Within the hollow of the Great Tree, Strongfang, leader of the Griffionian dragon clans, sat before his kin. His subjects and family commemorated their newfound friends, destinies, and revelations. While most were celebrating Smolder’s place as heir and Spike’s adoption within the family, a small part of the event was for Garble, who had been essentially exiled to far of lands for failing to pass the Flaming Pearl’s divine scrutiny.
A large banquet table was laid out before the dragons, with a massive pile of gems crowding its surface. The Loong dragon mused as he crunched loudly, contentedly smirking as he spoke, “Well then, I suppose you will have to depart after the banquet. Where will Smolder and you be residing?”
Spike looked up to the Loong as he quickly scarfed down a ruby before speaking, “Ohm… uh, the Doge’s Palace?”
The Loong cackled, “Well! Less they lay the out red carpet, then! Good, good….”
Gallus looked up toward the sunlight that had crept through the hollow’s entrance, watching where the shadows were coming from to gauge the time.
“This took about a day, and we still have plenty of time before we were supposed to meet back with the greater group. Do you know what that means?”
Spike paused, “....We get to relax?”
Gallus snorted, “Ha! No! We get to go to some stuffy Swallowtail school for Boreas’ knows how long!”
Smolder glanced up from her pile of gemstones, looking remarkably uninterested in the meal when the griffin had piped up. Her expression twisted into one of annoyance and sarcasm, “Hah! You two have to go to school? What a waste! …”
The young dragoness looked up at her father, her ears tilting downward. “... Don’t tell me I’m going to have to tag along for THAT too….”
Gallus rested his claw and elbow on the table, resting his head into his claw and grinning, “Oh yeah, you’re on team ponies. That means we gotta sit still and learn about junk we won’t use for a bit.”
Spike rolled his eyes as he crunched on a gem, “Yona’s been going to the school. I’m sure it’s fine. Besides, it’s not like we’ll have to go daily like normal students. We’re part of Princess Twilight’s expedition across the continent; we’re basically celebrities.”
Strongfang peered across the table, “Is that so?”
Gallus snorted, “Not at all! I hadn’t heard of Spike until I met him a few days ago.”
Spike sighed, “Well, it’s not like Griffinstone was in any position to be in the know from what Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash told me.”
Gallus scoffed, “Whatever; I know you’re not trying to talk crap about Griffinstone when I KNOW Ponyville and half of Equestria is just a bunch of hicktowns full of dorks like you.”
Spike passed a frustrated look at the griffin before bitterly sighing and taking another bite out of his ruby.
Sitting in the corner, Garble snorted and rolled his eyes at the quip. “Like you, prissy griffins are any better. One dumb statue, and suddenly you decide it’s worth the time to rebuild. You dumb bird-brains have a one-track mind.”
Smolder sighed, shifting uncomfortably, “Great, I’ll have to deal with all of the socialites up in the branches too? I didn’t sign up for this… can’t we skip to the part where we’re punching and kicking unicorns or something?”
Spike raised a claw to retort before Gallus loudly interrupted, “Oh, don’t get me started on you dragons.” pained Gallus, giving the dragoness a cocked-eye expression that was a mix of gleeful and annoyed, “From the time I had to carry Spike in here up to now, you guys had been nothing but a pain in my tail feathers.”
Spike rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah, why?”
“It’s hot and humid in here! You guys live in a humidifier! And you dragons always talk like you know it all; what would you about Griffinstone?”
Strongfang peered down curiously, “You speak boldly in the presence of a court made up mostly of dragons. Are you confident in your security with Princess Twilight, or are you too arrogant and stubborn to realize you’ve talked ahead of yourself?” Strongfang said sternly, letting the griffin know he was treading on thin ice.
Gallus nervously chortled as he waved off the elder dragon before looking over toward Spike, “Let’s get going; the sooner we get back to the Doge, the better.”
Spike sighed, “But I just got to my sapphires...”
Smolder sighed deeply, rolling her eyes, “We can take some with us if you want, but I doubt it would be a great idea. It’s not really wise to advertise gemstones where you can get easily robbed.”
The two passed a confused glance to one another before looking at Smolder.
