Archmage Chapter 7 - “Matters of the Heart”

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It felt like Luna’s lips were everywhere. Twilight whimpered as the princess kissed her mouth, her jaw, her cheek, even her ear. She shuddered when Luna pulled on her ear, and whimpered when the soft, teasing kisses brushed down her neck. Everywhere, it seemed, Luna’s hot breath washed over her coat, made her feel more aroused than she ever had before. She was ready for this. She wanted it, Luna wanted it… Together, they were about to share something special.

“Twilight,” Luna panted, her lips hovering just over hers. “Move to the bed?”

“Yes. Please.” Twilight nodded, her tone eager and breathy. Luna pulled away, leaving a shiver and a soft whimper in her absence. Twilight followed Luna to the bed, though as they walked, she noticed a very marked difference in the way Luna’s hips swayed. Her round haunches seemed much more attractive, and her beautiful tail was incredibly alluring. Twilight was viewing Luna in an entirely different light, it seemed… And it most definitely was not unwelcome. As Luna slowly slid up onto her bed, turning about and slowly lowering herself, Twilight felt the anxiety and nervousness build up within her once more. Hesitantly, she lifted herself onto the dark spread.

“Nervous?” Luna asked, touching the feeling in Twilight’s chest perfectly.

“Very.” Twilight groaned, slowly settling next to the princess. Before, sitting atop a bed with Luna would be something that Twilight would have thought preceded a study session or a meaningful discussion… Now, when it was leading up to lovemaking… Twilight felt like she would combust at any moment.

“That’s understandable. Trust me,” Luna leaned in, giving Twilight’s neck a soft, reassuring nuzzle. “It doesn’t help. Try to relax. And let me take the reins, so to speak.”

“O… Okay.” Twilight whimpered. She felt a cool wave of relief pass through her body as Luna leaned in for another kiss. The shudders stopped, and her breathing came deep and easy. Whatever it was about the princess, it had a remarkable, calming effect on her. Twilight sighed as the kiss ended, hungry for more, but patient. Luna wouldn’t leave her hanging. Not now. She scooted closer, leaning forward for another kiss, and was not disappointed. Luna’s lips met hers once more, and this time, Twilight felt the princess’ tongue enter her mouth.

She groaned audibly, straight from the throat, happy to accept Luna’s tongue. It was flat and slippery, very warm, and the way it slid against hers was nothing short of addictive. She met Luna in the middle, groaning as her partner twined their tongues in an intricate pattern, breathing heavy between them. Twilight whimpered softly, feeling the warmth flow into her entire body. This is unreal, she thought to herself. Am I really about to do this? Am I going to lose my virginity to Princess Luna? Twilight had to reprimand herself mentally. This wasn’t Princess Luna anymore. It was just Luna. Her friend, her mentor, and more importantly… Her first.

She leaned closer, and Luna’s hooves wrapped around her gently. Inch by inch, Twilight felt her body press up against the princess’. She tucked her forelegs tight against her body, giving Luna more room to press them tighter, and when she felt Luna’s leg slide between her own, she nearly gasped. The kiss continued to stretch on, their lips now slippery with saliva as their tongues moved faster and more pointedly against one another’s. Twilight was thoroughly aroused now, her crotch aching with the sensations running through it. They radiated throughout her entire body, making her whimper and shudder against Luna’s firm embrace.

“Haah… Twilight,” Luna groaned, breaking the kiss and resting her forehead against hers. Their horns were right next to one another, brushing together now and then. “So help me, I’ve wanted this for a long time now…”

“How… How long?” Twilight whimpered. She felt rather embarrassed that she hadn’t noticed the signs earlier, about how she felt, or rather; about how Luna felt towards her.

“A while.” Luna said cryptically, smiling at the exasperated expression that crossed Twilight’s face.

“Lunaaa…” Twilight groaned, pressing herself closer. “Please tell me?” Luna chuckled and squeezed her gently, the leg that rested between hers slowly rising upwards… Twilight whimpered as the first tantalizing bit of pleasure pulsed into her, the soft tendrils running through her stomach and up into her chest. “Aah…”

“Hmm? Feel good?” Luna teased, putting just a little more pressure against Twilight.

“Y-yes…” She whimpered, her stomach tensing as she fought the urge to grind her hips against Luna’s knee… In the end, though, she lost against the desire… With a thin, pathetic whimper of want, she moved her hips, feeling the damp fur on Luna’s coat slide against her slick marehood. “Oooohh…”

“Easy, Twilight…” Luna cautioned, her hooves pulling Twilight’s hips closer. “We have the entire night. Relax.”

