Another weekend of fun and games and roleplaying. Finally, I had the chance to step into the role of a player, letting hang my usual hat as the game master. This particular session stretched on for a few hours longer than our typical ones.

As farewells were exchanged and I embarked on my journey home, a desire to continue playing with the boys tugged at my heart.

The hour had grown late, well past midnight judging by my phone’s clock. However, I had made a promise to one of my few friends to watch the first two episodes of My Little Pony. I always make good on my promises, if I can.

With the conclusion of the second episode, I found myself uttering, “Well, damn, that was pretty fuckin’ good. I’m going to have to watch some more tomorrow!”

Making my way to fetch a glass of water, I filled it to the brim and raised it to my lips. As I closed my eyes to savor that cool, refreshing drink, a peculiar sensation overcame me.

In an instant, the familiar ambiance of my air-conditioned kitchen gave way to the crisp embrace of a natural breeze. My eyelids flew open, and I whirled around, startled, as an owl took flight from my shoulder and soared overhead.

“What the fuck!?” I exclaimed in bewilderment.

To my astonishment, I found myself shorter in stature, no longer quite my usual height. Glancing downward, I could see that I was now wearing flowing purple robes, complete with a satchel, pouches, and a book dangling from my belt.

“Why am I dressed as a wizard?” I asked aloud, the question hanging unanswered in the air. “And where the hell am I?”

As my gaze swept the room, my eyes widened in disbelief. There, just behind me, rested a decrepit throne atop a dais, identical to the one I had witnessed in the second episode mere moments before.

“No… This can't be real… I must be dreaming or something…” My musings were abruptly halted by a sharp peck on the side of my head from the owl perched on my shoulder.

“Damnit, Aldin!” I exclaimed, my body tensing as realization began to dawn upon me.

“These robes, the owl, the book, my height change… I’m in the body of my first wizard character! In Equestria? But why? But how?” I pondered aloud, my mind racing with questions.

Rummaging through the pouches and satchel adorning my person, I searched for any sign of magical implements to find out at what point in time I have come to inhabit my character. However, my efforts proved futile—no wands were to be found, only my spellbook containing a handful of level one spells and an abundance of cantrips.

“I must be – for a lack of a better way of saying it – inside Meridin when he was freshly created at level one, judging by the contents of my inventory, Aldin, and my spellbook,” I mused, rubbing my chin thoughtfully.

Glancing at the nearby window, I used its reflection to check myself out. I’m a few years younger now, barely twenty by the looks of it. Clean-shaven, with no trace of scruff, and black hair framing sharp features. Leaning closer, I caught a glimpse of hazel eyes. Grinning, I confirmed that I did have all my teeth. One final check needed to be made. Struggling with my robes I managed to get a good view of my junk.

I smirked and returned my robes to their original position, “You've gained a few more inches, little guy.”

My smirk fell away like a child’s crushed dreams by Aldin. Though I lacked the ability to understand him directly yet, the emotions emanating from him through our empathic link were unmistakable.

Fear.

Not mere apprehension or mild concern, but a deep-seated terror — an unspoken acknowledgment of the imminent danger of death that sent a chill down my spine.

My body stiffened as a presence loomed behind me, casting a shadow of dread over me. I knew who it was, there’s only really one option, Nightmare Moon.

A warm breath brushed against my ear, followed by the sound of a familiar woman's voice speaking with unsettling proximity, "What do we have here?"

How had she managed to approach me undetected? When did she slip behind me?

Nightmare Moon circled around me, a fang filled smile playing on her lips as she scrutinized me. "I don’t believe I've encountered your kind before. What manner of being are you?"

"Think, Sebastian! Think! You've navigated far more challenging scenarios with your party over the years! What would Caleb’s bard do in this situation? That bastard could talk his way out of his own execution and between the legs of a married woman while her husband is home!" I silently urged myself, rallying my confidence.

Choking down my fear, I slipped on a mask of composure, I brushed off imaginary dust from my robes and executed a graceful bow, prompting Aldin to circle overhead in agitation.

"Why, Princess Nightmare Moon, I am Sebastian Hilam, a human wizard," I declared, infusing my words with as much deference as I could muster. "The prophecies have long foretold of your triumphant return, and I, for one, have eagerly awaited the fulfillment of such prophecies!"

Nightmare Moon advanced another step, her intense gaze seeming to pierce through me to the core of my being. "How is it that you remember me, yet amidst a roomful of my ponies, only one retains knowledge of my existence?"