She paused and quickly amended the statement. “Well, not me, of course, but y’know. You two.”
Gallus crossed his arms, “What, do you think I can’t defend myself?”
“That seems to be what she’s implying.” grinned Spike.
“Shut up! She’s calling you a wimp, too!” groaned Gallus.
Smolder snickered, “Yeah, pretty much. If I even accidentally belched in your direction, I’d send your griffin here up in smoke. And Spike, well… it’s pretty easy to grab a target that’s so… slow.”
Garble’s lips twisted into a smirk, “You’ve got that right. Little twerp.”
Spike rolled his eyes; he had heard all of this before while chasing Gauntlet of Fire. However, a part of him wanted to rub in his victories in everyone’s faces out of sheer spite. He contended with chewing on a piece of sapphire instead of insulting someone and bruising their pride.
Gallus scoffed, rolling his eyes, “Dragon fire is overrated! A dragon your size can be put down with a basic musket or iron sword! Someone like Spike could beat Garble in combat if he were trained for thirty minutes with a small muzzle-loaded pistol!”
Spike turned away from his gems for a moment and shrugged, “I don’t know too much about these ‘muskets’ or ‘firearms.’ Ponies really only use magic to defend themselves, and violence isn’t that big of a thing back home.”
“Of course, it wouldn’t; you’re a weak namby-pamby pony lover. Guess that’s why it’s so easy for the unicorns to take those earth ponies.” Garble snorted, tossing a ruby into his mouth. “Tch, you’d think that wouldn’t you? You think dragons can’t hold your stupid fire guns?”
Smolder gave her brother a dirty look before turning back to Gallus, “I guess you’ve never seen a well-trained dragon breathe fire down the barrel of one of those things, huh? It’s not pretty, I’ll tell you that much….”
Spike rubbed his temple, “Guys, I don’t think you get the point of this. We’re supposed to work together, not jab at each other for our differences.”
Gallus rolled his eyes, “Get a load of this guy. Can we all agree that Equestrians are a bunch of pansies?”
Smolder and Garble traded looks before nodding, the older letting out a puff of dragon fire, “Yeah, agreed.”
“‘Sides, ain’t it good to figure out what we’re bad at so we can… improve, or something like that?” Smolder raised a brow, gesturing with a claw.
Spike released an exasperated sigh as he rubbed his temple, “I did what I needed to do for Twilight. That’s all that matters… alright, let’s get back to the Doge and tell him we completed our mission.”
Gallus grinned, flapping upward before scooping Spike in his claws and soaring up toward the hollow’s exit, “Alright then!” laughed Gallus as Spike shrieked in surprise.
Strongfang looked over at Smolder, giving her a firm nod of approval, “Go on, they need you now.”
Smolder couldn’t hide her hesitation, biting her lip before she flew up, giving her father a brief hug on the tip of his snout. She had a feeling she wouldn’t see him for a while, and Smolder preferred to get the sappy stuff over before she regretted it.
“I guess so… I’ll see you later, Dad. I’ll be back soon.” She gave her father a tight-lipped smile.
Strongfang nodded, smiling with his eyes as he silently surrendered his daughter to destiny, “Goodbye Smolder....(I love you.).”
Descending to meet her brother, she rubbed her upper arm, hesitating momentarily before hugging him. Garble blinked, his hands hovering over her before finally giving in, patting her on the back.
“Just… do your best, I guess? And kick some butt for me.” Garble gave her a toothy grin, giving her a final pat on the top of her fringe.
“Heh, you too, big bro.” She snickered, rubbing her eyes to hide the fact she was nearly tearing up. “Alright… let’s go.”
It was a quiet, peaceful evening in the garden. His Excellency was sitting on a bench, daintily gripping a cup of coffee as he pondered on his ambitions, goals, and upcoming arrangements. A glimmer of pride and hope had beamed within the depths of this diamond dog’s soul; his clubbed tail wagged and smacked against the iron and wood bench as he chuckled warmly to himself.
Sighing pleasurably, the Doge of Swallowtail sips his coffee while looking at the glistening blue water within the canal resting beside the Palace Gardens.
