Today is Monday at the School of Friendship. It's 9:17 in the morning. Students are arriving early to catch up on their studies and homework. Starlight Glimmer trots down the main hallway when she sees Princess Luna trotting inside the School. Every creature is wondering why Princess Luna is here on short notice.
"Princess Luna. Welcome to the School of Friendship. How may I help you?"
"I'm here with a new student that'll be joining your school; he's 'eager' to learn the values of Friendship."
"Oh, and who he be?"
"That'll be me, Headmare Glimmer," Neighsay said.
"Chancellor Neighsay?" Starlight is surprised to see Neighsay in the school. "You're going to be my newest student?"
"Indeed. After having a formal discussion with the Princess of the Night, all EEA members need to be reevaluated for the future of Equestria with newer creatures soon to be residing in Equestria. The members of the EEA refused to reevaluate themselves as they chose to be strict with Pony Kind. After my talk with Princess Luna and reviewing my history of how I feel about other creatures that can cause harm, I had to take account of ponies of our past that caused harm as well. I admit that I am a hypocrite. So, I'm atoning myself to become better by seeing the bigger picture with creatures someday living in Equestria and may want to affiliate themselves with Equestrian's Schools. I am the only member of the EEA willing to change."
"Wow," Is all Starlight can say. She didn't expect Chancellor Neighsay to be open-minded.
"Princess Luna reminded me of how our founders used to be when they brought in a lot of hatred due to their differences. I do not want to bring the Windegoes that were drawn to hatred and spite. So, here I am, Headmare Glimmer. Coming into your school to become a better pony."
Starlight Glimmer offers her hoof for a hoof-shake. "Welcome to the School of Friendship, Chancellor Neighsay. I'd be honored to have you in the School of Friendship."
"It's an honor to be here, Headmare Glimmer," Chancellor Neighsay shakes Starlight's hoof. "Now, what class should I be paired with?"
"I'll pair you with a group of friends that speak volumes and shown unity among all species. Follow me, their in the cafeteria having breakfast."
Chancellor Neighsay follows Starlight Glimmer to the cafeteria. Princess Luna turns and sees Twilight Sparkle and Cozy Glow going around asking for signatures. She smiles, knowing that Twilight is getting better as she goes. Princess Luna leaves the School of Friendship and flies back to Canterlot.
Twilight and Cozy got over a hundred signatures and believe that should be good enough to convince Starlight Glimmer on having a class based on the Elements of Harmony. They trot to Starlight Glimmer's office.
Five minutes later, Starlight Glimmer meets with the Young Six with important information.
"Students, you'll be paired with a student that I believe he can learn from the most while he's here in our school to become better. Please, welcome," Starlight Glimmer stands aside. "Chancellor Neighsay."
Chancellor Neighsay struggles to smile at the group. Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Sandbar, Silverstream, and Ocellus see why Starlight Glimmer would want Neighsay to join him.
"My apologies for the way I smile. I'm used to be somepony else. I'm trying not to be the pony I once was."
"What kind of pony would that be?" Sandbar asks.
Chancellor Neighsay sighs heavily. "Promise not to be mad?" The Young Six look at each other and nod respectfully. "A hypocritical racist," Chancellor Neighsay looks down. "I know you may not want to talk to me for some time, and I expect that. I hope I can change my ways so we can become friends."
"Dude, you're honest about yourself and want to change. You're cool in my book," Sandbar said.
"Yona likes Neighsay. Neighsay is honest with himself and wants to improve his image. Yona respect that."
"Lots of ponies are like that. I'm happy you want to atone for your beliefs to become better," Smolder said. "You're definitely better than the ponies that abused a baby dragon," Smolder didn't want to bring up the fact about Spike.
"I'll give you a chance. 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," Gallus said.
"I concur," Ocellus said.
"Ditto," Silverstream says.
Chancellor Neighsay didn't expect the outcome from his potential friends. He thought for sure he'll be facing backlash. Starlight is impressed with her students for showing kindness and gratitude for someone who wants to change for the better.
"Thank you. I won't let you down," Chancellor Neighsay grins a little.
"First of, Neighsay," Gallus said, which causes Neighsay to sweat a bit. "We need to help you smile better."
"Agreed, come sit next to Yona, Chancellor," Yona smiles.
Chancellor Neighsay trots and sits next to Yona. "You don't have to call me Chancellor. Neighsay will do."
"Welcome to the group, Neighsay!" Everyone cheers.
Chancellor Neighsay slightly chuckles a bit. His new friends now see that they have a lot to do to help him. Starlight leaves them and goes to her office. Ten minutes later, she sees Cozy Glow and Twilight waiting for her.
