> My Little Mages: Academia Amina
>  by Foxhelm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Approval
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue: Let’s Start a School

Princess Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Starlight Glimmer walked into the throne room of the Castle of Friendship, “Howie, that’s a Summer Sun Celebration to remember!” Applejack declared as she went to her her throne. “Ah don’t mind the trip overall, but could not have to save the world for once?” she asked as she sat in her throne. Starlight then coughed, “That’s including you too, Sugarcube.” Applejack the kicked off her boots and placed her feet on the table of the center, “My little dogs are barking mighty fierce.” The paladin then looked at her friends as they were all still near the doorway with their mouths agape. “Oh come on, Ah had to carry little miss Fashion up the slope of Mt Aris, Ah won’t suffer a ….”

“That’s not it, darling,” Rarity said as  she recomposed herself and pointed at the table, “Look at the map.”  

Applejack then took a good look at the map and that it was much larger and now covered the entire length of the continent from the arctic pole beyond Yakyakistan to the southern tip and the tidal land bridge to Mt. Aris, “Well, bless my soul.” the paladin muttered. She then had a short chuckle, “those are all the places we went when we left to save Mystica!” We’ve got Kludgetown,” Applejack than pointed to the projection of the…. well, city size slum.

“Ugh, there's that horrid town where we were almost sold!” Rarity complained as she spat at the projection in utter disgust.

“Captain Caeleno’s ship” Applejack then pointed to the projection of a skyboat that had the bow that looked like the face of parrots and sails looked like a series of feathers colored like a rainbow. 

“They were pretty awesome!” Rainbow declare as she flew to take a better look at the skyboat.  She then turned back to everyone, “Uh, once they decided not to throw us overboard.”

Everyone chuckled at the memory of when the lunch break whistle blew. Applejack then pointed to the mountain and the tidal land bridge at the southern end of the continent, “and Mt. Aris.”

Pinkie  then grabbed Starlight by the later’s upper arm,“Ooh, Starlight, did you know we made seashell necklaces for allllll” Pinkie let go of Starlight and took a large inhaled “lllllll the merfolk?” she asked pulled a necklace made out of seashells out of her hair and put it on Starlight.

“I— you— really?” Starlight stuttered in disbelief but then she recalled that she shouldn’t be questioning Pinkie and stopped. She then turned to Twilight, “What about that Magicborn, the Forsaker who attacked the capital?”

“You mean Tempest!” Twilight answered Starlight’s question.

“That’s not her name.” Pinkie chimed in. “But she asked me not to tell anyone, even though it. Is. THe. BESt. NAME. EVER!” Pinkie shouted as she stood on the table.

Everyone shook her head with a smile. Twilight then continued, “I  did invite her to come to Magiville, but she wanted to spread the word of the Storm King's defeat!” Twilight informed of what Tempest was about to do.

“That’s part of her sentence, once she’s done,” Applejack pointed out, “she’ll be in Stonlingrad Penitentiary for twenty-four months, depending on behavior, then she can move here if she wants to.” Applejack then turned to the map and rubbed her chin. She then turned to Twilight and the others, “Y'all think that's why the map grew? Friendship quests beyond Mystica?”

“I hope not!” the usage timid druid almost shouted and closed her eyes as she sat in her throne. “I've had quite enough life-threatening adventures thank you very much.” she finished as she crossed her arms.

There was then a squeak as Pinkie, who had recently dawned an orange construction vest and yellow hard hat, was measuring the distance between the edge of the table and the wall of the throne room, “How many friendship quests do you think we need to go on before we have to expand the throne room?” she asked as she examined the room.

Twilight looked at the map and was focused on it. She knew that if Pinkie was right, the six, well Spike and Starlight made eight were not going to be enough, they needed help. “We can't do it all alone.” Twilight declared as she looked from the map.

“Sure we can!” Pinkie shouted as she stood on the map with a hammer and bucket of paint, “We just need to knock this wall down, get some paint…” the jesters trailed off.

Twilight shook her head, “No.” she turned the jester’s idea down. She then turned back to the map as Pinkie stepped off of the table and was in her normal attire. “I mean, the world is full of so many different cultures, races, and creatures who know so little about friendship, or at least in a way that has been shown to work.” Twilight took a step back from the map and looked at the room to each of the rest, “We need help if we're gonna teach them all about friendship. Lots of help.” 

Everyone took in what Twilight was saying and the truth of the matter, sure the eight of them have done alone over the last three years, but they couldn’t everything. “Perhaps.” Rarity voiced the collective silent acknowledgment of the group. “But where does one go to learn about friendship?” she asked as to how Twilight was going to enact her idea.

Twilight looked at the map and noticed the waterfall within the greater Magiville area just north of her castle. She smiled, “Here!” Twilight said as she pointed to the spot in question, “They can all go here! Because we're gonna open a school!” she declared with a degree of enthusiasm typically shown by children on the morning of Hearth’s Warming Day.





Chapter 1 Approval

A few hours later that day in the hallway of Princess Celestia’s School for the gifted, Twilight, Spike and Celestia were walking and talking, “A school of friendship is a wonderful idea, Twilight!” Celestia said with a degree of cheer in her voice, a bit of pride in her student as she was taking the next step in an academic career, “I'll help in any way I can.” Celestia offered with closed eyes as they stopped next to one of the classroom. She then opened to them only for them to constrict in shock as she saw all the papers that were floating around Twilight with quills as the younger demigod was scribbling.

“I just have a few questions.” Twilight started as she organized her papers, “What time-”.

Celestia then covered Twilight’s mouth, cutting her student there, “It all depends on a wide variety of things, the topic, the students, the teachers, and more.” Celestia then took the papers from Twilight. Celestia then giggled, “However, Twilight, you were my star pupil. If anyone knows how to run a school, it's you.” Celestia declared as she handed the stack back to Twilight and continued to walk down the hallway.

Twilight shook her head, “There's a big difference between attending a school and running one.” Twilight pointed out that she was a great student, and seemed to have a grasp on teaching, but to administer a school, that was something she thought was outside her purview. “It's not like there's a rulebook to follow.”

Celestia then started to give a hearty chuckle, which caught Twilight and Spike off guard. After Celestia finished her laugh, “Actually, there is.” Celestia then conjured a slightly larger than a normal book with the letters M.E.A. on the front cover. “The MEA guidebook is very specific about how to run a school.”

“The MEA?” Twilight asked as she accepted the book that Celestia just gave her. “I've never heard of that.” Twilight stated, she then turned to Spike and grabbed him by his shoulder in a near panic, “Should I have heard of that?”

Celestia giggled a little, “Not really, you've never looked into what it takes to run a school before.” Celestia explained as she conjured projections of The Mystica Education Association is a board of learned individuals that oversee every school in Mystica. From the school house in Magiville, to the Wonderbolt Academy, to the ESM training camps, to the Storm Academy in Cumula, the novice program conducted at the Church of Our Divine Lady, the Forest Academy in Woodland Guard, just to list a few, even this very school with my name on it is under MEA guidelines.” Twilight and Spike looked at each other in shock. The idea that Celestia’s own school was in fact not run by her was unfathomable. However before they say anything, “You see it’s not in good taste for any politician, even a princess, to do whatever she likes when it comes to teaching young minds.” Celestia said as her gaze turned to the open door a classroom of mostly young Magicborn, with a few Skyborn, a couple of Earthborn. All of them looking at Celestia with a slowly increasing degree of impacts. “You see the MEA ensures that whether it's Magicborn studying magic, Skyborn learning meteorology, and the elements, or Earthborn researching agriculture, all schools are held to the same high standard,” Celestia informed as she turned back to Twilight and Spike. She looked at the clock in the hallway, “I’d love to help you farther, but I’m cutting it close to the 15-minute mark. But whatever you’re plans are, the MEA will need to approve them before you can move forward.” Celestia then turned from Twilight and Spike and walked in. “Sorry I am a late class, one of my older students needed some advice. Let’s see today’s lesson is. Oh yes, the fundamentals of magic…”

Twilight then shut the door as she turned to Spike and began to exit the school. “Okay, Spike looks like we have a presentation to make.” She said as she levitated a sheet of paper and began to jot things down on.

Spike waved his right talon with a laugh, “Hah, after everything we've been through, how hard can that be?” he asked. While two days had in fact passed, as Spike and Twilight stood in the center of a room, multiple copies of her curriculum by their side, with tall ceilings with rows of seats with desks that formed a nearly complete circle around her, it felt like a second passed. At each seat was either a member of MEA, all were dressed in red robes, some were Twilight’s own teachers when she was attending Celestia’s school for the gifted, some were teachers from other schools, including Cheerilee and Spitfire, some were administrators that ran the ‘back of the house’ so that teachers could instruct, and some were city leaders or representatives including Roy Fancypants and Chief Thunderfoot. Over them all was a man within a five year age difference from Roy, he had black hair and turquoise eyes. Everyone was looking intently at Twilight. Spike gulped, “I'm gonna go with "really hard", was the answer he gave to his own question

Twilight closed her eyes and took a breath, she opened them and raised her head high. She was a princess of Mystica, a demigod, she had saved the nation many times over the last three years, she was not going to be discouraged, “I am—

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, daughter of Night Light and Twilight Velvet, sister of Grand Marshall Shining Armor, Sister-in-Law to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of Krystalopolies, Cadance for short, aunt of Princess Flurry Heart, highest scoring pupil and recently completed apprentice of Princess Celestia, Reforger of the Element of Magic, Reformer of Nightmare Moon, Restorer of Princess Luna, Bester of Discord, Discoverer of the long-lost Crystal Heart, Defeater of Lord Tirek of Midnight Castle, Bearer of the Element of Magic, need I go on?” the man in the highest seat asked after he listed off what appeared to be number of her titles beyond her status as princess, most of which surmised her accomplishments. Twilight shook her head her confidence showed no sign of wavering “I am Chancellor Neighsay.” the man identified himself. “It almost goes without saying, but Mystica owes you a great debt. One which the nation may never be able to repay.”

