Aftermath of A Fallen Star
By Rated Ponystar
Edited by The Unnamed Pawn
Letter of Resignation (Cheerilee's POV)
***
Dear Headmaster,
First off, I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done for me since I first came to P.S. 134 in Manehatten. Despite having been Ponyville’s elementary school teacher for twelve years, I was always curious about teaching older students at a higher grade level. Imagine my surprise when you sent in a request last year, asking if I could become your new temporary History Teacher for Sophomores. It was hard leaving home, but I was excited at the idea of teaching a different age set of students for a change.
I can still remember my first day here. I was so nervous about making mistakes, but I was confident that I could deal with whatever problems I had. Oh how naive I was. Back in Ponyville, most of my little students were eager to learn about anything and we had fun doing it. Here, most of the students couldn’t care less about school and seemed to be more interested in their cliques than anything else. There were some good students, bright ones that I had the pleasure of knowing, but they never came to me personally to talk. Not like my old students did.
All they saw was an old teacher, who they only wanted to please so they could pass the class. I wasn’t used to the cold shoulder, and a part of me still isn’t. There were also the usual things that are in every school such as bullies, bad grades, attitude problems, and learning disabilities, but there were also other sorts of problems that I wasn’t used too. Drugs, smoking, teenagers using the classrooms to have sex, violent fights, and so much cursing; even to my face! I thought it couldn’t get any worse.
That was until I met Regal.
I remember when Regal transferred into the school, and when you told us who this boy was and, more importantly, who he was related to. I don’t know if you know this, but I knew Twilight Sparkle when she was living in Ponyville, and learning of her death tore me up. She was somepony who I admired for her intellect and she would sometimes teach my students with me. We would spend hours talking about various subjects like math, science, and more. She was, to me, a very close friend.
To learn that I would be teaching the nephew of one of her killers, was something I never expected. I imagine it wasn't easy for Regal, knowing that his uncle had played a part in the biggest crime in past decade. His family’s fortune lost, their reputation ruined, and most of them driven from Canterlot and trying to find a new home.
It may have been years since that awful day, but even now some of us Ponyville raised ponies are still grieving for the loss of one of our greatest heroes. Nevertheless, I was determined to not judge Regal for the actions of uncle, and treat him like any other student I had. I am ashamed to say my students did not share the same mindset as me.
Regal’s first day in my class was not perfect. In fact it was a disaster the moment he stepped forward. Everypony in class knew who he was thanks to the rumors spread around the halls. They constantly harassed him, asking him how it felt to be related to traitor. Some of them asked him if he was there when they put his uncle at the stake and burned him alive. And when he was silent, when he tried to ignore them, they acted like he was deaf or stupid and called him (Much to my shame of writing it) “Regal the Retarded.”
The worst of them were Boulder Brawler and Flare. Those two had it out for Regal at the very start. I didn’t know it then, but I suspect they were the ones that put “Murderer’s Not Wanted” in graffiti on his locker. I have never given more punishments before in my life then to those two nasty colts, colts that I am ashamed to have taught. Colts that you should have expelled a long time ago after all of my reports. Maybe if you did, things would have been different for him. For all of us.
Regal had no friends and was teased maliciously for any number of reasons, from being mocked for what his uncle did to being called weird because he was always alone and quiet. I caught him more than once crying all alone in the halls. I tried to talk to him many times, but he always turned away from me.
Regal was always on my mind, more than any student I had at the time, and it seemed no matter what I did nothing worked. I gave punishments to any student that made fun of him or beat him up, mostly Boulder Brawler and Flare. I tried getting the parents involved, and that lessened it somewhat, but many didn’t seem to care or didn’t take the the issues seriously, saying it was just a phase teenagers go through. The worst was Flare’s father. He was actually encouraging his son to keep Regal in check to “let the brat know that his kind can’t get away with murdering just because somepony doesn’t like what they do.”
I never was more disgusted with a parent in my entire life.
I tried to get you and my fellow teachers involved, but most of them didn’t like him or thought that it wasn’t important in any case. There were dozens of students who didn’t fit in just like Regal, and each teacher already had their own to take care of. And you of course didn’t listen to me, I was the temporary teacher for the year, the one who would be gone in a few months. And yet I was the only pony on the staff brave enough to care about Regal.
One day, I went to Regal’s home under the pretense of a parent teacher conference. I tried talking to Regal’s mother, but she insisted that I stay out of their family’s business, believing that I was part of the trouble that her son was going through by not looking after him. I tried to tell her I was there to help, but she didn’t believe me. I didn’t know what to do, I just stood there and took her verbal abuse without defending myself. I suspect she was letting out her anger on me for all the injustice done to her and her family.
