Tap. Tap. Tap. Fenriss frantically tapped on the carriage's window as it sped through the everfree forest. She hoped the scenery would distract her, if not for a moment. However, every tree that passed just filled her with more anxiety. It was like a mountain of stones was crushing her.

She should feel excited. At long last, she was getting a chance to strengthen the bond between the Diamond Dogs and Ponies. There was also the bonus of getting to establish relations with other species. Griffins and Dragons have interacted with her kind before, but such meetings were sparse. All in all, she should feel confident about sending her son, not to mention the other pups, to this ‘Friendship School’.

However, therein lies the problem. Despite the name, the Diamond Dog Queen feared that this school would only shun them. Ponies, while preaching the value of harmony, tended to be cold towards outsiders. Also, given the strained past between the two races, it makes that chill a full blizzard at times.

Any way she looked at it, she felt like she was throwing a bunch of pups into a lion’s den. To make matters worse, one was even her own precious Kiba. How she wished that she could have kept him safe within their mountain home. Though, what kind of Queen would she be if she was willing to risk her subject’s young and not her own?

Suddenly, she was dragged out of her spiral by the familiar touch of a small tender hand. Shifting her gaze from the passing forest, a smile spread across her face as she looked into the curious eyes of Kiba. “Yes, my Gem? Was there something you need,” she questioned.

Kiba turned his head to the side and inspected his mother's face. Over the years he had more or less learned how to read how his mom was feeling. “Mama, you freaking out again about this whole school thing again weren’t you?” he inquired, almost accusatory.

Fenriss groaned as she mumbled, “Really starting to hate how easily you can read me.” Coughing into her hand, before saying, “While I would like to say no, I can’t. Honestly, I still don’t know if this is the right course of action for us to take.”

“Why, it is just a school,” Kiba pondered aloud.

Fenriss rubbed the back of her head, trying to figure out how best to explain things to her son. Suddenly the voice of Lassie chimed in saying, “This school isn’t like the ones back home young Kiba.” Both the boy and his mother turned to look at the Golden Retriever who sat with her paws neatly laid over each other on her lap. Smiling she said, “Back home most schools were segregated into two divisions, the Purebred and Mutt. For the Mutt’s, their studies focused more on practical skills. Given that the majority of physical labor is required for our mountain homes' growth and stability, it is not believed that Mutt pups need to know anything more than simple mining safety and rudimentary engineering. The only other track offered to them is guard training.”

As she spoke Kiba slightly scowled. “Why, why can’t they do anything else,” he asked incredulously.

“That is just how it has been for years I am afraid,” Lassie sighed. “Sadly, change is a difficult thing to enact, especially when it is something so ingrained in our society.”

Crossing his arms Kiba mumbled, “I still think it is dumb.” Pointing at his long-time nanny he asked, “What about Purebreds? What do they get to learn then?”

“Simply put, everything else,” Lassie said, a vague hint of sadness in her voice. “Purebreds, as you know, are seen as the higher class of us Diamond Dogs. Many have cited the difference in intelligence for this distinction, but I digress. As the noble class, the Purebreds believe it is up to them to rule and keep the kingdom standing. Math, science, history, and alchemy are all tools that they believe are needed to do just that.”

“Still doesn’t seem fair to me,” Kiba solemnly said.

Fenriss set a reassuring hand on her son’s shoulder, making him turn his gaze towards her. “You are right. The prejudice between us Diamond Dogs is not fair. But that is why I am putting myself in this Friendship school,” she explained. “Maybe by having both Mutt and Purebred pups attend this school, it can initiate some kind of change in the future.”

Honestly, she knew that this was just wishful thinking on her part. Given how ingrained the divide between the two types of dogs is in their society. However, she didn’t know for sure. Maybe this would be the first domino in a cascade of change for her subjects.

Kiba clenches his fists as he shifts his gaze to the floor of the carriage. Both Fenriss and Lassie gaze at the boy with a slight mix of curiosity and concern. “Okay, I have decided,” he said, raising his head proudly. Smiling wide he proclaimed, “Both Purebred and Mutt, I’m going to bring them together as one. That way no one will be treated unfairly because of how they were born. As prince of the Diamond Dogs, I promise!”

Both females looked at the boy with a bit of shock, which quickly turned to pride. Their pup was growing into such a respectable prince.

Fenriss happily chuckled as she wrapped her arms around Kiba and pulled him into a tight hug. She started affectionately nuzzling the side of his head, causing the boy to giggle uncontrollably. “Oh my sweet little pup, you are just too precious.”

Playfully Kiba pushed on his mother's muzzle while saying, “Mama stop it, that tickles.”

Pulling away from Kiba she gave him one last chuckle before licking the top of his head. As she watched him rub the top of his head, trying to clean off the lick, a small frown appeared on her face. It was so hard knowing that this would probably be the last moment that he got to spend time with her sweet little pup, at least for a little while.

