Chasing the Stars

Chapters

New Beginnings
Brotherly Reunion
A New Flower
Magic Sear
Starry Night
A New Sunrise
The Garden
Flying Sparks
Warming Hearts
Hurtful Confrontations

New Beginnings

Star Chaser, a turquoise Pegasus filly, woke up one Monday morning. The sun was just rising, signaling morning. She quickly tossed her brown mane from her face and stood up.

"First day of school!" She gladly remarked to herself as she trotted over to her nightstand. Today was the first day she went to school in Ponyville. She had originally lived in Fillydelphia, but her family moved because of a job opportunity. She picked up her brush and started brushing her mane, making sure it looked nice. She looked up at her ceiling, where she found many little stars hanging. Star Chaser had always looked up to the stars. She believed that they are beings, just like ponies themselves. She had always thought that they were happy on the days they were most visible, and sad on the days where they were never seen. She stole her eyes away from them and looked at the time.

"Oh no! I'll be late!" Star quickly put the saddlebag on her back, making sure it had all the supplies that were needed. She flew out of her room and downstairs to greet her family.

She first saw her mother, Moonlit Skies, who was a Pegasus as well. She had a dark blue coat with a white mane that was curled at the tips. Her cutie mark displayed a lightning strike, showing that she was a weather pony.

"Good morning, Star! You just have a few minutes to eat breakfast, so eat fast!" Moonlit said as she walked into the kitchen. Star Chaser's father, Platinum Shavings, came out to the table. He is a brown unicorn with a silver mane. His cutie mark represents a talent in carpentry.

Melody Heart sat on the seat next to Star. Melody is a Pegasus two years younger than Star Chaser. She was pink with a two-toned yellow mane and light blue eyes.

"I can't wait!" Melody excitedly remarked, breaking the silence. She didn't wait for anypony to question her. "Tighty's coming over later!" She stood up on her seat and did a little dance. Star chuckled. Later that day, their older brother, Tight Screw, would come with his new mare-friend. Melody was most excited, since she was a romantic.

"It is exciting, huh?" Moonlit answered, carrying a plate of scrambled eggs. "My little boy already has a special mare in his life!"

"It is a pretty great thing, huh?" Platinum responded. "I hope he's happy with her like I'm happy with you, Moony."

"Aw, I'm sure they're both happy!" Moonlit gave her husband a kiss on the cheek.

"Awwww!" Melody cooed. She looked over at Star Chaser. "Don't you think mom and dad are cute?"

"Well, yea..." Star hesitated for a moment. "I'm just not as into romance as you are, Melody."

"And that's okay!" Moonlit chimed in as she shoved Star off her seat. "Now, you must go to school, Starry!"

"Doesn't Melody have to come with me?" Star asked.

"No, her class starts a little later than yours. You can fly as fast as you like."

Star Chaser grew a smile. "Yay! I'll see you all later!" Star said as she took off.

"Be careful! Don't run into the school bell again!" Platinum shouted, but Star was already out of ears-length.

The day was very nice. The gardens in Ponyville shimmered with dew. She caught a few glances of ponies walking to school, and she felt the smile return to her face.

She had heard a lot about school from her brother. Tight Screw said that school was a great place to make friends and learn. He also warned about the bullies, tests, and boring lectures.

Star soon saw the building. It was a small place, adorned with red bricks on the outside. She landed on the ground, trying not to stop herself too abruptly. She then felt some shade over her head. She looked up to find that a cloud had drifted over.

"I'll take care of this!" A voice called out from behind. A blue blur skyrocketed into the sky and cleared the cloud. "Much better."

Star Chaser had a better look at her. The Pegasus was blue with a dark blue mane. Her mane had a small light-blue streak running through it; looking like rain itself.

"Hey! Isn't somepony gonna thank me?!" She questioned as fillies and colts continued to trot into the school building.

"...Thanks?" Star Chaser answered as the Pegasus walked up to her.

"I've got a question for you."

"Yes?" Star Chaser responded, a little unsure.

"Do you like to fly?" The Pegasus formed a sly grin.

"Of course!"

The Pegasus grew a larger smile. "We should fly at recess today!" The filly then stopped for a second. "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Rain Kicker, probably one of the first ones in this class to get a cutie mark!" Rain turned her body so Star could get a view of the special mark. It was a cloud with rain.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Star Chaser. I just moved here from Fillydelphia." Star shook Rain's hoof. "Are you a weather pony?"

"Of course!" Rain paused for a moment. "Well, I'm going to be. I have to blow through school first."

"Ooh! I'm sure you'll be a great one!"

"Thanks!" Rain responded as she took a look at Star Chaser's flank. "And I know you'll be great at... whatever your talent is!"

Star Chaser looked down at her flank; blank, like always. She didn't mind it, though. It was still pretty early to have a cutie mark.

"Yeah..." Star sheepishly grinned as she walked towards the school building. "We better go inside."

Rain Kicker levitated off the ground. "Yeah." She flew into the building, with Star following right behind.

"Hm... you! Will you like to introduce yourself to the class, Miss?" The teacher questioned. A white unicorn walked up to the front of the room, her head up high. She looked like those high-class ponies in Canterlot.

"I am... Rarity!" The unicorn introduced, making herself sound like a princess.

"Nice to meet you, Rarity..." The class mumbled in unison.

Soon, it was Star's turn to introduce herself. She got up out of her seat and made her way to the front of the room. All eyes were on her, and she tried her hardest to make eye contact.

"My name is Star Chaser."

"Nice to meet you, Star Chaser..."

Star took her seat next to Rain Kicker.

"Next we have... you!" The teacher pointed at Rain Kicker.

"Alright!" Rain remarked as she dashed up to the front of the classroom, making sure her cutie mark was visible.

"I am Rain Kicker! One of the coolest Pegasi ever!"

"Nice to meet you, Rain Kicker..."

Rain got a bewildered expression on her face. "Why aren't you excited to meet me? You guys sound dull."

"Rain Kicker, take your seat, please." The teacher informed as Rain walked back to her respectful seat.

After a morning of introductions and practicing writing, everypony was finally allowed to go on their lunch break. Rain Kicker and Star Chaser sat together.

"I honestly thought more ponies would be excited for school," Star admitted, moving the straw around her cup.

"Why? Are you a nerd?" Rain asked playfully as Star raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Oh, that's what my sister was always called." Rain took another sip of her drink. "She said that since she was smart and liked school, ponies called her a nerd."

"Oh. And no." Star took a small bite of her sandwich before continuing. "My brother had always told me that school was good; for the most part. He talked about making friends and the satisfying feeling of getting good grades."

"What did he say was bad? My sister considers herself an optimist, so she always looks on the bright side."

"He said that there are bullies, bad grades, and sometimes even drama. But drama doesn't happen much at our age."

"...Did he say when most ponies go through drama?" Rain gave a nervous chuckle. "When my sister got a job, she grew a small crush on a stallion. One of her friends liked him, too."

"I guess that didn't go over well." Star added on.

"No. She rarely hung out with her one friend. She never tells me the full story about that, though."

"I see. Oh, and my brother said that most of the time, drama starts when we get into our teen years."

Rain laughed a little bit. "We have a while to go, huh?"

Star nodded her head in response as the teacher blew the whistle.

"Recess!" She called as fillies and colts ran outside.

Rain stood up and closed her lunch box. "I guess it's time to fly!"

Star spread her wings. "Yep!"

The two then took off across the playground. Many ponies were on the swing-set or talking.

"Wanna race?" Rain questioned as she landed, Star landing right behind her.

"Definitely."

On the count of three, the two took off around the playground. Rain Kicker won at the end, but not by much.

"Nice try, Star." Rain winked, puffing out her chest in pride. "I'm just a really good flyer. You are too, since you are almost able to keep up with me."

"Thanks! And you are a really good flyer."

"Yea."

"Alright! Everypony spell walrus!"

"W, A, L, R, U, S..." The fillies and colts chanted.

"Very good. Now... can somepony draw a walrus?"

There was silence until a filly with a Manehatten accent spoke up.

"I can draw a walrus for you!" The filly said as the teacher nodded.

"Thank you, Rarity! Now, will you come up to the board?"

"Most certainly!" Rarity walked up to the board and used her magic to pick up a piece of chalk. She then drew a circle for a head and an oval-like body. She added two long tusks and eyes. For a final touch, she added little fins.

"Thank you, Rarity." The teacher thanked as Rarity walked back to her seat with her head held high. Her friends were clapping for her as she sat down. From what Star could see, she was pretty popular.

"Alright class, I think that wraps it up for today!" The teacher said as she sorted some papers. "It was very nice to meet you all! I'll see you tomorrow!"

With that, everypony went running out of the classroom.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Star Chaser!" Rain Kicker said as she flew into the air.

"See you tomorrow!" Star responded, seeing her friend fly through the open skies. She then took off for home. It was time for her to see her brother once again.

Author's Note

I hope you're enjoying so far!

Sorry if this isn't as interesting at first. The first chapters are basically introducing the main characters of the story. The chapters coming up will be filled with drama, romance, and fun! :pinkiehappy:

If parts of this story seem rushed, tell me so I can improve. (Please quote or something and say, "this part seems rushed" instead of just saying, "this story is rushed").

Brotherly Reunion

Star Chaser galloped through the door and happily threw her saddlebag against the wall.

"Welcome home, Starry!" Moonlit welcomed as Star gave a smile. "How was school?"

"It was great!" Star beamed. "I met a new friend today!"

"Really? Who?"

"Her name is Rain Kicker!" Star Chaser beamed.

"That's great, sweetie!" Moonlit responded as she flew over to the stairs.

"Melody! Tighty will be here soon!" She called as a small gasp was heard.

"TIGHTY!" Melody remarked as she flew down the stairs and onto a seat at the table. Since Melody was younger, she got out of school right after lunch.

