Snails 1/2: Vol 3 The Art of The Dress

by kitsy-chan

Rating: everyone
Tags: Random, Slice of Life, Crossover, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Dinky Hooves, Snails
Length: 6500

Snails and the rest of the mini-6 are selected to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns. The CMCs and Snails find themselves caught in school rivalries, dark magics, and Canterlot fun.

The life of a colt should be simple, should be fun. Playing sports in the mud, fishing, building forts and tree houses, soap box races. Snails used to love all of that, there was nothing better then spending a hot day at the waterhole swimming with Snips, Rumble, and the other colts.

That seemed so long ago now. That seemed like another life. Ever since falling into that cursed pool, snails life has been non stop, trying to find a cure for the curse, trying to keep his curse hidden, and trying to lead a double life. When hit with cold water, HE becomes Escargot, the leader of the Mini-6, selected by the table to wield the elements of harmony light versions. To protect the castle and Ponyville when the Main Six have duties elsewhere.

This is a duty, a responsibility. So of course the princesses have decided that Escargot and the Mini Six, Noi, Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo must attend The Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns, to ensure they can control the magics safely and responsibly.

Because more responsibility, and more school, is just what Snails was hoping for.

Editor: Swyrl
Art by: Alkarasu

Published 2017-05-13 19:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-03-29 12:18:54 UTC

Part 1: Thread by Thread

Part 1: Thread by Thread

Thread by Thread

Snails’ life had become a series of nonstop adventures and little problems. It seemed like every time things settled down for him, something else would be there to shake his world apart. It had been months since the event that changed his life forever, months since his encounter at the cursed pool in the Everfree that left him questioning his life. It had been months, and yet still he suffered from the curse, and even Zecora couldn’t cure it. He was starting to think he was doomed to live a double life forever.

A double life, because when hit with cold water he became a filly. If that wasn’t bad enough, as a filly he was known as Escargot, a magical prodigy, savior of the Crystal Empire, trusted student of Twilight Sparkle, savior of Ponyville, one of the six lesser Elements of Harmony, and, oh yes, Harvest Princess, a nothing title from beauty pageant that seemed to haunt him constantly.

When hit with warm water, he returned to his normal colt form. Still just as strong in magic, yet ignored by most, dismissed as a clumsy and doltish. Oh, for the days when he could just lounge around and play with the other colts. Get messy, and not worry about having any real responsibilities.

Then, however, he had been given a new responsibility- he was to lead his friends as Escargot to the School for Gifted Unicorns, to study the new friendship and harmony magic he had gained. To learn more about how to control it, and his own magical abilities. To keep his secret, and to become…

“Escargot! We’re here!” Dinky called out, bouncing on her seat.

The train chugged along, puffing plumes of smoke as it climbed the hill. The girls leaned against the windows, looking out at the city spires and white castle walls. A large flying yacht was moored, the vibrant colors of its airbag glittering above the silver and gold trimmed yacht.

“Oh my gosh!” Noi said, “This is the first time I’ve really been out on my own.”

“Ah know, ma sister was so proud.” Apple Bloom said. “Just wish she hadn’t cried so much.”

“Why couldn’t I have traveled as myself?” Escargot asked with a sigh.

“Because your father saw you leave by air cart to Canterlot.” Scootaloo said. “The cart couldn’t take all of us and we are supposed to be going as a group.”

Running to the other side of the railcar, the girls oohed as they passed through the train gate. Its whistle tooted twice to announce the train’s arrival. Looking around, the girls could see the stores, restaurants, the wide paths and road, the whole city was a wonder.

“I wanna try everything!” Sweetie Belle said, her tail wiggling in excitement.

Pulling up to the station, the girls grabbed their bags and trotted out onto the platform. Other ponies went about entering and leaving the train for their own trips. The girls even noticed some other residents from Ponyville shuttling to Canterlot.

“Hello, my little ponies.”

Looking over, Escargot saw Raven, Celestia’s aid, who’d helped the first time he was in Canterlot. “Hello, ma’am.”

“Hello Escargot. The princess wishes to convey you her warmest welcome. She will meet you at the school later in the day.” Raven said, smiling. “First, however, your passes.”

The girls looked at each other, blinking, then up at Raven, who was rooting through her pouch. Lighting her horn, she floated a pair of cards to each of the girls. “The first is your Royal Rail Pass. You can use it at any time to ride the rails for free. If you get homesick, you can use it to visit home. Just remember, the morning train arrives too late for classes. That is why you will be put up in the dorms.”

