"that should not be possible" Sunny Flare speaks in astonishment. "how is it possible?"
"Maybe it's a hoax" Sour Sweet says "what do the readings say?"
For the question the four are put to review the computers. The face of Sugar Coat shows no emotional change, but her gaze seems to intensify as she watches the band, focusing primarily on the guitarist with fire hair.
After a few minutes she presses a button and speaks through a microphone, her voice is heard through a horn inside a room.
"that's all, all you can go out and change your normal clothes, thank you for your cooperation."
The Rainbooms leave their instruments and leave this room, don't hesitate to put on their normal clothes and sit side by side while the five researchers compare data and talk to each other.
Indigo Zap Speak out loud "There are no changes in physical or cerebral factors."
Lemon Zest continue "Electromagnetic fields suffered an increase in density, but it doesn't really seem important."
Sunny Flare Follows them "It is assumed that these girls created a mass of energy that condensed into an almost tangible body, but such a phenomenon does not seem possible with the newly acquired data."
Sugar Coat closes her eyes for a moment with a thoughtful attitude, seconds later opens them and walks up to the Canterlot students.
"Despite the evidence, the data are not consistent, how can you control this strange energy and use it to manipulate natural laws?"
The response takes a few seconds to arrive, from Sunset.
"actually... we don't know..."
Rainbow continue. "We just play, magic does the rest. "
"we focus on having fun" coments the farmer.
Sugar Coat raise an eyebrow " "Having fun"? It's some kind of emotional influence?"
Applejack is not sure what to answer. "umm, I guess."
Pinkie exclaims with joy "is the magic of friendship! ... I think it's like the sixth time I say it in this story."
Sugar coat is intrigued by that, although her expression does not prove it. "magic of friendship? Explain yourself"
Sunset take the word. "our magic comes from our friendship, playing together, we show our love and confidence, at least, that's the theory."
Sour sweet is incomforme "Yeah sure, and we must suppose believe that love and trust is capable of generating an infinite source of power?"
"What you six can use to become mutants and break any physiological sense?" continue Indigo.
"and alter the chemical stability of the environment?" coments Sunny.
"And all with just playing music? Radical!" ended Lemon.
The green hair girl receives reproachful glances from her companions.
"It will be incoherent and even irresponsible, but is radical."
Sugar Coat turns to the Rainbooms "your reasoning has no logic."
"It's magic" coments Rainbow. "it doesn't follow logic."
Rarity decides to talk "Twilight thought the same, and now-"
Pinkie interrupts her "is our new best friend!!"
"That was rude Pinkie. But yes, it is."
"Twilight Sparkle?"
"poof! Ha, that silly to have friends?" Indigo mocks.
"She has friends..." Flutershy defends. "we are."
"yeah I do not care about that" Sour Sweet understates the issue. "can we continue the work? I missed my shooting practice yesterday and I will not do it again today, so I want to end this."
"I support that" says Indigo. "I don't want to miss any more training sessions."
Sugar Coat looks at them and speaks almost in scolding. "This is a serious research, our personal needs should not interfere with it."
Sunny Flare joins the complaint "easy to say, but at this stage, it will take too long to get sustainable data to help us reach a conclusion."
"if anyone of you have a more favorable analysis method that says it."
The silence is made among the five crystal students while some of them show signs of annoyance.
The silence is broken, but not by one of them. Is Fluttershy who talk
"u-um ... I ... have, a suggestion ...?"
All eyes are on the shy girl who, in a gesture of repentance for speaking, tries to shrink in her place.
A failed attempt, and they all wait for her prayer to end.
"u-um... we-can... do... the same... we ... do it with... Twilight... I think... no...?"
The students of Canterlot look at each other and as if mentally agreed they smile at each other.
Sugar Coat asks the question of her companions. "What do you mean by that?"
"Picnic!!!" exclaim Pinkie shoes a basket.
"am, Pinkie, I think that's not exactly what Fluttershy means"
"awwww but I already made the cakes"
To prove her point she opens the basket showing the steaming cupcakes showing that they are freshly baked. The crystal girls watch the scene, very confused.
"... where did you get that?"
Sunset ignores the scene and speaks to the crystal girls. "Um, I think what Fluttershy says, is that we could try ... well ... be friends."