"Looks like somepony's happy," Platinum Shavings said as he ruffled Melody's mane. Melody laughed in response.

"Well, of course I am! Tighty and I have been close ever since I was born!" Melody then fluttered her eyelashes. "I also can't wait to meet his very special somepony!"

Platinum laughed. "I'm excited to meet her, too."

"Same!" Star Chaser agreed.

Melody then gave the eye flutter to Star. "I also can't wait till you get your special somepony!" Melody giggled as she saw her sister's cheeks heat up. "It would be so cute!"

Star raised an eyebrow. "And what about yourself?"

Melody giggled again in response. "I already have my first date planned."

"Uh, you still have years to go, sweetie," Moonlit chimed in as Melody took a piece of paper out of her saddlebag.

"Oh well. I think every mare should have a dream for a first date." She then unrolled the paper, revealing some writing. "I'm going to keep it in my saddlebag, just in case I need to make reference to it one day."

Star picked up the paper and looked over it. It showed that Melody wanted to go to somewhere beautiful like Canterlot, and watch the sunset. She also wanted to go to the fanciest restaurant in town.

"So... what do you think?" Melody questioned.

"It sounds interesting. If it were me, I would add a nighttime flight with the stars."

"Ooh! And dancing in the sky!" Melody snatched the paper back. "I'm adding that." When she finished writing, she looked Star in the eye. "So... you're implying you want to date a pegasus?"

"What? How did you draw that conclusion?"

"Well, you mentioned a nighttime flight." Melody started fluttering her eyelashes again. "Only pegasi could fly. That means that you want to date a pegasus!"

"And why is this so important for you to know?"

"So I could play matchmaker!" Melody answered as she giggled.

"I'm still young, Melody."

"I know. I'm talking about when you're a mare. Then there's no excuse why I shouldn't be getting you with another pegasus!"

Star playfully rolled her eyes. "Okay-"

She was cut off by the doorbell.

"Oh my gosh! They're here!" Melody remarked as she dashed for the door. "I'm so happy to see you ag- What?!"

Standing in front of the door was the mailpony. "Well, I'm happy to see you, too!" He said as he handed Melody a package.

Melody's cheeks flushed a faint shade of red. "Oh... goodbye!" Melody said as she closed the door. She then looked over the package, letting herself get rid of the embarrassment. "Mom, why did you order a wing stretcher?"

Moonlit took the package from her daughter. "I found this in an ad, and figured it seemed like a good and easy way to stretch my wings." Moonlit then opened the package. "I'm going to have to start using this tomorrow..." Moonlit added on, mostly to herself. She then put the device by the wall and continued clearing the table.

After thirty minutes of waiting, a familiar face walked through the door.

"Hey!" Tight Screw greeted as he entered.

"Tighty!" Melody Heart almost tackled him with a hug. Tight Screw gladly returned it.

"I'm happy to see you again, Melly." He greeted as he hoof-bumped his sister. Star Chaser then joined into the hug.

"I've missed you, Tighty!" Star greeted as he hoof-bumped her as well.

"I'm also happy to see you, Star." Tight Screw then motioned towards the door.

"There is somepony I want you to meet." As he said that, a young mare walked through the door. She had a light orange coat, along with light blue mane that almost fell over her dark blue eyes.

"Ooh! Are you the special mare?" Moonlit asked as she put an arm around Tight Screw.

"Y-yes." The mare hesitated for a moment, obviously a little nervous. "I am Cipher Splash."

"Nice to meet you, Cipher!" Moonlit broke from her sort-of-hug and walked over to Cipher. "I am Moonlit Skies."

Cipher gave a smile and held a hoof out to shake Moonlit's. "It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Moonlit."

Platinum Shavings walked up to Cipher. "Do you want to take a seat, Miss?" He asked as he gestured towards the table.

"Of course, sir." Cipher took a seat down at the table, with Tight Screw taking a seat next to her. The rest of the family filled up the empty seats at the table.

"I should introduce myself to you, Cipher. I am Platinum Shavings."

"Nice to-"

"My name is Melody Heart!" Melody interrupted, taking Cipher's hoof. "We're going to have so much fun together!"

"Hello, Melody!"

"I'm Star Chaser." Star greeted as she took Cipher's hoof.

"It's nice to meet you, Star!" Cipher greeted as she saw Platinum carrying a saucer over.

"I made your favorite, Tight," Platinum said as Tight Screw grinned.

"Really? Thanks, dad!"

"No problem." Platinum responded as he lifted the lid. The smell of a fancy salad filled the air, along with the finest carrots and asparagus.

"This looks delish!" Cipher said, laying her napkin on her lap.

Platinum started passing the food out, which gave them all a little time to talk.

"So... how did you two meet each other?" Moonlit asked.

"Well, I helped fix something in Cipher's apartment." Tight Screw said as Cipher nodded.

"I honestly grew a small crush on him from just first glance." Cipher giggled a little at the memories. "I invited him to lunch, and hoped to become friends."

"That was when I started to fall for her. I realized how much of a fun, pretty, and sweet mare she was." Tight Screw chimed in, giving an affectionate glance to Cipher. "We became good friends for a week, since it took me that long to tell her my feelings."

"And now..." Cipher paused for a moment, trying to give dramatic effect. "We're together!" Cipher then pulled Tight Screw in for a hug.

Melody fluttered her eyelashes. "You two are so cute!"

"I second that." Moonlit said as she gave Cipher's mane a quick ruffle. "Welcome to the family, Cipher."

Cipher's eyes grew wide. "Wait... you already consider me part of your family?"

"Of course we do, sweetie!" Moonlit answered as she got a more serious look on her face. "Do you not want to be accepted into another family just yet?"

Cipher shook her head. "Of course not! I'm happy you consider me part of your family!"

Moonlit smiled. "Great!"

The rest of dinner went by pretty fast. Everypony had questions for Cipher, including her family. She seemed pretty closed-mouthed about her family, but nopony had the desire to confront her about it. Star looked outside and saw the moon rising.

"Tighty?"

"Yes, Star? Is it that time of night?"

Star Chaser giggled. "Yes, Tighty. Can Cipher Slash tag along, too?"

Tight Screw gave a quick chuckle in response. "Of course she can." Tight then turned to Cipher. "Star Chaser and I used to go outside most nights and look at the stars. Would you care to join us?"

Cipher gave a small smile. "Certainly."

The three walked out to the backyard. The stars were beautiful to gaze at. To Star Chaser, each one told its own story.

"Cipher Splash, do you have any beliefs about the stars?" Star Chaser questioned as Cipher pondered for a minute.

"I don't think so. Why?"

Star nervously rubbed her leg, afraid what Cipher would think. "Well, I believe that the stars are like beings; that they look down on all of us. I also believe that they are happy when they are most visible, and sad when they are least visible."

Cipher paused for a moment. "You sound nervous, Star. Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't think this is something to be nervous about. That is a very nice belief system to have. Nopony knows the truth about the stars." Cipher giggled a little. "When I was a filly, I believed in stranger things."

"Really?"

"Yes." Cipher paused for a moment, looking at the brightest star. "I believed that there was an alicorn lying on the bottom of the sea, controlling the waves. Nopony believed it would ever be true. I then realized myself that a pony could not survive underwater forever."

Star sat for a moment. "That is definitely interesting."

"Indeed." Tight Screw added on. "Cipher is pretty unique, don't you think, Star?"

"Yeah. Unique, but in a good way."

Cipher giggled. "I know. We're all different from each other, though."

"Yes, we are." Tight Screw responded as he nuzzled Cipher's cheek.

Star Chaser gazed off into the stars. She felt like they had her future stored in them; the good and the bad.

"Oh! I think we better be getting home, dear." Cipher said as she stood up. Tight Screw stood up after her.

"You're right." Tight then looked to Star. "Do you want to follow us inside, Starry?" He questioned as Star stood up.

"Of course!" She said as she followed the two.

The three walked through the back door as Tight Screw spoke up. "It's about time for Cipher and I to head home. I have something big to work on tomorrow."

"Alright, sweetie." Moonlit responded. "What do you have to work on?"

Tight Screw pondered for a second. "I'm not sure. The mare only said that it would take quite a bit of effort."

"Alright, then. Bye, you two! Feel free to drop by the house anytime!" Moonlit said as everypony waved the two goodbye.

"Oh, and son, don't work too hard. You remember when I hurt my hoof years ago." Platinum Shavings said as Tight Screw looked back.

"Of course, dad. See you soon!" Tight responded before leaving the house with Cipher Splash. After the two had left, the house was flooded with an almost eerie silence.

Melody knew she had to break it. "I'm so happy for those two!" Melody flapped up into the air. "I already feel like Cipher's my second sister!"

Star smiled as she remembered talking to Cipher outside. She was such a sweet mare, and very understanding of Star's beliefs. "Same with me!" Star responded as Melody jumped up and down.

"We should invite them over for dinner again next week!" Melody said as Moonlit giggled.

"The two have to work, Melody. We will invite them over for dinner some other time, though." Moonlit told her daughter as her glance shifted to the clock. "Oh, my! Look at the time!" She moved Melody towards the stairs with her wing.

"Oh, bedtime already?!"

"Yes. You have another day of school tomorrow." Moonlit then looked over at Star. "The same goes for you, Starry."

"Fine!" The two said at the same time, trotting up the stairs.

Star shifted under the covers, trying to find the perfect position to sleep. When she found it, she found herself thinking about the next day. She was happy that she already had a friend; and another "sister". Well, Cipher acted like a sister to Star. Star closed her eyes, and took flight into dreamland.

Author's Note

Tight Screw and Melody Heart seeing each other again.

And this is Cipher Splash. (Yes, she is a canon pony.)

A New Flower

Star Chaser flew happily to school the next morning. She couldn't wait to hang out with Rain Chaser some more. As she approached the school building, she noticed many fillies and colts gathered around a filly.

"Ooh, look!"

"It's a rose!"

"Wow!"

