"A magical pony princess... And a dragon..." Bolt responded as if a kid said they talked to an alien.

With what he saw yesterday, Bolt just went with it and the fact Spike was talking was proof enough. "So anyway, Do you have a plan of action against the walking bacon?" he asked Twilight as they walk down the sidewalk from Bolt's house.

"I do... But I may need the other girls help, but they are well..." Twilight trailed off.

"The pink gave me a hint of it two days ago... She's pretty bummed about it. And if what Spike says is true, Sunset went through a lot of effort to break them up... But why? What does that do for her?" Bolt queries, as he scratches his chin.

Spike pokes his head out of Twilight's backpack. "What if she knew about the Elements of Harmony and the bearers?"

"The Elements of Harmony, magical items used to stop evil and bring harmony to the world. The Elements are Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter and finally Magic. The Bearers are those who represent harmony and their element, the bearers are Applejack, the Element of Honesty; Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty; Rarity, the Element of Generosity; Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness; Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter and then there is me, the Element of Magic." Twilight says, while puffing out her chest.

"There is a small breast joke there... But, I see no reason to waste a joke that will just go over your head." Bolt joked as Twilight hit him on the arm. "Ah." both Twilight and Bolt stopped next to the school statue.

Twilight folded her arms over her chest and huffed. "I've done enough research on the human body to know that you were referring to the small size of my mammary glands. I may not understand the joke, but I do know it was an insult." she stormed off towards the stairs, not noticing Spike jumps out the bag, landing next to Bolt.

"Wow, you may not be the same, but you sure know how to get under her skin like our Bolt." Spike says looking up at Bolt, who just smiled.

Bolt knelt down and scratched behind Spike's ears. "Keep this secret little pup bro, but I know her counterpart. Like me and my counterpart, she is different from this Twilight... But they do have one similarity."

Bolt stood up and looked towards Twilight. "No matter what I've been through she would make me smile... Well, I guess they both do now. And now, I have a favor to ask you Spike." Bolt looks to the little pup on his shoulder.

"Look after her, if she is similar to the Twilight here? She is smart, but lacks in social common sense..."

"Simple, I don't know what would happen if two Twilight's from different worlds would meet... Don't care to find out either."

Bolt shakes his head. "*sigh* Only known her a day and already falling in her pace... I guess that makes two similarities. Let's go bro pup."

In the foyer, Bolt stops in front of his intended hallway and faces Twilight. "So that portal. How long do you have to get the crown back? Is it always open or does it open at set intervals?" Bolt asked

Twilight sighs. "I have till tomorrow night. After that, the portal won't open till the next 30 moons..."

"That's 3 years and some change, right? Hmm... All I can tell you know is just stick to your plan. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a test to ace." he started walking away.

"Bolt! Wait!" Twilight called out, stopping Bolt. "I know you said you can't trust people anymore and I know that you won't make friends because of that... But I do hope that we can be friends, can we?"

Bolt stood there for a minute, then turned his head, to look at Twilight. "Sorry Miss Twilight Sparkle... That may never happen..." he watched as she lowered her head. He turned his head back towards his destination, but didn't move. "We'll start off as associates and let's see if I can learn to trust you of Pinkie... You two have a lot a work to do to earn it." with his final word, Bolt walk down the hall, leaving Twilight beaming as she walked the other way.

"Alright... I did promise her... An unbreakable promise at that... Need to really think over my life choices." Bolt said as he walks through the cafe. "You would think with that pink hair, she would stand out, but-" he cut himself off. "Wait!" he turned to the left, sensing something revealing its presence.

"BOLT!!!" Pinkie charged like a mad bull. Bolt knew this wouldn't end well if he let her tackle him at that velocity. So he got into stance so he could take the force and redirect it into another action. As she dove for him, Bolt stepped to the side allowing, Pinkie to fly pass just a bit before catching her, forcing both of them to go into a spin. Once the pink, red and black tornado was finished, Bolt was holding Pinkie bridal style. Everybody who watched their display, clapped at the execution. "That was fun!" Pinkie giggled.

