It was here. The day Forte had been dreading for weeks. Starting at a new school (again) and having to go through the same 'new kid' routine. The chance encounter with Rarity helped somewhat but it didn't completely eliminate his apprehension. The weekend trip to Pegasopolis however put him in excellent spirits. Wonderbolts absolutely destroyed Shadowbolts in an unbelievable 8-2 victory after being two goals down in the first ten minutes. 2-2 at half time which remained that way until the last twenty minutes when the floodgates opened. Six goals in twenty minutes made this a match to remember.
It made meeting the team after the match all the more better, especially when the booze was brought out. The CHS football team, Wondercolts, were also in attendance. Spitfire, Misty Fly and Fleetfoot all took a liking to Forte, much to the delight of his father, and promised to help him out when he starts at CHS. Like Forte, they too were life long supporters of Wonderbolts and excited the new kid was the son of the Chief Engineer of the new stadium. It definitely put Forte in their good books, not that they would ever befriend someone based solely on who their dad was. Teamwork, honesty, humility are some of the traits they appreciate.
But that was at the weekend. It was now Monday and Forte was stood out CHS next to a Horse statue looking at the façade of the school, hesitant to go in. He was stood there as other students walked passed him, oblivious to his presence. He wasn't stood for too much longer when he heard a familiar voice.
"Forte."
Forte turned to the source of the voice and saw Rarity run up to him and immediately wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. That caught the attention of the other students.
"Hi Rarity," replied Forte smiling, "I was just about to go in."
"Of course you were. That's why you've been standing here for several minutes."
Forte felt a little meek, "Oh, yeah well I was feeling a little.....you know."
Rarity giggled and hooked her arm around Forte's arm, "No need to feel embarrassed Forte, I'm here for you."
"Thanks Rarity."
"No problem darling," she replied just as she noticed something, "Forte dear you're not wearing your pony ears."
Forte started to feel a little embarrassed. He wasn't one for wearing such things and got the overwhelming feeling Rarity wouldn't budge on the matter.
"Yeah, I didn't feel like singling myself out as the new kid."
"But you must darling," exclaimed Rarity, "It's sort of a tradition here at CHS."
"But-"
"YOU MUST!"
Forte sighed in defeat, "OK, I'll wear them."
He reached into his bag when he 'remembered' he didn't pack them.
"Oh dear I seem to have forgotten them," he said with fake concern.
"No matter dear," she replied reaching into her bag, "As I said the other day I always carry a spare pair."
Damn thought Forte, she did.
Rarity placed the pony ears on his head and squeed in joy, "You look positively adorable in them darling."
Forte deadpanned, "Yay for me."
"Oh don't be so grumpy," she pouted, "You'll be fine, now come along. We need to get you to Principal Celestia's office."
Forte went with Rarity into the school and entered the main foyer. Quite large and spacious it felt light and airy as opposed to his old school where the atmosphere stifled any and all fun out of learning. Rarity took Forte by the arm to Principle Celestia's office, Forte's pony ears was attracting looks from other students, and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came a calm welcoming voice.
Forte and Rarity went in and saw two individuals. One was a tall woman with very long legs and rainbow like hair, the other person was a girl with bacon like hair.
She must be Sunset Shimmer thought Forte.
"Principal Celestia," started Rarity, "This is Forte Heldentenor. He's new here."
Forte just stood there in awkward silence as Principal Celestia approached and extended a hand, "Ah yes. Welcome to Canterlot High Mr Heldentenor."
Forte still stood there so Rarity budged him forward, Sunset stifling a giggle. Forte tentatively shook Celestia's hand.
"Pleased to meet you Principal Celestia."
Noting his nervousness, Celestia set about putting Forte at ease. She had a period set aside for him so Sunset could give him a tour of the school, and allow her to talk to her new student herself.
"Thank you Rarity for bringing Forte to my office, you may leave now. Lessons will begin shortly."
"Of course, Principal Celestia. I'll see you at dinner Forte, you to Sunset."
"Bye Rarity," replied Forte with a wave.
Rarity left the office and closed the door, leaving Forte with Celestia and Sunset.
"Please take a seat Mr Heldentenor," said Celestia softly as she sat down in the chair at her desk.
Forte went to sit down in the chair next to Sunset, both of them facing the Principal. Forte and Sunset looked at each other for a few seconds, Sunset looking slightly apprehensive. Gordon assumed it was due to chaperoning the new kid and was understandably nervous.
