A/N: Hi, I'm back from my trip :) It was awesome.

I'm really glad that my reviews went from 5 to 13. Well, I only got two new readers, but hey, it's something :)

I can't really say anything much for fear of spoiling the story, but rest assured, fans of Col and Connie (wait- let's face it, we all are, aren't we?) won't be upset by the end of this fanfic (I'm one myself, so you don't really have to worry…too much). As for Crystal being evil… well, I think you have to judge for yourself. But don't be too prejudiced, okay? :)

Oh yeah- what I like to do after the end of a section is put three asteriks. But I don't know whether it's showing on the chapters (and I'm too lazy to check :P). So if there seems to be a sudden jump from one event to another just imagine three asteriks there :) or can any other writers tell me what will show? For now I'll put –NEXT!- The paragraph thing doesn't really work here either :O Advice anyone?

Oh yeah- sorry for not really including Rat inside the last chapter. He'll really be in this one, though. :)

Enjoy! :D

"Hey," Col grinned at Rat. "Nothing much."

They were at school now. Students were streaming in as usual, hurrying to get into class before the bell rang.

"Are you sure?" Rat asked him slyly. "That's not what I heard…"

"What?" Col raised an eyebrow.

"What's this I hear about you and Connieeeeee..." Rat grinned mischievously, "…dating?" he dragged each syllable.

Col's cheeks reddened as he nudged Rat with his shoulder.

"Just hurry up and get to class," he told Rat, walking on while Rat laughed behind.

Crystal clung to Cloudless's mane, getting ready for take off.

"Come on, you can do it," she encouraged the Pegasus. "Let's try that cool move again!"

But just as they were about to fly off, Dr. Brock came into view.

"Hi!" waving enthusiastically, Crystal jumped off, leaving Cloudless pawing the ground in annoyance and impatience.

"Hello," Dr. Brock smiled kindly. "Practising?"

"Yeah, I am," she replied, smiling.

"But shouldn't you be at school?" Dr. Brock asked, slightly amused.

"I don't know…" Crystal frowned slightly as she tried to remember something. "Well, I'm not enrolled in a school yet, but I should be by the end of this week. I'll start school next week, if I'm not wrong. I'm supposed to be settling down around here for a bit before going to school, but I'm just really glad I can skip school for a while!"

Dr. Brock chuckled. "Are you fitting in well?"

"Yes, I am," Crystal smiled. "Connie and Col have been really nice and I'm really looking forward to meeting other people. It's still a bit confusing starting all over but generally it's okay. This is such a cool place! There wasn't a branch of the Society where I used to stay."

"So I see," Dr. Brock nodded. "Well, that's nice to know. I won't bother you anymore, then. Bye!"

Crystal waved, then jumped back onto Cloudless.

"This town seems really nice," she told Cloudless. "I wonder how school here is like? Well anyway, let's hurry up and fly before I have to go in for lunch!"

"Hey guys," Connie smiled.

Col pulled up a seat next to her while Amneena and Jane greeted them cheerfully, making space for Rat.

"You have got to let us go to your house sometime," Amneena enthusiastically told Connie. "We still haven't seen George for ages!"

"How's he?" Jane asked.

"Just fine," Connie smiled. "He keeps eating and eating. It's really cute. He hasn't started speaking yet, but I imagine he will soon. I've been trying to teach him."

"Poor Col," Rat snickered. "Now he has to fight for Connie's attention."

"What?" Col hissed.

"But then again," Rat reflected, "George's just Connie's cousin. Col is Connie's boyfriend, after all…"

"Wait, what?" Amneena's eyes widened. "You mean you guys already started going out, and you didn't tell me? That's outrageous!"

"Congratulations, guys," Jane smiled, eyes sparkling.

Connie blushed and Col turned a bright red. Rat was laughing in his seat, studiously avoiding the glares that Col sent his way.

A/N: That was short, but I'm tired out. Bleh. Oh yeah- this chapter is dedicated to Angelmail, SapphireOceans and Mbali for reviewing and my friends Valerie and Vanessa. Happy Birthday! :)

Hope you enjoyed it! Pleeeaaase review! :D