Being the daughter of Twilight Sparkle isn't the prettiest of things. Not because of her know-it all behaivor, nor because of her constant freakouts, but because of the duty that is to carry the name Sparkle. And Starburst knows it better than anyone
Many years have passed since the Mane 6 latest adventure, and life cannot be more peaceful. Unless your name is Starburst Sparkle, and your mother is Twilight Sparkle. For her, being the daughter of the principal of the prestigious Harmony University is the least of her problems. And studying at the same school her mother did doesn't help in the slightest. But Starburst isn't the kind of girl to feel small at any situation (that's it, smaller than what she is), and she will face any obstacle in her way, whenever is trying to approach a boy, trying to live up to her mother's fame or the duty that is being the heir of harmony.
"...Why did it have to be me? Why did it have to be now? And why can't I fight back?"
She knew the answer to those questions, but was still struggling to accept them. Barely standing up there, questioning herself about what was about to happen. She filled herself with determination, but it barely worked. There was no other way... She had to do it. Taking a deep breath before raising her head, she muttered three simple words:
"Bring it on."
And so she started walking towards the building right in front of her: Canterlot High. While other students approached the school with glee on their faces, she remained with the same stoic expression. She just wanted to be somewhere else, either at home or back at Sweet Apple Acres, exercising with her friend Del... Yet she kept reminding herself why she was there, both to motivate her as for cursing her.
"Remember, you're doing this for mother, Starburst. You do this for her, to make her proud..."
The young girl was already on her 16, and this was her first year of High School. Her blue hair with purple and violet stripes was reminiscent of her mother, Twilight Sparkle. For her age, she was still pretty small, in fact since Elementary she was the shortest in classes; yet despite her size, she was one of the most athletic girls you could find, and making her angry was a terrible.
As she walked through the crystal doors of the campus, Starburst reflected a little about her situation, and how she ended studying there instead of the wealthier Crystal Prep.
"Everyone talks wonder from there, save from mother... Well, at least she saved me from spoiled brats and snobby schoolmates"
Starburst kept thinking back at the little details, not because she really loved remembering stuff, but because she wanted to ignore how everyone seemed five feet taller than her. But the more students walked beside her, the more she was feeling annoyed.
"Remember, Starburst: you do this for mother, you do this for her..."
Starburst sighed at the idea that she could have to endure a whole year like that, probably even more. The only thing she expected was that with time this would become easier, but for now Starburst was struggling to not flee from the school. Thankfully for her, there was someone who was already waiting for her.
"Starburst?" The girl turned around and found herself facing a familiar face: Yellow and red hair that reminded her of flames, wearing a red jacket and a big black skirt, and with a slight reddish skin.
"Wait a... Sunray? Is that really you?!"
"I can't believe it, it's really you!" Starburst couldn't react when her friend started hugging her, although her small size made it a little harder for her to breath.
"Well... If you could... Stop suffocating me... It could help."
"Oh, sorry" Sunray apologized as she let her go. "It's just... I can't believe we're at the same high school together!"
"You can thank my mother for that, Sunray. At least I do, it was either here or Crystal Prep."
"Wait, in your case it was your mom who wanted you to study here?" Sunray seemed a little confused. "Curious, in my case I had to beg mine to come here. She insisted that I should go to Crystal Prep and..."
"Sun, you're doing it again." Starburst stare said it all.
"Do what? You mean... Oh, sorry" she blushed still smiling. "You know how I tend to speak a lot."
"At least you aren't like Candy or her mother."
"Hahah! That's a relief at least" Sunray laughed as the two walked through the busy halls, looking for their classroom.
Once the two girls located their new classroom, they were surprised by the amount of new and familiar faces.
"Whoa, look at that!" Sunray said in delight. "I recognize a lot of them from middle school, it's just so... Wait; are those who I think they are?" Starburst looked over where her friend was staring and, to both her surprise and slight disgust, she recognized a certain blind girl with light green braids alongside a big muscular guy.
"Oh great, Little Miss Perfect is here..."
"Come on, Star! Are you still bitter around that?" Sunray scolded her friend, but at the same time tried to cheer her up. "Anthea is still our friend, remember?"
Star just crossed her arms and tried staring at something else, in an attempt to ignore Sunray.
"Oh come on, Star!" starting to feel a little annoyed, Sunray grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards a couple of seats besides their old pals. "Hey! Anthea, Turquoise! Guess who is here!"
"Sunray, for the love of..."
Unfortunately for her, the blind girl had already notices them.
"Was that Starburst?" Even if she couldn't properly see, she was able to distinguish things as blurs of color, and she easily recognized Star judging by how fast she stood up to hug her. "Aaww, this is so great! It's just like in middle school!"
"Hello, Anthea." Star sounded as deadpan as she could.
"Star! What a surprise!" Turquoise hugged her "cousin" as well... More accurately, he was nearly suffocating her. "I can't believe you're actually here!"
"Hff... T... My neck... Hgg..."
"WHOA! Sorry, sorry!" the giant guy let his cousin go. "I didn't mean to do that."
"Huff... Huff... It's ok, T. I missed you too." Starburst knew about Turquoise's strength, so it wasn't something that upset her, just annoyed her sometimes. Especially with her size.
"Heh heh heh. L-Let me give you a hand." Sunray had to help her friend to stand up, still feeling a little bit dizzy after such a squeeze.
"So, um... How were your vacations, cousin?"
"Well, they were ok, I guess." Starburst wasn't a very talkative kind of girl. But she somewhat predictable for those who knew her.
"Let me guess: Training with Del at the farm?" Despite her blindness, Annie was a surprisingly avid snarker.
"T-That's not of your business, Annie!" Her instant blush was all the proof she needed. "And besides... Even if I did, he's just a close friend, that's all."
"Riiiiight..." Both T and Sunray couldn't help but laugh at the faces both their friends were making. Between Star's frown and Annie's smug face, it was something worth seeing.
"Anyways, how were yours, Ray?"
"Oh, don't even remind me of that." Sunray put a hand over her face as she spoke. "Mom's writing a new book, and you know what that means: lots of complains, tons of chores, and endless ramble about her horrible time at school."
The collective groan of the others said it all.
"I'm really sorry for you, Ray." Annie said in a caring tone. "What is she writing about this time? Broken friendships? How this school sucks? That family cannot be forgiven easily?"
"Actually, it was a little bit of the first two and a whole lot of 'I only have one true friend'"
"Hey, at least that's something." Star tried to calm her friend a little bit. "I'd rather prefer hearing my mom talk wonders about 'her only friend' than just 'Canterlot High sucks!'"
Hearing her friend's over exaggerated voice definitively cheered Sunray up.
"Yeah, I suppose. When you put it that way..."
"Shh! Silence!" all three of them turned to look at Turquoise, whose eyes were fixed on the classroom door "The teacher's here!"