“But…” Twilight looked up at Luna, her eyes wide as she rested her chin on the princess’ chest. “I want it now…” Luna looked down at her for a few long moments before letting out a soft chuckle.

“Very well, then…” Luna said gently, leaning in for another gentle kiss. “Relax, Twilight. Lay on your back.” Obediently, Twilight let Luna guide her down to her back, sighing as she felt the larger pony slowly rise above her. Luna filled her vision, from her beautiful face and mysterious mane all the way down to the smooth curves of her stomach. Twilight saw her tail flick aside, and Luna took a few moments to look her body up and down several times.

Apparently, she liked what she saw. Twilight felt something impact her stomach, just above her pubis. Something wet. Luna was dripping… Twilight whimpered softly, looking up at Luna with a pleading expression. Twilight had been waiting for this moment… Before, her arousal had been debilitating. It kept her from studying properly, or had been an unwarranted distraction. She had undertaken masturbation as a tool to keep her level-headed and lucid. While it was pleasurable, she had never really enjoyed it. It was more for the sense of relieving stress that Twilight even did it in the first place…

Now, though… Twilight had never needed an orgasm more in her entire life. She whimpered as Luna began kissing her again. Her thoughts became muddled, dulled over into this warm, pleasant sort of haze. The warm pair of lips trailing up and down her neck made her whimper, her hips squirming atop the bed. Luna kissed lower and lower, inch by slow inch. Each kiss left behind a little saliva, enough to dampen Twilight’s coat, make her moan for more. The heat began to build up to uncomfortable degrees inside Twilight’s core. She flexed her muscles, getting more than a little wet, and whimpering as she was subject to Luna’s teasing kisses.

The torture didn’t last too much longer… Twilight felt Luna’s kisses trail down past her ribcage and over her stomach. She twitched underneath them now and then, but for the most part, was really relaxed and happy. Save for the rampaging desire that threatened to spill over into pleading any second. She tried to do anything to allay the sensation, from squirming her hips to clenching her eyes. She got so wrapped up in trying to stop the pulsing sensation of arousal that she barely realized it when Luna’s kisses began to tease the inside of her thighs.

Twilight had to force her body to obey her mind. She opened wide for Luna, panting as she felt the next kiss just barely brush the edge of her labia. Luna was making sure Twilight was fully prepared for what came next… Not that she wasn’t already. Quite the contrary, Twilight had been aroused since the very first kiss. Now, Luna was just coaxing more and more liquid from Twilight’s aching marehood.

“Hmm… Are you prepared, Twilight?”

“Yes… Please…” Twilight whimpered, closing her eyes and letting her head fall to the pillow. Her chest rose and fell with deep, easy breaths, her attempt at relaxing. Her muscles were loose and charged with energy, but she still felt this oppressive sense of anxiety. It shuddered in her core, gripping her chest tight and making each deep breath she took an almost painful experience…

Blissfully, it all faded away… With another very pointed, hot breath, Luna opened her mouth. Twilight inhaled softly…

The first touch was nirvana. It was so much more different from any sensation she had ever experienced on her own. Not the machine-like buzzing of her vibrator, nor the smooth ministrations of her hoof… This was a whole new brand of pleasure, very intense, and very… Slippery. Luna’s long, flat tongue rubbed her entire vagina, spreading her lips apart and sliding over every last inch. Twilight gasped and threw her head back as the first waves of pleasure rocked through her. She could feel her juices mix in with Luna’s saliva, the wonderful combination of wetness dampening her thighs and the sheets beneath her hips.

Luna licked smooth and easy, never resting or leaving Twilight without for more than a few heart-hammering moments. She alternated between running her tongue over the entirety of Twilight’s aching core and flicking her clitoris, the latter of which had the effect of turning Twilight into a whimpering mess. She oozed a prodigious amount of arousal, more than she could ever recall. Luna lapped eagerly at the plentiful juice, moaning as she delved deeper and deeper with each lick, but stopping without ever really entering.

