//------------------------------// // Welcome, Welcome, Welcome // Story: Starbloom Chronicles // by L_Wolf //------------------------------// Chapter 3 "You are to be stripped of your magic and sentenced to living out the rest of your days in Canterlot's Prison as a hornless unicorn." Celestia clapped her hoof loudly on a piece of wood signaling judgment has been passed. Then she lowered her horn towards Starbloom. "But I'm not a unicorn anymore! Please Princess don't do this to me again!" However, the alicorn just closed her eyes and spread her wings wide releasing the beam of magic that encompassed the fillies’ body, Starbloom letting out a loud cry as she felt the magic course through her body. It felt like a needle was burrowing into her forehead were her horn would have been.         Starbloom sat up quickly, panting hard. Her eyes wide as she looked around her room. It was still dark outside, and though she wasn't too sure what time it was, she knew she wasn't going back to sleep any time soon. She rolled off her bed and looked up at the clock letting out a soft sigh. "Five forty-eight, might as stay up until it's time to go to school." She headed into the bathroom and turned on the water stepping into shower, relaxing under stream of hot water.         She shut the water off after a few minutes and shook herself dry before coming out and dried herself off better with a towel before brushing out her mane, and then her teeth. Coming out of the bathroom she looked to the clock to see what time it was, is was still pretty early so she went down into the library's main hall and light one of lanterns before getting down a book and started to read quietly.         "Equestrian History?" Starbloom nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Twilight speak up behind her. Looking over her shoulder at Twilight smiled at her. "Sorry Starbloom I didn't mean to scare you like that. What time did you get up?"         "A little before six," Starbloom said closing the book and putting it away. She wasn't sure if she should tell Twilight about the dream or not. Course if anyone would understand the dream, Twilight would. "I had a bad dream and it woke me up." Twilight looked over at Starbloom her eyes full of concern.         "Was it... that dream?" Twilight asked going over to where Starbloom was standing. Starbloom gave her a slow nod and Twilight's look of concern shifted to a look of worry. "What did the dream feel like? Did it seem like more than a dream?"         "No, it didn't seem like more than just a normal dream. And I'm having a hard time remembering details about it." Starbloom said trying to put Twilight's mind at ease. Which Twilight did seem more at ease about it but there was still a look of concern in Twilight's purple eyes. "I don't think there is anything to be worried about."         Twilight just nods at Starbloom, ruffling the filly’s mane with her hoof. "Alright if you’re sure. Just let me know if you have any more of those dreams, or if anything doesn't feel normal, alright?" Starbloom nodded in response, and both went into the kitchen for breakfast, just a simple breakfast of wheat toast and apple juice.         "When is Spike supposed to get back from Canterlot?" Starbloom asked taking a drink of her juice, looking up at Twilight, she wasn't that hungry so she didn't eat too much of her toast. She had mixed feelings about seeing the little dragon, she knew it was going to hurt, but she also missed him.         "He'll be back in two more days," Twilight said watching the small lavender filly. "Will you be okay?" She could see the apprehension in Starbloom's eyes. It was hard for her to imagine what it would be like for her seeing Spike after what had happen in her timeline.         Starbloom didn't answer at first, she just looked into her cup quietly before looking at Twilight and nodded lightly with a smile. "Yeah, I think so. I do want to see him again," She looks up at the clock and blinks. "Oh no I'm going to be late!" She got up quickly and hurried to the door.         "Starbloom, your saddlebags." Twilight called to her using her magic to float the saddlebags over and put them on the fillies back. "Have a good day." Twilight smiled watching as Starbloom gallops down the street towards the school.         "Thanks Twilight!" She calls back as she gallops off to school quickly, not wanting to be any later than she already was. She couldn't believe she didn't notice the time sooner. I hope Ms. Cheerilee isn't too upset with me.         She galloped quickly through the town, dodging ponies along the way. She squeaks and slides to a stop almost running into Pinkie Pie outside of Sugar Cube Corner. "Hi Starbloom! What are you doing this early in the morning?" The hyper pink pony asked.         "Hi Pinkie," Starbloom said panting softly a little out of breath. "I'm actually running late for school." Starbloom answered moving to get around Pinkie Pie and continue towards the school building.         "Oh I see, well you better hurry then silly!" Pinkie said with a giggle and bouncing after her. "Oh I totally need to throw you a welcome party to."         Starbloom rolled her eyes a bit at that, but smiled looking at Pinkie. "Yeah that sounds great Pinkie Pie, you should go plan that while I'm at school."         Pinkie gasped sharply and bounced. "Great idea! I'll have the party ready by the time you’re done at school. So don't make plans!" Pinkie quickly bounced her way back to Sugar Cube Corner and went to work planning for Starbloom's welcome party.         "What have I gotten myself into?" Starbloom asked to herself then heard the school bell ring. "Ack!" She started to gallop the rest of the way to school and went inside breathing hard. "S... sorry, I'm late Ms. Cheerilee." Starbloom said standing inside the door of the classroom.         "It's alright Starbloom, just don't make a habit of it." Cheerilee said with her normal cheerful smile. "Now take your seat and we can get class started." Starbloom nods as she walks to her desk and placed her saddlebags nearby taking her seat. "Before we start class, I just wanted to remind everyone that we'll be starting Family Appreciation Day tomorrow. Now Starbloom I know you don't have family here in Ponyville but if you like, you can bring Twilight. Just let me know tomorrow when she can make it."         Starbloom nods faintly, "Yes Ms. Cheerilee, I will thank you." She had never thought about Family Appreciation Day. She did remember it was a tradition in Ponyville, but Canterlot students didn't bring family members to class. She thought about it as class continued and as lunch rolled around, she still wasn't so sure. She made her way out of the schoolhouse to the tables outside.         "So ya gonna ask Twilight?" Starbloom blinks and looks up brought out of her thought by Apple Bloom "Ya gonna ask Twilight to come to Family Appreciation Day?" Apple Bloom asked Starbloom again sitting across from her. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were sitting on either side of Apple Bloom also looking at her.         "Oh, I haven't decided yet," Starbloom, said thinking about it. "She's pretty busy I'm not sure if she'll have time."         "You should still ask her, I'm sure she'd love to come." Sweetie Belle said smiling at her. "Rarity is pretty busy to but she always makes time to come." Scootaloo nods in agreement chewing on a mouthful of hay fries.         "You gonna ask Granny Smith to come again?" All four girls froze before looking over at Diamond Tiara. Apple Bloom frowning at her. "Maybe this time she can tell some embarrassing stories." Diamond Tiara grins.         "It ain’t any of yer business who I bring. At least she didn't bore the class with a business lecture." Apple Bloom replied to Diamond Tiara. "Besides it ain’t zap apple season this time."         Starbloom just stared quietly at Diamond Tiara, which started to make the bully feel uneasy. Diamond Tiara wasn't sure what it was about Starbloom's eyes but it made her uncomfortable to be stared at like that by her. "Well... whatever, I got better things to do." She quickly trotted off to find Silverspoon.         "Glad she left before I gave her a piece of my mind." Scootaloo said then looks at Starbloom, blinking a bit, "Starbloom? Hey you alright over there?"         Starbloom shook her head, looking over at the three. "Yea I'm fine. Sorry I was lost in thought for a minute." She said smiling at them. "I think I will ask Twilight to come. I'm sure she'd have some interesting stories to tell about studying under Princess Celestia."         The other three didn't seem sure Starbloom had seemed dazed. They looked at each other before looking back to Starbloom. Sweetie Belle nodded at her and smiles. "Yea I'm sure Twilight will have great stories to tell. Hey do you wanna do your initiation after school today?"         Starbloom almost jumped at the chance but then remembered Pinkie Pie said not to make plans. "I would but Pinkie Pie said she was going to throw me a welcome party after school. I'm sure she'll be upset if I didn't show up. But you guys are welcome to come for sure." She smiles at the three fillies.         "Yay!" All three yelled at the same time. "I love Pinkie Pie's parties they are so much fun."         Sweetie Belle said with a big grin. "Yea Pinkie Pie's parties are famous, you're lucky to have one thrown for you." Scootaloo said, smiling.         Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically "Ya I love Pinkie's parties. She makes all kinds’a treats for them"         "Time to go back inside girls" Cheerilee said, as she came over to the table they had been seated at. All four looking up at her and then around blushing "Sorry Ms. Cheerilee." They said before getting up from the table and clearing it before heading back into the schoolhouse, Cheerilee following them. They had missed hearing the bell ring to let them know lunch was over.         The rest of the school day had passed quietly, Starbloom was still thinking about the best way to ask Twilight about Family Appreciation Day. