Then and Now (work halted)

>You slowly opened your eyes to a window wide open letting in the sunshine.
>The light pink draperies and warm blue walls greeted you happily like they do every morning.
>And you are Princess Mi-Amore Cadenza.
>And you happily pull yourself out of bed and stretch your legs and wings out.
>You are met by the small ensemble of chickadee birds that greets you every morning.
>They sit themselves on the windowsill and begin to chirp a lovely tune that soothes your ears.
Thank you very much little friends! You don't have to come here every morning to meet me!
>You give them all a happy smile, and they all give you simultaneous chirps of approval.
>You told them they don't have to come several times, but they showed up all the same which meant a lot to you.
>You set your sight over to the bed to see the other half empty.
>You wonder for a second where it is Shining Armor was, but remember shortly afterwards he told you he was taking an early shift so that you both could have a wonderful dinner together.
>It was always nice how he put you before everything, but you really wished he would take a break from all his duties once in a while.
>Seeing as he was taking an early shift with the guard, it was your turn today to sift through the various mail that arrived at the castle.
I have to go sort through some mail, little guys, but I'll see you all tomorrow morning!
>All the birds wave their wings and flutter off the window sill one by one.
>You turn around and head toward your bedroom door.
>It was large, made of mahogany and trimmed with elegant gold.
>A little over the top, you preferred more humble surroundings, but a little bit of regality in your life didn't hurt.
>You use your magic to slowly creak the large door open.
>It led to a hallway they went in two direction, the way on the left, leading to a spiral staircase that led to the main chamber.
>And to the right, the delivery area, where various pets, mail birds, and magical or otherwise letters were sent.

>You trotted down the hallway and quickly found yourself at the much smaller and more humble door.
>You open this one once more with your magic and peek in.
>There were three large windows for birds to drop off mail into a large crate that sat on the bottom of each window.
>And there was a fourth crate in the corner for magical deliveries.
>You peer into the right crate, a few letters, 6 or 7 or so.
>You pick them up with your magic and set them on the table.
>You get to the second crate.
>Not a single letter.
>A little disappointing, but it was less work for you.
>You reach the third and final crate.
>A single letter.
>It piqued your curiosity.
>It was a plain white letter, with a small red heart over the fold where it was sealed closed.
>You picked it up in your magic and brought it up to your eyes.
>It was addressed to you.
>You felt a little flattered, you didn't get too much mail.
>You brought it over to the desk and decided to open it up first.
>You tear open the top of the letter and pull it out of the envelope
>A cursive 'You are invited!" Is written across the middle.
>Any letter you did get was normally from some ponies trying to get you to go to their parties and what not.
>You had assumed it to be another one, when you opened up the letter.
>But it was not the case this time.
>You open it up to see somepony, or rather, some human, you have not seen in ages.
>Anon, posing in a picture with a rather pretty looking mare.
>After glancing over the message he had written, it was clear that it was a wedding invitation.
>You were incredibly surprised.
>You had not seen anon in almost a whole decade.
>You felt a mix of old emotions come back into your head, as you begin to remember all that time you two spent together with each other.
>It has truly been too long...


>"You ready for the first day of school Cade?"
>You look up at Anon.
About as ready as I'll ever be.
>"Oh come on now, don't be like that, we're in high school now! The best days of our lives!"
>You can't help but smile at his enthusiasm.
If you insist Anon, I'm just not comfortable with large crowds is all...
>He gives you a small pat of the back.
>"You'll do just fine Cade. You're one hell of a smarty pants, you'll get straight A's like nothing!"
>You can feel your face turn a little hot at his compliment.
Oh, I'm not that smart, Anon. There is always more to learn everywhere!
>He points his finger at you.
>"And that's why you're smart. It takes only the smartest to know there is always more to learn!"
>You chuckle at his comment as the bus slowly pulls up to your bus stop.
>"Now let's take on this school head on, are you with me?" He says, putting his fist out for a hoof-pound as he called it.
>You firmly plant your hoof on his fist.
Heck yeah I am!
>"That's the spirit!" Anon says high spirited.
>The school bus's door slowly open up for you and Anon to walk up.
>"Hello." The bus driver greets both of you sternly.
Hello.
>"Howdy"
>The bus driver pull out her clipboard she has sitting next to her seat.
>"Lets seeee... You're Anon I assume?" She says pointing him.
>"That's me!"
>"Good..... and you... are miss Cadenza?" She asks, shifting her gaze to you.
Yes, Cadence is fine.
>"Very well. You both sit in seat 14." She said, putting her clipboard back into it's spot.
>Anon starts stepping down the aisle, maneuvering through backpacks and hands.
>You followed shortly behind, until you both reached your seat.
>He sat down in the seat, his knees pushing up against the back of the seat in front of him.
>He was getting way too big for these buses.
>You walk up and put yourself up on to the seat beside him.
>You unstrap your backpack and lay it down on the floor in front of you, the bus kicking itself into gear.

>The bus was relatively quiet, no kids were particularly loud or obnoxious.
>The sun was breaking up above the roofs of the houses, and a small bit of precipitation was layered on the windows.
>"It's a beautiful day out today. Shane we have to spend it in school."
Yeah, not much we can do about it though.
>You let out a small chuckle.
>"Yeah, well maybe we can catch some of the nice weather after school."
Did you have some place in mind?
>"Well we could hang around my place or walk around a park or something. I haven't had a chance to visit Center park yet."
>You thought for a second.
>It did sound like a good idea, and you haven't had a chance to see it either since they added the enormous fountain at the center.
That sounds like a nice idea.
>"So it's a date?"
>You let out another small laugh.
You bet it is.
>"Yes!" He says victoriously, pulling his arm in.
>You both can't help but laugh.
>He was a very goofy, odd creature.
>But you grew up with him, a childhood friend.
>You're not sure what you would do without him.
>You did everything together ever since you found him laying under a tree on the beach of Fillydelphia.
>There he was, leaning against a tree looking out on the ocean.
>When you found him, he said he was 5 years old, but he was taller then you, so you doubted him at first.
>But now, he was a large as a Minotaur, maybe even taller!
>"You daydreaming again there Cade?" He says, shaking you.
>You rattle your head a bit.
Sorry, yeah. You know me, my mind likes to wander.
>He laughs a little under his breath.
>"Ever since the day we met."
>He takes his hand and wipes the fog off the window and peers out.
>"Hey look, we're here!" He says, leaning back for you to look out the window.
>And sure enough, there it was, the enormous high school, looming over the small courtyard.
>At the top stood the enormous sign above the whole area.
>'Canterlot High School'

>"We're here! Look how big this place is!" Anon says in amazement.
I know.. it's at least twice as big as the old school.
>The building was made of bricks, which gave it a kind of old feeling.
>Being the oldest school in Canterlot, maybe even Equestria, that was to be expected.
>The kids get out of their chairs one by one and step off the bus.
>There was a whole flood of kids hanging around the concrete courtyard, and walking into the building.
>It was your turn to get out, you grabbed your backpack and threw it up on your back.
>You walked down the narrow aisle of the bus, which was now clear of backpacks.
>You walk down the short steps and hop on to the tar, and step to the side and wait for Anon.
>He comes out right behind you, and starts looking around quickly.
What are you looking for?
>He pauses for a moment.
>"Oh nothing... just a place that we can hang low until classes begin."
>He continues to scour the surroundings.
>You look around too, before a bench over by a tree to the left catches your eye.
How's about over there?
>Anon shifts his gaze to where you're pointing your hoof.
>"I like it, looks relaxing!" He said, before walking to it.
>You quickly trot and catch up behind him, it was quite the hassle trying to keep up with him because he was so tall.
>And after a short walk, you sit yourselves down on the bench and look on to the road, watching buses and cars pass by.
>"So where is your homeroom?" Anon asks curiously.
I don't remember... here let me check.
>You pull out your backpack and unzip it, pulling a folder out with a few papers in it.
>On the front was your schedule.
>The days at school alternated, 4 classes a day, that you got every other day, and then 4 other classes on the other day, which alternated.
>An odd way of doing it, but it was fairly logical.
>You look over your paper, and at the top it showed your homeroom number.
>"Room 4 - Mr. Sparkle"
I got room 4, which room is yours, Anon?

>He pulled out a folded up piece of paper he kept in his pocket.
>He unfolded it and began looking it over.
>"Looks like I'm in room 8. Damn, I wish we had homeroom together."
>You shrug your shoulders.
We can't have every class and waking moment together, we wouldn't get a break from each other!
>Anon lets out a laugh.
>"I personally wouldn't mind being around you every class." He says, looking over his paper a little more.
>"God I don't know where any of these rooms are, haha." He said
Well we could always try and find them before our classes being you know.
>H takes in a deep breath.
>"Well I suppose so, it wouldn't hurt." He said, pulling himself out of the bench.
>You did the game, getting up on your hooves and slinging your backpack on again.
>He began walking to the entrance to the school.
>As he walks past a couple of ponies talking to each other he catches the eye of one.
>He look at anon with a very curious look.
>"What the hell are you?" He yells.
>He turns his head, and points at him.
>"Keep talking like that and I'll be your worst nightmare kid." He said, before turning his head back around, maintaining his pace.
>The pony just kind of stood there expressionless before turning back to his friend and talking again.
>Anon was always made fun of when he was smaller, and he never liked it.
>Naturally ponies would call him a freak and pick on him time and time again.
>But since he's been getting larger, he uses his size to intimidate anyone who thinks about teasing him.
>It was a side of him you didn't like to see, you never liked conflict, but you understood what it was like to be teased and tormented.
>Closely following Anon, you both climb up the short stairs come upon the entrance to the school.
>He walks through and you did as well.
>"Finally, an entrance where I don't have to duck down!" He says excitedly.
>He shifts his sight to a teacher standing near the entrance, giving instructions to newer students.

>"Excuse me miss, we're looking for rooms 4 and 8, would you happen to know where they are?"
>The teacher looks up at Anon.
>"Why of course! You just walk down this main hall a little, and you'll see a set of stairs on your right, they'll lead to the basement level, that's where rooms 1-15 are."
>"Thank you very much!" Anon says thankfully.
>"A little thing to remember, there are 3 floors, each with 15 class rooms, basement has 1-15, this floor 16-30, and 2nd floor 30-46."
>"Thanks again!" He says, waving to her and walking off.
Thank you very much ma'am.
>You bow your head before looking back up and trotting over behind Anon.
>"You're very welcome!" You hear the teacher shout over behind you.
>You walk behind Anon for a shore distance, and sure enough, after a short walk, there was a set of stairs leading down.
>Students were walking up and down the stairs, it was fairly busy, but not enough that it was a bother to get down the stairs.
>You both reach the bottom of the stairs and are met by a tan-painted basement floor.
>The hallway stretched fairly far in either direction.
>Right in front of you was classroom number 9.
>"Well here's number 9, lets find room number 8." Anon says, before walking to the left.
>The halls were even less congested down here, which made for easy walking.
>The next door on the right you came across was room number 8.
>"Here it is!" Anon said victoriously.
>As he finished his statement the bell rang out through the building.
>It was a lot louder in this school than the last one.
>"And not a moment too soon either, look at that!" Anon says victoriously yet again.
I'll meet you right outside of your room when homeroom is over?
>"Sure thing Cade, see you in however long this takes!" He says, before walking through the open door and into the classroom.

>You decided to walk further down the hallway you were going, as the numbers were most likely counting down.
>The hall was becoming increasingly more busy after the bell rang, so you're glad you made your way to the building when you did.
>The room on either side of you count down from 8, all the way until you reach room number 4.
>The door was closed and locked, and several student were standing around the door.
>You pick a spot on the wall where there were lockers next to a quiet stallion.
Are we waiting for the teacher?
>"Yeah, sometimes hes a little late so we wait around for him to unlock the classroom."
Ah, okay.
>You wait around for a few seconds before a blue stallion begins to make his way through the crowd on the other end.
>"Sorry guys, another teacher was caught up talking to me, let me get the door for you all." He says.
>You hear the knob turn and the door open up and the assorted student begin to make their way into the classroom.
>"Now same goes for last year, no seating arrangements unless I have to take people apart." He says, getting some paperwork sorted out on his desk.
>You find a desk near the back that you decide you'll make your home.
>There was maybe only 16 kids in the homeroom with around 40 desks, so there was plenty of room for you.
>Other students in the class began to chatter, about their summer and how they missed each other, and so on.
>"Now, I know you are all eager to catch up with each other since the summer, but I do have a couple of things I need to go over first. First off, who here is a freshman? I see some new faces in here I'd like to get to know."
>You raise your hoof, as do a couple of other ponies around you.
>"Well first let me introduce myself, I am Mr. Sparkle, I am a magical historian teacher here, mainly for sophomores and juniors, so may not see me that often, but I'm sure you'll see enough of me as it is anywho." He says with a smile.
>"Let's start with you, in the back, what's you're name miss?"

Me? Oh, umm, my name is Mi-Amore Cadenza, but most of my friends just call me Cadence.
>"Cadenza... Okay I'll try to remember that! How about you?" He asked, pointing to another one of the new students.
>You look over to the student, but you are interrupted by a sharp 'psst' of someone trying to get your attention.
>You look over and see a unicorn trying to get your attention.
>"What kind of name is Mi-Amore??" She asks in a half snooty tone.
Oh, why is was my grandmothers, why do you ask?
>"Oh, I just thought it was kind of a silly name, that was all." She said, turning around to a friend of hers that sat next to her.
>You felt your face turning red, it was like first grade all over again.
>"Miss Glitter, might I ask what is so important that you interrupt your other classmates?" Mr. Sparkle asked sharply, staring at the pony in front of you.
>"Oh, I was just talking about my summer with my friend."
>Mr. Sparkle looks at you for a second then looks back at her.
>"That can wait until after introductions. I want you to show your classmates the same respect you show me when they speak." He says sternly.
>"Yes, Mr. Sparkle." She says in a lazy tone.
>"Very well, continue Mr Stone." He says, turning his attention back on to the student who was introducing himself to the class.
>You had a feeling Mr. Sparkle knew what was going on, so you decided to keep quiet for your own sake.
>But those girls still bothered you.
>Nothing more to pick on you other than your name.
>Just like the kids in grade school use to call you Mi-Amoron.
>But you tried not to let it bother you, the teachers always thought you were the sweetest thing.
>Which in the end counts more than anything.
>Right?