“They lack the capacity to appreciate the splendor of your night, princess.”

“What brings you here, hyooman?”

Thinking fast I threw out the first idea that had come to mind, I tucked my chin to my chest and lowered my bow a few more inches, “Princess Nightmare Moon, I have ventured here in hopes that you may take me on as your humble apprentice!”

Silence enveloped the room. I did not dare to lift my gaze just yet.

"Very well. Wait here, human. Touch nothing in this chamber," commanded Nightmare Moon with an air of authority. "I have urgent matters to attend to. Afterward, we shall determine if you are worthy to be deemed my apprentice."

With those words, she vanished from sight. I knew she had departed, over our link I can feel Aldin's agitation subside, and he perched calmly upon my shoulder as I straightened up.

"That was a close call," I whispered to Aldin. "Let's find a spot where we can watch the action and be out of the way."

Positioning ourselves between two sturdy pillars and in front of a large window, I settled in. Opting to occupy myself, I delved into my spellbook. To my surprise, I comprehended its contents with remarkable clarity. Every diagram and arcane sigil seemed to resonate with me. As I turned the pages, another revelation dawned upon me: if I truly inhabited my character's form, then I possessed knowledge of Abyssal, Draconic, Celestial, and Infernal languages!

Though uncertain of their utility in Equestria, one never knew when such knowledge might prove invaluable. Besides, they sounded cool as hell to use.

"What was Meridin’s school again?" I inquired excitedly to Aldin.

"Ah! It was the Arcane School of Conjuration with a focus on the sub-school of Teleportation. Then I should be able to use shift seven times a day right now…” I recalled, feeling a surge of anticipation.

Casting spells is akin to riding a bike. Once mastered, the act remains ingrained, ready to be attempted at a moment's notice. With a flicker of focus, I tapped into the instinctive familiarity, channeling my desire to shift.

In an instant, I blinked from existence, reappearing in an instant later, five feet ahead of my previous position.

“I’m a fucking wizard.” I looked at Aldin and giggled like a little girl. “Aldin! I am a fucking wizard!”

Then I tested my proficiency in each language until satisfied. Trying the feel and sound of random words in the languages of dragons, devils, demons, and angels.

After I was satisfied with saying random anime and pop culture references in those languages, I proceeded to practice my three prepared cantrips: Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, and Detect Magic.

Deciding to conserve my limited casting of first-level spells for more than just practice, I focused on growing used to casting spells with cantrips.

Mage handing small bits of debris around the room. I formed a small pile of rocks, twigs, and dust.

With Prestidigitation I cleaned the window and glanced toward my familiar, still positioned on my shoulder, “Pretty neat tricks eh?”

Using Detect Magic, I’m able to sense the lingering aura of Nightmare Moon’s mist that she uses to travel and stalk the cast in the first two episodes. Mist or shadows or bits of star matter? Who knows? I’m not going to ask her anytime soon, bitch is scary!

Despite thinking it futile, I attempted to decipher more knowledge of her means of travel. It was far beyond my current capabilities and skills. But I deemed it worthwhile to utilize my own expertise, skills, and spells to attempt to decipher the aura, treating it as a valuable exercise in honing my abilities.

My practice was interrupted when Nightmare Moon returned, accompanied by Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony in orb form. Halting my cantrip practice, I turned my attention to their confrontation.

Thankfully, it unfolded exactly like the events depicted in the show. They charged at each other, and Twilight executed her teleportation maneuver. The initial spark failed, sending Twilight flying away. Nightmare Moon shattered the orbs with a suitably villainous laugh.

“Ok that is an amazing villain laugh,” I said head nodding in respect. “I wish I could pull one off like that. She must’ve had a lot of time to practice on the moon.”

However, Nightmare’s victory was short-lived, as Twilight Sparkle and her allies reformed the Elements and they began to float. An almost blinding white light emanated from them. I couldn’t look in their direction without potentially blinding myself, instead I looked towards Nightmare Moon.

"Oh, look, Aldin," I murmured to my familiar. "This is where she gets blasted by a rainbow! Not how I would want to go."

And indeed, it was. A rainbow arched from the bearers of the elements and towards Nightmare Moon, and she screamed out in terror. In a swirl of rainbows and light Nightmare Moon was vanquished, leaving only Luna in her wake.

