Four Months Later...
Twilight Sparkle’s POV:
The morning sun of Celestia's sun soaks through Twilight's kitchen window. Twilight stands at the kitchen sink, thinking to herself as the castle remains quite from last night's dinner fiasco.
She takes a deep breath, levitating her coffee cup to her lips taking a sip. She enjoys these quiet moments to herself, sometimes. Twilight gasped, suddenly remembers that today was a very important and special day, today was none other than Bring Your Child To Work Day.
“I can't wait to show Harmonia what I do throughout the day!” Twilight thought to herself, giving a wide grin. She sits her coffee cup down on the counter. She quietly makes her way to her daughter's room.
***
Twilight opens her daughter's door with ease. She gives a soft smile as she watches her little girl sleep peacefully. She softly nudges her fur. “Come on, sweetheart you have to get ready.” Twilight spoke her tone gently.
Harmonia groans softly. “Ready for what?” She mumbled, still half asleep.
“Remember today is Bringing Your Child To Work Day. Don't tell me you forgot already.” Said Twilight, she gently brushes a strand of white mane from her daughter's face.
Harmonia yawns. “Of course not! I'll be ready in a few.” She said. Her eyes are still slightly tired as she doses back to sleep.
Twilight gave a small smile. “Okay, well I will be back in a few to come and get you.” She said.
Twilight then turns to leave. Harmonia was still glazed with sleep until the words: bring your child to work day rings in her ears. “Bring Your Child To Work Day…” She mumbled to herself.
“It's…. Bring...Your-” Harmonia stops her eyes widened and she is fully alert and awake. “It's, Bring Your Child To Work Day!” She squeals. She jumps out of bed, quickly getting ready. “Finally I get to see what mommy does for a living. I mean other that being The Princess of Friendship and all.”
***
Applejack POV:
“HoneyCrisp, sugarcube. We have to go.” Applejack said, motioning for her daughter to exit her room.
Applejack was already thirty minutes behind meeting with the girls. “Why do I have to go?” Honey asks.
“Because it's “Bring Your Child To Work Day!” Don't you want to see what your mama does while you're being homeschooled by your mama Rara?” Applejack asks.
Honey stays silent. “Come on, you may even make some new friends while you're there.” Said Applejack.
Honey thinks to herself. “.... But what if nopony wants to be friends with a blind pegasus? Who looks nothing like her parents?” She asks.
Applejack opens the door. She looked at her daughter, a melancholy expression was on her face. “.... Then they haven't taken time to know the real you. Just because you are blind in your left eye doesn't mean you still can't do extraordinary things! Don't let your disability limit you and don't let fear stop you from being happy.” Applejack said, she gives her daughter a soft hug.
“Hasn't mama Rara always told you to “Shine bright, like a beautiful shining star? The shining star we know you are.” She asks.
Honey nods. “Yes Mama AJ.” She takes in a heavy sigh. “I think I'm ready to see what you do.” She grins.
Applejack chuckles to herself. “That's my girl.”
“Now come on, I will grab us a few apples to go.” Applejack motions to the door.
“You go right ahead, I'll meet you in the front.” She explains. Applejack leaves the room, leaving Honey Crisp to think to herself for a moment. She smiles to herself, remembering her mother's words.
“I just hope you're right.” She softly mutters to herself. She grabs her saddlebag off the hook beside her bed and straps it on her back. Walking out of the room she runs into her Granny Smith.
“I'm so sorry, Granny!” Apologizes Honey Crisp.
“Ah, it's okay, sugar! I know you didn't mean to! Besides these old bones have been through worse.” Says Granny Smith. Honey Crisps, helps the elderly pony to her hoofs.
“Why thank you, Hun.” She said, giving her a warm smile.
“You’re welcome!” Honey beams.
“You know, I heard you two talking. I didn't mean to over hear, sweetheart, but you know your ma is right.” Granny said, her tone was gentle.
“Now, I know you gotta go soon, but I need to tell you something important.” Granny said. She walks up to Honey Crisp, she leans her muzzle and whispers in her ear.
