Starswirl University

Chapter 2

First Impressions

Grey waved through the train window at the only family he’s ever known as the train pulled away. The man started to look out the window at the different types of scenery. From snowy mountains to small towns and beyond. He was resting his head against the window when he heard a tapping noise. Grey opened his silver eyes to see an indigo haired girl with a pink stripe running through it standing in the doorway.

“Sorry to disturb you, but mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full.” She said with a sheepish grin.

“Knock yourself out.” He said as he sat up.

“Thanks.” She said as she sat down across from the man. The girl squinted and looked at the man. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” Grey scratched his head and remembered the girl.

“Oh! I bumped into you last week while coming out of the Board of Education building.” The girl’s eyes lit up.

“Oh right! Sorry, took me a moment there.” She said with a smile. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She said as she stuck out her arm.

“Grey Newhope.” He said as he shook it. He looked at her attire and saw her purple sweater vest and a lavender skirt. “So I take it that you’re going to be attending Starswirl University?”

“Yeah, I’m Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

“Really?” The man said in surprise. The man thought back at the worried looks he had gotten from his family and withheld the fact that he was Discord’s Pupil.

“Hey Twi, ya down here?” A thick southern accent yelled through the corridor. Grey and Twilight stuck their heads out to see a girl with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail looking around.

“Down here AJ.” Twilight said with a wave. The southerner was donning a bright orange collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and blue jeans that had been sun soaked She had a pair of dark brown boots with scuff marks on them.

“There ya are.” She then noticed Grey sitting across from her.

Oh creator, that accent. Twenty bucks says she’s got a hat!

Hey moron, I think they’re talking to you. Grey turned his attention back to the girl that sat herself next to Twilight.

“Who’s this?” The farmer said as she looked the man over.

“This is Grey. He’ll be going to school with us.”

“Sup?” He said with a wave.

“Nice to meet ya Grey.” The farmer gave his hand a firm shake and a warm smile. “Ah’m Applejack.” The man let go and rubbed his hand while making a mental note not to piss this girl off.

“You a mage too?” He asked.

“Nope, Twi here managed to pull some strings and she got me and the rest of the gals in to get smarter and what not.” Grey couldn’t help but chuckle at the girl’s words which earned him a mean emerald eyed stare from the farmer.

“So where are you from Twilight?” Grey said trying to get the conversation rolling and to get AJ’s devil glare off him.

“Canterlot.” She smiled.

No surprise there.

“Never seen you around since before last week.”

“Well, I’m originally from Canterlot, but I’ve been living in Ponyville for the past few years.”

“Ponyville?” The man thought for a moment. “Never heard of it.”

“Why’s that?” The farmer asked.

“Never been outside of Canterlot. So I don’t really know what’s out there.”

“You never traveled?”

“Nope, kinda why I’m here.” He said as he sat back. “Wanted a way out, here it is.” The conversation then shifted to hobbies and other like things. Grey found out that AJ’s family owns Sweet Apple Acres and their world famous Zap Apple recipes, which explains how AJ could afford to go to the school. The two girls spoke briefly about the rest of their group of friends. Within a few hours the train pulled to a halt in front of the large school.

The trio’s jaws dropped when they saw what looked like a large castle in front of a massive lake that stretched all the way to the front entrance. The three grabbed their things and quickly made their way off the train. “Well, nice meeting you two. See ya around campus.” The two girls gave the man a wave and made their way off towards their dorms.

Testing, testing one, two, three. Hello?

“The hell?” Grey said as he looked around for the source of the voice.

Oh calm down Grey. It’s Discord.

“Where are you?”

In my office. I’m speaking you telepathically.

“Telepathy, of course. Here I thought it would be something that makes sense.” He rolled his eyes.

You do realize that you’re saying all this out loud and it makes you look crazy right? The man stopped and noticed several people passing by looking at him like he had three heads.

Touche. The man thought.

