//------------------------------// // School of Friendship Week Three: Progress in Session // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Today is Friday. It's been two weeks since the School of Friendship opened. Twilight Sparkle and her friends have difficulties in Spike's and Discord's classes while excelling in others. Spike's lectures create nightmares for Twilight and her friends to endure while knowing the differences between fun and blatant. As for the Young Six, they have been excelling through all their classes while dealing with uncertain creatures with a lack of trust and friendship. The school bell rings, signaling lunch for all creatures in attendance. Twilight and her friends sit at their usual table, away from everyone. "Boy, Spike's classes are intense this week," Said Rainbow Dash. "Discord's is worse. It's like he's purposing punishing us for what we did whenever his class merges with Spike's! We did say we're sorry in private," Pinkie said. "I know Pinkie Pie, it just, ugh," Twilight groans a little. "It can't be helped. I will say that the lectures are rather important. It's teaching us how to associate with different species. Be courteous, kind, and gentle with creatures. Every creature goes through a different struggle, and we can't be so dismissive and judgemental on it." "Also, we have to learn to treat every creature fairly like we do with every pony. I will say, Discord's trust exercises for the past two weeks made every creature realize who they can trust and who they cannot. So far, some ponies are having trust issues with Yaks and Changelings now that more of them have shown up," Said Applejack. "Yaks are rough, and Changelings still bring some fear to ponies thanks to Queen Chrysalis," Said Rainbow. "I still can't believe you refused to make Ocellus a dress during class, Rarity," Fluttershy said. "Don't remind me! I had a different Changeling mocking me by turning into what it used to look like!" "Him Rarity! That Changeling is a living creature like us. You can't call a Changeling it!" Applejack corrects Rarity. Rarity sighs. "I'm still working on it. Now that I have a counseling class with the Changelings. Sweetie Belle and her friends are going to resolve the issue. I want to go home and work on a new dress to relieve my stress." "You should start by apologizing to Ocellus," Pinkie suggests. "I will. I wished that Spike didn't open his mouth up to Thorax or any creature. They didn't need to know what we did," Rarity groans. "There are no takebacks, Rarity. Also, wishes don't come true just like that. It's up to us to create a better tomorrow for all creatures," Applejack said. "Or, when a super-duper boss fight comes, and we step in to take it down! Then every creature could forget what we did, and things can get better!" Pinkie exclaims. "Sunburst's classes throughout the week made me realize how good I had it with Spike until I turn astray. I can't stop thinking about Spike as a friend. Not as an assistant. Not as a slave for how he sees. As a friend. I miss him. I missed raising him when I was younger. I allowed my ambitions and studies to get in the way. I became distracted and didn't listen to what Spike said throughout the time. Pinkie, your sister Maud made me realize that I don't listen as much as I should have. Spike, a different creature that I turned my back to." "Also, Discord. We had problems with him, even after he reformed," Rainbow said. "No joke, we never gave him a chance, unlike Fluttershy." "I was doing what a good friend would. Allowing Discord to be himself and make himself comfortable. Sure, he was complicated but, it takes time to build trust as a friend. Trust is easily broken when it doesn't build." "And you have been Starlight's best students for her real-life lectures of the Friendship World, Flutters," Said Rainbow. "That the bad guys aren't outside of the borders but inside as well," Said Twilight. "Trixie's class is a reminder of what we achieved as friends," Said Pinkie. "Out of all the classes, Trixie's is the better class that doesn't make any of us stressed out," Said Rainbow. Everypony nods in agreement. "It's strange that Trixie is showing how every creature, when they band together, can do great works. I'm glad that she allowed us to tell our tales on stopping greater foes in the world and helping each other out," Applejack said. "No joke. I guess Trixie wants to show that we're all not that bad from what the rumors say about us," Said Rainbow. "Yea. She also expressed herself about her boasting and how far she has gone on her own. I like the fact that having friends by your side, there's only one place you can go," Twilight said. "She'd learned a lot from her previous ventures. She's more humbled than any of us right now. All thanks to Starlight Glimmer." "Headmare Glimmer. We're still in school, Twilight," Pinkie corrects Twilight. Ten minutes later. Ocellus, Yona, Silverstream, Gallus, Smolder, and Sandbar sit at their table. Ocellus is down after what Rarity told her a while ago during Discord's class. "How are you feeling, Ocellus?" Sandbar asks. "Not well. Some