Friendship With Heartby Melody DreamChaptersChapter 1: First Day at CHSChapter 2: Through the PortalChapter 3: A New FriendPrologueChapter 4: Back HomeChapter 1: First Day at CHSI walked up the steps of CHS with all the other students. It was so crowded, I had to really pay attention to where I was walking as I walked up CHS’s many stairs leading to the entrance. Once I was inside I did a slow motion twirl, observing the lobby of the school. Hmm… CHS looked just like a normal school; where could the portal possibly be? I walked through a long hallway, looking for my locker, I needed to unload some of my stuff from my backpack into it. I eventually found it, typed in the combination on the lock, and began unloading my backpack. I was just putting my last book in my locker, when I heard a voice behind me. “Hello! Welcome to CHS. I’m Sunset Shimmer, and you are?” I whirled around. “You’re Sunset Shimmer!” I exclaimed, grinning. “Um…yes?” Sunset Shimmer looked at me quizzically. I blushed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off like that. I’m Florid Rainbow. It was nice meeting you Sunset Shimmer.” I smiled. Sunset Shimmer stared at me confused for a few moments, then visibly collected herself, smiled, and said, “It was nice meeting you too, Florid Rainbow. If you have any questions let me know, I might be able to help you. Math is my specialty, by the way. I’ll see you later.” She smiled and walked away. I met Sunset Shimmer! I smiled to myself as I placed the last book in my locker, closed the door, then locked it. After I finished lunch in the school cafeteria, I checked my watch, I still had a few minutes before my next class. I decided I would look around the school more; maybe I could find that portal! I walked out of the cafeteria and strolled through one of CHS’s many hallways. I looked right and left as I walked, looking for what I thought a portal would look like. Some time later, I glanced at my watch for the umpteenth time and gasped. I only had 5 minutes until my next class! I had to hurry. I pulled the slip of paper, listing all of my classes and where they were located, out of my pocket. I studied it for a moment. Why wasn’t the map making any sense?! I glared at the sheet of paper dismissively. Then I realized it was upside down! I could feel my face turning red as I glanced around the hallway, had anyone seen me? Phew! I let out a breath of air when I realized I was the only one in the hallway; which meant no one had seen me. Once I finally found out where I would be going, I closed the map and put it back in my jeans pocket. On my way to class I heard music and voices coming from a nearby room. I walked toward the door and glanced inside. Sunset Shimmer was there as well as five other girls. All the girls were playing instruments and singing into microphones. I found myself standing there, just listening. I loved how the rhythm and melody of their current song they were playing felt, it was enchantingly wonderful! The lyrics sounded great too! After a few moments, one of the girls-the rainbow-haired one-suddenly lifted into the air and grew a tail and pony ears! I stepped back, startled and tripped over my own feet. I fell unceremoniously onto my back. All of a sudden the music stopped and all the girls turned to stare at me. I gasped, grabbed the ground with my fingertips, and quickly lifted myself off the ground. I turned away from the room and walked briskly on my way. How humiliating! They most likely saw me gasp and fall when the uhh…thing happened to the rainbow-haired girl. They probably thought I wasn’t a very accepting girl. Oh no, I groaned. Sunset Shimmer, and the other girls too, probably wouldn’t want to be my friend after today. The last bell of the day rang and I headed toward my locker. I put some of my schoolbooks and notebooks from my locker in my backpack for studying at home. Then I walked toward the exit/entrance of CHS. As I walked down the steps of the school, Sunset Shimmer dashed down the steps behind me. “Wait up Florid Rainbow!” Sunset Shimmer gasped. I stopped and waited for her to reach me. “Hi!” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Sorry about earlier. We didn’t mean to scare you off like that.” “It’s alright.” I smiled back at Sunset Shimmer understandingly. “Anyway,” Sunset Shimmer continued. “What you saw earlier was Rainbow Dash ponying up. It happens when we play music; when one of us feels really connected with the song we are currently playing, she will ‘pony up.’” I must have been looking at her funny because she laughed and said, “It must have looked really odd to you. Don’t worry,” Sunset Shimmer winked at me. “I don’t completely understand the whole ‘ponying up’ thing either.” I felt better now, knowing I wasn’t the only one who thought it was a little odd. “I’m sorry I left quickly.” I said. “My class started soon.” It was at least 99% true; I was going to be late for class if I hadn’t hurried. Though, that wasn’t the reason I had left the music room so quickly. “No problem!” Sunset Shimmer said. We walked side by side down the rest of stairs. “How was your first day of school?” Sunset Shimmer asked. “It was fine.” I smiled. Should I ask her where the portal is; I knew she knew where it was. Or would that be an awkward question? We made our way over to the school’s mascot statue, which was right in front of CHS. The statue was a horse rearing up, its hooves aimed for the sky, with about a three and a half foot high base beneath the statue. Sunset Shimmer leaned against the edge of the statue and began to talk about various things happening-past and present-at CHS. I half listened while I observed all the students walking around. Some students were chatting with their friends, while others were making their way to the school bus that would take them home. My bus was scheduled to leave in about ten minutes; so I still had some time to talk with Sunset Shimmer. “Do you drive to school?” I asked Sunset Shimmer when she came to a break in her conversation. “Yes I do. I drive an orange Mustang with red flames on the sides!” Sunset Shimmer grinned at me. “Do you drive at all?” She asked. I shook my head. “Maybe I could show you how to drive sometime.” