Archmage chapter 4 - “Innocence”

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“Good evening, Twilight.” Luna’s tone was surprisingly cheery and bright, despite the chill air. Twilight shivered slightly, drawing her scarf tighter around herself. Atop the observatory tower, the wind was tenfold worse than elsewhere. Still, Luna insisted they have their lessons atop the tall tower, looking out across the entire span of the night sky.

“Good evening, Princess.” Twilight said quietly.

“Having difficulty adjusting to the new schedule?” Luna quipped, gesturing with her head that Twilight should draw closer.

“I’ve… Always been a bit of a night owl… It shouldn’t be that difficult for me to adjust, but I suppose I got back on a regular schedule after the ceremony…”

“Aah, understandable. Well, we shall take it easy for tonight. Soon enough, sleeping during the day will be as easy for you as anything else.” Luna’s gaze turned up towards the sky, her eyes reflecting the millions of pinpricks of light above. Twilight tore her own gaze away from Luna and up to the stars, taking a moment to stand in reverence of the night. Luna had a way of painting the night sky that Celestia never had mastered… During the years of Twilight’s development, she had never known what it was for the night to be put in it’s proper place… After Luna had returned, though, Twilight was able to see what a proper night looked like. The stars were a hundred times more clear, their light able to shine and twinkle like a million diamonds set in black satin.

“It’s beautiful.” Twilight breathed softly, letting her gaze slide from horizon to horizon.

“Beautiful… And dangerous.” Luna looked down at Twilight from the sky. “If you don’t respect the night, you will be destroyed by it.” The princess turned around, facing Twilight full-on, her gaze soft and serene… Yet at the same time, Twilight could see power boiling underneath the surface… A dark sort of anger that could snap at any second. Twilight felt both threatened and humbled at the pony before her eyes. She felt like she should bow. Instead, she sat her haunches on the cool stone and looked up at Luna. “You’re no stranger to magic, Twilight… That much is painfully obvious. You know both basic and advanced theory, and understand it’s practical use… This will help immensely in your lessons. But they will also hinder you… I have only ever taught ponies from the bare minimum… All my students have ever known is the shadow. So please, Twilight, forgive me if I’m not the best teacher.”

“Princess?” Twilight asked, cocking her head to the side. “Is this another lesson in humility, or-“ Luna chuckled, cutting her off.

“Yes… You could consider it that… I am trying to humble myself to you, Twilight. I’m attempting to explain how your lessons may appear to be sporadic…”

“Sporadic? How so?” Luna was silent for a few moments as she contemplated her question.

“I mean to say we’re both stepping into unknown territory. I will try to make my lessons advanced enough that you will not be bored, but simple enough that you will not be overwhelmed… If ever I stray in one direction or the other, I would hope you’d tell me.”

“In a heartbeat, princess.”

“About that.” Luna covered her face with a hoof. “Nocturnal Glow only ever called me by name once in his life, and that was the second before it was over… Please, Twilight. We’re friends, are we not?”

“Uuh… Yes, I suppose we are…?” The question caught Twilight completely off-guard. Of course they were friends… Weren’t they?

“I would like to think so.” Luna nodded, as if affirming the point. “Please… There is no need for formality between us. Maybe when we are officiating royal ceremonies or attending one duty or another… But please, during our lessons… Could you call me Luna?” Twilight’s jaw dropped. Was the princess making a request of her?! Or was this a demand? Twilight’s heart hammered, unsure what to do. Her previous lessons had always been formal… While Celestia had never demanded it, Twilight had always addressed her formally. It was habit. Twilight viewed Luna in much the same way; that she should always be addressed by her title, rather than her name.

“P-princess, I don’t think- mff!” She was cut off as Luna leaned forward to press a hoof to her lips.

“Twilight. Please. Don’t make me ask twice…” In that moment, Twilight could hardly breathe. Let alone form a coherent thought. Her heart hammered in her ears, drowning out all thought, making her knees shake. Luna pulled her hoof away, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

“Y-yes, pr- Luna! Of course… Luna.” She flustered for a moment, her heart still racing a million miles an hour.

