//------------------------------// // Field Trip // Story: School Transferred // by SparkStone //------------------------------// Mark writes in his journal recording a memorable day. For the first time in years, Cliffside High will have a field trip for all students taking Equestrian History. The class is getting into groups and everyone is being watched under ponies themselves. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight will be escorting the students. As Mark records this moment to remember the most fantastic and extraordinary days of Cliffside High. I haven't been on a field trip in years! Especially going somewhere totally exotic. What more can I say? I'm excited for what's to come. I know I'm not one to express a lot of emotions, but I still stand by it to see what Ponyville has in store. This is a learning experience, right? It better be, or else I'm gonna have to switch classes. Closing his book and putting it away in his bag, he looks up to see Twilight waving towards him with a smile. "Come on Mark!" She called. "You don't want to keep your fellow classmates waiting, do you?" "I'm coming!" Mark replied. Running to his teacher, he walks right beside her as they exit the school. For the first time ever since the descent to Equestria, the humans walk outside of the school zone. The kids take a breath of fresh air as they wander into town. The ponies guiding them are excited too. Pinkie's hopping was one of the examples of excitement to come. "I can't wait to show you some cool spots to hang out!" Rainbow spoke. "I think I'll take them to the farm. The orchards is a sight to see for first timers." Applejack claimed. "Um… well… I uh…" Fluttershy muttered. "Maybe I'll take them to my house… To show them the animals I've been taking care of." "To her house? That sounds like child abduction." Balkin whispered to Mark, making him raise an eyebrow at that joke. Rainbow flew up to Balkin, face to face. "What'd you say?" She growled. The two glared at each other while snarling like dogs. Mark stepped away from the two before bumping into Spike. His spine poked Mark's hind, making him jump in pain. Spike didn't notice as he was too focused on his debate with Twilight. "I just don't get it Twi!" He complained. "Why can't I be in charge of some kids? I know Ponyville just as well as you!" "Spike, you don't get it." Twilight reasoned. "You're way younger than all of the students here! They might not listen to you since you're just a baby dragon." "Oh, come on! They'd totally listen to me! Come on Twilight! Just give me a shot!" he begged. She was about to say no, but Spike kept insisting he could. As they escorted the students to the plaza, Spike was riding on Twilight's back still begging. Finally, she caved in. "Alright! Alright! You'll take my group, okay!?" Twilight shouted. Spike pumped his fist muttering, "Yes!" "But! If anything goes wrong, don't say I didn't warn you mister!" She reminded her assistant. "Please Twi, it's gonna be fine. In fact, by the end of the day, the kids are gonna love this field trip!" Spike declared. She rolled her eyes in response before turning to her group. "Everypony listen!" Twilight yelled, gathering their attention. "Instead of following me for the day, you'll be following my assistant, Spike. Do whatever he tells you and don't make any trouble. That goes for all of you! I don't want to return to the school having to write in any pony for detention. Also, I've been told this is your first field trip, so please stay on good behavior. Is every pony clear?" The class nods and reply with many synonyms of yes. Smiling that they understood, Twilight trots over to Mark. "Mark, you're staying with me." "What? But I thought everyone in your group follows Spike now." Mark reminded her. "You're an exception. Besides, I think you'll like where I'm taking you." Twilight insisted. He shrugged not seeing anything bad. Twilight is still his teacher and at times his friend. He'll do as she tells him to as that is the protocol of all students under teachers. Twilight give her friends clipboards. Levitating them to each of their hooves and claws in Spike's case, she gives them time to look over it. "What the hay is this?" Rainbow asked. "It's a roll sheet." Twilight explained. "You're watching over my students, so I expect them all back here by 4 o clock. Use these to make sure every pony in your group is accounted for." "Aye aye Miss Twilight!" Pinkie saluted before hopping away with her students. "Come on every pony! We're about to go to the best place ever!" The kids cheered as they followed Pinkie. The groups nodded and splits up, leaving Twilight and Mark the last ones to head off somewhere. "So, where are you taking me anyways?" Mark questioned. "My place." Twilight simply replied. She guided him through town, and led him to her home. Mark was skeptical about all of this. Teacher inviting student to her house? That usually has trouble written all over it. However, when the house came into view, Mark was stunned. In front of him stood a tall tree, obviously having someone living there judging from the windows, doors, and the balcony up there. Twilight opened the door and showed him inside. Even though the outside was impressive, only what was inside made Mark's eyes glitter and amazement. Books. A library of knowledge was all you needed to let the boy seize the day. He ran up to the shelves examining the conditions of these books. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! This is a library!?" He shouted in happiness. "With organized books in alphabetical order placed in the correct genre as well as books being up to date!? This place is so well kept!" "Well, I try." Twilight blushed as she scratched the back of her head. She watched as Mark scoured around the shelves looking for one to read. "Have any in mind?" Mark held is chin thinking. He wasn't sure what to pick. Right now, he was in an equestrian library, which meant that it held countless information about the world they're in. Plant species, monsters, otherworldly places, and more. Unsure what to choose, he turns to his teacher. "How about you suggest one Miss Sparkle?" Twilight grinned and said, "First, just call me Twilight from now on, except when we're in class. Second, I'd recommend the Elements of Harmony. That was the first book I read when I moved into Ponyville." He looked down at the shelf and saw it under E. He reached for it and ended up placing his hand on Twilight's hoof. They looked at each other before they pulled back their arms. "Eh, whoops!" Twilight said, looking away. "I thought I'd show you where it is." "It's okay, the library is well kept. I don’t think I'll have any trouble finding any book here." Mark pointed out. "Oh, you." Twilight blushed again at the compliment. Rainbow lead her group to the park. Wide open space for everyone to play, especially since Rainbow had a lot of athletic friends who'd love nothing more than to play sports. She gathered the players and sets up the game in much haste so they can get to playing. Rainbow's team consisted of seven other teammates pitted against Balkin and seven opponents. Rainbow kicked it off, and the game began. For those who didn't want to play were nearby where Rainbow can still watch them. Free to talk with other ponies while making sure they're in line. In the game, Rainbow had the ball. She kicked it back and forth to her ally, Dalton. As they drew closer to the goal, Rainbow shot the ball in and got a point. The game goes back to reset. This time, Balkin had the ball. He was bringing the ball to the other side, but Rainbow managed to swoop in and steal the ball with her foreleg. "Hey!" Balkin yelled. "You can't do that!" "What? My legs?" Rainbow taunted, showing off her legs. "I thought you couldn't use hands in soccer, I'm only using hooves." Rainbow began kicking it to the other side and scored another point. Balkin's face began to steam. Once more, they start off and Rainbow has the ball. She's going forward with the ball and is about to reach the goal. That was until Balkin came in and blocked her. Rainbow ended up bumping into him and letting the ball roll under him, giving his teammate a chance to steal the ball. Rainbow pushed Balkin away and ran after the ball, only to end up kicking it to a tree. The kids nearby the tree jumped at the shot nearly chopping down the thing. "Out of bounds!" The referee said. "Visitors gets the ball!" "Sweet!" Balkin shouted. "Okay, let me at it!" "Pfft, I wanna see this." Rainbow scoffed, receiving a glare from the boy. As Balkin took the ball, he went to the line and readied his kick. However, he couldn't focus as Rainbow began to make faces at him. Balkin tried his best to ignore it, but as he kicked, he ended up hitting Rainbow's face with the ball. Everyone was shocked, even Balkin. Moments passed as the ball fell down and rolled away from Rainbow. "… S-Sorry…" Balkin apologized. "Oh, you're DEAD!" Rainbow threatened. She tackled Balkin down to the floor. He got right back up and pushed Rainbow back. The two started fighting. The kids began to cheer for either side as the punches and kicks were given to each other. Eventually, somebody broke up the fuss. "Enough!" shouted Lyra, pushing the two away from each other. She glared at Rainbow Dash followed by a scolding. "Rainbow, what do you think you're doing?" "What are you talking about? He hit me with a ball!" Rainbow informed her. "On accident!" Balkin added. "See? It was an accident." Lyra repeated. "Rainbow, you should be a bit kinder to our human guests. I mean, if I remember clearly, this is their first time being out here in Ponyville! And I don't think it's a good idea to give them a bad memory of our town if you beat one of them up." The students nodded, agreeing that it