“Luna. I'm sorry,” she began, taking charge of the conversation before Luna, to the princess's amusement, “I was suppose to set a good example, and instead, I got mad, and fought Trixie.” 

“So that we're clear here, you fought Trixie, and she naturally defended herself. Twilight stepped in to stop the fight, and here we are.” Luna summed up, getting a small nod from the filly. “Well, Sunset Shimmer, what am I to do with the three of you?”

“Huh?” she asked, looking to the princess in confusion, “The three of us?” she clarified, looking alarmed, “No, it's just me. It's all my fault, Trixie and Twilight are … victims,” she finished weakly, eyeing the ground.

“I wonder about that,” Luna said in an amusing fashion. “Twilight says it's all her fault. Sunset says it's all her fault. Trixie says nopony is at fault. As far as I can tell, nopony really knows what happened in the front garden.” Sunset shook her head, looking to the princess with a determined look.

“Luna. I fought Trixie. I used magic, I got us muddy, I hurt her, and, I think I made Twilight cry, too.”

“So you say, and indeed, I imagine the front garden is a complete mess. Still, I can't put your perspective above the other two.” She then gave Sunset her best smile. “It's admirable that you'd take all the blame for yourself, and it makes me quite proud of you.” Those words caught Sunset off guard as she looked to Luna wide-eyed. “You may very well be the one at fault for it all, but as the Princess of Equestria, I cannot comfort a single outlook based on how admirable it is. So, it comes down to the fact that I have three conflicting stories on what occurred. So, that leaves me with quite the problem.” Luna let out an exaggerated sigh as she motioned to Sunset and the library door, “What am I to do with the three of you?” Luna asked again, sensing that Sunset would give her question serious consideration this time.

“P-Punish all of us?” she asked, looking alarmed at the prospect.

“Well, that's certainly an idea, but what for?” Luna looked lost in thought, making Sunset fidget on the spot as she waited on the Princess's verdict. “Well, all three stories do have one thing in common. The garden was destroyed. So, I want the three of you to help with putting it all back together.”

“But Twilight and Trixie-” Sunset began.

“Will be helping.” Luna then nodded to herself, “I can present this as a lesson in plant care, as well as getting your hooves dirty.” Luna then adopted a look of realization. “Ah! But it's Friday now. I guess the punishment will just have to wait till Monday.” She then looked to Sunset with a smile, who was now looking quite confused, “Sounds pretty fair to me.” Sunset looked lost in thought for several moments before readopting her determined look.

“Luna. I caused this, so why won't you let me take the blame?”

Goodness, she really is a stubborn one. It's truly a blessing that Trixie and Twilight are less so.

“Because you're still a foal,” Luna sternly replied, “And foals make plenty of mistakes. It's clear to me that you regret what you did, and that you aren't intending to repeat it.”

“But, why make Trixie and Twilight pay for my mistake?”

“What makes you think they'll be paying for it? They both wanted to protect you from what you did, in their own way. Looks like they want to protect their friend from some sort of misunderstanding.” Luna gave Sunset a hurt look, “Or are you saying that a lesson on gardening from me is some sort of terrible thing?”

“N-No, I didn't mean that. But, I feel that...”

“That you should still be held accountable,” Luna finished, considering the filly before her. “Very well, you can apologize to the gardening staff when they return on Monday.” Sunset was about to speak up, but Luna put her hoof up. “That's enough, Sunset. If you want to make your regret melt away, maybe you should approach your friends with it, instead of me.” Sunset blinked, appraising Luna, then looked to the front door of the library, picturing the others on the other side.

“Okay,” she finally replied, sounding unsure.

“Good, now run along to the others. The three of you can do as you please for the rest of the day, I won't hold you any longer.” Sunset nodded, and started to leave, but paused, and looked over her shoulder.

“Luna, if I wasn't a foal, and there was no doubt that I started the fight, what would have happened?” Luna took on a amused look as she added a dramatic tone to her voice.

