//------------------------------// // Chapter One: Normality // Story: My Little Pony: A Lost Heir // by WildWPony //------------------------------// (In dreamland: Fred’s POV) It was the same dream again. I was in the lap of a woman who was singing to me. We were in the recliner at home in the living room and she was holding me again. I still couldn’t see her face because of the hood, but her voice was so soothing and pretty. I felt so much at peace when having this dream. Looking up to her, even though I couldn’t see her face, I could tell that to her I was the most precious thing on earth. So much love and care came through her singing as she rocked me in the recliner. At times, the light would be at an angle that I could almost see her face. I always did enjoy this dream because it made me feel so peaceful and loved and- ^_^ Suddenly I was out of the peaceful, and wonderful, dream by two pairs of hands tickling me. Instantly I was up, laughing, and wriggling in my bed trying desperately to get away from my mother and Aunt Luna. “You think he’s awake yet sister?” I heard my aunt laughing while still tickling me. I couldn’t glare at either of them because I was too busy trying to breathe and get away. “No I don’t think so yet Lulu, he hasn’t said anything yet,” my mother laughed while looking down at me with a wicked smile. My mother being Celestia, Principal Celestia of Canterlot High School, was a tall woman, almost six foot two. Aunt Luna was about as tall as I am around six feet. Both I love dearly, but sometimes, like now, they can be a little annoying. I know I’ll look back on these memories and smile, just not right now. “Alright, alright,” I said between breaths of laughter, “I’m up, I’m up, I surrender,” I finally got out as they both stopped then gave me a big hug after I sat up in bed. “Good morning my favorite nephew,” Luna hugged me giggling into my ear. I hugged her back, “Aunt Luna, I’m your only nephew,” I said noticing that she’s already ready for school in her short sleeve light purple blouse and dark purple slacks. She just smiled and held me at arm's length, “All the more reason for me to want you at your best, now get up and get ready for school. It’s the first day of a new school year.” “Yeah Yeah, I get it,” I chuckled smiling back at her while she got up and I got hugged by mother. She was also ready for school already with her typical yellow jacket, light purple slacks, with a white blouse under the jacket. “And how’s my boy this morning? You ready for your junior year with your friends?” she said to me while holding me. Even though I’m seventeen, which usually at this age teenagers are put off by all the lovey-dovey, but I didn’t mind. “Yeah I am,” is all I got out because a girl’s head with rainbow hair poked her way in. “Good so get your stud self off the bed and get ready already, my motor’s running,” Rainbow said with a smirk while eyeing me then wiggles her eyebrows at me. All I did was give a glare at my mother and aunt, although it really wasn’t that big of a glare. What can I say as a guy having such a good mother, aunt, and wonderful, not to mention beautiful, girls as friends. “Alright, alright I’m up, but unless you all want to watch I’ll need some privacy,” I just smirked as my mother and Aunt left. As I got out of bed I smirked seeing Rainbow leaning up against the door. She was a great friend. We met a number of years ago when I got here then we met Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy and we’ve been friends since. Today she was wearing her typical Wondercolt outfit of the blue sweater with a white and light blue skirt. Underneath she had her sports shorts on and her high boots. She also had her hair down instead of in a ponytail, which I like better than the ponytail anyway. “You know Rainbow if you stand there any longer I’m going to start charging admission,” I smirked standing in front of her with only my shorts on. She stood around five foot four to my six foot two so I was almost a foot taller. Even though she had a body to die for which stood to reason considering that she was an awesome athlete and all. She did bring us to the championship two years running you know. She stood there then put a finger to her chin while eyeing me again. I just laughed, shook my head, gently shoved her out the door and shut it. “Hey,” I heard her say from the other side of the door, “But I’ve got the money. Anyway, hurry up, and don’t forget to wear what Rarity wanted you to wear today or you won’t hear the end of it.” “Got it,” I said back and got ready. Rarity thought that it would be a good idea for me to wear the school colors, being Gold and Royal Blue. So I had my blue jeans on with my blue sneakers with gold accents. Blue shirt with a golden horseshoe in the center, which stood for the school, which she liked because it went with my long blond hair. Which is another thing that went for me, my long blond hair that went past my shoulders to mid-back. Ever since meeting with the girls, they wanted me to keep it long. And hey if pretty girls want you to do something, then you do it. I opened the door right when Rainbow was lifting her hand to knock on it, “Well it’s about time.” She smiled eyeing me, “That will keep you from Rarity’s wrath now let’s go,” she grabbed me and pulled me out the door. As I was dragged out of the door I noticed that my Aunt and mother had already left, so I shut the door and locked it getting into the car with Rainbow. True to her nature, she had a brand new Camaro, which was light blue with a rainbow going down the center. With my books in my backpack and myself in the car with Rainbow, I laid back in the passenger seat for a relaxing drive to school. That is until I temporarily forgot how she drives. I was screaming and holding onto my seat the whole way. Oh yeah, I forgot that she likes speed and it’s a wonder why she didn’t get any tickets. My mother and Aunt left before us, but we got to school before them. When we got there and into the spot, I stopped screaming and slowly turned my head to glare at her. While trying to pry my hands from the seat. “What?” she asked with a genuine puzzling look on her face, “I like speed.” Pop “Yes, but could you at least keep it to the track?” I asked while another Pop came from the other hand unlocking itself from the seat. She just giggled, “Oops,” and got out. For the first day of school, it was a beautiful day outside. With only a little bit of clouds in the sky, it was a warm morning with a cool breeze blowing. Shaking my head, I got out with my bag and followed her toward the courtyard where the others were waiting. “Hey girls,” I said and waved to them when I walked up to them and the horse statue. “Hey, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled and gave me a hug, “How are you?” I hugged her back, “I’m fine but Rainbow here,” I said with a grin giving her a slight bump, “wanted a little show this morning.” Rainbow giggled and shrugged, Fluttershy just blushed with an “Oh my.” Applejack just raised an eyebrow with Rarity and Pinkie Pie just blushing and staying quiet. “Anyway at least you wore the outfit I made for you for our first day of the new school year,” Rarity said walking up to me and giving me a hug then looking me over. “Yes I do say it suits you very well darling,” she smiled straightening out the shirt. I just smiled down at her, took her hand giving it a light kiss, “Why thank you my dear Rarity. As always your generosity is inspiring.” “Aww,” she stood on her toes and kissed me on the cheek, “Thank you so much, dear.” Applejack just gave a soft laugh, “Alright y’all we got a party to prepare right Pinkie?” “OOoohh,” Pinkie started while using me as a stage as she was practically standing on my shoulders. “That’s right,” she continued as she waved her hands, “Rarity and I will do the decorations, Applejack and I will do the treats, Fluttershy and Rainbow can make sure everyone knows it.” I grabbed Pinkie and set her down in front of me, “And me?” “That’s easy sugarcube,” Applejack smiled putting her arm around