Magic in Equestria is universial. It's the force that makes the plants grow, the weather change and the stars move. For one individual, however, it's something to overcome.
Spark Plug never had it easy in life. Sure, he was born to two loving parents and lived in a quaint little town, but lady luck decided to throw him a curve ball.
He has no magic.
Normally such a thing would devastate the normal pony, but Spark couldn't care less. Besides, why would he need magic when he can just invent devices that can easily replicate it?
With the story being in constant development, I'll add characters and tags when needed.
Clock Work paced back and forth in front of the emergency room, eyeing the locked doors with a deep sense of dread. His wife, Night Shimmer, had gone into labor several hours ago. He chewed the inside of his cheek as he continued his relentless march. Something was wrong, he could practically feel it within his bones.
They were warned of possible repercussions though, and all because of who the parents were.
Clock Work was an average earth pony clockmaker. He had a brown coat with a black mane to complement his color; his cutie mark was the face of a clock. He was born in Manehatten and lived a less than stellar life. His family was always hard pressed for money, and it wouldn’t be uncommon to fall asleep at night with an empty stomach. Still, Clock Work was happy, and his hard childhood helped shaped who he was later in life. He always strove to be the best he could be in his field of work, and held an open mind regarding most topics.
When Clock earned his cutie mark, he instantly went to work. He trained under expert craftponies, focusing on his skilled hoofwork. Despite the need for detailed work only most unicorns could provide, Clock excelled in his field quickly. He made a small name for himself and brought his family out from poverty. Once he had enough funding, he moved out into the countryside, wanting to escape the city and live a life of peace.
That was when he met his future wife.
Clock decided to settle in a small town know as Everglade. While the town itself was within Equestrian borders, the name was given in respect to the country’s close neighbor, Nocturnia, the country of bat ponies.
Due to the town being extremely close to the border, the residents were a mix of bat ponies and Equestrian ponies. It was a quiet town, and one that Clock instantly fell in love with. It was during his first month settling in that he would meet his wife, Night Shimmer.
Night Shimmer was a bat pony who grew up in the capitol, Nocturnus. When Night was first born she was immediately expected to rise to greatness. Her father was a Commander in Nocturnia’s army, and was well renowned among the guard. So, when news of the Captain’s future child became known, many nobles jumped at the chance to supply the family with money in order to pay for her training at a young age.
None of that was to happen, however.
Night’s mother died during her birth, and the weak, newborn Night contracted a disease. While doctors were able to save Night's life, she was left with weakened wings, the bones within brittle and skewed. The disease baffled the doctors, and due to it being magical in nature, were unable to cure her without causing more damage.
Night would never be able to fly.
Her weak wings never got her down, though. While she was seen as an outcast in society, the ties through her father allowed her to get by through low-end jobs. Her father was deeply saddened by the loss of his wife, but he still loved and cared for his daughter, Night. Still, depression and age quickly caught up to the Commander, and he passed away soon after Night became an adult. All of his wealth and possessions were left to Night. Night Shimmer, no longer under the protection of her father, moved out of the capitol and settled in a border town called Everglade.
While hostility was minimal, many bat ponies still refused to give her work. It wasn’t until she ran into Clock Work that she began to hope for the future once more. Understanding the hardships of her life, Clock offered her a job as his assistant. The two hit off well and within the year they planned to get married.
The news of the marriage spread like wildfire within the town, many congratulating the two while some of the prouder members of both races looked down upon an inter-species marriage.
Life continued normally for the next five years until, one day, Night announced that she was pregnant.
While the town congratulated the two, many of them were concerned for the unborn child. Inter-species relationships may not have been unheard off, but an offspring between two was next to non-existent. Bat ponies and Equestrian ponies could have a child due to similar anatomies, but most cases resulted in the child being challenged in some way due to the conflicting magic within the two species. Regardless of the risks, the two wanted to take that chance.
Which now left Clock Work outside the grey doors of the Underworld, waiting patiently.
Well… as patiently as a nervous husband and future father could.
Just when Clock was ready to charge through the doors, a nurse popped her head out, smiling warmly at him.
“Mr. Work? You can come in now.”
Clock Work sighed in relief as he followed the nurse through the doors and into the delivery room. There, upon the bed, was his wife. Her coat was matted with sweat and she had bags under her eyes, but she was alright.
The absence of a foal, however, was of concern to him.
He trotted up to her bedside and nuzzled her affectionately, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Night giggled and turned her head to return the kiss. Clock smiled and held her close in his forearms.
“So, I’m guessing the procedure went smoothly?”
Night hummed happily as she leaned into her husband. “It did. The foal is with the doctor right now. She’s making sure he’s healthy and nothing is wrong with him.”
Clock perked at the gender usage. A boy, he was a father to a newborn son.
The couple enjoyed each others presence as they awaited news from the doctor.
Ten minutes passed…
Half an hour…
An hour…
As time continued to pass the married couple were growing more and more anxious. Nurses tried to calm them, but it was clear they were just as unsure of the situation as they were. When the doctor finally returned, she didn’t return alone. Within her grasp was a wrapped bundle which was quickly passed over to the worried mother.
Night peaked into the bundle and smiled as two curious, blue eyes looked back up at her. The colt's coat was light blue and the early signs of a mane were starting to sprout. The foal smiled and babbled incoherently in a happy mix of cries and gurgles. Clock looked over his wife’s shoulder to look at his son, smiling at the happy bundle.