“As a princess of Mystica, I have an obligation of care for the citizens of the domain. I was merely fulfilling those charges.” Twilight countered with a smile of tamed modesty, like the ones she had seen Celestia give. She was finally getting in the grove of being a princess.

“But what of your deeds before your coronation?” Spitfire asked as everyone recalled the deeds performed beforehand.

“All I did was fulfill my duties to the nation as one of Mystica’s citizens.” Twilight countered.

“Ahem,” Neighsay coughed and everyone turned their attention back to the chancellor, “Be that as it may. It should be noted that princess or no, hero of Mystica or not, we expect you to do things” Neighsay then levitated his copy of the MEA guidebook as he spoke, he emphasized each of the next words, “by... the... book!” The book then landed with a thud next to Twilight’s feet.

Twilight calmly levitated the book and flipped through the pages of the book. Once she finished she turned her focus back to Neighsay, her confident smile never wavered. She then began to levitate to each of the members of the MEA a copy of her curriculum and every one of them started to read. “I think you'll find my curriculum meets all the MEA’s requirements, Chancellor.” Twilight started as everyone finished looking through their copy. It wasn’t enough to fully understand everything, but they got a decent grasp on everything.

Neighsay stroke his goatee for a second in thought, and then spoke, “Given your track record of adventure, can we trust you to follow through with this plan? That you will not leave the school unattended to gallop off?” 

Twilight kept her smile, she closed her eyes took a breath, opened them and continued, “My journey beyond Mystica showed me firsthand that the threats out there are greater than we imagined!” she acknowledged that the world beyond Mystica’s borders had dangers that none in Mystica truly understood. The members of the MEA began to whisper in hushed tones among themselves. Twilight then cleared her throat and everyone fell silent, “If we want to keep our land safe, and create a friendlier tomorrow, we need to teach the Magic of Friendship far and wide.

Everyone was silent for a second. Neighsay stroke his goatee in thought as he leaned back in his chair. “A school for Mysticans to learn how to protect themselves.” he mused out loud.

Twilight cleared her throat and got Neighsay to straighten up and everyone to look squarely at her, “Actually the idea of the school is about learning how to respect differences and communicate in order to defuse a threat before it becomes one, and to foster stronger ties with the nations closest to us.” 

There was a long pause as Neighsay and everyone took in what Twilight said. Neighsay took a breath, “Every Mystican should be prepared to defend and foster our way of life.” He then looked to his copy of the curriculum. “And with the curriculum as is it, it seems that your work is in order, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Therefore as Chancellor, I move the matter to the vote, will anyone second the motion?”

“I second the motion,” Roy shouted.

“I third it,” Cheerilee added.

“I fourth it.” Spitfire joined.

“So let it be noted for the records that Prime Administrator Roy Fancypants, Mss. Cheerilee and Captain Spitfire have all supported the motion, with this unprecedented degree of support,  all in favor of granting Princess Twilight Sparkle’s School of Friendship provisional MEA approval please raise your right hand.” Not a single right hand remained non raised. “Thus with this unprecedented unanimous support, by the authority vested in me, as chancellor of the Mystican Educational Association, I grant MEA approval.” There was a moment of silence before Neighsay continued. “We will need to observe your school up and running before it can be fully accredited,” he stated as he prepared his stamp of approval.

Twilight continued to grin, but dropped the regalness she had for the better part of the presentation, “Then please, join us for our Friends and Family Day, it will be the second week of our first term, which will start before the week is out, and it'll be the perfect time to see our progress!” she invited. Everyone turned to Neighsay. Neighsay then stamped the application for the school Twilight submitted and levitated it to Twilight.
> First Class
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three days later, at the waterfall that was just north of Magiville, there was a new addition to the town. A large purple wood structure was built into the mountain side of the waterfall, with walkway to the school and the front door had heater shield with the main star of Twilight’s aura mark with renderings of the five other Elements of Harmony when they were wielded by Celestia and Luna, and a six gem green in color. Inside the school’s atrium, there was inground pond which circled a fountain. Beyond that, there were various hallways to several classrooms and a few offices. However, the focus is currently in the schools’ atrium as Twilight’s friends were all dressed in long brown skirts with long sleeve blouses that matched the color of their Element of Harmony, with Starlight wearing green, with their Aura Marks stitched into their dresses. “This is too much! Too much!” Rainbow groaned as she hovered above everyone and pulled at her hair.

Rarity looked at herself and everyone over, “You think so?” the enchantress asked uncertainly about the elementalist’s reaction. “I had hoped that if we dressed the part it would help us feel the part!” Rarity almost exclaimed as she started to walk away.

“Not your dress!” Rainbow clarified as she landed and took a breath. She then pointed to the surrounding, “This!” she then waved to the six present, “Us!” She then looked to the ceiling, “Teaching?!” she asked almost rhetorically. She sighed as she landed and buried her face in a curtain, “They're gonna think I'm an egghead!” she almost shouted.

Pinkie smiled as she pulled out her hair a party cannon, “Well, the students are gonna love my confetti cannon class. It's gonna be…” she paused for a second for dramatic effect, “a blast!”

Fluttershy took a moment to look in the mirror, she took a breath. “Um, hello there. I'm your teacher. I hope you enjoy the class. But if you don't enjoy it, that's okay, too.” it was clear the druid was trying to build but confidence for the classes ahead. The fact that Fluttershy didn’t move from her spot even as she backpedaled with her words was a decent improvement in the druid’s demeanor. 

Applejack smiled at Fluttershy’s progress in her confidence. However, Applejack took a moment to think about what Rainbow said. She couldn’t help but shake her head in doubt about all this, “I don't know about all this.”

Twilight and Spike then come down, Twilight matching her friends with her blouse matching her Element of Harmony, “It's going to be fine.” she said as she gave an air of confidence. “Everything about this school just feels right,” she said as she walked past everyone and stood in front of the door.

“See?” Starlight asked with a cheer. “If Twilight isn't stressed, you've got nothing to worry about,” she said with confidence in Twilight’s plan.

Applejack was not so convinced and looked squarely at Twilight, “And you're sure you want us to be teachers?” she said as she gestured to everyone. “In classrooms?” she asked as she gestured to the school.

Twilight nodded, “The MEA is very clear about how schools should be run.” she said as she levitated a copy of the MEA guidebook. “We have a huge responsibility, and I need you all to do this by the book.” she then turned her focus to Pinkie solely, “That means no cannons in class, Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie: “Aww,” Pinkie whined as she put her party cannon back into her hair and pulled some from the left sleeve of he blouse, “not even a teeny cannon?” Pinkie asked as she revealed a tiny party cannon before it fired. 

Twilight shook her head, which  prompted the trickster to put the cannon back up her sleeve, “I know it's not some big adventure against the forces of evil,” she stated, “but this could be the most important thing we've ever done.” She said as she looked at each of her friends. “I can't run a school of friendship without my best friends! Can I count on you?” she asked. Everyone silently nodded.

Just then a bell rang, “First day at school!” Pinkie shouted. “So many new people!” Pinkie then started to skip to the door.

Twilight grabbed Pinkie before the trickster could open the door. “One more thing, Mysticans will not be our only students. Princess Celestia helped me reach out to our neighboring and allied kingdoms. After all, friendship is something that needs to be shared with everyone.” the bell rang for the second time. “Positions everyone!” Twilight ordered as everyone took a few steps into the atrium so that the students that had enrolled could enter. Twilight then opened the doors and a small army of Mysticans about five to eight years younger that than Twilight and company came in. Everyone chattering all the while. Twilight then clapped her hands as she hovered over everyone. This got everyone’s attention and they all turned to face her. “Welcome to the School of Friendship!” Twilight greeted with her arms open as if to welcome everyone. “ I'm your headmistress Princess Twilight Sparkle.? She then pointed to the Starlight, as the binder was walking towards a table with booklets, “Please follow Counselor Starlight to sign in and get your class assignments. Then we can show you your living quarters!”

As the students began to gather an Earthborn young man with light sea green eyes bumped into something. The Earthborn, in addition to his eyes, had hair that was a mix of light cyan and moderate opal. He wore a pale spring bud unbuttoned shirt over green shirt with knee-length shorts that were blue in color with two sets of three sea turtles along the legs. The Earthborn lad actually bumped into a male harpy about his age with blue feathers. The harpy’s crown feathers was a lighter blue with amber tips. The two turned to face each other, “Whoa, sorry!” the Earthborn said as he offered his right hand to the harpy, “I'm Sandbar!” The harpy just looked at the hand. “Are you a student here too?” the recently identified Sandbar asked.

The harpy rolled his eyes, “No, I thought I'd just randomly stand here and assume anyone would walk into me.” the harpy replied with sarcasm dripping in his voice.

There was a ruffle of feathers of a much older male harpy, seemingly in his late seventies with a blind and likely dead left eye, flew up to the two, “Gallus!” the older harpy cried before he began to wheezes and cough.

That shortness of breath was recognized by Rainbow and she flew up to the scene. “Grandpa Gruff?” she asked the older harper. Gruff nodded as he recovered and the two fist-bumped. “What are you doing here?” Rainbow asked.

