Scootaloo and the School of Ghouls

"Scootaloo..." Flutterfright squeaked in a concerned tone, scurrying up next to the young vampress during her ten o'clock class. "This is the third time this morning I've sensed you've broken meditation..."

"Errr... how did you know I broke concentration?" Scootaloo said, lifting an eyebrow.

"Oh um..." Flutterfright simpered. "I've kind of... been reading all of your minds... if that's alright with you."

There were a few mutters from the class, but no outward voices of disapproval. Each knew they'd probably be using the same power one day.

"But anyway... is everything alright, Scootaloo?" Flutterfright asked in a concerned tone. "You seem very distracted compared to yesterday. That can be... dangerous for a vampire. “

'Na, Na, Na,

Feed on your friends!

HEY HEY HEY!' her instincts sang.

“Not that it should worry you at this stage...” Flutterfright continued. “But you really need to keep a low tone and not take on too many strenuous activities at once."

"Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, shaking her head in a disgruntled manner. "I just have... well..."

She then glanced away from her. It wasn't Scootaloo’s business to be spewing her problems to the whole class. And the last thing she needed was to bring any more attention to herself than there already was. Oh, and she definitely didn't want to show 'weakness' around Shadowed Armor, who had taken to observing this class, hidden in the shadows of the back of it and just standing there… menacingly.

"I mean- I'll be alright, Flutterfright," she said, putting on a false smile.

The vampress counterpart of Fluttershy was correct, however. She had had a lot of things on her mind. Luckily for her, Deathie's problems with Twilight had at least distracted her from... Arthur this morning. And now with her mind back on the subject, Shadowed being in her class was not helping.

Flutterfright nodded, squinting an eyebrow as if not completely convinced. "Well… alright then..." She then took a deep breath, before continuing with, "Alright, class, warmup meditation is over...”

The class actually muttered in disapproval, for as it turned out, meditation was actually pretty fun to do... more fun than reading text books, that was. Flutterfright soon sighed at this, before saying in a reluctant, defeated tone:

“Though you could have anoth-" Her black, demon bunny gave her a slight kick, and soon after, her eyes narrowed in resolve. "I mean - uh. Please open your books to page twenty-six!"

"Uggggggh...."

☼☼☼

"The Great and Powerful Wicked Witch of the- I mean uh... Trixie," a certain light blue pony corrected herself, simpering. "Welcomes you to the Basics of Alchemy!"

A second later, she smirked and dropped a small vile of a bubbling green substance upon a block of coal, immediately turning it into a shimmering, silver-like metal, much to the astonishment of the class. The Mortus students in the room gave a cheer, as the Noctus students applauded politely. Scootaloo did have to admit, however: it was pretty cool.

"You all have been graced with luck at not only having one of the greatest necromancers of your time in this school, but also the greatest alchemists!" Trixie continued. She then began to pace around the class of fifty or so students, smiling upon each individual. "Now, I know some of you may be nervous being in a class with one who has had a... dismal reputation as of late-"

"I'm not nervous!" Bloody Tiara chirped merrily.

"Er, thank you, young one," Trixie coughed nervously. "But as I was saying: my days of making trouble are over. From now on, the Great and Powerful Trixie hopes to use her awesome Trixiness to spread her gifts to the world! Including the younger generation!"

At that, she smirked, leaning close to Sweetie Belle. "You are the sister of the mortal Rarity, yes?"

Sweetie nodded nervously.

"And she uses many gems in her dress-making, correct?" she said, before smiling gleefully. "I had brief conversation with her on Nightmare Night. She suggested I go for a black cloak and hat instead of a red one. I must say, for once, I felt humbled! It looks ten times better!"

Sweetie nodded again, though with a slight smile.

"Imagine it, though," Trixie said, leaping away from her desk dramatically. "Imagine if you could give her the greatest gems upon your world... without even needing to leave her own little world! That is what the magnificent Trixie can teach you in this class! That is what awaits you!"

"Oooooo," the class oozed.

"But who wants stupid, pretty jewels when you can have horrible things like Bloodstone!" Scootaweb grinned.

"Or a Philosopher's Stone!" Archer Windrunner cheered. "Using captured souls to gain immortality!? How awesome would that be?!"

Trixie raised her eyebrows at the young ghoul. "Mmmm... Trixie once came across a Philosopher's Stone in her early days. It is actually how she is now over four hundred years old, much like our dear Lich Queen."

The class' eyes widened in awe at this.

"She doesn't look a day over twenty!" Scootaloo whispered to Sweetie, who nodded in amazement.