“If they stare, let them stare. You can't blend in when you're born to stand out.” She whispers into Honey’s ear. Granny Smith pulls away from Honey Crisp giving her a firm but gentle smile.
“Now go on, your ma is outside waiting for you.” She said.
Honey smiles at her grandmother, giving her a hug before leaving.
***
Rarity's POV:
“Think this outfit will be okay, mother?” Ophelia asks, looking at her dress.
“Darling, you do know that you're only there to observe, right?” Rarity asks.
“Yes, but it never hurts to make a good first impression. Isn't that what you've always said mother?” Ophelia asks.
“Indeed! But you're only there for one day. It's not like you go there.” Rarity gave a light hearted laugh.
“I think both of my girls look beautiful.” Capper swoons at the sight of his two perfect girls.
“Thank you, Capper.” Rarity said.
“And please do not try to swindle the other kids today while I'm teaching.” Rarity pleads.
“But-” Ophelia said, but Capper cuts her off.
“You heard your mother, Ophelia.” Capper said, his voice slightly strearn.
“Fine, but no promises.” Ophelia mutters.
“Duchess…” scolds Capper.
Ophelia rolls her eyes. “Now come along dear. We have to meet your aunt's at the school.”
“You girls have a wonderful day today!” Beams Capper as he waves goodbye to the girls.
“We will.” Rarity smiles back.
***
Pinkie Pie's POV:
“Dad? Are you sure you know how to bake a cake?” Cotton Berry asks.
“Of course! I've watched your mom bake them for a while now. Besides, I just want to do something nice for your mother before she heads to work with you two.” Party Favor said.
Confetti Pop looks at the oven. “Uh… Daddy?” Confetti tail was jittery.
“I mean how hard can it be?” Party Favor rambles.
Cotton Berry's eyes widen at the sight. “What is it Cotton?” He asks.
Cotton was unable to speak, instead he pointed his hoof to the oven.
Party Favor turns around, his eyes widen. He uses his magic to open the oven, the oven bursting out with smoke.
The kids and Party Favor, both cough, trying to clear the smoke.
Pinkie Pie walks in, humming happily to herself. “Are my two little-” she stops and starts to cough. She opens her eyes, shocked at the scene before her.
“I leave for five minutes and come back to this! What happened?” Pinkie Pie asks, still coughing.
Confetti grabs the fire extinguisher and sprays the oven down. Spraying both herself and her twin brother as well as their parents in the process.
“Apparently it can be very hard.” Party Favor mutters. “This is why I stick to balloon making.” He snores.
***
Fluttershy’s POV:
“Tree Hugger? Have you seen Meadow Bliss? I've looked in his room, but he wasn't there.” Fluttershy said, her tone slightly worried.
“Relax Flutters,” Tree Hugger said, she had her eyes closed clearly and she was meditating.
“I sent him to feed the animals outside. He should be back in a few.” She breaths.
“While we wait, would you like to try some meditation before you leave? It's very calming.” She said.
Fluttershy looks at the clock. “I guess I could spare just a few minutes.” Fluttershy mutters. Fluttershy relaxes her body, closing her eyes and intermediating the same pose the Tree Hugger was doing.
She felt at peace with herself for a good fifteen minutes. “Um Mom? Don't you think we should be going?” Meadow snaps his mother out of her peacefulness.
She jumps, slightly startled by her son’s voice. Meadow gives a light hearted chuckle. “Sorry Mom, I didn't mean to scare you, but we really need to be going.” He points to the clock.
“Oh my! I didn't realize the time.” She said.
Fluttershy looks at her son. “We better go then.” she said, as she hurries out the door.
***
Rainbow Dash POV:
“Hey kiddo you up for a race?” Flash Magnus asks.
“Sure, but only if Mom can come.” Prism said, scarfing down the last of his breakfast.
“You know I enjoy a good family competition.” Rainbow Dash smirks.
“How much time do we have to say this isn't a competition.” Flash said.
“Honey? Have you met me? News flash! When you're with me just about everything is a competition.” Rainbow Dash scoffs.
