//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - Life in Ponyville // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 2 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// It was now the afternoon in the land of Equestria. Down below Canterlot’s mountain, there laid a thriving little town not too far from the Everfree Forest. A little town with cottages built with thick straw and hay roofs, a huge gazebo in the middle of the town’s square, a spa, a bakery, the top of the roof looking like a gingerbread house, Quills N Sofas, and a majestic crystalline castle overlooking the town and a fairly recent School of Friendship built to teach all kinds of creatures about the magic of friendship. Ponies sold their products, some were traveling to do errands, a family was having a birthday party while a familiar pink earth pony with a bouncy mane celebrated with them. Mayor Mare’s led a tour of ponies from Trottingham around the town, she looks a little overwhelmed since Ponyville’s population of ponies continues to grow due to the Mane Six saving Equestria multiple times and the School’s opening. While the town bustled with activity, a familiar apple farmer sold a big bushel of apples to a brown stallion with an hourglass cutie mark. The stallion thanked her before going on his way. “Yeehaw!” she cried out happily, “Ah haven’t made a profit like this in a while!” “This is awesome, sis! Does that mean we have enough?” Apple Bloom asked, jumping up and down excitedly. The older pony, Applejack, smiled widely and ruffled Apple Bloom’s red mane. “Sure does, sugarcube!” she laughed, “We have enough for the farm and we can go to the Grand Galloping Gala together again!” “Woo hoo!” Apple Bloom jumped for joy. Applejack chuckled at her sister’s enthusiasm. “Ah can’t wait!” Apple Bloom said giddily, dancing in one place. “Well, time to close up,” said Applejack, still smiling, “Cuz we just sold’em all!” She put the ‘closed’ sign up on her stand. “Wait ‘til I tell Scootaloo an Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom cried happily, “This is gonna be the best Gala ever!” Applejack slightly cringed, but hid it from Apple Bloom, the last few Galas haven’t been less than chaotic from her first Gala, to Discord and the birthday cake incident with Pinkie Pie last year. But she smiled again at her little sister, “Well, y’all go tell’em and Ah’ll meet you there later.” “All right! See ya, sis!” Apple Bloom said, making a beeline for the School of Friendship, where Sweetie and Scootaloo are meeting for their next tutoring session. The older apple watched her go before turning her attention to the sack of bits, having get them and the wheelbarrow back to the farm. Many students were chatting, laughing and playing in and around the School. The Young Six, a griffon, a dragon, yak, changeling, pony, and hippogriff played basketball with one another, the dragon clearly in her competitive nature. Twilight’s really gotten this place back together, considering recent events and Chancellor Neighsay finally relying on her to run the school properly in the best way for Equestria. In a slightly calmer part of the school grounds, a white unicorn filly with pinkish and purplish curly hair is sitting next to an orange pegasus filly with dashing cerise color tutoring a pony sitting just next to a tree. “So, you see,” said Sweetie Belle, “There’s always a chance to be generous without offering things begrudgingly and having a politer tone.” “Yeah, and maybe be more considerate when Silverstream decides to help you along,” said Scootaloo. The pony sitting down is a unicorn slightly older than the Crusaders, with a blue coat with a lavender tail and lavender mane with a single black streak running through it. “Okay, okay I get it,” she replied, a little annoyed, “I should have the right attitude instead of being a scary pony.” “Well, you don’t need to sound mean, just give from the heart with a happy attitude,” said Sweetie Belle, “That’s what Rarity taught me.” “You’ll get it, Ambermoon,” said Scootaloo, trying to encourage her. “Your sister Lilymoon’s getting it.” “Pfft, she’s been friends with you longer than I,” Ambermoon replied, looking a bit down, “And you didn’t grow up in the house we did.” “We know, but your parents thought this school would be