The silence and neutral half-annoyed looks are the joint response of the crystal students, which causes a nervous smile to the former equine.
Applejack support her friends. "I agree, Twilight was able to see firsthand what the magic of friendship does, you can do it too."
"... what exactly do they suggest?"
"just... live with us."
"in a normal way."
"A friendly talk."
"maybe a walk?"
"cakes!!!"
"to be ... kind?"
Once again, silence and stares between neutral and annoying, the atmosphere becomes uncomfortable.
Four students opens they mouths, but is Sugar Coat who speaks.
"very well."
"WHAT?!"
***Mirage***
A small table, two chairs, a fearful Fluttershy in one, and a bitter Sour Sweet in the other, some music toned on a tape recorder serves as ambiance, the rest of the present are kept on the opposite side of the room watching.
Sugar Coat explains the next step.
"We will proceed with a socialization experiment, each pair will interact for ten minutes and evaluate if there is any significant reaction."
Sunset try to explain. "um you know, I don¡t think that's useful-"
"will serve to evaluate it, depending on the results will determine the next step. "
The former equine just shrug in defeat, her friends show similar expressions but nobody says anything.
At the table, both girls look at each other, the shy girl tries to say something but just succeeds in stammering, her interlocutor doesn't seem to have intentions of engaging in a conversation, which makes her much more nervous and unable to speak.
It takes several seconds until finally, and with a groan, the Crystal girl is the one who speaks first.
"So, Fluttershy, right? Is that your name or a nickname?"
"Is-Is ... m-m-my-na-name..."
"... quite convenient, then, have you ever studied in Canterlot?"
The shy girl just nods nervously.
"including primary?"
Another assent. The crystal girl keeps a serious look and thinks about some topic of talk.
"I saw you play the tambourine, curious instrument since your band says, "rock"."
Fluttershy blushes a little and looks at the ground without knowing what to answer, Sour Sweet looks at her for a moment contemptuously.
"you don't talk much."
The girl's eyes get moistened a little.
"... that pleases me."
The comment takes her by surprise, but after seeing a moment to each other a small smile is reflected in each.
***Mirage***
"And I said "They are beans, jumping"!!"
Lemon Zest ends up stuck with her cake because of the uncontrollable laughter produced by Pinkie.
"JA JA JA JA JA! I don't believe you! Really?!
"very very really."
"ha ha ha ha!! Wow, those parties of yours are a bomb" says and bite the cake "and these things that bake are tasty."
"they are my special secret recipe" she approaches and whispers "the secret is that they have jelly."
A big smile materializes on the party girl and her partner smiles while still enjoying the cake.
"Hey, are you always wearing those hearing aids?"
"mh? Sure! They serve me to escape boredom."
"can you lend it to me?"
"Of course."
Lemon Zest give it to Pinkie, she puts it and Lemon takes the player and turn on. Pinkie's reaction is an exaltation and a powerful shout while removing the headphones, Lemon Zest takes the player and lowers the volume.
"I'm sorry, I like strong music."
"WHAT ?! DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?!"
***Mirage***
"So, you're an athlete." affirms Indigo Zap.
"How do you know?" asks Rainbow Dash.
"for your results in physical tests, it is clear that you keep in good shape, and the best way to do it is with some sport."
"yeah, you got it right, I'm a soccer player."
"interesting, do you plan to play professionally or is it just an extreme hobbie?"
"If you want to know, I plan to become the star player of the Wonder Bolts!" She exclaims with pride.
Indigo Zap shows a slight surprise and then is made to laugh, which earns an annoying look of Rainbow.
"What's so funny ?!"
"ha ha ha, sorry ha ha! It's just that I find it curious that you want to join the Wonder Bolts."
"why? The Wonder Bolts are the best!"
"maybe now, but, once I graduate, they will pass into the background."
"and why would that be?!
"beacause, I plan to create the best and most powerful soccer team the world has ever seen."
"... how's that?"
"I dedicate myself to the biological study to know everything about the physical capacity of the human being, when I graduate I will have gathered enough information to train the strongest athletes in the world, and to take their potential beyond the possible, thus I will create the team, more skillful, strong, talented, and unstoppable than ever, not even the Wonder Bolts can be compared."
"Ha! You already want!"
"do you doubt it?"
