//------------------------------// // Chapter 52: School Daze Part One // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 52: School Daze Part One A month had passed since King Sombra's unexpected but short lived return (at least to them). Life in Equestria has mostly gone back to normal since then, because the ponies believed that King Sombra was an isolated threat and his defeat meant that the threat had passed especially now that he is dead. Even though Celestia and Luna still plan on grooming Twilight to take their place as leader of Equestria, the timetable had been pushed back considerably to allow more time and training to pass before they go through with this big change. It was something Twilight was extremely grateful for especially after everything she went through in the past two months. After spending her time carrying out her princess duties and spending time with her friends she is now feeling better and able to move on from what Midnight and Sombra put her through while wondering about friendship’s future. Even with Midnight locked away (at least to her knowledge) she still doesn’t feel comfortable to resume living in her recently repaired castle because of her doubts of friendship and worries of Midnight’s next move still remain even when (to their knowledge) she is locked away in Tartarus. She then came to an answer when she went to where her throne room is where the cutie map table is located and to her, Spike, and Starlight’s surprise the throne room's table map had expanded to all of the areas outside of Equestria about three times larger than it was before the Friendship Festival. She later called the rest of her friends over for a meeting to show them of this discovery. "Wow! Those are all the places we went when we left to save Equestria!" Applejack remarked in amazement. “Sure are.” Twilight replied. “This all happened while we were gone.” "Ugh! There's that horrid town where we were almost sold!." Rarity said in disgust aloud at the image of Klugetown. "The pirates! They were pretty awesome!” Rainbow exclaimed at the sight of the pirate ship. “Uh, once they decided not to throw us overboard!" She added to point out she hadn’t forgotten about how it all started. “And Mount Aris!” Pinkie cheerfully pointed out to said mountain as she bumped aside Applejack and ran up to Starlight and placed her hooves on her cheeks as she got into her face. “Ooh, Starlight! Did you know we made seashell necklaces for aaaaaa......aaaaall the seaponies?” She greatly emphasized her enthusiasm. “Yes, Pinkie I was there.” Starlight said in an annoyed tone at Pinkie’s lack of personal space before turning to Twilight. “What about Tempest? How’s she doing?” “She’s doing good so far, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were really impressed with her most recent evaluation performance and are considering her for a promotion. In the meantime, she is currently out on vacation for much well-deserved time off so she can spread the word of the Storm King's defeat and share what she learned about friendship.” “Y'all think that's why the map grew? Friendship quests beyond Equestria?” Applejack wondered. Fluttershy shook her head. "I hope not.” Fluttershy voiced her objections. “I've had quite enough life-threatening adventures, thank you very much. Especially the ones that really hurt Twilight so much." She pointed out to Twilight’s scar and referred to Midnight and Sombra’s past actions that nearly traumatized her and destroyed her faith in friendship. “I couldn’t agree more." Starlight sighed while remembering Twilight’s fight with Midnight. “Midnight really gives me the chills." She then shuddered with chills creeping down her spine at the thought of her as everypony nods in agreement with that statement as Pinkie Pie then picked up a hard hat and some measuring tape quickly moving on to what she had in mind. "How many friendship quests do you think we need to go on before we have to expand the throne room?" Pinkie questioned as she examined the throne room. “We can't do it all alone." Twilight quickly shot down the idea. "Sure we can!” Pinkie kept pressing to make sound doable. “We just need to knock this wall down, get some paint... " She brought over a jack hammer and a bucket of paint. "No.” Twilight quickly spoke up to assert that it is out of the question. “I mean, the world is filled with so many different creatures who know nothing about friendship. We need help if we're gonna teach them all about friendship. Lots of help." “Perhaps. But where does one go to learn about friendship?” Rarity asked of what she is proposing. “Here! They can all go here!