//------------------------------// // Monday Morning // Story: Through the Mirror // by Darth Link 22 //------------------------------// Applejack: Claims that Rainbow Dash insulted her several times, through interviews with Rainbow Dash had her claiming that Applejack insulted her first. It seems to be insults traded at each other over a catalyst I have yet to find. This seems to have been what caused the subsequent fallings-out, as the other three were accused of picking sides. Rarity: Apparently sided with Applejack over everything. However, another fight broke out between them soon after. They’ve refused to even discuss it, and seeing as it hasn’t effected anything on school grounds, I’m unable to press. Pinkie: Sided with Rainbow Dash. Soon afterward Rainbow Dash’s gym locker was filled with shaving cream. She accused Pinkie of it, saying she was “too stupid” to know when to stop. Pinkie swears up and down she didn’t do it. She has a reputation as a prankster, but everyone liked her because she never went too far. Soon afterward, Pinkie’s locker was found painted with the word “IDIOT” in nail polish. Pinkie accused Rarity of it. I found no proof either way. Rainbow Dash: Claims Applejack insulted her first. I suspect there’s a larger catalyst. Will only talk to Fluttershy now. Fluttershy: refused comment. Everyone accuses her of being Rainbow Dash’s lapdog. Twilight looked it over again. These shorthand notes of Celestia’s were all she had to go on. She looked up at Celestia, who was on the other side of the desk, placing a pile of books on it. “Okay... step one is to find the signup sheet and register for the crown. Second step is finding everyone and try to get them together. Third... well, I don’t know. Maybe more research into where the crown is.” Celestia nodded. “Well, that’s going to require going to class. These are your textbooks,” she said, scooting them forward. “On the top is your locker number and combination. In the northernmost hallway.” Twilight nodded. “I think I got everything this weekend. Classes shouldn’t be much of a distraction.” Twilight looked at her schedule and placed the books for her first class inside, making Spike scoot over. “Yeah, all you have to worry about is boys,” Celestia said with a smile. Spike laughed. “Yeah right. Twilight?” Twilight glared at her charge. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” “You skipped your school dance to read a book on invisibility magic. I don’t think you even notice boys half the time.” Celestia smiled. “We’ll see. Anyway, class starts in 45 minutes, you better take the time to get used to the layout of the school. I’ll try and find one of the five to give you a tour later today.” Twilight nodded, lifting the remaining books in her arms. She gave a quick goodbye to Principal Celestia before walking out. “You think we can get everything done in a week?” Spike asked. “I hope so. Don’t talk when we're in the hallways, I don’t want to risk anyone hearing you.” “Fine,” Spike said. With her locker number in mind, she headed north, just barely managing to see around the stack of books. She was almost there when it happened. She suddenly hit someone else and fell to the floor. “Ow...” she muttered, feeling soreness in her rump where she had landed. “Oh, geez, I’m sorry,” a boy’s voice said. Twilight saw a hand enter her vision, offering to help her up. “I didn’t see you there.” “No, no, it’s my fault, it was a little hard to see where...” And then he saw him. Blue hair, orange skin, and a friendly smile. She felt her face heat up. He was really handsome, and the look he was giving her made her both feel at ease and gave her butterflies in her stomach, all at once. ...Why? “You’re a new face,” he said. He was blushing too. Sweet Celestia... “Uh, yeah, I just transferred here,” she said quickly. She bent down to pick up her books, and the boy followed suit. “Let me give you a hand. It’s the least I can do,” he said. “Um, thank you. My name’s Twilight.” “Flash Sentry.” The boy, being more dexterous, had picked up more than Twilight had, as well as her locker number. “Looks like you’re not far from here. Why don’t I carry these for you?” No, it’s okay, I’ve got it. “That would be nice.” Why!? Flash took the rest of the books and the pair walked down the hallway. It was an awkward silence at first, but Flash broke it. “You said you just transferred here?” “Uh, yes...” “Figures. I doubt I’d forget you.” Twilight blinked. Her face was heating up. Why? “Um, well... I had to move in with my Aunt Celestia due to some unpleasantness.” Flash blinked. “The principal’s your aunt? Hmm... never would have guessed it.” “Yes, well, it’s a difficult transition,” she said quickly. “Today’s my first day, and... ah, here it is!” She was relieved to be at the locker. She quickly fidgeted with the combination