"Of course, to begin with, you talk a lot about learning the body's capabilities, but that can not be learned in a book, you must be yourself to measure your strength in the field."
"oh, you think I don't train? Obviously I use my bases in myself to have perfect results, and fearing to sound presumptuous, no one can compare me."
"Oh yeah?"
"Of course."
Rainbow frowns and Indigo Zap shows a confused smile, they both look at each other defiantly.
***Mirage***
Both students looked at each other ferociously, the chairs were overturned to allow them to stand bent over the table and begin a force competition.
Both girls growl and intensify their gaze, as if expecting it to somehow diminish the strength of the other.
In the opposite side the other students observe the spectacle, besides Pinkie, Lemon Zest and Applejack enjoy a popcorn.
Sunny Flare talk to the glasses girl "Do you know that it's been more than ten minutes?"
"Yes, but I want to see the outcome of this situation."
The intense battle between them continues.
***Mirge***
Sunny Flare pauses before following his account "I agreed to go out with him because he did not see any reason not to, but after the second appointment I found out that he was still pretending to be his ex."
Rarity's face reflects astonishment as she listens to her.
"that filled me with indignation so I ended up sending it where it came from."
"oh but, how naughty! Subject so, I see that not even a school like this gets rid of them."
"the good thing is that I found out at that time, if it had been later, besides indignation I would have filled with shame."
"oh darling, the good thing is that it did not interfere with your activities."
"Yeah, I had to focus a little more on my studies after that, but I caught up fast, well. And you've had a love affair?"
"oh my! I told you! I remember when I met Blue Blood at that dance."
"Blue Blood? That rich man who seems to think himself a prince or something."
"the same, I meet with he, and I will tell you, he will believe prince, but he is worse than a-"
***Mirage***
Applejack was somewhat unsure of the look of Sugar Coat.
"So... what do you do for fun?"
"Independent studies to delve into topics that you need to know more."
"... o... k... but, when you go out, you go to the park, or see movies, something?"
"I do not do recreational activities, I should focus all my time on learning."
"um, why?"
"to ensure progress, I have been told that I am able to dedicate myself to astrophysics, neurology, nuclear chemistry, paleontology, among others. My history teacher assures me that being a historian is my best option, although it has not come to No conclusion is better to cover all fields for safety."
"... wow, that sounds awesome, I... I really don't know what I would do if they gave me so many options."
"Have you already decided?"
"I do, I plan to devote myself to running my family's farm."
"a farm, sounds interesting."
"Ever since I was little I worked on the farm, I hope one day to be the official owner."
"and you agree with that?"
"what?"
"You say you've been working there all your life, you've never thought of anything different?"
"Well, when I was little I felt that working on a farm was not for me, I tried to live in Manehattan with my uncles, but then I realized that Sweet Apple Acress is my home, since then I knew that my place is there."
"I see, it's good to see that you found your way at an early age, many spend their lives looking for the right place, I give you my congratulations on reaching such a mature at such a young age."
Applejack get blushed "oh come on, it's just, what happened to me, but thanks, you're very kind."
"I just say what I think."
"Well, thank you for that."
***Mirage***
Sunset sits at the table and looks at Sugar in front of her, the girl maintains the same old expression, but something in her eyes makes the former equine feel uncomfortable.
"Sunset Shimmer."
"um... yes?"
"If you allow me to be honest, you are the member that interests me most in this research, I really hope I can get results from this interaction."
"... ah ... thank you...?"
"So, shall we begin?"
"Of course, um... what would you like to talk about? Which is not related to the investigation..."
"In addition to the school and this band, what activities do you usually do?"
"oh well, I really spend time reading about history, science, or looking for information on technological advances... it's... something nerdy now that think about..."
" "nerdy", a very deformed term in my opinion, I do not see anything strange to be interested in the old or modern advances, after all, they help our development."
"heh, thank you, um, before you said that you specialize in many fields of study, I assume, that's why the director put you in charge of this research."
"I'm afraid I do not have the answer, but I can assume it's due to being the second best student in the school."
"Wow, that's it, really impresive."
"I am grateful for the compliment, although it is not really a subject I am very interested in, I am glad to be me and not a school mascot."
A brief silence appears between both while the former equestrian thinks about a certain subject.
"um ... can I ask you something... maybe a little personal?"
