Shoot for the Stars

Chapters

In the Flesh?
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
Ich Erinnere Mich An Die Weimarer Republik

In the Flesh?

The calmness permeated through everything, and for a moment she was tempted to sigh in content. Then in an instant the peace was shattered, and the void shifted around her on a steady yet erratic climb. A new tune sent the void into a spiral, and caused it to fall. The pulsing stillness that settled afterward was eerie and foreboding, like the ocean in the eye of a storm. It shifted gradually around her before setting into an grand rhythm that emerged from the chaos. The rhythm strained itself before a true peace once again settled, and a voice began to fill the air with it’s mocking lyrics. When it finished speaking the rhythm from before settled in once more. Then a hoof tapped on her shoulder, and the illusion was broken.

Luna lowered the bulky headphones she had been wearing off of her head, Pony Floyd music still blasting away in them, and turned to face the large white alicorn with a mane of faded blue, pink, purple, and green beside her. “We’re here.” She smiled before stepping out of the car.

Luna reached down with a foreleg, and unbuckled herself. Stopping the music on her pPod, she stepped outside, and trotted after her sister. “You look chipper Celestia.” She stated.

The white alicorn from before responded, “Of course, it’s my last semester.”

Celestia had been aiming for a doctorate at the Equestrian International University, and this would be her eighth year. “Good for her.” Luna thought, rolling her blue eyes. “I have still have three more years of this place before I can leave it behind.”

“What about yourself, hm?” Celestia asked. “No longer a freshmen. Now you don’t have to put up with all those jokes.”

“They’ll have other ones prepared.” Luna responded blandly.

“Well, I hear there’s an even number of students this year, so you’ll have a room mate this time around. Excited?” Celestia persisted.

“Mmm.” Luna grunted.

Celestia frowned, and lapsed into silence as they trotted into the entrance hall of the grandly designed university. They weren’t the only ones arriving for the beginning of the semester. Other students and faculty members filled the hall as they milled about the place. A good many of them stole glances or outright gawked at Celestia. Luna wasn’t surprised. Her sister was considered beautiful. She herself wasn’t unattractive. In addition to being an alicorn, a tall and rare race of pony, her star-filled mane was unique. Her deep-blue fur complimented it well, and her cutie-mark, a crescent moon over a black blot, completed the nocturnal theme her body seemed to possess. Still, she was certain all the looks were for her sister. She was used to being outshined by her. Luna snorted. Outshined. An appropriate term considering Celestia’s cutie-mark was a sun. Of course, the younger alicorn wasn’t bothered by her sister receiving all this kind of attention. The last thing she wanted was to be hit on by some dumbass jock, so if she could use her sister as a distraction for that then she wasn’t complaining. “Ah, Celestia, ‘tis your final year. I hope it has cause to bring you great cheer.” An accented rhyming voice interrupted Luna’s thoughts.

A zebra emerged from the crowd of students, and trotted up to the sisters smiling. Despite the rebellious tone of her mohawk mane she wore a simple brown dress shirt. “Professor Zecora, how wonderful to see you.” Celestia smiled down at the smaller faculty member.

“Do you mind coming to speak in private? I wish to discuss something not meant for public climate.”

Luna frowned. This was the kind of attention that aggravated her. Prof. Zecora, who was normally polite as can be, completely ignored her presence. Not even a single word of greeting. “Of course.” Came the predictable answer from Celestia, and Luna ground her teeth.

Her sister just ate the attention up. “Luna, could yo-” The older alicorn began, but Luna cut her off with her headphones.

The blue alicorn turned her music back on, and began trotting away with her eyes closed. It was fine. Perfectly fine. She knew where the dorms were. She didn’t need her sister to hold her hoof. If Celestia wanted to leave her for some special assignment, or whatever Prof. Zecora wanted, why should she care? She drowned her aggravation, as she always did, in the appropriate music. Lighting up her horn, she used her magic to go through her pPod’s library in a manner so practiced it was almost instinctual. Soon one of Sliptrot’s more violent songs burst into her ears. Satisfied, Luna opened her eyes as she reached the courtyard beyond the university’s entrance hall.

Countless students could still be seen milling about the utterly massive square field created by the large white walls surrounding it, but it was far less packed than the entrance hall thanks to its size. The whole of the university grounds were located within the field, all fraternities, dorms, and the like. It was an odd set up, but then EIU wasn’t a normal university either. It was, put simply, the best. The Equestrian International University had a record of producing the best and brightest in society, and ponies, as well as other creatures, flocked from all over the world to attend. The students alone numbered nearly ten thousand, and the sheer size of the university reflected it. The “courtyard” Luna was in, while mostly green pasture near the walls of the university, was literally filled with four-story buildings of frighteningly uniform appearance. Most of them were dorms, but many were also used for other purposes. Some even held restaurants that rented their location on the grounds. Despite its size and student population EIU was a very controlled university, though. This was mostly attributable to the vast size of the staff.

As Luna approached the entrance to one of the many identical buildings she scowled slightly. Not one iota of difference from the others. No change. It was one of the things Luna hated about the university. Though, there was one thing in it she hated far more. Pushing her thoughts to the back of her head, the dark blue alicorn turned off her music. She would need to be able to hear for this. Luna opened the door to the building, and wasn’t surprised to find it packed with ponies attempting to register for a dorm room. She didn’t wait to be told they had no room left, and immediately closed the door. Luna sighed, and began making her way over to one of the other structures, the hunt for her dorm beginning.
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“So you see, we require your specialty.” Zecora said in he rhyming accent.

Celestia nodded with a smile. This was a curious turn of events. Someone so young at EIU was very special indeed. Not taking into account the parents were technically sending their foal to live alone in something akin to a town, the university itself wouldn’t normally take someone so young. True, it had a very large attendance, the largest of any university or college, but that was largely because ponies and other creatures from all over the world would come to attend. They didn’t regularly take in students of a substantially young age, and especially not from a family that couldn’t afford the fee for EIU. This filly Celestia had just been told about must be astounding, and, while it might be the alicorn’s last year, she would certainly do everything she could to help this pony. It warmed her heart to hear of such an astute young filly. “Will you accept, or do we need to fetch someone less adept?” The zebra professor asked.

“Oh, no.” Celestia replied eagerly. “I’ll gladly help. Do you know if she’s arrived yet?”

“Sadly, no. Too many students are arriving for us to right away know.” Zecora answered.

“I see.” Celestia looked towards the ground in slight disappointment, but perked up quickly. “I guess I’ll just have to meet her later. For now, I think I should go find Luna. She seemed upset earlier, and if I let these things stew she just hides behind her headphones.”

“Ah, always with the music, that one. She should try to have more fun.” Zecora responded.

“And associate with others more.” Celestia added in exasperation. “But I’ve gone on for long enough. It was nice speaking to you again Professor, and I look forward to meeting this prodigy.”

“It was nice speaking to you, as well. I hope that in your studies you continue to excel.” Zecora said.

“Thank you professor.” Celestia replied before leaving the zebra’s office.

