Crystal Prep. The premier academic standard. "Okay..." The student breathed in and out. "New school...you can do this..." She muttered to herself. She took a step forward before stopping, pulling her beanie off. 'Aw...my hair is probably awful.' She groaned, pawing at the purple locks, situating one curl into her usual style. "Dammit."
"Language, young lady." A teacher spoke as he passed.
"Sorry!"
She sighed, bringing her palm to her face. 'Okay. Just...lean into it. Start fighting with teachers and be a delinquent...no, that's stupid.'
"You're standing in the doorway." Another voice said, causing her to jump. A girl with her hair in multiple ponytails stood behind her. She adjusted her glasses. "You should find a better place to have internal dialogues." She added, walking past.
'Annnnd now I'm a spaz.' The girl groaned.
"Comin' through!" A loud voice said as she was pulled to the side by a sporty girl, her hair held back by some goggles. The rest of a uniformed team rushing past.
"Look out next time, spaz. You coulda got run over." She said before following them with a wave back at her.
"I didn't expect the title to be given that quickly..." She turned, bumping into another student.
"Watch it!" She spat.
"I'm sorry!"
"Oh, well in that case..." She huffed, flicking her pink hair, a green streak down the center. "Wait. Are you new?" She asked.
"Uh...yeah. I start today..." She said quietly.
"I'm Sour Sweet." She said flatly. "The best archer, smartest student and most beautiful-" She boasted.
A scoff made her shoot her head to the side.
"You wish, dearie." Another spoke, checking her nails. "You may be right about the archer thing." She shrugged.
"Sunny." Sour huffed.
"Look at that, you introduced me to the new girl." She smirked.
"Shut up." Sour Sweet crossed her arms. "You're the worst."
"Far from it, dearie. In fact...I believe I performed better than you in the last exam. What...number did you place at? Wasnt it...6th?"
"Out of the whole school!" Sour shot back.
"And do you remember my score?"
"No..."
"It was 4th, dear." She said smugly.
'Oooh boy. This is a minefield.' The girl frowned, shrinking back from the hostile girls. “H-Hey now...let's just take a moment…” She began.
Both girls shot their glares at her and her mouth shut.
“You've scared her.” Sunny said, huffing.
“I did not! You did!”
“Yo, Sour!” Another voice cheered before said girl was grabbed into a hug from behind, being lifted.
“Lemon, what did I say about this?!” She groaned under the strong arms.
“But I haven't seen you guys sinc-”
“Two days ago!” She grumbled as she was sat down.
“Oh right.” She grinned, turning to Sunny. “Heya.”
“Good morning, Lemon Zest.” Sunny said with a chuckle.
“This a new friend?” She asked, looking to the shocked girl.
“Dunno. Hasn't said much.” Sunny said.
“Your hair rocks, dude. What's your name?”
“Uh...Starlight. Starlight Glimmer.” She said with a small smile.
“Nice to meet you. I'm Lemon, this is Sunny and that's Sour. Don't let her 'tude get to you. She's nicer than she lets on.”
“Shut up!” Sour huffed.
“Now...the only ones missing would be Sugarbabe and GoGo.”
“She still lets you call her that?” Sunny laughed.
“She hasn't told me to stop.” Lemon shrugged.
“Yes she has. You just ignore her...like always.” Sour huffed.
“Hey, new chick, check these jams!” She offered her her headphones, LOUD music blaring from them before even putting them on.
“You...can manage listening to it while being this loud?” Starlight asked with a nervous chuckle.
“Yeah, not everyone has freakish good hearing.” Sunny nudged the taller girl.
“Oh right.” She lowered the volume. “Sorry.”
Now at a much more manageable level...she put the headphones on. A very pleasant sound echoing in her mind. She bobbed her head. “I recognize this one. Linkin Plaza?” She asked. Lemon's eyes widened and she gasped excitedly.
“Yeah! Oh man, I have another rocker friend!” She said, holding up her hand. Starlight blinked before lifting her's as well, earning a strong high-five from the musician.
“Ow…” Starlight winced, holding her wrist.
“If you haven't noticed, our dear Lemon doesn't exactly hold back with shows of affection.” Sunny said as they began walking together. “Might want to take those off by the way.” She glanced toward the corner...almost on cue a teacher turning it. Starlight pulling them off and handing them to Lemon.
“What class do you have now? Lemon asked.
“Uh...I think I start with calculus.”
“Lame, you have to hang out with nerds..” She groaned.
“That's my class…” Sunny crossed her arms.
“She's aware.” Sour smirked.
