Dude from the human world get's accepted into a university for ponies in the pony world..
Greg Fredrickson is a normal average day kind of guy who is given the opportunity to attend a magical other worldly University called Equestria University.
To what he will experience there it may prove to be move then what he hoped for..
I eagerly tore into the envelope as soon as I saw the sender's name, pulling out the letter to read the results. I had done it—joy and happiness ran through my entire body. I was accepted into Equestria University with a full ride scholarship. I guess I should explain how this works since I’m a human who just got accepted into a university for ponies.
Ten years ago, a portal of unknown origins (still a mystery to this day) opened up in our plain of existence (meaning our world, Earth). A group of scientists was sent in to investigate the phenomenon after a few people had gone missing. Last, they were seen entering into the portal. The research they gathered led them to conclude that anything that enters may not return. Not being able to accept these terms caused the head scientist, better known as Dr. Theodore Ivon, to do what others would not. He gave a speech saying he would give himself for the good of the human race and said that no matter how long he was gone, no one was to go into the portal after him and if he did not return in one month’s time, declare him to be dead. Right before entering the portal, his assistant Sam stepped in front of him and said he would not allow him to go at this alone; he would join him on his mission to the other side. Soon after, two other scientists also declared they would accompany him. Now being set, the four entered the portal and the area was quarantined.
Six months had passed since the party of four had entered the portal and were all declared dead. It was now the military's turn to step into action. One hundred soldiers would enter the portal armed to the teeth and ready for anything they may face on the other side. Before entering the portal, the soldiers were faced with sudden winds of over 75 mph being generated from an unknown source. Followed by the sky darkening and snow beginning to fall. A small tremor from below caused several soldiers to fall over, causing many to already abort and retreat from the mission. Those that stayed were about to witness something that humanity had never seen before. A flash of light caused those who were left to look away. On looking back in the direction of the light, the soldiers were shocked. The party of four, along with the others that went missing, were standing before all of them.
Dr. Ivon had an important announcement that he addressed on live TV shown worldwide. What he said still shocks the world today. He said, “Humanity is no longer alone to brilliance. We have discovered a race of intelligent life forms which aided us in the return back to our own world.” Once he said intelligent life, panic spread like wildfire and people began to believe they were endangered for no impaired reason. The military was once again called upon to take action, and troops were being assembled to combat the supposed threat.
It looked as if humanity was on the brink of starting war with a potential ally just because we did not understand them. We’re blinded by the fear of something new that we have to hide behind our weapons to engage upon the unknown. For the unknown could bring devastation or bring entire charge to all we know.
Dr. Ivon addressed the world again. He said, “This race means no harm to us and in 3 days time the leader of their race will arrive in our world to speak to our leaders to negotiate peaceful terms.”
Three days later, the leader of their world arrived in our world to negotiate. TV cameras were set up everywhere for the arrival of their leader named Princess Celestia. Jaws dropped on seeing their leader—a 6-foot-tall, white, furred, winged, horned pony, with multiple colored mane and tail. She was accompanied by two guards—one a Pegasus and the other a unicorn wearing full suits of armor. Dr. Ivon had thought it would be best if what the new race looked like was kept secret for no one would take him seriously if he said that the new race comprised of talking magical ponies. Negotiations were pretty light. Princess Celestia decreed that only a handful of humans yearly may enter into their world, so as not to overpopulate their society.
For the next 5 years, the only ones selected to go over there were scientists to get a better understanding of their world. Then Princess Celestia allowed for an exchange program to transpire between college students of youth. Ten human students plus additional students a year may attend Equestria University. Those that are chosen stay for as long as their scholarship permits them. So Equestria University has been thoroughly evaluated and given the highest of ratings among any University in our world and theirs. Students of our world may receive real diplomas and degrees there that have the same credibility as if they received them from over in our world.
Princess Celestia put Dr. Ivon in charge of picking the students. She seemed to have real trust in him because she appointed him as the vice dean of the University. To register you needed to be between the ages of 18 to 24 and had to have finished high school without any setbacks and your GPA had to be 3.5 or above. Then you just send in a paper stating why you believe you should be given the opportunity to attend Equestria University.
The administrators often tell students that the chances of getting in are equal to winning the lottery, hoping some people will give up on the spot. Over a hundred thousand students register for the 10 slots available each year. Sometimes, not all the slots get filled; last year, only 7 students were picked instead of 10. Well, I didn’t put my heart and soul into the paper I sent in like my friend did. Her paper was 15 pages long, while mine was maybe a paragraph. Here’s a little preview of the paper I sent in:
"Hello Dr. Theodore Ivon, my name is Greg Fredrickson. So why should you give me the opportunity to attend Equestria University? Well, that is why you’re reading this paper to find out. I’m not going to bore you with my whole life story like most everyone else does. So I’m just going to send you this paper like this because there is no way out of the thousands of papers you get you’ll actually see mine."
The next thing I knew, I'd been accepted into Equestria University. Thanks to the paper I believed would not get me anywhere. Upon telling my friend, she tackled me to the ground and started yelling at me for taking her spot. She wanted so badly to enter their world and possibly become a flyer. Yeah, it seems that when we cross into their world, we are given the chance to become not a different race but given the abilities to fly due to wings magically appearing on your back, or we just stay a normal human. In Equestria, there are three main races of ponies: unicorns that have magical abilities channeled by their horns, Pegasus, which are winged ponies that have the ability to control the weather and walk on clouds, and lastly, earth ponies that dwell upon the earth, meaning the ground, which I find to be the most boring of the three. In which I will probably end up being just a normal human, thus I am boring too. In the records of the past 10 years, there have only been 3 flyers, one of them being Dr. Ivon. Flyers have the same abilities as a Pegasus. Everyone else has been a plain human, and no magical unicorn changes have occurred with anyone, yet.
Telling my folks about my acceptance letter into Equestria University brought joy to them. However, that was just on the outside; I could see in their eyes a sadness. What kind of parents wouldn't be a little sad seeing their babies grow up then leave them? It had always been my dream to embark on my own, to go on an adventure elsewhere. All that I could learn from Equestria University, I could easily obtain the same information in my own world. So what would be the point in going? If I go, I leave behind all my friends and family. It’s not forever, and I’ll see them again, but it’ll never be the same. Yet, if I were to go, I’d experience something that most go their entire life without: adventure.
Asking for some of my friends’ opinions on the matter didn't help the least bit. We all talked about going to the local university together; however, that is no longer the case now, since I’m considering not just going to a different university but also a different world. Of course, they all said go for it, but I knew they were thinking about how I would betray them all in doing so. My best friend, Josh, told me he would be sad to see me go, but if I just worry about how others felt, then I would never move forward in my own life.
Sitting at my desk in my room, I was in deep thought while eyeing the acceptance letter in my hands. Just because I got accepted doesn't mean I have to go; I could refuse. It’s not like an opportunity like this is once in a lifetime. Going to another world outside of your own—yeah, there will be plenty of those opportunities just standing outside your doorway in your life.
The decision has been made. I’ll try it for a semester, and if I don't like it, I'll get out of it.
Waking up I looked to my trusty alarm clock which read 3 o’clock in the afternoon. After reading it a realization came to me “Oh crap, I’m late!” Jumping out of my bed and throwing my clothes on I ran to my car. On my arrive all I could muster after seeing what awaited me from the parking lot to the portal was an “Oh no”. It looked as if every TV news station reporter from around the world was here waiting for me especially since I was the last of the students to arrive, I was late. I was forewarned about this due to me watching on TV every year what happens to the students that are late. I would be Bomb barded with various microphones being shoved in my face along with reporters asking all sorts of questions.
