Daisy put the last of the files into the package to be shipped to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It should be relatively simple, honestly. With free education programs the Princess sponsored and Lord Fancy Pants cosigned, Orion should have no issue gaining admittance to the school.

It has been four months. Four months of no issues. No fights. No nasty pranks pulled. No, anything really. Orion just seem to be a normal colt. One that mostly stayed inside but normal enough for her. The fact that he was reading everything in the orphanage's private library gave her hope that he would settle in nicely or at least wouldn't make waves about. Her fears from a few months ago seem to be all a bad dream. Though a kernel remained. School was starting. And the upper crusts foals attended the academy that Orion was set to attend.

How would he react to the foals. How would they react to him? Most of her charges that were Unicorns seem to perform just fine in school. But Orion was a special case. His interactions so far with his fellow ponies has been, tentative, at best. Only Golden Trot seemed to stir any ire in him. And he seemed to simply walk away. It seemed he was not interested in repeating the events in Manehatten. That made Daisy breathe a little easier. Fortunately Golden Trot's papers had finally gone through and he was leaving tomorrow. Just before the school year was set to begin. Even better, he wasn't even going to be in the city for some time. He was set to journey to Trottingham with his new family.

Hopefully with this, Orion could establish himself in the school before his return. Thus one roadblock taking care of by itself. As long as he continued to behave. He actually had a few families approach. But it seems like in his previous home, nopony wanted to take on a pony that ate meat.

Orion's penchant, no, need to eat meat, three times a week seems to have worked out well for him diet wise. Though it was a point of contention for many of the foals. Well all but Screaming, but she was not a pony.

Screaming Rush was a Griffon, the only one up for adoption in Canterlot, so she supposed it hardly mattered to the only griffon in her care. She had been here for four years. Sad really, but not unexpected due to the predominately pony population of the city, and most of that was occupied by Unicorns. But good news was on the horizon though Screaming didn't know it. A pair of Griffons has been making some inquires about her. Daisy had high hopes the pair would actually adopt the chick.

Screaming has tried to befriend Orion on more the one occasion the past few months. But other then eating meat together, he largely ignored her as well. At least at first, he seemed to have warmed to her but still never went anywhere with her. She doesn't lack for friends, however, so Daisy isn't so worried by rejection.

Its Orion that has her worried. He seems to outright refuse to speak much to foals his own age. Any attempt made has seen him close the book he was reading, quietly get up, and march back to either his room or the library. It was rude and Daisy wasn't sure how to go about correcting the behavior.

Their interactions have been cordial. His intelligence is readily apparent. Those first few talks were, for the most part, feeling each other out. Or at least it was on her part. Orion seemed to have figured out what she was trying to do early on, and cut right to the chase.

"Listen, I know your trying to be nice while at the time seeing if I am gonna be a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode.""Whats a time bomb?""I will give you three, not quite promises but assurances. One." Holding up his first digit." I will not in anyway seek a conflict voluntarily. I will however, break whoever throws the first punch at me." Raising his second before she could attempt to dissuade him from 'breaking' anypony. " I will not go out of my way to verbally attack anyone here in class or out on the street, should I be able to be let out." Raising his third and last finger. "I will do my best not to besmirch the name of the orphanage in anyway. Granted I won't be the model citizen but I will maintain some level of decorum and civility."

Lowering his hand he looked back to Daisy. " Does this ease some of your fears Miss Evergarden?"

Daisy was a bit stunned to say the least. She was expecting weeks of conversation yet to get to this point. And a little put out. This eight year old little colt had already thought ahead. She wanted promises not, whatever this is. But considering his history she can't truly complain. The fact that he was taking his own initiative to not put her or himself in dire straits made her happy. But she had to ask.

"While I am happy to hear you say that, you have to know I would like to know why. Given your history in Manehatten..." She rest of the statement went unsaid. He smiled.

"Shit that's simple. I know what a mess I made back in that hellhole. After this where do I have to run? Where will I go if this falls through. No. I think I have sabotaged myself enough for one lifetime. Or is it two?" He said that last bit to himself completely befuddling Daisy. "No matter just rest assured I don't want to repeat that performance. Don't get me wrong I refuse to take it on the chin so to speak if any of these slack jawed halfwits wanna tumble. But they will have to hit first. Oh and is there a gym nearby? I'd like to attend."

Taking a moment to process what he said,"What is Hell? And we really have to get his language under control. Though I suppose this is a better deal then I thought i would be able to get from him." Sighing and straightening her back," Very well. I will take this deal of yours. But what do you want with a gym? Your a Unicorn. You have magic. There is no need for you to go and work your body. Anything you want you can do."

