//------------------------------//
// Alarming Interference 
// Story: Reformation Brigade 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//

"Look, ma'am.  I'm under strict orders from Principal Cinch."

"I don't care who you're under orders from; I already made this as clear as I possibly can!  No surveillance is necessary in my office!"

When Sunset and Sunny Flare arrived at Dean Cadence's office, they were treated with a familiar scene.  Once again, Cadence's usual composure had been discarded as she was engaged in another heated debate.  This time, she was engaged with Lockdown and Professor Flypaper.  Lockdown was wearing a utility belt with all sorts of tools, and he held a small device in his hand.

"Dean Cadence, you must understand," said Flypaper, adjusting his glasses. "This is a matter of the safety of our school.  Besides, this device is completely unobtrusive.  You won't even know it's there."

"Let me reiterate: I.  Don't.  Care," Cadence snarled, folding her arms. "I'd like to think that I'm entitled to my privacy."

Flypaper shook his head. "Tut tut, my dear dean.  Such resistance only serves as proof that you have something to hide."

"Or maybe it's proof that what goes on in this office is confidential unless I say otherwise," Cadence fired back, getting right in Flypaper's face. "I'm really getting fed up with this.  First Cinch, then Slitherquick, now you.  Stop telling me how to do my job!"

Sunset blankly stared at the argument before turning to Sunny Flare. "I'm not the only one who finds this weird, am I?"

"No, you're not.  And before you ask, don't ask me what's going on.  I have no idea."

Both Sunset and Sunny Flare did a double take.  From seemingly nowhere, Indigo Zap appeared right beside them.

"Indigo!  Heavens, do not scare me in such a manner!" Sunny Flare scolded. "My constitution is already waning!  And prithee, should you not be in class?"

"I heard about Sonata getting sent to the principal's office," Indigo said darkly. "I had to excuse myself and ask Dean Cadence what the heck is going on.  But it turns out she's a bit occupied at the moment."

The three of them turned back to Cadence and Flypaper arguing back and forth.  Finally, Lockdown intervened.

"Listen, I have better things to do around here," he said gruffly. "Let's just drop the matter and ask Cinch about it later."

Flypaper snorted. "Very well.  I should be attending to my next class, anyway.  But mind you, Dean Cadence.  This is far from over."

He and Lockdown marched off.  Cadence let out a sigh and shook her head.

"What exactly are you trying to do, Abacus?" she muttered. "This is just, absurd."

A brief pause hung in the air as Sunset, Indigo, and Sunny Flare looked at one another.  Finally, Indigo broke the silence with a cough.  Cadence perked up.

"O-oh.  Hello, girls," she said, blushing slightly. "I'm sorry.  I'm afraid you caught me at a bad time."

"We do apologize for intruding, o fair dean," said Sunny Flare with a curtsey. "But verily, this is an emergency that must be rectified, posthaste!"

Cadence furrowed her brow. "Does this have to do with Sonata Dusk being called in to see Principal Cinch?"

"Yes, actually," said Sunset with a nod. "We were thinking you could help us."

"Well, I'll certainly do what I can, but I need to know what happened first," said Cadence. "I take it she was auditioning for the drama club at the time."

"Indeed," said Sunny Flare.  She bowed her head and placed a hand to her chest. "There we were, sitting in the audience and watching Sonata's audition.  She was rather nervous at first, but once she started to sing, it was, if you'll pardon the parlance, like magic."

Her tone became more whimsical as she stared off into space, hands clasped together. "Truth be told, I have never heard such elegant melodies before.  It was such a raw display of emotion and passion that I myself couldn't help but be hypnotized.  Ye, I could feel the melancholic tones dripping from her smooth tongue like dewdrops off of blades of grass.  I had to stop myself from rushing the stage and pulling her into my embrace.  Even Professor Svengallop was impressed, and I know firsthand how difficult of a feat that is."

Her eyes seemed to sparkle. "And then, it happened.  Lo and behold, Sonata Dusk transformed right before our eyes.  It was just like at the Friendship Games, but this time, it was benign.  No holes were torn through our reality; no plant demons sprang forth to consume us; we even remained in full control of our faculties.  Ye, she had accomplished what she came here to do.  It should have been a joyous moment for us all."