“How are you doing today?”
“Why were you late for the biggest day of your life?”
“Did you eat breakfast?”
“What color underwear are you wearing?”
Aww, just the thought sucks. Well, maybe they won’t notice me if I just act natural. Though I doubt that will work since I’m carrying all this stuff to suggest that I am indeed the last student. Screw it; I’m just going to make a run for it. “There he is!” I heard from behind. Turning around I saw Josh pointing at me with a smile on his face. “Josh you son of-“I couldn't even finish my sentence before the horde of reporter surrounded me. There had to be 100, no 200 I don’t know how many there actually were. I just kept saying “No comment” about a dozen times. It seemed not to get into their skulls that I was not going to answer any of their questions.
A horn being sound from above caused everyone to immediately look up and step away from me on seeing two Pegasus’s from Portal Patrol touchdown from the sky. Portal Patrol was an elite group chosen by Princess Celestia to guard the portal. One of the Pegasus’s came up to me while the other did crowd control, he took a step forward everyone took 3 steps back. “Are you Greg Frederickson?” The Pegasus asked me. I didn't really know what to say I mean I was a little nervous this being my first encounter with any of the pony kind so I kind of didn't respond. “ARE YOU GREG FREDERICKSON?” He repeated himself but this time a little louder which jolted me from my nerves and cause me to answer right away.
“Yes Ma’am, no sir, I mean pony” Idiot that’s all I was thinking of myself. He kneeled down and told me to get on his back and he’ll fly me the rest of the way there. Now I’m no mathematician but my weight plus all the stuff I was carrying there was no way we’d even get off the ground. Well, what the heck I’m not going to refuse a free ride.
As soon as I climbed aboard no warning was given as the Pegasus shot into the air. My reaction to this was me grabbing on for dear life and screaming like a little girl. As soon as we landed I was off in an instant. That may have been the worst experience in my life. Then I saw it and all of what just happened was gone from my mind. The portal to Equestria was right in front of me. It looked so majestic, so magical I could just stare at it forever, not giving a hoot about anything less. A nudge to my side caused me to be taken from the trance I was placed in.
“Be careful, stare too long and you may not want to part with it.” Turning, I saw a Unicorn. She had the nerdiest pink glasses on and had horrible horse breathe but I wasn't going to say anything about that cause that’s kind of rude.
“Who are you?”
“Well it doesn’t really matter to whom I am Greg Frederickson, you’re late. Dr. Theodore Ivon and the other students have already entered the portal.”
Panic and a little anxiety hit me. “What does that mean!? Does that mean I can’t go!? Do I have to wait a year!?”
“Calm yourself, take a few deep breathes and just re-gather yourself.” Jeeze, I can tell already this kid is going to be a handful. To why Dr. Ivon chooses him it still baffles me. He didn't even meet the qualifications yet he bent the rules for him. Don’t tell me just because he taunted Dr. Ivon in that sorry excuse of a paper entry he allowed him entrance into the most excluded University in Equestria not to mention all of the earth as well.
Taking her advice I took a few needed deep breaths, inhale-exhale, inhale exhale and just like that I was calmed and collective. “So what happens now?” I asked her.
“Now you enter the portal and meet the others on the other side.”
Wow, all that panic for no reason. I turn towards the portal and paused again to look at it once more.
“I’d get a move on it if I were you; you've kept them waiting long enough.” She was right and I was ready now. Ready, set, go! I thought to myself when I spray forward towards the portal. I yelled “Geronimo!” as I entered the portal and exited out the other side, landing face-first in a pile of dirt.
“Thank you for joining us, Mr. Fredrickson.” That voice, it was Dr. Theodore Ivon’s. A few giggles from the other students while I arose from the ground, spitting some dirt from my mouth.”
You know my name?”
“But of course, I mean after all there is no way I wouldn't.” My attention was taken elsewhere on remembering I just entered the portal and looked to my back, nothing. It looked as if I would be put in the boring category as well. This time laughter was heard from Dr. Ivon on seeing my expression. For it had seemed everyone had looked towards their back to find nothing was waiting for them. I was surprised at seeing only 5 other students. Out of the 10 slots only 6 were selected, I kind of felt sorry for all those that registered for the slots only for them to be cut short. My thoughts were interrupted by Dr. Ivon speaking to us all.
“Gather around students, before we head off to your dorms I’ll be going over a few rules you must abide by while you stay here in Equestria. 1st no sexual relationships of any kind will be tolerated with the locals of this land.” Eeww, oh God as soon as he said that I was grossed out. Who would even consider doing something like that? Looking to my left I saw one of the other students showed signs of disappointment. Oh God, don’t tell me he’s one of those people. “2nd your Guidance Buddies will be in charge of looking after you while you stay here, not corroborating with them will get you sent home.” Guidance buddies? “Excuse me, Dr. Ivon, who are our Guidance Buddies again?” “I was just about to cover that part. Please save all your questions for the end, Mr. Fredrickson. Your Guidance buddies comprises of selected volunteers that you will meet inside your dorm rooms. 3rd and last conduct yourself in a mature fashion this is not a rule however I’d hope you’d have the common scene to remember you are representing earth while you stay here. Now, are there any questions? No questions alright let me introduce you to Professor Starmoon.”
The Unicorn I met from before stepped forward. “Prof. Starmoon will be aiding us with a teleportation spell that will take us directly to the dorms, unless you all prefer taking a 3-day march there. No takers?” “Is he trying to be funny or is that just him?” I whispered to another student that just shhhed me. “Dr. Ivon while I find your humor to be funny I believe the students would like to be on their way.” Dr. Ivon looked towards us and saw that indeed we all looked a little exhausted. It had been quite the day for us all. “Very well Prof. Starmoon if you would please now perform the teleportation spell.”
We were directed by Prof. Starmoon to be seated on the ground and to be silent. She had to focus on our destination. Teleporting herself was a snap but teleporting a group of people was a little more challenging. She closed her eyes and her horn started to radiate a glowing kind of pinkish color that started to spread and soon engulfed all of us inside of it. To put it simply it looked as if we were in a giant pink bubble. I saw Dr. Ivon on the other side of the bubble waving us off. “Isn't Dr. Ivon coming with us too?” I asked wishing I hadn't. Immediately Prof. Starmoon opened her eyes and glared at me for speaking when she asked for silence. A flash of light later, next I knew it looked as if we were in front of the main entrance into the University and not at the dorms.
“What happened, I thought we were going to the dorms?” One of the students asked. Prof. Starmoon looked a little wary from the spell and sat down before speaking. “That is what I was focusing on until someone broke my concentration.” Everyone turned to face me with angry looks on their faces. “Not to worry students it’s just a mile walk from here.” The mile walk was horrible I think I had some type of teleportation sickness, something similar to jet lag. Plus it didn't help with all the glares I was getting from everyone; needless to say they all hated me even including Prof. Starmoon.
When we arrived in front of the dorms the sun was setting and we met a familiar face there. “You all look so droopy. I thought you would beat me here and you’d be waiting for me not the other way around.” “We had some setbacks.” Prof. Starmoon plainly stated to Dr. Ivon while looking towards me. “How’d you get here so fast? I thought you said it was a 3-day march” I asked forgetting he had wings. “Indeed I did however When you have these” Dr. Ivon gestured to his back where his wings were located.”Who needs teleportation?” Prof. Starmoon just laughed at that then commented. “Let’s see how far those get you in a storm.” “Well if the wind currents are pointed in the direction of where I am going then I would probably get to my destination a lot faster.” The two proceeded into an argument about flying and teleportation while the rest of us sat down exhausted to the point of just falling asleep on the ground.