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Oh! In your Mustang? I couldn’t!” I exclaimed. Sunset Shimmer laughed. “In a big parking lot with no cars it won’t be a problem.” She assured me. “Thank you!” I smiled. “Sounds like it might be fun!” “I’d better go now. I have dance practice in about an hour.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Okay.” I smiled. “It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow!” “You too!” Sunset Shimmer waved, then walked away. Sunset Shimmer accidentally bumped the base below the statue with her arm, right before she walked away. A sparkle coming from the base caught my eye. Is this horse statue directly outside CHS the portal to the pony land? I had expected it to be more hidden. I wonder if the statue is a horse because it leads to the pony realm? Or it could just be because CHS’s sports team are called the Wondercolts, I reasoned. A big smile spread across my face. I felt like jumping up and down with joy. I had found the portal to the pony world, and on my first day at CHS too! I had expected it to take me at least a week to find it. Should I go in now? No, I decided. I’ll go tomorrow, right after school. I wanted to pack a few things for my trip to pony land! Chapter 2: Through the PortalThe next day at school was just like yesterday, except I remembered where my classes were this time. When I walked into the cafeteria for lunch, I looked all around for Sunset Shimmer. I hoped to eat lunch with my new friend today, instead of by myself like yesterday. I couldn’t find her anywhere though, so I ended up eating by myself. After school I walked down the stairs of CHS with all the other students. I strolled nonchalantly over to the horse statue. I touched the base of the statue, like yesterday it glowed a little. I glanced around to see if anyone was watching, no one was. I reached my arm into the base; it went completely through! Yes, this is indeed the portal into the pony land! I glanced around once more, then walked into the portal. * * * Unbeknownst to Florid Rainbow, Sunset Shimmer had seen her go through the portal to Equestria. * * * Going through the portal was really weird, I saw rainbows everywhere and I felt sick. After a few minutes I landed on the other side of the portal with a thud. I looked around, I was sitting on wood, but the walls in the room were made of fine white marble. The room I had landed in was fairly empty, except for a mirror-which I figured out was the portal back home-a table, and a few books. I turned around to look at myself in the mirror. I gasped, then grinned. Not only was I a pegasus, I was also a unicorn! I wonder if there is a name for both together? Maybe a pegacorn? Or a unisus? I spotted a door at the opposite end of the room. I started to trot over to it. Walking on four legs is easier than I thought, though of course, it definitely is different than what I’m used to. When I reached the door, I slowly turned the doorknob with my hoof. I opened the door just a crack and peeked outside. I was still in the building! The portal must be in a building to keep it safe and unharmful to any ponies, I wonder why CHS doesn't try to protect their portal better? I stepped outside the room, closing the door behind me. I trotted down a hallway, into another room, then to outside the building. The sun shone bright over lots of ponies going about their day and various buildings. I smiled. It seemed so peaceful here. “Good afternoon, Princess Twilight!” Said a few ponies passing by me. What did they mean ‘Princess Twilight’? Not really knowing what to say, I just smiled back at them and returned the greeting. I trotted down the few stairs to the bottom of the building, then looked up at it. The building I had come out of was a beautiful purple castle with gems and jewels everywhere! “Oh wow!” I exclaimed, beside myself with wonder. The castle was a truly stunning sight! I strolled though Mane Street, taking in all the sights. I wandered into various shops; clothing stores to see what ponies wore, bakeries to see what food they made, furniture stores to see the furniture they made, and several other stores. It was fascinating to see everything ponies made. After buying some lunch from a nice bakery, I trotted into Ponyville Park. I found a wooden bench in the shade and sat down. Delicious! The food here in pony land tasted great too. I trotted over to a rubbish bin and dropped my rubbish in it. As I was turning to leave the park a pony appeared in front of me. “You look awfully familiar. Do I know you?” A unicorn with a dark blue coat and black mane asked. “Someone thought I was Princess Twilight. Is that what you mean?” I asked the pony. “Someone?” The pony looked confused. After a moment she said, “Never mind.” “What’s your name?” The pony asked, smiling. “I’m Florid Rainbow.” I said. For a moment I thought I saw an evil glint in the other pony’s eyes, but I couldn’t be certain because she was back to smiling just a split-second later. “Nice to meet you, Florid Rainbow!” She said with forced kindness. “What’s your name?” I asked. I could see her cringe, her expression seemed to read, ‘you already know, so why are you asking?’