The Tale of the Two Horned Pony- Chapter 8: Duo’s First Assignment

[superspyro3000 43]

For context, this story takes place at the beginning of the 8th season of Friendship is Magic. I am posting this story chapter by chapter, so stay tuned for updates. Other than that, I hope

that this years in the making story brings as much joy for you as it does for me! This is a reformatted and edited chapter!

 

Chapter 8- Duo’s First Assignment

 

As soon as DualCore and Rarity made it to his house, she directed him to a tremendous stack of other items. Slabs of glass for the windows that were broken, various tools, filler for the walls, dirt to fill in the space where the house was dropped, and even new squares of lawn. 

 

“Where did you get all of this?!” Asked DualCore, taken aback. 

 

“That’s not your concern.” Retorted Rarity hurriedly. “I’m going to help you make this disgusting hole of yours livable! So just take these-” Using her magic, she handed DualCore the cleaning supplies. “-and start downstairs! I won’t help you inside until you dust your horns off!”

 

Rarity went to work immediately, leaving DualCore stunned by her bold assumption that he would follow this order from her. After the way she berated him, he could not imagine her wanting to help anymore than she attempted to this morning. 

 

While Rarity was magically pouring the bags of dirt at the oversized hole around the house, Duo rolled his eyes, and began to clean as well. Scrubbing the floors, dusting the cobwebs, washing the windows, replacing the broken glass with fresh panes, filling the cracks on the walls, and many more tasks. 

 

Cleaning up the house with Rarity took the entire evening. DualCore was noticing the house transform before his eyes as the layers of thick dust were wiped clean, and Rarity was noticing the shift as well in not only the house’s condition, but also in DualCore’s attitude. It seems putting him to work on something really mellows him out, she thought to herself.

 

By nightfall, they finished, and the two stepped back. Dualcore wiped the sweat from his brow, surprised by the transformation the house had undergone. 

 

“That should get you started…” Huffed Rarity, hardly breaking a sweat. DualCore was worn from the effort of cleaning the whole interior, but after gulping down some water, shook off the fatigue. 

 

“Yeah… It looks more like a home now… Minus the shelves, and the books, and the art desk-” 

 

“Okay, okay, that can be tomorrow’s trifle.” Rarity interrupted. “Just please keep your house this clean moving forward… Pretty please?” She finished in a more girly voice. 

 

DualCore thought it over, rolling his eyes from Rarity’s faux simpering plea. Reluctantly, he said, “Alright... I’ll do it, but only because you helped.”  

 

Rarity then added, “Good! You’ll have a much easier time making friends in a clean home!” 

 

DualCore made his way up the top stair, and before he closed the door, he stopped. Without turning around, he spoke. “Thanks. I don’t know why you chose to help, but I appreciate it…” 

 

Rarity gave him a weak, but clear smile. At the very least, the horrors of returning to a dust-covered crime scene were over. 

 

“And remember- nopony is to hear about what happened this morning!” Rarity said, back to her more haughty tone. “I’ve never seen anypony take such poor care of themselves or their living spaces in all my life. At least try to work on that, or you will be seated outside my class.”

 

Rarity left, leaving DualCore to his newly cleaned house. 

 

The first week came and went quickly for DualCore. His schedule was a 4 day week. Mondays and Wednesdays he had 4 classes- First was Rarity’s Generosity class, then Pinkie Pie’s laughter class, Fluttershy’s Kindness class, and then he had to report to Twilight Sparkle for his study period. Tuesdays and Thursdays only had 3 classes- First was Rainbow Dash’s Loyalty class, then Applejack’s Honesty class, and finally, a double study period with Twilight Sparkle. 

 

Of his classes, he had the least amount of trouble in Pinkie Pie’s class, though he was a target for the tickle stick for two straight days. 

 

His most hated was without a doubt Fluttershy’s. His Wednesday class fared no better than before. The class had to show an example of kindness by complimenting one of her animal friends. 

 

DualCore was partnered up with the grizzly bear, and even with an earnest effort to say something nice, the grizzly bear would not accept the compliments and tried to maul him.

 

Fluttershy had the door closed on DualCore for the rest of the class when he had to go retreat to the nurse, who couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of having to tend to the wounds of “Equestria’s most dangerous pony” on his third day of school. 

 

By Friday evening, only five days into the semester, Twilight Sparkle called for a meeting between her friends. Everyone met up together in her office, and the group huddled together at Twilight’s desk. 

 

“How is everybody doing with their classes so far?” The others gazed at Twilight for a moment before she continued on, “Before we get into what we should do from here, let’s see where we are now.” 

