//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4: The Class of Group 
// Story: MoonRacer: The land of misfits. 
// by NicLove 
//------------------------------//

“... I before E, except for after C,” they both heard the teacher say, already starting his class as they tried to sneak their way to some seats.

Twilight managed to find some seats next to Sleipnir and Applejack, who were busy going through their papers.

Applejack was having trouble with this, used to talking and writing in her Southern drawl.

Spike was rather quick to notice as he started writing in his notebook, realizing a lot of mistakes she was making.

”Celestia darnet,” A.J. muttered to herself. “Why couldn’t they do it like my parents did?” she said with a hint of sadness.

“Different places have different styles,” Spike whispered softly. 

“Yeah... don’t want to forget their way,” Jack said, clearly sad.

“Well, you could write personal notes and letters for yourself in that style and use the school’s method for homework,” Spike suggested. “It’s how I handle my letters to mom.”

“I guess so,” Jack said, trying to do the work the teacher was asking from them.

“My problem is that Canterlot ponies tend to use cursive due to its formal style. The problem is that most teachers we have don’t bother with it, even though mom taught me. So… do you need any help with basic writing?” Spike offered.

A.J. blushed. “I would really like that,” she admitted.

“Okay, so the first thing to work on is alternative words for your slang. If it makes things easier, then think of it as an option instead of the only way of doing it. So for schoolwork and formal stuff, Ya’ll becomes you all or all of you, cause becomes because, and so on,” Spike said as he started writing down some examples for her.

Jack nodded while writing what he was saying down.

Twilight smiled as Spike started giving her a lot of pointers, being the helpful pony that he always had been. It was nice to see him taking initiative in helping another pony.

“Wait, colour?” Jack asked. “Why did you add the U?”

“It’s how that word is spelled,” Spike tried to say.

“Um, only Canterlot ponies spell it like that,” Twilight whispered to her little brother.

Spike paused and gulped. “Oh...” he said with a blush.

Twilight blushed as she turned to Applejack. “Sorry. There are a couple of words that we spell differently. I do try to learn how they are normally spelled. Spike still is the best writer between us and Light.”

“That’s ok y'all,” Jack said. “I had to get used to this when I got here.” 

“It’s okay, I’ll keep trying to help, even with the few mistakes I’m making,” Spike said as he was adjusting his notes.

“So… how was...” Jack was trying to find a way to ask Spike about living in Canterlot and living with Celestia as his mom.

“Um… you may want to use commas less and just make more sentences,” Spike said as he was checking her schoolwork.

“Oh.. yeah,” Jack said before going back to her work.

“Hey, how about we all just work together on the group study session after gym class?” Spike asked. “I’m already helping Shark with his spelling. It’d help us all improve on this.”

A.J. nodded. “I would really like that.”

“Good. It’ll save us some time, and Twi also has to help Dash out,” Spike explained.

“Oh.. with what?” Jack said curious about her friend.

“Biology, and Light may help her with her math skills,” Twilight explained, but please don’t make it awkward for her.

A.J. acted like she was zipping her mouth.

“So… Applejack… What do you know about Rarity?” Spike asked with a small blush.

“Oh... um... That she likes to take care of her looks, and that she would like to see Canterlot...” A.J. said, looking a bit awkward as she spoke.

“Okay… and what about her… personality?” Spike asked as Twilight was rolling her eyes.

“Umm.. a bit distant, helpful, in her own way, perfectionist, well mannered…” A.J. went on.

“Um, we may want to focus on the class and then think about Rarity later,” Twilight warned the others.

A.J. nodded as she turned to look at the teacher who was talking about where to use commas in sentences.

Twilight took a deep breath as she looked at her blushing “brother”, realizing how serious he is about Rarity. 

Jack took a glance at how Spike was writing, using his mouth to write. His movements were smooth and methodical as every letter seemed flawless, which is hard for young earth ponies. Then she looked down at her pen held in her buffalo’s cloven-hooves.

The class continued for a while until the bell went off, this class taking longer than most other classes.

“Hooey, this was a frustrating class,” A.J. admitted. “Thanks for the help.”

“Any time. I’m always willing to be helpful,” Spike assured Applejack.

Twilight smiled at her ’brother’ making friends, before looking at her paper. “Next we have…?”

“Lunch, and I’m starving,” Applejack said, rubbing her stomach.

Twilight smiled. “Me too, I hope that I can find more gem filled food,” she admitted.

“Ah! I guess that eating gems isn’t common for you?” Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head. “Most of the gems, the ones that can be found, are used to make jewellery to show off their wealth,” she explained.

“I see. It must be hard for somepony like you,” Applejack said curiously.

“The worst part is that they are only using that because they look nice, not caring for their hard attributes, capability of being used as sharp carving tools, nor their nutritional value,” Twilight said.

“Twilight, I’m pretty sure that that last part is only for you and other dragons,” Spike said.

“It’s not easy to walk through town and see ponies wearing food,” Twilight explained as she licked her lips. “Yeah, could you just imagine if ponies were walking around, wearing… umm…” Twilight paused not knowing what Buffalos ate that ponies didn’t.

“Apples. Just for the sake of the illustration, I’ll imagine apples,” Applejack said with a nod.

“Wearing... apples, not caring about how crunchy , juicy, and delicious they are,” Twilight ranted off.

“Okay, I can see your point. You may want to warn Rarity about it though. Her cutie mark is three gems, so you can see that it can influence her style sometimes,” Applejack warned her.

“What are you afraid that I’m going to do?” Twilight asked. 

“Eat one of her dresses,” Spike said with a chuckle.

Twilight looked at him. “I managed to live years in Canterlot with multiple ponies wearing them while I didn’t have any, I can manage while receiving my daily dose.” 

“More like your fix,” Spike said, trying to hold back his laughter.

“It’s food, not an addiction!” Twilight tried to insist.

“Yes, just like when Light was eating too much chocolate,” Spike said with a chuckle.

“Come on you two,” Applejack said as she patted their backs. “All this food talk is making me hungry.”

Spike nodded. “Race you!” he said before leaving his friends behind to eat his dust.

Twilight and Applejack rolled their eyes as they ran after him.





At the cafeteria they each grabbed some food. Spike had a hay-burger, fries and a glass of water. A.J. had an apple-pie, fritters and dumplings with a glass of apple juice. And Twilight had a large plate of ruby pie, which could be compared to a shepherd’s pie.

After they had their food, the group made their way to Light who was eating a few sandwiches, waiting for his friends to come to join him.

“Hey Light! How was math class?” Spike asked as he sat next to him.

“Fun,” he said between bites. “They have many things to help us out. Different coloured beans and gems, a plastic toy that helps with multiplying numbers between 1-9 with other numbers between 1-9. Just a lot of things that make learning more visual,” he explained.

“That sounds great,” Twilight said as she took a bite out of her pie. “Now I have to survive gym class.”

“You’ll be fine. Just stick close to us,” Light assured her.

