“Discord,” Twilight’s tone was stern, as was the face of the normally cheerful, if not downright meek changeling king who followed behind her, “We need to talk.”
“Certainly, Princess, or is it headmistress?” The lord of chaos, and part-time teacher of alternate history smiled warmly. “And Thorax! Good to see you! I know you have a kingdom to run, but you really should pay a social visit now and again. It’s what friends do! And friendship is magic, or haven’t you heard?”
“Ocellus has been having nightmares ever since that field trip you took them on.” There was no warmth in the changeling voice, only grave concern. “Pharynx is furious, but I convinced him that he should let me handle this, because I know as mischievous as you can be, you’d never deliberately do anything to harm any of your students.”
“Ocellus?” Discord looked momentarily distracted, until his twisted mind made the connection. “Oh, yes… Bug Pony! Simply a delightful young creature! Nightmares you say?”
“Ever since the fieldtrip,” Twilight replied with a confirming nod.
“Oh dear…” Discord wrung his tail in his mismatched talons. “I knew she was sensitive, and I promise I steered well clear of the very worst of that universe… she hasn’t been seeing a smiling sun in these dreams, has she.”
“That’s... oddly specific,” Thorax cocked his head to one side as he replied, “But no, not as far as I know.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” The draconequus wiped the forming sweat from his brow.
“Look, Discord,” Twilight sighed heavily, “We know you meant well, and the students did seem to learn some very valuable friendship lessons… but we think maybe your choice of locations may have been… less than appropriate. The point is, we don’t want you taking your class on anymore field trips until after you show me exactly where… and when… exactly you plan to take them, starting now.”
“Are you two asking what I think your asking?” A devious twinkle gleemed in Discord’s eye.
“We want you to show us this post apocalyptic world called ‘Everglow’.” Thorax nodded, unsmiling.
“Well, if all you wanted was a ride on old Mr. Discord’s Magic School Bus, then all you had to do was ask!” Discord beamed happily. “We are all friends, after all.”
And so another educational foray into the world of Everglow began.