//------------------------------// // The Coming Storm // Story: Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic // by onekface //------------------------------// Chapter 86: Storm (Timber’s apartment) Gloriosa was… getting worried. No, her camp wasn’t going under again. In fact, you might even say it was… prospering. Camp Everfree was getting a large influx of visitors thanks to the renovations. And after visitors began telling stories about the camp and its unique attraction, her place has been booked till next season. By the end of the month she’ll have more than enough money to shove into Filthy Rich’s face and gloat about for the rest of her life. But that’s not what got her worried. In fact, it was actually her brother that’s got her feeling… anxious. It all started when he came back from his three day long disappearance. While she was glad that nothing happened to him, she noticed that something… strange was going on with Timber. It wouldn’t be the first time the boy needed some soul searching time for himself. The guy would normally have his radio blackout moments cruising around the countryside under the guise of: ‘Finding himself’. But that’s usually the excuse he’d use just to get out of work at camp. Heck, there was even a time he would disappear for a week without anyone noticing. But at times he would leave a note or at least call back just to let others know that he was fine. But this time however… it felt… different. Gloriosa couldn’t find the words to describe it, but she was definitely sure that something was off with her brother. Firstly, he said that he found a job in the city working for some big wig at a big corporation, and that the pay is good with flexible working hours. Then he comes back home with pockets full of cash and began splurging it on himself and the apartment. He pretty much decked out the place, replacing the old fridge, bought a big fancy TV, and a whole slew of stuff that would normally cost an ordinary citizen an arm and a leg. Where was this when they needed the funds to renovate the camp? And don’t even get her started to what he did with his wardrobe. The boy threw out many of his old stuff and replaced them with newer modern hipper fashion. He changed his hair, his looks, his clothes, and even his whole personality. It was like Timber came back as a completely different person. If this is how he does his soul searching, then he must’ve went to the wrong department. Now Gloriosa wasn’t much of a detective. But even she knew that something wasn’t right. No one changes their outlook in life so quickly. Not even Timber, and that’s saying something. And getting all that money to buy all these stuff can’t be legal. Either her brother was involved in something nefarious or he was under the influence of something nasty. And right now Gloriosa was hoping it was the former. Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself to his door and raised her hand, only to pull up short when the door opened on its own. She jolted backward as her brother’s face poked itself out, looking haggard. “Oh! Hey sis. I didn’t know you were home. What’s cracking?” Timber spoke, forcing a smile while sweat poured from his face like he had just went through a marathon. “Uh… n… nothing much.” She stammered, trying her best to NOT be suspicious. “I was just wondering if you needed something. Are you… doing something?” “Just a little cleanup. Nothing major.” That statement would’ve sold off better if she hadn’t noticed a strange ominous light coming from his room. He must’ve also noticed her glance because he quickly closed the door behind him. “So… you wanted something?” His face looked so pale. It almost looked like he was in pain. “Are you… alright?” “Course I am.” He responded so loudly that it frightened her. “Just… moving some furniture. That’s all.” That was a lie and they both knew it. She’s been here for over an hour now and she hadn’t heard a single creaking of furniture. And most of the stuff he used to own had been tossed out yesterday. “Timber. What’s going on?” “Nothing.” “But your face…” “I’m fine.” That wasn’t going to cut it. “Timber. I’m your sister. Don’t think that I’m an idiot. I know when you’re lying and you’re obviously not fine. What are you doing in there? You’ve been acting weird lately ever since you got this new job of yours and you haven’t even told me what it is. I’m starting to worry here.” “I said I’m fine!” He snapped angrily making her shift backward in fright. “S… sorry. I’m in the middle of something and I can’t talk about it.” The boy glanced back into his room as an eerie voice beckoned him back in. “Is there someone with you?” “No! Just… talking with someone. On the phone. It’s uh… work related. Anyway, I have something to do. I’ll