“Yeah, we’ve covered for you before,” Spike agreed as he was chewing on his burger.

“Ya'll don’t need to fret, they have plenty of exercises for non ponies,” A.J. reassured them.

Light nodded. “Now I just need to hope that Flash is willing to forgive me,” Light said with a gulp.

“Dude, he’s been begging for your forgiveness,” Spike tried to point out. “Kirouac gave a speech on improving and letting go. You’ll be fine.”

Light nodded. “Yeah, but..." he turned to look at where Flash was sitting, with other students that he didn't know. A yellow soft looking buffalo, a blue pegasus with a purple headband, a changeling with shades of green, with her mane done in a bun, a red unicorn with her ponytail tied up to the end of her horn and a zebra with a blue & purple-pinkie mane. “If only he didn’t avoid me out of shame.”

“Like you didn’t avoid him in animal handling?” Spike asked. “Just go talk to him.”

Light gulped as he thought about walking over there, but was quickly interrupted as Dash, Flutter, Pinkie, and Rarity walked over to them. “Hey guys! Mind if we sit with you?” Pinkie asked excitedly.

“Oh... um... Ok,” Light said, interrupted in what he was planning to do.

Pinkie smiled brightly as she sat down next to him. As the other girls sat down, Rarity turned to Flash. “There he is with his girlfriends again. That boy seems to have a way with the mares,” she explained, not noticing Spike looking at her.

“I think they prefer the word, female friends,” Dash said.

“Call it whatever you want, I can easily tell that those are a bit more than friends,” Rarity declared, having an act for knowing who was in love with who. “Yes, Spike?” she turned to him.

Spike blushed as he turned away in shock. “I… um… nothing…” he said as his cheeks turned a deep red. Rarity smirked a bit, turning back to everyone else, noticing the face that Light was making.

Light looked shocked as he turned back to Flash. “Marefriends?” Light asked as he noticed Bubbly sitting with him and the rest of the girls, receiving a very close hug from Flash. 

“Well, he has some wonderful personality traits, and those shades add a mysterious side of him, along with the gentle appearance of the hat. He’s always had a way with those mares,” Rarity explained before looking at Light. “Have you ever dated before?”

Light shook his head. “I’m mentally handicapped. I’ve never felt comfortable with the idea of dating.”

“Oh... come on,” Pinkie said while softly petting Light. “I’m sure you’ll find the one, or ones.”

“Really?” Light asked. Pinkie nodded. Light blushed when he realized one of the things that she said. “Wait… you mean… more than one?”

Pinkie nodded once more. “I’m sure that there’s more than just one ponies or none ponies who would find you worthy of dating.”

“Oh… I doubt that ponies would like me for more than me being an alicorn,” Light said bashfully.

“You just need to find someone that's just like you,” Flutter whispered softly  in his ear. “Or at least understands you,” she said before hugging his other side.

Twilight looked rather curious. “Is it normal for a stallion to have more than one marefriend?”

“Well... Yes and maybe...” Rarity said. “There are those that are in an open relationship, but they wouldn’t just be dating him but each other,” she said while seeing how Cautious the pegasus was trying Marerian the buffalo. “Take the Pizza family for example, they are 7 mares that ended up together.

“Yeah… I’m still trying to figure that out,” Twilight admitted. “So harems and group marriages are a thing?”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, but some just stick to one. Why do you ask?”

“Just… curious about your culture,” She said as she looked at the two mares hugging Light. 

“Jealousy..? Envy..?” Rarity asked Twilight. “Or do you want to find love yourself?”

“What? No!” Twilight said in shock. “Light is like a brother to me. I don’t like him that way,” she whispered.

“I was talking about the two Aspies having ’female friends’ already,” Rarity said, 

“Aspi… what?” Twilight asked in confusion while distracted by something.

“Aspie, Asperger, one that has asperger?” Rarity asked Twilight before noticing where Twilight’s gaze had turned to. 

Twilight was getting a glance of Sleipnir walking by, looking at his formal posture and charming personality, along with those eight strong hooves.

“You like him?” Rarity asked teasingly.

“Um…” Twilight blushed a little as she was unable to answer.

“He is quite a catch,” Rarity said.

“I… I don’t know… it feels too soon,” Twilight admitted.

“Just go and talk to him. Ask him to sit with you,” Rarity insisted.

“Are you experienced with this?” Twilight asked.

“Why do you think I’m not letting Equestria’s prince get too close too quickly? I get a ton of boys wanting to be with me, but some lose interest and some I don’t end up liking. In a while, I’m going to see if Spike is willing to invest in me. Then I’ll see where it goes from there,” Rarity whispered with a wink. “Right now it’s all about you making contact and giving him a try. If you ever need dating advice, then just ask me.”

“Thank you Rarity, you really know how to be a good friend,” Twilight said before hugging her.

“You’re welcome. I’m always willing to help with young love,” she said as she hugged her back. 

Twilight let go of Rarity, got up, made her way to Sleipnir and tried to start talking. “H.. hello prince Sleipnir,” she said before trying to do a curtsy, but lost her balance and almost fell down, but was caught by Sleinir, in his strong front arms.

“Hey, you don’t need to bow if I’m not in my royal apparel, remember?” Sleipnir asked as he helped her up.

“I.. I just…” Twilight blushed as she looked into his eyes.

“Would you like me to walk to your seat? I can sit with you if you wish,” Sleipnir offered kindly, not wanting her to get hurt.

Twilight nodded, being unable to speak.

Sleipnir helped her over to her seat before turning to the others. “Mind if I join?”

“Of course not,” Rarity said, getting up and giving her seat to Sleipnir. “I’m... going to take a walk outside, smell the flowers,” she said looking back at the other students.

“Um, do you need anything?” Spike asked, somewhat eagerly.

“Well, my purse is getting heavy, so I would like a little help,” Rarity said, leading Spike along.

Spike nodded, placed her purse on his back, and followed her out.

Twilight blushed as she turned to the young prince. “So… how are you doing?”

“Oh, um, good, everything is ’normal’ for me, how about you, how are you taking the change of scenery?” Sleipnir asked her nicely.

“It’s… a lot nicer than I thought it would be,” Twilight admitted. “Nopony is as judgemental as the ponies in Canterlot.”

“Why would they be judgemental about you?” Sliepnir asked while parting the piece of mane that was in Twilight’s face.

“The ponies here or in Canterlot?” Twilight asked with a blush.

“Both,” Sleipnir said with a smile.

“Well, being a hybrid didn’t help me in Canterlot, but this place is so… welcoming,” Twilight explained.

“That’s what we aim to do,” Sleipnir told her. “And you can’t find some lovely gloves for your lovely claws.”

“Y… you think they are lovely?” Twilight asked.

“Well yes,” Sleipnir admitted before lifting them up and kissing them. “It’s clear that you take care of them.”

“Oh… d… do you do this to all mares?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Only the lovely ones,” Sleipnir admitted. “So.. just to you,” he finished with a cheesy smile.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she had no clue what to say. “I… I…”

“Hey dude, you may want to be careful about speeding,” Light told the young prince as he looked rather concerned.