“What’s this card for?” Dinky asked, holding up the second more brightly colored card.

“That, little ones, is your library card. Don’t lose it- you’ll need to present it whenever you want to use the royal library or school library.” Motioning towards the castle, “The royal library limits its visitors, but as students of the school, you will have access, at least to the unrestricted areas. There are a few sections that are off-limits, but they are well-marked.”

Putting the library card in his bag, Escargot sighed, ‘More study. The world hates me- every time I help out, I’m sent to school. Why can’t I be sent to the ice cream shop, or a hoofball game? Just once, I’d like to be sent anywhere but school.’

“But girls, you’re being sent to the shopping district.” Raven said with a smile.

“Shopping?” Sweetie Belle squeaked and perked right up.

Blinking, Escargot looked up, filled with hope.

Jumping forward, Noi looked up, “What are we shopping for?”

“Your school uniforms. You will all be getting new skirts and blouses for your semester!” Raven said, turning, “Now, follow me.”

‘Skirts? Why does it have to be skirts?’ Escargot whimpered. He put on his best smile and followed.

The clothing store was much different than Rarity’s shop. It was very boxy, and didn’t seem to concern itself with just clothing- there were t-shirts and blouses, vests, skirts, and blazers, as well as socks, ties, and neck scarfs. The styles and selections seemed very limited. The store also carried blank books, papers, quills, inkwells, pencils, and other school-related miscellany.

“While the school does not require you to wear uniforms every day, you will be expected to have them for special events and field trips.” Raven said firmly.

Several other first-years were in the store gathering their clothing. Both colts and fillies, giggling about being selected to go to the school, about the prestige and the honor it would bring to their families, about how they were personally selected by-

“The royal court will be covering the accounts for these six.” Raven said, nodding to the attendant, a stout earth green and pink earth pony mare.

Quickly the girls spread out, giggling and choosing different colored books, picking up school supplies that they needed. While there was a basic code, the basic supplies could be personalized and came in different styles.

Walking up, Escargot poked a uniform skirt gently. ‘What have I gotten myself into?’

Lifting a skirt, Raven held it against Escargot’s side. “It doesn’t look that bad.”

“It’s not me, though.” Escargot said, looking up.

“Of course not. You are you, and no matter what you’re wearing, no matter what you look like, that won’t change. The uniform is CSGU- when you wear it, you tell everypony that you have proven that you can do something special with magic.” Raven said softly, smiling at Escargot.

“Did you go to CSGU?” Escargot asked.

“I wanted to as a little filly, but it wasn’t meant to be. While I am ok with magic, my calling was administration.” Raven said, and smiled proudly, “And that calling has had me working with Princess Celestia for years now.”

“So, what do I need?” Escargot asked meekly.

Raven smiled and started helping Escargot pick out the uniform parts, making sure each item fit. While unicorns of Escargot’s stature were extremely rare, the store was able to fit a proper uniform.

Wings, on the other hand…

“Come on, it’s bad enough I have to wear a skirt, but these vests and shirts don’t have wing holes.” Scootaloo complained.

“Don’t worry Miss Scootaloo, we will make alterations. It will only take a few moments.” The store clerk said, “Just don’t struggle, or you will stretch it out too much.”

Escargot couldn’t help but giggle, seeing Scootaloo trying to spread her wings under the vest. The little pegasus really did not like the feeling of her wings being bound. “Relax, Scootaloo, they just need to mark where your wings are. I’ve seen Rarity do it several times.”

“Bah, if you had wings you’d understand.” Scootaloo huffed.

A shiver went down Escargot’s spine, “Don’t even joke. Honestly, even just a horn seems like too much trouble.”

“So, you’re her!” A little white unicorn foal with two-tone pink and peach mane bounded over and sat in front of Escargot, looking at her with awe.

A unicorn colt, brown with a white-tipped muzzle and yellow mane trotted up, “Wow, you really are pretty.”

“Umm, her who?” Escargot asked with a gulp, looking around the store.

“Celestia’s new favorite.” An older filly said, walking by. “Her ‘chosen’ one.” The filly’s voice dripped venom.

The filly shivered, “That’s Galaxy Starbright. Her family has held the top-ranking students almost every class. I only know of five ponies- well, four graduates- who beat them. Sunset would have beat them, but she quit. And of course, the Twilight family is better.”

