//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Making a Good Mark (Part 3) // Story: Serenity's Tale // by ElementofOrder //------------------------------// Serenity’s Tale- Chapter 10: Making a Good Mark (Part 3)      “Serenity. Serenity?” Serenity jolted to attention with a start. “M-ma’am?” “Are you having trouble with the material?” “Oh! Uh, n-no ma’am, Ms. Fortuna. I was just thinking about something.” “Worried about Wonderwick? She’s probably fighting off a cold. Wonderwick always gets a little sick every now and then. I’m sure she’ll be better in a few days.” “Is that why ponies call her filthy? Because she gets sick a lot?”      Estrella grimaced and cleared her throat. “That’s…part of it. It’s hard to explain.” “What about ‘half-breed’? Or ‘mud horn’? What do those mean?” “Um, l-let’s focus on studying for now. Why don’t we put a pin in this discussion and pick it up after the exam?” Serenity tilted her head. “Put a pin in it?” “It means save the conversation for later.”      “Oh. Okay. Do you know any spells to make ponies feel better?” “I’m afraid not. Sorry, Serenity.” Noticing her dejected expression, Estrella touched Serenity’s shoulder and smiled gently. “But I can ask the other teachers if they do.” “Thank you, Ms. Fortuna.”      Wonderwick returned just barely before the session ended, looking just as lethargic as when she left. Estrella gave her the day’s worksheets and let her go home. Over the course of the next week, Wonderwick grew sicker each day. Serenity checked on her each morning before heading to school and walked her home after tutoring—provided Wonderwick showed up. On the morning of the exam, Summer recommended that she head straight to school.      “It’s nice that you’ve been checking on your friend lately, but you should get to school sooner so you can prepare for your test.” “But mother—“ “No buts, little filly. Tranquility, make sure she goes straight to Ether’s.”      “Yes, mother. We won’t go anywhere else.” Tranquility beamed and curtsied. “Come on, Serenity.” Serenity sighed and trudged along. “Fine…” I’m going to see if Wonder’s okay, blast what they say. But how am I going to get away from Tranquility?      As they cantered through the streets of Nocturne, Serenity lagged several paces behind her sister. She glanced around and scanned the area for a path to separate from Tranquility. “Hey, quit lollygagging back there! I want to have plenty of time to brush up on runes before my test.”      “Tranquilityyyy,” she whined. “What is it?” “I need to turn back.” “What? Why?” “I…I need to go to the loo.”      Tranquility facehoofed and groaned. “Why didn’t you go before we left, you daffy filly?” “I didn’t have to go then! Please, sister!” Serenity whined pleadingly and did a frantic dance to emphasize her false plea.      “Ugh. Go ahead, but I’m waiting right here. And if you take too long, I’m carrying on without you!” “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Serenity bolted back up the street and disappeared from her sister’s view. I can’t believe that really worked!      Serenity made her way to Wonderwick’s home and knocked on the door. For several moments, there was no answer. She raised her hoof to knock again, but the door opened before her hoof made contact. Wishing Star held the door open only a few inches and peered down at Serenity.      “Oh, hello Serenity.” “Good morning, Ms. Star. How’s Wonderwick doing today?” Wishing Star bit her lip and her eyes darted to the side. She then donned a smile, trying a bit too hard to look reassuring. “She’s…pushing on. Wonderwick’s still under the weather, but I think she’s getting better.” “Can I—may I see her?”      “Um…I don’t know, dear. She needs her rest.” “I’ll be really quiet, I promise.” “Well, you could catch her bug.” “I haven’t gotten sick so far.” “Shouldn’t you head on to school? There’s a big test today.” “I don’t have to stay long. I just want to see if Wonder’s doing okay. Please, Ms. Star?”      Serenity’s eyes widened and sparkled. Her ears drooped, her lower lip quivered oh-so-slightly and she whimpered softly. Wishing Star tried to tear her gaze away, but her eyes were always pulled back to Serenity’s adorably sad face. “Oh…alright. Just keep your distance, okay? I don’t want you both to be sick and miserable two days from now.”      