She heard those word come out from the group, and decided to walk over.

When she got up to the filly, she noticed that she had a cutie mark. It was a rose.

"Alright, class! Let's get started on today's lesson!" The teacher called as everypony broke away from the group and sat in their respectful seats.

"I'm here!" A voice called from the door as Rain Kicker zoomed into the room and onto a seat next to Star Chaser. "Am I late?!"

"No, Rain Kicker. Class is just starting."

"YES!" Rain then laid back in her seat, getting ready for the day's lesson.

"Ugh! Why do we have such long lessons before lunch?" Rain asked while taking a seat at the lunch table. "I don't get it. Lunch is much more enjoyable than spelling and reading."

Star Chaser nodded her head. "Well, lunch is one of the best things about school."

"One of the best?" Rain rolled her eyes. "You mean, the best?"

"I guess so," Star said before taking a sip of her drink.

"Well, it is." Rain responded as she took a bite of her sandwich. Her eyes then drifted over to the other side of the cafeteria. "Do you know why that filly is so popular right now?" She asked, pointing to the filly who was circled by others earlier that morning.

"She got her cutie mark." Star replied before taking a bite of her sandwich.

Rain turned her head. "I have my cutie mark already, and I never got a posse!" She responded, looking back at Star. Rain then realized what she said. "On second thought... never-mind. I don't want the popular fillies following me around all day."

Star nodded her head. "Me neither."

With that, the fillies and colts were dismissed to recess.

"So, you wanna fly?"

"Of course!" Star then got into position, ready to spread her wings and take off. On the count of three, both fillies were up in the air, letting the air freely flow through their mane and feathers. In the end, Rain Kicker won once again. Star Chaser wasn't too far behind, though.

"That was great!" Star remarked, laying down in the grass. Rain did the same.

"Yeah!" She then looked up at the clouds, seeing their fluffy shapes float by.

Star turned her gaze to the side and found a filly looking at something in the grass. "What is she doing?" Star wondered out loud.

"Who?" Rain Kicker asked as she saw Star Chaser stand up.

"The filly who just got her cutie mark." She responded, walking over.

The filly seemed to notice Star approaching. She looked up at her. That's when Star Chaser got a good look at the filly. She was an earth pony with green fur and red mane that looked like rose petals itself. She also had light red eyes.

"May I help you?" The filly asked as Star nodded her head.

"Well, I was wondering. What are you doing staring at the grass?"

The filly rolled her eyes. "I'm looking at this rose. I need to make sure that it's in perfect condition before I take it back to my family's flower shop."

Star got a grin. "Your family owns a shop? That's so neat!"

The filly gave a smile. "Yeah, it is neat." She then picked the rose and put it in a small case.

"So... why are you out here alone? I thought you had a lot of friends."

The filly's smile dropped. "The ponies that were buzzing around me today aren't my friends. They just think it's neat that I got my cutie mark." She then looked up at the clouds. "My best friend moved to Cloudsdale this year."

Star Chaser looked down at the ground. "Oh... I'm sorry." A smile then formed on her lips. "I've got an idea!"

"What?"

"How about you hang out with me and my friend, Rain Kicker!" Star Chaser pointed back to Rain, who gave a friendly smile.

The filly gave a smile. "Thanks! And of course!" She shook Star's hoof. "Oh... I almost forgot! My name is Flora."

"Nice to meet you, Flora! I'm Star Chaser!" Star responded as Rain walked over.

"And I'm Rain Kicker! Probably one of the coolest ponies in the whole school!"

Flora giggled. "It's nice to meet both of you!" She then got a bigger smile. "Do you two want to hang out in my family's flower shop after school?"

Rain and Star nodded. "Of course! I'll have to tell my parents, first."

"My parents don't care what I do after school. Heck, I could probably have a sleepover, and they wouldn't care!" Rain responded.

"Does that mean you could follow me to the shop after school?" Flora asked, her smile growing larger.

"Of course!" Rain responded.

"I guess I'll show up a little later. I will be there, though!" Star added on, giving a grin.

"Yay!" Flora remarked, throwing her front hooves in the air.

As Star Chaser entered the flower shop, she was greeted by the nice aroma of all different kinds of flowers. She soon caught sight of her two friends.

"Hey!" She called as she walked over to them.

"Hey, Star!" Flora greeted. Rain gave Star a hoof-bump.

"It smells so nice in here!" Star remarked, taking a sniff of a flower.

Flora nodded. "I know, right! This is one of my favorite places to have a nice talk with friends!"

"I can see why!" Star responded, giving a smile.

"So... I don't think I've ever seen you two around Ponyville." Flora said.

"Well, I moved here from Cloudsdale!" Rain responded, flicking her mane back.

"Really? Why?" Flora asked.

"Well, my sister found a colt-friend here in Ponyville, and my family wanted to stay where she was. My sister was also talking about how nice it was here."

"Ooh! What about you, Star?" Flora asked.

"I moved here from Fillydelphia. My dad got a job opportunity here in Ponyville, so here I am!" Star responded.

"Cool!" Flora responded as she walked over to a few vases of flowers. "Do you two want these? Nopony buys them as much anymore."

Star looked at the two vases. They were full of yellow roses. "Sure! How much?"

"They're free! My family and I need somepony to take them, since we need to get them off the shelves!"

"Thanks so much!" Star responded.

Rain nodded her head. "Thanks! I have a feeling my mom would like these!"

"No problem! Anything for friends!" Flora responded.

The rest of their time was occupied talking about their past memories they had in their hometowns.

"...And I was still one of the best fliers in the school, even in Cloudsdale!" Rain Kicker said as Flora giggled.

"You love being the best, don't you?" She playfully teased with a small flick of her tail.

"Well, duh!" Rain responded.

Star Chaser giggled along with her friends before looking outside. "Oh, I have to get home! It's around dinnertime for me!" Star then picked up the vase of yellow flowers Flora had given her.

"Oh, already?!" Rain asked as Star nodded.

"I have to be back home by dinner. Sorry, girls."

Flora gave a small flick of her hoof. "Oh, it's fine. I think my mom would probably want me to help around the shop some more, now that I got my cutie mark and all that." She then proudly looked down at her flank.

Rain's smile deflated. "So... you're saying I'm gonna have to leave, too?"

Flora gave Rain a teasing look. "Well, unless you want to help me with pretty flowers."

Rain nodded her head. "Alright, fine." She then started to walk towards the door with Star, taking the vase of flowers with her. "It was nice to spend some time with you, Flora!"

"Yeah! We should hang out here more!" Star added on as Flora nodded her head.

"It was nice to meet you two, too! See you in school tomorrow!" Flora responded as Rain and Star walked out the door together.

As they were a nice distance away from the shop, Rain looked over at Star. "You want to go to that place every time we hang out?"

Star looked over at her friend. "Well, not every time." Star saw Rain raise an eyebrow playfully. "What? I like the smell of flowers!"

Rain giggled. "I know." She then stopped and spread her wings. "Wanna race to your place?"

Star gave a smile. "Why not?" She then took off into the sky with her friend, watching the sun slide down the sky while making sure not to drop her vase of flowers.

Author's Note

Here is Flora as a mare. (I felt like using a mare base for her.)

Magic Sear

Unfortunately, Star Chaser had to fly to school in the rain the next day. The small drops stung her coat, but she would rather fly than walk on the ground.

She dashed into school as quickly as she could when she spotted it. She landed right in a seat and started unpacking her wet saddlebag.

Star felt a poke on her shoulder. She turned to find Flora standing next to her.

"Hey, Star! Mind if I sit next to you?" Flora asked, about to put her stuff on the desk.

Star smiled. "Sure! Why not?"

"Thanks!" Flora responded while starting to unpack her saddlebag. "Do you know if Rain Kicker's here yet?"

Star looked around the room. "I haven't seen her. She'll probably be coming in the next few minutes."

Flora nodded her head. "She flew in at the last minute yesterday, didn't she?"

"Yep!" Star responded.

Flora gave a small giggle. She then got a bigger smile than before. "Where did you put the flowers I gave you yesterday?"

Star smiled brightly back in return. "Oh, I put them-"

"I'm here! No need to wait any longer!" Rain announced, flying into her seat next to Star.

"Rain!" Flora greeted as Rain held out a hoof for her friends to bump.

"Hey, guys!"

Star Chaser rolled her eyes. "As I was saying-"

"Did you guys get as wet as I did while coming over here? Wow, it's starting to rain hard! But I love rain, so it's all good."

"May I continue?" Star questioned, getting silence from her two friends.

"Okay. Well, I put the flowers by the window in my room."

"Ooh! They'll get a lot of light there! How about you, Rain?"

Rain Kicker raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Where did you put the flowers I gave you?"

Rain thought for a moment. "I... uh... oh, yeah! My mom put them in her room!"

Flora raised an eyebrow. "Why did you give them to your mom? Do you not like flowers or something?"

Rain nodded. "Well, let's just say that flowers wouldn't be fitting in my room. My walls are painted like dark rain clouds, so flowers on the window wouldn't really be fitting."

Flora nodded her head in agreement. "I see."

Star chuckled. "Can you imagine, though? A very pretty flower, standing up straight and tall, during a horrible rainstorm?" Flora also giggled at the thought.

"I just started thinking of a flower holding an umbrella." Flora laughed harder at her comment, which stirred a laugh out of Star and Rain as well.

"Alright, class! Today we're going to learn about the annual Running of the Leaves!" The teacher announced, causing the three to stop their laughing.

"I'm gonna ask my parents if I could participate in the Running of the Leaves!" Star said, getting a determined look on her face.

"Uh, you know it's just for adults, right?" Flora questioned as Star's smile deflated.

"Oh..."

"Yeah. I want to do it, too, but we're going to have to wait until we get older."

"Yeah." Rain said, taking her food out of her lunch box. "Oh well. We could still race anytime!"