me, “sense your good at fixing things you can help set up the sound with Vinyl Scratch. Already talked to her about it and fix whatever else that needs fixing.” I couldn’t help myself and smirked while leaning into her, “Really is that all I am, mister fix it? Just another pair of strong arms and hands?” Applejack just blushed and stammered while Rarity came up patting my chest, “Oh our dear Freddy pooh, you are so much more than just muscle to us.” The others agreed with a nod or a yeah. “You’re also very handsome and look dashing in that outfit,” she said making the others shake their heads. Next Fluttershy walked up, “You’re also kind.” “And Loyal,” Rainbow said then grinned wiggling her eyebrows, “not to mention looking good in shorts.” I couldn’t help but chuckle and shake my head at that. “And fun to be around,” Pinkie said hugging me tight enough I had to pat her back in order for me to get air. “Thank you, girls,” I said smiling to them, “That means a lot. Alright then, then why don’t we get started? We each got each other’s phone numbers in case we need anything right?” They all nodded as they all checked their phones, then we took each other’s hands and marched into school. Each of them heading toward their assigned posts while I headed toward the gym with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. As I walked through the school there was already bustling activity going on. Getting ready for the new school year by giving this party was one thing that I’m glad mother and Aunt Luna agreed to. Although it’s a lot of work it starts the year off with a high note and in Vinyl’s case quite literally. “Hey Fred,” a voice called out to me on the way to the gym, and when I stopped and turned it was Flash. I smiled and waved, “Hey Flash how was summer?” He bumped fists with me and grinned, “It was good thanks. My folks and I went on a camping trip among other things.” We started walking toward the gym as he talked more about his summer. “Yeah, I normally don’t get that much of a chance with my grandparents and my parents both. Normally everyone is all busy and don’t get a chance to see each other at once. This summer was different.” I patted his back as we entered the gym in the midst of all the preparations, “I’m glad you were able to spend all that time together.” “Thanks,” then we stopped and looked around, “another year man. Glad we were able to have a party first. I think it really sets the mood for the year.” “Oh, I agree.” “Anything me and the boys can do to help?” he asked with a smile. I grinned, “Yeah actually you can. Part of you can split between helping with the decorations and helping with the food. And sense Pinkie Pie is helping out on both you can check in with her to see where the help is needed.” “Awesome, I’ll get the guys on it. What about you?” he asked while fist-bumping me. “Oh you know me, I’ll be helping Vinyl first then running around doing whatever,” I said with a quick laugh, and with that, he was off to get the guys. While I spotted Vinyl setting up the stage to get her equipment ready, so I headed on over. As usual, she had her headphones on while she worked on a set of portable stages. She was doing it herself if a little slow. However, as she tried to lift the first one I showed up and grabbed the other side. She looked up and smiled and without another word, which she’s usually quiet anyway, I helped her set up. After a quick jab from her on my arm, that was to let me know not to be late again, we got to work. Working with Vinyl is easy if you know how to work with her. Sometimes it’s hard because she keeps those headphones on all the time, but we got the stage setup then started working on her equipment. That took a little longer, but while we were setting up I noticed that Flash came through with the guys and the decorations were coming along just fine. It took Vinyl and I around a little over an hour to set everything up. After what felt like forever she was happy giving me a smile and another fist bump for a job well done. Now that she was satisfied I decided to check in with Rarity considering I didn’t see Pinkie around anywhere. Looking around I noticed that she was busy with some of Flash’s guys on the bleachers. The bleachers were extended in order to help with the decorations. They were practically falling over each other in order to help her. Not that I blame them any, she’s a beautiful woman. All of them are really and I’m so glad to be a part of their lives. After a few minutes, I saw my chance as she was alone so I walked up the bleachers to where she sat down to take a breather. “Hey Rarity,” I said sitting down next to her, “How are things coming along?” “Oh Fred,” she beamed at me then leaned against me, “oh things are going fine actually, thanks for sending Flash and the others. They are really helping out.” “You’re welcome, but you seem a little beat,” I told her and put an arm around her to comfort her. “I am darling, but it’s going so well and it will look so wonderful tonight at the party,” she said leaning into me. “Especially with the lights and all, did you get Vinyl setup?” “Yep no worries,” I said with a smile, “anything I can do to help?” She hummed happily and shook her head, “Oh don’t worry, you’re doing it.” I couldn’t help but chuckle, and then look around noticing a few death glares from some of the jealous guys around. “Could the others use the help? Like Pinkie and Applejack in the kitchen? Or Fluttershy and Rainbow with the flyers?” She sighed and whined at the same time then nodded her head, “I suppose they do, but I just hate to lose my perfect pillow.” I had to laugh while she just nuzzled my chest with a smile, “Well I’m glad I’m good for something Rarity, but come on now break’s over.” She leaned away from me with a stretch, “Well alright, but you owe me a few minutes.” Then walked away with a wink. I just chuckled with a smile and stood up heading to the kitchen first. Walking through the cafeteria I watched as Pinkie Pie was directing some of the guys around. Like always she was having a great time and always smiling. “Hey Fred,” she called out to me as I walked up to her, “need help bringing in fresh produce, could you help Big Mac?” “Sure thing Pinkie,” I said to her walking by her and into the kitchen. It was a flurry of activity with Applejack organizing it with Granny Smith. Where to put the produce while turning on the equipment. I didn’t say anything and just quietly walked out the back to the one-ton pickup out back. Big Mac was there grabbing some of the wooden crates, “Hey Big Mac.” “Hey Fred,” he said picking up some of the crates. I followed suit and picked some up as well, “Lead the way, Big Mac.” “Eyup,” he said and I followed him inside. For a little while, I was just one of the drones helping out with the crates until we got them all unloaded. With that done Applejack dismissed the guys that Flash sent over sense that was the majority of the work to be done. Big Mac handed me an apple straight from their orchards as he was walking out. “Thanks, Big Mac,” I said and took a bite. “Wow, these are awesome, as Rainbow would put it.” “Eyup,” he said and walked out to the truck. “Oh hey, Fred,” Applejack said and sat down with me at the small table in the kitchen, “thanks for helping out and sending the guys over.” I just nodded, “You’re welcome but for the guys thank Flash that was his doing. How are things coming here?” She wiped her forehead with a rag with a sigh and leaned back in the chair, “Well bringing the stuff in was the biggest part of it. Next is all the cooking, which Pinkie should be done with all the decorating around that time. So between me, her, and Granny we should have everything covered, but hey the more the merrier I’d say.” I thought for a second, “In that case, I think Bonbon should be able to help if you can send a runner to go find her or send word of mouth.” “Not a bad idea there,” she smiled lightly punching my shoulder. “After this breather, I’ll go spread the word while the equipment warms up. What about you?” “With You, Vinyl, and Rarity taken