was true. Rainbow groaned as Lyra was acquainting herself with Balkin. "Thanks for that! I'm Balkin. Who're you?" "I'm Lyra Heartstrings." She introduced herself. "I heard a lot about you humans. I even came over to your school and saw how you moved around the clock. I guess you could say I was very interested by all of you." "That's neat." Balkin commented with a grin. "Hey, wanna hang out?" "Sure!" Lyra agreed. "Hey, hey, hey!" Rainbow intervened. "In case you've forgotten, I'm in charge of this group! You can't go anywhere without my say so!" "I'm sure the humans also want to do more than just play sports all day. Why don't we go shopping?" Lyra recommended. "We don't have any money." A student informed her. "You don't?" "None of the students have a part time job ever since we came here." Balkin explained. "Hmm… That's too bad…" Lyra thought. "I know! We'll just go see Bonbon! My roommate always said she needs more help around the candy shop!" "Candy!?" They all spoke at once. "Oh please." Rainbow scoffed. "They may be kids, but they're not 10." "If you all do a good job, I'm sure I can convince Bonbon to get you some bits too." "What are we waiting for?" Balkin exclaimed. "Let's follow Lyra!" The students immediately followed Lyra, leaving Rainbow in the dust. She was saddened by how quickly the kids left her, not to mention that they'd follow Balkin. Mark and Twilight quietly read in peace. It has been a while since Mark had this much comfort learning. The school had long ago lost the silence it required to make a library a library. He enjoyed the polite gestures of his teacher as the books were organized and clean from dirt or any messy nonsense. This was a library he loves to be in. Twilight has already done this plenty of times. This time was different though. She had a student with her, and it began to remind her of the times when she and Celestia used to study together. It had been so long since she felt such a wonderful moment. It had been so long, and now she's the teacher. The only thing that would complete this picture is if she was a princess. But right now, reading wasn't the only thing on her mind. She wanted to get to know her most faithful student. So she threw in a question. "Mark?" Mark looked up from his copy of Daring Do and said, "Yes?" "I was just wondering about how is everything for you at the moment." "It's good Twi." He replies. A moment later, he widens his eyes and covers his mouth before saying, "I-I mean Miss Twilight! I-I'm sorry. That slipped out somehow…" Twilight giggled and reassured her student. "It's fine Mark. It's good to see that you're getting used to me." "N-No, that was impolite." He states. "I'm really sorry." "Mark, I rather you feel comfortable around me." Twilight informs him. "These formalities... I don't need them. Once we leave the school, we can be whatever we want to be. So just try and be a bit more casual, okay?" Mark nods slowly in acknowledgement. He tries again speaking, but was stopped once he saw Spike running outside alone. "Twilight..." "Yes?" She responded. "I see Spike..." "Oh really?" "Alone..." Twilight stares into space and realizes where this is heading. She quickly attempts to calm him down as he starts to steam off. "D-Don't worry! Spike is probably just... getting something! The students are alright!" "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST THEM!?!?" Twilight questioned Spike as he kicked the concrete floor regretfully. "Eh... I showed them a tour around Ponyville, but some of them got lost. So I told the rest of my group to wait, but then when I couldn't find them, I went back, and more left. So I had what was left follow me to look for them, but they got tired and sat on the benches while I continued looking. When I came back to the benches, they... left too..." Twilight looked to Mark to see him surprisingly calm. "No, no. It's alright. The students probably didn't think any better." He states. "But... I don't know how we're going to tell Princess Celestia, or everyone else at school about this. Morale is as low as it is." "And we still have to check up on everypony else!" Twilight added to the list. "So... What do we do!?" Mark held his chin in thought. "Spike can go round up the other groups to meet up at the plaza. It's almost four, so we'll have to do our best to find them." "Are you talking about those humans?" Scootaloo asked, sneaking up behind them. They jumped in surprise only to calm down and listen. "I saw a bunch of them walk around the Everfree Forest." Twilight and Spike drop their jaws while Mark cried in the corner. "Why? Why am I somehow responsible?" Mark questioned. “Why would they go there!?” Twilight asked. “I think it’s because Zecora was asking for some help, and some of them decided to go real quick. I saw more and more go with them before like, a huge crowd of them left.” Scootaloo explained. “This is awful.” Mark