A/N: Being consciences, your thoughts, Kill and Joy don't really need quotes.

---

Mornings, no matter what, will never be my favorite. I don’t care if Celestia’s sun is shining, or if the birds are singing. Hell, I wouldn’t care if the princesses themselves visited me in the early hours. I love my sleep. Sadly, for me and for everypony else here who seemed to be followers of Luna, we had classes at eight. Tired or not, we had to be there.

The only real difference between me and everypony else, was that everypony else knew where their damn classes were. Not only that, but they didn’t have consciences that reminded them every damn second of what they needed to do!

Dammit, Graze! Get up! Joy shouted.

Leave us alone for five more minutes, would ya? Kill asked, thankfully on my side.

Oh, sure! I’ll let you sleep in when we stop being TEN MINUTES LATE FOR OUR FIRST CLASS!

The sound of shattering glass echoed through my mind, waking me up in the instant of hearing the word late. Flinging the blanket off me, I quickly rolled off my sides and onto the floor, landing on all fours with a gallop to the nearest window. “Oh buck! I’m late!” I cursed, seeing the sun tick a few degrees past its eight-o’clock position. “Hoof me sideways! What did Vine say we had first?!”

Physics. Silent Charge. I can’t believe I have to pay attention for all of us, Joy lamented.

Where would I be without you, Joy? I doubt it would be anything close to pretty, since I would be stuck with Kill. Oh, I can see it now: “Here lies Graze, beaten to death for sexual harassment.”

You know I’m more fun anyway, Kill harrumphed, folding his forelegs. What’s a little fun without the risk?

Ahem. Not the best advice to follow, but, no matter how true that may be, I WAS STILL LATE!

My mind thoroughly distracted from talking to myself - or rather, my consciences - I galloped out of my room, leaving behind all trace of books and stationery supplies, as well as my saddle bag. It was too late to go back for them now; either I showed up late or I showed up TOO late. I was so unprepared, I didn’t even know where my classes were! If we had used yesterday like intentionally planned to find where everything was, I won’t be in such a mess!

There were no signs, no arrows, no directories, nothing! Nothing at all to tell me where anything was! Or even where I was! For a school this big, you would think there would be a directory somewhere!

As luck would unfortunately have it, I came to the end of the hallway, where the path split in opposite directions. Oh, what to do, where to go?

Left! Kill exclaimed.

Right! Joy responded.

LEFT!

RIGHT!

The two continued their argument, which soon turned physical as they bashed their heads together. This had gone on for... I don’t know, a minute? I’m sure it was longer, but I wasn’t keeping track. With every passing second, their volumes increased, each trying to outmatch the other.

“SHUT UP!” I shouted aloud, tired of their constant bickering. My voice echoed through the hallways of the school... Whoops, that came out wrong. In the sense that it actually... came out.

Shut up, Kill, I warned before he could try to comment. Not a word from you. Not a single peep. No laughing. I knew that part of me too well not to realize a sexual innuendo when it presented itself.

Pftch- Only if you go left, he bargained, holding back his snickering.

Deal, I relented, making a left turn down the corridor.

As I walked this path, an ominous chill made the hairs of my coat stand as the light flickered on and off. The temperature difference became noticeable; it certainly didn’t provide the most welcoming atmosphere. Any colder and my breath would have been visible.

Now I knew this was a bad idea. Following Kill’s advice is always a bad idea! Why do I even have you?! I asked, turning to the smaller me on my left shoulder.

For a sense of adventure? He answered.

...Touché. And onwards to “adventure” I continued, venturing down this hall and to the last, and might I add, only door on the left. The light beaming from its window filled me with a sense of hope and salvation through this dark passageway. Aimlessly drifting towards the beacon, the ceiling lights flickered out, the shadows concealing me within its darkness. My only source of light was that bit shining from the classroom and the entrance to the hallway; it was easy to fool myself into thinking that nothing was going to happen, or that I was alone...

That eerie feeling that you’re being watched was definitely working overtime. It was a mental battle between my curiosity and my consciences.

