//------------------------------// // Orientation, Then a Few Faces // Story: Canterlot Academy: Knights of the Dark Moon // by LordLycaon //------------------------------// The chatter all around the amphitheater was a steady drone as Twilight took a vacant seat, her mind still reeling from her accidental bump into the princess. She knew that Shining Armor spoke with the ruler of Equestria on occasion, but never once thought that he would have mentioned her. She still couldn’t believe she had almost yelled at the regal alicorn. Yes, it was an accident, but one does not yell at the Princess of the Sun. A few of the other students who had seen the encounter gave her understanding looks. She lowered her head at them in embarrassment; she was not used to strangers paying any mind to her. All conversation stilled as the lights dimmed and an elderly unicorn stepped up to the podium. His mane was a mix of grays, his original coloring lost to age. His coat was a slate gray, maybe silver in hue - it was difficult to tell for certain from where she sat - but she could not make out his cutie mark. “Good morning students,” he addressed the gathering. His voice held a tone that Twilight recognized from some of her brother’s elder colleagues in the Royal Guard; strong, strict, and carrying a certain authority earned from years of experience. “As most of you are aware, I am Stargazer, headmaster of Canterlot Academy. I want to welcome you all to the first day of the school year.” He paused to clear his throat. “I also wish to bid you all the best of luck as you pursue your studies. Once orientation is completed, you will need to speak with your advisors for your class schedules. If you ever need to speak to me over concerns or advice, know that my door is always open.” He looked over the assembly a moment more before continuing. “I wish now to turn over the podium to Princess Celestia, as she wishes to address you all for the new year.” He turned away from the podium as the princess walked up beside him. “My lady.”  He nodded in respect before taking his seat. The princess smiled warmly at the old unicorn before turning to face the assembled students. “Fillies and gentlecolts, I, too, wish to welcome you to another year at Canterlot Academy,” her voice rang out throughout the amphitheater, and a small cheer went up at her words. “With that said, I want to wish you all the best of luck in the paths you have chosen for yourselves. The road ahead will likely be a difficult one for you all, but always remember that you are the ones in charge of your destinies. Canterlot Academy is here to aid you in your pursuits, and you are all equally capable of obtaining your desires.” She smiled softly at the rapt attention she was receiving. “Each of you are full of potential, potential that only you can realize.” Twilight listened to the princess’s words and took them to heart. She felt uplifted, like she could take on the most daunting of challenges and come out on top. She blinked, as it seemed that Princess Celestia was looking directly at her. “As difficult as things may seem, always remember to believe in yourself, and that you can do anything you put your mind to.” The princess’s gaze moved on then, leaving Twilight wondering if that was meant specifically for her. She shook her head at the silly idea. “As you go about your studies, always remember your fellow students are just like you. They, too, seek their dreams, and as such, you should not hesitate in seeking them out for help if you need it.” She smiled wider. “I know from experience that a good friend or two can always make a hard day of study that much more fun.” A small laugh rippled through the crowd. “With that, my little ponies, I wish you all the very best in your pursuits. Have a good day, and enjoy your time at Canterlot Academy.” She stepped back from the podium as the crowd applauded for their princess. She cast one more look at them before stepping off the stage, followed by her two guards. Stargazer returned to the podium. “Thank you, princess, for those motivational words.” He addressed the students a final time. “We will now dismiss for lunch. Remember to gather your schedules. Classes will begin tomorrow morning. You are dismissed.” As Twilight followed her fellow students out of the amphitheater, her mind was still lost in Celestia’s words. She couldn’t help but feel they were directed at her specifically. Again she shook the notion away. She was just another student at the Academy, and was no more important than any of her peers. She was nopony special, and it wasn’t right that she think otherwise. -o- To say that the cafeteria was packed was an understatement. The first day back and the kitchen staff had prepared their most popular item just for the grateful returning students: corndogs! Students were lined up to purchase two or three at a time, and the kitchen staff readily obliged. To say that Twilight was disgusted by this fact was yet another understatement. Corndogs were a meal her brother