Archmage Chapter 5 - “Reverence”

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Twilight was bleeding. Quite a bit, too. she tried not to think about the long, red trail of splattering liquid she had left behind her. She would have healed herself, but doing so was tricky even without a vicious denizen of the night chasing her through the castle. She burst through another door onto one of the long ramparts. Another frightened sprint across the stone. The wind tore at her, whipping her mane to and fro, buffeting her at times and ushering her frenzied flight onwards at others.

It felt like she was never going to escape.

“Aah!” Another blast of negative energy filled the air, shattering stone and throwing her forward. She grunted as she hit the ground, scrambling to her hooves. Not the first time she had had to pick herself up, winded and bruised. In the back of her mind, she thanked Luna for all the times she had been thrown through the air. Like it or not, Twilight was tough now. She breathed deep and easy, her muscles feeling the burn as she ran. Another blast rocked through the night, shredding stone behind her as she dove to the side. Rolling once, she skidded to her hooves and kept running.

“Haah… haah… Left or right, left or right?” She muttered to herself, looking at the far end of the rampart. The hallway branched off, to the left was the rest of the castle, and to the right was the eastern wing… Where most of the quarters were located. She dare not take this beast into the quarters. This time of night, ponies would be asleep. Given the destruction behind her, she didn’t want to risk lives. As soon as she burst through the door at the end of the rampart, her decision was made for her.

“GUH!” The wind was driven from her lungs as a blast of energy flattened her against the far wall. The stone cracked around her, and dust filled the air. She was flattened against it, held off of the ground, her body roughly grinding against the stone. She was crushed, pinned… Unable to do a thing. She couldn’t draw a breath.

In the encroaching blackness, Twilight remembered lesson number one.

“I yield.”

The floor rushed to meet her, but the greeting was less than well-received. She grunted as her hooves failed to catch her, her chest rapidly rising and falling. Lucidity returned slowly, just in time for Twilight to feel the presence of those hollow eyes upon her.

”What did you say?” The thin voice cut through her all the more, her body shivering amongst the stone chips she had taken from the wall.

“I… I yield. Your power is too great.” She barely managed to grunt. Idly, Twilight was aware of the blood pooling around her. She was beginning to feel dizzy.

”Hmm. You command great power… I’ve seen for myself. You stand a chance of defeating me, Twilight Sparkle. Yet you yield… Why?” Twilight tried to find the strength to raise to her hooves… Her legs shook with the effort, her vision entering a long, narrow tunnel for a moment. When she stood, it must have looked like a newborn foal taking it’s first steps.

“D’you think,” She whimpered. “It’s good to start a relationship… With a murder?” The pause stretched on, well past the threshold of ‘uncomfortable.’ The being before her, a darkling Luna had called it, fixed her with it’s cold, intense gaze. She could feel those eyes boring into her very soul… It was a chilling, haunting experience. She didn’t want to stand under it anymore.

”HA!” With a loud howl of laughter, the beast spread it’s razor-like teeth into a wicked grin. Twilight grimaced at the frightening visage. ”Well spoken, Archmage. You already know the proper way to speak with me, and others of the night. However,” It lifted a wicked-looking claw, pointing at her. Twilight swallowed hard. ”A price must be paid. The Princess violated a pact, and for that, she must pay. Not in blood or pain, but with her soul.”

“Wh… What?” Twilight whimpered. “I don’t understand…”

”The Princess is an ally of the night. Not just that, but our most powerful one. She violated a law, and she must pay.”

“But… She warned me not to make a noise. It’s my mistake, not hers! Punish me instead!” Twilight grunted, pain lancing through her side.

”You wish to stand her vigil? To pay the price she owes?” The creature asked. Twilight grimaced again, but looked up into the beast’s eyes.

“I do. If it would please the night.”

”Hmm…” The dark being raised a claw to it’s angular chin, and the sound of it’s claw rubbing against the shadowy surface reminded Twilight of metal scraping together roughly. ”Your reverence is enough. Luna is forgiven, as are you. Blood has been shed this night. You should mourn. Farewell, Archmage… Next time we meet, I hope it’s under more pleasant circumstances.” Then it was gone. In an instant, where the shadowy creature once stood, now there was nothing. There was no puff of smoke, no glimmer of magic, no nothing… It just… Vanished. The last thing Twilight saw before she passed out was Luna, flying fast over the rampart, and the pool of her blood on the floor.

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“She’s okay?”

“Has been for half a day… She’s merely resting now, Princess.”

“Thank you, doctor. I appreciate your effort.”

“Bah. Think nothing of it, Princess. I’ve seen worse injuries. She’ll be fine in another few hours.” The soft exchange of words floated to Twilight through a haze of sleep. She mumbled slightly, stirring atop the soft bed she lay upon. “Or… Right now. Good evening, Twilight Sparkle.” Her eyes finally opened. Stirring some more, Twilight did a mental inventory.

Legs? Check. Breathing? Normal… Energy…? Why do I feel rested?

“Hmm…” She worked her lips. Dry mouth? How long have I been out?