All four of them turned their heads to the door, where they noticed the figure of the odd teacher. He looked in his 50's, with a curious looking scarf, a brown long coat and a matching colored spiky hair.
"Great whickering stallions! I knew I was late!" He said as he rushed into the classroom, instantly surrounded by confused stares. "Oh, hello!" Everyone just stared as the teacher clumsily walked to his desk, and after taking seat he proceed:
"Well... What a nice looking group of students." As he spoke, the strange man put all kinds of books and notes in his desk. "My name is Time Turner, but everyone just calls me Doctor."
Suddenly, a good bunch of the classroom began whispering in disbelief, including Sunray.
"Incredible! I can't believe he's our teacher!" Her voice sounded so excited.
"Wait, you know this nutter?"
"What, you don't, Starburst?" the young girl was surprised by the look of utter confusion of her friend. "He's one of the oldest teachers of the High School. He's been giving classes since our mothers studied here!
"Wait, really? Well... Let's hope he's as good as then."
Both girls turned their heads back towards the teacher, who was continuing his presentation.
"As it seems, I'll be your teacher this year. I teach everything from math.... To physics..." to the surprise and bigger confusion of everybody, the odd fellow seemed to be falling asleep. "Physics... Physics... Zzzz..."
The whole classroom was filled with confused faces and incessant pillow talk. Was this really their new teacher?
"...is it me or the teacher just fell asleep?"
"I see it too Star..." even Sunray was shocked.”Do you think someone should wake him up?"
In that instant, the loud ringing of a cellphone struck the room, waking him up in an instant.
"GREAT WHICKERING STALLIONS!!! WHAT IN THE HAY..." realizing the whole classroom was looking funny at him; he quickly tried to save some face. "I-is it me or is it a little too warm in here? Makes you feel a bit drowsy, hehe."
In that moment, Starburst turned her head towards the classroom's door, and noticed that someone was waiting outside.
"This reminds me..." The curious teacher proceeded, "...that we have a very special student joining us today at Canterlot High. I'm sure many have heard of her, so I hope you receive her as she deserves. Can you please come in, Miss D' Luna?"
The whole classroom was filled with a surprised gasp at the newcomer: her skin was slightly dark, with a navy blue short hair and bat-like yellow eyes. A recognizable gaze for some, but an easily familiar one for Starburst.
"Well, looks like many of you know who she is. Care to introduce yourself, Miss D'Luna?"
"Hah, I don't think introductions are in order, Doc." the new girl had that royal air around her, and her voice clearly carried a noble tone. "I'm sure the folks already know who I am."
Nobody in the classroom dared to say anything. They were easily impressed with the girl that they couldn't even articulate words... That is, with the exception of a young small girl.
"Oh come on, teach! Let her introduce to us! I'm really curious to know who this 'D' Luna' is!"
Starburst didn't care that half the classroom was looking at her with the biggest expression of shock, just looking at the new girl's dumbfounded face was enough.
"...Well, an introduction hasn't anyone so... Could you please?"
The girl sighed in clear exasperation, and proceeded to talk with clear annoyance.
"...I'm Nidra Clair D' Luna, daughter of the Royal Princess, and new in this classroom."
Once again, the wave of whispers filled the room, all of them carrying the same surprised tone. Not even Starburst friends could grasp it.
"The daughter of the princess?! In OUR school?!" Sunray was about to faint from the excitement.
"I'm not that surprised. The princesses used to be also the Principals of the school." Anthea explained. "She probably signed her up here to prepare her for that. Just like Principal Illusion."
"Thank you for that lovely introduction, Miss D' Luna." The Doc proceed with his class, "Now, if you could kindly take a seat, please?"
Almost without thinking, the royal daughter picked up the seat right next to Starburst. As the teacher continued his class, she felt the cold, menacing glare of Nidra. Her friends were somewhat scared from the daggering stare, but Star turned her head without any trace of fear.
"Any problems, little princess?"
"...you haven't changed a single bit, Starburst." Suddenly her stare turned into a grin. "Don't know who Nidra is? Really?"
"Hey, that face you made? Priceless.
To the jaw-drop of her other friends, Star and Nidra shared a small fist bump, looking like old friends reunited.
"Wait a... You and the princess daughter?!" Sunray was shocked to see them so friendly, and Nidra really caught on that.
"Well being daughter of the Royal Scientist has its advantage." she said while laughing.
"We've known each other since we were kids. Never expected to see her here."
Both T and Sunray were speechless at this, until Anthea dared to talk:
"She sounds like a nice gal"
Inside, Starburst was thinking about this twist of things, and it brought a smile to her.
"Well, maybe this year won't be as bad as I thought."
"...I take that back, I'm just thankful it's lunchtime already"
After a pretty long class involving numbers, theory and all that jazz Starburst wasn't fond of, she was just relieved she finally was getting some rest.
"Man, it's almost scary how fast the day is slipping!"
"You call that fast?! I felt like I was drowning in books and..." Suddenly, Star remembered something her mother asked her to do. "BOOKS! Darn it, I forgot about that!"
"What's the matter, Star?"
"It's just that mother wants me to read more this school year" she began to explain, "and she told me that she wanted me to bring at least one book back home today"
"Pfft, of course she does! I doubt there is another bookworm like her in the entire kingdom."
Star limited herself to just smile. She knew her mother well, and for her that was the understatement of the year.
"Well anyways... I won't take long, just a visit to the library and that's all."
"Alright Star, see you in the cafeteria!"
Starburst then rushed towards the school's library, hoping to find one book that at least didn't make her sleep.
Once she was there, Starburst looked around the large place. The school library was pretty big and wide, filled to the brim with books. Despite the years, it hadn't changed a single bit; at most only the computers were the most modern model. But even with all that, Star couldn't help noticing something.
"Huh, is this always empty? Or just because it's the first day?"
Trying to not care that much about it, she checked the multiple shelves trying to find a title she didn't consider boring... A really hard task for someone who disliked reading.
"Hmm... No, this one looks boring... This one too... And this one... Ugh! Who am I kidding? I wasn't born for this."
Despite that, she continued looking for something to read, or at least pretend to read. That was until she felt a weird sensation of being watched.
"Huh? What the... Hello? Is anyone there?" But there was no answer, the library remained silent. "Hmm... Must've been my imagination."
Starburst was about to move to another shelf, when suddenly the sounds of piles of books, accompanied by a girl’s yell, came onto her attention.
"...Not!" She quickly moved to where the sound came, and what was her surprise to see another girl: the stranger wore a purple hoodie, covering her face and hair, and a matching pair of pants. The poor girl was covered by a big pile of books; probably she was carrying them and then slipped. Starburst was unable to recognize the girl. "Are you alright?"