“No, I’m Sleipnir, Speed is the colt in the skurt,” he said, still with his smile on.

Light took a deep breath as he ate his final sandwich. “May I talk to you in private?”

Sleipnir got up, leaving Twilight behind, and followed Light Heart. 

“Oh dear.” Twilight looked anxious as she looked at the two guys walking off.

After they were far enough Sleipnir said, “Look, feel free to be over protective of your ’sister’, but do understand this is going to cut off some of her happiness. Trust me.” Then he took a glance at Helsa, his older sister.

“I’m not telling you to dump her. I’m just setting some ground rules,” Light explained as they moved to the corner of the room. “There is no parent or big brother here for her, so I am the unofficial substitute. Ask questions about her likes and dislikes, and don’t just date her because of her looks. If you take her out, I get a schedule of your plans. Nothing with quesadillas. Trust me. You don’t get to kiss her lips until the second month at least. Lastly, she is the equivalent of my sister, so be smart and don’t break her heart. Now, are you willing to deal with me, a dragon dad, and a top notch guard brother to win her heart? If not, feel free to walk away now,” Light said coldly as he walked right up to Sleipnir, being only an inch away from him.

Sleipnir gulped, feeling awkward with Light being right in his face. However, he did want Twilight to have at least a chance at first love, so he mustered up his courage and held his ground. “I promise that I will treat her with the honor and respect she deserves, and will accept the consequences if I wrong her,” he said firmly.

Light stared at him for a while before backing off and grinning. “Alright, you earned the ability to try being more than friends. Don’t make me regret it. Shining will kill me.”

“I’m sure Twilight will find a way to make me regret this,” Sleipnir said. 

“If you break her heart, I will,” Light said as he turned to head back to the group.

Twilight was relieved as Light and Sleipnir both came back, seeming to be rather content.

Sleipnir looked around. ”Have Spike and Rarity come back?” he asked.

“Oh, we just did darling,” Rarity said as she walked over with Spike. “I hope you all enjoyed each other’s company while we were gone.”

Sleipnir glanced at Light Heart. “Ya... yes we did.” He put on a smile.

Spike looked curious as he finally turned to Sleipnir. “Did he give you the talk?” Spike whispered to him.

“No, my dad already did,” Sleipnir told Spike.

“Not that one, the ’date my family member’ talk.”

“Ah... yes.” Sleipnir nodded.

“Yeah… it’s tradition, and Twilight, I hope you understand,” Spike whispered as Twilight walked up to Sleipnir.

Sleipnir nodded. “I do, I can see how protective Light is.”

“You have no idea,” Spike whispered, shuddering at the memory of Light’s rampage.

“I was told by my father that I don’t want to see what happens when an Alicorn gets angry,” Sleipnir said with worry.

“Really?” Twilight asked, now being in range to hear what they were talking about. “What did he say about it?”

“Umm.. let’s see,” Sleipnir said, starting to think of what his dad told him.

Before they could talk more about it, the bell went off again.

“Yeehaw! Time for some good old fashioned gym class!” Applejack said as she jumped out of her seat.

“Yeah! Race you all!” Dash said before flying off.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “How uncouth!” 

“Wait for ME!” Pinkie said before bouncing off after Dash.

“Ohh... dash... pinkie... not so fast,” Flutter whispered into the air.

Sleipnir cringed as he felt his competitive side taking over. “Um, mind if I race Dash to the field? She may be the flyer, but I’m the runner,” Sleipnir asked Twilight.

“Go on, Twilight encouraged, staying behind with Spike and Light.

“Alright. I’ll see you later,” Sleipnir said as he darted after the rest of the group.

Both Rarity and Flutter stepped aside when Sleipnir passed them, as they were trying to reach their class.

Spike turned to the others as he stretched his hooves. “So, I guess we will join the rest of the school for gym.”

Light nodded. “Hope it’s better than the gym class in Canterlot,” he said with a shiver.

“Are you kidding? Now I get ponies who don’t always use magic to get an edge,” Spike said with a big grin as he motioned the others to follow him.

“It’s not like we couldn’t play dirty as well,” Light pointed out as they walked.

“Yeah, but other kids didn’t get chewed out like we did,” Spike reminded him

Light nodded. “Please don’t remind me,” he begged.

Twilight sighed before turning to Light. “How was your gym class when you were a unicorn in Ponyville?”

“Considering how young I was when I became an alicorn, it was playground time until the teacher called us in,” Light explained.

“Oh... so you didn’t test your strength before getting your wings!?” Spike asked.

“Nope. I just spent time away from the other kids,” Light admitted bashfully as they walked outside.

“Oof, how... How bad was it?” Spike asked. “What did you do?”

“Nothing. I just have a hard time being social,” Light explained as they were following the other students.

“But what did you play? Hopscotch!?” Spike asked.

“Eh, just a bunch of small games. None that I remember a lot.”

“Mhm...” Twilight said. “Well... you have us now.”

“Yeah, I just don’t want to mess up epically again,” Light explained.

“Hey.” Spike hugged Light. “Even if you do, we’ll be there for you.”

“Either way, I am the pony who struggles with sports,” Twilight reminded him.

“I’m sure that they will know how to accommodate your claws,” Spike told her.

“Again, I read books, not play sports,” Twilight tried to point out as they walked into the gym building.

“Yes, if you had a Dragon-Hoard it would literally just be a library!” Spike said teasingly. “What about your dad?”

Twilight shrugged. “I don’t get to spend a lot of time with him.”

“Oh... no,” Spike said, thinking back about it. “Why…?”

“I spent several years in Celestia’s school, and my dad can’t live in city limits,” Twilight explained.

“Weekends?” Spike asked before looking at Light Heart.

“Well… I just study a lot. I usually get to visit him once or twice a month, and we normally just talk,” Twilight said as they were walking up to the locker rooms.

“What about you, Light?” Spike asked with worry.

“Traveling to Canterlot takes money and time. I usually see my family biweekly,” Light said with a shrug. “That’s life.”

“You if only you two could fly,” Spike said, stopping his walking.

Light and Twilight both turned to Spike with an annoyed look. “We’ll handle that later,” Twilight said as she turned to what she supposed were the locker-rooms, but instead of being separated by gender, there were just a bunch of individual ones.

“Wow.” Spike said. “Now we can change in pea…” he stopped when he realized one thing. “Um, we have no gym clothes.”

“We’re ponies. We don’t normally wear clothes,” Light pointed out.

“Yeah... but…” Spike tried to say but stopped himself when he saw Rarity.

“Hello darlings. I’m glad that you didn’t get lost on the way here,” she said as she was adjusting what was seemingly the school gym uniform.

Light tilted his head. “Do... do we have to?” he asked.

“To what? Get lost?” Rarity asked as she brushed her mane back.

“No, wear gym clothes?” Light asked, not being interested in Rarity.