Now you’re getting it! Anyway, stop by my office for your class schedule, dorm number and uniform. The man then felt a buzzing sensation in his head. There. I sent you the route in your head. See you then. Grey shook his head and instantly knew where to go.

He was so busy walking down the road that he didn’t see the object in front of him. The man felt something firm collide with his chest and fell down on his back.

“Sorry about that I-”

“Well, Trixie should hope so!” Grey looked at the girl and saw that she was wearing a light blue blouse with matching pants. Her hair was silver and went down to the middle of her back. On the top of her head was a purple wizard hat with stars decorated it. The hat also matched a cape that hung off her shoulders. “You could have killed me you buffoon.”

Well, she’s a charmer. He thought as he stood up.

“Look, it was an accident. No harm no foul.” The girl scrunched her nose and scoffed.

“You’re lucky that Trixie is in a hurry or you have to face the wrath of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She said as she stormed off. Grey sighed and pushed the girl out of his head.

“This is gonna be a fun year I can already tell.” He said to no one.

“You bet!” A high pitched voice said from be hind him. Grey jumped and spun around to see a girl with pink curly hair and donning a dark pink shirt and bright blue pants. “Hi my name’s Pinkamena Diane Pie, but you can call me Pinkie Pie. All my friends do!” The girl then gasped. “Do you wanna be my friend?” The girl was already in his face and Grey thought that if her smile grew any bigger then skin would start to split.

“Um, sure.” He said in an easy going tone.

“Yay!” The girl said as she jumped and zoomed away in a pink blur.

What just happened? The man pushed the thought out of his head and continued on his way. He made his way through the courtyard which had a large fountain in the center. The man felt something brush against his pant leg and looked down to see a small white rabbit.

“Where’d you come from?” He said as he crouched and looked at the rabbit.

“Angel!” Grey looked to his right and saw a girl with butter yellow wings donning a similar covered blouse with a green dress pants. Her long pink hair acted as a curtain to hide her teal colored eyes. “Oh I’m so sorry about that. I turned my head for only a second and he ran off.” She said as the rabbit hoped into its master’s hands.

“No problem. Name’s Grey.” The girl then shrank back.

“Um...I’m Fluttershy.”

“Um didn’t quite catch that.”

“I’m Fluttershy.”

“One more time?” He said as he put a hand to his ear. The girl took a deep breath and gathered her strength.

“Fluttershy.”

“Nice to meet you Fluttershy.” He said with a smile. His ears perked up when he heard a strong whooshing noise and what sounded like a girl’s voice. “Do you hear a-” was all he got out before something hard collided with his head. Grey opened his eyes to see a tuff of messy rainbow hair.

“Ow my head.” A female voice said.

“Ditto.” Grey said as he sat up and saw that the girl had wine colored eyes. The girl immediately hoped up and had a worried look on her face. She was wearing a cyan hoodie and jeans torn at the knee.

“I’m so sorry about that! I was going fast and I couldn’t stop at time.” She said as Grey stood up.

“Are you okay Grey?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah I’m good.” The two both gasped when they saw blood dripping from the man’s scalp.

“Rainbow Dash!” A refined voice yelled from across the courtyard. Grey turned to see a stunningly beautiful girl with paper white skin and dark purple hair that had a curl in the front. She was sporting a lovely white blouse and a purple skirt that ended at her knees. “What have I told you about not watching where you are going?” Dash groaned at the lecture. “Don’t give me that. You almost made this man flatter than a fresh pressed shirt.”

“I know, I know.” Dash said as she crossed her arms. The beauty then turned towards Grey and gasped at the wound.

“Oh you poor dear!”

“Relax I got it.” The man reached up to his scalp but froze and thought about what Discord said at the bar after he signed the agreement.

“Word of advice. Keep the fact that you can use magic without a wand on the down low.”

“Why?”

“It’s not rare, but it’s far from common. Especially at your age.” The man said with a sigh. “They’d swarm you with questions and I’m sure that you wouldn’t want that.” Grey sighed and pulled out the wand and touched it to the wound, which started to heal up.