. But of course I didn’t know who she was, I hadn’t been in the pony land for even a full day! She must have had me confused with a different pony, like the ponies earlier had. Nonetheless she answered me anyway. “My name’s Crystal Clear.” “It was nice meeting you, Crystal Clear! Maybe I’ll see you later.” I smiled. Crystal Clear mumbled something under her breath. “What did you say?” I asked. “Nothing. See you later, Florid Rainbow.” Then Crystal Clear trotted away. Hmm…I wonder why she was so unfriendly? All the other ponies I’ve met have been so kind. I guess not everyone in any land can be kind, I reasoned. I left the park and trotted down Mane Street. I decided I would go back to the castle; if the portal was in there, then the owner of the house would know at least something about the portal. Maybe I could learn a few things about this pony land that I wouldn’t be able to find out just wandering around observing everything. I just hope they are home. I knocked on the purple castle door with my hoof. A moment later the door was opened by a small purple and lime green dragon. This was the princess? I felt really confused. “Are you here to see Princess Twilight?” The dragon asked. Oh, never mind, he wasn’t the princess. “Yes I am. Is Her Highness available for a quick visit?” I asked. The dragon motioned for me to follow him inside. I followed him into what I assumed was the main room of the castle. “Hey Twilight!” The dragon called. “You have a visitor.” A pony, whom I assumed was Princess Twilight, was sitting in one of six chairs around a round table. She glanced up at me from the book she was reading, looking like she didn’t want to be disturbed. Once she saw me though she gasped. “You’re an alicorn?!” She exclaimed in a high pitched voice, jumping out of her chair and trotting hurriedly over to me. “A what?” I asked, startled. Princess Twilight looked even more confused. She stared at me quizzically for several moments, then frowned. “Where are you from?” She asked. “Um…” What should I say? “The human world?” I assumed that was what the ponies called my land. “That would make sense then, that you don’t know what an alicorn is. But it doesn’t explain why you are an alicorn, since you are a human.” Princess Twilight paced back and forth. “Wait here. I’m going to send a letter to Princess Celestia.” Princess Twilight said. Then she trotted off into another room calling Spike, the dragon, to follow her. I sat down in one of the chairs while I waited for Princess Twilight to come back. Princess Twilight re-entered the main room a few minutes later. “Princess Celestia should be here in a minute.” She said. Princesses’ Twilight and Celestia and I sat in a sitting room in Princess Twilight’s castle. “Florid Rainbow, I hope you take this well…You are not a human, you are a pony.” I gasped, staring at Princess Celestia confused. “Long ago, when you were only a few years old, you and your family lived happily and peacefully in Equestria. One unicorn was very jealous of you because you were born an alicorn. A pony becomes an alicorn by earning it or, occasionally if one or both of his/her parents is one. You are special Florid Rainbow, neither one of your parents nor your grandparents are alicorns.” “What’s an alicorn?” I asked earnestly. “An alicorn is a pony who is all three; unicorn, pegasus, and an earth pony.” Princess Twilight said. “This unicorn,” Princess Celestia continued. “Tried for many years to become an alicorn, but she lacked one thing: friendship. She bullied other ponies and refused to make friends. You and her are about the same age and you went to the same magic school together. When she learned that you were born an alicorn, her jealousy grew. From then on, she did her best to make your life miserable and as she grew older so did her jealousy. By the time you were in second grade things were much worse; her silly pranks turned more harmful. Shortly there after, your family moved to the human land.” “But why didn’t they tell us?” I asked. “Your parents didn’t want to worry you and your older brother and younger sister. They were going to tell all of you after you moved to Canterlot. Though I see they didn’t have a chance to tell you before you came to Equestria.” “Oh,” I hung my head. “I didn’t know that.” “Why did my family and I have to leave Equestria? Why couldn’t you or Princess Twilight take care of this jealous unicorn?” I asked. “Because Florid Rainbow,” Princess Celestia said. “We couldn’t have helped in this situation. Only you could, though at the time you were too young to know how to defend yourself. Her jealousy was so strong, it had to be dealt with at its source. You.” Princess Celestia stood up and walked over to my chair. “You are ready. That’s why your family moved to Canterlot.” She said. “How did they know I was ready?” I asked. “I sent a letter to them.” Princess Celestia replied. “How?” I asked. “That matters not. You must leave Twilight’s castle now, I’m certain you will be able to find the unicorn or perhaps she will find you.” Princess Celestia said. “How do I find her?” I asked, feeling worried and slightly confused. “You will know.” Was all Princess Celestia would say. Chapter 3: A New FriendWe said our good byes and I left Princess Twilight’s castle. As I walked down the stairs of the castle, I observed everything around me like I had earlier in the day when I had first arrived in Equestria. But this time it was like seeing Equestria through new eyes, as all of the new information sank in. I was a pony. My family was originally from Equestria. I had to find the pony who really disliked me. Wow! All in one interesting day! I walked down Mane Street again, deep in thought. I didn’t know many ponies in Equestria; how was I supposed to find the unicorn? All the ponies I had met were so friendly, if this pony disliked me so much surely she wasn’t overly friendly to other ponies too? Wait a minute…there is one pony I met who wasn’t very friendly and come to think of it she seemed to not like me very much. With my prediction I set out toward Ponyville Park. I hoped to find the unicorn there, since that was where we had met. As I trotted though Ponyville Park, I looked around for the pony. It didn’t take me long to find her; she was sitting on one of swings on the nearby playground, drinking a milkshake. I made my way over to her. “Hi Crystal Clear.” I said. The unicorn turned to look at me. “What are you doing here?” She frowned, narrowing her eyes. I took a deep breath, it was time. “Crystal Clear it was not my choice to be born an alicorn, it’s just who I am. I’m sorry that you are not an alicorn too, but it’s not too late to become one.” I paused watching Crystal Clear’s expression, her eyes were full of jealousy and dislike; but she was still listening to me at least. “I’ll be your friend.” I added, smiling. “So, you figured out