“ Twilight gestured to a spot on the map not far from her castle in Ponyville. “Because we're gonna open a school." Everyone expressed surprise at this announcement but if it means less lengthy travels to solve friendship problems they all are in on the proposal. The next day, Twilight met with Princess Celestia at her magic school to get some advice on how to run her dream school. "A school of friendship sounds like a wonderful idea, Twilight! I'll help in any way I can." Princess Celestia voiced of how impressed she is by the idea and expressed her support as they walk down the hallways and turned to a class of young unicorns concentrating their magic on levitating apples to where both Twilight and Spike are taking notes before catching up with Princess Celestia to fire off all sorts of questions to the point she couldn’t get a word in to answer them. "What time does school start every day? What's the ideal length for class? Do you test regularly? What about class projects? How do you do seating? Are you involved with meal planning? Do you give hall and bathroom passes?" Celestia couldn't help but giggle at her enthusiasm. "Easy Twilight.” Celestia gently insisted that she tames her over-excitement. “If anyone knows how to run a school, it's you. After all, you were my star pupil." “Sorry!” Twilight quickly apologized with an embarrassed grin. "I’m just a little excited. Compared to attending your school, and tutoring students from another school, running an actual school is just a whole another step. It's not like there's a rule book to follow." "Actually, Twilight, there is a rule book.” Celestia spoke up as a matter of fact. “The EEA guidebook is very specific about how to run a school." “The EEA?” Twilight said in surprise to hear there is actually a rulebook. “I've never heard of that. Should I have heard of that.” "Of course not.” Celestia shook her head. “You've never run a school before. The Equestria Education Association is a board of learned ponies that oversee every school in Equestria." "Even your school? But you're you!" Spike commented in surprise. "Not even a princess can do whatever she likes when it comes to shaping young pony minds.” Princess Celestia simply replied as she produced the EEA’s symbol with her magic with said ponies appearing too. “The EEA ensures that whether it's unicorns studying magic, Pegasi learning weather, or Earth ponies researching agriculture, all schools are held to the same high standard. They'll need to approve your plan before you can move forward." She then cautioned. "Okay, no problem. Aside from some adjustments I think we can arrange that, can we Spike" Twilight shrugged it off as it's no biggie as she turned to Spike. "After everything we've been through, how hard can that be?” Spike scoffed in agreement that shouldn't be a challenge. The presentation to the EEA took place a few days later. Inside the presentation room there were few lights, and all the board members sat high above in desks, looking down at the two potential applicants with stern glares. “I’m gonna go with really hard.” Spike felt intimated already and proven wrong as the presentation begins. A lone spotlight shone down on Twilight as she tried not to be intimidated. She cleared her throat, preparing to make the best pitch she could. "Hello. My name is-" Twilight tried to introduce herself until being cut off. "Princess Twilight Sparkle. Yes, we know," A voice spoke up as turned to a tall, lanky unicorn stallion clad in a dark red robe with a white with hints of gray fur coat, a dark gray mane and tail, and turquoise eyes. "Now please allow me to introduce myself. I am Chancellor Neighsay, head of the EEA. Equestria owes you and your friends a great debt of thanks for your many acts of heroism and bravery. Including the recent defeat of Midnight Sparkle, the Storm King, and their army." "Well, even though I did take down Midnight herself it was ultimately a team effort to take down her and the Storm King’s army." Twilight humbly thought nothing of it. "Along with some outside help of course." “Well regardless…” Chancellor Neighsay spoke up still not swayed by her accomplishments. “…princess or not, we here at the EEA expect you to do things by... the... book!” He slammed down a heavy rule book to demonstrate his point that their rules apply to everyone, including royalty. "I think you'll find my curriculum meets all your requirements, Chancellor. Even if my school in mind isn’t as traditional as the other schools." Twilight calmly assured him as she levitated each and every one of the board members copies of her notes. The board members examined the detailed notes within the pages of the book, and all nodded in approval. "And can we trust you to follow through with this plan? Will you leave the school unattended to gallop off on your... "adventures"?." The chancellor asked still feeling a little skeptic that her plan will work. "Not to worry, Chancellor Neighsay." Twilight reassured the chancellor. "Even if me and my friends whether one or all together get called by the map I already have for some ponies to serve as substitute teachers for any and all classes along with a vice headmare to take over for me if necessary in my absence." She added as she explained she has thought of everything in preparation the board members whisper to each other. "My journey beyond Equestria along with dealing with Midnight Sparkle and the Storm King's invasion of Canterlot showed me firsthoof that the threats out there are greater than we imagined!" Twilight warned him of the danger the former possesses as the board members show alarmed looks at the very thought of her. "Even with Midnight locked away who knows what she might be up and when she might return. If we want to keep our land safe and create a friendlier tomorrow, we need to teach the Magic of Friendship far and wide." “A school for ponies to learn how to protect themselves." Neighsay commented with a suspicious eye directed at Twilight’s scar. "It's more about respecting differences and communicating.” Twilight specifically stated. “We can't risk being caught off guard again because if Midnight were to escape then next time then we may not be so lucky. My school is exactly what is needed for the good of