//------------------------------// // Progress in Equestria // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// It's been two weeks since Twilight Sparkle has received her punishment from Princess Celestia. Her title as a Princess is suspended for six months, banned from entering Canterlot, and forbidden from seeing Spike for the rest of his days. Her friends are in the loop as well. Twilight Sparkle thought hard about her actions and behavior towards Spike. "I can't believe I was blind to Spike's suffering for years. What kind of friend am I?" Twilight starts questioning herself as a friend. She's a great friend with pony kind. However, she's an enemy for several creatures throughout the land. Twilight is outside with a construction crew building the School of Friendship. She hopes that the school will bring closure to her and perhaps an opportunity to see Spike one more time. To apologize to him for all the wrong and set things right. No one can hate forever, she thought to herself. Throughout the weeks, Starlight Glimmer has been visiting other nations and kingdoms, talking about the connections of Equestria through peace and friendship. Princess Celestia has informed Starlight Glimmer that she will have a briefing with Chancellor Neighsay later today. Starlight Glimmer is with Discord (clone) meeting with Princess Celestia in Canterlot. The two have grown together since Pharynx's birthday party at the Changeling Hive as friends. "Greetings, Starlight Glimmer. Hello, Discord," Princess Celestia smiles as she greets her friends. "Hey, Celestia," Discord (clone) said. "Hello, Princess," Starlight said. "You'll be having a conference with Chancellor Neighsay in the EEA Court. I'm guessing Discord will be a representative as a teacher of the School of Friendship within the conference?" "Yes, Celestia. Also, to understand the guidelines of their protocols," Starlight answers Celestia's question. "You know. I always wondered what EEA stands for? Eat Everyone Alive? Evilest Evil Association? Envy Ever After?" "Discord," Starlight chuckles a little. "That's not appropriate." "Sorry, I never heard of them. EEA sounds sadistic for some reason," Discord (clone) shrugs a little. "EEA stands for Equestria Education Association. For the school to be sustainable in Equestria, the EEA needs to approve it," Celestia explains. Then, she chuckles. "Eat Everyone Alive, that's a new one, Discord." "Alright, anything we should know before we see this Chancellor Neighsay?" Discord (clone) asks. He spawns a notepad and a pencil to jot what Celestia has to say. "The EEA ensures educations for all ponies in Equestria, whether it's unicorns studying magic, pegasi learning weather, and earth ponies researching agriculture. All schools are held to the same high standard." "Huh," Discord (clone) jots everything down. "I wonder what the EEA have to say about teaching not just ponies but other creatures in this world about Friendship." "We will find out, Discord. You got the copies?" Starlight asks, holding onto the original book of lectures for the School of Friendship. "Yes indeedy," Discord (clone) pulls his cotton candy cloud as it rained all the copies of the lectures. "Good. Let's go see the EEA." "Hopefully, they'll be cool about it." Starlight Glimmer and Discord head into the EEA Court to talk with Chancellor Neighsay. They see ponies sitting in high chairs of the EEA Court. The area is darker than anticipation. The only lights on are small lanterns each member of the EEA has other than the spotlight on Starlight and Discord. "What is this? A cult?" Discord (clone) is surprised to see the EEA in a dark area. "Very funny, Draqonecuus," Chancellor Neighsay said unamused. "Our apologies. We didn't expect the EEA to present themselves like this," Starlight said. "My name is Chancellor Neighsay. State your case. Why are you two here, Ambassador of Friendship?" "The School of Friendship-" Chancellor Neighsay interrupts Starlight's speech. "Right, the supposed School of Friendship. However, to speak any further, Princess Twilight Sparkle needs to be present in order to continue." "Unfortunately, due to recent events, Twilight Sparkle is suspended as Princess of Equestria. As for the School of Friendship, the new Headmare is Starlight Glimmer," Discord (clone) formally informs. "I'm Ambassador of Friendship for a short term. After Twilight's suspension, that's when I'll be the Headmare." "Unfortunate indeed," Chancellor Neighsay is calm but in disbelief that Twilight would be foolish in losing her position in her own project already. "I expected more from the Princess of Friendship lecturing ponies. However, soon to be Headmare Glimmer, I expect you to do things by the book!" Chancellor Neighsay uses his magic to levitate the EEA Guidelines to Starlight Glimmer and Discord. Starlight looks at the book; she gives Discord the EEA Guidelines for him to read. Discord skims through and processes the information. "We believe you'll find the curriculum to meet all your requirements, Chancellor. Discord, give them the copies." Discord (clone) spawns a piper and plays music. The books sliver to each of the EEA members and the Chancellor. The EEA members start reading as Chancellor Neighsay scans through the curriculum. "Can we trust you to go through with this plan? You leave the school unattended off in your adventures?" "On Twilight's behalf within this statement, her journeys showed her first hoof that the threats out there