“See? Good as new.” He said as he pocketed the wand. The two winged girls breathed a sigh of relief. While the beauty still had a shocked look on her face.

“I can’t say the same for your attire dear.” Grey looked down at himself and saw that there was a large tear in his shirt. Granted all of his clothes were hand-me-downs. His pants were sun stained and his shirt was a faded shade of gray. “I will fix those for you post haste! Come along!” The girl then grabbed the man’s wrist and started dragging him away.

“Hey wait a second!” He yelled as the surprisingly strong girl dragged him off.

“Better him then me.” Dash said with a chuckle. When they were halfway across the courtyard Grey managed to free himself from the girls grasp and rubbed his wrist.

“Mind telling me your name before we start holding hands?” This caused the girl’s face to go red and the man chuckled. “Names Grey.” He said as he stuck out his hand.

“Rarity.” She said as she extended her slender hand.

“Pleasure.” He said as he followed the girl to the dorm registry and found her room. The lady also had several suitcases with her that almost spilled into two baggage carts. Grey grabbed the biggest one and slung it over his back. “Oh you don’t have to do that darling.”

“You’re gonna fix my shirt. Least I can do is carry one of your bags.” He said as he looked at the cart. “Setting up your own clothing store Ms. Rarity?”

“Har-har, and Rarity is fine. Ms. makes me sound old.” Rarity said as she crossed her arms under her chest. The girl then led him towards the elevator and the two got off on the third floor. The beauty headed down the hallway and to a door. The man sighed as he walked inside and saw that her roommate had already dropped her stuff off. He spied what looked like leather bags and a leather Stetson resting on one of the beds.

Ha! AJ does have a hat!

Rarity rooming with Applejack? Life is good.

“Looks like you’re roommate came and went.” The man said as he put the bags down.

“Yes, I’ve noticed. Not the neatest person she is.” The woman sighed. “But enough about that. Let me see your clothes dear.” Grey pulled out another shirt and set it aside. He removed the one he was wearing and reached for the other only to see it fly out of his reach and towards the lady.

“Hey, what gives?”

“What is this?” She asked as she looked at the equally bad red shirt the man had pulled out. “Honestly dear don’t you have anything nicer?”

“You’re holding it.” He said as he put a hoodie on to cover his upper chest. The woman’s right eye twitched and almost fell over. “You okay?”

“This thing is the nicest piece of clothing you own?” She asked as she pointed her wand at the grey shirt.

“Yeah.” A long silence fell over the two and The woman bit her lip and cracked her neck.

“Unacceptable!” She yelled. “I shall make you a new ensemble post haste!”

“You don’t need to do that Rarity. We have uniforms remember?”

“It’s the principle darling.” She said as she waved her wand and a sewing machine came out of one of her bags. Grey looked at the clock on the wall and gasped.

“Sorry Rarity, but I gotta go and get settled.” He said as he took one of the shirts and put it on his body. “Think we can do this another time?”

“Very well.” The woman said with a sigh. Grey grabbed his bag and quickly made his way out of the dorm and towards the main part of the building. Several offices lined the hall. Grey followed the route in his head and came upon the man’s office and gave a knock.

“Come in.” A familiar voice said. The interior was simple. A large brown desk was in the far end of the room with a large bay window overlooking the courtyard.

“Sorry I’m late. Had a run in with some odd people.”

“Was one of them Pinkie Pie?”

“Yeah. How’d you know?”

“I’m...familiar with Pinkie and her group of friends. Nice group of girls.” He said as he got up from his chair. “I take it that’s why you’re late?” Grey gave a nod. “Yes, well that’s expected since it’s them.” The man said as he sat back down in his chair and pulled out a few sheets of paper. “I took the liberty of making your schedule based on your psych profile.” He said as he put the paper in front of him. Grey took it in hand and read each class over carefully.