I deadpan glare was all she thought she was going to get. "And what happens should magic fail me? Or if it can't be used for whatever reason? A sharp mind must be tempered with the body. Both should be at their peak. I shouldn't limit myself two just one path should I? Done that once before and it ended very badly for me."

She couldn't really argue with him. In fact it lead to some very uncomfortable thoughts in her own mind about magic failing her. But again, some of what he was saying made no sense. "Done that once? He's a colt! Is he referring to his life in Stalliongrad?" He wasn't wrong,however, and his monthly stipend more then covered a membership. So she gave him the location or Iron Wills Gymnasium. And off he went.

"Come on Orion, why won't you come hang with us? You have been inside the library or the gym for months. School is gonna start soon and I won't be seeing you as much anymore!"

This wasn't Screaming's first attempt to pull the ever elusive and reclusive Orion Falls from his self imposed study. Honestly she couldn't understand what drove him to read as much as he did. Or workout as hard either. Though he had seemed to have added a considerable amount of muscle to his eight year old frame. She managed to peek into the gym once to see Orion full on sprinting on the incline tread mill. The looks he was getting from the other patrons ranged from appreciation, to incredulous staring. She herself, found him fascinating. No other colt or filly, or tartarus, a griffon, acted like him. The fact that he actually ate meat along with his veggies only drew more of her attention. He was already strong for his age. And seeing him lift weights left odd feelings in her chest she didn't understand.

Orion for his part was only mildly annoyed. He had expected this from some of them, and her the moment he met her. A carnivore can't just ignore him he supposed. He is an oddity among the ponyfolk.

"Listen Scream," she liked that nickname though she didn't know why, "I study and do all this to better myself. I know to you it looks boring as hell but for me its what I need to do if I am ever to have a future. I am an orphan with NO prospects of getting adopted. I have accepted that. But if I have any chance of making it I have to work my ass off now." Then he dropped his voice into that of a child his age, she hated this voice. "No I can't come out to play. Go have fun but thank you for asking at least. I appreciate it, truly."

Screaming sighed, once again defeated by his stubborn refusal to do anything fun. "You suck Ory." As she walked out the door miffed at another failure to get the colt to have fun.

"Plagiarism! You stole that word from me fluffy tail!" Followed her out the door as the colt inside chuckled. Meanwhile Screaming was trying to figure out what plagiarism meant.

"Struck out again, huh?" Screaming looked at her best friend, Storming Wind, leaning against the wall. Her pink fur and feathers looking freshly cleaned. The amber eyes, focused into the room, holding a little scorn for the ever reading colt. "I am shocked you haven't given up yet. All you two got is meat in common. Whats a bookworm like him going to help you with anyway. He can't fly after all." Screaming scoffed. She didn't see Orion at the gym, and didn't believe her when she described what he was doing there.

Flipping Storming's blue mane into her face she huffed, "He's all by himself all the time. You ponies know its not good for other ponies to be alone for too long. Whats wrong with trying to get him to have fun?" Screaming was frustrated. This had to be the fiftieth time he has rejected her invitation.

Storming just laughed, "Nothing but he is just too, weird. All he does is study. Or runs laps, so you claim. I think I caught him lifting a bunch of books by the straps yesterday. "She could hardly believe what she saw. "He's just so weird. Not to mention the way he talks. If i didn't know any better I'd say you have a crush on him or something." Swatting at Screaming for messing with her mane as the both walked down the hall.

The Griffon blushed heavily, ears turning pink. "W-w-what?! No, no bucking way" More boldly, "I-i just want him to have some fun and not be alone anymore. He's been here for months. Yeah he's younger then us, but he still needs somepony. Hey do you know what plagiarism is?"

"Sounds like a made up word if your asking me," she quickly dismissed the word. "Now come on, we need to go. Or everypony is gonna to have eaten the best flavor!"

"To you chocolate is the best flavor, Storming."

"Duh now come on! I'll race you!"

With that the two flew out the window and down the street. Ruffling more then one mane in passing. Angry glares following them.

"Okay Orion did you pack your lunch. Remember no meat. We want them to get used to you before introducing that quirk to the class."

Orion sighed for what felt like the 8th time that morning. He had his backpack, that he made himself surprising Daisy and several others, He had his lunch, an overwhelmingly bland PBJ sandwich and veggie snacks. At Miss Everga- No Mrs. Evergarden, insisted upon.

He was more then a little surprised to find out she was married, into a rather large herd no less. Second to her sister wife. And had two foals of her own. Well more like almost mares as they were both in their final year of High school.

