Twilight adopts a foal. The adventures of Comet Dustby Itztli FPChaptersChapter 1 The last is the good oneChapter 2 A start with ups and downsChapter 3 Mane problemsChapter 4 An unorthodox presentationChapter 5 The school started... and the problems tooChapter 6 Problems continueChapter 7 Back in Canterlot Part 1Chapter 8 Back in Canterlot Part 2Relative calmPlummetingAscensionA master classApple timeChapter 1 The last is the good oneAuthor's Note This isn´t the first fanfic I made, but is the first that I've decides to write. The idea came one day I created an OC (Comet Dust) and I started to put him in "What if..." situations, finally getting to the idea of "What if Comet dust was Twilight's son". After that a lot of stories and crazy ideac started to come. With the time, I've crated a whole story with all de othes, and without even thinkint, I ended up fond with the character for oll i gave him of me giving him life. That's why I decided to share his story with you. I hope you like it as much as me writting it. All events in this work take place in an alternative universe, so they don't fully follow the canons an timeline of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. In this AU Twilight is already a princes and has her castle, however, the events with Lord Tirek an Starlight Glimmer never happened and it might be some variations in the personality of the characters, but I'll try to keep as close as the original. Note: Sorry, my English is not the best. Actually, it isn't my native language, so it may be some parts where my sintax is wron, but im making my best to write as best as posible. Plus, this help me to improve. If there's a part where I made a mistake, please tell me, I'll try to fix it, after all, I'm still learning. So, enjoy it. Chapter 1 The last is the good one “Comet Dust, please report to the interview room”. Someone called through the megaphone, hoping it would be heard by whoever they were looking for. A few minutes passed, no one appears. “Comet Dust, report to the interview room”. It was heard again throughout the building, but now with a tone of annoyance. Another ten minutes passed. Hoping they finally gave up. To his bad luck, the room’s door opened and a one of the caregivers appeared. A little overweight, pale pink fur and purple mane gathered in a bun, wearing her typical white apron with pink lace. “Comet, I’ve told you a million times don’t lock the door, besides, they´re calling you” Said the mare, knowing that he heard perfectly his name on the megaphone. However, she spoke to him in a very calm and kind mood, as she used to be. Inside a large room, in which there were two rows of five beds, there was a foal reading alone, sitting on the bed closest to the door, who even move a single muscle by the presence of the caregiver. “Hi, Cary. I´m not going. Can you tell the others? Tanks.” He said reluctantly, without even turning to look at her. “You don´t decide that.” Cary replied trying to still speaking calm. She knew very well that working with children wasn’t easy and she specially knew how difficult Comet can be at times. On several occasions, she’d gotten into trouble covering up her antics or giving in to his whims, yet this was something she couldn't give in on. “I already did it. I’ve already told you: no more interviews. I´ve had enough of those. I won´t be rejected again.” Comet replied, without even leaving the book he was looking at. “Perhaps, you haven’t had luck finding a family, but this time could be different.” She said, trying to convince him. “It’s a very important pony who is waiting for you, maybe, you could give her an opportunity…” “Cary, any pony that comes her, “surely” is someone important.” He said with a mocking giggle, downplaying his caretaker comment. Cary didn’t know how to answer in response to the foal, he actually was right. Being located in Canterlot, almost every pony who went to the institution was wealthy ponies, be they diplomats, big merchants or some public figure. Leaving the mare without her best weapon to convince the foals. “So, if that’s all you’ve have to say, you can go. Please lock the door when you leave.” He said proudly. The comment upset Cary a lot. She was already too busy taking care of the other foals on her own to bear with Comet. “I didn’t come here to argue with you.” She replied authoritarian. “So, get ready and come down, now.” “No.” He answered sharply, thinking that she was just bluffing. Comet knew he was putting his hooves on the fire, being the foal who was stayed the longest time in the orphanage, he knew perfectly each caregiver, how to deal with them and how far he could get and Cary wasn’t the exception. She was calm and patience almost every time, but, she was the kind of pony you didn't want to make upset, however, he can’t afford to lose this battle, so he tokes the risk. Without saying another word, the mare started to glow his horn, with a clearly angry face. “¡Hey!” Comet yelled when Cary pull him out of the room by his ear, taking him with all and book. “I tried to be nice, I wanted you to come for the good, but you didn’t listen, you leave me no choice” She scolded him while she was trying to comb his hair without success to make him look more presentable. “Now, stay still.” Comet just grumbled under his breath, following the same route he’d traveled back and forth numerous times. The path that every foal in that place do with a smile, he did it reluctantly. His enthusiasm had gone since the tenth time he walked in the same direction. He hated to have to do the same old charade again. A couple of would ponies arrive, they would sit in the interview room waiting for Comet, they would look at him with contempt just the moment he entered the room, they would talk a little pretending to be interested in him, and then, leaving saying that they would think about it and never be seen again. The only thing that comforted him and stopped him from being arguing with Cary was his book, which he had already read at least five times before, but, at least, it would be more interesting than the fifteen to twenty minute chat with the arrogant visiting pony and, by the way, avoided adding fuel to the fire with Cary. “We´re here. I’m very sorry for the delay, the interview tokes him by surprise and he was getting ready.” Cary said when she opened the room’s door with a forced smile, taking the responsibility for the inconvenient that Comet had caused, again, hoping that the pony that was there wasn’t too upset. “Don’t worry, I understand how nervous foals can get in this situation, so, there’s no problem” Answered gently the voice of a mare, which Comet didn’t bother to put his book down to see. “Uff… What a relief.” Cary muttered. “Well, I´ll leave you alone, so you can know each other. Be good, Comet.” She said the last thig under her breath with a threatening tone to Comet, who just gave her a disgusted look. Cary closed the door, giving a sigh behind it, wishing Comet good luck, like other times before. She was the one who accompanied Comet to all of his interviews and she hated the deception and frustration in the eyes of the foal every time he got rejected. She understood perfectly why Comet didn’t want to come back to that room, but she would hate more if Comet never gets a family, she couldn’t never forgive herself. Comet had been in the orphanage for six years, most of the foals who arrived there didn’t last more than twelve months before being adopted, thanks to the good reputation the pace had, in addition to being under the supervision of Princess Celestia herself, like many other ones she had inaugurated throughout all of Equestria; he had exceeded the average length of stay at the institution, and as much as she had grown fond of him, she knew it was time for him to leave. The room was very cozy. It was a small room, with a couple of puffs under a window through which a lot of sunlight came in; in the middle, there were a little table with its chairs, painted in different colors, the decoration was very cheerful. There were some story books and coloring books near some crayons in a corner, and there were toys spread over the entire room. On a small table, in one corner, there was a phonograph, which Comet never find out if it worked since he had never used it. “Let´s finish with this as far as we can, all right?” Comet said suddenly, in the moment Cary closed the door, moving toward one of the puffs as far away from the visiting pony as possible. The mare was stunned. She never expected that kind of reaction from a foal she even hasn’t seen, the book he was holding covered him completely. But that wouldn’t be enough to take away her optimism. “You must be Comet Dust; I’ve heard a lot of you.” She said with enthusiasm. “Mmm… I see.” He answered indifferently, trying to be the as rude as possible to, whoever this was, would leave as quickly as possible. The mare couldn’t understand the foal’s attitude. She sat down on the puff next to Comet’s, unsure if the reaction of the foal it was a signal that he doesn’t like her. “I’ve heard that you’re very independent, you like to read a lot and you’ve learned how to use magic by yourself…” The mare said, trying to find a topic to start a conversation. “Thanks to telling me things about myself that I already know…” He interrupted her sarcastically, making the mare even more nervous. She didn’t know how to act in that situation. She knew that some foals could get nervous o timorous and she prepared herself for that, but she never expected such a show of apathy. Still, something inside her told her not to give up, that she must keep trying. “Could you, at least, let me see you?” She asked gently. “It’s kind of awkward speaking to a book.” “Why does she insist so much? Didn’t she get the message?” Comet thought. Comet turned with weariness, hoping that if he gave her a disdainful look, she would go away. “Agh… Ok.” He said while he was putting his book down to see the stranger. “I don’t know what do you expect this would do but… P-P-Princess!” He yelled in surprise, hiding the left side of his face immediately. What was SHE doing there? Cary told him that it was an important pony, but he thought it was another haughty rich pony from Canterlot, not that he would be in front of the Princess of Friendship herself, Twilight Sparkle. “Now you made it big, Comet.” Thought the colt. “Princess, I’m… I’m very sorry for what I said… I-I shouldn’t have…” Comet stammered crestfallen, unable finding the words to apologize. “…knowing it was you… I never…” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” Comet said al last, thinking that he just made a fool of himself in front of the princess. “Don´t worry about that, it´s not a big deal.” She answered giving him a very nice smile, while the colt was trying desperately to hide his face from her. She thought it was for the shame. “It´s not necessary to call me princess, you can call me Twilight.” “Ok, Miss Twilight.” Comet answered. “Just Twilight. ”she said with a giggle. Comet didn’t understand what was happening. He’d behave in such a rude way towards one of the highest authorities of Equestria and the only thing he would hope would be an exemplary punishment, however, the princess was calm and understanding. That the princess was who had come to look for him was a surprise, but, the fact that she wasn’t furious at his attitude was another bigger. “What are you doing here, Prince… Twilight?” He asked fearful. “What do you think I’m doing here?” Twilight answered kindly with another question, seeing that the colt, although fearful, finally dare to chat. “Are you coming to teach a magic or friendship class?” “You might think that, but if that was the case, the other foals would know I’m here, plus I wouldn’t be in this room with you.” “So, are you coming to see the place?” “Sort of…” “And, why did you were looking for me for?” Comet asked, still hiding part of his face, but with a face that reflected nervousness. “Is there any problem?” Asked Twilight a little confused by the colt’s sudden change of attitude. “It’s just that there are another foals that you will surely like more than me.” He answered sadly. “Why wouldn’t I like you?” Twilight asked even more confused. “Because I’m the oldest here.” He lied. “That doesn’t make any sense, why I wouldn’t like you because of your age? There must be another reason for you to think that.” “It’s just that it’s always been like this.” Comet said on the verge of tears in a barely perceptible murmur, but one that Twilight heard. “I don’t understand, what has always been like this” “The ponies…” “What happen with the ponies?” “…They don’t like me because I’m… different” He said with teary eyes and a brittle voice. “But, every pony it’s different, that’s what makes us unique, even you and me, just because you’re different doesn’t necessary mean that they don’t like you…” “No, Princess, you don’t understand…” “I know that meeting another ponies can be scary, but if you give them a chance and give yourself a chance, you’ll see that the impression you though they had of you is not true…” “I know that, what I’m trying to say is…” Comet said, increasingly frustrated that the princess wasn’t listening to him. “I understand that you’re nervous and because of that you thought that hiding behind a book was a good idea, believe me, I know for experience, but if you put the book aside and just relax…” “Princess…” “You just have to be yourself…” “LOOK AT ME!” He yelled, throwing the book away hard. Annoyed, frustrated, sad to know how this would end. A sea of emotions that was only expressed in a weak cry and a slight sob, as he stood in front of Twilight. Twilight was speechless, more from Comet's outburst than her appearance, which was what Comet wanted her to notice. “You wanted to know me?! Well, here I am!” He screamed between tears “Now you know what I am! A monster!” Comet started crying, venting all the accumulated frustration, anger and sadness from the many times he had been rejected by a family or another foals who just saw him without even taking the time to meet him. Twilight was saddened to hear Comet´s self-loathing words. Just thinking on all the times he had to endure the jokes, insults and the nicknames the others gave him, to think that he was a monster himself, that he didn't deserve a family or love, it caused a lump in her throat. Although the appearance of the colt was similar to that of many other, it could be noted that the little one suffered from a medical condition. His grayish blur fur was stained with large white patches, which would be anything out of the ordinary, were it not be for the fact that the affected areas were so pure white, that it seemed to have no color; perhaps, in fact, it would be say that it was transparent, even Rarity couldn’t compete with such clean white; in addition, the hair in that areas grown longer and shaggy than normal, resembling more of a scratchy beard than the soft and smooth coat that ponies possessed. One of the white spots that’s crossed the left side of the foal´s head and face, just the one he covered with the book, affected his horn, leaving it half grayish blue, half white; a part of his mane, turning it into a tangle of stiff white hair; and also his eye, taking away its natural orange color, as his other eye, from a milky blue that affected even de pupil. Twilight, without knowing what to do or what to say to help him, just took the colt in his hooves and hugged him, trying to comfort him. After all, at first he’d hidden behind that façade of disinterest, deep down there was a little foal, insecure and scared of what might result from that encounter. “I can’t see any monster.” Twilight said tenderly once Comet had calm down a bit, who just keep quiet, letting out a slight sob “Here, you should clean yourself.” She said making pop in front of him a tissue. Comet did what Twilight said, still in her arms. He didn’t want to get out from the safety that that warm hug gave him. “I’ll tell you what I see.” She continued. “I see a colt, like many others and like many others, deserves a family.” Comet got out of Twilight’s arms, looking at her with hopeful eyes. Wishing those words would steer the conversation in the direction he believed. “Tell me, would you like to come home with me?” She finally asked. The moment Twilight said those words, the eyes of the colt were filled with joy and happiness and huge smile was drawn on his face. After so many years trying and dozens of unsuccessful interviews, it was happening. Finally, some pony had accepted him, asking the question he had long been waiting to hear. The tears start to welled up in his eye again, but these were different, they weren’t loaded with sadness and anger, on the contrary, there were the kind of tears every pony wanted to see, of pure happiness. Driven by it, Comet jumped again toward Twilight, rounding her neck with his arm, as a show of affection to the only pony who hadn’t flown away from his strange appearance, the only one who had gave him a chance. “Thank you…” Was the only thing Comet could say, burying his face in his new mother’s fur. Comet woke up. A little dizzy. He couldn’t recognize the place where he was at first. As his body was waking up and his mind was slowly clearing, he remembered the dream he had, the same that had repeated some nights before. All that happened a little less than a week ago and he still couldn’t believe that that really happened. But he was there, lying on a makeshift bed in one of the many rooms of Twilights castle. Woke up every morning after that dream, remembering how he had met the Princess of Friendship and she had accepted him in her life, was the happiest thing in his life. However, he wasn’t very sure what happened after that, all he could remember was some fragments and scenes. He remembered how bored he was when Twilight was filling the paperwork, the envious glance his partners had when they saw him leaving with the Princess and, above all, being hugging Cary. She was crying, the fact that she had to say goodbye to the colt she had taken care all those years made her sad, although she was happy too, because Comet finally had found a family which will love him as much as she did. Thinking in Cary made him a little sad, he knew that she was happy wherever she was in Canterlot, but having to say goodbye hadn’t been easy at all, after all, she was the pony who Comet had gotten to be closest with, she practically had raised him, she knows him and understands better than any pony. She was who, actually, had taught to use magic, though she liked to say that he had learned by himself. He got up from the bed, ready to go downstairs to the dinner room, Twilight and Spike must had been there an d he didn´t want to be late for breakfast. Before he closes the door, he gave a quick look to his only properties he had taken with him, a little book of basics spells Cary gave him, an alarm clock with the form of an parasprite and, on a box next to his bed, kept with love, a photograph of him next to Cary and the other caregivers from the orphanage, taken the same day he left to Ponyville with his new family. Chapter 2 A start with ups and downsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 3 Mane problemsChapter 3. Mane problems. After spend the resto of the morning buying at Ponyville’s Market, with a hidden Comet every time they got close to a stand, although, not as nervous as before, they made a little stop at Sugarcube Corner to rest a little bit, eat something and, perhaps, dink a milkshake. Twilight was amazed with Comet’s magic ability. Although his short age, he could easily carry several of the bags and boxes they carried with theirselves, some quite heavy, just with the force of his horn. Remembering Cary told her that Comet had learned by himself. “Yeah, she liked to say that”. Comet answered with an unconvinced tone when Twilight told him about it. “Actually, she helped me a bit. She told me the basics to cast a simple spell, the rest, I deduced it by myself”. “Then, why did she say you leaned by yourself?” Twilight asked in dismay. “I don’t know. I guess she tried to amazed the prospective parents”. He answered trying to not giving to much importance. “… or maybe she thought she hadn’t taught me well”. “I see. How may spells do you know”. “Not many. There weren’t too much places where I could practice, so I’ve only learned the basic ones; levitation, teleporting and manipulating objects; nothing any other pony can’t do”. “It’s true. But, not many ponies of your age cold carry so many objects and so much weight, it requires a lot of concentration”. “I spent a lot of time on my own in my bedroom, practicing with my partners’ beds. It’s easy to concentrate when no pony bothers you”. “On your own? What about your friends?” Twilight asked, thinking she knew the answer. “The majority of the other foals just bothered me or avoided me, also, many of them leaved a few months later since them arrive, so, it didn’t make any sense make friends if they weren’t going to last”. “Then, you didn’t make any friends?” “Not really. Actually, the pony I became to talk the most was Cary. The rest didn’t want to stay with me, thus the books and the magic were my only company”. “I’m so sorry. I know how hard could be being alone” “You don’t have to. Over the time I got used to not needing the company from the others. Although, sometimes…” Comet interrupted himself when momentarily he turned to the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, when a group of fillies entered laughing into the bakery. Twilight, noticing that, told Comet to go to talk to them. That would be a great opportunity to start with friendship. Comet flatly refused, claiming that was only going to cause the same thing to happen as many time, mockery and rejection by his contemporaries. For that, he preferred to be alone. He didn’t need friends. Twilight sighed resigned. She knew how important friends were and even more in a foal’s life, but, Comet had his point to avoid get close to somepony. His previous experiences worked against him and Twilight couldn’t force him to talk to anyone if he didn’t want it. The better was, by the moment, leaving the topic aside and giving Comet time to get used to the life in Ponyville and let him to make friends when he would be ready, at the moment, she would have to wait. “Did you learned any other spells besides of the basic ones?” She asked, returning to the previous topic, being something Comet seemed to be interested in, and that would work to not make him tense. “Umm… well… I learned how to dememorized some pony… Oh, and I can make some illusions and holograms”. He said a little proudly of himself, feeling flattered by Twilight by showing interest in his magic abilities, making him forget about friends and friendship. “Wow. That’s very impressive, I would never imagine…” Twilight stopped, and started thinking a little about what he just heard, hoping it would be just a misheard. “What did you say? Again”. She said with a nervous voice. “Eh?... Oh, I can make some illusions and holograms, wanna see them? They aren’t very good yet but with a little of… “No, no, no, the other. What was the other thing you said?” “Oh, I know how to dememorized somepony”. He said again proudly and a little excited. “But, I can only erase specific memories about an event, object or situation. Also, I tried to make a pony sleep in sometime, but it didn’t work very well, the pony started meowing and acting like a cat for a whole week, I guess I made a mistake on…” Comet was so abstracted in his own thoughts he didn’t noticed the horror face Twilight was making, just from hearing he knew how to use one of the direst spells that existed. There were few ponies who could use dememorizing spells and for that a special ability was needed in legilimency, being so, how a pony of that age could use such dangerous magic. “How is that you can do that? When did you learn it?” She asked a little frightened. “A few months ago in the Canterlot library. I sneaked into the restricted section and toke the first book I found, it was one about spells of the mind or something like that; it explained with detail how to cast them, I started for the easiest one, I think it was called Momemtum Obliviscetur...” “But, you hadn’t used it on anypony, right?” She interrupted him with a vague hope the colt would mistake that knowing how to cast a spell didn’t mean he could really cast it. “Well, let’s just say that nopony remember the day I broke the hot water tube”. He said proudly. “What?! Are you crazy”. She yelled at the foal’s revelation and all the problems he would have by used that kind of magic. “Do you know how dangerous it could be?” “Nope”. He answered innocently. “They caught me and took me out of there before I could get to that part, who put the advertencies after the spells, anyway? I was lucky they didn’t expulse me from the library, they just scolded me. I suppose they thought I was too young to understand magic and took me to the children’s section. As if the “three little pigs” was a gripping read”. Saying the latter sarcastically. “And it seems little to you?” Twilight said, upset by the irresponsible way he was taking all the matter, taking Comet by surprise, he thought all the time Twilight was flattering his ability. “A pony mind isn’t something you could play as your wish. Those spells are restricted for a good reason. If you erase the wrong memory the results could be disastrous, it isn’t something to rake careless. I don’t want you to use that spell anymore, that kind of magic is forbidden. Besides, how did you know what memory erase?” “Don´t worry, Cary made me promise the same when she found out. And, about knowing what memory erase, I just concentrated in erase the memory I knew they knew. I don’t know how to read minds, Twilight, I´m only six years old, that magic is way too advanced”. Twilight couldn’t help but do an expression of wonder and disbelief of how absurd that heard coming from the pony who learned to use a dememorizing spell after read once about it, a basic one, true, but it was something Twilight never could do and Comet had used it more than once. “Besides, Twilight, that kind of magic isn’t forbidden, not if you know how to use it. The laws only state that it should be used with caution”. He added, giving Twilight a malicious and playful glance, getting up of his seat going to toss the trash of his food. The alicorn couldn’t help but stay still as a shiver ran through his back from seeing that different look on Comet’s face. She didn’t know how to interpret what Comet just said, could be something he just added after promising he won’t use that spell or a subtle way to say that he would use it at his whim. Although, he never said he promised. “Where do we going now?” He asked, returning to his innocent and sweet expression, waking up Twilight from her thoughts, confusing her even more by his sudden change of mood. It was that innocence which made what he said before even creepier. “Ah… With Rarity”. She answered, shaking her head, thinking she was just overthinking the matter. “We need her to help you with that”. She said pointing the stick still stuck on his hair, making look he has two horns instead of one. The road to Rarity’s house was very calm, being sited in a low-traffic area of Ponyville, Comet hadn’t problems relaxing, he even dares to play around Twilight a bit, getting a few feet away from her when something called his attention. They got into a peculiar building of two or three floors height, adorned in a very feminine and showy way with crystals, gems and some mannequins on the higher parts simulating a carousel, like the ones in the fairs. “Hello?” Twilight called a little confused to see there was nopony in there, even though the signboard in the door said it was open. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how can I hel…?” Said a unicorn of white fur, stylized purple mane and blue eyes, speaking in an elegant and pompous tone of voice. “Ah, Twilight, I´m glad you are here. Sorry about the mess, I’ve been a little busy lately. Did you arrive from Canterlot today?” Comet felt curious about the familiarity the mare talked to Twilight, unlike the other ponies they met that day, who always spoke in a very respectful way and referred to her as “Princess”” “Hi, Rarity”. She returned the greeting while both of them hugged each other. “Actually, we arrived a few day ago, but we were a little busy, so I couldn’t visit you earlier”. “Well, It seem both of us had a lot of work this days”. Rarity giggled. “Wait, ¿we? If I remember, Spike didn’t go with you. “No”. Twilight said with a nervous giggle, containing the excitement of telling her the good news. “Rarity, let me introduce you to Comet Dust”. She said moving aside to uncover Comet. Rarity, just stood there, confused. She didn’t understand why Twilight was introducing her to somepony who wasn’t there. “Twilight, is this a kind of joke?” She said, confused. “Because I don’t get it”. “What? No. It´s not a joke”. She replied confused as well by Rarity’s answer, turning to where she thought comet would be. “Comet! Where are you? She said searching for the foal. “I’m right here”. He answered a little confused, being standing, literally, next to both of two of them. Surprising them. “There you are”. Twilight said, excited. “Comet, I want to introduce you to my friend Rarity, the best fashionista in Ponyville. Rarity, he is Comet Dust”. Twilight approached a nervous Comet to her friend. He tried to trust in her, since she was friends with his mother, trying to give her a slightly forced smile. The moment Rarity saw him, she dramatically screamed, for Twilight surprise, although not for Comet. He expected that reaction from almost everypony he would met. “Darling, what happen to your hair?” Rarity said immediately after scream, confusing him. Of all things she could had screamed for, even the most obvious, she did it for the hair. Leaving Comet with an expression of “Are you serious?” in his face. “It’s just a little tangled and messy”. Comet replied, still confused at the mare’s unexpected reaction. “Comet, darling, Twilight’s mane is a little tangled and messy…” “Hey…” Twilight replied a little offended by her friend’s comment. “…this is a disaster”. Rarity answered Comet comment. “That’s why we came here. We need your help”. Twilight said. “Well, you came to the right place. I’m not going to allow a colt like him to walk around looking that way”. She answered heroically. Rarity started to get a lot of brushes, combs and hair products from a little room next to the lobby they were, which one she used as her store, and finally, she carries with herself a pair of scissors, a hair dryer and some towels. “Tell me, Twilight, who’s this charming little gentlecolt?” She asked while she was accommodating some stuff she will going to work with. “Is it a relative of yours?” Charming little gentlecolt? Did Comet heard well? It was the first time somepony called him in that kind –and corny- the moment they knew each other, even Twilight had been surprised a little, but this mare has accepted him without even judged him, who would do that? “Well, yeah. Something like that”. Twilight said, making Rarity guess it. “Is he a kind of distant cousin or nephew?” She asked again a little confused by his friend’s strange answer. “Nope”. Twilight answered playing with her. “Then, who is he, Twilight?” Rarity replied, a little annoyed at her friend’s tricks. “Well, it could be say that he is my son”. Twilight answered with a big smile on her face as she pulled Comet closer to her, also happy just because Twilight said she was his mother. In that moment, all the objects Rarity was levitating fell due to her loss of concentration at the surprising news. “Ah… ¿What?” That was the only thing Rarity could say, trying to process what she had just heard. “Well, he is not my son, my son…” Twilight explained, not noticing Rarity wasn’t paying attention to her. “This is a joke, right, Twilight? When did it happen? Who’s his father?” Asked Rarity hysterically. “What? No. Rarity, he is not my son”. Both ponies, Comet and Rarity, tuned in surprised at Twilight by his new affirmation, realizing the mistake she made in her choice of words. “But, you said he was your son…” Rarity said, very confused. “Yes, I did”. “I… think I’m confused”. Rarity said not understanding a single word. “Me too, and I was there”. Comet agreed. “He is not my biological son”. Twilight explained, thinking better her words. “I adopted Comet in Canterlot a few days ago”. “You didn’t’ tell us anything about it, I thought you went to Canterlot on royal business”. Rarity said, offended by the fact that her friend hadn’t told her about such an important decision. “It wasn’t something I had planned”. She explained, for both ponies’ surprise, more for Comet, he thought that wasn’t something he didn’t want to hear. “I went to Canterlot for royal business with Princess Celestia. Luckily, we finished earlier than we thought, so I went for a walk around town. Then, I passed near the orphanage and I felt a strange sensation, like if something was calling me from the inside. First, I thought it was just my imagination, but that night, I couldn’t sleep, I still felt the calling. I don’t understand very well what happen, but it felt like something inside me wanted me to enter that place. The next morning, I decided to follow my instincts and went to the orphanage again. I talked to someponies there and stayed with a lot of foals and fillies, but any of them couldn’t calm the sensation. It was then when they took me to a secluded room, where I met Comet. I fell in love with him in the instant I saw him and, without noticing it, the sensation stopped”. She said while hugging Comet. “Thus, I decided to take him with me and rise him as my son”. Twilight finished, omitting the parts about the problems of Comet, as she thought it was something very personal end he should share them when he chooses to do it. “Aww. What a lovely story, Twilight”. Rarity said giving them a tender look. “It seems like both of you were destined to know each other”. “Perhaps”. The two ponies answered as they were looking to each other. “But, are you sure about this? Raising a foal is a great responsibility” “Absolutely. Besides, after had raised Spike, how hard a foal could be?” She said, forgetting one of the most important differences, Spike was a dragon, lonely creatures by nature and with a faster growth than a foal, also, Twilight hadn’t raised Spike by herself, she had a lot of help from his mother and Princess Celestia. “Well, Twilight, I think we can trust that you’re going to do the better for him. Even so, you know you can count on us when you needed”. “Thanks Rarity”. Twilight said with a sincere smile on her face. “Who else knows about this?” Rarity asked. “Beside you, just Spike”. Twilight answered. “I have no idea how I’m going to tell my family”. “Well, you should hurry up. Time’s over you”. Rarity indicated, returning to pick up some of the stuff she had brought with. “Now, where we were on? Ah, yes, we were about to fix up your mane, dear Comet”. “Good luck trying to”. Comet mumbled, unconvinced getting up on a chair. “Don’t challenge me, darling”. Rarity said arrogantly. “I’ve got a lot of tricks up my sleeve”. Ipso facto, Rarity sat Comet on an elegant chair as she analyzed Comet’s hair, seeing how severe it was the problem. It would seem the hair with a dark blue color wasn’t that bad, with a few brushes it will be ready, on the other hand, the white hair in the left side of his head was another matter; it looked dry, it was completely tangled and there might be other things trapped in it than just the branch. Rarity started levitating the brush near Comet´s head trying to find where she should start. She was surprised. She couldn’t imagine how careless the colt must have had to reach that state. She had been in uncountable capillary crisis before, but nothing like this one. In the meantime, Comet started to be impatient at the mare’s doubting. “It’s rare we haven’t seen Pinkie Pie in all they”. Twilight said, trying to make conversation with Rarity in a tend to not get bored. “We were through all town and she didn’t appear anywhere, even in Sugarcube Corner. At this time, she will be planning Comet’s welcome party”. “It’s true, darling”. Rarity answered, without looking away from Comet, brushing his dark blue hair. “Although that would be if Pinkie Pie were in Ponyville”. “She left?” Twilight answered concerned. “Oh, don’t worry, she will come back in a few days. She went to his family farm, a problem with parasprites if I remember. But she wasn’t the only one, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy also left. They went to Cloudsdale to visit Fluttershy’s parents, they’ll will be back for tomorrow”. She said finishing coumb the easiest hair of Comet. “That explains why I didn’t see anyone of them. What about Applejack?” Twilight asked, curious. “In the farm, working. She said they’re having a good harvest this month, so she hadn’t gone a lot to town this week”. “Wow, Rarity. You know of everything”. Twilight said with a slight mockering tone. “Well, darling, a lady has to know what happens around her, over of all if it’s about his friends and, in my job, it’s useful to entertaining the clients”. “Gossip”. Comet mumbled in the middle of a giggle, so Rarity would be the only one who heard him. Rarity blushed in embarrassment to heard the way the colt had called her. It was obvious she got all that information gossiping with other mares at town, but she’ll never accept it because it wasn’t proper from a lady. “Darling, it is not gossip, it’s more like a …”. She answered. “You don’t have to be ashamed, everypony do it, even those idle mares of high society in Carterlot”. Comet interrupted her with a sarcastic tone with the clearly intention of teasing Rarity. “You know, little one, it is rude to intrude on somepony else’s conversation”. She said trying to keep composure. “It’s a little bit hard to not intrude if I can hear everything you’re talking about. Besides, I’m just sitting here, I’m boring”. Comet claim. “Oh, don’t worry about that, darling, the fun it is just about to start”. Rarity said giving him a malicious glance, making comet felt a shiver though down his back. Maybe he had gone too far with Rarity. Then, Rarity tried to give the first brush on Comet’s mop of white hair. The moment she dug the brush bristles on his hair, it got stuck not moving an inch no matter how much Rarity pulled. “Wow, what did you put on your hair, it is completely…” Rarity stopped when she saw Twilight making her signs to keep in silence. “Ahem… you’ve got a very rebel hair”. “It grows like that… Ouch!... but just in the white patches… Ouch! It hurts!” The colt explained, complaining at the pulls Rarity was giving him, even he knew it was a little excessive for how upset Rarity was. “I’m sorry, darling”. Rarity sincerely apologized. “My brush got trapped in your hair and I can’t even pull it out”. She explained as in his voice it could be notice the struggle she was doing. “Twilight, could you help me?” The lavender alicorn united the strength of his magic with her friend’s. pulling with all of his strength the brush that Comet’s hair didn’t want to release. Clink! A crystalline sound was heard making the two of them stop pulling. When Rarity saw what was happen she almost fainted. She brought the handle of the brush to her face, though without the head. “My brush!” She yelled horrified. “I brought it from the Crystal Empire, it cost me a fortune”. “I´m sorry Rarity, I should’t have pulled so hard”. Twilight apologized, feeling guilty. “Well, there goes another one”. Comet said appearing a hologram with several groups of four lines slashed by a fifth one. Twilight and Rarity got close to Comet to see the hologram he had created, watching how he draw another one in a group of three and then disappeared it. “Another what?” Rarity asked a little annoyed. “Another brush”. Comet answered. “Say what now” Twilight said. “See this?” Comet said reappearing the hologram. This is my count of broken brushes when somepony tried to “fix” my hair. You don’t think I had my mane like this just because I liked it? I’m sorry Rarity, but I tried to warned you”. “Darling, the difference is that I don’t give up so easily. I’m not goig to let a mane beat me”. She said determinately. “Now, if strength is not enough, I will have to use heavy artillery”. She raised behind her a lot of bottles and jars of hair products with her magic, so differents that it was difficult to say what was the purpose of each one, meanwhile she looked at him with a dark glance. Comet, intimidated by the mare’s stare, tried to run away, being captured by her magic, sitting him again on the chair and starting to make an extremely perfumed mixture on the foal’s head. The time passed. Rarity had already made a good progress, all the products had managed to make Comet’s hair more malleable, making the branch and the brush finally free from their capillary prison, unfortunately, those would be the easiest to remove. Inside that tangle of hair Rarity found a crayon, a strange kind of green putty, seeds, lots of plants trash and bubble gum, which was taking her forever to clean up. It was taking so long that Twilight fell asleep on Rarity’s drama’s couch. “You have been so quite the las minutes, Comet, something is happening?” Rarity asked when she noticed how calm he was. “Eh?... I was just thinking. From all the things you could get scared at me, you did it of my mane, why?” “What do you mean, darling?” “You could be scared because the spots of my skin, my horn and my eye, the ponies always got scared when they see my eye, but, why my hair? Nopony had ever noticed before”. “Oh darling, I noticed everything you’ve said, but besides your color, you are not different from me or another pony”. Rarity explained. “It’s true that your eye is very impressing when you see it the first time, but it’s just appearance. There’ is nothing to be afraid of. But I have to admit I’ve never have seen hair like this before, It’s too… shaggy”. She said trying to not sound so rude. Working with that hair was like trying to untangle a scourer”. “It grows like that…”. Comet replied a little tired. “…but only in the white spots, the rest is normal. Also, it grows longer than the rest, so I have to constantly trim it. It’s annoying”. That explains the uneven hair strands. Rarity thought. “It’s not a big deal if you asked me”. Rarity said. “It isn’t”. Comet agreed. “The biggest problem is the eye”. He turned to Rarity so she could see it better. It was the first time he did that without fear of being rejected. “The rest is not important until they don’t see my eye”. “Like I said, it’s impressing the first time you saw it, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. I think it suit you very well, it gives you a certain distinctive”. “That wasn’t what my partners on the orphanage thought or the mare’s in the furniture store”. “Those mares, were an orange Pegasus and a minty unicorn?” Rarity asked, intuiting who he was talking about. “Yes, did you saw them?” “Oh, you don’t have to worry about them, they exaggerate everything. Twilight didn’t tell you?” “I think she mention it”. “About the other foals, I think they were afraid of something they couldn’t understand”. They continued talking a long time while Rarity continued her job on Comet’s hair. He was speaking with more fluency and quickly learned to trust in her. After hours of hair pulls, dozens of hair products and uncountable rinses, his mane was finally free of tangles. Although, it was still impossible to comb due to its rigidity, Rarity managed to make it see acceptable, trimming and matching the tips, all with the help of a powerful conditioner Zecora had given to her. It was in such good conditions now that was possible to see beneath that shaggy white hair, some thin strands of smooth and silky mint and aqua green hair, which she arrange to stand out among all that white. His tail wasn’t a big problem, the with hair on it was on the top and it was short, probably by Comet’s work, and it wasn’t as bad as his mane. “Bye Rarity, see you this weekend”. Twilight said goodbye leaving his friend’s house. It took more time than she imagined, it was evening and they have to go home for dinner, arrange furniture and stuff they bought. At least, she had managed to rest, Comet’s mane was mucho better than before and he looked happy, so it was worth it. “Remember, not a word to the girls”. “Bye, Miss Rarity ant thanks”. Comet wave his hoof. “Good bye, see you soon”. Rarity wave her hoof as well. “Don’t worry Twilight, mi lips are sealed and Comet, remember to brush your mane at least once per day so it doesn’t get tangled again”. She entered again to his home just to see the mess there was. Now she had to clean up. No matter how tired she was, she couldn’t overlook it, so she started to pick up the empty bottles and towels from the floor. Then, in the chair Comet had been sitting, she found his brush, the same one she broke when she tried to comb Comet. The foal had tried to repair it with his magic, leaving the handle a little crooked, but the intention was what counted. He left it on the chair on purpose so Rarity would find it, near a note that said “One less”. By reading it, she couldn’t help but draw a smile in her face. “What a lovely boy”. She mumbled. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here. All your reviews, comnts and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter. Chapter 4 An unorthodox presentationFour ponies entered running into the thrones room. They looked worried. None of them were very sure why they had been called so sudden. But, that was one of the reasons they though it would be important. “Twilight, when did you came back? What´s happening?”. Aked an earth pony of orange fur and blond mane. “What´s happening? Is everything ok?” Asked a blue Pegasus with rainbow mane. “I’m glad you came that quick. There’s some…” Twilight said with a serious expression as she stands of her throne. “Wait a minute Where´s Fluttershy?” A Pink earth pone interrupted. “She will be here in a few minutes Until then, I think it would be a good idea Twilight tells us what is going on”. A white unicorn answered her. “We have a very important matter on our hooves. I can’t find Spike anywhere”. Twilight continued. “What?!” The four mares screamed at same time. “How did this happen?” Rarity asked a little frightened. “We need to find him”. Applejack suggested. “I don’t know. This morning, when I woke up, he was already gone… and last night, I’ve heard some noises… I-I think, somepony entered the castle”. She answered concerned. “That´s impossible, who would do that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I-I… Now what? “Twilight couldn’t finish because in that moment, every light turned off. “Did you remembered to pay the light bill this month, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. “I can’t see anything”. Applejack said. “It’s midday, it is not supposed to…” Twilight’s voice got interrupted by an unknown reason and, instead, a desperately muffled shout was heard. “Twilight!” Pinkie Pie screamed. “Twilight, are you all right?” Applejack asked. Twilight didn’t response. The four mares started to freaking out. None of them couldn’t see anything, but they all expected the worst to happen. Then the lights turned on again, revealing their greatest fears. Twilight was gone. “What just happen?!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “How could this happen? We all were here” Applejack said with wide eyes. “Didn’t you feel anything with your Pinkie sense?” Rarity asked. “No, nothing at all”. Pinkie said in panic. The four friends didn’t know what to do. Suddenly, a new sound putted them on alert. It was like a pounding and a whining coming behind one of the doors. Cautiously, they approached to the door, each one in a position so they could jump on whoever was the guilty. Nopony messed with her friend. They count 1, 2, 3 and… “Spike!” They shouted when they saw the little dragon tided up and gagged behind the door. He was struggling against his ties. Watching with fear to his four friends with fierce looks in their eyes. They quickly took the litthe dragon and freeing him of the ropes that impeded his movement and the handkerchief that prevented him to emit any sound. “Spike, we were so worried about you. Where were you? What happen?” Rarity said exaggerating his voice like she was about to start crying. “Quick, you gotta get out of here!” Spike warned them in panic. “Why? What is happening?” Applejack asked worried. “Who is responsible for this?” Rainbow Dash said pretending to be brave. “I don’t know. Last night, when I was about to go sleep, someone attacked me from behind and dragged me to nowhere and…” He interrupted to himself. “Oh no, Twilight! We have to warning Twilight! “She’s already caught”. Pinkie yelled hysterical. “What?!” Spike yelled terrified to notice he was too late. “Oh no, if he already has her, that just mean that… We need to get out of here! As fast as possible!” The little dragon said as he pushed his friends to the exit. “But… What about Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked not wanting to leave a friend behind. “There’s no time!” He growled. “Hurry! It won’t take long for him to notice I’ve escape!” At the time he just finished to say that, all the doors slammed shut. Locking everyone in the room. “Oh no, he caught us!” Spike screamed. “I can’t open it!” Rainbow said trying frantically to open the door to the exit. “I can’t either!” Applejack screamed helping her friend. “It´s useless! This is the end! We all are going to…” Spike said fatalistically. The light started to flashing, now faster than the last time and irregularity. Taking the four mare by surprise, frightening even more with every second. Twilight was the only one with the most powerful magic among them, without her, they feel helpless at whatever was happening. “This is the part in horror movies when the killer appears…” Pinkie said, thinking aloud. “Shut up Pinkie! Rainbow Dash indicated her, fearing by the comment of the pink pony. “I’m not afraid of you! Come on and fight like a pony!” She said Punching the air with his hooves, trying to show more courage than she was feeling. “NO. HELP ME…” Spike screamed, disappearing in a second they just turned to Rainbow, leaving the scratches of his claws in the floor. “SPIKE!” They shouted. The light started to flashing even faster. They even hadn’t had time to process what just happen when a second shout was heard, now from Rarity, who disappeared as fast as Spike before. Leaving the three remaining ponies perplexed by losing two of their friends is just few seconds, terrified of being the next. All the courage Rainbow could have felt in that moment, fade. Making her returning to the other two, getting as closer as possible to feel more safety. A lot of noises started to be heared in the room, like if something was trying to get out of the floor, breaking it and crawling under it. The flashing and dimed light blinded them, confusing them. The only they can see were shades swirling around them. They started to step back, getting back to back, very close from each other, fearing that was the end, as the sound of broken stuff, collapsing or being destroyed by an unknown force they couldn’t see were even harder every second. Then, they heard a sound behind them, very close. This wasn’t like the others, this one was more like a bump, like if someone just landed behind them. Shaking in fear, they turned to see what was that they had behind. What they saw freeze them up. In front of them, there was a shadow, staring at them with a terrifying shining white eye. They were all terrified when the shadow draws a maleficent grin on its face before it pounces on them. The three mare scream helpless, hugging each other. “GOTCHA!” Four voices shouted. Still scared and a little stunned by the experience, the open their eyes confused to see who were there with them. They were nothing more and nothing less than their friends, which were supposed to be captured. “You should see the look on your faces”. Rarity said giggling, trying to contend the laghing. At the same time, the four of them remove a kind of shadow from them with a movement of his arm. “Everything were a joke?” Applejack said shaking. “Of couse! And I may say it worked perfectly”. Spike commented, laughing, as he jumped to high five an unknown foal. Pinkie, being Pinkie, started to laugh out loud as if nothing of above was happened. “Good one, Twilight”. She said between laughs. “I didn’t expect that one”. “That is not done!”. Rainbow Dash replied. “I really got scare… worried”. She said with tears in her eyes. “I thought you were in danger”. “Are you crying?” Twilight asked mocking. “Of course not”. She shout. “Well, maybe that would teach you to not play me jokes when I am delivering an important job to Sapphire Shores”. Rarity claimed. “Or giving me dragon sneeze when I’m carrying important documents”. Spice continued. “Or when I’m in conference with Princess Celestia. Besides, Pinkie laugh at it”. Twilight said. “Pinkie laughs at all”. Rainbow answered annoyed. She knew best that her friends were right; Applejack, Pinkie Pie and her had done all that jokes to them a few weeks ago, but she didn’t expect they would payback. “And who is this?!” She said pointing at Comet, making Pinkie stop laughing, remembering about the other pony there was with them, someone she didn’t know. “It’s true! The new pony!” She exclaimed, getting closer to the foal with an incredible speed, surprising Comet and making him step back. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. You should be new in town. I know because I know everypony in Ponyville and I’ve never seen you before, and that only means that you are new here. What’s your name? Where are you from? What are you doing here in Twilight’s castle? When did you met her?” Pinkie started to asking questions to Comet far too fast to him to be capable to answer all of them. When he was about to answer one she already had asjked him another three. She just talked and talked non-stop. Comet couldn’t understand how she managed to not runout of air. “Then…” Rainbow said. “I understand you played us a joke, but what does he have to do with all of this?” “That’s true, Twilight, who is he?” Applejack agreed with rainbow, who decided to calm herself before speaking in order to prevent an outburst like Rainbow did. “Are you kidding? He planned everything”. Twilight answered. “He what?” Applejack exclaimed in surprise. The three of them, even Pinkie, turned to Twilight, amazed by her affirmation. Immediately, the same glance turned to the foal next ho them, who had an arrogant smirk in his face as he pumped up his chest proudly. “Then, who is he?” Applejack asked even more surprised, ‘case she knew Twilight wasn’t lying. “I promise I will tell you everything at time, but by the moment, you’ll have to wait”. Twilight said. “Until then, Comet, go clean yourself, it´s time for lunch”. “Ok, Twilight”. The colt answered obediently, not before giving Twilight a tender look. “I’ll go to the kitchen”. Spike said with a big smile on his face, giggling. This left the three friends open-mouthed, without understanding even a little of what was happening. First, Twilight called them for an emergency; after that, the emergency and the terrifying scenario results to be a joke she planned with Rarity and Spike; then, results that the joke was planned by a little foal they had never knew; and finally, he treated Twilight like they were very close. They didn’t know what they were missing or if all of that was a strange dream. “Um… Hi, girls. Am I late?” A soft voice broke into the room. “I got this note saying to come here at this time and…” “Fluttershy. Of course not, you are just in time”. Twilight interrupted her. Come in, Make yourself comfortable. “Oh, thanks”. She answered with her typical kindness. “Huh… What happened to you three?” She asked when she saw her friend with incredulous faces. “It´s a long story”. Twilight answered. “I´ll tell you in a moment. Could you come with me? I need help setting the table, I’m a little late. “Sure, Twilight”. Fluttershy answered cheerfully, following her friend, also being followed by Rarity. The rest stayed these, sitting on the floor, still trying to understand what just happen, everyone but Pinkie, who was thinking about the best decorations for the welcome party she would make to the newcomin. “I can’t wait to tell our friends the good news”. Rarity said very excited. “And, what do you think if we don’t tell them?” Twilight said with a mysterious air. “What do you mean, dear? “Do you remember the jokes they played to us a few weeks ago?” “How not to doing it, Rainbow Dash had so much luck Sapphire Shores was in a good mood. If she had ruined my job…” Rarity said, getting anger just to remember it. “Well, I think it is time for a payback”. Twilight said with a malicious glance. “What do you have in mind?” Rarity said interested in the idea. “I don’t know yet, but if we work together, we can…” “If you want to make a joke, I can help you with that”. Comet interrupt her. The two mares looked to each other a little unsure about Comet’s suggestion, but then, they grin thinking in giving the foal a chance, after all, who’s better to plot a mischief than a foal. “Tell us, what’s your plan?” Twilight asked him. Comet smiled machiavellically and made them a signal to get close to him. “It´s kind of difficult and it will require a lot of coordination, but if everything goes well…” He started to explained his plan. “…and that’s how all this perfectly synchronized farce arose. We had been preparing it for three days, but I think it was worth it”. Twilight happily finished narrating the story. She was sitting on the head of the table, enjoying her lunch with his friends, Spike and Comet. -So, let me get the straight, everything was an illusion?” Pinkie Pie asked amazed. “Yup”. Comet nodded. “Nothing was real. Every shade, every figure, was a trick. Everything is in knowing how to play with the shadows”. “And you did it all by yourself?” Applejack asked still can’t believing it. “Well, I had a little help”. He answered turning to look twilight. “I’m glad I wasn’t there; it must have been terrifying”. Fluttershy said, shuddering just thinking about it. “And you say it”. Applejack agreed. “You have to admit it was funny”. Pinkie Pie added. “It was a good joke”. “Well, I was not scared”. Rainbow Dash said. “Well, I have a picture that says the opposite”. Comet said showing a photograph with a terrified Rainbow Dash on it, screaming and hugging her friends. “Hey, give me that”. Rainbow dash said very blushed, flying toward Comet in a tent to take the picture, but Comet moved it before she could reach it, playing with her like one will do with a cat and a laser pointer. But disappearing it at the end. “If you dare to tell somepony about this…” Rainbow threatened. “Rainbow Dash, control yourself. He is just a foal”. Rarity scold her. “Anyway, the joke is over, why you still having make up?” She said ignoring Rarity, pointing at Comet’s eye. “It… It is not make up”. He answered lowing his head, covering his eye with his hoof. “Oh…” Rainbow said, ashamed because she knew she messed things up. “Rainbow Dash, how can you be so insensitive?” Fluttershy reproached her, looking at her disapprovingly, like the rest of her friend. “You didn’t have to making fun of him like that”. Rarity scold her again. “Don’t listen to her”. Twilight said kindly, getting closer to Comet. “Rainbow usually is very impulsive when she is upset. I am sure she didn’t mean it. The rest of her friend got closer to comet to try to comfort him. Rainbow, in the other hand, she just stared how she had become the bad guy of the story. Even though she tried to remain angry with the foal for making her look bad, she couldn’t. The only thing she only could felt was regret. She knew she was wrong, despite having spoken out of ignorance. “It is true he played us a joke…” Pinkie Pie said getting closer to Rainbow, pulling her out of her thoughts. “…, however, no one was hurt, but making fun of other, Rainbow, is not fun”. Driven by Pinkies words, Rainbow knew perfectly what she had to do. Even though that meant to swallow her pride. She flew to stand in front of Comet. “Hey, kiddo, listen”. She said to get his attention. “I’m sorry about what I said, I didn’t mean to. I really thought it was a kind of Rarity’s make up…” “Although I’m flattered, darling, there is no way I could do that”. Rarity replied. “I know that now”. She continued. “I was upset and I didn’t think about what I was doing. What I’m trying to say is… I’m sorry”. Comet listened every word Rainbow said, a little hesitating about the truth on his words, but as she continued speaking, he could notice there wasn’t any hint of falsehood on her voice, indeed she was being very honest. So, Comet looked at her with a smile on his face, nodding in agreement, indicating he accepted the apology. “What you did was so awesome”. Rainbow added in a better mood. “You did a great job with your eye there. That was really scary”. “Thanks”. Comet said sincerely, feeling proud that someone complimented his work. “I would like to ask something about your eye…” Fluttershy said. “If that doesn’t bother you, of course” “What?” Comet replied. “Can you see with it?” Everypone, except Comet, tuned to Fluttershy with a surprised and awkward expression because it was the same question they had in mind, but only she dared to ask, making Fluttershy shrink. “Yes, I can see with it”. He answered with a tone that denoted he was tired of hearing that. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you”. Fluttershy apologized. “It´s not your fault. But, if I had a bit every time I’ve even heard that question…”. “There’s still something I don’t understand”. Applejack said. “You’ve already told us about all this thing about the joke, but you haven’t told us who is he yet. “True. How could I forget about the most important thing?” Twilight said giggling. “Girls, I’d like to introduce you to Comet Dust, he is, basically, my son.” She said happily. Everypony were speechless, everypony but Rarity –obviously-, trying to understand what they just heard. The confusion could be seeing in their faces, specially Pinkie. She was open-mouthed, not knowing if feeling happy or confuse, so her face stayed in an intermediate grin a little weird. That explained the familiar form –and motherly- Twilight spoken to the colt and the obedience he had at her indications. But that wasn’t enough, it hadn’t cleared all their doubts. “Did you know about this?” Fluttershy asked to Rarity. “Well, of course”. She answered feeling a little superior of knowing something the rest of her friends didn’t. “I’ve met him a few days ago; they went to my boutique for a mane emergency”. Twilight gave them the same explanation she had told Rarity, since her arrive to Canterlot, why she decided to enter the orphanage, how she met Comet, until her decision of adopting him. Once she finished, her friend couldn’t help but look with tenderness to the pair of ponies and the little dragon which formed a family now. “Is the loveliest story I’ve ever heard”. Fluttershy said with tears in her eyes, moved by the tender action of Twilight. “A little cheesy if you ask me”. Rainbow said, reverting to his rude facade. “What a dumbs the Canterlot ponies could be”. Applejack said. “Rejected him just because the look of his eye. If they only knew what he can do”. “That’s right”. Rainbow agreed. “To make a joke like that requires talent, a lot of talent. Besides, I think that eye makes him look 20% cooler”. “I agreed with you, darling”. Rarity said. “It is very distinctive”. Even though Comet knew they all were just empty compliments, the fact of knowing that six ponies appreciated him just because how he was and not because how he looked, made him feel comfortable, that al last he belongs somewhere. “Welcome to the family, Comet!” Pinkie Pie shout hugging him so tight. “I’ll make you the most spectacular welcome party. There will be cakes, sweets, music, games and tons of fun. All ponies in town will be there, you will meet a lot of interesting people and you’ll make lots of friends…” “Pinkie, wait… I… I don’t want a party –Comet rapidly said with an uncomfortable expression. “What? Why?” Pinkie asked a little sad of hearing all his planes destroyed. “Introduce me to you five is a thing, but doing it in front of dozens of ponies I… I can’t… I’m not ready”. Comet said nervously, letting him go from Pinkie’s arms. “I think we should postpone it”. “Don’t be afraid”. Fluttershy told him. “I know being under everypony’s eye could be frightening, but you’ll see it will worth it when you make some friends”. “That’s what I’m worried about”. Comet said, freaking out just to think about all the ponies’ reaction when they see him. “It’s all right, I understand”. Pinkie replied a little depressed, but she understands Comet rejected his party not because he wanted to despise her effort, but he was afraid of being the mockery of everyone. “Are you sure about this?”. Twilight asked him, knowing how much how the others saw him affected Comet. Comet just nodded keeping a nervous look. “Well it’s a shame. I was hoping I could give you this in the party, but since It won’t happen, I think you can have it today”. Rarity said, pulling out a huge box wrapped in a shining red paper, decorated with a blue ribbon, from a closet. “What is this?” Comet asked when he saw the box Rarity putted in front of him. “It’s for you, Comet. It’s a present”. Rarity answered. “A present?” He asked to himself as the excitement started to arise on his eyes. “It’s not the only one”. Twilight interrupted. Pulling out a box too, apparently heavier, from the same closet. “Awww, you should have told me”. Pinkie said pitifully. “I’d like to give him something too”. “If we had done it, the joke wouldn’t have worked”. Twilight said giggling. “What are you waiting for?! Open it!” Rainbow yelled, excited to see what was in the boxes. Not just Rainbow, the rest of the friends were curious to know what was inside too, spreading this enthusiasm to Comet. He started to rip the paper uncovering the first present, Twilight’s. When he ripped the last piece of paper, the face of the foal shine with happiness when he saw what was beneath. Unlike Twilight’s friend, which couldn’t help but show the obviously that Twilight couldn’t give anything else but books, staring at her as if it was the worst gift in the world. “Yay! Books!” The foal screamed very excited. “Thanks Twilight”. Twilight snorted as a victory sign as she gave an arrogant look to her friends, who couldn’t believe that someone could be that excited for receive paper. It has to be Twilight’s son after all. “Open mine, now”. Rarity said, anxious to see the colt´s reaction. Rapidly, Comet untied the ribbon that hold the wrapper. But he hadn’t had to rip the paper this time. Skillfully, Rarity arranged the paper so that this will open like a flower when he remove the ribbon, keeping the beautiful wrapper she chose intact. When he opened the box, the excitement became to confusion. Within the box there wasn’t toys, candies o books, as he thought; there were a lot of fabrics, perfectly folded and meticulously arranged inside. “Rarity, what is this?” He asked. “It is not obvious? Is your new wardrobe”. She said proudly. “Made it by nothing more and nothing less than me”. “Oh… Thanks”. Comet said trying to smile, a little unsure. “Didn’t you like it?” Rarity asked when she saw his reaction. “It isn’t that… It’s just… I don’t know what to think…” He answered choosing very well his word to not sound rude. “Oh is that so? That’s because you haven’t had proven it, darling”. She said understanding what he was trying to say, she had seen that reaction dozens of times before. “Come here, let me help you”. Without even gave him time to answer her, Rarity pulled Comet toward her and appeared a screen with his magic, only their shadow could be seen through it it, Twilight and her friends watched Rarity dressing up Comet against his will, as they could hear some complains from him. “Oh, you look divine”. Rarity said, disappearing the screen and appearing a mirror in front of Comet. “The perfect attire for a handsome little gentlecolt like you”. For everyone’s surprise, even Comet, Rarity was right. Talking about fashion, she knew best what was better for everypony just to see it. Comet was spellbounded in how good he looked in that attire Rarity made. It was a Bordeaux dress vest –very elegant-, a kind of white shirt without sleeves and, as complement, a dark turquoise bow tie and handkerchief. He really looked like royalty now or, at least, like a high society pony. A foal worthy of being called the son of the Princess of Friendship. “It’s incredible”. Comet said non-stop watching his reflect. “I look incredible”. “I’m so glad you like it”. Rarity said. “Like it?... I love it”. The foal said, with shining eyes in happiness. “I’ve never had such fine clothes, actually, I’ve never had new clothes. I… I don’t know what to say… Thank you”. He hugged Rarity. “Aww, I’m sorry not having anything to give you this time”. Fluttershy said. “I promise to give you something nice the next time”. “And you will look fabulous in the school too”. Rarity added. “You will be the best dressed colt around”. “School?” Comet and Twilight asked simultaneously. “Of course”. Rarity replied. “Don’t you remember Twilight? The vacations are ending and Comet has to assist to school like the other foals. “It’s true. You can agree with me, Twilight, when I say that learning is very important for everyone.” Applejack added. “You are right, nopony should miss their studies”. Twilight solemnly say at what she thought was the most important thing in foals’ life. “I don’t need to go to school”. Comet replied. “I can learn evrething I need here in the castle, after all, Twilight is the most intelligent and wise pony in all of Equestria”. He put baby doll ayes. “I´m flattered, Comet, but I’m not the indicated pony to do it”. She answered him, erasing the smile in his face. “I can always help you with your studies if you need it, but you must go”. “But…” “No need to worry. Miss Cheerilee is good and very kind”. Fluttershy said to convince him. “And I can see you don’t have your cutie mark yet. I know three fillies who will be very happy to know you”. Applejack commented. “You’ll see; you’ll be better than a swine in the mud in a hot day”. “And you will know a lot of foals of your age to be friends. It will be fun!” Pinkie Pie said. “With your cunning and your awesomeness, you’ll have them eating from your hoof, I can assure you”. Rainbow dash finished. “Yeah… Friends…” Comet said with a forced smile and a tone of voice that indicated concern. Comet turned around and walked away from the group of mares, which continued talking to each other, while all the excitement Comet felt moments ago slowly fade away, leaving him with only his fears overwhelming him. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here. All your reviews, comnts and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter. Chapter 5 The school started... and the problems tooChapter 5. The classes are starting… and the problems too. Morning. The first beams of sunshine started to enter through the huge windows of the castle. The birds were giving life to the new day with their trills and a fresh breeze help the ponies to bear the warm hug of the summer sun. “Raise and shine!” An excited purple alicorn entered into the piece of a colt wrapped among his blankets. It was unusual that the colt didn’t wake up by himself, he always did it at dawn, with an exception the days after he move to Ponyville, so she had been surprised when he didn’t go to breakfast. Thinking he probably had problems to sleep due to his excitement for that day. “It’s morning, Comet.” Twilight said moving the curtains to allow the sunlight lo enter the room. “Today is a big day. You don’t want to be late in our first day.” Comet moaned when the sun hit his face, covering itself completely with the blankets. “It´s too early yet.” Comet complain. “And be late for what?” “Itsn’t it obvious? School starts today, you must hurry or you’ll be late.” Comet just turned, turning his back to Twilight with annoyance. “I’m not going.” He said reluctantly. Twilight put a severe glance and pull the blankets discovering the foal, who stared at her in surprise. “Comet, we have spoken about this already and we decided this was the best.” “You decided that.” He said irritated, taking back the blankets and covering again. Twilight, tired of the foal’s stubbornness, ignited her horn making disappear the blankets from the room. She expected that behavior already. The caretakers from the orphanage had warned her that Comet could be foolish and inflexible when an idea got into his head, making difficult to change his mind. So she’d has to be pretty firm in her position if she wanted the colt to take her seriously. “Hey, that´s cheating.” Comet screamed when his “shelter” was gone. “I’m not going to discuss this again, young foal.” Twilight said with a severe look in her face, intimidating him a little-. “You must go to school. And like it or not, I take the decisions here.” She started to move to the door. “So prepare yourself and go down to breakfast.” Twilight closed the door with a big sigh. She wasn’t pretty sure if she had went too hard with Comet, maybe she should have stopped to talk with him and clear all this matter, but at that point, she couldn’t taking back. Plus, Comet could have used it to delay them even more. Comet stayed for a while on his bed, raging in silence. Forcing him to accept the idea of him going to school, something he considered useless an unnecessary. He thought that there was nothing there he couldn’t learn in the castle and insisted in Twilight being his mentor. He couldn’t understand why she refuses on doing it. When he understood that he wouldn’t get to anything by being angry, he stood down from the bed, an went to his closet. Then, there, he found, next to his bed, a lot of stuff he didn’t remember leaving them there or even seeing them the night before. Among them, there was a simple, Prusia Blue, saddlebag; it has a personalized buckle of aqua blue color and crescent moon shape. There were some notebooks, scrolls, pencils, color pencils and other stuff he would need in his scholar life. Now he understood why Twilight was going out frequently all the week. The saddle bag was made by Rarity, obviously, it has her fir on it everywhere; the rest, probably she bought them in the stands of the marketplace. Twilught was really excited with the idea of him assisting to school, so much that she had taken the trouble of buying him more than the necessary for it. Comet went down to breakfast once he was ready. Resigned to obey Twilight. When she saw him, all her body fulfilled with joy by seeing Comet carrying the saddlebag she bought for him. She draws a smile on her face as she gave a tender look to her foal, who looked like a student now. Ready for a new adventure. After embarrass Comet with lots of compliments and kisses, the foal walked to his seat. Since it was a “special occasion “, Spiked had prepared, with a little help of Twilight, a big number of dishes, among them, a cake, an assortment of cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner and, how could it be missing, a great variety of fruit on the table, which Comet already had taken a liking, except for berries, of course. However, Spike and Twilight were a little overreached, since the quantity of food there was enough to feed an entire hoofball team. The breakfast was as quite as usual since Comet came, that is to say, nothing. They talked and joked all the time it lasts, sometimes even more, and that day weren’t the exception. As it couldn’t be possible in other way, the topic in this occasion was Comet’s first school day. Twilight non stopped talking about how excited it would be, the things he will learn and the friends he’ll make. In the other hand, Comet wasn’t very convinced with the idea, it wasn’t the encouraging thing to him. However, seeing Twilight so happy and excited gave him security; besides, if schools in Ponyville were similar to in Canterlot, or at least what he heard about them, he will be in a big room with a few foals, nothing to be worried about. “Alright, I’ll go.” He accepted, but instantly giving Twilight a serious look. “But with one condition. I’ll go alone.” “What? Why?” Twilight said, eardropped, disappointed by the foal’s petition. She really wanted to go with him. “If I’m going to make friends, I want them to be real friends, that they appreciate me for who I am, not just because I´m the son of the Princess.” Comet lied, hiding that the truth of the history was he was afraid of Twilight realizing de overcoming of all the situation. Twilight thought for a moment, trying to find something to counter argue because Comet had his point. She trusted that Comet could identify a real friend from a fake one, but if he thought that would give him security about his friends, then who was she to impeding him. Sooner or later the secret will be revealed. Until then, he would have time to tighten the ties with his friends and knowing about her wouldn’t influence in Comet´s image they would have about him. Regretfully, Twilight agreed, if that meant that he was going to go to school. Comet walked all the way to school, in the opposite side of the town, nervously. A lot of ponies, not just foals, returned to their jobs after vacation, so the streets were full even since early in the morning. All the way he went hiding on the shadows and avoiding making contact with others. As he got closer to school more foals could be seeing, but it wasn’t until he arrived to his destiny when he saw all the classmates he will have. The Schoolhouse wasn´t very big, just a modest red with white ornamentation cabin with a bell tower on the roof. Around it, there were at least thirty foals and fillies playing around or saying goodbye to their parents. Comet started to cold sweat, he didn´t expect he will be surrounded by lot of foals and in such small place. He starter to thing that leaving Twilight at home was a good idea. He didn’t know any of them, but they seem to know each other perfectly perhaps, because some of them entered the building accompanied with others laughing and talking about how much fun they had had on vacation. Comet froze, even the idea of going back or hiding somewhere else until the classes ended cross his mind. But what would happen if Twilight discover him, she trusted him, he couldn’t lay her down. He didn’t want to disappoint Twilight. Still terrified, he tried to find the courage to getting closer, but every time he attempted to walk, his legs didn’t respond. The bell rang, calling everypony to go inside. Classes were about to commence. All the foals out there, quickly walked to go inside as a fuchsia fur, pink mane and green eyes pony, probably the teacher, went out to corroborate nopony was left outside. That was enough to make Comet move, his fear of disappointing Twilight was bigger than his fear of people. The fuchsia mare was starting to walk inside with a look that comet couldn’t say if it was of worrying or tiredness. “Wait!” Comet yelled in order to call the mares attention so she will not close the door. The mare turned around to see who was yelling, because there wasn’t anypony out already. In a first sight, she couldn’t see anypony until she low his head a little and saw a little colt running towards her. “Oh, you must be Comet.” She said gently. Miss Cheerilee was staying a lot of time in the door. Maybe she was talking with one of the parents who still out there, nopony could say it with certain, the teachers body and the door prevent them to see. However, nopony gave them importance apparently, surely it was one of those boring talks the adults usually have and that gave them more time to talk with their friends. “…yeah, I had a lot of fun with Babs in Manehattan.” Said a filly with yellow fur and red mane wearing a big pink bow on it to her two friends. “We went to the park, went all the way up of a huge statue in an island and she showed me the Manehattan division of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” “What a coincidence. I went to Manehattan too.” Said a little unicorn with white fur and pink-lavender mane. “It´s a shame we didn’t see each other there.” “Yes, I bet Babs would had loved it.” She answered. “What about you, Scootaloo? What did you do on your vacation? “My mother took me to camp. It was awesome. We paddled in a canoe, jumped down a zip line, went climbing and met a lot of animals.” Answered a Pegasus of orange fur and magenta mane. -Good morning, students.” Cheerilee greeted cheerfully, finally entering into the classroom followed by a stranger colt. “I’m glad to see and having all of you one more year…” She said starting a speech the most of the present know very well. “…and I’m even more glad to anunce that we have a new student with us, so everypony give a warm welcome to Comet.” Immediately, all looks were for Comet, especially the ones from five fillies who saw instantly at his flank, were a cutie mark was missing. Three of them watch him with enthusiastic while the other two smile to each other deviously. Comet was petrified to feel all those eye upon him, the only thing he was moving was his own eyes, turning nervously everywhere, looking for a spot where nopony where paying him attention. Always takin care of showing the right side of his face. Probably somepony had already saw him; soon, all of them would know about his eye; nothing will change, everything will remain the same as in Canterlot… All those thoughts were clouding his mind, giving him no other response than run away. “You don’t have to be nervous.” A sweet and kind voice told him. It was Cheerilee, trying to calm him when she saw he was having difficulties. “Why don’t you introduce yourself? Tell us about yourself.” “I-I’m…” He tried to speak, but that was the only he could say. In a las attempt to calm himself, he closed his eyes and breathed slowly. Then something came to his mind, something that he couldn’t see until then: Rarity had said that he would be the best dressed pony at school, well, she was right. In fact, he was the only dressed pony. The funny of that situation were enough to calm his nerve a little so he could thing more clearly. Gaining some courage, Comet finally was ready to speak. “I-I’m Comet Dust. I’m six years old. I moved from Canterlot with my mother a few weeks ago.” “It’s a pleasure, Comet. I’m pretty sure everypony here are hoping to know more about the life in Canterlot. But that would have to wait until school break.” Cheerille said, taking some pressure off Comet. “Now choose your seat, we have three available. Feel free to choose whatever you like.” Comet gave a sight to the seat Cheerille was talking about. None of them were convenient for him. One was in the center line, just in the middle of the classroom, where everypony could see him; the second one was in the right side of the classroom, leaving his eye uncovered; and the last one was in the back of the room in the left side, he won’t be able to hear very well what the teacher said, but at least his eye won’t be on sigh, choosing this one. He walked nervous between the lines of seat where his classmates were siting, cunningly using his saddlebag to hide his eye, levitating it with his magic, amazing some of his classmates, who, having the same age, they didn’t know how to use magic yet. He was so distracted covering his eye form his classmates sight that he didn’t see where he was stepping, tripping on something he never knew what it was or if somepony had tripped him, face-falling to the floor. Some snickers began to be heard while other ponies stared reproachfully at the pony who was sitting next to where he had fallen. A gray fur with dark gray mane Pegasus, Rumble. It was known to everypony that Rumble liked to play joke on his parners, becoming very irritating sometimes. Rumble, feeling the sights of his partners, put an indignant expression by being accused unfairly. Comet got up with a slight wail of pain. A little confuse, he got on four hooves again. In that moment, some gasps and murmurs began to be heard as miss Cheerilee tried to calm down her students, but it was late already. The fall had deactivated Comet´s magic, leaving his saddlebag on the floor. Noticing this and the fact that everypony was looking at him now, he took his saddlebag again and ran frightened to his seat. Miss Cheerille managed to calm down all of her students after a while and Rumble could convince his fellows he hadn’t done anything. But the damage was done, due to that unfortunately accident, everypony had seen his eye, all of them know what he was now. Fortunately, nopony looked at him again the rest of the boring class, one of the advantages of being behind everyone. Everypony were paying attention to the lesson except for three: two fillies, one of gray fur and silver mane and, the other, of pink fur and lavender with white mane, who were gossiping behind Miss Cheerilee’s back; and Comet, who pull out his pencil, one of the few things he brought with him, and a notebook. He pretended was taking note when he really was making lines and scribbles on the pages. The lesson was about orthography, something Comet knew perfectly due all the book he had read, making the thought of had gone there was waste of time came back. It was a lucky the break will come soon. A rest from that somniferous class, eat something and a great opportunity to continue reading the books Twilight had gifted him since he hadn’t finished more than one. Break was already started and while the rest of their fellows were excited to play with his friends, for Comet meant a little space of time to relax and being on alone. He found a clam place under a tree, a little far from his classmates running and yelling everywhere. He sat down laying on the trunk, giving his back to the rest of his class, leaving his lunch next to him. Nothing ostentatious, an apple, a daisies sandwich and a little of hay and, of course, a bottle of water. He was very excited of finishing his book, a fictional story about four brothers who manage to enter into a strange snowy world through a closet. Ha had never had special interest in fantastic stories, but he gave a chance to this one because Twilight gave them to him, and the story was really good. Rapidly, he got absorbed by the paper he had in front of his eyes. As usual, he was too into the pages of the book that he forgotten from everything else, all of his problems disappeared, nothing existed between he and his book. Cary knew this perfectly, when for some reason Comet didn’t went down to eat or helping in the orphanage, probably he was reading. It was his favorite escape. He made a few chews to his lunch when his body reminded him he was hungry, but for the rest, he didn’t quit his aye from the paper, he barely blinked. For the first time in all day, he was tranquil, at least for the thirty minutes of the brake. Meanwhile, near the other foals and the furniture of the playground, three foals were greedily looking for Comet, with the excuse of welcome him. The few foals who saw Comet where he was going, guided them pointing the tree. At fast pace, the trio walk to their encounter with an unaware Comet. “So, there you are.” A colt said with a tone as he was surprised of see him there. “You and I have some things to resolve…” Comet didn’t move, in fact, he didn’t even notice the precence of the three colts next to him. “Hey, I’m talking to you.” He said again, a little irritated, but with the same effect. The three colts look to each other in confusion, Comet didn’t move even a millimeter, all what he did was staring at his book. Then, one of them got close to him and gave him a poke on his shoulder, taking Comet by surprise, ‘cause he thought he would be far enough to not be disturbed. “Huh? What? Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. What were you saying? Comet say a little confused, turning to see the same colt of gray fur and mane with other two, a bulky one with cream color fur and blue mane in a military haircut; and the other, little and scrawny, of orange fur and red mane. The here of them look intimidating, but not as much as the entire class. “You and I have to talk about what happen in the classroom...” The colt said again, apparently the leader. “Rumble, right?” Comet interrupted him, trying to not sound nervous. “Don´t worry about that, it wasn’t a big deal.” Comet said gently. “And I don’t blame you, I really don’t think you have something to do with that.” He added, thinking that with that everything will be solved. “True. In the end, I think everypony forgot about it.” Rumble said moderating his voice to make Comet think he wasn’t giving too much importance to the matter. “It was a surprise when everyone saw that eye of yours. It´s kind of… peculiar, now I’m interested. Comet couldn’t help but get annoyed by the last comet the colt said. It was almost the same thing Twilight´s friends told him, but there was something in the tone of his voice that made him believe that Rumble didn’t say it with good intentions. “If you still upset for that, I’ve already told you I have no regrets toward you. So please, leave me alone.” Comet said trying to not be rude as he could, struggling to not fall in Rumble’s provocations. “Now listen, you freak! Your little joke almost got me in trouble and someone has to pay for it.” Rumble said, finally bringing to light his true intentions. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” Comet said, returning to his book, giving his back to them three. “HEY! GIVE IT BACK! THAT’S MINE!” Comet yelled when the scrawny pony snatched his book. “Good job, Blink.” Rumble flattered him. “Give me my book back.” Comet said angrily as he got dangerously close to them while he ignited his horn. Rumble rolled his eyes. “Bull…” He ordered. In the act, the bulky one charge over Comet, tacking him, painfully knocking him off on the floor, preventing him from using his magic. Once he was on the floor, Bull sat on him, impeding to Comet to get up. “While you are there, pay attention.” Rumble said threatening. “If you thought just because you’re new or weird we’ll threaten you different, then you’re wrong. I ruled this school, and if you mess with me you´ll pay dearly. Understood.” Then, Rumble noticed the half eaten lunch of Comet, who just saw him with anger, and smirked maliciously. “We´ll take this as an apology. Let´s go.” He said and ordered to his lackeys. Rumble take Comet´s lunch and leave, followed by the other two, not without before Blink threw the book on him. Comet got up in pain. I was hard to breath, having that colt sitting on him was like been squashed by a vending machine with legs, imagine being rolled by him now, he can still fell the hit. He turned to his now damaged book. Those brutes threated it in a way a book has never been treated. Several pages were now creased, and other ripped; with the fall it got dirty, staining some several pages and parts of the beautiful golden decorations on the cover were ruined. The ripped pages could be fixed with magic, but the rest of the damage were irreparable. The’ had ruined his precious book Twilight had given just a few days ago. The remaining time of the brake, Comet spent it fixing and cleaning his book, flattering the corrugated pages, uniting the ripped ones and dusting of all the dirt he could. Everything with his body aching yet, due to the hits and scratches that had been made, continuingly to silently insult the three of them who had done that to him. The bell rang again and everyone walked again inside the classroom, except for three fillies who were waiting at the door, searching for somepony among his classmates. Then the Pegasus, Scootaloo, pointed to the end of the line. There he was, Comet Dust. “Comet, we’ve been looking for you. I’m Apple Bloom, and they are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle; we want to know if you are interested…” She stopped when she saw Comet limping. “Are you ok?” Comet didn´t answered. He passed them without even noticing their presence. He was too busy bearing with the pain to pay attention to someone else. The three fillies were speechless when they saw that comet had completely ignored them. Also, they could notice the angry expression on his face and that he was muttering something they couldn’t understand. They watched him entering to the classroom without even a sight or gesture from him. They followed Comet. The followed him into the classroom, they were the last ones who had to enter, to restart the lessons. Still worried for him, they couldn’t stop following him with the look, feeling a little sorry for him. Comet limped toward to his seat, passing next to Comet again, who gave him an arrogant glance, but Comet didn’t care to turn to see him, something that irritated the colt. Finally, Comet made it to his seat, sitting heavily on it and putting his book away so nopony would take it again. Miss Cheerille entered too and the classes started again, this time math. Finally, something interesting, if it weren’t for the fact that Comet couldn’t concentrate as he couldn’t get all that happened in the schoolyard out of his mind and how much he hated Rumble at that moment. He must have done or said something to defend himself, he must have faced them, but they outnumbered him, further, he wasn’t the most athletic colt in the world and without useful defense magic, there weren’t any way he could beat them. Even if he’d ask for help, his fellows won’t help him, he was alone, as always. “Comet, class is over. Everypony has gone.” A kind voice from a mare talked to him, waking him up from his thoughts. He was so deep into them he didn’t notice the pass of the time. “Are you ok?” The mare asked to him. It was Cheerilee, who had a consternated look on his face by the sad expression of the foal. “I´m ok, Just a little tired.” Comet said looking away. Comet got down from his seat, took his saddlebag and walked toward the exit. The sun was still in its zenith yet, blinding him for a moment when he walked out of the classroom. Fortunately, Rumble and company were far away from there, so the path home will be more calmed. In his way, he encountered with the crusaders again, ignoring them one more time when they tried to greeting him. He looked down. His first school day had been a completely fiasco. He didn’t do anything interesting, didn’t learn anything new and didn’t do any friends, on the contrary, he had made an enemy without even had done anything to him. At least his limping was less notorious, the sitting in the class had been enough to decrease the pain. However, that didn’t do any good in raising his spirit. He felt he had failed. Thinking about in what Twilight will would say if she found out that he failed in the only thing he asked him to do, didn’t do anything but depressed him. Twilight will be disappointed. She really hoped he will make friends, that he will be as good in friendship as she. If she discovered he did all the contrary, that he had frozen in front of their classmates, that he was too terrified of talking with them, that he had been victim of the mocking from the others and he had done the only thing he knew to take refuge, hiding from everyone and isolate into his books, even worst, having destroying the gift she gave him with all her love; it’ll break her heart. Giving a sigh, he tried to relax himself and, putting his best smile, opened the door. “I’m here!” He yelled, pretending being excited. “Welcome home, Comet.” Twilight answered leaving the dining room. “Go wash your hooves, meal will be ready soon.” Comet started to run, happy of hear those words. Maybe school had been horrible, but he will always have a place where he could feel safe, where neither the jokes nor the insults could enter, his home. “Wait…” Twilight stopped him, getting closer to him with certain consternation in her face. “What is this? What happen to your face?” She asked as she raising his face to see that it was full of scratches, something difficult to hide due to his white fur. “Um… Well, you see… I-I… We were playing and kind of fell when I step on a rock.” He lied. “We? Is that mean that you made a friend?” Twilight said sparckling of happiness. “Ah… y-yes.” He answered trying to smile. “Oh, I knew it. I knew you could do it.” She said excited. “Oh, I’m so proud of you.” She took the colt in her arms and gave him a big hug. Comet couldn’t help but make an expression of grief, ‘cause he couldn’t feel the same way. The hug it was supposed to be warm and comforting, he felt it empty and insignificant, product from a lie and, thus, fake. But, he didn’t dare to tell her the truth, he didn’t have the courage to break Twilight’s heart after see her so happy to believe he had friends. So he just stayed there, receiving a hug he felt he didn’t deserve it, containing the tears. “I want to know them already.” Twilight said. “Um… It is a little soon for that, don’t you think.” Comet said, avoiding the answer. “I know, but I’m too excited right now.” She said lovingly. “Go clean yourself, you must be hungry.” Comet just nodded and run as fast as he could to his bedroom, couldn’t containing the frustration anymore. The moment he entered the room, he layed on his bed and cry for some minutes until he let all out. Meanwhile, in Sweet Apple Acres, three fillies were running to his clubhouse, in the middle of the orchards, encountering a certain pony of country accent and a cowboy hat. “Hello, girls. How was school today? Something interesting happened?” Apllejack said, obviously talking about Comet. “Hi, Applejack.” His little sister answered. “There is a new pony at school. “Really? And how is that pony?” “Well is a colt of our age, It’s called Comet… Comet Dust.” Apple Bloom answered. “He said he moved from Canterlot. Who would so crazy to move from Canterlot to Ponyville? –Scootaloo commented. “Did you see his clothes? It is obvious Rarity made it.” Sweetie Belle added. “How can you be so sure about that?” Scootaloo askes a little confused. “I know my sister’s work. That outfit had her sign everywhere.” Sweetie Belle said, proud of her older sister. “Who would say it?” Scootaloo said as she and Apple Bloom share a confused look. “It seems that you had a lot to talk with him.” Applejack said kicking a tree. “Well, no. Not really. It was a little…” Apple Bloom answered, thinking what word cold be the one she needed. “..strange.” Scootaloo completed it. “Yes. He didn’t talk to anypony and he ignored us when we tried to greet him. “Maybe he’s just a little shy. Maybe you just have to give him time.” Applejack said a little confused, that didn’t sound like the Comet she met the past week. “We think the same.” Apple Bloom agreed. “He doesn’t have his cutie mark either, so we thought it would be a great idea if we invite him to our club.” “Cutie Mark Crusader Comet Dusk. I like how it sound.” Sweetie Belle said. “ANOTHER MEMBER FOR THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!” The three yelled at unison. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here and suport the story. All your reviews, comment and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter. Chapter 6 Problems continueSecond day of classes. Comet didn’t manage to recover from yesterday’s fiasco yet. And, even if was just passed one day, he didn’t want to return anymore. But he promised Twilight he’ll go, so he had to keep his word. This time, Comet could wake up at time, something not as easy as it sounds because he didn’t sleep well last night. He couldn´t take Rumble out of his mind. He was used to nicknames and some insults from his contemporaries, but none of them has ever physical attacked him. That was new to him and had no idea how to respond to it. Words could be easily ignored, but a hit. He felt defenseless. It would be correct to say something? Who should he talk to? Will he be bullied even more if he does that? Will it be worth doing? Questions rounding his mind all night until he woke up and while he prepared himself to go down for breakfast; they refused to leave him. It doesn’t matter how long he thinks about it; he didn’t get a convincing answer. He convinced himself it probably was just a slip and everything would be in the past. This day would be calmer. He wasn’t as nervous as yesterday. What he was afraid to happen was actually happen. His classmates reacted just as he expected. So, if everything goes as in Canterlot, they would ignore him so he will get the peace he wanted. Despite everything, his humor had no improved, after all, there was nothing to expect. Breakfast was as normal as could be, except because Comet was notoriously in a bad mood. Twilight and Spike asked him if something went wrong, but Comet didn’t say anything. He blamed his lack of sleep as the cause of his bad mood, in part true. Without more to say or do, Comet left to school, but first, he hugged Twilight to get the strength he will need to face the day. When he got to school, certain colt was waiting for him at the entrance. He didn’t say or do anything, he just stared Comet with mockery eyes containing laughing with the other two. By seeing this, Comet was suspicious about what Rumble could have made. He obtained his answer as soon as he got to his seat. In his table was a piece of paper with a draw of Comet on it, obviously just to make fun of him. Angrily, Comet took the paper, crumpled it and threw it in the trash. He decided to not let Rumble disturb him by a stupid draw. He saved some of his stuff in the drawer under his table, ignoring two fillies getting closer to him. “So, you are the new blank flank.” Said a filly of pink fur and lavender with a white lock mane, taking comet by surprise. Startled, Comet quickly closed the drawer, thinking it would be Rumble again. When he saw there were two of his classmates, he changed his expression to one more indifferent. “And you are…” Comet asked without understand that blank flank was really an insult. The two fillies were astonished, speechless by the audacity of the colt. It took a few seconds to them to react, but, before they could say anything, the bell rang. “We´ll talk latter…” Said the pink filly with an angrily tone. “See you, blank flank.” The second one said, a filly with gray fur and silver mane wearing sky-blue glasses and a pearl necklace, emphasizing the last part. Please don’t. Comet thought- “Alright, students, before classes start, please everypony bring your homework to my desk.” Cheerilee said. Homework? What homework? Come thought, open widened eyes. Apparently, Cheerilee gave homework yesterday, something Comet didn´t notice because he was too busy thinking in Rumble. Another thing those three had ruined. He worried when he saw all his classmates leaving papers on Cheerille’s desk. He didn’t know what it was about. If it was grammar then there wasn’t any problem, but it was math, he was in trouble. He can barely add and substract, don´t even say multiply and divide. “Comet, where’s your homework?” Cheerilee asked standing next to him. “I-I… didn´t do it.” He said shamefully. “Why, Comet?” the teacher asked a little worried, it was even the second day and the colt was actually missing. Comet remain in silence. He couldn’t say that he hadn’t done his homework because he wasn’t paying attention and he couldn’t think in an excuse either. “Comet, I know that being the new could be a little difficult, but that is not an excuse to not doing your responsibilities.” Cheerilee said when he saw Comet avoiding eye contact embarrassed. “I’ll let it pass this time, but there´s no going to be a second one, ¿understand?” Comet nodded, feeling a little relieved, although it doesn’t last much longer, all foals’ eyes were on him, specially from five ponies in specific, Rumble and company and the two fillies from before, who saw him with satisfactory glances. Forgetting about the rest, Comet paid a lot of attention hoping to not missing anything, preventing that would happen again. Maybe he hasn’t had a lot of friend, or any, but if there was something he could replace them was study. This wasn´t like studieng with Twilight perhaps, but if he amazed Twilight with his school performance, maybe she would forget about friends. A few hours pass, the classes continued. This time, the natural history of the ponies, a fascinating topic for some and boring for others; for Comet, it was both of them. He didn’t know much at respect, but he wasn’t too excited either. Inevitably, with the topic they reach the part of the cutie Marks, but just as a mention. But it was just enough to make some foals to start presuming theirs and make some jokes to the ones who didn’t get their own yet or blank flanks, how they called them. And for some foals, I meant the same fillies that tried to provoke Comet moments ago. Apparently, their name were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, presumably, fillies of wealthy families due to the expensive accessories they had, a diamond tiara and a pearl necklace, respectively. The bell rang, interrupting the lesson and the fillies’ jokes. Everypony ran out to the school yard to their deserved brake, only remaining Comet the last. “Come, can I talk with you?” The teacher said to him before he left the classroom. A little confused, he approached to his desk, curious to know what she had to tell him. “Is there something wrong?” he asked gently. “It´s about your homework. I think I know why you didn´t do it.” Cheerille said trying to not sound too authoritarian and empathizing with the colt. “Tell me, do you need me to change your seat?” “Say what now?” Comet said confused. Yesterday, she told him to choose the seat he wanted and now she was asking if he wanted to change. “I suppose that it’s a little difficult for you to see the blackboard, so I think if you seat closer to it would be easier despite your eye.” When Cheerille mentioned his eye, he understood everything. He put a tired and a little upset expression, not for his teacher’s comments, they were with good intentions, she was even careful to speak to him in private since it was a delicate matter; his upset was more by hearing that somepony thought that he was blind in his affected eye, but he didn’t blame them. “With all respect, Miss Cheerilee, you are wrong. I can see perfectly with both eyes.” Comet Said. “Oh. I see. Soo…” Cheerilee said expecting an explanation. “I don’t have any excuse why I didn’t do my homework, but my condition didn’t have to do anything in that.” Cheerilee nodded, understanding, and kindly made him a gesture to indicate him that he could leave. Comet nodded in response and walk to the schoolyard holding his stuff, specially his book, very firmly this time so Rumble couldn’t take it from him again. Fortunately, he wasn´t in sight; who knows where he was in that moment, but he didn’t really care as he stays far from him. He sat down the same tree hoping he could finish the chapter this time. “Hi!” Someone greeted him energetically, making him jump scared and deactivated his magic throwing all his stuff to the ground, his book and his lunch. At least nothing was spilled on his book this time. He stared angrily at the guilty, a unicorn, a Pegasus and an earth pony. They had ruined his lunch, again. The unicorn flinched. “I’m sorry, we didn´t mean to…” The unicorn apologized, apparently the only of the three who noticed the accident. “What do you want?” Comet interrupted, upset. “Hai, I’m Apple Bloom and these are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. We, couldn’t help but notice you don’t have a cutie mark yet…” The earth pony started to talk, maybe the leader of the three. “So what?” Comet said expecting a joke. “Well, you see, we wanted to ask you if you…” Scootaloo spoke, but she couldn’t finish the phrase because another two fillies appeared behind them. “Well. Well. Well. So all the blank flanks are reunited here” The leader mocked. “Diamond Tiara.” The trio said at unison with suspicion, making said filly gave them an arrogant and devious glance, like if hearing her name gave her more importance to her presence. “What are you doing here?” Apple Bloom asked as if she didn’t know that. “Isn’t it obvious?” She said mocking. “We’re here to welcome the new pony.” “Yes. We wanted to tell him how glad we are to have him here with us.” Silver Spoon added. “We’re not gonna let you bother Comet.” Scootaloo pointed. “Bother him? We would never think in do anything like that at all.” Diamond Tiara faked indignation. “What´s more, we are willing to forget that he is a blank flank and let him join us.” “Besides, you have already did that.” Silver Spoon pointed to Comet’s ruined Lunch. The time the five of them started to fight, Comet was left background, but that was useless if they were too loud to let him concentrate and to top it off, he couldn´t lunch again. To Comet´s eyes, those five were as annoying as rumble, at least the other foal preferred to ignore him. Knowing they didn’t go to stop in a long time, Comet decided that move to another place was the most convenient. So he did with a tired expression in his face, he took his book and left. He walked to the grove that surrounded all the school. Comet knew he didn’t have to go there, but by the moment it was the most peaceful place to be alone. “Not at all, Comet will join the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Sweetie Belle, assured facing the two fillies. “That losers club of yours?” Diamond Tiara faked surprise. “Oh please, since you created it none of you had gotten yours. Why Comet will join a club that promises something his own creators couldn’t do by themselves?” That comment managed to hurt the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ feelings. They had tried by a lot of ways to discover their talent and gain their cutie marks and, until now, none of them could obtain theirs, but it was true that it wasn’t too long since its foundation, just a few months ago, just before vacation started. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon grin to each other with a triumphal expression, the had nailed it. “Oh yeah? Well… Why Comet would prefer to be with you? You just messed with other ponies.” Scootaloo said trying to save some of her hurt honor, but without any arguments to counter, really. “Have you seen the way Comet always wear? It is obvious that he is a rich pony.” Silver Spoon Said arrogantly. “What dos that have to do with anything?” Apple Bloom asked, furious. “What is better for a rich pony than hang out with his kind. But sure, that is something you can’t understand.” Diamond tiara started to laugh. “Well, I haven’t seen Comet show interest in you.” Apple Bloom answered viciously. Diamond Tiara was in shock of Apple Bloom’s daring. “Well… I… You… He hasn’t shown interest in you three either.” She babbled not knowing what to say. After that, the five fillies stared to each other angrily, killing the other with the stare, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom more intense than the other three. They two were face to face, one very close to the other. “Let Comet decide who will he join.” Apple Bloom said in a tone that seemed to want to hit her. “Fine.” Diamond Tiara responded in the same way. “Comet…” The two ponies said at the same time, turning to where Comet was, but, for their surprise, Comet was gone. “He’s gone.” Apple Bloom exclaimed with her eyes wide opened. “That´s perfect. You annoyed him and made him run away.” Diamond Tiara said, really upset. “We? He was perfectly fine until you appeared.” Scootaloo sharply answered. After a short discussion. Both groups went for their side. But something was clear, who find Comet first keeps it, a non-talked agreement but everyone there understood. Break continue its course until the bell rang again. Out of the discussion of the fillies, it was actually really calmed; Comet could read his book, Rumble and company hadn’t had appeared in all brake and anypony else bother him again. That new hide he found was really useful, the problem was he couldn’t use it frequently or he would get in trouble. Nopony went there, but someone can see him and give him away. Comet returned to the classroom. There, in the first places, there were five fillies looking to each other with animosity. The five looked tired, dehydrated and, especially the crusaders, their hair were messy with some leafs in it. They had been looking for Comet for all sides trying to win to the others. Rumble didn’t appear yet and he wasn’t in the classroom, a little break for Comet. But when he arrived to his seat and he was up to take out his stuff, he realized what Rumble and his henchmen were doing, again. All the drawer was full of mud wetting and soiling all its content; his notebook was soaked, so when he tried to pull it out it teared. All his notes from that day were lost, his quill and his inkwell as well, only his pencil was in good conditions to be used, but without paper it was useless. Comet was grateful he had his book with him all the time. He thought to leave it there in the classroom so it wouldn’t get more damage; leaving it there it could be meaning its end. It was obvious who was the guilty. But Comet doubted. The crusaders had their fur so dirty he didn’t know if they had something to do with this; as a revenge from ignore them in the brake. When Rumble entered the classroom, his doubts disappeared. His and his friends’ hooves were filled with dry mud to the elbows. Comet was frustrated, he should have known it, but he wanted to believe that Rumble would leave him alone after yesterday; he was wrong. Without anything to take notes or write down the homework, he had to turn to his memory. It was a lucky that the class focused on the history of Equestria, Twilight had dozens of books about it; it would be easy as pie. Comet returned to the castle, not without being bothered by Rumble, the crusaders, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon again; Rumble was the most cautious to doing it out of the sight of everypony. -I’m here! –Comet yelled when he entered in the castle, faking a smile like yesterday. When he didn’t get an answered, he thought that Twilight and Spike had went out. Feeling relief that he doesn’t have to pretend, he walked upstairs to his room with not the best mood- It was a big surprise to find the door open and encounter Twilight and Spike in there. “Twilight… Spike… What are you doing here?” The colt exclaimed siprised. “Oh, hi, Comet. I didn’t hear when you arrive.” Twilight said surprised as well. “Uh… we live here.” Spike said, answering the strange question. “I meant here, here… in my bedroom.” Comet cleared. “I can ask you the same question about this.” Twilight showed an old and ramshackle violin. “How did you find it?” Comet ask exalted and nervous. “I had hidden it.” “We were saving some things I bought to you when I found it behind your closet. Care to explain where did this come from? I’m pretty sure this wasn’t in the castle.” Twilight said with a serious tone, like if she was pursuit a crime. Comet knew that that voice tone of Twilight meant that she wanted the truth. There wasn’t a lot to hide although, there wasn’t any reasons to hide it anymore, but the voice of Twilight made him nervous. “From Canterlot. I-I found it…” Comet said ashamed, but he wasn´t pretty sure why. “Comet, did you… steal it?” Twilight asked worried. “What? No, of course not.” Comet denied, feeling offended by what Twilight said. “Whose is it then?” “It’s mine.” Comet assured. “Somepony got rid of it and I recued it.” “How are you so sure about it? Where did you get it from?” “Of the trash, near the orphanage.” He scratched the back of his head embarrassed. “Why would somepony just drop it?” Twilight was confused and not very convinced of the story, waiting for Comet to let out something. “You’re asking me?” Comet said confused as well. It was in better shape when I found it, but some of the other kids discovered its hiding place.” “Hiding place… The caretakers didn’t know about it?” Twilight said suspicious. “Ah… No. I may have escaped when I found it.” He said nervously. “If they found out, they would take it from me and now “it would belong to everyone”.” He said imitating the voice of one of the caretakers, exaggerating his voice tone to ridicule the phrase. “Look what they did to it with just a few foals who found it, now imagine the entire orphanage playing with it.” “If other foals had actually found it, how is that they didn’t say anything?” Twilight asked, but she already knew the answer. “I… erased their memory.” He smiled nervously, because he knew how much Twilight disliked that he knows that spell. Twilight face hoofed. “Do you know how to play it at least?” She asked resigned. She can’t erase all what the colt had done. Without saying a word, he picked the instrument and started to play awkwardly a very known melody and one of the first pieces a pony who is learning to play an instrument learn to play, “Ode to harmony” from Bridlethovven. It wasn’t the best interpretation, the colt missed some notes and sometimes he forgot what string he had to press. Also, the instrument condition didn’t help either. But they could see how much the little one liked to play, putting all his effort in it. “I know I’m not the best, but I didn’t hat much time for practice.” Comet blushed a little to see the incredulous faces of Twilight and Spike. “Where did you learn how to play?” Spike asked, who kept in silence until now because he thought that was a discussion he didn’t have to interfere. “In Canterlot, the filly who lived in front of my window. Her parents paid her lessons with a private curmudgeon instructor.” He laughed a little just to remember that, finally something lifted his spirit a little. “His yelling and screaming could be heard up to my room. Thanks to that I could learn something.” “Did you lern just by hearing?” Twilight was amazed. “Not at all. In the orphanage there was a book with some musical scores. Three of them were the ones the filly was learning; I just follow her. The notes were the most difficult, I could only guide with the screams of the instructor and he wasn’t very helpful in that.” He added, trying to make Twilight understand all the situation. “So… Can I keep it?” He was unsure. Twilight smiled in agreement, because, if the foal wanted to learn how to play, who was she to interfere. Besides, that would help Comet with his personal enrichment. “Well, we’ll have to find somepony to give you lessons.” She answered. Twilight’s words made comet really happy; that violin was one of Comet’s most precious treasures and being able to keep it without having to hide it meant that he could practice longer and improve much faster. Comet run toward Twilight and gave her a hug. During the hug, Spike was able to see better the violin, without thinking about all the damage it had. “Wouldn’t you prefer a new one?” He innocently asked. “Are you crazy. It’s a Chords, there isn’t any better than these.” Comet was surprised and indignant by his suggest. When he saw it closer, it stills seemed an old and cheap instrument. It had a fey ornaments hoof-painted, but many others too. The poor condition of the cover, the scraping of the varnish and a hole on the edge depreciated it greatly. If it was a Chord, knew to be the best of Equestria, it didn’t look like one at all. “He is right Spike.” Twilight agreed. “Those are the best you can find. I’ve heard some ponies say that there’s no other violin that can compare to a Chords. All great musicians have one.” “But look how bad is it, practically it’s falling apart.” Spike was hesitant about the authenticity of the instrument. “How can you be so sure it is actually a Chords?” “Easy.” Comet showed them the pegbox. “It’s a little scrapped, but it still can be seeing the logo in the pegs and, if you look here…” He shewed them the ribs. “…it still can be seeing the mark where the insignia was.” Spike and Twilight tuned to the instrument. The marks Comet was pointing were just scrapings and a spot without form in the wood, nothing they could recognize as a logo. “Are you sure about that, Comet?” Twilight said not very convinced trying to look closer. “One hundred percent.” He assured. Spike was right, she had to admit that it was in a deplorable condition; but you don’t find a Chords violin every day, much less free, and is Comet’s defense, it wasn’t his fault to end like that. ¿Can’t it be restored?” Comet asked. “What?! You want to restore it? Do you know how much it will cost?” Twilight said in panic, like if the colt was asking to her to buy the Canterlot Castle. “C’mon Twilight. Please.” He put baby-doll eyes as a puppy will do it to obtain some food, his best weapon to get what he wanted. Twilight tried to avoid eye contact with the foal, but, as much as she tried she, couldn’t resist to Comet’s eyes who saw her with hope, hope she didn’t want to take away from him, so she gave in. “Alright. Alright. But you have to promise you are going to take good care of it.” Twilight pointed. Comet, smiling gratefully, made a cross on his heart with his hoof and cover his eye with it after, indicating he was doing a Pinkie Promise; something that pony taught him after know her. “I don’t want to interrupt so tender moment, but I have to insist. Those violins are made in Canterlot, hoof-made. Assuming it really is a Chords and they accept repair it, it would take weeks to be ready. When do you think you are going to be able to carry it?” Spike said. “I had thought about it already, Spike. We could go next weekend.” She said nonchalantly seeing how the eyes of Comet sparkled to know that he wouldn’t have to wait longer to have his violin ready. “By the way, can you send a letter to my parents? I want to tell them that we are going to visit them.” “I’m on it.” Spike ran to the door. Twilight made it clear that she planned to go to Canterlot before knowing about the violin. “Letter…” Comet remembered something. “Now that you mention it…” He pulled out something of his saddlebag. “This was in the mailbox.” He gave Twilight an envelope with the return address of the Crystal Empire. Spike stopped, curios to know what was on it. “Oh, finally!” She exclaimed excited. She took the envelope opened it and pulled out a letter and started to read. In her eyes it could be seen the excitement growing with every word she read. “What does it say?” Comet and Spike asked at same time. “It’s a letter from Cadence and my brother, Shining Armor. They answered the letter I send them a few days ago. They want to meet Comet.” She said while she was reading. “Me?” He was surprised. “Yeah, I told them about the day we met, the adoption and about you. They can’t wait to see you.” “When are they coming?” Spike asked. “They didn’t say a date, but I hope it is soon.” Twilight said spreading her excitement to Comet and Spike. “For now, prepare your bags, Comet, we’re going to Canterlot to meet your grandparents.” Comet was a little thoughtful, he wasn’t very sure about the reactions they’ll have to see him. But he calmed down quickly; everypony who were close to Twilight had been good with him and who didn’t, were more alien to her, for example, his classmates. So, if they parents were as good as her, there wasn’t anything to worry about then. Author's Note Thanks to all who supor and enjoy my work. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter. Chapter 7 Back in Canterlot Part 1Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 8 Back in Canterlot Part 2Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Relative calmSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.PlummetingSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.AscensionSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.A master classSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Apple timeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1 The last is the good oneAuthor's Note This isn´t the first fanfic I made, but is the first that I've decides to write. The idea came one day I created an OC (Comet Dust) and I started to put him in "What if..." situations, finally getting to the idea of "What if Comet dust was Twilight's son". After that a lot of stories and crazy ideac started to come. With the time, I've crated a whole story with all de othes, and without even thinkint, I ended up fond with the character for oll i gave him of me giving him life. That's why I decided to share his story with you. I hope you like it as much as me writting it. All events in this work take place in an alternative universe, so they don't fully follow the canons an timeline of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. In this AU Twilight is already a princes and has her castle, however, the events with Lord Tirek an Starlight Glimmer never happened and it might be some variations in the personality of the characters, but I'll try to keep as close as the original. Note: Sorry, my English is not the best. Actually, it isn't my native language, so it may be some parts where my sintax is wron, but im making my best to write as best as posible. Plus, this help me to improve. If there's a part where I made a mistake, please tell me, I'll try to fix it, after all, I'm still learning. So, enjoy it. Chapter 1 The last is the good one “Comet Dust, please report to the interview room”. Someone called through the megaphone, hoping it would be heard by whoever they were looking for. A few minutes passed, no one appears. “Comet Dust, report to the interview room”. It was heard again throughout the building, but now with a tone of annoyance. Another ten minutes passed. Hoping they finally gave up. To his bad luck, the room’s door opened and a one of the caregivers appeared. A little overweight, pale pink fur and purple mane gathered in a bun, wearing her typical white apron with pink lace. “Comet, I’ve told you a million times don’t lock the door, besides, they´re calling you” Said the mare, knowing that he heard perfectly his name on the megaphone. However, she spoke to him in a very calm and kind mood, as she used to be. Inside a large room, in which there were two rows of five beds, there was a foal reading alone, sitting on the bed closest to the door, who even move a single muscle by the presence of the caregiver. “Hi, Cary. I´m not going. Can you tell the others? Tanks.” He said reluctantly, without even turning to look at her. “You don´t decide that.” Cary replied trying to still speaking calm. She knew very well that working with children wasn’t easy and she specially knew how difficult Comet can be at times. On several occasions, she’d gotten into trouble covering up her antics or giving in to his whims, yet this was something she couldn't give in on. “I already did it. I’ve already told you: no more interviews. I´ve had enough of those. I won´t be rejected again.” Comet replied, without even leaving the book he was looking at. “Perhaps, you haven’t had luck finding a family, but this time could be different.” She said, trying to convince him. “It’s a very important pony who is waiting for you, maybe, you could give her an opportunity…” “Cary, any pony that comes her, “surely” is someone important.” He said with a mocking giggle, downplaying his caretaker comment. Cary didn’t know how to answer in response to the foal, he actually was right. Being located in Canterlot, almost every pony who went to the institution was wealthy ponies, be they diplomats, big merchants or some public figure. Leaving the mare without her best weapon to convince the foals. “So, if that’s all you’ve have to say, you can go. Please lock the door when you leave.” He said proudly. The comment upset Cary a lot. She was already too busy taking care of the other foals on her own to bear with Comet. “I didn’t come here to argue with you.” She replied authoritarian. “So, get ready and come down, now.” “No.” He answered sharply, thinking that she was just bluffing. Comet knew he was putting his hooves on the fire, being the foal who was stayed the longest time in the orphanage, he knew perfectly each caregiver, how to deal with them and how far he could get and Cary wasn’t the exception. She was calm and patience almost every time, but, she was the kind of pony you didn't want to make upset, however, he can’t afford to lose this battle, so he tokes the risk. Without saying another word, the mare started to glow his horn, with a clearly angry face. “¡Hey!” Comet yelled when Cary pull him out of the room by his ear, taking him with all and book. “I tried to be nice, I wanted you to come for the good, but you didn’t listen, you leave me no choice” She scolded him while she was trying to comb his hair without success to make him look more presentable. “Now, stay still.” Comet just grumbled under his breath, following the same route he’d traveled back and forth numerous times. The path that every foal in that place do with a smile, he did it reluctantly. His enthusiasm had gone since the tenth time he walked in the same direction. He hated to have to do the same old charade again. A couple of would ponies arrive, they would sit in the interview room waiting for Comet, they would look at him with contempt just the moment he entered the room, they would talk a little pretending to be interested in him, and then, leaving saying that they would think about it and never be seen again. The only thing that comforted him and stopped him from being arguing with Cary was his book, which he had already read at least five times before, but, at least, it would be more interesting than the fifteen to twenty minute chat with the arrogant visiting pony and, by the way, avoided adding fuel to the fire with Cary. “We´re here. I’m very sorry for the delay, the interview tokes him by surprise and he was getting ready.” Cary said when she opened the room’s door with a forced smile, taking the responsibility for the inconvenient that Comet had caused, again, hoping that the pony that was there wasn’t too upset. “Don’t worry, I understand how nervous foals can get in this situation, so, there’s no problem” Answered gently the voice of a mare, which Comet didn’t bother to put his book down to see. “Uff… What a relief.” Cary muttered. “Well, I´ll leave you alone, so you can know each other. Be good, Comet.” She said the last thig under her breath with a threatening tone to Comet, who just gave her a disgusted look. Cary closed the door, giving a sigh behind it, wishing Comet good luck, like other times before. She was the one who accompanied Comet to all of his interviews and she hated the deception and frustration in the eyes of the foal every time he got rejected. She understood perfectly why Comet didn’t want to come back to that room, but she would hate more if Comet never gets a family, she couldn’t never forgive herself. Comet had been in the orphanage for six years, most of the foals who arrived there didn’t last more than twelve months before being adopted, thanks to the good reputation the pace had, in addition to being under the supervision of Princess Celestia herself, like many other ones she had inaugurated throughout all of Equestria; he had exceeded the average length of stay at the institution, and as much as she had grown fond of him, she knew it was time for him to leave. The room was very cozy. It was a small room, with a couple of puffs under a window through which a lot of sunlight came in; in the middle, there were a little table with its chairs, painted in different colors, the decoration was very cheerful. There were some story books and coloring books near some crayons in a corner, and there were toys spread over the entire room. On a small table, in one corner, there was a phonograph, which Comet never find out if it worked since he had never used it. “Let´s finish with this as far as we can, all right?” Comet said suddenly, in the moment Cary closed the door, moving toward one of the puffs as far away from the visiting pony as possible. The mare was stunned. She never expected that kind of reaction from a foal she even hasn’t seen, the book he was holding covered him completely. But that wouldn’t be enough to take away her optimism. “You must be Comet Dust; I’ve heard a lot of you.” She said with enthusiasm. “Mmm… I see.” He answered indifferently, trying to be the as rude as possible to, whoever this was, would leave as quickly as possible. The mare couldn’t understand the foal’s attitude. She sat down on the puff next to Comet’s, unsure if the reaction of the foal it was a signal that he doesn’t like her. “I’ve heard that you’re very independent, you like to read a lot and you’ve learned how to use magic by yourself…” The mare said, trying to find a topic to start a conversation. “Thanks to telling me things about myself that I already know…” He interrupted her sarcastically, making the mare even more nervous. She didn’t know how to act in that situation. She knew that some foals could get nervous o timorous and she prepared herself for that, but she never expected such a show of apathy. Still, something inside her told her not to give up, that she must keep trying. “Could you, at least, let me see you?” She asked gently. “It’s kind of awkward speaking to a book.” “Why does she insist so much? Didn’t she get the message?” Comet thought. Comet turned with weariness, hoping that if he gave her a disdainful look, she would go away. “Agh… Ok.” He said while he was putting his book down to see the stranger. “I don’t know what do you expect this would do but… P-P-Princess!” He yelled in surprise, hiding the left side of his face immediately. What was SHE doing there? Cary told him that it was an important pony, but he thought it was another haughty rich pony from Canterlot, not that he would be in front of the Princess of Friendship herself, Twilight Sparkle. “Now you made it big, Comet.” Thought the colt. “Princess, I’m… I’m very sorry for what I said… I-I shouldn’t have…” Comet stammered crestfallen, unable finding the words to apologize. “…knowing it was you… I never…” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” Comet said al last, thinking that he just made a fool of himself in front of the princess. “Don´t worry about that, it´s not a big deal.” She answered giving him a very nice smile, while the colt was trying desperately to hide his face from her. She thought it was for the shame. “It´s not necessary to call me princess, you can call me Twilight.” “Ok, Miss Twilight.” Comet answered. “Just Twilight. ”she said with a giggle. Comet didn’t understand what was happening. He’d behave in such a rude way towards one of the highest authorities of Equestria and the only thing he would hope would be an exemplary punishment, however, the princess was calm and understanding. That the princess was who had come to look for him was a surprise, but, the fact that she wasn’t furious at his attitude was another bigger. “What are you doing here, Prince… Twilight?” He asked fearful. “What do you think I’m doing here?” Twilight answered kindly with another question, seeing that the colt, although fearful, finally dare to chat. “Are you coming to teach a magic or friendship class?” “You might think that, but if that was the case, the other foals would know I’m here, plus I wouldn’t be in this room with you.” “So, are you coming to see the place?” “Sort of…” “And, why did you were looking for me for?” Comet asked, still hiding part of his face, but with a face that reflected nervousness. “Is there any problem?” Asked Twilight a little confused by the colt’s sudden change of attitude. “It’s just that there are another foals that you will surely like more than me.” He answered sadly. “Why wouldn’t I like you?” Twilight asked even more confused. “Because I’m the oldest here.” He lied. “That doesn’t make any sense, why I wouldn’t like you because of your age? There must be another reason for you to think that.” “It’s just that it’s always been like this.” Comet said on the verge of tears in a barely perceptible murmur, but one that Twilight heard. “I don’t understand, what has always been like this” “The ponies…” “What happen with the ponies?” “…They don’t like me because I’m… different” He said with teary eyes and a brittle voice. “But, every pony it’s different, that’s what makes us unique, even you and me, just because you’re different doesn’t necessary mean that they don’t like you…” “No, Princess, you don’t understand…” “I know that meeting another ponies can be scary, but if you give them a chance and give yourself a chance, you’ll see that the impression you though they had of you is not true…” “I know that, what I’m trying to say is…” Comet said, increasingly frustrated that the princess wasn’t listening to him. “I understand that you’re nervous and because of that you thought that hiding behind a book was a good idea, believe me, I know for experience, but if you put the book aside and just relax…” “Princess…” “You just have to be yourself…” “LOOK AT ME!” He yelled, throwing the book away hard. Annoyed, frustrated, sad to know how this would end. A sea of emotions that was only expressed in a weak cry and a slight sob, as he stood in front of Twilight. Twilight was speechless, more from Comet's outburst than her appearance, which was what Comet wanted her to notice. “You wanted to know me?! Well, here I am!” He screamed between tears “Now you know what I am! A monster!” Comet started crying, venting all the accumulated frustration, anger and sadness from the many times he had been rejected by a family or another foals who just saw him without even taking the time to meet him. Twilight was saddened to hear Comet´s self-loathing words. Just thinking on all the times he had to endure the jokes, insults and the nicknames the others gave him, to think that he was a monster himself, that he didn't deserve a family or love, it caused a lump in her throat. Although the appearance of the colt was similar to that of many other, it could be noted that the little one suffered from a medical condition. His grayish blur fur was stained with large white patches, which would be anything out of the ordinary, were it not be for the fact that the affected areas were so pure white, that it seemed to have no color; perhaps, in fact, it would be say that it was transparent, even Rarity couldn’t compete with such clean white; in addition, the hair in that areas grown longer and shaggy than normal, resembling more of a scratchy beard than the soft and smooth coat that ponies possessed. One of the white spots that’s crossed the left side of the foal´s head and face, just the one he covered with the book, affected his horn, leaving it half grayish blue, half white; a part of his mane, turning it into a tangle of stiff white hair; and also his eye, taking away its natural orange color, as his other eye, from a milky blue that affected even de pupil. Twilight, without knowing what to do or what to say to help him, just took the colt in his hooves and hugged him, trying to comfort him. After all, at first he’d hidden behind that façade of disinterest, deep down there was a little foal, insecure and scared of what might result from that encounter. “I can’t see any monster.” Twilight said tenderly once Comet had calm down a bit, who just keep quiet, letting out a slight sob “Here, you should clean yourself.” She said making pop in front of him a tissue. Comet did what Twilight said, still in her arms. He didn’t want to get out from the safety that that warm hug gave him. “I’ll tell you what I see.” She continued. “I see a colt, like many others and like many others, deserves a family.” Comet got out of Twilight’s arms, looking at her with hopeful eyes. Wishing those words would steer the conversation in the direction he believed. “Tell me, would you like to come home with me?” She finally asked. The moment Twilight said those words, the eyes of the colt were filled with joy and happiness and huge smile was drawn on his face. After so many years trying and dozens of unsuccessful interviews, it was happening. Finally, some pony had accepted him, asking the question he had long been waiting to hear. The tears start to welled up in his eye again, but these were different, they weren’t loaded with sadness and anger, on the contrary, there were the kind of tears every pony wanted to see, of pure happiness. Driven by it, Comet jumped again toward Twilight, rounding her neck with his arm, as a show of affection to the only pony who hadn’t flown away from his strange appearance, the only one who had gave him a chance. “Thank you…” Was the only thing Comet could say, burying his face in his new mother’s fur. Comet woke up. A little dizzy. He couldn’t recognize the place where he was at first. As his body was waking up and his mind was slowly clearing, he remembered the dream he had, the same that had repeated some nights before. All that happened a little less than a week ago and he still couldn’t believe that that really happened. But he was there, lying on a makeshift bed in one of the many rooms of Twilights castle. Woke up every morning after that dream, remembering how he had met the Princess of Friendship and she had accepted him in her life, was the happiest thing in his life. However, he wasn’t very sure what happened after that, all he could remember was some fragments and scenes. He remembered how bored he was when Twilight was filling the paperwork, the envious glance his partners had when they saw him leaving with the Princess and, above all, being hugging Cary. She was crying, the fact that she had to say goodbye to the colt she had taken care all those years made her sad, although she was happy too, because Comet finally had found a family which will love him as much as she did. Thinking in Cary made him a little sad, he knew that she was happy wherever she was in Canterlot, but having to say goodbye hadn’t been easy at all, after all, she was the pony who Comet had gotten to be closest with, she practically had raised him, she knows him and understands better than any pony. She was who, actually, had taught to use magic, though she liked to say that he had learned by himself. He got up from the bed, ready to go downstairs to the dinner room, Twilight and Spike must had been there an d he didn´t want to be late for breakfast. Before he closes the door, he gave a quick look to his only properties he had taken with him, a little book of basics spells Cary gave him, an alarm clock with the form of an parasprite and, on a box next to his bed, kept with love, a photograph of him next to Cary and the other caregivers from the orphanage, taken the same day he left to Ponyville with his new family.
Chapter 2 A start with ups and downsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 3 Mane problemsChapter 3. Mane problems. After spend the resto of the morning buying at Ponyville’s Market, with a hidden Comet every time they got close to a stand, although, not as nervous as before, they made a little stop at Sugarcube Corner to rest a little bit, eat something and, perhaps, dink a milkshake. Twilight was amazed with Comet’s magic ability. Although his short age, he could easily carry several of the bags and boxes they carried with theirselves, some quite heavy, just with the force of his horn. Remembering Cary told her that Comet had learned by himself. “Yeah, she liked to say that”. Comet answered with an unconvinced tone when Twilight told him about it. “Actually, she helped me a bit. She told me the basics to cast a simple spell, the rest, I deduced it by myself”. “Then, why did she say you leaned by yourself?” Twilight asked in dismay. “I don’t know. I guess she tried to amazed the prospective parents”. He answered trying to not giving to much importance. “… or maybe she thought she hadn’t taught me well”. “I see. How may spells do you know”. “Not many. There weren’t too much places where I could practice, so I’ve only learned the basic ones; levitation, teleporting and manipulating objects; nothing any other pony can’t do”. “It’s true. But, not many ponies of your age cold carry so many objects and so much weight, it requires a lot of concentration”. “I spent a lot of time on my own in my bedroom, practicing with my partners’ beds. It’s easy to concentrate when no pony bothers you”. “On your own? What about your friends?” Twilight asked, thinking she knew the answer. “The majority of the other foals just bothered me or avoided me, also, many of them leaved a few months later since them arrive, so, it didn’t make any sense make friends if they weren’t going to last”. “Then, you didn’t make any friends?” “Not really. Actually, the pony I became to talk the most was Cary. The rest didn’t want to stay with me, thus the books and the magic were my only company”. “I’m so sorry. I know how hard could be being alone” “You don’t have to. Over the time I got used to not needing the company from the others. Although, sometimes…” Comet interrupted himself when momentarily he turned to the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, when a group of fillies entered laughing into the bakery. Twilight, noticing that, told Comet to go to talk to them. That would be a great opportunity to start with friendship. Comet flatly refused, claiming that was only going to cause the same thing to happen as many time, mockery and rejection by his contemporaries. For that, he preferred to be alone. He didn’t need friends. Twilight sighed resigned. She knew how important friends were and even more in a foal’s life, but, Comet had his point to avoid get close to somepony. His previous experiences worked against him and Twilight couldn’t force him to talk to anyone if he didn’t want it. The better was, by the moment, leaving the topic aside and giving Comet time to get used to the life in Ponyville and let him to make friends when he would be ready, at the moment, she would have to wait. “Did you learned any other spells besides of the basic ones?” She asked, returning to the previous topic, being something Comet seemed to be interested in, and that would work to not make him tense. “Umm… well… I learned how to dememorized some pony… Oh, and I can make some illusions and holograms”. He said a little proudly of himself, feeling flattered by Twilight by showing interest in his magic abilities, making him forget about friends and friendship. “Wow. That’s very impressive, I would never imagine…” Twilight stopped, and started thinking a little about what he just heard, hoping it would be just a misheard. “What did you say? Again”. She said with a nervous voice. “Eh?... Oh, I can make some illusions and holograms, wanna see them? They aren’t very good yet but with a little of… “No, no, no, the other. What was the other thing you said?” “Oh, I know how to dememorized somepony”. He said again proudly and a little excited. “But, I can only erase specific memories about an event, object or situation. Also, I tried to make a pony sleep in sometime, but it didn’t work very well, the pony started meowing and acting like a cat for a whole week, I guess I made a mistake on…” Comet was so abstracted in his own thoughts he didn’t noticed the horror face Twilight was making, just from hearing he knew how to use one of the direst spells that existed. There were few ponies who could use dememorizing spells and for that a special ability was needed in legilimency, being so, how a pony of that age could use such dangerous magic. “How is that you can do that? When did you learn it?” She asked a little frightened. “A few months ago in the Canterlot library. I sneaked into the restricted section and toke the first book I found, it was one about spells of the mind or something like that; it explained with detail how to cast them, I started for the easiest one, I think it was called Momemtum Obliviscetur...” “But, you hadn’t used it on anypony, right?” She interrupted him with a vague hope the colt would mistake that knowing how to cast a spell didn’t mean he could really cast it. “Well, let’s just say that nopony remember the day I broke the hot water tube”. He said proudly. “What?! Are you crazy”. She yelled at the foal’s revelation and all the problems he would have by used that kind of magic. “Do you know how dangerous it could be?” “Nope”. He answered innocently. “They caught me and took me out of there before I could get to that part, who put the advertencies after the spells, anyway? I was lucky they didn’t expulse me from the library, they just scolded me. I suppose they thought I was too young to understand magic and took me to the children’s section. As if the “three little pigs” was a gripping read”. Saying the latter sarcastically. “And it seems little to you?” Twilight said, upset by the irresponsible way he was taking all the matter, taking Comet by surprise, he thought all the time Twilight was flattering his ability. “A pony mind isn’t something you could play as your wish. Those spells are restricted for a good reason. If you erase the wrong memory the results could be disastrous, it isn’t something to rake careless. I don’t want you to use that spell anymore, that kind of magic is forbidden. Besides, how did you know what memory erase?” “Don´t worry, Cary made me promise the same when she found out. And, about knowing what memory erase, I just concentrated in erase the memory I knew they knew. I don’t know how to read minds, Twilight, I´m only six years old, that magic is way too advanced”. Twilight couldn’t help but do an expression of wonder and disbelief of how absurd that heard coming from the pony who learned to use a dememorizing spell after read once about it, a basic one, true, but it was something Twilight never could do and Comet had used it more than once. “Besides, Twilight, that kind of magic isn’t forbidden, not if you know how to use it. The laws only state that it should be used with caution”. He added, giving Twilight a malicious and playful glance, getting up of his seat going to toss the trash of his food. The alicorn couldn’t help but stay still as a shiver ran through his back from seeing that different look on Comet’s face. She didn’t know how to interpret what Comet just said, could be something he just added after promising he won’t use that spell or a subtle way to say that he would use it at his whim. Although, he never said he promised. “Where do we going now?” He asked, returning to his innocent and sweet expression, waking up Twilight from her thoughts, confusing her even more by his sudden change of mood. It was that innocence which made what he said before even creepier. “Ah… With Rarity”. She answered, shaking her head, thinking she was just overthinking the matter. “We need her to help you with that”. She said pointing the stick still stuck on his hair, making look he has two horns instead of one. The road to Rarity’s house was very calm, being sited in a low-traffic area of Ponyville, Comet hadn’t problems relaxing, he even dares to play around Twilight a bit, getting a few feet away from her when something called his attention. They got into a peculiar building of two or three floors height, adorned in a very feminine and showy way with crystals, gems and some mannequins on the higher parts simulating a carousel, like the ones in the fairs. “Hello?” Twilight called a little confused to see there was nopony in there, even though the signboard in the door said it was open. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how can I hel…?” Said a unicorn of white fur, stylized purple mane and blue eyes, speaking in an elegant and pompous tone of voice. “Ah, Twilight, I´m glad you are here. Sorry about the mess, I’ve been a little busy lately. Did you arrive from Canterlot today?” Comet felt curious about the familiarity the mare talked to Twilight, unlike the other ponies they met that day, who always spoke in a very respectful way and referred to her as “Princess”” “Hi, Rarity”. She returned the greeting while both of them hugged each other. “Actually, we arrived a few day ago, but we were a little busy, so I couldn’t visit you earlier”. “Well, It seem both of us had a lot of work this days”. Rarity giggled. “Wait, ¿we? If I remember, Spike didn’t go with you. “No”. Twilight said with a nervous giggle, containing the excitement of telling her the good news. “Rarity, let me introduce you to Comet Dust”. She said moving aside to uncover Comet. Rarity, just stood there, confused. She didn’t understand why Twilight was introducing her to somepony who wasn’t there. “Twilight, is this a kind of joke?” She said, confused. “Because I don’t get it”. “What? No. It´s not a joke”. She replied confused as well by Rarity’s answer, turning to where she thought comet would be. “Comet! Where are you? She said searching for the foal. “I’m right here”. He answered a little confused, being standing, literally, next to both of two of them. Surprising them. “There you are”. Twilight said, excited. “Comet, I want to introduce you to my friend Rarity, the best fashionista in Ponyville. Rarity, he is Comet Dust”. Twilight approached a nervous Comet to her friend. He tried to trust in her, since she was friends with his mother, trying to give her a slightly forced smile. The moment Rarity saw him, she dramatically screamed, for Twilight surprise, although not for Comet. He expected that reaction from almost everypony he would met. “Darling, what happen to your hair?” Rarity said immediately after scream, confusing him. Of all things she could had screamed for, even the most obvious, she did it for the hair. Leaving Comet with an expression of “Are you serious?” in his face. “It’s just a little tangled and messy”. Comet replied, still confused at the mare’s unexpected reaction. “Comet, darling, Twilight’s mane is a little tangled and messy…” “Hey…” Twilight replied a little offended by her friend’s comment. “…this is a disaster”. Rarity answered Comet comment. “That’s why we came here. We need your help”. Twilight said. “Well, you came to the right place. I’m not going to allow a colt like him to walk around looking that way”. She answered heroically. Rarity started to get a lot of brushes, combs and hair products from a little room next to the lobby they were, which one she used as her store, and finally, she carries with herself a pair of scissors, a hair dryer and some towels. “Tell me, Twilight, who’s this charming little gentlecolt?” She asked while she was accommodating some stuff she will going to work with. “Is it a relative of yours?” Charming little gentlecolt? Did Comet heard well? It was the first time somepony called him in that kind –and corny- the moment they knew each other, even Twilight had been surprised a little, but this mare has accepted him without even judged him, who would do that? “Well, yeah. Something like that”. Twilight said, making Rarity guess it. “Is he a kind of distant cousin or nephew?” She asked again a little confused by his friend’s strange answer. “Nope”. Twilight answered playing with her. “Then, who is he, Twilight?” Rarity replied, a little annoyed at her friend’s tricks. “Well, it could be say that he is my son”. Twilight answered with a big smile on her face as she pulled Comet closer to her, also happy just because Twilight said she was his mother. In that moment, all the objects Rarity was levitating fell due to her loss of concentration at the surprising news. “Ah… ¿What?” That was the only thing Rarity could say, trying to process what she had just heard. “Well, he is not my son, my son…” Twilight explained, not noticing Rarity wasn’t paying attention to her. “This is a joke, right, Twilight? When did it happen? Who’s his father?” Asked Rarity hysterically. “What? No. Rarity, he is not my son”. Both ponies, Comet and Rarity, tuned in surprised at Twilight by his new affirmation, realizing the mistake she made in her choice of words. “But, you said he was your son…” Rarity said, very confused. “Yes, I did”. “I… think I’m confused”. Rarity said not understanding a single word. “Me too, and I was there”. Comet agreed. “He is not my biological son”. Twilight explained, thinking better her words. “I adopted Comet in Canterlot a few days ago”. “You didn’t’ tell us anything about it, I thought you went to Canterlot on royal business”. Rarity said, offended by the fact that her friend hadn’t told her about such an important decision. “It wasn’t something I had planned”. She explained, for both ponies’ surprise, more for Comet, he thought that wasn’t something he didn’t want to hear. “I went to Canterlot for royal business with Princess Celestia. Luckily, we finished earlier than we thought, so I went for a walk around town. Then, I passed near the orphanage and I felt a strange sensation, like if something was calling me from the inside. First, I thought it was just my imagination, but that night, I couldn’t sleep, I still felt the calling. I don’t understand very well what happen, but it felt like something inside me wanted me to enter that place. The next morning, I decided to follow my instincts and went to the orphanage again. I talked to someponies there and stayed with a lot of foals and fillies, but any of them couldn’t calm the sensation. It was then when they took me to a secluded room, where I met Comet. I fell in love with him in the instant I saw him and, without noticing it, the sensation stopped”. She said while hugging Comet. “Thus, I decided to take him with me and rise him as my son”. Twilight finished, omitting the parts about the problems of Comet, as she thought it was something very personal end he should share them when he chooses to do it. “Aww. What a lovely story, Twilight”. Rarity said giving them a tender look. “It seems like both of you were destined to know each other”. “Perhaps”. The two ponies answered as they were looking to each other. “But, are you sure about this? Raising a foal is a great responsibility” “Absolutely. Besides, after had raised Spike, how hard a foal could be?” She said, forgetting one of the most important differences, Spike was a dragon, lonely creatures by nature and with a faster growth than a foal, also, Twilight hadn’t raised Spike by herself, she had a lot of help from his mother and Princess Celestia. “Well, Twilight, I think we can trust that you’re going to do the better for him. Even so, you know you can count on us when you needed”. “Thanks Rarity”. Twilight said with a sincere smile on her face. “Who else knows about this?” Rarity asked. “Beside you, just Spike”. Twilight answered. “I have no idea how I’m going to tell my family”. “Well, you should hurry up. Time’s over you”. Rarity indicated, returning to pick up some of the stuff she had brought with. “Now, where we were on? Ah, yes, we were about to fix up your mane, dear Comet”. “Good luck trying to”. Comet mumbled, unconvinced getting up on a chair. “Don’t challenge me, darling”. Rarity said arrogantly. “I’ve got a lot of tricks up my sleeve”. Ipso facto, Rarity sat Comet on an elegant chair as she analyzed Comet’s hair, seeing how severe it was the problem. It would seem the hair with a dark blue color wasn’t that bad, with a few brushes it will be ready, on the other hand, the white hair in the left side of his head was another matter; it looked dry, it was completely tangled and there might be other things trapped in it than just the branch. Rarity started levitating the brush near Comet´s head trying to find where she should start. She was surprised. She couldn’t imagine how careless the colt must have had to reach that state. She had been in uncountable capillary crisis before, but nothing like this one. In the meantime, Comet started to be impatient at the mare’s doubting. “It’s rare we haven’t seen Pinkie Pie in all they”. Twilight said, trying to make conversation with Rarity in a tend to not get bored. “We were through all town and she didn’t appear anywhere, even in Sugarcube Corner. At this time, she will be planning Comet’s welcome party”. “It’s true, darling”. Rarity answered, without looking away from Comet, brushing his dark blue hair. “Although that would be if Pinkie Pie were in Ponyville”. “She left?” Twilight answered concerned. “Oh, don’t worry, she will come back in a few days. She went to his family farm, a problem with parasprites if I remember. But she wasn’t the only one, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy also left. They went to Cloudsdale to visit Fluttershy’s parents, they’ll will be back for tomorrow”. She said finishing coumb the easiest hair of Comet. “That explains why I didn’t see anyone of them. What about Applejack?” Twilight asked, curious. “In the farm, working. She said they’re having a good harvest this month, so she hadn’t gone a lot to town this week”. “Wow, Rarity. You know of everything”. Twilight said with a slight mockering tone. “Well, darling, a lady has to know what happens around her, over of all if it’s about his friends and, in my job, it’s useful to entertaining the clients”. “Gossip”. Comet mumbled in the middle of a giggle, so Rarity would be the only one who heard him. Rarity blushed in embarrassment to heard the way the colt had called her. It was obvious she got all that information gossiping with other mares at town, but she’ll never accept it because it wasn’t proper from a lady. “Darling, it is not gossip, it’s more like a …”. She answered. “You don’t have to be ashamed, everypony do it, even those idle mares of high society in Carterlot”. Comet interrupted her with a sarcastic tone with the clearly intention of teasing Rarity. “You know, little one, it is rude to intrude on somepony else’s conversation”. She said trying to keep composure. “It’s a little bit hard to not intrude if I can hear everything you’re talking about. Besides, I’m just sitting here, I’m boring”. Comet claim. “Oh, don’t worry about that, darling, the fun it is just about to start”. Rarity said giving him a malicious glance, making comet felt a shiver though down his back. Maybe he had gone too far with Rarity. Then, Rarity tried to give the first brush on Comet’s mop of white hair. The moment she dug the brush bristles on his hair, it got stuck not moving an inch no matter how much Rarity pulled. “Wow, what did you put on your hair, it is completely…” Rarity stopped when she saw Twilight making her signs to keep in silence. “Ahem… you’ve got a very rebel hair”. “It grows like that… Ouch!... but just in the white patches… Ouch! It hurts!” The colt explained, complaining at the pulls Rarity was giving him, even he knew it was a little excessive for how upset Rarity was. “I’m sorry, darling”. Rarity sincerely apologized. “My brush got trapped in your hair and I can’t even pull it out”. She explained as in his voice it could be notice the struggle she was doing. “Twilight, could you help me?” The lavender alicorn united the strength of his magic with her friend’s. pulling with all of his strength the brush that Comet’s hair didn’t want to release. Clink! A crystalline sound was heard making the two of them stop pulling. When Rarity saw what was happen she almost fainted. She brought the handle of the brush to her face, though without the head. “My brush!” She yelled horrified. “I brought it from the Crystal Empire, it cost me a fortune”. “I´m sorry Rarity, I should’t have pulled so hard”. Twilight apologized, feeling guilty. “Well, there goes another one”. Comet said appearing a hologram with several groups of four lines slashed by a fifth one. Twilight and Rarity got close to Comet to see the hologram he had created, watching how he draw another one in a group of three and then disappeared it. “Another what?” Rarity asked a little annoyed. “Another brush”. Comet answered. “Say what now” Twilight said. “See this?” Comet said reappearing the hologram. This is my count of broken brushes when somepony tried to “fix” my hair. You don’t think I had my mane like this just because I liked it? I’m sorry Rarity, but I tried to warned you”. “Darling, the difference is that I don’t give up so easily. I’m not goig to let a mane beat me”. She said determinately. “Now, if strength is not enough, I will have to use heavy artillery”. She raised behind her a lot of bottles and jars of hair products with her magic, so differents that it was difficult to say what was the purpose of each one, meanwhile she looked at him with a dark glance. Comet, intimidated by the mare’s stare, tried to run away, being captured by her magic, sitting him again on the chair and starting to make an extremely perfumed mixture on the foal’s head. The time passed. Rarity had already made a good progress, all the products had managed to make Comet’s hair more malleable, making the branch and the brush finally free from their capillary prison, unfortunately, those would be the easiest to remove. Inside that tangle of hair Rarity found a crayon, a strange kind of green putty, seeds, lots of plants trash and bubble gum, which was taking her forever to clean up. It was taking so long that Twilight fell asleep on Rarity’s drama’s couch. “You have been so quite the las minutes, Comet, something is happening?” Rarity asked when she noticed how calm he was. “Eh?... I was just thinking. From all the things you could get scared at me, you did it of my mane, why?” “What do you mean, darling?” “You could be scared because the spots of my skin, my horn and my eye, the ponies always got scared when they see my eye, but, why my hair? Nopony had ever noticed before”. “Oh darling, I noticed everything you’ve said, but besides your color, you are not different from me or another pony”. Rarity explained. “It’s true that your eye is very impressing when you see it the first time, but it’s just appearance. There’ is nothing to be afraid of. But I have to admit I’ve never have seen hair like this before, It’s too… shaggy”. She said trying to not sound so rude. Working with that hair was like trying to untangle a scourer”. “It grows like that…”. Comet replied a little tired. “…but only in the white spots, the rest is normal. Also, it grows longer than the rest, so I have to constantly trim it. It’s annoying”. That explains the uneven hair strands. Rarity thought. “It’s not a big deal if you asked me”. Rarity said. “It isn’t”. Comet agreed. “The biggest problem is the eye”. He turned to Rarity so she could see it better. It was the first time he did that without fear of being rejected. “The rest is not important until they don’t see my eye”. “Like I said, it’s impressing the first time you saw it, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. I think it suit you very well, it gives you a certain distinctive”. “That wasn’t what my partners on the orphanage thought or the mare’s in the furniture store”. “Those mares, were an orange Pegasus and a minty unicorn?” Rarity asked, intuiting who he was talking about. “Yes, did you saw them?” “Oh, you don’t have to worry about them, they exaggerate everything. Twilight didn’t tell you?” “I think she mention it”. “About the other foals, I think they were afraid of something they couldn’t understand”. They continued talking a long time while Rarity continued her job on Comet’s hair. He was speaking with more fluency and quickly learned to trust in her. After hours of hair pulls, dozens of hair products and uncountable rinses, his mane was finally free of tangles. Although, it was still impossible to comb due to its rigidity, Rarity managed to make it see acceptable, trimming and matching the tips, all with the help of a powerful conditioner Zecora had given to her. It was in such good conditions now that was possible to see beneath that shaggy white hair, some thin strands of smooth and silky mint and aqua green hair, which she arrange to stand out among all that white. His tail wasn’t a big problem, the with hair on it was on the top and it was short, probably by Comet’s work, and it wasn’t as bad as his mane. “Bye Rarity, see you this weekend”. Twilight said goodbye leaving his friend’s house. It took more time than she imagined, it was evening and they have to go home for dinner, arrange furniture and stuff they bought. At least, she had managed to rest, Comet’s mane was mucho better than before and he looked happy, so it was worth it. “Remember, not a word to the girls”. “Bye, Miss Rarity ant thanks”. Comet wave his hoof. “Good bye, see you soon”. Rarity wave her hoof as well. “Don’t worry Twilight, mi lips are sealed and Comet, remember to brush your mane at least once per day so it doesn’t get tangled again”. She entered again to his home just to see the mess there was. Now she had to clean up. No matter how tired she was, she couldn’t overlook it, so she started to pick up the empty bottles and towels from the floor. Then, in the chair Comet had been sitting, she found his brush, the same one she broke when she tried to comb Comet. The foal had tried to repair it with his magic, leaving the handle a little crooked, but the intention was what counted. He left it on the chair on purpose so Rarity would find it, near a note that said “One less”. By reading it, she couldn’t help but draw a smile in her face. “What a lovely boy”. She mumbled. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here. All your reviews, comnts and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter.
Chapter 4 An unorthodox presentationFour ponies entered running into the thrones room. They looked worried. None of them were very sure why they had been called so sudden. But, that was one of the reasons they though it would be important. “Twilight, when did you came back? What´s happening?”. Aked an earth pony of orange fur and blond mane. “What´s happening? Is everything ok?” Asked a blue Pegasus with rainbow mane. “I’m glad you came that quick. There’s some…” Twilight said with a serious expression as she stands of her throne. “Wait a minute Where´s Fluttershy?” A Pink earth pone interrupted. “She will be here in a few minutes Until then, I think it would be a good idea Twilight tells us what is going on”. A white unicorn answered her. “We have a very important matter on our hooves. I can’t find Spike anywhere”. Twilight continued. “What?!” The four mares screamed at same time. “How did this happen?” Rarity asked a little frightened. “We need to find him”. Applejack suggested. “I don’t know. This morning, when I woke up, he was already gone… and last night, I’ve heard some noises… I-I think, somepony entered the castle”. She answered concerned. “That´s impossible, who would do that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I-I… Now what? “Twilight couldn’t finish because in that moment, every light turned off. “Did you remembered to pay the light bill this month, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. “I can’t see anything”. Applejack said. “It’s midday, it is not supposed to…” Twilight’s voice got interrupted by an unknown reason and, instead, a desperately muffled shout was heard. “Twilight!” Pinkie Pie screamed. “Twilight, are you all right?” Applejack asked. Twilight didn’t response. The four mares started to freaking out. None of them couldn’t see anything, but they all expected the worst to happen. Then the lights turned on again, revealing their greatest fears. Twilight was gone. “What just happen?!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “How could this happen? We all were here” Applejack said with wide eyes. “Didn’t you feel anything with your Pinkie sense?” Rarity asked. “No, nothing at all”. Pinkie said in panic. The four friends didn’t know what to do. Suddenly, a new sound putted them on alert. It was like a pounding and a whining coming behind one of the doors. Cautiously, they approached to the door, each one in a position so they could jump on whoever was the guilty. Nopony messed with her friend. They count 1, 2, 3 and… “Spike!” They shouted when they saw the little dragon tided up and gagged behind the door. He was struggling against his ties. Watching with fear to his four friends with fierce looks in their eyes. They quickly took the litthe dragon and freeing him of the ropes that impeded his movement and the handkerchief that prevented him to emit any sound. “Spike, we were so worried about you. Where were you? What happen?” Rarity said exaggerating his voice like she was about to start crying. “Quick, you gotta get out of here!” Spike warned them in panic. “Why? What is happening?” Applejack asked worried. “Who is responsible for this?” Rainbow Dash said pretending to be brave. “I don’t know. Last night, when I was about to go sleep, someone attacked me from behind and dragged me to nowhere and…” He interrupted to himself. “Oh no, Twilight! We have to warning Twilight! “She’s already caught”. Pinkie yelled hysterical. “What?!” Spike yelled terrified to notice he was too late. “Oh no, if he already has her, that just mean that… We need to get out of here! As fast as possible!” The little dragon said as he pushed his friends to the exit. “But… What about Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked not wanting to leave a friend behind. “There’s no time!” He growled. “Hurry! It won’t take long for him to notice I’ve escape!” At the time he just finished to say that, all the doors slammed shut. Locking everyone in the room. “Oh no, he caught us!” Spike screamed. “I can’t open it!” Rainbow said trying frantically to open the door to the exit. “I can’t either!” Applejack screamed helping her friend. “It´s useless! This is the end! We all are going to…” Spike said fatalistically. The light started to flashing, now faster than the last time and irregularity. Taking the four mare by surprise, frightening even more with every second. Twilight was the only one with the most powerful magic among them, without her, they feel helpless at whatever was happening. “This is the part in horror movies when the killer appears…” Pinkie said, thinking aloud. “Shut up Pinkie! Rainbow Dash indicated her, fearing by the comment of the pink pony. “I’m not afraid of you! Come on and fight like a pony!” She said Punching the air with his hooves, trying to show more courage than she was feeling. “NO. HELP ME…” Spike screamed, disappearing in a second they just turned to Rainbow, leaving the scratches of his claws in the floor. “SPIKE!” They shouted. The light started to flashing even faster. They even hadn’t had time to process what just happen when a second shout was heard, now from Rarity, who disappeared as fast as Spike before. Leaving the three remaining ponies perplexed by losing two of their friends is just few seconds, terrified of being the next. All the courage Rainbow could have felt in that moment, fade. Making her returning to the other two, getting as closer as possible to feel more safety. A lot of noises started to be heared in the room, like if something was trying to get out of the floor, breaking it and crawling under it. The flashing and dimed light blinded them, confusing them. The only they can see were shades swirling around them. They started to step back, getting back to back, very close from each other, fearing that was the end, as the sound of broken stuff, collapsing or being destroyed by an unknown force they couldn’t see were even harder every second. Then, they heard a sound behind them, very close. This wasn’t like the others, this one was more like a bump, like if someone just landed behind them. Shaking in fear, they turned to see what was that they had behind. What they saw freeze them up. In front of them, there was a shadow, staring at them with a terrifying shining white eye. They were all terrified when the shadow draws a maleficent grin on its face before it pounces on them. The three mare scream helpless, hugging each other. “GOTCHA!” Four voices shouted. Still scared and a little stunned by the experience, the open their eyes confused to see who were there with them. They were nothing more and nothing less than their friends, which were supposed to be captured. “You should see the look on your faces”. Rarity said giggling, trying to contend the laghing. At the same time, the four of them remove a kind of shadow from them with a movement of his arm. “Everything were a joke?” Applejack said shaking. “Of couse! And I may say it worked perfectly”. Spike commented, laughing, as he jumped to high five an unknown foal. Pinkie, being Pinkie, started to laugh out loud as if nothing of above was happened. “Good one, Twilight”. She said between laughs. “I didn’t expect that one”. “That is not done!”. Rainbow Dash replied. “I really got scare… worried”. She said with tears in her eyes. “I thought you were in danger”. “Are you crying?” Twilight asked mocking. “Of course not”. She shout. “Well, maybe that would teach you to not play me jokes when I am delivering an important job to Sapphire Shores”. Rarity claimed. “Or giving me dragon sneeze when I’m carrying important documents”. Spice continued. “Or when I’m in conference with Princess Celestia. Besides, Pinkie laugh at it”. Twilight said. “Pinkie laughs at all”. Rainbow answered annoyed. She knew best that her friends were right; Applejack, Pinkie Pie and her had done all that jokes to them a few weeks ago, but she didn’t expect they would payback. “And who is this?!” She said pointing at Comet, making Pinkie stop laughing, remembering about the other pony there was with them, someone she didn’t know. “It’s true! The new pony!” She exclaimed, getting closer to the foal with an incredible speed, surprising Comet and making him step back. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. You should be new in town. I know because I know everypony in Ponyville and I’ve never seen you before, and that only means that you are new here. What’s your name? Where are you from? What are you doing here in Twilight’s castle? When did you met her?” Pinkie started to asking questions to Comet far too fast to him to be capable to answer all of them. When he was about to answer one she already had asjked him another three. She just talked and talked non-stop. Comet couldn’t understand how she managed to not runout of air. “Then…” Rainbow said. “I understand you played us a joke, but what does he have to do with all of this?” “That’s true, Twilight, who is he?” Applejack agreed with rainbow, who decided to calm herself before speaking in order to prevent an outburst like Rainbow did. “Are you kidding? He planned everything”. Twilight answered. “He what?” Applejack exclaimed in surprise. The three of them, even Pinkie, turned to Twilight, amazed by her affirmation. Immediately, the same glance turned to the foal next ho them, who had an arrogant smirk in his face as he pumped up his chest proudly. “Then, who is he?” Applejack asked even more surprised, ‘case she knew Twilight wasn’t lying. “I promise I will tell you everything at time, but by the moment, you’ll have to wait”. Twilight said. “Until then, Comet, go clean yourself, it´s time for lunch”. “Ok, Twilight”. The colt answered obediently, not before giving Twilight a tender look. “I’ll go to the kitchen”. Spike said with a big smile on his face, giggling. This left the three friends open-mouthed, without understanding even a little of what was happening. First, Twilight called them for an emergency; after that, the emergency and the terrifying scenario results to be a joke she planned with Rarity and Spike; then, results that the joke was planned by a little foal they had never knew; and finally, he treated Twilight like they were very close. They didn’t know what they were missing or if all of that was a strange dream. “Um… Hi, girls. Am I late?” A soft voice broke into the room. “I got this note saying to come here at this time and…” “Fluttershy. Of course not, you are just in time”. Twilight interrupted her. Come in, Make yourself comfortable. “Oh, thanks”. She answered with her typical kindness. “Huh… What happened to you three?” She asked when she saw her friend with incredulous faces. “It´s a long story”. Twilight answered. “I´ll tell you in a moment. Could you come with me? I need help setting the table, I’m a little late. “Sure, Twilight”. Fluttershy answered cheerfully, following her friend, also being followed by Rarity. The rest stayed these, sitting on the floor, still trying to understand what just happen, everyone but Pinkie, who was thinking about the best decorations for the welcome party she would make to the newcomin. “I can’t wait to tell our friends the good news”. Rarity said very excited. “And, what do you think if we don’t tell them?” Twilight said with a mysterious air. “What do you mean, dear? “Do you remember the jokes they played to us a few weeks ago?” “How not to doing it, Rainbow Dash had so much luck Sapphire Shores was in a good mood. If she had ruined my job…” Rarity said, getting anger just to remember it. “Well, I think it is time for a payback”. Twilight said with a malicious glance. “What do you have in mind?” Rarity said interested in the idea. “I don’t know yet, but if we work together, we can…” “If you want to make a joke, I can help you with that”. Comet interrupt her. The two mares looked to each other a little unsure about Comet’s suggestion, but then, they grin thinking in giving the foal a chance, after all, who’s better to plot a mischief than a foal. “Tell us, what’s your plan?” Twilight asked him. Comet smiled machiavellically and made them a signal to get close to him. “It´s kind of difficult and it will require a lot of coordination, but if everything goes well…” He started to explained his plan. “…and that’s how all this perfectly synchronized farce arose. We had been preparing it for three days, but I think it was worth it”. Twilight happily finished narrating the story. She was sitting on the head of the table, enjoying her lunch with his friends, Spike and Comet. -So, let me get the straight, everything was an illusion?” Pinkie Pie asked amazed. “Yup”. Comet nodded. “Nothing was real. Every shade, every figure, was a trick. Everything is in knowing how to play with the shadows”. “And you did it all by yourself?” Applejack asked still can’t believing it. “Well, I had a little help”. He answered turning to look twilight. “I’m glad I wasn’t there; it must have been terrifying”. Fluttershy said, shuddering just thinking about it. “And you say it”. Applejack agreed. “You have to admit it was funny”. Pinkie Pie added. “It was a good joke”. “Well, I was not scared”. Rainbow Dash said. “Well, I have a picture that says the opposite”. Comet said showing a photograph with a terrified Rainbow Dash on it, screaming and hugging her friends. “Hey, give me that”. Rainbow dash said very blushed, flying toward Comet in a tent to take the picture, but Comet moved it before she could reach it, playing with her like one will do with a cat and a laser pointer. But disappearing it at the end. “If you dare to tell somepony about this…” Rainbow threatened. “Rainbow Dash, control yourself. He is just a foal”. Rarity scold her. “Anyway, the joke is over, why you still having make up?” She said ignoring Rarity, pointing at Comet’s eye. “It… It is not make up”. He answered lowing his head, covering his eye with his hoof. “Oh…” Rainbow said, ashamed because she knew she messed things up. “Rainbow Dash, how can you be so insensitive?” Fluttershy reproached her, looking at her disapprovingly, like the rest of her friend. “You didn’t have to making fun of him like that”. Rarity scold her again. “Don’t listen to her”. Twilight said kindly, getting closer to Comet. “Rainbow usually is very impulsive when she is upset. I am sure she didn’t mean it. The rest of her friend got closer to comet to try to comfort him. Rainbow, in the other hand, she just stared how she had become the bad guy of the story. Even though she tried to remain angry with the foal for making her look bad, she couldn’t. The only thing she only could felt was regret. She knew she was wrong, despite having spoken out of ignorance. “It is true he played us a joke…” Pinkie Pie said getting closer to Rainbow, pulling her out of her thoughts. “…, however, no one was hurt, but making fun of other, Rainbow, is not fun”. Driven by Pinkies words, Rainbow knew perfectly what she had to do. Even though that meant to swallow her pride. She flew to stand in front of Comet. “Hey, kiddo, listen”. She said to get his attention. “I’m sorry about what I said, I didn’t mean to. I really thought it was a kind of Rarity’s make up…” “Although I’m flattered, darling, there is no way I could do that”. Rarity replied. “I know that now”. She continued. “I was upset and I didn’t think about what I was doing. What I’m trying to say is… I’m sorry”. Comet listened every word Rainbow said, a little hesitating about the truth on his words, but as she continued speaking, he could notice there wasn’t any hint of falsehood on her voice, indeed she was being very honest. So, Comet looked at her with a smile on his face, nodding in agreement, indicating he accepted the apology. “What you did was so awesome”. Rainbow added in a better mood. “You did a great job with your eye there. That was really scary”. “Thanks”. Comet said sincerely, feeling proud that someone complimented his work. “I would like to ask something about your eye…” Fluttershy said. “If that doesn’t bother you, of course” “What?” Comet replied. “Can you see with it?” Everypone, except Comet, tuned to Fluttershy with a surprised and awkward expression because it was the same question they had in mind, but only she dared to ask, making Fluttershy shrink. “Yes, I can see with it”. He answered with a tone that denoted he was tired of hearing that. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you”. Fluttershy apologized. “It´s not your fault. But, if I had a bit every time I’ve even heard that question…”. “There’s still something I don’t understand”. Applejack said. “You’ve already told us about all this thing about the joke, but you haven’t told us who is he yet. “True. How could I forget about the most important thing?” Twilight said giggling. “Girls, I’d like to introduce you to Comet Dust, he is, basically, my son.” She said happily. Everypony were speechless, everypony but Rarity –obviously-, trying to understand what they just heard. The confusion could be seeing in their faces, specially Pinkie. She was open-mouthed, not knowing if feeling happy or confuse, so her face stayed in an intermediate grin a little weird. That explained the familiar form –and motherly- Twilight spoken to the colt and the obedience he had at her indications. But that wasn’t enough, it hadn’t cleared all their doubts. “Did you know about this?” Fluttershy asked to Rarity. “Well, of course”. She answered feeling a little superior of knowing something the rest of her friends didn’t. “I’ve met him a few days ago; they went to my boutique for a mane emergency”. Twilight gave them the same explanation she had told Rarity, since her arrive to Canterlot, why she decided to enter the orphanage, how she met Comet, until her decision of adopting him. Once she finished, her friend couldn’t help but look with tenderness to the pair of ponies and the little dragon which formed a family now. “Is the loveliest story I’ve ever heard”. Fluttershy said with tears in her eyes, moved by the tender action of Twilight. “A little cheesy if you ask me”. Rainbow said, reverting to his rude facade. “What a dumbs the Canterlot ponies could be”. Applejack said. “Rejected him just because the look of his eye. If they only knew what he can do”. “That’s right”. Rainbow agreed. “To make a joke like that requires talent, a lot of talent. Besides, I think that eye makes him look 20% cooler”. “I agreed with you, darling”. Rarity said. “It is very distinctive”. Even though Comet knew they all were just empty compliments, the fact of knowing that six ponies appreciated him just because how he was and not because how he looked, made him feel comfortable, that al last he belongs somewhere. “Welcome to the family, Comet!” Pinkie Pie shout hugging him so tight. “I’ll make you the most spectacular welcome party. There will be cakes, sweets, music, games and tons of fun. All ponies in town will be there, you will meet a lot of interesting people and you’ll make lots of friends…” “Pinkie, wait… I… I don’t want a party –Comet rapidly said with an uncomfortable expression. “What? Why?” Pinkie asked a little sad of hearing all his planes destroyed. “Introduce me to you five is a thing, but doing it in front of dozens of ponies I… I can’t… I’m not ready”. Comet said nervously, letting him go from Pinkie’s arms. “I think we should postpone it”. “Don’t be afraid”. Fluttershy told him. “I know being under everypony’s eye could be frightening, but you’ll see it will worth it when you make some friends”. “That’s what I’m worried about”. Comet said, freaking out just to think about all the ponies’ reaction when they see him. “It’s all right, I understand”. Pinkie replied a little depressed, but she understands Comet rejected his party not because he wanted to despise her effort, but he was afraid of being the mockery of everyone. “Are you sure about this?”. Twilight asked him, knowing how much how the others saw him affected Comet. Comet just nodded keeping a nervous look. “Well it’s a shame. I was hoping I could give you this in the party, but since It won’t happen, I think you can have it today”. Rarity said, pulling out a huge box wrapped in a shining red paper, decorated with a blue ribbon, from a closet. “What is this?” Comet asked when he saw the box Rarity putted in front of him. “It’s for you, Comet. It’s a present”. Rarity answered. “A present?” He asked to himself as the excitement started to arise on his eyes. “It’s not the only one”. Twilight interrupted. Pulling out a box too, apparently heavier, from the same closet. “Awww, you should have told me”. Pinkie said pitifully. “I’d like to give him something too”. “If we had done it, the joke wouldn’t have worked”. Twilight said giggling. “What are you waiting for?! Open it!” Rainbow yelled, excited to see what was in the boxes. Not just Rainbow, the rest of the friends were curious to know what was inside too, spreading this enthusiasm to Comet. He started to rip the paper uncovering the first present, Twilight’s. When he ripped the last piece of paper, the face of the foal shine with happiness when he saw what was beneath. Unlike Twilight’s friend, which couldn’t help but show the obviously that Twilight couldn’t give anything else but books, staring at her as if it was the worst gift in the world. “Yay! Books!” The foal screamed very excited. “Thanks Twilight”. Twilight snorted as a victory sign as she gave an arrogant look to her friends, who couldn’t believe that someone could be that excited for receive paper. It has to be Twilight’s son after all. “Open mine, now”. Rarity said, anxious to see the colt´s reaction. Rapidly, Comet untied the ribbon that hold the wrapper. But he hadn’t had to rip the paper this time. Skillfully, Rarity arranged the paper so that this will open like a flower when he remove the ribbon, keeping the beautiful wrapper she chose intact. When he opened the box, the excitement became to confusion. Within the box there wasn’t toys, candies o books, as he thought; there were a lot of fabrics, perfectly folded and meticulously arranged inside. “Rarity, what is this?” He asked. “It is not obvious? Is your new wardrobe”. She said proudly. “Made it by nothing more and nothing less than me”. “Oh… Thanks”. Comet said trying to smile, a little unsure. “Didn’t you like it?” Rarity asked when she saw his reaction. “It isn’t that… It’s just… I don’t know what to think…” He answered choosing very well his word to not sound rude. “Oh is that so? That’s because you haven’t had proven it, darling”. She said understanding what he was trying to say, she had seen that reaction dozens of times before. “Come here, let me help you”. Without even gave him time to answer her, Rarity pulled Comet toward her and appeared a screen with his magic, only their shadow could be seen through it it, Twilight and her friends watched Rarity dressing up Comet against his will, as they could hear some complains from him. “Oh, you look divine”. Rarity said, disappearing the screen and appearing a mirror in front of Comet. “The perfect attire for a handsome little gentlecolt like you”. For everyone’s surprise, even Comet, Rarity was right. Talking about fashion, she knew best what was better for everypony just to see it. Comet was spellbounded in how good he looked in that attire Rarity made. It was a Bordeaux dress vest –very elegant-, a kind of white shirt without sleeves and, as complement, a dark turquoise bow tie and handkerchief. He really looked like royalty now or, at least, like a high society pony. A foal worthy of being called the son of the Princess of Friendship. “It’s incredible”. Comet said non-stop watching his reflect. “I look incredible”. “I’m so glad you like it”. Rarity said. “Like it?... I love it”. The foal said, with shining eyes in happiness. “I’ve never had such fine clothes, actually, I’ve never had new clothes. I… I don’t know what to say… Thank you”. He hugged Rarity. “Aww, I’m sorry not having anything to give you this time”. Fluttershy said. “I promise to give you something nice the next time”. “And you will look fabulous in the school too”. Rarity added. “You will be the best dressed colt around”. “School?” Comet and Twilight asked simultaneously. “Of course”. Rarity replied. “Don’t you remember Twilight? The vacations are ending and Comet has to assist to school like the other foals. “It’s true. You can agree with me, Twilight, when I say that learning is very important for everyone.” Applejack added. “You are right, nopony should miss their studies”. Twilight solemnly say at what she thought was the most important thing in foals’ life. “I don’t need to go to school”. Comet replied. “I can learn evrething I need here in the castle, after all, Twilight is the most intelligent and wise pony in all of Equestria”. He put baby doll ayes. “I´m flattered, Comet, but I’m not the indicated pony to do it”. She answered him, erasing the smile in his face. “I can always help you with your studies if you need it, but you must go”. “But…” “No need to worry. Miss Cheerilee is good and very kind”. Fluttershy said to convince him. “And I can see you don’t have your cutie mark yet. I know three fillies who will be very happy to know you”. Applejack commented. “You’ll see; you’ll be better than a swine in the mud in a hot day”. “And you will know a lot of foals of your age to be friends. It will be fun!” Pinkie Pie said. “With your cunning and your awesomeness, you’ll have them eating from your hoof, I can assure you”. Rainbow dash finished. “Yeah… Friends…” Comet said with a forced smile and a tone of voice that indicated concern. Comet turned around and walked away from the group of mares, which continued talking to each other, while all the excitement Comet felt moments ago slowly fade away, leaving him with only his fears overwhelming him. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here. All your reviews, comnts and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter.
Chapter 5 The school started... and the problems tooChapter 5. The classes are starting… and the problems too. Morning. The first beams of sunshine started to enter through the huge windows of the castle. The birds were giving life to the new day with their trills and a fresh breeze help the ponies to bear the warm hug of the summer sun. “Raise and shine!” An excited purple alicorn entered into the piece of a colt wrapped among his blankets. It was unusual that the colt didn’t wake up by himself, he always did it at dawn, with an exception the days after he move to Ponyville, so she had been surprised when he didn’t go to breakfast. Thinking he probably had problems to sleep due to his excitement for that day. “It’s morning, Comet.” Twilight said moving the curtains to allow the sunlight lo enter the room. “Today is a big day. You don’t want to be late in our first day.” Comet moaned when the sun hit his face, covering itself completely with the blankets. “It´s too early yet.” Comet complain. “And be late for what?” “Itsn’t it obvious? School starts today, you must hurry or you’ll be late.” Comet just turned, turning his back to Twilight with annoyance. “I’m not going.” He said reluctantly. Twilight put a severe glance and pull the blankets discovering the foal, who stared at her in surprise. “Comet, we have spoken about this already and we decided this was the best.” “You decided that.” He said irritated, taking back the blankets and covering again. Twilight, tired of the foal’s stubbornness, ignited her horn making disappear the blankets from the room. She expected that behavior already. The caretakers from the orphanage had warned her that Comet could be foolish and inflexible when an idea got into his head, making difficult to change his mind. So she’d has to be pretty firm in her position if she wanted the colt to take her seriously. “Hey, that´s cheating.” Comet screamed when his “shelter” was gone. “I’m not going to discuss this again, young foal.” Twilight said with a severe look in her face, intimidating him a little-. “You must go to school. And like it or not, I take the decisions here.” She started to move to the door. “So prepare yourself and go down to breakfast.” Twilight closed the door with a big sigh. She wasn’t pretty sure if she had went too hard with Comet, maybe she should have stopped to talk with him and clear all this matter, but at that point, she couldn’t taking back. Plus, Comet could have used it to delay them even more. Comet stayed for a while on his bed, raging in silence. Forcing him to accept the idea of him going to school, something he considered useless an unnecessary. He thought that there was nothing there he couldn’t learn in the castle and insisted in Twilight being his mentor. He couldn’t understand why she refuses on doing it. When he understood that he wouldn’t get to anything by being angry, he stood down from the bed, an went to his closet. Then, there, he found, next to his bed, a lot of stuff he didn’t remember leaving them there or even seeing them the night before. Among them, there was a simple, Prusia Blue, saddlebag; it has a personalized buckle of aqua blue color and crescent moon shape. There were some notebooks, scrolls, pencils, color pencils and other stuff he would need in his scholar life. Now he understood why Twilight was going out frequently all the week. The saddle bag was made by Rarity, obviously, it has her fir on it everywhere; the rest, probably she bought them in the stands of the marketplace. Twilught was really excited with the idea of him assisting to school, so much that she had taken the trouble of buying him more than the necessary for it. Comet went down to breakfast once he was ready. Resigned to obey Twilight. When she saw him, all her body fulfilled with joy by seeing Comet carrying the saddlebag she bought for him. She draws a smile on her face as she gave a tender look to her foal, who looked like a student now. Ready for a new adventure. After embarrass Comet with lots of compliments and kisses, the foal walked to his seat. Since it was a “special occasion “, Spiked had prepared, with a little help of Twilight, a big number of dishes, among them, a cake, an assortment of cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner and, how could it be missing, a great variety of fruit on the table, which Comet already had taken a liking, except for berries, of course. However, Spike and Twilight were a little overreached, since the quantity of food there was enough to feed an entire hoofball team. The breakfast was as quite as usual since Comet came, that is to say, nothing. They talked and joked all the time it lasts, sometimes even more, and that day weren’t the exception. As it couldn’t be possible in other way, the topic in this occasion was Comet’s first school day. Twilight non stopped talking about how excited it would be, the things he will learn and the friends he’ll make. In the other hand, Comet wasn’t very convinced with the idea, it wasn’t the encouraging thing to him. However, seeing Twilight so happy and excited gave him security; besides, if schools in Ponyville were similar to in Canterlot, or at least what he heard about them, he will be in a big room with a few foals, nothing to be worried about. “Alright, I’ll go.” He accepted, but instantly giving Twilight a serious look. “But with one condition. I’ll go alone.” “What? Why?” Twilight said, eardropped, disappointed by the foal’s petition. She really wanted to go with him. “If I’m going to make friends, I want them to be real friends, that they appreciate me for who I am, not just because I´m the son of the Princess.” Comet lied, hiding that the truth of the history was he was afraid of Twilight realizing de overcoming of all the situation. Twilight thought for a moment, trying to find something to counter argue because Comet had his point. She trusted that Comet could identify a real friend from a fake one, but if he thought that would give him security about his friends, then who was she to impeding him. Sooner or later the secret will be revealed. Until then, he would have time to tighten the ties with his friends and knowing about her wouldn’t influence in Comet´s image they would have about him. Regretfully, Twilight agreed, if that meant that he was going to go to school. Comet walked all the way to school, in the opposite side of the town, nervously. A lot of ponies, not just foals, returned to their jobs after vacation, so the streets were full even since early in the morning. All the way he went hiding on the shadows and avoiding making contact with others. As he got closer to school more foals could be seeing, but it wasn’t until he arrived to his destiny when he saw all the classmates he will have. The Schoolhouse wasn´t very big, just a modest red with white ornamentation cabin with a bell tower on the roof. Around it, there were at least thirty foals and fillies playing around or saying goodbye to their parents. Comet started to cold sweat, he didn´t expect he will be surrounded by lot of foals and in such small place. He starter to thing that leaving Twilight at home was a good idea. He didn’t know any of them, but they seem to know each other perfectly perhaps, because some of them entered the building accompanied with others laughing and talking about how much fun they had had on vacation. Comet froze, even the idea of going back or hiding somewhere else until the classes ended cross his mind. But what would happen if Twilight discover him, she trusted him, he couldn’t lay her down. He didn’t want to disappoint Twilight. Still terrified, he tried to find the courage to getting closer, but every time he attempted to walk, his legs didn’t respond. The bell rang, calling everypony to go inside. Classes were about to commence. All the foals out there, quickly walked to go inside as a fuchsia fur, pink mane and green eyes pony, probably the teacher, went out to corroborate nopony was left outside. That was enough to make Comet move, his fear of disappointing Twilight was bigger than his fear of people. The fuchsia mare was starting to walk inside with a look that comet couldn’t say if it was of worrying or tiredness. “Wait!” Comet yelled in order to call the mares attention so she will not close the door. The mare turned around to see who was yelling, because there wasn’t anypony out already. In a first sight, she couldn’t see anypony until she low his head a little and saw a little colt running towards her. “Oh, you must be Comet.” She said gently. Miss Cheerilee was staying a lot of time in the door. Maybe she was talking with one of the parents who still out there, nopony could say it with certain, the teachers body and the door prevent them to see. However, nopony gave them importance apparently, surely it was one of those boring talks the adults usually have and that gave them more time to talk with their friends. “…yeah, I had a lot of fun with Babs in Manehattan.” Said a filly with yellow fur and red mane wearing a big pink bow on it to her two friends. “We went to the park, went all the way up of a huge statue in an island and she showed me the Manehattan division of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” “What a coincidence. I went to Manehattan too.” Said a little unicorn with white fur and pink-lavender mane. “It´s a shame we didn’t see each other there.” “Yes, I bet Babs would had loved it.” She answered. “What about you, Scootaloo? What did you do on your vacation? “My mother took me to camp. It was awesome. We paddled in a canoe, jumped down a zip line, went climbing and met a lot of animals.” Answered a Pegasus of orange fur and magenta mane. -Good morning, students.” Cheerilee greeted cheerfully, finally entering into the classroom followed by a stranger colt. “I’m glad to see and having all of you one more year…” She said starting a speech the most of the present know very well. “…and I’m even more glad to anunce that we have a new student with us, so everypony give a warm welcome to Comet.” Immediately, all looks were for Comet, especially the ones from five fillies who saw instantly at his flank, were a cutie mark was missing. Three of them watch him with enthusiastic while the other two smile to each other deviously. Comet was petrified to feel all those eye upon him, the only thing he was moving was his own eyes, turning nervously everywhere, looking for a spot where nopony where paying him attention. Always takin care of showing the right side of his face. Probably somepony had already saw him; soon, all of them would know about his eye; nothing will change, everything will remain the same as in Canterlot… All those thoughts were clouding his mind, giving him no other response than run away. “You don’t have to be nervous.” A sweet and kind voice told him. It was Cheerilee, trying to calm him when she saw he was having difficulties. “Why don’t you introduce yourself? Tell us about yourself.” “I-I’m…” He tried to speak, but that was the only he could say. In a las attempt to calm himself, he closed his eyes and breathed slowly. Then something came to his mind, something that he couldn’t see until then: Rarity had said that he would be the best dressed pony at school, well, she was right. In fact, he was the only dressed pony. The funny of that situation were enough to calm his nerve a little so he could thing more clearly. Gaining some courage, Comet finally was ready to speak. “I-I’m Comet Dust. I’m six years old. I moved from Canterlot with my mother a few weeks ago.” “It’s a pleasure, Comet. I’m pretty sure everypony here are hoping to know more about the life in Canterlot. But that would have to wait until school break.” Cheerille said, taking some pressure off Comet. “Now choose your seat, we have three available. Feel free to choose whatever you like.” Comet gave a sight to the seat Cheerille was talking about. None of them were convenient for him. One was in the center line, just in the middle of the classroom, where everypony could see him; the second one was in the right side of the classroom, leaving his eye uncovered; and the last one was in the back of the room in the left side, he won’t be able to hear very well what the teacher said, but at least his eye won’t be on sigh, choosing this one. He walked nervous between the lines of seat where his classmates were siting, cunningly using his saddlebag to hide his eye, levitating it with his magic, amazing some of his classmates, who, having the same age, they didn’t know how to use magic yet. He was so distracted covering his eye form his classmates sight that he didn’t see where he was stepping, tripping on something he never knew what it was or if somepony had tripped him, face-falling to the floor. Some snickers began to be heard while other ponies stared reproachfully at the pony who was sitting next to where he had fallen. A gray fur with dark gray mane Pegasus, Rumble. It was known to everypony that Rumble liked to play joke on his parners, becoming very irritating sometimes. Rumble, feeling the sights of his partners, put an indignant expression by being accused unfairly. Comet got up with a slight wail of pain. A little confuse, he got on four hooves again. In that moment, some gasps and murmurs began to be heard as miss Cheerilee tried to calm down her students, but it was late already. The fall had deactivated Comet´s magic, leaving his saddlebag on the floor. Noticing this and the fact that everypony was looking at him now, he took his saddlebag again and ran frightened to his seat. Miss Cheerille managed to calm down all of her students after a while and Rumble could convince his fellows he hadn’t done anything. But the damage was done, due to that unfortunately accident, everypony had seen his eye, all of them know what he was now. Fortunately, nopony looked at him again the rest of the boring class, one of the advantages of being behind everyone. Everypony were paying attention to the lesson except for three: two fillies, one of gray fur and silver mane and, the other, of pink fur and lavender with white mane, who were gossiping behind Miss Cheerilee’s back; and Comet, who pull out his pencil, one of the few things he brought with him, and a notebook. He pretended was taking note when he really was making lines and scribbles on the pages. The lesson was about orthography, something Comet knew perfectly due all the book he had read, making the thought of had gone there was waste of time came back. It was a lucky the break will come soon. A rest from that somniferous class, eat something and a great opportunity to continue reading the books Twilight had gifted him since he hadn’t finished more than one. Break was already started and while the rest of their fellows were excited to play with his friends, for Comet meant a little space of time to relax and being on alone. He found a clam place under a tree, a little far from his classmates running and yelling everywhere. He sat down laying on the trunk, giving his back to the rest of his class, leaving his lunch next to him. Nothing ostentatious, an apple, a daisies sandwich and a little of hay and, of course, a bottle of water. He was very excited of finishing his book, a fictional story about four brothers who manage to enter into a strange snowy world through a closet. Ha had never had special interest in fantastic stories, but he gave a chance to this one because Twilight gave them to him, and the story was really good. Rapidly, he got absorbed by the paper he had in front of his eyes. As usual, he was too into the pages of the book that he forgotten from everything else, all of his problems disappeared, nothing existed between he and his book. Cary knew this perfectly, when for some reason Comet didn’t went down to eat or helping in the orphanage, probably he was reading. It was his favorite escape. He made a few chews to his lunch when his body reminded him he was hungry, but for the rest, he didn’t quit his aye from the paper, he barely blinked. For the first time in all day, he was tranquil, at least for the thirty minutes of the brake. Meanwhile, near the other foals and the furniture of the playground, three foals were greedily looking for Comet, with the excuse of welcome him. The few foals who saw Comet where he was going, guided them pointing the tree. At fast pace, the trio walk to their encounter with an unaware Comet. “So, there you are.” A colt said with a tone as he was surprised of see him there. “You and I have some things to resolve…” Comet didn’t move, in fact, he didn’t even notice the precence of the three colts next to him. “Hey, I’m talking to you.” He said again, a little irritated, but with the same effect. The three colts look to each other in confusion, Comet didn’t move even a millimeter, all what he did was staring at his book. Then, one of them got close to him and gave him a poke on his shoulder, taking Comet by surprise, ‘cause he thought he would be far enough to not be disturbed. “Huh? What? Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. What were you saying? Comet say a little confused, turning to see the same colt of gray fur and mane with other two, a bulky one with cream color fur and blue mane in a military haircut; and the other, little and scrawny, of orange fur and red mane. The here of them look intimidating, but not as much as the entire class. “You and I have to talk about what happen in the classroom...” The colt said again, apparently the leader. “Rumble, right?” Comet interrupted him, trying to not sound nervous. “Don´t worry about that, it wasn’t a big deal.” Comet said gently. “And I don’t blame you, I really don’t think you have something to do with that.” He added, thinking that with that everything will be solved. “True. In the end, I think everypony forgot about it.” Rumble said moderating his voice to make Comet think he wasn’t giving too much importance to the matter. “It was a surprise when everyone saw that eye of yours. It´s kind of… peculiar, now I’m interested. Comet couldn’t help but get annoyed by the last comet the colt said. It was almost the same thing Twilight´s friends told him, but there was something in the tone of his voice that made him believe that Rumble didn’t say it with good intentions. “If you still upset for that, I’ve already told you I have no regrets toward you. So please, leave me alone.” Comet said trying to not be rude as he could, struggling to not fall in Rumble’s provocations. “Now listen, you freak! Your little joke almost got me in trouble and someone has to pay for it.” Rumble said, finally bringing to light his true intentions. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” Comet said, returning to his book, giving his back to them three. “HEY! GIVE IT BACK! THAT’S MINE!” Comet yelled when the scrawny pony snatched his book. “Good job, Blink.” Rumble flattered him. “Give me my book back.” Comet said angrily as he got dangerously close to them while he ignited his horn. Rumble rolled his eyes. “Bull…” He ordered. In the act, the bulky one charge over Comet, tacking him, painfully knocking him off on the floor, preventing him from using his magic. Once he was on the floor, Bull sat on him, impeding to Comet to get up. “While you are there, pay attention.” Rumble said threatening. “If you thought just because you’re new or weird we’ll threaten you different, then you’re wrong. I ruled this school, and if you mess with me you´ll pay dearly. Understood.” Then, Rumble noticed the half eaten lunch of Comet, who just saw him with anger, and smirked maliciously. “We´ll take this as an apology. Let´s go.” He said and ordered to his lackeys. Rumble take Comet´s lunch and leave, followed by the other two, not without before Blink threw the book on him. Comet got up in pain. I was hard to breath, having that colt sitting on him was like been squashed by a vending machine with legs, imagine being rolled by him now, he can still fell the hit. He turned to his now damaged book. Those brutes threated it in a way a book has never been treated. Several pages were now creased, and other ripped; with the fall it got dirty, staining some several pages and parts of the beautiful golden decorations on the cover were ruined. The ripped pages could be fixed with magic, but the rest of the damage were irreparable. The’ had ruined his precious book Twilight had given just a few days ago. The remaining time of the brake, Comet spent it fixing and cleaning his book, flattering the corrugated pages, uniting the ripped ones and dusting of all the dirt he could. Everything with his body aching yet, due to the hits and scratches that had been made, continuingly to silently insult the three of them who had done that to him. The bell rang again and everyone walked again inside the classroom, except for three fillies who were waiting at the door, searching for somepony among his classmates. Then the Pegasus, Scootaloo, pointed to the end of the line. There he was, Comet Dust. “Comet, we’ve been looking for you. I’m Apple Bloom, and they are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle; we want to know if you are interested…” She stopped when she saw Comet limping. “Are you ok?” Comet didn´t answered. He passed them without even noticing their presence. He was too busy bearing with the pain to pay attention to someone else. The three fillies were speechless when they saw that comet had completely ignored them. Also, they could notice the angry expression on his face and that he was muttering something they couldn’t understand. They watched him entering to the classroom without even a sight or gesture from him. They followed Comet. The followed him into the classroom, they were the last ones who had to enter, to restart the lessons. Still worried for him, they couldn’t stop following him with the look, feeling a little sorry for him. Comet limped toward to his seat, passing next to Comet again, who gave him an arrogant glance, but Comet didn’t care to turn to see him, something that irritated the colt. Finally, Comet made it to his seat, sitting heavily on it and putting his book away so nopony would take it again. Miss Cheerille entered too and the classes started again, this time math. Finally, something interesting, if it weren’t for the fact that Comet couldn’t concentrate as he couldn’t get all that happened in the schoolyard out of his mind and how much he hated Rumble at that moment. He must have done or said something to defend himself, he must have faced them, but they outnumbered him, further, he wasn’t the most athletic colt in the world and without useful defense magic, there weren’t any way he could beat them. Even if he’d ask for help, his fellows won’t help him, he was alone, as always. “Comet, class is over. Everypony has gone.” A kind voice from a mare talked to him, waking him up from his thoughts. He was so deep into them he didn’t notice the pass of the time. “Are you ok?” The mare asked to him. It was Cheerilee, who had a consternated look on his face by the sad expression of the foal. “I´m ok, Just a little tired.” Comet said looking away. Comet got down from his seat, took his saddlebag and walked toward the exit. The sun was still in its zenith yet, blinding him for a moment when he walked out of the classroom. Fortunately, Rumble and company were far away from there, so the path home will be more calmed. In his way, he encountered with the crusaders again, ignoring them one more time when they tried to greeting him. He looked down. His first school day had been a completely fiasco. He didn’t do anything interesting, didn’t learn anything new and didn’t do any friends, on the contrary, he had made an enemy without even had done anything to him. At least his limping was less notorious, the sitting in the class had been enough to decrease the pain. However, that didn’t do any good in raising his spirit. He felt he had failed. Thinking about in what Twilight will would say if she found out that he failed in the only thing he asked him to do, didn’t do anything but depressed him. Twilight will be disappointed. She really hoped he will make friends, that he will be as good in friendship as she. If she discovered he did all the contrary, that he had frozen in front of their classmates, that he was too terrified of talking with them, that he had been victim of the mocking from the others and he had done the only thing he knew to take refuge, hiding from everyone and isolate into his books, even worst, having destroying the gift she gave him with all her love; it’ll break her heart. Giving a sigh, he tried to relax himself and, putting his best smile, opened the door. “I’m here!” He yelled, pretending being excited. “Welcome home, Comet.” Twilight answered leaving the dining room. “Go wash your hooves, meal will be ready soon.” Comet started to run, happy of hear those words. Maybe school had been horrible, but he will always have a place where he could feel safe, where neither the jokes nor the insults could enter, his home. “Wait…” Twilight stopped him, getting closer to him with certain consternation in her face. “What is this? What happen to your face?” She asked as she raising his face to see that it was full of scratches, something difficult to hide due to his white fur. “Um… Well, you see… I-I… We were playing and kind of fell when I step on a rock.” He lied. “We? Is that mean that you made a friend?” Twilight said sparckling of happiness. “Ah… y-yes.” He answered trying to smile. “Oh, I knew it. I knew you could do it.” She said excited. “Oh, I’m so proud of you.” She took the colt in her arms and gave him a big hug. Comet couldn’t help but make an expression of grief, ‘cause he couldn’t feel the same way. The hug it was supposed to be warm and comforting, he felt it empty and insignificant, product from a lie and, thus, fake. But, he didn’t dare to tell her the truth, he didn’t have the courage to break Twilight’s heart after see her so happy to believe he had friends. So he just stayed there, receiving a hug he felt he didn’t deserve it, containing the tears. “I want to know them already.” Twilight said. “Um… It is a little soon for that, don’t you think.” Comet said, avoiding the answer. “I know, but I’m too excited right now.” She said lovingly. “Go clean yourself, you must be hungry.” Comet just nodded and run as fast as he could to his bedroom, couldn’t containing the frustration anymore. The moment he entered the room, he layed on his bed and cry for some minutes until he let all out. Meanwhile, in Sweet Apple Acres, three fillies were running to his clubhouse, in the middle of the orchards, encountering a certain pony of country accent and a cowboy hat. “Hello, girls. How was school today? Something interesting happened?” Apllejack said, obviously talking about Comet. “Hi, Applejack.” His little sister answered. “There is a new pony at school. “Really? And how is that pony?” “Well is a colt of our age, It’s called Comet… Comet Dust.” Apple Bloom answered. “He said he moved from Canterlot. Who would so crazy to move from Canterlot to Ponyville? –Scootaloo commented. “Did you see his clothes? It is obvious Rarity made it.” Sweetie Belle added. “How can you be so sure about that?” Scootaloo askes a little confused. “I know my sister’s work. That outfit had her sign everywhere.” Sweetie Belle said, proud of her older sister. “Who would say it?” Scootaloo said as she and Apple Bloom share a confused look. “It seems that you had a lot to talk with him.” Applejack said kicking a tree. “Well, no. Not really. It was a little…” Apple Bloom answered, thinking what word cold be the one she needed. “..strange.” Scootaloo completed it. “Yes. He didn’t talk to anypony and he ignored us when we tried to greet him. “Maybe he’s just a little shy. Maybe you just have to give him time.” Applejack said a little confused, that didn’t sound like the Comet she met the past week. “We think the same.” Apple Bloom agreed. “He doesn’t have his cutie mark either, so we thought it would be a great idea if we invite him to our club.” “Cutie Mark Crusader Comet Dusk. I like how it sound.” Sweetie Belle said. “ANOTHER MEMBER FOR THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!” The three yelled at unison. Author's Note Thanks to all who got here and suport the story. All your reviews, comment and criticisms are welcome. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter.
Chapter 6 Problems continueSecond day of classes. Comet didn’t manage to recover from yesterday’s fiasco yet. And, even if was just passed one day, he didn’t want to return anymore. But he promised Twilight he’ll go, so he had to keep his word. This time, Comet could wake up at time, something not as easy as it sounds because he didn’t sleep well last night. He couldn´t take Rumble out of his mind. He was used to nicknames and some insults from his contemporaries, but none of them has ever physical attacked him. That was new to him and had no idea how to respond to it. Words could be easily ignored, but a hit. He felt defenseless. It would be correct to say something? Who should he talk to? Will he be bullied even more if he does that? Will it be worth doing? Questions rounding his mind all night until he woke up and while he prepared himself to go down for breakfast; they refused to leave him. It doesn’t matter how long he thinks about it; he didn’t get a convincing answer. He convinced himself it probably was just a slip and everything would be in the past. This day would be calmer. He wasn’t as nervous as yesterday. What he was afraid to happen was actually happen. His classmates reacted just as he expected. So, if everything goes as in Canterlot, they would ignore him so he will get the peace he wanted. Despite everything, his humor had no improved, after all, there was nothing to expect. Breakfast was as normal as could be, except because Comet was notoriously in a bad mood. Twilight and Spike asked him if something went wrong, but Comet didn’t say anything. He blamed his lack of sleep as the cause of his bad mood, in part true. Without more to say or do, Comet left to school, but first, he hugged Twilight to get the strength he will need to face the day. When he got to school, certain colt was waiting for him at the entrance. He didn’t say or do anything, he just stared Comet with mockery eyes containing laughing with the other two. By seeing this, Comet was suspicious about what Rumble could have made. He obtained his answer as soon as he got to his seat. In his table was a piece of paper with a draw of Comet on it, obviously just to make fun of him. Angrily, Comet took the paper, crumpled it and threw it in the trash. He decided to not let Rumble disturb him by a stupid draw. He saved some of his stuff in the drawer under his table, ignoring two fillies getting closer to him. “So, you are the new blank flank.” Said a filly of pink fur and lavender with a white lock mane, taking comet by surprise. Startled, Comet quickly closed the drawer, thinking it would be Rumble again. When he saw there were two of his classmates, he changed his expression to one more indifferent. “And you are…” Comet asked without understand that blank flank was really an insult. The two fillies were astonished, speechless by the audacity of the colt. It took a few seconds to them to react, but, before they could say anything, the bell rang. “We´ll talk latter…” Said the pink filly with an angrily tone. “See you, blank flank.” The second one said, a filly with gray fur and silver mane wearing sky-blue glasses and a pearl necklace, emphasizing the last part. Please don’t. Comet thought- “Alright, students, before classes start, please everypony bring your homework to my desk.” Cheerilee said. Homework? What homework? Come thought, open widened eyes. Apparently, Cheerilee gave homework yesterday, something Comet didn´t notice because he was too busy thinking in Rumble. Another thing those three had ruined. He worried when he saw all his classmates leaving papers on Cheerille’s desk. He didn’t know what it was about. If it was grammar then there wasn’t any problem, but it was math, he was in trouble. He can barely add and substract, don´t even say multiply and divide. “Comet, where’s your homework?” Cheerilee asked standing next to him. “I-I… didn´t do it.” He said shamefully. “Why, Comet?” the teacher asked a little worried, it was even the second day and the colt was actually missing. Comet remain in silence. He couldn’t say that he hadn’t done his homework because he wasn’t paying attention and he couldn’t think in an excuse either. “Comet, I know that being the new could be a little difficult, but that is not an excuse to not doing your responsibilities.” Cheerilee said when he saw Comet avoiding eye contact embarrassed. “I’ll let it pass this time, but there´s no going to be a second one, ¿understand?” Comet nodded, feeling a little relieved, although it doesn’t last much longer, all foals’ eyes were on him, specially from five ponies in specific, Rumble and company and the two fillies from before, who saw him with satisfactory glances. Forgetting about the rest, Comet paid a lot of attention hoping to not missing anything, preventing that would happen again. Maybe he hasn’t had a lot of friend, or any, but if there was something he could replace them was study. This wasn´t like studieng with Twilight perhaps, but if he amazed Twilight with his school performance, maybe she would forget about friends. A few hours pass, the classes continued. This time, the natural history of the ponies, a fascinating topic for some and boring for others; for Comet, it was both of them. He didn’t know much at respect, but he wasn’t too excited either. Inevitably, with the topic they reach the part of the cutie Marks, but just as a mention. But it was just enough to make some foals to start presuming theirs and make some jokes to the ones who didn’t get their own yet or blank flanks, how they called them. And for some foals, I meant the same fillies that tried to provoke Comet moments ago. Apparently, their name were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, presumably, fillies of wealthy families due to the expensive accessories they had, a diamond tiara and a pearl necklace, respectively. The bell rang, interrupting the lesson and the fillies’ jokes. Everypony ran out to the school yard to their deserved brake, only remaining Comet the last. “Come, can I talk with you?” The teacher said to him before he left the classroom. A little confused, he approached to his desk, curious to know what she had to tell him. “Is there something wrong?” he asked gently. “It´s about your homework. I think I know why you didn´t do it.” Cheerille said trying to not sound too authoritarian and empathizing with the colt. “Tell me, do you need me to change your seat?” “Say what now?” Comet said confused. Yesterday, she told him to choose the seat he wanted and now she was asking if he wanted to change. “I suppose that it’s a little difficult for you to see the blackboard, so I think if you seat closer to it would be easier despite your eye.” When Cheerille mentioned his eye, he understood everything. He put a tired and a little upset expression, not for his teacher’s comments, they were with good intentions, she was even careful to speak to him in private since it was a delicate matter; his upset was more by hearing that somepony thought that he was blind in his affected eye, but he didn’t blame them. “With all respect, Miss Cheerilee, you are wrong. I can see perfectly with both eyes.” Comet Said. “Oh. I see. Soo…” Cheerilee said expecting an explanation. “I don’t have any excuse why I didn’t do my homework, but my condition didn’t have to do anything in that.” Cheerilee nodded, understanding, and kindly made him a gesture to indicate him that he could leave. Comet nodded in response and walk to the schoolyard holding his stuff, specially his book, very firmly this time so Rumble couldn’t take it from him again. Fortunately, he wasn´t in sight; who knows where he was in that moment, but he didn’t really care as he stays far from him. He sat down the same tree hoping he could finish the chapter this time. “Hi!” Someone greeted him energetically, making him jump scared and deactivated his magic throwing all his stuff to the ground, his book and his lunch. At least nothing was spilled on his book this time. He stared angrily at the guilty, a unicorn, a Pegasus and an earth pony. They had ruined his lunch, again. The unicorn flinched. “I’m sorry, we didn´t mean to…” The unicorn apologized, apparently the only of the three who noticed the accident. “What do you want?” Comet interrupted, upset. “Hai, I’m Apple Bloom and these are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. We, couldn’t help but notice you don’t have a cutie mark yet…” The earth pony started to talk, maybe the leader of the three. “So what?” Comet said expecting a joke. “Well, you see, we wanted to ask you if you…” Scootaloo spoke, but she couldn’t finish the phrase because another two fillies appeared behind them. “Well. Well. Well. So all the blank flanks are reunited here” The leader mocked. “Diamond Tiara.” The trio said at unison with suspicion, making said filly gave them an arrogant and devious glance, like if hearing her name gave her more importance to her presence. “What are you doing here?” Apple Bloom asked as if she didn’t know that. “Isn’t it obvious?” She said mocking. “We’re here to welcome the new pony.” “Yes. We wanted to tell him how glad we are to have him here with us.” Silver Spoon added. “We’re not gonna let you bother Comet.” Scootaloo pointed. “Bother him? We would never think in do anything like that at all.” Diamond Tiara faked indignation. “What´s more, we are willing to forget that he is a blank flank and let him join us.” “Besides, you have already did that.” Silver Spoon pointed to Comet’s ruined Lunch. The time the five of them started to fight, Comet was left background, but that was useless if they were too loud to let him concentrate and to top it off, he couldn´t lunch again. To Comet´s eyes, those five were as annoying as rumble, at least the other foal preferred to ignore him. Knowing they didn’t go to stop in a long time, Comet decided that move to another place was the most convenient. So he did with a tired expression in his face, he took his book and left. He walked to the grove that surrounded all the school. Comet knew he didn’t have to go there, but by the moment it was the most peaceful place to be alone. “Not at all, Comet will join the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Sweetie Belle, assured facing the two fillies. “That losers club of yours?” Diamond Tiara faked surprise. “Oh please, since you created it none of you had gotten yours. Why Comet will join a club that promises something his own creators couldn’t do by themselves?” That comment managed to hurt the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ feelings. They had tried by a lot of ways to discover their talent and gain their cutie marks and, until now, none of them could obtain theirs, but it was true that it wasn’t too long since its foundation, just a few months ago, just before vacation started. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon grin to each other with a triumphal expression, the had nailed it. “Oh yeah? Well… Why Comet would prefer to be with you? You just messed with other ponies.” Scootaloo said trying to save some of her hurt honor, but without any arguments to counter, really. “Have you seen the way Comet always wear? It is obvious that he is a rich pony.” Silver Spoon Said arrogantly. “What dos that have to do with anything?” Apple Bloom asked, furious. “What is better for a rich pony than hang out with his kind. But sure, that is something you can’t understand.” Diamond tiara started to laugh. “Well, I haven’t seen Comet show interest in you.” Apple Bloom answered viciously. Diamond Tiara was in shock of Apple Bloom’s daring. “Well… I… You… He hasn’t shown interest in you three either.” She babbled not knowing what to say. After that, the five fillies stared to each other angrily, killing the other with the stare, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom more intense than the other three. They two were face to face, one very close to the other. “Let Comet decide who will he join.” Apple Bloom said in a tone that seemed to want to hit her. “Fine.” Diamond Tiara responded in the same way. “Comet…” The two ponies said at the same time, turning to where Comet was, but, for their surprise, Comet was gone. “He’s gone.” Apple Bloom exclaimed with her eyes wide opened. “That´s perfect. You annoyed him and made him run away.” Diamond Tiara said, really upset. “We? He was perfectly fine until you appeared.” Scootaloo sharply answered. After a short discussion. Both groups went for their side. But something was clear, who find Comet first keeps it, a non-talked agreement but everyone there understood. Break continue its course until the bell rang again. Out of the discussion of the fillies, it was actually really calmed; Comet could read his book, Rumble and company hadn’t had appeared in all brake and anypony else bother him again. That new hide he found was really useful, the problem was he couldn’t use it frequently or he would get in trouble. Nopony went there, but someone can see him and give him away. Comet returned to the classroom. There, in the first places, there were five fillies looking to each other with animosity. The five looked tired, dehydrated and, especially the crusaders, their hair were messy with some leafs in it. They had been looking for Comet for all sides trying to win to the others. Rumble didn’t appear yet and he wasn’t in the classroom, a little break for Comet. But when he arrived to his seat and he was up to take out his stuff, he realized what Rumble and his henchmen were doing, again. All the drawer was full of mud wetting and soiling all its content; his notebook was soaked, so when he tried to pull it out it teared. All his notes from that day were lost, his quill and his inkwell as well, only his pencil was in good conditions to be used, but without paper it was useless. Comet was grateful he had his book with him all the time. He thought to leave it there in the classroom so it wouldn’t get more damage; leaving it there it could be meaning its end. It was obvious who was the guilty. But Comet doubted. The crusaders had their fur so dirty he didn’t know if they had something to do with this; as a revenge from ignore them in the brake. When Rumble entered the classroom, his doubts disappeared. His and his friends’ hooves were filled with dry mud to the elbows. Comet was frustrated, he should have known it, but he wanted to believe that Rumble would leave him alone after yesterday; he was wrong. Without anything to take notes or write down the homework, he had to turn to his memory. It was a lucky that the class focused on the history of Equestria, Twilight had dozens of books about it; it would be easy as pie. Comet returned to the castle, not without being bothered by Rumble, the crusaders, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon again; Rumble was the most cautious to doing it out of the sight of everypony. -I’m here! –Comet yelled when he entered in the castle, faking a smile like yesterday. When he didn’t get an answered, he thought that Twilight and Spike had went out. Feeling relief that he doesn’t have to pretend, he walked upstairs to his room with not the best mood- It was a big surprise to find the door open and encounter Twilight and Spike in there. “Twilight… Spike… What are you doing here?” The colt exclaimed siprised. “Oh, hi, Comet. I didn’t hear when you arrive.” Twilight said surprised as well. “Uh… we live here.” Spike said, answering the strange question. “I meant here, here… in my bedroom.” Comet cleared. “I can ask you the same question about this.” Twilight showed an old and ramshackle violin. “How did you find it?” Comet ask exalted and nervous. “I had hidden it.” “We were saving some things I bought to you when I found it behind your closet. Care to explain where did this come from? I’m pretty sure this wasn’t in the castle.” Twilight said with a serious tone, like if she was pursuit a crime. Comet knew that that voice tone of Twilight meant that she wanted the truth. There wasn’t a lot to hide although, there wasn’t any reasons to hide it anymore, but the voice of Twilight made him nervous. “From Canterlot. I-I found it…” Comet said ashamed, but he wasn´t pretty sure why. “Comet, did you… steal it?” Twilight asked worried. “What? No, of course not.” Comet denied, feeling offended by what Twilight said. “Whose is it then?” “It’s mine.” Comet assured. “Somepony got rid of it and I recued it.” “How are you so sure about it? Where did you get it from?” “Of the trash, near the orphanage.” He scratched the back of his head embarrassed. “Why would somepony just drop it?” Twilight was confused and not very convinced of the story, waiting for Comet to let out something. “You’re asking me?” Comet said confused as well. It was in better shape when I found it, but some of the other kids discovered its hiding place.” “Hiding place… The caretakers didn’t know about it?” Twilight said suspicious. “Ah… No. I may have escaped when I found it.” He said nervously. “If they found out, they would take it from me and now “it would belong to everyone”.” He said imitating the voice of one of the caretakers, exaggerating his voice tone to ridicule the phrase. “Look what they did to it with just a few foals who found it, now imagine the entire orphanage playing with it.” “If other foals had actually found it, how is that they didn’t say anything?” Twilight asked, but she already knew the answer. “I… erased their memory.” He smiled nervously, because he knew how much Twilight disliked that he knows that spell. Twilight face hoofed. “Do you know how to play it at least?” She asked resigned. She can’t erase all what the colt had done. Without saying a word, he picked the instrument and started to play awkwardly a very known melody and one of the first pieces a pony who is learning to play an instrument learn to play, “Ode to harmony” from Bridlethovven. It wasn’t the best interpretation, the colt missed some notes and sometimes he forgot what string he had to press. Also, the instrument condition didn’t help either. But they could see how much the little one liked to play, putting all his effort in it. “I know I’m not the best, but I didn’t hat much time for practice.” Comet blushed a little to see the incredulous faces of Twilight and Spike. “Where did you learn how to play?” Spike asked, who kept in silence until now because he thought that was a discussion he didn’t have to interfere. “In Canterlot, the filly who lived in front of my window. Her parents paid her lessons with a private curmudgeon instructor.” He laughed a little just to remember that, finally something lifted his spirit a little. “His yelling and screaming could be heard up to my room. Thanks to that I could learn something.” “Did you lern just by hearing?” Twilight was amazed. “Not at all. In the orphanage there was a book with some musical scores. Three of them were the ones the filly was learning; I just follow her. The notes were the most difficult, I could only guide with the screams of the instructor and he wasn’t very helpful in that.” He added, trying to make Twilight understand all the situation. “So… Can I keep it?” He was unsure. Twilight smiled in agreement, because, if the foal wanted to learn how to play, who was she to interfere. Besides, that would help Comet with his personal enrichment. “Well, we’ll have to find somepony to give you lessons.” She answered. Twilight’s words made comet really happy; that violin was one of Comet’s most precious treasures and being able to keep it without having to hide it meant that he could practice longer and improve much faster. Comet run toward Twilight and gave her a hug. During the hug, Spike was able to see better the violin, without thinking about all the damage it had. “Wouldn’t you prefer a new one?” He innocently asked. “Are you crazy. It’s a Chords, there isn’t any better than these.” Comet was surprised and indignant by his suggest. When he saw it closer, it stills seemed an old and cheap instrument. It had a fey ornaments hoof-painted, but many others too. The poor condition of the cover, the scraping of the varnish and a hole on the edge depreciated it greatly. If it was a Chord, knew to be the best of Equestria, it didn’t look like one at all. “He is right Spike.” Twilight agreed. “Those are the best you can find. I’ve heard some ponies say that there’s no other violin that can compare to a Chords. All great musicians have one.” “But look how bad is it, practically it’s falling apart.” Spike was hesitant about the authenticity of the instrument. “How can you be so sure it is actually a Chords?” “Easy.” Comet showed them the pegbox. “It’s a little scrapped, but it still can be seeing the logo in the pegs and, if you look here…” He shewed them the ribs. “…it still can be seeing the mark where the insignia was.” Spike and Twilight tuned to the instrument. The marks Comet was pointing were just scrapings and a spot without form in the wood, nothing they could recognize as a logo. “Are you sure about that, Comet?” Twilight said not very convinced trying to look closer. “One hundred percent.” He assured. Spike was right, she had to admit that it was in a deplorable condition; but you don’t find a Chords violin every day, much less free, and is Comet’s defense, it wasn’t his fault to end like that. ¿Can’t it be restored?” Comet asked. “What?! You want to restore it? Do you know how much it will cost?” Twilight said in panic, like if the colt was asking to her to buy the Canterlot Castle. “C’mon Twilight. Please.” He put baby-doll eyes as a puppy will do it to obtain some food, his best weapon to get what he wanted. Twilight tried to avoid eye contact with the foal, but, as much as she tried she, couldn’t resist to Comet’s eyes who saw her with hope, hope she didn’t want to take away from him, so she gave in. “Alright. Alright. But you have to promise you are going to take good care of it.” Twilight pointed. Comet, smiling gratefully, made a cross on his heart with his hoof and cover his eye with it after, indicating he was doing a Pinkie Promise; something that pony taught him after know her. “I don’t want to interrupt so tender moment, but I have to insist. Those violins are made in Canterlot, hoof-made. Assuming it really is a Chords and they accept repair it, it would take weeks to be ready. When do you think you are going to be able to carry it?” Spike said. “I had thought about it already, Spike. We could go next weekend.” She said nonchalantly seeing how the eyes of Comet sparkled to know that he wouldn’t have to wait longer to have his violin ready. “By the way, can you send a letter to my parents? I want to tell them that we are going to visit them.” “I’m on it.” Spike ran to the door. Twilight made it clear that she planned to go to Canterlot before knowing about the violin. “Letter…” Comet remembered something. “Now that you mention it…” He pulled out something of his saddlebag. “This was in the mailbox.” He gave Twilight an envelope with the return address of the Crystal Empire. Spike stopped, curios to know what was on it. “Oh, finally!” She exclaimed excited. She took the envelope opened it and pulled out a letter and started to read. In her eyes it could be seen the excitement growing with every word she read. “What does it say?” Comet and Spike asked at same time. “It’s a letter from Cadence and my brother, Shining Armor. They answered the letter I send them a few days ago. They want to meet Comet.” She said while she was reading. “Me?” He was surprised. “Yeah, I told them about the day we met, the adoption and about you. They can’t wait to see you.” “When are they coming?” Spike asked. “They didn’t say a date, but I hope it is soon.” Twilight said spreading her excitement to Comet and Spike. “For now, prepare your bags, Comet, we’re going to Canterlot to meet your grandparents.” Comet was a little thoughtful, he wasn’t very sure about the reactions they’ll have to see him. But he calmed down quickly; everypony who were close to Twilight had been good with him and who didn’t, were more alien to her, for example, his classmates. So, if they parents were as good as her, there wasn’t anything to worry about then. Author's Note Thanks to all who supor and enjoy my work. A kiss and a hug. Until the next chapter.
Chapter 7 Back in Canterlot Part 1Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 8 Back in Canterlot Part 2Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.