Starswirl University

Chapter 14

Make Up?

The next few days were not going well. Grey was giving Eris and Discord the silent treatment. Twilight, for whatever reason, was giving Grey the cold shoulder and the second match of the season was coming up. Grey still had not chosen a symbol for his squad yet. Out of professionalism for the team, Grey treated Eris the same way he treated the other squad members.

He had managed to house train Cinder over the week. It’s a good thing that Phoenix crap burns up after about an hour of it hitting the air, but it does leave scorch marks. The bird had not learned to fly yet and would still hiss at Eris whenever it saw her. Grey decided to take the role of the oblivious owner and chuckle when the bird pecked at her calling it a ‘love peck.’ The mages in training were in Princess Cadence’s class waiting for the bell to ring. There was only one day left before they left for Trottingham University to fight their team.

“Grey,” A voice called out to the man as he walked towards the door. He looked back at the Princes of love who was sitting at her desk. “a moment of your time?”

“Sure. Need something Professor?” He asked as the rest of the class left.

“Just a question.” Grey stood in front of the Princess’s desk. “I noticed that you’ve been unusually quiet as of late. Any reason?”

“Just nervous about the fight.” Cadence frowned.

“Grey I’m the Princess of Love, I know when someone is having troubles with their emotions.” The man furrowed his brow.

“No offense Princess-”

“Please, call me Cadence.”

“Okay, no offense Cadence, but it’s none of your business.”

“Matters concerning the heart are my business.” She said with a straight face. “I know it has something to do with Twilight and-”

“What? No issues with Twilight.”

“So there is an issue then.”

Damn it! She’s craftier than she looks.

“So if there’s nothing wrong with Twilight then why was she giving you a glare?” The Princess made a glare that copied the indigo haired scholar’s look she’d been giving Grey and eris for the past few days. He couldn’t help, but chuckle at the face.

“I’m not sure what Twilight’s deal is, but my issues are with Eris and a certain spirit of chaos.”

“What’s Discord got to do with it?” Grey sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t trust Cadence, okay maybe a little. Definitely more than Celestia, Luna, or Discord. At the very least he could vent.

“Okay,” He waved his wand and the door to the class room closed along with the blinds. “I’m trusting you can keep this under wraps?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She did a series of hand gestures to go with the chant.

“What was that?”

“It’s a Pinkie Promise, once you make it you can’t ever break it.” The door was then kicked open by a familiar pink haired chef.

“FOREVER!” She yelled before running down the hallway. Cadence waved her hand and the door was fixed.

“Pinkie scares me.” Grey stated.

“No doubt.” Cadence cleared her throat and adjusted herself in her chair. Grey sighed and started with the events of Nightmare Night at the club. He skipped some of the more explicit details of the night, much to Cadence’s delight and finished up with the contract he had been hoodwinked into. Cadence bit her lip and cracked her neck as she processed the information. “Well Grey, I can see why you’re upset with Eris and Discord.”

“Thank you.”

“I can also see why Twilight was pissed.” She said to herself in a low tone.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself.” She adjusted her posture. “So there’s no way out of this deal?”

“Not unless I kick the bucket, and I don’t plan on doing that anytime soon.” Cadence adjusted her glasses and sighed.

“Well, that is quite the situation.”

“I got tricked.” He clenched his fist and cracked his knuckles. “I hate being tricked.” His tone was sharp enough to cut through steel.

“Sounds like you had a bad experience?” He shot Cadence a dark glance.

“Look Cadence, you’re not my therapist. I’ll handle things on my own.” He said as he looked at hit watch and stood up. “I’m late for practice. See you tomorrow.” With that, the man left the room and made his way towards the gymnasium where the team had gathered. Grey spied his team and made his way over to the pair of women and men.

“Where’ve you been?” Shining asked.

“Just some personal business.” He sighed.

“I need a better excuse than that.”

“I was talking with your wife. Just ask her later, she’ll back me up.” Shining raised and eyebrow and shrugged.

“Fine, I’ll confirm that later on. Just be sure to be on time in the future.” Grey nodded and sat with his team. “Okay everyone listen up, we have our second match against the Trottingham Slashers. They’re tough, but nothing we can’t handle. So long as everyone works hard then I’m sure we can win this.” The team then split into their own squads and started conversing strategies with one another.