Anyway, his note books were set. He expected to get his curriculum and books to match upon arriving in class. He was actually looking forward to starting school. Hopefully these courses would not be mind numblingly boring as they were back in Manehatten. Seriously, how had these horses not figured out physics or chemistry yet? They've had their civilization close to 1000 years already. You'd think with that kind of stability, thanks to an immortal princess no less, calling bullshit on that, they would have the economic forward thinking to push forward with technology. No. They were still using steel swords 1000 years later. They better hope he doesn't make a gun mill in the years to come. Everyone was fucked then.

"Listen, Mom, I have my food, books, quills, ink jars, and extras already packed. The way your hovering over me your gonna make me think I got a booger hanging out my damn nose".

A quick swat on the muzzle and a yelp of indignation later he was heading out of the orphanage. Though Mrs. Evergarden did have a smile on her face when he left. Orion had already walked this path three times to be sure he had it down. To be honest, he was shocked at how close he lived to the school. But then again. Looking at where he lived he could reason out that it made sense. Too posh even for him though, but he could wait and bide his time. He had what 10 years to go? Might as well study all he can about this world. This confusing world. He still couldn't get over the strange names. So many used names sounded like descriptors rather then proper names. Hell, the Griffon girl, Screaming Rush. How does that make a name? It's literally an adjective describing an action. Made no sense.

Dodging the varies foot traffic in his musings, and random carriages that seemed to have only one purpose but impede, he made his way to school without really focusing on the shops and sights around him. Not like he hasn't seen it before. Though he was hoping to try that pastry shop on the corner, across the street from the orphanage. Milly's Sunny Baked Goods. Not bad name to be honest, though Orion suspected that Milly might have been a man, stallion.

This was going to be hard. He already was making mistakes with the nomenclature such as the nouns, anypony and everypony. To him they were stupid. It was very exclusionary and he suspected someone high up a long time ago wanted to fuel nationalism by altering the language to exclude others. Who he didn't know but he felt that should be whooped.

A massive sneeze wracked Celestia's body. Unprepared she didn't even have time to cover up her muzzle before the spray hit the Saddle Arabian delegate in the face. "Oh my goodness I am so sorry Ambassador! I don't know where that came from." She quickly levitated a handkerchief to the offended stallion.

"I-it's alright. Maybe your catching a cold your Highness." Trying to clean his face as best he could. Spinning humor on his slight humiliation.

"I haven't had a cold in 800 years my dear Ambassador. This, was as much a surprise for me as it was for you." "Where had that come from". She sniffed rubbing her own nose with another handkerchief.

Without realizing it, the school's massive gate loomed over him, "Huh, that was quick. Now lets see. Who was I suppose to meet up with again. Mr. Shower I think Mrs. Evergarden called him. Hope for his sake his first name isn't Golden.". Looking around the expansive court yard Orion looked for where the new arrivals would be assembled, and swiftly found it. It was pitifully small."Oh boy look at that. Not gonna get singled out at all no siree." Four others stood there. One was picking his nose. In public. His nose. Picking. Gross. Oh God he ate it.

Orion inwardly groaned as he walked over to stand with them. "Please don't let 'gold miner' be my lab partner for any class."

"Name!" Snapping out of his own thoughts Orion looked up to what had to be the ugliest horse he had ever seen.

Nothing was going right for this guy. His nose was crooked and tilted upwards. His eyes seemed to be looking at two different things and yet somehow still focused on him. His mane while combed seemed to have went through a shredder. And was that the hint of a buck tooth he was seeing under there?

"Oh, umm my name is Orion Falls." Looking back at the stallion trying not to laugh.

"Hmm, a yes here you are. You were almost late Mr. Falls. I'd advise you to leave earlier if your going to be this slow in getting to class." Glancing over to the rest of the new arrivals. "Now that we are all here. I am Mr. Shower. I am the introductory councilor for the day but usually you will find me in the chemistry department. You four will be guided to your classes by the best students of last years academics. You will give them respect, and your undivided attention. They have your schedules, and will be with you for the next 3 days to make sure you understand where you are supposed to go. Is that clear?" Nods of acceptance, though Orion just stood there. He did not like Shower. He would not even get a Mr. in his name. "Excellent."

"Worst Snape impression I have ever heard of" Orion did and inward sigh and waited.

"Excellent. Twilight Sparkle, if you, and the others, would kindly pick out your charge and make sure the schedule is handed out I will be going. I trust you can handle yourself?"