“.... Can't argue with that.” Flash said, his tone blunt.
“Now come on! Last one to the school is a rotten egg!” Rainbow Dash shouts, leaving quickly from the house.
In a hurry, all three of them take off to the sky. Two of the three leaving behind a trail of colorful streaks, Rainbow Dash’s being the most noticeable.
“Think you can keep up if I made a Sonic Rainboom?” Rainbow Dash shouts to her son.
“Are you crazy? No way!” Prism shouts back, trying his best to keep up with his mom.
“Well you're about to find out!” Smirks Rainbow. “One, Two, Three, Go!” Rainbow Dash took off and the sound barrier broke, ringing in Prism and Flash’s ears.
“Oh come on! That’s not fair!” Whines Prism.
Flash chuckles. “Good luck dealing with your mother’s ego today.” He said.
Prism rolls his eyes. “Come on kiddo I know you will have a blast today. Just enjoy your day and try to keep your mom’s ego from- well you know how she is.” Flash said, giving his son a small smile.
“Yeah I know.” Prism muttered.
“Now go. You don’t want to be late, or your mother will have that to brag that she beat you at being on time as well as the flying lesson.”
“That wasn’t even a fair lesson if you ask me.” Mutters Prism.
Flash ruffles his son mane, before he releases him. “I’ll see you two when you get home.”
Prism nods before flying off to meet with his mom.
***
Twilight sits at her desk, quietly filling out paperwork. Harmonia groans, clearly she was bored from all the waiting and watching.
Harmonia looks at her mother. "I thought you said your job was exciting? This is totally the opposite." She whines.
Twilight still looks down at her paperwork, never taking her eyes off of it. “It's all about responsibility sweetheart.” She explains.
“I can be responsible!” Harmonia huffs.
Twilight lays her quill down and looks up at her daughter. “Harmonia, do you know what responsibility means?” She asks, her tone gentle.
Harmonia shook her head, clearly not understanding.
“Responsibility: Is the fact of having a duty to deal with something on their own. For example: If I give you a simple task, say-” Twilight thought for a moment, an idea came to mind. “.... I gave you the option of letting you watch over one of your Aunt's classrooms, then it would be your responsibility to do so.” Twilight lectures.
Harmonia eyes lit up with an idea. “Hey mommy? Can I go explore the school?” She asks.
“Sure! I don't mind, but stay in this wing of the school.” Twilight warns.
“Will do, mommy!” Harmonia said.
*
Harmonia wanders around the school building, looking for something to do. The tiny draconques stumbles upon a classroom, all of the students eyes on her. Harmonia’s eyes widened at the sight, she was beginning to feel a bit nervous.
Harmonia sighs. “Okay this is your chance to prove to mommy that you can be responsible.” Harmonia thought to herself. She takes a deep breath and gives a wide smile to the group of fillies and colts, along with a few other non-pony species. “Hi! My name is Harmonia Sparkle and I will be your teacher for today!” She beams.
The class of twelve students looked at her, slightly confused. “But… where's Miss. Rarity?” One of the students asked.
“Does anypony have any other questions besides where Miss. Rarity is?” Harmonia asks.
The twelve students said nothing. “Good! Now today we will be learning…” Harmonia grabs her aunt’s book off the podium. It was much heavier than she had expected. Harmonia looks at the book with a rather uninteresting look on her face.
Harmonia closes the book. “You know what, I'm starting to rethink this whole responsibility task.” She mumbled to herself.
Rarity walks into the classroom, slightly confused why her niece was in her classroom. “Hello, Harmonia dear. May I ask why you are in my classroom?” She questions.
Harmonia gives a light hearted laugh. “Hehe. Um… playing teacher?” She gives a small smile to her aunt.
Rarity giggled and softly pats Harmonia on the head. “Well, that’s nice darling but I think it’s time for me to take over this class for a little bit.” she explains.
Harmonia sighs. “Alright.” She begins to walk out of the classroom, but Rarity stops her.
“If you are looking for something to do. I just bought Ophelia for the day. Maybe you two can find something to do together.” Rarity smiles at her.