The alicorn cantered down the hall, set on finding her sister, and happily pondering the student she had been told about. Her mood, however, was ruined when she spotted a specific professor walking down the hall towards her. Now, Celestia was fine with most all the professors in the university, and she had always been fine with teachers when she was in school. Everypony had that one, though. The one teacher that they couldn’t stand, and, for Celestia, this was him. The one and only draconequus in existence. A creature of such mishmash that it would wrong to even call him a chimera. His torso was much like a pony’s, but it was elongated and serpentine at the same time. His brown fur turned into feathers on the upper part of his left arm, which was a gryphon’s claw. His right arm was a lion’s paw, and it’s color was typical of that of a lion, defying his brown coat. Tucked on his sides were two wings that should’ve been far too small to enable flight. One was black, leathery, and bat-like, and the other was a normal feathery blue wing like a bird’s, or pegasus’. His right leg was a green-scaled one similar to a dragon’s, but scaled down to size. His left was a white goat’s leg. His serpentine body also stretched into a red serpent’s tale with an odd tousle of fur at the end. Yet the most striking part of this piecemeal of a creature was his head. It was grey and like a donkey’s, but admittedly more handsome. His black mane was cut short, nearly cropped, and a large fang, which Celestia knew did not match his other teeth, stuck out the side of his mouth. A white goatee fell straight from his chin, and bushy brows of the same color sat atop crazed-looking red eyes with yellow sclera. Completing the ensemble was a single deer antler and a long twisted and gnarled unicorn’s horn both stretching from his temples. “Ah, my dear Celestia. How are you this fine morning?” He said with an exaggerated bow and overly sweet tone.

Celestia smiled glassily, and tried to be pleasant. This professor was doing nothing warrant her scorn at the moment. She should at try to be nice. “Fine, and you Discord?” She choked out as pleasantly as she could.

The draconequus stood up, and towered over Celestia, being one of few creatures taller than alicorns. He gripped his heart, and responded in an obviously fake woeful tone, “Oh I was doing marvelous until a certain student forgot to call me by my title, and now I am wounded.”

“Oh no, I am not about to let you start ranting today.” Celestia thought before she quickly apologized. “I’m sorry professor.”

Discord’s other arm covered his brow as he continued. “And NOW you do not call me by my name! Oh, it is as if you despise me!”

He knew very well that she did, and he loved to pick on her for it. The one student to actually dislike his antics was not something he took lying down. “Once again, I am sorry Prof. Discord.” Celestia stated aggravatedly , “However, I am afraid I have upset my sister, and I have to apologize.”

She wasn’t really that concerned about Luna, only a little, but it made for an excellent excuse. At least she thought so. Discord ceased clutching himself, and leaned down. “Oh with that attitude I am not surprised. You hurt others so easily without even realizing it.” He said in a slightly mopey yet lecturing tone.

“Please, Prof. Discord, I have to go apologize to my sister.” Celestia reiterated.

“OH of course!” Discord said resuming his previous stance. “You must go! Quickly, before you damage her as you have damaged me! O woe is me! Boo hoo!”

Celestia quickly cantered past him, desperate to leave. If there was one thing she hated more than his antics it was the way he mocked her. She wouldn’t lower herself down to his level though. She wouldn’t mock him, and she wouldn’t insult him. She would make it through this final year of hers, and she would NEVER have to deal with him again.
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The rainbow-maned mare sighed as she stared about the dorm room. It was certainly not her style. The cyan pegasus was more of what one would call a tomcolt, and this room was very…filly. At least she thought so. It was a simple dorm room, like most. A bunk bed in one corner. An older computer on a desk against the back wall, and a closet next to the entrance. The decorations, however, are what got to the mare. There were a few posters of supermodels on the walls, and the closet was stuffed to the brim, already, with many extravagant dresses. In the far corner was a dummy of a pony, which the pegasus was baffled by, and on the remaining wall was a sewing machine, of all things, with fabric neatly arranged around it. This was seriously uncool. She really wished she had managed to find her friend Gilda, so they could be dorm-mates again. Sadly, without the gryphon they couldn’t sign up together, and the chances of them ending up dorm-mates was very low. “Oh! You must be my roommate.” A voice said from behind the pegasus.

She turned to see a white unicorn with a professionally styled purple mane and tail. Her cutie-mark, three diamonds, aided in giving the impression she was a wealthy pony. “I am Rarity.” The unicorn introduced herself.

“Uhh…Rainbow Dash.” The pegasus responded hesitantly.

“Oh my! Just look at your mane!” Rarity gasped.

The unicorn immediately rushed up to Rainbow, flustering the pegasus, and began inspecting her mane. “What’s wrong with it!?” Rainbow asked harshly, taking insult.

Rarity did not seem to pick up on the tone as she continued to study the mane and replied. “Why nothing! Well, perhaps a little something. It’s quite messy, but then I suppose that look works for you. What I was remarking about, though, is it’s uniqueness. I’ve never seen anything close to it before! Well, except for a few alicorn friends of my father, but on any other kind of pony? Absolutely not!”

Rainbow Dash realized she was being complimented, and smirked as her ego was stroked. She rubbed a hoof on her chest before inspecting it and responding, “Yeah, I’m one awesome pony.”

Rarity ceased inspecting the pegasus’ mane, and began staring at her thigh. “What is your cutie-mark?” She asked. “It must be something absolutely fabulous!”

“Heh,” Rainbow’s smirk grew bigger, “Well-”

“A rainbow-lightning bolt coming out of a cloud.” Rarity interrupted bemusedly.

The unicorn ceased invading Rainbow’s personal space and asked, “What is that supposed to mean exactly?”

Rainbow Dash’s grin grew wider as she answered, “It means I’m the fastest pegasus in all of Equestria!”

Rarity stared her over skeptically for a moment, and then proceeded past her into the dorm room. “You’re not a very modest one, are you?” The white mare asked.

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” Rainbow Dash asked as her smugness crashed into ground, and burned up back into insult.
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“I’ll be fine, Shining.” The young filly unicorn said as she took books out of her bags with her magic to place on the desk.

“Are you sure?” A much older white unicorn with a blue mane asked.

“Yes, for the hundredth time!” The younger unicorn said in exasperation.

Shining Armor grimaced. “I’m just concerned. This is a lot for you to take in. A lot for you to handle.”

“Are you saying it’s too much?” The young unicorn asked turning to him.

“Yes.” Shining Armor answered bluntly. “You could come back when your older. Then you’d better prepared for this. Leaving you alone in a place this big is dangerous. Especially with your-”

“Stop, right there.” The unicorn filly interrupted. “I’ll be fine. This is something I have to do. Think of how much I can learn here! Besides, it’s not like I’ll be entirely alone. I’ll still my have dorm-mate, whoever they are.”

Shining sighed, and shook his head. “You can’t count on them to be friendly, Sparkles. You remember how much your graduating class made fun of you for your age, and these ponies are even older. Hell, some of them aren’t even ponies! What if one of those gryphons gets it into their head they want pony for dinner? What stopping them from eating you?”

“How about the fact the faculty wouldn’t allow it?” The filly responded. “Or that gryphons haven’t eaten ponies in five-hundred years? I’ll thank you for not encouraging racial stereotypes, brother.”

Shining looked downcast at the correction. The filly grimaced, and trotted over to her older brother. She place a hoof on his leg saying, “I’ll be fine, Shining. Really. I have my cell phone, and if anything goes wrong I’ll call.”

The older unicorn pulled her into a hug saying, “Just be careful. And call more often than when you need us. And write. And don’t forget to brush your teeth. Or shower. Or eat.”

The filly chuckled as her brother began teasing her. “I love you, Shining.” She said.

“I love you too.” The stallion replied.

