Ponyville High: Ch. 1 - New Student

Ponyville High
Chapter 1: New Student

Equestria is a fair continent, free of conflict, but there are many conflicts in its past leading to its founding, as well as the founding of many of its cities. One such conflict was between the various inhabitants: Humans, Winglies, and Unimare. The Humans were the only ones who knew how to cultivate the land, and were greedy with the food they grew. They were clever, and they had to be with the other two races overpowering them. The Winglies are strong athletic warriors that believed they were angels incarnate due to their wings and military might. They were said to be able to control weather, which they used to their advantage. But even their might was rivaled by the magical talents of the Unimare. They were believed to be able to control the time of day, which they also used to their advantage. But one day they all came together in a time of conflict and formed one home, one nation, which became the capital of Equestria: Canterlot. It is here that the Alicorn, a race of Humans with Winglie wings and Unimare magic, reside over the country. To learn more about the conflicts, reference books include…

Twilight Sparkle yawns as she reads all this, not getting much sleep having been up all night studying. She was Unimare, and an intelligent one at that, getting private tutoring from Princess Celestia, and Alicorn who took it upon herself to be the district attorney of all schools in the country of Equestria. But even with the princess of their fair nation as her private tutor, she still worked around the clock studying everything she possibly could. Twilight was pale, even for a girl with darker skin, and violet hair with a pink and an indigo streak through it. She sat in the shade of a tree, wearing a lot of black and purple, being gothic. The anti-social girl gives off another big yawn and digs through the books in her back pack, blinking as she comes to realize she doesn't have any of the reference books mentioned in her history textbook. "How am I supposed to learn everything for history class? I don't have all the reference books?"

She sighs and zips up her bag, tossing it on her back as she quickly rushes from the courtyard and back into her dorm. She rides the elevator to the penthouse of the dorm where she lives, walking into the home of book case covered walls and a glass one before the balcony. This was of course covered to keep the sunlight dim so she could read more leisurely. She makes her way up to her assistant's room and kicks open his door with her buckled black boot. "Ow!" cries the voice of a young boy.

Twilight blinks and walks in, looking down at a spiky green haired boy on the floor. He wore a purple jacket over his white and blue striped shirt, and a pair of baggy navy blue cargo pants. He glares at her and Twilight blushes. "Sorry about that Spike! I just was in a hurry to get your help!" She notices a rather smashed looking present and motions to it. "What's that thing on the floor by you?"

Spike sighs and rubs the back of his head looking for a bump. "So I suppose knocking to see if I'm home is out of the question?" He looks to the present and groans, obviously annoyed. "This was a birthday present for a girl whose party you were invited to! I got this for her and was going to put both our names on it. Try and make it seem like you at least want to try and make friends."

Twilight rolls her eyes and says, "I don't have time for anything like that Spike, and neither due you. As my assistant I'll need you to help me locate and purchase a few new books for my collection. I need them as references for history class and the next big test."

Spike groans and says, "You don't need the references Twilight, unless they're specified by the teacher."

Twilight scowls and says, "I just want to cover all my bases Spike! You never know when the knowledge could become essential in the near future!"

"Is it enough to miss your private tutoring?" Twilight goes wide eyed and gulps, slowly turning around to find a woman with long flowing hair of bright shades of blue green and pink. Her white dress nearly reaches the floor, and her wings were large, white, and feathery like an angel. "Hello Twilight Sparkle. Is there a reason why you didn't show up for your lessons today?"

Twilight stares in shock, gulping again. Spike sits up and says, "Ooooo, busted."

Twilight snaps her fingers and they glow, a zipper appearing at the edge of Spike's mouth and zipping it shut. Spike pouts with his arms crossed as Twilight begins to sweat and tries to gather herself. "Hello your majesty, princess Celestia, I truly do appreciate your lessons! I was just… tired, and it had slipped my mind."

Celestia raises her eyebrow and says, "Up all night studying to unnecessary lengths again I see? Spending your student funds on books that you do not require? Ignoring a chance to go to a birthday party and make some friends? I must say Twilight; I am deeply disappointed in you."

Spike unzips his mouth and tsks at her, rubbing one index finger along the other saying, "For shame Twilight, for shame."