She didn’t have to. Twilight flexed her core muscles, the pink flesh of her tight walls pulsing visibly as Luna flicked her swollen clitoris. “Luna!” She gasped, unable to hold back her vocalizations any more. “Luna! I’m cumming! I’m gonna cum! Aahn! LUNA!” Twilight’s spine curved upwards, lifting her chest into the air and burying her head into the pillow. With one last shuddering cry of ecstasy, Twilight let loose a thin stream of clear fluid. Luna’s open mouth caught the large amount, but a fair bit of it darkened the princess’ coat, dripped from her chin and further soaked the sheets beneath them.

Twilight relaxed after a short while, her open mouth panting heavily. She couldn’t bring her breathing down, her muscles still twitching as Luna continued to lick her slick, oozing labia. “Oh my goodness…” Twilight panted, feeling the need to tell Luna. To inform her how amazing it was. “I… That was amazing. Please, Luna… I… I’m-“

“Shh.” Luna reached a hoof up to Twilight’s mouth, pressing it firmly into her lips. “Don’t talk, Twilight…” She slowly picked herself up, looming over Twilight once more. She smiled warmly, her muzzle still dripping as she leaned in for a passionate kiss. Their lips met wonderfully, and Twilight could taste the musky flavor of her own arousal on the princess’ tongue. She eagerly slid her own into Luna’s mouth, twirling them together, whimpering as the desire began to slowly build again.

“Twilight,” Luna panted as they broke the kiss apart. She slumped down once more, opening her eyes to peer up into Luna’s.

“Yeah?” She panted, still struggling to control her breathing.

“You’re… Not the only one who would like some attention… Might I-“

“Shh.” Twilight grinned as she raised her own hoof to press against Luna’s lips. “Don’t talk, Luna.” She drew a smile and a soft groan as Luna kissed her hoof before slowly stretching out beside her. Twilight rolled over, taking the dominant position. Luna was a larger pony, but not by very much. Twilight could stretch out atop her comfortably, just not entirely. As she kissed Luna’s neck, a thought occurred to her.

She’s just big enough… We might be able to try congress of a crow with me on top… Maybe not the first time… But sometime. I hope. She trailed wet kisses all down Luna’s front, moaning into the warm fur as she went. Luna groaned or gave small gasps of encouragement, her stomach twitching not unlike Twilight’s did. She took a moment to smile up at the princess’ expression before moving lower. At first, Twilight was oddly curious. She pulled her head back to peer at the delicate pink slit before her. She had studied diagrams, seen her own in passing… But this was different. This was real flesh and blood, living and flexing right before her eyes. What she would have given to experiment further, to explore…

But her heart said no. The greater compelling need of the moment told her she needed to pay Luna back. To make the princess feel the same way she did. With more than a small amount of eagerness, Twilight opened her mouth and set in on her task.

“Oh… Oh!” Luna gave a soft moan at first, followed almost immediately by a second, more intense one. Twilight moaned at the implication of doing even partially well, given that she had never made love to another mare… Or anypony, for that matter.

“Haah… Ummn,” Twilight let her breath wash out of her mouth as she worked her tongue over Luna’s marehood, licking eagerly at the fleshy, pink lips. It was almost completely different from what she had been expecting. The taste was musky and very prominent, much more so than when she had tasted it second-hoof from a kiss. Then, it had been subtle and not very fresh… But now, straight from the source…

Twilight didn’t want to stop.

“Don’t stop!” Luna gasped.

Luna didn’t want to stop.

Together, the two of them went over the edge. With a daring move, Twilight pushed her tongue between Luna’s slick lips, feeling the smooth flesh inside her pulsing gash hug her tight. Luna’s hips arched upwards, pushing her deeper, burying Twilight’s muzzle firmly against her pubis. A fresh wave of feminine arousal washed over her tongue, coating it almost completely. She felt it dribble from her chin, add to her own mess on the sheets. It was a different taste, almost vile to begin with. But as Twilight came to the realization that Luna was mid-orgasm, she began to like it… No, she began to love it. She tried to make it last longer, her tongue wriggling about inside Luna eagerly. The princess shuddered, but slowly relaxed into the sheets, coming down from her peak.

“Pwah!” Twilight pulled away with a hot breath, panting as she licked her lips. She hadn’t realized, but apparently she hadn’t taken a breath since beginning. Now, with Luna panting beneath her, Twilight could catch her breath, and try to still her thundering heartbeat. She wanted more. She wanted to feel Luna’s tongue on her again, something, anything. She walked forward, laying against Luna, kissing her lover’s neck up and down, from her jaw to her collarbone. Luna’s deep breaths lifted Twilight up and down, now and then giving a soft moan as Twilight continued kissing or nipping.

