> Inazuma Eleven GO: The Equestrian prodigy!
>  by Tythen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Rainbow Dash: Canterlot High's Ace Striker!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One sunny morning in Canterlot High School, a Rainbow haired girl was busy sitting and listening to the warbling teacher explaining some formulas about mathematics. Looking at her exercise book, all she jotted down were words and a picture of a thundercloud with a rainbow lightning bolt, instead of numbers and formulas. She sighed, she wasn't really the smart girl in school anyway.  As she looked across the window, she sees Canterlot's lush green soccer pitch and smiled. The imagination of playing soccer coursed through her mind as she waited and waited for the bell to ring.

"Miss Dash?" The math teacher called, breaking Rainbow's train of thought "care to explain this question?"

"Oh uh..." Rainbow stood up and stared at the board. A right-angled triangle with a described angle of 60 degrees and two line measurements below and opposite it. The hypotenuse, however, was marked with an x.

"What is the hypotenuse, Miss Dash?" The teacher asked again "just find x."

"Oh! That's right!" x is--" A sudden movement in her right pocket interrupted her conversation as she looked down and saw a small piece of paper sticking out. As she opened and read it, it said:

Don't say 'right there'. Just say the answer to this question. 9-3=?

Rainbow looked at her right to see a light orange skin and blue-haired student turn his emotionless eyes at her before quickly looking away.

"Well, Rainbow? What is it?" The math teacher asked, losing a little bit of patience.

"It's 6!" Rainbow answered,

"Well done Rainbow Dash!" The teacher beamed "that is the right answer! Now, can you tell me how you got the answer?"

"Err..." Rainbow hesitated, red welling up in her cheeks.

"Rainbow," the teacher sighed "sometimes, you've got to concentrate your academics. Otherwise, you'll never achieve a career in sport."

"Yes, madam..." Rainbow nodded in defeat.

"But surely you haven't forgotten today's announcement," the teacher continued and addressed " 'today, all members of the CHS football club must arrive at the soccer pitch before lunchtime.' Isn't this class before lunchtime?"

"Wait... Really?" Rainbow gasped, "I actually forgot!"

"Seriously Rainbow..." The teacher shook her head in disappointment "remember to check the school announcements next time." And she opened the door "well what are you waiting for? You need to get changed and get warmed up!"

"O-Okay then madam!" Rainbow nodded with gratitude. Packing her stuff, she placed it into her bag and grabbed the blue-haired classmate next to her.

"Wha?" The boy jumped, shock and confusion on his face.

"But what does soccer have to do with Mr Sentry?" The teacher asked,

"He's part of the team!" Rainbow replied,

"Wait! No I'm--!" The boy was about to object until he was quickly dragged out of the classroom. Rainbow dashed across the hallways, dragging the boy named Sentry with him, all the way to the outside soccer pitch.

"What is the meaning of this!?" The student angrily asked,

"Come on Flash! You've been doing nothing but writing down boring sums and for some reason, given me the answer for today! Why are you doing this?"

"Because you've been like this in class for a hundred and three times!" Flash replied "you've never been concentrating! That's why the teacher always chooses you to answer. You need to focus on study and know when to be attentive because it affects everyone in the class."

"Aww... You really do care about other students, and not just Twilight huh? Your 'girlfriend from another world?' "

"She's not my girlfriend!" Flash rebuked, "why the hay does everyone think of that? Just because I helped her, or bumped into her, or danced with her, or hugged and congratulated her after that concert doesn't mean I like her! A soldier has to keep the morale of his other comrades high, so their willpower can survive through the horrors of war! Besides, it's formal military behaviour."

"Oh, that's right..." Rainbow sighed "your parents are part of the military. My bad Mr 'strict and formal'."

"Hey, military decorum is important in my family," Flash replied,

"Anyway, I just want you to relax and watch our match for now. Okay?" Rainbow changed "this is thanks for helping me back there."

"But I've got music practice with my band-mates as well as my siblings after lunchtime! I need to prepare my guitar and piano skills."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Okay? Okay." Rainbow smiled as she booped Flash's nose. "I'm going to get changed, make sure you get comfy on those benches."



"And here it is folks!" The announcer yelled with zeal "welcome to Canterlot High School's soccer field! Today, we have an exhibition match with Canterlot High School and Palomino Grammar! Can Palomino return their long-respected rivalry between them with a win? I'm your announcer, Vinyl Scratch, or everyone may know me as, DJ-Pon3!" The crowd yelled back with cheers and screams.

"Go Rainbow Dash!" A pink-haired and dark-orange skinned girl cried from near the front of the field.

"Well, first time seeing a soccer match, this better be good," Flash grumbled while at the same time, engrossed himself into a game where he was in charge of an army and setting up tactics, formations and equipment to storm and defeat the enemy. As both teams were warming up, a woman walked to the benches and sat next to Flash. As Flash turned to his new neighbour, he immediately noted down the woman's features and clothes in his mind. A woman with auburn hair, a white bonnet, a white fur jacket (not from animals) with a thinner light-red jacket inside, black fabric trousers and thick auburn shades. These type of clothes and accessories looked very expensive, and that intrigued the boy. As he peered closer on the bonnet, he saw the name of the company woven into its material. As he looked up the company's name, his eyes opened to a lot of fascination and looked back to the woman. Only this time, he ended up looking right towards her eyes. 

"Excuse me?" The woman asked as she stared right back into Flash's eyes.

"Oh, sorry madam." Flash apologised, "I was just interested in your clothes."

"Is that so?" The woman continued as she took out her bonnet, revealing her long and wavy auburn hair, "If you plan to get them for some girl of yours, I'm afraid you'll have no chance of finding it here."

"Because?"

"It's not from Canterlot."

"I see."

"Do you like soccer?" The woman asked,

"This is just my first time watching a soccer match between people of my age."

"Isn't that a coincidence?" The woman clasped her hands in delight "this is also my first time seeing one too!"

"Really?"

"In Canterlot."

"Wait... You're not from here?"

"Look!" The woman pointed "the match is starting! Let's continue this lovely discussion during half-time, shall we?"

"Okay then, my name is Flash Sentry." And he offered out a hand to shake,

"A pleasure meeting you." The woman smiled, shaking his hand.



Rainbow ran out to the pitch to meet up with her team members. There, she saw the Wonderbolts, the top players of CHS' football club. A girl whose hair has the colour of fire, a guy with blue dark blue hair, and a girl with white hair. All had hair sticking out in the opposite direction of their face.

"Captain Spitfire!" Rainbow greeted "Soarin, Fleetfoot!"

"Why hello there Rainbow!" Spitfire shook Rainbow's hand, the captain's band strapped to her arm. "Glad you could make it on time!"

"Sorry about that." Rainbow chuckled,

"You know the usual plan and formation, right?" Spitfire asked, "you'll be in the forward position with me and Soarin."

"Yes!"

"Then good luck!" Spitfire smiled,

"Hey Rainbow." The guy named Soarin smiled "you look good."

"Heh heh... So do you." Rainbow blushed,

"Shall we do this like always?"

"Like always!" Rainbow nodded with determination.

"And with the toss of the coin, Palomino choosing heads, it landed as tails! Looks like CHS will be kicking off this match!"

"All right everyone!" Spitfire called "let's do this! One, two, three..."

"Canterlot!" The team yelled. Now both sides are ready, the announcer is ready, Flash put away his gaming console, eager to watch and give his full attention, the crowd started cheering for their team, the whistle blows, and it's Kick-Off!



"Spitfire starts off the ball with Soarin," Vinyl announced, "she's tearing through the pitch and the opposing players, passing off to Soarin, look at his legs, expertly moving around the ball in order to trick the others!" The crowd cheered to see the lightning boy run down the pitch.

"Soarin!" Spitfire signalled,

"And with a neat pass, Soarin has passed to Spitfire, who is behind two defenders! Now coming straight up to the third one, will the defender take it?"

Spitfire sees the third defender coming up and jumped above his legs with the ball and neatly dodged his slide attack. This caused numerous cheers up the crowd.

"And what a dodge! Spitfire has nimbly gotten past the defender! Now she's gearing up for the goal. Ready to score!"

"Take this!" Spitfire yelled and kicked the ball towards the far left corner of the goal.

"Argh!" The Palomino keeper grunted as she dived for the ball and punched it away from the net.

"And it's a save!" Vinyl spoke, "what an excellent punch by the keeper! A great improvement from Palomino's captain!"

"Not bad." Spitfire complimented,

"Thanks." The captain replied, "think you can do better?"

"I think a few of our members are itching to shine!" Spitfire smiled,



"Now Palomino has the ball, and they've got some very good passing too! They're charging through the pitch all the same!" Vinyl continued,

"Now! Block!" Fleetfoot commanded, and as two of the CHS players blocked the player holding the ball, the Palomino player kicked it to a player behind her but did not expect a white whoosh following her pass... And the ball not ending up in her teammate's legs.

"Look at that!" Vinyl commented as cheers and oh's billowed from the bleachers, "Fleetfoot with that immediate intercept! Look's like CHS has a hold on the ball once again!"

"Hmm..." Flash watched as he saw the white-haired girl pass back to the captain. "Very fast indeed." He then peered to the woman beside him, who was holding a binocular stick to watch the match.

"Fancy, posh gadgetry." Flash mused to himself, but as he looked at the binocular's direction, it seemed that the lady was focusing her attention on...

"All to you now Rainbow!" Spitfire made a long pass to Rainbow as she dashed towards the goal one more time.

"Can you get past me?" The Palomino captain taunted, her feet planted firmly on the ground and her hands moving up and down.

"Yeah, I can!" Rainbow laughed and she made a strong swing of her leg, kicking the ball straight through the keeper's legs and into the net.

"Oh!" The Palomino captain closed her legs in embarrassment and grew red in the face as the crowd roared wildly. The pink-haired girl screaming wildly in cheers when seeing that her favourite player has scored a goal.

"Goal!!!" Vinyl announced, "with a sneaky kick through the legs, that chalks up the first goal of the match for Canterlot!"

"Huh, never saw that coming." Flash watched,

"How very interesting..." The woman next to him spoke.



"It's getting quite close to half-time now, and Palomino's striker is coming up close to the goal! Can Dumb-bell, CHS's goalie, catch it?" As the Palomino striker kicked the ball. It was fast and powerful, but his accuracy landed the ball directly at Dumb-bell's face. The ball was deflected out of the pitch while Dumbbell fell flat on the grass.

"Ooh!" Vinyl gasped, "what a save, but what a shot! Dumb-bell saves CHS' goal and glory with his good old noggin!" Regardless that someone got hurt, the crowd still cheered that the team were prevented from losing a point.

"Pack it in Dumb-bell." Rainbow laughed as she picked her keeper up "this isn't the first time you know, but you're still doing great. Keep at it!"

"Yes, Rainbow!" Dumb-bell nodded as he rubbed his face. The whistle then blew twice. One short, one long.

"And that's the half time whistle everybody!" Vinyl announced, "with Canterlot High School leading 1-0, scored by Rainbow Dash, the Ace Striker!" There was a moment of cheering before people started to go back to doing their own things. Rainbow sat on the bench with the other players and her 4 other friends, drinking mineral water and isotonic drinks.

"Not bad Rainbow!" Spitfire exclaimed, giving a high-five, "you're not our Ace Striker for nothing! Not just powerful, but funny too!"

"Ha ha..." Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Next half, we're planning on deploying our special tactic, understand everyone?"

"Yes, Captain!" Came the response. As Rainbow went to her bag, she noticed her phone was vibrating.

"Hello?" Rainbow called,

"Rainbow, this is Flash," Flash replied,

"How the heck did you get my phone number!?"

"Do you remember that we each received a list of every student's home numbers every year? Well, I called your home phone, found your old man, told him I was a friend of hers, and he gave me your number. Also passes his regards to you for today's match."

"Since you're calling me, I bet it's something important."

"Why wouldn't I call you if there is something you need to know imperatively?" Flash replied, "anyway, I'm sitting right next to this woman wearing fancy expensive clothing that's not from Canterlot."

"What does that have to do with me? Go tell Rarity that."

"In fact, it's not from Equestria at all."

"Still not interested."

"What if I told you she has a pair of binoculars?"

"Then she's a posh woman, and I'm still not enlightened."

"what if she's pointing it towards you?"

"Wait..." Rainbow was about to make some smart comment until she realised what Flash was talking about "... Focused on me? Is she...!?"

"I don't know where she's from, but she looks important, and entirely focused on you. And no, I can see a wedding ring on her ring finger, meaning she's already married." Flash warned "Anyway, you're being watched. Be careful with how you act."

"Okay then." Rainbow agreed and hung up. "A woman has got her eyes on me? That's interesting... Why me and not the Wonderbolts?"

"Is there something wrong Dash?" Fleetfoot asked as she saw Rainbow looking rather distant.

"Oh, it's nothing," Rainbow replied,



As Flash pocketed away from the phone, he didn't realise that the woman next to him was listening in as well.

"Is there a problem?" The woman spoke,

"Oh! Um..." Flash gulped,

"You seem to be fixed onto this girl just as I am..." The lady continued,

"Well, she was the one who brought me here early to this match. So I guess I'm temporarily concerned for her."

"Aww," the lady teased "are you guys, lovers?"

"We're just acquaintances," Flash replied, trying not to blush.

"So you were forced here..." The lady changed the subject one more time "well, what do you think of the match up to now?"

"I see a lot of hard work and diligence in the field for both teams." Flash assessed "the knowledge of when to pass to other people, knowing when to shoot, making judgement calls, it feels a lot like combat in the field..."