“Good. Thank you, Twilight. I appreciate it.” Luna’s smile was infectious, helping Twilight relax a little… Still, it felt awkward… Luna was quite obviously a princess, and one of the most powerful ones at that… Twilight remembered the spells Luna had cast that could rip a pony apart, and she did it without so much as batting an eyelash. Twilight felt privileged to call Luna by name. More than that, she felt honored… Luna cleared her throat, making Twilight look back up at her once more. “As I said, your lessons can begin in earnest… You have a lot of ground to cover with the magic of darkness alone, lest we not forget the others… As you’ll see, though, all branches of magic have similarities. Since you know so much about the magic of light and of friendship, and that you know a fair amount about the magic of love-“

“The magic of love? Pr… Eer, Luna I haven’t taken lessons from Cadance yet…” Twilight blushed slightly, her heart beating fast again. The not-so-recent conversation with Cheerilee came to mind once more, about how she hadn’t been able to find anypony special.

“Hmm?” Luna cocked her head to the side, her expression quizzical. “You meant to tell me you haven’t-“

“N-no!” Twilight blubbered, her heart racing again. She flushed, whether from embarrassment or otherwise, she didn’t know. “I… I haven’t had the time to find anypony-“

“You mean to tell me,” Luna stood up, glowering down at Twilight. “That you, student of Celestia’s warm sun and good friend to the princess of love herself… Haven’t experienced the touch of another?”

“N-never.”

“Not even once?”

“I haven’t even kissed a colt…”

“You’ve… You haven’t-“ Luna’s gaze flickered downwards. Twilight’s blush intensified… So much that she thought she would soon light a fire with just her cheeks.

“Not ever…” Twilight muttered. Luna was silent for several long moments, her expression blank, impossible to read. Finally, she sat back down, covering her face with a hoof.

“Heavens help me, I was about to take a virgin into the night…” She muttered. Twilight couldn’t bear to look at her anymore. She found a crack in the stone on the floor and focused on it, fighting the tears of embarrassment that welled up in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” She finally managed to croak. “If we can’t study because of it, I-“

“No, no… Not that, Twilight.” Luna cut her off. She had a knack for doing that, it seemed… “It’s fine. Really, it is… It’s just…” She paused a moment, heaving a heavy sigh before reaching out to grasp Twilight’s chin. “Let’s just say ponies make love during the night for a reason.”

“P-princess?”

“What did I say about th-“

“Sorry. Luna… But… What do you mean?”

“Sit still, Twilight… It appears I do have to teach you some basics about shadow magic before we begin… Honestly, for Celestia to never have taught you…”

“I-I know the basics! I know about arousal and hormones and-“

“Shush, Twilight. Any foal who went through basic school knows about the birds and the bees and how they make honey… I’m not talking about that. I honestly figured Celestia would have taught you-“

“Taught me what?!” Twilight was panicked now. She hadn’t covered something?! Something crucial and binding?! Oh no, oh no, oh no! Panic settled over her heart, making it thunder as she danced to and fro.

“Twilight,” What if this would mean a missing mark? What if she didn’t know enough to continue her studies? “Twilight.” She would fail shadow magic, and wouldn’t be able to be Archmage? Why had she only skimmed over the books about advanced lovemaking positions and-

“TWILIGHT!” The Royal Canterlot Voice nearly flattened Twilight as it washed over her. Her hooves skidded across the cobblestones a few inches before she plopped down on her haunches, eyes wide as she stared up at Luna. “Calm. Down.”

“B-but-“

“Calm. For fuck’s sake, Twilight. Relax for a moment and listen to me.”

“S-sorry…” Twilight took a breath, wiping her eyes free of the tears that threatened to spill over.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Please, P-Luna. Continue.”

“Right. You see, Twilight… There are magics at work all through the night. Ponies make love during the night, because that’s the only time foals can be conceived.” Twilight blinked. The only time?

“You’re saying-“

“Not a single pony born throughout all of history was conceived during the daytime. Modern couples who are afraid to have children do the act during the day for this reason alone. Granted, it’s privileged information, but those willing to dig deep enough discover it soon enough. Mostly unicorns… You know how studious they are.”