Everything seemed alright in the end.
The two were startled as the door opened once more, bringing in several more doctors, each of them wearing frowns. Clock’s blood ran cold as he examined the group, noticing the uneasy looks they were giving the newborn foal.
Eventually one cleared his throat and he stepped forward to address the parent’s, “Mr. Work and Mrs. Shimmer, there’s something you should know about your son.”
The doctor paused as he looked back at his co-workers, seeking confidence for what he was about to announce. Night held her son close to her body, her instincts kicking in, ready to protect her child.
The doctor noticed her reaction and made to calm her, “No, no, you misunderstand. Your son is perfectly healthy and we won’t need to take him away from you.” Night had begun to relax, only to stiffen again as the doctor resumed, “However, your son has a… peculiar disease.”
“It is a very rare disease known as defectus magicae. While the origin of it is unknown, the results are catastrophic. The disease causes the body to attack specific cells, believing them to be foreign parasites. These cells are found in all living creatures on the planet, and are responsible for controlling the usage, both input and output, of magic. Since the child’s body attacks these cells, they will never be able to fully develop. I’m sorry, but your son has no connection to magic.”
Both parents paled at the revelation, not wanting to believe such a thing could be possible. Clock managed to find his voice, as shaky as it was, “No magic? Absolutely none whatsoever?”
The doctor looked devastated as he shook his head, those behind him looking towards the floor in failure. “None at all. With your son being an Earth pony, he’ll never have that innate connection to the Earth. Magic used on him wont have any effect at all, as his body will reject it. He’ll also… never be able to find his cutie mark.”
The room was silent as parents and nurses alike looked at the doctors in horror. The speaker lowered his head in defeat, following his compatriots’ example.
“I’m sorry…”
The next day Clock and Night returned home, the two still numb from the news they had received. The subject of their concern was still laughing happily, ignorant to the hardships it would face later.
The couple trudged up the stairway of their two story home, the child nestled comfortably on the back of his mother, protected by her wings. They reached a newly refurbished room, the colorful wallpaper and crib leaving little to imagine who the space was meant for.
Clock gently lifted the foal from his mother's back and placed him within the crib. The child squealed happily as he looked back at both of his parents, simply happy to see them. Clock and Night smiled down at the joyful creature, resolved in the decision they had come to earlier. Regardless of the disease, they wouldn’t let it get in the way of their family. Things may have to change over time, but they still had a healthy foal, something they both desperately wanted.
A sudden realization came to Clock Work and he smacked his face in frustration, much to the child’s enjoyment. Clock turned towards his wife with a sheepish smile.
“With all the excitement, I completely forgot about a name! I’m assuming one came to you?”
Night gave Clock’s cheek a soft kiss as she moved to stand beside him. “I did. I was worried a name wouldn’t come to me due to his condition, but it seems not everything was taken from him.”
Clock sighed in relief as he returned his gaze to the child. “So… what name popped up in that noggin of yours.”
Night smiled warmly at her son as the foal lifted its forelegs up at them. Night reached down and held her son’s hoof in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. A small tear mixed with happiness and grief escaped her as she watched the child drift off to sleep.
With the new mouth to feed, Clock took it upon himself to accept more contracts. With Night unable to acquire herself a stable job due to her condition and her new dedication to Spark Plug, Clock was the only one bringing in an income. Clock would still oversee Spark's needs though when he was free or Night desperately needed a brake. During the times they spent with Spark, the mother and father quickly realized what kind of child they had sired. Spark wasn't a crier, nor was he a 'problem child'.
He was a spawn of Tartarus.
It was a little over five months until Spark learned how to walk, much to the parents horror. The first day he managed to get around, he somehow undid the lock to his cell. Thinking it was just a fluke, the parents continued to restrain the child within the crib, but to little success. After numerous more successful escapes, the two invested in a better lock system, using steel bolts instead of the basic wooden ones. It lasted only three months before Spark managed to somehow unscrew the lock.
Neither of them knew where he got the screwdriver from.
With Spark no longer bound to his crib, he was free to wander the house. His young mind saw every little thing as the beginning to something grand. Clock's work was tampered with when he wasn't looking, Night's kitchen supplies were occasionally ransacked or would simply go missing and Spark would always try to take his father's tool box. It only got worse when Spark's coordination developed. The parents would find the child in the most unlikely of cubbyholes.
They also found him on the roof once, but neither of them wish to recall that day.
Before long, Spark had his first birthday. A year of chaos and the infant still seemed content to cause as much grief as he possibly could. Due to Spark's curious nature, the parents found it prominent to baby proof the house. Sure, they had taken steps in the past, but most of them were rendered obsolete once Spark knew how to operate them. Instead of bolts this time, Clock invested in locks, honest Celestia damned, numerical locks.
And for once, it actually worked.
Occasionally Clock or Night would find Spark in front of a locked cabinet looking at it with a tilted head. They would always pick him up and tease him about staring too long at a problem, much to the infant's amusement. And yet, he seemed to take the advice to heart. At little more than a year old his random tendencies started to calm down and he focused on other things. It was around this time that he spoke his first words, much sooner than others his age would.
