Chapter 12: Sweetie gathers WHAT?!
A cold wind blew through Canterlot, chilling the bones of the students as they made their way into school for Monday classes. Sweetie was no exception as she clutched the sleeves of her light jacket. There were times during the summer that she regretted her choice of going full commando when she had to wear clothes, but those times were due to the humidity making her sweat to the point he clothes could be see through. This time it was because her undergarments would’ve provided an extra layer of clothing against this cold.
Still, once she got inside the confines of Canterlot High, Sweetie felt warmer and much more comfortable. Today was an important day. It was only twenty four hours until Club Fair Day, and Sweetie was determined to find a painter who’d be willing to body paint. Thing was, it couldn’t be any old painter, it had to be an artist who was good enough to make the body paint look believable.
And that was going to be difficult. There were pitfalls of course but that was tomorrow’s problem. Today was finding the painter. The first trick was she was going to have to find a painter who attended the NLAC parties. That one wasn’t hard, as body painting was a popular activity with the NLAC parties regardless of theme or idea. Furthermore, Dinky had already prepared a firm list of those who might be interested.
Even better, Dinky was waiting outside Sweetie’s homeroom class, list in her hands.
“Hey Dink,” Sweetie greeted “That the list?”
Dinky nodded, “Had my agents work around the clock to produce this one. I even highlighted the ones who I think might fit the best.”
“Nice,” Sweetie said taking the list and reviewed it. Mercilessly, and also horrifyingly, it was a short list of only twenty names. Sweetie bit her cheek as she reviewed the list, “One question…”
“What if we don’t find the one among these?” Dinky answered for Sweetie, “I’ve put feelers out to the artistic community. Hopefully we won’t need them but we’ll see.”
Sweetie nodded, “Alright, I’ll take care of this at my break.”
“I’ll be there too,” Dinky responded.
“Don’t you have class today?” Sweetie asked.
“I’ve got a good cover.” Dinky answered and left.
Sweetie watched the blonde haired girl leave with a raised eyebrow. But any question she had was shaken off with the comment, “It’s Dinky, let her be.” So Sweetie went to homeroom.
A little while later her free period came and Sweetie found her way to the Student Union Center. Sure enough Dinky was already inside and passing some time on an arcade machine sans any clothing.
“You’re late.” Dinky smiled not turning back to face Sweetie.
“What you mean, I got here on time.” Sweetie giggled.
“Not soon enough to challenge me in Portal Combat,” Dinky smiled.
“Nah I’ll pass, that game’s too smart for me.” Sweetie giggled as she walked into the office to stow away her backpack. As she unbuttoned her shirt she paused, “You think it’s a good idea for us to be naked for these interviews?”
“How do you mean?” Dinky replied.
“Well I know the first round of people you’re bringing have been to parties and all, but we’re gonna be seeing them one at a time right? That might take a while and I don’t want to have to go through the rigmarole of waiting for everyone to undress.” Sweetie responded.
Dinky grimaced, “Yeah but it’s more fun this way.”
“I’m not gonna argue that, but I think for practical sakes I think we should keep our clothes on.” Sweetie nodded re-buttoning her shirt.
Dinky sighed, “Alright you win boss. Let me just finish this game okay?”
“No problem.” Sweetie smiled.
A little while later, the interviews began. Unfortunately despite Dinky coming through on her promise, none of the myriad of names she put together had panned out. Many didn’t want to just repaint the clothes back onto the skin of the officers. And those who did weren’t convincing enough. After wasting half the period Dinky and Sweetie were both rightly disappointed.
“Forty Seven applicants, zero recommendations.” Sweetie sighed.
“Personally I’m amazed we managed to get through that many with five minutes left to spare in the period.” Dinky nodded.
Almost dejected, Sweetie slumped back into her chair, “Why is it always difficult to get anything done in this school?”
“How do you mean?” Dinky asked, “We managed to get things done okay.”
“Yeah but the amount of hoops we have to jump through in order to do it.” Sweetie sighed.
Dinky laughed, “Eh I’ve learned to live with it. Besides I think we’ve got five minutes before the period ends, think it’ll be worth it for some more….”
But before Dinky could finish, a knock came on the entrance doors. Silence took over the duo for a moment before Sweetie cleared her throat, “Come on in.”
At first Sweetie was expecting Breezy to hobble her way through the door, as if to follow up on yesterday’s revelation about the NLAC. However she quickly quelled the thought. While part of her did want to bring Breezy to a party, even that part knew it was impossible. Still Sweetie put on the best smile she had for the next arrival.
It was a second year student Sweetie had seen around school a few times despite her never once attending the party. She had lightish tan skin with blue, green, white, and black hair arraigned in a mosaic design along with purple eyes. The outfit she had on screamed closest artist, nothing bright or flashy but hiding the inner genius within.
“Um, excuse me, is this the Student Union Center.” She asked.
“Yes it is, can we help you?” Dinky asked unsurely.
“Oh good, um I heard through the grapevine that a club which operated out of here was looking for an artist.” She mentioned.
Sweetie’s eyes widened, “Oh yes that’s us, come on in.”
Dinky leaned over to Sweetie and whispered, “Never seen her at a party, think we can trust her?”
“Kinda desperate right now,” Sweetie replied in a hushed tone. She then looked back at the artist, “So what’s your name?”
“Gentell Couth,” Gentell responded.
“Nice name,” Dinky murmured.
“And well, what have you heard about this club?” Sweetie asked.
“Not much, which interested me. What club on a public school would be so hush hush about its activities?” Gentell giggled.
Dinky and Sweetie exchanged smirks. If this was last year, Gentell would be dismissed with a lie that’d be so outrageous she’d might believe it. However with Diamond’s transfer and no logical reason for the school board to be interested in the NLAC’s operations, Gentell’s sudden appearance could be now treated much easier.
“Well get ready for a shock, cuz this is a doozy.” Sweetie smiled. And with that she explained the club and why they needed Gentell. Once she was finished both Dinky and Sweetie waited for the answer with baited breath.
Gentell sat there for a moment pondering the idea, “Why not, it sounds like fun.”