"Pinkie, You can't just charge someone like that. Not only is it dangerous, you can give someone a heart attack." Bolt scolded

"I'm sorry, but um Bolt... Can you put me down now?" Bolt did as she asked, noticing a slight blush on her face.

"Anyway, I did come to meet your friends like I promised, so where are they?" asked as he noticed a familiar pink streak at a lone table in front of a sofa.

Pinkie grabbed his hand and lead him to the sofa where five girls were sitting. "Here they are! Everyone this is the new student Searing Bolt!" Pinkie pointed to a girl sitting reverse in a chair at the other side of the sofa. She wore a white and green button up shirt, blue jean skirt with an apple belt buckle and ranch hand boots. Her most noticeable feature was her Stetson hat which sat upon her blonde hair, tied at the end with a red elastic band. "This is Applejack!"

Applejack waved from her seat. "Well Howdy, it's nice to finally meet ya, partner. Pinkie's been telling us about you all day."

"Likewise." Bolt smiled as he nodded his head. He notices Pinkie point to another girl. This one had short rainbow colored hair, she wore a T-shirt with a lightning bolt shaped rainbow printed on the center under a blue jacket, a light purple and white skirt and blue boots? 'The hell are those supposed to be? It's like they couldn't make up their mind off the assembly line...' Bolt thought until the girl snapped him out of it.

"Hey! Eyes up here, buddy. You're not one of those guy who get off by people's feet are you?" she asked concerned, raising an eyebrow.

Bolt looked up in thought. "I don't think so... It may depend on the girl." he looks to the rainbow hair girl with a sly smirk. "Why? you're looking to fill the position?" the girl started blushing a furious shade of red.

"D-d-doofus! Why would I want that?!" she turned her head and folded her arms across her chest, causing everyone to laugh. After calming herself, she clears her throat and faced Bolt again. "Anyway, my name is Rainbow Dash and you'll never meet anyone as awesome as me!"

Bolt puts his knuckle up to his teeth. "Ooohhhh... Ye~ah, about that... I already have." he said in a whisper like tone.

"One day, just not today. Go ahead Pinkie." he turned to Pinkie already pointing at Fluttershy.

"Hey Fluttershy." Bolt kindly smiled as he did a small wave. "You've been alright? No more run-ins with bacon bit I hope?"

"Oh, no, not today. And I'm fine, thanks for asking." Fluttershy answered with a small smile.

"That's good." Bolt looks back to Pinkie who was now pointing to an elegant looking girl and notice Spike on her lap. She had purple hair that curled at the end of her bang and at her back. Seeing this he could help but notice her forehead. 'She has a 4k projector screen on her head...' he thought, holding back any emotion that would give away his thoughts. She wore a light diamond blue shirt, a faded purple skirt with three diamonds on the side and purple boots. Bolt knitted his eyebrows. 'Is this a pattern?' he thought.

"Why, hello darling, it's so nice to meet you. And I must say, your outfit is quite nice, but I can make it better if you'd like. Oh! You would absolutely dashing in a dress shirt and slacks, we could also touch your hair up a bit and-" Rarity was about to go a tirade if Bolt didn't cut her off.

"I appreciate the outlook, but I'm fine with what I have on. But, thanks." Bolt smiles

"Oh, no problem at all darling. If you ever need clothes, don't hesitate to call me." Rarity says as she starts rubbing Spike's.

"And this is-" before Pinkie could finish, Bolt placed a hand on Twilight's head and started rubbing it.

"I see your social ineptitude didn't get in the way." Bolt smile as Twilight huffed.

"I'm perfectly capable to talk to people without help, thank you very much." Twilight pouted and turned her nose to the air.