care of, I think I’ll try and find either Fluttershy or Rainbow to see if they need help,” I told her tossing the core in the large trash can. Applejack just giggled, “Good luck there partner.” “Eyup,” I said as we both laughed and stood up walking out of the kitchen. I had no clue where to find either one of those two as they could be anywhere in the school. So, I decided to check in with my mother and Aunt to let them know that things are coming along just fine. Of course, their offices were in the back of the other wing, instead of by the front doors like normal schools were. Why they built it this way I’ll never know. Luckily for my mother and Aunt, they did make a back door for them. That way carrying anything heavy they wouldn’t have to walk that far. Me, however, had to. On the way there, I met and greeted many students and even saw some new faces. However, I finally did reach the offices and knocked on the principal’s door. “Enter,” I heard mother say and I walked in seeing not only her but Aunt Luna too. “Hi mom, Aunt Luna,” I said softly after closing the door. “Just came by to let you know how things are coming along.” Luna sat in a chair next to the desk while I stood in front of it, “Oh good, How are things coming along?” “Well Vinyl is all set up and the decorations are almost done, the food is all brought in and the equipment is warming up now. I was going to look for either Fluttershy or Rainbow about the flyers,” I said with a happy smile. My mother softly clapped her hands, “That’s good to hear, Oh here,” she said while pulling out a sheet from a stack of papers. I took it and looked at it, “Oh my schedule for this semester,” I mentioned after recognizing it. Looked to be a bunch of basics really. Then I had an idea, “I was wondering if I could get the girl’s schedule as well and hand it to them. You know with them being busy and all.” “Not a bad idea,” mother said and got out the other papers and handed them to me. Then she smiled and pointed out the door, “And looks like there’s Fluttershy now.” I turned and sure enough, I saw her right outside the door putting up a flyer on the wall. I thanked them and said goodbye to them and stepped out the door, “Hey Fluttershy.” She eeped almost jumping three feet in the air. “Sorry didn’t mean to startle you,” I said while picking up a few of the papers, “I came to help you pass them out.” “Oh it’s OK that you startled me and thank you for your help Fred I really appreciate it,” she said as I gathered about half the papers. Then she eyed one a piece of paper that I handed to her, “What’s this?” “Your semester schedule. I thought that it might be a good idea to grab the girl’s papers and pass them out while they were working.” “Oh that’s so thoughtful,” she leaned up and kissed my cheek, “Thank you.” We quickly compared notes and noticed that we have most of the classes together. “Oh look,” she gleefully pointed out, “we have history, math, homeroom, art, and home economics together.” She looked up to me curiously, “But I’m not that good with big numbers.” I shook my head and chuckled, “No no, home economics is a catch-all for running a home in general and about relationships in the home, parenting, etc.” She blushed now getting the implications, “Oh my.” I then blushed, catching on and quickly trying to backpedal my way out, “Oh well I’m sure they’ll leave certain things out.” With that embarrassing thing out of the way, we separated while I took half and started down the hallway. Slowly but surely I started making my way back toward the kitchen and gym area. Putting up the flyers where everyone would see them announcing that you get your semester schedule first before the party started. I liked this idea because this way the students get to mingle with others from their classes. As a way to start to get to know each other. By the time I got back to the gym and cafeteria area, I had run out of flyers so I went into the cafeteria and kitchen area first. There weren’t that many here right now at least in the cafeteria area, but in the kitchen was a flurry of activity. Granny, Applejack, and Pinkie were all happily cooking away. “Hey Granny, Applejack, Pinkie,” I called out to them as I entered. “Hi,” Pinkie gleefully greeted with a wave of her hand. “Hey, there sugarcube,” Applejack said while Granny just smiled and waved. “I got your semester schedules here so I’ll just put them in your packs for now until you get a chance to look at them.” “Wow, thanks, Freddy Weddy,” Pinkie said as I chuckled and began to put her schedule in her pack. That was easy to spot with it being pink with balloons on it. “Mighty kind of ya, thanks,” Applejack said while I put her schedule in her pack. “You’re both welcome, have any of you seen Rainbow around? I need to give her schedule to her.” All of them said that they didn’t so I told them that I would keep looking and left them alone to work. One thing that I know about them is that I’m not welcome in the kitchen. Even though I'm pretty good at cooking, they are picky about who they let in. So I turned around and went into the gym to hand over Rarity’s. As I walked into the gym I thought that it had come along really well. It looked mostly finished actually with streamers around and new year decorations on the walls. Chairs were placed up against the closed bleachers for students to sit in and I had to shake my head at what I saw. I have no idea where she got it but Rarity was laying in a pool lounge chair. I just shook my head with a chuckle and made my way over to her. She had her eyes closed, but not asleep. My mischievous side of me reared its head and I got an idea. Quietly I snuck up to her, knelt down beside the lounge chair, and started to whisper, “My dearest Rarity. Your generosity knows no bounds, a rose is but a dim glow compared to your beauty.” At this point, she was grinning and mumbling a cooing “Thank you.” I couldn’t help myself as he pulled out her semester schedule and then whispered again, “You’re welcome Rarity and I have something wonderful for you.” She mumbled a “hmm?” and that was my cue. “Your semester schedule,” I said a little louder than normal while waving the paper in her face. She mumbled again something then suddenly came out of her weak slumber, “Yes…schedule…Schedule?” It was the first thing that she saw when she opened her eyes and took it from me. While she was looking it over I took out mine and sat on the floor next to her. While comparing hers to mine I noticed a few classes we had together. “Looks like we got some classes together,” I said holding up my schedule by hers. “Oh look darling we have home EC. Together,” she gleefully announced then batted her eyelashes at me, “I hear there are many opportunities for paring assignments.” “Fluttershy is also in our class as well,” I said with a wink. “Should we make it a threesome?” Rarity blushed, gave a chuckling scowl, and went back to her paper while I looked on. “Hey guys,” came a Rainbow's voice as I looked up and saw her coming to us. “Hey Rainbow got something for you,” I said to her and pulled out her schedule, and offered it to her. “We’re comparing schedules,” waving my paper up Rainbow sat down. “Fluttershy, Fred, and I have home economics together for third period, what about you?” Rarity asked with a smirk “Actually I do,” Rainbow said almost glum about it, “It’s going to be so boring.” “Oh Rainbow Dash,” Rarity giggled, “Just think how Fred will look in one of those fake pregnant outfits.” That got my attention as I slowly turned my head to her, “What was that?” Rainbow was silent for a second then burst into laughter rolling on the floor holding her sides. “Oh that I’ve got to see,” she said after getting control. Then grinned when she compared her schedule against mine, “But oh look Fred we get Phys. Ed. Together. Remember last year?” “Oh no,” I just hung my head. “Oh yeah, you’re mine this semester mister,” she grinned putting her arm around me pulling me in close. “I’m doomed.” “Only if you fail, which I’m not going to let you do,” Rainbow grinned patting me on the back. “Thanks,” I