Chapter IX: Livin' On A Prayer.
Pearl and I trotted down the Canterlot streets once again, this time we both ate ice cream as we went down to our home. I had a vanilla one, and Pearl had chocolate. Not that it's really important, but I wanted to address that fact nonetheless. Vanilla is the best flavor, and no one can tell me otherwise.
Anyway... I was still feeling shaken up from the exam, sure I made it in, but there were still things I wasn't so sure about. The reactions I got from everyone and this weird feeling of being the center of attention weren't what I really wanted.
My mom said the examiners were surprised by 'my magical abilities.' and 'my control over the spell' Which I found rather hard to believe. From what I could see they were scared and confused, not necessarily surprised, and what's more, they knew something, or rather they acted like something horrifying was going on.
I wasn't born yesterday to not see that, even though I have this weird ability to tell what ponies feel deep down, I'm pretty sure anyone could spot that something was definitely off with that examination.
I still don't know much about magic, it might be that I used something I shouldn't. But I can't think of any branch of magic that would cause such reactions, I mean, I did everything I did back home.
I lifted the objects using my levitation spell, granted, I had never used so much mana and lifted so many objects before, that's why I had to get creative. But surely the magic is the same as before right? I mean, I lift stuff into the air all the time, and no one, my mom, sisters, or my dad says anything. And while my magic hue is red, it still doesn't explain what I did so 'wrong' to get that reaction.
It's not blood magic because from what I gathered it would hurt me to use it, it's definitely not dark or forbidden magic, because it would definitely cause some chaos and most likely make me go blind or something. And it's definitely not some divine magic either, since from what I read, only Princess Celestia can use that branch of magic, which is linked to her controlling the sun and all.
Side note, I still don't believe someone can just 'lift' the sun, but time will verify that. There's something called 'Summer Sun Celebration' in a few weeks, and I intend to go with my mom and sisters.
But in conclusion, whatever I did, I have to find a way to replicate it. I can't just go around and pretend it didn't happen. I also think that it would be best for me to keep a low profile from now on since I sense that being someone who just 'happens' to perform magic on such a level that everyone panics isn't going to win me any awards but make me constantly watched by staff and teachers.
On our way home, I noticed that my mom really wanted to say more about it, but for some reason, she just brushed it off like it wasn't important.
I know I really wanted to get into CSFGU, but now... I feel like it will bring me more problems than opportunities, but I guess it's too late now, I have to drink the coffee I brew and live with the consequences of my actions.
Twenty-four foals and fillies got in. And I'm one of them, but how did I score amongst them? Mom said I had the best-written test in the group, so I guess somewhere in the middle.
That being said. I have now two options to adapt to this new environment.
Option one is to blend in, try to not stick out, and learn as much as I can. Which I tried before, and it didn't end particularly well. So my only option left is to 'force' myself into being friends with others and try to be active. It's completely one hundred and eighty from my usual character and appearance, and it will definitely be hard. But hey, I proved to myself that it's possible when I made Twilight my first friend. So I guess it's not impossible, I just have to try really hard. And who knows, maybe Twilight got in too, and we can be friends on a daily basis? That would definitely help make more friends too.
I just wish that there won't be more ponies like Tender Seed. While they are easy to deal with, they are such a pain in the ass.
I feel like this time I can really learn something useful, maybe some crazy spells that will help me earn some easy money later on in life, or some complex potions that would turn me back into a human. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to learn everything I can.
Even now, I still have such a need to learn, I figured I would get bored after a few years here, but the only amount of information I can get from books and ponies makes me want to achieve more and more. I just hope that I can find some solution to my appearance soon.
Since I think I look cute, there have to be some other ponies that think so as well, like my grandpa. He always comments on my appearance like it's something incredibly special and rare. It makes me feel special too, and I love him for that. Even though he is sometimes rather... Brutal, let's just say...
I remember Sunset telling me that one story about him...
