The Un-Popular Ones

“Scootaloo?”

“Here!”

“Short Fire?” There was an eerie silence in the classroom. All the young fillies and colts were expecting to hear a loud ‘here’ from the small pegasus. All were waiting, spare two.

“Absent again? Makes it 3 days.” Cheerilee said to herself, jotting it down in her notebook. She called out to the rest of the students who were left before begining in class.

“Gone… He’s just… Gone.” Dusk said, actually seeming a bit cheery for a bit.

“Yup… Back to Cloudsdale, huh? Looking to follow in his mother’s hoofsteps I suppose.” G said with a shrug. It was a bitter-sweet moment. But, more sweet. Like when you drink lemonade. The first little sip is bitter and sour but after you take time to really taste it, it’s sweet. Cheerilee was right, it had been three days straight since he had left and they’ve gone to give him the Voldemort Treatment. Their old friend, G’s first friend in Ponyville, somepony he felt bad for. After seeing his mom and how she had no time, he thought he was so arrogant and brash so that he’d have self confidence. But, turns out, he was just a douche. Intolerant. Un-Accepting. Non-Negotiable. But, he was a pegasus. What do you expect, especially looking at his heros. His mom, for one. Soarin, his uncle, was another. Even his crush, Rainbow Dash. All three of them can be called brash and mean and rude. But, it’s nothing to change now. He moved back to Cloudsdale with his mom after his dispute with his friends. This went on in both the colt’s minds for the remainder of class and they could only be snapped free of their memories with Cheerilee calling them away from it.

“And finally, don’t forget that we have the Talent Show next Friday. I’ll be looking to see everypony perform.” Cheerilee smiled once class was near the end of the day.

“T-Talent Show?” G said nervously.

“Yeah… She told us about it like, yesterday.” Dusk shrugged.

“Well I was busy!”

“Doing…?”

“Reading. And writing. I’m trying to work on this documentary thing.”

“Well, now you have a Talent Show. Feel good about that.” G immediately raised his hoof.

“Yes?” Cheerilee asked to him.

“Is… Is it mandatory?”

“Unless you have a medical or family emergency, then yes. That’s been a tradition here in Ponyville. Did you never have Talent Shows in Manehatten?”

“No!” G yelled out in a scared manner, having the whole class stare directly at him. This caused him to hide under his desk.

“Now now… Don’t worry… Class Dismissed.” Cheerilee said, causing a whosh of seat to be emptied, leaving only the teacher and two colts alone in the room.

“M-Miss Cheerilee… I… I’m not ready for this! I… I can’t! It’s too much pressure!”

“But G-Sec, you’ve been doing so good! You can now talk in front of the class! You’ve even made a few friends!” Cheerilee smiled, putting a hoof to his face.

“I… I know… B-But… In front of the school?!”

“All of Ponyville.” Dusk chimed in.

“Dusk Breeze! That’s not helpful.” Cheerilee chastised slightly.

“A whole TOWN?! I… I’m gonna have a heart attack! Like Dusk!” G cried out, going into a fetal position.

“That wasn’t funny. It hurt.” Dusk pouted lightly.

“G-Sec, it’ll be fine. All you have to do is sit there and do something. It’s what you do in class, anyway, right?” Cheerilee asked in a consolidating tone.

“But… That’s in the BACK of the class and in front of a few fillies and colts.” G yelled to her, crying.

“Shh… It’s okay… Let me have a talk with your mom.” Cheerilee smiled, picking him up on her back.

“Which one?” G asked with a sniffle.

“Uh… Whichever one.” Cheerilee said with a nervous smile. She didn’t know he had two moms. But it didn’t matter. He just needed some encouragement, unless his parents were just as nervous as he was. This was her biggest fear, and their inability to work with her. Little did she know, she was off by a long shot.

“But mom! I don’t wanna!” The young colt complained.

“Look, you wanted to move from Ponyville! Now you gotta go to school in Cloudsdale!” His mom said back with an unrelenting face.

“But… But a Military School? Can I go to a Flight School?” He cried back, wrapping his wings around his mom’s leg. She merely pushed him off.

“You can’t fly!” She retorted.