loved to cook for them whenever he had the opportunity; frankly, she was sick of them. She sat alone at a table enjoying a nice daffodil sandwich and some hay fries. She was pouring over her schedule as she ate, committing the names and locations of her classes to memory, but she also reminded herself to make a couple of physical notes to remind her in the event that she forgot these vital details. The fact that she sat alone did not bother her in the least; in fact, she preferred it. She knew next to nopony at the Academy, and conversation with strangers was an awkward notion at best. As if Fate had other plans for her, she heard a voice behind her that she vaguely remembered from somewhere. “Darling, I had no idea you were also attending the Academy!” Twilight turned to see the white mare she had helped from the street thugs the other day. The unicorn’s mane was still stylishly curled, and she wore a light pink scarf around her neck. A tray of food was levitating in front of her as she looked at Twilight. A trio of stallions stood behind her; they seemed to be following the mare around almost religiously. “Do you remember me, dear? From the other day?” the white unicorn asked. “Uh… yeah, you’re…” she hesitated; she could not remember the unicorn’s name for the life of her. The unicorn smiled softly. “Rarity,” she supplied. “It's good to see you again, Twilight. Do you mind if I sit?” Twilight hesitated but nodded, allowing the other unicorn to sit beside her. “Oh, bother, I forgot to get something to drink,” Rarity said with some melodramatics. She turned to look at her three stallion followers. “Could one of you be a dear and get me some hot tea please?”  She batted her eyelashes at them. “Of course, Miss Rarity!” one said. “Anything for you!” “I’ll get it!” the second said quickly. “Like hay you will!” the third said. The three rushed off, jostling with each other to accommodate her desires. “What was that about?” Twilight asked, watching the three run off looking like fools. “Hm? Oh, they’re my valet. A proper lady should have those in waiting to see to her needs,” Rarity said with a playful wink. “They truly are good ponies, just… overzealous.” Twilight watched as the three stumbled around and snorted. “So tell me, dear. What is it you plan to study here at the Academy?” Twilight smiled, ever one to discuss her areas of study. “I’ve come to study magic, astronomy, astrology, and history to name a few. Magic has always been something of an interest for me. There are so many things to learn from it. Starswirl the Bearded is a great inspiration for me. Did you know he created over a thousand new spells during his time? I can’t wait until I get a chance to study some of his work! The possibilities of magic are virtually limitless-” Twilight stopped as she realized she was rambling; a rosy blush spread across her face. “I’m sorry. I tend to get carried away about my interests.” Rarity gave her an understanding smile. “Oh, it’s quite alright, darling. I completely understand. I’d be lying if I said I never do the same thing.” Twilight coughed uncomfortably. “So what is it you study, Rarity?” she asked. “Oh, I’m here to study the arts,” she replied as she took a bite of her salad. A soft frown tugged at the corner of Twilight’s mouth. “Didn’t you say you were going to be a famous fashion designer?” Rarity nodded, using her magic to keep her scarf from dipping into her salad. “Indeed so, but I am going to study many different art forms. One simply never knows where or when one will find creative inspiration. I cannot turn a blind eye to other forms of art if I wish to be known as an artist.” Twilight tilted her head thoughtfully. “I guess you’re right. I hadn’t really thought of it that way.” “You see, Twilight? We already inspire each other. I can tell we’re going to be the best of friends.” Twilight smiled a bit (rather awkwardly, really), and the three stallions returned. One, the pegasus of the three, gently carried a small saucer with a teacup between his wings as he tried to keep his fellows from spilling it. “Here you go, Miss Rarity,” he said, placing the tea cup down beside her. “Thank you, darling,” she smiled at him. The stallion beamed brightly at her compliment while the other two looked at him with looks of utter jealousy. Twilight gave the three an undisguised look of disgust, shaking her head. Her gaze suddenly darted behind them and hardened as she spotted a familiar orange-coated, blue-maned pegasus approach her table. It was the same one who had brained her brother with a hoofball earlier. Just as he raised a hoof to greet her, the three stallions were suddenly between him and the two mares.  Their glares causing him to step back in surprise by their hostility.   “Just where do you think you’re going?” one demanded. “Nopony speaks to miss Rarity unless we say so,” said the second. “Yeah, shove off, buddy,” the third groused. “I… uh, wasn’t, er…” Flash stuttered under the evil glares of the three. “Now, now, boys, let’s not be rude,” Rarity chided them; she turned her blue-eyed gaze to the pegasus. “Did you need something?” “I… ah, wanted to talk to her,” he said, pointing to a scowling Twilight. “I don’t want to hear anything you have to say. You hit my brother in the head with a ball earlier, so leave,” she said harshly. Rarity looked to him in surprise. “Is this true?” “Well, yeah, but it was an accident. I swear.” “You heard the lady,” one of the stallions said. “Get lost.” “Yeah!” said the third of the trio. “Boys!” Rarity chided firmly and the three backed down obediently. She then looked at Twilight. “Come now, dear, he seems earnest in his desire to apologize. At least hear him out.” Twilight glowered a moment before huffing. “Fine.” Flash looked first at the three stallions, their gazes threatening swift retribution if he tried anything, and then looked at Twilight. “I’m sorry for hitting your brother with the ball earlier. It was an honest accident. I really am sorry.” She looked to him a moment before letting go of her anger. “Apology accepted, but watch what you’re doing next time.” He smiled. “Yes, ma’am.” Her ears leveled in annoyance. “Don’t call me that. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” “I’m Flash Sentry. I’m looking to join the Academy’s hoofball team” “So I figured,” she said dryly. “Well, I’m also looking to join the Royal Guard when I graduate.” An eyebrow shot up at that proclamation. “My brother’s a captain in the Royal Guard. You’re going to have to try harder than that if you’re trying to impress me.” Rarity clopped her hooves together and cleared her throat, getting the attention of the pegasus and her fellow unicorn. “Well, it seems everything is forgiven.” She looked at Twilight. “Have you had a chance to explore the academy grounds yet, Twilight?” She shook her head, pointedly turning her attention away from Flash.  “No, I was… in a bit of a hurry this morning. All I’ve seen is the dormitory and the amphitheater.” Rarity’s eyes practically sparkled. “We shall have to rectify that. After lunch, I will gladly show you around.” Twilight shifted in her seat; she had really wanted to get some pre-class studying done.  “That really isn’t necessary-” Rarity waved a hoof dismissively. “Oh, pish. I insist, dear. After you helped me, it is only right that I help you in return.” “I’ll go, too. Figure I can make it up to you somehow,” Flash said. “You don’t have to-” Twilight started. “That would be lovely, Flash. Now come, let us enjoy our lunch before it gets cold.” She looked to her salad and cooling tea. “Colder,” she rectified. -o- After lunch, Twilight, Rarity, Flash, and the three sycophants took a quick tour of the Academy grounds. They showed Twilight the various classrooms, fields, and administrative buildings; they even helped her find where her classes would be located, at her insistence. Twilight was not sure how she felt walking with the other ponies. She enjoyed Rarity’s company enough, tolerated Flash, but felt nothing of the other three. Their constant fawning and fighting over Rarity’s attention was disgusting to say the least. “And these are the science and zoology buildings. It’s where students go to further their education in those fields of study. It houses a large indoor arboretum, where certain plants and animals can be studied in a hooves-on manner,” Rarity explained. Twilight whistled softly as she peered through the glass panes of the arboretum. It looked like a small forest was contained inside. She could see many different plants and animals from where she stood, from tropical trees and vines, to scurrying rodents and large reptiles (she cringed at the sight of an anaconda lounging on a tree branch). She could easily see that anypony studying zoology would be perfectly content here. They looked to the side as a butter-yellow pegasus with a long pink mane exited the arboretum. She had a soft smile on her face, and was humming a tune that Twilight didn’t recognize. She sported a trio of pink butterflies as her cutie mark. “Fluttershy, hello to you,” Rarity greeted as she approached her. The pegasus started at the sudden greeting and turned. “Oh, Rarity, hello to you, too.” “I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Rarity said apologetically. “Y-You didn’t. I was just thinking.” She looked to the assembled ponies. “Are these your friends?” “Indeed, they are. This is Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry, both new students, like myself, and, of course, you know the infamous trio,” she said, motioning to her entourage. The yellow mare smiled softly and looked at Twilight. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said in a soft voice. “You, too.”  Twilight smiled. “Are you a new student as well?” “Oh, n-no.”  