good for you and Lilymoon.” “I know. I just want to get this done. For my sister.” “That’s good to know, sis,” replied a new voice, the three fillies looked to see a smirking, similarly coated pony with a bright blue mane with white streaks running through it, piercing violet eyes, and wearing a black long-sleeved shirt. “I like how much you care,” she said. Ambermoon smirked back. “Just because I’m learning, doesn’t make you the older sister,” she said. “I’m having to teach my older sister with the help of the Crusaders,” Lilymoon said in a teasing tone before ruffling her sister’s mane. “Oh, how about we settle this on the hoofball field?” Ambermoon challenged. “You’re on!” The two sisters took off laughing, Sweetie and Scootaloo watched them go. “Slowly but surely,” said Scootaloo. “For Ambermoon at least,” Sweetie Belle said, slightly nudging her friend. They chuckled, relishing how Ambermoon and Lilymoon got closer since their adventure concerning their Auntie Eclipse, looking for the Helm of Shadows. “Hey girls!” shouted a familiar country voice, the Crusaders looked to see their last member running up to them before screeching to a halt with a wide smile. “Hey, Apple Bloom!” greeted Scootaloo, “What’s got you excited?” Apple Bloom let out a little squeal, “Applejack and I have enough for all of us to go to the Gala!” “All right!” Scootaloo and Sweetie cheered, jumping for joy. “I cannot wait to try my new outfit Rarity and I have been working on!” said Sweetie, smushing her cheeks in excitement. “And I can’t wait to invite our friends to go with us!” said Scootaloo, pointing her hoof at Lily and Amber playing hoofball with a few other classmates. “Oh, right! This is gonna be great!” Apple Bloom cheered. It’s so awesome that Lilymoon and Ambermoon’s parents let their house be more welcoming to outsiders and being open to Ponyville. Now, they’re allowing their daughters to go to the biggest event in all Equestria. “Oh, Rarity’s going to flip when she needs to design new dresses for them!” Sweetie Belle squealed. Apple Bloom cleared her throat, “Well, now that’s been said, we need to get tutoring the students.” She smiled, “I believe you were tutoring Ambermoon?” “We were, she’s still a work in progress, but we’ll get there,” Scootaloo said in an affirming tone. “We all are,” said Sweetie Belle, wrapping her forelegs around her friends, “Even as far as we’ve come.” The Crusaders shared a little laugh before taking off to tutor some more students. As they did, Headmare Twilight was walking towards her school breathing in the crisp air. She has been very busy today, having taught three sessions on the concept of the History of the Pillars of Equestria and now she was going to give the students a pop quiz. Most of them did well in their classes and things are looking up for the newly transferred students. Spike’s been organizing all her files and books in the School and Castle. But one pony, their guidance counselor Starlight Glimmer, has gone on a trip to visit Sunburst for several days and Trixie has gone with her before she goes off with her traveling magic show. Fortunately, Twilight, after many ponies she asked, got Maud to help out. Her schedule was free and Pinkie was thrilled to have her older sister at the School. “Headmare Twilight!” cried a happy voice. Twilight looked over to see Silverstream flying to her, “I just bested Smolder at basketball!” “Hey, I can hear you!” Smolder called out. Twilight giggled, “That’s great, Silverstream. Usually, Smolder wins every new game you six pick out.” “Because she likes winning and competing! So, I decided to be like her!” “Only, don’t be too much like her,” said Sandbar, walking up to their headmare with the rest of his friends. “Hey,” said Smolder with a playful glare. “Anyway,” said Twilight. “Smolder, you Gallus and Ocellus need to head to Professor Fluttershy’s class while the rest head to Rainbow Dash’s workout class.” “Yes, Headmare Twilight,” they said in unison before going off in their separate ways. Twilight chuckled as they did so, proud of them becoming her top students of the School. Not only for their grades, including Gallus’ even though he acts like he doesn’t do well, but for saving Equestria when everypony else couldn’t. She trotted into the School and Rarity came to