Two more days and everypony is slowly freaking out, but not Gallus. On the contrary, he totally forgot about all that. It's almost as if last night's experience completely deleted his memory, at least the parts that worried him. How can anyone really blame him though? He lived one of his dreams! Blinding rays of sunshine invade the room and do their best to wake up the sleeping griffon, with success. He slowly opens his eyes and raises his head to take a quick look out of the window. The nightly blue turned into the orange flames of an early morning and the sun begins to rise behind the mountains, showing only a fraction of it's full glory but enough to spread it's light and warmth. He releases one big yawn before wishing his plant-friend a good morning.
"I'll get you some water, little buddy."
This procedure became a daily habit of him since Sandbar gave him the plant. Sometimes it still bothers him, especially when he's still feeling tired, but most of the time he doesn't mind it anymore, like today. He reenters his room with a glass filled with the glorious liquid in his left front talon.
"Here you go! Breakfast fresh from the restroom's faucet", he jokes as he pours it into the pot, where it quickly sinks into the brown earth, coloring it a darker shade in the process.
Speaking of breakfast...
His stomach begins to growl at him the moment he even dares to think about the most important meal of the day.
Yeah, yeah! I need to eat something... Didn't even had dinner yesterday. Except a little taste of pony... But nearly not enough to fill me. Better get something good from the cafeteria.
He searches for his coin sack, which he finds next to his desk, and prepares himself for a quick breakfast. After leaving his room he locks his door and walks down the stairs to reach the ground level, where he interrupts his trip and takes a look down the corridor where Sandbar's room is located.
I could ask Sandy if he wants something to eat but... Pretty sure he is still asleep. I'll visit him in a few hours so he can sleep late.
He turns away and leaves the dorm building, setting his sight on the school building in front of him.
He doesn't meet many other students on his way and the school itself doesn't seem to be very busy either. A few ponies can be seen with books on their backs or levitating in front of their faces. Seeing that reminds him of what he and Sandbar should be doing and why they even decided to hang out so much lately. And it helps him remember that only two full days are left for them to do that.
I really should ask Sandbar to go over everything I need to know today. We don't have much time left and I am still not even a bit smarter than I was before. But I can't do that without a good breakfast!
He heads for the cafeteria but a voice, that he somehow recognizes a bit, calls for him.
"Look who decided to show up in his free time. It's the always friendly and helpful griffon."
Two stallions, who noticed him coming inside, aim for him with a, somehow, ominous grin. The red-coated shoots his friend a quick look before facing Gallus, who he now stands in front of.
"Oh wait!", he continues, "Griffons and everything else than greedy, selfish or grumpy are irreconcilable differences, I totally forgot. Sorry Gal, old pal."
Who is that jerk?
Gallus gives the other male a weird look and examines him to see if he recognizes him in any way but he can't remember seeing him before.
"It's Gallus and, sorry but... do I even know you", he asks but stops before putting on a more mocking voice to end his question, "pal?"
"Harsh but what else can you expect from a griffon. Only interested in things that benefits him. Don't you remember us from the restroom? I asked you for my towel and you, like the griffon you obviously are, just left me hanging. I thought you and the other freaks came here to learn about Friendship and Generosity and Kindness and stuff but especially you don't care about all of that, do you? You only care about yourself. I can't wait to see how miserably you will fail the exams."
What is that jerk's problem? I'd beat him up but... I can't risk that... I have to ignore them... but it's really difficult...
"Oh noooo! How sad it would be to see you leave! We would miss your every day of our lives", the peach-colored pegasus adds before bursting out laughter.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I will pass with ease", the griffon gloats with a cocky expression on his face before turning away from them.
Good enough. Let's get rid of those jerks.
He continues his way towards the entrance of the cafeteria but the two equine males stop him.
Why me..., Gallus thinks to himself as he rolls his eyes in annoyance after bumping into the same obstacle twice now.
"Oh did your little freaky pony-friend give you a little extra lesson or what? Are you two all buddy-buddy and the best of friends?", the pegasus teases and his red-coated buddy ads a little bit more fuel to the fire.
"Is that what you two were doing in the park? I saw you two hanging around there laughing and stuff but now it makes much more sense. I should have realized that you need all the help you can get. A hopeless case even with your buddy's help but it's still nice of him to waste his time with a blighter like you."
"No, we did not! We were just go-, I mean, hanging out because we are friends and that's what friends do. We tried to study but it didn't work so leave him out of this!"
Why am I even getting so worked up about all that. They don't even know what they are talking about so why do I care? I shouldn't care! But I can't control it... It's as if they know how to make me talk or something like that!
"Oh, is that what you two call it? Hanging out? I could have sworn I heard that fish-bird-thing talk about how hard he found it to teach you anything at all", the pegasus replies with a snicker, "and even that lizard-lady said something like that. Something about really knowing how to motivate you. Looks like the only one who's in the dark about all that"
He pokes the griffon's chest with his hoof as he finishes his sentence, "is you. But why trust us if you can just ask him yourself."
