Location:
R-13 Farway
Caelum, Cygnus, Belfiore Academy, Talle-Beyers Medical Center
2039 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era)
Though she had always kept very organized, checklists after checklist, even a checklist of the checklist already completed, the official princess of friendship, and unofficial princess of magic and more importantly to her, paperwork, sighed at being given too much. If I never see another official military document again, it will be too soon. The thought passed briefly as an exasperated sigh filled the silence of the room, before long similar sighs from her friends followed as well. In the too bright, slightly blue lit room, sat the element bearers sat in all too uncomfortable desks, metal bent in hard angles, a pressboard wood top and a hard plastic chairs that were seemingly impossible to find comfort in, the elements of harmony were subjected to the worst possible torture, bureaucracy. Paperwork to establish being foreign students, paperwork granting them temporary residency of Caelum, paperwork to start classes, paperwork to start the medical exams, paperwork to induct them into House Equus officially, and so on, paperwork to end the medical exams… Twilight stared at the last medical document verifying the results of the medical testing and inoculations, the soreness along her wrist from coupled with the cramp like pain from her rear end, only added to the unpleasantness. That reminds me, I need to make a complaint. There was no peanut butter involved with that shot. Now it feels like a dead flank while I’m walking, or sitting, or anything really. Twilight shifted in her seat a little to try and relieve the dull pain, but to no avail. noticing another paper for her to sign was place in front of her, Twilight sighed again. I’m going to have to thank Spike when I get back. After having him do all my paperwork almost immediately after he could read and wright, I had forgotten this sort of paperwork was this unpleasant to toil through. I think I’m going to cut back on the check lists for check lists, he needs a break after this is all done Twilight paused, a pang of homesickness was felt, along with a yearning to see the little drake.
The whole of the element bearers had started at ten in the morning, finalizing everything needed for the classes that were to start the next day. Last minute paperwork, and final fittings for their dress uniforms, had taken up much of what remained of the morning and early afternoon. Now, as the sun sat nearer the horizon then mid day, the girls headed back across the academy grounds towards their temporary home.
“I hope that’s all the stuff we have to sign. Because if I have to sign anything else i’m just going to scream.” Rainbow complained.
“Ah hear ya’. Never needed to do much paperwork back at the farm. Ah mean sure taxes an’ all are never fun, but they were never this bad.” Applejack Agreed.
“I’d never thought I would say this but, It was too way to excessive. My pastern sore from writing my name over and over again. Why did there need to be five written copies for each of the two different procedures that required the same six sheets that could have been filled out prior to us receiving them, to have us we keep four copies the documents, only to turn in three copies to our teachers tomorrow? Why not just make a duplication spell or one of these construct thingies they have here so we don't have horn… wrist tunnel? ” Twilight pointedly asked.
“See even princess egghead thought this was too much. That’s saying something. I mean I get it. Military being military so everything we do needs to be done in some ridiculous overcomplicated manner, but I mean come on!”
“It wasn’t so bad…” Fluttershy started, her voice above a whisper, “at least…at least it was quiet and they were very friendly.”
“That’s true dear, but…I do agree with Rainbow in that it was far too tedious.” Rarity piped up.
“Hey!” Bright and cheery, Pinkie shouted over the girls, skipping in pace with her friends. “What’s that?” Her pink tinted hand gesturing to the house grounds in front of them.
In the smallest House district a crowd of students had gathered. The mass of students had formed up a semi-circle in front of one of the Houses, and seemed to be shuffling and pushing to try and move to the center of the group. The red bricked House, tan window shutters and black painted iron fence seemed familiar. The commotion near the new golden placard christening the House Equus.
“Why is there a crowd near our House?” Rainbow’s raspy voice asked.
“Maybe they're throwing a surprise welcome the the academy party!!?” Pinkie cheerfully replied, hopping up and down in excitement.
“Ah dun’o…That’s a lot of folks in that crowd, and Ah don’ see any party hats.” Applejack spoke up, as the group moved closer to what ever it was that had drawn the audience in front of their temporary home.
“Because everybody feels sorry for the orphan boy…” An angry sophisticated voice cut through the crowd.
“What in tarnation?” Asked Applejack.