"I know why it would appeal to young ghouls: it is a very scary concept," Trixie continued, looking like she was absolutely soaking up all the attention. "But, I must confess: there are some horrible things no one should tamper with. We will not be making Philospher's Stones..."

"Awwwwwww...."

Trixie quickly sighed, rolling her eyes. "However, Bloodstones are still alright, Trixie supposes."

"YAYYYYY!"

"Now then," Trixie said, marching to the front of the class and pivoting about. "Who dares tell Trixie what the fundamental law of alchemy is?"

A certain hoof shot up.

"Ahhh... you dare, it seems," she smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Go ahead then, child of light, tell Trixie of what you know!"

"The most important law of alchemy is this:" Apple Bloom said, clearing her throat. "Equivalent Exchange! You cannot gain anything without giving something in return! It's somethin' I've learned plenty well on the farm. If ya want apples, ya gotta have water."

"Very good! I'm surprised a mortal would know about such things!" Trixie smirked. "Ten points to Noctus!" She then raised a hoof, before continuing with: "However, the law of Equivalent Exchange, as some of you may already know, can be applied to much more than alchemy. It was once used as sort of a moral code in the older days of Edeathstria. And lately, it has been making a resurgence..."

"How did you know that?!" Sweetie said, glancing her way in bafflement.

"Hey, you're not the only one interested in alchemy, ya know!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "I figure if I could learn it I could help with mah family get a lil' extra cash. Applejack's still been looking for a way to get Granny her new hip, ya know.."

Sweetie raised her eyebrows, before throwing her an apologetic glance.

"Heh, sorry... I just never thought you'd be into-" she said.

"It's alright. Surprised myself when I opened a text book last night," Apple Bloom smirked.

At that, Scootaloo's red eyes detected a hint of movement, and in the back of the class, she saw Shadowed Armor nod to himself, his sword drawn ever-so-slightly, and now glowing a piercing red.

☼☼☼

"Ugh, what the heck's been with Shadowed Armor!" Scootaloo cried at the lunch table. "It's like he's been following me all morning! Sure, I know he's creepy, but I didn't think he's stalker creepy!"

"You've only had two classes, right?" Sweetie said, munching on a peanut-butter sandwich. "It's probably just a coincidence. No need to get all worked up about it."

"I'm not getting worked up about it!" Scootaloo growled, slamming a hoof against the table.

Her group of friends raised their eyebrows.

"Easy, las. Me thinks you've been getting yur just gettin' over yur head with a bit too much today." Pipbossa stated, munching on an apple two times the size of a normal one. "And bloody hell, those size changing spells Ms. Soulshard used are bloody amazing!"

"Yeah, speaking of which, how did necromancy go, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Eh.... not something I'm ever going to use casually," Sweetie chuckled, a slightly perturbed look coming upon her. "But Ms. Soulshard really knows her stuff when it comes to magic, just like Princess Congeria. I think it'll help me with the more general stuff. Concentration… mana control… the works."

Pipsqueak quirked an eyebrow. "Mmmm, speaking of her, I wonder when Rainbow Death's going to do that song of her-"

And almost as if to reply to him, suddenly, the doors of the hall slammed open, Rainbow Death galloping into it dramatically with a cocky grin on her face, her single black wing holding her guitar.

"This is it!" Sweetie cried, grinning widely.

Scootaloo smiled for the first time since breakfast. "Come on Deathie, you can do it!"

"What's she doing?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight Sparkle at the staff table, raising an eyebrow.

"Knowing you: something completely insane," Twilight smirked.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Pffft, easy there. We're not dating. You have no idea what I'd do to win your heart back!"

"Hypothetically, what may that involve?" Twilight said, lifting her eyebrows.

"Oh, I'd probably spill my heart out to you, discuss what exactly we can do to fix the relationship in a civilized manner," Rainbow grinned mischievously. “That kind of thing.”

Twilight's eyes widened, a smile of approval coming upon her face. "Wow, Rainbow! That actually sounds pretty-"

"PFFFFFFFFFTTTT - HAHAHAHA! Yeah right!" Rainbow cackled, Twilight quickly giving her a blank look. "Two words: Rainboom Apocalypse!"

"It's like you pick out the logical option and intentionally do the opposite!" Twilight moaned. "Why?"

Rainbow Dash smirked widely. "Trolololololo.”

Nearby, Princess Trollestia’s severed head glanced upon her with a look of approval. “There is hope for this one. Hope indeed…”

At the very same time, Rainbow Death finished her dramatic entrance, gasping as she gripped her guitar with her hooves and fluttered before Twilight Soulshard, who quickly gave her a blank look.

"Rainbow... what are you doing?" she groaned.

