Eye of the Storm

In the enchanting city of Luminara, where the buildings shimmered like gemstones under the sun, a young filly named Aqua Butterfly spent most of her days nestled in the heart of her family's cozy library. She was a rather quiet soul who found solace in the pages of astrology and the whispering winds that danced through the open windows.

Her brother, Amethyst Butterfly, was her guardian and confidant. His coat, a rich purple like the deepest nighttime skies, was often seen running errands by himself, ensuring no harm would come to his sister. Amethyst was known for his protective nature, a metaphorical shield to what could be described as her gentle spirit.

Aqua’s journey began at the tender age of 7. She had attended Crystal Dew Elementary School given the outstanding performance on her entrance exam. Though despite her excelling performance, she was a mental cocoon who refused to leave its shell. In her time there, she had an incredibly tough time making friends. She tried and tried again, but to no avail. That was until she was approached by a colt named Cobalt. He admitted that he was struggling with grades, which made them feel all the closer. While everypony was at recess, the two would study or play together, depending on how they felt. He was able to make her laugh and smile despite her shell always showing towards everypony else.

She had unfortunately lost contact with him about a year after they graduated. Despite that his family moved across the other side of Canterlot, they’re still pen pals. The new school year had begun when Amethyst noticed Aqua’s sudden drop in grades. He decided it would be in Aqua’s best interest to schedule a parent-teacher meeting. Right at seven o’clock sharp, he was acquainting himself with Ms. Starbeam, Aqua’s teacher, when Princess Cadence opened the door. “Are we ready?” she asked, to which both Ms. Starbeam and Amethyst nodded, sitting down.

“Mr. Butterfly, if you would like to begin the conversation?” Amethyst was surprised a bit, as he was one to never start a conversation, but was happy to regardless. “Of course. Let us begin with her class behavior.” His gaze shifted towards Ms. Starbeam, to which she also nodded. “She’s always been excellent in class. Absolutely no rude or inappropriate behavior. The only gripe I have is that she lets a few students pick on her. Thankfully, I reached out to the parents and the behavior ceased.” Mrs. Cadence looked back at Amethyst, then back at her notes. “Her grades are exceeding my expectations. I had even told Shining Armor, and he was astonished, to say the least.” She chuckled along with the others and shook her head. “Which brings the both of us to the elephant in the room.” Cadence looked back up at Aqua’s brother. “You apparently insist on homeschooling her. While I understand it’s not an uncommon route for one’s education; especially since it’s your sister’s education.”

Ms. Starbeam also added “I’d hate to agree, Mr. Butterfly, but Aqua is incredibly gifted and talented. It’d be an unfortunate event if you decided to take her out of the picture. Did you have anything in mind regarding her education?” He thought about this for a few moments, as he wasn’t expecting the question to be written out like that. He then remembered the situation they were in. “Well, the primary reason is because of a financial situation. As we all know, this is a private elementary school. So as much as I’d like to leave her in your hooves, we can’t continue to keep Aqua in your school system.” Amethyst frowned, beginning to pull out what looked like housing and utility bills. “No need, Mr. Butterfly.” Cadence interjected before Amethyst could get another word out. “There’s no need for proof, I believe you. I’m sure we both do, matter of fact.” Ms. Starbeam nodded, then looked back at him. “When do you plan on bringing her out of this setting?” “After graduating this year, unfortunately.” He replied with a hint of regret.

He knew Crystal Dew would be a cornerstone to keep pushing her forward. Matter of fact, his mind went off track, thinking about how he’ll have to get a good job to hold their lives together, maybe renovate and remove or replace some of the old furnishings, maybe painting the walls would- “Mr. Butterfly.” Mrs. Cadence said firmly, but not irritated. Amethyst snapped out of it, looking around the room to regain his composure. “Ah, yes. Thank you, Mrs. Cadence. Let’s continue with her exit procedure, is that what we were to do?” Both Ms. Starbeam and Mrs. Cadence nodded as they both began filling out paperwork.

Meanwhile, Aqua was sitting in the back of the class next to Steel. “Graduation is soon! Aren’t you excited???” He asked, barely able to keep himself in his seat. Aqua softly nodded, smiling. “I can’t wait to keep being friends with you forever.” Steel gave Aqua a huge grin and exclaimed “I hope so!!!”

Just a few minutes later, Ms. Starbeam entered the classroom and called for her and Steel. The whole class went “ooooo!!!,” as typical if they think the both of them got into trouble. They followed their instructor down to the principal’s office, as she gave them a warm smile. Cobalt adored her, as she did him. Her family was small and saw Mrs. Cadence as an aunt of sorts. Amethyst turned to Aqua and looked down at her, given her very small appearance. “Sweetheart, you’re not going here after graduation.” Aqua quickly digested those words and looked over at Cobalt. He was in as much disbelief as she was. “Will I get to see him again?” Aqua asked out of absolute concern, as if he was going to disappear into a puff of smoke. Her brother shook his head and put his hoof on her head. “He’s still going to be our neighbor, I promise.”

Aqua and Cobalt were happy to hear what Amethyst had told them. They began to dance and skip as Ms. Starbeam did her best to get hold of their excitement. Amethyst and Cadence laughed a bit. “Oh yeah, she’s a bundle full of energy.”