“Maybe this isn’t a party…” Sighed Pinkie, her puffed up hair deflating a bit.
“What ever it is I intend to find out. This, it’s happening in front of our house, so maybe something happened to Daisy…or…Trevor…” Rainbow's voice faded as she started off for the crowd.
The prismatic haired girl ran up to the circle of people that had gathered around. At first there was opening in the wall of bodies that had formed, but soon the group had become a wall of students. Sly lithe moments turned to light shoving and bumping. What's the deal with this crowd? the cerulean tinted girl pondered, as she fought through the crowd. It didn't take long for her once quick movements slowed to the speed of molasses, as she pushed and shoved harder and harder just to break through the gathering. Despite the difficulty Rainbow was determined to see just what the hay was happening in front of their current home. She would not be denied.
“I’m only going to say this once, Logan. Leave the House grounds, or I’ll report you to LCDR Mirkovic. I’m certain my “orphan boy” charm will sway his opinion, not because of how much of a bastard you are.”
Hey! That's Trevor, but who's he talking to? Bemused, Dash stood, anticipating in the mass that was watch House Oaklandus' Leader shout it out with the new house. From behind her grunts of exertion grew louder, and the sounds of heavy breathing was heard.
"DASH! Ya' done took off an' left us behind." Applejack said between breaths, "So did ya' find out what exactly is going on?"
"Trevor is being confronted by some guy from Oa—"
“BURN!! He got you good snob!” Cried a playful baritone the could be heard over the murmurs of the crowd.
"Oh man!" Shouted a student just a little too loud, causing Rainbow's ear to hurt, "This can't be good."
Rubbing her ears, Dash turned to the student who had shouted and asked why.
“Hill, the leader of Oaklandus, and Landcaster, the leader of Volcain despise each other. It's only gotten worse over the last two years. Fields, not picking a house until now only complicated the issue. If either house was to have fields join them it would place that house way into the lead in the standings, giving them a huge advantage. Because of this those two have been in a competition to enlist him, and have been increasingly hostile. It won't be too long before those two go to war..."
"Huh..." Rainbow replied, but still really didn't understand.
"So you're saying that those two" Applejack gestured to the two boys looking at odds with one another, "are hankering for a fight and Trevor is the cause. Why was it so important that Trevor joined them?"
"Houses here at the academy are extremely important. What house you end up can determine your entire naval career. Your house's standing gives you choice orders, senior officers a glance at how good you are before they even take a look at you grades or accomplishments. It used to be, if you were apart of the top three houses and your all but guaranteed a long naval career. For the last decade or so the third highest house hasn't really mattered, each house claiming allegiance to Oaklandus or Volcain. Now, it's really just a competition to be either a snob, or a slob."
"Snob or Slob?" Rainbow voiced her confusion.
"Oaklandus, snob. Volcain, slob. Personally I like being a slob. I'm Byron Evanczyk y the way."
"Rainbow Dash, fast flier in all of Eques—"
"Applejack." The country mare interrupted, cutting of Dash before she could blow their cover. It was then that flashes of pink, violet and a dark blue could be seen. "These girls are Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle. We live in this house this commotion is happenin in front of."
"Those are...interesting names...so you guys are in Equus? That's neat..." Byron awkwardly noted, still keeping his focus on the confrontation.
It wasn't long before Hill's sharp features screw up into a vision of rage, his amber eyes took measure of the scene and found it wanting. “*tsk* I see now it was a mistake to come here. There’s too much delinquency here. I’m afraid I might catch it.” Hill snapped, before smartly turning his heals and left without another word.
In his rush to leave, Hill forced himself through the students surrounding them. Forcibly moving everyone that had the unfortunate fate of being in his way. Unnoticed by Hill, but not Byron, Maxwell was in the warpath of Oaklandus' leader. With a angry push Hill knocked over the blue haired member of Volcain.
"Out of my way!" Hill shouted.
Staring in confused disbelieve, Maxwell watched the house's greatest rival storm off his arms propping him into a leaned back pose. He's in a mood...what the void was that about? Maxwell pondered for a briefest of moments, until he noticed the brilliant fiery yellow orange hair. The source of all his misery for the last three years. Slowly, Maxwell pushed himself up, dusted off his clothes, and stalked forward, resolved to, at the very minimum, yell at his house leader. Unnoticed, by Maxwell, he almost in his haste mowed over the girls and Byron.
