Chapters It was an early morning in Canterlot as the mist settled in on a fair autumn day, the colt of a wealthy family was born. At the hospital, two adult ponies were in a cream coloured room, where the mare laid in a hospital bed, with beeping monitors around her.
“What should we call him?” the mother asked as she gently cradled the little colt in her hooves. The father looked at the sleeping colt in his mother’s arms, he paused and thought about it, then looked out the window as the sun was beginning to rise, the light reflected off the orange and red leaves giving life to the once white mist.
The father tuned back to his child, “How about...Autumn...Autumn Mist?”
The mother smiled, “Perfect...Autumn Mist, our child prodigy of the Pure Magic Bloods.” She said as the small colt let out a yawn.
-7 Years later-
“If you want to join Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns then you’ll need to do better than that!” The old unicorn huffed as a filly sadly trotted off the stage. “Next!” said one of the judges.
He shyly walked onto the stage, not the most appealing colt, his dark brown uncombed mane and grey hair which didn’t impress the judges as they sighed and huffed.
An old unicorn began to speak to the colt “Number 29, you have a lot of promise being the son of the famous P.M.B family. Now let’s see how much potential you have”
The old one waved his hooves signalling one of his assistants. He assistant came out to the stage with a flower that has yet to bloom. The assistant gently placed it on the ground and trotted off the stage.
“Now” One of the judges boomed, “You will show us how you've come along. Let’s begin with an age spell”
The small colt’s heart began to race as he began to sweat in fear. An age spell has never been possible to normal unicorns. The small colt shyly shook his head. “T-That’s....not...possible.....”
The old unicorn sighed and shook his head, “You think by this point the P.M.B family would have a child that could do what they wanted”
The colt felt disheartened by the judge’s remark, “C-could I do anything else...” the young colt said.
“Do whatever you want” the judge snootily proclaimed.
The colt looked at the flower and started to concentrate as the magic flowed through him. He wanted to do something impressive in front of the judges. His white aura extended and zapped the flower as a bright light cover the plant. By the time the young colt opened his eyes to see that the flower had changed into a quill.
The old unicorn looked surprised at what he had achieved. The judges took notes and left the room passing by the colt parents.
“We will tell you the results tomorrow...” the old unicorn said to the colt’s father. The colt’s father nodded as they went onto the stage.
“How do you feel?” the father asked.
“....A-A little tired...” the colt huffed.
“Don’t be...you still have lessons this afternoon” the father said sternly. The colt stood up and followed his parents out to the streets as they made their way back home.
The colt approached his home as he struggled to keep up with his parents, it was a large with two floors and lots of rooms for all the servants. One of the servants was waiting for them in front of door. As they approached he opened the door and bowed.
“Welcome back Master Mist” he said addressing the colt.
“Thank you” the young colt nodded with a small smile as he entered. The servant closed the door behind them.
“Autumn, your teacher will be here short, go upstairs to you room and get ready” the father ordered. The colt sadly nodded and made his way upstairs.
Autumn Mist was his name, the first and only son to the Pure Magic Blood family, a family of unicorns who have spent generation after generation researching magic. Recently there has been a revolution of magic since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. It was Autumn’s destiny to create a spell that would transcend him into an Alicorn, or at least that’s what his parents told him.
Autumn got to his room and started to get his things ready using his magic to pull out a few books and a quill with some ink. As he waited he decided to revise on one of his magic books. He started to read and flip through the pages and started to test out the spells. He focused on himself and his desk. Slowly they started to flout and turn to the ceiling. The young colt smiled to himself as he floated back to the ground.
A few minutes later he heard a knock on the door, “W-Who is it?” he called out.
“It’s your Teacher kid, Ruby Beam” Autumn recognized the familiar voice and slowly opened the door for the mare as she trotted into his room. Her mane and tail was a dark red and glittered like crystals, fitting seeing how she was half crystal pony and unicorn, her eyes were a light grass colour green.
“Kid I do wish you clean your room before I arrive” she said somewhat snobbishly.
“Sorry...I was just trying some new spells” he shyly proclaimed.
“Really, what one’s exactly?” she asked with curiosity.
“The...errr...Gravity spell...” he stuttered.
“You pulled off a gravity spell! At your age!?” she said surprised.
“Ummmm...Y-yes...” he blushed.
Ruby gave a warm smiled to him, “Let’s get started shall we?” she said rustling his hair. An hour had passed; time passed quickly with Ruby as Autumn began to feel tired and yawned. “You feel tired kid?” Ruby asked. Autumn nodded slowly, “Well, that’s okay, our lesson is over. Go downstairs to your parents”
Autumn smiled to her and left his room to go down stairs for dinner. He trotted to the bottom floor where the servants were preparing dinner. Autumn’s father was already sitting at the table reading The Daily Canterlot, since he never got to read it in the morning. “Done, already?” his father hissed as Autumn sat down at the dining table.
“Ruby said I was done....” the colt stated avoiding eye contact as Ruby came into the room, She gave his father a quick glance, indicating he should talk to her. His father folded up the paper and went with Ruby to the waiting room and closed the door.