her. “Oh Twilight!” she said, smiling, “I’m finished with my classes today and I’m off to design some dresses for the Gala!” “That’s great, Rarity, and I’m hoping that something interesting will happen this time,” she said, “Because something always seems to.” “Only, let’s hope it’s not as messy,” Rarity shuddered, “The last few times we’ve gone haven’t been clean per se.” Rarity suddenly beamed, “Because I’m designing dresses for Sapphire Shores and Countess Coloratura!” “Oh my! That’s amazing, Rarity! They’re coming to the Gala?!” Twilight asked excitedly. “Oh yes! I cannot wait to design and fit them into the dresses!” Rarity squealed and dashed off for her boutique. Twilight laughed as she continued inside the school. Ever since opening the school her life and time as the Princess of Friendship has been busier, more exciting, and making new friends. The school’s been booming, just last week several new students poured in, even one from Fillydelphia. With everything in between the School and the Gala, things are buzzing even more as the day got closer. Twilight trotted into her office with her new headmare chair being put in place by Spike. “Hey Twilight!” he said, hovering next to the chair, “Your new chair finally came in.” “Great!” she chirped, recalling how she accidentally dropped a heavy box on it, shattering it, “Now I can put the temporary chair back in its place and use this one!” Spike sighed, “Those mail ponies sometimes get things mixed up, delayed, or broken.” Twilight rolled her eyes, remembering the main mailpony, “What matters is that it’s here. Can’t dislike Derpy even when she messes up.” “Anyway,” said Spike, “Everything’s come for your classes on the lessons of having grace and humility when winning and giving time to serve others when needed.” Twilight giggled, “That’s great, and I think I know a certain fast pegasus who could use a little lesson in the first and possibly the second.” Spike chuckled as he flapped his wings, “Well, let’s get to class,” he said, taking off down the hall. “Hey! Don’t go without me!” Twilight called happily, “Remember when you led the classes?” “And I’ll gladly do it in the five seconds I have!” Spike called back. Twilight laughed, chasing after the mischievous young drake. Everything seems grand and harmonious in Ponyville. The students waved to their headmare and her assistant as they raced down the hallway. This school’s not like other schools. You wouldn’t see their headmares or headstallions running down the hallways. Almost at their destination, Twilight happened to look down one hallway and noticed a couple of earth pony colts backing a smaller filly against the wall. Screeching to a halt, she backed up and looked down the hallway. “I told you I don’t have any more lunch money!” the young filly cried out. “Oh really?” said an older colt with a blue coat, a stylish white mane, and had some stars as a cutie mark, “I’ve seen your mommy give you more than that! I demand you hand it over!” The rainbow-haired filly whimpered as a colt with a white coat and a blue mane and a sack of money with a clover for a cutie mark backed her up more. (both ponies had orange eyes). “We’re the higher ponies here, and we always get what we want,” the colt continued, he stomped his hoof, “No matter what.” The other colt grasped the filly’s mane, making her squeal in fear, just then Twilight stomped right up to them and glared hard at them. The two colts looked at her but weren’t scared. “What the hay do you think you two are doing?” she demanded. “Just wanting a little ‘friendship’ this filly, she’s not wanting to share!” the blue colt accused. “I don’t think so,” Twilight said firmly, “I want you both in my office after classes are over, but first head to the guidance counselor’s office and tell her everything you’ve done.” “What the plain rock pony? She’s worse than the lousy hot-tempered mare!” the white colt complained. Twilight held her tongue, not liking how they insulted Starlight, “And I want you both to return her bits now.” The bullies relented and begrudgingly gave the filly back her lunch money. Twilight directed them to the guidance counselor’s office. The blue pony looked back at her and glared. “You’d better make this place good for us, or you won’t hear the end of it from him,” he threatened. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. She looked back at the filly and hugged her. “I’m so sorry about that,” she said softly, “How about you head to Sugarcube Corner, it’s on me.” The filly gasped in delight, thanking her headmare before taking off down the hall. Twilight sighed again before walking down the hall to her final class for the day. “We’ve got to get Starry Skies and Lucky Bucks straightened out and make this school work for them,” Twilight thought, “I don’t want another incident like... like... her.” Twilight felt a twinge of hurt and was reminded of Cozy’s betrayal and didn’t want any more students to go down that path again. Even though her friends comforted her over what happened, she still has thoughts on what she could’ve done differently and wished she could’ve noticed. All of these thoughts she kept mostly to herself, but the scar is still there. Twilight realized her pacing has slowed down due to her thinking, she picked it back up to get to her next class, she’s got to do her best for this school, she has to. Twilight opened the door and saw Spike hovering in the air, holding a Power Ponies comic and reading aloud to the class while making the Power Ponies sound effects. The students are really into it. “Spike! What did you do this time?” Twilight asked incredulously. Spike only chuckled awkwardly as Twilight entered the classroom and shut the door behind her. While Twilight taught her class, some lights began flickering, some even went out and students were advised to stay out of the electrical room. In the walls, pipes groaned as the water pumped for the school. Unaware to anycreature, one was getting close to bursting and the wall began to crack as the day went on. The last few hours of school rolled on by as Yona led the yovidaphone practice with some students getting the hang of it, and some not, like Pinkie (who seemingly appeared out of nowhere) joined in eventually, too. Ambermoon and Lilymoon had gotten a whole team of students to play hoofball and it’s turned into a competitive match thanks to Rainbow Dash’s coaching and encouragement to turn the heat up. Apple Bloom and her friends hung out with Diamond Tiara who visits the School and is considering coming part-time. Both decide to play some jump rope with them being left over from last week’s jump rope jamboree. Finally, at the last hour of school, the chess club hosted by Fluttershy is now happening, due to activities and fieldtrips to Appleloosa and Vanhoover, it’s been postponed multiple times. It’s usually held outside but the students sometimes requested if it could be inside. The Young Six were the first ones there before some students joined them. Fluttershy had counted Fourteen students gathered in her classroom as they sat at their tables. The pegasus gently walked through the room, watching everycreature. Ocellus was playing against Gallus; the griffon has his eyes narrowed in concentration as he looks at his black individual pieces while Ocellus patiently waits for him to make his move. The blue griffon grabbed a Rook and moved it in an L shape. “No, no,” Ocellus said softly, “The Rook moves straight across up and down and to left or right.” Gallus groaned in annoyance and set the piece back to where it was. He grabbed the King, and moved it 3 spaces to the left. Fluttershy smiled as Ocellus giggled. “What?” Gallus asked, looking at the changeling, annoyed. “You grabbed the King, the queen has already been removed, remember?” she asked, smiling. “Gah!” Gallus threw his talons into the air, exasperating, “I’m never gonna learn this game!” He slumped his head onto the table, “I don’t know why I agreed to this.” “To spend time with us, we all try new things together,” Ocellus said in an encouraging voice. “Not all are too fun like other activities,” Smolder piped up, only having the King and Rook left. Sandbar was sitting across the table from her with most of his powerful pieces left, he a smug look on his face. Smolder slightly snarled, “How did you get so darn good at this?” “Oh, my dad and I always played chess when we were younger,” replied Sandbar, maintaining the look. Smolder rolled her eyes and moved the Rook in front of her King, then Sandbar moved his white Bishop diagonally, “Check, Smolder.” Smolder groaned