“Oh, it is a requirement,” Rarity explained. “It’s to keep us from getting hurt from scrapes, bruises, and burns from any fire breathers. Let me guess, they forgot to get you your uniforms. They mess up every time,” Rarity said with a giggle.

Twilight looked at all of them sheepishly. “Do... do you know where we can find some?”

Rarity nodded as she walked over to a closet. “Of course. They keep a ton of spares in here for special cases,” she explained as she waved at a teacher. “Excuse me, my friends here didn’t get their gym clothes, so would you be a dear and help me get them some?” Rarity asked kindly.

“No, I’m from the gorilla tribe,” the friendly buffalo teacher told her.

“Oh, you are so clever,” Rarity said with a small giggle, not showing any resentment for the joke.

The teacher nodded before opening the closet for them and showing them off. “What color?” 

“Violet for Twilight, purple and green for Spike, and light blue for Light Heart,” Rarity said, keeping their color pallets in mind.

The teacher nodded before tossing the matching colors to them. When they caught the clothes, they seemed to be too small, but when they unfolded them, they now seemed to be too big.

“Um, may I have a smaller one?” Twilight asked nervously.

Rarity giggled at the inexperienced ponies. “Have you ever heard of changeling silk?” she asked as she stretched her uniform’s sleeve a bit.

“Umm... I heard of Changelings?” Light said with an uneasy tone.

“Well, in order to be able to change forms quickly without being restricted by their wings or horns. So they ended up making this magical silk that shifts as they shift. When the formula was brought to MoonRacer, they were able to adjust the formula so that it doesn’t just adjust to changelings,” Rarity started to explain with a smile as she motioned for the others to the locker rooms. “Just try them on, and it will be like a second skin to you.”

Twilight looked concerned about how Rarity knew so much about changeling silk, but dismissed it as just her knowing about clothes. “O... ok,” she said before walking into one of the changing rooms.

“Don’t worry. Fashion is my life. You’ll love this fabric,” Rarity assured them.

Twilight slipped the clothes onto herself, swimming in them until she managed to have her head and legs sticking out. “Now wha..." she gasped as she felt the clothes shrink to fit her, even changing to be more comfortable on & for her half dragon body.

“Sweet Celestia! It’s sticking my wings through the back!” Light yelped from his room.

Twilight turned and craned her head to look at her back, seeing that it did the same for her leathery wings. “Wow… this is amazing…” Twilight said, examining the suit as it fit snugly to her body.

“This is incredible!” Spike yelled out. “It feels better than the custom made clothes that Celestia gets me.”

“Oh, I believe that other fabrics have a special taste to them as well. I use all kinds of fabrics, and am willing to make all kinds of dresses… but I’m not well versed in stallion-styles clothes,” Rarity explained as she was waiting for the others to come out.

“I don’t really mind,” Spike said walking out, moving around not feeling restrained. 

Twilight and Light walked out as well, both still shocked by the special material.

“It’s amazing how comfortable it is,” Twilight said with glee.

“It’s crazy that it works,” Light said as he was flapping his wings a little.

Twilight nodded, flexing her body and feeling the first time that she had something that fit her.

“The school makes them, so they are rather simple. If you wish, I can make some more fashionable clothing for you,” Rarity offered.

“I would love that,” Twilight said before hugging Rarity.

“What’re y’all waiting for?” A.J. asked, walking to them with Dash on her side, both in their gym uniforms.

“Just… getting used to the clothes,” Twilight explained.

“Yeah... I know, they’re so... 20% cooler!” Dash said.

A.J. nodded, recalling how it was when she couldn’t find anything for her buffalo body before moving to MoonRacer with her grandma. Large torsos are not common for pony mares.

“So, what kind of sports do you play here?” Spike asked as he started stretching.

“Well soccer is very popular here,” Dash said. “So is volleyball, even if they don’t let you use your wings,” she said with a frown.

“It gives wingless ponies a chance to win against you,” Applejack pointed out with a smirk.

“If they can’t beat me at my best, they shouldn’t be playing at all,” Dash said before flexing her wings.

“Where is the fun in not being able to win or not having a challenge?” Pinkie asked as she hopped onto Dash’s back.

“What’s the fun of just making it easy?” Dash replied.

“I think I’m going to fail badly today,” Light muttered with a gulp.

“Speak for yourself. You have earth pony strength. I read books,” Twilight pointed out as she scratched her head.

“He ain't the only one!” A.J. said proudly.

“I’ve got it too!” Pinkie said while jumping up.

“Alight, we’re both going to fail epically,” Light told Twilight as he was fearing going against these athletes.

“I’m not one!” Pinkie said. “I’ll help you win!” 

“Um… Where is Fluttershy?” Twilight asked curiously.

“She tends to fill the water cups,” Dash explained. “She also tries to cheer us on, but it’s hard for her to be vocal.”

“Oh... she’s both the water-filly and the cheerleader!?” Spike asked, turning to Rarity to see if she may be also one of them.

“Um… define cheer…” Rarity said nervously.

“Umm... PomPom!?” Spike asked.

“Um… she’s a very reserved cheerleader,” Rarity admitted.

“Oh... how so?” Light asked, concerned for his new friend.

“Fluttershy lives up to the last part of her name, and isn’t very competitive. So she tends to be very quiet and reserved. She doesn’t play competitively much,” Dash explained as she was stretching her wings.

“I have noticed,” Twilight said. “I do hope that she’s at least happy with where she is in her life.”

“Oh, she never complains, and she is a good pony to talk to,” Rarity assured them.

Spike smiled. “So.. should we join the class, or... Should we…?”

“Yes! Let’s get going!” Dash said as she started shoving Twilight and Light towards the main gym.

“Aaa,” both of their wings flapping as they were trying to resist her. “Please don’t shove us,” they asked Dash.

“Awe, don’t sweat this class,” Dash said as she carried them onto the field.

“Isn’t that the point?” Pinkie asked. “To sweat?”

“That’s not what she meant,” Applejack pointed out as they led the group to the rest of the kids.

“Just chillax. Follow the rules, have fun, and try not to get in my way,” Dash explained to the others as they saw the gym teacher walking in front of the kids.

It was clear by the tuft of fur and the cloven hooves that this pegasus was half buffalo. “Ok class, let’s start with some stretching! First extend your front right hoof and if you have one, your right wing as well.”

The kids followed the teacher’s instructions, a few of them noticing that Sleipnir was extending his front two right hooves.

“Now twist them a bit,” the teacher said, glancing at Light and Twilight.

Twilight was trying to examine the teacher and tried to mimic her movements, not used to exercises like this. Canterlot never invested in sports too much, so this left Spike to be the only one out of the three canterlot transfers who was comfortable with these stretches.

The teacher made her way to both Twilight and Light. “Are you two having trouble?” she asked them.

“Um… it’s just a new stretch for us,” Twilight explained before hearing Light fall on his face. “Mainly because we rarely use our wings,” she added with a wince.

