//------------------------------// // Chapter II: New Project // Story: Tube n' Fabric // by BrakePads //------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Project “Hello class!” Ms. Cheerile said in her usually cherry mood. Only a couple of kids replied “Good morning” back since a majority of the class was still mentally sleeping, including Apple Bloom who was dreaming about Babs Seed and her running about in Sweet Apple Acers until Ms. Cheerile slammed a piece of wood on her desk again that got the class’s attention. “Uh oh,” Scootaloo said. “I wonder what Ms. Cheerile is wanting to do.” It is reasonable, she only does it whenever she needs to get the class’s attention for an announcement. “Today for the class period, I am going to assign a project that will be due at the end of the school year, about 20 weeks from now. In this project, you will come up with something that can be used by ponies for the better, like an improved shovel. You will need to build a model or a fully functioning version of it to get full credit.” The class started to talk about the project before Ms. Cheerile decided that she forgot something. “And by the way, I am passing out the rubric for this project and once I am done with passing them out, I will take the honor of choosing your partners!” “WHAT?!” The fact that the class was shocked was somewhat of an understatement, everypony went bonkers over it. Especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders who knew that they couldn’t team up for this, like the last couple projects that they could on. However, Apple Bloom didn’t seem to mind, she knew that the class has a odd number of students so there could be a slim chance of them getting together. “Oh, by the way Cutie Mark Crusaders, you will not be partnered up together.” “Awwwww.” Okay, now Apple Bloom was concern but she hoped that she could work alone on this, maybe? “Okay class, the drawings begin!” The first two ponies that every student was thankful to happen as Silver Spoon and Diamond Tierra were paired up which the two cheered for, probably thinking of some overzealous rick pony’s project that they can only do. The next few pony pairs weren’t to exciting except that one of pairs bolted out the door because there’s were “super secretive”. So anyways, about 1/3 the class were chosen when Ms. Cheerile announced the next pair. “Okay, Sweetie Belle and Clover.” Sweetie Belle started to look disappointed that she won’t be with her friends for this project but kept quite about it, which was surprising for her. “Next up, Scootaloo,” “Oh! Oh! Who?! Who?!” “and Rumble.” Scootaloo just sate at her desk completely stunned. Rumble on the other side of the room just looked at Tantium and shrugged. Scootaloo sagged into her chair and looked at the floor. Apple Bloom knew why because she did not want to cooperate with the pony, she has a crush on. The rest of the drawings went smoothly, the numbers of non-partnered ponies dwindled until it was Apple Bloom, Tantium, and two other ponies. “Okay you four, are you ready for the next one? Remember this one will also determine the other pair as well.” At this rate, Apple Bloom also remembered that the other student left Ponyville last week, so the number of students were even, darn. Shake Shake Shake Shake “Okay, Nut Buster and Vector Ray you are chosen so that means Tantium and Apple Bloom are together! So now students, go to your partners now and talk with them. *Humming*” Apple Bloom was stunned to say the least, she just, out of the entire classroom, got paired up with a Griffon she barely knows. She was eventually was taken out of this state when she felt a hoof on her shoulder to which she looked to see Tantium just looking down on her, waiting for her. The two looked at each other for a minute, each one trying to gain the courage to speak to the other. ‘Well, here it is, having to work with this muscular beast with eyes that can sear my love li-, why am I thinking this?!’ “Uh, hi Apple Bloom, what are you good at?” Tantium asked casually. Apple Bloom, still looking up, was blind sided because he just asked her what she was good at and that was it. No introductions of any type or something other than strait to business. “Farming.” Was all she could say. “Really, well considering your accent, I say it is reasonable but how will it help us do this project?” Now Apple Bloom was wondering if she could even work with this Griffon because of his personality. Before Apple Bloom could speak for herself again, the recess bell rang which every foal ran outside, including Tantium who met up with Rumble. But Apple Bloom just sat at her desk. ‘This is going to be a long day.’ Recess came and left, and Apple Bloom was seating right next to Tantium at the point of almost falling asleep. Apple Bloom found herself hearing a buzzing noise that would only be heard from something that seemed so foreign but yet, so familiar. Could it be the sound of something slapping in front of her? The statement above is true because Apple Bloom jolted awake to see Scootaloo in front of her with a disappointed face. “I can’t believe I am working with Rumble.” “Scoots,” Apple Bloom yawned, “Could ya please stop complaining 24/7 for once?” “He isn’t a bad guy, right?” Tantium spoke up that caused Apple Bloom to jump in her not-fully-conscious state of mind. Scootaloo just stared at him for a minute before going back, mumbling to herself. Apple Bloom decided to look at the clock to see what time it is, only five minutes had passed since recess ended. ‘Yes, this will be a long day.’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later that day. “Wow! You have the latest in everything!” Tantium excitedly said as he looked though the workshop. “I told you so! So, what do want to do in here?” Applejack asked. “Well I want to work on my project in here because at home I don’t have any tools that my claws can get a hold.” “Ah okay, so who is your partner?” “A filly of the name of- “ “Tantium, what in tarnation are you doing here?” “Her.” Tantium said in a flat tone as he looked to see Apple Bloom looking utterly confused as to why he was here. The three just stood there in the new shop with Apple Bloom staring at Tantium, Tantium staring back, and Applejack looking between the two. “You two are partners?” Applejack asked. The two nodded simultaneously. “Well that is good news! Tantium looks like to be a gear head and you Apple Bloom could be one as well!” “Uh…. thanks?” Apple Bloom then looked at Tantium. “Why are you here?” “I like to build so I found this place on an advertisement in the Library.” “Okay then,” Then Apple Bloom’s face turned into a smirk. “So tell me, that is that tool right there?” She said as she pointed her hoof to a tool to which Tantium look to said tool. “Uh a Powermatic 3000B with a seven and a half horsepower motor.” To which Applejack whistle at and Apple Bloom’s smirk melted off her face. “Okay then, that?” Her hoof moved to another tool to which Tantium’s hawk eyes followed. “A Powermatic 2000 series band saw.” “And that?” “A stick welder.” “And that?” “A rainbow mane Pegasus that ran into me two days ago.” “Ha silly it is a- wait what?” Apple Bloom turned her head to see Rainbow Dash laughing her plot off. “Bahahaha *Cough* hahahaha Tantium hehehe.” As Rainbow Dash calmed down, she stood up on all fours and looked around the shop. “Wow! Why haven’t you told the others about it?” “It has only been open since earlier this morning.” “Really? Okay then where is the hidden apple cider storage compartments?” Applejack just looked at Rainbow Dash with a “really?” look and sighed. “No, we don’t have any of that nonsense, can you just buck out of here?!” “Sure.” Rainbow Dash said in a disappointed tone. “When Earth Ponies can fly.” And zipped off to who know where. Apple Bloom and Tantium just looked at each other. “Apple Bloom, I think I have a idea what we should do.” “What is it?” “We will make you fly by machine.”