Giving her an affectionate noogie, Shining left the room, and the younger unicorn set about unpacking once more.
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Luna had finally managed to sign-up for a dorm. It hadn’t taken too long for her to find one really, but the task was no less monotonous than it had been last year. In other words, it bugged the hell out of her. As she approached her dorm a rather handsome white unicorn stallion walked past her. She hardly noticed, and proceeded to dorm room. She was very surprised, however, when she opened the door. There was a lavender unicorn already in there unpacking. That, however, was not what was surprising. It was her age. Just looking at her Luna could tell she was still a filly. She likely wasn’t even seventeen yet. What was a pony so young doing in the university? Luna furrowed her brows in confusion, and continued to study the filly. Her mane and tail were a dark navy blue, and had a single stripe of pink and purple each running through them. Her cutie-mark was a crimson star surrounded by five smaller stars. The young filly finished organizing her books on the computer desk, and turned around. She jumped slightly at the sight of Luna, but perked up quickly. The filly trotted up to the alicorn, and offered her hoof as she said, “You must be my roommate. I’m Twilight Sparkle.”
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Author's Note: Well, some of my readers have been waiting for this for awhile, and here it is. I hope you all enjoyed it. Sadly, this first chapter is little more than an introduction to setting and main cast. Next chapter, however, will actually start up the plot. I hope to keep you all well entertained with this. The chapter's title is a reference to the Pink Floyd song "In the Flesh?" from the start of their album the wall.

One quick note. In this story I'm using the terms filly and colt not only as replacements for boy and girl, but also as references to teenagerdom. The words teenage and the like do not exist.

The Happiest Days of Our Lives

Twilight Sparkle cantered through the vast halls of the Equestrian International University. There weren’t too many students attending early morning classes, but even so the halls weren’t exactly empty. The young unicorn supposed it had to do with the size of the university’s attendance. She, herself, had opted to take as many classes as she could get away with on her scholarship, and this meant most of her days would be taken up in study, including the early morning. Of course, even with the scholarship the university was providing half of the lavender filly’s expenses still fell to her family to pay. She felt guilty for that. Her family was lower-middle class, and while they might be able to make it by they would do much better without her. She was expensive, and she was aware of it. It was not that Twilight had expensive tastes, nor anything else so shallow. It was more of the issue of keeping her alive that was expensive, the pills in particular, and here she was now going to a university. “Well, at least they won’t have to spend much else on me during the semester, hopefully.” The unicorn thought.

Twilight noticed she was drawing a few stares, and was thankful it wasn’t much else. If her experience meeting her roommate yesterday had been enough of an example, her interactions with her fellow students here likely wouldn’t be much better than they had been in high school. The unicorn sighed at the memory.
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The dark blue alicorn cautiously shook Twilight’s hoof saying, “I’m Luna.”

“Pleased to meet you.” The lavender filly responded politely before asking, “Hey, you’re an alicorn right?”

Luna retracted her hoof and sighed as an annoyed look crossed her face. “Yes. I am.” She answered shortly.

Twilight smiled eagerly, and had to resist squeeing as she exclaimed. “Oh my gosh! I’ve never met an alicorn before! I have so many questions!”

Luna closed her eyes in aggravation, but at the time Twilight had ignored the sign and pressed on. As navy mare walked further into the dorm the unicorn continued, “Is it true alicorns are more powerful magically than most unicorns can hope to be?”

“Yes.” Luna grunted, and took off her headphones and the MP3 player hooked on her side.

As she placed them on the desk Twilight spoke up again, “Do you have any idea how or why? I mean, I know Neighkola Tesla had a theory among his other research and experiments, but what was recovered from the burning of his lab was negligible, just like most everything else from the incident.”

Luna took a deep breath before answering shortly, “No.”

“Really? Well that’s a shame. I was hopin-”

The alicorn interrupted the filly by raising a single hoof as she turned to the unicorn. “Stop. Right. There.”

Twilight ceased her eager speech, and stared at Luna curiously before the navy mare spoke again, “How old are you exactly?”

“Fifteen. You?” Twilight queried.

Luna raised an eyebrow but answered, “Twenty-one. Aren’t you a bit young to be here?”

Twilight dragged a hoof across the floor, and looked down embarrassedly as she explained. “Well, yeah, I guess. I graduated high school two years ago, though, at the top of my class. I guess the university must have heard. Because a few months ago they sent me a notice with an offer of a scholarship. They weren’t the only one, but EIU’s the best. I wanted to come here, so…here I am.”

Luna’s face scrunched up as she asked, “You graduated high school at thirteen? EIU requested you to attend? Are you some kind of genius?”

Twilight blushed but nodded. The older mare took that in for a moment, and shook her head mumbling something incoherent to the lavender unicorn. “Is everything ok?” Twilight asked.

“Fine.” Luna responded shortly before making her way out of the dorm room.

“Where are you going?” Twilight called.

“To get my stuff.” Luna answered in an aggravated tone.
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Twilight wasn’t exactly certain what she had done wrong, but when her roommate returned she’d refused to speak. The young unicorn knew well enough that she was being purposefully ignored, and she supposed she should be glad Luna hadn’t decided to pick on her instead. Still, she had to wonder what had caused the cold behavior. She had been polite. Maybe a bit more energetic than normal, but could she be blamed? Alicorns were very rare, and typically privileged in many ways. The things Twilight imagined she could learn from them just made her tingle with excitement. Well, she could puzzle it out later. It was only the second day of the semester, and she would have plenty of time to work out her roommate later. For now, she should focus. After all she was about to enter her first class of the year. Professor Flam’s language arts.

Twilight took her seat in the center of the first row, and stared about the empty room. It was large. Much larger than it had any business being, but that was only because it was made to seat two hundred students. Of course, since it was early morning there weren’t nearly that many ponies present. Only around twenty-five were in attendance, and class would be starting in a few minutes. An alabaster unicorn with a gorgeous purple mane sat down next to Twilight. She didn’t seem to notice the younger pony for a few moment, but when she did she began to stare. Twilight tried to ignore the older mare’s look by focusing on the professor’s vacant desk, but it became increasingly difficult as the seconds slowed. “Um, excuse me,” The white unicorn spoke up, “I don’t mean to be rude, but how old are you?”

“Uhh…fifteen.” Twilight answered as she glanced at the older unicorn nervously. “And yes, I know where I am.”

The alabaster mare rubbed her chin in thought before saying, “You must be something special then.”

She offered a hoof introducing herself, “My name is Rarity.”

“Twilight Sparkle.” The lavender filly responded as she shook the older mare’s hoof.

“It is pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sparkle.” Rarity stated.

“Please, just…Twilight.” The filly corrected with a glassy smile.

“As you wish.” Rarity acquiesced, and withdrew her hoof. “You appear nervous. Are you alright?”

“Um…well…” Twilight mumbled.

Rarity smiled, “Oh don’t be so bashful. I don’t bite.”

“S-sorry. I’m new here.” Twilight tried to excuse herself.

The older unicorn seemed to accept this as she replied, “A freshmare, hmm? Don’t worry, you’ll get used to things around here quick.”

“Wait, you’re not a first year too?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no, this is my third year here.” Rarity answered.

“But, shouldn’t you be in a different class?” Twilight wondered.

Rarity laughed before explaining, “Oh no, Twilight. This place is a lot different from whatever school you’ve been to before. They can’t afford to organize the classes by year here. There’s too many students who attend EIU. If they did that the classes would drag on forever, and the professors would never get a break. This way they can pack in as many students per lesson as possible.”

Before Twilight Sparkle could question the matter further her attention was brought to the front of the class by a stomping hoof on the professor’s desk. There stood a very tall but slim unicorn stallion wearing a dress vest and jacket. His fur was cream-colored, but his mane, tail, and large mustache were all red with white stripes in them. “Good morning class.” He said in a cheery tone. “For those of you new to EIU, I am Prof. Flam, and I welcome you all to another year of learning. Now then, I suggest you all turn to page 75 of Modern Literary Genius. To start off the year we will be studying Neil Gaimane.”