"Oh, looks like everything is about end." Pointed out Byron.
"Why's that?" Rainbow asked, confused.
"LANDCASTER!!" Bellowed Maxwell at the top of his lungs.
Flinching for a brief moment, before rubbing his ears, Byron pointed to Maxwell.
"That's why. Maxwell is here to wrangle Landcaster into doing his actual job. Don't envy him in that task."
"Looks like what ever tussle was is over now." Applejack commented with her southern twang.
"Sure does. I'll see you guys around. Don't want Maxwell catching me not doing much either." Byron gave a light giggle and then walked off.
At some unseen signal, the students began to disperse. After it was apparent no more drama was to be had. Nothing to fill the innate desire to see someone be laid into, verbally assaulted into a crying mess, the emotionally bloodthirsty student body hungered for more, and left to prowl other hunting grounds. Within seconds the only persons still standing in the entranceway to House Equus were the Equestrians themselves. Dumbfounded expressions mirror their bemused thoughts as Trevor slammed the front door. None of the girls understood the highly competitive and political nature of their new and temporary home. What ever happened here, what ever social games they just witnessed, the group silently agreed to try their best and do what ever they could to avoid it. After a second to collect themselves, the girls headed inside as well.
"Well no one died...so that's a plus." Daisy greeted, as her brother all but stormed inside.
"Not really...This whole volentold leadership has thrown me into the center of attention as if my grades, athletics, or my mark on my back." Exasperated Trevor turned to Daisy, "What did I do on the Creator's green earth to get all this unwanted attention. Named know I just want to just study quietly and alone..." he finished with a sigh.
"Think Hill will be going for blood again?" Daisy asked quietly, moving to give her brother what she thought was a much needed hug.
"*sigh* With out a doubt." He answered, falling into the familiar and comfortable embrace of Daisy, both hanging their heads.
Hill, having been spurred once again would make the siblings lives a living hell for the remainder of the semester. A soft familiar hand moved in soothing, comforting, motions along Trevor's back giving a brief respite from the troubles yet to come. The sound of a door opening was heard, but not noticed by the pair. The soft pitter patter of footsteps echoed breaking the silence of the foyer, until all sounds save breathing. Feeling the start of a kink in his neck, Trevor brought his head up slowly, and noticing the girls for the first time since that had been back. Concern had been the primary thing Trevor had noticed on the faces of his otherworldly guests, confusion and curiosity filling in the gaps, Great...I bet they saw the whole damn thing. the girls stood in a semi circle in the service uniforms of Belfiore. A see of white blouses and blue piping all leaning to a favored side, most likely do the the inoculations and other medical procedures that were done to them that day. No words were spoken, no just yet, as the whole of the group was at a loss as to what to say. All that could be expressed was just an awkward stare. No one was comfortable to speak first, so Daisy, being the ever social bug that she was, decided to break the awkward silence.
"So...Did you like the peanut butter shot?" She couldn't help but smirk.
"I never got peanut butter...only a painful shot. I want peanut butter." Pinkie pouted.
"I hate to break it to you, but there is no peanut butter involved with the shot. After all the vaccines they give you, it's possible to over tax the body. So in order to prevent that they inject a protein solution that helps bolster your immune system. It's called a peanut butter shot because peanuts have protein, so it's sort of a joke..." informed Daisy
"Yeah, we get it, that shot sucks...what I want to know is what the hay was with the show we saw earlier." Interrupted Rainbow's raspy tomboyish voice.
"What do you mean?"
"That crowd outside. Those two stallions, er, guys harassing Trevor here." She pointed to him.
"Ah" Daisy responded, pausing for a moment trying to formulate her thoughts. Luckily her brother stepped in.
"They were...were...One of them was voicing his discontent on my, promotion to a house if you will, and the other was I think congratulating me I think... it's done for now so I wouldn't put too much worry into it."
"Ah don' know out y'all, but it sounds like there is a might bit more than what your say'n." Accused Applejack, her tone light, and more curious then angry.