Do not look back, Graze, Joy begged. The classroom is right there, and we’re late enough as it is.

No arguments here, Kill agreed. We are already late, a quick peek shouldn’t hurt. What’s two seconds compared to what we already missed out? Okay, if there was anything about Kill that I hated, it was how he can twist a sentence into his own manipulative way. Very manipulative. Evil, but manipulative.

“Physics,” I read, staring at the door and its handle. Well, it’s definitely the right classroom, no point in doubting that.

We can risk the tiny bit of lost time. One. Little. Peek, Kill whispered right in my ear.

Looking back at the exit, my beacon of hope and light through this dark descent, I saw nothing. Nothing at all... until the lights flickered once more, revealing a sleek pony figure with long appendages, almost resembling tentacles. His shadow merged with the darkness of the ill-lit hall with each step.

Nothing. At. All. Just turn around, Graze. Your eyes are playing tricks on you, they have to be! Maybe one more peek... Nope! Nope! Nope! Still there!

I fiddled with the door handle using my hooves, since I couldn’t seem to get a proper grasp on it now that the panic was settling in.

Just push down! Use your hooves! Kill panicked along with me, not making my life any less easier. Using both my hooves to open the door was a terrible plan. I was under pressure, and the sweat was making it harder to grip. It was hard enough to grip with hooves in the first place! Use your mouth!

We don’t know who or what touched this door! It could be dirty! Joy complained.

ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME?! OUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE AND YOU WORRY ABOUT GERMS?! Agreeing with Kill and ignoring Joy (which I think may never happen again). Sweet Celestia, this had to be the most stubborn door ever! I tried both my hooves and my mouth! This thing refused to budge!

Glancing between whatever the hell that thing was and the door, I had almost given up on life. Maybe if I just lay here, and pretend I’m dead, it’d leave me alone. That could work.

USE YOUR TAIL! USE YOUR SNOUT! Kill randomly blurted out ideas as his eyes desperately searched for an answer. I too was just as desperate as Kill. Why? Because I actually tried my snout! Who in their right mind would use their snout?! WINGS! USE YOUR BUCKING WINGS! My wings? Yes, dammit! Curl your wing around the door, and push down!

Never in my life have I heard of pegasi using their wings like that. Definitely to fly, and maybe to do various exercises like push-ups or lifting weights, but to grab? Pftch, that’s just absurd.

Let me do it! Kill exclaimed, taking control of my body. In awe, I watched as my right wing, controlled by Kill, curl around the handle, firmly, slowly grasping it and pushed down with muscles that were normally only used to fly. Maybe Kill is actually onto something, if I can use wings like this, think of the possibilities.

Thanks to a combination of stress and terror, Kill exerted too much force on the door handle, and I fell flat on my face in front of the entire class once the door gave way.

Sitting up straight on my flank, my eyes focused on the door as I scurried away using my hooves, putting as much distance as I could between myself and the door. Ha! No way in Tartarus was I going to be the first to die!

Hitting my back against something sturdy... rough... hard as a rock, I bent my neck ninety degrees back to see a much, MUCH, larger pony, one that could match Princess Celestia’s height. This pony was built like a bucking tank, and had black and white everything! Coat, eyes, slick backed spiky mane, tail, suit, you name it.

“You must be--” he began, but I interrupted him by grabbing at his suit. Without looking down, he lifted me up from my position with a glare, now holding me at eye level... two feet from the floor.

“What the buck is the matter with you?” he scolded. “First you arrive late to my class, and then you have the nerve to disrupt it?”

Wow... this guy... Don’t mess with him, Kill warned, staring at the pony who somehow stared directly back at Kill. Don’t move, don’t breathe, Joy.

Don’t turn your back, don’t look away, and don’t blink, Joy continued, staring at the beast.

Without moving a single muscle, a bead of sweat rolled down Kill’s brow as he whispered, He can smell your fear.

I think I fear’d myself, Joy replied.