"I beg your pardon?" The lady replied, concerned at the sound of 'combat',

"Sorry madam, a force of military habit that runs in the family." Flash apologised "It's just that I can't help but see the world related to war and tactics."

"Enlighten me."

"Well, for starters, the game I was playing before the match is a tactical army defence game, I have to create my soldier's formation, give them the equipment necessary for them to win, and so forth."

"And what does this have to do with soccer?" The woman raised an eyebrow,

"It's because of the way the team holds their formation." Flash explained "for every sporting team for that matter, It depends on who they put at the front, middle or back lines, and where they are placed on the pitch. What's the best way to strike through the opposing team's defenders or mount a defensive formation. Not only that... I never watched their matches, but I know their reputation and power. Their most notable move is the Wonder Stunt."

"Wonder Stunt?"

"It's a special tactic." Flash replied, "I wager we'll see Rainbow and the team perform it during the second half."

"How do you know all this?"

"Intelligence gathering." Flash replied, "whether it's finding suspicious pictures that have cut out parts in the trash can, or looking through the Canterlot's sports information."

"Wow, you're quite the super informative human! Are you like a secret agent?"

"Hardly. I'm not that strong." Flash sighed "there were certain incidents that happened here in CHS with our students. I got brainwashed, then I was alluded to some spell and became very aggressive because of it."

"You know, you remind me of a few friends of mine..."



"And the second half begins!" Vinyl announced "where we left off, Canterlot High is leading 1-0 against Palomino Grammar. Can Palomino mount a comeback to equal the score? We'll find out soon, Palomino is off starting the ball!"

"Pass it back!" The Palomino coach commanded. Doing what they're told, the Palomino players passed the ball backwards, making sure that the CHS players were close enough.

"What is this?" Vinyl announced "it looks like the team is passing the ball back towards the goal while bringing the CHS players towards them? Perhaps they have some kind of trick?"

"Alright, everyone!" The captain called as she catches the ball. "Let's show them the special tactic!"

"Special Tactic?" Rainbow heard. Immediately, the Palomino players spread out across the width of the pitch from their end to Canterlot's end. With a mighty toss, the captain threw the ball to the defender on the right of the pitch, who proceeded to kick the ball over Rainbow, Spitfire and Soarin, towards another defender on the left side of the pitch. Without letting the ball touch the ground, the other defender kicked it towards his team-mate midfield towards the right, over the heads of other CHS players. This tactic was sublime and it spurred the crowd with such amazement. As the Palomino players skilfully passed the ball to each other, whether with their feet or with a header, they made sure that the ball never touched the ground until the last person.

"Will you look at that!!!" Vinyl erupted along with the cheers of the crowd "look at that! That is some fabulous technique that Palomino pulled off! Palomino really has come this far! Maybe they can even up the score!!!"

"I have to admit." Spitfire whistled, "that is some amazing tactic you pulled out there. What's your secret?"

"A secret's a secret!" The Palomino captain giggled.

"Now Palomino's forward has received the ball after its route through the sky, and he's right towards the goal! Do you think he can make it in this time?" To answer that, the striker launched one more powerful kick, to the left side of the net. Dumb-bell launched himself correctly at the ball's direction but alas, he launched himself too hard that the ball ended up colliding in his face. A large crowd of oohs, laughs and cheers filled the crowd once again.

"Well well well!" Vinyl announced "Dumb-bell saved it once again! Looks like he's 'saving face' for himself and his team!"

"Dumb-bell! Dumb-bell! Dumb-bell!" The CHS audience cheered as the goalie weakly held his hands to the air, while still laying flat on the grass.

"Can't tell if it's praising or mocking." Flash shared to the woman,

"Well done Dumb-bell, well done! You deserve a break!" Fleetfoot commended as she held the poor goalie up. "After the match!" And with that, she pulled out a folding chair, unfolded it on the grass, and sat him down.

"To be honest, I think the goalie deserves better," Flash added,

"His face is saved alright." The lady giggled "not on the literal side though."



"We've got 5 minutes on the clock now people," Vinyl announced. "Can Palomino pull through, or will CHS claim victory from their rivals once again? Looks like Soarin now has the ball!"

"Captain!" Soarin called "we're ready!"

"Ready!" Fleetfoot yelled,

"we're ready!" Came the response of the team.

"And so am I!" Rainbow replied "All eleven of us... I mean ten of us, are ready to go!"

"Good, you're taking point Rainbow." Spitfire commanded, "everyone get in echelon formation...and fly!"

"Wonder Stunt!" The team yelled back. The large V-formation of eleven was split into two different two small V-formations of five and like a stunt jet, they swiftly maneuvered through the opposition, leaving behind a trail of thunderclouds. The two v-formations moved around like they were a plane, the 4 players behind the point-man occasionally swapped sides opposite to each other to look like a plane doing a barrel roll and all sorts of other aerobic tricks while passing the ball to each other. Rainbow, however, jumped high into the sky and performed many acrobatic tricks and flips, leaving a rainbow trail behind her.

"Amazing!" The lady gasped as she gripped her binoculars in excitement "it's just like watching a real air show!"

"Exactly." Flash nodded "this special tactic is designed to bring the best out of CHS' football club: Style. Regardless that their special tactic is for show, it's also quite effective, as it's used as a distraction for the opposite team so the main person could soar towards the goal. But you've got to admit, how they manage to create a trail of thunderclouds as well as with their diamond finish where diamonds literally shower on their finishing pose is way beyond me."

"Hee hee... Looks like you're getting distracted as well." The woman laughed,

"As I said, this is my first time seeing it and I have to admit, it is beyond more than what it was described in the books." Flash agreed. As the 9 players grouped up together, Soarin, who currently has possession of the ball, kicked it high up into the sky for Rainbow to catch on the way down. The 9 players elegantly posed for their finale and Rainbow finished the stunt by neatly landing and having the ball underneath her foot. Endless magical diamonds fell from the sky out of nowhere, showering the team in all their glory, causing a standing ovation from all the crowd. Even Flash and the lady stood up to clap.

"Marvelous! Truly Marvelous!" The woman cheered as she elegantly clapped with joy,

"You can say that again!" Flash added as he rapidly beat his palms together.

"Yeah! Go CHS!" The pink-haired filly cheered

"Isn't that amazing or what folks!?" Vinyl announced, "from Canterlot High School's soccer club, this is the one, the only, Wonder Stunt!"

"Wonder Stunt! Wonder Stunt! Wonder Stunt!" The crowd cheered.

"Now Rainbow is in possession of the ball once again, and after going through all of the opposition, all that is left is her and Palomino's captain!"

"Bring it on!" The Captain yelled,

"Don't you worry!" Rainbow replied. As she got closer and closer, the goalie decided to rush out and grab the ball from her.

"Bad mistake!" Rainbow stated. She nimbly nicked the ball out of the captain's reach and jumped over her. With one powerful volley, Rainbow kicked the ball into the back of the net once again.

"GOAL!!!" Vinyl cheered as the whistle blew loud to signify a goal. "What a tremendous performance by Canterlot High School Soccer Club, The Wonderbolts, and Rainbow Dash herself!" After that comment, the sound of two short whistles followed by a longer one can only mean one thing. "And that's the end of the game!!! Canterlot High wins against Palomino Grammar, 2-0! What a match! What a show! What a game!" And the crowd roared with cheers once again, louder than ever, their sounds echoing in the big blue sky.

"Rainbow! Rainbow! Rainbow!" The crowd cheered as Rainbow swept across the field, waving her hands to all the supporters.

"How cool am I everyone?" She yelled,

"20% Cooler!" The crowd answered, then followed up with another cheer,

"I love you Rainbow Dash!" A few hardcore supporters (as well as the pink-haired filly) called out.

"Heh. I love you too!" Rainbow replied, with a point and wink. The supporters screamed in delight before they fainted.

"And down goes another one!" Rainbow giggled to herself as she lined up to shake the other team's hand. With the exchanges of 'good game, well-played, you did well', she finally came to shake the Palomino captain's hands.

"You are amazing Rainbow Dash!" The captain firmly shook Rainbow's hands with a smile "you certainly improved a lot during our last match! You truly deserve to be called Canterlot's ace striker!"

"Thanks." Rainbow replied, "you're not so bad yourself, I'm quite impressed with that new tactic you learnt. It may not be as flashy as ours, but it's definitely something new!"

"Since you won, I'll tell you how we learnt it." The captain replied, "I was on exchange one time, and my exchange friend came from a country where soccer was very popular! He taught me and the team this very tactic and we all managed to get it down pat, that's how we won most of our matches!"

"Is that so?" Rainbow replied with interest "where is this country?"

"Neighpon!" The captain answered, "almost everywhere, you can see kids and adults alike playing soccer all in the streets, either team against team, or just quick five versus five's!"

"Dang! Maybe I should go there one day."

"Hey, with how you play today, someone could even offer a place in one of the schools there!"

"Really!? That would be so awesome!"

"Be careful though, I heard the soccer competition over there is very tough! It's not as simple as it is here!"

"Sure thing. Thanks for telling me once again!" Rainbow smiled back as she shook the captain's hands one more time.



After the crowd settled, it was currently halfway through lunchtime. There, Rainbow was eating with her friends, one with puffy pink hair, one with purple stylish hair, one was wearing a stetson, and the other had pink hair.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!! OH MY GOSH!!!" Pinkie screamed as she jumped for joy "you, are so amazing! Like, I can't even contain myself!"

"You kicked that ball what for!" Applejack congratulated "ah'm proud of you sugarcube!"

"That was such a splendid show my dear Rainbow!" Rarity added "only you would make such a semi-violent and muddy sport so entertaining and beautiful!"

"I cheered loudly for you Rainbow Dash, did you hear me?" Fluttershy spoke.

"Thank you all for your care and support girls!" Rainbow laughed as she hugged her friends "and yes Flutters, I heard you loud and clear!"

"By the way." Rarity changed "during half-time, you were on the phone with someone. Is there something you need to tell us?"

"Ooh!" Pinkie gasped "Don't tell me that person's your..."

"Woah! He's not! Okay?" Rainbow Dash nervously raised her defences "he's someone that I dragged into watching the whole match because he helped me during math class!"

"... Don't tell me it's that Flash Sentry guy... Is he?" Applejack asked,

"Ooh! Rainbow! Twily better not hear that you're making a move on her otherworldly boyfriend!" Pinkie sneered,

"Oh come on! Will you give it a rest!?" Rainbow yelled with embarrassment. "He's just a helpful nice guy who's also military obsessed!"

"Okay okay, we get it." Fluttershy calmed down.

"But now that you mentioned him" Rainbow remembered, "I gotta see what he thinks."



After school, Rainbow was trying to find Flash Sentry, until she bumped into the little dark-orange filly.

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo gasped in delight,

"Hey! Scootaloo! How are you?" Rainbow greeted,

"I'm fine!" Scootaloo replied, "I just want to say how amazing and awesome you wiped the walls with Palomino!"

"It's just a friendly rivalry." Rainbow replied, "don't be too hostile towards them."

"You know, when I get old, I want to be just like you!" Scootaloo continued, "you're awesome, cool, you're fast, there are so many things that I want to do that you have!"

"Well," Rainbow blushed "I guess the best way is to do what you do best! Now shouldn't you be going home?"

"Sure thing!" Scootaloo sweetly smiled, "by the way, Flashy's outside the school gates, you'll bump into him as you go home. See you around!" And she ran off.

"Okay Bye! Thanks for the info!" Rainbow called back. As Scootaloo mentioned, Flash was indeed waiting outside the school gates, greeting her in salute as she approached him

"Hey." Flash greeted,

"Hi!" Rainbow replied, "going home?"

"Just waiting for someone, but now that you're here, I bet you've got something to say to me."

"Anyway." Rainbow replied "what do you think of the match eh? Was I good or what?"

"I have never been more than impressed with your performance." Flash answered, "you truly are Canterlot's Ace Striker."

"Thanks." Rainbow nudged "so, we're even?"

"If you say so, we're even." Flash agreed,

"One more thing, do you remember that tactic Palomino pulled off?"

"Yes?"

"At the end of the match, the captain told me she learnt it from her exchange friend."

"And?"

"Have you ever been to Neighpon before?"

"No. But I do know of such a country. How about you?"

"All I know about Neighpon, is that they make a lot of this 'anime' these days, and it's quite popular here in Equestria."

"That's quite common," Flash replied,

"Listen, she also said that my soccer skills could land me in one of Neighpon's schools! Do you know how awesome that would be?"

"It does sound awesome." Flash replied "anyone here would go through Tartarus for a ticket to Neighpon, even if it's only for a day. One thing questions me though,"

"What?"

"Shouldn't you tell Fluttershy and the others about this? Why me of all people?"

"I don't know..." Rainbow answered as she wondered "it's like, ever since you called me, and what Palomino's captain said, I just can't help but link those things together..."

"So are you saying that woman could be some important person from Neighpon?"

"You did claim she was wearing clothing that wasn't from Equestria." Rainbow explained. Meanwhile, as the two were busy talking about what happened, the lady from before was peeking at them, hiding behind a tree, listening to everything they said. After a minute of eavesdropping, she smiled as she took off her auburn shades, revealing her auburn eyes and made a call on her phone.

"Hello?" She replied "yes... I need you to do something for me... Just because I'm having a vacation in Equestria doesn't mean I can't do things that are related to work!... Yes... I want you to draft something for me, send it to me, and I'll do the finishing touches..."
> A letter from another country
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Rainbow Dash woke up to a brand new day. She lazily trudged down the stairs still in her pajamas into the living room. There, she saw her father smiling back.