“Twilight.” Luna groaned softly. “Another… Please…”

“Yes.” Twilight met Luna’s mouth with her own, kissing between each panting, eager word. “Please. Yes.” She knew what she needed to do. One more deep, meaningful kiss, and Twilight lifted herself up. She twisted around so her body was opposite Luna’s, her hooves open on either side of her face. Leaning in, she was able to taste Luna once more, while the Princess only had to lift her head a short ways to return the favor. With a shuddering breath, Twilight began licking once more.

“Hmmn-“ Luna’s own tongue slid over her aching core once more, sending a wave of relief through her veins. Twilight shuddered, her knees threatening to give in to the strength-robbing pleasure. But she had to keep the pleasure a constant for Luna, too. She had to give back as much as she was receiving. All through her body, pleasure and desire inundated Twilight.

It didn’t take them very long at all. Luna’s skilled tongue matched Twilight’s exuberance, making the unprepared unicorn whimper with the helpless pleasure shooting through her very body. Luna was responding in kind, too… Each time Twilight’s tongue pulled away to flick her clit, the princess would gasp or her stomach would twitch… It seemed the two of them were matching one another perfectly.

All the better when Twilight’s next orgasm came. She gave one last sloppy lick to Luna’s dripping vagina before throwing her head back. Her mane whipped through the air as she cried out with pleasure, her strength giving out. She couldn’t help but drop her hips against Luna’s muzzle, dripping another fairly large amount of liquid. Beneath her, Luna writhed, moaning upwards into Twilight’s core. Even in the throes of an intense orgasm, Twilight couldn’t ignore her partner. Her hoof slid over Luna’s pubis, catching her clitoris with the edge. The princess shuddered and moaned, and as Twilight began to rub in small, quick circles, she squirted a stream of liquid out onto the sheets.

Panting, the two mares separated, breathing deep as they lay spread-eagle next to one another on the damp bed. Twilight stared up at the ceiling, feeling warm and fulfilled, happy and oh so very content. She had just given herself, mind, body, and soul to another mare… She was no longer a virgin.

“Luna…” She panted, rolling her head to the side. “That was amazing.”

“Was it not?” Luna replied, her chest heaving with each deep breath. “Come here,” She pulled Twilight close, adjusting so they were laid head-to-head, hoof-to-hoof… Twilight nuzzled close into Luna’s warm chest, feeling the strength leave her body suddenly. She had no more energy, it seemed, and sleep sounded like such a wonderful option. As her breathing finally evened out, Twilight tucked her hooves in close to her body, feeling the reassuring warmth of Luna pressing close. With a soft voice, she spoke her heart.

“I love you, Luna…”

Consciousness fled her before she heard Luna’s response.

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Twilight was alone atop the castle. No wind blew, not even a puff of a breeze. All around her, the night sky stretched on from horizon to horizon, millions of glimmering stars shining down upon her. The full moon hung low over the mountains, bright enough to cast her shadow on the stones beside her. Twilight inhaled the fresh, clean scent of the night, feeling cool and relaxed. When the voice came to her, it was welcome.

”At long last, Twilight… You have shared something special with somepony else. Don’t think of this as losing your innocence… No, it is something far, far greater…” Twilight bowed her head low as the mysterious night materialized before her. Still every bit as frightening and awe-inspiring as before, the large pony that seemed to made of nothing more than shadow and moonlight appeared before her. It smiled down at her, it’s expression soft with meaning and understanding.

“Thank you… I am unworthy.”

”I disagree. I see a pony perfectly worthy to share my secrets with. All of them. As Archmage, you are alone amongst other unicorns. You hold a unique position that helps to maintain the balance not only between night and day, but all magic in Equestria… With the guidance of the princesses, your friends, and your own strong will, you will continue to guide Equestria through calm and peaceful times. I will help you, Twilight. With all the power of the night you are able to handle, I will stand by your side. Your ally, your rock, your champion and your confidant. However. Remember your place, Twilight. Remain reverent, and I am yours.” Twilight raised her head, smiling wide into the beautiful face of the night.

“Thank you so much. I will never dishonor or disrespect you.”