Still traumatized from the hallway experience, I was barely able to form coherent words and sentences. “Ou-outisde!” I stuttered, pointing at the door. Somehow, I was crazy enough to think my chances of survival would be better with whatever was out there than with Charge.

Dropping me to the floor in a heartbeat, the teacher dragged me beside him by my collar as he made his way out the class. “Are you bucking kidding me?” he said in a cold, deep voice, staring into the darkness and at the still creature. Flicking the light switch beside him, the place lit up once more and the creature was revealed to be... just a regular pony. “Don’t tell me that you were scared of Omnius, our janitor,” he said with an arched brow.

“Hey there, Silent Charge, how’s it going?” The friendly janitor waved his hoof, holding a mop in the other. “I see the lights are giving you trouble, huh?”

“Yeah,” Charge dully answered, rolling his eyes. I can already tell just by his expression, this was not the first time.

“Have you tried switching them on and off?” Omnius asked out of curiosity, chuckling at his own joke.

“That joke just keeps getting worse the more you tell it,” Charge quipped, rolling his eyes. “Anyways, I will see you around. I have some students to deal with.” He waved off the janitor as he rolled his bucket of water away with the mop leaning over its edge, then turned his attention towards me.

“So, what’s my punishment?” I smiled sheepishly.

“Oh, don’t worry, Graze, I’ve already punished you.” Charge patted my back as he trotted towards the door. “Just don’t talk in my class, this is your first and only warning,” he informed me, opening the door and allowing me to enter first.

Vinetion to the lower back middle of the class, I noticed that the mare had saved me a seat between her and Ditzy. I can always count on those two. Slowly making my way to the reserved spot, I paid no heed to the snickers and chuckles from the rest of the class.

And you, and you, and you... Ohoho! Can’t forget about you! Kill said, marking down each pony who continued their foalish behavior. Not far down the line, somepony in particular caught his eye.

Ooo, what do we have here? he noted, as we - Kill, Joy and myself - stared at that mystery shaded pony from yesterday’s visit to the cafeteria.

“His name is Grim,” Vinetion notified me, as she joined me in staring at the lone pony who was minding his own business.

“How do you know?” I asked.

GRAZE, DUCK! Joy warned, seeing a projectile in shape of a book... Wait, couldn’t be, it was too large for a bo-- HOLY SHIT, IT IS A BOOK!

BAM!

Taking the shot to the face, my head bent a few degrees back as the tome revealed a noticeable red mark as it slowly slid down. “HEY! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” I shouted, but was immediately struck by another projectile, its bound pages opening wide from its arc, completely covering my face.

“Okay, okay, shutting up now,” I gave in, and was yet AGAIN HIT BY ANOTHER HOOFIN’ BOOK!

“Graze, just shut up.” Ditzy placed her hoof in my mouth with a look of concern, stopping me before I began a rant filled with curses, courtesy of Kill.

Designed by me, said by me, and you’d best hope it’s not meant for you, he gloated with pride.

“We’ll deal with the bruises later, just don’t talk,” she whispered.

“Alright, class, we can begin now that Graze is finally quiet,” Charge said, singling me out. He stood tall and firm, towering over every student, completely eclipsing the ponies in the front. That shade was like his domain. Once you enter, you’re beyond screwed.

Wiping his glasses with his black tie, he neatly placed them back on and stared at the entire class. “My name is Silent Charge, and as you know, I will be your physics teacher,” he introduced himself.

Wait. Was he stalling the start of class until I got there!? What in Celestia’s name was he thinking!?

“There will be no talking, eating, or cheating in my class. Sorry I had to use you to set an example, Mr. Graze,” he apologized with a smirk. It just looked so wrong to see a pony like him smile. I don't know what it was, but it wasn't right.

And there we have it folks. One puppy, somewhere within the borders of Equestria, just died. Kill shook his head in disbelief. You sick bastard, Charge.