Grampa Gruff then pointed to the younger harpy, “Flew all the way from Gryphonstone to introduce Gallus.” Gruff then flew behind the recently identified Gallus and shoved him into Rainbow, “Here. He’s your problem now.” Gruff then flew off to leave the school only to hit one of the walls and pretty elected to say until the youngsters left. 

Gallus and Rainbow recovered from the meet and greet. Gallus looked at Rainbow, “Rainbow Dash, right?” he asked. Rainbow nodded with a grin. “Gilda told me about you.”
Gallus informed Rainbow of how he knew of Rainbow. He then looked at Rainbow’s attitude and the school, “You're a teacher? Huh. Thought you'd be... cooler.” He then flew to join the formed line leaving Rainbow stunned.

“Pink-haired party planning honorary ork!” bellowed a humanoid as he entered. The humanoid while was taller and more muscular than the average human, was not quite a match for Big Mac of Rockfoot. His hair was three shades of tangelo and from his head was a set of large gray horns and a crown of black metal. Over his shoulders was a light green shawl over a grayish-blue shirt that went down to his knees with brown pants that went to his ankles with grayish-blue leggings with sandals that gave it an appearance of hooves. 

“Prince Rutherford!” Pinkie cheered as she skipped over to the recently identified humanoid and the two hugged.  After they finished the hug Pinkie spotted a younger female humanoid of the same type as the recently identified Rutherford, she lacked a crown and had two pink bows over her ears with braided hair.“It’s so good to see you again, so who's this?” she asked as she pointed the girl. 

Prince Rutherford placed his hand reassuringly on the girl’s shoulder, “This Ork Rutherford’s second cousin’s-in-law on mother’s side daughter, Ork Yona.” Rutherford then took a step to the side so that Yona and Pinkie could greet each other with the Ork first hug. “She come to human school,” Rutherford said as the two ended the hug. “Make it better,” Rutherford concluded.

“Yona can't wait to meet humans and tell all about Yakyakistan!” Yona cheered as she jumped into the air and landed, however, she stumbled in her landing and yielded in fear as she lost her balance.

However, before Yona could crash into anything, the younger ork was caught by Applejack, “Easy there, Sugarcube. How about I show you around before you destroy the place?” 

Also among those present, were two dragons. Both were walking on four legs, the larger one was blue and the smaller one was orange in scale color. While the exact length of the two was not easily determined, had they stood on only their hind legs, the blue dragon would stand around six feet and seemed to be comparable in age to Twilight Sparkle, this was Dragon Lord Ember. The smaller dragon would stand about the same height as the other students. “The dragons are better than this!” the smaller dragon complained. “Why am I even here?”

Ember snorted in agitation, “Because as your dragon lord, I'm ordering you to be here!” she nearly roared and the younger dragon. Ember then turn and spotted Spike, “ Hey, Spike!” Ember shouted with a cheer in her voice.“Meet Smolder!” she requested.

Spike turned and rushed over to greet Ember with a rub of each other’s forehead. “Great to see you, Ember!” Spike said after the greeting. He then turned to Ember’s left and then back to Ember in utter befuddlement, “Uh, which one is Smolder?” Ember then turned to the recently identified Smolder. Smolder rolled her eyes in disbelief before she turned to see another dragon which shocked everyone.

Thorax then walked on to the scene “Ocellus!” he said to the dragon that caught the other dragons off guard, “What did we talk about?” he asked not unlike a father scolding a child. The fourth dragon was engulfed in what looked like a blue flame to reveal a young light elf girl. She had pink hair with cyan eyes. She was dressed in pale arctic blue, shirt with gray pants with a three-part belt around her waist. Over her shoulders were two shawls. One went around her upper torso and was light amaranth in color, one over it was brilliant amaranth and seemed to look like an insects’ elytra. The recently identified Ocellus looked to the ground in slight shame. Thorax took a breath, “I told you, stay in your own form. It's the polite thing to do.” He turned to Fluttershy who walked up to the scene, “Sorry, she's shy.”

“What is that?” came an excited young woman’s voice.  They turned to see a female aasimar that was about as old as Ocellus and Smolder. The aasimar had pink feathered wings, and long blue and bluish-gray hair.  She wore magenta and orchid-colored shirts and pants. “No way! I didn't know humans could turn into dragons and back?”

Thorax shook his head with a slight smile. “We’re not humans. That was a close guess, but we’re light elves and yes we can do that.”

Another aasimar, looking to be in his mid-forties with purple wings. “Hail, King Thorax. Allow me to introduce myself. I am General Seaspray of Her Majesty Queen Novo's Navy. I would like to introduce the Queen's niece, Silverstream and I implore you to pardon the lass.”

The recently identified Silverstream hovered to be everyone, “This place is amazing!” she shouted. “I've spent so much of my life in a coral reef, underwater. I was a mermaid, but now I'm an aasimar. Long story.” she explained, “Anyway,” she started to speak before she saw something, “WOW! Is that an ork?!” she shouted before she started to fly.

As the students themselves were starting to leave the atrium to their dorm rooms and a short tour of the school, lead by Starlight and the other instructors. All the remained were Twilight and the guardians. “Thank you for supporting the grand opening of our school!” Twilight declared to the others present as she levitated to the rest in attendance pallets for the Family and Friends Day“I hope you'll all join us for Friends and Family Day to see the amazing progress your students are making!” The guardians all accepted the pallets and began to leave.





Over the next two weeks, things started out well as Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity started to find the best means for them to convey their knowledge and wisdom not only for what the school was chartered to actually teach but other subjects necessary for taking their education anywhere else in Mystica and or seeking employment, such as history, various sciences (hard and soft); including agriculture, husbandry and veterinary, various home economics, namely repairs, replacements, budgets, and fine-tuning social skills. While many of the subjects were in line with the MEA guideline, the methodology of the five, while seeming to be productive, was not.

Thus as the first week tracked into the second, Twilight began rearranging things, altering class sizes, seating setup, teacher’s location, etc to fit with the guidelines of the MEA. While the overall quality of the education didn’t seem to lack, the presentation and reception of the material day by day, class by class, hour by hour, seemed to die and as the second week reached the middle of it, several students, namely the five foreign exchange students were questioning if this was at all worth it.
> Family and Friends Day… of Un-accreditation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the sixth day of the second week, the day before the Family and Friends Day, Silverstream, Yona, Smolder, Sandbar, Gallus and Ocellus could not help but groan as they traveled the hallway from their most recent class with Twilight before they would go to their own classes. “Is this what boring is? Am I bored?” Silverstream asked out loud, she was, in fact, bored, but her confusion over it all was very apparent. 

“Ugh, please.” Smolder groaned as the six stopped in the hallway, “These mages are the heroes of Mystica?” she asked rhetorically with a huff of anger.

Sandbar stepped in front of the rest, “I know they seem underwhelming, but they saved all of us from the Storm King!” he challenged the dragon. 

“How, by boring him into surrender?” Gallus asked Sandbar, the harpy’s voice fully sardonic.

Ocellus lowered her book as she looked around, “Well to be just our teachers are a little different than we were lead to expect.” she confessed. “King Thorax had so much to say about Princess Twilight, Spike and Starlight mainly.”

“Ugh,” Yona groaned as she threw her books away from her, which were caught by Sandbar before they hit anything. “human school waste of time! Ork school teaches how to braid ork hair! Braiding ork hair is best— waaaa!” Yona complained and boasted before she tripped on the carpeting, but was caught by Silverstream before she hit anything, but still nearly collided with Smolder.

Smolder narrowly dodged the near trample, “Is there anything in Yakyakistan that isn't the best?” she asked with a degree of sarcasm that gave Gallus’ own.

Yona closed her eyes, “Yes!” she answered automatically before she fully understood the question. “Wait. No! Orks best.” she corrected herself as she got the actual wordage of Smolder’s question.

Smolder huffed, as she raised her left talon, “No claws, no wings, no fire.” Smolder counted out three of the most visible traits she had. “What is it exactly you're proud of?” 

Sandbar then stepped between the two, “Whoa, cool it, Smolder!” he said as he tried to defuse the situation, “There is nothing wrong with anyone here to love for their heritage, 'kay?” he asked.

“Aw, are we not being sweet and friendly enough for you, human?” Gallus asked with an eye roll his voice supersaturated with sarcasm.

“That was sarcasm, right?” Silverstream asked as tried to fully grasp what Gallus was doing. “'Cause you weren't being sweet or nice?” she asked as she wasn’t sure what exactly what Gallus meant.

Smolder stepped to be next to Gallus, “Well, maybe dragons and harpies are just too tough for friendship.” she surmised as she and Gallus seemed the most disinterested of the lot.

“Orks tough, just not nasty.” Yona countered as she, and other Orks, valued a show of strength, just like harpies and dragons, but pointed out the attitude both Smolder and Gallus were displaying.

“Who you calling nasty, klutz?” Gallus asked as he stepped to right in Yona’s face ready to fight her. A stupid call on his part given that Yona was larger than most Earthborn their age and stronger than many Earthborn men a decade older than them. While Gallus, on the other hand, was about the same height as most other students, but harpies had weaker builds then Skyborn. The two grunted as they were about to come to blows before a rope went around Gallus and pulled him back from the area.

“Hold your horses!” Applejack said as she made herself know, with Rainbow and Starlight. “There will be no fighting here.” 

“This isn’t a fight, Professor,” Gallus said as he worked his way out of the rope, which if he had a few more functioning brain cells would have realized, saved his life. “This is just a friendly discussion about the magic of friendship amongst friends,” he said with a degree of sarcasm that wasn’t fooling anyone.