“Okay guys, I know that this’ll be our first fight as a new team and the opponents look tough, but Roach and I have been working things out and we’ve made up a few battle formations.” He said pulling out a binder.

“Speaking of which, did you decide on a team name yet?” Winter asked. Grey had a guilty smile on his face. “Moron.” She face palmed. “You know the rules, every team has to have a team name and sigil or they get dissolved!”

“What’s a sigil?” Eris asked.

“It’s a symbol for the team, like the Wonderbolts have a Pegasus stallion as their mascot.” Bolt stated. “Most noble families have one that represents what the family is known for. They’re also another term for your Cutie Mark.” Eris then looked at Grey.

“And you haven’t come up with anything?”

“Get off my back woman. I’ve had a lot on my plate lately and it can’t just be some random animal. It’s gotta have flow.” Eris rolled her eyes at the words. “Anyway, I want your guys’ opinion on these plays.” The group started reading through the positions. Some looked manageable, but some seemed over kill.

“Grey these are inane.” Bolt stated.

“I know right? Pretty awesome huh?” He said basking in the glow of his pride.

“He means you must be bat-shit crazy if you think we can pull half this shit off.” Eris stated blankly. “Granted, I can, but these guys? No way.”

“We’ll never know unless-” He was cut off as winter stood up and shot a look at Eris.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Winter asked as she glared at the woman.

“All I’m saying is that these moves are way to big for some people of your skill level to handle. I can since I’m an immortal, all powerful being.” Winter furrowed her brow.

“Look missy, just because you’re Discord’s daughter doesn’t make you any better than the rest of us.” Roach gulped and got between the two women.

“Ladies, let’s all calm down and-” He was pushed aside by the demigod.

“Um, I have more magic in my pinky finger than you do in your whole body. So learn your place Ice Queen.”

“At least I didn’t sleep my way onto the team.” Eris’s eyes flared and got ready to turn the woman into a mouse.

“ENOUGH! Both of you.” Grey said. His calm demeanor broke and he glared at the two with ferocity in his eyes. He took a few deep breaths and calmed down. “Eris, while you are on this team you are to treat everyone with the same respect, you want to be treated with.” Winter smiled.

“Wipe that smirk off your face Winter. What Eris, or any of you do outside of the team I couldn’t care less about, so leave it alone. You two have been on each other’s cases since Eris joined the team. Now I want both of you to stop this bickering and focus on the task at hand. Are we clear?” The two shot each other one more glance and groaned.

“Fine, Captain.” Eris said with spite in her voice.

“Yes sir.” Winter spat out as the two turned back to their exercises.

These girls are going to be the death of me I just know it.

~~~

The next day Grey met with Twilight and motor mouth in the meeting place beneath the school. Twilight was still acting distant towards him for whatever reason.He still didn’t bother to talk to Trixie. “Afternoon everyone.” Celestia chimed. “Before we begin I’d like to know how you’re all coming along with learning your wand’s names.” Twilight stepped forward and extended her wand.

“Athena.” She called out and the air around her glowed with purple magic. Grey had to admit it was a sight to behold. Twilight was strong on her own, but with her magic working in sync with her wand. Now she was something to keep an eye out for. Grey gave a clap while Trixie only glared as she got to her feet.

“Azure.” Trixie’s magic flared and radiated off her body. Grey had to give her a clap or two. She may be annoying, but she’s good at magic. “Yes, be in awe at Trixie.” If it weren’t for her attitude, Trixie would be pleasant to be around.

“Very good.” Luna said with a smile. “Grey, you’re up.”

“Yeah, I don’t know my wand’s name yet.”

“Why not?” Discord asked.

“It’s got an attitude.” Grey felt a shock in his pocket from the wand and he winced.

“It’s been weeks since we’ve talked about the concept.” Celestia stated.

“Hey, I’ve got a lot on my plate.” Trixie only chuckled. Grey ignored her and pulled out his wand. “I’m working on it.”

“Anyway, on with today’s lesson.”

~~~

Across campus, Eris sat in her dorm room with magazine in hand. She was still bugged about Grey’s silent treatment towards her. Her thought were halted at a knock on her door. She waved her hand and the door opened to show Princess Cadence.