Mommy and Daddy came first, followed by a large assortment of words that spoke volumes of Spark's intellect. Spark had an incredible memory and he used it to his advantage. He would copy the words of others and would appear to think before he spoke, unlike other infants. He might not have know what the words he was saying meant, but the some hundred odd words under his belt was nothing to scoff at.
At age two Spark was able to string together a few words to get his point across. He understood concepts and emotions pertaining to his parents and those who occasionally visited. He realized which strands of words would get him praise, affection, and love. He occasionally stumbled upon one or two words that would leave his parents angry, so he refrained from using them again.
By age four Spark had come far within the short amount of time he'd been on the planet.
By now Spark was capable of full sentences, using both simple and complex words to get his point across. What's more, he actually understood the meaning behind the words he was using. He wouldn't have gotten this far, however, without help from his parents. It was during his third birthday that Night and Clock began to realize what Spark could be capable of. Not wanting to ruin his chances at success, they began his education at an early age. They purchased him books on a number of topics, letting him read and learn at his own pace. While they wanted to promote his education, they both acknowledged the fact that Spark was still a foal, and deserved to enjoy himself.
Spark never got the memo that reading books was something that most fillies and colts didn't consider fun. Spark would read for hours every day, burning though the tomes that his parents bought for him. He read through a number of topics, all ranging from Biology, to Astronomy, to Geology and even the field of Magic.
It was within the book of magic that Spark first learned of what a Cutie Mark was. He read that it was something all ponies would receive once they discovered what their special talent was. When he told his parents of this find, they merely smiled and nodded. Clock and Night simply didn't have the heart to tell him he would never be able to get one.
None of those who knew did.
Ignorant of his disease, Spark would spend the next year searching for his special talent. The book stated that normally older ponies received their mark. He took that statement as a challenge. It was during his experiment phase that he would eventually return to the issues with the locks. Much older and wiser than he was previously, he decided to test his new knowledge in breaking the security within his home.
He found it surprisingly easy to manipulate the metal. A screwdriver, a wrench and fetlock grease was all it took to dismantle the device. With how easy it was to take apart the lock, he started to wonder what else he could mess with.
He was a little over five years old when he took on his biggest project.
Spark Plug sneaked into fathers study, his body tense as he once more entered the forbidden room. He had entered this room in the past before, but his father always ushered him out. Something about not wanting him to ruin his mojo, whatever that meant.
Still, unlike the past times he entered the room simply to get a reaction out of his dad, this time he actually had a purpose. He remembered his father telling him of a special project he'd been working on for quite some time now. He would always go on about how it could be the next big thing in Equestria. The only problem was, he could never get it to work.
Spark remembered his Dad calling it a... "pop-out clock".
He looked around the room, taking in the numerous clocks that hung up on the wall. According to his father, most of them ran on magic, and he was responsible for assembling them. If Spark remembered correctly, however, the clock he was looking for ran on both magic and machinery.
Machine: an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task.
Spark giggled as he recalled the definition of the word; there were a lot of words similar to that one which he liked. A shame that there weren't a lot of books on it.
He entered the room and gently shut the door behind him. His Dad might be at work right now, but his Mom was downstairs cleaning. The last thing he needed was for her to find him up here.
He tiptoed into the room and made his way to the work desk, jumping up onto the stationed chair to see what lay before. There in front of him on the table was a wooden clock. It was currently facing him and he was able to admire the beautiful ornate designs his father had etched into the surface. During his inspection he noticed a small latch just above the face, reminding him of why he was here in the first place.
With gentle hooves, he carefully turned the clock until it was facing away from him. The back was already open and he could see the number of gears which filled the carved out section. He followed the paths of the gears with his eyes, murmuring to himself as he looked over his father's work. There was something... wrong about it. He couldn't explain it, but some of the gears seemed to be in the wrong position. With the way it was set up now, it would never work.
Spark Plug smiled as he reached for his fathers toolbox. He believed he knew how to fix the problem, and thought it would be a great gift for his father.
He opened the toolbox and removed the necessary tools. He had a lot of work ahead of him.
Clock Work opened the door to his home, the sunset behind him illuminating the entry way. He gently closed the door and released a sigh of tension.
Things had been rough for him at the store lately. His sales have been slowly decreasing over time, and at the rate it was going he would be financially in trouble within two years tops. Ponies simply didn't want to pay more for ornate clocks, instead paying less for cheap knockoffs that other craftsponies could pump out much faster than him.
He walked into the kitchen and found his wife cooking dinner, humming to herself all the while. Clock smiled and announced his presence, "I'm home, dear."
Night stopped to turn and give her husband a warm smile. "Welcome home. How was work today?"
Clock sighed once more, giving more than enough for Night to work off of.
"It's still bad, isn't it?" Night asked worryingly.
Clock nodded and seated himself at the kitchen table. "It is, and I'm at a loss as to what I can, or should do. I'm thinking I'll sell my business by the end of the year and look for work elsewhere."
Night's eyes widened in surprise. "Sell your business!? But Clock, it's what you're good at, what you love to do."
Clock smiled sadly. "True, but the love of my trade pales when it comes to you and Spark. If I need to give that up in order for us to live comfortable, than I will."
Night left the stove and made her way towards Clock. She guided his head towards her with a wing and planted a kiss on his lips, letting the contact remain for a few seconds before breaking away. "I'm lucky to have met a loving stallion like you, and Spark is lucky to have you as a father."
