Chapters As I hook up the mechanism for the stink bomb in Brawly Beats' locker I think to myself if I should be doing this. Then I remembered that I only care if I get caught and continue. Although I'm surprised no one has seen me yet, after all it is the start of the school day and people are filling the halls. I'm certainly not Brawly Beats, never seen him wear a black hoodie.
"That should do it." I say quietly as I find a place to watch. As I get into position at a bulletin board pretending to read what is on it I can't help but smile at the fact that I can hide in plain sight. It's funny because I have a bright orange skin tone, lime green hair and red eyes. How I have managed to acquire the skill of being able to hide in plain sight is beyond me. I guess if you never talk or make eye contact with anyone, people just forget you exist.
"Hey Brawly, what's up?" I hear someone say. Should I watch? Nah just hearing the chaos should be good enough.
"Weren't you just at your locker Brawly?" I believe that is the female that uses the locker next to him.
"What? No. Might of been Flash, he uses my locker sometimes." I hear Brawly Beats say with a bit of uncertainty. His other band mates must use the locker to.
As I hear a locker open followed by people gagging and running I get the biggest grin with a sense of satisfaction. I turn and see an almost empty hallway, the only ones in it are myself and the principals. They do not looked pleased.
"Shit," I say under my breath, "If it helps my case the smell should go away in a minute." I say louder and more nervous.
Vice Principal Luna was the one to speak out of the two.
"Go to my office Firesprout, now ." she said in an incredibly irritated tone.
It was at that point that I knew my pranking days were numbered. As I pick up my backpack and walk by them I couldn't help but think of all the stress I must put those two through, I felt bad to say the least. Parents must get sick of hearing stories of the student known as the poltergeist at CHS and demand that I be stopped regularly. Doesn't help I've been pulling pranks more frequently this year and it just started not too long ago, they must be really be sick of my shenanigans at this point. I also wonder why the school staff are the only ones in this building that notice me. They don't even say my name during attendance and always gives me tests and papers when I'm the last one out. I think they've made a game of it, see which student notices the ghost first. They're probably betting something on it, wonder what it is.
When I sit in Luna's office I worry about what my punishment will be this time, not going to be fun whatever it is. What was it the last time I got caught? When was that anyway... One and a half weeks ago? Oh I remember what it was last time, I had to write a 7 page essay in a day and a half on why releasing a murder of crows in the school is dangerous and uncalled for. They didn't even hurt anyone so why'd I get in trouble?
"You couldn't wait until later in the day to do this could you Firesprout?" Vice Principal Luna said as she sat down, "You know I'm not a morning person." To say that she was glaring at me would be an understatement.
Oh they are most definitely sick of me at this point. I probably can't say anything to get out trouble, that stopped working after the first dozen pranks in sophomore year anyway. If looks could kill I'd be dead several times over by now.
"We talked with your mother she gave us your schedule of pranks for this month which is why we caught you today."
"Wait, you have my Prank Book? I knew I shouldn't have left it in the open, I was hoping for this whole month to be my last as the poltergeist of CHS but I guess I'll have to change idea. You couldn't have waited for me to get Flash Sentry's car on the roof to get me to stop could you?" The look I received could have made the manliest of men shake in fear.
"Sorry, I know you and Principal Celestia are sick of the pranks. My senior year shouldn't be like the last two, I'll stop and I'm not lying this time." I hope she knows I'm telling the truth.
I guess Luna wasn't expecting that because she looked quite confused for a few seconds but then went right back to being serious.
"I've heard you say that before Firesprout and it was a lie the last time and the time before that how do I know you are telling the truth now?" She crossed her arms and continued staring, if she had heat vision my face would be long past melted at this point.
"Well...," I have no idea how to answer this, "What do I have to do to prove I'm not lying?" I fell like I just fell into a trap and the look on her face told me I just said what she wanted to hear.
"We've already thought of what you have to do. I know you are telling the truth because of your mother but Celestia and I want to put your sneaking skills to work and see if this plan the three of us have will work."
"Three of us? Don't tell me you planned something with mom."
My only answer was a sly smile.
I put a hand to my face and sigh, "What do I have to do?"
"Your mother told us that when you were younger you and your friends," I cringe when she mentions my friends , "were quite good at going unnoticed when gathering information for pranks back then, is this true?"
"Yeah but I thought you didn't want me pulling shenanigans, unless you want me to?" I say a bit intrigued.
"Sort of, as you know there are bullies in the school and we want you to work your magic as the poltergeist and humiliate them when they bully someone. The faculty are sick of the way some students treat others and it's obvious that the usual punishments aren't working. You're a perfect example of the punishments being ineffective but the staff hold you in a higher regard than the ones you are going to be pranking after today."
"I will gladly do this, I know exactly who to start with, Berg. He used to make fun of my overall appearance, especially my teeth and called me a land shark years ago when I actually appeared among the students. Fourth grade I believed he stopped and that was only because he got bored of my lack of caring."
"Your smile is one of the first things people notice."
"My moms side of the family all have fangs like this I can't help it. Mother said we have it the worst."
"You do look like you have shark teeth now that I think about it."
"Please stop..."
"Sorry, anyway back to business. You're going to do it?"
"Pulling pranks and not getting in trouble? Sign me up."
"Good, now head to class while I tell Celestia."
"Will do." I say picking up my backpack and heading out the door, "Good thing first period is a study hall for me." I say closing the door and entering the empty hall. "Guess this isn't the end of my pranks or poltergeist title. Wonder what else they're going to have me do? Fall Formal happens soon so I might actually go to a school event for once."
As I open the doors to the school library to finish some homework and totally not sleep I think about the prank involving Sentry's car, "I should put something disgusting in it instead of putting it on the roof. Rotten food could do the trick but then how do I get it in the car?"