Galaxy looked over sternly, “But my family will NOT be beaten this time. Right, Star Shine?”

The filly gulped, “No, ma’am.”

As Galaxy paid for her things and left the store, the filly stood up, “As you heard, I’m Star Shine. See you in class!” Gathering her things, she went to the cashier as quick as she could.

Looking sideways at Sweetie Belle, Escargot let out a sigh, “What did I get myself into?”

“Ok girls, let’s get you to the school.” Raven gathered the group and headed out.

It was a short walk as the pony trots to the school dorms. While most picture the school as a single, old, 3-story building, in reality the school was located on a campus with several buildings, towers, and halls. Though a few buildings had been repaired and replaced over years of test-related accidents, that was the price of training foals to control powerful spells.

Escargot looked up at the towers as he walked, ‘Powerful spells? I’m just a little foal, how am I supposed to do powerful magic?’

“Why am I even here?” Sweetie Belle said, looking up. “I can barely lift a feather.”

“You can do whatever you put your heart to.” Escargot said without thinking, “Just like Dinky, you deserve to be here. I’m the pony that’s the fraud.”

The girls leaned into Escargot as they walked. “Don’t sell yourself short- we’ve learned never to underestimate you.” Apple Bloom said firmly.

The dorm was a two-story building comprised of a central area with reading room, a large kitchen and dining room for the students, then two wings, where the students’ rooms were. The building was decorated with the same marble and limestone motif that made up the rest of Canterlot.

“The left wing is for colts, the right, for fillies. There’s a spell on the doorways to prevent foals from going into the wrong dorms so don’t worry.” Smiling, she walked through the shimmering doorway.

Gulping once, Escargot stopped at the door and reached out with a hoof. While it tingled a little, there seemed to be no alarms, no guards running, no portal opening to tartar sauce. Taking a breath, Escargot stepped through and looked around, before trotting to catch up. ‘Oh, this will not end well.’ Shivering once, Escargot looked up, “That made my horn tingle.”

“Mine to.” Sweetie Belle said. “That just felt strange.”

Raven smiled and stopped by the rooms. “Each room will sleep three fillies. There is a bed, closet, desk, and chair for each girl, as well as a bathroom for the three to share in each room. It will be your responsibility to keep your room clean.”

“And… the colts?” Escargot asked looking around.

“Don’t worry, the colts sleep in the other wing, it’s a school rule that colts and fillies don’t sleep in the same room. The spell was set up to keep mischievous colts and fillies from sneaking into each other’s dorms with alteration spells. The barrier will cancel a spell and alert the staff. So be warned.” Raven said with a smile “Don’t worry, we are careful about that. Now we like to group the students into three’s this lets the build trust and friendships.”

Opening a door, the girls looked in the room, “It’s pretty sparse.” Noi said looking in, seeing the beds without sheets, simple chairs and such.

“That’s part of the fun of it. You will get to spruce it up as you want, add your own touches, and as your magic gets better you’ll be able to change things to suit yourselves.” Raven said, “Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle, you will have this room.”

Other girls stepped out of their rooms to see the new entries. While most were first years as well, a few were seniors drawn by curiosity. Moving-in day was always interesting to see what new students would be showing up.

Dinky bounced happily, “So where are me, Noi and Escargot bunking?”

Opening the door across the hall, Raven smiled, “This room will be for Noi, Dinky, and…” Ravens speech was interrupted by a brown streak of fur and feathers charging out of the room. The fluff ball leapt into the air and hit Escargot square in the side.

“PRINCESS! You made it!” Gisa said laughing. “I was worried!”

“Gisa, you know you could have taken the train with us?” Escargot said laughing and hugging the little griffin.

“Too claustrophobic. ‘Sides, the princesses wanted to see me too.” Gisa said.

Poking her head inside Noi giggled, “So Gisa’s bunking with us too?”

“No, Escargot gets her own room. By request of Luna, Escargot has been granted special permission of a single room. You will be solely responsible for cleaning it. However, no others, not even staff are to enter it without permission, by order of Celestia and Luna.” Raven said firmly

Puffing out her cheeks, Galaxy narrowed her eyes, “A private room? Who does she think she is?”

“A princess, and favored by Celestia.” Sparkle Glory said.

“We will see about that.” Galaxy turned and stormed back into her room.

