//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Under Pressure // by RockSteadyRolla //------------------------------// In the boutique was standing on a circular podium in front of a half circle row of mirrors. "You got me here, now what?" Bolt asked in defeat. "Oh, don't be such a prude. I just need measurements and for you to try a few things. Now take off your jacket and face the mirrors" Rarity instructed Bolt as she pulls a tape measure from her pocket. Bolt shrugged and did as instructed. He took off his jacket and underneath he wore a solid purple shirt untucked. After tossing his jacket aside, he heard gasps and a "Wow" from Pinkie. "I wouldn't be so impressed, it's not like I'm defined or anything." "Dude! Have you seen how buff you are? I was half expecting you to be all skin and bones, but never this! You're built like a middleweight boxer!" Dash exclaimed as she circled his body, examining it. "Yes Rainbow, Bolt is... Quite the specimen, but I still need to measure him. I have a professional image to uphold after all." Rarity said as she pushed Rainbow Dash out the way. "How about you wipe the drool off your lip before touching my body, Ms. professional." Bolt sarcastically suggested. Rarity dabbed her lip only to find that she didn't drool at all. "Very funny Bolt. Now hold your arms out." Bolt did as he was asked, holding his arms out she measure his wingspan, height, waist and leg length. "You can put your arms down now darling." Bolt did a stretch in the air before putting his arms down. In doing this action, Applejack noticed a scar on his hip, which looked as it went up to his chest and sure enough when Bolt let his arms down and small hints appeared on his neck near his shoulder. "Is that all?" Bolt asked in a bored tone. "Not quite, I need you to take off your shirt so I can get an accurate reading on your torso." Rarity explained. Bolt just shrugged, but before he could reach for the bottom of his shirt, Applejack called. "Rarity, how about you let me measure him and you take of the girls instead. I'm pretty sure Bolt doesn't care to be stripped in front of a bunch of girls, so I'll take him to the changing room." Applejack said giving her best covering smile. "Oh dear, I didn't think of that. I do hope you forgive me Bolt, I guess I switched to 'business mode' unconsciously." Rarity apologized. "It's fine, just glad Applejack caught you before I was in my boxers." Bolt joked. Rarity giggled at the joke. "Quite. Now Applejack, do you know how to use a tape measure?" "Yes Miss Rarity." Applejack mocked, as she takes the tape measure and leads Bolt to a dressing room. "You saw huh?" Bolt asked as he took off his shirt. "Have no idea what ya talkin' about." Applejack said playing innocent. "Come off Applejack. You were more skittish than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs." Bolt said, earning a chuckle from Applejack. "Yeah, ah did. Just figured you didn't want anyone seeing it, so I just decided to measure you myself. And plus Rarity can be persistent about matters like these and ah didn't want to strain the small level of interest of friendship you already have with us," Applejack explained as she measure his bicep. "I see." was all Bolt could say. "If you don't mind, can ya face me for the last measurement across your chest." Applejack asked and Bolt listened. He turned around and there she saw it, in full glory. The scar reached from his right shoulder to his hip and midway down was a stab wound. With knowing it, she was running her hand across the scar. "As much as I like females touching me, we may have to cut this petting session short or else they start to think we're playing poke the turkey with the injector." Applejack snapped out of her trance at Bolt snide remark. "My bad sugar cube... Ah've never seen anything like it before... Mind if I ask how ya got it?" Applejack asked as she took his final measurement. "All I'm willing to tell you is that I was framed when this scar was made." Bolt explained. "I see, thanks for at least telling me something new about you." Applejack smiled "Alright! All done. Let me take these to Rarity and bring back your suit." she told Bolt as she walked out of the changing room. A couple minutes later, Rarity was outside the curtain. "Bolt darling? Here try these on. They should fit you until I make you some more clothing." Rarity says as she hands Bolt his suit. "You