private The Princess of Imagination

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

(The OOC Thread: http://mlpforums.com/topic/74718-the-princess-of-imagination/

 

It was Sterling's first day in Trottingham. The 17 year old crimson stallion was going to be starting his first day of classes at the University of Trottingham to get his medical program started. He was excited. He had a few days to look around Trottingham and get himself acquainted to the beautiful, exotic city. His parents were worried about him going out alone and away from Manehattan, but they considered this venture to be much more filled with opportunity since he was turned down from Manehattan's medical school. 

 

When Sterling placed his first hooves onto the muddy dirt path that led into Trottingham, he was excited. Even though the clouds were beginning to form, he knew that this would be a life-changing experience. He couldn't wait to make so many new friends in Trottingham. Deep in his heart, he hoped that Trottingham would be different from the hostile environment of Manehattan High, exacerbated by all the bullying that was rampant.  Sterling kept these hopes to himself as he hummed happily along the dirt path... 

Edited September 29, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[Harmony Spark 265]

Trottingham University was full of rustic yet colourful charm and most of their students spirits were high, but not all of them. A white earth pony with a long wavy mane of blue, indigo and violet, by the name of Harmony Spark, is being threatened by some bullies of the university, Lightning Grease and his sidekick, Double Trouble. "Hah! What's a stupid mare like you doing playing and talking to yourself?" Lightning sneered. "What a weirdo," Double retorted. "Hey, at least I don't act like the stupid jerk like you, Grease. With that attitude, I'm surprised why you came to this school." Harmony replied in an angered but disciplined tone. Harmony started to walk away when she finds that her bag is stolen by Lightning. "Hey, give it back!" Harmony shouted. "Too late, weirdo." Lightning back chatted, rudely peaking at Harmony's notepad, seeing highly imaginative drawings. Lightning shoved this into every pony's faces and yelled "HEY EVERYPONY! CHECK THIS OUT! HARMONY MADE THESE LAME GIANT ROBOTS THAT CAN TURN INTO THINGS!" However, to Lightning's amazement, everypony loved the idea and started to praise Harmony for her imagination. Lightning Grease cringed red with embarrassment and in order to survive awkwardness, he charges at Harmony and fights her.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling arrived in Trottingham. He took a good look around the small village, wondering what he could do to settle in. He then decided to check out Trottingham University to see what his new surroundings would be like. He walked in the direction of the university, noticing all the mud that was on the roads. His father was certainly right about Trottingham's rustic nature. Everything looked a lot more primitive, but not so primitive as to say they were in the dark ages. 

 

Sterling then saw the large white buildings with a large sign that read, "Trottingham University." He gave out a smile, excited to have a look! The dean of the university said that he was welcome to look around for a day before medical school started the next day. With that in mind, Sterling excitedly walked into the university's doors, first noticing how different it was from the rest of the town. It looked quite modernistic to him. Cream walls, new doors that marked the entrance, and lots of classrooms and lecture halls!

 

As Sterling continued to walk around the university, he noticed a mare... she looked like she was in big trouble! She looked like she was soon going to be pummeled by two bullies! He trotted as quickly as he could to the scene, hoping he could do something to help her. When he arrived, the bullies looked... a lot larger than he expected... They were certainly larger than him, and Sterling wasn't sure how he could possibly save her. To make matters worse, there were other students waiting for him to make his move, since he was an unfamiliar face to them... All Sterling could hope for now was for the bullies to not notice him... 

[Harmony Spark 265]

Harmony noticed the red stallion and saw the look of horror on his face. She knew all the pressure was in him and she didn't want him to feel bad just after arriving. Before Lightning can perform his last blow, the mare quickly formulated a plan. She quickly dodged Lightning and talked to the crowd, "Come on everypony, let's stand together. We can bet these goons if we become one." Harmony said to the aspiring crowd, who all stood with Harmony. "Give up, Lightning. You can't fight all of us." The white mare said, winking to the red stallion. Outnumbered, Lightning admitted defeat "Okay, Harmony, you won this round." He replied in anger and flew away.