Part 2: Cutting out the Pattern

Cutting out the Pattern

Noot, noot.

Snails sighed, pulling the covers over himself- the normality of his good old alarm clock, the warmth of the bed, the soft covers. The smell of sheets still holding that fresh from the wash smell. ‘It’s nice just being a colt.’

Noot, noot.

The normality of a new day, a new chance to explore the world, a new chance to find interesting things. Maybe go down and play in the mud by the river, chasing frogs, or help Snips paint the fence. The comfort of living a life with no responsibilities. Opening his eyes for a moment, Snails saw the pink mane. ‘It’s not like I have-’

Noot, noot!

“SCHOOL!” sitting up and blinking, he shook his head vigorously, ‘Not Snails.’ Escargot thought as he took note of his surroundings again. He looked around the strange dorm room- in some ways it felt too large for a single colt or filly alone, even though the princesses had done their best. A larger-than-normal canopy bed had been brought in to eat up space and better retain heat. The small desk and chair had been replaced with some from the castles stock, giving Escargot an elm writing desk with a rolling cover and a matching, high-backed, cushioned chair. Where one of the other beds once stood, a large bookshelf stood, mostly empty, though a few choice books had been added. Finally, the tea table, a gift from princess Celestia.

Noot, noot!

Reaching over, Escargot turned off the alarm clock and hopped out of bed, running for the bathroom. Being late for school wasn’t the bad thing, being late for breakfast though- he might get stuck eating leftovers, or some unrecognizable fancy dish no one wanted, or worse, gruel. ‘What is gruel anyway?’

Diving into the shower, Escargot got himself cleaned up as fast as he could before dressing himself in the school uniform. It wasn’t needed for everyday classes, but it was the first day, and he figured everyone else would dress the same. It felt strange wearing socks, let alone shoes, on his hind legs.

The short skirt just covered Escargot’s cutie mark, and white blouse and green vest just covered Escargot’s back and met up with the skirt. The strangest, though, was the red ribbon around the neck. Escargot couldn’t figure it out, it seemed to serve no purpose whatsoever. Sitting in front of the mirror, Escargot looked at 'herself' before a shiver went up his spine. “Ugg, I actually look cute like this. Why do I have to look cute?”

Standing, he turned and opened the door to his private room. Other girls were already in the halls already heading for the cafeteria, standing around talking, or running back to their rooms. Noi was standing on her hind legs banging on Apple Bloom’s door, while Dinky was pointing at Escargot.

“Well, at least I’m not the last.” Escargot said as she stepped out.

As soon as Escargot stepped into the hall, there was the loud slam of shoed hoof against the stone floor followed by, “Ma’am!”

Lighting his horn, Escargot threw up a shield spell and cowered against the ground for a moment, before seeing the guard beside the door. A female thestral stood, wearing Luna’s traditional dark blue and purple armor, the eye crest in the center of the armor shining in the morning light.

“Wh…who are… you?” Escargot trembled for a moment, dropping the shield and standing up.

“I was assigned to guard your room at night, Princess Luna has ordered one guard to protect you at night, Princess Celestia will have one guard here during the day.” The thestral said, her head held high with pride. “It is my duty to serve.”

“Protect?” Escargot asked, shaking himself out for a moment.

“Yes, the princesses wanted to ensure that nopony enters your room but you.” The guard said standing at attention. “To protect your privacy and honor.”

Several of the girls in the hall blinked. A private guard was unheard off, even the Galaxy family never had one of those. “This filly must be truly special.” One filly oohed.

“She’s probably the most powerful unicorn and needs special care.” Another said with awe.

Galaxy huffed as she walked by, “Breakfast time, let’s get trotting.”

Bounding across the corridor, Giza leapt onto Escargot’s back, kneading her claws a few times. “Sleep well?”

Flinching at the claws, Escargot nodded, “Yep, but it felt strange. Oddly quiet.”

“Too used to hearing thumping sounds at night?” Giza asked looking at Escargot.

“Yeh, I guess, hearing the wind blowing the shutters and the sounds of the trees was relaxing.” Walking towards the door, Escargot looked over her shoulder, “Hurry up, girls. We don’t want to miss breakfast and be stuck eating gruel!”

The cafeteria seemed more like some fancy restaurant, rather than a school cafe. Dotting the room were round tables, each seating up to six foals. The headmasters’ table was a long square table raised on a platform, with a single row of seats, including those marked reserved for Celestia and Luna. The food was served buffet-style for the students, with several chefs standing behind the counter, though there were waiters for the headmasters table.

