It had been nearly an entire day since Ash's journey had begun; his legs were uncomfortable from their position squashed up against all the bags and other pieces of luggage that had been crammed into the back of the car along with himself. He was hungry, tired and worst of all he already missed his town, he still heard the voices of his friend’s throughout his mind knowing that he wouldn't be hearing them again for a very long time. Glancing out the car window he watched as the landscape flew past him, trees and fields soared by in a blur. "How much further is this 'Canterlot' anyway?"
Ash asked his tone of voice carrying with it a groan.
Ash’s mother Alice, who was sitting in the front passenger seat turned her head back to see the utter boredom and overall tired expression on her son’s face. She felt sorrier for him in this situation than anyone else, though few had liked the idea of them moving to begin with. Ash was only sixteen and in such a crucial time in a young man’s life he had been stripped away from his friends, school and the only home he had ever really known. Now on his way to some far off unknown place that was most likely going to spend all his time despising; Alice just wanted her son to grow up happily and achieve all through his life. That could all be put at jeopardy now.
Alice sighed “It shouldn’t be too much longer now Ash… maybe a few more hours,”
she replied consulting the map.
Ash groaned yet again turning his attention back towards the passing countryside, it wasn’t that he didn’t believe what his mother was telling him, but more to do with not being able to last in this car for another five minutes let alone five hours. The sun was setting over the horizon casting long dark shadows under everything the light touched; looking across the scene seeing pink skies melt together with orange burnt clouds made Ash feel a little better for nothing should be allowed to spoil the serenity of the scene before him. Ash pulled his I pod out of his pocket and putting headphones in each of his ears begun to play some calming music in a hope to put himself to sleep for the last leg of his trip. Fortunately for him it worked as he slept the Sun sank pulling the world into darkness. Only to be reborn into a new light, the light of the moon and it was in this light that six familiar girls were preparing for a very busy night.
Waiting patiently in their latest performance venue ‘Canterlot Performance club’ a small but popular rental joint in which a manner of different occasions could take place. The Rainbooms sat in one of the many backstage band waiting zones; each one complete with mirrors, a small closet, six chairs and a table (*Very* glamorous conditions). Each member of the band was busying themselves with something to evade boredom; Applejack and Rainbow Dash were checking over their instruments while Rarity dashed about from person to person examining there outfits with great precision and effort. Lastly was Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Sunset shimmer chatting to one another in anticipation. Pinkie being her usual bubbly self, speaking the most; whilst still allowing Sunset to participate and Fluttershy adding quiet words every now and again.
“gotta say this place is pretty sweet and gonna be hella’ lot sweeter once we get on that stage; Hey Sunset how did you get us this gig anyway?” Rainbow dash asked her reformed friend; the question quickly having an impact as all faces turned onto Sunset with looks of sudden curiosity.
“Well it wasn’t easy for one thing; honestly I’m surprised tonight has gone this smoothly so far,” Sunset confessed looking at them all sincerely.
“Oh? An’ how’s that?” Applejack asked looking up from her base guitar.
Sunset looked into the eyes of each of her friends and sighed “It’s just we’ve been getting so many requests lately and with all my school work on top of practice my organization is kinda –“
“RAINBOOMS! What are you doing here?”
The dressing room door had been unceremoniously flung open to reveal a tall, slender looking blonde young girl who was not much older than the Rainbooms. Behind her just outside the door was a heavily built man wearing a suit and sunglasses as well as their schools photography legend: Photo Finish. The blonde girl wore stylish clothes that looked so designer it would make Rarity’s jaw drop to the ground – and did. Her eyes were sharp and surrounded by eyeliner, nails pampered and manicured and yet still resembled talons; she was wearing a tight red and black dress that did a good job showing off her bodies features. Five Rainbooms stared at her bewildered; four of them wondering what she was doing there and one simply astonished by her looks. Once snapped out of there stupor Sunset stepped up to take control of the situation as she normally would.
“Umm, excuse me miss; but none of us know what you’re taking about.” The girl’s eyes narrowed as slowly an uncomfortable and unpleasant smirk spread across her face as she placed one hand on her hip.
“Hm, guess for a group of such good, good, good friends you don’t know how to communicate very well,” Sunset just looked at her confused “wow you really don’t know huh? ONE of you knows why I’m here.”
Around the room there were shared looks of confusion between the Rainbooms, each looking to another for answers. Until slowly it dawned on them one Rainboom was missing all eyes scanned the room finally noticing Rainbow Dash being unusually quiet, sat down staring at the wall trying to remain out of sight; making herself as small as possible. “Rainbow...” Sunset started but unable to finish as Dash jolted up facing her friends.
“It wasn’t my fault! I didn’t know we had this gig tonight and it seemed like such a great opportunity for us at the time! I mean helping us make a demo cd while we’re still popular is an awesome offer that I couldn’t just pass up so I didn’t discuss it with you guys but once I knew we had this gig I thought Kiki wouldn’t mind and I’d just explain her why we didn’t show up tomorrow!” Rainbow nearly collapsed from lack of breath saying all that so quickly but remained standing but heavily panting.