looked to her with a groan, “What would I do without you?” “Get flabby?” she said with a smirk as Rarity giggled at my expense as well. Have you ever chuckled and groaned at the same time? Yeah, that pretty much what she does to me. The rest of the morning we fine and by the time lunchtime came around everyone was pretty anxious, so my mother and Aunt decided to go ahead and start the fun. So with me standing beside Vinyl and a fist bump, she started the beats to start it off. Pinkie and Applejack heard all the ruckus coming from the gym so with most of the food ready they started bringing it out. And with that, the first party of the year was underway. The beats were pounding, the punch was flowing, and everyone was having a good time. And that’s what bothered me. Nothing was going wrong and it made me wonder where was Sunset Shimmer? Now that I thought about it I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her yet and that bothers me because she’s always up to something. Pulling out my phone I didn’t see anything from her. Is she just late or up to something? I was having fun taking breaks from dancing with my friends to having punch with some of the new students. After having a few drinks with some of the new students, I thought it would be a good idea to give a tour. “As you probably have guessed,” I started with the group, “the west wing holds the gym, cafeteria, kitchen, and the computer center.” As I walked down the hallway I motioned to the rooms as I passed by. I was pleased that they were paying attention as their heads were on swivels as they walked down the hallway. A short time later they came to the main foyer. “The first thing that everyone sees is this main foyer area, where we have the trophies that we won,” I motioned to the glass showcase. “Who’s that?” one of the new students asked while pointing to a few pictures of the same woman on the wall by the showcase. I sighed when I saw the pictures, not really wanting to answer that. “That is me,” I heard and saw none other than Sunset Shimmer round the corner and stand underneath her latest picture. Needless to say, her attitude didn’t change over the summer break and it was showing again. Some of the students began asking her questions to which she put up a hand. When all was quiet she looked them over and grinned, “Just one thing to keep in mind. This is my school, I run it.” She had her arms crossed over her chest while looking at the group with that smug look of hers. I eyed her with a glare, “No it’s not Sunset, no matter how bad your attitude is. My mother and my Aunt Luna run this school, not you.” That didn’t make her happy and turned to me growling in my face then suddenly she pulled back and smiled, “Maybe not right now, but don’t worry I will.” And with that, she turned and walked away. Well if I wasn’t sure that she was up to something I can pretty much guarantee that she is now. I watched her leave. Just what I didn’t know, but I made up my mind to find out. “Now that that little episode is out of the way let’s continue with the tour shall we?” And the tour did continue, but not after a few questions were sent my way. Like who is she? What did she mean by that? Does she really run the school? Once I reassured them that Sunset is just another student and doesn’t run anything we continued with the tour. I did have to warn them about her and that if she ever tried anything to contact a teacher or principal or vice-principal immediately. Surprisingly the rest of the tour went just fine and by the time we got back to the gym, the party was just getting started. The food was passed out and the punch was flowing with Vinyl Scratch blaring some beats away on her board. Seems like everyone was having fun. I’ve known that Applejack had a little sister named Apple Bloom and that Rarity had a little sister named Sweetie Belle. It wasn’t until this year that I got to meet them and their third friend Scootaloo and the little group that they had formed. They decided upon a group name called the “Cutie Mark Crusaders” whatever that meant. I wished them good luck with it and welcomed them to the school. It wasn’t long before Rainbow came over and pretty much dragged me onto the dance floor. I will say this for Rainbow, because of her athletic body she sure can dance. Of course, that was just the start as Applejack came in then Pinkie Pie, with Rarity finally coming in later. Each one wanted some time to dance with me, all but Fluttershy as she really wasn’t interested in the party so much. As shy as she is she left when the party got started and headed to the animal shelter that she volunteers at. That’s usual for her and I promised to meet her there later to give her some company. So the first chance that I got right in the middle of things I slipped out. Once out, I made my way over to the animal shelter that Fluttershy was working at. Of course, by the time I got there, it was getting a little late in the night. So, she was bound to be doing her rounds before closing. I finally found her in the small dog room near the back cleaning the cages. “Hey Fluttershy, how goes the night? I know you don’t do parties, but the girls and I still missed you though,” I told her while gathering up some of the used paper towels to throw in the trash. She turns smiling to me in that cute shy way of hers, “Oh thank you just the same, but you’re right I really don’t like big parties. Thank you for your help here, I appreciate it. It’s almost closing time and I’m making my final runs now.” “I can see that,” I told her while gathering up the used towels and went to get some clean ones. After I set down the clean ones I helped her clean some of the cages that needed to be cleaned. Have you ever tried to clean a cage with one hand while holding a yipping, wriggling, and excited puppy in the other? It takes practice let me tell you, and heaven forbid that the puppy actually gets loose. Because then all the others start barking and yipping egging the little guy or gal on. Luckily for me though I’ve had just enough practice that none of them escaped me. However, it was on our way through the big dog room that one of the larger dogs, a border collie mix decided to say hello. And in spectacular fashion, because this gal can leap over the cage door. The cage door is five feet tall with the stalls being five feet wide and ten feet in length all concrete for easy cleaning. I was walking by when suddenly I hear a bark. I look up and I had a split second between seeing a very happy, and excited collie, and that’s collie’s tongue trying to give my face a bath. When we collided I went down to the floor with a thud and was given a wet welcome. I’ve known her since she’s been a pup and let me tell you about this dog; she can jump a five-foot fence like it was nothing. I walked with Fluttershy around the other side from where her cage supposedly was only for her to forget to tell me that they moved the collie. Lucky me. So, what could I do other than just lay there and wait all the while Fluttershy is having a giggle fit. “If you ladies are done?” I asked finally when the dog had enough. Of course, now she was sitting on my stomach patting my legs with her wagging tail. “Aww she just wants to say hello,” Fluttershy said between giggles with a hand to her mouth. I looked up to her from my prone place on the floor, “That my dear, I don’t mind. But, a face bath I do.” I just sighed and patted the dog's head, “Yes I like you too, but unfortunately, I don’t have that much time tonight to play.” To my surprise with a soft bark she leapt over the fence and back into her little area, so I said goodbye and went on my way. “Thank you,” I thanked Fluttershy once she handed me a towel to dry my face off with. “Now then, the girls and I want to ask you to our annual back to school movie night,” I told her while we headed to the cat area to help tidy it up before closing. “What are we watching?” she asked while walking in. The cat area was easy to clean, mostly because they clean for themselves. The only thing that really needed to be