who I am.” Crystal Clear said, getting off the swing and trotting towards me. Once Crystal Clear was next to me, she exclaimed. “Why would I want to be your friend? It’s not just that you’re an alicorn, you were always way better in magic school than me. When you were in kindergarten you were already a lot better at magic than me and I was two grades ahead of you! You ruined my life! I was popular, then you came in and I was forgotten!” I could see tears brimming Crystal Clear’s eyes even though her tone and expression spoke anger. “I eventually left though.” I said, doing my best to remain calm in spite of things. “Yes you did.” Crystal Clear said, calming down a little. “But nothing changed! Once you were gone, everypony was upset you were no longer there. They blamed me for your leaving!” By now all anger was gone from Crystal Clear, she was sobbing. I thought about giving her a hug, but I decided she needed a moment to think, it would only make things worse if I gave her a hug now. “You wanted friends, but no one would be your friend.” I thought aloud. But Princess Celestia said Crystal Clear didn’t want friends, right? No, I thought, Princess Celestia said she did not understand friendship, and yes, maybe at the time she thought she didn’t need friends. But Crystal Clear was smarter now, she knew she needed friends. “How are things now?” I asked. “The same as when you left.” Crystal Clear said simply. Hmm…, I thought. “Try this,” I waited until I had her attention before continuing. “When you go to school tomorrow, say ‘hi!’ to the first person you see. Maybe you will end up making a new friend.” I smiled warmly at Crystal Clear. “Do you really think it will work?” Crystal Clear asked. “You can only try. If it doesn’t work the first time don’t give up hope, eventually someone will come around and be your friend.” I said. “I forgive you for everything you have done to harm me. I may live far away, but you can count on me being your friend.” “You know what Florid Rainbow, you’re not as bad as I thought.” Crystal Clear smiled for the first time since I had met her today. I smiled back at her. “We’re no longer enemies then?” “Friends?” Crystal Clear asked. “Friends!” I smiled. Crystal Clear reached out and hugged me. When she pulled away I noticed she was smiling broadly with tears in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you, Florid Rainbow.” Crystal Clear said, then trotted out of the park. PrologueDear Diary, Sunday, 8 November 2015 We arrived in Canterlot! Our parents announced we were moving here a few months ago and now we are here! I’m so excited to start school tomorrow! I’m attending CHS, Canterlot High School. I’ve read all about CHS on the news; turns out there is magic in the school and there is supposed to be a portal near the school that leads to a land of Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies! I’m so excited! I love magic and ponies; especially Pegasi, just imagine if you could fly… Of course, I don’t know exactly where the portal is…but I'm hoping to find it. Ooh! Maybe I’ll be able to meet Sunset Shimmer too! She was originally a unicorn from the pony world. Sunset tried to hypnotize the other students at CHS so she could use them as her “army” to take over the pony world last year; but she’s good now. I’m so glad my family decided to move here; I love the overall adventure and mystery behind attending CHS. Chapter 4: Back HomeI stepped through the portal back into the human world an hour or so after I had left Ponyville Park. It was dark now; looking at the sky it looked like the sun had set a few hours ago. “Did you have fun in Equestria?” A voice asked beside me. I turned to see Sunset Shimmer, who was leaning against the edge of the CHS horse statue; the portal to Equestria. “Oh…um…hi Sunset Shimmer!” I stammered, startled by the sudden appearance. “How did you know I went through the portal? How long have you been standing there, waiting for me?” “I saw you enter the portal after school.” Sunset Shimmer replied. “I figured you didn’t know what you were doing, entering the portal, and might need help once you came back. Did you create any trouble for any of the ponies in Equestria?” “No.” I smiled. “I gave the gift of friendship to a pony who greatly needed it!” Sunset Shimmer looked confused. “Care to share your adventure?” She asked. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow,” I said. “I should probably get home now.” I glanced at my watch, it was late evening. I looked around, expecting that there would be a school bus waiting for me. Silly me! Of course there wasn’t any school buses left today to bring me home; the last bus of the day probably left hours ago. “I can drive you home.” Sunset Shimmer offered. “That would be great! Thanks!” I smiled. I followed Sunset Shimmer over to her car. Sunset Shimmer was right, her car really did look cool! I climbed into the passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt. A minute later Sunset Shimmer was pulling out of CHS’s parking lot. “Were you sitting in front of the portal all day?” I asked once we were on our way down the street. “Yes, mostly anyway. An hour had passed and you still hadn’t returned, so I figured you would be awhile in Equestria. I left to buy some dinner, then came back to CHS. I stayed here the rest of the evening, waiting for you. I did my homework, called a friend, and read a book while I waited for you.” Sunset Shimmer explained. “Okay.” I said. As Sunset Shimmer pulled into my driveway I said, “Thank you for waiting for me. I guess I forgot about the part of how I was supposed to get home!” “No problem!” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Tomorrow, I look forward to hearing about your trip to Equestria.” I smiled back at Sunset Shimmer. “See you tomorrow at CHS!” As I walked up the few wide steps to my house I marveled over the fact I was really a pony; an alicorn. I had thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Equestria, despite the mean Crystal Clear, who turned out to not be so bad, she was just a little lost and needed a friend. I smiled to myself as I closed the front door and entered our house.
