It was breakfast. Most of the students were finishing their food in the canteen, including Ferum. Though he was also thinking about new upgrade, as he communicated with Sombra.
Vlad was looking at his Panel. There were still some points to spend. And there was a problem. He could either spend them on his magic, or spend them on his body...Which he did only two times actually.
Sombra was concerned about this as well "Why can't you just spend them on some spell?"
Vlad shook his head 'Nope, having this disquise is already enough...' he pushed empty dishes a bit away 'For now, I have plenty of mana as well. Upgrading body will probably help me really good'
Sombra snorted "Well, I don't know. Help you in which way?"
Vlad hummed 'Well, for starters, I still don't know downside of my magic. It could either damage my body when I use it, or take my sanity. Upgrading my psychological state will help me even if I'm wrong. I mean, I still somehow didn't go nuts over everething that is happening, but it's good to be sure'
Sombra thought about it "Now that you mention it...What kind of power keeps you sane. As far as I could tell by looking through your memories, you are not that stable"
Vlad stood up and took his dishes 'Exactly, anyway, about the body damage theory. Even though I looked through the Body upgrades only once, I can say one thing for sure...It's defenetly not like those Skill Trees from my world'
Sombra cringed a bit, and several games screenshots appeared before him in Vlad's head "So, those are mostly used for upgrading health, strength...Yeah, physical abilities"
Vlad put dishes on the table "Thanks! It was tasty!"
Pinky waved at him "You are welcome Fer!"
Vlad turned around and started walking towards exit 'Yes, basically. But the thing is...I can't really affect my body by using this tree' he opened the door and exited the canteen 'I mean, I can't upgrade those classic stats here, but on the other hand...' he turned towards a corner and leaned on the wall.
Sombra raised his eyebrow "You can...Lean on the walls better?"
Vlad didn't answer that. Instead, he started the countdown 'Five, four, three, two...'
When he counted to 'one', two voices could be heard from the corner "Are you sure it's a good idea to follow Ferum? Because...It's kinda mean. Can't we just ask him?"
Another voice, the more confident one, answered "Oh please! We are just trying to figure out why he is all alone!" voices got closer. Smolder and Ocellus came into the view. Dragon was walking backwards, and changeling was looking around.
Smolder continued "Besides, it's not like he will find out that we are spying on him" she stopped and crossed arms on herchest, not realizing that Ferum was right behind her.
Ocellus sighed "Still, I think that-" when she turned her head towards Smolder, she stopped talking. Her eyes went wide.
Smolder raised her eyebrow "Uh, hello? Equestria to Ocellus?"
Changeling raised her hoof slowly "Uh, I think you should turn around..."
Smolder smirked "Oh, let me guess. It's one of your pranks, right? Make me turn around and the stick some note on my back, right?" she snorted "Nice try, but we still gotta find Ferum. Where did he go anyway?" she put hand to her chin and looked up.
Voice from behind answered "Right behind you"
Smolder screamed and jumped away "GAAH!"
Ferum stopped leaning on the wall and raised his arm "Morning"
Smolder looked shocked "Ocellus, why didn't you warn..Oh" she exhaled.
Ocellus smiled "Hello, Ferum"
Dragon crossed arms on his chest "So, anything I can do for you?"
Ocellus shook her head "No, not really. Smolder just wanted to ask you a question"
Smolder calmed down "Well, yeah, kinda"
Ferum looked at her "So, go ahead!"
Smolder raised her finger "Well, why did y-"
Her sentence was interrupted by Ocellus "Wait, we are late for the class!"
Smolder face palmed "Oh for the gems sake...I can't be late for Ms Rarity lessons. I already did a lot of times!"
Ferum clapped his arms "Well, we better hurry then! I was still looking for you since I don't really know where to go"
Ocellus nodded "Follow us!"
And so, they flew...Well, Ferum ran after them.
Vlad sweated a bit 'Geez...I wish there was a stamina upgrade in my tree..'
Sombra snorted "THAT'S, why I prefer shadows!"
Vlad fought the urge to groan.
Rarity looked up. Her class was about to start. Every creature was on their places...Except for three more. Those were Smolder, Ocellus and a mysterious new student.