groaned. “I remember very well that the Everfree Forest is full of creatures that are both dangerous and unpredictable.” “We have to go and help!” Twilight told Mark. She turned to Spike and said, “And you better round up every pony at the plaza!” “Yes Mam!” Spike nervously saluted, complying with the order. The duo rush off to gather the students while Spike ran to get the others. Upon arrival in the forest that is said to be full of monsters lied an entrance of a familiar dirt path. One probably crafted by Zecora, so travel wouldn’t be hard, and they could safely reach the other side without getting lost. Mark and Twilight ventured forth to see what had become of the humans. Traveling further in, they find nothing but darkness of the trees and leaves, covering the light. Twilight lights her horn, offering assurance once they saw the dirt path underneath their feet and hooves. “I can’t stand this.” Mark stated. “This is too dangerous for students to go about. What were they thinking?” “Don’t worry Mark.” Twilight assured him. “If Zecora’s with them, I’m sure everything is fine. She’s pretty responsible.” “That’s not the problem though!” Mark exclaimed. “It’s just that they always get into these problems that drive me crazy! I can’t stand it!” As they ventured further, Twilight began to ask something. “Mark… About your fellow students… How come you don’t have any more friends?” “This again?” Mark sighed, rolling his eyes. “Miss Sparkle, please.” “I’m asking as a friend this time.” She stated. “I’m not looking for facts. I’m looking for reason.” “What reason is there without facts?” Mark retorted, walking a bit faster. About a couple of minute passed, and he sighs. He looks up to see the leaves clearing up, allowing him to glimpse at the sky. “Vick used to be my best friend…” Twilight was stunned to hear this. Mark looked forward without so much as batting an eye, making Twilight know he wasn’t joking. He continued with his story. “Vick was… energetic to say the least. He was always up for adventures and whatnot. We would make plans on being on top of the world with money and fame. He thought pursuing sports would accommodate for money and fans. Me? I was looking for success. Life wise.” “So… what happened?” “Over time, I realized… how much of an idiot he was…” Mark said with a crumbling grin. “He talked of being the best there ever was. The way he views himself was perfection, and he would never waste a second breathing without uttering how great he was. I followed him a bit because he had one thing. Success. He was the star quarterback of the football team, the talk of school, and the second go to man if the principal wasn’t around.” Twilight was listening on to his words. Mark then mentions their arrival to Equestria. “When we arrived in Equestria, Vick was immediately up for the challenge to take control. I once again, followed him, but I was at the peak of my patience. After he made these retarded decisions, and soon wasted our food supplies because of it, I stopped being his friend. He and I never talked again. A few weeks later, Princess Celestia came. Vick was planning to do an army assault on her, which would be a suicide run because most of us aren’t even full-fledged adults. We had no skill in fighting, no weapons, nor armor. Yet the populace was that close to listening to him. That’s why I can’t stand making friends. Most of them are halfwit excuses of a human being. If it weren’t for me sticking up for everyone, we would’ve had a very short war.” Twilight was stunned to hear all of this. Especially knowing that means her students could’ve waged an idiotic war with the boy. Mark looked up and said, “People tend to forget about who they are and that they have choices too. Peer pressure… bullying… All of these are the same as when we become adults. To pressure our opponents with scandalous evidence. To bully our competitors to do what we want them to. These are the people I can’t stand, who have no willpower or no ability to think. If it weren’t for me, we’d be dead.” Mark then turned to Twilight and said, “But now I regret this success I’ve been looking for. I don’t want fame anymore. I don’t think I need a lot of money anymore. I just want to live a bit more peacefully. But thanks to my standing as ambassador, I won’t be able to live that life for a very long time.” Twilight now understood what Mark has been going through. Betrayal, leading, and helping everyone. He doesn’t seem to enjoy what he has to do. Before Twilight could say anything, a sudden rustle in the bushes grabbed their attention. Mark stood in front of Twilight as it continued to make the noise. It wasn’t long before a timber wolf pounced at them. Mark gently stepped back so Twilight could move along with him without tripping. Once they dodged the attack, Mark gave the signal to run further in. They ran as fast as they could, hoping to escape