done was checking the litter boxes, filling the water bowls, and checking towels. So, it didn’t take us long. “No clue, but Rarity is choosing it,” I said while using a spatula to clean out one of the litter boxes. One of the cats, that was sitting nearby, I thought was giving me an impatient look. “Oh good,” Fluttershy cheered softly, “that means it’s going to be a romance film.” “Yep,” I nodded as we finished with the cat area. We got the word that there wasn’t anything else for us to do, so we went outside to leave. “So you coming?” I asked as dusk was setting in. “It will be at my place and Rarity thought that it would be great to see it outside. Being that it’s going to be a cool night out with a full moon and all.” “Oh I think that would be just wonderful, yes I will come. When is it?” she asked opening her door sitting down in the driver’s seat. “About an hour and a half,” I mentioned to her. “OK I’ll see you there,” she said closing her door. Now that is over I can go home and prepare. Which I did. ^_^ Needless to say, Fluttershy was right in that it was a romance flick. Rainbow and Applejack wanted an action movie but had to relent when they had that last year. Plus, this year my mother and aunt Luna decided to join us. Pinkie and Fluttershy to some treats for us to snack on during the movie. Once everything was set we all either sat on the couch or right in front of it to watch. Even Rainbow and Applejack sat to watch after some asking and pleading from the rest of us. To my surprise Rarity brought The Princess Bride which I just absolutely love. Applejack and Rainbow had yet to see it, which I told them that there were some action and silliness in it as well and that they would enjoy it. In short, we had a great time, even Rainbow and Applejack loved the movie. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie liked it for the romance and chivalry. Rainbow and Applejack loved it for the action and silliness. While my mother and aunt like it for all those reasons. Naturally, by the end of the movie, we were all full of snacks that we didn’t bother with dinner. Rainbow and Applejack had teased Rarity on how surprised they were that she chose a movie with comedy and action elements in it. Rarity, not to be outdone, quipped back that she made the sacrifice for them. We all helped with the cleanup washing dishes and throwing out the trash. When all was cleaned everyone went back to their homes to rest up for school tomorrow. And for some reason, I just knew that this coming year would be a great one. (Dreamland: Fred’s POV) I was in her lap again and for the second night in a row too. I was only about two and she was holding me close to her chest and singing a sweet quiet lullaby to me. Complete peace was the only thing I felt, I was completely happy here. We were in the living room like before being rocked in the rocking chair. This time was a little different because I could hear the entire song she was singing. It was Baby Mine but with slightly different words, but the melody I recognized instantly as the one from the old Dumbo movie. I listened enjoying her singing. It was so wonderful and filled with love. Then I saw it. Even though I still couldn’t see her face I saw a few tears coming from underneath her hood. I wondered why she was crying just before waking up. ^_^ I thought about the dream while I got dressed not sure what to make of the new information. It was the same thing for as long as I could remember. Only now, last night, had I gotten further than before by knowing what she sang and that she was crying. I filed it away for now and right when I got done getting dressed did my room door swung open. “You ready?” Rainbow nearly shouted at me then frowned. “Aww darn it all, you’re already dressed.” “Little bit too quick for ya this time,” I said with a smirk grabbing my pack and walking toward her. She just shrugged and turned around walking to her car with me, “Oh well, I’ll get you next time.” “Not likely,” I said getting into her car and then immediately gripped the seats putting my fingers in their familiar imprints. One terrifying ride later and we were at the school and with a couple of pops, my hands unclenched themselves from her car seat. “Alright stud everyone has Homeroom for their first period of the day,” Rainbow said as she pushed me from the parking lot to the front courtyard. “Looks like you have Fluttershy for Homeroom as well as most of the classes. It’s good to know that you’ll watch out for her.” She didn’t let up but kept pushing and pushing me all the way through the courtyard and right into the front door. “Alright alright stop pushing already I have my own two feet you know,” I scoffed back to her right before she let me go. “So where are you headed?” “Sense I’m being an assistant to the coach, Mister Biceps, I’ve got him for homeroom, so that’s where I’m headed. I’ve already asked Principal Celestia if I can concentrate on PE so I can have lots of experience when I get into college. That way I can have that as a major and kick some major butt,” she grinned putting a thumb to her chest in pride. I couldn’t help but smirk at that last sentence, “Yeah including mine.” She grinned back, “Yeah but this year I’ve got Applejack too to help.” She poked my chest and laughed, “By the end of this semester you’ll either be in shape or dead.” I just groaned shaking my head and went to my homeroom class. When I walked into the classroom I noticed two things. Where Fluttershy sat and that my teacher was Miss Cheerilee. I set my backpack on the desk in front of her and sat sideways so I could face her. “Oh hi Fred, how are you?” she asked me with her normal pretty smile. “Oh fine except getting the rundown on how I’m doomed in this semester’s PE course,” I said with a soft sigh laying my head down on her backpack that was sitting on her desk. “Why’s that?” she asked while patting my head like she would pet a dog. “Oh, it’s because not only do I have Rainbow, but Applejack as well this semester,” I groaned softly not really looking forward to it. “And I get that first taste of it in an hour.” “Oh my,” she giggled putting a hand to her mouth with a mirthful look on her face. “Perhaps they will go easy on you.” I tilted my head up to look at her with the best “Really?” face that I could, “Remember last spring?” “Oh yes,” she smiled while I just grimaced, “she did push you really hard last spring didn’t she?” “Yeah, and they seemed to have gotten together and plan on even harder things this semester.” “Oh dear, well in that case you can come to me to make you feel better,” she said with a smile, “I’ve been studying on my own on healing herbs and first aid.” “Good to know,” I said with a chuckle, “At least I’ll have a chance to recover after each session.” “Yeah, but we’ll have to do it after school of course. Maybe sometimes at the spa with Rarity sometimes.” I’ve never really thought about going to the spa before. I continued my thought while taking a side glance at her. Then again I might need it this semester if I want to keep my body in one piece. Maybe once every Friday or something depending on when they go. I noticed that she saw that I was thinking about it and like the wonderful woman that she is she waited. I smiled up to her with a nod, “You know I think I’d like that. Maybe every Friday after school or something like that.” She clapped her hands softly with a quiet squeal of delight, “That’s perfect because that’s when Rarity and I go, so you could just tag along.” I nodded then heard the classroom door shut as Miss Cheerilee walked in. She was wearing her typical outfit of a brown vest over a white shirt with a green skirt with flowers on it. The class was hushed as she approached the desk sitting in the corner of the room. “Alright class,” she began with a happy smile, as some couldn’t believe that anyone could be this happy about school, “Welcome to another year at Canterlot High. I am your homeroom teacher Miss Cheerilee and you can come to me with anything. Homeroom is for studying and homework, but as long as you’re quiet