Walking up to the breakfast line, Escargot tilted his head, trying to figure out the food. Even with labels, things did not make sense. Sparkling apple cider pancakes with a berry compote, overnight baked caramel French toast with chopped almonds and walnuts.

“Muffin tops with meadowcream and buttercream glaze? What happened to the rest of the muffin?” Dinky said, turning her head sideways, “You’d need three of them just to make one muffin.”

“Oatmeal brulee with ginger cream? Come on how could they ruin perfectly good oatmeal, just put apples on it.” Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle oohed, “Amaretto Crème glazed strawberry pancakes? Yes please!”

“These are the best foods made for the best students.” Galaxy said as she picked up a tray and filled it with selected foods. “Even a common unicorn would find things they enjoy. Might I suggest the water? It should be common enough for you.”

“Oh goody, someone who reads Diamond Tiara’s book on making friends.” Noi said, and looked at Apple Bloom, “Hash browns, toast with apple jam, and orange juice for us please.”

“Me too.” Scootaloo held up her tray.

All the food was so regal, but even the colts were eating it. Shaking his head, Escargot looked down the list, “Can I just get some toast with jam, and some of that porridge please?” Heading over, he took a seat at a table with the rest of her group and stirred. “Oats, millet, and barley in milk- not bad I guess.”

Muffled through a pastry, "Are you kidding? This is almost as good as the cakes stuff!"

Looking across, he tried his hardest not to laugh at the little griffin stuffing her beak with muffin tops, cream all over her face.

Laughing, Noi held up a hoof, “Someone get that griffin a napkin! Stat!”

Shaking his head, Escargot groaned and reached out across the cafeteria, grabbing several napkins from the front of the line and bringing them back. “Hold still.” Smiling, Escargot went to work on both sides of Giza’s beak and face at once.

“Argh! The horror!” Gisa said laughing while holding up her claws defensively trying to fend off the dreaded napkin attack of doom.

“Ok now, that’s showing off.” Sweetie Belle said playfully.

Escargot blinked and finished cleaning off Gisa. “What?” Looking around, Escargot noticed a lot of the other unicorns looking at her. “Ok, now what did I do wrong?”

Dinky smiled, “Nothing. I know you’re not used to using magic in public that much, but most unicorns don’t reach out 100 feet or so and grab things. Most generally find 35 feet or so a stretch.”

Sweetie Belle nodded, “Yeah, sis reaches out that far, but she’s had years of practice and training. Don’t worry, we’ve seen what you can do but others might think you’re trying to be a show off.”

Escargot let his head drop to the table and sighed, “So even here I shouldn’t really use my magic…”

Apple Bloom blinked, “This from the one who rebuilt the colts’ clubhouse for them single hooved? No way…”

Puffing out their cheeks, several other unicorns were trying or pulling napkins over the same distance. Looking around, Escargot realized she had accidentally issued a challenge, and now other unicorns were trying to prove they could do it too.

Clinking her glass several times, Raven smiled at the students, “Quiet please, I wish to introduce you to your headmistress, Princess Celestia.”

Walking in with her head high, Celestia trotted over to the teachers table and stood, looking across at the gathered students. Her eyes settled on Escargot.

Gulping nervously, Escargot looked up at the Princess.

Clearing her throat, Celestia smiled, “From chance meetings, to well known families, from accidental encounters, to students who have applied for years to enter here- I welcome you all. Each of you will find something new here, something special. This school will help you grow and learn, not just about magic, but about yourselves. It will help you grow into the mares and stallions you wish to be, or into the mares and stallions you never knew you could become.”

Looking over the students, Princess Celestia takes a breath before starting, “For the first time ever, my little ponies, we have some non-unicorns who are going to be taking classes here too. They have all demonstrated a special magical talent, and a bond that has allowed them control the Elements of Harmony.”

Escargot gulped and lowered his head trying to hide a little, ‘Please don’t single me out. Please.”

“And their leader, Escargot, who has displayed exception magical talent and ability, so much so that she was chosen to wield the Element of Magic itself.” Celestia bowed her head. “So for her service to Ponyville, the Crystal Empire and Equestria itself, she and her friends will be here for this semester.”