"Good morning honey!" Rainbow Blaze greeted, "ready for another day of school?"

"Not yet..." Rainbow yawned "too busy playing games last night."

"Oh dear, don't tell me you've decided to play games as celebration for your victory yesterday? It's not an excuse to not do your homework."

"Sorry dad..."

"Anyway, you need to quickly dress up, eat breakfast and get to school."

"Yes dad..."

"By the way, that fellow friend of yours who called me for your phone number..."

"You mean Flash Sentry?"

"He called once again, he said he couldn't reach your phone number, so I said because Rainbow always oversleeps." Blaze laughed,

"Dad!" Rainbow replied embarrassed,

"Anyway, he wants you to meet him at school. Apparently, it's regarding this letter that appeared in the mail today." And handed her a letter "addressed to you."

"To me?" Rainbow questioned as she looked at the front of the envelope "to Rainbow Dash, address, postcode, etc... Probably some kind of junk mail."

"If I were you, I'd read it along with him when you meet him." Blaze advised, "but tell me what it is when you get back, okay?"

"Okay then," Rainbow smiled "see ya dad!" And Rainbow headed towards the front door.

"... Aren't you going to at least change?" Blaze reminded,

"Oh crud!!!"



After eating some food and changing into outdoor clothes, Rainbow Dash rushed across the street, hoping to get to CHS before the bell rang. As she thought over that letter, she probably thought it was another advertisement for some sports equipment with the sports shop she subscribed to. and was greeted by everyone who passed by, congratulating on her win in yesterday's match. After the first set of classes, Rainbow frantically looked through the hallways to find Flash, only to bump straight into him, making him drop his drink.

"Oops! Sorry!" Rainbow Dash apologised,

"Oh dear, you okay?" Flash asked as he hoisted her up,

"Geez, I'm becoming a lot like Princess Egghead from the other side."

"Tell me about it." Flash sighed,

"Anyway, what do you know about that letter?" Rainbow replied,

"Do you know what it is?"

"I think its some more advertisements about promotions down at Revel Sport."

"Really? Check it one more time." Flash replied, as Rainbow pulled it out, she read the front contents once again. "It's addressed to me. Who else but the sports store would know."

"What's on the other side?" Flash sighed, Rainbow turned around and started with great astonishment. On the opening of the letter was a gold-colored wax seal of some special symbol.

"This is new..." Rainbow stated,

"I don't think Revel Sport would be fancy with that type of thing." Flash replied,

"But... How do you know about this letter?"

"Because of all the people studying in Canterlot High..." Flash started, pulling out a letter similar with the same wax stamp, "you're the only likely person that would receive something like this."

"Wait... You mean you've read yours?" Rainbow gasped, "what's it about?"

"I think you should find that out for yourself, and with Sunset, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack." Flash stated, "but I'll join if you want me to."

"I want to? I need to!" Rainbow corrected "you're the only one in the same situation as me! You come to my table at the canteen in lunchtime."

"Fair enough." Flash replied,



"Hello Rainbow Dash!" Sunset greeted as Rainbow and Flash arrived at the table "and what a pleasant surprise Flash! What brings you to our table instead of your friends?"

"The situation has temporarily changed today." Flash answered "Rainbow shall brief you on the matter, but it's still good to see you again Sunset."

"A situation?" Pinkie asked, "sounds very important! What is it?"

"Flash and I received a letter this morning." Rainbow presented the letter "and due to the wax seal, it's from the same person."

"A wax seal?" Rarity propped up with interest "how fancy!"

"Do you know what it's for?" Fluttershy asked,

"Nope!"

"Then why don't you open it?" Applejack asked, "surely it'll be a great surprise!"

"Okay then uhh..." Rainbow wondered as she looked around the wax seal and tried to stick her fingers underneath it. "I have a feeling that this is going to be hard to open..."

"Need to borrow a letter opener?" Flash asked as he pulled out his Swiss army knife and pulled out the letter opener.

"Wait... Aren't Swiss Army knives not allowed in school?" Sunset asked,

"I removed all lethal blades out of it." Flash answered "now it contains non-lethal tools. Letter opener, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver heads, both Philips and Flat, and small scissors."

"Looks like someone's handy with their tools!" Pinkie teased,

"Well okay thanks... Why's that?" Rainbow asked as she used the letter opener,

"I wouldn't want you wrecking such a delicate letter." Flash smiled,

"Psh..." Rainbow sighed "greenie..." And as she slipped the opener underneath the wax slip, a few slices managed to prop out the wax seal and open the flap.

"So... What does it say?" Applejack peered. Rainbow took a deep breath and read it out.

Dear Rainbow Dash

What was originally a vacation in Equestria for the Governor and Chairwoman of the school has changed drastically. She has discovered great potential in your sporting ability during your soccer match. At her request, we are offering a scholarship for you to study abroad in our prestigious school of Raimon Junior High in Inazuma, Neighpon. Should you accept or decline by ticking either box below, you are to hand it to the clerk in Regal Canterlot hotel clerk for room 1211 before the end of the week. However, you shall not be the only one, as another student from your school will also be going with you. Before you make any decision, make sure to discuss with your family, principal and friends about this situation.

Best Regards

Hirai Shinzou
Director and Principal of Raimon Junior High, Inazuma, Neighpon

As Rainbow finished reading the words, everyone around her, including herself, but except for Flash, was flabbergasted.

"No way..." Rainbow whispered,

"You... You..." Pinkie stammered, excitement welling up in her bones before jumping high in the sky "you're getting accepted into a school overseas!"

"So that means Flash is going there too!" Sunset gasped, "congratulations!"

"Just out of curiosity, what'd you get in for Flash?" Applejack asked,

"Well..." Flash nervously spoke "it says that I'm sort of... Related to Rainbow's case. But I feel like they're dragging me along because they don't want Rainbow all alone."

"What?" Rainbow sneered "I can last in Neighpon without you!"

"I understand that, and I think the same of you." Flash continued "but you'll have different things to handle than here in Equestria. Though it may be a dream to live there, there are many difficulties associated with it: Culture, tradition, rules, clothing..."

"Wait... What??? Clothing!?!?" Rainbow gulped,

"The education system in Japan requires every student to wear 'school uniform', like the Private schools in Equestria." Flash explained

"You've got to be kidding me... I don't want to wear a skirt!" Rainbow protested,

"But aren't you wearing one right now?" Fluttershy cut in.

"These skirts are different! The school ones though... It's a pleated skirt!"

"It's not that bad if you think about it." Flash replied as he pulled out his laptop and fiddled with the keys, "I did a check this morning on what both boy and girl uniforms look like. You can have any colour of your skirt (as long as it's pleated), shoes and any type and colour of socks or pantyhoses." He turned the screen to show the girls a standard Sailor Fuku school uniform "However, you need to wear a white shirt and a pink ribbon on your neck to denote that you're a--"

"A WHAT!?" Rainbow furiously slammed her hands on the table.

"--A first-year student." Flash replied calmly but with the same loud tone as Rainbow "Neighpon's education system is split into three categories. Junior from grade 1-6, Middle from grade 7-9, and High from 10-12. We're in our seventh year, despite me and the others being 14-15 years old. You on the other hand..."

"Yeah, we know. I'm 13, the correct age." Rainbow sighed "so what? We have to wear uniform to symbolise our age and grade?"

"Private schools here do that." Rarity piped up "so that means Grade 7 here is First-year Middle School over there?"

"Affirmative. But the most important thing to handle in Neighpon, is language."

"Oh... Crud." Rainbow gulped,

"If we are to stay in Neighpon for as long as what we get, we need to learn their language as English isn't their main."

"Well... If I had to make a decision now..." Rainbow looked around,

"I would decline." Flash interrupted,

"Wait... You too?"

"So you were also intending to decline the offer as well Rainbow?"

"Not because it's hard to adapt to Neighpon and anything, and I really would like it there. But I promised all of you guys, as well as Twilight..." She turned to Sunset and the rest "... That I would always stay by my friends. I'd only go if you all came along."

"Loyalty." Flash stated, "I understand, as I too, share the same reason."

"You too?" Rainbow turned,

"I have two younger siblings to take care of." Flash explained "I don't know what would happen to them if I'd leave them alone."

"Don't worry, then have your mommy and daddy to take care of them!" Pinkie advised,

"That option is negative."

"And why?" Pinkie asked, Flash glared back with a fierce look, but with an upset face.

"Sorry I asked." Pinkie lowered her head,

"My condolences." Applejack put her Stetson over her chest.

"Such are the consequences of war." Flash replied, revealing a Bronze Star war medal underneath his leather jacket. "My younger brother has my father's DMSM, while my younger sister carries the HSM belonging to mother. Military traditions and their memories still run in the family. When they always go to war, I made a promise to take care of them when they're gone. I will not dishonour their wishes by leaving my siblings alone."

"Well, I guess that wraps up our decisions then. Sorry Ms Governor of Inazuma." Rainbow apologetically sighed as she held the pen, ready to tick the 'I Decline' box.

"Hold on." Sunset stopped,

"What?" Rainbow and Flash looked up,

"You really shouldn't pass on such an opportunity just because of us." Sunset explained "we know you've always been there for us."

"Yeah!" Pinkie jumped, "You support us, we support you!"

"Darling, truly I am the luckiest girl to be friends with such a loyal friend like you. But what really makes me happy is to see my friends take marvellous opportunities in their lives. Going to Neighpon would be a dream come true. I wish I could go, but I just don't have the time and the opportunity. For you having the chance to study there, it would just be the same as fulfilling my dream."

"Besides." Fluttershy replied "we can always stay in touch, can we? That's what phones and computers are for!"

"Really? Are you sure?" Rainbow asked,

"I think you should talk with yer coach, principal and yer old man." Applejack suggested, "it's still yer choice if you want to go or not, but just so you know, ah'll support you with whatever decision you make!"

"You'll have my support too." Rarity smiled,

"Go for it Dashie!" Pinkie cheered,

"You have my acceptance to going to Neighpon." Fluttershy nodded,

"You... You girls..." Rainbow sniffed, tears welling in her eyes.

"No matter what we do." Sunset started, embracing the rainbow-haired girl "if we remember each other, we will always stay together, even if we're separated between dimensions." Rainbow started crying as she clutched Sunset harder, the rest of the girls joined in too. Happiness brimming in their faces.

"Sigh... Why do I have to be the sole guy?" Flash sighed,

"By the way Flash..." Fluttershy remembered after the touching scene had passed "when I look at you closely now, you remind me of someone familiar... I wonder..."

"Yes?"

"Is your younger sister... That young girl always following Rainbow Dash around?"

"Wait... Are you talking about Scootaloo?" Rainbow jumped with surprise, until it dawned on her as she remembered the little girl's conversation from yesterday.

"Pink-purple haired, darker orange?" Flash asked, "as a matter of a fact, yes. Scoots had always been talking about Rainbow over dinner every night."

"Flippin' heck Flash!" Applejack jumped "you hold so much surprises and secrets about yourself! Why didn't you tell us?"

"The same reason why I never told Twilight." Flash replied,

"In that case..." Rarity decided "You should also go with Rainbow to Neighpon."

"But..."

"We'll take care of your sister and brother too!" Fluttershy joined in "they'll be in good hands. I'll make sure of that."

"Have you discussed it with them yet though?" Rainbow asked,

"Not yet..."

"Tell you what, I'll go to the coach first, then the Principal, and we can finish off our decisions with our respective families!"

"Y-Yes madam." Flash replied,



"Well Coach Crescent?" Rainbow asked her coach, "what do you think?"

"You know?" He replied "I wouldn't miss this chance for your team, you should go."

"But..."

"No buts Rainbow. Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot would say the same thing. I'm sure we can handle things when you're not here. Neighpon is a great place, I'm sure you know soccer is very popular there."

"Yeah..."

"This is a good chance to make new friends and players!" Crescent encouraged "You'll learn a lot of soccer there!"

"I understand what you mean," Rainbow continued "It's just, I've never left you guys before. I've been living and studying in Canterlot all my life."

"You still don't get it?" A voice came from behind the coach, Rainbow looked onward to see Spitfire stand up from behind the oil barrel. "Oops, gave away my spot." Spitfire gulped,

"You were listening the whole time!?"

"Why wouldn't we?" A male voice came out. All of a sudden Soarin, Fleetfoot, Dumbbell and the rest of the soccer team came out from their hiding spots "you're our team member Rainbow, our friend. We work and play together, when you get upset, we get upset, but when you get courage, we get courage."

"We do understand that you've always been for this soccer team." Fleetfoot started "and that our time together will never be forgotten or changed. What we have played, we played. So you should take our time together with you to Neighpon!"

"Don't worry Rainbow Dash!" Dumbbell replied "I'll keep on standing in goal for you, and we can always keep in touch over the internet!"

"Yeah I know, my friends say the same thing."

"I guess we've all agreed," the coach replied "we're supporting you to go Neighpon, and no matter how far we are, we're behind you all the way."

"You guys..." Rainbow started, tears welling up in her eyes again. "This is the second time now..." And she embraced her team mates with open arms and tearful cries.

"Everyone! Huddle together!" Spitfire called, "this is for Rainbow Dash and her upcoming trip to Neighpon!"

"Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!" The team replied,



After the discussion of Neighpon with the Principal and Vice-Principal, Rainbow had one more person to talk to about it. She was weary of making a decision, but it all came down to what will happen.

"I'm home!" Rainbow called,

"Ahh! My dear little girl!" Blaze greeted as he rubbed his fist lightly on his daughter's hair.

