He stared down at the letter in shock, unable to believe what his own eyes were telling him. This can’t be right. He told himself. There are reports every year of false acceptance letters being sent out. This has to be one of those.
No matter what he told himself though; the letter never changed.
‘Congratulations! You have been accepted into UCLA for fall of 2014. Please accept and schedule your freshmen orientation through the URSA web-system by May 16th.’
The first portal between Earth and Equestria had mysteriously formed near Washington DC in second month of 2010 and ponies were met with instant suspicion. It wasn’t until March 3 of 2011 when tragedy struck the coast of Japan did people realize who ponies really were. Celestia, without even being asked, had sent pegasi and chariots to ferry people out of the affected zone and to safety. They kept it up after the Fukushima daiichi power plant went critical, risking their own safety for that of humans. It had also worked to galvanize the world and help streamed in from across the world.
But, even with it being accepted that ponies wanted to live in harmony, they still weren’t allowed into human institutions. The mostly agrarian and magic based society was viewed as incompatible with human science and it was believed they could never openly compete on an even playing field. Celestia urged and argued, even getting the help of the ACLU stating that all sapients had the right to the same education. A few Universities immediately accepted in the name of “a diverse campus life” and the sake of good publicity; so long as they could pass an entrance exam upon completing the application and took placement tests. The one for English made no sense to the student as they both countries spoke the same language.
The shocked pegasus had never even been told if he’d passed or not, and that was back in November. Most ponies never applied; they didn’t see a reason to it, and it tended to go against their cutie mark. But, Stormy Skies had been too entranced by humans and ponies working together to even care that his ‘role’ was to work with weather for the rest of his life. On a whim, he had applied to several human universities, never expecting to get into any of them let alone one with such a great name. He hadn’t even given any thought to his major, but he still had two years to pick one.
After a few moments, Stormy looks over at the calendar on his wall, the one with his work schedule for the Canterlot weather patrol. The date was May 10th; mail was a little slow between worlds. Wait! Six days? I only have six days?! Computers still weren’t the most common, even in Canterlot and he would have to find one connected to the human internet if he was to accept in time. The only close location would be in Canterlot Castle at the top of the mountain, wires were too hard to run to many other places since they had to connect to Earth and wireless signals could only travel so far past the event horizon.
The mustard yellow pegasus promptly ran across the wooden floor of his small flat and grabbed his saddlebags from against the wall, and placed them over his flanks; the storm cloud clasp matching his cutie mark. Stormy Skies then ran back to the spot he had plopped down at when he saw the school letter. He picked the letter up with his muzzle and shoved it into has bags, he’d need the website address if he had any hope of finding it in time. His cornflower blue mane fell into his face and was brushed aside as he ran with his remaining three legs for the door.
Stormy threw the door open and ran. Once outside, the pegasus quickly spread his wings and started pumping for all he was worth. He rapidly gained altitude as the houses shrunk below him. The ornate castle of marble and gold stuck out from the side of the singular mountain in a manner humans described as ‘defying physics’ for the way most of its mass seemed to hang in midair. A waterfall flowed around the base of the castle and down into Canterlot proper then flowed down to Ponyville and the Everfree forest.
Before Stormy Skies was even halfway there, he was gasping for breath. His job required flying, but never for very long time and certainly never this fast, he just stayed in the factory to make the clouds. The distance he was having to travel also wasn’t helping. This pegasus lived on the outskirts of Canterlot where the housing was the cheapest. The closer a pony got to the castle, the more expensive and exclusive the buildings became, more than a weather pony could ever hope to make.
Stormy was a couple hundred yards from the castle and he could already make out the Royal Guards tasked with protecting the area from harmful intruders. The pegasus decided to slow down to avoid looking suspicious, and to conserve what energy he did still had. He was unsure what finding the computer inside the mass of stone would entail or how much time he would have to complete whatever the acceptance form was.