"Of course!" Star then drifted her gaze outside, where the rain had stopped. "What do you want to do at recess?"

"We could fly!" Rain suggested. She then looked at Flora. "Uh... never-mind."

"Oh!" Flora remarked, waving a hoof in the air. "We could play tag!"

"Yeah!" Star and Rain agreed.

Flora got a more mischievous grin on her face. "But with one condition: no flying."

Rain sighed. "Fine."

"Alright... you're it!" Flora remarked, poking Star Chaser.

At that moment, recess was called, and Flora and Rain ran away from Star as fast as they could. Star started to chase after them.

"Let's make it hard on her, shall we?" Flora said as she started making sharp turns, with Rain following right behind.

"You'll never catch us, Starry!" Rain remarked as she playfully giggled.

As Rain was running, she felt something hit her side. It felt like a beam of magic, or something like that. The impact caused her to fall over, leaving Flora running ahead.

"Rain!" Star called, running up to her friend.

"What happened?" Flora asked, unaware of the thing that hit Rain.

"I-I don't know..." Rain Kicker responded, trying to sit up. There was some sort of mark on her side that looked like a magic singe.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" A voice called. Flora and Star Chaser looked behind them to find a unicorn filly. She had a violet coat with a blue mane and green eyes. She walked up to Rain and offered a helping hoof.

"Thanks..." Rain grunted, trying to stand so she wouldn't feel the now fading pain at her side.

"Why are you thanking me? I'm the one who hurt you!" The filly responded.

"You're fine. What happened, anyway?" Rain responded, looking the other filly right in the eye.

The unicorn slightly blushed. "Sorry. I was trying to practice magic, and it fired at you. I didn't mean it, I swear!"

Rain waved a hoof. "You're fine! Don't worry about it! Accidents happen!"

The filly smiled. "Thanks for forgiving me."

"No problem!" Rain smiled. "What's your name?"

"Aqua Flash."

"Nice to meet you! I'm Rain Kicker." Rain then gestured to her friends.

"I'm Star Chaser."

"And I'm Flora!"

"It's nice to meet you!" Aqua responded, smiling.

Flora thought for a moment. "Do you have anypony to hang with?"

Aqua shook her head. "I moved here from Manehatten, so I haven't met any new friends yet."

Rain put a hoof on her shoulder. "Well, now you have us."

Aqua's eyes widened. "Really?!"

Star smiled. "Of course!"

"Thanks. It means a lot to me that you would accept me, even though I just injured you, Rain."

"For the last time, it's fine! If you think I haven't injured anypony while flying, you're mistaken." Rain responded, flipping her mane back.

"Alright. Just making sure."

Star then grew a bigger smile. "Hey, how about I invite you three over for a sleepover at my place tomorrow?"

Aqua got a smile. "Really? But you just met me!"

Star nodded. "Well, sleepover parties are one of the best ways to get to know new friends!"

"That sounds awesome!" Rain remarked.

"I'm in!" Flora added on as Star Chaser got a bigger smile.

"Great! You all could come home with me tomorrow!"

"Yay!" The four chorused as they bumped hooves.

Author's Note

Aqua Flash as a filly.

Starry Night

Star Chaser started drumming her hooves on her desk. She couldn't wait one more minute for her first sleepover with her Ponyville friends. It seemed like the clock was ticking slower than molasses.

She felt a poke on her shoulder with a pencil and turned around to find Aqua looking at her.

Thirty more minutes! Aqua mouthed, showing a bright smile.

Star smiled in return and turned to face the front of the room again.

The last five minutes couldn't last any longer. Every minute felt like a half hour. Star plopped her head on the desk, hoping the time would pass faster.

Her train of thought was broken by the bell. Her head shot up, along with her ears and smile.

"Alright, everypony! I'll see you tomorrow!" The teacher, Play Write, said. She tossed her brown mane out of her face and continued sorting papers.

A few hooves were forcefully set on Star's desk.

"Ready?" Rain asked as Aqua and Flora walked up to them.

"Yep!" Star picked up her saddlebag and walked towards the door.

Rain took off into the air. "I want to fly over to you place, but I know we can't leave Aqua and Flora stranded."

Star looked back and nodded. "Well, I go on a nighttime flight every night, so we could do that when Aqua and Flora are almost asleep." Star then turned to her other two friends. "That is... if you don't mind."

Flora waved a hoof. "You're fine! Aqua and I can talk while you two are out flying!" She then pushed the door open, letting the warm afternoon glow wrap around the four friends.

"I'm a little nervous." Aqua admitted, flipping her mane to the side of her face.

"There's nothing to be afraid of! Just have a skip in your step!" Flora responded, smiling brightly.

Aqua looked to the ground. "I know... it's just," she hesitated for a moment. "I'm always shy about meeting my friends' parents."

Star grew a smile. "My family's pretty nice. A little hyper at times, but nice."

Aqua nodded, even though it didn't seem she was one-hundred percent nerve-free.

Star walked up to the door and gave it a pull. She then gestured for her friends to go in, with her following behind.

"Nice place you got here!" Rain complimented, looking at all the nicely arranged furniture. "My house is an absolute mess."

Star nodded. "This is much cleaner than normal." She then threw her saddlebag against the wall. "You all can put your bags against the wall."

A voice was heard from the kitchen. "Starry? Are you here?" A pegasus then glided into the room.

"Hey, mom!" Star greeted, waving.

Moonlit Skies smiled. "You three must be Rain Kicker, Flora and Aqua Flash. Am I correct?"

The three nodded, Aqua a little more nervous than the others.

"Star Chaser has told me great things about you!" Moonlit then held out her hoof to shake. "My name is Moonlit Skies Shavings, if you want to address me by my official name. Other than that, Moonlit Skies or just Moonlit is fine."

The three took her hoof as Moonlit turned her glance to the kitchen. "I'll let you fillies have fun. It would really destroy the fun if I tell you about myself the whole time."

Star Chaser slightly giggled and walked to the steps. "The time's ticking! Let's go!"

With that, the four friends bounded up the stairs to Star Chaser's room.

"Ha! I win!" Rain Kicker threw her game piece in the air in excitement. "I told you I'm unbeatable at everything!"

Flora raised an eyebrow. "There's one thing you're not unbeatable at."

Rain looked over at her. "What?"

Flora snickered. "Accepting defeat."

Rain's smile turned into a sheepish grin. "No problem with that, right?"

Flora then started laughing, causing them all to laugh. "Of course not, silly!" Flora then stuck her tongue out for silly effect.

"Girls! Time for dinner!" Moonlit called.

"Alright!" Rain Kicker then dashed downstairs, her friends following close behind.

When they got to the table, they were welcomed by smiles.

"Hello, girls! I am Platinum Shavings, Star Chaser's father."

Melody then started to hover in the air. "I'm Melody Heart!"

"Nice to meet ya!" Rain greeted. "I'm Rain Kicker."

"I'm Aqua Flash."

"And I'm Flora!"

Platinum gave a smile. "Take a seat wherever. Tonight, we're eating..." Platinum paused and opened the saucer. "Gourmet wheat and oat salad, along with nice asparagus and carrots on the side."

Flora's mouth watered. "Yum!"

"I agree! This looks great!" Aqua Flash added on, taking a little bit of the food.

"Aw, shucks. I'm glad you think it looks good." Platinum responded, slightly blushing. He then caught a glance of Aqua's horn, which was levitating a fork.

"Young mare, how did you learn to levitate so fast?"

"What?" Aqua asked, setting her fork down for the second.

"I could barely get a napkin off the ground at my age. And here you are; levitating for long periods of time!"

Now it was Aqua's turn to flush. "Well, I've loved magic ever since I was a foal. So, I guess all those years payed off!"

Platinum smiled. "They certainly did! I think you would make a great magician when you get older!"

Rain then looked over to Aqua. "Just work on what you hit me with the other day."

Aqua grinned nervously. "Yeah... that spell needs quite a bit of work." She then chuckled a little bit.

Moonlit Skies swallowed her food. "So... Star Chaser says two of you already have cutie marks!"

Flora and Rain Kicker got huge, proud smiles.

"Yep!" Flora then turned to look at her flank.

"We are some of the first ones!" Rain added on, proudly looking down at her special mark.

Moonlit smiled. "Rain, Star Chaser told me that you are going to be a weather pony when you get older."

Rain nodded. "You bet!"

Moonlit giggled. "Well, I can help train you. If you need it, of course." She then realized the confused expression on the filly's face. "Oh, I forgot to mention. I work as a weather pony here in Ponyville."

Rain nodded her head and smiled. "Thanks! It would be easier to get help from someone I know instead of someone new."

Moonlit giggled. "No problem! I was the same way: not wanting to learn something I love from somepony I don't know."

"Yep!" Rain responded before taking a bite of her food. "Wow! Mr. Shavings, this is great!"

"Once again, thanks!" Platinum responded. "Do your parents cook?"

Rain shook her head. "They are horrible at cooking. I normally just get hayburgers or something from a restaurant."

Flora slightly giggled. "My family's not the best at cooking, either. They easily get distracted by the numerous flowers on the windowsills!"

That statement caused laughter to arise from the table.

"We cannot let them beat us!" Rain remarked, dodging flying pillows coming her way. "Flora, how good are you at dodging?"

Flora jumped over a few pillows. "I guess I'm good! Chuck some pillows!"

Rain nodded and threw one at Aqua.

"Oof!" Aqua remarked as she was hit.

"Yeah! One point for us!" Rain boasted as she was hit with a pillow.

"Same with us!" Star retorted, giving a mischievous grin.

"Oh, it's so on!" Rain responded as she continued throwing the soft pillows.

The four were soon rolling on the ground in laughter.

"That was a lot of fun!" Aqua said, continuing to giggle.

"Yeah, but Flora and I won!" Rain Kicker responded, hoof-bumping Flora.

Star Chaser then looked outside, seeing the stars. She then grew a smile.