“No objections there…” Twilight murmured. Still… Ponies could only procreate during the night time? It sounded absurd… But Luna appeared as if she was going to explain momentarily, so Twilight silenced herself and waited patiently.

“The night is a time for passion and romance. It’s when ponies quietly share things with one another that cannot be shared in the light of day. Sex and lovemaking is a private affair, one to be undertaken only when one pony truly loves another… Ponies who only have sex during the day don’t know how special it is… How wonderful and emotionally meaningful a connection with another can be…” Luna’s words struck a chord within Twilight… As she had a few weeks ago with Cheerilee, the sudden topic of romance and lovemaking had Twilight feeling sad… Here she was, nearly twenty-seven years old and making important decisions in her life, and she hadn’t even kissed a colt. Fathers didn’t count.

“What I’m saying is this, Twilight… For someone who doesn’t even know the first thing about what it means to make love to another, the night can be especially dangerous.” Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but a single look from Luna silenced her. “Don’t get me wrong. The night appreciates innocence… There are unicorns young and old alike who walk through the shadow innocently… But I’m telling you this now, Twilight…” Luna straightened a little, looking regal as ever. Wise. “Innocence will not last forever, and is it but one facet of the night. I was about to show you things that innocent ponies aren’t prepared to handle. At least not yet. I very nearly made a grave mistake.”

“Oh…” Twilight muttered, feeling even more downtrodden. “I’m sorry, I should have told you-“

“It’s my mistake for assuming… I mean, a bookish mare such as yourself, I should have at least assumed-“

“Are you saying I look like a virgin?” Twilight whimpered. Luna looked at her for a long moment before lifting a shoulder.

“Yeah, kind of…”

Twilight groaned, sinking down to her stomach and covering her face with her hooves. “I’m helpless…”

“Twilight, come now… This is no time to mope… Just… I need to change your lessons…”

“R-really?” Twilight looked up at Luna with a whimper.

“Yes. No big difference, really… Like I said, just another facet of the night. However…” Luna raised a hoof as if to make a point. Twilight sat back up, attentive once more. Luna reached that hoof out, laying it squarely on Twilight’s chest. “It is not the most powerful, nor even the most complete portion of the night.”

“Are… Are you suggesting-“

“No, Twilight. I am demanding. I know this is a stressful request, but…”

“Luna…?” Twilight whimpered. The next words the princess said nearly made her faint again.

“For your studies in the night and shadow to be complete, you must lose your virginity.”

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“Oh wow, she said that?” Rarity blushed suddenly. Cross Stitch nearly sputtered into his teacup. Twilight had gone to her one friend who she knew would understand, probably better than any of the others, her predicament… After all, Rarity was the only one that Twilight knew was in an active relationship. “That’s… Quite shocking, darling… I understand now why you stressed the importance of discretion. As always, my lips are sealed. And yours are too, are they not?” She glared at Cross Stitch, her expression dangerous.

“O-of course!” The cream-colored earth pony waved his hooves frantically, an expression of worry and concern on his face. “I won’t breathe a word.”

“Good. Because Princess Luna isn’t some Canterlot socialite here… Goodness, if I’d have learned that about the likes of somepony like… Like Fleur De Lis… Why, it’d be in the papers tomorrow morning… No. This is the Princess. We musn’t say a word to anypony outside of this room.”

“Hence the reason for the silence spell,” Twilight muttered. The room inside the newly-relocated Carousel Boutique was, indeed, shielded by Twilight.

“I see now why you cast it… But, darling, why would you come to me with a question like that?” Rarity seemed perplexed. To Twilight, it was plain as day.

“You’re… Well, you know…”

“Oh. I see.” She and Cross Stitch shared a brief smile, scooting closer for a moment. Between them, Twilight could see a connection… A part of her ached for it, wanted it and desired it for herself… But another part of her was mystified and slightly terrified by it… Why, she wasn’t sure…

“You see, Twilight,” Cross Stitch began. “I’ll say this bluntly, since Rarity has a way of mincing words.”

“I do not!”