plan on making me more clothes?" Bolt asked, taking the suit and laying it on the chair. "Of course, dear, why wouldn't make clothes for my personal model. Now, put those on and come out so we can take a look at you." Rarity said as she walks away. Bolt puts on the suit and stares at himself in the mirror. "Not bad for a last minute adjustment. It doesn't feel tight anywhere and it loose in the right areas. Hmm... But something's missing... I got it!" Bolt snaps his fingers. "Hey Rarity, got any hair gel?" "Of course." Rarity answer as she stuck her hand through the curtain holding a small jar. "... You've been waiting right next to the dressing room, waiting for me to ask, haven't you?" Bolt grabbed the jar. Rarity nervously chuckled. "Of course not darling! A true lady just happens to be ready is all." Bolt sighed and applied the gel and swept his hair back into a sleek finish. Grabbing a comb out of his street pant's pocket, he combs it flat so that no strand was sticking out. Happy with the results, he called out to the girls. "Are y'all dressed? I don't need unnecessary labels on my name." "Yes, we're dressed Bolt. You can come out." Twilight informed. Bolt walked out from behind the curtain straightening his tie. He wore a plain black suit, a purple tie and shiny leather shoes. When he looked up, he wasn't prepared for the beauty he would see and neither were the girl for that matter. "Woah... You girls look amazing." Rainbow Dash walked up to him and tapped her fist on his chest. "Not so bad yourself, big guy!" "Rainbow Dash is right, dear. You really cleaned up. Then again, you didn't look all that bad in your street clothes either." Rarity said as she gave him a once over. "Thanks. Anyway, let's go or the bacon tyrant may pull a fast one." Bolt walked pass the girls and to the door and held it open. "Well ladies, shall we?" he said as he bowed. Everyone was in the gym, having fun and dancing. Bolt was sitting at an empty table, enjoying the music and joyful noises coming from the other students. "This isn't so bad once in a while. At least that chump can play." After Flash and his band stop playing, Celestia walked onto center stage. "First off, I wanna say how wonderful everything looks tonight. You all did a magnificent job pulling things together after the unfortunate events of earlier." Celestia praised the students. Bolt listened to her until Luna walked on stage. He got up and walk towards the exit. "I don't need to be here for this part. Pretty clear who is gonna win." Bolt walked out of the restroom drying his hands on a paper towel, then shoots it in the nearest trashcan. "Kobe!" it went in, dead center. "Wow... That was lucky. Damn sure won't be making that type of shot again." Bolt walked around the school, taking in the mystery of the dark halls. "Don't like being in schools after dark, but I do like the atmosphere." he walked and walked through the halls until he reached the foyer. He reached in his pocket and pulled out one of the suckers he swiped off of Pinkie or more likely put in his point of interest. "Pinkie insight? Hmm... Whatever it is, she's a lot smarter than she lets on. I originally wanted a straw to chew on..." but before he could unwrap, it he felt a rush of anxiety washed over him. "What?! My scar is itching like like a crackhead! What's happ-" he cut off when he looked towards the door to see Twilight's crown sailing through the air. Wasting no time Bolt rushed out the front door only to see Sunset catch the crown. "At last! More power than I could ever imagine!" Sunset exclaimed. Bolt ran full tilt as she reached to put the crown on her. He didn't know why, but it was bad, really bad if she put it on. He felt it, he couldn't explain how, but he did. That crown was meant for only one: Princess Twilight Sparkle. "YOU STUPID STRIP BACON!!! DON- AH!!!" Bolt was almost there, but before he could reach her it was too late, Bolt was blasted back by the shock wave into the doors, cracking the glass. "That idiot went and done it." he didn't like what he was seeing. She was transforming and the whole process looked painful. After a final flash of light it was done. Whatever she became set Bolt on high alert. After ascertaining her new look she shot her two cronies transforming them as well. Bolt was Angry for some reason he couldn't explain it, but there was a fury like non-other in his eyes. He didn't even notice the other student coming out of the school behind him. "YOU DUMBASS SLICE OF SWINE!