Twilight telekinetically retrieved the textbook from her saddlebags without looking, and turned to the indicated page with a smile. She was eager to start learning again.
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Luna tapped a hoof impatiently as she waited for Discord to show up. It was twelve o’clock, and the magical science class was supposed to begin an hour ago. The alicorn wasn’t the only one growing agitated. The room was filled with ponies and other various creatures taping their claws, hoof wrestling, and pacing to waste the time. Luna idly wished she could have her music and headphones to pass the time, but, for obvious reasons, music was forbidden in the class room. Still, she was irked at not having her headphones on her. The big bulky black things had been with her since she was small, and she felt exposed without their comfortably familiar weight resting against her neck or ears.

This vulnerability only served to further her aggravation at Discord. She had opted to take his classes again this year because he had been entertaining the last, and Luna was certain, from all the stories her sister told her, that being late like this was Discord’s idea of a joke. The dark mare was beginning to regret taking this class a second year when a voice suddenly cried out from the back of the room, “Hello, my little ponies! It is wonderful to see you all again this year!”

Luna, and everyone else, quickly looked to the back to find the draconequus with an arm wrapped around the shoulder of a red teenage dragon. The dragon was glaring at the taller creature, and it was fairly obvious to everyone that angering him was just what Discord had intended with the little pony comment. “I hope you are all ready for another splendid year! For those who do not know I am your professor. The great and powerful Discord!” The draconequus introduced himself, and struck a dramatic pose as a star and moon speckled cape and pointed hat appeared on him.

“Trixie’s clothes!” One of the students cried out.

Discord casually grabbed his apparel, and wadded them up into ball. He threw the ball in the general direction of the voice saying, “Oh, calm down. As if I’d think of keeping something so tacky.”

Despite her earlier aggravation Luna couldn’t help, but smirk at the professor’s antics. The draconequus backstroked through the air before landing in front of his desk explaining, “Now, I was thinking that since it took me so long to arrive that I might as well skip your lecture, and credit you all the hours anyway. However, then I thought how irresponsible that was of me, and I decided that instead of a two hour lecture I would give a three hour one instead. Unfortunately the university won’t let me credit you the extra hour, but look at it this way, you’ll be prepared for any early tests I might just throw your way.”

Luna scowled. She knew well enough from last year that Discord would likely be holding a pop quiz the very next day, and if she wanted to stand a chance of passing she’d have to stay the whole three hours. “Now then, let's begin. As you all know runes were invented as way to- Oh, what are you all doing?” The draconequus stopped his speech.

Luna rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what Discord was questioning. She had been one of the few students not grab a textbook from her saddlebags, and that was a smart move. Discord hated textbooks. He considered them bland and restrictive. As the professor began a tirade about the learning material the alicorn let her mind wander.

It drifted to the only interesting piece of information it had been given recently. Her roommate. The dark blue mare had nothing against the filly she’d been stuck with, but, to be frank, she found Twilight Sparkle to be annoying. All those questions had simply gotten on her nerves. Luna had hoped it was all just some joke, but the lavender unicorn had confirmed that she was indeed attending the university. Perhaps the alicorn had been a bit hasty in making a judgment on Twilight, but she wasn’t much into hyperactive fillies, like she assumed her roommate was. She also didn’t want to spend her spare time talking about science or math. She had to deal with that enough from her sister. So Luna had decided to ignore her roommate for the time being. Eventually the unicorn would take a hint, and leave her alone. “Luna here is a perfect example.” A voice snapped the alicorn back to reality. “Look at her, daydreaming in my class! My class! The fun one! Why I’m insulted by this. What have you to say for yourself young mare?”

The alicorn flustered, “Professor, I-I didn’t mean to-”

“No, no. You’ve done enough damage as it is. If my class isn’t entertaining enough for you then simply leave.” Discord instructed before bending over, and whispering into her ear. “Enjoy the quiz tomorrow.”

“But professor, I-” Luna began again only to be interrupted.

“I said leave.” Discord ordered adopting a mock-superior tone, and pointing at the door.

Luna grumbled as she stood from her seat, and trotted outside lecture hall. She had spent an hour waiting for Discord to show, and when he did he didn’t set about teaching anything. He just prattled on, joked, and kicked her out. An hour wasted, and she would have to spend the entire evening studying to be ready for his test tomorrow. She had no idea what he had been about to teach. He was just as likely to jump on a different subject as teach whatever he had been about to on runes. Luna was starting to see why her sister hated Discord so much.
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Twilight Sparkle sat happily munching on the veggie pizza she had ordered. Flim’s Pizzeria was conveniently located on the same complex block as her dorm, so the unicorn has decided to stop here for lunch before heading back for a few hours. Though, she had to say she was surprised by the remarkable similarity between Flim and Prof. Flam. She wondered about that. Of course, the thought of Prof. Flam pushed the curiosity right out. As it reminded her of the three classes she’d been to so far today. All had gone well, and the filly was indeed pleased with the little bit she had learnt so far. Aside from staring no one had been rude to her, and the unicorn Rarity seemed like a nice pony. Twilight hoped she would be able to see more of the unicorn over the semester. After all, the young filly’s roommate didn’t really appear eager to have her, and having no one to talk to did become rather lonely. “Hi there!” A pink pony exclaimed as her face popped up upside down right in front of Twilight.

The unicorn started at the sudden invasion of personal space before a piece of paper was shoved into her face. She pulled the paper off with her magic only to find that the pink pony was gone. Twilight stared about the restaurant for a moment, but she could discover no traces of her mysterious assailant. She sighed, and looked over the piece of paper. It had a picture of three balloons, two blue and one yellow, and a small greeting written in bright pink. What was more, both the picture and the text looked suspiciously like they were written in crayon. Twilight read the greeting silently, “I am super-duper-ultra-happy to announce the opening semester party being held on the vacant third floor of Building Five in Block Z. I giddily invite you to come, and join the fun on Friday. There will be candy, snacks, soda, games, dancing, and I wanted there to be music, but the staff wouldn’t let met because music’s not supposed to be performed on campus and I argued saying, ‘Well it’s not going to be performed you silly-willy-filly I’m just going to play recorded music REAL LOUD’ but they didn’t seem to want to be anymore lenient so-”

Twilight ceased reading, and clenched her eyes shut while she rubbed her temple with a hoof. The blatant disregard for grammar appalled her, and made her brain hunch over in pain. After she recovered from the shock, the lavender unicorn neatly folded up the invitation, and placed it in her saddlebags. She would read more about the party later.

Once she had finished eating, Twilight rose from her seat, and began to leave only to bump into something. She backed up to see that she had hit a rather large gryphon. The carnivore was almost entirely brown, but its head was white. Next to it was a rainbow-maned pegasus, and both of them of were glaring at Twilight. The lavender filly gulped and apologized, “I’m sorry. I should have been paying attention to where I was going.”

“Damn straight you should’ve.” The gryphon said in feminine voice.

“What are you doing here anyway, shrimp? Shouldn’t you be off enjoying nap time at magic kindergarten?” The rainbow pegasus asked mockingly.

“I-what? No. I’m supposed to be here.” Twilight replied.

The gryphon snorted, “What? You got some kind of growth problem?”

“No. I’m still a filly. I’m not fully grown yet.” Twilight corrected, but immediately wished she hadn’t.

The pegasus broke down laughing. “You got to be shittin’ me!” She proclaimed. “What are you? Some kind of egg-head?”

“Spends her whole life in books never learning about real life.” The gryphon continued mocking. “Tell me foal, do you even know how to do it?”