Equestria." As Neighsay thinks about it for a moment before glancing around the room at the other board members who immediately nod in fear of the thought of Midnight’s return, the chancellor spoke up to cement his decision on behalf of the EEA. "The EEA concurs. Every pony should be prepared to defend our way of life. So, if your work is in order, provisional EEA approval is granted. We will need to observe your school up and running before it can be fully accredited." "Then please, join us for Friends and Family Day. It'll be the perfect time to see our progress! And once you see it for yourself it will most certainly be a decision you wouldn’t regret." She offered as a gesture to get him to see it will be a decision he won't regret. And with that, the chancellor gave the EEA stamp of approval, allowing for construction of the school to commence. After the meeting Spike immediately took the opportunity to pop the question on his mind. “Is it me or does Chancellor Neighsay give the vibe he doesn’t agree with your ideas of running a school?” Spike asked. "It’s not just you which is why I didn’t tell him what exactly I had in mind otherwise he wouldn’t approve of the school." Twilight answered. "Sometimes you have to be willing to pull some strings and I can only hope I can convince him to accept the school for what it is when he visits." “Let’s hope so.” Spike couldn’t help but feel someway somehow it’s going to bite her in the flank. “Or maybe it might provide us an opportunity.” Midnight said with a devious smile as she watched it from her orb as she turns to Chrysalis who is standing in front of her on the other side of the table as she eagerly awaits her instructions as she summoned her for this reason. “And when Friends and Family Day comes we’ll be able to execute on it.” “So Princess Twilight Sparkle is actually putting together a school of friendship.” Chrysalis commented with the same intrigued interest as her boss. “Next thing we’ll know is we’ll be having a school of basic save the world lessons there.” “Assuming if Equestria finds a need for a school for every little thing.” Midnight sarcastically commented as she zooms in on the EEA rulebook. “And I’m sure their chancellor will sure be looking a single excuse and mistake to justify shutting down Twilight’s school which we’ll give him that mistake and excuse he’s looking for. That being said…” She pulled up images of six creatures from all over Equestria. A blue griffon, a light pink hybrid creature, an orange dragon, a yak, and an aqua-colored changeling to which her orb detected a rainbow shimmer inside of them. “These potential bearers of the elements could be the ones to helping us a big deal without realizing it.” “Impressive.” Chrysalis commented on Midnight’s intellect as she nods to thank her for that compliment. “Now, when the time comes here is the plan I want you to plant in these six creatures young minds.” Midnight instructed her as Chrysalis intently listens on of what fun she is going to have. Construction of the school started shortly afterwards and in just a few months the project was completed. It was built into a mountain nearby the castle of friendship with a waterfall flowing over the school entrance which splits into two upon arriving with a glass walkway to the building with stone pedestals leading up to the entrance. The building itself consisted of two towers and an upper level, with a star on a flag with Twilight cutie mark star and wings on the tallest building. On the very front building was a star that depicted the six gems that the Elements of Harmony‘s original appearance. "It's too much! Too much!" Rainbow Dash complained in a panic inside the school. "Ugh, you really think so?" Rarity replied who is currently wearing a light blue sleeved dress shirt with a matching bow tie along with a long purple skirt with matching glasses with her mane tied up in a bundle in preparation for her first day of teaching. "I had hoped that dressing the part would help me feel the part." "No, not your dress, Rarity," Rainbow quickly corrected while facepalming. "This! Us! Teaching?! The Wonderbolts are gonna think I'm an egghead!" “Well, the students are gonna love my confetti cannon class.” Pinkie voiced her optimism while inside her cannon that’s about to blow. “It's gonna be... a blast!” She emphasized a party cannon blast as she flew out of the cannon. “Um, hello there. I'm your teacher. I hope you enjoy class. But if you don't enjoy it, that's okay, too.” Fluttershy rehearsed with her critters who all expect for Angel fly off due to being birds while he face-palms in frustration. “I don't know about all this.” Applejack voiced her doubts over it. “It's going to be fine. Everything about this school just feels right.” Twilight assured the farm pony. “See? If Twilight isn't stressed, you've got nothing to worry about.” Starlight vouched for her as she levitated the plates onto the table. “And you're sure you want us to be teachers? In classrooms?” Applejack asked her if she is certain about all of this. “Just until we get the school up and running then you can have the choice whether you want to teach or not when we hire ponies to help out so we can get this school EEA accredited.” Twilight gently explained to her as she turned to Pinkie. “And having said that, we need to make sure everything is followed by the book and that means no party cannons in class." "Awww. Not even a teeny-tiny cannon?" Pinkie