"Oww, my head... Y-yes, I'm..." The moment she raised her head and looked at Star, the strange girl screamed in surprise. While her hair was covered by the hoodie, Star noticed she had lavender-like eyes, and somewhat of a familiarity in her semblance.
"Hey, calm down, I was just asking, or... Do we know each other from somewhere?"
"Eeeh, who? We? N-No, not at all." The girl sounded confused, scared and nervous.
"I swear there's something about you that..." Star was trying to find something familiar of the strange girl, but the only person she could compare her was definitively crazy. "Nevermind, maybe it's just I didn't expect someone else around."
"Well that makes us two then! Heheh... Heh..." an awkward silence filled the library as Starburst and the odd girl exchanged views, not knowing what to say now. Trying to get away as fast as possible, Star remembered why she was there on the first place.
"So, uh... Where you looking for a book too?"
"Oh, not really. I'm kind of... A supervisor?" Star noticed the clear doubt on her answer, but concluded it was only because of how awkward the encounter was.
"I see. Oh, I'm Starburst, by the way." Reminded of her mother's lessons, she tried to be a little bit more open to this stranger. "What's your name?"
"Oh, my name?!" The girl said having some kind of panic attack. "Oh right, my name... Uhm... It's, eh..."
"What? Too ashamed to say it?" Starburst tried to calm her, but she wasn't exactly the most tactful girl in the world. "Come on, it's just a name. It might be ridiculous but just say it."
"Uhm, ok ok... It's... Moon... Shine Twinkle?" While she didn't exactly burst in laughter, Star chuckled a little after hearing that.
"Moonshine Twinkle? Well that's quite the name."
"Thanks, it's.... Uh..." It appeared like they were going to have another moment of silence, but she was quick to bring things back on track. "Didn't you say you were looking for a book?"
"Oh? Oh right! Yeah, I was looking for something to read but, well, I haven't found anything interesting for..."
"How about this book?" The hooded girl then gave her a very peculiar book. "It's called "Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue!"
"Daring... Do?" Starburst looked at the dusty book in curiosity. "Well, this looks interesting."
"It's one of my favorites! I'm pretty sure you'll love it!" the enthusiasm in that girl reminded Star a lot to her mother, so much that it was starting to freak her out.
"Uh, thanks! I... I guess I should go. A friend is waiting for me at the cafeteria. So... Thanks!"
Star quickly turned around and left with the book, wondering about the girl.
"What a strange girl." She thought. "I swear, she looked and acted a lot like... Maybe it's just a coincidence. A freaky, odd coincidence."
Meanwhile, hidden behind the mysterious, a young boy with green, spiky hair came out and approached his partner.
"That girl... Was it just me or does she looks really familiar?" He said looking as Starburst left the library.
"It's definitely not just you. She looked so... Awfully familiar to me."
After what she was considering one of the freakiest encounters of her life, Starburst ran across the halls of Canterlot High towards the cafeteria, still carrying the book she was just given. Just as she was turning on a corner near her destination, she overheard a couple of familiar voices.
"...I'm sorry, but I have absolutely no interest in brutes like you."
"BRUTE?!"
"Now what is all that buzz about?" Starburst glanced around the corner, and noticed Nidra was talking with a curious boy: a scar above his nose, short rainbow-colored hair and a very athletic complexion. Yet Nidra was far from impressed.
"I know those of your kind" she said to him. "Just because they practice sports and their parents are famous, they feel the world is in their hands."
"Oh, wow wow wow! My mom might be captain of the Wonderbolts, but that doesn't mean I'm not less good than her!" He tried to pose and at least save face, but the rejection was more than clear.
"Sorry honey, but you're still not good enough for me." The poor guy saw in disbelief as Nidra departed with all the sassiness of royalty.
"Hey, wait a..." but it was too late, and the princess had already left. "Darn it! And I thought that could impress her."
"I doubt a princess could be interested in a jerky show-off."
The boy let out a small shriek of surprise when he noticed Starburst approaching him.
"STARBURST?! W-What are you doing here in Canterlot High?!"
"Well duh! Studying perhaps?" she said in a very sarcastic voice.
"You know what I mean, Star. I thought your mom ran a High School back in Ponyville."
"Yeah, but she kinda knew I could try to get some favoritism if I went there, so here I am."
"Hmmm, fair enough." the guy stretched his arms showcasing his muscles, and Starburst caught notice of it.
"Can't you pass a single minute without showing off, Prism?"
"What? I'm just stretching!" He said in defense, but just to bother her, Prism stretched once again, this time actually teasing her "Like what you see, shorty?"
The next thing he saw was a Star's fist flying towards his face.
"What have I told you about calling me short, you idiot?" She said with the most tranquil fury one could possibly imagine.
"Ouch, sorry!" Prism apologized as he rubbed his cheek. "Oww, you pack quite the punch, Star."
"Thank you." she responded with a smug grin. "You're so lucky I'm one year younger than you."
"You say that now, but I know that deep inside, you want to see this face all day long." He teased her.
"In your dreams, maybe." She responded while pushing him, if only to try disimulate her sudden blush.
"Woah! Didn't know you could also read my mind! Tell me what else do I dream of?" he said joking, and almost got his ass kicked.
"Go away, Prism." She said with a playful smile "Try flirting with someone else, but not me."
"Okay, okay! Geez, you're kind of a buzzkill sometimes." Prism walked away still smiling, leaving Starburst who took a moment before going into the cafeteria, at least until her cheeks stopped blushing.
"...if only you weren't too much of a jerk." She said to herself. "Such a pretty face for a silly jerk."
Later that day, after a very exhausting class of math, Starburst left the classroom alongside the rest of her classmates.
"Uugh! That was so tedious!" she exclaimed. "How is that you understand any of that?"
"Tell me about it." Nidra said, standing beside her. "I swear, if it was for me, I could've fallen asleep like you did, Star."
"Hey! I was trying to concentrate."
"Yeah, you did a magnificent job, Starburst." she mocked her.
"Shut up, Nidra! Sorry for not being like Sunray, understanding everything the teacher said." She turned her head, but in that moment she realized something. "Wait, where did Sunray go?"
"Wow, I saw you sleeping, but didn't think it was THAT deep." Anthea approached her friend guided by Turquoise, snarky but without malice.
"Principal Illusion told her to go to his office near the end of the class."
"So the principal just came and called her?" Star was wondering why could her friend be called to the principal's office. She was one of the nicest, smartest girls she knew. "Did he even say why?"
"No, he just came into the classroom and told the teacher he needed to speak with her." Turquoise responded, holding Anthea close to him.
"Hmm, that's weird." she said, still wondering in thoughts. "Do you think she's still there?"
"Honestly, I don't think so." Anthea responded. "She's probably on her way home right now."