Twilight ground her teeth, and struggled to breathe right. She couldn’t become too upset. That would only make things worse. Fortunately for her, she was saved at that moment. “And just what is so wrong with being intelligent, or short for that matter?” A very authoritative voice said from behind her.

The gryphon and pegasus began balking as the latter stuttered, “I-I-I ne-need to-”

“Need to what? I can’t understand you.” The voice asked again.

“W-we need to go practice.” The gryphon said with glassy smile before snatching up her companion and running away.

“I thought so.” The voice said to itself.

Twilight turned around with a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” She said.

When she looked at her savior, however, she fell on her plot in awe. It was the tallest pony she’d ever seen and another alicorn. An absolutely beautiful white one with a multi-colored mane and tail. The alicorn smiled kindly as she replied, “It was nothing. You’re Twilight Sparkle, correct?”

“How do you know?” The filly asked tilting her head in confusion.

“My name is Celestia, and the university has assigned me as your advisor.” The alicorn introduced herself.

“Wait…Aren’t advisors normally for third year and over students?” Twilight wondered.

“Yes, but you’re a special exception.” Celestia explained.

“I seem to be a special exception to a lot of things.” Twilight stated.

Celestia chuckled, and offered the young unicorn a hoof. “Well, we can discuss just how special you are at your dorm. That is, if you don’t have anymore classes to attend to.”

Twilight blushed, and grabbed the alicorn’s hoof to pull herself up. “No. Not until late this afternoon.”

“Then lead the way.”
_____________________________________________________________________________

Luna sighed as she approached her dorm room door. The only other class she had today had gone well, but Discord’s little trick wasn’t something she was going to get over easily. She had no idea if the draconequus was going to make the quiz count for grading or not. He was hard predict sometimes. The sounds of laughter from her room caught her attention. The alicorn furrowed her brow, and opened the door to find her roommate laughing with her sister. The navy mare wasn’t sure what had been so funny, but she didn’t really care. There was another matter here. “Tia? What are you doing here? I know I didn’t text you where my dorm was yet.” She wondered.

Celestia appeared surprised but smirked, “You have the same dorm room as Twilight here? Well that should make things simple.”

Twilight appeared confused. “Wait, you two know each other?” The filly asked.

“We’re sisters.” Luna answered without looking at her roommate. “You didn’t answer my question Tia.”

“I’m here for Twilight.” Celestia stated.

“Why?”

“The staff assigned me to her. That’s what Prof. Zecora wanted to talk about the other day.” The white alicorn explained.

Assigned? Luna wasn’t going to ask again. She wasn’t happy though. She had even more reason to ignore her roommate now. After all, there’s no telling what Twilight would say to her sister. The younger alicorn wasn’t paranoid enough to think her sister spied on her, but Celestia was overprotective. If she caught wind of something she didn’t like she’d be on Luna’s flank in instant to nag her until whatever was wrong was fixed. The navy mare shook her head, and levitated her pPod and headphones to her before turning back towards the door. “Where are you going?” Twilight asked.

“For a walk.” Luna answered shortly before she turned on her pPod, and began drowning her ears in music.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Author's Note: Well I have several things to apologize for with this chapter. First, I'd like to say that I'm sorry for the lateness. I just barely made it before my deadline. Second, I'd like to apologize for not much happening in this chapter either. Don't worry though, that will change with the next chapter. I intend to reward you all for your patience with a, hopefully, long one that does contain a lot of interest. For now, I'd like to ask what you all think of this latest chapter?

Also, this chapter's title is another reference to Pink Floyd. It is named after another of the songs from The Wall. I would like to have chosen a different title, but, as I said, not much happened in here. So it was hard to find a song fitting of this chapter. I had to make do. Sorry.

Ich Erinnere Mich An Die Weimarer Republik

It was Wednesday afternoon, and Twilight was unhappy. It wasn’t that her first class in alchemical science wasn’t going well. Quite to the contrary. The young unicorn hadn’t been able to find much reading material on the matter, so she was learning quite a lot from Prof. Zecora. No. What made Twilight unhappy was the vicious glare she was receiving from across the room. The pegasus that had taunted her two days earlier, who she now knew to be Rainbow Dash, was in the classroom, and the multi-colored mare and her gryphon friend, Gilda, were apparently holding some grudge against her now. She couldn’t understand why. She hadn’t done anything to them. She hadn’t even been the one to chase them off, but the filly knew it was pointless to try and make sense of. Bullies were bullies. No matter where you met them in life. “And that, class, makes this lesson past. If, successfully, my message I have conveyed, then please have a pleasant day.” Zecora stated.

Twilight jumped slightly thinking, “Crap! I missed the end of the lecture!”

Yet she did not have time to dwell on her mistake. She needed to hurry out of the class now if she wanted to avoid Rainbow Dash. The unicorn quickly levitated her books inside her saddlebags, and began rushing for the exit. “Oh, and Twilight, my delight.” The professor stopped her right as she was at the door, students to file past her.

“Yes, Prof. Zecora?” The lavender unicorn asked hesitantly.

“To answer your question about transmutation, I suggest looking up its proclamation.” Zecora stated.

Twilight stared at her blankly, trying to figure out what she meant. Zecora sighed, “The Transmutation Proclamation is a law of this science. The act of creating matter depends heavily on its compliance.”

The way the zebra worded herself was slightly confusing to Twilight, but the unicorn believed she understood the gist of it. “Thank you. I will.” She replied quickly before rushing out of the lecture hall.

The brief conversation had proven too much of a delay, however. As Twilight hurried out among the other students she suddenly found herself slammed against a wall. Her heart began racing, and her breaths became short as she stared into the red eyes of Rainbow Dash, who had her pinned against a wall. The pegasus smirked maliciously. “Where you goin’, runt?” She asked.

“T-to my next lecture.” Twilight answered. “Please, just let me go. It starts in twenty minutes.”

“Really now? Well that’s just enough time for me to think of something to do with you.” Rainbow replied.

“But…Then you won’t have enough time to do it.” Twilight rebutted lamely.

“Who says you have to get there on time.” Rainbow shot back.

Twilight didn’t have to take this. She was quite skilled with magic, and she should have been able to defend herself. However, she didn’t like fighting, and she knew that if she threw the first punch she’d be the one in trouble. It had happened before. She knew how to teleport, though, and she could simply warp right to the class. That brilliant idea was shot down quickly as she remembered what happened last time she did it. Teleportation put a lot of strain on her, and going more than a few feet with it was dangerous for her. Her body just couldn’t handle the stress. “Well, at least you think slow enough to where I’m safe for awhile.” She thought aloud.

She quickly realized her mistake as Rainbow Dash growled, and slammed a hoof down next to her face. “Did you just call me stupid!?” The pegasus yelled with a surprising amount of fury.

Twilight breaths were quickly speeding up. This wasn’t good. Fortunately, she was saved at that moment. “Rainbow Dash, what do you think you are doing?!” A familiar voice called in outrage.

Twilight and her aggressor looked to the side to see Rarity stepping out from among the various students traveling about the hall. “She insulted me!” Rainbow Dash accused.

“Well that’s hardly any reason to resort to violence. Twilight here is just a filly, and I doubt she started this. I will have you know I had conversation with her the other day, and she was polite as can be, if a little shy.” Rarity countered.

Twilight was uncertain how the two mares knew each other, but the distraction had taken away the threat. She was calming down now. She would be alright. “You’re defending her?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously.

“Yes, I am. Now why don’t you go bugger off, and find that brute friend of yours, hmm?” Rarity rebutted.

Rainbow Dash glared at the white unicorn for a moment before grudgingly taking her pinning hoof off Twilight’s shoulder, and walking away with an excuse of, “Ahh, you aren’t worth it.”