The teacher tilted her head. “Oh? Would you like my help with that?”

“Well… Dash offered to help teach us to fly, but I guess we do need help with the wing stretches,” Twilight admitted.

The teacher nodded. “Ok.” She turned to the rest of the class. “Please continue your stretching,” she told them before going back to Twilight and Light. “Now... I want you to stretch your wings as wide as you can.”

“Straight out or up?” Light asked as he got back onto his hooves.

“Let’s do 45 degrees,” the teacher said.

“Um… I forget what that’s supposed to be,” Light said as he tried to figure out what position to put his wings at.

The teacher placed her wings horisontal. “0 degrees.” Then she placed her wings straight up. “90 degrees.” Then she went between the two. “45 degrees.”

“Oh, okay,” Light said as he and Twilight tried to follow her example.

The teacher went to each of them. “Do you mind if I touch your wings?”

“Um… I don’t mind?” Twilight said with a nod.

“I… I don’t feel comfortable with having my wings touched while extended,” Light admitted nervously.

“Would you rather I show you on Twight, and then.. If you are fine, she can touch yours?” the teacher asked nicely.

“Um… I don’t know…” Light said as he felt rather awkward.

“You don’t have to answer right away,” the teacher let Light know before turning to Twilight. “Now as for you,” she softly touched Twilight's wings. “Your wings should be more straight, and curving this way,” she said while adjusting her wings.

“Oh… Okay,” Twilight said as she paid close attention to how she was positioning her wings.

The teacher turned to Light. “Are you following?” she asked.

“Yes Ma’am,” Light said as he was trying to follow the motions as best as possible.

“Do you need Twilight or I to move them for you?” she asked her student.

“I… I’m good,” Light said nervously.

“Ok... now let’s try to bend them inward,” the teacher said.

“Okay,” Twilight said as she tried to follow the teacher’s instructions to the letter.

“Light?” the teacher asked him.

“I… I’m good,” Light tried to assure them.

“Ok... now put your wings back to being straight, then rebend them.”

Both Twilight and Light were following her instructions, even though it was clear who was struggling.

“Is there something that is bothering you?” the teacher asked.

“N… nothing,” Light said.

Twilight looked worried before deciding to whisper to the teacher. “He’s afraid of heights.”

The teacher nodded before walking to Light, and sitting next to Light. “I was scared of heights when I was your age,” she admitted.

Light blushed as he turned away from her. “I… I just don’t want to be forced into it.”

“No one is forcing you to fly,” the teacher let him know. “But you still need to take care of your wings.”

Light looked nervous as he looked at his wings. “I was afraid of heights for so long, and now I have a pair of wings. It just… doesn’t feel natural for me.”

The teacher looked at Light for a second. “What is natural?” she asked him, passing her feathers through her cloven hooves.

“The horn… you don’t know, do you?” Light asked as he started to look ashamed.

“By the way that you are talking, I take it that you’re not actually a pegacorn!?” the teacher asked him.

Light nodded bashfully.

“And that the legend is true, of ponies getting wings and a horn to become an Alicorn!?” the teacher added.

“I know of me and Cadence, but not any other new alicorns,” Light admitted.

“I bet that the support group of pegacorns, at least one, invited you to join them?” the teacher asked. 

“I… Is that what that mare invited me to?” Light asked, looking scared at the thought of being outcast by them.

“You should join them,” the teacher suggested. “They may be able to make you feel normal, and help you with your wings.”

“So… will they mind that I am an alicorn?” Light asked nervously.

The teacher winced a bit. “May... maybe hold back on the whole alicorn thing,” the teacher added to her suggestion. 

“B… but they expect me to be a pegacorn…” Light pointed out.

“Didn’t your paper say that your mother is a pegasus, while your father is a unicorn?” the teacher asked him.

“Yes…” Light said, having heard this being pointed out before.

“Then you can easily pass as one. Better than Solid Ground,” the teacher said.

“So… I just have to lie?” Light asked, feeling awkward about doing it.

The teacher begrudgingly nodded. “I don’t really know why they are so.. anti-alicorn,” she admitted. “You should ask about the empty chair they have.”

“An empty chair?” Light asked.

“Yes, from what I heard and can understand, they had a member that left them,” the teacher tried to explain.

Twilight could tell how scared he was, so she turned to the teacher. “Well, I think we can work on that later. Are there any other stretches that we need to do?”

“Yes, your back hooves,” the teacher said with a smile.

“Oh, okay,” Twilight said with a nod.

“Lift your left back hoof up,” the teacher said. “Then pull it back.”

Twilight and Light both did as she instructed, but this time it was Twilight who was struggling to keep her balance.

The teacher looked confused. “W.. what’s wrong?”

“I’m.. just not used to working out and stretching,” Twilight admitted.

“Have you.. Played any sports before?” she asked.

“Um… no…” Twilight admitted. “I was allowed to get extra credit for spending recess working on other school projects back in Canterlot.”

The gym teacher frowned. “Should I suggest that you try… ballet, baseball or any other sports?” she asked.

“Um… is it a requirement?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Well, it’s good to keep yourself in good health,” the teacher pointed out.

“I normally try to stick to a somewhat healthy diet,” Twilight tried to explain.

“Eating is not all,” the teacher said. “You should also exercise your muscles.” 

“Oh…” Twilight said disheartedly before looking the teacher in the eyes. “Am I allowed to see a list of the sports, have time to research them, and pick one myself?”

The teacher nodded. “Of course, after class, but for now, let’s join back with the rest of the students.”

“Yes ma’am,” Twilight agreed with a nod.

While they were joining the rest of the group, Sleipnir was taking care to help the other students with their stretches and exercise.

“Now, up and dow... Oh! You’re back!” Sleipnir said.

“Thank you for taking charge in leading the class Sleipnir,” the teacher said as she took her position again.

“You’re welcome,” Sleipnir said while backing away and retacking his place with the other students.

“Alright! Who’s ready to get started on today’s activity?” the teacher asked with a big smile. The students all nodded. “Alright! Let’s divide into teams and get onto the soccer fields!” the teacher said as the kids started to divide up into groups.

“A.J., Dash, please be in separate teams,” the teacher asked them.

“Of course. I always love the chance to go head to head with her,” Dash said with a grin.

Applejack chuckled as she adjusted her hat. “Bring it on Dash.”

“Now, now, it’s just going to be a friendly game,” the teacher told both of them while getting between them. “You two can do that in your free time or championship.”

Applejack nodded as she turned to the new kids. “Um, how do we want to sort them out?”

“Umm... Light in A.J. team, Twilight in Dash’s team, and Spike can…” the teacher tried to think.

“Be on my team!” Dash said quickly. “After all, Jack is getting an alicorn and I’m getting an egghead.”

Light winted before looking around to see if any students heard her out him.

“Well... you don’t need to say that,” the teacher chewed out Dash.

“Exactly Darling! Try and have some tact,” Rarity agreed.

“Oh... and which team are you in, Rarity?” Spike asked her. 