AFTER SCHOOL
"Okay if I pick the lock to his car without tripping the alarm I can put the open container of rotten fish and eggs into the backseat and let it sit there the whole day. Someone is probably going to lose their lunch over this so it may not be the best idea to do it at school. Wonder if I can get his address off of a school computer and th-"
"Firesprout?" Fuck, one of four familiar male voices I thought would never call my name again.
"Firesprout I know that is you. You're very recognizable, makes me wonder why I haven't seen you during school hours. You gonna turn and face me? We haven't talked in a few years and I'd like to change that." My old friend said a bit sad but hopeful.
"Striker," I say turning around, "I'm surprised you want to talk to me after the last time we saw each other those five years ago."
Standing before me is one of the best soccer players in this school, my old friend Striker. People call me a ghost and this guy is as white as a cloud and his eyes are a very dull grey. The only thing colorful about him is his bright pink and green hair and his sky blue running jacket.
"Y-Yeah I'm a bit late on this," he scratched the back of his head and looked to the ground, "Sorry about not visiting you in the hospital, I just didn't know what to say at the time and after you got out you just avoided everyone and didn't talk when we did find you."
Silence, nothing but silence as I look at my old friend. Should I be friends with him again? He was always easy to get along with but It's been five years surely he's changed a bit. I know I'm not the same Firesprout he was friends with how can I be sure he is the same Striker? All these questions can be answered if I open my mouth but what do I say?
"I'll be lying if I said I never missed the old days of us causing mischief. Now I just do it by myself, it gets a bit boring alone I'll admit. Striker I know you don't really talk to the others anymore if not at all." It's actually easy talking to him. "I don't know if we can but do you think we can patch things up between us and work on the others after? We can save him," I get angry just thinking about the bastard, "for last if you guys can get me to think about him in a positive way. Although he does go to Crystal Prep but I don't think he moved so if we do get to that we can just go to his home."
The smile he had would make you believe Pinkie Pie was throwing him a party.
"Nothing would make me happier Sprout." He then crossed his arms and said, "Video games and horror movies at your place all weekend?"
Now it was my turn to smile, "It's already like the old days only now my mother can't yell at us for being too young for the movies."
Striker looked up at the sky and smiled, "We got yelled at by your mom a lot. Good times, gooooooood times."
"I love how this one movie made people afraid of the water for years, hell there is probably people still scared to this day because of this movie. A shark can't really get that big right?" Striker asked no one in particular as he was browsing my families horror movie collection for the next film to watch. "Oh I haven't seen this one in a long time!" he said happily removing it's case from the shelf and showing me the cover.
Snakes on a Plane
"Me either but that gives me an Idea for Monday." I say taking the case, "Do you remember how the guy got the snakes on the plane in the first place? I would imagine that would be very hard to do."
"I don't remember either but what is happening Monday and should I bring anti-venom?" Striker said with a smirk.
"The principals and my mother wanted me to be a one man anti bullying program and I agreed to do it. I made the first target Berg and this movie reminded me that he is afraid of snakes. Don't know if they will allow me to continue though and I haven't decided how I'm gonna go about doing this anyway. Like Berg do I scare or humiliate him? Both?"
Striker stared at me for a moment stroking his chin, taking in all that I said and then slapped me across the face.
"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" I yell holding a hand to the right side of my face.
"You never questioned pranking opportunities in the past and that was to help clear your head. In my opinion you should scare and humiliate him. Make an example that the poltergeist can know your worst fear also please don't hit me I bruise easily." he said getting ready to guard from an attack he expects is coming.
"I'm not going to hit you, I've got a better hold on my anger then I did years ago. Not gonna lie I probably deserved that anyway as I was quite the little shit back then. Good start to a plan, I just need to figure out what exactly I'm doing." I say still holding my face. Damn he hits hard and he was saying I'd bruise him.
"You can borrow my snake." Oh right I forgot she was trying to sleep now. Turning to face my twin sister Eclipse I notice that she isn't in her Crystal Prep uniform and that it's also 12:42 AM. I don't look at the massive burn mark taking up a lot of her left arm. Eclipse would hit me if I stared and started felling guilty again. Her amber hair is quite messy and her emerald eyes only look slightly angry. If it wasn't for her hair and eyes she could pass as being a shadow since her skin is grey and pajamas are black.
"We woke you up didn't we? Sorry." I say scratching the back of my head.
"Didn't mean it." Striker added quickly.
There were a few things that Striker, Myself and the other three guys had in common that scared us. One of them was my sister if she was suddenly woken up as she had a tendency to give black eyes. Thankfully our response was a friendly smile and laugh.
"After all this time you're still scared of me Striker, was out first encounter after five years that bad?" She said stretching her arms.
When Striker announced himself in the house it was quite something...
ALMOST 9 HOURS EARLIER
"Still looks the same. As when I was last here." Striker said looking at the house.
"What were you expecting?" I say walking to the door of the 2 story green house.
"Honestly? I thought it'd be a different color, not sure why." Striker said walking up to me. "You still the gremlin in the basement?"
"It's not the basement if It's my room." I reply getting out my key, "I think I'm a bit too big to be called a gremlin anymore though."
"Troll then." Striker retorted poking me in the ribs.
"THE DELINQUENT IS HOME!" I say entering my home for the other occupant to hear. At least I think she's here, parents sure aren't as the driveway was empty.
"The delinquent better stop yelling before I shove a firecracker in his mouth." I hear Eclipse from the kitchen.
"You wouldn't do that to your favorite brother now would you?" Striker says taking of his shoes.
I hear something drop in the kitchen as well as a curse.
"Was that another person or did you get good at impressions?" I hear her say getting closer to the doorway separating the kitchen and living room. Finally appearing in the doorway her eyes widen at the sight of Striker, "Is that Striker? Has to be no one has his weird hair color." She said stepping out to greet and hug him.
Striker immediately notices the burn. "Holy shit."
Eclipse suddenly remembers that Striker and the rest of them haven't seen the aftermath of our worst idea ever. "Striker don't feel bad."