Regal actually came to me as I was leaving the house and apologized to me. He believed me when I said that I was trying my best to help him, but he said that nothing was going to change. He felt he was doomed to carry the sin of his uncle on his back forever, no matter how much I told him that it wasn’t true.
That’s when I made a plan to prove it to him. Looking back now I feel I made a terrible mistake by doing it. If only I had planned it better. Or maybe not planned it at all. All I know is that I had a chance to fix everything and I blew it.
I decided to talk about the history of each of the four alicorns known in the world. Everypony was into it, excited to learn about the most powerful ponies known in history. When I got to Princess Luna, I went into detail about her time as Nightmare Moon, the terror she brought, and how she had to be banished by Celestia herself to pay for her crimes. Yet despite this, she was forgiven after a thousand years and, although she carries this weight, she is still loved and respected by her subjects. Even her Night Guard was composed of the families who battled on her side long ago, and were still respected even now. Boulder Brawler asked why none of the bat ponies were punished for betraying Celestia.
I told him that the policy of Equestria was to forgive those that harmed them. That we sought a better path than vengeance. That was why we had an alliance with the griffins, who we had gone to war against many times in past, and why we were trying to establish peace with the changelings now that Queen Chrysalis was no more. I also made sure to point out that such issues with the bat ponies and griffins were long gone due to the fact that the ones who took part in their crimes had been dead for years.
It got the class whispering and I knew some of them were looking at Regal. I was doing it, I was making them slowly realize that maybe it was wrong to think Regal had anything to do with Twilight’s death. I even saw hope in Regal’s eyes, as if he knew what I was doing.
And then Flare ruined it all. We had just finished Twilight’s history and ended on her ascension. I had planned to stop there. Then Flare said we should talk about her assassination. He made sure to point out that it was carried out by nobles, like Regal’s uncle, who came from families who were greedy, racist, and pompous. I tried to get him to stop, noticing Regal shaking in his seat.
He went on, talking about how he was there when they all were executed at the stake and mentioned that the rest of their families should have been burned as well for failing to notice their member’s treason. I ordered him to be quiet. And then he said that Princess Celestia would make sure that none of the families forgot, that they were better of disappearing forever then to live with the shame of their sin.
I was ready to drag Flare out of the room, but Regal couldn’t take it anymore. He screamed and attacked Flare with rage in his eyes, kicking as hard has his legs could kick. Flare cried for help as the rest of the students didn’t do anything but stare and gasp. I rushed over and separated Regal from a bleeding Flare. All the while Flare was shouting that Regal had tried to kill him.
Regal realized what he had done and began to cry into my shoulder. I held him as tight as I could. While this happened, I heard, and I’m sure Regal did as well, the whispers of my students, believing that Regal was indeed a monster. I had failed. My plan ruined because of that brat!
I cancelled class that day, later getting an earful from Flare’s father and mother who wanted me to expel Regal but I had had enough. I told them that if their son had caused anymore disturbances, any more harm to Regal, I was going to make sure he was expelled instead. They were outraged, but didn’t say anymore. You told me to leave Regal alone, sir. That my efforts to help him were only causing public disturbance and damaging the school’s reputation.
Sir, with all honestly, I wanted to tell you to go buck yourself for caring more about a school’s public image then a pony in pain. The weekend came and I tried to work up the courage to speak to Regal at his house, but I couldn’t come up with anything to say. Maybe if I had gone I could have prevented what happened that Monday. That Monday that none of us in this school will ever forget.
I never told anypony the real details of what happened, sir. Not even the police. Mainly because I couldn’t express it, but now I am. I want to let you know how we all failed Regal, sir.
Monday came and I waited for all my students to come in like always. One by one they came, not knowing that their lives were going to be changed forever. I noticed that one student was late, Regal. It wouldn’t be the first time he skipped school after a bad incident and I didn’t blame him at all for what happened.
But soon, not five minutes after I started taking names, did Regal come into the class, smiling and carrying his saddlebags. I told him he was late, but then he raised his hoof and said he had an announcement for the class. I didn’t say anything, I should have, but I didn’t. He turned to the class, his eyes focusing on Brawler Boulder and Flare, and apologized to them and everypony in the class. That they were right, he was a monster and the Flare had the right idea about him and his family needing to disappear forever.
That’s when he pulled it out with his magic. I couldn’t even believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. I didn’t even know his family had one until we all learned it was one of the few heirlooms his family had left after their fall from grace. I had personally never seen one, but I knew what it was from the pictures I had seen. It was a pistol from the griffin lands. A single shot pistol that he pulled out of from his bags and pointed at the class.
None of us made any sound, all of us were staring at Regal with terror in our eyes. My students were as still as statues, seeing the weapon pointed at each of them. I was just as frozen, to my shame. In Ponyville, I had been through Nightmare Moon, Ursa Minors, Parasprites, the invasion of the Everfree Forest, and more. And yet I was terrified of a single pony holding a gun.
