A few days later, Twilight was in her room in a fort of pillows with the lights off, and sad music was playing. Then Spike came in to check on her.
Twilight? He said. You feeling okay?
Twilight groaned, and Spike turns the record off. And he grabs a pillow showing her face and some tissues were by her. Using her magic, Twilight brought the pillow back covering her face, clearly not in the mood to be seen.
Ugh. Look on the bright - sure, the EEA closed your Friendship School , but now you've got time to do other stuff! He said climbing on her bed. It's like being on vacation!
Then Twilight got up throwing the pillows off and Spike. A failure vacation! I'm supposed to be the Princess of Friendship, and all I did was make enemies with Equestria's allies, upset my friends, apologize to a entire herd of Brontosaurs, and get my school... unaccredited! There is no bright side!
She then flops down on her bed. And blows her nose.
Okay, then. I'm gonna then back up. Spike smirked. Operation Cheer-up is a go!
Rainbow then flew in and open the currents. But Twilight just covered her face with her wing.
Come on, Twilight! Rainbow said in a brightful mood. You can't sit around in the boring dark all day!
Exactly! Said Applejack walking in with the others. What you need is a double dose of Granny Smith's apple mash!
Applejack brought out a spoon with some mash, Twilight peeks through her wing but wasn't in the mood for that.
Whenever I'm sad, a hug from Angel Bunny always makes me feel better! Said Fluttershy.
Angel pokes out of her saddlebag, and Fluttershy gestures to hug Twilight. Angel shrugged and went to give Twilight a hug, he pulls her wing back and hugs her. But it didn't work and made him sad.
Oh! Fluttershy brought the sad rabbit back in her bag. Uh... Maybe it's just for me.
I find that nothing brightens my mood like a new ensemble! Said Rarity.
Then she puts a blue and purple jester suit on her.
Thanks Rarity, it's a great dress... She then cries. for somepony who knows how to run a school!
She then blew her nose the the outfit.
You didn't tell me this was a pity party! Pinkie said to Spike with a tray of cupcakes on her head. I would've brought ice cream!
I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but not everything can be fixed with dresses and cupcakes. Twilight said depressed.
WHAT?! Pinkie screamed.
Twilight pulls out of the dress and leaves. I just need some time to be alone and think.
The others watch as their friend leaves.
Twilight heads outside and looks upon her School of Friendship.
I wondered how long you'd take to get tired of pillow-fort pouting. Said a familiar voice.
Twilight looks back to see Starlight smirking, and with Tyrant and Blue.
Everypony's already tried to cheer me up. Said Twilight. It won't work.
Starlight laughed a bit. We're not gonna cheer you up. We're gonna tell you what you did wrong.
What?! Twilight facing them.
You gave up too easily. Starlight, Tyrant and Blue said.
Twilight just gave a small glare.
Hey, you made me a guidance counselor. Said Starlight. That means tough love.
Neighsay was right. Twilight said. I failed. The school was a disaster.
So was I, when you met me. Starlight reminded. But you showed me that when you know in your heart something is right, you stand up for it! You did that for me. As well as they. Why not for this?
I can't go against the EEA! They're in charge of all the schools in Equestria!
And you're in charge of all the friendship in Equestria. Why should you let somepony else stop you from doing your job?
Especially from a cold hearted pony like him. Tyrant said.
Twilight then brought out the rulebook again. But the EEA rulebook...
Oh, forget the book for once! Blue said swatting the book out of her hoof and into the water. Gee, does anything always involve books for you?
You have no idea. Said Starlight. Anyway, doesn't matter. You can write your own rules! Because you are doing something new, something important.
You're right! Twilight said agreeing with her. Why we're doing this is way more important than how we're doing this! And we are doing this!
Now that's the Twilight I know. Starlight said happily. How can I help?
You already have. They pulled in for a hug.
Meanwhile in the throne room, everyone was doing their own thing.
Guess what? Twilight bursting from the doors. The School of Friendship is back in business!
What?! Rainbow Dash shocked.