"Well, I'd say this turned out rather well, wouldn't you agree, Aldin?" I remarked, unsurprisingly receiving no response from my owl companion. Instead, he gracefully departed from my shoulder and landed beside the still unconscious Princess Luna. I watched in astonishment as Aldin began to gently nuzzle Luna, rousing her from her slumber.

“Aldin, what the hell! You just peck at me!”

A light appeared behind me. The sun has risen with Nightmare’s defeat. Good, I like some nighttime action but nighttime without the option of daytime is a real bitch.

Leaning forward, I noticed that Nightmare Moon’s armor was turning not into dust, but into a purplish mist filled with stars.

“That’s metal as fuck.” I whispered to myself.

Princess Celestia approached, casting a towering presence over her sister. I was so distracted with the pieces of armor I didn’t notice the goddess of the sun’s arrival.

"It has been a thousand years since I last saw you like this," Celestia spoke softly as she lowered herself to Luna's level. "It is time to set aside our differences. We were destined to rule together, my dear sister."

Resting my head against my fist, I observed the tender scene unfolding before me as the bearers of the Elements of Harmony expressed their astonishment.

"She has a sister?" one of them exclaimed in disbelief.

"Hmm, they really were unaware that their goddess of the sun has a sister?" I mused aloud to Aldin as he returned to his customary perch on my shoulder .

Princess Celestia enveloped Princess Luna in a warm embrace, and they shared a moment, only slightly interrupted by the murmurs of awe from the assembled ponies.

As the two alicorns concluded their exchange and turned their attention towards the gathered ponies, introductions ensued, leaving me feeling somewhat excluded. However, my sense of detachment swiftly dissipated when Luna whispered something to her sister, prompting the pair to approach me with determination.

"Wait a minute... Didn’t I just essentially declare myself as Nightmare Moon's number one biggest fan and aspiring apprentice? Fuck me with a rusty tire iron," I muttered under my breath, a sinking feeling settling in my gut.

Before I could fully process the implications of my ill-conceived declaration, the two alicorns confronted me, effectively backing me against the wall.

"Sebastian Hilam," Luna addressed me with a tone of finality. "Nightmare Moon is no more. Return to your realm and abandon your misguided pursuit of her."

Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I decided to abandon any pretense and opt for honesty — honesty is the best policy after all.

"I don’t like lying, so I'll be frank with you, Princess Luna," I began, steeling myself for their reaction. "I made that story up out of sheer panic – no idea how I pulled that one off. I never intended to become Nightmare Moon's apprentice. In reality, the situation is that I've been transported to this reality from a world where your existence is a television show. Nightmare Moon caught me off guard, and I lied so she wouldn’t introduce me to CBT."

With the confession laid bare, I braced myself for their response, my gaze fixed upon the stony floor of the chamber.

It was Celestia who spoke next, her tone measured. "Is there anything else you wish to tell us?"

"Fuck it," I thought to myself, realizing I had already divulged enough to potentially seal my fate. "Might as well lay it all out."

"This isn’t my real body... or rather it’s not my original body," I confessed, my voice wavering slightly. "I created him for a tabletop game I play with my friends. The person you see before you is a character from one such story. I have no fucking idea how I ended up like this, I just went to drink some water an hour ago and now I’m shorter and can cast spells! I’m a fucking wizard!"

Summoning my courage, I forged ahead with my final plea. "I know I lied to you before, but this time, I’m speaking the truth. Princess Luna, would you consider taking me under your wing as your apprentice?"

As Luna deliberated on my fate, she finally spoke, "I will consider your request. However, for now, Sebastian Hilam, you shall remain in Canterlot until a decision is reached."

Relief flooded through me. It seems like I won’t swing from the gallows.

Luna tilted her head slightly and asked, “What is CBT?”

“Cock and Ball Torture…”

Celestia experienced a sudden bout of coughs. A choking noise could be heard coming from one of the six bearers.

I held my hands up, “Hey, I ain’t judging no one! I’m just saying its not for me and I want my parts in one piece!”

During the journey through the Everfree Forest to Ponyville, I found myself bombarded with inquiries from the curious ponies around me. Doing my best to answer each question, we engaged in conversation as we traveled.

Rainbow Dash, flying alongside us, fired off questions eagerly. "So, what exactly is a 'tabletop game'? Is it similar to Chutes and Ladders or Monopoly?"

"Wait, you have Chutes and Ladders and Monopoly here?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Why wouldn't we?" Rainbow Dash retorted.