 

There were a few murmurs in the group, but there were also complaints about how the classes were running. 

 

“Good… Well, Friends and Family night is going to mean everything. Chancellor Neighsay sent a letter this morning. He is coming to the gathering, so we have to prepare for him, and the biggest hurdle we have is… DualCore.” The teachers went silent. Fluttershy turned away. 

 

“How has he handled your classes so far?” Asked Twilight broadly. 

 

Rarity, who had to deal with him on his first day, spoke first. “He’s like an annoying little brother… I have had to baby him each class I had him. Poor thing didn’t even know how soap worked… But I must admit, he isn’t failing on my coursework.” 

 

Twilight looked to Applejack, who seemed like she wanted to speak next. “I don’t know what to expect from him,” said Applejack anxiously. “So far he has been up front about why he is here, and he doesn’t really cause a ruckus in class.” 

 

“Everypony keeps staring at him in my class…” Said Rainbow Dash as she rolled her eyes. “He gets one lucky hit and he has all their attention!” 

 

“I think he really likes my class!” Said Pinkie Pie, swiveling in her stool. “He even likes my new nickname for him!” 

 

“What’s his nickname?” Asked Applejack suddenly. 

 

“Sorry, but no-can-do! That’s a secret.” Pinkie Pie replied back with a tease.

 

“Well, there are a few things we have to set straight.” Said Twilight hurriedly. “We have a few places where we can improve, so next week I will be inspecting each class and ensuring that we have everything running up to the standards set out by the EEA.”

 

Fluttershy remained dismissive, but her avoidant gaze was starting to drip with sweat. She was hoping this meeting could just end before she had to say anything. Sure enough…

 

“There is also one thing that we need to address…” 

 

Twilight signaled to Fluttershy. She was now unable to hide her nerves, but continued to be vigilant. 

 

“Fluttershy, DualCore told me you are disrespectful to him.” 

 

Fluttershy gave a small scowl, turning her back on the group. 

 

“I was treating him as he deserved to be treated…” She said so firmly, it sounded nothing like her. 

 

“I understand how you feel, but if you keep treating him like a monster… Well, it might make it harder for him to pass. He already considered skipping your classes-"

 

"Good!” Fluttershy interjected. “If he thinks we’re wasting his time he should just leave.”

 

“Fluttershy, don’t say that!” Said Pinkie Pie, her smile wiped away. 

 

“What’s gotten into you…” Rarity butted in. 

 

“Oh, so you’re choosing to side with this monster?” Fluttershy said recklessly, her voice rising in volume. 

 

“Fluttershy!” Twilight was now wearing a scowl of her own. “None of us asked to have DualCore as a student! Princess Celestia gave him a chance to redeem himself, and we are tasked to help!” 

 

Fluttershy was cornered, and she couldn’t break free from her own friends, closing in like they were walls. Twilight was looking her in the eyes, almost begging for her to admit what she was feeling. Everyone else waited tensely, until Fluttershy finally got up again, her face streaming with silent tears. 

 

“I’m just looking out for you...” Said Fluttershy quietly. She pushed her friends aside, stormed out of Twilight’s office and to the exit doors. Twilight Sparkle called for her to come back, but she kept running, and by the time Twilight could see her, she flew away. 

 

The remaining five teachers stood silently, concerned for Fluttershy, but also concerned about Friends and Family night. Twilight sighed, thinking about the possibility. Unable to reassure her friends, she went back on, continuing where she left off. 

 

“For this week, we have the next units ready for your courses, and for DualCore, an additional assignment will be handed to him. Any ideas?” 

 

The group was puzzled thinking of a way to teach DualCore. Eventually, they all came to an agreement on one key issue; DualCore could do the written work, but he does not interact with anyone. Outside of Kindness class and the study period, he is first to appear in classes, he never speaks, and he avoids all social interaction. Twilight Sparkle expected as much.

 

After what felt like an hour, Applejack perked up, reminded of the Grand Galloping Gala. “Remember when you had that second ticket to the Gala but couldn’t make up who you wanted to go with?” she asked matter of factly. “What if DualCore’s first assignment is finding somepony to go with him?”

 

Twilight Sparkle beamed at Applejack. “That’s a brilliant idea! It’s still a week away, so he will have time to invite somepony!” she said happily. 

 

The meeting concluded with mixed feelings, the most polarizing thoughts on Fluttershy. Chancellor Neighsay being at the celebration too did not help the matter either. DualCore was being watched rigorously, which was enough to make him less of a threat in a gathering like this. 

 

Twilight remained in her office. She read over a few letters, but she couldn’t shake off how Fluttershy stormed off during the meeting. She knew that she meant well and wanted to protect her, but she was so convinced he was disingenuous that she would not give him a chance. There was no talking her out of this, either. 