“Yes, you do… And you’re good at it. Now shush, love.” Rarity opened her mouth to complain, but a quick kiss from Cross Stitch silenced her completely. She blushed and scooted closer, letting him take the wheel. “When two ponies make love, that’s crossing a line… I don’t care if it’s during the night or the day. There’s a connection established at that point. It’s best of you to make that connection with somepony special…”

“Are you saying I wouldn’t?” Twilight asked softly.

“Not at all. I know how you are, Twilight… Rarity will back me up on this. Your studies are important to you, more so now that you’re Archmage. But you must. Not. Rush. I’m sure Luna will understand when you tell her you’d rather take it slow, to make sure you find the right one to do it with.” Twilight considered his words very carefully.

“But… I can’t just neglect an aspect of magic… I’d… I’d be letting the whole world down.”

“I never said neglect it… How many other forms of magic must you study?”

“Eer… Dozens. Why?”

“So go study some of them… Learn about the magic of love, or nature before you continue studying under Luna… Not to mention, she said there are parts of the night that open themselves to innocence, right? So study those. But don’t make a decision you’ll regret, Twilight.” His words instilled hope in Twilight. There were other things for her to study… Nature and love, time and even hatred… She could save that… Particular part… For later. Luna wouldn’t blame her… Would she?

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“You never told me she was a virgin.”

“I don’t usually ask my students what they do in the free time I give them… Or in this case, they give themselves.”

“You know just as well as I do-“

“That Twilight cannot know all there is to know about the night without first experiencing lovemaking. Yes. I know. Truth be told, I’m shocked to learn Twilight is a virgin myself.” Celestia heaved a sigh. It was moments like that when Luna felt as if her elder sister was patronizing her, but she bit her tongue. Arguing with her sister never got her anywhere. Luna took a deep, calming breath before continuing.

“You understand how important her studies are. We need Twilight to be prepared as soon as possible… I know it’s putting her in an awkward position but-“

“You’re not seriously suggesting that Twilight-“

“Have sex? Yes. Yes, I am.” Luna stood tall. “I cannot teach Twilight properly without her knowing. And before you suggest she study other magics first, you know-“

“Yes. Again. I know.” Luna was beginning to get annoyed at being constantly cut off. Not only was it rude and making her angry, it was unlike Celestia.

“Sister, what is wrong? You’re normally not this short with me… I have a serious problem that we need to discuss, but you keep cutting me off at every turn… What’s wrong?” The look on Celestia’s face told Luna she had struck a chord. Something was bothering her sister. Something major.

“Forgive me, Luna… There’s much weighing on my mind.”

“What is it? I mean… Equestria is at peace… There shouldn’t be anything this major bothering you right now…” Luna was concerned now… There shouldn’t be anything major. Something was nagging Celestia, and it was no longer major. It was monumental.

“It’s… Nothing, really. Jealousy, I suppose you could call it…” Luna nearly laughed.

“Jealousy? Jealous of what?” She asked incredulously, looking at Celestia with wide eyes.

“You.”

“Me?! You’re joking…”

“I am not.” Celestia appeared offended. “I am jealous of you. Twilight shares something with you, a secret, that she would not share with me. I am, quite frankly, jealous.” Luna was legitimately shocked.

“To be fair, sister, I did pressure her into revealing it… And, inversely, you never asked.”

“How could I have asked? What kind of pony would that make me? What kind of ruler?”

“The kind that’s concerned for her student, Celestia.” Luna countered. “The kind of nurturing mentor who understands how important it is for a developing young unicorn to experience love. Be it true or otherwise.” Celestia sighed and covered her face with a hoof.

“You’re right-“

“For once,” Luna snorted.

“Oh shush. You’re right. I should have asked. I’m sorry I didn’t… This would have been avoided if perhaps I had urged Twilight to not focus on her studies so much… To, you know, experience some things. It’s a wonder she’s learned much about friendship at all, If I hadn’t tasked her with it’s study, she likely wouldn’t have made any friends. Ever. I should have been more assertive in telling her to… Well, live.”