and don’t have any homework to do I’ll let you be on your phone or even play some games.” The class started murmuring among themselves and a few said thanks, but quietened again when she spoke, “However if it gets too loud or out of hand then that policy will end am I clear?” Most of the class went, “Yes Miss Cheerilee,” as most knew how to respond, except the new ones of course. Which some of the new ones just sat quietly as they were still unsure about themselves. After that, she sat in the chair at her desk and went quiet just watching the room. Soon quiet chatter started around the room with most of the class taking out their phones and doing something or other on it. “Well,” I said quietly to Fluttershy, “It’s officially started.” And somehow this year is going to be different I just know it. Little did I know how right I really was. “Alright this may be the first day of class and usually a day to be doing nothing, but not you stud,” Rainbow grinned to me an hour later as we stood outside next to the football field. It was empty right now and the rest of the PE class was listening to Mister Biceps talk about what is going to happen this semester. I on the other hand got away with being alone with not only Rainbow Dash, but Applejack as well. “Nope,” Applejack said right after, “you are goin’ to get one heck of a workout this semester.” “I’m doomed,” I said quietly while they both fist-bumped each other. ^_^ “Come on stud move that butt of yours,” Rainbow demanded from me slapping my rear end and passing me. It was her sixth time around the field and she wasn’t winded. I, however, was barely jogging and panting up a storm. And Rainbow wasn’t the only one either. “Come on sugarcube,” Applejack told me as she passed me also slapping my behind, “you’re doing good, just a few more to go and then we can take a break.” “Get…,” I panted, “me out…of this…,” panting again, “this nightmare.” It felt like it too but at least it was still early in the day so the sun wasn’t all that hot. However, even with a cool breeze blowing my chest felt like it was on fire, my heart felt like it wanted to race away and never return, and my muscles were burning something fierce. And for some reason, I pushed on. Why I have no idea. ^_^ “Just a few more you can do it,” Rainbow encouraged as she was on her fiftieth sit-up or so with Applejack about the same. Me on the other hand I wasn’t doing too well. I was around twenty and already my gut was starting to burn. However, there was a small, very small mind you, part of me that looked forward to what I would look like at the end of this semester. I was already still a little tired from the run, so that didn’t help any. “You got this,” Applejack kept saying to encourage me like Rainbow as they continued to push me harder and harder. ^_^ I was about to collapse, but they just wouldn’t let me. Now it was push-ups and they continued to shout and encourage saying that I was doing great and all. Yeah sure I’m doing great I’m sweating up a storm, my body feels like it’s on fire, and you say I’m doing great. After the fortieth or so, I lost count, push-up I simply laid there mumbling, “I’m done. Torture someone else for a while.” “Hey not bad for the first day. Especially lazing around all summer,” Rainbow said while kneeling down in front of me. Applejack lifted my head so they could get a better look at me, “Yeah, why he even did better this first day than the last first day last spring. So you see, you are getting better, but don’t fret none because we’ll get you in even better shape this semester.” “Yeah don’t worry you can count on us,” Rainbow said as they fist-bumped each other again. Meanwhile I gently laid my head back down with a groan only to hear, “Oops can’t rest now because third period is starting in ten minutes.” They both helped me up as we walked back toward the door leading inside. While passing Mister Biceps he looks at me and goes, “Yeah, good job.” I just smiled weakly as we passed through the doors. Applejack went on toward her class while Rainbow helped me to Home EC with Fluttershy and Rarity. “Hey girls,” Rainbow said when we walked in. “Oh my,” I heard from Fluttershy as she got up and walked over to us. “My stars Fred,” Rarity got up and walked over as well. “Hi, man down,” I said weakly as Rainbow handed me over to them with a roll of her eyes. “Oh come on it wasn’t that bad. After all, you did well for the first time out this semester,” Rainbow laughed then she took a seat next to where Fluttershy sat. “My legs feel like Jello,” I wheezed out, yes I was playing it up some, “tired, so tired.” “Oh my come over and sit down,” Fluttershy said and plopped me in front of Rainbows desk while they took the ones next to us so we were all four together. I sat down with a long sigh resting my head on the desk, “Finally sweet rest, oh how I’ve missed you.” “You are so exaggerating,” Rainbow said with a smirk. “Only a little,” I said while raising one finger into the air while both Fluttershy and Rarity looked at me with concern. My body was really tired and sore, and just think I get to do it again the next morning. Yay. “OK class,” came the teacher's voice from the front of the room as the teacher tapped the whiteboard with her nail. “Attention and welcome to Home EC.” She reached for a stack of papers and began handing them out to the first person at the front of each row. My friends and I were at the back so we got ours last and that’s when she started to talk about the semester curriculum. “OK, this semester we are going to cover money management, sewing, cooking skills, cleaning and organizing, and parenting which includes anywhere from relationships to babies.” I could tell that the teacher, Miss House, was really looking forward to it too. Why? Because she had the biggest and most excited smile I have ever seen. “You have that fake pregnant wearable thing?” Rainbow asked with a few chuckles and giggles heard throughout the room. “Why yes,” she said putting her hands together with glee, “thank you for asking, that will be during the last part of this semester.” “Yes,” Rainbow said with some triumph pumping her fist into the air then looks to me with a wicked grin, “I can’t wait to see that on you stud.” I heard a few chuckles and giggles again, but the guys quietened down when the teacher said that all of the guys will get to experience it. Then there were a few groans while most of the girls were glad to hear it with grins on their faces. I just groaned but was thankful that at least it was some time away, so I didn’t have to worry about it just yet. Of course, that didn’t keep Rainbow from grabbing her chest and giggling in my direction, “Picture a set of these on him.” “Oh my,” even Fluttershy was starting to giggle. Then when I looked over at Rarity she had a certain look in her eyes. “You know…,” she trailed off while looking at me. “I know that look and I strictly forbid it,” I said quickly trying to clamp down on it. Because I did NOT want to wear any dresses. “Oh, but darling,” Rarity said leaning over and putting a hand on my shoulder giving me a look that women are known for to make men melt. It almost worked. Almost. I shook my head sternly, “I’m sorry but no.” Rarity just pouted slightly as there were a few chuckles and giggles going around. Meanwhile, I looked over to Rainbow with a grin, “Me personally I wonder how you are going to do cooking?” For once Rainbow didn’t say anything but just hmphed and crossed her arms over her chest. The rest of the period was actually relatively quiet as Miss House went into detail regarding the rest of the curriculum. Some of which, especially regarding relationships between husband and wife, made some of the girls blush and the guys panting like dogs. “You mean there will actually be a video regarding breastfeeding?” Rarity asked blushing. “Yes Miss Rarity, and there’s no reason for anyone to feel anxious about it as it is as natural as walking. In the past, it was the only thing for babies considering there weren’t any stores carrying what we have now. So yes there will be