Canterlot Academy Trials

With Blue Blazes…

The dragon man approached the local blacksmith in order to find out what he could regarding the bandit attacks in the area. The only problem was that the pony in question was a rather rugged-looking unicorn mare with a tied-up, braided mane that clashed with her dim gray color scheme.

She was using her magic to levitate a hammer to pound some steel into place when Blue nervously walked up to her stand.

“...Hello? Um…can I speak to you for a sec?”

“Maybe,” she replied sarcastically before rising from her seat to approach him with a friendly smile on her face. “What can I do ya for?”

“We’re looking for info on bandit attacks in the area recently,” Blue continued with a nervous smile on his face, “Know anything about that?”

“Nope,” the mare replied confidently, “Anyone try to come up and rob me’s gotta either be brave or stupid,” she chuckled while tilting her head in the direction of the various weapons she had on display which included spiked maces, bladed chakrams, and gauntlets. “But if you wanna catch some suspicious activity going on, you might wanna stay overnight to get a good look.”

Blue nodded and replied, “Yeah. That’s…that’s what me and my buds are looking to do so we can figure it out. They’ve been harassing a poor old couple just down the road recently so I wanted to find out as much as possible.”

The mare paused and took a look at the dragon. “...Huh. That’s unexpected.”

“W-what is?” he squeaked, under the impression he did something out of order.

“No, no, you’re fine,” she waved her hoof and tried to calm him down, “It’s just, I never would’ve expected a dragon to be willing to look out for others. No offense to you, sir, but they tend to be…” she turned her head upwards as if trying to search for the correct term.

But Blue was ready to cut her off with a sigh. “Selfish? Boorish? Prideful?” he folded his arms and went on, “It’s fine. I know exactly what you’re talking about. As a dragon myself, I know exactly how we can be and the poor reputation we have.”

“...sorry,” the mare rubbed the back of her neck, “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that, but yeah. The last few dragon customers I’ve had have been a bit stingy with their bits and have tried to haggle me down.” She rolled her eyes. “I know they’re not all like that, but it’s hard to shake that bad first impression ya know?”

“Oh no, I agree,” Blue heartily answered with a chuckle, “It’s why I’m not really interested in other dragons myself. You ponies look squishier on the outside, but you’re actually far more pleasant to be around than the average dragon.”

“Well, thanks,” she giggled in response, “You’re certainly more pleasant than the average dragon, that’s for sure. What’s your name?”

“Blue--Blue Blazes,” he stuttered.

“Well, Blue--if you’re ever looking for a good weapon, hit me up,” she leaned forward and shot him a sly grin with half-lidded eyes, “And I might cut you a deal, huh?”

“Uh…y-yeah!” his heart skipped a beat as he took a step back. “Anyway…I gotta go. See ya!” And he flew off, leaving the blacksmith mare to herself.

“See ya…” she sighed, her expression turning neutral and bored. “At least someone approached me today…”

With Mei…

The kirin mare was the lone customer at a newly erected food stall. The pegasus stallion behind the bench was busy grilling various vegetables that gave off a powerful aroma.

“Woah…those smell great,” she commented as she approached, “Oh! Um…where are my manners. Hello, sir. May I have a moment of your time?”

“I guess,” he replied with a cynical, annoyed tone, “I’ve got all the time in the world since I’m not making any business today.”

Mei sat down on one of the stools in front of the stand. “How come, sir?”

“The rumors of bandits have driven away my customers,” he huffed, “I can’t sell a single thing if folks aren’t lining up. Usually I’d have a whole line of ponies waiting to try what I have to offer. But now? Nothing.”

“Yikes…” Mei frowned and adjusted her glasses. “I guess even the mere idea of being attacked has put people off of staying in one spot for too long.”

The chef stallion continued to chop up veggies as he used one of his wings to stir a bowl filled with what looked like dough which he’d then pour onto the grill. “It’s a shame. But if you can somehow help us figure out what’s going on, I’d be grateful, miss.”

Mei saw the opportunity and took it. “Oh! Well, mind if I ask a few questions? First off, when did these attacks start happening and do you have any idea of where the source of them could be located?”

“A few days ago and someone within Somnambula itself,” he answered sharply, “That’s all I know, miss. Sorry, but I dunno if I’ll be much help.”

Surprisingly, Mei took this info with an excited gasp. “Ah-ha! So that narrows it down quite nicely. All we’ll have to do is watch over this particular section of the town and see who strikes first. Then we’ll be able to put the curtains on their little charade once and for all.”

“...You got all that from two answers?” the chef asked with an impressed tone, “You’re a smart cookie, little miss.”

“...I try my best,” Mei replied bashfully, “I’m just trying to look out for as many of you as possible.”

“Come by when you’ve figured it out,” the stallion offered, “I’ll make you and your friends something nice for your troubles.”

Food? Free food at that? Mei’s glasses nearly fell off her face from how much she stumbled off of the stool at the prospect.

“O-oh! Sure thing, sir!” she squealed as she pranced away, burying her excitement down deep in order to maintain a calm outer shell.

‘We’re gonna do this even if it kills me.’