Dusk awoke to find commotion in the dining room. This was usual, as the twins, Solar and Lunar Eclipse Shimmer, weren't the quietest fillies around. Dawn Shimmer, Dusk's older sister, was upstairs freshening up. "Morning mom." Duskie said as she yawned. "Morning Duskie. Would you mind helping me with the twins? They're more than I can handle sometimes." "Of course. I don't understand the way Lunar Eclipse's magic works either. Dark magic isn't my thing." Dawn approached her mother and sisters. "I could always ask Princess Twilight. She's a big part of the school's curriculum…that reminds me! Duskie, this came in the mail for you." "Is this….eeee! I got accepted!" Dusk announced excitedly. "That's great sis! Today's the first day, so I guess we're both going." Dawn said. Dawn had always looked after Dusk and was proud of her sister's achievement, as the Canterlot Academy of Magic wasn't for average ponies. "I guess you better get ready then." Sunset told her eldest daughters. "Ok. Good luck with the twins mom!" the young mares yelled as they gathered their belongings and rushed out the door. "I appreciate it!" Sunset yelled to her daughters, who were a block away at this point.
Sunset began to speak with Dark Moon that morning. "I can't believe the Canterlot Academy found a way to support programs for gifted earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi!" "The academy has evolved since you last dwelled here, dear." "I realize that." Lunar Eclipse Shimmer began to cry. "Hush now Luna." The filly calmed down immediately after her father attempted to comfort her. "How do you do that?" "Luna and I have similar magic. I understand the way her horn works better than you or even our elder daughters do. Her horn's built differently, causing it to excel at different spells. I majored in the Dark Magic department at the academy, and so will she." "Witchcraft does seem to fit her horn well."
Meanwhile at the academy, Dusk and Dawn were getting settled in to the new school year. "Hey Duskie! You didn't tell me you got accepted!" Duskie's BFF, Blue Moon yelled excitedly from down the hall. "Surprise! This is your first year too, isn't it?" "As if I'd go without you. What kind of friend would I be?" Dawn and Dusk located their lockers, which had their cutie marks embellished on them. Dawn, Dusk, and Blue Moon's lockers were all together. Little to Dawn's surprise, Platinum Prism waltzed down the hall in time to catch Dusk and Blue Moon off guard. "Hey losers!" Platinum announced. "Excuse me?" Duskie replied to Platinum, ready to fight if need be. "Um Duskie…" Andromeda said as she approached. "How dare you? I'm the popular around here, not you." "I'm not that gullible. I will not have somepony as spoiled as you pushing me around like a filly on her first day of preschool." "You will pay for this!" Platinum said as her horn enlightened. "Oh, I don't think so." Dusk replied as she brought up a force field. "You're not hurting me or my friends." "I'll get revenge on you, Dusk Shimmer." Platinum finished as she ran away from the scene of embarrassment." "I can't believe you did that!" Andromeda said. "Well I wasn't going to let her to me or anypony else." "You don't understand. That was Platinum Prism. Her family's rich and has connections." "She's definitely not as talented with her horn as you or any of your sisters." Blue Moon added." Even baby Luna has more talent in average magic than her." The girls giggled. "We better get to class." Blue Moon suggested. "See you later sis." Dawn said as she and Dusk rubbed horns. "Watch out for Platinum." "Don't worry Dawn, I will."
Blue Moon and Dusk made small chat as they walked down the hall. "Duskie watch…" Duskie bumped into a colt. As Duskie blushed. "H…Hi." The colt acknowledged her and passed by with his cheeks bright red. "Who was that?" Duskie asked. "Duskie, are you crushing on Orion?" "Orion?" "Prince Orion, Luna's son. I'm sure you've met Harvest Moon. They're brother and sister." "Moona's a royal guard in training, and Orion's a magic prodigy. He was dating Platinum Prism, but they broke up almost a year ago." "Why would he date her?" "To keep himself from public humiliation. She's not without skills." "She's such a spoiled brat! I'm surprised she hasn't threatened you. You're related to the…" "Sush!" Blue Moon said as she put her hoof over my mouth." "She doesn't know that, that's why she hasn't gotten to me. You know I'm not proud of the way my parents act." "Yeah, sorry."
To be continued…