Deathie’s grin became sheepish. "Oh nothing… just uh… want to sing a song is all.  I think the young ghouls might enjoy it!”

Twilight glanced at them, and then back at Rainbow. "Uh huh… yeah… the song’s for them, right?”

Rainbow scratched the back of her head. “Mmmmm…. alright, maybe it’s only… partially for them."

“Ugh... I knew it…" Twilight grumbled, her busy digging into a mass of rotten lettuce. "Listen, I'm trying to eat here and I'm still a bit-"

"But I have something I want to say!" Deathie beamed, before beginning to strum her guitar merrily. "And I'm going to say it the most awesome way possible: song style!"

Soulshard rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Fine... go ahead..."

"So far so good... I think," Apple Bloom said, nodding.

Pipsqueak perked an eyebrow. "Mmmmm.... I’m not so sure. No offense... but I have my doubts about this..."

"Oh come on! Deathie can so do it!" Scootaloo beamed, turning back to face the guitar playing reaper. "Rock out, Rainbow!"

With that, Deathie finished playing a rather epic intro solo to Twilight, who still stared at her blankly. Finally, she began singing:

"I never thought my life could be,

Anything but a killing spree,

But now I've finally come to see,

I've got you and you've got me!"

Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash glanced at each other warily.

"Uhhhh...." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not sure where this is going, but I'm pretty sure it's not going anywhere good..."

"Cause I've got a golden ticket!

I've got a golden twinkle in my eye!"

Twilight Soulshard's mouth began to part.

"I never had a chance to dine,

With she who heard the last bells chime,

Then she stole this heart of mine,

What an amazing thin-"

"Rainbow!" Twilight suddenly shouted, halting her playing, as Death glanced at her with hope-filled eyes.

"S-So, did you like it?" she said, smiling sheepishly.

At that, Twilight took a deep breath. "It was... less egotistical than I expected, but still..." She then glanced at her curiously. "Do you really understand why I was mad at you in the first place?"

"Of course I understand!" Rainbow Death cried. "I-I went too far..." She then sighed heavily, gulping. "And I'm really, really sorry..."

Twilight glanced her over, putting on a warm smile before saying, "So you weren't just saying that?"

"Of course not!" Deathie said. "You're my special someghoul, Twilight. I wouldn't just lie to you like that. You know how stupid I get sometimes... acting without thinking and all that jazz. But that's just who I am. And that's why I need someghoul like you to keep me in check!"

Soulshard 's eyes widened, a sorrowful glance coming upon her. "So... you have been trying to keep yourself chill... only it's through me, isn't it?"

Deathie nodded, a warm smile creeping on her face.

"Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry, Rainbow! I had no idea!" Soulshard suddenly cried, quickly teleporting in front of her, and wrapping her arms around her in a hug.

"Awwwww...." the Crusaders cooed. Yep, even Pip.

"Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!" Sweetie beamed, bouncing in her seat.

"But please..." Twilight continued. "Just try to keep yourself calm around Shadowed, alright? No matter how douchey he acts."

Death turned her head away from her, glaring at noghoul in particular. "I-I'll try..."

"Do, or do not, there is no try," Twilight Yoda'd, narrowing her eyes.

"But that's all I can give you!" Deathie said, frowning. "I honestly don't know how I'm going to react the next time he decides to act like a dunce!"

There was a beat of silence following that, Twilight clearly entering a mode of thought.

Scootaloo slid to the edge of her seat. Sweetie nibbled on her hooves nervously.

Rainbow Dash... dug into her salad.

"Ugh... I really hate soap opera crap," she grumbled.

"Well..." Soulshard finally said, a smile slowly inching over her face, Deathie practically sweating in anticipation. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could-

"Scootaloo!" a voice roared from the doorway to the hall: a cold, hissing whisper.

CLANK!

CLANK!

CLANK!

Into the hall marched Shadowed Armor, the reddened spikes jutting from his armor glinting menacingly in the moonlight, as a shiver circled down Scootaloo's spine.

"How do you make a bad day worse?" she muttered to herself. "Add Shadowed Armor to the mix."

"I need to see you... immediately," his hollow voice growled as his cold, black-eyed helmet glanced towards Scootaloo.

"Shadowed... what's up? Everything alright?" Soulshard said nervously, as Deathie quickly twirled about and put on a wicked glare.

"It is none of your concern," he grunted dismissively. "And that goes double for you, Death."

Death glanced away from him, a look on her face that said she was all but ready to renew their battle from the other day.

"Haha! Someghoul's in trouuubllllleeee!" Bloody Tiara cackled wickedly from her table, the Mortus students laughing alongside of her.