"Morning, Headmare Glimmer. How's your morning?" Cozy Glow asks.
"So far, so good," Starlight smiles.
"Headmare Glimmer. Cozy and I have collected over a hundred signatures for you to see," Twilight gives Starlight to signature bored. She reads it. "So, have you decided which teacher should be instructing the class?" Twilight glees.
"I have. Come by during lunch, and I'll tell you."
"Wonderful!" Twilight said. She leaves the office to go to her next class. Cozy follows her.
Starlight sits at her desk to look at her signature board to match the students in attendance. Discord (clone) walks into the office.
"Gee, what is Twilight wild up about?"
"Remember that I told her to get signatures for the Elements of Harmony class she proposed last Friday?"
"Yea, she got the signatures?"
"She does. I need to go over the signatures with the students in attendance. I need to make sure the signatures are not fake."
"Allow me," Discord (clone) takes the signature board with the attendance sheet. He scans through and tosses both to Starlight. "The signatures are verified. I detect no deception among the signatures. The students have spoken Headmare Glimmer."
"Well, that takes care of that."
"So, who do you want teaching the class?" Discord (clone) looks eyeballing Starlight.
"I may not have a choice but to select Twilight Sparkle. I thought about Luna but, I don't think she can make the time with her royal duties. Also, we have a new student."
"Oooh," Discord (clone) becomes ecstatic. "Who is our new student? He? She?"
"Chancellor Neighsay," Starlight answers.
Discord's (clone) eyes drop into his mouth and swallow them. His eyes are back in place. "Why?"
"Princess Luna had a formal discussion with Chancellor Neighsay and the possibilities that Equestrian's schools may expand for all creatures that can live in Equestria. He's the only EEA member that wants to reevaluate himself. The rest are too prideful to change."
"Woooooow," Discord (clone) is in shock.
"So, I paired him with Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Sandbar, Silverstream, and Ocellus. I believe in due time; he'll change and become anew."
"If you believe in it, I'll believe in him as well. As I always say, no creature should ever feel disgrace due to the history of their kind out of spite. Every creature is different and unique."
"That's our motto for the school, so thank you for thinking creatively," Starlight said.
"Ah, you're welcome," Discord (clone) smiles. "Anywho, I better get going. I'll be teaching in fifteen minutes."
"Have fun," Starlight watches Discord leaving the office.
It's now 10:05 in the morning. Neighsay is in Discord's class with the Young Six. He's nervous about seeing Discord again and wonders what the class will be about.
"Hello, class. It appears we have a new student. Please, tell every creature your name," Discord (clone) says.
"Hello, class. My name is Neighsay. I am new to the School of Friendship and look forward to becoming better in friendship."
Everyone claps to make Neighsay feel right at home. He relaxes a bit and wonders what today's lesson will be about.
"Today, we're going on a field trip."
"Wh-What kind of field trip?" Neighsay asks.
"One that involves with working together, Neighsay. Trust me when I say, it'll rock your world."
Neighsay gulps a little. He isn't sure what he meant by that. Everyone else in the classroom is eager to go on the field trip. Discord leads the class out of the school when they meet with the CMC Counselors.
"Hey, Discord. Going on that field trip?" Sweetie Belle asks.
"Yes, I am. We'll be back by lunch hour."
"Sounds good. We'll see you then," Scootaloo said.
"Hey, isn't that the new student?" Apple Bloom looks at Neighsay.
"Indeed. This is his first-ever work together field trip. Since you know a lot about working together, Apple Bloom. How about you join us?" Discord (clone) proposes.
"Sure. Also, encouraging the students into working together will help things go smoothly," Apple Bloom said. "Plus, I can help advise with my knowledge on working at Sweet Apple Acres."
"Have fun, Apple Bloom. We'll see you at lunch," Sweetie Belle said.
"Bye girls, have fun helping others in school," Apple Bloom follows Discord and the class to the field trip destination.
Discord takes his class into the forest. Neighsay wonders why Discord is taking every creature there. Everyone stops when they see a riverine.
"Excuse me, Professor Discord," Neighsay speaks. "Why are we here in the forest?"
"I'm glad you asked," Discord (clone) turns to his class. "I've decided for this work together field trip; there'll be one obstacle that features three aspects. Trust, patience, and motivation. "
"Clever tactic, Professor Discord," Neighsay is impressed.
"Thank you, Neighsay. For today's exercise, we'll be sailing this boat," Discord (clone) spawns a canoe on the riverine. He spawns helmets and lifejackets for every creature to wear.
"Yona has a confession," Yona sweats a bit.
"What is it?" Neighsay asks.
"Yak not like water," Yona is afraid of the water.
