Fall had definitely come in the land of Equestria. The temperature had dropped significantly to the point where ponies started dressing up a little bit more warmly as they went about their days, and the sky had been greying up more. And, of course, the leaves have been falling and changing the usual brown, orange, red, and yellow colors to signify the year's change. And yet, life goes on for everyone in the land just as it should be going.

Innocentius sat in the local tea shop, sipping on a fresh cup of hot green tea while enjoying a sandwich, which he nibbled on while he was reading one of his books. It was getting far too chilly to sit under his favorite tree at the park. But he didn’t have to worry, his spot would be there once spring rolled back around, and he didn’t mind coming here and reading, either. During the cold times of the year, this was his reading place. Plus, it helped that the owner was a dear friend of his mother’s.

Innocentius took another sip of his tea before flipping the page of his book. His yellow eyes fully focused on the words even as he heard the door open and the bell jingle as multiple sets of hooves were heard entering the restaurant. It was a group of foals who he went to school with who seemed like they were a close knit group of friends. The group looked over at Innocentius as they whispered and pointed towards him as they went over to one of the corner tables and gpt settled in their seats.

” You could become one of my students as well if your magic proves useful~.” the words of the princess rang in his mind as he sat there. Should he see about maybe joining her school? After all, self training when it came to the use of his magic could only take him so far. But at the same time, he loved where he was now, especially with Applejack, Redheart, and all the other friends he had made here. But at the same time, that training could benefit not only him but make his parents even more proud of their son. And he wanted to make his family proud of him.

The colt sighed before placing the bookmark in his book and closing it up before placing it in his messenger bag. He drank down the rest of his tea and finished off his sandwich before placing the bits required for his drink and snack onto the table before standing up and stretching his arms out before putting on his white knee length coat and throwing the deep hood over his head before he made his way out into the cold air as the owner of the store bid him a farewell.

As he walked to nowhere in particular, he continued to roll the idea around in his head about possibly going to learn under the princess. Would his stay at the school be as long as her other students since he is only studying one field of magic? Would his friends forget him if he was gone for a certain amount of time..? So many things on the boy’s mind right now. Is a better education truly worth potentially losing the bonds he had created here? For some reason, the fear of losing the bond he had created with Redheart is what bothered him the most, and he couldn’t figure out why that was.

While he sat at the dinner table with his mother and father that night, they could even say something was weighing heavily on the boy’s mind. His mother was about to ask him what was wrong, but his father looked toward her and shook his head “He will let us know when he is ready, honey. Let the boy think it over.” he said to her before looking at his son who was idly pushing the food on his plate. “You don’t have to tell us anything right now, kiddo. But are you alright?” his father asked as he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“Hmm? Yeah, yeah, I am alright. Just..well…” he trailed off before pushing his food around a bit more “...what if I had the chance and decided to pursue improving my magical healing powers? And I had to go away to Canterlot for a while to do so? Would you two be okay with that?”. He noticed the look on his father’s face that screamed uncertainty, but it quickly went away as a memory of his own childhood flashed in his mind of his own father telling him that he couldn’t do anything else. He wasn’t going to be like his father and treat Innocentius the same way.

“Honestly, kiddo, if it could only benefit you in the long run, I see no problem with that at all. Sure, your mother and I would miss you very, very much. And you know how much she’d worry about you. But she and I both know that if such an opportunity arises, we would wholeheartedly support your choice if you go or not. The only thing I would only be worried about at all is if you are ready for the rest of the world to know about your gift. After all, your abilities ended up in the wrong hands…” he said as he didn’t even want to think about it.

Innocentius put his fork down on his plate before nodding in agreement “Believe me, Dad. I get it. I really do. But, I suppose what worries me most is the bonds I have formed here. Will the friends I have made lessen because of me leaving for a time? I don’t want to lose those I have grown close to…”. His father blinked a few times but smiled at him reassuringly “If your friendships are as strong as you think they are, then there is no real need to worry, my son. But, speak with them on the matter if it troubles your heart so much. See what they say on the matter, yes?” he said as he reached over again and gently ruffled his son’s mane “Either way, you will be just fine, kiddo. I promise.”.

Innocentius felt comfort in his father’s words and the smile and nod of his mother that came right after. With his appetite now returning, he goes back to eating his food. That night, he met with Redheart on the roof as per usual every other night. The two of them sat there together with her leaning against him, her tail swaying behind her happily as they sat there wrapped up in a big warm blanket so they could stay warm and keep to their tradition. It was now or never to talk with her about it.

“Hey, Red?” he asked, using the nickname he had decided to give her since they had grown so close already “Would…you be upset with me if I decided to leave Ponyville for a time to further improve on my abilities? I wouldn’t be going far, just up in Canterlot. But I imagine that I’d be staying there most of the time during my stay. But I am sure I’ll be back for the holidays and such. I just…don’t want to lose what I have with you or AJ, is all. You two are my closest friends, after all..” he said as he leaned in close to her.

Redheart looked up at him for a moment before letting out a soft sigh “While I would be a little sad to see you go..I know that it won’t be forever, Inno. I’d want you to better yourself so that the life you create for yourself down the road will be a full and happy one. So, either way, you have my full support. But, if you do decide to go, you better bring me back something when you visit for the holidays~.” she playfully demanded, and she bumped into him affectionately. Seems the filly’s feelings have begun to mature for the colt already, even though she knew he was absolutely clueless about that kind of thing. But she didn’t care. Her heart was set on this boy. And she could deal with his cluelessness until the time came.