>You are snapped out of your half day-dreaming state by Mr. Sparkle walking up to your desk.
>"And here you are Cadence, it's a paper with your locker number on it, your counselor and your dean, and all the other resources you could ever need."
>You took the paper from him.
Thank you.
>"You are welcome. Feel free to ask questions if you have any."
I most certainly will, thanks!
>"Now class, I'm going to give this time to the freshman to locate their lockers so they can familiarize themselves with the school. All your lockers should be close to this class room so don't be gone too long!"
>You decide to take his advice and grab your backpack and fling it over your back.
>You begin to walk down the aisle when you hit your hoof off something and fall forward.
>You get yourself up and hear the pony that had mocked your earlier laughing at you.
>You face was beat red and you felt so embarrassed.
>"Miss Glitter you apologize to Cadence this instant!" He yelled at her.
>"Fine.. sorry." She said in a half-assed tone.
>"Now you can march yourself straight to the office for that one young lady." He says sternly.
>"But I only tripped her, it's not THAT big of a deal!" She whined.
>"Keep up the attitude and I'll make it an even bigger deal. Office. Now." He said, firmly pointing to the door.
>You walk out of the aisle and step aside for her walk out.
>She gives you a sharp glare before turning to the door and walking out.
>"Are you okay Cadence?" Mr. Sparkle asked in a concerned tone.
Yes, I'm fine, thank you. I'll just find my locker now.
>"Okay, don't stray too far." He says.
>You wait a few seconds before following where she went out into the hallways.
>You checked your piece of paper he had given to you to see what number you had gotten.
>After looking over the paper for a couple of seconds, you found where it had said your locker number was 47 with the combination right below it.
>You looked up and across from you to see locker number 40 staring at you.

>All the even numbers were lined on the wall across from you, increasing in number the further they went down the other end of the building.
>So you stuck to your side and looked down and just a few lockers over was yours, 47.
>You wanted to check and see in the combination worked first, so you pulled our your handy dandy paper again to see what it was.
>14-19-32
>You decide to give a whirl.
>After the few turns of the dial, you pull on the handle and the locker opens like a charm.
>At least that's one thing that's working for you today.
>"Hey, sorry about her in there Cadence." You hear from beside you.
>You look over your shoulder to see Mr. Sparkle standing next to you.
Oh... it's quite fine really, I-
>"No... it isn't. You shouldn't say that. That girl has been nothing but trouble since she got in my class room. If she ever gives you any more trouble, be sure to let me know, okay?" He says kindly.
I sure will, thank you very much, this all isn't necessary.
>"Yes it is, I'm there for my students. Plus, you seem really nice. I don't like seeing the nice ones being made fun of."
>As he finishes the sentence, the bell rings out over head signaling it's time for the first class.
>"Looks like it's time for class. You take it easy okay! Be sure to ask for directions if you can't find a class room!" He says kindly.
I certainly will, thank you!
>"Don't mention it. Also, one more thing, Mondays are school meeting days, which means first class gets broken up in to parts and your class goes with others to see what the school has for news."
>Interesting.
Okay, I'll remember that. Thank you very much Mr. Sparkle!
>"You're welcome have a nice day!" He says, waving to you and entering his room again.
>You close the locker and begin to walk down toward class room number 8.
>You didn't even have to try and spot Anon, he was towering over the group at almost twice everyone's size.
>You quickly begin trotting over to catch up to him.

>You walk a little ways through the crowd of ponies and poke his leg to get his attention.
>"Heya Cade! How was homeroom?" He asks enthusiastically.
It could have been better, but the teacher is really nice.
>"Well that's always good! I got a lousy teacher that doesn't like us talking. Good thing we got separate homerooms, right? We'd be chatting up a storm."
Probably, so what class do you have next?
>"I got English next, in room 33, how about you?" He asks curiously.
>You grab the piece of paper from your backpack and look just below your homeroom.
>Sure enough, CP English, room 33.
Looks like we got the same class, look at that!
>"Aww sweeeet!" He says excitedly.
Lets get moving then, don't want to be late. That teacher said that 33 would be on the second floor, right?
>"Yup, that's where the 30's start, lets get a move on!" He says, eagerly starting to make a path through the crowd for the broth of you.
>You and Anon walk among the busy hallways a short way before coming upon the stairwell leading upward.
>You both start to climb slowly up the stairs, the crowd congesting the entirety of it.
>Anon and you slink and slide your way through the crowd also trying to shove it's way through.
>Through some miracle, you both manage to climb up the first set and up to the floor level.
>But you both still needed to brave another set to make it to the top.
>You and anon started to climb the second set, braving the horrors that are high school walkways between classes.
>But through sheer determination, and power of will, you and Anon manage to find yourselves at the top of the staircase.
>Not only that, but you are conveniently greeted by room number 33 staring directly at you.
>You both walk through the endless highway of students that was going in either direction down the hallways.
>And after finally breaching through the sea of peers, you walk through the door and enter a fairly big classroom.

>"Welcome, welcome, please have a seat!" The teacher greets.
>She was a Light blue pony with a very smooth red mane.
>"Nice to meet you!" Anon says, waving to her.
It's nice to meet you!
>"You two as well! Also, mister... umm sorry I don't know your name!" She says, awkwardly scratching the back of her head.
>"It's Anon!" You friend says happily.
>"Nice to meet you Anon, If you want you can take a seat in the back, this classroom is designed to have the larger students in the back so you aren't stuck with smaller chairs."
>"Oh, well thank you!" He says, walking down the middle aisle and making his way to the back.
>You followed behind him down the aisle, and got a good look at the back row.
>It was a bench that stretched along the back wall with tables coming from the back of it.
>It was a lot larger and more spacious than the regular chairs.
>"Dude these chairs are awesome!" Anon says satisfyingly as he slinks himself into the bench.
They sure to do look comfy. I'm jealous...
>Anon gives you a sly smirk as you sit yourself in a chair in front of him.
>There were only a few student that were in some seats so far, but more came in as the time passed.
>After a few came in, a student in particular caught your attention.
>Probably because he was a rather large Minotaur.
>He was a little shorter than anon, but had a rather intimidating demeanor.
>The teacher gave him the run down of how he could sit in the back if he wished.
>He quietly thanked her and walked down the aisle to the right of you and found a seat right next to Anon.
>"Hey man, what's your name?" You hear Anon ask curiously.

>"Name's butch." He says sternly, putting his backpack down under his table.
>"Nice to meetcha, my name's Anon."
>"Likewise. So what are you supposed to be, you don't look like a minotaur." He asks curiously.
>He almost sounded rude, but you figured that was just his normal tone of voice.
>"I'm a human, I'm not from Equestria." Anon replies.
>"Oh really? That's interesting, where are you from?" He asks curiously.
>Or as curiously as you thought his voice could get.
>"I'm from a place that I can only remember as New York. It was a cool world. But one day I woke up one morning and I was here in Equestria."
>"Very peculiar. I've never heard of this New York place, what's it like?"
>"Oh man, it was like a utopia. Buildings breaching the cloud line, busy streets and buildings as far as the eye can see. It was a great place the short time I was there! And the buildings were more roomy too, unlike the buildings here in Equestria."
>"I hear ya there mate, we could use more of that!" He says heartily.
>They both let out a short laugh.
>"Yeah, that's a struggle my friend here wouldn't know. This is Cadence, we've been friends for god knows how long!" He says pointing to you.
Nice to meet you Butch.
>"Likewise Cadence. You're an Alicorn i see?" He says curiously.
Yes I am, but it's not that big of a deal.
>"I think it is, you're practically a princess. I'm surprised you don't get treated like one."
Oh trust me, you'd be VERY surprised what ponies think of me.
>"Well you certainly do deserve to be treated like one, you are certainly kind."
>You felt your face get a little hot.
>You weren't used to compliments.
Oh, well thank you, that's nice of you to say.
>The bell rings throughout the building as you finish your sentence.
>"Well, looks like it's time to get learned." Anon says in a joking tone.
>The last of the students settle themselves in their desks, and the teacher makes her way to the front of the class.

>"Good morning class, welcome to my class." She begins with a sweet voice.
>"I'll be your teacher, Mrs. Lion. As I'm sure most of you already know, this is a CP English class, your standard level class. The first thing I'm going to do is hand out your syllabus. I'm going to hand the first row a couple and I want you to pass them down."
>She grabs a stack of papers from her desk and takes a small bunch of papers and hands the, to the student first in each line.
>The papers made their way to each student, eventually reaching you.
>You grab a paper and give the lest one to Anon behind you.
>He thanks you and you start to look over what the teacher has on the paper.
>It was fairly basic, respect your peers when they're talking, homework just about every night, reading books, so on and so fourth.
>Nothing too out of the ordinary for an English class.
>The teacher was going over it, reading bit by bit for every student.
>You didn't much care for hearing it after skimming through it.
>You look to the left and out the window.
>Being on the second floor did give a good view of the surrounding houses.
>The sun was up and even looking at the surroundings made you feel nice and warm.

>Your daze is interrupted by something poking you in the back.
>You turn your head and see Anon poking you in the back.
>He motions you to pay attention and look forward.
>You saw the teacher going up and down the rows, asking students what their names are and what they like.
>You were going to be next in line.
>It's a good thing anon watched after you.
>He knew that you liked to doze and have your thoughts wander.
>You didn't know where you'd be without him.
>"And how about you miss, tell us about yourself!" She encouraged happily.
My name is Mi-Amore Cadenza, but most everyone calls me Cadence. I try to be friendly to everyone, and that's just about it. Nothing much to me than that.
>"That's nice, the world could certainly use more kindness." She says with a smile.
>You smiled back, you felt your face turning a little red.
>Compliments always made you feel a little odd, you weren't used to them.
>"And how about you sir, tell us about yourself." She says, shifting her sight to Anon.
>"I'm Anon, I'm not from Equestria, I'm from someplace else I hardly remember, but I like it here, it's nice. I enjoy relaxing and hanging around my best friend Cadence here!" He said, giving you a light pat on the shoulder.
>"I'm sure you two are incredibly good friends." The teacher said in a caring tone.
>"The best! I don't know where I'd be without her!" He says happily.
>He didn't know where he'd be without you...
>You weren't sure if that was because you found him, or if you had really made an enormous impact on is life.
>You never thought that you could mean that much to someone.
>Maybe you could ask him between classes.
>The teacher finished asking around to all the different student who they were and what they like and other things about them.
>None of them particularly out of the ordinary.
>Butch liked to take vacations at the beach, which you could understand, but it was unexpected of someone with his demeanor to say that.

>"It's the least I can offer. How of Shining Armor? We both seem so busy we can never seem to catch up."
He's doing good as well, busy like you said, but he worked early today so we could go out for diner together.
>"That sounds like a lovely evening." Celestia said, as you both pass through the grand entrance of the castle and take the left to the royal gardens.
It sure will, we need to get out a little more, we keep ourselves locked up in the castle with all our duties too much.
>Celestia chuckles lightly
>"Yes, that is the castle life unfortunately, I hope I wasn't pulling you away from anything important."
Oh nothing too important, just some mail as the usual, except i got one peculiar letter, from Anon, my old human friend.
>"Oh really? You two still keep in contact?" She asks surprised.
>You kind of look off in the other direction.
Not exactly, we kind of faded away from each other over the years, and I just got an invitation to a wedding of his.
>"And not too long off from yours! Seems everyone around if finding their special somepony." Celestia says happily.
>You both find a bench pointed toward a fountain.
>You sit yourselves down and look at the fountain.
>"So have you missed your friend Anonymous?"
>You started to feel that knot in your chest you got whenever you saw him.
Very much. He was like a big brother, a best friend and a boy friend all mixed together. Having him slowly fade away was painful, but i knew he was probably busy.
>You see a sad expression come over Celestia.
>"I understand, I have lost some friends due to daily life work, but you cant always blame each other." Celestia says, putting her large arms around your neck.
>You decide to change the subject to something less depressing.
So why is it you brought me here?
>"For the exact reason you told me, I figured a little bit of relaxation and getting out of the castle might help us both!" She said, shifting her sight to the fountain.

>...
>The bell rang halfway through class to signal that the school meeting was underway.
>"Okay class, it's school meeting time, we're going to see what the school has planned for us today, we can finish the essays when we get back, now follow me!" She said enthusiastically.
>Everyone began to come out of their chairs, as did you and Anon.
>One by one the students were lined up and began to walk out of the room.
>Everyone began to talk and chat now that there was no work to be done.
>You and Anon left the room with the group, and hallways littered with student going to the auditorium.
>You decided that, seeing as it would most likely be a while before you reached the auditorium, it would be a good time to ask Anon if he really meant what he said.

Hey, Anon, I got a question I wanted to ask...
>"Sure thing, what's on your mind Cade?"
>You took in a deep breath, you felt a little nervous.
What did you mean when you said that 'you didn't knew where you'd be without me?'
>He gives you a soft pet on the head as you begin to walk down the stairs.
>"I have no idea where I'd be without you. Truly. You are the single most awesomest friend and practically-sister ever! You've always been there to help me, and there's nothing I could ever do to thank you enough!" He said, quickly pulling you to the side of the stairwell where there was nopony walking down the stairs.
>He kneeled down and grabbed you, and brought you in for a large hug.
>"Seriously, I don't say it much, but thanks for everything."
>You slowly bring your hooves up and put them around him as well.
>You hugged him as tight as you could.
>You even felt tears begin to cloud your vision.
>You had never heard someone say something so nice to you like that before.
>It almost made you feel like you were floating on a cloud.
>You both backed up and he stood up and kept looking at you.
>"Why the tears Cadence?" He asks curiously, patting your head.
I...I just... nobody has ever said anything so nice like that to me before.
>You felt an enormous stupid smile find it's way to your face.
>And without thinking, you put your hooves around his waist and gave him another huge hug.
>He stroked your mane a little bit, before you let go.
>You always loved it when he did that.
>"Lets go see what this school meeting is about." He said as you slowly left his embrace.
>You both turn around and walk down the stairs into the hallway, which was slightly less congested since you had waited.