“Peace and quiet… is there nothing that can disturb the tranquility I feel?” questioned Doge almost mockingly so.
A soft clicking of hooves interrupted the tranquil silence, a familiar soft yellow pegasus joining him in the garden. For a moment, she seemed just as surprised as he was, her face lighting up in fright and embarrassment. A soft pink dusted her cheeks, opal eyes flicking from him to her hooves.
“Oh, ah, I’m sorry… I didn’t realize someone else was out here. I-I hope I wasn’t interrupting.” She slowly backed away, far too meek to meet his gaze.
The Doge instinctively clasped his paw, resting his clenched fist atop of his chest, right above his heart, as he smiled at the pegasus. A red blush, uncontrolled warmth, and a smile spread across his cheeks, his eyes resting on the mare as he spoke gently and assuringly.
“Oh, good evening Ms. Fluttershy! No, you aren’t disturbing me at all, is something wrong? Are your living quarters not to your liking?”
Fluttershy gave him a soft smile, her retreating hooves slowing to a stop before she eventually stepped forward to join him next to the bench.
“Well, I-I overheard there was a garden, and I was hoping there might be some critters here. Canterlot Castle had a garden full of wonderful animals, but I didn’t have much luck making friends there….”
Gently brushing her mane, she still struggled to meet the Doge’s gaze, “No, thank you, my room is very nice. I-It almost reminds me of my cottage back in Ponyville… but not nearly as fancy.”
Clearing her throat, she gazed at the horizon, some of the tension in her shoulders easing, “I-I hope I didn’t interrupt anything. I understand you must be very busy….”
“Ah well, there are plenty of birds and squirrels in the tree, let alone this garden....” chuckled Doge, his eyes following the pegasus as he sipped his coffee, “Please, it’s nothing. I’m just glad your friends are so willing to help the creatures of Swallowtail.”
“But… about that thing, I wanted your assistance with….” purred the Doge.
A loud thud and a strained groan echoed next to the pair as Spike dropped to the ground and skidded across the grass and stone tile before stopping perfectly at the pair’s feet.
“Spike the Brave And Glorious? Er, how did your mission go? Are the dragons staying here in Swallowtail?” questioned The Doge, not even bothering to ask why his associate was dropped on the ground.
Spike groaned, pulling himself up from the ground as he dusted what dirt and grass stains had clung to his belly before sighing, “Yeah, they’re willing to stay and help. I even got a new friend with us.”
“A… friend?” mused Doge, a worried expression crossing his face, “They have wings, right?”
“Yeah,” Gallus angrily answered, “Why?”
“Oh uh… makes my job easier to explain to the Parliament...” sighed the diamond dog, “Well, where are they?”
A mischievous voice boomed behind the Doge and pegasus, a wave of hot air following their wake, “Right here.”
Fluttershy gasped, jumping at least several feet into the air before crashing back to the ground, looking dazed and frightened all at once. Smolder grasped her sides, unable to stop the peals of laughter escaping her.
“Oh wow, I can’t believe how far you jump! Hah, you pegasi really are a bunch of fluff balls!” The dragoness shook her head, wiping an amused tear from her eye. The poor yellow pegasus trembled slightly, looking far too frightened to climb to her hooves.
“U-Um, it’s n-n-nice to meet y-you?” Fluttershy managed to chatter out, catching her breath from the sudden shock. Smolder grimaced, rubbing the back of her head.
“Er… sorry.” chortled Smolder.
The Doge grumbled before letting out a small dissapointed sigh. Coffee had splashed back into his face and chest, staining his once luxurious crimson and purple robes and attire brown. Rarity would have been in medical shock had she seen the horrid display.
The Doge whimpered as he slowly licked his muzzle and chops clean as he tiredly stripped the stained clothes off his person, “It’s, er… nice to meet you… well, it will be my pleasure to tell you all that for your effort serving the Republic and for convincing the dragon clans to assist us. You will be put in a Swallowtail school alongside your friend Yona.”
Spike raised his claw, “This decision wasn’t based on the coffee spill, was it…?”
His Excellency shot an annoyed scowl at the drake before conducting himself once more, “I will speak no more of the incident. Now all little creatures will go to bed at once.”