“Heh. She’s awfully cute when she wakes up.”

“Careful, doctor…” Luna’s cautionary tone made Twilight to struggle to wake up entirely.

“What happened?” She mumbled quietly, her eyes opening to reveal a sliver of the world.

“Long story short, I healed you, and rather than passing out, I made it as if you had fallen asleep. A tricky bit of magic, but it saves your body much stress. You feel rested, no?” The haze of sleep finally left her vision, and Twilight managed to get a good look around. The room she was in was not her own threadbare, sparse one, but instead, unfamiliar to her. The bed was markedly larger, and the furnishings quite a bit more warm. A large vanity sat a short distance from the bed, it’s top lined with brushes and bottles of what Twilight would guess was makeup or mane care products… On the opposite end of the room, a balcony sat with it’s doors opened to the dusky sky. All over the rest of the walls, however, were bookshelves. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of books sat in neat rows or on one of three tables about the room. Some of them were open, with candles lighting their pages, while others sat closed in stacks.

This room was akin to Twilight’s wet dream.

“Woah…”

“Yes, Twilight,” Luna sighed as she noted the shocked expression on Twilight’s face. “These are my personal quarters. They were closer than your own, so I brought you here instead. You can stop gawking now.”

“S-sorry,” Twilight muttered, blushing a little. She managed to fix her attention instead on the two ponies standing at the edge of the massive bed. One of them was a dark-coated unicorn, his mark that of a scepter wound with two serpents sprouting wings. The other was Luna, looking as regal and magnificent as she ever did. Twilight pulled the sheets up around her neck, blushing a little. “How long was I out?”

“Just the duration of the day. Approximately sixteen hours. How do you feel?” The doctor asked.

“Eer… Fine, I think… Can I try walking?”

“I don’t know, can you?” Twilight grinned at the teasing before gingerly scooting towards the edge of the bed. Her legs managed the short drop to the floor, feeling tight but full of energy. She felt rested. Relaxed.

“I guess so…”

“Well, my job here is done. Princess. Archmage. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Thank you, doctor.” Luna nodded stoically as the unicorn left them alone. As soon as the door closed behind him, though, Luna smiled.

“I’m proud of you, Twilight.”

“Huh?” Twilight looked up at her, feeling rather confused.

“You survived. Maybe not in perfect shape, but that darkling was out for blood. He would have killed you had you not showed the proper respect. But you didn’t attack him, and you demonstrated your strength in withstanding his magic. Afterwards, you yielded and did not challenge his authority. That, Twilight, is the proper way to interact with the night. Let it see your strength, so that it can know what manner of help to give you, but do not disrespect it. I’m proud. In two short lessons, you’ve already applied what you’ve learned, and survived an encounter.” Luna’s words were slightly confusing, but Twilight guessed she had the basic premise…

“So… Because I ran, and didn’t fight, that was good?”

“Exactly. Remember what I said, Twilight. Try to contest, to resist, and the night will destroy you. As it nearly did with me a thousand years ago.” Twilight contemplated this. It was so different from what she had learned… Celestia had taught her that the magic of light and the sun respected and admired strength. That you had to be strong to command it, to bend it to your will. The stronger you were, the more you could accomplish. But if you were weak, you would only waste time and effort. It taught her to be strong, efficient, and forceful.

Now, Luna was telling her to be meek and respectful. That she didn’t require skill or technique to accomplish her goals. That even the weak and unassuming could accomplish great things… It went against everything she had ever learned up until this point, but the odd thing was… It all made sense.

“I’m just glad I’m alive…” Twilight muttered.

“Trust me, Twilight. As am I. That situation could have ended much, much worse. I was foolish for summoning such a powerful creature for your first exposure… Now, though, I hope you understand where I’m coming from and what I mean when I say you must pay attention to how respectful you are.”

“Very much so, Luna…” Twilight offered a brave smile up at her teacher.

“Good. Now, then… If I understand correctly, you’re an accomplished reader, and quite good at studying.” Luna shook her mane out a little, smiling down at Twilight.

“I’ve been told it’s my talent.” Twilight chuckled, shuffling her hooves.

“While the exact meaning behind your mark remains a mystery, I assure you it doesn’t pertain to studying. Having this skill will certainly help, but it isn’t your calling in life. Now then, follow me.” Luna turned and walked towards a faraway book case, with Twilight following eagerly after. Darklings and reverence and shadow magic were one thing. They were tricky and difficult. Books she could do. Twilight was good with books. Luna pulled several volumes from the shelves with her magic, stacking them neatly on a nearby table.

“All of these?” Twilight asked, eyeing several thick volumes. At least eight in total.

“All of them. ’An Intermediate Guide to Major Apexes,’ ‘Studies of the Night,’ ‘Shadow Prophecy,’ ‘Dark Constellations,’ ‘Famous Nightweavers,’ and my personal favorite…” Luna blew a puff of breath across one particular dusty volume, revealing it’s title. ”’Advanced Shadow Theory.’ Save this one for last, if you can.” Luna looked up from the book, smiling. “Twilight?”

She was already reading ‘Studies of the Night.’