loudly. Fluttershy swore that was, the ninth time the dragoness had been in check. Sandbar could’ve taken her out any time, but he just wants to mess with her, one move from his Queen and she’s lost. “Why couldn’t we just play checkers or hold a checkers club, or anything else?” Gallus said, annoyed as Ocellus just put him in check. “Yona like chess!” said her excited, deep voice, the young yak wasn’t doing too good, but neither was Silverstream. “I don’t get this gist of this game’s rules yet but it’s so so much fun!” Silverstream chirped happily. Fluttershy giggled, walking to them “I’ve never seen anycreature not know the rules of chess 100 percent and have so much fun.” “Yona is gonna get best at chess!” she said proudly, puffing her chest out, “Yaks best at everything!” “Ooohh! And I cannot wait for Yona to teach me when she does!” Silverstream said excitedly, moving her pawn next to the queen, “Hey, I win! I win!” “No, you don’t!” Yona said with a glare. Fluttershy only giggled at the students. “Professor Fluttershy! I won!” Silverstream cried. “No, not quite,” Fluttershy giggled, “You moved the Pawn too many spaces when it goes one space after you move it from its starting place.” She grabbed the Pawn and moved it back, Silverstream slightly drooped as Fluttershy went on, “Chess can seem a little hard at first, but with practice, it can be easy and fun.” She gave Silverstream a coy smirk, “Also, you placed it next to the Queen, not the King.” “Awwwwww...” Silverstream said in a sad tone, but then perked right back up, “Oh well! I can keep learning and playing with Yona!” She jumped out of her seat, “Chess and plumbing are my two favorite things of awesome!” “Like all your favorite things like Tuesdays, stairs, and square dancing?” Gallus said with snark in his tone. “Mmhmm!” Gallus rolled his eyes and looked back just as Ocellus moved her Pawn right next to Gallus’ King. “Checkmate,” she said with a smile and kept a sly, expectant look. “Gaaah!” Gallus shouted, flying into the air, “I hate chess!” Everyone laughed at Gallus as he hung his head low in defeat, slowly descending back to the ground. But then he looked back up with a smirk and chuckled. “Good to know you’re laughing at yourself,” Ocellus slightly teased. “Oh, I’m laughing because I know I’m gonna beat you next time!” Gallus declared with a determined smirk while Ocellus playfully rolled her eyes at the griffon. Another loud groan came from Sandbar and Smolder’s table as the dragon glared deep at Sandbar, “Look, I know you beat me! I give up! You win!” Sandbar kept his smug look, “Wow, a competitive dragon admitting defeat.” He turned to everycreature, “You don’t hear that every day.” Smolder went wide-eyed. She slightly blushed and glared, “Oh, you think you’re so rich! I’m picking the next activity!” “Didn’t you already do that and Silverstream beat you at it?” Sandbar asked smugly. Smolder opened her mouth to object but kept silent and sighed, she smiled a little, “Good game, Sandbar.” “Considering I won, I’d say it was,” Sandbar teased. Smolder lightly punched him in the shoulder, now smiling. While everyone mingled, Fluttershy looked at the clock and saw it was 3:25, meaning the school was about to close for the day. “All right, everycreature,” she announced to them all, “It’s almost time to head home, so finish your games quick so we can all leave.” Everycreature agreed as a few pony students still had to finish their rounds, but they were all neck and neck in their rounds. The Young Six decided to sit on a couch and mingle with one another. “So, what’s this pony event happening in Canterlot again?” Smolder asked. “It’s the Grand Galloping Gala,” Sandbar explained. “It’s where ponies gather to celebrate Canterlot’s completion.” “I’ve also heard that it was covered in green goo and how a cake flew through the Gala!” Silverstream cheered. “Huh?” Gallus asked, confused. Ocellus giggled, “It seems ever since our professors went there, they’ve been spicing up the Gala, which Professor Pinkie calls ‘The used to be boring party.’” “Well, whatever goes on, I’m sure it’ll be great,” Sandbar commented. “Hmm, I guess I’ll check it out since we’re all going when it starts,” Smolder added. “We’re all going?!” Silverstream asked excitedly, rubbing her talons together. “Yes, and