"Maybe, but it doesn't hurt if I take a look." Starburst responded as she left her partners wondering why she was so eager to know.
Once she arrived at the principal's office, she couldn't help but notice how the door was slightly open, yet she heard nothing coming out from there. Filled with curiosity, she approached the office's door, and slowly opened it.
"Principal Illusion? Sunray? Am I interrupting?" But just like she supposed, the office was all empty, so she just walked inside. There, she couldn't help but notice the somewhat chaotic decorations: Paintings depicting distorted landscapes with checkerboard floors, decorations on the ceiling resembling cotton candy clouds, and the figurine of an odd pony with swirly eyes and a helicopter beanie standing asides the single frame of a young Illusion and his mother, the late Princess Celestia.
"Freaky." Starburst thought as she inspected the area. Aside of a bunch of papers scattered all over the desk, there was nothing that she could consider "unusual" beyond the decorations. She was just about to leave, when she heard a voice from behind her.
"Looking for something, little one?"
Startled, the young student turned in surprise, just to find herself in front of the principal: With his black, well-combed hair, omnious red eyes, and a facial and corporal complexion more befitting of an artist or movie star, Illusion was far different from what one could imagine judging by his office.
"Principal! I-I was just looking for a friend, that's all."
The principal, who looked around his 20's simply smiled and laughed.
"Calm down, I'm not gonna expell you just for peeking on my office." He said as he took his place on his chair. "Just as long as this doesn't become something regular."
"I'm sorry." Starburst said, slightly ashamed. "I was just looking for my friend Sunray. I heard you were talking with her and..."
"Miss Sunray, you said?" Illusion let a small friendly giggle. "Yeah, I was just telling her about a very special surprise I need her assistance with. She already went home anyways."
Starburst let out a small sigh of disappointment.
"Well, guess I'm going home myself." She thought as she was already turning around, just to be stopped by the words of the principal.
"This reminds me, I think I have something for you..."
Taking a small envelop out from his desk, Illusion looked directly to Starburst, who quickly approached him staring at the card.
"If I'm not mistaken," he proceeded, "you're the daughter of dear Miss Twilight Sparkle, is that correct?"
"Well, yeah sir."
"Then you should know how close she was with my late mother" Illusion handled the envelop to the young girl, who still had no clue what it was. "So I'm sure she will accept this invitation for a special event in her honor."
Starburst examined the envelop carefully, noticing the Canterlot High School logo on it.
"Well it isn't the Annual Grand Galloping Gala for sure."
"I could give you more details, but I think you just want to get home, right Miss Starburst?" Illusion grinned friendly to her. Not wanting to reject his kindness, Star simply nodded.
"Thanks, Principal Illusion."
"Oh calm down, just call me Illusion like everyone else."
The two of them smiled friendly, and Star left the principal alone with all his paperwork, as he took another peek at the envelop, wondering about its content.
Putting the envelop on her backpack, Starburst was about to head home, but a familiar voice stopped her right before she reached the exit.
“STARBURST! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!”
“Huh? What in the…” she was quickly interrupted when a curious girl with pink fluffy hair tackled her. “Ouch! Supposed it was you, Candy.”
“Were you surprised? Were you? Were you?” while just slightly taller than her, the young girl hugging Starburst was definitely more energetic and cheerful. “It’s so amazing you’re here in Canterlot High School!” Oh, you just wait until I tell everyone that you’re…”
“Candy, please, calm down a little.” Star said with her usual deadpan voice. “It’s not a big deal. Besides, everyone else already knows I’m here.”
Candy gasped in surprise, not expecting that answer.
“Wait,really?!” She said in disbelief. ”But, how about Sunray?”
“First one to know.”
“And Turquoise?”
“Found out alongside Anthea.”
“Even Prism knows?”
“Met him at lunch break.”
Candy let out a groan of disappointment, realizing she was the last one to know the news.
“Really? Was I the only one who didn’t know?!” Her whole face turned red as she inflated her cheeks in pure frustration, almost like a little kid. “That’s not fair!”
“Geez, calm down. It almost feels like I’m the older of the two of us.”
“Oh, sorry Star”, she apologized, her face now with a cute blush. “I just wanted to tell everyone so badly about this. You know how much I love being the first one to know about the news.”
“Guess this wasn’t one of those times.” Starburst said as they walked to the exit.
“Can you at least tell me how was your day, Star? Please?” Candy said with enthusiasm, much to Starburst annoyance.
“Sorry, it’s been quite a long day,” Starburst apologized, “and I just want to get home for dinner. I don’t want to get too distracted.”
“Oh, come on, friend!” Candy tried to hug her as she spoke, but the gaze of her eyes was enough to tell her not to do so. “We can talk about while we go home. Besides, isn’t it better to go with some company?”.
Starburst felt like she already knew about Sunray leaving early, and rolled her eyes in resignation.
“Ok, ok. But just because Sunray went home already.”
“Yay!” Candy exclaimed in excitement. “Oh, maybe I can tell you how the classes are here at Canterlot High! Or perhaps tell you about your teachers, or the clubs you can join and…”
“I think just telling how our day was is enough.” Starburst said, a drop of sweat coming from her forehead, as they walked all the way to her home. But they hadn’t even walked 10 feets away from school when suddenly Star felt something, like if someone was staring at her. She turned around and checked on some bushes, noticing nothing unusual, even though she swore noticing something.
“Is everything ok, Starburst?” Candy said, noticing how she suddenly stopped.
“Yeah, well at least I suppose.” She answered, turning around again to the bushes, which remained the same as before. “It’s probably just my head. I really need to rest a bit.”
“Oh, alright then!” Candy said, as they walked across the road, telling each other how their day was, despite Starburst lack of enthusiasm.
Back at her home, Starburst was greeted by the familiar face of her mother already serving dinner.
"Starburst, my dear!" she said happily as she served soup on a couple of bowls. "How was your first day at school?"
"Oh hey mom." Star said as he dropped her stuff in the living room. "It was an interesting day, I admit."
"I told you Canterlot High was a great place" her mother said as she placed the soup bowls on the table. "I'm sure you'll make good friend there."
"You say that because you're aware my only friends go there." she remarked as she walked into the dining room. "That's kind of cheating, you know?."
"Well, I knew that Sunset inscribed her daughter there," her mother explained, taking her place in the table alongside her daughter. "Although I didn't expect the other girls to have their children go there too."
"Still sounds to me like you planned it." Starburst took a taste of the hot soup, while staring at her moment: Her purple hair with lavender stripes was losing a bit of its color, and her complexion was definitively bulkier than in her youth. Starburst knew better than anyone how she recently was under a lot of stress, and it was reflecting on her appearance. "Busy day, I guess, right?"
"Oh yeah. It was pretty exhausting, my dear." She responded calmly. "You know how it is: school business as usual. Need to sign this, prepare for this meeting, planificate the scholar plan... You know it isn't easy."