"Sometimes, when I try something new, I whistle."
Yona starts whistling. Gallus and Smolder help Yona get on the canoe as she has a little difficulty getting on. Sandbar, Ocellus, and Neighsay get on the sailboat.
"Now, I have a map to your destination. It's on the other side of the riverine near the checkered flag I've marked. Apple Bloom will be with you guys and gals for guidance. She has the answers to some questions I predict you'll ask," Discord gives the map to the students. "You are to follow the map to the designation. I'll be there waiting for you. Warning, you may encounter some obstacles along the way. Remember, every creature is working together, so communicate with one another."
"We will, Professor Discord," Every creature except Neighsay said.
"I wish you luck," Discord (clone) pushes the canoe to get it going; he teleports to the checkered flag.
The canoe goes down the riverine while every creature takes a look at the map.
"Hmm, there are some rocks in the path, some fish that are considered d-d-dangerous, some waves that'll be difficult. How is this supposed to teach us trust, patience, and motivation? We're just following instructions on a map?" Gallus asks.
"Yea, I don't get it. Sure, Professor Discord's exercises have been different, but this is a whole new level," Smolder said.
"Yona don't feel motivated. Whistling isn't helping. Yak no like water!"
"Calm down, Yona. No need to be afraid."
"Hey, every creature, who's in control of steering the canoe?" Apple Bloom asks.
"Uuuuuuaaaaaaaaah!" Every creature screams as the canoe is going off course except for Neighsay.
"What do we do! We're going to get lost and fail this exercise!" Silverstream panics.
"Rocks! Spiky rocks are approaching!" Gallus shouts.
"Enough!" Neighsay shouts to get everyone's attention. "Within every group, there needs to be a leader. Otherwise, everyone becomes disorganized," Neighsay gets on the back of the canoe to see what's ahead. "Alright, follow my lead. Sandbar, I need you to read the map loudly."
"Understood, Neighsay," Sandbar looks at the map carefully.
Every creature gets ready and has their oars ready. Apple Bloom watches to see what Neighsay has in store.
"Gallus, Smolder, Yona, paddle hard left," Neighsay sees the spiky rocks incoming, "Now!"
Gallus, Smolder, and Yona paddle left as strong as they could. They pass by the spiky rocks that would have shredded their canoe.
"Sandbar, we pass the first wave or rocks. We're coming close to separate pathways. Which way do we take? Right or left?"
"Right, Neighsay!" Sandbar shouts.
"Every creature, paddle to the right!" Neighsay commands.
"Yona sees a drop coming!" Yona panics. "Yona hates water!" She stops paddling.
"There is no need to be afraid! You're surrounded by friends that won't let you down," Neighsay encouragingly says. "Every creature, paddle in reverse slowly."
Smolder, Gallus, Ocellus, and Silverstream paddle reverse slowly as the canoe goes down on a small drop. To Yona's surprise, she enjoyed the small drop.
"Huh, that wasn't so bad. I expected worse," Gallus said.
"Yona likes slow steady drops."
"Oh no," Sandbar reads something terrifying on the map.
"What is it, Sandbar?" Neighsay asks.
"The path we took, we're heading straight for the Bite-acudas!" Sandbar panics.
"Yona wants to get out now! Yona more afraid of flying-fish-eating yak and friends!"
"What are we going to do? If we leave, we could fail," Silverstream panics a bit.
"Swimming is not an option. We can fly to safety and walk to the checkered map," Smolder suggests.
"No. There are too many turns that have water regions. It'll take us hours to get there on foot, and time is running out," Sandbar said.
"Alright, I have an idea," Neighsay said. "Gallus, Smolder. Paddle in reverse. Yona and Silverstream, paddle forward. We'll create a flow where we'll be stationary."
"Understood, Neighsay. Let's paddle!" Gallus and Smolder paddle in reverse while Yona and Silverstream paddle forward. The canoe is still moving forward.
"Apple Bloom, I know you're here for guidance but, we can use a little more muscle. Help Gallus and Smolder paddle in reverse."
"Hey, wait. Why isn't Ocellus paddling?" Apple Bloom asks.
Neighsay chuckles. "Ocellus is going to buy us some time before moving forward."
"How?" Every creature asks.
"Ocellus, turn into a bigger a Bite-acudas to scare the ones we're heading into. Once you give us a signal, we'll paddle forward and pick you up."
"On it," Ocellus transforms into a bigger Bite-acudas and swims after the smaller ones. The smaller Bite-acudas become scared and go away. After a few moments, Ocellus gives the signal to paddle forward.
"Alright, every creature, paddle forward," Neighsay commands.