Rarity huffed "I swear, if Smolder's excuse is 'bath' again, I will have to call a repair pony!"
She looked at the wall clock. Her lesson was starting in 3...2...1...
Suddenly, door burst opened, letting Ocellus and Smolder fly inside.
Dragon shouted as he bumped into the changeling "WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!"
They fell on the floor, making a lot of noices and attracting all the attention.
Rarity gasped "OH CELESTIA!"
Every creature looked confused. When Ferum entered, huffing, nobody noticed him.
Dragon looked at the picture and puffed "Urf...Whew! now THAT'S a memorable entrance" he approached them and offered his hand "I guess it's not the thing to happen often, right?"
Smolder rolled her eyes "Yeah, not really" she grabbed his hand, and her eyes widened slightly.
Ferum helped both of them. However, there was still one problem.
Rarity ran towards them "What in Celestia's name was that? Smolder, I will have to ask what is your excuse this time!" she then looked at Ocellus "Same question to you, young lady!"
Ocellus gulped and didn't answer.
Smolder sweated a bit "Well uh...You see...It was due to Uh...Unexpected situation..."
Rarity raised her eyebrow "Oh well, enlighten me, what is that 'Unexpected situation'?"
As Smolder raised her finger, Ferum coughed in his fist "Ahem...Apologies, Ms Rarity, but I guess it is partly my fault that we are late"
Rarity turned her head towards dragon and clipped her eyes "Oh, I suppose you are the new student, am I right? And what do you exactly mean by your fault?"
Ferum nodded "I am indeed. Well, you see, I still have problems with walking around here. I thought I would get lost, if it wasn't for those ladies" he looked at confused Smilder and Ocellus "They were generous enough to sacrifice their precious time, to lead me towards your class"
Rarity looked at Smolder and Ocellus "Is that true?"
Smolder quickly snapped out and put arm behind her head "Well, duh! Couldn't leave him wandering around castle. Right, Ocellus?"
Changeling slowly nodded "Y-yeah, he just looked so lost...That would be just evil to leave him there"
Rarity hummed and her face turned from frowning to the worrying one "Well, that settles it..But are you girls sure you are alright?"
Smolder huffed "Sure am ma'am!"
Ocellus nodded "I am alright"
Rarity exhaled "Very well then. Take your seats and we will start" unicorn took a seat behind her teacher desk.
And so, they took their places. Ferum sat near to the Sandbar, who gave him an odd look.
Rarity cleared her throat "So today class, we won't be learning about generosity"
Gasps and muttering went across the classroom. It seems like this was a rare occasion.
Ferum's eyes narrowed 'Wait, learning about generosity?'
Sombra huffed "Well, this IS a school of Friendship after all..."
Rarity continued after class settled down "Due to the upcoming event, you will design yourself a costume"
Suddenly, class cheered. Everyone became extremely excited and happy. They were already chatting about something.
Ferum looked at the smiling Sandbar "Wait, what kind of event?"
Pony looked at him confused "You don't know about Author Festival?"
Ferum hummed "Guess not, why won't you tell me?"
Sandbar put hoof on his chin "Well, since you are new to Ponyville...Every year, there is an Author Festival going on in some towns of Equestria. It's a chance for all kinds of authors to get popular. There will be tons of books, comics and games. And this year, it will be held here, at Ponyville!"
Sombra snorted "Ah here we go...Another one of those idiotic occasions"
Ferum ignored unicorn's comment "Uh huh...And now we will just design a costume for it?"
Sandbar shrugged "I guess!"
Rarity levitated bunch of paper out of her table "Please, be quiet during this lesson. Everycreature needs quiet and concentration during their work" her horn lit up, and so did paper. It started to float around the classroom "On each of those, you will have structure of your body. You will have to draw your costume around it" when every single piece of paper was on the desks, Rarity smiled "And just remember, this isn't a test or something. Have fun!"
Class cheered for the last time, and pulled out their writing stuff. However, Ferum still didn't have his piece of paper.
Rarity approached him and smiled awkwardly "Sorry darling, by that time I knew about you, it was too late" she placed a blank piece of paper on his table.
Ferum shrugged "Well, it is what it is"
Rarity nodded "Sorry again" she trotted back to her table.