Sunset turned on the blonde girl with a raised eyebrow “So Kiki?”
“It’s Kiki Shenel and what Dash neglected to mention was you were also booked a spot at my father’s dance club tonight rather than this shabby dump; but clearly this was a mistake and the Rainbooms just aren’t what people think,”
“Now you wait jus’ a darn minute!” Applejack stood up taller raising her voice and striding towards Kiki ready to defend their honour.
“Applejack is quite right we are as good as anyone else and while maybe not reaching the standards of your father’s establishment the ‘Canterlot performance club’ has character, charm and well errm…” Rarity chipping in but then stated to lose pace.
“Cupcakes!” Pinkie finished. As everyone looked at pinkie for her sudden outburst a man dressed in all black carrying a clip board poked his head into the dressing room.
“Rainbooms you’re on in five!” he yelled immediately disappearing as quickly as he appeared.
“C’mon guys we’ve got a show to give ta these people,” Rainbow exclaimed pushing past Kiki brandishing her instrument in hand followed by five others. As she left the dressing room Sunset felt her arm grasped only to see Kiki looking at her intently.
“You and your friends have potential; but I’m not sticking my neck out for you like this again. You have two weeks to organize yourselves and work out if you want my help or not until that time don’t contact me.” Kiki finished releasing Sunset from her grasp and strutting off; Photo and the suit hot on her tail.
Sunset quickly caught up with her friends having finally left the dressing room for the stage eager for their turn to go on and show off their skills (while avoiding any magical use of course). The stage of the club looked down to a small floor for eager patrons to dance, rave and sing along to their hearts content; while small tables filled the room’s edges. Loud cheers ensued as The Rainbooms made their way onto stage a single thought buzzing in Sunset’s mind. “We need a manager.”
Ash’s snapped open suddenly only to be met with the dim glow of yellow street lights along with the night sky outside the car window. As he looked around dazed trying to work out what had woken him up he quickly realised that he didn’t care “Weird,” he thought to himself closing his eyes again “It’s like the universe just slapped me in the face or something.”
The blinding light of the morning sun drew Ash from his uncomfortable yet well-needed slumber; he felt a burning sting in his back after sleeping on an old mattress straight off the floor. He was grateful that the car trip from hell was finally over having been squashed up against luggage in the back of a hot car for 16 hours; however he’d be pleased to do it a thousand times over if it had meant he didn’t have to move in the first place - not that this new house was bad. It was bigger than his old house with better utilities and his bedroom window had a much better view; but he didn’t care, for him it was just another reminder of what he’d left behind. “Well… looks like day one of this awful place,” Ash mumbled to himself as he slowly sat up.
Once awake and moving It didn’t take long for him to throw on some clothes and make his way downstairs for breakfast where he was greeted by his parents who had already begun unpacking and sorting through boxes. Ash’s father heard his son’s footsteps descending down the wood staircase smiling and turning to see him. Although all he saw was the look of distain and tiredness plastered on Ash’s face “Morning champ you sleep well?” he asked with an unsure tone of voice.
Ash merely scowled when he heard this “Being patronising won’t help the situation if that’s what you’re asking.” Ash replied coldly.
“Now Ash that’s no way to talk to your father,” his mother replied with a soft sighed tone. Letting out a sigh of his own Ash proceeded to trudge slowly past his parents like a zombie noting his new surroundings. The house was a dream come true; large, comfortable and better than anything he was used to living back in Denver, the futuristic home was certainly a product of 21st century technology, but that was part of the problem. Despite these conflicted emotions about the move Ash certainly wasn’t going to let his mom or dad ‘read’ him yet he wanted to keep on his poker face. After grabbing twenty dollars from the counter and finding what few school supplies he could out of boxes; Ash left the new house confident he could find his way to school.
Lost. It isn’t something you want to be… especially in a new state, town and when you only have a limited amount of time to find your way. ‘Better consult a map; if I can find one’ Ash thought strolling casually down the street he found himself on. The inhibition to care about what was going on around him had not yet returned so wasn’t all too worried about being late for school but felt obliged to at least put some effort into finding it on the first day. The street he was walking down had a wide variety of shops; some beginning to open their doors for late morning while a few corporate ones had been open since 06:00 am, each one looking as if there was a small flat or extra shop above them. It was walking down the street glancing into the windows he saw not a shop; but an animal shelter, something he’d have paid no mind to expect there was a girl of similar age to him just walking out the door. She had long pink flowing hair, big cyan blue eyes and a green skirt with three pink and white butterflies on it. On realising there was a stranger looking at her the girl let out a sudden high pitched “Eeep!” before hiding her face behind her hair.
“Whoa! I’m sorry didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Ash responded quickly walking with a fast pace trying to get out of this awkward situation until a thought dawned on his mind, this girl was a very similar age to him.
“Actually one thing, sorry to ask but you wouldn’t happen to know where a ‘Canterlot High’ is, would you?” the girl perked up in stance a little; her trembling instantly seizing. “It’s just I’m lost and have no idea where I am or how to get there,” The girls face became partly visible as she nodded meekly “great!” Ash thought aloud “Please, lead the way,” his enthusiasm for the school surprising both himself and the girl, as she hid in her hair again.