“No one asked you. C'mon, Starlight.” Sunny pushed past Sour. The shorter girl shrugged.
***
“Are things always this...uh, intense?” Starlight asked as they took their seats.
“Whatever do you mean?” Sunny asked. “Oh...I suppose our banter could seem a bit...abrasive. But we are friends. Sometimes people have a hard time believing it.” She chuckled.
“Oh, good. It's just...some of that seemed pretty...pointed.”
“Hmm...maybe we could stand to reign it in a bit. That's just how Sour and I have always been.” She shrugged.
The teacher stepped in and they began taking notes. Starlight kept up way easier than she figured she would.
***
When the bell rang they stood and exited together, idly discussing the lesson.
“So what's your next class, dear?” Sunny asked, Starlight took out her schedule.
“Hmm...its listed as H.E. is that home ec?” She asked.
“Yep. If I'm not mistaken...Sour has that for second period.” Sunny cupped her chin as she thought. “Lemme see the others.” She leaned over, Starlight showing her the paper. As they stopped in front of the lockers.
“Wow. You have p.e. with Indy.” She chuckled. “Good luck with that.”
“Uh...Indy?”
“Me.” Another voice said, the girl with goggles from earlier poked her head out from behind a locker door. “Sup, spaz?” Indigo smirked.
“Oh good...you remember me.” Starlight chuckled nervously.
“Indigo, be nice.” Sunny crossed her arms.
“...Miss Spaz?”
“Indigo.”
“I don't know your name.” Indigo said simply.
“Starlight.”
“Starlight.” She corrected herself.
“That's better.” Sunny said. “Do look after our new friend in p.e. would you?”
Indigo groaned with a smile. “I mean I guess I can.” She shrugged.
“You know how competitive people get here. She's still getting used to it.”
“You have Sugarcoat in English.” Sunny said. “She can be…”
“Short? Blunt? Frank? To the point?” Indigo suggested.
“All of the above.” Sunny rolled her eyes.
“She doesn't beat around the bush...kinda punches you in the face with her opinions.” Indigo added. “She's not a total prick though.”
“Uh...thanks for the information.” Starlight thought aloud.
“So, what made you come to CPA?” Indigo asked, leaning against the locker next to Starlight's.
“Well, my best friend moved away from my hometown and I kinda had to...put some distance there. I was kinda falling into a bad place.”
“Oh shit. That so?”
“Yeah. I'm doing a lot better now though.” She waved off the concern.
“Hey. If you need to talk to anyone, I'll listen.” She shrugged. “But if you want actual advice...you should talk to Cadence, if it becomes a problem.”
“Thanks for the advice.” She smiled, taking out her book for the next class.
“Of course.” The athlete grinned, pushing off the locker. “Gotta go grab my books. Catch you later.” She jogged off.
“She seemed nice.”
“She is.” Sunny said. “Maybe the most genuine person I've met at this school. Now then. Your next class is down the hall. Third door to the right.” She pointed before turning. “I also must gather my things. See you after class.”
***
Starlight smiled, hugging her book to her chest. 'Maybe things are going better than I thought… Indigo, Sunny and that rocker girl...Lemon? They seemed to be very approachable. Sour is...still a bit intimidating. And this Sugarcoat...sounds kinda scary too.’
She shook her head, walking to her classroom. Large tables that sat two students per table...a kitchen in the corner...sewing machines on the other. She stepped in, searching the room.
Sour glanced up as she walked in. The shorter girl's chin rested in her palm, but she pushed a chair beside her out as she made to pass by. Starlight took the hint, taking the seat beside her.
“How're you doing?” Sour asked, still looking out the window.
“Acclimating. I've heard this school can he pretty cut-throat. But I've had an okay experience so far…”
“Anyone bothers you, Indigo will slap them around.” She shrugged.
“Let's hope it doesn't come to that.” she chuckled.
The teacher stepped in and began going over his lesson plan before letting them have the last few minutes to get to know their partners for the semester.
“So, anything I need to know about you?” Sour asked, looking over.
“Uh...I may need some help catching up. I'm not amazing at cooking or sewing. But I won't drag you down.” She assured.
“I'll hold you to that.”
“Good. What about you?” She asked.
“I can...come off as rude, most times it's not on purpose.” She shrugged. “I'm working on it, everyone has their own problems right?”
“If you're patient with me, I'll be patient with you.” Starlight nodded.
“Glad we have an understanding.” Sour smirked. “Oh. Here.” She took a sheet of paper and wrote her number down. “We'll have projects in this class..it'll be easier to keep in touch.” She slid it to her.