Serenity entered the modest home and detected rough coughs coming from the back. The coughs kept coming and coming, growing harsher with each one. Serenity’s heart pounded in her chest as Wishing Star led her to the room.      “Wonder? How are you feeling?” asked Serenity. She began approaching her friend’s bed, but Wishing Star blocked her path with a foreleg. Wonderwick coughed three times before facing Serenity. Her fur was coarse and matted with sweat. Her mane was an unruly mess and contained bits of dry crust in places. The most shocking sight was her eyes. Normally they were wide, bright and full of life and wonder. Now they were blank, red, puffy, dull and empty. They were the eyes of the dead.      Wonderwick laid there dazed and almost looked confused. “It’s your pal Serenity,” said Wonder Eye. “She asked how you were feeling.” A weak smile formed on Wonderwick’s face. “Oh h-hi Serenity,” she rasped. “What’s wrong with your voice?” “My—“A harsh cough erupted from her throat, followed by a dry wheeze.      “My throat hurts from coughing and throwing up so much.” “How much have you thrown up?” “Probably—“she coughed. “Probably enough to fill a tub.” “Ewww. I hope you didn’t try bathing in it.” “It was either that or eat it again for dinner.” Both fillies made silly grimaces and then shared a laugh. This resulted in another coughing fit.      Her coughs sound positively awful! And she looks so…so miserable. Wishing Star rushed over and grasped her small hoof. “Wonderwick? Breathe, sweetie. Try to take a big, deep breath and hold it for a moment. Mama’s here, Wonderwick.”      The pink filly did as her mother told and the coughs slowly subsided. Wonder Eye walked to the bed and gently ruffled Wonderwick’s mane. “How about we try getting some food in you, Wicky?” He smiled and Wonderwick smiled back. “Food sounds great, papa. I’m really hungry.”      Wonderwick crawled out of bed and her father supported her with a foreleg on the way to the kitchen. After helping her into a seat, Wonder Eye poured Wonderwick a bowl of soup. Wishing Star levitated the bowl over and gently blew on the soup. It looks like Wonder’s doing okay. I suppose I can go on to school now.      Serenity bade the family farewell and wished her friend well. “Thanks, Serenity. Go ace the exam for the both of us.” “I’ll do my best, Wonder.” Wonderwick took a long sip of soup as Serenity approached the front door. As the soup hit her stomach, a warm ache blossomed in her belly and made her pause.      “Sweetie?” said Wishing Star. “Are you okay? Do you need to save it for later?” Wonderwick shook her head and forced a smile. “I’m okay, mama. Thank you for the soup.” She gulped down more soup and the pain and heat grew until her stomach was roiling.      Wonderwick’s shaking hooves dropped the bowl as she lurched forward and vomited violently. Serenity stopped within the doorway, her ear twitching. What was that? “Won—“ “Wonderwick!” screamed Wishing Star and Wonder Eye. Serenity bolted back to the kitchen. Her eyes widened and her heartbeat shot up as she watched Wonderwick retch and cough bloody vomit.     “W…what’s wrong with her? I-is that blood? Is Wonder hurt?” “I don’t know!” cried Wonder Eye. “She’s never been this sick! It’s never been this bad before..!” Wishing Star tried talking to Wonderwick, but the filly was coughing and gagging too much to reply. Fear gripped Serenity’s heart and wiped her mind blank.      “Serenity? Serenity! Serenity!” “Y-yes ma’am?” “I need you to get help. A doctor, a wizard—anypony! Please hurry!” “O-okay!” She galloped through the streets and wracked her brain. Where’s the doctor’s place? Blast, I don’t remember! Wait! Ms. Fortuna said she’d find somepony to help Wonder! With renewed determination, she bolted forth faster than before.      The doors to Ether’s School burst open as Serenity barreled through, her horn alight with magic. “No running in the halls!” shouted a teacher. “Sorry!” Winter Gaze walked down the halls, checking each classroom to see if students were testing diligently. When she reached Estrella’s class, the door flew open and smacked her in the face with a loud thwack. “Sorry headmistress!” Serenity zipped into the room and screeched to a stop.      