But why? Rarity asked.
Oh no. Fluttershy worried.
Bad idea. Applejack said.
Do we still get to guess? Asked Pinkie.
No offense, Twilight, but teaching at that school was the most boring horrible awful thing ever. Said Rainbow.
Uh, pretty sure she's gonna take offense of that. Applejack said.
No, Rainbow Dash is right. Twilight said. I owe you all an apology. Even you Tyrant. I was so focused on doing things the EEA way I didn't listen to any of you! I'm sorry. I promise this time, we'll run the school the ways friends should: together.
So... we'd be allowed to teach however we want to? Rarity asked.
No more scary pop quizzes? Fluttershy asked.
Confetti cannons for everycreature? Pinkie asked.
Then party cannons appeared and each one matches their colors. Even for Blue and Tyrant.
Whatever you need to teach the Elements of Harmony. Twilight agreed.
Yahooo! Pinkie cheered and the cannons went off.
Well in that case, we're behind you 100%, Twilight! Said Applejack.
Spike clears his throat. Just two small problems? The school is still unaccredited...
Twilight twitches her eye.
and we don't have any students! He finished.
Twilight had an idea. I'll take care of the first part, if you 5 can round up our class.
Totally! Said Rainbow. Uh... how?
Roundin' up the pony students ain't gonna be a problem, but... Said Applejack.
The creatures from the other kingdoms seemed pretty upset with us. Fluttershy finished.
Pfft, nonsense! Said Rarity. I'm certain we can win them over with our charm and style!
At Yakyakistan, Prince Rutherford was sitting on his throne still upset. Then Pinkie came in with a box of cupcakes.
Cupcake-gram for Prince Rutherford! She said.
Why pink pony here? He said. Yaks mad at ponies!
Because... She shoves a cupcake in his mouth and eats it. you don't have to be mad anymore! We're reopening Twilight Sparkle's School of Friendship! And it's gonna be super-oopa-duper- better than before! We're...
Ever so sorry about the misunderstanding, all the creatures are of course welcome. Said Rarity talking to Ember.
We would be really happy if you sent your student back to class. Flutthershy talking to Thorax.
It won't be the same without them! Applejack talking to Seaspray. We're open and ready to start teachin'...
Right now! Rainbow talking to Grandpa Gruff. So? What are you waiting for? Get your student and let's go!
Not happenin' The old Griffon said.
Do you need me to do the whole apology and explanation thing again? She groaned. Okay.
Listen, missy! Gruff stopping her. It's not happenin' because...
Our student is gone!
What?!
Before long, every Leader was at the Canterlot Throne room. And Tyrant and Blue were with them, and their students were gone too.
Where Yona?! Rutherford asks furiously. This all pony's fault!
You're pretty quick to blame them! Ember said to Rutherford. What are you hiding, yak?!
Rutherford snorted.
Can... can we just focus on finding our lost students? Said Thorax.
Nice try! Grandpa Gruff shouted. You grubs are probably hidin' the whole lot of 'em!
Please, everycreature! Said Celestia. If you can just explain what happened.
Seaspray steps forward and explains. The students left us notes before they disappeared. When the school closed, they didn't want to say goodbye to each other. They claim they ran away to stay together.
I can't believe it! Said Twilight. They did learn friendship!
The others looked at her.
Not helping. Said Tyrant.
Sorry.
I just don't understand why Jr would run away like this! Blue said worried for her daughter. She has never done this before!
The students couldn't have done this by themselves. Seapray continued. Some creature is hiding them! If the niece of our Queen is not found soon, I promise there will be retribution!
Yeah? Well my dragons will burn every kingdom until we find which of you is hiding Smolder! Yelled Ember.
Tell that to the Griffon army! Yelled Gruff came up to her.
Yaks fight Griffons and dragons! Rutherford getting between them.
The Changeling Empire can't afford an international incident. Said Thorax. If any creature blames the changelings for this.
What are you up to, shapeshifter? Ember asked furiously.
But we're friends!