The now name filly looked back at Shower," Yes Mr. Shower this will be no problem." She sounded bored with the whole thing. No. She was irritated. Orion suspected she didn't want to be doing this. At all.

"Excellent. Turn in your badges to my office at the end of the day. That is all. Goodbye."

Twilight looked back over the assembled group and started to assign the other assistants to the other new students. Surprisingly, she paired herself with Orion. "Great, I get Miss Doesnt-want-to-be-here."

"Today is a busy day so do not dottle. We have a lot of ground to cover and I don't want to be kept waiting." Oh this is wonderful, she has that stick wedged firmly up her ass. Lovely.

"Bite your tongue my dude. Keep calm. You made some commitments and you damn well better keep them"

He tailed slightly behind her on her left as they walked up the steps leading into the school proper. This place was HUGE. He stopped and stared at the expansive grounds. The building itself looked more like the White House. The pillars were all white with gold scroll work. The supports for the walls were also erected to look more of the same as the pillars. Only they were flat. The walls were brick. Very clean brick. It had to be one of the nicest buildings he has seen.

Still gawking he was rudely pushed forward by nothing. Then he saw Miss Up-tight glaring at him, horn alight in a purple glow. "Do. Not. DOTTLE." she seethed. What in the hell crawled up her snatch and died?

"Okay, okay. Permit a man to look at something he's never seen before and wanted to appreciate. Jesus." He walked forward eyeing the girl more. He was suspecting that she was forced into this role. And she was taking it out on him.

A sharp look."Man? And what is a Jesus?" She was staring him down. Not that she could considering he was at least 5 inches taller then her.

Thinking quickly, "Oh yeah just slang from Stalliongrad, same for the Jesus thing."

Glaring at him for longer then he liked she finally relented, "Fine then. But those better not have been slang for swears. We do not tolerate those in this school. I don't know Stalliongrad schools standards for decorum. But we here have a strict standard for our student body. You will act accordingly. Do I make myself clear?"

Orion, was at a loss for words. On one hand he just wanted to lay into this brat. On the other hand he wanted to maintain the deal he had made with Mrs. Evergarden. Mentally biting his own tongue he responded with a vague positive. Seeming mollified, newly named Miss Jackass walked on, followed closely by Orion.

The inside of the building reminded him of the orphanage as far as decor was concerned. Staying hot on Jackass's heals he walked the halls swiftly taking in as much as he could. He was beginning to see he was tall for a typical Unicorn. The older ones seemed to only hold three or four inches over him. He smiled slightly. It seems like he was on course to have at least one dream realized.

Jackass turned a corner and stopped in front of a door to a classroom that was eerily quiet. That was alarming. Peeking in and slowly walking into the class, he noticed that students where in their seats. All reading the same book. That very book slammed into Orion's chest in a purple glow. "This, is you class on Equish. This should help you correct the poor grammer and nomenclature you seem to posses. I would advise you study closely." Pointing toward the seats Orion took the hint and walked, book in hand, up the five steps and sat down on an empty seat. He was lucky. No one was sitting near him. Then She sat down. "Seriously is she going to be with me all day?"

As if reading his mind, "I am not happy about this either, I am going to fall behind my studies for this. I am...sorry for my attitude. I am not being fair to you. You being new and everything. I'm sorry." Orion just blinked at her. "Where the fuck did the 180 come from?" He just stared at her. Shock clearly etched on his face.

Renamed Miss Up-tight squirmed under his gaze. "I guess its fine. I can understand stress. Just, calm down a bit. Life is to short to take things so seriously all the time. No one gets out alive and to spend all your time angry makes it all the shorter. So, no harm no foul." Thinking, then nodding. "Let's start again." Holding out his hand. "My name is Orion Falls, Orphan Extraordinaire."

Twilight had to do her own blinking, and then followed by panicked thinking. "He's an Orphan?! No wonder he was having a hard time getting to school. And here I thought he was just some slacker! Oh Celestia what do I say now?" Seeing him waiting for her response, she cautiously took his hand. " My name is Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria." She internally cringed.

The colt named Orion, just blinked, stared a bit, then took his hand back. Twilight knew she shouldn't have mentioned her relation to the Princess. She always seemed to just blurt that out. Although, why shouldn't she be a little proud of the fact that she was the Princess's protege. But it always seemed to back fire on her. Everypony who heard that seemed to just, distance themselves from her. Almost immediately.

"Wow. My warden is not only smart, but your also attached to royalty. Nice hustle." She almost missed what he said, she warmed a little to being called smart, but paused, "Hustle? What hustle? Warden?! How am I a warden?" looking back at the pony she noticed he was chuckling. Oh a joke, oh good. He had turned back to his book opening up to read through the opening introduction.