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear Ms. Cheerilee call on her to answer a question at first. She blushed softly when Cheerilee came to her desk and tapped her shoulder. The rest of the class giggled.         Cheerilee asked Starbloom to stay after class once everyone had left. "Are you feeling alright Starbloom, you have seemed preoccupied today." Cheerilee asked with genuine concern.         "Yes Ms. Cheerilee I'm alright. I've just had a few things on my mind is all." She said honestly smiling up at her.         "I've noticed, you know if you have a problem you can talk to me about it." Cheerilee said watching the small filly. "As a teacher it's my job to help all my students."         Starbloom nods at Cheerilee smiling at her, "I know Ms. Cheerilee thank you. But I'm alright; I'll do my best not to let myself be distracted in class again." She couldn't really tell Cheerilee what had distracted her; it would be too hard to explain.         Cheerilee considered Starbloom's answer for a minute before smiling. "Alright Starbloom, just keep what I said in mind. If you ever need to talk, I'm here to listen." She walks Starbloom out of the school. "See you tomorrow, remember to let me know what Twilight says about Family Appreciation Day."         "I will Ms. Cheerilee. See you tomorrow." She smiles back at her teacher before hurrying to meet up with her friends. "Everything alright Starbloom? You didn't get in trouble did you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "No I didn't, she was just wanting to remind me about Family Appreciation Day, and asked me why I was distracted in class." Starbloom replied, walking with them. She was unsure if the party was going to be at Sugar Cube Corner or at the library.         She decided to go Sugar Cube Corner first, since it was on the way. She walked with her friends on their way to Sugar Cube Corner to see if Pinkie was going to host the party there or not, the other three fillies were talking with each other. However, Starbloom wasn't paying attention; her mind was still focused on Twilight and Family Appreciation Day.         “What do you think Starbloom?” Sweetie Belle asked her suddenly bringing her out of her thoughts. “Huh? What do I think about what?” Starbloom asked looking over her shoulder at the small white unicorn looking a little confused.         “What do you think about getting our cutie marks as inventors?” Sweetie Belle asked smiling at Starbloom. Starbloom however just had an even more confused look on her face. “Inventors?” She didn't want to hurt her friend’s feelings but she really didn't see how that would work. “Sounds good, but what would we invent?”         The other three seemed to think about it for a few minutes before looking back at Starbloom. “I'm sure we'll come up with somethin’” Apple Bloom said nodding at Starbloom. Starbloom just gave her a nod back, unsure what to say before turning to the door of Sugar Cube Corner and opening it looking inside.         There didn't seem to be anyone inside so she closed the door. “I guess the party is at the libra... gah!” She cried out in surprise suddenly pulled back inside by Pinkie Pie in a tight hug. “No silly the party is here!” Pinkie said letting her go, the rest of her friends coming inside grinning. “Surprise!” The rest of the ponies of Ponyville yelled coming out of different hiding places, even Twilight came out from behind the counter.         Pinkie put a party hat on Starbloom's head while grinning. “First, the welcome song!” The rest of the ponies gathered around and started to join Pinkie as she sang. Welcome welcome welcome A fine welcome to you Welcome welcome welcome I say how do you do? Welcome welcome welcome I say hip hip hurray Welcome welcome welcome To Ponyville today         Starbloom wasn't sure where it came from, but Pinkie threw hooves full of confetti into the air while grinning. Though she had learned long ago not to question stuff like that when it came to Pinkie Pie. “Did we surprise you?” Pinkie asked, still grinning. “Yes you did Pinkie Pie,” Starbloom couldn't help but smile at the hyper pink pony. “Thank you for the party.”         “Your welcome Starbloom, now go have fun.” Pinkie said still grinning ear to ear as she bounced off to enjoy herself at the party. Starbloom just smiled again before taking her advice and walking with her friends to the snack table to get something to drink and some of the snacks. “Wow, looks like she went all out on this.” Starbloom said, getting some cookies on a plate and a cup of juice before finding an empty table to sit at. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom joined her with their own plates of goodies. “Pinkie always does. Remember Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera.” Scootaloo asked smiling.         “How could I forget?” Apple Bloom said groaning softly, but smiles. “Wasn't all bad though, I did meet ya'll there.” She added looking at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Starboom smiled as she listened chewing on a cookie. She also remembered that day.         