“It just got a little heat.” Sandbar said as he stepped in the hopes of smoothing things out for everyone.

Applejack, Rainbow, and Starlight looked at each other and sighed, They didn’t believe Sandbar either, but the three really couldn’t challenge the assertion. Applejack pulled her rope back, “Everyone go to your next class!” she ordered and the students headed to their respective classes. Applejack turned to Rainbow and Starlight, “I just can't believe it, fights breakin' out when they're supposed to be learnin' friendship?” she asked almost in disbelief over everything they have been doing and the progress, or rather the lack thereof, that had been made.

“So things aren't going as by the book as Twilight planned…” Starlight said as she tried to find an upside to the matter.

“That's because we're terrible teachers!” Rainbow declared as she started to head to her next class. “Face it: this school isn't gonna work.” the defeat in her voice was unmistakable as she took a moment to glance back.





Early the next day in the staff’s morning meeting it Twilight’s headmistress office, Applejack was the last to speak, “And to top this disaster pie off, wah got the cherry of the students breakin' into a fight in the hallway.”  Once Applejack finished, the others start to revoice their grievances, however since they were trying to talk over each other, it was mostly chatter. 

Twilight raised her hand calmly and everyone went quiet. “I understand that things are getting off to a rougher start than expected.” she said as she got up from her chair behind her desk, a confident smile never once waivering, “But that's okay!”

Spike then walked up to, took Twilight by her face pulled her face into his as examined her eyes, “Who are you and what have you done with Twilight Sparkle?” he asked not believing that Twilight was there. 

Twilight calmly removed Spike’s hands and stood erect as she faced everyone else in attendance. 
“Every school in Mystica, from the local schoolhouse here to Celestia's school for  the gifted." She said as she gently placed her hand on her copy of the MEA guidebook. She closed her eyes and smiled, “As long as we do too, we'll be fine.”

“Maybe we should... try something new?” Starlight asked as she and everyone else felt that Twilight was willfully ignorant of how things have been going over the last week.

Twilight shook her head calmly, “The representative of MEA who will perform the assessment for this school’s accreditation will be here this afternoon for Friends and Family Day.” She reminded the others. “They need to see a school that follows their guidelines.”

“Even if those guidelines aren't working?” Fluttershy asked not sure if this was the right root or if things will improve in time while contrasting how things were going during the first week.

Twilight only smiled as she placed a hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, “Given that this a new school and a new subject matter, one should expect us to take some time to get into the groove.” Twilight stated as if what she was said were words of comfort. Comfort that didn’t seem to be found in them by everyone else in the room. Twilight then turned to the door and began to walk “But nevertheless, we will have to try harder and make sure they do.” The bell then rang. “Another morning, another chance to inspire our students!”





Later that day, about two hours before the start of the actual Family and Friends Day event, Sandbar opened a door as he was he heading to his next class which was with Gallus, Yona, Smolder, Ocellus and Silverstream with Rainbow as the instructor. As he walked he was joined by the others but when they reached a fork in the hallway Smolder and Gallus started down the other hallway. This didn’t go unnoticed by Sandbar and the others, “You do know Professor Dash’s class is this way?” asked as they all stopped.

“Where are you going?” Ocellus asked as she stepped to be beside Sandbar. Smolder and Gallus just continued down the hallway, “You're not” Ocellus then gasped in shock, “skipping, are you?” She finished her question.

Smolder and Gallus stopped looked at each other with a nod and turned back to the rest, “That's exactly what we're doing.” the dragon informed before the dragon and harpy started to leave.

“But Friends and Family Day is—” Silverstream pointed out and started to panic at the idea that of them all not being there.

However, before she could cry out, Gallus flew up and covered Silverstream’s mouth, “After class.” the harpy reminded the aasimar. He then let go and started to fly back to Smolder, “Relax, this is just a quick…” he then trailed off as he tried to find the right words, “'mental health' break.” 

Ocellus, Silverstream, and Yona then turned to each other and started to whisper. After a second, Silverstream then flew up to Gallus and Smolder, “That sounds legit!” Ocellus and Yona then closed the distance to be with the other foreign exchange students. “We're in!” 

Sandbar shook his head with a smile, “I guess I'll tag along too. Make sure you don't get into…” he then tried as he smirked and joined the others. “Trouble.” he finished and they all had a short giggle as they started down the hallway away from their class.

“This way, Angel!” they all heard the voice of Fluttershy as the druid was walking down the perpendicular hallway they were.

“Professor Fluttershy!” Silverstream started to panic. “We're busted!” the aasimar was about to hyperventilate until Ocellus grinned as she was engulfed in a blue flame only to reveal herself as Rarity.

Fluttershy and her rabbit came into view, “Oh my!” Fluttershy almost shouted as she saw Ocellus in the guise as Rarity and the other five, “What are you all doing? Aren't classes that way?” she asked as she looked everyone over.

Ocellus cleared her throat, “Well, Fluttershy-darling, I asked to borrow Dashie’s students. I am taking them to the lake as an exercise in recognizing and responding to backhand comments and such.” Ocellus then stopped and waited for Fluttershy to respond. Everyone waited for almost three seconds.

”I never would have thought that would fall in the category of generosity, I would have concluded it was a subject of honesty,” Fluttershy said as she took her chin and thought. “That does sound nice!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Have fun!” she said as she smiled and continued on her way. Angel stopped and growled as not believing ‘Rarity’ but he could only follow Fluttershy. 

Once the demon-rabbit caught up with his druid, Ocellus dropped the disguise and all six giggled as they ran off towards the lake on the mountain that was the source of the waterfall the school was built next to. “I take back everything I said about you! That was cool!” Smolder said as she patted Ocellus on the back with her wing.

Ocellus smiled at the dragon’s comment, “Thanks!” Ocellus then stopped as she thought about the entire statement and all the implications and inferences. “Wait, what did you say about me?” she asked as she ran to catch up feeling that she was insulted. The other five giggled at Ocellus’ annoyed state.





At the same time as Sandbar and the foreign exchange students were leaving the school to the lake, Twilight and Starlight had returned from setting up for the Family and Friends Day gathering. Twilight was reading from the MEA guidebook, “Are you sure sticking to the book is gonna work?”

Twilight looked from the book to Starlight, “We reformed Nightmare Moon, turned Discord to stone, saved Krystalopolies, bested the three sirens that the Pillars kicked down the road, saved the Tree of Harmony, sent Tirek to Tartarus, saved the Pillars from Limbo and Stygian from the Nightstalker and Mystica from The Storm King,  just to list a few.” Twilight listed off many of her and friend accomplishments. “With all that under our belts, I know my friends can handle anything,” Twilight said as the two stopped and sent her book back to her office. “They'll have these problems turned around before we know it.”  

Unbeknownst to the two, a blue circle appeared and reveal itself to be a portal as Chancellor Neighsay passed through it, with a fairly large stack of paper and a quill with ink next to him. He landed gracefully on his feet. “Problems?” he asked catching the two off guard.

Twilight and Starlight gasped in surprise at the chancellor’s appearance. “Chancellor Neighsay! You're here! I wasn’t expecting you to be the assessor.” Twilight almost shouted at first as she started to collect herself from the initial shock.

Neighsay looked from his papers to Twilight, “Normally I would not perform the assessment. However, given that this school has been granted unprecedented support for it to go to the vote and the unprecedented support in the vote and that Princess Celestia has personally vouched for this school, the rest of the MEA voted that I should assess the school.” Nieghsay informed “And yet given that you selected this day, you seem unprepared. That doesn’t bold well for you." Nieghsay then brought some of the papers and the quill to levitate in front of him., “However, if there are problems…” he said as began to scribble.

“Problems? Ha! Of course not!” Twilight lied as she cut Neighsay and tried to dismiss his concern. “We can't wait to show you around!” she then chuckled nervously as she and Starlight started the tour for the chancellor.

“I was going to say that we can reschedule,” Neighsay replied, but elected to go with.





At the lake, the six class skippers reclined on the sand, Gallus just finished telling a story to the others, and while Silverstream was engrossed with it, the others didn’t buy into the tall. Sandbar and Yona both lived in nations bordering Gryphonstone and or dealt with harpies so they knew it was just talk on Gallus' part. Ocellus knew deception when she heard it and Smolder was not easy to impress, “And that's why harpies breathe fire when we get mad.”

“They do not!” Silverstream shouted in partial disbelief. She then thought back on it and her own lack of experience in the terrestrial world. “Wait! Do they? No! Really?” she went back and forth as she looked to the other four students.

“No, harpies just full of hot air!” Yona answered the aasimar and was rewarded with laughs from the others, even Gallus had to give Yona that joke and laughed as well.

“And orks are actually good at jokes!” Smolder complimented the ork. Yona responded to that with a smile. “How about that?” she asked rhetorically as she came to accept Yona’s sense of humor.

Ocellus then turned to the dragon, “So what are dragons good at?” she asked as they all have figured something each of them was good at, save Smolder.

Smolder smirked, “Competition!” was her answer as she bolted as if to start a race.





At the same time as the six students were racing, Twilight and Starlight were guiding Neighsay through the school, “And that was our library. Of course several copies of books from my personal libra…” Twilight said then she trailed off as the three come across Rainbow in the hallway, looking for someone, however, Neighsay was still taking notes on the school’s library, the content and study areas set up in the library. “Rainbow Dash! Why aren't you in class teaching?” Twilight as in a slightly hushed tone in an attempt to get her to leave.

