//------------------------------// // Clash // Story: Gilded Sister // by Kind of Brony //------------------------------// School is going much better than I ever expected it to, though it’s also very different. When I think of school, I always envision desks and lessons, homework and tests, but apparently that’s not what preschool is for. No, while there were times that Miss Torial had us all sit down and practice writing numbers or the alphabet, most of the day was given to us foals to play, or in the case of Moondancer and me, read. By day two, we had already breezed through the classroom's small library, the pace only slowed by the in-depth discussion we had on each ten to twenty page picture book. It was truly amazing how much one could read into a story that consisted of only a dozen drawings and barely twice as many words, but we managed well as we dissected motives and plot development… only to break into giggle fits half the time. Moondancer is amazing in that regard, so young yet so intelligent that I feel guilty for bearing the title 'foal genius' while in the presence of one so much more deserving. I have the advantage of over a decade of life while Moondancer has a mere three years under her metaphorical belt, but she is still able to keep up with me just fine and even contribute to our discussions in ways I sometimes fail to think of. Her intelligence was made even clearer when we began bringing our own books from home on the third day of class to share with each other and she brought a pictureless hardcover. Apparently she finds them far more entertaining and already has a growing collection at her house. The fact that I brought Peek-a-Boo with Fluffy Bunny had me blushing, but she luckily thought the book was quite nice. While I’ve been spending my schooldays with Moondancer, Blueblood has made friends with just about all of the colts in class, and even a fair number of fillies, claiming that he must be immune to cooties when the other boys tried to warn him of the deadly disease. At first, he tried frequently to pull me into his and the other kids’ games, and sometimes he succeeded, but more often than not, I chose to sit things out with my friend instead and the offers have grown fewer. I explained to him that I simply don’t want to abandon Moondancer who was too shy to play, and while true, I left out that I share the same fear of socializing. The other students are far less intimidating now that I’ve spent some time around them, but I’m still more comfortable with a good book and a friend to read with. Blueblood accepts this and leaves us in peace during class, as do the others as they all run wild. At least, that’s how it is until the fourth day of class when Moon and I are sitting under a tree during recess. Moondancer is in the middle of helping me sound out a new word in her book when a shadow falls over us. “What’re you two always doin’?” asks a voice a slight bit deeper than I’m used to hearing and I look up. Standing over us is an earth pony colt with a chestnut coat and black mane. He’s a good head taller than the other boys and I remember wondering if he was older than the rest of us the first time I took note of him, but apparently, he's just large for his age. Bronze Pauldron is his name, but everypony just calls him Pauly. “Um, just reading, Pauly,” I answer, nudging up closer to Moondancer to ease her nervousness and mine. She’s gone completely silent and has her eyes glued on the pages between us, shoulders tensed faintly. “That’s stupid,” the colt said with a derisive snort, looking over his shoulder as one of his friends come over to see what’s going on. “They’re reading.” “Why?” the colt asks with a tilted head as he comes unnervingly close to peer at our book. I try not to show my discomfort and smile, preparing to ask if he would like to join us, but all I manage is a squawk as he swipes the book up off of the ground and begins flipping through the pages. “There aren’t no pictures,” he says, holding the tome open vertically. “H-hey! My sister gave me that!” protests a now standing Moondancer. “Give it back!” When the colt puts a hoof to her chest and holds her back, I finally find my tongue. “You can’t just take stuff that isn’t yours,” I say, holding the anger from my voice as I make a grab for the book, only for the colt to suddenly toss it to Pauly, smiles starting to form on all their lips. “Why you even want it if it don’t have pictures?” Pauly asks, smile taking on an edge I couldn’t place. “It’s broken, so I’ll throw it away.” As Moon cries out in protest and both our efforts redouble, fruitlessly trying to grasp at the