Autumn was alone and all he could hear were the faint voices of Ruby and his father, he got up from his seat and quietly walked over and put his ear to the door to hear them speaking.
“He’s progressing quickly...” Ruby stated
“As he should be” his father replied
“But I’m worried about how he is doing emotional.”
“Why would you worry about that?”
“Emotion plays a part into magic and if your son has doubt then that cou-”
“Is it effecting him?” his father cut in
“....It doesn't seem too”
“Then we don’t have to worry about it”
“Why are you forcing him to do all this?”
“Those matters don’t concern you Ruby”
“As his teacher I have a right to know…”
“As his teacher, you only have to teach him”
“Tell me why you’re doing this to him?” Ruby said getting fed up
“Why do you suddenly care?”
“Because this isn't beginner spells or simple history anymore, your kid is doing Gravity spells…Gravity spells! What do you make him do while I’m not here?”
“That’s family business!”
“Tell me now or else I’m not leaving!” she yelled
"Do you know what transcendence is?"
"You mean when a pony reaches their highest potential and becomes an alicorn? But would you...wait. You mean...you think Autumn will...?"
“You should leave now Ruby…” his father said faintly as he walked to the door.
Autumn panicked and rushed over to his seat and tried to look calm as his father and Ruby came opened the door and came back into the dining room. “I’ll see you in a couple of day’s Autumn.” Ruby said as she left the house. Autumn’s father just came back and continued to read the paper.
After dinner Autumn made his way back up the stairs and too his room, he thought about how the day went as he crawled into his bed. He felt different like the world around him was starting to become clearer, was this all he was going to do? Go through his life doing everything he was told and what he couldn't become what they wanted him to be, would he be a failure? Would his parents not love him anymore?
He went to sleep asking these questions.
He woke up to the sound of the garden birds and they cheeped happy near his window, he groaned slightly and got out of his bed and looked at the time. 6:58 am the small hands said pointing to each number. He sighed and trotted slowly to the bathroom to wash up.
He came out of the bathroom drying his head with a damp white towel, on his way downstairs he threw the towel into the laundry basket, “Master Mist?” asked one of the maids as he passed by.
He stopped and turned around, “Y-yes?”
The maid wore a black and white puffy dress as for all the other maids; she had a light blue mane with dark purple fur and yellow eyes. He smiled at him, “Did you have a nice sleep?” she asked.
“Yes...” he lied.
“That’s good, you Mother wants to talk to you, I would go see her now”
He nodded and he trotted off to find his mother. “Mother?” he called out to the bottom floor as he came down the stairs. “I’m in here” she called out from the dining room. Autumn made his way to the dining room and slowly opened the door seeing his mother standing there waiting, “Y-You wanted to see me?”
His mother turned around and smiled at him, “Good news dear. You got in!” she said brightly smiling at the young colt.
Autumn was shocked but with neither happiness nor disappointment, he forced a smile to please his mother.
“They want you to start as soon as possible, so get your things ready for tomorrow” she said still cheerful from the news. Autumn nodded as her went back up the stairs and started to prepare books, pens and papers for the coming day.
He stopped packing as his stomach had growled at him to eat; he came back downstairs and into the kitchen. The cook was there oven baking some bread, he turned and notices Autumn, “Young Master Mist, you haven’t eaten yet...” he took out a loaf of bread and sliced a piece off and gave it to the little colt, “Sorry I don’t have much else” he said scratching the back of his neck.
“No it’s okay, Thank you” Autumn responded with a small smile. He ate the still warm bread, it had a slight flavor to it which he couldn't describe, “What is this?” he asked the cook.
“Kid, you need to read more cookbooks...its banana bread, fresh from the over too” he said happily. Autumn smiled as he left the kitchen finishing his slice of banana bread.
He ran back up the stairs and began to study for his privet lesson with Ruby; he did extensive study on the Elements of Harmony and the ponies who kept them. “Twilight...did you really want to be an Alicorn...?” he said quietly to himself. He heard the sound of his father’s voice coming from his research room, Autumn tried to ignore it, seeing how he was not allowed in there but something was different. He quietly trotted out of his room and to the outside of his father’s studies room and put his ear to the door, hearing the voice of his father and another he didn't recognized,
“Is he ready yet?” said the voice.
“He’s only seven…of course he’s not ready” said his father.
“Then you’re wasting my time” the voice responded angrily.
“I called you here because of the problems that might occur if my son goes to C.S.G.U”
“Why should you be so worried…I’ll make sure he gets through it”
“Yes…we’ll discuss this some other time…make sure you’re not seen”
“Of course” said the voice as it disappeared.
Autumn was slightly scared, he heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and he started to panic and quickly ran back to his room and closed the door.
A little while later, Autumn heard a knock at the door, “R-Ruby?” he asked the pony behind the door.
“It’s me Autumn...could you please open the door?” said the voice of Ruby. He shyly opened the door and let her in.
“What is it now kid?” she asked noticing his glum face.
“I-it’s nothing...Just thinking...” he responded slightly blushing.
“About what?”
“W-Why does it matter?”