“It’s never too late to start, Celestia…” Luna said quietly, leaning in to nuzzle Celestia’s warm neck gently. “You’re still her mentor, and more importantly, her friend.”

“Friend? You think so?”

“Well… Maybe not to her, but I sure see it. Now that she’s no longer your student, I don’t see why you two cannot be friends.”

“Hmm… Perhaps. I’m afraid, though…” Celestia sighed then, suddenly looking very depressed. Luna was surprised, this was almost completely unlike Celestia. Her sister was normally very happy. There was something else on her mind. In a moment, Luna understood.

“You’re afraid of growing too close to her.” Celestia’s look said it all. “Oh my goodness, you have feelings for her!”

“Don’t be so naïve.” Celestia scoffed. She turned away coldly, pacing a few steps away. “I don’t have feelings for Tw-“

“But you DO!” Luna rose to her own hooves. “Your face says it all, Celestia! You care for Twilight!”

“Of course I care for her!” Celestia wheeled on Luna, her eyes ablaze with anger. “I care for her likely more than her own parents do!”

“Celestia, that’s-“

“They haven’t inquired ONCE about their daughter since Shining Armor’s wedding, Luna! It’s been one week, you’d figure they would at least send a letter! Nothing! Not a single question! Not even a peep!” Celestia huffed slightly. “I care for Twilight. I care for her as a mentor, as a teacher, maybe even as a mother. But I do not care for her as a lover.”

“Okay.” Luna blinked. “I believe you.”

“So, you can imagine how I have Twilight’s best interests at heart.” Celestia continued, despite Luna’s acquiescence.

“Yes, of course-“

“And how I want nothing but the best for her.”

“O-of… Naturally-“

“THEREFORE.” Celestia advanced on Luna, her eyes ablaze with anger, or perhaps it was protectiveness… “I do not want Twilight to be rushed into a decision that would harm her!”

“Sister, please.” Luna’s pleading tone caused Celestia to halt in her advance. “Allow me to be the voice of reason.”

“Fine.” She huffed, sitting down to let Luna speak. She clearly didn’t agree, but Luna had a way of at least making Celestia listen to reason.

“Twilight must learn shadow magic before she learns others.”

“Agreed.”

“For Twilight to learn shadow magic, she needs to lose her virginity.”

“Go on…” Celestia sounded hesitant.

“I suggest she do so post-haste. The Archmage’s position must be filled as soon as it can, and we cannot delay further. She still has so much to learn… At the current rate, she won’t even be ready to accept the position for another two months. At least. Let alone function without assistance… That could take three more months. By the heavens, it could take a year! Can we ask the council to fulfill her duties for an entire year?”

“No, we cannot… But at the same time, we can’t force Twilight do something she’s not comfortable doing!” Celestia stood and began pacing.

“You don’t know how she feels about it.” Luna said softly. “You haven’t asked her-“

“Nor have you.” Celestia countered, still pacing. She was thinking. Luna had a solution. It wasn’t good, but it was all she could see they had left.

“What if I begin teaching her the innocent side of the night. Meanwhile, I will pressure her, a little at a time, to begin considering the severity of the situation. To consider taking a mate sooner rather than later.” Celestia stopped, fixing Luna with a very serious and contemplative look. Behind those eyes, Luna could see Celestia trying to analyze all the angles, to work out how it all fit.

“This is a mistake.”

“I’m beginning to wonder if it’s a mistake naming her Archmage in the first place. But you know as well as I she’s more than capable to take the position. Think about it, Celestia. This is your student. You know her better than her own mother.” Luna was pleading again. “Think long and hard. This is the unicorn who overcame hatred and fear to restore the crystal kingdom. This is the pony whose efforts and studies in friendship saved the world from Discord. She discovered Chrysalis, and helped Shining Armor and Cadance banish her.” Luna’s tone dropped low for a moment. “She’s the one who reminded me of my place. You cannot deny that.”

“No… No, I cannot…”

“So we rely on her.” Luna said softly, pleadingly. “We urge her to take a mate… Anypony she wants…” Celestia stopped her with an arched eyebrow.

“Anypony?” Celestia’s arched eyebrow suggested Luna was implying herself.