“Oh... I’m in A.J.’s team,” Rarity admitted. “But I do try to be civil.”

“Oh… can I swap with Light then?” Spike asked the teacher hopefully.

“Um...” the teacher looked around to the rest of the students that were already split. “Sorry, maybe next time.” 

“Oh… okay,” Spike said, looking disappointed.

“Ok, class, please all take a jersey of your color,” the teacher said, giving A.J.’s team blue jerseys with yellow numbers on them, while Dash’s team got white jerseys with black numbers on them.

Dash quickly worked on getting her team together. “Alright Spike, do you have any soccer experience?”

“I... um… how much do we need?” Spike asked Dash.

“It’s a school, so not much unless you want to be on the starting group or on an official team,” Pinkie assured them while bouncing around the group.

“Umm.. a little,” Spike admitted.

“Alright, we’ll put you on the early sub list to see what you’ve got. All the new kids are supposed to get field time, so don’t worry about it,” Dash assured him before turning to Twilight. “Hey Twi, we usually put the weaker players in close to the end of the game, so maybe you can help Fluttershy get the drinks set up till then.”

Twilight turned to look at Flutter, who was giving out drinks to both teams. “I.. ok,” she said with defeat.

“It’s okay. She’s technically on Jack's team, and it can give you two some time to talk,” Dash tried to comfort her.

Twilight nodded. “Ok,” she said before going to Flutter.

Fluttershy was busy working to get the cups filled while Angel was helping bring out the cups. “Oh, thank you Angel. It’s nice to have a bit of quiet time between classes.” The bunny nodded before his ears perked up at who was walking to them.

“Hi Fluttershy. Do you mind if I help?” Twilight asked as she walked over to help.

“Oh!” Flutter turned around. “Twilight,” she said in relief. “Of course.”

Twilight started to help her as she looked rather curious about her shy nature. “So, I see you don’t care for sports much. I admittedly don’t care for it either.”

“No... it’s rough and loud,” Flutter admitted while petting Angel’s head. “I am more focused on my animal friends.” 

“I see,” Twilight said as she started to help pour the drinks. “I can understand the rough and loud part due to Light. I just prefer to study in my free time.”

“Oh... what do you read?” Flutter asked.

“Magic, science, history, geography, basically a lot of studying. I do read a bit of Daring Do every time a new book comes out,” Twilight admitted. “I have all of her books.”

“Oh... I... have read some of her books,” Flutter admitted. “The Jr. ones.”

“The Jr. ones?” Twilight asked curiously.

Flutter nodded. “Yes, the ones where she’s still a little filly, helping to find lost cat’s and save a family of raccoons,” she explained. 

“Yeah, those ones are older and some of them seem a little odd, but they provide a lot of backstory to her,” Twilight admitted. “Do you read any other books? Maybe we could have a book reading group.”

“Umm... Mostly just nature, and how to care for your fellow animal,” Flutter admitted.

“Really?” Twilight asked before noticing Angel seeming to chuckle.

“Oh, don’t be like that, you silly little pet,” Flutter told her before petting his head.

Angel grinned as he pulled a book out of Fluttershy’s book bag.

Twilight looked confused as she read the book title. “Werewolf and the princess? Isn’t this a teen love title?”

Flutter covered her face. “ANGEL!” she seemed to be crying.

Twilight blushed as she put the book back into her bag. “It’s okay. I think we’ve all read a few books like this before.”

Flutter looked up. “You... you don’t fear me, nor find me weird?” she asked.

Twilight shook her head. “Not at all. The other girls in my school would read these books all of the time.”

“Oh...” Flutter blushed. “My.”

“So… I noticed you were getting close to Light. May I ask why? You barely know him,” Twilight pointed out.

“He... he’s very soft spoken,” Flutter said.

“And?” Twilight asked.

Flutter started to name off everything that she likes about Light. “and he is also friends with Pinkie Pie.”

Twilight grinned a little. “And he’s cute,” she pointed out. “I saw a bunch of mares try to hit on him, but he never dated them because of one main reason.”

“Oh... what, what is it?” Flutter asked worriedly, hoping she wouldn’t have that problem.

“He’s oblivious,” Twilight pointed out with a giggle. “He doesn’t tend to know when a girl is into him until they lose interest or they go too far. Too many were into his looks and didn’t have enough dedication to wait for him.” 

“Oh...” Flutter whispered to herself. “Well.. if it ends up like that, I’ll be satisfied with just being his friend,” she admitted with defeat.

“Darling, you don’t understand,” Rarity said as she walked over and wiped the sweat off of her head. “Light is a long term investment. You just need to have patience and understanding with him,” Rarity tried to explain.

“I do, Rarity, but I’m also realistic and ready to accept the possibility. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up,” Flutter said triumphantly.

“Yeah, just expect the poor guy to be awkward about everything,” Twilight warned them with a giggle. 

“Yes, but. Oh...” Rarity said. “Light is talking to Pinkie Pie!”

Twilight turned to see that Pinkie was talking to him excitedly, even though she was on the sideline and he was playing. “Oh… goof up in three, two, one…”

Light suddenly slipped in a mud puddle, getting completely coated.

“That’s Light,” Twilight said with a giggle.

“Oh no, I... I should go help him,” Flutter said before running off.

“He’s fine… just embarrassed as usual,” Twilight said as she saw Light trying to get up without help.

It was too late, Flutter had run off to Pinkie Pie to help Light Heart up. 

“I’m fine!” Light tried to say as he was drenched in mud.

“Um, I think you may want to sub out, Sugar,” Applejack said as she motioned for another sub to come in.

“You’re not hurt?” Flutter asked, placing one of Light’s arms over herself, while Pinkie did the same with his other front hoof.

“I’ve felt worse,” Light admitted.

Flutter and Pinkie both took Light to the bench. “I... we will sit with you, Flutter said softly while blushing.

“Thanks,” Light said as he started wiping the mud off of his face.

Flutter looked around for the extra clean towels that they left on the bench for this. “Let me wipe it off of you,” she said, blushing when she realized what she just said.

“Thanks,” Light said, oblivious of their advances.

“Let me do his other side,” Pinkie said as well, grabbing her own towels.

“Oh, both at once?” Light asked.

“Twisted as fast!” Pinkie said.

“I… have no clue what that means,” Light admitted as the other kids were giggling a bit.

“I think she means twice as fast,” Flutter told Light.

“Oh, well thanks. I just needed my ability to see again,” Light said as they finished cleaning his face.

“How is it now?” Flutter asked.

“Better. Thanks,” Light said as he was now more relaxed.

Both girls nodded while looking at the game that was playing.

Sleipnir, wearing a Yellow jersey, had one of the 3 soccer balls that they were playing with, and managed to make a score. 

Dash groaned a little as Sleipnir was able to outpace her on the ground.

His blue jersey changed to a white one.

“Wait, what happened?” Twilight asked in confusion as she was about to be subbed in.

