The Chronicles of Espionage: What It Takes to be a Spy

by BlackSkulls

Chapter Five

By the time Twilight and her roommates entered the Dining Hall for breakfast, Twilight had her new list of classes, and had already planned out where they were in the building, how long it would take to get to each class, and what to bring and what to expect. With Rarity and Rainbow Dash's help, of course. And by the time the three fillies stepped through the heavy-set doors, the sound in the dining hall had died down to a whisper, causing great alarm to Twilight.

"A new student, so late in the semester?" A third-year mumbled under his breath.

"I saw the Princess talking to her outside the Elements case. Usually she gives a speech to all newcomers and leaves on royal duties," A second-year told her friend.

"You think it's because she just enrolled? Or because she's special?" The friend responded.

All the fur on Twilight's mane stood on end as she looked around four long tables full of ponies. Her classmates. It had been less then 24-hours and she was already the center of attention, and she could feel dozens of eyes on her as she, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity walked to the Freshman table. As they sat down, the noise rose once again, a strange mix of yelling and talking that was just loud enough to hear the ponies around you, but not ones down the table.

"My, such rude ponies!" Rarity couldn't help but roll her eyes at the onlookers who continued to stare at Twilight.

"I know, right?!" Rainbow Dash glared down the table, and gave a grin once the other freshman turned their heads.

However, Twilight didn't seem to notice. She was too busy studying her schedule, distractedly eating her breakfast. Even though she had spent all morning doing just that, she always double-, triple-, and quadruple-checked when making lists. It was a trait her older brother had taught her; always make sure everything is 100% right, even if that means going over the same thing multiple times.

Rainbow Dash had already taken to eating her breakfast heartily, and even getting into an eating contest with the colt across from her, but Rarity had taken notice to Twilight.

"Twilight, dear, we've already given your schedule an overhaul, what are you looking for? Perhaps you're nervous about your first real day of class?" With a grip of blue aura, she took a sip of water, looking at Twilight over the glass.

Twilight shook her head and slid the paper back into her saddlebags. "I was just making sure, that's all." Just as she was about to take the first bite, a shrieking alarm invaded her ears, and every pony around her had jumped up and grabbed their bags, rushing towards the exit. Huffing, she swiped a bagel from the table and trotted through the large doors towards her first class: History.
A beginner class; a class that all Freshman must take in order to graduate into the 'real world' as spies. From what she had read in the handbook, both Rarity and Rainbow Dash did not have the class the first part of the semester. It was a class where you learned the history of the 'business' , of famous spies, failed spies, missions that both helped and hindered the main operation. Organizations, both dangerous and not. It was a way to analyze the past to make better missions and spies in the future.

As Twilight trotted into the classroom, she was met with silence. Except for the faint sound of pages turning, no words were spoken. Every colt and filly had their muzzles in a large textbook, and no one even acknowledged that she had entered the room.

Seeing a motion from the corner of her eye, as quietly as she could, she walked over to the large desk that sat in front of the room. He was elderly, a white coat and blonde mane, with stern eyes as far as Twilight could tell. Her spine straightened by reflex as he stared straight at her. Eventually, she felt so awkward with the silence of the room that she had to speak.

"M-My name is--"

"Twilight Sparkle. A new student as of yesterday, hand picked by Princess Celestia herself. Seems to be exceptionally well at magic."

She stood dumbfounded. "I-- How--"

He only chuckled under his breath, slightly masked by the chime of the bell. "I have many sources, Miss Sparkle." His expression changed once again. "Mr. Flare. And you need to find a seat."

With a slight nod of her head, she turned and found the first available desk at the front of the class. Mr. Flare rose from his desk, his eyes causing some of the students to shift uncomfortably in their places as he paced the room.

"Who can give me a quick recap of what was discussed yesterday for Miss Sparkle?" With a sudden turn, he locked eyes with a glasses-wearing colt.

The colt, swallowing his nervousness, spoke up. "We talked about...Rosy Camellia, she was an agent of the Manehattan Service, and she was the one who...who lead the mission EXPORT, researching the alleged exportation of artistic forgeries, as well as supposed forgeries of elected officials."

He held his breath, expecting to be chastised for getting information wrong...only to let out a breath once he turned away with a nod.

"Good, good." Mr. Flare walked over to a shelf, pulling out one of the large books that made its home there. Twilight jumped as he unceremoniously dropped the large tome in front of her. "This is your textbook, Ms. Sparkle. I suggest getting caught up on the first five chapters before the end of the week." His attention turned back to the class as a whole. "And don't forget, your papers are due in two days."

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As the day went on, Twilight took as many notes as she could. Terms, names, formulas, ponies that were retired, still in operation, or long gone all went over the filly's head, but if there was one thing she was good at, it was studying. By the time it was lunch, Twilight had one notebook for History, one for English, and one for reminders. By the time lunch rolled around, she had already read one chapter for each class, just from walking between classes; unfortunately for the other students, she couldn't exactly see where she was going.