"Heh heh, I'm not a little kid anymore..."

"So, have you decided?" Blaze asked,

"Decided what?"

"that if you want to study abroad in Neighpon or not!"

"Wha-? How did you know!?"

"I was pretty curious of what was in that letter, so I decided to call up your friend Flash, since he knows about it. Told me everything there is. I won't be able to come, since you know how expensive it is to go to Neighpon let alone move there, but you're quite lucky to go for scholarship there!"

"Not yet, I haven't decided."

"Well, you've got the week's end, so take your time!"

"Actually, I'm here for your opinion." Rainbow replied "what do you think dad?"

"What do I think?" Blaze asked with interest, he took a deep breath and a whistle and started "you know dear, since your mother left us, I've had a hard time trying to raise you up, with jobs, bills and what-not."

"Uh-huh."

"But I always loved to see you compete in sports, I'd even take a day-off just to see you play your best out there."

"Yeah I know, you did that about 50 times."

"You really are like me," Blaze laughed "very sporty, and sick of reminders."

"Yeah..."

"Honestly, despite being sporty, you've seen me in the Equestria games when I'm in my days of glory,"

"But..."

"Oh wait! I'm still competing today! Ha ha ha!!!" Blaze joked "but despite that, I was aiming even higher than that..."

"For what?"

"Every 4 years, there is a sporting competition just like the Equestria games, only that it involves the entire world. Held in different countries, I always wanted to leave Equestria and see many other countries, but I was never able to qualify for them. The only time I managed to get into the World games, that was when the events were held here in Equestria. Although I didn't go to other countries, I did get to meet their inhabitants. It's quite an amazing experience, shaking hands with your international opponents and getting to learn different things from one another, it felt like I was still in another country..."

"Dad..."

"I know you don't want to leave me alone when you go all the way to the east of the world, but promise me, I'll be fine on my own, or I can take care of your friend's siblings too. It truly is a small world, when your number 1 fan is your friend's younger sister."

"But he's not my friend."

"Well you certainly treat him like one, due to why he's decided to call me. No matter what, you two are off to Neighpon, so you'd better stick together from now on. As long as you remember that you always have me, your friends, and your team to support you all the way, you'll never be alone either."

"Dad..." Rainbow started, tears beading up in her eyes for the third time "why am I crying so much today?"

"It's okay to cry dear." Blaze replied "there's nothing wrong in doing that. If you want my suggestion, here it is right now: go for it. Go for it all the way. If you do come back, do remember to bring something good though"

"Dad! Waahhh!!!" Rainbow burst into tears as she held her dad as hard as she could.

"You'll always be my little girl." Blaze smiled, "no matter where you are, I'll always be there for you."



"Well?" Flash spoke into his mobile,

"Yes from friends, yes from team, yes from the principal, yes from dad." Rainbow sighed "what about you?"

"Same response from my members, except my siblings did bring out some conditions." Flash replied,

"How's Scoots?"

"She says when me and you both go to Neighpon, she wants me to protect you at all costs, or she'll never forgive me."

"Well, that's Scoots for you,"

"I can understand that she can be a pain every now and then," Flash explained "but if I don't stay with her or follow her wishes, I don't think my parents could ever forgive me."

"I guess it sucks for losing your mum and dad."

"I guess Applejack felt this way too." Flash replied "listen, now that I've been given two choices on who should take care of Scootaloo and First, either your friends, or your dad. Your suggestion?"

"I think my dad could handle this." Rainbow chuckled "he won't feel lonely then, but that's not my concern. What is your decision?"

"I think my decision will be the same as yours."

"How am I supposed to know that?"

"Only you know what you want to choose. You may get suggestions from friends, but it always comes down to you in the end. Face it, you do want to go to Neighpon in the first place."

"Yeah... I guess so, I'm always up for going to new places." Rainbow smiled as she pulled out the letter one more time. "Think you can meet me outside the hotel?"

"Dear, I don't know what Twilight will think of it when you and I leave Equestria. It's like, ever since you dragged me from that class, we're frequently getting in touch."

"And we'll be sticking together sooner than you think." Rainbow joked,

"Such is fate or destiny. Although it may be uncontrollable in the long road, it can be altered within the split second of it happening. So yes, I'll meet you there."

"Glad to hear that." Rainbow smiled as ticked the box on the letter labelled 'I Accept'.
> Farewells and Surprises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Good morning students." Principal Celestia announced to the school, "today, I have unfortunate news. After so many years of studying in Canterlot Junior and entering Canterlot High, two of our students will be leaving us." Loads of conversations and sounds of questions went up in the crowd.

"They were the best in what they did, contributing to the school so much." Celestia continued, tears welling in her eyes,

"Not in front of the students, dear sister." Vice-Principal Luna approached, offering her a box of tissues.

"I'm sorry..." Celestia apologised as she wiped her eyes "I just can't help it...! Can you take over Luna?" With a sigh, Luna takes the stand.

"While Principal Celestia may be flung into the everlasting pool of sad emotions, we do too, stand on the same boat as her. It is very upsetting to see two of our amazing students transferring to another school located over the boundaries of Equestria." More questions and whispers went across the hall of students, wondering who they are and where they're going.

"No matter what happens in life, we shall remember their presence and their service here in Canterlot High School. May they never be forgotten." Luna continued, "Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry, may you step up onto the podium?" Suddenly, all eyes were upon the two figures climbing up the stairs on to the stage and stood close to a microphone. "May we know where your destined place of study shall be in the upcoming future?"

"..." Rainbow and Flash stayed silent,

"Please do not tarry," Luna advised, "or things shall get, as you say... Awkward..."

"Flash and I..." Rainbow started "Flash and I will be transferring to Raimon Junior High. It's in the region of Inazuma, Neighpon." Everyone started gasping location Rainbow stated, it appears a lot of the students there really would like to go to Neighpon too. "We will be leaving 6 weeks from now. And after all, we've done... I just want to say..." Rainbow sniffed as she went silent, Flash passed a speech and Rainbow read it through carefully and spoke

"Words can't describe how disheartening it is to leave all of you, and all I really can say is... Thank you, thank you all for everything, thank you, teachers, thank you principal and vice-principal, thank you staff members, and thank you, students and friends, of Canterlot High School. I wish you all the best of what the future has to offer, and may we never forget each other." With that, the crowd of students applauded while some of them cheered as Rainbow and Flash bowed,

"You know," Rainbow turned "that was some clever speech you wrote up Flash." However, this sentence was heard through the microphone, causing some booing throughout the audience and it spurred someone to chuck an apple straight towards Flash Sentry.

"Oh crap. Duck Flash!" Rainbow warned, but it was too late. The apple soared toward Flash and it stuck itself onto something. The student crowd gasped in horror and silence ensued. Rainbow could only stare in shock and confusion that Flash was unharmed or bruised, as he held his special pocket knife in front of the apple. Taking the apple with one hand, Flash pulled the apple out of his pocket knife, revealing a very sharp blade for cutting fruits.

"Flash?" Rainbow gulped "I thought..."

"Thank you." Flash replied as he threw the apple into the air a couple of times before he and Rainbow left the stage.



"Unfortunately," Celestia replied as the assembly was dismissed "I was unable to find the apple tosser."

"A hit and run." Flash sighed as he munched down on the apple "anyone would give the chance to throw things at me. At least whoever did this was kind enough to give a fresh one. Honestly, I don't blame them..."

"No matter what beef they have with you," Rainbow stated "if they throw the first punch, it's their fault entirely."

"Until we can catch the perpetrator for his/her crimes which he/she shall be severely punished, it is our responsibility of not disciplining the cohort, and we apologise for such a cowardly shrewd act." Luna stated 

"Anyway though, things are going to get pretty lonely without you two." Celestia continued, do remember us when you go. Okay?"

"A promise is a promise principal." Flash saluted,

"... You still have kept the secret?" Luna asked,

"even if they know what I really am, the school and most people in the world are too close minded, and will make an excuse saying 'the damage is done' or 'the scars have run too deep' or other such nonsense. Perhaps they don't know that damage, pain, or mistakes, are a part of life, and a place for improvement."

"People have different views on their world and their lives." Celestia answered

"But do not hold such anger against them" Luna explained "otherwise, you'll be no better as they are."

"I understand."

"In any case, I hope you will continue your studies overseas in Neighpon and doing well in soccer, but do visit us when you visit Equestria from time to time, we'll never forget you."

"Thanks for everything Principal and Vice-Principal." Rainbow thanked, Flash saluted in response.

"Be careful of thy lazy behaviour Rainbow Dash!" Luna warned "Neighponese education is very strict."



After the six weeks of constant packing, preparing and news spreading, Rainbow and Flash found themselves at the customs entrance in Canterlot International Airport. Once they walk over it, they'll be leaving Equestria. The two turned around to see their closest friends and family behind them.

"We're going to miss you Rainbow!" Rarity cried, "we'll always keep in touch, promise?"

"I promise." Rainbow smiled as she embraced her friends, for it may be for a long time before they can ever do this again.

"A small gift from us." Sunset continued as she presented a small gift wrapped box. "This is our idea on what to give you as a present, and Rarity and Fluttershy designed it. I hope you'll wear it to remember us."

"I always will, we've still got the internet. Right?" Rainbow smiled,

"Rainbow!" Spitfire called, Rainbow turned to her soccer team.

"It's always been a pleasure playing alongside you." Spitfire started "here's a thing the team decided to work together." And gave her a peculiar looking book of black and white. On the white half of the book, a soccer ball and lightning bolt was touching the surface of the black half, where a sharp looking red T covered the majority of the front cover. As Rainbow peered through the pages, she noticed something familiar.

"No way... This is!" Rainbow gasped,

"It's the manual for the Wonder Stunt." Spitfire replied "Soarin, Fleetfoot and the rest of the team helped me to make this. When you go to Raimon, be sure to show them the spirit and skills of Canterlot High."

"Sure! A promise is a promise! Thanks everyone!" Rainbow replied, giving them a thumbs up.

"Bye!"

"Come back soon!" Came the numerous voices of her soon to be former team mates. Rainbow then looked to her father.

"Hah. Look at you, you've grown so strong." Rainbow Blaze smiled,

"Don't say that Dad, I'll be missing you the most." Rainbow cried as she lovingly embraced her father.

"I've got a gift for you too." Blaze smiled as he presented a shoe box. "These are the soccer boots that I've worn when I played it. Since we have the same foot size, I'm sure it will fit you like a glove."

"Alright Dad. Make sure you take care of yourself, alright?" Rainbow replied

"Hey! I'm supposed to be asking you that!" Blaze laughed.

"Rainbow Dash." A voice spoke from behind, Rainbow turned again to see Flash with two kids, one familiar and one unfamiliar tagging behind him. Immediately recognising that they were Flash's younger siblings, Flash continued. "Young Scootaloo has something to say to you." Scootaloo ran to embrace her hardly.

"I really don't want you to go Rainbow Dash... But don't worry! I'll make sure my big bro takes care of you! Here!" And the young orange filly passed a pair of Parkour gloves to Rainbow. "Mommy bought these gloves for me to use when I get older. I want you to use it!"

"But Scoots, I can't take a gift that was meant for you, especially from your deceased mother!" Rainbow protested

"Don't worry, I assure you that they'll be slipping into safe and better hands, yours! I'm giving you this to think of me when you're of in Neighpon! Daddy and Big Bro told me this. Friends and allies are always there for you, no matter how great the distances are. They'll always remember you, and you'll remember them too! I will always remember you Rainbow Dash, Lest I forget, lest you forget, lest we forget!"

"Don't worry. I'll remember you too." Rainbow smiled, embracing the young girl one more time "now you and your younger brother keep my dad company, and listen to what he says alright?"

"Yes madam!" Scootaloo smiled, giving a salute. Flash and Rainbow saluted back.

"I believe Ms Raimon is expecting us on the other side now. Farewell my siblings, Sunset, Fluttershy and everyone else."

"Bye!!!" The crowd of friends and family waved to the two students as they entered the customs hall, waving back.

"How long is the trip Flash?" Rainbow asked,

"The duration of the plane itself shall take about 14 hours."

"Woah! That's even longer than half a day!"

"and that's just to the International airport. We'll also need to take a train trip to Inazuma, unknown ETA for that."

"We've got a long road ahead of us then huh?"

"A new road, a new life." Flash sighed.



A few days before across the seas, a teacher had some news to share with her class.

"Everyone settle down please! I have some special news for you today!" Murmurs went around the class

"Soon, we are going to have some new students that will be starting in our class. More murmurs went around the class.

"I know what you're thinking class, why does it sound so special? Well, it's because they are foreign students from Equestria!" Many gasps went up the class and their conversations became louder

"Equestria? No way! We're actually getting Equestrians over!"

"I heard that they're much more... Brighter than us!"

"Oh great... Now we're going to have to stick up with their English..." The conversations between students is what the teacher could hear.

"Quiet please! Now, I need to see some of you kids concerning the students. Can Kariya, Shinsuke and Tenma see me after the bell?"

"Eh? What's this got to do with us?"
> The Kogarashi/Windsor Manor!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a large manor, somewhere close to the Riverside, a young boy with an interesting brown hair dashed back up to it's front gates. A dog sleeping in his dog house woke and greeted the boy with interest, a young woman who was sweeping the front area also came to embrace the boy.

"Hello Auntie! I'm back!!!" The boy greeted

"Long day today? How was soccer?" The aunt replied,

"It was great and normal as usual, Shindou practising his Kami no Takuto, Ryoma being really energetic as usual, Tsurugi is... you know the drill. Even Amemiya and Hakuryuu came along to practice with us!"