One day his radio didn't work properly, so he took it to the repair shop. They couldn't repair it, because it was too old, and spare parts for such technology didn't exist anymore, so he decided to 'repair' it himself, in front of the staff in the shop. Long story short, he broke five different tools and destroyed a completely new radio. What's more, they said he had to pay for the damages and even sent an invoice to him, but surprisingly, two days later they came to his house and apologized like it was their fault.
Apparently, Sunset says that Grandpa has some 'influential' friends somewhere in Canterlot. I just hope he isn't part of some kind of mafia or something.
Coming back to my appearance. I hope I can find a solution to it. I don't want to change myself or dye my mane and fur, because not only a mom would not allow it, but I would also feel like I forced myself to fit society's standards, and I'd hate that.
I want to be me, Aurora Moonlight, a dark-colored unicorn mare with red eyes and a long grey mane. If not changing myself means others will treat me the same as they used to... Fine, I can adapt.
What matters is that I value real friendships, not those built on appearances and societal rules and trends. That's why I have to balance the line between making friends and making real friends. In the end, only real friends will remain, and that's what matters.
Seven days later.
Today is the day. First day of school. The Opening ceremony is where Princess Celestia will officially start the new school term.
I feel anxious, knowing that today is really important. I need to stay cool, don't act irrationally, and focus on making friends. I will not fail, and I will prove that I can do this.
Moving for the first time on my own up the Canterlot districts fills me with a mixture of different emotions, but the main one is as always curiosity. I'm almost eight now, and that's the time I need to think about my future. I will graduate somewhere around seventeen, and I should really start thinking about what I will be doing.
As I cross the gate to the Culture and Science district I start to think about my cutie mark. I should be getting my own mark soon, and sometimes if not most of the time, it sets your future in place. Most ponies, like my mom, decide to pursue their mark with special meaning. Abandoning their current plans and making new ones.
Not that it's inefficient, but I think that's also very manipulative. Cutie mark roots are set deep in history, ranging back to the Stone Age for ponies, and the meaning of cutie mark was never truly understood. Some ponies directly decided to pursue the opposite of their mark meaning, and that didn't end well.
Still, there are instances where ponies with cutie marks indicating something very specific, can achieve goals in different fields, like science or sport. Take for example Clover The Clever from the beginning of Equestria. Her cutie mark indicates luck, as a clover. But she achieved many different things in her lifetime. She was the head of finances, culture, and science, not to mention her magic developments that made ponies understand how magic interacts with things and living creatures.
Or Star Swirl the Bearded. A brilliant scholar with an affinity for magic and astronomy. His scientific work did include things like gardening or alchemy as well.
That means your cutie mark boosts your natural affinity to certain things but doesn't limit you. You can be simply bad at bowling, and great at flying, but your cutie mark can tell you that you are the best at brewing tea.
It's very interesting to think what my cutie mark would be. So interesting in fact, that I didn't see a pole right in front of me and smacked right into it.
"Ouch!" I grumbled as I stood up, looking around me to see if anyone had seen that. The hit wasn't painful, but embarrassing. Luckily for me, the street I was on was empty. And it was really close to CSFGU too, so my daydreaming didn't lead me somewhere else accidentally.
Sometimes I like to overthink stuff, and it often results in situations like this. I just hope everything goes right today...
"Okay, here we go." I said moving past the gate to the school entrance, the opening ceremony will start in ten minutes, and I could already see fillies and colts going inside the school. Moving past the main square of the school front, I made my way to the staircase that led to the entrance.
I checked my appearance one last time in the crystal clear glass of the school doors before using my magic to open them. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the busy hall of the school caught me off guard. There were ponies on their last year, and first scattered around the main entrance, I could also see some teachers and staff members roaming around the room, trying to sort everyone.
I stepped inside, and decided to keep a low profile, moving to the shadowy corner I trotted past some teenage colts and a few mares before arriving where most of the first years were.