Clock smiled warmly at his wife before a thought passed through his mind. "Speaking of Spark, where is he? Usually I can hear whatever he's up to when I walk through the door. The kid doesn't really understand the meaning of subtlety."
Night frowned in confusion at the question. Confusion soon morphed into horror and her eyes widened in alarm. "I-I haven't seen or heard of him all day! I've been busy cleaning up the house I must have let the time slip from me!"
Clock groaned as he got off the chair and made his way upstairs. If Night didn't know where Spark was, than the rascal could be anywhere within the house. Still, if he knew his son, the demon would be where he was told not to go. With that thought in mind, Clock made his way towards his study. When he opened the door his assumption was proven correct.
Spark Plug was leaning over his desk and had a screwdriver in his hoof. His tongue was poking out of the corner of his mouth as he tinkered with the device in front of him. Much to Clock's horror, the device Spark was messing with just so happened to be his special project, his last chance to save his dying business.
Clock found his rage growing as he watched his son place the screwdriver in his toolbox, closing the lid. The colt looked pleased with himself as he closed the back door of the clock. It would seem he was finished with whatever he had planned.
Clock cleared his throat and got his son's attention. The colt in question froze at the sound and he slowly turned in his seat until he was facing his red faced father. Spark's ears flattened against the back of his head in worry as he looked at the ground.
"H-Hi Dad."
Clock spoke through gritted teeth, "Spark, what have I told you about coming into this room."
Spark winced at the reminder and the clear anger his father was holding back. "Y-You said to not come in here..."
Clock nodded. "I did, and yet time and time again you find it necessary to do so. Not only that, but this time you actually messed with my work. I've been working on that project for years now, and you know how much it means to me."
Spark nodded rapidly, his body trembling as he spoke, "I-I know. I... I just wanted to help."
Most of Clock's anger evaporated as Spark explained the reasoning behind his actions. Clock once more found himself sighing, wondering what he would do now with his project ruined. He was tired and out of options, but he would not blame his son for it.
Most of it, anyway.
Clock moved to the side of the door as he looked to his son, his hoof pointed out the entryway. "Spark, go to your room and stay there. You deliberately entered this room when I've told you not to and have continued to do so in the past. You can come down for dinner in twenty minutes, but right after that you're going to wash up and go to bed. I want you to think about what you've done."
Spark sniffed as he hopped off the chair and made his way towards his room, head hung low. Clock shook his head in disappointment as he closed the door behind Spark, leaving him alone.
His attention returned to his project, the clock now facing forwards like he had left it before. He moved to the desk and sat himself in the chair, looking at his life's work. He had made good progress on the clock, but he could never figure out how to get it to fully operate. After Spark's interference, he had no doubt he would have to start from scratch, and he didn't have the time to do so. With a delicate hoof he reached around to the back and turned a small crank. When turned, the clock would set with the time and would release a small jingle, as well as open the front compartment to allow something small to exit the clock. It would then retreat back into the clock and would remain silent until the next hour hit.
Expecting little to happen, Clock was amazed when he heard a small chime come from the clock. Soon after the front hatch above the clock's face opened up, and a plank extended outward towards him. It remained that way for several seconds before retreating inwards, waiting for the next hour mark.
Clock's eyes were wide and his jaw had dropped during the event.
Spark had fixed his life's project.
Several days had passed since Clock learned of what Spark had done. In that time he locked himself in his study, only coming out for dinner. Night and Spark were worried at first something was wrong, but Clock would never show any signs of unease. When the two saw him, he would always be smiling and was easy to excite, leaving them both confused.
It was one day that Clock finally emerged from his study in victory. He had finally finished his project and had completed all of the additional parts it needed. Now, when the hatch opened, instead of a bare plank, a small, wooden pony would stand on the end, waving to whoever was watching it at the time.
immediately after he finished the clock, he visited the artisan guild in Canterlot. The masters there loved his work, and found the time piece to be an exceptional way to bring back well made, and classic woodwork clocks. Many of those same masters and high end craftsponies fought one another to purchase the rights to make and sell the dubbed 'cuckoo clock'. Clock eventually sold the design to the highest bidder and one who specialized in wood products. He received a generous amount of bits up front and would further receive a weekly stipend based on how many were sold while on the market.
His family fortune, and his business, had been saved.
Spark Plug warily left his room and trotted down the stairs to the living room. It had been a week since the day he'd been grounded, and every day he felt awful for what he had done. It was no doubt his fault that his father now locked himself in his study, leaving only to eat and sleep. To make matters worse, his father suddenly left, and didn't say where he was going.
Spark had cried himself to sleep that night, believing he had had pushed his father away from him and his mother. When he asked her about it, she only smiled and laughed, leaving him confused and even more upset.
Upset until he learned why his Dad left for the city.
When he returned a few days later, Spark noticed how giddy his father was, even to him. He'd been baffled when one of the first things he did upon coming home was give both his mother and himself kisses. When he questioned his father about his antics, he was told everything, including the part where he fixed the clock.
Spark Plug was overjoyed to hear that the clock had worked, but he was still wary of his father. He would look at him now with a mischievous smile, one that set him on edge. When he had been told this morning that his mother and father had an announcement for him, he figured he would finally know what they had in store for him.