"Does anypony want to come out and see the stars with me?" She asked. "I go out every night."

Aqua smiled. "Of course! I simply love the night time!"

"Yeah! I'll come!" Flora added on.

"Same!" Rain said, flying out with her friends.

When they got outside, they felt themselves wrapped in an endless field of starlight.

"This is a beautiful view!" Aqua remarked, looking up at the sky.

"Yep!" Star agreed, taking a seat in the grass.

Her friends sat down next to her, observing the sky. Star looked down at the ground nervously.

"Can I tell you three something? More importantly, can I trust you to not make fun of me?" She asked as Aqua put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. I promise I won't! What about you two?" Aqua asked Flora and Rain. The two nodded their heads.

"Well... alright." Star then looked back up to the sky. "I have a very... different belief about the stars.

"Ooh!" Flora said, looking up at the stars. "What is it?"

Star Chaser hesitated for a moment. "Well... I believe that... the stars are their own beings."

Rain raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Yes." Star nodded. "I believe that they look down at me, guiding me through life."

"Why? Do you think the have emotions or something?" Rain asked.

"Well, I guess you could say that. I believe they're happy when they're most visible, and sad when they're faded."

Rain looked over at Star. "You do realize that the things that block them are the clouds, right?"

Star didn't move.

"So... I think it's cool, but it just doesn't seem real at all. I mean, I would be creeped out if there really was something looking down at me at all times!"

Flora nodded. "Yeah. That would honestly be pretty scary."

Star felt a small pain in her chest; like a stake through the heart. She knew she shouldn't have told her new friends about something so close to her. She wanted to put this belief behind her forever. She really wouldn't want her friends to make fun of her because of this. Tears reached her eyes, leaving her vision blurred.

"Well, I think it could be possible. No one knows the truth about the stars." Aqua responded, smiling over at Star.

"But... how?" Rain asked, raising an eyebrow at Aqua.

"You can't say something is fake unless a scientist finds the truth." Aqua retorted, looking back at Star.

"Thanks, Aqua. It is something I believed since I was a foal." Star then looked down at the ground. "I shared this with you because I felt like I should share secrets with friends. Well... I don't know. I just don't want to hear negative perspectives for something that is so close to me."

"Oh..." Rain's ears folded back as she noticed the pain on Star's face. "I'm sorry."

"Same." Flora looked down to the ground. "I can tell you an embarrassing story about me!"

Star shook her head. "It's fine."

Flora yawned. "Wow! I'm already pretty tired!"

"I've got to agree with that!" Aqua added on, standing up.

Rain Kicker hovered into the air. "Do you want to go on a flight, Star?"

Star Chaser nodded her head. She couldn't resist a nighttime flight, even though it was with somepony she was a little hurt by.

The two took off after waving to Flora and Aqua. They started doing twists and turns in the air, letting the cool breeze flow through their mane.

"There is nothing like a nighttime flight, huh?" Rain questioned.

"Yeah. I would not give up the freedom to fly whenever for the world."

Rain nodded. "It would be pretty sad for me to live without flight." She then stopped and hovered in the air. "Do you want to race?"

Star smiled and nodded. "Of course!"

The two took off, dashing through the nighttime breeze. Star Chaser looked up at the sky and felt more inspired. She felt like a thousand bolts of energy were suddenly inside of her. She flapped her wings a little harder, causing herself to fly faster than she ever had. She flew right by Rain Kicker and became far in the lead. She couldn't stop herself from flying freely. She soon burst through the ending cloud like it was nothing. Rain came flying in at a significant time after her.

"W-wow!" Rain remarked, looking at her friend. "I didn't know you were that fast!"

Star nodded her head. "Me neither!"

Rain smiled. "You destroyed the cloud like nothing! Normally fillies struggle with that!"

"Really? I had no trouble with that at all!" Star responded.

"You must have a talent for it, then!" Rain said as Star's smile widened.

"I-I guess you're right!" Star then felt a tingly feeling at her side; sort of like the feeling when ponies' hooves fall asleep.

"Star!"

"What?" Star rubbed her side, hoping the strange tingling would stop.

"Your cutie mark!"

"My WHAT?" Star then looked at her flank, where a new mark was. It looked like a cloud with a wing inside.

"Oh. My. GOSH!" Star then took off into the sky, flipping and turning. "I have a talent for flight!"

"Really?" Rain raised an eyebrow. "I thought it symbolized working as a weather pony with me!"

Star's smile widened even more, if that was even possible. "We're going to be weather ponies together!" Star then flew back down to Rain Kicker, not wanting to leave the sky.

"Oh my gosh!" Aqua and Flora said at the same time, looking at Star Chaser's flank.

"I know, right? It's awesome!" Star beamed.

"Girls? Are you alright?" Moonlit asked as she walked in. She heard some shouts from downstairs, which made her nervous. She then looked at her daughter's flank.

"You got your cutie mark?!" Moonlit remarked, getting a better look at it.

"Yep! I'm gonna be a weather pony!" Star responded, happily looking at her side.

Moonlit looked up at her. "I'll get your father and sister!" She said before walking out the door.

Star Chaser moved around in her sleeping bag. She and her friends all decided to sleep close to each other, so they got into sleeping bags. It was hard for her to not look at her flank.

"Is anypony awake?" Rain Kicker whispered.

"I am." Star responded, not being able to see her friend, since the only light was from the moon and stars.

"What's up?" Rain asked, moving around in her sleeping bag.

"Trying to fall asleep." Star then turned to the direction of Rain's voice. "Oh, yeah. Thanks."

"For what?" Rain asked, a little confused.

"For helping me realize my special talent."

Rain Kicker smiled. "No problem! That's what friends are for!"

"Yep!" Star responded before closing her eyes and drifting into slumber.

Author's Note

Play Write; otherwise known as the teacher. (Yes, it took me this long to remember that another teacher appeared in the show.)

A New Sunrise

Star Chaser woke up pretty early. She looked around the room and saw her friends still sleeping in their sleeping bags. She looked at the clock and saw the time. She knew she would have to leave soon anyway, so she got out of her sleeping bag.

She walked into the bathroom and flipped on the light. Her eyes shut as a response. She slowly opened them and looked at herself in the mirror. Her mane was all messed up. She smiled as she remembered last night. She looked at her flank to see her cutie mark.

"Ugh... who turned on the lights?" Star heard from the other room. She turned and looked into the room next-door, where Flora was sitting up in her sleeping bag.

"I know, right?" Aqua Flash responded, sitting up.

"Hey!" Star greeted, waving her hoof. " I hope you know we have to leave for school in about a half hour."

"Okay..." Flora tiredly mumbled as she stepped out of her sleeping bag and folded it up. Her glance shifted to Rain Kicker.

"We're gonna have to wake up Rain." Flora remarked as she started to nudge the Pegasus. Rain Kicker wouldn't budge.

"Rain? Wake up!" Flora said in her ear. Rain continued to sleep heavily.

"I got this!" Aqua exclaimed, engulfing her horn in a magical aura. She then touched her horn to Rain, which caused a small shock.

"Ahh!" Rain yelped as she took off into the air. She looked down to see Aqua and Flora giggling.

"I'm gonna get payback one day!" Rain remarked, flying back to the ground.

"Rain, we only have thirty minutes before school starts!" Flora informed as Rain Kicker shot a playful glare.

"I only get ready in ten minutes! Can you let me sleep another twenty?" Rain asked as Star stepped back in her bedroom, her mane brushed.

"Nope! My family's planning a nice breakfast today!" She responded, rolling up her sleeping bag.

"Ugh... fine!" Rain responded, standing up. She then rolled her sleeping bag and brushed her mane.

The four walked down the stairs, where they were greeted by the fresh smell of pancakes and scrambled eggs.

"It smells so good!" Flora complimented as Platinum Shavings looked into the dining room.

"Thank you!" He responded as he continued flipping a frying pan. He soon placed the pancakes on plates and brought them out.

"I got the toppings!" Moonlit remarked as she took out whipped cream, sprinkles, blueberries and strawberries. Platinum then passed out a plate to everypony at the table before taking a seat.

"I'm here!" Melody Heart announced as she took a seat at the table.

"Hello!" Moonlit then sat down. "Did you girls sleep well?"

"Yep!" They all chorused as they started putting toppings on their pancakes.

Flora then started giggling. "Star!"

"What?" Star questioned as she stuffed some scrambled eggs into her mouth.

"You're probably going to be the buzz of the school with your new cutie mark!" Flora responded.

Star's eyes got wide. "Oh, come on! I hope nopony notices!"

"They're going to notice. Unless you find a way to hide it until somepony else in the class gets a cutie mark," Flora responded as she took a bite of her pancake.

"Ugh..." Star groaned as she slouched in her chair.

The four friends approached the school building and walked in.

"Take a seat, girls!" Play Write remarked as the four walked in. They all took seats next to each other and gave the teacher smiles.

"Alright. I believe everypony is here." Play Write then wrote "More Reading Time" on the chalkboard. "Before we get started, I will like to announce that we have a new student with us."

With that, a unicorn colt got up out of his seat. He seemed shy; for he was trying to avoid anypony's glance. Star got a good look at him when he walked by. He has a yellowish-orange coat with dark orange mane and spiky bangs. He also has purple eyes. His cutie mark looked like a tri-colored flame.

"Hello, everypony. My name is Sun Catcher."

"Hello, Sun Catcher!" The class chimed as Play Write put a hoof on Sun's shoulder.

"Why don't you tell us a little about yourself, Sun?" She asked as the young unicorn nervously nodded.

"Well, I moved here from Canterlot."

"CANTERLOT?!" A voice remarked. Everypony in the class looked over and saw it was Rarity. "Oh, I've always dreamed of living there!" Rarity then fluttered her eyelashes.

"Miss Rarity, please don't interrupt like that," Play Write exclaimed as Rarity hung her head low.