Ferum pulled out his pencil and put one of it's ends on his temple "And there we go..."
Meanwhile, on the other part of the class, Smolder was looking at her hand. The one Ferum was holding few minutes ago. She felt something...Weird. Maybe it was because of the fluff on his body, but something just felt off. It was like...Ferum was not the dragon at all? She couldn't explain it.
Finally, Smolder sighed "Yeah, guess it was just fluff"
Ocellus clipped her eyes "Hm? Do you need help, Smolder?"
Dragon snapped out and smiled "Oh, no, not at all! I was just...Wondering"
Ocellus raised her eyebrow and looked at Smolder's hand "And...About what exactly? If you don't mind me asking" she memorized how Ferum helped them up earlier.
Smolder hummed "Well, didn't you feel something weird when Ferum touched you?"
Ocellus clipped her eyes "W-What?"
Smolder shrugged "Well, you know. Dragons don't usually have this fluff. It just felt...Off"
Now that Ocellus thought about it, Ferum's touch felt really weird...But in a pleasant way "Well, yes, I guess you are right.."
'He was...Cold'
Smolder put fingers to her chin "Well, maybe there was something else..." she suddenly snapped her fingers "You told that you felt something like magic from him few days ago, right?"
When Ocellus wanted to answer, she felt like somepony was watching her. When she and Smolder looked forward, they saw Rarity's stern look. Unicorn put a hoof in front of her lips, gesturing to be quiet.
Ocellus gulped "I think it will have to wait.."
It's being quite some time since the lesson have started. Every creature already had something on their sheet...Except for Ferum. Sure he did draw few sketches, but immediately erased them.
Sandbar noticed it "Having problems there?"
Ferum huffed "Yeah..." he was trying to create something both comfortable and special.
Sandbar hummed "Well...What about you try to maybe...Memorize some clothes?"
Ferum looked at pony "You mean...Basically copy something from my memory?"
Sandbar averted his eyes "Well, yeah, kinda"
Ferum hummed "Huh...Guess that would be much easier...Thanks pal"
Sandbar slightly raised his hoof "Anytime" and turned back to his sheet.
Ferum leaned back in the chair 'Mh...Something I saw before...' he then opened his Panel 'Sombra you there?'
Unicorn answered with annoyed tone "Even if I didn't want to be there, I still would"
Ferum snorted to himself 'Does it mean you like to be in my head?'
Sombra was silent for a few seconds "...as much as I hate to admit it...But I do somehow enjoy being here.."
Ferum wanted to tease him, but held back 'Right, happy to serve ya. Anyway...' he put pencil on the table 'Could you be so kind and look through my memories for me?'
Sombra was laying on the oversized sofa. He was looking through Vlad's head. Even though he saw a lot of stuff back in his days, it was quite surprising to see what this youngling really was.
Sombra raised his eyebrow "Huh? Can't you do it yourself?"
Vlad's voice echoed through the realm "Well, yeah, I can. But I need to see the picture itself. And you can kinda display it on my Panel"
Sombra snorted "Who do you think I am? Your personal assistant or what?"
Vlad let out a chuckle "You have a potential to be one. But really, could you do that? That would help me a lot"
Sombra put a hoof ti his chin and hummed "Hmm...What's in it for me? Why should I do it?" he wanted to tease human a little.
Vlad thought for a few seconds "Well, it would help you to become a better pony? I mean, not like I know a lot about friendship, but helping others is a good deed" he then added "Besides, I could simply do bad things to you if you won't obey...Which I won't. Sorry for adding this one part"
Sombra laughed to himself "Well well well! And there goes your evil spark!" he then exhaled "But alright boy, I will help you. You entertained me good enough"
He rolled down his 'throne', making it dissapear and landed on the ground. Sombra lit his horn up. Surrounding changed, instead of white void, he was now in the middle of a giant...And I mean it, GIANT sphere. It was made from gleaming figures, that were moving around slowly. Another thing was their form. They were in groups based on it. Triangles with triangles, circles with circles etc.
Sombra looked around "What do you need exactly?"