sadly commented as she held up a miniature party cannon in her hoof. "Sorry, Pinkie." Twilight sympathetically but firmly replied. "Not even a teeny-tiny cannon if we want to follow their guidelines." She then turned to everyone around them as she continues. "I know this all isn’t fair or as fun and exciting as one of our big, world saving adventures against the forces of evil but it’s necessary if we want to be able to spread across the world for the sake in every student that comes to learn here. But once the school accredited, we can make the changes we want to our liking. And you all would really be helping me and everyone if you all just work me on this for now. Can I count on you?” "Of course you can, darling.," Rarity declared with a will to help her friend out here as it is just for a small time frame. “Call me Professor Egghead." Rainbow declared with a begrudgingly groan. “I’m in.” As the six all get together for a group fist bump the bell to announce the beginning of school rings. “First day at school! So many new ponies!” Pinkie already expressed her excitement as Twilight speaks up. “About that. One thing I forgot to mention. It's not just ponies.” She said as she opened the doors to let the students in as creatures from all over Equestria have all gathered together inside marveling the place much to the Mane Five’s surprise. “That was unexpected.” Pinkie commented. “Ooh! Students certainly traveled from far and wide to attend our school!” Rarity said in amazement as she and Rainbow Dash hand out the student’s brochures. “Princess Celestia helped me reach out to all the kingdoms. After all, friendship is something that needs to be shared with every... creature.” Twilight told Rarity as she makes her way up front to address everyone. “Welcome to the School of Friendship! I'm your headmare Twilight Sparkle. Please follow Guidance Counselor Starlight to sign in and get your class assignments.” She pointed a hoof in Starlight’s direction who smiled and waved to the students with Spike standing by her side. “Then we can show you your living quarters.” As the students got in line, some of the students bumped into each other along the way. The first of them was a blue feathered griffon with matching eyes and a yellow beak turning to a pony with turquoise fur, matching eyes, and a light blue mane with three turtles for his cutie mark. “Whoa, sorry! I'm Sandbar. Are you a student here, too?” Said pony quickly apologized for his accidental bump in. “No, I just figured I'd randomly stand here and see how many ponies would walk into me.” The young griffon sarcastically remarked in a huff. “Gallus!" Grampa Gruff called out to him who showed alarm at his name being called out as he presses forward to meet up with up. “Grandpa Gruff? What are you doing here?” Rainbow expressed her surprise as she flew over to him. “Flew all the way from Griffonstone to introduce Gallus.” The elderly griffon answered as said griffon shows surprise upon meeting Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash, right? Gilda told me about you. You're a teacher?” Gallus briefly smiled as Rainbow nods confidently. “Huh. Thought you'd be... cooler.” He commented to which Rainbow groaned in annoyance. At that moment, the doors swung open with a loud slam as Prince Rutherford makes his big entrance. "Ponies!” He called out. “Prince Rutherford.” Pinkie eagerly greeted. “This Yona Yak.” The prince greeted her to the young female yak wearing her hair in pigtails. “She come to pony school. Hah. Make it better." “Yak can't wait to meet ponies, and tell all about Yakyakistan!” Yona said with a bright smile she ran around only to trip over her long hair and tumbled, knocking a few statues over. Fortunately, Pinkie was there to snatch them all up before they could fall and shatter. “Why don't I show you around before you destroy the place?” Applejack offered as she led her away just as Ember came by dragging with her an orange scaled and winged dragon as big as a teenage dragon with purple scales and blue eyes. "But dragons are better than this! Why am I here?!" The young dragon frowned while crossing her arms. "Because as Dragon Lord, I'm ordering you to be here!!" Ember groaned in frustration with the young dragon’s stubbornness as she turned and saw Spike nearby. "Hey, Spike! Come meet Smolder." She called out to him. “Great to see you, Ember!” Spike greeted her with a hug. “Uh, which one is Smolder?" Spike then asked confused as he, Ember, and Smolder all turn their attention to the taller brown dragon with orange hair. At that moment Thorax called out to her. "Ocellus, what did we talk about?!" He sternly scolded her as a flash of magic caused the imposter Smolder to disappear, replaced by a aqua colored changeling with cyan eyes, a light pink mane, and red wings currently tucked to the sides. "I told you, stay in your own form. It's the polite thing to do.” Thorax firmly yet politely addressed the changeling who still looked away from him. "Sorry she’s shy." She introduced her to the others to which Spike and Ember smiled as they greeted her. “What is that?!" A light pink coated bird/pony hybrid creature with a light blue with violet eyes flew towards Ocellus, prompting the changeling to transform into a pony and hide under Fluttershy’s mane. "No way! I didn't know ponies could turn into... um... What are you? " "A changeling." Thorax told her. "Ponies can turn into changelings.” The hybrid creature expressed her over excitement. “No, but changelings can turn into ponies.” Fluttershy corrected her as she comfortingly stroked her pony hair. “Huh. That's confusing!