Chapter 27
– Friends –
“You can’t let that bastard get away with this!” Tala screeched.
All of the adults were now in Twilight’s office at the School of Friendship, having let Comet go be with her friends in their dorm room. Nopony was in a good mood, some angry, some sad.
“What do you expect me to do Miss Tala? Everything was legitimate. The warrant, the lawsuit, everything! I can’t believe he went to the Royal Guard just for this.” Twilight shouted back, pacing back and forth.
“Does Princess Celestia know about this?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I don’t know. I’ll send her a letter tonight. That document may have looked official, but something still feels wrong.” Twilight said.
“Gee, ya think?” Tala snarked.
“Excuse you, Twilight is still a Princess. Show her some respect.” Rarity said, pointing at the griffin.
“Then act like one! You make a habit of just letting nobles walk all over you like that?” Tala yelled.
Twilight turned back, eyes glaring with tears starting to form, “I know I screwed up! You think I wanted to be humiliated and threatened like that? Watching two of my friends be put in chains, and my school’s reputation that my friends and I worked so hard for be put on trial?”
Tala stepped back a little. She didn’t expect such an outburst from a Princess.
“I know that Rhinestone used his connections to get what he wants. Probably bought off those guards, and had plans to rig the trial against us. Money talks the most in Canterlot.” Twilight said.
She turned away from the group, “I’m going to send a letter to Princess Celestia. I want an investigation into Captain Pompous Star. If Shining saw how those guards just went along with that stallion, he’d be furious.”
Before anyone else could speak, Twilight teleported herself and Spike away, to her room no doubt. Rainbow Dash then took the opportunity to glare at Tala.
“That was really uncool ya know. Twilight isn’t the bad guy here.” Rainbow said.
Tala looked at her, “I’m not saying she is. But her title should have some weight behind it. That whole crap about only taking orders from Celestia is nothing but crap. I’ve seen Princess Luna order guards around.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t give you the right to keep putting everything on Twilight. That Rhinestone guy is the bad guy here.” Rainbow Dash said, getting closer to the griffin.
“Yeah, well he’s got money and lawyers backing him up so much he’s practically untouchable. It’s one of the many reasons I stay away from Canterlot.” Tala said.
“Canterlot isn’t all nobles and horrid ponies Miss Tala. Some of the ponies there are quite respectable.” Rarity stated.
“Not in my experience. And nothing you or anyone else says will convince me otherwise.” Tala scuffed.
“Tala, that’s enough.” Trail said.
Everypony looked at him, Starlight still sitting close to him. She hadn’t moved far from him ever since they took the shackles off. Zala hadn’t left Zecora’s side either, the latter zebra still shaking slightly.
“Fighting amongst ourselves won’t solve anything. And as much as I hate Canterlot, we shouldn’t let our feelings change anypony else’s.” Trail said.
“What we can do now is figure out how to move forward from this. The situation is not ideal, but it is what we have been served. Let Princess Twilight handle the politics in Canterlot while we focus on what’s best for the other students.” Trail explained.
Tala sighed, “I just want to keep him away from Comet. He almost got her killed, I don’t care what that stupid lawyer of his says. He won’t hurt my niece.”
“Sister, none of us want Comet anywhere near that brat, but with his father protecting him, there is little we can do concerning his place here.” Zala said.
“So what can we do!?” Tala screamed as she kicked at nothing.
Fluttershy came up to the griffin and put a hoof on her shoulder, “I know we didn’t do our best before, but we promise to do our best not just for Comet, but for all the students. Tourmaline won’t be getting any more warnings.”
Tala was about to say something, but seeing the look of regret and a plea for forgiveness, she relented.
“Thank you.” Tala said softly.
Rainbow Dash flew into the air, “I won’t tolerate any more of his crap. I’m gonna keep an eye on the little turd, and if he messes with Comet and her friends again, I’m gonna be right there to send his flank back to his dorm.”
“He probably won’t bother with any of our classes. Sounded like all he wants is to learn magic from a Princess. Why is he so determined to learn magic anyway?” Applejack asked.
“Status darling. A noble’s son learning magic from an alicorn would be a boast to their families reputation.” Rarity said.
“Well, I don’t like it. Not one bit. He won’t even try to make friends. This is a school of friendship, that’s the whole point of the school!” Pinkie shouted.
A flash of purple announced Twilight and Spike’s return to the room, she looked exhausted.
“How’d it go, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“I sent a letter to the Princess. I expect to hear a reply tomorrow.” Twilight said tiredly.
Tala stepped forward, “Princess.”
Twilight turned to the griffin.
“I’m sorry for what I said. I shouldn’t be taking this out on you. I’m just really worried about Comet.” Tala said.
Twilight smiled, “Tala, I understand how you feel. Your niece is very precious to you, isn’t she?”
Tala nodded, “More than anything.”
“And she is so lucky to have so many loving family members. Don’t worry Miss Tala, I will get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, we’ll keep a very close eye on Tourmaline.” Twilight said reassuringly.
Tala smiled at the Princess and gave her a respectful bow.
Pinkie then jumped in the middle of the room, “You know what we all need, a party!”
“I agree with Miss Pie. We could all use some merriment to raise our spirits. How about a nice home cooked dinner for everyone?” Zala said.
“Oh golly Miss Zala, you don’t have to do anything like that.” Applejack said.
“Please, I insist.” Zala smiled.
“And we can all go to my house, I’d love to host this dinner party.” Trail said.
Everyone cheered and moved out of the room, eager to find the kids and invite them to their dinner party.