“If you have something on your mind then I wouldn't recommend keeping it from me...”
“I-I've just been researching about Twilight...”
“…You’re worried about school aren't you?”
“…Yes” he said quietly.
“Kid…you’re one of the most talented little colts I’ve trained…you’ll go far...trust me” she said patting his back trying to comfort him.
“Thanks Ruby…”
She smiled at him, “Come on…let start the lesson” Autumn nodded as they began the lesson.
Two hours passed quickly, Ruby looked at her watch, “Well...it’s about that time kid...” he said looking somewhat sad that the lesson was over.
“W-What’s the matter?” Autumn asked noticing her sad expression.
“Nothing’s wrong kid...come on...I need to go see your father” she said walking towards the door way.
Autumn was getting frustrated of never getting answers, he stopped into front of her and blocked her way to the door, “I am tired of never getting answers...tell me why? You’re the one who keeps saying that emotions play an important part of magic...so explain what you’re feeling?”
Ruby smiled sadly at him and hugged him as a tear fell from her eye, “I’m sorry kid...I haven’t been following my own rule...” she let go of him and kneeled down to look him in the eyes. “This...was going to be our last lesson” she said quietly.
“W-.....W-What?” he asked eyes widening.
“Before we began your father had a word with me...he said that since you’re going to Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns you won’t need me...”
“B-b-but...Ruby...n-no” he said starting to cry.
“Kid...don’t cry, you’re so strong...I can see it...”
Autumn closed his eyes tight as the tears poured down his face. Ruby started to tear up herself after seeing him like this, she pulled Autumn in for another hug. “Shhh...Kid...it’s okay...”
“No it’s not!” he yelled.
“...I know...but listen to me...you’re going to get through this...okay”
He pulled away and wiped the tears from his eyes, “O-Okay...”
She softly smiled, “Goodbye Autumn...” she said as she left through the door.
He stayed in his room, silent and still, trying to come to realization of what had happened and who had left him, he didn't know how long he stood there but his sadness was soon replaced by anger and frustrated. He harshly walked down and saw his father, his anger grew more and more as he approached him.
“Ah, Autumn, how was your last lesson with Ruby?” his father asked.
“I’d would gone better if I knew she was leaving” Autumn said biting his tongue.
“Autumn, you’re smart, you know that since you’ll be going to school you wouldn't need a private tutor”
“That still doesn't give you the right not to tell me...” Autumn said grinding his teeth and trying not to raise his voice.
“...Are you angry at me Autumn?” his father asked.
“Of course I’m angry!” Autumn yelled losing his temper.
“...” His father fell silent, shocked that his son showed an action that wasn't shy obedience, he gave him a stern look, “Autumn...” he started. “...You will come to thank me soon.” He ended as he left to his study.
“I hate you...” Autumn whispered to himself as he heard the door to his father’s study shut.
Autumn walked along with his mother next to him to the gates of the school, which were tall, thin, and seemed to be made of gold. His mother stopped and looked down at him. “You know where to go from here, right?”
“Yes...Room A03” Autumn replied shyly
“That’s good...well, I’d better leave you to it” she said beginning to trot off.
“M-Mom...wait?”
She stopped and turned back around to him, “What is it Autumn?”
“D-Do you think I’ll do well?” he asked shyly.
“Autumn, of course you’ll do well” she proclaimed cheerfully.
“I-I guess...how good were you at your school?”
“Me?” she thought for a moment, “I was top of my school, why ask?”
“Just a thought...I’ll see you after school” he said walking off to class.
“Alright see you at 3pm!” his mother yelled cheerfully.
He walked into the front doors of the school; it seemed larger than the castle Celestia lives in, there was no pony around. ‘Maybe I’m early’ he thought to himself as he walked through the empty corridors of the school. He walked until he saw room A03, he quietly knocked on the door and then entered, and he saw a bunch of filly’s and colts sitting down at tables as they were all staring at him.
The teacher turned and looked at him raising an eyebrow, “Ahh, you must be Autummmmmnnn...” he checked his notepad, “Mist? Is it?”
Autumn nodded reluctantly, “Well then Mist, go ahead and take a seat” said the teacher waving his hoof around the class.
Easy for him to say, there was only one seat left, Autumn walked to the back of the room and took the seat to the left corner. It was a cold and quiet part of the classroom, to his right there was a baby blue stone wall and to his left there was another colt around his age, with a dark navy blue mane and a light purple coat. The cold next to him smiled and leaned over to offer his hoof, “Hey there, I’m Nocter”
“A-Am I late?” Autumn asked shaking his hoof.
“No, everyone else was just early; trying to make a good impression I guess” Nocter said shuffling back into his seat.
“So...we haven’t started yet?”
“No, we’re just about to”
The teacher used his magic to ring a bell as the class went quiet, “All right students, let’s begin. I will be your teacher for the rest of the year; you may address me as Artifice. Now please open your history books to page 183”
The class began as Autumn opened his pack and searched for the page in his history book and began to read along with the class.