"Yeah, as about as capable as that splash joke from earlier?" Bolt smirked as Twilight turns to face him.

"Caught it the moment I walked in. Kinda bold hitting on another girl's man, let alone an enemy's man."

Bolt looked towards Flash, then back to Rarity while pointing his thumb at Flash. "How is he still socially alive?"

"I was wondering the same thing. I was sure Sunset would have done something cruel by now." Fluttershy says as she gives Spike a dog treat.

"Maybe she's just waiting until she has the power to do something really awful." Twilight said darkly.

"Well, enough of that and on to how you two already know each other?" Rarity intrigued.

"Oh! Well, he let me spend the night at his house last night." Twilight blurted out as Bolt and Spike facepalmed and paw.

All the girls were in a shocked silence at what they just. It was Rarity who broke the silence. "Say again, darling?"

"The social banana slips into the sunset..." Bolt could help but sigh as he comes up with an excuse. He looked around to make sure the damage was only done in their seating area. 'Good no one heard her.' he thought until he made eye contact with the cafe's owners. "Hey Mr. Carrot, Mrs Cake. Long time no see... Look, if you keep quiet about this from Ivy, I'll work here for a week, no pay."

"Deal." Carrot Cake readily agreed. "And it's good to see you again little Bolt... Well, not so little anymore, huh? Hehehe."

All Bolt could do was groan. He turns to Twilight and flicked her on the back of the head. "You owe me a week of my life back... Anyway, we met in the library last night. It was getting late by the time we were finished studying and the last bus had long stopped running, so I offered her somewhere to stay for the night." he shrugged as he finished.

Applejack saw through the lie and decide to question further. "Did y'all do anything to Twilight?."

"Depends on how you're asking. Did I do anything 'Grown up' to Twilight then no." Applejack saw he was telling the truth. Bolt continued. "Did I tease her until she turned into a robot? Yep, it was funny too." also a truth.

"Sorry for grillin' you there partner. Ah just wanted to make sure my friend was rightly takin' care of." Applejack smiled

Bolt shrugged. "I would've been the same way. Anyway, I'll let you girls plan the fall of the bacon strip. Imma hea-"

Bolt was cut off when Pinkie grabbed his arm and slung him into a chair. "Pinkie! The hell are you- Ah!" she flops on his lap, effectively pinning Bolt in the chair. In pain, Bolt leans forward and places his hands on Pinkies shoulders and his face in her hair against her back. "*cough* Pinkie... You can't... Just... Flop on... A man's lap... Like that... It hurts my important parts... A lot!" he told Pinkie in a strained voice.

"What's the deal with that anyway, Pinkie? That was more random than normal." Rainbow Dash asks a pouting Pinkie Pie.

"Because he was leaving and we weren't done yet! Hmph!" Pinkie says as she folds her arm and cross her legs.

"Now ah know how much you want to change Bolt's mind about not making friends, but it isn't gonna help if ya force him sugarcube." Applejack reasoned but with no avail.

"It's alright girls... I won't be able to move for a while anyway... So does anyone have a plan?" Bolt asked, not removing his face from PInkie's hair.

"Well, the dance is tomorrow night, and we still don't know how we're gonna get Twilight the votes she needs to be named princess. Right now, folks only know the Twilight from the videos Sunset Shimmer posted online. We need to help 'em see her differently." Applejack says as everyone agrees.

Bolt was about to agree. "Wait, what video?" he lifts his head up and looks over Pinkie's shoulder to see her holding his phone with a video of Twilight playing. "The baconator doing a slam campagne now? Better question... How did you unlock my phone?" Bolt slowly snatched his phone from the pink thief.

"Secret? It's on fingerprint lock only and my hands were on your shoulder the whole time... What you did it isn't a secret, it's an impossibility!" Bolt exclaimed.