A white pegasus with blue mane and golden armor came up next to the mustard yellow pegasus. The newcomer spoke in a brusque, deep voice. “Do you have business at the castle today?”
Stormy’s wings seized up for a moment in shock, the guard had just appeared out of nowhere. He flapped his wings quickly to keep from falling out of the sky. “Um,” The pegasus replied, unsure of how to respond. “Well, yes. I have, it’s um.” He floundered for words. “I have to use their internet. I, um, got accepted to a human school.” Then the young pegasi remembered the deadline. “I only have six days to get my paperwork in.” The pegasus hurriedly stated, his personality taking a shift. “I only just got the letter today and I didn’t know where else to go.”
The guard gave a small sigh. “Ok. Relax. I’ll take you to the main gate and you can explain it to them.” The guard banked to the right and led the younger pegasus the last 100 yards to the main gate.
The two pegasi landed on a bridge in front of a set of large wooden doors, large enough for a dragon to enter comfortably. “If you can just wait here. I will find somepony to help you.” The guard offered as he walked towards the two ponies guarding the door. These new guards looked identical to his escort other than that they were both unicorns. All guards looked the same; it had something to do with a magic enchantment in their armor.
After a moment of talking, his escort came back with one of the unicorn guards in tow. “Alright,” He stated stoically. “This is Ai, and will be your escort.”
As Stormy looked at his new escort, his old one flew off and wished him luck on his adventure. This new guard looked similar but less patient.
“Alright. Before I let you into the castle I need to see proof.” The guard demanded and stared down at the pegasus.
“Ah...okay, one moment.” Stormy quickly replied, not expecting hostility from a guard. Had the changelings really affected the guard that severely? The mustard yellow pegasus wondered as he reached back into the saddlebags to pull out his letter and identification. “Here you go.” He offered helpfully as the guard lifted the documents up in a light cream field of magic.
“Stormy Skies, huh?” The guard muttered to himself. “Going to California. 26th? Why can’t they process the mail better?” The guard continued talking to himself.
The unicorn looked back up at the pegasus. “Everything seems to be in order here.” He declared, passing back the papers. “There’s still one more test though.” He stated as his horn lit up and the pegasus was engulfed in the cream colored aura.
“Wait!” Stormy began to panic. “What are you doing?” He questioned as he began to lift off the ground and his limbs were slowly moved against his will by the unicorn’s magic. His wings were pulled out, legs spread, and tail raised. It felt like somepony had even run a comb through his hair. After a few moments of this he unceremoniously fell to the ground. “What the hay!”
“Had to check you for weapons and if you were a threat. Papers can still be forged.” The guard nonchalantly informed the pegasus and walked to the large wooden doors.
Stormy had trotted to catch back up to the moving guard. After a few minutes of silence roaming the marble halls filled with columns, statues and frises. The pegasus’ exhaustion and surprise had slowly faded and now his mind wandered. “I didn’t catch your name.” He asked the guard, unsure what his response would be.
“No.” He replied coldly. “You didn’t”
Stormy didn’t fall behind, he half expected that answer, why else would a pony not introduce themselves.
“But since you asked,” The unicorn continued. “It’s Ai Kido.” The guard turned around and looked at the pony she was escorting. “And before you ask its Ancient Equestrian. It means ‘way of harmonious spirit’.”
Stormy was taken aback, guards rarely opened up like that. “Thank you.” He replied as his mind began to wander off. That’s a unique name. I wonder how much longer it is. “Does the internet have a closing time?”
Ai stopped dead. One minute he was moving and the next he wasn’t. “You don’t know much about human, do you?” The guard asked rhetorically. “It’s an automated system of sending information. Think of it as a 24 hour dragonfire library.” He iterated. “How much do you know?”
“Um…” Stormy came up short. “They are bipedal omnivores and used science to create technology. They have no true magic but still manage without it. They live in many cities that-“ He was sharply cut off by the guard.