>You both didn't know where you were going, but you decided it to be best to just follow where the crowd was going.
>At the bottom of the stairs you both took a right and went all the way down the hallway to the very end of the building, where there was another exit/entrance.
>It lead outside where there was a path that forked off into several different directions.
>But by process of elimination by look at the building to the left with tons of students standing outside of it, you guessed it to be the auditorium.
>It was a rather large building, almost as big as the main building.
>"That's quite the auditorium." Anon remarks.
You could say that again...
>"That's quite the auditorium." he says snyly, before looking at you and giving a satisfying grin.
Oh haha...
>You roll your eyes at him and walk down the short steps on to the path.
How big is the inside do you think?
>"For all these kids, it's probably insanely big on the inside.
>And he wasn't kidding.
>After what felt like ages of waiting to get in, you and Anon finally got in.
>There were no more floor seats available, as you and Anon got to sit up on a balcony.
>The auditorium was literally large enough to have balcony seating.
>The way up was right at the entrance, there were 2 paths left and right which lead down to the level seats, and past that was the same set of paths, only leading up to the various balcony seats.
>You and Anon took the right path and got a front row seat overlooking on to the stage, where you saw various faculty members and a few students helping out setting up for the occasion.
This place is enormous, it's like an opera theater!
>"Isn't it? It's beautiful..." He said, looking around at the various craftsmanship of the building, to the paintings hanging around some of the walls.

>It was truly a gorgeous auditorium, you felt at peace just being here, you probably would be more if it weren't for billions of student cramming themselves into it.
>The crowds were getting settled, and an older pony, whom you assumed to be the principal, stepped up to the microphone.
>"Good morning Everyone, I'm your principal, Dr. Shade, and I would like to personally thank all of you for joining us today." He said, letting the audience let out a brief clap.
>"First I would like to welcome the newest students we have this year that are freshman, we appreciate you attending our school, and our faculty love having you around."
>Not as many applause for the freshman.
>You could have guessed as much.
>"Now for our first order of business, I will have Miss Ruby here speak to you all about the upcoming homecoming." He said, before hopping off the podium and letting a pretty little mare take the stand.
>The crowd clapped for a short burst before letter her speak.
>"Let me start by saying, this years homecoming is going to be amazing! And there are a couple reasons for that. The first and foremost being it actually won't be held here inside the school."
>Quite a few student gave confused looks.
>"It's ACTUALLY going to be held OUTSIDE, on the roof of the gymnasium this year!"
>Everyone in the audience began clapping, even you and Anon joined in.
>"That sounds so cool, I'm totally going to go to that! How about you Cade?" Anon says, shifting his gaze to you.
It sounds like a very cool idea, I think I'll go too.
>You had never been to a dance before, so it was going to be especially different.
>"And thanks to the very hard work of our fundraising department, holding numerous bottle drives and fundraisers, we will also be able to cater the whole thing!" The mare says in an excited tone.
>"Wow! Even free food! Count me in for sure now!" He says, you both share in some laughter.

>"So you can come and buy your tickets starting next Monday, Homecoming will be October 1st, so mark it on your calendar!" She says with spunk before happily skipping off the podium.
>The crowd cheers loudly as the principal steps up to the podium once more.
>The crowds claps slowly dwindle down to quiet as all the students pay attention to the principal once more.
>"Thanks once again to miss Ruby for standing up here and letting us know about the exciting Homecoming we will be having this year." He says, a short clap ensues once more.
>"Now up next we have another special treat for you all. As some of you may know our music departments keep busy year-round, it's not just the school year they work hard, its during the summer too. This Saturday is going to be a concert held by our hard working students and faculty. This school meeting we will now have her play you a couple of the pieces that they worked hard all summer to master."
>The crowd claps and the velvet curtain is pulled back to show quite a few students with their instruments lined along in a half circle.
>There were all sorts of instruments, drums, cellos, violins, everything,
>"That's quite the band."
It sure is. I bet they play wonderful music.
>The conductor, and older lady, walks up to the center facing the crowd, and bows solemnly, before turning around back to her stand.
>She turns a couple of pages, and begins to wave her stick as the first few notes cascade through the auditorium like a waterfall of splendor.

>You slowly climb yourself out of the bench and decide to get a closer look at the water inside it.
>You walk up to the stone lip to look over into the water.
>There was plenty of coins lining the bottom, each one representing a wish by ponies all around.
>The water rippled softly across the surface as the water flowing down from the different levels fell into the pool.
>You could see your reflection in the water as well, your light pink mane and your purple eyes being clear to see.
>You look down on to the stone ledge overlooking the fountain to see a bit sitting on the it.
>'Well, what could go wrong...'
>You pick up the coin in your magic and close your eyes.
>'I wish to find happiness with Anon again...'
>You wait a few seconds before flinging the coin into the water.
>It made a satisfying ping as you released it from your magic and flipped into the air.
>The coin stays suspended in the air for but a second before hitting the surface of the water with a deep plunk.
>You stared at the coin as it slowly drifted through the water before hitting the bottom.
>You close your eyes again and draw in a deep breath, before letting out an exhale, and turning yourself to your right to get a good glimpse of the garden.
>The entrance was a white upside down shaped U-entrance with vines curling and climbing throughout the various crevices of the structure.
>It piqued your curiosity and you decided to take a walk through whatever it awaited on the other side.
>And after a short stroll, you passed through the beautiful entrance and found yourself at what almost resembled a field.
>But it wasn't quite like one.
>The paths were laid with short hedges and flowers on either side.
>You walked a little ways down the grass path lined by hedges to an intersection.
>To the right lead to a rather gorgeous garden and several large willow trees.
>And to the right and up a short hill was a white gazebo, looking over a small pond with a tiny river of water trickling int it.

>You decide to take a look at the gazebo and the pond to get a closer look.
>You walk down the grassy path and up the short hill and in to the spacious and relaxing building.
>To the left was a set of stairs leading down and on to a flat rock surface above the water, with a long bench on it.
>You step down the small, but steep set of steps and slowly walk over to the bench.
>The water coming down from the rocks set a very easy tone to your ears.
>Before you sit down on it, you see something catch your eye in the water.
>You saw something moving.
>You walk up to the edge of the rock to see a couple of Koi fish swimming around playfully in the water.
>They were swimming in circles and down deeper and back up around each other like energetic young children.
>You see the slightly larger one swim down below the other and quickly shoot up out of the water flop around for a second in the air before splashing back in to the water.
>You couldn't help but have a happy smile and a small chuckle come from your face.
>You kept your sight on them as they swam elegantly by and around each other in to the distant water.
>"Beautiful creatures, aren't they?" You hear a voice say from behind you.
>You turn around and you see Luna standing right behind you, staring in to the water as well.
Very much so! They're so elegant and playful!
>"Indeed they are. They are quite energetic. They've been our pets since before we were even banished to the moon. They're called ruby Koi fish, and can lives thousands of years. We were so happy to see them still alive even through the many years that we spent in solitude."
I could imagine, they must have been excited as well.
>She lets out a small chuckle.
>"About as excited as a couple of fish could be, but they remembered me and swam a very peculiar dance when they saw me again. They were some of our best friends, they were. Sad really." She says, walking up next to you and looking in to the water.

>After a short walk through the never ending sea of students, you both finally arrived back in your classroom, where a good a majority of the students had already found their seats again.
>Anon walked ahead of you to his chair and sat down as did you, but you didn't have anything to do as you had already finished the short essay the teacher wanted you to do.
>You sat in the chair and twiddled your pencil, waiting for Anon and Butch to both finish their stories as well.
>"Hey Cade, what did you write about? I'm stuck thinking of something to write about what we did."
Well... I wrote about our time at the water park when we went down the slide, and you got stuck in it and took 10 minutes to hit the bottom.
>You laughed to yourself as he rolls his eye, clearly not impressed about what you wrote.
>"Wait, you got stuck in a slide? Oh that's golden!" Butch says, as he starts to join in the laughter.
>"Yes I did... but that's only because there was so little water in the slide!" He said, trying to defend himself.
>"Yeah, sure, that's exactly it, haha!" Butch said back, continuing his laughing.
>He was also done with his paper so he was just sitting and waiting much like you were.
>Anon sat there and thought for something to say for a second, before something finally ticked in his head.
>He grew a very devious grin and looked at you devilishly.
>"Well how's about I write about that teeny tiny wardrobe malfunction you had while we went with my parents to that fancy restaurant."
>You felt your face getting red hot after he said that.
>"Wardrobe malfunction you say?!" Butch says in an enticing tone.
Nononono! Oh god anything but that!
>You waved your hooves up in his face to try and get him to not do that.
Pleeaasseeee don't!
>He threw himself back in his chair, laughing incredibly hard.
>"Oh I'm just kidding, you know i would never do that! Oh-ho god that was something else..."
>"So what happened?" Butch asked curiously.

NO, don't tell him, please!
>Anon was still laughing incredibly hard.
>"I won't! Sorry Butch, but it's honestly pretty bad, I don't thin she would want anyone to know."
I don't! Why do you think I don't want you to tell anyone!
>Anon began laughing again, before shifting his focus on the paper and writing again.
You aren't writing about it, are you?
>"Of course not!" Anon said defensively.
>He began to hyper focus on the paper, writing incredibly fast now knowing what it is he wanted to write about.
It better not be something bad about me...
>He doesn't even acknowledge your existence as he continues his writing at the speed of a wonderbolt.
Well, Anon is super focused on his paper, what did you write about Butch?
>"Oh, I just wrote about a trip my family took to Fillydelphia. Very fun vacation, I would recommend going there when you have a chance. Very beautiful place."
That sounds very nice, what did you do while you were there?
>"We stayed at a hotel and went to a nearby theme park a couple of times. Went to the beach as well, very clean beaches, sparkling blue water, perfect place to go."
Oh my, I most certainly will put it on my list of places to visit. I love travelling, but haven't gotten too far from Canterlot.
>"As a first place I highly recommend it, You would love it, I can tell!" He says with enthusiasm.
>"Aaaand done. Sorry guys, but I wanted to get it done before class ended." Anon said suddenly, wiping the eraser shavings off the paper and desk.
What did you write about?
>"Oh, it was just a general writing of our shenanigans this whole summer. Nothing specific." He replied.
Alriiigghtt... if I found out you wrote about that thing that happened I'll have your head!
>Anon chuckled a little.
>"Don't worry, I didn't even mention it!" He said re-reassuringly.
If you say so...

NO, don't tell him, please!
>Anon was still laughing incredibly hard.
>"I won't! Sorry Butch, but it's honestly pretty bad, I don't think she would want anyone to know."
I don't! Why do you think I don't want you to tell anyone!
>Anon began laughing again, before shifting his focus on the paper and writing again.
You aren't writing about it, are you?
>"Of course not!" Anon said defensively.
>He began to hyper focus on the paper, writing incredibly fast now knowing what it is he wanted to write about.
It better not be something bad about me...
>He doesn't even acknowledge your existence as he continues his writing at the speed of a wonderbolt.
Well, Anon is super focused on his paper, what did you write about Butch?
>"Oh, I just wrote about a trip my family took to Fillydelphia. Very fun vacation, I would recommend going there when you have a chance. Very beautiful place."
That sounds very nice, what did you do while you were there?
>"We stayed at a hotel and went to a nearby theme park a couple of times. Went to the beach as well, very clean beaches, sparkling blue water, perfect place to go."
Oh my, I most certainly will put it on my list of places to visit. I love travelling, but haven't gotten too far from Canterlot.
>"As a first place I highly recommend it, You would love it, I can tell!" He says with enthusiasm.
>"Aaaand done. Sorry guys, but I wanted to get it done before class ended." Anon said suddenly, wiping the eraser shavings off the paper and desk.
What did you write about?
>"Oh, it was just a general writing of our shenanigans this whole summer. Nothing specific." He replied.
Alriiigghtt... if I found out you wrote about that thing that happened I'll have your head!
>Anon chuckled a little.
>"Don't worry, I didn't even mention it!" He said re-reassuringly.
If you say so...

>Anon got up out of his chair and gave the teacher his paper, and not a moment too soon either,
>Class was going to end in about 5 minutes, which gave you all a chance to check all your schedules over.
>"So what's your next class Cade?" Anon asks curiously.
>You look down the paper and find the spot on day one where class two was.
I have honors algebra, how about you Anon?
>"I got history. Damn, guess we don't have that together, what class after that?" He asks curiously.
>You look below that to see what class you had next.
Looks like i got a study hall, room 1, what about you?
>He lifts his hand out for a high five.
>"Same here sister! Gimme five!" He says excitedly.
>You firmly plant your hoof on his hand, you were happy you two were getting classes together.
>"Hey look at that, I got the same study hall too! We're like the three musketeers now, haha!" Butch adds in.
>"Heck yeah we are!" Anon exclaims, as the bell rings throughout the building.
>You take one quick look at your schedule once more.
>Algebra was in room 40, and with that knowledge you pack up the few items you had on your desk and threw your backpack over your back.
>"Aight Cade, see you third class." He said, getting on his knees and giving you a quick hug before you both exited the aisle of chairs and stools.
>"Have a good rest of your day, class!" The teacher says to all the kids walking by.
>"You too!" You and Anon both say in unison.