Comet cried into Silverstream’s chest, the feather growing wet with her tears. Ocellus sat on her opposite side, hugging the crying filly as hard as she could. The rest of the group stayed close, offering any comfort they could. Yona was the first to stand and stomp on the ground, making everyone jump.
“No fair! No fair that bully pony gets back into school! Yona no want him here!” Yona shouted.
“Yona, you gotta calm down.” Sandbar said, trying to put his hoof on the yak’s side.
Yona looked at him and slowly took a deep breath and flopped back down to the floor on her belly. Sandbar took the opportunity to lay next to her.
“I totally agree with Yona. I don’t want that jerk here!” Smolder said, snorting out smoke.
“No one wants him here. But his dad has the bits to make whatever he wants happen. If they went along with that lawsuit, who knows what could have happened to the school.” Gallus explained.
“What does he really want here? Is he really that desperate to learn magic from Princess Twilight?” Silverstream asked, petting Comet’s mane.
“Something stinks about this whole thing. He was always competitive in class, but this goes way beyond that. It’s like he needs to be the best.” Ocellus said.
“He’s nothing but a spoiled rich kid. I’d love to burn his stupid face off.” Smolder said, fire leaking out the sides of her mouth.
“And all that would do is get you into trouble. Then cause a whole conflict between Dragon Lord Ember and this stupid noble.” Sandbar explained.
“He isn’t stupid enough to take on Dragon Lord Ember!” Smolder said, challenging Sandbar’s statement.
“He has the resolve to go against a Princess and hero of Equestria. The Element of Magic herself. You think he would stop at just her?” Sandbar shot back.
Smolder growled and grumbled, sitting back down and crossing her arms.
“Why?” A small voice asked.
Everyone in the room turned to Comet, who was slowly getting her voice back from crying for so long. Her eyes were red and puffy, with a bit of snot coming from her nose. Ocellus saw this and quickly gave her a tissue. Comet took it and blew her nose loudly.
“Why me? Why was he so focused on me?” Comet asked.
“Because you were threatening his position at the top of our magic class. He was trying to get rid of the competition.” Ocellus said.
“But I’m not the top of the class. Maybe top 10, but I don’t think I’ll ever be number 1.” Comet said.
“But you could be, and that’s all that jerk can see.” Smolder said.
Comet just rested her head against Silverstream, “So what am I supposed to do?”
To everyone’s surprise, Ocellus stood up in front of the group, “We make a promise.”
“A promise?” Comet asked.
“A promise that no matter what happens, we won’t let that creep anywhere near Comet again.” Ocellus stated.
Smolder and Silverstream immediately agreed, followed quickly by the rest of the group. Comet couldn’t help but let out a few more tears as her heart melted. She truly had such wonderful friends, willing to protect her.
“Thank you everyone. I don’t know what to say.” Comet said.
“You don’t need to say anything. That’s what friends are for.” Sandbar said.
Everyone cheered and hugged Comet. The girls were all giggling, even Smolder, but she would deny it.
Soon the door opened and Trail poked his head inside the room.
“Hey sweetie, how are you kids hanging in there?”
“We’re ok daddy. How'd things go with the Princess?” Comet asked.
“They went a lot better than anyone really thought they would. In fact, everyone is coming over to our house for dinner. I don’t suppose your friends would like to join us would they?” Trail asked with a smile.
Comet and her friends all gave out a “Yeah!” and made for the door.
Trail’s house was packed to the brim with kids and teachers alike. Everypony was enjoying a wonderful evening with no worries at all. Pinkie brought all kinds of games and exciting stories to fill the night with joy. Zala made several amazing dishes that made Rarity beg her for recipes, which were denied. Everypony stayed late into the night, even allowing the children to stay up with them.
Tala performed all kinds of tricks and maneuvers in the backyard, much to Gallus’ amazement. Meanwhile Twilight, Starlight, Ocellus and Comet all performed feats of magic to dazzle the crowd. Smolder and Spike did a cool dragon fire dance that they came up with.
As the night grew long, everyone soon grew tired and made their way home. Twilight teleported the students back to the castle while the rest of the teachers went along the path back to their homes. Zala offered Zecora a place on the couch to avoid walking the Everfree forest alone, but the other zebra assured her it was no trouble. As Zecora left, Zala could be seen watching her vanish into the night.
“Watching that nice flank get away from you sis?” Tala teased.
“Shut your beak Tala!” Zala said blushing hotly.
Zala chased the griffin around the house with her staff, failing to hit her flying adversary. Trail and Starlight laughed at the display before turning to look at each other.
“Thank you for a great night Trail.” Starlight said.
“Thank you for your company. I promise, we will make the most of this situation.” Trail said.
“I know we will. I’ll see you for morning coffee tomorrow right?” Starlight asked.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Trail smiled.
A filly sized blur shot past Trail and latched onto Starlight’s leg, hugging her tightly before looking up at her with the cutest eyes the world had ever seen.
“Bye Miss Starlight. Can’t wait for our next lesson. I’ll work really hard.” Comet said.
Starlight smiled widely and leaned down to nuzzle the filly.
“I can’t wait either Comet. You better have the shield spell ready. Because the next spell will be twice as hard.” Starlight said with a smirk.
Comet giggled.
“Alright, I better get back. Goodnight you two.” Starlight said, lighting up her horn for a teleportation spell.
“Goodnight.” Both Trail and Comet said together.
Starlight Glimmer then disappeared with a flash of light. And as Trail looked at his filly and smiled, he received a pillow to the back of his head. He turned back into the house.
“Zala, Tala, how old are you two? Stop horsing around before you break something!” Trail yelled at his sisters.
And right on cue, a poor defenseless lamp met its end that night with a loud crash.