Rainbow turned to see Twilight and Starlight, “Because my students are go—”Rainbow started only to see Neighsay and changed course in her answer almost too quickly and yet almost too late, “-ing on a class project! Doing a loyalty exercise, in knowing how to work together to evade dangers. Some of them might want to join the ESM and knowing how to evade a threat as a group is something they might need to know. So they are evading me until the Family and Friendship Day party.” Rainbow then started to fly. “So I better get back to looking for my class.”

Twilight turned to Neighsay, “See, Chancellor, part of our curriculum, to help Mysticans defend themselves. Now, while Rainbow is off to her lesson, we do have other classes that you can observe.” Twilight offered.

Neighsay stroke his beard, “Perhaps we should get a better grasp in this exercise. I find this quite curious.” Neighsay said as he stepped up to Rainbow. “Do you mind if we follow you, Professor Dash?

Rainbow gave a slightly nervous laugh, “What could go wrong?” She asked rhetorically before she started to fly. Neighsay, Starlight, and Twilight started to follow.

As the chancellor, guidance counselor and headmistress started to follow Rainbow, the scene changed to be the lakeside as the six started their race. Quickly Ocellus, Gallus, Silverstream, and Smolder took flight as Ocellus changed her form to look like a humanoid insect or insectoid human, her body was the same color of as her shirt with her light amaranth shawl became wings and the outer shawl became the elytra. The four flyers easily outpaced the land bond duo. However, before the four left the two too far being, they flew back, with Silverstream grabbed Sandbar’s arms as Gallus and Smolder each took hold of one of Yona’s arms with their talons and the three started to fly with the two. As this was happening, “Of course, we want to instill a sense of loyalty towards others. We encourage acts of generosity and kindness,” Twilight voiced over.

“Figured we shouldn't be the only ones enjoying the view,” Gallus said as it was clear to him and other capable of flight that Sandbar and Yona seemed to be amidst.  

“Waaaah!” Yona cried as she started to get used to the sensation of not being on the ground. “Yona not best at flying!”

Twilight’s voice is still heard over as Yona began to calm down, “And appreciation for the value of laughter…” she trailed.

“Flying is best!” Yona shouted in cheer and joy.

Silverstream giggled at the sight of Yona in the air, “Congratulations, Yona! You are officially the weirdest thing I've seen before!” Everyone had a laugh.

Smolder had a chuckle as she turned to Ocellus, “What do you say, Ocellus? Can you be weirder than a flying yak?” she asked. Ocellus smirked as she consumed in blue flame.

Back at the school as Twilight and Starlight were leading Neighsay back to the main door. “ ...and to always be honest in any situation.” Twilight finished her explanation for the school.

Neighsay was taking notes and everything seemed to be in order, “Honesty is imperative.” he declared. Once he finished his notes he raised his head and looked around and saw that they were right back where they started. “Princess, are we going in circles?”

Twilight nervously looked to the clock on the wall, “Uh, look at the time!” she said before she teleported to be right behind Neighsay and started to gently pushed him towards the door. “We'd better head to the lake for Friends and Family Day. I'm sure all the students and faculty will be there.”

Within seconds the lot was outside of the school at the lake at the base of the mountain were pretty much all the other students, their family and friends, and the guardians of foreign exchange students. All of them seemed to have a good time as they were chattering. Amongst everyone Prince Rutherford was with Grandpa Gruff and the ork prince laughed at a joke that the old harpy. 

Elsewhere, Spike and Ember were sharing a drink as they clinked their glasses in a toast. As Ember was starting to drink from her glass she looked up into the sky and saw something in it. “What is that?” she asked. Everyone then turned to see the six students, well the outline of all but Ocellus. The light elf, however, looked like a large bizarre bug, like some sort of freaky wasp. As people saw Ocellus and began to flee in flight.

Neighsay jumped in front of everyone and raised his left hand and sent orange beams of magic at Ocellus, “The school is under attack!” he shouted. “Get the students and guardians out of here!” he ordered just as his blast singed Ocellus’ wing causing her to crash into Gallus and the other students and they all crashed into one of the stands.

After the crash cleared Ocellus was one again in her light elf form and the six started to recover, “Uh, maybe skipping class wasn't the best idea?” Silverstream asked as she was the first to recover and got to her feet before she helped the others. 

All six turned to see Neighsay looking down at them, his amulet glowing, “As chancellor of the Mystican Education Associations, the defense of all schools, the students, teachers, faculty and visitors to the schools falls onto me. Now you must answer for this act of aggression—” he started.

Twilight then teleported to be in between the chancellor and the students, “I'm so sorry, Chancellor.” As she spoke she turned to face the six, a slight frown on her face like an annoyed mother. “We clearly had some students get a little carried away.”

Neighsay took a step back in shock, “Those are students?” he asked as we pointed more so towards Ocellus, Yona, Silverstream, Smolder, and Gallus. He then shook his head in disbelief, “But you said you were opening this school to protect Mystica!” he almost shouted and couldn’t see to fathom what was going on. “I thought this was set up protect Mysticans from... dangerous beings who don't have our best interests at heart!” He finished in almost disgust and… anger.

“My school teaches for all of us to work together through friendship.” Twilight countered, “You read the application I submitted.” She furthered compound.

Neighsay then pointed in the general direction of the five foreign exchange students’ guardians, “Then how do you know they won't take what they have learned here and use it against us?” he asked, had Twilight been calmer she would have heard a slight twinge of fear in his voice, a fear for his nation and the fact that those that had no loyalty or reason to be loyal to Mystica.

“Friendship isn't just for Mysticans!” Twilight countered as if she was making her own accusation against Neighsay.

Neighsay scowled as he turned away from Twilight and looked at the six students just as the five guardians walked up to the scene, “It should be.” he replied in a low and soft tone.

Prince Rutherford then grabbed Neighsay by the chancellor’s robe and turned Neighsay to face Rutherford, “Human thinks orks no need friendship?” he asked rhetorically and then shouted at Neighsay as he let go of Neighsay, “Maybe orks no need human school!”

Neighsay was not phased by Rutherford’s ire, “Then perhaps you should return to your kind.” he said as he brushed his robe and looked towards not only Rutherford and the other foreign leaders.

“Your kind?!” Ember shouted as she huffed smoke and was about to breath fire. However, she stopped and flew to be around the chancellor and Twilight. She then grabbed Smolder, “Smolder, let's go!” she said as she flew off.

Seaspray did likewise and took Silverstream’s hand, “Queen Novo will want to hear of this!” he said as he looked squarely at Twilight.

Grampa Gruff spat on the ground, “Well this place seemed lame anyways!” he said as he was joined by Gallus and Yona joined Rutherford as they all began to leave.

Thorax calmly placed his hand on  Twilight’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, “It's fine.” he said in a dejected tone. He was then joined by Ocellus, “We know not everyone in Mystica sees us the way you do. We're used to it.” and with that only a handful of the Mystican students, their family, Twilight, her friends and Neighsay.

Twilight was about to cry as she saw the foreign exchange students and their guardians, but she shook her head and turned to face Neighsay. She squinted her eyes as she walked up to him in anger, “Princess Celestia helped me reach out to all the kingdoms!” she shouted as pointed her right index finger at Neighsay. “And when she hears that you closed the school because—”

“Because you failed to meet the MEA standards?” he said cutting her off, if he was phased or affected by Twilight’s ire, then he showed no signs.

“What?!” Twilight asked utterly bewildered by Neighsay’s retorted and accusation.  

“Irresponsible teachers,” Neighsay declared as he pointed to Rainbow, “students skipping class,” he continued to list as gestured to Sandbar and the slowly departing foreign exchange students. He then pointed to wreckage caused by the six and the nearly missed bystanders, “Recklessly endangerment of citizens!” and thus finished the tricolon. “Your school is a disaster! Perhaps if you had had higher standards for who was admitted, this could have been avoided!” He took a breath and closed his eyes as he touched his amulet with the MEA insignia. “Regardless…” he trailed off as he raised his hand and from his hand came blue magical chains that wrapped around the school and after they finished wrapping around the school a large lock formed and then sealed the school off. Neighsay turned back to Twilight, “By the power vested in me as chancellor of the MEA, I am shutting this school down!” Twilight then gasped in shock and sorrow.
> Second Attempt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two days later in Twilight's room of her castle, the curtains were shut and the lights were out as Twilight’s muffled sobs could be heard. The door slowly creaked open. “Hey, Twilight, can I came in?” asked a voice of young man around Twilight’s age. Twilight only groaned, but it seemed to be a ‘yes’. The young man entered, it was Flash Sentry in his civilian attire, with his sword, a buckler and a hand crossbow on his waist. In his hands was a gallon tub of ice cream and a golden spoon. He walked up to the head of the bed, “I come bearing gifts,” Flash said as  he showed her the ice cream and spoon. Twilight reluctantly removed her cover and sheet showing she was dressed in a purple bathrobe. Her eyes were red, with noticeable black circles under them. She sat up and accept the ice cream, opened the tub and started to eat it. Flash smiled and then began to open the shades slowly, letting in some light. “Well, that’s a step in the right direction,” he said softly before he sat on the bed next to Twilight. 

Twilight stopped and then looked at Flash in confusion, “I do feel sorrow about your school, but this is pathetic.” Flash said not looking Twilight in the face. Twilight put down the ice cream and was about to speak when she saw tears starting to form in the corner of his eyes as if it pained him to speak. “You got licked worse several times and came back each time stronger than before in less than three hours.” he stopped and got up and began to leave the room. “When you’re ready to fight for your school…” Flash trailed off as he got to the door, he turned to face Twilight, his face was worn, but he began to smile, “you’ll find easily.” Flash then left.