"Okay then, anything new?"

"Hmm... I don't know if it sounds important but... Our teacher says we've got two new students joining our class!"

"Is that so? Perhaps you should invite them to play soccer!"

"Yeah... But here's the catch, they're..."

"Foreign?"

"Yes, from Equestria."

"I see... I guess it's my turn to tell you how I'm feeling today, I've been busy preparing a new room on the same floor as yours, down the hallway, because we have two new tenants coming to stay with us in Kogarashi!"

"But, what does that have to do with me? I mean, they can join the Akizora Challengers..."

"They'll be coming in less than 3 days this weekend, and you'll be greeting them. So prepare yourself... Arion." The woman winked back.

"Auntie, why are you using my English name?"

"I'm pretty sure why the reason is obvious, just practice English." As the boy's aunt left, the moment of realisation hit him as he grinned with excitement as one thing was coursing and purging through his mind

"Yay!!! The Equestiran students are living here! And one of them is a soccer player! I'll be sure to be good friends with them! Yay!!!"



"Huh!" Rainbow woke from her chair. On her left, she saw Flash reading through a exercise book on learning Neighponese, while the auburn haired lady from before, being addressed as Miss Raimon, was sitting next to him, helping. As Rainbow turned to her right, she saw the window and outside, the endless sea of clouds and the blue skies above it.

"Ah, good morning princess." Flash teased, "quite the sleeper last night."

"Are we there yet?" Rainbow replied, completely ignoring the title.

"an hour till we touch down, landing should be happening in less than half an hour."

"Time?"

"1300, 24-hour time."

"Huh!? I thought it was--" She checked her watch with confusion.

"Different time zones, different times." Flash replied, showing his watch. "We changed them before going to sleep, remember?"

"Oh... No wonder why I slept through..."

"It seems like you had a nightmare."

"Not really, I don't think I was dreaming, but I heard a loud yell of examination and delight, that's what woke me."

"Interesting..."

"Oddly enough, I can still remember part of what that voice yelled."

"And what is it, if I may ask?"

"Two words: Friends and Soccer."

"Familiar voice?"

"No, it sounds rather... British..." Rainbow replied,

"Speaking of different accents and language, I'd suggest you better start learning the basics of Neighponese," Flash suggested, handing her a textbook.

"Maybe studying has got a little harder."

"Oh don't worry!" The Auburn lady right next to them spoke: "the place where you'll be staying has a boy who's fluent in English as well as Neighponese!"

"I guess it won't be that difficult?" Rainbow smiled weakly,

"You'll get to know him very fast. He's just as old as you and very fast!"

"Wait... What?" Rainbow jumped as she heard the word 'fast'. No one in Equestria is as fast as she is! Perhaps there is a new challenger?

"What's his name?" Rainbow jumped, eager to know.

"His name is--" Miss Raimon started until an announcement rang throughout the plane in English

"Your attention please, we will now begin landing into Tokyoats International Airport. Please return to your seats, stow away the trays and any entertainment system, adjust your chair upright, put your windows in the open position and most important of all, fasten and tighten your seatbelt. To help cope with the air pressure while descending, our flight attendees will now be passing by with baskets of candy not just for you to enjoy, but also to regulate the pressure in your ears. We assure you, the candy is sweet because the pressure build-up in your ears during landing won't be."

"Welp." Rainbow sighed, as she took a blue candy from the flight attendant. "Guess I'll have to wait for later." And popped the candy into her mouth. "Mmm! This flavour's nice!" She thought to herself. Looking at the wrapper, she was confused of what this mysterious flavour was. "Sea-salt? That's interesting... Maybe I should check on this later..." She continued sucking away on the sweet as the plane kept descending into the sea of clouds, straight to where Rainbow could see the marvellous modern infrastructure that is Neighpon.



On that same day, the brown haired boy from the Kogarashi manor happily circled the date of today on his calendar.

"At last, the foreigners are finally landing and coming here! Now I can finally meet this Rainbow Dash girl! I'm sure she'll be a great addition to Raimon!" He then went out of his room to call for his aunt.

"Yes?"

"When are they coming over?"

"This afternoon at half past 2."

"Grr!!! I'm happy that it's the weekend, but this morning is taking an incredibly long time!"

"Then why don't you invite some friends here and you can throw a welcoming party?"

"That's the problem, Shindou's practising piano with someone, Shinsuke's off to practice his French, Tsurugi's spending time with Yuuichi and his family, Aoi's doing some activity with Midori and Akane, everyone's busy!"

"In that case, why don't we have a kick-about in the front porch?"

"Good idea!"



"Inazuma is the next stop. The next station is Inazuma." The train announcement rang.

"Wha? Are we almost there?" Rainbow woke from her train seat.

"You'll need to deal with that jet lag." Flash warned "otherwise, you'll have trouble sleeping at night, and the times when you'll be sleeping will mostly be during school."

"You're not answering my question." Rainbow replied,

"Yes, the next station will be Inazuma town. We'll be there in a mo." Flash answered. The electric train they boarded at the airport galloped through many vast green mountains and valleys, and above many buildings, shopping and residential areas. Rainbow took the chance to capture many pictures of this vast new country in order to post to her friends back in Equestria, but she got bored and tired of it after 10 minutes, and decided to sleep. A few minutes after Rainbow woke up again, the train slowed down to a halt in a station covered by a blue curved ceiling. With what Rainbow has quickly learnt of Hiragana while waiting for the train in the airport, she could make out the words on the name of the station saying 'Inazuma Town'.

"Let's get going!" Miss Raimon gestured as the two students grabbed their luggage and trotted off the train.

"By the way, apart from studying," Miss Raimon raised, "is there anything else you wanted to do here?"

"Well..." Rainbow thought to herself "I would like to take a lot of pictures of Inazuma and Neighpon itself."

"That's the usual answer of a tourist." Miss Raimon chuckled "anything else?"

"Maybe collect some interesting items as souvenirs. Some figurines, food or anything!" Rainbow suggested

"I don't know about the food though, but that sounds interesting!... But still for a tourist."

"Okay then, perhaps I would also like to know how the most popular topics that is in Neighpon right now." Rainbow explained

"Now that sounds better!" Miss Raimon smiled,

"You're forgetting something." Flash reminded.

"Oh, that's right! To play soccer with the team of Raimon and anyone else around Inazuma!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Now that sounds like the best idea!" Miss Raimon smiled then pointed, "look over there!" Miss Raimon pointed to a green soccer pitch near the river and the station. There, Rainbow could make out a large group of kids kicking around a ball.

"H-Hey! They're playing soccer!" Rainbow exclaimed and dashed towards an area where she could properly see what's happening. She saw 5 kids with a head-to-head battle with another five kids as they desperately tried to take the ball and kick it into the opposing net. Although one group were wearing soccer bibs, all 11 of the kids were wearing the same red uniform with yellow linings.

"Indeed, that's the Inazuma KFC." Miss Raimon introduced,

"uh... They run a chicken joint?" Rainbow asked with confusion. "Cause I don't see a KFC around here..."

"Ha ha ha!" Miss Raimon laughed, with her hand close to her mouth of course (as without it, it would be rude!), "I should have made myself clear, they are the Inazuma Kids Football Club. I guess it be best for you to know them as Inazuma Kids FC" Miss Raimon was still giggling after Rainbow's misunderstanding.

"Oh, so that's what they stand for..." Rainbow replied, sighing with relief and disappointment at the same time.

"The coach of the team used to play for Raimon." Miss Raimon explained, "he's quite an average player during that time, but he's quite popular with the kids, and everyone loves him."

"Hah, is that so" Rainbow chuckled. As the group continued watching, one of the kids decided to kick the ball straight to the goal. The goalie managed to punch it straight into the sky... And it started falling straight towards Rainbow and co.

"Uh oh, I think we should get out the way." Miss Raimon warned

"It's alright." Flash comforted

"How can you be so sure?" Miss Raimon asked,

"Although the ball may increase in velocity due to gravity, the ball's angle is too small to land towards our location. It would probably hit the ramp where the stairs are.

"How can you be so sure?" Rainbow repeated the question,

"I played a game where tanks require angle adjustment in order to shoot their opponents. And I've also seen how artillery vehicles work."

"Oh that's right, you're indirectly part of the army," Rainbow remembered. Sure enough, the ball did bounce off the ramp like Flash said, but as one of the kids tried to volley it into the goal. Her leg aimed it at the wrong direction, sending the ball straight into Rainbow Dash's stomach.

"Oof!" Rainbow grunted,

"I didn't see that coming though," Flash replied as he rushed to her aid. "Are you alright?"

"Oww... That was some kick..." Rainbow reeled, trying to soothe her pain with her hands.

"I'm sorry!" The girl apologised as she rushed towards the group, the other players and the coach following behind.

"No problem," Flash replied as he handed the ball back to the girl.

"Natsumi-san?" The coach recognised,

"Oh! Handa! It's nice to see you again!" Miss Raimon replied,

"How's you and Endou controlling Raimon?"

"The usual things, along with the addition of two more foreign exchange students!"

"Ah! So this is the 'Rainbow Dash' that Endou's been going on about!" The coach looked at Rainbow with great interest.

"Uh..." Rainbow blushed,

"Handa, you know she can't speak Neighponese." Miss Raimon sighed,

"Excuse me Miss, but do you two know each other?" Flash asked,

"Why yes!" Miss Raimon replied, switching back to English. "This is Handa Shinichi, a former player of the Raimon and now the coach of the Inazuma Kids FC."

"You can call me Steve Grim by the way!" Handa spoke in medium-accented English.

"Woah!" Rainbow jumped, "you can speak English?"

"Well, the world is coming together, so why not?" Handa joked,

"Then in that case..." Rainbow started then stood still in mid-air, wondering what she had to say.

"Uh... Flash?" Rainbow whispered, Flash sighed and mumbled some words in her hear. Rainbow turned back and bowed

"H-Hai! Wa... Watashi wa Reinbou Dashu! Hajimashite!" Rainbow spoke in Neighponese,

"Rainbow, you're bowing too low! You just need to bow 15 degrees." Flash muttered,

"You're not helping Flash!" Rainbow replied with frustration.

"Normally, when we deal with non-Neighponese people, we can just shake hands" Handa laughed as he offered a hand.

"Oh. Nice to meet you." Rainbow chuckled, shaking the hand back. The soccer kids giggled with laughter.

"I shouldn't keep you guys waiting. I've heard both of you are staying at the Kogarashi Manor. You'd better get settled in."

"In that case, we should take our leave. Nice seeing you again Handa!" Miss Raimon smiled as she, Rainbow and Flash waved goodbye to the coach and the kids.

"They seemed like a nice group!" Flash replied, "I'm sure Rainbow will get along fine."

"Uh..." Rainbow lifted a finger to protest.

"Something wrong?" Miss Raimon asked, "if your chest's still hurting, we can fix that up when we get there."

"I'm more concerned about the kicker of the ball... Was she the team's striker?"

"Their main striker. And structured to their 'awful' formation, she's the sole one."

"The sole one? Dang... Her kick's stronger than Spitfire's..." Rainbow mumbled to herself.

"Excuse me but, when you mean 'awful', what was that all about?" Flash asked,

"4 of their players don't even play in their original positions." Miss Raimon sighed, "I don't know why Handa or Kisaragi-san still haven't fixed that up yet."

"Yikes, mix of midfielders and defenders in the wrong place?" Flash continued.

"Exactly." Miss Raimon sighed, "we're nearly there now."



The three finally made it to the Kogarashi Manor, the large residential set of apartments. It is there that Rainbow spotted in the front yard, a set of cones and a soccer ball, as well as a dog sleeping peacefully in his dog house.

"Aww, the dog is so cute!" Rainbow giggled,

"Did I really need to know?" Flash asked, Miss Raimon knocked on the door.

"Aki-san? Are you home?" Miss Raimon called, the door opened to reveal the short dark green haired landlord, with brown eyes and a pink clip accessory clipped to her hair. 

"Natsumi-san! Hello!" The landlord bowed, "and hello to you two as well, Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry! My name is Aki Kino, but you can call me by my English name, Silvia Woods!"

"Wait..." Rainbow tried to translate "Syl... via... Woods?"

"Yes." Aki nodded with a smile, then swapped her language, "Welcome to the Windsor Manor!"

"Windsor?" Flash asked, "I thought it was called Kogarashi..."

"I thought it would be best that you should know it by it's English name, Neighpon does get some fair share of foreign people. In fact, there's one from Equestralia that is currently staying here!" Aki replied,

"Anyway, I think we should get the kids settled in." Miss Raimon replied,

"Sure thing Nelly, this way!" Aki guided, as the two walked into the mansion.



The group stepped in into a vast hall with shiny timber flooring, a few fans electronically rotating as they hang from the ceiling. Blowing wind onto the dozens of tenants milling about in the hallways.

"Wow!" Rainbow gasped "talk about a high-tech country, the wooden architecture looks just as amazing!"

"Incredible!" Flash gazed around "the atmosphere around this place is very calm and friendly!"

"I'm so glad you like the place!" Aki replied, "we and the rest of the Windsor Cabal work together to keep this place as good looking as possible."

"Auntie! You're back!" A childish voice rang from up the stairs. A brown haired boy that has a hairstyle looking like the wind ran down the stairs and came to a sudden halt.

"I wasn't gone for that long silly." Aki laughed as she cuddled the young boy. Rainbow and Flash looked at him with great curiosity, this boy looked rather tan and was a tad shorter than they are.