“We can start with our first physics topic, Magic. Before we begin, any questions?” he asked the still and quiet class. “Good, you are fast learners. This should be an easy enough semester for all of us. ” Walking back and forth, Charge watched the entire class with one question in mind. “So, what is magic? Questions pertaining to work are always allowed.”

Still afraid over here, Joy pointed out.

Anyone else shitting their pants? Yes? Kill rhetorically asked, observing his classmates, who were collectively quiet and filled with respect... and fear. So much fear.

“Now then,” Charge began, “the first thing you need to know about magic is- that it is everywhere. Literally everywhere. It is found in every living being, every breath taken, every meal eaten. As cheesy as it sounds, magic is even in the air. It works in a similar manner to energy, able to be stored and transferred, but not truly created or destroyed.

“All ponies have magic within them, which manifests itself in specific ways by each pony race. This is most obvious in unicorns, who, through use of their horns, can directly influence and control it. This is the most powerful and most visible magic. Its strength and use is dependent on the personal talent of the individual, and can be honed with proper practice and study.”

Charge took a break from his lecture and turned his back to us with a sigh. “Remember class, practice does not make perfect.” Wait, that’s not how the saying goes. Well, at least that’s not how my mother had taught me. “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

“Pegasi, such as myself, have a fair amount of magical ability as well. This tends to manifest in our ability to alter weather. A fine example would be the ability to create, shape, and walk on clouds. Unlike with unicorns, who can remotely grasp and manipulate objects, this ability requires contact with the cloud formation to manipulate it.

“Finally, we have the earth ponies, who use their magic in caring for the land, fertilizing it and growing crops on plantations. This magic is much more subtle and much slower, but ingrained within the earth itself, and eventually into the food we grow and eat. That magic is then transferred into our bodies, creating a sort of energy cycle as earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns alike all expend that energy.”

Wow. I’d never heard this before in all my past years in school, whether through lack of attention or it never being taught. If there was one guy who can change my view of him from one of fear to one of respect in a heartbeat, it was Silent Charge.

Mind. Blown. Joy said, deep in awe, paused from his mental note taking. On the other shoulder, we can just say Kill and Joy really were opposites.

Snores. Loud snores were heard from my left shoulder as Kill was fast asleep, probably bored out of his mind. Joy clopped him upside the head with a quick swipe, WAKE UP! he shouted, watching as the miniature devil of me hovered, continuously flapping his wings from the sudden shock.

What the buck, Joy! That is long drop from Graze’s shoulder ya know! Kill complained, acknowledging how far a drop it really was for him.

Sometimes, I honestly forget that they are miniature ponies. Something that I can just drop onto is different for them; given how small they really are, it can be really dangerous.

You do know that it won’t really kill him, right, Graze? Just badly injure him for like... I don’t know, ten seconds? Joy informed.

Yeah, I just like to make sure you guys are safe... No matter how annoying you two can be, I said as the two smiled brightly to the other on both shoulders.

“Graze, is there something you’d like to share with the class?” Charge asked. Oh crap, I only now noticed that I was smiling like a retard. Right, no one can see Kill and Joy but me.

Honest mistake. I’m sure anyone would have forgotten too, if they lived with two mini-them’s at their side all their lives. “Well, if you don’t mind sharing, rather than keeping that look on your face, please, come to the fro-”

RIIIING! The school’s bell chimed, interrupting Charge and saving my flank. Thank Celestia I got to class as late as I did... I don’t think Joy would really approve of me saying that. Using the bell as a distraction for Charge, I glanced quickly at Joy as he shook his head in disapproval. Hmph, knew it.

“Alright, class, you are free to leave,” Charge announced, watching as ponies of all kinds made their way through the exit. He allowed Vinetion and Ditzy to leave first (gentlecolt’s way,) but as I tried to follow them, Charge’s hoof grabbed onto my vest’s collar, picking me up with ease as he did so. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, staring into my eyes. He then turned his attention to the two mares and told them “You two can wait outside if you’d like, but Graze and I are going to have a little... chat.”