are greater than we imagined," Starlight said. Each of the EEA members discusses among themselves about hearing such a thing. Chancellor Neighsay remains silent. "If we're going to keep our land safe and create a better tomorrow, we need to teach the Magic of Friendship far and wide," Starlight said. "A school for ponies to learn and protect themselves?" Chancellor Neighsay said. "Not just ponies but other creatures such as Yaks, Dragons, Hippogriffs, Changelings, and Griffins." Members of the EEA gasps. "The EEA is only affirmative with Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies. Those creatures you presume are not part of our system. Therefore, the EEA denies the School of Friendship," Chancellor Neighsay decrees. "Do you have something with other creatures, Chancellor?" Discord asks. "They are not part of Equestria. Any other creatures outside the borders of Equestria will not be associated with our standards of education. Yaks, Griffins, Dragons, Hippogriffs, Changelings are not residents of Equestria. They are not part of the trinity in our education system." "You're avoiding the question, Chancellor Jackass," Discord said. Every member of the EEA gasps louder. Chancellor Neighsay glares at Discord. "No, I don't have a problem. However, as I said, any creature beyond the limits of Equestria will not be associated with our standards in education. What you're asking of the EEA cannot be helped. I declare that this meeting to be dismissed and have a nice day." "I'm giving him coal for the next Hearth's Warming day." Starlight smiles; she now has an advantage over them. Chancellor Neighsay sees it as well. "Why are you smiling, Starlight Glimmer?" "You've given me all the info I needed to hear. Therefore, my School of Friendship will be successful without the EEA's approval." "Explain. Elaborate your conclusions." "The EEA is solemnly focused on Pony Kind. However, my school is for all species to learn. Therefore, the EEA cannot override a school that's for all creatures. Thank you for your time, Chancellor Neighsay. You too, EEA members." Starlight leaves with her curriculums. Discord takes all the copies back. Each member of the EEA is in awe and shock. Knowing they can't overrule the School of Friendship no matter how much they want to. Chancellor Neighsay is impressed and livid at the same time. "Wow, you beat me to all sorts of questions I was about to say, Starlight," Discord is impressed. "All I had to do is wait and listen. When Celestia mentioned the EEA and how it benefits only pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies, she never mentions any other creatures. I had to be sure if the EEA would include the Yaks, Griffins, Changelings, Dragons, and Hippogriffs. Unfortunately, they do not. Therefore, we can proceed as planned without their approval." "Nicely played, Starlight. Well done," Discord applauds. "Have you told Twilight about the..," Discord couldn't finish that sentence. Starlight stops walking and turns to her friend. "I don't know when to tell her. She's lost so much. She doesn't even know that we did this." "You can't hide these things from her forever, ya know." Starlight sighs heavily. "I know. Mind being with me when I reveal everything to Twilight?" She nervously asks. "Of course. I'm not going to leave a friend hanging. Sorry about the late delay with Pharynx's birthday. Kinda slip our mind after the meeting." "Don't worry about it. Princess Celestia needed me to attend a meeting with Queen Novo that day. No worries. I was glad to celebrate his birthday during the night." "Good. Still, I needed to be sure," Discord lightly chuckles. Starlight sighs deeply. For two weeks, she hasn't spoken a word to Twilight nor her friends. She's aware that Twilight is still in the process of building the School of Friendship. Discord knows that Starlight is stressing out and puts a claw on her back. "Look, I know it's going to be challenging confronting Twilight about another change. I'm right beside you, and I will defend you. Wanna take the long way or teleport to her?" "Teleport. I want to get this done and over with," Starlight closes her eyes to embrace some wrathful hatred from Twilight Sparkle. "As you wish," Discord (clone) teleports Starlight and him to Twilight. Twilight is in the kitchen of her castle, having lunch in solitude. Twilight sighs as she eats her salad in solitude. She slowly eats as she's becoming lonely. Her friends are busy with their tight schedules. It also gives her time to reflect on how Spike felt during the years. "So, this is what's like to feel all alone, huh?" Her voice echoes in the kitchen and the castle a little. "Only having your thoughts?" Twilight groans loudly. Discord and Starlight Glimmer spawns in front of Twilight, startling her. "Gaah!" "Sorry, Twilight," Starlight said. "Hello, Twilight." "Hey... So.., uh.., what brings you both here on short notice? Normally Starlight would enter the castle on her accord." "Twilight, what I'm about to say won't be easy." "Let me guess," Twilight throws her hooves up. "You're going to be the next Princess of Friendship? Are my wings going to be removed and given to you? I'm going to embark on a quest to see what Spike endured in his life to understand his pain?" Starlight shakes her head. She deeply sighs as Twilight understands how serious it's going to be. She stops patronizing Starlight will all sorts of questions. "It's about the School of Friendship." "What about my