Suddenly, the carriage started to slow down, coming to a complete stop. After a moment a knock came on the door and a gruff voice behind it said, “Highness, we arrive at Pony School. Seems ponies and other creatures expect us. Think might be a trap.”

“Oh Commander Howler,” bemoaned Fenriss. “I can assure you, this is not a trap of any kind. They are probably just here to greet us. Now please, open the door so we might meet them properly,” she reassured, while still trying to sound commanding.

An exasperated sigh could be heard from outside the concerned guard before the door was opened. Grabbing hold of Kiba’s hand the three exited the carriage. Once outside, all three stared in awe at the friendship school. Standing before them was what looked like a small castle nestled comfortably on the side of a mountain, waterfalls pouring frown various points and converging into a large pool.

Honestly, Fenriss didn’t know what exactly she expected, but it certainly wasn’t this. This “school” was nothing like what they had back home, and not just in the fact that it wasn’t made of crystal. In scale, it was larger than even the most regal private institution.

Meanwhile, Kiba was just smiling as he ran from his mother's side to the small lake. While there were some pools of what was down in the caves, they were mostly secluded in the more dangerous tunnels. To be able to see such a large body of water was so exciting for him. Leaning over the water's edge he watched as his reflection danced upon its face.

“Be careful Your Majesty. It might not be safe,” a voice said behind him. Curious, Kiba turned around to see who was talking to him. Standing before him, her arms crossed in front of her chest, was the Doberman that was chosen to come to this school as well.

“Oh, come on, I don’t think there is anything to worry about,” Kiba reassured. “My name is Kiba by the way, so feel free to call me that,” he asked, extending his hand for me to shake.

For a moment the Doberman pup looked at Kiba’s hand as if wondering what she should do. Sighing, she reached out her right paw and shook his hand. “My name is Brunhild, of house Eitel, my prince.”

“Like I said, call me Kiba,” the boy reminded with a hint of exacerbation. In his mind, they were all equal while attending this school. Besides, he didn’t have many friends, just subjects, so this seemed like a perfect chance to make one. Pulling back his hand he nervously asked, “S-so, are you excited to attend this school with everyone else?”

“I am afraid not Your Majesty,” Brunhild said, ignoring when Kiba corrected her again. With a slight growl, she stated, “My father thought I needed to attend to protect you. All members of House Eitel must protect the royal family, so here I am.”

Kiba frowned slightly as he asked, “What about making friends, and strengthening relationships with the other species?”

Brunhild crossed her arms and just shrugged. “If I am to be honest, no I don’t,” she admitted stoically. “The other creatures have always looked down on us, treating us like we are their lessers. So in all honesty, I could care less about strengthening our bonds.”

Kiba was taken aback by how candid the young Doberman was. It didn’t make sense to him that her family would send her, let alone for her to agree to go if she didn’t agree with what the goal of attending this school was. As he was about to ask her further a sudden whistle rang out from behind the pair. Turing to face the source of the whistle the pair spotted Lassie waving her paws in the air while saying, “Kiba, miss Brunhild, come along now.”

Sighing Kiba turned to Brunhild and said, “Come on, we shouldn’t keep them waiting.” Nodding the Doberman started walking back to the group, quickly being tailed by the young prince.

One back with the group they were ushered into a line with the other three pups, the adults standing directly behind them. Each of the pups was looking around curiously, wondering why they were suddenly lined up like this. Their question was soon answered as a blinding white flash went off in front of them. Once able to see again, they were greeted by the sight of a light purple alicorn, slightly smaller than Fenriss, with a large pink star surrounded by five small stars branded on her flank.

“Welcome Diamond Dog representatives,” the alicorn beamed, smiling widely all the while. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, for those who didn’t know, the alicorn of friendship. I am so happy that you agreed to join my project. I just know you are all going to love it here. Now, without further adieu,” she said before raising a hoof to gesture to the school. “Welcome to the Equestrian School of Friendship!”

Author's Note

Hello everyone, been a while.

Let me start this off by saying I am sorry for the wait. I know some here might have been waiting for this chapter for over a year now. It was never my intention to take so long. Now, I could just say I was just busy or wanted to work on other fics/projects. However, those would only just be a small part of the reason. In truth, I was just at a loss where I wanted to take this story.

When I started this fic I didn't have a plan, which may be evident in my writing at times. I am a major "fly by the seat of my pants", kind of guy. As one might expect, that makes writing a chore at a times. I wanted a plan, and didn't want to work of this chapter until I had some semblance of one. Well now I have something, don't know if I will keep it but I have it.

Side note, this chapter was going to be longer initially. Though due to not having published anything on this fic in over a year i just decided to make this a part one. Don't know why I told y'all this, but whatever.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy. Peace out!