“ The hybrid creature still smiled as she scratched her head as a creature similar to her came forward, with a much taller and larger appearance with a light blue mane and tail, and eyes who sternly eyes her to non-verbally remind her of her manners as Ocellus shyly crawled under Thorax while returning to her original appearance before putting a paw up to his chest as he introduces himself. "I am General Seaspray of Her Majesty Queen Novo's navy. I would like to introduce the queen's niece, Silverstream." “This place is amazing!” Silverstream again expressed her over excitement. “I've spent most of my life in a coral reef underwater. I was a seapony, but now I'm a Hippogriff. Long story. Anyway, wow! Is that a yak?!” She then eyed Yona as she quickly flied over to her as they both run off together quickly bonding as Twilight smiles to see the school is getting off to a good start. “Thank you so much for supporting the grand opening of our school. I hope you'll all join us for Friends and Family Day to see the amazing progress your students are making.” Twilight addressed everyone as they all cheered in excitement. A month and a half passed, but not all quickly for the students. While Twilight and her friends tried to find a good middle ground between following the EEA's guidelines and doing their own thing, more often they found that friendship and its values weren't really something that could be taught in a traditional classroom setting. And when the teachers couldn't be bothered to get invested in what they were teaching, the students were all but falling asleep. “The School of Friendship, first day of class Will we fail or will we pass? Students come from far and wide Brand-new friends here by our side.” The students all sang as they are all lead throughout the school. “Take a breath, look around, it's amazing I can't believe that it's real Students galore, new ideas to explore Can't contain the excitement I feel.” Twilight sang as she flew over to oversee the students making their way to their first classes. “Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now Think "success", keep it firmly in sight Make sure to do things by the book Make sure to do it all right.” Twilight sang as she flew over to her friends looked at the EEA rulebook. “The School of Friendship, must get to class Will we fail or will we pass? Students learning from the best Taking notes to pass the test.” The students sang together their first classes went through as the Mane Five as teachers find it boring to using pointers and chalkboards to teach since they are not accustomed to that kind of teaching before they showed teaching their own way. “Wait, hold on! Not like that! Just a second! I'm not sure if that method's approved Let me take a look – yup, right here in the book.” Twilight sang as she quickly and safely levitated Yona back onto the ground from the tower of chairs Rainbow created before showing the specific part of the EEA book. “Come on! We just got in the groove!” Rainbow Dash sang as Twilight gave him an apologetic look and a tutor’s cap before teleporting off. “Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now We are shaping young minds to ignite Do it like it says in the book Now make sure you're doing it right.” Twilight sang as she quickly corrected her friend’s ways of teaching before forcing them to do it the EEA way all while giving them each an apologetic look as she does so. “There's not an equation on how to have fun.” Pinkie sang as she lamented over having to write on the chalkboard “The students look bored now – oh, what have I done?” Fluttershy sang as she saw the students are now looking bored. “Can't teach bein' honest, not sure what to do.” Applejack sang as she drew a pony with a Pinocchio-like nose under a crossed out circle. “I'm quite certain I'm lost.” Rarity sang as she looked over her scroll of notes feeling stressed. “None of us has a clue!” The Mane Five all sang unsure of what to do since there are struggling to find the middle ground in teaching in a traditional classroom. “School of Friendship, another class Wish it were more of a blast Thought this school would be more fun Can't wait for our classes to be done School of Friendship.” The six students all sang their disappointment with their classes. “Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now.” Twilight sang as voices her displeasure over enforcing these rules. “No way to have fun.” Pinkie sang as she popped a balloon. “Oh, what have I done?” Fluttershy lamented as everyone fall asleep during class. “Bored with this class.” The students further sang in disappointment. “Think "success", keep it firmly in sight.” Twilight tried to assure everyone with no avail it won’t be long until things get better. “Wish that we could leave en masse!” The students still sang bored out of their minds. “We don't have a clue.” Rarity sang with a hoof on her forehead. “Listen to this one request Make things fun, we're really stressed.” The students now complained through song about their classes. “Don’t worry it won’t be long now.” Twilight again tried to assure everyone it will be fine to no avail. It didn't take long for complaints over the EEA style teaching to break out as the five foreign students have been nearly getting