Once the two had concluded their argument they turned towards us to find most had fallen asleep just I remained awake. Dr. Ivon gestured to me to come forward.” Well, Mr. Fredrickson, since you’re the only one awake you’ll be given first choice to the dorms.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out 6 separate keys with numbers on them. He then extended his hand out towards me to select one. It looked as if they were color coated as well blue, orange, yellow, pink, white and purple. Blue is my favorite color so why not. I reached for the blue one but right before grabbing it Dr. Ivon said something strange. “Be warned for the choice you make here will change everything.” I stopped right before grabbing the blue one. What the heck is he talking about? Not sure what to do I reach for the orange one. He spoke once more. “You must look beyond what you seek.” Is he just messing with me? I turn my hand towards the yellow one looked to Dr. Ivon and waited to see if he’d say anything about this one. Nothing, taking the opportunity I thrusted my hand forward to grab the yellow one when all of a sudden a gust of wind blew dust into my eyes and they immediately sealed shut and I grabbed a key.“Ouch ow ow” I rubbed my eyes with my hands but that just made it worse. “Hold still,” Prof. Starmoon said. She used magic to remove the dust. On opening my eyes I saw I was not holding the yellow key, I was holding the purple one with the number 6 on it. I looked to Dr. Ivon who stuffed the other keys into his pocket and gave me a smile.” Aw, looks as if you got dorm room number 6 that’s on the 2nd floor let me give you a hand.” Prof. Starmoon said. With the wave of her horn, she teleported me.
I found myself in front of a door that read number 6 on it. I kind of wanted to find my own way here so I’d know where it was but oh well. The only thing left to do was to insert my key into the door and go in. Placing my key into the door I turned it to the right and walked inside..
On entering into the dorm room I half expected my Guidance whatever to be present ready to tell me all about what was going to happen but to my surprise it seemed that no one was here with me. All the lights were out but one which was on behind the bathroom door that I guess someone forgot to turn off. Setting my bags down by my bed I went over to investigate it. The closer I got to the light I started to hear a humming sound like someone was humming a song of some kind, next I heard water. I knocked on the door no response. “Hello” I was greeted only with silence. Entering into the bathroom I was hit with a thick dense fog but I proceeded anyways. My breathing started to rapidly increase as I drew closer to the shower door curious of what was inside. I drew back the door only to be met with a loud scream and a punch to the face landing me unconscious on the floor.
“Ahh my face” I stretched my arm to my face to find an ice pack I also found myself in my bed with a purple mane and coat unicorn sitting in a chair beside me. Well at least that gave me an idea of what the color coating was for.
“Ever heard of knocking or waiting your turn?” the unicorn said while eyeballing me.
“I’m sorry I thought I was alone here it was an honest mistake.”
“Did you see anything?”
“No!” I quickly replied. Thank God I didn’t, I would have been scarred for life.
“Very well let’s just forget that whole event ever happened and start fresh.”
I nodded in agreement and she continued.
“My name is Twilight Sparkle and I’ve been assigned to be your Guidance buddy. To what that pertains to I will make sure you have a safe and knowledgeable experience while you are here at Equestria University. To make sure you keep yourself in check with that I’ve had the liberty to create a rules chart that you will follow to keep in line of maintaining good health and being successful.”
“A rules chart? Let me see it and I’ll decide if I want to follow them.”
Twilight levitated a copy of it to my hand.
Rule number 1. Be back in the dorm room by 9pm (curfew, not happening)
Rule number 2. Lights out by 10:30pm and be in bed (I’m going to sleep at 12:00am maybe even 1am)
Rule number 3. Will not sleep passed 7:30am (yeah I’m going to sleep longer than that)
Rule number 4. Study for at least 2 hours a day for each class (I’ll study for about 15-30minutes a day)
Rule number 5. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (I don’t eat breakfast)
Rule number 6. No leaving the campus (I will be exploring so no to that)
Rule number 7. No friends over past 6pm also no sleepovers (I don’t know anyone)
Rule number 8. No loud obnoxious noises of any kind (okay what does that even pertain to?)
Rule number 9. Nothing beyond a friend relationship (With ponies that’s Gross)
Rule number 10. Make a mess clean it up (maybe)
Rule number 11. No pets (If I find one of those legendary baby dragons I’m keeping it)
Rule number 12. Fail to follow any of the rules on the list there will be consequences (Consequences?)
“Okay, what will be the consequence if I fail to comply with the rules?”
“As long as you follow the rules you don’t have to worry about them.”
Okay I’m not going to press further into this it’s a waste of time and I’ll find out once I break one of the rules. Wait I just realized something, her name is Twilight Sparkle haha.
I started laughing so hard she just looked at me dumbfound looking a little agitated in wonder to what I was laughing at.
“What do you find so funny?”
“Nothing just a little inside joke” I doubt she’s ever heard of the Twilight saga. “Is your mom or dad a vampire fan?”
“No, why do you ask?”
“Oh no reason just wondering.”
He’s a strange one; I better keep my guard up at all times. “Well it is awfully late I suggest we turn in for the night and get some sleep” Twilight announced.
I have a feeling this was no accident that Dr.Ivon gave me the purple key to meet Twilight but why? I’ll have to look into this further on because I am really tired. “I won’t argue with that I am kinda tried, it’s been a long day moving from home to Equestria. Night Twilight and the names Greg Fredrickson in case you were wondering.”
“It’s nice to make your-” Twilight was cut off before she could finish her sentence with Greg snoring.
He fell asleep that fast...Wow, Twilight thought to herself. She stared at Greg while he slept watching him inhale and exhale thinking that this was the human she was going to spend the next school year with. He did not look the part of one who worked hard to get into Equestria University. Twilight’s horn lit up and she pressed it against Graz’s forehead and dove into his dream.
She found herself in a darkened cavern and saw nothing but a drip of water, fall from the ceiling into a half-full cup. She stood there and watched for several minutes while the glass of liquids never exceeded passed where it had started since she arrived. Eventually, boredom kicked in and Twilight felt there was no point in continuing this exploration of water droplets falling into a never filling glass and transcended herself out of Greg’s dream.
Was that really what he was dreaming about? He really is a strange one I guess only time will tell what he is capable of. Twilight thought before turning away from the sleeping human and walking then climbing into her bed and falling into a deep slumber.
There was a knock on the door, followed by another and soon several hard pounds.
Ahh, I awoke from my dull dream and started to stir in my bed lifting the covers off of my head to look to my alarm clock that read 7:00am it was too early to get up.
“TWILIGHT!! Are you ready to go, the others are waiting?”
Looking towards Twilight’s bed I found she was no longer in it. But then hearing water I knew where she was.
“Twilight weewhoo Twilight!”
“SHE’S IN THE SHOWER!” I yelled back.
“In the shower? Oh, could you get her for me?” The unknown voice asked.
Remembering the events that took place yesterday “that’s not going to happen” I simply replied.
“Well, then could you let me in?”
“And who are you?”