They’d both started walking down the street like Ash had been but now with clarity of direction. The girl with the pink hair didn’t say much… in fact she didn’t say anything; just walked a little ahead of Ash always looking straight ahead of her so Ash picking up his walking pace to keep on her right side (closest to the road) and began to try and strike up a conversation. “So… what’s your name?” he asked carefully.
For a second the girl with the pink hair shot him a glance of something that wasn’t fear “M-my name is f-Fluttershy,”
In a bustling retail district full of panicked shops and rushing people ash wouldn’t have heard that; but in the early morning calmness and his good hearing he just about caught it.
“Fluttershy huh? Guess the shy part makes sense, and those butterflies on your skirt are the fluttering part.”
Fluttershy stopped and hid again; Ash couldn’t help but think this was a common problem people must have and how boring and repetitive it must get. “What’s wrong now?”
The thought of a girl being embarrassed that a boy had been looking at her skirt was not something Ash considered; he was observant and made a deduction nothing more to it. While unknown to Ash, Fluttershy had picked up one his innocent demeanour, deciding he didn’t mean any harm.
“Oh... it’s nothing,” she cleared her thought quietly “Canterlot high is just around the corner now,”
Ash could tell it wasn’t ‘nothing’ that just made Fluttershy stop; but if she didn’t want to talk about it he wouldn’t push her on it and instead let it go deciding to try and get their conversation back on track “So you work at that animal shelter?”
Fluttershy opened up at his question almost instantly “Oh no, I just volunteer there, I don’t think there’s anything I’d rather do with my free time then help all those cute little animals,” she finished with a small smile and contented sigh.
“I see, well good for you not many people would be willing to do that for others,”
“Thanks” Fluttershy whispered timidly; a blush starting to spread on her face. “What’s your name? …If you don’t mind my asking,” Ash turned to his head to look at her; he couldn’t think of anyone he’d ever met being this cautious and considerate.
“Err… It’s Ash, Ash Blake,” Ash replied forgetting his own name for a brief second as he was feeling a weird sensation; this girl seemed to have a strong aura of kindness about her; all his current problems melted away like leaves in the wind.
“Pleased to meet you Ash Blake,” Fluttershy responded smiling; Ash smiled back as the two wandered merrily down the road.
Just as they were getting confident in speaking to one another a large building came into sight, it looked very impressive and grand in the bright morning sun; two stories with symmetrical windows all the way across, purple brick work and golden horse head finials on the top of every corner, a glass dome on the roof which had some kind of small clock tower perched on top of it. This was clearly the front of the building as a magnificent marble white horse sculpture stood proud between the buildings symmetry. A flurry of different students could be seen; wandering towards the doors, sitting lazily on the grass either relaxing or writing things down into books and others standing in groups talking to each other.
“Ash, this is Canterlot high,” Fluttershy announced, gesturing her left hand towards the large building for emphasis. As she said this buses pulled up on the curb in front the school obscuring his brief view of the new ‘associates’ he’d be learning alongside.
“Er… wow, thanks for the directions Fluttershy. I guess I should sign in at the main office; you know make sure they know the new student’s here.” Ash answered to her proclamation to which she nodded in understanding.
“Oh yes, um that makes sense,” Fluttershy replied her voice and shyness shining though again.
“But I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Ash ended the conversation there crossing the road and making a B-line to the high schools front doors; ignoring the students that noticed him.
“I hope so,” a silent voice whispered to herself.
Clean, organized and colourful: the schools interior was as good as its exterior with its shiny lockers, reflective floors and exciting displays about the schools accomplishments and latest goings on. It wasn’t long since Ash Blake had spoken to reception, quickly being guided in the direction of the principal’s office (Somewhere he didn’t want to familiarise himself with) with no hesitation Ash knocked on the door and was permitted entry.
The office was large and fancy with potted plants in every corner, whiteboards and pin boards on the walls; the furniture looked soft and comfy and the desk was made of dark wood. Behind this desk was a pale skinned woman with multi-coloured hair wearing a yellow blouse with a purple shirt underneath witch had a sun badge on the collar. “Ah, you must be Ash Blake,” the woman said looking up from some paperwork she’d been doing. Ash noted her voice: it was soft like Fluttershy’s but far more authoritative; someone you could trust but definitely to be respected and obeyed, certainly good qualities of a high school principal.
“Yes… Principal Celestia,” Ash responded shaking her hand as she stood up “You run a nice school and I look forward to learning here.”
“Not,” Ash thought to himself.
“Why thank you, we here at CHS are welcoming and friendly so I’m sure you’ll settle into your new environment quite quickly and if you have any concerns; Vice principal Luna and myself always have our doors open,” Celestia finished with a smile. “Now just for your first day we’ve arranged to have a mature and responsible student help you around; she won’t be holding your hand but can help you at any time,”
“She?” Ash started before he was cut off by a knock on the door.
“Come in!” Celestia called.
“Well howdy, Stanger!”