“Well, since you'd be a full-grown mare, I'd have to throw you into the dungeon for several months.” Luna replied, not missing a beat a she gave Sunset a very serene grin.

“I-I see!” Sunset replied wide-eyed, “Eh heh heh, good thing I'm still a foal?” 

“Indeed,” Luna stated, and Sunset left. Alone again, Luna let out a small, and happy sigh, as she returned to her desk, briefly looking to the mural of her sister. 

So, does this mean the three of them are friends now? I certainly hope so... Luna thought contently as she briefly reflected on the last fight she had with her sister. She then distanced herself from the memory before a millennium's worth of heart-ache chose to assault her.

Her mind now free of that sadness, Luna found her eyes falling back to the list of excuses, and she paused once again as her eyes fell to the one excuse she's never used. 'Maternity Leave'. And for the first time in a great many years, Luna felt her cheeks flush as she took the words in. Quickly moving down the list, she spotted herself another distraction. 'Wildfire in the Dream Realm.'

A dubious excuse if there ever was one. There was no such thing as wildfires in the Dream Realm, but, nopony else knew that. Nodding to herself, she added another check to that item, dated the year, and smiled. Folding the list, she stashed it away, and let her mind wander wistfully as she waited for the report from her captain of the guard.

Her wistfully wandering mind landed on the pot of daffodils on her desk, guiding her to thinking over the implications of Twilight's cutie-mark. 

Twilight's magic... I'm sure she's almost as strong as Sunset's, and yet...

“Would it be rude of me to ask what you're thinking?” Tell Tale questioned, catching Luna off guard as she quickly composed herself.

“O-Oh. Welcome back Sir Tell Tale,” she then frowned at her bookkeeper, “You could have spoken up sooner.”

“My apologies, Your Highness,” he said with a small smile, getting a sigh from Luna.

“Tell me, what do you think about Twilight's magic?” Luna asked, getting a contemplative look from Tell Tale.

“I think that there's more to it than is readily apparent.”

“You'd be right,” Luna quickly affirmed as she pointed to the very healthy and lively looking daffodils, the very same Twilight had used her magic on several weeks prior. “Nopony has watered these since Twilight gave them to me.” That prompted a look of surprise from the stallion as he appraised the flowers. A suspicion started to form in the Princess's head as she looked to him. “Let me guess. The Captain doesn't understand how there were no guards over-looking the garden when the fight happened. That it all seemed to be a matter of coincidence.” Her bookkeeper appraised the princess as he gave a nod.

“The two guards at the front gate were conversing with citizens outside when it happened, that and the rain made them oblivious to the fight. The two guards at the castle doors were both temporarily indisposed for separate reasons. All a matter of coincidence, as you said.” That made the Princess adopt a frown as she looked off beyond the walls of the castle, picturing an old foe cackling in the garden.

“Take this order,” Luna said firmly, dispelling the casual air around Sir Tell Tale as he stood at attention, “In the garden is a statue of a draconequus, I want it placed into the deepest cell in the dungeon, immediately.” 

“Um, at once, Your Highness,” he replied, trying to hide his confusion as he bowed, and left her alone to fulfill the order.

