>Junior year of high school at Canterlot High started this week.
>Even though you're up by a grade level, everything still feels about the same.
>You are Anon, and this is just another typical day for you.
>You're not the smartest guy around, but you're certainly not an idiot, either.
>Your grades for the most part have been average, with mostly B's and an 'A' here and there.
>It's been pretty much passable and forgettable, with the exception of one subject.
>History.
>To say you're obsessed with it would be an understatement.
>You're not sure if it's because of the teachers you've had for it....
>...the various TV programs that cover significant events in-depth...
>...or the old saying of 'if we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it...'
>But whatever the reason, you absolutely love it.
>One of the only 'buff' things about you, but that's fine.
>It's by far your best subject these past few years, and this year should be no exception.
>The first half of the day is uneventful to you, as these classes are of little interest.
>When lunch comes around, you find your usual group of friends and sit down with them.
>There's Norman, who's perhaps the most normal of the group, and your best bud.
>While he doesn't care much history, he'll at least listen to what you've come across in your research.
>Blitz transferred here from overseas in time for Freshman year, but he warmed up to you all quickly.
>While he's not a history buff like you, he's fascinated with military history from all different eras.
>Finally, there's Ace, the science fiction fanatic of the group.
>He's the one who goes to all the local conventions, and is lucky enough to meet some of the biggest names in the industry.
>You've been in touch with them throughout the summer, so there's no need to 'catch up.'
>As you eat and chat, part of you is waiting with anticipation for what comes after.
>World History is the subject for Junior year, and you can't wait to dive into it.
>You're not expecting anything out of the ordinary to happen...
>...and then you hear...her...
>“Uh...Anon, right?”
>You look up from your tray, and you see a purple and pink-haired girl with glasses standing there.

>Twilight Sparkle is her name.
>She's also a transfer, but not from as far away as Blitz.
>She's by far the smartest student in your class. 
>While not the most popular girl in school, she has a large group of friends as well as a following.
>She's also dating Flash Sentry, one of the more apparent 'desirable' guys here.
>At least, that's what you gather, as you've only really seen them in passing.
>You don't know too much more about her, but that's not a surprise given your obscurity.
>Your friends are as confused as you are as you look around between them and the girl in front of you.
“Uh...that's me.  And you're...Twilight?”
>She nods.  “That's right.  Can I speak with you for a moment?  Privately?”
>You point a finger at yourself, shocked that someone like her wants to talk with someone like you.
>When she nods again, your friends goad you on, perhaps seeing it as a 'chance.'
>You shrug and stand up.
>She leads you out of the lunchroom, to the looks of amazement from several other students you pass.
>That includes what appears to be her own group of friends, although one just gives a nod of her own.
>Once you reach the other side of the doors, she stops and leans against one of the lockers.
“Okay...so what's with all the secrecy?”  You ask.
>Twilight fidgets with her hands.
>“Um...I was wondering if you could...do me a favor...”
“A favor?”
>“Yes...can you...be my tutor?”
>You do your best to hold back a laugh.
“Wait...what?”
>“In History, I mean...”
>You can hardly believe what you're hearing.
“I thought you were great at all subjects here.”
>“Well...not all of them.  Science and Math, for example?  Easy for me.  History, on the other hand...”
“What's the problem, then?”
>“I just have trouble remembering dates and people.  It's a lot to take in, especially with what the focus is this year.”
>Makes sense.

“That still begs the question – why ask me for help?”
>“I was told by a friend of mine that you're one of the better students here on the subject.”
“None of your other friends can do it?”
>“They could, but...none of them would be of as much assistance as you...”
“Does that include Flash?”
>Twilight nods.  “Yeah.  Besides, he's...too busy after school with his band, anyway...”
>The way she says that is unusual to you.
>Regardless, this is the first time someone has asked you to help on something like this.
>It'd be a nice opportunity to flex your knowledge, at least, so...
“I mean...if that's what you want, I've got the time for it.”
>Her eyes seem to glow.  “Really?”
“Sure, why not?”
>She smiles as she takes your hands, and comes close to jumping up and down.
>“Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I won't let you down!”
“Okay, okay,” you reply, calming her down.  “Though it's not me you'd be letting down if you flunk.”
>“You're right.  I better get ready, then.  I've got that World History course next.”
“What a coincidence...so do I.”
>She's beaming at this point.
>“Even better!  Everything's falling into place perfectly!  I can't believe this is happening!”
'You're not the only one,' you think to yourself.
>“Oh my, this will make it SO much easier.  We can be together in group discussions, pair up for team projects...and maybe-”
“Hey, one step at a time,” you reply, having to calm her down again.  “It's a marathon, not a mad dash.”
>Twilight laughs.  “Well, Dash wouldn't be mad, as she doesn't really care...”
>You tilt your head in confusion.
>“She's one of my friends.  A little play on words, you'd say...”
“Gotcha.  Tell you what, we can find seats next to each other to start, and we'll go from there.”
>“Perfect.  Thank you again, Anon.  I'll be sure to make it up to you once the semester's over.”
“Hey, just one student helping another, right?”
>Twilight shakes her head.  “No...it's more than that to me.  I'll see you in class!”
>She takes her leave, probably to rejoin her friends.
>You're left there in utter amazement.
>What the hell just happened?

