Hi all. This chapter was really boring to write, which is why it took awhile. Hopefully it will be less boring to read...
Pinkie's next goal was to learn a little bit more about this "Harmonious Science" program that Twilight had mentioned. She was nervous though. Why would a university take a pony of her calibre?
Donning her clown nose for luck, Pinkie trotted her way to the Ponyville Library, noticeably less bouncily than usual. She knocked at the door, which opened after a short pause.
"Oh, hey Pinkie! Nice nose!" Spike said cheerily, waving up at her. He let her in. He began chopping vegetables almost immediately.
"Good morning Spikey! How are you? Where's Twilight?"
"Oh, I'm good, just finished polishing my scales. I'm looking real good today! Twilight's going to be out meeting with Mayor Mare for about another half hour. I'm making brunch so it'll be ready for her when she gets back. You could join us if you'd like…?"
"I can see you've polished them! Though really, it looks more like I'm looking at myself when I look at you, which just goes to show exactly how shiny you are today!", Pinkie exclaimed, clapping her hooves together excitedly.
"…right… was there something you wanted?" asked Spike, brow furrowed, as he paused in his chopping to puzzle out what her reply meant.
"I was actually wondering if you knew anything about 'Harmonious Science'" Maybe this will be easier if I don't have to talk to Twilight about this directly. She's sooooo much smarter than me…
"OH! That's that new science program that Twilight was rambling about, right?"
"It is!"
"They mailed us some pamphlets actually. I'm surprised you're interested though…"
"Why?".
Spike seemed to realise his faux pas immediately. He began to backpedal:
"It's just that you seem so happy in Ponyville Won't you miss everyone if you leave?"
Yeah. So YOU think. Is there a single creature that actually cares enough to notice?
"I'll keep in touch!" Pinkie said, voice strained with repressed bitterness.
"I know I'm going to miss everyone when I'm gone…". Spike's gaze fell to the ground, suddenly fascinated by a nearby rock that had been left as a doorstop.
"You could stay in Ponyville if you wanted, you know", Pinkie said softly.
"Really?" asked Spike, as if the idea hadn't occurred to him. He resumed chopping the vegetables.
"Yeah. I know Rarity would really miss you if you left, and you know Twilight is planning on coming back to Ponyville. Doesn't someone need to run the library?"
"You're RIGHT! I could take care of the library so she doesn't have to worry about it!" Spike's eyes gleamed at the thought.
"Thanks Pinkie Pie! You're the greatest friend a dragon could ask for!". He gave her a quick hug, and Pinkie's eyes welled with tears.
"You're welcome, Spikey!" said Pinkie, with genuine exuberance. "Where are those pamphlets you mentioned?"
"Oh, they're just on the table. Feel free to take one, Twilight clearly doesn't need them".
Pinkie grabbed one of the colourful-looking pamphlets and stuffed it in her mane.
"Thanks for the pamplet!" said Pinkie, as she turned to leave.
"See you later Pinkie! I'll tell Twilight you stopped by!"
Pinkie decided that her best course would be to retreat to the safety of her room to examine her new information. She spread the pamphlet out on her bed.
Taking a cursory look at the pamphlet, the "FAQ" section caught her eye:
1. What is Harmonious Science?
Harmonious Science is an innovative new program run by program director, Icy Heart. She works with a team of instructors to provide a challenging and inter-disciplinary program. Students work in teams on a variety of projects, which have themes ranging from "Ecological Interactions" to "Space Exploration".
2. What are the benefits of an education in Harmonious Science?
Students educated in Harmonious Science will develop a variety of skills. They will learn how to collaborate with others, manage long-term projects and communicate to a variety of audiences.
3. How do I apply to Harmonious Science?
Individuals interested in our program must write the "Standard Education Admissions Test" (SEAT). They must also submit a supplementary application, containing written answers to the essay questions included on this pamphlet. The test results, and the essay questions must be mailed to our mailing address (as written on this pamphlet) no later than JUNE 31st.
Pinkie took a quick glance at her calendar to remind herself of the date: April 12th. Okay. I have plenty of time if I wanted to prepare for the SEAT… I wonder what sorts of "supplementary" questions these ponies want to ask their students…
1. Why are you interested in "Harmonious Science"?
2. What is the most important lesson you have learned in life thus far?
3. Who is the most inspirational pony to you? How have they inspired you?
4. If you were a celestial body, which would you be, and why?
Wait. What is that last question? Who the heck are these ponies? Why are they asking such a weird question? Now I kind of just want to write that essay for the sake of writing that essay.
Pinkie shook her head.
NO. That is NOT the basis for a life-changing decision such as university, Pinkie Pie. Bad girl!
There was a knock at her door.
"Come in!", Pinkie bellowed, as she regained her composure. Twilight entered the room, beaming from ear to ear.
"Hey Pinkie Pie! Spike told me about how you picked up one of the Harmonious Science pamphlets!". Her eyes shone with excitement.
"…so…", Twilight paused briefly. "WHAT DO YOU THINK?!" asked Twilight, clearly unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
"ISN'T IT JUST THE COOLEST LOOKING PROGRAM EVER?!"
"Oh my gosh, YES!" replied Pinkie Pie, with gusto.
"WHO DOESN'T WANT TO LEARN ABOUT SPACE EXPLORATION?", she continued, excitedly.
"…I don't know though. It sounds like they're looking for really smart ponies…"
Pinkie sighed, sitting down on her bed, sullenly.
Twilight sat down beside her.
"Why don't you think you're smart enough Pinkie?" she asked, softly.
"Aren't they looking for scholars like you? I'm just a pastry chef. I don't know anything about anything". Pinkie avoided looking Twilight in the eye.
"Pinkie. Look at what their requirements are: just the SEAT and the supplementary application. The SEAT is mostly general knowledge. I can help you prepare, if you'd like. And tell me, does the supplementary application really look like anything you can't handle?"
"Really, you'd do that?"
"Pinkie. Do you really think that getting the chance to help advance my friend's academic career isn't MY WILDEST DREAM?!"
Twilight chuckled, and Pinkie couldn't help but join her.
"Thanks Twilight. I feel a lot better". Pinkie smiled.
"How about we get started tomorrow? I have some time in the mornings. How about you come to the library at about 9:30".
"That sounds splenderific! THANK YOU SO MUCH TWILIGHT!"
"Anytime, Pinkie, anytime".