>You both exited the door and walked your separate ways toward your classrooms.
>You went to the left, trying your best to weave through the students walking left and right.
>You managed to walk to the right side of the hall and follow the flow of students while keeping a keen eye on the doors of the of classroom.
>36
>38
>And finally 40.
>You walk into the class and are greeted by a rather small classroom by comparison to the other classrooms.
>There were maybe only 40 chairs or so in the class.
>You decided to take a seat near the back again, second from the back row.
>There were a few students in the class already,
>You took your backpack off and sat down in a chair just diagonal of the corner seat.
>You waited patiently as student by student found their way in to your class.
>Then the bell rang, and the teach closed his laptop and pulled some papers off the desk.
>There weren't that many students at all in the class, only about 20 or so.
>The teacher takes his spot at the front of the class.
>"Hello everypony, I'm Mr. Sand and I'll be your Honors Algebra teacher this year." He begins.
>His voice was lethargic and slow, it was practically putting you to sleep as you listened.
>You couldn't even make out what he was saying anymore, as you drowned him out with your day dreams.
>You were interrupted by him putting a piece of paper at your desk.
>You shake your head slightly and hold the paper in your hooves.
>It was a simple syllabus, on what was going to be taught over the course of the year.
>As well as simple rules for when the teacher is talking and the usual rules of behavior.
>As you read and read you find your thoughts tugging you away, as you boredom of the reading increases.
>It was almost as if you couldn't focus without Anon around.

>...
>You were snapped out of your daydream once again to hear steps behind you.
>You shake your head a little bit, snapping yourself back to reality.
>You turn your head and see a ghostly blue pony with red hair walking down the stairs.
>It takes you a second, but you finally figure out who it is.
Is that you Sierra?!
>"It is Cadence, how are you?!" She asks excitedly.
>You jump up out of the bench and give her an enormous hug.
It's been too long, how have you been!
>"I've been great! I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding..." She said in a sad tone as you two finish your hug.
It's okay, I know you can be busy, but hey, it's almost good you didn't come, that whole invasion was cuh-razy!
>"I know! I'm super glad you and your husband are okay! I must say, you two look beautiful together!" She says happily.
Oh, why thank you, you're too nice Sierra.
>"Oh nonsense, you can never be too nice! So what are you up to?" She asks curiously.
Oh, just enjoying the scenery before i head back to the castle for some work, what brings you here?
>"I wanted to get a chance to see you since I couldn't visit you during the wedding. I also got a letter from Anon, an invite to his wedding, did you know he was getting married?"
No, I didn't, I was surprised when I saw the letter.
>She rolls her eyes.
>"Just like him to be such a hypocrite and go off with some other pony, but hey, you got a loving husband, which is probably a lot more than what he has, right?" She asks.
Very much so, we love each other very much. Even though Anon isn't exactly the smartest, I still forgive him.
>She lets out a soft huff.
>"I love being nice, but there are just some thing in this world that just can't be forgiven, Cadence. But that's just me."

>You too let out a soft huff.
I don't want to be harsh on him, people change their minds about things, it's what makes us all ponies, or humans, or whatever we may be!
>She pauses for a moment.
>"I suppose your right in a way. Were you thinking about going?" She asked curiously.
I was, I'm not entirely sure, I'd have to ask what Shining Armor thinks, my husband.
>"I understand,I honestly wouldn't want to go unless you did."
It's entirely up to you, I mean, you did come all the way up here! Certainly you would want to do something.
>She shrugs.
>"I just wanted to see you, I haven't in a while, I just so happened to get the mail from Anon as I was planning the visit."
>You reach in to give her a big hug again.
Well, I'm incredibly happy you came, how did you know I was here?
>"I asked Luna if you had known where you were, and said she had just talked to you here."
She is quite the mysterious one, she always seems to find herself at the right places at the right times...
>"Yeah, but she is nice none-the-less."
Yes she is, here, follow me, I want to show you around the castle, I got plenty of time before I have any large cuties to fulfill.
>"Sounds like a plan, lead the way sistah!"

>...
>It was either by sheer power of will, or maybe your day dreaming that got you through that algebra class.
>The teacher had a very boring way of explaining things, so much that you thought that maybe even he was putting himself to sleep.
>The students were easily the same level of enthralled as he was about the subject, as half of the class was asleep as well.
>But you survived, which should be an accomplishment all in itself.
>But the struggles didn't stop there, oh no.
>You also had to brave the tidal wave of student in the hallways.
>But no matter the trial, no matter the obstacles, you still managed to overcome them.
>And you finally managed to make it to the most sacred of classes, revered in all student of high school.
>Study hall.
>You entered room 1 in the basement, and saw Butch and Anon in the corner, already chatting it up.
>You begin to walk over to them and take your seat in front of Anon.
>"..Oh crap, she's here. OKAY BUTCH, YOU CAN STOP SAYING MEAN THINGS ABOUT CADENCE I DON'T APPRECIATE IT." Anon practically yells.
>"Hey, I wasn't saying anything!"
>"Cadence, Butch here was saying very rude and vile things about you and your mother, you better beat him up!" Anon says, pointing fingers at Butch.
>"I should beat you up!" Butch retorts.
Guys, calm down, Butch, I know you wouldn't say anything like that. And Anon, It's obvious you're lying, I can tell by that stupid smirk on your face.
>Anon's smile grew slightly larger as he found it harder to resist it.
>You took your backpack off and tossed it under your seat.
>You could tell this class was going to be a boatload of fun already, and you wouldn't want it any other way.

>The teacher was sitting at his desk, looking over papers, not particularly caring to introduce himself or even glance at the students.
>He just sat there and focused.
>Which wasn't a bad thing at a all, as a matter of fact you liked it.
>It means you and your friends could be quite obnoxious without some teacher getting angry at you two.
>That, and there were plenty of student in the same study hall making noise that it wasn't just you three being awkward and making all the noise.
>"So Butch, we gotta think of a new, epic mini crossbow design make out of pencils and paperclips and rubber bands." Anon said.
>"How do you suppose we do that?" Butch asked, intrigued, yet skeptical.
>Anon started rubbing his chin, thinking thoroughly and and trying to come up with an idea.
>"Well, we could put two pencils in a t-formation, tie it off, then cut a rubber band and make it one strand, and put it at either side of the T?"
>Butch thought for a second as well.
>"That could work, it's very basic, and I'm not sure if it would work well." Butch responds.
>"Well it would only be a prototype, we're not looking to create and epic crossbow in one try, this kind of stuff takes work, blood and sweat of many years to accomplish!" He said heroically.
>You rolled your eyes at their shenanigans,
You two are a bunch of goofballs.
>"Hey, at least we're trying to get something productive done!" Anon says fiercely.
>"Like what? Destroy a paper origami dragon?"
>And at that moment, a glint of genius enters their eyes, and they look at each other with enormous smiles.
>"Dude! That's an awesome idea!" They both say in unison.
>"I'm totally taking an origami class now!" Butch says excitedly.
>"Me too man, let me know if you find a teacher that can teach us, that will be the coolest!"
>"Hell yeah it will!" Butch says happily, as they both give each other a 'high five' as Anon like to call them.
>You couldn't help but let out a sigh of defeat.

There really isn't anything you two won't do, isn't there?
>Butch shakes his head.
>"Nope!" Anon says happily.
>You couldn't help but chuckle at their honesty.
You two certainly are a pair, and you haven't even known each other for a whole day yet!
>"I'd say so!" Butch says, giving Anon a pat on the back.
>"Hell yeah!" Anon says, giving him a pat on the back as well.
Well it's nice to see we got some friends in our first day of school. I thought with all these students here it would be hard to fit in.
>"Fitting in is only as hard as you make it, Cade. Just remember that!" He said with a smile.
>As much as you wanted to argue his logic by telling him how much you were bullied, you think.
>He was bullied pretty bad as well.
>Heck probably even worse.
>And seeing him have such hope and happiness for others.
>It made you feel pretty good.
>Like not everything is bad, or out to get you.
>And this new friend of yours solidified that pretty well.
>The thought in itself was enough to make you smile.
>"What's got you smiling there, Cade? Got a secret to tell us?" Anon asks, poking you in the side lightly.
>You jolt up quickly, letting out a sharp 'EPP', as you were incredibly ticklish.
Don't do that! You know I'm ticklish!
>Anon laugh a little to himself.
>"What was that? I didn't quite hear you..." He says, looming like a buzzard over a dead animal.
>And then, with the speed of a cheetah, poked you a coupe more times.
AAHAHAHA,, NO STOP, SERIOUSL-HAHA.
>You flailed your hooves at him, trying to get him to stop.
>"My god, you are so ticklish it's hilarious, hahaha!" Anon laughs, throwing himself back in his chair.

>As his laughing stops, the bells rings, signalling second lunch.
>"Okay kids, time for lunch." The teacher says, still focusing on his work.
>He didn't have to tell them twice, as half the class was eager to leave and get their food.
>You pull your small lunch box from your backpack and get up out of your chair with Anon and Butch.
>"You bring your own lunch, Cadence?" Butch asked curiously.
I do, it's a lot easier this way.
>Butch shrugs.
>"I'm interested in what kind of food they got here." He says enthusiastically.
>"Me too, middle school food was terrible..."
Which is why I brought my own food...
>"I almost started bringing my own... ugh..." Anon says, shivering a little as a joke.
So do any of you know where the cafeteria is?
>"Can't be that hard, just follow the herd of students and we should reach it eventually." Anon said.
I guess that makes sense.
>"Not like we have much of a choice either." Butch says.
Well we could always ask a teacher for directions.
>"And what? Sacrifice a little bit of my masculinity? No thanks." Anon says shaking his head.
>You couldn't help but roll your eyes at him.
You're so full of yourself.
>"Oh come on, you love me and you know it." He said, patting you on the head.
You're right, you are you, and I wouldn't have anyone else!
>The three of you kept following the horde of student, up to the main floor and out into the courtyard that you went through on your way to the auditorium.

>Your group walked straight to a building where tons of students were congregating.
>It was a rather large building, with two large glass opening doors on the left and right, with lines coming out of each side.
>There was also a large double doored glass door in the center for kids that have lunches already to go through to the dining area.
>"Hey Cadence, save us a table will ya! We're gunna get some food." Anon says to you.
Okay, I'll try and get one near the entrance so that you can find me easier.
>They walked off to the left and got in line as you walked through the glass door.
>There was a short hallways, with trophies and pictures of sports teams behind a glass sliding window.
>You looked over all the memorabilia as you slowly walked through the hallways into the dining area.
>You came across a second set of glass doors propped open but wooden pegs.
>The tables were relatively empty, but that was probably because not everyone had a seat yet.
>You found a table near the front, a large round one with maybe 7 chairs around it and took a seat, setting your lunch box down.
>You packed your lunch every day, you weren't a fan of lines or school food.
>You opened it up and began to unpack your hay sandwich and you chips.
>You also threw in two apples, only because you loved them so much.
>"Hey, mind if I have a seat here with you?" You hear a voice to your side ask.
>You look over and see a pale blue pony with a fairly curly red mane standing next to you.
Of course not, the more the merrier! I do have some other friends coming, just so you know.
>"Oh that's fine sweetie, I just wanted some place to sit, I don't know many of the kids in this lunch period."
>She pulled up a chair and sat to your left, putting her tray on the table.
>"So what's your name?" She asks curiously.

Everyone just calls me Cadence, my regular name is long and most people make fun of it.
>"Well I don't wee why they would, you seem nice enough to me." She says happily.
Yeah, well you'd be surprised... What's your name?
>"My name is Sierra Moon, it's nice to meet you." She said, extending her hoof for a hoofshake.
>You extend yours as well and you both shake.
>"So what grade are you in? I don't believe I've seen you here before." She asks curiously.
I just got here as a Freshman this year, how about you?
>"I'm a Junior this year." She says happily.
A... Junior? Why would you want to sit with me, a little old Freshman?
>"Oh, you know, like I said, I didn't see anyone I knew standing in line or in the seats, and you seemed nice enough." She said with a smile.
>You couldn't help but smile back.
>Despite what happened in homeroom, you feel as if the ponies at this school were genuinely nice.
>You shifted your vision to your food, but something else caught your eyes.
>It was the two goofballs themselves walking over to the table once they saw you.
Here come my friends, try to keep an open mind while talking with them, they can be...well.... I'll just let you find out.
>She chuckled and waved her hoof at you.
>"Don't worry, it can't possibly be that bad."
>"Hey look! Cadence has a girlfriend now! How adorable!" Anon yells over, approaching the table.
>You slam your hoof to your forehead.
>You knew this would happen too.
>But you look up and see Sierra laughing a little.
>At least she found Anon's comment funny.
>Anon approaches the table and takes a seat right next to you, and Butch right next to him.
>"So what's your name miss?" Anon says, greeting Sierra.
>"My name's Sierra Moon, how about yours?" She asks curiously.
>"I'm Anon, and this is our friend Butch."
>"How's it goin?" He asks, nodding his head upwards.

>"Pretty good thanks, so you are all friends, right?" She asks.
Yes, as odd as they are, I wouldn't have any others in the world.
>You looked up and smiled at Anon, and he only gave you a gaze back.
>"No you." He spurts quickly, before digging into a big plate of rice.
>You roll your eyes at him.
I was trying to be cute.
>"I know, and I said no you." He said, continuing to stuff his face with food.
You know you're going to choke if you eat that any faster...
>He payed no mind to your comments and continued to eat and eat.
>Butch did the same, only he had quite the large hayburger to munch on.
>"Thifffss foodsh pretty nish!" Anon says, face full of food.
>"Yea it ish!" Butch spits back.
>All the meanwhile, Sierra is laughing at the two of them.
>"If they're not anything, they're friendly and funny!" She says, still giggling to herself.
I'm glad you like them. I honestly thought you would find them odd.
>"Not at all! They're just my type, and I could use some more friends!" She says, before leaning down and taking a bite out of a homemade salad.
>When she went to take a bite, a passing pony raised his hoof and shoved her head into it.
>"Take that! You wretched witch!" He yells at her.
>Anon looks over to see that she was pulling her face out of the salad, trying to wipe it off her face.
>"What the hell was that for?!" Anon yells at him.
>"Ain't none of your business, freshman, now sit down you loser!" He yells back, before sitting in his chair.
>Anon's face started to become that of pure anger.
>"It sure as hell is my business now you shit-face, get back here and apologize!" He yells, jumping out of his chair.
>"No, Anon, it's fine, please don't start anything!" Sierra pleads Anon.