Celestia leans to Twilight. Find the students quickly, Twilight, or I fear our world will be at war!
Twilight quickly left, and hoping that she'll find them soon.
Because if she doesn't...
The 1st Equestrian World War will happen.
Twilight and the others were at SugerCube Corner, trying to work out where they might be.
Okay. Said Twilight. Let's review what we know.
Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona, Gallus, Blue Jr, Rex, Apato, Patchi, Scar, Buck and Blaze disappeared together. Said Spike looking at the list.
Twilight gestures him to continue.
That's all we know. He finished.
They're probably just off hidin' somewhere. Applejack thought.
Unless they used some kind of spell to disappear. Starlight suggested.
Ooh! Or went undercover! Said Rainbow.
Maybe they were attacked by a ferocious shrimp! Pinkie nudging Fluttershy. Nopony ever expects that!
Shrimps can attack? Fluttershy gasped.
Nope! That's why nopony expects it.
Just then, Sandbar came in and saw the chart of the missing students and grew nervous. And he went to the counter with a nervous smile.
Hi Sandbar! Pinkie grabbing his order and came back with 5 boxes of cupcakes. Are you having a party?
No! He said nervously and shakes. I'm just, um... really hungry? Yeah?
Sandbar heads to the door as Pinkie helps him with opening the door.
We need to think like our students. Rarity said. If someone told us we would never see each other again, what would we do?
GO someplace we could all hang out and eat lots and lots of cupcakes! Said Pinkie.
The others just stared.
What?
Sandbar was friends with all of the students... and he just got plenty of cupcakes. Said Fluttershy.
Huh. Applejack remembering something. He was at the farm this morin' pickin' up a wagonload of apples.
And I saw him in a shop buying pillows and blankets. Rarity said.
He must be taking all that stuff to the other students! Rainbow gasped. We've gotta follow him!
The 5 quickly rush to the door, but got stuck in the doorway for a few seconds.
Meanwhile the students were hanging out at the Castle of the Two Sisters. And Gallus was flying around.
Huh. This place is way cooler than I thought it'd be. Said Gallus.
You said it, Gallus i'm amazed by this place. Rex said.
Yeah, this place seems to be the right height. Apato said.
Then Yona trip over her braid when heading down the stairs and lands on Scar who lying down for a nap. And Patchi, Buck and Blaze went to help them.
Even I'm impressed. Said Smolder snacking on small gems on a helmet. What's it called again, Ocellus?
The Castle of the Two Sisters. She answered reading a book on a staircase. I remembered it from class. Princess Twilight's "History of Pre-Equestrian Friendships.
Listen to this! Said Jr looking in a book next to her. Princess Celestia and Luna once lived here a thousand years ago.
Huh. Who knew? Gallus said impressed. School was actually good for something.
Yeah, guess we could learn a thing or 2 from that. Patchi said.
Yona not really like school. Said Yona. She then pulled Ocellus, Jr, Gallus, Rex and Smolder for a tight hug. But Yona like new friends!
Smolder... like breathing! Trying to pull free.
Hey, you guys! Silverstream called who was flying and peek through a window. Sandbar's back!
And went to the door. As Sandbar heads to the castle, a apple fell out of a cart and a small furry arm reaches out of a bush and grabs it.
Cupcakes are best cakes! Yona opening the doors and cheered.
Then she took off running like a zooming race car.
But Apato quickly got ahead and Gallus grabs her braids causing her to trip. She came rolling towards Apato who quickly stop her with his neck. And Yona came to a stop and wagging her tail like a happy dog.
Thanks for the assist, Gallus. Sandbar thanking them.
I was saving the cupcakes. Gallus scoffed.
The lid was then removed.
Those look tasty. Rex said drooling.
Then he, Gallus, Yona and Apato shoved their face in the cupcakes eating them.
Then Ocellus came and saw the cart of pillows.
Pillows! She said diving in the cart as well as Jr. How nice! The castle is gonna be so much more comfy.
And fun! Smolder poked out from behind and grabs a pillow. Pillow fight!