"How could I not?! That has to be from that stupid idea! What were we thinking tampering with fireworks?!" he said going over and embracing her, "I'm sorry."
His reply was a grab to his left arm and a throw to the wall. She must have gotten home a few minutes ago because she is still in her uniform.
"Is there a hole in the wall? There better not be a hole in the wall, dad will make me fix it." I say hanging up my hoodie.
"Thanks for the concern Sprout." Striker said standing up, "really appreciate it."
"No problem friend." I say heading downstairs to my room to store my backpack and retrieve video games.
"Striker I've heard sorry too many times from Firesprout and I don't want to start hearing it from you. I'm not angry at any of you, none of you wanted this to happen," she said pointing to the burn, "In the hospital and after Firesprout would hardly look in my direction and if he did, he would look at the bandages and say sorry. I got sick of it and beat the ever living crap out of him until he stopped feeling bad and got it through his thick skull I wasn't mad." She closed her eyes and thought for a moment, "Of course this is also at the same time the five of you stopped being friends." She opened her eyes and stared at Striker, "I don't think my parents enjoyed coming and going from the hospital so often."
"We tried to stop their fight, we really did but they were so furious and emotional that there was no stopping it." Striker sat on the couch and looked to the floor, "A lot of blood lust for 8th graders."
"Both had concussions, black eyes, broken fingers, I think one had a broken shoulder blade and another a few broken ribs. So yeah too much blood lust in most opinions." Eclipse sat to Strikers right and sighed, "Firesprout has had visits to a therapist since you last saw him."
"Not surprised, he went through a lot that summer. Probably when the poltergeist was born, when school started up again he tried making himself as invisible as possible and it eventually worked. Not a student noticed him except myself and the others until high school."
"Ah yes the poltergeist," Eclipse said looking toward the stairwell down and smiling, "That has made things entertaining around here to say the least. Wish someone was like that at Crystal Prep, make things fun around there for once."
"No one says anything to you at the school because of the burn right?" Striker looked at her left arm, "You don't have to answer, just curious."
"Not since the first week of freshman year. Punched a senior in the throat, guy had to wear a neck brace for a while." Eclipse said very proudly.
"Should you be that proud of doing that?" I say coming up the stairs, "Want to watch horror movies with Striker and I? Oh by the way can we just watch horror movies? I'm sure we play video games too often in our spare time."
Both nodded in agreement.
CURRENT TIME
"You'd let me use Ekans?" I asked after sitting on the couch.
"Really? You guys named a snake Ekans?" Striker asked trying not to laugh.
"Don't laugh at her name." Eclipse said and pointed to me, "He wanted to name her noodle."
"I did but then I heard the video game reference." I turn toward my sister, "I doubt Celestia or Luna would let me bring a live snake to school and even if I did you'd let me bring her?"
"I trust you. You wouldn't do something to endanger her. Besides you brought Nox and a bunch of crows to school on the first week."
"That was funny. Vice Principal Luna yelled at him over the intercom, whole school heard it." Striker started chuckling at the memory then paused and looked at me, "Hold on do you have a pet crow?"
"I do. He's outside most of the time, probably resting right now, maybe. Never seen a crow resting actually." I say then stare at the ceiling, "I would need to talk to Celestia and Luna about bringing a live animal to school."
"But you haven't before." My sister gives me a quizzical look.
"I know but I think I'd be nice if I started doing that. If Ekans gets out of my sight then they know who to go to find her, although I doubt I'll let her get too far from me."
"You should get to the school early and put Ekans in Berg's locker. That'll be a good start to the day for everyone." Striker said smiling at the thought.
"I should but I'd have to retrieve her immediately." I say closing my eyes in thought.
"Don't you think it's about time the students of the school see the Poltergeist?" Eclipse said poking me in the forehead.
"You know what? She is right. Imagine the shock on people's faces when you say you're the poltergeist."
"I should but I don't want to show people my face. I like my anonymity thank you."
"Then don't show your face pull up your hood and wear a mask. You'll still have to talk to Celestia and Luna about it though. Might want to think about how to ask this." My sister said before yawning, "Whatever you do it'll be great. Now I'm off to bed and no more screaming or slapping each other, be thankful I woke up and not mother." Striker and I shudder at the thought. "Let me know if you can use Ekans or not Firesprout." She said heading up stairs to her room.
Striker yawned and stood up from the couch, "She has a good idea, sleep. Where am I crashing?"
"Futon in my room." I say turning off the living room Television. "I'm not tired yet so I'll think of what to say to the principals."
"Alright sounds good." Striker said heading toward the stairs down before turning around with a smirk, "You still talk in your sleep?"
"That happened one time." I say slightly annoyed walking toward him.
"It was funny as hell. What was it again? Something about flying eggplants." He said trying to remember.
"I will throw you down those stairs Striker." I say jabbing him in the ribs.
"Alright I'll move. Too tired to continue anyway." He replied descending the stairs.
"Totally drawing on his face when he sleeps." I say to myself following.
Snakes In The Main (Hallway)
"Still can't believe they let me do this." I say very tired as I stand on the opposite side of the hall to a locker freshly booby-trapped. Berg's locker to be exact. "I also can't believe he hung up four freshmen by their underwear on a coat rack and left them outside the girl's locker room."
"OUT OF MY WAY TOOTHPICK!" Here comes the man of the hour. Upon looking at him one wouldn't think he was a high school student. Not many students are over six feet tall and look like they can wrestle a bear, the only other one I can think of is Bulk and he is way nicer than this walking slab of meat.
As he gets to the locker I pull up my face mask and pull over my hood after all the no one except striker knows I'm the poltergeist and I'd like to keep it that way. I especially don't need Berg figuring out I'm the poltergeist.