Bolt just facepalmed. "Never question Pinkie logic... Got it." he slid his hand down to his mouth and looked at Pinkie, who was now sitting on his lap sideways and smiling at him. "Sneaky pink menace." he quietly shot out, causing Pinkie to playfully stick out her tongue. "Anyway, how are you girls gonna counter that slam video?"

Everybody was deep in thought until Rarity spoke up. "I'VE GOT IT! Ahem. I mean, um, perhaps I have a solution. Now this may be an absolutely preposterous idea, but what if we all wore these as a sign of unity? Freshman year, they were very, very popular. A way for everybody to show their school spirit! You know? "Go, Canterlot Wondercolts!" Ahem. I haven't sold any in ages. I mean, the five of us are obviously very different, but deep down, we're all Canterlot Wondercolts! Sunset Shimmer is the one who divided us, Twilight Sparkle is the one who united us. And we're gonna let everyone know it! What do you think?"

Bolt nodded. "Sounds like a solid plan." he said as picked Pinkie up bridal style, off of his lap and stood up. "Let me know how that goes." placing her down on the seat, he turns towards the exit and walks away. But before he could reach the door, he was tackled by Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie!! Stop!!! Let me 'lone!!!"

The next day, the girls entered the cafeteria, all of them wearing blue sweatshirts with a gold sideways horseshoe printed on them and what seemed to be pony ears. Dragging behind them was a bound Bolt, rethinking his life choice to talk to Pinkie Pie. He was also wearing A blue sweatshirt and pony ears, thanking god Rarity didn't make matching pants... 'Pretty sure Pinkie would've taken on the task to put them on me...' he thought, shaking his head. Walking over to an empty table near the hallway exit, Bolt took a seat and watched the girl walk to the center of the cafeteria and start singing.

"Hey, hey, everybody
We've got something to say
We may seem as different
As the night is from day
But you look a little deeper
And you will see
That I'm just like you
And you're just like me.
Yeah!"

Bolt listened to them sing and really enjoyed it. Every now and then he caught himself bobbing his head to the beat and enjoying the girl's voices. Near the end something caught Bolt's ear from the hall. "Take those off! I have something I need you to do." The familiar voice commanded.

Bolt decides to cut the ropes with a protractor that was in his back pocket. 'Good thing Pinkie used liquorice... Why thou- Pinkie logic... It's all Pinkie logic.' he thought as he walk into the hall. "Got anything for me to do, Boss bacon?"

Sunset huffed as she turned to face Bolt. "You've had your chance and you blew it, but don't worry..." she took a step towards him, placed a finger on his chest. "I'll make sure to teach you a lesson you won't soon forget." she said while making circles on Bolt's chest.

Bolt smirked. "Oh? Is it how to make never curling bacon? I mean, if it is. You've already failed with your hair."

Sunset didn't take offense to it, in fact she was glad he was still like that. She leaned closer to Bolt to the point their noses touched. "I'm glad you still take me as a joke, but after tonight. You'll see just how serious I am. How about I give you a taste of my resolve." she wasted no time pushing her lips into Bolt's.

Stunned at what's now happening, Bolt's brain almost shorted, but an emergency back-up kicked in, letting him push Sunset back. "That was quite enjoyable, sadly I tasted cherries not bacon."

"That girl gone..." Bolt could do nothing but shake his head and walk the opposite way.

Walking down the hall, after visiting the library for a while, Bolt sees a familiar face through an open door, looking at what seems to be paperwork. It was a woman, he knew she stood at the same height as him, take a few inches. Her hair was like a clear night sky, long and flowing like Celestia's, but unlike Celestia's which was light a vibrant morning, her's was a calm night. She wore what seemed to be a high collar purple shirt with a waning crescent on the edge of the collar and dark royal blue pants. "As regal as always." Bolt smiled as he walked towards the open office. Stopping at the doorway, he sees that she didn't notice him. Knowing it's stupid to sneak up on her, also knowing the punishment could be dire, he just couldn't help himself. As quiet as possible, Bolt walked in making sure she doesn't look up, he successfully makes it to the side of her desk. 'Point of no return...' he thought as he positioned himself behind her chair. But, before he could snap into action, She raised her arm and stretched throwing him off guard.