Recess came as Mr Harvest rung the bell to let us outside, Autumn quietly packed his books as he was the last one to leave the classroom. He walked out as Nocter was waiting for him. “Hey” Nocter said waving a hooves.
“Oh. H-hello” Autumn responded.
“You finished reading rather quickly?”
“W-well, I’ve read that book before so it wasn’t too hard to remember everything”
“I see...” he patted Autumn’s back, “Parents really wanted you to get in I’m guessing?”
Autumn nodded, “Well nothing wrong with that, besides they can’t watch you while you’re here, so loosen up a bit, the schools not that strict” Nocter said leading Autumn outside.
Autumn only shyly nodded as he followed Nocter. Outside Nocter lead Autumn threw the crowd of fillies and colt’s.
“Alright Mist listen to me here, there are a few social rules that I suggest you follow. Number One: Never talk to Maple Gem. And that’s about it”
“Who’s Maple Gem?” Autumn asked
“Last year, she was ranked as top of whole school, with nopony else getting close to her scores. She continuously brags about how she’s the best in Equestria, and that multiplies the size of her ego”
“I...see”
“Sooooo yeah don’t talk to her, in fact, avoid her at all cost”
“I-I’ll try”
“Good, now that you’re aware of the social rules, why don’t we have a game of spell tennis?”
“Spell tennis?” Autumn looked at him puzzled.
“Seriously! Were you living under a rock before you came here?”
“W-well...I wasn’t allowed to leave the house”
“Alright, Alright. Here” Nocter used his magic and lifted over a small racket. Autumn used his magic and enveloped the racket in a white aura. Nocter got another racket for himself and used his magic to move it.
“No, to play the game you need three ponies, tow players and one referee. The idea is that one player hit’s a ball then the other player hit’s it back. The idea is to make it so that your opponent misses. Got it?”
“Y-Yeah” Autumn nodded.
“Good, now all we need it a ref...”
“I’ll do it” said a filly voice from behind a corner. Her coat was orange, her mane was long and black with the image of a golden star gem on her flank.
“Speak of Discord…” Nocter groaned to Autumn
“Is that?” he asked.
“Yes that’s her…Maple Gem”
“It’s good to see my name doesn’t get forgotten here” she smugly stated.
“Don’t you need to read anything?” said Nocter.
“What is there to read? I’m already the best. Now are you going to let me ref or not?”
“Like I have a choice…” Nocter groaned
“Well then let’s begin” she said cheerfully before noticing Autumn, she came close and looked him dead in the eye.
“Nocter…who is this?” she asked snobbishly
“That’s Autumn, he’s the nebbie” said Nocter with a sickened look on his face.
“Y-Yeah…M-Me…” said Autumn blushing.
Maple circled around Autumn, inspecting and criticizing him in her mind, “Hmmmm…what makes you so special? I mean look at you? You don’t even have a cutie mark”
Autumn looked at the ground ashamed of his blank flank, Nocter stepped in front of her, “Stop that Maple, from what I remember, it wasn't too long ago that you had the same problem”
Maple blushed and was slightly offended, “How…DARE you talk to me like that! A small minded colt like yourself should have more respect for the greatest student in Equestria”
“Then why do you want to ref for us?” Nocter asked.
“Why would it matter to you?” Maple said avoiding the question
“…Fine you can ref…but don’t let your ego get in the way?” Nocter said giving up on the argument.
“It never does. Now both of you to your places!” she said creating a whistle and blowing into it. Autumn covered his ears and slowly trotted over to the end of a panted square on the ground, other students started to gather around as the game begun.
“Nocter…you start” Maple said turning to Nocter and magically lifting a ball to him. He took the ball, rapping it in his aura and lifted it into the air. Nocter nodded to Autumn, “Don’t worry, it’s just for fun” he said hitting the ball with his racket. The ball flew straight pass Autumn’s field, a whistle blew.
“One point to Nocter!” Maple called out, “Autumn you serve now” she said lifting the ball to Autumn. He took the ball and lifted it back into the air and lightly hit the ball with his racket. The ball went smoothly to Nocter’s part of the field as he smash the ball back to Autumn
“Two points to Nocter!” Maple yelled again after blowing her whistle, Autumn didn’t even realise that the ball passed him.
He looked over to Nocter, “H-How did…?”
“Did I forget to mention I’m the best player in the school” Nocter cut in.
The bell rang before Autumn could get another word in, Nocter walked beside him and put his hooves over his neck.
“Don’t worry about it there was no way you were going to beat me, but at least you got a reputation now.” Nocter said chuckling.
“For losing you mean?” Autumn asked.
“Well…when you say it like that…” Nocter shamefully admitted.
Autumn made his way to class with Nocter beside him, “Where did Maple go?” Autumn asked.
“You care?” Nocter asked giving him a strange look.
“W-Well…I’m just curious.”
“She probably went to her class knowing how uptight she is.”
“Do you think we’ll see her again?”
“Hopefully not.”
"Hello peasants," said a voice from behind them.
“Mother bucker,” said Nocter as Maple approached the two.
Maple gave Nocter a glare and turned back to Autumn and circled him, Autumn looked at her confused, “I-Is everything alright?”
