//------------------------------// // The Party Mask // Story: The Mask Hurts // by storywriter97 //------------------------------// Ember was brought forth in front of the class and began showing off why she was the assistant of the head mare Starlight. She began to write down the answers as if she knew the answers." The element of honesty is vastly important as lies always end up hurting fellow ponies." Ember almost cringed at her saying that. She hated her fellow students to the point that she felt her blood boil inside. "Well done Ember, but you are missing one thing." Applebloom said as she began to correct her." Lies do not only hurt other ponies, but they also hurt yourself." Ember sighed as she thought of a different mask to wear as she listened to the teacher. She simply nodded while smiling before returning to her seat. She noted down what Applebloom said quickly as it was still fresh on her mind. As she continued, she leaned back in her chair to observe the board. The chalkboard was painted with the white chalk, and the noise was comforting to her. Her eyes turned to examine her classmates that sat by her. Pear Mash's coat was green like a pear, and his mane was a light brown. His accent sounded country. Her other classmate was a blue scaled dragon whose passion seeped out of her hide. Ember found herself zoning out as she became lost in her thoughts.' I wish my parents would give a damn.' Tears threatened to flood her eyes as the memories of alienation began to flood her little filly mind. Her emotions were like a raging storm beating upon the shore.' No, by chaos' sake I will not weep. I will not show them the real me.' The sadness that was once there was now replaced by a deep bitterness and hatred. Her hate for her family burned hotter than the heat of summer. Its raging flames threatened to overcome her.' Applebloom, I feel her lacerations, does she really care or is she like mother?' Her rage was immediately halted by the bell as she was jolted back into reality. One by one the students got out of their seats to head to their next class. Ember trotted alongside Pearl Mash to say." Sorry I dozed off for a couple of seconds, do we have a test?" Another lie that Ember always stuck too. "We have a test coming up. You want to come to the study group?" He questioned with a faint smile on his lips. Pear felt a warmth like being wrapped in a hot blanket. "Oh gosh, you flatter me with your invitation. I will be so happy to join the study group." Ember stated while trotted alongside him. Ember saw paintings of the famous ponies that saved Equestria time, and time again. She  ignored it so as to not betray the rage she felt on her face. Pear Mash broke the silence." How are you doing in your classes with Professor Sweetie Bell?" "Well enough, perhaps she will give us a gem." Ember chuckled as the two made their way to  the class. However, when she sat down in her seat, she remembered the voice from one of her many dreams.' Come and hear me for guidance. Who needs friends when you have monsters.' The voice was like honey on the lips.' Ember drowned out the noises from the outside as she wondered what this voice was. She thought it could be a figment of her imagination or something more. However, she was brought back into reality by a feminine voice. A red-scaled female dragon asked." Hey, pony you got the notes from yesterday's class." Ember glared at the dragon with an intense hatred that she could cut the air with it. She sighed as she went through her bag and got out yesterday's notes." Bring them back to me after you are done." She stated while looking at the dragon in the eye. "Thank you so much, you saved me." The dragon was so relieved as if she had a great weight on her back. Sweetie Bell took note and proceeded to start the lecture. The class went on although quickly. Immediately an announcement was announced that the classes will be taking a field trip to the crystal empire next week. This caused much excitement with all of the students, even Ember. Once classes ended, Ember went to Starlight to help her with anything." Ms. Starlight, do you need anything?" "Ah yes, Ember, can you help me water these plants I brought. No need to use the pitcher, I shall teach you a simple spell." "Really, that will be so awesome Starlight!" Ember gleefully yelled while jumping up and down. Starlight chuckled at the excitement of her student and began to teach her a water spell. While Ember was listening and doing the spell, something hit her heart.' Why go with this plan of yours? Starlight loves you. Tell me how far of this plan of yours to ascend goes.' That voice conflicted her and pierced her soul with a sword.' Nothing will halt my ascension.' Ember combated this voice as she buried it deeper than the sea. Out of Ember's horn came a flood of water that drenched the fresh soil that the flower hooked into. Ember hoof pumped Starlight with a smile brighter than the stars. "Too much too much, but it is a start." Starlight said while rubbing the back of her head. She quickly continued on, "Ember, I trust your classes are going well. I do have a special assignment for you." Starlight announced to her little assistant. Ember perked up to see what assignment her mentor wanted her to do. " Pinkie Pie is throwing a birthday party tomorrow, and I want you to come." Those words shattered her soul as she was told to attend the party of a pony she hated. It felt like sharp hooks dug into her flesh and threatened to yank out her fleshy organs.' No no no, this can't be what she wants. Why do I have to go to that party?'. Ember barely could form a thought at this moment. "Trust me, she has loads of cake and I know you love cake. I saw how you consumed that pie." Starlight joked with a small chuckle that was accomplished with a warm smile. Ember exhaled." I will be honored to attend Ms. Starlight." Ember felt like poison was in her mouth at saying that.' I can't believe I have to even dare entertain that ridiculous Earth pony with my presence.' Ember's mood was completely ruined at this announcement. However, that small voice sounded in her head.' What is your purpose for hating the party pony? She has done you no wrong.' Ember retorted back mentally.' She talks about me behind my back. I bet the princess laughed about me when she rejected my application to the magic school.' 'Do you have proof?' That simple question shook Ember's soul to the core. It was like a magic spell trying to change her mind. 'Quiet', Ember buried the voice back inside and was brought to attention when Starlight got something that was intoxicating. "You have donuts!" Ember shouted as she used her magic to float up. Starlight was delighted to see her student so excited but cautioned her to lower her voice. The two then enjoyed time conversing about magic and eating donuts.