Chapter 1: First Day at CHSI walked up the steps of CHS with all the other students. It was so crowded, I had to really pay attention to where I was walking as I walked up CHS’s many stairs leading to the entrance. Once I was inside I did a slow motion twirl, observing the lobby of the school. Hmm… CHS looked just like a normal school; where could the portal possibly be? I walked through a long hallway, looking for my locker, I needed to unload some of my stuff from my backpack into it. I eventually found it, typed in the combination on the lock, and began unloading my backpack. I was just putting my last book in my locker, when I heard a voice behind me. “Hello! Welcome to CHS. I’m Sunset Shimmer, and you are?” I whirled around. “You’re Sunset Shimmer!” I exclaimed, grinning. “Um…yes?” Sunset Shimmer looked at me quizzically. I blushed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off like that. I’m Florid Rainbow. It was nice meeting you Sunset Shimmer.” I smiled. Sunset Shimmer stared at me confused for a few moments, then visibly collected herself, smiled, and said, “It was nice meeting you too, Florid Rainbow. If you have any questions let me know, I might be able to help you. Math is my specialty, by the way. I’ll see you later.” She smiled and walked away. I met Sunset Shimmer! I smiled to myself as I placed the last book in my locker, closed the door, then locked it. After I finished lunch in the school cafeteria, I checked my watch, I still had a few minutes before my next class. I decided I would look around the school more; maybe I could find that portal! I walked out of the cafeteria and strolled through one of CHS’s many hallways. I looked right and left as I walked, looking for what I thought a portal would look like. Some time later, I glanced at my watch for the umpteenth time and gasped. I only had 5 minutes until my next class! I had to hurry. I pulled the slip of paper, listing all of my classes and where they were located, out of my pocket. I studied it for a moment. Why wasn’t the map making any sense?! I glared at the sheet of paper dismissively. Then I realized it was upside down! I could feel my face turning red as I glanced around the hallway, had anyone seen me? Phew! I let out a breath of air when I realized I was the only one in the hallway; which meant no one had seen me. Once I finally found out where I would be going, I closed the map and put it back in my jeans pocket. On my way to class I heard music and voices coming from a nearby room. I walked toward the door and glanced inside. Sunset Shimmer was there as well as five other girls. All the girls were playing instruments and singing into microphones. I found myself standing there, just listening. I loved how the rhythm and melody of their current song they were playing felt, it was enchantingly wonderful! The lyrics sounded great too! After a few moments, one of the girls-the rainbow-haired one-suddenly lifted into the air and grew a tail and pony ears! I stepped back, startled and tripped over my own feet. I fell unceremoniously onto my back. All of a sudden the music stopped and all the girls turned to stare at me. I gasped, grabbed the ground with my fingertips, and quickly lifted myself off the ground. I turned away from the room and walked briskly on my way. How humiliating! They most likely saw me gasp and fall when the uhh…thing happened to the rainbow-haired girl. They probably thought I wasn’t a very accepting girl. Oh no, I groaned. Sunset Shimmer, and the other girls too, probably wouldn’t want to be my friend after today. The last bell of the day rang and I headed toward my locker. I put some of my schoolbooks and notebooks from my locker in my backpack for studying at home. Then I walked toward the exit/entrance of CHS. As I walked down the steps of the school, Sunset Shimmer dashed down the steps behind me. “Wait up Florid Rainbow!” Sunset Shimmer gasped. I stopped and waited for her to reach me. “Hi!” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Sorry about earlier. We didn’t mean to scare you off like that.” “It’s alright.” I smiled back at Sunset Shimmer understandingly. “Anyway,” Sunset Shimmer continued. “What you saw earlier was Rainbow Dash ponying up. It happens when we play music; when one of us feels really connected with the song we are currently playing, she will ‘pony up.’” I must have been looking at her funny because she laughed and said, “It must have looked really odd to you. Don’t worry,” Sunset Shimmer winked at me. “I don’t completely understand the whole ‘ponying up’ thing either.” I felt better now, knowing I wasn’t the only one who thought it was a little odd. “I’m sorry I left quickly.” I said. “My class started soon.” It was at least 99% true; I was going to be late for class if I hadn’t hurried. Though, that wasn’t the reason I had left the music room so quickly. “No problem!” Sunset Shimmer said. We walked side by side down the rest of stairs. “How was your first day of school?” Sunset Shimmer asked. “It was fine.” I smiled. Should I ask her where the portal is; I knew she knew where it was. Or would that be an awkward question? We made our way over to the school’s mascot statue, which was right in front of CHS. The statue was a horse rearing up, its hooves aimed for the sky, with about a three and a half foot high base beneath the statue. Sunset Shimmer leaned against the edge of the statue and began to talk about various things happening-past and present-at CHS. I half listened while I observed all the students walking around. Some students were chatting with their friends, while others were making their way to the school bus that would take them home. My bus was scheduled to leave in about ten minutes; so I still had some time to talk with Sunset Shimmer. “Do you drive to school?” I asked Sunset Shimmer when she came to a break in her conversation. “Yes I do. I drive an orange Mustang with red flames on the sides!” Sunset Shimmer grinned at me. “Do you drive at all?” She asked. I shook my head. “Maybe I could show you how to drive sometime.” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Oh! In your Mustang? I couldn’t!” I exclaimed. Sunset Shimmer laughed. “In a big parking lot with no cars it won’t be a problem.” She assured me. “Thank you!” I smiled. “Sounds like it might be fun!” “I’d better go now. I have dance practice in about an hour.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Okay.” I smiled. “It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow!” “You too!” Sunset Shimmer waved, then walked away. Sunset Shimmer accidentally bumped the base below the statue with her arm, right before she walked away. A sparkle coming from the base caught my eye. Is this horse statue directly outside CHS the portal to the pony land? I had expected it to be more hidden. I wonder if the statue is a horse because it leads to the pony realm? Or it could just be because CHS’s sports team are called the Wondercolts, I reasoned. A big smile spread across my face. I felt like jumping up and down with joy. I had found the portal to the pony world, and on my first day at CHS too! I had expected it to take me at least a week to find it. Should I go in now? No, I decided. I’ll go tomorrow, right after school. I wanted to pack a few things for my trip to pony land!
Chapter 2: Through the PortalThe next day at school was just like yesterday, except I remembered where my classes were this time. When I walked into the cafeteria for lunch, I looked all around for Sunset Shimmer. I hoped to eat lunch with my new friend today, instead of by myself like yesterday. I couldn’t find her anywhere though, so I ended up eating by myself. After school I walked down the stairs of CHS with all the other students. I strolled nonchalantly over to the horse statue. I touched the base of the statue, like yesterday it glowed a little. I glanced around to see if anyone was watching, no one was. I reached my arm into the base; it went completely through! Yes, this is indeed the portal into the pony land! I glanced around once more, then walked into the portal. * * * Unbeknownst to Florid Rainbow, Sunset Shimmer had seen her go through the portal to Equestria. * * * Going through the portal was really weird, I saw rainbows everywhere and I felt sick. After a few minutes I landed on the other side of the portal with a thud. I looked around, I was sitting on wood, but the walls in the room were made of fine white marble. The room I had landed in was fairly empty, except for a mirror-which I figured out was the portal back home-a table, and a few books. I turned around to look at myself in the mirror. I gasped, then grinned. Not only was I a pegasus, I was also a unicorn! I wonder if there is a name for both together? Maybe a pegacorn? Or a unisus? I spotted a door at the opposite end of the room. I started to trot over to it. Walking on four legs is easier than I thought, though of course, it definitely is different than what I’m used to. When I reached the door, I slowly turned the doorknob with my hoof. I opened the door just a crack and peeked outside. I was still in the building! The portal must be in a building to keep it safe and unharmful to any ponies, I wonder why CHS doesn't try to protect their portal better? I stepped outside the room, closing the door behind me. I trotted down a hallway, into another room, then to outside the building. The sun shone bright over lots of ponies going about their day and various buildings. I smiled. It seemed so peaceful here. “Good afternoon, Princess Twilight!” Said a few ponies passing by me. What did they mean ‘Princess Twilight’? Not really knowing what to say, I just smiled back at them and returned the greeting. I trotted down the few stairs to the bottom of the building, then looked up at it. The building I had come out of was a beautiful purple castle with gems and jewels everywhere! “Oh wow!” I exclaimed, beside myself with wonder. The castle was a truly stunning sight! I strolled though Mane Street, taking in all the sights. I wandered into various shops; clothing stores to see what ponies wore, bakeries to see what food they made, furniture stores to see the furniture they made, and several other stores. It was fascinating to see everything ponies made. After buying some lunch from a nice bakery, I trotted into Ponyville Park. I found a wooden bench in the shade and sat down. Delicious! The food here in pony land tasted great too. I trotted over to a rubbish bin and dropped my rubbish in it. As I was turning to leave the park a pony appeared in front of me. “You look awfully familiar. Do I know you?” A unicorn with a dark blue coat and black mane asked. “Someone thought I was Princess Twilight. Is that what you mean?” I asked the pony. “Someone?” The pony looked confused. After a moment she said, “Never mind.” “What’s your name?” The pony asked, smiling. “I’m Florid Rainbow.” I said. For a moment I thought I saw an evil glint in the other pony’s eyes, but I couldn’t be certain because she was back to smiling just a split-second later. “Nice to meet you, Florid Rainbow!” She said with forced kindness. “What’s your name?” I asked. I could see her cringe, her expression seemed to read, ‘you already know, so why are you asking?’