Twilight was confused at what just happened, but it wasn’t the confusion that left her in a state of perplexed but the confusion that sparked the flame of curiosity Twilight then rushed to get dress and followed after Flash. She found him at the lake at the base of the waterfall, “What we're talking about with fighting for my school?” she asked as she looked at Flash.

“I cashed in a favor,” Starlight said as she walked up. “Also you hired me as the school’s counselor, that means tough love. Although I must admit, it took him a lot faster than I expected for him to get you out of the pillow-fort pouting.” Starlight commented. Twilight was about to ask, “Part of officer training is knowing how to set up and run a school.” Starlight informed.

“You probably should have told me before you went to Celestia.” Flash commented, “Because there are a few options open to you. First, you can file for an appeal, your school would be back on probationary accreditation and you address the things Neighsay cited and may cite that since Neighsay is not normally the member who that does assessments, he’s a little out of touch with the practical implementation of the guidelines.”  

“Guidelines?” Twilight asked, “I thought that…” she started as she had brought with her a copy of the MEA guidebook.

“It’s a guidebook,” Flash continued, “the content therein are more like guidelines than actual rules.” Twilight took a second to think about what Flash just said. “There is a second option, withdraw your application for accreditation.” Twilight was shocked at the notion.

“But the MEA..” Twilight started as she brought her copy of the guidebook to read it only for Starlight to swat it and sent the book into the waters.

“Hang the guidebook. You’re the princess of friendship, this is not a normal subject for a normal school. You’re also a princess, it’s time to think like one. Write your own rules, this is something new, something important.” Starlight countered as Twilight started to recover from seeing a book just sent into the waters.

Flash gave a sigh, “I’ll go fish it out.” Flash said as he took off his belt and shirt and dove in after the book.

“Kind of undermines your point,” Twilight commented as the two watched Flash swim to collect the book. Twilight turned to face Starlight, “But you're right!” Twilight declared as Flash emerged with the book. “Why we're doing this is way more important than how we're doing this!” Twilight continued as she and Starlight helped Flash out of the water. Twilight then turned to look at the school and a confident grin formed on her face. “And we are doing this!”

Starlight patted Twilight on her shoulder, “Now that's the Twilight I know. How can I help?” she asked.

Twilight turned and smiled at Starlight and hugged her, “You already have.”

“So are we appealing the assessment or withdrawing the application for accreditation?” Flash asked as he tried to dry off.






A couple hours later Twilight and Starlight had gathered the rest of her friends, “Guess what? The School of Friendship is back in business!” Twilight declared with a confident smile on her face and in her voice. Everyone gave a huph in confusion over what Twilight just said. Before anyone could question, “I owe you all an apology. I was so focused on doing things the MEA way I didn't listen to any of you!” she acknowledged the fault in the execution, “I'm sorry.” she apologized. “I promise this time, we'll run the school the way friends should: together,” she said as she held out her hands. Everyone was a little hesitant about accepting Twilight’s apology. “That means that you will teach however you want, meaning you don’t have to have pop quizzes, you can use party cannons for everyone, anything and everything you need to teach the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight furthered her offered.

“Yahooo!” Pinkie cheered as she jumped and hugged Twilight accepting the apology.

Applejack walked to Twilight and placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “If that is the case,” Applejack then looked at the others and they all nodded, “we're behind you one hundred percent, Twilight.” 

Spike then cleared his throat and everyone turned to face him, “Two small problems, the school is still unaccredited, and we don't have any students.” he pointed out surprisingly calm.

Twilight smiled, “I will have the first part taken care of.” Twilight said as she levitated a piece of paper to Spike.

Spike read it, “You’re withdrawing the application for the school.”

“Only the accreditation, Flash helped me find the way to take care of the accreditation matter,” Twilight answered the dragon. She then turned to her five other friends, “If you five can get our five foreign exchange students, Starlight will help me get the Mystican students.” Twilight then pulled out of her pocket five plan silver band, “Personal teleportation rings, Princess Celestia gave them to me to help us travel in the future.”

“I don’t know the leaders from the other kingdoms seemed pretty upset with us.” Fluttershy pointed out as they each accepted the rings.

Rarity waved her hand, “Nonsense! I'm certain we can win them over with our charm and style!” the enchantress said with a whip of her hair. 





About two hours later, just before noon, there was a knock at the gates to the main city of Yakyakistan. The gates were opened by of all orks Prince Rutherford. There he saw Pinkie with a telegram and a cupcake, “Cupcake-gram for Prince Rutherford!” Pinkie declared as she handed them to the prince.

Prince Rutherford huffed, “Why pink human here?” he asked with a degree of annoyance, “Orks mad at humans!” he shouted at Pinkie.

Pinkie smiled “Because... you don't have to be mad anymore! We're reopening Twilight Sparkle's School of Friendship!” Pinkie shouted in cheer as she seemed to teleport behind him, “And it's gonna be super-oopa-duper better than before!” she continued to cheer, which prompted him to take the cupcake and telegram, “We're—” Pinkie then trailed off

At the same time Rarity was in the dragon lands and was in front of Dragon Lord Ember, “—ever so sorry about the misunderstanding, all creatures are of course welcome.” she spoke as if she was continuing the sentence that Pinkie started.

As Rarity finished her statement, Fluttershy was at the top of Caer Sith at the throne of King Thorax, “We would be really happy if you sent Ocellus back to class.” 

As Fluttershy requested that Ocellus is allowed to return to the school, Applejack was standing at the base of Mt. Aris and was speaking to Seaspray, “It won't be the same without Silverstream! We're open and ready to start teachin'—” she pitched to the general, who was the spokesman for Queen Novo on the matter.

As Applejack had finished saying ‘teachin’’ Rainbow was in Gryphonstone outside as Grampa Gruff’s hut, “Right now!” Rainbow said as if she was completing the same pitch. “So? What are you waiting for?” she asked the old harpy. “Get Gallus and let's go!” she ordered as she was preparing to fly back, or rather use her teleportation ring to go back to the castle of friendship.

Grampa Gruff  walked out of his hut and shook his head, “Sorry missy, but that’s not gonna happen because Gallus—”

As Gruff said ‘Gallus’, back in the Dragon lands Ember said “Smolder” to Rarity.

At the same time In Yakyakistan, Rutherford said “Yona” to Pinkie.

At the same time at the base of Mt. Aris, Seaspray said, “Silverstream” to Applejack.

At the same time in Caer Sith, Thorax said, “Ocellus,” to Fluttershy.

And all of them said simultaneously “is gone!”

The five Mysticans that went to get the foreign exchange students shouted “What?!” at the exact same second.
> Lost and Found
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approximately two hours later, in the throne room of Princess Celestia, Prince Rutherford, King Thorax, Dragon Lord Ember, Grampa Gruff, and General Seaspray stood in front of Celestia with Princess Twilight to their right, as Celestia sat on her throne. “Where Yona?!” Rutherford shouted his question to everyone. He then pointed to Celestia, “This all human's fault!” he accused Celestia.

Ember huffed as she stepped to look Rutherford in the eyes, “You're pretty quick to blame someone!” The dragon pointed out. “What are you hiding, ork?!” she asked, or rather accused Rutherford of kidnapping the students. Rutherford snorted in her face in protest.

Thorax changed from his normal form to a noticeable more insect-like, with his crown changing to look like a set of orange mandible like antlers. “We can figure out whoever is responsible and bring the guilty party to answer for their actions later, our concern should be finding our missing children first and foremost.”

While this his action did seem to get Ember and Rutherford back down from each other, “Nice try!” Gruff shouted as he pointed his finger at Thorax, “You grubs are probably hidin' the whole lot of 'em!” the old harpy accused Thorax.

Before for things got worse, Celestia took a breath, “SILENCE!!!” she shouted using her Chantalot royal voice which caused everyone else to be sent flying and slamming into the wall on the farthest side from the thrones. As they all got back up returned to the actual throne, Celestia spoke, “Now before we go any farther, will someone explain to US what happened.” Celestia requested… or more like ordered as she used her Chantalot royal voice as she said ‘us’ as she pointed to herself.

This caught everyone off guard and the other leaders began to shiver in slight fright, Celestia had never used the royal ‘we’ before anyone in the room could remember it. “Answer US.” Celestia ordered and the other leaders dropped to their knees and bowed to her,

“Pardon, my fellow’s emotional outburst, Princess,” Seaspray said in a near panic.

Twilight was about to speak, “There are three definitions for ‘Prince/Princess’ Twilight, Princess Skystar is an example of the one you are most familiar with, Rutherford is the ruler of a true principality, the third and the one is most align with its etymology is ‘the first leader’, and as you can see, I am an example of the first leader.” Celestia explain. “Now General Seaspray, would you care to explain what is going on.”

Seaspray got back to his feet, “You see, Silverstream left me a note saying that she didn’t want to say goodbye to her friends just yet after the school was closed. She wrote that they all intend to run away and stay together-”

“YES! MY SCHOOL DID WORK! THEY LEARNED FRIENDSHIP!” Twilight shouted in joy as she jumped and flew around happily. There were a cough and Twilight stopped to see everyone standing and give her a slight scowl. She landed and took a couple of steps away as she gave a nervous laugh, “sorry.” she whispered.

Seaspray cleared his throat and turned to Celestia, “Truth or not, the five students we seek couldn't have done this by themselves. Someone is hiding them!” Seaspray pointed out. “If the niece of our Queen is not found soon, I promise there will be retribution!” He threatened everyone.

“Please, bird-fish.” Ember challenges as she huffed a breath of flame in Seaspray’s direction. “You have Smolder and I will personally boil Mt Aris until I find her.”