"OKAY WHOSE THE DEAD MAN THAT PUT A FAKE SNAKE IN MY LOCKER!" He hasn't realized? I'm not surprised, he isn't very bright. "WELL?! WHO WAS IT! Step forward and-" The following scream made me think someone like Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon were here, but they weren't it was Berg as he dropped the snake. Some others are looking uncomfortable now to. "IT WAS REAL! WHO PUT A REAL SNAKE IN THERE?!" As I crouch down and let the snake make it's way up my arm I can feel all eyes on me. "W-Who are you? How'd you get a snake in the school?" I think this is the first time I've heard Berg scared.
I look directly at him and answer his question, "Poltergeist." The look of surprise on everyone here was amazing, "This was for the coat rack. I remember hearing you were afraid of snakes so I borrowed Ekans here from a friend. The principals know and let me do this, I'll be carrying her around all day now but I'd say it was worth it." I put on my backpack and look around. "First bell will ring soon. You should all start heading to class." Still staring.
"Why are all of you standing around?" Principal Celestia always has the best timing.
"This guy claims to be the poltergeist and put a snake in my locker!" Berg sounded really distressed.
"What guy and what snake?" Celestia crossed her arms and looked at Berg.
"The guy right there with the sna-" He stopped when he saw no black hoodie or snake before him. "What? Where? How?" He voiced what the rest of the students wanted to say.
"HE REALLY IS A GHOST!" Rude Lyra, I'm very much alive. Celestia got a bit of a laugh from that, it wasn't that funny.
"I can assure you Lyra he is alive and now this schools new anti bullying program. Now get to class." Celestia said very sternly.
As the students filtered out of the hallway I couldn't help but grin. All it took was taking off the hood and mask, putting away Ekans and changing position so they couldn't find me. I made an old enemy scream like a little girl and got to bring an animal to school without getting trouble, Win-Win in my book.
"Where did you hide the Ball Python?" I turn and see Principal Celestia giving me a quizzical look. On cue Ekans pokes her head out of my sleeve. "Ah, I see. Keep an eye on her as I don't want reports of a snake making it's way around the school."
"Of course." I say letting Ekans coil around my arm again. "I think I'm going to go through today as the poltergeist instead of Firesprout if that is okay with you?"
"Go ahead, it will show that I wasn't lying." As she finished that sentence the bell rings. "Good thing your first period is a study hall."
"I know right? Makes pranks first thing in the morning so easy!" I say putting on my mask and hood and I make my way to the library.
LUNCH TIME
Okay usually during lunch I'm not in the school cafeteria but given how today has been going I decided to make an appearance. Needless to say they weren't expecting it one bit. As soon as I entered the room started going quiet, oh how I wish I could laugh but I didn't want to look like a complete crazy person. It's getting a bit awkward now, better say something.
"Don't stop your conversations on account of me. Unless your talking about something that I need to hear? There you are Berg, I've been looking for you and we don't share any classes together." I point to Ekans coiled around my right arm, "Would you like to hold her again? I think you got a bit spooked when you realized she was alive." The only answer I got was stares and silence. "All right then have it your way. Let see is there anything else I should do while I'm in here?" I lock eyes with Striker, man he looks tired. Maybe we shouldn't have watched Horror movies until one AM. "Striker you look like crap did you get any sleep after all those horror movies over the weekend? Get any sleep at all, have a nightmare?"
Everyone was now looking between the two of us. Striker didn't seem to mind all the eyes on us though, he always did like attention.
"Really? You do realize I'm going to be bombarded with questions now right?" Striker said with a bit of chuckle.
"Want to hold onto Ekans? I don't think you'll get as many questions then." I say walking over with an extended arm and a snake making it's way to my hand. Good thing he's at the edge of the table, don't want to be reaching over Soarin and have Ekans decide she wants to coil onto his face. When I got over to the table the looks that the rest of the soccer players were giving us were priceless to say the least.
"Still can't believe Eclipse let you borrow her snake for this." Striker said extending his left arm letting Ekans slither onto him.
"It was for a good cause." I say looking toward Berg who avoided my gaze. "So you going to hold onto her for the rest of the day?"
"Probably for the best if you take her, I don't have permission like you to carry around a snake in the school." Striker said booping Ekans on the snout with his index finger.
"True," I take Ekans off striker and put her around my shoulders, "I'm gonna head to my usual lunch spot now. Sorry in advance if this causes you too much trouble." I say walking away.
"Shouldn't be too bad," Striker said a bit unsure, "but if it is you're doing my homework!" he called as I was at the door.
"In your dreams!" I yelled as I exited.
"WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" I hear Pinkie scream from the other side of the door.
"You've got some explaining to do Striker!" Spitfire and Rainbow Dash said in unison.
"I feel slightly bad now," I say looking at Ekans, "and now I don't. Let's go my scale covered scarf!"
END OF SCHOOL. OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE
As I exit the school the first thing I see is a completely drained Striker surrounded by a group of people still asking questions about me.
"Who is he?" I hear one ask.
"Not my place to answer that." Striker said extremely irritated.
"Are you friends with him?" another one asks.
"Yes. Was that not clear?" Striker folded his arms and spotted me standing at the door, "Finally. You're definitely doing my homework after what I've been through!"
"Sorry, not sorry. I will do your homework though. It's the least I can do." I say descending the stairs, "I assume you're following me home then my mentally drained friend?" as I get closer the group gets ready to ask questions.
"Excuse me Poltergeist? I'm Featherweight, head of the school newspaper, can I ask you something?" This kid is braver talking to me than Berg.
"Sure, what do you want to ask?" I say turning to him and earning a groan from Striker.
"Are you planning something for the entire school?" he asked looking a bit hesitant.
The question makes sense, I was a bit of a prick to the student body until now. Pranking whoever, whenever I planned it. I guess that's why everyone was a bit startled by my presence, they were probably thinking I had something planned the whole day. Do I really have that affect on the school?
