"Alright everyone," a magenta pony called out. "It's time to go back inside!"
All of the fillies and colts that were playing out in the schoolyard looked up, surprised.
"I know that we're ending recess a little early today, but I have a surprise for you."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other. A surprise? They fallowed the rest of their class back up to the schoolhouse.
"This better be good," huffed a little orange Pegasus to the others, looking up at the sky. "It's a perfect day out! I can't believe we have to cut it short." She was right. The sun shown bright and there were only a few clouds in the sky.
"Well, I'm exited to see what the surprise is, Scootaloo" stated a small white Unicorn.
"I guess," grumbled a short, yellow Earth Pony. "But Sweetie Belle what if . . ."
"Apple Bloom," The magenta pony said, "No talking please."
"Sorry Miss Cherrilee."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders stepped inside and took their seats. Nothing seemed surprise worthy. Same old schoolhouse. Not to say that the schoolhouse was boring. A large, green chalk board, which was right behind Miss Cheerilee's desk, was at the front of the classroom. To the left and right were a bunch of drawers, full of fun supplies like markers, crayons, popsicle sticks, pom-poms, you name it. On top of the structures there were books of all colors and sizes. There was even a telescope and a globe! But nothing looked out of the ordinary. All of the students were confused, and chatter buzzed throughout the room.
"I know this is exiting, but please quiet down," instructed Miss Cheerilee.
The room went quiet. Everypony was looking at their teacher, waiting for her to reveal what the surprise was.
"I'd like you to give a warm welcome to our new student, Scratches!"
A filly stepped through the doorway. She had a lovely green coat, like freshly cut grass, with just a touch of gray so as to give a calming feel. Her mane was a delightful cream color that looked silky to the touch. She was wearing a plain brown dress that matched her eyes, obscuring her cutie mark. Even Diamond Tiara was memorized by her beauty.
"Would you like to introduce yourself?"
"Um, okay. Well, um, my name is Scratches, and, I . . . I just moved to Ponyville from Fillydelphia. Th-Thank you for letting me join this wonderful class, and, um, . . . yah, thanks." Everyone stomped their hooves until Miss Cheerilee held her own up.
"You can go take your seat, Scratches. Why don't you sit next to Applebloom? She's an Earth Pony, just like you! She's the one that has the yellow coat and a red mane. Alright everyone, let's review our vocabulary words from yesterday . . ."
Scratches took her seat, and started taking notes in a small notebook she had. But it wasn't long before Applebloom started up a conversation with her.
"So you're from Fillydelphia," Applebloom whispered. "What was it like?" Scratches smiled.
"Well, it's a lot more crowded that around here, and the buildings are a bit bigger."
"Cool, so how-"
Cheerilee looked up from the chalkboard. "Applebloom, no talking please."
Applebloom groaned, but wrapped up the conversation. "Let's chat later, I want to show you something special."
"Ta-da," Sweetie Belle announced. "Our Clubhouse!"
"Wow, this is amazing," said Scratches. "What do you do up here?" She took out her note book, ready to write down information.
"This is where we help ponies figure out what their special talent is," Scootaloo said. "We help others figure out there purpose. Like what their cutie mark means, stuff like that."
Scratches eyes grew wide.
"Then maybe you'll be able to help me," she said, taking off her dress.