All eyes were on her as she huffed and wheezed. “Serenity, you’re surprisingly late. Have a seat and I’ll give you your written test.” “No…time,” she gasped. “Need…Wonder…heal…your help!” Estrella raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. “What? Take a moment and catch your breath. What’s wrong?” Serenity gulped down air and took a deep breath.      “Wonderwick’s really sick and she needs help now!” “Serenity, I’m afraid I can’t see to her right now. Maybe in an hour or two, I can—“ “Wonder might not have that long! You said you’d find somepony to help!” Before Estrella could respond, Winter Gaze stormed in looking livid. “You better have a bloody good reason for showing up late, disrupting class and slamming a door in my face, little lady!”      Serenity explained the situation as quickly and coherently as she could. “We need to go now, headmis—“ “I do not need to go anywhere, young lady. You need to get to your seat this instant.” “But—“ “This! Instant! Get moving before I have you take your test within detention!” Serenity hung her head and flattened her ears, making herself small. “Yes ma’am,” she said meekly.      “Could you perhaps fetch the school doctor to check on Wonderwick, headmistress? She did say she was awfully sick.” Winter Gaze gave her an apathetic glare. “I do not bother myself with every runny nose and stomach ache that afflicts certain pupils, Ms. Estrella. I suggest you follow suit.” “But it sounds serious.” “What it does not sound like is my problem.” Serenity glared daggers at Winter Gaze, her belly hot with indignation.      She’s an adult! She’s supposed to help foals in need! But—but she doesn’t even care! “A pox on you, you icy crow,” she growled under her breath. “What was th—“ Before Winter Gaze could finish, Serenity darted around her and out of the classroom. She galloped down the hall, screaming at the top of her lungs. “A pox on Icy Eyes! She doesn’t care about sick and dying fillies!”      Serenity plowed through the front doors with her magic and raced toward the gate. Winter Gaze stormed onto the steps of the school. “Get back here, you brat! Don’t you go through those gates or I swear you’ll regret it!” Serenity stopped and turned around. With a defiant gaze, she slowly raised her hoof, opened her mouth and flicked her hoof against her teeth toward Winter Gaze. As the headmistress stood there aghast, Serenity took off back to Wonderwick’s house.      Serenity knocked on the door as rapidly as her tired leg would allow. Wonder Eye swung the door open, but looked disappointed when he saw Serenity by herself. “Well? Where’s the help?” After catching her breath, Serenity replied “I…I don’t know if anypony’s coming, sir.” Wonder Eye kicked the doorframe and swore loudly. Serenity flinched and flattened her ears.      “Sorry. I just—Faust, I don’t know what to do.” “Um…I-I can help, Mr. Wonder Eye.” The amber-colored stallion looked at her with desperate, hopeless eyes—eyes looking for a miracle. “How? How can you help our little Wicky? What can you do?”      Initially, she was at a loss. I…I don’t know how to help. I don’t know how to make her better. Despair welled up in Serenity’s belly and crept up her throat. It’s not fair. Wonderwick doesn’t deserve this. If nopony else will help them, then I will. There’s no such thing as trying. “My best. What do you need me to do?”      Wonder Eye almost blew off her offer and sent her away, but he could see the sincerity in her eyes clear as crystal. In Serenity’s eyes, he swore he could see the miracle he wished for: Wonderwick healthy and happy once more. Blinking the vision clear from his eyes, he sighed. “Tartarus with it. Why not give it a shot? Try to keep her comfortable. Bring her whatever she asks for. I think that’s the best we can do for now.”      Serenity and Wonder Eye entered the house and found Wishing Star standing next to Wonderwick’s bed. She stroked her daughter’s face soothingly as she laid asleep. Every ragged breath she took pricked the three ponies’ hearts. “She’s burning up,” said Wishing Star. “Wet rags aren’t helping much. Her throat’s so raw, she can hardly talk. All the coughing and throwing up, I guess.” She plopped onto her rump, let out a shuddering breath and buried her face in her hooves.      “I’m terrified, Wonder.” He wrapped her in a comforting hug. “Me too, Star. Let’s just keep loving her and wishing for a miracle. Wishing gave her to us. It ought to keep her with us too, right?” Wishing Star nodded, holding her husband close as they watched over Wonderwick. Serenity sat down on the opposite side of the bed, silently praying to the Alicorns for Wonderwick’s health.      A few coughs stirred Serenity from her sleep. “W-Wonderwick?” “Serenity?” she rasped. “How come you’re still here? You should be at school.” “Well, so should you. Do you want anything? Maybe some soup?” Wonderwick grimaced and shook her head as she clutched her belly. “Uh-uh. I don’t wanna throw up again. Can I get some water?” “Of course, sweetie,” said Wishing Star. “I’ll go get it,” said Serenity. “The pump’s out back,” stated Wonder Eye.      Serenity leapt up with a spring in her step. She trotted to the kitchen and picked up a bowl with her magic. However, her pace slowed as she reached the pump. Her breaths came out as shuddering sobs. Tears obscured her vision as she worked the pump. Oh Wonder..! I don’t want you to die! I don’t want to lose my best friend! Her horn, her tears and the water glowed faintly as she filled the bowl.      With utmost care, Serenity levitated the bowl of water as she returned to Wonderwick’s room. “Thank you,” said Wishing Star. She stepped out of the bowl’s path. “You’re welcome. Here you go, Wonderwick.” “Thanks, Serenity.” With some difficulty, Wonderwick grasped the bowl with her hooves and magic. Serenity closed her eyes as she bowed her head. Please…Let her get better. As Wonderwick took a sip, Serenity’s horn and the water glowed brightly.      Cool, soothing water flowed down Wonderwick’s throat. A pleasant, relaxing sensation spread through her body as she drank. This water tastes really good! Did they put something in it? Within seconds, she gulped down the rest of the water. “Ahhh. Thanks a bunch.” Wishing Star, Wonder Eye and Serenity’s ears perked up at the clarity of her voice. “Did that help any?” Wonderwick nodded energetically. “Uh-huh. Can I have some soup?”      Wishing Star held her hoof—and to her surprise, Wonderwick was cool to the touch. “Are you sure? Do you think you can keep it down?” Wonderwick stretched and then hopped out of bed. Her stomach roared as if to say “feed me!” “Um, maybe? I’m pretty hungry.” “I’ll fix you half a bow to start you off,” said Wonder Eye. “Okay, Wicky?”      Wonderwick finished her fifth bowl of soup and burped. “Excuse me. Hey Serenity, do you think we can make it in time to still take the test?” “Take the test? Are you sure you’re well enough to come to school?” “Yep, yep, yep! I feel kind of sleepy, but I feel great! What was in that water? Can I have some more?      Wonder Eye and Wishing Star glanced at each other. What was in the water, indeed! Her health had been nosediving for a week. Just minutes ago, their daughter was practically on death’s door. Unable to eat or speak, totally lethargic and utterly miserable. Yet here she was now—right as rain, eating like a horse and more vibrant than ever. They’d never seen her quite so full of life. They were looking at their miracle.      Serenity couldn’t help but beam as Wonderwick galloped alongside her. The day seemed so much brighter now that her friend was finally healthy again. Wonderwick excitedly recited as much material as she could recall as they bee lined for school at full speed. Serenity could only manage yes” and “that’s right” between breaths and rapid-fire queries. In no time, they were on the steps of the school. Both fillies sat down to catch their breath. Wonderwick wrapped Serenity in a tight hug. “Thanks for everything, Serenity. I’m really, really, really glad we’re friends.” “Me too, Wonder.”      She returned the embrace and felt something welling up inside her. Tears, for sure—though they weren’t sad tears, but happy ones. This something radiated from her chest and her flanks. It grew bigger and stronger until she felt it permeate her whole body—her whole being. It was as if the world made a bit more sense somehow. She felt like she had the answer to a question she never knew to ask. Like a puzzle piece she had no idea was missing suddenly snapped into place. If Wonderwick gets sick again, I want to help her get better. Her friend’s health and happiness were all that mattered in that moment.      