Voice answered "Entertaining, video games, Yakuza series"
Sombra narrowed his eyes and lit up his horn. Rhombus gleamed a bit, and flew towards unicorn. There were THOUSANDS of them. White, gleaming, spinning...Sombra left only those that were quickly changing colors.
Unicorn hummed "Alright...Yaku, yaku...Uh huh, there it is" a rhombus that was surrounded by color changing mist levitated towards him.
Voice continued "Good, now try to find the 'Dragon Of Dojima' folder and send me every single appearance of this character"
Sombra shrugged and did as Vlad asked. He was...Confused by what he saw "Uh...Why in the shadow's name he is half naked..." by looking through the Vlad's memories, Sombra learnt that clothes weren't used to just keep humans warm.
Voice answered awkwardly "It's...Complicated..."
Sombra huffed and with a swipe of his hoof, send those pictures flying upward "No idea why would you need it...But there you go"
Voice exhaled "Thank you man, you really helped he there a bunch"
Sombra awkwardly lowered his head "Yeah...You are welcome"
It was his first time helping anyone after turning into...Well, a dark king.
Rarity was sitting at her table, organizing papers. She looked at the class. Every creature was doing something, drawing, erasing and asking each other questions. Every creature except for a newbie. Rarity noticed that Ferum was simply frozen in one pose, looking upward. It seemed that he was completely stuck.
Rarity put down her glasses 'Poor thing needs an advice' she stood up from her chair and started walking towards the dragon.
Suddenly, Ferum smirked and leaned over his sheet. Rarity's eyebrow raised slightly 'Seems like something clicked in him. Wonder what it is'
As she came closer, Rarity noticed that dragon's movements were...Way too proper, way too fast. His movements were calculated, and made without any mistakes. Straight lines, it looked like he was redrawing it from some kind of instructions.
Rarity approached Ferum and looked at his working "Got an inspiration I see?"
Dragon nodded "Yup, took me long enough"
He was finishing drawing a two piece suit with a shirt underneath the jacket. He moved a bit right, to draw it more detailed.
However, Rarity narrowed her eyes on the form of those clothes. They were way too thin for Ferum. She could say it was because of dragon's lack of experience, but they looked familiar to her. Like she worked with something like that in the past...
Rarity shook those thoughts off 'Nonsense!..' she then thought about it '..though it's worth checking on my drawings later'
Ferum looked at the unicorn "Is there anything I could do for you?" his hand continued drawing while his head was at her.
Rarity hummed at it "Oh, no, nothing dear. Keep it up!" she smiled at him and walked towards her table.
'He defenetly is an interesting student. But there is still a second part of this lesson' she made a sly smile as she sat at her table.
Ferum finished his drawing and huffed "Phew! This is not much, but it's something!"
Sandbar distracted from his drawing and looked at Ferum's "Uh...Are you sure that this is enough for the event?"
Dragon nodded "Mhm! I prefer not to stand out too much since...You know" he raised his arm and flexed his fingers.
Sandbar snorted "Yeah, I guessed"
Ferum relaxed and put hands behind his head "Besides...I'm pretty sure it's not just about drawing your costume. That would be WAY too simple"
Sandbar tilted his head "Huh?"
Ferum quickly glanced at Sandbar's drawing "I mean...How do you expect our teacher to create all those complicated costumes alone? She may be a fashionista, but...I guess you know what I'm trying to tell you"
Sandbar's eyes widened a bit "Oh..." he got what Ferum was trying to tell him and quickly reached for his rubber "I have to-"
Rarity suddenly raised her hoof "And...STOP!"
Every creature stopped drawing and looked at her confused.
Rarity put her hoof down "I suppose all of you are ready, right?"
The whole class nodded in agreement.
Rarity smiled and closed her eyes "Good, now..." she approached the board on the wall "It's time for a second part of the lesson..."
The whole class got filled with confused voices.
Rarity's horn glew up, and so did desk "And this is..." the board showed one single word "..would be Crafting!"
Every creature was silent for the first few seconds. Then, everybody screamed in terror, as they looked at their creations. Everybody except for Ferum. He was relaxed.
Rarity looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ferum answered with a wink which caught unicorn off guard.
She then smirked slyly as the whole class was in calming down 'You tricky youngling'