The lady looked and noticed her door was open. "Hmm... I thought I closed or at least the students did..." but as she got up, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind, picking her up off the ground. Shocked, she did her best to turn around, but to no avail. "Who dares-"

"Ha ha ha! Now that I've captured the dreaded Mistress Moon! I will be rid of her and reclaim the night for myself and get the recognition I deserve!" Bolt said, holding her in the air. "I, Sir Searing Bolt, will be your end! Ha ha!

"Bolt!" Bolt didn't know how she did it and wouldn't believe it if he wasn't the one standing there doing it, but she with ease, loosened his grip a bit and spun 180 degrees and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Bolt! It's been so long!"

"I know, I would have come to see you sooner, but there's this walk bacon strip and a pink menace I have to deal with. I missed you, Aunt Luna." Bolt placed Luna back on the ground and took a step back.

"I missed you as well Bolt." Luna said, smiling gently. She put her hand to her chin and began to scan Bolt up and down. "My, you sure have grown, never thought you would reach Tia's height." as she said that, she took notice to Bolt's expression, as it drops to a solemn one. "Still haven't forgiven her yet?" she asked, concerned.

"*sigh* I'm not trying to hold a grudge... I... I just can't face her right now is all. Give me a couple months and maybe I'll have a decent conversation with her without snapping at her." Bolt saw Luna was still concerned and decided to change the subject. "So, what were you so concentrated on when I snuck in?" Bolt walked around to the front of the desk and took a seat as she sat in her own chair.

"It seems as someone were trying to frame another new student, Twilight Sparkle." Luna explained, laying her arms on the desk.

"... Let me guess. You jumped to conclusions... Like always and gave her a punishment?" Bolt asked as Luna started flustering.

"No! There was evidence... Well composite evidence... *sigh* I almost punished the wrong person... But! It was really convincing! Look!" she pulled out a couple of pictures and placed them in front of Bolt.

Bolt picked them and took a closer look. "I can see they're fake Auntie... But I won't fault you because you're not use to composite photos. Truthfully, they're not good, but believable..." he placed them back on the table and stood up. "Well, I'll go peep the damage then."

'Not good...' Bolt thought as he turned towards the door. "I see... Well, I guess I'll have to go and put in the effort and help where needed. See ya Auntie." he waved as he ran out the door.

"Bolt! No running in... Who am I kidding, like he would listen." Luna smiled as she started back on her paperwork.

"(Look...) Look how we've all come together
(Things...) Things are only just starting to get better
(Look...) Look how we've all come together
(Things...) Things are only gonna get better, better, better, better!
(We... will...) Fix it up, yeah, it's all right
(Come... tonight, tonight...) We'll get it ready by tonight
(We... will...) Mix it up, yeah, help a friend
(Come... together, together...) We'll come together in the end
(We... will...) Fix it up, yeah, it's all right
(Come... tonight, tonight...) We'll get it ready by tonight
(We... will...) Mix it up, yeah, help a friend
(Come... together, together...) We'll come together, together now!"

Bolt walked into the gym and saw a completely different scene from what he saw in the pictures. "They sure work fast. This looks awesome." he walks up to the 6 girls standing on stage. "Nice work girls." he called out from the edge of the stage.

They all look down to see Bolt standing there looking over the gym. Where have you been, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, placing her hands on her hips.

"Library, I didn't know the gym was destroyed, until Aunt Luna told me." Bolt explained as he leaned against the stage.

Suddenly the sound of clapping was heard from the gym's entrance. Standing clapping was Celestia and Luna, who was carrying the ballot box. "Alright, everyone! Fall Formal is back on for this evening." the students all cheered "So you'd better get out of here and start getting ready. Oh, and don't forget to cast your ballots for the Fall Formal Princess on your way out!"