“Makes sense.” She nodded, ripping a piece off and giving her own.
“I swear if any weirdos message me, I'm coming for your head.” She said flatly.
“I don't make it a habit to give my friend's numbers out to creeps.”
The bell rang and both girls stood.
“So, what next?”
“P.e. Sunny only told me 'good luck’. Should I be worried?”
“Oh boy.” Sour smirked. “Have fun with that. Indigo is gonna take over from the teacher. She always does.”
“That doesn't make me feel any less stressed.” Starlight rolled her eyes.
“Later~” Sour waved as she turned the corner.
***
“ALRIGHT LADIES! LINE UP!” Indigo shouted, the class doing as instructed. “Today we're gonna do dodgeball!”
A few cheers a couple groans.
“Neon. You're the captain of the other team.”
“Yes!” A tall boy rushed up next to her.
They flipped a coin, Indigo getting first choice.
“Starlight.”
“The new girl?” He asked.
“Gotta put her on the winning team.” Indigo shrugged, smirking at the scowl she earned from that comment.
Starlight walked over to Indigo's side. Her captain pat her shoulder with a grin. “I've got you, no worries.” She said quietly.
The rest of the team filled up, Indigo's choices were...surprising. Some of the athletic students were on her side...but Neon snatched up anyone who looked fit.
The coach blew the whistle and within the first volley several on both sides were already out. Five remained on Indigo's side, to Neon's seven.
Neon grabbed a ball, turning to dodge a thrown ball before pivoting and hurling his own, Starlight froze, covering her face but a loud smack heralded the impact, Starlight feeling the wind get knocked out of her, dropping to her knees.
“Hey! There's no need to throw that hard!” Indigo said, immediately moving to check on her. “You okay, dude?”
“Peach…” she coughed. “Peachy.”
“I'll get him back. Need help getting to the bleachers?”
Starlight nodded, another 'out’ member joining them to walk her out.
“Sorry!” He said, feeling more and more bad about his actions having seen just how hard he had hit the new girl.
Starlight managed to put up her thumb but eased to the bench.
She heard a loud 'smack’, looking up to see Neon on the ground now, a ball bouncing away from him. Indigo stood, arms crossed. “Now you're even.”
“Fuck!” The downed boy groaned loudly.
“Captain's down, Indigo's team wins.” The coach announced.
Neon's face had a big red mark on the center of his forehead. “I said sorry!”
“Not good enough. That was uncalled for.” Indigo said, before holding out her hand.
“Ugh…” He took it and was helped up. “You're vicious…”
“Just protective. I'd do the same if someone hurt you.” She assured.
She led him back over to Starlight. Neon sighed before apologizing.
“Its okay. I'm not hurt, so no harm done.” She waved it off.
“Okay. Now you're in the clear.” Indigo pat Neon's shoulder.
“Yeah yeah, I'll be more careful next time new girl.”
“Starlight.” Indigo corrected.
“Right. Starlight.”
“Hit the showers, Neon. You're lucky she's nice. I'd have had you run laps at practice if she was hurt.” Indigo smirked.
“Geez. It was an accident!” He groaned as he walked away.
“He's not so bad. Sorry about that.”
“Oh, it's okay...thank you for sticking up for me…”
“Sure thing, Spazlight.” She teased, mussing her hair. “Lets go change.” She turned, heading towards the locker rooms.
“You're already friends with Indigo? That's pretty good.” The girl beside her noted.
“It just kinda happened…”
“Indigo's crew is famous in the school...they basically told the last principal to shove it and got her fired. Since then they've been trying to make the school less...competitive.” She stood.
“Is that good?”
“Yeah. Though it doesn't change much for me. I'm still studying when I'm not forced to be in other classes. So I don't really see the change outside of forced interaction.”
“What's your opinion on them..?”
“Technically we're all shadow bolts at this school...but they claim ownership of the title. So...the Shadow Bolts...are...well they can be a lot to deal with...but it seems they're pretty genuine in what they set out to do, especially since they came back from the friendship games a few months back.”
“So they're cool?”
“In a manner of speaking. Though their social standing shouldn't...oh.” She adjusted her glasses, realizing her mistake. “Yes. They are 'cool’.”
“Awesome. Thanks.” She stood to follow her.
A quick shower and change, she returned to the halls, Indigo walking with her.
“Drop your junk for lunch that way you don't have to lug around your bag.”
“You raise a good point.” Starlight opened her locker, tossing her bag in and following her now.
“For a place this fancy, the food is only just okay. Maybe we can set a day and sneak out to get some good stuff.”