She lowered her head shyly. “This is my second year here. I’m a sophomore.” “I see. Is zoology your field of study?” Fluttershy’s whole body suddenly perked up. “Oh, yes! I love working with animals. I hope that when I graduate, I can become a veterinarian,” she said a bit more boldly. “It’s so nice to see all the animals happy when I help them. What do you study, Twilight?” Before she could answer there was a loud gasp. “It’s you!” Twilight turned in time to be face to face with a pink mare with a bouncy, curled, pink mane. Twilight recognized the mare with a faint wince. “You’re the nice pony who told me all about that alicorn statue! I didn’t know you were going to the academy, too! Gee, if I’d known, I would’ve welcomed you, or maybe even gotten you a present!” she said excitedly, with an impossibly wide and friendly smile.  “So, Twilight, was it? What are you gonna study?” “Uh…  Pinkie Pie, right?” Twilight asked. “Yepper!” she confirmed. “Can you take a step back, please? You’re sort of standing on my hoof.” Pinkie looked down and quickly stepped off of Twilight’s hoof. “Oops! Sorry! I was just so excited that I got to see you again!” “Pinkie, you shouldn’t run up on somepony like that. You could startle them,” Fluttershy admonished her. It was obvious to Twilight that the two were familiar with each other. “Heh, heh, sorry about that,” Pinkie said with a giggle. Twilight sighed. “It’s all right, Pinkie. As for your question, I’m here to study magic and other subjects I find interesting, but mainly magic.” She looked to the chipper mare a moment before asking. “If you don’t mind me asking, what are you studying, Pinkie? You really don’t seem like the type of pony for the Academy.” “Actually, I’m here because I apparently tested out to have an I.Q. of 210. I guess that means I’m super smart or something, which was a surprise to everypony, even me! The Academy even offered to pay to have me come here. As for what I study, I guess just a little bit of everything.” She smiled wide and casually, as if her revelation was completely ordinary. Everypony’s jaw, save for Fluttershy’s, hit the ground. An I.Q. of 210 is the level of a genius! Twilight didn’t know what to think. The pink mare seemed far too airheaded to have an I.Q. of that caliber. “Yeah, I get that a lot,” she said cheerily at their expressions. “Don’t really know why, though.” Fluttershy looked to the still-stunned Twilight. “Oh, by the way, do you happen know of another pegasus named Rainbow Dash?” Twilight shook her head to clear away the shock. “Yes, she and I are dorm roommates. Why do you ask?” “Oh, she mentioned a purple unicorn who was staying in the same room as her. I just wanted to make sure it was you and not another Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight was taken aback. “You know her?” She would never have guessed that the brash pegasus was friends with the shy mare in front of her. “I hope she didn’t say anything too unflattering.” “She didn’t,” Fluttershy assured her. “And yes, we’ve been friends since we were foals.” They looked around as a large bell was struck a total of five times, its noise echoing all across the Academy. “That’s the evening bell. We should probably all head back,” Rarity said. “It was certainly nice meeting you, Twilight, Pinkie Pie. I hope we can all talk with each other again soon.” She waved to them before departing with her entourage. “I should head back, too; the guys will wonder what I've been doing all day.” Flash gave them a quick, improper salute before departing. “Should be about supper time,” Pinkie said happily. “I hope they have cake for dessert!” She bounded happily down the hallway. Fluttershy watched them go with a soft smile. “Bye, Twilight. I hope I see you again.” Twilight bid her a returning farewell before she left as well. -o- As she made her way towards the mares’ dormitory, her mind drifted once again, thinking back about the ponies she’d met today. Rarity and Fluttershy she could see as friends (even if she wasn’t used to the idea yet). Pinkie Pie would probably take some getting used to, but there was no doubt that the mare was friendly. Her I.Q. was a point of interest, however; Twilight had never had a friend to share her enthusiasm for academic discussions with, and briefly wondered if Pinkie might be the pony to change that. To be honest, though, she couldn’t really see her holding still long enough to ever engage a topic seriously, yet Twilight decided to not entirely dismiss the thought. After all, the pink mare seemed to be anything but predictable. She was still on the fence about Flash. The other three, however, she had more or less dismissed entirely. She shook her head. Now was not the time for thinking about friends she wasn’t sure she actually wanted in the first place. She had schoolwork and studying to do. There was no time for friends if she was going to be the best student at the Academy for magic. “Pardon me,” she heard a male voice say. She looked at the speaker. It was an earth pony stallion; his coat was an auburn color, and his medium-length, gray mane hung over both sides of his neck. His hazel eyes looked to her quizzically as she noted his spyglass cutie mark. “Um, yes, can I help you?” she asked him. He smiled a bit sheepishly. “I’m lost. Could you tell me where the stallions’ dormitory is? Is it that one?” He pointed to the nearby dormitory for mares. “No, that one is for the mares. The one you want is over there.” She pointed across the open field to a similar building that also entered the mountainside. “Ah, right in front of my face. If it was a snake, it would’ve bit me.” He smiled goodnaturedly.  “Thanks… ah, I didn’t get your name, did I?” “Shouldn’t you give your name first? It’s usually customary when making introductions.” He chuckled. “I suppose you’re right. Mom always said I had the tact of a troll. I’m Wanderer, soon to be Equestria’s greatest adventurer!” “An adventurer?” she echoed incredulously. “What do you study for that?” “History’s a big one, as is geography, physical education, some zoology, survival techniques, things like that. Have to know a lot to be an adventurer,” he said with a wide smile. “That’s… interesting,” she said in a halfhearted voice. She had never thought of an adventurer’s lifestyle before. It truly didn’t seem to be something she would be interested in. Maybe for research purposes, but that was about it. “Yeah, it is.” He looked towards the stallions' dorms. “Well, I gotta go. Thanks for the help, uh... I still don't think I got your name." "It's Twilight," she answered. "Twilight Sparkle." Wanderer gave a small grin. "Well, if you ever need anything, Twilight Sparkle, just ask. I’ll help you out however I can. See you.” He trotted off towards the building across the field. Twilight watched him go. The Academy took in more ponies that she had first thought. -o- As she approached her dorm room, she could hear her roommate speaking with another pony. Twilight frowned; she had hoped for a quiet night to study, but that hope seemed to be in vain. She opened the door and saw her roommate reclining on her bunk and another mare leaning on the wall as they chatted. This other mare was an orange earth pony with a long blonde mane that was tied at the end with a small red scrunchie, with her tail done up in a similar manner. She wore an old Stetson hat and had a trio of red apples as her cutie mark. “Hey there, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash greeted her. “Fluttershy told me that you got the big tour from Rarity. How’d you like that?” Twilight shrugged. “It was all right. I at least got to see where my classes are.” She looked at the orange mare. “Um, hello.” “Howdy, partner,” the mare replied. She had a strong, very obviously southern accent. “This is my friend Applejack,” Rainbow introduced. “So, you're Rainbow’s roommate? Nice ta meet ya, Twilight.” She offered her hoof for a shake. Twilight shook the offered hoof and grimaced. The orange mare had a very strong grip. “So what are you studying, Applejack?” “Just what Ah need ta get inta the Royal Guard. Been wantin’ ta join’em since Ah was a little filly.” “The Royal Guard?” she asked, surprised by this. “Yeah. Got inta the Academy on a sports scholarship. The Academy is the place fer me ta see mah dreams come true, ya know? I wanna join ‘em so ah can be protectin’ mah family and Equestria the right way.” Twilight nodded, her brother had done the same thing. “My brother is in the Royal Guard,” she offered. “He even came here himself. It put him on the fast track to joining the Guard. He’s already a captain.” Applejack smiled. “Boy, howdy, ain’t that somethin’. Might be Ah’ll get ta know’em then.” “You might.” She smiled faintly. “Well, Ah’ll let you two be. Gotta get some shut-eye in before class tomorrow. Ah’ll be seein’ ya, RD. Good to meet ya, Twi,” the mare said before leaving. Twilight smiled faintly. The orange mare seemed a pleasant sort. From their brief meeting, she found herself taking a liking to her as well. There was a silence as the two roommates struggled to find something to say. “So… how was your day?”  Rainbow asked. “It was… nice,”  Twilight said, feeling just as awkward as Rainbow Dash. “Do you… like to read?” she asked finally, looking to the number of adventure novels on the shelf over the pegasus’s bed. Rainbow looked to the books above her and smiled. “Oh, yeah, adventure novels are my favorite, especially the ones with a lot of action in them. I especially love the books by R.A. Stalliontor. He always has the coolest stories.” Twilight smiled. “He’s one of my favorites, too. I have all of his books up until the most recent one.” “No way! Do you have them with you?” Rainbow asked excitedly. Twilight nodded. “I do, actually. If you want to read them, that’s fine. All I ask is that they be returned in the same condition I lent them in.” “Absolutely. You’re the best, Twilight.” The pegasus smiled wide. The two chatted about reading, Stalliontor, and their goals for a time. As the final bell for lights out rang, Twilight muttered as she realized that she had completely forgotten to study tonight. As she settled into her bed for the night, she privately admitted it wasn’t an entirely bad thing. Perhaps having a few friends (emphasis on ‘few’) might not be too bad.