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!" Bolt yelled gaining everyone's attention. Bolt stormed down the stairs towards Sunset. "Bolt! Stay back! She dangerous!" Twilight cried out, hoping to stop Bolts advance. "BE QUIET PRINCESS!" Bolt yelled effectively silencing Twilight. Twilight's seen that look before. A look only 'her' Searing Bolt would give. He was severely upset and interrupting could be fatal. Applejack tried to rush to his side, but was stopped by Pinkie PIe. "Pinkie?! What are you doing we gotta-" she was cut off by Pinkie shaking her head. "He's really angry right now... And I'm sure that if anyone gets in his way he will forcibly remove them. It would tear him apart if he were to hurt us." Pinkie explained. Applejack could see he was angry and to be honest, he was ten times more frightening than Sunset at the moment. Trusting Pinkie's judgement, she held stayed back and watched with the other girl. Sunset look towards Bolt and a smile grew on her face. "Bolt~ Did you enjoy the show?" Bolt took a deep breath, then exhaled. "*sigh* Look at what you have done to yourself. You're overcooked! I guess we'll give you to the dog..." Everyone, including Sunset was taken aback by Bolt's 180 in attitude. He was just mere seconds away from tearing her a new one just to switch back to his bacon jokes. "You are still seeing me as a joke! I-" Sunset was cut off by screaming students at the main entrance. She flew pass Bolt and to the doors of the school. "I've had to jump through so many hoops tonight just to get my hands on this crown, and it really should have been mine all along. But let's let bygones be bygones. I am your princess now, and you will be loyal... To me!" Sunset flew into the school. "Oh? So you're too crispy, to acknowledge me huh? Typical overcooked bacon." Bolt saw a flash of light and then saw students looking like something out of an old zombie flick. "That's not good." Bolt muttered to himself as Twilight ran passed him to stand in front of Sunset. "Spoiler alert: I was bluffing when I said I was going to destroy the portal. I don't want to rule this pathetic little high school; I want Equestria! And with my own little teenage army behind me, I am going to get it!" Sunset declared. "No, you're not!" Twilight shouted, determined. Sunset could only laugh. "Oh, please! What exactly do you think you're going to do to stop me? I have magic, and you have nothing!" "That's where you're wrong bacon bit. She has friends." Bolt walked out in front of Twilight while the other girls surround Twilight. "They're probably the best friends she could ask for." "So, what?! You deny me and become their friend instead?!" Sunset shouted, feeling a little hurt. Bolt could only look back at them. They all smiled at the prospect of him finally calling them friends, but that hope was dashed. "They are not my friends... It's still a long way for that and the same can be said of you too. I can't be a friend if I can't trust those I must... But... I can't stand by and watch any of you suffer either. *sigh* Stop this bacon bit... This plan of yours is doomed to-" Bolt couldn't finish. He was blasted back into the statue, knocking the wind out of his lungs. "Be quiet! You have been a pain in my side the moment you bumped into me! But you did make one thing clear... You're not my Searing Bolt, therefore I don't need you! BEGONE!!!" Sunset fired a massive ball of magic towards Bolt. "Awww, fuck nuggets!" Bolt could only stare at the ball of pain, spiraling his way. "BOLT!!!" was the last thing Bolt heard as the girls circled around him in an attempt to protect him from the blast. Sunset sat there floating and laughed, tears were streaming down her face, but all she did was laugh. "It hurts, why does it hurt?" "Because you kept looking at the other Bolt!" a figure came out of the smoke, straight at Sunset. "AND NOT ME!!!" Bolt punched her in the same spot he did days before in the cafeteria, causing her to fall to the ground. "How?!" Sunset asked as she tried to get up, but was pinned by Bolt. The smoke where Bolt came from cleared, showing Twilight and her friend glowing and holding their heads. "Did you really have to hit us too? I mean, how did you get past Fluttershy cute barrier to hit her anyway?" Rainbow Dash cried. "Because you all did something