>You head back in and reunite with your own friends.
>“So...what did she want?”  Norman asks.
>“Yeah, give us all the juicy details!”  Ace pleads.
>“It had to be important if she wanted to speak with you alone,” Blitz comments.
“Not really,” you reply.  “She just needs helps in history, that's all.”
>Ace looks puzzled.  “Huh?  Why?  Isn't she in the running for valedictorian of the class?” 
“She is, but nobody's perfect, including with school.”
>“That doesn't really describe her, though,” Norman says.
“That's what I thought, too.  But hey, I'm not complaining.”
>“Especially when it's a girl as cute as her,” Blitz says.  “You're a lucky guy.”
“Hardly.  One, she's taken.  Two, I don't see any real connection other than helping her study.”
>Ace laughs.  “Come on, Anon, you're being closed-minded about it.  You could be the first one in the group to land a girlfriend!”
>Everyone laughs...except you.
“Guys...I told you, there's nothing like that going on here.”
>“Not yet,” Ace replies.
>“Ah, be quiet,” Blitz orders.  “You've been fantasizing about her since she transferred here.”
>Ace holds up his hands.  “Can you blame me?  Anyone would be lucky to have her in their life!”
>“And like Anon said,” Norman replies,  “Someone already does.”
>“You mean that Flash guy?”  Ace asks.  “He's a poser.”
“Says the guy who has multiple costumes to wear at every weekend convention he goes to.”
>The other guys laugh, including Ace.
>Norman leans in to whisper to you.  “He may have a point, though.  If you play your cards right, this could turn into something more than just study sessions.”
“We'll see,” you reply, doubtfully.
>The bell rings to signify the end of lunch, and you all pack up to head to your next classes.
>For you, it's off to World History...
>...with, as Blitz put it, a cute girl sharing it with you.
>You shake your head to snap yourself out of it.
>You need to give yourself a break...why are you suddenly thinking like this?
>You wouldn't stand a chance with someone like her...
>She's way out of your league...
>Besides, what are the odds of anything else really developing out of all this?
>Oh, yeah....that's right...
>Slim to none...

------

>You find the room the World History course is being held in.
>It's the same as the U.S. History class from last year, which has you brimming with anticipation.
>You know who teaches in this room, so it's going to be a fun one.
>Twilight is already in here, and there's an open desk to her left.
>There's no assigned seating, thankfully, so you fulfill your little promise and take that spot.
>She's clearly excited, but perhaps not in the same way you are.
>Soon after, the teacher walks in.
>He's wearing a trench coat of sorts, as well as a pair of glasses with thin frames.
>The aviator's hat on his head completes the outlandish look, but it's all part of his charm.
“You're gonna like this guy,” you whisper to Twilight.
>“Welcome to the History of the Entire World...I guess,” he begins, which gets a laugh.
>“For those who don't know me, you can call me Mr. V for short, and if you prefer.”
>“The V is short for 'Voyance,' by the way, and it's only coincidence that I married a lady named Clair, but she claims she foresaw it all.”
>He hits a key on his computer's keyboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=937zhQ27XK8 
>This gets even more laughs from you and others in the room who already know him.
>Twilight needs a moment to think about it, but she finally giggles when she realizes what was said.
>Mr. V always starts class with a 'dad' joke, and this one is no exception.
>He quickly takes attendance, and gives you a quick wink when he checks off your name.
>You were at the top of his class last year, so it's no surprise.
>He turns on the overhead projector and syncs is to his computer, and he brings up a video.
>“Now, why did I introduce the class the way I did?”  He asks.  “Here's why.”
>He clicks play, and this is what you see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuCn8ux2gbs
>It's obvious a lot of the other students have seen this one, as they're singing along with the narrator.
>Twilight certainly hasn't, and she's laughing all the while.
>“I can't imagine how much research he had to do to make this,” she comments.
“A helluva lot,” you reply, “and with over 100 million views, it was all worth it.”
>By video's end, there's clapping, and Mr. V is pleased to see you all enjoyed it.
>“Now that is a very abridged history lesson,” he explains.  “We'll be going into a bit more detail.”
>“Not everything you saw is going to be covered by me, but the important parts will be.  Got it?”
>Nods from the students.
>“Good.  Then let's begin...”