Suddenly, Sunny Flare tossed her head back and averted her eyes in distress. "But alas and alack, 'twas not meant to be.  For mere moments after her transcendence, Sonata Dusk was summoned to appear before Principal Cinch.  For what reason, I could not even begin to tell you.  Not a soul was being hurt.  Her powers were not used in any nefarious manner.  And while 'tis true that she has been struggling with her academics, we made sure she kept up."  She looked up at Dean Cadence, tears rolling down her cheeks. "For what reason has this poor young maiden been punished just at her moment of triumph?!  Why must this dove's wings be clipped just as it took flight?!  It is unjust!  A travesty!  An affront to everything Crystal Preparatory Academy stands for!  What is the method behind this madness, I ask you?!  Oh, woe!  Oh, cruel fate~!"

"Oh, brother," Indigo groaned, rolling her eyes. "Y'know, there was an easier way to say that.  We don't exactly have time to waste on your stupid soliloquies."

Sunny Flare huffed. "Well, pardon me for electing to convey the rich emotions of this momentous yet tragic scene.  I do believe Dean Cadence deserves to know how this whole scenario made us feel, don't you?"

"I think she can gather that without you hamming it up," Indigo said plainly.

"Girls, let's not get distracted," said Cadence.  She placed a hand on Sunny Flare's shoulder, a warm smile crossing her face. "I'll be sure to have a word with Principal Cinch about this.  It does seem rather arbitrary."

Sunny Flare sniffled and dried her eyes. "Verily?  Can we trust Sonata's fate to your capable hands, o dean?"

"I'll certainly do what I can," Cadence replied. "You girls just head off to your next class."

Sunset smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Dean Cadence.  Let us know how it goes."

Cadence was about to respond when the sound of hands clapping caught everyone's attention.  Cadence turned and scowled, watching Slitherquick applaud sarcastically.

"Bravo, Ms. Flare.  Such a stirring performance," she said with a sneer. "Your propensity for over-exaggeration has truly won over Dean Cadence."

"Do you mind, Fanny?" Cadence said pointedly. "This is none of your business."

"I suppose not," said Slitherquick with a shrug. "I was just seeing how the Dean of Students manages to deal with such an exaggerated fairy tale such as this.  So, let's see.  Your tactic is: 'Take the student's word at face value and waste precious resources trying to placate her.'  Well, why didn't I think of that?"

"I don't criticize how you organize Principal Cinch's meetings, Ms. Slitherquick," Cadence responded cooly. "I will thank you not to criticize how I do my job."

Indigo let out an impressed whistle. "Shots fired."

Slitherquick's eyes narrowed. "You stay out of this, you little whelp.  If I were Dean of Students, perhaps you wouldn't be so cocky."

Cadence arched an eyebrow. "Is that why you've been poking your nose into my affairs for the past three days, Fanny Slitherquick?  You want my job?"

Slitherquick shrugged and shook her head. "You clearly have a wild imagination, Cadence.  Why would I want your job?  Dealing with this miscreants is obviously your territory, not mine.  I'm merely stating for the record that I don't think you have this school's best interests at heart."

Sunset's hands balled into fists. "You have no idea what you're talking about," she growled. "I oughta—"

"Sunset, please," said Cadence, raising her hand. "I can handle this."

Slitherquick sneered. "I'm afraid this isn't Canterlot High, you barbarous little troublemaker.  And it appears you and all of your friends are going to be learning that the hard way.  Now, clear off.  The grown-ups need to have a little chat."

"I have nothing to discuss with you, Slitherquick," said Cadence firmly.

"I beg to differ," Slitherquick insisted. "I just spoke with Professor Flypaper.  You still stand in defiance of Principal Cinch's security measures.  I think it's high time she learned wh—"

Suddenly, there was a beeping sound coming from above Slitherquick's head.  When she looked up, an explosion of popcorn rained down upon her.  After blinking for a moment, she leered at Sunset.

"Perhaps you would like to join Ms. Dusk in the principal's office," she threatened.

Sunset gulped. "I, uh, wouldn't say that, if I were you."

"Don't play dumb with me," Slitherquick admonished, pointing her cane at Sunset. "I know this is your doing.  You and your accursed magic.  Do you think you're still in Canterlot High, my girl?  Do you think you can honestly get away with—?"

She was interrupted by her cane suddenly transforming before her eyes.  It was now made of solid gold, and the head was molded into the shape of Twilight Sparkle's head.  Slitherquick dropped the cane in surprise.

"S-stop this foolishness!" she demanded.

"Then you stop harassing Dean Cadence," Indigo countered.

Slitherquick gasped. "How dare you talk back to your superiors!  Principal Cinch will hear of this!"