Many of the ponies clapped, though Escargot noticed several sour looks. Keeping his head low, he couldn’t help but blush at the attention. ‘Why me?’

Trotting in, Princess Luna looked around the room, her eyes a touch red and bloodshot as she yawned, “Sorry I’m late, it was a long night.”

“Greetings sister, would you like to say anything to the students?” Celestia asked as she took her seat at the table, lifting a small class of tea in the air.

Grabbing a large cup of coffee, Princess Luna walked over and the foals table beside Escargot. “This year is going to see changes. Changes in how we view each other, and how we deal with each other. You won’t be able to expect ponies like Apple Bloom here to battle with spells, but according to Twilight and Zecora, she’s becoming a master potion brewer. You won’t be able to treat all of them like unicorns, but they can all contribute, just like all ponies contribute to Equestria as a whole.”

Many of the ponies clapped and cheered. Both Princesses giving speeches was something truly special, and the foals looked on with awe and Princess Luna gave Escargot a hug with her wing and gentle nuzzle.

Princess Luna stood and walked back over to the head table to take the seat Raven had actually prepared for her. Looking at the tea with disdain, she chose to stick with her coffee- black, double sugar.

Moving up beside Escargot, Galaxy stalked up the filly one last time before speaking to her in a harsh whisper. “That does it. I challenge you to a duel! The school dueling arena, today after class- unless you’re a coward, of course.” Turning, Galaxy walked back up to the buffet line to get herself something else to eat.

Gulping, Escargot looked up, almost in panic, ‘Oh Celestia, what have you got me into?’

Part 3: Snip by Snip

Trotting into class, Escargot looked at the other girls with him- Dinky was pronking, her tail wiggling just below supersonic speeds as she looked around the halls. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were talking with each other, while Noi was arguing with Sweetie Belle over Rainbow Dash over Rarity for style. Shaking his head, Escargot found himself a seat at the back of the class. It always felt safer to be at the back- less pressure, no pony looking at you.

The CMCs were quick to take the three seats in the front row, with Noi behind them. Looking beside himself, Escargot sighed- it was strange not be be in class with Snips. Right now, Snips was probably playing hoofball, or in the clubhouse reading comics.

“It’s ok, I’ll stay with you.” Dinky said and smiled, taking the seat beside Escargot. “I know you prefer the back.”

“I’m not good in class.” Escargot said, “It doesn’t come easy like it does for you and the other girls.”

“It’s okay if you need help reading I'm your filly, I help my mom sometimes.” Dinky said smiling, “It’s not that she can’t read, it just hurts her eyes at times.”

“Hello class, my name is Mrs. Hackney.” The purple unicorn had her blue mane done up in a tight bun. “Since today is our first class, we are going to talk about magical strength.”

Escargot gulped, but then saw Sweetie Belle look back at him and smile. At least he had support, this would be as brutal as trying to do this alone.

“To gauge your strength, we are going to do a simple test. I brought some buckets from the gym, all you need to do is lift one up and hold it, while we fill it with these iron pellets. From there, we will find out how much you can actually hold.”

The teacher floated a basket out and sat it down in front of the class. “So, who would like to go first?”

Lots of foals threw their hooves up, as ‘Me’s’ filled the air. The teacher laughed slightly, before picking one foal at random.

Looking around, Escargot blinked, “Why is the class mostly fillies?”

“I’m not sure,” Dinky said softly, “Maybe fillies are just stronger than colts at magic?”

“Sweetie Belle.”

Eeeping, Sweetie hopped out of her seat and walked over. Splaying her legs, she grunted, lifting the basket up, the entire
thing wobbling. “Heavy.”

Scootaloo lifted her head a bit, “How many pellets are in there?”

Groaning softly, Apple Bloom shook her head, “None yet. Remember, Sweetie Belle has trouble with a broom right now. She’s best with small things, like flowers and feathers.”

“Five pounds five, not to bad for somepony so young.” The teacher said, after adding some weight. “Don’t worry, you’ll find you get a lot stronger with practice.”

Dinky let out a giggle, “Escargot’s the strong one, Belle’s the singer.” Getting up, Dinky walked down for her turn. Like Sweetie Belle, she wasn’t the strongest, though she managed a total of nine pounds. Other students had topped out at as much as thirty-five pounds, but most hovered in the twenty-pound mark.

“Escargot, if you would please.” The teacher said.

Walking up, Escargot sat down, and looked at the basket, before looking up at the teacher.

