Inside the main school, almost everyone gather around the main foyer. Nearly all of the CHS students were taken aback by the indoor architecture. The walls and floor are polished and pristine, the colours were blue/greenish serene and the school looked like it was made out of real crystals. For Twilight, the principals and anybody else who been her before, they wasn't that dazzled by scenery. But for everybody else, they want their breaths back.
But as everyone was getting over from being amazed, Dean Cadence say loudly to everyone: "May I Have You Attention Please!" When everyone's eyes were on her, Cadence states: "I'm gunna go over the rules of the games." they all then became quite as they hear her explain.
"Today's events are all based on academic subjects and mental prowess. Each contestant will be tested on their intelligence as well as how well they perform the challenge. Everyone else is free to watch the events unfold or take your time looking around Crystal Prep. However, we remind you that this is inter-school bonding event so we ask you to be respectful and don't damage anything while you are here." She then says: "Now with that out of the way, we will show you where each event is gunna take place."
As Cadence and a few C.P teachers began guiding everyone around and people started moving, the CHS students was slowly starting to become nervous about the events. They have been practicing and studying for this day, but they were thinking that the C.P students are way more intelligent then they are. Even the people who were the most hopeful were cautiously optimistic. However Twilight, the team leader, just hopes for everyone to try their best and that everybody would get along.
But as they were walking, Twilight spotted her "former friends" from Crystal Prep. In particular, Sour Sweet who were acting excited.
"Alright! It's time to show our best and let those Centerlot-chumps know that they don't have a chance!"
But as soon as she says that, one of Sour Sweet's feet buckled. Her ankle became twisted and with the force of gravity and her muscles, a lot of pressure was put on her side of her foot. In an instant, Sour Sweet felt intense pain as the muscles in her foot was about to tear apart.
"AHHH!" she screamed.
Everyone around her heard her scream of pain and they saw her kneeling on the floor and clutching her leg. Twilight, her friends and her Crystal Prep associates instantly shot their attentions towards her as they were left wondering what has happened.
"Hey what's wrong?" Indigo Zap asked her.
""What's Wrong!?"" she said angrily. "Nothing much Ngg.... JUST THAT I TWISTED MY FOOT!".
As Sour Sweet was cradling her foot and try to live through the pain, Fluttershy was somewhat surprised that nobody else was doing anything about it. She will accept that they were all a bit surprised by this unexpected event, but she expected somebody to at least to help her off the floor. When she saw nobody else is helping her, she decide to do something herself.
"Here! Let me help you."
Everyone was taken aback when they saw Fluttershy kneeling and trying to help Sour Sweet. Even Sour Sweet who was trying to push her kindness away.
"Go Away! I don't need you Agh!"
As Sour's pain cut herself off, Fluttershy tells her "Don't worry. I know how to treat injuries like this." And before Sour could respond with anything else, Fluttershy pull Sour Sweet's arm around her shoulder and lift her up. When she got her up, Fluttershy ask Dean Cadence "Where's the nurse's office?"
"Here, I quickly show you the way."
But as Fluttershy was about to carry a very reluctant and injured Sweet, Twilight stop and tells her "But Fluttershy, you are needed in the first event." At that moment, Fluttershy momentarily paused as she realized that she also need to help her friends. However, Rarity quickly appear beside and says to them
"Don't worry dearie. I'll be alright until you return."
And with that, Fluttershy reassured enough to take Sour Sweet to the nurse's office.
As they were moving, Sour Sweet try to get free. "Let Me Go! Unlike You, I actually cared about winning."
However, as they were walking by Principal Cinch, Cinch tells her "Don't worry Sour Sweet. You are no good to anyone with a injured leg."
Sour Sweet was shocked when she heard that. It was almost like saying she is no longer useful. Seeing her becoming distraught, Fluttershy move even quicker to get her to the nurse.
Meanwhile, Twilight was left struck in disbelief with the whole thing. Not only what she overheard Cinch said but also the fact that nobody from Crystal Prep actually help out their own students. It took somebody from Canterlot to help Sweet out. As everyone was began walking again to the events, Twilight slip back and head else where in the halls.
Moments later, Fluttershy had token Sour Sweet to the nurse's office. Shockingly, the nurse was no where to be found. She apparently she's a judge for one of the events or something. Regardless, Fluttershy felt sure enough to heal Sour's injured foot. She rest Sour Sweet on the bed, make sure the foot was elevated and Spike quickly found an ice pack for her. But as she was about to rest it on her foot, Sour Sweet angrily move her foot away.