"You can ask what you want, depending on what it is, I will decide if I give an answer or not."
"um yeah... okay, look, I wanted to know... I mean..." As if trying to accommodate her own words, Sunset closes her eyes and concentrates. "Do you have something against Twilight?"
To her surprise, the glass girl's eyes widen dimly, she remains silent for a few seconds until finally she has an answer.
"I'm afraid I'll need you to clarify your question a little more."
Sunset looked for the way to explain herself.
"... is just... the first time I saw you, in that park, you remember?"
"I remember the moment."
"well, you... you were being very... you said things, very hurtful, you hurt her."
"I just said what's true."
Her voice so devoid of emotion began to make conversation uncomfortable. More than it already was.
"You could try to be kinder."
"I don't see the sense in embellishing a real fact with incorrect data."
"But... you hurt her."
Sunset seemed to be despairing...
"If she can't face the reality it's not my fault."
"...and there you are... is like you hate her."
Sugar Coat remained silent, her gaze still as impartial as ever.
"That's incorrect, I have no hatred for Twilight Sparkle. As I said, I just said the truth, does not mean I have something against her."
Sunset did not look convinced.
"but, yesterday, when we asked why she not included in this, you... made mocker of her."
"If you remember, no one "mockery" of any kind came from me, you must talk about that issue with the others, not with me."
"But you said-"
"Isaid, that this research is very important to risk it to Twilight Sparkle affect, and it is true. Twilight Sparkle is the best student at this school, I recognize her intellect and ability, however, the serious problem she has is that she does not know how to measure her actions."
Sunset's confused look makes the girl with glasses continue her explanation.
"Despite being very intelligent, Twilight Sparkle usually hastens her ideas, she doesn't stop to think carefully about the results, and as a consequence, her acts often have serious failures. As I suppose you could have found out for yourself."
Sunset knew what she was talking about, and remembering it made her look down...
"reiterating my answer, personally I have nothing against Twilight Sparkle, although, I can not accept she as scientific because of that defect."
There is no more talk, and the Crystal girl decides to end the interaction prematurely.
"I think this covers the data required by today."
the others Crystal students are surprised.
"what? I thought we were going to do more testing-"
"will not be necessary." she turns to the Rainbooms. "we're done for today, you can retire."
... Surprised in the same way, the six friends taking their instrument withdraw, and soon they retreat, giving crystal students a confused look.
The Five Crystal grils talk to the others.
"well, now what?"
Sugar Coat walk a few steps before turning to see them.
"the evidence is clear, we deal with something unfamiliar, and very promising, but we will not make any progress in this way, we need another approach."
"yeah sure. And I suppose you will have an idea."
Sugar Coat adjusts her glasses. "As a matter of fact, I have it."
The five look at her Intrigued.
***Mirage***
The Director of the school, sitting at his desk maintains his characteristic gaze as he watches his five students stand in front of him.
"So you're telling me, this research is a waste of time."
"In fact" responds Sugar Coat. "these six have no idea how they get or use that power, without the ability to control it, there is no point in continuing to focus research on them."
"what do you suggest then?"
"focus the research to the true source."
The director is silent, his glance becomes colder. "Do you talk about Canterlot?"
"No sir, I have another place in mind."
The director's gaze remains cool but shows some intrigue.
"These girls assert that power comes from another world, a magical world."
"you will not tell me that you believe them."
"no sir, the only idea seems irrational and inconceivable, however... after the seen, and the recent analysis obtained, denote undeniable data."
The girl extends her hand slightly and Sour Sweet take her a bottle with a handkerchief, it still contains a stain of blue powder.
The director focuses his gaze but does not say a word, yet his question is denoted.
"this is a sample obtained in a visit to Canterlot High, in that place we spotted an abnormal flora, for reasons not clear, the only sample we could get was this strange dust, coming from the interior of the flower."
Indigo Zap take the word "I did an analysis to the sample, its components do not correspond to that of any known plant."
Sunny Flare continue "Moreover, my analysis dictates, that its chemical compound does not correspond to any existing substance, on the planet."
Lemon Zest joins "The place also has a very erratic magnetic frequency, something is interfering with the environment and, oddly enough, it is only on the school grounds."