“But… But MOM!” He started before getting cut off by an orange hoof,

“Hush! I signed you up! You’re going and that’s final!” The Wonderbolt’s captain said definitively and walked to her own room, leaving her winged son to lie on the ground in his room. It was just like his house in Ponyville. it wasn’t all too hard to really make a clod house. His room was adorned with posters of The Wonderbolts, his uncle, Soarin, and of course, a huge one of Rainbow Dash. Whenever somepony would comment about it, he’d just write it off. But now, he only felt sadness. A military school?! How could she do this? That was so unfair and intolerant of his feelings! But, there was no fighting it. Maybe he’d learn to fly… And do push ups… And gain muscles… And… Well, so many others things, barely any were good. Short just went to his closet and put on his… Ugh… Uniform. It… It looked like a Royal Guard Uniform. It was golden and the shirt looked like a chest plate. The pants were golden as well and were extremely tight, showing his slight calf muscles. Short Fire, the now Cloudsdale resident, closed his eyes, shuttered, and trotted out of his room.

“M-Mom! I’m… Ready.” He gulped as he stood by the door. His mom came out in her Wonderbolt’s uniform, her sunglasses over her eyes, leaving nopony the ability to see through them,.

“Let’s go.” She said coldly, walking out of the house. The young colt kept his head hung as he imagined how much better it was at Ponyville. Maybe he could’ve been accepting of Dusk… Maybe… No! He couldn’t see through it! He was right, not his friends. This ideology was confirmed by the rest of his day…

2 Days Later

“Atten HUT!” Yelled the teacher, making all the colts stand up straight, eyes glued to their ‘teacher’. Short always thought of him as a commander, never a teacher. He wasn’t nice. He was no Cheerilee. He had a rough stubble on that was pure black. His mane was in a buzzcut form, also stone black. His coat was dark grey, almost blending in with his mane. His face looked of a permanent scowl. All the colts around him showed no fear, but Short couldn’t hold it back. His eyes showed sadness and that would not go unnoticed.

“You there! New Kid! Step forwards!” He yelled out in a Drill-commander’s voice. Short wobbily stepped up.

“S-sir yes sir!” He said, trying to remain confident as he did in Ponyville. But with this huge stallion yelling in his face, it would grow exceedingly harder.

“What’s your name?”

“Short Fire.”

“Short Fire what?!” The commander yelled, waiting for the proper response.

“Short Fire… Sir.” Short said, looking dead ahead. He had read the rulebook. He knew the rules. He didn’t like being talked down to.

“What’s your problem?! Miss your mommy?”

“Sr… No sir.”

“Then what in Celestia’s name is wrong?! You stand there and you look like you’re gonna cry! There’s no crying in my class! You get this Short?!” Short… Only his friends ever called jim that. Memories flooded back and his eyes watered.

“Sir… Yes… sir.” He said, holding in his tears.

“Tears?! Down on your hooves! 200 now!” He yelled as short went down. He slowly did his push ups. When he got to 100, the commander made him do another set. This continued until Short just collapsed on the ground, ultimately having done 500 push ups.

“S-ir… I-I can’t! That’s 500!”

“500?! I only counted 500!”

“BECAUSE YOU KEPT F****** RESTARTING!” Short yelled out, his mane turning to literal fire. All the colts and even the instructor backed away slowly.

“Short! Calm down!”

“Don’t call me that! I’m in charge now, GOT THAT?!”

“Oh hell no! Get down here, now!” He yelled, puffing out his chest. This refusal was met with a fire blast straight to the instructor. He fell instantly as the others watched on helplessly.

“I’m teacher now! Got it?!” His wings expanded as he floated up in the air. All the ponies nodded slowly. Fire burned his flank once he settled down a little. And, unknown to him, his cutie mark appeared.  It was a flame with two red swords entered in it. Which symbolized his anger and ruthlessness. This would definitely be used in his life. But, that’s for another time.

The Same Day That Night...

Dusk paced about the backstage nervously. He didn't want to mess up. Although Skye had encouraged him into thinking he'd be able to do this, Dusk could feel the nerves rising higher. He didn't want to do this, but he had no choices. It was either perform, or wind up in detention for uncooperative behavior. He didn't want his mom to be mad at him. Cheerlie bounced to the back, where a few other students were waiting to begin their shows. But Dusk was her target right this moment. She spotted him. Holding a guitar, and pacing nervously. Eyes locked to the backstage flooring. He wouldn't stop panicking. Dusk looked to see her there. He knew what time it was. "P-please, not me next! I can't do it yet!" He half shouted. She sighed. He'd have to go now, or he'd be holding himself until everypony left.