I decided to simply stand still, and listen to announcements as they were made. But at the same time try to see if I could spot Twilight or anyone I knew.
And to both my surprise and hatred I managed to not only see Twilight Sparkle in the first row but also Tender Seed, right behind her.
I wanted to scream at such cruelty of life, making me live with that bastard again, but also giving me a chance to finally have friends such as Twilight. I decided not to try my luck right now, because I could see that the teachers started to address each year individually.
"First years." A tall unicorn stallion with pink eyes and a silver mane stood in front of our group. "My name is River Song, and I will be your class guardian this year, I'm sure you are eager to learn. But before that, we will have an opening ceremony in the main hall, please follow me." He said, motioning with his hoof to our group to follow him.
Soon, everyone started to move, and we poured into the large hall in the center of the school. There were hundreds of ponies and everyone quickly took a seat. I managed to stick to the side, and I was pretty sure everyone was too focused on what was going on to see me.
As soon as the last pony took their place, a complete silence filled the room. The stage with a red carpet opened and a podium appeared. In the middle of the stage, stood Princess Celestia. And behind her twenty or so teachers. There were also staff members like cleaners, maids, and butlers in the corners of the room which made me think I was in Canterlot Castle and not in CSFGU, but I digress.
Princess Celestia smiled and looked around the room, emitting positivity and hope, her eyes were more lively than a week ago, and I could see she was really happy for some reason. Especially when she looked at the first row of ponies, where Twilight, Tender Seed, and other first-years sat. I was on the third row, but still in the same group. So I guess she really likes new students.
"Good morning students." She stated, her melodic voice brushing past everyone's ears. "It brings me great joy to welcome you new year at our wonderful school in Equestria. To all the new students who have just joined us, I extend my warmest greetings and I officially welcome you to our school. Your scientific journey begins here, and I am certain it will be a magical one."
She paused and then continued "And to our returning students, it's always a pleasure to see your familiar faces here in the
school halls once again. I hope you're ready for another exciting year filled with learning and adventure with our staff. I would also like to remind everyone that inside those halls I'm your headmistress, not Princess, please remember that as you address my person in your work."
Some students signed at that, most likely due to the high amount of accidents when they addressed Headmistress Celestia as Princess in their work. "Now, let the new school year begin, and may it be filled with friendship, harmony, and endless possibilities. Have a productive and harmonious year, my dear students!"
I would say the assembly went well. Everyone quickly got over the fact that Princess was going to be teaching us from time to time, and we started to follow River Song once again, this time to our first class on the first floor.
I tried to stick close but out of sight, and so far I managed to do so flawlessly, even with Tender Seed so near. But as we finally got to the classroom itself I noticed that most of my fellow students were starting to look around and make small talk, which meant I would find myself in 'this' situation once again. I managed however to sit down near the corner of the room, and that brought me a couple more minutes until the inevitable actually happened and I had to introduce myself.
"Alright, everyone is seated? Good. Let me start by congratulating you on passing the examination, you are another generation of students that will make our country proud. Remember, you are the elite Canterlot students, and you should act accordingly." He smiled and paused looking around the room.
His eyes brushed past me, noticing me, but I didn't feel any change in his behavior or attitude, because he continued like nothing ever happened. Most likely he already knows what we look like and the surprise element is already gone, but I still want to know what he thinks of me since he is our guardian after all.
"Once again, my name is River Song, and I will be your guardian this year." He paused for us to register his name properly and then continued once again. "Now, I want you to introduce and tell three things about yourself. We will start from the first row." He motioned to a filly to stand.
As she stood I could see that she had a very long beautiful ruby mane and reddish fur. There were freckles on her face, and if I had to guess, she resembled someone ginger in appearance. Her eyes were deep royal blue, and from what I could see, she was a bit chubbier than most fillies, not by a lot, but noticeable on her flanks and legs.