“We’re like teenagers, man, not hatchlings!” grumbled Gallus.
“AT ONCE!” snapped the Doge, his face twisting into a knot of rage and fury.
Spike and Gallus quickly collected themselves as they scrambled inside the Palace.
Smolder cringed internally, her ears flattening to her sides as she slowly followed the pair inside, presenting an apologetic look to the Doge. “Well, that wasn’t exactly what I meant… I swear I didn’t know it was hot….”
His Excellency sighed as he looked to Smolder with a tired expression, “It’s alright, child; no amount of physical burns can compare to the number of times the Parliament and Chaircreature Francesco have put me to the coals. Politically and emotionally….”
Fluttershy held a hoof to her lips, her eyes widening as her brow knit in concern. “Oh goodness, are you okay? How hot was that coffee? Oh dear, we should check and make sure you weren’t burnt too badly….”
Pulling herself up, the pegasus fluttered to the Doge’s side, already checking him for any wounds. “At least it was an accident. You poor thing….”
Looking down at Fluttershy, the Doge smiled as he gently stroked the mare atop her head, “Let’s get inside; it’s getting dark….”
As Smolder followed Gallus and Spike into the grand hallway, a young, familiar-looking heifer nearly stumbled and crushed Spike under her weight. The orange dragoness was just barely fast enough to catch the yak before she completely lost her balance, gritting her teeth in an excursion.
“Dragon and Griffin back! Yona so… tired…” Yona barely seemed bothered and nearly allowed the dragoness to take all of her weight. Smolder gave Spike a few more seconds to pull himself from under Yona before leaping away, allowing the yak to topple to the ground. “Yona don’t want to go back….”
“The heck is this hairy thing?” Smolder gasped, catching her breath.
Spike groaned as he squirmed from underneath. Yona, as he wiggled away, “Geez! You look beat; what was it, some military school?”
Gallus snorted, “No dummy, Swallowtail schools are for rich creatures and elitists. Yona probably got either embarrassed, bullied, branded, hazed, duped, deceived, or picked on.”
Yona let out a long groan, knocking her head to the ground and sending everyone in the vicinity a couple of inches into the air. “Yona too big for hallway, Yona too big for desk, Yona ‘too dumb’ to read Pony and Griffish books… Yona doesn’t like stupid school; Yona wants to learn potions with Starlight pony!”
“Geez… don’t blame her.” Smolder rubbed the back of her neck, “Why do we even have to go there? Just to… keep us busy?”
Gallus scoffed as he looked to Smolder, “Uh yeah, we’re not important enough to be sent off on our own errand to do because we’re ‘kids’! I get having Spike stay in school; look at him! ...Spike? Earth to Spike?”
Spike grew quiet, a pained expression crossing his face as memories of early adolescence filled his vision. The Canterlot elites weren’t much different from the ones in Swallowtail, and Spike was often bullied and belittled for his appearance, let alone undermined for being different. The drake took a deep breath as he approached Yona, placing his claw on her shoulder and looking the heifer in the eye.
“I’m going to help you have a good day at school tomorrow, and I won’t let anyone pick on you for not knowing how to do something.”
Yona sniffled, peeling her face up from the floor, looking Spike in the eyes. When she realized he was serious, she wiped her face, struggling but managing to turn to him with a smile in return.
“Spike is a good friend. Yona is glad Spike’s friend will be there.” Pulling her heavy limbs from the ground, Yona finally stood up, sighing heavily. “But Yona won’t be happy about going… Yona don’t like Swallowtail food….”
Smolder snickered, her expression softening as she witnessed Spike’s kind offer. Stepping towards the group, she set her claws on her hips. “Yeah, well, don’t worry. This time we’ll have your back. And… we can probably bring something to eat, right? Wait, do we get room service here?”
Gallus glanced down at Spike with a surprised look. For a moment, he was about to make a snide remark about Spike’s small frame and appearance and how ridiculous the notion of him promising somecreature like Yona that she’d have a good day tomorrow. But Gallus realized the true meaning behind his words. For a moment, he didn’t feel like the wittiest and most clever creature in the room.