“Anypony.” She confirmed with a concrete nod.

“Luna, remember Nightshade and what his passing did to you.”

“I remember.” Luna said, her voice as quiet as a whisper. “I remember very well…” She glanced to the side. There, in the hall, was still the stained-glass mural of Twilight and the other elements of harmony banishing Nightmare Moon. The mural didn’t depict Luna being restored… But Twilight knew the story anyways. She had been there. She knew what happened after balance had been restored. Truthfully, Luna owed her life to Twilight…

“You care for her.” Celestia said softly. “More than just a teacher cares for a student…” She drew Luna’s gaze upwards with her voice, the two of them locking gazes for a moment. “You care for Twilight as if you love her…”

“And if I do?” Luna said softly, feeling the tears begin to well up within her.

“I wonder if your feelings are genuine. You hardly know her, Luna.”

“And yet, she shares secrets with me more readily than she does with you.”

“You said it yourself. That’s because you ask. I care for her, but not enough to know about her… Her sex life.”

“I suppose that’s just the difference between you and I.” Luna huffed. “I care about Twilight’s development,” Her eyes narrowed. “Every aspect.”

“Do you?” Celestia’s tone and her expression were dead serious. Luna opened her mouth to retort, but managed to stop herself. Not here. Not now. Likely not ever… Silently, she turned and left the room. Those words nagged her on the way out, though… She couldn’t shake them…

Do I?

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Twilight inhaled deep the chill night air as she looked up into the sky. So much weighed on her mind. Being Archmage, losing her innocence, studying magic… She thought keeping up with studies on Celestia’s end was tough… Now she had dozens of different magics to study. Before she could even complete them, she had to… To…

“Twilight, there’s no need to cry.”

“Princess!” Twilight started, wiping a hoof over her eyes as Luna’s voice caught her off-guard. She sniffled helplessly, trying to be presentable for the princess.

“Come on, Twilight. Call me-“

“Luna. Sorry. Luna.” She whimpered weakly. “I guess you’re here to tell me I’m not quite ready to be your student, huh? That I can’t be until-“

“Quite the opposite, Twilight.” Luna cut her off with a quick, warm sentence. Twilight’s heart thundered as Luna spoke. “I’m here to tell you that your studies begin for real tonight. We will stay away from the more… Ahem… Passionate parts of the night. For now.”

“F-for now?” Twilight stuttered slightly. Luna’s expression didn’t change. It was still slightly drawn… A little worried.

“For now.”

“Oh… Does that mean… You’re pressuring me to… To…”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, Twilight… I neglected to mention this before, and I very well should have.” Twilight perked up a little, wondering what this new development could be. “You… You must study shadow magic next. Celestia has influenced you in the magic of light and the sun, and friendship, and love for too long. You are too heavily influenced by the lighter side of magic. For you to maintain a proper balance, you must learn the magic of the night next. My magic..” Luna was blushing again. Twilight whimpered thinly, not enough to be heard.

“B-but…”

“But nothing, Twilight… Balance must be maintained. What’s more, it’s not just darkness and night… It’s hatred, too. There are magics in Equestria darker than you think.” Luna’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Darker than you could ever have imagined previously…”

“Pr… Luna…?” Twilight asked quietly, leaning in.

“Ahem. Pardon me.” Luna straightened up, her wings flaring for a moment. She flapped several times, as if shaking herself free of a nagging thought. “It’s… Imperative that you learn shadow magic next. To keep the balance even. After that, hatred. THEN, and only then, Will the Archmage be balanced enough to complete her studies.” Twilight’s hopes rose a little at Luna’s words. She was worried that she wouldn’t be prepared enough to study under Luna. That, because of her innocence, she wouldn’t be able to fully explore the night. Instead, it seemed, Luna thought she was prepared. If Luna believed in her, then she could do it.

She could do anything.

“Okay, Luna.” She said softly, nodding. “I understand.”

