//------------------------------//
// Friendship Formula 
// Story: Learning is Magic: The Beginning 
// by lyramei 
//------------------------------//

"Thank you, Lilac," said Island as they reached his classroom. 

Lilac put Island's bags down. "Of course! I want you to feel welcome. Especially now that I know the fact that your dragon friend told me you didn't want to move here." Island glared at Ember, to which the dragon responded with a sheepish grin. 

"Some dragon doesn't know what is acceptable to be shared, huh?" asked Island, hinting at Ember. 

"Now, don't be hard on Ember! You should be thanking her. We need to take your feelings into account so that you can enjoy your new life in Ponyville! Trust me, I know. Moving is hard. So, what are you up to next?" asked Lilac.

"I'm planning on doing a research report on friendship. To prove to the superintendent that I'm an expert at it," said Island with confidence. He walked over to the classroom bookshelf and found a textbook, The History of Equestrian Friendship Magic.

"Oh! Well, in that case, I won't bother you. If you need me, just call me via the classroom phone. My room number is on the directory," advised Lilac. "Bye, Island! Have a nice day!"

Island waved goodbye. "Now, Ember, I need to make this report as amazing as possible. I need to make it look like the title of Princess of Friendship could be passed on to me!" 

Ember rolled her eyes. "Come on, Island, I'm pretty sure she didn't ask you to write an excessive report. Her motive was for you to experience friendship!"

"Exactly! I need to experience the magic of friendship... by going to the Everfree Forest and measuring friendship levels at the treehouse!" Island held up a small machine. "I built the Friendship Meter," he explained. "It can test how much friendship still remains at the site!"

"Uhhh... Island? I don't think you get it. And did you just say that you're going to the Everfree Forest? I think you need some pony to come with you," Ember began. Island shook his head. "Come on, I think the rest of Team 7C should go with you," protested Ember. 

"No, no, no! I don't want to put any of their lives in danger! I would never forgive myself if something happened to them. It's better for me to go alone," said Island as he began to pack things for his journey to the Everfree Forest. 

"But-" Ember began. It was too late. Island had already galloped off. Worried, Ember exclaimed, "I gotta go tell the others! Operation Rescue Island Skies is underway." 

Ember studied the staff directory plastered onto the classroom wall by Island's desk. She then dialed each teacher's number and asked them to meet her in Island's room. 

Within a few minutes, the rest of Team 7C arrived. "WHAT?! Island went to the Everfree Forest ALONE?!" exclaimed a shocked Caramel. 

"Oh no! Does he know his way around?" asked Lilac. 

Ember scoffed. "He THINKS he knows his way around. But who knows? That's why I organized this rescue mission. We need to bring Island back to Ponyville before something bad happens to him! Who's with me?"

"We can't let Island fall to the dangers of the forest," said Inkwell. "I've read lots of adventure novels with dark forests. It's very dangerous!" Sunset agreed.

"Whatever we do, we need to make sure Island is safe. We will show him that we care about him. We will face the dangers with him. He won't be alone. As a team, we're stronger together!" exclaimed Lilac. 

All of Team 7C nodded. "Then, let's go!"