The second bell of the day rang. The students stood and exited the class room. A quiet bookworm stood and shuffled out after everyone had left. She adjusted her glasses, staring at the floor as she walked.
Conversations and laughing surrounded her as she passed her classmates. She stopped, looking at her locker door in shock. A homophobic slur in black paint across it. She bit her lip. No one knew about that...did they? She felt herself go rigid when a voice spoke up.
“S'a matter, Moondancer?” A hand clamped onto her shoulder. “Was that a secret?” The girl asked, grinning maliciously.
“I-I don't know what led you to believe…” She spoke, her voice watery as she bit back the fear.
“Come off it. I betcha yer gay ass just ain't got a real lay before.” She sneered. “C'mon, I know a few guys who'd love to change that.”
“Let go of me.” She shrank, her chin slipping into the collar of her sweater, looking to her left and right for an escape.
“No, you dy-” The words died on her lips as a fist connected with the bully's cheek, knocking her to the ground. She slid into the lockers from the force of the hit.
“Back the fuck off, before I rearrange your face.” The athlete spoke, standing in front of Moondancer, sliding her hand out of her jacket pocket. Her spiked, amber and gold hair was the first thing Moondancer noted. She recognized her from the soccer team.
“Gonna defend yer girlfriend, Lightning?” The bully sniffed, her face already swelling.
“No one else seems to wanna do anything. I ain't letting it slide.” She barked. “Now leave. I won't warn you a third time.”
The girl pulled herself up, her glare faltering to a look of concern before she took off down the hall.
Moondancer saw the tension leave her body… Lightning turned to face her. “If she ever bothers you again. Call me.” She said, patting her shoulder. “I've got your back.”
Moondancer blushed, looking up at her.
“Get your books.” She added, leaning against the locker to wait for her. The bespectacled girl rushed into action, taking out her books and closing it to see the word again.
“There's nothing wrong with it.” Lightning said simply. “Don't ever let them make you think there is.”
“Thanks…”
“Anytime.” Lightning smiled, pushing off the lockers, walking with her to her next class. “I'm a bit away...so wait a few minutes and I'll be here after class to walk with you.”
“I appreciate this...but why?”
“I need a reason..? How about...people shouldn't treat you like that, and they won’t anymore, because I am here.” She grinned down at her.
“Thank you…” The reserved girl quietly mumbled.
***
As promised, Lightning Dust strolled to the door, peeking in to see Moondancer waiting. She stood and walked with her. The athlete had her hands in her jacket pockets as she walked. “Why did they go after you? That bitch been an issue for you before?”
“K-Kinda.” She adjusted her glasses. “Listen, I appreciate this...but you're just going to get yourself in trouble because she won't stop…”
“Don't care.” She shrugged. “I'm through letting bullying slide. Ever since Sunset chilled out, we've been relatively good…” She looked over to her. “You don't have to think of it as anything other than me being your muscle for the time being if that helps.”
“I...don't mind it...but are you sure I'm worth the trouble?”
“No doubt.” She said simply. “You don't bother anyone...and keep to yourself. You're an easy target because you don't have a circle of friends.” She explained. “But that changes today.” She smirked. “You busy after classes? I want to introduce you to some of my friends.”
“I'm...not. Sure. I mean!” She groaned. “‘I'm not 'busy’, and 'sure’.” She clarified.
“Awesome. Isn't this your class?” She asked, Moondancer nodded.
“Thank you.” She turned to enter.
“Lightning!” A scratchy voice shouted.
“Yeah?” She turned to face a slightly shorter girl with rainbow hair.
“What happened? I heard you got into another fight, dude!” She crossed her arms.
"Listen, it was justified.” She shrugged.
“Tell me how cracking someone's jaw is justified.”
She glanced to Moondancer. “Its okay. I'm not in trouble.” She assured her, motioning her to go in before she looked to Dash and motioned her to follow.
Moondancer took her seat, watching the two walk away from the door.
***
Dash looked at the locker with a slack jaw. “What the fuck is wrong with her?” She asked, anger building as she thought it over.
“Outed her in front of everyone...and like this.” Lightning stood beside her.
“I'll talk to Vice-Principal Luna...take pictures we need proof. She'll be on your side.
“I've got pictures, and I recorded it...before I had to step in.” She said.
“And you chose to step in-”
“When I was sure it was going to escalate.” She crossed her arms. “Dunno why she wanted it to be a secret. But that's for her to decide. Not that bitch's.” She said. “And she mentioned guy friends who would help 'fix’ her...I saw red.” She admitted.
“You did the right thing, Dust. We need to find out how she knew about it...see if you can talk to Moondancer about it. Send me those videos. It's best if I talk to Luna sooner than later.”
“Thanks, cap.”
***
Moondancer exited the classroom, her new friend standing by the door.