a video on it regarding the breast pump as well and all will be watching.” I got to wondering about something as Miss House told us that and I raised my hand, “Miss House does that mean that the guys will be watching this as well?” “Yes,” she said simply. Needless to say, the girls didn’t like that answer and I for one had mixed feelings about it. However, one statement hit our ears that shocked us, “Will there be a live demonstration?” I for one was glad that I didn’t ask because the girls blushed furiously over it, the guys waited for an expecting answer, while Fluttershy gave out a very soft, “Oh my.” Another sound hit us a second later. SLAP. I turned around and noticed Rarity had slapped the guy next to her, “Oh you prude.” Miss House tapped her nail onto the table bringing our attention back again, “No there won’t be and you get detention for asking it.” Things were quiet after that and the rest of the period went on until it was time for Fluttershy and I needed to go to history together. I’m glad that I had Fluttershy for most of the classes. That way I can watch and walk with her between classes. She’s really shy that way. We both sat together once we reached the history class. We were sitting next to each other on a single small desk with our books out. I will admit something now. Between my lady friends, I like Fluttershy the best, not that I don’t love them all, but Fluttershy pulls my heartstrings most. Kind and gentle she helps all that she can. For a guy like me that was raised using classic morals she brings out my urge to protect as well as serve. She was also strong when she needed to be. To me, she was a gentle and beautiful angel. “What is it?” Fluttershy asked me as I found myself not only staring but smiling. “Sorry,” I shook my head with a smile, “Just lost in thought.” “OK class,” the man said as he took control of the class, “This semester in history we will be covering US history from the founding of the nation. Starting with the Revolutionary War and the reasons behind it.” “Well, that should be easy by looking at the Declaration of Independence,” I said simply, “It lists all the reasons starting from the most important reasons.” “Quite right,” he said, “And I might be fired for saying this, but the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the most important documents you can ever read. For it guarantees and protects our rights, it does not create them. If you look at history our rights come inherently by humanity. The right to self-defense, the right to be happy, and to be left alone. If you don’t learn history then you are doomed to repeat it. I’m glad that we have a Principal and Vice-Principal who rejects the modern curriculum and stays with the classic way of teaching. But I’m getting off track.” I think I like this guy. Like the other classes, it was about what will be covered this semester. Nothing exciting or anything, but it did go from seventeen seventy-six to the nineteen eighties. As I skimmed through the book I noticed that it had a very distinct slant to it. Not surprising actually. I was never too fond of what the modern-day government was doing. So far none of the classes were giving us homework, but I knew that wouldn’t stay for long. Soon, the class was over and we both left to meet up with the rest of the girls in the cafeteria for lunch. “Hi girls,” I said to them while putting my tray down. “Hi,” Fluttershy said as well while putting her own tray down. “Hey there you two,” Applejack said while munching on an apple, “Just came back from history class right?” “Yeah,” I said. “What’s it about darling?” Rarity asked as the rest paid attention. “From George Washington to Reagan,” I smiled, “complete with the philosophy to go with it.” “Ooo,” Pinkie spoke up, “Sounds interesting.” “I can’t wait until we get to math Pinkie,” I told her with a grin, “I bet you will be great at it with all the math in cooking that you do.” “Aww,” she said while blushing comically, “Thank you.” I laughed, “Don’t thank me yet. This math is a lot more complicated than a recipe.” She just shrugged and continued eating. “Hey Pinkie,” Applejack spoke up with a wink to Rainbow, “You hear how Fred did with us this morning?” “No, how’d he do?” she asked while looking at me. “All in all,” Rainbow spoke up, “he didn’t do too bad, but he totally exaggerated afterward as we went to home EC.” “Only a little he said and I personally agree with him,” Rarity said while sticking up for me. Applejack and Rainbow both smirked and fist-bumped themselves with some giggles. “Aww,” Pinkie smiled to me after leaning over putting an arm around me, “did those two ran you ragged?” I smiled thinking comically and leaned into her pretending to cry, “It was horrible. They pushed me so hard.” Pinkie hugged me with one arm and patted my head with her free hand as my head rested on her chest, “There there Freddie poo.” There were more giggles all around, except for Fluttershy who gave out a soft, “Oh my,” then giggled. Hey, I’m still a guy and Pinkie’s got a good set of melons on her. Then she appeared. “Well well well,” Sunset Shimmer said to us as she came up to the table with her tray in hand. Snips and snails were standing behind her like obedient puppies. “If it isn’t the puny seven. Always trying to think up some ways to better themselves.” She was getting on my nerves. “And failing miserably,” she continued while she looked to us as if we were the most disgusting things on the planet. “I don’t know why you even try.” That was it. I stood up from Pinkie’s chest and glared at her, “Listen Sunset, this isn’t your school and I don’t why you think that you are better than everyone else. But news flash for you. You’re not. Everyone is equal whether you like it or not.” She laughed, she actually laughed, “That’s what you think Freddie,” then she left with her two minions. “I think I just lost my lunch,” I said sitting back down again. After that Sunset kind of ruined the mood for us and Lunch went relatively quiet. Other than Sunset's visit, today has been normal. I trying my best while the girls do things that either try my patience or make me do silly things. You know, normal. Even Sunset’s visit is normal in a way, but hardly welcome. At times I wonder why she’s like the way she is. “She’s such a meanie,” Pinkie said then once I sat back down she took my head and yanked it back to her chest again. “Saying such things about us.” Meanwhile, I was happy where my head was. Pinkie even let me turn my head to face the table so I could finish lunch. I could tell that she was still unhappy by the way she was patting my head. “I think someone’s content,” Applejack said with a giggle. I just winked at her. “He’s a guy AJ. To him he’s in heaven right now,” Rainbow said as there were giggles all around. I felt eyes on the top of my head and heard Pinkie giggle as she petted my head some more. In times like this, I didn’t mind in the least as Lunch was finished. We all said our see you laters and separated for our classes with Fluttershy and I headed to our art class for fifth period. Luckily we only had it for only one semester because both Fluttershy and I weren’t good at art at all. I never even tried stick figures before. The history of art may be. We didn’t see Sunset on our way to art class, so it was uneventful thankfully. Like always Fluttershy and I sat at the same short table side by side. A mister Colure was this semester’s art teacher and he looked to be a rather strict fellow. Tall and rather impressive looking he would be better suited for the military or PE class at least. Instead, he’s running art class. Everyone expected a deep and commanding voice, but what we got nearly got everyone falling out of his or her seat from laughter. What we got was a high-pitched voice that sounded more like a child’s than what we expected. “Hi class I’m Mister Colure,” he greeted us while we couldn’t help but giggle and chuckle. I personally hid behind Fluttershy while I chuckled almost wildly. I also felt some guilt for it too, but right now not so much for it was too funny. “I