She then threw the pillow at Sandbar and started fighting. Scar, Buck, Blaze and Patchi quickly join in. Then a shadow appear above them as they saw Ocellus as a bear bug.
Uh oh. Said Scar.
Then Ocellus drops on to them. And they started laughing.
YOU GUYS!
The 12 look over to Silverstream in a exciting mood.
I just found STAIRS! She shouted near the staircase leading inside.
Uh, they were there the whole time, Silver. Said Apato awkwardly.
Aaaand we care because...? Gallus and Rex asked.
Stairs are awesome! She said. We don't have anything like 'em underwater,'cause you know... She uses her necklace to turn herself into a Seapony and sat on the stairs.
no way to climb 'em! She finished.
The others saw her fins and got the point. Ohhhh.
Oh, gotcha. Said Rex.
She then turns back into her Hippogriff self.
Wow, that is cool. Said Apato. I always wonder what's it like to be a water creature, let me try it.
Silverstream grabs Apato's right foot, and turns back into a Seapony and Apato was turned into a Elasmosaurus.
Whoa! He said amazed and looks at himself. I always wonder what's it like to be a Plesiosaur.
No way! Rex said in awe. Let me try!
Soon Rex was turned into a Pliosaur. Whoa, ho, ho, ho! Cool! I take back the whole ponybird thing!
Soon Silverstream turns them back to normal.
This place has everything! Silverstream said. If only my family back home could see it.
Then a apple was toss up and bounces off her head. And she takes a bite out of it.
I wish the other changelings could meet you all. Said Ocellus. You're not as strange as the stories say.
I'll... take that as a compliment. Said Buck.
Gee, thanks. Said Smolder. But yeah, hanging out with other creatures is actually... not bad.
Oh way, you guys should see things back at our home island. Said Rex. We actually have different kinds of dinosaurs there. And we even have a active volcano.
The 6 students were amazed by that. Oooooohhhhh!
Then some rusting was heard as they look over to the bushes. Then a orange brown porcupine like creature came rolling out.
Uh, most other creatures. Sandbar said concern. What is that thing?
Aw, who's this cute little guy. Said Blaze.
Ocellus signed. Am I the only one who didn't sleep through Professor Fluttershy's "Critters of Comfort and Conflict" class?
The students felt uneasy.
It's a puckwudgie. Ocellus continued. Maybe I can make friends with it!
She then turns into one and starts speaking puckwudgie. But then he growls and more puckwudgies join them. And Ocellus backs up to the others.
Uh, Ocellus? Rex asked concern. What did you say to him?
Oops. She smiled nervously.
Whatta mean oops? Patchi asked worried. What'd you say?
Yak plan better. Yona said.
I'm thinking the same thing. Said Rex. I ain't scared of those guys!
They let out a battlecry and charges.
Then the puckwudgies shoot quills at them, but luckily Silverstream quickly places a cart in front of them shielding them from the quills.
Nice save. Said Rex.
Then the angry puckwudgie leaps onto the cart Yona and Rex back away. Silverstream smiles nervously but Apato quickly pulls her back when the creature shot quills again. They were soon trapped and cornered by the army of puckwudgies, and they used the 3 carts as a wall to shield themselves from the quilled creatures. They peek outside and they knew they were in trouble.
Smolder threw a pillow at them, but it was shot and ripped apart by shooting quills.
Think, Ocellus! Smolder said. Did Professor Fluttershy say anything about how to beat puckwudgies in her lecture?!
Ocellus thought real hard. Uh... I'm sorry, I can't remember!
I'm gonna go ahead and guess it's not pillows, apples...
He lifts a cupcakes up and back down with quills covering it.
... or cupcakes. He finished.
Wouldn't class have been about how to make friends with them? Silverstream asked.
I don't know! Said Buck.
Uh, guys? Sandbar called. They're getting really close...
The puckwudgies were approaching with quills raised up.
Yona not scared! Yona said. Yona have friends!