”We shall see, Twilight…”

She awoke with a soft gasp. The feeling she got when waking, like the sensation of falling, startled her awake. Looking around, she saw it was still dark, and she was still curled up atop Luna’s bed. She blinked the sleep from her eyes, feeling a little restless and somewhat sore… When the memories of the recent experience came back, though, Twilight couldn’t help but smile. She leaned backwards, searching for the soft warmth…

But it was nowhere to be found. Luna was gone, leaving only a slight indent in the sheets behind Twilight as evidence that she was even there at all. Twilight couldn’t fight the long, drawn-out sigh that escaped her as she slowly slid off the bed. Luna was likely off handling important business, or something… Twilight listened for a moment… No, she wasn’t in the bathroom. Unless she wasn’t taking a shower, but a bath instead… Hesitantly, Twilight made her way to Luna’s bathroom, peeking her head inside. No, not here… It was dark inside. She needed to handle business anyways, and she didn’t think Luna would mind. As she slipped inside, she turned on the lights.

“Oh!” In the tub, a full bath of steamy-hot water sat, foaming over with bubbles and looking incredibly inviting… Curiously, Twilight approached, noticing a note left on the edge of the tub. It was fixed with Luna’s magic, and as Twilight pulled it free, she recognized the princess’ elegant penmanship.

Twilight,

The time has come for you to experience the night in all it’s power. I’m assuming you’ve had the dream, and know of the change already. Nevertheless, you will need a guide for your first true steps, and due to the considerable amount of power you command, I believe it would be fitting to do so atop the mountain we have been practicing on lately.

Wash up, help yourself to anything you see fit (Candles, oils, etc.) and meet me atop the observatory tower as soon as you feel prepared.

Sincerely,

-Princess Luna

Twilight didn’t think much of the letter… Just the princess’ way of telling her she should take a bath before they continued studying. While she was glad they were advancing quickly, she wondered what the lovemaking session meant to Luna… There were things other than magic that Twilight wanted to discuss… Personal things.

Still, she did need to get started on studying shadow magic one way or another. Trying not to think about the less-than-passionate note, Twilight slipped into the bath, taking a little bit longer to enjoy the hot water and clean herself. When she was finished, she felt refreshed, awake, and energized. If nothing else, she felt similar to the way she had before… But there was still something more, there… A sense of maturity Twilight hadn’t known before. A sense of… Understanding.

The castle was always quiet at night. Luna’s clock told her it was three eighteen in the morning when she left, with plenty of time to go until sunrise. Twilight would be able to explore her new powers for a short while, and give Luna ample time to return so she and Celestia could handle the dawning of the new day… Twilight smiled to herself, her thoughts returning to the intense experience she had just shared. She almost didn’t notice when a stray steward bowed and addressed her by title.

“Good evening. How are you?” She asked cheerily. Apparently, the poor cleaner didn’t know how to handle such a question from the Archmage. He blushed and stuttered for a while.

“F-fine, Archmage… H-h-how are you?”

“I’m doing well, thank you. “ She smiled kindly at him, which seemed to relieve the poor fellow. “Oh,” She paused for a moment, and his worried expression flashed across his face once more. “You missed a spot.” With a quick glimmer of magic, Twilight buffed away a stray skid mark on the floor, likely left by a careless soldier or perhaps somepony visiting. The servant stuttered as she walked away, though she took a moment to glance back and wink at him. It was moments like those that Twilight hoped she would be known for… Almost commonplace that the Archmage had a unique sense of humor, and was generally friendly to his constituency.

Then again, it was also written that the Archmage sometimes had to make decisions that hurt or damaged ponies… Those were the decisions Twilight hoped to avoid. She would make them if she had to… But she hoped she didn’t…

Nopony else walked the halls this late at night, and Twilight made it to the observatory tower without incident. Stepping into the chill air atop the tower, Twilight smiled at the beautiful sight of Luna, standing near the edge with her wings open.

“Good evening, Luna.” She said cheerily, walking forward to nuzzle her side.

“Good evening.” Luna replied, glancing down at her, but not returning the gesture. “Are you prepared?” Right into business… Twilight wondered why Luna wasn’t at least smiling at her… Her own smile faded away as she stepped back, nodding slightly.

“I am… Luna, are we-“

“Good.” Luna cut her off, turning her gaze back to the night sky. “One moment, and we’ll arrive… Brace yourself.” Twilight felt the familiar tingle of Luna’s magic pulse through her, drawing her away from the observation tower. It felt like a hook had dug into her stomach, tugging her through the air at an impossible speed… Teleportation was always a mildly disorienting experience, more so when Twilight herself wasn’t the one casting the spell. Thankfully, the past week or so had steeled her to it, so when they landed, she only blinked from the disturbance.