"No I'm not. I can see why'd you think though as I've caused a lot of chaos in this school. I guess I should apologize about the pranks I've pulled up until today. Today was the start of something new for the school, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna have asked me to act as a one man anti bullying program for the school. Berg is just the beginning as I think I know who the next targets are as I've been given permission to continue this for some reason. Although I think I shall go back to being unseen when moving in the halls, students already know what classes I have so it won't matter how hard I try to make myself invisible in those. Anything else?" I ask hoping that covered everything.
"No that's all," he said happily and extended his hand, "I'll make sure the school knows this."
"Please do," I say shaking his hand, "I'm tired of getting stared at. Anyway let's go Striker."
"Finally!" he sounded way too happy, "I have the car today thankfully so at least we'll get to your house quicker." he said making his way to the parking lot.
"So you can crash on the couch while I do your homework?" I say following.
"Exactly!" Striker yelled with glee.
Last week I was pranking whoever I wanted, Monday I started targeting the bully population of the students and now I'm surprised to say that I haven't gone back to doing whatever. I guess It's a nice change of pace but I'd be a liar if I said that it wasn't more fun pranking whoever. I should turn off my alarm before someone else wakes up.
"Another night of no sleep for me," I say hitting the damn alarm to make it stop, "great. I should do something about my insomnia. At least it gives me more time to do my homework." I say looking over to my computer desk and the notebook laying on it, "Oh yeah need to get Nox and remind him about today."
I head upstairs and walk over to open a window and let the bird in. Within a minute a crow is perched on the windowsill of the living room announcing himself with a caw.
"Morning friend. Remember you're helping me today." another caw, "Glad you asked. All I need you to do is follow two people all day, stare at them maybe drop a feather near them at first so they see you, just creep them out. Can you get some friends of yours to help out? I feel it would freak them out if when they exited the school and there were a bunch of crows after being followed by one all day." A few caws this time, "Oh yeah you haven't seen the targets for this fine Thursday." I say looking through my notebook and finally showing two pages, each a with picture and schedule to the bird, "Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, they have all their classes together so it should be easy for you." Nox cawed and started fidgeting, "Alright calm down, let me get ready. No need to be so excited Nox, you're just creeping out some snobby girls."
CHS 50 MINUTES BEFORE CLASSES START
"Alright Nox you know what they look like so proceed however you wish. I expect good things from you." I say pointing to the bird on my hand, "Perch on the roof and wait for them." Nox caws and does what he is told, "Alright now to go get some coffee, should I ask Striker if he wants any? Probably not even awake yet knowing him."
CHS 34 MINUTES AFTER FIRST BELL
"Why do I still drink this? It doesn't do anything to help at this point. No one should be in the halls but there is a chance. Screw it I'm not standing outside and drinking this." I mumble walking into CHS pulling up my hood. As I walk further in to the school I notice a black feather on the floor in the right side of the hall, "A bit early friend."
"I thought an early bird was good?"
I spit out my coffee in my terror, "Where?" I pull up my mask and hope that she didn't see the rest of my face. Quickly scanning the hall in front of me there is no one but when I look back sure enough there she is, Pinkie Pie. This is going to be interesting for me.
"I scared the Poltergeist! Do I get the title now?" How can someone be jumping and happy this early in the morning?
"You wouldn't want the title." I say a bit unnerved. How did she sneak up on me?
"Yeah I don't think I'd want to be a ghost besides I think you do a good enough job." She said in her cheerful tone.
"Thanks I guess?" I say completely confused.
"You're welcome!" She said closing her eyes and putting on a giant grin. The silence that followed was incredibly awkward for me.
"Pinkie?"
"Yes?"
"People are usually don't approach me. This conversation is really weird to me."
"Is it?" She asked with a confused face.
"Yes it is." I say rubbing my head, "It's too early for this." I mumble.
"Why do you wear a mask and have your hood up?" Oh boy.
"To hide my features. Don't want people figuring out who I am." Last thing I need is people figuring out that the poltergeist is actually the personification of anger known as Firesprout.
"So poltergeist isn't your real name? Ha! Limestone owes me milkshakes." She said in a sing song voice, "So what's your real name and can I see your face?" She asked getting closer with each word.
"Hell no. Sorry if that is a bit mean but I just said that I don't want anyone knowing that." I say backing up and turning around, "If you knew me better then yes."
"So what you're saying is, if we become friends, you'll show me the guy behind the poltergeist?" She asked excitedly.
"No because I'm not in the mood for making friends right now." The look on Pinkie's face would have you think I was speaking 5 languages at once.
"I'm gonna try." She said confidently.
"Try what?" I asked dreading the answer.
"To be your friend silly!" She announced cheerfully, "Now let's start with-," She was cut off by the sound of the bell and students filling the hallway, "Oh I didn't realize the time, hope the teacher isn't mad that I was gone for the rest of class. Anyway, when do you want to continue talking?" She asked no one, "Oh he's good."
I have never been happier to go to my Physics class but I have a feeling that my day is going to be exhausting.
RIGHT AFTER THIRD PERIOD
"And then a demon said to put the alphabet in math. Seriously what the actual hell is Pre-Calculus?" I grumble walking out of the hell that is math class.
"Pretty sure it's a class to get students ready for Calculus."
"Yeah but... wait a minute." I quickly look to my left and see Pinkie walking beside me, "Oh no."
"Oh yes. It's very rude to just walk away from someone while they're talking without saying anything by the way." She said in a scolding way, "So what is your next class? Mine is Chemistry."
"If you must know it's my English class." I hear students yelling about a crow further behind me, "Hope he's pestering the right ones."
"I think you could have done better than that."
I turn and look at the pink girl, "Why are you still following me? There is nothing to gain here for either of us except stares from the other students." At that last statement four people turned their heads away, "Thought I didn't notice?" she draws way too much attention.
"We can gain a new friend from this and I am always happy to have a new friend!" She exclaimed in her usual cheerful way.
"I need to get to class Pinkie and so do you, let's have this conversation again never." I say walking as quickly as I can away.
"He will come around, they always do." Pinkie said walking toward her class.