"Hello there Natsumi-sama!" The boy greeted Miss Raimon,

"Ah it's good to see you Tenma!" Miss Raimon replied with a smile "look who I brought, your new neighbours and soon to be classmates!"

"Ah ha..." Rainbow chuckled "hello there, nice to meet you."

"And it's wonderfully nice to meet you too!" The boy greeted back, shaking Rainbow's hand hard.

"Woah!" Rainbow gasped,

"Is something the matter? Were you under the impression that I couldn't speak English?" The boy asked,

"No, we're actually surprised that you speak it very fluently! And with such adjectives and sophisticated language!" Rainbow answered

"You even have a British accent to your voice." Flash added,

"Now I remember that voice!" Rainbow remembered, "sorry about the confusion. My name's Rainbow Dash, and this is my friend Flash Sentry."

"I know, Auntie Silvia told me all about you." The boy continued "my name is Tenma Matsukaze, but since you're Equestrian, you might as well call me by my English name for now, Arion Sherwind!"

"Well then." Flash continued as it was his turn to shake the boy's hand "a pleasure meeting you Arion."

"So, I heard you play soccer?" Tenma asked Rainbow,

"I sure do! I mean, that's why I'm in Neighpon, aren't I?" Rainbow chuckled,

"That's brilliant! I love soccer, and I know you do too!"

"Really? That's amazing, I can't wait to see how you and Raimon plays!" Rainbow continued

"What about you Flash?" Tenma asked,

"Me? Well, I only started to get interested in soccer thanks to Rainbow here. I don't play soccer a lot, I'm more into music like Guitar and Piano."

"Piano? Huh! You're just like Shindou!"

"Is he another friend of yours?" Rainbow asked,

"The former soccer captain of Raimon, still playing soccer."

"Really? So who's the--"

"Arion!" Aki called, "can you help your new room mates move in to their new room? You guys can talk later in your room."

"Okay then Auntie!" Tenma called back before turning back to the Equestrians "looks like you're on the same floor as I am, and you're quite close to my room. Just opposite!"

"I guess we'll be seeing each other more often!" Rainbow smiled,

"Is there anything I can carry for you?" Tenma asked,

"No thanks, I think we can handle it," Rainbow replied,



As the boy named Tenma watched the two Equestrians unpack their belongings, he was quite interested in their appearance as well as the things they pulled out.

"Hey Rainbow, I like how you've coloured your hair!"

"Really? It's actually natural!" Rainbow explained while blushing, "my dad's got the same hair colour too!"

"That's even better! It's amazing to see someone with natural Rainbow-coloured hair! I assume both of you miss your home in Equestria don't you?"

"I guess, we do have our friends and family." Flash replied,

"But we've got some gear to remember them!" Rainbow chuckled as she pulled out her gifts "these were from my friends," and passed the wrapped gift to Tenma to show, a beautiful bracelet with her signature mark along the marks of her 7 friends, Twilight's included.

"That's a beautiful bracelet!" Tenma examined "does it have a name?"

" 'We decided to call it the Harmony Bracelet. Take good care of it- Sunset Shimmer and friends' " Rainbow read from a note coming with it,

"I see you've got really caring friends, how about that box?"

"This?" Rainbow pulled out the shoe box containing her father's soccer boots "these old soccer boots belonged to my father, it's his memento." Rainbow replied,

"and the gloves?" Tenma asked as he looked at the boots

"that's my no.1 fan's gift." Rainbow answered, showing the parkour gloves "which also happens to be Flash's younger sister, these gloves belonged to their mother."

"Very interesting." Tenma continued.

"One more item left, it's rather special for a memento, but it also works well." Rainbow continued, pulling out the Special Tactic manual from Spitfire.

"Oh! That looks like a manual for a special tactic!" Tenma gasped as he read through the contents,

"Hey!" Rainbow yelped,

"Hmm... Wonder Stunt, nice name." Tenma read, "wow the crowd by flying and soaring around and through your opponents, like the jets and planes in an air show!" He continued reading "not a bad tactic, swerving through the opponents, but I feel like this tactic is mostly to show off a team's style. That is sooo Equestrian."

"Heh heh..." Rainbow blushed embarrassingly.

"Don't get me wrong, no offence at all. Besides, we may need to use it in the future. Also, the gift your friends gave you can pass as sport equipment."

"Wait... What?"

"The bracelet your friends give you can actually be used for sport, for stamina and luck. You see, I'm wearing the bracelet of a friend of mine." And showed the two a mysterious ancient bracelet, banded around his hand.

"Huh, it seems to have an Aztec taste to it." Flash examined,

"As for your father's boots and the parkour gloves, that's sport wear itself." Tenma explained "feel free to wear them in soccer practice and matches."

"Gee, thanks for the heads up!"

"I've heard both of you got a week to shake yourselves up before starting in Raimon. Why don't I take you guys around Inazuma town to meet some of my Raimon friends, as well as helping you out in your Neighponese?"

"Sure! That sounds fun!" Flash replied, "now that that's settled, why don't we continue our discussion in your room?"



"Thanks Auntie!" Tenma called back as Aki left his room with an empty tray.

"Thanks for the drinks and snacks Miss Woods." Flash added,

"You can call me Auntie too." Aki chuckled,

"Well?" Natsumi asked in English as Aki returned to the main table, where a man has joined them, "what do you think of them?"

"They're very nice kids." Aki smiled, "I might keep them and spoil them rotten like I am doing with Wonderbot's cuddly friends!"

"They're not your kids." Natsumi grumbled,

"Well neither is Arion." Aki retorted with a giggle,

"Hey Sil, you forgot to ask them something." The male spoke in English. "Isn't Ichinose staying in Equestria as well?"

"What? Oh, I forgot!" Aki gulped, blushing quite hard.

"Hah, you still like him." Natsumi chuckled,

"M-Maybe I'll ask later!"

"Whoops, looks like we have to go home now. Silvia, make sure to take care of the Equestrians, okay?"

"Sure thing!"

"Rainbow Dash..." The male spoke, looking towards Arion's room. "I can't wait to see how you play!"



As night falls, Rainbow is busy trying to set her laptop up to the internet.

"What's the WEP key?" Rainbow asked,

"Here" Flash passed a note,

"Got it." Rainbow keyed in as she accessed Pegaskype, "wow! Internet runs faster here!"

"Making the call to Sunset and the rest?" Flash asked,

"You betcha!" Rainbow replied, "it's just about morning over there, right?"

"Before school, may want to notify them by message first and schedule a time. Right now, we might as well sleep early to overcome the jet-lag."

"Yes sir." Rainbow replied as she shut her light off. "Goodnight Flash."

"Goodnight Rainbow." Flash replied as he did the same. Rainbow stared to the roof of the room, wondering what her life had been when she left Equestria, and wondering what it's going to be now. As she looked outside the window, she could see the twinkling stars and the shining moon, emitting a faint light.

"Huh, I guess I can stargaze for a little while before I can actually feel like sleeping..." Rainbow mumbled to herself.



A mysterious breeze blew into the room and onto the face of Rainbow Dash. Adding to that, a mysterious sunlight shone brightly on her Sky blue face. All of a sudden, Rainbow's entire surroundings warped uncontrollably and no later was Rainbow sleeping peacefully on a small wooden pier on an isolated island.
> Meeting the Raimon Eleven!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow stumbled around as she tried to gather what exactly has happened to her right now.

"Where the hay is everyone? This certainly doesn't feel like Windsor Manor or even Inazuma at all! Hello?" Rainbow called, "anyone here?" The only reply came with a breeze of the wind.

"Man..." Rainbow sighed as she tried to look around her surroundings. She was on this calm and peaceful port with what looks like an area overgrown with nature. "I feel so weak and sleepy..." As she tried to delve deeper into the island through a given path, some force is impacting her fatigue as tried to leave the port.

"What the heck." Rainbow moaned as she explored most of the port as she could, were what the remains of some minuscule and broken down podium, she rummaged through the crumblings of the stone wall close to the wooden dock.

"Wha?" A sudden sound echoed in the air. Thinking it was a plane, she looked to the skies and turned towards to the direction of the island's interior, eager to find a way to get it's attention. When she realised her mind was playing tricks, she sighed in disappointment as she looked back in front. As she laid eyes on the island's entrance however, a young girl dressed in a white shirt and wearing a blue bracelet was idly standing there, facing towards the seas, her hands held together and her head slightly bent as if she was praying.

"H-Hey!" Rainbow called out, but the girl didn't seem to hear. After a few seconds of praying, she started walking back into the island entrance, away from the sky-blue coloured girl in hot pursuit.

"Wait!" Rainbow called as she ran after her but her fatigue kicked in as she reached the island entrance like before. With every step further, her muscles grew heavy and tired until she could do nothing but collapse onto the floor, barely gazing at the departing girl, fading away from her view.




"Ooh..." Rainbow reeled as she sat up in bed. The sun shining in her face once again. Looking around, she found herself back in a familiar room, with all her belongings scattered around.

"Oh..." Rainbow sighed with relief "so it was just a dream..."

"Rainbow Dash?" A voice replied, knocking on the door.

"Uh, come in!" Rainbow called, Flash Sentry walked into the room, fully dressed and bringing a bowl of cereal and some orange juice.

"Good Morning Rainbow, I see you've overslept again." Flash replied, Rainbow peered at the clock, just hitting 11am. "Good thing that it's still enough time for breakfast."

"Dang... I don't think I've started sleeping till after midnight." Rainbow sighed, "how's everyone else?"

"I woke up an hour before you did, Arion taught me a little bit of soccer after breakfast. His plans for today involve touring around Inazuma Town and if possible, meet the other Raimon players."

"Well then!" Rainbow yawned as she hopped out of bed. Revealing a very loose tank top and rumpled pyjama pants. Flash realised what he was now looking at and shielded his eyes in disgust.

"Any signal about what you wear to bed before showing me would be very appreciated." Flash replied,

"I normally get a room to myself... Sorry." Rainbow sighed, as she quickly gulped up her breakfast, she was ready to hit the door.

"Shall we go meet Arion?" Rainbow asked with grin,

"Unless you're completely fine with what you wear." Flash sighed,

"Oops!" Rainbow jumped in embarrassment, forgetting to change clothes... Again.

"We'll be out in the front porch with Sasuke, or Spotter as his English says." Flash noted as he strode out of the room. "Please change quickly." He left before closing the door.



After eating a quick but nutritious breakfast from Auntie Aki, Rainbow Dash was no later out in the front garden kicking ball with Tenma, showing of her skills through slaloming through the practice cones and giving a few kicks against the wall.

"I can definitely tell, you're a Forward." Tenma watched,

"Yep!" Rainbow replied,

"How did you play back in Equestria? I'd like to know!"

"Well, back in Canterlot, my school's been one of the leading teams in school football." Rainbow explained "we've won a few leagues and all"

"Hah! No wonder Mrs Evans had her eye on you!" Tenma replied,

"Mrs Evans... Are you implying that Miss Raimon is married?" Rainbow picked up,

"I see, she chose to use her maiden name when introducing herself." Flash remembered about the ring on Natsumi's hand.

"She's Coach Evans' wife." Tenma discussed "she hasn't told you that?"

"Nope, she just kept on telling us that she's Miss Raimon." Flash replied,

"Arion? Rainbow? Flash? It's time to go out!" Aki called from afar.

"Looks like we better get going!" Tenma guided.



Aki, Tenma, Rainbow and Flash were no sooner walking through the shopping plaza of Inazuma Town, looking at the numerous stores, a small but very ample supermarket, a fresh fish and meat market, a bric-a-brac (or curio) shop, and a very busy resturant.

"Rairaiken" Tenma stated "or Rai Rai Noodles for English, its a very nice place and a few of our team eats there regularly and even the owner of the store formerly played for Raimon!"

"Smells really nice." Flash replied as he sniffed the air. Rainbow could also smell it too, the scent of noodles being fried or soaked in the most delicious soup base.

"C'mon! I could have had my breakfast here!" Rainbow moaned as she couldn't take the smell any longer.

"We can have lunch here another day." Tenma replied, attempting to calm her temper.



The hospital was the next stop on the trip and there were a few familiar faces for two of the people. A bright purple-haired nurse was happily having a chat with two boys who were younger than her but had quite similar hairstyles with that they have a spiky fringe and two strands of hair that curl into a spiral.

"Fuyuka-san! Kyousuke! Yuuichi!" Aki greeted

"Why! Aki-san! And Tenma too!" The Purple-haired nurse greeted back

"Tenma." Both the brothers greeted in unison. "And who might this be?" The smaller one spoke in a Russian-accented English.

"Oh, so I guess some neighponese people can speak English too." Rainbow picked up.

"Tch... Obviously..." The boy grunted,

"Well, it's nice to meet you too!" The nurse named Fuyuka greeted in English. "My name's Kudou Fuyuka, but you can call me Camellia."

"Well nice to meet you then." Flash replied,

"Oh, I get it now." The other boy replied in English, also with a Russian accent. Unlike the younger one, this one was much taller, but was in a wheelchair. "Aren't these people the new students from Equestria?"

"Is that so? I remember you ranting all about it Matsu-- I mean Sherwind." The younger one replied, swapping to Tenma's English Surname.

"My name's Rainbow Dash, and this is Flash Sentry." Rainbow greeted,

"I'm Tsurugi Kyousuke, and this is my brother Tsurugi Yuuichi. Respectively in English, you may call us Victor Blade and Vladimir Blade." The younger brother named Kyousuke introduced.

"Pleased to meet you." Yuuichi added,

"So you two starting with soccer?" Fuyuka asked,

"Just her." Flash replied, "I am, unfortunately, brought along for the ride."