catch you later.” Without even waiting he grabbed his stuff and bolted out of the apartment. She called out to him but he ignored it. Gloriosa wanted to follow but she felt a dread just by thinking it. She was more than certain now that something was up with Timber. He was always a rebel in the family but never aggressive. At least… not like this. Her brother looked angry, and in pain. And that strange look in his eye was just… out of this world. It kind of reminded her of… well… her – or at the very least the old her. The panicky tone, the stressful nature? It was all too frighteningly similar to her old self. Slowly enough the girl glanced into his room that he left unguarded. It was unsurprisingly locked. But lucky for her she made sure that there was a spare key for every door here. Something Timber never seemed to get around doing. With a little finesse the door creaked open. And then her mouth stifled a gasp. (Canterlot High) A beast prowled CHS that morning. A creature that sought its prey with purpose, snarling angrily like an animal. Students who saw it quickly parted away, praying that they wouldn’t be snared, and teachers and faculty alike turned a blind eye to the predator. No one felt safe, no one dared bar its path lest they be caught in the conflict. Slowly it sniffed down the hallway, finding its mark by the smell of its expensive cologne. With a huff, the beast jumped into action, locating its target by the vending machine, grabbing a soda. Eyes beating red, and nose blaring steam, she pounced. “Oh hey Rarity. What’s up with…” “RAWRRRR!” Flash Sentry never got to finish that sentence when he was nabbed. xxxxxxxxxx Rarity considered herself to be the cultured one in the group. A person who radiated some semblance of style within the school. She would never think of one day she would act like an animal, hunting down a prey with little mercy. But at the moment she believed she can be excused for just this once. Hey prey dangled atop the band room, suspended upside-down within a crystal cage of her own magical design. She expected him to be either scared or angry at his sudden capture, but the boy looked more confused than frightened. But she won’t let this cute-innocent-lovable singer rocker boy go without a reason. Despite his adorable demeanor, he was the one clearly at fault here. He’s the very reason why she had to act this way. Why she had to abandon all manner of self-control and bring him over like a glorified turkey. Flash here was the source of all her anguish, the reason why her friends were acting weird and love struck. First it was Applejack and her sudden development of love, then Pinkie Pie with her sudden infatuation, then Rainbow Dash – though granted, that girl was probably just doing it to get her parents off her back. Then of course there was Fluttershy who, by far went above the limit of sanity, decided to use the boy as a shield to block any oncoming courters. And now there was this BIG fight with Timber which then prompted (or at least added) the reason of Twilight’s eventual breakup. Whether it was a strange occurrence of fate or just a string of unfortunate coincidences, this boy seemed to be the root cause of it all. The primary reason, the gunpowder to their torch or something like that. Either way, something had to be done. And Rarity was going to get to the bottom of this no matter what. “Uh… Rarity.” Flash spoke, trying and failing to wiggle out of his restraints. “Did I… do something to offend you? Because if I did, I completely apologize.” Not really. Though he is partially responsible for her constant headache right about now. “Don’t try that charming voice of yours at me, buster. I’m not falling for that silly old trick.” He blinked back, confused. “Uh… I wasn’t. What’s this all abou—wahh!” She pulled him closer, just enough to poke his nose. “I’ll be the one asking the questions around here, Flash Sentry, if that’s even your real name.” “It is…” “Don’t you play smart with me mister! I know every trick in the book. I’ve mastered all manner of manipulation techniques and have handled worst criminals than you.” No she hasn’t. “So you may as well confess!” “Confess… what exactly?” That you’re a bloody Casanova who seduces women just for the fun of it! A player, a playboy, a ladies’ man, a home-wrecking Romeo who toys on the hearts of her friends! Ok maybe a few of those weren’t exactly true, but they were close enough! “What secrets are you hiding?” She demanded, hands clasping onto his jacket and rolling him around. “Who do you work for? What’s your angle in all of this!? What are you truly after? Tell me!” “I. Have. No. Idea. What. You’re. Talking. About.” The boy replied through shakes which she quickly released. “Playing the long game now, are