LUNCHTIME
It's not normal for the Poltergeist to be in the lunch room, it's also not normal for the Poltergeist to announce his arrival by slamming open doors but here I am doing both these things because of a pink being of energy following me and asking non stop questions. Needless to say everyone is looking at me.
"What's your favorite color? What's your favorite food? What's your favorite type of music? When's your birthday? Do you like sweet things? What am I saying, of course you do! I haven't meet anyone that doesn't! Hey Poltergeist, why is your eye twitching?"
At that last question Striker bolted up to us, "Pinkie I think you should leave him alone. I know that look and it is not a good one, trust me when I say this."
"But we're becoming friends. I'm sure he was about to answer my questions."
Striker just shook his head, "This is not how you become friends with him Pinkie." he turned to me and put a hand on my shoulder, "Go to your usual spot, I'll make sure she stays here." I nodded and headed out the door and Pinkie must have tried to follow but I heard a stern "Don't even think about it" from Striker and then the doors to the cafeteria close.
"I need a nap after that and how does she keep finding me anyway?" I say holding my head, "She couldn't find me before but now that I apparently had a small interaction with her she can suddenly find me no problem." As I make my way to my usual spot I can only hope the rest of the day goes well.
END OF SCHOOL CHS ENTRANCE
Exiting the school and seeing at least 26 crows surrounding a terrified Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon makes my long day worth it, "Alright Nox, tell your friends that's enough." several caws later and the murder flies away leaving one crow perching itself on my shoulder, "So how was your day Nox?"
"That flying pest of yours terrorized us all day!" Diamond yelled.
"Yeah that was the point."
"You'll hear from our parents!" Silver stated.
"Will I?" I say walking toward home. I was almost off the school grounds when I heard people behind me, turning I see an annoyed Striker and Pinkie, "Oh no."
"Yeah, sorry. I know you want to head home as quickly as possible but Pinkie has something she'd like to tell you." He said walking over and leaning on me, "Trying to explain to her that she was trying to befriend you wrong was like trying to get Vinyl away from her music, damn near impossible. I'm skipping practice today and heading to your house don't care what you say."
"I'm sorry," I turn to Pinkie who now has my full attention, "I shouldn't have done that. I got too excited at possibly being your friend that I got a bit carried away. I only see you with Striker so I thought that I could just jump in and make quick friends with you but I guess I only succeeded in annoying you. If you only want one friend I can't force you to have more."
"I don't want only one friend."
"What?" Pinkie asked looking totally lost.
"I don't want only one friend but before I make more bonds with people I need to fix the ones I broke. I was friends with Striker and three other before I severed all connections with them. The only reason I'm friends with Striker again is because he approached me and we easily fixed what was broken. Two more old friends go to this school that I want to be friends with again but I think I'll have to approach them. After that I will gladly be your friend Pinkie."
Her reply was a joyful yell and a bone crushing hug for me and Striker.
Author's Note
This chapter starts a week and three days (Sunday) after the last chapter.
We Are Still Here
"This Idea is stupid Striker," I say exhausted because my friend kept me up all night listing off different ideas on how to make up with the two other old friends in CHS, "where am I even going to get a trebuchet?"
"Internet."
"I doubt that." I say slightly annoyed, "Why do I need one anyway?"
"Well you said that you wanted to catch him by surprise and what better way then being launched out of a trebuchet into his house?" Striker said like the answer should have been obvious.
"Because of injuries Striker. That and I don't think Blast Furnace or his family would appreciate me putting a hole in their roof."
"They're a family of Blacksmiths and Engineers. I think they can handle a hole in their roof Firesprout."
"You're saying this like I'm going to do this."
"Well you didn't want to do any of my other plans so..." Striker paused when he looked at the clock, "How long have we been at this? That's 6:06 PM right?"
"Try AM airhead, we've been doing this all night." I close my eyes and lean back in my computer chair, "Also we started around 9 PM why would you think it's 6 PM?" I asked tired and bewildered. No response, "Striker?" I receive snoring as a response now, "Really? Well he's staying in that chair now," I say getting up and falling onto my bed a few feet away, "I don't care what the song says, there IS going to be rest for the wicked."
"MORNING" (if you call 1 PM morning) in the kitchen
"I can't believe you just let me fall asleep in that chair. Worst sleep ever," Striker stretched and glared at me, "Of all time."
"Not my fault. Someone put an invisible wall in my way." I muttered still half asleep.
"I'm texting Blast Furnace." Striker said pulling out his phone while glaring at me.
"WHAT?!"
"Well you didn't want to do any crazy ideas to catch him off guard so how about a simple text? No siege weaponry required although it would have been preferred." Striker seemed to really want that trebuchet idea to become reality.
"How about give me a bit of time to think about this? You can't just throw me into a situation like that."
"True but I really think you should make up with Blast and Smoke before the Fall Formal. Which is in... two weeks? No, that's not right. I know it's more than a week before Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, it's on a Monday which means school is happening, you planning anything?"
"Was thinking of having the sprinkler system rain fake blood on everyone but since I'm no longer doing whatever for shits and giggles I'll have to save that for another Halloween. This will be the first time I haven't made Halloween a nightmare for people."
"Cool, at this rate you might actually become a useful member of society someday," Striker said and turned his attention back to his phone, "still texting Blast though."
"Okay first, words hurt you know and second, like hell you are!" I utter before grabbing his phone.
Striker glared at me while saying, "Wow, don't you know it's rude to take people's stuff without asking?"
"Since walking up and talking to him is what I'm going with, I'm going to do it on my own terms."
"Fine." Striker looked at his phone unamused, "You deleted his number."
"Might have."
"I'll just ask Smoke for it." Striker stated but then put his phone down with a frown, "You deleted his number to."
I just gave him a mischievous grin and drank from a mug on the table.
"Isn't that coffee barely warm and gross?"
"Oh yeah, it's horrid." I say taking another drink.