Soon, she answered the call to introduce herself in the rather heavily accented voice of someone from Ireland
"Shining Scarlet is ma name. I've been travelin' with ma pa and ma for a while naw. I've also got meself a fluffy dog named Vinna, and I've a bit of a knack for singin'" She said in a confident voice, before sitting down pleased with herself.
I was pretty sure that if she continued speaking I would have to check my sugar levels. That was so cute... I never imagined someone with such a strong and aggressive accent could sound so cute! But I guess I live in a 'magical pony world' so anything goes really...
I can't figure out why, but the fact that she spoke in perfect Irish, with Ireland not being anywhere to be found here made me once again think that this whole thing is some kind of joke. But I quickly remembered that it was not, as I lived for almost eight years now. She could probably tell me that she is from 'Irehoof' or 'Trotland', considering there are places like 'Prance' or 'Saddle Arabia' here.
Anyhow, other ponies stood up and introduced themselves. Names like: Cloud Skip, Clear Skies, Melody Blue, Fancy Silver, Shadow Heart, Sugar Fly, Pop Twist, Winter Coat, Fortune Favor, Top Shot, Soft Hooves, Moon Dancer, and others could be heard. There were a lot of fillies, eighteen, in fact, leaving only six colts in a total of twenty-six foals me included.
There was of course Tender Seed too. Apparently, his 'three things' about himself are 'running', 'magic' and 'learning' which with how he scored on every test in kindergarten, I find hard to believe.
Twilight Sparkle was buzzing with energy as her turn to introduce herself came, she shot up, and as if she practiced it, introduced herself too.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle. I love books, my family, and Princess Celestia. I can't wait to learn how to become an unicorn like Starswirl The Bearded!" She smiled and sat down, the teacher chuckled and moved on.
After a few more colts and fillies, it finally came to me, and I still don't know how I managed to stay hidden from sight all this time, but now, everyone's eyes were focusing on me as I stood up. Before I even said my name I could hear a gasp from Tender Seed in the third row, which made me smirk in his direction out of pure spite.
"My name is Aurora Moonlight. I like to learn new things and go on adventures, in my spare time, I train my body and mind. I hope I can be friends with you." I said, slowly sitting down.
The reactions were... Mixed. Suffice it to say, no one screamed or commented on my appearance, but there still is this dread in the air present from some students. However, I found that a couple of them actually didn't mind my presence, or didn't care if I was there. Either way, it's a plus in my book.
The only positive reaction was from Twilight, who smiled and waved at me from the third row. I waved back, trying desperately to appear as friendly and not dangerous. Hopefully, I can maintain that appearance long enough to be considered a 'normal' pony around here. Slim chances, but there's hope.
The 'lesson' was mostly about organization and school etiquette, with some questions about Princess Celestia and other teachers mixed in. I found out about a few different things I didn't know earlier and made a mental note to not appear like I knew everything, since it would make me the center of attention, and that is a very easy way to lose reliability with others. Especially when I look like this.
As our first lesson ended, we were given five minutes before the next one started, and we were also informed that this class with be our main classroom, with some subjects like alchemy or physicals in separate classrooms.
During that time when River Song left the classroom, we were free to chat for five minutes until the next teacher came. So I took that opportunity to get to Twilight.
Moving past a few fillies and colts which made surprised head turns at me, I arrived at Twilight's desk.
"Hey Twilight. I guess we both made it in." I said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Yes! And I can't wait for the classes to start! You should come back to your desk, the next lesson will start soon!" She replied excitedly.
"So we talk later?" I asked, giving her a small smile.
"Yes, if there's time." She replied, shuffling her supplies on her desk.
"Okay." I replied, making my way to my own desk, but suddenly a whisper from behind me made my head turn.
"Trying to make friends now Umbra? Or looking for someone new to bully?" The voice of Tender Seed made my blood boil. Quickly remembering that I promised my mom and myself, I decided to only resort to calm and intelligent comebacks.