Bucking. Screwed. Kill and Joy cursed, respectively. That was never a good sign. Kill and Joy agreeing on one thing tended to mean this was serious business; it was something that shouldn’t really have any right to happen.

Here is how it’s supposed to work: Joy tells me one thing, Kill tells me another. Kill picks left, Joy picks right. One says sleep, the other says, “WAKE THE BUCK UP!”

His pitch-black eyes stared into my soul, oddly reminding me of what my mother had told me a few years back: “Eyes are the entrance to one’s soul,” I believe that was how it went. Of course, that was a long time ago, but, if memory serves me right, and say, eyes were the doors to your soul, then Charge was the battering ram bashing those doors down.

He sat down at his desk and motioned for me to take a seat as well, ensuring that I was comfortable. “Look, Graze, I know something is up.” Oh crap. “Nopony just sits there blankly smiling at the dust,” he said, focusing on my shoulders.

Staring right back at him, I felt Kill’s heart drop in sudden realization. Joy-

--Yes, I know, Joy replied without hesitance.We had all thought it, but he was the one to say it, He is not staring through us. He is staring AT us.

“Now, I’ve asked Principal Shadow Mark for information on all my students before I met them, and I know you aren’t a bad colt. The only real bad mark on your permanent record is a single fight in third grade,” he stated, slowly reading from my files and laying them down on his desk as he finished.

“There aren’t many ponies with violent natures, and you must have had a good intention to do so, hm?” Charge rose his right brow in what looked like curiosity. He was already sure of the answer, I knew it; he just wanted to hear me confirm it.

Third grade fight... I remember now.

“Yes,” I answered.

“Would you kindly like to tell me what you remember of those events?” He asked, giving the choice of doing so.

Charge... he was my teacher, someone who you can trust. Not that they’re actually forced to be, but they are. Lawyers, doctors, therapists and teachers alike have one thing in common, and it ain’t rate of pay. It’s confidentiality of information. Your information. Lawyers need personal information to win a court case in your favor. Doctors need it for your own medical well-being, and therapists for your mental health. Teachers play a much bigger role. They are the ones who raise these future ponies, who in turn confide in them.

As I rightfully said before, Charge wasn’t somepony you’re meant to trust... but somepony you choose to trust.

“No.”

He sighed upon hearing my answer. “I see how it is. It’s your first day with me, and you aren’t quite comfortable with opening up to me. Well, if you don’t wish to talk to me about it, far be it from me to force you. You’re dismissed.”

“Thanks,” I replied, leaving my seat and moving towards the door.

“Oh, and Graze? One last thing before you leave.”

Dammit, he STILL wants to talk? Kill moaned. Forget him. We have places to be. Let’s just book it.

Don’t even THINK about it, Joy rebutted. He’s your teacher. Your very imposing and creepy teacher, but your teacher nevertheless. Even if you don’t talk to him about that day, just hear him out. It won’t take long.

Joy’s was the advice I chose to take. I turned around to face my teacher one more time. “Yes, Mr. Charge?”

“From what I’ve seen of you so far, you remind me of myself when I was younger... much, much younger.”

“How young now?” I chuckled.

“Ever since the Everfree Forest was just made up of a shrub,” he laughed. “I really do care about my students. If you ever need anything, you know where I am, and I sincerely hope you can open up enough to trust me in time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I promised, finally backing out of the classroom and leaving Charge to pick up the gargantuan black textbooks he’d thrown at me. “By the way, Mr. Charge.”

“Please, Charge is fine,” he insisted.

“I cannot wait to study more about pegasus magic,” I admitted, never thinking I would say that sentence in my entire life.

“Hahaha, just wait until you hear about the Sonic Rainboom,” he heartily laughed as I left the room, closing the door behind me.

---

“Graze!” Ditzy shouted, flagging me down as I passed by her room. “Sweet princess, look at your face!”

“What’s wrong with it?” I asked with a smile. And a swollen, black and blue eye.

“Get in here right this second!” she demanded. “We need to do something about that bruise.”