stupid! What if you'd gotten hurt?! Morons! That means you too Fluttershy!" Bolt yelled earning an 'Eep' in response. Twilight stepped forward. "To answer your question Sunset. The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!" "Yeah, yeah, yeah!!! Can the life lesson and magic up, transmute, roll out, Henshin!!! Do something! This magic is giving me a severe case of 'Fuck this shit!' Now hurry!!!" Bolt yelled straining from the negative energy washing off of Sunset. "Why? Why are you doing this?! Don't get in my way!" Sunset struggled, but Bolt had pinned her wrist over her head, watching Twilight and the girls transform. "That crown... It's destroying you, I feel it. You weren't worthy of it... No, you aren't now. You lost your worth somewhere down the path... Probably half-ass teaching seeing as I know who taught you, but just as I'm not 'him', she's not 'her'. It's not just her fault though. The way you talk is as everything you want, you should get, when you want it. Sorry bacon princess, the world doesn't work like that. It's cruel, dark, unfair, and generally unpleasant." Bolt turns to look Sunset in the eyes. "But this world, your world, hell any world, has something that makes it just tolerable to live in. Twilight has her friends, my Aunts have each other and me, my brother has his wife and vice versa." "What about you?" Sunset asked with genuine interest. "Don't know... I stopped looking. The only reason I haven't up and disappeared is because I would make my family sad and Celestia would probably blame herself." Bolt explains as he looked toward the school. "Why?" "Because she's my Aunt... That's all I'm willing to tell you at the moment." Bolt clarified. "You didn't answer me earlier. Why? Why are you getting in my way?! It doesn't concern you!" Sunset screamed. "You're right, you are absolutely right. It has nothing to do with me, but I couldn't leave you alone. I saw the real you in the janitor's closet. That lonely girl crying for a friend, only to revert to her mask when he denies her." Bolt turned from the sky and looked back into her eyes. "You are a beautiful girl bacon bit... Well, not now, in your quest for power you became something indescribable. You lost that nose I found cute, the eyes that I would compare to a clear sunny day and you lost something I was hoping to see at least once, your smile. Take it from me, you were without a doubt beautiful, Sunset Shimmer." Sunset was stunned. 'I'm beautiful?!' she thought before another one hit her. 'He called me by my name, he never called me by name for the days he's been here...' She looked into Bolt eyes and seen her reflection. 'What have I done to myself... This isn't what I wanted, is it?' Bolt could feel the negativity fading out of Sunset and turned to Twilight and the others. "Whatever you girls are doing, now is the time to do it!" "But Bolt, you need to move! I don't know what this could do to you." Twilight warned. "I don't remember turning evil so don't worry! I'm insurance in case of relapse, Now hurry!" Bolt yelled. "But!" Twilight yelled, still uncertain. "My god Twilight! If y'all don't shoot that damn beam of god-knows-what, I will personally go to your world, read every new book that is shipped to that tree fort of yours and spoil every single ending every time you get to the last chapter!!! NOW SHOOT THE DAMN BE-" Bolt was cut off when he and Sunset was surrounded by a rainbow light. "What' happening?!" Sunset screamed Bolt was shot out of the rainbow vortex into a nearby tree. "Note: Blasphemous to talk about spoiling books in front of this Twilight as well..." Bolt mentally notes as he jumped from the tree. Just as he was about to walk over to everyone else, he looks to the west of the school and his anxiety kick in again but only for a brief moment. "Oh no... What now?" shaking it off, he walked back to the statue. He saw everybody from the school surrounding a huge crater in the ground and in the center crying was Sunset Shimmer. Wasting no time he slid down the edge. " I bet they can teach- Bolt! You're ok-" Twilight was silenced when Bolt held up his hand. Bolt walked up to Sunset and held out his hand to her. She nervously took it, then helped her up. He placed both hands on her shoulders and touched his forehead to hers. Everyone, especially Sunset blushed at this action, Bolt then leaned his head back, took a deep breath then screamed. "MORON!!!!!!" Then