"Is that so?" Kyousuke replied, staring at Flash. "Shame, I thought I can see something from you."

"Maybe I'll get interested soon enough, I've got musical hobbies such as the guitar and piano."

"Piano?" Tenma ears pricked "you're just like Shindou!"

"I believe he is another soccer player?" Flash asked, disregarding the fact that Tenma repeated the same line yesterday.

"Yep, and the former captain too!" Tenma added,

"Who's the captain now?" Rainbow Dash asked,

"Uhh... You'll meet him later!" Tenma replied, chuckling nervously.

"Sherwind?" Kyousuke gave a puzzled look, Tenma responded by giving shushing gestures.

"Well, I shouldn't keep you four any longer!" Fuyuka smiled, "I'll see you when any of you get injured!"

"Uh... Thanks?" Rainbow replied, confused.

"Come visit me if you have the chance to! Even when you're not injured!" Yuuichi added as the four left the doors.

"Rainbow and Flash... Hmm..." Kyousuke thought to himself,

"Thinking about something Vitya?" Yuuichi piped up, spotting Kyousuke deep in thought.

"I sense something hidden in them... Something. I know Rainbow's going to play Soccer but I think Flash also has some... Potential hidden inside, I just don't know what."

"Manager?" Yuuichi joked,

"Like I said, I don't know. But if he's a manager, he'll also have to deal with keeping the girls in line too." Kyousuke smirked

"You two!!!" Fuyuka rasped,



The park was next on the list of places to visit, but before, the group passed by a large white mansion, and a stirring piano melody came from one of the windows.

"This melody." Flash overheard "it's very dramatic."

"That definitely must be Shindou, his English name's Riccardo by the way, Riccardo di Rigo. He's a great pianist." Tenma replied, "all of his neighbours can hear him on the street, and from what I've heard from them, they really enjoy it."

"Huh... A virtuoso?" Rainbow asked,

"That's exactly his nickname!" Tenma nodded "well, his English nickname. Here, what people call him is roughly translated to 'Baton of God'. You know, a conductor's baton?"

"Yes, I know." Flash nodded,



The Park was a very lively place and from what Rainbow can see, so many young children relaxing on picnic mats, running around but mostly, kicking around a soccer ball.

"Wow, this place looks beautiful!" Rainbow exclaims, her eyes darting around the turf.

"Agreed" Flash nodded "this place is certainly a place to relax and have fun."

"Tenma!" A girl's voice echoed from the other side of the park. A girl with dark blue hair was running towards the group, with two other girls behind her, one with long red-orange hair with certain strands held with green hair bands and another with light brown-hair with two curls hanging from behind and was holding a camera.

"Hello Aoi." Tenma greeted back "and you too Midori and Akane-senpai! What are you girls doing here?"

"Akane's trying to get a picture of Shindou practising piano in his house... Again." The girl seemed to be named Midori sighed, "I'm telling you it's impossible Akane!"

"Ohh..." The camera holding girl sighed, "Why can't the trees grow taller?"

"What about you Tenma?" Aoi continued "You and Aunt Aki look very busy..." She peered behind Tenma and saw the two tall Equestrians, who gave back nervous waves "giving new foreign residents of Kogarashi a tour around Inazuma?"

"Not just any other foreigner!" Tenma corrected "because if it was, I wouldn't be around! These are the new First-Year students from Equestria! Remember what the teacher said? Rainbow here will be playing soccer with us!"

"Rainbow??? That's actually her name? Is it really that obvious? I mean, with the hair and all... What about the other guy?"

"Aoi, can we not talk about their appearances? It's not very nice, also putting the fact they don't know Neighponese. Why don't I introduce them to you instead?" Tenma sighed,

"Sorry, I guess I'm just rather interested in Equestria." Aoi apologised,

"This is Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry." Tenma introduced "and Rainbow and Flash? This is my childhood friend Sorano Aoi. And those behind her are Seto Midori and Yamana Akane. They're the managers for the Raimon football team."

"Hey!" Rainbow bowed in greeting.

"Pleasure to meet you." Flash also bowed in greeting.

"And it's wonderful meeting you both!" Aoi replied with a curtsy instead of a bow. "You can call me Skie, Skie Blue. Sorry about the curtsey, I find Equestrian culture quite interesting!"

"That's English culture." Midori corrected "not Equestrian. My English name's Jade Greene and though I am Neighponese, I am part Irish too. You could probably tell by my accent."

"I can tell you have some fluency in English." Flash replied, "but we're not much educated on cultures of foreign countries."

"That's shocking!" Tenma jumped "I thought as being Equestrian, you would know more about other countries!"

"Unfortunately, our education system is still close minded and isolated to our own country. The only mention of other countries are through history."

"That sucks" Midori replied,

"It's nice to see that there are a few people that are not pure Neighpon I guess." Rainbow spoke

"I don't think I have introduced myself... Have I?" The third manager spoke, her English however, was very slow and was heavily accented with a mix of Spritish and Neighponese "you can call me Rosie. My English is not good."

"Rosie... Red?" Flash asked,

"Uh, T-Two D's at the surname. Redd" Akane corrected,

"Pleasure," Flash replied, shaking her hand, Akane giggled a little as she felt his hand

"You know, I feel like shaking a hand similar to this before." Akane continued,

"I don't remember any of my relatives coming to Neighpon." Flash spoke,

"I mean, shaking the hands of an Equestrian. I feel like I've done this before." Akane replied

"Anyway, we shouldn't keep you guys here." Aoi replied "we'll see more of each other when you start school. Toodles!" And the three waved goodbye as Rainbow and co left for their final location of the tour.



The tower of Inazuma stands tall as the sun starts to set. Rainbow and co gazed towards the town's direction, marvelling at the colours of the sun mixing with both the shopping area and riverside

"Wow..." Rainbow sighed "this looks so beautiful!"

"I know!" Tenma replied, "but if only the Tower was available to climb up today, we'd get a much better view!"

"Hey! Tenma!" A voice called out from behind, the group turned around to see three different figures approaching them. One who was small, one who had sharp yellow eyes, the other who had bluish-purple hair.

"Shinsuke! Kariya! Hikaru!" Tenma called back, "you guys look rather busy!"

"I'm here to train my catching skills!" Shinsuke, the small one, replied "what about you???" Then the small little boy looked behind "and who are those people?"

"Oh I remember," The sharp-eyed boy replied "those must be the new students from Equestria who's here for soccer, especially the rainbow haired girl."

"Cool! We're getting new members? That's great!" The final boy known as Hikaru jumped with glee

"Hey Arion," Rainbow pointed out "are these more of your friends?"

"Yes" Tenma replied, "this is Shinsuke, Kariya and Hikaru!" He pointed to each,

"Bonjour!" Shinsuke greeted in English with a Prench accent "my English name is Jean-Pierre Lapin, but you can call me JP!"

"My English name's Aitor Cazador" Kariya introduced "I'm looking forward to playing with you, heh heh heh..."

"Mexican?" Flash picked up on the accent

"And I'm Lucian Dark!" Hikaru introduced "unlike you guys, I've only just started playing soccer not so long ago, so I'm looking forward to playing together!"

"Nice to meet you all!" Rainbow smiled,

"By the way," Flash asked, "don't you normally train with the rest of your team?"

"Oh non!" Shinsuke explained "we're actually doing some training of our own! It's not like any ordinary training! Do you want to come see?"

"Sure! Why not?" Rainbow replied,

"I think you'd be rather surprised on how we do things" Aki giggled,

"For sure!" Tenma agreed,

"..." Flash began to feel suspicious as he followed the three students. Arriving at a nearby large tree, a tire swing was peacefully hanging from a very sturdy trunk.

"This is where we train!" Hikaru explained "even the Captain of the old Legendary Raimon team uses this in order to train his catching skills!"

"Umm... I don't see a ball around here..." Rainbow replied,

"We don't exactly use a ball for this type of training..." Kariya corrected "we use the tire!"

"Wait... What?" Flash eyebrows rose in confusion,

"Let's go Hikaru!" Shinsuke signalled, Hikaru grabbed the tire and brought it as high and far as possible,

"I'm ready! Letting it go now!" Hikaru replied and loosened his grip. The tire started descending in an angle, increasing it's velocity... Straight towards Shinsuke!

"Hi-yaaa!!!" Shinsuke yelled as he used his fist to punch back the tire, the collision preventing each of the two forces to surpass each other. After a few minutes of tension, the tire continued ploughing forward, knocking down the small boy.

"Oof!" Shinsuke moaned as he picked himself up from the ground "Ouch..."

"JP!" Rainbow jumped in shock "are you alright?"

"Don't worry!" Kariya comforted "it takes more than that to knock him out!"

"Oh non, I messed up again... But I make sure to do it next time!" JP cheered,

"My turn! My turn!" Hikaru exclaimed.



With Kariya on tire swinging duty, Hikaru stood his ground, ready to kick the tire

"Here it comes!" Kariya signalled as he let the tire flying once more

"Rrraagh!" Hikaru yelled as he swung his leg and collided his foot with the ever fast tire. Unlike Shinsuke, Hikaru's kicking strength managed to overpower the tire's oncoming force and kicked it away.

"You did it!" Shinsuke jumped for joy, the Equestrians on the other hand, were rather terrified and speechless.

"What's wrong Rainbow? Flash?" Tenma spotted,

"Are..." Flash stuttered "are you sure this is safe?"

"Don't worry!" Shinsuke smiled, "sure, It may hurt a lot, but it doesn't hurt as much as how hard our opponents kick!"

"Uh..." Rainbow jumped,

"Looks like it's my turn" Kariya replied,

"Um... May I know what your position is Aitor?" Flash asked,

"I'm a defender," Kariya answered "in the cases of this training, I am going to use my entire body to block the tire. How's that?"

"Umm..." Rainbow signalled to Tenma "I think we can go now..."

"Oh, is that so?" Tenma replied, "well then, I believe we've got to go home now. Rainbow and Flash needs to practice their Neighponese"

"Okay then, catch you at school later!" Shinsuke and the others waved goodbye as the group hurried back to Windsor.

"Flash?" Rainbow gulped,

"I'm as confused myself Rainbow" Flash replied,



Back at the manor, night fell upon the town of Inazuma. After a few hours of simple Japanese language and alphabet, the two Equestrians enjoyed a very nice dinner, followed with some mouthwatering and tasty dessert.

"Thanks for the cake Auntie Sylvia!" Rainbow Dash replied,

"It's as delicious as always!" Tenma replied,

"I've enjoyed it very much." Flash replied, "is this how you say, Gochisousama? After a meal?"

"That is correct" Aki nodded,

"well" Rainbow pulled an unimpressed face "at least someone's learning!"

"You'll need to learn it too Rainbow!" Tenma reminded "otherwise you'll have a very bad time!"

"Yeah yeah..." Rainbow sighed as she takes her dish to the kitchen sink "I'm going to turn in early tonight, just to work this jet-lag. Night everyone." And left the dining area with a concerned face, also concerning the others 

"Hey Flash, is there something wrong with her?" Tenma asked,

"She does look rather unhappy. I'll be sure to ask her what's wrong when I go to sleep."



Rainbow sighed as she typed to her friends that she's not in the mood for a video chat before stretching herself on her bed.

"What is going on in Neighpon?" Rainbow mumbled to herself, "first, that kick power from the young girl in Riverside, and now those students' method of training? This is completely crazy! As if things gotten out of hand, can't this day end with a peaceful sleep?" And as she quietly ranted herself to sleep, her hopes of having a peaceful night is interrupted once more as she finds herself in a familiar spot.



"Oh crap" Rainbow moaned as she picked herself up from a familiar podium as she sees a familiar dock surrounded by a violent, endless stretch of water. "Is this the freaking dream again!?" As she stood upright, she found out that she wasn't as exhausted and tired as she was the last time she came here.

"Huh, that's weird..." Rainbow noted as she did a few basic stretches and strides. Looking around, she saw the same girl from before praying again.

"H-Hey!" Rainbow called once more but just like before, the girl seemed to ignore her and travel back into the island's interior.

"Wait up!" Rainbow called as she gave chase. As she got to the island's entrance however, she felt no signs and strains of immediate fatigue or tiredness, nor were her arms or legs pulling her strength down.

"No way, can I actually go through this time!?" Rainbow gasped with a smile. Without any other word, she dashed through the small canopy, and found herself on a large clearing filled with fresh grass, beautiful flowers and a strong but pleasant wind flowing through the area.

"Wow..." Rainbow gasped as she looked around, "this place is very pretty." She minced her words as she saw a very large twisted mound of rock from afar, which it's large area from the top seems to look like it was holding something.

"That thing's huge! I wonder if someone's up there?" She gazed hard as she tried to see what was on top of that rock. Though she couldn't make it out what it is, what she did manage to make out was the girl from before, perched on top of the rock, looking down on the grassy plains. Rainbow however, felt a feeling of confusion. She darted to the left, she darted to the right until it suddenly hit her. This girl calmly looking down on the plains, was actually focusing her eyes on Rainbow herself.

"M-Me?" Rainbow called out as she pointed to her self "are you talking to me?" Without any response, the girl pointed at her, then towards a curved path to what seems to be the way to another section of the island. Even without any words, Rainbow understood that this girl wants her to follow these directions to which she did. But with every step towards the entrance to the third section of the island, the heavy fatigue from before started to kick in...

"Aw man... Again? Let me go further!!!" Rainbow moaned as she heavily lay to the ground in her sleeping pose once more, her eyes pointed towards the rock mound once again, where the small girl who still had her finger pointing in her intended direction started to vanish once more.
> Rainbow's big surprise!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Rainbow Dash groggily woke up from her bed once again, still tormented by the dream.