Star couldn't help but give her mom a warm smile.
"Come on mom, I know it's nothing impossible for you." Twilight returned the kind smile to her daughter, happy for her support.
"Thank you, my dear. You know that since your dad... Well..."
"I know, I know..." Neither Starburst nor her mom wanted to talk about it, and instead followed enjoying their supper for a while, at least until Twilight spoke again.
"Did you do what I asked you this morning?"
Starburst rolled her eyes before responding. "Yes, yes. Got a book to read, mom."
"Now, now. It's for your own good, sweetheart. Just read a couple of pages and I'm sure you'll love it."
"Really doubt it." She murmured, finishing her soup. "Delicious as always."
Twilight smiled at her daughter in delight, while she returned to the living room to pick up her stuff. It was then she remembered the envelop the principal gave to her.
"Almost forgot! Here, mom." Starburst gave her the envelope, while she looked at it with curiosity.
"From Principal Illusion? Let's see..." Twilight opened the envelop, and retrieved the curious looking card inside it. "Ehem... Dear Ms. Sparkle: It is a honor for me to formally invite you to the Canterlot High School 4th-Gen. Student Reunion the month of December as our M.C..." Twilight gasped in joy at the news while her daughter just rolled her eyes.
"Master of Ceremonies! And everyone will be there! All my friends and classmates together again and..."
"Mom, calm down! It's still months away." Starburst said as she picked the letter and finished reading it. "...I'll send invitations to all the former students, so you and your children can come to celebrate. I'll be waiting for you that day. Sincerely, Principal Illusion." It didn't take long for Starburst to realize what that meant. "Oh no... Do I really have to be involved in..."
"Yes, my dear." Twilight said with maternal authority. "This is a very special occasion, your first year in Canterlot High and now you'll participate in such a great event!"
But despite Twilight's enthusiasm, her daughter just wasn't fond of the idea.
"I don't really care, mom. Sorry." She proceeded to pick her backpack and go upstairs to her room. Upset at her answer, Twilight delivered the one question she knew could make her change her mind.
"Is that the behavior of someone who wants to become a Royal Guard? What would your father say if he heard you?"
Star froze for a moment, feeling a little chill down her spine. It was true, her father would've liked if she helped her mother with the event.
"P-Please don't involve Dad in this!" She said in hesitation.
"Okay, but just remember he used to go to the same school as you, and imagine if he knew his own daughter refused to help with..."
"ALRIGHT, I'LL HELP!" She shouted with her face all red. "Geez, mom!"
"None of that 'geez, mom', sweetheart." She replied with authority. "Now I want to see you reading your book or there will be trouble."
Star groaned once again and said in resignation:
"Yes, mother..."
It wasn't something she was exactly proud of, but Twilight really wanted the best for her daughter, even if she had to resort to her father's memories. She sighed with certain sadness.
"If only you were home, Flash." Twilight exclaimed as she returned to her home labors.
The night had already fallen over the city, and Starburst was already in her pajamas taking the book out of her backpack. While a part of her refused to read it, on account she could easily find it boring, Star still did her best effort and tried to at least give it a try.
"It's already late anyways, at least it might help me sleep." she thought to herself as she opened the book, at least expecting to find it slightly interesting. What she found however, was probably even more.
"What in the..." To her surprise, written below the original text of the story, there were a bunch of odd looking letters. They weren't part of the book, it appeared like someone doodled between the pages. "This is just great, I was handed a scribbled book. Like if I didn't find this difficult enough."
Starburst tried to ignore the curious glyphs and instead focused on the story, which appeared to focus on the odysseys of this young explorer named Daring Do. But as soon as she flipped the page, she noticed a different doodle written on top of the next two page.
"Oh for crying out loud..." feeling a little bit frustrated, she started flipping the pages, finding on each and every one of them a different set of glyphs. "W-What is even this supposed to be?! It doesn't make any sense!"
She threw away the book in frustration almost hitting a mirror, groaning at her bad luck. Maybe that strange girl did it? Perhaps she gave it to her with the pure intention of pulling a prank on her? She was making herself these questions when she noticed something in the reflection of the mirror, where the novel laid open in one random page. Starburst approached to where she threw her book, and to her surprise noticed that the reflection made the weird scribbles legible: while chaotically written, she could distinguish the words "Canterlot".
"Well ok, this is interesting, at least." She said at her discovery. Star wondered if it was just a coincidence, but as she flipped to random pages while looking at the mirror, Star realized the glyphs were actually words written backwards, like a code or a hidden message, or perhaps...
"Is this some kind of prank or what?!" Star said, still believing it was some kind of joke... Or at least that's what she believed.
Trying to find out what the hell that was, . Starburst quickly picked up a notebook and began writing down the words as she deciphered them, stopping to read the mysterious message.
"'Legends of Canterlot... High'?" she was in complete confusion about what she was reading, but nonetheless extremely interested in knowing what that mean. "Okay then..."
With curiosity, she continued deciphering the odd scribbles in the book, stopping every once in awhile to read what she had completed.
"Alright" She said after finishing a complete paragraph. "Let's see what do we have here..."
Star cleared her throat and began reading out loud.
Legends of Canterlot High. Not long after the "Days That Never Happened", seven legends spawned among the walls of Canterlot High. Legends that are said to be connected with the last remnant of the World of The Past, the Elements of Harmony...
"Days That Never Happened? Elements of Harmony? What in the hay is that supposed to mean?!" She said out loud, and it appeared her mom heard.
"Sweetie, is everything alright?" she said from across the hall.
"Uh, yes mom! It's just... I-I'm trying to understand what my book says." Star stood silent for a moment, trying to process what she just said, thinking: "Did I really just say that?"
"Really?!" Twilight said loudly "Well don't let me interrupt you! Just remember to sleep on time for tomorrow!"
"I know, I'm ready to go to sleep. Just... Give me five minutes!" Star answered before returning to her lecture:
...The Elements are said to be hidden from the world, waiting for their bearers to carry them once again... These are the legends said to reveal their resting place:
The Lost Crown. It is said that after the Days That Never Happened, the royal crown destined for the next Princess of the kingdom disappeared. But legend says that it remains hidden inside the school, waiting for its owner...
"Pfft! Yeah, like if that was actually truth.." She said, definitively not taking the text very seriously. "Nice hoax right there."
Dismissing the deciphered message as a mere joke, she decided to go to bed already. Maybe the next day she could return the book to the library, maybe personally give it back to that awkward girl. She turned off all the lights in her bedroom and let sleep bring her into the yard of dreams.