Harmonia eyes widen with excitement. “Okay! Thanks Aunt Rarity.” Harmonia then hurries off down the hallway looking for her friend.
***
Harmonia wanders the deserted hallways for the next fifteen minutes. “Aunt Rarity said she brought Ophelia today. Where could she be? I checked just about every classroom here and didn’t even see her.” Harmonia mutters to herself.
Harmonia begins to slow her walking, her ears perked up at a very distant sound. She follows the sound, which leads her to a room on the West end of the school’s building and hallway. Curiosity got the best of her, Harmonia opens the door to reveal five faces.
Those same five faces look back at her as a sigh of relief washes over them.
Harmonia enters the room. “Um..hello?” She said her tone sounded slightly awkward.
“Wait! No! Don’t-” The five shouted.
But, it was too late.
Harmonia let the door shut behind her, they groan in frustration. She looks at the room of unhappy faces.
“What?” Harmonia askes, slightly confused.
Ophelia narrows her eyes at Harmonia. “Nevermind now!” She snaps at the tiny draconquess.
Meadow sighs. “Let’s just say you were our only hope out of here.” He mumbles loud enough for them to hear, however his voice remains calm.
Harmonia was still confused. “What do you mean? The door is-” Harmonia tries to wiggle the doorknob, but it would not open. “Unlocked? Well crap!” She mutters the last bit to herself.
She turns around toward the group, smiling bashfully. Clearly she was embarrassed by her former action.
“Hehe. Umm sorry about that.” She said.
“Well, time for Plan B! Let’s burn down the school!” Confetti Pop said, her tone almost too excited about that plan.
Prism looked at the young mare. “Yeah, how about we call that Plan Z…” he said.
“I agree. I don’t think that is necessary…” Honey Crisp mumbles.
“Aww… way to take the fun out of it.” Whines Confetti Pop.
A cheerful, yet a voice that Harmonia recognizes comes over the intercom of the classroom. It was her Aunt Starlight.
“Welcome to Detention! ” Said Starlight’s voice over the speaker.
“Okay is it just me. Or is her voice way too cheerful about detention.” Mutters Cotton Berry.
Wait… did she just say-” Ophelia eyes shrinks to the size of dimes. She started to hyperventilate at the sound of “detention”.
Prism looks over at Ophelia, slightly worried for her. “Uh, is she okay?” He asks.
“I have a perfect school record… t-this can’t be on it!” Ophelia’s breath quicks.
Honey Crisp and Harmonia try their best to relax their friend. “Relax… we’ll be out of here soon.” Meadow said, his voice remained calm and collected.
“Oh that’s helpful.” Harmonia mutters, still rubbing Ophelia’s back.
“Besides you don’t even go here anyways.” Meadow Bliss said.
“.... actually none of us do.” HoneyCrisp explains.
“Does anyone have any ideas on how to get out of here?” Cotton Berry asks.
“I think I may have one.” Prism said. Prism charges at the door, slamming into it.
The group watches as the young colt pegasus slams himself repeatedly at the door. Ophelia watches. “Prism, darling I don’t think that is going to help.” The feline said, her tone blunt towards the pegasus.
“Watch me!” Said Prism, his teeth bared as he rams the door one finally time. Finally, exhaustion takes over him and he is out cold as his tongue sticks out of his mouth.
Harmonia walks over to Prism looking down at his body. She looks back up at her remaining friends. “Great! Now what?!” She said.
“In situations like these we scream for help.” Meadow said.
They tried screaming, but failed to realize that after fifteen minutes of useless screaming, no pony came for help.
Meadow takes a deep breath. “Well that didn’t help…” He mutters.
“We would be out soon enough if somepony didn’t close the door!” Ophelia said, narrowing her eyes at Harmonia.
Harmonia’s tone was defensive. “Come on! Stop pointing hooves, claws… paws, ugh! Whatever it is you have. Now is not the time to be playing the “Blame Game.” She said.
“We need to stop arguing and try to work together.” Said Honey Crisp.
“She’s right.” Agrees Cotton Berry.