“Who am I!? Who am I?! Well since you asked so nicely I guess I’ll introduce myself. The names Pinkamina Diane Pie born on a Tuesday and raised on a rock farm. There I met many challenges to express myself but never fear for when there’s a will there’s a way and Pinkie pie always has a way for when there is hope I am there and-“
What is she talking about? All I wanted was a freaking name, not her entire life story. Getting out of bed I grabbed my robe and quickly hurried to the door. On opening it up I found a pink mane and coat pony bouncing up and down while she spoke more nonsense. Behind her stood hunched over was one of the other students that were accepted into Equestria University. He looked miserable, rings under his eyes, hair a mess and it looked as if he was wearing the same thing from yesterday.
“Ewww so Twilight got one too.” She forcefully grabbed my hand and shook it up and down shaking me along with it. “It’s nice to meet you… um, what’s your name?”
“Greg Fredrickson and you can let go now” I tried getting my hand back but her grip on it was surprisingly strong. I guess being an earth pony has its perks.
“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you Greg. Me and Twilight go way back so far back that I don’t really recall how far back it was to a time where-“
Oh someone get me away from this thing. Just then Twilight emerged from the bathroom and on seeing Pinkie shaking me up and down in the doorway she quickly teleported between us breaking the connection saving me from that pink nightmare.
“Pinkie, how nice to see you” Twilight’s face showed signs of confusion; she had no clue as to why Pinkie was here.
“Twilight!” Pinkie pie yelled with glee jumping on top of her causing the two to fall to the ground. “Oh, Twilight” Pinkie quickly getting off the ground began to bounce uncontrollably with excitement.
“Yes, Pinkie” Twilight asked nervously.
Pinkie pie went and pushed forward the student that was standing behind her. “I’d like you to meet Mark. He doesn’t say much but that’s okay because I can speak for both of us. On another note, did you forget about our outing with the girls to show our new freshmen buddies around campus?”
Yeah, I’m not going anywhere with this lunatic. While Twilight and the lunatic chatted for a bit I went over to Mark. “So how was your first night?”
It took him a moment to comply, at first I thought he didn’t hear me but then he spoke. “She never stops talking. While she’s in the bathroom, when she’s eating, I thought I’d get silence when we went to bed but I was wrong, horribly horribly wrong… she talks in her sleep!”
Well, thank you Dr.Ivon for not giving me the pink one.
Twilight finally got up from the ground brushed herself off and spoke. “I had not forgotten Pinkie, I thought we all agreed on the time of 10:45am and meeting by the celestial fountain.”
“Did we, everyone else said that too?”
“You didn’t…” Twilight looked to Pinkie pie who had a big smile on her face.
“Yeah everyone is waiting outside for you and Greg to begin our magical journey across campus to explore the known and unknown regions of the land-”
I scooted up to Twilight and whisper in her ear while Pinkie pie went on another rant “is she always like this.” “For the most part,” Twilight whispered back.
Then we both heard these loud breaths coming from behind us and we were a little hesitant to turn around but when we did oh surprise Pinkie pie was there “you know talking when somepony else is, that’s quite rude.”
“Ahh” I jumped back, I didn’t even notice her.
“Well daylights burning and we need to get a move on it. Twilight, Greg I’ll see you downstairs in 15 minutes or you may just get left behind.”
I raised my hand “I’m for being left behind.”
Twilight gave me a glare while Pinkie pie started laughing.
“Hahaha, I’m only kidding. Your roommate is funny Twilight.” Pinkie said.
“Don’t worry Pinkie we’ll be down in 10 minutes,” Twilight said.
“Okie Dokie lokie, I’ll see you two downstairs.” And with that Pinkie pie and Mark left.
Speak for yourself; I’m not leaving this room. It’s a weekend and I attend to sleep all day I thought to myself.
Once the two were gone I removed my robe and jumped back into bed.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Twilight asked.
“What does it look like genius, I’m going back to bed” I muttered from under my bedsheets.
“Look I know it’s the weekend but school starts on Monday and you need to start familiarizing the campus before it starts.”
“That’s why they invented maps so you don’t have to search and discover the whereabouts on your own.”
“How about a compromise, after I say hi to my friends just you and I go around campus?”
“Twilight have fun with your friends, I’m staying here,” I replied.
Twilight let out the biggest sigh “I guess I have no choice but to call Pinkie pie back in here to get you up.”
“I’m up.” Getting out of bed in an instant I threw on my clothes and was out the door.
Twilight teleported next to me “I'm glad you saw it my way.”
Oh whatever, I thought to myself. Once outside the dorms, I saw them and stopped. The keys...they're all right here in front of me..
Once outside the dorms, we saw Twilight’s friends and she ran ahead of me to greet them. The other human students that were accepted into Equestria University were all paired with one of Twilight’s friends. I stopped and just then a realization came to me. The keys were all in front of me, blue Pegasus, orange Earth, yellow Pegasus, pink Earth, white Unicorn, and purple Unicorn. The keys were Twilight’s friends along with herself, but why? Is there a purpose behind it or just a weird coincidence?
My thoughts were interrupted by a flash of light and I soon found myself over by Twilight’s side immediately I realized what just transpired because I felt sick in my gut. “Aww, why’d you teleport me?” I clenched my stomach and bent forward. I felt like I was going to throw up.
“Oh boy, he’s going to be sick somepony get a bucket.” The orange pony said.
“Are humans supposed to turn green?” The blue Pegasus asked.
“Absolutely not, you will not throw up right here and defile the grounds with your filthy germs.” The white unicorn declared. She got right in my face, probably not the best place to be at the moment.
The yellow Pegasus gentle nudged the white unicorn out of my face and unfolded her wings. She then began to flap a cool breeze my way. Almost immediately like magic, I didn't feel sick anymore. She then came over and rubbed my back which actually felt really good. Damn, why couldn’t I get the yellow key. I rouse from the bent position “Thank y-…where’d she go?”
“The bushes over there” the blue Pegasus pointed.
“What, why?” I asked.
“Her name is Fluttershy, literally her name says it all.” The blue Pegasus replied.
“Well thank you, Fluttershy!” I shouted to the bushes. The only response back I got was crinkling sounds from within the bush. I’m just going to take that as a silent your welcome.
Twilight started to cough deeply as if to draw everyone’s attention and soon everyone came together.
“Before we begin I feel that it is only right that we all introduce ourselves. “ Twilight announced.
The blue Pegasus jumped into the air unfolded her wings and flew to a very extensive height. That drew everyone’s attention to her. She then began spiraling down with a wicked nose dive, her speed rapidly increasing faster and faster. It looked as if the air currents are forming some sort of barrier around her.
“What is she doing?” I asked Twilight.
“A sonic rainboom”
“A What…?”
“Upon reaching hypersonic speeds she creates the sonic rainboom instantly causing her speed to increase to mach 10 which temporarily shatters the visible light spectrum.”
“…”
Twilight placed a magical bubble around everyone.
“What’s this for?” I asked.
“The shockwave.” Twilight simply replied.
“Wha-“
Booom! A rainbow of color and a force of immense power shot in every direction. Thankfully we were protected by Twilight's bubble.
That was awesome Rainbow Dash!” One of the students shouted. That one must be her dorm buddy. So her names Rainbow Dash, haha that’s pretty funny she does have a rainbow mane and tail. It sues her well.
“Always a showoff” A whisper came from the orange Earth pony though she wore a smile on her face.
“They don’t call me Rainbow Dash for nothing.” The blue Pegasus said while touching down on the ground in front of us.
Twilight released the magical bubble. Rainbow Dash’s dorm mate ran to her and gave her a high hoof bump. “That was amazing.”
“I know that’s how I always am.”