"You mean she'll hear about how you insist on making my life more difficult than it needs to be?" Cadence asked rhetorically.

Slitherquick's face darkened. "Principal Cinch is not on your side, Mi Amore Cadenza.  Not as long as you stand in opposition to her vision.  I have half a mind to report you to—"

She was distracted by a mysterious shadow on the wall tap-dancing.  The shadow held a large pole with a hook at the end.  With one swift yank, it ensnared Slitherquick's shadow and dragged it out of sight.  Much to her surprise, Slitherquick followed suit, letting out a horrified screech as she was flung down the hall.  Cadence gave Sunset a look.

"I thought I told you to let me handle it," she said sternly. "Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the thought of getting Slitherquick out of my hair.  But I doubt Principal Cinch would approve of this reckless abuse of your powers."

Sunset glared over at the shadow, which simply tipped its hat to her before vanishing.  She then sighed.

"I understand, Dean Cadence," she said somberly. "Don't worry, I'll keep everything under control."

Cadence raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?  I understand you've done some amazing things, but I'd hate to see you try and tackle everything alone."

Sunset smiled weakly. "Well, it's a good thing I'm not alone, then."

Cadence sighed and smiled back. "If you ever need a break, you know where to find me.  Now, I should probably go see Principal Cinch about Sonata.  You girls should hurry to your next class."

With that, she marched down the hall.  Sunset let out another sigh.

"Okay, that stuff couldn't have been you," said Indigo frankly. "Why didn't you just be honest?"

Sunset blushed and hung her head. "I-I haven't told Cadence about Discord.  I mean, she knows that we're friends, but I haven't told her that he's here."

"Tsk tsk.  Applejack would be so disappointed in you, Smitty."

Sunset let out a strained groan as she pulled out her phone.  Sure enough, Discord was there, crossing his arms and tapping his goat hoof.  Sunset sighed.

"Do you think I want to lie to her?" she said. "This is a lot more complicated than you think.  In fact, it wouldn't be such a problem if you made more of an effort to—"

"Be discreet.  I know.  That's nine," Discord interrupted.  He then sighed. "I do apologize, Smitty.  I'm trying my best, but this has just not been my day."

Sunset blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you know how I said I was going to shadow that Slitherquick woman and find out her story?"

"Yeah."

"Well, turns out that's going to be an issue."  Discord then flinched. "Oh, Princess Celestia on a bicycle, there it is again!"

Sunset looked around, finding nothing out of the ordinary. "There what is?"

Discord gave Sunset a blank look. "You mean you seriously don't hear that?  Eep~!  Eep~!  The beeps!  Those stupid beeps!  They've been following me around this entire darn school, and it's driving me completely batty!"

In a puff of smoke, Discord transformed into a bat and flew out of Sunset's phone, flittering about in erratic patterns.  Indigo scratched her head.

"Um, hate to break it to you, but I don't hear anything," she said.

Discord looked down at Indigo in disbelief. "Are you joshing me right now?  Please tell me you're joshing me."

"Discord, we can't hear anything," said Sunset.

"If you're joshing me, you have to tell me!  It's a rule!"

"I'm being honest with you, Discord."

Discord sulked. "You know what?"

With a snap of his fingers, he managed to swap ears with Sunset.  Before she could protest, a piercing beeping sound echoed all around her, as though an alarm was triggered.  It only took a few seconds of the droning sound to strain Sunset's patience to its breaking point.  Just as she was about to scream in agony, Discord swapped their ears back to their rightful places.

"There.  You see?" he said.  He then sighed. "I'm terribly sorry about that, Smitty.  I didn't mean to hurt you.  It's just—"

"Y-yeah, I can see why that would put you in a bad mood," Sunset mumbled, shaking herself from the odd experience. "And, this has been going on throughout the day?"

"Ever since I got here," said Discord with a shrug. "I have no idea what's going on.  It never was like this before."

Sunset knitted her brow and tapped her chin in thought. "Do you think you can point out the source?"

Discord nodded.  His snake tail stiffened, and the powder puff at the end transformed into an arrow.  However, the arrow soon started moving on its own, rotating like a broken gyroscope.

"Oh, sheesh!  Cooperate, will you?!" Discord groused, pulling at his ears. "I-I can't work like this!  I-I have to drown it out!  I have to drown it out!"

He yanked his antler and horn from his head and stuck them in his ears.  After a pause, he took in a deep breath.