we? Well two can play at that game.” “Rarity. You’re not making any sense.” “That’s detective Rare to you, buster.” Flash tilted his head in confusion of the strange title. “Private Eye, Rare. Solver of the missing Diamond Boots, and the one who uncovered the fake baseball card smuggling ring scheme in CHS.” That last one was a lofty title at best. In the end they discovered it was just Zephyr counterfeiting cards using the school library’s copying machine and then selling them off as authentic. “You lost me.” Damn it. He’s still not coming clean. “Fine then! If you’re not going to confess your sins, then you’ve forced my hands! I will use my ultimate power to squeeze the… truth… out… out of…” “Rarity?” Dang it. Why now? “Rarity!” Flash jumped off the moment her shields came down, catching her just before she hit the floor. “You ok?” “I’m…… I’m perfectly fine.” She responded weakly as she was brought to a chair. “I just need to… lie down for a spell and… rest my eyes.” The boy fanned her before producing the soda can he bought from the vending machine a few minutes ago. “Here. Take a sip.” Hmm… grape flavored. Her preferred taste. It really numb that aching head of hers. “So… are you going to start telling me what’s going on here? Why you just kidnapped me and made me miss Home-Ec?” Rarity sighed back as the ache finally went away. The pangs of anger suddenly replaced with regret and embarrassment. “I’m… terribly sorry about all this, Flash. I was going through a rather…… stressful moment and… I guess my emotions got the better of me.” “Don’t you normally let your emotions get the better of you?” He added jokingly which she did not respond positively, giving him the stink eye. “Right. Serious moment then. Continue.” “I’ve… just had a rather serious talk with Twilight – and… I didn’t take it very well at the end.” “Twilight?” Flash’s eyes widened in alarm. “Is she alright?” “She’s fine darling. Just… having a relationship crisis.” “Relationship?” Dang it. Me and my big mouth. Rarity brought her hand over her face. Her brain was scrambled right now. Not to mention her ache. She prompted to change the topic but nothing came to mind. Oh well… she may as go for broke in this regard. What’s the point of keeping everything in when it’s just gonna blow her out of proportion? “Um… promise you won’t tell?” His silence was his answer. “But Twilight may be breaking up with Timber.” “Twilight’s breaking up with Timber!?” “Shhh! Not so loud!” Rarity hushed him. “You want the whole school to hear? Yes. She told me about twenty minutes ago.” “B… but why? I thought things between them were going well.” She thought so too. With all the dates that they’ve been going, and how Timber was such an attentive boyfriend, she thought that they might even make it official. But that didn’t seem like the case. Rarity even planned on becoming the official godmother of their children. She even entertained the thought of being called ‘Auntie Rae-Rae’. “Apparently it wasn’t. And from what she told me… you’re the root cause.” “Me!?” His expression slipped for a second there. A hint on his eyes noted that he realized something. And he knew it. “You and Timber apparently had a huge fight with one another and it’s all she’s been thinking of.” She added, which he looked down in shame. “Oh no.” He grunted, rubbing his head angrily. “Could this really be my fault? Did I do this? Maybe I can help salvage it.” “What on earth could you have fought about that was so damaging? I didn’t even know there was bad blood between you two.” “It’s… complicated.” The fashionista gave him a pointed look. “Ok, it’s very complicated.” Her eye twitched. Complicated? You want to talk to me about complicated!? Two of my friends have a major crush on you right now, and both of them are holding it back because they don’t know how to handle their feelings. That was a powder keg on its own. Rainbow Dash is currently your pretend girlfriend for her parents, and Fluttershy is using you as a boy-toy shield to keep suitors away from her! SO DON’T YOU DARE LECTURE ME ABOUT COMPLICATED, YOUNG MAN!!!!! I’m barely untangling that knot out myself. “That excuse isn’t going to cut it, Flash.” She held back her urge to pour her mind out. “Now if you want to help me understand this whole ordeal, you had better start making sense.” The boy gave a mixture of signals ranging from ‘No way’ to ‘Are you nuts?’