As he entered the living room he saw both of his parents seated next to each other on the couch. His mother patted an open spot between them, asking for him to join. After he got comfortable on the sofa, he looked to his parents in confusion, noticing the wide smiles they were giving him. It wasn't long until their idea was pitched to him, and it brought him no small amount of horror.
Tomorrow would be the first day of Kindergarten...
It was Monday morning in Everglade. Ponies, both Equestrian and Nocturne alike, were walking the streets of the town. The market district in particular was crowded as mares and stallions fought each other for goods and produce. Despite the cacophony of sounds, one would still be able to hear the whining of a colt rise above all others.
"Do I really have to go?"
Night Shimmer sighed and quietly counted to ten before she addressed her son once more, "Yes, you really have to go, we've already talked about this. Your father and I think it would be good for you to spend time with other foals your age. You can't just stay locked up in your room reading all day, it's not healthy!"
Spark Plug grumbled to himself as he followed his mother down the dirt path. When he learned yesterday that he would be attending kindergarten, he had vehemently opposed the idea. He had better things to do then spend time with other ponies, such as read that book he hasn't finished yet, or continue looking over the dictionary!
He called his dictionary Tom; it just felt right.
"Dear, I know you don't want to do this, but it's for your own good. You're already incredibly smart for a colt your age, don't you think you deserve some time off?"
Spark shook his head. "Why should I? I could just use that time to grow even smarter!"
Night frowned at her son. "Because a growing colt needs to have a little social interaction! Not once have you ever asked me for a play date with another foal, and whenever I try to bring you out you always throw a fuss. Sorry Spark, but you're not getting out of this one. It'll just be a few hours every day, and I'll be there to pick you up afterwards."
Night watched as her son returned to sulking, and desperately thought of a way to make this situation more enjoyable for him. "You know Spark, you might find another who enjoys learning and tinkering as much as you do."
Spark looked up at her mother with hopeful eyes. "You really think so?"
"I'm sure of it!"
Night shimmer didn't believe a word she said.
The two eventually reached the entrance to the small building, the bright colored paint harsh on both Night and Spark. The building reminded Night of a daycare rather than a schoolhouse. Neither made a move as they listened to the sounds of voices from within. Spark tried to sneak back down the road they came from, but his mother grabbed his tail in her teeth and dragged him back.
"Oh no you don't, you're going to make some friends today. Let's go in there and talk to the teacher, okay?"
Spark pouted, but was unable to change his mothers mind. Night tittered at her son's attempt at looking cute, and quickly ushered him into the building. When the two entered, Night was pleasantly surprised and Spark was left stricken with a sense of dread.
The building was essentially one big, indoor playground, colts and fillies running around the room. The sounds of fun and laughter permeated the air, leaving Spark anxious to retreat into a secluded space. Night draped a wing over her son's back and gave him an encouraging smile before searching for the supervisor. It didn't take long to find them. The teacher was a yellow colored pegasus mare with a smiling sun for a cutie mark.
The mare was smiling as she watched the children enjoy themselves, oblivious to the duo near the door. Night cleared her throat and called out to her, "Excuse me, miss?"
The mare looked up in surprise before smiling once more, making her way over to the two. Her smile grew when she spotted Spark. "Hello, I think I can take a wild guess and assume that this little tyke here is going to be attending kindergarten this year?"
Night smiled and pushed her son forward with a wing. "This is my son, Spark. It was a last minute decision between my husband and I, but I truly believe it'll do him some good to spend time with other foals."
The mare smiled warmly at Spark as she fell to her haunches. "Well hello to you Spark! My name is Bright Light, but you can just call me Bright. We're all friends here, and I'm sure we'll be best buddies by the end of the day."
Spark smiled nervously, unsure of what to think of the mare. He'd never had a "buddy" before, but it did sound like fun. He looked between Bright and the other children, noticing that some of them were looking his way. Unused to so many eyes on him at once, he soon found himself hiding behind his mother's legs.
He peeked out from behind and greeted Bright, feeling much more secure with his mother between them, "H-Hello, Bright."
Night Shimmer chuckled, amused by her son's antics. For as smart as Spark was, he still hadn't developed any social skills. With any luck that would change over the next couple of months.
Night stepped to the side and pushed her son forward once more. "Spark, me and Bright Light need to talk in private for a little bit," Bright frowned for a moment in confusion, but quickly returned to her smile, "so why don't you go and have some fun with the other foals?"
Spark Plug looked between his mother and the numerous fouls that crowded the room. With a final sigh of defeat he nodded his head and stepped forward to meet his doom. Night rolled her eyes as Bright directed her into the school's office.
Spark followed his mother's departure until the door closed. When he turned back to the other foals, they were still screaming and yelling happily. Never before had Spark felt so out of place, and he found himself thinking of a way to make it "normal".
He recalled a word he learned in his dictionary that explained the scene before him very well. If he remembered correctly, the word he was looking for was Anarchy. As he recalled the definition of the word, he got a brilliant idea on how to fix this mess.
All he needed now was some building materials...
Bright Light closed the door behind Night Shimmer as she entered, the sounds of the children dying away somewhat. She made her way over to her desk while Night took a chair opposite. Bright removed some papers from her desk as well as a pencil which she held within her wing. Night observed the nimble action with jealousy, but quickly brushed it away.
Bright Light took the initiative, "I must say Mrs. Shimmer, you're son is absolutely adorable! I'm sure he'll fit right in with the rest of the students."