“By the way, everyone I’m Jake and Rainbow Dash here is my guidance buddy.”
What a fanboy, I guess that’s only best for them both.
The white unicorn stepped out of the group along with her dorm buddy by her side. “How do you do my name is Rarity and this handsome gentleman beside me is Tomas.” They both took a bow in front of all of us. They sure like to play the formal card, not for me.
Next came Fluttershy which involved her hiding in the bushes while her dorm mate gave introductions for both of them. “Hello, my name is Emily. The one in the bushes is known as Fluttershy.” She sounded so monotone while speaking, it was a little creepy.
Then came the orange earth pony.“Howdy, the names Applejack and this-” The orange Earth pony was cut off by her dorm buddy.
“I can speak for myself. The names Maximus just call me Max. Max has the body of a football star and the looks of a famous movie celebrity.
I knew what came next and I would dread every moment of it.
“The names Pinkamina Diane Pie born on a Tuesday and raised on a rock farm. There I met many challenges to express myself but never fear for when there’s a will there’s a way and Pinkie pie always has a way for when there is hope I am there and-“
“NOOOOOO!” I shouted without realizing it.
Everyone stopped and looked at me.
Mark just simply gave me a nod as if now I know his pain.
“I guess someone’s a little anxious to introduce themselves,” Tomas said.
“Pinkie pie are you finished?” Twilight asked.
“I’m done; I would just love to hear what Greg has to say.” Pinkie pie said while bouncing up and down with excitement.
“I can’t go yet because Mark hasn’t gone.”
Mark gave me a look of I hate you. Everyone turned from me to Mark.
“Hey, I’m Mark.”
Once that was gone they turned back to face me. All I have to do is say my name and it’ll be over no big deal.
I opened my mouth but nothing came out “….” Why can’t I say my name! “….” again nothing, this is making me angry. “My name is…” what the heck is going on. I don’t have a problem speaking with crowds so why is this happening. Twilight stepped forward.
“Hello all I’m Twilight Sparkle and I am Greg’s Guidance buddy.”
Pinkie pie immediately took charge and drew out a map of the campus. “Alright we’re going to start here then make our way over there then we’re going to swing around here –. “ It looked as if everyone but I, Twilight, Mark, Fluttershy, and Emily was left standing there when Pinkie pie was finished.
“Hey, where did everyone else go?”
Mark immediately took advantage of this situation. “They said that their playing hide and go seek and that you’re the seeker.”
“Ewww I love games, you guys wait here I’ll be right back” and with that Pinkie pie was gone bouncing away.
Mark turned to face us “that bought us some time but it won’t last. Twilight I’m sure you know a better way of going about this tutor of the campus, lead on.”
I’ve got no complaints Mark you sly dog haha.
“Twilight I think I’m just going to wait for Pinkie Pie to return. Do you mind if Emily tags along with you guys?”
“Not at all, we’ll catch up with you later then Fluttershy.”
The rest of the day went by in a flash while Twilight took us around campus showing us the Library which was 5 stories high with over 100,000 books that cover almost about everything that their society knew about.
Then we found our way to the Cafeteria and I thought it was going to be all rabbit food since the natives of Equestria are herbivores but I was wrong. There are transfer students from countries far from Equestria’s borders that practice the consumption of meat and fish. So to show them hospitality the University imported several varieties of meat and fish.
Twilight just wanted to show us where the gym was she didn't want to take us inside but me and Mark wanted to check it out. So while Twilight and Emily waited outside I and Mark went inside. It was absolutely amazing inside. The first thing we were greeted with was a snack bar that had protein shakes and smoothies. Passed the snack bar was the equipment room and our jaws dropped.
“WoW”
“I thought we were on the first floor.”
The equipment room extended downwards for about 10 stories all of which were connected by stairs that looked like a workout of themselves. We could see each room from where we were standing due to all of them being made of see threw glass. There looked as if there was a level for each part of the body. From what we could see we found Earth ponies and Pegasus but not a single Unicorn was in sight.
“Why aren’t there any Unicorns?” Mark asked.
A nearby big muscle-bound Earth pony heard what he said and stopped in his tracks. “Unicorns in a Gym” He started laughing hysterically. ”That’s a good one” by our expressions he realized we weren’t joking. “Why aren’t there any Unicorns in a gym you asked? You won’t find them here due to the fact that they would rather be in the Magical Hall, training their magic skills.”
“Magical Hall,” We asked?
“You guys must be the new ones here. Ask your guidance bodies about the 3 Separated Halls they’ll tell you about them, later.” With that, the Earth pony went on his way.
“What’s your name?”I called out to him.
He turned around and said Markus then trotted to the stairway. I started chuckling while looking at Mark.
“Why are you laughing?”
“That’s what you look like as a pony.”
“I do not”
Fear came to Mark as he pointed to the 8 level down and then took off running back to the entrance.
“What’s wrong?” Looking down there I saw a pink bouncing pony with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity with their guidance buddies not far behind. It looked as if Pinkie pie had found them all and was doing the tutor around campus her way, those poor souls.
“Come on Greg, let’s get out of here!” Mark shouted to me.
Once outside we saw Twilight and Emily sitting on a bench waiting for us. Mark immediately ran over to them.
“Hey, Twilight!”
“Yes, Mark?” Twilight looking a little confused.
“Can you show us the 3 Separated Halls?”
“I was just talking to Emily about the 3 Separated Halls who told you?”
“Some guy we met inside the gym, so can we go?”
“I can show you where they are located but we cannot go inside them all.”
“Why?” I asked
“The 3 separated halls represent Magic, Flight, and Earth. Each of the halls is exclusively for the specific race that falls into the qualifications and no one else may enter. Humans fall into the Earth's qualifications so you all may go into the Earth Hall while I wait outside.”
“Well, what are we waiting for, let’s go.” Mark started walking off by himself but stopped on hearing her voice.
“The 3 Separated Halls, that’s where we were off to.”
Mark knew it was over and turned around in defeat. “Hey Pinkie pie it looks like you found them all.”
“It only took her five minutes to find us. Though he weren’t hiding we were just getting something to eat.” Tomas said.
“Now that we’re all back together let’s get going to the 3 Separated Halls!” Pinkie pie shouted as we all walked to our now set destinations together. This will be fun, at least I hope..
We all decided upon going to the Earth Hall first since the majority of us fell into the qualifications of it and that being the only one we can actually get into. The Earth hall was literally on the edge of the campus on top of one of the steepest hills I’ve ever seen. Just looking at it from the bottom to the top it looked vigorous and very tiring. Halfway up the hill I noticed that everyone was chatting with their guidance buddy, everyone but me. Should I try to start a conversation with Twilight…What would I even say? I know absolutely nothing about her. Well, I guess that’s not true since I know she’s well organized I mean that chart she made ha I chuckled a little bringing Twilight’s attention to me. She stared at me for a few moments to see if maybe I’d share what was so funny but then after awkwardly waiting for nothing she turned around. Dang it, now I’ve got to say something.
“So...I’ve got to ask, why are the 3 Separated Halls separate?”
“Well you see-“Twilight started but then was instantly interrupted by Pinkie pie.
“Storytime!!!” Pinkie pie shouted. “Everyone take a seat on the ground so I may begin.”
“Can’t we just walk and talk” Twilight tried to cut in. Before immediately being shhhhhed by Pinkie pie.
