//------------------------------// // 9 School of Friendship // Story: Rise of Opaline // by WhisperFace //------------------------------// Opaline followed Starlight Glimmer to the front of the tree palace. “Wait you’re going past it,” she said. “The school is over there,” Starlight said. She pointed at the building between the split waterfall.  Opaline looked up at the branches of crystal interspersed with windows and balconies.  “Then what is that for?”  “That is the friendship castle. It's a power separate from the school. Come now, we should get your paperwork configured.” “Right.”  They stepped across the stone bridge to the school doors. There was a glass stain of Princess Twilight above the door. Opaline pointed to it. “Why is the princess there. Isn’t the Princess’ school in Canterlot?” “That’s complicated.”  “How does she have two schools?” “Well, she sort of inherited the school of magic after she founded the school of friendship.” “Why are you in charge then?” “I was the best fit for the position when she was given the reigns of Equestria.” “You must be like her right hand mare!”  Starlight stumbled. She gave a nervous laugh. “Not exactly. Spike still has that honor.” Opaline’s brows drew together. “But he teaches a class while you are in charge? How does that make sense?” “Not every job is for everycreature. Everyone has their own strengths. Mine are with keeping creatures focused on a goal together. Spike has other talents. You’ll see if you take his class.” They approached a door. Opaline looked around the hall. “Why is nopony here?” “School starts next week. Most students aren’t back from the break.” “Oh, Mama said that might be the case.” Starlight used turquoise magic to swing the door open.  Inside the room a stallion breathed into a paper bag while a pale blue unicorn smacked him on the back. “The great and powerful Trixie has great and powerful friends. Starlight will know what to do just you wait and see,” the blue mare said.  “Papa!”  The stallion looked up. He let out a deep breath. “You’re alright. Come here, Opaline.” He opened his arms wide. Opaline jumped into the hug.  “Starlight, you have already delivered on Trixie’s promises. You are still the greatest assistant to walk Equestria.” Starlight rolled her eyes then gave the mare an affectionate shake of her head.  “Trixie will you grab an entrance exam please?” “Where did you go jewel?” Papa asked, “I couldn’t find you anywhere?” “The bathroom. Then Starlight rescued me from a scary tall pony.” Papa’s hooves tightened around Opaline. “Papa, you're squishing me.” “Ah, so I am.” Starlight floated a slim stack of paper onto a desk next to the couch. “That should be it. Just answer to the best of your ability.” Opaline grabbed a pencil in her mouth and started answering questions. Papa glanced at her and back to the head mare.  Papa fidgeted. He rubbed his foreleg. “Has Princess Twilight informed you of extenuating circumstances?” Starlight sighed. “No, is something wrong?” “Its not…there are some dangers to having my daughter in Ponyville.” “Oh? I’ve found Ponyville a fairly safe place as long as one doesn’t stray too close to the forest.” “Yes well, others have agreed. Can we talk in private a moment?” “Sure, if that makes you more comfortable.”  Opaline didn’t miss her Papa glancing her way again before he nodded. He and the head mare trotted out into the hall. Opaline stopped halfway through a question. Was this about what had almost made Mama cry yesterday? She had to find out. She jumped off the couch. “Woah there,” Trixie said, “You need to finish your test to get into school.” Opaline pulled her eyes from the door to look at the blue unicorn. She held in a scoff. “What do you do at the school again?” The mare grinned. “The great and humble Trixie teaches about fostering the talent that makes you great… and I’m the school counselor.” She pouted. “It is the same job most days.” “Right, shouldn’t a counselor know what troubles a student is facing?” “Well, of course.” Opaline pointed to the door. “Then shouldn’t you be out there finding out what my Papa thinks is so dangerous about me being in Ponyville?” “Well yes, yes I should.”  The blue unicorn walked toward the door. She turned back. “You won’t cheat on your test?” “I can’t. I didn’t know I was taking it until I got here.” Trixie nodded. She pushed the door open and joined the adults in the hall.  Opaline snuck over to the door. She leaned very softly on the glass but couldn’t make out more than mumbling. She put a hoof to the door and opened it just a crack. “...and that could mean she gets hurt. Are there any measures you can take to prevent that?” “Well, unless you file a restraining order it is up to you as legal guardian. I can make sure she doesn’t leave with anyone else,” Starlight said. “That would be helpful, but not foolproof. I know changelings are in attendance.”  “Changelings are harmless now. Starlight reformed them, ”came Trixies’s pompous voice. “Let me think on it,” Starlight said, “I’ll need to send a letter for some advice.” “Thank you. Her safety is of utmost importance.”  The door unexpectedly swung open. Opaline froze.  Papa’s eyes widened. “Were you eavesdropping?” Opaline shuffled her hooves. “What is a Changeling?”