Grampa Gruff gave his own dismissive huff, “Not unless the harpy army doesn’t sack your caves and find Gallus there in, worm!” he challenged the Dragon Lord

“Orks fight harpies and dragons!” Rutherford declared as he beat his chest to show that he was ready to fight both.

Thorax tried to step in and defuse the situation, “Please, this not the time to go to arms, we have to—”

“What are you up to, shapeshifter?” Ember cut him short and was ready to tear the elf apart.

Celestia then conjures a shielding bubble around the five foreign leaders present as they devolved into a shouting fest, but still not coming to blow. She turned to Twilight, “I can keep them in there only for so long, find the students quickly, Twilight, or I fear our world will be at war!”





About half an hour later, back in Magiville, in Sugar Cube Corner, Twilight and her friends were at a table and talking, “Okay. Let's review what we know.” Twilight said.

Spike unrolled a piece of paper with the picture of Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona and Gallus, “Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona and Gallus disappeared together.” he stated and there was nothing else as everyone waited for him, to continue. “What? Seriously, that's all we know.” Spike pointed out.

Applejack took her chin with her left hand, “Ah doubt any of them know a disappearing spell, there’s no way they could go undercover, Yona’s too big, Ocellus’ too timid, Silverstream has wings from her back, Gallus’ talons wouldn’t fit a normal shoe and custom shoes that would hide his talons would stick out just as much and Smolder’s… well, she’s a dragon. So they're most likely off hidin' somewhere.” Applejack deducted. 

“But where and who’s helping them?” Rainbow asked as they all were in thought.

Just then the bell for the shop rang as Sandbar entered. He froze when saw the pictures of his friends and was about to set out. That didn’t happen because Pinkie skipped over to him, “Sorry girls, but I have to get back to work.” she said as she got up. “You’re order’s ready, Sandbar!” Pinkie declared as she skipped over to the display case and pulled out a large box, like those used for carrying about two bakers dozens of cupcakes. “So having a party?” Pinkie asked as Sandbar accepted the box. 

“Um.. yes and no… it’s just a get-together…” Sandar seemed to stutter nervously. He then looked at the clock on the wall and then dropped a bag of bits and took the box, “Look at the time. Gotta go Professor Pie.” He said as he bolted out the door.

“Wait! You forgot your change!” Pinkie shouted as she was about to follow after. But she stopped, as a light bulb appeared over her head and gasped before she bolted to the table. “Rarity, Applejack has Sandbar come over to your places of business over the last three days?” she asked. The two nodded… and then “Hey look you each got a lightbulb too.” Pinkie cheered.

“Pinkie, tell us what you are think…” Rainbow trailed off as she looked back at what happened when Sandbar arrived, how he left and then the question Pinkie asked. “HE KNOWS WHERE THEY ARE! WE GOT TO FOLLOW HIM!” Rainbow shouted and bolted out the open window, the rest then ran out the front door. “Where’d he go?” Rainbow asked as she looked around.





Around an hour later as Sandbar pushed a cart along a path in the Everfree forest that led to the remains of The Castle of Two Sisters. It wasn’t much, just the remains of the castle’s library. Inside his cart were pillows, blankets, freshly harvested vegetables, and fruit, and two dozen cupcake. As he pushed his cart an apple fell off and landed on the ground. As Sandbar walked by not noticing the apple’s fall, a hand reached out from a bush and took the apple

Inside Gallus was flying in what was the rafters and open sky around the castle. Gallus landed next to Ocellus, who was reading books, Smolder was munching on some rocks, Yona and Silverstream seemed to be exploring the remains of the ruins. Gallus took a breath, “Huh, this place is way cooler than I thought it'd be.” he said with a laugh.

Smolder stopped chewing the rock, “Even I'm impressed!” She chops on the stone she had in her talon, “Mum,” she hummed, “Everfree Marble.” She then turned to Ocellus, “So what's it called again, Ocellus?” she asked as she finished the marble she was eating.

Ocellus showed the cover of the book she was reading, ‘The Journal of the Two Sisters’ “This was The Castle of the Two Sisters.” the elf answered. “I remembered it from class. Princess Twilight's history of pre-Nightmare Moon friendships!” she said proudly of herself as Yona and Silverstream joined them.

Gallus shrugged his shoulder, “Huh, who knew?” he asked. “School was actually good for something,” he commented.

Yona sat down, “Yona not really like school.” she commented. She then pulled everyone into a group hug that rivaled Pinkie Pie’s “But, Yona like new friends!” she shouted in great cheer.

Smolder grunted and strained as she tried to get out of the ork’s near deathlike embrace, “Smolder... like breathing!” the dragon then managed to break Yona’s hug setting her free and the others.

Silverstream turned and saw Sandbar approach, “Hey you guys! Sandbar's back!” she shouted as she pointed out Sandbar and the group started to run to meet up with him.

“Cupcakes are best cakes!” Yona shouted as she ran past the others and was about to crash into the cart, but was diverted by Gallus before impact. 

“Thanks, Gallus.” Sandbar said as he opened the box of cupcakes for everyone to have.

Gallus took the first cupcake and with a somewhat dismissive shrug, “I was saving the cupcakes.” he said as he began to eat the cupcake.

“Pillows!” Ocellus shouted as she jumped into the cart, namely the pillows. “How nice! The castle is gonna be so much more comfy,” she said as she changed to look like a cat and snuggled into the pillows.

Smolder grabbed one of the pillows, “And fun!” she cheered “Pillow fight!” she shouted and threw a pillow at Yona and flew to be behind Sandbar before anyone could respond. Everyone then grabbed a pillow and started to either throw or bash each other with the pillows all the while laughing and grunting in joy.

“Wait a minute!” Silverstream screamed as she led from the group to a set of stairs. “You guys!” she shouted, “Stairs!” she the squealed in joy. There was a second as everyone just stared at her in confusion. Before anyone could ask, “They’re are awesome! We don't have anything like 'em underwater 'cause you know,” She then touched a small gem on the necklace and she changed from her aasimar state to being a mermaid. “no way to climb 'em!” she explained. Everyone then gave a slightly silent ‘Ohhhh.’ of understanding. Silverstream then touched the gem again and was once again an aasimar. “This place has everything! If only my family back home could see it…” Silverstream went silent as an apple landed on her head. She shrugged her shoulders and bit into the apple.

Everyone had a laugh as Silverstream rejoined the group. “I wish the other elves could meet you all.” Ocellus commented. “You're not nearly as strange as the stories say.” She added.

Smolder rolled her eyes, “Gee, thanks.” she mocked. “But yeah, hanging out with non-dragons is actually... not bad!” she said as brushed Ocellus’ leg. 

There was then a rustling from the bushes not far from them and a small bipedal hedgehog-like creature about a foot tall walked into view. “Maybe most other creatures…” Sandbar replied as he pointed to the creature, “But what is that thing?” he asked.

Ocellus sighed, “Am I the only one who didn't sleep through Professor Fluttershy's critters of comfort and conflict class?” she asked. There were five sets of nervous laughs that responded to her question. Ocellus then groaned as she facepalmed herself. “It's a puckwudgie.” The elf informed as she turned from her classmates, “Maybe I can make friends with it!” she surmised as she transformed into puckwudgie and walked up to the one that arrived. She then began to speak to it in a series of grunts and such. The puckwudgie then growled angrily and was joined by almost three dozen other puckwudgies, all of them growling too. Ocellus transformed back into her true form. “Oops,” she said as she stepped back into the group.

Yona snorted, “Ork plan better.” she said before she screamed a battle cry charged the puckwudgies. However before Yona could get close enough to attack them, the puckwudgies turned their back to her and started to send needles from their backs. Before the needles made contact with the ork, Smolder and managed to fly fast enough to drop one of the carts that Sandbar has brought. The two were joined by the others as they managed to make a triangular fort using two more carts that were brought there by Sandbar. The puckwudgies continued to send needles at the six, more or less trapping the six.

Smolder took a glance only to duck under cover, “Think, Ocellus!” the dragon ordered the elf. “Did Professor Fluttershy say anything on how to beat puckwudgies in her lecture?!” she asked in a shout of fear. Ocellus shook her head in freight and guilt as she hid behind Sandbar. 

“Well, I’m gonna go ahead and guess it's not pillows, apples—” Gallus said as he looked at what they had and took a cupcake before he tossed it up. Needles were heard flying before the cupcake came back down riddled with needles “or cupcakes.”

“Um, I am not sure, but wouldn't that class have been about how to make friends with them?” Silverstream asked as she noted what Gallus and Smolder intended and the kind of classes Fluttershy tried to teach.

“What do we do then? They’re getting really close…” Sandbar pointed out.

Yona took a breath as she held out her right hand, “Yona not scared! Yona have friends!” Everyone then placed their right hand on Yona’s were about to leap out to confront the puckwudgies when a rainbow came down right in front of them. The rainbow landed as a comet and sent the puckwudgies flying away from the group.

Gallus was the first to recover from the impact as he looked and saw Rainbow with her right hand in a fist with her right knee down and bent as her left foot was on the ground, her head looking down, “Is that Professor Egghead?!” asked in utter awe.

“Get a mop, Gallus.” Rainbow said as she raised her head with a smirk on her face, “Because I just awesomed all over the place.” Before the puckwudgies could return, Applejack swag in using her rope and drew her sword, Twilight, Starlight and Rarity teleported in, with Twilight and Starlight prepared a shield spell as Rarity levitated a handful of gems, ready to send them flying at the puckwudgies, as Pinkie Pie popped from Yona’s hair with a party cannon ready. From behind Spike blew fire covering the rear. 