Night smiled at the compliment. "Yes, he truly is a gift. There is, however, a big reason why I wanted to speak to you in private."
Bright tilted her head in confusion before understanding dawned in her eyes. "Oh! Let me guess, Spark has certain needs, right? Don't you worry Mrs. Shimmer, I can promise you I'm certified to handle anything you throw my way. What is it? Hard hearing? Blindness, perhaps?"
Night bit her lip. "Spark... has no connection to magic."
Bright Light's eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she looked at Night in surprised horror. Only when the pencil fell from her wing and hit the desk did she break out of her stupor. She shook her head and looked at Night with sadness in her eyes, tears beginning to pool in the corners. "Th-That's horrible! How did such a thing happen? Does Spark even know?"
Night shook her head sadly. "Spark has no idea. He was born with a rare disease which nullifies the magic within him, and any that comes into contact with him. I wanted you to know so you can watch him should he come too close to magic. I don't want him finding out about his disability, not until he's a little older. I know it's not right to hide it from him, but he's still just a child. If he knew he had no magic he would be devastated. I'm sure he'll be able to handle it better once he's older."
Bright Light bit her lip in thought, nodding. "I see what you mean, but, and I mean no offense in saying this, you're playing a dangerous game. Unicorn foals have a tendency to overcharge their magic, and not even I can predict when that will happen. If Spark Plug were to be hit by a wayward spell, and nothing would happen to him, it would no doubt raise a lot of questions in his mind."
Night sighed. "I know... but I'm willing to take that chance. Other than the random outburst, do you think you can keep Spark busy should an activity come up which involves magic?"
Bright nodded and began to write down information on the paper. She would be hard pressed to keep Spark away from magical toys, but she would do her job. It was why she signed up for this, she loved making children smile and she simply can't bear the thought of an unhappy foal.
She stopped writing when Night spoke up once more, "There's something else you should know about Spark. You see, he's incredibly smart."
Bright smiled happily, pleased to hear something positive about the sweet colt. "Really? Well then, I'm sure he'll excel at some of our learning activities. We tend to focus on the alphabet here as well as some more important words. Some of the children out there still haven't grown out of their 'baby' talk. Still, I could throw him a few advanced words and questions his way if you want. Just how far in is he?"
Night smiled sheepishly at the mare. "Well... based on everything he's read and studied... he's more than halfway done with middle school."
Bright almost fell out of her chair.
"M-Middle school!? But, Spark's only four or five years old, is he not?"
"He is, but he has an incredible memory, and spends most of his time reading and studying. It's one of the reasons why I brought him here. Education is all well and good, but he's still a child, and he needs social experiences as well. With any luck he'll manage to make a few friends here."
Bright Light nodded as she wiped her forehead with a hoof. She's had to deal with problem children in the past, but this was something else entirely. Praise Celestia the kid seemed nice enough, otherwise she might have to take drastic measures.
Bright jotted down a few more notes before filing them away within her drawer. She gave Night a strained smile as she rose from her seat and made her way towards the office door. "Well, it certainly sounds like I'll have a lot on my hooves with Spark, but I'll certainly do my best to make him, and the rest of the foals, happy. Will you be by later to pick him up?"
Night nodded as she followed after the teacher. "I will. The time is from 11:00 to 3:00, correct?"
Bright opened the door. "It is, and don't worry about Spark, I'm sure he'll be just... fine..."
Bright trailed off as she beheld the strange scene in front of her. In the corner of the play area was a giant castle made up of blocks, pillows, and anything else that could be used as a building material. If it wasn't for the fact that it was made from children's toys, it would have been quite an amazing piece of work. What truly amazed Bright, however, was that it seemed to be fully operational, and even sported an open doorway with a balcony above it.
The balcony was currently occupied by none other than Spark Plug himself. Standing next to him was a white, pegasus filly called called Lily Flower; Lily was blushing softly as she looked over Spark. The rest of the foals were situated beneath the balcony, looking up at Spark with wide, excited eyes.
A jumbled mess of "hales 'Ing Shpark Flug" and "hales Cueen Wily Fwower" came from the group.
Bright turned her head away from the scene when she heard the front door open. Night Shimmer had one hoof out the door and was sweating profusely as she tried, in vain, to give Bright Light an encouraging smile.
"Sopickupisatthreeseeyouthenhavefunbye!"
Night quickly shut the door before Bright could even get a word in. Before she could even begin to process the sudden change of events, "King" Spark Plug made a public announcement.
Spark Plug had to admit, kindergarten was a rather enjoyable experience.
His first day alone was considered an accomplishment, having rallied a group of schoolfoals to obey his every beck and call. Bright Light was hesitant at first, but she soon played along as well when Spark offered her the role of Royal Adviser. The entire day was spent playing 'Kingdom', most of the other foals playing along for fun.
When Spark returned home for the day he spent most of the night telling his parents about all the fun he had. Night Shimmer was more than happy to hear that Spark's first day of school went so well. Clock Work, on the other hoof, wondered how his introvert son managed to control and lead a group of foals.
Apparently bribery through food is a great way to get foals to listen to you.
Night Shimmer spent the remainder of the night explaining to Spark Plug why it wasn't nice to bribe others with your own lunch. His father attempted to give him a similar speech as well, but couldn't manage a straight face throughout it, much to his wife's annoyance. Regardless, Spark learned from the lesson and promised not to offer his lunch to his classmates anymore.