When he spoke with Applejack on the matter, the same outcome came as well. Even Big Mac, Appleblom, and Granny Smith all agreed with him to push forward. They were just as saddened as Redheart, but they knew he'd be back after his training. With this kind of full bodied support behind him, he would decide to go and see the princess one night to see if her suggestion was actually an invitation disguised as a simple off-handed comment from that day she assessed his abilities.

Once the weekend rolled around, Innocentius stood atop his roof when he knew his parents were in bed and asleep. He had on his coat and scarf that Rarity had made for him. Once he wrapped it around the lower half of his face, he lifted up into the air and soared off into the direction of the castle, going full throttle in his flight ability, all while Red watched him from the window. She knew where he was going “This is for his future…” she said as she placed a hand against the glass.

Innocentius soon flew his way over the city of Canterlot and into the castle grounds, soaring past the patrols both on the ground and in the air straight toward the tallest tower, knowing full well that was where the princess would preside over the evening. He soon lands on the balcony, seeing that there is light coming from the curtained doors before knocking on them and waiting patiently, even has the pegasi guards close in behind him. “Stop right there!” they shouted as they drew their weapons.

Just as they were about to run him through, he turned his head and lifted his glass before sending a quick laser to their weapons, immediately rendering them ineffective before turning his gaze back to the opening door, seeking the princess peeking out before opening the door fully to see who decided to visit her at the time. When she saw who it was, she immediately swung the door open with an open mouth smile before stopping the guards from approaching “Leave him be, guards. He is fine to come and visit me.” she said as she held up a hand to stop their approach “B-But your highness…” one of them protested. “He is free. To come and see me,” she stated in a deadpan tone before sending them away.

She then turns her attention back down to Innocentius, who pulls his scarf down from his face before bowing slightly, “Sorry to disturb your evening, princess. But I figured this could be the only time I could speak with you directly without having to do some kind of paperwork or wait for hours to do so. But do you have time to speak with me? If now’s not a proper time, I can come back another time.”. Celestia shook her head and motioned for him to come inside “Nonsense! Please come in, young one. Get out of the cold!” she insisted as she placed a hand on his back and ushered him inside before closing the door behind them.

He’d be lying if he said the outfit that she was wearing right now didn’t make him blush. A form fitting robe that covered her fully but definitely showed off all the curves she had, a white robe with dark purple fur lined trimming. She even had her regalia off as well, having gotten comfortable for the evening. She motioned him over to sit in the chair across from her in front of her fireplace before speaking up “Now then, what is it you needed to see me for?” she asked as she rested her hands in her lap as she folded her legs over one another.

Innocentius averted his eyes for a moment before lifting his head up to meet her gaze “Well…I remember you saying something to me about being taught by you should my magic prove useful. Was that just an off handed comment? Or were you hoping I’d inquire further about asking you to help hone my magic more..??” he asked as he rested his own hands in his lap. Celestia’s eyebrows raised for a moment before she slowly smiled in return at his question. “Ooooh? You thought about it, have you? Well, if you wish for me to help improve your magic capabilities, I would be happy to take you under my teachings. But, I am not the one you have to convince, child. It is the board of directors you have to convince to let join. I have seen your skills firsthand, but you must go through the same thing my other students have to get there.”.

Innocentius nodded as he didn’t expect any kind of special treatment, nor would he have accepted it in the first place. “I understand completely. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wish to show what I can do. I have been doing all I can to help improve my magical capabilities on my own, but I think I have plateaued for now. So, if you can help me improve my magic healing even more, I will happily attend your classes. And yes, I have gotten the full support of my friends and family should this come to happen.” he said, reassuring her what she was about to ask him.

Celestia nodded with a smile of approval before clasping her hands together “Well then, that settles that then~. Is there anything else you wish to ask me for the evening? or…?” Inocentius thought about it for a moment before asking, “Is there…some form of on campus housing for students whose family is a ways away? My…folks don’t know about my flying abilities, and I don’t think they are ready yet. Otherwise I wouldn’t be asking.”.

Celestia nodded a couple of times as she answered, “Oh yes! Students who aren’t living in Canterlot now are required to stay on campus. But don’t you worry, the dorms here are VERY spacious and come with all the amenities of living. Three square meals are prepared each day in the cafeteria, and even a personal kitchen in your dorm should you wish to prep your own food. And, of course, the meals prepped in the cafeteria are free to all students. And the holidays are when students are free to return home to course.” she said as she explained a few more things to him as well.

Innocentius nodded as he listened carefully. It sounded pretty nice. Too nice to pass up even. He would think about this decision a little longer, though. After all, this was going to be a big change in his life. He then stood up from the chair he was sitting in and started to make his way to the door “I think…I will give this a shot. Though I imagine this won’t happen mid school year. So I imagine I have until the end of summer to make this decision?” he asked as he reached up for the handle of the door.

Celestia nodded in response “Indeed, you have plenty of time to decide. Come see me anytime between now and then to give me your answer. Personally, I hope you fully decide on a ‘Yes.’ I believe that many could benefit from your unique power, Innocentius. I truly do.”. The way she said that and the use of his name, she really seemed to mean it. He simply nodded before opening the door and stepped out. “Get home safely, understand?” she said sternly before the door closed. He nodded again before gently shutting the door fully, then took off in flight back home.

Author's Note

Eh, I was trying to not give in to sending him to an 'upscale school'. But then I got the coolest idea. And no, I am not telling. :p

May the darkness grant you peace.