“Oh, now Sleipnir is on the other team!” Pinkie said.

“What does that mean?” Light asked.

“When you score, you change color and get onto the other team,” Rarity explained.

“Oh, that explains things… kinda…” Twilight said as she was motioned to switch with another player.

Rarity nodded. “Yes, it makes sure you play in teams of different players, and make sure that no team is better than the other, since the best player will have to play for both of them at one piont or the other.

“The only exception is professional teams,” Dash explained as she and Appledash now seemed to simply be coaching.

“Yes, but that would make it fun and very… United if professional teams in professional games did that,” Pinkie said.

“It would make strategies and rosters a pain,” Spike pointed out.

“The best strategist can still win, even when they are giving the unexpected,” Sleipnir told them.

“Yeah, there is a reason why this is messing with my head,” Light said as he was rubbing his neck.

Pinkie hugged Light. “Don’t think about it too much and try to just have fun,” she told him.

“It has a lot of variables, but is a valid school activity,” Twilight pointed out before tripping over a ball.

Sleipnir helped Twilight up. “It can get chaotic.” 

“Ow… I can feel that,” Twilight said as she got back up.

“Don’t worry! It happens. Just keep trying!” Applejack tried to encourage her.

“Do I need to take you to the bench?” Sliepnir asked Twilight.

“I’m fine!” Twilight tried to assure the others.

“Then kick the ball to the other goal,” Applejack tried to explain with a small groan.

Sliepnir passed the ball to Twilight, who seemed rather awkward trying to kick the ball, namely due to her trying to be extra careful to not pop it.

“Ouch, she was not made for sports,” Dash said with a cringe. “At least she’s trying. I can always respect that.”

“I just don’t want to pop it,” Twilight explained.

“It’s pop proof,” Dash yelled out. “Any of us could grab it, and try to rip it open without any success.”

“Especially with the fact that you don’t trim your nails,” Rarity told her.

“I don’t know how! Nopony knows how to do it in Canterlot,” Twilight said as she tripped on the ball again.

Rarity gave a soft sigh as she got out a file. “I can help with that after school.”

“Have you never pushed something with your hooves?” Dash asked. “Or your claws!?”

“Not a ball,” Twilight explained. “And I’m trying to kick it while running.”

“Kick it away from you, then run to where you have just kicked it.” Dash told her.

“It’s not as easy as you say!!!” Twilight said as she kicked it too far away from her.

“Well at the least she has learned how to pass,” Pinkie said.

“Yep, to the wrong team,” Light pointed out.

Spike was breathing heavily as he was finishing his second time being on the field and walking towards the others. “Maybe she needs lessons on how to play?”

A.J. turned to look at Dash.

“I can see what I can do, but I also have to get my grades up if I want to stay in the sport,” Dash explained with a shudder.

“That’s the deal between us,” Twilight said.

“Scary.” Applejack sighed before the whistle went off. “And that’s the game.” 

“Aww.. it’s over,” Pinkie said with a frown. 

“At least she didn’t fall in the mud,” Light said as he was trying to brush the mud off of his suit. “The pegacorn group is going to love hearing me explain this.”

“Oh... um… good luck with that,” Flutter said.

“Hit the shower!” the gym teacher said. “figuratively not literally,” she clarified.

“Yeah, we always get some free time to clean off, and since you three are new, you get to have a bit more free time while meeting some of the group scouts,” Dash explained with a bit of excitement. 

“G... Group scout!?” Light asked with a gulp.

“Yeah, Tomato is one for pegacorns,” Dash explained.

Applejack sighed as she patted Light on the back. “Don’t worry about it too much. They meet up at certain times, so you don’t have to worry about having to juggle a ton. They also aren’t very pushy. You just need to be in at least three groups, one educational, one physical, and one social.”

“Well... I’m already in a social one,” Light said. “What sports are open?” 

“Track and field, stunt flying, soccer, volleyball, dancing, swimming, baseball, and basketball. And don’t forget that picking more than one in each category is an option,” Dash pointed out.

“Ok... um... What about education?” Light asked with worry in his voice.

“There is a lot more in that category than sports, but you can do a ton of stuff,” Applejack explained as they started walking towards the shower stalls. “Thus the education groups end up being smaller than the sports groups.”

“Oh... there’s animal care,” Flutter said with pep in her voice. “And childcare education at the orphanage...”

“Baking counts as well!” Pinkie said with excitement. “I think that there’s also something with Marerian.”

“Leadership classes are also available,” Sleipnir added.

“I... I think I’ll pass on that one,” Light admitted before lowering his head.

“I think we all know that Light will be joining the crafts department,” Rarity said with a giggle.

“A.. yes, that’s the one with Marerian,” Pinkie said.

“Crafts?” Light asked curiously.

“Well, it’s a broad term due to the little types of crafts. I personally attend to make accessories, but toys are a common thing as well,” Rarity explained, much to Light’s excitement.

“What does helping Dash, count as?” Twilight asked her while turning to her.

“Basic tutoring, which is homeroom stuff,” Dash explained disheartedly.

“Oh... so it doesn't count!” Twilight said.

“Nope. There is a literature club that you may like,” Fluttershy suggested.

Both Light and Spike had to hold back Twilight from her excitement.

“As for social groups, you get a lot of options because they group up in activities that didn’t classify as education, and there are also groups based on backgrounds like race, upbringing, and disabilities,” Rarity finished explaining.

“Mhm... Asperger?” Light asked.

Flutter nodded. “FlashTruth is the leader of that group.”

“Oh…” Light looked somewhat discouraged, but not wanting to outright break his promise to Pinkie about trying to be friends with Flash.

“Is there something wrong?” Flutter asked Light, petting his back.

“I… it’s nothing,” Light said as they got to the locker rooms. “I need to get cleaned up.”

“Oh... see you later, Light,” Pinkie said, waving him away.

Pinkie sighed as she hugged Flutter. “Completely oblivious. This is going to be fun,” she said with a giggle.

Flutter nodded as she walked away with Pinkie. “Which of us do you think he'll notice first?”

“Hm… subtle vs blunt.” Pinkie started to muse to herself. “I'm going to bet both!”

“Both!?” Flutter asked. “What makes you think he’s not going to notice just you?” she asked, looking down, thinking of her timid nature.

“Just a hunch,” Pinkie said with a shrug.

Flutter nodded. “If you say so.”

“Just try to make sure you don’t force him into a relationship too fast,” Twilight warned them as she was walking into a changing room.

“Don’t worry. We’ll just have fun as friends for a while,” Pinkie assured her with a giggle. “We don’t need to get all crazy lovey for a while.”

“Agreed. Love is a long trip, not a vacation,” Rarity said with a nod.

“Yeah, all you lovebirds can woo over him if you want. I’m going to get ready for my first group,” Dash said as she flew off.

“Well, bye for now,” Flutter whispered in her usual timid voice.

“By the way, will any of you be at the pool today? Shark invited us over there,” Spike said with a soft blush as he thought about Rarity swimming.