“Luna, can we talk?” She asked gently, suddenly very afraid to look directly at the princess.

“Not right now, Twilight. This is important.” Luna still had her back turned, her eyes on the sky. “There… The sign. Now is the time, Twilight. The night comes for you. Remember your training, and speak with her as you did in your dream. You did dream of the night, correct?”

“Y-yes, but-“

“Good. Go on, Twilight. Open yourself.”

“I-“ Twilight began to protest, but Luna’s apathetic look silenced her. She struggled with her words for a few long moments, feeling tears and embarrassment fill her up once more. Her mind raced a million miles an hour, trying to figure out why Luna was acting so cold, so distant… Especially after what they had shared. She couldn’t think of anything. Sniffling slightly, she opened her heart, letting all thoughts of emotional betrayal, anger, and sadness leave her. Behind, she left a clean slate, a calm, peaceful center of emotion unmarred by Luna’s confusing and hurtful behavior…

”Hmm… You are troubled, young one…” The night’s voice reverberated through Twilight. She could feel the scintillating energy wrap around her, shivering over her coat. Already, the dark crackles of energy arced from her horn to the ground. The night was filling her with power once more, even just by being in her presence. Twilight bowed her head, closing her eyes and speaking respectfully.

“I’m sorry… I can’t expect you to care for my silly emotions, or my feelings…”

”Perhaps… But I do, youngling… I care for how you feel. Confused. Angry. Saddened…” Twilight felt a small bit of pressure curl under her chin. She gently lifted her head, opening her eyes to stare into the night… The intimidating creature’s eyes were alight with billions of stars, and it seemed as if all of eternity was there in them… Twilight’s jaw dropped in awe. ”Passion and emotion are powerful things, Twilight… Whether you learn to control them or let them run free is up to you… But do be careful that you don’t misuse the powers they may grant you. Alas,” the night pulled away, leaving Twilight without her strength, making her blink several times to re-focus her attention. ”That’s not the reason I have come… You, Twilight Sparkle, Archmage of Canterlot, are destined to accomplish great things. Using many, many forms of magic, you will continue to guide Equestria through peaceful times. My magic and others will be free for you to use… And use it you will. All of them. Equestria’s enemies will tremble at the mention of your name, and it’s citizens will sing your praises for many, many years to come…” Twilight’s eyes went wide as the shadowy mare leaned forward yet again, their horns touching at the very tip.

”You have my secrets, Twilight. Become familiar with them… I dare say you’re going to need them.”

And then it was over. Twilight’s mind was filled with information. New spell-forms, enchantments and formulas… All of them were complex and different, but fundamentally the same as any other. She let them all run through her mind, thinking over each one, inspecting it, thinking on it. They had names. They had purposes. She could cast a few of them. Others would take practice and study. Others still were a complete mystery to her. But Twilight had them. Their knowledge was hers.

She couldn’t stop smiling.

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Sadly, Twilight’s smile did not last. After teleporting them back, Luna immediately launched into an intricate and long-winded lecture about specific advanced theories. Twilight had sat through difficult lessons before, and this one definitely gave Celestia’s ‘Major incantations of the fourth node in bi-fractural ellipses’ a run for it’s money. Afterwards, Luna left her with a long list of books to read, and the simple instruction to practice shadow magic in a safe environment whenever she found time. Her schedule was her own, but Luna expected a detailed report within a week.

Then she had vanished. Gone in an instant with nothing so much as a farewell, Twilight was left alone in her quarters, with books to read, magic to practice, and a rather painful ache in her heart. Somehow, Twilight couldn’t help but shake the feeling…

Luna had used her.

She had seduced Twilight, lured her into her bed, took her innocence, and then turned around and left her alone. Why, though? She seemed so sincere… So kind and loving, warm-hearted and understanding… What reason could Luna have to lead her on, and then dump on her like that? Was it because she was the Archmage, and Luna really only wanted to advance her studies so she could take over? Was it for her own personal gain?

Twilight was unable to find out. Chiefly because Luna was nowhere to be found… Twilight could wander the castle for hours and never find the princess… Her chamber door was locked, and nopony answered when she knocked. Twilight began to search in earnest for Luna... Just her luck, then, when she ran into Celestia.

“Hello, Twilight.” The solar princess smiled kindly at her. “Are you advancing well?”

“Remarkably well, I should think... I had a question for you, though.” Twilight smiled, thankful that she had run into Celestia. “Have you seen Luna around? I’ve been looking for her for some time now, and I can’t seem to find her...”