"Yes darling, for instance, why did that Hill fellow call you an orphan?" Rarity asked, her voice calm, and with hesitation, as if she was quite certain how to go about voicing her question delicately.
"There is more..." Trevor's reply terse, forced through clenched teeth as unwanted memories of his childhood passed through his mind, "But I'm not going to tell you about it."
"Like hay you aren't!" Shouted Rainbow, "That one creep just yells and insults you and the other seemed to annoy you. I want to know the reason why."
"Rainbow Dash!" Bellowed a soft velvet voice, one whom had yet to speak much at all here in the academy, but Fluttershy had had enough of there constant drilling of Trevor. "Can't you see that what happen out there has made him uncomfortable? That look in his face is a look of hurt. He reminds me when a young animal lost their par—"
"Fluttershy is right," Applejack admitted, taking a moment to actually look at Trevor. The pale complexion, sweat starting to bead along his forehead and arms. The cast aside gaze and dark rings quickly forming under his eyes. His head hung in some somber manner as Daisy focused her attention on her brother, rubbing his back in a reassuring manner. "If'n it's an really private matter to him, then we really shouldn't be fussing about it. Us forcing the issue won't get him to open up to us. He'll tell us when he's ready. Lets just let it go for now."
Rainbow opened her mouth in protest but closed it shortly after. Fluttershy, and by extension Applejack had a point. Looking slightly rainbow haired girl had turned on her heals and sulked off to her room. Fluttershy, concerned for her friend had followed closely behind her, to help ensure that she wasn't angry or beating herself up too much about the confrontation. Rarity finding thing worth talking about, politely excused herself leaving only Applejack, A guilty looking Twilight and a suspiciously quiet Pinkie. There was a moment of silence that hung in the air like an invisible specter.
"I don't like when my friends fight," Pinkie stated, breaking the moment, "it just always seems to hurt. And even if you don't consider yourself mine, I do think of you as a friend Trevor. I will always make time for you if you ask." She gave a small smile, her usual jovial tone of speech oddly subdued, but still just as warm, "I think I'm going to make something to cheer everpony up. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." She finished brightly before skipping off toward her culinary endeavor.
"Well then," Trevor clapped his hands, "Now that most of you had left and we've stopped invading personal business. I have paperwork to sort for tomorrow. Daisy," slowly he turned to her, a sad smile graced his features, "I'm alright, but thank you for the support. You don't need to worry about me, I've got this. I don't really need help with the forms so~"
"I got it. See you at dinner." Daisy gave him one more rub and a pat before heading off to her room.
"Ah'm just gonna check on Pinkie. Speed if she needs help." Applejack nodded a goodbye, and moved toward the kitchen.
"A...Fields?" Nervous, Twilight voice was almost lost in silence, her whole body shaking despite her best efforts not to.
"Yes? What is it?"
"I know you said you didn't need help with paper work. But Skele...the admiral said that I needed to help you with what ever I can, not that you need it now…it's just that I really don't know how to help you, so I thought that I could see what you need done and learn how to get it done. That way if in the future you need help I could provide it. Also could you help me understand the responsibilities of being your second in command?"
"*sigh* Yes, you can help. I'll also go over what you need to do. Follow me."
If there was one thing Trevor enjoyed about being in a House, it was that they had at least one actual library located within them. It was his favorite place in the whole of the house. Wall to wall bookshelves filled with historical tomes, great works of fiction and lore. To wooden tables a stained a nice golden oak, a set of four chairs, the same golden oak color had a nice russet leather padding. A wide bay window let in a generous amount of the twilight sun and gave filled the library with a warm amber glow as the the streaks of teal, magenta oranges ad violets gave the window a painting like canvas. The smell of books, the faint taste of paper, and best of all quiet were his fellows, quiet and gracious greeters to be called on for a moment of peace and reflection. Well, usually. Twilight Sparkle, had not stopped hounding him with questions. At first it was about the nature of her job, which Trevor had answered politely. Then the queries delved into a comparison between the magic of her world and his. What was different, the same, and completely incompatible. And on any other day Trevor would have welcomed the discussion, because in truth he was just a little curious about the other worlders. Yet with the confrontation earlier in the day and with preparing all the paperwork for the morning and the actual start of classes Trevor’s patience wore a little thin.