Really looking at the colt she realized he was taller then her. Much in this case. "Is he really the same age as me?" She began to note his features. He was fairly good looking as far as most colts his aged looked. His dark brown mane looked to be in a slight mess but that could have been from the walk over. It cascaded around his head and neck, bit over in front of his ears. The ears themselves were slightly longer then average but certainly not uncommon.

The prettiest thing about him was his horn. The pattern of swirls made her think of water. It was very well kept. A little long like his ears. It was a really nice horn.

His gray eyes gave her a pause though. They seemed, old for a lack of a better word. She had only seen Princess Celestia with eyes like that. The filly didn't know what made eyes look like that.

He was wearing the standard uniform for a student of the academy. A snowy white dress shirt with a dark blue sweater vest with the schools emblem imprinted on the right breast. The slacks were the standard plaid, navy blue with stripes of blue and white. The whole outfit was of course a copy of her's, only she wore a skirt instead of pants.

He sighed, closed his book and leaned back. "So nothing different there I suppose. other then the use of pronouns, and the naming system. Same language." This colt was confusing her more then more. Her need to know was however, overridden by her guilt. It didn't seem nice to pepper him with questions after apologizing for her attitude, maybe later. She chose not to interrogate him, for now.

Mrs. Greenfield walked briskly, "I apologize for being late students, the dean had a last minute meeting for the faculty and it carried for way to long. Oh Miss Sparkle what are you doing here? The way you passed my class last year I did not think you would wish for a remedial course." She smile gently as she said it. Mrs Greenfield was a lovely mare and Twilight had enjoyed herself during her class.

She was a bit of an overweight mare, but not by too much. Having 7 foals will do that to anypony. Her green, eyes always held that bubbly warmth she was known for, but it was offset by the golden mane that was kept tight into a bun. Her bright orange fur was brushed thoroughly, and her uniform was a near replica of the students uniform. Though for teachers they all wore an academic's robe. A sign of their position and achievements.

"No Mrs Greenfield. I am on introductory duty today. Mr. Showers asked for my help, and the Princess thought it a good idea." She indicated to whom she was escorting with a point of her finger.

"Ah yes a Mr..., "looking at the attendance sheet in front of her she read out his name, very slowly. "Ah Mr Orion Falls. Welcome to my classroom Mr. Falls. From what I was told you had gotten very high marks in your classes in Manehatten Preparatory, top of your class correct?"

Nodding casually he responded, "Uh yeah, yeah I did I suppose. Wasn't paying attention." Twlight hadn't realized she was staring at him. "Top of his class?" She couldn't believe it. His attitude. The way he carried himself. None of that showed anything of him being as intelligent as Mrs Greenfield was suggesting.

"Ah yes, that's right your the little colt my sister wife was telling me about. Now I remember." Chuckling to herself her eyes lit up with a bit of mischief. "You better watch your tongue in here Mr Falls, I'll tell me sister on you."

"Ahh, shit." Twilight's eyes bulged, Orion closed his and slapped his forehead just under the horn. "Sorry, sorry force of habit when getting bad news. Really its just ingrained in there now. I will try and curb it as best I can but no promises."

He swore. In front of the teacher. He swore. And he's trying to play it off as if its nothing, and might happen again? Twilight's mind was racing. How could this colt act and speak so unabashedly in front of his teachers?!

"Oh I'm bad news am I? I will let that one slide, Mr Falls. But do not make it a habit. This is your only warning," she said curtly, though the smile stayed on her face.

"Please Mr Falls is my fathers name, wherever he might be right now, call me Orion." He was chuckling now. Where did the colt come from? He mannerisms. She only saw nobles speak and talk like this. He was swapping back and forth from peasant to noble tone far to quickly and easily. "Is he the cast off son of a noble? What did he do to get disowned and thrown out? He's to young to have done much. Who is he?" These questions she feared would pull her away from studies for sure.

"Well Mr Orion why won't you introduce yourself to the class while we have time. Be quick I would very much like to get today's lessons started." She shook her head and went to organizing her desk, shuffling papers and placing them on the lectern.