. But of course I didn’t know who she was, I hadn’t been in the pony land for even a full day! She must have had me confused with a different pony, like the ponies earlier had. Nonetheless she answered me anyway. “My name’s Crystal Clear.” “It was nice meeting you, Crystal Clear! Maybe I’ll see you later.” I smiled. Crystal Clear mumbled something under her breath. “What did you say?” I asked. “Nothing. See you later, Florid Rainbow.” Then Crystal Clear trotted away. Hmm…I wonder why she was so unfriendly? All the other ponies I’ve met have been so kind. I guess not everyone in any land can be kind, I reasoned. I left the park and trotted down Mane Street. I decided I would go back to the castle; if the portal was in there, then the owner of the house would know at least something about the portal. Maybe I could learn a few things about this pony land that I wouldn’t be able to find out just wandering around observing everything. I just hope they are home. I knocked on the purple castle door with my hoof. A moment later the door was opened by a small purple and lime green dragon. This was the princess? I felt really confused. “Are you here to see Princess Twilight?” The dragon asked. Oh, never mind, he wasn’t the princess. “Yes I am. Is Her Highness available for a quick visit?” I asked. The dragon motioned for me to follow him inside. I followed him into what I assumed was the main room of the castle. “Hey Twilight!” The dragon called. “You have a visitor.” A pony, whom I assumed was Princess Twilight, was sitting in one of six chairs around a round table. She glanced up at me from the book she was reading, looking like she didn’t want to be disturbed. Once she saw me though she gasped. “You’re an alicorn?!” She exclaimed in a high pitched voice, jumping out of her chair and trotting hurriedly over to me. “A what?” I asked, startled. Princess Twilight looked even more confused. She stared at me quizzically for several moments, then frowned. “Where are you from?” She asked. “Um…” What should I say? “The human world?” I assumed that was what the ponies called my land. “That would make sense then, that you don’t know what an alicorn is. But it doesn’t explain why you are an alicorn, since you are a human.” Princess Twilight paced back and forth. “Wait here. I’m going to send a letter to Princess Celestia.” Princess Twilight said. Then she trotted off into another room calling Spike, the dragon, to follow her. I sat down in one of the chairs while I waited for Princess Twilight to come back. Princess Twilight re-entered the main room a few minutes later. “Princess Celestia should be here in a minute.” She said. Princesses’ Twilight and Celestia and I sat in a sitting room in Princess Twilight’s castle. “Florid Rainbow, I hope you take this well…You are not a human, you are a pony.” I gasped, staring at Princess Celestia confused. “Long ago, when you were only a few years old, you and your family lived happily and peacefully in Equestria. One unicorn was very jealous of you because you were born an alicorn. A pony becomes an alicorn by earning it or, occasionally if one or both of his/her parents is one. You are special Florid Rainbow, neither one of your parents nor your grandparents are alicorns.” “What’s an alicorn?” I asked earnestly. “An alicorn is a pony who is all three; unicorn, pegasus, and an earth pony.” Princess Twilight said. “This unicorn,” Princess Celestia continued. “Tried for many years to become an alicorn, but she lacked one thing: friendship. She bullied other ponies and refused to make friends. You and her are about the same age and you went to the same magic school together. When she learned that you were born an alicorn, her jealousy grew. From then on, she did her best to make your life miserable and as she grew older so did her jealousy. By the time you were in second grade things were much worse; her silly pranks turned more harmful. Shortly there after, your family moved to the human land.” “But why didn’t they tell us?” I asked. “Your parents didn’t want to worry you and your older brother and younger sister. They were going to tell all of you after you moved to Canterlot. Though I see they didn’t have a chance to tell you before you came to Equestria.” “Oh,” I hung my head. “I didn’t know that.” “Why did my family and I have to leave Equestria? Why couldn’t you or Princess Twilight take care of this jealous unicorn?” I asked. “Because Florid Rainbow,” Princess Celestia said. “We couldn’t have helped in this situation. Only you could, though at the time you were too young to know how to defend yourself. Her jealousy was so strong, it had to be dealt with at its source. You.” Princess Celestia stood up and walked over to my chair. “You are ready. That’s why your family moved to Canterlot.” She said. “How did they know I was ready?” I asked. “I sent a letter to them.” Princess Celestia replied. “How?” I asked. “That matters not. You must leave Twilight’s castle now, I’m certain you will be able to find the unicorn or perhaps she will find you.” Princess Celestia said. “How do I find her?” I asked, feeling worried and slightly confused. “You will know.” Was all Princess Celestia would say.
Chapter 3: A New FriendWe said our good byes and I left Princess Twilight’s castle. As I walked down the stairs of the castle, I observed everything around me like I had earlier in the day when I had first arrived in Equestria. But this time it was like seeing Equestria through new eyes, as all of the new information sank in. I was a pony. My family was originally from Equestria. I had to find the pony who really disliked me. Wow! All in one interesting day! I walked down Mane Street again, deep in thought. I didn’t know many ponies in Equestria; how was I supposed to find the unicorn? All the ponies I had met were so friendly, if this pony disliked me so much surely she wasn’t overly friendly to other ponies too? Wait a minute…there is one pony I met who wasn’t very friendly and come to think of it she seemed to not like me very much. With my prediction I set out toward Ponyville Park. I hoped to find the unicorn there, since that was where we had met. As I trotted though Ponyville Park, I looked around for the pony. It didn’t take me long to find her; she was sitting on one of swings on the nearby playground, drinking a milkshake. I made my way over to her. “Hi Crystal Clear.” I said. The unicorn turned to look at me. “What are you doing here?” She frowned, narrowing her eyes. I took a deep breath, it was time. “Crystal Clear it was not my choice to be born an alicorn, it’s just who I am. I’m sorry that you are not an alicorn too, but it’s not too late to become one.” I paused watching Crystal Clear’s expression, her eyes were full of jealousy and dislike; but she was still listening to me at least. “I’ll be your friend.” I added, smiling. “So, you figured out who I am.” Crystal Clear said, getting off the swing and trotting towards