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It took her all of three days to read the eight thick volumes, and during that time, Twilight neglected to leave Luna’s room. Food and water were brought to her, and whenever she did sleep, she always awoke covered with a blanket. During this time, Luna was mysteriously absent, only showing up twice. Once to inquire about her progress, and another to retrieve a different book. Both times, she was gone within a minute. Twilight saw nothing of the outside world, her days spent engrossed in one book or another. Now, it was approaching midnight of day three, and she was halfway through ‘Advanced Shadow Theory.’ Unlike other unicorns, who would suffer from study fatigue, Twilight could process and learn information without ever feeling saturated. Her breaks were infrequent and short, and she stayed fueled with plenty of vitamins and amino acids.

Twilight really knew how to study.

“Hello, Twilight.” Luna’s voice only caused her to glance up from the text for a moment. Twilight registered her presence with a slight nod. She didn’t say anything before returning to her reading. “Is that… My, my, it is… I didn’t believe Celestia when she said you read fast. I hope you learned it all.” Twilight raised a hoof to a small stack of scrolls sitting on the table. “What are these?”

“Notes and reports.” Twilight muttered.

“When did you write these?”

“During.” She answered curtly.

“While you read? Twilight, that’s incredible.” She gave a quick grunt, her vision still fixated on the text before her eyes. “Very well. I’ll read these while you finish.” Luna hovered the small stack of bundled scrolls over to a separate table, leaving the one that was still rolled out alone. Twilight’s magic turned a page at the same time she lifted the quill. Still reading, she scribbled her notes on the previous page, all without even looking at the parchment she was writing on.

Just shy of two hours later, Twilight closed the cover to ‘Advanced Shadow Theory’ and hovered it to stack atop the others she had read. She proofread the scroll with her findings and notes, added a report and summary, and then delivered that to Luna. Meanwhile, the princess was busy reviewing Twilight’s work, and had just finished with the last scroll when Twilight delivered the most recent.

“Fantastic, Twilight. After I’m finished with this, I’ll tell you my evaluation. Shouldn’t take me long.” She unfurled the scroll and began reading right away, giving Twilight just enough time to excuse herself to the bathroom. This was another benefit of studying in Luna’s private quarters. Previously, Twilight had been too busy to enjoy the massive bath, but she did indulge in the large shower halfway through the extended session. Those three minutes had been blissful. She hoped Luna would let her study here in the future…

Finished, Twilight re-entered the bedroom proper right as Luna finished reading her review.

“Very good, Twilight.” Luna smiled at her. Twilight realized the expression was becoming commonplace between them. She returned it as she sat opposite, awaiting her evaluation. “It seems you have a comprehensive grasp on the magic of the night. But do you understand why you need to learn it next, as opposed to some of the other magics in the world?”

“I do.” Twilight nodded.

“Explain.”

“For me to properly understand the world, not from the eyes of a student of Celestia, but from the eyes of the Archmage, I need to know all aspects of magic in a balanced, controlled way. My development henceforth has been in the study of light, friendship, and a little bit of love. That was before I became Archmage. Now, I need to understand both magics equally before advancing any others, lest I become biased or unbalanced in my observations.” Twilight smiled at Luna’s shocked expression.

“If you weren’t a virgin, Twilight, I’d say you were ready to cast some of the most advanced shadow spells available. That was… Perhaps…” Luna trailed off, shaking her head. “Just… Wow. I’m going to have my hooves full with you.” Twilight chuckled, flicking her tail absently.

“When do we begin?” She asked.

“Begin… Further studies? Twilight, everything I have to show you about innocence and shadow magic, we would likely cover in a day. Until you lose your innocence, I cannot teach you anything.” Luna sighed. “It seems we’ve hit a snag.”

“Princess…” Twilight said softly. “I don’t think of myself very innocent… Might I share something with you?”

“Naturally. I hope you do so in the future without question, Twilight. But you are still very, very innocent.”

“That’s the thing… I…” Twilight blushed. Despite all that she’d read and reviewed about passion in the night and indecency, she still felt a little embarrassed. She had to check herself mentally. No. You’re no longer the shy librarian from Ponyville. You can’t keep hiding your secrets, especially when your studies revolve around passion and lovemaking. This is Luna. You can talk with her about these things. You HAVE to talk with her about these things.

“I… Touch myself.”

“Hmm?” Luna leaned in. “That was awfully quiet, Twilight.”

“I touch myself.” Twilight steeled her resolve.

“Masturbation?”

“Exactly.”

“Twilight, any teenage filly with half a brain has masturbated. Sexual thoughts aren’t enough to lose your innocence. At least, not completely. There’s something you’re missing here.” Luna sighed, hanging her head. “It’s not in any book, there hasn’t been a published study, there are no research notes… Twilight, the loss of innocence isn’t an acquisition of corruption. When it happens, you will understand more than you could ever know. It’s… Ugh, I wish I could explain better.” Luna appeared flustered, her expression screwed up in thought. Twilight waited patiently, trying to guess at what it was Luna meant.