"Sorry, mam." As she said that, a few chuckles were heard from an orange earth pony named Applejack.

Play Write raised a brow as she smiled down at Sun Catcher.

"You may take your seat now. We are all happy to have you!" Play remarked as Sun sat back down.

"Well, I'm happy nopony noticed my cutie mark!" Star Chaser said in a low voice to her friends.

Rain Kicker nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah. I really don't want the popular fillies following us around all day."

Star smiled back in return. "Exactly."

Flora giggled as her glance drifted to a few tables away.

"They're also not giving any attention to him," Flora exclaimed, gesturing towards Sun Catcher, who was eating alone.

Aqua gasped. "Oh my gosh! We should invite him over with us!"

"Yep!" Flora responded as she stepped off of her seat.

As Flora walked up to Sun Catcher, the unicorn drifted his eyes to the table.

"I see you're by yourself," Flora stated. She then realized that that wasn't the best thing she could've said.

"Yeah." Sun then took another bite of his sandwich.

"Well... my friends and I were wondering if you wanted to sit with us. No fun being alone!" Flora responded, giving the unicorn a smile.

A small smile creeped onto Sun's mouth. "Well... alright. Thank you!" He then put his food in his lunch bag and switched tables.

"Hello!" Aqua greeted. "I'm Aqua Flash!" Aqua greeted.

"I'm Star Chaser."

"I'm Flora!"

"And I'm Rain Kicker!"

Sun smiled. "It's nice to meet you all! I'm Sun Catcher, as you know."

"It's nice to meet you, too!" Star responded. She then tried to think of a good conversation starter.

"What does your cutie mark symbolize?"

Sun Catcher beamed in pride. "Wait one second."

Sun's horn was then engulfed in a purple glow. In a few seconds, the glow changed from purple to reddish-orange. Star Chaser then felt the room temperature go up about twenty degrees. When the glow left Sun's horn, so did the heat.

Star's mouth hung open for a second. "Did you... create that heat?"

Sun nodded. "My special talent is heating up areas around me."

"That's so cool!" Aqua responded. She then looked at her own flank and sighed.

"I'm the only one in the group without a cutie mark!" Aqua remarked.

"Well, that's okay. You'll get it eventually." Star responded. Aqua nodded in response.

"So... do you like Canterlot?" Flora asked Sun Catcher.

"Um..." Sun pondered this for a moment. "I guess you can say I like it. It's much bigger than Ponyville. It's also populated by high-class ponies. Well, I got used to it. I have a feeling I'll like Ponyville much more, though."

"Do you mind me asking why you moved here?" Flora asked.

"My family doesn't have the money right now to live in Canterlot. It's really expensive."

Flora's ears flattened. "S-sorry I asked."

"Recess time!" Play Write called as everypony ran out to recess.

"You up for a game of tag? Or have you never played tag in Canterlot?" Rain asked as Sun got a more determined look on his face.

"Of course! You're it!" He responded as he poked Rain in the side and started running away.

The game went on, and Sun was running all around the playground, seeing many faces of fillies and colts he doesn't know. He felt like two fillies were eyeing him a little strangely, though. It was almost like they were plotting something mean to say.

The school bell rang as the class ended.

"Alright! The homework this weekend is reading a short poem! I'll see you next week!" Play Write dismissed as everypony ran outside. Star was happy. It was finally Friday! She caught up with her four friends and walked down the steps with them.

"Well, I have to go this way," Sun remarked as he pointed to the left.

"Alright. Our houses are this way, so I guess we'll see you on Monday!" Star responded as Sun nodded his head.

"Yep! Oh yeah, thanks for letting me hang out with you guys!"

"No problem! See ya!"

"See ya!"

As soon as the four finished waving to Sun, they turned around and made their way home.

Author's Note

Sun Catcher as a stallion. (P.S. Just a heads up: Sun will NOT be a minor character in this story. I have a lot planned for him. :pinkiehappy: )

The Garden

The train's whistle blew as the fillies and colts from Ponyville elementary stepped on. The sun had just risen; causing a nice, orange glow to sweep across Ponyville.

"I can't believe it! We're going to the Canterlot Gardens!" Flora remarked to her friends as she jumped up and down excitedly.

"It's very nice there. Though, there is a statue that freaks me out whenever I go. I almost feel like it's... trying to control me or something," Sun Catcher recalled as Flora laughed.

"Silly filly! Statues are made out of stone! It's not like they're living breathing creatures!" Flora responded as she bounced on the train.

Over the last few months, the five friends had become even closer. They were also teased by Astral and Mythic almost every day as well. It was strange to go one day without one of them getting teased about an insecurity. After about five days though, they weren't truly offended by the bullys' insults. They just ignored them, which was the best thing to do, since the two walked away once they noticed they were being ignored.

The train soon took off, and they saw Ponyville go by in a small blur.

"Oh my gosh!" Aqua Flash remarked, getting a huge smile.

"What?" Rain Kicker asked.

"You guys know that Hearth's Warming is coming up soon, right?"

Flora smiled brightly. "Oh, yeah! Ooh! We should all go sledding together when it snows!"

"I have a great hill behind my house!" Star Chaser added on.

Aqua nodded. "We should do that! But I was going to suggest doing a Hearth's Warming party at my house!"

Rain nodded. "We should! But... it's a month till Hearth's Warming!"

"But winter break is in two weeks! That means that we could all head to my house right after school!"

"Yeah! That would be a great way to start break!" Sun Catcher responded.

The train's whistle then blew again.

"Alright, class! We're here in Canterlot! Follow behind me in a single-file line, and make sure to have a nice posture! Believe it or not, it's very important in Canterlot to walk along the street looking elegant," Play Write remarked.

Star Chaser poked Sun Catcher in the back.

"Yes?"

"How do we walk with a nice posture?"

"Well... like this!" Sun Catcher responded as he held his head up, and kept an even distance between his feet.

"Yeah... I'm not doing that," Rain remarked.

"I agree. It seems challenging to watch out for things. I would honestly never get used to that," Star Chaser responded.

Sun nodded. "I understand. Well, my parents had me doing this since I was very young. So, I'm used to the walk."

"I can probably do it!" Aqua remarked as she held her head high. She only stepped forward a few steps before running into Flora.

"Oof!" Flora exclaimed as her friend ran into her.

"Hehe... sorry. I guess I wasn't born to be a Canterlot citizen." Aqua responded as she nervously rubbed the back of her neck.

"Well, here we are! The Canterlot Gardens!" Play Write announced as many ooh's and ah's were heard from the crowd. The class filed in as Astral Thunder harshly poked Aqua in the back.

"You know what's common about both you and the statues here?" He asked as Mythic Comet laughed.

"What? That we're both interesting?" Aqua responded, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope." Astral then snickered a little. "Neither you or the statues have cutie marks!"

Aqua turned her head away, ignoring Astral. "Look at that!" She remarked, showing her friends a cool looking statue.

"Oh, we'll get to that one soon. Right now, we're going to look at the shrubberies! That's how school tours are always started!" Play Write responded.

"Oh, man!" Aqua silently remarked as she followed the rest of the class.

"What? Do you not like plants or something?" Flora asked.

"No, I love flowers and all that! I just want to learn more about that statue," Aqua responded, pointing towards a tall statue. As soon as Sun Catcher looked at it, a shiver went down his spine.

"Uh... let's go!" Sun remarked, turning his head away from the strange statue.

"What's gotten into him?" Rain asked as she looked at the statue again. "I want to go touch it."

"Rain, don't! You'll get in trouble!" Star Chaser responded as Rain raised an eyebrow.

"They won't even notice I'm gone. It'll only be a second."

Rain then took off towards the statue and placed a hoof on it for a few seconds. She then flew back as fast as she could. Luckily, Play Write didn't notice her short disappearance.

Sun looked at her with wide eyes. "Did you feel anything?"

Rain cocked her head. "What do you mean?"

"When you touched that statue!"

Rain thought for a moment. "I thought I felt a small vibration and felt a small warmth, but that was it."

Sun Catcher nodded.

"Alright, class! Gather round!" Play Write remarked as the students looked at a huge, green shrubbery shaped like a pony.

Sun Catcher felt his knees shaking.

"Why are you so nervous? Lighten up! It's just stone!" Flora exclaimed as Sun looked over at her.

"I feel like it's trying to control me. I can't explain it; but it does."

"Alright, my little ponies! Can anypony guess what this represents?" Play Write asked, pointing her hoof at the tall statue Rain had touched. It was a weird mix of all different kinds of animals: it had a pony face with a beard and fang, and long, slender body, a bat and Pegasus wing, a goat and lizard leg, and a snake tail.

"It's so... chaotic!" One of the students said as Play Write nodded her head.

"Yes! This, my students, is Discord: the Spirit of Chaos."

"Wow. It's so weird!" Mythic said as everypony else nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it is very strange."

Suddenly, Sun felt a strong, mind-controlling power.

"Almost as strange as you!" Sun remarked, glancing over at Play Write.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me! You're weird thinking Discord is powerless, and just a bundle of weird things. No, years to come, you will be scared of Discord!"

Play Write looked offended. "Sun Catcher! What has gotten into you?"

Flora then started to shake Sun. "Think about what you're saying!"

Sun Catcher soon felt the strange power leave him, and saw everypony looking at him strangely. He took Flora's shaking hooves off of his shoulder as he looked around, confused.

"See? He is a snob!" Astral remarked, causing laughs from some others.

"What did I do?" Sun asked, looking around.

"You just called Miss Play Write weirder than Discord, and said that we would all be scared of Discord in years to come!" One of the fillies responded as Sun looked back at the statue.

"I think I was mind controlled. It felt like something... overtook my body. I did not, and will never, say those things on my own will. I know none of you will believe me, but whenever I'm around this statue, it feels like it's trying to control me."

Play Write raised an eyebrow. "Okay... well, I'll still like to have a talk with your parents after school." Play Write then looked over at the rest of her students. "Ready to go, class? We have finished our tour!"