lock. “So... do you have anyone to show you around?” Now Twilight was nervous again. “Uh, well... I was going to get a tour from someone later.” “Ah,” he said, the one syllable response doing nothing to hide his disappointment. What? No... if he likes me too, it’s going to hurt him when I go back... wait, what do I mean “too”? With the locker open, Flash placed the books inside. “Thanks for the help,” Twilight squeaked out. Flash smiled. “No problem. I’ll catch you around.” He turned and walked off. Sweet Celestia, what’s wrong with me? I’m a pony, not a Human! He’s like a big, hairless ape! He has two legs, those hands, no fur, a flat face, those abs and Sweet Luna he has a cute butt. Twilight clamped her hands to the side of her head, trying to squeeze that thought out of existence. “Seriously?” Twilight looked back at her backpack, where Spike had popped up. “You haven’t even looked at a stallion before, and a Human is making you like this?” “I don’t get it either,” Twilight sighed. “It must be a side effect of this new body. Ugh... well, we better look around.” Twilight’s look around school earned her a few curious glances from what few students were here this early, muttering about the new girl. Mentally she was mapping out the school, and was thankful she wasn’t being bothered. That was until she turned another corner and found herself face-to-face with someone she recognized. Yellow skin and a pink mane. Dressed in soft white and green. Shrinking back to try and disappear before the new girl. This was one of the ones she had been looking for. Fluttershy backed up, surprised by the new girl, and hid behind her hair. Twilight hid her giddiness. She needed to approach this cautiously. “Um... hello?” “Hello.” “...Um, I’m new here. My name’s Twilight.” “I’m Fluttershy..." “I’m sorry?” She just mumbled and looked away. Twilight paused, wondering what to say next. She needed to get Fluttershy back with the others, but sadly this one was as shy as hers. It looked like she was going to have to go with her original plan. Once she won over Rainbow Dash... “Puppy!” Twilight jumped as Fluttershy sprung forward, grabbing Spike out of her backpack. “Oh, he is so adorable.” She held the dragon-turned-canine right up to her face, their noses touching. “You’re a sweet little puppy!” Twilight blinked, having the oddest sense of deja vu. After glancing around and once again being grateful that the school was nearly empty at the moment, she smiled. “Yes. His name is Spike.” “Aww, he’s such a cute puppy dog, yes he is, yes he is,” Fluttershy said, scratching behind his ears. Spike, annoyed at being treated like a dog, growled. “Uh, he doesn’t like being touched by someone he doesn’t know.” Fluttershy giggled. “Well, I know what tough guy pups like this need.” She flipped Spike onto his back and began scratching at his belly. Spike growled for a few seconds before suddenly giving in to the action, happily wagging his tail and kicking his legs. “That’s right, you're just a big softy, yes you are!” Fluttershy cooed to the placated Spike. She looked up at Twilight with a smile. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who likes animals, but you might want to be careful. They’re not allowed in school.” “Yes, well, I can’t go anywhere without Spike,” she said. Fluttershy was used her free hand to rummage through her backpack, eventually pulling out a dog treat. “Want one?” Spike gulped. He looked at Twilight for encouragement, but Twilight could only say “Go on, boy!” with a nervous grin. Sighing, Spike took the treat, apprehensively at first. However, after the first bite he attacked the rest with vigor. “You like animals? Oh, will you sign up with the animal shelter? I’ve been trying to get more people, but...” “Uh, that sounds like fun, but I’m just getting settled in here. Maybe in a week or two?” “Oh, that’s okay,” Fluttershy said. She was smiling now, and picking Spike up to place him back in Twilight’s backpack. “I understand. Moving might be hard. Are you going to the Fall Formal? I wasn’t, but if someone nice is going to be there...” “I’m actually planning on running for Princess...” “What?” Even though Twilight was half expecting it, Fluttershy’s horror surprising. “Oh my, you can’t. Sunset will.... she’s a girl that...” “I know who Sunset is and I’m not afraid of her,” Twilight said, hoping she sounded more confident . “I’m just waiting for the one in charge to get here so I can sign up.” Fluttershy was actually shaking. “Please don’t. I don’t want to think about what Sunset could do to you.” “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not worried.” Tears. Fluttershy was actually crying now. “Um, well... I saw Pinkie get here a few minutes ago. She’s in the gym.” Twilight smiled. Pinkie... “Thank you. Why don’t you come with me? You seem nice...” “Oh no, I