>"If anything, she needs to apologize to US! Now leave your stupid little head out of it!" He yells back.
>Anon was visibly infuriated.
>"Anon, don't please! I.... I deserved this! I-"
>"No you didn't, he needs to learn his place." He said, leaving his chair and walking over.
>You jumped out of your chair and propped yourself up against Anon's legs, trying to stop him.
Anon, please don't get into a fight, it's our first day! At least wait a week or two!
>Anon kept trudging forward, ignoring you trying to stop him.
Anon, listen to me! Don't make me use the spell!
>He slows down, and looks down to you.
>"You're really telling me you're going to let this guy get away with this?!"
>You glare at his eyes, and you are locked fiery gaze for a few seconds.
>Anon finally lets out a huff of defeat before turning around back to his seat.
Thanks Anon. We don't need to get in trouble the first day of school.
>"Whatever Cadence... But the next time that little shit for brains does something like that, I'm not stopping, for you or anyone." He said, sitting back in his chair, trying to calm himself down.
>You let out a deep sigh of relief, you're glad there was no conflict.
>Well, not much.
>You take your seat next to Sierra, and put your hoof on her back.
Is everything alright?
>She gives a half-smirk and let out a small chuckle.
>"It's fine... really. Thanks though, I appreciate it. While don't think anon should have tried to defend me, it is sweet of you guys."
>She reached down and took a couple bits of her salad.
So... what did you mean when you said you deserved it? Nopody deserves that...
>She almost froze in her chair.
>She stared blankly into her salad, and a sad look went across her face.
>"It's... better if we don't talk about it right now. Maybe another time." She says, before taking another bite from her salad.
I'm here if you ever want to, we all are.
>You raise your hoof to the two hooligans who were shoving their faces with more food.

>A smile manages to find it's way to her face again.
You may have only known us for a few minutes, but we can tell you don't exactly have it easy.
>You can see water glistening across her eyes.
>"Th-thanks, it really means a lot. Thank you." She says, putting her hoof around your neck.
>You do the same to her and both share a quick hug.
Any time.
>She continues her soft smile and starts to finish her salad.
>You look down to see you had hardly made a dent in your food.
>You think you should probably eat up, because you were going to regret it if you didn't.
>You begin to take fairly large bites of you food, so that you could finish it all when the bell rang.
>"Hey there cowgirl, I thought eating fast would make us choke!" Anon says snyly, as he finished up his plate of food.
>You finish swallowing your food before retorting.
Well at least I swallow my food before I talk, and lunch is probably getting close to being over anyways, and i hadn't made a dent.
>"I'm only using your logic on you, madame Cadenza" He says while making 'fancy' hand gestures and postures.
>You shake your head and continue your eating.
>You could already tell this year was going to be one hell of a ride already, and it was just the first day.
>At least it would make for some good stories.

>She spent the nest 10 minutes or so looking over the various paintings on the wall, and looking over the age-old architecture of the carved marble columns.
>You decided it would be best to just let her have this moment.
>Well, several moments.
>But you let her have them none the less, you were happy such a good friend was having a ball.
>It was the least you could do for someone who has given so much.
>As she got further up the corridor, Celestia took more and more notice of her.
>Sierra didn't even notice her at first, she was too caught in the art.
>"...and this piece is very interesting, a forest with blue fog, and the moon bright overlooking the trees. Very good, but I don't recognize the style..."
>"That would be a painting by Starswirl the Bearded himself. He took to painting when he wasn't caught up in his studies. I always kept this one close at heart." You hear Celestia say from behind the both of you.
>Sierra turned her head, and when she gazed at Celestia, her eyes rand huge and she instantly dropped down and bowed to her.
>"You highness! I did not know it was you!" She says worried.
>"Please stand, it's quite alright. Between you and me, I don't like being bowed down to. It's such a hassle telling everyone to stand back up." She says happily.
>Sierra quickly hops back up on her hooves.
>"I could understand that. So you said this piece was made by Starswirl?" She asked curiously.
>"Why yes it is, which is probably why you didn't recognize the style. He painted quite often, but only got good at it near the end of his life. I keep this piece up for all to see, he was most proud of it over all his other pieces."
>Sierra looked at it even more curiously.
>"It's so intricate, like he put his own soul in to it."

>"I've had ponies say that before, how funny you should bring that up. I get that same sense too that a part of him lives on in this painting, but I'm sure it's just and old Mare's tale. So tell me little pony, what is your name?" Celestia asks curiously.
>She turns around quickly, looking nervous.
>"Oh, my apologies for not introducing myself sooner! My name is Sierra Moon. It's nice to meet you your highness." She says, bowing her head quickly.
>"Likewise, so I take it you are Cadence's friend?" She asks, pointing to you.
>"Only the best, right Cade?" She asks, putting her hoof around you and pulling you in for a hug.,
>You put your hoof around her as well.
We were incredibly close in High school, and kept in contact since.
>"Well it's nice to meet you. Are you staying around for long?" Celestia asks.
>"Yes, I still need to find a hotel though, so I might have to skedaddle for a few before I come back."
>Celestia smiles slightly.
>"Well how would you like to stay at the castle?" She asks.
>You look over to Sierra to see her eyes light up brighter than the sun.
>"Oh my goodness! Of course I would! Thank you thank you!!" She yells in excitement.
>Celestia chuckles a little at her enthusiasm.
>"Very well, you can have one of the guest rooms. You mind showing her Cadence?" She asks, turning to you.
Sure thing, thanks for letting her stay here, I appreciate it!
>"Hey, any friend of yours is welcome here Cadence." She says with a smile.
>"Aaahhh thank you so much again! I really appreciate it your highness!" She said, barely able to contain her smile.
>"Anytime, now I have work to get to, you two have fun now!" She said, turning around back to her throne.
>The whole time, Sierra had the biggest smile you had ever seen in your life.

>...
>Lunch was practically over as soon as it started, the bell rang just after you finished scarfing your food down.
>You and your friends said bye to Sierra as she headed back to her class out side of the cafeteria.
>The crowd was manageable to move through to get back to your class.
>Probably the first time today that's happened.
>And you certainly were not going to argue it at all.
>The three of you walked the path back to the main building and down the stairs to study hall.
>With nothing to do you could only assume that even more shenanigans were going to ensue.
>"That Sierra girl was pretty nice, don't you think Cadence?" Butch asked.
She is nice, I think she gets too much crap, for no reason.
>"You could say that again..." Anon said in a slightly angry tone, rolling his eyes.
Anon, I don't appreciate it any more than you do, but the last thing we need is a fight the first day of school here...
>He lets out a huff.
>"I know what you're saying Cade, but they started it, and i wanted to finish it. I don't like you stopping me like that."
>You shake your head at him.
There's no need to be violent though, your yelling made a clear point to them, I don't think they'll be doing it again.
>"For their sake, they better hope not." Anon says sternly.
>He turned over to talk to Butch, not wanting to talk about the subject with you any more.
>You didn't blame him, you two had very different views on this kind of stuff.
>He always wanted to punish those that wanted to hurt others.
>And you always wanted to see everyone just get along as best as possible.
>It never really was the cause of any argument until something like what happened in the cafeteria happens.
>And even then the hard feelings never lasted too long.
>But what Sierra said, what did she mean by she deserved it?
>Certainly nopony deserves to be treated like that.

>Could it be she feels like she deserves everything wrong that happens to her?
>You really couldn't make heads or tails of it, no matter how long you thought about it.
>Either way you couldn't help but feel bad for her.
>But giving her a few friends is definitely something that she could use.
>Even so, there was a big grade difference.
>And you only had lunch with her as far as you knew.
>So trying to be with her to help her and hopefully figure out what she meant by she deserved it would be a bit difficult.
>But as a few ideas came to mind, your day dream snapped by the ringing of the bell.
>It didn't feel that long at all, but you know how your day dreams can go.
>You close your eyes a little bit to bring yourself back to planet Equestria.
>You hop out of your seat and grab your backpack and fling it over your back, before you begin to make your way down the aisle of desks.
>"Hey, wait a second Cade." You hear Anon say.
What is it?
>"Listen, I know you were just trying to help me out. I appreciate it Cadence. But just don't but in on me like that please. We cool?" He asks, putting his hand out.
>You put your hoof in to his hand, and he pulls you in and gives you a big hug.
>You put your free hoof around him as best you can.
I'm sorry, you know I don't like conflict...
>"I know you don't... I now very well why you don't. I'll try to keep my temper under control a little better." He says, as you both part each other's embrace.
And I'll try to be less nosy and in-your-face.
>You both give each other a smile.
>"So, I'll see you at the bus stop then?" He asks.
Sure thing, I got Physics next, what do you have?
>"I got History. guess we'll see each other at the bus stop then?"
It's a date!
>You both give each other one last hug, before you both exit the class room and go on your separate ways.

>It was only a few minutes later the bell rang, and it seemed like you were sitting by yourself.
>The professor was starting to stand up when a pair of students burst in to the room, bot panting.
>"...I knew we were going to be late you doofus!" You hear the mare spout at the colt.
>"Well we wouldn't have been late if you decided to not fix your hair for five minutes in the bathroom!" The colt spurts back.
>"Now now kids, no need to rip each other's hair out, it's fine, the bell just rang! You two can take a seat right in the back with that lovely young lady over there." The teacher says, pointing to you.
>"Thank you professor..." The mare says, catching her breath as they both walk over toward your table.
>You had your seat at the back of the table, facing the front of the class, and they took the seats on either side
>The colt throws his backpack to the ground, and quickly turns around and stares at you.
>"Well hello beautiful, what's your nam-Ow!" He yelps as a binder hits him in the head.
>"You haven't even sat down for 4 seconds and you're already hitting on her!" She yells at him.
>You felt your face turning red, you weren't used to people hitting on you.
>"I'm sorry about him, that's just how he is, what's your name?" The mare asks
I-I'm Cadence, nice to meet you. What's your name?
>"I'm Sunset Shimmer, nice to meet you too. This dweeb over here is my brother. Can you believe we're related by the way he acts?"
>"Hey, you act just as bad as me around boys!"
>"Well I don't hit on them as soon as i see them!" She snips back.
>The professor taps his pointer loudly at the chalkboard, and the commotion in the classroom slows down.

>...
>You both plopped yourselves on the bed and began laughing, the covers and sheets of the bed thrown across randomly and scattered on the floor.
>You both laid there for a bit, relaxing in the bed as your laughter died.
>"Oh god it's been too long since I had a good pillow right." She said happily.
Same, it certainly is a lot of fun!
>"Heck yeah it is! The last time we did something like that was during the slumber party I had for my birthday, now THAT was one heck of a pillow fight."
Yeah it was! The four of us just hitting each other and throwing the blankets everywhere! My my that was a great night.
>"OH OH and then we have the girls vs. boy pillow fight, oh man Butch rampaged everyone! The two pillows he had that he nicknamed Flame and Death, my god those hurt, it felt like they had bricks in them!"
Yeah they did, god I remember getting hit so hard I had a hard time getting back up, haha!
>"Oh man that was something else! So what do you say we do next? I want to look around the castle a little more."
Sure thing! What exactly did you want to see?
>She pulled herself up to her hooves and hopped off the bed.
>"You got any cool magic things that I could take a look at! I've always wanted to see some of the cool magical things you guys have around the castle."
Hmm... I don't see a problem with showing you the less powerful ones.
>You hop out of the bed and on to your hooves and walk to the door.
Come on, I know just the one to show you.
>You open up the door with your magic and hold it open for her to walk out.

>She walks through the door and you begin to trot to the other side of the main corridor of the castle.
>You reach the other side and walk a bit to your right to a door that sat past all the paintings hanging on the wall.
>You open up the door and are greeted by a long, dimly lit hall way.
>"My my this looks creepy." Sierra says.
It is, but it gets better, don't worry.
>You walk down the hallway, walking past pairs of doors that line either side, most of which are locked tightly.
>But you were looking for the one that didn't need to be locked.
>It was the seventh door on the left.
>You counted up to 5, then 6.
>And finally 7, you came across the door with no locks and a loose door knob that you remember.
Are you ready?
>"Oh course I am! I was born ready!"
>You open up the door to another short hallway that had a door at the end.
>You waited until Sierra was in the hallway before you closed the door shut behind the two of you.
>You both walk the short distance down the hall to the door, and you open it up to a bright lit room.
>And in the center sat a light blue ball, floating in the air.
Hello friend! I want you to meet someone today! Don't be startled, she's a good friend.
>The orb tilts slightly to the left before floating around the room in an ecstatic manner.
Okay, you can come in Sierra.
>Sierra walks through the doorway to see the orb slowing it's movements down.
>"My my, what is this."
I'm not entirely sure, but it's friendly and nice!
>The orb flies up to Sierra closely and tilts from side to side, before beginning to glow a low green.
Looks like he likes you!

>The orb circled slowly around and above Sierra, she stared back almost entranced by it's movements.
>"What... is this thing?" She asks, not taking her sight off the orb.
Celestia seems to think it's a highly concentrated orb of magical power.
>"It seems intelligent though, floating and greeting us..."
Exactly, which is why Luna and I think it to be either a Nymph, or maybe a creature from another dimension, like Anon.
>"That seems more logical, a lot of weird things happen here in Equestria and this could be no exception."
To be honest, despite all we think we know, we don't really understand it, other than it's intelligent, and it liked company, which is why they leave the door unlocked.
>The orb shifted it's direction to right in front of you, before jerking up quickly, in what you presume to be a happy motion.
>After that it floated back and erratically began floating around for a short time.
>"Quite the energetic one, isn't it?"
Very, there's just something heartwarming about the little fellow, am I right?
>"Yes..." Sierra responded, keeping her eyes glues on the orb.
>The orb did a few flips in the air, before slowing down and levitating in the same spot for a few seconds.
>It's color turned to a Dark blue before lazily floating over to the two of you and sat itself in the air between you two.
>"Aww, looks like the little orb is tired." Sierra says.
>The orb bobs up and down slowly twice.
I guess we should leave him be, we probably wore him out.
>The orb bobs up and down once before returning to its spot in the center of the room.
Well, that's all I can show you really, nothing else in here is kept unlocked, and Celestia has the only key. I have only seen two of the others that are locked away.
>"Well.... what were there?!" She asks excitedly.
Unfortunately, I've been sworn not to tell anyone, and I wouldn't want to, they were... odd things...