"Okay.  That helps.  Kind of," he said.  The arrow on the end of his tail soon pointed at the ceiling.

"Oh.  Great," Indigo sighed. "How are we supposed to reach that without drawing attention?"

Discord groaned and snapped his fingers.  In an instant, the three girls were wearing coveralls while Discord himself had transformed into a ladder.  Indigo and Sunny Flare stared blankly at Sunset, who shrugged.

"Just roll with it," she said, climbing up the Discord ladder.  She removed the ceiling tile Discord had pointed to, and indeed, a pulsating glow emanated from above.  When she got a closer look at it, she gasped in horror.

"What?  What is it?" asked Indigo.

Slowly and deliberately, Sunset reached in, grabbed the glowing object, and pulled it out.  Sunny Flare let out a gasp of her own.

"Zounds!  D-do my eyes deceive me?  Is that what I think it is?"

Indigo stared blankly for a moment before shaking her head and pacing back and forth. "No way.  N-no way that's what I think it is.  I-it can't be."

"I'm afraid so," said Sunset glumly. "This is the same device Twilight used at the Games.  Except, it doesn't appear to be draining magic.  It's just, pulsing."

"And beeping," Discord chimed in.

Sunset sighed. "Yes, and beeping.  And for some reason, only you can hear it."

Indigo frowned. "Is this why Professor Flypaper had us recreate that thing in class?"

"Prithee, you had to do that, too?" Sunny Flare asked, tossing her head back dramatically. "That class was a nightmare.  Forsooth, what folly, having us recreate the work of an esteemed prodigy.  Methinks Professor Flypaper's expectations of our abilities are far too high."  She then gasped. "My word.  Sunset, you don't think this explains what happened to Sonata, do you?"

Sunset furrowed her brow. "It does seem suspicious.  I'd take it with me so that I can dismantle it later, but I wouldn't want to get in trouble for defacing school property."

There was a flash, and Sunset suddenly found herself back on the ground.  The ceiling tile was replaced, and Discord had all but vanished.  He reappeared on Sunset's phone.

"Check your pocket, Smitty."

Sunset reached into her pocket, and sure enough, the device was right there.  She raised an eyebrow at Discord.

"Okay, I have to ask.  What did you replace it with?"

"Something that doesn't beep, thankfully," said Discord. "Can't get much more specific.  As in, I actually don't know what I replaced it with.  Again, chaos is not something that can be controlled easily."

Sunset sighed. "Well, hopefully, it doesn't blow up the school or anything."

"It shouldn't, though part of me wishes that it would," Discord growled. "Burbligun, do you think Lemon Zest has a spare pair of headphones I can borrow?  I really can't work like this."

Sunny Flare made a face. "I do wish you hadn't elected to refer to me by that absurd title."

"Maybe it's best if you stayed off of campus for a while," said Sunset. "I can't imagine how much more crazy this would get with those devices constantly annoying you."

Discord did a double take. "But Smitty!  How can I help you if I'm not here?"  He then frowned. "Unless, of course, you think I'm causing more problems than I'm fixing."

"I-it's not that," Sunset sputtered. "Well, i-it kind of is, but it kind of isn't.  I-I don't know how to explain this."

Discord snorted indignantly. "Well, if you can't explain it, how am I supposed to know what to do?"

Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose. "Listen, I'm sorry.  I-I'm just having trouble thinking straight right now.  H-how about this?  You can monitor stuff from my phone, and if we really need you, I'll give you a call."

Discord twirled his goatee around his finger before nodding. "Sounds fair, Smitty.  It would provide me an escape from that incessant beeping, if nothing else.  Though if you want my opinion, maybe you should mention me to Dean Cadence.  It can't be easy for you, taking the fall for my actions."

Sunset smiled. "I'll think about it.  Take it easy, Discord."

"Thank you, Smitty.  I'll keep in touch."

The screen went dark just as the bell started to ring.

"And not a moment too soon," said Sunny Flare. "Come, we must make haste!  We do not want to keep our professors waiting."

She took Sunset by the hand and dashed down the hall, with Indigo not far behind.  All the while, Sunset looked down at the device in her pocket.  Several thoughts swam through her head at once, but one stood out among the others:

What does this mean?


***


"It's not fair.  She didn't do anything wrong.  She doesn't deserve this."

Dean Cadence arrived at the door to Cinch's office, only to be greeted by a strange sight.  Aria Blaze was outside, pacing back and forth while muttering bitterly to herself.  Cadence cleared her throat.