“Thinking about sex and partaking in sex are two entirely different things. Self-gratification, sure. It feels wonderful. But it’s not what you need to understand. When you make love to another pony, Twilight, you’re sharing something so special with them, so unique… It’s… It’s beyond sexual gratification.” Luna groaned as she continued to struggle with the words.

“Please, Luna… I want to know. I’m prepared to do anything it takes.”

“I’m sure you are, Twilight. Really, I am… Let me explain further.” Luna straightened more. “You now know that only ponies who make love during the night time are able to conceive. That is because the magic of the night is what binds the process together, and breathes new life into existence.” She leaned in, punctuating her point. “The magic of the night, Twilight, is the very magic of creation. Of life.”

“I thought… The sun was what wrought everything? Under it’s light, everything is made-“

“Made, Twilight. Not conceived.”

“I don’t follow…”

“Anypony with the knowledge can take some rocks, heat them up, and extract the metal, then take that metal and shape it into… Whatever they please. Anypony can stack bricks on top of one another to erect a building. A pony with enough knowledge and power can summon forth hundreds upon thousands of trees… But all these things are lifeless. They do not have sentience. Or souls.” Luna took a breath. She seemed to be struggling with the next few words, but she said them anyways. “Only during the night, using the sacred magic as timeless as anything, can a being be given life. Memories and thought process. Neural pathways in the brain that collect and store knowledge to be used at a later date… Only then can they form coherent thoughts that allow them to live and survive in this world.” She opened her eyes, looking straight down at Twilight.”

“Only during the night can anything be truly born.” Twilight shuddered.

“So… That means…”

“For you to even comprehend the magic of creation, of life and soul, you need to understand the bond between two ponies. The bond that is formed when they make love. When they share something so special to one another. Then, and only then, Twilight… Will you be prepared to look into the heart of creation.”

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“Nopony. Not a soul.”

“Seriously?” Luna appeared shocked. “You can’t think of or find anypony suitable?”

“Not one! I’m not kidding, I’ve talked with, socialized, chatted, flirted, and yes, even kissed… But the thought of… Of opening myself like that to any one of them… Just… Eew.” Twilight shuddered. She and Luna had come to a decision. During that week, Twilight would attempt to find a mate. To find somepony special enough that she could open herself and share that special connection. She was willing. She wanted it just as badly as she ever had. And now that she had the time away from her studies… Or, even better, now that it was for her studies, Twilight could fully devote herself to looking for somepony special.

Only one problem with that… Nopony she found was even remotely good enough. It seemed everypony she came across was selfish and stuck-up, too conceited or dispassionate to think of sex as anything other than a means to an end. That end being self-satisfaction, and not a shared experience…

“This… Is problematic. How many ponies did you try?”

“Dozens.” Twilight muttered. The past week, all she had done was visit lounges and clubs, bars and restaurants. During the day, she would walk the streets of Canterlot, setting up dates or chatting in parks… Over and again, she would just meet filthy, despicable ponies… None of them cared in the slightest about sharing something special. They only wanted to get off. One was so adamant that after they shared a quick kiss, he had shoved her head under the table, filling her vision with his erect stallionhood. She had nearly blasted him through the wall.

“Hrm… Twilight, you’ve been working hard this past week. You need a distraction. Tonight, atop the observatory, we’ll take a few hours for you to study the innocent side of the night. Given your comprehensive understanding of theory and it’s application, you’ll be able to grasp it within no time at all. Remember-“

“Respect. I know.” Twilight sighed. It was disheartening that in an entire week, she hadn’t managed to find somepony. But at least tonight, it sounded like she would be able to actually cast some shadow magic.

“Alright. Tonight, then.”

“Goodbye.” Twilight smiled before slipping out of Luna’s chambers, walking the relatively short distance to her own room. In the week that she had been busy trying to find a mate, her belongings had arrived. She didn’t spend any time unpacking, all the boxes holding her possessions were still stacked around her living space. There were six hours left until sunset and her first indulgence in shadow magic. She had enough time to finally sort away her new quarters.

The Archmage’s suite was very nearly as expansive as the princess’, it turned out. Twilight had only ever used the bedroom and bathroom since her arrival, she had been too busy. Now that she finally had some time to explore, to look around, she realized there were several rooms she had missed completely. One such room was a large, empty library. The shelves were clean and ready to accept books. Her own extensive collection had been deposited in this room, all the boxes stacked neatly in the middle. The time it would take to unpack, organize, catalogue, and inspect each book for travel damage would keep her occupied for at least half a day. Twilight grumbled, but moved elsewhere. The next room over was a lounge of sorts, sporting a thick rug and a very large fireplace. Nocturnal Glow had left her the furniture in this room, thankfully. A very large and comfortable-looking chair sat adjacent to the fireplace, right next to a group of equally large couches. This was likely the room that Glow had entertained guests in. A few pieces of her own furniture sat about, covered in protective wrapping. She unpacked these and re-arranged the room. Now, the large chair sat next to the large bank of windows, looking out over Canterlot, while the couches were arranged in a half-circle around the fire. The thought of having all her friends over for a little wine and some conversation, all of them stretched out on the couches, was a rather warm one.

