Anarchy in the Equestrian Nation

I stepped onto the frozen grass of the Ponyville High courtyard. My eyes scanned the space around me from under my mask, catching sight of the Outcasts' table, not too far from somepony who appeared to be a loner. His black coat was covered in scars, undoubtedly from self-harm. There was a certain sadness in his eyes that belied his rough-and-tumble appearance. Something in those eyes echoed of loneliness. A trait all Outcasts shared.

I trotted up to him to say hello, but as soon as I opened my mouth, I got a rather harsh response. "Buck off."

I cocked my head and pushed up my mask. "I just wanted to say hello. Geez. Can't a guy say hello to someone without being told to go away?"

"Not with me." the pegasus said, looking surlier than before. I frowned and made my way over to the table, pushing through a few crowds of ponies.

"Hey, Jack. Just in time." Vagabond said, smiling. "We were just discussing something. Manga, tell him."

Manga grinned. "Vagabond and I were just talking about starting a band. We'd like you as our singer."

I chuckled. "You're kidding right? Do you have any idea how bad my singing is?"

Manga put on his most serious face. "Does this look like I'm kidding?" he said coldly.

I snorted. "I can't sing, Manga. You'll have to put me on bass or something."

Manga's grin widened, reaching nearly ear-to-ear. "I can arrange that." He tapped my forehead with his horn, causing sparks to emit. "Accelerated Learning spell. Learned it from Mom. It'll boost your ability to comprehend new things. It's gonna make teaching you to play bass a dozen times easier." He paused, then added, "You'll be able to play in time for the talent show in a week."

I jumped, scared out of my wits. "A WEEK!?" I cried. "That's nowhere near enough time!" After regaining my composure, I finished with "And we also don't have a guitarist."

"Now, who told you THAT?" a familiar voice echoed. "There's one standing behind you." I spun around to find Six-String staring at me from behind his aviator sunglasses.

"What the hay are you doing here?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"The music teacher... Miss Octavia, was it? Well anyway, she got sick and asked me to sub." Six-String replied, smiling. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare for class."

-First Hour-

I sat quietly in my desk, eyes drifting all across the room. My vision hit upon the pegasus from before, up two rows and over two desks. An easy shot if I wanted to land a note on his desk. Mr. Emcee wasn't paying attention, so I opened to a blank page in the back of my notebook, levitated a pen, and began to write out a note. I glanced to either side of the room, then to the front chalkboard, scanning for anyone who'd noticed. When I finished, I checked over my note to make sure it said what I wanted to.

Whoever the hell you are,

There's no reason for you to be alone. The Outcasts take in anypony who needs somewhere to belong. We don't care who you are, or what you've done. If you don't fit in anywhere, you're one of us, whether you know it or not.

-Union Jack, it read. Surprisingly touching. I thought. I didn't know I could write like this. I carefully placed the note on the floor with my magic and flung it towards his back legs. The small, folded-up triangle of lined paper hit its mark, causing the now-confused stallion to give his back legs a cursory look, before picking it up.

I watched him unfold it inside his notebook and scrutinize the writing. He scribbled something on the page I'd tossed and pretended to stretch, throwing it back to me with a subtle flick of his wing. It impacted in my mane, bouncing off and finally stopping right in my notebook. I opened it and skimmed the addition he'd written.

My name is Red Tear, first off. Second, I need to think about whether I can trust you. In the past, some who've had the gall to call themselves my friends have turned on me, and I have to make sure it won't happen with you., the note read. I frowned.

I was going to have to convince him to stick with us.