"Why are you still drinking it?"
THE NEXT DAY AFTER SCHOOL IN THE LIBRARY
"No one should see me back here," I say pulling down my hood and mask, "Better already."
"You disappoint me." Striker said in a grouchy tone and glaring at me while sitting across from me, "Blast was a few feet from you and you just walked in the opposite direction." Striker was scolding me while taking out his own work.
"I disappoint a lot of people, it's like a hidden talent." I say looking at pages in my physics textbook, "I hate this class."
"I'd say your hidden talent is blowing things up and... uh changing subject."
"Please do."
Striker opened his mouth and said the most stupidest thing I ever heard, "Do you think there are alternate worlds? Parallel dimensions and things like that."
I stare at him dumbfounded, "Uh, I have no idea how to respond to that."
"Hey you wanted a change of subject besides now that I've said it, it's got me wondering."
"I mean anything is possible I guess but there is no evidence that I'm aware of."
"Wanna make a bet?"
"On alternate worlds?" I stare at my friend wondering why I'm still having this conversation.
"Yes." Striker said completely serious.
"Fuck it," I rub the sides of my head, "what exactly is the bet?"
"Simple, I bet there is alternate worlds and you bet that there isn't and winner gets whatever money the other has in his wallet at the time."
"Why are we having this bet?"
"Shits and giggles, besides it's not like we're ever gonna find out the outcome of this bet," Striker extends his hand, "So nothing to lose right?"
"Yeah I guess," I shake Strikers hand making the stupid bet official, "Now that we've wasted a good amount of time talking about complete nonsense can we get to work?"
"Sure thing." Striker looked down at his own homework, "How cool would it be if magic was real?"
"I'm gonna hit you if you continue spouting nonsense." I say completely dumbfounded at how my friend thinks of what he says sometimes.
THE NEXT DAY END OF SCHOOL
"Alright there he is Sprout," Striker was leaning in a little too close, "All you need to do is go talk to him. It's so simple Bulk Biceps can understand it."
"There are still students around Striker and you know that I'm not exactly an extrovert."
"Well he's about to leave for his part time job so It's now or until you walk up to him which can be a long time with you."
How can I describe Blast Furnace? Well he works as a Blacksmith so he does has a bit of muscle, a little under 6 foot, Maroon skin tone and the best damn afro ever. When did he start wearing a leather jacket? Questions for later, right now I need to work up the courage to talk to him and when you are socially challenged like me, that is gonna be difficult.
"Surely I can do this another time Striker."
"You could but I think when school ends is the best time."
I sigh and look at Striker, "Well I tried, back to the drawing board Striker."
"Oh for the love of," Striker grabbed me and dragged me toward him, "LET'S GO."
"Striker no."
"Striker yes! Hey Blast before you go, you need to have a chat!" Blast and everyone else in the hallway looked in our direction, all surprised. "Well I hope this goes well," Striker placed me in front of Blast and stepped back, "and start."
"You know I'm slightly upset you haven't come up to me sooner," Blast paused and stroked his chin, "so do I call you Poltergeist or..."
"Poltergeist," I say cutting him off, "don't ruin the mystery. Surprised Striker kept his mouth shut about my name this long."
"Yeah he wasn't always the brightest so that is surprising," Blast closed his locker and looked at me, "You know that you don't have to be all nervous, I'd be thrilled to get our little group together again. Although I do work part time at the forge now so that might get in the way a bit but I'm sure the family will understand in this case if I skipped out a couple of times."
"How come the both of you act like I didn't avoid you for this entire time? This is seriously aggravating and confusing me." I'm looking between Blast and Striker wondering who will answer.
"It's simply because we don't blame you for doing it Poltergeist. We are willing to patch things up and continue on like the group of jokers we were." How long was he standing there?
Striker turned around a bit startled, "Oh hey Smoke, someone should put a bell on you."
Well this is going to be as much fun as a sandpaper dildo. I don't blame us for not noticing him, he is just as sneaky as me. Smoke N'Mirrors has a light grey complexion with light blue short hair and eyes, he is also a bit of a nerd but he's an intimidating nerd, underneath those glasses and flannel shirts he always wears is someone that knows how to get in your head. I was slightly prepared for Furnace but I definitely wasn't prepared for Smoke and all these other students are now staring and why is everything blurry? Why is the floor coming toward me?
Blast Furnace P.O.V
"And there he goes." I say as Firesprout faints and plants his face in the floor, "So guys are we taking him to his house?"
"That'd be for the best, come on Striker let's get him to your car." Smoke said putting Sprout' left arm around his neck.
"Actually I don't have the car today, my Dad needed it but I know that Blast has car." Striker put Sprout's other arm around his neck, "You remember where he lives right?"
"He lives on Elm Street, to The Cruiser!"
"Okay first, you just told everyone here what street he lives on. Second, cruiser?" Striker looked at me like I was insane.
"Do you honestly think that anyone would follow the Poltergeist home?"
"Pinkie." Smoke responded very assured of himself.
"Yeah, I would." Pinkie called out walking by with her sisters.
"Okay then, as for the name. When I got the car I decided to call it The Cruiser because I can since it's mine."
"Fair enough. Lead the way Furnace." Smoke replied looking irritated, probably because this is taking so long.
School Parking Lot (Still Blast Furnace P.O.V)
"What a piece of shit." Striker said looking at The Cruiser.
"I take offence to that sir," I say putting a seat belt around Firesprout, "My car runs perfectly fine."
"Looks can be deceiving Striker." Smoke added getting in the passenger seat.
"Waffles." Firesprout mumbled in his unconscious state.
"See? Sprout likes The Cruiser." I said from the driver's seat.
Striker sighed, "Fine I'll get in the rust bucket. I better not get tetanus."
"Rude." I replied starting the car.
"Engine sounds fine so we should make it to Firesprout's" Smoke said.
"Seriously? At least I have a car to myself you two." I stated and was answered by silence, "That's what I thought now shut up and buckle up."