Sour Sweet add "But I checked the place, nothing in the building or any internal component of it is capable of producing those anomalies, but they are present, they must come from somewhere, one that can not be seen or studied with our current sources."
After the explanation, the man observes the five young girls who remain with neutral expressions waiting for their answer.
"... what is it, what do you suggest?"
Sugar Coat leaves the bottle on the desk
"we've already spoken, we think we have a option."
The girl makes another gesture with her hand and is given a notebook which places on the desk leaving the director to observe the notes.
"is ambitious, and the probability of success is almost zero, but if it turns out, there will be no limits."
The director looks closely at the notepad in his hands, goes through the pages looking at the records and what looks like small planes.
"... what would you need?"
"better equipment, stable and controllable land, effective labor should be no problem, and of course, financing."
The director stands and with the notebook in hand stands in front of five, his face is serious and almost threatening, look at the young girls, but no sign of backwardness, instead keep their semblance impartial, finally the director Return the notebook to the leader of the group.
"it's better, you, do not, fail."
***Mirage***
"Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight who was concentrated in the books of her locker can't help but scream and turn around in surprise, a surprise that increases when she sees the five students behind her.
"oh... it's... it's you... what... what you-...?
"We have a request to make." respond Sugar.
"um... if it's the magic thing... I already told you that I have nothing of my research and-"
"That's not it."
"Ah ...?"
Indigo Zap aproach approaches with an intimidating gesture. "Look glases, we know you have a gem loaded with energy or something, we want you to give it to us."
For the accusation the girl of glasses lean in the lockers with a look of fear.
"I-I don't know... what they're talking about heh... I'm not-"
Sour Sweet talk at her. "we saw you, so don't pretend."
Lemon Zest suppont "When we went to your house, we detected an abnormal signal present inside, and we saw you in the basement holding that shiny gem."
The look of Twilight is filled with despair and unconsciously, she closes her hand tightly in the pocket of her jacket, that action doesn't go unnoticed by Sugar Coat
"I see you're bringing it with you."
With much fear, Twilight looks to the sides in search of an exit but the five girls position themselves so as to cut off any escape route.
"Can I ask what you plan to do with it? Will you follow your individual research?"
"NO!"
She cover her mouth. The answer comes out by reflection.
"... I... I no want to cause more problems... just ... I thought I'd throw it somewhere..."
"Instead, I politely ask you to give it to us."
Sugar says without a trace of doubt[/pre]
"What... what do you plan to do?!
"We have decided that the research regarding Sunset Shimmer and her partners does not give satisfactory results, so we will change tactics."
"... what ... does it mean ...?"
"we will direct our attention directly to the energy in question."
Sunny Blaze aproach and sees the gem. "and for that, we need a sample."
"Twilight begins to shake" ... I... I... no! I don't want... that Sunset and the others have more problems..."
"Then you'd better give it to us." Says Sugar Coat.
"... wh-what ...?"
"If you give us that gem, we can use it as a source and research base, and we will no longer have to depend on Sunset Shimmer and her companions, in short, we would not bother them any more."
Both girls watch closely, Sugar Coat extends her hand slightly and opens it, Twilight hesitates a moment but then quickly takes the object out of his pocket and gives it.
"Fine! Take it! I don't want it! And... whatever you do... I don't want to be part of it...! I want to... forget all this matter of magic, equimia whatever... I don't want to know anything!"
Sugar Coat hold her hand "understood, we will not bother you again."
With that said the girls break the formation that had done and without wasting time, Twilight turns and runs away.
The five see the gem in the hand of Sugar Coat.
"you four start to spread the word, we will start as soon as possible."
All nods and separate, Sugar Coat saves the gem and after closing the door of the Twilight locker pulls out her phone, with a few taps to the keys makes a call.
Soon she receiving reply. Hears Sunset's voice on the other side.
"Hello?"
"Sunset Shimmer, I'm Sugar Coat."
"what ... how did you get my number?"
"That's not important, I call to make an announcement, we no longer require the presence of you or your pals in the investigation."
"what?"
"We have decided to focus our attention on other aspects, we appreciate your cooperation, but are already exempt from presenting tomorrow, we will continue on our own."
"what?! what you talki-?"
Her sentence does not end because Sugar Coat ends the call.
She stores her phone, adjusts her glasses, and then retires.