"Don't Touch Me!" she yelled.
But as she moved her foot, a thunderbolt of pain went up her leg and she groaned.
"How do you expect to get better if I don't help you?" Fluttershy sarcastically retort.
"I never asked for you help."
"I know, but I want to help you."
Sour Sweet froze when she heard that. She didn't expect anybody would say something in such a kind and generous way before. While she was distracted, Fluttershy seize the chance to put the ice pack on. When it was on her foot, Sweet began to feel a stinging sensation.
"Ouch! This is what you call helping me?"
"Sorry" she apologized. "It will only gunna sting for a minute."
True to her word, the pain went away in about 30 seconds. Sour Sweet was taken aback again as she see Fluttershy being extra careful on her foot. She even thinks she was smiling while she does it. Confused, Sour Sweet asks her "Why are you helping me? We don't even know each other."
After a second to pause, Fluttershy replies "Well there is one thing that I know about you. You were Twilight's friend."
Sweet became surprised and confused. Yes, she did say she was Twilight's old friend in front of the school, but meant it as a mocking sort of way and was just trying to tease Twilight. Guess that Fluttershy didn't get the joke.
"I know you might not have been on the bestest of terms with Twilight, but since you still want to call her your friend, then hat must mean you still care for her. And a friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine."
After saying that, Sour Sweet felt a sudden urge to "slap her straight" (metaphorically) and tell her what she really meant. Instead, she look up towards the ceiling and says loudly:
"That was the most sappiest, corniest and down right..."
Fluttershy look up, worried that she might say something mean to her.
"... Sweetest Thing I've Heard!" Sour Sweet cried when she look back down at Fluttershy with a smile.
Fluttershy became surprised but also a bit touched. Her kindness has touched Sour Sweet's heart and cause her to open up to her. Everyone just felt so happy and they couldn't help but to smile to each other.
But something strange happened. As they were having a happy moment, Fluttershy began to feel something. She felt like something was surging around her body but it was also a familiar feeling. Sour Sweet also detect something wrong with Fluttershy. However, she couldn't put her finger on it until Fluttershy began to unexpectedly glow. And suddenly, Fluttershy's ears began to grow pointy and wings sprout out of her back. Sour Sweet was left speechless and confused while Fluttershy was left in a situation that she can't exactly explain.
Realizing this isn't supposed to happen, Spike barks to Fluttershy "I think it's for us to go. Now!"
Perfectly understanding him, Fluttershy nervously says to Sour Sweet "Oh Geez Um... Look At The Time! I-I Have To Go Now and..."
"Wait!" Sweet cry out. "What Happened To You!?"
"What!? No! Nothing At All! Just Uh... Don't Tell Anybody, Ok!?" As Sour was left confused, Fluttershy then says "Oh look at the time. Your leg seem to have gotten better. Well See you later! Bye!" Then she ran out of the door before Sour Sweet could say anything else. She was then left alone in the room, confused to what happened.
Meanwhile, in another part of Crystal Prep, Twilight was wondering down the halls of her old school. She already told her friends that she was going to have a wonder and they said it was ok. They just had to call her if something unexpected happened. As she was wondering around, Twilight couldn't help but feel a slight nostalgia. True, her memories of Crystal Prep wasn't kind, but she couldn't help but to remember the fond times of studying here.
It would help better if some of the C.P students won't talk behind her back. As soon as they saw her, they recognize Twilight as the girl who transfer away and question why she would do it. Twilight tries her best to ignore them and move on.
But then, after a minute or so of walking, Twilight come across a familiar door. True, all of the doors looks familiar, but this one particularly resonated with Twilight. It was the door to her hold study. A special secluded room that students can reserve for months at a time. It was quiet where Twilight can do all of the research that she could want without the hassle and pestilence from other students.
Twilight guess that somebody must taken it over by now but she is curious about how well kept it is inside. She look around and made sure that no one was around for when she make a quick peek. Being very quite, Twilight slowly open the door and see how things are inside. However, when she does, she became flabbergasted to what she saw.
Notes completely cover the walls and more scattered about on the floor. There were large and small machines that seem to be detecting something. It also seem like that somebody is trying to be making more as she saw a small work bench with a half finish device sitting atop of it. However, the thing that Twilight found most disturbing was a pin board on a wall. It was full of pictures of Canterlot High as well as dates and data readings pinned beside them. And then there was a photo of twilight with a pin pinning her through the forehead.