"So what're we gonna say to him when he comes to? We should give him an explanation for the past few years." Striker said from the back seat.
"Easy, we tell him the truth." Smoke replied.
"And when he gets mad?" Striker asked looking at Firesprout.
I answer driving out of the parking lot, "Calm him down and explain."
"Good thing Eclipse will be there," Striker pointed out, "I think she's the only one besides they're parents who can easily calm him."
Firesprout's home (Firesprout P.O.V)
"What happened and why am I in a shower with all my clothes on?" I ask completely confused and wet.
"According to the guys you fainted and face planted. How's your forehead?" My sister Eclipse asks sounding worried but looking amused.
"Hurts but I'll live. Did they leave?"
"No, they're in the kitchen shooting the breeze. Was going to join after getting out of my Crystal Prep uniform." Eclipse looked me in the eyes, "What're you gonna do though?"
"You realize that was a good opportunity for a pun wasted."
"Be serious."
"Can my head stop hurting before I see them?"
"Of course. Don't stay in here too long." She said leaving.
I hit that floor really hard, there is definitely going to be a bruise there. Things happened way too fast for my liking but I could've handled that better. They said that they didn't blame me for distancing myself but all of us could have made an effort all this time to talk to each other a little. Maybe I wouldn't be the Poltergeist if we did but who knows. I just noticed something that might be an issue, "You could have at least left me some dry clothes!"
"So are you going to just stand there or are you gonna say something?" Eclipse asks from the kitchen table.
"If I stand here I'll eventually think of something to say and I feel weird without a hoodie." I answer from the doorway.
"You always where a hoodie when you want to hide from others but you're not hiding from us Firesprout." Smoke Interjected, "Not anymore that is."
"Well when you put it that way I'll happily sit and act like these past few years never happened." I say sarcastically and sit between Blast and Eclipse, "Hey remember that time I was in the hospital and only my family visited? Good times guys. Good times."
"The amount of sarcasm in those words was lethal." Blast mumbled looking at Smoke and Striker.
"Well what do you expect Furnace? You all avoided me like I had a plague, I was fine when Eclipse went to the same school but when High School started and she went to Crystal Prep. Well, I didn't have anybody to talk with and my social skills were basically dead. You guys could have made an attempt to interact but you didn't."
"You're not wrong Sprout it's just that, well," Striker trailed off.
Smoke stated while looking at the ceiling, "We didn't know how you would react. The fact you and Gem beat the ever living shit out of each other was a complete surprise to everyone considering you were never the violent type. I'll be honest we thought you'd try and fight us as well so we just let you be."
"I see, you were scared of me the whole time." I mumbled and put my head on the table.
Eclipse slammed her fist on the table, "The reason you guys avoided my brother was because you thought he'd lash out at you?! Do you realize how badly none of you being around affected him? He was prescribed anti-depressants until his doctor decided he was stable enough over the summer without them."
"We had no idea Eclipse." Smoke interjected.
Eclipse cried, "Of course not! You we scared to approach him and he thought you all hated him. You guys were his greatest friends and you just avoided him and let him distance himself!"
"I think they get the idea Eclipse." I say lifting my head up, "Well, what now guys?"
"We're sorry Firesprout, we just didn't know what to do. We didn't want to pick a side and we did try to talk to you a few times but you avoided us as well, care to explain that?" Smoke asked.
Eclipse looked at me, "You never said they tried to talk to you."
"They did but I was afraid of what they'd say. I don't think I could have handled them saying anything negative at that point in time so I avoided them."
Eclipse sighed, "If you all avoid each other how are things supposed to be fixed?"
"It won't." I admit.
"Exactly and I think we all want to be friends again." Striker added.
"Will it be the same though?" I ask everyone and there is a few minutes of silence as everyone gathers their thoughts.
"It might not be the same for a while but we can salvage this shit show of a friendship we have and I for one think we should hurry up and fix this cause I have to be at the forge in 37 minutes." Blast added looking at his phone standing up, "So are we friends or not?"
"Of course but that sounded a bit heartless Blast Furnace." Smoke said standing and adjusting his glasses.
"Hell yes we are!" Striker yelled standing.
"Definitely." My sister added getting up and poking my head, "Come on you."
"Fine," I sigh and stand, "Well now I'm standing. Happy? We're all standing now. Bunch of jackasses, standing in a circle."
"But we're a bunch of jackasses that are all friends, right?" Striker asked looking at me with a grin.
"Yeah I suppose so." I say crossing my arms.
"A bit sad this took five years." Smoke added.
"Shut up Smoke, You're ruining it!" Eclipse yelled.
"Sorry!" Smoke cried.
"So what're we gonna do at school?" I ask, "With me being the Poltergeist and all. Also the school is pretty divided in groups like Striker and the soccer team or Smoke and the nerds. Furnace I'm not exactly sure if you really fit in a group considering you can pretty much befriend anyone."
"What can I say? People like the fro." Blast commented putting a hand up to his Afro, "We can still talk and hang out with them but you do take priority since we have a longer history. Speaking of where do you eat lunch? Never see you in the cafeteria."
"School roof, it's nice up there and if there is bad weather the school has rooms that aren't really used."
"Well I guess I have a new place to go for lunch tomorrow and as much as I would love to stay longer but," Smoke said preparing to leave, "I have homework to do and don't want to bore anyone with it."
"Actually Smoke there is something I want to ask you." I mumble and scratch the back of my head.
"Well speak up. What is it?"
"Can you help me with homework? I'm kinda falling behind in two classes and can use your smarts."
"I'd be happy to help Firesprout," Smoke smiled and added, "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help?"
"I am SO happy right now!" Eclipse interrupted and hugged the two of us, "Our group of gremlins is coming together again! Striker are you gonna stay? You probably need help with homework as well."
Striker chuckled a bit and said, "Fake laugh. Hiding hurt feelings."