I was about to tell him to put the gun down, to let us talk about this, but it was too late. We all watched as he pointed the gun at himself. He pulled the trigger. The shot went off. His blood splattered all over the front row students and the chalkboard. And then everypony screamed.
I don’t need to tell you what happened afterwards. The press. The accusations. The Princesses and Elements getting involved. The horror of it all. It’s still going on now, and I doubt it will ever end soon. In the end, what has come out of all of this? Twenty students who will be forever traumatized by witnessing somepony of their own age kill himself. Two colts, and their families, who had to move because of the backlash from raising such bullies. A mother who ended her own life after losing her son. And... my spirit broken.
I had failed every single one of them, sir. I did everything I could and yet it wasn’t enough. I should have done more, but I didn’t. I failed one colt who only wanted somepony to tell him that he deserved to exist, that he didn’t have to bare any shame. And yet I couldn’t reach him.
I am resigning effective immediately from the school, and I don't care what you have say to dissuade me. Quite frankly, sir, this school disgusts me. I’m going back to Ponyville where I can do some real good, but I will never forget what happened here. And I will make sure you never will too, sir. I sent a copy of this letter to the Manehatten Press, and I’m sure you’ll be getting even more reporters asking questions on why you failed to help a student. I’m pretty sure the Equestria Education Council will also want to conduct their own investigation.
Thank you for the experience, sir. May you rot in Tartarus.
Signed,
Cheerilee
***
She returned to her roots, with everypony waiting with joy.
She taught bright young minds alike for many years.
But she never talked about her experience in the city.
Nor of the boy she failed to protect.
If I got to choose which mane six to pick next, I'd choose Rainbow.
Applejack!
That story reminded me of this song. Was it intentional?
As for the next pony, I'm torn between Rainbow and Pinkie. It would be interesting to see Rainbow having to deal with family members of the conspirators, while I also am curious to see how long it is before Pinkie can honestly smile again.
Well, given that you're letting us chose the member of the Mane 6 (or 5, now, I guess) who's going to be in the next chapter, then I choose Applejack.
( Like that's a big surprise, huh?)
3529599
Very intentional. This is still my favorite music video of all time for the power in the message
I'd be interested in what Rainbow would have to say too
Damn. Just... damn.
I vote Rainbow.
My vote's for Rainbow too.
Wow, yet another outstanding chapter! Bravo!
I'm sure we'll hear from all of the remaining five, but I have to vote for Fluttershy here. I have a feeling that she has something very powerful to say here.
wow... just wow. I don't even know what to say about this chapter other than to compliment you for making me feel like this. well done.
also, I'd say Rarity or Fluttershy just for the sake of making sure each one has a vote
But seriously, I think it'd be interesting to see how the pony that makes scenes out of the smallest things is dealing with one of the single heaviest events in her life.
Spike and/or Rarity
I think I find Cherliee most sad of them all thus far.
But I enjoyed her telling off the administrator or whoever is the position of leading that school.
On another note, Rated, why didn't you give Cheerilee a stoic nickname for this tale like you did for Twilight, Trixie, Fluttershy, and Discord? It's not a big thing, mind you, just a nice little thing that I was and will be looking for throughout the chapters of this fic that really added to its individuality.
I am at a loss for words. This is the tale of a school shooter from the teacher's point of view. And I hope the press won't censor this, so Cheerilee's act of justice will go through. Wow. Excellent psychology here. Awesome job. Very sad. Very, very sad.
Why not Pinkie? I would to hear her side.
She (being our pink party pony) is more than a smile in town, or a baker in a shop.
Her demeanor rises and falls like the balloons on her flank, and her hair in despair.
Sure, I would like to see the rest of the Elements' expressions, but, in Chapter 2, Discord said: "...but they (the rest of the Elements) were still as emotionally damaged as she (Fluttershy) was. Except for Pinkie Pie; that girl recovered in a week, or so it seems."
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Honestly? I couldn't think of one xP
3529885
sorry, but that ^ was my reaction to that
This story never fails to hit me right. You, good sir, could give lessons on how to write good tragedy. Keep it up, this is on of the most rewarding stories I am following.
I vote for Rainbow. I just feel like there are a lot of interesting possibilities for her response.
3529609
This chapter... With that song.
You, sir, are a goddamn brilliant person.
Well done. Just... Well done.
~Skeeter The Lurker
I'll vote Applejack.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Cheerilee just wrote a big "fuck you" letter to the Headmaster.
Also, Rarity.
Tough to say really who should go next.
But what happened here, bravo Cheerilee and don't fault yourself for what happened. It was the headmaster and the buercrats that caused all of the trouble. Their school's reputation was shot the instant they ignored a student in need.