"Aria Blaze?  Shouldn't you be in class?"

Aria looked up and let out an aggravated sigh. "Sorry, Dean.  But if you think I'm just gonna leave Sonata out to dry, you're crazy."

Cadence breathed out a small chuckle. "You really care about her, huh?"

Aria blushed and averted her eyes. "S-so what if I do?  What's it to you?"

"Oh, nothing," said Cadence. "It's just not something I'm used to seeing from students at Crystal Prep."

Aria slowly turned her head, her eyebrow arched. "What exactly does that mean?"

"Well, students here are usually so fixated on their own work that they barely have time for others," Cadence explained. "At least, that's how it used to be, before this year's Friendship Games."

Aria scoffed. "Is that right?  Maybe we should've tried to take over this school instead of Canterlot High.  Would've been way easier."

Cadence gave Aria a serious look. "Aria Blaze, I don't want any trouble..."

"Kidding.  I'm kidding," said Aria, raising her hands defensively. "That path is pretty much closed to us forever, anyway.  If only I could get Adagio to see tha—"

A creak from the door interrupted Aria's train of thought.  Sonata emerged, and it appeared as though she had seen better days.  Her eyes were red and puffy, and her skin appeared to be paler than usually.  Even her movements seemed lethargic and sluggish.  Aria's face clouded over with concern.

"Hey, Sonata.  You alright?"

Sonata looked up and forced a smile. "Wha?  Yeah, I'm fine."

Aria folded her arms. "You don't sound fine.  What did Principal Cinch want?"

"Oh, y'know.  This and that," said Sonata with a shrug. "Really boring stuff.  You wouldn't be interested."

Aria frowned. "Okay, what's wrong?"

"What?  Who said anything about something being wrong?" Sonata asked, as though appalled Aria would suggest such a thing. "I didn't say anything about something being wrong.  Nothing's wrong!  I just need to work harder."

"Sonata, I can tell when you're lying to me," said Aria firmly.

"Lying?  I—  Ha ha~."  Sonata shook her head. "As if I would lie to you.  That's a silly thing to say."  She pinched Aria's cheeks and shook her back and forth. "You're such a silly head."

"Is it weird that this is the most normal thing you did since coming out of that room?" Aria asked, shoving herself away from Sonata. "Seriously, you're freaking me out.  What's going on?"

"Nothing.  Nothing at all," Sonata insisted. "Nothing bad happened.  I-I'm fine, really.  Just, need to get to class.  And study.  And work hard.  All that, fun stuff we do here at Crystal Prep."

Aria deadpanned. "Alright, now I know something's wrong with you."

"M-maybe there's something wrong with you," Sonata shot back. "As in we should be in class right now.  Which we are not.  So we should go.  And never speak of this again."

"Sonata, I—"

But Sonata didn't hear her.  She had already left to her next class.  Aria stared into space for a while before shaking her head and looking up at Cadence.

"She's messing with me, right?  She has to be."

Cadence shrugged. "I wouldn't know.  But I plan to find out."

She knocked on Cinch's door, only to be greeted by Slitherquick.

"Dean Cadence.  Well, this is unexpected," she said. "Unfortunately, Principal Cinch is occupied with other matters."

Cadence did not back down. "I need to speak with her about Sonata Dusk.  Why did she get sent here?"

"There's nothing to discuss," Slitherquick replied bluntly. "That matter is between Ms. Dusk and Principal Cinch."

"So, it's okay for you to keep meetings like this confidential, but not me?" Cadence asked rhetorically. "Talk about blatant hypocrisy."

"Slitherquick?  Who is it?"

Slitherquick blanched. "I-it's just Dean Cadence and one of those Canterlot High hooligans, ma'am.  I was just sending them on their way."

"No need, Slitherquick."

After a pause, Slitherquick shuffled out of the way, allowing Cinch to pass.  Cadence cleared her throat.

"Principal Cinch, I have to know why Sonata Dusk was called into your office," she said. "Some of her friends are worried about her."

Cinch shook her head. "There's no cause for alarm, Dean Cadence.  Ms. Dusk and I just had a bit of a chat regarding school policy, that's all."

"Likely story," Aria muttered under her breath.

Cadence stood firm. "Well, I just had a chat with her yesterday, and nothing seemed to be wrong with her.  What exactly did she do?"

"It was a minor infraction.  Barely worth noting," said Cinch dismissively. "I'm sure she will elect to tell you about it herself should she need your counsel."