"As if!", the griffon snaps back at them, giving them a sample of the rage he fells, "I don't need to ask him and I couldn't care less about what you guys have to say. I know my friends and I know Sandbar. He would tell me what's up! He would tell me the truth!", Gallus impugns the pony's statement.
"And now get out of my way or I'll show you what griffons can really do better than ponies", he shows him his fist and smashes it into the palm of his other talon, "and that's Inflicting pain."
He sidesteps the two males and heads for the cafeteria again to finally get something to eat but a shout from the red-coated earth-pony still reaches his ear.
"Don't say we didn't warn you, buddy!"
He quickly tries to delete that last message from his brain but a small piece of doubt clinges to it with all it's strength, not allowing it to leave completely. Instead of deleting it he just pushes is into the background, ignoring it as good as he can as he finally enters the cafeteria.
Today's menu offers peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, bowls of fresh salat, fresh apple juice from Sweet Apple Acres and other types of juice in different colors, muffins, colorful donuts with and without sprinkles and Gallus' favorite treat: griffon scones. Only a few ponies are eating and two more ponies, one pegasus and one unicorn, are busy putting food on their plates. Gallus takes one of the food trays and is about to take one of the griffon scones but someone's yell stops him.
"Gallus, what a surprise to see you here so early. Since when are you the type of griffon who gets up early? Doesn't suit you at all."
The orange dragon, who stood near the door to the garden when she noticed him, is now standing next to him and shows him a little smile.
"The other girls are outside. Come and join us", she offers him but somehow the hunger Gallus felt is gone and something else bothers his stomach now: A strange and uncomfortable feeling. Could it be doubt? or fear? or maybe both?
I... really don't wanna see them right now..., he admits to himself as the feeling grows worse and worse.
"Thanks but I'm not really hungry. Just wanted to get some juice and get back to my room."
With that he takes a glass and fills it with the first juice that appears in his sight, a strange purple one, before heading for the exit, leaving his tray behind.
"Oh... sure", Smolder replies, obviously worried and a bit confused but she knows that it is better to not annoy him when he seems down so she lets him go without stopping him even once.
The way back to the dorms is a short one but every step drains more and more energy and motivation as his head fills with repeats of his talk with the two stallions, adding more and more fuel to the slowly igniting fire of doubt he develops.
It's true... We haven't really studied at all after out first time and there are only two more days left... Maybe San- No! What am I even thinking! How can I even think that!? That jerk was just lying! I am sure we will study today and if not today then tomorrow and I will pass the exams with ease and that douche won't believe his eyes when he sees my good grade! He's just trying to get int my head for... whatever reason. I won't give in... I won't... right?
He pushes all of those thoughts aside and takes a big sip from his glass, but immediately spits the liquid out as soon as it as much as touches his taste buds, which seem to be shivering from the sourness of the drink.
Ew! What is that? Puddle-water? That's just wrong, he criticizes his dark drink while spitting a few more times, trying to get rid of the bitter and disgusting sensation but no matter how much he tries, the aftertaste never completely ceases to exist. But is that really just the bad juice or is it the ember of the flame that he couldn't suffocate in his own belief and hope?
He pours the rest of the juice away and returns to his room, thinking about everything and waiting for the time to come where he can visit his study-buddy.
The rest of the day goes by just like any other day has. He shows up at Sandbar's room and they spend the day together except this time he is the one just sitting around and watching his friend getting some work done. They don't speak that much but once in a while Sandbar tries to show Gallus something new or asks him for his opinion. Unfortunately, Gallus' thoughts are still occupied and paying attention is nearly impossible and so he quickly forgets everything his friend tries to explain or he doesn't even pay attention at all. After only two hours he suddenly excuses himself, naming exhaustion and a headache as reasons, and aims for the door but his equine friend stops him.
"Are you sure it's just that? It feels like you tuned out a lot today... Is something wrong?"
"I...", he starts but the train of thoughts in his head cause him to fall silent again.
It's almost as if a little angel on his right shoulder and two devils on his left shoulder whisper into his ears.
"This is your chance! Ask him about it. You know that you want to!", the devils cheer but their counterpart disagrees with them.
"You trust him, don't you? It's gonna be all right so forget about what those guys said and stay with him. It's for the best."
"Pah! Sure, let him fool you and lie to you!", the one devils grumbles and his friend joins him, "Why wait and see when you can get to the truth right here, right now. Then all your fears and insecurities will dissolve."
"Trust him!"
"Ask him!"
"Trust him!"
"Ask him!"
"Trust him!"
"I think I had something really bad in the cafeteria. Some strange juice... I'm sure I'll feel much better after lying down for a bit", the griffon continues his sentence with a weak smile that reflects his current mood perfectly.