The cafeteria was as lively as usual. She and Rarity compared and contrasted their days and classes, while Rainbow Dash entertained herself by engaging in a little food contest with a nearby pink pony. Twilight could only groan as she watched the two argue over who could eat the most of what, and then promptly stuff their faces.

Her last two classes, a shared class of Magical Artifacts with Rainbow Dash, and then P&E (A class Twilight had hoped she wouldn't get after taking a tour the previous day. She was a filly of the mind, not the body). The teacher was harsh, yet forgiving, urging that each colt and filly pushed themselves to the best of their ability. She noted--as her hooves were aching and she was struggling to breathe--that Rainbow seemed particularly good, and that she really enjoyed herself, and made a mental note to ask for help later.

Once the bell rang, signaling the end of classes, Twilight gathered her saddlebags and, slowly but surely as to not put anymore unneeded stress on her body, made her way back to her dorm room. Though she paid no more attention to the surrounding students, one in particular caught her eyes. The sight of a pink tail that trailed behind three pink butterflies quickly disappeared behind a set of doors.

"...Huh. Was that Fluttershy?"

Shrugging, she took the first step towards the second floor...Curiosity took over, and before she knew it she was opening the doors to he academy's rather extensive library. While it was only one floor, the room was enormous, which both terrified and excited the young filly. The walls were lined wall-to-wall with journals, encyclopedias, mission plans, and historical documents that was mainly believed to be housed in the Canterlot Archives, deep under the castle.

Spotting the yellow Pegasus in a secluded corner, she trotted up behind her. In as soft a voice she could muster, she spoke. "Fluttershy?"

The next moment, she was met with a face full of feathers as Fluttershy's wings sprang out in surprise at the sudden noise.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Are you alright?!" Fluttershy stood up suddenly, sending the book she was looking at tumbling to the floor. She paid it no mind, worrying more about the filly she had just inadvertently slapped.

"Oof...I'm fine...Really, I'm fine. Fluttershy--Fluttershy!" Twilight took a step back and put a hoof on the other filly's shoulder. "I'm fine, really."

A slight blush spread across the pegasus's cheeks. "Oh...that's good..."

The two of them stared at each other awkwardly, wondering what they should say.

"So...um...you like reading?" Twilight asked, levitating the small book and holding it between the two of them.

"Oh! Um...Y-Yeah..." She took the book from the purple aura, setting it back down on the table. "It's a book about animals...I love animals. We didn't really have them in Cloudsdale...well, except for birds. Not that I don't like birds either! I love them! But..." She turned so her side was now facing the other filly, motioning to her cutie mark. "I got my cutie mark when I was around animals! It was an amazing night for me! I was so happy!"

Twilight couldn't help but smile, seeing her enthusiasm and watching her come out of her shell, even if it was for a moment.

Fluttershy's expression changed, showing confusion and sadness, as her mind went elsewhere."But...soon after, I was invited to this school. My mom thought it might be nice, because I'm not that strong a flier, you see, and she thought I wouldn't do anything that would be of value in Cloudsdale. She wanted to send me to a ground-based school when I was a little older, but when a scroll saying that Princess Celestia wanted me to come here, well...;she said she didn't want to turn down the princess."

Her words shocked Twilight. An invitation to the school, but to someone who had just gotten her cutie mark? And for animals, of all talents?

"Now that I think about it...Rarity's talent seems to be something relating to gems, and Rainbow Dash's for...whatever a rainbow lighting cloud stood for. What does a school like this need with talents like those?

And now that I think about it, there are only so many talents a spy could ever use, but why go into other talents? Is there a reason?"

She didn't even realize that she had been thinking to herself until Fluttershy spoke. "W-well...I guess I better go...I'll see you at dinner, Twilight."

"Hu--Oh, alright." She nodded and smiled to the retreating Pegasus before returning to her thoughts.

"Maybe I should ask Ms. Song about it"

With newfound curiosity, she made for the exit, and toward the Headmistress Office.

Author's Note:

Goodness gracious, a chapter! I hope people still remember this story. Enjoy the update!

Comments

[Sketchy Markks]

She is right, it doesn't make sense. Go investigate Twi!

[MrDenim]

filly’s

uhhh... What?

EDIT: I can't wait til P&E!

[BlackSkulls]

3147171

Damn, I thought I got all those. For whatever reason all my quotations turned into that.
Also this is the end of the day, I planned on focusing on important-at-the-moment classes, so while she takes them, not all of her classes are important right now.

But I'm glad you still read this! <3

[Maralagidyne]

3146397
Actually, Fluttershy's talent with critters can be one of the most useful skills there is.

After all, if you're discussing top secret information, you're not going to stop just because there's a bird pecking at the ground or if there's a fly on the wall would you?

I've got nothing for the other stuff though.

[Sketchy Markks]

3152293 I meant her personality.

[-swirl-]

This isn't being continued?

[BlackSkulls]

4891608

Mm. I'm not sure.

But suppose for now I'll put it on indefinite hiatus. I might return to it one day.

[MagicalEntaty]

This can't be all there has to be more. There has to!