“Afternoon Eris.”

“Sup teach?” She asked.

“May I come in?” Eris shrugged and the Princess of love entered before closing the door. “Is Grey here?” Eris rolled her eyes.

“He’s at that special class with my old man, Celestia and Luna. Why are you looking for him?”

“I’m actually looking to talk to you.” Eris raised an eyebrow at the words and put her magazine down as Cadence sat down across from her. “I heard about you and Grey?”

“Hasn’t everyone?” She said in a flat tone.

“I mean the contract.” Eris raised her head and sighed. “These walls have ears.” She stated. “Grey seemed a bit...upset about it.”

“Oh and you think it doesn’t bother me?” She said defensively. “I didn’t know that that would happen, it was just...I don’t even know, instinct I guess.” She crossed her arms. Cadence sat back and folded her hands. “That’s the way things work. Everyone tells me what to fucking do and no one asks me about it.”

“So Discord ordered you to,” She paused trying to find the right words. “become intimate with Grey?”

“He never told me too outright. Not his style, but why else would he put me in a dorm with him? All the other dorms I’ve seen are same sex. Sure, the floors are mixed, but not rooms.” She huffed. “He’s always pulling some sort of strings.”

“Very true. Have you told Grey that you didn’t know?” Eris looked at her a cat would look at a bath.

“What’s it to you anyway? Why do you care?”

“I care about my students and their well being.”

“Are you even qualified to give me advice?”

“I have a masters in psychology and adolescent behavioral therapy.” Eris blinked in surprise at the words. “I’m more than just a pretty face, besides I needed to keep myself busy.”

“Why? You look too young to have those degrees.” Cadence smiled.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, and like my aunts I am immortal. Before I met Shining, I went to this University and got my degrees. After the Crystal Empire incident and order was re-established I got bored, asked for a position here and,” She snapped her fingers. “here I am, but back to you and Grey.” Eris sighed.

“He doesn’t talk to me, except when we’re practicing. I doubt he’d listen.”

“Then make him listen. Just be careful.” Eris raised an eyebrow. “I know I don’t know Grey that well-”

“Join the club.”

“But, I can tell that Grey has been betrayed before. Possibly an ex-girlfriend, a friend, I don’t have all the details.” She looked at the clock and stood up. “I have to set up for class. Just be honest with Grey.”

“You really think that’ll work?”

“You can’t get it wrong if you’re honest.” She opened the door to leave. “Don’t be late for class.” Eris sat back and sighed. The woman soon grabbed her books and made her way towards class. Cadence’s words buzzed in the girl’s mind like angry hornets. She took her normal seat. Since their night together Grey had chosen to sit across the room from her. Halfway through class, Grey saw a piece of folded paper appear on his desk. He unfolded it and sighed.

We need to talk.
~Eris.

The man sighed and looked at Eris who was focused on the lesson for once. Grey rolled the paper up and turned his attention back to the lesson. There was no practice after class, Shining wanted everyone well rested, the train going to Trottingham would be a long one. Grey took out a piece of paper and discretely sent it Eris’s way. The woman unfolded it and raised an eyebrow.

After class.

Twilight snuck a peek and quickly turned her head to avoid the red eyes of death slowly turning towards her. Class ended and Grey walked back to his room in silence with Eris trailing behind. When they were in the room Eris opened her mouth.

“Grey-”

“Not here.” He said as he walked over to the far wall. “These walls have ears.” He whispered. The man walked into his room and came back out in a pair of street clothes and the bird on his shoulder. Cinder had gotten bigger in the bast two weeks. He was now as big as a falcon.

“Why are you bringing your devil bird?” The phoenix flared it’s wings as if to say, ‘bring it on.’

“Exercise.” Grey and Eris walked out of the school and into the forest.

“Where are we going?”

“Someplace where no one can hear us.” The two kept walking into the forest until Eris saw a clearing. It was spacious, a small pond that had a waterfall running into it that came down from the hills above. “So what did you want to talk about?”

“The other night.” Grey knew this was coming.

“I don’t-” He was cut off by a pair of burning red eyes cut him off.