book being held high over our heads, a familiar voice suddenly cuts in. “Hey! Leave them alone!” Blueblood must had noticed the racket and was now running over to us, the eyes of our classmates being drawn as well. “What?” Pauly began, “I’m just helpin’.” Blueblood simply glared and pointed at Moon and me. “Give back the book.” The larger colt met the glare with his own and gave a petulant, “No.” Now others were nearing and I realize Moondancer is sniffling. I want to comfort her, but my panicking heart won’t let me break my attention away from my brother, worried of what was about to happen. Luckily, a couple of fillies have moved to my friend’s side and seem to be trying to help her in my place. Not so lucky is the hit Blueblood directs at Pauly’s chest after their back-and-forth proved pointless. There are gasps all around as Pauly looks down at where he got struck and an even louder round of them when he looks back up with a frown and punches the little unicorn right in the snout. As my brother drops, hooves instantly covering his face and muffling his wails, I see red. This-this brute comes up, steals my best friend’s book, insults it, and then wallops my brother? That’s two steps too far and I barely realize I’ve spun around until I feel the reverberations of a solid buck travel through my body. A third set of gasps, louder still, fill the air, and by the time what I’ve done registers, another colt is lying on the ground, bawling his eyes out. Looking at my victim, I’m confused on why he’s several steps further away than I remember until I see Moondancer’s book at my hooves. The next thing I notice is the sound of heavy hoof-falls and I look up to see a wide-eyed Miss Torial running our way. Everypony, it seems, is sharing in that surprised expression and, as the adrenaline runs its course and my heart begins to slow, one thought strikes me like a train. I am in so much trouble. Ornate was surprised when the routine pickup of her foals was delayed by a call from their teacher, and the serious expression on the mare’s face had a pit forming in her stomach just as much as the downtrodden posture of her children. “Miss Tutorial, is something the matter?” she asked as the taller mare stopped in front of her. “Hello, Mrs. Garden. I’d actually like to have a talk with you inside if you wouldn’t mind,” Tutorial replied. “There was an incident today involving your foals that I believe is prudent to discuss.” Ornate already regretted not having her husband accompany her today as she looked down at the twins. While Blueblood simply looked sullen, Pureblood flinched away from her mother’s gaze and the mare could only imagine what that could mean. The very first thing she thought was that her son had gotten up to his old tricks and convinced his sister to participate, but he wasn’t wearing the defiant expression she would have expected from him if that were the case. No, that was shame on his face, and… and was that a bruise on his nose? Just the thought of it nearly had the mother’s blood boiling, but she reeled in the emotions and hid them behind the façade of a Canterlot noble. “Yes,” she finally spoke. “I would most definitely like to discuss what happened today. Come, children.” They hesitated a moment, Pure a little longer, but they both followed as their teacher and Mom entered the building. A word wasn’t spoken until the adults settled into their seats and Blueblood blurted out, “It wasn’t our fault! Pauly was pickin’ on Pure!” “Blue, Pure,” Tutorial said with patience, “I see some of the foals failed to put away all of the toys. Would you mind picking them up for me? Your mother and I will be just a moment.” Blueblood looked ready to argue, but a gentle nudge from his sister and whispered plea had the colt leave with a huff. As they both watched the twins wander away, Ornate spoke, “A fight then? I admit I had hoped they would not have to deal with such things so soon.” Though she was still forcing a mask of cool composure, the mother could not help but keep the bitterness out of her voice. “Was it because of Pureblood’s condition?” It seemed ridiculous, the idea that foals so young would even find the little unicorn’s disability noteworthy, but Ornate couldn’t imagine her precious daughter doing anything else to be ridiculed for. At least, not until Tutorial gave a small shake of her head. “No, from what I was able to gather from the foals themselves, Bronze Pauldron and another colt started harassing your daughter and Moondancer while they were reading at recess. Because they were reading, actually.” Breathing a sigh, she added, “The things foals get up to