“Hello.” She said.
“Yo. Last class, eh. Ready to get home?”
“Not...really.”
“Why not?”
“If...this got back to my parents…they'd disown me. I-It's not true by the way…” She assured.
“Dude. My captain is gay. Dating Sunset. My best friend is as well, I got no issues if you were or weren't. Right now? I'm keeping an eye on you. That bullying was not okay. Even Sunset didn't go that far.” She took out a small slip of paper. “Here. This is my number. If you want to talk outside of school...or don't feel safe somewhere…give me a ring.”
“Why...are you so protective of me? It doesn't make sense.”
“I lost a friend to stuff like this. He...didn't have the support we can give now.” She admitted. “Also, love is love...I don't want someone to be abused for what they find attractive.” She glanced back. “Sorry if I seem weird. Random chick just jumping into your life like this…”
“No, I really do appreciate it...no one's ever really cared...and I'm sorry about your friend.” She said quietly.
“Wait ‘til you meet the girls. You'll understand.” She pat her shoulder.
***
Lightning walked her to a table, five girls, four sitting around it. One stood in the opposite end.
“Girls, this is-”
“Moondancer.” The black haired one spoke. Her accent wasn't exactly posh...but it was proper. “One of the smartest girls in Canterlot High.” She took a sip from her drink before glancing over at her. “What are you bothering the poor girl for, Lightning? Forcing social interaction isn't very nice. Though your intentions may be good.” She scolded the athlete.
The girl was gently tapped by the girl beside her, electric blue hair...purple shades, she tilted her head to Lightning and shrugged.
“Fine, Vinyl. I will 'chill’.” She turned to Lightning. “I apologize.”
“No worries, Octavia...you were kinda right.” She looked down. “I didn't even ask you.”
“Its okay.” Moondancer said quietly.
“Hi!” The blonde waved, a bright smile on her face. “My friends call me Derpy.”
“That seems insensitive…” She adjusted her glasses. “Please tell me it's not due to your disability.”
She blinked her unfocused eyes. “Aww, no, no. It's because I'm kind of an airhead.” She giggled.
“Derpy is a sweetheart.” The mint haired girl spoke up. “My name is Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings, Canterlot High's leading Cryptozoologist.” She boasted.
“Don't you need to have made some kind of discovery to have that kind of claim, Lyra?” The girl beside her asked with a sigh. She had an accent to her voice...one Moondancer couldn't quite place.
She had a mix of blue and pink curly hair...and just being near her, Moondancer could pick up the scent of different candies.
“Bonnie~” Lyra whined, shaking her gently.
“Cut it out.” She groaned.
“That's BonBon. She's the resident team mom.” Derpy offered with a smile.
“I am not!”
“Bonnie, can we get ice cream on the way home?”
“No! You have to do your homework first!” She crossed her arms before freezing...then facepalming.
Moondancer looked to the blue haired girl, who waved with a smile.
“Moondancer, this is Vinyl. She has a brilliant musical mind, but her preferred style is...not for everyone.” Octavia said. The glasses didn't hide the touched expression on Vinyl's face, she smiled softly, looking at the girl beside her happily.
“Does she not speak?” Moondancer asked, taking a seat beside Lightning, who had sat during the introductions.
“Vinyl is mute, she texts often and can sign.” Octavia said. “The problem is, her wit is quick as a whip, but due to few understanding her...she gets her responses out much later.”
“You two seem close.” Moondancer noted, looking between them.
“We've been friends since we were about five.”
Vinyl nodded.
Moondancer smiled, turning to Vinyl, signing in some very inexperienced motions. The girl's eyes widened from behind her glasses.
Octavia smiled softly, making the correct motions Moondancer had tried to use. “You know the basics?” She asked.
“I try to have an understanding in things I find interesting…”
“What'd she say?” Lyra asked.
“Moondancer attempted to ask Vinyl to help teach her sign language.” Octavia explained before Vinyl signed something in response.
Moondancer caught one or two motions… “Thank you” and “yes”. But the others went over her head.
“I...understood a little.”
“She said she would love to help you and it means a lot to her that you are interested in learning how she speaks.” Octavia translated as Vinyl nodded eagerly.
“Of course!” The redhead smiled softly. Lightning rested her head on the palm of her hand, watching Moondancer talk. She looked over to her friends, BonBon giving her a knowing smirk.
“What is it, Bon?”
“Oh nothing.”
“Moonie! You like learning stuff, do you know about Cryptozoology?”
“You like saying that, don't you?” BonBon sighed.
“I do. I've actually looked into the existence of several creatures…”
Lyra gasped excitedly.
“No, no...not another one.” BonBon sighed.
“Have you ever been ghost hunting?!”
“Uh...yes, actually. With my mother.” She smiled.