Maple stopped, shook her head and let out a disappointed sigh. Autumn was confused by her reaction as if she was let down from seeing him. “I-I-Is something wrong?”
“Wrong? Wrong?! What’s right?!” Maple yelled.
“E-Excuse me?” Autumn stuttered.
“You look so pitiful, so stupid, how could somepony like you possibly get into the best school in Equestria.”
“I-I-I don’t know….M-M-Maybe m-my parents s-s-said something about me…”
“What family do you come from anyway?” Maple demanded.
“T-The Pure Magic Blood….”
Maple stared at him in disbelief, “Y-Y-You’re the son of the P.M.B?”
“Yes?” Autumn said looking confused.
Maple blushed and turned around quickly and trotted off. Autumn was confused by her reaction and turned back to Nocter who looked equally confused, “What was that about?” Nocter asked.
“I-I don’t know...she just seemed surprised…” Autumn stated.
“Well…come on we’d better get going to class now.” Nocter said walking off with Autumn following close behind.
Class had ended soon then Autumn expected as the teacher told them to go single file to the assemble hall. Autumn joined the back of the line of fillies and colts making their way to the assembly. Nocter saw Autumn at the back and walked over to him joining the back. “What are you doing back here?” Nocter asked.
“I don’t like herds.” Autumn admitted shyly.
“Well you’d better get used to them.”
“I thought it wasn't an assembly day today.”
“Oh right your still new, well Princess Celestia herself comes here and greets all the new students.”
“R-R-Really?! Why would she come down here?”
“Something about connecting with the new students.” Nocter replied.
Autumn stayed quiet and followed the line of students to the assembly hall where they were told to sit down. Nocter said down next to Autumn and nudged him, “What’s the matter? Normally you have tons of questions.”
Autumn just gave him a dull look and turned his attention to the stage at the front of the assembly hall where old mare with a short pinned up maroon mane and a black business suit. She raised her hooves, quieting the crowed of students as she began to speak.
“It is great to see so many old and new faces joining us again in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Now I present, Princess Celestia!” The principal said pulling at the curtain rope.
The stage curtains behind her pulled away revealing a tall Alicorn with a light rainbow coloured mane that move by itself as if it had magic flowing through it, her gold crown on her head in front of her horn. She looked around at the group of young unicorns and smiled, “It’s wonderful to see so many gifted students here today. Now before I begin I like to introduce a guest of my own, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
Autumn’s Heart stopped for a moment as he saw the violet Alicorn step out form the corner of the stage and gave a awkward smile to the crowd. Autumn started to hide, Nocter looked at him, “Errrr…..What are you doing?” he asked.
“H-Hiding…” Autumn said quietly as he covered his head with his hooves.
“Why?” Nocter asked looking at him confused.
“I-I don’t what to be seen.”
“Well you’re going to be called up there so you may as well stop trying to hide.”
Autumn reluctantly returned to his previous position, he couldn't tell how fast his heart was beating but it wasn't normal. Nocter look at him concerned, “Seriously dude, you looked like you've seen a ghost.”
“I-I-I just need a moment…” Autumn said breathing heavily.
“Do you need to go to the nurse’s office?” Nocter said getting concerned.
“N-No…I’m okay…”Autumn said slowly taking a breath.
“Alright…” Nocter said not believing him.
The principal started to speak again, “Now may the new students please rise and come to the stage.”
Autumn took another deep breath and stood up with four others and walked up to the stairs leading up to the stage. Twilight gave a concerned look to Celestia, “Princess, are you sure I should be doing this with you?”
Celestia gave her a comforting smile, “It’ll be alright Twilight, just be yourself.” Twilight lifted up her right forehoof and moved in to her chest taking in a deep breath to calm her down.
Autumn’s heart started to beat faster as the two princesses went through each student greeting them with smiles and cheerful expressions.
It was finally time for Autumn to meet them, he shyly walk up to the tall white alicorn, Autumn gave a quick look at her but returned his eyes back to the floor, “Hello there, what is your name?” Celestia asked Autumn with her soothing voice.
Autumn didn’t exactly know the noise he made but imagine a cross between a ‘Hello’ and a “eep’. He felt each drop of sweat drip down his head.
“Are you feeling well child?” Celestia asked.
“Yeah, you don’t look to good.” Twilight added. Autumn finally looked up to see Twilight, her concerned eyes looking down on him.
This was what he was trying to achieve, this is who his father want him to be. His heart started to beat at the rate of a jack-hammer, his vision started to blur as his head felt heavily. Autumn closed his eyes and lost the energy to stand and feel onto the floor of the stage.
Autumn slowly opened his eyes, and was met with a white blur. He blinked a few times while he waited for his vision to refocus. He could hear two ponies talking, but their voices were muffled. His vision cleared, and he noticed that he was in a white room with medicine cabinets all around him. Autumn's ears twitched as he started to regain his hearing. The two ponies were Nocter and Maple, and they seemed to be arguing at the end of his bed. “Do you know what he’s done?” Maple said getting frustrated.
“Fainted?”