She reluctantly left the lounge to inspect the kitchen. Just silverware, plates, bowls and whatnot here… She hovered them all into appropriate cupboards, frowning slightly at the emptiness of her fridge. Perhaps she ought to order some food? Maybe not just yet… Her studies had her out and about all day, with never much time to prepare a meal. Though there was never any need to; the castle chefs were always willing to bring her something. Next was her bedroom. The past week, all she could do was collapse on the sheets and pass out, with maybe enough time to relieve the pent-up stress she was building up. Her vanity had two boxes with brushes, combs, mane-care products and all the odds and ends she needed for hygiene. Another box near the foot of her bed contained a lamp, clock, and something else. With a furious blush, Twilight pulled her vibrator from the box. Somepony had packed this and sent it her way. Hastily, she tucked it in a bedside drawer, half of her thankful that she had it again, and the other half embarrassed that she had neglected to put it somewhere discreet.

Shaking off the embarrassment that some anonymous pony had handled her personal satisfaction device, she went to unpack the rest of her toiletries in the bathroom. The palace had supplies like shampoo and conditioner for guests, but now that Twilight had her own things, the bathroom didn’t feel so alien. A few thick rugs were laid out on the tile floor, and her own towels now hung on the rungs affixed to the walls. It felt much more warm and comfortable now, not cold and utilitarian. Aside from her library, that was everything. She still had nearly three hours until nighttime… With no stress on her mind about finding a mate tonight, Twilight felt rather relaxed. She would put some magic into practice tonight, and take it easy for once. After that…

She’d rather not think about it just now. Instead, she decided it was time to use her own large bathtub for the first time. Humming happily, Twilight lit candles, poured oils and bubble mixtures into the tub, and started the water. The scents wafting through the air washed over her, filling her senses with the soothing, relaxing sensations. Steam billowed up from the tub as it slowly filled, the water tinged through with oil and soapy bubbles. She cranked the water off once it was full enough and ever so slowly sunk in…

It was pure bliss. Twilight audibly groaned as her muscles automatically relaxed. Her coat soaked in the heat while her senses began to grow dull. She sunk down into the water, submerging her head after taking a long breath. Eyes clenched tight, Twilight enjoyed the feeling of being completely and utterly wrapped in the oil-laced, nearly scalding water. It felt so incredible, so amazing… Before, she had hardly given her shower time to warm up before stepping in, taking maybe three minutes at most to scrub herself clean, pay a little attention to her mane and tail, then it was done. She’d dry and rush off to whatever it was she had planned next. Now, as she re-emerged into the steamy air, she was already three minutes in and just barely getting started.

About half an hour late, just before her hooves began to get pruny, Twilight left the bathtub. The fun bubbles had all but died down, and she was scrubbed as thoroughly as she had been in well over a month. In fact, Twilight couldn’t recall the last time she spent so much time cleaning and grooming. One part, in particular, begged for more attention than the soft touch of her hooves cleaning it. She tried to ignore the desires running through her mind as she air-dried. She didn’t even care that she was dripping all over as she walked about her quarters.

But her thoughts would not be dissuaded. The way her tail hung sleek and straight down her backside, clinging to her thighs… Her mane wrapped around her neck, hugging her forehead and horn tight…

Nope. Couldn’t resist. Throwing herself onto her bed, Twilight smiled to herself as she bounced atop the rumpled covers. She had needed proper release for too long. She had been far too stressed and too busy to pay herself the attention she needed so direly. The cool air wafted over her damp coat, teasing her with tendrils of evaporation that left her feeling almost like somepony was breathing against her… Her hooves rubbed slow circles, starting on her neck. The gentle touches made her hips writhe, the burning ache between her thighs begging to be addressed. She would get to it… But she needed to make sure she was prepared.

Her self-massage certainly helped work up her sexual appetite. By the time she was rubbing low enough to manipulate her flared lips, she was positively dripping. She drew her bottom lip inbetween her teeth, biting firmly to keep herself from crying out. Then she remembered she was alone in a large suite, with more-or-less soundproofed walls, and nopony nearby to hear her. She didn’t have to keep quiet. Openly, she let her throat vibrate with a full-bodied groan.

“Uuhn…” Her hoof finally met the epicenter of her desire, grinding firmly against the wet, pulsing opening. Radiating waves of pleasure rolled into her body, pulsing through her stomach and up into her chest. She gasped as a quick flash shot through her, product of an unintentional brush against her clitoris. She whimpered as the blood flowed to the area, making her button swell larger against her hoof. It couldn’t be avoided any longer, and each slow motion of her hoof made the pleasure pulse ten times more firmly through her entire body.

“Aaaaahhh…” A long sigh escaped, almost like letting loose the air from an inflated tire. She felt herself grow loose and relaxed, her legs splayed lazily open as she continued to rub herself. But it wasn’t going to be enough for her… The muscles inside ached and flexed, begging to be filled, to feel something within… “Fine,” She whimpered, pulling her bedside drawer open. She felt the firm shaft of her vibrator with her magic, levitating it into the air. She was soaked, her coat damp with arousal, but that wasn’t enough. She had to prepare properly.

