Quand fera-t-il jour, camarade?
A hollow metallic ringing resounded through the nearby hallways: the morning tocsin marking the beginning of class. Despite its intense ringing, most ponies in the Stable got so used to it that they weren’t even in the slightest bothered by its ear-piercing shriek. After all, it was of little concern to them - they have finished their school. However, this was not to say everypony in the Stable was immune to its forte.
“C’mon mate hurry up; we’ll be late!” - a running Pegasus shouted to his friend as the last echoes of the school bell reverberated through the distant metallic corridors. - “Again!”
“Damn it.” - the other Pegasus mumbled between heavy breaths and puffs, doing his best to keep up with his much more athletic comrade. – “I’m *pant* going as fast as *pant* I can.”
“Well, it isn’t fast enough.” - the leading pony reprimanded him, his voice showing no sign of exhaustion despite the sprint that would put many athletes to shame. - “It’s just a few more corners.”
“Look. *pant* We are already *pant* late.” – the lagging Pegasus weakly answered as his movements rapidly halted to a slow trot, one of his hooves now pressed against the wall to better support his body. – “You go ahead. *pant* I’m just going to *wheeze* rest here a bit…”
“Oh, c’mon don’t be such a sook.” – the athletic Pegasus remarked, slowly backtracking to his hyperventilating friend. – “We are almost there. And I don’t want Ms. Lilly to call my oldies again. The last time was a total bugger, I tell you.”
“I can’t… carry on.” – the wheezing Pegasus stuttered as the adrenaline wave slowly receded from his body, leaving him to fully feel the effects of his muscles’ lack of oxygen. – “Need a minute… to catch my breath.”
“Well, ya better be fast about it. Because I’m not leaving ya behind.”
“Damn… you.” – the recovering pony cursed. He knew that his friend knew how he felt about inconveniencing others. He absolutely hated it. If he was alone here, he would probably just flop on the floor right here and now and arrive on the second lesson, Ms. Lilly be damned. But he knew how strict 3-7’s parents were and getting him in trouble was the last thing he wanted. Damn him.
“Okay, poyekhali!” – the Pegasus finally continued after he finally managed to stand up straight. Oh, how he wished they would actually let them fly in the Stable.
The other Pegasus just nodded as they resumed their sprint to the classroom.
The distance itself was not the problem, but the many winding corridors and the ponies walking through them to their morning duties. More than once they almost bumped into somepony as they rounded a corner towards their main objective – the Stable’s classroom. They could only blurt out a hastily sorry as they rushed forwards. But, finally, after what seemed like a marathon to the gasping Pegasus, they arrived at the metallic door separating them from whatever fate awaited them.
They both paused for a moment, fixing their jumpsuits and leading a non-verbal argument over who would press the side panel that opened the door. In the end, neither had to as the metal door suddenly opened before them and a filly ran out, tears rolling down her muzzle.
The two Pegasi simply looked at each other confused before deciding to seize the chance and try to sneak into the classroom. Their attempt was of course doomed from the start as the sharp eyes of the teacher caught them before they could even reach their assigned seats in the Pegasus row.
“3-7, 3-14. You are late.” – Ms. Lilly stated matter-of-factly as she eyed the newcomers. – “Again.”
“S-sorry.” – the latter apologised meekly as he scurried to his bench. 3-7 spoke nothing.
“I’ll see you two after school today.” – the teacher continued in her monotonous tone before she turned around to face the dusty blackboard and resumed her lesson, seemingly not missing a beat.
Meanwhile, the two newcomers sat on their places, doing their best to unpack the pens and notebooks from their saddlebags. As always, they were greeted by the big picture of the face of a certain pink Unicorn who happily spread her wisdom on equality. Each book contained the same picture, but each one provided their own unique message, usually related to whatever subject the notebook was supposed to be. Apparently, it really helps when one has to quickly pack his school supplies in the morning.
“H-hey what happened with 3-6?” – 3-14, still recovering from the run, quietly asked the closest Unicorn sitting in the Unicorn row next to him. – “Why did she run out like that?”