“Stop.” The guard reproached. “None of that is really useful in dealing with them. I will make sure to point you in the proper direction once we get those papers filled out. Although I would rather see you try to get by on those relatively small readings.” Ai laughed as he started walking again.
“How do you know?” Stormy asked, slightly indignant, he had spent several days reading up on humans and they didn’t seem that different.
“My family is all guards. When we first ran into humans it was unknown if they were a threat and were thus studied.” Ai informed his charge; a small smile graced his features. “I would actually love to see it. You know they have beaches where the sand is pure white and the water is as clear as the sky.” He revealed in a moment of honesty and passion.
Wow. Stormy Skies thought to himself. Here is a pony that knows what it’s like, has studied it. All I did was read a few books and apply out of curiosity. The pegasus took a breath, what he was about to do was probably pretty stupid. “Then come visit me sometime.” He offered. “You can stay with me.”
Ai gave a raucous laugh. “I don’t think even liberal schools allow co-ed dorming in the same room.” When Stormy seemed to have a lack of words by not responding, the guard clarified. “You do know I’m a mare right?” She asked quizzically.
“But you look male. And the Lunar Guards are the only ones that have females.” He uttered, not entirely sure what to believe.
“The armor just makes us look male.” Ai chuckled. “Just like it makes us all appear the same. It’s a standard military tactic for solidarity and intimidation.” She informed him. “But I may take you up on that offer.” The guard conceded. “And we’re here.”
Stormy Skies looked through the door they stood in front of. Inside were a half dozen computer consoles with specialized tools to go on the hooves of non-unicorns so they could type. The pegasus had seen these machines before when filling out his initial application, but that had been by appointment during his lunch break so he could type up the essays he had written on some parchment. But all of the consoles were full.
Ai just walked in like she owned the place. She walked up to a white coated stallion working on a console. “Hello, Prince Blueblood.” The guard started. “I’m afraid I must ask you to vacate the console.” A modest smile graced her male features.
“You most certainly cannot.” Blueblood responded. “Under whose authority?” He added indignantly.
“Your aunt, Princess Celestia and Celestial Order 1538. Which states that-“
“I know what it states.” Blueblood humphed as he got up from the console and left the room with his nose sticking up in the air.
“I swear that pony is only good at being a pain in the flank.” Ai muttered under her breath, but not quiet enough for other ponies to laugh, the eavesdroppers all chuckled. “Come on Stormy, let’s get started on this.”
“Wait. You’re helping me with this?” The pegasus asked stunned. What is up with this guard.
“I kind of got myself the role of aiding transfers to Earth due to my knowledge.” Ai admitted. “Thought it would be fun at first. But more ponies than I expected had their heads up their rumps, but we can discuss that later.” The guard said, trying to get back on track. “If you can hand me that paper please, it has the address on it.”
Stormy Skies reached back into his saddle bags and pulled out the acceptance letter which was quickly grasped in the unicorn’s magic.
“This,” Ai Kido said, pointing to a specific line. “Is the web address, you type this in to get to your site.” She stated as she also used her magic to press the keys. The screen changed to from a colorful screen to one with only two lines. “Ok. You need to come up here and input your username and password. Then it should bring up a screen asking whether or not you accept. After you make that decision, we can move on to the next step.”
Next step? There is orientation, housing, what else? Stormy wondered until a thought hit him. How hard or those things? But, he still walked up to the keyboard, and using the little typing nubs on his hooves, entered his password. The screen changed to a cluttered page. Why can’t they just use forms in triplicate, it’s less confusing. He complained as he looked for anything about accepting.
AHA! He expounded as he moved the mouse over to the little accept button which took him to another screen. How many times must it change? But, the only option he saw on this new screen was either to accept or decline. After less than a moment’s thought he clicked to accept. What’s to think about? He laughed. The screen then changed one more time, with a new message.
‘Thank you for accepting. Please make sure to select an orientation time and to fill out your housing application.’