“Frankly I’m not too sure what I want to do with my life yet.” He said with a sigh. “I mean I like helping people, but that’s a bit broad.”

“True.” The chaos lord stated. “But sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination that matters.” The man said as he sat back. “Oh and before I forget.” Discord then snapped his fingers and a box appeared before him. An envelope sat on top of the box. “That’s your Uniform and your dorm number. Be sure to wear it for the opening ceremony later today.” Grey grabbed the box and made his way towards the dorms.

The dorms appeared to be co-ed. The man made his way into the main dorm and followed the directions on the page and looked at the room numbers. “Room D7. Down the hall from Rarity’s” He said as he walked in and his jaw dropped. It was more like a small apartment with a small kitchenette and living room with a large sofa and a seventy inch flat screen TV mounted on the wall. Certainly an upgrade from his previous living conditions. He saw three doors other than the one he came in.

A door leading to the bedroom was on either side of the room and a bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and a shower with one of those adjustable knobs with creator knows how many settings. The man took the room on the right that had a desk, a Queen sized bed and a large window that looked out over the school. Each room had a closet and dresser.

The guys back home would never believe this. He chuckled as he fell down on his bed and let out a sigh. He quickly un-packed his stuff and set his clothes in the dresser and un wrapped his uniform. The jacket was charcoal grey with midnight blue cuffs and had an odd symbol on its back. The pants were of the same color along with a blue tie. The man put it on and felt that it was two sizes too big. Great. Another thing for Rarity to- He was cut off when he felt the clothes tightly shrink and wrap around his form as though they were tailored for him.

Never mind. He thought as he looked at the time and started making his way out of the dorm. Since he had no idea where he was going he just blended into the crowd. Grey noticed that all of the other students’ uniforms were navy blue with white cuffs. The girls were wearing plaid skirts that ended at their knees and a sport jacket that was dark blue. While each one looked similar they were different due to the different color schemes.

Grey noticed one girl with red hair who’s plaid was the same color as her hair and was navy blue. The crowd of people started to funnel into the auditorium and Grey felt a familiar voice in his head.

Don’t come in yet. Discord’s voice echoed in his mind.

Why not?

I’ll give you the signal too make your entrance and make sure it’s flashy! Grey sighed and decided to hang off to the side. Every other student in the auditorium were talking amongst one another. Soon the lights dimmed and a podium appeared on the center stage. A bright light filled the room and a woman in a pristine white suit that matched her wings. The woman’s celestial colored hair seemed to be flowing even though there was no wind. Beside her was a shorter woman with hair that shined like the night sky. The taller woman tapped the microphone on the stand and everyone quieted down.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen.” The woman said in a warm tone. “As you know I am Princess Celestia.”

“We are Princess Luna.” The shorter woman said in a firm tone.

“You all have been chosen because you are the best and the brightest.” The woman said with a smile. “Some of the greatest minds have exited this prestigious university and have left in order to welcome in the new generation so that you will leave your own mark on this place.” The students clapped at the words. Luna then took the podium.

“We are now going to introduce the selected student who have proven themselves to become our personal apprentices.” The crowd then got quiet. Celestia took the podium and smiled.

“The student that I have selected is Twilight Sparkle.” No one was surprised but clapped as the young scholar teleported onto the stage and created a bright purple ball of light that dance around the auditorium. The scholar’s Uniform was the regulation jacket and skirt, only the primary color was lavender with blue cuffs and highlights. As the ball vanished, the scholar took her place beside her mentor. Luna then took her place behind the podium.

“Our student is Trixie Lulamoon.” The crowd then saw a blue puff of smoke and a girl with long silver hair and a cyan uniform stood before them wearing a purple wizard hat.

“Be in awe at the Great and Powerful Trixie!” The woman pulled out a wand with a star at the end and shot several fireworks that spelled her name in the sky. Many of the students clapped while some who knew the boisterous girl rolled their eyes and groaned. Trixie walked off stage with a triumphant look on her face and stood next to Twilight.

