//------------------------------// // Getting Started // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Starlight Glimmer trots to the main hallway while the CMC Counselors, Maud, Sunburst, Discord, Rockhoof, and Trixie make their way. Old and new students line up excitedly to start the new day of the new semester. One pony, in particular, seems nervous about the scenery. She doesn't know what she's doing in school or where to begin, just following a crowd and waiting to see what happens next. Starlight Glimmer stands on a podium Discord conjures to grab everyone's attention. "Good morning, Students of Friendship. Thank you for returning for a new semester at the School of Friendship. As for the newcomers, welcome to the School of Friendship where all creatures can learn the core values of what being a friend is about and exploring new adventures with friends." Starlight Glimmer stands aside to allow Discord to speak to the students. "Hello, Students of Friendship. It's great seeing you all once more. As some of you know, we once had a dragon as an instructor. You all know him as Spike. However," Discord sadly sighs. "I was impersonating Spike. As most of you know about Spike's experiences with his former friends, I found him one night while he was reflecting on his life. I granted him a wish where he can be free and happy. If any of you wonder what Spike is doing, I have memory footage I believe all of you would love. It'll be a catalyst that each of us will be instructed with his experiences and adventures when it comes to friends and being treated like family." Every creature in the main hallway is eager to know what Spike experienced and how it'll utilize to create long-lasting friendships. One pony, out of the group, wonders what went down as she's out of the loop. "With that said, I apologize for fooling every creature. At the time of impersonating Spike, it was vital for all nations in our world. Now, I can go back to being completely me and not someone else. As for Spike's teachings, I'll continue that whenever I am unable to think for an exercise within my subject. Sounds fair?" Every creature nods. They don't mind as long as the instructors continue to be honest and not hide any dark secrets ever again. They see Starlight Glimmer go back on the podium. "Alright, every creature. We have a long journey ahead of us, and I promise you that this semester will be unlike any other you've experienced in your life. Now, we're going to do something different. Each creature here will choose to follow an instructor, and who you pick, the students that follow up will be your classmates for this semester. Without further ado, start choosing cause in the next ten minutes, classes will begin," Starlight smiles. "Follow me," Discord plays a piper. The melody of his piper draws the attention of the Unity Seven and the Dazzlings. "Trixie has plenty of performances for each of you," Trixie lures Changelings and Dragons to her classroom. "Time to listen to what your friend has to say. You may miss something crucial and evident," Maud says. She trots to her classroom. Several Yaks, Hippogriffs, and Griffins follow her. "Rockhoof is ready to teach you how to be strong and courageous. I have plenty of stories to tell you, lads and lassies," Rockhoof trots outside to his theatre. Several Ponies, Yaks, and Changelings follow Rockhoof. "Time to teach the core values of Friendship, students. Life lessons and how to improve will blow your mind," Sunburst trots to his classroom. Several Dragons, Changelings, and Griffins follow him. "CMC Counselors. I want each of you to split up and help any new student feel welcome within the school," Starlight instructs the girls. "Can do, Headmare Glimmer," Apple Bloom salutes. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders Counselors is on it, Headmare Glimmer," Scootaloo salutes. "You can count on us," Sweetie Belle solutes. "Thank you, girls," Starlight watches Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo separate and join the other classes. Starlight sees one unicorn still in the hallway. She has jade eyes, a light-blue mane, and a black fur coat. On her flank, she has a butterfly cutie mark. She's a unicorn looking nervous. "Hey," Starlight trots up to her. "Are you okay?" The young mare looks up at Starlight Glimmer. "Sorry.., it's my first day here. I don't know where to begin. I'm alone.., my family deserted me.., I have no one to be my friend..," She sheds a tear. "I'm sorry to hear," Starlight knows the feeling of being deserted. "What is your name?" "Krystina Larva," Krystina says. She shows Starlight Glimmer her I.D. card. "Nice name. I see you're interested in butterflies and insect-type creatures." "Yes," Krystina nods. "I love it when caterpillars enter a chrysalis. Watching them blossom is a sight to behold. A few years ago, I missed out on the butterfly migration. I'm hoping to catch this year's migration." "I know you'll see the migration. Now, with classes starting in a few minutes, I'll take you to one class I know you'll have fun with." "Really? Which class?" Krystina Larva gets a little excited. "Follow me," Starlight Glimmer trots down the hallway. "Okay," Krystina Larva follows Starlight Glimmer. On the way, she sees many Changeling associating with different creatures. It bothers her a bit as to why Changelings will associate themselves with other creatures. For now, she takes a deep breath to get things settled in her new life. "Here we are," Starlight opens the door. Krystina Larva steps inside to see cotton candy desks floating above and marshmallow desks on the ground. Krystina looks at Discord. "Hello, newcomer!" Discord waves his claw at Krystina. "Hello," Krystina waves back. She observes her surroundings and sees a Changeling sitting next to a Griffin and Hippogriff in the air. "I'm entrusting you lot to welcome one of our new students to the School of Friendship. Discord, take care of this one. She reminds me of Fluttershy." "Will do, Headmare Glimmer," Discord salutes. He sees Starlight leaving the classroom. "Newcomer, what's your name?" Discord asks. "Krystina Larva. I have a thing for watching caterpillars enter a chrysalis to emerge into a new creature," Krystina Larva smiles, knowing today is going to be a good day.