“Might as well do that now.” Ai Kido advised. “Unless you want to do this again.” She snickered.
Stormy followed the link to his housing application. He had to input his code again, but then there were a bunch of questions ranging from his sleep habits to how he studied and if he drank. He quickly filled it out; he was a responsible pony as were most of the ones he knew. Surely this is just for redundancy, what 18 year old could be that irresponsible? He questioned, forgetting the ruckus that could be made by some of the weather ponies after a long shift or missed rainfall.
After finishing that application a new message popped up.
‘Thank you for applying for on-campus housing for the 2014-2015 academic school year. Please make sure to pay your $200 deposit before May 30th or you may lose your housing offer.’
“Um, Ai.” Stormy asked. “How much is that?” Tension clear in his voice, never expecting to have to pay this early. Please tell me the school itself is free. He hoped.
“About 1000 bits.” Ai replied casually. “You did look into how expensive this is right?” She asked, her tome somewhere between disbelief and humored.
“No. Isn’t education supposed to be free?” Stormy asked, afraid to hear what he was about to be told.
“Only the first 15 years. After that it costs money on Earth. I believe for UCLA the number was estimated at $55,000 per year for international students.” The guard informed the new student. “But you are a lucky little pony. From what I’ve heard they charge you the instate tuition to get more ponies attending so it’s only $33,000 per year.”
“B-b-but…” The pegasus stuttered. “That’s still more than I make a year with fulltime work.” His spirits began to crash. Why didn’t I look into this? He wondered, beating himself up for overlooking this. How could anypony afford this?
“Don’t worry.” Ai laughed. “Celestia covers the first two year’s costs as part of an initiative to increase human-pony interactions and to increase cooperation between species. That’s why we have Celestial Order 1538, which states that prospective students get immediate access to computers as long as its school related.” She informed the stunned pegasus.
“Why couldn’t I have been told this before freaking out!?” Stormy freaked out. “I thought…I thought…”
“Because you didn’t ask.” Ai replied nonchalantly, and what Stormy felt was way too calm. “Something you should realize,” The guard informed him coolly. “You won’t have the kind of support you are used to here and you will have a LOT more responsibility.”
“But I-“ Stormy started.
“No. You aren’t.” Ai quickly rebutted. “If you were, none of this would have been news to you. You will be representing Equestria to a whole species, which is why you get funding.” She continued coldheartedly. “If you buck up, you get cut off. You are representing every pony here and you can’t even take a single step outside your comfort zone!” The unicorn spat, face turning angrier with every passing word. Her ears leaned back as her brows knit together at the front of her face. “You have a chance to do something grand. A chance few ponies get. And already you are pissing it away.”
Stormy lowered his head in disappointment at himself. I was an ass. Why am I doing this? Just curiosity? He asked himself, tearing through his memories to find the one that led him to this point. No, there has to be a better reason. He remembered the video in the tavern, an invention brought in from Earth. They had such unique technology and ideas, ones he could barely grasp. And yet the two species only worked together on the outskirts of society. There were still no cities that had mixed populations. Each species stayed on its own planet. But we could do so much by working together.
“No.” The pegasus muttered. I’m not!
The guard just sat there ignoring him, disdain replacing the fondness that had been evident to any passersby.
“I will not!” He said louder. “I can do this!” He hissed as he took the mouse under his right hoof and started looking for the button that would allow him to schedule his orientation. He selected the second freshman orientation session because the first was filled up, June 10th through the 12th. He would also have to find a way to get from Washington DC to Los Angeles.
After a moment he was lost again. “Um, Ai?” He asked a little hesitantly. “How do I schedule a human flight?”
The guard looked up, mildly surprised at the passion written on the stallion’s face. “Here,” She offered as she moved beside him. “Let me help.” After a moment’s break she said something else that surprised them both. “I’m sorry.”
“I think we both are.” He admitted. As they scheduled the air travel for orientation and the coming academic year.