"Sorry Dusk. But you're next. We can't let this be a hectic time, understood?" Cheerlie smiled encouragingly to her fearful student. She then had an idea. She stood, and left. Dusk waited there for her to come back. When she did, Skye accompanied her. His school uniform a bit of a wreck from walking to the auditorium from the opposing end of Ponyville. Dusk ran up to his brother. Who immediately began talking about the situation at hoof.

"Dusk! What's the problem? I thought you were ready to do this!" Skye said with a hint of worry.

"W-well...I don't want everyone to laugh at me!" Dusk tried to explain. Skye suddenly looked serious and dignified. He sat next to his panicking brother. Putting a hoof on Dusk's shoulder he said.

"Don't let what everypony says define you. What really matters is what those who love you and care about you think. I've seen you practice this dozens of times. You can do this, regardless of the measures. I have faith in you. G and Mom do too. So go out there, and nail this like you have so many times already!" Dusk suddenly hugged his brother after a moment of silence Dusk smirked.

"You're right. I got ponies wanting a show. Let's rock!" Dusk bounced up, and brought his guitar on stage. The curtains were shut. He stood like Octavia before her performances. With a short announcement the curtains opened the serious look on Dusk faded to a rock star smirk. He heard a few boos, but he could see his family and his best friend smiling. He wanted them to be happy about his performance. He started to use his guitar. Pretending to barely know how to play. Just to mess with the crowd most of them were believing that he had no clue what he was doing. Until he blasted into a long chain of chords. He flashed a glance at his notable bully, Gemstone, who looked surprised by the suddenly display of skill. Dusk grabbed the mic with his telekinetic magic. Putting it to his mouth, he opened his mouth to sing his first lyrics.

"I can't believe it. I found my talent!" Dusk felt his long uncontrollable depression lifting away. He had found a release for his pain. Music. His cutie mark had appeared in the midst of the performance. Dusk couldn't help but relive that single epic moment where he slammed down hard hitting sound and lyrics of his thoughts into words. Usually it was always held in. He was once a heavy introvert, but once he got the hang of this whole songwriting thing, he was home free. Skye was joyful too. Having his emotions typically deadened by school, he found it nice to feel happy for his once empty brother. G-Sec was fascinated. He hadn't been at Dusk's practices. Meaning he'd never seen him play, he was convinced by the false playing at e start, and half expected him to be dragged offstage. That's when the surprise kicked in, Dusk hit the hardcore notes he was hoping to see. Colgate however, was the most proud of her little son. He had gone from an abused and suicidal colt, to a rock star over the course of just a week. Sure at first it seemed unorthodox for her introverted sons to even consider music. Though upon hearing the first practice. She knew it would get better for them. Dusk looked at his cutie mark. A music note with evening colors radiating the inside of the not. Surrounded by a trio of four pointed stars. He assumed they represented his mom, Skye, and G. Suddenly he heard a voice pipe up in front of him.

"Dusk?" It was Gemstone. He looked upset. Sad. A rare but shocking sight was this look of sympathy.

"Yeah?" He replied calmly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what you were going through. I listened in on your song. I figured out the meaning. I'm so sorry." Gemstone apologized pathetically. Dusk smirked.

"It's okay. I just needed to get the words out. You're welcome to hang out with me anytime!"

"R-really?" Gem stared in utter confusion at his acceptance. "No revenge or anything?"

"Course not. I'm not a villain." Dusk laughed.

Gem smiled and bowed his head to thank him. Then ran off to meet up with his family. Dusk looked after him smiling at his new friend. Suddenly a pair of hooves hugged him. He recognized the color of these hooves.

"Button! Seriously?" He giggled as his coltfriend surprise hugged him. Button Mash climbed off.

"Hey, you were awesome up there! No lie!"

"Thanks! Not too shabby yourself!" Dusk exclaimed in a joyous tone. Button had shown of his ability to draw video game ponies and creatures. Dusk personally like Maxine Cloudsfield. Something about a time traveler made him happier. but, their night was not over yet. As now, G-Sec had to go to the stage… [ht]

20 Minutes Later…

“Come on… You know this stuff… You’re G-Sec!” G told himself, standing behind the stage. Cheerilee saw him and smiled. She had talked with his mom and learned of his hidden potential. Back in Manehatten, he was ecstatic. Happy. Silly. Goofy. He was basically Pinkie Pie but as a colt. That explained why Lyra was so crazy. But for some reason, unknown to Bon bon, Lyra was just… Gone. Weird. But, despite that, Ms. C knew he had to let it out. Before him, the former CMC had went out. The ran back behind the stages, wearing their ridiculous costumes.