>"What kind of things, can you tell me, pleaseeee!" She begins to beg.
>You roll your eyes at her.
No, I can't, I promised Celestia I wouldn't tell anypony. I would be letting her down.
>"Oh, come on Cade, you're no fun..." She said, brushing her hoof on the floor.
Let's get out of here so we don't bother orb any more.
>"Alright, bye orb!" Sierra turns around and says, the orb not moving from its position.
>You chuckle a little.
I think it's sleeping, or something like that.
>"It's a cute little thing. Can I see it again in the future?" She asks curiously.
Well, I don't see why not, but for now let's just leave him be.
>You open the door up with your magic to see the same dimly lit hallway leading to the next door.
>You let Sierra make her way into the hall before you close the door behind you.
>You both walk the short distance to the second door and do the same, closing behind the both of you.
>And after a short stroll you both come upon the door leading to the main chamber.
>You open it up and stretch your back out a bit.
>"So what's next on the agenda?" Sierra asks curiously.
Well, I still need to sort through the mail I have gathered upstairs, you can hang around in your room or follow me if you want, it won't take long.
>"I'll chill in my room for a bit, let you have a breather, I haven't left your side since I got here!" She said, turning around and trotting to her room.
Alright, I'll give you a holler when I'm finished!
>"Okay!" She said, waving her hoof at you.
>You shift your focus to the left and walk toward the spiral staircase leading up in to your little private corner of the castle.
>You make the long climb up and are greeted by the hallway you see every morning.
>You walk all the way down to the end and open the door up to the mail drop off area.
>You look to the left to see the mail still untouched where you left it.
>And on the desk, Anon's letter...
>You wondered.
>What was he like now...
>Is he happy?
>Does he even like you?

>...
>As the professor dropped the small silvery ball into the small dish of water, it began to erupt violently and spray water all over him and the desk in front of him.
>He was smiling and laughing, a few of the more jumpier mares of the class screeched.
>And, of course, the colts all thought it was pretty cool.
>"And that, my students, is what happens when you put pure potassium in water. I know it's not physics, but i had some left over from my chemistry class so I figured I'd let the class go out with a bang!" He says with a smile.
>"I have a question Professor!" Sunset spouts.
>"Yes miss sunset?" He asks, pointing to her.
>"Yes, is there anything else that reacts with water like that?" She asks.
>"Well, there are a few, for a smaller blast, you have sodium and lithium, but for a bigger bang, which I do not recommend trying at home, or anywhere for that matter, is rubidium."
>"How big is the explosion?" She asks.
>"About the same size of a grenade, probably even larger."
>The colts get smiles and smirks or awe, thinking how cool it would be to have something like that.
>A moment after the teacher says that, the bell rings, signalling the end of the school day, and your first day of high school.
>"And there it is class! Be sure to clean up your desks before you leave, have a good after noon!" He says enthusiastically before returning to his desk in the corner right by the stand.
>"Well that was really cool. Sunset began, " And it was nice to meet you Cadence, we should definitely hang sometime, you're really nice!"
Thanks, I appreciate it, and I would love to hang out too.
>"Yeah, and maybe you and me could get some food together someti-OW! STOP!" Her brother is interrupted by Sunset pulling his ear with her magic.
>"Let's go Romeo, before you fall in love..." She said sternly, before dragging him out of the classroom by his ear.
>At least they were a colorful duo.
>You throw your backpack over your shoulder and make your way out of the class room.

>As you entered the hall ways, you saw what you had expected by now, the hallways already stuffed to the brim with students ready to head home for the day.
>It probably wasn't nearly as bad as it would be if it were in the main building though, this was only a fraction of how many students there were.
>But this didn't deter you from trying to shoulder your way through the crowd of students walking slowly and trying to get into their lockers.
>You walk through the door leading to the beautiful out doors, and take a breath of relief as the day is finally over.
>You soak in the rays of the sun once more and begin to make your walk to the main building.
>Students were walking around the grass and walkways making feel almost like a crowded city street.
>But now that you weren't congested in the hallways, you decided to take it slow on your way to the main building.
>But even the good feeling of being sort of alone didn't last long as you hit the back entrance to the building.
>You squeeze yourself up the back entrance of the Main building and in to the halls, where students lined it end to end.
>You knew trying to plow through it would be useless, so you decided to just go with the flow of the traffic, however slow it may be going.
>Having this many ponies around you always made you uneasy, but you didn't have much of a choice.
>You distracted yourself from the idea of ponies surrounding you by thinking of what the dance was going to be like.
>It was probably going to be crowded, but the faculty must have a plan for that so you didn't think too much of it.
>You also needed a dress.
>You wanted a really pretty one, but nothing too expensive.
>But something like that would be out of reach with a father like yours...
>Even so you're sure your mom probably has some from when she was in high school.
>But given both cases, getting your dad to agree with it would be... a struggle.
>Maybe you could just toss around the idea of it casually to him...

>You ripped from your thoughts as you come upon the door leading outside where the buses lined up the street in front of the school.
>You walked down the stairs and stared to the left looking the the start of the line of buses, looking for your bus number.
>They're all lined up from low numbers to high numbers, starting with 1, of course.
>Yours was 17, and the one sitting in front of you was bus number 9.
>You had a bit of walking to do.
>You look up and out to the line of buses extending along the street.
>You sighed and began to trudge your way over tot he buses in the distance.
>At least they lines the buses up in numbered order, so it made it easy.
>You passed the numbers by, 10, 11, 12, and so on.
>You reached your buss, 17, and waited in the short line outside.
>You looked to the left and saw Anon sitting in your seat, staring up at the roof of the bus.
>He shifted his head out the window and to the line, where he saw you, and made what you could only describe as a half chipmunk face.
>You couldn't help but smile and laugh to yourself at this face.
>You pull yourself up into the bus and up the stairs.
>You walked behind the students finding their seats patiently as the line snailed forward until you reached your seat with Anon.
>"About time you bum!" He says, moving over for you as you take your seat next to him.
Hey, I was in the Science buil-
>"Yeah, likely story, like I'm gunna believe that." He says, staring at you with a serious face.
Um....
>"Nah, I'm just messing with you, I knew you had physics." He said, smiling and laughing.
Okay, I was gonna say you had me worried I did something wrong for a second there...
>"Nope, I just felt like being weird." He retorted.
Well you certainly don't need to be in the mood to actually be weird, that's for sure.
>He dropped his mouth open and let out a large gasp.
>"Take it back you mud monkey!!" He practically yells at you.
Quiet down Anon, people are gunna think we're weird!
>"NOT UNTIL YOU APOLOGIZE!"

>You plant your hoof on your forehead.
My god Anon, what am I going to do with you...
>You could feel your face turning red already.
>He, however, was having an absolute blast.
>He was laughing so much at your embarrassment that he didn't even respond to you.
>You plopped your head forward and on to the seat in front of you as the bus began to leave the school.
AAH!
>You jolt and yelp out of your seat as Anon pokes you in the side.
What the hell! You know I'm ticklish!
>He's still laughing and smiling at you.
>"Oh... I know! Haha!" He could barely mutter through his laughter.
>You let out a sigh and lay back in your seat.
>You looked to the left past Anon and out the window and watched the houses pass by.
>"So are we still heading to the park?" He asked, grabbing your attention.
Yeah, sure. I just have to tell dad is all...
>"Oh come on, he won't care." He said.
I know... but I'd rather not irritate him.
>Anon rolls his eyes.
>"Your dad needs to get some help. I don't like him, not one bit."
>You slouch further in your seat and let out a sigh.
I don't either, but you know what he was like before... you know. I still have hope he'll be like that again.
>"I do too, but Cadence, you have to see that he's not likely going to change his ways."
How about your dad, Anon? What would happen if the same were to happen to him, would you just want him gone?
>He lets out a huff of defeat.
>"I guess not, but I'm just looking out for you." He said, putting his hand on your back.
Thanks, I understand. But I can handle it Anon. Just give it time...

>The bus drove and weaved it's way through the familiar streets of Canterlot.
>It wasn't very long before your stop was up next, and you and Anon made your way off the bus.
>You were the only two at the stop so you were now free to make as much noise as you want.
You want to wait here or do you want to come with me to my place real quick?
>"I'll go to my place and drop my backpack off and we can meet back here, how does that sound?" He suggests.
That sounds good, I'll be right back!
>"Same here." He says, before turning away from you and walking down the street to his house.
>You turned yourself in the opposite direction and began to walk to your house.
>It wasn't a very long walk from the bus stop, and neither was Anon's.
>About a block of waking brought you to your house, a small white house, with a small set of stone stairs leading up to the entrance.
>You walked up the stairs and opened up the door which led in to the kitchen.
>Past the kitchen counter was your father reading the newspaper at the table.
>He puts the paper down a little to look at you.
>"The hell have you been?" He asks curiously.
Today was the first day of school.
>He gives you an odd look.
>"That was today? Hmph, thought it was next week." He said, burying his face in to his paper again.
Hey, mind if I head out with Anon for a bit?
>"Yeah, sure, whatever." He said, not shifting his paper.
>You take your backpack off and hang it on the coat hanger to the left of the door hanging on the wall.
I'll be back!
>He pays no attention to your comment as you walk out the house and close the door behind you.
>You walk down the short stone stairs and turn right to walk back to the bus stop.

>It wasn't long until you found yourself at the bus stop, seeing anon walking toward you in the distance.
>You kept walking to him until he was in shouting distance.
>"So I take it your dad was okay with it?" He shouts over at you.
I wouldn't be here if he wasn't!
>He throws his head back in defeat as he gets closer to you.
So, do you know how to get to the park? Because I don't have a clue.
>"Yeah I do, we just follow this road toward my house for a couple of blocks then take a left and it's right on the right after a couple blocks."
>You both stand there for a second.
Well... You gunna lead the way?
>"What?! Am I a tourist guide to you or something!" He asks sarcastically.
>You tilt your head and glare at him for a second.
>"Oh fine, let's go." He says in defeat, turning around and starting to walk.
It's a really nice day out for a walk along the park don't you think?
>"Yeah it is! I'm jealous of anyone who didn't have school today, or this week for that matter."
Tell me about it, walking outside made me never want to reach my classes.
>"Well, school is over now so we have all the afternoon to enjoy it!" Anon said, putting his arms behind his head.
Days like these that made me wish we lived near a beach, I could go for a swim before summer ends.
>"Oooh, that would be nice wouldn't it... Alright we gotta cross the street here." He said, pointing to the other side of the road which went on a little longer before turning down another road.
>You both quickly jog across the not-so-busy street to the other sidewalk and zip around the corner.
>You could see the park entrance in the distance
>"It's right over there, I can't wait to see what they did with the new fountain!"

>You both walk a short distance down the road before you both cross to the other side of the road.
>This street wasn't busy as well, which made for easy crossing.
>You hop up to the sidewalk and begin walking.
>"Woah!" You hear yelped quickly.
>You turn to your left just in time to see the enormous Anon tumbling over right on to you.
>And before you know it, you were plowed into the walkway, the enormous human laying on you.
Argh... You're such a kluts Anon! What will I ever do with you?!
>He brought himself to his feet which allowed you to get yourself up.
>"Oh come on, you know you love me. I can't help it if I trip on the occasional sidewalk."
Yes you can! You can start by looking where you're walking! I'm not partial to being squished you know!
>"I would imagine everyone is." He said, brushing his pants off.
Just try to be more careful.
>"Fine, only because I like you better unsquished."
>You couldn't help but chuckle at his stupid comment as you guys found yourselves at the entrance to the park.
>It was an entrance with a metal overhang that read 'canterlot southern park'.
>There was a small concrete path which lead straight into a very clean and grassy area, with a few scattered trees and a pond in the short distance.
>"This place is already relaxing!" Anon said, putting his arms behind his head again.
I know, it's beautiful!

>You both walked toward the pond, enjoying the view as you both slowly walked over.
>Fillies played in a field to the right where the grass was cut short so that they could do so.
>The path leading in to the park split off to the left and right when it met the pond.
>A little bit in to the grass, before the pond was a couple of benches that sat side by side, with a willow tree just to the right for shade.
>"Let's grab a seat here! This looks like a good place to relax."
I agree, especially in that shade too.
>You both walk over to the far left bench and take a seat side by side under the shade.
>You could see small school of ducks and geese floating about the water, occasionally diving in the water.
>"Look up there!" Anon says, nudging you slightly, pointing to the sky.
>You shift your vision to where he's pointing to see a large group of birds flying in a V formation over the park.
Wow, that's really cool.
>"Isn't it? man, it would be cool to fly. You're lucky you got wing Cadence." He says.
Well they aren't much use to me when I haven't been taught how to use them, now are they?
>You extend your left wing and brush it in is face a bit.
>He laughs and shoves your wing back.
>"You really should look into getting classes for that, maybe the school has some?" He offers.
They do, but it's only for juniors and seniors.
>"Dang, got a bit to wait, huh?"
Yeah, unfortunately, but it will be worth the wait though, it must be amazing in the sky!
>"Lucky you, But hey, I guess I make up for the lack of wing, in devilishly good looks." He says proudly.
>You chuckle a bit.
Sure thing, Anon. Whatever floats your boat.
>"See! Even you can't deny it!" He says happily.

