Frost Vortex: An Alicorn's Backstory

Frost Vortex groaned. It was only the second day of the week, which meant that there were still four days left before Princess Twilight's visit. And she, being the unfortunate filly she was, had to spend those remaining days at school. Even though she did enjoy school very much, the desperation of meeting the Princess personally had ruined that positive attitude.

She glanced to her right, where Coal, a black colt with emerald eyes sat staring at the clock impatiently. He had developed a rather infamous reputation for refusing to listen in class; in fact, all he did all day was stare at the clock. Frost Vortex, however, didn't care for him or his reputation much. Throughout the school year, he had been a unrelenting bully, teasing Frost Vortex about her not having gained her cutie mark yet. On the other hoof, Coal had been the first one in class to get his cutie mark: a pickaxe digging up coal since his family owned an entire mining area.

"Time will pass, Coal," Ms. Orchid, their teacher, said as she once again noticed the foal's behavior like every other day. Coal inhaled sharply as he crossed his forelegs, finally directing his gaze away from the clock. "Now then, class, listen up! Today, we will be going on a field trip to the world-famous Canterlot sculpture garden. Once we get to Canterlot, I will split you into pairs so you can explore the garden yourselves."

Excited murmurs arose in the classroom; even Frost Vertex perked up since she knew that Princess Twilight lived in the royal castle at Canterlot. I could visit her during the field trip! Oh, this'll be so much fun!

Hopping up and down with glee, Frost Vortex immediately stopped when she realized that all of her classmates, including Ms. Orchid, were staring at her.

"Oh, um, sorry," Frost Vortex apologized, chuckling nervously.

The class soon arrived at their destination after a short train ride: the famous Canterlot sculpture garden. Not wasting any time, Ms. Orchid led them to a nearby statue, explaining to the class that the statue represented victory itself.

"Victory? How cool!" a nearby hazel filly squeaked, her bright orange eyes wide with admiration.

"Of course, Ember Dawn. It's Victory after all." Ms. Orchid gave her a small smile.

"Whatever," Ruby Jade scoffed, her tone irritated. "Who gives a flying feather about a bunch of old statues that'll crumble in no time?"

Frost Vortex shot her a hostile glance, clearly angered by her words. "These aren't just any regular statues, Ruby Jade! They all hold meaning, you know!"

"Yeah, they totally hold meaning in the form of stone," the scarlet filly retorted sarcastically. "I don't see what the big deal is, Frost Vortex. Maybe you'd know since you're a total loser... but no one cares anyway."

Frost Vortex rolled her eyes at Ruby Jade as the class began moving on, led by Ms. Orchid who continued to occasionally point out the statues that they passed by.

"Now, I know it must be burdensome for you children for not being able to view these statues at your own pace," Ms. Orchid said, stopping as they approached the end of the garden and turning around to face the class. "Therefore, everypony will be split into groups of two with you being free to choose your own partner."

The class murmured in excitement as they began choosing their desired partners. Frost Vortex, being the introvert she was, sadly didn't have any friends that would pick her immediately. As a result, she was left with the only available option left: Coal.

"You'll be free to explore the garden however you want, class; just make sure to stay with your partner all the time and come back here in about an hour."

Immediately after their teacher had given them instructions, the gathered ponies before her dissolved as partners raced in every direction, eager to begin exploring. Frost Vortex and Coal were the last ones to leave.

Groups of two? That's bad already, but... I'm with Coal? This is definitely not going like I planned so far! Frost Vortex groaned, facehoofing.

"It'll be all over soon," Coal muttered under his breath, shooting a glance at Frost Vortex before trotting off.

"Where are you going?" Frost Vortex demanded harshly, following him as he aimlessly roamed the garden.

Coal ignored Frost Vortex as he continued to loiter around on his own, showing little-to-no interest in the stone statues around them.

Rolling her eyes in irritation, Frost Vortex occasionally stopped to look around by herself instead. Maybe I can sneak a peek into the castle, she thought as she glanced at Coal. Satisfied that he wasn't focusing on her - or anything, at that case - she quickly took off in the direction of the royal castle.