"You know what, I have no idea," I chuckled. "But to answer your question, tabletop games like the one my friends and I play are more focused on the roleplaying aspect rather than game mechanics. We use our imaginations to create characters and embark on adventures, guided by a storyteller who also manages the rules. The character I currently inhabit is the first one I ever created in a game called Pathfinder."

As the conversation continued, Fluttershy spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is your character's story, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Meridin was his name, and by the end of his journey, he bore many titles," I reflected, a hint of amusement coloring my tone. "Meridin of the Planes. Meridin of the Final Library. Meridin the Tainted One!"

Chuckling softly at the darkness lurking within our party's adventures, I continued, "Meridin was born into a family burdened by debts. In a desperate attempt to pay off their growing debts they turned to a cult of demon worshipers for help. The cult promised them a second chance at life. That was a lie of course, but a thirsty man in the desert doesn’t question the water! His family alongside a small portion of his soul were sacrificed to demons."

"Why would anypony do such a thing?" Rarity interjected, aghast.

While giving Aldin his petting, I replied, "Bad things happen to good people. Some are driven to commit horrendous acts to survive, while others are blinded by greed or lust for power or something else. But you need not concern yourself with Meridin's tale. Let me handle that."

As Twilight raised her hoof, I couldn't help but feel as if I were suddenly cast in the role of a teacher in a classroom. "Yes, Twilight?" I beckoned her to speak.

"Can you explain the titles? Especially the library one!" she inquired eagerly, her enthusiasm for libraries evident.

"He was called 'of the Planes' because he enjoyed traveling between the different planes of existence," I began, elaborating on Meridin's monikers. " 'The Tainted One' refers to the portion of his soul lost to demons. And 'the Final Library' is in reference to the library he established, designed to withstand any apocalyptic scenario. I-He believed it was crucial to preserve knowledge for future generations to learn and thrive."

Twilight Sparkle nodded in understanding as I continued, "How did Meridin make the library safe?"

"Through the use of demiplanes," I explained. "These are pockets of reality sealed away from most creatures. Meridin left a trail that anyone could follow to locate the demiplane. Inside, an array of guardians protect and maintain the library for eternity."

Luna regarded me with surprise, her curiosity evident in her expression. "You can create pockets of reality?"

"Not yet," I admitted. "But it's a skill I aim to master. While they are quite costly, the benefits are immeasurable. Though I'm uncertain of what I’ll do with one here in Equestria, I'm certain it will prove useful at some point. When I do manage to create one, I'll be sure to show you all around it!"

Celestia asked her own question next, “Sebastian, how did Meridin’s story end?”

I paused in my actions, meeting Aldin's gaze as a sense of gravity settled over me.

"Meridin's story... ended in sacrifice," I began solemnly, my voice tinged with sorrow. "My companions and I faced a formidable foe — a lich bent on the annihilation of all life. Faced with insurmountable odds and dire circumstances, we devised a desperate plan that required someone to stay behind and delay the lich, buying time for the others to escape. I volunteered for the task; Aldin and I stood together in our final moments."

Recalling the weight of that moment, I continued to stroke Aldin gently. "Do not fret, Aldin. This time, our tale will be filled with far more joy and far less sadness. I promise it to you, and I always keep my promises."

Turning to the assembled ponies, I offered them what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "Apologize for bringing down the mood. Let's keep going."

As we walked the ponies and the princesses conversed on many topics, but I found it hard to focus.

“Why does Meridin's story bother me so much? I mean sure it’s his backstory, but its not mine! My upbringing was with my grandparents and a dash of being a loner, nothing as dramatic as having your whole family wiped out and having demons consume a part of your soul!”

As I wrangled with myself, Aldin leaned over and nuzzled the side of my head.

“Thanks, Aldin.”

I have to keep reminding myself that he can feel my emotions through our link; it is not one sided.

Our arrival back at Ponyville was met with a mixture of awe, surprise, and confusion.

Makes sense I suppose, it’s not everyday you find out that the crazy alicorn that showed up an hour or two ago is actually a sister to your goddess who moves the sun. Or that an alien wizard showed up at the same time. Or that a group of ponies from your hometown are also wielders of powerful magical artifacts and used said artifacts to break your goddess’ sister free from the evil version of herself.

As we returned to Ponyville, Princess Celestia assigned Twilight the task of studying the magic of friendship. While Twilight and Spike remained in Ponyville, the Princess and I made our way to Canterlot, opting for a carriage ride pulled by pegasi.