"First," continued Celestia, "Let me introduce you to Sunset Shimmer."
"Hi," said Forte with a small wave.
"Hi," replied Sunset, "Pleased to meet you. Rarity's told me a bit about you."
"She said you knew her after I mentioned you'd be my chaperone for the day."
"Yeah, we became friends recently," she said with a small wince. The memories of becoming a raging she-demon embarrassed and shamed her. She felt she would never be seen as anything but by anyone except her friends. Hopefully, Forte would view her as her reformed self and not have his opinion clouded by her past actions.
Assuming he doesn't know.
Which she feels he will find out if he doesn't already.
But she'll deal with that if and when the time arrives.
"Recently? Does that mean you're fairly new here as well?"
Sunset sighed and looked to the floor, "Not quite."
Before Forte could pry further Celestia intervened, "There will be plenty of time later for recounting each others' pasts. Now Forte, as you're already aware Sunset will be your chaperone for the day and will stay with you throughout the day excluding lessons where you're in different classes."
"Understood."
"She'll spend the first period giving you a tour of the school and showing you were your classes will be. I believe you will be in some of the same classes as well including today."
"Good, it'll be nice to have company in class."
"First stop though will be the library so you can have your student ID sorted out, Miss Cherilee will be ready for you. It won't take long, about five minutes."
"Sure," replied Forte, "Are we going now?"
"Yes," replied Celestia, "Sunset if you could take Forte to the library please."
"Yes Principal Celestia. Come on Forte," she said cheerily as she walked towards to office door.
"Thanks Principal Celestia, I'm sure I'll see you again sometime," Forte said as stood up.
"You're welcome Forte, if you ever need me you know where I am."
Forte walked over to Sunset and the two walked out into the hallway, Sunset indicating the way to go. The two walked side by side as they went towards the library, Forte looking around and rubbing his arm nervously.
"Nervous?"
Forte turned his head to Sunset and saw her smiling at him warmly, "A little. To be expected though right?"
"Course it is, but that's why I'm here."
"Thanks," replied Forte, feeling less apprehensive than before, "Do you think the rest of your friends will like me, I've already met two of them and Rarity mentioned something about a band."
"Yeah there's another three friends, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine."
"Are we friends?" Forte asked bluntly.
"Why not? The more the merrier, right?"
Forte felt like a great weight had been lifted. He was so apprehensive about starting school and once again failing to have any friends he seriously considered asking of he could be home schooled instead.
"Right. Thanks for chaperoning me by the way."
"Oh it's nothing. People here are really friendly, if I didn't do it then someone else would have."
"Still, thank you."
"You're welcome," replied Sunset warmly before looking at Forte's head, "Nice ears by the way."
Forte blushed and started to feel odd inside, like he did when his dad caught him in them, "Oh well you see I saw Rarity and-"
Sunset held up a hand, "You don't need to explain, beside I don't mind you or anyone else wearing pony ears."
"Oh OK then, I was just feeling a little silly with them on."
"Don't be," replied Sunset, "You look quite adorable in them."
Forte deadpanned, "Thanks, I'm getting that a lot."
"Well it's true."
Forte grumbled to himself, causing Sunset to stifle a laugh. She found Forte's grumpiness to be quite entertaining and got the feeling he would get on well with her friends. She walked into the library with Forte and found Cherilee waiting for them at the service desk, the camera equipment had already been set up.
"Miss Cherilee, we're here for Forte's student ID photo."
"Of course, I've been expecting you. If you'd walk over to the shooting area."
Forte and Sunset walked over, Forte removing the pony ears and handing them to Sunset. He walked over and sat himself on the chair in front of the camera.
He hated having his photo taken. Absolutely detested it. Why he hated it he's not sure, but he's always remembered not liking it.
"Smile for the camera Forte," Cherilee happily sang.
Forte remained stoic. He never has done, nor will he ever smile for the camera. No matter how hard Sunset and Cherilee tried they simply could not get Forte to smile for the camera. Forte didn't see what the fuss was about. If he put on a huge cheesy grin, then every time he was asked for student ID he would have to give a cheesy grin every time to prove it's him. Whereas if he had a sad sack expression he could just show them the card and be done with it.