“...Hey!” called Gallus, spotting a servant pony trotting down the halls, “Get us room service!”
The pegasus let out an annoyed huff before pushing her cart along. As she grabbed a bell with her mouth before ringing it. Moments later, a few servants arrived, and two griffins wearing lavish tuxedos approached the group.
“Good evening.” greeted the butlers.
“Yeah, I’ll take some fish soup; I’m starving!” Gallus said with a snap of a claw, "Make it snappy!"
Smolder stretched out her wings before rising into the air, crossing her arms as a self-assured smirk rose to her lips. “I’ll have as many jewels as you can get. I prefer Turquoise.”
Yona seemed to catch on to the game they were beginning to play, stomping her hoof to gain the servant’s attention, “Yona wants root stew, real root! With grass and herb! No fancy Swallowtail stuff or Yona SMASH.”
“Hah, I like her already.” The dragoness grinned.
The Griffins sighed as they scribbled down the group’s requests, “Ich bin müde, wann ist unsere pause?” grumbled the first griffin.
“Hamarosan testvér, már csak néhány óra…” smiled the second griffin.
The following day came, and so did the uncomfortable part of waking up at the crack of dawn. Each of the kids awoke to a servant gently but firmly knocking on their door and informing them of their responsibility to the Doge and themselves to go and learn at the prestigious Republican schools.
Spike was barely conscious; everything felt… bad. He felt sick, tired, and agitated. Equestrian schools started at 9 am, and Spike was used to getting an extra three hours of sleep. But if any creature was tired, it was Gallus. That poor griffin looked like he fell out of the tree.
“Morning guys…” yawned Spike, “You guys sleep good?”
Gallus blinked, “Coffee first, talking later.” growled the griffin.
Yona blinked, glancing around the table, looking no worse for wear. Perhaps it was due to Yaks waking up at the crack of dawn when the sun hit the snow just right, or maybe she was already acclimated to waking up for school. Nevertheless, she didn’t seem to be looking forward to their education.
“Yona doesn’t want to go… why can’t Yona just learn from here?” She slumped against the table, staring at her plate with disinterest.
Smolder sighed, rubbing both claws down her face, lying so far down in her seat she was practically slipping to the floor. “Ugh… why did I agree to this….”
“Because it’s for the greater good!” called the Doge from across the room, “Buenos Diaz ninos y ninas! Glad to see the happy smiles.” smirked the Doge as he sipped his ICED cappuccino coffee, “I got all of you backpacks with supplies, and I packed your lunches!”
Gallus looked up from his cup of joe as he yawned, “You did all of that for us? ...Wow, at least you’ll throw us a bone before boring us to death….”
Spike looked at Yona, “I guess he gave you your stuff yesterday, huh?”
Yona slowly looked up, “Yona have a bag, but Yona wears it on horns. Too small…” She gestured to the pack beside her. It wasn’t for lack of trying, there was a large strap that could possibly go around the yak, but without magic or claws, it was hard to imagine how Yona could put it on herself.
Spike quickly assisted Yona as he adjusted the straps, sliding the pack over her horns, and set the bag atop her back before tending to his breakfast porridge.
“Uh, thanks, I guess….” Smolder stared at the bags and supplies, unsure of how to feel. “So, uh, how long is this going to be? I figured I could be more useful as a guard or something….”
“Schools are like eight hours in Equestria,” answered Spike.
The Doge nodded, “It’s the same here; you’ll have the same classes, and then once everyone returns, you can all withdraw from your formal education if you wish.”
Gallus sighed, “Smolder’s right. We’d be more useful doing literally anything else.”
The diamond dog sighed, “Look, we need to mind ourselves and our appearance. This isn’t just a mission where we beat up the bad guys and have dinner afterward. We need to care about our public image. Sending little ones to the frontlines of a war doesn’t exactly constitute that image of benevolance!”
Smolder rolled her eyes, “Puh-lease, dragons are built to be warriors from day one. That’s why we can breathe fire in the first place. We learn through experience, not through your dumb books.”
Yona snorted, raising herself a little straighter. “Yak is like Dragon. Yak, learn to be strong first! Yak learn through stories, Elders sing over fires of warriors long past! Dumb books teach dumb things. Yak is better!”