“It was a dark and stormy night nearly 75 years ago on a Tuesday. No one knows why or how but an argument broke out between the 3 races that dwelled in Equestria to determine who was the superior race out of the three and a competition was born. There would be 3 events and each race got to pick one of the events. On top of that, each race had to pick one individual to represent their entire race. The first event was a pie-eating contest now I can’t quite remember what flavor it was I think it was strawberry no wait I remember now it was blueberry no no that wasn’t it ummmmm it’s on the tip of my tongue what’s that apple-flavored pie called oh apple. Now what kind of apple granny smith, golden delicious, ross nonpareil, wolf river, brownless russet, etlins reinette, Allington Pippin, carswell orange-”
Man, Mark you really lucked out with choosing the wrong key I silently thought to myself while looking at him. His face was wearing what looked like a silent angry face.
“Or was it cherry it could have maybe even been chocolate oh what am I talking about it was strawberry.”
“Ahh,” everyone said in unison.
“Now the 2nd event was a dart-throwing contest-“
“Actually it was discus and to cut a long story short so we can move on. Each of the 3 races won 1 event leading to a 3-way draw. Unsatisfied with the results the races created the 3 Separated halls. On top of that, every year on the 8th Tuesday after the school year starts 3 individuals are chosen to participate in the annual Grudge match of the races. Which involves them competing in 3 events to see who claims the title as the Superior race until next year. ”
Twilight cut in and thank heavens she did it looked as if Mark was about to snap at any second and strangle Pinkie pie.
“Wow, I’m a little shocked that Celestia would allow such an event to transpire on campus. I’d think that would cause some major disharmony between students.” I said.
“A little competition can be a good motivator because the race that wins gets 5 bonus points on every assignment in every one of their classes.” Twilight retorted.
“Who were the victors last year?” Max asked.
“We were and have been for the last 3 years” Rainbow Dash laughed loudly. Jake and Rainbow Dash share a hoof bump followed by him praising how cool she was.
“So what happens when it’s a draw?” Emily asked.
“No bonus points.” Rarity simply replied
“Bummer,” Jake said.
And with that, we all got up from the ground and began our journey once more to the Earth Hall. Once again everyone but I and my guidance buddy returned to their previous conversation. It’s like there’s this invisible wall between us that makes it impossible for us to talk. Once we cleared the hill we saw the Earth Hall and it was amazing. It was almost like a gated community; all fenced in and even had two security guards standing by the front entrance.
“Wow, it has to be like 15 football field combined.”
“To be precise, its 22 acres,” Twilight said.
“Mark how many feet is that?” I whispered to him.
“Well, one acre is about 43,560 Square feet just times that by 22 and you got your answer.”
I hate math.
“Hey what’s that pink-purple circle thing over there?” Jake asked.
“Oh, that’s just the teleport pad” Pinkie answered.
“The what?”
Just then out of thin air two earth ponies magically appeared on the pad and stepped off.
“We have them all over campus to help the students get where they’re going faster,” Twilight replied.
“Wait are you saying we could have just teleported instead of walking all the way up here?” Mark asked.
“Yeah, but where’s the fun in that.” Pinkie pie laughed.
Mark looked as if he was about to lose it.
“So, what happens now?” Tomas said.
“Oh no” Fluttershy said before covering her face with her hoof.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Y’all better braise yourselves for this” Applejack said.
“Braise ourselves for what? What’s going on?”
“So you want to know what happens now” Pinkie pie said while getting close and personal in Tomas’s face.
He was silent for a moment before replying “Yeah.”
“We PARTY!!” Pinkie pie shouted before grabbing Mark who wore a face of Help me and dragged him to the Earth hall gates, getting inside and starting a massive dance party with music and lights shining everywhere. More and more ponies joined in and an overflow of ponies kept pouring from the teleport pad not wishing to miss a Pinkie pie party which are always the talk of the campus.
"Guys where are you going? Can I get a little Help?!! Mark shouted as he tried to push passed the wave of ponies coming in to join the party.
Everyone turned and we all silently agreed to each other to go onward to the next hall in which Twilight decided to just teleport us herself since the teleport pad was a little preoccupied. With a flash, we were off.
"Wow, I can't believe they left me."
"Mark turns that frown upside down, we're at a party!!" Pinkie pie shouted with glee and once again getting close and personal forgetting about personal space.
Mark just sighed to himself.
When we came to our next destination was already in front of us.
“So why are we on the roof?” I asked
“From here this is the closest point from the ground to the Flight Hall. It’s right there.” Rainbow Dash pointed to a group of what looked like three little clouds in the sky.
“That’s the Flight hall?”
“It’s a lot bigger than what it looks like from here.”
“I wish we could see it,” Jake said while looking down at his feet.
Rainbow Dash wore a grin on her face while looking to Twilight. Twilight’s horn glow and a moment later we found ourselves inside a cloud and Rainbow dash along with Fluttershy was pushing us into the air.
“Wait won’t the Pegasus be able to see us,” Tomas asked.
“No, though we can see out of the cloud the outside cannot see us it’s sort of like a one-way mirror. However, this cloud is not soundproof so the outside can hear us. With that being said for the remainder of over journey to the flight hall we have to be as silent.” Twilight answered.
As we drew closer to the clouds they changed shape and transformed from just normal clouds to three mighty structures in the sky. Each structure had its own uniqueness to it. One has a giant rainbow fall that was like a water slide that was attached to a rainbow cloud pool where we could see several Pegasus ponies sliding down into it. The other wasn't really put together like a normal structure well I guess you could say that in general for everything up here since it’s all made out of clouds. Anyways it was an obstacle course that looked as if it went on forever. The last structure was a massive sky castle with two enormous dragon cloud statues that stood next to the entrance. There are no guards I mean I guess what would be the need for them when you can’t get up here without wings.
“Well, we’ve seen enough. Take us down Rainbow Dash” Twilight whisper.
As we began to descend three Pegasus guys came out of the castle doors, spotted Rainbow dash and flew over.
“Well well well what do we have here?”
“It’s our old friend Rainbow Crash.”
“Get kicked out of any flight schools lately.” The three started laughing.
Jake looked as if he was about to jump out of the cloud cover and show them a thing or two.
“I didn't get kick out” Rainbow dash protested.
“Face it Rainbow Crash, Flight school had too many rules and not enough nap times for you.”
“Ask her about-“
Just then two “achoo” came from the cloud we are in. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy tried to cover it but with them coughing. We looked to Emily who seemed to be the source. The three Pegasus guys looked at each other confused before turning to face the cloud.
“Did that cloud just sneeze?” One of the Pegasus’s asked before getting close and touching it with his hoof.
Rainbow Dash quickly pulled it away from his hoof and got between them and the cloud. “Don’t be ridiculous sneezing clouds.” A moment later.
“Achoo”
“There it goes again that cloud did sneeze its haunted let’s get out of here.”
“Clouds don’t sneeze, moron, someone must be inside it.” A Griffin appeared from behind the 3 and came forward.
“Riker…” Twilight whispered while staring at him she seemed worried. Looking around the cloud I saw Applejack and Rarity shared the same look.
This is my first time seeing a Griffon in person. They were truly fearsome creatures that you should watch yourself around them. A couple of years ago, a Human exchange student got into a confutation with one and ended with him getting sent to the hospital. I wonder if it’s the same, Griffin.
“Surely Rainbow dash not even you would be foolish enough to attempt to bring someone to the flight hall. That’s a capital offense and anyone caught in doing so is forever excommunicated from the Flight hall.”
“Bring someone up here don’t make me laugh.”
He changed his gaze from Rainbow dash to Fluttershy and moved in closer to her.