“Haa-omph.” Her horn glimmered around the thick shaft, her mouth opening to accept the device. She moaned into it, running her tongue over the flared, plastic head. She wondered if this was what a real stallionhood felt like, if it would be firm and tasteless, or musky, or what… She knew from books that they oozed pre-cum, a flow of minerals and nutrients for the sperm to survive on… She wondered what it tasted like, if she would enjoy it at all… Moaning more, she pushed the dildo into her lips further, working saliva around the firm shaft. From experience, she knew not to turn it on while it was in her mouth… The vibrations hurt her teeth something fierce. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy sucking. Working it up and down, her saliva running over her lips, Twilight made sure the toy was as lubricated as it could be.

“Pwah… Oooh, yesss…” The shaft gleamed with her saliva, a thin strand of it stretching from her mouth to the head. She was ready for it. She wanted it. She needed it. Smooth as she could manage, Twilight pulled her hoof away from her aching marehood and positioned the head against her opening. “Come onn…” She groaned, almost as if begging for it. The head slid up and down, pressing against her clit, spreading the joined wetness of saliva and arousal all over… She was a sloppy mess down there already, and she could hardly care.

“O… Ooh!” The first two inches made her back arch from the bed. She very nearly lost control of her magic as she bucked her hips, but managed to keep ahold of it… If just barely. Whimpering some more, Twilight pushed the vibrator further, feeling it spread her apart as it slid in… There was next to no resistance. She was so wet, the shaft so slick, that it slid over her walls effortlessly. She clenched her muscles, feeling each smooth curve of the toy inside of her. It filled her so perfectly, so delicate and small… But just right. Twilight whimpered and slid the last bit in, burying the base against her twitching labia.

“F-fuck me…” She whimpered, shuddering under the intense sensation of being filled so completely. “Uuh…” Her magic pulled the shaft halfway out, making her stomach twitch with the sensation of being vacated… It was almost as good as filling herself up. Almost. With a smooth touch, she slid it back in. “Yes…” Another throaty groan. Previously, Twilight had used her hooves to stimulate her clitoris, reaching climax as quickly as she could manage… This particular session, it seemed, was already twice as long as any prior. She was loving every last moment of relaxing, stress-relieving masturbation… She couldn’t get enough of it. She needed more. Gnawing on her lip again, she began sliding in and out, thrusting into herself with the toy.

A trick she had learned not long after buying it, she saved the vibrator for the very end. After all, regular stallions didn’t vibrate, right? She made this session as natural as possible, whimpering and panting to her heart’s content. There was no reason to hold back, or to keep herself from crying out. Each loud moan she gave slowly became louder and louder, coming faster and faster. She was approaching her limit, ready to blow at a moment’s notice. There! That was her g-spot! She hit it again, shuddering as her loud cry echoed back from the stone walls. Again. Another cry.

“Yes! More!” She called out to nopony, just feeling the need to vocalize. She needed to say it. She needed to tell somepony, even if it was just herself. Her lungs filled with air, the vibrator turned on to maximum, and she let it all loose.

“FUCK YESSSS-AUGH!” She sagged into the sheets, her twitching muscles forcing the buzzing vibrator out of her dripping hole. She lay on the sheets, subject to wave after wave of firm, strength-robbing pleasure. Groaning idly, she let herself revel in the loss of muscle coordination, the deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, of being truly pleased for the first time in recent memory… The humming of the toy pulled her out of her self-induced trance, as it was pressed against her inner thigh and felt rather annoying.

The toy stopped buzzing idly on the damp covers when she flicked it off, still too lazy to move just yet… The cool air washed over her entire body, feeling wonderful on her still-damp coat and mane. It felt even better on her aching crotch, though, thanks to the multitude of fresh liquid there.

Before she got up to clean her toy and take another quick bath, Twilight had one singular thought…

I wonder what it will be like… When I finally share that moment with somepony else…?

----------

“Goodness, Twilight. You look radiant.” Luna blinked at her as Twilight emerged onto the observatory’s uppermost balcony. The same place they had been just one week prior when Twilight had confronted the darkling. The stone, she saw, had been repaired since then. Almost as if it never happened…

“Do I?” Twilight smiled warmly, turning a slow circle for Luna. “Just relaxed, I suppose… Glad I’m finally applying myself to something.”

“Hmm. Well, I hope you’re prepared. You may have studied it, you may have witnessed it… But opening yourself and harnessing the power given to you… Why, it’s unlike anything else, Twilight.” Luna’s faint smile was slightly different than anything Twilight had seen yet… It was awfully calm and serene… Naturally beautiful. Like Luna was just glad to be sharing something special with her. Twilight found it infectious, her own lips spreading in a gentle, natural manner.

“I’m ready. At least, I hope so.”

“You are, Twilight. But remember your doubts. The night sees all, knows all… When you open yourself to it, I think you’ll find the experience… Satisfying.” Twilight nearly laughed.