Twilight falls to her knees in shock, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. "No your majesty, I'm sorry, I can do better! I'll study twice as hard and long! I'll get nothing but straight 'A plus'!"

Celestia sighs and rubs her forehead. "That's enough! This isn't about your studies, Twilight! This is about your anti-social behavior and obsession with good grades stealing your life! During your time here at Canterlot High school, have you managed to make a single friend?" She leers at Twilight, who falls on her back shivering.

Twilight looks back at Spike and says, "Uh, Spike! Spike is my friend!"

Spike raises and eyebrow and says, "I'm your friend?" Twilight shushes Spike and smiles nervously at the princess.

Celestia leans forward looming over her with her eyes half closes in disbelief. "Spike is not your friend if you treat him more like an assistant Twilight. I mean an honest to goodness friend. One that you spend time with, and shares your interests."

Twilight pokes her black gloved index fingers together and looks around nervously. "You mean… like a study partner?" She grins wide, sweating profusely at this point.

Celestia says, "You see Twilight, this is exactly what I mean. You can continue to get good grades, even with friends. But you take all kinds of unnecessary precautions to ensure your good grades! That's why I can no longer let you attend Canterlot High school. I'm transferring you to a small town's boarding school where you will continue with your studies. And most of importantly: Make, Some, Friends! Do I make myself clear?"

Twilight lays there staring up at Celestia in a state of shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. She tears up and leaps to her feet, hugging Celestia. "Wait, I'm sorry, please don't send me away your majesty! I do have a friend! You're my friend, your majesty!"

Celestia smiles and hugs Twilight back. "I know Twilight, and that's why I have to do this. What I'm doing is for your own good. I'll keep in contact with you through video phone calls regularly. And it's not so bad. You're going to be staying with my younger sister Luna."

Twilight wipes away some of her tears and says, "Princess Luna?"

Celestia nods and says, "Yes, she is your age after all. Now pack your things and I'll have my personal vallet deliver you. And remember, make friends!"

Twilight starts, "But princess Celestia-"

Celestia puts a finger to her lips interrupting her with a, "No buts', just make friends!"

Her high heels clop against the ground as she walks off, leaving Twilight standing in the same spot with a look of terror on her face. She whimpers and says, "But I don't know how to make friends."

*************

Twilight pouts as a limo drives her and Spike from the airport, where Celestia's private jet dropped her off in the small town of Ponyville. Spike sits across from her, looking out the windows having the time of his life. "Come on Twilight. Look at this as a chance to expand your horizons. A new place, new people, a new start all together! Isn't that exciting?"

Twilight rubs her temples and says, "I'm glad at least one of us is enjoying this."

Spike scowls at her and points at her as he lectures, "You only have yourself to blame for this!" She cringes at his tone and begins to sink in her seat. "You never took the time to get to know me! We could be great friends if you tried! And I constantly tried to help you develop a social life! You've been so obsessed with your studies it's eating you alive! Don't you think this is exactly why the princess transferred you to a different school? Don't you want her proud of you?"

Twilight bites her lower lip and nods. "I'd do anything for the princess. She's always been there from the very day I tapped into my powers to now."

Spike smiles and holds out his hand. "Then make her proud. Let's start from the very beginning, as friends."

"Friends?" Twilight looks up at Spike with a shimmer in her eyes, slowly reaching out her hand and taking his in hers. She begins to stutter as she says, "Hello there, fellow student. My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?"

He smiles and shakes her hand as he responds, "My name is Spike, and it's a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to be friends?"

Twilight blushes and smiles. "I would like that, a lot." She bursts out giggling and covers her face with both hands. "This is kind of weird."

Spike shrugs and says, "Okay, I'll admit it won't be that easy to make friends at your new school. But this is the best way I could think of starting things out. Now we're friends, and that means no more treating me like I'm here to do everything for you." Twilight sinks back into her seat with a sad look to her face. "Of course that doesn't mean I won't help you whenever I can." He winks at her and she smiles hugging him tightly.

She mutters a thank you and he smiles patting her back, just in time for them to reach the front steps of the fenced off school. There are six different large buildings surrounding a beautiful courtyard in a perfectly aligned circle. Twilight blinks stepping out of the limbo and staring up at the building before them. "I read that this boarding school is number three in the country, and affordable for common folk like the members of this town. Because of this, and it being a boarding school, there are a lot of students that come from all over the country to study here."