Then suddenly Jr started calling out, then 3 puckwudgies lunges forward but then a flash of rainbow came out of nowhere saving them. They saw the rainbow flash placing the 3 puckwudgies on a separate tree.
And they saw it was Rainbow Dash.
Is that Professor Egghead?! Gallus said stunned.
Suddenly some of the puckwudgies were magically lifted up and cleared as Twilight and Starlight arrived. Spike came in and headbutts one.
Aw, yeah! He said.
Suddenly 2 started chasing him. Meanwhile Rarity gave one a make over, Applejack lassos 2 more. And 1 was lifted by 2 birds and was carried to Fluttershy.
Oh! Don't hurt them! She said and hugs the spiked creature. Just ask them to leave nicely.
Then Blue appeared form nowhere and screeches at the puckwudgies who huddled together and ran off. Then some ran into Tyrant who then roars at them.
Then Pinkie arrived with a large party cannon and Rainbow shoved them all into the barrel. And were fired away.
Not bad. Yona impressed. For pony.
Wow! They're amazing! Ocellus said amazed.
I had no idea our teachers were actually cool. Said Gallus stunned.
Same. Rex said.
I've been trying to tell you! Sandbar chuckled.
Did you see that?! Said Silverstream excited and flew around. Rainbow Dash was like voooooom and then werrrrr, and the puckwudgies went flying! And then the birds came and...!
Yeah, we all just lived it. Smolder stopping her. But you're right. That was pretty amazing. Even by dragon standards.
Soon the last of the puckwudgies were chased off.
Is everycreature alright? Twilight asked.
You're lucky we got here in time! Said Spike.
I'm proud of remembering what to do if something is wrong, Jr. Blue said relieved her daughter is safe.
You know, this probably isn't the safest place for a campout. Starlight said.
Does that mean you're going to send us back to our homes? Ocellus asked sadly.
Not exactly. Said Twilight. We have another option in mind.
The others glance at each other.
We're listening. Said Gallus.
It's pretty clear you've already started learning friendship without your teachers. Twilight continued. But we'd like to show you even more... if you'd come back to school?
Not much of a choice. Said Smolder.
To be honest, we felt exactly the same way when Twilight told us she was reopening the school. Said Applejack.
But this time, we guarantee it shall be different. Rarity said.
Oh, yeah! Rainbow agreeing with them. With class run my way, it'll be 220% cooler.
And without the EEA, It'll be much friendlier. Said Fluttershy.
Plus, all our nations won't go to war if you come back with us! Pinkie said. Bonus!
The 13 were stunned.
Wait. Said Sandbar. What's happening?
Soon they were back at the School of Friendship, and Twilight begins to brake the lock.
Twilight! I was so relieved to get your letter! Said Princess Celestia arriving along with the students elders.
As was Queen Novo. Said Seaspray. Oh, we're just glad you're alright, Silverstream!
Then Grandpa Gruff zooms towards Gallus. Don't expect a welcome party from me, sonny! It's time you got home!
He then grabs Gallus by his ear. But Gallus pulls free.
I'm not leaving. He said.
Whaaaat?!
None of us are. Ocellus said. Sorry, Thorax.
Yak not understand. Rutherford said confused. This pony joke?
No. Smolder said. We're going back to school.
How? Asked Ember. You can't even get inside!
Twilight begun to fire her magic at the lock.
Hold on, Twilight said Tyrant. Let me try.
She then cracked her neck. And bites the lock and chain off with her powerful jaws and teeth and pulls them apart.
School is back in session! Said Twilight.
The students cheered.
Okay, I have really got me those set of chompers! Said Rainbow.
Then a portal opens and Neighsay steps out and holds a piece of lock in his hoof as it brakes in 2. Jr hid behind her mother.
Who dared remove my seal? Neighsay asked.
I did Chancellor Neighsay! Twilight said firmly. And I respectfully ask you to step aside, or classes will start late.
Classes won't start at all! The EEA spoken, and none shall pass!
Neighsay stomps his hoof creating a large boom effect in the ground.
Yak pass if yak say! Yona Said.