into fights in-between classes after having bonded over this distaste over their classes to which required Applejack and Rainbow Dash intervention to break it up. The Mane Five all head over to Twilight’s office to report her along with the various complaints they have been getting to which Twilight responds with a knowing sigh in response. “I know, I get it. Things are not going the way I hoped with the EEA restrictions and guidelines. But things will be okay!” Twilight again assured everyone. “Who are you, and what have you done with Twilight Sparkle?” Spike suspiciously asked her as he grabbed her by the cheeks to which Twilight gently levitated him off of her as she levitates the book to her desk. “But I just everyone to work with me for just one more day since the EEA will be here this afternoon for Friends and Family Day and willing be expecting us to follow these rules. As long as we do too, we'll be fine. Then we can make whatever changes we need to accommodate everyone’s needs.” Twilight explained to every one of her plan. “Even if those guidelines aren't working?” Fluttershy brought up unsure if can take one more day of these restrictions. “I know it’s tough but if that’s what it takes to get this school EEA accredited then we’ll need to continue following them for the rest of today.” Twilight acknowledged that she doesn’t like it too but it’s a must as the school bell rings as everyone makes their way to their classrooms while Starlight sticks behind so she could have a word with her teacher. “You know it’s clear that their rules don’t sit well with everyone here don’t you?” Starlight asked her if she is aware of her surroundings. “Yes I know.” Twilight again answered as she walks up to her. “But what can I do?” “Stand up for what you know deep down in your heart something is right.” Starlight seriously answered to voice that this clearly isn't siting well with everybody. “You did that for me. Why not for this?” She pointed across the school around them. “I can't go against the EEA!” Twilight protested in defense that she is trying to make an effort to find the middle ground from day one. “They're in charge of all the schools in Equestria!” “And you're in charge of all the friendship in Equestria. Why should you let somepony else stop you from doing your job?” Starlight retorted that she is better than this. “How am I?” Twilight asked in surprise by that claim as she presented the book. “The EEA rulebook…” Twilight tried to point as Starlight slaps the book away much to her shock. “Doesn't matter!” Starlight firmly replied. “You can write your own rules! Because you are doing something new. Something important!” She tried to nudge her into quit giving into the EEA’s way of running a school at the expense of the happiness. “You're right!” Twilight replied with a smile as she got another idea. “Why we're doing this is way more important than how we're doing this! And we are doing this!” “Now, that's the Twilight I know.” Starlight said with an encouraging smile. “How can I help?” “You already have.” Twilight replied with a confident smile as they walk together outside of her office and outside towards the center fountain outside of the school. “By providing me another plan in place if the EEA visit doesn’t work out.” Midnight is currently watching this from her orb as she intently watches to see how this plays out as she pulls another image of Queen Chrysalis in disguise as Ocellus. “You know what do Chrysalis?” Midnight asked her as the voice rang through her head. “And do it I will!” Chrysalis vowed as she transformed into a earth pony with pink fur with a blue hair and blue mane with matching eyes as she approaches Smolder and Gallus. “Pretty lame classes huh?” “I’ll say.” Gallus commented in agreement. “Totally lame.” Smolder said in agreement too. “Have you both ever considered both getting away from it all?” She asked them as they all seem interested of the idea. “You know a nice little break from it all?” “I don’t know?” Smolder said unsure about it. “Friends and Family Day is today and Ember won’t be happy to hear that we missed it because we were skipping class.” “Friends and Family Day is after class, I’m sure you both can afford to get away from it all for one class.” Chrysalis told them it’s no big deal as she walked off ahead before leaving. “Besides you both rather sit through one more hour having to follow these boring lectures? Think about it.” Chrysalis then walked off ahead and quickly walked off to the top of the nearby steps to watch them think about before taking her words to heart as they both decide to go the opposite direction from their next class just happening to bump into their new friends heading to class. Even though they too had their reservations after some convincing with the word Chrysalis told them they all were on board. They all ran into Fluttershy but thanks to Ocellus turning into Rarity for the moment she was easily fooled to which Chrysalis chuckled seeing one of her former servants pulling that trick on her. “Just like old times.” Chrysalis commented as Midnight’s voice whispered to her. “Good work, Chrysalis.” Midnight remarked very satisfied with her success as she appears in her Twilight-sized appearance beside her. “And now let’s get outside to watch the fun part now that the domino effect is in place.” As the two make their way to the fountain outside Chancellor Neighsay had just shown up as promised to conduct his