 

For the entire weekend, Fluttershy locked herself in her home, and she wouldn’t answer the door unless there was a situation that had nothing to do with DualCore. The only ones welcome in her company were a few of her animal companions, who have stepped up to support her. 

 

DualCore was keeping himself locked up in his home, too, but seeing as he had no friends at all, he was truly alone. 

 

Now that he wasn’t sleeping entire days away, he was faced with nothing to do, nowhere to finish his work, and he still had no supplies. The house may have been much cleaner, but it was empty, and DualCore, sitting at his old bed and staring at the stained glass in his bedroom, was going insane from boredom!

 

DualCore wanted to go get more supplies, but without money, he was left with the few supplies given to him, namely a single sketchbook, and some ink with a quill. He had the whole weekend free, and this was all he had.

 

Opening up one of the blank pages, DualCore took the quill, and started to sketch. He did not know what he was drawing, but it started to take shape, and he settled with drawing some dandelions, since he had a plate of them in front of his sketchbook. 

 

By the morning before the next school day, Duo had made at least 6 drawings in his sketchbook. The drawings stayed under his bed. As usual, DualCore was sound asleep, the morning sun now touching the stained glass. 

 

Behind DualCore was a shadowy figure. It looked like it had no face, but was staring down the sleeping colt, peering at him like fresh prey. It came closer, close enough to kiss his cheek when he finally began to open his eyes. The figure made DualCore jump so abruptly that he flew from his bed and sank down to the floor with a crash! 

 

“Goooood morning, Twosies!!!” shouted Pinkie Pie enthusiastically. “Are you ready for a new day of school??” 

DualCore clumsily made his way back up, his chest pounding like a war drum from the scare. What caught his attention next? Something that froze his blood solid.

 

 All of the walls were painted bright pink. The door, the floor, the stairs, everything was now a hot, fluorescent pink. 

 

Pinkie Pie, noticing DualCore’s pale, exasperated gaping face, explained, “While you were sleeping, I went to the trouble of painting your house for you! It looked pretty sad, but now you’ll come back to a happier home every day!!” 

 

DualCore was rooted to the floor. The whole room had so much pink in one space. He felt like he was trapped in a bottle of strawberry milk, and it was the same bright pink downstairs as well. He could not help but stare at his home as Pinkie Pie escorted him out. 

 

Pinkie Pie happily trotted out of the freshly pinked house. “You better hurry! The paint will still be there when you get back!” she called out playfully to a very distant DualCore. 

 

The entire day, DualCore was shell shocked. The only thing that played to his benefit was the other students had stopped approaching him by now. At least he did not have to explain what spooked him. 

 

His classes felt more of the same. Rarity’s was still hooves on in the lessons of basic generosity, and Pinkie Pie continued to target DualCore with the tickle stick. The other students continue to snicker when Pinkie Pie calls for him by his new nickname, “Twosies”. 

 

DualCore’s reputation was still notorious among the students. While he didn’t make much of an effort to befriend anyone, nobody was courageous enough to interact with him, especially after how he was treated on his first day in the Kindness class. He was referred to as “Two-horns”, “Twosies”, or “monster” by anyone talking about him. The belief was that he could strike again at any moment, so nobody spoke too loudly around him. 

 

Trying to turn invisible was impossible. In the hallways, he was able to use its crowded nature to avoid unwanted attention, but in classes, he wasn’t able to hide. Fluttershy was still acting coldly to DualCore, and at times, he would bark back. The students in this class were almost looking forward to seeing this hateful relationship unfold. 

 

At long last, it was time for study period. This was the best class of the day, allowing DualCore to catch his breath and finish his extra assignments without anyone else around him. Today, however, Twilight Sparkle asked him to sit at the front of her desk. She carried her usual demeanor, mixed with that usual hesitant twitch. 

 

“So DualCore…” Said Twilight, trying to gather her words. “Friends and Family night is this Friday. You are going to be invited to come, but for your first main assignment in my class…”

 

Two tickets materialized in front of DualCore. They fluttered gently in front of him on Twilight’s desk. 

 

“You are going to be inviting one friend to come with you.” Twilight finished more confidently.

 

A black cloud had covered the sun, the rain from outside pelting the window as DualCore wrapped his head around what he was given. 

 

DualCore stared blankly at the tickets. After his first day of school, he had not wanted to talk to Twilight Sparkle. 

 

Twilight read Duo’s face, from his befuddled eyes to the tickets in front of him. She expected him not to say anything, but she sighed to herself, not knowing what else to do. “Have you made an effort to befriend anypony your first week?”