ponies still fear Changelings," Ocellus sighs. "They still think of us as monsters." "Yona knows Ocellus is not no monster. Yona knows some ponies don't change their perspective on other creatures. Not all ponies the same as Sandbar." "You're an awesome friend, Ocellus. Don't let what Rarity said put you down." "I know, Sandbar. It's just. She still sees me and doesn't trust me. Some ponies are having trouble accepting Changelings." "I know what you mean. Some ponies are having trouble accepting Dragons. They see us as fire-breathing monsters but, I don't let that stop me from being happy and myself. I have you guys as my friends. Those who don't want me as a friend, they are missing out." "Agreed. Sure other species have many different views, but we as friends share the same qualities that bring us together. Sandbar, you're cool. Yona, you're unique. Silverstream, you're cheerful. Smolder, you're awesome. Ocellus, you have awesome powers. You can do anything when you put your mind to it. I have more trust with you than the ponies that outcasted Spike in their lives." "Harsh," Silverstream said. "Yea," Gallus scratches the back of his head. "I'm still working on changing my personality for the better. All I ask is everyone be patient with me." "No sweat. Not everyone can change in an instant. It takes time like building friendship does," Smolder said. "Thanks for understanding. You five are the closest thing to family I have." "What happened to yours?" Sandbar asks. "I don't want to talk about it. It's not good to reflect too much on the past if it doesn't help you. Trust me when I say, reflecting about what happened to me isn't healthy." "We understand," Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Silverstream, and Smolder said in unison. "Thanks," Gallus smiles. Rarity walks up to the Young Six. Ocellus turns away from Rarity, thinking she's going to scold her. "Hello, Ocellus," Rarity coughs a little. "I want to apologize for my rude behavior. I'm still in the process of getting used to Changelings daily. One of the other Changelings joked around by turning himself into an old feature for laughs, and I got scared. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Ocellus turns to Rarity, hearing how sincere Rarity is sounding. "Okay, I forgive you." "To make it up to you, after school, I will start making you a dress that no one has ever worn before." Ocellus smiles. "Thank you, Rarity." "As Professor Discord says, no creature should ever feel disgrace due to the history of their kind out of spite. Every creature is different and unique." "Yea," Ocellus smiles and hugs Rarity. "Whoa, I can't believe Rarity called Discord, Professor Discord," Rainbow said, overhearing what Rarity said to Ocellus. "Well, times are changing. Discord seems to be less chaotic nowadays," Said Applejack. "Which is confusing. He must be serious about what he does," Said Pinkie. "Something's odd now that I think about it. I mean, sure, his classroom is chaotic but hasn't done much chaos since," Twilight thinks about the times' Discord have done something chaotic, and not much comes to mind. Discord (clone) walks into the cafeteria with the other teachers when the CMC Counselors approach him. "Hey, you three. Need something?" "Yea, we have a new student arriving, and Starlight wants you to help introduce the School of Friendship," Apple Bloom said. "Sure. Let's go meet this new student," Discord follows the CMC Counselors to Starlight's office. "It's still crazy that the CMCs are the Counselors of the school," Rainbow said. "No joke. Sweetie Belle, my younger sister, teaching her older sister how to get along. Does that make any sense to you?" Rarity asks Applejack. "Nope. However, throughout their time here, they far exceeded expectations. I'm proud of Apple Bloom's progress." "They've been quite helpful to every creature in the school. Helping them settle with each other in class and finding the right groups to pair with," Rainbow admittingly said. "Yona loves CMC Counselors. Always helping Yona with homework whenever Sunburst gives a project for students to do." "For three young fillies, they have hearts strong as horses," Sandbar says. "Staying in school for extra hours to help each of us out." "Yea, they helped out with Maud's class about listening cause I missed something crucial about Rarity's hobby." "Why didn't you ask what you missed about me?" Rarity asks Smolder. "You hightailed to your boutique. Something about receiving mail," Smolder replies. "Oh, right," Rarity nervously chuckles. "So," Twilight approaches the Young Six. "Are any of you interested in learning about the Elements of Harmony?" "Well, you did mention how vital the Elements of Harmony are in Equestria during Trixie's classes," Gallus said. "Also, Yona is interested in learning a bit more about its power." "I'm willing to learn more if knowing the Elements of Harmony is meant for all creatures and not just Pony Kind," Smolder said. "Of course. I'll ask Headmare Glimmer to see if she can approve the values of the Elements of Harmony as an extra curriculum for the School of