“Funny you should mention,” Celestia raised a hoof to her muzzle, rubbing it thoughtfully.
“I haven’t seen Luna outside of our ceremony, where we raise or lower the sun and the moon...”

“Oh...” Twilight appeared crestfallen. “Okay. Thank you...” She was now thoroughly convinced that Luna was avoiding her. Not just her, but everypony. Even her own sister.

Twilight went seven full days without hearing a peep from Luna. There was more than one night she spent curled up on her bed, crying from frustration, anger, or sadness. Sometimes, she found it difficult to focus on studying or practicing. During those times, Twilight remembered one thing.

That night with Luna… She had been so vibrant and alive. Her lips were hungry, everywhere, kissing Twilight until she thought she would melt. The way she shuddered and gasped and moaned, the way her hooves slid over Twilight’s coat, pulling her close… The way she ever so gently guided Twilight from one position to the next, eager to please and be pleased by her… Luna could never hide those feelings from Twilight. No matter how hard she tried. Deep down, Twilight knew that Luna cared for her. She had to have… Right?

After that week alone, Twilight began to doubt it…

Feeling markedly more depressed than she usually did, Twilight started the seventh day like she had all the others before it, with practice. From the top of the observatory tower, she teleported to one of the nearby mountain tops she had used recently. The ground was scorched and broken, long ruts of earth torn up here and there. She walked around one crater that was roughly the size of Ponyville, admiring her work… Shadow magic was powerful stuff…

“Okay,” She sighed, setting her haunches down on the wet snow. She closed her eyes, focusing her mind. The shadowfire spell came to her readily, erupting into life immediately. She opened her eyes, her horn vibrating with a dense, dark glow. All around her, wicked flames with curved, hooked, and sharp ends writhed on the ground. The snow melted with hissing noises, and the sound of dark energy filled the air. Twilight opened herself, allowing more energy to flow through her.

The spell intensified tenfold, enveloping an area larger than she had ever managed previously. The night was granting her more energy, more power to do with as she could direct it… She hadn’t even winded herself with that spell… Time for something more advanced…

“Hmm… Hah!” Dark lightning, thundering loud and long through the air, arced from her horn across the ground. Where it struck, it dug up the earth, throwing rocks and boulders the size of houses through the air like playthings. Twilight ran it over the mountainside, her magic carrying it almost an entire mile away from where she stood. Yes, the night was trusting her with more and more responsibility. Time for a new spell. She took a few deep breaths, steadying herself, preparing…

The last pony who would have been able to even cast this spell would have been Nocturnal Glow. No other unicorn had such understanding, or had researched this particular spell so thoroughly. She marked her target on the ground, set the waypoint halfway between the tip of her horn and the epicenter, and focused her mind…

When she opened herself up, the smite spell crashed into the mountainside with enough force to make Twilight fall. “Aah!” She cried, scrambling to her hooves. The spell flared in her absence of concentration, the dark energy shooting out to catch her in the chest. She grunted at the impact, fighting the searing pain that rocked her body. Her horn glowed brighter as she focused, praying the spell to end, to stop the maelstrom of destruction. Instead, it intensified, boring into the mountain at an angle. Twilight couldn’t stop it. She didn’t want to ask. She couldn’t control it, or it would likely destroy her. Instead, she channeled the energies, letting the spell run it’s course. This was a spell designed for utter obliteration of anything within it’s borders. It wasn’t going to stop until it was done.

When it was finished, scintillating shards of dark crystal energy skittered across the ground, rimming a massive hole in the mountainside. Twilight panted, her body lathered with sweat, and the dark burn mark on her chest throbbed painfully. Before her, a perfectly round, smooth hole dove into the mountain. Looking into it’s depths, Twilight couldn’t see the end… She lit a small ball of energy, light to illuminate the walls, and she sent it down into the makeshift cavern…

It went down, down, down… Twilight lost sight of it’s glimmer. This dark, smooth-bored hole dug three miles deep into the crust. At least. After that, Twilight didn’t know how much deeper… She couldn’t see that far. Her new powers were potent and frightening. Twilight was glad she didn’t practice in Canterlot… Lives would have been lost if she attempted it there. As she raised a hoof to her chest, she winced in pain. Pulling it away, she saw blood.

Lives most definitely would have been lost.