"Yep!" The class chorused. They all followed Play Write into the streets of Canterlot as Sun Catcher hung his head low.

"But it wasn't me..." he grumbled in a low voice as he followed the group.

Flying Sparks

The next morning, Play Write kept an eye on Sun Catcher, which made him feel really uncomfortable. Even though he was possessed the day before, nopony except his friends believed him. Murmurs were heard in the back of the room, and they didn't sound like the nicest words ever. Sun sank in his chair, hiding his face in his hooves.

"What's up, Chaos Snob Catcher?" Astral asked as Mythic laughed.

"Embarrassed to show us your true self?" Mythic added on as she gave him a punch in the shoulder.

"Just be quiet. I've told you, I was possessed!" Sun Catcher responded, lifting his head up.

Play Write then walked up to Sun's desk. "Now, I know the incident yesterday was strange, but that's no reason to be rude. Now, sit in your seats," Play Write remarked, giving Astral and Mythic a glare.

"Yes, Miss Play Write..." The two chorused, taking a seat near the back of the room.

The day's lesson went as normal. Soon, it was time for lunch. The five friends bounded down to the lunch room, happily talking about whatever was on their mind.

"Hey! Can I show you guys my teleportation today?" Aqua Flash asked as Star's eyes widened.

"You can teleport?!" She asked as Aqua nodded.

"Well... I'm pretty sure I can at least. I felt a strange feeling in my horn today. I'm hoping that means I could finally pull it off!" Aqua responded, smiling brightly.

"Wow... you put a lot of work into magic!" Sun Catcher exclaimed as Aqua smiled.

"I know. Magic is one of my favorite things in the world!" Aqua remarked as she sat down at a table.

Recess came pretty fast, and Aqua was eager to get out to the playground. The fall air was chilly, but overall pretty comfortable to stand in.

"We're ready, Aqua! Show us what you got!" Rain remarked, hovering into the air.

"This is going to be neat!" Flora added on.

Aqua smiled. "Oh... I hope this works..." she said to herself as she started to charge up her horn.

Aqua felt a surge through her body as the magic engulfed her horn. She then imagined teleporting to the swing set. She let it go, and suddenly felt like she was moving.

"W-what?" She asked herself. When she opened her eyes, she saw she was swinging back and forth on a swing. Her face lit up as she tried teleporting again. She concentrated, and soon found herself by her friends again.

"I can do it!" Aqua remarked as she started to jump up and down.

"Aqua, you are the only filly I know of that's done that! You have a true talent for magic!" Flora responded, ruffling Aqua's mane.

"Wait... did you say I have a... talent?" Aqua asked as Flora backed away.

"Of course!"

"We all think you're very skilled!" Star Chaser added on as Aqua smiled even brighter. She then felt a tingly feeling on her flank.

"Oh my gosh! Aqua!" Flora remarked, pointing at Aqua's flank.

"What is it?" She then looked down at her flank and smiled brightly. Instead of it being blank as always, she found a shooting star that was blue with a white trail behind it.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Aqua remarked, bouncing around her friends.

"Congratulations, Aqua!" Sun Catcher said, hoof-bumping his friend.

"Thanks. All of you. I never would have realized my talent if it weren't for you guys."

Star Chaser nodded. "No problem! I am the same way, ya know. If I didn't have you girls over and didn't go flying with Rain that night, I would probably still be searching for my talent." She then gave Aqua a hug.

Flora smiled brightly. "You know what we should do?"

"What?" The four asked at the same time as Flora started jumping.

"Hang out at my family's flower shop after school!" She responded. Aqua, Rain, and Star excitedly nodded their heads as Sun looked to the ground.

"I don't know if my parents will approve of me spending some time after school with you guys. They always want me to go shopping with them and stuff, and believe me when I say, they go shopping every day!"

Flora's ears fell. "Aw... oh well. Another time, right?"

"Definitely." Sun responded, moving his mane out of his face. "I promise to make it to the party you're planning at the beginning of break, Aqua."

"Oh, thank you!" Aqua responded. She then heard hoof-steps coming from behind her.

"Well, well, well... what do ya know? Aqua got her cutie mark!" Mythic exclaimed, sounding surprised.

Aqua then raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Like it?" She asked as she showed off her mark.

Mythic thought for a moment. "I guess it's okay..."

"Yep! Now, let's go, guys!" Aqua responded as she gestured for her friends to walk off with her.

"Haha! That was great!" Aqua remarked as she continued laughing. "Now, I have a joke. What do you call a magic owl?"

"Uh..." Star thought for a moment.

"Hoo-dini!" Aqua finished as Rain Kicker chuckled.

"That's a good one!"

"Thanks!" Aqua responded.

Flora then looked through the windows of the flower shop and saw the streets of Ponyville.

"Guys?"

"Yeah?" The three asked at once as Flora looked to the ground.

"Do you think our friendship will last forever? I mean, I want it to, but we are all going to take different roads when we get older. Rain and Star, you two will be weather ponies, I will be working at the flower shop, Aqua would probably be doing something with magic, and Sunny might take a road to a fancier life in Canterlot!"

Rain put an assuring hoof on Flora's shoulder. "I can assure you that our friendship will last, even if we move to different cities." She then raised an eyebrow. "Wait... why are you calling Sun Catcher 'Sunny'?"

Flora slightly giggled. "Oh, I think Sunny is more fun to say!"

"Okay..." Rain responded.

Star Chaser then stepped a little closer to her friends. "I agree with Rain. We are not ending our friendship, no matter how far we separate. You four are the closest friends I've ever had."

"I agree!" Aqua added on as she pulled her friends into a hug.

As they pulled apart, Star got a determined look on her face. "Now... who wants to do something fun?"

"What are you thinking of, Star?" Rain asked, a little suspicious of what her friend was planning on doing.

"Pretending like random objects laying around Ponyville are part of an obstacle course!" Star responded, spreading her wings.

Flora smiled. "That sounds great! Count me in!"

Rain nodded. "Same! I can show off my tricks!"

"Oh, why not?" Aqua responded.

The four then ran outside, getting their legs ready for running.

Warming Hearts

Aqua Flash was about ready to jump up from her seat and run over to her friends. Today was the last day of school before winter break, and also the day Aqua was inviting her friends over for a Hearth's Warming party.

"...And remember, class! Your homework will be to... play in the snow this break! I hear we're supposed to get a lot!" Play Write concluded as the bell rung. The foals of the classroom quickly threw their books into their saddlebags and ran outside. Aqua walked over to Flora, Star Chaser, Rain Kicker, and Sun Catcher.

"Ready? I can't wait! This is gonna be so fun!" Aqua remarked as her friends all nodded.

"Yep! I know whoever gets my white elephant gift is gonna love it!" Star responded, hovering in the air.

Aqua giggled. "Alright, then! Let's go!" She and her friends ran out of the school into the cold, winter air.

The snow was like a blanket on the ground. It shimmered when sun hit it, and was pure white.

Rain smiled at the sight of snow as she felt something cold and wet hit her face and drip down her body. She shook it off and saw Astral and Mythic cracking up.

"Why do you look so cold, Rain? I thought you liked the snow!" Astral said as Rain got a small look of anger in her eyes.

"Well, being hit in the face by a snowball isn't my favorite thing!" She bent over and started making little balls of snow. She stood up and positioned her fore-hoof; getting ready to throw. "Hitting you with snowballs is a real pleasure of mine!" She then threw the snowballs and hit both Astral and Mythic, who shivered from the cold.

"This is why you don't mess with me, you bullies!" Rain remarked as she high-hoofed her friends and trotted off; Aqua Flash in the lead.

The five walked into Aqua's house, cracking up.

"I still can't get over the looks on their faces!" Flora remarked as Rain stuck her head in the air.

"I know. It was a very impressive shot on my part."

Sun nodded. "Definitely. I don't think they'll throw any more snow at you! Mythic looked like she was concerned that her mane got all wet!"

Star giggled. "You probably seemed like a big bully to them, Rain!" She teased as Rain nudged her in the shoulder.

"They deserved it and you know it!"

Aqua then set her saddlebag against the wall. "Who's ready to have some fun? Just so you know, my parents aren't here yet. They'll arrive after the party is finished, since they have to work for a long time today."

Flora smiled and started bouncing. "So... what do you want to do first?"

Aqua didn't waste any time deciding. "Let's sit near the Hearth's Warming tree and do the white elephant gift exchange!" She then trotted over to the tree and levitated a wrapped gift.

"This tree looks really nice, Aqua," Flora remarked as she looked at all of the ornaments.

"Thanks! Well, my mom did most of the work decorating it. She is a designer, so she normally goes over the top with these things."

Everypony got out their wrapped, unidentified gifts. They sat in a circle; breathing in the nice smell of pine. Aqua then set a timer of thirty seconds.

"Ready... go!" She remarked as the five passed the gifts around in the circle.

The timer went off; causing the room to be engulfed in the loud noise. Aqua turned it off and smiled.

"Now... open the gift you have! If you got your own gift, trade it with someone."

Flora scanned the package, which was pretty sloppily wrapped. "Uh... should I be scared of what's in here?"

"I don't think so! Take risks, right?" Star responded as she opened her package. Inside was a fancy Hearth's Warming ornament that looked like a sun.

"Wow! I love it!" Star remarked as Sun smiled.

"Thanks. I managed to get it when my parents and I were out shopping," Sun remarked as he smiled back.

Aqua looked at the ornament and gasped. "Sun! I said we only have to spend under ten bits on gifts! It looks like you went overboard!"

Sun Catcher looked over at her. "My parents told me that I should stand out: my gift should be the 'most expensive'!" He responded; imitating his mother's voice.

Flora raised an eyebrow. "Uh... alright. It's my turn to open!" She then opened the poorly wrapped package and saw a cardboard box. When she opened it, she saw a jar inside that was protected by cushions. She lifted it to see little holes in the lid, and what looked to be water inside.