>Mr. V hands out copies of the syllabus and book you'll be using
>However, you know this is more for reference than anything else.
>He's more of a hands-on approach kind of teacher, after all.
>The first thing he covers is the earliest civilizations, starting with Mesopotamia.
>It is not your typical 'recite from the textbook' sort of class.
>He goes into detail, and injects a little comedy with each 'segment' of his.
>Twilight doesn't seem used to this, but she's fascinated with this style.
>Near the end of class, Mr. V opens the floor to questions anyone may have.
>There doesn't seem to be any.
>“Well, guess we can ease our way into the next period, then,” he announces.
>He allows people to get up and socialize, as long as the noise level is kept light.
>The bell rings a few minutes later, and you and Twilight go your separate ways for your next classes.
>Once school is over,  you go to grab what you need from your locker.
>“Hi, Anon!”
>You turn as you finish up business, and you see Twilight coming towards you.
“What did you think of the first day?”  You ask.
>“Plenty of familiar things,” she replies, “but even more unknowns.”  
“Like what?”
>“Well, I'd never even heard of some of the events mentioned in that video, and I did not expect the teacher to go about things like he did.”
“You'll get used to it.  He's...eccentric, to put it lightly.”
>Twilight giggles.  “You're right about that.  He's definitely not like the other teachers I've had.”
“Is that a good thing, or bad thing for you?”
>“If he keeps it up, let's say I may have an easier time with this than I thought.”
“So...does that mean you won't be needing my help after all?”
>You say this with the tiniest hint of disappointment, and she's quick to pick up on it.
>“Oh, I'll still be coming to you for help, don't worry.  I'm not about to back out on something like this after a first impression.”
>Part of you is actually relieved to hear this.
“Heh, glad to hear.”
>“Speaking of which, you wanna go to the library for a bit?  There are some things I wanted to go over with you.”
>You wave an arm for her to lead the way, and you follow her to said place on the next floor.

>The library feels even dustier than when you were here last, which was just before summer vacation.
>You feel your nose acting up; your allergies are not going to appreciate this level of dust, but you're sure it'll be worth it somehow. 
>Twilight finds a table for you both to sit at, and she pulls our her history book.
>“Alright, let's see we've got here,” she says, opening up to the section used as reference.
>The two of you spend the next half hour or so going over what you learned in class that day.
>You show her the notes you had taken, as well as their overall structure.
>“Remind me to try and make my notes like yours,” she requests.  “These are pretty good.”
“Not much to it besides putting a spin on them,” you reply.
>As time goes by, it sounds like she's getting a better grasp of things, which means there's time for other questions.
“So, who suggested you come see me for this?”
>“Hm?  Oh, that'd be Sunset.  She shared the U.S. History course with you during sophomore year.”
>You remember this fiery redhead; just the year prior she came out of nowhere to assert dominance over everyone.
>You don't know when or how it happened, as you generally don't attend big school events you don't care about, but she mellowed out and became more approachable.
>You got paired up with her on a couple history assignments after that, and she seemed nice enough.
“Guess she was impressed with the knowledge I had,” you say.
>“That's why you're perfect for this,” Twilight replies.  “She said I could count on you.”
“I'll do my best, just like you will.”
>“Right...”
>As you're packing up, another question pops into your head.
“One other thing - when I brought up Flash earlier, you sounded a little off.  Did anything happen between you two recently?”
>Twilight gets up.  “I'd rather not talk about that, if that's okay with you...”
“Sorry, didn't mean to pry.”
>“It's not your fault.  I'm just...dealing with a few things right now, and I wanted to focus on something else for a while.”
“Gotcha.  So...you wanna make this our normal routine for now?  Meeting up here after school to go over what we learned? 
>Twilight thinks about it.  “That's not a bad idea...if you don't mind, or course.”
“Hey, I've don't really have anything going on afterward, so I'd be glad to keep this up.” 
>“Wonderful.  You want to exchange numbers?”  
“Numbers?”  You ask in a joking tone.  “But we've only barely met.”
>Twilight chuckles.  “You know what for.  This way we can let each other know if something comes up and keeps us from meeting.”
>You nod, and you take your respective phone numbers down