“Okay. So… I need to cast-“

“No need to cast anything yet, Twilight. Just pretend you’re going to levitate something. When you do, open your heart, accept the darkness, and surrender.” Twilight took a deep breath to steady herself, to clear her mind.

She could do this.

Sitting on the cool stone, Twilight closed her eyes, opened her mind, and let herself accept it all.

Silence. Twilight couldn’t hear anything… Not one single thing. There was no voice, no sound from her horn, nothing indicating she had done it… But there was something else she couldn’t hear…

The wind was suddenly gone. In fact, it wasn’t ruffling her coat or her many anymore, either…

Then she felt it. Everything. All at once. Without sound, without warning, it slammed into her. She felt every little detail in the stone beneath her, every last hair that twitched on her coat or through her mane. She felt the individual particles in the air collide against her as the wind carried them through the air. She felt her heart hammering in her chest, her stomach gurgling with the quick dinner she had just eaten. She could feel each pump of blood through her veins…

She still heard nothing.

Nothing but the voice.

”Twilight Sparkle… I’m glad you’ve finally opened your heart to me…” Feminine. Gentle. Calm and oh so serene… Twilight opened her eyes, seeing everything laid out in detail before her. There, off of the balcony, a single intimidating figure hovered in the night. It was a pony, her coat and mane as black as the deepest shadow, darker than unconsciousness. This was the type of black that sucked in all the light around it.

She was a beautiful pony, but beautiful in the way that commanded respect and admiration. Powerful and very noticeable. Her body was muscled, but not stocky. Her movements were as graceful as a pegasus in flight, with all the strength of an earth pony, and the poise of a unicorn. She was frightening and entrancing all at the same time. Twilight knew who this was. She had no name, at least, not a specific one. She couldn’t ever be properly addressed. No simple label could ever do her justice.

She was night. She was shadow. She was life and creation, passion and hatred. Fear, loathing, pain and discomfort. Tenderness, compassion, and understanding. She was everything Twilight had read in the books and more. She was incomprehensibly powerful, more infinite than anything that had ever existed. And she was looking right. At. Twilight.

Through Twilight. Into her heart of hearts, her very soul.

”Hmm… Your name carries great importance in the world, Twilight… More so than anypony in recent history. You are destined to accomplish significant and important things. But you are not yet prepared to handle my power… Not all of it. Not yet.” Twilight shook. She couldn’t look at her any longer, but couldn’t tear her eyes away. She felt tears well up in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. They did indeed, coursing down her cheeks freely. She shook on the floor, her tears dotting the stone beneath her.

”No need to cry, little one… You have respected and honored me with every action you’ve ever taken so far… I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you, Twilight. Openly and freely.” A large hoof, gleaming as it moved through the air, brushed over her cheek, wiping away the tears she cried. ”Once you are ready. For now, ask, and I will give you what I can. You are innocent, youngling. As kind and deserving as anypony to use my power… Fret not, Twilight…” The gentle touch was warm and reassuring. Twilight stopped shaking, her tears coming to an end. But as the night leaned in, it’s face hardly an inch from Twilight’s, the next words sent a shiver down her spine.

”Enter the night, youngling.”

---------

Luna gasped as Twilight’s eyes opened at last. She remembered well the first time she had conversed with the powerful night. The words shared had made her weep with self-loathing for being so unworthy, but laugh with glee at being accepted and loved.

Now, as Twilight rose to all four hooves, Luna felt pride and happiness fill her. Twilight had done exactly as she was supposed to. Her horn hummed with a dark, black aura, the scintillating shadows swirling around her hooves as she stood. Miniature shockwaves radiated outwards from her body, rushing over the ground faster and faster. Her eyes were shrouded in shadow. The air was thick with the dark energy bestowed upon her. Luna felt it crackle, the dark, jagged edges of electricity arcing down from Twilight’s body to the stone, cutting through the air.

Twilight had done it.

She was using shadow magic.

---------

The energy filled Twilight from the glowing tip of her horn all the way down to the last strand of hair in her tail. She was pulsing with power, radiating it outwards from her in waves. It crackled through the air, shearing into the stone beneath her and clouding her vision with darkness. It slowly began to recede, the waves coming less frequently, the hum of energy dying out. As she released the tension in her muscles, it all died away. She sagged slightly, feeling shaken from being gifted with such a power. It was intoxicating. It was exhilarating. She wanted more, but she dare not ask. She wasn’t worthy. She couldn’t ask anything of that powerful being.

“Twilight,” Luna said gently, drawing her attention. Twilight looked up, her lips spread in a weak smile. “You’ve done it. I’m so proud of you…”

“L-luna…” She muttered. “That was…”

“Intense.”

“Yeah.”

“You did so well, Twilight. I’m so proud… I can’t possibly say.” Twilight watched as Luna swept forward, wrapping her hooves around Twilight, pulling her close for a hug. Twilight didn’t even fight it as she collapsed into the embrace. Luna was surprisingly warm and soft, her reassurance filling Twilight with even more excitement and energy. The hug stretched on for several long moments, and Twilight didn’t even mind in the slightest. She was quivering with excitement, her eyes wide with wonder at the experience she had just endured.