. Whatever argument they had must’ve been pretty severe, which was… sort of intriguing in its own right. “You want to help salvage this relationship, right?” “Of course. But…” “No buts.” She snapped. “Start talking or this breakup is going to be on your head.” The boy groaned in his hands. “Ugh… fine. But… promise you won’t tell the others?” “These lips are…” She paused for a moment before quickly checking outside the room to keep watch for eavesdroppers. You can’t be too careful in this school. With a satisfied nod, she closed the door and locked it. “… sealed.” … … … Ok she took that back. When Flash said that the whole thing was complicated, he really wasn’t kidding. He told her the whole story right down to the last detail. And from what she gathered… it didn’t look good. Apparently Timber believed that Twilight began to grow certain ‘Feelings’ for Flash and thought that he was gonna try and steal her, which prompted him to call the boy out and asked him – or in this case ‘Threaten’ him – to stay away. It felt like such a farfetched story. Completely bizarre and fictional. For one thing. Twilight crushing on Flash? Their Twilight? Back during the Friendship Games and Camp Everfree, the little nerd of their group show hardly any interest to the blue rocker boy. It wasn’t like this Twilight was the same pony Twilight in the pony world. That would be completely ridiculous. It’s like having twins fall for the same boy. That’s crazy. But seeing how her friends are slowly orbiting around this boy, she wouldn’t sign off that theory just yet. And… their Twilight wasn’t exactly the best when it came to romantic feelings. Heck, she’s only known the gang for two and a half years. Her personal relationship are probably just as old as their friendship. If you consider all the factors, her emotional maturity with other people was barely that of a toddler. And that wasn’t good. She might even fully realize that she has a crush on Flash. No wait. Don’t do this Rarity. These are all just circumstantial evidence. There’s no proof but Flash’s words here. It could all just be fabrication. But… the inner detective inside of her was saying otherwise. The boy doesn’t have a motive to lie and he clearly worries for Twilight and all of her friends. And so far all of his intentions have been pretty straight forward. He just wants to help the gang and get involved in their magical shenanigans. A simple yet somewhat childish behavior. “So… let me get this straight.” She began in all of her annoyance. “Timber called you out believing that Twilight actually… likes you?” He nodded shyly. “Don’t take this the wrong way Flash. It’s not like I don’t believe you or anything. But even I find that to be… a little over the top.” “You’re not the only one.” He admitted that it sounded strange when he says it out loud. “I thought Timber was being a paranoid boyfriend.” “Paranoid enough that he would call you out in the middle of the night?” The boy shrugged back. “What did he say to you exactly?” “To… stay away from Twilight for a bit.” A promise he clearly failed to do. “At first I thought he was crazy. But… then… I start to notice things.” That did not sound good. “What kind of things exactly?” “Remember that time when Twilight and I were trapped on the other side of the world when we used the portal under Castle Hoofbeard?” How could they forget? They were practically riddled with worries there. “Well I think we might’ve bonded there. More than I thought we would.” “Oh my.” It was a rather vague statement. But it was enough to send her over-imaginative imagination to overdrive. The two of them were trapped there for almost a week. And if she recalled correctly. The whole police force went out went out of their way to look for him. Now that she thought about it. Two teens trapped together in a mysterious world beyond the contact of others? It was a recipe for romance and drama. A place for relationships to deepen. “But I highly doubt Twilight is the type of girl who’d fall for such a simple charm.” Rarity added. “A few outings couldn’t have possibly built feelings that strongly.” “Well… that wasn’t the only time.” Her mood went south. “Of course it wasn’t. What else did you do? Did you take her to Manehattan and tour the boulevards of winding dreams? Fly her off to Las Pegasus and had watched the opera? Cruise the canals of Neighagra Falls? Climb the Peeks of Mt. Everhoof?” “I took her out to this restaurant she wanted to visit called the Tasty Treats. And we may have went to other places afterward.” “Other places?” “Movies and such…” Rarity blinked once… then twice. Then she grabbed her pouch, walked up to the boy and smacked him in the head. “That’s what we ordinary people call… A DATE!” She snapped at him as he recoiled from the pain. “So not only did you two spend quality time with one another, you’ve also seemed to have bonded immensely afterward. This would explain why the sudden change of Twilight’s heart.” Flash gulped. “So you really think that this whole breakup is my fault?” “Probably.” His face contorted with guilt and agony. It was harsh but true. “Twilight isn’t exactly familiar with