Caballeron's Prize

"Hey Scootaloo! Who do you think can jump higher? Me or Sweetie Belle?" Applebloom trotted backwards skillfully along the road while talking casually. Sweetie had light bags under her eyes from a sleepless night of listening to Rarity sew frantically in the other room.

"Well earth ponies usually have better leg strength but Sweetie can carry a lot from hauling Rarity's bags on our camping trips." Scoots pondered. Her marshmallow unicorn friend too tired to show any interest in the possible competition.

"Don't mention Rarity. She was behind on three commissioned dresses and kept coming into my room and waling me up to apologize for making noise. Even though I can sleep through her sewing machine!"

The three giggled after a pause on the understanding of having crazy older siblings, turning the corner to the Ponyville Schoolhouse where Miss Cheerilee stood outside greeting students coming in.

"Good morning Miss Cheerilee!" Applebloom and Scoots greeted while Sweetie Belle seemed to chew on air with a deep yawn.

"Morning you three. I see I have to talk to Rarity again about keeping you awake Sweetie." She chuckled with a hoof to her mouth, her ears perking up as she remembered something important. "I'm alright with you napping a bit after recess Sweetie, but do try to stay awake this morning."

The purple mare looked around to make sure no other students were listening. Lowering her face to the three in a huddle almost dancing in place. "Today's going to be special, I'll be telling the class about big changes coming. Can you keep a secret?"

Sweetie blinked slower than a lazy cat with her eyebrows raised, both looking disinterested and using one hundred percent of her concentration. "You're pregnant?"

"I... No. No I am not." The teacher huffed, glancing at the gathering of students finally arriving, seeing the gathering of the student body. "Well I suppose you'll live waiting a bit longer. Class is starting soon, make your way inside!" She gleamed, leaving the three hanging as everypony made their way inside. The three fillies looked at each other oddly before making thier way into building.

Scootaloo's wing bumped into Diamond Tiara's as the collection was entering, catching her attention. "Oh hey Scootaloo, did you see that old guy yesterday?" She smirked, keeping pace with the group as Applebloom's head poked out from behind Scoots. "Old guy? Is Miss Cheerilee getting a special somepony?"

Silver Spoon followed with a snicker as she joined the conversation. "Not for lack of trying. She was gushing all over him after he left."

The five entered the classroom, being cut off by their teacher with the morning greeting. "Good morning everypony! Have a seat." She smiled. Scootaloo noticed her eyebrows not joining in the usual smile on her teachers face as she let out a sigh. "I have a big announcement, and I know some of you will be heartbroken to hear it. I'm taking the rest of the year off to go help with shortage of teachers over in Appleoosa."

"WHAT?!" Sweetie's shrieking voice shook the windows as the bags under her bloodshot eyes disappeared. The other students taking in the news with different reactions.

The class went quiet as a familiar spotted colt's eyes welled up. "But who will be teaching us then?"

"Well. That's the second announcement! I'm able to now because somepony was able to fill the opening and it just so happened we found a wonderful replacement. I'd like to introduce you all to your new teacher. Would you join us?"

Scootaloo's eyes focused on the larger shape of a beige stallion who entered the room. "Where do I know him from?" She whispered to herself. She glanced up and made eye contact before quickly looking away. His throat cleared as he gave a light polite bow to the class.

"Hello students. My name is Doctor Caballeron. A mouthful I know but I hope we all get to know each other well and learn together." He smiled warmly, his eyes near closed in a wrinkled smirk as Miss Cheerilee continued with the introductions.

"Doctor Caballeron is possibly our most distinguished teacher. He's studied archeology for many years and knows a lot about Equestria's history, and really knows how to find the right spots for treasures." Cheerilee smiled giving him suggestive eyes as he glanced away with a nervous chuckle.

"Wait, you're from the Daring Do books! You're the bad guy in them!" Scoots ears perked up with the realization as Silver Spoon called him out, making him chuckle from her well read knowledge.

"Of course. A.K Yearling is a dear friend and asked if I wanted to be a character in her novels. I agreed and even helped her with my knowledge of ancient traps which made it easier for me to be a villian." He explained. Scootaloo couldn't help but feel his eyes glare over her, preventing her from interrupting from the gaze alone as he continued. "If you have any questions later, let me know. But for now, I'll return you to your teacher. Thank you for uh... Introducing me." He coughed lightly, eager to escape Cheerilee's not so subtle advances.

"Of course. Now class, I'll still be around for another week, though Doctor Caballeron will begin teaching tomorrow. To start-" Scootaloo's eyes followed the Doctor out of the room. His eyes meeting hers one last time as he gave a slight grin before closing the door behind him. "We'll be taking a trip near the Dry Bones Desert in two days!" Cheerilee finished, catching Scootaloo's attention again. "Caballeron decided it would be a good experience for you all to see what he did for a living, so I'll be sending permission slips home with you tonight and you must have them signed by parent's and turned in by tomorrow-"

"Miss Cheerilee?" Scootaloo raised her hoof.

The teacher paused and turned her focus to the orange little pegasus. "Yes we've been over this Scootaloo. Your aunt's signature works just as well since we have permission."

"Actually I need to use the restroom." She corrected her assumptions. The mare considered a moment and nodded before beginning to pass out slips from her desk.

Scootaloo trotted out the door, closing it behind her. She looked up to see Doctor Cab standing at the end of the hall, looking at trophies with his back turned. She cautiously approached and stood next to him with a frown over her eyes. "Rainbow told me you were real, and that you were dangerous. You might have everypony else fooled but not me."

His emerald gaze moved down to meet hers, lowering his head to eye level. "And I know your parents are Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood." He spoke, making her step back a moment. "Two peas in a pod those two. I had feelings for Mane back before you were born but we just didn't click like she and Snap did." He smiled, looking over Scootaloo with a chuckle. "You have her eyes."

"You knew them?" She blinked, tilting her head. Still weary but curious since they had never mentioned him.

"Your eyes? Well now I do." He gave a quick chuckle before continuing. "We were classmates, then coworkers for a bit. Small world. Now I'm teaching in their daughters class." He snickered from the thought of it, tussling her mane as she saw his face fold in a twisted smile. "I was one of the first donators of their sanctuary for animal studies." He explained, making her eyes widen with surprise. She had no idea how her idol's nemesis was tied with her own parents success. The small winged pegasi still stared untrusting daggers at him, her hair messy from the hoof as he adjusted his collar. "I genuinely hope you and I can get along. Being chased by Daring Do in temples is tiresome." He smiled a bit more genuinely. "Te veo en clase mañana, querida." (See you in class tomorrow, my dear.)

She couldn't get another word in as he left the building, feeling confused as she couldn't tell whether he was being genuine or just messing with her. She shook her head and washed up in the bathroom before returning to class, finding the permission slip on her desk. "Welcome back Scootaloo. Turn to page 70 in your textbook, we're discussing dragon fossils today."