//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Ghost vs. The Equestrian Educational System // by Jman9877 //------------------------------// Chapter 10 3rd Person POV It was the day of the Sisterhooves Social. When Sweetie Belle woke up in the morning, she felt as if there were 2 heavy sandbags tied to her eyelids. She did want to get up out of Applebloom's bed, but when she thought about what day it was, she didn't really see the point of getting up if Rarity wasn't going to compete with her. Ghost and Applebloom were both sleeping in Ghost's room, Applebloom's night terrors once again getting to her when she tried to sleep in Ghost's bed alone while Ghost slept on the couch. Ghost began to wake up, a bit uncomfortable with the face full of hair he was receiving right now. Applejack had explained the plan to them last night when Rarity showed up. Ghost thought it was a sound plan, but there was a look on Rarity's face telling him that she was still having a few last thoughts about it. He was sure she would go through with it, but... it was always good to have a contingency plan. "Don't stop at a plan B. Go through plan A, B, C, and all the way to fucking Z if you have to. Always have a backup." 64's voice echoed in Ghost's head, another one of his lessons sticking with him. Ghost managed to wiggle his way out of Applebloom's vice grip, allowing him to get out of bed and walk over to the small mirror in his room. He looked at himself without a disguise, seeing the two fangs protruding from his mouth, insect like wings, and a hardened shell around his entire body. The carapace on his back was a bit more hardy than the rest of his body, allowing him to take heavier hits. The holes that were supposed to dot his legs were gone, a result of the surplus love he had been receiving ever since 64 rescued him from the badlands. His tail was also longer than an average changeling colt's, and his mane consisted on just a bit of hair in a straight line across the back of his neck. He then changed into his disguise, the green flames illuminating the room for just a flash. Ghost stood in front of his colt form, a bit uncomfortable with it. If ponies were a bit more caring towards Changelings, then he would probably have no problems walking through town undisguised. But, life wasn't a fairy tale world for changelings. Ghost was hopeful things would get better, it just took time. "Ghost...? What are ya doin'?" Applebloom asked groggily, watching as he observed himself in the mirror. "It's nothing. C'mon, we gotta get ready to pull off the plan at the Social today." Ghost answered, brushing off the bad thoughts he was having moments ago. Applebloom yawned and pulled the blankets off of herself and got up, watching as Ghost began to levitate the blankets and sheets off of the bed and started to make the bed. "Are you feeling better after last night? Any nightmares?" Applebloom rubbed her foreleg a bit nervously. "Not really. It was more like a weird dream. Ah was back in the mountain, but ah wasn't chained up or nothin'. It was... empty, no one was there but me." Applebloom explained. "Ah felt scared, but ah didn't see anythin' at all." Ghost didn't know what to make of the dream, and was hoping that when he learned a bit more from Twilight he would be able to help Applebloom a bit more. "Well, at least you aren't having really bad dreams anymore." Ghost answered happily, giving Applebloom a smile. The little filly could feel her cheeks heat up at the sight of the smile, and hoped that Ghost wouldn't notice. The door opened to show that Sweetie Belle was now up and about, but her usual cheery demeanor was nowhere to be found. Instead, a very unhappy frown was apparent. "Well, I'm ready to go the the Sisterhooves Social... sisterless..." Sweetie grumbled, obviously very disgruntled at Rarity's lack of understanding. Ghost had to hide a smirk when she said that, knowing of Applejack's and Rarity's plan. "Well the competitions don't start until later in the afternoon, so lets get a good breakfast in and then I'm sure you'll enjoy watching Applejack and Applebloom with me." Ghost said, walking out the door with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle following him. When they went downstairs, they saw Applejack eating... a lot... way more than a lot... of spaghetti. She saw the foals come into the dining room and waved them over. "'Ey der' yugns!" She yelped with a mouthful of spaghetti. After swallowing the mouthful of spaghetti, she motioned towards the massive bowl in front of here. "C'mon Applebloom! We gotta carbo load for today's events!" A smile made it's way to Applebloom's face, and the filly immediately darted to the seat next to Applejack and started to dig in alongside her sister. Ghost found the sight amusing and began to laugh, but when he glanced over at Sweetie Belle, he saw that she was beginning to look even more downtrodden at the sisterly act of love. Ghost cleared his throat to catch the attention of the two sisters devouring their meal, before nodding his head towards Sweetie Belle. "Oh! Umm, here Sweetie Belle. Ah set up you an' Ghost bowls too." Applejack said nervously, scooting the bowls a bit closer to the other side of the table. Ghost and Sweetie Belle took their seats and began to eat, Ghost stuffing his face into the delicious bowl of pasta and eating feverishly. He might've not needed to eat, but it definitely felt good to eat something delicious. Sweetie Belle didn't make any motions indicating that she was going to start eating, but she watched as the other 3 members of the table ate. She couldn't help but watch Ghost as he ate, remembering what he had revealed to her last night. He had a lot more brothers and sisters than anyone she knew, but he knew none of them. That made her a bit grateful that she had at least one sister that at least tried to make amends. She started to take small, lady-like bites that Rarity had once taught her, before she heard a large belch coming from the other side of the table. The massive bowl that Applejack and Applebloom were sharing was now empty, only a few spots of tomato sauce staining the bowl. "Ahh... that hit the spot!" Applejack exclaimed satisfied, taking the bowl over to the sink and rinsing it off. "C'mon little doggies! Social ain't gonna whoop itself!" Applebloom darted out of the door, ready to compete in the Social. Sweetie Belle moved sluggishly towards the door, causing Ghost to walk up to her and pat her on the back. "Don't worry Sweetie, I'm sure everything's gonna turn out alright." Ghost consoled hopefully, as the saddened filly just sighed and kept walking. "This plan better work..." He muttered, following Sweetie Belle towards the Sisterhooves Social.