Cadence gave Cinch a wary look before letting out a resigned sigh.

"Very well.  Just two more things," she said. "First of all, I thought I made it clear that I did not want any surveillance in my office, yet Professor Flypaper and Lockdown were insistent about installing some new device."

"Oh, I had forgotten to mention," said Cinch. "It's a new protocol.  Slitherquick should have handed out a bulletin about it."

"Yes, about Slitherquick," said Cadence pointedly. "She's been harassing me for three days now, and I'm getting quite sick of it."

Cinch raised an eyebrow and turned to Slitherquick. "Is this true?"

Slitherquick swallowed. "I-I was just curious about Dean Cadence's performance, Principal Cinch."

Cinch snorted. "We talked about this, Slitherquick.  Dean Cadence has a very important job here at Crystal Prep, and she certainly does not need your help."

"B-but, Principal—"

"I don't want to hear excuses," Cinch interrupted. "Remember who's in control here."  She sighed and turned back to Cadence. "I do apologize for this.  Please, do let me know if she gives you any more trouble."

"Y-yes.  Of course," said Cadence.

Cinch nodded and closed the door.  Aria scowled.

"Well, that didn't answer anything," she grumbled.

"I'll probably speak to Sonata later," Cadence mused.  She looked over at Aria, who was still sulking. "Are you going to be okay?"

Aria shook her head. "It's not fair.  Sonata finally found her true self, whatever that is, and she gets punished for it.  I-I don't understand."

"Neither do I," Cadence confessed.  She then smiled. "But I think that's why she needs her friends now more than ever."

"Y-yeah," Aria muttered as her cheeks turned red. "I just—  I can't help her if she doesn't tell me what's wrong."

"Believe me, I know what that feels like," said Cadence.

Aria gave Cadence a quizzical look. "You do?"

"Well, of course.  My job is to make sure students here get what they need to succeed, but sometimes, they're too proud and stubborn to admit that they need help to begin with."

"And, how do you deal with that?"

Cadence placed a hand to her chest, breathed in, and let out a long sigh as she extended her arm. "Patience, mainly.  Lots of patience.  Also, I make it clear that whenever the students need me, I'll do whatever I can."  She looked over at Aria. "Does Sonata know that about you?"

Aria blinked and shrugged. "Um, kinda?  I mean, she's like my little sister, y'know?  Sure, she's an annoying little sister, but c'mon.  Whose little sister isn't annoying, amiright?"  She laughed at her own joke before transitioning into a sad sigh. "I just don't like seeing her like this.  Or Adagio, for that matter."

Cadence nodded. "Well, just be there for them.  I'm sure they'll appreciate it."

Aria let out a small scoff. "Y-yeah.  Sure.  I'd better get to class.  Later."

She then marched off after Sonata.  Cadence sighed and shook her head.

If I find out that you hurt any of these students, Abacus, you'll have to answer to me, she vowed, marching back to her office.


***


"I don't understand, Principal Cinch.  Why give Cadence such deference?  She's clearly not on our side."

"Need I remind you that she is the Dean of Students while you are merely my secretary?" Cinch snapped. "If I have any criticisms about Cadence's methods, I'll level them against her myself, as her boss.  I don't need you to speak on my behalf.  The only thing you've accomplished is that you're making her suspicious."

"And why is that of concern to you?" inquired Slitherquick. "You're not frightened of her, are you?"

"Don't be daft, Slitherquick.  I'm just being sensible," said Cinch, walking over to her desk. "I know Dean Cadence.  She would not agree to what we're doing here, even if it is necessary to maintain order at this school."

"And what happens when she finds out?" said Slitherquick, leaning on her cane. "You're being too soft on her, Abacus."

Cinch sat down at her desk and pressed her fingers together. "Dean Cadence is not the enemy, Slitherquick.  This is merely a battle between our ideologies; one that I will win.  Besides, she won't find out as long as you don't give her a reason to suspect me of anything."

Slitherquick sighed. "If you say so, Principal Cinch.  Just, be mindful of her."

She got up and hobbled out of Cinch's office.  Cinch then opened her desk drawer, revealing an eerie blue light.

You worry too much, Slitherquick, she mused, her lips curling into a thin smile. As long as I have this, no one will undermine my authority again.  Even if Cadence becomes corrupted by all of the magic Canterlot High has to offer, she won't be able to oppose me.  This is still my school, and I am in control...