>She parts ways with you after that, and you make the drive back home.
>As you're going through your other homework that night, you get a call from Norman.
>“Hey man, how did it go?”  He asks.
“How you'd  normally expect a tutoring session to go,” you reply.
>“You know what I mean...”
“You and the rest of our group.  And no, nothing came of it.”
>“Not yet.  Give it time.”
“Will you stop?  It's bad enough when Ace kept going on and on.”
>“Hey, you know I'm joking.”
“Partially...”
>“Even so, I still think you can get at least a friendship out of this.”
“We'll see how it goes...”
>“Plenty of time, Anon.  Plenty of time.”
“Say...did you happen to have a class with Flash today?”
>“Yeah, why?”
“Twilight told me she was...dealing with a few things.  I'm wondering if maybe something happened between them.”
>“Hard to say.  He didn't look or act different than he usually does.  If something did happen, he's hiding it well.”
“He might be, but Twi's another story.  I didn't press her on it, as that's more of a personal matter.”
>“You could always ask one of her friends if you wanted to.  They might have heard a little more.”
“Maybe, though I may seem like an intruder...” 
>“Depends on who you talk to and how you ask.  I'd say Sunset or Pinkie's your best bet.”
“If there's time, I'll try.  Thanks for the suggestion.”
>“No prob.  Look, I've got work of my own to do.  See ya tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye...”
>You hang up and get back to the task at hand.
>All the while, more and more questions are brewing in your brain.
>What if there was some kind of falling out between Twilight and Flash?
>How would that affect her attention, let alone yours?
>How long would either of you be able to keep quiet about it?
>Is it even possible to get answers from any of her friends?
>It'll have to be dealt with one step at a time, as you told her earlier.
>It's just a matter of how big those steps will be...

------

>The rest of the week seems to follow a pattern.
>The first half of the day is boring as hell.
>Lunch gets you geared up for the second half.
>Mr. V livens things up his class.
>The remaining classes after that are boring as hell.
>You go through the history material with Twilight in the library.
>And you neglect to talk to anyone else about her possible 'issues.'
>That is, until Friday comes around.
>You're grabbing a few things from your locker before heading to the cafeteria.
>That's when you hear a different voice.
>“Hey Anon.”
>You recognize who it is almost immediately.
>When you turn around, there's Sunset Shimmer in all her glory.
“Hey, what's up?”
>“Just checking in to see how my little suggestion is going,” Sunset replies.
“Still too early to tell how Twilight will do on tests and whatnot, but I'm sure she'll be fine.”
>“Glad to hear.  I hope her asking you for help hasn't been a burden on you at all.”
“Not really.  It was more of a surprise than anything else, but a welcome one.”
>“Thank you.  She's been going on about her new 'study buddy,' and it's taking her mind off of things for now.”
>You laugh at the term being used for you, but this comment opens another door.
“What kind of things do you mean?”
>Sunset doesn't respond at first.
>“I'm not sure if I should be talking about that...”
“If it's something I'm not supposed to know about, I can understand.”
>She starts looking up and down the hallway.
>“It's not that.  It's more along the lines of the fewer people who know about it, the better.”
“Hey, I don't go running my mouth to anyone about other people's problems.  I was hoping for a little clarity, that's all.”
>Sunset sighs, then stares you straight in the eye.  “You swear you won't repeat what I tell you to anyone else?”
“I swear it.  If I go back on that, you come find me and break me in half.”
>She chuckles at this 'promise' of yours.
>“Well...if you're sure about that...it's between her and Flash.”
“That's what part of me was thinking.  What happened?”
>“She and him got into an argument near the end of the summer.”
“An argument?  About what?”