"If you are going to act the same, I won't have to do anything to you. You will kicked out in a few weeks. But please, go ahead, spread rumors about me being mean all you want, I'm sure that will help your situation." I replied, smirking at him, and making sure everyone nearby heard that.
I could hear his monkey brain smashing two plates for a comeback as I walked to my desk, and sat down. I could see in his eyes that he finally figured something clever to reply, but was unable to because the doors opened and the next lesson began...
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I can't believe that this didn't occur to me until now.
I'll stop you right there. I'mma let you continue, but Caramel Chocolate Chunk has to be one of the greatest flavours of ice cream OF ALL TIME.
Try to act in the second manner, and the first is made easier. As they say, sometimes the eye of te storm is the safest place.
jordanforeman.com/assets/images/why-not-both.jpg
11732122
I think that song/or some similar one gave me the idea for the title.
11732123
I like every flavor equally, personally.
I hope Celestia's interference attempts doesn't go too far.
I can kind of imagine...
"Ain't that cute...
BUT IT'S WROOOOOOONG!"
In my opinion, if you need to jump through hoops, change who you are and what makes you you, and generally wear yourself to the ground to gain someone's approval, they aren't worth getting the approval OF.
Don't try to say all of that in one breath. There wasn't an appropriate spot for a period earlier in that sentence.
Or like Rarity. Her talent, you might remember, isn't as a seamstress, It's closer to being a prospector; finding and using gems. That's not a theory; that's literally part of her cutie mark story.
But what does she do with those? She tries to bring out the beauty in others.
A filly walks into a bar; OUCH!
Ever notice that fat chances and slim chances are the same thing?
While I enjoy this story immensely, it also makes me very angry. I was bullied in school and remember the bullies always got away with everything and I got in trouble when I fought back. Seeing the same thing happen to the mc is a little triggering.
The irony on the last part is that Aurora is the one with an actual monkey brain.
To ciekawe, nie spodziewałem się, że jesteś z Polski. Czekam na nowy rozdział.
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:( Sorry to hear that.
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You think so? Overthinking stuff and imagining scenarios that never actually happen. Yeah, I guess she has a monkey brain too. But a different kind.
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:) A staram się jak mogę.
11732157
True, but she's not changing herself- not yet anyway. She's changing her approach.
the only thing i can say is. MMMM Monke.
Hello author, I like how you explained the meaning of the cute marc's, it would be interesting to learn more about Aurora's family, but do as you see fit, I also partly think it's better to move on and not stand in one place, write as you want to those who are interested in staying, good luck to you
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Thanks, planning to make the story go forward, and as it progresses, slip information about the family lives too.
Is see Balder's Gate cameo...
Or read one, rather.
Tbf, the Equestrian Naming Convention is rather silly at times, so I'd understand that "Shadow Heart" was an unintentional reference to BG III, but it's just as easy to slot her in intentionally.
The best references are the ones that make you think hard to differentiate between intent and accident.
To be fair: throughout their prervious school lives....
Does this make sense to anyone? I'd be a mite testy if it were me,
I felt like that grandpa pony is going to be a plot point to play with. A very problematic pony to all but his family, and subsequently aurora.
Maybee a garbage crime lord that still have loved for family and friend? A fun drama it will be when he was purged by the state and Aurora somehow know it was her fault that he was caught in his crime red-handed and punished more hashly because of Celestia's bias against her.
With her put herself in spotlight and her whole family being monitored, scrunized, and feared by the Crown.
Think about that delicious chaos, when Twilight and Nightmare Moon were eventually thrown into it too.
River Song... Melody Pond?
…spoilers
In a twisted sense, Aurora is likely one of the ponies in that class who can get away with anything, with how Celesita want to keep her close and all.
In school as a student or incarceration under Canterlot dungeon, but not something in-between.
Of course, the most plivilage pony who can get away with anything is Twilight, but I felt like Aurora is the second, if there's not something weird going on, like blueblood or other nobles in the class.