 

With the crowd cheering, Harmony trots over to the stallion "I'm sorry about that. Lightning is a jerk around here and normally this school is in high spirits but I really didn't want you to feel bad just as you got here. I'm Harmony Spark." The white mare introduces herself.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling was amazed. How did this white mare suddenly conjure so much courage to speak like that to everypony around her? He could only wonder in amazement as the ponies around him cheered for her. As Harmony walked towards Sterling, he could only wonder these these. Harmony introduced herself, and extended herself as a kind, caring pony based on first impressions. Certainly a good start for him. Sterling replied with a nervous grin,

 

"Well... my... my name's Sterling. Sterling Crimson. Pleased to meet you. I... I was worried you were going to get hurt back there, but considering how well you did, I'm... I'm quite amazed." Sterling began to blush slightly as he spoke. He was always nervous around mares, but she looked so confident compared to him. It certainly left him embarrassed, especially since he nearly rushed into battle in the way he did.

[Harmony Spark 265]

"Thanks. I saw you were arriving and I didn't want you to feel bad on your first day. Besides, NOpony gets beaten in this university when I'm around. Anyway, since you're new, let me have the honour of showing you around!" She replied with a beaming smile. The white mare and Sterling both toured the school facility, with Harmony explaining every single corner of every hall. "There's the main hall, staircase number 5, science labs, the new observatory, staircase number 26, the literature classrooms, library and my favorite, the art gallery." She explained rapidly, them finally showing the red stallion the art gallery. "Not to boast or anything, but most of my work is shown here. I'm considered the most creative in my family." Harmony added.

Harmony first showed a very colourful abstract painting to her new friend. "This one I made is called You. Isn't that an awesome title? I made it to represent about ponies like me with autism and other disorders and to tell them to appreciate themselves."

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling was stunned at Harmony's determination and grit. Based on first impressions, he thought Harmony was one of those shy ponies who he could get to know more through slow interactions. That wasn't to say Sterling didn't have a good first impression of Harmony. In fact, he thought Harmony was a very bright and creative pony... and charismatic at that. 

 

Sterling then trotted with Harmony along the university. He was amazed at how it was... if only there were more colours added to the place to make it more appealing to the eyes... Sterling then noticed how fast Harmony was going through all the buildings... if only she could stop just for a split second... Oh well. Sterling knew he could always come back to those areas again if needed to have a second look. 

 

Sterling then arrived at the art gallery. This area was much more vibrant in colours, and Sterling liked that very much. It was much more pleasing to the eye and it was an area that he could feel happier with. He then noticed a lot of the artwork in the area, learning that they were painted by his new found friend. Sterling was very impressed with all the works that were being displayed... even if he didn't understand it all. Sterling showed his appreciation with his "oohs" and "ahhs" as Harmony continued her tour through the art gallery.

 

They eventually reached a particular painting though. She introduced it with the name "You." It was a very particular title, since it was a single word. But Sterling gave a nod of understanding to her. What inspired him though was the fact she drew it for autistic ponies and the like. It lifted his spirits, considering his autistic roots... He was ashamed of it because of all the mockery that his classmates gave him throughout his life. He then replied softly to Harmony,

 

"I... I like that painting the most. You see... I... I have autism. It's actually quite... inspiring to see that a pony made this work of art for ponies like me."

[Harmony Spark 265]

"You do? I have autism as well!! Oh my Celestia, NOpony in all my social life has autism before! I always wanted a friend who understood me! Ponies might not believe me but even though I'm popular here at university. I was quite lonely in primary school. Would you mind if I told you a story?" She asked the red stallion.

Edited October 29, 2013 by Harmony Spark

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling could see that Harmony was very shocked to hear that he had autism. He jumped back with slight surprise at her response. Normally, ponies would either be passive or disgusted at his autistic condition. The way Harmony shouted certainly gave him a shock! He then was asked whether he would like to listen to a story... 

 

"Wow! I've never heard of a pony this excited to hear I have autism! And sure Harmony! I'd love to have a listen to your story. I would think it'd be quite inspiring!" Sterling beamed happily at Harmony. He felt glad that he wasn't the only autistic pony around, and he wanted to hear her story... how did she cope being an autistic pony all her life... that... Sterling wanted to know.

[Harmony Spark 265]

"I was born here in Trottingham and lived with my parents in a small sweet shop which was in my family for 3 generations. My mother was a sweet-maker and my father was a Cloudsdale cadet officer. Even though I had Asperger's, my parents always helped me and respected my autism. When I went to school, most ponies made fun of me and called me countless names.

 

I never felt so lonely in my life. It made me think that my autism was some sort of curse, a hex, 'cause that's what everypony believed. Only the teachers and my family were kind enough to understand me.

 

When I was 8, my family's shop was on the edge of bankruptcy when Mr Pennypincher, a rich confectionist, built a very successful sweet mall right next to ours. If my parents didn't come up with 20,000 bits in 2 weeks, we had to end up on the streets and Mr Pennypincher would demolish the store.