Harmonia thought for a second. “Guys! I think I have an idea, but I need to try it first to see if it will work.” She explains. Harmonia closes her eyes, trying her best to focus on her spell. She squeezes her eyes shut as she snaps her paw. In a puff of magenta raspberry pink smoke she was free-or so she thought.
Harmonia slowly opens her eyes. “Yay! I’m free! Guys I-” Her voice was full of glee.
But she came face to face with Cotton Berry. He looks at her for a moment, then tries his best to intimidate Starlight’s voice. “Hi! Welcome to detention!” He said.
“OH GIVE ME A BREAK!” Harmonia wales.
“So much for that idea….” mutters Ophelia.
“It’s official we’re going to die here! We have no food or water!” Confetti Pop said.
“You do know that this isn’t the desert?” Meadow questions her.
“So I’ve been told….” Confetti Pop said, her tone blunt.
Prism sits up for a moment, his eyes crossed. “Sky’s….” he mutters, before passing out again.
Ophelia walks over to Prism, who was still out cold. She uses her paw and slaps him a couple of times. “Wake up!” She screams.
“Does anypony have any water?” Honey asks.
Everypony shook their heads no. Ophelia gives one final slap at Prism. Prism jerks awake. “Prism Bolt wins the race!” He cheers. The five look at Prism in confusion.
“We're still trapped here genius. There's no race going on.” Harmonia said, her tone blunt.
The group laughs at Harmonia blunt response. She then thinks for a moment. “You know even if I don't know everything about you guys, I'm kind of glad to be trapped in here with you all.” She said.
“You are?” Cotton Berry, asks slightly confused.
“Yeah, I mean it's better than being trapped in here with Crystal for Celestia knows how long.” Harmonia said, rolling her eyes.
“Um who's Crystal exactly?” Prism asks.
Harmonia's face twisted to one of disgust. “My cousin.” She explains her tone unamusing.
“I think I met her a couple of weeks ago. I do not see how you put up with her.” Ophelia said.
“To be honest, neither do I.” Mumbles Harmonia.
“Hey well now you have a whole group of new friends to hang out with!” Confetti Pop said, her tone perky and upbeat.
“I do?” Harmonia questions her.
“Of course!” Agrees Prism.
“Wait, is anypony going to question this?” Cotton Berry asks anypony in particular.
“Question what exactly?” Meadow asks.
Cotton Berry looks at Harmonia. “If we have already met you. Then how come none of us has met each other?” Cotton Berry questions.
“Silly Cotton Berry! Don't you know the author is to blame for this! She's the one who writes all the episodes and characters personalities.” Giggles Confetti Pop.
“Well she took twelve chapters just to get us all together in one room! Who is she anyways?” Complains Cotton Berry.
Harmonia snaps her paws and the name “Vocal Sweets” appears on the board. Harmonia points to it, not saying a word.
“Ohh..” they said in unison.
For the next seven hours, the group begins to tell each other jokes and other stories.
For the first time in forever, Harmonia felt like she actually had friends for a change and it made her feel at peace and happy. She didn't feel so alone.
Without noticing her flank started to glow to reveal her very own cutie mark.
“It would be great if we could all just enroll here, besides going to different schools.” Honey Crisp said.
“That honestly wouldn't be a bad idea.” Meadow said.
The afternoon rays of Celestia's sun hit the window of the classroom, casting a soft warm glow upon the room. The ringing of the bell signaled that the last class of the day was over.
“I swear if I hear that bell ring one more time, it's going to be missing a ring to it.” Complains Prism.
“No, that's actually a good thing! If anypony comes this way we can bang loudly on the door for help!” Honey Crisp said.
“How about we just make a lot of noise?” Harmonia suggests. “I mean if you haven't noticed I am a draconequus. I can clean this room in a snap.”
“I like the way you think, Harmonia.” Prism said, giving her a smirk.
Harmonia blushes. “Thanks….”
“One…. Two…. Three.... Now!” Harmonia said.
The group slings, clanging and banging any solid or loud objects in the room, all of them being as loud as they can.
Ophelia hears muffled voices from the other side of the door.