Wonderful chapter. Powerful stuff as always.
My vote goes for Rainbow Dash, for reasons listed below.
By Celestia and Luna both, no freaking shit man.
I think it's very interesting to go off on a tangent like this rather than simply showing someone who had a direct relation with the events. It also touches me a bit because even though I've by no means suffered like poor Regal did I've been the quiet new kid who was picked on before, more than once actually because of how often I moved, so it does touch me there.
As for which of the Mane Six, I'd like to see either Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie because I'd like to see how the pink mare gets her smile back, and Rainbow Dash because if there's anyone who's likely to bottle up their real emotions until they hurt, aside from Fluttershy, it's her.
Also, really waiting for a Spike entry.
I'd like to see AJ or Rarity's reactions, honestly.
Yep, that letter turned out to be a well deserved middle finger. If ponies had fingers. Or claws.
Vote's on AJ!
Pinkie. I want to hear how/why she is putting on a facade for the world to see when she is dead inside
The end for fair amount of teenagers. A sad tale. And I do agree with Cheerilee on all her points. Until next chapter.
I think Spike would be great as a final chapter. Having been raised by Twi as brother/son or somethig like that the trauma he got must have been enormous. Combine it with a possible dragon identity crisis, having lost the 'pony' family because of other ponies, maybe some guards he looked up to when he was little... If Rated Pony plans this well from now it could be a huge chapter.
so NOT spike.
I vote AJ.
Pinkie Pie, of course. Trying to see how she wrapped her head around all of this would be quite instructive. Also, the others are open books. Applejack would wish it hadn't happened but couldn't have seen any other outcome, Rarity will lose any lingering impulse towards social climbing, Rainbow Dash will beat herself up for failing Twilight for the rest of her life and Fluttershy will retreat from society. Pinkie Pie, on the other hand, is more complex than she seems.
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Spike, along with a few others, will have multiple parts
Good chapter. As for the pony, I think Fluttershy. You already had a bit of her story wrapped around discord's. It's best to just get hers out of the way.
... I want Rarity, but being a heavy Sparity fan... bleh. I want to see Spike before Rarity.
And yeah, not all of it is happy endings...
Damnit, dude...what are you doing with my feels?
this was so good and sad dash next please if that's ok that is
Erm, I would pick Rarity honestly. I've always been interested about other peoples perspectives on what she thinks.
If it's going to be one of the main cast members, it definitely should NOT be Fluttershy. If anything, she should go last. All the friends can talk at her picnic, talking together after getting over the biggest hill of mourning. That's just my thoughts anyways.
For the pony next, I think Rarity or Applejack would do. Someone like Rarity and Applejack would be the ones to hide the pain the best. They'd put all they're attention into their respective professions; both working late and spending less time with family. Rarity, of course being the artist, may be unintentionally putting all of her sorrow into her designs. Her new dresses would be dark and depressing, a clear reflection of her work. Applejack would be taking less care of her orchard, and only doing the bare minimum to keep the apples alive and going. Maybe both at the same time, with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom working together to help their sisters actually start to mourn the loss of their friend instead of hiding their pain.
dude that fucking part when he shot himslef. i just cant describe my complete shock of a scene handled so perfectly
Voting for Rainbow here.
Although question, will the quest for the keys be adressed in terms of how long it took to get there?
3534753
Oh, I have something for that.
I'd have to say AJ. Since she's wrapped up in her work all the time, you could have her try and hide her feelings. It might not work, however.
3534768
EEEE! I can't wait.
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Also, it would make sense, sice she had experience in dealing with loss before.
Fluttershy is quiet and never shares her feelings and at some point in time it'll be too much to handle. I already have a start to a Fluttershy deathfic so shoot me a message PonyStar and I could give you the story and some ideas BUT you have to agree that Rainbow Dash can't be dead by that time! For the next chapter I think that AJ should fall prey to death. She would most likely try to forget by working to distract her from the memories but eventually she'll work herself to the bone.
i guess i'll choose AJ or RD
3536355
Right!
3532868>>3531124
Ok, this would be a good idea for the CMC as a whole to do in this fic. But just two of them alone, I know think so. And don't forget that Rainbow can throw herself into her stunt work, and it fall in quality, just as easily as as Rarity and Applejack can throw themselves into their respective professions.
RD or AJ.
3556473
The idea is that they were there at his deathbed
I think you should eventually do Pinkie Pie because in Discord's chapter, he talked about how the only one that moved on was Pinkie. I think it would be cool if you talked about how she was like a rock for everypony else and pretended to be okay but she really wasn't and that kind of stuff.
Great fic, by the way! you have me crying at every chapter.
Oh my... It's a terrible chapter... terrible in the good sense, but also very terrible and sad