“Twilight…” he sighed, “For now just go over the personal files and make sure they're filled out correctly and make a basic muster sheet.”
“I can do that.” She responded a little too cheerfully and over enthusiastically nodding her head. It seemed to Trevor she was forcing her cheerfulness. Seemed like she was hiding something.
“If there are a few mistakes of the forms just one line them and make a correction. if the whole sheet is nothing but one lines…just redo the sheets, we get who ever messed it up to sign them off if a signature is needed.”
Twilight paled, her wrist already beginning to cramp up with the horror of all the paperwork she had written out earlier in the day. Subconsciously rubbing her wrist, she sat down at one of the tables, paperwork already set there, and looming in her mind. Trevor watched her hesitation with confusion, before shrugging and looked over his own set of papers to toil through.
It had taken Twilight two hours to go over, check, double-check, and finally triple-check the forms of a grand total of eight people. Most of the time that was consumed was over Pinkie’s and Rainbows papers. Rainbow’s, sad to say almost incomprehensible and completely illegible handwriting made her forms useless. Her prismatic friend was never know to have the most eloquent of hoof writing, but with the lack of experience with fingers and hands, (despite the gifts Skeleton had given them to help prevent any translation issues) clearly showed. The squiggles that were Rainbows words on paper didn’t even hold a candle to what Pinkie had written down.
Pinkie had filled out the necessary information brilliantly, however the incessant amount of doodles in the margins, and formulas for perfect parties (The maths behind them surprised Twilight, not only were they easy to follow but must shocking, remarkably sound.) Once again the princess of friendship cursed the work load. It didn’t help either that every time she’d check over Pinkie’s rewritten forms the doodles would reappear, causing no end of frustration to her. Still despite the headache that was the piles of paper, it was easier to deal with then the guilt, and after sitting for two hours in the same room as one of her leading sources of guilt… The wall holding back her emotions could be held at bay for only so long.
“Trevor?” she asked, quietly just an octave over a whisper.
“Yes?” He replied in a politely bored tone.
“I’m sorry…” she hiccuped, fighting to hold back her tears.
“For what?”
“I’m sorry for Discord. If we didn’t…I didn’t…” *sniffle*
“Didn’t what?”
“Send him here!” Twilight blurted out, on the verge of crying. “I didn’t mean to send him here. It was just an unfortunate accident. But because of this you’ve already faced something dangerous his first night here, those two boys arguing and yelling at you and going to…I just don't want you to hate me, but you need to know that I was the reason behind you meeting Discord.”
“Twilight…”
“I also understand if you never want to be my friend. And if you hate me I can accept that no matter how much it hurts…But don’t take it out on the girls. None of them are here because they want to…Princess Celestia said that Ske—.”
“TWILIGHT!” Interrupted Trevor, his voice stern and a bit harsh.
Twilight flinched and closed her mouth, afraid of angering him further.
“Let me repeat what you said, help clarify what your part in this happens to be… You unintentionally sent Discord here, correct?” His tone level, betraying neither anger or confusion.
“Yes”
Twilight’s head hung, her gaze boring into the table in front of her.
“So it was just coincidence that Discord showed up in my wardrobe?”
“Yes…”
“Then,” Trevor inhaled deeply held if for a moment and exhaled, “If it was an accident, then all is forgiven.”
“WHAT?! HOW? Why? Why aren't you angry with me? You should be upset, mad…Why aren't you?”
“Don’t you worry, I’m plenty angry,” Twilight flinched again, “But not at you. The Creators, Named, Fate maybe, but not you. The situation is the source of it, but accidents happen. It’s annoying, frustrating even, but so far, no real harm has come of it. A close call yes, but no harm yet. So, I forgive you.”
“I don’t deser… Th-Th-Thank you.” her relief was audible, but though it had helped, here tasks here and what Skeleton told her made Trevor’s forgiveness a token at best.
“For the record Twilight, I don't think I have it in me to hate any of you.” Trevor paused, “Mostly because I plan on being too engrossed with studying to spend enough time with you girls that might develop a hatred for any of you.”