sometimes…” Ornate couldn’t help the relieved chuckle that escaped her lips. It wasn’t funny, she knew, but compared to the alternative, being picked on for being a bookworm was at least less demoralizing and would be easier to talk to her daughter about. “It’s surprising to be sure; something I wouldn’t have expected so early on, but I believe we both know children can be cruel at times. I don’t think loving books will ever be a social badge of honor for young ones.” Tutorial actually shared in the giggle a moment before speaking, “Yes, I suppose not, but I’m afraid there is more to discuss than simple schoolyard bullying.” Her expression sobered. “I’ve already spoken with Pauldron’s father about what happened, and while none too pleased, he has agreed to sit down and talk to his son about his behavior. He also expressed that you should do the same with your children. “Blueblood was quick to come to his sister’s aid-” a flash of pride traveled across Ornate’s face as the teacher continued, “-and tried to retrieve the book Pauly had taken from the fillies. What happened next I blame myself for, both for not watching more closely and for not yet discussing with the foals how to handle confrontations during school, something we all sat down and talked about after recess. “Instead of coming to me, Blueblood decided to strike out against Pauldron, who struck back in return.” Ornate’s jaw clenched, but she did not interrupt the larger mare. “After that, Pureblood joined the fight, or should I say finished it.” Losing its previous tension, her jaw fell open and all Ornate Garden could muster was, “What…?” “Yes, I was surprised as well. By that time I had realized something was amiss and had spotted the circle of foals. It’s something one doesn’t expect to see; a little unicorn filly bucking an earth pony colt twice her size off his hooves, but… well, it happened. Luckily, there were no serious injuries all around. Pauldron has quite the nasty bruise on his chest, but the nurse assures me it will be fine.” “That’s good,” Ornate managed after a swallow. “Pureblood, is she… is she in trouble then?” Closing her eyes, Tutorial heaved a sigh. “No, not this time, but I’m sure you understand there cannot be a repeat of this incident. Besides being against the rules, her strength makes it doubly important that she knows not to resort to violence again. Had her buck been a few inches higher, the consequences would be far more severe. Young Pauldron would be lucky to only lose a few teeth.” The idea of her sweet, loving filly hurting somepony so grievously was almost impossible to comprehend, but Ornate knew logically that even good ponies could hurt others by mistake. “I’ll talk to her and her brother, Miss Tutorial, you can rest assured,” promised the mother, glancing over at her children who must have been done putting away the toys ages ago and were now sitting patiently. While Blueblood still looked tense and stubborn, Pure looked like a kicked puppy. “I’m glad,” Tutorial replied with a soft smile. “They really are wonderful children, I’d hate to lose them so soon. Blueblood has made so many friends that I fear his absence would bring a melancholy to the class, and Pure, she’s so brilliant that I wish to see that knowledge grow myself. Plus there’s Moondancer to think about. She’s a shy girl, even more so than your daughter, and it took a lot of courage for her to reach out and make a friend. I can tell she is the sort of pony who would blame herself if something bad were to happen to Pureblood over all of this.” “I’m glad too,” Ornate agreed as she stood. “I’m glad they’ve found such good friends here, and I’m glad they will not have to say goodbye, but if there isn’t anything else to discuss, I believe it’s time for me to say goodbye.” “Of course, I’m sure the twins are exhausted.” Standing as well, the two mares walked over to the foals and they silently got up to follow. “And you look like you could use some rest also. I won’t keep you.” “Thank you,” Ornate said honestly. “It has been a taxing ordeal merely to hear about, I’m sure the twins are anxious to be home, isn’t that right you two?” Blueblood merely shrugged and mumbled while Pure remained silent, eyes downcast. Feeling her heart clench, Ornate ushered them out of the building and began guiding them home, her mind wondering how her husband would take the news and about the conversation they would have to have with the little ones. As I lay in bed, watching the first morning rays slowly travel across the sheets, I contemplate faking illness so that I can stay here all day. I have plenty of practice with the real deal, and