Prologue: The Assignment

Celestia looked down at the aged unicorn with some level of disdain. “Why in Equestria should I let you take her to this school? She’s getting a perfect education as my student.”

DeLefeu bowed respectfully to the princess before even attempting to make his case. His long years had taught him that any immortal would be far too powerful to even think about disrespecting. “Princess, I know you have ruled for quite some time. I recognize that you are far wiser and more knowledgeable than any teacher we have at our school, but your student is… different.”

“You think I don’t know this? Mr. DeLefeu, she hatched the Dragon Egg. That’s supposed to be an impossible task. Her magic is more powerful than anything I’ve seen since Starswirl.”

“Princess I’m sure that it’s more than just magic. And believe me when I say I know her magic is powerful. I’ve been informed by my Seers. However, the Foundation has also seen a spark of a different kind residing in her. We believe she is a very rare instance: one who carries the sparks of both magic and ESP.”

“ESP, you say? This is something I’ve never heard of. How long has your Foundation been in existence, hiding things like this from me?” She leaned closer to the comparably small unicorn, much to the chagrin of her guards.

“The Demongate Foundation has existed since before you took the throne. Virtually nopony except those with powers are admitted. It’s something our order has regretted not bringing to your attention for so long. However, with you so inextricably linked to one with this magnitude and class of power, we were unable to hide from you any longer.” DeLefeu backed away a step.

“What happens if I say no?” Celestia glared at DeLefeu.

“Should you refuse, we will attempt other methods of persuasion. This is standard procedure for the Foundation.” The guards stepped forward, snarling. DeLefeu turned and looked harshly at one of the guards. “Peaceful methods.” He turned back to Celestia. “At least at first. The Foundation is not known for having infinite patience, nor do they enjoy being denied something, not even from a major world power. Your student is one of the greatest assets within the reach of the Foundation. She is incredibly powerful. She simply needs more balanced training. I will allow her to return to magic school over summer. Shouldn’t be a problem because we already know she is incredibly quick to learn new things. However, ESPer training is also necessary.”

Celestia stood quietly for a moment. “Alright, I’ll allow this. You can take her to this school of yours and train her.”
DeLefeu smiled wryly. “Thank you, Princess. I’m sure you, and she, won’t be disappointed.”

----

“Twilight? Are you there?” Celestia called, knocking gently on her faithful student’s door.

“Oh, yes, Princess. I’m here,” Twilight called out. Celestia opened the door and entered, seeing her ever-studious disciple pouring over a book. “I’ve been doing a bit of light research on Teleportation and I think I can get the spell down by later tonight.” She used her magic to place a bookmark, close the book, and place it in a small stack on her desk. She looked up at the princess. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m afraid I have some… mildly bad news for you,” Celestia began. Twilight’s face contorted in near-abject terror. “Don’t worry, you didn’t fail at anything and you’ve been keeping all your appointments.” Celestia chuckled a bit. This girl was a bit of a handful when not properly dealt with. Being an exceptional student, she was always timely and efficient, but sometimes she was a little too preoccupied with being on time. “I’m sorry, but you’ll be leaving Canterlot Academy next week to be sent to… a different kind of place.”

“Wh-what kind of place do you mean, Princess?” Twilight began shuddering. This did sound like expulsion, no matter how kindly the Princess phrased it.

“Well, you won’t be studying magic for a little while… Instead you’ll be studying at a place called Demongate Academy, sort of a school for young ponies with talents… beyond what might be expected. I was approached by the headmaster of the school earlier today. He wanted you to attend, seemed quite adamant about it. So, while you are leaving this place, you’ll still be at a very prestigious school. I’m just sorry I can’t go with you and continue to teach you magic.” Celestia looked over at Spike, who had grown quite a bit since Twilight miraculously hatched him.

“Are you… are you sure I have to go, Princess?” Twilight asked.

Celestia knew that Twilight loved studying here in Canterlot and being the Princess’ star pupil more than anything else, and it did pain her to force Twilight to go, but she’d made a deal with that DeLefeu. “I’m sorry, Twilight, but everything has already been set, and you are scheduled for the transport next week to get to the Island. I can’t change this now.”

Tears began welling in Twilight’s eyes. She looked up to Princess Celestia so much. She didn’t want to part with her idol. “B-but I…”

“Don’t be too sad, Twilight. You’ll be going somewhere new and exciting, and you’ll meet lots of new friends,” Celestia said with a smile. “And you’ll see me every once in a while. Now that I know about this entire Demongate thing, I need to keep a close eye on it to see what exactly it’s doing.”

Twilight looked at Celestia quizzically. “What do you mean, now that you know? Don’t you know about everything under the sun and moon in Equestria?”

Celestia sighed. “I thought I did, but this DeLefeu character comes from out of nowhere and- oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to trouble you with things you need not be concerned with. In any case, you’ll at least be coming back here every time you have a vacation, and I hope you bring your best back with you because you’ll have a lot of lost magic studying to make up, since you’re not allowed to do anything aside from innate magic on Demongate Island.”

Twilight looked at Celestia with dismay. “I’m…. not allowed to do magic? At all? What am I supposed to do?! I’m useless without my magic!”

“Now, Twilight, that’s not true. You’re still a wonderful filly even without your magic. And I’ve received word that you’re a very special case.” Celestia smiled and nudged Twilight. “Now go ahead and finish up your teleportation spell. Even though you won’t be able to use it much over the next few months, I’m sure you’ll still be able to find a use for it. And you should start packing. The day you leave is sooner than either of us want it to be, but you have to be completely ready.” She turned to leave the room.

Twilight ran up and brushed against Celestia’s leg. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Princess. I’ll never forget the lessons you have taught me.”

An idea clicked in Celestia’s mind. “Twilight, I know you’re not allowed to use magic on the campus, but I don’t think I’m done teaching you yet. In fact, I think life will throw a few lessons your way when you reach your destination. I’d like you to catalog the things you learn, not about theory or powers or magic, but about what you learn about life, friendship, and yourself. You don’t have to be formal, but tell me everything you learn. That way, we’ll be able to stay in touch all the time, and you’ll continue to learn about what makes the magic that is you, a kind of magic that no organization can take away from you.”

“But, Princess, how will I be able to get mail to you?” Twilight asked. “You’re saying this place is on an island somewhere, and I don’t think Pegasus Mail will get that far out.”

“Oh, Twilight, you didn’t think you’d be leaving your trusty assistant Spike here, did you? Spike can send and receive messages from me at any time, you know. All he has to do to send one is shoot it with his flames, and it will always reach me, no matter where I am, no matter where you are.” Celestia rubbed Spike’s head. The baby dragon was still learning much, but he was nonetheless an intelligent creature capable of civil, if not slightly childlike conversation. He was the perfect assistant for Twilight.

“Does that mean I’m going too, Twi?” Spike asked.

Twilight nodded. “Yes, Spike. We’re going to Demongate Academy together,” she said with a smile.

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