Instead of an answer, the Unicorn simply turned his head the other way, seemingly ignoring the sweaty pile of mane and wings sitting across from him. Although he should know better by now, 3-14 still felt a tinge of discomfort and self-consciousness at this blatant ignoration. Faced with no other alternative for the time, the grey Pegasus turned his red face towards the front of the class, taking the plastic pen into his teeth. Oh, how he envied the Unicorns.
(…)
Time always went by so slowly while he was in school. Theory of relativity, his father would always joke. Philosophy of equality, sociology, cutiemarksism, double period of equality studies, it all merged into one big fever dream for the young Pegasus. He preferred days when more substantial subjects such as math and maintenance engineering were taught. At least he had Equestrian History to look forward to. Even though he sometimes doubted the objectivity of the curriculum, he still found the pre-war rather fascinating. There was something captivating about all the life before the bombs fell, no matter how morally corrupt they taught them it was.
All those sparkling (decadent) cities with fancy (dissolute) ponies trotting around. The grand (toxic) factories churning out thousands of (unneeded) items every day and the hard-working (exploited) workers. The glorious (warmongering) Equestrian military as it marched through the main square, their family (future orphans and widows) waving at them with colourful scarves and shawls. The triumphant athletes (egomaniacs) running the victory lap cheered on by the delirious (brainwashed) spectators. It was like a fairy tale.
Or a dystopian hellhole. Depending on who you asked.
“And what do you think 3-14?” – the teacher asked, throwing the daydreaming Pegasus out of his daze.
“Uh-“ – was his only response as he stared at the teacher with wide-eyes. – “E-excuse me. I didn’t quite hear the question.”
The teacher looked at the grey Pegasus for a moment, as if contemplating something, before shaking her head and deciding to repeat the question. – “Why did the honourable Starlight have this Stable built?”
Oh, this was easy, the Pegasus thought - he remembered reading about it just yesterday.
“The Stable was built as a utopia where we are kept safe from the horrors brought on due to the disarray caused by the differences of those before us.” – he recited the passage word-for-word. – “The greed of the Princesses led Equestria to consume itself in a war between the royal sisters and various aristocrats which led to complete destruction. The first Overmare was the only one far-sighted enough to see where it led and built a safe haven for those who suffered the most because of this war – the poor and starving, the workers and all other who noticed the decadence of the ponies and refused to partake in it. Because of this, all these ponies had a shelter when the gluttonous Princess finally decided to spite her sister and destroy the world by scorching its surface with the Sun itself. And one day the ponies will emerge to re-create the utopia where everyone will be equal and perfect harmony will be achieved. ”
“You are correct.” – the teacher replied, showing no emotion and once again turned back to continue the lesson.
“Although, I do have a question.” – 3-14 continued, causing Ms. Lilly to stop in her tracks and turn to face the Pegasus once again with her watchful eye.
“What is it?” – she asked, her voice betraying only a slight hint of her annoyance.
“W-when will this glorious day of reclamation come?” – the Pegasus asked, his voice slightly trembling under the terrifying gaze of his teacher. – “When will we come out and see the surface?”
“When the Overmare decides we are ready.” – the teacher replied briefly, no doubt hoping her answer sufficiently satisfied the Pegasus.
“How can she know when we will be ready? When will it be the day?” – the Pegasus continued his line of inquiry, deciding now was too late to back down anyway. – “And what can we do to make this day come sooner?”
Oh, how he wished to see the surface.
“The Overmare will know when we are ready.” – the teacher continued, her eye giving a slight twitch. – “And what you can do is learn, respect the laws and one day work hard to contribute to the Stable and the greater good.”
The teacher slowly returned to the board, clearly deciding to take this opportunity and turn it into a no doubt valuable lesson.”
“You have to remember, if the surface was so forgiving, then there would be no need for the First Overmare to construct this Stable in the first place. You should be happy you are living here where you are provided with all your needs and get the chance to give back to the best of your ability.”
Satisfied with the answer, the Pegasus decided it wouldn’t be wise to question further. After all, what the teacher said made sense to him. Her message was more than clear.
C'est pour de bon!
Author's Note
As said, this was a short story written while I was taking a break between the chapters of the main Decadence fic. If you are interested in the future of the ponies you met here, go read it.
And as always, opinions and constructive criticism is much appreciated.
Goodbye for now and have a most pleasant day. :)