“What do you think of all this Fluttershy?”
Before Fluttershy could answer Rainbow Dash got between them. ”Leave her out of whatever this is“
Riker looked from Rainbow Dash to the cloud then to three Pegasus guy then looked back to Rainbow Dash wearing a sinister smile. The 3 Pegasus guys charged the cloud Rainbow Dash tried to stop them but Riker got in her way. “Where do you think you’re going? Let’s watch and see what comes of that cloud of yours.”
On seeing what was coming at us Twilight quickly focused and teleported us all out of the cloud right as they tackled it turning it into vapor. We found ourselves safely on the ground. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shared looks of relief.
“What I tell ya, nothing to find.”
Riker laughed at the performance that took place here “let’s have some more fun another time.” Riker said before leaving and so did the 3 Pegasus guys.
On the ground underneath tree cover, the group recovered from the ordeal.
“That was too close,” Applejack said.
“I despise that Griffin, we could have been killed.”
“Are you alright Twilight?” I asked.
Twilight looked a little worn out; it could not have been easy to teleport a group of people from thousands of feet in the air to the ground.
“I’ll be fine I just need to rest for a bit to recover my strength” She replied.
“Who was that Griffin?” Jake asked.
“His name is Riker, also known as the Recker. He is best known around campus for sending one of the human exchange students to the hospital two years ago.”
“Dang, what happen?”
“The human student heard Griffins were strong fearsome creatures and challenged a few Griffins to a wrestling match. On defeating them he boasted how strong he was and how weak all Griffins were. On hearing the human say such things about Griffins Riker took it upon himself to show the true strength of a Griffin. The first round of the wrestling match ended with Riker broking the human’s arm.” “Wow”
“A Little advise, keep away from Riker. He’s not faun of humans.” Twilight said before lying up against a tree and resting for a bit.
A little while later Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie pie and Mark regrouped with us and night was approaching upon us.
Applejack jumped into the command seat. “I’d think it be best that we save the magical hall for another time?”
Everyone nodded in agreement and we made our way to the center of campus. From there we gave our goodbyes to the others. Then I and Twilight made our way towards our dorm room.
“Well we sure had quite the adventure today wouldn't you say Twilight?”
“Yes, it was quite an experience.”
“Is it always going to be that crazy around campus?”
“It’s more or less the same however it does get easier to handle over time.”
“Well, I guess that’s a good thing.”
Once we arrived at our dorm room we both went straight to bathroom of course she got first dibs then we went to bed.
I wonder how everyone is doing at home. I thought, as I drifted off to sleep..
"Excuse me, pardon me," I said as I pushed through the crowd of ponies. I tried my best to avoid running into ponies and creatures alike. It didn't help that I ran into just about everything in my path. I could only imagine what the ponies were thinking of me when they saw me running like a chicken with its head cut off. How could I oversleep for my first class? Geez, I’m already breaking Twilight’s rules, I thought as I ran with a map of the campus and books in hand. Thank the heavens Twilight left before me, or she would have my hide for sure. Who the heck puts an astronomy class on the edge of campus? It’s...? I stopped running, signing to myself as I read the map. It shows a teleport pad right in front of the astronomy class. I made my way to a pad to teleport myself there. How stupid could I be to forget about those?
I tried to take a seat as quickly as I possibly could. Class was in session, and I was 20 minutes late for a 50-minute class. Out of the 200 students in the class, I hoped the professor wouldn’t notice me. In most classes, this wouldn’t be a problem; however, when you’re the only human in the class, you kind of stick out.
As I burst into the classroom, all eyes turned towards me, their curious gazes following my every move. Professor Starmoon, a venerable figure with a deep passion for the cosmos, paused her lecture to acknowledge my tardy arrival with a knowing smile.
"Well, well, well, look who's decided to join us," she announced playfully, her voice resonating with warmth and good humor. "Mr. Fredrickson, please find a seat quickly so we can continue our cosmic journey."
Scanning the room for an available seat, I found only two options, both conveniently situated near a certain griffin named Riker—a notorious troublemaker with a knack for mischief. I instantly remembered what happened in the sky and what Twilight said as I walked over to sit down. Steeling myself for whatever trials lay ahead, I settled into the nearest vacant spot, bracing for the storm that was sure to come.
To my surprise, Riker seemed oddly engrossed in Professor Starmoon's lecture, his usual air of mischief momentarily subdued. Relieved by the unexpected reprieve, I focused my attention on the task at hand, eager to prove myself in the eyes of both my professor and my peers.
As Professor Starmoon outlined the fundamentals of astronomy, I found myself captivated by her words, each syllable carrying the weight of centuries of human and pony exploration. From the ancient observations of the night sky to the cutting-edge technologies of modern telescopes, she painted a vivid picture of humanity's quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
With a sense of awe and wonder, I listened as she spoke of the stars, those distant suns whose light had traveled countless light-years to reach our eyes. She described the planets, each one a world unto itself, with its own unique features and quirks waiting to be discovered.
But perhaps most fascinating of all was her discussion of Princess Luna, the guardian of the night sky, whose magic imbued the heavens with an otherworldly beauty that defied explanation. Through her influence, the night sky became a canvas upon which dreams were painted and destinies were forged—a testament to the boundless wonder of the cosmos.
As the lecture drew to a close, I felt a newfound sense of purpose stirring within me—a desire to explore the mysteries of the universe and uncover the secrets that lay hidden among the stars. With each passing moment, my resolve grew stronger, fueled by the knowledge that I was on the brink of an extraordinary journey—one that would shape the course of my destiny in ways I could scarcely imagine.
"Now, I know this is your first day of class; however, I want you to take out a piece of paper and pen or pencil and just write a few things about astronomy you know so I can gauge your knowledge on the subject. Once done, you can turn it in on my desk and pick up your assignment and leave for the day."
What should I even write about? I just literally got into this class; I know nothing. Riker, on the other hand, …hoof…claw had like a 5-paragraph essay already. Peeking an eye over on it, it read:
"Perhaps one of the oldest sciences, we have a record of ponies/humans studying astronomy as far back as the Ancients. Early scientists had to observe space with just their eyes. There was only so much they could see. With the invention of the telescope in the early 1600s, scientists were able to see much further objects as well as get a better view of closer objects like the moon and the planets.
There are different fields in the science of astronomy. They include:
Observational Astronomy - this is what we often think of with astronomy; observing the celestial objects of outer space such as stars and planets. There are types of observational astronomy that are divided up by how the objects are observed. These include everything from basic light (using our eyes to observe), radio, infrared, X-ray, Gamma Ray, and ultraviolet observations (using complex high-tech equipment).
Theoretical Astronomy - in this area of astronomy, scientists use mathematical models to describe better what is observed and even to describe events we cannot observe with our current technology.
Solar Astronomy - these scientists focus on the sun. This can be an important field of science as sun activity can have a major impact on the Earth.
Planetary Astronomy - an area of science focused on learning more about planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. From this, we can learn how planets and other objects were formed and what they are made of.
Stellar Astronomy - the study of stars including how they are formed, what they are made of, and their life cycle. This includes various types of stars and their final state including interesting objects like red giants, black holes, supernovas, and neutron stars.
However, Princess Luna is still the Guardian that directs a lot of the activities that govern the moon and sky."
That was enough for me. I got back to my paper. I had forgotten that Princess Luna had control over the moon and sometimes plays with the night sky. Oh, I got it, this is a blended astronomy class, which now that I think about it, I should have known with the Title to the class: Introduction To Earth/Equestria Astronomy 101.