Starbloom looked out at the party watching her old friends over in a corner talking and having fun much like she was with her new friends. Twilight looks back over at Starbloom and smiles before turning back to a talk with Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Starbloom shifted her attention to her own friends. “So should we dance, or play pin the tail on the pony first?” Scootaloo asked looking at the others. “Hey maybe we can get a cutie mark for pin the tail on the pony?” Sweetie Belle suddenly said with that little voice crack she gets when excited.         “A pin the tail on the pony cutie mark? What would that kinda cutie mark look like?” Apple Bloom said but considered the suggestion. “It's worth a try.” The other two got up and started to follow Apple Bloom so Starbloom got up and followed as well.         “You can go first Starbloom,” Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo blindfolded her and put the tail in her muzzle. She held it carefully while getting spun around. She wobbled her way forward and stuck the tail on the paper pony’s leg. They each took a few turns but none of them managed to get the tail in the right spot. Scootaloo did get the closest though pinning the tail on the ponies flank.         “Well maybe pin the tail on the pony ain’t our special talent,” Apple Bloom said smiling. “Let's dance instead.” Scootaloo said, the rest nodding as they moved away from the game and started to dance, the party went well and smooth. Starbloom even got a few welcome gifts from her old friends but soon the party was over and everyone headed home.         “Did you have fun Starbloom?” Twilight asked after they had gotten back to the library and got everything put away. “Yes I did Twilight. Oh I just remembered, Ms. Cheerilee wanted me to ask if you could come to Family Appreciation Day.” She had almost forgotten during the party. She looked up at Twilight trying to judge her reaction to the question.         Twilight smiled at her nodding, “I'd be happy to come Starbloom, just let me know which day she wants me there.” Twilight could tell by the look in Starbloom's eyes that she had been worried about asking her. “I have been thinking, I should officially adopt you. What do you think?”         Starbloom's jaw almost hit the floor at that, her eyes going wide. She knew Twilight would let her stay in the library but she never expected anything like this. “A.. are you serious? You want to adopt me?” She shakes her head lightly wondering if she had heard right.         “Yes of course I am, Starbloom, you're going to be growing up here. It's only fitting that you have a parent, and we can't ask my parents since they live in Canterlot.” She smiles at Starbloom watching her expression change from shock to joy. That was more than enough of an answer for her.         “I would love it Twilight, thank you so much.” She was almost in tears, she knew Twilight would have let her stay with her for as long as she needed to stay. But adoption never crossed her mind. “So, at Family Appreciation Day I, can introduce you as my mom.” She smiled at the idea, she didn't know why but it seemed to fit.         “Yep, now get to bed it's late and we have a long day tomorrow. I'll pick you up after school and we can go to town hall get all the paperwork done.” Twilight said, ushering Starbloom up to her room and tucks her into bed. “Sleep well Starbloom.”         “Goodnight Twilight, and thank you again.” She smiles at Twilight yawning softly snuggling down into the bed closing her eyes. Twilight smiles back and turned out the lights before heading down the stairs to her desk and got out a parchment and quill.         Dear Princess Celestia,                 I thought I should update you on the current situation here in Ponyville. As you know, I have taken up caring for a young filly named Starbloom for the past two days. After much consideration and talking with my friends, I have decided the best course of action would be adoption. Tomorrow I will be going with her to the mayor’s office and filing the paperwork. I wanted you to be the first one to know of my official decision in the matter. If at all possible though, please don't let Spike know. I want to surprise him when he gets home.                                                                 Your Faithful Student,                                                                                 Twilight Sparkle         Once Twilight finished her letter, she sealed it and used her magic to send the letter to Celestia in Canterlot. Even though she had Spike send the letters with his dragon breath most of the time, she did the have ability to send mail herself if she needed to. Once the letter had been sent she turned out the lights in the library and made her way to her bedroom, peeking in on Starbloom to make sure she was sleeping peacefully. Once she was sure everything was fine, she got into bed and went to sleep.