inspection for EEA accreditation appearing a magic portal with blue flames appearing from the top with a clipboard and a quill held in his magic from behind. “Chancellor Neighsay. You're here.” Twilight pleasantly greeted as she and Starlight turned to face him while briefly surprised by his sudden entrance. "Yes. And you seem rather unprepared." He said without a change in his dull and serious expression as he wrote down on his clipboard. "If there are any problems…" "Nope, everything’s good.” Twilight calmly and quickly replied “Everything is being followed to the T and in accordance to the EEA just like every other school" "Hopefully." Neighsay said with a suspicious eyebrow directed at her scar again. “Because last thing I need is finding out something is off slightly to be given reason to shut this place down.” "And I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. In fact, I can't wait to show you around.," She still kept her composure as she and Starlight led Neighsay along on a tour of the school with a forced smile. Meanwhile the six students all grouped together at the nearby lake to relax as they skip class. “And that's why griffons breathe fire when we get mad.” Gallus finished telling everyone. “They do not!” Silverstream expressed confused awe over his story. “Wait! Do they? No! Really?!” “Griffons just full of hot air!” Yona commented as the students all laugh together. “And yaks are actually good at jokes. How about that?” Smolder commented impressed “What are dragons good at?” Ocellus asked as Smolder flew up into the air. “Competition! Who's up for a race?” She offered as everyone cheers in excitement of that proposal. Inside the hallways both Twilight and Starlight are leading the way as Chancellor Neighsay conducts his inspection to where they came across Rainbow Dash who just flew right in front of them. "Rainbow Dash! Why aren't you in class teaching?" Twilight asked her. "Because some of my students are gone!" Rainbow Dash explained before quickly correcting herself upon seeing Chancellor Neighsay and Twilight and Starlight’s “not in front of the chancellor.” face. "Er I mean g-gone somewhere else. You know, loyalty lesson. A sort of field trip. And-and I was just going to grab, uh... this pencil! Because they need it. Wherever they are. Which I know, 'cause... I'm the teacher! Nothing to worry about." She nervously stammered through her explanation as she held up said pencil. "Yes, I see," Twilight calmly replied as Starlight face-hoofed in response to Rainbow’s terrible cover-up and turned to Chancellor Neighsay. "Well, Chancellor, we have lots of other classes on other aspects of friendship. So why don't we just…" She tried to steer the tour away from him to no avail as Neighsay sensed that something was up. “Let's follow the professor wherever she may be headed. I'm quite curious about this lesson in loyalty she spoke of." Neighsay spoke up as Rainbow silently whimpered in fright inside before leading the way. Back at the lake the six students are all together racing around the body of water with Sandbar quickly saving Yona from falling face first into the ground when she tripped on her hair again. Then they all get the idea to have Sandbar and Yona feel like they are flying around with Gallus carrying Sandbar with SIlverstream and Smolder carrying Yona while Ocellus watches and follows from behind “Figured we shouldn't be the only ones enjoying the view.“ Gallus remarked that he clearly doesn’t regret missing class for this. “Waaaah! Yak not best at flying!” Yona screamed in fright of heights before expressing her newfound excitement. “Flying is best!” “Congratulations, Yona! You are officially the weirdest thing I've seen so far!” SIlverstream complimented as she crazily spinning her eyes around. “What do you say, Ocellus? Can you be weirder than a flying yak?” Smolder asked the smiling changeling who transforms into a giant bugbear as the students all gawk in amazement while Midnight and Chrysalis watching this from the former’s orb smirked as they both know what’s going to happen next as they secretly help themselves to each a slice of cake and lemonade as they both watch the show from the shadows. Back inside the castle hallways as Rainbow leads the way with Twilight and Starlight giving Neighsay the tour as they all follow her. Twilight along the way decided to explain more about the school to Neighsay. She secretly deduced that the students are missing and knew that if word got out it would not look good in the eyes of Neighsay. "Of course, we want to instill a sense of loyalty towards others. We encourage acts of generosity and kindness and appreciation for the value of laughter and magic and to always be honest in any situation." "Honesty is imperative. Princess, are we going in circles?" Neighsay commented as he felt something was off. "Oh, would you look at the time?" Twilight quickly answered as she pulled out her watch, avoiding the chancellor's question as she led everyone outside. "Let's just head out to the lake for Friends and Family Day. I'm sure all the students and faculty will be there." But when Twilight arrived at the lake, she everyone screaming and panicking instantly causing the alicorn's best efforts to keep the peace and happiness to go up in smoke. “The school is under attack!” Neighsay cowered upon seeing the giant bugbear from above along with the other students. During the chaos Gallus accidentally let go of