slammed his forehead into Sunset's as hard as he could. "OW!!! What was that for?!" Sunset yelled as she fell to the ground holding her head. Bolt raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously asking that?" he knelt in front of her and poked her head. "What? Thought I was gonna kiss you? Get real, if I can't trust people enough to be friends, what hope is there for a girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I still think you're beautiful, but I also think Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Twilight are too. And Sorry, but Fluttershy's in a whole new category." Bolt heard a thud as he looks up to see Fluttershy disappeared, followed by an "Oh my." He shook his head and turned back to Sunset. "I touched foreheads to size you up, if you had Rarity's forehead, I wouldn't have needed to." "Why I Never!" Rarity shouted. "Love you too, princess." Bolt retorted. "Anyway, this is how the situation is... Fuck it, I'll let Twilight deal with I've had it with this whole day..." he ran up the edge of the crater and climbed the rest of the way out then turned around and knelt on the edge and held his hand out for Sunset. All she did was stare at his hand. "I mean, if you like that hole, you free to stay." he started slowly inching his hand away until she grabbed it and climbed out with his assistance. "Anyway, blah blah blah words... I'm going back to the gym." with that Bolt walk off. Bolt walked over to the area he was sitting in and instead of sitting back in his chair, he leaned against the wall and slid down and sat on the floor. He raised his hands and took a look at them. His left hand was slightly scuffed but nothing serious, but his right hand's knuckles were still red from when he hit Sunset in her demon form. "That was smart..." he then took a look at his suit and noticed that there was nothing wrong other than a small scuff on the sleeve. "I don't know what space-age material she uses, but I'm lucky she wants to make more clothes for me." after his self inspection, he felt his eyes getting heavy after a couple of seconds he was out. *Flash* Bolt hears music and a shutter constantly going off. 'What's going... Nevermind, they probably started back up the Fall Formal. Oh well, I've slept through worse.' another flash goes off behind Bolt's eyelids. 'Another flash. Wait is someone taking pictures of me?!' slowly, Bolt opens his eyes only a crack, to see a girl name Photo Finish, if he remembers correctly, was standing in front of him with a camera. He was about to open his eyes and ask what she was doing until she yelled. "Now let's create. The magicks!" After hearing her say that, six more voices made themselves known. "Magicks!" At that moment the flash went off before Bolt could close his eyes and was blinded by the light. "Damnit!!! My eyes!" "Bolt! You're awake!" Twilight said shocked. "Of course I would wake to a bunch of flashes to the face." Bolt responded. As his vision returned he noticed Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Rarity, holding Spike, standing over him. Noticing extra weight on his body, he looks down to see Pinkie Pie in his lap and Fluttershy on his left arm. "What are you girls doing anyway?" "We wanted to take a picture with you, but throughout the whole event we couldn't find you. But near the end, when everyone was heading home, we heard snoring and sure enough here you were leaning against the wall, sleep. We tried waking you, but you didn't budge. So~, I came up with the idea to take pictures with your sleeping form!" "Anyway, Imma take a guess and say you wanted me to wake up to see Twilight off?" Bolt asked as Pinkie and Fluttershy stood. "Yes, I mean, if you don't mind." Fluttershy answered "Uh... Sure, go ahead. I need to catch up with myself after that nap... And other things that happened tonight." with a nod, they all left Bolt alone in the gym. Bolt stretched as he walked into the foyer. Looking out where the doors use to be, he sees Twilight and company in a group hug, but before he could walk out he sees Sunset hiding behind the wrecked foyer entrance. His devilish side kicked into overdrive. Sneaking up behind her, Bolt ready his hands to pick Sunset up by her waist. "I think I'm hungry for some..." he whispered as his hands were inches away from her waist, then quickly and with no warning, he snatched her clean in the air. "BACON!!!!!!" "EEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" Sunset Screamed at the top of her lungs. Bolt placed her back on her feet, then fell to the ground, laughing. "Haahahahha!!! 