“No. He's just embarrassed the entire school in front of the princesses.”
“Why would they care if one pony got a bit nervous?”
“You call this ‘A bit nervous’?”
Autumn pulled off the sheet covering his body and sat up in the bed. Nocter and Maple turned, both slightly surprised to see him up. “You're awake.” Maple said, stating the obvious as she blushed slightly.
“W-What happened?” Autumn asked rubbing his head.
“You passed out on the stage, there was a bit of a herd so I couldn’t get to you. Princess Celestia and Twilight brought you here.” Nocter answered.
“Where is she?”
“She had to go. Something about Princess duties and how she was needed back at the castle. But Twilight is still here.” Maple responded.
Autumn blushed and pulled the blanket over his head, “Get out from under there.” Nocter said, trying to pull the sheet off his friend. “Come on Autumn, it’s not every day that the princess herself decides to help a student.”
“Why did you faint anyway?” Maple asked.
Autumn turned his head away and didn’t answer. Maple gave out an annoyed huff, “Well you're awake and that’s all that matters. Go outside and apologize when you grow a pair!” she yelled, storming out of the nurse’s room.
“She really doesn’t like me.” Autumn stated.
“No, she definitely does not”
“Okay…I feel better now, I’ll go out and apologise.”
“Dude, you got nothing to be sorry for. Just go out and say you’re okay.” Nocter said patting his back.
Autumn nodded, trotted to the door and gently opened it. He peeked out and saw the Princess Twilight on a chair in the waiting room. Autumn closed the door quietly and started to crawl back towards the bed. Nocter gave him an annoyed glare, rolled his eyes, opened the door wide and turned to Twilight. “He’s ready for you” Nocter said as he trotted past the purple alicorn.
Twilight stared at Nocter as he passed, then looked through the doorframe at the brown shy unicorn. Autumn blushed and hid under the blanket, Twilight gave a small smile and trotted in. “Are you…okay?” she asked gently.
“Y-Y-Yeah…I-I’m fine.” Autumn said under the bed sheet.
Twilight felt awkward by how the colt acted towards her, “Ummmm…Well…If you’re okay I-I should get going.” she said walking back out the door wondering why the colt was so scared of her.
“T-Twilight?” Autumn said quietly as he peeked out from under the covers.
“Yes?” Twilight said turning back to Autumn.
“…T-Thank you for…b-bringing me here…” he said blushing considerably.
“Your welcome.” Twilight said giving him a soft smile and trotting out the door.
Autumn pulled himself out from under the covers and looked at the clock above one of the medicine cabinets, “Three pm,” he said to himself getting out of the bed. “I should get going home…and stop talking to myself…” Using his magic, Autumn grabbed his saddle bag, threw it onto his back, and ran out the door.
Autumn walked out the front of the school, and saw his mother standing next to their carriage. “Autumn!” his mother called out, waving as she spotted him. He nodded and quickly ran over to her.
“How was your first day?” she asked, her magic opening the carriage door for him.
“It was…interesting…I guess.” he said as he climbed inside.
“I heard that Princess Celestia was here. Did you get to meet her?” His mother asked eagerly as she climbed into the carriage after him.
“Kinda...I didn’t get to talk with her though,” he said as the carriage started to move.
“What a shame, but I’m sure you’ll get to talk with her one day.”
Autumn stayed silent throughout the whole trip. They stopped as one of the servants opened the door for his mother. She hopped out, and Autumn followed close behind her. As they approached the house his mother was greeted by a young mare with bright yellow eyes, who opened the front door for them. She bowed to Autumn's mother, who just walked past her as if she didn't exist. Autumn walked up to the maid as she raised her head. “Master Mist,' she asked. “How was your day?”
“I-It was fine, thank you.” he replied in a monotone voice, trotting into his home as his mother headed into his father’s study room.
“Master? Is everything alright?” The yellow eyed maid asked, following him into the house.
“Y-Yes…everything is fine.” Autumn responded quietly as he walked up the stairs, his various thoughts swirling around in his skull.
Autumn entered his room and closed the door behind him before crawling into his bed. He slipped under the covers and curled himself up into a ball. Tears slid down his face, and he began to cry quietly, ‘Why am I crying?' he thought to himself. 'I have no reason to be upset. I was just pathetic, as I always am. I ruined my chance to talk with the princesses…I made a fool out of myself in front of the entire school. Why did I have to be born? I hate my family. I hate this house. I hate my life.’
Autumn lay under the sheets for what seemed like an hour. His ears perked up when he heard a knock on his door, “Master Mist?” said the young mare's voice from outside his room, “Master Mist…Are you in there?”
Autumn didn’t answer as the maid knocked again, louder this time. Autumn covered his ears and tried to ignore the sound of the outside world. “Master Mist!” yelled the young mare again, her voice filled with concern.
“Go away…” said Autumn quietly from under the sheets.
He heard the door open and hoof steps approach his bed. He remained motionless, thinking that the maid wouldn’t notice him if he stayed still.