Forte and Sunset sat patiently for a few moments as Cherilee printed out an ID card, a card that would double up as a library card for the CHS library. Cherilee finished producing the ID card and brought it over to Forte.
"Thanks Miss Cherilee."
"You're welcome Forte."
Cherilee went back to the service desk whilst Forte got up and walked over to Sunset.
"So," started Sunset, "Let's see your photo."
Reluctantly Forte showed her.
Sunset only just managed to restrain herself from a laughing fit, "Well, it certainly brings out your serious side."
"Yeah yeah ID photos are the same everywhere you go. Can I see yours?"
Sunset got hers out and showed Forte as they left the library. Hers wasn't too bad if Forte was honest, it showed her smiling softly looking like a girl content with life.
"Not bad I suppose."
Sunset rolled her eyes, "Well aren't you the charmer."
"No I didn't mean-"
Sunset laughed, "Rarity is right. You are cute when you're terrified."
Forte blushed profusely, "Err.....thanks."
"You're welcome," replied Sunset as she placed the pony ears headband back on his head, "You look even cuter wearing those."
"Yay for me," he deadpanned monotonously.
Sunset stiffed another laugh, Forte would definitely get on with the girls.
The tour went by without incident and Forte saw most of the school. They were unable to visit the gym as it was in use by some students. The hour was over and second period was coming up, in which Forte and Sunset where in the same class. They made their way over to the Science labs where another of Sunset's friends was waiting.
"Hey Fluttershy," said Sunset hugging her.
"Hi Sunset," replied Fluttershy timidly before noticing Forte, "Who's your friend? Is he the new student you're chaperoning?"
Sunset nodded, "Fluttershy this is Forte, Forte this is Fluttershy."
"Hi Fluttershy," Forte said enthusiastically.
"Hey Forte," she replied meekly.
"As you can see she's a little shy."
"That's OK, I can understand being nervous around the new kid."
Before the conversation could continue the teacher opened the door and allowed the students to enter. They all filed in and took their seats, Forte taking a seat on the empty table next to Sunset and Fluttershy. As everyone filed in, Forte became very aware of many pairs of eyes looking at him and whispering things amongst themselves. Forte could make most of it out but the bits he did hear where nothing beyond 'Must be the new kid' and 'At least he's following tradition'.
Everyone quietly sat down just in time for the teacher to walk in.
"Good morning everyone."
"Good morning Professor Discord."
Discord looked at his papers and remembered the memo from Celestia informing him of the new student. Discord looked around the room and it didn't take long to spot him. The pony ears signalled him out.
"As you can see we have a new student," he began as everyone looked at Forte, "And as I'm sure all of us welcome our new Wondercolt to CHS."
The students in the room cheered and Forte could hear things like 'You rock!' and 'CHS RULE!'.
He heard another girl say that he looked adorable in the pony ears. He felt like removing them but decided against it. He could wear them for one day.
"Yes Miss Heartstrings?" said Discord as he noticed her hand in the air.
"I just thought that CHS's newest Wondercolt should introduce himself."
Oh no! No no no no no no no no no no no! he frantically thought. He hated standing up in front of people and talking.
Discord seemed to realise Forte's trepidation and pounced, "What a wonderful idea Miss Heartstrings. Do come on up young man. Indulge us with your life story."
Forte hesitated.
"Come on now, don't be shy," Discord added.
Forte hesitantly got up and walked to the front of the class, consciously aware of the many pairs of eyes watching him. He stood in front of the whiteboard and turned around and was about to introduce himself when the classroom door burst open.
"Sorry I'm late."
Forte watched as a blue skinned girl with rainbow hair burst in.
"Late again Miss Dash," said Discord, unamused at Rainbow's tardiness.
"Sorry Professor."
Forte watched as Rainbow went to sit down at the table he was at.
"Forte?"
Forte looked to his right and noticed Discord motioning for him to start talking.
"Errr yyyes. Hi people. My name is Forte Heldentenor and as you can probably guess by the ears, I'm new here."
The students laughed at Fortes' reference to the tradition behind the pony ears.
"I've been told this school is a friendly and welcoming place and I hope I can become a part of that ethos."
The students clapped a small bit including Discord. Forte felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. Embarrassment at having to stand up in front of people and speak but relief at not making an arse of himself.
"Wonderful Forte, wonderful," clapped Discord.