Twilight was left wondering who is using the room and why. But then she heard a voice behind her.
"Twilight! What Are You Doing Here!"
Twilight shot around and became surprised on who it was.
"Moondancer! This Is Your Room Now!?"
"Yeah, my name is on the door" Moondancer replied angrily. However, when she look at the door, she notice the sticker that says her name had fallen off. "Oh Damn It!"
As Moondancer was picking up her name sticker and putting it back on the door, Twilight try to cheerfully say to her "Wow Moondancer. You were awfully lucky to get this place."
However Moondancer bitterly reply to her "Save your platitude for someone who wants it. Speaking of which, don't they need you for those silly games?"
"Noo" Twilight hesitantly reply. "I was only recruited to be the team leader and not actually compete." Unfortunately, even though she was sure that Moondancer heard, she completely ignores her and straight to her work bench.
As Moondancer was working on her invention, Twilight could sense the tense anger a bitterness. She really want Twilight to go away and do her work. Twilight felt this is the cause and she want her to leave. However, in an attempt to mend their relationship, she says in her most apologetic tone:
"You know Moondancer, I realize that I might not have been as greatest friend as I should have been..."
"You can say that again."
"But I really liked it working with you. The times where we take the same book from the library, the hours we spent researching rocket designs and even more hours making that bottle rocket."
And then, even though Moondancer still want to be mad, the happy memories that resurface in her mind cause her to innately smile. "Yeah... Those were the best moments I have at this school." However, the bitterness return as she says to her "But Then You Went Left Me!"
"I KNOW!" Twilight cried. "I was only thinking about myself and not the people who would miss me. I didn't even think anybody would miss me here! However, I am here now, I realize what I did and I now want to make it up to you."
Moondancer was reluctant to accept her apology. She still want to hold onto all amount of hatred she has for Twilight. When she saw her being conflicted, Twilight tells her: "Hey! I can help you what you are doing right now. What you're doing here seems like it's really important." When she sees how desperate Twilight is, Moondancer caves in.
"... Fine. I guess you can help me with something. Come over here."
"Excellent!" Twilight responded with an overjoy tone.
Moondancer took Twilight towards the bill board with the Canterlot High photos. Twilight was still confused about those. She thought that Moondancer was tempted to transfer there, but then she begins disclosing her actual project.
Moondancer explains: "A few months ago, right when you transferred, I detected these strange energy reading coming from your new school. At first, I thought it was a one time thing but no. I detected a similar energy but even more intensified a few weeks later."
Twilight was at first confused about what these energy readings Moondancer was talking about. However, when she look at the dates again, she suddenly remember what those dates means. The date where Moondancer first detected the strange energy: that was the night of the Fall Formal where she fought Demonic-Sunset. And the 2nd date: that was the day of the Battle of the Bands where she fought the sirens. Both instances where a high amount of magic was released.
"If you have any idea what those energy readings are, that would be a big help."
Twilight figure out what those energy readings are. However, she adamant on telling her what they are. She made a promise to the principals that she would keep her friend's magic a secret as long as the games were going but it was more then that. Their magic is a really important secret that could be disastrous if bad people know about it. She said she would help Moondancer, but she is afraid of what she might do with the information. As she look at Twilight intensely, she made a tough decision.
"Moondancer, I... I'm sorry but I can't help you."
"What!! But You Said You Would!"
"I know, but I promised... Oh!"
Twilight froze when she realised what she said.
"Wait... Promised?" Moondancer responded. "So you DO know what it is but you won't tell me."
When she see that Moondancer was getting angry, Twilight tries to say to her: "Moondancer, please listen to me..."
However Moondancer won't and she angrily yells to her "Get Out Twilight!" and try to shove her out of the room. Twilight try to fight back and stay, but she was surprisingly strong for her stature. When she pushed her out of the door, she then says "Here! Take This As Well! You Forget To Take This As You Where Packing Up!" She then slam door in in front of her face.
Twilight was left somewhat dazed. She wanted to make amends with a former friend but instead make things worst. As she stood there alone in the hall, Twilight notice the thing that Moondancer threw to her as she was pushing her out: an old photo of them winning a science fair.