Twilight let out a sigh of relief as Rarity walked up next to her. “Are you alright?” The older unicorn asked with concern.

“Yeah. Thanks for helping me out.” Twilight answered.

“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for.” Rarity replied.

Twilight looked at the mare with confusion for a moment. Friend? They’d only spoken once, and the young unicorn had said very little. Then again, she seemed to be low on friends at the moment, and Rarity appeared sincere. “Then, thank you for being my friend.” The lavender filly responded.

“Not a problem, now what is your next class?” Rarity asked.

“Global history.” Twilight answered.

“Ah! Same here! We can go together.” Rarity offered as she began walking.

“Sure.” Twilight agreed, and fell in step.

The trip was pleasantly silent until a pink earth mare appeared out of nowhere shouting, “Hi!”

She then hoofed a piece of paper to Rarity, and ran off with a, “Bye!”

Twilight narrow her eyes as the mysteriously flamboyant mare hurried away. “She looks familiar.” She pondered aloud.

“Ah, the party.” Rarity stated, seeming to recognize the paper. “Rainbow Dash came back with one of these last night. Will you be attending?”

The young unicorn looked over, and recognized the paper as the same invite she’d received on Monday. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been too good with parties.” Twilight replied hesitantly.

“Well, if you do, you needn’t worry. I intend to go myself, so it is not like you will be alone. Pinkamena always throws the best parties.” The alabaster mare explained as the two continued on.

“Pinkamena?” Twilight wondered.

“That pink mare. She prefers Pinkie Pie, though.” Rarity replied.

“Oh, that reminds me, how do you know Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Her? We’re dorm mates.” Rarity explained.

The lavender filly had the decency to look embarrassed as she replied, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble.”

“Hmm? Trouble? Oh! You mean in my dorm. Oh don’t worry about that Twilight. You can’t fret over every little thing.” The older unicorn advised as they arrived at the global history lecture hall.

Twilight opened the door for her friend while replying, “Thanks again, Rarity.”
_____________________________________________________________________________

Luna sat at her desk eager to begin the lecture. It was not that she particularly cared for it above any other subject, but this was her last class for the day. She wouldn’t have anymore until Friday, so she was anxious to finish. However, the lecture hadn’t even started yet, and things were already looking down for her. From her vantage point, the alicorn spotted her roommate and another unicorn enter, chatting merrily. This wouldn’t have bothered the alicorn, but the only two available seats she could see were right next to her. Sure enough, the two unicorns made their way over and sat down. Twilight was at the farther desk, and appeared nervous about who she was near. Good, then maybe Luna wouldn’t have to be bothered with constant- “Oh my! An alicorn!” The older unicorn right next to her gushed.

Luna had to resist groaning in aggravation. “Oh, um, let me introduce you. Luna, this is Rarity. Rarity, this is my dorm mate Luna.” Twilight explained.

Rarity turned her attention to Twilight, much to Luna’s relief, and asked, “Your dorm mate is an alicorn?”

Twilight nodded nervously. “Oh that must be marvelous!” The older unicorn continued. “Alicorns are among the rarest and highest in society!”

“I…I know.” The lavender filly replied nervously. “But she doesn’t like to talk much.”

Of course she didn’t. Most ponies blabbered on about inane things. Like how the weather outside of Equestria must be dreadful without any pegasi to manage it. How buffalo were savages, or how great Celestia was. “Really, well you must still be honored to share a room with her.” Rarity said.

“Umm…Kinda? I mean I was excited at first, but well…” Twilight trailed off appearing lost for words.

“Well, if nothing else, she looks simply fabulous!” Rarity exclaimed.

Normally Luna would’ve taken the compliment, but being talked about as if she wasn’t there was really beginning to grate on her nerves. “Oh! The lecture’s starting!” Twilight whispered loudly, point to the elderly Professor Smith.

Thank goodness. Luna had been about the butt in, but now she’d have some peace. The alicorn was really starting to get tired of her roommate.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow Dash ground her teeth in aggravation as she walked through the streets of the university courtyard. No one called her stupid. Yeah, she didn’t exactly have the highest grades around, and, yeah, she’d made it into the university on a sports scholarship for flight racing. She wasn’t stupid though! She wasn’t worthless either! No matter what anypony said! She was Rainbow Dash! She’d wowed far more experienced ponies with her flying skills, and she even knew how to play the guitar, much like her idol. So NO ONE was going to call her worthless, and get away with it! “Hey, Dash. What’s up?” A voice she knew well asked.

The multi-colored mare looked up to see her best friend Gilda flapping along right above her. “Ha! Give up? It’s me!” Gilda joked.

“Ha ha. Very funny.” Rainbow Dash sarcastically replied.

“Wooaah, what bug crawled up your plot?” Gilda asked as she barrel rolled to land beside Dash.

“You know that runt we’ve been picking on?” The blue pegasus asked.

“Yeah, what about the squirt?” The gryphon wondered.

“She called me stupid. Worthless!” Dash growled.

Gilda, who knew her friend well, placed a claw on the mare’s shoulder. “Calm down, Dash. If she insulted you then we just pay her back. It’s that simple.”

Rainbow Dash did not appear much happier. “You got a plan?” She asked.

Gilda groaned in aggravation before answering, “Well not right now! You just told me about this, so you have to give me some time to think! I do know when we should do it, though.”

“Oh really? When then?” Dash asked.

“At the party this Friday. Most everyone’s gonna be there, so she will be too. Which also means that whatever do to her will be seen by almost all the students. Universal embarrassment. The foal will be crushed!” Gilda explained.

“Hmph, I like it.” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“Good. Then let’s start planning.” Gilda replied.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Luna stretched slightly as she awoke Thursday evening. She didn’t care for mornings, or even much for afternoons at that. She much preferred the night overall. She couldn’t sleep anymore, though, and she needed to get up some time. The alicorn threw her blankets off, and yawned before jumping down to the floor. Looking to her side, she was pleased to see that her annoying roommate was up and about already. Briefly, she wondered where the filly had went, but she didn’t really care. Besides, the unicorn was probably with Celestia. Luna still did not like the fact that they associated with one another, but there was nothing she could do about it. The alicorn quickly levitated her headphones and pPod over, and started up some music. Once she was satisfied with the selection, she made her way out of the dorm.

Luna was surprised with the sunny day outside, and she briefly considered taking a flight instead of a walk. However, she remembered that students weren’t allowed to fly above building level normally, nor were they allowed to fly any faster than forty miles per hour. It was too hard to keep track of flying students otherwise. The alicorn sighed with the thought, and decided that it wasn’t worth it. So she stayed on the ground. As she began walking she decided to head for Flim’s Pizzeria . Normally, her walks were aimless, and purely for the point of enjoying her music. However, she was fairly hungry considering she’d slept past breakfast.

The trip was a bit quick for her, and all too soon she had to turn her music off. After placing her order for a quick veggie pizza she found a booth, and sat down to wait for her name to be called. Luna sighed and leaned back to wait. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander until a repulsive scent entered her nose. The smell of cooked meat. It wasn’t that she was bothered by the idea. The university welcomed carnivores and omnivores as well as herbivores, so the alicorn had gotten used to it. Yet, the smell was always so strong to her. Luna cracked an eye open, and saw a pegasus and a gryphon sit in the booth in front of her sharing a pizza. Likely only half of it had meat. The alicorn’s ears quirked as she listened in to their conversation out of boredom. “Haha! You’re devious, Gilda!” The pegasus said with a laugh.

“That’s what I’m here for, Dash. You could never think of these things on your own.” The gryphon replied.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean!?” The pegasus yelled.