The Doge sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. “Look, you can whine and propose your case all you like, but it doesn’t stop the fact you all will remain in school till everyone else is done with their objectives.”
Spike sipped his tea as he chewed on a gem, “I think you guys should try to see the best in this. Maybe we’ll learn something useful?” Spike weakly proposed.
The Doge clasped his hands together in relief, “That’s the spirit. Now off you go! There’s a large gondola waiting for you at the dock by the canal!”
Gallus perked up, “Wait, now?”
“Yes, now. Go!” Barked his Excellency.
Yona slumped from her seat to the ground as if she were boneless, her hooves disappearing into her mass of fur. “Yona so tired….”
Smolder groaned, “But I barely ate! Ugh, fine…” Flexing her wings, Smolder lifted herself from her seat and over to Yona, just barely managing to get the yak to her hooves. “C’mon, you big lug… it can’t be that bad….”
The quiet and scenic ride down the narrow canals toward the inner city exposed one of the few quiet parts of the day. Swallowtail’s bright and lively city was dim and quiet, with only the rippling water and the coo of morning doves to accompany the students down the canal.
Spike was scribbling down his notes and report for Twilight as he gazed upon the sleepy villas and watched the few lights twinkle above. Gallus had been splashing his face with water as he grumbled for air, “Too early….”
The group slipped into a deep tunnel that was pitch black. They couldn’t even see the creature next to them before the navigator lit his lantern, illuminating the path. Smooth stones and brick lined the tunnels had maintenance pipes lining the walls with signs in different languages warning about the dangerous water pressure in the pipes.
The literal light at the end of the tunnel approached as the group exited the darkness and drifted into another part of the city. The Harpy guiding the gondola smiled, “Ah, Student Street, to be young again, haha! You kids are lucky; school is so easy and fun! You guys have it made, be sure to get into some trouble, for my sake!” laughed the Harpy, reminicsing.
The city was less urbanized and condensed, resembling something more akin to a small village with more space between the branches and canals. The most defining feature of Student Street was the schools for every age demographic. From Primary Schoolers to University students, the entire area was littered with young creatures.
There were several shops that catered to the many needs of these students; coffee, office supplies, restaurants, and even a few pubs for older pupils. It was clean and organized, with a few lightly armed and armored guards scattered throughout the town as the group approached the dock.
“Ah ha, well, here we are.” grinned the navigator, “This is where we depart for now until we meet again.”
Yona seemed relieved to finally leave the gondola, trembling as she stepped onto the dock. “'Is better than flying, at least….” She murmured to herself, letting out an anxious shiver.
Smolder stretched, smacking her lips as she hovered a few feet above the group. “I think I might have caught a nap in there… alright, Yona, you’ve done this before. Where do we go?”
The yak blanched, caught off guard by the question. “Uhh… Yona doesn’t know; Yona had a guide first day… so many places, too many creatures….”
Looking at the yak closely, it was apparent she wasn’t accustomed to so many strangers being around her at once. It must have been a total culture shock for her.
Gallus tsked as he shook his head and climbed out of the gondola, “Ladies, you just aren’t seeing it.”
“Seeing what?” hmpfed Spike.
“Look, going to school is great and all. And it’s not like we have much of a choice in going, right? … But they never said which school we had to go to, right?” offered Gallus.
“Where are you going with this?” questioned Spike as he gave the griffin an unimpressed glare.
“Why don’t we just sit in a college lecture or stay in a gym or lunch period all day?” replied Gallus.
Yona blinked. She had never thought of it like that. She had heard of the term ‘hooky’ before but had never thought of actually doing it. But considering the day she had yesterday, she wasn’t looking forward to repeating it.
“Yona would like lunch. Yona still hungry.” The yak perked up, a small smile lifting her lips.
Smolder gave Gallus a toothy grin, “Heh, now you’re thinkin’. Let’s make sure we keep movin’ around so they miss us.” Glancing over at Spike, the dragoness rolled her eyes.
“C’mon, don’t give me that crap. Just think of it like this, you need to… report all of this to your princess, right? Might as well get a perfect sample of all they have to offer.”