 

I suggested my family to enter a sweet making contest which the prize was 50,000 bits so we can save our business and our home. Unfortunately, reality had other plans. My father had to work on the same day as the contest to start a course for his cadets, my mother had fallen ill for hay fever, so we had no choice but to pack our bags.

 

But I was determined to save my home. Even though I was afraid my autism would stop me from winning, but i didn't care. I had to try. So when my mother slept, she sneakily got my equipment and galloped to the contest.

 

Me Pennypincher was there of course, showering in pride, thinking he would obviously win. Ponies like that disgust me, but I didn't let that cloud my mind. As the contest began, I took out a palette with sweet mix in different colours instead of paint. Everypony began to laugh and decided to admire Pennypincher's work, but I didn't flinch.

 

After the contest was over, I revealed my paintings made entirely out of sweet mix, showing the ponies being the victims of Pennypincher's evil, money-hungry, care-less schemes. And I also found out that the sweets that he made was entirely out of food additives. Everypony was in awe of my art, even my classmates and they roared with applause.

 

I won. The money was ours, my parents worriedly rushed to the contest, shocked but soon were proud. I was so happy that my imagination and my autism achieved my goal and helped me in

My time of need.

 

Mr Pennypincher was then taken to prison because of his crime and his mall turned into a quaint shoe factory. My family was able to pay the bills and add an extra floor to the shop.

 

As my family took a bow to the crowd, my cutie mark appeared; a rainbow coloured spark surrounded by blue nebulae. It was that day on that I learned to accept my autism.

 

Now I study here at Trottingham University, making art with the power of imagination and care." Harmony told the red stallion.

Edited October 29, 2013 by Harmony Spark

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling was amazed at the story Harmony had to offer to him. It was just... so inspiring. She was able to come out from the ashes and emerge victorious! She even had her cutie mark appear before her very eyes after she used her imagination to full effect! Sterling smiled happily after she finished her story. 

 

"Wow Harmony... I'm very glad things worked out so well for you! Your story is so inspiring! You should share it to more ponies some time. I'll bet a lot of ponies would find it just as inspiring as I did!" It was that moment that Sterling also decided to ask,

 

"Well Harmony... with all that talent, I'm guessing you want to make a career as an artist then?"

[Harmony Spark 265]

"Well, yeah actually. I'm also a huge fan of toys. I literally collect all of them." She replied with a simple smile.

 

The bell suddenly rang loudly in the gallery.

"Lunchtime! Hey, why don't you sit next to me? Consider it a friendy gesture" Harmpny added with a wink. The two ponies quickly galloped to the lunch hall.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling noticed the university bell ring. It was completely different to what he thought of as a university. In fact, it felt more like high school... but he didn't care. Trottingham certainly had their own perceptions of a university though, leaving Sterling intrigued. Harmony then quickly invited Sterling over to lunch, offering him a seat beside her. When she did that, Sterling was left flabbergasted. Sure he made mare friends, but they would never really want to sit beside him for lunch, accounting for his lack of popularity from where he was from... He quickly shook his head though.

 

"Sure! I'd love to sit beside you for lunch!" Sterling replied gratefully. Afterwards, he quickly trotted with Harmony over to lunch by the university's food centre...

[Harmony Spark 265]

The two ponies entered the food hall. Harmony introduced her stallion friend from the colourful environment to the delicious food! Afterwards, the two sit on a nearby table, while Harmony enthusiastically starts a conversation.

 

"So, Sterling, do you like this place so far?" She asked.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Harmony Spark

 

Sterling took a good look around the cafeteria. He noticed how colourful it was, particularly the sky blue walls and the cream coloured roofs that looked like clouds. Sterling then looked at all the food that was available for eating. He could see cabbage salads and spaghetti with alfredo sauce in one of the food-stands. He quickly grabbed some food there and paid his bits and quickly rushed back to the table where Harmony sat. When Sterling heard Harmony enthusiastically ask him about Trottingham University, Sterling gave his thoughts,

 

"Well... this university is certainly brighter than all the other places I've been Why is it so bright? Not that it's a bad thing! In fact, it makes studying here a lot more comfortable! I'm liking what I'm seeing so far, especially this food! Cabbage salad, my favourite!"

[Harmony Spark 265]

"I knew you'd love it! Hey, watch this." Harmony replied. She then grabbed a piece of bread and eats it much like a duck. Afterwards, she smiles awkwardly. " Sorry, I only do that when I'm really happy." She added, clearing her throat.