“Be warned, Twilight,” Luna raised a hoof pointedly. “You WILL have to find a mate. Be it temporary or permanent, you will… But for now, your studies can begin.” She heaved a sigh, dropping the hoof. “I’m sorry for the scare earlier… I honestly thought you had-“

“Don’t.” Twilight blushed, looking at the stone. “I… I don’t like to be reminded of my mistakes.”

“It’s no mistake, Twilight. Truth be told, it’s actually rather honorable.” Luna shrugged.

“R-really?”

“Of course. Ponies these days seem to want to find any reason to get down and fu-“ Twilight cringed visibly, and Luna rolled her eyes. “Oh, get over it.”

“S-sorry...” She muttered, feeling silly for getting embarrassed over a word.

“Twilight,” Luna said gently, reaching out to lift the purple unicorn’s chin. “I’m sorry if it causes you discomfort, but these words and more are, unfortunately, commonplace.”

“Don’t remind me,” Twilight grumbled, gently taking her chin out of the princess’ hoof. “I’m just… Inexperienced, I guess… And I fail to see how these words remain conducive to my innocent studies.” Luna blinked, her hoof slowly lowering to the floor. Was… Was Twilight berating her?! Luna’s coy grin spread across her face slowly.

“Very well, Twilight.” She slowly rose to her hooves, smiling down at the meek unicorn. “But think about how far you’ve come already, in just one short week. You’ve learned two lessons in dark magic, and probably a few more that aren’t on the scheduled curriculum.”

“I know,” Twilight sighed softly. She looked up at Luna, a brave smile on her face. In that smile, Luna saw hope, determination, and resolve. Twilight was committed to this path. She had chosen to become Archmage, and nothing, not losing her virginity, not the difficult lessons ahead, was going to stop her. “I’m just... Unprepared, I guess...”

“You will be, Twilight. Soon enough.” Luna smiled at her, the two of them standing side-by-side as they looked out into the night. “Though... I suppose exposing you to shadow magic wouldn’t be harmful. Would you like to see a demonstration?”

“Oh, yes! Very much, yes!” Twilight perked up almost immediately. Seeing shadow magic, at least when it wasn’t screaming towards her with lethal intent, was very exciting.

“Alright, Twilight. I am going to attempt to summon something. Stand back.” Twilight hastily scrambled away, giving Luna ample space to work. Twilight watched as Luna’s horn began to hum with the ominous, dark glow of her magic. Her hooves spread a little wider, giving her a stable base. Twilight watched as a rune began to form on the ground... No, not a rune... A summoning circle! This was incredibly advanced magic!

“Twilight,” Luna said softly. “It is imperative that you say nothing in the presence of this creature. Don’t make a sound. Not even a breath, Twilight. If it hears you... I cannot guarantee your safety.”

“I understand, Luna.” She smiled bravely. Utter silence. She could do this... Luna’s horn glowed more densely, the humming and scintillating sound of energy filling the air. Even over the wind, Twilight could hear the finest details in Luna’s spell... This just went to show how powerful a princess could truly be...

”Stand by my side, darkling.” Luna’s short sentence was laced with power, an underlying current of something ominous... Out of the runed pattern on the ground, the shadow began to coalesce... It grew limbs, a body, a head... Twilight shuddered in it’s presence. This being, whatever it was, was unlike anything she had ever seen before...

”Princess...” The thin, raspy voice sent a chill down Twilight’s spine. She fought the urge to whimper as the creature turned it’s angular head towards Luna. ”You called?”

“Nothing major, my friend...” Luna straightened to her full height, smiling warmly at the dark creature. “Just... Looking for some company.”

”Hmm... Our conversations have been plenty and varied... Particularly during the dark time... What use do you have of me now?” It’s speech was so thin, it felt almost like a blade cutting into Twilight’s ear.

“Just some company.” Luna’s gaze flickered to Twilight. Hardly a twitch, really... But Twilight couldn’t hold it back. Softly, she let loose a whimper.

The shadow turned to face her, it’s cold, hollow eyes fixed on her.

”Another? Princess, you made a pact. Never before another!”

“Twilight,” Luna’s horn began to glow once more, her tone suddenly very cold and dangerous. Serious. “Run.”

“Wh-what?”

”RUN!”