>He shifts his vision off of you and looks out on to the pond.
>"You know, you and me are quite the pair, aren't we?" He says.
What makes you say that?
>He laughs to himself.
>"Just look at us! I'm the only one of my kind here in this world, and you're an alicorn! Quite the wacky combination if I say so myself."
>You shift your mouth a bit, thinking.
>He was right, you two were quite the peculiar pair.
You have a point... an alicorn and a human, both very unique...
>You chuckle to yourself.
You'd almost think it was meant our paths were meant to cross, for such a peculiar pair as ourselves.
>Anon leans back and looks up to the sky.
>"It certainly is an odd thing to think of isn't it? Why I'm here, why it was you of all people to find me..."
>He tilts his head slightly, before shrugging to himself.
>"Or maybe it's just a coincidence, guess there's no way for us to know for sure, is there?"
>You shrug along with him.
We never will, the only thing we know for sure is we are here now. But isn't that all that really matters?
>"Very much so.... Hey we should go check out that new fountain they put in!" Anon said, jumping out of the bench and on to his feet.
I'd love to!
>You hop out of your spot on the bench and follow shortly behind him on the soft grass.

>...
>You let out a longing huff.
>You wish things could be like they were back when high school began.
>You two were so innocent, you had so much fun together.
>A shame how times change.
>You walk around the corner of the table and sit yourself down.
>You open up the letter and take a hard look at Anon.
>He was even bigger than you remembered.
>He was even growing hair around his mouth and up the side of his face.
>Even now, years later he still perplexed you with his being.
>The pony posing with him was laying on her back being held in Anon's arms.
>She was pretty.
>A pretty blue coat with a slightly lighter blue name.
>You looked around on the invitation for a name.
>There was a little bit of writing on the bottom below the picture, in a rather fancy cursive style.
>'Anon's and Lotus's wedding, Southern Canterlot Park, October 20th.'
>Wait... Southern Canterlot Park?
>You two spent so many days there together after school...
>And he just chose a mare and decided to get married there and send you and invitation?
>This almost felt like he was taunting you.
>You take in another breath and put the letter to the side, you didn't want to feel like this when your friend was visiting.
>You shifted your attention to the small pile of letters on the other side of the table and pulled them to you.
>You wanted to sort them quickly so you don't leave your friend alone for too long.

>You sorted through the letters so quickly to get your mind off of the wedding, it only took you about 5 minutes.
>You put the mail in their respective chutes to the ponies they were written to.
>But the letter.
>You kept to the side.
>You had to think about it for a bit, maybe even ask Sierra.
>Either he sent to you in good faith, or he sent it to you in a mocking fashion.
>But you couldn't know for sure, so you tried to shake it from your head as you pulled yourself from the chair and toward the door.
>You walked down the narrow hallway and reached the spiral staircase.
>The stone of the steps echoed up and down as you descended to the main level.
>Your eyes laid upon a completely empty castle.
>Sierra was probably being a sloth in her bed, so you decided to check and see if she was in her room.

>...
>"Look at that!" Anon said in amazement, looking at the various motions of water being shot out of fountain.
>The water shot out of various spots in the fountain, over the part where the water flows down to other sides.
>It was something amazing you hadn't seen before.
>The water paused on each of the shooters are the right time to make it so they shot one after another.
>Then they would all spray, and gyrate their spraying.
>It was quite the spectacle.
>You both walked up closer to get a closer work of the marble that was carved into the fixture.
>"Look at all this detail..." Anon said in amusement, kneeling down and staring at the base of the fountain.
It certainly is quite something, isn't it?
>"I'll say!" He said, looking into the softly rippling water.
>You joined in with him and stared curiously in to the water.
>There were already quite a bit of bit tossed in to the fountain, lying on the bottom.
>"Hey Cade, let's make a wish!" Anon said, scrounging around in his pocket for some bits.
I'd love to, but I didn't bring any bits.
>As you said that, he successfully yanked two bits out of his pocket, and quickly flipped one to you.
>You stumble a bit trying to catch it, as you didn't expect it.
>You held it in your hoof, ready to flip it in the water.
>"Okay Cadence, on 3...1, 2, 3!" He said.
>You both tossed your coins up in the air and you closed your eyes.
>You wished...
>For a happy school year....
>You heard the simultaneous plunk of the coins in the water.
>You open up your eyes just in time to see the coin drift it's way slowly to the bottom.

>"So what did you wish for Cade?" Anon asked you curiously.
Why would I tell you? If I did it means it won't come true.
>"Oh come on, just a hint?!" He bags.
Nope. I want it to come true.
>He pouts and lets out a huff.
>"I bet it was to make out with me wasn't it?" He says in a harsh tone.
>You tilt your head back and roll your eyes.
Yes, Anon, that's exactly it, you got me.
>"HA!" He shouted, pointing at you, "That means it won't come true, so the jokes on you! No kissy face for you!" He said, puckering his lips at you.
>You just shake your head and walk past him.
Let's go check out the garden, I heard it's beautiful over there.
>"Little pushy are we? Guess you really aren't getting that kiss then." He said as he began to follow you.
>You payed no mind to his comment and continued walking.
>You began walking through a part of the park where the walkways was straight almost the whole way.
>There were trees every 50 feet or so on either side of the road.
>It was quite the peaceful walk, you always enjoyed walking.
>"Haha, look at that cloud up there Cadence, it looks like your butt!"
>Even if you were walking with a complete imbecile...

>...
>You creaked open the door the door and squeezed your way through the old door.
>You look over to the bed to see Sierra tossing, turning and thrashing around in her bed, throwing her blankets around.
>You stared in confusion for a few moments until she finally caught sight of you.
>She sat up quickly and gave a look that could only be equated to a deer about to be run over by a car.
>"Soooo... yeah. What's up?" She asks.
>You laughed to yourself a little.
Nothing, I just finished sorting the mail... So uh... you uh-
>"Yeah... I'm uh, doing things. How long were you watching?" She asked embarrassed.
Only a few moments, I didn't see the whole thing, good thing too.
>"Yeah... So, what's up next? What we gunna do?" She asked curiously, walking off of the bed.
I'm not sure, we got a few hours to kill before mine and Shining's dinner, what do you want to do?
>She tapped her hoof on the bottom of her chin before shrugging her shoulders.
>"Is there a way to get near the top of the castle?" She asked curiously.
>An odd question.
>You thought for a moment.
There... is a way up to the bell tower, but it's quite the hike, you up for it?
>She got a small smile on her face.
>"Of course! I want to get a good look at the city from the top!" She said excitedly.
>Come to think of it, it's something you haven't done yet either.
That sounds like a good idea, come and follow me, I'll lead us to the bell tower.
>You opened up the door and walked out, holding the door for Sierra to walk through.

>You took a right and went down the corridor that led to the left of the throne down a long hallway.
>You both walked for a bit down this narrow way until you both hit the end.
>There was a plain wooden door that sat before you two.
>You use your magic to turn the door knob and open the door.
>A fairly large spiral staircase revealed itself.
>It was fairly shallow, made entirely of stone with a large pillar running right up the center.
So, you ready to make the climb?
>"I'm as ready as I'll will ever be! Bring it on!" She says with assurance.
>You chuckle a bit at her optimism.
If you say so.
>You lead the way and began to climb the shallow stairs.
>They were always awkward for you to walk up, not long enough to take two steps on one stair, not short enough to take one step.
>It was just that right length to be incredibly annoying.
>"Could these stairs be any more awkwardly placed?" Sierra muttered.
>The complaining was already beginning.
I hear ya, I hate these stairs too, they can get annoying.
>"And why did these have to be made of stone? It can get rough on my hooves."
Well, you can feel free to turn around if you don't think you're tough enough.
>She lets out a huff.
>"I'll show you! I just don't like how these stairs are made."
>You tilt you head back to her.
If you say sooo...

>"My hooves are hurtingggg..."Sierra whined.
Oh come on, it's not that much farther now.
>She started to stagger her walking in a very exaggerated manner.
>"But Cadence, if I walk any farther I'm gunna die! It's true!" She moaned.
Look right up here, the hatch to the tower's bell. We're here.
>And not a moment too son.
>Sierra was starting to get on your nerves.
>"Finallyy!!!!" She said in an exhaustedly exciting tone.
>You use your magic to unhinge the various latches holding it in place.
>Once the last one unhinges, you use the magic to push the two doors to the side.
>You and Sierra take the last few steps up on to the platform, the bell hanging to the left of both of you.
>"Woooowww..." Sierra said, looking out to the city.
>The bell area was open except for the four pillars on the corners of the tower.
This is amazing, isn't it?
>Sierra walked right up to the edge, and sat down, hanging her hind hooves off the edge.
>"This is like nothing I've ever seen!" She said in amazement, gazing in all direction out on the city.
>You walked straight up and sat next to her and dangled your hind hooves off too.
>You gazed off to the various buildings and skyscrapers that encrusted the land and kissed the afternoon sky.
It's amazing. Simple as that.
>"Exactly. No other words for it." She said, staring out to the sky.
>It's moments like this that make you glad you're alive, and glad of the time you have with those close to you.
>Being as busy as you are, it's a luxury that comes few and far between.
>But when it did.
>You certainly didn't let any moment go to waste.

>...
>A short walk down the road and through the beautiful trees eventually led you and Anon to the Garden entrance.
>There wasn't a fence or a wall separating it from the rest of the park, instead, it was a bunch of rocks with many beautiful vines hanging off of it and moss growing on them.
>The rock walkway beneath your feet slowly turned into dirt before the entrance, and disappearing completely upon entering the garden.
>Your eyes were greeted with a rather large waterfall pouring into a fairly large pond.
>"Dude, this is pretty cool. Not gunna lie I thought the idea of seeing a garden was a little fruity." Anon said.
You think anything that isn't punching things and eating food is fruity, Anon.
>He was about to say something, before nodding his head slightly.
>"Okay, you got me there, but seriously, this is pretty cool. Lets go look at the small pond, I want to see if there are any fish in it!"
Yeah, let's go!
>That was a good idea, you didn't think that fish would be in there until Anon brought it up.
>You trot over at a jogging pace, you both stopping yourselves at the water's edge.
>You stare at the water for only a few seconds before you see the countless gold fish and beta fish swimming elegantly through the water.
>It was quite a spectacle.
>"Wow, look at them Cade, there has to be at least a hundred of them in there!" Anon says in excitement.
I know! It's a shame we didn't have any food for them or anything so we could watch them all jump out of the water.
>Anon lets out a short laugh.
>"Now that would be fun to watch!"

I'd say I've seen enough of the fish, let's go see what else the garden has!
>"I agree, let's see what else the garden has, i hope it has more things like these." Anon said enthusiastically.
>You turn around to follow Anon.
>But as soon as you put pressure down on your hind hoof to move forward, you slip on a patch of wet grass and fall down.
>The small incline in to the pond leaves you slowly sliding in to the water.
>Your hind hooves enter the water, leaving your clinging to the wet grass with your front hooves.
>You feel like you twisted or hit something really hard in your hoof, and it's painful to move it at all.
Anon, help I can't get up!
>Anon turns around quickly and takes a few strides and grabs your hooves you have clinging on the grass.
>He plants his feet down and leans back, pulling you up out of the water.
>You shake your flank and hind hooves a little, the water was incredibly cold.
oOOOooh goodness that's cold.
>You even began shivering a little bit.
>You pull yourself up on your hooves except your back one.
>It was hurting pretty bad, and you didn't want to aggravate it.
>"Wow, what happened?!" Anon asked, worried.
I turned around to w-walk and my hind hoof slipped. It feels like I might have twisted or hit something hard, because it hurts pretty bad.
>"Here, let's get you away from the water before you kill yourself." He said jokingly he helped guide you away from the water.
>You didn't dare to even try and put your hoof down on the ground for fear of hurting something.
>He brought you to the garden entrance and let go of you.
>"You think you can walk?" Anon asked.
I'm not sure with my hoof and all.
>"Well let's see if it hurts, try putting pressure on it."
>You draw in a deep breath.
Against my better judgement, I guess.

>You slowly bring your rear hoof down and put it on the ground.
>You you grit your teeth as you put just a little pressure on it.
>You couldn't so much as let it touch the ground without it hurting.
Yeah, I don't think it will be easy to walk.
>"You think we'll be able to make it back to your place." Anon asks.
It will be hard, but I can try...
>Anon draws in a breath and lets out a huff.
>"Alright then, let me carry you." He said, getting on his knees and holding his arms out.
Umm... what?
>Anon motions his hands for you to get close to him.
>"I didn't stutter, come on, I'll carry you, I don't want you to get hurt any more." He said.
Well, if you insis-AH!
>Before you could finish your sentence, anon puts both his arms under your stomach and lifts you up in one swift motion.
>You freeze up as he holds you tightly and he walks, afraid he's going to tickle you at any moment.
>It was incredibly odd having someone hold you, you never had it happen before.
>"You alright with it?" Anon asks.
Well, I don't have much of a choice now, do I?
>"None at all!" Anon said with a smile, slowly walking as he was carrying you down the long walkways lined with trees.
>You let out a huff and you relaxed a bit and let him do what he wanted.
You certainly are quite the ladies man, aren't you?
>"I pride myself in knowing how to woo the mares." He says with a chuckle.
Oh, I bet you do...
>You rolled your eyes brought your head down and stared off into the distance.
>There was a slight breeze now, the grass rolling as the wind flowed through it's grains.
>Maybe having someone carry you wasn't such a bad idea.