Meanwhile, the Friendship Games was in full motion. The games events had already began and the competitors were striving for victory. The the faculty was acting as the judges and were keenly monitoring the competitors and evaluating their performances. The events was also being spectated by students from both school who had varying levels of enthusiasm. But regardless, the games were getting heated as Canterlot try to claim a victory over Crystal Prep and C.P tries to prevent it.
At the workshop event, Rarity and Sunny Flare was hard at work as they try to make the best bird house. Keeping their constructions a secret, they cover their entries with a thin blanket so they don't have their ideas stolen from the other person. Event was also being judged by Dean Cadence who is happy to see that both girls were eagerly engaged in the competition.
But as bird houses were on the verge of completion, Fluttershy had finally arrived into the room. She had reverted back to her usual appearance and with Spike, she was looking for her friends about the thing that happened in the nurse's office. Her nerves were running wild and was somewhat impeding her from quickly spotting Rarity. However, Spike was quick to spot his love interest.
"There She Is!" Spike cheerfully barked.
When she saw Rarity, Fluttershy felt so relieved. She quickly pick up Spike before he could have a chance to run and she quietly got up to Rarity. As Rarity was doing some finishing touches, Fluttershy softly touch her shoulder and whispers to her: "Hi. Sorry I'm late."
Happy to see her, Rarity replies: "Fluttershy! I'm Glad The You Can Make It!"
"What about me?" moaned Spike. However, Rarity hadn't forgotten about him and she swiftly give him a pet.
But as the happy reunion was over, Fluttershy say to her: "Rarity, I have to tell you something."
"But before you do..." Rarity replied. "... I want you to look at our entry and tell me what you think?" She then pull off her placket that was covering her entry and was showing it off to Fluttershy.
It was a rather remarkable three-story miniature horse. There was Windows, doors and detailed roof. Fluttershy was speechless when she saw it but was even more surprised when she look inside. Everything was fully furnished with beds, tables and other furniture.
Excited, Rarity asks "What do you think?"
"Is that... A Shoe Closet!?"
"Of Course! No house can be complete without a shoe closet."
Soon, Fluttershy's expression quickly turn to worry as she quickly spotted some problems with it. "Rarity, this is really impressive, but I think you made a doll house then a bird house."
"WHAT!" Rarity responded. In denial, she replies: "Nonsense! Any bird would be ecstatic to live in this."
But then Dean Cadence came over with the same worried face as Fluttershy. She pulls out a plush bird and tries to squeeze it through the front door. Not only did she had a rough time getting it in, but the plushy also looked uncomfortably squashed while just being in the main hallway. Regrettably, Cadence informs Rarity: "I'm sorry Rarity, but if you can't make a bird house that a bird can reasonably live in, we can't accept your entry."
Distraught from the feedback, Rarity softly cries: "What! No..."
But as everyone was feeling sorry for Rarity, Sunny Flare proudly calls out: "My entry is ready Dean Cadence!" When everyone look towards her, Sunny pulls off her placket and shows her much more stunning bird house. It had bright colours so it easy to spot and it defiantly looks more bird house then doll house. Sunny Flare explains to them:
"My bird house is well equip for any tiny bird creature that is willing to live in it. The inside have enough space for the bird to walk around as well as a ready made nest sitting inside. There's a nice balcony where the bird can land and a bowl to place the bird food on. I even made a small run way on the roof just so a bird can launch from."
Everyone was left in awe to Sunny Flare's bird house. As they were admiring, Rarity realize that she had made her bird house over complicated and cumbersome while her opponent went with a more simpler design. She was upset with herself for note realising this sooner. It also didn't help matter that Fluttershy went over to Sunny Flare and asks her: "Can you make me another one of these?"
"Sure" she cheerfully replied.
But then, before anybody could do anything else, a loud explosion was heard and everyone suddenly felt shaking for a short time. When they were wondering what happened, smoke was coming from the chemistry lab. Inside, "Derpy" cough a puff black smoke from her failed chemistry entry and the judges (with gas masks) mark her down as a fail.
Meanwhile, in the gym, the spelling bee was reaching a conclusion. It followed an elimination format where if a student gave an incorrect spelling, they would be eliminated. It would continue until all students from the same school are out and Canterlot was down to their last student: Sonata.