“Woo! Get’s better every year!” Scootaloo cheered.

“Yeah! Did you see my sister’s face? It was epic!”Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Ah liked it! Mah cousin was out there!” Bloom said with a smile.

“Your cousin? From Manehatten? She came out for this?” Scoots asked.

“Yep! She said she wanted to hang out more with me and mah friends! Ooh! ‘Ere she comes!” Bloom said cheerfully, pointing to the steps leading to the stage. The slow steps up to the stage were instantly recognizable to the young, green colt who was to go next.

“N-No… She can’t be…” He said, growing huge eyes.

“Howdy Babs!” Bloom said happily as her cousin came up to the group.

“That was awesome!” Babs said, going up to the group. G tried to hide, but was called out instantly.

“Oh! Hey Babs! Ah bet ya know my friend ‘ere!” Bloom took her hoof and took her over to her green friend.

“Hold on, hold on. Who is i-” Babs just froze when she saw him.

“H-Hi Babs…” He whispered, slowly shuffling away.

“G-Sec? Hi…” She said back, blushing a bit.

“Um… What’s… Up?”

“Look… I just wanted to say sorry. I… I was really evil and… Well, I was awful to you.”

“I… I can tell.”

“G...Look, I just used you. And, now I feel awful.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“This… This isn’t you.”

“It’s me now! You’ve reduced me to this! Get it? I’m not really in the mood to hear an apology.” He huffed, turning his back to her.

“Wow… Wasn’t expecting that.” Blom shrugged as she watched on.

“Do you remember the old song I used to sing when I was… Well… In love with you?”

“You were never in love with me!” G retorted.

“Shh… I see potential in the wreck here…” She began to sing.

“ He… Is brave… And… Shouldn’t show fear…” G whispered.

“ I love him with all my heart.”

“And… As true love form, we shall never part…” He said back, tears welling up in his eyes. Babs wrapped a hoof around him as they sung together.

Love is in the air and we hold it all.

Filled with determination, we can never fall.

Our love will shimmer and never forget.

As our lives will never reach the sunset. They said together. G cried into her coat as she petted him consolidating.

“I… I missed you Babs!” He cried. hugging her tightly.

“Me too… Can… Can I get a redo?” She smiled to him. He looked up to her, stopping his tears.

“Nope! Screw off!” He said with a smile, pushing her to the ground.

“G-Sec!” She yelled shocked.

“But ghey,. I reached peace!” He smiled, giving his eye a little twinkle before trotting up to the curtain. Ms. C saw this and ran up.

“Are you ready to perform?”

“Oh yeah! Here, play this song.” He gave her a slip of paper. She let her eyes grow wide.

“No! This is too profane!”

“I’ll give an explicit warning! this is the only thing i’ll sing.” He said, feeling cheery.

“Fine…” She said sadly as he went to the mic, causing his small group to clap.

“This is a song for a very… Very special mare. Also, this is a bit profane… so uh… cover the foa’s ears.

“Wait… Profane?!” Bon Bon yelled surprised. Too late. the song played.

Youtube Video

Afterwards, all the adult ponies just stared, having covered their kids ears.

“Thank you!” He said, not caring that he was now considered a thug. He left the stage, going back to his Mom, dusk and his family. his Mom had just a fallen jaw.

“I… I… G… I never… Heard you… Curse…” Bon Bon said, barley closing her mouth.

“Sorry. Just had to let it out.” He smiled, patting Button on the back, who was just sitting with a smile.

“Wow G… Looks like you can do something than just gaming.” Button said with a smile.

“Yeah… But gaming is my main project. I was hoping to get my cutie mark. But, apparently, it’s a story for another time.” He shrugged.

“Sorry for that.”.

“Oh well. C’mon. Let’s go get dinner.” G smiled leading the charge towards a diner. Bon Bon couldn’t close her jaw. dusk had a blush. Button and Skye had huge smiles. Colgate just tried to understand it. but, they went to a restaurant for the first, and ast time, since the party. Why would this be the last time? Well…

“Yeah yeah… Story for another time. we get it!” G said, rolling his eyes.

“Who are you talking to?” Dusk asked, confused.

“It’s just… something stupid. Don’t worry. Let’s go.” With that, they were off.