Twilight returned to Canterlot after healing herself as best she could. The dark mark still remained on her chest, and throbbed in time with her heartbeat, but she was no longer bleeding, and she could at least breathe normally. She drafted her report to Luna, including specific details about locations, times, spells practiced or learned, and the most recent even, including her injury. By the time she was finished, it was close to nine in the evening, and Luna would be expecting her. Twilight sealed the scroll and left her quarters, wincing as her burn throbbed again.

This early in the night, some servants still wandered the halls. Twilight came across pairs of them here and there, surreptitiously listening to their conversations. One such hushed conversation caught her attention.

“Did you see that massive pillar of darkness? Bubbles thinks it’s the return of Nightmare Moon…”

“No, don’t be foalish. Princess Luna is perfectly fine. It’s the new Archmage practicing.”

“What? Where did you hear that from?”

“Oven Mitt, in the kitchen. He says she asks for food to go, packed well for teleportation. Then, like an hour later, boom. That happens.”

“Wow, so is it really her? Twilight Sparkle?”

“I think so… I mean, you were at the ceremony… You know how powerful she is…”

“Yeah, but… that?! The thing was miles high! I could feel it shaking the mountain from here! No way anypony could do that.”

“I’m not about to doubt her… After that ceremony… Ugh…”

“Tell me about it… That was scary… If she can do it, though…”

“She’d be more powerful than Nocturnal Glow. And that was a powerful pony.”

“Yeah… I gotta go. Tomorrow?”

“See you.”

Twilight felt moderately bad for eavesdropping, but it did give her some insight… Apparently, ponies around here feared her, or at least respected her. The way the two servants had spoken told her that they were in awe of her power. Truth be told, Twilight was as well… She had never been able to summon something so large or so powerful… Idly, she was reminded that her new skills would have come in handy when Trixie had returned to Ponyville, quite some years ago…

But that was all in the past. As it stood, Twilight needed to deliver her report to Luna, and then see about getting the burn on her chest looked at. As she entered the library wing, though, a guard spotted her. Normally, they would have waited until she passed to bow, but this one turned from his post and trotted towards her urgently. She stopped and waited for him to approach, peering at him quizzically. “Is something the matter?” She asked. The guard wasn’t even winded as he bowed before speaking to her.

“Archmage, Commander Shining Armor has requested your presence. Immediately.” Twilight blinked at the guard, wondering what he was on about.

“Shining Armor’s up north, in the Crystal Kingdom-“

“I only just spoke with him but ten minutes ago. He is waiting for you at the hospital, just outside of the castle.”

“The hospital? What, why?!” Twilight felt panic and confusion set in. Why was Shining Armor in Canterlot? What was he doing at a hospital? “What happened?”

“I do not know, Archmage. He just told me to spread the message amongst the guards to find you. He asks that you go to him immediately.”

“I don’t-“

“Allow me to speak freely?” The guard cut her off again. The poor pegasus was obviously distraught.

“Of course.” She blinked.

“I was under Shining Armor’s command for five years. I know him well. I have never seen him this way, Archmage… Not ever.”

“Oh… Oh my. I… I have to deliver this report, and it’s urgent…”

“I urge you to reconsider, Archmage.” The pegasus leaned in. “For your brother.”

--------

“Shining!” Twilight spotted him across the sanitary lobby of the hospital. Boy, he had seen better days… There were bags under his eyes, and his mane and coat looked like they were in ruddy condition. He looked up at her, a crazed expression on his face as he spotted her.

“Twily! Come on!” He stood up and immediately trotted away, expecting her to follow.

“Shining! Hey!” She galloped to catch up, staring at him incredulously. “What the hay is going on?”

“Come on.” He grunted. “Can’t believe they didn’t tell you. It’s horse shit.”

“Shining, I don’t understand.”

“You will.” He mumbled, turning a corner. Nurses and doctors stepped aside, looks of confusion, panic, and solemn understanding across all of their faces. Twilight felt her heart hammer in her chest.

“Shining, what’s going on-“

“Here.” He stopped abruptly outside of one door in particular. Twilight stumbled before coming to a stop next to him.

“Seriously. Shining. Talk to me. I’m your sister, you have to-“

“Shut up and get inside.” Shining looked from her to the closed door. “They don’t have long.” His tone was a cross between demanding and desperate… For a pony she hadn’t heard from in years, it was shocking. He looked so strange. So off. With a quizzical look of apprehension, Twilight opened the door.

Her heart nearly stopped.

“Mom. Dad.”