“We thank you all for your time and-” Celestia was cut off as a brown flash of light filled the room and the group saw the Chaos lord standing in a brown suit and had a triumphant look on his face while Celestia and Luna frowned.

“Now hold your horses there Tia.” He said as he made his way over to the podium.

“Discord, this is a surprise.” She said as she raised her eyebrow.

“Don’t worry your pretty little heads I’ll be quick.”

“We do not appreciate you cutting into orientation time.” Luna stated in a flat tone.

“I assure you it will not be a waste of anyone’s time.” He said with a smug grin. “Besides you both introduced your students, so I think it’s only fair that I introduce mine.” Everyone’s jaw hit the floor at the words. Gray smoke came pouring out of the doors the students entered from and started to circle around and shoot across the room. The smoke expanded to the size of the room and started to shrink back in a cyclone formation.

The crowd squinted and saw a solid object shoot out of the top of the smoke and fall back towards the stage. A magical beam shot out and latched onto the ceiling and the object swung around before landing on the stage. The clouds started to fade away and take the figure of a man. Soon the smoke shrank back into the figure and all eyes were on Grey.

“Grey?” Twilight said in shock.

“You!” Trixie yelled. The man gave a shrug as Discord and the other students clapped. Celestia and Luna stood dumbfounded at the man.

“Tia, Luna. This is Grey Newhope, my apprentice.” Grey gave each of them a bow. Celestia shook off the shock and dismissed the students. As Grey made his way out of the auditorium a strong hand grabbed him by the collar and the man saw the six girls he met earlier.

“Hey guys.” He said with a sheepish grin.

“Don’t ‘hey guys’ us.” Dash said as she narrowed her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell us you were Discord’s student?”

“Neither of you asked.” The girls all rolled their eyes. “Okay fine. I didn’t want anyone to be freaked out about it. I still don’t see what the big deal is.”

“You’re learning from Discord the god of chaos and disharmony.” Twilight said. “How did you even become his apprentice anyway?” She asked as the group started walking.

“It’s a long story.” Grey said as he yawned. “I’ll tell you all later, but right now I’m bushed.” The girls all gave each other a tired nod and the group went off towards their dorms. Grey learned that Dash was sharing a room with Pinkie and Fluttershy. Twilight hadn’t met her roommate yet. When he got to his dorm Grey sat down on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.

The man then heard a knock at the door. Grey rose to his feet and opened it.

“About damn time.” A female voice said in frustration. Grey looked to see a girl about his age and height staring at him. The girl had white hair with black roots and black tips. The whites of her eyes were yellow and her irises were blood red. “Jeez what took you so long?” The strange girl then made her way inside. “You gonna get the other bags?” Grey looked outside and saw two rolling suitcases. He looked at them and the girl in confusion

“Um, why?”

“You’ll do it if you want a tip.”

“Tip? Do I look like a bellhop?” The girl raised an eyebrow and looked at his attire. His tie was off and was now only wearing his uniform pants and a white collared shirt. “Ugh never mind.”

“So if you’re not a bellhop.” The girl then thought for a moment and frowned. She snapped her fingers and a wooden bat appeared in her hands. “Then you’re a pervert!”

“What are you talking about?” Grey said in disbelief. She swung at him and he barely managed to dodge the blow.

“Get out of my room you perv!”

“Your room my ass! I moved in today.” The man shot a bolt from his hand and the bat turned to ash. The girl blinked and her hands glowed a golden color. The room was then filled with brown light.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” The two then saw the chaos lord with a smile on his face.

“Discord?”

“Dad?” The girl said.

“Dad!?” Grey yelled in surprise.

“Ah I guess introductions are in order. Grey meet my daughter, Eris. Eris this is my student Grey.” The two looked at one another in confusion. “You are now each other’s roommates.”

“Say what?” They both yelled.