Until reality bucked her in the face. Waiting for her mere feet beyond the doors were her parents, Estrella Fortuna, Winter Gaze—and surprisingly, Ether herself. Summer Rain looked downright cross. Winter Gaze was obviously livid, boring into Serenity with a glare so cold she could freeze solid on the spot. Estrella looked more concerned than anything. Equilibrium and Ether’s faces were harder to read; they wanted to hear the full story before picking an expression.      Oh bother. Ms. Winter fetched mother and father. Serenity’s ears flattened against her head and she felt tiny under the adults’ gazes. “Move along,” said Winter Gaze. “We needn’t an audience while we deal with this…reprobate.”      Her icy stare never left Serenity. Wonderwick glanced between her friend and the headmistress, visibly worried. She tried to find words to protest, but all she could manage was a tiny, choked squeak. “Go on to the classroom, Wonderwick,” said Estrella. “We need to talk to Serenity.”      “Y…yes ma’am.” Wonderwick reluctantly departed and they filed up the hall to Winter Gaze’s office. Serenity shambled in like one crossing through the gates of Tartarus.      “What were you thinking? What were you thinking,” cried Summer. “I-I—“ “Disobeying me? Skipping school? Cursing your headmistress?” Serenity’s cheeks burned and her heart sunk as she recalled her choice words. “Don’t forget the gesture,” added Winter Gaze. Her eyes glistened with vengeful glee and the faintest hint of a smirk played upon her lips.      “Oh! Biting your hoof at somepony! Where did you even learn such a repulsive gesture? Was it the halfling filly? Gets it from her father, I bet. He’s a nice enough earthborne, but his speech can be so crass at—“ Summer’s mouth was then clamped shut by magic. “Thank you so much for your concern, Ms. Rain,” said Ether. Equilibrium gave the sage a quick, apologetic glance and mouthed “thank you.”      “As much as I love a good old tongue lashing, I’d like to have the rest of the facts. The tried at least deserve to say their piece, hm?” She glared down at Serenity, whom looked terrified as she shook like a leaf. “You’re in quite a spot of trouble, Serenity. Depending—“ Her eyes hung on Serenity’s flank as she paused for a moment. That’s new. Wait, not now, Ether old girl! “Ahem. Depending on what you tell us, you could be in more trouble or less trouble.”      Winter Gaze started to protest, but an assertive snort from Ether shut her right up. Estrella gently touched Serenity’s shoulder. “Just explain what’s going on and be honest,” she said.      So Serenity did. She stated just what she did since leaving the house that morning. Though her voice trembled, she spared no detail of her recounting of events. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest and her eyes kept spilling tears. Every breath held th risk of turning into a sob. They hate me now, don’t they? I tried to be good, but I wound up being bad! And now they hate me!      “I’m—I’m sorry!” Serenity bawled, unable to handle the stress any longer. “I didn’t mean to be bad! I just w-wanted to help my friend!” She keened uncontrollably, her voice rising and falling multiple octaves. Equilibrium and Summer wrapped her in a caring embrace. Estrella and Ether whispered sympathetic and comforting words. Winter Gaze simply covered her ears and glowered irritably.      Eventually, Serenity’s wails died down to sniffles and whimpers. “Finally, she ceased that obnoxious, unruly display. Now that she’s confessed her guilt, we can mete out her punishment. I say she should be suspended for a day or two—and go to a novice-level class upon her return.” “Suspension seems like a bit much in this context,” Estrella replied. “Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” “Are you suggesting she not suffer any consequences?”      “No ma’am, headmistress. But—“ “But nothing. I am your superior, therefore your objections are null and void if I think otherwise.” She turned to Serenity’s parents. “Don’t you agree that my punishment is just and warranted?” “I…suppose she must be punished in some manner,” mumbled Summer. Equilibrium replied “I trust you all to make proper judgements. This is your matter to handle and I believe it will be handled appropriately.”      