The next morning Spark Plug walked into the schoolhouse with his mother, a bright smile on his face. He had originally wanted to show her the fort he built, but was devastated to see that it had been taken down. The next half hour was spent with Bright Light and Night Shimmer calmly explaining to an upset Spark why he couldn't continually reign supreme over the rest of the class.
And thus Spark Plug, in all his childhood innocence, took from the lesson that continuity isn't always a good thing.
With this new mindset he tackled the rest of the day rather calmly. He enjoyed his time with the other foals, and excelled at the numerous learning exercises that took place throughout the day. He never stayed on a single topic for too long though, choosing to cover as many different subjects as possible. This ranged from basic math and Equish to arts and crafts. His sporadic activities did, however, push him away from the other foals. While many of the other children enjoyed spending time with Spark, his tendencies were a cause for a headache. However, there was one foal who followed the energetic colt from activity to activity.
Spark Plug sat within the reading section of the play room as foals around him played and squealed in excitement. He glanced up from his book to see most of the class was engaged in some kind of ball game. Spark watched them for a few more moments before returning to his studies. As much fun as the game appeared he had neglected his studies for too long. It had been almost eight hours since he last learned something new.
He was so engrossed in his book he didn't realize he had company until the individual spoke, "What'cha readin?"
Spark jumped out of his coat in fright. His head snapped to the side where he identified the speaker to be none other than the white pegasus filly Lily Flower. Spark blinked at Lily in surprise for a few moments, much to her amusement, before showing her the cover of his book. "It's a book about geology and the different minerals under the earth," Spark exclaimed with an excited smile. "I brought it with me from home since most of the books here at school are too silly."
Lily tilted her head in confusion. "'Too silly'? Aren't they supposed to be? After all, they're just stories."
Spark nodded his head. "That's exactly what I mean, they're just silly stories. I prefer to read books with a bit more sustenance," Spark explained with a proud smile. He pulled a random book from the bookshelf beside him and looked at the cover. The title alone caused him to grimace. "Take this book for example: The Big Bad Timberwolf. I read this earlier and I found it to be too silly to read."
Lily pouted as she sat down next to the energetic colt. "But... I like that story. Is it really that bad?"
Spark nodded his head. "It is, and for a number of reasons. For starters timberwolves can't actually speak, and they certainly can't walk on their hind legs. There is also no way they could ever generate so much wind to knock down any structure, let alone be done with their own breath. The story is nothing but a complete fabrication and an insult to science and magic," Spark proclaimed with a smug smile, confident he had delivered an enlightening and straightforward lesson.
Lily tilted her head as she examined the colt before her. She was so ready to defend one of her favorite books, but now she was at a loss for words. She found the way Spark spoke to be cute, if not a bit haughty. She knew she wasn't as smart as him, as she didn't know some of the words he used, but she still got the gist of the argument.
For as young of a mare as Lily was she was still smarter than the average foal her age. She understood quite a bit and believed she had a good grasp on everyday concepts. Despite that she was left puzzled as she continued to gaze into Spark's eyes. She had spoken with most of the other foals in the school and none of them have left her feeling so upset, and yet so intrigued at the same time. Spark was something of a mystery to Lily, a puzzle she wanted to uncover.
Lily knew this would only give spark more ammo to insult one of her favorite books, but her curiosity over the way he thought won out. She scooted closer to him and posed him the question, "What else is wrong about it?"
Spark tilted his head in confusion as he pondered the question and its implications. Never before had Spark met another pony who had listed to what he had to say and then continued a conversation with him. Other adults usually ignored him when he tried to speak logically, and even his parents could only take so much of him. Yet here was a pony, a filly no less, who wanted to hear him talk. He wasn't sure if he should be worried or ecstatic at the prospect of lecturing another.
"W-Well," he stammered, bringing his thoughts together, "It's not realistic that by the end of the story the three pigs and the timberwolf all became friends."
"Really?" Lily asked, surprised, "Isn't it better to make friends rather than fight?"
Spark shook his head. "Not in this context. According to the biology book I read timberwolves survive mostly off of tree sap and a number of magic based plants. However, their bodies, despite the odd anatomy, can process and digest meat. If given the chance they will normally prefer consuming meat as it powers their innate magic more efficiently. The book didn't say how exactly, but it had something to do with the enzymes found within the meat."
Lily remained silent as she processed the information given to her. It saddened her that one of her favorite books was wrong, but it saddened her even more to know that the timberwolf and the pigs wouldn't get along. Her mother and father always told her that friendship and harmony could overcome anything. She decided to keep this thought to herself and instead ask Spark something else that had been bugging her, "Hey, Spark? What's an enzyme?"
Spark opened his mouth to respond, but a look of confusion overcame him. He promptly closed his mouth and looked off to the side in embarrassment. "I-I don't actually know. I mostly repeated what the book told me. I forgot to check my dictionary."
Lily giggled as she caught sight of Spark's blush. She scooted closer to the colt until she was sitting directly beside him. "Well, I'm curious about what an 'enzyme' is. Could I come over after class and help you look for it?"
Spark turned his head back to the filly and gave her a bright smile. "Sure! I could also show you some of the other books I have and I bet Tom would be happy to meet you!"