"Oh, okay. I suppose that would be a good idea." Sliding past a still gaping Twilight he descended the short set of stairs, and walked to the front of the class. "Um, hey everybody. My Name is Orion Falls, in case you hadn't picked that up by now. I just moved here about four months ago, I think, from Manehatten. Yes I am an orphan. Before Manehatten I lived on the streets in Stalliongrad. I don't remember much other then my life on the streets so please don't ask me tedious questions about it. It's not pleasant, and I am sure you really don't wanna know." Making to go he stopped, "Oh yeah, you guys normally here about hobbies about this time. I have only two. Working out at the gym down the road, and reading. Yes I know, I'm a boring guy. Bite me." He walked back to his seat.

The class was silent. The news that he was an orphan was no longer a surprise for Twilight. His living conditions however were. The other students, she knew, were already giving him the stink eye. They didn't like things they felt beneath them. Orion didn't know it. But he had placed a target on his back. He didn't seem to care. A filly named Fancy Breeze, sniffed loudly and turned her head away quickly. He just openly laughed at her shaking his own head. Something about 'rich tards'. "What's a rich tard?"

"That was fun." Orion slid past Twilight once again and sat down. "Lets never do it again shall we?"

He had to do it six more times. Orion was in hell.

Throughout the day, his monitor, warden, jailer, whatever, was getting pleasantly better. Having to repeat the story he had rehearsed twelve times however, was not. Each class had noble kids. And every goddamn one of them had a stick up their asses every time he finished his little story. They would scoff and laugh, one tried to throw a wadded up scroll at him which he saw coming, whipping it back into his would be attackers face with levitation. He was proud of himself. He was getting quite good at it. Twilight, he was begrudgingly calling her by her name, was actually being a decent person.

He managed to stay out of trouble for the most part, except for the retaliation in the form of the wadded up scroll badminton competition he had with the kid. But Twilight pulled him outta the fire on that one remarking how he was just defending himself. Seriously when did this girl turn into a decent human bei-, pony, pony being.

Lunch was nothing to write home about, but when they put what looked like a very fancy pile of hay on his plate he just sneered and put it back. "No thank you that is disgusting." Twilight was stunned. The cook was stunned. The children around him were stunned. He just walked away with the fruit and veggies he had.

He went through the standard litany of classes: English, or Equish to the ponies, Math. Science, a class that in his opinion hadn't owned up to the title. Then onto History, which seemed to exalt only the virtues of ponykind. Orion could read between the lines. The country's past was likely riddled with violence. The Reunification Wars? A quick skim of the book indicated there was more then one. Though no distinction was made. Meaning it was likely a very bloody affair. Nice censorship there nobles. Then it was on to the practical and theoretical Magic classes.

Orion quickly gained a good grasp on concept and execution of magic. His problem arose when he realized many of the kids were stronger then him in magic. Twilight looked on in sympathy as he struggled to make more then three balls of flame in the air before him. Most had ten. Twilight trying to be helpful produced 25. The girl was a freak of nature he was sure. The teacher himself, a Mr Cottonridge who's new name was Dues ex Douchebag, mocked him. Though he veiled it behind snide comments of encouragement. And overly done examples of what he should have been doing.

This all lead to ridicule and derisive comments, under the class's breath. Oh boy, he was going to hurt someone for sure. First his teeth, now he was being made fun of for his lack of magical aptitude. He was sweating hard by the end of the two hour lesson. His head and horn both hurt from the exertion. Though to be far these kids did have longer to use their natural gifts. For Orion, however, outside him using levitation he had no other practice with elements or potion making or, well anything really.

He trudged down the steps of the school completely ignoring Twilight's wave of goodbye. He was mad. But he was also determined to find ways around his seeming lack of skill. Something told him he was missing something. His instincts were often never wrong on this. And he trudged home to the orphanage with determination in his heart.

For Twilight, the day could have gone better. She had made an absolute foal out of herself in the morning being angry at Orion for the wrong reasons. But she felt she redeemed herself for that with trying to be as helpful as possible with the colt from the Equish class on.

He surprised her on more then one occasion. His aptitude for math, science, and history were amazing. She almost felt like she was looking in a mirror. His insistence on misusing pronouns annoyed her but she felt that was just a hold over of where he came from.

Magic class even started off very well. But then the practical application is where he seemed to just, fall apart. Watching him struggle past three fire balls actually broke her heart. When she tried to help, his gawking and further frustration seemed to have only feed off her ability.

She felt bad. He didn't even wave goodbye to her when he left. Just that, determined, mean look on his face that made some of the older students jump out of his way.

She sighed as the carriage stopped before the palace. Maybe the Princess would have something that might help him.

Stepping out she thanked the guards who had brought her back to her home of 3 years. It was nice to think of the soldiers and maids and butlers that worked inside the castle. They often left extra sweets on her pillow if she was lucky. A guilty pleasure to be sure.