Everyone paddles forward, and Neighsay helps Ocellus back in the canoe. Apple Bloom is impressed with Neighsay's leadership.
"Alright," Sandbar reads the map. "Keep going forward till the next pathway and paddle left. That's where Professor Discord will be. Also, there are more spiky rocks along the way."
"Thanks for the heads up, Sandbar. Every creature, steady your paddling forward until the next pathway comes up."
"Yona likes Neighsay's leadership."
"For a pony that was racist, he's a nice guy," Gallus said.
"He's smart too," Smolder noted.
"And motivating," Silverstream added.
"He trusted me with the task of scaring off those mean-looking fish. Plus, we're trusting him to navigate us. The same he's trusting Sandbar to read the map," Ocellus said.
"He's patient in knowing what to do and what not to do," Sandbar states.
"You know it," Apple Bloom said. "The way I see it, Neighsay fit the categories of Trust, Patience, and Motivation. He's inspired you to work together as a team. He's right with one thing. Every group needs a leader. I think you found yours."
"Keep it steady. I see the pathway coming," Neighsay sees the pathway and sees an angry group of Bite-acudas coming. "Hard left now!"
Every creature paddles to the left. Neighsay uses his magic to swat the Bite-acudas left and right as they try to fly into the canoe. Neighsay sees a swarm flying and uses his magic to teleport them away. Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Sandbar, Ocellus, Silverstream, and Apple Bloom are astonished to see the magic Neighsay used to teleport the Bite-acudas away.
Discord (clone) is sitting on a lounge chair drinking lemonade while waiting for the canoe to arrive. A few moments later, Discord (clone) hears Neighsay commanding every creature to ease their paddling as they are coming close to the checkered flag. Discord (clone) claps in celebration.
"Bravo, good job on completing your obstacle," Discord (clone) smiles.
"That was fun!" Yona cheers loudly. She jumps out of the canoe with her friends.
"I'll say. What a wild adventure," Gallus said.
"Who knew canoeing would be dangerous?" Smolder states.
"That was the best field trip activity ever!" Silverstream shouts.
"I'll admit, reading the map was difficult. I can't imagine what would happen if we didn't have leadership," Sandbar says.
"It was fun chasing the Bite-acudas away," Ocellus said.
"That was exhilarating. I haven't had that much fun in years," Neighsay said.
"So, Apple Bloom," Discord (clone) walks up to Apple Bloom. "Will you call it a successful operation?"
"Affirmative, Discord. Every creature was motivated and trusted each other. Neighsay was patient with his decision makings as he led the group to success."
"Is this true, every creature?" Discord (clone) asks.
"Yona likes new best friend, Neighsay! He and Ocellus motivate me into not being afraid."
"He's cool. He took control when it was needed," Gallus said.
"He was motivating us throughout the way, and he didn't panic," Smolder informs.
"As Apple Bloom mentioned, he was patient with his decision making," Sandbar said. "He trusted me to read the map, and every one of us put our trust in him as a good friend should."
"He gave everyone hope when we panicked. He was calm when we were not," Ocellus said. "He made sure we stay on course and not look for an alternative when the time was running out when we came in close contact of the Bite-acudas."
"With that concluded, every creature here gets an A+ on their exercise. Now, let's get going. It's nearly lunchtime," Discord (clone) snaps his claw teleporting everyone to the cafeteria.
"Follow us, Neighsay. We'll show you our table we sit," Sandbar said.
"Lead the way," Neighsay smirks, which is better than his smile.
"We will," Smolder, Sandbar, Yona, Silverstream, Gallus, and Ocellus said. They navigate Neighsay to their table and sit down.
Starlight walks into the cafeteria and sees Discord. "Hey, Discord. How did our new student fare?"
"Perfectly on his first day in my class. He took control of the situation and lead his classmates to victory. According to Apple Bloom, he valued the three aspects of my exercise. Trust, patience, and motivation. I have to admit, he sounded different. Different in the sense of improving his image for the better. Whatever he and Luna spoke about, it's hitting Neighsay hard to better himself."
"That's fantastic, Discord. Well, I've decided to trust Twilight in lecturing the Elements of Harmony to the students. The days will be every other day so she can catch up with any assignments she may miss."
"Have you told Twilight that?" Discord (clone) asks.
"Not yet. I will in the next hour or so during the lunch period. I am starving."
"Very well, then. Let's eat."
Neighsay sits next to his friends. They turn to him and asked one question. "Where did you teleport those Bite-acudas to, Neighsay?"
Neighsay chuckles. "Where they need to be."
A while ago, the Bite-acudas were teleported to the EEA members that refused to change their ways. They were bitten by the Bite-acudas and thought it was a bad omen.