...Canterlot was clearly visible from the cliff she was standing, looking at the city with pride. She took a glance at herself, curiosity feeling her: yes, she was wearing the armor of the royal guards. That had always been her dream, but something about this one felt different, yet she didn't know why... That is, until she felt the urge to jump from that cliff. While a part of her freaked out, another was moving to the edge, like if it was something natural. She tried to resist, but her body moved on its own... She was falling down the cliff, that part of her terrified of the crash... That was, until a warm sensation invaded her arms. Suddenly, Star felt her arms becoming lighter and softer, almost like... FEATHERS! Her arms had suddenly become a pair of yellow wings! Star felt how her body started gliding, gaining altitude and soaring away from the cliff. It was a new dream for her, that somehow felt very familiar. Star soared across the sky, her body moving freely through the wind like a bird, a new sensation of freedom invading her. She could see the entirety of the kingdom from above the skies, looking down at the forest beneath her. Suddenly, a voice resounded not very far from her, and while it wasn't a voice she could recognize, a feeling of familiarity invaded her.
"Starbuuuurst!" the voice said loud enough for her to hear. "Where are yoooou?"
Feeling her body move on her own, Starburst saw herself heading back to the ground, having no idea of who that voice was or why she knew her except that her body was flying towards it. As she came closer to the ground Star distinguished a young child, probably two or three years younger than her, running in the grass. She wondered if he was the one calling for her, but before she could get her answer, Starburst felt her body pushing even faster towards the kid.
“HEY, GET OUT OF MY…” Despite her attempt at warning the kid, she couldn’t finish her sentence before crashing into him. For a moment Star got terrified of having hurted him, but then was surprised to see him laughing at the floor.
“Star! I’ve told you not to do that!” the boy exclaimed in laughter, clearly not minding what she just did. “Come on, mom and dad are already worried for us.”
“Mom? Dad? What are you talking about? Who are you?” Starburst was so confused, but the young boy seemed to either not pay attention or simply ignored her.
“What’s the matter, sister? Let’s go home.” Those words, while simple, brought a new sort of questions into her mind.
“Sister?! W-What are you talking about! Wait!”
Starburst tried to move, to follow the boy claiming to be his brother, but then everything began to shine brightly, accompanied by a loud buzzing sound…
Star groaned in annoyance, waking up by the screech of her alarm clock. Turning it off, she tried to understand what she just saw. There was no doubt it was a dream, yet she felt there was something odd about it.She couldn’t place what it was, but there was something familiar in it. But her thought were cut short by the voice of her mother.
“Good morning, my dear! I have breakfast ready for when you come down.”
“Yes mom, I’ll go down in a minute!” She responded, raising from her bed and preparing for another school day. What she ignored was that her dream was just the beginning of a chain of events that could change her life forever.
A long week of classes had passed, and there was nothing Starburst desired more than the weekend to come and spend it on Sweet Apple Acres taking some well needed fresh air. The only thing between her and the soft grass of the farm was the clock taunting her, as she waited for the last class of the day to be over. Laying her head on the desk, she just kept looking at the clock, without paying any attention to what the teacher said.
“...Miss Starburst?” professor Turner noticed her getting distracted, and tried to call her attention loudly clapping his hands. “Miss Starburst, are you listening?”
Startled, Star turned to look at her teacher, slightly embarrassed.
“My apologies, I’m listening,” she answered politely, despite the chuckles of the rest of the classroom.
“Well, with all of you paying attention, “ the Doctor proceeded, giving a concerned look to Starburst, “I was told by our dear Principal Illusion to remind you that next monday is Club Registration day, so anyone interested can sign up today.”
Many of the students cheered in delight, with a handful of them just rolling their eyes, Star included.
“Just a reminder: this is entirely optional and if you can’t join there is no problem and you can go home after class.”
“I wish I could join one club,” Anthea said, “but my mother doesn’t want me to arrive late.”
“It’s okay, Anthea. There’s always next year for that,” the Doc said kindly to his student. “So what about you, Nidra?
“I think that’s a little too obvious, teacher,” she answered with her regal, yet slightly boastful, tone. “Don’t you remember that I was given already a position?”
“Great wickering stallions, I forgot! Ehem… Students, something I forgot to mention about our dear miss D’Luna is that, per order of her mother the Princess, she’s our new president for the student council.”
Many of the students were in clear disapproval of such thing, whispering annoyed about the news.
“Talk about nepotism, right Star?” Sunray murmured to her friend.
“I’m not really surprised. Nidra has been like that ever since the last time we met,” Star replied quietly. “The life of royalty really got into her head.”
The professor proceeded to ask the rest of the classroom what club they wanted to be a part of and writing them down in a list, while Sunray tried to control a little bit of her excitement.
“Man, there is so much to choose from, I might as well join them all! Well, if mom wasn't so... special.”
“Speak for yourself, Sunray.” Star said with a slightly annoyed tone. “I can’t even choose a club I can be interested.”
“Well, how about joining our soccer team?” To Starburst’s surprise, the professor was standing right next to her. “Principal Illusion told me a little bit about your dream of being in the Royal Guard, and he suggested that maybe joining the Wondercolts could be a great help for you.”
“The Wonder… what now?”
“Wait, you really have never heard of the Wondercolts? “ Sunray nearly shrieked in disbelief. “They’re one of the best soccer teams in Equestria, the pride and honor of Canterlot High!”
Suddenly, a small but noticeable chuckled called their attention.
“Pride and honor? You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Nidra exclaimed trying to hold her laughter, much to Sunray’s annoyance. “They’ve never won a single trophy in twenty years! Sure, they reach the finals every year, but they always lose!”
“Are you being serious?” Star asked in utter confusion, not buying what Nidra said.
“Well, that's certainly not a lie,” the professor said with a concerned look on his face, which quickly changed into a more optimistic one. “But I’m sure this will be the year for the school, or at least that was what Principal Illusion says.”
Starburst thought about it for a couple of seconds, and while slightly surprised the principal knew that about her, she decided to give it a try.
“Well… I might try out and see if I get in the team.”
“Alright!” He said as the Doc wrote down on his list. “You should meet with coach Soarin next monday after class. Now, miss Sunray, I can’t help but notice you’re a little bit...”
“Excited? Nervous? Confused? All three?” She exclaimed, clearly struggling to contain herself. “Sorry Doc, it’s just… There’s so much to choose, but I can’t decide what club to join!”
The professor noticed how she was staggering on her seat, with a grin that expressed both excitement and utter nervousness, so he quickly responded.
“Well… wasn’t your mother part of the Wondercolts team?” he said to the surprise of the student. “I recall noticing her in a photo or two in the annuaries.”
“Uhm, yeah, she used to be. It’s… not something she’s proud of,” Sunray scratched the back of her head nervously at the thought of her mother being reminded of that. “Why do you ask?”
“You see, I was thinking about it, and maybe I have the perfect club and position for you.” The young student gleefully smiled, wondering what did her teacher had in mind.