Forte thanked Discord and went back to his seat next to Rainbow, unaware how lucky he was to sit next to one of the coolest girls in school. Normally Rainbow refused to let anyone sit with her but as she was late, Forte unknowingly sat down at her table. Rainbow wasn't mad, not yet anyway. She'd wait to see if he was cool enough first, or at least smart enough to help with the answers.
Now sitting next to Rainbow, Forte got out pen and paper like the other students did. Discord approached with a science text book that is given to each student at the start of the year. A brand new copy as well with no rips, scuff marks or anything. It was in pristine condition. He wrote his name in the cover in the allocated space and waited for the lesson to begin.
"Today the topic of the lesson is space, the final frontier."
There was a murmur of excitement at the topic. The students knew that while Professor Discord was a highly respected theoretical physicist and cosmologist, his true passion was teaching and Discord had his own unique way of doing it. Professor Discord's lessons were never boring.
"Forte, what is space?" asked Discord.
Forte shrugged, "An area that isn't full?"
Forte felt a little tense at seeing the Professor's stern expression.
Which then morphed into a hearty belly laugh.
"I like you Mr Heldentenor. I foresee you doing well in my classes."
Forte looked around the room expecting blood curdling glares due to seemingly becoming teachers pet, but as he looked around he aw everyone giving him the thumbs up.
Discord left the room momentarily leaving the students alone.
"Way to go Forte," some of the students said enthusiastically.
Forte looked at them confused, "You're not all angry at me at getting praise from the teacher?
The students looked at each other and shook their heads.
"What made you think we'd be angry at you?" asked Lyra.
"Well at my old school if a student got praise from a teacher they were immediately picked on by the rest of the class."
"Well that's totally not cool," replied Rainbow Dash, "Besides, Professor Discord is the coolest teacher in school."
"Really?" asked Forte.
"Yeah, totally," Rainbow replied coolly.
"So I'm worrying over nothing?"
The students nodded and murmured affirmatives. Discord re-entered the room with what appeared to be a DVD in his hand.
"To start off with," he began, "We'll be watching a short documentary on the Universe, specifically black holes. Afterwards there'll be a worksheet with a few questions for you to answer."
Discord switched on the TV and put the DVD in the player. The whole class watched with keen interest as the documentary played, even Rainbow Dash showed an interest. The documentary was quite informative and well put together, if a little short at forty five minutes. During the documentary Discord went around the room putting a worksheet in front of each student.
The documentary finished and the students began filling in the worksheet. The questions weren't too difficult, not for Forte anyway. Questions included 'How large must a star be to become a Black Hole?' and 'What is the Electron Degeneracy Pressure?'
Discord allowed the students to talk to their desk partner, he didn't mind it so long as the students completed their work to a satisfactory standard. Rainbow got a bit stuck on some of the questions but Forte was able to help her out to which she was grateful, even calling Forte 'egghead'.
Every student finished the worksheet in time for the bell sounding for morning break. The students packed their bags and made their way out of the room, handing in their worksheets on the way out.
As they headed out Sunset, accompanied by Rainbow and Fluttershy, caught up with Forte.
"So did you enjoy your first lesson at CHS?" asked Sunset.
"Yeah it was good," he replied modestly.
"Good?" repeated Fluttershy, "Professor Discord was really impressed with you, he has an odd sense of humour and it's really rare he laughs at another persons' jokes."
"So what you're saying is that on my first day, I've got myself in the good books of the coolest teacher in school?"
"Yeah, that's pretty much it," summed up Sunset.
Forte just shrugged his shoulders, "So, we're we headed now?"
"The canteen for some snacks," replied Rainbow, "We have a twenty minute break period before third period then we have lunch."
"Sounds good," said Forte, excited about the prospect of food, "Is the canteen any good here?"
"Totally," Rainbow replied, "Today is Meatball Monday."
"I love meatballs," Forte said with a wide smile, "But then again I love food."
"You'll get along just fine with Rainbow then," quipped Sunset.
Rainbow just rolled her eyes as the quartet made their way to the canteen for a mid morning snack. It wasn't too busy in the canteen but Forte's pony ears stood out and identified him as a new kid, as no-one recognised him. There were a few other students wearing a pair as well. Forte and the girls stood in line for food, Sunset and Fluttershy decided to wait until lunch whereas Forte and Rainbow got a snack each. Forte got some chocolate covered flapjack and Rainbow got a chocolate chip muffin. Fluttershy took the break time as an opportunity to tell Forte he looked adorable in his pony ears, to which he responded 'Yay for me'. It was all in good humour though.