I wasn’t in any mood to argue, especially after our fight yesterday, so I simply nodded and entered her room. The only real difference between hers and mine was that her walls were more of a light yellow while mine were an icy blue. You won’t expect much by way of decoration on the second day of school. Nopony had the time yet to actually go out and buy what the school didn’t provide, and not many ponies brought their own decorations. Ditzy, on the other hoof, had adorned her table with what you’d expect from a mare. A picture of her family (didn’t get a chance to see what they actually looked like), a couple brushes, perfume, a small plushie, an even bigger one on her bed... that was about it.

There was also a mirror hanging on her wall, which she dragged me over to so I could see my eye in all its painful, swollen glory.

Hel-LO, handsome! Kill quipped, struggling to contain his laughter.

“Does it hurt?” She asked, poking and prodding at the swollen spots.

“Ow ow ow, that’s tender!” I whined.

“Oh, stop complaining,” she snapped.

“I’m not complaining, I’m whining. You want to see complaining?”

Ditzy just rolled her eyes, which was especially odd to watch her do. Still cute, but odd. “I’d like it if you didn’t," she admitted. "Let me go get an ice pack for that.”

I watched Ditzy through the mirror as she made her way to a dual set, white refrigerator with a freezer section at the top. Adorning the upper right segment of the freezer was a small sticker, showing a dark blue, black-maned earth pony with a pair of short, rounded horns beside each ear. Beneath the bizarre pony, a line of text read, “Made by the arctic ponies, keeping your food fresh 24/7.”

Wait, arctic ponies? Those didn’t sound familiar. Why had I never heard of them?

Maybe because it’s a new fridge? Kill suggested. I’ve seen plenty of others, and NONE have had that sticker. Huh, must be new, he guessed.

Or maybe Mr. Charge was going to cover something like this in class, and we screwed that up for him by being late and disrupting him, Joy countered. If you want to know, you can always go back and ask. There’s plenty of time before our next class. I don’t think Ditzy’s room is too far from his, and I’m sure he’d be happy to see you come to him for a chat.

Joy was right, as usual, and I was already enticed by Charge’s teachings so far. Why not take the chance to skip ahead of the class? It’d be nice for a change.

With Ditzy still rummaging through her freezer, and curiosity getting the better of me with each passing second, I decided to cut this visit short. “Hey, Ditzy. I can take care of this when I get to my own room, so don’t worry about me,” I called out.

Ditzy popped her head up from behind the freezer door. “Oh...are you sure?” she asked, sounding a bit saddened that I was leaving so soon.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” I returned, trotting to the mare and hugging her. “And before I go... I’m sorry about what happened yesterday. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

“I already forgave you,” she replied. “I’m sorry too, for overreacting like I did.”

Okay, loverboy, let’s get this show on the road, Kill requested impatiently.

“Well, I have to go now... you know, the eye and whatnot,” I said, breaking the hug.

“Oh... uh... right! Goodbye, Graze,” she said, smiling sheepishly.

“Byeee,” I waved off a bit awkwardly, not looking back as I exited the room.

The door finally closing with a click, Ditzy stared at it, doing a double take as she whispered softly to herself, “...bye.”

---

Well, I’d say the trip here went a lot better now that the hall’s actually lit properly, Kill pointed out.

Really now, Joy responded. I hadn’t noticed.

Trust me when I say, there was a massive difference. I remembered that when it was dark, the only thing that made it worse was the dim and faded light. The lockers were lockers, nothing more, nothing less. Just grey. Dull, bland, grey. Is it weird that I liked the darkness more than light? It got the blood pumping, but at least it wasn’t boring.

The only thing I found wrong about this place was that it was too clean. After all, the janitor - Omnius, I think - had only been through here a little while ago. I can imagine Charge as the black and white sort of pony, because he was. Always one or the other, no room for any grey area. No maybe’s, just flat out yes or no.

Through this corridor, I could swear I heard Charge talking to someone.

Oh good, he’s still there, Joy said.

Shhshhhshhh, Kill hissed. I’m trying to listen.

