Can take so many forms, but how much can you take?
- Story by Christina Rice, Art by Toni Kuusisto
It's exam time at the School of Friendship, and Ocellus has come up with an idea for a stellar project that's sure to impress all her teachers-a history of Equestria shown through her own unique Changeling abilities! But as deadlines loom and Ocellus finds herself taking on a bit more than she can handle, it's up to Twilight Sparkle to help her young student realize that sometimes, perfection is overrated.
Tropes:
- An Aesop: You shouldn't let the desire for perfection lead you to take on more work than you can handle.
- A Day in the Limelight: Ocellus gets her first focus story.
- The Atoner: Part of the reason Ocellus pushes herself so hard is because she wants to prove that changelings can use their powers for something good and beautiful.
- Brutal Honesty: As Applejack points out in her class, somecreatures need to hear the truth, even if they don't like it.
- The Cameo: During her dance, Ocellus changes into the Pillars of Old Equestria, Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon, King Sombra, Discord, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie and Thorax.
- Deadpan Snarker: Gallus, as usual.Sandbar: What are we even going to say to [Ocellus]?
Gallus: How about "Go get some sleep, so we can, too"? - Gale-Force Sound: Harry the bear roars in greeting during Fluttershy's class, creating a blast of wind powerful enough to send one student flying.
- Heroic RRoD: Ocellus puts so much effort into her project that she exhausts herself, leading to her falling asleep in class and stumbling during her practice.
- Jaw Drop: Spike's reaction when Twilight announces that there won't be a big test for midterms.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Twilight invokes this, pointing out that she had similar problems with perfection herself.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Something Gallus points out while Silverstream rallies the rest of the Young Six to check on Ocellus.Silverstream: It's time for an intervention.
Smolder: Can't it wait until morning?
Gallus: I wouldn't argue. Have you ever seen Silverstream this serious?
Smolder: You make a good point. - Staging an Intervention: After seeing how exhausted Ocellus's project is making her, the Young Six (led by Silverstream) decide to intervene.
- This Is Gonna Suck: Smolder and Gallus have this mindset when Ocellus makes it clear how much work she's going to put into her project.Smolder: This is not going to end well, is it?
Gallus: Nope. - Unwitting Instigator of Doom: Smolder was the one who unknowingly inspired Ocellus to use her changeling abilities for her project.