“Can we leave school grounds during hours?”
“Of course not! Doesn't mean we don't do it sometimes.” She shrugged.
“Isn't your standing as one of the best athletes dependent on you not getting suspended or expelled?”
“Ugh, you sound like Sunny.” She playfully groaned as they pushed the doors open. They joined Sour, Sunny and Lemon in line.
“Sugarcoat does know it's lunch time, doesn't she?” Sunny asked.
“I'll text her.” Indigo took her phone out, pressing a few buttons and put it back in her pocket.
“What'd you say?” Sour asked.
“‘Come eat, nerd’.” She chuckled.
“You're the worst.”
“Hey new girl, who's your favorite band?” Lemon asked excitedly.
“Uh...well…”
“C'mon, no shame in the jam game.”
“Well, I still really like An Alchemical Romance.”
“Really? That's awesome! You don't seem the type.”
“Oh, well…” She chuckled. “Y'know...everyone has that bit of a troubled teen in them.” She said.
“Totally. I love their sound...especially from third album.”
“Really? No love for their original stuff, before they hit it big?” She asked, having initially liked the first album's sound just as much.
“Well I appreciate how their sound changed over time. Their early stuff is great, don't get me wrong, but “Sweet Revenge” is probably my favorite set of their songs...er, “Parade” is also...oh no and then “True Lives” aw man. I like more of their stuff than I thought!”
“That's a good thing though!” Starlight said, the two going into a more in-depth discussion about their favorite songs from the band.
“Officially the best of my friends.” Lemon said, an arm around Starlight now, looking at her other friends.
“Rude.” Indigo said flatly.
After a few minutes another girl joined them, the bespectacled girl from earlier giving Starlight a once over. “New friend?” She asked.
“Yeah. She's pretty cool.”
“Have you stopped blocking doors with your panic attacks?” She asked the newcomer.
“What?” Indigo asked, looking between them.
“Not exactly. I just haven't needed to find out since this morning.” Starlight admitted.
“Oh, so you two met.”
“In the vaguest sense of the word, we became aware of one another's existence, yes.”
“Starlight.” Said girl offered with a nervous smile.
“Sugarcoat. A pleasure.” She responded, though her tone and facial expression made it seem like it was anything but.
“Likewise.”
“I see the others have taken to you. So I will attempt to as well.”
“R-Really?”
“All I ask is you understand that I am very honest. It's something I'm working on toning down.” She admitted with a shrug. “I'll most likely say something hurtful. Don't be fragile and learn that I don't mean to hurt your feelings and we'll get along.” She adjusted her glasses. “Your hair is a mess by the way.”
“Oh...o-okay. Ah...it is?”
“You look like you normally wear a hat of some kind. People have probably been laughing about it all morning.” She turned to face the front of the line.
“Greeeeeaaaat…”
“She's being nice.” Indigo chuckled. “She can be much worse.”
“I can hear you.” Sugarcoat said over her shoulder.
The athlete shrugged, Sunny elbowed her gently.
They got their trays and took their seats. Starlight looking around the group. She thought for a moment, wondering who to address first...lunch was typically a good time to get to know classmates.
“How have you been doing so far?” Sunny asked before she could make up her mind.
“Oh. It's been okay. Aside from maybe PE.” She frowned softly.
Sunny gave Indigo a look. “I thought you said you had her.”
“I did! Neon caught her when I was unaware, but I handled it, I swear!”
“What happened?” Sour Sweet asked, frowning.
“I got rocked in dodgeball. He has a strong throwing arm.”
“That little…” Sour clenched her hand, Lemon placing a calming hand on her shoulder.
“Its okay. I got him back.” Indigo said. “And made him apologize.”
“Good.” The shorter girl huffed. “Don't let anyone get away with giving you crap. Got it?”
“I-okay?” Starlight held her hands up, confused at the sudden anger.
“Neon used to be much worse. Indigo had to put a stop to that...now they have a somewhat friendly rivalry.” Sugarcoat supplied. “But they've come to blows before. Once over how he treated Sour.”
“What did he do?”
The girls looked to Sour as if looking for permission.
“I have...a condition.” She said quietly. “I see people for it…and that cunt said some stuff like I was a freak for needing help.” She crossed her arms.
“I understand…” Starlight frowned. “I'm seeing a therapist.” She admitted. “For uh...the reasons I mentioned earlier.” She looked to Sunny and Indigo. “I'm working through some stuff of my own, but I know for sure. It's not a bad thing to get help.”
“Right..?” Sour smiled a little, “at least someone else knows what it's like…”
“It can wear on you. Trust me. I get it.”