“Master Mist...” said the voice gently as the covers were gently pulled off Autumn's quivering form, his eyes still wet with tears. Autumn craned his neck and gazed up into the concerned pair of familiar yellow eyes that looked down on him.
“Master Mist? I-Is something wrong?” she asked, trying to comfort trembling colt.
“…N-No…I-I don’t think so…” Autumn said, turning away to wipe his tears.
“Then why are you crying?” she asked him benignly.
“I…I don’t know...Umm…w-what's your name?” he asked quietly, looking back up at her.
The maid returned his look with soothing eyes. Her lips turned into a sad smile, “Master Mist…I am but a humble servant of the Pure Magic Blood family. My name is unnecessary.”
“B-B-But I want to know you're name. I want to know who you are.” he said attempting to sound brave.
The maid let out a sigh and nodded her head, “Very well…My name is Vigil Heart.”
Autumn smiled, “T-T-That’s a pretty name.”
“You're too kind, Master Mist. Now your mother and father wish to see you downstairs.” Vigil said, as she helped out of the bed and cleaned him up to go downstairs
Autumn slowly trotted down the stairs, with Vigil beside him, “D-Do you know why my father wants to see me?” Autumn asked, his voice quivering slightly.
“No he didn’t tell me why. Do you have any idea why he'd want too?”
“M-Maybe the school contacted him abo-“Autumn covered his mouth with his hoof to stop himself from speaking more.
“Autumn?” Vigil looked at Autumn, wondering what he was talking about. They arrived at the bottom of the stairs, where Autumn’s father was patiently waiting for them.
“Hello Autumn, ” he greeted his son. “Please tell me, how was your first day at school?”
“I-I-It...I-It was...” Autumn could barely finish his sentence. His tongue was refusing to cooperate, while his mind was busy playing out all of the possible reactions his father might give about his little ‘moment’ with the princesses.
“Speak up Autumn.” his father commanded, giving his son an intimidating glare. Autumn was paralysed with fear, of what he only describe as some kind of intimidating aura surrounding his father.
“His day went fine, Master Storm.” said Vigil, speaking up for Autumn whilst bowing her head to show her respect.
“I wasn't asking you, servant!” His father spat. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning back to Autumn.
“Now...Autumn, tell me, how was your first day at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns?”
“I-I-It...was good...” he replied, trembling and trying avoiding eye contact.
“Really now? Because the principle sent me a letter...”
‘Letter?!...ohhhh buck me’ Autumn thought to himself as his father walked up closer to him. Autumn felt his body instinctively back away.
“Do you feel alright Autumn? Maybe a little...light headed?” his father asked. His voice was monotone and pierced though Autumn's mind like a spear.
“N-No...I-I mean yes. I feel fine.” Autumn responded, his voice wavering slightly.
His father glare didn't waver, and continued to fire daggers into the colt's timid eyes. When his face eventually relaxed, he turned to Vigil, “You! Servant!” he ordered in a raised voice. “From now on you shall be accompanying my son throughout his time at Celestia's School...and make sure that he doesn't have anymore... incidents.”
Vigil nodded her head obediently. “Yes Master.”
Autumn shook his head in disbelief. He stared at his father in shock. “F-Father?! Why?”
“So that you no longer embarrass yourself and your family,” his father answered, a hint of venom in his voice. With that, he turned and walked back to his study before saying over his shoulder “You’ll come to thank me later.”
You'll come to thank me later. That was his excuse for everything. And upon hearing his reasoning again, Autumn felt his anger flare.
“You always say that!” The infuriated colt yelled before running back up to his room, not giving his father an opportunity to retaliate. Autumn slammed his door shut and leaned against it. After a few seconds, he heard a gentle knock at the door.
“Master Mist?” Vigil’s soothing voice drifted softly through the door, calming Autumn as if it were a quiet lullaby. “Master Mist, please...I know this must be difficult for you but...I’m sure your father is doing what he thinks is right. So...do you think you could open the door for me?”
Autumn stood up and opened the door for Vigil. He tried to avoid looking into her eyes, but failed as he was drawn in to their peaceful, yellow glow. Vigil gave a warm smile and embraced him. Autumn took a deep breath and tried to contain his emotions, but the warmth emanating from Vigil's fur was too much for him to bear. Tears ran down his face as he embraced her back, and quietly sobbed into her chest.
“It’s okay Master...”
“Autumn.”
“I beg your pardon, Master.”
“D-Don't call me that. I hate it whenever somepony calls me 'Master'. S-So please, j-just call me Autumn.”
Vigil blinked several times as she comprehended what her master was ordering her to do. Eventually, she smiled in acceptance at the colt. “Very well, Autumn.”
--
Autumn tossed and turned in his bed, his stomach still growling at him for skipping dinner. He opened his eyes and glanced at his bedside clock for the hundredth time. He'd lost count of the amount of times he had looked at his clock ever since he went past 20. Both of the clock's hands were pointing at twelve. He sighed and rolled himself over so he was facing the opposite direction. Autumn forced his eyes shut and tried to fall asleep again, only to find that he was still as wide awake as he was an hour ago. And the hour before that. And the hour before that when he wasn't even in bed.