Friendship," Twilight leaves the cafeteria. Ten minutes later. Discord and the CMC Counselors arrive at Starlight's office. "Was it necessary to take the long way, Discord?" Scootaloo asks. "Yes. I have a feeling that Headmare Glimmer needed a little more time with the new student before we introduce ourselves," Discord (clone) answers. "Well, can't argue with that," Sweetie Belle said. "Hey, CMC Counselors. Hey Discord." "Hey, Spike," Discord and the CMC Counselors said in unison. They see Spike walking with Maud, Sunburst, and Trixie. "So, who's the new student?" Sunburst asks. "No clue. We're about to find out now," Discord (clone) knocks on the door. "Come in," Starlight answers. Discord (clone) opens the door and walks in with the others. They see a young filly pegasus sitting quietly and nervously. "Every creature, I want to introduce our newest student, Cozy Glow." Cozy Glow looks at her teachers. The CMC Counselors approach Cozy Glow. "Hi, Cozy Glow. I'm Apple Bloom." "I'm Sweetie Belle." "I'm Scootaloo." "Not only we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders. We are the School of Friendship Counselors!" The trio cheer in unison. "I'm Discord. Here, have a balloon," Discord (clone) gives his cotton candy cloud on a string to Cozy Glow. "I'm Sunburst," Sunburst smiles at Cozy Glow. "I'm Maud," Maud calmly says. "I'm Trixie." "I'm Spike," Spike (Discord) introduces. "Welcome to the School of Friendship. Here you will learn how to make all sorts of friends. You'll learn how to communicate with all kinds of creatures. Learn what to do and know what not to do as well. Every creature here is different and unique. That's what makes them special in our school," Spike (Discord) said. "Wow," Cozy becomes enlightened. "We know which group to set you with, Cozy. Follow us, and we'll introduce you to-" Sweetie Belle gets cut off with several knocks on the door. "Come in," Starlight answers. Twilight Sparkle walks into the room. She didn't anticipate all the teachers in the room. "Oooh, is it her?" Cozy points at Twilight. "Uh no-" Twilight walks past the CMC Counselors. "Headmare Glimmer. My apologies for the intrusion but, there is something I want to discuss with you for a few moments." Starlight takes a breath. "Sure, Twilight. What's on your mind?" "I asked several of the students if they'd be interested in learning the Elements of Harmony as an added curriculum. Gallus, Smolder, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, and Silverstream are interested and eager to know about it." Cozy Glow becomes interested in learning the Elements of Harmony. Starlight sighs and takes out a signature board. "Twilight, if you can get enough signatures that aren't from Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, I may consider having a class that solemnly focuses on the Elements of Harmony." Twilight happily gasps. "Really?" "Yes. You have by the end of next week and no fake signatures." "Me, giving the Headmare fake signatures?" Twilight feels conflicted. "I had some students giving me fake signatures for a dance recital project that no one participated because no one was informed, as a prank. I don't want to be suckered, a second time. So, I'm trusting you to go around the school and getting every creature's signature for a class based on the Elements of Harmony." "If or when I succeed in getting the signatures, who'll be teaching the class?" "I'll decide who'll be teaching, Twilight. I will say you have been improving much since applying yourself in the school after the second day. If you continue your process, I may select you." "Hey, excuse me," Cozy Glow raises her hand. "I would love to know what the Elements of Harmony are and how vital they are to friendship." Twilight happily gasps again. "How wonderful!" She uses her magic to levitate the signature board. "Sign your name, and you'll be signature number one!" Cozy Glow signs her name first. "May I help you along the way. I need to make some friends." "Yes, I can use the help." Twilight and Cozy Glow leave Starlight's office and trot around the school, asking for signatures. "Well, so much for paring her with Yona and her friends," Said Sweetie Belle. "I think it'd be wise to keep a close eye on Twilight. Like Headmare Glimmer said. She was pranked with faked signatures." "Let's go, girls," The CMC Counselors leaves Starlight's office. "Well, I'm off to lunch. Anyone coming?" Discord (clone) asks. "I'm going. I haven't eaten since leaving the Crystal Empire," Said Spike (clone). Everypony else leaves except for Starlight Glimmer. Starlight Glimmer looks out the window. "I hope my decisions don't come to haunt me. Twilight needs at least a hundred signatures for the Elements of Harmony to become a curriculum for the school. As for teaching-wise, there is some pony else I want to teach if she's up for it," Starlight looks down. "I was hoping to teach the Elements myself but..," Starlight sighs heavily. "Twilight and her friends know it better as they are the representation of the Elements. I hope Spike is okay with my decisions as Headmare. I don't want him to feel uncomfortable."