apparently, all of our homelands’ leaders are going to be there to celebrate, too.” “What?!” the other five young students shouted, surprised, Smolder slightly jumped and had a somewhat surprised look. “What? You didn’t hear Twilight talking about it?” “No, we didn’t!” Gallus said, still surprised. “Yak prince coming to pony land?” Yona asked she smiled brightly, “Yak prince and Yona will make Gala best time ever!” “And Smolder, how did you figure this out?” Sandbar asked. “I was collecting some notes and heard Twilight talking in her office,” Smolder plainly admitted. “You were eavesdropping?!” “No.” A pause, “Okay, maybe a little, but hey, they don’t know what we know now.” She laid back in the couch some, arms behind her head, “Besides, there isn’t much harm knowing that.” The others thought about it, but most other than Ocellus agreed. “But still, eavesdropping is wrong,” she said, Smolder slightly turned her head to look at the changeling, “We should respect some creatures’ privacy.” “Eh,” Smolder shrugged nonchalantly, “Someday and sometimes it’ll come in handy.” Ocellus smacked her forehead in annoyance while Gallus slightly smirked. “Okay, class!” Fluttershy announced, “All of the students have finished their rounds, and now let’s all head to the main foyer to hear the announcements for next week!” The students all got up from where they were sitting at and got into a single file line and exited Fluttershy’s classroom. As they walked down the hall, more students came out of Rainbow’s class and the rainbow mane pegasus hovered over to Fluttershy, landing beside her. “How did your class go?” Rainbow asked. “Oh, wonderful!” Fluttershy said happily, “The students are really catching onto chess.” She slightly lowered her voice where Gallus could still hear her, “Except Gallus, he’s letting Ocellus beat him.” “Hey! I can hear you!” the annoyed griffon called, Fluttershy and Rainbow giggled. “Mine went well, too,” Rainbow said, “The pegasi students want to learn my turns, twist, and my Sundown Spiral.” She chuckled, “That last trick’s a little dangerous, so I decided to let them try a smaller version of it.” “Well, they’re learning from the best athlete I know,” Fluttershy said with a wink, Rainbow’s grin spread a little more. As the students turned a corner in the hallway, they heard a panicked scream. Both Fluttershy and Rainbow perked up and ran down the hallway, where they saw a couple of ponies looking at a huge crack that was forming rapidly in the wall. “What in the?!” Rainbow cried, surprised. Fluttershy gasped. The lights above them flickered and blew out. They jumped as the ponies freaked out and ran, the Young Six and the other ponies in the group joined their professors and were shocked to see the big crack. Dash put her ear against the wall. Fluttershy did so as well and heard the water pipes groaning under the stress of building pressure. She looked back at the concerned pegasus and students. “We’ve got another pressure problem,” Rainbow announced. “What?” Fluttershy asked, pulling away. “I thought the plumbers came by last week and fixed it!” “Me too, but-” A deep groaning and rumble came from within the walls of the school, Rainbow Dash backed up to Fluttershy as they bunched together with the students. The crack got even larger, exposing the pipe. Then, the crack extended down the hall where they just came from and to their left where they were going to. Rainbow turned back to everycreature, “Everycreature! Run!” The students panicked and began running, but then-- SPLOOOOSHHH! The pipes burst and water began pouring out rapidly down the hallways! Some ponies screamed as the fliers took to the air to avoid the water spilling out. “Everycreature! Calm down and regroup!” Fluttershy called out. Some of the students were being swept away by the water, Gallus and Smolder flew and grabbed a couple of ponies and Silverstream turned into a seapony and brought a couple more to some display cases, bringing them to safety. Rainbow surveyed the damage and noticed the pipes were really letting loose, it’s like a rapid flowing river in the hallway now! “Fluttershy! Get Twilight, now!” she ordered. Fluttershy flew off fast, and Rainbow turned to the students, “Silverstream! Smolder! Come help me deal with the pipes!” “Yes, Professor