Slowly but surely, another hour ticked past, and Autumn's eye lids started to finally grow heavy. Just as he felt himself starting to drift off, he heard a tapping sound, coming from the window. Autumn groaned in annoyance. Was the whole world trying to keep him awake tonight? Growling slightly in frustration, Autumn picked up one of his pillows, and shoved it into his face, trying to ignore the tapping at the window.
‘I shouldn't get aggravated at this.’ he thought to himself. ‘It's probably just a bird trying to get a late night snack or something.’ But the tapping continued, and Autumn started to feel himself slowly losing his sanity. After another five minutes, he reached the end of his tether.
Autumn's horn glowed, and the sheets flew off his body. He jumped off the bed and made his way to the window, trying not to stomp as he did so. His magic parted the curtains and opened the lock. The window flew open, and Autumn finally came face-to-face with the cause of his annoyance. He didn't expect that face to have a beak though.
Autumn backed away in surprise, and the griffin on the other side of the window mirrored his action. “H-Hey.” the griffin whispered fiercely, “Don't scare me like that. You're supposed to be asleep.”
Autumn didn't respond. He could only stare in surprise at the feathery being in front of him; he had read about griffins but had never seen one in person. From what he'd read though, he knew griffins could grow to be bigger than full grown ponies. But the one in front of him was about his size. So it was probably about his age as well.
“W-Who are you? And what are you doing here?” Autumn asked, putting on a brave voice.
The griffin just smiled sneakily, “That's for me to know, and you to find out.” The griffin then glanced down at an imaginary watch on his talon, before looking up at Autumn again. “Well look at the time. I'd best be off. Bye.” he said hastily.
His wings flapped and he started to fly away, but a white aura grabbed him, and dragged him back down to the window. Autumn pulled the griffin down to eye level with him, and glared. “I'll ask again,” he said, putting some assertiveness into his voice. “Who are you? And what are you doing here?”
“Alright. Alright. I'll tell.” The griffin said. “I'm William. William the Third. Will for short. You happy?”
The two of them stared at each other awkwardly for a few seconds before Will spoke again. “So why are you in such a foul mood?”
“I was trying to get to sleep. And your tapping wasn't helping.”
“Heh. Yeah. Sorry about that.”
“I wasn't expecting to meet a griffin though. I thought you were a bird.”
“Well, you were half right. So what's your name?”
“I’m Autumn Mist, of the Pure Magic Blood family” Autumn said, making his voice sound official.
“Autumn Mist? Really? You ponies make no sense. Why can’t you just have normal names?” Will asked rolling his eyes.
“Ummmm...I-I don’t know” Autumn admitted.
“Wait? Pure Magic Blood? This place belongs to the Pure Magic Blood?” Will asked in shook.
“Errr...Yes. Is that bad?”
“Bad? Well...look at it from my perspective, I was trying to get into one of the most powerful families in the pony empire.”
“You...made your point but...what where you trying to do?”
“Ummmm...Clean your windows?” Will said putting on an awkward smile.
“But didn’t you say you were trying to get in?”
“N-N-No...No I didn’t say that, what are you talking about? I didn’t say anything about robbing you...” Will quickly grabbed his beak to prevent himself from saying anymore.
Autumn gave a harsh look at him, “So you were going to rob us?”
“No......” Will was starting to sweat as Autumn continued to question him.
“Then what were you going to do once you got in?”
Nothhhing...I-In fact...M-My name isn’t even Will.” He said, stressfully chuckling. Autumn growled in annoyance. He was in a bad mood now, something that rarely ever happened. All he wanted to do was go to sleep. Not play mind games with some griffon burglar.
Will's chuckling was cut off as Autumn violently tugged him towards the window, until he was halfway in. “I've had enough,” announced Autumn, trying not to yell. “Start telling me the truth. Now.”
Will put one of his talons on Autumn's nose, infuriating the colt even more. “Well since you asked so nicely,” he said slyly, tracing his talon up Autumn's face to his forehead. “I'll tell you.”
Autumn leaned forward slightly. “Go on.”
“On second thoughts,” announced Will suddenly. “I'll tell you next time.” With that, Will quickly raised his talon from Autumn's forehead and flicked his horn. Autumn stumbled as he felt his skull vibrate from Will's flick, causing the white aura imprisoning Will to vanish.
“Well it was a fun chat.” said Will. “But as I said before, I really have to be going. See you round.” Before Autumn could do anything, Will gave his wings a strong flap, and vanished into the night.
Autumn put his fore hooves on the window sill and stretched his head out as far as he could, trying to catch a final glimpse of the feathery nuisance. His eyes scanned the sky, but he only saw the towering buildings of Canterlot, dimly illuminated by Princess Luna's moon. Sighing, he closed the window and hopped back onto his bed. His discarded doona gently floated off the floor and covered his body.
“I'd probably shouldn't tell Father about this.” Autumn thought to himself. “If he found out, he'd start hunting down every single griffon in Equestria.” The colt looked over at his bedside clock again. 1:30. He sighed and stared at the ceiling, preparing himself for a long night.
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