This is for the greater good. Neighsay said to everyone. The school was disorganized, the teachers unqualified! And those dangerous and unpredictable "students" put ponies' lives in danger!
And if you ask me. You made a majorly terrible mistake of being allies with those... Monsters! He gestures to Tyrant and Blue.
I'll show yo unpredictable! Ember growled.
Fellas, I get first dibs with this cold hearted pony! Blue growled.
My pleasure. Ember said.
Then Blue, Ember, Thorax, Rutherford, Gruff and Seaspray began to approach Neighsay with angry looks. And Blue gets ready to leap towards them.
Hold on, please! Celestia stopping them. I'm sure Princess Twilight Sparkle has a good explanation for all of this.
I do! Twilight said. It's true that my school is EEA-unaccredited...
Look! Spike said to Rarity. She said it without doing the eye thing!
Then it is not a school! Said Neighsay.
It's not an EEA school. It's a friendship school with it's own rules. I should know. I wrote the book!
She then brought a School of Friendship rulebook.
These students reminded me that every friendship is special, so the way we teach it has to be just as unique. My school is going to do things differently.
Allowing all of these creatures to attend your school, changing the rules for them - it simply won't work! Neighsay yelled.
I seem to recall something about Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi doing something similar, don't you? Said Celestia.
I promise you, Chancellor. Twilight said. My school will help protect Equestria.
Or destroy IT!
And with a backing glare, Neighsay went through the portal. And it closed.
And the students cheered.
Hmph. How is this school going to be any different from last time? Grandpa Gruff asked.
Then Twilight winked.
This brand new school of friendship
is home to everyone
We're learning how to trust
We're here to all have fun
With friendship ties that bind us
Tighter than the strongest bonds
We're hoof-in-hoof
In hand in hoof in wing or even claw
And soon the school was back open.
There's a Griffon in the garden
Hippogriffs hang in the hall
And the door will be open
To all creatures great and small
And a yak or two or three
Singing in perfect harmony
That might have been a chagneling
But it kind of looks like me
The school of friendship is for all of us
A place where we belong
Where we all learn to share and trust
The only rule here is to find your way
And friendship always win at the end of the day
Some things you just can't teach with books
Some things you only know
So trust your heart and let us lead
And your friendship's sure to grow
And once we master kindness
We will spread it 'cross this land
And this gift that's ours to share
So others understand
The school of friendship is for all of us
A place where we belong
Where we all learn to share and trust
The only rule here is to find your way
And friendship always wins at the end of the day!
The damaged tower has been rebuilt, and a class picture was taken.
Ugh, fine! Ember groaned. If you promise to stop singing, Smolder can stay!
Wahoo! Smolder cheered.
This place has a lot singing around here, does it? Blue asked.
You have no idea. Said Ember.
Uh, if dragon stay, yak stay. Said Rutherford.
I know you will make the changelings proud, Ocellus. Said Thorax.
You belong here. Seaspray said to Silverstream. Now, can you show me those stair things you mentioned?
Silverstream quickly pulls him with her.
What? You belong at home! Gruff said to Gallus. You think I care if you've made friends?
Please, Grandpa Gruff?
Gruff saw Gallus begging him with puppy eyes.
Alright, alright! Stop doing that!
Your dad and I are so proud of you Jr. Blue said to Jr.
Your parents will be proud of you, Rex. Tyrant said to he nephew.
The students cheered, and enter the school. And Starlight joins Twilight.
Guess I make a pretty good guidance counselor, huh? Starlight asked.
Yes! Said Twilight. Writing the rulebook was the most fun ever! I can't wait to start working on new lesson plans!
Applejack cheers her throat.
...With some help from my friends. She finished.
And the 7 friends entered the School of Friendship.
Author's Note.
The way that Neighsay gave a back glare as he leaves. Something tell's me he'll be back soon.
And the Brontosaurus stampede from the last chapter is based on Peter Jackson's 2005 film, King Kong.
Just look it up, okay.
And the active volcano that Rex mentioned. Is a sneak preview of a future story.