A line of students was made in front of Luna to cast their vote as most reassured Twilight of their vote. "Looks like you won this hands down, huh?" Bolt said, sitting up and walking up to Luna as the last two students cast their votes. "Here you Luna, it seems I'm the last one." he placed a sheet of paper into the box.

"Oh come now Bolt, it will be fun! And maybe you could grant your Aunt a dance?" Celestia chimed in, giving Bolt a hopeful look.

"I..." Bolt looks to Luna, who only nodded her head. "*sigh* Alright, I'll go. I don't see the harm in it."

As if physics were ignored, both PInkie Pie and Rarity popped up on both sides of Bolt. "You're going?! We're gonna have so much fun!" Pinkie screamed, grabbing Bolt's arm, jumping up and down.

"I think not!" Rarity placed a hand on Bolt's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "Look, Bolt. I need a male model and there aren't many males willing to model for me."

"I call bull! All those dudes falling at your feet while I was being dragged across the school this morning! And then there's, pup bro. He falls to pieces when you're around. Face it, any male jump of this school for you if you gave the command." Bolt retorted.

"If that's so. Then why, pray tell, are you not jumping at the chance to help me?" Rarity asks as she seductively bats her eyelashes.

"100% immunity baby. My ex tried the same game in the past, I caught on and learned to brush it off. And that's all your getting out of me about my past, so give up asking now. Either way you can't make me model for you. Terra firma baby!"

Rarity backed away placing her hands on her hips. "Is that so... Pinkie, if you would be so kind as to personally escort Mr. Bolt to the Boutique. That would be grand."

"Why Pinkie?! Ah!!!" Bolt felt a crushing pressure on his right arm where Pinkie was latched to. "Pinkie!!! Release your grip woman!!!" he cried as he tried to break free.

"Okie dokie loki, Rarity! Come on Bolt, we gotta look for tonight! And Rarity is the best girl for the job." Pinkie informs Bolt as she starts dragging him out of the gym.

"This IS kidnapping you know!!!" Bolt said, struggling and looked towards Luna and Celestia. "Are you just gonna watch as one of your students kidnap another student let alone your nephew?!"

"Well... If left alone, you probably would stay home and not show." Celestia said as Luna nodded in agreement.

"I don't believe this shit!" Bolt desperately looks to the other four girls. "Y'all just gonna sit there, huh?!"

"Principal Celestia's right, you almost didn't come today if Pinkie didn't tie you up and drag you with us." Twilight said as the rest of the girl nod.

"Thanks for giving her my address by the way!" Bolt yelled as he continued to struggle for freedom from the pink juggernaut.

"Anyway, we've wasted enough time. Pinkie to the boutique!" Rarity shouted earning a salute from Pinkie.

"Noooooo!!! Damn it!!!" Bolt screamed as he was dragged away by Pinkie, with Rarity close behind.

"Don't you worry none Vice-Principal Luna. We'll make sure Rarity doesn't go overboard. Let's go girls." Applejack reassured Luna as she and the rest of the girls leave the gym.

"Don't be mislead sister. I can clearly see Bolt doesn't see them as friends." Luna corrected. Celestia's smile dropped at the revelation. "But he does hold some level of trust in them, not a lot to call them friends, but enough that he will tolerate their actions like the one we just witnessed."

"It would seem so. In his eyes, I still see remnants of distrust, but those girls may bring back the happiness he once held. Knowing him, he's unconsciously keeping them close as a sort of therapy, not wanting to be as alone as he makes out to be." Luna explained. "He's a nice boy and wouldn't purposely hurt anyone. He's even doing his best to make up with you, albeit slowly."

"I guess so... Well, that paperwork won't finish itself. Shall we?" Celestia asks.

Under Pressure

by RockSteadyRolla

Chapter 3