know my voice is funny, but you’ll get used to it.” He grabbed some papers and like all the other teachers he passed them to the first in line as they passed them back. “This is the curriculum for this art class. First off is a history of art and the many facets and meaning behind it. We will visit art throughout this world and the meaning behind them. Later in the semester, we will do some art ourselves starting with the basic principles.” “Will there by body painting?” I heard a guy ask. SMACK! I sighed with a shake of my head. There’s one in every class. I was secretly thanking whichever girl slapped him. “Oh, my,” Fluttershy said then giggled. “No,” the teacher said simply, “There won’t be any of that. Just normal painting, but starting with the basics of drawing.” Then he turned around, grabbed textbooks from the desk, and started handing them out. After a few minutes, he picked up his and turned to a page, “We will be starting in the fifth chapter. I figured starting during the greatest period, in my opinion, in art that consists of Rafael, Leonardo, and etcetera. During that time, there were many forms of art ranging in many meanings. So for your homework, read and study the fifth chapter.” The rest of the period was pretty much questions and answers. Neither Fluttershy nor I had any so we just sat and waited. Luckily, her class was right next to mine as the day was ending. One more class to go then we could all meet outside of school at the statue for some us time. We always did it and I always looked forward to it every day. Until then, Pinkie and I had math to attend. She waved to me, rather frantically, after I stepped in, after making sure that Fluttershy was alright. "Hey Pinkie,” I said as I sat down at the same short table she was at. Then I felt her pull me into one of her bear hugs, which wasn’t too unpleasant. “Hey Freddie,” she said hugging me. “One more class to go,” I said to her with a sigh of near relief, “maybe math won’t be that bad.” Then again right after I said that the teacher walked in, tapped his walking cane against the old-fashioned chalkboard, and then started. “Good afternoon class and welcome to pre-college algebra,” he said while most of the class groaned. “This isn’t what I expected,” I whispered to Pinkie as the teacher went through the semester curriculum. “This will be so much fun,” Pinkie actually whispered back. But I looked to her in a little bit of a shock, Math? Fun? She’s got to be kidding, but then again this is Pinkie that we’re dealing with. The teacher may be old, but it was obvious that he knew his stuff. I knew this not because of his age, but because he didn’t look at the textbook even once. This is the first time that I’ve ever seen a teacher not look at the textbook. He went on to describe what sort of math that we would be doing this semester and it definitely was an introduction to college-level math. He started his talk by starting with basic problem-solving techniques in the various equations. At the end of his talk, now near the end of the class, he was speaking of quadratic and rational equations. The last part of which I simply had no clue what he was talking about, but then again that’s what this class is supposed to do isn’t it? By the end of his little lecture, I knew that I was in for a hard time at this class. Looking over at Pinkie I saw that she was smiling the whole time. The bell rang and I followed her out of the classroom. Now was the time that all of us would meet at the statue, but I had to ask. “Pinkie did you understand any of that?” I asked her while carrying my bag, now filled with textbooks. “Not a one,” she answered back, “but that’s OK we got friends that will help.” “Which friends is that?” I wondered while we walked toward the front door. I already saw Fluttershy there at the statue. “Applejack and Fluttershy silly,” she said bouncing out the door and waving to Fluttershy. They can help me with this level of math? I waved to Fluttershy as we approached the statue. This statue, being a horse rearing up on its hind legs, is the focal point of the front of the school. A meeting place for a lot of events and our usual hangout at the end of a tiring day. Fluttershy had to small animals out of her pack and a small rabbit, named Angel, and a little bird that was sitting on her shoulder. “Hey Fluttershy,” Pinkie said sitting down next to her. I sat down on the other side as angle, the rabbit, hopped over and into my lap. I’ve always thought that having pets helped with stress, but then again with these girls in my life stress was always questionable. So it evened things out a bit for me as I gently petted and stroked Angle’s head and back. Fluttershy giggled at Angle then looked between us as we waited for the others, “How are you two? And how did your classes go?” I stayed quiet as I let Pinkie answer that question simply because Fluttershy was with me the whole time. “Oh it was really fun,” Pinkie started as she, somehow, started eating a cupcake that she took from her hair. Go figure. “I’m glad that you enjoyed it,” Fluttershy said to her with a smile. “Pinkie,” Rainbow’s voice called out as she and Applejack approached, “you should have seen the workout we gave Fred today.” “Oh oh oh, do tell,” Pinkie said nearly bouncing while sitting at the base of the statue. Applejack chuckled sitting down next to me while Rainbow just looked down at me with a smirk. “Well we got him doing laps around the football field with sit-ups and push-ups,” Applejack said nudging my arm with hers. Rainbow giggled at me as she recounted what happened, “You should have seen him Pinkie. I had to help him to third period because he was too exhausted to walk on his own. As we walked in he was like ‘man down’ and pretended to nearly pass out as Fluttershy and Rarity helped him to a chair.” I heard giggles all around as she recounted the tale with Applejack shaking her head at me. “Oh yes,” came Rarity’s voice as she walked up hearing us talk about me, “he looked so tuckered out from the exhausting workout.” She came up beside Rainbow smiling down to me, “We thought that he was exaggerating about it, but he said, ‘only a little.’” She put her hand to her face, turned around, and pretended to faint as she started to fall over. Quickly I sat up enough that I caught her, lowered her down, and into my lap. Where one arm was still on her forehead as the other went around the back of my head, “With his head on the desk he tried to look as pitiful as possible.” I have to admit that having a beautiful woman in my arms temporarily halted my brain functions. She was a beautiful woman. As a matter of fact, they all are. And I was lucky to have them as my friends. I just smiled up to them while lightly tickling Rarity’s sides, “That’s why I have you girls to help me get better. Right Rarity?” Rarity started laughing as I tickled her while the others laughed. Pinkie even joined in and started to tickle me in Rarity’s defense. Pretty soon it was a full-on tickle war between us at the statue as our first day of the new school semester ended. I didn’t know what would happen this year, but I knew that with my lady friends, I could get through anything. Little did I know that I would need them this semester more than any other time in my life as that life seemed to unravel. However, the rest of the semester went on pretty much as predicted. Classes went along as expected with Math being my most challenging, but like Pinkie said Applejack and Fluttershy helped me with them. I’m going to skip most of the rest of the semester because it was the last few days that were the ones that changed my life. So other than a few incidents that happened between now and then it was fairly normal. Except for Sunset Shimmer who, over three incidents, tried to get us to hate each other. Of course, I didn’t know that until sometime after it all happened, but I’ll go through with them here now that you know what my day was usually like. Besides her usual hateful and derogatory meetings around the school, her first try was between Rainbow and Applejack.