Dash!” replied Silverstream. “On it!” said Smolder, following Dash with Silverstream. Gallus grabbed Sandbar, who had a hold of Yona and he flew them down the hall to bring them to safety. Dash looked at the damaged pipes and began wondering what to do next, and, out of instinct to help, Smolder began breathing fire on them to seal them up. “No! Don’t do that!” Dash ordered, slightly panicked, “You’ll cause the pressure to build up more!” Smolder stopped and began scratching her head. Then Dash came up with an idea. “Okay! We need to-” BAM! The hard-plastic cover for bulbs hits her on the head, sending her into the water with a splash. However, she quickly recovered and the three of them saw the exposed fluorescent tubes sparking, sending some electric bolts out and around them. Dash’s pupils dilated. “Silverstream! Out of the water!” Dash shouted, the hippogriff-turned-seapony immediately shot out of the water and changed back into a hippogriff as the fluorescent tubes fell out of its place and landed in the water, sending electric charges through it. “What are we gonna do?!” Smolder cried. “I know!” Silverstream piped up, “I’ve been studying plumbing!” “What is it then?” Dash asked. “We have to stop the water from flowing! Doesn’t the school have some kind of main pump system?” Dash smiled brightly, “You’re brilliant, Silverstream! Come on, everycreature, to the boiler room!” Dash, Smolder, and Silverstream all flew down the hallway at a fast rate, making several turns as they neared the school’s boiler room. “I hope all the students got out of that water,” Dash said to herself, turning a final corner to see Fluttershy, Twilight, and Spike, all at the boiler room. Dash kicked the door down before they could react. Silverstream began turning a wheel next to the boiler, Smolder and Rainbow grabbed their own wheels to help. Eventually the water came to a complete stop. All three sighed and relaxed, relieved. “Oh, good! You stopped the water!” said Twilight, the water now settling down. “Yeah, but some of the bulbs fell down into the water, electrifying some of it!” Dash cried. “Oh no! I’ll go deal with that!” Twilight took off flying and Spike followed her. “Oooh!” Silverstream said excitedly. “Those plumbing books are really paying off!” “They sure are,” Dash said, lightly nudging Silverstream, who giggled, “Fast thinking, Silverstream.” “Indeed,” Fluttershy said proudly, then her demeanor got serious, “But let’s go ahead and see if everycreature is okay.” The others agreed and traveled to the main foyer, all of the students met up with one another, Applejack, Pinkie, and Maud joined too, while the Young Six saw one another, they reunited and grateful that they’re all are okay. But, as for the school’s hallways, they don’t know as of now. A few minutes passed before Twilight and Spike returned with relieved, yet somewhat somber looks. Twilight stood in her place and the students turned their attention to her. “Well, it looks like everycreature is here,” she said, “Is everycreature okay?” “We’re all okay,” said one student, some other students followed suit. “Ah’ve assessed that all the students are fine, Twilight,” Applejack added. “What in Equestria just happened?” asked a baffled Pinkie. “I’m not totally sure,” replied Twilight, “We’ve got the pipes somewhat back in their places, but they’re badly damaged, and the hallways in that part of the school have suffered some water damage, too.” All of the students murmured as Twilight continued, “Due to that, this part of the school will be sealed off and I’ll hire some professional ponies to survey what went wrong. Spike and I surveyed it and discussed it before making this decision. So, tomorrow we’ll have classes in different classrooms and events in that part of the school are canceled.” Some groans came from the students, but Twilight held up her hoof and continued, “As for the lights and other power problems, I’ll be looking into that as well with some other professionals.” “Isn’t this the third time this month we’ve had a plumbing issue?” Rainbow asked. “And several power issues,” Twilight answered, “I’ve been making sure this school is in tip-top shape for all of our safety.” “But it seems like somecreature, somepony, or something keeps messing up our school,” said Fluttershy, a frown