love. In fact – you might even say that Timber was her first encounter of love-at-first-sight. She might not even be entirely aware of her own conflicting feelings. But… I also cannot say that you are fully to blame either.” “So… should we try and change her mind?” “No!” She snapped. “Trying to change that girl’s mind this close to the finish line will only confuse her, and will probably make everything worse.” And I might’ve already given her the green light to go for it. “The only thing left to do now is to let the whole scenario run its course. But with all the factors at play, there’s no guarantee. We’ll have to help, silently of course. You especially, Flash.” “Yes! Absolutely.” He agreed immediately. “I’ll do anything to help.” “Good. Then after school, you and I will follow Twilight to her meeting with Timber and ensure that the breakup goes smoothly.” The boy blinked. “We are?” “We are.” He scratched the back of his head confusingly. “And… how does that help?” “Because darling – breakups are messy. Especially the first one people experience. And when they split, Twilight is going to need a shoulder to cry on. She’ll be slumped, vulnerable and miserable as any recently broken-up girl would be. Thus, as her friend it is my responsibility to be that shoulder and invite her over to the Sweet Shoppe for some well-deserved ‘breakup-ice-cream’ and soothing smoothie.” “That sounds fine and all. But wouldn’t it be bad if I came along?” “I never said you had to appear.” She added with a coy grin. “I’ll be the one handling the waterwork. You’ll be the one picking the tab.” Flash gave her a look. “Really? Is my money all I’m good at?” “You do want to help clear your conscience, don’t you? Then this is my price.” Not that he had much to complain. With his allowance being a hundred times more than what any of them had, their order of ice cream will be chump change. xxxxxxxxxx What was that about? Rarity left in quite a hurry back then with a strange look in her eye. Perhaps their talk about breakup was too much drama for her to handle. Not surprising. Twilight felt nauseous just thinking about the whole ordeal. Her first ever romantic relationship was about to crash and burn like her first ever supercomputer and there was very little she could do to stop it. It was disheartening but Rarity was right. She can’t string Timber along like this. It wouldn’t be fair. While he might still bear some feelings for her, the affection she once had for him was dead and dry. As painful as it was to endure, she had to do it. For both their sakes. Rip off the band aid and be done with it. Be clear, precise, and to the point. No more excuses or delays. Timber has to understand, that there can’t be anything between them anymore. … well… okay… maybe not that far. She hopes they can still be friends at least. And speak of the devil himself. A reply came on her phone. She sent out a text message earlier inviting him to the city park. From what Rarity stated, it was the third best place for a breakup. It was quiet, serene, and had plenty of places where they can be alone together while she gives him the sour beans. If everything goes well – or as well as breakups can go – they’ll part ways as friends. Hearts will be broken, but at least this way they both can take a step in the right direction and move on from one another. That’s best-case scenario. “See ya there, sweetheart.” Ugh. Even his texts feel like they hold a tinge of mushiness. The emojis alone were filled with sweetness that even Fluttershy might find overbearing. “So you’re finally gonna go through with this, eh?” Midnight Sparkle once again decided to drop on her parade, appearing in her former Crystal Prep uniform. “About time if you asked me. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’m wagering it’ll go from ‘Please don’t leave me’ to ‘Crying river’. Though I am leaning towards a massive barrage of questions beforehand. Either of which are welcoming.” “It’s not gonna come to that.” Twilight held firm, walking down the hall and making sure no one was around to hear her talk to herself. “Timber is a strong and mature person. He’s not gonna break down or fall apart like glass. He’s made of sterner stuff. I’m sure he can handle it.” The angel didn’t give much hope on those. “Yeah. Sure. Until he completely wigs out and overreacts like a lunatic like in that movie: The Slasher’s Mistress!” Twilight blinked. “I haven’t watched that movie since I was in grade school. How’d you…? Are you going through my memories again?” “What? There’s only so much teen drama I can stomach before I get sick of the stuff. Besides, going through your childhood trauma is so much more fun than watching your love life crash and burn into the ground and then exploding into a