“Oh, not me. Ponies like me have problems with floating,” Applejack said as she was brushing off her hat. “And don’t bother inviting Flash. The poor kid has a harder time floating than I do.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked curiously as she was about to change.

“We’ll explain later. Right now we need to get cleaned up,” Rarity said as she walked into a changing room.

Twilight nodded as they all started to get cleaned up for the next ’class’.

Spike walked into the shower stall, closed the door, took his gym uniform-clothing off, placed it in the water-proof box and then turned the shower on, and started to scrub his body.

As he was starting to get the sweat off of him, he heard a sudden burst of water in the stall next door, along with Light screaming. “WHAT THE HAY!!! TURN IT OFF!!!”

“Oh, is that the stall with the loose shower head?” Pinkie asked before going into her shower stall.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she jumped out of her stall and tried to teleport Light out of the stall, only for her magic to fail her. “W… what? He’s right there! Why can’t I teleport him?”

“There are a few rooms designed to prevent teleportation, namely the restrooms and shower stalls,” Applejack explained as she tried to help Twilight out by slamming on the door. “Just turn off the water and get outta there!”

Light yanked the water handle that was made to be strong enough to survive a dragon trying to rip it off the wall until it turned off. He got out of the shower-stall, his body completely wet.

Twilight winced as she saw Light’s wet and stressed out body. “Oh… this isn’t one of your best days.”

“Tell me about it.” Light said while lowering his head.  “First, I might have ruined my friendship with the kinship I have with literally the first other pony with AS that I have met, and now I have to go meet a group of ‘pegacorns’ who think that I’m also one of them, and for some unknown reason, dislike alicorns.” He placed his face in his hooves

“Hey… It’s gonna be alright. Yer just having a rough day in a new place,” Applejack tried to comfort him.

“Yes... but.” Light lifted his head. “It was supposed to be a new fresh start! A better start with ‘ponies’ that would understand.”

“Light… we’re not perfect, no matter how much we’d like to be,” Applejack tried to explain. “Quite a few of us come from broken homes or clashing cultures. Right now you’re just… more unique in some areas, but you fit in through other ways.”

Light felt a bit silly to be complaining about his life. “I.. I just want to understand why and how!?” He cried out to mostly himself.

Twilight gave him a soft hug, petting his wings that were magically grown. “I… I don’t know why you are an alicorn… but maybe there is a reason that you haven’t found yet, like cutie marks. It just takes time to find out?”

“Yes.. but…” He lifted his head to look at Twilight. “Why me and not somepony else? There are many different ponies that are more worthy than me. Like... my older brother and… Kirouac!?”

“Define worthy,” Applejack told him before sitting down next to him. “Maybe you are more worthy than all of us. But either way, you’re a kid right now, not a destined prince. Just remember that.”

“Tell that to the... ‘Alicorn worshippers,” Light told them.

Applejack looked shocked by that revelation. “Really? That’s a thing?”

Light nodded,”Yeah... since Celestia moves the sun and has lived for thousands of years… many ponies have started to think of her as... a Deity.”

“And other alicorns have this problem?” The farmer asked. “Do you have a church dedicated to you?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” Light admitted. “And the only other alicorn is Cadence. Celestia gets called the Alicorn of the Sun, while Cadence is starting to get called the one of Love,” he explained before turning to Twilight to confirm.

“Yeah… it’s awkward according to Cadence,” Twilight admitted.

A.J. winced. “I can understand why.” 

“Well, how about I join you in the pegacorn group?” Twilight asked. “I’m your friend, and also have wings and a horn. I’m sure that they’ll let me sit in on one session.”

A.J. thought about it. “I did hear that Kirouac was part of the group before getting too busy. And he also didn’t want to look like he was... playing favourites,” she explained.

“So… I just have to lie for the rest of my life,” Light asked as he was starting to shiver from being soaked for so long.

A.J. could understand the dislike of lying, so she placed a hove onto Light’s shoulder. “You... you just need to wait until they figure that out by themselves,” she suggested.

Light nodded as he heard the bell go off. “I guess I had better get walking,” Light said as he started getting up, still dripping water.

“Here, let me dry you off,” Twilight said as she blew a stream of flames at him, drying him off while not burning him.

A.J. backed away in a bit of a shock. “I... w… What?”

Light brushed his messy mane a bit before turning towards Applejack. “She’s really good at that trick. She even met Celestia that way.”

“B... by setting other ponies on fire?” A.J. asked.

“No, it’s controlling the heat while protecting the body.” Twilight explained.

“Oh... please never do that on me,” A.J. both asked and begged before looking over her fur covered body.

“It’s okay. She learned to ask consent, and she has mine and Light’s,” Spike explained as he got out of his changing room.

A.J. nodded before looking at the time. “Sorry y'all, but I have to go now. Support group for half buffalo and ponies,”he told them.

“Okay. We’ll find our way to the pegacorn group,” Twilight said as she gave Applejack a small hug. “Thanks for helping.”

“Shucks, it was nothing,” A.J. told them before trotting off.

“Well, it’s racial support hour, and I get to meet some other magical earth ponies,” Spike said as he cracked his neck. “Will you two be okay?”

Twilight nodded, trying to hide her sadness of only having Kirouac as half dragon half unicorn here. “Yeah... we will,” she said before wrapping her arm around Light’s neck.

“Hey, we have the three amigos, at least part time,” Light said as he tried to wrap a wing over her.

Twilight smiled. “Let’s play in the park after the group meet ups,” she suggested.

“Well, after home room,” Spike said with a grin. “We can play frisbee, magic edition.” 

Twilight nodded. “Yeah! See you.”

Spike smiled as he ran down the hall, leaving the two winged unicorns.

Light and Twilight walked along the halls asking for help from other ponies, and the other support group. Flutter walking in the Kirin’s group, the Halfling, and Rarity who seemed to be waiting for someone, Pinkie waving at everypony while standing in front of the half Diamond-dog, and Dash walking into the griffon/pegasus room.

“So… how are we going to find the pegacorn group?” Light asked as he seemed rather lost.

“Easy,” Twilight told Light. “We just have to use our brain and we well f...” she stopped herself when she saw a painted image of a unicorn and pegasus rubbing their heads on one another, while being in a heart, taped on one of the doors. “Found it...” she said with disappointment.

“Well… that’s romantic,” Light said with a gulp.

Twilight turned to Light. “Why... what’s wrong?” she asked him.

“I hope they aren’t focused on romance. You know my luck with that,” Light explained while looking concerned.

“I think it’s more... Their parents…” Twilight tried to explain. “Since... You know…”

“Well… it does remind me of mom and dad… if the pegasus was smaller,” Light said as he looked at the photo.

“I think it’s supposed to be a generic couple,” Twilight said, pointing out how both ponies were left blanked with no defining features to tell which gender either of them was.

“You know what I mean,” Light said with a sigh as he walked up to the door. 

“I do,” Twilight told him before following him in.