 

“No, Teach…” Duo trailed, still looking away from Twilight. “They wouldn’t go with me. No use asking them.”

“You’ll find somepony if you try.” Twilight used a spell to place the tickets on Duo’s stack of belongings, packing the tickets in his sketchbook. 

 

DualCore was not convinced he could make a friend by Friday. Sure, there was Gallus and Sandbar, but they haven’t spoken to him after Fluttershy’s class. Pinkie Pie would tickle him, but he didn’t believe that was her being friendly. Besides them, everyone else avoided him like his aura alone could kill on contact. 

 

DualCore was finished, but Twilight Sparkle was not. She urged him to come back to her desk when he turned back to his notebook. 

 

“Avoiding me is not going to help you with this assignment.” Said Twilight waringly. “You haven’t tried to make any friends here… But you’re not going to pass this course, or any of your classes if you just focus on the written work.”

 

“The written work doesn’t talk about me under its breath.” DualCore mumbled, avoiding Twilight’s keen eyes still. 

 

“And you’re not going to learn how to make a friend if you don’t give yourself that chance!” Twilight continued, ignoring his mumbling. “This assignment is about putting yourself out there… To show your peers that you are… well, more than your reputation. Isn’t there something, anything that you would want to share about yourself? A hobby, or favorite music?”

 

Sighing heavily, DualCore calmly closed his eyes, letting the pouring rain outside fill the ambience. He was not on board with this assignment, but without saying anything, he grabbed for his notebook, moving the tickets to the page behind his latest drawing. 

 

“DualCore, I’d appreciate it if you answered me.” Said Twilight, more assertively. “What do you like to do?”

 

DualCore still had no answer, but Twilight broke his concentration, forcing him to look at her. 

 

“I draw. But it’s nothing that would make friends though.” Said DualCore finally. 

 

“Nothing…?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “Art can say much more than you think. Rarity is an artist, and she uses her talents in her boutique. Even Fluttershy-”

 

DualCore suddenly looked more angry, that cold expression not unlike the one Twilight first saw coming back to him. She stopped talking at once. After a moment’s silence, he returned to drawing. 

 

“I’m sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I did tell her that she needed to treat you more respectfully. She’s just going through a lot right now. She isn’t as cruel as you’ve seen.”

 

DualCore looked up, his eyebrows still furrowed. “I don’t want to talk about her.” 

 

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the class period. As he left Twilight’s office, his now empty expression coming back, he was stopped by the bustling students. Particularly a yak and a dragon who had passed him by. This pause bought Twilight enough time to call for him once more. 

 

“You left these…” Twilight whipped her magic, and the two tickets flew back into his notebook. “You have until Friday to find a pony or non-pony to go with you. It can be a student or a friend you make outside of class. I’m not grading you based on whether you made a friend. Just try.”

 

As DualCore left the School of Friendship, he couldn’t help but leer at the tickets indifferently. Twilight Sparkle did not understand, he thought. No, she was just trying to project a more optimistic outcome. That made more sense to him. Why else would she try so hard to convince him he could make friends if she wasn’t trying to convince herself it was possible too? 

 

“There you are, Twosies!!!” said a loud, bubbly voice from behind DualCore’s ears. 

 

DualCore’s bag flew. He jumped, and his voice cracked. “Geez, don’t scare me like that!!” He said, panting heavily as he clutched his now pounding chest.

 

“Oh… Sorry about that.” Said Pinkie Pie lightheartedly. She pranced in front of DualCore, leading the way. “Before I take you back home, you must see this!”

 

While the sky began to clear up, puddles of rain were everywhere beyond the walkway. Pinkie Pie was bouncing on each one without a care in the world. DualCore was bringing up the rear. Whatever she had to show him, he thought, was not going to be good. He still could not get over his entire house being painted pink. 

 

Pinkie Pie trailed far ahead, occasionally prancing back to circle around DualCore, who was still glaring at her. “Awww, turn that frown upside down, Twosies!” She said amusingly. “Where I’m taking you to, you’ll have no choice but to smile!”

 

To DualCore, that sounded like a threat. Without realizing it, he tensed up, his brain now sending warning signs like they were free pamphlets. 

 

By the time Pinkie Pie arrived at her destination, she was dragging poor DualCore by his tail. She ignored his clear and sudden shift in tone, for she was confident this detour was going to be fun for both of them…

“Okay, Twosies… Here we are!!” Said Pinkie Pie excitedly. 

 

DualCore kept his eyes shut, hoping for the insanity to end in his mind. Pinkie Pie took notice, and smiling cheerfully, shook him once more. 