She didn't really notice walking through the double doors, her mind racing with thoughts on Orion as her hooves carried her through the now familiar halls with quick practiced steps. The opalescence, the tapestries the gilded walls and drapes, she had seen them all before and no longer payed any mind as she once would have. Still on her thoughts, she gave a half greeting to the guards before pushing her way into the door to Princess Celestia's private study.

The study was a great library. Two stories of books running along both walls in an expansive room, with stairs going up both sides to access the books found no where else on Equis. The two story window was on full display with intricate lead work in framed metal showing the founding of Equestria. A beautiful sight for anyone. And a reminder for others of the weight of her teacher's office. The marble white floor was covered tastefully in the red rugs with an ornate sun pattern in the center. All this was balanced by the stark dark wood, with gold trim, desk that sat in front of the window.

There sat Princess Celestia. First of her name. Ruler of the Sun and Moon. Protector of the Lands of Equestria. Mouth stuffed with cake. To be fair this wasn't the first time Twilight had seen the Princess with cake. Or in such a large size. "Might be a whole cake this time. Something distressing must have happened."

Before Twilight could even say a greeting, Celestia swallowed the mouthful she had and burped. "Oh my dear student. I am surprised to see you back so soon." Looking down at the cake, death by chocolate if Twilight had to guess, and back to her the Princess laughed softly. "Yes it was a bad day. I sneezed directly into the Saddle Arabian Ambassador's face. It was so embarrassing. And I couldn't stop. Through the course of the day when I believed myself safe I would suddenly sneeze again." She shoved another forkful of cake into her maw.

Twilight was giggling, trying not to but failing to do so. It pulled the Princess into the laughter as well. Spewing cake chunks that made her laugh all the harder.

Composing themselves, and magicing the cake detritus away, the Princess regarded Twilight warmly. "So my student, normally I hear you had sequestered yourself in the school library for 2 hours. You being here this early means you must have had as bad a day as I had. Trouble with the classes?"

Sitting down, "No Princess. As you know I was assigned as a guide and an introductory officer for the new students that came in this year..." Twilight began to relate to the events that transpired earlier in the day. Her behavior, her attempt to correct her behavior. And the colt that had dominated her thoughts since Equish class.

Celestia was intrigued. This colt, this Orion, was a bit of a troublemaker for sure. A smart troublemaker. But through the relaying of her faithful student's tale she realized he was more then that. He showed a wisdom most colt's, or any pony his age, didn't have. His origin's broke her heart. She contributed his growing up on the streets to his uncommon smarts. She did not like the fact that her ponies were still abandoning their foals like that even after all the incentives, and family first programs she implemented over the past hundred or so years.

When Twilight spoke of the magic lessons and his lack of application over his amazing grasp of it. She realized what had upset her student so. Indeed, she too found it distressing that anypony was struggling with their inherit abilities.

"I see what has you so upset Twilight. But I posses no magic nor artifact that could help improve his connection. And the great enchanters and artificers of old no longer exist to help him. Those skills were lost countless centuries ago during the Unification Wars. I had not gotten the chance to learn them as I had been trying to keep a nation together during those turbulent times."

Twilight hung her head sadly at the news. Celestia knew her student didn't think it fair, but this was one of the many lessons she must learn if she were to achieve all that Celestia hoped she would. Though she was having trouble getting her to make friends. She spent more time buried in her studies then she did anything else. If she wasn't in the library she was with Celestia, learning of the different applications of the spells she read about. Most she knew her student would never use. but the filly was like a sponge. She soaked up everything and always seemed hungry for more.

Truthfully, Twilight no longer needed classes at the academy. But Celestia felt it important for Twilight's development to attend. Though her constant self isolation in favor a musty old tome was throwing her plans awry. A troublemaker in her own right when it comes to Celestia's plans.

"But this colt." The thought put a small smile on her lips. Just maybe Twilight found herself a friend.

The week past by quickly. Twilight spent the entire week guiding him around and showing him all the facilities. She was only supposed to help for 3 days. She was not truly as bad as she first started out. She was awkward to be sure and seemed to freeze up during conversations, Orion idly wondered if she was a bit autistic anytime she did that, but she would smile sheepishly and carry on.

All in all Orion had no problem with her. Though he did go out his way to stump her on a chemical formula problem. She quickly picked up he knew something about the subject far beyond what the school was able to teach. And she was dogged in her pursuit of what he knew. He dropped bread crumbs, but nothing more. He figured she might just be smart enough to figure it out herself.