I got up from my seat and turned in my paper and got an assignment sheet. I looked to see what the assignment was about, of course, Astronomy. I laughed while getting shushed by the remainder of the class still working on their papers. I saw Prof. Starmoon go for my paper; I assumed she wanted to read my brilliance. She eyeballed it for a moment. I saw the look on her face and knew it was time to leave before she could finish.
"Astronomy is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets. However, this is not always the case due to the magic of Princess Luna, sometimes influencing the nature of astronomy and creating an artificial shell that sometimes blends the two together."
"Wow, there may be hope for him yet," she smiled, placing my paper back in the bin.
As I stepped out into the corridor, I was met with a sight that sent a chill down my spine—a throng of angry pony students, their faces contorted with fury as they brandished makeshift weapons and shouted my name in unison. Panic surged through me like a tidal wave as I realized they were coming for me, their intentions unclear and their rage palpable.
With no time to spare, I broke into a sprint, my pulse racing as I fled from the mob that seemed to materialize out of thin air. What had I done to incur their wrath? I wondered frantically as I darted through the labyrinthine corridors of Equestria University, the echoes of their angry cries reverberating in my ears.
"What's up with this crazy school?" I muttered to myself between gasping breaths, the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I raced towards the uncertain future that awaited me at Equestria University. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of the wild adventures that lay ahead.
"Oh wow, geez, how do I keep getting into these situations?" I muttered to myself as I made an attempt to maintain my current speed or at least not trip over myself. Pushing past the front doors of the building, I scanned my surroundings, searching for any escape route. Spotting an alleyway up ahead, I dove in, finally managing to shake off my pursuers.
“Why are they running after me?” I wondered aloud.
A chuckle emerged from the shadows. “Do you not read up on anything?” a voice teased.
I turned to face my new challenger, finding Mark leaning against a wall, his expression amused. “It’s Human Hunt Day, a tradition for the first years. It’s like hazing of sorts.”
“Hazing? They just made me run a freaking marathon in sandals!”
Observing Mark's drenched appearance, I couldn't help but inquire, “Why are you soaked, Mark?”
“You lucked out, man. Remember who I have as a guidance buddy? As soon as I woke up, she gave me a one-minute head start before she came after me with water balloons.”
“Dang.”
“Anyways, it all stops at 3 pm. It's 11 am now, we've got four hours to go. Do you have any other classes today? In class is the only safe zone.”
“No, I’m done for the day. But I am getting pretty hungry.”
“How nice for you. I've got a class at 2. Forget about eating they have the whole campus surrounded.”
“How’s everyone else doing?”
Mark shrugged. “I don’t know, I haven’t run into anyone else yet. I’m going to stay here until my class.”
“Come on, Mark, where is your sense of adventure?”
“My adventure died when I got paired with Pink Death.”
“We’ll stick to the shadows. If anyone even looks in our direction, we’ll make a run for it back here. This seems to be some kind of dead zone for them.”
It didn’t take us long to find Jake; he was partying with the lot of them, paint splattered all over himself. He was handling it well, seeming unfazed. That traitor—how could he just be getting along with the enemies?
Next, we stumbled upon Thomas, stuck in the middle of a gum-mined field. On the other side, Rarity was trying to help him with her magic, slowly moving the gum wads out of the way so he could pass. We wanted to help him, but we kind of didn't know how to go about it and wondered how he even got into that situation.
A voice interrupted our observations. “What are you guys doing?!”
Startled, we turned to find Emily hiding in a bush.
“Emily, what are you doing here?”
She sighed before answering, “What does it look like? I’m hiding and waiting for this nonsense to be over.”
“In a bush?” We said in unison .
“Inspiration from Fluttershy, which seems to be working.”
“Have you seen anyone else?”
“No, but look, there’s Maximus.”
The three looked on as Maximus was ambushed, each of them readying their water balloons for an assault. One pony lurked from behind, another positioned in front of Maximus, while a third descended from above, armed with a barrage of water balloons.
Without missing a beat, the first pony launched his balloon towards Maximus as he approached, but Maximus, displaying lightning-fast reflexes, instinctively ducked, narrowly evading the projectile. The balloon sailed past him, striking the pony behind him squarely in the face.
Reacting with astonishing speed, Maximus seized the opportunity, snatching up the dropped balloon and hurling it back towards the pony who had just missed him. The startled pony's expression morphed into one of disbelief as the balloon connected with unerring accuracy, drenching him thoroughly.
Meanwhile, the airborne pony unleashed a volley of water balloons aimed directly at Maximus. Rather than dodging or deflecting them conventionally, Maximus tapped into an instinctual power, his movements becoming fluid and almost preternatural. With uncanny precision, he punched one balloon after another out of the air, each strike sending the balloons ricocheting harmlessly away.
In a display of unparalleled strength and agility, Maximus effortlessly dispatched all three ponies in a matter of moments. The onlookers could only watch in awe as Maximus emerged unscathed from the ambush, his aura exuding an aura of invincibility. With his foes defeated, Maximus stood tall, a testament to his unmatched prowess and resilience.
In a slit second the 3 found themselves around Maximus.
“What are you guys doing?” Maximus was surprised to see us.
“Oh, nothing, just walking,” Greg said.
“Why are you guys walking next to me?”
Mark was quick to reply, “Main reason, survival. No one is messing with you after you just obliterated three ponies in one go.”
“I guess you’re not paying attention then.”
“why do you say that?” I turned to face him.
Greg felt a tap on his shoulder from Mark. “Um, because we’re surrounded.”
The head honcho, Riker, stood in front, while his goons surrounded us.
“Well, well, well, it must be my lucky day. Four humans with none of their annoying guidance buddies to get in the way of the fun.”
“We’re screwed,” I muttered under my breath.
Maximus got into his fighting stance again.
“Everyone, Fire!!” Riker shouted, laughing.
There had to be dozens of balloons coming our way. We all braced for impact, but it never came. The balloons had magically stopped in midair.
Riker and his goons were in shock at what was happening when a familiar face teleported herself in front of Riker.
“Riker, I take my job seriously, and if you think for two seconds you can bully my guidance buddy along with his friends, you will be sadly mistaken.” She said this while taking all the water balloons in her magic grasp and holding them over Riker.
Everyone knew the power that Twilight held; she was the protege of none other than Princess Celestia herself.
Riker took a step back upon seeing Twilight teleport in front of him. He knew nothing good would come from starting a fight with Twilight with so many witnesses around. “You four consider yourselves lucky Twilight came to your rescue this time, but she won’t always be around. Let’s go, guys.” With that, Riker flew away into the sky.
“Oh, thank you, Twilight,” Mark was quick to say, relieved to avoid being soaked for the rest of the day.
Twilight, preoccupied with ensuring everyone was okay, didn’t notice his gratitude as she made her way to Greg.
“Are you okay?” she asked him.
“Yeah, thanks for the save. I know it’s just water, but that one would have hurt.”
Maximus started to walk off by himself.
“Where are you going?” Greg called out.
Maximus just replied, “I work better alone,” before disappearing into the distance. He always had to be the cool loner.
Twilight was kind enough to stay around for the rest of the day, with her around we made it to the cafeteria I could finally eat something and then we escorted Mark to his class so he wouldn’t have any more trouble.
By the time we got back to the dorms, it was pretty late. I started to have pain in my back for some reason, I just wanted to go to bed; I was tired from all the running today. I passed out as soon as my head touched the pillow.