can’t talk to Pinkie. She... she doesn’t like me very much...” Twilight feigned surprise. “Really? Why?” “Um... Igottago!” Fluttershy ran off. Twilight called to her, but she was ignored. So much for her plan to get the five talking to each other. Sighing, she looked over the school map again. She needed to head toward the gym. “I don’t get it,” Spike mumbled. “I’m not a dog...” “Hush Spike. We can talk back in Celestia’s office,” Twilight said as she opened the gym door. Right away she could tell the gym served multiple functions. The lines of the floor and the baskets at both ends told her that it’s primary focus was sports, specifically basketball, a sport she had looked up during her massive research binge during the weekend. But with some initial decorations already up, Twilight could see it working at a dance hall. She glanced around at a few banners and streamers already hanging in the uppermost areas. As a result, she didn’t see the pink mass until it was right on top of her. “Hi!” Twilight jumped back in surprise as the Human Pinkie Pie bounced in front of her. “Ooh! You must be the new girl!” She grinned. “I’m Pinkie Pie and... say...” Suddenly Pinkie leaned in, narrowing her eyes. “You seem a little... off...” Twilight felt herself start to sweat. “Off?” “Yeah... you’re hiding a dog in your backpack, aren’t you?” Twilight let go of a breath she was holding. “Yeah, I snuck my pet into school.” “Neato! Anyway, I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?” “Twilight.” “Twilight? That’s a pretty name! Anyway, welcome to Canterlot High. I’m on the committee for the Fall Formal even though Applejack is on it too and I’m in charge of decorating the gym and setting up the vote for the Fall Formal Princess, which is easy because only Sunset ever runs, and I have a lot to get done but I really want to talk to you too so I guess I’m asking are you going too because I’d like your opinion on the decorations so far. Do you think it’s too much because a lot of people are saying it is so if you could take a look at the concept piece I wrote up?” Pinkie had shoved a picture in her face depicting a crudely drawn gymnasium decorated with crudely drawn decorations. “It’s just a concept but I was thinking that we add a few more balloons...” “Pinkie,” Twilight said firmly. The pink girl stopped. “Yes, Twilight?” “I hate to interrupt, but I really need the sign-up sheet for the Fall Formal. I’m going to run for Princess.” Pinkie let out a gasp. “What? No! No! Please, Twilight, Sunset would do something really, really mean and...” “Pinkie,” Twilight said as sternly as before. Pinkie stopped. “I’ve heard about Sunset. That’s why I’m running. Someone needs to stand up to her.” “But... but...” “No buts. Now please, the sign-up sheet?” Pinkie sighed as she reached into her hair and pulled out a clipboard. There was a single sheet of paper labeled “Princess Sign-Up” with only one signature, “Sunset Shimmer”. Carefully, Twilight took the offered pencil and signed her name. She had practiced writing with Celestia, so she at least managed to get halfway passable handwriting. “Are you sure about this?” Pinkie said, almost pleading. “I’m sure. I’m going to take Sunset down.” “Well, ain’t you a brave one.” Twilight jumped and turned around. Standing there was Applejack. The same freckles, ponytail, and hat. “Uh, well...” Applejack walked past her and set the cases of some kind of liquid on a nearby table. She briefly looked at Pinkie, but the two looked away in mutual disgust. “Anywho..... I don’t think ya know what yer gettin’ yerself into. Sunset’s the most ornery snake in the grass that ever slithered into Canterlot High. She’ll spread all these rumors...” “Cel... Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna told me all about it,” Twilight said. “She also told me no one believes anything she says, so...” “Wait... yer the Principal's niece?” Applejack said. “Ooh! Then she can keep the rumors down out of school!” She flashed an excited smile to Applejack, who returned it... until they both remembered who they were smiling at, and turned away in a huff. Twilight winced. Still, if they could agree with this... “So, would you two vote for me if I ran?” Applejack smiled. “Shoot, you actually make it until the Formal, you got my vote. Anyone’s better than Sunset.” “I will too... even if I am agreeing with her,” she motioned to Applejack. Twilight winced again. This time grimace stuck. Hearing such a bitter tone come out of Pinkie was too painful. “Uh... Twi? You okay?” “Wha? Uh, yeah, I’m fine Applejack. You two just seem... angry at each other.” This was her chance to at least try. “Well it’s because Pinkie here... wait, how’d you know my name?” Twilight froze. Inside, she was mentally kicking herself for her slip up. But then... if she hadn’t been keeping track of the