Sandbar who rolled into the other nation’s leaders accidentally and Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona all accidentally crashed into the dessert table causing cake to fly into Grampa Gruff’s face and Ocellus accidentally destroyed one of the towers during her flight. "It's true," Starlight glumly confessed to Twilight. "I've looked all over the school and I can't find a trace of them anywhere. Those six students have vanished." “Maybe skipping class wasn’t the best idea.” Silverstream nervously grinned as she realized how much trouble they are in now. “How dare you! This act of aggression against ponies—!” Neighsay angrily scolded the students until Twilight stepped in. “I-I'm so sorry, Chancellor. We clearly had some students get a little carried away.” Twilight quickly apologized while glaring at said students that they are all not getting off the hook for causing the scene that had just happened. “Those are students?” Neighsay said in angered surprise as he gestured a hoof at the nation’s leaders. “But you said you were opening this school to protect Equestria! To defend ponies from... dangerous creatures who don't have our best interests at heart!” "I did, Chancellor Neighsay. But when I said that I didn’t say it was just for ponies. My school teaches for all of us to work together through friendship." Twilight calmly replied. "So you lied to me!" Neighsay accusingly glared at Twilight. “Yes I did.” Twilight honestly answered as she stood her ground while returning the glare. “But the thing is I never would have done it since I knew you wouldn’t approve of my school if you knew from the start what it involved!” "And yet you still invited them here against EEA rules and regulations!" Neighsay snorted still furious with her. "So what?!" Twilight questioned with a tone that asserts friendship extends to everybody and everyone no matter if said student is from Equestria or outside of Equestria. "If it weren’t for the alliances we created with them Equestria would not be benefiting as well as it was in the past but thanks to the power of friendship ponies are finally getting along with all of them not caring about whether it’s a changeling or a hippogriff, or a yak, or a dragon." "And yet we nearly had a crisis from two attempted invasions thanks to the changelings , war threatened upon us thanks to the yaks and dragons, and had no help come to us when times got tough thanks to the griffons and hippogriffs. How do you know that these creatures won't take what they have learned here and use it against us?" Neighsay replied still unconvinced that they mean no harm. "Friendship isn't just for ponies!" Twilight protested in their defense. "It should be.” Neighsay simply snorted. The stallion's comments having been overheard were not received well by the leaders as Prince Rutherford was the first to voice his displeasure. "Unicorn think yaks no need friendship? Well maybe yaks no need pony school! Maybe Yona better off without pony school, when ponies find her!" He yelled at the chancellor’s face angered by his insensitive words before walking off in a huff. "Then perhaps maybe you should return to your kind." Neighsay aggressively insisted as he pushed Prince Rutherford out of his face. "'Your kind'?!” Ember took offense to that remark. “Smolder, let's go!" She also flew off in a huff as the guilty young dragon obeyed as she is dragged by the wrist as they leave. "Queen Novo will hear about this!" General Seaspray angrily warned him that he won't be getting off easy for saying that as he stormed off. "And she will have something to say about it when she hears of what you said about us and how you treated her niece." "Well this place seemed lame anyway." Grampa Gruff walked off in a huff too as Yona, Silverstream, and Yona all join up with their leaders while feeling very guilty of what they have done. "It's fine. We know not every pony sees us the way you do. We're used to it." Thorax said to Twilight in a despondent tone as he and Ocellus were the last to leave. Twilight then approached Neighsay clearly angry at the chancellor’s words for driving everyone away from her school. "Princess Celestia helped me reach out to all of those kingdoms, Neighsay. And thanks to you and your big mouth you have just ruined a perfect chance for them to learn about friendship. She wouldn’t be pleased with this." “Well even so it won’t change the fact that your school was a disaster anyways since you failed to meet the EEA's standards.” Neighsay returned as he refused to accept and see what he did was wrong. “What?!” Twilight asked taken aback by this in offense to that remark. “How exactly did I?” “Irresponsible teachers, students skipping class, endangering ponies. Perhaps if you had had higher standards for who was admitted, this could have been avoided. Regardless...” He then lit up his horn after touching a brouche on his robe to make a series of magic, blue colored chains enveloped the school, with a magic padlock appearing on the front doors. “By order of the EEA, I am shutting this school down!” He declared as he stomped his hoof down as he finished that sentence as all Twilight could do was grit her teeth while controlling her anger and pain of having her dream had been shattered before her very eyes as Midnight and Chrysalis watch on from the bushes right behind the table of food and refreshments as they both feel very satisfied that their plan worked successfully.