Now, I've never had a fear of heights, but as we soared through the sky, I found myself gripping the railing of the carriage as if my life depended on it. Aldin, sensing my unease, began to nuzzle up to me, offering comfort in his presence. I silently thanked the stars that I had chosen to have him as a familiar instead of a bonded object.

"Thank you, Aldin. As soon as we can, I'll be making a scroll of Feather Fall," I murmured, closing my eyes and focusing on our bond and the reassuring sensation of his nuzzling.

As the carriage jolted to a halt, I realized with a start that the carriage is empty now except for Aldin and me. The princesses were waiting for us to disembark.

Prying my numb fingers from the railing, I stumbled off the carriage and offered a sheepish apology. "Sorry! I thought I'd overcome my fear of heights long ago, but flying in a carriage like that brought some of it back."

Celestia waved off my apology with a hoof. "It's fine. These guards will show you to your room. Stay there for now, and you will be called when you are needed."

Offering a bow of gratitude, I followed the solar guards through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle. Eventually, we arrived at my lavishly furnished room, complete with a king-sized bed, a desk and chair, and even a balcony.

Whistling in appreciation, I remarked, "Damn, this is one nice room."

The guards stationed themselves outside my door as I entered, closing it behind me. Aldin flew from my shoulder and settled onto one side of the bed. With a shrug, I cast Prestidigitation to warm up the sheets to a more comfortable level of warmth.

"Ah, this bed is heavenly," I thought to myself as I settled in for a nap alongside Aldin.

It proved to be a short nap. There was a knock on our door that echoed through our room, I cast a glance toward the balcony, noting the lack of sunshine. Since I hadn't undressed for bed, I simply approached the door with Aldin perched on my shoulder and opened it.

A maid mare stood before me, and I greeted her with a, "Hello, what can I do for you?"

"Princess Luna requests your presence at the training grounds. When you're ready, I can show you the way," she replied politely.

"We're ready. Lead the way," I responded, eager to comply with Luna's summons.

The journey to the training grounds proved brief, as it was located just two halls down from my room. Upon arrival at the training grounds, I observed a running track approximately two hundred yards in length, encircling an earthen training ground dotted with practice dummies. Standing on the track nearby was Princess Luna herself.

I couldn't help but notice a remarkable change in Luna's appearance; her mane flowed freely with stars sparkling throughout, and she stood taller by about a foot and a few inches. Now, she was at eye level with me.

"Wow, she grew fast," I whispered to Aldin, marveling at Luna's transformation. "Are those stars? Celestia's mane is just multicolored with a few sparkles thrown in. Celestia should step up her game." Despite knowing Aldin couldn't understand my words, I couldn't help but share my thoughts with him.

"Sebastian Hilam, do you still wish to become my apprentice?" Luna's voice carried an edge that hinted at a challenge.

With no room for jest, I adopted a serious demeanor. "I do, Princess Luna," I affirmed.

"Then I will test you to see if you are worthy to become my apprentice. We shall start with assessing your physical capabilities. Once I have gauged your physical prowess, we will move on to magical tests. By the end of the night, I will have a comprehensive understanding of your abilities and we shall see if you are worthy." Luna gestured toward the track encircling the training grounds. "Begin with as many laps as you can run. Now!"

At her command, I launched into a sprint. In my original body, I wouldn't have lasted long, perhaps just one lap if I were lucky. But as Meridin, I possessed far greater endurance. I managed to complete three and a half laps before collapsing.

Before I could catch my breath, weights were levitated in front of me. Strength had never been Meridin’s strong suit, and I embarrassingly struggled with the weights, barely managing ten reps with the fifty-pound dumbbells before my arms gave out.

Luna remained silent, jotting notes on her clipboard as I awaited further instructions. Instead, she threw a ball at my head without warning.

The impact knocked me to the ground, and I retorted, "A heads up would've been nice!" offering a snarky one-finger salute from the dirt.

As I sat up, nursing a lump on my forehead, Luna launched another ball my way. This time, I managed to dodge, but my celebration was short-lived as another ball struck me in the chest, sending me tumbling once more.

"Fucking hell!" I exclaimed, scrambling to my feet. Luna, now holding over a dozen balls with her telekinesis, interrupted my protest with a single word: "DODGE!"

“Oh no.”

I was bombarded with a barrage of balls, resulting in numerous bruises and aches. The first barrage I managed to dodge with a quick shift five feet to the side. That definitely surprised her, if only for a moment.