“It’s OK, just pick it up and hold it, concentrate on it and we’ll see how you do.” The teacher said with a soft smile. “Just
focus on holding it up.”

Lifting the basket, Escargot sat, horn glowing bright, ‘Maybe I should just drop it, if I hold to much they will think I’m showing off.’ Escargot thought as the teacher started filling the basket. ‘Yeah, that’s it, I can just drop it when the teacher... but is that the right thing to do? To lie to the teacher and students?’

Closing his eyes, Escargot whimpered, ‘I don’t want to lie, lying is what got me here in the first place, but I’m not really that strong, what should I do? Why can’t I just go back to playing in the summer, why do I keep having to go to school for this?’

“Escargot? Escargot!?!” The teacher said gently.

Blinking, Escargot looked up and dropped the basket quickly, there, it was done. No one would think he was showing off.

“Sorry Ma’am.” Escargot said softly quickly and lowering his head.

The teacher tilted her head, “For what? We’ll have to retest you again when I get more pellets, I’ve never needed more than 300 pounds for a student your age. So for now we list you as 305 plus. You weren’t even concentrating were you?”

“I…I…I…” Escargot stammered and looked around the class again before looking down, ears going bright red.

“It’s fine, we’re done for today.” Mrs. Hackney said, “But for tonight, I want you all to read up on telekinetic focus.”

Standing up, the students headed for the door, giggling about the test.

“Escargot?” The teacher called.

Stopping at the door Escargot sighed, ‘So close, so close to being free.’ Looking over his shoulder Escargot tilted his head, “Yes, Mrs. Hackney?”

“Would you be a nice little filly and return these buckets to the gymnasium for me?” The teacher asked as she sat behind her desk and straightened her glasses.

Walking over, Escargot lit her horn, putting her books on her back, then picked up the pair of wooden half-bushel baskets. A small giggle escaped as she walked down the hall, ‘Applejack would have given a long lecture about the difference
between a bucket and a basket.’

Dinky bounded up beside Escargot, “Need help?”

“I’m fine, just need to take these to the gym, then I can go back to my room and relax. Finally.” Escargot said, turning backwards to open the door with his butt, backing into the gym.

“What about the duel?” Dinky asked, “Galaxy? This morning?”

“I really don’t want…” Escargot moaned as he turned around to see Galaxy standing inside a large circle.

“You really don’t want to what? Are you scared?” Galaxy taunted.

“She’s not scared, and she could kick your tail.” Dinky shot back.

Laying his ears side to side, Escargot whimpered before yawning, “I’m tired, I just want to go back to my room.”

“I just want to see how good you really are.” Galaxy challenged, turning to fire a stun blast at Escargot.

Still holding the pair of buckets in the air, Escargot moved one with blazing speed to catch the stun bolt. “Careful, somepony could get hurt like that.”

Growling Galaxy fired off another quick blast only to see it intercepted again by a bucket.

‘It’s like she’s reading my moves’. Galaxy thought in shock, ‘Like she knows what I’m going to cast and where before even I do.’

Galaxy lowered her stance, rapidly firing off four more bolts, alternating high and low shots. The crimson bolts crackled across the gym, leaving Escargot only moments to react.

Twilight had spent weeks drilling fundamentals into Escargot, building up power, speed, strength and accuracy with her magic. His buckets blurred in a flurry of motion, catching the stun bolts as they flew at him.

Galaxy roared angrily. Gritting her teeth, she let loose a salvo of magic. Something had to get through! ‘I… I can’t even touch her! Who is this filly?’

Spinning the buckets in a swirling dance, Escargot defended against the assault, until finally one of the buckets couldn’t take the impacts anymore and broke. Looking through the hole in the bottom, Escargot sighed, “I hope they don’t make me pay for this.”

“Pay for that? You’re making me look like a foal, and you’re concerned about a bucket?” Galaxy snarled indignantly.

“But… we are foals.” Escargot said, hesitating as he saw Galaxy charging a huge blast. He didn’t want to risk Dinky getting hurt- or Galaxy, for that matter. Winking out, Escargot appeared behind Galaxy, taking the buckets with him. With a quick yank, he broke the metal bands on one of the buckets, opening it up and wrapping it around Galaxy’s neck like a pet cone.

Poking Galaxy’s flank gently with a hoof, Escargot sighed, “Galaxy, stop. Please.”