Spike sighed, “That’s actually a really good point… but let’s just… stay back and not cause any trouble, okay? The last thing we need is to get negative press on us while everypony else is working hard to help the Wingless below on the ground.”
Gallus sighed deeply as he groaned, “Oh my God, you don’t have to guilt trip us! We’ll be fiiiiinnnneee, sheesh.”
Spike gave an annoying grunt before gently patting Yona’s side, “Alright, alright, fine, but we need to get a good sample for my report to Twilight, so I choose where we go.”
Gallus crossed his arms, “Why do you get to choose!?”
“Because I’m Twilight’s number one assistant, let’s go to the universities. She’ll probably want a history lecture or something…” sighed Spike.
Yona looked relieved, giving Spike a very grateful smile. “Thank you, Spike. Yona will not forget dragon kindness.”
Smolder let out a deep sigh, “Uuuuuugh… fine. But you only get to choose the first class. Then we go to lunch, deal? After that, we can go to another one you want, then vice versa.”
“Fine, but let it be known that I can’t save you if you get in hot water. I’m just Twilight’s assistant. I don’t have the same luxuries as her or anything. So if you break the law or get kicked out, I can’t help you.” Spike warned.
“Yeah yeah, we’ll do our best now. Let’s go.” Gallus grumbled, rolling his eyes.
Stepping inside the lecture hall, the group were a little surprised to see one familiar face in the crowd. Starlight Glimmer, allbeit looking a little disheveled and exhausted as the mare idly scribbled the lecture presented by a large owl perched at the bottom of the podium.
“Uh, why are you guys looking at that unicorn so weirdly?” Smolder whispered.
“That Yona’s potion teacher! Uh, should Yona and friends sneak away?” The yak seemed unsure of what to do and a little antsy.
Gallus rolled his eyes, “She doesn’t know anything, just act natural.” the griffin approached Starlight, even going as far as to sit beside her.
“Hey, Starlight, what’s up?” greeted Gallus.
The mare looked at the griffin, a little surprised but pleased to see him, “Er, Gallus? What brings you here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” replied Gallus.
“Oh uh… wasting time I guess… I had to fill a report in for some officers in the guard, but I don’t have much else to do now….” answered Starlight.
“Don't have much else to do now ey? Listen, the Doge sent us here because we’re a waste of space in his eyes. But we can help. We need an opportunity to shine. Do you catch my drift?”
Starlight peered behind Gallus, seeing the rest of the group before sighing, “I see….” The mare quickly rose to her hooves before trotting up to them, “Well, let’s get a move on.”
“But what about my report for Twilight?” piped Spike.
“Forget about it.” answered Starlight, “Not like anything they’re teaching here can’t be found in a book; besides, Twilight loves reading books….”
Spike chuckled, “Er… I guess that’s true; but what are you doing here?”
“These lecture halls and campus' aren’t too far from the military academy. I had nothing else to do besides identifying spells that Unicornican soldiers use against Swallowtail’s troops.”
Gallus flapped his wings as he stretched and yawned,, “Sounds like you had your work cut out for you then, let’s get out of here.”
“Now hold on, won’t Twilight and The Doge get mad at us if we just go behind their backs like this?” questioned Spike.
Starlight chuckled, stroking the drake’s head with a magic hand before sighing, “Don’t worry, I’ll chaperone you guys and teach you some real magic… I think I have a fun learning opportunity in mind for you all right now. Remember those bottles we made for Trixie, Yona?”
Smolder cocked a brow, unsure of what to make of this unicorn. As a rule, she never really trusted unicorns, not even the ones that strode the roots beneath Swallowtail. This one, however, piqued her interest.
Yona perked up, nodding and giving Starlight a wide grin. “Yona, remember!”
Starlight trotted toward the door, “I’m not even going to question the extra dragon in the group!” laughed Starlight.
Spike scratched his head as he watched her leave, feeling an unusual aura come off the unicorn as he looked over to Gallus, “Are we sure about this?”
“Yes, why are we even having this discussion? Let’s get out of here!” snarked Gallus.
Spike sighed, “But my report….”