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It was suggested, so accident. :3
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I actually forgot Blueblood existed tbh, but I think he would be higher in terms of school years than Twilight/Aurora. Thanks for the reminder that he exists xD I will try to include him in the story one way or another.
Celestia said that MC used a certain combination of spells to lift the marbles, but did she use that specific set? Did MC maybe use her own brew and it just resembled those two? No one ever stopped to ask her for her perspective on what she cast.
That Tender Seed is a bad seed. Get a life, kid.
Keep being adorkable, Twilight.
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I truly hope justice for him and everyone around him.
Alot of stories treated him as a special plivilage guy who can bully or rape anyone and get away with it... until he mess with protaganist's group and suddenly justice devilered. I always asked... why...? What's wrong with you?
And shipping... i remembered there was this return of nightmare moon story where it seem like it's going to be NightmareXTwilight but actually TwilightXBlueblood somehow and Nightmare was a sexual predator...
I haven't had good experience with blueblood so far, other than that story about timeloop blue blood. It's mostly meh or bad experience for me.
So please, author. I implored you. Justice for blueblood.
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I will definitely not make him stupid/arrogant. That I can promise you. Anything other than that, time will tell.
I don't comment too often, but I really want you to know how much I enjoy this story.
It's always such an enjoyable experience when I get to read more of this story. I love how you've written Aurora and her current path in life. I love how she slowly adapts to a more Equestrian/pony way of life, while she stays true to herself, only in new ways. It really gives her character life and makes her much more interesting and organic. She's not just a cardboard cutout of stereotypes. I especially love how she decided to stay calm and intelligent with Tender Seed this chapter, it really shows her progress and her commitment to her promise to her mom and herself. Very well done!
I can't wait to see how Aurora and Twilight's friendship grows! Harmony knows those two could use some friends, and I'm sure they'll be great influences to each other! I just hope Twilight won't leave Aurora's side once she hears about her violent past. I won't put it past Tender Seed to try and isolate Aurora out of spite and hate.
Thank you for the chapter and the wonderful story so far, it's been an absolute pleasure to read!
Have a nice day!
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Thank you too for reading it.
I find the best stories I read have characters that I want to bond with, with different personalities and character development. I wanted to do that as well and make the story about 'This' person. Not a typical 'anon' or anything, just someone who thinks/acts like a person. A little unpredictably.
And making others act like that too makes the story even more complex in my opinion, some say it doesn't fit the characteristics. But I object, I think the perception of someone is valid only in your head. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone is scared of something. In the end, we all see others based on their responses and actions.
Ugh... anyhow. Thanks for reading again :3
Thanks for the chapter
I cannot wait for the next chapter ❤️❤️❤️
Some more pony name I've been keeping a list in a notepad and writing one down when ever i think of them
:
Cinnamon Roll, Fennel Seed, Closed Book, Stalwart Spear, Shy Shine, Winter Breeze, Summer Skies, Upper Limit, Crystal Chime, Misty Step, Blazing Shield, Coco Bean, Pepper, Peppermint swirl
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Thanks! I might use them in the future, but I don't think I will introduce many more characters right now, never the less, thanks!
This story is very well written, and I look forward to the next chapter. Some mystery to keep us hooked. I like that. Hope we'll see less of the school bully, though, unless he has a place in the story. The interlude with Celestia worked quite well...kept me wondering
Shadow Heart? When did you get isekai’d from baulders gate?
Good story so far, Really looking forward to more
Sighed*
1. a*
This is because it starts with a consonant sound and not a vowel sound
2. This does make sense
She's not saying she wants to become a unicorn (she's already a unicorn)
She's saying she wants to be a unicorn like Starswirl
It might be better to use "mage" or "wizard" here
Just my opinion, of course
See, this is what I call character development
She's using her words now!
Your English is pretty good btw, keep up the good work
ayy it's da doctor who