“You don’t have to say anything just listen to what I’ve got to say, then you can do whatever the hell you want.” Grey sighed and sat down as the bird jumped down on the log next to him. Eris sighed and gathered her thoughts. “Look, I didn’t know about the whole ‘you being my mate forever’ thing. Okay?” The man raised an eyebrow.

“How could you not know?”

“Being trapped in stone for a couple centuries can mess with your head.” Her words had enough venom to put down an elephant. “You said that you didn’t regret that night, was that a lie?”

“I’m not quite sure anymore.” Eris frowned at the words.

“Look, I don’t know what broad broke your heart, but don’t take it out on me.” Eris saw fire in the man’s eyes and Cinder tilted it’s head at the man. Grey released his clenched fist and sighed.

“She didn’t break my heart, I broke hers.” The woman cocked her head in surprise.

“Why’d you-”

“Things changed. I changed.” The man stood up and sighed. “I admit, I’ve had trouble letting people get close. I just don’t like being tricked.”

“But I’m not the one who tricked you.”

“I suppose I should have seen this coming from Discord. He does have a track record a mile long for this sort of thing.” The man rubbed his eyes and sat back down. “Look Eris, I’m sorry I blamed you. I really have no idea what to do about this whole situation.” Eris put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed his back.

“So what do we do now?” Eris asked.

“Okay so this contract, or whatever, how does it work?”

“From what dad told me,” She said the word ‘dad’ in a drawn out tone. “when I decide to have a child you are the only one who can get me pregnant.”

“And that’ll happen when? Like the next time we do it you’re gonna have a kid?”

“No, my body works the same as any other woman.” Eris then blinked and smiled. “You were thinking of screwing me again weren’t you?” Grey’s face went red. “You like me~” She teased.

“Fuck you.” He crossed his arms and hid his blush.

“You already did.” She rested her head on his shoulder. The woman grabbed her head in pain as the bird pecked her scalp. “That’s it! I’m gonna roast that overgrown turkey!”

“Won’t do you any good.”

“Why not?”

“Cinder is a Phoenix, even if you do kill him he’ll be reborn from the ashes.”

“You’re kidding.” She groaned.

“Nope, he’d come back.” The bird cawed as Eris growled. “That gives me an idea.” He grinned.

“Hold up there lover boy.” Eris said as she stood up. “What about us? What now?” Grey sighed.

“Now?” He rubbed his scalp. “Play it by ear.” Eris smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek making him blush. “But, we’re gonna do this slowly and no flirting while we’re with the team.”

“Fine.” She pouted. “Since we’re together, I think I should know a few things about you.”

“Oh lord, you’re turning into Twilight.” Eris frowned. “Fine I guess that’s fair, just don’t press me on certain topics.”

“Okay, my dad said that he’s been watching you since your awakening period. What’s that?” Grey sighed at the words.

“An awakening period is when a mage, like myself or Twilight, get our full powers. When mages are young, they have very little magic so their bodies can adjust to the magic within the. It’s sort of like training wheels. Awakening is triggered in adolescence and they get their full magical potential. When that happens, there are side effects.”

“Like?”

“It’s different for each person. A friend of mine practically blew out the windows in my school when he stubbed his toe and yelled.” The girl blinked in surprise. “During the awakening process, you have no control over your magic and it tends to act out.”

“So what happened with yours?” Eris saw the man’s face grow pale and there was something she’d never seen before in the man’s eyes. Fear.

“I..uh don’t wanna talk about it.”

“O-okay. Another time then. You mentioned that you had an ex-girlfriend.” Grey frowned. “I don’t want the details of the break up, yet. How long ago did you two break up?”

“About seven, maybe eight months ago.”

“For how long were you two together?”

“Four years.” Eris blinked in surprise.

“So I’m guessing that you two...ya know.” She waggled her eyebrows, causing the man to blush.

“Y-yeah, she was my first and I was hers.”

“Awe~” Eris cooed thought. “Here I thought I was your first.” A memory came back to her and she cocked her head. “Wait was it that red head you brought by my statue from time to time?” Grey shot her a dark look. “Dude, she was hot!”

“Next question?” He deadpanned signaling the end of the topic.

“What’s with the cracks on your face that show up?”

“That? Oh I smother my body in compressed magic. It acts as a shell, if you want to call it that.”

“What else?” She narrowed her eyes and Grey knew she saw through his bullshit.