fiery inferno.” “That’s not helping.” “It wasn’t meant to.” Ugh… for a seemingly powerful entity that lives inside her head, she’s quite annoying. “Oh why thank you. I always aim to displease.” “If you’re not going to useful, can you at least promise to be quiet during the whole breakup talk? I’d rather not have to deal with a third-wheel as well.” She shrugged. “Fair enough. Though I will be watching in the background with popcorn and all.” That’s probably the best deal she can get at this point. Not that she could change the mind of a former world-dominating-all-powerful-deity. “And a quick reminder: Don’t mess this one up. The last thing this extended relationship of yours need is a sequel.” (Apartment building parking lot) Gloriosa ran. She ran as fast as her legs could take her. Panic and worry filled her face as she rushed through the corridor of her apartment, brushing pass her neighbors without a care. She needed to find Timber. Fast! She should’ve realized sooner that something wasn’t right. She knew that he was in deep. But never in her life did she think he was in that deep. What she saw in his room a few minutes ago was madness. Roots and tree branches sprouting on every corner, flowers blooming on the corners all entangling in a messy quagmire of nature. Normally something like that would be considered beautiful in her eyes. But the way it was presented just sent chills up her spine. The whole nature-in-your-house thing just felt all wrong and nasty. Gloriosa could see the writing on the wall and she was more than familiar with its signs. There was definitely magic involve and not the good kind. She had firsthand experience with that kind of power and… let’s just say that the scenario did not end well. Like… she tried to imprison a bunch of kids to create her own perfect utopia kind of scenario. “Timber stop!” She found her brother just as he was about to enter his car. Without even looking at her he grunted. “What now, sis? I’m kind of in a hurry at the moment.” His voice sounded gurgled and faded, like the guy was chewing on a bunch of mint. But that didn’t stop Gloriosa. “And where are you going?” “I’m off to meet Twilight. She said that she needed to see me for something.” Judging by the trailing of his voice, it didn’t sound like a good thing. “It’s barely noon.” Gloriosa reminded, taking one step in his direction, cautiously. “Twilight’s obviously at school right now.” Her brother let out a low grunt, still facing away from her. “I’m off to buy her a little gift before we meet. That’s all.” “I thought you were planning to give that necklace to her.” That’s two nails on the head now and Timber couldn’t deny it. He let out a growl but kept his hand on his car. “Timber. What’s going on? What’s happening?” “I said it’s nothing!” “And that’s nonsense!” She snapped back, not taking that redundant answer any longer. “I saw your room, Timber. It’s like a forest just invaded! You found magic, didn’t you?” “And what if I did?” That was quick. For a moment there she thought her brother would give her the run-around. “You and I both know how dangerous magic is. You’ve seen what I did before and it didn’t end well for any of us.” “This is different, sis.” “The only thing different here is our roles.” His pause gave her a hint that she was somehow getting through to him. “I once thought magic was the answer. That having that power could somehow change things for the better. But you managed to talk me out of it. You and the other campers that day.” Another pause, his grip loosening from his car. “I know you love, Twilight. And believe me, I like her too. She sweet, kind, and a little nerdy. But what you’re doing isn’t going to change how she feels about you. You can’t let this magic control you like it did me.” Timber grunted and groaned. There was a strange energy radiating from him. A power his sister was all too familiar with. She could see strange veins pulsing on his neck, all unnaturally beating to the rhythm of his heart. “Timber… please.” She pleaded once more. “You know that this kind of power… is too much for us. You have to let it go.” … Timber was silent. His head hung low and his breathing became normal. He of all people knew that deep down, she was right. Magic was like gambling against a loaded dice. The odds of it throwing in their favor was low. She was using his own words against him. A twisted mockery of fate. With a sigh, he slumped, grabbing the necklace by its chains. “Sorry sis…” He muttered lowly before casting a spell. “But I have to try.” “Wha…?” Gloriosa saw roots sprout from the ground thicker than her whole body. They wrapped themselves on the pillars before spreading outward forming a blockade between her and the boy. “Timber! Timber no!” But by then he was gone.