“Ohhh, the cone of shame.” Dinky said, giggling.

Turning to face Escargot, Galaxy glared, “Take this thing off me. Now.”

Opening the door, Princess Celestia walked in with professor Giddilee at her side. Looking around, she shook her head,

“May I ask what is going on here?”

Squeaking, Dinky turned to face Celestia and bowed deeply, “Princess!”

Spinning around, Galaxy bowed too, the bucket sliding forward till it thumped on her horn causing her to flinch.

Lowering his head, Escargot bowed as well, “Sorry, it’s my fault. I was just trying to stop her, I’ll pay for the bucket, princess.”

Princess Celestia arched an eyebrow.

“You should have seen it Princess, Galaxy challenged Escargot to a duel and started firing bolts at her. But she blocked them with-” Dinky started, her tail wiggling excitedly, ‘til she saw Celestia hold up a hoof.

“You two are not supposed to duel without an instructor present. You should know better then that.” Celestial shook her head and teleported the bucket off of Galaxy.

“Sorry, Princess.” Galaxy started, before turning to Escargot, “At least I was beaten by a purebred unicorn princess. If I’d lost to a lowborn, that would have been embarrassing.”

“I won’t punish either of you for this, this time.” Celestia said firmly, “Galaxy, Dinky, if I can have a moment with Escargot?”

“You two, come with me.” Professor Giddilee said, smiling as she turned and trotted out the door.

Looking up sadly, Escargot whimpered, “I’m so sorry, Princess.”

Shaking her head, Celestia lowered her head, “There’s no need to apologize. You’ve grown so much since the first time we met, since the first time I saw you on stage.”

“Thank you princess, I’m just scared I’m going to let everypony down.” Escargot said as he scuffed a hoof on the ground.

“Let everypony down how?” Celestia sat on the gym floor and tilted her head.

“I’m not very good at school- reading and writing doesn’t come easily to me, I can’t even do math well.” Lowering his head, he traced a figure eight with his hoof on the floor, “I kind of get bored, and want to go out and do things, like explore, or play games instead. Princess Twilight is counting on me to do well, and to show how good a teacher she is, and you and Princess Luna expect me to be something special.”

Shaking her head, Celestia put a wing over Escargot, “You’re trying to walk in the shadow of others. That’s not why you’re here. You’re here to get the practice with your magic that you need, and to find your own place. Once you do….” Celestia pulled her wing back, “You’ll find you don’t need shadows, you will find that you can shine yourself.”

“I… I… I need to go to my room.” Escargot said gulping.

Celestia nodded as she spoke softly, “It has been a long day for you. I gather you want to change back.”

“Uh huh, I need to go to the bathroom bad.” Escargot said.

Celestia blinked, “You know there are bathrooms throughout the school, right?”

“I don’t feel right going into the fillies’ bathroom, and it’s a big risk to change and change back in public bathrooms.” Snails said, thumping a hind leg gently.

“I understand. Why not just go as a filly?” Celestia inquired and tilted her head.

Escargot blushed and looked down, “I… don’t really know how… Well, I kinda know I just don’t feel comfortable with…”

“I think I will let my sister deal with this.” Celestia said, standing up and looking around. “In the meantime, Princess Luna and I brought something from Ponyville for you. It should help.”

Nodding once Escargot looked at the door, “Can I?”

“Go, go, we don’t want you having an accident.” Celestia said, fighting a giggle.

Escargot ran out of the gym as fast as his hooves could carry him. ‘Teeth floating, teeth floating.”

Escargot returned to the room running past the unicorn guard, tired and exhausted. Running into the bathroom, he took a quick shower. Changing back to Snails, he hopped out to do his business panting and sighing, before getting dried off and cleaned up.

Walking out of the bathroom and over to the bed, he turned and fell backwards onto it. Beside it, he saw a stuffed animal. It was old, raggedy, beaten up, with one eye hanging a little loose. The stuffed pony doll still carried the scents of Ponyville on it. The smell of apples and trees, the smell of the old library and new castle, the smell of friends, his mentor. Closing his eyes, Snails hugged the smartypants doll. It may not have been the most stallionly thing to do.

Lighting his horn, Snails curled up and snuggled the doll. Right now, he didn't care. Colt or filly didn't matter, all that mattered was that it reminded him of home.

Part 4: Sure the Fabric

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Part 5: The perfect Color

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