Spike steps out and opens the trunk, blinking as it's filled with books. He rolls his eyes and digs through them, prying their suitcases out from under all the books. "Is that why they have so many big buildings?"

Twilight nods and says, "Kind of, each building is for something different though and represents something different. Behind this building where the courtyard is, the six buildings lie in a circle. The three to the north are the student dorms. There's the human dorm, which represents the honesty of their ancestors when it came to their time of need, giving up their trickery and underhanded ways. Then there's the Unimare dorm, which represents the generosity of their ancestors when they were willing to share their homes and powers with those who needed them. The Winglie dorm which represents loyalty, due to a Winglie never turning their back on a single one of their allies in need, a trait they had even before the great conflict. The building to the left is the recreational building, where they have plenty of ways for students to relax and unwind. It represents laughter, for the good times it brings amongst the students. To the right is the gardens, where they grow a variety of flora and fauna, raise both local and exotic animals. It represents kindness, due to everyone's willing ability to take care of everything there. And the building before us is where classes take place, and the library is located at the top! This building represents Magic, because everyone is willing to come together in one place and learn."

Spike goes flying, along with several books, after he pries the last bag free. As Twilight rushes over in a panic to pick up all her favorite books, Spike says, "So is there a reason why they have racial segregation for their dorms?"

Twilight bonks him on the head with a balled up fist and says, "Don't make it sound so gross. Winglies and Unimare need special treatment from humans, and it's easier to have an entire building of bedrooms set up specifically for one race rather than attempt to make each individual one suitable for its particular hosts. The students know this and appreciate this. You wouldn't understand, the country you came from has a single race."

Spike rolls his eyes and says, "I was born and raised in this country you know. So I'm part dragon, doesn't mean we don't have different types of dragon bloods."

Twilight sets aside her books in the trunk and says, "I guess you have a point. Sorry if I offended you."

"No offense taken." Spike smiles and pats her shoulder, blinking as a woman with grey hair, glasses, and a brown suit with a white under shirt and a teal tie comes walking up to their car with several men in suits. "I think this is principal Mayor."

Twilight gets a goofy look about her face and says, "Her last name is Mayor?"

Spike gives Twilight a 'be quiet' gesture as principal Mayor comes up and says, "I see our newest students have arrived! Our new junior, Twilight Sparkle, and our new freshman, Spike. It is an honor to have you at our school. Please, allow these gentlemen to take your belongings up to your new room above the library."

Twilight blinks and says, "We're going to be staying above the library?"

Principal Mayor nods and says, "Of course! That is where Princess Luna stays in her own private accommodations! Due to her being a royal Alicorn, she requires a special place to stay. I have been informed by the district attorney, and princess, Celestia that you two will be staying with her."

They both nod, but Spike freeze frames and he goes red in the face. "Wait a second! I'm bunking with two girls? I can't do that!"

The principal sighs and says, "I know it seems a little unorthodox, but you being a dragon blood, it makes it hard for us to figure out which dorm you would be in. And Luna asked for this arrangement personally, so just consider yourself lucky and don't get into any type of trouble." The principal winks and nudges the poor boy with her elbow.

Spike gulps looking up at Twilight who stares at him with eyes half closed and an eyebrow raised. "No problems there your majesty, considering my roommates are an Alicorn and a gothic librarian with as much magical strength as one." Twilight smirks and nods, satisfied by this statement.

The principal removes her glasses and gives them a quick wipe off. "Yes, well, I'm sure your school year will be very interesting. Now, why don't you take a look around the school? I'll have someone meet you in the courtyard to give you two a tour." She puts her glasses back on and shoos them away, motioning for the men to get started on their things.

Spike and Twilight make their way through the main hallway of the school building. The floors were tiled and waxed and lined with lockers as they made their way to the back where the courtyard was. The centerpiece was a beautiful fountain with a maiden shrouded only in a scarf covering the most revealing parts of her body from each of the three races standing in a circle, holding pots that sprayed off into the surrounding basin. Around this was a circle of a rainbow of flowers, and around this was grass and cement walkways. Several students can be seen walking around, some of which begin to stare at her, pointing and whispering. Twilight blushes and says, "Spike, they're all staring at us."