conversation... “Uh... you mentioned it, remember?” Twilight said, trying to act casual. “I did?” “...Yeah!” “...I guess I must have,” Applejack said, trying to remember the conversation. Twilight looked relieved, until she noticed Pinkie Pie eyeing her with extra scrutiny. “Uh, you know, I just remembered I need to see my aunt before class starts so I’llseeyoulaterbye!” Twilight went out the door as fast as she could without actually running. The two remaining girls looked at the scene with some confusion. “Now look what you did.” Applejack glared at Pinkie. “Me? It was probably all that craziness you...” And then the door opened again, and in she walked. The same smile the girls had come to hate, the same ‘I’m better than you’ way of walking, the same leather jacket that said she was trying too hard to be a bad girl. And behind her walked two of her little minions, leeching off the fear she caused. At least this time, it was just Snips and Snails. “Sunset...” Applejack said, her anger at Pinkie forgotten. “Very good, you remembered my name,” Sunset Shimmer said. She grabbed the rim of Applejack’s hat, twisting it around and pulling it over her face. “In a family of hicks, you might be good for something other than being a pig.” Applejack’s fists tensed in anger. For a moment she was too mad to even readjust her hat. Pinkie looked equally upset. She opened her mouth to say something, but bit it back. She wasn’t coming to Applejack’s defense, of all people. “And what’s this?” She picked a bottle out of the case Applejack had brought in. “Ugh, hick cola. Figures Celestia’s too cheap to spring for real drinks. Guess that’ll have to make do. Still, you think a Princess would get better treatment than that. How about you, tell me you’ve actually done a decent job with the decorations?” Pinkie fumed, but put on a brave smile. “Sure have. I’ve got these plans and...” “What are you, five? That looks like crap,” Sunset said immediately. “Honestly, how are you in High School? No, don’t answer. If they’ll let the Apples in, they’ll take anyone.” Applejack’s fists tightened. Snips and Snails snickered. Applejack moved her hat off her eyes and shot a look that actually froze the pair in their place. “Ya haven’t won yet, you know,” Applejack said. “Wow, apparently you won’t be good for anything other than a mud pit. I’m running unopposed.” Pinkie actually grinned, and this time she didn’t mind sharing an expression with Applejack. “Actually, you’re not. Someone new just signed up,” she said, showing off the clipboard. “...What?” Sunset said, snatching the clipboard from Pinkie and glaring at it. Both Pinkie and Applejack looked on in anticipation, waiting for the queen bee of Canterlot High to lose it. She laughed. She laughed so long and loud that even Snips and Snails looked at her like she had lost her mind. “Oh... this is going to be fun,” Sunset said. Pinkie and Applejack shared a worried look. Once again, they didn’t care they were supposed to hate each other. “Well, I blew it,” Twilight sighed, sitting in a chair in front of Celestia and Luna. “The week’s still young,” Luna pointed out. “As long as you stay away from that boy.” Spike muttered. “Boy?” Celestia and Luna’s amusement made Twilight blush all the more. “What boy?” Celestia asked. “She meets some guy named Flash and all of a sudden she goes all gooey. I mean, I know everypony has different tastes, but a Human? Really?” “Spike,” Twilight said in a tense voice. “Maybe it has something to do with your new body,” Celestia said. “Teenage hormones are powerful.” “Hmm... maybe,” Twilight suddenly got a grin. “That could explain why Spike now likes being scratched behind the ears... and dog biscuits.” Now Spike looked embarrassed. “Well, at least the three of them agreed to vote for me. Maybe if I’m a mutual friend...” “I’ll ask Rainbow Dash to show you around,” Luna said. “You’ll at least have met all five. I’ve scheduled 5th as a free period.” Twilight nodded. “I think I can move forward from there. Until then, I need to get to class. It’s starting soon.” “I’ve told all the teachers the cover story and asked them not to call on you in class, saying you need some time out of the spotlight.” She nodded. No need to have her common knowledge of the human world tested any more than necessary. After giving Spike a scratch behind the ears, she picked up her backpack and walked out. It wasn’t long before she was in front of the classroom for first period English. Taking a deep breath, she went in. She immediately felt her old anxieties come back as every set of eyes settled on her. “You must be the new girl,” a man said that Twilight quickly realized was the Human Cranky Doodle Donkey. “Well, take a seat. I believe there’s one open next to Mr. Sentry.” Twilight blinked. She turned and saw Flash, who gave a friendly smile. ...Darn.