“See you’re getting along already.” Discord chuckled.

“No way am I-” The girl shut her mouth as Discord glared at her. The girl gulped as Discord turned to Grey and motioned for him to follow him out into the hall. Grey closed the door and leaned up against the wall.

“Sorry about all that. Family issues.” Discord said with a shrug.

“Mind telling me why your daughter is my roommate?”

“Ah that.” He said as he pulled out a slip of paper. “Consider it an exchange for your tuition and other fees.”

“So I’m playing babysitter to your daughter?” Discord gave a nod. “Why is she here anyway?”

“I want her to learn some self control.”

“This coming from the god of chaos.”

“Right you are, but there is a balance to everything wouldn’t you agree?” Grey gave a nod. “While chaos exists so must order. Else there would only be madness and no one, not even me wants that.” He said with a sigh. “Eris doesn’t understand this yet and it’s your job to teach her.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I cut you off and you’ll be shipped home on the next train.” Grey frowned at the man. “Granted this is the only favor I’ll ask of you.”

“What if she doesn’t listen?”

“Then make her listen. She’ll also be in all of your classes so you can keep an eye on her and so you can stop anything she may try to pull.”

“How am I supposed to do that? I may be a mage, but I’m sure that she can take anything that I can dish out.” Grey said as he folded his arms. Discord reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden amulet.

“If talking to her doesn’t work then use this.” He said as he handed him the gem. “It’ll temporarily disrupt her powers and you should be able to get her under control.” Grey looked at the gem. “Only use it as a last resort.” Grey gulped at the man who let out a sigh.

“Anything else?” Grey asked as he pocketed the amulet.

“Yes, she has a habit of messing with people.” Grey rolled his eyes. The two then heard the man’s electric watch go off. “Well, I’ll be off. I shall see you tomorrow.” He said before vanishing in a bright light. Grey sighed and made his way back inside to see Eris lounging on the couch.

“So you’re my old man’s student huh?”

“Yup and we’re roommates.”

“Perfect.” She said in a sarcastic tone.

“Look I’m not a big fan of this either but we gotta at least try to make the best of it.” Grey sighed. Eris rolled her eyes and grunted. The two then heard a yell come from down the hall. The two poked their heads out and saw the other residents do the same. The source of the noise seemed to come from next door.

“Oh calm down!” A familiar voice yelled in frustration.

“Sounds like Twilight.” Grey said as he and the girls got out of their rooms and converged on the door. The door opened to show a frustrated Twilight. “Something wrong?” Twilight pointed inside her room and groaned. The group looked inside to see a very disgruntled Trixie.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Dash said with a sigh.

“Trixie refuses to share a room with Twilight Sparkle.” The girl pouted. Grey felt pity for the indigo haired girl and shook his head. Trixie’s eyes then narrowed on Grey. “You!”

“What?” Trixie approached him and frowned.

“How dare you steal Trixie’s spotlight!”

“I wasn’t trying to upstage anyone. Discord just told me to make my entrance...flashy.” He said with a shrug.

“Do it again and you’ll rue the day you decided to upstage the Great and Powerful Trixie!” The woman said as she stormed back into her room. Twilight face palmed and went back inside. Grey sighed and looked at the other girls.

“What’s up with the whole talking in third person thing?”

“It’s Trixie. Don’t question it.” Dash said. Grey then noticed that Eris was gone.

“Hey where’d Eris go?”

“You men the girl with white hair?” AJ asked. “Went back in her room.” Grey walked over to the door and found it locked from the inside.

“Oh great. Eris let me in damn it!” He said as he pounded on the door.

“She’s your roommate?” Rarity asked.

“Unfortunately yes.” The man said as he pulled out his wand and the door clicked open.

“Wait, is she Discord’s student too?” The fashionista gulped.

“Nope.” The group let out a sigh of relief. “She’s his daughter.” Their expressions shattered and their jaws hit the floor. “That was my reaction too.” He said as he made his way inside.