Discord... In such a case, Luna didn't indulge in the potential of it being a coincidence, and couldn't help but wonder what her old foe sought to gain from letting the fillies fight it out. His prison is weakening, just as she predicted. Briefly reflecting on her old mentor, and all that she left behind, Luna occupied herself till it was time for sundown, reflecting on the past.


~~~~~~~~~~


It was close to dawn as Luna returned to her domain inside the Realm of Dreams. Her watch over her citizens had been low-key tonight, her console only needed for a single orange filly trying to find her place in a large unfamiliar city.

Returning to the Palace of the Princess, she cast her gaze over the realm. All was covered in night, illuminated by moonlight, as bright as the sun in the waking world. The landscape was shifting, always changing with the dreams of each pony partaking. Nightmare was nowhere to be seen, but Luna knew it lurked out there, just beyond her vision, waiting for the perfect day to strike.

Looking to the palace, she could feel the dreams of those nearby in the waking world. She could sense her students, a small number of her servants- And a sleeping guard who was suppose to be awake. Luna let out a small sigh as she shook her head.

Entering the Palace, her eyes fell to the words etched into a stone mural in the center of the lobby, written there since Luna first heard them so many years ago. A message, a warning, a poem that led Luna to choosing her protégé. The final words recorded by her mentor:

'Six lights united, now divided. For between the Sun and Moon, Harmony's loss presided.'

'One light lost, Magic's might, destroyed in spite. Its crystal shattered, its essence scattered.'

'The loss cascaded, and three lights faded.'

'The Generous Spark, lost in the dark. Its giving nature bound, waiting to be found.'

'A Loyal Radiance, gone in defiance. Now basked in shame, wandering without aim.'

'And the Laughing Flare, banished by hatred's glare. Now waiting for a smile, hiding all the while.

'Two lights persisted, their glow untwisted.'

'Honest tears, to banish those fears.' 

'And a Kind oath, to settle them both.'

'By Flare, Spark, and Radiance, ignited, the faded lights divided, must be united.'

'Or through Midnight's Radiance, the Sun extracts obedience.' 

'By Shadow's Flare, dreams swallowed in nightmare.' 

'And Chaos's Spark, shall herald those ends.'

'For Equestria's time, the last sunrise portends.'

'And the Moon's reign, shall come to an end.'

A message delving into the fate of the Elements of Harmony. A message stating, that if left broken, Equestria was in for a really, really rough time. A message Luna couldn't help but read every night, when she returned to greet the dawn. 

A message, that filled her with hope.

It was one of many riddles, covering times now past, and just as before, she had done her part to protect Equestria. The alliance with the changelings, dissuading the dragons, befriending the griffins. This riddle, adorning the very lobby of her palace, was just another trial for her and her subjects to overcome. 

And this time, she would have others close to her. And, just maybe, her sister will be standing by her as well. 

Radiance, Flare, and the Spark. She saw each of them in her students, and now that Twilight's cutie-mark had appeared, there was no longer any doubt. A fire beating in Luna's breast, she closed her eyes, and laid her dreams to rest.


~~~~~~~~~~


Luna took in a deep breath as her horn's glow died down, and let the breath out slowly as the sun broke the horizon. Her horn ached from the effort, a small discomfort she's had to live with every morning since banishing her older sister. Despite raising the sun for almost a thousand years, it still took some effort for the princess of the moon. Leaving her tower, she took her routine walk through the castle, towards the library, where a ready and warm breakfast would be waiting for her.

On her way, she stopped to give a particular guard a stern talking to. After she was quite certain the guard would never sleep during his shift again, she continued down the hall, passing the room her students slept in. She then paused, noticing that it wasn't the room they were given.

She could sense the three of them, sharing in a pleasant dream, sleeping in the room adjacent to their own. Spike's room. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, she quietly opened the door to peek inside-

The three of them were sleeping together, wrapped in a blanket on the floor. They lay next to the small pen Spike slept in, the young dragon sucking his thumb sleepily, his dreams abstract and happy. 

There was evidence of some sort of game left about, O&O written on several books, and all three of her students were smiling. A shared smile that cemented Luna's belief that the three of them had become friends yesterday. A smile that cemented her faith in them. The sight of the four of them sleeping like that, made Luna's heart feel warm and content, to the point that she felt her face flush, her mind flying back to a particular unchecked mark on an old list. She then shook her head of the silly notion as she appraised her students, her protégées.

Looks like Sunset found a way to come to terms with what she did. Luna affirmed wistfully as she briefly glanced to Spike. So, the fate of Equestria is to be left to these three adorable fillies? Any image of what possible threats they'd have to face were dispelled by simply looking at them, making the princess's smile widen. Well then, I guess I have nothing to worry about. She thought serenely, silently leaving them alone, letting them enjoy what was left of their slumber. She continued to the library, her head held high, a welcoming fire beating in her breast, as she looked forward to the years to come...