I trust him and... even if those jerks are telling the truth, which I still don't believe, then I'm sure Sandy has his reasons and I know that he will tell me when the time is right. I shouldn't put those jerks' opinions over his... I love him and I know I can trust him no matter what!
He reaches the door but before he can put his talon on the handle his friend stops him once more.
"You can lie down here", he suggests shyly as he tilts his head towards the bed next to him, "I know it's not your bed and it may be strange but I wouldn't mind you using it. That way you can rest and I can keep an eye on you in case you get even worse and we can hang out a bit more. You can also take a little nap if you think it'll help. I know how to keep myself busy."
Gallus lets go of the handle and turns around, starring at the bed and his friend, who shows him a warm and gentle smile, which makes this offer even more tempting.
Is he sure? I expected him to let me go but that... is really generous of him...
Every little bit of doubt and worry that burdened him are gone as his entire mind is now focused on the bed and Sandbar's smile. The griffon-boy's weak smile grows stronger as he nods his head, which turns the stallion's smile into a full-sized grin, showing his relief and his delight.
That was kinda risky, Sandbar admits to himself but the results are clearly the best outcome he could have hoped for so he doesn't really care.
Gallus comes closer to the side of the bed and looks at it. He knows how it feels like, he sat on it before and it was really comfortable and warm so he is even more excited for it. It feels similar to his own bed and it almost looks the same but something about the idea of laying in it sparks a firework of pleasant anticipation.
The pony with the teal-colored mane quickly takes the blanket off the bed so his friend can lay down and, after he did that, gives it back to him so he can tuck himself up.
"Thanks Sandy", the griffon says as he lays on his back, "it's really comfortable. I hope you really don't mind that I take over your bed for now."
Are you kidding me?! I still can't believe that's actually happening! The dude I really, really like is in my bed, it's the best thing that happened today! But I have to play it cool, play it cool Sandbar.
"Of course not Gallus, be my guest. And remember: If you want to take a nap, just go for it. I'll be here and do my thing so don't worry."
He gives him one more of his, in Gallus' eyes, very charming smiles before returning to his seat and continuing his work on his project.
Gallus rolls onto his side, which makes him face his equine buddy, and just looks at him as Sandbar tries out a new stitch he read about earlier. He watches him for half an hour and notices that the bad feeling begins to melt away, which encourages him even more that he made the right choice.
I can't believe I even thought about listening to those guys! Sandy is a good guy and I believe in him, just like he believes in me.
He begins to smile as he thinks about what an idiot he was, a smile that catches his friend's attention.
"Feeling better?", the lime-green coated male asks his friend, who startles a bit but almost instantly nods his head.
"Yeah, much better", he replies, "I guess I just needed to rest a bit and this bed surely did the job."
"It always does", Sandbar answers with a grin on his face.
"So, what are you doing right now?"
"Fixing the gems you tried yesterday. They fell off when I checked it last night so I want to attach them with a different stitch", the pony says as he takes the third gem and places it on the fabric Gallus recognizes.
The blue male rolls onto his back again, lifts his upper body a bit and begins to scratch his neck, like he always does when he finds something embarrassing.
"I really hoped for them to hold better but I guess I overestimated myself there."
Sandbar giggles as he finishes the fourth gem, "Not your fault. Attaching gems the right way is very difficult. And besides, a few of them lasted and that's impressive for your first time. I remember when I tried it out for the first time, all of the gems fell down the moment I tilted the fabric the tiniest bit so having a few maintain their position is pretty good! If you want to, I can show you a little trick that will fasten them better, if you want to of course."
Gallus looks at his friend, who shows him another smile, and nods with a smile of his own,
"Sounds good to me!"
They spent the rest of the day trying different stitches together and watching each other fail some, try them again and learning them until the night begins.
"I still don't really get that one...", Sandbar mumbles but he decides to call it a night and gives up, turning his head towards the griffon-male, who is sitting on his bed again.
"Don't look at me. I sure can't do it if you can't", he jokes and both males snicker.
"I guess I should go to sleep. Today really drained me", the blue male says as he gets up from the bed but his equine friend stops him before he reaches the door.
"Wait! You should take the stuff you made with you. They are yours after all, right?"
Sandbar gives him a small box, where all the little knots, stitches and even the formerly broken message are stored in.
"Oh, right. Thanks Sandy. Totally didn't think about taking them with me the last few times."
He takes the box from his friend with his tail and places it on his back, before turning his attention back to his buddy, who smiles at him once more. The two say goodbye to each other for the last time before the exam. Gallus returns to his room and places the box next to his bed before taking care of his lovely little flower while all the while narrating his day to it. He then notices that Sandbat never really specified why they can't meet but he doesn't really mind. He can use the day to think things through and to repeat stuff he saw and learned. Both of them know that they will pass the exams and they both know that the other one will do as well. This thought fills them with determination.