“Luna,” She muttered. “That was so scary… So amazing!”

“I know, Twilight. I know.” Luna pulled away at last, smiling down at Twilight. “Now, you’ll see just how different the night is from the day… We’re going to try casting some spells now. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready… I think.” Twilight stepped back, her body still quivering with excitement. She fought to control her heartbeat, to relax… She had to keep the proper mindset for this.

“Cast a shield, Twilight. But use shadow magic. That is within the realm of possibility for innocence. In fact, you’ll find that many spells offered to you are defensive.”

“O-okay… Here goes.” Twilight spread her hooves, giving herself a stable and firm base. She ran through the motions for the spell in her head before casting it.

Make the spell form... Fill yourself with the energy, and let it go… No. Not for shadow magic. Let the energy fill YOU. Let it flow into you.

“Haaahh…” With a breath released through her lips, Twilight summoned the spell to her mind, let her horn fill with magic…

“WOAH!” Luna had to take off as the shield erupted into existence. Twilight felt the power course through her horn, flowing fast and free, developing itself into a bubble around her. The rushing sound almost hurt her ears. It was so different… The dark energy flowing through her was powerful, fast, and potent. She didn’t have to touch it. She let it do as it would, her will having no say in it. She thought of the spell, and the night gave it to her. She didn’t have to force it… The shadow acted on it’s own, filling the parameters she set forth. That she requested.

They filled it to capacity. Twilight’s shield expanded more and more, growing larger and larger until Luna was forced to dive into it. Twilight watched it expand outwards all the more, the black bubble wrapping around the entire castle… Then the city… All of Canterlot was soon enveloped in the black shield, and yet it continued to expand. By the time it came to a stop, Twilight Sparkle had used the night to summon a shield twice as strong and significantly larger than the one Shining Armor had made a few years ago during the changeling invasion. She had surpassed her brother by a very large amount.

“Enough, Twilight… Tell the night you give up.” Luna commanded. If they let this go on, questions would be raised. Most likely about her, and the return of Nightmare Moon. Nopony would believe either of them that the shield was Twilight’s instead.

“I’m done!” Twilight whimpered. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” The shadow faded away with a whispering sound, evaporating into nothing. There was silence left over, so oppressive and complete.

“Twilight… What did you do?”

“I… I made the spell-form in my mind… But instead of taking the energy for myself, I just… I just let it open in me.”

“That’s incredible…” Luna muttered… “Your shield, Twilight, was the most powerful I’ve ever seen another unicorn cast.” She leaned in, whispering softly. “Ever.”

“Wh… What does it mean?” Twilight asked quietly. Luna straightened up, sighing as she closed her eyes.

“It means the night has gifted you more power than I’ve ever seen. She fueled that spell, Twilight… You asked, and the night delivered.” Luna opened her eyes, looking down at Twilight with a very serious expression. “The night has something great planned for you, Twilight.” Another sigh. This time, Luna leaned in close enough for her whisper to make Twilight shiver. Her breath washed over Twilight’s ear, making her own breath catch in her throat. Her eyes went wide.

“Something the likes of which Equestria hasn’t seen in over a thousand years.”

A guard burst through the door, panting heavily.

“Princess! A-a large, black ball just appeared! It… It wrapped around the entire city! There are no casualties-“

“I know, guardsman.” Luna raised her head with a smile. “There will be no casualties, and that likely won’t happen again anyways… There is no need to panic. The Archmage and I were practicing.”

“Wh… The Archmage?”

“Yes. We were practicing. There is no need to worry.”

“Y-yes, Princess…” The guard relaxed a little, his expression slowly melting from concern and panic into respect for Twilight’s considerable skill. Or so he thought. Twilight didn’t feel very powerful… She just felt blessed. Excited. Thankful. “E-excuse me. I’ll go inform the other guards.”

“Send out patrols. There are bound to be night workers; security guards, city personnel, who saw what happened. Assure them nothing is wrong.”

“Yes, Princess Luna!” The guard saluted before slipping away, though Twilight thought she could hear him mutter something under his breath along the lines of ‘Incredible…’ She couldn’t help but smile as the door shut behind him.

“You see?” Luna’s stoic expression faded back into a soft smile. “You can accomplish great things with the power of the night, Twilight. Together, as partners, you and the darkness will likely be the most powerful allies since… Well, myself for one.” Luna chuckled, and Twilight joined her nervously. She didn’t dare compare herself to the princess. Luna was powerful beyond measure. Twilight’s first lesson had proven that even when she exerted her full amount of skill, she could barely lay a hoof on Luna. Not that the princess wouldn’t destroy her utterly before she could get the chance.

“Just imagine, Twilight.” Luna said softly. “The power you can use when you open yourself to all the night’s secrets.” Twilight shuddered at the thought… The night had promised her she would. Twilight knew it in her heart of hearts that she could find somepony to share herself with… To unlock the full potential she had.

But deep down, Twilight was very, very scared.

She didn’t know why.