“I use it as a restraint.” Eris raised an eyebrow. “It keeps my magic in check and controllable.”

“You can’t control your magic?”

“No, I just don’t like using it to it’d fullest extent all the time.”

“Why? If you can just blow everyone away, then why don’t you?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Grey noticed it was getting late. “C’mon we gotta go see Rarity.”

“Why?”

“Just send Bolt and Roach a message to meet us at Rarity’s dorm and tell them to bring their uniforms. I’ll get Winter on the horn.”

~~~

Twilight laid on her bed with book in hand staring at the page. She’d been staring at it for thirty minutes straight. What started out as some casual reading, turned into a staring contest. Twilight shut the book and groaned as she sat up. Maybe I just need some tea. Twilight stood up and unwrinkled her shirt and skirt before going into the main floor where Trixie was reading a magazine.

She looked through the cabinets, but to no avail her precious tea was gone. The scholar sighed and headed towards Rarity’s room. As she reached to knock, a familiar voice rang out.

“Jeez Rarity why is it so tight?” Twilight’s eye twitched as she recognized the silver eyed mage’s voice.

“Oh quit whining. You really should have given me heads up before arriving unannounced and asking for me.” Twilight put a hand to her mouth in shock as her face went red. “No stay still and it’ll go on easier.”

There’s no way that Rarity would-

“Hey watch where you’re sticking that thing!” Eris’s voice rang out. Twilight’s face was crimson red and she threw open the door.

“What is going on in-” She stopped in her tracks when she saw Grey wearing his dueling cloak and Rarity with a needle in her fingers threading Eris’s cloak. She looked to the left of the room to see the three other mages on Grey’s team staring at her in confusion.

“Oh hello dear, did you need something?”

“I came here to see if you had and tea. What are you all doing here?”

“Just modifying our dueling uniforms a bit.”

“Dear, this is not a bit.” Rarity sighed. “I’ll have to do a complete overhaul.” She sighed. Grey took off the cloak and folded it neatly on the designer’s desk.

“If it’s too much to tackle then it’s okay. I don’t want to put you out.”

“Oh please dear, you make it sound as if it’s going to be hard.”

“Well, if it won’t be a bother, then go for it.”

“And you need these by tomorrow afternoon yes?”

“Will that be a problem?”

“No, I don’t have any classes tomorrow so I’ll work on these.” She said as she adjusted her horn rimmed glasses. “Now gents I need the room.”

“Why?” Bolt asked.

“I need to take Winter and Eris’s measurements.” The gents nodded and exited the room. Eris started stripping until she was down to her undergarments. Twilight only blushed and turned away. “So Eris,” Rarity said as she wrapped the measuring tape around her waist. “are you and Grey a couple?”

“I guess you could call it that.” Twilight looked at her in surprise. “I mean all we’ve really done is have sex so we’re working it out.” The scholar felt another ball of unknown rage forming in her gut. Twilight had to admit that Eris was beautiful from a physical point of view, but she did have a mysterious air around her. Not as thick as Discord’s, but it was still present.

After the measurements were finished, Eris went back to her room and saw Grey and a clone with a chess board in front of them. The pieces looked like they were hand made figured made to look like people. “What’s with the chess board?”

“It’s a hobby. Helps me think.” He said as he moved the knight in front of the white bishop. “You play?”

“Nope, too boring. So are you an expert?”

“Far from it. My sister Rogue is a genius at this stuff.” He said as he took the clone’s white rook with his bishop. “It teaches you patience and strategy.”

“Boring.” Eris said as she turned on the TV and threw in her newly acquired game, Destiny. It soon got late and Grey headed off to bed. He felt a nudging and turned to see Eris in her usual pajamas with a smile on her face. “Move over.” Grey was too tired to argue and obliged. He felt the woman wrap around his torso.

“Better enjoy this, cause for the next few nights, you’ll be sharing a room with Winter.”

“What? Why do I have to share a room with Ice Queen?”

“No way in hell is Shining gonna allow you to sleep in the same room with a male teammate, let alone the same bed.” Eris whined as Grey felt her fingers trace his muscled and start to go down south. “Keep it above the waist missy.”

“You’re no fun.” She said as she rested her head on his chest.

“Just go to sleep.”