"Uh uh!" Rainbow Dash said, glaring at Shadowed as well, before careening over towards Scootaloo and standing before her defensively. "You're not taking Scoots anywhere until I hear why!"

"I merely wish to speak about her educational future," Shadowed said calmly. "If you have an objection with me discussing advanced classes with her to expedite it, then by all means, object."

Rainbow threw him a suspicious look. "If that's true, then... would you mind if I came with you?"

"Yes, I would, in fact," he stated. "This is a private matter."

Rainbow continued to look him over for a second, her eyes narrowing in mistrust, before slowly saying,

"Mmmm... if you need your privacy, I guess. You cool with this, Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo gave a curt nod, standing up from her seat and glancing at her friends. "Yeah… it’s fine. G-Guess I'll see you guys later?"

"Yeah, S-Seeya, Scoots," Sweetie squeaked, glancing at Shadowed Armor warily.

"Come, child. We have... much to discuss," he grunted, twirling about before clanking towards the entrance of the hall.

The group gave her a few nods, as Scootaloo, quaking slightly, stood from her seat and followed Shadowed out of the hall.

Upon her exit, Soulshard shook her head at something, an incredulous look on her face.

At that, Spike’s counterpart, the real one at his side, made their way into the Great Hall, gazing at their respective Twilights curiously. “Hey uh… we just saw Shadowed walking by with Scoots... the kid looked pretty nervous. Something going on?”

“I’m not sure,” Soulshard muttered, lifting herself from her seat. “But I’m going to find out.”

“I’ll come with you,” Rainbow Dash said, nodding to herself. “No offense, Twilight, but your brother is a major prick…”

“I wouldn’t mind tagging along as well,” Twilight Sparkle said.

“Thank you,” Soulshard said, smiling appreciatively. “But I think I need to handle this on my own.” She then glanced at Rainbow Dash, sighing heavily. “You’re right though… Shadowed has been acting like a prick lately." She shook her head again, a baffled expression coming upon her face. "But he wasn't always like this…”

☼☼☼

Shadowed's office was at the top of a set of spiral stairs, overlooking a small, snow-shielded courtyard that served as a gathering spot for students. Twilight Soulshard had actually taken the liberty of adding a few fun activities from the mortal side to it,  including a massive trampoline that seemed to have been enchanted to launch ghouls fifty or so feet in the air.

"WHEEEEEEEE!" Scootaweb cried during her ascent. "Holy crap! I can't believe we didn't try this mortal stuff out sooner!"

“I know! This is friggin’ awesome!” Apple Doom cheered.

"Yeah... gee, must be nice being corporeal," Rotten grunted, floating above her and Scootaweb as they bounced merrily.

"Oh come on, Rotten!" Scootaweb yelled. "You can fly! Isn't that good enough?"

Rotten glanced away from her, huffing slightly as Scootaloo made it to the door of Shadowed's office.

The office itself reflected Shadowed's personality. Cold, pragmatic... and militaristic. Hanging upon the walls were a number of medieval weapons, as well as a few he had seemed to have taken a liking to from Scootaloo's side. She recognized a few from a Second Great Pony War documentary she had watched in class. There were rifles, Garands she believed they were called, Thompsons, etcetera, and knowing him, he probably kept them armed. However, to her surprise, the pride of his collection seemed to be the same sword Raindow Death had used to slay Princess Blackblood on Nightmare Night: Frostmourne.

"Have a seat, child of light and dark," he grunted, gesturing to a small, rather uncomfortable wooden chair before his desk.

Scootaloo did so, still eyeing him warily, her ears sagging ever so slightly.

"Tell me... how was your trip here?" he asked calmly, leaning towards her.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "It was... good, I guess. Pretty uneventful."

"Was it?" Shadowed said, nodding to himself. "Good... glad to hear it."

At that, he whipped out his sword as he was so fond of doing, its bright blue glow illuminating the room. The two sat for a moment in silence, Shadowed taking out his whetstone and sharpening it... as it began to glow a bright red.

"Like the sword?" Shadowed finally said, quirking his head.

Scootaloo gave a nervous nod.

Then, something unexpected happened: Shadowed actually chuckled. "Its previous owner didn't seem to care for it that much... but I won't get into the details of that."

Scootaloo took a deep breath. She was quite thankful he wasn't about to get into any gritty war stories.

"However, it has a number of features that are very unusual for any blade," Shadowed continued. "For instance, it glows red when creatures of Null Space are nearby."

Scootaloo gave a gulp, as she quickly glanced about.

"No need to worry; there aren't any Void Callers nearby..." Shadowed said calmly, before changing the topic with: "Tell me of your father, Scootaloo. What do you know of him?"