It’s not good to eavesdrop on ponies, Kill.

“...Yes, I saw them too.”

“.....”

“...Right on his shoulders.”

Was Charge talking to himself? There was definitely only one voice.

Let’s try and sneak a peek, Kill suggested.

Balancing on my hind legs and using the wall for support, I bent my neck, straining it as I peered through the window pane. Through it, I could see the shadowed outline of Charge’s structure. And only Charge’s.

Through my intense moments of focus and concentration, a bead of sweat trickled down my snout, tipping over its edge. My eyes crossed, their views intersecting at the point of that little tease of a drop, praying that it wouldn’t fall. If so much as a plit was heard, I’d be BEYOND bucked.

The adrenaline coursed through my veins. I was terrified of the consequences of my being here, and very well aware of that if I was found out, I would have to make a quick escape.

Seconds felt shorter as my heart raced, seeing the drop hang loosely from its perch, and... there it was. Everything played out in slow motion as I saw the bead drop. Every ripple as gravity acted upon it. I just couldn’t watch anymore. I closed my eyes and bit my upper lip, praying for Celestia to spare my soul as I awaited the sound of tides crashing against a rocky shore...

And waited... and waited... still waiting...

Scared of the outcome, I slowly opened my eyes, seeing my tail poking out between my legs with a small damp spot dotting the tip.

Yeah! Got it! WOOOOOOO! Kill cheered in success. Suck on that, ya freaking drop! Screw gravity!

“Phew,” I sighed in relief... and quickly came to realization that I just screwed myself over.

“Who’s there?!” Charge’s voice exclaimed. He slowly trotted to and out the door, scanning his surroundings but saw nopony in sight. “Hmph,” he snorted hot air through his nostrils, looking in every direction possible the halls provided. Still nothing.

---

Slamming my door shut, my heart palpitated as I leaned against it with closed eyes. Feeling of the wooden door against my mane, I allowed myself to slowly drop onto my flank, overexerted from the rush. My heartbeat sped up way beyond normal parameters as through the door, and the sheer force of the beating had travelled to my head.

Agh! My head hurts! Why did you pump the adrenaline so fast, Kill! Joy scolded, holding a hoof to his forehead to soothe the pain.

I was under pressure, okay? Give me a damn break. It’s not like we were caught anyways, jeez! Kill retaliated. Right, Graze?

From signs of fatigue and exhaustion to those of deadpan and no expression whatsoever, Kill and Joy, watched as I lifelessly faced the floor, the only thing keeping me up right was the door's support. Graze? Joy called out for any signs of life.

What’s the matter, vessel? The two hovered in front of me. Hardly ever would they call me "vessel." Past the meaning of the actual word( as I actually was their vessel if you think about it,) to them, it was actually more of a name to induce sympathy rather than the usual "Graze."

Laying out my two fore hooves before me, I gave the two consciences a place to lay down and rest rather than their usual hovering whether they flapped their wings or not. It never really did make any sense for me to actually use my hooves, or in fact, anything of physical contact to them since they could just lay in the air, not being made of matter and all. But, it just always felt right to treat them like regular ponies.

Now that I was alone in the room, I was free to speak to them aloud. “He can hear and see you guys, and he doesn’t know that we know. Is it possible he has consciences just like you two?”

Impossible. If he did, we would have seen them, just like we did Pinkie’s, Joy pointed out.

“But then, who or what is he?” I brought my hooves further from my eyes to stare at Kill and Joy. “Could he be some weird new type of pony, like an arctic pony? Are there more types of pony? If so, where are they now?” My mind rushed, filled with new questions awaiting to be answered.

We don’t know, the two answered in unison, both glancing at the other and then back to me.

But what we do know is that whatever issues present themselves, we still have two years to get answers, Joy reassured me.

Together, Kill said, bringing out his hoof to meet Joy’s.

“Together.” I bumped my hoof with theirs.

“The three of us.”

Next Chapter: Chapter Three: Breakfast Brawl Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 10 Minutes