“New best friend. Sorry Bon.” Lyra said.
“It's understandable…” she sighed again with a smile. “So Light. Since mine is more interested in someone else, what are you up to later?” She teased.
Lyra quickly hugged the now smug looking girl. “I'm sorry Bonnie! Don't be a meanie…”
“Thought I wasn't your best friend…”
“You know that's not the case!”
Moondancer giggled softly, Lightning smiling as well.
Vinyl signed something...which earned a smack from Octavia.
“Oh, what was that?! I oughtta…” Lyra got in Vinyl's face.
Vinyl held her hands up with a grin.
“Miss Dust, miss Dancer, may I have a word with you two?” A voice caught their attention. The group looked up to see Vice Principal Luna.
“Yes ma'am.” Moondancer said, standing. Lightning stood as well.
“Catch you girls later. Vinyl be nice.” She gave a half hearted warning.
Looking past the taller woman, she spotted the girl from before smirking, a taller girl sitting beside her, a scar across her left eye, and curly white hair, she waved with one hand, a cocky smirk matching the bully from before.
Lightning shot them a glare before following the VP out.
***
Lightning closed the door behind them as Moondancer took a seat.
“Miss Moondancer, first, I'd like to apologize for the incident this morning that you had to endure…” She said before looking up to Lightning, who chose to stand. “And thank you for your timely arrival. The culprit in question has already told me her accounts...Rainbow Dash explained your side and showed me your evidence.” She said. “I'm going to forego detention this once…but please refrain from violence in our halls.”
“Yes ma'am.” Lightning said.
“If anyone asks, I'm putting you on working detention. Until this matter is solved, please accompany Miss Moondancer.”
“Already on it.” The athlete saluted. “When I can't, I've got my crew looking after her.”
“Excellent. Until then, Miss Moondancer, I'm going to be keeping an eye on your locker and the culprit. She's clearly the aggressor. If she ever catches you alone, please come to us.”
“I will.” She nodded.
“And one last thing. A lot of teenagers are scared about the topic of sexuality, but I assure you, there is nothing to be ashamed of, either way. If you need to speak to someone, my door is open. But your new social group may also be able to shed some light on that.”
“What do you mean..?” She asked.
“Bonnie and Lyra are openly dating.” Lightning said. “They have been for almost a year now.”
“I didn't know.” Moondancer said quietly.
“Octavia helps them whenever they do argue…so they're cool with their relationship.”
“Vinyl too?”
“Vinyl's pretty chill. Dunno if you noticed.” She chuckled.
“I had noticed…”
“Are we excused?”
“Just don't get into any more fights...I can't play favorites, especially if you physically harm another student.” Luna frowned. “But yes, you're free to head home.”
***
Lightning and Moondancer walked down the halls. “Hey, wanna see if any of the girls are free?” She asked.
“I feel like I should go home…” Moondancer looked down, fiddling with her bag.
“Alright.” Lightning shrugged, “Do you feel comfortable enough to walk by yourself or would you like me coming along?”
“I'm not sure.” She admitted. “She's already headed to Luna about you, which means she's already trying to get you out of the equation.”
“I'm aware...but it'll take more than that. Promise.” She chuckled.
“Then...please walk me home.” She smiled up at the taller girl.
Lightning pat her shoulder, pushing open the door.
***
The athlete returned to town, headed towards her usual gym. ‘Whoever that girl had with her...I didn't recognize her.’ She mused as she walked.
“Well. Look at what we have here.” An unfamiliar voice spoke up as Light stopped, the accent was unique. She turned, looking over her shoulder. The girl was taller than her. “What do we ‘ave ‘ere? Some kinda tough fuckin’ cunt?” She sneered, leaning in.
“I don’t know who you are, but you’re skating on thin ice.”
“‘Thin ice’ She says.” Throwing her hands up a mocking motion. “Tough cunt wants ta fuckin’ sound like she’s more than a meat’ead.”
Lightning took a deep breath before turning. “Are you just gonna goad me into a fight, is that what this is?”
“Well, ‘at depends. Think ya can take me?”
“Without a doubt.” Lightning answered immediately, which earned a grin from the taller girl.
“Easy now. Weren’tcha told not ta start fights?”
“Walk away if you’re not gonna swing.”
The girl rolled her head as she chuckled, a sudden right hook hit Lightning’s jaw. She planted her feet and returned with her own, the taller girl recoiling slightly.
“Oof, tough cunt’s living up to her name…” She groaned.
She stepped forward, squaring up with her.
“HEY! You two start anything and I’m calling the cops!” A man said, leaning out of the door to the gym.
“Lucky you.” The girl grinned down at her.
“Keep thinking that.” Light smirked.
The taller girl turned, headed back down the street, Lightning heading into the gym.