As everyone prepared to fight, “Don't hurt them!” Fluttershy said as she arrived on the scene last of the group to arrived. “Just ask them to leave nicely.” She said and began to whistle and seemed to calm the creatures and after she finished the creatures left calmly and peacefully.

“Not bad!” Yona cheered but hastily added, “For humans.” before she got out from their shielding.

“Wow, you're amazing!” Ocellus cheered as she lept out and embraced Fluttershy.

“I had no idea you were actually cool,” Gallus admit, reluctantly as he and the rest emerged from the carts as he looked at Rainbow’s feet. Sandbar patted him on the shoulder reassuringly with a grin of ‘I told yah!’ plastered on his face.

“Did you see that?!” Silverstream asked with a degree of excitement that would give Pinkie a run for her money. “Rainbow Dash was like—” Silverstream started before Smolder covered the aasimar’s mouth with her talon.

“Yeah, we all just lived it.” Smolder pointed out. She then removed her talon and continued to speak, “But you're right, that was pretty amazing.” She said with a slight glance to Spike and saw the younger dragon gave a small breath of flame with his own smirk. “Even by dragon standards,” Smolder added.

Twilight then cleared her throat and everyone turned to face her. “Is everyone alright?” she asked. The six students all gave various agreements.

“You're lucky we got here in time!” Spike commented as he took another look around.

“You know, this probably isn't the safest place for a camp-out.” Starlight pointed out as everyone looked around.

“Does that mean you're going to send us back to our homes?” Ocellus asked as stepped to hide behind Sandbar. 

Twilight shook her head, “We have another option in mind.” she informed them.

Gallus raised an eyebrow inquisitively, “We're listening.” he stated.

Twilight took a breath and looked down  in guilt before she raised her head and looked squarely at “It's pretty clear you've already started learning friendship without your teachers and I know that it might look like you don’t have much of choice, but we'd like to show you even more... if you'd come back to school?” Twilight asked the six students humbly, even going so far to genuflect with her head down.

The students looked at each other unsure, but before they could question any farther, “To be honest, we felt exactly the same way when Twilight told us she was re-opening the school.” Applejack said as she sheathed her sword and stepped to be right beside Twilight tapped the princess on her shoulder and got her to stand back up.

Rarity then joined Twilight on her other side, “But this time, we guarantee it shall be different.” the enchantress added.

“Oh, yeah!” Rainbow cheered as she landed in front Twilight, “When class runs my way, it'll be two hundred and twenty per cent cooler.” she declared as she clutched her left fist as she tried to psych everyone into going back to the school.

Fluttershy then hovered to join the others, “And without the MEA—” she started as she showed a copy of the MEA guidebook and then tossed it aside. “—it'll be much friendlier.” she completed as she pointed towards the calm puckwudgies.

“Plus all your nations won't go to war because you'll come back with us!" Pinkie shouted as she manifested herself among the students and hugged them all. “Bonus!”

There was a pause of utter silence as what Pinkie just said registered in the minds of everyone else there, student and teacher. “Wait. What?” Sandbar asked the question on his and the other students’ minds.
> Own Rules
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

About an hour and a half later, outside of Twilight’s still sealed school. Twilight, her friends and the students were greeted by Princess Celestia and the guardians of the five foreign exchange students, “Twilight! I was so relieved to get your letter!” Celestia almost exclaimed as she the guardians sans Gruff embraced their respective student.

“And so will her majesty Queen Novo,” Seaspray informed. “I am glad you're alright, Silverstream!” he said as he ended his hug.

“Uncle Seaspray,” Silverstream said with slight embarrassment. Everyone turned to face Silverstream with questions, “He’s my dad’s big brother.” she answered.

As everyone gave an ‘oh’ of acceptance, Gallus turned to Grampa Gruff, “Don't expect a welcome party from me, sonny!” he then reached his right wing out to grab Gallus’ own, “It's time you got home!” he ordered.

Gallus smacked Gruff’s wing away, “I'm not leaving.” the younger harpy challenged.

Grampa Gruff was taken aback as he took a step back “Whaaaat?” he asked in utter bewilderment.

“None of us are.” Ocellus declared as she looked at Thorax. She then lowered her head as she recalled her position among elves, “Sorry, King Thorax.” she squeaked.

Prince Rutherford and Ember both turned to each other in confusion, “Rutherford don't understand.” he stated plainly. “This human joke?” he asked.

“No. We're going back to school!” Smolder answered the ork prince.

“How?” Ember asked and pointed to the magical seal. “You can't even get inside!” she pointed out.

Twilight smiled as she pulled her magic into a ball in her right hand and then sent a beam at the lock and after almost half a minute of her magical beam striking the lock it, the lock and chains shattered. “School is back in session!” Twilight declared and the students cheered in response.

A portal formed in front of the school’s front door. A second later Neighsay jumped through the portal and that had appeared and noted the dissolving magical chains which sealed the school, “Who dared remove an MEA seal? And by what authority do they claim?” he asked.

Twilight step forward to confuse, “Twas I, Neighsay, And I did so as a princess of the Everfree Principality of Mystican in Dream Valley. Now I respectfully ask you to step aside, or classes will start late.”

“Not even Princess Celestia has unilateral authority to remove an MEA seal. And since you failed accreditation because the school was disorganized, the teachers were unqualified, and the premise harbors dangerous and unpredictable "students" who could put Mysticans' lives in danger!”  Therefore classes won't start at all. The MEA has spoken, and none shall pass!”

“Only if this was an MEA school.” Twilight countered then presented to Neighsay a copy of her letter to withdraw her application for accreditation. “This should have been sent to a few hours ago, that is my fault. But as you can see…”

“Yes, yes, you no longer seek MEA accreditation.” Neighsay cut her short. “But this school still cannot operate with a comparable…” Neighsay stopped as Twilight dropped a large book at Neighsay’s feet that was about twice the size of the MEA guidebook.

Neighsay levitated the book and started to read it, “As you can read, this school has its own rules. I know, I…”

“Wrote it.” Neighsay finished. “Yes, your articulation is all over this,” Neighsay said as he stopped reading. He then let the book fall to the ground. “Do you sincerely intend to allow these foreigners to attend your school, changing the rules for them!” He challenged the princess.

Twilight nodded, “Yes, I do intend to have these students attend this school and any other who wishes to attend.” Twilight continued. She turned to the six students present. “For every friendship is special and thus needs a unique way to teach it, something I am reminded of every day most recently by them. But I will not be changing the rules, I will not be following MEA guidelines, nor will this be subject to them because as soon as you accepted the withdrawal of my application for accreditation…”

“You made your point.” Neighsay cut her short. He then turned to Celestia, “Princess Celestia, you cannot be backing this blatant circumvention of MEA jurisdiction.?” he questioned Celestia.

“Neighsay, this is not a debate you can win,” Celestia said as she stepped forward to talk to Neighsay. “I know you are concern about the future of Mystica and that one door that seemed to have no guard left open is an open invitation for threats to come in masking as allies. But we must take this chance with our neighbors. Much like how the founders took the chance to unite properly following the first Hearths Warming.” 

“An appeal to history, I expected a better counter-argument than a logical fallacy.” Neighsay retorted. He then turned to the leaders, “But I suppose you would have to make that call, you are a politician first and foremost.” he huffed and began to turn to leave.

“Chancellor, I promise you my school will help protect Mystica,” Twilight added before the chancellor left.

Neighsay turned to take one last look at Twilight and scowled at her, “Or destroy it!” he finished and then jumped through the portal. 

As the portal closed the students cheered and were about to proceed into the school. 

“Hmph, how's this school going to be any different from last time?” the old harpy asked the question on pretty much every other leader’s mind, but none seemed to want an answer.

“This brand new school of friendship…” Twilight started to sing, from almost out of nowhere.

“STOP!” Ember shouted causing everything to come to a screeching halt. “If you promise to not sing, Smolder can stay!” Ember pleaded.

“Wahoo!” Smolder cheered as it was clear she got to stay.

Prince Rutherford placed his hand on Yona’s shoulder, “If dragon stays, Yona stay.” he declared. Yona then tackled him with a hug.

Thorax laughed at the sight before he placed both his hands on Ocellus’ shoulders, “I know you will make us proud, Ocellus.” Ocellus was about to cry a tear in joy but wiped the tear away.

Seaspray smiled at Silverstream and looked at the school, “You belong here.” he said as he turned back to Silverstream. “Now, can you show me those 'stair' things you mentioned?” he asked her as Silverstream gave incoherent squeals.

Grampa Gruff prepared to fly off but stopped as he noticed that Gallus was not coming along, “What? You belong at home! You think I care if you've made friends?” the older harpy asked rhetorically and wanted to leave. Gallus, however, gave Gruff big puppy eyes and started whimper in a plea to stay. “Alright!” Gruff shouted, “Just stop doing that!” The students then cheered as they all rushed into the school.

The leaders then started their departure, as Starlight nudged Twilight, “Guess I make a pretty good guidance counselor, huh?” she asked rhetorically as she and Twilight's other friends walked into the atrium of the school. 

“Yes!” Twilight answered and the levitated the book that she present to Neighsay. “And writing a rulebook was the most fun ever!” She shouted as she hugged the book with a massive grin on her face. She then started to fly ahead, “I can't wait to start working on the new lesson plans!” she shouted. However, she stopped as she heard Rarity cleared her throat. Twilight then turned and gave a nervous laugh, “...with some help from my friends.” She corrected as she hugged her friends.