Both snacks were thoroughly enjoyed.
Third period rolled around but this time Sunset and Forte were in different classes, Rainbow was in another class also. Fortunately, Forte's next lesson was the same as Fluttershy's. History with Mr Cranky Doodle. He was a popular teacher as well due to his funny grumpiness.
It was quite uneventful. Forte didn't have to get up again and introduce himself, but a few more students did say hi. The lesson was about the Equestrian Industrial Revolution which Forte found fascinating. He did get stuck on a few questions but Fluttershy helped him out, she was quite adept at history.
The bell rang signalling that time of the day when you stuff your face with food and everything else becomes secondary. Fluttershy and Forte walked to the canteen where they met up with the other girls including Pinkie and Rarity. Another girl was present, Forte noticed, who confidently introduced herself.
"Howdy there partner, ahm Applejack," she said holding out a hand.
Forte took her hand and shook it firmly, "I'm Forte."
"So I've been told by these girls," she smirked indicating the others.
"Nothing embarrassing I hope?"
"No nothin' like that, but ah do agree in their opinion yah look mighty adorable in those pony ears."
"Yay for me.....again."
The girls giggled.
"Don't mind us Forte," said Sunset warmly, "We're only teasing you."
"Yeah I know, only Rainbow has to say it now."
Everyone looked at Rainbow expectantly.
"I'm going to get my lunch, I'm starving."
"Tell us somethin' we don't know."
The group went into the canteen and got their lunch. All but Fluttershy and Sunset got Meatballs and Chips (Rainbow and Forte also got some bacon) whilst Sunset and Fluttershy got a fruit salad each. They each talked about what they did at the weekend. It turns out Rainbow Dash went to Pegasopolis as well along with Fluttershy. All the girls were amazed to hear when Forte said he was there in the VIP section with his father. Rainbow was slightly jealous he got to meet the Wonderbolts players, but he said he would try to talk his dad into letting all of them come along to the VIP section in the future. As a thank you for being so helpful towards him.
Forte's two afternoon lessons were Art followed by Food Technology with all the girls. Pinkie managed to talk them all into taking the subject and she was ecstatic when Forte also joined the group. It was a practical lesson and since she was his chaperone, Sunset paired with Forte. Their chocolate gateau was met with warm praise from the teacher. The rest of the gateau was cut in half and the pair each took their just desserts.
The bell rang for the last time of the school day and throngs of students made their way out. Forte saw that his mum and dad was in the Jag ready to pick him up. He walked out with the girls and stopped opposite his parents who were on the opposite site side the road. Forte turned around to the girls who each gave him a hug, except Rainbow, and said they'd look forward to seeing him tomorrow. As the girls started to walk away, Rainbow remained stood still.
"Rainbow, are you coming?" asked Sunset.
"Just a sec," she replied turning to look at her.
Rainbow looked at Forte, walked up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.
"You look adorable in those ears," she said before kissing his other cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow Forte."
She let go of him and walked away, the other girls and most of the CHS students just stood and looked at Forte. Who himself was stock still.
"Darling," said Rarity, gently shaking Forte, "Are you still with us?"
Forte nodded, "I'm still here. I wasn't expecting that though."
"Neither was anyone else," replied Rarity looking around seeing the stunned students, "Anyway, we'll see you tomorrow darling. Bye now."
"Bye Rarity, bye girls."
"Bye Forte," they all called back in unison.
Forte made his way over to his parents and got in the car.
His dad turned around to him with a huge smile on his face.
"That's my boy."
"They're just friends," Forte said trying to play down the situation.
"Even the rainbow haired one?"
"Well sh-sh-sh-she was just being nice. I helped her in science. There's nothing between us, we're just friends."
"Just like that purple haired girl, she seemed taken with you."
"We really are just friends."
"If you say so son. Well dear," he said turning to his wife, "I think our boy deserves a reward, I was thinking of going to dinner at that new Steak House that's opened."
"Sounds wonderful dear," replied Fioritura, "Are you OK with that sweetie?"
"Yeah, sounds great."
"Wonderful, we'll go later tonight."
"Cool."
"Oh and Forte?"
"Yes Mum?"
"You look adorable in those ears."
For the love of....