Spike sighs and says, "Of course they are! They probably know we're new students and we're bunking with the princess. And since the school year already started, we're practically celebrities at this point."

Twilight gulps and sweats, trying to turn around and walk away. She squeaks as Spike drags her into the courtyard. "I don't think I can do this Spike! I'm too nervous!"

"That's not the attitude that you need to make friends." He stops dragging her and turns her around to face him. "You need to be determined, and nice! Heck, all you have to do is introduce yourself to someone and make conversation with them." Out of the corner of his eye he notices a Puffy pink haired girl skipping along in cloths that were an assortment of yellow and blue flooded with pink. He smiles and says, "Like her! She seems like a peppy and energetic girl! Brightly colored clothes, messy hair, skipping along without a care! This will be a cinch!" Twilight gulps and feels like running for her life at this point, as the girl skips directly towards them now. "Go on! Give it a try."

Spike smiles and motions to the girl as she bounces up, coming to a stop and opening her eyes, staring at them. Twilight takes a deep breath and says in a low tone, "H-Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle." The girl inhales for a few seconds, her eyes going wide, and she slaps the sides of her face screaming at the top of her lungs. The air that rushes from her mouth seems powerful enough to make Twilight's hair flow back like a gust of wind was hitting it. Spike's wasn't doing the same due to it being so short. The girl turns around and quickly runs the opposite direction, towards the recreational building.

Spike and Twilight stand there slightly mortified, their mouths hanging open slightly, Twilights hair frizzy and bags under her eyes. Spike slowly turns towards Twilight and says, "So… how do you feel?"

"I'm terrified beyond words!" she quickly responds still frozen in position. "I think that's enough for today, let's go get my class schedule."

Spike grabs her shirt sleeve and tugs, not letting her march away. "Now now, I know that was a little awkward, but it won't always be like that. That girl was just a little… off."

"Sugar cube, you don't know the half of it." A girl with blonde tied back hair and a cowboy hat walks up, wearing an orange plaid shirt, blue daisy dukes, and cowboy boots. She tips her hat and says, "Howdy there newbie, my name is Applejack, and that there was Pinkie Pie. She can be pretty odd sometimes, but you learn to love her antics. You must be Twilight Sparkle and Spike, our newest students. Principal Mayor asked me to show you around the school."

Applejack holds out her hand to them, and Spike shakes it with a smile. He nudges the once again horrified looking Twilight with his elbow, motioning to the girl with a country accent. Twilight gulps, takes a breath to calm down, and takes her hand. Then she abruptly shouts, "Will you please be my friend?!"

Spike slaps his palm to his forehead as Applejack goes wide eyed from the sudden outburst. She busts out laughing and says, "I don't see any reason we can't be honey bunches. I have to say though, you look more nervous than a cat on bath day. You must be new to the whole friends' thing."

Twilight sighs loudly and says, "Is it that obvious? To be honest I've never had more than one friend my entire life. I'm simply horrified that my one mission at the moment is to make some friends."

Applejack smiles and says, "Well how's about I help you while I give you the tour? I got lots of friends I can introduce you two to. My big brother and little sister are taking care of the orchards at the garden for me so I got plenty of time."

Spike raises and eyebrow and says, "This school has its own orchard? That's kind of cool."

Twilight says, "Actually, I do love to get away with a little nature every now and then. Perhaps the garden building will be the perfect place for me to relax a little."

Spike and Applejack smile, winking at each other as Spike gives Applejack thumbs up saying, "Thank you," with his lips. Applejack nods knowing exactly what was going on and motions for them to follow her. "Sure thing, I'll introduce you to my kin, and the girl who looks after the animals. Heck, you'll have lots of friends and fit in fast, and it will take no time flat! Faster than a road runner, getting chased by a hungry coyote!"

Twilight giggles and says, "You're kind of funny. I like that." She follows Applejack, Spike close beside her. "Thanks for this Applejack."

Applejack shakes her head and says, "Oh nothing to it Twilight. What are friends for?"

End Chapter 1
Continued in Chapter 2: Friendship 101