forming on her features. “We’ll figure it out,” Twilight said in an assuring tone, “As for the announcements for next week, I’m afraid I’ll have to make arrangements on what to announce due to this incident. So, everycreature can go home and we’ll hopefully resume school tomorrow.” “What if we don’t settle everything that’s happening?” Smolder asked, crossing her arms. Twilight sighed, “We will, Smolder.” The dragon held an unsatisfied look, but she and the other students began leaving the School. While they headed out, Starry and Lucky pushed aside Silverstream and Gallus. “Hey! Watch it!” Gallus shouted. “Oh, so not sorry,” Starry spat, “You and your friends should just head back home where you belong!” “Friendship is for the higher beings, and you’re not them,” Lucky added. He looked back at the headmare talking with the other professors and Maud, “Not to mention this lousy school isn’t doing much for us, and this place is a real disaster.” They went on their way, Gallus wanted to go after them and tell them off, but Sandbar held his foreleg in front of him. “Not worth it, Gallus,” he said. “Those ponies rotten!” Yona growled. “I know.” “We shouldn’t be bullies back like them,” said Ocellus, “That attitude isn’t acceptable to this friendly environment.” Everycreature agreed while Gallus rolled his eyes in annoyance at the nuisances of the bullies. Back with the headmare, she sighed in frustration. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this,” Applejack assured her, patting her shoulder. “I know, but it’s still so frustrating,” Twilight sighed. “Don’t let frustration cloud your judgment as I say to Limestone,” said Maud. Applejack held back a slight snicker, knowing how “Twily-nanas” Twilight can get (as described by Shining Armor). “Don’t worry, Twilight,” said Fluttershy, “I can extend my stay at the school and teach some classes and help around.” “Me too,” said Rainbow. Applejack nodded. “Me three!” Pinkie added cheerfully. Maud just blinked. “Thank you, girls,” replied Twilight, relieved to have them around, “These last couple months have been a little tougher than usual.” She looked at Maud, “Did you talk some sense into Starry and Lucky?” Maud blankly stared at Twilight, “I tried, I even tried a rock metaphor, but they didn’t listen and knocked things around the office.” Twilight groaned, “That behavior has to end, or I’ll have to tell Mr. Bullion his sons can’t stay here.” “Careful what you say around him, Twilight,” Fluttershy cautioned, “I’ve heard bad things about his personality.” “I can handle him,” Twilight assured her, “As for me, I’ve got to close the school and seal those hallways off. I’ll see you girls for supper later.” The girls gathered in a group hug, well, Pinkie pulled Maud in, as did Spike, they said their goodbyes. With that, Twilight walked to the damaged hallways and magically sealed them off for the day and began to walk to the office while Spike landed on her back and sat there. “I wish Starlight were here, she’d talk those bullies down for sure,” said Spike. “Me too, Spike,” added Twilight, “But she lost her cool with them and got really angry a couple of times.” Spike nodded, “Even the counselor needs counseling. But yeah, she’s a real pro at her job.” “She left all excited about something this morning,” said Twilight, “I wonder what’s got her all excited?” “I don’t know, Twilight, I’m curious, too. I think we should ask her.” “She’ll tell us when she wants too, you know how much she is about surprises,” Twilight slightly shuddered, remembering how Starlight changed herself and Sunburst into foals and mind-controlling her friends by mistake. “Let’s hope she’s doing good,” said Spike, sensing Twilight’s slight unease even though Starlight’s come a long way, she’s still prone to mistakes with magic. Twilight and Spike approached the headmare’s office, Twilight magically opened the door. Both of them just wanted a break from any more excitement for the rest of the day. The alicorn sulked and sat on the floor. Her mind double-checking to see if her internal plan was sound. “Twilight,” said Spike, putting a comforting claw on her shoulder, “We’ll fix this.” Though he showed a little uncertainty. “I hope so, Spike,” replied Twilight, as she looked out the window to her Castle, “I sure hope so.”