Very quickly I used up all of my shift’s and had to rely on pure reflexes to try to reduce the amount of balls I would be taking.

After what felt like an eternity, Luna called a halt to the onslaught. She leaned down toward me as I lay on the ground, exhausted and battered. "Do you still wish to be my apprentice?"

Summoning the last of my energy, I raised my left hand and booped her on the nose. "Yes. You can't scare me off, Princess, you do have a mean fastball though..."

"As you wish. To your feet, 'apprentice'! Your next task is to cast as many spells as you can," Luna commanded.

Struggling to my feet, I caught my breath and responded, "I have three spells I can cast daily right now, and three I can spam. I'll start with Vanish."

Exhaling deeply, I focused my energy and waved my wands while reciting the incantations. In an instant, I became invisible for six seconds. As I disappeared, I thought I detected a slight widening of Luna's eyes, though I brushed it off.

Reappearing, I announced my next spell, "This one is called Floating Disk. Watch closely." With precise gestures and chanting, I conjured a circular plane of force next to me. Demonstrating its capability, I placed my spellbook on it and walked around.

"It can't carry much at the moment, just a hundred pounds. But with practice, it will be able to handle much more," I explained.

Luna nodded in acknowledgment, prompting me to continue.

"The next spell is Summon Monster 1. It involves summoning a creature from a different reality," I elaborated. With a flourish, I conjured a tiny glowing viper on the ground.

"Presto! Magic!" I exclaimed theatrically.

Luna regarded the summoned creature with a neutral expression, prompting me to move on to my cantrips. "I currently have three prepared: Mage Hand, Detect Magic, and Prestidigitation," I informed her, detailing their functions.

Luna seemed unimpressed, sighing softly. "That's enough. I've seen what I need to see. Sebastian Hilam, I have one final test for you."

“I’m ready for any test Princess!” I declared confidently.

"Will you help me overthrow that foal that is my sister?" Luna's question hit me like a thunderbolt, and I took a step back in shock.

“I’m sorry, what did you say? I think I might be going deaf.” I was unable to believe what I was hearing.

I flinched back a step as Luna closed the distance, now just a mere arm’s length away from me. She may have been at eye-height, but she may as well have been a giant looming over me.

Luna’s voice was steely as she spoke. "I said: Will you help me overthrow that foal that is my sister? You wanted to become my apprentice, well, this is it, Sebastian!"

“N-no.” I whispered.

“What was that? Speak up Sebastian!”

“Fuck no! Fuck you! I’m not going to be overthrowing anyone!” I shouted defiantly, meeting Luna's glare with my own.

The training ground fell deathly silent as Luna and I locked eyes. I spat out my decision, as I resigned myself to my fate. "You know what? Fuck it…"

Luna looked surprised and a little disappointed, “Sebastian this –”

I decked Luna with the meanest right hook I could muster while yelling, “... we ballin’! Aldin fuck her up!”

Aldin didn’t hesitate and attempted to swipe his claws across the face of the princess of the night. His claws met only air as Luna scrambled backwards.

I knew if I let her catch her composure that I’d be done for. Fueled by anger and determination, I closed in for another attack, but before I could strike, a blue aura enveloped me and Aldin, freezing us in place.

Luna rubbed gently at her swelling eye, and to my suprise, she was laughing. She fell on her flank and laughed harder.

“Hey! Don’t you mock me! Just get it over with or let me go so I can give you the cleanest left-right-goodnight I can dish out with these noodle arms!”

Luna managed to calm her laughter long enough to wheeze out, “You passed!”

“Passed?” I was astonished. “This was part of the test?”

Luna’s laughter stopped completely and she let us go from her grasp, “Integrity. I was testing you to see if you would wilt under pressure or if you would uphold your integrity. You passed. Those noodle arms of yours gave a surprisingly good punch there.”

I let out a sigh and fell on my ass for the millionth time tonight, “That shit was too intense. Sorry about the eye, Princess Luna.”

She waved the apology away with a hoof, “No need to apologize, Sebastian. And call me Luna when we’re not in public. You did good tonight, go relax for the remainder of the night. We will start your apprenticeship tomorrow night. Meet me at seven o'clock in the castle library.”

"Will do, Luna," I replied, struggling to my feet. As I left the training grounds, I called over my shoulder, "See you in the library!"

Then I was off to find a hot shower and some food before I passed time casting Prestidigitation on everything in my room.

Next Chapter: Chapter 2 Estimated time remaining: 17 Minutes