--------
“CHEER CAPTAIN?! STARBURST, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!” Sunray couldn’t help but scream as she walked along with her friend.
“Yeah, yeah. You’ve been repeating the same thing for about five minutes,” said Starburst unenthusiastically.
“Sorry, sorry. It’s just this is so… This is so…”
“Obnoxious? Insulting? Terrible in all senses?” Star couldn’t help but snark a little at her friend’s reaction, who simply didn’t mind.
“THIS IS SO PERFECT! I can inspire the team while at the same time show my talent to all the school!” her friend couldn’t help but notice how she was skipping with joy as the walked through the halls of the college.
“Geez, and here I thought Cotton Candy was cheerful.”
“Oh, sorry. It’s just...” Sunray couldn’t help but giggle in a really squeaky voice. “This is just so exciting! Just wait until mom knoooooope!”
The orange-haired girl stopped right on her tracks at the realization, as her cheerfulness turned into panic.
“Oh no, what am I gonna do?!” she started saying with fear. “I can’t tell her I’m part of the cheering team, much less the captain! Do you know how could she react?!”
“I can certainly imagine,” if there was something Starburst knew better from Sunray was that her mother didn’t like anything related to Canterlot High, and being the cheer captain of the soccer team was certainly a very colorful position, “but come on, you don’t have to tell her. Just… come up with an excuse!”
“Just like you with your book you haven’t read all week?”
“Again with that?” Starburst replied in annoyance. “I showed you, the whole book is scribbled all over it with that ‘legend’ trash.”
“And can’t you not change it? Here–” suddenly Starburst felt as Sunray grabbed her from her shirt. “–we’re changing that book right now.”
“Wait, what?!” Starburst yelled in shock, surprised at her friend’s reaction. “Let me go! It’s not necessary!”
“Oh, yes it is,” she replied. “I’m not gonna resort to excuses, and neither do you, missy.”
“Can you please stop acting like my mom?” Star tried with all her strength, but was dragged anyways into the library.
Finding herself literally dragged into it, Starburst just crossed her arms unamused, as Sunray spoke with the old librarian.
“Weird, she says that this book was actually donated by your own mom, Starburst,” her friend told her, carrying the old copy of “Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue”. “She even says that it was in perfect conditions when it was left here, and that is the only copy of it they have.”
“Well, crap. You’re telling me I need to find another book?” Star groaned in annoyance, thinking about the last moment she had to search for a book that was appealing enough to read.
“On one hand, yes.” Rolling her eyes, Starburst signed in resignation, as Sunray proceeded. “But on the other, didn’t you say that a strange girl gave this book to you?”
“Well yeah, but I really doubt I will ever find her–” the young girl stopped talking as she noticed something around the corner of a bookshelf. “–nevermind. I think I found her.”
Starburst rushed towards the bookshelf, hoping to find the same girl that gave her the scribbled book, but her friend was just caught by the surprise. “Wait, Starburst! Where are you going?”
To her own good luck, as she approached Star recognized the same girl from that day, again wearing the odd hoodie covering her head. She was quick in her intention and called her attention immediately. “Hey, you!”
The odd girl reacted in surprise by lowering her hoodie even more, covering her hair perfectly.
“WHA–UHM–ME?!” She mumbled in surprise before turning and noticing the girl she gave the book to. “Oh, it’s you… Eeeh…”
“Starburst.”
“Oh right! Sorry, it’s just…” the strange girl tried to recover her composure, as Sunray catched up with her friend.
“There you are. Star. What is going–” Sunray then noticed the girl in front of her, and quickly comprehended what was happening. “–Oh. So, is it her?”
“Yup, her name is Moonshine Twinkle, or so she said,” the sole mention of her name cause Sunray to burst into laughter, although she tried to contain herself.
“Y-yeah, I get it’s a… very embarrassing name.” the odd girl responded, looking a bit nervous.
“Sorry, it’s just it took me by surprise.” the orange-haired girl tried her best to not giggle, so she changed subject in an attempt to repress it. “So, Star told me you gave her a book, right?”
“Oh yes! It was that copy of “Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue”, right?” she started speaking, expecting a positive reaction with a huge grin. “So, did you enjoy it?”
“Well, maybe I could have… if it was all scribbled.” Starburst took out the book from her backpack and showed it to her, opening it in a random page full of the encrypted messages. She was expecting for the girl to either react nervous, or surprised, but she certainly didn’t expect a major breakdown.
“WHAT?! WHOWHENHOW… WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!” she screamed, prompting the librarian to shush them from a distance. The curious girl, “Moonshine” as she claimed to be named, lowered her voice but remained in shock. “W-What does it even say? Who in his sane mind could scribble over a first-edition print of a classic novel?!”
“Well I don’t know, but it might as well been a prankster or perhaps some delusional fool,” she explained as she flipped the pages back to the beginning of the scribbles, “who probably found it funny to hide this “Legends of Canterlot High” in the book.”
“But why did they had to pick…” suddenly, “Moonshine” came to a realization. “W-What did you just say? Did you mention something about some ‘legends’?”
“Yeah, she did,” answered Sunray in curiosity. “Have you heard from them before?”
“Actually, yes…” Moonshine looked at the cryptic message in the book, now aware of what it was. She then turned to look at Starburst, with an oddly serious look on her face. “...could it be ok if I keep the book for the weekend?”
“Uhm, yeah, sure? I mean, I don’t mind.”
“Thank you!” Moonshine approached to her, and somehow Star felt something familiar with her. “I’m sure we’ll meet each other a lot, Starburst.”
Leaving in a rush, Moonshine left both Star and Sunray perplexed and confused about the strange girl in the hoodie.
“Okay, I think I understand now what you mean when you described her as ‘interesting.’” the orange-haired girl said, while her partner was more concerned in her own thoughts.
“She kinda is, but I still feel like there’s more to her… I really hope we do meet again soon.”
Like a blessing from the skies, the weekend arrived and Star was more than thankful for that. She had woken up as early as she could just to begin exercising at the fields of Sweet Apple Acres, owned by the Apple family, including her closest friend: Golden Delicious, a large, buff farmer boy. As son of Applejack, he had a couple of freckles below his eyes, and brown hair with blonde stripes all over it. He was the first to notice her doing push-ups in the fields, wearing sports gear and with a ribbon on her head holding her hair.
“What a surprise catchin’ ya here, Star,” he said, startling the young girl, “it’s been a while, isn’t it?”
Starburst fell to the floor surprised, looking at her dearest friend.
“Del! Didn’t expect you this early here.”
“Same goes for you, Star,” Del responded with a smile. “I thought you could be resting more after your first week of High School.”
Star frowned and looked directly at his eyes, something that actually made him snicker a little.
“You know me pretty well already to know that THIS is my way of resting.”