Scootaloo blinked, squinting an eyebrow at the question before saying:

"W-Well, it seems like everyghoul else knows more than I do... I'm not sure what I could tell you..."

"Mmmmm, I didn't expect as much..." Shadowed mused. "Many know of him as a decent warrior, and as a peaceful negotiator with the Hearth's Warming Eve realm. However... after the battle in the Frozen North, one with a specific entity named Artharius of Winter..."

"Artharius..." Scootaloo whispered to herself in horror, her eyes widening. "Arthur..."

"He was changed forever..." Shadowed grunted. "Noghoul knows for sure what happened... save for Nightmare Moon and Blackfire... though I did manage to pry a small amount of information from the former... with the help of my wife. All she said was that Sleighbell was tainted by the entity when he made direct contact with him... for reasons unknown."

"W-What are you trying to say?" Scootaloo squeaked.

"I'm saying... and I don't wish to alarm you, but this taint... it may have spread..." he said, waving  whimsical hoof about. "Tell me, Scootaloo, have you been having any strange dreams lately? Have you been hearing any... voices in your head other than those usual pesky instincts vampires seem to have?"

Scootaloo shifted nervously in her seat, not answering.

"Black cat got your tongue?" he said, quirking his head again. "Then I'm going to be blunt with you, child," he growled, his polite tone all but vanishing. "If you don't tell me what I want to know, I will be within my right mind to have you confined to the dungeons... until the black cat gives it back."

Scootaloo gave a gasp, her mind racing through the possibilities. Was he serious? And if she admitted to him that he was talking with Arthur... would he take it lightly?

"Shadowed!" a voice growled from behind Scootaloo.

Shadowed gave a disgruntled growl, turning his head slightly to the left, as Scootaloo twirled about. A glaring Twilight Soulshard stood behind her, Deathie waiting behind her out of the office, glancing curiously inside.

"What is it, sister?" Shadowed said in annoyance.

"What is the meaning of this?! Why are you threatening to lock Scootaloo away for no reason?!"

"I have my reasons," he said bluntly. "But that won't be necessary if she admits to what I suspect."

"And what in the world could that be?" Twilight said, narrowing her eyes.

"That she may be... in symbioses with a fraction of Artharius of Winter," Shadowed said bluntly.

If incredulous expressions could be rated, Twilight's would probably be somewhere around someghoul saying 'Princess Luna is currently tap-dancing in the Great Hall.'

"You can't be serious," Twilight said, shaking her head. "This is a joke, right?"

"I don’t joke, Twilight," Shadowed grunted.

"Yeah, you don't joke anymore! And that's the problem!" Twilight suddenly yelled, giving Scootaloo an apologetic glance soon after, before turning back to Shadowed. "I mean, you were always gruff, but lately you've been nothing but... distant. Cold. I don't know who you are but you aren't the brother I once knew!"

"Real war changes people, Twilight," Shadowed groaned.

"I don't believe that," Twilight huffed. "You wouldn't be changed by battle this quickly. The 'war' has only been going for a month!"

Shadowed shifted his head away from her. "I don't have time for this, I have a school to protect!"

"A school to protect," Twilight laughed. "And you're acting paranoid to boot... ordering more Void Callers here by the day... what in the world has gotten into you?" She then glanced at his sword. "Tell me, where did you get that sword, Shadowed?"

"Spoils of war," he muttered. "A rogue ghoul flung himself at me at the beginning of a battle... obviously hoping for a death wish. I made a decent genie..."

"Mmmmm... and something about this particular nutty soldier's sword drew you to it? A rare, valuable sword that can harm spirits that an insane soldier just happened to have on him?" Twilight said suspiciously.

"If you are accusing me of something, then spill it out, damnit!" Shadowed snapped, his cool tone once again giving way to anger.

Twilight took a deep breath. "There's something about that sword, Shadowed! It's making you paranoid... irrational... aggressive." She then gazed upon it warily, taking a step closer to him. "Please... give it to me."

Shadowed hugged it to himself defensively. "You're not getting it!" He then actually began to stroke it. "A warrior and his sword are connected through more than just hoof and hilt. This blade is mine!"

Twilight's eyes widened in horror, the whole room echoing forth a gasp.

"Give it to me, or I will be forced to take it from you!" Twilight roared, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I don't want to... but I will!"

"I will not allow you to take one of my most valuable assets!" Shadowed growled, apparently snapping out of his hypnotic state. "Would you dare fight your own brother?!"

The two glared down each other, as Shadowed slowly rose from his desk, holding his sword in a defensive posture, the light from the Lich Queen's horn glinting off of it. Scootaloo and Deathie stared at the two in awe.