"I swear, that dream's going to drive me mad one day" Rainbow grumbled as she hopped out of bed. Looking at the clock, it seems that she woke up quite early, and that Flash was missing.

"Huh, I guess I'm getting rid of this jet lag faster than I thought" Rainbow smiled, "perhaps I can go exercise!" Putting on a tracksuit, she dashed into the kitchen,

"Good Morning Auntie Sylvia!" Rainbow greeted as she saw the lovely Aki making breakfast,

"Good Morning Rainbow!" Aki greeted back, "you're up quite early, just like Flash!"

"Where is he by the way?"

"I was going to go sweep the front porch this morning, but then he asked if he was allowed to handle that job. So I showed him the ropes, and he became such a quick learner! He is such a kind boy, I've just resorted to making breakfast!"

"Well" Rainbow chuckled, "that's him alright"

"It looks like you're off to exercise, may I suggest running around the Riverside pitch or by the river?"

"That sounds like a great idea, thanks!" Rainbow replied as she grabbed a piece of toast to quickly munch on and finish before running out the door.

"Morning Flash!" Rainbow called as she sped past the blue-haired male sweeping the yard.

"Good morning to you Rainbow Dash" Flash with a casual salute, "out for a run I assume?"

"Yeah!" Rainbow replied as she quickly ran on the spot, "I'm going to get familiar with this place!" And without another word, she ran towards the river

"Glad to see you had a good sleep last night" Flash sighed,

"Good Morning Flash!" Another voice came from behind,

"Ah, Arion. Good Morning" Flash greeted with another casual salute,

"No wonder why Auntie's back in the kitchen today, you're a very helpful nice guy!" Tenma complimented,

"I can say that I'm rather interested about this" Flash replied as he continued sweeping the front porch "in Equestria, we never clean most of our rooms let alone tidying the front entrance. Normally, people are hired to do such things."

"Very interesting..." Tenma replied,

"where are you from Arion?" Flash asked,

"I was born and raised in Okinawa" Tenma answered "it's a place that's very close to the sea, and quite far from Inazuma. There's a lot of beach areas, and everyone likes to go play beach sports there. Of course, I taught soccer to my primary school that I used to attend when I was young. My mother is of British descent, so I learnt English from her."

"I see..."

"By the way, where's Rainbow? I checked your rooms this morning and I was quite surprised to see it empty, you guys woke up pretty early."

"She's starting to exercise by running around the town."

"Is she running close to Riverside?" Tenma asked, "because if Auntie suggested the place, I've been running that same route! I'm actually going to run around today as well!"

"You have fun now, okay?" Flash waved as Tenma also ran off.



Rainbow was dashing her way close to the river, running as hard as she could on the path.

"Ahh..." Rainbow sighed in pleasure as the wind blew across her face "the air here feels so fresh than compared to Equestria!" She continued moving her legs faster "no one can outrace me!"

"Ah! Rainbow! There you are!" A voice called from behind, Rainbow turned to the side to see a familiar face running up to her and as fast as she is.

"Hello Arion!" Rainbow greeted "So you came here to exercise too? What a coincidence!"

"Actually, I also follow Auntie Sylvia's route as well! So when I heard from Flash that you've been running, I couldn't help but join you!"

"Well that's good to know! I'm actually the fastest in my school, and this is just the tip of the Iceberg of what I can reach!"

"That's great to know! So do you want to kick up the pace?" Tenma replied,

"Sure why not?" Rainbow laughed, until something struck her mind.

"Uhh... Arion?" Rainbow stuttered,

"Yes?"

"Are we running?"

"Well yes," Tenma replied "didn't you say running was your exercise?"

"How long did it take for you to reach me?"

"Well, as soon as I managed to see you, I ran across the pitch just to get to you."

"... How fast can you go?"

"Normally, I don't run that fast when I play soccer, but when I exercise, I go much faster than what I am right now!"

"How fast?"

"Watch this!" Tenma replied and with a mighty burst of speed, Tenma's legs started moving faster, giving him a large acceleration to propel himself further across the path, and away from Rainbow.

"You... You have got to be kidding me!" Rainbow teetered to a halt as she watched the windy boy run wildly down the river path.



"Huh" Flash was surprised as he found a disgruntled Rainbow Dash walk back to the manor "that was quite a fast exercise you had there"

"I lost motivation halfway" Rainbow grumbled, "where's Arion?"

"Back, he's having breakfast" Flash replied, "I think you've got a challenge right there"

"No, I don't want to even think about it!" Rainbow bellowed,

"But didn't you say you wanted a challenge before?"

"Against him??? How was I supposed to know that he runs like that!?"

"That's the point, if you find someone who was better than you, you've got to work hard to beat him"

"It would be a 'no contest' situation then" Rainbow sighed,

"Hey, you wouldn't give up so easily now... Would you?"

"I dunno, maybe I haven't really gotten used to this place." Rainbow sighed, "I need to take a shower"



Everyone was busy for the next few days, Rainbow and Flash were quickly studying to learn the basics of the Neighponese language, while Aki and Tenma had something in their minds.

"My little Equestrians!" Aki knocked on their door "I've got something great to show you!"

"Hello Auntie" Flash greeted,

"Guess what I've got!" Aki replied as she held up two different pieces of clothing. One was a navy coloured military-like uniform, the other was a mix of a white shirt, a pink ribbon, a pleated skirt with a fully bright purple colour similar to the colour of her casual skirt and a pair of black penny loafers. The Equestrians just stared at the garments before them.

"This is..." Flash picked up the navy gakuran.

"I was also lucky to find this just for you Rainbow" Aki added as she also presented a pair of tall Rainbow coloured-socks. "Now it should look similar to what you normally wear casually!"

"Uh... Thanks?" Rainbow sheepishly smiled,

"I know it's hard for you since this is your first time wearing school uniform" Aki sympathised "but Raimon is a special school after all."

"I guess..." Rainbow shrugged,

"Why don't you try them on?" Aki suggested,

"I'll change in Arion's room if he doesn't mind" Flash answered as he took the clothes and walked out of the room.

"Umm..." Rainbow gawked at how blank the white-buttoned shirt was. "Maybe I should dress alone..."

"Do you know at least how to tie the ribbon?" Aki offered,

"yeah, I do" Rainbow replied

"Okay then," Aki smiled as she too left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Hope this is the right size!" Rainbow gulped as she began removing her clothes.



Outside the hall, Flash had already changed into his school uniform and to Aki's eyes, he looked very formal rather than his usual jacket. As the gakuran was originally designed, Flash looked like just a private school student with a semi-military outfit.

"Wow!" Aki smiled, "you look very dashing and handsome!"

"Speaking of dress code, do I have to straighten my hair?" Flash asked,

"No need, your hairstyle is not as unique as Victor and Vladmir's!" Aki giggled,

"Fair point" Flash replied. The moment they heard the sound of a turning door handle, the two turned around to see the door revealing a Rainbow Dash in very different clothes. No more was her purple shirt and jacket but a white buttoned shirt with a Pink Ribbon in the form of a Bow tie positioned near Rainbow's neck. The skirt she currently wore is longer than her casual shirt and pleated instead of straight. The only similarity is that it had the same colour of bright purple. Finally, Rainbow was wearing much longer Rainbow socks that reached halfway from her foot to her knee.

"..." Flash stared at Rainbow in disbelief and awe, his mouth wide open.

"S-Stop staring at me like that!" Rainbow complained, blushing very hard and shaking around in embarrassment.

"Complaining like that will hardly ease the situation." Flash replied as he continued his jaw-dropping stare. "In fact, it makes you look even more--"

"Don't you dare say that word!" Rainbow threatened,

"--like a proper student and a lady" Flash finished, giving Rainbow Dash a blank look of surprise

"That was unexpected... I didn't think you'd actually say that..." Rainbow blinked with confusion.

"I took your word to warning, so I quickly changed it" Flash explained as pushed his jaw back up. A strong breeze stretched across the main hallway of the manor, causing all to try and keep their clothes from revealing too much as Tenma blew through the entrance and put on his brakes right where Aki, Flash and Rainbow are. 

"Auntie! Flash! Rainbo--!" Tenma greeted until he was interrupted by the view of what he saw, was Rainbow Dash in Raimon's female school uniform.

"Well bless me Rainbow!" Tenma exclaimed with a wide smile "you look so adorable!"

"Gaah!" Rainbow jumped back in further embarrassment, attempting to shield her body with her arms "that word is even worse than 'cute'!"

"Rainbow!" Flash reminded "your action is not giving the audience a much better perspective!"

"Waah!!!" With nowhere to go, Rainbow zipped back into the room and slammed the door in profound embarrassment.

"I guess it will take a long time for her to get used to it" Aki sighed in disappointment,

"What's wrong with that?" Tenma asked,

"Rainbow prefers to be 'cool' like my younger sister" Flash explained "she wants to be 120% cool, 100% tough, and lesser of the 'feminine' and smartness traits, especially cute." Flash replied "I will however say that no matter what, you cannot get rid of any of the traits. At one time, will you look either tough, cool, smart, cute or beautiful. Girls cannot get rid of it, and neither can guys. I'll say this too, even guys can look cute and beautiful sometimes."

"Oh wait till you see Kirino or Aphrodi" Aki and Tenma answered in unison, then looked at each other in stifled laughter.

"???" A puzzled look came from Flash

"Anyway!" Tenma continued "the reason why I'm here is that Raimon's first team will be playing a match soon, and Coach Evans, his wife and I thought it be the best opportunity to invite both of you to see how we play! We'll be up against Teikoku Gakuen, Royal Academy in English."

"That sounds like a very good idea!" Aki clasped her hands "what do you think Rainbow?"

"Sure! Count me in!" Rainbow's muffled voice came from behind the door "can I go in my normal clothes though?"

"Of course!" Aki laughed "you're not in Raimon yet! But one thing you need to remember in Neighpon."

"What?"

"A rule of cleanliness. Slippers or socks-in-slippers are only allowed in the interior of the manor, any house you visit and especially in most schools. Whenever you enter, make sure to wipe your shoes on the door mat, take them off, then put on the slippers." 



The sun shone brightly as Rainbow and Flash stepped through the gates of Raimon Junior High. They marvelled with wonder at the architecture and site of the School. A soccer pitch lies just behind the gates and behind that, was a 4-story building with a bright yellow lightning bolt hanging proudly at the top.

"WOW" was what came out of Rainbow's mouth, her eyes bewitched to the sight of the gigantic school building. "This school is MUCH bigger than Canterlot!"

"Yeah, except that there was no 'statue' in the front of the campus." Flash added, "nor were there these gates!"

"Even schools have closing times" Aki explained, "A certain time, all must leave the school's boundaries before closing time."

"This looks like a school mostly made for sports" Flash theorised,

"You are correct" Aki nodded "they cater to other sports such as Tennis, Track and Field, Rugby, Basketball, Baseball, you name it. But soccer is the most popular one of all!"

"So, is the match going to be here?" Rainbow pointed at the front pitch.

"No, this exhibition match is going to be in Raimon's stadium. Just behind the School!"Aki replied,

"Sweet! I can't wait!"

"Unfortunately there's no time for a tour of the place. I'll take you to the stadium directly!" Aki continued as she guided the Equestrians around the school and to the entrance of the stadium. Raimon's stadium looks just as impressive as the connected school buildings, a large blue semi-cylindrical building and the same-sized lightning bolt hanging on the exterior.

"Oh my Celestia!" Rainbow squealed with excitement "words cannot describe how hyped I am right now!"

"It's very impressive, Raimon definitely is more sport-focused than Canterlot." Flash replied,

"Follow me, we'll be getting front row seats!" Aki replied, 



As Rainbow, Flash and Aki entered the spectators grandstand on the second floor, they found a very familiar face waiting nearby the entrance.

"There you are!" Aoi greeted "so glad that you two could make it! I've got some seats reserved for you!" The three found themselves at the front of the grandstand and at a point where they could see the entire pitch. After waving goodbye to Aoi, Rainbow made herself comfy on her chair and looked at the endless horde of people sitting on their chairs. From there, Rainbow could tell how many students and adults love soccer.

"Ladies and Gentleman! Welcome to Raimon Junior High!" A sudden announcement echoed across the stage "today we have an exhibition match between friendly and furious rivals! At home, we have Raimon facing our visitors, Teikoku Gauken!" Cheers erupted through the stage.

"Who will take this stage? Who will show the other that they are the strongest of them all! Everyone! I present to you, Raimon and Teikoku!" From the entrances, many young males wearing two separate uniforms stepped out onto the pitch and placed themselves in linear formation. One team's colour was bright yellow and blue, the other team's colour was white with brown trim lines and olive pants. On the screens in the corners, it showed the emblems of both teams and then the formation of the group. Rainbow and Flash recognised Tenma's face during Raimon's formation set-up preview.

"So he's a part of the first team" Flash noted,

"I can't wait, I can't wait!!!" Rainbow gasped,

"Now, this game is about to get under way. The team captains are out to shake hands for a fair and great game! Teikoku Gauken's captain Mikado Haruma and Raimon's captain Matsukaze Tenma!!!"  Rainbow and Flash's eyes widened to see Tenma firmly shaking hands with the other team's captain. The captain's band firmly tight around his arm.

"A-Arion's the Captain... Our roommate is the Captain for Raimon..." Rainbow gasped as she saw the coin flip onto tails, giving the decision to Teikoku. However, Rainbow did not realise the moment Kick-Off was initiated, she was in for a dreadful time.