Sonata stood in the middle of a stage with a whole crowd of students watching her. She look to the sides and saw her eliminated teammates on her right and the Crystal Prep on the left. Adagio and Aria sat uncomfortably and angry, especially since they only got one student out on C.P and now they had to rely on Sonata for the win. Meanwhile, at the far back, Rainbow Dash was watching. She had finished her own event (with a score she can't feel confident about) and was seeing how well the Dazzlings are doing. As Sonata felt as nervous as she had ever been, the teacher from Crystal Prep gave her her word.
"Spell: Ridiculous"
Pulling her collar and feeling a tremendous about of pressure, Sonata could help but laugh nervously. Taking a deep breath, she give it her best shot.
"R-I-D-I-C-U-L... U-S?"
"WRONG!" the teacher shouted in a booming voice. "It's R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O--U-S!"
Every student from Canterlot groaned as their school has lost the event. Sonata teammates where especially frustrated as they know they are gunna get more flak from their fellow students. As Sonata walk to them in shame, the teacher who gave the word went to the centre and announces: "Since All The Members From The Wondercolt team are out, the winners are Team Shadowbolts and Crystal Prep!"
The C.P students both clap and "Woo-Hoo", but they sound so un-enthused that they seem like they don't even care. However, a few of them were laughing as they know they would get the correct spelling. Rainbow Dash was slightly made at the Dazzling but she admit that she would get the spelling wrong.
Can no longer stand being there, Adagio, Aria and Sonata decide to get out of there. As they heading off stage, They begin to chat to each other.
"I can't believe you made us lose Sonata" Aria moaned.
Half-caring, Adagio tells Aria "But at least least she did a better job then you Aria"
"Look who's talking" Aria says back.
"All Three of you Sucked!"
All three girls jumped when they heard a forth voice. Standing right in front of the steps for the stage, Indigo Zap was waiting for them with a smug grin and mischievous intentions.
"Who are you?" Aria angrily asked.
"Somebody who could do a better job then you" Indigo replied back.
As Rainbow Dash was making her way to the Dazzlings to see how they are doing, she was quick to spot Indigo getting in their way. As she was wondering what she was doing, she began to overhear their conversation.
"Seriously! I would've take you all on myself and I still get a win for C.P!"
"Tough talk for somebody who didn't took part in said event" Adagio said back.
Indigo explains: "Couldn't, I was in another event. But even if I did, I could tell that none of you were even trying."
They want to say something back, but regrettably, she was sort of right. They thought the spelling bee would be easy and didn't put much effort into it. As they were contemplating their mistake, Indigo Zap continue to insult them.
"I Mean Come-On! My little sister could do more complicated spellings then you... And She's In 2ND GRADE! Canterlot shouldn't had let you enrolled at their school, let alone let you be on their team."
"Now Hang-On Just One Minute!" shouted Rainbow Dash.
Can no longer standing witnessing the bullying in front of her, Rainbow Dash got in between Indigo and the Dazzlings. When they saw Rainbow with surprise, they could see anger and passion written on her face. Rainbow states: "I'm not gunna let you stand there and insult them like that."
Confused but amused, Indigo asks her: "What!? Are you gunna try to defend these annoying losers?"
"Yeah!"
Touched, Sonata says "Aww! Thanks Dash!"
"Even if they are annoying losers."
"HEY!" Sonata angrily responded.
Rainbow explains to Indigo: "Even though we don't see eye-to-eye, they are still a part of C.H.S!"
"Dash" said Aria.
"And Unlike Your Elitist School, We Actually Care About Each Other!"
"Dash!" said Aria loudly.
"We Don't Sit By And Let Another Anybody Get Picked On!"
"DASH!" Aria shouted.
"And We Don't Make Them Feel So Sad That They Transfer School!"
"HEY DASH!!!"
"WHAT!!" Shouted Rainbow who finally turns around to Aria.
"Your wings are showing" Sonata nonchalantly replied.
"What!"
When Rainbow Dash had a quick look at herself, she found that she had transformed without her realizing it. She had her long blue wings out and has her noticeable pony ears. When Indigo Zap saw her, she was shock and speechless that she just stood there with her jaw hanging open. The Dazzlings instantly realize the situation that there're in and was fast to react.
While Indigo was still confused, Aria and Sonata began to quickly push a stunned Rainbow Dash along and Adagio says to Indigo: "Well look at the time. We do want to continue arguing with you but we have other places to get to."
"HEY!" Rainbow Dash who was fighting back from being pushed. However they manage to get her out of the gym without too much trouble. Luckily, no one else saw Rainbow Dash's transformation. But Indigo still saw it and she was left wondering what has happened.