“I know, I know,” Del replied, still trying not to laugh, “but it is still surprising to see someone who finds intense exercise relaxing.”
Star inflated her cheeks a little, and Del could help but giggle as he sat near his friend.
“So, how’s High School going, Star?”
“Well, just what I expected,” Starburst answered, “Can barely understand a word of what the teachers say, focusing on what they write on the blackboard is hard enough, and don’t get me started on the books. I still can’t understand why you say it was easy for you.”
Del shrugged in response, before proceeding to say: “I'm kinda surprised too, since y’know, your mother is…”
“Please let’s not bring mom into this,” Star said, her voice sounding really annoyed at the topic. “Everyone points that out and… You could easily be her son more than me!”
Del noticed the frustration on her voice, and quickly approached her, embracing Starburst in a friendly hug.
“Come on, Star, don’t say that. You know that isn’t true.”
“But it feels like! Just… “ Starburst groaned in frustration, looking at her friend. “Sometimes I envy how well you and your mom get along.”
“Heh, then you’d be surprised if you knew how we got along when I was younger,” he said, trying to cheer her up. “I know it’s been hard for you since your dad left, but…”
“I think that’s something I don’t wanna touch either,” Starburst sounded slightly more alarmed than annoyed at his comment, and quickly changed the subject. “Sorry, it’s been a hard week already, Del. Can we speak of something else?”
“For me it’s fine,” Del said as supportive as he could. “Is there anything else you wanna talk about? Maybe something that happened in school?”
“Well, I suppose I can tell you about how I was recommended for the tryouts to join the Wondercolts.”
“That’s awesome, Star!” he responded, almost lifting her up, but Starburst's death stare was enough reminder that it was a bad idea. “It should be a great honor if you ended up becoming part of the team.”
“Yeah, but I still need to see if I qualify to join them.” Standing up again, Starburst walked towards an apple tree as she continued to speak. “I heard they are somewhat strict with what players they choose to join.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine, Star,” Del once again complimented his friend.”They could be making a great mistake rejecting you.”
Noticing the support of her friend, Star smiled a little, feeling all tingly inside and with a bit more of energies.
“If that’s the case, guess I should keep on training.”
“Then I suppose it won’t hurt if you give me a hand with the harvest?” Del pointed to the apple orchard, all the trees blossoming with apples on their branches. Star was now the one who giggled in response.
“I suppose it won’t hurt,” she said, although Del was probably thinking the opposite, what with her history of overworking herself into exhaustion.
Before she knew it, it was Monday again, and what a day it was going to be for Starburst. All day she couldn’t help but think of the tryouts after the classes were over, making it harder for her to concentrate. Her whole mindset was focused on what was going to happen at the end of the day.
After hearing the bell ring for the last time of the day, Starburst quickly grabbed all her stuff and rushed to the soccer fields, her heart beating with determination. “I’m going to qualify for the team”, she said to herself, “I trained enough for this, I’m sure I’ll make it.”
But once she finally reached the fields, she was surprised in more than one way when she was stopped dead in her tracks by a familiar face.
“STARBURST, THERE YOU ARE!”
“Gah, Candy!” she exclaimed in shock. “W-What are you doing here?”
“Organizing the newcomers, of course!” she said with pride. “I always give a hand helping organize events here at the school.”
Before Starburst could even say anything, her friend immediately brought a pair of shorts and a sport shirt with the school’s coat, looking really excited about it.
“By the way, here’s your uniform,” Candy said as she handed it to Star. “And don’t worry, I already know your size, it won’t feel shorter or larger. Now go changed, that the coach will be here in five minutes.”
“Uhm, okay? But how do you–”
“Go change, I said!” Candy said in a more desperate tone. “The tryouts must not be delayed not even by one second!”
“Alright alright, I get it!” Starburst remembered how obsessive Candy was with order, and the least she wanted was to make her friend stress over a delay, so she rushed to the locker rooms and changed into the soccer uniform as fast as she could, and got back to the fields right on time, where other draftees were waiting in line.
At the expected time, the couch walked towards the fields, followed by none other than Prism Bolt. Coach Soarin was a man in his 50’s, and while still showcasing an athletic body, his age was really noticeable especially on his face. The visible eye bags and a slight trail of gray hairs were a sign of that.
“Alright then, what do we have here?” he said in an authoritarian, yet nice, tone of voice, as he looked over the students, all looking both excited and nervous at the same time. “So, all of you want to be part of the Wondercolts, right? Well I have two news for you. Care to tell them, Prism?”
The boy with rainbow hair cleared his throat and looked at them with the same authoritarian tone of the coach.
“Okay, listen up! The bad news is not all of you will enter the team, so don’t celebrate ahead of time!” as he spoke, Prism walked in front of the line, looking directly to the eyes of everyone of them, stopping for a moment in front of Starburst. “The good news is… if you have what’s required for the team, I don’t think you have anything to fear.”
Star couldn’t help but notice the way he was looking at her, feeling like he was also trying to hit on her. She rolled her eyes in response, and the coach realized it.
“I think you’re putting too much attention in this draftee, Prism,” Coach Soarin said, completely unamused. “Alright then, show us what you got!”
The coach then proceeded to separate the students into two teams, hoping to see them in play and evaluate them. As he was sorting them out, Starburst looked over the stands, where she noticed that Cotton Candy was speaking with Sunray, who was already wearing the special “attire” that distinguished the Cheering Team: a circlet resembling a pair of pony ears and a belt that simulated a horse tail. Noticing her friend looking at them, Sunray waved at her, wishing Starburst good luck. Just then she felt someone else was looking at her, and when she turned her head, she found again face to face with Prism.
“So, what was that about not wanting to watch my face?”
As much as she wanted to respond with a punch, Star simply limited herself to talk.
“Believe me, this has absolutely nothing to do with you, Prism.”
“Are you sure? You probably knew already that my dad was coach of the team, that I was chosen as their captain and…” in that moment, the boy noticed something quite odd in Star, and was quick to take advantage from it. “...and why are you still staring directly at my eyes?”
Trying her best to hide the blush in her cheeks, Starburst replied simulating annoyance, hoping he fell for it.
“It’s called intimidation. Just making sure you know who you’re going to be dealing with the rest of the year.”
“Maybe you’re right,” he replied, with a smug smile on his face, “but you first have to show me that you’re Wondercolt material.”
“Trust me, I’m sure I’ll show you that and more.” Star said with a confident voice, and managed to catch Prism off guard, who blushed a bright shade of red.
“T-That depends on what you mean with ‘more’.” was all he could said with a nervous smile, but was almost completely ignored as Star ran over her place in the field. Prism stared at her for a moment, a silly idea appearing on his mind, but that he quickly shook away. “Come on, man, you know she’s not into you. But if only she was…”