from their attacker. As they ran down the dirt path, more of them blocked the way. The two were surrounded, with no place to squeeze out. Just as the two stood close together, Balkin came in from behind and destroyed one of the timber wolves with a large stone. The two looked at Balkin with surprise as he said, “What are you two doing out here!? Having an adventure without me!?” “Balkin!” Twilight called out. Mark was looking up in the air, noticing a rainbow nearby. The timber wolf squadron attacked, but Mark managed to take Twilight away from their range. They once again surrounded the trio, but Balkin was ready to fight. “Come at me you Pinocchio of a dog!” He challenged them. Somehow, it annoyed them enough to attack. Balkin then took out a frying pan from his backpack, and slapped it down to the ground. Mark raised an eyebrow at Balkin and said, “Where’d you get that?” “I stole it from Lyra.” Balkin claimed. Another pair of timber wolves attacked Twilight, but Rainbow flew in at the nick of time. Using the speed and distance, she practically smashed them. She then roars out loud, “Yeah! Take that! Can’t touch this!” The crowd of them continues to surround them until they had nowhere to move. Twilight pulled up a shield to stop their advance, but things were looking hopeless. It seemed to be the end until… FWOOSH! A loud spark followed by tall flames engulfs the timber wolves. The creatures burned to ashes and the danger was thus, no more. Once the fire died out, Twilight released the shield, and the four looked to their savior. A group of worried students looking at them, armed with what looks to be potions. The one who threw one recently was a girl with long, brown hair, wearing a pink long skirt and a white tee. Along with the students was Zecora, who walks up to the girl. “Very good flames finish the job in a flash, so long as your potions are not done too rash. Very good Mimi.” “Thanks Zecora.” Mimi blushed. “They’re you all are!” Twilight exclaimed. “I was worried sick about you! What’d I say about sticking with Spike!?” “Well, all he did was take us to go to Rarity’s for a while.” One of them claimed. “It was… kinda boring.” “Figures.” Twilight scowled. “But even so! You can’t leave him without telling any pony! You all are in SO much trouble!” “Even after we saved you!?” Mimi exclaimed. Mark took the debate into his own hands from then on. “We wouldn’t have gone here if you’d just tell someone where you were. So that excuse isn’t going to work.” The kids frowned but understood where Mark was coming from. Mark however did hold back for another reason. “But… tell me, are those actual potions?” “Yes, they are.” Mimi nodded. “And they were made by you?” Mark asked. “Yeah?” “That’s really impressive.” Mark commended them. “I never seen anything like what you did before. It was amazing.” Mimi scratched her head and said, “Well, I couldn’t have done it without Zecora.” Mark turned to Zecora and said, “So you’re the one who abducted these kids and taught them potion making?” “I asked for some help with gathering ingredients, and they came back with such eagerness.” “Well, I can’t say I’m happy about you taking the students without informing anyone.” Mark stated. “But… There’s something I need, and I think you can help with it.” Back at the rooftop of the school, Celestia once again amazed by another day in Cliffside High. “You hired Zecora as a chemistry teacher?” Celestia repeated. “Yeah, she seemed to be able to teach the students very well.” Mark noted. “She’s efficient at teaching, but her constant rhyming allows the students to enjoy her class. Morale skyrocketed today, and I’m quite happy of it. Less work on my end.” “You seem to be happier than your days of relaxation.” Celestia pointed out. Mark held his chin in thought, but declined. “Nope. Can’t say I do.” “Mark. I know you don’t want the success you got from being an ambassador, and I know you want a normal life now. But even then, I can tell you’re proud of what you made. What you built up. And I know if you continue trying your best, every pony here will look up to you.” “Celestia, I’m just here to give my report.” Mark claimed. “Speaking of which, we have a new policy. One I hope you can help me with.” “What is it?” “The students want to get some income for their personal lives. Bonbon got a booming supply of candy, thanks to Lyra and her workers she brought over. Because of this, I think that a lot of ponies can benefit some helping hands. I noticed that humans have more efficiency than earth ponies and pegasus, so we need to get that word out so humans have a chance to join the work force if needed.” “My, my, how ambitious!” Celestia giggled. “Well, I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, you can focus your human jobs here in Ponyville. I’m sure you’ll turn this town up with your new ideas.” “It’s just part of my job Princess.” Mark grinned.