according to most works of fiction I’ve read on the subject, it’s practically guaranteed to get me out of school. A little dishonesty would be nothing after what I did yesterday and I’d much rather suffer a small uptick in guilt than face my classmates. I was already strange, I won’t lie to myself about that, but now they probably think I’m some sort of psycho. What if they’re all afraid of me? What about Moondancer? I roll up even tighter, chin tucked in and blanket pulled up over my head in a vain attempt to ward off the cold that settled in my stomach. Mom and Dad assured me, after the former convinced the latter not to march to Pauly’s house and give his father a piece of his mind, that it was an honest mistake and that nopony would think any less of me for it. Never do it again, they said, and to always use my words, but they couldn’t stop emphasizing how it was just an honest mistake. An honest, little mistake that left the biggest foal in our class a heaving mess on the ground. I don’t realize I’m shivering until my brother stirs besides me and grumbles. “Sorry,” I whisper. “Didn’t mean to wake you.” Blueblood and I had our own bedrooms from when I was still too sensitive to magic, but we sleep together more often than not, and after the fiasco of yesterday, we both needed the extra comfort. “It’s okay…” he mumbles. Peeking my head back out, I spot the sun's rays inching closer and know what that means. “It’s almost time to get up for school.” I feel him stiffen besides me. “Can’t go. Don’t feel good.” I actually have to wiggle around at that, curious and worried for the colt. “You don’t?” Not meeting my gaze, he nods. “Mhmm, I feel yucky and got sniffles, so I can’t go to school, just like that llama from your book… tissues please.” I can’t help the flat look at that. It seems Bluey has gotten the same idea as me, but that raises the question, “Why don’t you want to go to school?” “What’da mean, I want to go to school, but I’m sick, so I can’t.” To emphasize the point, he fakes a sneeze. “Ah-choo! See?” “Bluey, what’s wrong?” I ask, concern plain on my face. “Are you afraid Pauly’s going to try and hurt you?” At the thought, I feel the same fire from before spark inside my belly. “Don’t worry about him, I’ll keep you safe.” With how fiercely the colt blushes at that, I worry he might really have a fever until he speaks. “Don’t say that…” “What?” “Big brothers aren’t s’pose to be saved by their little sisters. It’s the other way around.” He rolls away from me, but continues to talk. “All the colts are gonna laugh at me now ‘cause I was crying and you beat up Pauly for me. I’m not going to school.” I’m utterly stunned at this and struggle to find words. Bluey had been agitated from the moment we got home yesterday, but I assumed he was still mad at Pauly, not trying to hide insecurities behind a visage of anger. For a moment, I'm ashamed that I didn't realize this sooner, remembering that this is not the first time my brother has acted this way. This is just like our first day of training with Grandpa, and I am once again the source of his turmoil. And even so, I clung to him for my own comfort while he was suffering and probably wanted nothing more than space away from me. “I’m sorry…” He grunts, but doesn’t respond. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of our classmates, I just got so angry when I saw you hurt that I acted without thinking.” Placing a hoof on his back, I whisper even more quietly, “Can… can you forgive me?” At first, I fear he’s going to ignore me, and then, “Don’t be sorry, I would have been really angry too if I saw somepony hit you. I was mad just when he was pickin’ on you.” I blink a few times. “But what about your friends? Aren’t they going to laugh at you now?” Another pause, then a sigh. “Maybe… but if my little sister is brave enough to still go to school after that bully picked on her, then I have to be brave too. I am gonna help run Equestria as a prince when I grow up after all, so I can’t be a scaredy-cat, right?” He turns around to reveal a proud smile, and I can’t help but return it. “That’s right, my brother is going to be the best prince ever; he’s not afraid of a bunch of foals.” “Yeah, and you’re gonna be a princess, so you’re not afraid either!” “R-right, I can’t wait to go to school,” I respond, smile becoming a little forced. Jumping to his hooves, Bluey cheered, “Yeah, let’s get ready now so we can go early! I'll go wake up Mom and Dad!” Not waiting for a response, the colt leaps from the bed and rushes out of the room, voice already calling out to our parents. Welp, guess I won’t be playing hooky after all.