“Just that you don’t have the mind of a predator. That runt will never see this coming.” The gryphon stated.

Luna sighed. It sounded like they were talking about pranking someone. Ah well. It wasn’t her. The pegasus grumbled something inaudible before asking, “So how are we gonna get the blood in time for the party?”

Blood? Party? Were they intending to do something at the party tomorrow night? Luna hoped whatever it was wouldn’t ruin the affair. Pinkie’s parties were one of only a few times she could really let loose and enjoy herself at the university. “Real easy, Dash. The restaurants on campus that sell meat typically keep tubs of blood from the bleeding of the animals. Well, at least those that don’t buy already bled, gutted, and skinned pieces of meat. All we need to do is steal one. Just one, and we’re golden. Shouldn’t be too hard.” The gryphon explained.

“Why would they keep tubs of blood?” The pegasus asked.

“Because they need to dispose of it off campus. Faculty doesn’t want it stinkin’ up the university.” The gryphon answered.

“Well, I gotta say I like this plan. That foal won’t know what’s comin’ to her.” The pegasus replied.

Foal? “Yeah. She might even leave.” The gryphon said, laughing.

“Would serve her right. Come back when she’s the right age.” The pegasus stated.

Right age? Could they have been talking about Twilight? “Luna!” An employee called from the counter.

Luna slid out of her booth, and went to retrieve her pizza. She’d need to contemplate what to do with this information.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Twilight stared at the book in front of her only half-paying attention. She was in the library studying on the Transmutation Proclamation as Prof. Zecora had advised. To her side sat Celestia. The alicorn was helping to explain the concepts to her, “…So with the proper chemicals in the runes a reaction is triggered upon activation of the ritual. The exact reaction varies from ritual to ritual, but typically it is a quick blending of ingredients to make something they all are a part of. This can be used to create materials we would not be able to naturally, such as gemstones, or circumvent the normal creative process of-”

Twilight sighed. Celestia stared at her oddly before asking, “Is something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh. Sorry, ma’am. I was trying to pay attention, but something’s been bothering me since I came here.” The unicorn replied.

Celestia grimaced, “Twilight, you don’t need to be so formal. Just call me Celestia, not ma’am. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you? I’m here to help.”

Twilight sighed once more before explaining, “It’s your sister. She really doesn’t like me. I can tell, but I can’t figure out what I did to her. I’ve never said anything rude, and I always try to be polite.”

Celestia’s frown deepened. “Luna’s never really been a sociable pony.” She replied. “Not even to me. We’ve had our moments, but she’s usually pretty withdrawn. All she’s really enthusiastic about is music.”

“I never really listened to much music.” Twilight replied.

“Well it’s not that there’s anything wrong with it, but she’s kind of obsessive over it. Well, no…That’s not the right way to put it. Luna uses it sort of like a shield. If she can just tune out the whole world then it can never bother her.” Celestia explained.

“Why would she do that?” The filly asked.

“She’s been that way since we were little. When our parents died.” The alicorn answered hesitantly.

Twilight looked to the book dismally. “Maybe we aren’t so different then.” She stated idly.

Celestia looked at the unicorn curiously. “It’s nothing. Let’s get back to studying.” Twilight suggested.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Twilight put down the brush, and looked at herself admiringly in the mirror. Her mane looked as good as it ever did. This was it. It was Friday night, and she was ready. She had decided to go to the party. Everypony-no everyone was talking about it, so she decided to check it out for herself. She knew it wasn’t a formal party, but, still, she didn’t want to look bad.

As she took her attention away from the mirror she saw her dorm mate putting on her headphones and pPod. Twilight wondered what the alicorn intended to do with them at the party. If she was going to listen to her music she wouldn’t be able to hear anything that was going on. The unicorn’s thoughts turned back to her conversation with Celestia the day before, and she had an idea. Maybe there was a way to repair her relationship with Luna. A way for them to connect. “Hey Luna.” Twilight said as she approached she alicorn.

The blue mare sighed in aggravation, “Yes, Twilight?”

“I was wondering. Since we’re both going to the party could we…walk there together?” Twilight asked.

Luna frowned and studied the filly carefully before answering, “Fine. Just don’t stick with me all night.”

“Deal.” Twilight agreed.

“Well come on then.” The alicorn said tiredly as she lead the way out of the dorm room.

Twilight followed closely as the two quickly made it down to the streets, and began on their way. The walkways were crowded as the student body also worked its way en masse to the party. The young unicorn briefly wondered how all the students were going fit into the party. She knew the floors to the university buildings weren’t small by any means, and, as had been explained to her, the floor of the building the party was being held at was completely empty except for a few support beams. That would mean a massive amount of amount of ponies and other creatures could fit in, but there would have to be a limit. Twilight could only hope Luna and her made it there in time to not be denied access. Then the unicorn remembered her idea. “So, Luna, how was your first week?” She asked cautiously.

“Fine.” Luna answered shortly.

“Anything fun happen for you?” Twilight wondered, slowly building up the courage to make her point.

“Not especially.” The alicorn replied.

The filly gulped, and took the plunge. “So I was talking to Celestia yesterday…about you.” She said nervously.

Luna looked down at the lavender filly with a warning in her eyes but said nothing. Twilight continued anyway, “She explained about you, and…what happened to your parents.”

Luna was glaring angrily now, but the unicorn did not stop. “I just wanted to say that…I know how it feels.”

“Know how it feels!? KNOW how it feels!?” Luna screamed as she halted and advanced on Twilight. “What do you know about!? How can you possibly understand what it’s like to lose your parents!!? You little twit! You don’t KNOW anything about it!”

“But I-” Twilight began, but was cut off by the angry alicorn.

“No buts! Up until now I’ve just considered you annoying with your constant talking and questions, but now you’ve crossed the line! Until you can learn how to keep your damn mouth shut just FUCK OFF!”

Twilight distraughtly watched Luna canter away. That was not how this was supposed to go. Twilight was supposed to make the alicorn feel better. She was supposed to comfort her, and then they could be friends. The unicorn sighed with disappointment as she realized she’d just blown her chance at getting along with Luna. Well…maybe the party would help her feel better.

When the unicorn arrived she was fortunate to find that either there really were no restriction on how many students could come, or she was simply not too late get in. Her mood began lifting as she observed the floor. Despite the lack of music everyone appeared to be having a good time. They were all chatting away, playing some game, or enjoying the snacks. Twilight spotted Luna in the distance, who appeared to be enjoying herself for once, and immediately ducked into the crowd. She didn’t want to risk making the alicorn any angrier. Her lack of attention caused her to bump into someone, however. “Oof! Watch where you’re- Oh! Twilight! There are you are. I was wondering if you were coming.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment, and stood up as she replied to Rarity, “Sorry. I just got here. So, how’s the party going?”

“It’s a bit dull for a Pinkie Pie party.” Rarity answered.

“Really? Everypony seems to be having a good time.” Twilight stated as she looked around.

“Everybody. It’s the generalized version, and you may as well get used to it.” Rarity corrected.

“Sorry.” Twilight apologized.

Rarity sighed, and threw a foreleg around Twilight as she began to lead the unicorn to a snack table. “Always apologizing. Honestly Twilight, you need to lighten up.” She stated.

“Well, I’m just trying to be careful. I wasn’t earlier, and I ended up insulting Luna.” Twilight explained.

“You’re roommate? I think I saw her not too long ago. Maybe she’s calmed down, and you can apologize.” Rarity stated as she stopped and began looking around.

“Wait. What? No! Rarity-” Twilight stuttered.

“OH! Luna! Luna! Over here!” The older unicorn called as she apparently spotted the blue mare.