>“From what Twilight told me, basically it sounds like it was a matter of time, or lack thereof.”
“That doesn't make sense...”
>Sunset shakes her head.
>“Flash spent most of the vacation either with his band or doing things on his own.  Twilight was hoping they could spend some time together, but that didn't really happen.”
“So she was upset because he didn't save any time for her?”
>“Pretty much.  When I spoke with Flash, he said he told her he had a lot going on, both with performances and preparing for them.”
“Did they still stay in touch throughout all this?”
>“For the most part, but there's a difference between simply being over-phone and physical contact.”
“I guess...”
>“But two weeks before school started, Twilight must have left numerous voice messages and emails for him, and he didn't reply to any of them.”
“Not good...”
>“No.  She reached a boiling point and finally had enough, and she went to confront him about this. 
>“Flash told her the biggest show of the summer was coming up, and he didn't want any distractions.  She lost it, and that's when the fight happened.”
“And what came of it?”
>“It sounds like Twilight told him if he's going to ignore her like this, maybe they should 'take a break and try again later.'”
“So they haven't broken up or anything.  Just spending time apart for now.”
>“That's what I could gather.  She was pretty upset when she talked to me about it that day.”
“Who else knows?”
>“The rest of our group does, and now so do you.  Not sure who on Flash's side does, however.”
“I haven't heard talk around school about any of this, so he's probably being tight-lipped, also.”
>“Hopefully.  Like I said, the fewer people who know, the better.”
“And I'll make sure it stays that way.”  
>“You'd better, or it won't just be me you'll have to answer to.”
>You gulp.
>“And please don't mention this talk we're having to Twilight, okay?  I don't want to look like a liar I front of her.”
“Promise.  They'd have to put me through torture before I talk.”  
>“I don't know much about that, but I bet Applejack or Pinkie would.”
>You feel another lump in your throat.
>Sunset laughs. “I'm kidding...well, maybe.  Come on, it's pizza day, and I'm starving for it.”
>You laugh yourself, albeit nervously, as you both make your way to the lunchroom.

>Mr V's class today finishes up the week of early civilizations with an overview of Egypt.
>He mentions that there would be a quiz on Monday, giving you time near the end of the period, as well as the weekend, to prepare for it.
>Twilight seems a little nervous about it during your study session that afternoon.
>“Geez, a quiz already?”  She comments.
“I figured you'd be all over that,” you reply.
>“If it's a subject I'm good with, yes, but this is different.”
“Not really.  We're going over all of this now, and I can show you my notes from the week if you're still having trouble.”
>“I guess.  You said you've had this teacher before.  What are his tests like?”
"They're not your typical multiple-choice pop quizzes.  He usually gives several names or terms, you pick at least half of them, and you write a paragraph's worth about them.”
>“Unusual...”
“He looks more for what you've learned, rather than what you remember.”
>Twilight gives you a confused look.
“Let's try that again.  It's one thing to recite names and dates, but another to put it all into context and describe it.”
>“Okay, that makes a little more sense.”
“There we go.  Sorry, sometimes I have trouble understanding what the hell I'm saying, myself.”
>Twilight giggles.  “You're not as bad as me.  Half the time, NO ONE knows what I'm talking about.”
“Is that when you're going through your science wizardry?”
>“I wouldn't call it 'wizardry,' but it's the subject I'm most captivated by, just like you are with history.”
“To each their own.”
>“Yes.  Have I thanked you enough for all of this, by the way?”
“There's no need to thank me all the time.  I'm glad to be doing this with you, and it's a nice change of pace from what I'm used to.”
>“Oh?  What is it you're used to?”
“Being on my own, mostly, but that's when my other friends are busy with schoolwork or other things.”
>Twilight looks down.  “I know the feeling.  Doesn't it get lonely?”
“Sometimes, but I find ways to keep my mind occupied.”
>“Must be nice...”
>Sunset's request/threat fresh in your mind, you move on from this subject.

“But enough about that.  It's Friday, so there's the weekend to look forward to.”
>“I've got homework and studying to do, but I usually have it hammered out early on.”
“Do you have plans for after that?”
>“Nothing is set in stone as of yet.  Why?”
“Would you...want to try doing something not related to studying?”
>Twilight gives you an inquisitive look.
>“With you?”
“Yeah, why not?”
>Twilight turns her head away as she mulls over it. 
>“What did you have in mind?”
“Well...I guess it depends on what else you like to do.  I can roll with whatever you decide on.”
>Twilight gives a light nod as she continues to ponder.
>You can easily sense the hesitation.
“Not feeling it, I guess...”
>“No, it's not that...”
“Then what?”
>She gives a weak smile.
>“It's...just an awkward time for me...”
“I get that...”
>“And I'm still with Flash...to a degree...”
>Not 100-percent honest, but again, you don't want to press her on it.
“This wouldn't be a date.  Think of it as finding other ways of getting to know each other..”
>Twilight scratches her chin, still unsure.
“It's really up to you.  If you don't want to, I won't be mad.”
>“You promise?”
“I'm spending some quality time with you right now, so even that's enough for right now.”
>Twilight shakes her head, the smile on her face growing.
>“Why don't I think about it?  If I feel up for something, I'll get in touch with you, how about that?”
“That's fine with me.  You know how to reach me.”
>Twilight nods, and you get back to your study session.
>You part ways afterward, and you head home.
>As Norman may say, you at least have your foot in the door.
>It'll be interesting to see if Twilight takes you up on your offer.
>Even better if things develop further as a result...

------

More to come...