>While having him carry you was fairly awkward not only because it felt weird, but because ponies kept staring at the both of you like you were crazy.
>But, like the two oddballs you were, social ostricization of you two was no stranger.
>Hell, you even had a couple of laughs at some of the looks ponies gave you.
>But never the less, Anon carried you through the park and out on to the not so busy streets of your neighborhood.
>"You know you're a lot heavier than you look." He said, slowing down and adjusting his arms underneath you.
Is that supposed to be a fat joke?
>"Not what I was aiming for, but if the shoe fits, feel free to wear it." He said, before looking at you and giving you a smirk.
>"But in all honesty, you have gotten really big, I remember when we were both the right sized that I could pick you up perfectly fine, it's a bit harder now though."
You sure it isn't just you getting out of shape?
>"Are you kidding me?" He asks, raising an eyebrow, "I am the epitome of everything manly." He said, trying to flex his arm, but failing miserably because he was holding you.
>He almost drops you, and stumbles in the process, before finally getting back up and walking.
>"I mean, when I'm not busy carrying you that is." He said.
>You roll your head to the side and look off to where you two are going.
>You both were just rounding the corner and crossing the street to the strip you both lived on.
So how are we gunna do this, you just gunna bring me to my place?
>"I guess so, unless you want to come on over to my house." Anon responded.
I'll have to ask my dad first, but I doubt he'll have a problem with it, he's always glad to keep me out of the house.
>"Yeah, as much of a curse as it is a blessing." He said, rolling his eyes.
>You let out a huff lower your head again.
>You blankly stared at the houses you knew so well and saw practically every day.
>The occasional car passed by now that the work day was coming close to an end.

>It was only a few more minutes you and Anon found yourselves at the foot of your doorsteps.
>There were a couple of other cars parked along the road near your house, which only meant one thing...
>Your father's friends were over...
>Guess it was good timing for Anon to offer a place to stay.
>"You think you can get in and grab your things?" Anon asked, concerned.
I believe I can.
>He slowly kneeled down and let you get, careful not to brush your hurt leg.
Yeah I should be fine, it won't be more than a quick minute.
>You hobble up the stairs step by step.
>It's slow going, but you eventually manage to get to the top and get next to the door.
>You can hear your dad and his friends laughing inside.
>You close your eyes and open up the door.
>"Hey, what are you doing home?" You hear your father shout.
I... just wanted to let you know I was going to Anon's.
>"Why would you... fine, whatever, just go. Get out of here." He said, throwing his hoof at you.
>You quickly zip around the door and grab your backpack in your magic.
>You turn around and put the backpack on the ground before quickly closing the door behind you.
>You really didn't want to have your father berate you today.
>"I take it he was okay with it?" Anon asked curiously
Oh... more than okay with it.
>You took your backpack and flung it over your shoulder.
>Anon climbed up the stairs and met you at the top.
>He kneeled down again and grabbed you up in his arms.
>"Wow... even heavier with your backpack. I'm gunna get ripped at this rate!" Anon said, slowly walking down the stairs.
You could certainly use it, that's for sure.
>You chuckle to yourself, he remained silent, walking forward over to the street.
>"You know I could drop you any time I want." Anon said.
Oh, but anon, you would never do that to me though, would you?
>You turn to face him and put on your adorable puppy eyes and curl your lip.
>He lets out a huff of defeat.
>"No, never ever." He said reluctantly.

>Anon carried you the short distance to his house before putting you on the ground at the stairs to his house.
>He steadily lowered you on to the ground, careful once again not to brush your bad ankle.
>"Is it feeling any better than before?"
>You shrugged.
The pain is going away a little, but probably because I'm not hitting it off of anything.
>"Well, I'm sure my mom will want to fix you up, you know how she can be..." He said, smiling and scratching the back of his head.
Yeah, but she's nice and her heart is in the right place.
>You hobble your way up the couple of steps to the door and wait for Anon to come and unlock it.
>He gets up and pulls the key from his pocket and goes to unlock the door.
>"Huh, the door's unlocked." He says, pulling the screen door open and pushing the inner door inward.
>"I'm home, I brought Cadence with me!" He shouts in the house as you two walk in.
>"Okay!" You hear Anon's mom yell from the other room.
>Anon takes off the shoes he has on the tosses them on the ground and lays his backpack next to them.
>He begins to walk forward through the kitchen and in to the living room.
>The two rooms were separated by a little bar where you guys ate dinner whenever you were over.
>Anon's mom was sitting in the couch and watching TV, fiddling a little bit with her mane with her magic.
>"Hello, how are yo- oh my why are you limping honey?" She asks you, getting out of the chair and walking to you.
Oh, just a little slip, i'm sure it will be fi-
>"Oh my goodness, let's get some ice on that." She said, trotting back to the kitchen and opening the freezer.
>She used her magic and pulled out an ice pack from it and wrapped it in a few paper towels before trotting over back to you.
>"Now come on honey, lets get you both up to anon's room, Anon can you carry her?" She asked him in a slightly demanding tone.
>"Sure thing, it's how I got her here." He said, getting down on one knee and pulling you back up.

>It still felt odd, but you were getting used to it.
>Anon carried you a few steps before turning right and taking each step one at a time.
>"Anon, be sure to be careful, don't drop her, she doesn't need to e broken any more than she already is." She said, nagging him as you all went up the stairs.
>"I know mom, I'm not going to drop my best friend!" He said, rolling his eyes.
>A few more steps and you all finally made it to the top of the stairs.
>Anon carried you to the door to the left which lead to his room, which was a fairly large room, you though his parents kind of spoiled him a little.
>"Okay, now lay her on the bed." His mom barked.
>He slowly bent over and laid you on the bed.
>You turned yourself over to your left side, your hooves facing them.
>"Okay, now let's get some ice on it." She said, softly laying the ice pack on your hoof.
>She patted it a little to make sure it would stay on, which made the pain spike a little.
>You gritted your teeth and the pain ceased in a matter of seconds.
>"Okay, I'll be back in a bit to check up, Anon turn the TV on for her, I'm sure she'd enjoy something to do while she laid there."
>"Sure thing mom, I'll make sure she's plenty entertained."
>"Very good! I'll be downstairs if either of you need me." He said, turning around and walking out the door.
>She closed the door behind her, and Anon shifted his vision from the door to you, raising his eyebrow.
>"Did I not tell you this would happen?" Anon asked.
I know, but like I said, she means well, and that's all that matter. Plus, laying down a bit wouldn't be too bad.
>"I think I'll join you in that one." Anon said, crawling over you and on to the other side of the rather larger bed, laying down and grabbing the remote from the stand next to him.
>"So what do you want to watch?" He inquire, turning the TV on.
I don't know, whatever you think looks good.

>...
>The time passed as you and Sierra watched the vast city and clear skies.
>You talked to each other for quite some time, about your lives, what's happened, and where you guys are going.
>Sierra had taken up singing in a band on a side, her main job being a receptionist at the hospital near her house.
>You always thought she had a beautiful singing voice.
>Everyone did really, but she didn't believe it.
>Guess people wanting her to sing showed her she really had a gift.
>She would get gigs at local bars, parties and other assorted places.
>Occasionally they sang at small concerts, but nothing major.
>But, it was just a passionate hobby to her.
>You weren't sure how long you two were staring off in to the city, but it must have been at least a couple of hours.
Well, I think it's time we head down to the main castle corridor, me and Shining Armor are going to have to get ready for our dinner.
>"Sounds like a plan, I think I'll stay up here for a little bit longer." She said, tilting her head and looking off in to the sky.
Sure thing, you know how to get back?
>Raised her hoof to you.
>"Not a problem, I got it remembered in here." She said, knocking herself on the head.
>You chuckle a little.
Alright then, enjoy the view.
>"Will do." She said as you turned around and walked toward the spiral staircase leading down.
>You rolled your eyes a bit, as much as you didn't like Sierra's complaining about them, they really were a pain to climb.
>At least going down would be a little easier.
>Your hooves clop against the stone and echo down the staircase as you take your steps downward.

>After a lengthy walk down and a short walk through the hall, you find yourself at the main corridor of the castle.
>You look up at the clock to see the time.
>3:30
>You reservations were at 6 so you figured you should get yourself ready for when Shining gets off at 4.
>You walk past the throne which sat empty to the other set of spiral staircases that lead up to your room.
>And after a short trot up them you walk down the hall and in to your room.
>As you walked in you, realized that you hadn't even showered today, you got too distracted by tons of things you completely forgot.
>It's a good thing your room had a shower in it.
>There was a rather large tub that sat in the corner, with a box shower that sat next to it.
>You walk over and open up the sliding glass door.
>You begin to run the hot and cold water at the right amount that you know will give you the perfect temperature you love.
>The water runs for a few seconds before you feel it with your hoof.
>Perfect.
>You walk in to the shower and let the water fall down on top of you like a warm blanket, slowly soaking you up.
>You raise your head and let the water hit your face and wash off the small bit of grime that had found it's way to your face.
>Showers always had a way of soothing your nerves that very few things could.
>Maybe it was the warmth, or maybe the tranquility of having the water patter your body and face.
>Either way it was a very good way to rid yourself of the stress today had brought.
>So you stood there and let the water run itself through you.

>You stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel you had sitting on the ground in front of you.
>You quickly wrap it around you with your magic as to not get the floor wet.
>You grab another towel in your magic that was draped over the side of the tub next to you and wrapped your hair in it.
>"Well hello there beautiful." You hear a voice say next to you.
>You jump a bit, you weren't expecting anyone in your room.
>You look over to see Shining armor taking off his helmet and putting it on a shelf next to your bed.
Oh, hi Shining, I was just getting ready honey, I didn't think you were getting off until 4.
>"It is 4 though, did you lose track of time again sweetie?" He asks, chuckling to himself.
>You shrug your shoulders.
Guess I did again, no big deal, we got a couple of hours before we have to head to the restaurant.
>Shining armor walks over and gives you a quick kiss.
>"Yeah, I gotta get my armor off, long day today, a lot of new recruits causing a ruckus and not respecting their higher ups."
>He lets out a huff.
Sounds like a pain.
>"You're telling me." He said, rolling his eyes as he turns around toward the bed and begins to take off all his armor.
>You walk over to a mirror that was next to the shower and take the towel out of your hair.
So what dress do you think I should wear.
>"Whatever one you want honey, they all look great."
>You let out a huff.
That's what you always say.
>You grab a brush and begin to style your hair.
>"Well I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true." He said back.
You always say that too!
>Shining laughs a little to himself.
>"I can't win can't I?"

>After brushing your hair a bit, you decided that you should take our towel off give your wings a few good flaps to dry the rest of the water in them.
>You finished putting up your hair in it's normal style and walked over to the the wardrobe and decided to choose a dress without the help of Shining.
>What do boys know about dresses anyways?
>Maybe something blue, or pink maybe?
>Nah, you always wear those colors.
>Perhaps... purple for once?
>Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
>You look through the three purple dresses you have and see one that stuck out.
>It was purple and poofy, with dark blue laces and bows.
>"Found one you like yet?" Shining asked from behind you.
I think I did.
>You pull the dress off the rack turn around to show Shining armor.
>He gives an intrigued look.
>"Purple with a little navy blue, different, but I like it. I think you'd look splendorous in it!"
>You chuckle a little.
I've never heard you use the word 'splendorous'. I never took you for the sophisticated type.
>"Pfft, who said I was sophisticated?" He said, before drawing in a deep breath and letting out a loud belch.
>You both couldn't help but laugh quite a bit at it.
Well if that's not sophisticated, I'm not sure what is!
>You take in a deep breath exhale.
>This is why you married him, he always knew how to make you laugh, even if you were down.

>A little bit of perfume, some mascara around the eyes.
>A little bit of hair spray to make sure your hair stayed in the style you wanted it to.
>Finally, some wrestling around with your dress and you're good to go out on your dinner date.
>You gave yourself one last look over, and you think you had it all done and ready.
>You got a big smile on your face, you haven't felt this pretty since your wedding.
>Shining armor went to go get changed in his private quarters so you wanted to show off your dress to somepony.
>And that somepony was Sierra.
>You happily trot your way out of the room and toward the spiral staircase and down them to the main corridor of the castle.
>Walk across the carpet and over to the door where Sierra's room was and knocked on the door.
>"Hello?" You hear her muffled voice ask.
It's me, Cadence, come out I want to show you something!
>"Arrghhhh... fine." She says, as you hear her hoofsteps come toward the door.
>She always loved pretty dresses so you were eager to see how she reacted.
>The door creaked open, and she took a hard gaze all over your dress.
>'Oh... my.... god.... YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!" She yelled and you both hugged each other and laughed and giggled like school girls going to prom.
Thanks a lot! I knew you loved dresses so I figured I'd show you the one I'm wearing tonight!
>"It's a very heavy color, very interesting, I love it!" She says, giving you a huge smile.
I know, I wanted to do something light blue or pink, but I always wear those, you know?
>Sierra lets out a small giggle.
>"You always loved your pink and blue. Nothing wrong with it though!"
I know, but sometimes you'd almost think me to be a walking puff of cotton candy!
>You both share a hearty laugh at the comment.

Well, I'd better get going and find where Shining is hiding himself, I'll see you when we get back from our dinner!
>"Of course! Let me know how it goes!" She says as you two hug each other before she scurries back in to her bedroom.
>You turn around and begin to walk toward the castle entrance.
>You could see the sun through the entrance of the castle as it lay just above the line of buildings.
>You were never sure if that was intentionally designed to do that, or if Celestia had it built like that by coincidence.
>Either way it was quite a nice spectacle to look at as you passed through the enormous gate.
>You turned to your left and walked down a short stone pathway that led to the guard barracks.
>It was indistinguishable from any other section of the castle, so it didn't look hideous like a sore thumb.
>You knock on the door and wait a few seconds for an answer.
>You see the metal slider open up to see a pair of eyes stare at you.
>"Princess Cadence! Yes, the Captain was just finishing up!" You hear his voice say from the other side.
Okay, thanks!
>You take a step or two to the side and wait by the door.
>He never took long to ready up, nor did he like to keep you waiting even if you said it was fine.
>So it was only a matter of minutes before you hear the clicking of the door opening up.
>When it opened up completely, you saw Shining Armor come out with a very nice and clean black tuxedo and red rose to go along with it.
>"My my, you look gorgeous honey!" He says, coming over to you and giving you a quick kiss.
You too, I love your tux!