Twilight’s blood began to run cold as the alicorn started walking over. She fixed the filly with a frightening glare, and the lavender unicorn began to struggle to breathe. Rarity continued on unaware, “Luna, Twilight here has something she’d like to say to you.”

“I…I…” Before the filly could say anymore she felt something wet and warm splash all over her.

Rarity jumped back in surprise and revulsion. All eyes turned to her, and after a few seconds everyone began laughing, except the horrified Rarity. Twilight’s breaths became short, and her legs wobbled in weakness. She looked down at herself, and saw that she was covered in a thick red liquid. It smelt too. Like rot. Oh no…Was this…blood!? Twilight’s eyes widened in panic. Her breathing became rapid, but no scrap of air sufficed. Her legs fell out from under her as her body began to weaken. The feeling of tiny needles jabbing her started to set in, and she blacked out.
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Luna had seen the pegasus and gryphon walk up behind Twilight with a tank of something, and she had known exactly what was going to happen. Earlier, she had contemplated warning the unicorn, but after the comment about her parents she decided to let this happen. Now, however, her laughter began dying down with all those around her. Rarity was the first to react. She rushed to Twilight, and checked her pulse. The white unicorn appeared more panicked after that, and placed her ear against the filly’s chest. She looked up and shouted, “Help! We need help! Her heart’s giving out!”

Luna’s eyes widened at the information. Even as much as she had come to dislike Twilight, the filly dying was the last thing she would’ve wanted. Even more than that, wasn’t this her fault? Couldn’t she have stopped it? Even if she hadn’t warned Twilight she saw the gryphon and pegasus coming. She could’ve used her magic to stop them. This was her fault. If there was something she could do she needed to. She had to make this right. Luna stepped up to Rarity and ordered, “Calm down! I’ll take her to the campus hospital. I’m quicker than you. You go back to our dorm. It’s room 205 in building three of block D. Twilight has some pills there. I saw her using them a few days ago, and they might be able to help. Understand?”

Rarity nodded briefly. “Good.” Luna stated as she levitated the unconscious filly onto her back.

The alicorn turned about, and charged out of the room. The crowd hurried out of her way, not wishing to intervene. Once Luna was outside she unfurled her wings, and took to the sky. She didn’t care if she got in trouble. She needed to hurry. Holding Twilight in place with her magic, the alicorn flew straight over the buildings, and powered her wings as hard she could to make it to hospital.

Luna practically slammed into the ground outside her destination and galloped inside. “Help!” She shouted. “It’s an emergency!”

The unicorn nurse at the reception desk looked up quickly and trotted over. “What’s the matter?” She asked more calmly than Luna felt she had a right to.

“It’s this student! Her name’s Twilight Sparkle. Someone pulled a prank on her at the party, and she fainted. Her heart’s stopping! You have to hurry!” The alicorn blurted quickly.

The nurse levitated Twilight off Luna’s back, and said, “Don’t worry we’ll handle it.”

As the nurse rushed off calling for a doctor the alicorn plopped down onto the floor, panting lightly. All she could now was wait. Wait and hope that her carelessness hadn’t caused her young roommate’s death.
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Luna sat impatiently waiting in the lounge of the hospital. Rarity had arrived an hour ago, and delivered the pills. The medical staff had taken them without a word, and left the two alone. Rarity, however, had left shortly after “To give Rainbow Dash a piece of my mind!” She had said.

The alicorn had assumed that meant she was going after the ones who had pranked Twilight. So Luna had waited here with nothing but her guilty conscience for an hour further than before Rarity had arrived. She would’ve listened to music. It always helped, but…She didn’t feel like she had the right to it. This was her fault after all. “You’re the one who brought Twilight Sparkle in. Correct?” A voice snapped her back to reality.

The blue mare looked up to see an earth stallion who was clearly a doctor from the way he dressed. “Yes.” She answered. “My name’s Luna. How is she?”

“Fine. We were able to make her start pumping again. She’ll still have to stay here for the next few days though. We want to make sure everything’s alright, and she’s very lethargic after what happened. It’ll take her awhile to recover.” The doctor explained.

“What did happen?” Luna asked.

“Well, we pulled the copy of her medical file the university has, and apparently she has a weak heart. It’s a genetic defect. So too much stress on her body or mind causes her heart to give out. Those pills that were delivered earlier? They’re supposed to prevent that from happening. According to the instructions she’s supposed to take them whenever she’s about to have or has nearly had an ‘episode.’” The doctor answered.

“Is she awake?” Luna wondered.

“Yes, and you can go see her. First, though, I have some questions for you.” The doctor stated.

“Ok, shoot.” The alicorn responded.

“What is you relation to the patient?” The doctor asked.

“I’m her dorm mate.” Luna answered.

“And you said she was pranked at a party. That’s what caused this to happen?” The doctor wondered.

“Yes. A pegasus and a gryphon dumped a tank of blood on her.” Luna explained.

“I see. Do you know who they were?” The doctor queried.

“No. I heard their names once, but I don’t remember.” Luna clarified.

“Very well. You may go see the patient. Take the first right down the hall. She’s in room 110.” The doctor directed.

Luna nodded her thanks, and cantered quickly in the indicated direction. She arrived at the door and swallowed hard. She was afraid of what she’d find inside, but she had to do this. The alicorn opened the door and entered. There was Twilight Sparkle laying on the hospital bed with a heart-rate monitor attached to her, and a breathing mask on her face. The unicorn slowly took notice of her. “Hey.” She said.

“Hey.” Luna replied before making her way to the side of the bed and sitting down.

They were both quiet for awhile before Twilight said, “I’m…sorry.”

“For what?” Luna asked in confusion.

“For what I said earlier. I didn’t mean to insult you.” Twilight stated.

Luna looked to the floor guiltily. She should be the one apologizing. “It…It’s alright. Don’t worry about it.”

“But you see…I do understand. The doctor told you about my heart right?” The weak filly asked.

Luna nodded. “I got it from my mom. She’s been dead since I was four.” Twilight explained.

The alicorn flinched as she remembered how she had yelled at the young pony. “I’m sorry.” She said.

Twilight looked at her in confusion, so the blue mare sighed before clarifying, “For yelling at you over that. For treating you like crap. For not…stopping…this.”

Slowly, Twilight leaned forward, and wrapped her forelegs around Luna’s neck. “I forgive you.” She said.

Luna returned the hug as her roommate asked, “Will you come by and visit me until I’m out? It’ll be lonely by myself.”

“Sure, and……I have something that might help with that loneliness.” Luna replied as she levitated her headphones onto Twilight.

Before the filly could ask, the alicorn turned on the music. The lavender unicorn sighed as she sleepily replied, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Luna answered.

The blue mare was surprised when Twilight’s weight went slack. The unicorn fell back on the bed asleep, dragging Luna’s front half with her. The filly’s legs tightened around the alicorn, and Luna sighed with acceptance, “Good night.”
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Author's Note: Hello everyone! The deepest apologies for how long this took. I know it's REALLY late, and I'm sorry for that. However, to make up for it, this is the biggest chapter of this story yet. I hope you all enjoyed it, especially the d'aww scene at the end. Now Luna and Twi can start being friends What's more, we have a few answered questions. Even questions that hadn't been asked before this chapter.

Now, this chapter is named after the song "Ich Erinnere Mich An Die Weimarer Republik" by the World/Inferno Friendship Society. They're one of my favorite bands. The song is supposedly about nazis, but if you're oblivious, like me, you might just assume it's about horrible people doing horrible things. Like Rainbow Dash and Gilda.

Now, tell me what you all think.