'Eeaahh'? What are you, a looney toon? Hahahahaha!!!!" Sunset was blushing heavily as Bolt laughed at her. "Why did you do that Bolt?! That wasn't funny!" "I disagree, it depends on the side getting spooked... Then again, if you catch me good enough, I'll laugh with you." Bolt told Sunset as he wiped a tear from his eye. After calming himself, Bolt got off the ground and stood by Sunset. "You got a lot of damage control to deal with. You ready?" Sunset looked down. "*sigh* Not really... I did so many things to the students of this school. I'm sure they don't want to listen to anything I have to say..." Bolt walked to the stairs and sat on the top landing. He pats the space beside him, signaling Sunset to sit beside him. She took the offer and sat right next to him. "Someone once said that 'If you speak loud enough, someone is bound to listen.' Or something like that." Bolt shrugs. "Either way, try using words and actions. And make sure both speak loud." Just as Bolt finished talking, Twilight and the rest of the girls walk up to him and Sunset. "About that time, huh?" "Yeah... Bolt, I just want to say thank you!" Bolt raised an eyebrow at Twilight's gratitude. "You helped me, even though you didn't want to be involved and really appreciate that. I know you don't think of as friends... But I will see you as one and I know the other girls will as well." Twilight leans over to hug Bolt. Bolt was a little shocked by the contact but not bothered by it. After a little while Twilight let go and backed away from the stairs. "*sigh* Even in the end... Do what you want, it ain't no skin off my nose. Anyway, don't waste too much time here, you need to get back to your own family and friends of that world." Bolt griped. With a nod Twilight walked back to the portal. "Pup bro!" Spike, who was already at the statue when Twilight reached it, stared back at Bolt. "I need you to extend your care of that social banana. Can I count on you?" "You bet!" Spike shouted before jumping through the portal. "And Twilight!" Bolt called out. Twilight just turned and looked at Bolt. "Tell that idiot side of me that: If I see him, I'm going straight for his jaw for not checking in on bacon bit here like he should have before she turned into psycho bacon! ... See ya around, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Twilight just smiled and wave as she walked through the portal. "I see, so Twilight Sparkle has left already." Everyone except for Bolt turned to the voice that came out of nowhere to see it Vice-Principal Luna. "Yep, and I think it's time we all start heading home." Bolt stood and stretched as the other girls nodded in agreement, except Sunset and Bolt noticed. "This is going where I think it is, isn't it?" "I kinda banked on my plan succeeding and... Well, the foster home won't be too happy to see me." Sunset said in embarrassment. Bolt groaned. "Weren't you taught to never count your chickens before they hatch? ...I guess you can stay with me. I got plenty of room," "I don't think it's a good idea for a Young man and woman, to be living under the same roof alone, Bolt." Luna voiced her concern on his offer. "No trust Auntie? I'm hurt." Bolt feigned heartbreak. "It's not you I don't trust" Luna said as she looked to Sunset, who cowered at her gaze and held her upper arm. "Eh. She's a pussycat. The worst that could happen is that she trips and kisses me. Anyway, Iets be on our way Bacon bit." Bolt walked away as he called out to Sunset, who started to follow behind him. A bit away from the school, Bolt noticed that there was much more chatter behind him for just one person. He stops and turns around to see Pinkie Pie and the other four girls talking to Sunset. "Where the hell are you five going? None of your houses are in this direction..." he asked as Pinkie skipped up to him and latched on his arm "To your house for the slumber party silly!" Pinkie exclaimed, then kissed Bolt on the cheek. He wanted to. Oh! How he wanted to tell her no, but knew it would just bite him in the ass instead. Sighing, he turned around with Pinkie still latched to his arm and continued home... "Never a break in sight, huh?" Pinkie just smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. "Nope."