school?" Twilight asks with a level of concern. "There is much I didn't tell you because I didn't know how to or when. So, allow me to start at the beginning." "Why is Discord here?" Twilight eyeballing Discord. "For moral support, Twilight. I am friends with Starlight Glimmer after all," Discord (clone) calmly said. Twilight groans in her head. Still to this day, she hasn't apologized to Discord for lying on multiple occasions. "Two weeks ago, I went to the Bar of Alliance conference, and things went well. Equestria is safe from all future wars with the other kingdoms." "Oh, that's good. That's one major problem now avoided," Twilight sighs in relief. "However, Equestria is not off the hook as they need to redeem themselves to the Yaks, Griffins, Changelings, and Dragons." "Of course, I knew that was coming. That's why I'm building the School of Friendship. To spread friendships far and wide, to create harmony for all species." "About that," Starlight takes a deep breath, knowing that this info will more likely upset and/or devastate Twilight Sparke even more. "What about it?" Twilight asks, anxious to know what Starlight Glimmer has to say about the School of Friendship. "The Bar of Alliance has approved on sending their chosen delegates to learn at the School of Friendship." Twilight leaps for you that she'll be having students coming to her school. All she has to do is get certifications and approvals from the EEA to make it official. "However," Starlight looks at Twilight with her demeanor changing from calm to serious. "What do you mean, however?" Twilight doesn't understand. Her idea is getting approved, and things seem to be looking brighter for her and her friends to get another opportunity to earn Spike's forgiveness. "The Bar of Alliance-" Starlight takes several deep breathes to recompose herself and embrace the reaction Twilight will have in the next moment. "What about them? Starlight, please, what is it you have to say?" "The Bar of Alliance, Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance decree that you, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy will not be teaching." "What?!" Twilight angrily shouts. She slams her hooves on the table, shattering it. "They decided to decree me as Headmare at the School of Friendship." Twilight's jaw drops as she becomes livid. "So that's it?! You're taking my life away from me?! After everything I've done for you, taught you, now you're replacing me?!" Starlight steadies her breathing as Twilight is agitated. "No. What I'm doing is fixing the mistakes you and our friends have caused in Spike's life. However, there is something else you should know." "Like what? Can't get any worse for me!" Twilight retorts. "I have made my selections of teachers to replace you and your friends. Spike is one of those teachers." Now Twilight is in shock. She didn't foresee that outcome. She looks up at the ceiling like looking up at the heavens. "Princess Celestia will uplift the ruling of you and your friends of coming close contact with Spike if you and they become students of the School of Friendship." "This is it. Despite what I'm losing, I get to see Spike. This could be the chance to earn his forgiveness after everything I've done to him unintentionally and intentionally. I have to make this opportunity count, no more mistakes and foolish decisions. At last, one of my prayers has been answered, thank you, to whoever answered my prayer." "Twilight?" Starlight comes closer to her. Twilight pulls her into a hug. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Twilight continues to thank Starlight as her anger lifts. "So, you will be a student at the School of Friendship?" Starlight asks. "Yes," Twilight nods. "Perhaps, this is how I can be reborn as a better friend to all creatures. Who else is going to be a teacher at the School?" "Me," Discord (clone) waves. "Sunburst, Maud Pie, myself, Spike, and Trixie. Each of us has been working on ideas to help grow the school's curriculum." "Okay, Starlight. So, what you need to do next is to inform the EEA and get their approval," Twilight informs. "We were there a while ago. For our school to succeed, we won't be needing the EEA's approval," Discord (clone) said. "Huh? Why?" Twilight is perplexed. "They Eat Everyone Alive-" Starlight hoofs Discord's griffin arm. "Discord," Starlight said. "Right, right. I can't help myself but change the dullness and seriousness into a lighter tone. The Equestrian Education Association only approves schools that are for the trinity; Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies. Any creature outside of Equestria's borders is not permitted to receive the affirmative of the EEA. Therefore, they cannot overrule and override a school that is meant for all creatures in attendance. The EEA will have no power to control the School of Friendship." "Woooow, you found a loophole," Twilight is impressed with Discord and Starlight for finding it. "You may continue with the foundations of the School of Friendship, Twilight but, you and your friends need to decide whether or not to become students of the school." "I understand. Thank you for telling me all of this," Twilight turns to Discord. "Discord." "Yes?" Discord (clone) looks down at Twilight. "I want to say sorry for how I treated you, especially banning you from coming to the Friendship Festival. You were right; you're still right. Friendship is not one-sided. I'll be the first to admit that I have treated other creatures differently than ponies. With ponies, I give the benefit of the doubt. For other creatures, I take precautionary actions without giving them a chance. I hope we can be friends once again." Discord (clone) did not foresee this outcome from Twilight Sparkle. Perhaps she is changing for the better. The humility and humbleness from her are making her see the bigger picture. Discord (clone) smiles, knowing that Twilight is taking a step forward in the right direction. Perhaps her being a student will renew Twilight after all. He has to hope that Spike (Discord) doesn't blow his cover and make things worse. "We can be friends. That apology shows me that you are taking the next step in the right direction." Twilight smiles. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" "I'm free right now," Discord (clone) answers. "I have no meetings to attend to and no conferences with Princess Celestia. I can hang with you, Twilight." "Thank you," Twilight said. "Discord." "Yea?" "How is Spike doing?" "He's happy. He's doing well." "Does he think about me?" Twilight asks. She knows that Spike doesn't but needs to know. "Sometimes," Discord (clone) lies. "He thinks of what you could have been instead of what you were." "Fair enough." Twilight decides to be a full-pledged student to renew herself. She promises herself not to take any shortcuts to earn redemption. Discord is planning to make it difficult for Twilight in the school once class is in session. Starlight hopes that Twilight isn't devising a scheme to take the school back or try to make things harder on Spike. The rest of the day goes smoothly for Twilight Sparkle. She has newfound confidence in earning redemption. She, Discord, and Starlight played a few board games and ate desserts. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash decide to check on Twilight. They are aware that she'll be lonely due to their busy schedules. "Twilight darling, are you here?" Rarity asks. On cue, she hears laughter from her, Discord, and Starlight. The girls gallop to the throne room to see Discord, Starlight, and Twilight having fun. "Okay, what did we missed out on?" Rainbow Dash asks as she hovers around the Equestrian Map of the throne room. "Well-" Twilight explains to everypony of what was happening behind their backs. They couldn't believe that they'll have a chance to see and possibly interact with Spike as a student. Pinkie is delighted to know that her sister will be a teacher. The rest couldn't believe that Trixie of all ponies would be a teacher as well as Discord. "So, if we decide not to become students," Rainbow asks. "Then forget about seeing Spike. It's the only way Princess Celestia will uplift her ruling," Discord (clone) replies. "Alright, I'm in," Applejack said. "Same with me, I need to learn more about friendship," Rainbow Dash said. She remembers all the pranks and discrimination done to Spike. "It'll be cool seeing my sister more often. I'll definitely become a student. It gives me greater joy to spread out and create more birthdays for every creature that comes and goes. Especially with the Yaks," Pinkie said. "To make amends and learn not to be forgetful, I'll join," Fluttershy quietly said. "I'll be a student as well. I can balance with my work ethics as well as some study to improve on my generosity aspect." "Well, this is better than what I hoped. I expected pride to get in the way. Twilight and her friends do seem genuine with their motives. I wonder how Spike is doing in that new world my magic sent him to." "Discord," Twilight turns to Discord. "Starlight." Both of them turn to Twilight. "Thank you for telling us about the School of Friendship news. Now, we can plan things in advance for how we approach the situation. Also, can either of you let Princess Celestia know what we are doing?" "I'll do that, Twilight. I was planning on informing the Princesses what transpired anyways," Discord (clone) said. He opens a door to the ceiling and walks up, entering the throne room of Canterlot. Discord informs everything to Princess Celestia and Luna. They are happy to know that the School of Friendship will not be needing the EEA's approval since Starlight has found a loophole. They are hoping that Spike doesn't get traumatized when he sees Twilight and her friends as students. "If you two are worried about Spike, I'll address the situation with him now." "Thank you, Discord. Things seem to be moving rather quickly than we anticipated," Luna said. "If what you say is true, Discord. Then, Twilight could continue to be the Princess of Friendship after all, and if not..," "Have Starlight take that role after her time in the School of Friendship," Discord (clone) suggests. Princess Celestia and Luna nod with that statement. They've kept a close eye on Starlight and see a better potential in her than Twilight as of late. "Let's hope that things go smoothly when the school year begins," Celestia said, hoping that there won't be another disaster in Spike's life. "From what I saw today, things will be going smoothly. I'll keep the two of you inform on any changes whatsoever." "Thank you, Discord," Princess Celestia smiles. "Yes, thank you, Draqonecuus." "You're welcome. See you two another day," Discord (clone) leaves the throne room and heads home. He sends a telepathic message to Spike (Discord) about what went down and what to expect next. Spike (Discord) is feeding Flurry Heart in her room as she has woken up to a nightmare.