me. Once Crystal Clear was next to me, she exclaimed. “Why would I want to be your friend? It’s not just that you’re an alicorn, you were always way better in magic school than me. When you were in kindergarten you were already a lot better at magic than me and I was two grades ahead of you! You ruined my life! I was popular, then you came in and I was forgotten!” I could see tears brimming Crystal Clear’s eyes even though her tone and expression spoke anger. “I eventually left though.” I said, doing my best to remain calm in spite of things. “Yes you did.” Crystal Clear said, calming down a little. “But nothing changed! Once you were gone, everypony was upset you were no longer there. They blamed me for your leaving!” By now all anger was gone from Crystal Clear, she was sobbing. I thought about giving her a hug, but I decided she needed a moment to think, it would only make things worse if I gave her a hug now. “You wanted friends, but no one would be your friend.” I thought aloud. But Princess Celestia said Crystal Clear didn’t want friends, right? No, I thought, Princess Celestia said she did not understand friendship, and yes, maybe at the time she thought she didn’t need friends. But Crystal Clear was smarter now, she knew she needed friends. “How are things now?” I asked. “The same as when you left.” Crystal Clear said simply. Hmm…, I thought. “Try this,” I waited until I had her attention before continuing. “When you go to school tomorrow, say ‘hi!’ to the first person you see. Maybe you will end up making a new friend.” I smiled warmly at Crystal Clear. “Do you really think it will work?” Crystal Clear asked. “You can only try. If it doesn’t work the first time don’t give up hope, eventually someone will come around and be your friend.” I said. “I forgive you for everything you have done to harm me. I may live far away, but you can count on me being your friend.” “You know what Florid Rainbow, you’re not as bad as I thought.” Crystal Clear smiled for the first time since I had met her today. I smiled back at her. “We’re no longer enemies then?” “Friends?” Crystal Clear asked. “Friends!” I smiled. Crystal Clear reached out and hugged me. When she pulled away I noticed she was smiling broadly with tears in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you, Florid Rainbow.” Crystal Clear said, then trotted out of the park.
PrologueDear Diary, Sunday, 8 November 2015 We arrived in Canterlot! Our parents announced we were moving here a few months ago and now we are here! I’m so excited to start school tomorrow! I’m attending CHS, Canterlot High School. I’ve read all about CHS on the news; turns out there is magic in the school and there is supposed to be a portal near the school that leads to a land of Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies! I’m so excited! I love magic and ponies; especially Pegasi, just imagine if you could fly… Of course, I don’t know exactly where the portal is…but I'm hoping to find it. Ooh! Maybe I’ll be able to meet Sunset Shimmer too! She was originally a unicorn from the pony world. Sunset tried to hypnotize the other students at CHS so she could use them as her “army” to take over the pony world last year; but she’s good now. I’m so glad my family decided to move here; I love the overall adventure and mystery behind attending CHS.
Chapter 4: Back HomeI stepped through the portal back into the human world an hour or so after I had left Ponyville Park. It was dark now; looking at the sky it looked like the sun had set a few hours ago. “Did you have fun in Equestria?” A voice asked beside me. I turned to see Sunset Shimmer, who was leaning against the edge of the CHS horse statue; the portal to Equestria. “Oh…um…hi Sunset Shimmer!” I stammered, startled by the sudden appearance. “How did you know I went through the portal? How long have you been standing there, waiting for me?” “I saw you enter the portal after school.” Sunset Shimmer replied. “I figured you didn’t know what you were doing, entering the portal, and might need help once you came back. Did you create any trouble for any of the ponies in Equestria?” “No.” I smiled. “I gave the gift of friendship to a pony who greatly needed it!” Sunset Shimmer looked confused. “Care to share your adventure?” She asked. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow,” I said. “I should probably get home now.” I glanced at my watch, it was late evening. I looked around, expecting that there would be a school bus waiting for me. Silly me! Of course there wasn’t any school buses left today to bring me home; the last bus of the day probably left hours ago. “I can drive you home.” Sunset Shimmer offered. “That would be great! Thanks!” I smiled. I followed Sunset Shimmer over to her car. Sunset Shimmer was right, her car really did look cool! I climbed into the passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt. A minute later Sunset Shimmer was pulling out of CHS’s parking lot. “Were you sitting in front of the portal all day?” I asked once we were on our way down the street. “Yes, mostly anyway. An hour had passed and you still hadn’t returned, so I figured you would be awhile in Equestria. I left to buy some dinner, then came back to CHS. I stayed here the rest of the evening, waiting for you. I did my homework, called a friend, and read a book while I waited for you.” Sunset Shimmer explained. “Okay.” I said. As Sunset Shimmer pulled into my driveway I said, “Thank you for waiting for me. I guess I forgot about the part of how I was supposed to get home!” “No problem!” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Tomorrow, I look forward to hearing about your trip to Equestria.” I smiled back at Sunset Shimmer. “See you tomorrow at CHS!” As I walked up the few wide steps to my house I marveled over the fact I was really a pony; an alicorn. I had thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Equestria, despite the mean Crystal Clear, who turned out to not be so bad, she was just a little lost and needed a friend. I smiled to myself as I closed the front door and entered our house.