Clock Work opened the door to his home, hanging his hat on the nearby coat rack. Another hard day at the workshop had left him drained, but in a good way. Well, as good as one can be after tinkering with a type of clock that he hadn't even completed in the first place. While the design of the Cuckoo Clock, as it has come to be known as, was his own, he didn't deserve full credit. It was his son that managed to get the gears to work in tune with the magic. How a foal with no magic of his own managed to do that baffled Clock. With a light sigh and a shake of his head he banished the thoughts from his mind. He was home now, and it was time to unwind.
He made his way to he living room, finding his wife splayed out upon the couch as she stared at the ceiling. He walked over to her and looked down in confusion. "Is everything alright dear?"
Night smiled up at her husband and rolled her eyes. "More or less. You'll never guess what Spark managed to do today."
"Knowing that colt anything is on the table. Why don't you spare me the twenty questions and tell me what our wonder child managed to accomplish?" Clock answered, sitting on the couch next to her.
Night snorted and snuggled up to her mate. "He brought home a friend from school today, and a filly no less."
Clock blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry, did you just say our introvert son managed to make a fillyfriend?"
Night gently punched the stallion in the side. "Not like that you dolt," she giggled, sitting up. "Just a friend, and a curious one as well. They're both upstairs in his room researching different things."
Clock chuckled as he lifted himself from the couch and made for the stairs. "Another Spark Plug? And in mare form too? It sounds almost too good to be true! I'll go peek in, see what they're up to, and say hello."
Clock made his way up the stairs, wondering what would be in store for him. As a business stallion he knew a good number of the town's residents, so there was a good chance he would know the name of the filly. The thought caused him to chuckle once more. Imagine, his son bringing home mares at the age of five! Maybe it was time for "the talk"? He snorted in amusement as he reached the top of the stairway. Already he could hear the voices of his son and another. It wasn't until he reached the door to Spark's room, however, did he catch what the two were talking about.
"Do you think it tastes good?" Spark asked.
"I don't know, I've never tried it! It sounds yucky, but according to this book it's not uncommon," a sweet voice replied. Clock frowned as he wracked his head for a name. The voice sounded familiar, but he wouldn't know until he saw the filly.
"I don't even know where we could go to get some meat," Spark sighed in annoyance.
Clock's heart stopped for a moment as those words sunk in. His mind conjured a number of images, most of which would no doubt keep him awake tonight. He desperately hoped he was mistaken and they were talking about-
"We could always check the 'marketplace' and try to purchase some."
Clock's eye began to twitch violently. He did not like the way that filly said 'market'. Should he bring his wife up here to help him? Dear Celestia he wasn't ready to have this kind of talk with his son, let alone a strangers filly!
Spark's room was quite for a few moments before the colt spoke up, "Do you think my meat would taste good?"
"Nope!" Clock announced, barging into the room. When Clock entered the room he had expected to see two foals in compromising positions. What he instead found was his son and a white pegasus filly sitting in the middle of room surrounded by a number of open books.
"Hi dad!" Spark called happily, gaining his fathers attention. "I want you to meet a new friend I made today, Lily Flower."
Lily smiled up at Spark's father and gave him a small wave of her hoof. "Hello Mr. Work!"
Clock Work eyed the two children carefully as he returned the filly's greeting, "Hello Lily, it's very nice to meet you."
Spark seemed to notice his father's unease, and he made it known to the older stallion, "Hey, dad? Are you feeling okay? It looks like you're sweating."
Clock rubbed his foreleg against his forehead, feeling the perspiration he had accumulated. He wiped it against his coat before addressing his son, "I-I'm fine, sport. I just heard a bit of your conversation through the door and I was wondering what exactly you were talking about."
Spark grinned up at his dad as he showed him a book he had been reading. "We were researching the different enzymes located within meat and in what ways they help a carnivore or omnivore!"
Clock nodded his head more to himself then to spark as he looked over the book. To say he was relieved would be an understatement, but there was still some cause for alarm. He cleared his throat and posed the next question on his mind, "And... why did you want to try eating meat?"
Spark and Lily exchanged looks before looking back up at Clock. They shrugged in response to his question with Lily taking the role of speaker, "We were just curious as to what meat might taste like. According to a philosopher from one of the books Spark owns, it's ideal to understand that of the enemy if we wish to better understand their way of thinking. Since manticores and timberwolves have been known to eat ponies, they can technically be considered the 'enemy'."
"But timberwolves don't actually have any meat on them, do they?" Spark spoke up, looking to Lily. "They are comprised mostly of bark, right?"
Lily tilted her head in thought. "Do you think there's edible bark in the world?"
"Well," Clock interrupted, "as much fun as that research sounds, I think I'll leave you two to it. Have fun!" He called out as he bolted from the room, closing the door behind him.
Lily watched the stallion leave with a smile before turning to Spark, "Your dad seems nice."
Spark grinned. "Thanks, but he can be a bit weird sometimes. He sure was sweating a lot though for some reason," he added in afterthought.
"Give it to me!" Clock cried out, pushing against Night's body.
"Have you gone mad!? We promised we wouldn't drink after Spark's birth!" Night complained, holding a bottle of wine away from her husband.
"Forget the promise, I need to drink my problems away!" Clock shouted as he pounced his wife in desperation.
The two foals continued their studies for the rest of the day upstairs, unaware of the epic fight for the bottle of booze a floor below.