 

“Awww come on, Twosies! Open your eyes, we’re here! You’ll like it, I promise!” 

 

Against his better judgement, he opened his eyes. Before him was what looked like a bakery, only the roof looked like it was made of gingerbread. Frosting-like material coated it as well. The sight, and the smells were so sweet that even he was struck dumb by the warm aura surrounding it. 

 

DualCore finally began to speak again. “Ok, where did you take me?” He asked flatly, shaking himself back to his defenses. 

 

“This is Sugarcube Corner!” Pinkie Pie replied ecstatically. “My parents work here! I’ve told them about you already, and they agreed to make you something special!”

 

While DualCore wanted to believe this was a sweet gesture from Pinkie Pie, he was still skeptical. There was no way he deserved this, he thought. He couldn’t even say no. She was already pushing him closer to the entrance. The aroma was so pleasant that DualCore’s defenses were slowly coming down. Whatever was being made in here, he thought, was the greatest smelling confection of his life. 

 

Pinkie Pie still had to push him into the bakery, but was met with less resistance. DualCore had no choice now. He was looking around, and he was met by two figures who looked very much like Pinkie Pie’s parents. 

 

“Welcome!!” The two said together, jolting the double horned colt. “You must be Pinkie Pie’s little pupil!!” 

 

“Little?” DualCore stumbled. “...Pupil?”

 

Ms. Cake interjected. “Pinkie Pie told us about you, and we wanted to welcome you properly.” 

 

Behind her was a tray, hot off the oven. On it were a dozen cupcakes, each a different flavor. There were so many that DualCore was punched with a direct blow of delight. 

 

“We understand how difficult it is to not know how to fit in. You’ve been the talk of the town since you came here!” Said Mr. Cake, his warm grin meeting DualCore’s still unsure one.

 

“Oh really? I’d rather not worry about what they have to say, honestly…” Said DualCore, feeling more and more on the spot by the moment. 

 

“That’s the spirit!” Said Ms. Cake enthusiastically. “Just make yourself comfortable, and we’ll get these cupcakes prepped just for you!” 

 

There had to be a catch. This was too good to be true. Pinkie Pie was by DualCore’s side, pleased to see an unmistakable smile on the corner of his cheek. Several other ponies were making their way to the bakery, and almost on cue, she poked him. 

 

“Why don’t you offer a cupcake to one of them?” Pinkie Pie whispered coincidentally. “Gotta invite a new friend to the Friends and Family gathering after all!”

 

Of course… This was all just an opportunity to put DualCore in front of other ponies to do his assignment. He did not feel ready to approach anyone, and sure enough, the ponies who visited looked over, and knew immediately they did not want to step closer to him. 

 

He remained where he sat, looking away from them as best as he could. Pinkie Pie noticed he was not going to try. The group of ponies peered over again when she called for them. 

 

“We have an open seat over here. Want to join us?” She asked kindly. 

 

“No, it’s okay. We’re not staying long.” the pony said back. 

 

DualCore was thinking about this assignment, and fell back into a pool of anxious thoughts. While he didn’t show it, he was certain this assignment was not going to work out. Mr. Cake stepped out of the kitchen with a fresh set of cupcakes for DualCore and Pinkie Pie. The frosting only further made these look irresistible. At least for a fleeting moment, it made DualCore stop thinking about failing his first major assignment.

 

“Go on…” Pinkie Pie whispered, in a more comforting tone. “Offer the pumpkin flavored cupcake. Those are delicious!”

 

The group of ponies were ignoring DualCore. To him, this felt like a waste of time. If there was anything he could detect without any magic at all, it was the cold shoulder. 

 

“I would, but they don’t look interested.” Said DualCore quietly. 

 

“That’s only because you’ve been shut in for so long.” Pinkie Pie retorted in the same comforting tone. “Go ahead, try…”

 

It would have been better to just say nothing, but DualCore stood up, peering over to the group. 

 

“D-Do any of you like pumpkin?” He asked sheepishly. “I’ve got a pumpkin cupcake for anyone who wants to join my table…”

 

No response. 

 

DualCore gave up, now looking more downhearted. It was not a surprise, either. Pinkie Pie finally picked up on DualCore’s soured demeanor. He was actively hiding it, as though the fortress in his mind was building another wall. 

 

By now, even she didn’t bother to suggest trying again. There was no mistake in the way the group behaved that they wanted nothing to do with DualCore. There were not enough cupcakes in the world to sway them. 

 

“Don’t worry about them…” Pinkie Pie whispered, catching some of DualCore’s more somber energy. “There are more ponies in Ponyville you can ask.” She smiled, more weakly than usual.