Serenity trembled as she silently awaited her fate. T-this is it. I’m going to get dropped down a level and…and I won’t be able to see Wonder as much. Just as Winter Gaze opened her mouth to deliver her final word, Ether raised her hoof. “Oh come on! What is it now?!” “Mmm…I think you are right, Winter. Serenity does need to be punished. That’s indisputable.”      “Then why did you stop me you—ahem. You…wise, knowledgeable elder.” “Because I think Ms. Fortuna also has a point. Lord Equilibrium, Lady Summer, you both would say that this incident is outside of the norm of your daughter’s behavior, yes?”      Equilibrium nodded. “That is correct. She never has outbursts such as the one Estrella and the headmistress mentioned.” “She’s always such a good little filly. Always. I honestly don’t know what got into her.”      Ether stood up and paced back and forth in the office. “This is her first instance of acting out. I think we can be a tad forgiving in this case. After all, she went through all this bother for the sake of a friend in need.” Serenity’s ears perked up at this and she glanced up at Ether. They’re going to forgive me? I won’t have to go down a level?      Winter Gaze tried her hardest not to visibly scowl. “Then what, pray tell, do you propose, Master Ether?” Ether chuckled and her ears flopped forward as she sat next to Serenity. “Why, detention of course,” she said with a smile.      Serenity’s smile immediately dropped as her stomach flopped over. D-detention?! But that’s where bad foals go! I-I’m not a bad foal! “Every day for two weeks, she can stay after school with Mr. Crucible,” Ether said. Winter Gaze’s face brightened up and Estrella winced a bit. Equilibrium touched his chin thoughtfully and Summer appeared conflicted.      “But…Crucible deals with problem children, correct?” asked Summer Rain. “Our Serenity isn’t like that sort.” “That may be true, but he is still a teacher. She could learn a lesson or two spending time with him,” said Equilibrium.      Winter Gaze nodded, smiling with content. “He’s right you know. Crucible seldom fails to produce satisfactory results when it comes to correction. Only lost causes and utter degenerates walk away from his firm hoof unchanged.” Serenity cocked her head to the side and flicked an ear. Firm hoof? What do his hooves have to do with anything?      “So we are all in agreement?” said Ether. “Two weeks’ detention with Crucible for behavioral correction. She stays in Estrella Fortuna’s class—“ “Provided she passes the semester,” interjected Winter Gaze.      “Yes, what she said. And then onward and upward from there. Dandy?” Estrella, Summer Rain and Equilibrium each agreed and Ether clapped her hooves. “Good! Now let’s let this filly take her test. I do believe her friend is waiting for her.” Wonderwick yelped and ducked away from the doorway, prompting a facehoof from Winter Gaze and a chuckle from Equilibrium and Estrella.      After the rest of her class finished their test, Estrella Fortuna took Serenity and Wonderwick to another classroom and administered the test to them. The two fillies worked diligently, their faces contorted in deep concentration. After grueling through the written portion, the magic portion was as brief as a breeze in comparison. Wonderwick tapped her front hooves nervously as Estrella graded their tests.      “Well, girls…” said Estrella. Serenity gulped hard and grasped Wonderwick’s hoof. Wonderwick squeezed her hoof in response, shaking in anticipation.      Estrella smiled warmly. “You both passed with flying colors. Or should I say ‘flying stars’?” She held up their respective scrolls, each adorned with a drawing of a shooting star. Wonderwick bolted forward and snatched up her scroll. Her eyes were as wide as the moon as she held the parchment with shaky hooves.      “A…a shooting star? I-I’ve never gotten a shooting star on anything before..!” Serenity looked between her scroll, her teacher and her friend. “Does…does this mean we did well?” “It means you did more than well. You did fantastic. Not a perfect score, mind you, but not too far off.”      Estrella gave both of them a hug, much to their surprise and delight. “I’m so proud of both of you. Your two weeks of hard work paid off. Oh, and Serenity?” “Yes ma’am?” “Congratulations on both of your fantastic marks.” Estrella gave her a proud and knowing smile.