“Huh. Seems you fit in well enough.”
“Thanks Sugarcoat.” She smiled.
***
Lunch passed and the next few classes were uneventful. Starlight met with her new friends as they walked to the lockers after their last class of the day.
"So, Star, wanna hit the town? We can get some actual food." Indigo offered.
"Huh? Oh, sure."
"Plus you can see Sugarbabe flounder in front of Pinkie." Lemon added, earning the sharpest of glares from the blunt girl.
"You should stop talking. Now."
"Just ask her out, dude. I promise it'll go well." Lemon nudged her.
"Oh...I guess we should bring that up. You aren't one of those closed minded types, are you?" Indigo asked.
"Not really?" She shrugged. "I don't get the big deal about that kinda stuff. Never really had an interest in dating."
"Like at all?" Lemon asked, surprised. "You could probably land any dude you wanted."
"I guess." She shrugged. "I just...haven't really been interested."
"And that's okay too." Sunny smiled. "We just didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
"What do you mean?" Starlight asked.
"Sunny and Indigo are dating." Sugarcoat said simply, earning blushes from both girls.
"You could at least let one of us say it…" The sporty girl pouted, arms crossed.
"You were taking too long." She shrugged, walking past them.
Sunny sighed. "Well, now that that's out of the bag…" She shot a glance at her friend. "You don't have any issues, do you?"
"Not really, no. That's actually pretty sweet." Starlight smiled.
Lemon nudged Sour gently.
"Uh…" She opened her mouth, but closed it moments later.
"Thanks for not being a dick about it." Indigo chuckled, handing something over to Sunny.
The blue skinned girl smiled up at the athlete, reaching behind her neck to connect the pair of goggles she was given. They hung loosely around her neck.
"Thank you, dear."
"Of course." She put her arm around her shoulders. "C'mon, before Sugarcoat gets out...she'll bitch about us taking forever…" She chuckled, walking ahead as Sunny put her arm around her waist.
Sour rubbed her arm, looking down before following after them, sparing a glance to Lemon, who only smiled softly.
"She'll get there." Lemon chuckled, looking to Starlight. "You set?"
"Yeah. Let's get going." She closed the locker door, the two running out to meet up with their friends.
***
Inside Sunny's car sat Indigo and Sugarcoat. Lemon waved her to follow to her own car, Sour Sweet already opening the passenger door. "Ride with me, check the new wheels!" Lemon said excitedly.
"Looks awesome. You don't mind me riding with?"
"Nah. Hop in. Let's go!"
Starlight climbed in with her new friends, Lemon glancing in the rearview. "So, haven't been on the market or just not interested?" She asked, looking back to the road as she followed Sunny.
"Huh? Oh. The dating thing. I guess I just haven't been interested." She admitted.
"That's cool." The driver shrugged, glancing to Sour. "How are you doing today?"
"I'm alright." She answered. "Things haven't gotten bad lately."
"That's great news." She grinned as they turned into a parking lot in front of a small diner. "Star, we're gonna find you a date." She added, hopping out of the car.
"Wha? But…"
"She won't let it go unless you put your foot down." Sour said, exiting the car as well.
Starlight groaned, climbing out of the back seat. "Seriously its okay...I'm just not looking right now." She chuckled, following them into the building.
"And I, the great and powerful Trixie~ Have made your card disappear!" A blue skinned girl said loudly, drawing their attention. She wore a magician hat...which gave away who shouted pretty easily. The redhead at the table she stood beside clapped.
"That was awesome, Trixie." She smiled. The girl beside her nodded, a bit of annoyance on her face, but supportive nonetheless...her multicolored hair bobbed as she clapped as well.
"Hi Sugarcoat!" A mass of pink waved from behind the counter.
"Hi Pinkie…" the reserved girl said quietly, lifting a hand.
Starlight noted the waitress and Sugarcoat's response...before her eyes returned to the magician.
Lemon leaned in. "You okay Star?"
She bit her lip. 'Fuck...she's cute.' "Fine!" She chuckled nervously. "Let's...get out of the doorway." She stiffly walked past them to a booth.
The rocker looked between her and the blue skinned girl, a sly smirk crossing her face as she followed.
Starlight spotted the expression as she joined her at the table.
"So, magical girls, hmm?"
Starlight shrank in her seat as her friends joined her, each giving knowing looks.
"...Shit."
Author's Note
A little more about human world Starlight! Outside of her and Trixie's stories I've thrown out...not much is known aside from she was friends with both the rainbooms and the shadow bolts. This explains the latter.