“Guys! I think I heard somepony! I think it's our mothers!” Ophelia said, as she listens carefully.
***
From outside the hallway stood Twilight and the girls.
“Have you girls seen Harmonia? I told her to stay where I can see her.” Twilight asks, her tone slightly worried.
“She came into my classroom this morning, darling. However, that is the last time I saw her.” Rarity said. “Now that I think about it, Ophelia has been missing as well.” She said.
“I sent Prism to get extra towels for the children who were practicing Buckball and he never returned.” Explains Rainbow Dash.
Applejack’s ears perk up at a distance sound. “Do you girls hear that?” She asks them.
The girls stop their chatter and listen carefully to the sound. The sound was faint, but still a bit loud to fill the hallway, but only from a distance. “Come on, it's coming from down the hallway.” Twilight said, galloping down the hallway.
The girls follow behind her. The stop at a door that was currently shut, but the racket continued.
“They must be there.” Fluttershy said, pointing her hoof at the locked door.
Twilight opens the door to reveal a chaotic mess, it looked like a tornado hit the room.
“There you guys are!” Twilight said.
“What were you doing in here?” Question Starlight.
“Oh you know just hanging out.” Sarcasm leaks in Prism’s voice.
“Are you kidding! We were trapped in here all day!” Ophelia shrieks.
Meadow places a calming hoof on Ophelia. “Dude, you need to chill, we're saved now.” He said, his voice calming.
Harmonia snaps the room back to normal. “On the bright side, I made friends for the first time in forever it feels like.” She beams to her mother.
“Well, I'm glad to hear that! And it looks like that’s not the only thing you gained.” Twilight teased.
Harmonia was confused for a moment, before looking at where Twilight was pointing at. Harmonia squealed with excitement. “I got my cutie mark!” She squeals, jumping up and down with excitement like Confetti on a sugar rush.
Congratulations Harmonia! How about we all head over to Sugar Cube Corner to celebrate and grab something to eat? I know y’all must be starving.” Applejack suggested.
Confetti Pop eyes widen at the word eat. “Food!” She squeals, in a hurry she was out the door.
The mothers and children giggle. “Come on! I think I still have some cake waiting at home. You are welcome to come with us Twilight.” Offers Pinkie Pie.
“Thanks for the invitation, Pinkie Pie! However, I think I'll have to pass for the day.” Twilight said, kindly rejecting her friend's request.
“It's okay, Twilight! I understand you and your Princess duties must come first.” Pinkie giggles.
“Actually, I need to go talk with Celestia for a few. She will be so pleased to hear your friendship progress, Harmonia.” Twilight smiles gently at her daughter.
Twilight looks back at the girls. “Do you mind watching Harmonia while I attend to some business?” Twilight asks.
“You know we don't mind one bit Twilight.” Beams Applejack.
Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you!” She looks down at Harmonia. “You mind your aunt's and be good. Okay?” Twilight said.
“I pinkie promise, mommy!” Harmonia said.
Twilight kisses the top of her daughter's head. “I love you.” She said.
“I love you too, Mommy.” Harmonia rubs against Twilight fur.
“Come on, Harmonia. We better go before Confetti eats all of our slices of cake.” Honey Crisp said, tugging at Harmonia's paw.
***
Harmonia plays with the twins and her new friends at Sugar Cube Corner. “This cake is so good! Aunt Pinkie Pie.” Harmonia said, scarfing down the last bit of her slice.
“Well thank you, Harmonia. The twins helped me make it!” Beams Pinkie Pie.
“If you guys need me, I'll just be in the back room!” She said before turning to leave.
“Okay Mom!” Said Cotton Berry.
“I hope mom can transfer me to her school! I mean I've made so many new friends here. I don't want to leave it!” Harmonia said.
“Well I'm sure the Princess wouldn't mind. I mean maybe all of us could go there! Maybe we could convince our moms? I mean they do work there.” HoneyCrisp suggests.
“Well if Plan A doesn't work, she always has a Plan B through Z for backup. You know how prepared my mom is.” Harmonia said smiling.