When the end of the week came he was relieved. She would no longer be sitting with him, looking over his shoulder. That alone was a reason to celebrate. He bid her farewell on his walk back to the orphanage. Noting that she got into a very fancy carriage, being towed by four guard ponies. Horses pulling horses. He laughed at the thought.

Walking into the door of the orphanage, he walked right into a pair of wings causing the owner of the wings to squawk indignantly and whip around. Apparently a pair of griffons were standing in the hallway. That's when he took notice of Scream, standing there with a duffel bag at her fe- paws.

"I miss something?" Orion talked past the still squawking male griffon.

Screaming ran her claws through he feathers on her head and looked sadly back at him. "I am getting adopted today." Tears were in her eyes. Why was she crying, this is a happy day for her. Or were those happy tears. No, they were sad ones. Shit.

"Well congratulations! You've been here a long time. Its good for you to finally find a home. Shame though, gonna be a lot more quiet without you here." He was trying to put a humorous spin on it. He wasn't good at this. This kinda shit was for other people with normal emotions.

The older griffon female, her feathers on her head and around her eyes a teal green spoke, " Screaming? Who is the chick, a friend of yours?" She looked back curiously to Orion, evaluating him.

"This is Orion, the colt I told you about. He eats meat like us." Still tears. Oh fuck are there MORE? Why the hell was she crying and being all sad and shit?

"Preposterous little one." The male finally spoke up, "No pony eats meat. Their biology can't handle it." Looking at Orion with a mocking sneer. Orion grinned at him, canines flashing in the low light, sneer gone. Look at that. Asshole.

"No he can. He ate with me a lot. Never saw him get sick." She sniffed and smiled sadly. " I am off to Griffonstone Orion, I won't be able to try and get you to hang out with me anymore."

Oh crap, now he had to figure out a way to make it hurt less. He was going to regret this. "Well, you can always write me. I respond better in written form anyway. Space between the lines on straight lined paper. Just address it to here I'll get it." She smiled. Orion still couldn't figure out how griffons smiled. The beaks were not meant to bend like that.

"Y-you'll write me back?" She asked hopefully.

"Yeah, sure I will. You might get a 'sorry can't hang out today.' But I promise I will write to you." He regretted that promise later. Who knew a griffon had that much to talk about.

She laughed and hugged him, it was awkward. Not for her but for him. Griffons were talk critters. She was no exception. He had only hugged one other person in recent memory and that was voluntary. She was stealing a hug. Filthy hug stealer.

She finally let go, sniffling more of her tears and snot, he was sure. They said good bye and take care, you know, the usual pleasantries.

And like that, Screaming Rush was out of his physical life. If not his written one. He had not anticipated her friend latching onto him in desperation at losing a friend. But she was adopted not two weeks later so it was only a moderate hell for him. Storming Wind was not good company as it was. He recognized signs of a bully immediately upon meeting her. zero/ten would not friend.

So life went on for Orion.

He avoided the bullies that sprouted up now and again. They seemed to think he was an easy target, and on days he couldn't avoid them, they learned the hard way that he was no easy meat. Nothing was ever proven.

For the next five years he struggled to make his magic capacity grow. And grow it did. But never to match the rest of the students in class. It was driving him insane. Though Fancy Breeze did say it was likely due to him not getting a jump start on his abilities back in his early years. She could be pleasant after all. Though she was suspect. She had been looking at him weird these last 2 years.

There was another difference between him and the other unicorns in class. It was not normal. Where the other's horns would fully glow when they embraced their magic, Orion's horn did not. It seemed that only the swirling pattern on his horn would be the only thing to actually light up. He thought it was cool. No one else shared this sentiment.

It was unnerving for the teachers apparently. The things he did levitate was always encased in a strange two tone glow. The golden glow seemed to be wrapped in black. He suspected he knew what made his magic look like that. The portal crossing that seemed so distant now. The energy color that haunted his dreams. His magic seemed to swirl with the same colors of that damn portal. A wonderful constant reminder of his fate. Yay.

Examinations showed he wasn't a Shadow Pony. Whatever the hell that was. So life was relatively stagnant.

He didn't get to see much of Twilight, mostly because he avoided her like the plague. She asked WAY too many questions. But he did learn his records were requested not to long after his first week of school was over. No clue who the individual was that asked for them. But he was keeping an eye out.

Truth be told he did not want to be adopted. The strain of trying to perform as a child should would have annoyed him. He was certain he would have snapped. But no request came. No one showed up.

It was in his 5th year of school that he had a break through in his magic. He found an old tome sitting in the back of the school library. The title was, 'Enchantments, and How They can Benefit You.'