"Anyway, I'm real glad to have a friend that had autism. I never met anypony who had autism before, I do have acquaintances here at the uni, but not really a friend. I just wanna be friends with everypony. But you are one great friend, Sterling and I'm not kidding here." She asked, smiling at her new friend.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Just as Sterling was about to indulge on his cabbage salad, he looked up and saw Harmony chomping on a piece of bread like a duck. Sterling giggled as he saw the crumbs flying all over the table, some of them even ending up on his salad! Sterling looked at his sad with slight disgust, but quickly ignored that by wiping the crumbs off his salad. Harmony then apologized to Sterling about her bread eating that she apparently only did when she was extremely happy. Afterwards, Harmony talked of her many acquaintances and how despite that she had few friends. That in turn led her to appreciate her growing friendship with Sterling. All that made Sterling smile as he replied,

 

"Well don't worry about your eating habits! After all, you're extremely happy, and that's fine by me! And I'm glad you see me as a friends of yours. I'm surprised you don't have more, considering how popular you are around here." After that, Sterling wanted to ask about Harmony's time in Trottingham...

 

How long have you been to Trottingham University? Also, do you know what the medical students here are like? As you already know, I'm going to start medical school here in a few days!"

[Harmony Spark 265]

Harmony Spark was glad that her friend like the way she is, even if when she's acting funny. Sterling was certainly a nice pony and she knew that she'll finally be able to relate to him with her condition. She then continued the talk;

 

" I've been here for about 2 years. And just so you know, there's a centre for medical studies right next to the library. I'll bet you'll do great over there and I'm always there to help out if ya need any!" Harmony asked as she pointed her hoof to the nearby library. She then eats up her daisy sandwich.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Harmony Spark

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling noticed Harmony's intrigue about him getting himself ready for medical school. He took a good look at the medical centre by the library. He could see that it was a tunnel that led into another building altogether. That was more like it. A whole centre just for medical students. That was what he expected when he first entered the university after all. Sterling then replied to Harmony as she began to eat her daisy sandwich,

 

"Well it's not so much as me being interested in joining as me already becoming a part of it! I'm set to start my studies tomorrow, and I just wanted to get a feel of the university before I got started! It was really tough getting here, and I'm very glad I made it! I hope to use the skills I gain here to help other ponies with their ailments and sicknesses in any moral way possible!"

[Harmony Spark 265]

Harmony was so excited and proud of her friend entering medical school. She imagined him being top student and his chemical achievements reach all corners of Equestria. She was so happy for him. She replied back in joy.

 

"Awesome! I'll know you'll do great!" She replied "Oh, this day's been great so far! I got a new friend who's about to go to medical school and I've beaten the biggest bullies in town! It's such a shame Pedro and Frank had to miss out on all this." She added before drinking her cola.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Harmony Spark

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to munch on his salad as Harmony expressed her happiness for Sterling. When she mentioned her friend, Sterling wondered who it possibly could have been. He replied with intrigue,

 

"Oh! You have friends in medical school now? You think I can get up to chat with them? It would help me settle well here." Sterling then noticed that she mentioned two ponies named Pedro and Frank... who could they be? Sterling asked,

 

"Also, who's Pedro and Frank, if you don't mind?"

[Harmony Spark 265]

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Pedro and Frank are my dog brothers. Well, they're not BIOLOGICALLY my brothers. My mum adopted them when I was a little filly, after they helpede with my problems at school and they've always been there for me, just like mum and dad. So I called them my brothers for a little joke and now I keep it that way." Harmony explained to her confused friend.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling nodded back to Harmony after she told of her adopted brothers Pedro and Frank.  Showing more interest in her, Sterling attempted to keep the conversation going. He asked about them,

 

"Where are they now? And who do you call them your dog brothers? Are they dogs?"

[Harmony Spark 265]

Harmony was surprised to see that a pony like Sterling didn't turn away form this fact, he showed interest. Mostly she keeps this a secret from their ponies, knowing that she'll be made fun of. Feeling comfortable, she answers Sterling questions.

 

"Yeah, they're dogs all right. They still live with me. I always took care of them and treated gem like family. I call them my brothers cause they act a lot like brothers than my pets."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling nodded with intrigue when Harmony mentioned her dogs. Sterling wasn't one to see animals as close buddies, but he understood where she was coming from. With that, Sterling finished his cabbage salad. He then asked Harmony with a giggle,

 

"Hey Harmony... I'm done my lunch. Would you like to take a walk with me through the medical centre?"