"Is this just a jar full of water?" Flora asked.

"Well, kinda," Rain responded. "The water inside is like one of those good smelling candles; it will cause your room to smell like spring rain!"

Flora smiled. "Yay! That's one of my favorite smells of the spring! Good choice, Rain!"

"Thanks! Now, it's my turn!" Rain responded as she opened her gift, which was nicely wrapped. Inside was a blue cape with many white stars on it.

"Sweet! I could fly with this on! Who wrapped this one?"

"I did!" Aqua responded, smiling.

"Nice choice!"

"Thanks! Now, it's my turn!" She remarked as she picked up her package. She opened it and found a box with holes punched inside. She opened it and found a flower vase with some white lilies adorned with red markings on the inside.

"They're beautiful! I'm guessing Flora brought this one!" Aqua remarked as Flora nodded.

"Yep! I made sure to get some of the prettiest flowers in the shop!" Flora responded as she looked over at Sun. "Well... there's one pony left!"

Sun smiled. "Alright!" He then opened his package. Inside were glow-in-the-dark stars that could be hung from a ceiling.

"Ooh! I'm putting these up in my room!" Sun remarked as he looked over to Star Chaser. "I'm guessing you brought these."

Star nodded her head. "Of course! I have tons of these hanging from my ceiling at home!"

Aqua smiled and put her hooves together. "Alright! Now that the white elephant gift exchange is done, let's go outside and have a snowball fight!"

They all bounced up and down as Rain got a determined look on her face.

"Oh yeah! I'm gonna nail you all like I nailed Astral and Mythic!"

As Sun Catcher looked up, he was greeted by a wet, cold snowball.

"Hah! Got you!" Flora remarked as Sun used his magic to make a snowball. He then threw it and hit Flora.

He then felt another cold impact. He looked around to see everyone but Aqua shaking snow off of them.

"How'd you like that? A quadruple hit! You can't beat me!" Aqua remarked as the four all got snowballs in their hooves and threw them at her. She felt four different snowballs hit her.

"That's what you get!" Star teased as Aqua started laughing. Laughter then arose from everyone else. Soon, they were all laughing on the ground, letting the cold snow touch their fur.

Hurtful Confrontations

Monday. It's the day everypony dreads; the day where almost no one is optimistic. No one except Star Chaser, of course.

It was a beautiful day for a flight, so she woke up a little earlier than usual. The air was perfect, and there were only a few select clouds in the area. Also known as, one of the best days for weather ever.

Star Chaser flew over to school, feeling her mane flow in the wind. She was excited to see her friends again, and get to know Sun Catcher a little more. He seemed like a fun colt to hang with, and she always liked to get to know almost everything about friends.

She was the first one to school, so she got a great choice in seating. She unpacked her bags and put a few pencils on her desk.

"Hello, Star Chaser. You're here early today!" Play Write remarked, smiling down at the filly.

"Yep! It was just too beautiful of a morning to stay inside. I also want to fly as much as possible, since it is my talent."

Play Write looked at Star's cutie mark. "Congrats! Did you just get that this weekend? I would think more ponies would be buzzing over you about it!"

Star shook her head. "No. I got it on Thursday night." She smiled at the memories before continuing with the conversation. "I kept it hidden, since I didn't want other foals following me around all day."

Play Write chucked in response. "I understand that. I was the same way when I was your age!"

"Really?"

"Yes! I really didn't want to be followed around by others the whole day just because I got my special mark. I even put a piece of paper on my flank to hide it," Play Write laughed again. "So, if you have any issues with others not leaving you alone, you can talk to me."

Star smiled. "Thanks, Miss Play Write!"

"No problem!" Play Write responded as she went back to sorting through papers.

"Haha! I told you he's just a stuck-up!" Came a voice from outside. Star perked an ear up to listen carefully.

The door swung open harshly, hitting the wall with a loud bang. A familiar face then stomped through the door; his face tilted to the ground.

"Sun Catcher? Sun, what's wrong?" Star asked as Sun took his seat in the back of the room.

"I don't want to talk about it..." He murmured in a low tone, putting a folder in front of his face.

Star Chaser then heard someone else walk through the door. She looked to find a Pegasus colt prancing in. He had a dark blue coat with a two-toned yellow mane and tail. He looked to the back of the room, his dark orange eyes becoming mischievous.

"Oh, look! Snob Catcher has that folder up so he doesn't have to look at the low-class ponies in the room!" He remarked, grinning unpleasantly.

A unicorn filly came in the room, snickering. She smoothed out her purple mane while brushing off her yellow coat. She then looked over at Sun with her pink, teasing eyes.

"You got that right, Astral Thunder!" She said to the colt as Astral nudged her at the side.

"Of course I did, Mythic Comet!" He snickered as Mythic slightly nudged him back.

"None of you are right! Bullying is not something young foals should practice!" Play Write interrupted, trotting over to Sun Catcher's desk.

Star sighed. She knew the day couldn't be perfect.

Star Chaser heard laughter from a nearby lunch table. She looked to see Astral Thunder and Mythic Comet sitting close to each other, saying something entertaining.

"Uh, why are you staring at Astral and Mythic like that?" Rain Kicker asked.

"What?"

"Well..." Rain tried to figure out the look on Star's face. "You look... upset for some reason."

Star nodded. "Yeah, I am. They made fun of Sun Catcher this morning."

Rain nodded her head in understanding. "Is that why Sun decided to stay in the classroom for lunch instead?"

"Yep." Star Chaser responded, her gaze returning to her friends.

"Wait, those jerks made fun of Sun?" Flora interrupted, causing Aqua to turn to the conversation as well.

"Yeah."

"Wow. They were really mean to this one filly in my class last year. It got so bad that she transferred."

"Oh." Rain responded, giving a small glare to the other table. "I don't understand bullies."

Recess was then called as every foal ran outside. Star turned her glance to the classroom door, where she saw Sun Catcher walking up to the four.

"Hey, guys. I'll come out to recess with you."

Flora gave a smile. "It's alright. Star told us what happened; we understand it you want to keep to yourself today."

Sun shook his head. "No, I want to hang out with you guys. Thank you for your understanding, though."

The four smiled as they walked with Sun out to the playground. It seemed like Sun was prancing a little more gracefully than them. Well, probably because it was how ponies walked in Canterlot.

The four came to a halt as Astral and Mythic approached them.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Astral said as he took a look at Aqua's flank.

"A blank flank hanging out with ponies who already have their cutie marks? I can't believe it!" Mythic responded to Astral's comment as the two showed the five their flanks, which were each adorned with a cutie mark. Mythic's displayed riches, while Astral's displayed a thunder cloud.

"Oh no. He might become a weather pony..." Rain mumbled to herself.

Aqua Flash was staring at the ground, her tail covering a side of her blank flank. "Stop it!" She hissed, tilting her head up.

"Oh? You don't like accepting the truth?" Mythic responded.

Astral chuckled. "Maybe your talent is denying everything."

Mythic rolled her eyes. "What kind of cutie mark would that be?" She then looked over at Aqua. "Makes sense why she doesn't have a cutie mark."

"Stop bugging me about it!" Aqua snapped again, this time a little louder. Sun Catcher backed up slowly behind the group as Rain glared at the two bullies.

"Yeah! Stop picking on all my friends!"

Astral raised an eyebrow, keeping a mischievous look. "Oh, the athlete is protecting the blank flank and the snob. Sounds like a romance novel."

Rain's ears folded back. "Uh, NO! I cannot stand romance!"

Mythic snickered. "Why not? You obviously are into Aqua."

"W-WHAT?! I'm not like that!" Rain responded, her look turning into fury.

"Whatever you say, Rain Flash." Astral responded as he walked away with Mythic, laughing.

Rain put her hooves over her head to keep from losing it. After a minute, she calmed down and looked over at Aqua.

"Are you okay?"

Aqua nodded. "Yeah. The question is: Are you okay? You looked like you were about to burst!"

Rain nodded. "Yep. That is why you never tease me about romance. Especially when you think I am paired up with one of my friends!"

Aqua chuckled to lighten the mood a bit. "Well, at least we know not to set you up on a date with another mare! Or anyone, for that matter!"

Rain raised an eyebrow. "I never said that I wouldn't let myself date mares! Gender doesn't matter to me!"

"And gender shouldn't matter!" Flora interrupted. "I have two moms, so I get offended when others talk how mares should only be with stallions."

"I can see why," Star responded in understanding as she poked Flora in the side. "You're it!" She remarked, dashing away.

The rest of the school day flew by rather slowly. Star Chaser was a little nervous about the two bullies. She didn't want her or any of her friends to be hurt by them. The school bell then rung, breaking her from her thoughts.

"Alright, class! Have a good day! I'll see you tomorrow!" Play Write exclaimed as everypony ran out the door.

A yellow unicorn mare with light purple, curly mane stepped through the door, fixing her glasses.

"Thank you for writing a letter informing me about the bullying, Miss Play Write."

Play Write looked at the unicorn. "Oh, you're welcome... Crystal Clear, right?"

"Most definitely," Crystal Clear looked down at Sun Catcher. "Ready to go, son? Your father and I are going to tell you how to properly defend yourself against bullies."

Sun Catcher nodded. "Yes, mother."

With that, the two walked out of the classroom, Crystal's head held a little high.

"Is that how ponies have to act like in Canterlot? It seems too... proper," Rain Kicker remarked.

Star Chaser nodded her head. "Yeah. I would never be able to live in Canterlot."

Flora then started giggling. "Can you imagine? Me talking all elegantly? I would have to lose my silly voice!"

Aqua laughed. "You would explode if you went a day without saying something funny with that silly voice you have."

"Of course!" Flora responded, walking towards the door. "Now, who wants to get something from Sugarcube Corner real quick?"

"Me!" The three shouted as they followed Flora out the door.